ABU DHABI: Rory McIlroy can finish a season as the European tour’s top player for the sixth time with a win at the Abu Dhabi Championship this week.
He’ll attempt to do so with a new swing.
The No. 3-ranked McIlroy said he has been hunkered down in a studio — first in Florida, then in New York — for three weeks, just hitting balls at a screen with a modified swing and not even looking at the flight of his shots.
He hasn’t liked the shape of his swing for a while, he said Wednesday, and wanted a more robust one that could hold up in the most pressure-filled moments following a number of missed chances this season. The most notable was at the US Open in June, where he missed two putts in the 3-foot range in the final three holes on Sunday to pave the way for a victory for Bryson DeChambeau and extend McIlroy’s decade without a major title.
“The only way I was going to make a change, or at least move in the right direction, with my swing was to lock myself in a studio and not see the ball flight for a bit and just focus entirely on the movement,” McIlroy said.
“It’s something, he added, “just to make my golf swing more efficient, and then if it is more efficient, then it means it’s not going to break down as much under pressure. If I look at my year, the one thing that I would criticize myself on is the fact that I’ve had these chances to win.”
McIlroy has won twice this year — at the Dubai Desert Classic and the Wells Fargo Championship — and has had four second-place finishes, including recently at the Irish Open and the BMW PGA Championship on the European tour.
That has left the Northern Irishman frustrated but well clear in the Race to Dubai rankings that determine the best player of the year on the European tour. A win in Abu Dhabi can seal the title and remove some suspense — at least for McIlroy — from the final event of the season, at the World Tour Championship in nearby Dubai next week.
“If I go out and win this week, obviously you know, it makes it a bit boring next week,” the four-time major champion said. “But I won’t find it boring. It will be lovely.”
A sixth Race to Dubai title — it used to be called the Order of Merit — would put McIlroy level with the late Seve Ballesteros on the all-time list and only two behind Colin Montgomerie, who has a record eight.
“I’m a European player,” McIlroy said. “I would like to go down as the most successful European of all time. Obviously Race to Dubai wins would count to that but also major championships and hopefully I’ve got a few more Ryder Cups ahead of me as well.
“So that’s something that I would like to (do). I think (it) is a goal that’s quite attainable over the next 10 years.”
McIlroy looks to clinch Race to Dubai title with new swing after 3 weeks shut away in a studio
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McIlroy looks to clinch Race to Dubai title with new swing after 3 weeks shut away in a studio
- The No. 3-ranked McIlroy said he has been locked in a studio for three weeks just hitting balls at a screen with a modified swing
Over 40 drivers set for groundbreaking Formula E pre-season testing
- Flash floods in Valencia mean the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship’s session has been moved to the Circuito del Jarama in Madrid
- The test will also see the first all-female test session in an FIA Championship, featuring drivers in the new GEN3 Evo car
LONDON: As the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship gears up for the start of the new season in Sao Paulo next month, pre-season testing takes place in Spain this week.
Eleven teams will hit the track as they fine-tune their preparations over the four days, from Nov. 5-8. There will also be a historic milestone, with the first all-female test session in an FIA Championship.
Following the devastating flash floods affecting Valencia, the test session has been moved to the Circuito del Jaramo in Madrid following consultation between Formula E, the FIA, local authorities and Circuit Ricardo Tormo.
While Valencia has been integral to Formula E since 2017, the decision was made to avoid diverting resources from local relief efforts. Formula E has confirmed its commitment to supporting the recovery of the Valencia community.
Formula E Chief Championship Officer Alberto Longo said: “We are incredibly thankful to be able to kick off our pre-season testing in Madrid, a move made possible by the dedicated efforts of the Circuito de Jarama team. Our thoughts are still with the Valencia community as we prepare to hit the track, as a place so close to our hearts.
“This season marks a significant milestone as we unveil the GEN3 Evo, showcasing its incredible acceleration speeds for the first time. Additionally, we are proud to make history with the inaugural women’s test — a first for an FIA Championship — reflecting our commitment to diversity and inclusion in motorsport. There’s so much to be excited about as we gear up for the new season, which starts next month in Sao Paulo. Season 11 of Formula E, vamos!”
The first FIA all-female test session is scheduled for Friday, Nov. 8. Each team in the championship is required to field at least one female driver for the half-day session.
The GEN3 Evo means the teams and drivers need to master another new car. There have also been grid additions and a flurry of driver changes.
Maximilian Gunther has joined DS PENSKE, partnering two-time Formula E champion Jean-Eric Vergne, after departing Maserati MSG Racing. Though both teams use the Stellantis powertrain, this move marks a fresh chapter for Gunther, who has been in the championship since Season 5. Meanwhile, Stoffel Vandoorne has left DS PENSKE to join Maserati MSG Racing, where he will team up with newcomer Jake Hughes, transitioning to the GEN3 Evo era from NEOM McLaren.
Some teams have opted for stability, retaining their existing driver line-ups from last season. Envision Racing will continue with Robin Frijns and Season 2 champion Sebastien Buemi, while TAG Heuer Porsche remains committed to defending World Champion Pascal Wehrlein and his teammate Antonio Felix da Costa.
Mahindra Racing will keep Edoardo Mortara and Nyck de Vries and Jaguar TCS Racing’s duo, Mitch Evans and Nick Cassidy, will return after securing the teams’ title at the Season 10 finale in London.
Andretti has seen a reshuffle, with Season 9 champion Jake Dennis now partnered with Nico Muller, who also became a Porsche works driver during the break. Norman Nato returns to Nissan, reuniting with Oliver Rowland after a year at Andretti.
The season also brings some exciting new faces — rookie Zane Maloney joins Lola Yamaha ABT in their inaugural Formula E season, pairing with Season 3 champion Lucas di Grassi.
NEOM McLaren welcomes back Taylor Barnard, who filled in last season and who embarks on his first full campaign alongside series veteran Sam Bird.
Newly rebranded Kiro Race Co. is the only team yet to confirm its driver line-up, with an announcement expected soon.
Indian cricket’s mega league auction heads to Saudi Arabia
- Jeddah to host TATA IPL 2025 player auction, the first such event in the Kingdom
RIYADH: The TATA IPL 2025 mega auction will be held in the Red Sea city of Jeddah on Nov. 24 and 25, 2024.
Unlike regular auctions, the mega auction, which takes place every three years, is spread over two days instead of one and is one of the most followed events in cricket, as the 10 IPL franchises build their squads for the next three years (2025-2027).
Following the big announcement by the Board of Control for Cricket in India, the Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation said on Wednesday: “The SACF, within the events in Jeddah calendar, are thrilled to announce that Jeddah has been selected by the BCCI to host the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 Player Auction on November 24th and 25th, 2024 making it the first-ever international cricket event of this stature to be held in Saudi Arabia.”
The TATA IPL, widely recognised as the world’s most prestigious T20 cricket league, has registered 1,574 players from around the world for the 2025 player auction — 320 capped players, 1,224 uncapped players, and 30 players from associate nations. With only 204 slots available, teams will engage in competitive bidding wars to secure top talent, promising a thrilling experience for cricket fans worldwide.
“We are very pleased to host this prestigious event, which confirms the depth of our relationship with the BCCI and its honorary secretary, Jay Shah. In addition to the Kingdom’s commitment to developing the sport and showcasing its position as a global destination for sporting events,” said Prince Saud bin Mishal, chairman of the SACF.
“This prestigious event is a testament to our dedication to develop the sport in the Kingdom, and we look forward to celebrating this remarkable moment with cricket fans across the Kingdom,” Prince Saud added.
مزاد الكريكيت الأكبر عالمياً في قلب المملكة العربية السعودية!
جدة تستضيف مزاد لاعبي الدوري الهندي الممتاز للعام 2025 - استعدوا لسباق المزايدات وبناء فرق الأحلام للموسم القادم!
#SACF | #SaudiCricket | #الاتحاد_السعودي_للكريكيت | #كريكيت | #IPL2025 | #IPLAuction |… pic.twitter.com/I7L5V3zdkm
— الاتحاد السعودي للكريكيت | Saudi Cricket (@cricketsaudi) November 5, 2024
Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the IPL 2025 Player Auction not only highlights its potential as a cricketing destination but also signals a new era of cultural exchange and sporting excellence in the region.
Cricket fans in Saudi Arabia will have a unique opportunity to witness the creation of the TATA IPL 2025 teams and be part of a popular global event, the federation said.
Commenting on the mega auction heading to the Kingdom, India’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan said: “It is a matter of great pride and excitement for us to witness the TATA IPL 2025 Players Auction being held in Saudi Arabia, a historic first that underscores the deepening ties between India and Saudi Arabia. This event reflects the growing cultural and sports exchanges between our two nations, symbolizing a new era of shared aspirations and people-to-people connectivity.”
Bringing the auction to Jeddah not only highlights Saudi Arabia’s growing role as a global sports and entertainment destination, but will also serve as catalyst for popularizing and developing cricket in the Kingdom, the ambassador said.
“Congratulations and best wishes to all those involved in making this momentous occasion possible,” Khan said.
There were 1,165 Indian and 409 overseas players registered for the auction, which will be held at the Abady Al Johar Arena (also known as Benchmark Arena), by the Nov. 4 deadline, the BCCI said.
Players are from countries including Italy, Canada, Netherlands, Scotland, the US and the UAE, apart from the full member nations excluding Pakistan.
Each franchise can build a squad of up to 25 players, which means that there are 204 slots available at the auction after the retention.
On Oct. 31, the deadline for teams to finalise which of their players they were keeping from their 2024 squads, a total of 46 players were retained across the 10 franchises.
The IPL allowed teams to retain up to six players this time — of which a maximum of five can be capped and a maximum of two can be uncapped. The six players can either be retained outright ahead of the auction, or can be bought back using right-to-match options at the auction, or a combination of both.
The IPL auction is being held overseas for the second successive year — 2024 was in Dubai.
Josh Inglis named Australia’s white-ball captain in ongoing series against Pakistan
- Most Australian stars will be absent from Pakistan matches to prepare for Test series with India
- The 29-year-old wicketkeeper Inglis will captain both the ODI and T20 series against Pakistan
SYDNEY: Josh Inglis will captain Australia for the first time in the third ODI against Pakistan and in the following Twenty20 series, selectors said Wednesday, with a number of stars absent.
Regular one-day skipper Pat Cummins plus Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith will not play the third ODI in Perth on Sunday so they can prepare for the Test series against India.
Xavier Bartlett, Spencer Johnson and Josh Philippe all come into the squad.
With Twenty20 skipper Mitchell Marsh on paternity leave, the 29-year-old wicketkeeper Inglis will also captain the hosts in the three-match T20 series against Pakistan starting November 14.
“Josh is an integral member of the ODI and T20I teams and a highly respected player on and off the field,” George Bailey, chairman of selectors, said.
“He has led Australia A previously and will bring strong tactical nous and a positive approach to the role.”
Australia won the first one-dayer on Monday by two wickets. The second match is on Friday.
Australia’s Test team, led by Cummins, will play five matches against India.
The first Test starts on November 22 in Perth.
Real Madrid, Manchester City both humiliated in Champions League, Liverpool enjoy Alonso’s return
- Liverpool moved top of the league phase table with four wins from four games, followed by Sporting and Monaco, both on 10 points after three wins and a draw
- German forward Nicolas Kuhn scored twice as Celtic defeated Leipzig 3-1 at home, and Juventus drew 1-1 at Lille
LONDON: European heavyweights Real Madrid and Manchester City both suffered big defeats in the Champions League on Tuesday.
Defending champions Madrid were humbled 3-1 at home by AC Milan, while Erling Haaland missed a penalty and City squandered a fourth-minute lead as they lost 4-1 at Sporting Lisbon, whose coach will soon take charge of their crosstown rival.
It was a much better evening for Liverpool, as Luis Diaz scored a hat trick and Cody Gakpo grabbed another goal in a 4-0 win over German champion Bayer Leverkusen at Anfield that marred Xabi Alonso’s return to his old home.
The Leverkusen coach was given a warm welcome on his return to the club where he became a fan favorite as a player over five seasons between 2004-09. Alonso won the Champions League with Liverpool in 2005.
Liverpool moved top of the league phase table with four wins from four games, followed by Sporting and Monaco, both on 10 points after three wins and a draw. Under the new 36-team format introduced by UEFA this season, the top eight teams advance directly to the next round, and those from ninth to 24th enter playoffs to reach it, while the bottom 12 are eliminated.
Amorim’s audition
Before their game, Sporting fans displayed a huge tifo thanking Ruben Amorim in his last home game before he takes over Manchester United.
Phil Foden then got City off to a flying start in the fourth minute, only the second goal Sporting has conceded in four games of the competition.
But Swedish forward Viktor Gyokeres scored a hat trick as Sporting came roaring back. Gyokeres first equalized in the 38th after a perfect through ball from Geovany Quenda, before Maximiliano Araujo made it 2-1 right after the break. Gyokeres then made it 3-1 from the penalty spot after Josko Gvardiol was penalized for a shove on Francisco Trincão in the area.
Haaland’s penalty hit the crossbar, before Gyokeres showed the Norwegian how it’s done with another spot kick at the other end to complete the scoring.
It is the first time since 2018 that City have lost three straight games, coming off a defeat to Tottenham in the English League Cup and a loss to Bournemouth in the Premier League.
“In my seven and a half years at the club, I don’t remember losing three games in a row,” City midfielder Bernardo Silva said.
Madrid faltering
In Spain, Christian Pulisic sent in a corner for Malick Thiaw to head Milan into a 12th-minute lead, ensuring Madrid trailed in a third straight game in the Champions League this season. The 15-time champion had already lost to surprise team Lille in their second game.
Vinícius Junior equalized from the penalty spot in the 23rd after he’d been tripped, but Alvaro Morata pounced on the rebound after Andriy Lunin saved Rafael Leão’s shot to restore the visitors’ lead against his former club.
Morata had already been given a hostile reception from the home fans, who evidently remember the goal he scored to take Juventus through to the 2015 final at their team’s expense.
Tijjani Reijnders scored Milan’s third goal as the home fans made their frustrations known at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.
“The last two defeats are inexplicable. We have to analyze and react quickly,” Lunin said, referring to Madrid’s 4-0 loss to Barcelona in its previous Spanish league game.
It’s the first time since 2009 that Madrid have lost two successive games at home with at least three goals conceded in each, according to Opta.
“We have to get back on track,” Lunin said.
Other results
German forward Nicolas Kuhn scored twice as Celtic defeated Leipzig 3-1 at home, and Juventus drew 1-1 at Lille.
Lille midfielder Edon Zhegrova eluded two defenders before playing a perfect pass for Jonathan David, who fired inside the far post, but Dusan Vlahovic equalized with a penalty for the Italian club.
Donyell Malen scored late for Borussia Dortmund to beat Sturm Graz 1-0 at home, and Thilo Kehrer did likewise for Monaco to win at Bologna 1-0.
US midfielder Malik Tillman scored one goal and set up another as PSV Eindhoven beat Spanish team Girona 4-0.
Dinamo Zagreb dealt Slovan Bratislava their fourth straight defeat in the competition as the visitors came from behind to win 4-1 in Bratislava.
Real Madrid and AC Milan pay tribute to victims of deadly Valencia floods in Champions League match
- Players from both teams entered the field wearing shirts with the words “We are all Valencia,” written in Spanish on Madrid’s kits and in Italian on AC Milan’s
- Madrid’s organized fan group also displayed a “We are all Valencia” banner behind one of the goals at the Bernabeu
- More than 200 people were killed when flash floods caused by heavy downpours in eastern Spain devastated the Valencia region last week
MADRID: Real Madrid and AC Milan honored the victims of the deadly floods in Valencia before their Champions League match on Tuesday.
Players from both teams entered the field wearing shirts with the words “We are all Valencia,” written in Spanish on Madrid’s kits and in Italian on AC Milan’s.
A huge banner of the Valencia region was displayed in the stands at midfield, covering several sitting sections at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium while a moment of silence was observed before kickoff.
Madrid’s organized fan group also displayed a “We are all Valencia” banner behind one of the goals at the Bernabeu.
Spain international Alvaro Morata, who scored one of the goals for Milan in the team’s 3-1 win against Madrid, said soccer has become secondary after the tragedy.
“What’s happening in Valencia is the most important thing,” he said. “Hopefully the situation will improve, because we can’t enjoy a soccer match with a situation like that happening in our country.”
More than 200 people were killed when flash floods caused by heavy downpours in eastern Spain devastated the Valencia region last week, destroying almost everything in their path and leaving people trapped in vehicles, homes and businesses.
Real Madrid had donated 1 million euros to help the victims affected by the unprecedented floods.
Madrid hadn’t played a match since its 4-0 loss to Barcelona in the Spanish league “clasico” on Oct. 26. Their weekend game at Valencia in the league was postponed because of the floods.
Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said in his news conference on Monday that he didn’t “feel like talking about soccer” with everything that was happening in Valencia.
Several other sporting events across Spain were affected by the deadly floods.
Before the match, Madrid fans at the Bernabeu loudly jeered when UEFA’s Champions League anthem was played. That came after the club decided not to attend the Ballon d’Or awards ceremony last week whentheir forward Vinicius Junior did not win the prestigious prize.
