分类： sports

Nicolai Højgaard has taken a commanding three-shot lead at the 2025 DP World Tour Championship in Dubai, showcasing a masterful display of golf at Jumeirah Golf Estates. The Danish golfer, who began the day three strokes behind leader Michael Kim, surged ahead with an eagle and five birdies, carding a flawless 65—the lowest round of the tournament so far. This impressive performance propelled him to 12 under par, firmly establishing his position at the top of the leaderboard.

Højgaard, a two-time participant in this season-ending event, has a strong affinity for the Earth Course. He debuted in 2021 with a fourth-place finish and clinched the title in 2023. Reflecting on his performance, Højgaard emphasized patience and precision as key factors in his success. ‘It’s great to be back. This is one of my favorite tournaments and courses to play,’ he said. ‘I stayed really patient, and it paid off.’

The chasing pack includes notable names such as Justin Rose, Shane Lowry, and Rory McIlroy, all tied at nine under par. Rose, Lowry, and McIlroy, Højgaard’s 2023 European Ryder Cup teammates, remain within striking distance, alongside Daniel Hillier and fellow Dane Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen. Neergaard-Petersen briefly challenged Højgaard, reaching ten under par before a bogey on the final hole dropped him back.

Højgaard’s dominance was evident from the start, with an opening birdie and a crucial eagle at the second hole. His strategic play and mid-iron precision have been instrumental in navigating the challenging course. ‘It suits my eye,’ he remarked. ‘It’s a mix of driver and mid-irons, which plays into my strengths.’

Away from the competition, the event attracted notable figures, including Nottingham Forest manager Sean Dyche and Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta, who were spotted around the Jumeirah Golf Estates. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Højgaard to see if he can maintain his lead and secure another victory at this prestigious event.

North Korea’s women’s U-17 football team has once again proven its dominance on the global stage, securing their third World Cup title with a resounding 3-0 victory over the Netherlands in Morocco. This triumph marks their second consecutive win in the U-17 Women’s World Cup and their fourth overall, following their success in the same tournament just a year ago. The team’s performance was nothing short of spectacular, scoring a record-breaking 25 goals while conceding only three throughout the competition. Their flawless run included victories in all seven matches, showcasing their unparalleled skill and teamwork. The victory has been celebrated extensively by North Korea’s state media, with the Rodong Sinmun newspaper highlighting the players’ pride in representing their nation. The win is seen as a significant morale booster for the country, which often faces international scrutiny for its political actions. Analysts suggest that North Korea’s investment in youth sports, particularly football, is a strategic move to project a positive image globally. The country’s rigorous training programs for young athletes have been credited with producing world-class talent, as evidenced by their consistent success in international competitions. While the men’s team struggles to make an impact, the women’s team continues to shine, currently ranked 10th globally and poised as strong contenders for the upcoming Women’s Asian Cup in Australia. The Netherlands’ coach, Olivier Amelink, acknowledged the North Korean team’s superiority, stating that the skill gap was too vast to overcome. North Korea’s Yu Jong Hyang emerged as the tournament’s standout player, earning both the Golden Boot and Golden Ball awards for her exceptional performance. This victory not only cements North Korea’s status as a powerhouse in women’s youth football but also serves as a source of national pride and inspiration.

The 2025 T100 Triathlon World Tour reaches its penultimate stage in Dubai this weekend, with elite athletes Hayden Wilde and Kate Waugh aiming to solidify their championship leads ahead of the Qatar finale. The event, set against the backdrop of Dubai’s iconic landmarks, promises high-stakes competition and thrilling performances. Wilde, a dual Olympic medallist, enters the race with an unbroken streak of five victories this season. However, formidable challengers like Belgium’s Jelle Geens and Germany’s Mika Noodt stand ready to disrupt his quest for a sixth consecutive win. Wilde, who made a remarkable recovery from a severe bike crash earlier this year, remains focused on the tactical demands of the course, which winds through Jumeirah and Meydan. On the women’s side, Britain’s Kate Waugh seeks to extend her nine-point lead over compatriot Lucy Charles-Barclay, who is absent from this race. Waugh, who has consistently podiumed this season, faces fierce competition from athletes like Switzerland’s Julie Derron and USA’s Taylor Knibb. The Dubai T100 also marks a historic milestone for Ghani Souleymane, a Dubai-based endurance athlete attempting his 100th consecutive T100 distance triathlon, a feat expected to earn a Guinness World Record. The event, which includes amateur races and a festival atmosphere, showcases Dubai’s vibrant sports culture. With the Qatar finale looming, every point gained in Dubai could prove decisive in the championship standings.

Crystal Palace striker Eddie Nketiah has addressed growing speculation about a potential switch in his international allegiance from England to Ghana as the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches. The 26-year-old, who holds the record for most goals scored for England’s Under-21 team with 16 goals, has only made one senior appearance for England, coming on as a substitute in a friendly against Australia in October 2023. Under FIFA rules introduced in 2020, players can switch nationalities if they have played no more than three competitive matches at the senior level before turning 21 or have not participated in a major tournament like the World Cup or Africa Cup of Nations. Nketiah, born in London to Ghanaian parents, has expressed pride in his Ghanaian heritage but remains focused on his club career. ‘At the moment, I’m just enjoying my football with Crystal Palace—that’s been my main focus,’ he told BBC Sport Africa. ‘I’m Ghanaian and there’s no denying that. I’m sure the future will take care of itself.’ The debate over diaspora players like Nketiah and Nottingham Forest’s Callum Hudson-Odoi joining the Ghanaian national team has intensified since Ghana qualified for the 2026 World Cup. While some fans and officials argue against including players who did not contribute to the qualification campaign, others see their potential as a boost for the Black Stars. Nketiah has not ruled out a switch but denied recent contact with the Ghana Football Association (GFA). ‘I haven’t had any calls or anything recently, so my focus has just been on playing well each week and helping my team win trophies,’ he said. Ghana’s national team coach, Otto Addo, has emphasized the importance of commitment and unity, stating that decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis. Meanwhile, Nketiah’s charitable work in Ghana, recognized at last month’s Best of Africa Awards, highlights his deep connection to the country. ‘I feel like I’ve been blessed by God with this ability and opportunities,’ he said. ‘We’ve got to use that really well and try to give back to as many people as we can.’ Despite the ongoing debate, Nketiah remains focused on his career and avoids social media distractions. ‘There’s a lot of negative and a lot of positive, so I just try to stay level-headed,’ he concluded.