Aramco Team Series confirms Shenzhen’s Mission Hills Resort as fourth stop of season

Aramco Team Series confirms Shenzhen’s Mission Hills Resort as fourth stop of season
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The Aramco Team Series presented by PIF and organized by Golf Saudi has confirmed Mission Hills Resort in Shenzhen as its fourth stop of the season. (Supplied)
Aramco Team Series confirms Shenzhen’s Mission Hills Resort as fourth stop of season
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The Aramco Team Series presented by PIF and organized by Golf Saudi has confirmed Mission Hills Resort in Shenzhen as its fourth stop of the season. (Supplied)
Aramco Team Series confirms Shenzhen’s Mission Hills Resort as fourth stop of season
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The Aramco Team Series presented by PIF and organized by Golf Saudi has confirmed Mission Hills Resort in Shenzhen as its fourth stop of the season. (Supplied)
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Updated 27 August 2024
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Aramco Team Series confirms Shenzhen’s Mission Hills Resort as fourth stop of season

Aramco Team Series confirms Shenzhen’s Mission Hills Resort as fourth stop of season
  • Ladies European Tour returns to mainland China for the first time in over seven years
  • Organized by Golf Saudi, the Aramco Team Series presented by PIF is a series of five events on the LET

SHENZHEN, China: The Aramco Team Series presented by PIF and organized by Golf Saudi has today confirmed Mission Hills Resort in Shenzhen as its fourth stop of the season, as the Ladies European Tour (LET) returns to mainland China for the first time in over seven years.

A cornerstone of the LET, the second Asian leg of the 2024 Aramco Team Series presented by PIF will tee-up on the acclaimed World Cup Course at Mission Hills Resort in the vibrant city of Shenzhen, October 4-6. The Jack Nicklaus-designed course will welcome an array of the world’s top talent, as they bid to win individual and team trophies, and a share of the weekend’s $1 million prize fund.

Organized by Golf Saudi, the Aramco Team Series presented by PIF is a series of five events on the LET each year, adding an annual $5 million in prizemoney. With events in destinations across Europe, Asia, North America and the Middle East, the innovative format is loved by players and fans alike, as groups of three professionals and an amateur compete against each other in the Tour’s only recurring team event.

The series heads to Shenzhen in October following events in Florida, Seoul and London already this season, with the final leg of the season set for Riyadh in November.

Noah Alireza, CEO of Golf Saudi, said: “We’re thrilled to be taking the Aramco Team Series to Shenzhen. This move not only showcases elite women’s golf to a significant audience, but also offers us an opportunity to inspire future generations in this exciting market. Joining efforts with the world-renowned Mission Hills allows us to deliver a best-in-class event that meets the quality our golfers, fans and stakeholders alike all expect with the Aramco Team Series. Together, we are poised to deliver another truly unforgettable event.”

Khalid Al-Zamil, Aramco vice president of Public Affairs, said: “We are delighted that the Aramco Team Series will be hosted in Shenzhen. At Aramco, we believe sport provides a platform to create opportunity, improve lives and positively impact society. The Aramco Team Series aims to empower female athletes, elevating women’s golf globally, inspiring future generations of athletes.”

Following a successful event in Hong Kong last year, the move to Shenzhen represents an opportunity for the tournament to continue to engage with a diverse array of spectators and showcase the elite of women’s golf.

Mission Hills Resort Shenzhen, a sprawling golf and leisure resort located in the heart of southern China’s Guangdong Province, is renowned as the world’s largest golf facility, boasting a staggering 12 golf courses, making it one of golf’s premier global destinations.

Tenniel Chu, vice chairman of Mission Hills Group, said: “Bringing the Aramco Team Series to Shenzhen represents a significant milestone for both Shenzhen and Mission Hills, heralding the return of the Ladies European Tour to China for three days of thrilling elite competition. We take immense pride in hosting this esteemed event at Mission Hills and look forward to extending a warm welcome to the international community at our breath-taking resort. Our aim is to orchestrate a memorable tournament that captivates audiences and leaves a long-lasting positive impact.”

Since its inception in 2021, the Aramco Team Series presented by PIF has continued to grow at a rapid pace on the global stage.

Alexandra Armas, chief executive officer of the Ladies European Tour said: “Returning to China is an exciting prospect for the LET, as we continue to provide our members with valuable experiences on the world’s best courses. Our aim is to continue elevating women’s golf to new heights, around the globe, and in partnership with the Aramco Team Series.”


England’s renewed rivalry with Australia pushed to the season’s margins

England’s renewed rivalry with Australia pushed to the season’s margins
Updated 52 min 23 sec ago
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England’s renewed rivalry with Australia pushed to the season’s margins

England’s renewed rivalry with Australia pushed to the season’s margins
  • Australia is touring Scotland, England and Wales with two forms of short-format cricket packed into just over four weeks, all at risk of weather disruption

There is much talk that the most evenly matched rivalry in international cricket has become that between Australia and India. It is true that, in recent years, the teams have dominated the rankings in Test cricket and were finalists in the last World Test Championship in 2023. Then, Australia triumphed by six wickets. Both are the frontrunners in the current WTC cycle and will face each other in a five-match Test series in Australia starting in November.

Yet, there is still no feeling of anticipation that quite compares with the near-150-year-old rivalry between England and Australia. This is true even during Australia’s tour of Scotland, England and Wales, when two forms of short-format cricket are being packed into just over four weeks, all at risk of capricious weather.

Scotland was trounced in three T20Is. This was hardly a surprise but it provided welcome exposure and experience for Scottish cricket. In England and Wales, three T20Is and five ODIs are scheduled in eight different locations, south, west and north. The program has an end-of-year party feeling, a sense of visiting friends in places almost out of a sense of social responsibility. Perhaps there is an unspoken frisson that English and Welsh cricket will never be the same again; overhanging the future, like Damocles’ sword, is the sale of The Hundred. Who knows what the outcome will mean for the sort of bilateral tournament being witnessed this September?

At least this one seems safe, given it is Australia touring. People will turn up to see the old enemy; the first T20I at Southampton was sold out. Almost inevitably, rain delayed the start to 18.45 and the temperature at the end of the match at 10.10 p.m. was displayed as 7.5C. 

Both teams are in transition. England more so, looking at the first T20I, England more so, as the team was beaten by 28 runs. After hugely disappointing defenses of both the ODI and T20I World Cups, it was time to move on and regroup. In any sport, reshaping and rebuilding successful teams is a difficult task requiring sensitivity, planning and emotional intelligence. It can be argued that England’s management displayed few of these requirements.

During the ODI World Cup in October/November 2023, the England and Wales Cricket Board appeared to panic by awarding multi-year contracts to its squad out of fear that some players were being tempted by lucrative multi-competition contracts on offer from franchises.

The move has backfired. First, the one member of the squad not offered an ECB contract promptly retired from international cricket, whilst several others have not played for England since the World Cup ended. One long-time servant, the all-rounder Moeen Ali, announced his retirement from international cricket after being omitted from the squad for the current series against Australia. These retirements and omissions open the door both for emerging and recently dormant talent.

On the evidence of the second T20I at Cardiff, England has reason to be optimistic. Set 194 to win, a combination of Liam Livingstone’s experience, with 87, and Jacob Bethell playing in his second international match, with 44, was largely instrumental in England winning by three wickets, despite a late wobble. Unfortunately, the third and deciding match fell victim to rain in Manchester.

The five ODIs will be shoehorned into 11 days, the last one scheduled for September 29, when sunset will be at 18.54. Bilateral series of this type have been described as meaningless. It is not clear if the critics mean in comparison with franchise cricket or in relation to the players being subject to too much cricket. England’s debutants and returning players may well see much meaning in the matches. They provide an opportunity for them to display their talents and temperament against the oldest foe.

In addition, there is revenue for the venues and on-ground vendors, for the ECB, and for those providing travel and accommodation in the local and regional economy. Audiences in Australia and in Asia may be less keen to tune in, given the time differences. However, the two teams have only hosted each other for three ODIs and three T20Is since 2018, hardly a case of saturation.

Australians may not welcome playing in the temperatures on offer, although this week they hit 25C in the daytime. There are places up for grabs, especially in the T20 team. David Warner has retired, so a new opener is required. The all-conquering ODI and Test captain, Pat Cummins, has been rested, along with Mitchell Starc and Glenn Maxwell, who are now, respectively, 31, 34 and 35 years old.

One to watch for the future is 21-year-old Cooper Connolly. His Sheffield Shield debut was in the 2024 final, in which he helped Western Australia beat Tasmania by scoring 90 in the first innings. His debut for Australia came against Scotland. Jake Fraser-McGurk, at 22, is another young batting tyro. Having scored 330 runs at a strike rate of 234 in the 2024 Indian Premier League, his introduction to the Australian team in Scotland proved a tough task but he responded with a 29-ball half century in the second ODI against England.

Australia has always had a habit of producing previously unheard-of players who turn out to have long and successful careers. England has been more proactive in recent years in this respect. The number of fresh faces on both sides introduces an intriguing aspect to the current series, as players approaching the end of their international careers make way for the next generation. Who will be the successors in the next stage of cricket’s oldest rivalry remains to be seen.


Anthony Joshua ready to show ‘gladiatorial spirit’ in IBF title clash with Daniel Dubois

Anthony Joshua ready to show ‘gladiatorial spirit’ in IBF title clash with Daniel Dubois
Updated 19 September 2024
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Anthony Joshua ready to show ‘gladiatorial spirit’ in IBF title clash with Daniel Dubois

Anthony Joshua ready to show ‘gladiatorial spirit’ in IBF title clash with Daniel Dubois
  • Joshua, Dubois and fighters in Riyadh Season Card Wembley Edition undercard put through their paces at public workout

LONDON: Boxer Anthony Joshua said he was feeling “no emotion” ahead of his International Boxing Federation heavyweight title bout with reigning champion Daniel Dubois on Saturday.

The former two-time world champion told a public workout at Wembley Arena on Wednesday night that he wanted to show his “gladiatorial spirit” in front of an expected crowd of over 96,000 at Wembley Stadium.

AJ, Dubois and all of the fighters taking part in the Riyadh Season Card Wembley Edition undercard were put through their paces at the workout event, which was free for the public to attend.

“There’s no emotion. No emotions. I’m just here,” Joshua said.

The Watford man was impressed with the scale and standard of the facilities for a public workout. 

“There’s a fight here happening tonight right? Ten out of ten. Three fights happening tonight. It’s ten out of ten,” he said.

“I feel like I’m in the ring ready for my fight as well. It feels good. Canvas feels good. Size is good. I just need to get my wraps on and my gloves and I could fight today,” he added.

When pressed on what he had planned for the next three days ahead of the fight, he continued: “More media, more talking. More training most importantly. And walking into the ring in front of 96,000 people ready to show people my gladiatorial spirit.”

Joshua was accompanied in the ring by young members of his first amateur boxing club in Finchley.

MORE IMAGES

Click here to see more images from the public workout at Wembley Arena in London attended by IBF world heavyweight title holder Daniel Dubois and challenger Anthony Joshua.

“It means everything, it’s what it’s about, opening doors for people like people did for me too,” Joshua said when asked about the importance of giving back to the next generation.

“This is being on the big stage, they’re the boys and girls from my club, we’re a local town and so I thought I’d bring them down,” he added.

Dubois said he was ready for the build-up to the fight to finish and just wanted the bout to start.

“It’s all part of the pre-fight ritual, I’m going through the motions and just building up my energy for Saturday. I’m ready to fight so I’m in a good place at the moment,” he said.

“I’ve just worked hard in the gym. I’ve suffered and worked really hard for weeks and months. 

“I know I need to go to another level at my very best. I can’t wait for the challenge on Saturday. I’m ready to fight, let’s go,” he added.

As part of the event, Riyadh Season put on three small-rounded bouts following the public workouts. Chris Kongo was among the winners after easing to a 59-55 win over Jacob Quinn.

The fights also included Aadam Hamed, the son of legendary boxer Prince Naseem, who looked classy in his victory over Santiago Garces.

The bill was topped by the highly-regarded Cameron Vuong who looked impressive in beating Joe Underwood Hughes.


New season of Saudi Women’s Premier Leagues promises top-class action

New season of Saudi Women’s Premier Leagues promises top-class action
Updated 19 September 2024
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New season of Saudi Women’s Premier Leagues promises top-class action

New season of Saudi Women’s Premier Leagues promises top-class action
  • Third season of Saudi women’s football will have 90 matches over 18 weeks
  • Campaign titled #SeeUsPlay aims to inspire next generation of Saudi players

RIYADH: The Saudi Women’s Premier League returns to action on Friday Sept. 27 with a new campaign titled “#SeeUsPlay” aimed at inspiring young footballers.

There will be 90 matches over 18 weeks in the Saudi Arabian Football Federation’s Women’s Premier League, with over 200 players registered for the new season.

Over 15 international players have signed for 10 clubs in the SAFF’s league.

The influx of international talent is a testament to the growth of women’s football in the Kingdom, following on from the qualification of Al-Nassr for the preliminary stage of the AFC Women’s Champions League in August.

The “#SeeUsPlay” campaign is aimed at growing the game. There are already 77,000 female players in the nation’s school league.

The SAFF’s President Yasser Al-Misehal said: “We’re very proud of the growth of women’s football in Saudi Arabia and excited to see the return of the Women’s Premier League.”

He said the federation’s investment in women’s football has resulted in more registered players, football clubs, domestic competitions, national teams, licensed coaches, referees, and girls participating in the regional training centers and the school’s league.

“I congratulate our Women’s Football Department on this initiative, and wish the players, clubs and officials good luck and in the spirit of the campaign, encourage everyone across Saudi and beyond to ‘#SeeUsPlay.’

“We have so many historic clubs and passionate fans who support them but there is new history to write, and these players simply deserve your support. Everyone benefits from the noise and energy you will bring.”

The SAFF’s Head of Women’s Football Aalia Al-Rasheed added: “The development we have seen for the Saudi Women’s Premier League over the past two seasons has been remarkable, going from having no professional female players to now having over 20 nationalities competing here in Saudi Arabia.”

She added: “It has been an incredible experience to witness how this game is inspiring a new generation, with players who saw the formation of our national team in 2021 now joining the women’s professional league and professional women’s clubs now competing on the international stage.”

Al-Rasheed said she was proud of the growth of the game at grassroots level, and the interest from international players to join the league.

The development of Saudi Arabian football is in line with the nation’s “Growing Together” campaign and the nation’s Vision 2030 strategy to promote sports.


Bangladesh win toss, bowl against India in first Test

Bangladesh win toss, bowl against India in first Test
Updated 19 September 2024
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Bangladesh win toss, bowl against India in first Test

Bangladesh win toss, bowl against India in first Test
  • Bangladesh are fresh from a historic 2-0 Test sweep in Pakistan but have never beaten India in 13 attempts
  • India, led by Rohit Sharma, are looking to extend their lead at the top of the World Test Championship rankings

CHENNAI, India: Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto won the toss and elected to field against India in an overcast Chennai on Thursday in the first of two Tests.
Bangladesh are fresh from a historic 2-0 Test sweep in Pakistan but they have never beaten India in 13 attempts.
The visitors have included three seamers including new pace sensation Nahid Rana, who bowled at speeds of over 146 kph (90 mph)in Pakistan.
“There is moisture on the wicket and we will like to use the conditions,” Najmul said at the toss.
“It looks hard and will be good for the seamers in the first session.”
India, led by Rohit Sharma, are looking to extend their lead at the top of the World Test Championship rankings as they begin a fresh Test season of 10 matches.
Wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant returns to the Test team for the first time since he nearly died in a car crash in 2022.
Virat Kohli is also back for his first Test since facing South Africa at Cape Town in January, having missed India’s 4-1 home series win against England for the birth of his second child.
Rohit said he would also have fielded first had he won the toss, admitting the “conditions will be challenging.”
India have included three fast bowlers and two spinners, Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja.
It is a first Test for new India coach Gautam Gambhir, who took over from Rahul Dravid, who ended his tenure by winning the T20 World Cup in June.
Teams
India: Rohit Sharma (capt), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj.
Bangladesh: Najmul Hossain Shanto (capt), Shadman Islam, Zakir Hasan, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Das (wk), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Hasan Mahmud, Nahid Rana, Taskin Ahmed.
Umpires: Richard Kettleborough (ENG), Rod Tucker (AUS)
TV Umpire: Chris Brown (NZL)
Match Referee: Jeff Crowe (NZL)


Britannia advance in America’s Cup while American Magic stay alive

Britannia advance in America’s Cup while American Magic stay alive
Updated 19 September 2024
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Britannia advance in America’s Cup while American Magic stay alive

Britannia advance in America’s Cup while American Magic stay alive
  • The Americans won both races to cut Luna Rossa’s lead to 4-3 in the first-to-five playoff series
  • Alinghi Red Bull Racing cut their deficit against INEOS Britannia to 4-2 by winning their first race, but the British triumphed in the second race to qualify for the Louis Vuitton Cup final that will begin on Sept. 26

BARCELONA: INEOS Britannia advanced to the final of the America’s Cup playoffs on Wednesday, while NYYC American Magic took advantage of a mid-race failure on the boat of Italy’s Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli to keep alive their hopes of pulling off an unexpected comeback in the semifinals.

The Americans won both races to cut Luna Rossa’s lead to 4-3 in the first-to-five playoff series. American Magic had been on the verge of elimination after going down 4-0, and now they can advance with a pair of victories on Thursday.

The Americans won the final race of the day on Wednesday after a gear failure on Luna Rossa’s boat took it out of contention. The Italian boat had to start cruising immediately after a loud pop was heard.

“You’re always going to get a few curveballs that come your way, but champion teams can deal with that, and we’ve certainly got a champion team,” Luna Rossa skipper Jimmy Spithill said. “We have a fantastic team ashore and there’s no doubt in my mind that we will be back. I’ll make a bet and I’ll put the farm on it that we’ll be out there tomorrow.”

Switzerland’s Alinghi Red Bull Racing — who also trailed 4-0 — earlier Wednesday cut their deficit against INEOS Britannia to 4-2 by winning their first race, but the British triumphed in the second race to qualify for the Louis Vuitton Cup final that will begin on Sept. 26.

“It was a tough final couple of days in the lighter conditions, hats off to Alinghi Red Bull Racing, they really pushed us hard in those lighter conditions and it was a rough day today where the wind was up and down a lot, a nasty sea state,” Britannia skipper Ben Ainslie said. “A tough test for all of the teams, but I’m delighted for our team, for all the hard work and effort to get us this point.”

Alinghi skipper Arnaud Psarofaghis said they started sailing well “too late” in the playoffs.

“The boat performed well, but we missed some opportunities on the sailing side,” he said.

The winner will challenge defending champion Team Emirates New Zealand in the America’s Cup final next month.