Global ultramarathon series to tackle ‘roof of Thailand’ in Oct
Apr 02. 2021
By The Nation
The spectacular sport of ultramarathon mountain running comes to the Land of Smiles this year with elite athletes from around the globe invited to tackle the “roof of Thailand”.
The Thailand by UTMB 2021 will see runners compete in races to the peak of Inthanon mountain in Chiang Mai province from October 28-31. The races will culminate in a gruelling 170-kilometre slog to the summit of Thailand’s tallest peak.
The event, unveiled on Thursday at a Bangkok press conference, is one of 28 races on the 2021 Ultra Trail World Tour Circuit.
The races up Doi Inthanon will immerse runners in local culture, allowing them to experience the peaceful life of the local Hmong, Pga-Gan-Yaw and Karen hilltribes amid cool temperatures and awe-inspiring views of terraced rice paddies, said the press release.
At the press conference, Tourism and Sports Minister Piphat Ratchakitprakarn hailed the success of last year’s Thailand by UTMB and said this year’s event would help boost the local economy and lure back foreign tourists when Covid travel restrictions are eased from July.
Thailand by UTMB offers five races: Inthanon 6 (168km), Inthanon 5 (107km), Inthanon 3 (54km), Inthanon 1 (23 km) and Inthanon 10K (12km). Runners will be racing for iTRA points and Running Stones, giving them chances to earn their place on the start line at the UTMB Mont-Blanc in France, the pinnacle event of the trail running year.
More information at Thai Trail Running Association.
‘The Apprentice: ONE Championship Edition’ enjoys huge premiere
Apr 01. 2021
The Apprentice: ONE Championship Edition” premiered in Asia on Thursday garnered an estimated 4 million viewers.
The lead broadcast aired on AXN and was followed by regional free-to-air TV channels and digital platforms across several key Asian markets, including Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, and Japan.1
Filmed in Singapore during the COVID-19 pandemic, “The Apprentice: ONE Championship Edition” is a production marvel.
The show’s premiere episode smashed viewership records, beating other top-rated reality competition premieres including “America’s Got Talent” Season 20, “MasterChef Singapore” Season 2, “The Voice” Season 20, and “The Masked Singer” Season 5 to emerge as the most-watched 2021 season premiere of all English-language reality series on TV in Asia by broadcast reach.
Chatri Sityodtong, Chairman and CEO of ONE Championship, stated: “When we came up with the concept for ‘The Apprentice: ONE Championship Edition,’ we knew immediately we had something special on our hands. I am extremely grateful for the support of all our passionate fans across Asia who tuned in, our production partner Refinery Media, our brand sponsors, and broadcast partners, as well as the entire team at ONE Championship for the hard work they put in. ‘The Apprentice: ONE Championship Edition’ is not your grandfather’s ‘Apprentice,’ and I look forward to sharing this journey over the next 12 weeks.”
Broadcast Viewership Highlights:
Philippines
Episode 1 broadcast reach exceeded the timeslot average on AXN in the Philippines by 60%, beating the Season 32 premiere of long-running American reality TV series “The Amazing Race.” (Timeslot average based on FY2020, Thu 8:50 p.m. slot. Source: Nielsen)
Episode 1 rating on TV5 outperformed the timeslot average by 57%.
(Timeslot average based on FY2020, Sat 11 p.m. slot. Source: Nielsen)
Thailand
The premiere episode on Amarin TV smashed records and emerged as the #1 talent contest program by reach and rating.
(Among all talent contest programs aired on Amarin TV from Aug 2020-Feb 2021. Source: Nielsen)
Singapore
The premiere episode on AXN in Singapore lifted the timeslot average TVR by 38%, with the average time spent spanning 34 minutes.
(Timeslot average based on FY2020 Thu 8:50 p.m. slot. Source: Gfk)
Malaysia
· “The Apprentice” premiered on AXN as the #1-rated show for the day.
(All day on AXN Malaysia on 18 March 2021. Source: Nielsen)
About the Apprentice: ONE Championship Edition:
“The Apprentice: ONE Championship Edition” invites 16 candidates handpicked from around the world to compete in a high-stakes competition involving business and physical challenges. The winner will receive a US$250,000 job offer to work directly under ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong for a year as his protege in Singapore.
CEOs in special guest appearances on “The Apprentice: ONE Championship Edition” include Zoom CEO Eric Yuan, Grab CEO Anthony Tan, Zilingo CEO Ankiti Bose, Catcha Group Co-Founder and Group CEO Patrick Grove, and Everise CEO Sudhir Agarwal, among others.
Athletes in special guest appearances include martial arts legends Georges St-Pierre and Renzo Gracie, former ONE Welterweight World Champion Ben Askren, ONE Heavyweight World Champion Brandon Vera, ONE Women’s Atomweight World Champion Angela Lee, ONE Flyweight World Grand Prix Champion Demetrious Johnson, Indian Wrestling Champion Ritu Phogat, Karate World Champion Sage Northcutt, and ONE Women’s Strawweight World Champion Xiong Jing Nan.
“The Apprentice” is one of the biggest non-scripted reality television programs in history, judging the business skills of candidates who are competing for a job offer under a high-profile CEO. The first season of “The Apprentice: ONE Championship Edition” consists of 13 episodes.
World’s top players heading to Singapore for HSBC Women’s World Championship
Apr 01. 2021Ariya Jutanugarn
In a further boost to sports fans across the region, the HSBC Women’s World Championship is once again set to provide a showcase of international talent when the tournament returns to Singapore next month.
From 29 April to 2 May, Sentosa Golf Club will host six of the world’s top-ten players, together with the current world number one, multiple major winners and three former champions.
New players to commit to ‘Asia’s Major’ include Nasa Hataoka and Hinako Shibuno of Japan, ranked 8th and 15th in the world rankings respectively; South Korea’s Hyo-joo Kim and So-yeon Ryu ranked 9th and 16th; and former World No.1s, Ariya Jutanugarn of Thailand and Lydia Ko of New Zealand.*
Further international star-power will come in the form of Jutanugarn’s elder sister Moriya, Carlota Ciganda and Azahara Munoz of Spain, Lizette Salas and 2012 winner Angela Stanford of the U.S., Melissa Reid and Georgia Hall of England, and Shanshan Feng of China.
The announcement follows last month’s news that defending champion Sung-hyun Park and World No.1 Jin-young Ko will be competing at this year’s tournament alongside Inbee Park, Danielle Kang, and Minjee Lee.
Speaking about her return to Singapore, Ariya Jutanugarn, a double major winner and runner up in Singapore in 2017, said:
“HSBC Women’s World Championship is an important tournament for me. I first played as an amateur in 2013 on a sponsor invite which was an amazing experience and have been back for the last four years. This year it starts our Asian swing which I always really look forward to with the courses and conditions. It’s a fantastic tournament at a great golf club so thank you to everyone that has made it happen this year. I’ll do my best to give my fans something to cheer about.”
Seven-time LPGA Tour winner and former champion in Singapore, Angela Stanford added:
“The HSBC Women’s World Championship will be the first overseas tournament of the year and it’s no surprise the Tour has chosen Singapore to start. It’s a wonderful tournament and one that I have so many amazing memories of winning, back in 2012. I know a huge amount of work has gone into this year’s event so on behalf of all the players competing, I’d like to say a big ‘thank you’ to everyone that has made it possible but particularly HSBC, Singapore Tourism Board and IMG. We’re all looking forward to getting back out there next month!
Recognised as one of the premier golf events in Asia, the HSBC Women’s World Championship marks a welcome return for professional women’s golf to Singapore after a one-year gap due to the Covid-19 pandemic. With safety restrictions set to remain in place until after the tournament, HSBC Women’s World Championship 2021 will be a limited attendance event.
Working alongside title sponsor HSBC and tournament organiser IMG, the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has played a crucial role in the planning for this year’s tournament. Mr Keith Tan, STB’s Chief Executive, said:
“Singapore is pleased to welcome the world’s top female golfers to compete in the 2021 edition of the HSBC Women’s World Championship. We are glad to see the return of many of these top players to Singapore to take part in our very first international professional golf tournament since COVID-19. Having worked closely with tournament organiser IMG and the LPGA Tour to develop the necessary safe management measures, as well as ensuring the quality of the event remains top notch, we look forward to an exciting tournament next month, and to hosting more major sporting events that are both safe and engaging.”
Partners of the HSBC Women’s World Championship that have committed to the 2021 edition are: Rolex, Fairmont Singapore & Swissôtel The Stamford, Lexus, Singapore Airlines, Under Armour, ECCO, Epson, PengWine, Titleist, Sony, Cobra Golf, Young Master Brewery, Ice Mountain, 100PLUS and Aon.
The 2019 HSBC Women’s World Championship was won by Sung-hyun Park who joined a list of champions that includes Michelle Wie, Inbee Park, Paula Creamer, Karrie Webb, Ai Miyazato and Lorena Ochoa.
Rising star of Thai golf streaks into Honda LPGA Thailand
Apr 01. 2021Chanettee Wannasaen
By THE NATION
Wonderkid Chanettee Wannasaen broke through to earn a ticket to the Honda LPGA Thailand with a five-shot victory over Chonlada Chayanun in the National Qualifiers at the Siam Country Club Pattaya Old Course on Wednesday.
Playing in only her fourth tournament as a professional, the 16-year-old shot a final round 68 to finish 10-under-par 134, one year after losing the play-off at this course to Rena Tatematsu.
“I’m thrilled to finally make it after that play-off defeat last year,” said the in-form teenager from Chiang Mai, who finished tied second in the Phoenix Ladies Classic in Pattaya on Sunday.
“I hit six under in the first round [on Tuesday] and had a lucky chip-in eagle that gave me a big lead. The course sets up pretty tough with fast green speeds and difficult pin positions,” added Chanettee who will play the biggest event in her young career when the Thailand LPGA tees off here from May 6-9.
Back in December, Chanettee decided to turn pro at the Thailand Ladies Masters where she posted a top five finish. Her second tournament was the Thailand Mixed against the men, where she finished fourth.
The red-hot teen is now stepping up a level to face the stars of Thai golf in the LPGA event, including former world No 1 Ariya Jutanugarn and sister Moriya as well as Jasmine Suwannapura and Pornanong Phatlum.
“It will be an unfamiliar atmosphere for me as I normally play with local players. I will have to calm my nerves to compete against world class players,” the teenager said.
The top 60 players on the 2020 prize-money ranking will take part in the LPGA Thailand, which returns to Pattaya after being cancelled 12 months ago due to Covid-19 concerns. Amy Yang from South Korea won the 2019 edition and tops the charts with three wins here after victories in 2015 and 2017.
Results of the Honda LPGA Thailand National Qualifiers 2021, March 30-31:
2021 Top of the Gulf Regatta to take place in November
Apr 01. 2021
Organisers of Thailand’s Top of the Gulf Regatta presented by Ocean Marina have confirmed that the regatta will take place in November this year.
With Ocean Marina Yacht Club currently undergoing a comprehensive reimagining, the new and expanded Ocean Marina Yacht Club will be open and ready to host regatta participants in November and the dates will be announced in the official Notice of Race in due course.
Celebrating the ‘new’ yacht club and the hospitality of South East Asia’s largest marina, organisers of the regatta are looking forward to welcoming sailors to compete in a variety of classes from Optimists and dinghies, to catamarans and keelboats, including the S\V14 Para Sailing Championship.
Speaking of the 2021 plans, William Gasson, Co-Chairman of the Top of the Gulf Regatta Organising Committee said, “We will celebrate the re-opening of Ocean Marina Yacht Club and support Thailand’s tourism recovery by hosting the Top of the Gulf Regatta in November this year. We are working closely with local authorities and stakeholders to ensure all measures align with government advice and that the regatta will be safe and fun for everyone.”
“With preparations already underway for 2021, we have also set the dates for 2022 when the regatta will return to its regular date slot. The 2022 regatta will take place 30 April to 4 May, 2022.”
Famed for its diversity of classes, excellent marina facilities and onshore apres regatta scene, the 17th Top of the Gulf Regatta presented by Ocean Marina will take place in November 2021 at Ocean Marina Yacht Club.
Experts fear the Olympics could trigger a global super spreader event
Apr 01. 2021Pedestrians walk past a Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games official shop in Tokyo on Feb. 4, 2021. MUST CREDIT: Bloomberg photo by Toru Hanai.
By Syndication Washington Post, Bloomberg · Lisa Du, Michelle Fay Cortez
The Tokyo Summer Olympics has survived being postponed, a mountain of scandal and bad publicity. Now comes the real challenge: pulling off the world’s biggest sporting event safely in the middle of a pandemic.
When the games kick off on July 23, Covid-19 will still be a global reality. Even with the decision to exclude foreign spectators, more than 60,000 athletes, coaches, national team staff, media and other essential workers will converge on Tokyo from more than 200 countries – each with different rates of transmission, vaccination and viral variants.
“Based on the number of people arriving and the prevalence of the disease around the globe, the Olympics absolutely could become a super-spreading event that leads to quite a number of infections, as well as spreading internationally as people return home,” said Spencer Fox, a research associate at the University of Texas at Austin who specializes in infectious disease modeling. “The precautions they have in place are great, but you can never completely reduce the probability of infections.”
Organizers are relying on a series of six “playbooks” of rules that detail how participants of the Olympics and Paralympics can compete, move around and socialize, in order to manage the risks of what will be the world’s biggest Covid bubble. While those involved in the games will be somewhat isolated from the Japanese public, Tokyo has ruled out using two core tenets of containment: quarantines and vaccinations. Without those, experts say infections could spread.
If it does, not only could the Olympics become the site of a sizable outbreak that spreads into Japan, it could become a cauldron of novel variants gathered from around the world. The risk is that athletes could bring them home, potentially fueling the pandemic.
While Japan has seen much lower transmission rates compared with other rich nations, its vaccination campaign is only just starting, months behind places like the U.K., U.S. and even other parts of Asia. There are still many unknowns, including exactly how many people will be coming into Japan, and organizers haven’t decided yet on how many domestic spectators will be allowed into venues.
Depending on how infection rates develop, there’s still a possibility that more stringent measures will be adopted, with the final version of the playbooks due in June.
“The situation surrounding the coronavirus is constantly changing, and it’s our hope that the efforts of the government, the city of Tokyo and other stakeholders will help to mitigate spread of infections,” Tokyo 2020 said in an emailed statement.
Sporting events have gone on around the world this past year – with both success stories and cautionary tales.
The Olympic organizers are set to emulate the few sporting events that took place under bubbles. The National Basketball Association saw no infections during its three-month run in the summer and fall of 2020. But the NBA bubble saw just a few hundred athletes cordoned off together at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. Including staff and coaches, there were fewer than 1,000 people involved.
As the pandemic grew in the U.S., the mixed martial arts organization UFC decamped to Abu Dhabi, where they held a series of events over a number of months. Along with 4,000 local staff, nearly 2,000 participants from 44 countries entered the bubble, including Conor McGregor, one of the world’s highest-paid athletes.
A quarantine period and a double-negative PCR test were required before entering the bubble, and once inside participants were tested every 72 hours, Ali Hassan Al Shaiba of the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism told Bloomberg News. Anyone who tested positive was removed from the bubble and isolated, until they tested negative and were then sent home.
Officials at the Australian Open earlier this year took infection control seriously, requiring tests for athletes and mandatory quarantines upon arrival, even for competitors. Still, some charter flights headed for Melbourne saw cases among athletes and support staff. While initially open to spectators, fans were later shut out for a while during an unrelated surge in infections. Injuries blamed on limited practice times were rampant as well.
While the event didn’t lead to a local outbreak or transmissions among players, the challenges show what can happen even when stringent precautions are in place.
The extent of the risk also varies depending on the sport. A study of the National Football League’s latest season in the U.S. found that players didn’t transmit the virus during game play, while matches for a high school wrestling tournament turned into deadly super-spreading events. The Olympics will feature 33 sports across 42 venues across Japan.
Further complicating the task is the social nature of the Olympics. Places such as the Athlete’s Village were designed to have people meet and socialize. Although long conversations and collective meals will be off limits, how those rules will be enforced is unclear. Some of the athletes are teenagers and the average age of an Olympian is usually in the 20s – groups where virus spread has been harder to control.
“While the playbooks are written, it’s not clear how strictly they will be implemented,” said Alex Cook, an associate professor at the National University of Singapore’s Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health.
It’s not just the athletes. The Games will require thousands of volunteers to help the events run smoothly, as well as local staff who will need to go in and out of the Olympic bubble regularly to do things such as cook meals, clean facilities and run the proceedings. It’s not clear how such staffers – which the Olympic Organizing Committee and Tokyo Metropolitan Government say will probably number more than 150,000 – will be handled, and the playbooks don’t offer explicit instructions.
Even in normal times, disease outbreaks are common at the Olympics. During the Winter Games in Pyeongchang in 2018, around 200 athletes caught norovirus. Two years earlier, the Rio Summer Olympics were held amid the specter of Zika. More than 300 athletes caught respiratory illnesses out of 10,568 competing in the London Olympics in 2012.
“It’s a good-sized task, even without coronavirus,” said Jerne Shapiro, a field epidemiologist at the University of Florida who is overseeing the university’s Covid-19 control measures, including for athletics.
There are strategies to reduce risk. Those flying into Japan will be required to have a negative Covid test and undergo additional testing at least every four days. Increasing the frequency of testing is likely the best way to prevent an outbreak, experts say. Seiko Hashimoto, Japan’s Olympics chief, has indicated that more frequent testing for athletes is being considered.
“This has become the go-to methodology in order to have an event stay on schedule despite the fact that we are in a pandemic,” said Amesh Adalja, a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security and an infectious disease physician. “Short of vaccinating everybody, a combination of serial testing and the bubble is the best way.”
Still, several countries have already started vaccinating their athletes and others who will travel to the games, and some national teams may have stricter infection control rules than the Tokyo playbooks. Events will be held in large, airy facilities, with few spectators, further decreasing the danger.
But not everyone is convinced. “It would be ideal, of course, if all participants and staff were vaccinated,” said Eric Topol, director of the Scripps Research Translational Science Institute.
“The bubble model worked for the NBA,” Topol said. “It’s not clear if it can be replicated in this scenario.”
Topgolf to open doors in Thailand by mid-2022 New Bangkok venue leads expansion into Southeast Asia
TG SEA Development Pte Ltd announced plans to bring the Topgolf experience to Bangkok within the second quarter of 2022.
The first Topgolf entertainment complex in Southeast Asia will open adjacent to the popular Megabangna shopping centre, southeast of downtown Bangkok.
The new Topgolf Megacity venue is projected to employ more than 400 people. The three-floor entertainment complex covers more than 47,000 square meters (29 rai), which is the size of almost seven football fields, and will include 98 outdoor hitting bays with comfortable seating for up to 600 players at any time. The complex also boasts multiple bars and restaurants, large event rooms, and much more. Guests can enjoy a variety of high-quality food and beverage options: from American classics to Thai cuisine. Top grade, locally sourced ingredients are handpicked by the chef.
Customers can currently enjoy the Topgolf experience in five countries: United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Mexico and United Arab Emirates (Dubai).
“Introducing the iconic Topgolf experience to our first destination in Southeast Asia builds on the brand’s momentum as we create unforgettable moments for golfers and non-golfers alike. Over 20 million guests from across the world visit the nearly 70 Topgolf venues every year; from Las Vegas to the Australian Gold Coast, and from Miami to Dubai. We are confident that the social Topgolf experience will soon also be loved by the people of Thailand,” said Andrew Nathan, Managing Director, TG SEA Development Pte Ltd.
Tim Boda, Head of Operations, Topgolf Thailand, added: “Whether you are a golf expert or completely new to the game, we all love a good time out. Families and kids will enjoy the various games, while ball tracing and analytics technology enhance the experience and help players perfect their game. Also, our broad range of meeting options provides companies with a new way to meet, connect and celebrate.”
“It is always exciting to introduce our unique Topgolf experience to new communities, and we’re especially thrilled to partner with TG SEA to bring Topgolf to the people of Thailand,” said Steve Lane, Topgolf Vice President International Strategy and Franchise Management. “This is an important milestone on our global expansion journey and we look forward to future growth across Southeast Asia.”
“We are truly excited to welcome Topgolf to Megacity. Topgolf will most certainly complement the current offerings at Megabangna and strengthen Megacity which reinforces our core identity as the Great Meeting Place that welcomes customers from across the entire Bangkok metropolitan area. Every year, we welcome more than 50 million customers. We see the many opportunities for Topgolf to reach its goals and become an instant crowd favorite at Megacity. We are confident that Topgolf will offer a new fantastic experience to our customers and become a key partner with us in making the Great Meeting Place for everyone,” said Paphitchaya Suwandee, Chief Executive Officer, Megabangna shopping centre and Megacity.
Since its inception, Topgolf’s foundation has been built on innovation, fun and inclusivity. Topgolf is a game for people of all skill levels. Players can score points by hitting micro-chipped golf balls at giant dartboard-like targets on an outfield. The closer they get their ball to the center or ‘bullseye’ and the further the distance, the more points earned. Guests can choose from a wide selection of games to add fun to the experience, including Topgolf classic games, fan-favorite Jewel Jam or the recently introduced and popular Angry Birds game.
As pioneers of the sports-entertainment industry, Topgolf’s track record of creativity and industry leadership has led to the growth of a one-of-a-kind company credited with growing the game of golf through dynamic in-person, virtual and digital experiences. Topgolf announced its partnership with TG SEA earlier this year, which plans to develop additional Topgolf venues throughout Southeast Asia.
Topgolf Entertainment Group is a technology-enabled global sports and entertainment leader built on a foundation of community, inclusivity and fun. What started as a simple idea to enhance the game of golf has grown into a movement where people from all walks of life connect at the intersection of technology and sports entertainment. Topgolf Entertainment Group’s platforms include Topgolf venues, Toptracer and Topgolf Media. To learn more about Topgolf, visit http://www.topgolfentertainmentgroup.com or follow Topgolf on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
About Topgolf Venues
Topgolf venues, the first brand experience of Topgolf Entertainment Group, connect people in meaningful ways through technology, food and beverage, and the belief that Topgolf is a place where one can have fun no matter the occasion. These venues feature high-tech gaming, ventilated outdoor hitting bays, a chef-driven menu, hand-crafted cocktails, music, corporate and social event spaces, and more. Topgolf venues entertain more than 20 million guests annually at nearly 70 locations across the U.S. and internationally.
Denice Zamboanga: The Sacrifices of Being a Fighter
Mar 30. 2021Denice “The Menace” Zamboanga
Filipino MMA fighter Denice “The Menace” Zamboanga is the #1-ranked women’s atomweight in ONE Championship. She’s undoubtedly one of the best fighters in the world.
But she didn’t get to where she is in her career without a bit of sacrifice.
Being currently based in Bangkok, Thailand, where she has stayed since the beginning of the pandemic in 2020, the 24-year-old says she makes huge sacrifices in order to focus on her training. Not being able to see her family for over a year, and doing her best to remain disciplined in training camp — “It’s all part of the game,” says Zamboanga.
Zamboanga fights out of Marrok Force with older brother Drex and their friend Fritz Biagtan. Together, they’re preparing Zamboanga for her May date with feared South Korean veteran Seo Hee Ham.
The two women warriors are set to meet in the quarterfinal round of the highly-anticipated ONE Women’s Atomweight World Grand Prix, which commences at ONE: EMPOWER, a historic all-female fight card scheduled for Friday, 28 May.
Zamboanga details some of the sacrifices she has had to make for her intense training camps.
“During training camp, it’s important to be very disciplined. It’s not like a normal diet, where you just sacrifice a little here and there. We have to be very strict with what we eat. We are contractually obligated to make a certain weight, and we have to hit that goal weight while keeping our strength, speed, stamina, and so on,” says Zamboanga.
“It goes without saying that I have to stay away from junk food. Sometimes it gets really hard. Everyone struggles with it. People who follow me on social media can see my love for sweets like donuts, milk tea, and desserts. I have a sweet tooth. But I guess the dish I miss the most is my mom’s Nilagang Baka (boiled beef stew). That’s the ultimate comfort food.”
“Instead, I try to load up on more lean protein like chicken and beef. I feel like that really gives me a lot of strength, especially gains after a tough workout. I also love salmon, which gives you that good omega 3,” Zamboanga added.
But aside from the dietary requirements of training camp, Zamboanga also has to deal with emotional stress, particularly in being thousands of miles away from her family back home in the Philippines.
Zamboanga hopes she can achieve her goals this year, and return home to celebrate.
“I’ve been away from the Philippines for so long and I really miss my family. Having my brother here with me makes it easier, but we both miss our family so much,” says Zamboanga.
“It’s really hard to be away from family. Everytime I see them when we do our video calls, or when I see them post photos on social, I miss them even more. But I’m very committed to my career. I want to make them proud. Right now, I have such a huge opportunity in front of me to win this tournament. I’ll try my best to win the Grand Prix title and then the atomweight belt this year, so I can spend the holidays with my family and friends.”
ONE Championship returns on Wednesday, April 7 (Thursday, April 8 PH time) with “ONE on TNT”, the first installment of a four-part event series broadcast on US prime time via B/R Live and TNT. The main event features a flyweight showdown between reigning ONE Flyweight World Champion Adriano Moraes and ONE Flyweight World Grand Prix Champion Demetrious Johnson. In the co-main event, multiple-time world champion Eddie Alvarez takes on #1-ranked lightweight contender Iuri Lapicus.
Mar 29. 2021Inbee Park with the trophy (Photo credit to LPGA)
Even win No. 21 offers a few firsts for Inbee Park.
The LPGA Tour Hall of Fame member captured a five-stroke win at Aviara Golf Club on Sunday, to match the largest margin of victory in her storied career. She finished at -14 overall to take home a 2021 Kia Sorento, the first car that Park has ever won from a tournament.
“Everybody asks me like, ‘Do you still get nervous?’ Yes, of course. ‘But you look so comfortable. Are you comfortable?’ I’m like no, what do you expect?,” said a smiling Park, who carded a final-round 70. “What is special about this week is I always love to play [the Kia Classic] and I have played really, really well on this golf course but I was never able to win. I looked at the trophy before the final round and thought I almost had it a couple of times. Finally being able to win is a relief and it is a beautiful trophy.”
Making her 11th appearance in Carlsbad, Calif., Park earned her first title at the Kia Classic. It’s also the first wire-to-wire win (without ties) of her LPGA Tour career.
She joins LPGA Tour Founder Marilynn Smith at No. 25 on the all-time wins list and moves within four of matching Se Ri Pak as the winningest player from the Republic of Korea in LPGA Tour history. It is also the second title for Park in her season debut (2013 Honda LPGA Thailand) and the second event she has won the week before a major championship, joining the 2013 Walmart NW Arkansas Championship and the following week’s U.S. Women’s Open.
“It’s a big honor to put my name next to someone like Marilynn Smith, a Founder on the LPGA,” said Park, who passes the $17 million threshold in career earnings with $17,003,925. “I’m going to try and keep playing my best to follow her footsteps.
“She [Se Ri Pak] gave a lot of courage to women golfers in Korea that we can compete out on the LPGA. Being able to do things that follow her steps is always a great honor. Growing up, I definitely looked at Se Ri as one of my top players to look up to. It’s always a good vibe going into the major tournament.”
Amy Olson signed for a bogey-free 68 in the final round to tie for second with Lexi Thompson, who used five birdies on Sunday to shoot 3-under 69 and finish 9-under for the Kia Classic. World No. 1 Jin Young Ko finished alone in fourth at -8 overall.
“I had a good warmup I think, so I’m looking forward to the ANA,” said Ko, the 2019 ANA Inspiration champion. “I had great rounds the last four days. Before this week, I practice four, five days and stayed a week at the Mission Hills. I saw my name on the bridge and believed I could win [again] on the course.”
Seven shots back of Park were Hyo Joo Kim and Minjee Lee to round out the top-five competitors. Local favorite Haley Moore carded a final-round 71 and the Escondido, Calif., native tied for 33rd for her LPGA career-best finish. Stacy Lewis carded a 7-under 65 for the round of the day to finish tied for seventh.
Ariya Jutanugarn, playing her first tournament in 2021, signed off with an even par for a total three under-par for joint 21st.
AMY OLSON RIDING HIGH AS SHE HEADS TO THE DESERT
The 2018 ANA Inspiration was Amy Olson’s first truly big moment on the LPGA Tour stage. Then in her fifth year on Tour, Olson played in the final group on Sunday at Mission Hills Country Club’s Dinah Shore Tournament Course before fading down the stretch. Since then, she’s come tantalizingly close to a first victory on multiple occasions, including runner-up finishes at the 2018 Evian Championship and the 2020 U.S. Women’s Open.
This week’s Kia Classic added yet another runner-up finish to Olson’s resume. The North Dakota native carded a bogey-free 68 on Sunday to tie for second with Lexi Thompson at -9, five strokes behind a dominant Inbee Park. Perhaps it’s just the kick she needs to finally get that elusive first victory next week as the Tour heads two hours Northeast to the Coachella Valley and the 2021 ANA Inspiration.
“I’m really happy with where my game is,” said Olson, who bases in the Palm Desert area for much of the offseason. “(Coach) Ron (Stockton) and I have continued to fine tune my swing. I have a new putter in the bag this week and I’m going to keep that going I think next week. So just always tweaking. Just feels like it’s always nerve ending journey, but I’m pleased with where I am right now.”
If nothing else, Olson can look to this week as the site of an amazing personal comeback. Olson opened with a 3-over 75 on Thursday and was +6 through 32 holes. Through hard work, and some quiet assistance from her caddie Taneka Mackey, Olson played the final 40 holes at -11 to earn the runner-up finish.
“(Taneka) is such a steady influence on me. You know, you could never tell how I’m playing by looking at her. I got pretty hot on Friday after I tripled hole 14 and she just like absorbs it and just keeps moving,” said Olson. “And then when I’m playing great she’s steady as can be. That’s just so helpful to have in your teammate.”
STACY LEWIS AND LEXI THOMPSON CARRY MOMENTUM OVER THE MOUNTAINS TO MISSION HILLS
Sure, you have horses for courses. But you also have those who come in running well.
With Stacy Lewis and Lexi Thompson, you have both. Driving over the mountains from Carlsbad to Rancho Mirage for the first major championship of the 2021 season, the ANA Inspiration, Lewis and Thompson arrive at a golf course they know and love, and one where they have had remarkable success. And they get there playing well.
Just look at the numbers. Lewis, who won the ANA Inspiration at the Dinah Shore Tournament Course in 2011 for her first career victory, has had four top-10s at Mission Hills since then, including a playoff loss to Brittany Lincicome in 2015 and a fifth-place finish last fall.
In terms of coming in hot, Lewis reeled off eight birdies on Sunday at the Kia Classic, including two separate stretches on the back nine where she made three birdies in a row. Her final-round 65 was, in her words, “definitely the best round of golf I’ve ever played here.”
“I love being in San Diego,” Lewis said. “I have family out here, so it’s just a fun week for me. I love the weather this year, the weather was perfect this year, so that made it even better. And it was a really cool way to finish, just to have some momentum and start seeing the ball go in the hole.
“Obviously, I’m really excited for next week.”
Lewis’ last victory came in crisp temperatures at the 2020 Trust Golf Women’s Scottish Open. Before that, she won in Portland.
Temperatures in Palm Springs on Sunday hit 88 and are expected to be in the 90s early in the week.
“I love it,” Lewis said of this two-week stretch in California. “I love the drive over. It’s like my favorite time of year just knowing we’re going to Palm Springs. Honestly, (Mission Hills) is probably one of my favorite golf courses we get to play all year, to be in the desert where it’s hot, and the ball is bouncing, and it plays hard.
“I hope it’s playing firm like it was here (at Aviara), and I think we’ll have a pretty great leaderboard at the end of the week.”
To read the full story from Steve Eubanks on LPGA.com, visit:
The CME Group Cares Challenge is a season-long charitable giving program that turns aces into donations. CME Group donated $20,000 for each hole-in-one made on the LPGA Tour in 2020, with a minimum guaranteed donation of $500,000 to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, which is leading the way in how the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and life-threatening diseases.
Haeji Kang made the first hole-in-one of the 2021 LPGA Tour season on Friday, as she found the bottom of the cup on No. 11 with an 8-iron from 154 yards. Shortly after, Xiyu Lin recorded another hole-in-one with a 52-degree wedge from 92 yards at No. 3. The two aces mean a total of $40,000 has been donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital so far in 2021.
The 2020 LPGA Tour season saw 13 aces from 13 different players, while the 2019 campaign had 32 total aces from 31 different competitors for a total of $620,000. That more than covered the average cost of $425,000 needed to treat a pediatric cancer patient. Through four tournaments so far in the 2021 LPGA Tour season, two holes-in-one have been made.
Rolex Rankings No. 4 Inbee Park (66-69-69-70)
Park hit nine of 14 fairways and 16 greens in regulation, with 32 putts
With the win, Park surpasses the $17 million threshold in career earnings ($17,003,925)
Park earns her 21st career LPGA Tour victory and becomes the 26th player in LPGA Tour history to reach that mark
She has captured at least one win in seven of the last nine seasons; she did not win a LPGA Tour tournament in 2016 and 2019
Park became the youngest player to ever qualify for the LPGA Tour Hall of Fame at the age of 27 following her 10th start of 2016 at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, fulfilling the 10-year membership requirement
This is the 13th time in 22 opportunities that Park won after holding or sharing the 54-hole lead; most recent victory prior to this came at the 2020 ISPS Handa Women’s Australian Open
Park is a 21-time winner including seven major championships in her 15th season on the LPGA
This is the first start of the 2021 season for Park; she last competed in the 2020 CME Group Tour Championship with a T35 result
This is her 11th appearance at the Kia Classic; she finished runner-up three times (2010, 2016, 2019), with a worst finish of T21 in 2017 and an average result of 10th
Won the gold medal at the 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Member of Team Korea at the 2014 UL International Crown, posting a 3-1-0 overall record
In 2015, Park completed the Career Grand Slam when she won the AIG Women’s British Open
Entered the 2021 season at No. 4 on the LPGA Tour Career Money List with $16,733,925, third-most career earnings among active LPGA Tour players
Busanan, Jongkolpan-Rawinda keep Thai flags flying in Orleans Masters
Mar 29. 2021Busanan Ongbamrungphan
Thailand reigned supreme in the final day of the Orleans Masters by capturing two gold medals from the women’s singles and doubles at the Palais de Sports on Sunday.
Jongkolphan Kittititharakul and Rawinda Prajongjai
Thailand’s successes in the French city included a victory by world No 13 Busanan Ongbamrungphan who clawed her way back to oust Line Christopherson of Denmark 16-21 21-15 21-19.
Earlier, top seeded Rawinda Prajongjai and Jongkolphan Kittititharakul staged a sweet revenge over second-seeded Gabriela and Setfani Stoeva of Bulgaria 21-16 21-16, three weeks after being upset by the European pair at the Swiss Open.
For Busanan who just turned 25 last Monday, she finally ended her long wait for title. Since winning the Thailand Masters in 2017, Busanan came closet to victory in the 2019 Thailand Masters only to lose to Fritani Fritani of Indonesia 12-21 14-21 in the final showdown.
The victory in Orleans is her first in the BWF Tour level (Super 100). Previously, she had won four crowns but all in Grand Prix levels.
“I’m so happy to win this title as I tried so hard to. My opponent has a good attacking game and set up a pace which made it tough for me. I just tried to return everything back and stayed in the rallies,” said Busanan.
Rawinda and Jongkolphan celebrated their third BWF Tour level together after the 2018 Thailand Masters and 2019 Chinese Taipei Open.
“We had to come with a good game plan to beat them as they are strong and have big smashes. This win is very important for us as we’ve gained points for the Olympics ,” said Jongkolphan.
The trio along with Kunlavut Vitidsarn, who reached the men’s singles semi-finals in Orleans, will return to Thailand on Tuesday and will have to stay at a quarantine hotel for 14 days due to the government COVID-19 policy.
Thai players will next compete in three Olympic qualifying tournaments between May and June in India, Malaysia and Singapore.
More information at Thai Trail Running Association.
Ariya Jutanugarn
Chanettee Wannasaen
Pedestrians walk past a Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games official shop in Tokyo on Feb. 4, 2021. MUST CREDIT: Bloomberg photo by Toru Hanai.
Denice “The Menace” Zamboanga
Inbee Park with the trophy (Photo credit to LPGA)
Busanan Ongbamrungphan
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