Quality, excitement on and off the course as Aramco Team Series jets into Florida

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Lexi Thompson in action. (Supplied/ATS)
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Lexi Thompson with her trophy. (Supplied/ATS)
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The Trump International Golf Club, West Palm Beach in Florida. (Supplied/ATS)
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Lydia Ko putting at ATS Singapore. (Supplied/ATS)
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Updated 15 May 2023
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Quality, excitement on and off the course as Aramco Team Series jets into Florida

WEST PALM BEACH: The Aramco Team Series makes its debut in West Palm Beach, Florida later this week, as the world’s best female professional golfers compete for the $1million prize fund over three days at Trump International Golf Club from May 19 to 21.

Below are some reasons as to why the event cannot be missed:

1. Home-town Hero Lexi Thompson

Florida star and world number six Lexi Thompson is confirmed to tee it up at the second event of the 2023 Aramco Team Series. Thompson is no stranger to the Aramco Team Series, having previously competed in the inaugural event in London and enjoyed victory in New York at Trump Golf Links Ferry Point last October.

Thompson is relishing the opportunity to add to her impressive record in the Aramco Team Series, commenting: “I am looking forward to competing in the Aramco Team Series in my home state of Florida. I’m a huge fan of the tournament and this event gives me a chance to compete with the talented players from the Ladies European Tour in an innovative format and offers fans and players the opportunity to experience something unique.”

2. A Star-Studded Field

The world’s best female professional golfers will be teeing it up in the second round of the Aramco Team Series, which consists of five events across the globe contested throughout the golf calendar.

Watch your favourite players including Thompson, world number-two Lydia Ko, multiple-time tour winner Jessica Korda and a host of Solheim Cup stars as they compete for the $1 million prize fund.

Six-time LPGA winner Korda returns to the Aramco Team Series, having competed previously in New York where she finished tied 4th, and tied 18th in 2021 and 2022 respectfully.

Korda’s best result in the Aramco Team Series came last year at Sotogrande where she finished tied second in the individual event and was victorious in the team event with a combined score of 33-under par alongside her teammates.

Ko’s results in the Aramco Team Series have consisted of a string of stellar performances, as the world number two is relishing her return to the Aramco Team Series and is hoping to improve on her debut performance in Singapore which saw her finish in third place behind the eventual winner Pauline Roussin.

3. A fun-filled weekend for the whole family

The weekend will include family-friendly activities and world-class golfing action, with general admission tickets now on sale starting from $10 per person, and where kids (under-18) go free all weekend.

The Fan Zone will include chipping and long putt challenges, target practice at the cornhole tables and ‘Putt Pong’ activation.

4. World Long Drive Champion Kyle Berkshire

On Saturday May 20, two-time ‘World Long Drive Champion’ Kyle Berkshire will be hosting a clinic on the driving range.

As the world record holder for indoor ball-speed (233 mph), it will be a rare opportunity to behold the World Long Drive champion and UCF-alum in action and hear some of Kyle’s insights into his prodigious length off the tee first-hand.

This clinic is open to all general admission ticket holders.

5. Golf Legend Gary Player

Nine-time major champion and all-round golfing icon Gary Player will be attending the Aramco Team Series, and bringing age-defying energy to fans of the tournament as he hosts a clinic with invitees from the ‘Girls on The Green Tee Foundation’, with the opportunity for general admission fans to watch the legend in action on Sunday afternoon.

For hospitality ticket holders, there will be a rare opportunity to meet Gary Player in a unique Q&A with the golfing legend in the 18th Hospitality.

6. Be Part of a Global Series

Florida hostS the second event of the ATS calendar, following an exciting finale in Singapore in March, where young French star Pauline Roussin shot an outstanding 64, including a run of five birdies in six holes around the turn, to claim her second Ladies European Tour title – holding off world number one Ko.

The Aramco Team Series on the Ladies European Tour is competed across five global destinations throughout the year. After teeing off in Singapore and the Florida event, the series moves on to London and Hong Kong before concluding in Riyadh in October.

Aramco Team Series Florida consists of 36 teams comprising of one amateur and three professionals who compete for a $1million prize fund.

Aside from the team event, there is a three-day individual stroke play competition contested amongst the professionals which contributes to both Race to Costa del Sol and Rolex World Ranking points.


Ten Hag slams ‘fairy tales and lies’ as Man Utd boss comes out fighting

Updated 11 sec ago
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Ten Hag slams ‘fairy tales and lies’ as Man Utd boss comes out fighting

Ten Hag is widely believed to be in a fight to save his job after presiding over United’s worst start to a top-flight season since 1989-90
United are languishing in 14th place in the Premier League ahead of Saturday’s visit from Brentford

LONDON: Erik ten Hag defiantly slammed “fairy tales and lies” about his Manchester United future as the under-fire boss insisted he is not in danger of the sack.
Ten Hag is widely believed to be in a fight to save his job after presiding over United’s worst start to a top-flight season since 1989-90.
United are languishing in 14th place in the Premier League ahead of Saturday’s visit from Brentford, whose manager Thomas Frank has been linked with replacing the Dutchman at Old Trafford.
Without a victory in their last five games in all competitions, Ten Hag’s side have won just twice in seven league matches this term.
Another flop against Brentford will pile further pressure on Ten Hag ahead of a tricky week featuring away games at Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce in the Europa League and West Ham in the Premier League.
But the former Ajax boss is convinced he retains the support of United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe and his coterie of advisers.
“Noise is only coming from some of you in the media, creating stories and fairy tales, and bringing lies,” Ten Hag told reporters on Friday.
“I told this before the break. Several journalists probably didn’t believe me because I see the reports.
“But internal in the club it’s quiet. Of course, we are discussing, that we are unhappy with the position where we are and how we have to turn the corner, what has to happen, so what should be strategy to turn this corner.
“But ultimately we are quiet, we are composed, we stay where we are, we stick to the plan, and we are very convinced we will make it a success.”
United finished a dismal eighth in the Premier League last season, their lowest final position since 1990, triggering a Ratcliffe-led internal review into Ten Hag’s position.
But the 54-year-old eventually signed a new contract in a move seen as a show of faith during the close season.
Ten Hag won the League Cup in his first season to end United’s six-year trophy drought, then lifted the FA Cup last term in a shock final triumph against Manchester City that is credited with saving his job.
However, the embattled Ten Hag is once again engaged in a struggle to stave off the axe.
United’s inconsistent form during his reign shows no signs of improving and he acknowledged the climb back to respectability would not be easy.
“We have to climb a mountain. That is top football and sometimes you have to face challenges. I am sure we will make a success, as we did the last two seasons,” he said.
“Underneath I see good things and good stats that confirm we are in a good direction. But of course the ranking is not lying. We are where we are and that is not good enough.”
Former Manchester United assistant coach Benni McCarthy added to the scrutiny on Ten Hag recently when he said the players’ training ground performances are not replicated during matches.
Ten Hag conceded United have lacked a cutting edge during a run featuring just five goals in seven league games.
“The players did well. We won last season. Sometimes in general the players do perform well. But we have to start scoring,” he said.
“In that part we have to improve entering the final third and into the box. Now we have to take the most important step.”


Erik ten Hag defiantly slammed “fairy tales and lies” about his Manchester United future as the under-fire boss insisted he is not in danger of the sack. (Reuters/File)

Asian football body takes Bahrain concerns ‘seriously’ after threats

Updated 14 min 2 sec ago
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Asian football body takes Bahrain concerns ‘seriously’ after threats

  • Bahrain’s players have been “subjected to a torrent of insults, slander, threats and hacking operations” online, the BFA alleged.
  • The Asian Football Confederation said it was “aware of the concerns“

KUALA LUMPUR: Asian football chiefs said on Friday they took Bahrain’s concerns “seriously” after the country looked to get a World Cup qualifier moved out of Indonesia over alleged death threats.
Bahrain are scheduled to play Indonesia away in March in the decisive third round of Asian qualifying for the 2026 World Cup in North America.
The teams met last week and drew 2-2, with hosts Bahrain equalising in the ninth minute of injury time.
Indonesian officials and supporters later complained bitterly that the added time had gone on for too long.
Bahrain’s football association (BFA) said this week it will ask for the return fixture to be moved out of Indonesia “to preserve the safety of the team.”
Bahrain’s players have been “subjected to a torrent of insults, slander, threats and hacking operations” online, the BFA alleged.
Indonesia’s FA said the Bahrain team would be safe.
The Asian Football Confederation said it was “aware of the concerns.”
“The AFC takes these concerns seriously and is fully committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all players, officials, and fans, while condemning all forms of online abuse and threats,” it said in a statement.
“The AFC will discuss the matter further with FIFA, the BFA, and the Football Association of Indonesia to create a safe and secure environment for all stakeholders involved in the match.”


Mbappe ‘seems unaffected’ by rape investigation reports: Real Madrid coach Ancelotti

Updated 18 October 2024
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Mbappe ‘seems unaffected’ by rape investigation reports: Real Madrid coach Ancelotti

  • Mbappe’s lawyer said this week the France captain was “shocked” to see his name linked to the investigation
  • A Swedish prosecutor has confirmed that an investigation has been opened, without naming Mbappe

MADRID: Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said Friday the club’s French striker Kylian Mbappe “seems unaffected to me” after Swedish media reported he is being investigated for an alleged rape during a visit to Stockholm.
Mbappe’s lawyer said this week the France captain was “shocked” to see his name linked to the investigation and he will take action for libel.
The forward was not selected by France for UEFA Nations League matches after an injury and visited the Swedish capital with a group of people last week.
“In this moment (the reports) are speculations, I see him working every day, he is happy, content, he doesn’t seem affected to me at all,” Ancelotti told a news conference.
“He’s looking forward to keep on helping the team.”
Ancelotti said Mbappe, 25, had been given time off by the Spanish and European champions.
“The days off were set for him and beyond that, individuals can choose what they want to do,” explained Ancelotti.
“I don’t care where players prefer to rest. I went to London for a couple of days and didn’t ask anybody.
“I also don’t have a travel agency to organize trips for players.”
A Swedish prosecutor has confirmed that an investigation has been opened, without naming Mbappe.
Mbappe claimed in a post on X on Monday there was a link between the report and a hearing before a French league committee on Tuesday over his bitter dispute with his former club Paris Saint-Germain over what he says is 55 million euros ($60 million) in unpaid wages.
“FAKE NEWS !!!!. It’s becoming so predictable, on the eve of the hearing, as if by chance,” he wrote.
Mbappe completed a dream move to join Madrid in the summer after seven years at PSG.
The striker scored five goals in his first seven La Liga appearances before suffering a thigh injury.
Mbappe made a quicker-than-expected recovery but France did not select him for their games against Belgium and Israel, earning the forward criticism in his homeland.
Madrid, three points behind leaders Barcelona, visit Celta Vigo on Saturday with Mbappe expected to start for Los Blancos.
Ancelotti said the superstar attacker looks a “different player” after doing some fitness work during the international break.
“Mbappe took advantage of this break to improve his condition, recover from injuries... he’s doing very well, happy and looking forward to playing tomorrow,” continued Ancelotti.
“This fortnight has helped him a lot — he’s a different player than he was from before the break.”


SAFF Women’s Cup 2024-25 set to kick off this weekend

Updated 18 October 2024
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SAFF Women’s Cup 2024-25 set to kick off this weekend

  • Sixteen teams from the Saudi Women’s Premier League and First Division begin their quest to win the cup in March next year
  • Second elite competition sees cup-holders Al-Ahli welcome Al-Hmmah, with Al-Hilal hosting Abha and Al-Nassr heading to play Al-Taraji

RIYADH: The SAFF Women’s Cup 2024-25 kicks off this weekend, with 16 teams from the Saudi Women’s Premier League and First Division battling it out to lift the coveted trophy in March next year.

This is the second SAFF Women’s Cup. Last year’s inaugural competition saw Al-Ahli crowned cup-winners after beating Al Shabab 3-2 in the 2024 final at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh in March.

The Jeddah club begin their defense of the SAFF Women’s Cup with a home tie against Al-Hmmah on Saturday. Other matches to look out for in the Round of 16 this weekend include Al-Hilal hosting Abha on Friday and the back-to-back Saudi Women’s Premier League winners Al-Nassr’s trip to Al-Taraji on Saturday.

This season’s SAFF Women’s Cup final is scheduled to be played in March 2025, with the winning team earning a total prize of SR1 million ($267,000).

Aalia Al-Rasheed, head of the women’s football department at SAFF, said: “The inaugural SAFF Women’s Cup was warmly welcomed into the football calendar by clubs and fans last season, adding an extra layer of professionalism and competition to women’s football in Saudi Arabia. We have no doubt that the SAFF Women’s Cup will go from strength to strength this campaign, beginning with a Round of 16 featuring a number of fascinating fixtures this weekend.”

The full set of SAFF Women’s Cup Round of 16 fixtures this weekend is as follows:

Friday: Al-Qadsiah v Al-Amal; Al-Hilal v Abha; AlUla v Al-Riyadh; Al-Ittihad v Jeddah.

Saturday: Al-Shabab v Al-Anqaa; Al-Shoulla v Eastern Flames; Al-Ahli v Al-Hmmah, Al-Taraji v Al-Nassr.

The start of the SAFF Women’s Cup follows the successful start of the 2024-25 Saudi Women’s Premier League campaign.

The new season — featuring more than 200 players registered to play in the Kingdom’s top flight — began with a campaign called “See Us Play,” inviting football fans to celebrate women’s football across Saudi Arabia. There are almost 77,000 female players taking part in the nation’s schools league system.


Pakistan crush England in second Test to set up series decider

Updated 18 October 2024
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Pakistan crush England in second Test to set up series decider

  • Spinner Noman Ali grabbed 8-46, Sajid Khan took 2-93 as the pair wrapped up England’s second innings for 144
  • It was Pakistan’s first home win since Feb. 2021 and came after they were thumped by an innings in the first Test

MULTAN: Spinner Noman Ali took eight wickets as Pakistan crushed England by 152 runs in the second Test to level the series 1-1 on Friday in Multan.
Noman grabbed 8-46 and Sajid Khan took 2-93 as the pair wrapped up England’s second innings for 144 after the visitors were set a daunting target of 297.

Pakistan's Sajid Khan poses for photo with player of the match trophy on the end of the second test cricket match between Pakistan and England, in Multan on October 18, 2024. (AP)

It was Pakistan’s first home win since February 2021 and came after they were thumped by an innings in the first Test, also in Multan.
The third and final Test starts in Rawalpindi from October 24.
Noman finished with a match haul of 11-147 while Sajid had figures of 9-204, only the second time in Pakistan’s history that two bowlers took all 20 wickets in a Test.

Pakistan's Kamran Ghulam, center, shakes hand with England's Shoaib Bashir, fifth right, as his teammate celebrate after winning the second test cricket match against England, in Multan on October 18, 2024. (AP)

Pakistan’s last Test win at home came against South Africa in Rawalpindi more than three years ago. It was followed by 11 home Tests without a win.
This also becomes Shan Masood’s first win as skipper after getting the job last year, including 3-0 and 2-0 whitewashes at the hands of Australia and Bangladesh.
Pakistan’s ploy of dropping ace batsman Babar Azam in one of four changes after the first Test defeat and playing on a reused pitch with three spinners paid off handsomely.
Resuming at 36-2 and facing a tough task on a pitch offering sharp spin, England managed to add just 108 runs before folding.

England's Ben Stokes in action during the second test cricket match against Pakistan, in Multan on October 18, 2024. (REUTERS)

In just the second over of the day Sajid removed Ollie Pope with a sharp turning delivery and caught the miscued drive off his own bowling. Pope made 22.
Noman then trapped Joe Root leg-before for 18 and Harry Brook for 16 to leave England facing defeat at 78-5.

Pakistan’s Sajid Khan, fourth right, celebrates with teammates after taking the wicket of England’s Brydon Carse during the third day of the second test cricket match between Pakistan and England, in Multan on October 17, 2024. (AP)

Brook smashed an epic 317 and Root a brilliant 262 — eclipsing Alastair Cook’s England Test run record — in the first Test, and their dismissals signalled England’s doom was approaching.
Noman’s fourth wicket came in the form of Jamie Smith whose uppish slog sweep was held by Masood at mid-on. Smith scored six.
Skipper Ben Stokes and Brydon Carse fought hard to take the total to 125 when Stokes was stumped in a comical manner, jumping out of the crease to loft Noman but missing the ball as his bat flew out of his hands.
Noman wrapped up the match with the wickets of Carse (27), Jack Leach (one) and Shoaib Bashir (nought), improving his previous best of 7-70 against Sri Lanka in Colombo last year.