șÚÁÏÉçÇű

Fleetwood, Scott and Rose confirmed for Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship

Fleetwood, Scott and Rose confirmed for Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship
Olympic Silver Medallist Tommy Fleetwood will take part at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship at Yas Links from Nov. 7-10. (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Short Url
Updated 02 September 2024

Fleetwood, Scott and Rose confirmed for Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship

Fleetwood, Scott and Rose confirmed for Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship
  • The fourth Rolex Series event of the season assumes a new position on the tour’s global schedule as part of season-ending DP World Tour Play-Offs

ABU DHABI: Olympic silver medalist Tommy Fleetwood will bid for further success on the 2024 Race to Dubai when he tees it up at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship at Yas Links from Nov. 7-10.

He will be joined in Abu Dhabi by major champions and former world No.1s Adam Scott and Justin Rose, who have also qualified for the penultimate event of the 2024 season.

The fourth Rolex Series event of the season, the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, assumes a new position on the tour’s global schedule as part of the season-ending “DP World Tour Play-Offs.”

Dubai resident Fleetwood is no stranger to success in the United Arab Emirates, having claimed three of his seven DP World Tour victories to date in the country. A two-time winner of the Abu Dhabi Championship in 2017 and 2018, he also won the season-long Race to Dubai in 2017 and earlier this year took the title at the inaugural Dubai Invitational.

Last month, Fleetwood claimed a silver medal for Great Britain at the Paris Olympics, sharing the podium with World No.1 Scottie Scheffler and major winner Hideki Matsuyama at Le Golf National, the same venue where he made his Ryder Cup debut in 2018.

“I’m very proud to be a two-time winner of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship,” said the Ryder Cup star. “It’s an iconic trophy and an iconic tournament in this part of the world. It’s really exciting that we now have these two events back-to-back at the end of the season, and it’ll be nice to finish the season so close to home now that I’m based in the UAE.”

Forming part of the new DP World Tour Play-Offs, the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship will welcome the top 70 available players from the Race to Dubai Rankings in Partnership with Rolex at the conclusion of the Genesis Korea Championship. The top 50 players on the rankings at the end of the week will then advance to the season-ending DP World Tour Championship in Dubai.

Scott, who moved up to second on the Race to Dubai Rankings in Partnership with Rolex after his runner-up finish at the Genesis Scottish Open in July, is seeking a career-high finish on the season-long standings, with his best result being seventh in 2002.

The former world No.1 and 2013 Masters champion is in excellent form, also finishing runner-up at the PGA Tour’s BMW Championship two weeks ago, and is set to make his 11th appearance for the International side at the President’s Cup later this month.

The Australian has had a run of strong performances in the UAE in recent years, recording four consecutive top 10 finishes in his most recent starts in the country.

“The UAE is always a place I’ve enjoyed playing golf in and I’m excited to compete in this year’s Play-Offs,” said Scott. “I’ve had some good performances there over the last few seasons and I’d love to finish the season strong in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.”

Rose, who recorded his best finish in a Major Championship in six years with a runner-up result at The 152nd Open last month, will be making his first appearance at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship since 2021.

The gold medal winner at the 2016 Rio Olympics was runner-up on his first appearance in 2013 and he is hoping to capture an elusive title in the UAE.

The Englishman was recently named captain of the Great Britain & Ireland side for the 2025 Team Cup in Abu Dhabi in January, with his squad being finalized at the conclusion of this year’s Race to Dubai.

“I’m looking forward to finishing my season in the UAE,” said Rose, who won the 2013 US Open. “The Play-Offs will certainly add an exciting new dynamic to the end of the year and I’m excited to compete in Abu Dhabi again.

“I’ve been fortunate to have achieved a lot in my career, but a win in the United Arab Emirates has escaped me thus far. I’d love nothing more than to change that this year and finish the season on a high note, before returning to Abu Dhabi for the Team Cup in January.”


Powerhouses China and Australia set for showdown in FIBA Asia Cup Final

Powerhouses China and Australia set for showdown in FIBA Asia Cup Final
Updated 4 sec ago

Powerhouses China and Australia set for showdown in FIBA Asia Cup Final

Powerhouses China and Australia set for showdown in FIBA Asia Cup Final
  • China, the most decorated in tournament history, last won the title in 2015
  • Australia has never lost a game since joining the FIBA Asia Cup in 2017

JEDDAH: All eyes are on Al-Jawhara Arena in Jeddah on Sunday, as it hosts the highly anticipated FIBA Asia Cup 2025 final match between powerhouses China and Australia. The 31st edition is set to tip off at 7 p.m.

The game is expected to be an exciting and competitive encounter for both teams, who have met only once before at the FIBA Asia Cup. That was in the 2017 Quarter-Finals, where Australia won convincingly, 97-71.

The 16-time champions China reached the final after beating New Zealand 98-84 in Saturday's semifinal, moving within one victory of retaking the event title for the first time in ten years.

China's performance in Jeddah has been defined by consistency and composure, sweeping Group C before grinding past South Korea in the Quarter-Finals and overpowering New Zealand in the Semi-Finals. 

For their part, defending champions Australia overpowered Iran 92-48 in the second Semi-Finals game and extended their unbeaten run to five games.

Since joining the FIBA Asia Cup in 2017, Australia have never lost a game. They bring a flawless 17-0 competition record into this Final. 

The Boomers dominated Group A, dispatched the Philippines in the Quarter-Finals and handled Iran in the Semi-Finals without breaking stride. 

Coach Adam Caporn's team now stands one win away from a third straight Asia Cup title.

The two losing semi-finalists New Zealand and Iran will go head-to-head on Sunday afternoon for third place. This will be the first-ever FIBA Asia Cup meeting between the two countries.

For Iran, this is about restoring pride and returning to the podium after a generation of dominance earlier in the 21st century. 

For New Zealand, it’s about maintaining their place among the region’s elite and proving they can keep their spot on the podium.

 


Spurs get Thomas Frank off to flier as Erling Haaland sparks revamped City in Wolves win

Spurs get Thomas Frank off to flier as Erling Haaland sparks revamped City in Wolves win
Updated 16 August 2025

Spurs get Thomas Frank off to flier as Erling Haaland sparks revamped City in Wolves win

Spurs get Thomas Frank off to flier as Erling Haaland sparks revamped City in Wolves win
  • Frank was seconds away from launching his era in charge with a trophy until a late Paris Saint-Germain revival won the UEFA Super Cup on Wednesday
  • City’s failure to defend the title after winning it for the previous four seasons has prompted a major overhaul from Guardiola

LONDON: Tottenham manager Thomas Frank enjoyed a “dream” home debut with a 3-0 win over Burnley, while Erling Haaland inspired new-look Manchester City’s 4-0 rout of Wolves on the opening weekend of the Premier League season on Saturday.

Frank was seconds away from launching his era in charge with a trophy until a late Paris Saint-Germain revival won the UEFA Super Cup on Wednesday.

The former Brentford boss replaced Ange Postecoglou despite the Australian ending Tottenham’s 17-year trophy drought by lifting the Europa League last term.

Postecoglou was undone by Tottenham’s worst domestic season since 1976-77 as they finished just above the relegation zone in 17th place.

Frank’s bid to revive Tottenham’s league fortunes got off to the perfect start in north London.

Richarlison made the most of the faith shown in him by Frank as the Brazilian turned in Mohammed Kudus’ cross to open the scoring.

The pair combined again on the hour in more spectacular fashion as Richarlison’s bicycle kick converted the Ghanaian’s delivery.

Brennan Johnson was Tottenham’s Europa League final hero with the only goal against Manchester United and he began the new season by racing clear to slot in the third.

“Perfect start or dream start. A good performance against a difficult opponent. I will just enjoy it and I hope the players, the club and the fans enjoy it because that is important,” Frank said.

At Molineux, Pep Guardiola unveiled his City revamp as he bids to bounce back from last season’s third-place finish.

City’s failure to defend the title after winning it for the previous four seasons has prompted a major overhaul from Guardiola.

Despite Haaland’s double, it was new signing Tijjani Reijnders who stole the show with a hand in all of City’s first three goals.

“We knew he is a top signing for the coming years for City,” said Guardiola on Reijnders outstanding Premier League debut after a £46.5 million move from AC Milan.

“Of course we have changed after last season with many injuries and problems — fresh energy this season.”

Reijnders stroked in his first City goal in between two predatory finishes from Haaland.

Another City new boy Rayan Cherki, lured from Lyon in the summer, rounded off the scoring.

For the past two seasons, all three promoted teams have gone down.

Sunderland made the perfect start to attempting to buck that trend with a 3-0 victory over West Ham.

Former Arsenal and Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Granit Xhaka is among pool of new signings attracted to the Stadium of Light.

But it was three players key to their promotion back to the Premier League for the first time since 2017 who scored.

Eliezer Mayenda’s looping header gave the Black Cats lift off on the hour mark.

Center-back Dan Ballard headed in the second before Wilson Isidor rounded off a huge win in stoppage time.

Newcastle missed the wantaway Alexander Isak as they failed to find the breakthrough against 10-man Aston Villa in a 0-0 draw at Villa Park.

The Magpies were the dominant side even before Ezri Konsa’s red card for bringing down Antony Gordon 24 minutes from time.

Isak had not been involved during Newcastle’s pre-season as he appears determined to force through a move to Liverpool, who reportedly saw a £110 million ($149 million) offer for the Swedish striker rejected.

The two clubs face off in their next league match at St. James’ Park on August 25.

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe said he wants an end to the saga one way or another.

“From my perspective, you want a resolution quickly. It’s taking away the focus of the players and the supporters,” said Howe

“We want to be united together. We’d like a resolution, but we’re not in control of that.”

Fulham’s Rodrigo Muniz struck in the 96th minute to salvage a 1-1 draw at Brighton after Matt O’Riley’s penalty put the Seagulls in front.

Arsenal, top-flight runners-up for the last three seasons, are in action on Sunday when they travel to Manchester United.

Champions Liverpool began their title defense with a 4-2 win against Bournemouth on Friday.


LIV Golf confirms return to Indianapolis in 2026

LIV Golf confirms return to Indianapolis in 2026
Updated 16 August 2025

LIV Golf confirms return to Indianapolis in 2026

LIV Golf confirms return to Indianapolis in 2026
  • The Indiana course made its debut on the league’s calendar this week, drawing record attendance for the 2025 championship

LONDON: LIV Golf confirmed on Saturday it will return to The Club at Chatham Hills in 2026, with the venue set to host the LIV Golf League Individual Championship for a second consecutive year.

The event will take place August 21 to 23.

The Indiana course made its debut on the league’s calendar this week, drawing record attendance for the 2025 championship.

LIV Golf Executive Vice President and Head of Events Ross Hallett praised the community’s response. 

“From the course’s outstanding design to the record attendance and fantastic energy throughout the community, this week’s Indiana debut has exceeded our high expectations. We’ve already begun planning for next year, and we can’t wait to raise the bar in 2026,” he said.

Local officials also welcomed the announcement.

Westfield Mayor Scott Willis described the tournament’s return as “an outstanding opportunity to showcase our community, hospitality, and quality of life,” while Hamilton County Tourism President Karen Radcliff said the event had already provided “remarkable” exposure for the region.

The 2026 edition will again feature many of golf’s biggest names, including Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm, Brooks Koepka, Dustin Johnson, Phil Mickelson, and Cameron Smith.

LIV Golf Indianapolis is the ninth event confirmed for the 2026 season, part of the league’s 14-event global schedule.

Other stops already announced include Riyadh, Adelaide, Singapore, South Africa, Mexico City, Virginia, AndalucĂ­a, and the UK, with further venues to be revealed.


Semenyo says alleged racist abuse at Liverpool ‘will stay with me forever’

Semenyo says alleged racist abuse at Liverpool ‘will stay with me forever’
Updated 16 August 2025

Semenyo says alleged racist abuse at Liverpool ‘will stay with me forever’

Semenyo says alleged racist abuse at Liverpool ‘will stay with me forever’
  • Ghanian international added that the incident during the Premier League season opener on Friday had also shown football’s “best side when it mattered most”

LIVERPOOL: Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo said on Saturday the racist abuse he alleges was directed at him by a Liverpool fan at Anfield “will stay with me forever.”

But the Ghanian international added that the incident during the Premier League season opener on Friday had also shown football’s “best side when it mattered most.”

Police have launched an investigation after Semenyo was abused by someone in the crowd during the first half of Liverpool’s 4-2 win.

Play was halted and a 47-year-old man was later ejected from the stadium.

Semenyo, 25, went on to score twice as Bournemouth came back from 2-0 down but Liverpool scored two late goals to seal the win.

“Last night at Anfield will stay with me forever — not because of one person’s words, but because of how the entire football family stood together,” Semenyo said on social media.

“To my Bournemouth team-mates who supported me in that moment, to the Liverpool players and fans who showed their true character, to the Premier League officials who handled it professionally — thank you. Football showed its best side when it mattered most.

“Scoring those two goals felt like speaking the only language that truly matters on the pitch. This is why I play — for moments like these, for my team-mates, for everyone who believes in what this beautiful game can be.

“The overwhelming messages of support from across the football world remind me why I love this sport. We keep moving forward, together,” he added.

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk described the incident as a “disgrace” and said it showed how much work needed to be done to educate people about racism.

“What else can we do? Because this is the very odd one (case) that has managed to say something that is obviously a disgrace,” the Dutchman said.

“The only thing we can do is deal with it by dealing with him personally and try to educate the next generation. That is the only way to try and kick it out, in my opinion.

“I can’t believe it. These things shouldn’t happen but unfortunately it does and it is an absolute disgrace in my eyes.

“These things should never happen in the world, not only (never in) football.”

Van Dijk also said he was “here for Antoine, whenever he needs it and we are here as a club to deal with it in the best way possible because it shouldn’t happen.”


NGSC 2025 expands program at world’s largest esports conference with new speakers, forums

NGSC 2025 expands program at world’s largest esports conference with new speakers, forums
Updated 16 August 2025

NGSC 2025 expands program at world’s largest esports conference with new speakers, forums

NGSC 2025 expands program at world’s largest esports conference with new speakers, forums
  • With over 1,500 delegates, the Riyadh event will host 500 CEOs, including Hideo Kojima, Steven Bartlett, and leaders from Amazon, Ubisoft, and FIFA

RIYADH: The Esports World Cup Foundation has expanded its New Global Sports Conference 2025 program, confirming additional speakers, new content tracks, and event design updates for its return to Riyadh on Aug. 23-24.

Held at the Four Seasons Hotel during the closing weekend of the Esports World Cup, the world’s largest esports and gaming event, NGSC 2025 is the leading global platform at the intersection of gaming, esports and sport.

With over 1,500 delegates confirmed, the event will welcome more than 500 CEOs, presidents, and board members. Attendees represent more than 25 major game publishers, as well as over 50 elite esports clubs, and leaders across global sport, technology venture capital, and media.

New NGSC 2025 speakers include game creator Hideo Kojima, one of the most influential figures in interactive entertainment, and his longtime collaborator, filmmaker Nicolas Winding Refn; Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot, the force behind Assassin’s Creed and Far Cry; and Matthew Ball, a pioneering tech authority, investor, producer, and best-selling author. Media entrepreneur Steven Bartlett brings insight from “Diary of a CEO” podcast, while Dan Clancy, CEO of Twitch, will explore how their platforms are shaping the future of gaming and live entertainment.

They join speakers and attendees that include World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen, Peter Moore, former CEO of Liverpool FC, LA28 Chair and President Casey Wasserman and senior executives from FIFA, Activision, Sony, SEGA, Hero Esports, and the Esports World Cup Foundation.

Hans Jagnow, director of special projects at EWCF, said: “Over two years, NGSC 2025 has evolved into the world’s largest forum for leaders in gaming, esports and sport. This year, we expanded stages and content to bring together a growing audience of visionaries who see NGSC as the ultimate platform to define the next game. We look forward to the ideas, commitments and connections forged at the booked-out event that will drive the growth and innovation of our industry and shape what’s next.”

NGSC 2025 will introduce new formats for strategic dialogue and insight through the Foundry, an exclusive stage hosting masterclasses, workshops and curated roundtables. While most sessions are open to registered guests, select high-level discussions will be by invitation only. Within the Foundry, the Investor Track connects leading investors with high-potential ventures in gaming, esports and sport through a series of closed-door, investment-focused sessions.

A new NGSC Studio stage will host live podcasts, interviews and original content over the two days, giving a platform to the voices and ideas shaping the future of sport and entertainment. Alongside this, the expanded media village will serve as the central hub for press activity, real-time content and storytelling across the event.

The preliminary program is now live, with more sessions and speakers to be announced.