Sebastian Vettel closes gap on Fernando Alonso in F1

The Formula One season continues to hash up something close to a Genuine Sport-style exciting finish: Sebastian Vettel's victory in the Japanese Grand Prix cut Fernando Alonso's championship lead to four points. Alonso was bundled out on the first bend while novelty makeweights Felipe Massa and Kamui Kobayashi – a first Japanese podium finish at Suzuka since 1990 – took second and third.

Footballers caught up in race-fixing allegations

You've got to know when to hold them. You've got to know when to fold them. Plus, apparently, you've also got to know when to offer bribes, exploit insider information and make your horse stop running. Kenny Rogers never mentioned this, but it is only a few days since the British Horseracing Authority announced that three footballers and jockey Andrew Heffernan were among nine people facing anti-corruption charges. Most notable among the footballers is the Ipswich striker Michael Chopra. Charges include offering bribes, exploiting inside information for personal gain and in the case of Heffernan, three charges that he intentionally failed to ensure a horse was ridden on its merits.

Beer dilemma for Nishikori

"I don't know what I'm going to do with a year's worth of beer. I don't even like beer". Memorable words indeed from Kei Nishikori savouring the sponsorial rewards of his historic first-ever triumph for a Japanese player in the Japan Open, a moment he perhaps hadn't had time to prepare much of a speech for. Milos Raonic, beaten 7-6, 3-6, 6-0 in the final, was a surprise victor against Andy Murray in the semis. "Thank you Japan for your support and thank you for inventing sushi," Raonic said, before presumably going on to praise other local stereotypes such as the Walkman, excessive formal politeness and aggressively overcrowded subway trains.

Clásico honours shared

Another grand week for European football: the latest el Clásico brought more rarefied drama, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo scoring twice apiece in a 2-2 draw of almost offensive all-round excellence. Barcelona are still eight points clear of Real Madrid in La Liga. In the good-but-not-quite-so-Clásico, Internazionale beat stadium-mates Milan 1-0 thanks to a Walter Samuel goal.

This article was written by Barney Ronay, for Guardian Weekly on Tuesday 9th October 2012 13.59 Europe/London