In a stunning display of skill and composure, 16-year-old Japanese golfer Taisei Nagasaki has taken a commanding five-shot lead at the 16th Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship (AAC) held at the Emirates Golf Club in Dubai. Nagasaki’s third-round score of seven-under-par 65 has placed him at 17-under 199, setting a new 54-hole tournament record and positioning him as the clear favorite heading into the final round on Sunday. The young prodigy, who has been a standout performer throughout the week, is now on the verge of etching his name in the annals of amateur golf history. Nagasaki’s performance has been marked by precision and consistency, following earlier rounds of 67 and 67. His closest competitors, Japan’s Rintaro Nakano and Thailand’s Fifa Laopakdee, trail at 12-under and 11-under, respectively. The tournament, one of the most prestigious in amateur golf, offers the winner an invitation to the Masters Tournament and an exemption into The Open. Nagasaki, who has already achieved notable success this year, including co-medalist honors at the Toyota Junior World Cup, expressed his determination to follow in the footsteps of past champions like Keita Nakajima, who won the AAC in 2021. Meanwhile, UAE’s Ahmad Skaik has been a strong representative for the Middle East, currently sitting at six-under-par. The championship has also seen historic performances, including 17-year-old Geoffrey Laklak becoming the first Lebanese player to make the cut. The final round promises to be a thrilling conclusion to a week of exceptional golf.
分类： sports
-
Brazil beats women’s European champions England 2-1 in a friendly
In a gripping encounter at Manchester, Brazil triumphed 2-1 over England in a women’s football friendly on Saturday. This marked England’s first match since their triumphant retention of the Women’s European Championship. Despite being reduced to 10 players early in the game, Brazil showcased resilience and tactical prowess to secure the win. Bia Zaneratto and Dudinha struck early goals, putting Brazil in a commanding position. The turning point came in the 21st minute when Brazil’s captain, Angelina, was sent off, offering England a glimmer of hope. Georgia Stanway capitalized on a second-half penalty, but it wasn’t enough to overturn the deficit. England’s spirited response saw Alex Greenwood and Stanway hitting the woodwork, but Brazil’s defense held firm. The match began with a celebratory atmosphere as England paraded their Euro 2025 trophy to a crowd of over 37,000. England will next face Australia on Tuesday, aiming to bounce back from this narrow defeat.
-
India crush Australia in 3rd ODI; Rohit and Kohli turn back clock
In a spectacular display of cricketing prowess, India delivered a crushing nine-wicket victory over Australia in the third One-Day International (ODI) at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday. The match, which could mark the final Australian appearance for Indian legends Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, saw the duo turn back the clock with a masterful 168-run partnership. Chasing a modest target of 237, India comfortably reached the total with 69 balls to spare. Rohit Sharma top-scored with an unbeaten 121, showcasing his class with 13 fours and three sixes. Virat Kohli, who had struggled in the first two matches, returned to form with a fluent 74 not out, earning the loudest cheers from the packed stadium. The victory was a fitting farewell to Australian soil for the two stalwarts, who have retired from Test and T20 cricket and are unlikely to return before the 2027 World Cup. Earlier, Australia’s innings faltered after a promising start, collapsing from 183-3 to 236 all out. Harshit Rana was the pick of the Indian bowlers, claiming 4-39, while Matt Renshaw top-scored for Australia with 56. The match not only highlighted India’s dominance but also celebrated the enduring brilliance of Rohit and Kohli, who have left an indelible mark on Australian cricket.
-
Amber Glenn beats Alysa Liu to win figure skating Cup of China
In a stunning display of resilience, U.S. figure skater Amber Glenn clinched the Cup of China title for the second consecutive year, overcoming neck pain to outshine her world champion teammate Alysa Liu. The event, held in Chongqing, China, saw Glenn deliver a remarkable free skate performance, despite a shaky landing on a triple toeloop early in her routine. Clutching her neck post-performance, Glenn’s determination paid off as she secured a total score of 214.78, edging out Liu’s 212.07. Japan’s Rinka Watanabe rounded out the podium in third place, narrowly maintaining her position despite a subpar free skate. Glenn expressed her elation, stating it was “incredible” to share the podium with her teammate. Notably, this marked Liu’s first podium finish in a Grand Prix event, despite her prior world championship accolades. In the men’s competition, Japan’s Shun Sato defended his title with a flawless free skate featuring three quadruple jumps, amassing 278.12 points. Italy’s Daniel Grassl and Kazakhstan’s Mikhail Shaidorov followed in second and third, respectively. The ice dance segment saw world champions Madison Chock and Evan Bates claim their first Cup of China victory, scoring 208.25 points. The event, the second in the Grand Prix series, serves as a crucial stepping stone for skaters aiming for the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics in February 2026.
-
The upcoming National Games forges friendship among GBA cities
At the Greater Bay Area Conference 2025 held on Thursday, Rosanna Law Shuk-pui, Hong Kong’s Secretary for Culture, Sports, and Tourism, highlighted the deepening camaraderie among Hong Kong, Macao, and Guangdong province as they gear up for the 15th National Games. The event, set to take place in the Greater Bay Area (GBA), is not just a sporting spectacle but also a platform for fostering regional unity and collaboration. Law emphasized that the Games symbolize a shared commitment to excellence and mutual support among the participating cities. The preparation process has already seen increased cultural and economic exchanges, further solidifying the bonds within the GBA. This collaboration is expected to leave a lasting legacy, enhancing the region’s global standing and promoting sustainable development. The National Games, therefore, serve as a testament to the power of sports in bridging communities and driving collective progress.
-
Two Australia players ‘touched inappropriately’
Two members of the Australian Women’s Cricket Team were subjected to an inappropriate encounter while in Indore, India, for the Women’s Cricket World Cup. The incident occurred on Thursday morning, shortly after Australia’s victory over England, as the players were walking to a local café. According to Cricket Australia, a motorcyclist approached the athletes and touched them inappropriately. The matter was immediately reported to local authorities by the team’s security personnel. The Press Trust of India later confirmed that a suspect was arrested on Friday after allegedly following the players from their hotel. Indore Police are currently investigating the incident. The Australian team is scheduled to play their final group-stage match against South Africa on Saturday in Indore. Cricket Australia has emphasized its commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of its players throughout the tournament.
-
Blue Jays blow away Dodgers in World Series opener
In a historic moment that will be etched in World Series lore, Addison Barger delivered the first-ever pinch-hit grand slam in the championship’s history, leading the Toronto Blue Jays to a commanding 11-4 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 1 of the 2025 World Series. The electrifying performance unfolded at Toronto’s Rogers Centre, marking the first World Series game in Canada since 1993. The Blue Jays’ explosive sixth inning, which saw nine runs scored, turned the tide decisively in their favor. Despite an early lead by the Dodgers, highlighted by Teoscar Hernandez and Mookie Betts being driven home in the second and third innings, Toronto’s Daulton Varsho tied the game with a two-run homer in the fourth. The sixth-inning rally began when Dodgers’ starter Blake Snell was pulled after hitting Varsho, loading the bases. Reliever Emmet Sheehan struggled, allowing Toronto to take the lead, and Barger’s grand slam off Anthony Banda sealed the Dodgers’ fate. Shohei Ohtani’s two-run homer in the seventh inning provided a glimmer of hope for the Dodgers, but it was too little, too late. The Blue Jays’ fans reveled in the victory, chanting ‘We don’t need him!’ as Ohtani stepped up to bat in the ninth. Game 2 is set for Saturday evening in Toronto, with the series shifting to Los Angeles for subsequent games.
-
Sharma and Kohli deny Australia a whitewash in ODI series as India wins by 9 wickets
In a thrilling conclusion to their three-match ODI series, India delivered a dominant performance to secure a nine-wicket victory against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday. Rohit Sharma led the charge with an unbeaten 121 off 125 balls, marking his 33rd ODI century, while Virat Kohli rebounded from consecutive ducks with a composed 74 not out. The duo’s 168-run partnership, their first century stand since January 2020, guided India to chase down Australia’s total of 236 with more than 11 overs to spare. This victory prevented a series whitewash after Australia had clinched the first two matches in Adelaide and Perth. India’s bowlers also played a crucial role, with Harshit Rana claiming a career-best 4-39 as Australia collapsed from a promising 183-3 to be bowled out in 46.4 overs. Captain Shubman Gill praised the team’s near-perfect performance, highlighting the brilliance of Sharma and Kohli. The match, attended by nearly 40,000 fans, could mark the last international innings for the Indian stars in Australia. India’s tour continues with a five-match T20 series starting next Wednesday, while Australia prepares for the upcoming Ashes series against England.
-
Three-way tie at the top as Skaik leads UAE bid at Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship
The 16th Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship (AAC) at Emirates Golf Club is heating up with a thrilling three-way tie at the top of the leaderboard. Japan’s Rintaro Nakano, Vietnam’s Khanh Hung Le, and Australia’s Harry Takis are all tied at 11-under-par, setting the stage for a competitive final weekend. Meanwhile, UAE’s Ahmad Skaik has emerged as a local hero, showcasing resilience and skill to remain in contention. Despite a challenging round on Friday, Skaik fought back to finish level-par, leaving him tied for 10th at four-under 140, just seven shots behind the leaders. Skaik’s performance has ignited local enthusiasm, with compatriots Sam Mullane and Rayan Ahmed also advancing past the cut, ensuring a strong Emirati presence in the tournament. Lebanon’s Geoffrey Laklak made history by becoming the first player from his country to make the AAC cut, adding another layer of excitement to the event. Nakano, Le, and Takis each delivered standout performances, with Nakano matching the day’s best score of 66. The tournament’s depth is evident, with 62 players progressing to the weekend rounds and 22 breaking par after two days. As the competition intensifies, all eyes are on the final 36 holes, where the winner will secure a coveted spot at The Masters. Round three begins on Saturday, with the leaders teeing off at 10:06 a.m. For live updates and scores, visit www.aacgolf.com.
-
Ski season opens early in Zhangjiakou
The 2025-2026 ski season has officially begun in Chongli district, Zhangjiakou, Hebei province, marking the earliest start in the region’s history. The Wanlong ski resort opened its slopes to the public on Tuesday, setting the stage for an exciting winter sports season. This development comes after Zhangjiakou co-hosted the 2022 Winter Olympic Games, which significantly boosted its reputation as a premier skiing destination. Local officials announced the early opening during a press conference on Thursday, attributing the timely start to favorable weather conditions and advanced snowmaking technologies. Ski enthusiasts are already flocking to the slopes, eager to take advantage of the extended season. The early opening is expected to attract both domestic and international tourists, further solidifying Zhangjiakou’s status as a global winter sports hub. The district has invested heavily in infrastructure and facilities to enhance the skiing experience, ensuring safety and convenience for all visitors. This milestone underscores the growing popularity of winter sports in China and the lasting legacy of the 2022 Winter Olympics.