Sunisa Srisen seeking redemption against Rika Ishige at ONE: A New Breed III
Sep 16. 2020
By THE NATION
After her ONE Championship debut didn’t pan out the way she planned, Thailand’s Sunisa “Thunderstorm” Srisen is looking for redemption in her next bout. The 19-year-old from Chonburi is a relative newcomer to ONE Championship, but if she can beat her next opponent, she has the potential to become Thailand’s next big martial arts star.
Srisen faces Thai women’s martial arts pioneer Rika “Tiny Doll” Ishige at ONE: A New Breed III, an event recorded in Bangkok and airing this Friday, September 18.
For Srisen, this bout is not only a shot at victory, but also at redemption in front of millions of fans watching around the globe.
“I’m going to do better in this fight than my last one, because I’m more conditioned this time. I have a good chance of winning this fight,” said Srisen.
“I have much more to offer and I want to show fans what I am capable of.”
Srisen suffered a first-round TKO against ONE Atomweight Muay Thai World Champion Stamp Fairtex at ONE: No Surrender in July.
“Rika is very good on the ground. Her submission game is excellent. But I’m not afraid to go to the mat with her. I have my own strengths too, and I think I will do well against her,” said Srisen.
“I think I can handle Rika’s ground game. I have a lot of experience in grappling, and I come from a judo background. … I have a lot of respect for Rika, but she doesn’t like getting punched. She will try to take me to the ground, that is her strength. Let’s test her in every area, and then we’ll see who comes out on top.”
ONE: A New Breed III is the final entry of the “A New Breed” series from Bangkok.
The main event features a showdown for the ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World Championship, with reigning champion Petchmorakot Petchyindee Academy of Thailand defending his title against promotional newcomer and former Lion Fight World Champion, Magnus “Crazy Viking” Andersson of Sweden.
Viñales tops busy Misano test from Nakagami and Zarco
Sep 16. 2020
The Spaniard dominated the top of the timesheets, but there were five factories in the top five on Tuesday
Maverick Viñales (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) topped the Tuesday test at Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli, putting in a 1:31.532 to end the day two and a half tenths clear of Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu). Johann Zarco (Esponsorama Racing) was third quickest despite still recovering from a broken scaphoid, the fastest Ducati at the test. There was plenty on show, and five factories in the top five!
Viñales was out on track focusing a lot on the medium tyre, which he didn’t use in the race on Sunday when he missed out on the podium from pole. He said he’s intending to use that more during the upcoming Emilia Romagna GP and work more on the graining issues with the medium – already improved – that affected him last weekend. In addition, a new exhaust was out on track from the Iwata marque, and Yamaha also had a new carbon swingarm to try that they’ll probably use at the Emilia Romagna GP. And there’s even more, with a new rear brake system and chassis also on show. Viñales said what he tried on Tuesday didn’t make a huge step forward, but allowed him to ride more relaxed – and that could help him to push more. His teammate Valentino Rossi didn’t push for a fast lap and was 17th of 18 riders on the timesheets, but more can most definitely be expected from the number 46 on Sunday.
Rossi was also the man who debuted the new exhaust, the aim of which, according to Team Manager Massimo Meregalli, is drivability and top-end speed – important for the long straights in Barcelona and Aragon, although for the moment the riders have said there is no big improvement. Fabio Quartararo (Petronas Yamaha SRT) tried the exhaust too and ended the day in ninth, 0.804 off the top as he focused on race pace. His teammate and Misano race winner Franco Morbidelli sat the test out due to a stomach complaint.
Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu) was second on the timesheets, seemed happy with a step forward and got to ride the 2020 bike too. That got a positive review, with “no negatives” although he suffered a small crash on it that he put down to hitting a bump. Alex Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) was P11 overall and on test duty for a few things including a new Honda exhaust and aero. The Spaniard explained that he went faster than he did over the weekend on his second run of the day, and that he has managed to find a better feeling over one lap. Cal Crutchlow (LCR Honda Castrol) remained sidelined by injury, and Stefan Bradl (Repsol Honda Team) also sat out the test, not planned to be on track after having already tested at the venue ahead of the GP.
Zarco, in third, appeared pleasantly surprised by his feeling on the bike as he continues his recovery from scaphoid surgery just ahead of the Styrian GP. He was quick, as ever, and top Ducati after a solid fast lap. He suffered a small crash exiting pitlane but nothing too dramatic. The man fresh from a maiden podium, Francesco Bagnaia (Pramac Racing), was seventh despite his ongoing recovery from a broken leg… and that was also the reason he elected to test only in the morning.
Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team) was the next man from the Borgo Panigal factory on the timesheets as he ended the day in eighth – and pretty glowing. He also only tested in the morning with “no reason” to continue in the afternoon once the work was done and some solutions found. He was working on the setup and the details, as ever, and praised a new part that had arrived and the increase in confidence he’d been able to achieve on Tuesday. Jack Miller (Pramac Racing) was a little more downbeat but continued work on the first sector and Turn 11, and tried the chassis updates from Ducati. He was P12 overall despite some technical trouble when he’d wanted to use the same time of the day as the race to work on another step forward. Danilo Petrucci (Ducati Team) was in P16 and using Dovizioso as a spotter in the afternoon as he looks for some progress, with Tito Rabat (Esponsorama Racing) in P18 and suffering a technical issue during the test.
At KTM, Pol Espargaro (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) was the lead man on the timesheets in P4, and explained how his main aim was to improve grip and stability, especially on the rear. The stability through the fast corners had been improved, as has the grip on entry. Espargaro didn’t push for a lap time and was working a lot on race pace.
Three of the four KTM riders were putting in the laps, with Iker Lecuona (Red Bull KTM Tech3) sitting out the action and leaving Espargaro, Lecuona’s teammate Miguel Oliveira and fellow rookie Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) on track. Red Bull KTM Factory Team Principal Mike Leitner said that they were trying to improve the turning of the RC16, with the riders also appearing with a new white cover over some cables that come out from the tank cover, go around the steering head and back under the tank cover on the other side… Binder ended the day in P10 overall, and Oliveira P13. The Portuguese rider also had a small crash and said he didn’t have many new parts to try, working instead on a more immediate step forward for the Emilia Romagna GP.
Over in the Team Suzuki Ecstar garage, Team Manager Davide Brivio said Joan Mir and Alex Rins tried a different swingarm, although the initial feedback was that it didn’t make much of a difference, so Suzuki won’t be using it – according to Brivio himself. Rins, fifth overall, said he had a positive day though as he tried the swingarm and some electronic settings, and that he was riding comfortably free from pain despite some complaints in the latter laps of the San Marino GP as he continues to fight back to full fitness. Mir said he was happy with his day’s work overall too, which included some setting changes… and not pushing for a lap time. The Spaniard said he and Suzuki tried to improve their qualifying pace, but ended up improving their race pace even more if that’s a good warning shot for many. He was only just off his teammate, in P6 by the end of play.
Aprilia Racing Team Gresini’s Aleix Espargaro and Bradley Smith were testing the holeshot system on the rear, with the intention of trying to use it during the race – just like Ducati – in the near future. Chassis and electronics were also a focus for the Noale factory, with Espargaro trying a setting that gives him more torque, the aim being to give him more pace over a qualifying lap. Smith was happy to set a mid-1:32 and confirmed he was testing a new chassis too, with the Brit putting in a mammoth 96 laps over the course of the two sessions. He was P14 just 0.055 behind Espargaro, who was in turn only 0.006 off Oliveira.
That’s a wrap from testing and we’ll be back on track on Friday to begin the Emilia Romagna GP, before the lights go out for the race on Sunday at 14:00 (GMT +2).
The top three in testing: 1 Maverick Viñales – Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP – Yamaha – 1:31.532 2 Takaaki Nakagami* – LCR Honda Idemitsu – Honda – +0.271 3 Johann Zarco* – Esponsorama Racing – Ducati – +0.367 *Independent Team riders
Nakagami heads off from pole for a practice startZarco was the fastest Ducati in third despite his recovering scaphoidPol Espargaro was fourth after a tougher San Marino GP for KTMRins just pipped teammate Joan MirTest rider and current competitor Smith did nearly a century of laps
PFL STUDIOS “Inside the season” set to debut on ESPN News and ESPN+
Sep 16. 2020
Professional Fighters League (PFL), the first organization ever to present MMA through a Regular Season, Playoffs and Championship format, announced the launch of Inside the Season, one of four long-form original series produced by PFL Studios and aired across ESPN platforms.
The 10-episode series, presented by The Marines and narrated by acclaimed actor and passionate MMA fan John C. McGinley, will air every Wednesday on ESPNews at 1:00am ET, beginning September 16 and concluding November 17. Each episode will also be available on ESPN+.
Inside The Season provides fans with unprecedented access and insight into the inevitable ups and downs of an eight-month season. New fighter interviews, never-before-seen fight footage, access to fighter locker rooms, takes from journalists, commentary from announcers, and voiceover from McGinley all contribute to a fresh, in-depth look at the 2019 PFL season.
“PFL Studios was created to provide MMA fans with powerful and thought provoking original episodic programming that brings the fan closer to the sport,” said George Greenberg, Executive Vice President and Executive Producer, Professional Fighters League. “Inside the Season takes fans along the emotional and physical journeys of our incredible athletes as they fight their way through a challenging Regular Season, Playoffs, and Championship format for a $1 million title. Collaborating with a talent like John C. McGinley is indicative of the high-quality level of work we’re looking to achieve at PFL Studios and the crossover appeal of MMA.”
“As a fan of the Professional Fighters League, it’s a privilege to help bring to life the 2019 PFL season through rich and impactful storytelling,” said McGinley. “I’ve always been fascinated by the dedication MMA fighters have to their craft and it’s even more impressive when you are competing in PFL’s season format. PFL Studios is bringing a much-needed fresh perspective to the sport, and fans will appreciate the in-depth look into each fighters’ journey.”
The Marines are the presenting partner of Inside the Season, leveraging the national platform and compelling content to engage with qualified youth considering a military career.
PFL Studios, launched in June, is a fully integrated global media division of the Professional Fighters League producing original MMA content for all platforms including television, digital and mobile. Inside the Season comes on the heels of Fantastic Finishes, a seven-episode series reliving memorable knockouts and slick submissions across all six PFL weight classes.
Petchmorakot says speed will be the difference against ‘Crazy Viking’ Andersson
Sep 15. 2020
By THE NATION
Thailand’s reigning ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World Champion Petchmorakot Petchyindee Academy is jumping back into the ring after defending his title in July at ONE: No Surrender.
Having resisted a tremendous effort from legend Yodsanklai IWE Fairtex to score a five-round majority decision, Petchmorakot now faces a foreign foe in Sweden’s Magnus “Crazy Viking” Andersson in his next title defence.
Petchmorakot and Andersson go head-to-head in the main event of ONE: A New Breed III, an event previously recorded in Bangkok that will air this Friday, September 18.
Petchmorakot says fans should watch out for another spectacular performance from the champion.
“I’m feeling good heading into this next bout. It’s great to be able to fight and compete, and especially to defend my title. I’m still well-conditioned from my last fight, still fresh,” said the Thai champ.
In Andersson, Petchmorakot faces a former Lion Fight World Champion who joined the ONE Super Series looking to make a name for himself against the world’s greatest striking talents. “Crazy Viking” boasts an impressive win-loss-draw record of 41-11-0 and is No 5 in the WBC middleweight rankings. The challenge he poses to Petchmorakot is a legitimate one.
However, Andersson’s credentials pale in comparison to what Petchmorakot has achieved in his career. The 26-year-old Thai veteran has a 161-35-2 record in muay Thai and kickboxing.
He’s beaten some of the biggest names in muay Thai, including legends Yodsanklai and Saenchai. He’s claimed multiple world championships in the process, taking home Lumpinee Stadium World Championships in two divisions, as well as a WMC Muay Thai World Title.
Petchmorakot says the secret to his success is working hard in training.
“Even if you don’t have a fight right now, I say just keep training and improving. Your chance will come to you,” said Petchmorakot.
ONE: A New Breed III is the final event in the “A New Breed” series from Bangkok.
Rika “Tiny Doll” Ishige
Aside from the argument between Petchmorakot and Andersson, fans will also get to see Thai women’s martial arts pioneer Rika “Tiny Doll” Ishige return to action to face countrywoman Sunisa “Thunderstorm” Srisen.
While Petchmorakot is unable to predict what will transpire in the ring this Friday night, he assures fans that the ONE World Title will stay in Thailand.
“He’s a good fighter. He’s tall and has dangerous punches. But I don’t think he is as fast as me. My speed will be the difference in this fight,” said Petchmorakot.
“I’m always looking to score a knockout in every fight. I think, as a fighter, you have to do some damage. But more importantly, I want to make a successful title defence and keep the belt in Thailand.”
The Republic of Korea’s Mirim Lee made the famed leap into Poppie’s Pond, nailing a birdie on the first playoff hole at the 2020 ANA Inspiration to beat Canadian Brooke Henderson and the USA’s Nelly Korda, all tied at -15.
MIRIM LEE WINS 2020 ANA INSPIRATION
Lee shot a final-round 67, sparked by birdie chip-ins at 6 and 16 and an eagle chip at the final hole to jump to the top of the leaderboard.
“I can’t really believe it right now,” said Lee, who earned her first major title and her first victory since the 2017 Kia Classic. “To be honest, I feel like I must be a little crazy for winning and for having won this, and I think I’ll be able to feel it once I meet my family and reunite with them.”
Playing in the penultimate group, Lee stepped to the 18th tee two strokes behind Korda after a bogey at No. 17. After reaching the green in two, Lee chipped in from off the back of the green to tie for the lead.
“It was a bit disappointing having the bogey on 17, so my plan for 18 was just to have a birdie and do what I have to do to keep my head up,” said Lee. “When the shot went in, I think I was really surprised. It must have been a bit of luck that helped me.”
Playing together in the final group, Korda made par and Henderson birdied 18 to force the three-way playoff. On the first hole of sudden death, Henderson and Lee reached the green in two, but Korda’s tee shot found the left rough and she was forced to lay up. Henderson’s birdie putt just squeaked by the hole and Korda’s attempt came up well short. Lee’s birdie putt found the center of the hole, giving her the title.
“I played solid today. Had a couple bogeys kind of starting on the back nine, but I kept my calm,” said Korda, who became the fourth player to lead after the first three rounds but not take the title. “Didn’t hit a really good shot on 18 off the tee both times, so that’s what kind of got me in trouble there.”
Rose Zhang earned low-amateur honors by finishing tied for 11th at -8. Her 280 is the lowest 72-hole score by an amateur in ANA inspiration history, besting the 281 shot by Caroline Keggi in 1988 and Michelle Wie in 2004.
BROOKE HENDERSON BOUNCES BACK IN MAJOR WAY
After missing the cut at the AIG Women’s Open three weeks ago (the first missed cut of her career in a major championship), nine-time LPGA Tour winner Brooke Henderson bounced back in a big way with a tie for second at the ANA Inspiration.
Henderson recorded five final-round birdies around the Dinah Shore Tournament Course at Mission Hills Country Club en route to a 3-under 69. Even a double bogey at the par-4 13th didn’t slow Henderson, who forced a three-way sudden-death playoff with birdie on the 72nd hole.
“I definitely played really well this week, which is a really nice feeling and it gives me confidence moving forward,” Henderson said after par on the first playoff hole. “Mirim [Lee] played great today and so did Nelly [Korda]. It was fun. You are playing against the best in the world out there.
“It was tough to lose that way. I felt like I missed a lot of putts, especially the final round where I feel like maybe it could have been a different story. Mirim and Nelly played great and I fought my way around, so I am happy.”
NELLY KORDA TAKING POSITIVES FROM MAJOR WEEKEND EXPERIENCE
After leading the three previous rounds of the ANA Inspiration, Nelly Korda came just short of her first career major title after losing in a three-way playoff with Brooke Henderson to Mirim Lee. She had traded the lead with Henderson most of the day, but Korda was up two strokes after a birdie on 14. As she walked up the 18 green, she had no clue Lee had tied her after an eagle chip on her 72nd hole.
“No idea, no,” said Korda. “She must have played amazing golf coming in, so props to her.”
Korda said she felt she played solid today, and is proud of keeping calm after overcoming three bogeys on Nos. 8, 10 and 12. She said her tee shot on 18 “kind of got me in trouble,” but no matter what was happy to have her family to support her throughout the final round with parents Petr and Regina, and older sister and five-time LPGA Tour winner Jessica, all walking along outside the ropes.
“I’m just going to take positives from this week, know my game is trending upward,” said Korda, who will appear in next week’s Cambia Portland Classic. “I’m just going to continue working hard and see where that takes me.”
ROSE ZHANG EARNS RECORD-BREAKING LOW-AM HONORS AT ANA
If Rose Zhang thought 2020 couldn’t get any better for her, she proved herself wrong today. A month after winning the 2020 U.S. Women’s Amateur, Zhang earned low-amateur honors at the ANA Inspiration after finishing in a tie for 11th at -8, thanks in part to birdies on her final two holes. Her 280 is the lowest 72-hole score ever by an amateur, breaking the mark of 281 set by Caroline Keggi (1988) and Michelle Wie (2004).
“Honestly I just feel so incredibly blessed to play such a prestigious event, especially in this LPGA major,” said Zhang, who lives two hours away and even volunteered here in 2017. “Ever since I started golf, I watched the ANA Inspiration and I watched Lydia Ko and Jin-Young Ko jump into Poppie’s Pond and Pernilla Lindberg. To be able to be on this venue is truly an honor.”
The high-school senior and Stanford University commit played in the 2018 major after winning the ANA Junior Inspiration, where she took her own dive into Poppie’s Pond. Zhang made the cut and finished in a tie for 60th and credits the changes she’s made since her leap to the player she is today.
“I think everything changed so much. Two years is a huge difference, and I feel like I’ve grown physically and mentally,” said Zhang. “I just still kept the same mindset as I had two years ago about just doing my own thing and trying to improve each step of the way. I’m just extremely honored
ACE FOR PAJAREE ANANNARUKARN
Pajaree Anannarukarn made the seventh hole-in-one of the 2020 LPGA Tour season, acing the 121-yard 14th hole with a pitching wedge.
“Just choked down a little bit and just punched that pitching wedge,” said Anannarukarn. “Actually, that’s my favorite club, so it’s really cool to be able to make it and it went pretty straight, so I’m really happy about it.”
The CME Group Cares Challenge is a season-long charitable giving program that turns aces into donations. For that ace, CME Group will donate $20,000 to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, which is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. The 2020 season has now seen seven aces, for a total of $140,000 donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Anannarukarn ultimately shot a 2-under 70 on the day and tied for 32nd at -2.
The Italian wins his first FIM Enel MotoE™ World Cup race of the season on home turf, ahead of Simeon and Aegerter
Matteo Ferrari (Trentino Gresini MotoE) kept his perfect FIM Enel MotoE™ World Cup record at Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli intact on Sunday, taking a flawless victory at the Gran Premio Lenovo di San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini. That’s three wins in two years on home soil for the reigning World Cup winner, and it’s also his first win of 2020 to put him right back in the fight for the Cup. Xavier Simeon (LCR E-Team) and Dominique Aegerter (Dynavolt Intact GP) completed the podium in another close fought MotoE™ encounter.
Polesitter Mattia Casadei (Ongetta SIC58 Squadracorse) grabbed the holeshot after a great start on home soil and soon got into a good rhythm, with Simeon going around the outside of Lukas Tulovic (Tech3 E-Racing) at Turn 1 and into Turn 2 to grab P2. It was a clean opening sector for everyone, but then Turn 8 saw Josh Hook (Octo Pramac MotoE) run off track, before numerous riders – including Tulovic – got Turn 13 all sorts of wrong. Tulovic dropped to outside the top 10, with leader Casadei left enjoying a half-second advantage on the opening lap.
However, the Italian was soon reeled in by Simeon and the chasing pack. On Lap 2, we had a five-rider battle for the lead. Casadei, Simeon, Ferrari, Jordi Torres (Pons Racing 40) and standings leader Aegerter were about to get into a phenomenal ding-dong MotoE™ battle. Ferrari was past Simeon into Turn 8 after Aegerter had set the fastest lap on Lap 3, with the swapping and changing then allowing Mike Di Meglio (EG 0,0 Marc VDS) to catch the group to make it a 12-wheel fight for victory.
Di Meglio soon made his move on Aegerter to shove the Swiss rider down to P6 with three laps to go, as Ferrari then started closing in on leader Casadei. Lap 5 saw the number 11 get a great run out of Turn 10 and the Italian dived up the inside of his compatriot into the rapid right-hander of Turn 11, with Simeon then pouncing on Casadei at Turn 2 with two laps to go to boot. At that point, Ferrari had a half-second lead over the chasing five riders…
Heading onto the last lap, Simeon had closed Ferrari down slightly, the gap at three tenths, and Aegerter had got back past Di Meglio. The Andalucia GP winner was also up the inside of Torres for P4 at Turn 10, but Ferrari was holding firm at the front and looked set to gain a chunk of points. Heading into the tight and technical Turn 14 – an overtaking hotspot – Simeon wasn’t close enough to make a clean lunge on the race leader and that seemed that, but Aegerter was at least able to pounce for the podium. The number 77 sliced up the inside of Casadei at Turn 14, with Torres following him through as well…
No one could stop Ferrari from taking the 25-point haul, however, a first win of the campaign coming in style – although Simeon crossed the line just 0.213 behind for his first MotoE™ podium since Austria 2019. Aegerter’s stunning final lap sees him keep a healthy lead in the standings, with Ferrari moving to within 12 of the Swiss rider. Torres’ P4 was another great result for the rookie who is now 14 adrift of Aegerter in the standings, with Casadei dropping to P5 from pole and the early race lead.
Di Meglio crossed the line in P6 to see the top six finish just 0.7 seconds apart in a truly epic MotoE™ encounter. 3.6 seconds behind the lead battle was another cracking fight, with Alessandro Zaccone (Trentino Gresini MotoE) leading those riders over the line for his first points of the season. Alex de Angelis (Octo Pramac MotoE) recovered well to eighth after starting P16, the Sammarinese star less than a tenth shy of Zaccone. Tommaso Marcon (Tech3 E-Racing) beat Eric Granado (Avintia Esponsorama Racing) to ninth as the duo rounded out the top 10, the latter doing well to climb into that top 10 after starting from the back of the grid. A title favourite, he will be hoping to bounce back and be in the fight for victory at the double-header at Misano next weekend.
Another awesome MotoE™ race ends with Ferrari on top in Italy. Two races follow next weekend for the electric, can the king of Misano be dethroned? Tune in to find out!
Matteo Ferrari: “The feeling of winning here again is incredible. After Jerez it as difficult to try and keep focused on the Championship, on the bike, we worked a lot at home and we arrived here with a lot of pressure because last year we won twice. But we did a great job. On the first lap it was difficult, Mattia went very fast in the first three laps, and after that the tyres went down a bit and I had to manage it… but you know MotoE races are very short; you have to stay focused and not make mistakes. I did that and won, and I’m really happy!”
MotoE™ podium L-R: Simeon, Ferrari and Aegerter
Ferrari remains in a class of his own on the Riviera di RiminiSimeon took his first podium of 2020Aegerter sliced through to thirdFerrari escapes Torres to head off in pursuit of the frontCasadei shadowed by Ferrari and SimeonAegerter homes in on Torres and CasadeiBack on top! A first win of the season for Ferrari
Masterclass! Morbidelli takes magical maiden win at Misano
Sep 14. 2020
The Italian is the fourth maiden winner in six races, with Bagnaia on the podium for the first time in second as Mir outfoxes Rossi for third
Franco Morbidelli (Petronas Yamaha SRT), take a bow! On home soil, the Italian produced 27 inch-perfect laps to secure his maiden MotoGP™ victory in a dramatic Gran Premio Lenovo di San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini. Morbidelli took the chequered flag 2.217 ahead of compatriot Francesco Bagnaia (Pramac Racing), who celebrates his first premier class podium, with Joan Mir (Team Suzuki Ecstar) getting the better of home hero Valentino Rossi (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) on the last lap to claim his second podium finish. Meanwhile, now former Championship leader Fabio Quartararo (Petronas Yamaha SRT) crashed out – twice – at Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli.
From the middle of the front row, Morbidelli out-dragged both Maverick Viñales (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) and Quartararo off the line and headed into Turn 1 leading, with fourth place Rossi getting a superb start to slot into second ahead of the equally fast starting Jack Miller (Pramac Racing) from the second row. Viñales slipped to P4, with Quartararo slotting into P5 as Morbidelli and Rossi sent the Italian fans into raptures on the opening lap.
Rossi got a good run down into Turn 8 on Lap 1 and showed a wheel to Morbidelli, but the latter was late on the brakes and closed the door. The numbers 21 and 46 then started to create a bit of a gap to third place Miller, with Viñales holding off both Quartararo and the two Team Suzuki Ecstar machines of Alex Rins and Joan Mir. Viñales was the only rider on the grid to select the hard Michelin rear tyre, and the lap record holder seemed to be taking his time to get it up to speed – with Quartararo looking impatient behind.
The riders then settled into their rhythm, with Miller hauling in the leading duo to sit a couple of tenths behind them and Viñales and co just over half a second back from the Australian. Meanwhile, Miller’s teammate Bagnaia was setting fastest lap after fastest lap, and the injured Italian had soon latched himself onto the back of the Viñales-Quartararo-Rins-Mir train. On Lap 7, Quartararo then made his move past Viñales at Turn 14 – and his eyes were firmly set on the podium trio just a stone’s throw up the road.
However, the Frenchman’s progress took a swift dive only moments later as he went in a little hot at Turn 4, and it would prove costly as the Championship leader tucked the front and crashed out of fourth place in another 2020 MotoGP™ title twist. Quartararo remounted but was down in P20, over 15 seconds down on Stefan Bradl (Repsol Honda Team). The number 20 would later enter pitlane, suffer a tip off and then retire from the race.
Back up front meanwhile, Morbidelli was still easing round in the lead, although Rossi was able to keep his protégé close – for the time being. Miller was also holding firm in P3 but Pecco was on the move and the Italian was through on Viñales down the back straight into Turn 11, that Ducati grunt being put to good use.
Bit-by-bit, Morbidelli was starting to pull away from ‘The Doctor’. By Lap 12 the gap was creeping up towards a second as Bagnaia and Rins continued to make formidable progress further back, and Miller was clearly starting to struggle. Rins produced the classic Turn 2 Misano move to grab 4th from the number 43 and then, heading down into Turn 8, Pecco was through on the Aussie too. Now, Rins and Pecco had Rossi 1.8 seconds up the road, with ‘The Doctor’, in turn, losing touch with Morbidelli. The gap between the Italians was 1.1 seconds – and rising – but it was Mir who was now the fastest man on track…
With 11 laps to go, the gap was down to below a second as the podium scrap started to bubble up in the San Marino sun, and a lap later Rins and Pecco were just half a second down on the nine-time World Champion. The podium battle was well and truly game on.
Into the last 10 laps the riders went, and Mir had got the better of Miller. The sophomore was 1.9 seconds back from the podium scrap, with Rins and Pecco now right on the back of Rossi. The first move was Pecco slicing underneath Rins into the scintillatingly quick Turn 11 and on the next lap, Bagnaia was at it again. This time his good friend Rossi felt the wrath of the Ducati power and Pecco – who fractured his leg just over a month ago – was up into second and on the way to a maiden podium.
By this point, Mir had closed the gap to the trio ahead of him and was doing so at a significant rate of knots. The gap was 1.4 to his teammate, and it seemed the fight for the podium was going to heat up even more. The fight for victory, however, was between Morbidelli and only Morbidelli. A dream debut premier class win was in sight as the number 21 was 2.8 seconds up the road, and Bagnaia was creeping clear of Rossi. With six to go at Turn 8, things got even closer between Rins and he number 46 too, as the Suzuki rider got the run down the straight and showed a wheel up the inside. Rossi closed the door – no way through for Rins, but Mir was then just one second back.
With five to go, Rossi was still holding strong in third place as he continued to ride an impressive defensive display – especially at Turn 2, where Rins looked superb but couldn’t make it happen. With three to go, Rossi was then suddenly 0.4 faster than Bagnaia too – and what looked like a guaranteed second for the former Moto2™ World Champion now became a proper dog fight for second and third.
Coming around the final sector on the penultimate lap, Rins was out the saddle on the exit of Turn 15 and then ran slightly wide at Turn 16, allowing Mir to get the run on him down into Turn 1. Mir was then on a mission as a second podium of the season stood right in front of him… on the last lap, against Rossi, at Misano. Rossi himself was aiming to grab P2 back from Pecco though and it was as you were heading out of Turn 8…
Suddenly, Mir then mugged Rossi. The Spaniard produced an absolutely sublime move up the inside at Turn 10 to climb into third, with the Italian trying to set up a move coming into the Turn 14 hairpin but heading slightly wide at Turn 13… ending his hopes of a dream 200th podium in his backyard.
At the front though, it was pure magic for Morbidelli. The Italian simply didn’t put a foot wrong at Misano and led from start to finish to propel himself right into the 2020 title fight after two disastrous couple of weekends at the Red Bull Ring. In addition, the Italian becomes the fourth rider in six races to win their first MotoGP™ race this year – how’s that for excitement and unpredictability?
Bagnaia’s return from injury couldn’t have gone much better, the sophomore by far and away the fastest Ducati rider at Misano to claim his first MotoGP™ podium, going some way to making up for a lost rostrum after a mechanical at Jerez. Mir, meanwhile, produced an astonishing second half of the race to outfox Rossi on the last lap at Misano – and not many riders can say that. With Bagnaia on the rostrum, that’s 12 different podium finishers in the six 2020 races!
For Rossi, there is bound to be some disappointment for missing out on a home Grand Prix podium by just three tenths. Nevertheless, it was a magnificent performance from the 41-year-old, who will now be as determined as ever to pick up his 200th GP podium in seven days’ time. On a positive not though, Rossi is just 18 points from new Championship leader Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team)…
Rins’ error on the penultimate lap cost him a chance of a podium that looked nailed on for much of the second half of the race, but P5 is a solid job to put him just 36 points from top spot. After looking so strong throughout Free Practice and qualifying, Viñales’ race just didn’t materialise. The Spaniard eventually found his rhythm at the end of the race on the hard rear tyre and was searing around, but it was far too late and he had to settle for a disappointing P6.
Seventh went the way of Dovizioso who, despite having more muted weekend, now leads the Championship after Quartararo’s misfortunes. The Italian got the better of Miller in the closing stages to take some crucial points from the first or two Misano races, but there’s work to do. Miller’s early pace didn’t last and the Aussie slipped down the order to cross the line in ninth, but Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu) was handed a one-place penalty for exceeding track limits on the final lap so it’s P8 for Miller, P9 and the leading Honda accolade for Nakagami, and Pol Espargaro (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) winning the KTM battle for P10. Miguel Oliveira (Red Bull KTM Tech3), Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini), Iker Lecuona (Red Bull KTM Tech3) and Johann Zarco (Esponsorama Racing) rounded out the points.
Another little chunk of history made at Misano underlines the stunning unpredictable 2020 season so far, and the Championship has taken another almighty twist. Quartararo’s DNF is his first since the 2019 Australian GP and he loses the title lead for the first time in 2020 after crashing twice on Sunday in a a day to forget for the Frenchman. Dovizioso now takes charge, but it’s so close: 28 points separate the top 10 riders, with Bagnaia’s second place seeing him 47 points off in P14.
Now much of the MotoGP™ field will be out for a test on Tuesday, and then we go again at Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli next weekend. Bring it on!
MotoGP™ podium 1 Franco Morbidelli* – Petronas Yamaha SRT – Yamaha – 42:02.272 2 Francesco Bagnaia* – Pramac Racing – Ducati – +2.217 3 Joan Mir – Team Suzuki Ecstar – Suzuki – +2.290 *Independent Team riders
Franco Morbidelli: “It feels… it don’t know how it feels, I’m still trying to process everything. Definitely it’s good and a good feeling! I’m very happy, I’m enjoying the moment. The only thing I can say is thanks to my team, thanks to my people and all the people who’ve been working with and helping me. On the last laps I was thinking a lot and about how seven years ago I was here racing in the Italian Championship, Superstock, winning that race… this felt just the same but MUCH MORE! So I’m just overwhelmed at the moment, the only thing I can say is thank you to everyone!”
MotoGP™ podium L-R: Bagnaia, Morbidelli and Mir
Marini fights off Bezzecchi and Bastianini as the home heroes storm Misano
Add three Italians, a racetrack on the Rimini Riviera and a close Championship battle and what do you get? One fabulous race!
Sky Racing Team VR46 put on one hell of a show at Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli, with teammates Luca Marini and Marco Bezzecchi duelling it out to give the home fans a rollercoaster of a Moto2™ race. In the end though, it was Marini who came out on top as he managed to edge clear in the last few laps, taking his second victory of 2020 and extending his Championship lead. Bezzecchi was forced to settle for – and defend – second place, with second in the standings Enea Bastianini (Italtrans Racing Team) less than a tenth behind him over the line.
Marini would start the race from pole position after Remy Gardner (ONEXOX TKKR SAG Team) was forced out of the race after fracturing both his left hand and foot in a monster Warm Up highside, and when the lights went out Marini took full profit with the holeshot. Teammate Bezzecchi calmly settled in behind him but behind them, Bastianini wasn’t having the same privilege as a determined Marcel Schrötter (Liqui Moly Intact GP) edging through to third in the early stages.
There was already a gap starting to form from the rear wheel of Bezzecchi to the front wheel of Schrötter, and Bastianini’s chances at a third win of the year were slipping away before a handful of laps had even been completed. The title challenger obviously knew that too though, diving under Schrötter to reclaim third and setting his sights on the Italian duo ahead.
At the front, Marini was starting to flex his muscles as he slowly but surely moved half a second clear of his teammate. A fastest lap of the race, with five then completed, allowed the Championship leader to move over six tenths clear at the front with Bezzecchi unable to conjure up any type of response at that stage.
Meanwhile, an almighty scrap for the top five was starting to take shape. Schrötter, who had by this time dropped off the back of Bastianini and had Xavi Vierge (Petronas Sprinta Racing) burst past him, had teammate Tom Lüthi, Fabio Di Giannantonio (+EGO Speed Up) and Augusto Fernandez (EG 0,0 Marc VDS) for close company, with nobody wanting to let up.
Marini’s push towards home glory took another firm step forwards soon after when he was able to open out the gap to over a second on Lap 9, and a small Bezzecchi error in sector one allowed the number 10 to extend his comfort buffer even further…
In the fight for fifth, Schrötter was able to eek out an advantage over Di Giannantonio, who had momentarily got the better of Swiss veteran Lüthi. Jorge Navarro’s (+EGO Speed Up) miserable 2020 run then continued as the Spaniard crashed out, his fifth crash in six races, and in a lap to forget for the factory Speed Up squad, Di Giannantonio then took the car park route through Turn 14 and through went both Lüthi and Fernandez.
Bezzecchi, however, wasn’t throwing the towel in and just as we saw in Styria three weeks ago, the Italian was starting to chip away at Marini’s lead. Further back, Bastianini’s title chances flashed before his eyes as he pulled of a quite remarkable save at Turn 8. The front end folded and in true Marc Marquez style, the 22-year-old picked it up on his knee and held on to the podium place.
Suddenly drama struck and the fight was on with seven laps to go. Marini hit a false neutral into Turn 14, forcing him wide, and his eight-tenth advantage was gone. Bezzecchi swooped through, took the lead and it was role reversal at the front of his intermediate class scrap. A couple of laps later Marini hit back as he smoothly went past under the brakes into Turn 8., but Bezzecchi was having none of it, diving straight back past…
Four to go and Marini tried again through the opening corners but Bezzecchi hit straight back as the pair’s fight really started to heat up, Marini next getting the job done through the ultra-fast Turn 11. All of their squabbling was allowing Bastianini to suddenly creep into contention though, something team boss Pablo Nieto knew too well as he clambered over pit wall to point out the looming 33 to his riders.
Just two laps were remaining with a top three covered by 1.1 seconds, and it really was anyone’s game. Were we going to be treated to an incredible sprint finish? Marini had other ideas and he put together a perfect penultimate lap, before his cause was aided by Bezzecchi incredibly hitting a false neutral of his own at Turn 14. That saw Bastianini move to within four tenths of his compatriot, and it seemed Marini’s to lose.
The number 10 stood firm on the final lap and the victory was his, with teammate Bezzecchi just doing enough to fight off the charging Bastianini by less than a single tenth. That puts Marini19 points clear of Bastianini, with Bezzecchi a further ten back in third.
Vierge came across the line in fourth after having the best seat in Misano throughout the final laps, and Fernandez held off both Lüthi and Di Giannantonio to take the final top five place. They were ahead of arguably one of the rides of the day courtesy of Sam Lowes. The EG 0,0 Marc VDS rider will walk away from Misano with eight points despite starting from pitlane and will no doubt be delighted that the intermediate class is back in just seven days’ time. Completing the top ten were Aron Canet (Oceanica Aspar Team) and Joe Roberts (Tennor American Racing).
Victory went the way of Marini on a day to remember for Italy as three flags glistened on the Moto2™ podium in the San Marino sun . However, all three will be wary of an incredibly determined Brit who could be back with a vengeance next weekend… come back for more then!
Moto2™ podium 1 Luca Marini – Sky Racing Team VR46 – Kalex 40:41.774 2 Marco Bezzecchi – Sky Racing Team VR46 – Kalex +0.799 3 Enea Bastianini – Italtrans Racing Team – Kalex +0.897
Luca Marini: “This is a big one. I think my best race, because I wasn’t as fact as I expected, every time on track in the race it’s different and the track is slower, I couldn’t do it like in practice. But I tried to manage the gap with Bez until I hit a neutral, lost a second, Bez ovetook me, we started to fight… but I was a bit faster so I could overtake him again. When I was at the front I pushed for the last three laps, I had something more for the end. This is great team work, and with my crew, the bike was perfect from the beginning. Now we enjoy this win, a party tonight but not with a lot of people – my house with my girlfriend and maybe some close friends! And then focus on the next one, because this year the first race I’m fast every time and can achieve a good result, but then in the second race at the track track I struggle a bit. The other guys make a big step and me, I stay the same on race pace. So we need to work a bit on this, but let’s enjoy this win and great job to Marco and to Bestia. It’s a great Championship this year with a lot of battles.”
Moto2™ podium L-R: Bezzecchi, Marini and Bastianini
McPhee crafts comeback coup at Misano
The Scot slices through from P17 to narrowly beat Ogura as Championship leader Albert Arenas crashes out
John McPhee (Petronas Sprinta Racing) crafted a masterpiece on Sunday at the Gran Premio Lenovo di San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini, slicing through from P17 on the grid to take back to the top step and beat fellow Championship contender Ai Ogura (Honda Team Asia) to the line in the 150th Moto3™ race. The 1-2 for the men second and third overall in the standings is even bigger news at Misano too, as Championship leader Albert Arenas (Pull&Bear Aspar Team) crashed out. There was no such drama for 2019 winner Tatsuki Suzuki (SIC58 Squadra Corse), however, as he completed the podium to give Paolo Simoncelli’s Moto3™ outfit some more hometown glory.
Ogura got the launch he would have been looking for from pole position but Suzuki was clean and aggressive from the start, taking the lead at Turn 2 after starting third. There was big drama from the off in the Moto3™ race moments later though as three riders hit the deck at Turn 4: Sergio Garcia (Estrella Galicia 0,0) tucked the front and took out Raul Fernandez (Red Bull KTM Ajo), with Styrian GP winner Celestino Vietti (Sky Racing Team VR46) unable to avoid crashing either as three contenders were out on Lap 1.
Back at the front, Suzuki was holding firm but Gabriel Rodrigo (Kömmerling Gresini Moto3) was making moves in the early stages, the Argentinian taking the lead into Turn 13 and Ogura following him through. Suzuki bit straight back on the polesitter and we had a freight train as ever, with squabbles up and down the field.
Meanwhile, CIP Green Power’s Darryn Binder, having started P19, was producing the goods on race day again. The South African was up the inside of Andrea Migno (Sky Racing Team VR46) at Turn 4 on Lap 5, and Binder was soon fourth later round the lap. But this was a proper group fight, with three seconds covering the leading 21 riders and the positions changing constantly at Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli.
Binder was again getting busy and there was slight contact at Turn 2 with Tony Arbolino (Rivacold Snipers Team) as the Italian tried a move,; just enough to see Arbolino lose a couple of places. Binder then led but Rodrigo, looking mighty in Misano, didn’t let the South African have the baton for long, with the two Leopard Racing machines on Dennis Foggia and Jaume Masia getting the better of Suzuki who felt the wrath of Binder at Turn 5.
After starting from a season’s worst qualifying in P13, Arenas was now rising to the fore. The Championship leader was up to third with nine laps to go…
There was a shot of drama soon after as Binder went down at the exit of Turn 6, but some of the key Championship frontrunners were starting to strut their stuff after quieter races. Arenas, Ogura and McPhee – who started P17 – were into the top six with seven laps to go, although the gaggle of riders that were line astern was still 19, down to Barry Baltus (CarXpert PrüstelGP). Suzuki vs Rodrigo continued at the front.
With five to go though, McPhee was making his move. Squabbling his way to near the front McPhee, made a great move at the final corner to lead – just three laps left on the clock.
Thought you’d seen enough drama in one race? Well, more was about to unfold – and it was the biggest of them all. After being run wide by Arbolino at Turn 2, Arenas crashed at Turn 3… unhurt, but scoring another 0 as second and third in the standings – McPhee and Ogura – marched on at the front.
It was Masia who led onto the last lap, closely followed by McPhee, but Rodrigo was up to second at Turn 2. Suzuki then tried his luck around the outside of McPhee at Turn 4 and 5 – and it worked. Heading down the back straight though, it was elbows out – it couldn’t get much closer. There was contact between Masia and Rodrigo, with McPhee getting a clean run and taking the lead into Turn 8 and Ogura profitting up the inside. The Japanese rider, on the wide line, was then passed by Suzuki heading onto the back straight, with McPhee led the way.
The number 17 held his advantage down the back straight and coming around the last sector, and McPhee made no mistake and despite the best efforts of Ogura, crossing the line in P1 for the first time since Le Mans 2019. Ogura was just 0.037 off as the two title contenders took full advantage of Arenas’ misfortunes, however, as Suzuki takes a SIC58 podium on the track named after the late, great SIC58 – Marco Simoncelli. Ogura and Suzuki also make it two Japanese riders on the lightweight podium together for the first time since Welkom 2001!
Rookie Jeremy Alcoba (Kömmerling Gresini Moto3) earned his best result of the season with a fantastic P4 result at Misano, getting the better of teammate Rodrigo on the last lap as the Argentinian got shuffled back. Arbolino took a valuable top six on home soil, with Masia having to settle for P7 after getting a little bit beaten up on the last lap. Romano Fenati (Sterilgarda Max Racing Team) picks up his best result of the season in P8, just ahead of Foggia and Migno, who complete the top 10.
Ayumu Sasaki (Red Bull KTM Tech3) and Alonso Lopez (Sterilgarda Max Racing Team) crashed out together at Turn 8 in the lead group – riders ok.
After another Moto3™ stunner, the title race takes another titanic twist. Ogura is now just five points behind Arenas in the standings, with McPhee only 14 adrift – is that exciting enough? You bet! The lightweight class riders return to Misano next weekend, so can Arenas bounce back?
Moto3™ podium 1 John McPhee – Petronas Sprinta Racing – Honda 39:48.952 2 Ai Ogura – Honda Team Asia – Honda +0.037 3 Tatsuki Suzuki – SIC58 Squadra Corse – Honda +0.232
John McPhee: “It was a crazy race, I’m a bit lost for words I’m so so happy! To come from 17th! I knew I had the pace all weekend and I’ve been trying to do as much as a I can on my own so I knew where I was at on the bike, massive thanks to the team because it worked so well today and I was able to have a proper fight! I got shuffled back to 11th or 12th with about eight laps to go and I thought ok, I’m not settling for 12th, I have to just put the hammer down here and charge forward, and it paid off.”
Moto3™ podium L-R: Ogura, McPhee and SuzukiThat winning feeling: Morbidelli takes the top step for the first time in MotoGP™The fourth maiden winner in six races meets the flagJustice served! After missing out in Jerez, Bagnaia takes a first podiumMir sliced through for his second MotoGP™ podium
Henderson, Korda lead with one round to go at ANA Inspiration
Sep 13. 2020Brooke Henderson (Credit to LPGA) The leaderboard at the ANA Inspiration is absolutely packed with power names and inspiring stories heading into Sunday’s final round. Young stars
Nelly Korda (LPGA Photo)
Brooke Henderson and Nelly Korda are tied for the lead at -12 with one round to go. Lexi Thompson, seemingly always in contention on the Dinah Shore Tournament Course, is tied for second at -10 with LPGA Tour veterans Katherine Kirk and Mirim Lee, both looking for the first major victory of their careers.
Henderson started the day six strokes off Korda’s lead but made a 15-foot eagle putt at the par-5 second to begin her charge. She added in six birdies and one bogey en route to a 7-under 65, her lowest ANA 18-hole round by two strokes.
“Being a major championship, you’ve really got to stay patient and know bogeys are going to happen,” said Henderson, a nine-time LPGA Tour winner. “The rough out there is very thick and you’re just praying it’s sitting up if you hit it in there. You just have to go with what the course gives you and just expect bogeys and try to make a lot of birdies to counter them.”
Henderson has never missed the cut in her five previous ANA Inspiration appearances but only has one top-10 to her name, a tie for 10th in 2016.
After blitzing her way around the course on Thursday and Friday, Korda came back to Earth on Saturday. A bogey at No. 5 was her first scorecard blemish since her fourth hole in Thursday’s first round. She then found the water at No. 6 en route to a double bogey, leaving the American phenom looking vulnerable and trailing for the first time since Thursday. But she bounced back with three birdies on the back nine for a 71 and put herself back into contention for her first major title.
“It was a disappointing front nine, but I was really proud of the way I fought on the back nine,” said Korda. “Never gave up and there’s still 18 more holes to be played, so much golf.”
Kirk, a 17-year LPGA Tour veteran, will join Henderson and Korda in Sunday’s final grouping. The Australian player, who has three career victories, returned an even-par 72 on Saturday and would absolutely relish the opportunity to make the famed leap into Poppie’s Pond come Sunday afternoon.
“I’ve played out here, I don’t know how many years now but certainly being a veteran, got a lot of good rounds here under my belt and good memories, and it’s going to be a nerve-wracking day,” said Kirk, whose best finish in her 12 ANA Inspiration appearances in a tie for eighth in 2009. “But I’ve just got to go out there and try and execute as best I can and try and stick to what I’ve been doing because it’s been pretty solid so far.”
Thompson’s rollercoaster round of 2-under 70 included five birdies, two bogeys and one double bogey, while Lee carded four birdies and three bogeys in her 1-under 71. They will play in Sunday’s penultimate group alongside Carlota Ciganda, who shot up the leaderboard with a 5-under 67 on Saturday.
WITH A WIN
Brooke Henderson would earn her second major championship title, joining the 2016 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship
Henderson would become the 22nd player in LPGA Tour history with two major wins
With the $465,000 winner’s check, Henderson would move to $7,073,317 in career earnings and become the 37th player in LPGA Tour history to cross the $7 million threshold
Nelly Korda would become the eighth wire-to-wire winner of the ANA Inspiration
Lexi Thompson would become the eighth player to win the ANA Inspiration at least twice, joining her victory in 2014
Nelly Korda, Katherine Kirk or Mirim Lee would earn her first major championship title
Katherine Kirk would become the fourth Australian to win a women’s major championship, joining Karrie Webb, Jan Stephenson and Hannah Green
At age 38, Kirk would become the third oldest winner of the ANA Inspiration, behind Betsy King (1997, age 41) and Patty Sheehan (1996, age 39)
KATHERINE KIRK MAKES HER WAY INTO FINAL PAIRING
A 5-under 67 on Moving Day at Mission Hills Country Club has Katherine Kirk just two strokes off the lead at -10. The three-time LPGA Tour champion will round out the final grouping in the ANA Inspiration final round.
Between what it would mean as her first career major championship title, to a refreshing dip to beat the SoCal heat, Kirk can think of nothing better than jumping into Poppie’s Pond come tomorrow afternoon.
“Doubly good because it’s so stinking hot out here and it would be great to cool off,” Kirk said with a smile. “There are a lot of great players on the leaderboard. I’m probably going to have to go low and it’s going to take a really good number. Anything is possible in this game; have to stay patient and positive.”
With only one bogey over her last 43 holes, Kirk is sticking to her game plan and believes she has the formula to give herself a chance at hoisting the Dinah Shore Trophy on Sunday.
“I pretty much executed my game plan and hopefully I can be a little bit sharper tomorrow, maybe make a few more putts but overall, I’m pretty happy,” said Kirk. “There are some leaderboards on the back and I did take a quick glance a few times. This golf course is not easy, and you must hit fairways to have a chance of making any birdies. That was the quickest way to get me focused, was to realize I’ve got tough shots ahead of me. I’ve got to go hit good shots, forget about the leaderboard and just go play golf.”
LEXI THOMPSON LURKING AS ALWAYS AT MISSION HILLS
Lexi Thompson already has one ANA Inspiration title to her name, making the jump into Poppie’s Pond in 2014 at age 19. With an amazing track record at Mission Hills and four other top-10 finishes, she can never be counted out. Heading into Sunday’s final round, Thompson sits just two strokes off the lead.
The rest of the field? They had better watch out. Thompson is not going to let this title go without a fight.
“It would mean the world to me to win another major, especially on this golf course as it’s one of my favorites we play all year,” said Thompson, who has won at least once for the last seven years. “Just going to go out tomorrow and keep hitting good shots and hopefully a few more putts will fall on the back nine.”
ZHANG, RUFFELS CONTINUE TO IMPRESS AT ANA INSPIRATION
Amateurs Rose Zhang and Gabriela Ruffels are certainly making the most of their exemptions into the 2020 ANA Inspiration. Zhang, who won last month’s U.S. Women’s Amateur over Ruffels, holed out from 150 yards for eagle at the par-4 fourth on Saturday and heads to the final round at -8 overall, tied for seventh.
“I’m super satisfied with how I played. Starting in the front, I wasn’t exactly hitting the ball where I wanted to, so I had to make a lot of clutch par putts,” said Zhang, who tied for 60th in the 2018 ANA Inspiration after winning the ANA Junior Inspiration. “After the eagle hole-out, which I didn’t expect, I started getting a little bit of momentum and overall, I’m just super satisfied with how I played.”
Ruffels captured the 2019 U.S. Women’s Amateur title and came so close to successfully defending before falling to Zhang. The University of Southern California senior, who heads to Sunday’s final round in a tie for 14th at -6, knows that she’s showed her best at the amateur level, and now this is her chance to learn so much more playing alongside the world’s best professionals.
“It was a great experience at the U.S. Am, all the pressure and expectation, and I handled it pretty well,” said Ruffels, who hails from Australia but currently lives just 20 miles from Mission Hills in Indian Wells, Calif. “This is a different stage, best in the world out here, so it’s just a great experience and I’m always trying to learn as much as I can.”
ACE FOR LINNEA STROM
Linnea Strom made the sixth hole-in-one of the 2020 LPGA Tour season, acing the 161-yard eighth hole with an 8-iron.
“I had just had (a double bogey) and a bogey and my caddie just told me, okay, let’s restart and start over,” said Strom. “I was just trying to hit a good shot and it was actually a perfect shot. Hit it right at the pin and just landed a little short of it and rolled in. I couldn’t see it. But Cristie (Kerr) saw it, she said it went in, so that was nice.”
For that ace, CME Group will donate $20,000 to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, which is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. The 2020 season has now seen six aces, for a total of $120,000 donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
“That was actually the first thing I thought of when I made a hole-in-one. I was like, oh, my God, I’m going to raise some money,” said Strom. “So that’s very nice, and obviously feels very good to do something good for them.”
Strom ultimately shot an even-par 72 on the day and is tied for 28th at -3.
Viñales smashes Misano lap record for pole as Yamaha dominate qualifying
Sep 13. 2020Maverick Viñales For the first time in the MotoGP™ era, it’s a full house for the Iwata marque as ‘Top Gun’ leads a top four lockout
It was a truly spectacular second pole position of the season for Maverick Viñales (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) thanks to a new Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli lap record on Saturday, with the Spaniard’s 1:31.411 putting him ahead of second-placed Franco Morbidelli (Petronas Yamaha SRT) by 0.312. Third place went to World Championship leader Fabio Quartararo (Petronas Yamaha SRT)… and fourth place went the way of home hero Valentino Rossi (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) – making i the first time they’ve finished 1-2-3-4 in qualifying in the MotoGP™ era!
Viñales was the first rider to set a flying lap time in the second qualifying session, and a 1:32.130 was a solid opening time… but it was going to be beaten. Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar) was sat behind Viñales on the first lap but the Spaniard ran on at the end of the back straight, before Q1’s fastest rider Pol Espagraro (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) crashed at Turn 15. That brought out the yellow flags which saw Quartararo have to sit up and scrap the lap, but the Frenchman was getting the hammer down on his second time around…
Another rider to be getting the hammer down was Free Practice pacesetter Rossi. The Doctor was further down the road from Quartararo and sure enough, the nine-time World Champion went provisional P1 to send the 10,000 Misano fans wild. However, Quartararo would soon demote Rossi to second with a 1:31.791, with the riders then pitting to push some fresh tyres in.
By this time, Viñales had slipped to P5 and was out on his lonesome on his second run. A personal best saw him stay fifth, before a faster lap then came in for the number 12. It was provisional pole, but only just – with the gap a tiny 0.004 as he then pitted again in a two-stop strategy. With the other riders back out for their second runs, Quartararo couldn’t improve his lap time on his first attempt, 0.038 the Frenchman’s deficit, as second fastest in Q1 Miguel Oliveira (Red Bull KTM Tech3) and Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team) quickly exchanging P6.
Rossi was then bang on the money but after losing two tenths in Sector 2, the Italian backed out of his lap. Compatriot Morbidelli and his teammate Quartararo were then lighting the timesheets up in the first and second sectors, as Jack Miller (Pramac Racing) slotted himself into P6. Coming round the final sector, Morbidelli placed himself onto a dream provisional home Grand Prix pole position, and Quartararo unable to improve on his last flying lap. Was that it? Not quite…
Viñales was two tenths under Morbidelli’s time as an absolute stunner started coming in from Top Gun. Nailing the final half of the lap to take the chequered flag with a new Misano lap record, and taking that accolade away from Yamaha test rider Jorge Lorenzo, Viñales’ time gave him plenty of clear air ahead of Morbidelli. The Italian is therefore forced to settle for a sterling second on home soil, but it’s his best qualifying result of the season.
Quartararo completes the front row, 0.380 adrift from Viñales. The 21-year-old didn’t sound too disheartened with P3 though, he’s looking strong to challenge for his third win of the season from the outside of the front row. Rossi spearheads Row 2 in P4, and that’s the number 46’s equal best Saturday afternoon result of 2020. Joining Rossi on the second row is Miller who improved on his last lap to get the better of injured teammate Francesco Bagnaia (Pramac Racing), but both Pramac riders had an upbeat qualifying in San Marino.
Rins is the leading Suzuki in P7, the Spaniard beating teammate Joan Mir by 0.012 in Q2 and the latter – like Miller – leaping up the leaderboard on his last lap. Dovizioso, the man second in the Championship, will have to start from P9 but race day is another day – as we’ve seen a good few times from the number 04. Johann Zarco (Esponsorama Racing) completed the top 10, while Pol Espargaro managed to get out on his second bike after his crash and finish less than a tenth ahead of Oliveira – the Q1 graduates ending Q2 in P11 and P12.
Yamaha are back! After two tougher rounds, no one could get within a tenth and a half of the YZR-M1s in qualifying, with polesitter Viñales really laying down the gauntlet ahead of Sunday’s crucial battle. Can anyone stop the Iwata onslaught in San Marino, and if not, who comes out on top in the Yamaha dogfight?!
You know what to do – tune in for the MotoGP™ race at 14:00 local time (GMT+2) to see what twists and turns lie ahead on race day… and in the title fight. MotoGP™ front row 1 Maverick Viñales – Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP – Yamaha – 1:31.411 2 Franco Morbidelli* – Petronas Yamaha SRT – Yamaha – +0.312 3 Fabio Quartararo* – Petronas Yamaha SRT – Yamaha – +0.380 *Independent Team riders
Maverick Viñales: “I felt on the limit! We tried to take the maximum from the bike and for sure we made a good strategy, I saved a lot of tyres in the weekend to use in Q2, and it pays. I feel amazing, anyway I had some good weeks at home, we carry on the good mood and every lap I felt fantastic on the bike. I’m enjoying the weekend a lot and we’ll try to go to the maximum tomorrow too.”
MotoGP™ front row L-R: Quartararo, Viñales and Morbidelli
Lowes takes pole, Gardner lines up to start from the front on Sunday
The Brit takes pole position on Saturday – and in the record books – but he’ll start from pitlane as Gardner moves up
Sam Lowes (EG 0,0 Marc VDS) was the class of the field in Q2 at the Gran Premio Lenovo di San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini, taking pole position by over two and a half tenths and smashing the lap record in the process. However, the Brit will start from pitlane on Sunday due to a penalty, promoting second-placed Remy Gardner (ONEXOX TKKR SAG Team) to first on the grid. The third quickest man in Q2 was Championship leader Luca Marini (Sky Racing Team VR46), so he’ll start second.
Q1 at Misano saw one surprise as impressive 2020 rookie Aron Canet (Oceanica Aspar Team Moto2) struggled to move through, and he’ll be on the fight back on Sunday. Heading the session though was a turnaround of fortunes for last year’s near-winner Fabio Di Giannantonio (+Ego Speed Up), the Italian moving through to the fight for pole alongside Hector Garzo (Flexbox HP 40), Joe Roberts (Tennor American Racing Team) and teammate Marcos Ramirez.
The opening flying laps in Q2 saw former lap record holder Bezzecchi sit top of the pile, before Enea Bastianini (Italtrans Racing Team) took provisional pole. However, Lowes was flying and the British rider set a devilishly quick 1:36.666 to take charge, with Bezzecchi improving his time but slotting into second. Then, Lowes was going even faster – a lot faster at that. The number 22 came across the line to break the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli lap record, and no one would threaten it.
Gardner was the man closest as he shot up from nowhere into second, set to start first, with Marini slotting into third on the timesheets and therefore the first of the top Championship challengers on the grid. Fourth in the session but joining the two on the front row will be Marco Bezzecchi (Sky Racing Team VR46), who went down at the final corner – thankfully unhurt – but lost his chance to improve…
Second in the Championship, Enea Bastianini (Italtrans Racing Team) will spearhead the second row, fresh from a Ducati MotoGP™ signature, and the Italian is set to take the battle to Marini and Bezzecchi as the Moto2™ title fight looks set to heat up in Misano. Xavi Vierge’s (Petronas Sprinta Racing) sixth place in qualifying will see him start from fifth, his best qualifying result of the season and his best since the 2019 Malaysian GP., with Marcel Schrötter (Liqui Moly Intact GP) just over half a second away from Lowes in P7. The German will join Bastianini and Vierge on the second row.
2019 winner Augusto Fernandez was forced to settle for eighth in Q2, six tenths shy of his teammate’s time, the Spaniard heading Tetsuta Nagashima (Red Bull KTM Ajo) and Q1 graduate Fabio Di Giannantonio, who took P9 and P10 respectively. They will therefore complete the third row.
A first pole in four years for Lowes unfortunately won’t see the number 22 line-up at the front of the grid, but the stage is set for a classic. Who will be leading the Championship come Sunday afternoon? Watch the Moto2™ race from San Marino at 12:20 local time (GMT+2).
Moto2™ front row 1 Sam Lowes – EG0,0 Marc VDS– Kalex – 1:36.170 2 Remy Gardner – ONEXOX TKKR SAG Team – Kalex +0.254 3 Luca Marini – Sky Racing Team VR46 – Kalex +0.332
Sam Lowes: “For me this year since, well after Qatar, I’ve been strong and felt quite good, even in Austria at a difficult track for me, I was still quick. But we have to start from pitlane tomorrow. This is racing, sometimes you have things like this but I’m happy to come here this weekend, get pole and have good pace. Hopefully we can still score some points in the race.”
Moto2™ front row L-R: Gardner. Lowes and Marini
Ogura takes maiden pole with last minute Misano dash
The Japanese rider heads up a front row split by 0.031 – and his Championship rivals face a fight back
Ai Ogura (Honda Team Asia) took his maiden pole position on Saturday at the Gran Premio Lenovo di San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini, snatching the honour from Gabriel Rodrigo (Kömmerling Gresini Moto3) by just 0.016 in another tight qualifying session for Moto3™. 2019 winner Tatsuki Suzuki (SIC58 Squadra Corse) completes the front row by an even smaller margin – with the top three covered by just 0.031 at Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli.
The fight to move through and take part in the fight for pole set the tone, with Tony Arbolino (Rivacold Snipers Team) coming out on top by less than a tenth to move through alongside Sterilgarda Max Racing Team’s Romano Fenati and Alonso Lopez, with BOE Skull Rider Facile Energy’s Ricardo Rossi the last graduate in a last minute shuffle.
In Q2 itself, the last minute dash was again the name of the game. It looked set to be another pole for Rodrigo as the flag flew, and Ogura’s laptime hadn’t initially looked like it would put him in the mix to challenge… but then came the final sector. Putting it together perfectly, the Japanese rider shot over the line and just snatched his maiden pole position.
Rodrigo was then forced to settle for second but has a nice clear view to Turn 1 on Sunday, with last year’s winner Suzuki setting himself up well for race day too in third. Andrea Migno (Sky Racing Team VR46) heads up Row 2 just behind them in a solid qualifying session, but the Italian will rue the tiny margin that kept him off the front row: 0.011.
Fenati put in Husqvarna’s best qualifying result since their return to the class this season as he lines up fifth, with Raul Fernandez (Red Bull KTM Ajo) completing the third row. Row 3 is headed by Styria winner Celestino Vietti (Sky Racing Team VR46), with the Italian joined by Jeremy Alcoba (Kömmerling Gresini Moto3) and Tony Arbolino (Rivacold Snipers Team). Filip Salač (Rivacold Snipers Team) completes the top ten.
That leaves a couple of high profile names missing… Championship leader Albert Arenas (Pull&Bear Aspar Team) will start 13th as he attempts to stop Ogura gaining on him, and third overall John McPhee (Petronas Sprinta Racing) suffered a crash early in Q2 and then ended up P17. Can they move back through to take the fight to Ogura?
Find out on Sunday at 11:00 (GMT+2) as the lights go out for Moto3™ at the Gran Premio Lenovo di San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini.
Moto3™ front row 1 Ai Ogura – Honda Team Asia – Honda – 1:42.403 2 Gabriel Rodrigo – Kömmerling Gresini Moto3 – Honda +0.016 3 Tatsuki Suzuki – SIC58 Squadra Corse – Honda – +0.031
Ai Ogura: “I was quite surprised after the flag because I saw on the big screen I was top, and I never finished in the top six in all the practices, so I was surprised! I have a really good feeling on the bike and I’m not sure about the tyre but I think we are ready for tomorrow!”
Moto3™ front row L-R: Suzuki, Ogura and RodrigoViñales took his second pole of the seasonMorbidelli just turned the tables on his teammate in Q2Can Championship leader Quartararo extend his advantage on Sunday?
Ferrari leads Italian 1-2 in stunning Misano E-pole shootout
Sep 13. 2020
The reigning Cup winner takes the FIM Enel MotoE™ World Cup Saturday spoils for the first time – but will start from Row 2
There was a lot to smile about for some of the home heroes after FIM Enel MotoE™ World Cup E-Pole at the Gran Premio Lenovo di San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini, with Matteo Ferrari (Trentino Gresini MotoE) taking his very first E-Pole after snatching the honour from compatriot Mattia Casadei (Ongetta SIC58 Squadra Corse). The 2019 Cup winner and Misano victor won’t start from the front, however, with Casadei promoted to P1 as Ferrari serves a three-place grid penalty for his crash with Eric Granado (Avintia Esponsorama Racing) in Jerez. Third fastest in E-Pole was Xavier Simeon (LCR E-Team) as he pipped rookie Lukas Tulovic (Tech 3 E-Racing), but the German will move up to start alongside the Belgian on the front row.
The story of the day – as well as the polesetter, front row and penalty on the way – was a difficult E-Pole for Eric Granado as the Brazilian ran afoul of track limits and had his lap cancelled. He’ll therefore start from the back, and will be one to watch as he tries to move forward in the short dash of a MotoE™ race that awaits.
That drama came late as the runners headed out in the order set by their Free Practice times – with the fastest going last – creating plenty of stories throughout the field. Dominique Aegerter (Dynavolt Intact GP) wasn’t quite able to replicate his Jerez form, last year’s E-Pole winner Alex de Angelis (Octo Pramac MotoE) had a few big moments on his lap, and injury comeback kid Niki Tuuli (Avant Ajo MotoE) showed some solid signs before losing his advantage in the final sector . On Sunday, then, we can expect another incredible spectacle…
Behind the Casadei, Simeon, Tulovic front row, Ferrari will start fourth with Aegerter alongside him. Niccolo Canepa (LCR E-Team) completes that second row after a solid performance from the Italian on Saturday; the number 7 just hundredths off the Swiss rider ahead of him on the timesheets. Rookie and second in the Cup standings Jordi Torres (Pons Racing 40) heads the third row, ahead of a big leap forward for Tommaso Marcon (Tech 3 E-Racing) at Misano as he regains full fitness. The gap between the two was only 0.007!
Mike Di Meglio (EG 0,0 Marc VDS) took P9 as he looks for more in 2020, ahead of home hero Alessando Zaccone (Trentino Gresini MotoE), who completes the top ten. The Italian denied Tuuli the honour by just 0.010.
Keep an eye on those a little further back, too. After a dramatic start to his lap losing him time, Sammarinese rider de Angelis finds himself languishing in 16th and looking to move forward, and that couldn’t be more true for Granado either. The Brazilian is the rear gunner on the grid after having his laptime cancelled for exceeding track limits, but he’s had some serious pace at Misano. What can he do in the race?
That’s it from Saturday, make sure to tune into the third MotoE™ race of 2020 at 10:05 local time (GMT+2), with plenty to look out for. As ever, it looks set to be another thriller!
MotoE™ top three 1 Matteo Ferrari – Trentino Gresini MotoE – Energica – 1:43.580 2 Mattia Casadei – Ongetta SIC58 Squadra Corse – Energica – +0.272 3 Xavier Simeon – LCR E-Team – Energica – +0.372
Matteo Ferrari: “Before this weekend, the penalty for me was a motivation because I was second three times in E-Pole, so in my home GP I wanted pole… and I did it! I’m very happy because during this weekend we’ve tried a new setup. In Jerez we were fast but not compared to first, and we’ve changed the bike a lot and found another way, and for that reason I was fast in E-Pole and in Free Practice.”
Can Ferrari repeat his 2019 Misano heroics? Casadei will start from the front on SundaySimeon was third in the sessionTulovic moves up to a front row startPoints leader Aegerter will start alongside FerrariMotoE™ top three L-R: Simeon, Ferrari, Casadei
Brooke Henderson (Credit to LPGA) The leaderboard at the ANA Inspiration is absolutely packed with power names and inspiring stories heading into Sunday’s final round. Young stars 
Maverick Viñales For the first time in the MotoGP™ era, it’s a full house for the Iwata marque as ‘Top Gun’ leads a top four lockout
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