分类： sports

DUBLIN (AP) — Tadhg Beirne, the Ireland backrower, has been cleared to participate in the upcoming match against Japan this Saturday following the successful appeal of his red card. The decision to rescind the red card was announced after an independent disciplinary committee reviewed the incident on Tuesday. Beirne had initially received a yellow card for a high tackle on Beauden Barrett during the third minute of Ireland’s 26-13 loss to New Zealand in Chicago. The yellow card was subsequently upgraded to a 20-minute red card after a bunker review. However, the disciplinary committee concluded that while Beirne’s action constituted foul play, it did not warrant a red card. ‘Having considered the player’s and the other evidence and reviewed the footage, the disciplinary committee accepted the player’s submissions that whilst an act of foul play had occurred, it did not meet the red card threshold,’ stated the committee, as reported by the BBC. Ireland is set to face Australia and South Africa in additional test matches later this month.

In a nail-biting finish at Faisalabad, Pakistan clinched a dramatic two-wicket victory over South Africa in the first of three One Day Internationals (ODIs) on Tuesday. Chasing a target of 264, Pakistan’s Salman Ali Agha emerged as the hero, scoring a crucial 62 runs to guide his team to victory with just two balls to spare. The match, marked by intense moments and strategic plays, showcased the resilience of both teams. South Africa, batting first, posted a competitive total of 263, thanks to notable contributions from Quinton de Kock (63) and Corbin Bosch (41). Pakistan’s chase was anchored by a solid 87-run opening partnership between Fakhar Zaman (45) and Saim Ayub (39), followed by a pivotal 91-run stand between Mohammad Rizwan (55) and Salman. Despite a late collapse that saw three wickets fall in quick succession, new captain Shaheen Shah Afridi steadied the ship to secure the win. The series continues on Thursday at Iqbal Stadium, which is hosting international cricket after a 17-year hiatus.

Coco Gauff showcased a masterful display of tennis prowess on Tuesday, securing her first victory at the WTA Finals with a commanding 6-3, 6-2 win over Jasmine Paolini. The 21-year-old American, who had struggled with 17 double faults in her previous match against Jessica Pegula, significantly improved her game, committing only three double faults this time. Gauff’s strategic play and precision on the court proved too much for the eighth-seeded Italian, who was eliminated from the tournament. The defending champion quickly established a 3-0 lead in the first set, and despite Paolini’s brief resistance, Gauff maintained control, winning the set 6-3. In the second set, Gauff’s relentless strategy of forcing Paolini to cover the court paid off, as she secured back-to-back breaks to lead 5-2. The match concluded with a powerful serve from Gauff that Paolini could only return into the net. Reflecting on her performance, Gauff acknowledged the importance of the win, stating, ‘I knew today’s win was crucial to staying in the tournament. If I lost, I would have been out.’ She also credited her smart serving and noted that Paolini might not have been at her best. The victory keeps Gauff’s hopes alive in the Group Steffi Graf, where top seed Aryna Sabalenka is set to face Jessica Pegula later in the day.

Marco Penge, the 27-year-old English golfer from West Sussex, has cemented his place as one of the most inspiring figures in professional golf. His remarkable journey from the developmental circuits to the elite ranks of the DP World Tour and PGA Tour is a story of perseverance, talent, and self-belief. Currently ranked 29th in the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR), Penge is competing in the prestigious $8 million Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship at Yas Links, followed by the $10 million DP World Tour Championship at Jumeirah Golf Estates. He stands second in the season-long Race to Dubai, trailing only Rory McIlroy, and has already secured dual playing privileges on both the DP World Tour and PGA Tour for the 2026 season.

Penge’s professional career began in 2017 on the PGA EuroPro Tour. His breakthrough came in 2019 with a victory at the Prem Group Irish Masters, which earned him promotion to the 2020 HotelPlanner Tour. In 2023, he claimed victories at the Open de Portugal and the Rolex Challenge Tour Grand Final, securing his place on the DP World Tour with earnings of €190,911.67 over 27 tournaments. Despite a three-month suspension in December 2024 for breaching the European Tour’s Integrity Programme, Penge made a triumphant return in 2025 with a third-place finish at the South African Open and his first DP World Tour win at the Hainan Classic, catapulting him from 344th to 194th in the OWGR.

His stellar year continued with victories at the Danish Golf Championship in August and the Open de España in October, the latter securing his entry into the 2026 Masters and Open Championship. Penge’s success has not only elevated his career but also established him as a role model for aspiring golfers. Reflecting on his achievements, Penge shared, ‘I still have to pinch myself to believe how this year has gone.’

Looking ahead, Penge plans to relocate his family to the US in 2026 and focus on a dual schedule, including the Masters, The Open, and other Signature Events. As he prepares to tee off alongside Rory McIlroy and Tyrrell Hatton at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, Penge’s journey serves as a testament to the power of resilience and determination in achieving one’s dreams.

The historic Old Course at St. Andrews, widely regarded as the birthplace of golf, is set to undergo a series of strategic enhancements in preparation for the 155th Open Championship in 2027. Established in 1552, this iconic links course has continually evolved over centuries, adapting to the demands of modern golf while preserving its rich heritage. The latest project, led by renowned golf course architects Mackenzie & Ebert, aims to refine the course’s challenges for elite players while restoring traditional features that enhance the experience for all golfers. Mark Darbon, Chief Executive of The R&A, emphasized the project’s respect for the course’s unparalleled history, stating that the changes are designed to balance competitive rigor with historical authenticity. Key modifications include increasing the total yardage by 132 yards to 7,445 yards, restoring historic bunkers, and adjusting several holes to improve strategic play. The 16th hole, for instance, will see the restoration of its historic playing route and the addition of two bunkers to heighten risk. Despite these changes, the course’s signature challenges—wind, fast-running fairways, and iconic bunkers—will remain intact, ensuring it continues to test even the world’s best players. The Old Course has hosted The Open 30 times, most recently in 2022, when Cam Smith claimed victory with a score of 20 under par. While purists often debate the necessity of such enhancements, the project underscores the course’s enduring relevance in the modern game. As Rory McIlroy aptly noted, winning an Open at St. Andrews remains one of golf’s greatest achievements. The 2027 Open promises to be a celebration of tradition, innovation, and the timeless allure of this legendary course.