LONDON: Golf no longer needs Tiger Woods.
It may seem a bizarre statement to make considering the American ace has brought a sport once seen as staid and bland into the consciousness of millions around the globe. But Justin Rose claimed that a new generation of young superstars has emerged in his absence — and that even without the big beast, they now have the ability to drive the popularity of the sport.
Woods’ agent set the golfing world abuzz this week after revealing the 14-time major-winner had been cleared by his doctor to begin full practice as he prepares for yet another comeback from injury.
But Rose, who won the US Open in 2013 and came runner-up at this year’s Masters, said the group of 20-somethings now claiming golf’s top prizes had already eclipsed Woods’ (pictured) absence and illustrated life on the fairways can be exciting without sport’s main man.
“I think golf has found itself in a really healthy spot without Tiger at the moment,” former US Open champion and current Olympic champion Rose said.
“So many young players have come through and filled the void. I think to have him back is just a bonus. I don’t think golf is desperate for him back.”
Woods, 41, has not won a tournament in four years, and his Major drought stretches back to 2008, when miraculously he won the US Open with a broken leg. After undergoing spinal fusion surgery in April he said he may never play at the top level again.
But Woods, who has also been plagued by personal problems and pleaded guilty to driving under the influence in August, recently posted a video of himself using a driver, captioned “Making Progress.”
“Everyone just wants to see a healthy Tiger Woods,” said Rose. “It’s almost gone past the point of thinking ‘Oh we all really want to see Tiger win 18 majors’.”
The Englishman added: “I think that we want him back, just because of what’s he’s meant to the sport for the last 20 years.”
Besides Rose’s loss to 37-year-old Sergio Garcia in a thrilling playoff at the Masters, this year’s other men’s majors were won by Americans Brooks Koepka, Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas, all in their early- or mid-20s.
In a sport that traditionally favors comparatively older athletes, other heavyweights in the current world top 10 such as Rory McIlroy, Rickie Fowler and Jason Day are also yet to turn 30.
“It was definitely a year dominated by the young guys on tour,” said Rose, who will join Garcia next month at Fanling for the Hong Kong Open.
Rose, a Hong Kong winner in 2015, said he was still disappointed to have missed out on Masters glory so narrowly to the Spaniard this year, but added that he was looking forward to the rematch.
“It was great to see him breakthrough and win his first Major — but unfortunately it was against me,” he said.
“It’ll be fun to have us both in the same field again (in Hong Kong). Sergio and I, we’ve joked all year long, had some fun with it all year long, so it will be a continuation of that.”
Golf can roar without Tiger
Golf can roar without Tiger
New Red Bull football boss Klopp in stands for Paris FC game
The former solid Ligue 1 leaders, Paris FC have had a bad start to the year
PARIS: Jurgen Klopp, the new global head of football at Red Bull, a minority shareholder in French club Paris FC, on Saturday watched from the stands during a French Ligue 2 game against Amiens.
Former Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund manager Klopp has just started a new role with Red Bull which owns clubs RB Leipzig, Salzburg and New York Red Bulls.
Klopp happily posed for selfies alongside Pierre Ferracci, the president of the Parisian club which was sold to the family of France’s richest person Bernard Arnault and Red Bull two months ago.
The former solid Ligue 1 leaders, Paris FC have had a bad start to the year with consecutive defeats and are now third.
Klopp is due to speak for the first time since taking office on Tuesday at the Red Bull headquarters near Salzburg in Austria.
The 57-year-old won back-to-back Bundesliga titles with Dortmund before moving to Liverpool. At the Reds, Klopp won several major trophies, including the Champions League and Premier League.
Klopp’s appointment has however caused controversy, particularly in Germany where some fans are critical of the energy drink brand’s ownership of Leipzig, as well as multi-club models in general.
Real, Barca managers raise stakes ahead of Jeddah El Clasico
- Ancelotti: ‘We are very excited and confident as always in the finals’
- Flick hoping to win first major trophy as Barcelona manager
Jeddah: Coaches Carlo Ancelotti of Real Madrid and Hansi Flick of Barcelona held press conferences before the final match of the Spanish Super Cup in Jeddah on Jan. 12.
Ancelotti spoke to the media at King Abdullah Sports City on Saturday, and discussed the match and preparation of his squad.
“We are very excited and confident as always in the finals. We are facing a great team and we know exactly how tough this Clasico match is,” he said.
On losing to Barcelona in the first El Clasico of the season, the Italian said: “We had a good game in the first half but the game later in the second half went down. Therefore, we have to avoid the mistakes we made.
“A Clasico is always a Clasico, even more so if it’s a final. Playing against Barcelona is always something special.”
He added: “If there’s a defeat, it’s a defeat. It’s the final; we’re very close to another title and we’re thinking positively.”
Ancelotti confirmed that in-form Real Madrid superstar Jude Bellingham will be fit and available for the clash.
“He is fine; he has recovered well. It was a normal load from matches. It’s very important because he’s on a good run. He is a player who has made a difference,” the manager said.
“Barcelona are always a historic rival and playing against them is very complicated; you can’t predict the result. We will try to do our best and try to win another title.”
Flick told the media that he hopes to win his first major trophy as Barcelona manager.
He described Real Madrid as a “great team,” adding: “We are fully prepared for them tomorrow night and hope we can perform better than what we did against Mallorca.
“We created many mistakes and we need to reduce them tomorrow night. Madrid is one of the best teams in the world in transition and they take advantage of any option you give them.”
The Dutchman confirmed that Dani Olmo is “very excited to play again.”
Since the Spanish Super Cup was moved to Saudi Arabia in 2020, Real Madrid and Barcelona have delivered unforgettable showdowns.
Of the five editions held in Saudi Arabia, Real Madrid have claimed three titles (2020, 2022 and 2024), while the Catalans have won once (2023). Athletic Club triumphed in 2021, rounding out the winners of the new era.
L’Etape Dubai by Tour de France unveils details ahead of Middle East debut
- Cycling enthusiasts and professionals can choose 101km and 50km race routes, in addition to family rides and children races
- First Middle East event on Feb 1-2 will feature a Tour de France Museum and appearances by cycling legends
DUBAI: L’Etape Dubai by Tour de France has revealed new information about its Middle East debut in Dubai this February, including details of two spectacular cycling routes and a special fan zone at Expo Village Park.
The event — powered by Skoda supported by Dubai Sports Council — will take place over the weekend of Feb 1-2. It departs from Dubai Design District, or D3, and ends in the Expo Village Park, offering cycling enthusiasts and professionals an experience inspired by the grandeur of the Tour de France.
Sunday, Feb. 2 will be the highlight of the event, with a 6.45 a.m. start following a pre-race breakfast at the designated starting point in D3. The Race is the longer 101km route, while The Ride is the less demanding 50km option. Both routes offer riders views of Dubai’s skyline and surrounding desert landscapes.
In the spirit of the Tour de France experience, participants can also test their sprint skills and endurance in three designated sprint sections along the L’Etape Dubai route, with the winners awarded the iconic Skoda Green Jersey at the finish line.
From D3, cyclists will navigate about 50 km along the Dubai-Al Ain Road (E66) and then Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al-Nahyan Street (D54). From there participants in The Ride will head to the finishing line at the Expo Village Park, while participants in The Race will turn inland toward the desert along the Expo Road (E77) before looping back to end their race at the same location. The event will conclude with an awards ceremony honoring the top performers.
Setting the scene for Sunday’s racing, Saturday, Feb. 1 will see the Expo Village Park transformed into an interactive Tour de France Village, while also playing host to a 20 km Family Ride and Kids Race. Visitors will be able to explore the Tour de France Museum, featuring historic jerseys and the official Tour de France director’s car, while the afternoon will feature cycling workshops, team introductions and a race briefing.
“L’Etape Dubai by Tour de France offers a truly a genuine experience inspired by one of the world’s most famous sporting events,” the Dubai Sports Council said in a statement. “This event not only reinforces Dubai’s position as a hub for world-class sports but also promotes active and healthy living. Open to professionals, enthusiasts, families and children alike, the event embodies our vision to encourage sports as a way of life for everyone.”
Race Director Fairouz Al-Qazi said: “Bringing L’Etape Dubai by Tour de France to the Middle East for the first time is a major milestone for us and our co-partners from Europe from Be Cool agency. We are proud to introduce a route that showcases Dubai’s vibrant landscape. We hope to celebrate cycling in a way that unites sport, culture and community, and we believe this inaugural edition will offer an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.”
Seven of world’s top 20 set for 2025 Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open
- World No. 8 Emma Navarro joins strong line-up including title-holder Elena Rybakina and 2023 champion Belinda Bencic
ABU DHABI: The Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open, presented by Abu Dhabi Sports Council and set to take place from Feb. 1-8, has announced its strongest line-up, with seven of the top 20 players on the WTA Tour confirmed to compete.
Among the world’s leading players gracing the courts at Zayed Sports City are defending champion Elena Rybakina, the current world No. 6 from Kazakhstan, and fan favorite Daria Kasatkina, ranked ninth, who is seeking revenge after defeat in last year’s final.
Joining them is Switzerland’s Olympic Gold Medalist Belinda Bencic, the 2023 winner, who is back to her best after her maternity leave sidelined her for six months last year.
Ons Jabeur of Tunisia will also be in the field following a lengthy lay-off due to a shoulder injury. She is likely to win the support of local fans as the Arab world’s firm favorite.
Former world No. 2, Paula Badosa of Spain, is also competing along with Brazilian Beatriz Haddad Maia, a semifinalist in the past two Mubadala Abu Dhabi Opens.
Also included is No. 8 Emma Navarro of the US, known for her powerful game and impressive consistency, whose late confirmation adds even more firepower to the tournament.
Adding extra spark to the competition is Jelena Ostapenko (No. 17), known for her all-out attacking game, and Diana Shnaider (No. 13), on the back of a break-out year that has seen her rise to be the youngest player in the Top 15.
Speaking ahead of the tournament, Nigel Gupta, IMG tournament director, said: “This year’s Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open represents a significant step forward for tennis in the region. To have seven of the top 20 WTA players committed to competing is a testament to the tournament’s growing stature on the global stage.
“Beyond the action on court, our expanded Tennis Village is free for all to attend and will create a vibrant festival atmosphere, ensuring an unforgettable experience for fans.”
Back for another crack at the prestigious crown, Daria Kasatkina said: “I’m thrilled to be returning for another shot at the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open title. Last year’s tournament was an incredible experience, competing in front of such passionate fans, and reaching the final was unforgettable.
“While on that occasion I came up short against a very strong opponent, it has only fueled my determination to go one step further this time. I’m feeling confident in my game, and I’m looking forward to competing once again in Abu Dhabi.”
DP World ILT20 Season 3 set to be biggest yet
- Captains of all 6 franchises set their goals high as quest for the trophy begins Saturday
- Bollywood superstars Shahid Kapoor, Pooja Hegde, and Sonam Bajwa will take the stage for opening ceremony
DUBAI: The stage is set for the highly anticipated return of the DP World ILT20 Season 3, which promises to mesmerize cricket fans across the globe. The action will begin on Jan. 11 with a clash between reigning champions MI Emirates and Dubai Capitals in a rematch of the Season 2 final, at the Dubai International Stadium.
Following two successful seasons, this year’s DP World ILT20 is primed to be bigger than ever before. Ahead of the month-long cricketing spectacle, captains from five of the six franchises and inaugural season champions Gulf Giants fast bowler Tymal Mills gathered to outline their expectations for the season ahead, fueling excitement for what promises to be an unforgettable tournament.
DP World ILT20 tournament ambassador Shoaib Akhtar said: “This season, the DP World ILT20 is larger than ever before; the kind of colors and hard work that went into it last year was amazing. It’s good to see people tune in and engage with the tournament. I’m sure this season will be even better.”
Nicholas Pooran, captain of defending champions MI Emirates, hopes to replicate his exceptional form from last season, where he amassed 354 runs across 10 innings.
“I have been a part of the competition since the inception,” he said. “We take winning very seriously and are eager to get the tournament underway, go out there and perform. We also understand what it takes to win. As a franchise, it’s important to have a strong core, and we’re really pleased to have retained a great unit, including somebody like UAE’s Muhammed Waseem. He has done very well for us and we are keen to watch him grow further as a player, batter and leader.”
DP World ILT20 Season 2’s most valuable player and Red Belt winner, Sikandar Raza, who returns to lead the Dubai Capitals’ campaign this year, said: “This is my third year with the Dubai Capitals, and it’s great to be with them again. Winning the MVP award last year was nice, but it would have been even better to lift the trophy. Having nine international players in the playing 11 certainly makes it one of the toughest leagues in the world. Hopefully, we can take that extra step this year, building on the lessons we learned last season.”
Sunil Narine, T20 veteran and skipper of the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, lauded his team’s composition. Narine said: “We have our eyes on the prize. As a captain, you have do it your own way. I think it’s a work in progress but I’m getting better and better at it. A key factor for us will be the powerplay batting and bowling, and how we perform in those phases, but we have quality players and we’re looking forward to having a good start.”
Lockie Ferguson is set to lead the Desert Vipers in his debut season at the DP World ILT20, and the New Zealander highlighted his enthusiasm at taking part in the competition for the first time.
“It’s great to be here with so many players that I have played alongside and against in my career,” he said. “It’s a beautiful part of the world and we are very looked after here. I am looking forward to a new role as a leader and putting my own spin on it. Fortunately, we have got a lot of experience on the team, and I am looking forward to getting to know the UAE players as well.”
Gulf Giants’ fast bowler Mills, who addressed the press conference in place of his captain James Vince, said: “I am really excited for the first game. It is my first time working with Andy Flower, who is one of most successful coaches in franchise cricket. We’ve had a great week getting to know each other and we’re looking forward to the competition. We have many guys who have played for a long time, and we have won the competition in the first season, so a lot of us know how to win. We have high expectations and will hopefully lift the trophy.”
Also taking the reins as captain in his debut season, Sharjah Warriors’ Tim Southee said: “It’s a great tournament; I have watched from afar and can’t wait to get on in this season. My goal is always to try and contribute to the team’s success and offer some experience to the younger players, while always learning from some of the others.”
DP World ILT20 Season 3 will be launched with a grand opening ceremony which will be headlined by epic performances by Bollywood superstars Shahid Kapoor, Pooja Hegde and Sonam Bajwa, who are set to captivate spectators at the Dubai International Stadium on Saturday. Renowned Bollywood producer and actor Jackky Bhagnani and Ridhima Pathak will present the ceremony.
