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Honda end Shakedown on top, Bastianini fastest rookie

Mar 06. 2021

Bradl rules a windy day in the desert and the Moto2™ graduates get their first taste of the premier class as MotoGP™ shakes down in Doha

MotoGP™ is BACK! The Shakedown Test officially got 2021 underway at Losail International Circuit in Qatar on Friday, meaning it’s rookies and test riders only until Saturday welcomes the rest of the grid to the party. At the Shakedown, it was HRC test rider Stefan Bradl who finished finished top of the pile, the German pulling 1.2 seconds clear at the top despite the pace staying a fair margin away from “normal” Qatar speed. His 1:55.614 is a couple of seconds down on the all-time lap record and he rode around with a carbon inserted chassis, the same one he finished the season so brilliantly on in 2020.

A big reason for the laptimes was the windy conditions, making it difficult for the riders to get a decent amount of running in and even causing their own Red Flag involving no riders. For three rookies – Enea Bastianini (Avintia Esponsorama), Luca Marini (Sky VR46 Avintia) and Jorge Martin (Pramac Racing) – it was still first ever contact with their MotoGP™ machinery, however, and there was a buzzword for all: “FAST.” Bastianini was the quickest of the three, fourth overall after 35 laps. At this stage though, it’s all about gaining experience and the first one out was Luca Marini (Sky VR46 Avintia), the Italian eventually finishing P8 after 33 laps. Martin, meanwhile, endured his first MotoGP™ crash, but the Spaniard was unhurt when he went down on the exit of Turn 3 after hitting a bump. Martin finished his maiden day as a premier class rider with a 1:58.875 in P10 after 31 laps.

Back at the top between Bradl and Bastianini, two Yamaha test bikes were inside the top three on the timesheets, and their testing duty was split between three riders: multiple Grand Prix winner Cal Crutchlow as he returns to the fold in a testing capacity, alongside Katsuyuki Nakasuga and Kohta Nozane. The bikes were numbered and counted on the timesheets, not the riders – but Crutchlow seemed to be back on it! The third machine was registered in P6 and overall, the Iwata marque did more than 100 laps.

Ducati Lenovo Team test rider Michele Pirro ended the day 0.005s behind Bastianini in fifth place, and the Italian was seen riding Jack Miller, Francesco Bagnaia and Johann Zarco’s (Pramac Racing) machines during the Shakedown Test. Ducati debuted new wings, and we’re surely going to be seeing more innovations from the Bologna factory throughout the Qatar Test when all the riders are out on track. It’s become almost a tradition.

Meanwhile at Aprilia Racing Team Gresini, Lorenzo Savadori is, like the Moto2™ graduates, also gearing up for his first full season as a premier class rider and he was out on Aprilia’s pretty much all-new RS-GP. As Simon Crafar reported from on the ground in Qatar, the 2021 machine is basically a whole new package. It features a new engine that gives improved power across its range, a new seat unit, a new top and bottom exhaust along with a new tail unit, new front aero and in addition, Aprilia have a holeshot device attached to the rear linkage. Savadori wasn’t joined on track by teammate Aleix Espargaro, the Spaniard choosing to sit out Friday’s running, but the rookie Italian headed out on the number 41 bike at stages. He was seventh after posting a 1:58.273.

Sylvain Guintoli and Takuya Tsuda were lapping on Team Suzuki Ecstar’s GSX-RRs, the duo finished P9 and P12 respectively. Guintoli said that Suzuki have a major programme ahead with testing new parts and the Frenchman was over the moon to be back on the bike after five months off. The reigning team World Champions will welcome reigning riders’ Champion Joan Mir and teammate Alex Rins for the rest of the track action to join in the workload. Will they remain the team to beat in 2021?

At Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, MotoGP™ Legend Dani Pedrosa was putting in the laps, the Spaniard finishing 11th on the timesheets. The number 26 was seen testing a new tail unit for the Austrian factory and he completed 34 laps. Pedrosa’s four teammates – including Tech3 KTM Factory Racing – will be on track tomorrow to join the programme.

With the wind causing plenty of issues for the Shakedown Test, an already busy and vital Qatar Test is about to become even busier over the next week! Saturday sees all the full-time riders get their legs over MotoGP™ bikes for the first time in 2021, so don’t miss the it and stay up to date with the comprehensive coverage on motogp.com! Bastianini (sporting his new number) was the fastest rookie Martin suffered a crash late on, but rider ok Same colours, very different bike for Marini! Crutchlow began his testing role for Yamaha, sharing machinery with Nakasuga and Nozane Pedrosa was back on it for KTM Guintoli was sharing Suzuki duty alongside Tsuda Savadori: a rookie in name but with testing and some event experience under his belt

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Kang stuns Aliakbari with one-punch knockout victory

Mar 06. 2021“Mighty Warrior” Kang Ji Won

ONE Championship returned Friday with ONE: FISTS OF FURY II. The explosive card featured five mixed martial arts fights, one Muay Thai bout, and a plethora of exciting finishes.

In the main event, undefeated South Korean heavyweight “Mighty Warrior” Kang Ji Won shocked the world with a first-round destruction of highly regarded Greco-Roman Wrestling World Champion Amir Aliakbari, spoiling the latter’s ONE Championship debut.

Aliakbari was aggressive early, stalking Kang along the Circle Wall. The heavy-handed Iranian then hurt Kang with a pair of monstrous right hands, which created damage around the left eye. As Aliakbari pressed forward, however, the South Korean avoided a strike and connected with a short left hook to the jaw, which dropped the Iranian and instantly finished the fight.

n the co-main event, undefeated Russian powerhouse Anatoly “Spartak” Malykhin utilized his superior wrestling to control Alexandre “Bebezao” Machado on the mat and overwhelm him en route to a technical knockout victory. Malykhin wasted no time in the opening moments of the contest, closing the distance and taking Machado down. On the ground, Malykhin worked to secure the mounted crucifix position, where he unloaded his ground-and-pound to complete the finish.

Featherweight phenom Tang Kai made quick work of former Shooto Pan Pacific Champion Ryogo “Kaitai” Takahashi, stunning the Japanese veteran in the first round to earn the knockout win. After taking a moment to size up his opponent, Tang turned up the pressure and connected on a left hook that dropped Takahashi to his knees. Sensing his opponent was hurt, Tang sealed the deal with a volley of punches that forced the referee to stop the contest.

Japanese star Yoshiki Nakahara notched a quick knockout against previously undefeated Ruslan “Snow Leopard” Emilbek Uulu, unleashing a thunderous right hook on his opponent’s jaw that ended matters in the first round. Uulu tried to use his length and reach advantage to keep Nakahara on the outside in the early going. But once the action hit close quarters, Nakahara had no trouble finding his mark and sending his opponent crashing to the canvas.

Former ONE World Title challenger Han Zi Hao overcame a spirited effort from game opponent Adam Noi in a ONE Super Series Muay Thai contest. Han was aggressive throughout the bout, taking the fight to his opponent and pushing the pace. Noi, on the other hand, showcased his complete arsenal of counter-strikes, featuring accurate kicks and punches on the inside. In the end, all three judges scored the bout in favor of Han to win by unanimous decision after three hard-fought rounds.

Hard-hitting bantamweight Mark “Tyson” Fairtex Abelardo scored an emphatic knockout victory over Emilio “The Honey Badger” Urrutia in the evening’s opening bout. Abelardo kept Urrutia on the back foot in the first round, unloading a series of punches and elbows on the inside that had “The Honey Badger” hurt against the Circle Wall. Abelardo closed the show in the second round, landing a downward elbow strike that separated Urrutia from his senses.

Next, ONE Championship returns with ONE: FISTS OF FURY III, a previously recorded event scheduled for broadcast on Friday, 19 March. In the main event, ONE Lightweight Kickboxing World Champion Regian “The Immortal” Eersel will defend his throne against hard-hitting #2-ranked contender Mustapha “Dynamite” Haida. In the co-main event, ONE Atomweight Kickboxing World Champion Janet “JT” Todd will begin her quest for a second belt by taking on #4-ranked Alma Juniku in Muay Thai. Other matchups on the stacked card include a thrilling clash between former ONE Strawweight World Champion Alex “Little Rock” Silva and Shooto Champion Hiroba Minowa.

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Sadom inflicts pain on rivals at Boonchua Ruangkit Championship

Mar 06. 2021Sadom Kaewkanjana

By THE NATION

Young gun Sadom Kaewkanjana shot an unblemished 62 to take the clubhouse lead as darkness suspended round 2 of the Bt4-million Boonchua Ruangkit Championship in Nakhon Ratchasima on Friday.

The former national player sprinkled his round with nine birdies, four straight from hole 11-14, to enter the weekend on 16-under 126 at the par-71 Rancho Charnvee and Country Club course.

“I was hitting the iron and putting really well today. It’s incredible,” said the 21-year-old from Narathiwat. “I’m very confident with my iron these days. I’m familiar with this course too, and that also helps,” added the winner of one Asian Tour title – in Bangladesh two years ago.

Lying four strokes off the lead are the trio of Gunn Charoenchaikul , Settee Prakongvech, and Charng-Tai Sudsom. Each hit second rounds of 65 to lie 12-under on 130.

“To shoot [good] scores on this course, you need to come up with some great putts” said Sadom. “I will try to have another great round on Saturday and not worry about the score too much.”

A thunderstorm halted the round for an hour and 42 minutes in the afternoon before bad light stopped play. Action will resume on Saturday morning.

However, the tournament’s four female players led by teen sensation Atthaya Thitikul are not expected to make the cut, projected at 4-under. Atthaya signed off at 3-under.

Actor Prama Imanotai, who starred in the nationwide TV hit series “Love Destiny” in 2018 also failed to book a spot for the weekend rounds. Prama is one of three celebrities playing the tournament.

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Thai, 85, gets second shot at Olympic fame in cross-country flag relay

Mar 05. 2021Chamnong Kamenkhetkarn

By THE NATION

An 85-year-old runner will help carry the Thai flag on a relay through the country before it joins the national team at the Tokyo Olympics this summer.

Starting in Bangkok on March 28, the “Flag of Nation” relay run will pass through 35 provinces before delivering the flag to Suvarnabhumi Airport on May 27.

The flag will then be carried by the Thailand athletics team at the Tokyo Olympics, which run from July 23 to August 8.

Members of the public have been invited to register for the event.

Among those who answered the call is Chamnong Kamenkhetkarn, 85, who has competed in at least 20 tournaments for senior athletes.

Chamnong won gold medals in the 400 metres at the 2017 and 2019 Asia Masters Athletics Championships. He has signed up for the relay in Bangkok and says he is in daily training for the event.

This will be Chamnong’s second shot at Olympic fame after he just failed to qualify for the Thailand team at the 1960 Olympiad in Rome.

“Flag of Nation” is a collaboration of the Sports Authority of Thailand, National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission, International Olympic Committee and others.

Registration to take part in the relay will close on March 10.

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Spieth season?

Mar 05. 2021Jordan Spieth (Photo credit to Credit Getty Images)

By Mike McAllister

Recent play hints at Major comeback for Major winner

Is he back?

 The buzz started after a spectacular Saturday in early February at the Waste Management Phoenix Open. A career-best 10 birdies leading to a 61, tying his career-low score on the PGA TOUR. A share of the third-round lead. A spot in the final group on Sunday – his first in nearly 2-1/2 years.

 Is he back?

 The chatter continued the following week when he held the solo lead after the second and third rounds at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, evidence by his supporters that the previous week had not been a fluke. Twice, he holed out from more than 100 yards – just the second player in TOUR history to pull off that feat.

 Is he back?

 Another positive sign through the first two rounds of The Genesis Invitational – in contention and inside the top 12 of the leaderboard for a 10th consecutive week. Consistency and confidence were on full display.

 So, is Jordan Spieth back?

 It depends on your definition and perspective, of course. If being back requires returning to the winner’s circle, then no, Spieth is not yet all the way back. He remains in search of his first PGA TOUR win since the 2017 Open Championship, a drought currently at 79 worldwide starts. For a player who will eventually enter the World Golf Hall of Fame, winning remains the gold standard.

 But if being back means simply leaving the abyss of an extended dark period that was both perplexing and frustrating – besides being unexpected, of course – then yes, perhaps Spieth is back. With a T4 at TPC Scottsdale and a T3 at Pebble Beach, Spieth recorded consecutive top-5 finishes for the first time since 2018.

 More important, he’s showing progress and feeling confident that he’s on the proper path. With the PGA TOUR schedule entering its big stretch of championships starting with THE PLAYERS Championship in March, it no longer appears to be a question of whether Spieth will make noise, but just how much he’ll make each week.

 “As long as I’m trusting what I’m doing, I know I’m moving in the right direction,” Spieth said. “That’s just the head space that I’ve wanted to get into – and for a while now.”

 Awhile, indeed. When Spieth won at Royal Birkdale in 2017 in a drama-packed final round, it was his third win of the year and 14th of his TOUR career. He added a couple of runner-up finishes during the FedExCup Playoffs and seemed poised for a spectacular 2017-18 season.

 But after a Sunday 64 at the 2018 Masters that nearly fueled an improbable rally from nine shots down – he eventually finished tied for third with Patrick Reed – Spieth failed to build on the momentum. In truth, he went the opposite way. He produced just one top-10 finish in his final 13 starts of the season and did not qualify for the TOUR Championship. It was his first winless season on TOUR.

 The 2018-19 season was equally unrewarding, with just one top-5 finish in 23 starts. Again, no TOUR Championship. And the 2019-20 season was even less fulfilling; he opened the season with a T8 at THE CJ CUP @ NINE BRIDGES, and could never match that in his ensuing 16 starts. He made the FedExCup Playoffs but was bounced after two rounds. And he was not selected for the 2019 Presidents Cup, the first time as a pro that he did not represent the U.S. Team.

 So what happened?

 “There was a number of things that I got off on mechanically,” Spieth explained. “It was very frustrating because I felt just as competitive and felt the same, still the same me. I just would take the club back and feel lost.”

 The numbers bear it out. In his last winning season of 2017, he ranked second in Strokes Gained: Tee-to-Green. The next season, he fell to 23rd. Then 157th in 2019 before moving back inside the top 100 (90th) last season.

 Meanwhile, his putting was all over the map. In 2018, he was 123rd in Strokes Gained: Putting. The next season, he ranked second. Last season, he ranked 105th. In essence, he couldn’t count on the flat stick to save him.

 For a player who wears his emotions on his sleeve, he definitely looked lost. Golf fans suffered right along with him. It was difficult to see him struggle.

 “First time in my life where I’ve had a significant dip in success,” Spieth said. “It had kind of been a nice uptick every single year. So just kind of learning how to deal with that and doing it – and having to do it in such a public way was very difficult, can sometimes present even more challenges.

 “But at the same time, the idea is to get to the bottom of it, turn it around, make progress every day and recognize that’s the past. I can use it as having scar tissue and use it to my advantage going forward.”

 People wanted to help, but Spieth was determined to figure it out on his own, along with the help of swing coach Cameron McCormick. Everybody else was tuned out – with the exception of Butch Harmon, who offered some feedback at Spieth’s request.

 “He asked if I could come over and take a look at what he and Cam were working on,” Harmon explained during an interview with PGA TOUR Radio. “I agreed with most of the stuff they were working on. I thought I was going to have to change his clubface at the top of the swing – you know how open that gets because he has a very weak left-hand grip – but they had worked beautifully on that. … I didn’t think he was turning enough … if you don’t wind stuff up, you can’t unwind it.”

 Said Spieth: “I was probably too stubborn and waited too long to probably reach out to people that I definitely could have for just help, whether it’s certain areas of the game or just getting through … down years or something like that.”

 Spieth kept working but his first start this season was a missed cut at the Farmers Insurance Open. He dropped to 92nd in the world, his worst ranking since his first TOUR win at the 2013 John Deere Classic moved him to 59th as a 19-year-old.

 From that perspective, it was his low point. Even Spieth admitted he “was not in a great head space.”

 And yet, a week later, he shot 61 and found himself in the heat of battle. Golf is funny like that. Something can just click after years of frustration. Spieth might have the best explanation – if you hit “tens of thousands of golf balls the wrong way, it takes about that many to get stuff back.”

 “Did some really phenomenal work from Sunday through Wednesday … that was probably the best period of a few days of work that I’ve put in in a long time,” Spieth said about the days leading up to Waste Management. “It just got me believing in what I was doing and progressing forward.”

 The road back has taken longer than expected for the former World No. 1, and he’s not all the way there yet. Winning remains the ultimate objective, and not just one win, but multiple wins – and on the biggest stages.

 For now, though, Spieth is feeling confident about the future. That might be the most important thing when wondering if he’s back.

 “It gets me really excited about playing golf – and for me, that makes me happy,” he said. “It’s nice to be going to bed wanting to do what you love to do and you get to go do it. Can’t take that for granted and I’m glad to be on this side of it right now.”

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Granado and Aegerter end Jerez test split by just 0.030

Mar 05. 2021

The FIM Enel MotoE™ World Cup test comes to a close in Jerez with the timesheets tight as ever

The first Official FIM Enel MotoE™ World Cup test of the 2021 season has come to an end and it’s the two that have been top of the timesheets throughout who end the three days clear of the chasing pack. Eric Granado’s (One Energy Racing) 1:47.553 was enough to see off Dominique Aegerter (Dynavolt Intact GP) by just 0.030s, with 2019 Cup winner Matteo Ferrari (Team Gresini MotoE) third fastest, 0.647s adrift.

Thankfully the weather stayed dry at the Circuito de Jerez-Angel Nieto to allow the teams and riders to enjoy three full days of valuable dry track time, as riders either got reacquainted or first acquainted with their stunning Energica Ego Corsas. No one could get within relative touching distance of the leading duo, but one rookie was a stand-out performer across the three days: Openbank Aspar Team’s Fermin Aldeguer.

The soon to be 16-year-old was P4 on the combined timesheets, just 0.043s shy of 2019 Cup winner Ferrari despite it being Aldeguer’s first test aboard the Energica Ego Corsa. It’s sensational stuff from the rookie, who has turned more than a few heads. Reigning Cup winner Jordi Torres (Pons Racing 40) sits just behind his compatriot in P5 overall, ready to mount a defence of his title.

In total, eight riders were split by a second. Alessandro Zaccone (Octo Pramac MotoE) and Xavier Cardelus (Avintia Esponsorama Racing) will take plenty of positives away from the maiden test of the season after pocketing P6 and P7 overall respectively, with eighth place Lukas Tulovic (Tech3 E-Racing) exactly a second off Granado’s pace. The German crashed on Day 3, but was perfectly ok. Miquel Pons (LCR E-Team) was the second fastest rookie, the Spaniard also showing impressive adaptation to MotoE™ to sit just 0.018s behind Tulovic. Italian Andrea Mantovani (Team Gresini MotoE) – another rookie – rounded out the top 10 on the combined timesheets.

17 of the 18 strong field were able to get three solid days under their belts, with the only rider missing the injured Mattia Casadei (Ongetta SIC58 Squadra Corse). On Day 3 the field also took to the grid for a start simulation, but race simulation will have to wait for the second test. With a few early teething issues earlier in the day and the wind and weather not on their side, that will await the grid on their second visit to Jerez on the 12th of April.

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Kang shines at LPGA Drive On Championship showcases

Mar 04. 2021Danielle Kang

In the two LPGA Drive On Championship tournaments in 2020, Danielle Kang won at Inverness Club and finished solo second at Reynolds Lake Oconee. It’s safe to say that the Rolex World Golf Rankings No. 5 enjoys the atmosphere and competitive nature the particular Drive On series showcases bring.

“I do love the golf courses that we’re playing. They’re great shot-shaping, shotmaking golf courses and they’re newer [to us], not this week specifically,” said Kang, who is set to make her third start of the 2021 season. “I think it’s just whoever can get in the most practice in the short amount of time we have is going to play well. Ocala, we have played here previously, but this is a new event. I don’t know if we’re coming back, so just kind of a one-time showcase type of deal.”

Kang comes to Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club on the heels of her first missed cut since the 2019 Indy Women in Tech Championship driven by Group1001. She had made 17 consecutive cuts before missing the weekend at the second annual Gainbridge LPGA.

“I needed some me time after last week. I came here on Tuesday at 11:58 because I had to test before noon. Had nothing to do with missing the cut for me. I think I wasn’t really ready mentally to play an event and I just tried to shut it down, everything, just focus on golf, and I didn’t succeed in that,” Kang said. “More than anything, I just kind of wanted to be in my own state of mind and play this week in the proper state of mind. Coming into this week, I wanted to regroup and focus on making Danielle happy.”

HARD-WORKING MORGAN PRESSEL TAKES NEXT CAREER STEP

Every job looks easy when you watch experts do it. From brick mason to star athlete, the best make the most difficult tasks look effortless, casual, easy enough for you say, “Gee, I could do that.”   

Television is no different. Armchair quarterbacks in their living rooms almost always think they could analyze a game better than the guys in the booth. But the same also goes for a lot of athletes and coaches who believe that transitioning from competing to providing analysis on television is an effortless jump.  

As anyone who has picked up a microphone and looked into a camera can tell you, they are sorely mistaken.   

Television is hard work. And those who do it best have put in countless hours of testing and practice. They listen to those who have been doing the job for years and they accept critiques without taking offense. Just as on the field of play, those with the most talent, the most dedication and the hardest work ethic rise to the top.  

Morgan Pressel, who will join Golf Channel as the lead analyst this week at the LPGA Drive On Championship presented by Volvik, could well be one of those.  

Pressel is both smart and quick. And everyone who has been around her knows her dedication to being the absolute best at everything she does. It comes as no surprise that she is picking up the microphone and taking the next logical step in a successful career in the game. 

“I’m excited to join the NBC family and work with Golf Channel,” Pressel said on Wednesday afternoon at Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club. “You know, being on the other side of the camera for a long time I’ve had the opportunity to dabble a little bit in television. I’m excited to see the production behind the scenes, see everything that goes into showcasing our sport and to be part of the production.” 

Pressel will continue to play, just as Paul Azinger, Nick Faldo and Johnny Miller continued to compete during their early days in television. But she will also provide analysis at both LPGA Tour and PGA Tour events in 2021, including the U.S. Women’s Open, the Amundi Evian Championship and the Solheim Cup, where she competed for Team USA six times, most recently in 2019 at Gleneagles, Scotland. She will also provide analysis during the PGA Tour’s Honda Classic from March 15 – 21.

To read the full story from Steve Eubanks on LPGA.com, visit:

https://www.lpga.com/news/2021/hard-working-pressel-takes-next-career-step

MARIA TORRES NEAR COLLEGIATE STOMPING GROUNDS AS LPGA TOUR PROFESSIONAL

Just days ahead of the LPGA Drive On Championship presented by Volvik at Golden Ocala, LPGA Tour member and Puerto Rico native Maria Torres is searching for her first Tour victory near her alma mater with the University of Florida just over 30 miles north of this week’s tournament host venue.

“Being here in Ocala got me thinking of my entire four years. Monday night before going to bed, I remembered us practicing or even going to classes. It was nice, that memory lane. I’m excited to go back,” said Torres, who graduated in 2017. “After this tournament, I’m going to Gainesville, so I’m kind of excited. I have been thinking of when we finish on Sunday and seeing everybody at the course, my coaches, and even the tutoring center where I spent a lot of time between classes and practicing.”

With an impressive collegiate résumé, including being named the first female SEC Golfer of the Year (2016) in UF history since 1990, Torres is feeling ready with the support she has from her college friends and even the slight advantage of having practiced before at Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club.

“We used to play this course a couple of times a year to practice and get our rounds, qualifying rounds,” said Torres. “Right now my game I think is rolling, like slowly getting into it and getting the timing down of playing tournaments again. I think slowly, but like steady I’m trying to work on the routine.”

BY THE NUMBERS—LPGA DRIVE ON CHAMPIONSHIP PRESENTED BY VOLVIK AT GOLDEN OCALA 

The following statistics were compiled by Amy Mills, Senior Manager of Statistical Research for the LPGA.

Lydia Ko is a combined -23 in her previous two starts at Golden Ocala Golf Club, resulting in a second-place (2015) and third-place finish (2016). Ko has a scoring average of 69.13 on this course, which ranks as second-best among players.  

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FIM Enel MotoE™ World Cup testing continues in Jerez as Granado turns the tables on Aegerter 

Mar 04. 2021

Day 1 of the first FIM Enel MotoE™ World Cup test of 2021 saw Dominique Aegerter (Dynavolt Intact GP) start the year on top, but closest challenger Eric Granado (One Energy Racing) hit back to take over on Day 2 with an impressive 1.48.143 in the final session.

That put the Brazilian in a few tenths of clear air at the head of the field, with Aegerter next up in second despite some technical trouble in the second session of the day. Wednesday saw another incredible performance from rookie Fermin Aldeguer (Openbank Aspar Team) too as the young Spaniard completed the top three, only trailing Aegerter by a tenth and a bit.

Fourth place went the way of Maria Herrera (Openbank Aspar Team) despite a crash as she moved up from just inside the top ten on Day 1 to an impressive place within the top five. Completing that top five was 2020 Cup winner Jordi Torres (Pons Racing 40), the Spaniard getting the upper hand against two riders who’d been close to him on Day 1 too: 2019 Cup winner Matteo Ferrari (Team Gresini MotoE) and Tech 3 E-Racing’s Lukas Tulovic. On Wednesday the duo were sixth and seventh respectively, still locked in a battle of hundredths on the timesheets.

Hikari Okubo (Avant Ajo MotoE) was the second best rookie of the day as he took eighth, only a tenth off Tulovic and clearly starting to settle in as he goes from WorldSSP to MotoE™ machinery. Xavier Cardelus (Avintia Esponsorama Racing) and rookie Corentin Perolari (Tech 3 E-Racing) completed the top ten. Many of the rookies made good progress on Wednesday as they gain track time, and there was another key focus too: chargers.

For the first time, riders had the possibility to use pitlane chargers during the session, testing equipment intended to be used on the grid to re-charge before the lights go out, replacing the energy used making their way out of pitlane. This will get another chance to be put to the test on Thursday, with the now-customary race simulation set to take place in the afternoon on the final day of the test – including the full grid procedure.

Stay tuned for more updates from the final day of the first test of the year across social media and on motogp.com on Thursday! Aegerter remained near the top Aldeguer continued his incredible rookie form Herrera moved up to fourth right behind her teammate 2020 Cup winner Torres was fifth on Day 2 as he prepares to defend the throne

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Stamp shapes up for ONE Atomweight World Grand Prix

Mar 04. 2021Stamp Fairtex

Former ONE Atomweight Muay Thai and Kickboxing World Champion Stamp Fairtex of Thailand was simply ecstatic last week when she could finally break the news to all of her fans.

The 23-year-old superstar was selected as one of eight women to compete in the highly-anticipated ONE Atomweight World Grand Prix, the promotion’s CEO Chatri Sityodtong announced on his official Facebook page last Wednesday night, 24 February.

Stamp joins #1-ranked contender Denice Zamboanga, #2-ranked Meng Bo, Indian wrestling champion Ritu Phogat, undefeated Japanese star Itsuki Hirata, South Korean veteran Seo Hee Ham, Alyona Rassohyna, and Alyse Anderson.

Stamp knows exactly what’s at stake in this high profile tournament, but is more than willing to face the specific challenges she will encounter.

“I’m very happy to be selected to participate in this Grand Prix. I’m so excited to face the best in my division. I know I have a lot of ground to cover, in terms of my MMA career, but I’m more motivated now than ever,” said Stamp. 

“I’ve learned a lot over my last couple of fights, and I’m ready to apply those learnings to my performances moving forward.”

The winner of the tournament will go on to face reigning ONE Women’s Atomweight World Champion “Unstoppable” Angela Lee, after the reigning atomweight queen gives birth to her first child.

Lee is expected to be ready by November, although nothing is set in stone. Stamp feels whoever emerges the winner from the Grand Prix is the right person to take on Lee when she’s finally ready.

“I think this tournament is a great way to determine the true top contender to the throne,” said Stamp.

“I look at the names and I see a lot of talented women. It’s an overwhelming feeling to be a part of this incredible opportunity. Women’s atomweight is one of the deepest divisions in ONE Championship.”

The ONE Atomweight World Grand Prix is set to commence shortly, with ONE Championship announcing the tournament bracketing soon. 

Details on Stamp’s assignment in the first round will be revealed in the coming weeks. One possibility however, is Stamp facing #1-ranked Denice Zamboanga of the Philippines.

Stamp and Zamboanga built a close friendship when the latter was still training with Fairtex in Pattaya, a little over a year ago. However, if they do meet in the Circle, Stamp is willing to trade blows with her former comrade, stating that it should not affect their personal relationship outside of competition.

“Denice is such a talented and good fighter. I know how hard she has worked, and I know she is very capable of winning this tournament. If we do end up facing each other in a fight, it’s not going to be personal. It’s just a test of skill,” said Stamp.

“No matter what happens, she will always be my friend. In the Circle, we’re just two martial artists who are trying to better ourselves and test ourselves against the biggest challenges in this sport.”

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/sport/30403184

Four women golfers to challenge male stars at Boonchu Ruangkit Championship

Mar 02. 2021Atthaya Thitikul

By THE NATION

Pitting women golfers against the men is suddenly all the rage, with four Thai LPGA players led by rising star Atthaya Thitikul handed invites for the Boonchu Ruangkit Championship from Thursday at Rancho Charnvee Resort & Golf Club in Nakhon Ratchasima.

Spearheading the female challenge at the All Thailand Golf Tour season opener is two-time Ladies European Tour winner Atthaya, who finished second to fellow teen Arpichaya Yubol at last week’s Thailand Mixed tournament – the country’s first mixed-gender pro golf tournament.

Joining Atthaya will be LPGA player Pannarat Thanapolboonyaras, Pattaraporn Mounchoo and 16-year-old Chanokpisut Charoenpattanasatit.

But unlike the Thailand Mixed, where the course was cut from 7,285 yards to 6,277 yards for the women, this time they will have to compete over the full 6,839-yard Rancho Charnvee layout.

“It will be tough but I’ll give it a try,” said current Thailand LPGA No 1 Atthaya. “I want to play continuously so I can tune up for overseas events later this year,” the teen prodigy added.

Promoted by Thai legend Boonchu Ruangki, the 7th edition of the tournament offers total prize money of Bt4 million with the winner taking home Bt600,000 and seven world ranking points. Among the leading male professionals in the 144-player field are ATGT No 1 Pavit Tangkamolprasert and previous winners including Danthai Boonma.

The 64-year-old Boonchu, who won five Asian Tour titles and five European Senior Tour titles, said the tournament offers young Thai golfers an opportunity to hone their game for challenges on the international stage.

“I am really proud to play a part in helping golfers, especially the youngsters, to play and develop their skills,” said Boonchu, who is also a former Professional Golf Association of Thailand president.

“I am sure that these young talents will replace today’s star players in the future,” he added.

Boonchu Ruangkit 

Boonchu said he remained committed to nurturing the future generation of Thai golf pros but admitted the Covid-19 crisis had made this year’s edition the most challenging to organise.

Pavit will be defending the title he won last year when he finished 23-under, two strokes ahead of John Catlin, for his third ATGT victory.

The tournament will permit entry to a limited number of spectators, while the final two rounds will be livestreamed at www.allthailandgolftour.com and

https://web.facebook.com/AllThailandGolfTour

.Initially scheduled for January, the tournament serves as the first of 12 legs of the 2021 All Thailand Golf Tour which boasts total prize money of more than Bt40 million.