TOP 10 WORLD SPORTS NEWS EVENTS IN 2023

TOP 10 WORLD SPORTS NEWS EVENTS IN 2023

(231229) -- BEIJING, Dec. 29, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Here is Xinhua News Agency's selection of the 10 most significant pieces of international sports news in 2023: Red Bull's Max Verstappen rounded off the 2023 Formula 1 World Championship with a typically dominant victory at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. This was Verstappen's 19th win of 22 Grand Prix in a record-breaking year, as the Dutchman secured his third consecutive F1 Drivers' Championship in the Qatar Sprint race in October. This file photo taken on March 5, 2023 shows Red Bull Racing's Dutch driver Max Verstappen celebrating after winning the Bahrain Formula One Grand Prix at the Bahrain International Circuit in Bahrain. (Photo by Qian Jun/Xinhua)

TOP 10 WORLD SPORTS NEWS EVENTS IN 2023

TOP 10 WORLD SPORTS NEWS EVENTS IN 2023

(231229) -- BEIJING, Dec. 29, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Here is Xinhua News Agency's selection of the 10 most significant pieces of international sports news in 2023: Red Bull's Max Verstappen rounded off the 2023 Formula 1 World Championship with a typically dominant victory at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. This was Verstappen's 19th win of 22 Grand Prix in a record-breaking year, as the Dutchman secured his third consecutive F1 Drivers' Championship in the Qatar Sprint race in October. This file photo taken on Nov. 26, 2023 shows Red Bull Racing's driver Max Verstappen performing a burnout after winning the Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates (UAE). (Photo by Qian Jun/Xinhua)

TOP 10 WORLD SPORTS NEWS EVENTS IN 2023

TOP 10 WORLD SPORTS NEWS EVENTS IN 2023

(231229) -- BEIJING, Dec. 29, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Here is Xinhua News Agency's selection of the 10 most significant pieces of international sports news in 2023: Red Bull's Max Verstappen rounded off the 2023 Formula 1 World Championship with a typically dominant victory at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. This was Verstappen's 19th win of 22 Grand Prix in a record-breaking year, as the Dutchman secured his third consecutive F1 Drivers' Championship in the Qatar Sprint race in October. This file photo taken on Nov. 26, 2023 shows Dutch Formula One driver Max Verstappen (2nd L) of Red Bull Racing posing on the podium after the Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates (UAE). (Photo by Qian Jun/Xinhua)

TOP 10 WORLD ATHLETES OF 2023

TOP 10 WORLD ATHLETES OF 2023

(231227) -- BEIJING, Dec. 27, 2023 (Xinhua) -- As the sporting year draws to a close, here is Xinhua News Agency's selection of the world's top 10 athletes in 2023: 5. Max Verstappen (The Netherlands, Formula One) Verstappen won a record 19 of 22 Grand Prix in the 2023 season, finishing with a historic 575 points for his third consecutive World Championship title that sees him cement his status as one of F1's all-time greats. This file photo taken on March 5, 2023 shows Red Bull Racing's Dutch driver Max Verstappen celebrating after winning the Bahrain Formula One Grand Prix at the Bahrain International Circuit in Bahrain. (Photo by Qian Jun/Xinhua)

Vettel wins consecutive world titles

Vettel wins consecutive world titles

SUZUKA, Japan - Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel (L) is doused with champagne after finishing third in the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka Circuit in Mie Prefecture on Oct. 9, 2011, to clinch his second consecutive Formula One championship title. Pouring champagne on the right is McLaren's Jenson Button, who won the Japanese race.

Vettel wins consecutive world titles

Vettel wins consecutive world titles

SUZUKA, Japan - Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel manages a third-place finish at the Formula One Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka Circuit in Mie Prefecture on Oct. 9, 2011, to clinch his second consecutive championship title.

Vettel wins consecutive world titles

Vettel wins consecutive world titles

SUZUKA, Japan - Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel manages a third-place finish at the Formula One Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka Circuit in Mie Prefecture on Oct. 9, 2011, to clinch his second consecutive championship title.

Phillies beat Giants

Phillies beat Giants

SAN FRANCISCO, United States - Jayson Werth and other players of the Philadelphia Phillies celebrate after beating the San Francisco Giants in Game 5 of the National League Championship at AT&T Park in San Francisco on Oct. 22, 2010. The Phillies won 4-2, a step forward to winning their third consecutive championship in the league.

(1)Yankees edge Twins to reach AL Championship Series

(1)Yankees edge Twins to reach AL Championship Series

MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota - New York Yankees outfielder Hideki Matsui hits an RBI single to right in the third inning of the third game of the Division Series against the Minnesota Twins at Metrodome on Oct. 9. The Yankees edged out the Twins 6-5 to clinch their second consecutive American League Championship Series. (MLB)

Yokozuna Asashoryu back in groove

Yokozuna Asashoryu back in groove

OSAKA, Japan - Grand champion debutant Asashoryu (L) manages to dodge a bullet to get his bid for a third consecutive championship back on track with a win over Shimotori on the fourth day of the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament at Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium on March 12.

Yokozuna Asashoryu back in groove

Yokozuna Asashoryu back in groove

OSAKA, Japan - Grand champion debutant Asashoryu (L) manages to dodge a bullet to get his bid for a third consecutive championship back on track with a win over Shimotori on the fourth day of the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament at Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium on March 12. (Kyodo)

Ishikawa wins women's title at table tennis championships

Ishikawa wins women's title at table tennis championships

Kasumi Ishikawa celebrates after beating Miu Hirano in the women's singles table tennis final at the Japan national championships in Tokyo on Jan. 17, 2016. Ishikawa won her third consecutive national singles championship and fourth overall. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Ishikawa wins women's title at table tennis championships

Ishikawa wins women's title at table tennis championships

Kasumi Ishikawa returns the ball to Miu Hirano during the women's singles table tennis final at the Japan national championships in Tokyo on Jan. 17, 2016. Ishikawa won 4-1 (11-7, 11-4, 11-8, 9-11, 11-9), securing her third consecutive national singles championship and fourth overall. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Hanyu wins Grand Prix Final title with record total

Hanyu wins Grand Prix Final title with record total

Yuzuru Hanyu of Japan performs his men's free program routine at the Grand Prix Final figure skating event in Barcelona, Spain, on Dec. 12 2015. Hanyu scored a record total of 330.43 points to become the only competitor to ever win the men's championship for a third consecutive year. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Hanyu wins Grand Prix Final title with record total

Hanyu wins Grand Prix Final title with record total

Yuzuru Hanyu of Japan performs his men's free program routine at the Grand Prix Final figure skating event in Barcelona, Spain, on Dec. 12 2015. Hanyu scored a record total of 330.43 points to become the only competitor to ever win the men's championship for a third consecutive year. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Hanyu wins Grand Prix Final title with record total

Hanyu wins Grand Prix Final title with record total

Yuzuru Hanyu of Japan performs his men's free program routine at the Grand Prix Final figure skating event in Barcelona, Spain, on Dec. 12 2015. Hanyu scored a record total of 330.43 points to become the only competitor to ever win the men's championship for a third consecutive year. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Hanyu wins Grand Prix Final title with record total

Hanyu wins Grand Prix Final title with record total

Yuzuru Hanyu of Japan performs his men's free program routine at the Grand Prix Final figure skating event in Barcelona, Spain, on Dec. 12 2015. Hanyu scored a record total of 330.43 points to become the only competitor to ever win the men's championship for a third consecutive year. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Hanyu wins Grand Prix Final title with record total

Hanyu wins Grand Prix Final title with record total

Yuzuru Hanyu of Japan performs his men's free program routine at the Grand Prix Final figure skating event in Barcelona, Spain, on Dec. 12 2015. Hanyu scored a record total of 330.43 points to become the only competitor to ever win the men's championship for a third consecutive year. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Hanyu wins Grand Prix Final title with record total

Hanyu wins Grand Prix Final title with record total

Yuzuru Hanyu of Japan performs his men's free program routine at the Grand Prix Final figure skating event in Barcelona, Spain, on Dec. 12 2015. Hanyu scored a record total of 330.43 points to become the only competitor to ever win the men's championship for a third consecutive year. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Hanyu wins Grand Prix Final title with record total

Hanyu wins Grand Prix Final title with record total

Yuzuru Hanyu of Japan performs his men's free program routine at the Grand Prix Final figure skating event in Barcelona, Spain, on Dec. 12 2015. Hanyu scored a record total of 330.43 points to become the only competitor to ever win the men's championship for a third consecutive year. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

In-form Lee Bo Mee looking for 3rd win in as many weeks

In-form Lee Bo Mee looking for 3rd win in as many weeks

South Korean golfer Lee Bo Mee signs autographs for fans in Miyazaki, Japan, on Nov. 25, 2015. Lee, who has already clinched the money title on the Japan LPGA Tour, is bidding to win the third consecutive event at the season-ending Tour Championship, to start the following day at Miyazaki Country Club. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

(1)Yankees edge Twins to reach AL Championship Series

(1)Yankees edge Twins to reach AL Championship Series

MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota - New York Yankees outfielder Hideki Matsui hits an RBI single to right in the third inning of the third game of the Division Series against the Minnesota Twins at Metrodome on Oct. 9. The Yankees edged out the Twins 6-5 to clinch their second consecutive American League Championship Series. (MLB) (Kyodo)

Phillies beat Giants

Phillies beat Giants

SAN FRANCISCO, United States - Jayson Werth and other players of the Philadelphia Phillies celebrate after beating the San Francisco Giants in Game 5 of the National League Championship at AT&T Park in San Francisco on Oct. 22, 2010. The Phillies won 4-2, a step forward to winning their third consecutive championship in the league. (Kyodo)

Vettel wins consecutive world titles

Vettel wins consecutive world titles

SUZUKA, Japan - Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel (L) is doused with champagne after finishing third in the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka Circuit in Mie Prefecture on Oct. 9, 2011, to clinch his second consecutive Formula One championship title. Pouring champagne on the right is McLaren's Jenson Button, who won the Japanese race. (Kyodo)

Vettel wins consecutive world titles

Vettel wins consecutive world titles

SUZUKA, Japan - Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel manages a third-place finish at the Formula One Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka Circuit in Mie Prefecture on Oct. 9, 2011, to clinch his second consecutive championship title. (Kyodo)

Vettel wins consecutive world titles

Vettel wins consecutive world titles

SUZUKA, Japan - Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel manages a third-place finish at the Formula One Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka Circuit in Mie Prefecture on Oct. 9, 2011, to clinch his second consecutive championship title. (Kyodo)

Baseball: Japan Series championship

Baseball: Japan Series championship

SoftBank Hawks manager Kimiyasu Kudo is tossed into the air after they completed a four-game sweep of the Yomiuri Giants to win their third consecutive Japan Series baseball championship at Tokyo Dome on Oct. 23, 2019. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Baseball: Japan Series championship

Baseball: Japan Series championship

SoftBank Hawks manager Kimiyasu Kudo is tossed into the air after they completed a four-game sweep of the Yomiuri Giants to win their third consecutive Japan Series baseball championship at Tokyo Dome on Oct. 23, 2019. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Baseball: Japan Series championship

Baseball: Japan Series championship

SoftBank Hawks manager Kimiyasu Kudo is tossed into the air after they completed a four-game sweep of the Yomiuri Giants to win their third consecutive Japan Series baseball championship at Tokyo Dome on Oct. 23, 2019. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Baseball: Japan Series championship

Baseball: Japan Series championship

SoftBank Hawks manager Kimiyasu Kudo is tossed into the air after they completed a four-game sweep of the Yomiuri Giants to win their third consecutive Japan Series baseball championship at Tokyo Dome on Oct. 23, 2019. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Baseball: Japan Series championship

Baseball: Japan Series championship

SoftBank Hawks manager Kimiyasu Kudo is tossed into the air after they completed a four-game sweep of the Yomiuri Giants to win their third consecutive Japan Series baseball championship at Tokyo Dome on Oct. 23, 2019. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Baseball: Japan Series championship

Baseball: Japan Series championship

SoftBank Hawks manager Kimiyasu Kudo is tossed into the air after they completed a four-game sweep of the Yomiuri Giants to win their third consecutive Japan Series baseball championship at Tokyo Dome on Oct. 23, 2019. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Baseball: Japan Series championship

Baseball: Japan Series championship

Masayoshi Son, owner of the SoftBank Hawks, is tossed into the air after they completed a four-game sweep of the Yomiuri Giants to win their third consecutive Japan Series baseball championship at Tokyo Dome on Oct. 23, 2019. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Sumo: Kisenosato crashes again as Hakuho, Harumafuji march on

Sumo: Kisenosato crashes again as Hakuho, Harumafuji march on

Grand champion Kisenosato is pictured in the changing room at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo on May 23, 2017, after his fading hopes of winning a third consecutive championship were all but shattered with a fourth loss on the 10th day of the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo