England’s Aaron Rai showcased his exceptional form by leading Team BMW AGMC 1 to victory in the morning Rolex Pro-Am at the DP World Tour Championship. The event, held at the prestigious Earth Course in Jumeirah Golf Estates, served as a prelude to the $10 million season finale. Rai, currently ranked ninth in the Race to Dubai Rankings, partnered with amateurs Sandeep Singh, Randeep Singh, and Satnam Kaur to post a remarkable 33-under-par score, securing the win through a back-nine countback. This triumph follows Rai’s recent success at the $9 million Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, further cementing his status as a formidable contender in the golfing world. The afternoon session saw professional Jacques Kruyswijk and his team clinch victory with an astounding 37-under-par round, also decided by a last nine-hole countback. Football legend Ruud Gullit, playing in the Emirates 3 team, added a touch of star power to the event, finishing mid-field but winning the Nearest the Pin prize on hole 6. The amateur participants, who qualified through the UAE Pro-Am Challenge, competed in a series of events leading up to the Grand Final on the Fire Course, with winners receiving prestigious Rolex Pro-Am team prizes.
分类： sports
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DP World locks in landmark ten-year pledge to power the DP World Tour into a new era
In a groundbreaking move that underscores its long-term vision for global golf, DP World has announced a historic ten-year extension of its partnership with the DP World Tour. This landmark agreement, set to run until 2035, solidifies DP World’s role as the Title Partner and Official Logistics Partner of the season-ending DP World Tour Championship in Dubai, while also expanding its presence across 15 additional tournaments annually. The partnership, which began in 2022 with the rebranding of the European Tour to the DP World Tour, has already catalyzed unprecedented growth, with 42 tournaments spanning 26 countries, record prize funds, and a rapidly expanding global fan base. DP World’s commitment reflects its belief in golf’s potential to inspire, connect, and create opportunities worldwide. Initiatives like the DP World India Championship and sustainable projects such as the Second Life initiative, which repurposes shipping containers into training facilities, highlight the partnership’s focus on inclusivity and innovation. This collaboration, rooted in a shared vision since 2009, continues to redefine the future of golf, blending global trade with global sport to create a transformative impact.
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UGC Season 3 Player Auction approaches amid heightened DP World Tour spotlight
As the global golfing community gears up for the DP World Tour Championship at Jumeirah Golf Estates, featuring luminaries like Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood, the spotlight also shines brightly on Dubai’s social golf scene. The Ultimate Golf Challenge (UGC) Season 3 is poised to elevate the excitement with its upcoming Player Auction, scheduled for December 5, 2025, at The Pavilion, Emirates Golf Club. This event marks a pivotal moment for the UAE’s premier franchise-based team competition, which has rapidly become a cornerstone of the region’s golfing calendar. Season 3 promises to be the most ambitious yet, with an expanded roster of 160 players across 10 teams, each comprising 16 golfers, including a mandatory inclusion of at least two female players. The Player Auction will see team principals and mentors vying to secure eight new players while retaining eight from the previous season, ensuring a balanced mix of skill across low, mid, and high handicap categories. Players eager to participate must register by December 1, 2025, with an entry fee of AED 450. Eligibility criteria include a valid EGF handicap, UAE residency for at least six months, and availability for at least one tournament day. Those not selected at the auction will receive a full refund. Kunal Seth, Commissioner of the Ultimate Golf Challenge, emphasized the urgency for players to register, stating, “With fewer than three weeks to go, players must act now to secure their spot in what promises to be the most inclusive and competitive season yet.” The tournament will kick off on February 5, 2026, at the Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, designed by Jack Nicklaus, and will continue across four rounds at premier Dubai courses, culminating on May 7 at the Faldo Course at Emirates Golf Club. The season will conclude with a prize distribution ceremony and an after-party, celebrating champions and standout performers. Prizes will be awarded to the top three teams, outstanding individuals, daily brilliance awards, and the best lady golfer, recognizing excellence, skill, and style on the course.
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Ruud Gullit brings AC Milan Golf Collection to Dubai
Dutch football icon Ruud Gullit, renowned for his 1988 Ballon d’Or win and pivotal role in AC Milan’s history, has brought the AC Milan Golf Collection to Dubai for its Middle Eastern debut. The three-day event, held at Jumeirah Golf Estates, coincides with the season-ending DP World Tour Championship. Launched earlier this summer, the premium collection merges Milanese elegance with high-performance golf apparel, reflecting AC Milan’s legacy as a cultural and sporting powerhouse. During his visit, Gullit participated in the Rolex Pro-Am on the Earth course, donning the stylish collection, and will engage in a Short-Game Challenge alongside American golf influencer Bradford Wilson as part of the Dubai Fitness Challenge 30×30 initiative. The AC Milan Golf Collection is the first release under Clubhouse, AC Milan’s innovative platform bridging football with fashion, design, music, and the arts. Valerio Rocchetti, AC Milan’s Director of Licencing, Retail and E-Commerce, emphasized the collection’s alignment with the club’s identity and its growing presence in the Middle East. AC Milan’s regional ties are further solidified through partnerships like Emirates Airline and the establishment of Casa Milan Dubai in 2023, a hub dedicated to engaging the club’s expanding fanbase in the region.
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DP World Tour launches ‘Rory McIlroy Award’ to honour Europe’s first Grand Slam winner
The DP World Tour has introduced a groundbreaking accolade, the Rory McIlroy Award, to celebrate the Northern Irish golfer’s historic Career Grand Slam achievement. Unveiled during the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai, the award will debut in 2026, recognizing the DP World Tour member who delivers the most outstanding performance across the four Major Championships in a season. McIlroy, who became the first European to complete the Career Grand Slam earlier this year, expressed deep gratitude for the honor. ‘It’s a huge privilege to have something named after me that will inspire future generations of players,’ he said. The award will be based on Race to Dubai points earned at the Masters, US PGA Championship, US Open, and The Open. McIlroy’s Masters victory in April, secured in a thrilling playoff against Justin Rose, marked the culmination of his Grand Slam journey, which began with his 2011 US Open win. DP World Tour Chief Executive Guy Kinnings emphasized the award’s significance, stating, ‘This is a permanent legacy to honor Rory’s extraordinary contributions to golf and to inspire future talents.’ The Rory McIlroy Award joins other prestigious honors named after European golf legends, including the Seve Ballesteros Award and the Harry Vardon Trophy. Notably, McIlroy will be ineligible to win the award, ensuring it remains a symbol of aspiration for emerging players.
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Tunisian star Jabeur announces pregnancy, takes break from tennis
Tunisian tennis sensation Ons Jabeur, a former world number two and three-time Grand Slam finalist, has announced her pregnancy and an extended hiatus from professional tennis. The 31-year-old athlete, affectionately known as the ‘Minister of Happiness,’ revealed on Instagram that she is expecting a baby boy in April. Jabeur, currently ranked 79th, stated that she will temporarily step away from the sport to focus on her new family life.
Jabeur’s announcement comes as she reflects on her demanding tour schedule and her openness about battling depression amidst the pressures of professional tennis. With five WTA singles titles to her name, Jabeur’s decision highlights ongoing concerns about the strenuous tennis calendar and its impact on players’ mental and physical well-being.
Her Instagram post, which read, ‘I took a little break to reset and recharge … Turns out, we’ve been planning the cutest comeback ever,’ has been met with widespread support from fans and fellow athletes. Jabeur’s break from the sport marks a significant moment in her career, as she balances her professional achievements with her personal journey into motherhood.
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Iwobi ready to face ‘big brother’ Aubameyang
Nigeria’s journey to the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been nothing short of a rollercoaster. After a dismal start to their qualifying campaign, which saw the Super Eagles secure just three points from their first four matches, their hopes were reignited by a dramatic injury-time goal in their final group game against Benin. Brentford’s Frank Onyeka’s strike sealed a 4-0 victory, propelling Nigeria into the African play-offs as runners-up in Group C on goal difference. Now, the team faces a new challenge: stopping Gabon’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in their play-off semi-final in Morocco. Aubameyang, a former Arsenal teammate of Nigeria’s Alex Iwobi, has been in stellar form, scoring seven goals in World Cup qualifying, including four in a single match against The Gambia. The 36-year-old Gabon captain is determined to lead his nation to their first-ever World Cup appearance. Iwobi, who shared the pitch with Aubameyang during their time at Arsenal, spoke highly of his former teammate, describing him as a ‘great person off the pitch’ and a mentor who encouraged him to express himself on the field. Despite the camaraderie, Iwobi acknowledged the difficulty of containing Aubameyang, stating, ‘I don’t know how we’re going to lock him up.’ Nigeria’s path to the World Cup remains arduous. After missing out on automatic qualification by finishing second in Group C behind South Africa, they must first overcome Gabon and then the winner of the Cameroon vs. DR Congo match to advance to an intercontinental qualifier in March. Should they succeed, Nigeria’s world ranking would likely pit them against a team from Asia, Oceania, South America, or the Concacaf region, with the victors securing a spot in the expanded 48-team tournament. Nigeria’s resurgence under coach Eric Chelle has been pivotal. Appointed in January, Chelle has led the team to an unbeaten run in six competitive games, fostering a positive atmosphere within the squad. Iwobi praised Chelle’s leadership, likening him to a ‘big brother’ who motivates the players to fight for both Nigeria and their coach. Despite the challenges, Iwobi remains optimistic about Nigeria’s chances, emphasizing the team’s determination to prove their worth on the international stage.
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Messi and Argentina’s soccer team are special guests for Angola’s independence anniversary
In a grand celebration of its 50th anniversary of independence from Portugal, Angola is set to host Lionel Messi and the World Cup-winning Argentina national soccer team as special guests this week. The festivities, which commenced on Wednesday, will feature an exhibition match between Angola’s national team and Argentina on Friday at the iconic 11 November Stadium in Luanda, named in honor of the country’s independence day. Reports indicate that Angola has invested a staggering $13 million to secure the participation of the reigning world champions. The Argentine squad is scheduled to arrive in Angola on Thursday, as confirmed by the Argentine soccer federation. The celebrations kicked off with a ceremonial event at Republic Square in Luanda, where President João Lourenço presided over the raising of a massive Angolan flag by soldiers. Angola gained independence on November 11, 1975, but the nation was soon engulfed in a brutal civil war that claimed the lives of an estimated 500,000 to 1 million people before finally concluding in 2002. Since independence, the oil-rich nation has been governed by the People’s Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA), the sole ruling party.
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Wales captain Morgan missing rest of autumn rugby tests including key Japan match
CARDIFF, Wales — In a significant blow to Wales’ rugby ambitions, captain Jac Morgan has been ruled out for the remainder of the autumn internationals after sustaining a dislocated shoulder during a recent match against Argentina. The injury occurred as Morgan scored a try from his own tapped penalty in the 52-28 defeat on Sunday. He was forced to watch the remainder of the game from the stands with his left arm in a sling.
Morgan, who recently represented the British and Irish Lions in two tests during their tour of Australia, will miss the upcoming test against Japan on Saturday. This match holds particular importance as it serves as a crucial stepping stone for Wales’ Rugby World Cup aspirations. Uncapped flanker Harri Deaves has been called up to replace Morgan in the squad.
Wales coach Steve Tandy expressed his disappointment, stating, ‘We’re all gutted to lose Jac — he’s a world-class player, as well as a great man off the pitch.’
The upcoming clash against Japan carries added significance, as Wales ended their 18-match losing streak by defeating Japan in July. The two teams will meet again in Cardiff this weekend, with both vying for a spot in Band 2 for the 2027 Rugby World Cup draw, scheduled for December 3 in Sydney. Currently ranked 12th and 13th in the world, respectively, the team that finishes higher by the end of the autumn tests will secure a more favorable position in the World Cup draw.
This match represents a critical opportunity for Wales, as their remaining fixtures include formidable opponents New Zealand and South Africa, making a victory against Japan all the more essential.
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Turkey FA suspends 1,024 players in betting probe
The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) has taken decisive action by suspending 1,024 players from its professional leagues amid an ongoing investigation into betting activities. This sweeping measure includes 27 players from Turkey’s top division, all of whom have been referred to the Professional Football Disciplinary Board (PFDK) for further scrutiny. In response to the scandal, matches in the third and fourth divisions have been postponed for two weeks, while the top two divisions will continue as scheduled. The TFF has also requested an additional 15 days beyond the winter transfer window from FIFA to help clubs manage potential squad shortages. Besiktas, one of Turkey’s most prominent clubs, has expressed confidence in the innocence of two of its players who were implicated. The investigation has also led to the arrest of eight individuals, including a club chairman, as part of a broader crackdown on betting and match-fixing. The scandal first came to light on October 27 when TFF president Ibrahim Haciosmanoglu revealed that hundreds of referees were linked to betting accounts. Out of 571 referees in Turkey’s professional leagues, 371 had betting accounts, with 152 actively placing wagers. The TFF, along with FIFA and UEFA, strictly prohibits match officials from participating in betting activities. Turkish prosecutors have recently issued detention orders for 21 individuals, including 17 referees and two club presidents, as part of this extensive investigation.