One: Reign of Dynasties to take place in Singapore on Oct 9
Oct 07. 2020
By THE NATION
The One Championship returns to Singapore this Friday with action in the Reign of Dynasties at the Singapore Indoor Stadium in Kallang.
The event will be the first international sports production pilot to take place in Singapore since the country’s implementation of Covid-19-related measures earlier this year and will feature six bouts involving local and international athletes.
Since the King of the Jungle episode staged in Singapore in February, all six subsequent One tournaments took place in Thailand.
However, all bouts will take place audience-free and behind closed doors in Singapore on October 9 with only athletes, officials, and crew onsite.
The action can be enjoyed on One Championship’s official One Super App, One’s social media channels, locally in Singapore on MediaCorp’s Channel 5 and meWATCH app, as well as globally across One Championship’s broadcast and digital media partner’s properties.
In line with Singapore’s approach to resuming activities in a calibrated and safe manner, One: Reign of Dynasties will implement all necessary measures to ensure the safety of its athletes, officials, and crew, the organisers said.
Chatri Sityodtong, chairman and CEO of One Championship, stated: “The big news for One: Reign of Dynasties is, we have been holding back the location until this week and it’s going to be in Singapore. The big news for us is that we are working very closely with the Singapore government. Even though borders are still closed across Asia, this will be the start of our international events, but we are also working with other major governments across Asia for the same thing in terms of, obviously special Covid protocols to ensure the health and safety of our athletes, our staff, and obviously the residents of any country that we are hosting our international events in. This is a huge thing for us and we’re super excited and this card itself is also a very exciting one especially for Asia.
“With the Muay Thai World Championship headed by Sam-A, the legendary Sam-A, who has almost 400 professional fights, won every major title in the world, facing the unlikely underdog in a classic let’s say Rocky story, Josh Tonna — the unlikely contender who clawed his way through the rankings and defeated a legend in Andy Howson, to earn his title shot. We also have a very exciting match up in the co-main event with undefeated Aleksi Toivonen who’s going to try to break through the rankings against Reece McLaren. The other fights are also super exciting. I believe that most of these fights will not go the distance.
“And, of course, I announced last [Monday] night, our October 30th event, though I haven’t revealed the location yet, will also be an international event. I’ve revealed the top four bouts of that event.”
Lorenzo, Pirro, Guintoli, Pedrosa, Bradl and Savadori talk to the media ahead of MotoGP™’s first taste of the Portuguese venue
The Autodromo Internacional do Algarve will host the 2020 FIM MotoGP™ World Championship season finale, so to gather some data and provide a little experience of the new track ahead of its debut, a two-day test of the venue is taking place on Wednesday and Thursday.
The factories are represented at the test by Jorge Lorenzo (Yamaha), Michele Pirro (Ducati), Sylvain Guintoli (Suzuki), Dani Pedrosa (KTM), Stefan Bradl (Honda) and Lorenzo Savadori (Aprilia), and on Wednesday a number of current MotoGP™ riders will also be on track on street machinery in order to familiarise themselves with the venue. Aprilia Racing Team Gresini riders Aleix Espargaro and teammate Bradley Smith will also test on Wednesday.
Riders on street machinery on Day 1:
Joan Mir and Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar) Maverick Viñales and Valentino Rossi (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) Andrea Dovizioso and Danilo Petrucci (Ducati Team) Jack Miller and Francesco Bagnaia (Pramac Racing)
Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu) Miguel Oliveira (Red Bull KTM Tech 3) Brad Binder and Pol Espargaro (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) Johann Zarco and Tito Rabat (Esponsorama Racing) Alex Marquez (Repsol Honda Team)
Before we take to the track, however, a Press Conference set proceedings in gear as the test riders sat down to answer some questions from the media. Here are a few highlights, from the venue in question to the incredibly tight fight for the 2020 crown and more:
Jorge Lorenzo: “I’m really excited to come back again to ride the Yamaha M1, because it’s been nine months, almost a year without riding and I’ve never been so long without riding, so for sure it will be quite difficult to adapt again to these speeds and bikes! But we have two days on a new track, that’s also important because it’s not only new but also especially with the up and down here, it’ll be important not to make silly mistakes at the beginning, do kilometres and try to give maximum information to Yamaha for the official riders.
“If I understand well, we’ll be on the same bike as Sepang, we weren’t able to bring the new bike so we’ll use this test especially to get the best gear box for the official riders and to test the tyres, to understand in these conditions with this tarmac, which are the best for time attack and race distance. This is the main target, and probably also to play a bit with the set up, I will have the 2019 bike and the setup is a bit different so that’s a little less important than gear box and tyres.
“It’s a very tough Championship, very equal, now Joan Mir and Fabio opened a little gap to the others but till the last race there were 4 riders, 6 or 7 with real options for fighting for the title. Now looks like the strongest will be Fabio and Joan. It’s interesting as there are a few races to the end and I’m having a lot of fun watching the races on TV!”
Michele Pirro: “I’m curious to try the track with a MotoGP bike because before I was on a 600 Supersport machine ten year ago. It’s a beautiful track but I don’t know with MotoGP. I’m curious because MotoGP is very fast. And anyway, this circuit is up and down. Tomorrow and Thursday I’m curious to try and help the official riders have a good base for the race with the gearbox, tyres and new asphalt… and to try the bike here!
“It depends on the view, for Bagania the tyre helps a lot. For Dovi, it’s the opposite. This is the problem at the moment, this new Michelin tyre is difficult to understand especially for Dovi because Dovi is very fast in the braking, at the moment it’s impossible to use this weapon to go fast. Pecco last year had a very difficult time because the tyre didn’t help in braking but at the moment Pecco uses the bike very well, like Jack, and Dovi struggles but the championship isn’t over and we continue to do work to go fast every race and it’s possible to still battle for the Championship.”
Sylvain Guintoli: “It’s a great track here, I’ve been here quite a few times with WorldSBK and it’s one of the best tracks, really, really nice. I’m looking forward to experiencing the new track surface because that was the only problem before, it was quite bumpy. Now hopefully this is better, so it’s a great track and I think it will be a good track for us with the flowing line. I think the riders will have a lot of fun here, it’s like a rollercoaster. It’s really nice to ride, lots of blind spots, fast, very interesting track; very technical.
“It’s difficult to predict MotoGP this year! It’s been unbelievable so far, and the Suzukis are doing great! Alex unfortunately was badly injured and he was very brave at the start of the season but it took him some time to get going, and Joan is now is a real force in the Championship. For us it’s going really good. It would be great to get a victory but I think that’s coming soon. So it’s a very exciting time because it’s so tight, everyone can have a chance, and I think it’s going to be an exciting end of the season.
“I think the Suzuki is a very, very good bike this year. It was good already but this year with the new chassis and engine we’ve made another step forward so the bike is now very good at many different tracks – even in Austria which on paper was supposed to be the worst track, it was very good there; performed really well. With the flowing line 100% we’ll have a small deficit in engine power so when we use high gears especially, we’ll have a small disadvantage there and we understand that, but the bike has qualities that are able to shine, and this year the new tyre seems to gel really well with our bike as well. All that together plus Alex and Joan being very strong riders as well, it’s really exciting for us. The bike looks good and not just in pictures! On the track it’s really fast.”
Dani Pedrosa: “It’s my first time here, of course the key tomorrow is try to learn the track, get a bit of feeling on the corners and how to learn the blind spots of this track cause there is a lot of elevation change, in many points you won’t see the corners, so you learn how to approach them and where to brake etc, you need some laps. At the same time we’ll be trying the tyres and we have some different tyres, today and the race in November will be different conditions but we have to try different tyres. See the speeds, to sort the gear box and get the feeling on the first day… and from there, reset again for the second day!
“I think KTM is very happy with the progress from last year, it was really positive to see the step. The key I think it’s a more settled package on the bike, a little more confidence with the bike for the riders and also the championship is… one race you can be on top and the next struggling, this also affects the results for everyone. So far it’s good for KTM, this step from last year, and I see that maybe now the Championship will be more stable towards the end, so let’s see how it’ll look at the end…
“Every race we see a lot of change in the performance of the riders and bikes, I think from now on it’ll be a bit more stable especially the guys who see their chance closer to finish well. Maybe from now on we can guess the results a bit more. So far it’s been so unpredictable that it’s hard to say!”
Stefan Bradl: “2020 is busy so far! I’m fine again after small surgery, I’m back to a good level and feeling good, and ready for this test! But I think I won’t have the chance to do two full days because I have to travel to France and arrive in time for FP1.
“I think it will be the same as the others adapting – getting first impressions tomorrow, fundamental things first and there will be a lot we need for the gearbox, electronics and tyres, it’s not going to be things to test even if we wanted to use it. But trying to – like the others said – step by step get the first information, this is true. The Honda isn’t the easiest bike at the moment, and all manufacturers are competitive and even hundredths can make a big difference. We’re not so far so small things can make a big difference.”
Lorenzo Savadori: “This bike has improved a lot, it’s a step forward compared to the old one but we need to do more kilometers. The bike is completely different and a very good step forward.
“Aleix is a very fast rider and knows very well what we need in the bike, and Aprilia works hard every day to try and help him and Bradley. Step by step we’ve started to improve the level of the bike but we need a little bit more time.
“I rode here two years ago with WorldSBK, I like the track a lot and can’t wait to try it on a MotoGP bike. I think the bike has a good engine and is good mid corner. I think Aprilia have made a good step and we need to try and make the best of that here.”
Stay tuned for more over the next two days as MotoGP™ gets out on track in Portugal for the first time since 2012.
L-R: Pirro, Guintoli, Savadori, Lorenzo, Pedrosa and BradlLorenzo will be back on track for the first time since much earlier in the yearPedrosa is back at work for KTM as they continue their incredible progressPirro has ridden the venue before… but on fairly different machineryGuintoli extolled the virtues of the track – and the SuzukiBradl’s busy 2020 continues… next stop Le Mans!Savadori splits the work with Aleix Espargaro and Bradley Smith tooThe stunning Autodromo Internacional do Algarve welcomes MotoGP™ for the first time in 2020
PFL announces signing of elite MMA fighters for 2021 season
Oct 07. 2020
Global stars ready to showcase their talents in the fastest growing sports league in the world.
Professional Fighters League (PFL) announced the signing of eight elite MMA fighters. Global stars from the USA, Europe, South America, and Asia, will add even more depth and international flavor to an already talent-rich PFL roster. The 2021 PFL season will begin in April, with events broadcast live on ESPN2, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ in the United States, and premium sports networks in 160 countries around the world.
Ready to showcase their skills in the PFL’s upcoming 2021 season will be Cezar Ferreira, Renan Ferreira, and Sheymon Moraes of Brazil, Joilton Lutterbach and Hatef Moeil of Germany, Marthin Hamlet of Norway, Sung Bin Jo of South Korea, and Brandon Sayles of the United States of America.
“We are extremely excited to welcome a diverse group of world-class talent to the Professional Fighters League as part of the 2021 roster,” said Ray Sefo, President of the PFL. “The addition of elite competitors from countries such as Brazil, Norway, South Korea and Germany is representative of PFL’s global reach. We look forward to seeing what these fighters can do on the biggest stage, as they look to advance through a Regular Season, Playoffs and Championship and earn a title and million-dollar prize.”
“PFL is a global brand with distribution to over 160 countries, and top talent from around the world are recognizing the unique opportunity PFL provides in terms of competing on the biggest stage, against the best competition, for an equal shot at a title and life- changing money,” said Peter Murray, CEO of the PFL. “We are committed to consistently elevating our roster and we’re excited about the depth of talent that will be on display in 2021. Through PFL Studios and our wide network of distribution partners, we look forward to telling their stories and documenting each individual’s journey to the top of the sport.”
Brazilian middleweight star Cezar “The Mutant” Ferreira (13-8-0) is a 15-fight UFC veteran who earned his way into the company by winning the inaugural season of The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil. The 35-year-old who fights out of Boca Raton, Florida, earned seven of his 13 career wins by stoppage and has beaten big names such as Anthony Smith, Thiago Santos, and Nate Marquardt.
German-Brazilian lightweight veteran Joilton “Peregrino” Lutterbach (34-8-0, 1 NC) is the most experienced fighter on this list, with 24 of his 34 career wins coming by stoppage (12 knockouts, 12 submissions). Lutterbach, who fights out of Dusseldorf, Germany, competed on the third season of The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil, and has won 10 of his last 11 bouts. The former FEN, MFC, and XFMMA champion has his sights set on reigning PFL Lightweight World Champion Natan “Russo” Schulte.
Brazilian featherweight knockout artist Sheymon Moraes (11-4-0) is a UFC and World Series of Fighting veteran who is ready to bring his experience to the PFL cage. Fighting out of Los Angeles, California by way of Niteroi, Rio de Janeiro, Moraes has shared the cage with the likes of former WSOF World Champion Marlon Moraes, Zabit Magomedshapirov, and Andre Fili.
Hard-hitting German heavyweight Hatef Moeil (10-4-0) will be an exciting addition to the PFL’s heavyweight division. Eight of Moeil’s 10 career victories have come via KO, and he has recorded wins over UFC veterans such as Ricco Rodriguez and James McSweeny. Fighting out of Dusseldorf, Germany, the former KOK Heavyweight Champion is currently riding a six-fight win streak.
South Korean featherweight star Sung Bin “The Korean Falcon” Jo (9-1-0) began his professional MMA career on a nine-fight win streak, with all coming via stoppage (5 knockouts, 4 submissions). A former WCF and ACF Featherweight Champion, Jo fights out of Seoul, South Korea.
6-foot-8 Brazilian Renan “Problema” Ferreira (6-2-0) will be bringing size, skill, and power to the PFL’s heavyweight ranks. The Team Noguiera product and former FFMMA title challenger out of Porangatu, Brazil has earned all of his wins via stoppage (5 knockouts, 1 submission), and has won four of his last five contests.
Norwegian light heavyweight Marthin Hamlet (6-1-0) is a former Cage Warriors title challenger with four of his six career wins coming via stoppage (2 knockouts, 2 submissions). Hamlet trains alongside UFC contender Jack “The Joker” Hermansson at the Frontline Academy in Norway.
Standout American heavyweight Brandon “Man of War” Sayles (5-1-0) is no stranger to titles, having won the NFC Super Heavyweight Championship, the NFC Heavyweight Championship, and Conflict MMA Heavyweight Championship through just six professional bouts. A former US Army Combatives Instructor out of Hilo, Hawaii, Sayles has a 100% finishing rate, with all of his career wins coming via stoppage (3 knockouts, 2 submissions).
Earlier this year, PFL announced the signings of several new fighters for the 2021 season, including heavyweight contender Mohammed Usman, light heavyweight Jordan Young, lightweight’s Johnny “Hollywood” Case and “The Canadian Gangster” Olivier Aubin- Mercier, reigning Brave FC featherweight champion Bubba Jenkins, and more.
Quartararo vs Mir: Le Mans revs up for a battle royale
Oct 06. 2020
A home hero, a man on a mission and a finely-poised 2020 title fight. There’s no place like home, but will that prove enough?
Heading into the Catalan GP, four points covered four riders. As we saddle up and head for Sarthe, however, four points is now half the gap from first to second – and that gap is enjoyed by home hero Fabio Quartararo (Petronas Yamaha SRT). The Frenchman won in Barcelona to put himself back on top, staking his claim on the 2020 FIM MotoGP™ World Championship crown once again. By the final laps though, it was close, thanks to yet another late pace stunner from Suzuki. And this time, there were two: Joan Mir (Team Suzuki Ecstar) and teammate Alex Rins took a close second and third as they churned through Quartararo’s advantage, and the scene is now set for a showdown of the sophomores at Le Mans. Quartararo 108, Mir 100.
For ‘El Diablo’, there’s home pressure but some home cheer too, and he’ll have to balance that at the same time as the never-ending see-saw of the Championship. Le Mans is a venue tamed to perfection on many an occasion by Yamaha, however, so the omens are good for Quartararo to come out swinging and win on home turf. Can he become the first Frenchman to take to the top step in the premier class at Le Mans and extend his advantage? Mir will be the first trying to stand in his way.
Incredibly, despite being second overall and having taken more consistent podiums than anyone this year, Mir is still yet to win. And the Mayorcan says he won’t be fully locked on to the title as his main target until he’s managed to do so. That’s a pretty clear statement of intent from the Suzuki rider, and if he can show the same form as we’ve now come to expect, he is to be expected in the fight at the front. With a little less work to do from a higher grid position, or even just a better shuffle of the dice at Turn 1, Mir could easily already have been a winner… and the home hero vs the hungry bridesmaid could make one awesome showdown come Sunday. Rins will be hoping to keep his form rolling too – it was over a year since his Silverstone win and the last time he’d been on the podium – and his impressive ride through the field from outside the top ten gave Suzuki their first double podium since 2007. The Hamamatsu factory have also won a MotoGP™ race at Le Mans, although in the wet… in that same 2007.
Quartararo’s fellow Yamahas will be gunning to pin back the Suzuki charge, however. Maverick Viñales (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) had a muted Catalan GP after getting shuffled back at Turn 1 and he lost ground, but he’s a man with serious form at Le Mans, having won in 2017 with an imperious performance. He’s only 18 points off the top too. His teammate Valentino Rossi, meanwhile, will also be out for revenge after bad luck in Barcelona. The number 46 crashed out of second and will want to make amends, but like last time out, both he and Viñales will likely also have Franco Morbidelli (Petronas Yamaha SRT) for company in the Iwata marque shootout. Bad news for each individual rider with that stiff competition, but great news for Yamaha.
For former points leader Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team), however, the venue could be a little less welcoming: Ducati have never won at Le Mans. Now 24 points off the top after getting wiped out early on in Barcelona, the Italian faces a mountain to climb to get back in the hunt. He’ll want to start sooner rather than later, and rake in some solid points as a minimum. Pramac Racing’s Jack Miller and Francesco Bagnaia will want the same and to take the honour of top Borgo Panigale machine, however, as will Danilo Petrucci (Ducati Team). And there’s a Frenchman on a Ducati to contend with too: Johann Zarco (Esponsorama Racing). The number 5 has known home glory at Le Mans, and he’ll throw everything at it to taste more.
And what of KTM? The Austrian factory had a tougher time of it in Barcelona, although some bad luck also played its hand in that. How will they fare in France? Their impressive step forward in 2020 is illustrated by asking ‘what happened’ after only one race without a KTM on the podium. Pol Espargaro (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) will be aiming to put that right, and rookie teammate Brad Binder will want to iron out some of his troubles since that stunner of a win at Brno. Styrian GP winner Miguel Oliveira (Red Bull KTM Tech 3) can’t be counted out in the charge either, and what can his rookie teammate Iker Lecuona do?
Speaking of rookies, Alex Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) is another who will want more in France. The number 73 seriously impressed in Misano before a more difficult race on home turf, where the more experienced Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu) pulled well clear to finish the race as top Honda. Nakagami could be one to watch in France, with the Japanese rider now the only man to have scored in every race so far in 2020. And they haven’t been a run of 15ths – the number 30 is well up there most weekends, only just out the podium fight. Teammate Cal Crutchlow (LCR Honda Castrol) impressed on his return from injury as he gritted his teeth to a top ten too – will the Brit manage to make his way further forward in France? And can Aprilia Racing Team Gresini move up the board too? Another test for the Noale factory after Barcelona gives them more data, and they’ll want some more solid points as a minimum as they continue their push forward.
There’s no better way to head into your home race than off the back of a win, but there’s more at stake for Quartararo in the French GP than simply home glory. Another win now would extend that advantage into a little breathing space, and be a serious warning shot for his rivals – all whilst hearing the Marseillaise ring out across Le Mans. But Mir is a man on a mission; Viñales, Rossi, Rins, Morbidelli and more are waiting in the wings… and there are still six races to go in a rollercoaster 2020. Who will reign Le Mans? Place your bets – but be prepared for the odds to change again.
MotoGP™ go racing in France at the slightly earlier time of 13:00 (GMT +2). So save the date – there’s another classic coming your way!
MotoGP™ Championship Standings 1 Fabio Quartararo* – Petronas Yamaha SRT – Yamaha – 108 2 Joan Mir – Team Suzuki Ecstar – Suzuki – 100 3 Maverick Viñales – Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP – Yamaha – 90 4 Andrea Dovizioso – Ducati Team – Ducati – 84 5 Franco Morbidelli* – Petronas Yamaha SRT – Yamaha – 77 *Independent Team riders
Can Marini’s march continue at Le Mans? The Italian was superlative in Barcelona. Now it’s time to reset for more in France, can he keep the upper hand? The Moto2™ momentum has swung a few different ways in 2020. From Luca Marini (Sky Racing Team VR46) to Enea Bastianini (Italtrans Racing Team) to Jorge Martin (Red Bull KTM Ajo) and then back again, we arrive at Le Mans for the Shark Helmets Grand Prix de France with one man very much in the driving seat: Marini. The Italian is 20 points clear now, and arrives fresh off the back of another superlative win last time out.
So, can he do it again? He explained in Misano that his Achilles’ heel so far in 2020 was more the second time round at the same track, as he felt he failed to make a step to stay in the same contention. If he’s confident straight out the box, Le Mans will be good news for him – with one race and one race only at the classic Sarthe venue.
It’s not been an easy journey for Marini to achieve to his 20 point advantage though. Bastianini has won three races and will want to flex his form again at Le Mans to fight back, and Marco Bezzechi (Sky Racing Team VR46) is an ever-present threat, the ‘enemy within’ Marini’s team. Last time out though, it was Sam Lowes (EG 0,0 Marc VDS) bringing the noise, and the Brit is on a charge of his own. At Le Mans, he’ll want to duel it out for the win once again – and this time hope for a little less work to do off the line.
Another rider looking to hit back is Jorge Martin. After sitting out two races, the Spaniard was back in Barcelona but forced to retire in the end, so we’ve not seen his full form on full power. He was the man with the momentum when bad luck struck ahead of Misano too – and there’s even more to write home about now. He’s been announced at Pramac Racing in MotoGP™ next year, so the audition is officially over and now the real show can begin. What can Martin do? He was ominous in Austria…
Plenty of eyes will also be on Termozeta Speed Up’s Fabio Di Giannantonio and Jorge Navarro. The former was back on the podium in Barcelona and the latter only just off it, and the two results brought a welcome end to a tough start to 2020. It’s not just one venue either, as the two have been clawing their way back to the front. What can they do in France?
Joe Roberts (Tennor American Racing) was the man who just lost out – after an almighty battle – on that fourth place taken by Navarro, and he’ll want to be back up fighting for the podium again in Le Mans. Add in the likes of rookie Aron Canet (Inde Aspar Team), Liqui Moly Intact GP’s Marcel Schrötter and Tom Lüthi and Qatar winner Tetsuta Nagashima (Red Bull KTM Ajo) and it’s sure to be another stellar showdown in the top ten. And what can Remy Gardner (ONEXOX TKKR SAG Team) do as he has more time to get back to better fitness? Can Marcos Ramirez (Tennor American Racing) keep his top ten form? And what about Xavi Vierge and Jake Dixon (Petronas Sprinta Racing), whose impressive performances in Barcelona were cut short by a crash and a bike problem, respectively?
Marini has the momentum as we arrive at Le Mans, but the cast of characters looking to steal it is chock full of seriously fast riders. Who can come out on top in France? Find out at the later time of 14:30 (GMT +2) on Sunday!
Moto2™ Championship Standings 1 Luca Marini – Sky Racing Team VR46 – Kalex – 150 2 Enea Bastianini – Italtrans Racing Team – Kalex – 130 3 Marco Bezzecchi – Sky Racing Team VR46 – Kalex – 114 4 Sam Lowes – EG0,0 Marc VDS – Kalex – 103 5 Jorge Martin – Red Bull KTM Ajo – Kalex – 79
Can Arenas strike back in France? It’s been a tougher time for the former Championship leader of late. Now Ogura is in the hot seat, and Arenas will need to dig deep to turn the tables… Since the very first race of the season, Albert Arenas (Gaviota Aspar Team Moto3) has been the man in charge in Moto3™, but no longer. After a crash, a fourth place and another crash – the latter not his fault – the number 75 now finds himself demoted to second overall and needing a fight back. Ai Ogura (Honda Team Asia) is the new Championship leader, although it was far from plain sailing for the Japanese rider last time out either. So what will Le Mans bring?
For Arenas, a little pressure is certain, but there will also be a host of incredible memories. There’s hardly a better venue to return to when you need a boost than the place where you took your first win, and that’s exactly what the number 75 did at Le Mans in 2018. So he knows it’s a place he can conquer, and he’ll be guns blazing to do it again to take some revenge on his bad luck in Barcelona.
For Ogura, the past form book isn’t really the place to look to know what he’ll have in the locker come race day in France, as he’s only in his second year in Moto3™. Last year at Le Mans when he was a rookie though, he qualified on the front row… so he has speed. The number 79 was somewhat AWOL at Barcelona and even with an open goal after the crash for John McPhee (Petronas Sprinta Racing) that also took Arenas down, he was only able to take eleventh. But he didn’t crash. And so far this season, he’s got more podiums than anyone, so it’s hard to bet against the Japanese rider being back in the battle. His advantage is just three points overall, but consistency is key and Ogura has shown that in spades throughout 2020.
For McPhee, meanwhile, it’s another bounce back to pull out the hat, although if you’re going to crash out of a race in which you need to score big to gain ground, taking the Championship leader down with you is one way of making your maths a little less disastrous, even if it does ruin his. That mistake – for which the Scot immediately went to apologise – and the knock-on side effects keep McPhee only 24 points off the top, and he’s is another who arrives in France with great memories. Guess who won at Le Mans last year? That’s right. The last two races in Sarthe have been won by Arenas and then McPhee, adding another interesting little twist into the equation as they both arrive as title contenders.
The battle at the front is never a three-way fight in Moto3™ though. Darryn Binder (CIP – Green Power) arrives as a Grand Prix winner and will want more of that, Tony Arbolino (Rivacold Snipers Team) is on a roll of form and closing in on the top, and Celestino Vietti (Sky Racing Team VR46) is only a further point back on his compatriot too. Barcelona also saw Romano Fenati (Sterilgarda Max Racing Team) retain his position in the front group after his win at Misano, and there was a resurgence for a few including his teammate Alonso Lopez, SIC58 Squadra Corse’s Niccolo Antonelli, Estrella Galicia 0,0 rider Sergio Garcia, Dennis Foggia (Leopard Racing) and teammate Jaume Masia… the list could go on, with more riders than can score points sometimes fighting it out in the front group, but that’s what makes Moto3™ such an incredible spectacle.
That’s a good reason to tune in when the lightweight class take on Le Mans, with the race getting underway at the slightly later time of 11:20 (GMT +2). Can Arenas strike back? Will we see the return of McPhee? Or will the rise of Ogura only continue once he’s back in the groove? Find out on Sunday!
Moto3™ Championship Standings 1 Ai Ogura – Honda Team Asia – Honda – 122 2 Albert Arenas – Gaviota Aspar Team Moto3 – KTM – 119 3 John McPhee – Petronas Sprinta Racing – Honda – 98 4 Tony Arbolino – Rivacold Snipers Team – Honda – 95 5 Celestino Vietti – Sky Racing Team VR46 – KTM – 94
‘Lightning’ McLaren ready to topple ‘The Giant’ Toivonen in bid for One flyweight world title
Oct 06. 2020Reece “Lightning” McLaren of Australia
Fifth-ranked flyweight and former title challenger Reece “Lightning” McLaren of Australia believes he is but a couple of wins away from challenging for the One world title.
A victory over his next opponent, undefeated Finnish warrior Aleksi “The Giant” Toivonen, would certainly add to his case.
McLaren and Toivonen lock horns in a three-round flyweight mixed martial arts contest at One: Reign Of Dynasties, scheduled for October 9. Venue and location for this event have yet to be confirmed and announced by One Championship.
“Lightning” says he will be coming into the Circle having made some key improvements to his overall game.
“I just kept doing what I do. I always run and do lots of visualisation and lots of studying – just watching and watching and watching,” said McLaren.
“I made a few leaps and bounds in a few aspects of mixed martial arts, so it definitely made me go back, slow things down, and study positions more. I think [the fans are] going to see a better, improved me. In the last six months, I’ve made some massive, massive gains.”
Toivonen is an accomplished grappler in the European circuit, which complements McLaren’s Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt very well. Together, the two will provide fans an intriguing matchup between two high-level fighters on the mat.
As is the case when two grapplers face each other, this bout could ultimately end up being spent on the feet however, and McLaren, is prepared either way.
“He looks strong and he looks like he takes the back really well. He grapples very well. Being a European champion – that’s a great achievement. I know the grappling circuit in Europe is very high-level. They get all the big guns going to the Europeans, so that means he’s a very good grappler,” said McLaren.
“I think it could go either way. It’s either going to be a stand-up battle as the two grapplers equal each other, or it’s going to turn into a massive grappling match. I’m a mixed martial artist, so wherever I can take it to have the edge, I’ll take it there.”
In the main event on October 9, reigning One strawweight Muay Thai and kickboxing world champion Sam-A Gaiyanghadao of Thailand will defend his Muay Thai title against top contender Josh “Timebomb” Tonna of Australia.
McLaren is looking to get back into position as one of the top contenders for the One world title. Just a year ago, “Lightning” recalls he was already next in line for a title shot. But when Demetrious Johnson came into the frame, and the One flyweight World Grand Prix was introduced, McLaren gave way to compete in the tournament.
Unfortunately, he bowed out of the tournament early after a loss to former champion Kairat Akhmetov. Johnson is expected to challenge reigning One flyweight world champion Adriano Moraes some time in the near future.
With a win over Toivonen, McLaren believes he would serve as a good replacement, should Johnson or Moraes be unable to compete for some reason.
“I just think that any win at the moment for anyone will keep pushing us up the rankings. Honestly, you go back to a year ago and I was slated to fight for the belt, so I believe I’m one or two wins away from having my name there as a replacement if Demetrious or Moraes get hurt,” said McLaren.
“I don’t like to predict because everyone sounds cocky in predictions. So, all I can say is it’s going to be an exciting match, and tune in.”
MotoE™: the season finale hits full power in France
Oct 06. 2020
The FIM Enel MotoE™ World Cup winner is about to be decided, and it’s the new venue of Le Mans that plays host
The time has come. After some stellar races at Jerez and Misano, the two final showdowns of the 2020 FIM Enel MotoE™ World Cup are now just around the corner and it’s the new – for MotoE™ at least – venue of Le Mans that plays host. With seasoned veterans taking on rookies in the fight for the crown, that makes for an interesting twist – with no one on the grid having any electric experience at the French track. Everything is on the line as the final 50 points of the year are in play, and after the drama we’ve seen already this season, it remains anyone’s game.
Heading in, it’s 2019 Cup winner Matteo Ferrari (Trentino Gresini MotoE) on top. The Italian has been consistent as ever and keeps reeling in the points, putting him four clear of his nearest challenger, Dominique Aegerter (Dynavolt Intact GP). Ferrari, however, made his own mistake in Andalucia to dent the maximum he could have scored – whereas Aegerter lost the lead in Misano as he fell victim to another rider’s mistake. Will that change their approach heading into the finale? Aegerter needs to gain but four points isn’t much of a deficit – and he knows he’s been more than fast enough to have battled it out in every race, taking a podium or win every time he’s made it to the line.
In third there’s another fast rookie to contend with as well: Jordi Torres (Pons Racing 40). The Spaniard took his first E-Pole in Misano and although he’s yet to win, he’s only seven points down. That’s not a mountain to climb with two races coming up and 50 points left, and he’ll also be pushing hard to take a victory to tick that box. How hard? He said he chose reward over risk last time out, so the wily veteran will be balancing that all weekend. Now it’s the finale, though, there’s no more long game left.
The final more likely candidate for the crown – although it’s a longer shot – is Mattia Casadei (Ongetta SIC58 Squadra Corse). The Italian has been in the top five all season and he comes into the final round off the back of his best result yet: an impressive second place, after fighting for the lead. What can he do? He’s 15 points down, but with the twists and turns we’ve seen so far, he could even end up 10 points up by just the end of Race 1…
Eric Granado (Avintia Esponsorama Racing) is another interesting prospect. He’s technically still in contention as he’s on 43 points to Ferrari’s 86, but that would require a serious shockwave of events to rip through the races. Nevertheless, he could be playing a vital part as he took the first win of the year and has, barring any mistakes, been quick everywhere. What if Granado is the man ahead of the two or three riders right at the top? Do they attack or settle for the points? And will the Brazilian ride like he has nothing to lose?
Niccolo Canepa (LCR E-Team) and teammate Xavier Simeon are also still technically in contention, and the former has had a couple of impressive top five rides already in 2020. Simeon, meanwhile, has already been on the podium… before disaster struck as he fell victim to another rider’s crash and suffered a technical problem. Can he get in the mix at the front?
Home hero Mike Di Meglio (EG 0,0 Marc VDS) is another who’ll be pushing hard – especially on home turf – and his two most recent top finishes were solid sixths, which puts him just on the cusp of that battle at the front. Can he move forward?
Last but by no means least, there’s also the new grid formation for Race 2 to contend with. The results from the first race are now pivotal as they decide starting positions for the second, so there’s a lot to be won – and lost – on Saturday. Who will come out on top in the final weekend of the season? Ferrari, Aegerter, Torres? Casadei? Or will drama flip the form book completely?
Find out this weekend as Race 1 begins at 16:20 (GMT +2) on Saturday, before the lights go out for the last time in 2020 at 15:40 on Sunday.
FIM Enel MotoE™ World Cup Standings 1 – Matteo Ferrari –(Trentino Gresini MotoE) – Energica – 86 2 – Dominique Aegerter – (Dynavolt Intact GP) – Energica – 82 3 – Jordi Torres – (Pons Racing 40) – Energica – 79 4– Mattia Casadei – (Ongetta SIC58 Squadra Corse) – Energica – 71 5– Eric Granado –(Avintia Esponsorama Racing) – Energica – 43
Garcia triumphs after Covid tragedy to break title drought
Oct 05. 2020Sergio Garcia (Getty Images)
By PGATOUR.COM
All week the lens focused on his eyes.
Every time Sergio Garcia stroked a putt at the Sanderson Farms Championship, the cameras showed a battle-scarred 40-year-old who had missed so many over his career that he’d seen enough. This time he kept his head down, perhaps reasoning that the seeing itself was the problem. Why watch? There was no upside. He let his lids fall, trusted the stroke, and when the last putt fell, a kick-in birdie on 18 to beat Peter Malnati by one, those eyes filled with tears.
It was his first victory on tour since the 2017 Masters, and the first since he became a father, to the now 2-year-old Azalea and the 6-month-old Enzo. More than his putting woes or his slump, he thought of family.
He thought especially of the two uncles he lost to the ongoing pandemic.
“My father has a lot of family in Madrid,” Garcia said. “He’s one of nine siblings, and unfortunately we lost two of his brothers because of Covid, one at the beginning, Uncle Paco, and one just last Saturday actually – not yesterday but the Saturday before, Uncle Angel. You know, it’s sad,” he continued. “It’s sad. And I know that a lot of families have lost a lot more people, but you never want to lose anyone like that, and I wanted to win this for them.”
Sometimes golf is hard just because it’s hard. And sometimes life just gets in the way.
Garcia had never played the Sanderson Farms, and it was hard to know what to make of him, especially the eyes-wide-shut putting. He was a 10-time tour winner, but he hadn’t won since the 2017 Masters. He’d missed three of his previous four cuts on TOUR, had fallen out of the world top 50, and was coming off a season in which he recorded just one top-25 finish.
To put that in perspective, he had never recorded fewer than four top-25s in 21 previous tour seasons, and missed the playoffs for just the second time in the FedExCup era.
Two shots stood out Sunday: His 5-wood second shot that trundled up to within four feet of the pin for eagle, and his 8-iron approach on 18, which set up a 30-inch birdie. The ball-striking that has defined his career took centre stage at Jackson Country Club in Mississippi, as Garcia was first in strokes gained off the tee, strokes gained tee to freen, and driving distance.
Although he was only 28th in strokes gained putting, he was in positive numbers all four days.
His unusual putting, which he said he’s been doing on and off for the last three-plus years, is working.
“I was believing in myself the whole week,” said Garcia, who moved to fourth in the FedExCup just three events into the new season. “I obviously hit a bad putt on six for par, but I stuck with it, I kept going, I kept believing, I kept telling myself you’re doing great, just keep doing what you’re doing, it’s great. You’re not going to make every single putt.”
He is asked incessantly about the closed eyes, and it would be easy to have doubts. As one reporter here pointed out, it looks not just odd but like the act of a desperate man. But Garcia and his wife Angela talked about it and agreed: If he didn’t commit to something and really give it a chance, the odds were remote that he was ever going to settle into a groove on the greens.
His experience tuning out the doubters, all those people who harped on his inability to win a major, served him well. Now he’s peaking again with another Masters only a month away.
“Well, it’s obviously a boost of confidence, there’s no doubt,” Garcia said. “Even if I would have not won it, it still would have been a massive high for me this week. To be able to do a lot of the things that I did, it meant a lot. It showed me a lot of what I still have, and what I still can do.”
Palaphoom and Patcharin outgun rivals in Singha Classic finals
Oct 05. 2020Palaphoom Kovapitukted and Patcharin Cheapchandej Young gun Palaphoom Kovapitukted and the experienced Patcharin Cheapchandej reigned supreme on the final day of the TATP’s Singha Classic Tennis Tournament at the Impact Tennis Academy in Nonthaburi province on Sunday.
The 20-year-old Palaphoom, winner of the previous leg of the TATP swing, bounced back from a second-set lapse to upset Thai No. 2 Wishaya Trongcharoenchaikul 6-2 6-7 (4-7) 7-5 to win his second title of the season.
Patcharin, meanwhile, benefited from a barrage of unforced errors from her young opponent, Watsachol Sawatdee, to win the women’s final comfortably 6-1 6-2.
Based in Chachoengsao province, Palaphoom had recently lost to the country’s ace in another local event at the LTAT National Tennis Centre. It was a sweet revenge for the young blood who had never beaten his rival before.
“I felt uncomfortable having to deal with his big serves and big groundstrokes,” said Palaphoom. “It was tough to break him. So, I had to chase down all shots and return them to put him under pressure,” added the in-form Thai who will have a few weeks off before joining ITF events in Hua Hin.
Likewise, Patcharin, 25, relied on her solid baseline game to counter-punch the hard-hitting Watsachol.
“I had to run a lot of balls back as my opponent hit big. I also served very well and set up easy points. This win is a good pay-off for all the hard work and will keep me motivated,” Patcharin said. The national Fed Cup player has celebrated two titles this season.
Reid wins maiden LPGA title at Shoprite LPGA Classic
Oct 05. 2020
The wait is over for Mel Reid.
She is a LPGA Tour champion and Rolex First-Time Winner. The six-time Ladies European Tour (LET) winner and three-time European Solheim Cup Team member sealed victory at the ShopRite LPGA Classic presented by Acer with a 4-under par 67 on the Bay Course of Seaview, A Dolce Hotel, this afternoon to win by two strokes at 19-under overall.
“I’m just over the moon, so emotional. So happy for myself and my team, there is a lot more to it than just me hitting a golf ball,” said Reid. “I read a tweet yesterday and it was probably one of the only bad tweets that I got saying she’ll choke. It gave me a bit of motivation. I know it sounds stupid, but probably the best thing I could have read. I was definitely not letting that happen.
“The older you get in this game you do create a few scars. But being 33 years old and lifting this trophy when I had some young players behind me, it goes to show I guess that I like adversity. I’ll always be a fighter and try and fight my way through things. I’m so happy and relieved that I got it done.”
After a couple early birdies on Nos. 1 and 3, Reid found bogey at Nos. 6 and 7. She then closed out her opening nine with a pair of birdies to bounce back and make the turn 2-under in the final round and -17 overall, good for a one-shot lead over Jennifer Song.
Reid then dropped in a couple more birdies on Nos. 11 and 12 to give her a four-stroke advantage, with Song and Jennifer Kupcho (at that point) sitting in a tie for second at -15. After coming up short with her approach on the par-3 15th, she faced a crucial 15-foot putt for par to keep the momentum rolling in Atlantic County.
“I punched a 4-iron, but that missed on the right. It was a tough hole today and we didn’t get a great lie in the rough,” said Reid, who hit 13 greens in regulation this afternoon. “We played the percentage play, a little chip and run, and it came out a little bit hotter that I thought. That putt was missing right all day and I just willed the hell out of it to catch the right edge.
“That was a huge moment for us and probably the first time I showed emotion the whole tournament because I knew what a big putt it was. Making par there, that’s when I knew if I don’t do anything stupid this is mine.”
The runner-up finish from Kupcho ties a career-best, which she set at the 2019 Evian Championship. She recorded seven birdies in the final round, as well as two bogeys and one double bogey for a 3-under 68.
“Didn’t hit the ball super great, and couldn’t really expect to play as good as Mel was playing, but I gave it my best shot with what I brought to the course today,” said Kupcho, who finished at -17 overall. “Just looking back on this whole week, how much I fought through all the adversity I came across, I am really proud of myself and excited to go into major week.”
Meanwhile, Song held the outright advantage by one at -16 following a bogey from Reid on No. 7. With no leaderboards on the Bay Course, she never knew that was the case until after the round.
“Mel played so solid today and it was really fun to watch,” said Song, who set a 72-hole career-best on the LPGA with her 16-under 268 performance at the ShopRite LPGA Classic. “I had no clue where I was; I was just playing one shot at a time. I definitely left a lot of birdies out there, so I’m kind of disappointed. Overall, I’m very happy because I think every week I am getting better.”
Nasa Hataoka and Nelly Korda finished at -14 and -12, respectively, rounding out the top five. Four players ended in a tie for sixth at -11, including nine-time LPGA Tour winner and 2016 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship winner Brooke Henderson.
RYANN O’TOOLE INTO KPMG WOMEN’S PGA CHAMPIONSHIP FIELD
Ryann O’Toole started the week as second alternate for the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, but had booked her travel already thinking she was in the event. As a competitive person, O’Toole said she wasn’t comfortable waiting on things to fall into place and wanted to play her way into the event with a win at the ShopRite LPGA Classic presented by Acer.
On Saturday, when Lee-Anne Pace withdrew from the third LPGA major of the season, O’Toole was bumped to the first alternate. She finished in a tie for sixth in Jersey, but with winner Mel Reid already exempt next week, the last spot in the field goes to O’Toole.
“I was looking like, ‘Okay, who is possible to win that isn’t going to take that spot?’” said O’Toole. “So it was sitting pretty nicely, at least I get to ensure I’m playing next week. I’m happy about that.”
O’Toole said she has never played Aronimink Golf Club, but is excited to get to the course after hearing glowing remarks from #LPGAMom Brittany Lincicome, who was able to play the course on Saturday.
“I’m just happy to be playing, going into this week realizing I’m not in the event. Shame on me for not playing great and all of a sudden, wait a second, I’m an alternate,” O’Toole said. “That was a shock and I was pretty bummed about that, but obviously kicked things into gear for me. To have that opportunity to now be playing and not sitting waiting, not hoping bad on anybody, but hoping I get to play, I’m glad I can just start the week with the intention of playing.”
CME GROUP CARES CHALLENGE—SCORE 1 FOR ST. JUDE
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 2019, 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.
Brittany Altomare made the eighth hole-in-one of the 2020 LPGA Tour season on Thursday, finding the bottom of the cup on No. 17 with a pitching wedge from 108 yards. The eight aces on the 2020 season means a total of $160,000 has now been donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital this year.
The 2019 LPGA Tour season saw 32 total aces from 31 different competitors for a total of $620,000. That more than covers the average cost of $425,000 needed to treat a pediatric cancer patient.
U.S. WOMEN’S OPEN QUALIFYING UPDATE
There were two spots available this week at the ShopRite LPGA Classic presented by Acer to qualify for the 2020 U.S. Women’s Open from Dec. 10-13 at Champions Golf Club in Houston, Texas. The following two players—Mel Reid and Jennifer Song—in the top-10 had not yet qualified for the season’s final major and they punched their ticket with a championship-like performance this week on Bay Course at Seaview, A Dolce Hotel, in Galloway, N.J.
The top two players—not otherwise exempt—that finished in the top-10 and ties of the 2020 Walmart NW Arkansas Championship, Cambria Portland Classic and ShopRite Classic, as well as the top three players in the top-10 and ties of the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, not otherwise exempt, earn a spot in the U.S. Women’s Open field.
Individuals that have qualified so far through this criteria in 2020 include Jenny Shin and Katherine Kirk, with tied for fifth and tied for seventh finishes at the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship, respectively; Ashleigh Buhai and Yealimi Noh thanks to a runner-up and tied for third result, respectively, at Cambia Portland Classic. Reid and Song now join this bunch as part of the 2020 U.S. Women’s Open field.
Aussie Tonna ready for One ‘fight of the year’ with Thai world champ Sam-A
Oct 04. 2020
Former ISKA K-1 world champion Josh “Timebomb” Tonna of Australia is about to step into the most significant bout of his career thus far. The 32-year-old striker from Canberra will challenge for the One world title, and will look to dethrone a dominant two-sport titleholder and legend.
Tonna is set to face reigning One strawweight Muay Thai and kickboxing world champion Sam-A Gaiyanghadao of Thailand in a five-round showdown for the Thai warrior’s Muay Thai title.
The bout will take place as the main event of One: Reign Of Dynasties, scheduled for October 9. Venue and location for this event have yet to be confirmed and announced by One Championship.
Tonna feels he has what it takes to cause a major upset, and leave the arena with One Championship gold wrapped around his waist.
“My mindset is strong, and I have been preparing for over a year for this bout. My pressure and ability to fight stronger and pick up the pace in the later rounds is my edge. He is just a man, and he is no stronger than I am. I am a fighter with lots of heart and strength also. We will see who is the stronger man on the night,” said Tonna.
“This is going to be ‘Fight of the Year’ and you will have a new champion.”
After competing across the globe in Australia, England, Thailand, Japan, Hong Kong, and Malaysia, racking up more than 30 professional victories, capturing the ISKA K-1 World Championship and a WMC Intercontinental Muay Thai Championship in the process, Tonna joined One Super Series in 2018.
Since then, he’s put together some amazing performances in the One Championship ring. Most recently, Tonna defeated five-time Muay Thai world champion Andy Howson by knockout, earning him his spot right next to Sam-A.
“Beating Andy [Howson] gave me a lot of confidence. It shows that I should not be taken lightly. In one of Sam-A’s interviews, he thought that Andy would be his most dangerous opponent. Now I feel I am his biggest threat,” said Tonna.
“Sam-A has a lot of experience and has great reflexes and speed, on top of skill. He is a tremendous athlete and great role model for aspiring fighters. I have a lot of respect for him. He doesn’t do well with pressure, as seen in the Haggerty bout, and I think that is going to be what gets me over the line.”
The October 9 card also features a slew of compelling mixed martial arts and One Super Series contests.
Tonna is looking forward to showcasing his improved skills, particularly his mental capacity and championship mindset, heading into the most important test of his career.
“I think the most specific improvement has been with my mind. Learning to overcome adversity has helped me mentally. I have prepared as normal with each fight, but as an athlete and martial artist, I am coming in with a better mindset,” said Tonna.
“Pressure, teeps, and the will to win is what will get me over the line. It won’t be easy, but I’m going to win because I want it more than he does. Competing in One Super Series has helped me grow as an athlete, boosted my profile, and now I have had great opportunities challenging myself against champions and great fighters from all over the world. I am very grateful to be involved in this organisation.”
Reece “Lightning” McLaren of Australia 
Sergio Garcia (Getty Images) 
Palaphoom Kovapitukted and Patcharin Cheapchandej Young gun Palaphoom Kovapitukted and the experienced Patcharin Cheapchandej reigned supreme on the final day of the TATP’s Singha Classic Tennis Tournament at the Impact Tennis Academy in Nonthaburi province on Sunday.
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