Global Pulse

分类： sports

  • Top horses, beautiful hats: Fashion Friday set to thrill at Meydan

    Top horses, beautiful hats: Fashion Friday set to thrill at Meydan

    Meydan Racecourse prepares to host an extraordinary convergence of elite horse racing and haute couture this Friday, January 23, transforming Fashion Friday into a dual celebration of athletic prowess and sartorial elegance. The event features a prestigious nine-race card highlighted by three Group 1 contests, including the signature Al Maktoum Challenge that serves as a critical preparatory event for the Dubai World Cup scheduled March 28.

    Racing experts anticipate intensely competitive clashes, particularly in the featured Al Maktoum Challenge where defending champion Walk Of Stars faces formidable opponents Imperial Emperor from Bhupat Seemar’s stable and Heart of Honour, last year’s UAE Derby runner-up trained by Jamie Osborne. David O’Farrell, Assistant Manager of International Relations at Dubai Racing Club, predicts these top contenders will deliver a spectacular photo finish.

    Beyond the track, Concourse 3 will host an exclusive millinery exhibition showcasing avant-garde headpieces from internationally acclaimed designers including Bee Smith, Victoria Charles, and British millinery icon Victoria Grant, who will present pieces from her ‘Couture Millinery for the Wild at Heart’ collection. The fashion component has evolved into a significant attraction, with noted milliner Lisa Tan identifying the emerging trend of compact ‘airhostess hats’ that combine practicality with elegance for racing events.

    The international dimension extends to the participant roster, with UK-based trainer Jamie Osborne noting the enhanced competitiveness of this year’s carnival. Having regularly participated since 2010, Osborne observes: ‘The Dubai World Cup has become increasingly integral to our racing calendar. This year’s field demonstrates remarkable depth, making victories more challenging yet more rewarding.’

    The complete racing program offers diverse excitement with the Group 1 Jebel Hatta attracting elite international runners, while speed specialists will dominate the Group 2 Blue Point Sprint and Group 3 Al Shindagha Sprint. The event culminates in a vibrant after-party, completing an experience that transcends traditional horse racing to become a comprehensive celebration of sport, fashion, and social spectacle.

  • Bangladesh players want to play the World Cup, says BCB president

    Bangladesh players want to play the World Cup, says BCB president

    The International Cricket Council has formally dismissed Bangladesh’s appeal to relocate their Twenty20 World Cup matches from India, creating a diplomatic standoff just weeks before the tournament’s February 7 commencement. Despite expressing grave concerns about player and fan safety amid heightened political tensions between the South Asian neighbors, the Bangladesh Cricket Board saw its proposal to shift matches to Sri Lanka rejected by cricket’s global governing body.

    BCB President Aminul Islam revealed the board will make a final appeal to Bangladesh’s interim government before determining their participation fate. ‘I requested the ICC board for additional time to consult my government one last time,’ Islam stated following the decision. ‘They acknowledged this as a valid concern and granted me 24 to 48 hours to respond.’

    The president maintained that India remains ‘not secure for us’ despite the ICC’s security assurances, emphasizing that Bangladesh’s preference to compete in Sri Lanka remains unchanged. This diplomatic impasse stems from deteriorating political relations that recently spilled into cricket when Bangladeshi pace bowler Mustafizur Rahman was unexpectedly dropped from the Indian Premier League after signing with Kolkata’s franchise.

    Bangladesh retaliated by banning IPL broadcasts domestically and initiating the World Cup venue change request. With the ICC maintaining its position, Bangladesh now faces the critical choice of either participating under current arrangements or potentially being replaced by another team in the global tournament. Islam acknowledged the players’ strong desire to compete, stating ‘Bangladesh players want to play the World Cup,’ while simultaneously expressing hope for ‘a miracle from the ICC’ regarding venue security concerns.

  • Is holding Afcon every four years ‘totally wrong’ or ‘good call’?

    Is holding Afcon every four years ‘totally wrong’ or ‘good call’?

    The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced revolutionary structural changes to its competition calendar, headlined by transitioning the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) from a biennial to a quadrennial event starting after the 2028 edition. The seismic shift, confirmed by CAF President Patrice Motsepe, coincides with the creation of an annual African Nations League set to debut in 2029.

    The decision, finalized after extensive consultation with FIFA, concludes the tournament’s 67-year history as a primarily two-year event. Motsepe defended the controversial move as essential for synchronizing with the global football calendar and serving “the best interests of African football.” The announcement has sparked vigorous debate across the continent’s football community, revealing sharp divisions between stakeholders.

    Mali coach Tom Saintfiet emerged as an early critic, labeling the change “totally wrong” and accusing CAF of prioritizing European club interests. This perspective finds support among active players, including Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly, who noted the biennial schedule had been “amazing for continental development.”

    Conversely, Ivory Coast manager Emerse Fae suggested the extended interval might benefit African football’s growth, while Burkina Faso captain Bertrand Traore acknowledged mixed reactions from players depending on career stages. The transition also signals the termination of the African Nations Championship (CHAN), which Motsepe described as a “spectacular money-loser” despite its role in developing local talent.

    Financial considerations appear central to CAF’s calculus. The organization reported substantial revenue growth from recent AFCON tournaments, with the 2025 edition forecast to generate $114 million—a significant increase from previous cycles. Motsepe indicated the Nations League would outperform AFCON financially, though specific projections remain undisclosed.

    The restructured calendar aims to address persistent scheduling conflicts with European leagues while creating more competitive opportunities through regionally-based Nations League divisions. This format promises to revive historic rivalries like Ghana-Nigeria, who’ve met only five times competitively in twenty years.

  • Djokovic eases past qualifier as Keys advances at Australian Open

    Djokovic eases past qualifier as Keys advances at Australian Open

    Novak Djokovic demonstrated his enduring dominance at Melbourne Park with a commanding 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 victory over Italian qualifier Francesco Maestrelli during Thursday’s Australian Open action. The 38-year-old Serbian champion needed just over two hours to secure his place in the third round, maintaining his pursuit of an unprecedented 11th Australian Open title and a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam championship.

    The match represented Djokovic’s 399th career Grand Slam match victory and his 101st win at Melbourne Park, placing him just one victory shy of Roger Federer’s all-time record. Despite facing an unfamiliar opponent ranked 141st globally, Djokovic maintained professional respect while executing a tactically superior performance.

    ‘I didn’t know much about him until a few days ago, which happens frequently these days,’ Djokovic acknowledged regarding his 23-year-old opponent. ‘But the respect remains constant. He possesses a powerful serve and substantial game potential, primarily requiring additional competitive experience.’

    In women’s competition, defending champion Madison Keys advanced despite second-set complications against compatriot Ashlyn Krueger. The ninth-seeded American secured a 6-1, 7-5 victory after overcoming service inconsistencies that momentarily threatened her progression. Keys will next confront former world number one Karolina Pliskova.

    Other notable results featured fifth-seeded Lorenzo Musetti’s straight-set triumph over fellow Italian Lorenzo Sonego (6-3, 6-3, 6-4), while eighth-seeded Ben Shelton delivered an impressive 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 victory against Australia’s Dane Sweeny. Sixth seed Jessica Pegula demonstrated particular dominance with a 58-minute, 6-0, 6-2 demolition of doubles partner McCartney Kessler.

    The tournament continues with defending men’s champion Jannik Sinner, women’s second seed Iga Świątek, and two-time champion Naomi Osaka all scheduled for Thursday evening matches.

  • Džeko returns to Germany for Schalke as he hopes to lead Bosnia to the World Cup

    Džeko returns to Germany for Schalke as he hopes to lead Bosnia to the World Cup

    In a strategic move that bridges past glory with future ambitions, German second-division club Schalke has secured the signature of legendary Bosnian striker Edin Džeko from Italy’s Fiorentina. The 39-year-old veteran, who will turn 40 in March, returns to the Bundesliga where he first achieved international acclaim.

    Schalke’s sporting director, Youri Mulder, emphasized the multifaceted value of this acquisition: “We’re acquiring not just a proven goal-scorer but a natural leader whose experience at the highest competitive levels will substantially elevate our squad’s capabilities. His presence as both a target man and finisher provides crucial offensive dimensions.”

    The transfer carries significant international implications beyond domestic competition. Džeko, Bosnia’s all-time leading scorer with 72 goals across 146 appearances, aims to leverage consistent playing time to maintain peak condition for Bosnia’s World Cup qualifying campaign. The national team faces a critical playoff pathway in March, initially confronting Wales with a potential subsequent clash against either Italy or Northern Ireland.

    Currently leading the 2. Bundesliga by a four-point margin over Elversberg and Darmstadt, Schalke has built their success primarily on defensive solidity rather than offensive output—an area Džeko’s arrival directly addresses. The veteran striker will wear the iconic No. 10 jersey through the remainder of the season’s 16 fixtures.

    Džeko expressed enthusiasm about rejoining German football, noting: “I’ve monitored Schalke’s remarkable resurgence following challenging periods. Their developmental trajectory this season demonstrates compelling potential.” The decorated forward brings championship experience from Wolfsburg’s historic 2009-10 Bundesliga triumph, multiple Premier League titles with Manchester City, and recent Serie A successes with Inter Milan.

  • Osaka apologises for ‘disrespecting’ Cirstea

    Osaka apologises for ‘disrespecting’ Cirstea

    A contentious conclusion to Naomi Osaka’s second-round victory at the Australian Open has sparked discussions about sportsmanship and emotional intensity in professional tennis. The four-time Grand Slam champion found herself in an unexpected confrontation with opponent Sorana Cirstea following her 6-3, 4-6, 6-2 triumph on January 22, 2026.

    The tension emerged during the traditional post-match net exchange when Cirstea, competing in her final Australian Open before retirement, delivered a notably brief handshake before engaging in a verbal exchange with Osaka near the umpire’s chair. The Romanian veteran appeared to express dissatisfaction with Osaka’s frequent ‘come on’ exhortations during critical moments of their match.

    During her on-court interview, Osaka initially addressed the incident with apparent bemusement, stating: ‘Apparently a lot of ‘come ons’ that she was angry about.’ When questioned whether Cirstea objected to her self-motivation tactics between serves, the Japanese star responded: ‘I think so, but like, she could have asked me. I’m sorry. She’s a great player. I think this was her last Australian Open, so sorry she was mad about it.’

    Later, during her press conference, Osaka offered a more reflective and sincere apology: ‘I’m a little confused. I guess that emotions were very high for her. I also want to apologise. I think the first couple of things that I said on the court were disrespectful. I don’t like disrespecting people. That’s not what I do.’

    Cirstea, who will retire after 20 years on the WTA Tour, downplayed the incident’s significance: ‘It was just a five-second exchange between two players that have been on a tour for a long time. It stays between us. Look, this is my last Australian Open. I have been playing for 20 years. It’s more going on than a five-second discussion.’

    Beyond the controversy, Osaka made headlines with her distinctive jellyfish-inspired attire, though she opted for a more subdued version without the white hat, veil, and umbrella that characterized her previous outfit. ‘This is just something fun that I like to do on the court,’ Osaka explained. ‘I don’t really talk that much, but I like to express myself through clothes.’

    In other tournament developments, Czech teenager Nikola Bartunkova delivered the most significant upset by defeating 10th seed Belinda Bencic 6-3, 0-6, 6-4 in her Grand Slam main draw debut. Defending champion Madison Keys advanced with a straight-sets victory over Ashlyn Krueger, while second seed Iga Swiatek continued her dominant progress toward a career Grand Slam.

  • Big Bash League 2025-26: Babar Azam has played his last game of the season for the Sydney Sixers

    Big Bash League 2025-26: Babar Azam has played his last game of the season for the Sydney Sixers

    Pakistani cricket sensation Babar Azam’s tumultuous Big Bash League campaign has concluded unexpectedly ahead of the critical finals phase. The Sydney Sixers will complete their championship pursuit without their high-profile import, who has been recalled by Pakistan’s cricket board for World Cup preparation duties.

    The development eliminates Azam from participating in what could have been two remaining finals appearances for the Sixers, who face the Hobart Hurricanes on Friday night for a chance to challenge the Perth Scorchers in Sunday’s championship match.

    Azam’s BBL tenure proved notably contentious, generating significant media scrutiny regarding his batting approach. Critics highlighted his unusually conservative strike rate, suggesting he prioritized personal statistics over team requirements. The controversy reached its peak during a match against Sydney Thunder when Azam visibly demonstrated frustration by striking the boundary rope and allegedly refusing handshakes after a miscommunication with teammate Steve Smith regarding a single.

    Despite public reconciliation between the players and subsequent partnerships at the crease, Azam managed just one run across two innings following the incident. His departure statement expressed gratitude toward the Sixers organization and supporters: ‘I have very enjoyed my time. I have a lot of positive things to take back home – a lot of fun, so I have enjoyed it a lot. Especially thank you to the Sydney Sixers fans for their constant support and encouragement.’

  • Alex Honnold is climbing Taipei 101 with no ropes, live on TV. It’s drawing excitement — and concern

    Alex Honnold is climbing Taipei 101 with no ropes, live on TV. It’s drawing excitement — and concern

    TAIPEI — In an unprecedented feat of human endurance and skill, professional rock climber Alex Honnold is poised to undertake a free solo ascent of Taipei 101, the iconic 1,667-foot skyscraper that dominates Taiwan’s capital skyline. The live broadcast event, scheduled for Saturday morning local time, marks a groundbreaking moment in extreme sports broadcasting and has ignited complex ethical debates surrounding high-risk athletic endeavors.

    Honnold, whose legendary ropeless climb of Yosemite’s El Capitan was immortalized in the Academy Award-winning documentary “Free Solo,” has trained extensively for this urban climb. The 101-story structure presents unique challenges, with its most demanding section comprising 64 floors of steep, overhanging climbing through the building’s distinctive “bamboo box” design segments. Each eight-floor section concludes with a balcony where Honnold can briefly rest during his anticipated two-hour ascent.

    Event producer Plimsoll Productions has implemented extensive safety measures for the broadcast, including professional weather monitoring, a 10-second broadcast delay, and four roped camera operators who will simultaneously document the climb and serve as safety observers. Executive James Smith emphasized that all crew members are trusted climbing professionals familiar with Honnold’s methods and prepared to assist if complications arise.

    The ethical dimensions of broadcasting such high-risk athletic performance have drawn scrutiny from media ethics experts. Subbu Vincent of Santa Clara University emphasized the necessity of the broadcast delay as a crucial ethical safeguard, noting that transmission must immediately cease should any accident occur. Additional concerns center on the potential influence on impressionable viewers, particularly following several recent fatalities in both free solo climbing and the dangerous trend of “roof-topping.”

    Despite these concerns, the climbing community has largely expressed support for Honnold’s endeavor. Taiwanese climber Chin Tzu-hsiang described the event as the fulfillment of a shared dream among local climbers who have long admired the iconic structure. Honnold himself has characterized the climb as occupying a “perfect sweet spot”—technically engaging without being extreme—though he will become the first person to attempt the ascent completely without ropes.

    French climber Alain Robert previously scaled Taipei 101 with ropes in 2004 during the building’s inauguration, requiring nearly four hours to complete the climb under challenging weather conditions while managing injuries. Honnold’s attempt represents not only a athletic milestone but a cultural moment that tests the boundaries of how extreme sports are documented and consumed by global audiences.

  • France doesn’t intend to boycott World Cup over Greenland issue

    France doesn’t intend to boycott World Cup over Greenland issue

    The French government has definitively dismissed suggestions of boycotting the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite escalating diplomatic tensions with the United States over Greenland. Sports Minister Marina Ferrari explicitly stated that her ministry possesses “no desire” to withdraw from the prestigious tournament following President Donald Trump’s threats to impose tariffs on France and seven other European nations.

    The geopolitical conflict emerged from European leaders’ refusal to endorse Trump’s controversial proposal for the United States to assume control of Greenland, which the American president contends is vital for national security and NATO defense interests. Despite these mounting tensions, Minister Ferrari emphasized the importance of maintaining sports’ separation from political disputes during her Tuesday press briefing, as reported by French publication Le Monde.

    The World Cup, predominantly hosted across American cities, represents an exceptionally significant event for global sports enthusiasts according to Ferrari’s statements. Her remarks preceded Trump’s anticipated address at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where he was expected to intensify rhetoric regarding American intentions toward Greenland—a self-governing Danish territory.

    Meanwhile, the German government has delegated World Cup participation decisions to its national soccer administration, while FIFA President Gianni Infantino maintains cordial relations with Trump. The American president recently received FIFA’s inaugural Peace Prize during the World Cup draw ceremony in Washington D.C. on December 5th, which he described as “one of the great honors of my life.”

    In related developments, the French Football Federation confirmed the national team’s training base at Babson College in Wellesley, Massachusetts—a Boston suburb. France, competing in Group I, will conclude their round-robin stage against Norway on June 26th at Foxborough’s Gillette Stadium.

  • Australian Open 2026: American Ben Shelton made light work of local Dane Sweeny

    Australian Open 2026: American Ben Shelton made light work of local Dane Sweeny

    American tennis sensation Ben Shelton delivered a commanding performance on Thursday, extinguishing Australian hopes at Melbourne Park with a decisive straight-sets victory over local qualifier Dane Sweeny. The eighth-ranked Shelton demonstrated why he’s considered a serious title contender with a masterclass in serving precision, overwhelming his opponent 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 in just over an hour of play.

    The left-handed powerhouse unleashed 19 aces throughout the match, maintaining relentless pressure that prevented Sweeny from earning even a single break point opportunity. While the Australian crowd briefly rallied behind Sweeny when he captured the opening game of the third set, this momentary success only seemed to intensify Shelton’s focus as he promptly reclaimed control of the contest.

    This defeat marked a disappointing day for Australian tennis, coming shortly after compatriot Rinky Hijikata also exited the tournament. Hijikata managed to claim a set against 31st-seeded Valentin Vacherot of Monaco but ultimately fell 6-1, 6-3, 4-6, 6-2. Both Australian players found themselves outserved by higher-ranked opponents, highlighting the gap between emerging local talent and established international competitors.

    Shelton now advances to the third round where he’ll face Vacherot, setting up an intriguing matchup between two rising stars in men’s tennis. The American’s dominant performance signals his strong form early in the tournament and establishes him as a player capable of challenging the established hierarchy in men’s tennis.