Dubai-born golfer Rayhan Thomas, 26, is set to return to the United States with renewed vigor as he prepares for Stage Two of the Korn Ferry Tour Qualifying School. After a brief hiatus in Dubai following an Asian Tour event in the Philippines, Thomas is focused on reclaiming his spot on golf’s developmental circuit. His recent performance at Stage One of Q-School, where he tied for fourth with a 15-under-par total of 269, has bolstered his confidence for the upcoming challenges. Stage Two will take place from December 2–5 at The Landings Golf & Athletic Club in Savannah, Georgia, a familiar venue for Thomas. Success here could propel him to the Final Qualifying stage, where the top five players earn PGA Tour cards, and the next 40 secure Korn Ferry Tour membership for 2026. Thomas, who finished 88th on the 2025 Korn Ferry Tour points table, narrowly missed retaining his card but remains determined. He plans to balance his schedule with the Asian Tour Final Qualifying School and potential DP World Tour events in Dubai. Reflecting on his journey, Thomas emphasized the importance of small margins and a positive mindset, inspired by his friend Zach Bauchou’s recent PGA Tour success. With a confirmed caddie for next year, Thomas is ready to focus on his game and let the results follow.
分类： sports
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Dubai hosts high-stakes duel as Wilde and Waugh eye T100 glory ahead of Qatar finale
The 2025 T100 Triathlon World Tour reaches its penultimate stage in Dubai this weekend, with elite athletes Hayden Wilde and Kate Waugh aiming to solidify their championship leads ahead of the Qatar finale. The event, set against the backdrop of Dubai’s iconic landmarks, promises high-stakes competition and thrilling performances. Wilde, a dual Olympic medallist, enters the race with an unbroken streak of five victories this season. However, formidable challengers like Belgium’s Jelle Geens and Germany’s Mika Noodt stand ready to disrupt his quest for a sixth consecutive win. Wilde, who made a remarkable recovery from a severe bike crash earlier this year, remains focused on the tactical demands of the course, which winds through Jumeirah and Meydan. On the women’s side, Britain’s Kate Waugh seeks to extend her nine-point lead over compatriot Lucy Charles-Barclay, who is absent from this race. Waugh, who has consistently podiumed this season, faces fierce competition from athletes like Switzerland’s Julie Derron and USA’s Taylor Knibb. The Dubai T100 also marks a historic milestone for Ghani Souleymane, a Dubai-based endurance athlete attempting his 100th consecutive T100 distance triathlon, a feat expected to earn a Guinness World Record. The event, which includes amateur races and a festival atmosphere, showcases Dubai’s vibrant sports culture. With the Qatar finale looming, every point gained in Dubai could prove decisive in the championship standings.
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‘The future will take care of itself’ – Nketiah on Ghana rumours
Crystal Palace striker Eddie Nketiah has addressed growing speculation about a potential switch in his international allegiance from England to Ghana as the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches. The 26-year-old, who holds the record for most goals scored for England’s Under-21 team with 16 goals, has only made one senior appearance for England, coming on as a substitute in a friendly against Australia in October 2023. Under FIFA rules introduced in 2020, players can switch nationalities if they have played no more than three competitive matches at the senior level before turning 21 or have not participated in a major tournament like the World Cup or Africa Cup of Nations. Nketiah, born in London to Ghanaian parents, has expressed pride in his Ghanaian heritage but remains focused on his club career. ‘At the moment, I’m just enjoying my football with Crystal Palace—that’s been my main focus,’ he told BBC Sport Africa. ‘I’m Ghanaian and there’s no denying that. I’m sure the future will take care of itself.’ The debate over diaspora players like Nketiah and Nottingham Forest’s Callum Hudson-Odoi joining the Ghanaian national team has intensified since Ghana qualified for the 2026 World Cup. While some fans and officials argue against including players who did not contribute to the qualification campaign, others see their potential as a boost for the Black Stars. Nketiah has not ruled out a switch but denied recent contact with the Ghana Football Association (GFA). ‘I haven’t had any calls or anything recently, so my focus has just been on playing well each week and helping my team win trophies,’ he said. Ghana’s national team coach, Otto Addo, has emphasized the importance of commitment and unity, stating that decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis. Meanwhile, Nketiah’s charitable work in Ghana, recognized at last month’s Best of Africa Awards, highlights his deep connection to the country. ‘I feel like I’ve been blessed by God with this ability and opportunities,’ he said. ‘We’ve got to use that really well and try to give back to as many people as we can.’ Despite the ongoing debate, Nketiah remains focused on his career and avoids social media distractions. ‘There’s a lot of negative and a lot of positive, so I just try to stay level-headed,’ he concluded.
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Pakistan wins toss, elects to field in 2nd ODI against Sri Lanka
In a crucial decision at the toss, Pakistan’s stand-in captain Salman Ali Agha chose to field in the second one-day international (ODI) against Sri Lanka on Friday. The match, held in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, comes amidst heightened security concerns following a suicide bombing in Islamabad earlier this week, which killed 12 people outside a court. The incident had initially cast doubt over the continuation of the series, as Sri Lanka’s players expressed a desire to leave the country. However, after receiving reassurances from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) regarding safety measures, Sri Lanka Cricket instructed the team to complete the series. The remaining two ODIs were rescheduled for Friday and Sunday. Agha, leading the team in place of regular ODI captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, who was sidelined due to a fever, made strategic changes to the lineup. Abrar Ahmed, who missed the first game due to illness, replaced all-rounder Faheem Ashraf. On the Sri Lankan side, spinner Maheesh Theekshana was left out, with left-arm fast bowler Pramod Madushan taking his place. The match promises to be a test of resilience for both teams, as they navigate the challenges on and off the field.
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Nation’s tech achievements drive SAR athletes’ success
Hong Kong’s athletes are reaping the benefits of advanced sports technologies, as showcased by Ceci Lee Sze-wing’s triumphant defense of her title in the women’s road cycling individual event at the 15th National Games. This victory underscores the pivotal role of cutting-edge innovations in enhancing athletic performance. The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology’s Aerodynamics and Acoustics Facility, equipped with a low-noise wind tunnel, has been instrumental in simulating race environments. Coupled with the computational power of China’s Tianhe 2 supercomputer in Guangzhou, this technology has optimized cyclists’ postures, bike designs, and aero-speed suits, reducing wind drag by an impressive 3 percent. These suits, tailored for each athlete, have been worn in major events like the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and the 2022 Asian Games. Beyond cycling, sports such as windsurfing and triathlon have also leveraged these simulations to refine athletes’ techniques. The collaboration between the mainland and Hong Kong in sports technology continues to deepen, with initiatives like the Li-Ning-PolyU Joint Research Centre for Sports Science aiming to further integrate technological advancements into sports and health sectors. This synergy not only boosts professional athletes but also fosters talent development, as seen in the Guangzhou Zhongshan Whampoa School for Hong Kong and Macao Students, which offers specialized training for aspiring athletes. The nation’s support extends to providing high-tech equipment and training platforms, ensuring that athletes from Hong Kong and Macao can compete at the highest levels.
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Ohtani wins fourth Major League MVP award
Los Angeles Dodgers’ phenom Shohei Ohtani has once again etched his name in baseball history, securing the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award for the third consecutive year and the fourth time overall. The 31-year-old two-way sensation played a pivotal role in the Dodgers’ triumphant back-to-back World Series victories, including their recent win over the Toronto Blue Jays earlier this month. Ohtani’s unparalleled ability to excel both as a pitcher and a hitter has solidified his status as one of the game’s all-time greats. He now stands second on the all-time MVP list, trailing only Barry Bonds, who won seven times between 1990 and 2004. Remarkably, Ohtani has achieved all four of his MVP titles unanimously, receiving all 30 first-place votes each time. Reflecting on his achievements, Ohtani emphasized his focus on team success, stating, ‘If I’m playing well as an individual, that means I’m helping the team win. So in that sense, hopefully, I can end up with a couple more MVPs. But it’s all about winning games.’ Ohtani also made history by becoming the first player to win the MVP award in both of Major League Baseball’s two leagues, having previously claimed the American League (AL) MVP title in 2021 and 2023 while with the Los Angeles Angels. Meanwhile, in the AL, New York Yankees’ outfielder Aaron Judge joined the ranks of three-time MVP winners, a feat previously achieved by Yankees legends Joe DiMaggio, Yogi Berra, and Mickey Mantle. Judge expressed his awe at the accomplishment, saying, ‘It’s tough for me to wrap my head around. It’s mind-blowing from my side of things because I play this game to win, for my teammates, my family, and all the fans in New York. You’ve got to pinch yourself every single day. It’s truly an incredible honor.’
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Patriots win to equal best run since Brady years
The New England Patriots continued their dominant form in the NFL, securing their eighth consecutive victory with a 27-14 triumph over AFC East rivals, the New York Jets. This marks their longest winning streak since the Tom Brady era, last achieved in 2019. Rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson was the standout performer, scoring three touchdowns to propel the Patriots to victory. Quarterback Drake Maye also delivered a strong performance, throwing for 281 yards and a touchdown, completing 25 of 34 passes. The win solidifies the Patriots’ position at the top of the division with a record of nine wins and two losses, while the Jets languish at the bottom with two wins and eight losses. The Jets initially took the lead with a five-yard touchdown run by quarterback Justin Fields, but the Patriots responded emphatically. Henderson scored two seven-yard touchdowns in the second quarter and added a third with a reception from Maye in the third quarter, extending the lead to 21-7. Despite a late touchdown by the Jets’ John Metchie, the Patriots sealed the win with two field goals from Andy Borregales in the fourth quarter. Maye praised Henderson’s performance, stating, ‘It was a big time for him stepping up, and it’s been great for him to keep getting these reps. He wants to be great.’ The Patriots’ resurgence continues to captivate fans as they aim for a playoff berth.
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Shohei Ohtani’s fourth MVP award sparks celebrations in Japan
Tokyo witnessed a wave of jubilation as Shohei Ohtani, Japan’s baseball sensation, clinched his fourth Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. The announcement, made on Thursday night in the United States, was met with immediate celebration in Tokyo, where newspapers released special editions to honor the achievement. Ohtani’s latest accolade marks his second consecutive National League MVP title, following his 2023 American League MVP win while playing for the Los Angeles Angels. His unanimous selection underscores his unparalleled dominance in the sport. Ohtani’s remarkable season included a .282 batting average, a league-leading 1.014 OPS, 55 home runs, 102 RBIs, and 20 stolen bases. Despite recovering from an elbow injury, he returned to pitching in June, striking out 62 batters in 47 innings. His postseason performance was equally historic, highlighted by a game where he hit three home runs and struck out 10 batters, propelling the Los Angeles Dodgers to a World Series victory. Japanese officials and fans alike lauded Ohtani’s dedication and impact. Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara praised his contributions to team morale, while fans like Mai Koga called him a national pride. Ohtani’s legacy continues to inspire, solidifying his status as one of baseball’s greatest.
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South Africa wins the toss and will bat in first cricket test against India
The much-anticipated first cricket test between India and South Africa kicked off at Kolkata’s iconic Eden Gardens on Friday, with South African captain Temba Bavuma winning the toss and opting to bat. This marks Kolkata’s first test match since 2019, when India faced Bangladesh in a day-night encounter. India’s strategy leaned heavily on spin, fielding four spinners, including all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, and Axar Patel, alongside left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav. The pace attack was led by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. Notably, vice-captain Rishabh Pant returned to the playing XI after recovering from a foot injury sustained during the England series. On the South African side, Kagiso Rabada was sidelined due to a rib injury, with medium-pace all-rounder Corbin Bosch stepping in. The Proteas opted for a dual-spin approach with Simon Harmer and Keshav Maharaj. The second test is scheduled to begin on November 22 at Guwahati’s Barsapara Stadium, which will host a men’s test for the first time after being a venue for the 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup. Recent form suggests India enters the series with confidence, having defeated West Indies 2-0, with Yadav emerging as the leading bowler with 12 wickets. South Africa, meanwhile, drew their two-test series in Pakistan 1-1. The match promises to be a thrilling contest as both teams vie for supremacy in the World Test Championship.
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UAE vs Iraq: Luanzinho’s goal leads to hard-fought draw in World Cup playoff
In a thrilling encounter at the Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, the UAE and Iraq played out a hard-fought 1-1 draw in the first leg of the AFC World Cup playoff on Thursday. The match, filled with dramatic moments, sets the stage for a decisive second leg in Basra on November 18. Iraq struck first in the 10th minute through Ali Al Hamadi, who capitalized on a defensive lapse following a well-executed free-kick. However, the UAE responded swiftly, with Brazilian-born midfielder Luanzinho equalizing in the 18th minute with a precise header. The home team dominated possession and created several chances but were unable to break through Iraq’s resilient defense. In a dramatic finale, the UAE thought they had secured a late winner when Caio Lucas found the net in the 96th minute, only for the goal to be disallowed due to an offside call. The result leaves the tie finely balanced as both teams prepare for the crucial second leg, with the winner advancing to the intercontinental qualifying tournament in March 2026. The UAE, aiming to end a 35-year World Cup drought since their debut in 1990, will need to overcome the challenge of playing in Iraq’s hostile environment. Meanwhile, Iraq will look to leverage their home advantage to secure a historic qualification.