LIV Golf’s Herbert in charge at Australian Open, Smith two back

LIV Golf’s Herbert in charge at Australian Open, Smith two back
Lucas Herbert of Australia tees off during the first round of the 2024 ISPS Handa Australian Open Golf tournament at the Victoria Golf Club in Melbourne on Nov. 28, 2024. (AFP)
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Updated 28 November 2024

LIV Golf’s Herbert in charge at Australian Open, Smith two back

LIV Golf’s Herbert in charge at Australian Open, Smith two back
  • Smith, who finished second at last week’s Australian PGA Championship, is yet to win an Australian Open and has made no secret of his desire to do so
  • In the women’s tournament, Australia’s Su Oh shared a one shot lead with South Korean teenager Yang Hyo-jin ahead of major winner Hannah Green

MELBOURNE: Lucas Herbert drained an eagle at the last in a flawless eight-under-par 63 Thursday to lead the Australian Open in Melbourne and upstage LIV Golf teammate Cameron Smith who trails by two.

In the women’s tournament, Australia’s Su Oh shared a one shot lead with South Korean teenager Yang Hyo-jin ahead of major winner Hannah Green.

Starting on the 10th, Australia’s Herbert sunk six birdies to no bogeys before his sensational eagle propelled him into the outright lead at the second event of the DP World Tour’s 2025 season.

He ended one clear of Rintaro Nakaro — Japan’s amateur champion in 2023 — and American Ryggs Johnson, with 2022 British Open champion Smith a shot further back in a four-way tie.

The mixed Australian Open involves men and women teeing off in alternating groups on the same courses.

Kingston Heath in Melbourne’s famous sandbelt region is the main venue across all four days with Victoria Golf Club also hosting play on the opening two days.

“I felt like there was a lot of shots left out there,” said Herbert, a three-time winner on the European circuit, after negotiating soggy fairways and soft greens.

“I feel like that with every round of golf, to be fair, but didn’t really think I holed that many. Just hit it quite nicely.”

Nakaro was the early pacesetter with eight birdies, but his round was spoilt by a bogey at the last.

“I’m surprised but very happy,” said the 21-year-old, who plans to turn professional next year.

Smith, who finished second at last week’s Australian PGA Championship, is yet to win an Australian Open and has made no secret of his desire to do so.

He was one-over after three, but then reeled off six straight birdies to remain in the hunt.

“I mean the greens are soft and there wasn’t much wind out there this morning, so a lot of those par-fives played really quite short whereas typically you get one hole into the wind or something like that,” he said.

“So yeah, I was just able to take advantage of that.”

At stake for the men is a place at next year’s British Open at Royal Portrush with the top three earning a spot.

Chilean defending champion Joaquin Niemann, Smith and Englishman Jordan Smith are already exempt.

Niemann, also on the LIV Tour, had a day to forget with 73 while Smith carded 70.

Australia’s Su shot nine birdies in her 66 to lead the women’s field alongside Yang, just 17.

But they have Green, a three-time winner on the LPGA Tour this year, breathing down their neck.

“I’ve worked really hard the last few months and felt like I was hitting the ball a lot better and just happy and proud,” said Su.

South African defending champion Ashleigh Buhai struggled to 73 to be seven adrift.


FIA President Ben Sulayem to champion safety, sustainability and innovation at Asai Pacific Congress

FIA President Ben Sulayem to champion safety, sustainability and innovation at Asai Pacific Congress
Updated 43 min 8 sec ago

FIA President Ben Sulayem to champion safety, sustainability and innovation at Asai Pacific Congress

FIA President Ben Sulayem to champion safety, sustainability and innovation at Asai Pacific Congress
  • The event, taking place in Chiang Mai, Thailand, on Wednesday, will spotlight the region’s growing impact on motorsport and mobility

DUBAI: Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile, will open the FIA Asia Pacific Congress in Chiang Mai, Thailand, on Wednesday by spotlighting the region’s growing impact on motor sport and mobility.

The congress, hosted by the Royal Automobile Association of Thailand, brings together motorsport and automotive mobility leaders from across Asia and the Pacific to discuss key initiatives in road safety, sustainable mobility, regional sporting growth, and innovation in transport.

Speaking ahead of the congress, Ben Sulayem said: “I am delighted to be joining our members and partners in Chiang Mai for the FIA Asia Pacific Congress, and I look forward to building on the region’s impressive progress in both mobility and sport.

“Asia and the Pacific are among the fastest growing areas of our federation, and the commitment shown by our members here is driving real impact, from safer roads and sustainable transport to new opportunities for grassroots and elite competition.

“This gathering is an important opportunity to strengthen collaboration across the region, share expertise in mobility and motorsport, and advance our shared priorities of safety, sustainability and innovation.”

The theme of this year’s FIA Asia Pacific Congress is “Innovate. Integrate. Accelerate: Driving a sustainable future for mobility and sport,” with the program designed to equip member clubs with new strategies and insights into evolving mobility and sporting trends.

This includes a focus on sustainable practices, affordable grassroots pathways, and the evolution of artificial intelligence and its role in the FIA’s sectors.

The event comes as motorsport and mobility innovation gather pace across the region. Sri Lanka recently hosted the Asia Pacific Motorsport Championship with 18 nations and 204 competitors, while Malaysia will stage the first FIA “Arrive and Drive” Karting World Cup this November.

In 2026, Formula One returns to Australia, China, and Japan, alongside the World Rally Championship and World Endurance Championship in Japan and Formula E in Shanghai and Tokyo.

On the mobility side, the Safe Helmets for Asia Pacific Initiative recently held its first workshop in Manila, bringing together delegates from Cambodia, China, Nepal, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam to chart new roadmaps for safer helmets.


‘Couldn’t have asked for a better environment,’ says New York Knicks coach after back-to-back wins at Abu Dhabi Games 2025

‘Couldn’t have asked for a better environment,’ says New York Knicks coach after back-to-back wins at Abu Dhabi Games 2025
Updated 06 October 2025

‘Couldn’t have asked for a better environment,’ says New York Knicks coach after back-to-back wins at Abu Dhabi Games 2025

‘Couldn’t have asked for a better environment,’ says New York Knicks coach after back-to-back wins at Abu Dhabi Games 2025
  • Mike Brown’s team claim a 113–104 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers in the second of 2 preseason matchups

ABU DHABI: The New York Knicks’ coach Mike Brown said his team had “a great trip” after they wrapped up the second of two preseason matchups at the NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2025 with a 113–104 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday night.

The Knicks’ performance at Etihad Arena was led by OG Anunoby’s 13-point debut, Mitchell Robinson’s dominance on the boards, and 14 points from Jalen Brunson, which secured back-to-back wins.

Brown said: “It was a great trip. We really enjoyed it, the people here were very welcoming, and we couldn’t have asked for a better environment to spend time with our families and with each other.

“I thought we got a lot out of the trip. Now we’ll go home, regroup, and keep trying to get a little better every day.”

The 76ers’ head coach Nick Nurse said: “It was great. There were a couple of things I really wanted to achieve and enjoyed from both a coaching perspective and a basketball standpoint.

“We had a really good week of work, and from tonight’s game we saw a lot of positive things, including several of the areas we’ve been focusing on improving.”

The Knicks’ point guard Brunson said: “Playing here was great. The experience was amazing. Seeing the fans and being able to do what we do on the court while also having fun off the court made it a really special bonding experience for us.

“I’m just happy we were able to come away with a couple of wins.”


Youmin Hwang birdies 5 of last 6 holes to win in Hawaii for her first LPGA Tour title

Youmin Hwang birdies 5 of last 6 holes to win in Hawaii for her first LPGA Tour title
Updated 06 October 2025

Youmin Hwang birdies 5 of last 6 holes to win in Hawaii for her first LPGA Tour title

Youmin Hwang birdies 5 of last 6 holes to win in Hawaii for her first LPGA Tour title
  • Hwang birdied the final four holes and five of the last six at breezy Hoakalei Country Club for a 5-under 67 and a one-shot victory over Hyo Joo Kim
  • Hwang: This is my dream,” Hwang said through an interpreter. “Finally, I achieved my dream here at the LOTTE Championship

HONOLULU: Youmin Hwang won the LOTTE Championship on Saturday for her first victory in an LPGA Tour event, making a big late charge to run the season-opening streak without a repeat winner to 25 tournaments.

A Korean LPGA member in the field on a sponsor invite, Hwang birdied the final four holes and five of the last six at breezy Hoakalei Country Club for a 5-under 67 and a one-shot victory over Hyo Joo Kim.

“This is my dream,” Hwang said through an interpreter. “Finally, I achieved my dream here at the LOTTE Championship, and I also very much look forward to my future as well in the LPGA.”

As a nonmember of the LPGA Tour, the 22-year-old Hwang has the option to accept immediate membership or defer to next season. The two-time KLPGA winner won in her sixth career LPGA start and fourth of the season — after making the weekend cuts in the major US Women’s Open, KPMG Women’s PGA and Evian Championship.

“I would like to express my deepest gratitude for LOTTE for inviting me,” Hwang said. “I think it’s all the more meaningful that I can play and also win the tournament sponsored by LOTTE, my sponsor as well.”

Tied for the lead with Kim and Minami Katsu after her birdie on the par-4 17th, Hwang got a break when Katsu and Kim each bogeyed the hole in the group behind. On the par-5 18th, Hwang hit her second shot through the green into rough and chipped to a foot.

Hwang finished at 17-under 271. She shot a career-best 62 on Thursday to open a three-stroke lead, then had a 75 on Friday to drop into a tie for second — a shot behind Akie Iwai.

Kim birdied the 18th for a 68.

Katsu was third at 15 under after a 69.

Second-ranked Nelly Korda closed with a 69 for finish three back at 17 under with Peiyun Chien (70), Jessica Porvasnik (70) and Iwai (71). Coming off a seven-victory season, Korda hasn’t won this year.

“Overall, I’m putting myself into contention.” Korda said. “It’s definitely an interesting year for me result-wise, but at the end of the day I’m giving it 100 percent, controlling what I can control and I’m happy with that.”

The LPGA Tour now heads to Asia for tournaments five straight weeks in Shanghai, South Korea, Malaysia and Japan.


Pulisic penalty miss denies Milan top spot after 0-0 draw at Juventus

Pulisic penalty miss denies Milan top spot after 0-0 draw at Juventus
Updated 06 October 2025

Pulisic penalty miss denies Milan top spot after 0-0 draw at Juventus

Pulisic penalty miss denies Milan top spot after 0-0 draw at Juventus
  • Milan have 13 points, third in the standings and two points behind leaders Napoli and Roma, while Juventus are a further point back in fifth, behind Inter on goal difference
  • Massimiliano Allegri was back at Juventus as an adversary, taking on the club where he had won five league titles in his eight seasons in Turin, but there was no happy return for the Milan manager

TURIN, Italy: AC Milan’s Christian Pulisic missed a penalty and his side had to settle for a 0-0 draw away to Juventus on Sunday, denying the visitors a return to the top of the Serie A standings.

After Napoli and AS Roma, along with Inter Milan, all registered wins over the weekend, the pressure was on Milan and Juventus to keep pace at the top, leading to a cagey game where Pulisic’s error proved costly.

Milan have 13 points, third in the standings and two points behind leaders Napoli and Roma, while Juventus are a further point back in fifth, behind Inter on goal difference.

Massimiliano Allegri was back at Juventus as an adversary, taking on the club where he had won five league titles in his eight seasons in Turin, but there was no happy return for the Milan manager.

“I didn’t expect anything different, knowing coach Allegri I knew it would be a blocked and balanced game,” Juventus midfielder Andrea Cambiaso told DAZN.

The first half brought little in the way of entertainment, but both sides did manage to create scoring opportunities, with the hosts let down by struggling striker Jonathan David.

The Canadian scored on his Juventus debut in their opening-day win over Parma but has since struggled to impress and when Weston McKennie flicked on Francisco Conceicao’s cross in front of goal, David failed to read his teammate’s intentions.

David then had the goal at his mercy when set up by Pierre Kalulu in the box but lost his footing at the crucial moment while for Milan, Santiago Gimenez continued his Serie A scoring drought.

Gimenez went on a mazy run into the area but his finish failed to trouble keeper Michele Di Gregorio and after Strahinja Pavlovic put in a great cross, the Mexican sent his header wide of the target.

A corner shortly after the break gave Juventus a gilt-edged chance to take the lead but Milan keeper Mike Maignan spread himself to keep out Federico Gatti’s shot from point-blank range.

Pulisic fails to punish Juve

Minutes later, Milan had their golden opportunity when Lloyd Kelly bundled over Gimenez in the box but Pulisic blazed his penalty over the bar.

Allegri sent on Rafael Leao with less than half an hour remaining, and the Portuguese winger tried an audacious chipped shot from the halfway line which sailed over the bar.

“We could have done much more, winning here would have been very important,” Milan’s Adrien Rabiot, playing against his former club, said.

“But we have to continue to work as we are doing, the important thing is not to have conceded a goal, but we have regrets tonight.”

In added time, Leao was sent through by Luka Modric’s defense-splitting pass but his shot was too close to the keeper and unbeaten Juventus survived to earn their fifth successive draw in all competitions.

“There is enthusiasm, more than last season, but five consecutive draws are a lot,” Cambiaso added, after his side left the pitch to jeers and whistles from the home fans.


Tadej Pogacar claims another title in remarkable season for Slovenian rider

Tadej Pogacar claims another title in remarkable season for Slovenian rider
Updated 06 October 2025

Tadej Pogacar claims another title in remarkable season for Slovenian rider

Tadej Pogacar claims another title in remarkable season for Slovenian rider
  • The European Championships are generally not a key moment in the calendar but this year’s road race attracted particular attention with Remco Evenepoel of Belgium and Jonas Vingegaard also on the starting line in France
  • Pogacar’s appetite for victory appears insatiable and he has clearly established himself as the No. 1 rider in the world, drawing comparisons with the greatest of all time, Eddy Merckx

GUILHERAND-GRANGES, France: Tadej Pogacar added the European title to his world crown on Sunday after yet another solo breakaway that marked the latest milestone in a stunning season.

Pogacar, the best rider of his generation, has been in a class of his own this season, winning the Tour de France for the fourth time in July along with prestigious victories at one-day races.

The European Championships are generally not a key moment in the calendar but this year’s road race attracted particular attention with Remco Evenepoel of Belgium and Jonas Vingegaard also on the starting line in France.

The hilly race was competed in the Drôme-Ardeche region and Pogacar made the most of the demanding ride to hurt his rivals. After his 66-kilometer solo effort in Rwanda last week on the way to his second world title, the Slovenian went solo with 75 kilometers to go as Evenepoel could not keep up with the pace in a steep ascent.

Evenepoel finished second, with up-and-coming Frenchman Paul Seixas claiming the final spot on the podium. Vingegaard was not in the mix and the Danish rider did not finish the race.

Pogacar’s appetite for victory appears insatiable and he has clearly established himself as the No. 1 rider in the world, drawing comparisons with the greatest of all time, Eddy Merckx.