Global Pulse

分类： sports

  • Johannes Lochner leads German 2-man Olympic bobsled sweep, Frank Del Duca 4th for US

    Johannes Lochner leads German 2-man Olympic bobsled sweep, Frank Del Duca 4th for US

    CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy — The German bobsled team delivered an exhibition of absolute dominance at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, achieving a historic medal sweep in the two-man event that reinforced their unparalleled supremacy in the sport.

    Johannes Lochner, competing in what he describes as his farewell season, captured his first Olympic gold medal alongside brakeman Georg Fleischhauer with a commanding performance. Their four-run cumulative time of 3 minutes, 39.70 seconds established the largest Olympic two-man victory margin in 46 years at 1.34 seconds.

    “There’s nothing better than when a plan works out,” an emotional Lochner stated, embracing his teammate. “Speechless… feeling so much happiness. I cannot describe this.”

    The German podium monopoly was completed by Francesco Friedrich—the two-time defending Olympic champion in both two-man and four-man events—with Alexander Schuller securing silver (3:41.04), while Adam Ammour and Alexander Schaller claimed bronze (3:41.52).

    The United States team of Frank Del Duca and Josh Williamson narrowly missed disrupting the German trifecta, finishing fourth with a time of 3:41.96—matching the second-best American two-man Olympic result in seven decades.

    This remarkable achievement marks only the second Olympic bobsled medal sweep in history, with Germany previously accomplishing the same feat in the two-man event at the Beijing Games four years ago.

    The German dominance extends far beyond Olympic competition. During the current World Cup season and Olympics, German teams captured 23 of 24 available two-man medals. Over the complete four-year Olympic cycle, Germany has won 34 of 35 two-man races across World Cup, world championship, and Olympic competitions, collecting 85 of 105 possible medals.

    Lochner now looks ahead to what he anticipates will be his final international competition—the four-man event this weekend, where he enters as the overwhelming favorite.

  • A crossroads season as former major champion Henrik Stenson eyes DP World Tour return

    A crossroads season as former major champion Henrik Stenson eyes DP World Tour return

    Golf icon Henrik Stenson stands at a pivotal juncture in his professional career as 2026 unfolds, with multiple competitive pathways emerging following his departure from LIV Golf. The former Open Championship winner (2016) and Dubai resident, now 49, finds himself contemplating a return to the DP World Tour while simultaneously preparing for his senior circuit debut.

    Stenson’s competitive future came into focus after he failed to retain LIV Golf playing privileges in 2025, finishing 52nd in the Individual Standings. The Swedish golfer, owner of 22 global professional titles including two DP World Tour Championship victories (2013, 2014) and the 2007 HERO Dubai Desert Classic, has reportedly settled fines exceeding £1 million for participating in conflicting events without required releases. This financial resolution, coupled with serving an undisclosed suspension, now clears his path for potential DP World Tour reinstatement.

    The veteran’s career trajectory took significant turns in recent years. His 2022 move to LIV Golf resulted in removal from Team Europe’s Ryder Cup captaincy for the 2023 matches, with Luke Donald assuming leadership and securing consecutive victories in 2023 and 2025. Questions remain regarding Stenson’s partial ownership of Majesticks GC, which he co-captained alongside Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood, and whether divestment would be necessary for full competitive return.

    Stenson’s competitive hiatus since August 2025 adds intrigue to his next appearance. Despite opportunities to regain status through January’s LIV Golf Promotions event or explore Asian Tour options, the golfer has maintained strategic flexibility. His seventh-place position on the DP World Tour’s all-time money list (Category 11a) guarantees tournament access, supplemented by potential sponsor invitations.

    April 5, 2026 marks a significant milestone as Stenson becomes eligible for senior competitions upon turning 50. He has already entered the Senior PGA Championship at The Concession Golf Club (April 16-19) and is expected to compete in the European Legends Tour event in Barbados beginning April 23. This opens possibilities for a global schedule blending DP World Tour events, senior tournaments, and major championships including The Open through his champion status.

    The evolving landscape of professional golf appears increasingly accommodating of players transitioning between tours, suggesting Stenson’s career decisions may benefit from more flexible governance approaches. As one of modern golf’s most accomplished competitors navigates this critical phase, the sporting world watches with anticipation regarding how the Swedish star will shape his competitive future.

  • This Week in Golf: Riviera in the spotlight as Genesis Invitational takes centre stage

    This Week in Golf: Riviera in the spotlight as Genesis Invitational takes centre stage

    The world of professional golf enters a pivotal week with multiple tours delivering high-stakes competition across four continents. Center stage belongs to the PGA Tour’s Genesis Invitational at the historic Riviera Country Club in California, which commands attention with its prestigious $20 million purse and celebration of the tournament’s 100th anniversary. Organized by the Tiger Woods Foundation, this signature event returns to its traditional venue after last year’s disruption caused by Southern California wildfires, which forced a temporary relocation to Torrey Pines where Sweden’s Ludvig Aberg emerged victorious.

    Riviera’s legacy spans generations of golf greatness, having hosted legends from Sam Snead and Ben Hogan to Arnold Palmer and Tiger Woods, who made his PGA Tour debut at the course as a 16-year-old amateur in 1992. The venue boasts significant historical milestones, including Babe Zaharias’ groundbreaking participation in 1938 as the first woman to compete in a professional men’s tournament. Beyond its regular tour stops, Riviera has hosted three major championships and is slated to welcome future prestigious events including the 2026 U.S. Women’s Open, golf competition for the 2028 Summer Olympics, and the 131st U.S. Open in 2031.

    While the PGA Tour takes center stage, other professional circuits offer compelling storylines. The DP World Tour resumes with the Magical Kenya Open at Nairobi’s Karen Country Club, featuring a $2.7 million purse that attracts international competitors. Simultaneously, the HotelPlanner Tour conducts the Jonsson Workwear Durban Open in South Africa with a $375,000 prize fund, providing opportunities for emerging talents to establish their professional credentials.

    The LPGA Tour contributes to the global golf spectacle with the Honda LPGA Thailand at Siam Country Club, where a $1.8 million purse awaits the world’s top female professionals. This diverse international schedule ensures golf enthusiasts have multiple competitive narratives to follow throughout the week, from established stars at a historic venue to developing players seeking breakthrough moments on their respective tours.

  • German luge great Felix Loch says he plans to compete for a spot at the 2030 Olympics in France

    German luge great Felix Loch says he plans to compete for a spot at the 2030 Olympics in France

    CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy — In a remarkable display of athletic longevity, German luge icon Felix Loch has declared his intention to compete for a spot at the 2030 Winter Olympics in France. The 36-year-old sliding sensation, who captured his first Olympic gold medal in 2010, made the unexpected announcement Tuesday following discussions with his family about the commitment required for another Olympic cycle.

    The seven-time World Cup overall champion, who currently leads this season’s standings with two races remaining, expressed profound gratitude for his family’s support. “We all understand what another four years would entail: sacrifice, planning, hoping, cheering along,” Loch stated in a social media post. “That my family says ‘We stand behind you!’ is not something to be taken for granted.”

    Loch’s career achievements are nothing short of extraordinary. With 56 World Cup singles victories, he stands just one win behind Italian legend Armin Zoeggeler’s men’s record. His Olympic pedigree includes singles gold medals in 2010 and 2014, plus a relay gold in Sochi. Though he placed sixth at last week’s Milan Cortina Games, his competitive fire remains undiminished.

    “I will keep going—as long as I am healthy and fit,” declared the veteran athlete, whose sport uniquely continues its international season post-Olympics. The luge World Cup circuit concludes with events in St. Moritz, Switzerland (February 28-March 1) and Altenberg, Germany (March 7-8), where Loch currently holds a one-point advantage over Austria’s Jonas Müller.

    Reflecting on his enduring passion, Loch affirmed: “I love my sport. And as long as I can compete at the front, I will give everything to be back at the start for our Team Deutschland in 2030. Being able to compete for your country is and always will be the greatest honor.”

  • Charley Hull charges to PIF Saudi Ladies International title with back-nine brilliance

    Charley Hull charges to PIF Saudi Ladies International title with back-nine brilliance

    England’s golf sensation Charley Hull delivered a masterclass in competitive resilience at the Riyadh Golf Club, mounting a spectacular final-round charge to seize the 2026 PIF Saudi Ladies International championship. The world number five began Sunday’s action three strokes off the pace but unleashed a breathtaking 65 (-7) performance to finish at 19-under-par, securing her fifth Ladies European Tour title by a single stroke.

    Hull’s victory was forged through exceptional back-nine brilliance where she played her final seven holes in six-under-par. After turning at two-under through nine holes, the Solheim Cup star overcame a bogey on the 10th with an explosive sequence of birdie-eagle-birdie across holes 11-13, followed by additional birdies on the 15th and 18th.

    “This feels absolutely incredible,” Hull exclaimed afterward. “The round progressed so rapidly today. My boyfriend actually predicted this scenario last night – he knows I thrive when chasing. This course has matured beautifully and presents a wonderful challenge with its thickening grass and evolving complexity.”

    The champion revealed an unusual mid-round boost: “After nine holes, I visited the restroom and had some mashed potatoes. Whether that provided the extra energy or not, it certainly worked! As a Golf Saudi ambassador, winning this sponsor’s home event carries special significance.”

    South Africa’s Casandra Alexander and Japan’s Akie Iwai shared runner-up honors at 18-under-par after strong final-round performances. Alexander’s hopes were dashed by a late bogey on the 17th, while Iwai’s aggressive approach yielded seven birdies despite two bogeys.

    Spain’s Carlota Ciganda and Korea’s Hye-Jin Choi finished tied for fourth at 17-under-par, with England’s Mimi Rhodes, Korea’s Ina Yoon and Japan’s Nasa Hataoka one stroke further back in a tightly contested leaderboard.

    With this victory, Hull assumes the LET Order of Merit lead with 500 points, ahead of Alexander (275) and Ciganda (162.50). The win comes as Hull completes house renovations, with the champion already ensuring her new trophy will have designated display space. The Ladies European Tour now pauses briefly before commencing a four-event Australian swing starting with the Ford Women’s NSW Open.

  • Soo Yeon Kim brings positivity, skill, and inspiration to the UAE’s Ultimate Golf Challenge

    Soo Yeon Kim brings positivity, skill, and inspiration to the UAE’s Ultimate Golf Challenge

    In a groundbreaking display of skill and sportsmanship, Korean golfer Soo Yeon Kim has made a remarkable debut in Season 3 of the UAE’s Ultimate Golf Challenge. Competing for team Meteora Magicians at Abu Dhabi’s challenging Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, Kim demonstrated exceptional prowess by scoring 27 Stableford points individually while helping her ten-player squad achieve 247 points, positioning them second behind Noble Legace Masters after the opening round.

    Kim’s participation represents a significant milestone in the traditionally male-dominated corporate golf league, which features 160 players across 10 teams competing in 350 rounds over four days. Rather than being intimidated by the gender imbalance, Kim has embraced the competition as both a motivational opportunity and a chance to showcase women’s capabilities in professional golf.

    ‘From a performance perspective, it’s a great source of motivation,’ Kim noted. ‘The obvious differences in driving distance and aggressive shot-making help me identify my strengths and weaknesses more clearly, which drives me to practice even harder.’

    What distinguishes Kim’s experience in the UGC is the unique team dynamic that contrasts sharply with individual tournaments. She emphasized the exceptional camaraderie among teammates including Russel Yeomans, Praveen Sharma, and Chris Cahill, highlighting how players genuinely celebrate each other’s successes while providing support through mistakes.

    ‘The team environment creates a strong sense of camaraderie that I find personally very rewarding as a female golfer,’ Kim explained. ‘I love the atmosphere of cheering for each other’s shots and reassuring teammates when they make errors.’

    Beyond her competitive achievements, Kim hopes her presence will inspire other women to participate in team golf events. With infectious enthusiasm, she expressed: ‘Above all, I hope that the way I carry myself on the course can give other women a nudge to think, ‘Maybe I should try a team event too.’ If I can play even a small part in that, I’d be very happy.’

    Kim’s debut performance demonstrates that positivity, teamwork, and determination are equally as valuable as technical skills in competitive golf, marking the beginning of what promises to be a memorable journey in the UAE’s innovative team golf league.

  • T20 World Cup: New Zealand reach Super Eight despite Samra hundred

    T20 World Cup: New Zealand reach Super Eight despite Samra hundred

    In a compelling Group D showdown at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, New Zealand secured their advancement to the Super Eight stage of the ICC Twenty20 World Cup with a commanding eight-wicket victory over Canada on Tuesday. The result simultaneously eliminated Afghanistan from tournament contention.

    The match featured an extraordinary individual performance from Canadian opener Yuvraj Samra, who electrified the stadium with a magnificent 110 runs from just 65 deliveries. The 19-year-old left-hander, named after Indian cricket legend Yuvraj Singh, hammered 11 boundaries and six maximums in what stands as the highest individual score of the tournament thus far. Samra established a formidable 116-run opening partnership with captain Dilpreet Bajwa (36), frustrating New Zealand’s bowling attack for nearly 13 overs without a breakthrough.

    Despite Samra’s heroics that propelled Canada to 173-4, New Zealand’s response proved equally dominant. After early setbacks that saw openers Tim Seifert and Finn Allen dismissed cheaply, the Black Caps found their saviors in Glenn Phillips and Rachin Ravindra. The duo orchestrated an unbeaten 146-run partnership at an astonishing rate of approximately two runs per ball.

    Phillips delivered a blistering 36-ball 76, including six massive sixes, earning him Player of the Match honors. Ravindra provided crucial support with a composed 59-run contribution. Their collaborative effort guided New Zealand to victory with 4.5 overs remaining, marking their third win in four matches.

    Stand-in captain Daryl Mitchell, leading the side in place of ill regular skipper Mitchell Santner, praised his team’s composure under pressure. The result confirms New Zealand’s progression alongside group leaders South Africa, who had previously secured their Super Eight berth with three consecutive victories.

  • Italy pulls off a stunner in Olympic men’s speedskating team pursuit, earns first gold since 2006

    Italy pulls off a stunner in Olympic men’s speedskating team pursuit, earns first gold since 2006

    CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy — In a stunning display of home-track dominance, Italy’s men’s speedskating team captured Olympic gold in the team pursuit event at the Milano Speed Skating Stadium on Tuesday. The Italian trio of Davide Ghiotto, Andrea Giovannini, and Michele Malfatti delivered a commanding performance against the reigning world record-holding American team, securing victory by a remarkable 4.5-second margin with a final time of 3 minutes, 39.20 seconds.

    The victory marks Italy’s first Olympic title in this discipline since the 2006 Turin Games, achieved before an electrified home crowd that provided continuous vocal support throughout the race. Despite a strong initial showing from the U.S. team comprising Casey Dawson, Emery Lehman, and Ethan Cepuran, the Italian skaters demonstrated superior endurance in the closing laps, surging ahead to claim the championship.

    In parallel competition, Canada’s women’s team pursuit squad successfully defended their Olympic title with Ivanie Blondin, Valerie Maltais, and Isabelle Weidemann—the same trio that triumphed in Beijing—posting a time of 2:55.81 to finish nearly a full second ahead of silver medalists Netherlands.

    Meanwhile, adverse weather conditions forced the postponement of the women’s snowboarding slopestyle final in Livigno due to heavy snowfall. The event, originally scheduled for Tuesday afternoon, was canceled without immediate rescheduling details, delaying New Zealand’s Zoi Sadowski-Synnott’s attempt to defend her Olympic title after she qualified first in Sunday’s preliminary rounds.

    In other Olympic developments, France achieved a historic victory in the men’s biathlon relay, overcoming an initial last-place position to claim the nation’s first Olympic gold in the event. Norway’s Jens Luraas Oftebro secured his second Nordic combined gold medal of the Games, while the event itself faced protests regarding the continued exclusion of women from Olympic Nordic combined competition despite their participation in World Cup events and world championships.

  • Dubai Basketball clinch ABA League playoffs spot with big win

    Dubai Basketball clinch ABA League playoffs spot with big win

    In a spectacular display of basketball prowess, Dubai Basketball has officially clinched their spot in the ABA League playoffs following a decisive 100-82 triumph over Bosna BH Telecom. The landmark victory, achieved during Round 1 of the Top 8 phase, establishes the Emirati club as the first team to secure postseason qualification following the league’s second phase.

    The Tuesday evening matchup witnessed one of Dubai’s most complete performances this season, combining offensive precision with formidable defensive discipline. The home team entered the competition phase leading the Top 8 standings and reinforced their dominant position with a display that left little doubt about their championship credentials.

    The game’s trajectory was established early as Dubai implemented assertive offensive execution and disciplined half-court defense, consistently keeping pressure in the visitors’ territory. Key contributions came from Dzanan Musa, who found his rhythm midway through the opening quarter, and Mfiondu Kabengele, who established physical dominance in the paint. Although Bosna managed to narrow the deficit to four points late in the first quarter, Dubai’s structural integrity ensured they maintained the advantage.

    Head coach Jurica Golemac acknowledged the challenge post-game: ‘It was a very difficult game to play after these trips. Bosna is a very quality team and the result doesn’t fully reflect the competitive nature of the contest. They fought well and we needed to play exceptionally strong basketball to secure this victory.’

    Despite Bosna’s resurgence in the second quarter, highlighted by Michael Lamor Young Jr.’s offensive impact, Dubai maintained composure. A critical three-pointer from Aleksa Avramović stabilized the home team’s momentum, while enhanced ball movement exposed vulnerabilities in Bosna’s defensive scheme. By halftime, Dubai had expanded their lead to ten points (45-35), demonstrating the cohesion that would ultimately separate the contenders.

    The third quarter presented Bosna’s most determined challenge as the visitors emerged with renewed intensity, temporarily narrowing the gap through Young’s continued productivity. However, Dubai’s physical versatility proved insurmountable. Kabengele’s ability to stretch the floor, combined with sustained interior control, prevented Bosna from maintaining momentum. By the period’s conclusion, Dubai had reestablished a commanding 12-point advantage.

    The final quarter saw Bosna demonstrate resilience, but Dubai’s offensive consistency ensured the lead never approached threatening margins, culminating in an 18-point victory that solidifies their championship aspirations.

    Kabengele led all scorers with 21 points, anchoring Dubai’s offensive production, while Musa contributed 15 points against his former club. McKinley Wright added 13 points to the balanced scoring effort. The victory strengthens Dubai’s position atop the standings as the ABA League season progresses toward its decisive phase.

    The team now looks ahead to their next home game, another EuroLeague night where playoff positioning intensifies. Following an away victory against Milan, Dubai currently occupies 11th place—just one position outside Play-In tournament qualification—adding another layer of significance to their continental campaign.

  • France upsets Norway to win the Olympic men’s biathlon relay for the first time

    France upsets Norway to win the Olympic men’s biathlon relay for the first time

    In a stunning reversal of fortune at the Winter Olympics, France achieved a historic victory in the men’s biathlon relay on Tuesday, overcoming last-place positioning to dethrone defending champions Norway by a razor-thin margin of 9.8 seconds. The French team of Fabien Claude, Emilien Jacquelin, Quentin Fillon Maillet, and anchor Eric Perrot completed their remarkable comeback on the snow-packed tracks of Anterselva, Italy, securing France’s first-ever Olympic gold in this discipline.

    The dramatic finale saw World Cup champion Eric Perrot maintain France’s narrow lead despite missing two shots in his final standing shoot, holding off Norway’s Vetle Sjaastad Christiansen in a heart-pounding finish. The victory served as redemption for France’s silver medal performance at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, where Christiansen had shot clean to defeat Fillon Maillet by 28 seconds.

    Sweden captured the bronze medal, finishing less than a minute ahead of Germany, while the United States team delivered an impressive performance to finish fifth after climbing from 16th position. The American squad, which has never won an Olympic biathlon medal, showed promise with Campbell Wright’s strong anchor leg bringing them from 11th to fifth place.

    The Norwegian team, consisting of Martin Uldal, Johan-Olav Botn, Sturla Holm Laegreid, and Christiansen, expressed disappointment at settling for silver after entering the competition as world champions and heavy favorites. “To get silver is almost like losing gold,” remarked Laegreid following the race.

    France’s victory marks their second biathlon gold of these Games, with Perrot and Fillon Maillet having previously won the mixed relay on February 8 alongside Lou Jeanmonnot and Julia Simon. The women’s relay is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon.