Italian skier Dominik Paris achieved a remarkable double victory at the World Cup finals in Kvitfjell, Norway, capturing both the downhill and super-G titles in consecutive days. On Sunday, Paris demonstrated exceptional skill in the super-G event, outpacing Austrian competitors Vincent Kriechmayr by 0.07 seconds and Raphael Haaser by 0.38 seconds. This accomplishment marks Paris’s second consecutive year achieving multiple victories at the Norwegian resort, solidifying his status as a dominant force in alpine skiing. The Italian team enjoyed unprecedented success across the weekend competitions, winning all four available races. On the women’s circuit, Sofia Goggia and Laura Pirovano claimed victories in super-G and downhill events respectively, with both securing discipline titles. Despite Paris’s outstanding performance, Swiss skier Marco Odermatt had already clinched both the super-G and downhill World Cup championships the previous week, along with his fifth overall title. Odermatt experienced a disappointing final super-G run, finishing 1.97 seconds behind Paris in 19th place without scoring World Cup points. The competition continues with Tuesday’s giant slalom, where Odermatt aims to secure his fourth seasonal globe.
分类： sports
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Green lifts Australian WPGA for third win in a row
Australian golf sensation Hannah Green has etched her name in the history books by becoming the first Australian female golfer to claim three consecutive international tournament victories. The world number seven secured this monumental achievement with a commanding performance at the Australian WPGA Championship on Sunday.
The 29-year-old Perth native demonstrated exceptional skill and composure throughout the tournament, carding a final round of two-under-par 69 to finish at 16 under overall. Her dominant performance left her four strokes clear of her closest competitors at the prestigious Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club on Queensland’s Gold Coast.
Green’s historic triumph completes an extraordinary winning streak that began with her victory at the Australian Open in Adelaide—marking her first-ever Ladies European Tour title—and continued with her success at the LPGA’s Women’s World Championship in Singapore earlier this month.
“This achievement feels absolutely incredible—it’s been an absolutely wild month and particularly special to accomplish this on home soil,” expressed the emotional champion, whose only major title to date came at the 2019 Women’s PGA Championship.
The victory was made even more meaningful by the presence of her husband, professional golfer Jarryd Felton, who served as her caddie for the third consecutive tournament. Felton has been carrying Green’s bag while her regular caddie remains in the United States awaiting green card approval. The couple, who married in 2024, have previously swapped caddying duties for each other’s tournaments.
Germany’s Alexandra Forsterling and South African Casandra Alexander finished tied for second place at 12 under par, while England’s Meghan MacLaren secured fourth position at 10 under. Scotland’s Kelsey MacDonald, who set a course record with her spectacular 64 in the opening round, ultimately finished tied for 41st position.
Green’s unprecedented triple victory establishes her as Australia’s most successful current female golfer and signals her return to peak form ahead of the LPGA Aramco Championship in Las Vegas, where she will compete beginning April 2.
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South Africa wins the toss and bats in the fourth T20 against New Zealand
WELLINGTON, New Zealand — In a crucial series decider at Wellington’s stadium, South African skipper Keshav Maharaj won the toss and elected to field first in the fourth Twenty20 international against New Zealand on Sunday. The strategic decision comes as New Zealand holds a narrow 2-1 advantage in the fiercely contested series following a pattern of low-scoring encounters.
The hosts face significant leadership challenges with regular captain Mitchell Santner joining multiple key players on the sidelines. Wicketkeeper-batter Tom Latham, whose impressive 63-run performance secured victory in Friday’s third match, has been ruled out with a thumb injury. The squad also misses the services of opener Devon Conway and pace bowler Lockie Ferguson for the final two matches of the series.
New Zealand’s reshuffled lineup features wicketkeeper Dane Cleaver, returning to international cricket for the first time since 2023, alongside debutant batter Katene Clarke. Josh Clarkson makes his return to the squad while all-rounder Jimmy Neesham assumes captaincy duties in this unexpected leadership reshuffle.
South Africa responded with strategic adjustments of their own, handing off-spinner Prenelan Subrayen his international debut while recalling pace bowler Ottneil Baartman. The Proteas have opted to rest seamers Nqobani Mokoena and Lutho Sipamla following the physically demanding series.
The series has showcased dramatic momentum shifts, with South Africa claiming the opening match by seven wickets before New Zealand responded with commanding victories—a 68-run triumph in the second encounter followed by an eight-wicket win in the third match.
Starting Lineups:
New Zealand: Tim Robinson, Katene Clarke, Dane Cleaver, Nick Kelly, Bevon Jacobs, Jimmy Neesham (captain), Josh Clarkson, Cole McConchie, Zak Foulkes, Kyle Jamieson, Ben Sears.
South Africa: Wiaan Mulder, Tony de Zorzi, Connor Esterhuizen, Rubin Hermann, Jason Smith, Dian Forrester, George Linde, Gerald Coetzee, Keshav Maharaj (captain), Prenelan Subrayen, Ottneil Baartman. -
Sweden’s Duplantis wins fourth world indoor pole vault title
Swedish pole vault phenomenon Armand Duplantis delivered a commanding performance at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Torun, Poland, securing his record-equaling fourth world indoor title on Saturday. The Olympic champion returned to the venue where he first set a world record in 2020, demonstrating absolute technical mastery throughout the competition.
Duplantis executed a flawless series of six consecutive clearances, culminating in a winning height of 6.25 meters. His strategic approach saw him unusually open the competition at 5.50m, gradually building momentum while maintaining perfect form at every elevation. The battle for podium positions unfolded beneath him, with Greece’s Emmanouil Karalis claiming silver with a 6.05m clearance and Australia’s Kurtis Marschall earning bronze at 6.00m.
The competition intensified at the 6.00m mark, where Duplantis cleared effortlessly on his first attempt while Karalis initially struggled. As the bar rose to 6.05m, Karalis succeeded while Marschall and Norway’s Sondre Guttormsen were eliminated. The dramatic climax came at 6.20m, where Karalis nearly achieved a personal best before the bar trembled and fell.
With the victory secured, Duplantis opted against attempting a world record at 6.31m, despite crowd anticipation. World Athletics president Sebastian Coe humorously noted the financial implications of Duplantis’s continued record-breaking performances, referencing the substantial bonuses awarded for world records. The Swedish athlete’s achievement matches the historic accomplishment of pole vault legend Sergey Bubka, who also won four world indoor titles during his career.
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Liverpool, Chelsea slip up in Champions League race
The battle for Champions League qualification in the Premier League took dramatic turns this weekend as both Liverpool and Chelsea suffered significant defeats, reshaping the European competition landscape. Liverpool’s disappointing title defense continued with a 2-1 loss to Brighton at the Amex Stadium, marking their tenth league defeat this season. The Seagulls’ veteran forward Danny Welbeck delivered a standout performance with two crucial goals, demonstrating his enduring quality despite being overlooked for recent international selection. Meanwhile, Chelsea’s collapse was even more comprehensive, falling 3-0 to Everton at Goodison Park in a result that raises serious questions about their top-four credentials. The Blues’ fourth consecutive defeat across all competitions undermines their expensive squad rebuilding project and places manager Liam Rosenior under immediate pressure. These results have created unexpected opportunities for several chasing clubs, including Everton, Fulham, and Brentford, who now see renewed hope in their European qualification ambitions. With the Premier League likely securing five Champions League spots due to English clubs’ strong European performances, the race for these positions has become increasingly competitive and unpredictable as the season enters its final stages.
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Rwanda batter becomes youngest women’s T20 centurion
In a spectacular display of youthful talent, 15-year-old Rwandan cricketer Fanny Utagushimaninde has rewritten the history books with a record-shattering performance at the Nigeria Invitational Women’s T20 Tournament in Lagos. The opening batter scored an unbeaten 111 runs from just 65 deliveries on her international debut, propelling Rwanda to a commanding 122-run victory against Ghana.
Utagushimaninde’s remarkable innings established two significant international records: she became the youngest woman ever to score a Twenty20 international century at 15 years and 223 days, surpassing the previous record held by Uganda’s Prosscovia Alako. Additionally, her 111-run tally now stands as the highest individual score by any woman on their T20 debut, exceeding Australian Karen Rolton’s 96 against England in 2005.
The teenage prodigy reached her century in the 18th over with a clip through mid-wicket off Ghana seamer Elizabeth Annor, completing the milestone in just 59 balls. Her dominant performance helped Rwanda post an imposing total of 210-3 from their 20 overs, which proved insurmountable for Ghana who managed only 88-8 in response.
Utagushimaninde, who developed her skills through a schools program supported by the Marylebone Cricket Club Foundation, described the achievement as “a dream” moment in her cricketing journey. She attributed her success to relentless hard work, confidence, and passion for the sport while expressing gratitude to coaches, teammates, and supporters.
Rwanda coach Leonard Nhamburo praised the historic performance as a testament to both Utagushimaninde’s dedication and the growing development of cricket in Rwanda. The record for youngest men’s T20 century remains with France’s Gustav Mckeon, who was 18 years and 280 days when he scored 109 against Switzerland in 2022.
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Ekitike injured early in Liverpool’s match at Brighton in Premier League
BRIGHTON, England — Liverpool’s attacking options were dealt a severe blow mere minutes into their Premier League encounter with Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday, as French striker Hugo Ekitike was forced to exit the pitch with a left leg injury. The unfortunate incident occurred during the third minute of play when Ekitike became entangled in a robust challenge with Brighton’s veteran midfielder James Milner. Despite receiving immediate medical attention on the sidelines and attempting to continue, the 21-year-old forward found himself unable to run off the discomfort. His premature departure in the eighth minute prompted manager Jürgen Klopp to introduce Curtis Jones as an early substitute. This setback compounds Liverpool’s existing personnel concerns, with key players Mohamed Salah and first-choice goalkeeper Alisson Becker already sidelined due to injuries. The timing proves particularly inconvenient for Ekitike, who had recently earned a call-up to the French national team squad for upcoming international friendlies against Brazil and Colombia in the United States.
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Japan wins the Women’s Asian Cup, beating Australia 1-0 on Hamano’s early strike
Japan secured their third Women’s Asian Cup championship in four tournaments with a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Australia in Saturday’s final at Sydney’s Stadium Australia. The decisive moment arrived in the 17th minute when 21-year-old forward Maika Hamano, currently on loan from Chelsea to Tottenham, received a pass with her back to goal, executed a precise turn, and unleashed a powerful strike from outside the penalty area that found the back of the net.
The Australian squad, known as the Matildas, mounted intense pressure during the final ten minutes of regulation time in pursuit of an equalizer. Their efforts included a dangerous close-range header from Alanna Kennedy in the 88th minute, but Japan’s defensive organization remained resolute throughout the closing stages. The victory continues Japan’s dominance over Australia in Asian Cup finals, having previously defeated them in the 2014 and 2018 championship matches.
Japan’s defensive performance throughout the tournament proved exceptional, conceding just one goal across six matches in Australia. The Matildas, Asia’s top-ranked team, now extend their continental championship drought to 13 years since their last title in 2010 when current star Sam Kerr, then just 16 years old, scored in the decisive match.
The tournament also featured significant geopolitical dimensions as the Iranian team’s participation drew international attention amid Middle East tensions. The squad had arrived in Australia prior to February 28 attacks that escalated regional conflicts. While seven members of Iran’s delegation initially received asylum from Australian authorities, all but two have since returned to their home country.
Additionally, the competition served as a qualifying event for next year’s Women’s World Cup in Brazil, with six teams from the Asian Cup securing berths in the global tournament.
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Phins up: Battle for Brisbane beckons after Herbie Farnworth leads the Dolphins to stunning win over the Sharks
In a spectacular display of rugby league prowess, the Dolphins have decisively defeated the Cronulla Sharks with a commanding 38-10 victory at Ocean Protect Stadium. This triumph marks one of the most significant performances in the Dolphins’ franchise history as they prepare for next week’s highly anticipated ‘Battle for Brisbane’ derby against the Broncos.
The match transformed into a showcase of strategic excellence as Herbie Farnworth emerged as an offensive powerhouse on the left flank, consistently breaching the Sharks’ defensive lines. The Dolphins’ attack demonstrated remarkable coordination, with halfback Isaiya Katoa delivering a precision long pass that enabled Jamayne Isaako to score. However, the foundation of their victory was built upon an impenetrable defensive strategy that systematically neutralized the Sharks’ offensive efforts throughout the contest.
Defensive excellence became the defining characteristic of the match as Kristian Woolf’s squad executed a masterclass in containment football. Their tactical approach effectively silenced both the Sharks’ attack and the home crowd, culminating in a critical goal-line stand that denied Sam Stonestreet a certain try with 18 minutes remaining. This defensive resilience generated crucial momentum leading into their upcoming derby matchup.
Farnworth’s exceptional performance featured five tackle busts, four offloads, and a perfectly executed assist to Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow just before halftime. The English international completely outclassed his opposition, establishing dominance over Sharks center Jesse Ramien and reinforcing his status among the NRL’s elite players.
Conversely, the Sharks face mounting concerns after their explosive 50-point performance in Round 1 has been followed by consecutive disappointing showings. The team managed only one try from Braydon Trindall in his 100th game appearance, with their defensive structure collapsing entirely in the final six minutes as the Dolphins scored three effortless tries. The situation worsened when captain Blayke Brailey was placed on report for a second-half tripping incident, creating additional complications for the struggling squad as they prepare to face Canberra’s formidable forward pack next week.
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Israel has ‘brought football into disrepute’, says Fifa
World football’s governing body FIFA has issued a formal condemnation of the Israel Football Association (IFA) for implementing what it describes as a “de facto system of segregation” against Palestinian players within Israeli settlement football infrastructure. The groundbreaking report, released Thursday, represents FIFA’s most direct confrontation with systemic discrimination within Israeli football.
The investigation determined that the IFA consistently failed to address “persistent and well-documented racist behavior” within Israeli football, particularly regarding the notorious Beitar Jerusalem club. This organization maintains an explicit ban on Palestinian and Arab players among its fanbase and has repeatedly engaged in racist chanting, including phrases such as “Let the IDF win and fuck the Arabs” and “Here comes the most racist team in the country.”
FIFA’s disciplinary committee stated that the IFA’s “inaction in the face of entrenched discriminatory conduct and its failure to condemn or distance itself from politicized and militaristic messaging have collectively undermined the ethical foundation of the sport of football.” The committee further concluded that these actions had “brought football into disrepute, both domestically and internationally, and has damaged public trust in the sport’s ability to serve as a force for peace and inclusion.”
Despite the severity of these findings, FIFA imposed relatively modest sanctions: a 150,000 Swiss franc ($190,700) fine and a requirement for the IFA to display anti-discrimination banners during its next three home matches. The governing body declined to implement more severe measures such as suspension or expulsion from international competitions.
The investigation was triggered by a formal complaint from the Palestinian Football Association (PFA) in March 2024, which alleged systematic discrimination by the IFA, the participation of Israeli teams in illegal settlements, and violations of international law in occupied Palestinian territories. These claims were substantiated by an October 2023 Amnesty International report documenting at least six settlement clubs operating in violation of both international law and FIFA regulations.
Human rights advocates expressed disappointment with FIFA’s response. Nicholas McGeehan of FairSquare noted the disparity between FIFA’s strong language and minimal action, stating: “Fifa does not want to sanction Israel but is bound by rules that require it to do so.” This decision stands in contrast to FIFA’s immediate suspension of Russian teams following the invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
The ongoing conflict has claimed the lives of over 800 Palestinian athletes, including footballer Hani al-Masdar, during what international authorities have described as genocide in Gaza. Despite these developments, Israeli teams continue to participate in international competitions while the participation of other nations affected by geopolitical conflicts, particularly Iran, remains uncertain for the upcoming World Cup in North America.