Global Pulse

分类： sports

  • A marathon and a war: UAE’s Ahmad Skaik set to battle for Asian Tour glory in Thailand

    A marathon and a war: UAE’s Ahmad Skaik set to battle for Asian Tour glory in Thailand

    Emirati professional golfer Ahmad Skaik approaches the Asian Tour Final Qualifying School in Hua Hin, Thailand, with a warrior’s mentality, describing the five-round tournament as both “a marathon and a war.” The event, held at the challenging Lake View Resort and Golf Club, represents a critical juncture in Skaik’s nascent professional career, where 200 competitors vie for merely 35 coveted tour cards for the 2026 season.

    The qualifying structure presents a formidable test of endurance and skill across four distinct courses (A, B, C, and D), with initial cuts after 36 holes and a final elimination after 72 holes. With a modest prize fund of $15,000 overshadowed by the life-changing opportunity of tour membership, the competition demands both physical excellence and mental fortitude.

    In an exclusive interview with Khaleej Times, Skaik revealed his strategic approach to the high-pressure environment. “I feel very confident. The game is in a good place,” stated the recently turned professional, emphasizing the importance of process-oriented thinking. “You just go out there, play one shot at a time. Stick to the process, stay patient, and see where that puts you.”

    Skaik provided insightful analysis of the course conditions, noting the particularly challenging greens. “They are nice but very sloppy and quick, so you gotta miss them in the right spots, or else it’s almost like a guaranteed bogey.” His strategy involves calculated aggression: taking advantage of par fives and shorter par fours while exercising caution on more demanding holes.

    The psychological dimension of the tournament remains paramount in Skaik’s preparation. Recognizing the extended nature of the competition, he emphasizes patience as a weapon: “You cannot win it from the first day. It’s gonna take every day as it goes.”

    For Skaik, qualification represents more than personal achievement—it embodies the realization of a professional dream. “This is why we play, to be on such big tours and to hopefully win tournaments there,” he expressed, acknowledging that Asian Tour status would constitute “a very big step towards achieving my dreams.”

    While honored to represent the United Arab Emirates on the international stage, Skaik maintains a focused perspective: “When I’m on the golf course, I just think about what I’m doing… I cannot put added pressure, or think about who’s watching.” This balanced approach between national pride and individual concentration may prove decisive in his quest for one of the precious 35 tour cards.

  • ‘Felt like humiliation’ – Egypt reacts to Salah’s Liverpool row

    ‘Felt like humiliation’ – Egypt reacts to Salah’s Liverpool row

    In the bustling streets of Cairo, where 23 million people navigate the chaotic urban landscape, a singular name dominates conversations: Mohamed Salah. The recent controversy surrounding his explosive interview about Liverpool has ignited what locals describe as a “national revolution” of support for their football icon.

    When Salah claimed Liverpool had “thrown him under the bus” in his December 6th interview, the Egyptian response was immediate and overwhelming. Diaa El-Sayed, former Egypt assistant coach who has known Salah since his teenage years, stated: “This interview was like a revolution in Egypt. 99% of Egypt supports Salah.”

    The contrast between British and Egyptian perspectives couldn’t be more striking. While British media heavily criticized Salah, with former defender Jamie Carragher calling the interview a “disgrace,” Cairo residents view their ‘Egyptian King’ through entirely different lenses. “Before Salah, no-one supported Liverpool here,” explains Cairo local Noura Essam. “Before Salah, we didn’t have a global figure, so we will always support him.”

    Salah’s cultural significance transcends sports. During the 2018 presidential election, over one million Egyptians wrote his name on their ballots instead of voting for official candidates. He’s known affectionately as the ‘Fourth Pyramid’ – an unofficial national leader whose influence reaches far beyond football pitches.

    At Ramses Square, where teenage Salah once changed buses during his nine-hour daily commute to training, cafe patrons expressed disbelief at his recent benchings by Liverpool manager Arne Slot. The situation became so tense that when Liverpool faced Inter Milan in Champions League, “all of Egypt supported Inter Milan,” according to Osama Ismail, former Egyptian FA spokesman.

    The national team has mobilized to support their captain ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations. At Cairo International Stadium, where Egypt recently defeated Nigeria 2-1 in a friendly, the overwhelming mood was one of lifting their “son’s” morale. Sports Minister Ashraf Sobhy personally welcomed Salah upon his arrival in Cairo, demonstrating the government-level support he commands.

    Ahmed Gamal Ali, a Cairo-based journalist, explains the national sentiment: “We say he is our son, so we were emotionally taken aback because it felt like a humiliation for one of our family. To see one of our own hurting was shocking.”

    Within the Egyptian camp, support remains unwavering. Team staff describe working with Salah as “the best part of my job,” while players have universally posted social media support for their captain. Coach Hossam Hassan, Egypt’s all-time record goalscorer, has held extensive discussions with Salah, emphasizing that Egypt needs him at his best regardless of his Liverpool situation.

    The underlying tension stems from Salah’s changing role at Liverpool and potential departure. While neither party appears eager for a January separation, a summer move seems increasingly likely, with Saudi clubs interested in the £400,000-per-week forward. Yet even potential departure carries nuance – there’s belief Salah might return to Liverpool with his family after retirement because they “love the British way of life.”

    For now, Salah’s focus remains on international glory. He has never won the Africa Cup of Nations, losing finals in 2017 and 2021. His dedication to this goal is exemplified by his response to his daughters when they asked why he still trains despite winning everything with Liverpool: “No, not yet, this is Egypt.”

    The narrative also touches on Salah’s football hero, Mohamed Aboutrika, whose number 22 Salah once wore as tribute until Aboutrika was placed on Egypt’s terror list in 2017 (a designation removed in 2024). Unlike his idol who won two Afcon titles, Salah seeks his first international trophy.

    With Egypt drawn in a manageable World Cup group alongside Belgium, Iran and New Zealand for next year’s tournament, international success remains within reach. But immediate focus remains on Morocco, where Salah carries not just national hopes but personal motivation to prove he remains among football’s elite.

    As Mohamed Mamoun, a fan at Cairo stadium, perfectly captures: “Salah always wants to win but there is double motivation now to prove that he is still one of the best. We already know he is the best.” Though not tournament favorites, with Salah, Egypt will always believe.

  • Manipal University win cricket title at BITS Sports Festival

    Manipal University win cricket title at BITS Sports Festival

    In an electrifying conclusion to the 22nd BITS Sports Festival 2025, Manipal University emerged victorious in the cricket championship after a nail-biting final that extended into a Super Over showdown against hosts BITS Pilani. The prestigious tournament culminated with Indian cricket icon Sunil Gavaskar presenting the trophy to the triumphant Manipal team.

    The championship match, played in a 12-over format, witnessed BITS Pilani setting a challenging target of 155 runs in 11.3 overs. Nikunj Maheshwari delivered an explosive performance with 55 runs off just 22 deliveries, supported by Kedar Kotak’s quickfire 24 from 12 balls. Manipal’s bowling attack, led by Arsh Lucky’s impressive four-wicket haul, with contributions from Hardik Pai and Pratham Mahale, managed to contain the hosts’ batting lineup.

    Manipal’s response was spearheaded by captain Pratham, who smashed a brilliant 59 from 23 balls, while Vishnu Rajesh contributed 37 runs from 23 deliveries. The match reached its climax when Ayman Bijli’s remarkable last-over onslaught, requiring 26 runs from the final six deliveries, forced the game into a tie-breaker Super Over.

    In the decisive Super Over, Manipal posted 15 runs and successfully defended their total against BITS Pilani’s batting effort, securing the championship title. The victorious team showcased consistent performances throughout the tournament from key players including Ayman Bijli, Hardik Pai, Rehan Sajith, Arsh Lucky, Sahil Shetty, and captain Pratham.

    Manipal’s path to the final included impressive victories against London American University, Heriot-Watt University, City University Ajman, and Middlesex University in the knockout format competition, demonstrating their dominance in the inter-university sporting event.

  • Australia’s Smith out of third Test with illness

    Australia’s Smith out of third Test with illness

    In a dramatic pre-match development, Australian cricket star Steve Smith was abruptly ruled out of the pivotal third Ashes Test against England due to concerning medical symptoms. The 36-year-old batter experienced persistent nausea and dizziness, compounded by a net session injury where he was struck in the groin area.

    Cricket Australia issued an official statement explaining: “Over recent days he has been experiencing vestibular-related symptoms intermittently. Despite intensive monitoring and being nearly match-ready, the persistence of these symptoms necessitated his withdrawal from play.” Medical authorities confirmed this represents a recurrence of a pre-existing vestibular condition that Smith has managed previously.

    The unexpected vacancy created an extraordinary comeback opportunity for Usman Khawaja, who had been omitted from the original lineup just hours earlier. The 38-year-old left-hander, who many believed had played his final Ashes match, now steps into the critical number four batting position.

    Australian captain Pat Cummins addressed the situation: “Steve attempted to push through this morning but ultimately recognized he couldn’t perform at required levels. We’re fortunate to have someone of Usman’s caliber ready to immediately fill this crucial role.”

    The timing proves particularly significant given Australia’s dominant 2-0 series lead and the Adelaide Oval’s batting-friendly conditions. Smith’s absence removes England’s primary tormentor from previous Ashes campaigns – a batsman whose only superior in Ashes run production remains the legendary Sir Donald Bradman.

    This development also postpones the eagerly anticipated renewal of Smith’s rivalry with English paceman Jofra Archer, whose fiery spell in Brisbane had set the stage for another compelling confrontation. Medical staff remain optimistic about Smith’s recovery timeline, expecting his return for the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.

  • Indian Golfers Society makes Saadiyat Beach Golf Club debut with showcase event

    Indian Golfers Society makes Saadiyat Beach Golf Club debut with showcase event

    The Indian Golfers Society (IGS) celebrated a significant organizational achievement by hosting its inaugural tournament at the prestigious Saadiyat Beach Golf Club in Abu Dhabi. The event attracted 92 participants who competed across multiple categories while fostering professional networking and camaraderie within the UAE’s golfing community.

    Established in 1996, the society demonstrated its growing influence in the regional sports scene by organizing this showcase event shortly after its traditional season-opening Indian Independence Golf Cup. The tournament’s scenic coastal setting provided an ideal backdrop for competitive play that reflected IGS’s core mission of combining sporting excellence with meaningful business and social connections.

    Competitive highlights featured outstanding performances across all divisions. Arkesh Bhatia secured victory in the Elite category with a remarkable gross score of one over par, demonstrating exceptional skill under pressure. Division A honors went to Arjun Khanna, while Nikhil Kohli emerged triumphant in Division B. The Ladies’ division saw Satnam Kaur deliver an impressive winning performance, and Mohammed Darwish claimed top honors among invitees.

    The event’s success was significantly enhanced through strategic partnerships with prominent brands. Pernod Ricard, Nexus Insurance, BMW, Taj, Brain Performance, Viya Golf, Cellar Advisory, and the Golf Superstore provided substantial support that elevated the tournament experience. The Golf Superstore contributed specially branded Titleist duffel bags for participants, while Nexus Insurance continued its ongoing association with the society, underscoring the strong corporate relationships IGS has cultivated within the UAE.

    With a membership exceeding 140 high-net-worth individuals, professionals, and senior executives, IGS has established itself as one of the UAE’s most vibrant golfing communities. The society’s calendar typically features regular tournaments, international golfing trips, and culminates in an Annual Dinner gathering. This successful debut at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club signals the society’s continued expansion and its commitment to delivering top-tier competitive events combined with premium hospitality experiences.

  • Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen and Ryan Fox bring global appeal to 2026 Dubai Invitational

    Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen and Ryan Fox bring global appeal to 2026 Dubai Invitational

    The 2026 Dubai Invitational is rapidly shaping into a premier global golf spectacle with the confirmed participation of international stars Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen and Ryan Fox. Scheduled for January 15-18 at Dubai Creek Resort, the tournament now features an exceptionally strong field that includes defending champion Tommy Fleetwood and five-time Major winner Rory McIlroy.

    Danish sensation Neergaard-Petersen brings remarkable momentum following his recent breakthrough victory at the Crown Australian Open, where he outperformed former Open Champion Cam Smith in a dramatic final-round showdown. The 27-year-old’s rapid ascent includes three 2024 wins on the HotelPlanner Tour that earned him DP World Tour promotion and the Road to Mallorca Rankings title. His 2025 campaign further solidified his status with dual PGA TOUR membership secured.

    “I’m really looking forward to making my debut at the Dubai Invitational,” Neergaard-Petersen stated. “Starting 2026 in the UAE with momentum from my Australian Open win is exactly where I want to be.”

    Meanwhile, New Zealand’s Ryan Fox arrives following the most successful season of his professional career. The 38-year-old achieved dual PGA TOUR victories in 2025 at the ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic and RBC Canadian Open, both secured through playoffs within a remarkable four-start stretch. Fox previously triumphed at the 2023 BMW PGA Championship and will be pursuing his fifth DP World Tour title in Dubai.

    “Dubai has always been a special place for me to play golf, and after the year I’ve had, I’m excited to bring that form to Dubai Creek Resort,” Fox commented. “I enjoyed the inaugural edition in 2024, and the venue is fantastic. With Tommy defending and Rory returning, it’s going to be a world-class field.”

    Tournament host Abdulla Al Naboodah welcomed the additions, noting: “We are delighted to welcome Ryan Fox and Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen. Both players have demonstrated outstanding skill and consistency on the international stage, and their inclusion enhances an already distinguished field.”

    The biennial Dubai Invitational serves as the opening event of the Race to Dubai’s International Swing, featuring a unique format with 60 DP World Tour professionals and 60 amateur golfers participating in a three-day Pro-Am, concluding with exclusive professional competition on Sunday.

  • This Week in Golf: Global golf winds down with high stakes in Mauritius and Thailand

    This Week in Golf: Global golf winds down with high stakes in Mauritius and Thailand

    The international golf circuit approaches its 2025 finale with parallel narratives of triumph and aspiration unfolding across two continents. While established professionals compete for prestige in the Indian Ocean, emerging talents battle for career-defining opportunities in Southeast Asia.

    The DP World Tour concludes its Opening Swing segment at the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open, boasting a $1.2 million purse co-sanctioned with South Africa’s Sunshine Tour. Heritage La Reserve Golf Links hosts defending champion John Parry, whose remarkable 2024 victory propelled him to an 11th-place Race to Dubai finish and secured his PGA Tour credentials. The Englishman’s return to defend his title contrasts with modern trends where champions frequently skip such events.

    A formidable international contingent includes recent DP World Tour winner Jayden Schaper of South Africa, UAE-based European veterans Nicolas Colsaerts (Belgium) and Dominic Foos (Germany), alongside numerous Sunshine Tour competitors. The tournament’s significance extends beyond its prize money, as early-season performance frequently establishes momentum for the entire campaign.

    Concurrently, Thailand’s Lake View Resort & Golf Club hosts the Asian Tour Final Qualifying School, where five grueling rounds will determine professional futures. This crucible of competition represents golf’s foundational pyramid structure, where marginal differences separate success from obscurity. Participants recognize that sustained performance under pressure could launch continental touring careers.

    The global tour schedule resumes January 15-18, 2026 with the Dubai Invitational at Dubai Creek Resort, featuring headliners Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood. This prestigious event inaugurates the DP World Tour’s International Swing segment, offering early-season opportunities before the championship calendar intensifies.

  • Fifa brings in new £45 ticket for 2026 World Cup

    Fifa brings in new £45 ticket for 2026 World Cup

    In response to widespread criticism over exorbitant pricing, FIFA has announced the introduction of a limited number of affordable tickets priced at $60 (£45) for all 104 matches of the 2026 World Cup. This new ‘supporter entry tier’ category, representing 10% of each participating football association’s allocation, follows intense backlash from fan groups who condemned the original pricing structure as “scandalous” and “extortionate.

    The decision, described by a FIFA official as “unanimous” after considering feedback, specifically targets “loyal fans” of qualified nations. Each participating member association (PMA) will manage their own eligibility criteria and distribution process for these budget-friendly tickets. For England and Scotland, this translates to approximately 400 tickets available at the £45 price point for group stage matches.

    While UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer welcomed the move, he urged FIFA to further enhance affordability to prevent the tournament from losing touch with genuine supporters. The Football Association is now working urgently to establish a fair allocation system for these limited tickets, facing the challenge that demand vastly exceeds supply, with over 20 million ticket requests already recorded.

    Fan organizations including the Football Supporters’ Association (FSA) and Football Supporters Europe (FSE) have dismissed the initiative as a “hollow gesture” and “cynical attempt to deflect attention.” They note that despite this concession, the majority of tickets remain prohibitively expensive, with final match tickets costing £3,119—seven times more than in Qatar 2022. Concerns also persist regarding the lack of pricing accommodations for disabled supporters.

    The 2026 World Cup, hosted across Canada, Mexico, and the United States, represents both a unique commercial opportunity and accessibility challenge, particularly given the active secondary ticket market in North America. FIFA maintains that commercial success benefits all 211 member associations, including the poorest nations, through development funding.

  • Mexico gears up for 2026 World Cup with friendlies against Panama, Bolivia, and Iceland

    Mexico gears up for 2026 World Cup with friendlies against Panama, Bolivia, and Iceland

    The Mexican Football Federation has unveiled a comprehensive preparatory schedule for its national team ahead of co-hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The strategic plan commences with three international friendlies against Panama, Bolivia, and Iceland during the early months of the new year.

    Mexico’s national squad will embark on a South American tour starting January 22nd, facing Panama at Rommel Fernández Stadium. The team will subsequently travel to Bolivia for a match at Ramón Tahuichi Aguilera Costas Stadium in Santa Cruz on January 25th. The preparation series concludes with a home fixture against Iceland on February 25th at Corregidora Stadium in Querétaro.

    Notably, these initial matches will feature exclusively domestic-based players since they fall outside FIFA’s official international windows. This selection strategy provides an opportunity for Liga MX talents to demonstrate their capabilities at the international level.

    The preparation intensifies in March when head coach Javier Aguirre will have access to his complete roster for two significant encounters. Mexico faces Portugal on March 28th during the highly anticipated reopening ceremony of the iconic Azteca Stadium, followed by a challenging match against Belgium at Soldier Field in Chicago.

    As tournament co-hosts, El Tri is scheduled to inaugurate the 2026 World Cup with a crucial opening match against South Africa on June 11th. These friendly matches represent critical building blocks in Mexico’s quest to overcome their recent competitive struggles, having concluded 2025 without a victory in their final six matches.

  • ‘Clear about our targets’: Delhi Capitals CEO before IPL 2026 auction in Abu Dhabi

    ‘Clear about our targets’: Delhi Capitals CEO before IPL 2026 auction in Abu Dhabi

    As the Indian Premier League approaches its 2026 auction in Abu Dhabi, Delhi Capitals CEO Sunil Gupta has outlined the franchise’s strategic vision for building a competitive squad. The JSW and GMR co-owned franchise enters the December 16 auction with eight slots to fill and a remaining purse of ₹21.80 crore, including five overseas positions.

    The team has completed a significant pre-auction trade with Rajasthan Royals, acquiring experienced left-handed batsman Nitish Rana in exchange for Donovan Ferreira. Gupta emphasized Rana’s value as a seasoned IPL campaigner and local talent, noting his familiarity with home conditions and previous franchise experience make him an ideal addition to the Capitals’ lineup.

    From the initial pool of 1,390 registered players, organizers have shortlisted 350 candidates—240 Indian and 110 overseas players—including 224 uncapped Indian talents and 14 uncapped international prospects, providing substantial depth to this year’s selection process.

    Gupta confirmed the retention of a solid core group from last season despite narrowly missing playoff qualification. He characterized the previous campaign as filled with valuable learnings that will inform their approach going forward. The scouting team has conducted extensive preparations, and management has identified specific targets to address remaining squad requirements.

    While promising aggressive bidding where necessary, Gupta emphasized the importance of maintaining flexibility during the dynamic auction process. The franchise leadership has arrived in Abu Dhabi fully prepared to navigate the complexities of player acquisition while staying focused on their ultimate objective of building a championship-caliber team.