HONG KONG: It was a scintillating Saturday at the Aramco Team Series presented by PIF — Hong Kong, as Xiyu Lin (CHN) joined world No. 3 Jin Young Ko (KOR) at the top of the leaderboard at 11-under-par. The Asian Games bronze medalist shot the round of the day at Hong Kong Golf Club, a seven-under-par 66 in a round which included eight birdies, and one bogey.
On her round, Lin said: “I think today I was off to a pretty hot start, but then our whole team was a little bit slower afterwards. But when we made the turn, we were like, ‘Come on, let’s get it going.’ I think we all had a really good back nine. I’m happy, and I haven’t played alongside Hannah Burke for a long time, so I had a lot of fun the last two rounds.”
Going into Sunday tied for the lead, Lin said: “Obviously, I (will) just try to play another good round again. And I think being in contention along with another LPGA player, it’s a good thing. Cause you get familiar with that. And she’s a good player on this course.”
She added: “I’m just glad that here is my home base, so I get a lot of support. And I think I’ll try to turn this into energy for myself.”
Overnight leader Ko, who could not quite match yesterday’s heroics, followed her opening round of 65 with a steady three-under-par round of 70 on Saturday to secure her spot in the final group, heading into the final round on Sunday.
Ko said after her round: “(It was) very windy. It was hard to focus in this wind out there. But I played really well today and I made some good putts.”
Leaders Ko and Lin lead the Aramco Team Series — Hong Kong by one shot over Anne Van Dam of the Netherlands, who followed up her opening round of 67 with another solid performance of four-under par 69 to be within touching distance of the leaders heading into Sunday.
On her performance today, Van Dam said: “My mindset today was really good. Obviously, with the weather, we didn’t quite know what was going to happen, so I was prepared for everything, and I was taking it one shot at a time, and really committed to the shots I wanted to hit and pretty aggressive. Overall, I’m pleased for today.”
Van Dam plays in the leading group with Lin and Ko tomorrow, and voiced her thoughts going into the final round in contention: “Overall, I’m just super excited. That’s what I practice really hard for is to be in contention and to be under that kind of pressure, and it’s something I really like, so I’m just excited for another chance tomorrow, obviously playing with two great golfers.
“Janet is a good friend of mine, so I’m excited to play with her again, and Jin Young — well, it speaks for itself, so I’m going to go out and play my own game, play aggressively and try to shoot a low number and see where we end up”.
Local star Tiffany Chan followed her opening round of 71 with a second consecutive 71, and sits at four-under-par heading into the final round at the Aramco Team Series Hong Kong. Playing alongside Muni He and Kelly Whaley, Chan’s grouping attracted large crowds over the past two days at her home course Hong Kong Golf Club.
Aside from the individual championship, the team championship reached its conclusion on Saturday afternoon, which came right down to the wire in Hong Kong.
It was early-starters Team Napoleaova consisting of captain Kristinya Napoleaova (CZE) and her teammates Laura Fuenfstuek (GER), Magdalena Simmermacher (ARG) and their amateur partner, John Hyun — a long-time member of Hong Kong Golf Club — who managed to claim the team championship with a total score of 31-under-par, winning by one shot over Team Cheenglab to claim their first victory in the Aramco Team Series.
Speaking after the victory, captain Napoleaova said: “We were so lucky with (our amateur) John, so I think it was just so good, and honestly, the Aramco Team Series are the peaks of the season, so I’m really enjoying every single event. It’s always at a great golf course like here in Hong Kong, and the locations are incredible. You get to see so much and meet new and interesting people, and I can’t wait for the next one in Riyadh.”
Jin Young Ko and Xiyu Lin share lead at Aramco team Series Hong Kong
https://arab.news/76d7g
Jin Young Ko and Xiyu Lin share lead at Aramco team Series Hong Kong
- China’s Lin shoots round of the day, seven-under-par (66), as overnight leader Ko hits 70 on Saturday
- Team Napoleaova claim team championship with combined score of 31-under-par
Officials reinforce Japan-Saudi sports relations
Matsumoto Hisashi, Japan’s parliamentary vice minister for foreign affairs, visited the Saudi Judo Federation on Monday during his visit to the Kingdom, further strengthening the relations between the two countries.
The visit highlighted the Saudi Judo Federation’s achievements and its future programs. Additionally, the Japanese official paid a visit to the Mahad Academy to attend a judo demonstration.
During his visit to Saudi Arabia, Matsumoto also held a meeting with Rakan bin Ibrahim Altouq, the assistant minister of culture, to further foster Japan-Saudi culture relations. He, alongside a Japanese delegation, also held talks with Saudi officials to discuss Vision 2030.
Banton, Pooran steer MI Emirates to emphatic 26-run triumph over Dubai Capitals
- Victory at Zayed Cricket Stadium was MI Emirates’ first win of the DP World ILT20 season
ABU DHABI: The MI Emirates cruised to their first win of the DP World ILT20 season against the Dubai Capitals at Zayed Cricket Stadium on Monday evening.
With half-centuries from Tom Banton and Nicholas Pooran, the MI Emirates clinched a 26-run win.
Shai Hope was the star of the match with a magnificent 101 runs in 59 balls, but it was in vain as the Dubai Capitals lost to the MI Emirates for the first time in the tournament’s history.
The course of the game turned in favor of the MI Emirates with Fazalhaq Farooqi’s over, where he picked up two wickets and conceded just three runs.
With the Capitals chasing a daunting target of 188, the MI Emirates opened their bowling with spin. Akeal Hosein was handed the new ball and the move nearly paid off in the third over.
This was when Ben Dunk skied a quicker one, but Waqar Salamkheil dropped the sitter. Hope, at the other end, did the bulk of the scoring and anchored the Capitals’ innings.
Alzarri Joseph gave the MI Emirates the breakthrough as he bowled Dunk in the sixth over, but Hope motored on at the other end and brought up his 50 in 32 deliveries.
Hope and McMullen put up 61 for the second wicket before the latter was stumped by Pooran. It was a redemption tale for Salamkheil as he finally got his man.
Hope remained unscathed and hit AM Ghazanfar for a four and six as he brought up his T20 career’s second century. This was the first century scored by a Dubai Capitals player and also the third 100 in the history of the DP World ILT20. Hope fell with the next ball.
The momentum swung the MI Emirates’ way thereafter as Farooqi dismissed Sikandar Raza with a toe-crushing yorker. Farooqi made it two in two as he crafted another brilliant yorker to get rid of Dasun Shanaka’s off-stump.
The Dubai Capitals were left to rue their chances as Zahoor Khan bowled a fantastic 19th over, giving away just one run. The Dubai Capitals needed 36 in the final over, but it proved to be too steep a hill to climb.
Earlier in the evening, the MI Emirates stuttered as Dushmantha Chameera was on the money in his very first delivery. He outfoxed Kusala Perera and dislodged his leg stump to give the Dubai Capitals an early footing in the game.
Banton joined Muhammed Waseem in the middle and the duo offered the MI Emirates much-needed stability with a key partnership of 38 runs that was littered with boundaries.
However, Raza made amends for a missed catch earlier as he found the stumps with a stunning throw from mid-off and Waseem returned to the pavilion for 18. The powerplay ended with the MI Emirates putting up 50 for two, with both teams having plenty of positive takeaways.
Banton continued to thrive on one end, bringing up his half-century in style as he swept Zahir Khan for a huge six on the leg side to wrap up the 11th over.
Coming in at number four, Pooran joined the party as he clobbered two fours and six sixes in a 29-ball endeavor that yielded 59 runs. Pooran took Olly Stone for three successive sixes in the 15th over.
The skipper began his onslaught with a perfectly timed scoop, the next was a fortunate edge that sailed over the ropes, and the third was a repeat of the first. In pursuit of a fourth consecutive maximum, he holed out to Shanaka at deep midwicket.
Stone struck again in the 18th over as he got rid of Banton, the architect of MI Emirates’ innings, for a top score of 74 runs in 52 balls.
Romario Shepherd, Kieron Pollard and Joseph made up Gulbadin Naib’s second consecutive three-wicket haul in the final over as the Capitals restricted the MI Emirates to 187 for seven.
Expressing his regret on not bringing the Capitals home, centurion Hope said: “A 100 always feels a lot sweeter when you end up on the winning side.
“Just unfortunate I could not get the team there, but we just fell short with the bat. It was a pretty good pitch, and I thought we did well to restrict them to under 200.”
Meanwhile, Player of the Match, Banton remarked: “It was tricky to begin with. We spoke pre-game that someone’s got to bat through the innings. I looked to put pressure back on the bowlers when the ball was in my area.
“I’ve played a lot of cricket here and the wickets are always good. It’s my first year here, I was with MI Cape Town last year. Someone has to put his hand up every game, and today it was me.”
Brief scores:
MI Emirates beat Dubai Capitals by 26 runs.
MI Emirates 187-7 in 20 overs (Tom Banton 74, Nicholas Pooran 59, Kieron Pollard 22, Gulbadin Naib 3 for 27).
Dubai Capitals 161-6 in 20 overs (Shai Hope 101, Brandon McMullen 16, Fazalhaq Farooqi 2 for 22).
Saudi Arabia, Japan discuss collaboration for 2026 Asian Games
- Meeting at Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee headquarters in Riyadh
RIYADH: Officials representing the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee and Japan’s Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Hisashi Matsumoto discussed on Monday plans for the hosting of the 20th Asian Games and the 5th Asian Para Games in Nagoya city in 2026.
According to the Saudi Press Agency, the SOPC’s CEO and Secretary-General Abdulaziz bin Ahmed Baeshen attended the meeting at the organization’s headquarters in Riyadh.
The officials discussed ways to facilitate the participation of Saudi Arabia’s sports delegation in the games.
Collaboration between Saudi Arabia and Japan have strengthened following the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the SOPC and the Japanese Olympic Committee on the sidelines of the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Set to begin in September, the theme of the 2026 Asian Games is “Imagine One Asia.”
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This story was originally posted on Arab News Japan
‘Ready and excited’: Beterbiev looking to remain undefeated in rematch with Bivol at ‘The Last Crescendo’
- The fight, backed by Riyadh Season, will determine the undisputed light-heavyweight champion
LONDON: Artur Beterbiev on Monday declared his readiness and excitement for his highly anticipated rematch against Dmitry Bivol, headlining the blockbuster boxing event “The Last Crescendo” on Feb. 22 in Riyadh.
The fight, backed by Riyadh Season, will determine the undisputed light-heavyweight champion.
“I am ready and excited, and looking forward to the match,” Beterbiev told Arab News during a press conference in London. The undefeated champion highlighted his respect for Bivol’s skills and his confidence in securing another win.
Their first fight was a closely contested bout, showcasing their talent and tenacity. Bivol, seeking redemption, expressed his determination to reclaim the title and avenge his only career loss.
The event features a stellar lineup of undercard bouts, with champions and rising stars ready to deliver memorable performances.
Daniel Dubois vs. Joseph Parker
Dubois, the IBF heavyweight champion, will defend his title against former WBC champion Parker. “I’ve pushed myself harder than ever in training. This is my time to shine,” said Dubois. Parker, undeterred, vowed to use his experience to regain a world title.
Shakur Stevenson vs. Floyd Schofield
In a WBC lightweight title bout, Stevenson will face Schofield, a rising star in the division. “This fight is a stepping stone to solidify my legacy,” Stevenson said. Schofield called the match a “dream opportunity” to prove his worth on the world stage.
Carlos Adames vs. Hamzah Sheeraz
WBC middleweight champion Adames will battle the undefeated Sheeraz. “I’m here to make a statement and bring the title home,” Sheeraz said. Adames, determined to retain his belt, promised to “show the world why I’m the champion.”
Zhilei Zhang vs. Agit Kabayel
Heavyweight powerhouses Zhang and Kabayel will face off in a bout with global intrigue. “The support of Saudi Arabia is incredible, and events like these align with Vision 2030 to promote global sports and cultural exchange,” Zhang said.
Joshua Buatsi vs. Callum Smith
Two rising stars of the light-heavyweight division will clash in a bout that could redefine the division’s future.
Djokovic joins Alcaraz, Sinner in second round of Australian Open
- In front of new coach and former rival Andy Murray, Djokovic struggled to raise a smile in the immediate aftermath
MELBOURNE: Novak Djokovic survived a scare in his quest for tennis history before following Carlos Alcaraz and defending champion Jannik Sinner into the second round of the Australian Open on Monday.
But Greek former finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas and home favorite Nick Kyrgios both fell at the first hurdle, with the combustible Australian going out swearing and in pain.
In the women’s draw, Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff powered through with minimum fuss as they launched their bids to dethrone two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka.
Another winner was two-time Australian Open champion Naomi Osaka, who defeated France’s Caroline Garcia 6-3, 3-6, 6-3.
On a blockbuster second day in Melbourne, Djokovic lost the first set to 107th-ranked American Nishesh Basavareddy in the prime-time evening match on Rod Laver Arena.
But the Serbian great, hoping to roll back the years and win an 11th Australian Open and record 25th Grand Slam singles title, recovered to ease through 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-2.
In front of new coach and former rival Andy Murray, Djokovic struggled to raise a smile in the immediate aftermath.
“At the end, it was great but I think he was the better player for a set and a half,” said the 37-year-old.
Italian world No. 1 Sinner was warmly welcomed on Rod Laver Arena before defeating Chile’s Nicolas Jarry 7-6 (7/2), 7-6 (7/5), 6-1.
Sinner is playing under a cloud after twice testing positive for traces of a steroid in March.
He denies wrongdoing and was cleared by tennis authorities, but the World Anti-Doping Agency appealed and is seeking to ban him for up to two years.
“I was curious to see how it was. You never know what’s happening,” he said about the reception.
“I was happy about the crowd,” added Sinner, who has not tasted defeat since losing to Alcaraz in the Beijing final in October.
Alcaraz, a four-time Grand Slam champion but never a winner in Melbourne, had a couple of hairy moments before seeing off Kazakhstan’s Alexander Shevchenko, 6-1, 7-5, 6-1.
“This is a tournament I really want to win one day, hopefully this year,” said the 21-year-old Spaniard.
There was disappointment for home fans as the colorful but temperamental Kyrgios, only recently back from 18 months out with injury, lost 7-6 (7/3), 6-3, 7-6 (7/2) to Britain’s Jacob Fearnley.
Kyrgios spoke to physios multiple times in the second set after wincing in pain while serving and fired expletives at his coaching box.
The 11th-seeded Tsitsipas became the first major casualty when Alex Michelsen blasted past him 7-5, 6-3, 2-6, 6-4.
The 26-year-old Greek, who played Djokovic in the 2023 final at Melbourne Park, never looked comfortable against the 42nd-ranked American.
“It just sucks in a way that I’ll be hanging around for quite a while now before my next tournament comes in,” said Tsitsipas.
Two-time US Open semifinalist Frances Tiafoe vomited twice on court before pulling through in five sets against Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech.
The women’s draw provided few upsets on day two.
Red-hot world No. 3 Gauff laid down a marker as she swept aside former Melbourne champion and fellow American Sofia Kenin.
Gauff is unbeaten this year after leading the US to United Cup glory and eased past the 2020 Australian Open winner 6-3, 6-3 in 80 minutes.
“I knew it was going to be difficult, but you know, I’m happy with how I played,” said Gauff, the 2023 US Open champion.
World No. 2 Swiatek defeated Czech doubles specialist Katerina Siniakova 6-3, 6-4 to get her tournament up and running.
The Pole has won five Grand Slams but her best performance at Melbourne Park is the semifinals in 2022.
“For sure it wasn’t an easy first round, so I’m happy that I’m through,” said Swiatek.
US Open finalist Jessica Pegula, the seventh-seeded American, blew away home player Maya Joint 6-3, 6-0.
Victoria Azarenka, the 2012 and 2013 champion, was a notable early loser as the Belarusian went down 6-2, 7-6 (7/2) to Italy’s Lucia Bronzetti.
