Global Pulse

分类： sports

  • Qatar’s Nasser Al-Attiyah claims sixth Dakar Rally car title

    Qatar’s Nasser Al-Attiyah claims sixth Dakar Rally car title

    In a spectacular display of endurance racing mastery, Qatari motorsport legend Nasser Al-Attiyah has cemented his legacy by capturing an unprecedented sixth Dakar Rally car championship title. The 55-year-old champion, piloting a Dacia vehicle, maintained his commanding position through the final stage in Saudi Arabia on Saturday, demonstrating strategic brilliance by avoiding any critical errors that could have jeopardized his hard-earned lead.

    Al-Attiyah’s latest triumph adds to his impressive Dakar victories spanning 2011, 2015, 2019, and two consecutive wins in 2022. The achievement becomes even more remarkable considering his multidisciplinary athletic prowess, having previously earned an Olympic bronze medal in clay pigeon shooting at the 2012 London Games.

    The rally’s motorcycle category delivered one of the most dramatic finishes in Dakar history as Argentina’s Luciano Benavides claimed victory by the narrowest of margins—a mere two seconds—denying American rider Ricky Brabec his third title. The 30-year-old KTM rider executed a flawless final stage strategy, capitalizing on a critical navigation error by the Honda rider near the Yanbu finish line.

    “I’ve envisioned this moment throughout my entire life,” an emotional Benavides stated after his debut Dakar crown was secured. “Even yesterday, victory seemed improbable, but I maintained belief. When I observed Ricky taking an incorrect route, I seized the opportunity and pursued the proper trajectory with absolute determination.”

    Benavides’ victory continues a family legacy in the rally, with his brother Kevin having previously won the marathon race in both 2021 and 2023. The podium was completed by Spain’s Tosha Schareina on a Honda, who captured third position in the overall standings, while Edgar Canet claimed victory in the final bike stage.

  • Senegal ‘concerns’ over treatment before Afcon final

    Senegal ‘concerns’ over treatment before Afcon final

    The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has formally raised alarm over significant security lapses and logistical shortcomings as the national team prepares for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final against host nation Morocco this Sunday. The concerns emerged immediately upon the team’s arrival in Rabat on Friday, where players faced a chaotic scene at the train station. Supporters swarmed the squad in attempts to take selfies, forcing athletes to physically push through crowds to reach their team bus without adequate security presence.

    In an official statement, the FSF detailed multiple grievances beyond the security failure. These included dissatisfaction with the allocated hotel accommodations, an insufficient number of match tickets provided for Senegalese supporters, and being offered training facilities at the Moroccan national team’s base camp. The federation emphasized that the ‘lack of adequate security’ placed players and staff in potentially dangerous situations.

    Team manager Pape Thiaw condemned the incident, stating, ‘What occurred was completely abnormal. Given the crowd size, anything could have happened, potentially endangering my players. Such situations should not occur between nations considered brothers.’

    Confederation of African Football (CAF) president Patrice Motsepe responded by affirming CAF’s duty to ensure Senegal receives ‘all necessary support and encouragement’ ahead of the championship match.

    Separately, Manager Thiaw addressed speculation about star forward Sadio Mané’s international future. Following Mané’s match-winning performance in Wednesday’s semi-final against Egypt, the player suggested he would not participate in future AFCON tournaments. Thiaw expressed hope that Sunday’s final would not be Mané’s last, suggesting the decision was made ‘in the heat of the moment’ and that ‘the country does not agree’ with his potential retirement from the competition. Mané, Senegal’s all-time leading scorer with 52 goals in 123 appearances, will turn 35 before the next tournament in 2027, hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.

  • Man Utd dominate Man City in dream start for Carrick

    Man Utd dominate Man City in dream start for Carrick

    In a stunning reversal of fortunes, Manchester United delivered a masterclass performance to defeat local rivals Manchester City 2-0 at Old Trafford on Saturday, marking a triumphant beginning to Michael Carrick’s interim managerial reign. The victory significantly damages City’s Premier League championship ambitions while propelling United into the coveted top four positions.

    The Red Devils established dominance from the opening whistle, creating numerous scoring opportunities against City’s injury-plagued defense. Their persistence finally paid off in the 65th minute when Bryan Mbeumo, freshly returned from African Cup of Nations duty, broke the deadlock with a precise low finish. Patrick Dorgu secured the victory late in the match, capitalizing on defensive inattention to seal only United’s second win in their previous eight outings.

    City’s defensive vulnerabilities were exposed throughout the contest, with inexperienced center-back pairing Max Alleyne and Abdukodir Khusanov struggling against United’s relentless attack. Only the exceptional goalkeeping of Gianluigi Donnarumma prevented a more lopsided scoreline, with the Italian international making several spectacular saves including a remarkable double stop against Amad Diallo and Casemiro.

    The match saw three United goals disallowed for offside, including a late effort from substitute Mason Mount, but these decisions couldn’t overshadow United’s comprehensive superiority. Pep Guardiola’s tactical changes at halftime, introducing Nico O’Riley and Raya Cherki, failed to spark a comeback as City extended their winless league run to four matches since the new year.

    The result carries significant implications beyond local bragging rights, with Arsenal positioned to extend their league lead to nine points later in the weekend. Guardiola’s decision to substitute Erling Haaland with ten minutes remaining suggested prioritization of other competitions, acknowledging the difficult reality of City’s diminished title prospects following this decisive defeat.

  • Benavides rides to smallest Dakar Rally win margin and Al-Attiyah confirms sixth car title

    Benavides rides to smallest Dakar Rally win margin and Al-Attiyah confirms sixth car title

    YANBU, Saudi Arabia — The 2024 Dakar Rally concluded with one of the most dramatic finishes in motorsport history as Argentine rider Luciano Benavides captured his first motorbike title by a mere two seconds following a catastrophic navigational error by American rival Ricky Brabec just kilometers from the finish. This marks the narrowest victory margin ever recorded in the event’s storied history.

    Meanwhile, Qatari driver Nasser Al-Attiyah secured his sixth car category title with a calculated performance on the 13th and final stage, a 105-kilometer sprint along Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast to Yanbu.

    The motorbike competition appeared destined for Brabec’s third Dakar victory as the Honda rider entered the final stage with a commanding 3-minute, 20-second advantage over Benavides’ KTM. Brabec was collecting valuable time bonuses for opening the route while maintaining a strong pace.

    The race dynamics shifted irrevocably when Brabec made a critical wrong turn approximately seven kilometers from the finish line. Benavides, maintaining his trajectory, witnessed his rival’s error in real-time. “I saw a headlight turn around and slowed to see who it was,” Benavides recounted. “When I realized it was Ricky, I knew the almost impossible was suddenly possible.”

    The Argentine rider capitalized on the opportunity, finishing second on the stage to teammate Edgar Canet while Brabec arrived 3 minutes and 22 seconds later. The stunning reversal triggered emotional celebrations from Benavides’ team, who hoisted their champion while chanting his name.

    “It’s unreal,” an elated Benavides stated. “Two seconds after two weeks and almost 8,000 kilometers is something that is hard to understand.” The previous closest margin of victory stood at 43 seconds, achieved by Benavides’ brother Kevin in 2023.

    Brabec’s Honda teammate Tosha Schareina completed the podium in a distant third position.

    Benavides’ victory appears particularly remarkable considering he began his ninth Dakar attempt without any prior podium finishes and just three months after sustaining serious knee ligament injuries during the Moroccan Rally. Even during the event’s second week, he rode in the shadow of defending champion and teammate Daniel Sanders, who dominated until crashing on Wednesday and sustaining broken collarbone and sternum injuries.

    In the car category, Al-Attiyah secured his historic sixth title with a conservative final drive, finishing nearly nine minutes behind stage winner Mattias Ekström. The Qatari driver ultimately defeated second-place finisher Nani Roma by 9 minutes and 42 seconds, marking his first victory with manufacturer Dacia. Al-Attiyah has now won Dakar with four different manufacturers across his illustrious career.

    Roma, the 2014 champion, earned his first podium finish since 2019, while Ekström’s Ford edged Sébastien Loeb’s Dacia by 37 seconds for third place overall.

  • Fun-loving Kiwi Campbell Wright gives the US hope for its first biathlon Olympic medal

    Fun-loving Kiwi Campbell Wright gives the US hope for its first biathlon Olympic medal

    The United States stands on the precipice of ending its most enduring Winter Olympic drought as the biathlon team prepares for next month’s Games with unprecedented advantages. While Team USA has captured medals across all other winter disciplines throughout Olympic history, biathlon remains the solitary exception—a distinction the current squad is determined to eliminate.

    Central to this ambition is 23-year-old phenom Campbell Wright, whose remarkable journey from New Zealand to Team USA represents one of the season’s most compelling narratives. Born to American parents who emigrated to New Zealand in the 1990s, Wright honed his skills at the Snow Farm cross-country ski center before developing into a world-class biathlete in Europe. His dual citizenship facilitated a strategic transition to the U.S. team in 2023, bringing with him exceptional credentials including two world championship silver medals from 2025 and the U23 Globe award as the sport’s premier young athlete.

    Beyond Wright’s individual prowess, the American team benefits from what CEO Jack Gierhart describes as “almost a second home” advantage in Antholz, the Italian village hosting Olympic biathlon competitions. Head coach Armin Auchentaller, who grew up in the region, provides intimate knowledge of the terrain, climate, and logistics alongside his Italian support staff. This localized expertise creates an environment where athletes can compete with heightened focus and reduced stress.

    Wright’s technical excellence combines blistering skiing speed with remarkable shooting precision under pressure—a duality that head coach Auchentaller attributes to both innate talent and exceptional mental fortitude. “Beneath his talent lies a core of grit, a fearless heart, and a grounded, simple work ethic,” Auchentaller observed. “His success feels like the natural outcome of years of hard, intelligent work fueled by genuine love for what he does.”

    The team composition blends experience and fresh talent, with four-time Olympian Sean Doherty providing veteran leadership alongside Olympic newcomers Maxime Germain, Margie Freed, and Lucinda Anderson. On the women’s side, Joanne Reid returns after a two-year competitive hiatus for her third Olympic appearance.

    Wright approaches the Games with characteristic equanimity, noting that his relative youth alleviates pressure: “I’m hopefully at the start of a long career. If this season goes poorly, there are many more years to try again.” This philosophical approach, combined with his proven competition methodology, positions the U.S. team to potentially rewrite Olympic history books next month.

  • Hungry Alcaraz, focused Sabalenka target Australian Open glory

    Hungry Alcaraz, focused Sabalenka target Australian Open glory

    The Australian Open 2024 commences as a 15-day tournament for the third consecutive year, implementing an extended format designed to mitigate late-night match conclusions. This Grand Slam event showcases intense competition as elite athletes pursue historic milestones on Melbourne’s iconic blue courts.

    Spanish sensation Carlos Alcaraz, the tournament’s top seed, initiates his campaign with palpable determination to secure the sole major title absent from his distinguished collection. The 22-year-old phenom, possessing two French Open, two US Open, and two Wimbledon championships, confronts Australian competitor Adam Walton in his opening match. Alcaraz’s previous victory over Walton at Queen’s Club Championships establishes psychological advantage, though the young Spaniard emphasizes his profound hunger for ultimate triumph in Melbourne.

    Should Alcaraz clinch the championship, he would achieve monumental distinction as the sixth male player to complete the career Grand Slam, joining tennis legends Andre Agassi, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Rod Laver. Furthermore, he would surpass Nadal’s record to become the youngest male player to accomplish this extraordinary feat.

    Formidable obstacles await Alcaraz, particularly two-time defending champion Jannik Sinner. The Italian athlete, who conquered Alexander Zverev in last year’s final and subsequently claimed Wimbledon glory, demonstrates peak physical conditioning following intensive preseason preparation. Sinner’s potential trajectory suggests a semifinal confrontation with 10-time champion Novak Djokovic, who himself seeks to surpass Margaret Court’s record with a 25th Grand Slam title.

    In women’s competition, world number one Aryna Sabalenka commences her campaign as the overwhelming favorite following her Brisbane International victory. The Belarusian powerhouse confronts French wildcard Tiantsoa Rakotomanga Rajaonah while seeking redemption after last year’s surprising final defeat against Madison Keys. Sabalenka acknowledges the emotional challenge of that setback while maintaining focus on superior performance.

    Polish star Iga Swiatek parallels Alcaraz’s ambition for career Grand Slam completion, expressing profound aspiration to realize this dream despite never advancing beyond the semifinals in Melbourne. The tournament’s opening day additionally features prominent contenders including Alexander Zverev, Jessica Pegula, and veteran Venus Williams, establishing an electrifying commencement to tennis’ inaugural Grand Slam of the 2024 season.

  • India’s Washington Sundar ruled out of New Zealand T20 series

    India’s Washington Sundar ruled out of New Zealand T20 series

    In a significant blow to India’s cricket preparations, all-rounder Washington Sundar has been officially withdrawn from the upcoming T20 series against New Zealand due to a side strain injury. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed the development late Friday through an official press release, announcing leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi as his replacement for the five-match contest.

    The injury occurred during the first ODI against New Zealand when Sundar reported acute discomfort in his lower rib area while bowling. Subsequent medical scans revealed the side strain, prompting team physicians to prescribe immediate rest. Following initial recovery, Sundar will report to the BCCI Centre of Excellence for specialized injury management.

    This development casts uncertainty over Sundar’s participation in next month’s T20 World Cup, scheduled to be hosted across India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8. The New Zealand series served as a crucial preparation platform for the global tournament, making Sundar’s absence particularly impactful for team strategy.

    In additional roster changes, the national selection committee has included batsman Shreyas Iyer for the first three T20 matches, replacing the injured Tilak Varma. The ongoing New Zealand tour comprises three ODIs and five T20Is, representing the final competitive fixtures before both teams embark on their World Cup campaigns.

  • Encouraging start for Dubai’s Rayhan Thomas in the Bahamas on Korn Ferry Tour

    Encouraging start for Dubai’s Rayhan Thomas in the Bahamas on Korn Ferry Tour

    Dubai-based golfer Rayhan Thomas has commenced his 2026 campaign on the Korn Ferry Tour with an impressive performance at The Bahamas Golf Classic held at Atlantis Paradise Island. The 26-year-old Indian national carded consistent rounds of 64, 70, 66, and 72 to finish at 16-under-par 272, securing a tied 33rd position in the season-opening event.

    Thomas, now in his second season on the developmental tour, recently regained his playing privileges through PGA Tour Qualifying School in Florida last month. His tournament began spectacularly with an opening-round 64 that featured eight birdies through 15 holes before completing the round early Monday morning due to fading light.

    Throughout the four-round competition, Thomas demonstrated remarkable scoring prowess with 23 birdies against five bogeys and one double bogey. The event showcased the exceptionally high standard of the Korn Ferry Tour, where the cut line fell at seven-under-par with merely four players failing to match or better par.

    Tournament victory went to American Taylor Dickson, who posted a dominant 27-under-par total (67-62-67-65) to claim a three-stroke victory. Dickson’s spectacular second-round 62 included a back-nine 29 featuring three eagles and one birdie.

    The Korn Ferry Tour continues with back-to-back events in the Bahamas before transitioning to Panama later this month. Thomas expressed satisfaction with his performance, noting: ‘I played pretty solid all week. I was a little nervous at the start, which is never a bad thing, but overall I was pretty happy with how I played.’

    Thomas looks ahead to The Bahamas Great Abaco Classic at The Abaco Club on Winding Bay, scheduled for January 18-21, 2026, which features an identical $1 million purse.

  • Wind wreaks havoc as McIlroy, Fleetwood falter and Lowry, Elvira seize control

    Wind wreaks havoc as McIlroy, Fleetwood falter and Lowry, Elvira seize control

    The Dubai Invitational witnessed a dramatic power shift during its second round as ferocious winds exceeding 39 km/h transformed the Emirates Golf Club into an arena of survival rather than skill. In an astonishing reversal of fortunes, world No. 2 Rory McIlroy surrendered his commanding lead through a series of uncharacteristic errors that saw four balls find water hazards, resulting in a disappointing three-over 74.

    Amid the challenging conditions that saw only nine players from the 60-strong field break par, Ireland’s Shane Lowry and Spain’s Nacho Elvira demonstrated exceptional composure to seize joint leadership at five-under 137. Lowry, the 2019 Open champion, delivered a masterclass in controlled golf with five birdies against two bogeys, showcasing superb iron play and resilient putting under immense pressure.

    Elvira’s ascent was equally impressive, featuring a spectacular finish with four birdies in his final six holes. The Spaniard attributed his success to recent technical adjustments that improved his driving accuracy, allowing him to capitalize on scoring opportunities despite the adverse weather.

    The tournament’s defending champion, Tommy Fleetwood, experienced similar difficulties, carding a seven-over 78 that included five bogeys and a double bogey. The brutal conditions highlighted the course’s relentless design, particularly its water-lined holes that punished even minor miscalculations.

    Amid the competitive drama, American Ryggs Johnston provided a moment of brilliance with a spectacular six-iron hole-in-one on the 218-yard eighth hole, climbing to level par and a share of 15th position.

    As the competition moves into its third round, the leaderboard remains tightly contested with Englishman Marcus Armitage and Spaniard David Puig trailing the leaders by two strokes at three-under par.

  • Senegal stand in way of Morocco’s 50-year wait for Afcon glory

    Senegal stand in way of Morocco’s 50-year wait for Afcon glory

    The stage is set for a monumental showdown in African football as Morocco and Senegal prepare to battle for continental supremacy in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final this Sunday in Rabat (19:00 GMT). This clash between the continent’s top-ranked teams represents more than just a football match—it embodies decades of investment, national pride, and footballing legacy.

    Morocco, ranked 11th globally, enters the final seeking to end a half-century wait for their second AFCON title, their sole triumph dating back to 1976. Defender Romain Saiss encapsulated the national sentiment, telling BBC World Service: ‘We are waiting for this trophy for 50 years now. It’s the dream of all Moroccans.’ The Atlas Lions have built their campaign on defensive excellence, conceding only one goal throughout the tournament—a penalty—while maintaining five clean sheets.

    Their opponents, Senegal’s Teranga Lions, stand just eight places behind in global rankings and seek their second AFCON crown after claiming their maiden trophy in 2021. The West Africans boast formidable offensive prowess, having netted 12 times en route to the final. Their progression was secured by veteran forward Sadio Mané, who scored the decisive semi-final goal against Egypt, replicating his heroics from the 2021 final penalty shootout.

    The match represents a clash of contrasting philosophies. Morocco’s journey reflects a royal-backed, systematic investment in football infrastructure initiated by King Mohammed VI in 2008. This long-term project has yielded remarkable successes: a World Cup semi-final appearance in 2022, Olympic bronze, U-20 World Cup victory, and three consecutive African Nations Championship titles. Yet the senior team’s AFCON trophy has remained elusive despite these achievements.

    Senegal meanwhile combines experienced champions from their 2021 triumph with emerging talents. While suspended captain Kalidou Koulibaly and midfielder Habib Diarra will miss the final, the team retains key figures including goalkeeper Édouard Mendy and midfielder Idrissa Gueye.

    Technical leadership adds another compelling narrative layer. For the fourth consecutive edition, the winning coach will be African, with Morocco’s Walid Regragui or Senegal’s Pape Thiaw poised to join recent African-winning managers. Regragui, who experienced AFCON final defeat as a player in 2004, has faced considerable pressure to deliver the trophy despite Morocco’s overall footballing renaissance.

    The Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium’s expected 69,500-capacity crowd will provide a formidable atmosphere for the hosts, who haven’t lost a competitive home match since 2009. Morocco features tournament top scorer Brahim Díaz, captain Achraf Hakimi, and goalkeeper Yassine Bounou—recently crowned Africa’s best goalkeeper for the second time.

    Beyond the glory and continental bragging rights, the champions will receive $10 million in prize money—a $3 million increase from the previous tournament. For one nation, Sunday’s final represents the culmination of decades of waiting; for the other, an opportunity to solidify their status as Africa’s footballing powerhouse.