The United Arab Emirates (UAE) achieved a monumental milestone at the 2025 World Amateur Golfers Championships (WAGC) Grand Final in South Korea, securing its first-ever medal in the prestigious tournament. James Yeomans clinched the bronze medal in the Gross Overall Division, one of the most challenging categories, marking a historic moment for UAE amateur golf. The event, held on the scenic Jeju Island, saw 450 players from over 40 nations compete across four intense days of medal play. Team UAE, represented by a robust 30-player squad, celebrated its best-ever result, finishing 27th overall, with Yeomans’ achievement standing as the highlight of their campaign. The UAE’s participation has grown significantly, with the national program expanding from 20 finalists in 2023 to 30 in 2025, reflecting the burgeoning community of amateur golfers in the country. While Yeomans’ medal was the crowning glory, other UAE players, including Damien Flood and Victoria Johnson, narrowly missed podium finishes in their respective categories. The UAE’s WAGC journey continues with qualifiers for the next season set to begin on 23 November 2025 at Al Zorah Golf & Yacht Club in Ajman, which will also host the 2026 National Final. The 2026 WAGC Grand Final will take place in Desaru, Malaysia, with entries for qualifying rounds already open.
分类： sports
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UAE claim podium finish at Pan Arab Golf Championship as Morocco lift men’s title
The UAE showcased their golfing prowess with a commendable bronze-medal finish at the 2025 Pan Arab Men’s and Senior’s Championship, held at Riyadh Golf Club in Saudi Arabia. The event, which marked the 50th anniversary of the Arab Golf Federation (AGF), saw Morocco clinch the Men’s Division title and Bahrain triumph in the Seniors category. A record-breaking 93 players from 13 nations competed in the Men’s Division, while 10 nations participated in the Seniors. The UAE’s Rayan Ahmad led his team to a standout performance, securing third place in the Men’s Team event. Morocco’s Youssef El Hali dominated the Men’s individual competition with a 16-under total of 200, narrowly edging out Egypt’s Issa Amr Abouelela, who closed with a spectacular 63. In the Seniors, Saudi Arabia’s Prince Khalid Al Faisal claimed the individual title by a single stroke over Bahrain’s Hamad Mubarak. The championship also featured the AGF’s General Assembly, where national representatives reviewed progress and elected a new Board of Directors, signaling a new era for Arab golf. Looking ahead, Ahmad is set to compete in the Faldo Junior Tour European Grand Final and the Tommy Fleetwood Pathway Series, aiming to build on his recent success.
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Belgium held 1-1 by Kazakhstan in World Cup qualifying
Belgium’s path to the 2022 World Cup faced a stumbling block as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Kazakhstan on Saturday. Despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances, Rudi Garcia’s squad failed to secure the victory needed to confirm their qualification. The result leaves Belgium with one final opportunity to seal their spot in the tournament when they face Liechtenstein in their last qualifier on Tuesday. Currently leading Group J with a two-point advantage over North Macedonia, Belgium’s top-two finish in the group is already assured. The top 12 group winners from European qualification will automatically advance to the World Cup, while the remaining four spots will be determined through a playoff among the runners-up. Kazakhstan stunned Belgium early in the match, with 17-year-old Dastan Satpayev scoring in the ninth minute. Belgium equalized in the 48th minute through Hans Vanaken, who headed in a cross from Timothy Castagne. Despite playing with a numerical advantage after Islam Chesnokov’s red card in the 79th minute, Belgium couldn’t capitalize on the opportunity to secure a win. This draw comes as a surprise, especially after Belgium’s dominant 6-0 victory over Kazakhstan in September.
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Sports fever sparks spike in tourism in Hong Kong
The 15th National Games, co-hosted by Hong Kong, Guangdong, and Macao from November 9 to 21, has ignited a tourism surge in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. The city is hosting elite sporting events, including basketball, track cycling, triathlon, and golf, drawing significant crowds and boosting local businesses. Industry insiders report a notable increase in hotel bookings, attraction visits, and sales of official merchandise since early November. Timothy Chui, executive director of the Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong, noted that citywide hotel occupancy reached approximately 70% by mid-November, marking a year-on-year rise. Christina Cheng, general manager of the Fullerton Ocean Park Hotel Hong Kong, highlighted that around 35% of their guests are from the Chinese mainland, expressing optimism that the tourism boost will extend beyond the event period. The Hong Kong Tourism Board estimates the games will attract over 100,000 additional visitors. Travel operators have expanded services to include transportation, non-competition itineraries, and centralized hotel reservations, with China Travel Service (Hong Kong) offering combo tickets linking events to local attractions. Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law Shuk-pui emphasized the games’ role in deepening integration across the Greater Bay Area, with Guangdong agencies promoting multi-destination tours. Official merchandise, blending mascot designs with local cultural elements, has also seen brisk sales. Law underscored the broader economic impact, stating that the event activates the entire value chain, from staging and security to catering and retail, supporting thousands of jobs and showcasing Hong Kong’s tourism appeal through live broadcasts.
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South Africa hits back on second day of 1st test against India as hosts are 138-4 at lunch
In a gripping display of cricket, South Africa claimed three crucial wickets during the first session on the second day of the opening test against India at Kolkata’s iconic Eden Gardens. The hosts, struggling at 138-4, faced further setbacks as captain Shubman Gill retired hurt due to a neck injury. India still trails by 21 runs after South Africa was dismissed for 159 in their first innings, thanks to Jasprit Bumrah’s impressive 5-27 spell on Day 1. Ravindra Jadeja (11 not out) and Dhruv Jurel (5) held the crease at lunch, but India’s batting woes deepened. K.L. Rahul and Washington Sundar initially steadied the innings, adding 38 runs in 14 overs, but South Africa’s bowlers struck back after the drinks break. Sundar fell to Simon Harmer, caught at slip after scoring 29, while Rahul was dismissed by Keshav Maharaj for 39. Rishabh Pant’s aggressive 27 off 24 balls provided a brief spark, but India’s struggles on a challenging pitch continue. South Africa, seeking their first test win in India in 15 years, will aim to capitalize on their momentum. The second test begins on November 22 in Guwahati, marking the first men’s test at the Barsapara Stadium.
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Australia’s Hazlewood out of first Ashes Test
Australia’s preparations for the first Ashes Test in Perth have suffered a significant setback with the confirmation that Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out due to a hamstring strain. The veteran fast bowler, who has claimed 295 wickets in 76 Tests, had initially been cleared after scans following a hamstring issue during a New South Wales match on Wednesday. However, subsequent imaging revealed a muscle strain, forcing him to withdraw from the series opener. This adds to Australia’s bowling woes, as captain Pat Cummins is already sidelined with a back injury. The absence of two key bowlers leaves Mitchell Starc as the sole member of Australia’s famed pace trio, with Scott Boland stepping in and Brendan Doggett poised for a Test debut. Michael Neser, 35, has been called up as cover, marking his potential return to Test cricket after a hiatus since 2022. Meanwhile, England received a boost with Mark Wood cleared of his hamstring issue. Hazlewood’s injury history is concerning, having missed most of the last Ashes in Australia due to a side injury. While Cummins is expected to return for the second Test in Brisbane, Hazlewood’s availability beyond Perth remains uncertain. Australia’s statement emphasized that initial scans can sometimes underestimate low-grade muscle injuries, leading to the late confirmation of Hazlewood’s strain. With backup seamer Sean Abbott also injured and long-term absentees Spencer Johnson and Lance Morris unavailable, Australia’s bowling depth is severely tested. Jhye Richardson, recovering from shoulder surgery, remains a potential option later in the series as he continues his comeback in domestic cricket.
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Dubai: Nicolai Hojgaard surges into three-shot lead at DP World Tour Championship
Nicolai Højgaard has taken a commanding three-shot lead at the 2025 DP World Tour Championship in Dubai, showcasing a masterful display of golf at Jumeirah Golf Estates. The Danish golfer, who began the day three strokes behind leader Michael Kim, surged ahead with an eagle and five birdies, carding a flawless 65—the lowest round of the tournament so far. This impressive performance propelled him to 12 under par, firmly establishing his position at the top of the leaderboard.
Højgaard, a two-time participant in this season-ending event, has a strong affinity for the Earth Course. He debuted in 2021 with a fourth-place finish and clinched the title in 2023. Reflecting on his performance, Højgaard emphasized patience and precision as key factors in his success. ‘It’s great to be back. This is one of my favorite tournaments and courses to play,’ he said. ‘I stayed really patient, and it paid off.’
The chasing pack includes notable names such as Justin Rose, Shane Lowry, and Rory McIlroy, all tied at nine under par. Rose, Lowry, and McIlroy, Højgaard’s 2023 European Ryder Cup teammates, remain within striking distance, alongside Daniel Hillier and fellow Dane Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen. Neergaard-Petersen briefly challenged Højgaard, reaching ten under par before a bogey on the final hole dropped him back.
Højgaard’s dominance was evident from the start, with an opening birdie and a crucial eagle at the second hole. His strategic play and mid-iron precision have been instrumental in navigating the challenging course. ‘It suits my eye,’ he remarked. ‘It’s a mix of driver and mid-irons, which plays into my strengths.’
Away from the competition, the event attracted notable figures, including Nottingham Forest manager Sean Dyche and Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta, who were spotted around the Jumeirah Golf Estates. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Højgaard to see if he can maintain his lead and secure another victory at this prestigious event.
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Parking fees shock fans as Fifa charges up to $175 for World Cup 2026
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, fans are facing sticker shock not just for tickets but also for parking. FIFA’s official website has listed parking passes for the tournament at prices as high as $175, drawing widespread criticism from supporters. The Athletic first reported these figures, which have particularly stunned fans in the car-dependent United States, one of the three host nations alongside Canada and Mexico. A ‘general parking’ pass for the semi-final in Dallas on July 14 was priced at $175, while parking for group-stage matches was listed at $75. Quarter-final parking in Kansas City on July 11 was set at $125. FIFA employed dynamic pricing for the initial phase of ticket sales, with group-stage seats starting at $60. However, as of November 11, only a few of the 16 venues across the host countries had parking passes available online. Notably, Mexico City, which will host the tournament’s opening match, and New York/New Jersey, the site of the final, had yet to offer parking options. The high costs come despite overwhelming demand, with FIFA receiving over 1.5 million ticket applications within 24 hours of the presale launch in September.
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North Korea’s women’s football team win’s third U-17 World Cup
North Korea’s women’s U-17 football team has once again proven its dominance on the global stage, securing their third World Cup title with a resounding 3-0 victory over the Netherlands in Morocco. This triumph marks their second consecutive win in the U-17 Women’s World Cup and their fourth overall, following their success in the same tournament just a year ago. The team’s performance was nothing short of spectacular, scoring a record-breaking 25 goals while conceding only three throughout the competition. Their flawless run included victories in all seven matches, showcasing their unparalleled skill and teamwork. The victory has been celebrated extensively by North Korea’s state media, with the Rodong Sinmun newspaper highlighting the players’ pride in representing their nation. The win is seen as a significant morale booster for the country, which often faces international scrutiny for its political actions. Analysts suggest that North Korea’s investment in youth sports, particularly football, is a strategic move to project a positive image globally. The country’s rigorous training programs for young athletes have been credited with producing world-class talent, as evidenced by their consistent success in international competitions. While the men’s team struggles to make an impact, the women’s team continues to shine, currently ranked 10th globally and poised as strong contenders for the upcoming Women’s Asian Cup in Australia. The Netherlands’ coach, Olivier Amelink, acknowledged the North Korean team’s superiority, stating that the skill gap was too vast to overcome. North Korea’s Yu Jong Hyang emerged as the tournament’s standout player, earning both the Golden Boot and Golden Ball awards for her exceptional performance. This victory not only cements North Korea’s status as a powerhouse in women’s youth football but also serves as a source of national pride and inspiration.
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ASICS signs with Dubai Marathon in landmark multi-year partnership
ASICS has cemented its dedication to the global running community by entering into a groundbreaking multi-year partnership with the Dubai Marathon. Announced on November 14, 2025, the collaboration designates ASICS as the official footwear and apparel partner, as well as a presenting sponsor for the prestigious event from 2026 to 2028. This alliance underscores the brand’s mission to promote its founding philosophy, ‘A Sound Mind in a Sound Body,’ across the Middle East. The partnership coincides with the marathon’s 25th anniversary in 2026, marking a significant milestone in its history as one of the world’s fastest and most esteemed road races. ASICS brings its global expertise to enhance the experience for elite athletes and everyday runners alike. Innovations inspired by leading international events will be introduced, covering every aspect from pre-race preparation to post-race recovery. On race day, participants and spectators can explore the ASICS Experience Zone, showcasing the brand’s latest advancements in performance footwear, apparel, and technology. Beyond the event, ASICS plans to nurture the running culture in the UAE through year-round initiatives, including training workshops and wellness programs. These efforts aim to inspire movement at all levels, from beginners to seasoned athletes, while attracting top marathoners to Dubai. By fostering a culture that celebrates both performance and participation, ASICS seeks to strengthen Dubai’s reputation as a premier running destination. Nikola Djordjevic, Deputy GM of Marketing at ASICS Middle East, emphasized the brand’s belief in the transformative power of movement. ‘Through this partnership, we aim to inspire runners to move with purpose, connect through community, and experience the joy of running at its best,’ he said. This collaboration reaffirms ASICS’ leadership in promoting performance, innovation, and wellness in the Middle East, championing a running culture that values mental clarity and balance alongside physical endurance.