Świątek Wins WTA Year-End Finals, Regains World #1 Ranking

Heading into the Women’s Tennis Association Year-End Finals, Iga Świątek was #2 in the world after being overtaken by Aryna Sabalenka at the U.S. Open in September. In order to take back the top spot, Świątek had to win at least two matches in the group round robin, as well as the semifinals and finals. Since she finished at the top of her group and Sabalenka finished in second place in hers, the two faced off in the semifinals. The stakes were high — if Sabalenka won, she would keep the World #1 ranking, but if Świątek won this match and the final, she would steal it from Sabalenka. Świątek put on a clinic, dispatching her Belarusian opponent, 6–3, 6–2. Świątek followed that up with the most dominant performance in WTA Year-End Finals history, beating World #3 Jessica Pegula 6–1, 6–0. Over the course of the tournament, Świątek dropped just 20 games, the fewest in tournament history. With her win, Świątek ends her season at the top spot for the second year in a row.

U.K. Legislation Changes to Protect Hockey Players’ Safety

Starting next season, hockey players in England will be required to wear neck guards. This change follows Adam Johnson’s death which stemmed from a neck laceration suffered mid-game. The 29 year-old was playing for the Nottingham Panthers of the Elite Ice Hockey League. 

He had joined the Pittsburgh Penguins in the National Hockey League in 2019, the Malmö Redhawks of the Swedish Hockey League in 2020, and the Ontario Reign — the American Hockey League affiliate to the Los Angeles Kings — during 2021 before returning to Europe and playing with the Augsburger Panther of the Deutsche Eishockey Liga in 2022. He joined the Nottingham Panthers in 2023 and died a few months later on Oct. 28. 

Starting Jan. 1, the English Ice Hockey Association will require players to wear neck guards for all on-ice activities to ensure player safety.

“It is unacceptable for any player to lose their life while playing sport,” the EIHA said. “Our responsibility is not only to avert the recurrence of such a heartbreaking accident, but also to pre-emptively address other foreseeable incidents in the future.”

Broncos Knock Off Mistake-Prone Bills in Final Seconds

With seven seconds left on the clock in the fourth quarter, the Buffalo Bills led the Denver Broncos 22–21. Broncos kicker Will Lutz had a chance to be a hero and send the Broncos home 4–5, winners of three in a row. However, from 41-yards out, he missed wide right and the Broncos fell to 3–6. Somehow, someway, he was given another chance.

The Bills had 12 men on the field, resulting in a five-yard penalty and an untimed down. Lutz promptly nailed a 36 yard field goal, sending the Mile High City into mayhem. It’s a penalty and game that perfectly sums up the Bills season to this point. Coming into the year as clear-cut contenders, the Bills fell to 5–5, and now find themselves on the outside of the AFC playoff race. On Tuesday morning, Bills offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey was fired. 

On the first play of the game, Bills second-year running back James Cook fumbled, leading to a Broncos field goal to go up 3–0. Bills star quarterback continued to play below his lofty standards, only completing 15 of 26 passes for 177 yards with two touchdowns — one rushing — and two interceptions. Allen is tied with Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa for the league lead in touchdowns with 19, but also leads the league in interceptions with 11. Allen, for all his athleticism and arm talent, has led the league in interceptions every season since he came into the league in 2018. 

Although the Bills practically gave the game away, the Broncos still deserve their flowers. Through the first six weeks of the season, the Broncos were 1–5; the most memorable point in their season was giving up 70 points to the Miami Dolphins in week three.

Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson, along with an immensely improved defense, has carried the Broncos to three straight wins, with the last two coming against teams thought by many to be championship contenders, the Kansas City Chiefs and the Bills. Wilson has thrown 18 touchdown passes and is tied for second in the league with Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins. 

The Broncos will travel back home to face the Vikings this Sunday, looking for their fourth win in a row. The Bills, new offensive coordinator in hand, face the defensive-minded New York Jets this Sunday, aiming to get back above .500.