Local martial arts heroes Christian Lee and Amir Khan conducted an introductory workshop on the sidelines of a partnership launch ceremony at SGX Centre – a preview of the mentoring programme, where ONE Championship athletes will team up with youths selected from SGX Bull Charge beneficiaries.

Launched in 2004, SGX Bull Charge is the only corporate charity initiative that brings together Singapore’s financial community and listed companies to support the needs of underprivileged children and families, persons with disabilities, as well as the elderly. It has raised more than $30 million for over 50 charities.

Chew Sutat, SGX Bull Charge Chairman and Head of Equities & Fixed Income, said, “We are delighted to welcome ONE Championship on this meaningful journey. Through martial arts, they have captured the imagination of millions and inspired young people to become champions in their own way. We are also excited about the mentoring programme, which will offer youths from our beneficiaries a unique opportunity to channel their energy positively and pick up life values such as integrity, discipline and courage.”

Teh Hua Fung, Chief Financial Officer of ONE Championship, said, “ONE Championship takes pride and joy in working with today’s youth, and we have executed many initiatives towards this cause. This latest collaboration with SGX Bull Charge will allow ONE to further expand on our efforts to bring martial arts closer to the fans, by working with the youth. The mentoring programme can motivate low-income or troubled youth and keep them off the streets, providing them an avenue towards learning through martial arts. Even more, the youth have a unique opportunity to pick up martial arts and learn all of its amazing lessons and values. This is a tremendous opportunity for all of us to give back to the community and to have fun through sports at the same time.’’

Sixth seed Thiem crashed out just a week after inflicting a first clay-court defeat on Nadal in over a year in Madrid which cost the Spaniard the world number one ranking.

The 24-year-old destroyed his racket in fury as he suffered his first defeat to Italian Fabio Fognini in three meetings, sinking 6-4, 1-6, 6-3 at the Foro Italico.

Nadal later eased through 6-1, 6-0 against Bosnian Damir Dzumhur as he targets an eighth Rome title and first since 2013.

“After a loss in Madrid, it’s important to come back strong. And that’s what I did today,” said Nadal, who received a first-round bye.

The 31-year-old, who claimed the 11th titles of his career at both Monte Carlo and Barcelona, took the first set in 34 minutes, coasting to victory in just an hour.

The 16-time Grand Slam winner next takes on either Canadian Denis Shapovalov, 19, or Robin Haase of the Netherlands.

“Today was a positive day. I don’t know how many mistakes I did, but not much,” said Nadal.

Djokovic, a four-time winner, is on the comeback trail three months after elbow surgery and eased past Georgia’s Nikoloz Basilashvili 6-4, 6-2.

The Serbia will next play Spaniard Albert Ramos Vinolas who needed three sets to get past American eighth seed John Isner 6-7 (5/7), 7-6 (7/2), 7-6 (7/5).

Fognini, ranked 21, next plays Germany’s Peter Gojowczyk before a possible quarter-final showdown with top seed Nadal.

“If you compare it to Madrid there were a lot of close matches I could have lost there too. I did have chances,” said Thiem.

Bulgarian third seed Grigor Dimitrov also suffered an early exit, going out to Japan’s Kei Nishikori after a marathon 6-7 (4/7), 7-5, 6-4 battle.

– Pliskova racket rage –

Former world number one Karolina Pliskova was so angry she put a hole in the umpire’s chair with her racket instead of shaking hands after losing to Greece’s Maria Sakkari.

Pliskova, the sixth seed, argued lengthily after an overhead shot was incorrectly ruled out and both the line judge and the umpire said they could not find the mark.

The controversial shot came in the third set with the Czech serving at 5-5 (30/30). She could not conceal her fury as she went on to lose the match 3-6, 6-3, 7-5.

Instead of shaking hands with the umpire after the match, Pliskova first put her hand out before beating up the chair.

Earlier, top women’s seed Simona Halep needed just under an hour to advance 6-1, 6-0 past Naomi Osaka to avenge her defeat to the Japanese player in Indian Wells.

“It was one of those helpless feelings,” conceded 20-year-old Osaka who could be heard saying “I want to cry” courtside.

Halep needed to save four break points in her opening service game for 1-1 but then reeled off 12 in a row.

“I like to slide on the clay and today was easy for me. I’m more relaxed than in Madrid,” said 26-year-old Halep.

Halep reached the final in Rome last year and needs to reach the quarter-finals this time to retain her world number one ranking.

She next plays 13th-seeded American Madison Keys, who battled past Croatian Donna Vekic 7-6 (7/2), 7-6 (7/0), for a place in the last eight.

France’s Caroline Garcia, a semi-finalist in Madrid last week, eased past Hungary’s Timea Babos 6-3, 6-4, and will next face US Open champion Sloane Stephens.

The Blues were angered when Lee Mason awarded the hosts a corner but then blew for half-time before it was taken by Willian. The official had adjudged the required stoppage time had elapsed.

Captain Cesar Azpilicueta, midfielder Cesc Fabregas and defender Antonio Rudiger led the protests. Rudiger had to be dragged away by assistant coach Carlo Cudicini, who also addressed Mason.

“Chelsea have been fined £20,000 after accepting a charge for failing to ensure their players and/or officials conducted themselves in an orderly fashion,” an FA statement said.

The Blues criticised Huddersfield for time-wasting during the game, the result of which hit their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League next season.

A 3-0 loss at Newcastle on Sunday ensured Chelsea finished fifth but Antonio Conte’s side could yet end the season with a trophy if they win Saturday’s FA Cup final against Manchester United.

Mr. Brian L. Marcar, managing director of BEC-Tero Entertainment revealed some interesting aspects of the new shows. “For more than 20 years, BEC-Tero has been presenting high quality shows, especially world-renowned sporting events to Thai audiences. This year, we are cooperating with the biggest and oldest Muay Thai organizer and broadcaster in Thailand – Rajadamnern Stadium and Premium Minute – to broadcast live bouts directly to fans. Suek Muay Thai Rajadamnern is the first weekly show that will broadcast boxing matches live from Rajadamnern Stadium. The show will be aired every Thursday night from 8.30 – 10.30 pm on Channel 3 SD starting from June 7. Highlight Muay Thai Rajadamnern will capture the best moments from boxing matches at Rajadamnern Stadium every week. It will be aired on Thursdays at 11.20 pm on Channel 3 HD starting from June 21.”

Mr. Supawit Supaporn-Opas, managing director of Premium Minute, said: “As the sole broadcaster of Rajadamnern Stadium boxing matches, we have broadcast many fights from the most well-known Muay Thai stadium. However, this is the first time that we will be broadcasting the biggest fights live on Thursdays on a weekly basis. In addition, the Highlight Muay Thai Rajadamnern will replay the best moments from boxing matches at Rajadamnern each week for fans across the country to enjoy and feel as if they are watching the matches from the ringside.”

Mr. Jit Chiawsakul, Director of Rajadamnern Stadium, said “Rajadamnern is the first and most famous Muay Thai stadium in Thailand. It is a well-known fact that Thursday night matches feature the best fighters at Rajadamnern Stadium. Each bout is selected by leading boxing promoters in Thailand such as Mr. Songchai Rattanasuban of Suek Wan Songchai, Mr. Sommai Sakulmetta of Suek Sor Sommai, Mr. Nattadej Wachirarattanawong of Suek Petch Yindee, Mr. Somjit Waenkaew of Suek Jit Muangnont,and  Mr. Boontham Pakpho of Suek Chef Boontham. The show will present the best matches selected by leading promoters of the oldest Muay Thai institute, so it promises to be nothing short of exhilarating.”

Tune in to Suek Muay Thai Rajadamnern on Thursdays from 8.30 – 10.30 pm on Channel 3 SD and Highlight Muay Thai Rajadamnern on Thursdays from 11.20 pm – 00.20 am. on Channel 3 HD

Partnering with sports ministries, city governments, race organisers and member federations around the world, the IAAF initiative incorporates races to be held in two dozen cities across 15 time zones that will each start at the same local time to create a ‘simultaneous’ worldwide celebration of running.

IAAF Run 24:1 will commence at 5pm local time (GMT +12) in Auckland, New Zealand, then, outrunning the sun, cross Oceania to Sydney, enter Asia in Tokyo, move to Europe in Minsk, into Africa in Addis Ababa, and cross the Atlantic to the Americas in Sao Paulo and Buenos Aires before the day’s final race in Vancouver on Canada’s west coast. In all, IAAF Run 24:1 will include stops in 23 countries, uniting tens of thousands of runners around the world.

In Thailand, the event will take place at Stadium One, Supachalasai Stadium at 5.00pm. The event is a collaborative effort between the Sport Authority of Thailand and IAAF, Channel 3, BEC-Tero Entertainment and MICE & Communication. The race will be broadcast live on Channel 33HD from 4.55-5.30pm. To register, log on to:https://www.iaafthailand.org and keep track of updates on the event in real time on: Facebook: @iaafthailand.

“Running is accessible to everyone, it is fun, it is competitive,” said IAAF President Sebastian Coe. “It can be social, it can be solitary. It is testing, it is personal but most of all it builds strength, stamina, fitness and health. It is the mother of all sports.

“On Wednesday 6 of June, we want as many people as possible to celebrate Global Running Day – the biggest annual celebration of running.”

As the main facilitator of the project, the IAAF will also assist with around-the-clock coverage of the event on a dedicated website to be launched in the lead-in to the event, as well as across its various social media platforms.

Each race will be headed by a designated ‘City Captain’, a former or current athlete who will lead local efforts to spread awareness of the initiative and to involve their respective running communities.

Celebrating its third year in 2018, Global Running Day is a grassroots initiative where people of all abilities and from all paths of life come together to celebrate their passion for running and inspire others to get moving.

“We are looking forward to the world coming together to run on June 6 to celebrate Global Running Day, which encourages people of all ages and abilities to live active lifestyles,” said Michael Capiraso, President and CEO of New York Road Runners and a founder of –Global Running Day. “There are countless ways people around the world can take part in the day’s festivities this year – from these 24-one mile runs to a virtual race – in order to embrace running as a way to get healthy and fit.”

THE CITIES

1. Auckland NZL / Oceania / +12hrs

2. Sydney AUS / Oceania / +10hrs

3. Tokyo JPN / Asia / +9hrs

4. Beijing CHN / Asia / +8hrs

5. Bangkok THA / Asia / +7hrs

6. Delhi IND / Asia / +5,5hrs

7. Minsk BLR / Europe / +3hrs

8. Ramallah PLE / Asia / +3hrs

9. Addis Ababa ETH / Africa / +3hrs

10. Johannesburg RSA / Africa / +2hrs

11. Nice FRA / Europe / +2hrs

12. Berlin GER / Europe / +2hrs

13. London GBR / Europe / +1hrs

14. Rabat MAR / Africa / +1hrs

15. Abidjan CIV / Africa / 0hrs

16. Praia CPV / Africa / -1hrs

17. Sao Paulo BRA / S.America/ -3hrs

18. Buenos Aires ARG / S.America/ -3hrs

19. Santo Domingo DOM / C.America& Caribbean / -4hrs

20. Toronto CAN / N.America/ -4hrs

21. Houston USA / N.America/ -5hrs

22. Lima PER / S.America/ -5hrs

23. Mexico MEX / C.America/ -5hrs

24. Vancouver CAN / N.America/ -7hrs

The deal for the Cup opener is part of an agreement between the government and nine private companies to allow Thais to watch all 64 Russian World Cup matches on the three free-to-air TV stations from June 14 to July 14.

Further details of the TV schedule for other group stage games have not been revealed yet, however, as those vying  for the rights cannot reach agreement.

The Bt14 billion needed to pay for the overall broadcast licence was raised by nine companies: BTS Group Holdings, Thai Beverage, Charoen Pokphand Group (CP), Gulf Energy Development, Kasikorn Bank, King Power International, PTT Global Chemical, Bangchak Corporation and the Carabao Group.

Some of those involved have started setting out their planned campaigns and activities that will take place during the world’s biggest single-sport event.

CP is offering tickets to watch individual games for people buying more than Bt40 worth of products at 7-Eleven stores or through True Money Wallet (using the 7App) or those paying bills at all Counter Service branches from now until May 23.

 2018 World Cup Mascot

True Corporation, a subsidiary of CP, will broadcast the Cup on all its platforms, including TrueVision Cable TV and its TrueID App.

Kasikorn Bank’s campaign includes online analysis on featured matches by local soccer experts, plus special live reports throughout Russia 2018.

Bangchak customers will receive free glasses with designs inspired by six of the participating teams by visiting its petrol stations around the country from June 10 to July 15.

Carabao clients can be in to win prizes worth a total of Bt3 million by sending their predictions for the 2018 Cup winning team through Carabao Dang Line official.

In the post since 2006, Loew, 58, who steered Germany to their 2014 World Cup triumph, has signed a two-year extension to take him through to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Reinhard Grindel, the president of the DFB, confirmed the news at the announcement of Germany’s World Cup squad for the Russia 2018 finals and also revealed Oliver Bierhoff, the national team’s director, has extended until 2024.

“We want to thank you for the trust placed in us, which is also an obligation to establish ourselves amongst the best in the world,” said Loew directly to Grindel.

“I personally enjoy working with so many inspiring people.”

Loew had a contract until the Euro 2020 finals, but Grindel had previously stated his job is safe regardless of how Germany perform at the 2018 World Cup finals, which kick-off next month.

The 12-time Grand Slam champion, who won the last of his 68 ATP titles at the Canadian Open in 2016, has slipped to 18th in the world, his lowest ranking in 12 years as he struggles with a nightmare elbow injury.

But he got off to a comfortable start in his bid for a fifth ATP Italian Open title at the Foro Italico, taking 55 minutes to oust Ukrainian Dolgopolov in the first round.

“Rome has always been a place where I felt good, where I received a lot of support, where I played well, and had a lot of great results,” said Djokovic.

“And today’s match encourages me and gives me reason to believe that it can be a good week for me.

“Obviously I would like to go all the way but, at the same time, looking at my results I have to be a little more modest with expectations and see where it takes me.”

The 11th-seeded Serb has reached eight of the last ten finals in Rome, including the past two years, and won four titles — most recently in 2015.

Djokovic broke 54th-ranked Dolgopolov three times in the opening set, with another break in the second helping him wrap up the match.

He next plays either Nikoloz Basilashvili or Filippo Baldi, both qualifiers, before a potential third round meeting with US eighth seed John Isner.

And the 30-year-old said his focus was on the French Open where he won his last Grand Slam title in 2016.

“The French Open is where I want to play my best tennis. That’s the big goal for this part of the season,” added Djokovic.

“I know that I haven’t been up to the level that I desired but I feel like my game has been going in the right direction in the last couple of tournaments.

“It’s a mental game for sure. Knowing that I’ve reached the biggest heights of this sport and been consistent with the best possible results for so many years. The bar has been raised so high.

“When I step on the court, I expect to win every match against anybody on any surface. And it’s not a secret.

“At the same time I had to learn in the last 12 months that, because of the circumstances and injury and surgery, I had to think about my game and about my results and approach the tournaments in a little bit different way.

“But, I’m getting there. And I feel more comfortable on the court.”

– Vinci bows out –

Belgian ninth seed David Goffin also eased past Argentine Leonardo Mayer 6-1, 6-2, as Japan’s Kei Nishikori sent Feliciano Lopez home early with a 7-6 (7/5), 6-4 defeat — the Spaniard’s sixth in seven visits to Rome.

Nishikori, runner-up to Rafael Nadal on clay in Monte Carlo, next meets third seed Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria.

In the women’s event, former US Open finalist Roberta Vinci fell 2-6, 6-0, 6-3 to Serbian qualifier Aleksandra Krunic in her final tournament before retiring.

The 35-year-old reached the US Open final in 2010 and won ten singles title in her career spanning nearly two decades.

“Of course, I wanted to win and after the first set I thought I could do it,” said Vinci.

“But today, the result was of little interest. I wanted to close here otherwise I would have stopped already last year.

“I feel like a student at the last day of school.”

Japan’s Naomi Osaka powered her way past former world number one Victoria Azarenka of Belarus 6-0, 6-3 to set up a meeting with top seed Simona Halep of Romania.

American Madison Keys, seeded 13th, beat Russia’s Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 6-4, 6-1, with Britain’s Johanna Konta easing past Slovak 17th-seed Magdalena Rybarikova 6-4, 6-3.

American Coco Vandeweghe, the 12th seed, fell 6-1, 6-1 to Estonia’s Anett Kontaveit.

“Brazil is one of the favorites given the football it has shown, given its consistency,” Tite said at the team announcement in Rio de Janeiro.

He said the national team, seeking a record sixth World Cup, stands out for being “aggressive, scoring goals.”

“That’s not being arrogant, it’s just telling the truth,” Tite said.

Neymar’s return to form will be a key factor. He has been out since requiring surgery for a broken bone in his foot while playing for Paris Saint-Germain, and is only now easing back into training.

Team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar said he was hopeful, with the bone’s healing making “excellent progress.”

Neymar should be able to “regain match fitness” when he takes part in friendlies against Croatia on June 3 and Austria on June 10, Lasmar said.

Brazil will need him showing all the skills that made him the world’s most expensive footballer, with a record 222 million euros ($264 million) transfer from Barcelona to PSG last August.

“We will be a good deal stronger with Neymar. He’s one of the three best players in the world, but for him to be at his peak he needs a solid team around him,” Tite said.

Last week, the team suffered the loss of influential right-back Dani Alves to a knee injury.

In Tite’s 23-man squad Alves place has been comfortably covered by the presence of two men of similar abilities in Danilo of Manchester City and Fagner, whom Tite knows from his time at the helm of Corinthians’ 2015 national championship-winning team.

Fagner is currently carrying an injury of his own but has been cleared by Lasmar to play in Russia.

Tite praised PSG’s Alves for his “enormous heart, his exemplary courage,” but said the player’s disappointment had to be set aside.

“We can’t cry over those who are absent. We have to concentrate on preparing,” Tite said.

After sweeping aside South American opponents in the World Cup qualifiers, Brazil are seen as one of the strongest sides at the World Cup.

The ‘Selecao’s’ current winning ways return the team to the vibe it enjoyed for decades until a slack period that reached a nadir during Brazil’s hosting of the 2014 World Cup, when the national side crashed out of the semi-finals 7-1 to Germany.

Brazil’s hugely unpopular president, Michel Temer, tweeted his support after the team announcement.

“With all due respect to our Russian hosts and friends, and with humility, please bring the trophy home,” he said.

Their campaign begins against Switzerland on June 17.

Brazil squad

Goalkeepers: Alisson (Roma/ITA), Cassio (Corinthians/BRA), Ederson (Man City/ENG),

Defenders: Danilo (Man City/ENG), Fagner (Corinthians), Marcelo (Real Madrid/ESP), Filipe Luis (Atletico Madrid/ESP), Miranda (Inter Milan/ITA), Marquinhos (PSG/FRA), Thiago Silva (PSG/FRA), Geromel (Gremio)

Midfielders: Casemiro (Real Madrid/ESP), Fernandinho (Man City/ENG), Paulinho (Barcelona/ESP), Renato Augusto (Beijing Guoan/CHN), Fred (Shakhtar Donestk/UKR), Philippe Coutinho (Barcelona/ESP), Willian (Chelsea/ENG)

Forwards: Neymar (PSG/FRA), Gabriel Jesus (Manchester City/ENG), Roberto Firmino (Liverpool/ENG), Douglas Costa (Juventus/ITA), Taison (Shakhtar Donestk/UKR)

 The 31-year-old boxer made his first public appearance after his break-up news with long-time girlfriend Patchareewan Kanha made national headlines last week.

Srisaket, who asked reporters not to ask him questions related to his personal life, has become the headline name in Thai sport following back-to-back wins over Roman Gonzalez of Nicaragua in New York and California.

His coach Chokechai Pisitwuttinun was named winner in the Best Coach category.

Panipak Wongpattanakit ( first from right )

In the amateur categories, Thai-Japanese teenager Kosuke Hamamoto was named the Best Male title due to his achievements in the 2017 SEA Games in Malaysia and the Putra Cup, while taekwondo exponent Panipak Wongpattanakit, gold medallist in the World University Games and World Championships in Moscow, London and Abidjan last year, was named Best Female.

Atthaya Thitikul 

Thailand’s first male junior world singles champion Kulavut Vitidsarn won the Best Male Junior award while 15-year-old golfer Atthaya Thitikul won the female category after last July becoming the youngest winner on the Ladies European golf Tour, taking out the Thailand Ladies European at just 14 years, four months and 19 days.