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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)
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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.”


Son scores 50th international goal as South Korea beat Kuwait in World Cup qualifying

Son scores 50th international goal as South Korea beat Kuwait in World Cup qualifying
Updated 14 November 2024

Son scores 50th international goal as South Korea beat Kuwait in World Cup qualifying

Son scores 50th international goal as South Korea beat Kuwait in World Cup qualifying
  • Jordan and Iraq stayed in second and third place on eight points after drawing 0-0 in Basra
  • Oman are now two points behind after defeating the Palestinian team 1-0

MELBOURNE: Son Heung-min scored his 50th international goal on Thursday as South Korea beat Kuwait 3-1 to take a big step toward an 11th successive World Cup appearance.
The Tottenham forward converted a penalty to make it 2-0 in the 19th minute and help South Korea earn a fourth successive win in Group B of Asia’s World Cup qualifiers to move five points clear at the top with five games to go.
Oh Se-hun headed in South Korea’s opener in the 10th minute and Son, who had just returned from a hamstring injury, extended the advantage after being fouled in the area. Mohammed Daham pulled a goal back with a spectacular strike with 30 minutes remaining but Bae Jun-ho sealed the win for the visitors.
“(Son is) such an important part of our team,” South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo said. “He just came back after being hobbled by injury.”
Jordan and Iraq stayed in second and third place on eight points after drawing 0-0 in Basra while Oman are now two points behind after defeating the Palestinian team 1-0.
In Group A, Iran defeated North Korea 3-2 in Laos to move onto 13 points, three clear of Uzbekistan which lost 3-2 at Qatar. The 2022 World Cup host stayed in fourth with seven points, level with the United Arab Emirates which defeated Kyrgyzstan 2-0.
In Group C, Australia and Ƶ drew 0-0 in Melbourne and remained level on six points from five games and are joined by China, which defeated Bahrain 1-0 with an injury-time goal from Zhang Yuning. Leader Japan will move seven points clear if they can defeat Indonesia in Jakarta on Friday.
Only the top two of six in each group will qualify automatically for the 2026 World Cup. The third- and fourth-place finishers will advance to the next stage.


McIlroy shares Dubai lead with Ballesteros mark in sight

McIlroy shares Dubai lead with Ballesteros mark in sight
Updated 14 November 2024

McIlroy shares Dubai lead with Ballesteros mark in sight

McIlroy shares Dubai lead with Ballesteros mark in sight
  • McIlroy fired a 67 to stand on top of the leaderboard alongside Tyrrell Hatton
  • McIlroy only needs a top ten finish to secure a sixth Race to Dubai crown of his career, matching the tally of Ballesteros

DUBAI: Rory McIlroy claimed a share of the first-round lead at the World Tour Championship in Dubai on Thursday as he closed in on equalling Seve Ballesteros’ mark of six European Tour Order of Merit crowns.
McIlroy fired a 67 to stand on top of the leaderboard alongside Tyrrell Hatton.
The 35-year-old McIlroy started the season-ending event in Dubai with a healthy lead over South Africa’s Thriston Lawrence who endured a nightmare day, signing for a one-over 73 which included five bogeys.
With 2,000 points on offer to the winner, McIlroy only needs a top ten finish to secure a sixth Race to Dubai crown of his career, matching the tally of Ballesteros.
Playing partners Hatton and Paul Waring, who sealed the biggest victory of his career at last week’s Abu Dhabi Championship, hit the front at four under after they each birdied the 14th hole, but the Northern Irishman followed suit shortly after.
Hatton became the first person to reach five under with a birdie at the penultimate hole, only to be matched by McIlroy’s 48-foot putt at the same hole to share the lead with Englishman.
“I thought I played well. I hit the ball pretty well. I gave myself plenty of chances, plenty of looks,” four-time major champion McIlroy said.
“I want to go on from here and win the golf tournament. I’ve opened up with a really good score, but I need to go out and play similarly over these next three days, not just to try to win the tournament, but also to try to get the job done in the Race to Dubai.
“I’m under no illusions that that was probably Thriston’s worst day. If he goes out and has three good ones, I still need to go out there and play some very solid golf.”
Hatton, 33, carded seven birdies and two dropped shots in his round.
Dubai-based Waring reached the turn in 32 before mixing a bogey and birdie on the back nine to sit alone in third at four under.
There are seven players at three under — Billy Horschel, Matt Wallace, Adam Scott, Alex Fitzpatrick, Niklas Norgaard and Japanese duo Keita Nakajima and Rikuya Hoshino.


Jeddah Corniche Circuit to host SAL Jeddah GT Race 2024 on Nov. 29-30

Jeddah Corniche Circuit to host SAL Jeddah GT Race 2024 on Nov. 29-30
Updated 14 November 2024

Jeddah Corniche Circuit to host SAL Jeddah GT Race 2024 on Nov. 29-30

Jeddah Corniche Circuit to host SAL Jeddah GT Race 2024 on Nov. 29-30
  • SAL Jeddah GT Race 2024 consists of two main races, the Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe and the GT4 European Series
  • Some of the world’s leading drivers and manufacturers will take part in the race

JEDDAH: The Jeddah Corniche Circuit, dubbed the fastest street circuit in the world, is set to host the SAL Jeddah GT Race 2024 for the first time on Nov. 29-30.
The SAL Jeddah GT Race 2024 consists of two main races — the Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS, which lasts for six hours and covers 1,000 km with more than 40 teams participating, and the GT4 European Series powered by RAFA Racing, which is 250 km long and features more than 30 teams.
GT racing showcases car models designed for road use that have been expertly modified for high-speed endurance events, often proving to be more powerful and durable than Formula cars, according to a media statement on Thursday.
The championship is sponsored by Fanatec, a leading manufacturer of racing simulation equipment, offering a connection between real and virtual motorsports.
The race will see an array of the world’s leading drivers and manufacturers take part, such as Porsche, Aston Martin, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Mercedes, BMW, Audi and Ford.
The primary focus of GT racing is to challenge the endurance of both drivers and cars, particularly in events such as the SAL Jeddah GT Race 2024.
Teams, drivers and spectators are set to make the most of the opportunities offered by the SAL Jeddah GT 2024. Ƶ will again be in the global spotlight as it becomes an important destination for international motorsport stars and racing enthusiasts, in a new championship that stands apart from other regional competitions, the media statement said.


UEFA investigates English ref Coote over footage of alleged drug use at Euro 2024

UEFA investigates English ref Coote over footage of alleged drug use at Euro 2024
Updated 14 November 2024

UEFA investigates English ref Coote over footage of alleged drug use at Euro 2024

UEFA investigates English ref Coote over footage of alleged drug use at Euro 2024
  • “A UEFA ethics and disciplinary inspector has been appointed to evaluate a potential violation of the UEFA disciplinary regulations by the referee, Mr. David Coote,” UEFA said
  • The report said the incident was filmed one day after Coote’s last match duty, the quarterfinal between France and Portugal

NYON: UEFA started another investigation into English match official David Coote on Thursday after a video allegedly showed him using cocaine during the European Championship.
“A UEFA ethics and disciplinary inspector has been appointed to evaluate a potential violation of the UEFA disciplinary regulations by the referee, Mr. David Coote,” UEFA said in a statement.
Coote worked as a video review specialist at Euro 2024, where match officials stayed at a hotel near Frankfurt. He was an assistant supporting the lead VAR official at eight games.
British daily The Sun published a video late Wednesday appearing to show Coote snorting the drug using an American banknote.
The report said the incident was filmed one day after Coote’s last match duty, the quarterfinal between France and Portugal. France won a penalty shootout after a 0-0 draw.
Coote was suspended on Monday by the English match referees body after a different cellphone video circulated of him making offensive comments with friends about former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp. That body and the English FA started investigations.
UEFA already withdrew Coote from match duty for national team games this week after the first video was published.
The games he worked at Euro 2024 included host Germany’s 2-0 win over Denmark in the round of 16 that included a controversial penalty award for handball. The lead VAR official at that game, Stuart Attwell, was involved in some of the tournament’s most debated decisions.


Sinner doping case could have been communicated more efficiently, ATP chair says

Sinner doping case could have been communicated more efficiently, ATP chair says
Updated 14 November 2024

Sinner doping case could have been communicated more efficiently, ATP chair says

Sinner doping case could have been communicated more efficiently, ATP chair says
  • A decision by an independent tribunal to clear Sinner of wrongdoing was appealed by the World Anti-Doping Agency in September
  • The Switzerland-based Court of Arbitration for Sport is expected to make a final ruling on the case early next year

TURIN: There “could have been better communication” in explaining the rules involved in Jannik Sinner’s doping case, ATP Tour chairman Andrea Gaudenzi acknowledged Thursday.
However, Gaudenzi said at the ATP Finals that anyone hinting that a “double standard” was applied because of top-ranked Sinner’s status is “unfair because the rules have been the same.”
Sinner is playing at home this week for the first time since it was announced before his US Open title that he tested positive for an anabolic steroid in two separate drug tests in March.
The case wasn’t made public until August.
“I learned the day before we all learned,” Gaudenzi said in his first public comments on the case. He spoke in a round-table discussion with international reporters.
“And to be honest, I’m happy about that. I really thank the ITA (International Testing Agency) and our representatives there for intentionally keeping me and our entire team in the dark because that’s how it should be.
“It should be completely independent and that was agreed by the (parties). It was a shock, but obviously comforted by the evidence afterward.”
A decision by an independent tribunal to clear Sinner of wrongdoing was appealed by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) in September and the Switzerland-based Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) is expected to make a final ruling on the case early next year.
Sinner’s explanation was that the banned performance-enhancer entered his system unintentionally through a massage from his physiotherapist, who used a spray containing the steroid to treat his own cut finger.
WADA is seeking a ban of one to two years for Sinner.
“We are completely external and it’s (an) independent process,” Gaudenzi said. “I generally think has been a fair process. It was really done by the book and by the rules. Maybe there could have been better communication in explaining those rules, and that is something that I would urge every party involved to work better in the next time.”
ATP Finals future will be revealed
Gaudenzi said he plans to announce on Sunday the future host of the ATP Finals. The contract with Turin expires next year and there is an option to move the event to nearby Milan at a bigger arena being built for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics.