PM asks for muay Thai to be included in Olympics

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Thomas Bach, left, during a discussion with Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha
Thomas Bach, left, during a discussion with Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha

PM asks for muay Thai to be included in Olympics

sports April 18, 2018 06:23

By The Nation

Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha has asked International Olympic Committee Thomas Bach to consider including muay Thai boxing in the 2024 Olympics, according to Deputy Government spokesman Weerachon Sukhondhapatipak.

Bach, who is in Bangkok for the SportAccord Summit,  paid a visit to the Thai premier on Tuesday afternoon at the Government House.

PM Prayuth and the IOC chief discussed several issues, Weerachon said. One of the topics was a request by the government leader to add muay Thai into the 33rd edition in Paris in 2022.

According to Sports Authority of Thailand governor Sakon Wannapong, Bach explained to the Thai premier that the Thai martial arts must meet several IOC criteria including its global popularity, development, background and its development among the juniors. Moreover, the sport must be approved by IOC member countries in order to be included in the Games.

There have been long attempts  by the Olympic Committee of Thailand to promote muay Thai and sepak takraw at Olympic level but they have never succeeded as the two disciplines are mostly competed in Asia only.

Weerachon also said the IOC president had been impressed by the country’s proposal to host the 2026 Youth Olympics, the first country to put its hand up.

The PM also informed Bach that his government was trying to make the country become a regional sports hub and at the same time promote sports tourism.

ONE Championship Kicks Off ONE: HEROES OF HONOR in Manila with Press Conference

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ONE Championship Kicks Off ONE: HEROES OF HONOR in Manila with Press Conference

sports April 17, 2018 18:44

By Agencies

 ONE Championship is back in Manila for its second of four shows in 2018. In a press conference held at the Grand Ballroom of the City of Dreams in Manila, the promotion kicked off its latest event, ONE: HEROES OF HONOR, which is set for Friday, 20 April, at the Mall of Asia Arena.

In attendance were Chairman and CEO of ONE Championship, Chatri Sityodtong, main event combatants Kevin “The Silencer” Belingon of Baguio City, Philippines and Andrew Leone of Cortland, New York, USA, global kickboxing superstar Giorgio “The Doctor” Petrosyan and opponent ‘Smokin’ Jo Nattawut of Thailand, among others.

Belingon (17-5), who is currently riding a four-bout winning streak, takes on former bantamweight world title challenger Leone (8-3) in a contest with huge title implications. Both Belingon and Leone are seeking a rematch against reigning ONE Bantamweight World Champion Bibiano “The Flash” Fernandes, but will have to go through each other to secure it.

“I know Andrew Leone is a tough opponent, and I need to be at my best to win. It’s going to be one of my biggest matches to date,” said Belingon. “I am very thankful to ONE Championship for allowing me to be a part of this historic event. I can’t leave anything to chance. I have to give another great performance. Beating Leone would be the next step to the title.”

Belingon’s opponent Leone also knows what’s at stake in this matchup, and he isn’t taking the Filipino lightly by any means.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for me. I can’t wait to go up there and show what I can do, to perform to the best of my ability,” said Leone. “Kevin Belingon is a tough guy. He’s a hard puncher and he has power. But I’m not worried about his striking. I’ve faced tough guys before. All I can say is that I’ll be ready.”

ONE: HEROES OF HONOR also marks the world premiere of the highly-anticipated ONE Super Series. Announced earlier this year, ONE Super Series aims to provide the world’s best martial artists a prestigious global platform to showcase the beauty of Asia’s striking arts such as Muay Thai, kickboxing, karate, taekwondo, Kung Fu, wushu, sanda, silat, lethwei, and more.

“It’s an open invitation to the greatest strikers in the world,” said Sityodtong. “Fans will witness the absolute elite in striking martial arts, as they go head-to-head on the biggest and most prestigious global stage of competition.”

With ONE Super Series, ONE Championship is now considered the largest martial arts organization in the world. While competing promotions do offer a similar product, according to Sityodtong, they only offer one flavor of martial arts as opposed to ONE Championship which hosts bouts across all styles of martial arts.

“Aside from the many great bouts this Friday night, what I’m most excited about is the launch of ONE Super Series. ONE Championship is the only global player to encompass all styles of martial arts,” said Sityodtong. “We have the best in all styles going up against each other. That’s definitely something to look forward to.”

Making his appearance in the co-main event of the evening, kickboxing elite Giorgio Petrosyan is elated at his chance to leverage ONE Championship’s massive worldwide audience reach. Broadcast to a potential 1.7 billion on any given night to over 136 countries worldwide, ONE Super Series will harness the full potential of ONE Championship’s global influence in order to highlight the greatest in striking martial arts.

And while the promotion is gearing up for a very busy mid-year, Sityodtong teases that there are plenty more surprises to come, including the highly-anticipated launch of ONE Championship’s new mobile app, slated to arrive in the coming months.

“The new ONE Championship mobile app is a true game changer in the world of martial arts,” said Sityodtong. “Soon, fans will have access to all our blockbuster live events and complete library of Hi-Definition content in the palm of their hands, all for free, and you can watch from anywhere in the world. It’s going to take ONE Championship to the next level.”

Before the end of the press conference, Sityodtong also revealed plans to establish a professional boxing league in addition to ONE Super Series, inviting the greatest boxers from the Philippines and around the world to join the promotion.

Also in attendance at the press conference were main card competitors Honorio “The Rock” Banario of Team Lakay, opponent Adrian “The Hunter” Pang of Australia, as well as various ONE Championship athletes who mixed in with the crowd and participated in the festivities.

United stars face axe as Mourinho fumes

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Manchester United's Portuguese manager Jose Mourinho
Manchester United’s Portuguese manager Jose Mourinho

United stars face axe as Mourinho fumes

sports April 17, 2018 05:23

By AFP

Jose Mourinho has vowed to drop several of Manchester United’s stars as he fumes over their lacklustre loss to West Bromwich Albion.

United crashed to a shock 1-0 home defeat against bottom of the table Albion on Sunday as Jay Rodriguez sealed the visitors’ first Premier League win in three months.

The limp performance gift-wrapped the Premier League title for arch rivals Manchester City and left United boss Mourinho seething.

He accused his players of resting on their laurels after beating City two weeks ago.

Now Mourinho will take action when he selects his team for Wednesday’s Premier League trip to Bournemouth and Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final against Tottenham at Wembley.

“Rotating is not the right word,” Mourinho said. “If I play a player against Bournemouth and the player is phenomenal, he plays the semi-final.

“So is not rotating, because rotating looks like a player that plays against Bournemouth is to give a rest to somebody that is going to play against Spurs in the semi-final.

“So, the word is not rotation, it is an opportunity for people, for some people to play and to try to get a place in the team for Spurs – and some of the guys that played (against West Brom), they don’t have a place in that team.”

Asked to clarify if he meant that some of those who under-performed against West Brom would now not play against Tottenham, Mourinho retorted: “Yeah.

“What is the criteria for a manager to choose a team? I only know one criteria: the way you play is the only way I can select players.

“Or do you want me to go for the price they cost, or their salary, or their beautiful face? The only way is to go with performance.”

Ander Herrera was replaced at half-time on Sunday and Ashley Young was taken off in the 75th minute, while Paul Pogba was withdrawn in the 58th minute.

The France midfielder was a shadow of the imposing, match-winning presence seen in the second half against City.

“It was not just him,” Mourinho said of Pogba’s performance.

“And he had a yellow card, so he was in a more difficult position than others.

“And playing with only two midfield players, you cannot play with one player in risk of not being able to make a foul.

“You can do it if your team is not losing the ball, but our team was losing the ball so easy with the complication, everything was complicated, so we were losing lots of balls.

“So, by losing lots of balls, with turnings and flicks and tricks, the midfield players and central defenders are at risk of one touch, one late challenge and they are out.

Vajda reunion a ‘fresh start’ for Djokovic after Agassi split

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Serbia's Novak Djokovic acknowledges applause as he celebrates defeating compatriot Dusan Lajovic during their round of 64 tennis match at the Monte-Carlo ATP Masters Series Tournament, on April 16, 2018 in Monaco. / AFP PHOTO
Serbia’s Novak Djokovic acknowledges applause as he celebrates defeating compatriot Dusan Lajovic during their round of 64 tennis match at the Monte-Carlo ATP Masters Series Tournament, on April 16, 2018 in Monaco. / AFP PHOTO

Vajda reunion a ‘fresh start’ for Djokovic after Agassi split

sports April 17, 2018 05:18

By AFP

Novak Djokovic said Monday it feels like a “fresh start” to be working again with long-time former coach Marian Vajda at the Monte Carlo Masters.

The 12-time Grand Slam champion split from Andre Agassi and Radek Stepanek earlier this month and has been training with Vajda for the last 10 days in Monaco.

“It’s a fresh start I think for both of us. I missed him. I have a feeling that he missed me or tennis or both,” Djokovic said after a confident 6-0, 6-1 thrashing of Dusan Lajovic in the first round.

“He knows me better than any tennis coach I’ve worked with.

“He’s a friend. He’s someone I can share a lot of things with, whether it’s professional or private life. He’s always there for me.”

Djokovic confirmed he is not yet working with Vajda on a full-time basis, after the two parted ways following last year’s tournament in Monte Carlo.

The 30-year-old also played down reports of a rift between him and Agassi, thanking the American for “helping his career” over an 11-month period.

“This doesn’t affect our personal relationships that we established over the years both with Radek and Andre,” he said.

“But we just decided that it’s better to part ways because, you know, both sides did feel that that’s best for me and for them.”

Monday’s win was his first since the Australian Open in January, after being dumped out in Indian Wells and Miami by Taro Daniel and Benoit Paire respectively.

The Serb said he is now playing pain-free, after struggling with a right elbow injury.

“After two years, finally I can play without pain,” added Djokovic.

“Indian Wells, Miami, especially Indian Wells, was not like that.

“I still obviously wasn’t ready game-wise, physically. So Indian Wells and Miami were really kind of a struggle on the court for me mentally.

“I know that I can play much better than that, but I couldn’t.”

IOC chief forecasts greater Thai Olympic success

ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation

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IOC president Thomas Bach holds a target for a national taekwondo exponent to kick.
IOC president Thomas Bach holds a target for a national taekwondo exponent to kick.

IOC chief forecasts greater Thai Olympic success

sports April 17, 2018 01:00

By Lerpong Amsa-ngiam
The Nation

International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach says he expects Thailand to enjoy greater success at the 2020 Olympics after watching the Kingdom’s athletes training at the Sports Science Centre on Monday.

The IOC chief is in town to attend the ongoing SportAccord Summit due from 15-20 in the capital. He stopped by to observe the practice and chat with competitors from many sports, including athletics, badminton, volleyball, weightlifting, taekwondo, karate, women’s boxing and futsal.) at the Sports Authority of Thailand.

“I’m happy to meet and talk with the Thai athletes as they are training for upcoming events like the Asian Games, Youth Olympics and the Olympics in 2020,” said the German, who also gave Thai athletes IOC pins as souvenirs.

“As Thailand has been on the rise in their sports performance, we will see Thai athletes become more successful in the next Olympics,” added Bach, the former Olympic fencer who also played badminton, volleyball and futsal with the athletes.

Thailand won two weightlifting gold medals, two silvers from weightlifting and taekwando, plus two bronzes from those two sports at Rio 2016.

Bach also announced afterwards that Thailand had become the first country to apply to host the Youth Olympic Games in 2026.

“This proves that Thailand is committed to the Olympic movement,” the IOC president said.

“Thailand still have plenty of time to plan for the bid and observe when we choose the 2022 host at a meeting in Buenos Aires in October.”

Asked about the possibility of favourite Thai sports sepak takraw and Thai boxing one day being included in the Olympics, Bach said it was not easy as Olympic sports needed to be universally popular and many disciplines had already been included in the competition.

Bach did, however, praise Thai badminton chief Kunying Patama Leesawadtrakul for the role she had played in raising badminton in Thailand to a world-class level and for becoming the country’s  first female member of the IOC.

Champs Man City among Premier League’s greatest teams

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Manchester City players pose for a family photograph.
Manchester City players pose for a family photograph.

Champs Man City among Premier League’s greatest teams

sports April 16, 2018 07:56

By AFP

Manchester City’s swaggering march to the title has seen Pep Guardiola’s side hailed as one of the finest teams in the Premier League era.

Fuelled by the majestic form of Kevin De Bruyne, David Silva, Sergio Aguero and company, City have sent records tumbling, including notching an incredible 18 successive top-flight wins.

They could yet beat three significant Premier League landmarks set by Chelsea — the highest points tally of 95 in 2004-2005, the most wins in a season at 30 in 2016-2017 and the most goals scored at 103 in 2009-2010.

Manchester United’s shock 1-0 defeat to West Brom on Sunday saw City match another record by winning the league with five games to spare.

But where do they rank among the Premier League’s most celebrated sides?

“It doesn’t take a genius to tell us Manchester City are playing scintillating football right now. Some of the best we have ever seen in this country? I would say so,” former England captain Alan Shearer said.

But Ryan Giggs, who won 13 titles with Manchester United, believes City need to maintain their dominance for several seasons to join the all-time greats.

“I think to compare them to ourselves, Arsenal and Chelsea, you have to win multiple titles. You have to be consistent, not just one wonder season,” Giggs said.

 

Arsenal (2003-04)

The pinnacle of Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal reign remains the “Invincibles” — only the second team to go through an English top-flight season without losing a single game after Preston’s unbeaten feat in 1889.

Finishing 11 points clear of Chelsea, the Gunners won 26 times and scored 73 goals, but mere numbers do not do justice to their majesty.

Arsenal’s strength lay in their incredible collection of attacking talent, with Thierry Henry the perfect spearhead alongside the sublime Dennis Bergkamp and Robert Pires.

Gilberto Silva and Patrick Vieira’s combative presence in midfield shielded a rearguard that, aside from the towering Sol Campbell, had three players in Ashley Cole, Lauren and Kolo Toure who were converted by Wenger into defenders as he put a premium on technical skill.

 

Manchester United (1998-99)

“Football, bloody hell!” Alex Ferguson said with a bemused smile after United capped the most successful season in the club’s illustrious history.

United had just achieved what many deemed impossible, winning the Premier League, FA Cup and European Cup treble.

An unbelievable comeback in the Champions League final, where goals from Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the final seconds secured a 2-1 win over Bayern Munich, was the crowning glory for Ferguson as he finally got his hands on Europe’s elite club prize.

It was a tribute to Ferguson’s team-building genius that, just two seasons after the departure of the talismanic Eric Cantona, United were once again at the summit — this time thanks to legendary “Class of ’92” graduates Giggs, David Beckham, Paul Scholes and the Neville brothers.

In the space of 10 incredible days, they pipped Arsenal to the title by a single point, dispatched Newcastle in the FA Cup final and headed to the Camp Nou, where immortality awaited.

 

Chelsea (2004-05)

Having loudly trumpeted his arrival at Chelsea, Jose Mourinho lived up the “special one” hype in his first season in England.

Mourinho used a powerful blueprint to break Arsenal and Manchester United’s duopoly, focusing on building a defence that, anchored by John Terry and Ricardo Carvalho, would concede only 15 goals — less than half the number let in by second-placed Arsenal.

Arjen Robben and Damien Duff’s pace on the wings allowed Chelsea to become a counter-attacking force, with midfielders Frank Lampard and Claude Makelele also producing standout campaigns.

Beaten just once while winning 29 of their 38 games, Chelsea finished 12 points clear to claim their first top-flight title in 50 years, and only the second in the club’s history.

 

Manchester United (2007-08)

In the midst of winning four titles in five years, this was an increasingly sophisticated United side, reflecting Ferguson’s desire to thrive in Europe as well on domestic soil.

The defending champions were marshalled by Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, with Paul Scholes, Owen Hargreaves and Michael Carrick able to intelligently retain possession in midfield.

Cristiano Ronaldo, Carlos Tevez and Wayne Rooney formed a lethal attacking trio, with Ronaldo virtually unstoppable as he scored 31 league goals en route to winning the Ballon d’Or.

Winning the title by two points from Chelsea, in the Champions League United saw off Barcelona in the semi-finals and, in the final, beat Chelsea on penalties in the Moscow rain.

 

Manchester United (1993-94)

No side in Ferguson’s 27-year reign better represented the Scot’s fiercely competitive spirit than this buccaneering group, who mixed a commitment to attack with a mean streak that made them impossible to rattle if the game turned ugly.

Peter Schmeichel was the league’s best goalkeeper, Steve Bruce and Gary Pallister provided a rock-solid foundation in defence, while Roy Keane arrived from Nottingham Forest for a British record fee to form a formidable midfield partnership with Paul Ince.

Lee Sharpe, Andrei Kanchelskis and Giggs cut a dash on the wings, while Cantona provided the inspiration alongside Mark Hughes up front.

United were top of the table after 40 of their 42 matches and eventually finished eight points clear of second-placed Blackburn before thrashing Chelsea 4-0 in the FA Cup final.

Mourinho slams United as they hand title to City

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Manchester United's Portuguese manager Jose Mourinho a[pplauds during the English Premier League football match between Manchester City and Manchester United at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, north west England, on April 7, 2018.
Manchester United’s Portuguese manager Jose Mourinho a[pplauds during the English Premier League football match between Manchester City and Manchester United at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, north west England, on April 7, 2018.

Mourinho slams United as they hand title to City

sports April 16, 2018 07:10

By AFP

Jose Mourinho applauded Manchester City’s Premier League title success, but lambasted Manchester United after West Bromwich Albion’s shock 1-0 win on Sunday.

In order to prevent City from being crowned champions for a few more days, United had to avoid defeat against bottom club Albion at Old Trafford.

But Jay Rodriguez’s 73rd minute header gave West Brom a stunning victory after they arrived at Old Trafford having lost nine of their previous 10 games.

It is ironic that United came back from 2-0 down against City themselves last weekend to win 3-2 and delay City’s party, only to surrender so tamely on home soil.

Mourinho claimed afterwards that he had not been happy after the City result because he knew they would win the league regardless and he accused some of his players of getting carried away.

“I don’t know if I was the first or second or third but I congratulate them face to face when I had the chance,” Mourinho said.

“I knew that sooner or later they would be (champions) and if I was in their position I would be very upset if someone said they won the title because Manchester United lost against West Brom.

“They won because they were the best team, they lost only a few points. Probably because I won eight championships, I was not in the moon with the victory against them.

“That doesn’t make me feel super happy and in my opinion affected for sure some of the people that was too happy.”

United’s afternoon was symptomatic of their entire season.

Their squad is crammed full of wonderfully potent performers such as Juan Mata, Paul Pogba, Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez, yet the Premier League table, which shows them 16 points behind City, does not lie.

United have scored a full 30 goals fewer than City this season and Mourinho has not managed to get his side to click, despite being able to bring on further talent such as Marcus Rashford, Jesse Lingard and Anthony Martial.

Mourinho pulled no punches about his squad’s lack of consistency, but the former Chelsea boss made it clear he believes he can return United to the summit of English football.

 

– Trust the process –

 

“I trust in my work, that is for sure – I have no reason not to trust,” he said.

“Eight titles are eight titles and three Premier Leagues are three Premier Leagues. I know how to win and I believe in myself. I think with my experience you don’t win titles with inconsistency.

“You win titles with consistency at every level, not just the performance level but the mental level and the day by day.

“Everything must be consistent until the last day. One of the things we have to improve is our consistency.”

The first half was a terrible advert for the English top-flight.

Jake Livermore had one decent effort saved by David De Gea and Lukaku smashed an effort right into Ben Foster’s face but that was about it.

The second half was not much better but Foster did wonderfully well after 66 minutes to tip a Lukaku effort around the post before the visitors resistance was then unexpectedly rewarded with 17 minutes remaining.

Nemanja Matic panicked at the delivery of a Chris Brunt corner and he knocked the ball back inside to Rodriguez, who could not miss from three yards out.

After sacking Alan Pardew at the start of the month, Darren Moore has been handed the West Brom until the end of the season.

Although the West Brom board are believed to want somebody with more experience, Moore certainly did his chances of becoming the next full-time boss no harm, even if avoiding relegation looks a lost cause.

“West Brom is a club I care about a lot,” he said. “I want to bring a family atmosphere to the club. Everybody is equal at the football club and we’re all in it together.”

Man City eye record books after clinching title

ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation

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A workman begins to change the awning on the outside of the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, north west England, on April 15, 2018, to mark Manchester City's Premier League title win. Manchester City were crowned Premier League champions on Sunday .
A workman begins to change the awning on the outside of the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, north west England, on April 15, 2018, to mark Manchester City’s Premier League title win. Manchester City were crowned Premier League champions on Sunday .

Man City eye record books after clinching title

sports April 16, 2018 07:05

By AFP

Champions Manchester City have set their sights on rewriting the record books after clinching the Premier League title.

Pep Guardiola’s side were crowned kings of English football on Sunday as their arch rivals Manchester United slumped to a shock 1-0 defeat against struggling West Bromwich Albion.

City are 16 points clear of second placed United, who can only take a maximum of 15 points from their remaining matches.

Given the way they have demolished all challengers in the league, it was apparent months ago that it was only a matter of when rather than if City would take the title.

But sealing the silverware thanks to a slip from old enemies United and their boss Jose Mourinho — a long-time rival of Guardiola — was a sweet moment, especially after they lost to their neighbours in the Manchester derby last weekend.

Winning the title with five matches to go makes City the joint earliest champions in the Premier League era — matching the achievement of the 2000-01 Manchester United team.

That is just one of a welter of statistical feats that have led some to rank City among the Premier League’s greatest ever teams.

Whether they deserve to be mentioned in the same breath as Manchester United’s 1999 treble winners or the 2004 Arsenal ‘Invincibles’ is up for debate.

But City, who will stage a title party when they host Swansea on Sunday, have a chance to underline their credentials over their last five matches.

Fuelled by the majestic form of Kevin De Bruyne, David Silva, Sergio Aguero and Raheem Sterling, City set a new Premier League record earlier this season by winning 18 successive matches.

The Premier League’s record points tally of 95, set by Chelsea in 2004-05, is within City’s reach if they can take nine from their last fixtures.

With 28 league victories so far, City need three more wins to top Chelsea’s record of 30 Premier League wins in a season.

United hold the current record Premier League winning margin of 18 points and that could also fall to City.

City have won 14 games on the road this season and have two to go away from home — winning both of those would beat Chelsea’s record of 15.

Guardiola’s players will focus on those targets once they have recovered from a boisterous evening of celebrations in Manchester.

 

– Get the party started –

 

After starting the title party with his Mancunian wife and his United-supporting father-in-law, City captain Vincent Kompany joined team-mates to raise a glass to their success.

“It is the same feeling as the first time, you can’t describe it,” Kompany said.

“The first time you think you are going to win all of them and the first time you lose it you think you are never going to win it again.

“It shows how football is in Manchester. There have been a lot more good days for the Red side but today it is for the Blue.

“The first one was special but this one is perhaps the one I’m most proud of. It’s a privilege to be a part of this team.”

Unlike Belgian defender Kompany, Guardiola spent Sunday afternoon playing golf with his son instead of watching the United match.

In his second season in charge, Guardiola, aided by the vast financial backing of City’s Abu Dhabi-based owners, has created a sublime team that helped him become the first Spanish coach to win the English top-flight title.

It was a far cry from his trophy-less first season with City and Kompany said Guardiola’s tenacious attitude led them to the summit.

“It is one of the first things I noticed within the first month,” he said.

“There was a period of adaptation for him coming into the league and for us taking in his methods.

“He has been able to transfer to the team that hunger and desire to never be satisfied.”

Former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss Guardiola was all smiles when he was pictured arriving home after his golf outing.

City’s title is the 24th trophy of his glittering career.

Speaking after Saturday’s 3-1 win over Tottenham, the 47-year-old gave all the credit to his players.

“I am so glad to be here and be part of this club. These guys are fantastic, awesome, they are incredible,” he said.

“This club is absolutely amazing in all terms.”

Japan’s Kodaira beats Kim in playoff for PGA Heritage title

ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation

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Satoshi Kodaira of Japan plays his tee shot on the 17th hole during the final round the 2018 RBC Heritage at Harbour Town Golf Links on April 15, 2018 in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images/AFP
Satoshi Kodaira of Japan plays his tee shot on the 17th hole during the final round the 2018 RBC Heritage at Harbour Town Golf Links on April 15, 2018 in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images/AFP

Japan’s Kodaira beats Kim in playoff for PGA Heritage title

sports April 16, 2018 06:47

By AFP

Japan’s Satoshi Kodaira sank a 24-foot birdie putt on the third playoff hole to defeat South Korea’s Kim Si-woo and win the Heritage tournament on Sunday for his first US PGA Tour victory.

The 28-year-old from Tokyo had won six times on the Japan Tour, most recently at last November’s Taiheiyo Masters, but captured the biggest title of his career with a birdie at the par-3 17th at Harbor Town in Hilton Head, South Carolina.

World number 46 Kodaira was coming off his best major showing, and what had been his top US result, with a share of 28th at last week’s Masters.

Kodaira settled for the plaid jacket given to Heritage winners instead of the green one handed out at Augusta.

“I will probably not wear it regularly, but this is special,” Kodaira said through a translator.

Kodaira also was excited to accept a berth on the US PGA Tour and several guaranteed tournament entries that will come with the triumph as a tour member.

“This is a stage I’ve been dreaming about and having this opportunity to play full time is a dream come true,” Kodaira said.

Kim and Kodaira both finished 72 holes at 12-under-par 272, one stroke ahead of Americans Luke List and Bryson DeChambeau with Billy Horschel and Webb Simpson on 274.

Kodaira and 51st-ranked Kim began the playoff by replaying the 18th hole. Both parred twice more as they had in the final round. Kodaira went up and down from beyond the green and sank a testy five-footer for par on the second playoff hole to extend the playoff.

“I wasn’t that nervous on the last putt compared to the first two putts on 18,” Kodaira said.

Both had made bogeys at 17 in the final round but Kodaira sank his tricky putt and Kim missed to end the showdown.

Kim, 22, was denied his third US PGA title after wins in 2016 at Greensboro and last May at the Players Championship.

Kodaira, who shot 63 Friday, fired a final-round five-under-par 66 to charge into the hunt. He opened with three birdies, began the back nine with another then sank birdie putts of 28 feet at the par-3 14th and 10 feet at the par-5 15th but missed the 17th green and made bogey.

He still needed the leaders in the final group to back up and that’s what they did, Kim firing a par 71 while List shot 72 and 54-hole leader Ian Poulter of Britain closed on 75 — threesomes being used in a bid to finish before predicted storms arrived.

Kim blasted out of greenside bunkers to within five feet to birdie the par-5 second and fifth holes, then holed out from 22 feet at the ninth to make the turn on 15 under.

But Kim stumbled with bogeys at the par-4 12th, missing an 11-foot par putt, and par-5 15th, where he never found the fairway and missed a 4-footer for par, leaving him only one stroke ahead of Kodaira.

Kim missed a 5-foot par putt at the par-3 17th for a bogey that dropped him level with Kodaira. At 18, Kim lipped out a six-foot birdie putt for force the playoff.

“I tried my best and the putts didn’t drop,” Kim said.

 

– Poulter fades –

 

Poulter saw his title hopes collapse with five bogeys on the back nine, fading at the end of his sixth consecutive week of playing to a final-round 75.

The 42-year-old Englishman, who won the Houston Open two weeks ago to earn a Masters berth, shared seventh with Americans Bill Haas, Kevin Streelman, Patrick Cantlay, Chesson Hadley and Kevin Kisner and South Korea’s An Byeong-hun on 275.

Henderson holds nerve to claim Hawaii win, Ariya finishes at 3rd

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Brooke Henderson of Canada laughs as flower petals fall, at a victory ceremony, after her four shot win in the LPGA LOTTE Championship at the Ko Olina Golf Club on April 14, 2018 in Kapolei, Hawaii. Harry How/Getty Images/AFP
Brooke Henderson of Canada laughs as flower petals fall, at a victory ceremony, after her four shot win in the LPGA LOTTE Championship at the Ko Olina Golf Club on April 14, 2018 in Kapolei, Hawaii. Harry How/Getty Images/AFP

Henderson holds nerve to claim Hawaii win, Ariya finishes at 3rd

sports April 15, 2018 12:58

By AFP

Canada’s Brooke Henderson held her nerve to clinch the LPGA Tour Lotte Championship in Hawaii on Saturday, firing a three-under-par 69 to seal a four-shot victory.

Henderson had stumbled badly in Friday’s third round, dropping three shots in the closing three holes to leave the chasing pack just one shot behind on the par-72 layout at Ko Olina Golf Club, Oahu.

Former world No 1 Ariya Jutanugarn, China’s Feng Shanshan, and South Korea’s Park In-bee were tied for third on seven under. Ariya with three birdies at the front nine signed off with a 69 and a total seven under-par-781, five shots behind the winner.

Ariya Jutanugarn / AFP 

The 20-year-old Henderson from Ontario shrugged off her third-round jitters to remain ahead of the field on Saturday, stretching her lead with two birdies on the front nine to make the turn at two under, 10 under for the tournament.

There was a brief wobble with a bogey on the par-three 12th but Henderson hit back with a birdie on the 14th followed by a birdie on the par-three 16th — where she made a double-bogey 24 hours earlier — to close out her win with a 12-under-par aggregate 276.

It was the sixth LPGA Tour win of the Canadian youngster’s career, which includes a victory as a teenager at the Women’s PGA Championship in 2016.

Henderson finished four shots ahead of Spain’s Azahara Munoz, who had thrust herself into contention with a five-under-par final round 67, playing flawlessly to move up the leaderboard having started the day six strokes off the pace.

The 30-year-old from Malaga began slowly with four straight pars, but grabbed her first birdie of the day on the par-five fifth hole. A further birdie at the ninth took her to five under at the turn.

However the charge began on the back nine, with consecutive birdies at the 11th and 12th before a further birdie on the 14th.

But the Spaniard was unable to add to her birdie spree in the closing holes, leaving her in the clubhouse waiting to see if Henderson would falter.

American Mo Martin, who had started the final round one off the pace, saw her challenge evaporate with a nightmare six-over-par 78.

The 35-year-old 2014 British Open winner from Pasadena, California, carded four bogeys and a double-bogey as her quest for a first career LPGA win in the United States continued.

Brooke Henderson of Canada laughs as flower petals fall, at a victory ceremony, after her four shot win in the LPGA LOTTE Championship at the Ko Olina Golf Club on April 14, 2018 in Kapolei, Hawaii. Harry How/Getty Images/AFP
Brooke Henderson of Canada laughs as flower petals fall, at a victory ceremony, after her four shot win in the LPGA LOTTE Championship at the Ko Olina Golf Club on April 14, 2018 in Kapolei, Hawaii. Harry How/Getty Images/AFP

Henderson holds nerve to claim Hawaii win, Ariya finishes at 3rd

sports April 15, 2018 12:58

By AFP

Canada’s Brooke Henderson held her nerve to clinch the LPGA Tour Lotte Championship in Hawaii on Saturday, firing a three-under-par 69 to seal a four-shot victory.

Henderson had stumbled badly in Friday’s third round, dropping three shots in the closing three holes to leave the chasing pack just one shot behind on the par-72 layout at Ko Olina Golf Club, Oahu.

Former world No 1 Ariya Jutanugarn, China’s Feng Shanshan, and South Korea’s Park In-bee were tied for third on seven under. Ariya with three birdies at the front nine signed off with a 69 and a total seven under-par-781, five shots behind the winner.

Ariya Jutanugarn / AFP 

The 20-year-old Henderson from Ontario shrugged off her third-round jitters to remain ahead of the field on Saturday, stretching her lead with two birdies on the front nine to make the turn at two under, 10 under for the tournament.

There was a brief wobble with a bogey on the par-three 12th but Henderson hit back with a birdie on the 14th followed by a birdie on the par-three 16th — where she made a double-bogey 24 hours earlier — to close out her win with a 12-under-par aggregate 276.

It was the sixth LPGA Tour win of the Canadian youngster’s career, which includes a victory as a teenager at the Women’s PGA Championship in 2016.

Henderson finished four shots ahead of Spain’s Azahara Munoz, who had thrust herself into contention with a five-under-par final round 67, playing flawlessly to move up the leaderboard having started the day six strokes off the pace.

The 30-year-old from Malaga began slowly with four straight pars, but grabbed her first birdie of the day on the par-five fifth hole. A further birdie at the ninth took her to five under at the turn.

However the charge began on the back nine, with consecutive birdies at the 11th and 12th before a further birdie on the 14th.

But the Spaniard was unable to add to her birdie spree in the closing holes, leaving her in the clubhouse waiting to see if Henderson would falter.

American Mo Martin, who had started the final round one off the pace, saw her challenge evaporate with a nightmare six-over-par 78.

The 35-year-old 2014 British Open winner from Pasadena, California, carded four bogeys and a double-bogey as her quest for a first career LPGA win in the United States continued.