For U.S. Rugby, No Bigger Match Than Against New Zealand

By EMMA STONEY

Phil Walter/Getty Images

Getting Sonny Bill Williams and the rest of the All Blacks to play in Chicago was a coup for USA Rugby.

The All Blacks enter their game in Chicago on Saturday as an unknown quantity to most fans in the United States, an unusual situation for the top-ranked team in the world.

Joshua Bright for The New York Times

Video Feature

Scenes From a Marathon

A series of video vignettes captures the sights and sounds of the 2013 New York City Marathon. This year’s race takes place Sunday.

Bob Kennedy, a decade after his last professional race, training for the New York City Marathon.

New York Marathon 2014: Ex-Distance Star Is Taking It Slower

By JERÉ LONGMAN

Bob Kennedy, 44, a two-time Olympian on the track, has again entered the New York City Marathon, with a twist on the usual trajectory of a runner.

At Leeds United, a Bumpy Ride Is Nothing New

By ROB HUGHES

The club that ruled English soccer decades ago is now on its third manager of the young season as it tries to turn things around under an owner known for firing coaches.

Wrestling With a Soccer Dream

By YAEL AVERBUCH

Yael Averbuch describes her bittersweet return to the United States after playing for a club in Cyprus.

Liverpool and Chelsea Win in League Cup Play

By REUTERS

Mario Balotelli led Liverpool past Swansea City, 2-1, and Chelsea edged fourth-tier Shrewsbury Town by the same score.

Bankruptcy in Formula One

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

The Marussia Formula One team has followed the Caterham team into bankruptcy.

Serena Williams beat Simona Halep, 6-3, 6-0, in Singapore to win her fifth WTA Finals title.

Serena Williams Punishes Simona Halep for Earlier Defeat at WTA Finals

By BEN ROTHENBERG

Days after one of the worst losses of her career, Williams beat Halep, 6-3, 6-0, in the championship match of the WTA Finals.

U.S. Women Take Title

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Abby Wambach scored four goals as the World Cup-bound United States defeated Costa Rica, 6-0, in Chester, Pa., for the team’s fifth Concacaf Women’s Championship title.

The 11-year-old Lucy Li broke ground this year by competing in the United States Women's Open.

On Golf

Playing Like a Girl? It’s About Time

By KAREN CROUSE

The recent ouster of Ted Bishop, the P.G.A. of America president, over comments labeling Ian Poulter a “little girl” revealed how deeply ingrained sexism remains in golf.

Editors' Picks

Luka Modric has made a difference for Real Madrid.

Balance of Power in Spanish Soccer Shifts to the Capital

By ROB HUGHES

It was not simply that Real Madrid, Europe's reigning champion, outplayed its Catalan foe in the Bernabéu; it was the manner of the victory.

Colorado Rapids goalkeeper Joe Nasco, right, working this month at a youth goalie clinic, one of the ways he makes extra money to support his family.

Many in M.L.S. Playing Largely for Love of the Game

By ANDREW KEH

As Major League Soccer begins its postseason, it is also readying for labor talks in which a key topic will be player salaries, which lag far behind those in the major professional sports leagues.

Tiny Champ Is Watching Talent Soar as Belt Sags

By SAM BORDEN

Hekkie Budler is preparing to defend the two belts he holds in the minimumweight division, the lightest sanctioned classification in boxing.

Slide Show: Big Punches, Small Stature

Cyclists lined up at L’Eroica’s starting line in Chianti, Italy, for the short races. L’Eroica offers four routes of increasing difficulty from 38 kilometers (23.6 miles) to 205 kilometers (127.4 miles).

Photos: A Race Against Time

By JEFFREY FURTICELLA

The white gravel roads in the vineyards and hills of Tuscany inspired L’Eroica, a vintage bicycle race that has grown to more than 5,000 participants.