The golfing world is set for an exhilarating conclusion to the 2025 season as major tournaments unfold across the globe, with the UAE taking center stage. The DP World Tour Finals kick off in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, offering a combined purse of $19 million. These events will crown the 2025 Race to Dubai champion, with players vying for Race to Dubai Bonus Pool payouts, dual PGA Tour–DP World Tour cards, and prestigious Rolex Series titles. Meanwhile, the Asian Tour continues its season with the $2 million Moutai Singapore Open, where Dubai’s Dominic Foos aims to build on his recent success in Macau. The top two players in the International Series Rankings will secure direct promotion to the 2026 LIV Golf League, adding further intrigue to the competition. The LIV Golf Promotions event, scheduled for January 2026 in Florida, will double the number of promotion spots, offering life-changing opportunities for aspiring professionals. On the Ladies European Tour, the ARAMCO China Championship and the Andalucía Costa del Sol Open de España present significant prize money and season titles. This week’s golf calendar is packed with high-profile events, including the PGA Tour’s World Wide Technology Championship in Mexico, the LPGA’s TOTO Japan Classic, and the DP World Tour’s Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship. As the season draws to a close, players across all tours are poised for dramatic finishes that will shape the future of professional golf.
分类： sports
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Djokovic will play at ATP Finals, Italy fed president says
Novak Djokovic, the world’s fifth-ranked tennis player, has officially confirmed his participation in the upcoming ATP Finals in Turin, Italy. This announcement was made by Angelo Binaghi, the president of the Italian Tennis Federation, during an interview with Italian radio channel Rai Gr Parlamento on Monday. The confirmation comes as a relief to fans and organizers alike, as Djokovic had skipped the Paris Masters and has been absent from competitive play since his surprising loss to qualifier Valentin Vacherot in the Shanghai Masters semifinals last month. The ATP Finals, scheduled from November 9 to 16, will feature the world’s top eight players. Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam champion, has won the tournament a record seven times, with his most recent victory in 2023. At 38 years old, the Serbian tennis legend’s participation leaves only one qualifying spot open. The final spot is being contested between ninth-ranked Italian Lorenzo Musetti and eighth-ranked Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime. Auger-Aliassime, who reached the Paris Masters final last week, withdrew from the Moselle Open in Metz on Monday, giving Musetti a chance to secure the last spot if he performs well in this week’s ATP 250 tournament in Athens.
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Back in form, Australia’s Labuschagne relishes Ashes challenge
Australian cricketer Marnus Labuschagne has rediscovered his form just in time for the upcoming Ashes series, marking a remarkable turnaround after a challenging period in his career. The 31-year-old batsman, who was dropped from the Test side during the West Indies tour earlier this year, has since scored his fifth century of the domestic season, solidifying his place in the Australia squad. Labuschagne’s resurgence comes after a technical slump that saw him manage only one century in 53 innings prior to his exclusion. Despite a lackluster performance in the 50-overs series against South Africa in August, he has since hit three centuries in one-dayers and two more in the Sheffield Shield for Queensland. Speaking to reporters after his latest century, Labuschagne emphasized the importance of rhythm and confidence in batting, stating, ‘You protect it like it’s gold.’ Reflecting on his journey, he credited his time in English county cricket with Glamorgan in 2019 as a pivotal period in his career. Labuschagne also acknowledged the benefits of being dropped from the Test side, noting that it provided clarity and motivation to refine his game. He expressed optimism for teammate Sam Konstas, who is currently struggling with form, encouraging him to learn from the experience. The England squad arrived in Australia on Monday, with the first Ashes Test set to begin in Perth on November 21.
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Dubai Basketball continue dream run in the ABA League
Dubai Basketball continued their remarkable run in the ABA League with a commanding 82:70 victory over Partizan in Round 5. The home team showcased their resilience and tactical prowess, turning the game around with a stunning 23:2 run between the third and fourth quarters. This victory handed Partizan their third consecutive defeat and marked their first loss in the regional competition. Despite Partizan’s strong start, led by Jabari Parker’s consistent scoring, Dubai’s sharp three-point shooting kept them within striking distance. After halftime, Dubai’s defense tightened, and their offense surged, capitalizing on Partizan’s scoring drought. Dwayne Bacon played a pivotal role, scoring ten consecutive points and sealing the third quarter with a buzzer-beating three-pointer. Filip Petrušev delivered a standout performance, leading the team with 18 points, six rebounds, and two steals. Head Coach Jurica Golemac praised the team’s character and energy, emphasizing the importance of fan support. Dubai’s dominance continued into the final period, with their lead peaking at 22 points. The team now looks forward to a series of home games, starting with a clash against SC Derby on November 9 at the Coca-Cola Arena.
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Line-up for expanded 16-team Wafcon 2026 decided
The Confederation of African Football (Caf) has finalized the lineup for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon), with Cameroon, Egypt, Ivory Coast, and Mali securing their places based on FIFA world rankings. This decision comes after Caf expanded the tournament from 12 to 16 teams midway through the qualifying stages for the event, which will be hosted in Morocco. Reigning champions Nigeria were among the 11 teams that qualified directly in the second and final qualifying round last month. Teams eliminated at that stage had hoped for a chance to compete in play-offs, but Caf opted to use FIFA rankings to determine the final four participants. Cameroon (66th globally), Ivory Coast (71st), Mali (79th), and Egypt (95th) will now join the competition. Mali reached the quarter-finals in the delayed 2024 edition, while Cameroon, three-time runners-up, return after missing the 2024 tournament. Ivory Coast and Egypt will make their first appearances since 2014 and 2016, respectively. While Caf has yet to confirm the tournament dates, FIFA has tentatively scheduled it between March 17 and April 3, 2026. The draw date remains unannounced. Notably, the four semi-finalists at Wafcon 2026 will qualify for the 2027 Women’s World Cup, with the losing quarter-finalists competing for two additional spots in an inter-confederation qualifier.
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International bridge competitions add intellectualism to Qingdao sports
Qingdao, a coastal city in Shandong province, recently became the epicenter of intellectual sports as it hosted two major international bridge competitions: the 2025 Buffett Cup Bridge Match and the 2025 International Bridge Elite Invitational. These events not only showcased the strategic depth and mental agility of bridge but also highlighted Qingdao’s growing reputation as a hub for diverse sporting activities. The competitions attracted elite players from around the globe, fostering a spirit of camaraderie and intellectual exchange. Bridge, often referred to as a ‘mind sport,’ combines elements of strategy, memory, and teamwork, making it a unique addition to the city’s sports landscape. The successful organization of these events underscores Qingdao’s commitment to promoting sports that challenge the mind as much as the body. By hosting such prestigious tournaments, Qingdao is carving out a niche for itself in the global sports arena, blending traditional athleticism with intellectual pursuits.
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Back row Scott-Young leaves Northampton
Northampton Saints’ back-row player Angus Scott-Young has announced his immediate departure from the club to return to his homeland, Australia. The 28-year-old, who joined the Saints ahead of the 2022-23 season, leaves after making 77 appearances and scoring four tries. His final match for the club was a thrilling 37-35 Premiership Rugby victory against Gloucester on October 5. Scott-Young also featured as a substitute in last season’s European Champions Cup final, where Northampton fell to Bordeaux. Born in Brisbane, Scott-Young expressed his gratitude for his time at the club but emphasized the importance of family in his decision. ‘It’s been an amazing experience, but now feels like the right time to return home,’ he stated on the club’s website. He shared that attending his brother’s wedding recently, which marked the first family reunion in seven years, deeply influenced his choice. Northampton’s Director of Rugby, Phil Dowson, praised Scott-Young for his dedication and contributions, describing him as an ‘outstanding servant’ who consistently prioritized the team and set high standards. Currently, Northampton Saints lead the Premiership table, two points ahead of reigning champions Bath after five games.
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Zimbabwe’s Williams sacked over ‘drug addiction’
Former Zimbabwe cricket captain Sean Williams has officially retired from international cricket after entering a rehabilitation program to address drug addiction, as confirmed by Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC). The 39-year-old all-rounder, who has amassed nearly 9,000 runs and taken over 150 wickets across all formats, has made himself unavailable for national selection, prompting ZC to announce that he will no longer be considered for the team. Williams withdrew from the T20 squad ahead of the World Cup Africa Qualifier series in Harare in September, citing personal struggles. During an internal investigation, he disclosed his addiction and voluntarily sought rehabilitation. ZC acknowledged his contributions to Zimbabwean cricket over two decades, describing him as a pivotal figure in the sport’s recent history. However, the governing body emphasized the importance of professionalism, discipline, and adherence to anti-doping regulations, noting Williams’ history of disciplinary issues and unavailability. His national contract will not be renewed when it expires on December 31. ZC expressed support for his recovery and wished him success in his future endeavors.
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Players in tears as coach dies during match
In a heartbreaking incident during a Serbian SuperLiga match, FK Radnicki 1923 manager Mladen Zizovic tragically passed away on Monday. The 44-year-old coach collapsed pitchside during the game against Mladost Lucani and was immediately rushed to the hospital. Despite receiving urgent medical attention, Zizovic could not be saved. The match was abandoned shortly before halftime as the devastating news reached the stadium, leaving players and officials from both teams in visible distress. Zizovic, a former Bosnia and Herzegovina international player, had only taken charge of FK Radnicki 1923 on October 23. His club released a poignant statement, mourning the loss of ‘a great professional, a good man, and a true sportsman’ whose legacy will endure in the hearts of those who knew him. The Bosnia and Herzegovina Football Association also expressed deep sorrow, highlighting Zizovic’s significant contributions to football both as a player and a coach. Tributes poured in from across the football community, including from Red Star Belgrade, who extended their ‘deepest condolences.’ Zizovic’s untimely death marks a profound loss for Bosnian-Herzegovinian football and the broader football world.
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Sabalenka to face Kyrgios in ‘Battle of Sexes’
In a highly anticipated exhibition match, world number one Aryna Sabalenka will face off against Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios in a modern take on the iconic ‘Battle of the Sexes.’ The event is scheduled for December 28 at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, which boasts a capacity of 17,000. Sabalenka, the reigning US Open champion and a four-time Grand Slam winner, expressed her readiness for the challenge, stating, ‘I have a lot of respect for Nick and his talent, but make no mistake, I’m ready to bring my A-game.’ Kyrgios, currently ranked 652nd due to a prolonged absence from the tour following a wrist injury, welcomed the opportunity, saying, ‘When the world number one challenges you, you answer the call.’ The match has sparked mixed reactions among tennis fans. While some view it as an entertaining spectacle aimed at attracting a younger audience, others fear it could undermine women’s sports if Sabalenka loses. Kyrgios’s past controversies, including a guilty plea for assaulting an ex-girlfriend in 2023 and his association with controversial influencer Andrew Tate in 2024, have further fueled concerns about the event’s potential to perpetuate sexism. Despite these debates, Sabalenka remains unfazed, describing the match as a ‘cool idea’ and vowing to ‘kick Nick’s ass.’ The format of the match remains under discussion, with potential modifications to court size and serving rules being considered.