The 2025 edition of the Emirates Mixed Amateur Open concluded with a thrilling display of skill and teamwork at the prestigious Majlis Course of the Emirates Golf Club. The event, which attracted 83 pairs of male and female amateur golfers, was played in a greensomes format, applying a 60% handicap allowance to the lower-handicapped partner and 40% to the higher. This innovative format highlighted the club’s commitment to fostering inclusivity and competitive spirit in golf. The dynamic duo of Raza Hussain and Linda Mahoney emerged as the overall champions, delivering a stellar performance with a net score of 63 (-9). Their exceptional teamwork, consistency, and strategic course management set them apart from a fiercely competitive field. In the gross division, Ian Scott and Adele McKelvey claimed the Best Gross honours with a score of 74 (+2), showcasing their precision and resilience on the challenging Majlis Course. The tournament, a hallmark of the Emirates Golf Club’s mixed amateur events, continues to grow in stature, promoting creative formats and mixed-gender participation. Other notable achievements included Suk Chang Jung and Yang Sook Jung as runners-up with a net 64 (-8), and Andrej Podgorsek and Veronika Podgorsek securing third place with the same score. The event also featured individual accolades in the Nearest the Pin category, with Priyanka Gupta, Naima Maya, Suk Chang Jung, and Andrej Podgorsek earning recognition for their accuracy. The 2025 edition of the Emirates Mixed Amateur Open was a celebration of teamwork, skill, and the enduring appeal of golf.
分类: sports
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Fritz overpowers Musetti to start with a win at ATP Finals
In a commanding performance at the ATP Finals in Turin, Taylor Fritz secured a decisive victory over Italian Lorenzo Musetti, winning 6-3, 6-4 in their opening round-robin match on Monday. Musetti, who stepped in as a late replacement following Novak Djokovic’s withdrawal, initially showed promise but struggled to maintain momentum against Fritz’s relentless play. The American’s strong serve and strategic gameplay proved too much for Musetti, who despite the support of a partisan crowd, couldn’t turn the tide. The match’s pivotal moment came early when Fritz saved four break points and subsequently broke Musetti’s serve to take a 3-1 lead. Fritz’s dominance continued throughout the match, with nine aces in the second set alone, sealing the win with two final aces. Musetti, though defeated, showcased moments of brilliance with clever drop shots and lobs, keeping the audience engaged. Fritz’s victory marks a strong start to his campaign at the season-ending championships, where he aims to build on his semifinal appearance in 2022. Meanwhile, top seed Carlos Alcaraz also began his tournament with a win, defeating Alex de Minaur in the Jimmy Connors Group. The round-robin format ensures intense competition, with the top two players from each group advancing to the semifinals. Italian fans will look forward to Jannik Sinner’s match later in the day as he begins his title defense against Felix Auger-Aliassime.
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Maccabi Haifa fans attack Palestinian restaurant goers after match ends in draw
A violent altercation broke out shortly after a tense football match between Maccabi Haifa and Bnei Sakhnin, a predominantly Arab club, ended in a 3-3 draw in Sakhnin, Israel. Dozens of Maccabi Haifa fans, clad in the team’s green and black colors, stormed the Amigo restaurant near Bnei Sakhnin’s Doha Stadium, attacking patrons with knives, sticks, and bottles. Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic and brutal, with several people sustaining injuries, including deep head wounds and fractures. The restaurant owner, Ayham Abu Rayya, recounted the sudden and organized nature of the attack, accusing the police of failing to intervene promptly. Despite six arrests, many criticized the authorities for their delayed response. The incident has sparked outrage among Sakhnin residents, who condemned the violence and accused Israeli media of downplaying the event due to its Arab victims. The Referees’ Association also condemned the attack, revealing that several referees attending the match were severely beaten. This incident highlights a broader trend of rising anti-Arab rhetoric in Israeli football, with a 67% increase in racist chanting reported this season. Maccabi Haifa’s management has distanced itself from the violence, expressing confidence in the police to hold those responsible accountable.
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Indian cricketer sets new record with eight sixes in a row
In a historic moment for cricket, Indian domestic player Akash Kumar Choudhary has etched his name in the annals of the sport by achieving an unprecedented feat. During a Ranji Trophy match against Arunachal Pradesh in Surat, the 25-year-old fast bowler turned batting sensation smashed eight consecutive sixes, setting a new benchmark in first-class cricket. This remarkable achievement came on the second day of the match, with Meghalaya already at a commanding 576-6. Choudhary’s innings began modestly with a dot ball and two singles, but he soon unleashed a breathtaking assault on left-arm spinner Limar Dabi, hitting six sixes in a single over. This feat placed him alongside legends Garry Sobers and Ravi Shastri, who had previously achieved six sixes in an over. However, Choudhary didn’t stop there. He continued his onslaught by clearing the boundary with the next two deliveries, completing a 50-run milestone in just 11 balls. This shattered the previous record held by Leicestershire’s Wayne White, who had reached the half-century mark in 12 balls against Essex in 2012. Choudhary’s performance is even more remarkable given his primary role as a fast bowler, showcasing his versatility and exceptional talent. This record-breaking innings has not only cemented his place in cricket history but also highlighted the depth of talent in India’s domestic cricket circuit.
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India all-rounder Ghosh eyes T20 glory after World Cup heroics
Indian all-rounder Richa Ghosh is setting her sights on Twenty20 World Cup glory following her pivotal role in India’s historic one-day international victory. Despite battling a hairline fracture, the 22-year-old from Siliguri, West Bengal, remains confident that her participation in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) will be instrumental in preparing for the shortest format of the game ahead of the T20 World Cup in England next year. Representing Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the WPL, Ghosh is determined to leverage the league to sharpen her skills and contribute to her team’s success. ‘The T20 World Cup is going to be very important for me. We have ticked the one-day World Cup off our list, but we have to tick the T20 World Cup as well,’ Ghosh stated in a recent interview. She emphasized her focus on helping RCB win, regardless of the tournament or format. Ghosh, who has been retained by RCB alongside seasoned players like Smriti Mandhana and Ellyse Perry, is optimistic about repeating their 2024 title success. ‘I can’t disclose all the things as of now, but our main focus is to bring the second trophy home,’ she added. Ghosh’s remarkable performance during India’s ODI World Cup win, where she equalled Deandra Dottin’s record for most sixes (12) in a women’s World Cup edition, has solidified her reputation as a power-hitter. Her contributions were crucial in the knockout stages, including a 26 off 16 balls in the semifinal against Australia and a 24-ball 34 in the final against South Africa. Reflecting on her journey, Ghosh acknowledged the challenges of managing injuries but credited her mindset and the support of physios for her resilience. ‘Each and every player faces ups and downs, but how you tackle those lows is the real test of a player,’ she said. With a trophy cabinet that includes the 2023 Under-19 World Cup, the 2022 Asian Games gold, and the 2022 Commonwealth Games silver, Ghosh also expressed her aspirations for success in Test cricket. ‘There is a different feeling while playing Test cricket because as a batter you get many balls to bat. So, I want to score more and do much better in the red-ball format,’ she concluded.
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‘Cutest comeback ever’ – Jabeur announces pregnancy
Former world number two and two-time Wimbledon finalist Ons Jabeur has revealed that she is expecting her first child, marking a significant pause in her tennis career. The 31-year-old Tunisian athlete, currently ranked 79th, announced the news on Instagram, sharing her excitement about welcoming a baby boy in April. Jabeur, affectionately known as the ‘Minister of Happiness’ for her vibrant personality, explained that she decided to step away from the sport in July to prioritize her mental and physical health. She expressed that she had not felt joy on the court ‘for some time’ and needed time to ‘breathe, heal, and rediscover the joy of simply living.’ Jabeur also echoed concerns about the grueling tennis schedule, describing it as ‘killing everyone,’ a sentiment shared by other top players like Iga Swiatek. Despite her hiatus, Jabeur remains a trailblazer as the highest-ranked Arab player in WTA history, with five singles titles to her name. Fans eagerly await her eventual return to the court, but for now, she is focused on her growing family.
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Former China volleyball star Hui Ruogi: May the sports spirit of the National Games inspire everyone
The 15th National Games, currently taking place across Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao, has drawn attention not only for its athletic competitions but also for its inspirational messages. Hui Ruoqi, a celebrated Olympic champion and former captain of the Chinese women’s volleyball team, has extended her heartfelt wishes to the event. She emphasized the power of sports to uplift spirits and disseminate positivity and joy among participants and spectators alike. Hui’s message resonates deeply in a world increasingly in need of unity and encouragement. Her illustrious career, marked by resilience and teamwork, serves as a testament to the enduring impact of sportsmanship. As the games unfold, her words aim to inspire a new generation of athletes and fans, fostering a collective sense of achievement and camaraderie.
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Four into one – how do African World Cup play-offs work?
The race for the 2026 FIFA World Cup intensifies as four African nations—Cameroon, DR Congo, Gabon, and Nigeria—compete in a high-stakes play-off tournament in Morocco. Having missed out on the continent’s nine automatic qualification spots, these teams will face off in a winner-takes-all mini-tournament to secure their chance to advance further. The victorious team will still need to navigate one or two additional matches to reach the global tournament in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. The quartet earned their place in the play-offs as the best second-placed finishers across Africa’s nine qualifying groups, with Gabon leading the pack, followed by DR Congo, Cameroon, and Nigeria. The semi-final pairings were determined by FIFA world rankings, with Nigeria (41st) set to face Gabon (77th), and Cameroon (54th) taking on DR Congo (60th) on Thursday. The winners will clash on Sunday for the opportunity to keep their World Cup dreams alive. All matches will be held in Rabat, Morocco. The African play-off winner will progress to a six-team intercontinental qualifier in March 2026, where they will compete against teams from Concacaf, Asia, Oceania, and South America for the final two World Cup spots. The draw for the intercontinental play-offs, featuring single-leg knockout matches, will take place on November 20. Nigeria, despite being the highest-ranked team, had a challenging qualifying campaign, while Cameroon, DR Congo, and Gabon aim to overcome their own struggles to secure a historic berth in the 2026 World Cup.
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Co-hosting games boosts GBA integration
The 15th National Games, currently underway, have made history by involving Hong Kong and Macao as co-hosts for the first time in a national-level sports event. This unprecedented collaboration is seen as a significant milestone in the integration and development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). The event not only showcases the region’s ability to host large-scale international competitions but also strengthens ties between the mainland and the two Special Administrative Regions (SARs). Experts believe that this initiative will foster deeper economic, cultural, and social cooperation within the GBA, paving the way for a more unified and prosperous region. The Games serve as a platform to highlight the GBA’s potential as a global hub for sports, innovation, and collaboration.
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Lando Norris adds to F1 Championship lead with 2nd straight win in Sao Paulo
Lando Norris of McLaren continued his impressive form in the 2025 Formula 1 season, securing his second consecutive victory at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix on Sunday. Starting from pole position, Norris dominated the race, finishing over 10 seconds ahead of Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli, who achieved a career-best second place. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen completed the podium in third, narrowly behind Antonelli. This win marks Norris’ seventh of the season, further solidifying his lead in the Drivers’ Championship standings. With three races remaining, Norris now holds a 24-point advantage over his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri, who finished fifth in Sao Paulo. Norris credited his success to the team’s efforts, stating, ‘McLaren are doing an amazing job, giving me a great car. We’re pushing hard every single weekend.’ The race also saw drama as Piastri received a controversial 10-second penalty for a collision with Antonelli, which forced Ferrari’s Charles LeClerc out of the race. Ferrari’s struggles continued as Lewis Hamilton retired mid-race, leaving the team with minimal points and dropping them to fourth in the Constructors’ Championship.
