In a dramatic showdown at the Davis Cup Finals in Bologna, Italy, Spain and Germany secured their spots in the semifinals after hard-fought quarterfinal victories. Spain, led by Marcel Granollers and Pedro Martinez, overcame the Czech Republic with a 2-1 win in the deciding doubles match. The Spanish duo triumphed 7-6 (8), 7-6 (8) at the SuperTennis Arena, showcasing resilience in the absence of their star player, Carlos Alcaraz, who withdrew due to a hamstring injury. Earlier, 20-year-old Jakub Mensik gave the Czech team an initial lead by defeating Pablo Carreño Busta, but Jaume Munar leveled the score for Spain with a decisive win over Jiri Lehecka. Spain, aiming for its seventh Davis Cup title, will now face Germany in the semifinals. Germany, the No. 2 seed, edged past Argentina in another nail-biting encounter. Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz clinched the decisive doubles match 4-6, 6-4, 7-6 (10), despite both teams squandering match points. Argentina, seeking its 100th Davis Cup tie victory, fell short of reaching the semifinals for the first time since 2016. Meanwhile, top-seeded Italy, vying for a third consecutive title, will face Belgium in the other semifinal. The Davis Cup Finals, now in its sixth edition, continues to captivate tennis fans with its high-stakes drama and global competition.
分类： sports
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Weatherald and Doggett to debut for Australia in Ashes opener
In a significant shake-up for the Australian cricket team, Jake Weatherald and Brendan Doggett are set to make their Test debuts in the first Ashes match against England in Perth. This marks the first time since January 2019 that Australia has handed out two new baggy green caps in a single Test. The announcement was made by stand-in captain Steve Smith during his pre-match press conference at Perth Stadium on Thursday, ending months of speculation about the team’s composition. Weatherald, an opening batter, will partner with Usman Khawaja at the top of the order, while Doggett, a pace bowler, steps in for the injured Josh Hazlewood. Cameron Green’s recovery from injury has also influenced the selection, leaving no room for all-rounder Beau Webster. Marnus Labuschagne will bat at his preferred number three position, with Smith and Travis Head following. The pace attack, weakened by injuries, will feature Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, and Doggett. Smith expressed optimism about the newcomers, highlighting their hard work and potential to make an impact. Weatherald, 31, brings recent strong form from domestic cricket, while Doggett, also 31, has consistently performed in the Sheffield Shield. Their inclusion also marks a historic moment, as Australia will field two indigenous players in a Test team for the first time.
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Hong Kong aims to capitalize on National Games
Hong Kong is positioning itself as a key player in the sports economy by leveraging its role in co-hosting the 15th National Games. Experts believe the city has the potential to extend its influence beyond the sporting arena, shaping long-term strategies and driving momentum for future events. The successful hosting of the Games has showcased Hong Kong’s capabilities in vision, capacity, and connectivity to the broader sports economy, according to Steve Dainton, CEO of World Table Tennis. Dainton emphasized that Hong Kong’s event capability, international appeal, and experience in hosting large-scale events make it an ideal location for major tournaments like the upcoming WTT Finals in December. He stressed the importance of host cities fostering collaboration among stakeholders and focusing on delivering exceptional fan experiences to generate lasting economic and social value. Kenny Shui, vice-president of Our Hong Kong Foundation, highlighted the need for strategic coordination by the SAR government to align sports events with art and MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) activities. He suggested transforming the National Games Coordination Office into a permanent entity to manage large-scale multi-sports events and introducing sports-related financial products, such as event rights trading and sports bonds, to attract mainland investors. Shui also proposed leveraging Hong Kong’s status as a financial hub to facilitate international sponsorship agreements and intellectual property licensing, thereby lowering barriers for Chinese brands entering global leagues. Chi Sum Li of KPMG China noted Hong Kong’s unique strengths in ‘soft infrastructure,’ including international standards and IP protection, which can drive the regional sports economy and promote the Greater Bay Area’s sports brand globally. As the Chinese sports industry expands internationally, Hong Kong’s robust IPO market and private equity channels are seen as valuable platforms for raising capital to support overseas acquisitions and marketing efforts. Leading brands like Anta and Li-Ning have already utilized Hong Kong as a springboard for international growth, demonstrating the city’s potential as a gateway for global sports expansion.
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Dubai: Voting opens for Globe Soccer Awards with Dembélé, Ronaldo nominated
The 16th edition of the prestigious Globe Soccer Awards is set to take place on December 28, 2025, at the luxurious Atlantis The Royal hotel on Palm Jumeirah in Dubai. Football enthusiasts worldwide are invited to participate in the voting process, which opened on November 20 and will continue until November 27 for nine of the 15 award categories. A second round of voting will run from December 3 to 11, with final winners determined by a combination of fan votes and the esteemed Globe Soccer Jury, featuring football legends like Marcello Lippi, Francesco Totti, Iker Casillas, and Luis Figo.
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) dominates the nominations following their stellar 2024-2025 season, which saw them clinch the Uefa Champions League, Super Cup, Ligue 1, and Coupe de France. The club is vying for the Best Men’s Club award, while manager Luis Enrique and sporting director Luís Campos are shortlisted for Best Coach and Best Sporting Director, respectively. Eight PSG players, including Ousmane Dembélé and Gianluigi Donnarumma, are nominated for Best Men’s Player, alongside other football giants like Vinícius Júnior, Kylian Mbappé, and Mohamed Salah.
In the women’s categories, Barcelona Femení and Spain midfielder Aitana Bonmatí aims for a third consecutive Best Women’s Player award. She is joined by teammates and England’s Uefa Women’s Euro 2025 champions on the shortlist. Arsenal, the Uefa Women’s Champions League winners, are among the contenders for Best Women’s Club.
Cristiano Ronaldo, representing Portugal and Al-Nassr, is nominated for Best Middle East Player, competing against Salem Al-Dawsari, Karim Benzema, and others. The event promises to celebrate the finest talents in global football, with fans playing a pivotal role in deciding the winners.
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Northern Warriors clinch last-ball thriller in Abu Dhabi T10
In a heart-stopping finish at the Zayed Cricket Stadium, the Northern Warriors emerged victorious in a last-ball thriller against the Aspen Stallions in the 2025 Abu Dhabi T10 tournament. The Warriors, determined to recover from their initial defeat, posted a competitive total of 114/1, anchored by Johnson Charles’ unbeaten 55 off 34 balls. The Stallions, despite a spirited chase, fell short by four runs, ending their innings at 110/6. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, with both teams showcasing exceptional skill and determination. The Warriors’ bowlers, particularly Taskin Ahmed and Shahnawaz Dahani, played pivotal roles in restricting the Stallions’ batting lineup. Dahani’s final over was a masterclass in pressure bowling, conceding just two runs and taking two crucial wickets to seal the win for the Warriors. This victory not only bolstered the Warriors’ campaign but also highlighted the unpredictable and exhilarating nature of T10 cricket.
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Baseball United × TSUNAGARU TOWEL™: Dubai’s New Rally Towel Tradition Begins
As Baseball United gears up to launch its inaugural season in Dubai this November, fans are set to witness the birth of a unique tradition: the Baseball United × TSUNAGARU TOWEL™ collection. Crafted in Imabari, Japan, a world-renowned hub for premium towel-making, these rally towels symbolize unity, rhythm, and community, marking a historic moment for baseball in the Middle East and South Asia. The league, the first of its kind in the region, will host 21 broadcast games, including matches for the Mumbai Cobras, Arabia Wolves, Mid East Falcons, and Karachi Monarchs, from November 14 to December 14, 2025. The TSUNAGARU TOWEL™ collection, featuring exclusive designs for each team and the league, combines Japanese craftsmanship with regional pride. Imabari’s 130-year legacy of towel-making, known for its exceptional softness and vivid colors, ensures these towels are both functional and visually striking. Designed for Dubai’s hot climate, they are highly absorbent, quick-drying, and perfect for celebratory moments in the stands. Available only during Season One, the limited-edition towels are a collector’s item, with designs for the league and each team. Fans can purchase them at Baseball United Ballpark, select retailers like Books Kinokuniya and The Galleria, or online via Amazon.ae. This collaboration not only enhances the stadium experience but also celebrates the global connection fostered by sports.
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Hakimi and Chebbak named African players of the year
In a historic night for Moroccan football, Achraf Hakimi and Ghizlane Chebbak were crowned the 2025 African Footballer of the Year and Women’s Player of the Year, respectively, at the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Awards in Rabat. Hakimi, the 27-year-old Paris Saint-Germain right-back, edged out Egypt’s Mohamed Salah and Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen to claim the prestigious men’s award. This marks the first time a Moroccan has won the title since Mustapha Hadji in 1998. Hakimi’s stellar performances for both PSG and the Moroccan national team, including scoring the opening goal in PSG’s 5-0 Champions League final victory over Inter Milan, solidified his place as a deserving winner. Despite his recent ankle injury, Hakimi remains hopeful of leading Morocco to glory in the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on home soil. Meanwhile, Chebbak, the 35-year-old Moroccan captain, made history as the first Moroccan woman to win the women’s award since its inception in 2001. Her leadership and top-scoring performance in the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations were instrumental in Morocco’s journey to the final, although they fell short against Nigeria. The awards ceremony also celebrated other African football luminaries, including Cape Verde’s Bubista, named Men’s Coach of the Year for guiding his team to a historic World Cup qualification, and Nigeria’s Chiamaka Nnadozie, who secured the Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award for the third consecutive year. The event underscored Morocco’s growing influence in African football and set the stage for the nation’s ambitions in the 2025 AFCON and beyond.
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Tennis Australia and playersâ association near deal
In a significant development for the world of tennis, Tennis Australia (TA) and the Professional Tennis Players’ Association (PTPA) are reportedly close to reaching a settlement in a high-profile lawsuit filed earlier this year. The PTPA, co-founded by Novak Djokovic in 2020 to advocate for player rights, initiated legal action against the ATP Tour, WTA Tour, and the four Grand Slam tournaments, accusing them of anti-competitive practices and neglecting player welfare. The lawsuit, lodged in March 2025, seeks to dismantle what the PTPA describes as ‘monopolistic control’ over the sport, particularly concerning prize money caps and tournament scheduling. In September, the case expanded to include the French Tennis Federation, the All England Club, and the US Tennis Association, which oversee the French Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open, respectively. A recent letter to the United States Southern District Court in New York revealed that TA and the PTPA are engaged in ‘substantive and productive bilateral settlement discussions,’ prompting a request to pause proceedings against TA while negotiations continue. However, the lawsuit remains active against the other defendants. The PTPA has emphasized its preference for an out-of-court settlement, aiming to reform the sport rather than prolong litigation. The ATP and WTA have dismissed the lawsuit as ‘baseless’ and ‘without merit,’ arguing that it distracts from their mission to support players and grow the sport. With the Australian Open set to begin on January 12, 2026, the potential settlement could mark a turning point in the ongoing battle for player rights and governance in professional tennis.
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Tommy Fleetwood set for Hero Dubai Desert Classic return after career-defining season
Tommy Fleetwood, the Dubai-based FedExCup Champion and DP World Ambassador, is set to make a triumphant return to the Hero Dubai Desert Classic in January 2026. This marks the opening event of the Rolex Series in the 2026 Race to Dubai, held at the Emirates Golf Club from January 22 to 25. Fleetwood, currently ranked World Number Four, will headline an elite field that includes defending champion Tyrrell Hatton and four-time tournament winner Rory McIlroy.
Fleetwood’s 2025 season was nothing short of extraordinary. He clinched the FedExCup title with a dramatic victory at the Tour Championship in Atlanta, Georgia, and played a pivotal role in Europe’s historic Ryder Cup triumph under captain Luke Donald. As he prepares for his 15th consecutive appearance at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, Fleetwood arrives with strong momentum following a tied third-place finish at the recent DP World India Championship.
Reflecting on his achievements, Fleetwood expressed his enthusiasm for starting the season in Dubai. ‘It’s been an incredible year, winning the FedExCup and being part of that special Ryder Cup victory for Europe,’ he said. ‘I always enjoy starting my season in Dubai, and the Hero Dubai Desert Classic has become a tournament that I love. I’m looking forward to teeing it up close to home in front of friends and family once again and trying to get my hands on that famous Dallah Trophy.’
Simon Corkill, Executive Tournament Director, highlighted Fleetwood’s significance to the event. ‘Tommy’s return is another exciting addition to what is shaping up to be an exceptional field for 2026. His incredible FedEx Cup triumph and continued excellence on both sides of the Atlantic, combined with his integral role in Europe’s Ryder Cup success, make him one of the game’s most compelling competitors,’ Corkill remarked.
The 2026 Hero Dubai Desert Classic, now in its 37th edition, continues to set benchmarks in sustainability and fan experience. GEO-certified for the third consecutive year, the tournament emphasizes eco-friendly transport options and wellness initiatives. Fans can enjoy seamless access via the Dubai Metro and streamlined taxi services, while Tournament Town offers a vibrant festival atmosphere with live music, food trucks, arts and crafts, and family-friendly activities.
General admission is free on Thursday and Friday, with weekend tickets starting at AED 100 pre-event (AED 125 on the day). Children aged 17 and under attend free with a registered ticket and accompanying adult. Premium hospitality options, including The Social on Sixteen and The Dallah Lounge, provide elevated views, gourmet dining, and exclusive experiences for golf enthusiasts.
As the Middle East’s longest-running professional golf tournament, the Hero Dubai Desert Classic remains a flagship Rolex Series event, celebrated for its world-class fields, commitment to sustainability, and unforgettable fan experiences.
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Curacao becomes the smallest country to qualify for Fifa World Cup
In a historic achievement, Curacao has become the smallest country by population to qualify for the FIFA World Cup, surpassing Iceland’s previous record. With a population of just 156,000, the Caribbean island nation secured its place in the 2026 World Cup finals after a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Jamaica in Kingston. This marks Curacao’s first-ever appearance on the global football stage. The team, composed entirely of players born in the Netherlands with Antillean roots, held their ground despite intense pressure from Jamaica, who hit the woodwork three times in the second half. The match’s dramatic climax saw a last-minute penalty awarded to Jamaica, only for the referee to overturn the decision after consulting VAR. Curacao’s qualification was further bolstered by their consistent performance in the CONCACAF region, where they topped Group B. Meanwhile, Haiti and Panama also secured their spots in the World Cup, with Haiti overcoming internal strife and Panama delivering a dominant 3-0 victory over El Salvador. The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the U.S., will feature 48 teams, making it the largest in the tournament’s history. Curacao’s qualification is a testament to the resilience and determination of smaller nations in global football.