SHANGHAI: Feng Shanshan is to be China’s first golfer ranked world number one after she claimed back-to-back wins with a thrilling victory at the Blue Bay LPGA on Saturday.
No Chinese golfer, male or female, has ever topped the rankings before and her slice of history underlines the country’s growing heft in a sport that was banned under Mao Zedong.
Feng, who started the week third in the world, is projected to rise to top spot at the expense of South Korean rookie Park Sung-Hyun, the LPGA said.
Twenty-eight-year-old Feng’s ascent to the summit comes thanks to a nervy one-shot victory over Moriya Jutanugarn after the Thai’s birdie try on the 72nd hole lipped out, to the delight of the home crowd on the southern Chinese island of Hainan.
Feng’s fellow Chinese players showered the trailblazer in water on the 18th green at Jian Lake Blue Bay Golf Club.
She told LPGA.com: “I’m really, really excited and very proud of myself and I think it’s special because I won this tournament to become world number one.
“I finished first in China, so I actually claimed the world number one in front of all the people at home,” said Feng, who is from the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou and turned professional in 2007.
Feng, who also captured last week’s TOTO Japan Classic title, added: “Hopefully there will be more Chinese getting on the tours and more world number ones coming up from China.
“I just want 2017 to keep going. A never-ending 2017, that would be great.”
The deposed number one Park was tied third and relinquishes the top spot after just one week.
For Feng, the Rio 2016 Olympic bronze medalist, it is the culmination of more than a decade of toil on tour.
It is also a third victory of the season for her and ninth career LPGA win, one of those a major.
As well as being China’s first number one, she was also the country’s first winner on the LPGA Tour (2012 Wegman’s LPGA Championship).
Her rise to the top was widely celebrated in Chinese media, but the Beijing government has an ambivalent attitude toward golf, which is traditionally viewed in China as bourgeois.
On the one hand Chinese authorities have shut dozens of golf courses — many of them illegal — and curbed new construction, while at the same time holding men’s and women’s tournaments like the one that Feng won.
The LPGA Tour heads back to the US next week for the CME Group Tour Championship in Florida, the final event of the 2017 season.
Trailblazer Feng is China’s first world number one golfer
Trailblazer Feng is China’s first world number one golfer
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.
Great Britain & Ireland dominate Europeans on first day of 2025 Team Cup in Abu Dhabi
- Great Britain & Ireland take an early 3½ — 1½ lead at biennial Team Cup after Day 1 Fourball session
- Captains Francesco Molinari and Justin Rose both lost their opening games of the tournament at Abu Dhabi Golf Resort
ABU DHABI: Great Britain & Ireland took the spoils in three of the opening matches of the 2025 Team Cup as they moved into an early 3½ — 1½ lead over Continental Europe after the Friday fourballs session at Abu Dhabi Golf Resort.
Despite losing the opening match of the session, GB&I Captain Justin Rose’s selections for the other four matches proved inspired as they claimed three and a half of the four remaining available points.
Rose and Matt Wallace lost 3&1 to the French pair of Romain Langasque and Matthieu Pavon, but the scores were quickly levelled by Laurie Canter and Jordan Smith who beat Rasmus Hojgaard and Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen 1Up.
GB&I then moved ahead after Tyrrell Hatton and Tom McKibbin beat Julien Guerrier, who was drafted in as a late replacement for Nicolai Hojgaard and Antoine Rozner.
Matthew Jordan and Paul Waring halved their match against Niklas Norgaard and Thorbjorn Olesen, while in the anchor match Tommy Fleetwood and Aaron Rai defeated Matteo Manassero and Continental Europe Captain Francesco Molinari 4&2 after winning three consecutive holes from the 14th to close out the match.
Both captains have made changes to their pairings for the first session of foursomes on Saturday morning, with Rose sending out three new pairs with Molinari conversely keeping three of his groups together.
In the opening match, Olesen and Norgaard remain paired together and will face Hatton and Wallace. The two captains will go head-to-head in match two, with Molinari and Guerrier taking on Rose and Fleetwood.
Hojgaard and Neergaard-Petersen will take on Rai and McKibbin in the third match, followed by Manassero and Rozner against Waring and Jordan. In the final match, Pavon and Langasque, Continental Europe’s only victorious pair from Friday will play Smith and Canter, who also won their match on the opening day.
Elena Rybakina disagrees with the WTA’s provisional suspension of coach Stefano Vukov
- She was the runner-up to Aryna Sabalenka two years ago at Melbourne Park and is seeded No. 6 this time
- Rybakina says she disagrees with the WTA Tour’s decision to provisionally suspend her longtime coach, Stefano Vukov
MELBOURNE: Elena Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon champion, said Saturday she disagrees with the WTA Tour’s decision to provisionally suspend her longtime coach, Stefano Vukov, and reiterated that she never made a complaint about him.
“I always said that he never mistreated me,” Rybakina said at a news conference the day before the start of the Australian Open, where she was the runner-up to Aryna Sabalenka two years ago.
Rybakina, who is seeded No. 6 in Melbourne, characterized the whole thing as “definitely not the ideal situation” as she prepares to compete in the year’s first Grand Slam tournament, and said she objected to comments made by “some coaches,” mentioning Pam Shriver by name.
Rybakina announced right before last year’s US Open that she no longer was working with Vukov, then said ahead of this season that her new coach would be Goran Ivanizevic. He won Wimbledon in 2001 as a player and then was Novak Djokovic’s coach for 12 major titles.
But Rybakina said this month that Vukov would be rejoining her team. The WTA then said Vukov “is currently under a provisional suspension pending an independent investigation into a potential breach of the WTA code of conduct.”
The WTA added that “Vukov is not eligible to obtain a WTA credential at this time,” which would prevent him from going into player-only areas at tournaments such as practice courts or training areas.
