In a breathtaking finale at the Emirates Golf Club, Thailand’s Fifa Laopakdee staged a remarkable comeback to clinch the 2025 Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship. The 20-year-old golfer overcame a six-shot deficit to force a playoff against Japan’s Taisei Nagasaki, ultimately securing victory on the third extra hole. Laopakdee’s composed final-round 68, including six birdies, brought his 72-hole total to 15-under-par 273, matching Nagasaki’s score. The sudden-death playoff saw Laopakdee card three consecutive birdies on holes 17, 18, and 17 again, while Nagasaki narrowly missed a crucial birdie putt. Laopakdee’s triumph not only marks a personal milestone but also makes him the first Thai player to qualify for the 2026 Masters at Augusta National. Meanwhile, UAE’s Ahmad Skaik achieved a historic 13th-place finish, the best-ever by a UAE national in the championship, despite a costly double bogey on the final hole. The event also celebrated the participation of three UAE players who made the cut, signaling a proud moment for Emirati golf. The championship, featuring 120 players from 41 countries, showcased the growing talent and competitiveness in the Asia-Pacific region. Laopakdee’s victory underscores the power of resilience and determination, while Skaik’s performance highlights the progress of UAE golf on the international stage.
分类： sports
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Cummins ruled out of first Ashes Test
Australia’s cricket team has confirmed that their star captain and fast bowler, Pat Cummins, will miss the opening Ashes Test due to a persistent back injury. Steve Smith, a seasoned leader and one of the game’s most prolific batsmen, will step in to captain the side in Cummins’ absence. The first Test is scheduled to begin on November 21 in Perth, but Cummins, who has not bowled since July, is yet to resume full training. Cricket Australia announced on Sunday that the 32-year-old is expected to return to bowling soon, with hopes of being fit for the second Test in Brisbane starting December 4. Cummins’ absence is a significant setback for Australia, given his dual role as captain and premier bowler. Reports of his fitness concerns first emerged in September, leading to his withdrawal from the white-ball series against New Zealand and India due to a lumbar stress fracture. Cummins himself acknowledged the tight timeline for recovery, stating he needed at least a month of net practice to regain match fitness. Smith, who previously led Australia to Ashes glory, is a capable replacement. The 36-year-old has captained the team six times in Cummins’ absence and remains a key figure in the squad. In Cummins’ absence, Scott Boland is likely to join Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood in the pace attack. The series, comprising five Tests in just over seven weeks, will test Australia’s depth, with potential call-ups for less experienced players like Michael Neser, Brendan Doggett, or Fergus O’Neill.
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Rohit, Kohli’s 2027 World Cup hopes depend on a big decision
The future of Indian cricket legends Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the 2027 ODI World Cup remains uncertain, with a pivotal decision looming after India’s upcoming series against South Africa. Indian captain Shubman Gill hinted at the necessity of a significant call following the series, which begins on November 30, 2025. Despite their recent stellar performances in the third ODI against Australia, where Rohit scored an unbeaten 121 and Kohli added 74 not out, questions persist about their long-term roles in the team. Both players, aged 38 and 36 respectively, have been central to Indian cricket for over a decade, but their participation in the next World Cup depends on their ability to maintain form and fitness. The Indian cricket board is reportedly insistent on their participation in domestic cricket, specifically the Vijay Hazare Trophy, to keep them match-ready. Gill acknowledged that discussions regarding their future will take place after the South Africa series, emphasizing the importance of keeping senior players engaged in competitive cricket. The duo’s refusal to retire has kept fans hopeful, but their path to the 2027 World Cup is fraught with challenges, including the need to prove their worth in domestic tournaments and adapt to the evolving dynamics of the team.
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Norris dominates in Mexico to take championship lead
Lando Norris of McLaren seized the championship lead for the first time since April with a commanding performance at the Mexico City Grand Prix. Starting from pole position, Norris maintained his lead into the first corner and dominated the race, finishing a staggering 30 seconds ahead of his closest competitor. This victory marks his sixth win of the season, placing him just one point ahead of teammate Oscar Piastri in the championship standings. Piastri, who started seventh, fought back to secure fifth place, showcasing his resilience after a challenging qualifying session. Meanwhile, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, who finished third behind Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, remains 36 points adrift with four races remaining. The race’s climax was marred by a virtual safety car in the final laps, which prevented Verstappen from challenging Leclerc and Piastri from overtaking Haas driver Oliver Bearman. Bearman, a British rookie, delivered an exceptional performance to secure fourth place, his best-ever finish in Formula 1. The race also featured intense battles, including Verstappen’s controversial maneuvers and Hamilton’s penalty for track violations. Norris’s victory underscores his resurgence since a fuel-line failure at the Dutch Grand Prix in August, erasing Piastri’s 34-point lead in just five races. The championship battle now intensifies as the season heads into its final stages.
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Tom Aspinall vs Ciryl Gane: Abu Dhabi fans furious after UFC 321 Main Event ends in No Contest
The highly anticipated UFC 321 main event between Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane at Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Arena ended in frustration and controversy. The fight, which drew over 13,000 fans, was abruptly halted in the first round due to an accidental eye poke from Gane, leaving Aspinall unable to continue. Referee Jason Herzog declared the bout a no contest, sparking boos and disappointment from the crowd. Aspinall, visibly distressed, was immediately attended to by medical staff and later sent to the hospital for further evaluation. UFC President Dana White expressed his disappointment but confirmed plans for an immediate rematch. The incident has reignited discussions about fighter safety and the rules surrounding accidental fouls in MMA. With the heavyweight division in flux following Jon Jones’ retirement, the rematch between Aspinall and Gane is now one of the most anticipated fights in the sport.
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We need to find answers to stop Liverpool slide, says Slot
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has acknowledged the urgent need to address the team’s alarming slump after a 3-2 defeat to Brentford marked their fourth consecutive Premier League loss. The defending champions, who started the season strongly, have been derailed by a series of setbacks, including defeats to Crystal Palace, Chelsea, and Manchester United. Slot admitted that opponents have identified effective strategies against his side, leaving Liverpool struggling to regain their form. The loss at Brentford was particularly concerning, as the team conceded early and failed to counter the hosts’ physicality and set-piece prowess. Despite significant summer investments in players like Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak, Liverpool have looked a shadow of the team that clinched their record-equalling 20th league title last season. Slot emphasized the challenges of integrating new players and the demanding schedule, which included five away games in their last six matches. Former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson, now with Brentford, expressed confidence in his former club’s ability to recover, citing their quality and experience. However, Slot remains under pressure to find solutions quickly as Liverpool aim to turn their season around.
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‘Victory doesn’t see gender’: Meet first UAE woman to compete for world powerboat title
In a groundbreaking achievement, Alya Abdulsalam has become the first Emirati woman to compete in the Formula 4 Powerboat World Championship, held in Norway and Italy. This milestone not only marks a personal triumph for Alya but also signifies a significant step forward for Emirati women in sports. Her journey began on the shores of the UAE, where her father, Abdulsalam Fairouz, organized major championships, igniting her passion for water sports. Alya’s love for the sea and her adventurous spirit were nurtured from a young age, watching her father’s dedication to the sport. This summer, she took the wheel for the first time in Tønsberg, Norway, where she demonstrated her ability to handle high-speed powerboats, leading her father to establish a team for her. Despite initial skepticism and social media doubts, Alya’s participation in the UAE Championship turned skeptics into admirers. Her success is attributed to her fitness, focus, and quick reflexes, which helped her achieve sixth place in her last race. Alya’s participation in the World Championship, where she finished 11th out of 17 boats and ranked 19th worldwide, is seen as an Arab achievement for ambitious girls. She credits her father, the UAE Marine Sports Federation, the Ministry of Sports, and other supporters for her success. Alya’s message to young girls is clear: ‘Don’t hesitate to take the leap. Passion and determination are the real fuel for success.’ Her father, Abdulsalam, known as ‘Abu Alya,’ proudly watches as his daughter carries forward the legacy of Emirati sports, sailing steadily toward greatness.
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England beats New Zealand by 8 wickets in Women’s Cricket World Cup, finishes second in league phase
In a decisive match at the 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup, England secured an eight-wicket victory over New Zealand, marking the end of Sophie Devine’s ODI career. New Zealand, opting to bat first, struggled against England’s bowling attack, with left-arm spinner Linsey Smith claiming 3-30. The White Ferns were bowled out for 168 runs in 38.2 overs, with Georgia Plimmer top-scoring at 43 and Devine contributing 23 in her final ODI appearance. England’s response was led by opener Amy Jones, who remained unbeaten at 86, guiding her team to 172-2 in just 29.2 overs. England’s dominant performance secured them second place in the league, setting up a semifinal clash with South Africa. New Zealand, finishing sixth, bid an emotional farewell to Devine, who received a guard of honor from both teams. Meanwhile, rain disrupted the India-Bangladesh game in Navi Mumbai, delaying the start and reducing the match to 43 overs per side.
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Yamamoto helps Dodgers level World Series at 1-1
In a stellar performance, Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Will Smith led the Los Angeles Dodgers to a decisive 5-1 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays, tying the best-of-seven World Series at 1-1. Yamamoto, the Japanese right-hander, delivered a masterclass on the mound, pitching a complete game with just 105 pitches. This marked his second consecutive complete game in the postseason, a feat not achieved since Curt Schilling in 2001. Meanwhile, catcher Will Smith was the offensive powerhouse, driving in three runs to secure the Dodgers’ win. The game, held at Toronto’s Rogers Centre, was a stark contrast to the high-scoring opener, with both teams locked in a pitching duel for much of the contest. The Dodgers struck early in the first inning when Smith brought Freddie Freeman home, but Blue Jays starter Kevin Gausman dominated afterward, retiring 17 consecutive batters. The Blue Jays managed to level the score in the third inning with a sacrifice fly by Alejandro Kirk, but the Dodgers regained control in the seventh inning with back-to-back solo home runs by Smith and Max Muncy. The Blue Jays’ defense crumbled in the eighth inning, allowing the Dodgers to extend their lead with a wild pitch and another RBI from Smith. Yamamoto’s complete game ensured the Dodgers’ bullpen remained rested, setting the stage for the series’ shift to Los Angeles for the next three games. Game 3 is scheduled for Monday evening at Dodger Stadium.
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India board condemns stalking, harassment of Australian cricketers in Indore
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has issued a strong condemnation following a distressing incident involving Australian cricketers in Indore. The episode, which occurred on Thursday morning, saw two female players from the Australian team subjected to stalking and inappropriate behavior as they left their hotel to visit a nearby cafe. BCCI Honorary Secretary Devajit Saikia described the incident as “deeply regrettable and isolated,” reaffirming India’s commitment to hospitality and safety for all visitors. Saikia emphasized the board’s zero-tolerance stance towards such acts and lauded the Madhya Pradesh Police for their prompt response in apprehending the accused. The 30-year-old suspect, who has a prior criminal record, was arrested within six hours of the complaint being filed. The BCCI has pledged to review and enhance its safety protocols to prevent similar occurrences in the future. Cricket Australia confirmed the incident, stating that the matter is being handled by local authorities. This incident has reignited concerns about violence against women in India, where such cases remain alarmingly prevalent.