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PFL unveils featherweight and lightweight rosters for 2021 season debut

Feb 03. 2021

Lance Palmer, Bubba Jenkins headline Featherweight roster; Anthony Pettis, Natan Schulte star in Lightweight roster

The Professional Fighters League (PFL) announced its featherweight and lightweight rosters for the 2021 regular season, which begins April 23 on ESPN2, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ in primetime. The 2021 season will kick off with a pair of two-time champions looking to three-peat while new challengers have been brought in to make this year the most competitive yet.

Lance Palmer and Natan Schulte have authored back-to-back undefeated seasons in the ultra-competitive featherweight and lightweight divisions. They will have a host of new challengers as the PFL returns for 2021. Palmer’s wrestling nemesis Bubba Jenkins, highly regarded Brit Brendan Loughnane, undefeated Jason Soares and Korean star Jo Sungbin are some of the new blood who will be looking to pluck the title from the only featherweight champion the PFL has ever known. Russian knockout artist Movlid Khaybulaev, Brazilian Sheymon Moraes and top prospect Tyler Diamond round out the stacked division.

Lightweight has been the sole domain of Schulte. The Brazilian has been up to the task since day one, but 2021 will be a new year with a new set of challenges, the biggest coming in the form of one of MMA’s greatest. Former UFC champion and superstar Anthony Pettis will make his organizational debut on April 23 with every intention of ending Schulte’s reign atop the division. He will be joined by 2020 boxing sensation Clay Collard, Canadian Olivier Aubin-Mercier and Johnny Case – who fought Schulte to a draw in 2018.

They will be competing with 2019 finalist Loik Radzhabov, Akhmed Aliev, Marcin Held, Joilton Lutterbach and Mikhail Odintsov.

“We’re excited to officially unveil the first two rosters for the 2021 season,” said PFL CEO Peter Murray. “Our fighter roster is top-tier, and we are looking forward to having fighters from around the world be a part of our league and season. PFL is a fighter-first organization and we are proud to showcase the depth and breadth of our rosters.”

“It has always been our goal to bring in the best talent the MMA world has to offer, and I believe we’ve done that with the 2021 roster,” said PFL President of Fighter Operations, Ray Sefo. “The featherweight and lightweight divisions are some of the toughest in the sport and our past champions are going to have an even tougher road to the title than ever before. I can’t wait to kick this year off on April 23.”

The 2021 Featherweight (145 lbs) roster includes:

• Tyler Diamond
• Bubba Jenkins
• Movlid Khaybulaev
• Brendan Loughnane
• Sheymon Moraes
• Lance Palmer
• Jason Soares
• Jo Sungbin

The 2021 Lightweight (155 lbs) roster includes:

• Akhmed Aliev
• Olivier Aubin-Mercier
• Clay Collard
• Johnny Case
• Marcin Held
• Joilton Lutterbach
• Mikhail Odintsov
• Anthony Pettis
• Loik Radzhabov
• Natan Schulte

The 2021 PFL Season will begin April 23 on ESPN2, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ in primetime. The remaining Regular Season events will take place on April 29, May 6, June 10, June 17, and June 25.

Professional Fighters League has quickly established itself as the No. 2 MMA company in the world. The league has experienced tremendous YoY growth across digital channels – 68% follower increase on Instagram, 30% total audience growth across digital and a 200% social engagement spike. Domestic linear viewing audience was up 43% in 2019, and the Championship on New Year’s Eve surpassed 500,000 viewers, a 65% YoY increase.

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From strength to strength: the MotoGP™ eSport Championship returns for 2021!

Feb 03. 2021

Now in its fifth season, the bigger, better MotoGP™ eSport Championship will kick on in 2021 with a host of new features, starting with an all-new Online Challenge

Further expanded and more hotly-contested than ever, the MotoGP™ eSport Championship is back for 2021 with an expanded format and a host of new, exciting challenges designed to test the ability of gamers from around the world. 

Kicking on from a highly successful 2020, this year marks the series’ fifth season. Recent figures show the MotoGP™ eSport Championship is not only increasing in size but also continuing to build its audience.  Since 2017 the championship has accumulated 80 million video views, 338 million impressions and 10.5 million engagements. 50% of those numbers are courtesy of fans between 13 and 24 years old. That, combined with 23 Online Challenges, seven on-site events plus four virtual events, make the MotoGP™ eSport Championship one of the biggest racing competitions in the gaming landscape.

The slickly-produced format of its dramatic Global Series showdowns – aired by 16 broadcasters across the globe – also resulted in MotoGP™’s eSport competition being nominated for the prestigious Sports Technology Awards in 2020, in the ‘Use of Esports by a Sports Brand’ category. With continued growth and evolution, as well as current MotoGP™ teams placing greater importance on the performance of its representative in the Global Series, little wonder.

Now, the race is on to create another stunning competition. In 2021 the MotoGP™ eSport Championship will once again be played on the Official MotoGP™ videogame from videogame developer, publisher and longstanding partner Milestone, and the Pro Draft kicks off in March as four Online Challenges decide which names make it into the next phase, the Pro Draft Selection. A total of 22 names can qualify for this phase (with the three winners of last year’s Rising Stars Series also achieving a place, meaning there will be 25 in total), where MotoGP™ teams pick the competitor to represent them in the main event: the Global Series.

There is a twist for this year: the Online Challenges in the Pro Draft will be tweaked for 2021, with the first of those placing new demands on gamers worldwide. For the first Online Challenge, which starts on 18th March, hopefuls will compete with a legendary rider and machine from recent MotoGP™ history. Between the 3rd and the 11th February they will vote for one of 12 legendary names – including Mick Doohan, Wayne Rainey, Kevin Schwantz, Max Biaggi and many more – on social media channels.  The name and machine with the most votes will be the rider and bike with which gamers will compete in this Online Challenge. What’s more, gamers will compete to set the fastest lap time at one of the most famous and historic tracks of the modern MotoGP™ era: the USA’s Laguna Seca. 

If the past four seasons are anything to go by, this will be one to watch. No doubt a host of possible challengers have used the winter months to hone their gaming skills as they bid to oust 2020 eSport Champion Williams_Adrian from his throne. Although the Spaniard stormed to five victories from the eight that made up last season’s Global Series, it was clear that a host of names are more than capable of stepping up to take on the king, including previous champions Trastevere73 and AndrewZH. 

The Global Series will move the competition from online to on-site in May, with gamers competing for both the Championship crown and some incredible prizes – including a BMW M performance automobile as first prize, provided by MotoGP™ eSport partner BMW M.

This year’s Global Series will consist of eight races held across four rounds from May to November. The current plan is to have on site events, from the Italian  Gran Premio d’Italia Oakley (28th May), the Motorrad Grand Prix von Österreich (13th August) and the Gran Premio Octo di San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini (17th September). As ever, Valencia and the Gran Premio Motul de la Comunitat Valenciana (12th November) will host the season finale, although these events taking place on site are dependent on the current global situation.  Check out the full calendar here! 

Dorna Sports’ eSport portfolio continues growing. As well as fielding the Online Challenges and Global Series, the Rising Stars Series is now in its second year. Aimed at finding and fostering fresh eSport talent around the world, the Rising Stars Series mirrors Road to MotoGP™ initiatives out on track such as the Red Bull MotoGP™ Rookies Cup, the Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup and more, directed at promoting young talent towards the pinnacle of the eSport.

There is more on the horizon too as the MotoGP™ eSport Indonesian Series begins. Hosted by partner MP1, the series is designed as the perfect platform into the Rising Stars Series, giving the most successful gamer an opportunity to compete in the MotoGP™ eSport Global Series next year.

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Stamp Fairtex chases lost glory

Feb 02. 2021Stamp Fairtex

By THE NATION

Former two-sport ONE World Champion Stamp Fairtex of Thailand wants nothing more than to don the ONE Championship world title around her waist again this year.

The 23-year-old former ONE Atomweight Kickboxing and Muay Thai World Champion feels strong and motivated to return to her previous glory, beginning with her next appearance in the Circle.

Stamp, currently the #5-ranked mixed martial arts atomweight faces grappling specialist Alyona Rassohyna of Ukraine in the main event of ONE: UNBREAKABLE III, a previously recorded event held at the Singapore Indoor Stadium in Singapore scheduled for global broadcast this Friday, 5 February.

Stamp is extra motivated to continue in her quest for a historic third world title, as she chases a shot at the ONE Women’s Atomweight World Championship.

“I’m looking forward to rebuilding myself and becoming a world champion again this year. I have more motivation now than ever. I can’t wait to get back in the Circle,” said Stamp.

“I’m working very hard in the gym here at Fairtex with my teammates. There is a lot of training to be done, and I know I have to focus. A lot of fans have shown their support. I want to make them proud with my performances.”

After becoming the promotion’s first ever two-sport world champion, Stamp unfortunately lost both of her world titles against rather tough opponents — the kickboxing world title to Janet Todd, and the Muay Thai belt to Allycia Hellen Rodrigues.

Now fully focused on her mixed martial arts career, Stamp is fully fixated on that elusive third belt. 

Another possibility for Stamp is inclusion in the much-talked-about and highly anticipated ONE Atomweight World Grand Prix. Eight top female atomweights, yet to be revealed by ONE, will go head-to-head in a tournament to determine the rightful challenger to the atomweight throne.

“If I do get the chance to compete in the Grand Prix, I will do so. Of course, I want to compete for the world title,” said Stamp.

“I want to win and become a world champion again. I want to see the ‘old’ Stamp again, the one who won two world titles. That one had that winning instinct. I’m working hard to achieve my goals.”

To achieve those goals, however, Stamp must first get past the next test in front of her. Alyona Rassohyna is certainly no pushover, and Stamp knows she has to perform at her best to win. She continues to work hard with her team at Fairtex.

“This first fight is a chance to show a good performance. Want to make this first fight of the year remarkable,” said Stamp.

“We had a great new year with the team. We see each other everyday, and spend a lot of time together. All of us at Fairtex motivate each other. We will win together this year.”

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Amundi becomes the title sponsor of The Evian Championship, renamed The Amundi Evian Championship

Feb 02. 2021

 Franck Riboud, Chairman of the Evian Championship, and Yves Perrier, CEO of Amundi – the European leader in asset management – announce that Amundi becomes, for a duration of five years, the title sponsor of The Evian Championship, the women’s golf major, and is renamed The Amundi Evian Championship for the occasion.

Amundi thus joins the tournament’s Sponsors’ Club. This partnership will enable the tournament to build even more international strength to serve women’s golf globally. In fact, beginning with the 2021 edition, the prize purse will be increased to $4.5 million, a rise of $400,000 that confirms the position of the women’s major as one of the world’s top women’s golf tournaments, alongside the U.S. Women’s Open and the AIG Women’s Open.

“Our partnership with Amundi strengthens our global ambitions,” Franck Riboud is pleased to say. “We launched the Evian Masters in 1994 and in 2013 the tournament was renamed The Evian Championship upon becoming one of the major championships in women’s golf. Today, the fact that Amundi joins us, in such unusual times, once again reaffirms the Major’s appeal. It enables us to further develop the tournament’s global strength and improve in all areas in order to provide the players and the international golfing world with a tournament that is unique, and one which has – I believe – proven its ability to endlessly reinvent itself and become a benchmark. I am truly delighted that Amundi is joining us, alongside Rolex, evian® … and I take this opportunity to thank all of our sponsors, themselves world leaders in their field, for their steadfast commitment by our side!”

This partnership is perfectly in line with Amundi’s DNA, which through its presence in the world of golf since 2011, shares the values conveyed by this sport – those of precision, consistency, expertise and performance – with its customers.

“We are delighted to become the title sponsor for this great tournament in women’s sport that is The Evian Championship. The tournament’s global reach will benefit Amundi, in particular in Asia, an important region for our company which has made it an essential component for its growth,” says Yves Perrier. “We are committed over the next five years to supporting Europe’s women golfers to enable them to emerge onto the international golf scene. Equal opportunity is indeed one of Amundi’s core values.”

The Amundi Evian Championship 2021 will be held from 22 to 25 July on the course at the Evian Resort Golf Club (Evian-les-Bains, France).

The new visual identity combines elements from both companies: Amundi’s typography and its thick underscore along with the Major’s typography and distinctive pink color.

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BT Sport to remain the home of MotoGP™ in the UK

Feb 02. 2021

A contract extension secures the future of MotoGP™ coverage in the UK and Ireland for a further three years 

Dorna Sports is delighted to announce a contract extension with BT Sport, confirming the broadcaster as the exclusive home of live MotoGP™ in the UK and Ireland until at least the end of 2024.

BT Sport provides unrivalled MotoGP™ coverage across the UK and Ireland, broadcasting each and every Grand Prix live and exclusively. Thanks to this new agreement, fans can continue to enjoy every practice, qualifying session and race for MotoGP™, Moto2™, Moto3™ and MotoE™ over an incredible twenty hours of coverage across each race weekend, as well as access to innovations such as a 360 camera view, available on the BT Sport App. 

This contract extension will also see BT Sport’s MotoGP™ coverage reach the ten-year mark, with fans across the UK and Ireland having enjoyed top quality coverage and insight since the 2014 season. 

Simon Green, Managing Director at BT Sport: “We are extremely proud to continue as the home of MotoGP in the UK and Ireland. BT Sport has the best presentation team delivering the most comprehensive MotoGP coverage that UK fans have ever enjoyed, with every single practice, qualifying and race broadcast in full. I would also like to congratulate Dorna on safely and successfully completing the 2020 season, one of the most exciting we have seen, and thank them for collaborating with us to bring some great new programming to our audiences during last year’s lockdown.”

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Dechapol-Sapsiree stamp seal of supremacy with hat-trick of titles

Feb 01. 2021Dechapol Puavaranukroh and Sapsiree Taerattanachai

The ace duo of Dechapol Puavaranukroh and Sapsiree Taerattanachai became the first Thais in badminton history to win a gold medal in the BWF World Tour Finals.

They won their third title in successive weeks, beating Seo Seung Jae and Chae Yujung of South Korea 21-18, 8-21, 21-8 in the mixed doubles final on Sunday.

In a fast-paced match with dramatic developments, like Dechapol running off the court in the midst of a point to grab a new racquet, and Sapsiree cutting her hand after a fall, the Thai pair fought hard to cap a successful three weeks on a triumphant note, having earlier won the Thailand Open I and II.

“The first time we made a hat-trick. We are so happy,” said Sapsiree who got even with the South Korean pair who beat her and Dechapol in the group stage.

“We tried to take charge at the net. Who took control would end up winning points. After the second game, we regained our control and dictated play. The long nine months of training really paid us off,” Dechapol said. The successful three-week campaign netted both players Bt8.2 million.

Anders Antonsen

In the men’s singles, Anders Antonsen of Denmark and world No. 1 Tai Tzu-ying of Taiwan stopped the run of Thailand Open I and II victors to celebrate their crowns in the $1.5-million season finale tournament.

World No. 3 Antonsen played with speed and appropriate shot selection to upset title favourite Viktor Axelsen in the all-Danish men’s final showdown 21-16, 5-21, 21-17. Former world No. 1 Axelsen came into the match with a record of 29 straight wins, including the Thailand I and II titles over the past two weeks.

“Viktor is in phenomenal shape. He has won two previous tournaments. So I knew I had to play a perfect match and get him out of his comfort zone. I wasn’t feeling great today but I wanted to take my chance. It’s so unreal to win,” said the 23-year-old from Aarhus after his third BWF World Tour title but the biggest thus far.

Tai Tzu-ying

Women’s world No. 1 Tai finally settled scores with Olympic champion Carolina Marin of Spain, winning the gold medal in their third showdown for the title in successive weeks.

The 21-14, 8-21, 21-19 win was a sweet revenge for Tai who was outplayed by the Spaniard in both finals of the Thailand Open. After being two points away from defeat at 16-19, the gutsy Taiwanese returned all shots from Marin to turn the match around and grab the.next five points to win the 67-minute encounter.

“I have to be really focused in the match and play every point prudently. I was a bit tense as Marin moved so fast. But I tried to remain focused and tried to fight back,” said Tai, who became the first women’s singles player to win three year-end tour titles. Her previous wins came in 2014 and 2016.

“It feels great to finally stand on the podium as the winner after settling as runner-up twice. I knew I would make it eventually,” said Tai, who won the winner’s cheque of $126,000.

In the all-South Korean women’s doubles final, Lee So Hee and Shin Seung chan survived six match points in the second game to beat Kim So Yeong and Kong Hee Yong 15-21, 26-24, 21-19 in 82 minutes.

Taiwanese Lee Yang and Wang Chi-lin of Taiwan saved a game point to beat three-time champions Mohammad Ahsan and Hendra Setiawan of Indonesia 21-17, 23-21 to win the men’s doubles title, their third in three consecutive weeks.

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Dechapol-Sapsiree eye hat-trick of titles while Pornpawee bows out

Jan 31. 2021Sapsiree Taerattanachai and Dechapol Puavaranukroh

By THE NATION

The Thai mixed doubles badminton duo of Dechapol Puavaranukroh and Sapsiree Taerattanachai are on the threshold of a hat-trick of titles.

Tai Tzu-ying

They dashed French hopes Thom Gicquel and Delphine Delrue 21-15, 21-17 on Saturday to reach their third successive finals in the $1.5-million BWF World Tour Finals at the Impact Arena Muang Thong Thani.

The pair are the only Thai hope in the finals as Pornpawee Chorchuwong, and the duo of Jongkolphan Kititharakul and Rawinda Prajongjai were defeated in their women’s singles and doubles knockout contests respectively.

“They came up with a good game plan, but we fought back by keeping them away from the net,” said Sapsiree.

Dechapol and Sapsiree will be vying for their third title in three weeks, having won back-to-back Thailand Open I and II titles on their way to Sunday’s final. They will face either Seo Seung Jae and Chae Yujung of South Korea or Goh Soon Huat and Lai Shevon Jemie of Malaysia.

“This is the first time for us to be in three finals at the three championships. It means a lot to us. We’ve been practising for nine months, and that time has had so many benefits for us and this is a dream come true,” said Dechapol.

They will also attempt to become the first Thai pair to win the mixed doubles gold medal. In 2010, Sudket Prapakamol and Saralee Thungthongkam had reached the semi-finals when the event was still called Super Series Finals but lost to Zhang Nan and Zhao Yunlei of China 17-21, 12-21.

Pornpawee Chochuwong

In the women’s singles, world No 1 Tai Tzu-ying of Taiwan and Olympic gold medalist Carolina Marin of Spain set up their third straight final showdown after comfortable wins in the play-off stage.

Playing with precise shot selection and solid defence, Tai gave South Korean teenager An Se-young a badminton tutorial to win the play-off stage 21-18, 21-12. The in-form Marin dominated the other knock-out match against local Pornpawee Chochuwong 21-13, 21-13.

“My performance today wasn’t too bad, I told myself before entering the match that I needed to play patiently because An Se Young is a player who doesn’t easily make mistakes,” said the Taiwanese, who suffered back-to-back defeats to the Spaniard in the Thailand Open I and II finals earlier.

“I hope that I can prepare well for tomorrow’s final. Everyone is tired because we’re in the third week of these tournaments and I just wish to focus now and be patient,” added Tai, who is in her sixth straight finals.

Carolina Marin 

Marin, who has lost only one match in three weeks when she was beaten by An Se-young in the group stage on Friday, will enter the final with a slight disadvantage against the Taiwanese. She trails 8-9 in their direct contests.

“Tai and I will have played three finals in a row, so it’s tough but I am looking forward to tomorrow. One more final, I’m really happy to play and give my best tomorrow and enjoy one more game,” Marin said.

Viktor Axelsen 

In men’s singles, world No 3 Anders Antonsen of Denmark scored a sweet revenge over Wang Tzu Wei of Taiwan with a tough 21-18, 14-21, 21-16 victory.

“I fought hard, he’s a tricky opponent. He [Wang] got a lot of shuttles back. He fights really hard, it was a tough match with two guys fighting,” said the Dane, who had lost to the Taiwanese in two games in Friday’s group stage.

He will face countryman Viktor Axelson who stamped his authority over Chou Tien Chen of Taiwan with a 21-16, 21-9 win. Axelsen has been on a 29-game winning streak, including four wins over Chou in three weeks.

In women’s doubles, the journey of Jongkolphan Kititharakul and Rawinda Prajongjai came to an end after they were beaten by South Koreans Kim So Yeong and Kong Hee Yong 11-21, 21-12, 16-21.

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Cerilli stops Vagabov in heavyweight main event at One: Unbreakable II

Jan 30. 2021

ONE Championship returned Friday with ONE: UNBREAKABLE II. The explosive card featured six compelling bouts contested under mixed martial arts and kickboxing rules, all of which ended by knockout, technical knockout, or submission.

In the main event, former ONE Heavyweight World Title challenger Mauro “The Hammer” Cerilli executed a fantastic game plan to spoil the much-anticipated promotional debut of Abdulbasir “Dagestan Machine” Vagabov. Cerilli used the entire length of the Circle, avoiding Vagabov’s powerful right hand while looking to counter with his own haymakers. In the second round, Cerilli hurt Vagabov with a low kick, sending the Russian reeling toward the Circle Wall. Cerilli then sealed the win with a steady stream of ground strikes that forced the referee to halt the contest.

In the co-main event, flyweight standout Daichi Takenaka submitted Ivanildo “Monstrinho” Delfino in a high-level ground exchange between grappling specialists. Both men attempted to gain advantageous positions in a first-round stalemate. In the second frame, Takenaka took Delfino’s back and threatened with a rear-naked choke for a good two minutes as the Brazilian just barely made it to the bell. In the final stanza, Takenaka took the back again early, this time successfully snaking his forearm underneath Delfino’s chin to complete the choke and force the tap.

“Pretty Boy” Kwon Won Il overcame a game effort from “The Ghost” Chen Rui, winning by knockout in the third round. The two power punchers traded thunderous strikes at the center of the Circle for most of the contest, with neither man willing to back down. A thrilling second round left both men on the brink of exhaustion. Chen, in particular, took Kwon’s best shots but was still standing after 10 minutes of action. In the opening moments of the final frame, Kwon cornered Chen with another combination, this time delivering a crushing blow to the ribs that ended matters abruptly.

WMC Muay Thai World Champion Beybulat Isaev made quick work of Serbian Kickboxing Champion Mihajlo Kecojevic, knocking the taller fighter out with a single punch in the first round and setting a new record for the fastest ONE Super Series KO at light heavyweight. Kecojevic used his size and reach advantage early on, pressuring Isaev against the Circle Wall. Answering back, Isaev stood his ground and unleashed a sharp counter right hand that sent Kecojevic crashing face-first into the canvas. The referee immediately called off the contest.

Cambodian-American female star Sovannahry “The Sweet Savage” Em returned to the Circle in exciting fashion, finishing Choi Jeong Yun inside of two rounds. Choi showcased her superior striking early, utilizing her length to keep Em from getting on the inside. But once Em was able to enter the clinch position, she showed tremendous control and neutralized Choi’s stand-up arsenal. In the second round, “The Sweet Savage” took Choi to the mat, worked her way into a mounted crucifix, and applied ground-and-pound to seal the technical knockout victory.

In his ONE debut, Senegalese sensation “Reug Reug” Oumar Kane authored an emphatic knockout of four-time Kickboxing and Muay Thai World Champion Alain “The Panther” Ngalani. Ngalani employed a steady body attack with his kicks in the opening moments of this heavyweight bout. But once “Reug Reug” was able to close the distance, he successfully took “The Panther” to the ground with a takedown. From there, Kane pounded his foe with a series of unanswered right hands to force the stoppage.

Next, ONE Championship returns with ONE: UNBREAKABLE III, a previously recorded event scheduled for broadcast on Friday, 5 February. In the main event, former ONE Atomweight Kickboxing and Muay Thai World Champion Stamp Fairtex continues her historic quest for a third ONE World Title. It’s the toughest test of the Thai phenom’s stellar career, as she puts her undefeated mixed martial arts record on the line against Ukrainian grappling specialist Alyona Rassohyna in a classic striker-versus-grappler matchup.

Official Results for ONE: UNBREAKABLE II

Mixed Martial Arts – Heavyweight: Mauro Cerilli defeats Abdulbasir Vagabov via TKO at 0:36 of Round Two

Mixed Martial Arts – Flyweight: Daichi Takenaka defeats Ivanildo Delfino via Submission (Rear-naked Choke) at 2:55 of Round Three

Mixed Martial Arts – Bantamweight: Kwon Won Il defeats Chen Rui via TKO at 0:31 of Round Three

Kickboxing – Light Heavyweight: Beybulat Isaev defeats Mihajlo Kecojevic via Knockout at 1:22 of Round One

Mixed Martial Arts – Catch Weight (62.45 KG): Sovannahry Em defeats Choi Jeong Yun via TKO at 2:51 of Round Two

Mixed Martial Arts – Heavyweight: Oumar Kane defeats Alain Ngalani via TKO at 4:32 of Round One

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Ratchanok falls but 5 Thais through to World Finals semis

Jan 30. 2021Dechapol Puavaranukroh and Sapsiree Taerattanachai

By THE NATION

Ratchanok Intanon tumbled out on Friday but five Thais advanced to the weekend knock-out stage of the $1.5-million BWF World Tour Finals at Impact Arena Muang Thong Thani.

A day after beating Taiwan’s world No 1 Tai Tzu-ying for her biggest career win, Pornpawee Chochuwong was outplayed by VP Sindhu of India 21-18 21-15 but still finished top of group B. She will be joined by Tai, who fought back from behind to beat Thai No 1 Ratchanok 23-25 21-12 21-9.

“Sindhu had a perfect game plan for me. She played a style completely opposite to mine. … She was so sharp today,” admitted Chonburi-born Pornpawee, 23.

“I need to gain top form back and be ready for this,” the Thai said of Saturday’s semi-final, where she faces Spain’s Carolina Marin fresh from back-to-back titles here earlier this month.

Thailand is also represented in the women’s doubles semi-finals after Jongkolphan Kititharakul and Rawinda Prajongjai beat Linda Efler and Isabel Herttrich of Germany 21-13 21-14. They finished second in group B behind Kim So-yeong and Kong Hee-yong of South Korea.

Local mixed-doubles hopes Dechapol Puavaranukroh and Sapsiree Taerattanachai also advanced with a 21-12 21-11 win over top pair Marcus Ellis and Lauren Smith of England. The Thais finished second in group A behind Seo Seung-jae and Chae Yoo-jung of South Korea.

Ratchanok failed to match her best World Finals performance of a semi-final back in 2018.

“I tried to rush my play and ended up missing several shots. I lost confidence and couldn’t think straight out there,” said the downbeat Thai ace.

Meanwhile, rising star An Se-young of South Korea snapped the winning streak of Spain’s Marin, beating the Olympic gold medallist in their final group A match.

An learned her lesson from losing two semi-finals to eventual Thailand Open I and II champion Marin, turning the tables on the Spaniard to win 21-16 14-21 21-19. However, advanced to the last four after An topped the group and Marin came in second.

“I’m really happy as I have shed a lot of tears here,” said the 18-year-old from Gwangju. “It’s a good feeling and I can’t describe it in words. It feels like I was able to respond to those cheering for me, and I’m happy with that.”

“Marin had to much power and speed to handle in our first and second match [Thailand Open I and II]. Today I kept trying to control it until the end, and focused on each shot, one by one,” added the five-time BWF World Tour winner.

In men’s singles, world No 12 Wang Tzu Wei upset world No 3 Anders Antonsen of Denmark 21-11 21-19 to top group B with three wins from three matches. Antonsen ended with two wins and one loss also advances to the semis.

In group A, red-hot Viktor Axelsen scored his third win in three weeks over world No 2 Chou Tien Chen with a 21-10 21-14 victory. The Dane and the Taiwanese proceed to the last four as group winner and runner-up respectively.

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Veteran Choi turns back clock with bogey free 66 at the Farmers Insurance Open

Jan 29. 2021K.J. Choi (Credit to Getty Images)​​​​​​​

Korean veteran star K.J. Choi was last in the field for driving distance average at the Farmers Insurance Open on Thursday but it did not deter him from showing up on the leaderboard.

The 50-year-old Choi turned back the clock by shooting a bogey-free 6-under 66 in the first round at Torrey Pines North Course to share fourth place and lie two behind co-leaders Patrick Reed and Alex Noren.

 The 156-man field will each play the opening two rounds on the North and South Course behind the 36-hole cut is made and Choi, an eight-time winner on the PGA TOUR, was certainly a cut above with his straight shooting game.

 He averaged only 258.5 yards from off the tee, more than 10 yards behind the next-lowest average in the field (269 yards/Denny McCarthy, Tim Wilkinson) but his accuracy and consistent iron play ensured he hit 10 fairways and 15 greens in regulation, which helped him snare birdies on Hole Nos. 4, 6, 7, 10, 13 and 17.

 “The course renovation of the North Course now has more narrow fairways and seems longer with harder greens. My focus today was to keep it in the fairway and I am hitting high cuts and it was good. When I’m on the fairway, I can then make a putt. I made a putt of over 30 feet early and I said let’s keep going. So today is lucky, 6-under is a very good start,” said Choi, whose last TOUR victory was the 2011 PLAYERS Championship.

 Since hitting the half century mark last May, he now splits his time competing against the young guns on the PGA TOUR and the over-50s on PGA TOUR Champions. A return to the Farmers Insurance Open also brings back some good memories as Choi enjoyed two runner-up finishes here in 2014 and 2016 but has missed the cut in his last three starts at Torrey Pines, which will also host the U.S. Open in June.

 Countryman and last week’s winner, Si Woo Kim, kept up his hot form with a 68 at the North Course which was matched by Seung Yul Noh and India’s Anirban Lahiri. Sungjae Im of Korea carded a 69 at the North Course while China’s Xinjun Zhang opened with a 70 to lie in tied 48^th place.

 Choi is happy to go toe-to-toe with the new generation of stars on the PGA TOUR, even though they have him on their rear mirrors with his relatively short driving. But he is contented to live up to the adage of “Drive for show and putt for dough.”

“A little different the course setup. On the PGA TOUR, I put more focus on the fairway, don’t

miss the fairway. And then younger player is more exciting, competition is high. Champions Tour is not easy either. Top 12, 13 guys are very strong and make putts and everything. I’m on my last chance on the PGA TOUR in 2021 and (if I’m ranked) over 125^th in the FedExCup, I’m trying next year on the Champions Tour,” said Choi.

First-Round Notes – Thursday, January 28, 2021

 Weather: Partly cloudy. High of 59. Wind SSW 6-12 mph. Due to anticipated rain on Friday and the tournament using a two-course format in the first two rounds, preferred lies were in use during the first round.

 First-Round Leaderboard

Patrick Reed                             64 (-8) NC

Alex Noren                                64 (-8) NC

Scottie Scheffler                       65 (-7) NC

12 players                                 66 (-6)