The Mena Golf Tour, the Middle East and North Africa’s sole professional golf circuit recognized by the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR), has garnered high praise from five-time major champion Rory McIlroy. Speaking at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship at Yas Links, McIlroy emphasized the Tour’s significance in creating opportunities for regional players to advance to the sport’s highest levels. ‘Any region that provides pathways for players to reach bigger stages is a really good thing,’ McIlroy stated. The Tour’s relaunch begins later this month with Q School in Portugal, followed by a series of events across Egypt, Morocco, Jordan, and the GCC, offering guaranteed, tax-free prize funds of $100,000 per event. Additionally, the Q-Sprint event provides newcomers a chance to qualify for the latter half of the season, with a $50,000 purse. The Tour’s Chairman and Commissioner, Keith Waters, expressed pride in McIlroy’s endorsement, highlighting the Tour’s commitment to fostering talent through a player-first approach, fast payouts, and strategic event routing. The Mena Golf Tour not only offers OWGR points for professionals but also World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) points for elite amateurs, further solidifying its role as a crucial stepping stone for aspiring golfers in the region.
分类： sports
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Max seeks more Brazil magic to maintain pressure on McLaren duo
As the Formula 1 season enters its final stretch, Max Verstappen is poised to make history at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix. The 28-year-old Red Bull driver, a four-time world champion, has already claimed victory at Interlagos three times—in 2019, 2023, and 2024. Last year, he delivered a masterclass in challenging conditions, starting from 17th on the grid to secure a dramatic win. This weekend, Verstappen seeks to complete a hat-trick of victories in Brazil, a track he describes as ‘special’ due to its rich history and personal significance.
Verstappen, currently 36 points behind championship leader Lando Norris, is determined to close the gap on the McLaren duo. Norris, fresh off a win in Mexico, leads teammate Oscar Piastri by a single point. However, Verstappen’s recent form—three wins and six consecutive podium finishes—has reignited his title hopes. The Dutchman has openly expressed his affection for the Interlagos circuit, citing its unpredictable weather and ‘old-school’ charm as key factors that make it a favorite.
McLaren, despite having secured their second constructors’ title, faces mounting pressure from Red Bull, Ferrari, and Mercedes. Team chief Andrea Stella remains confident in his drivers’ abilities, emphasizing their improved understanding of the car’s performance. Meanwhile, Mercedes’ Toto Wolff has vowed to bounce back after a challenging run, with George Russell and Lewis Hamilton aiming to replicate their past successes in Brazil.
With rain forecasted, the stage is set for a thrilling and unpredictable race weekend. Verstappen’s determination, combined with the fierce competition among the top teams, promises high drama and intense battles on the iconic Interlagos track.
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Vivian Kong on National Games: ‘showcasing our city to the world’
At the Greater Bay Area Conference 2025, Hong Kong’s renowned fencing champion, Vivian Kong Man-wai, expressed her aspirations for the upcoming National Games. Kong emphasized her hope that the event would not only bring joy and health to participants but also serve as a platform to highlight the unique charm of Hong Kong to a global audience. She encouraged everyone to embrace the spirit of sportsmanship, find happiness in their passion for sports, and take pride in representing their city on an international stage. Kong’s remarks underscored the significance of the National Games as both a celebration of athletic excellence and an opportunity to promote cultural and urban pride.
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Pulisic to miss US team’s November friendlies against Paraguay and Uruguay, Reyna back on roster
The U.S. men’s national soccer team has unveiled its 25-man roster for the upcoming friendlies against Paraguay and Uruguay, marking the penultimate matches before coach Mauricio Pochettino finalizes his squad for the pre-World Cup training camp. Notably, star midfielder Christian Pulisic will miss the games due to a hamstring injury sustained in an October 14 friendly against Australia, though AC Milan has indicated he could return for their Serie A match this weekend. Pulisic, the team’s top player, faced criticism earlier this year for skipping the CONCACAF Gold Cup to prioritize rest ahead of the European season and World Cup. Meanwhile, Gio Reyna, son of former U.S. captain Claudio Reyna, returns to the roster for the first time since March, despite limited playing time at Borussia Mönchengladbach due to a thigh injury. Other notable absences include midfielder Weston McKennie and goalkeeper Matt Turner, while Ricardo Pepi, Tyler Adams, and Auston Trusty make their return to the squad. The U.S., ranked 16th globally, will face No. 39 Paraguay on November 15 in Chester, Pennsylvania, and 15th-ranked Uruguay on November 18 in Tampa, Florida. The roster also features several MLS players whose teams were recently eliminated from the playoffs, including defender Alex Freeman and midfielder Diego Luna. With injuries sidelining key players like Cameron Carter-Vickers, Antonee Robinson, and Tim Weah, Pochettino’s selections reflect a mix of experience and emerging talent as the team prepares for its World Cup opener on June 12.
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Dallas Cowboys’ Kneeland dies aged 24
The sports world is mourning the untimely death of Marshawn Kneeland, a promising defensive lineman for the Dallas Cowboys, who passed away at the age of 24. Kneeland, who was the 56th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, had a brief but impactful career with the Cowboys, playing in 18 games and making four starts. His sudden death has left teammates, fans, and the NFL community in shock. According to the Frisco Police Department in Texas, Kneeland’s death appears to be a result of suicide following a vehicle pursuit and a multi-agency search on Wednesday night. The police reported that Kneeland crashed his car and fled on foot. Officers were alerted that he had expressed suicidal intentions before he was found deceased at 01:31 local time on Thursday. The Collin County Medical Examiner’s Office will confirm the official cause of death. The Dallas Cowboys released a heartfelt statement, expressing their grief and extending their condolences to Kneeland’s girlfriend, Catalina, and his family. Kneeland’s agent, Jonathan Perzley, shared his deep sorrow, recalling Kneeland’s journey from a hopeful college player at Western Michigan to a respected professional in the NFL. Kneeland had recently scored his first touchdown in a game against the Arizona Cardinals, recovering a blocked punt. The NFL has also expressed its profound sadness over the loss. This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the mental health challenges faced by athletes. For those affected by similar issues, resources like the BBC Action Line are available for support.
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Being Premier League’s only black manager ‘a privilege’ – Nuno
Nuno Espirito Santo, the first black manager to permanently lead four different Premier League teams, has expressed his pride and honor in his groundbreaking role. Appointed by West Ham in September, Nuno rejects the notion that his position is a burden, instead viewing it as a privilege. He remains optimistic about the future, believing that talented black managers will soon join the ranks of Premier League coaches. Nuno attributes his success to a combination of talent, hard work, and luck, while acknowledging the under-representation of ethnic minority coaches in top-tier football. Despite calls for proactive measures like the ‘Rooney Rule,’ Nuno does not believe discrimination is a factor in managerial recruitment. However, critics like Delroy Corinaldi of the Black Footballers Partnership argue that systemic bias persists. Only 11 black coaches have held managerial roles in the Premier League era, with Chris Hughton emphasizing the importance of visible role models like Nuno and Darren Moore. Deji Davies, chair of the FA’s Inclusion Advisory Board, highlights the disparity between the high percentage of black players and the lack of black representation in leadership roles. The FA and Premier League have introduced initiatives to improve diversity, but progress remains slow. Nuno, born in Sao Tome and Principe, also aspires to contribute to football development in his homeland, reflecting on his humble beginnings and the privilege of his current position. As West Ham’s manager, his immediate focus is on avoiding relegation, but he remains committed to fostering diversity and sharing his expertise in the long term.
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India leads T20 series 2-1 after Australia crashes against spin
In a thrilling display of spin bowling prowess, India clinched a decisive 48-run victory over Australia in the fourth Twenty20 match held on the Gold Coast. The visitors’ spin trio, led by Washington Sundar, orchestrated a dramatic collapse of the Australian batting lineup, restricting them to a mere 119 runs while chasing a target of 168. Sundar’s remarkable spell of 3-3 in just 1.2 overs was complemented by Axar Patel’s 2-20 and Varun Chakravarthy’s 1-26, collectively dismantling the hosts’ middle and lower order. Earlier, India posted a competitive total of 167-8, anchored by Shubman Gill’s solid 46 off 39 balls. Despite Adam Zampa’s 3-45 for Australia, the home team faltered under pressure, with skipper Mitchell Marsh’s 30 off 24 balls being the highest individual score. With this win, India took an unassailable 2-1 lead in the series, setting the stage for the final match in Brisbane on Saturday.
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Cummins ‘on track’ to return for second Ashes Test
Australia’s cricket captain, Pat Cummins, has expressed confidence in his recovery from a lower back injury, stating he is “on track” to participate in the second Test of the Ashes series against England. The 32-year-old pace bowler has been sidelined since the conclusion of a Test series in the West Indies in July and will miss the opening Test in Perth, commencing on 21 November. Cummins has resumed bowling with a reduced run-up as part of his rehabilitation and is targeting a return for the day-night match in Brisbane, starting on 4 December. “It’s all feeling really good. On track and yeah, probably better than I expected,” Cummins remarked. He added that each session is incremental, and he anticipates being close to a full run-up once he arrives in Perth. In Cummins’ absence, Steve Smith, who was stripped of the captaincy in 2018 following a ball-tampering scandal, will lead Australia in the first Test. Cummins, who has taken 91 wickets against England in 19 Tests, remains cautious about his workload post-recovery, stating, “I don’t really want to commit to anything this far out. I’m pretty keen to play as much as I can.” Australia’s pace attack in Perth is expected to feature Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Scott Boland, all aged 34 and above.
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Nasa Hataoka and Miyu Yamashita atop LPGA leaderboard after first round in Japan
Japanese golfers Nasa Hataoka and Miyu Yamashita delivered stellar performances on Thursday, both carding 7-under 65 to share the lead after the opening round of the LPGA’s Toto Japan Classic. Held at the Seta Golf Club in western Japan, the event showcased a competitive field with several players in close contention. Hataoka, aiming for her seventh LPGA Tour victory, and Yamashita, seeking her third title, set the tone for an exciting tournament. South Korea’s Shin Ji-yai trailed by just one stroke, while Japanese twins Chisato Iwai and Akie Iwai, along with Minami Katsu, were two shots behind. The leaderboard remained tight, with eight players, including Australia’s Minjee Lee, a three-time major champion, just three strokes off the pace. Defending champion Rio Takeda struggled, finishing with a 1-over 73 and trailing by eight strokes. The tournament promises intense competition as players vie for the coveted title.
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Players stranded, hotels unpaid – how a Kashmir cricket league turned into a fiasco
A private cricket league in Indian-administered Kashmir has sparked outrage after its organizers abruptly abandoned the tournament, leaving players, support staff, and hotel owners unpaid. The Indian Heaven Premier League (IHPL), organized by the Yuva Society from Punjab, initially showed promise with international cricket legends like Chris Gayle and Devon Smith participating in the opening matches. However, the league was halted after just 12 of the scheduled 20 matches, with organizers allegedly fleeing Kashmir on November 1, leaving behind unpaid bills and disgruntled participants. Local players reported poor attendance, with only 400-500 spectators at the opening match despite reduced ticket prices. Police have registered a case of cheating and breach of trust, launching an investigation into the incident. Parvez Rasool, a former international cricketer, criticized the poor management, while fast bowler Abid Nabi lamented the lost opportunity for local players to gain experience alongside international stars. The Radisson Collection Hotel in Srinagar, where organizers stayed, claimed they fled in the middle of the night, leaving behind unpaid dues. Umpire Mellissa Juniper revealed that around 40 players were stranded for hours before being allowed to leave, with unpaid wages totaling 5 million rupees ($56,430). Authorities in Kashmir have distanced themselves from the league, emphasizing their limited role in granting permissions. The incident has left local cricket enthusiasts disillusioned, with resident Tahir Hussain stating that the sudden collapse has shattered trust among players, fans, and the community.