Uihlein records emphatic first Asian Tour win at International Series England

Uihlein records emphatic first Asian Tour win at International Series England
Peter Uihlein celebrates winning the International Series England on Sunday, his maiden victory on the Asian Tour. (Supplied)
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Updated 12 August 2024
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Uihlein records emphatic first Asian Tour win at International Series England

Uihlein records emphatic first Asian Tour win at International Series England
  • The American carded an eight-under-par 63, for a four-round total of 20-under, and a seven-shot victory over England’s Andy Sullivan and Caleb Surratt

SURREY: US golfer Peter Uihlein triumphed in the International Series England on Sunday to register his maiden victory on the Asian Tour and The International Series, pulling away impressively from a packed leaderboard.

The American stole the show on the Longcross course at Foxhills Golf Club, carding a scorching bogey-free eight-under-par 63 for a four-round total of 20-under. This gave him a seven-shot victory over England’s Andy Sullivan, who shot a 66, and fellow American Caleb Surratt, who shot a 68. 

China’s Sampson Zheng (66), Sadom Kaewkanjana (67) from Thailand, and Harold Varner III (70) from the US tied for fourth, one stroke further back.

Uihlein, aged 34, smashed the course record with a 61 to take the lead at the halfway mark and began the day with a one-shot advantage over Varner. By the turn Uihlein had a one-shot lead over Surratt, playing in the group ahead.

Uihlein then proceeded to eagle the par-four 10th to move three ahead, putting some daylight between him and the chasing pack. A birdie on the 12th saw him maintain his three-shot lead after Surratt had birdied the same hole.

Uihlein then survived a couple of shaky holes, holing a crucial par putt from seven feet on the par-four 13th. On the ensuing hole, a par-five, he found the trees on the right with his tee shot but played a miraculous recovery shot. His ball found a bad lie, entangled in tree branches, but he was able to chip back into the fairway and hit his third to 12 feet, which he just missed for a birdie.

On the treacherous par-three 16th, where a tough pin position on the right brought a greenside lake dangerously into play, he holed a 15-footer for a birdie to virtually wrap up the title. The look of relief on his face was tangible as his ball would have rushed past the cup if it had not dropped.

It meant he had a four-shot lead from Surratt, which became five when Surratt made a bogey on hole 17. It became six when Uihlein holed a 12-footer for a birdie at the same hole, and a magnificent seven when he birdied the par-five 18th.

“Bit of a dream, really,” said Uihlein, who plays for RangeGoats GC on LIV Golf.

“I mean, I was two over par through eight holes on the first day. I tripled 17 and it was a bit of a grind that day, and then the next day I just kind of blitzed it, and yesterday kind of survived. And today, obviously, I kind of had some things going my way, no doubt about it. So just kind of one of those days where things were going my way, and I took advantage of it. So, I’m happy to be here.”

Surprisingly, this is only Uihlein’s fourth win since he turned professional in 2013. He has won once before on the DP World Tour and twice on the Korn Ferry Tour, while on the LIV Golf League he has come close to winning on multiple occasions, having finished second four times.

He earned a cheque for US$360,000 and moves into third on The International Series Rankings, currently still led by American John Catlin.

The golf course, located in Surrey, played a big part in his success.

He said: “I loved it. You were allowed to try different things. You could play it different ways. I obviously was very aggressive and tried to kind of drive to a lot of greens, and, you know, it paid off. There are obviously other ways guys probably played it, but I liked the strategy we had. I like the game plan we were doing, and I had fun doing it.”

Both Sullivan and Surratt, playing together, missed makeable birdie putts on the last to snatch second place outright.

Earlier in the day Indonesian Jonathan Wijono stormed through with a 64 and eventually ended in ninth place, 11 behind the champion.

This week’s $2m tournament is the ninth event of the year on the Asian Tour and the fourth stop on The International Series.

The Asian Tour now has a two-week break before the Mandiri Indonesia Open. The $500,000 event will be played at Damai Indah Golf (PIK Course) from Aug. 29-Sept. 1. Thailand’s Nitithorn Thippong, whose strong performance this week finished in a tie for 13th, is the defending champion.


‘Classy’ Gill key for Champions Trophy, says India captain

‘Classy’ Gill key for Champions Trophy, says India captain
Updated 26 sec ago
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‘Classy’ Gill key for Champions Trophy, says India captain

‘Classy’ Gill key for Champions Trophy, says India captain
  • Tournament favorites India begin Champions Trophy campaign against Bangladesh in Dubai on Thursday 
  • Vice-captain Gill was Player of the Series against England, scoring one century and two-half centuries

DUBAI: India captain Rohit Sharma on Wednesday said he hopes “classy” batter Shubman Gill carries his blazing form into the Champions Trophy.
Tournament favorites India begin their campaign against Bangladesh at the Dubai International Stadium on Thursday fresh from a 3-0 ODI sweep of England at home.
India then play arch-rivals Pakistan in a Sunday blockbuster.
Vice-captain Gill was the player of the series against England with 259 runs including one century and two half-tons to return to form after a lean Test series in Australia.
“Gill is a very classy player, there was never a doubt about his ability in this squad,” Rohit said of his deputy.
“We tend to mix formats and I don’t think that’s the right way to judge any player. With Gill, we know the numbers are crazy, he has been superb for us in the last three-four years.”
He added, “Obviously there is a reason that he has been elevated to be the vice-captain of the team as well, hopefully he has a great tournament and it eventually will help us achieve the things that we are looking to achieve.”
Focus will be on Rohit, who opens the batting with Gill, and star batsman Virat Kohli with the future of the two stalwarts being the talking point ahead of the 50-over tournament.
Both Rohit and Kohli had a poor run with the bat in India’s 3-1 Test defeat in Australia but came good in the England ODIs.
The 37-year-old Rohit hit 119 in the second match and Kohli (36), who comes to bat at number three, scored 52 in the third to answer critics.
Rohit said India’s top-order has enough experience to post big totals.
“The key to have success in this format, your top three-four-five batsmen need to get that big score for you to post a big score eventually,” said Rohit.
“So I think our top four batters are quite experienced and we know that once they are set, once they are in, they like to get those big runs.”
The return of pace bowler Mohammed Shami has boosted the morale of the team, especially in the absence of ace quick Jasprit Bumrah, who is out with a back injury.
Shami, 34, returned to international cricket in the England white-ball series after more than a year due to a heel injury and claimed five wickets in two T20 and two ODI matches.
“All we wanted with Shami was to get back wearing the Indian colors more than anything else,” said Rohit.
“Whether he gets wickets or not, that was completely immaterial for us at that point. When you talk about a bowler like Shami who has done the job over the years so many times for us...it’s just about getting back to their rhythm.”
Indian spinner Kuldeep Yadav also made a comeback from his hernia surgery in the recent ODIs and adds to the spin-heavy bowling attack and Rohit said he “looks confident.”
“The two games that he played, the numbers will not show and with certain players you don’t have to look at numbers so much,” Rohit said of the left-arm wrist spinner.
“And if these two guys are in form, the team looks very, very good,” he added.
India will play all their matches in Dubai after refusing to visit hosts Pakistan over long-standing political tensions and Rohit said the key to perform at the Dubai stadium will be to assess the pitch “as quickly as possible.”


Witness Stand gears up for Saudi Cup’s $2m 1351 Turf Sprint

Witness Stand gears up for Saudi Cup’s $2m 1351 Turf Sprint
Updated 36 min 51 sec ago
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Witness Stand gears up for Saudi Cup’s $2m 1351 Turf Sprint

Witness Stand gears up for Saudi Cup’s $2m 1351 Turf Sprint
  • Jockey Kieran Shoemark, who will travel to Saudi Arabia for a sole ride aboard Witness Stand, is optimistic about gelding’s chances

LONDON: Urloxhey Stables is set for its first international flat runner as Witness Stand prepares to line up in the $2 million 1351 Turf Sprint at the Saudi Cup on Saturday.

The Worcestershire-based training partnership of National Hunt trainer Richard Newland and co-trainer Jamie Insole is making a significant leap onto the global racing stage with the four-year-old gelding.

Witness Stand, a Listed winner at Newbury last autumn under jockey Kieran Shoemark, is the highest-rated UK entry in the prestigious 7-furlong contest. Shoemark, who guided the son of Expert Eye to two victories last season, will renew his partnership in Riyadh.

Acquired for 100,000 guineas ($132,159) at the Tattersalls Autumn Horses in Training Sale, Witness Stand was identified as a value buy by Insole on behalf of owners Scott and Debbie Turner.

Recalling the acquisition, Insole told George Smyly Media: “We initially thought he’d be too pricey and his consignors Barton Stud brought him out to show me and I told them to put him away as he’d be too expensive. We were delighted to secure him and we’re excited to campaign him in 2025 and beyond.”

After arriving at Urloxhey Stables in November, Witness Stand was given a short break before returning to training. Insole has been steadily building up the gelding’s fitness, incorporating two away days at Wolverhampton to sharpen him for the Saudi challenge.

Urloxhey Stables is set for its first international flat runner as Witness Stand prepares to line up in the $2 million 1351 Turf Sprint at the Saudi Cup on Saturday. (Supplied)

“He’s a compact horse who carries his condition well, but the next 10 days will sharpen him up further,” Insole said.

The Saudi Cup’s unique seven-furlong test, which brings together sprinters stretching out and milers cutting back in trip, will pose tactical challenges. However, Insole believes Witness Stand’s adaptability is a key asset.

“The seven-furlong trip is perfect for him in a race that brings together five and six-furlong sprinters and milers dropping back in distance. He’s shown good form on quick ground at Goodwood, so that holds no concern,” he said.

Shoemark, who will travel to Saudi Arabia for a sole ride aboard Witness Stand, is optimistic about the gelding’s chances.

“He’s done a couple of pieces of work at Wolverhampton, and I’m happy with where he is at this stage,” Shoemark said. “The quick ground and track in Saudi won’t be an issue — he’s incredibly versatile both in terms of ground and trip. All he did last year was improve in a short space of time, and with his rating of 114, he fully deserves his place in this field.”

Witness Stand’s strong autumn campaign coincided with the addition of cheekpieces, which will remain in place for the Saudi Cup.

“They’ve sharpened him up and he’s worked well at home in them, so we see no reason to change what’s proven to be successful,” Insole added.

The Saudi Cup’s unique seven-furlong test, which brings together sprinters stretching out and milers cutting back in trip, will pose tactical challenges. However, Insole believes Witness Stand’s (pictured) adaptability is a key asset. (Supplied)

Shoemark also praised Insole’s approach to training, highlighting his ambition and results.

“Jamie is very passionate and proactive, and he’s not afraid to run his horses. His results last year speak for themselves, and with the quality two-year-olds and pedigrees he’s added to the yard, I think there’s more success ahead,” he said.

The international campaign marks a significant step forward for Urloxhey Stables, which was formed in December 2023 when Insole joined forces with Grand National-winning trainer Newland. Since then, the duo has sent out 27 winners on the flat and currently trains 35 National Hunt horses and 65 flat horses, including 27 two-year-olds.

“It’s a huge step,” Insole admitted.

“Last year, we showed we could improve older horses and develop two-year-olds. Now, we want to prove we can compete on the biggest stage and attract international owners. This race is fully funded, so it’s a free hit at big prize money. Even finishing sixth would bring home £50,000 ($62,914).”

Young British trainers such as George Boughey and George Scott have expanded their global presence in Dubai, Qatar and Bahrain, and Insole hopes this race will be the catalyst for a similar international profile for Urloxhey Stables, adding: “We’re hoping he can run a big race and we can prove we are a professional outfit who mean business.”


Sabalenka thrashed in Dubai as Paolini’s title defense ends

Sabalenka thrashed in Dubai as Paolini’s title defense ends
Updated 19 February 2025
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Sabalenka thrashed in Dubai as Paolini’s title defense ends

Sabalenka thrashed in Dubai as Paolini’s title defense ends
  • Sabalenka suffered a second straight premature exit after losing in her opening match in Qatar a week ago
  • Tauson broke Sabalenka’s serve six times and the Dane will go on to play Czech youngster Linda Noskova

DUBAI: World number one Aryna Sabalenka slumped to a 6-3, 6-2 loss against Denmark’s Clara Tauson in the last 16 of the Dubai Championships on Wednesday, as Jasmine Paolini’s title defense came to a painful end.
Sabalenka, who beat the 38th-ranked Tauson on her way to last month’s Australian Open final, suffered a second straight premature exit after losing in her opening match in Qatar a week ago.
Tauson broke Sabalenka’s serve six times and the Dane will go on to play Czech youngster Linda Noskova, who knocked out fifth seed Jessica Pegula in straight sets to reach the quarter-finals.
The 22-year-old Tauson beat Noskova in the first round of the Australian Open. She also won the title in Auckland at the start of January and made the semifinals in Linz earlier this month.
Noskova will have her shot at revenge on Thursday after beating Pegula 6-3, 7-6 (10/8).
Defending champion Paolini suffered an ankle injury and was dumped out by Sofia Kenin as the fourth seed from Italy lost 6-4, 6-0 in just over an hour.
Kenin, the world number 27, raced to a 5-2 lead in the opening set before closing the door on a Paolini fightback.
Any hopes Paolini had of forcing the match to a deciding set were undone when she took a bad fall early in the second set.
Rolling over her right ankle mid-rally she played on, but was obviously suffering, and in tears.
This was Kenin’s first win over a top-five player since her victorious title run at the 2020 Australian Open.
Kenin’s reward for defeating last year’s Wimbledon and French Open finalist was a quarter-final date with Elena Rybakina after the Kazakh sixth seed overcame a tight battle with Paula Badosa 4-6, 7-6 (10/8), 7-6 (7/2).
Paolini’s loss came after a tricky start to her title defense on Tuesday.
She had reached match point before rain forced the players off the court. Over four hours later, the world No.4 returned to win the final point, beating German qualifier Eva Lys 6-2, 7-5.
Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen suffered a similar fate to Paolini, the Chinese seventh seed beaten in three sets by Kenin’s fellow American, Peyton Stearns.
The 23-year-old Stearns, ranked 46 in the world, fought back from a set down against last year’s Australian Open finalist to win the second round tie held over after Tuesday’s rain 3-6, 6-4, 6-4.
After a brief break Stearns returned to face 12th seed Mirra Andreeva in the last 16 where her Dubai run ended, losing 6-1, 6-1 to the young Russian.
Waiting for Andreeva in the quarter-finals is second seed Iga Swiatek.
The Pole, beaten in the Australian Open semifinals last month, won the last eight games to beat Ukraine’s Dayana Yastremska 7-5, 6-0.
American eighth seed Emma Navarro, made it into the last 16 after defeating this month’s Abu Dhabi Open winner Belinda Bencic 7-6 (8/6), 2-6, 6-3.
Earlier Wednesday tennis officials said Emma Raducanu was targeted by “a man who exhibited fixated behavior” after the former US Open champion was reduced to tears on court.
The 22-year-old Briton was down 2-0 in the first set against Karolina Muchova on Tuesday when she approached the umpire, then briefly took refuge behind the umpire’s chair.
Muchova went over to see what was wrong before Raducanu reappeared, wiping away tears with her towel.
The WTA said it would ban the man, who had been sitting in the first few rows of the crowd in Raducanu’s match, after what it called “the security incident in Dubai.”


Bayern’s Kane says injury could keep him out against Frankfurt

Bayern’s Kane says injury could keep him out against Frankfurt
Updated 19 February 2025
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Bayern’s Kane says injury could keep him out against Frankfurt

Bayern’s Kane says injury could keep him out against Frankfurt
  • Kane hit the bar in an otherwise quiet 45 minutes against the Scottish side
  • He later told reporters that he had suffered a calf problem

PARIS: Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane said he was likely to miss Sunday’s Bundesliga game at home to Eintracht Frankfurt after he was replaced at half time in Bayern’s 3-2 aggregate Champions League victory over Celtic.
Kane hit the bar in an otherwise quiet 45 minutes against the Scottish side. He later told reporters that he had suffered a calf problem.
“We’ll have a scan tonight and then we’ll see. I’m not sure if I can play against Frankfurt on Sunday,” he told reporters at the Allianz Arena.
Kane also said that a jaw injury he suffered in a collision against Bayer Leverkusen last Saturday was still troubling him.
Bayern Munich’s Sporting Director Max Eberl also confirmed that an ankle issue had been affecting the England captain’s mobility in the first half against Celtic.
When asked about Kane’s injury problems, Vincent Kompany said that he couldn’t say at this moment how long Kane will be out for.
However, Kane reassured reporters that he is “OK.”


De Minaur, Medvedev and Rublev advance to Qatar Open quarterfinals

De Minaur, Medvedev and Rublev advance to Qatar Open quarterfinals
Updated 19 February 2025
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De Minaur, Medvedev and Rublev advance to Qatar Open quarterfinals

De Minaur, Medvedev and Rublev advance to Qatar Open quarterfinals
  • Top-seeded player Carlos Alcaraz can join them among the last eight later if he beats Italy’s Luca Nardi

DOHA: Four of the top-seeded players of the Qatar Open advanced on Wednesday to the quarterfinals of the tournament. Alex de Minaur, Andrey Rublev, Daniil Medvedev, and Jack Draper won their matches in straight sets.
Top-seeded player Carlos Alcaraz can join them among the last eight later if he beats Italy’s Luca Nardi.
Second-seeded De Minaur beat Botic van de Zandschulp by a double 6-4. Rublev, the No. 5 seed, will be Australian’s rival in the next stage. He topped Nuno Borges 6-3, 6-4.
Medvedev overcame Zizou Bergs 6-2, 6-1. His next challenger will be Félix Auger-Aliassime, who advanced without having to play Hamad Mededovic.
Draper eliminated Christopher O’Connell 6-2, 6-1. His rival will be either Matteo Berrettini, who knocked out Novak Djokovic, or Tallon Griekspoor.