LONDON: That Tiger Woods is taking on Phil Mickelson in a winner-takes-all match in Las Vegas today is very apt — the Sin City where anything tacky and vulgar goes now has its own sporting tribute.
The match-up, created after some playful chat from Mickelson before this year’s Players Championship, has obviously been billed as a clash between two of golf’s greatest players.
No argument there. As “Lefty” said of Woods: “He’s the greatest of all time. I’ve seen him do things with a golf ball that have never been done.” Mickelson, too, with five Majors and 43 PGA titles, can lay claim to being, as Woods in the mutual back-slapping press conference said: “One of the greatest players to ever pick up a golf club.”
What the PR guff and gold-plated nonsense conveniently missed out though is that this is a face-off that is at least 10 years too late. Rather like Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao getting in the ring in 2015 rather than 2009, the public clamor for such a face-off is now almost non-existent.
In their heyday the pair would be in contention for most, if not all, of the big titles and be only too aware that the form of the other was the one obstacle preventing victory. They were huge rivals who, at times, made no attempt to hide their mutual dislike of each other — their relationship at the 2004 Ryder Cup definitely looked more glacial than merely frosty.
Over the past five years the pair have won a combined two titles between them, have become friends and today’s clash is simply a trip down memory lane — Las Vegas being the place where washed-up stars go to earn lots of money in the autumn of their careers singing to people who lap up nostalgia.
Which brings us to the dollar signs. Up for grabs in the winner-takes-all face-off is $9 million and that is the real problem with this contrived clash. The sight of two multi-millionaires playing for such a sizeable sum in a meaningless event neither does them nor sport any favors. The pre-match PR shots of both smiling behind the stacks of cash is a sight they are both likely to end up regretting.
Both have shown some self-awareness since the figure was announced by saying some of the money would be going to their charitable foundations, but one cannot help but feel that the damage has already been done.
They have both claimed that the event will attract new fans to golf, which seems fanciful in the extreme considering no one can buy tickets to watch it on the course — only VIPs and sponsors will see the clash in the flesh — and it is only available on TV via pay-per-view.
In its most purest form sport is a spectacle where, even in these days of eye-watering winner’s checks, it is the trophy rather than the promise of a better bank balance that both athletes and fans are seduced by. Woods vs. Mickelson is the antithesis of this, a tawdry, corporate construct where, as the lack of any fans on the course illustrates, only monied men (and you can bet it will be mostly men) are allowed up close.
What attracts new fans to a sport is thrilling displays of brilliance and bare-faced cheek when it matters, and in front of an audience of millions. Both Tiger and ‘Lefty’ have produced numerous moments of magic down the years so as to not need to take part in this sorry show.
Woods’ recent win at the Tour Championship — his first win in five years — is an obvious case in point. It was a sporting tale of recovery and redemption that no number of staged matches like today’s can even dream of matching.
So forgive us if we yawn and shut our eyes while the two multi-millionaires take part in this poor exhibition. It is too late, too exclusive, too contrived and shining a light on too much of what is bad about modern-day sport for any discerning sport fan to take much of an interest in.
Golfing greats Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson to serve up a sorry show in Las Vegas
Golfing greats Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson to serve up a sorry show in Las Vegas
- Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson are playing a one-off match in Las Vegas
- Up for grabs in the winner-takes-all face-off is $9 million and that is the real problem with this contrived clash
Caroline Dubois dominates and retains title but bout ends in technical draw after head clash
- Dubois (10-0-1) was in full control when the referee called a timeout. The ringside doctor ruled that the 36-year-old Camara (14-4-1) could not continue
SHEFFIELD, England: Caroline Dubois scored a first-round knockdown and retained her WBC lightweight title against Jessica Camara despite the bout ending in a technical draw due to an accidental clash of heads Saturday.
Dubois, whose older brother Daniel is the IBF heavyweight champion, dominated in her first title defense, which ended just after the bell rang to start the third round.
Camara’s right eye was swollen from punches and the Canadian was bleeding from a cut above her left eye — the result of an accidental clash of heads in the second round.
“I don’t think she wanted it,” Dubois said. “The blood wasn’t coming in her face, it was coming around the side of her face — she didn’t want it, man.”
Dubois (10-0-1) was in full control when the referee called a timeout. The ringside doctor ruled that the 36-year-old Camara (14-4-1) could not continue.
Because it was under four rounds, the bout was declared a technical draw.
Dubois immediately called for a fight against WBO champion Terri Harper.
“Terri Harper, that’s who I want,” she said.
Dubois said she wants to be the undisputed lightweight champion by the end of 2025. Beatriz Ferreira of Brazil holds the IBF belt, and the WBA belt is vacant.
Shane McGuigan, Dubois’ trainer, said she has the talent to win titles at multiple weight classes.
“She’s the best female fighter on the planet, by a mile,” McGuigan said.
Sabalenka, Zverev in the spotlight as Australian Open begins
- Sabalenka is aiming to become the first woman since Martina Hingis (1997-99) to win three consecutive Australian Opens
- Germany’s Zverev, at a career-high number two ranking, has eyes on Jannik Sinner and a first Grand Slam title after losing to Carlos Alcaraz in the final at Roland Garros last year
MELBOURNE: Aryna Sabalenka will begin her quest for a historic third consecutive Australian Open crown when the first Grand Slam of the year begins on Sunday.
The Belarusian world number one headlines the evening session on the main Rod Laver Arena in a potentially tricky encounter with 2017 US Open champion Sloane Stephens at 7:00 p.m. (0800 GMT).
Men’s second seed Alexander Zverev rounds off the first night against the dangerous Lucas Pouille of France, who made the semifinals at Melbourne Park in 2019 before losing to eventual champion Novak Djokovic.
Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen of China has the honor of playing the first point of the tournament on center court when the fifth seed faces Romania’s 110th-ranked Anca Todoni at 11:30am (0030 GMT).
Sabalenka is aiming to become the first woman since Martina Hingis (1997-99) to win three consecutive Australian Opens.
If she lifts the winner’s Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup again, Sabalenka will join a select group of Margaret Court, Evonne Goolagong, Steffi Graf, Monica Seles and Hingis as the only women to complete a Melbourne three-peat.
“I know that I have the possibility of joining legends by winning three times in a row,” Sabalenka said.
“Hopefully by the end of this tournament I’ll be able to put my name into history.”
The Belarusian won the Brisbane International last week and accepts she is the woman to beat after the best season of her career in 2024, where she also won a maiden US Open.
“I like that feeling. That’s what drives me and helps me to stay motivated because I know that I have a target on my back and I really like to have it,” she said.
Germany’s Zverev, at a career-high number two ranking, has eyes on Jannik Sinner and a first Grand Slam title after losing to Carlos Alcaraz in the final at Roland Garros last year.
“I think everybody knows what I’m chasing,” he said.
“Going into a Grand Slam as the world number two, you have to have the mindset of, I want to win the tournament.”
The 22-year-old Zheng lost to Sabalenka in the Australian Open final a year ago.
But it heralded a breakthrough 2024 during which she beat Swiatek on her way to winning Paris Olympic gold and claimed three WTA titles.
Zheng believes she is closing the gap on Sabalenka, who also beat the Chinese player at the US Open and in front of her home crowd in the final at Wuhan in October.
“I think each time I play against her, the results are getting closer and closer, which is a positive thing,” said Zheng, who did not play any warm-up events before Melbourne.
“I need to have this mentality to be a better player. I’m right now top five, but still far away from my goal.”
Men’s sixth seed Casper Ruud of Norway begins his challenge against Spain’s world number 61 Jaume Munar in the second match on Rod Laver.
Dubai Capitals edge MI Emirates in last-ball thriller to open DP World ILT20 account
- The thrilling encounter marked the narrowest win margin in the tournament’s history
DUBAI: The third season of the DP World ILT20 got underway on Saturday with a nail-biting contest as the Dubai Capitals secured a one-run victory over MI Emirates at the Dubai International Stadium.
Stellar bowling performances from Gulbadin Naib and Olly Stone turned the tide in a match that saw Nicholas Pooran’s impressive 61-run innings go in vain.
The thrilling encounter marked the narrowest win margin in the tournament’s history, with MI Emirates falling short despite needing just 16 runs in 15 balls. Gulbadin Naib, who finished with figures of three wickets for 13 runs, and Olly Stone, who claimed two for 14, led the Capitals’ spirited defense.
Sent in to bat, the Dubai Capitals posted 133 for 8, recovering from a slow start thanks to Brandon McMullen’s crucial half-century of 58 runs off 42 balls.
Rovman Powell chipped in with a valuable 25 runs, while Fazalhaq Farooqi was the standout bowler for MI Emirates, delivering a stunning spell of five for 15.
In response, MI Emirates’ chase began disastrously, with Muhammad Waseem and Andre Fletcher falling for ducks to Olly Stone. The team was reeling at 23/4 in just 4.3 overs. Captain Nicholas Pooran then mounted a rescue mission, supported by Akeal Hosein, as the duo stitched a 79-run partnership.
Pooran’s intent was clear as he smashed Sikandar Raza for six over mid-wicket and reached his half-century in 36 balls. However, his efforts were undone when Gulbadin Naib dismissed him with a clever slower ball, followed by the wicket of Alzarri Joseph in the same over.
With 13 runs needed off the final over, Kieron Pollard took charge but could only manage 11, handing the Capitals a dramatic last-ball victory.
Reflecting on the match, Player of the Match Gulbadin Naib said: “That is the beauty of cricket and T20. Not a good total on the board, but we defended it, with the guys giving 100 percent. The pitch was helping the bowlers a lot. Not easy for the batters. We just tried to keep it stump to stump, and we did it.”
Al-Hilal back on top as Al-Ittihad suffer shock stumble
- The victory, in the first round of games as the league restarts after a month’s break, means that the champions are ahead of their Jeddah rivals
RIYADH: Al-Hilal won 5-0 win at Al-Orubah on Saturday to go top of the Saudi Pro League above Al-Ittihad who were held to a surprise 1-1 draw at Al-Feiha.
The victory, in the first round of games as the league restarts after a month’s break, means that the champions are ahead of their Jeddah rivals on goal difference after 14 games of the season.
There was little doubt as to the outcome of the game once Ruben Neves, who returned to the Al-Hilal starting eleven after a lengthy injury lay-off, put the Riyadh giants ahead after just 16 minutes from the penalty spot.
It was one-way traffic but the Blues had to wait until three minutes after the restart to extend their lead against the newly-promoted team. Central defender Ali Al-Bulaihi has come under fire for a number of mistakes at the back but the Saudi Arabian international made no mistake as he headed home from a left-sided Sergej Milinkovic-Savic cross.
Al-Hilal kept coming. Renan Lodi made it three midway through the second half and then Marcos Leonardo added two more in quick succession to cap a perfect display for coach Jorge Jesus.
It got even better shortly after as Al-Ittihad were held to a 1-1 draw by the struggling Al-Feiha in what was a dramatic game.
It has been a frustrating afternoon for the Tigers who arrived looking for a tenth successive league victory but they had only themselves to blame as they missed two penalties in the second half –the first from Karim Benzema and the second by Houssem Aouar.
They were left to rue those wasted opportunities in the first minute of injury time, as Fashion Sakala struck to put Al-Feiha in sight of what would have been just a second win of the season.
The celebrations did not last long however as just two minutes later, Fawaz Al-Sqoor equalised to earn Al-Ittihad a point that may be disappointing on the night but could end up being crucial.
There was also a surprise defeat for Al-Qadsia who would have moved to within six points of the top had they beaten Al-Taawoun. Instead, however, they crashed to a 3-0 home defeat.
Al-Nassr stay third after their 3-1 win over Al-Okhdood while Al-Ahli are in fifth after a 3-2 win over Al-Shabab, their fifth successive league victory.
Penalty king Kane sends Bayern past Gladbach
- Musiala’s replacement, veteran Thomas Mueller, had an early chance midway through the first half but blasted at Gladbach goalkeeper Moritz Nicolas from point-blank range
- Kane has now converted 26 successive penalties for club and country since his miss against France in the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup
BERLIN: A second-half penalty from Harry Kane gave Bayern Munich a 1-0 win at Borussia Moenchengladbach on Saturday, restoring their four-point lead at the top of the Bundesliga table.
Defending champions Bayer Leverkusen’s 3-2 win at Borussia Dortmund on Friday drew them within a point of league leaders Bayern, who went into Saturday’s clash without the ill Jamal Musiala.
Musiala’s replacement, veteran Thomas Mueller, had an early chance midway through the first half but blasted at Gladbach goalkeeper Moritz Nicolas from point-blank range.
Gladbach were toothless in attack but frustrated Bayern, who were unable to turn their dominance into clear goalscoring chances.
With just over 20 minutes remaining, Michael Olize was felled in the box by Gladbach’s Lukas Ullrich, bringing Kane to the spot.
The England captain, who had been largely anonymous for much of the night, sent the ball low to the right and into the net.
Kane has now converted 26 successive penalties for club and country since his miss against France in the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup.
“We had many, many good chances,” Bayern’s Joshua Kimmich told Sky Germany.
“But we made it a bit too exciting at the end as we could’ve decided things earlier.”
Bayern coach Vincent Kompany said: “We’re happy with the 1-0 even if we could’ve scored a goal or two more.”
A first-half goal from Omar Marmoush took Eintracht Frankfurt to a 1-0 win at St. Pauli amid growing speculation that the Egypt star is on the brink of a move to Manchester City.
Before the game, Frankfurt sporting director Markus Kroesche confirmed “a club had got in contact” about Marmoush, with Sky Germany saying the forward had already agreed personal terms with the English champions.
Marmoush was on target in the 32nd minute against his former club, calmly turning inside the box before firing a shot into the top corner.
The goal was Marmoush’s 14th in 16 Bundesliga games this season, one behind Kane. The 25-year-old also has eight league assists.
“We did plenty to keep a clean sheet today,” said Frankfurt captain Kevin Trapp as his team stayed in third place.
Elsewhere, Freiburg leapfrogged Borussia Dortmund into sixth with a 3-2 home win over Holstein Kiel highlighted by a stunning free-kick from captain Christian Guenter.
Kiel’s Nicolai Remberg unwittingly diverted an Eren Dinkci cross into his own net on 23 minutes, before Guenter sent an excellent dipping shot into the top corner from wide on the right-hand side.
Freiburg’s Vincenzo Grifo added a third although Kiel’s Phil Harres made the home side sweat with two goals in the final five minutes.
Union Berlin’s miserable week went from bad to worse, going down 2-0 with 10 men at Heidenheim just days after a German Football Association (DFB) sports court punished them for unruly behavior by their fans.
The DFB court decided Union’s 1-1 home draw with Bochum in December should be considered a 2-0 win for the away side after a home fan threw a lighter at the head of the visiting goalkeeper.
Union president Dirk Zingler slammed the decision pre-match as an “unfair scandal,” saying the court was trying to make a “political example” of the club who have appealed the punishment.
Bayern loanee Frans Kraetzig gave the hosts the lead on the counter after 17 minutes in his first Heidenheim game before Union’s Tom Rothe was red carded for a last-man foul.
Adrian Beck sealed the win with seven minutes remaining, giving his side a first win since September.
Mainz climbed past RB Leipzig into fourth with a 2-0 home with over lowly Bochum, with Germany forward Jonathan Burkardt scoring in each half.
A 29th-minute Mohamed Amoura goal took Wolfsburg to a 1-0 win at Hoffenheim.
