分类： sports

The Chinese sports world is united in grief following the passing of Nie Weiping, the revered Go master who died in Beijing on Wednesday at age 73. Known affectionately as the “Weiqi Sage” by admirers worldwide, Nie’s family confirmed his passing with profound sorrow, acknowledging his immeasurable impact on the ancient board game.

Born August 17, 1952, in Shenzhou, Hebei province, Nie demonstrated exceptional talent from his early years, rising to become China’s foremost Go ambassador during the late 20th century. His competitive zenith arrived during the 1980s China-Japan super challenge series, where his strategic brilliance secured three consecutive victories for China, capturing national imagination during a period of significant cultural development.

Nie’s legacy extends beyond his competitive achievements. Granted the ninth-dan rank—the highest honor in Go—in 1982, he later assumed leadership as head coach of China’s national team in 1986. His mentorship cultivated multiple world champions while his decades-long dedication to popularizing the game introduced countless enthusiasts to Go’s intricate beauty.

In 1988, China’s national sports administration formally recognized his contributions by bestowing the title “Weiqi Sage,” cementing his status as a cultural icon. Contemporary Go prodigy Ke Jie, among Nie’s most accomplished students, expressed his grief on social media, echoing sentiments across the sports community. Former Chinese Weiqi Association president Hua Xueming remembered Nie as “an icon representing an entire generation of glorious achievements,” while Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun joined numerous public figures in paying tribute to the legendary master.

Nie’s thoughtful approach to strategy and commitment to demystifying Go’s complexities earned him universal respect from peers, protégés, and casual players alike. His passing marks the conclusion of an era, but his contributions to competitive Go and cultural diplomacy ensure his influence will endure for generations.

China’s Go community mourns the passing of legendary player Nie Weiping, who died in Beijing on Wednesday at age 73. The iconic figure, who served as honorary president of the Chinese Weiqi Association, leaves behind an unparalleled legacy in the world of competitive Go.

Born in August 1952, Nie emerged as the central force behind China’s Go renaissance throughout the 20th century. His exceptional skills earned him the prestigious ninth-dan rank in 1982, placing him among the elite players globally. By 1986, he had taken leadership of the Chinese national Go team as head coach, where he mentored and developed multiple world champions.

Nie’s competitive brilliance shone brightest during the historic China-Japan Super Matches of the 1980s. In a stunning display of strategic mastery, he achieved eleven consecutive victories against Japan’s top players across the first four tournament editions. This extraordinary winning streak against international rivals earned him official recognition as ‘Go Master’ from China’s top sports authorities and the Chinese Weiqi Association.

Beyond competitive play, Nie dedicated decades to promoting and popularizing Go, transforming the ancient board game from an elite pursuit to a widely enjoyed cultural activity across China. His teaching philosophy and competitive approach influenced generations of players who continue to shape the game’s development internationally.

The passing of this monumental figure represents the end of an era for Chinese Go, though his foundational contributions ensure his influence will endure through the champions he trained and the millions he inspired to take up the game.

WELLINGTON, New Zealand — New Zealand Rugby has terminated head coach Scott Robertson’s contract two years into his four-year appointment, following a comprehensive internal assessment of the All Blacks’ disappointing 2025 season. The decision comes amid reports that senior players had threatened to exit the national team unless coaching changes were implemented.

Robertson’s controversial tenure, marked by the team’s most disappointing performance record in the professional era, concluded after New Zealand Rugby chairman David Kirk announced the mutual agreement for Robertson’s departure. The organization cited the midpoint of the World Cup cycle as an appropriate moment to evaluate the team’s trajectory ahead of the 2027 tournament.

Despite maintaining a 74% win rate with 20 victories from 27 matches, Robertson’s results fell significantly short of the standards set by predecessors Steve Hansen (87%) and Graham Henry (85%). His leadership reached a critical juncture when star player Ardie Savea reportedly expressed unwillingness to represent New Zealand under Robertson’s continued guidance.

The coaching arrangement had been problematic from its inception in March 2023, when Robertson was appointed while incumbent coach Ian Foster remained under contract to lead the team through that year’s World Cup. This unprecedented overlap created organizational tension, particularly when Foster unexpectedly guided the team to the World Cup final, where they narrowly lost to South Africa by a single point.

Robertson’s appointment itself drew criticism, as it emerged he had secured the position by threatening to pursue coaching opportunities overseas unless guaranteed the role. This pressure tactic, coupled with his lack of international coaching experience compared to previous All Blacks coaches, contributed to ongoing challenges throughout his tenure.

Under Robertson’s leadership, the All Blacks suffered several historic defeats, including their first-ever loss to Argentina on home soil, a record 43-10 defeat by South Africa in Wellington—the largest margin in the team’s 120-year history—and additional losses to France and England.

New Zealand Rugby has initiated the process to identify Robertson’s successor, with former Japan and Māori All Blacks coach Jamie Joseph considered the leading candidate. Robertson expressed profound disappointment with the outcome but acknowledged the decision prioritized the team’s best interests moving forward.

Golf sensation Jayden Schaper arrives in Dubai with an extraordinary momentum, aiming to secure an unprecedented third straight DP World Tour title at the prestigious Dubai Invitational. The tournament, boasting a $2.75 million purse, commences on January 15th at the renowned Dubai Creek Resort.

The 24-year-old South African prodigy has dominated the early season, seizing back-to-back victories that have propelled him to the summit of the 2026 Race to Dubai Rankings. Schaper’s remarkable journey began with a dramatic maiden triumph at the Alfred Dunhill Championship on home soil, where a spectacular chip-in birdie and a playoff eagle clinched the title. He immediately followed this breakthrough by capturing the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open with another eagle in extra holes to defeat American contender Ryan Gerard.

Schaper’s dominant Opening Swing performance—yielding two victories and one runner-up finish at the Nedbank Golf Challenge—has earned him 1,348 ranking points, a $200,000 bonus, and automatic qualification for all Back 9 events plus the coveted Hero Dubai Desert Classic.

Meanwhile, local favorite and former champion Tommy Fleetwood returns to Dubai Creek determined to reclaim the title he won two years ago. The Dubai resident expressed confidence in both the course conditions and his equipment setup, noting the advantage of competing while sleeping in his own bed. Fleetwood has maintained his previous season’s club specifications while incorporating a new TaylorMade driver and a fresh set of irons with identical specs.

The stage is set for an electrifying showdown as Schaper’s meteoric rise meets Fleetwood’s home-course expertise. Tee times are scheduled from 8:30 AM to 11:09 AM off two starting tees on Thursday.