分类: sports

  • ‘I don’t panic’: Meet the Dubai athlete who completed 100 triathlons in 100 days

    ‘I don’t panic’: Meet the Dubai athlete who completed 100 triathlons in 100 days

    In an extraordinary feat of endurance and determination, Dubai-based athlete Ghani Souleymane has successfully completed 100 triathlons in just 100 days, setting a new benchmark in the world of endurance sports. This remarkable achievement not only highlights his physical prowess but also underscores his unyielding mental fortitude and commitment to charitable causes.

  • Larsson wins again on Tommy Fleetwood International Pathway Series by DP World

    Larsson wins again on Tommy Fleetwood International Pathway Series by DP World

    Victor Larsson and Alisa Molokanova emerged victorious in the Male and Female Divisions, respectively, at the Tommy Fleetwood International Pathway Series presented by DP World. Held at Al Hamra Golf Club in Ras Al Khaimah, the 54-hole championship, sanctioned by the AJGA and Emirates Golf Federation (EGF), was a World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) qualifier and a ‘Major’ on the EGF Junior Order of Merit for the 2025–26 season. Larsson, representing The Els Club in Dubai, carded rounds of 68, 73, and 70 for a five-under-par total of 211, narrowly defeating Aayan Dadabhoy by one shot. Molokanova, representing the Russian Golf Federation, posted rounds of 72, 72, and a stellar final-day 67, the week’s best score, to finish with a five-under-par total of 211, securing a five-shot victory over Alayna Rafique. This marks Larsson’s second consecutive win in the series, following his triumph at the inaugural event in 2024. The tournament, open to players aged 12 to 18 with an official handicap, attracted 82 participants. The third and final event of the season will take place at Yas Links Abu Dhabi from 10–12 February 2026.

  • Fine margins decide memorable Clubhouse Trophy as Carney wins on countback

    Fine margins decide memorable Clubhouse Trophy as Carney wins on countback

    The prestigious Clubhouse Trophy at Emirates Golf Club witnessed an exhilarating day of golf as 106 players competed on the iconic Majlis Course. Played under ideal conditions, the Individual Stableford format, with handicaps adjusted to 95% and blue tees in play, set the stage for a fiercely contested event. The competition saw dramatic finishes across multiple divisions, with the overall title decided by the narrowest of margins. Jake Carney emerged victorious with a stellar 41-point performance, edging out Michael Kaye on a back-nine countback. Wayne Bauer secured third place with 39 points, also determined by a countback. The day’s best gross score was achieved by James Yeomans, who carded an impressive 36 points on the championship layout. Divisional honors were equally hard-fought. In the A Division, Aashiv Adnani triumphed with 36 points, narrowly defeating Vidur Sethi on countback. The B Division saw Joseph Andrade claim victory with 39 points, one point ahead of Damien Lee. The event highlighted the competitive spirit, sharp scoring, and depth of talent across all handicap levels, solidifying the Clubhouse Trophy as one of Emirates Golf Club’s most anticipated competitions of the season.

  • What’s on this Week: Skaik turns pro as DP World, LET & MENA Tours swing into action

    What’s on this Week: Skaik turns pro as DP World, LET & MENA Tours swing into action

    While the PGA Tour enters its offseason hiatus, professional golf maintains relentless momentum across three continents this week. The global circuit transitions seamlessly to Australia, Spain, and Portugal with significant tournaments unfolding on the DP World Tour, Ladies European Tour, and the revitalized MENA Golf Tour.

    The 2026 DP World Tour season commences abruptly after a mere one-week break with the BMW Australian PGA Championship at Royal Queensland Golf Club in Brisbane. Boasting a AUD 2,500,000 purse, the event features a formidable field headlined by major champions and local heroes. Adam Scott, Cam Smith, and 2006 U.S. Open winner Geoff Ogilvy join rising stars like Finland’s recent PGA Tour breakthrough Sami Valimaki. The tournament also marks a critical early opportunity for players like Denmark’s Rasmus Neergaard, who secured dual PGA Tour status with a strong finish in Dubai.

    Simultaneously, the Ladies European Tour culminates its 2025 season at the Andalucia Costa Del Sol Open de España in Malaga. With €700,000 on the line, the event will finalize the coveted Order of Merit ranking, determining which top ten players earn direct access to the LPGA Q-Series and which seventy retain their tour cards for the following season.

    Concurrently, the MENA Golf Tour launches its 2025-26 campaign with the PGA Aroeira Challenge in Portugal, offering a $100,000 purse. The tour’s relaunch provides a crucial competitive platform, exemplified by two contrasting narratives: the triumphant return of injured three-time DP World Tour winner Chris Wood, who dominated the recent Q-School, and the highly anticipated professional debut of the UAE’s promising amateur, Ahmad Skaik, who begins his pro journey with a sponsor exemption. A second event, the Rolear Algarve Challenge, follows immediately before a winter pause.

    This coordinated international action underscores golf’s evolving, year-round calendar, offering continuous playing opportunities and development pathways for established stars and emerging talents alike.

  • South Africa eye sweep as India start mammoth chase poorly

    South Africa eye sweep as India start mammoth chase poorly

    South Africa has positioned itself for a potential series sweep after setting India a daunting victory target of 549 in the second Test in Guwahati. The visitors declared their second innings at 260-5, following Tristan Stubbs’ impressive knock of 94, which was cut short by Ravindra Jadeja’s bowling. India, trailing by 522 runs, faced early setbacks in their chase, ending the day at 27-2, with Sai Sudharsan and nightwatchman Kuldeep Yadav set to resume on Wednesday. South Africa’s dominant performance was bolstered by their first-innings lead of 288, putting immense pressure on the hosts. Earlier in the day, South Africa’s top order struggled against India’s spinners, with Jadeja claiming four wickets. Despite some resistance from Tony de Zorzi (49) and Wiaan Mulder (35 not out), India’s bowlers found it challenging to contain the visitors. India’s batting woes continued as opener Yashasvi Jaiswal fell for 13, and KL Rahul was dismissed for six by Simon Harmer. With three sessions remaining, India faces an uphill battle to salvage a draw.

  • Filipina sensation Alexandra Eala to play in Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open

    Filipina sensation Alexandra Eala to play in Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open

    The Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open has confirmed its first elite competitors for the 2026 tournament, with Filipino tennis star Alexandra Eala and defending champion Belinda Bencic headlining the initial player announcements. The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) 500 event will showcase world-class athletic talent from January 31 to February 7 at Zayed Sports City’s International Tennis Centre.

    Twenty-year-old Eala, currently ranked 50th globally and the highest-ranked Philippine player in history, will make her second appearance at the Abu Dhabi tournament. The Rafael Nadal Academy trainee achieved national hero status in her basketball-dominated homeland following her remarkable 2024 Miami Open performance, where she defeated Grand Slam champions Jeļena Ostapenko, Madison Keys, and Iga Świątek in straight sets before bowing to Jessica Pegula in the semifinals.

    Eala expressed enthusiasm about returning to the Emirati capital, stating: “My 2024 Abu Dhabi experience proved absolutely phenomenal. The tremendous support from Filipino spectators and the electric atmosphere truly motivated me. I’ve dedicated myself to intensive training and gained substantial experience since that competition, and I’m delighted to return in strengthened form for the 2026 championship. Competing alongside numerous elite athletes represents a genuine privilege.”

    Swiss tennis star Bencic will defend her title following last year’s triumphant comeback after maternity leave. The world number 11 and Tokyo Olympic gold medalist, who also claimed the Abu Dhabi championship in 2023, described the tournament as personally significant. “Returning as defending champion creates an extraordinary feeling. The Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open holds special meaning for me—I’ve created some of my finest competitive memories here,” Bencic remarked. “The consistently incredible ambiance and fan support make this venue particularly meaningful. I anticipate another superb week of tennis in February.”

    Tournament Director Nigel Gupta of MARI emphasized the event’s growing prestige, noting: “The Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open continually enhances its status as one of the Middle East’s premier tennis competitions. We’re extremely pleased to welcome Belinda Bencic and Alexandra Eala as our initial confirmed participants for 2026. Belinda’s unique history with this tournament and her comeback as defending champion establishes the foundation for another captivating edition.”

  • Nissanka’s unbeaten 98 earns Sri Lanka first win in T20 tri-series

    Nissanka’s unbeaten 98 earns Sri Lanka first win in T20 tri-series

    In a commanding display of cricketing prowess, Sri Lanka secured their first win in the T20 tri-series with a resounding nine-wicket victory over Zimbabwe on Tuesday. Opening batsman Pathum Nissanka was the star of the match, delivering an explosive unbeaten 98 off just 58 balls. His innings, studded with four sixes and 11 boundaries, propelled Sri Lanka to a comfortable 148-1, chasing down Zimbabwe’s modest total of 146-5 with 22 balls to spare. Nissanka’s aggressive yet calculated approach, particularly against Zimbabwe’s pace attack, set the tone for the match. He was well-supported by Kusal Mendis, who remained unbeaten on 25, as the duo forged an 89-run partnership off 64 balls. Zimbabwe’s bowlers struggled to contain the flow of runs, with Richard Ngarava and Brad Evans conceding 44 and 36 runs respectively. Earlier, Sri Lanka’s bowlers, led by Maheesh Theekshana (2-23) and Wanindu Hasaranga (2-23), restricted Zimbabwe’s batting lineup. Sikandar Raza’s 37 off 29 balls and Ryan Burl’s unbeaten 37 off 26 were the only notable contributions for Zimbabwe. With this win, Sri Lanka keeps their hopes alive for a spot in the final, which Pakistan has already secured. Sri Lanka must now defeat Pakistan in their upcoming match to advance, as Zimbabwe holds a superior net run-rate.

  • Pakistan and India are drawn in same group of T20 World Cup

    Pakistan and India are drawn in same group of T20 World Cup

    The International Cricket Council (ICC) unveiled the groups and schedule for the upcoming T20 World Cup, setting the stage for a highly anticipated showdown between archrivals India and Pakistan. The tournament, scheduled from February 7 to March 8, will feature 20 nations divided into four groups of five teams each. Defending champions India, led by newly appointed tournament ambassador Rohit Sharma, will face Pakistan in Colombo on February 15 as part of Group A. The group also includes the United States, Namibia, and the Netherlands. India’s campaign begins in Mumbai on February 7 against the United States, followed by matches against Namibia, Pakistan, and the Netherlands. Pakistan, which will play all its matches in Colombo, opens its campaign against the Netherlands on February 7, followed by games against the United States, India, and Namibia. The R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, one of three venues in Sri Lanka, will host the marquee India-Pakistan clash. Italy, making its debut in a major cricketing event, is placed in Group C alongside England, West Indies, Bangladesh, and Nepal. Group B features co-host Sri Lanka, Australia, Ireland, Zimbabwe, and Oman, while Group D includes New Zealand, South Africa, Afghanistan, Canada, and the United Arab Emirates. The top two teams from each group will advance to the Super Eight stage, with semifinals potentially hosted in Mumbai, Colombo, or Kolkata. Ahmedabad is slated to host the final, but if Pakistan qualifies, Colombo will serve as the venue. India’s captain Rohit Sharma, who retired from T20 cricket after leading India to victory in the 2024 edition, expressed his hopes for a memorable tournament, emphasizing India’s hospitality and the players’ experience.

  • SA close to first series win in India since 2000

    SA close to first series win in India since 2000

    South Africa is on the verge of securing its first Test series win in India in 25 years after dominating the fourth day of the second Test in Guwahati. The Proteas set a formidable target of 549 runs for India, who stumbled to 27-2 by the close of play. India, dismissed for a mere 201 in their first innings, now face the daunting task of batting through the final day to avoid a series whitewash. This would mark their second home series defeat in three attempts, following a 3-0 loss to New Zealand last October. South Africa’s strong position was bolstered by Tristan Stubbs, who top-scored with 94 runs, forming crucial partnerships with Tony de Zorzi and Wiaan Mulder to extend their lead beyond 500. Despite falling short of a century, Stubbs’ performance was pivotal in South Africa’s declaration. India’s reply faltered early as Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul fell cheaply, leaving Kuldeep Yadav and Sai Sudharsan to resume the chase on the final day. South Africa’s dominance in this series, including their 30-run victory in the first Test in Kolkata, underscores their resurgence in Test cricket.

  • South Africa extends lead to 395 runs on Day 4 of 2nd test against India

    South Africa extends lead to 395 runs on Day 4 of 2nd test against India

    South Africa continued its commanding performance in the second cricket test against India, finishing the morning session of Day 4 with a significant lead of 395 runs. The Proteas, who started the day at 26-0, saw a strong opening partnership of 59 runs between Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton. However, India’s Ravindra Jadeja struck twice, dismissing Rickelton for 35 and Markram for 29, leaving South Africa at 77-3. Tony de Zorzi and Tristan Stubbs then steadied the innings with an unbeaten 30-run stand, taking the score to 107-3 by the first interval. De Zorzi showcased his aggressive batting with two fours and a six, while Stubbs adopted a defensive approach, facing 56 deliveries. Earlier, Marco Jansen’s impressive 6-48 had helped South Africa secure a 314-run first innings lead after India was bowled out for 201 in response to South Africa’s 489. The Proteas, leading the two-match series after their 30-run victory in the opener, are now eyeing their first test series win on Indian soil since 2000-01.