The fifth stop on the 2020 “Road to the LPGA” takes the Symetra Tour to Blackthorn Golf Club in Indiana for the ninth annual Four Winds Invitational from September 4-6.
“We are excited to host the Road to the LPGA for another year at Blackthorn Golf Club,” said Tim Firestone, owner of Blackthorn Golf Club. “We know the players have been working hard in their extended off season and we cannot wait to see what they have in store for the Four Winds Invitational. They are exceptional players and never fail to impress.”
Greeting the 132-player field in South Bend is a total purse of $150,000. Individuals are set to compete in a 54-hole stroke play format with a cut to the low 60 players and ties after 36 holes. The winner’s share for the event is $22,500.
In addition to the normal payout, this also marks the second of two events in this year’s Potawatomi Cup series. Adding to the normal purse for each event, players receive “Potawatomi Points” with $20,000 in bonus money to be distributed following the final round. The top five players in the standings receive a sum from the prize pool including $10,000 to the Potawatomi Cup winner and $5,000 to the runner-up.
Defending champion Perrine Delacour from France is not among the competitors. Last season’s win at the Four Winds Invitational was the first of her Symetra Tour career. Following her victory Delacour continued to excel and also won the Prasco Charity Championship, which propelled her to finish at No 1 in the final Volvik Race for the Card standings for 2019.
First and second round action gets underway on September 4 and 5 at 6.45pm Thai time Meanwhile, the final round will start at 8pm Thai time with play beginning from No 1 and No 10 tees all three days.
Pitching again puts Nats in too deep of a hole in loss to Marlins
Aug 25. 2020Juan Soto connects in the Washington Nationals’ 11-8 loss to the Miami Marlins at Nationals Park on Monday, Aug. 24, 2020. CREDIT: Washington Post photo by Katherine Frey
By The Washington Post · Jesse Dougherty · SPORTS, BASEBALL WASHINGTON – It did not take long – two innings, maybe less – for Austin Voth to go from trending up to showing why the Washington Nationals may seek rotation depth ahead of the Aug. 31 trade deadline. The short-term damage was an 11-8 loss to the Miami Marlins on Monday night. Should Voth keep taking his turn every five days, the long-term impact could spread to the rest of the pitching staff.
Voth allowed six runs in all, five coming in a crooked fourth that put the Nationals in a 7-0 hole. He lasted 3 2/3 innings. His ERA is 6.65 through five appearances. Juan Soto cracked four hits in five at-bats, and Adam Eaton lined a three-run homer in eighth, but Voth left a steep climb that the bullpen kept lengthening. The Nationals dropped three of five in this series to a Marlins club that entered on a five-game losing streak. They are now 11-15 and, with an expanded postseason field, still in whiffing distance of a playoff spot.
At about 2:30 p.m., hours before Voth was rocked, Manager Dave Martinez looked like this on a video call with reporters: hat covering his face, shoulders slack against his chair. He was mimicking his reaction to the club’s latest injury, stretching a list that already included Stephen Strasburg, Starlin Castro, Sean Doolittle, Sam Freeman and Roenis Elías.
And now rookie pitcher Seth Romero is out with a fractured right hand, with Martinez saying he used it to break a fall after slipping on the stairs Saturday night. The Nationals put Romero on the 10-day IL and promoted Ben Braymer, another lefty starter, in his place. Whenever Braymer pitches, he’ll become the sixth player to debut for Washington this summer.
“I’m looking for the end,” Martinez said Monday, moving his hat to reveal tired and smiling eyes. “When they tell me everybody is healthy, everybody is good, let’s go, you know? I guess it’s part of the game.”
Minutes earlier, Martinez deflected a question on his untouched option for 2021, saying he’s too worried about injuries, surgeries, safety during the novel coronavirus pandemic and the Nationals’ next game to even think about his contract. That was likely a small fib. It would be human for him to consider what’s beyond this year. But calling him occupied would be an understatement.
He’s integrated protocols, prospects and is trying to steer a team past its uneven start. Then it began this week with another step back.
After his last start, a clunker in Atlanta, Voth tried to fix his mechanics in five days. That would prove to be too tall a task. The 28-year-old was sharp in the first, retiring the Marlins in order. He was sharp again in the second, using an around-the-horn double play to face the minimum. But he stumbled in the third before he slipped an inning later.
The unraveling was swift and painful. Voth seemed fine, even in control, with one on and one down. Then the rally heated when he hit Jorge Alfaro with a first-pitch fastball. Then it took off with Jonathan Villar’s single, Miguel Rojas’s walk and a single from Matt Joyce that scored two and ended Voth’s night. He left runners on the corners for reliever Javy Guerra, and they scored once Jesús Aguilar punched a double off the wall in center.
That capped Voth’s line at six hits, six earned runs, three walks and three strikeouts. He threw 73 pitches. Guerra allowed another run before Dakota Bacus yielded four across the seventh and eighth. That helped hollow out a steady push, built on a three-run fifth, Soto’s bat and Eaton’s blast in the eighth that accounted for the final margin.
Voth’s often hit a wall in the fourth, when he’s facing a lineup for the second time. In his first turn through the Marlins on Monday, he permitted two base-runners on a pair of singles. But in the next trip through, eight batters reached and the scoreboard tilted. Voth only twice made it to the fifth this year.
Last July, the Nationals watched Joe Ross and Erick Fedde get pummeled in the week before the deadline. They sought a depth starter. They agreed to acquire one before the deal fell through. Then, both Fedde and Ross were starting because Max Scherzer was in the midst of missing six weeks with back issues. Now, without Ross and Strasburg out until 2021, Fedde and Voth are rounding a rotation that’s yet to meet expectations.
That’s most apparent with Voth, who’d won the fifth starter spot coming out of summer training. In the weeks since, the Nationals are 1-4 when he takes the mound. In the one win, they scored eight runs and needed seven relievers. In a news conference Sunday, General Manager Mike Rizzo repeatedly vowed to be aggressive at the deadline, saying he and ownership remain committed to winning back-to-back titles.
As is, the rotation is without Strasburg and depending on Voth and Fedde to make two of every five starts. That could run counter to the team’s ultimate goal.
A New Breed broadcast officially confirmed for August 28 live from Bangkok
Aug 25. 2020
ONE Championship™ (ONE) officially announced ONE: A NEW BREED, a closed-door event scheduled for live global broadcast and livestreaming on Friday, 28 August from Bangkok, Thailand.
Chatri Sityodtong, Chairman and CEO of ONE Championship, stated: “Following the success of the ONE: NO SURRENDER event series in Bangkok, we come right back to the capital of Thailand with another amazing live event. ONE: A NEW BREED will once again showcase the strength and resilience of the human spirit, through the spectacular performances of our ONE Championship athletes.”
In the main event, ONE Atomweight Muay Thai World Champion Stamp Fairtex of Thailand returns to defend her World Title against Ayutthaya Miracle Champion and ONE Super Series newcomer Allycia Hellen Rodrigues of Brazil. In the evening’s co-main event, CH7 Muay Thai World Champion Rodlek PK.Saenchaimuaythaigym steps in for the injured Saemapetch Fairtex to face Lumpinee Stadium World Champion Kulabdam Sor. Jor. Piek Uthai in the ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai Tournament Final.
After Kulabdam’s spectacular first-round knockout of Sangmanee Klong SuanPluResort in the semifinal round at ONE: NO SURRENDER III, the 21-year-old phenom will look to replicate his success in the final round of the tournament. The winner will move on to face legend Nong-O Gaiyanghadao for the ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Championship.
Stamp Fairtex, ONE Atomweight Muay Thai World Champion, stated: “I am very fortunate to be here in Bangkok, with the ability to showcase my skills for the world to see. I know not all athletes are in the position that I am now, and I count myself blessed to be able to do what I love doing. Coming back so quickly after my recent performance in the ring, I’m still sharp and physically ready to put on another great show. I’m ready to defend my Muay Thai belt. It’s going to stay right here at home in Thailand.”
Allycia Hellen Rodrigues, ONE World Title challenger, stated: “It is such a huge honor for me to join ONE Championship, and to receive the opportunity to face the ONE Atomweight Muay Thai World Champion is something I am very grateful for. I am extra motivated in training right now, and working very hard so I come into this bout well prepared. Stamp Fairtex is a tremendous champion, but I’m going to show the world the Brazilian fighting spirit. My goal is to walk out of the arena with that gold belt around my waist.”
Rodlek PK.Saenchaimuaythaigym, ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai Tournament Finalist, stated: “Getting to compete again so quickly is a privilege, since many athletes have been unable to compete due to the pandemic. I am nothing short of grateful for the position that I am in. It is unfortunate, however, that Saemapetch [Fairtex] had to pull out of the tournament due to injury. But I feel I won our last fight anyway, and right now, I’m on to the final round with Kulabdam. It’s one step closer to realizing my dream of becoming a ONE World Champion.”
Kulabdam Sor. Jor. Piek Uthai, ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai Tournament Finalist, stated: “I am confident of victory here against Rodlek. I know he’s an experienced fighter, but I’m young and aggressive, with championship experience too. I want to showcase my best skills in this fight. A lot is at stake in this tournament final, so I have to be at my very best if I want to win. I have prepared very hard for this moment and I am ready to put on a show that fans will remember.”
The stacked card also includes many other compelling mixed martial arts and ONE Super Series contests.
Fans will get to witness the return of undefeated Filipino atomweight star Denice “The Menace” Zamboanga, who will take on Thai National Judo Champion Watsapinya “Dream Girl” Kaewkhong of Thailand. Zamboanga’s older brother, URCC Bantamweight World Champion Drex “T-Rex” Zamboanga, will also be making his ONE Championship debut against Detchadin “Detchpool” Sornsirisuphathin of Thailand. Meanwhile, Max Stadium Muay Thai Champion Yodkaikaew “Y2K” Fairtex of Thailand makes a quick turnaround to battle Grappler’s Quest Champion Alex Schild of the United States.
In a pair of Muay Thai bouts, two-time National Muay Thai Champion Wondergirl Fairtex of Thailand will face Filipino-American striker KC “Pinay Fight” Carlos, while China’s Huang Ding takes on Cambodian Kun Khmer World Champion Sok Thy.
ONE: A NEW BREED Bangkok, Thailand Friday, 28 August
ONE Atomweight Muay Thai World Championship
Muay Thai (4oz. gloves)
Stamp Fairtex (C) vs Allycia Hellen Rodrigues
Atomweight (52.2kg)
ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai Tournament FinalMuay Thai (4oz. gloves)
Rodlek PK.Saenchaimuaythaigym vs Kulabdam Sor. Jor. Piek Uthai
Popov beats Jasmine of Thailand for first Major victory
Aug 24. 2020
It’s the ultimate #DriveOn story – from caddie to major champion. One month after caddying for Anne van Dam at the LPGA Drive On Championship, Sophia Popov assembled four incredible rounds at Royal Troon to capture the 2020 AIG Women’s Open at -7, a two-stroke win over Jasmine Suwannapura.
Jasmine Suwannapura (Credit to LPGA)
LEADERBOARD
Player
To Par
Score
1
Sophia Popov
-7
70-72-67-68
2
Jasmine Suwannapura
-5
71-72-69-67
3
Minjee Lee
-3
74-69-69-69
4
Inbee Park
-1
77-69-71-66
With the win, Popov earns LPGA Tour Membership through the 2021 season. She also becomes the first player from Germany to win a women’s major championship and just the third German player to win a major, joining Martin Kaymer and Bernhard Langer.
“It feels amazing. There’s a lot of hard work behind it, and a lot of struggles that I went through the last six years, especially health-wise, and I’m just glad I was able to overcome everything and just keep my head in it,” said Popov through tears as she cradled the trophy in her arms. “I knew I was capable. I just had a lot of obstacles thrown in my way, and I just, I’m glad I stuck with it. I almost quit playing last year, so thank God I didn’t.”
Starting the fourth round with a three-stroke lead, Popov got off to a difficult start with a bogey at the first hole. But any nerves quickly dissipated, with a 10-foot birdie at No. 2 and a 15-footer at No. 3 extending her advantage to four strokes.
“I told my boyfriend (Max Mehles, her caddie), I said, ‘That’s all right. We’re going to make bogeys out here. It’s fine. But we have plenty of opportunities for birdies.’ And you know, the next hole, right away I hit it close,” said Popov. “After that birdie … my nerves went down and I settled in a little bit, too.”
Birdies at 15 and 16 gave Popov a three-stroke lead over a surging Suwannapura going to the closing hole. As she stepped onto the 18th green, Popov caught her first glimpse of a leaderboard and finally knew where she stood. With the green ringed by her fellow players and tournament officials and with tears in her eyes, Popov knocked home a short bogey putt and raised her arms to the sky. Van Dam, the best friend whose bag she toted in Ohio, showered her with champagne and celebrated the LPGA Tour’s newest major champion.
“It was all about getting it together during the right weeks, and for me honestly my biggest goal was to win an LPGA event, period,” said Popov. “For it to be a major right off the bat, it was obviously more than I could have hoped for but also something that I did know I was capable of.”
Suwannapura did not let Popov run away with the title. Playing one group ahead of Popov, the Thailand native and two-time LPGA Tour winner birdied four consecutive holes at 4-7 to make a run at her first major title. But she ran out of gas on the back nine, coming up just short of the title but earning her career-best major finish.
“There’s a lot of up-and-downs. I feel like I had three-putts which is a little sad for me,” said Suwannapura. “But I may be had some rain, little windy but today I feel like I did really good. Hit a lot of good shots and made a lot of putts and overall, I’m happy about this week for sure.”
Minjee Lee took solo third at -3, with seven-time major winner Inbee Park tying the low round of the tournament with a fourth-round 66 and taking solo fourth at -1. Austin Ernst rounded out the top five at Even.
SOPHIA POPOV’S LPGA TOUR MEMBERSHIP AND ELIGIBILITY
Following her victory, Sophia Popov officially accepted LPGA Tour Membership. She first earned LPGA Tour Membership in 2015 but played conditionally through 2019. Heading into the 2020 season, Popov had no LPGA Tour status, instead playing full time on the Symetra Tour.
Popov’s first eligible tournament as an LPGA Tour Member is the Cambia Portland Classic, being held Sept. 17-20. While she is not eligible for the ANA Inspiration in two weeks, her exemption into that major championship will begin in 2021.
This win at the AIG Women’s Open caps a whirlwind month for Popov. She started the LPGA Tour’s resumption by caddying for her best friend Anne van Dam four weeks ago at the LPGA Drive On Championship. The following week, Popov tied for ninth at the LPGA Tour’s Marathon LPGA Classic in Ohio, where she earned one of 10 qualifying spots for this week’s major.
Popov then flew to Arizona, where she tied for second at the Symetra Tour’s Founders Tribute at Longbow Golf Club. She finally traveled to Scotland on Monday and only had one practice round on Royal Troon before teeing it up in Thursday’s first round.
SOPHIA POPOV REVEALS BATTLE WITH LYME DISEASE
Three years ago, Sophia Popov received a diagnosis that finally made the last few years make sense. In her winner’s interview after capturing the 2020 AIG Women’s Open title, Popov revealed an extended battle with Lyme Disease that kept her health and her golf game at bay for several years.
“My rookie year, I started having a lot of health issues, and honestly we didn’t even know what it was. It took a total of about 20 doctor visits three years later to figure out that I had Lyme disease,” said Popov. “At that point it was so chronic, though, that I had just been struggling a lot with fatigue, and honestly, I had like 10 different symptoms and it was just very, it was a tough time to go through just because I didn’t know what it was, and it took so long to pinpoint exactly what was going on.”
Popov lost 25 pounds and had to work hard to regain the energy and stamina that was zapped by the disease. She is still very mindful of her diet and exercise to keep the illness from creeping back.
“I’m very disciplined as far as, you know, my health goes, my nutrition goes and working out and doing everything in my power to have as little as possible symptoms, and round, I have it under control really well. I want to keep it that way,” said Popov. “It was a long road to get here because there was a lot of personal research and figuring out on my own what would make me feel better, and I’m glad I got to the point where I’m feeling pretty good, and hopefully it stays that way.”
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 other life-threatening diseases.
There were no holes-in-one at the 2020 AIG Women’s Open. The 2020 season has seen five aces, for a total of $100,000 donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
The 2019 LPGA Tour season saw 32 aces from 31 different players, for a total of $620,000. This more than covers the average cost of $425,000 needed to treat a pediatric cancer patient.
PLAYER NOTES
Rolex Rankings No. 304 Sophia Popov (70-72-67-68)
She hit eight of 14 fairways and 15 of 18 greens, with 30 putts
Popov has 2020 Symetra Tour Membership; she tied for second at last week’s Founders Tribute at Longbow Golf Club in Arizona
This is Popov’s second event of the 2020 LPGA Tour season; she tied for ninth at the Marathon LPGA Classic presented by Dana
This is Popov’s second appearance in the AIG Women’s Open; she finished 67th in 2011
Born in Massachusetts, but moved to Germany as a child and holds dual citizenship
This is her 34th LPGA Tour appearance
Played full-time on the LPGA Tour in 2015, 2018 and 2019, but lost her LPGA Tour Membership for 2020 and is a full-time Member on the Symetra Tour
Tied for ninth two weeks ago at the LPGA Tour’s Marathon LPGA Classic in Ohio, but her earnings and statistics were unofficial as she did not hold LPGA Tour Membership
Tied for second last week at the Symetra Tour’s Founders Tribute at Longbow Golf Club before flying to Scotland for this week’s AIG Women’s Open
Won three Cactus Tour events during the LPGA and Symetra Tour’s coronavirus-related shutdown
Played collegiate golf at the University of Southern California, where she was a three-time All-Pac 12 First Team selection (2011, 2013, 2014) and 2011 Pac-10 Freshman of the Year
While at USC, she was a member of the 2013 NCAA Championship-winning team
Oliveira stuns Styria to win the 900th premier class race in style
Aug 24. 2020Miguel OliveiraA thriller to the last, the final corner sees the Portuguese rider make history – and win for KTM on home turf
The BMW M Grand Prix of Styria was already a guaranteed history maker as it hosted the 900th premier class race, but what a race it was. Another Red Flag and shortened sprint to the line gave us a dash of early drama, but more milestones were achieved once again in 2020 as Red Bull KTM Tech 3’s Miguel Oliveira took his first ever premier class victory in serious style. It’s the first premier class win for the Tech 3 squad, the first for Portugal, and the first KTM win on home turf for the factory and for Red Bull. It all went down to the final corner too as the Portuguese rider sliced past the duelling Jack Miller (Pramac Racing) and Pol Espargaro (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) and kept it inch perfect to beat both to the line.
On the first start, Joan Mir (Team Suzuki Ecstar) took the holeshot from the front row – kind of – but the Suzuki headed wide and was then told to give the place back up. Espargaro was second before a scrappy few corners that saw the Spaniard demoted, before Miller took over at the front from Mir – position change complied with, voluntarily or not – and the number 36 slotted back in ahead of Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu). The two would duel as Miller tried to bolt, but it was Mir who would manage that as he made his way back into the lead and then set the fastest lap.
Miller and Nakagami just about stayed with him though, as Pol Espargaro and Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar) dueled it out for fourth in a little clear air. Behind them, Dovizioso had his hands full with Maverick Viñales (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP), too. Soon enough though, Dovi pulled away – and a KTM armada of Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), Oliveira and his teammate Lecuona all slammed past the Yamaha in quick succession, leaving Viñales tenth.
The Spaniard appeared to have an issue and put his arm up once, but then disaster would strike not long after he’d managed to tuck back in and carry on. At Turn 1, the number 12 was forced to do a high speed bail out and he jumped off his machine just in time, the stricken Yamaha then hurtling towards the air fence and catching fire. That caused the Red Flag to come out to do repairs, but Viñales was immediately on his feet – rider ok and seemingly pretty mad about the incident.
Mir, Miller and Nakagami’s advantage was gone in a sudden puff of drama, and we were heading back to the grid for the quick restart procedure not long after. How would the start shuffle the pack second time around?
Mir got the perfect start from pole, with Miller getting bogged down from third. Pol Espargaro powered away from the line well but ran slightly wide into Turn 1, allowing Miller to regain ground on the run into Turn 2 and 3. Miller, sporting fresh soft Michelin front and rears, was then leading. The GP20’s speed powered the Aussie through. Mir fought back on the exit but the Ducati rider held the inside line for Turn 6, with Nakagami one rider getting a bit beaten up at the start as the Japanese rider dropped to seventh.
Just like they were in the first part of the race though, KTM’s Oliveira and Binder were scrapping away in the fight for P4, with Dovizioso also up with the leading group. Miller then slammed in a 1:23.928 as the pace in the restarted contest heated up, with Mir second but the Spaniard on the same front tyre he’d used to pull clear of the field before the red flags – was it costing him?
With eight laps to go, Pol Espargaro set the fastest lap of the race. The KTM rider then made his move on Mir at Turn 3, before the number 44 was then clambering all over the back of Miller. Pol then attempted a pass up into Turn 1 but he was in deep and wide, allowing Miller to blast straight past and Oliveira and Mir to close in, the Portuguese rider now up into third.
The leading quartet was gapping Dovizioso and Nakagami, and then Dovi was wide at Turn 1 and then again at Turn 9 with six laps to go. It worked for a while as it was a lead group of seven, although Binder then lost touch as the South African ran wide at Turn 1 a lap later.
Pol Espargaro then took the lead from Miller at Turn 9 but he wasn’t able to pull the pin. Next, Mir was wide at Turn 4, allowing Dovizioso to grab fourth as Miller and Oliveira tagged onto the back of Pol’s RC16. The top five were close, but Mir and Dovizioso were dropping off slightly and ultimately couldn’t get in the fight in the final lap.
Heading onto that last lap, it all came down to two KTMs vs a Ducati: Pol Espargaro vs Miller vs Oliveira. Two riders chasing their first win, one chasing their first dry race win. It was Pol Espargaro who begun the lap in the lead and got a good run out of the first corner, but coming into the braking zone, the KTM went very defensive – maybe too defensive. That compromised his exit and Miller was all over him before managing to get alongside the number 44 and make the move stick into the tricky, downhill right-hander.
Miller held firm through the left-handers, but coming up was where the KTM rider was strongest. Pol Espargaro got the run up the hill and managed to slice back up the inside of Miller, meaning everything was going down – once again – to the final corner in Styria.
Getting a better run down into Turn 10, Miller braked late and the Aussie, of course, went for it. And he technically got it done as he got past the KTM – but both headed so wide, the door was wide open behind them. Enter wily Oliveira, who had been calmly stalking the pair, as the Portuguese rider blasted past the two errant machines and straight to the line for his first historic victory, in a historic race.
Miller held onto second to pick up his second Red Bull Ring rostrum of 2020, with Pol Espargaro forced to settle for P3, although it’s his first dry podium in MotoGP™ after an impressive ride at the front.
Mir came fourth and was a key victim of the restart, but it’s another impressive performance and haul of points for the Spanish sophomore. Dovizioso couldn’t make it two-from-two as the Italian crossed the line 5th, 1.4 from the victory, but the Italian closes the gap to Quartararo as they’re now three points apart. Another unfortunate victim from the red flag was Nakagami, who has to settle for P7 in Styria after looking odds on to picking up a maiden podium. Binder’s late Turn 1 run-off cost him a chance of a top six finish, the Czech GP winner crossing the line in P8, although four tenths clear of leading Yamaha rider Valentino Rossi (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP).
It was a difficult day for the Iwata factory with Viñales’ crash seeing the Spaniard take zero points from Styria. Quartararo’s P13 finish ultimately keeps him top of the standings, but the Yamaha riders will be happy to see the back of the Red Bull Ring and head for happier hunting grounds at Misano.
10th place went the way of rookie Iker Lecuona, who caps off a fantastic day for Red Bull KTM Tech 3 with his second top 10 on the bounce Danilo Petrucci (Ducati Team) and Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini) finished just ahead of Quartararo, with Johann Zarco (Esponsorama Racing) – who started from pitlane in the first race and recently broke his scaphoid – and Franco Morbidelli (Petronas Yamaha SRT) completing the points.
It really was another Spielberg stunner, and a truly history-making day. Who would have predicted that? Three points between Quartararo and Dovizioso really spices things up heading to one of the Italian’s home tracks at Misano, and Miller isn’t far off either. From there down to ninth overall, there’s almost nothing in it in one of the most astonishing seasons we’ve seen.
A hard-earned two-week break now sees the paddock catch our breath before Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli awaits. Predict what will happen there at your own peril… but most definitely tune in!
MotoGP™ podium 1 Miguel Oliveira* – Red Bull KTM Tech 3– KTM – 16:56.025 2 Jack Miller* – Pramac Racing – Ducati – +0.316 3 Pol Espargaro – Red Bull KTM Factory Racing – KTM – +0.540 *Independent Team riders
Miguel Oliveira: “I’m very emotional, there’s so much I want to say but I won’t be able to. Just a big thank you to all the people who have believed in me, there are so many coming to mind right now but starting from my family at home, the team, my sponsors, the Portuguese crowd, thank you so much for your support. History today, for me and my country, and I couldn’t be happier to have done it here and the home of KTM and Red Bull.”
MotoGP™ podium L-R: Miller, Oliveira and Espargaro
Bezzecchi vs Martin reignites with Moto2™ last lap drama
It’s a first intermediate class win for Bezzecchi as he hunted down his old rival – but Martin had crossed the line first…
Sky Racing Team VR46’s Marco Bezzecchi has taken his first Moto2™ victory in the BMW M Grand Prix of Styria, despite coming across the line in second place behind Jorge Martin (Red Bull KTM Ajo) in a dramatic race. The Spaniard took the chequered flag and began celebrating an Austrian double only for the former Moto3™ World Champion to be told in Parc Ferme he needs to park in P2, not P1, after exceeding track limits on the exit of Turn 8 on the final lap. As a result, Bezzecchi stood on the top step of the podium, alongside him Martin and Remy Gardner (ONEXOX TKKR SAG Team) as the Australian took third for his second podium.
Martin took the holeshot from second on the grid, with poleman Aron Canet (Openbank Aspar Team) settling into second behind him. EG 0,0 Marc VDS’ Augusto Fernandez then became the first faller on the opening lap as the Spaniard tucked the front at the final corner out of fourth place, before rookie Canet then joined him in the gravel, tucking the front after braking a tad too late downhill into Turn 4.
The second of the EG 0,0 Marc VDS riders, Sam Lowes, then crashed out too in a nasty incident at Turn 3. The Brit got it wrong on the brakes and wiped out Somkiat Chantra (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) and Jorge Navarro (EG0+ Speed Up) in the process, rejoining but the Brit then handed a black flag for his error. Not long after though, his race came to an end with a second crash instead of pulling out of the race due to his disqualification.
Despite the early drama, there were still 15 laps to go when Gardner edged his way past former title leader Tetsuta Nagashima (Red Bull KTM Ajo) for second, with Bezzecchi right on the Japanese rider’s tail too – and the number 45 then demoted back to fourth moments later. Bezzecchi got the job done for third into Turn 4, and was on his way.
Five further laps ticked by before Bezzecchi was then able to draft his way past Gardner on the run up the hill towards Turn 3, but the Australian was imperious on the brakes, coming from a postcode further back to somehow get back under the Italian. However, the Aussie’s lunge hampered his drive out of Turn 3 and Bezzecchi took the place back before then tapping the rear of his Kalex to indicate he felt he had the pace to chase down the race leader…
Martin, up to this point, had had a fairly uneventful race… but that was all to change with Bezzecchi putting together the late charge of all late charges. 1.8 seconds was the Spaniard’s advantage before that then became 1.2 seconds with six laps left. In the space of two laps, the advantage was halved to 0.6 of a second and suddenly the former Moto3™ sparring partners were about to go to war in Moto2™ for the first time.
Time was running out for Bezzecchi though, he only had two laps left to find a move on Martin, who himself was desperately trying to respond. The pair entered the final lap with nothing between them and despite all the pressure, Martin came across the line to seemingly clinch a Red Bull Ring double with victory in the Austrian and Styrian Grands Prix.
However, upon review, Martin did exceed track limits by the narrowest of margins on the exit of Turn 8 on the final lap. The Spaniard was consequently was demoted one place, meaning Bezzecchi’s late pressure had paid off and he was a Moto2™ race winner for the first time in his career – a week after Martin achieved the feat…
Gardner was a second adrift of the top two in third, but he secured his second career rostrum as he took his first trip to the podium since Argentina last year. Nagashima will be hoping to reignite his title challenge after taking fourth, his best result since a hat-trick of finishes outside of the top ten. Completing the top five was Liqui Moly Intact GP’s Tom Lüthi as the veteran got back in the mix at the front after some tougher races so far in 2020.
Petronas Sprinta Racing’s Xavi Vierge held off late pressure from Luca Marini (Sky Racing Team VR46) to take seventh, although Marini extended his World Championship lead out to eight points. Jake Dixon (Petronas Sprinta Racing) enjoyed his first top ten Grand Prix finish after fighting past Hector Garzo (FlexBox HP40) in the closing stages to take a commendable eighth place finish, with Enea Bastianini (Italtrans Racing Team) completing the top ten.
Marcel Schrötter (Liqui Moly Intact GP), Joe Roberts (Tennor American Racing), Nicolo Bulega (Federal Oil Gresini Moto2), Stefano Manzi (MV Agusta Forward Racing) and Lorenzo Baldassarri (Flexbox HP 40) completed the points.
That’s it from Styria, now we take a breath and reset before another triple header – starting at Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli.
Moto2™ podium 1 Marco Bezzecchi – Sky Racing Team VR46 – Kalex 37:12.461 2 Jorge Martin – Red Bull KTM Ajo – Kalex – demoted one position 3 Remy Gardner – ONEXOX TKKR SAG Team – Kalex +1.027
Marco Bezzecchi: “It was strange to arrive second and then switch! All the race I was strong but not strong enough in braking to overtake Jorge. I pushed a lot to make the gap and the tyres were a bit on the limit. But i knew that and I said ok I’ll put some pressure on him and maybe he’ll make a mistake. When I came out of T8 I saw he touched the green a bit, I was very close but I thought it was possible… I was very happy for the podium though because the race started in a difficult way, I hit a neutral at Turn 3 and a lot of riders passed me, then I started to overtake and go up the standings, when I found myself in second I checked the board and I was 1.9, 1.6, 1.1… 0.9… but like I said I was on the limit a bit on the front. But I’m incredibly happy, I want to thank my family and my team, they did an incredible job and gave me the happiness to make these results, so I’m very happy.”
Moto2™ podium L-R: Martin, Bezzecchi and Gardner
Vietti takes first victory in another Spielberg stunner
The Italian escapes the clutches of compatriot Arbolino for his maiden Grand Prix win, ahead of the ever-consistent Ogura in third
Celestino Vietti (Sky Racing Team VR46) is now a Grand Prix winner, the Italian taking an impressive win in the BMW M Grand Prix of Styria to take to the top step for the first time. Tony Arbolino (Rivacold Snipers Team) took second – only just missing out on the win – with Ai Ogura (Honda Team Asia) as consistent as ever to take third and get back on the box.
Rodrigo got the holeshot from pole, but the Argentinean rider didn’t keep it long as Arbolino wasted no time in slicing through to the front. He led the front row starters – Gabriel Rodrigo (Kömmerling Gresini Moto3), Raul Fernandez (Red Bull KTM Ajo) and Tatsuki Suzuki (SIC58 Squadra Corse), in that order – with Ogura making a good start to slot in just behind them. Initially there was a small slice of daylight back to John McPhee (Petronas Sprinta Racing) and Vietti at the front of the second group, but that didn’t last long.
Darryn Binder (CIP – Green Power) took the baton and hunted the front down, striking quickly to take fourth from Fernandez once he’d arrived. And then there was a another shuffle as the South African had a wobble, allowing Arbolino, Rodrigo and Suzuki to get that daylight back. Again though, it didn’t last long – with 16 riders line astern in another classic Moto3™ battle.
And so it continued, although it was Vietti and Arbolino who seemed the men in control at the front. There was some drama though, first for the Red Bull KTM Tech 3 squad as a wobble for Deniz Öncü saw him unable to avoid his teammate Ayumu Sasaki – and both went down. After two impressive showings for the squad in Styria that was big disappointment, and the incident split the front group. A leading quartet of Arbolino, Ogura, McPhee and Vietti had a slight gap to Championship leader Arenas and with three laps left, it was all to play for. With two to go, Arbolino and Vietti had managed to emerge with a significant gap to the others – it would be an all-Italian duel for the win.
On the penultimate lap at Turn 9, the title race took another twist as well as McPhee suddenly slid out, losing his chance to fight for the podium and ultimately, second overall once the flag flew…
Up ahead though the final lap was underway and Vietti pulled the pin, crucially holding P1 down the long stretch between Turn 1 and Turn 3. But Arbolino was close and through Sector 3, rising over the brow of the hill, the Honda rider showed a wheel to the KTM ahead. Braking late, Vietti kept the lead into Turn 9 as the last corner approached… and was again a demon on the brakes. Arbolino almost lost the front too – crazy late drama just avoided – allowing Vietti a clear run to the line to claim his first Moto3™ victory.
Just behind, a cracking final lap saw Ogura pick up another podium in 2020 to hunt down Arenas in the Championship standings cutting the gap by three points to 25. Rodrigo picked up an important P4 in Styria, his best result of the season, and there was no double Red Bull Ring victory for Arenas as he was shuffled back into fifth. Binder crossed the line in sixth to claim two P6s at the Red Bull Ring and show some real consistency as 2020 rolls on, although Suzuki finished just 0.038 behind the South African, in seventh.
Fernandez continued his point-scoring streak with a solid 8th place finish, although the Spaniard had a lonely last couple of laps to finish 4.2 off the win. Nearly three seconds behind Fernandez was Stefano Nepa (Valresa Aspar Team) in ninth – his second top 10 of the year – and completing the top 10 was Estrella Galicia 0,0’s Sergio Garcia despite a Long Lap Penalty for track limits.
Dennis Foggia (Leopard Racing) was next up ahead of Filip Salač (Rivacold Snipers Team) in P11 and P12, with Andrea Migno (Sky Racing Team VR46) heading up a huge group as he fought back from a Long Lap Penalty too. Jaume Masia (Leopard Racing), Ryusei Yamanaka (Estrella Galicia 0,0) and Niccolo Antonelli (SIC58 Squadra Corse) were on his tail, the latter just losing out on points.
Now the hard-earned two-week break awaits the lightweight class before another triple-header, and Arenas still holds a significant advantage in the standings, with McPhee suffering his second DNF of the season to drop below Ogura once again. More curveballs will be in store at Misano, so come back for more then!
Moto3™ podium 1 Celestino Vietti – Sky Racing Team VR46 – KTM 37:10.319 2 Tony Arbolino – Rivacold Snipers Team – Honda +0.410 3 Ai Ogura – Honda Team Asia – Honda +0.938
Celestino Vietti: “This is the best day of y life, a lot of emotions. I tried to manage the battle in the fist part because last week I was at the back of the group, I was all the race trying to overtake, in 10th position.. it’s very difficult in the last three laps to make a good result. Today we tried to stay in front and on the last lap I tried to overtake Tony, he ovetoook me and we had a battle, like when we were young, and the last lap I tried to make a clean lap, and I… finished first!”
Moto3™ podium L-R: Arbolino, Vietti and OguraThe winning feeling: Oliveira takes Portugal’s – and Tech 3’s – first premier class winThe final corner shuffle: Oliveira (L), Miller and Pol Espargaro (R)Miller heads up the inside of the KTMSo close, but no cigar: Espargaro completed the podiumOliveira: the winner of the 900th premier class race Click here for more photos (link available from 7:30pm GMT +2 on race day for one week)
Oliveira wins stunning BMW M4 Coupe with victory in Styria
As a first in the long history of MotoGP™, the winner of a Grand Prix was rewarded with an exclusive car – and in the BMW M Grand Prix of Styria, the honour went to first time premier class winner Miguel Oliveira (Red Bull KTM Tech 3). The prize was a stunning new 2021 model BMW M4 Coupe.
Right after parc ferme, the car was presented to Oliveira – and the Portuguese rider wasted no time getting familiar with it as he climbed the roof to celebrate!
Markus Flasch, CEO of BMW M GmbH: “Congratulations to Miguel. A fantastic performance saw him outpace the fierce competition in the MotoGP race at the BMW M Grand Prix of Styria. As a long-standing partner of Dorna and title sponsor of the event, we are delighted to honour Miguel with the new BMW M4 Coupe as a reward for his victory. But he will have to wait a little while to drive his BMW M4 – the car is so new that it isn’t actually on the market yet. However, we’re confident that he will have a lot of fun with it – as the first test drive shortly after the race has already proved.”
Miguel Oliveira: “Wow, it’s amazing. I’m over the moon to be the first MotoGP rider to receive such a special prize. I’ve got to know the new BMW M4 Coupe here at the Red Bull Ring and can’t wait to have my one of my own. I’d like to thank BMW M for this fantastic prize!”
Pau Serracanta, Managing Director of Dorna Sports: “BMW M has done something new yet again. A fantastic BMW M4 as a reward for the winner of the MotoGP race is undoubtedly something very special. This special prize is a wonderful addition to the title sponsorship of the BMW M Grand Prix of Styria. We are proud to have BMW M as such a strong, committed partner over so many years, who consistently bring new ideas to our collaboration. Congratulations to Miguel Oliveira! I hope he really enjoys the new BMW M4 Coupe.”
Top photo: Oliveira gets the key from Markus Flasch, CEO of BMW M GmbH. Below: he gets to know his prize a little better
Thai hope Jasmine falls three shots behind Popov at AIG Women’s Open
Aug 23. 2020Jasmine Suwannapura smiles at her caddie during play. (Credit to LPGA)
After a masterful bogey-free 67 on Saturday, Germany’s Sophia Popov sits at -4 and holds a three-stroke lead heading into Sunday’s final round of the AIG Women’s Open, the first major of the 2020 LPGA Tour season following a five-month shutdown due to the coronavirus. Australian Minjee Lee and Thailand’s Jasmine Suwannapura are tied for second at -1.
Popov made her move early on Saturday at Royal Troon, hitting driver off the deck from 258 yards at the par-5 fourth to reach the green in two and holing the 15-foot eagle putt.
“I hit it in the perfect spot and it just curled around and I was able to make that putt which was nice, because I felt like that made up for the opportunities that I had missed previously,” said Popov, who just missed out on keeping her LPGA Tour card at 2019 LPGA Q-Series. “Got me going into my round and gave me a little bit of a confidence boost for the rest of the round.”
Popov added lengthy birdie putts at 12 and 17 to pull three strokes clear of the field, hitting all 18 greens in a round that tied for the week’s low 18-hole score.
“I’m just very happy that I was able to stay bogey-free and make some really good up-and-downs and some clutch putts for par,” said Popov. “Obviously it was definitely more than I could have hoped for today, but I did make the key putts and shots when I had to, and I’m proud of them.”
Lee, a five-time LPGA Tour winner, had three birdies and one bogey for a 2-under 69 on Saturday, but rued birdie opportunities at 16 and 17 that somehow did not drop.
“I feel like I can maybe play a little bit more aggressively if the wind doesn’t blow as much,” said Lee, who has three top-11 finishes at the AIG Women’s Open. “Maybe I can hole a couple putts out there.”
Like Lee, Jasmine or Thidapa carded a 2-under round on Saturday, making four birdies to two bogeys. A bogey at the closing hole dropped her from solo second into a tie, but the two-time LPGA Tour winner was more than happy with her round.
“I didn’t expect that I’m going to have a good score today,” said Jasmine, who has never missed the cut in her six championship appearances. “Even though it’s not raining, it’s still pretty windy out there, and then you can’t really expect any good scores every day here. Just try to do your best out there and play golf.”
Germany’s Caroline Masson joins Americans Lindsey Weaver and Austin Ernst in a tie for fourth at +1. Two-time major champion Lydia Ko of New Zealand is tied for fifth at +2, joined by American Kristen Gillman and Denmark’s Emily Kristine Pedersen.
Second-round leader Dani Holmqvist shot a 6-over 77 on Saturday and dropped from -1 to +5, in a tie for 19th.
WITH A WIN
Sophia Popov would be eligible to accept immediate LPGA Tour Membership; she was an LPGA Tour rookie in 2015, but lost her card after the 2019 season
Popov would become the first player from Germany to win a women’s major championship
Minjee Lee would earn her first major title, becoming the fourth player from Australia to win a women’s major championship, joining Hannah Green, Jan Stephenson and Karrie Webb
With the $670,000 winner’s prize, Minjee Lee would move to $7,030,619 in career earnings and become the 37th player in LPGA Tour history to cross the $7 million threshold
Jasmine Suwannapura would become the second player from Thailand to win a major championship, joining Ariya Jutanugarn
WHIRLWIND MONTH FOR SOPHIA POPOV
A win tomorrow at the AIG Women’s Open would cap a whirlwind month for Sophia Popov, who lost her LPGA Tour Membership following the 2019 season and now has full 2020 status on the Symetra Tour. Popov started the LPGA Tour’s resumption by caddying for her best friend Anne van Dam four weeks ago at the LPGA Drive On Championship. The following week, Popov tied for ninth at the LPGA Tour’s Marathon LPGA Classic in Ohio, where she earned one of 10 qualifying spots for this week’s major.
Popov then flew to Arizona, where she tied for second at the Symetra Tour’s Founders Tribute at Longbow Golf Club. She finally traveled to Scotland on Monday and only had one practice round on Royal Troon before teeing it up in Thursday’s first round.
“When I came over here, I said to, me, the British was a bonus event because technically it was never on my schedule this year. So I was just excited and happy to be playing at all, and I said, you know, one practice round and let’s get this going, and expectations were definitely not very high,” said Popov, who won three times on the Cactus Tour while the LPGA and Symetra Tours were suspended due to the coronavirus. “I do feel very comfortable out there. At the same time, I know where my game is at and I know that it is in a good spot, so I can be aggressive with my shots and you know, keep those expectations low, but I definitely know what I’m capable of, and so keep that in the back of my head.”
LINDSEY WEAVER FEELING SUPPORT FROM AFAR AT #AIGWO
Despite pushing her trolley for three weeks straight on the LPGA Tour, Lindsey Weaver said she feels no fatigue heading into the final round of the AIG Women’s Open. After an up-and-down day highlighted by a massive chip-in to save par from the rough on No. 12, Weaver finished at +1 overall and sits in a tie for fourth. She’s just five shots out of the lead, relentless as ever to stay in the hunt for a major title.
“It was pretty good. Didn’t start off that great. I made bogey on 2 but quickly made birdie to recover on 4. So it was just playing pretty steady,” said Weaver. “It always bites to bogey the last, but other than that, it was a pretty good day I thought and just hope that I can continue it into tomorrow.”
Weaver’s fiancé, Korn Ferry Tour player Zach Wright, is currently competing across the ocean in the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Championship. Even with the time difference, the couple have continuously caught up before and after rounds, and Weaver is thankful they can still keep in touch while adjusting to their playing schedules.
“Yesterday on his commute to the golf course, which is about 45 minutes, he would watch on YouTube TV and he said he saw me play. So he watches while he’s on his drive there, which is nice. But it’s just a constant
balance, especially with the time change now, and I know like last week, he was in Boise and so we were seven hours apart and now we are five hours apart. It’s a little more manageable, and it’s always like he’s finishing and I’m going to sleep and he’s waking up and I’m on the golf course,” said Weaver. “It’s kind of a weird dynamic. It’s just nice to have someone there to support you and be able to talk about who can relate so well.”
PLAYER NOTES
Rolex Rankings No. 304 Sophia Popov (70-72-67)
She hit 11 of 14 fairways and 18 of 18 greens, with 33 putts
Popov’s third-round 67 is the only bogey-free round of the 2020 major; her 202 is her best 54-hole score in any major championship
Popov has 2020 Symetra Tour Membership; she tied for second at last week’s Founders Tribute at Longbow Golf Club in Arizona
This is Popov’s second event of the 2020 LPGA Tour season; she tied for ninth at the Marathon LPGA Classic presented by Dana
This is Popov’s second appearance in the AIG Women’s Open; she finished 67th in 2011
Rolex Rankings No. 8 Minjee Lee (74-69-69)
Lee hit 10 of 14 fairways and 14 of 18 greens, with 30 putts
This is Lee’s sixth year on Tour; she has won five times on the LPGA Tour, most recently at the 2019 HUGEL AIR-PREMIA LA Open
This is her sixth event of the 2020 LPGA Tour season; her best finish is third at the LPGA Drive On Championship
This is Lee’s seventh appearance at the AIG Women’s Open; Her best finish is T9 in 2015 at Turnberry
Lee represented Australia in the 2016 Rio Olympics, finishing T7
She is a three-time member of Team Australia at the UL International Crown
POLe! KTM head their home grid as Pol Espargaro takes the spoils in Styria
Aug 23. 2020
A first for the Spanish rider and the Austrian factory make it a Saturday to remember, with Nakagami taking second and Zarco going third quickest to stun the field
Pol Espargaro and Red Bull KTM Factory Racing have both earned their first MotoGP™ pole positions in the BMW M Grand Prix of Styria. Taking the spoils in a fierce Q2 at the Red Bull Ring, the Spaniard on the Austrian machine just pipped Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu) to the top, with Q1 graduate Johann Zarco (Esponsorama Racing) defying the odds to qualify third just a couple of days after surgery on his scaphoid. However, the Frenchman will start from pitlane on Sunday.
Q1 saw Zarco pull a fast one and move through, the Frenchman impressing to pip Danilo Petrucci (Ducati Team) and deny a few others too. With his pitlane start already decided, it was a lost opportunity for those denied a place, but won fair and square with some superhuman effort – and there was more to come.
The opening laps in Q2 were tentative but once the riders got one lap under their belt, qualifying kicked off in stunning style at the Styrian GP. Fabio Quartararo (Petronas Yamaha SRT) was the first man to delve into the 1:23s with a 1:23.866, with Zarco slotting into second despite his recently operated scaphoid. Joan Mir (Team Suzuki Ecstar) then went onto the provisional front row, before Nakagami took P3.
A raging Red Bull then came flying over the line to snatch provisional pole position from Quartararo, Pol Espargaro taking over at the top by two tenths and moving the goalposts to a 1:23.645. He wouldn’t be at the top of the tree for long though – Nakagami was on a charge and the Japanese star took P1 by 0.043 as a breathless opening stint ended and the Austrian hills fell silent for a brief period, fresh Michelin rubber going in ready for five minutes of MotoGP™ mayhem at the Red Bull Ring.
Jack Miller (Pramac Racing) – who didn’t set a lap time in Q2 after encountering shoulder issues following his FP3 crash – jumped from P11 to P3 with a great lap, before Pol Espargaro then shot to the top of the times by 0.022. Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar) climbed to P4 and after two sectors, his teammate Mir was on for pole position – and so was Ducati Team’s Andrea Dovizioso. Mir couldn’t hold his advantage in Sectors 3 and 4 though as the Suzuki rider went P3, with Dovizioso slotting into P6.
Meanwhile, Quartararo had slipped from P1 to P7 with just over a minute to go, as his compatriot Zarco went flying onto the front row. Maverick Viñales (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) found himself down in P10 as well, but he was up after two sectors. However, with Pol Espargaro absolutely lightning through Sector 3, Viñales lost time and had to settle for P6. Was there a further late twist in the tale? Pol Espargaro and KTM were all set for celebrating their maiden premier class pole positions, but breath was held as Nakagami was on a flyer. The Honda man was just 0.006 down after Sector 3 but he couldn’t hold on – and his lap was then cancelled for exceeding track limits anyway.
That was it. The cameras panned to the KTM box and it was celebrations galore. It’s a first pole position for the Austrian factory and being able to do it on home soil will make the feeling even sweeter. It’s also Pol Espargaro’s first MotoGP™ pole position, and his attentions will now turn to making it a victory for himself and KTM on Sunday afternoon. Nakagami will line-up in the middle of the front row knowing he has a genuine shout of victory at the Red Bull Ring, and is confident of fighting for the podium.
And what a performance from Zarco, who was third fastest. Surgery on Wednesday, fitness test on Friday, no laps completed in FP4 – third place in Q2. A pitlane start faces the double Moto2™ World Champion on Sunday, but there are definitely some important points up for grabs for the number 5. Fourth place for Mir is his best MotoGP™ qualifying and after finishing second from P6 last weekend, he will start Sunday’s battle brimming with confidence. You know things are looking good when the premier class sophomore looks disappointed with P4 despite a best Q2 performance! He’ll start from third too as Zarco’s penalty causes a shuffle.
Things didn’t look good for Austrian GP podium finisher Miller in FP4. A crash in FP3 looked to be putting his weekend in serious doubt with Team Manager Francesco Guidotti telling pitlane reporter Simon Crafar that he’s experiencing shoulder pain, but the Australian gritted his teeth to pocket a P5, just 0.120 shy of pole position. He’ll start fourth, with Austrian GP polesitter Viñales’ late lap sees the Spaniard start as the leading Yamaha rider – sixth in the session and fifth on the grid. And just 0.198 split those leading six riders in Q2.
Rins starts sixth for the inaugural Grand Prix of Styria, the Spaniard getting the better of Miguel Oliveira (Red Bull KTM Tech 3) and Dovizioso, who were P8 and P9 in the session, respectively, and also shuffle up a place. All three have shown – at least – podium pace this weekend, so it’s going to be a scintillating watch as they try to carve their way through the field. Championship leader Quartararo – despite finishing just 0.286 away from pole – suffered an equal-worst Q2 result in 10th, becoming a third row start. The 2019 Czech GP was the last time he finished this low down the grid and Quartararo starts off the front row for the first time since the 2019 British GP – almost exactly a year ago. Fellow Petronas Yamaha SRT rider Franco Morbidelli and Q1 graduate Danilo Petrucci finished P11 and P12 in Q2, with the top 12 split by just 0.594.
But there are some names missing, right?
After a crash on Saturday – rider ok – Valentino Rossi (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) will start P14 for the Styrian GP as he had a tip off on his final flying lap in Q1. ‘The Doctor’ was on course to potentially grab P2 in the session but he and his YZR-M1 slid out of contention at Turn 9, giving the Italian plenty of work to do on Sunday afternoon. Iker Lecuona (Red Bull KTM Tech 3) and rookie Brno winner Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) also narrowly missed out on a Q2 place, but the two KTMs will start P12 and P13 as they gain a place back as Zarco moves to pitlane…
That’s a wrap on Saturday, but Sunday is where it all counts! A whole host of riders have shown they could have what it takes to win in Styria, so now the wait begins for 14:00 (GMT+2) on Sunday. The Red Bull KTM will charge from pole for the first time, but will it be two victories from three for the newest winners on the block?
MotoGP™ front row 1 Pol Espargaro – Red Bull KTM Factory Racing – KTM – 1:23.580 2 Takaaki Nakagami* – LCR Honda Idemitsu – Honda – +0.022 3 Johann Zarco* – Esponsorama Racing – Ducati – +0.052 *Independent Team riders
Pol Espargaro: “Unbelievable, I feel really pleased. I didn’t imagine we could get pole, I was trying to get the front or second row, which would be amazing for us. We were struggling during the weekend to make one fast lap, in the rhythm and pace we’re strong but on one lap I was missing this last tenth, making so many mistakes in fast laps like this morning in FP3. But I could do an ok lap by the end in qualifying, trying to stay off the green because it was easy to go on there! I’m super happy about it, all my guys and the whole of KTM deserve this so much. I’m happy for it and them.”
MotoGP™ front row L-R: Nakagami, Pol Espargaro and Zarco
Canet clinches maiden Moto2™ pole in Styria
The rookie continues his impressive adaptation to the intermediate class, this time with pole as he denies Austrian GP winner Martin
Rookie sensation Aron Canet (Openbank Aspar Team) has claimed his maiden Moto2™ pole position thanks to a 1:28.787 in Q2 at the BMW M Grand Prix of Styria, with the Spaniard heading Austrian GP winner and compatriot Jorge Martin (Red Bull KTM Ajo) by 0.118. Previous Red Bull Ring polesitter Tetsuta Nagashima makes it two Red Bull KTM Ajo machines on the front row as he bounced back from some tougher weekends.
In Q1 it was Somkiat Chantra (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) heading through ahead of Nagashima, with the two joined by Hector Garzo (Flexbox HP 40) and Stefano Manzi (MV Agusta Forward Racing) moving through to Q2. Once the lights went out for that session, it was Free Practice pacesetter Martin fastest out the traps.
The KTM star was leading Garzo and Sam Lowes (EG 0,0 Marc VDS) in the opening exchanges, before Q1 graduate Nagashima then went P1. However, Canet was on a charge. The number 44 slammed in a 1:28.787 to lay down the gauntlet to his rivals, with Martin trying to respond shortly after but two tenths adrift as Remy Gardner (Onexox TKKR SAG Team) then went P4.
The Australian then crashed unhurt at Turn 1, and Jake Dixon (Petronas Sprinta Racing) took a small tumble at Turn 3 as the duo were both inside the top 10. In tandem, Sky Racing Team VR46’s Marco Bezzecchi took over in P4 as he followed teammate Luca Marini, and the Italians then swapped track position as Marini got himself up to P9, the Championship leader struggling to make real inroads into the top six….
Tom Lüthi (Liqui Moly Intact GP) looked back to his best as the experienced Swiss rider climbed to P7 in Q2, but no one was able to really look like they were going to challenge Canet’s benchmark. That was until Augusto Fernandez (EG 0,0 Marc VDS) and Nagashima were just a tenth down halfway round the lap with little time remaining… but at the line, neither improved and it was left to a hard-charging Martin to try and topple Canet. The Red Bull KTM Ajo rider was 0.034 under Canet’s time as he roared past the Sector 3 marker and into Turn 9, but the former Moto3™ World Champion was unable to keep his soaring lap going, crossing the line a tenth down on Canet’s. Result? A rookie pole.
Martin won’t be too disheartened with second on the grid, he’s been there before and it turned out ok last week… for his first Moto2™ victory. Nagashima salvaged a front row start after finishing second in Q1, and that’s by far his best qualifying of the season – his previous best being P8 at the Spanish GP. Can the Japanese rider get his Championship charge back on track at the Red Bull Ring?
Fernandez’ P4 in qualifying is his best Saturday result of the season too as a pre-season favourite finds form. Bezzecchi launches from the middle of the second row aiming for his second podium of the season, with Gardner’s crash – luckily – not affecting him too badly. It’s P6 for the Australian, who keeps Lüthi off the second row by 0.051. Both the latter and Garzo set the exact same lap time in Q2 to line-up P7 and P8, with Jorge Navarro (+Ego Speed Up) and Federal Oil Gresini Moto2’s Nicolo Bulega completing the top 10.
Down in 11th, meanwhile, it’s Lowes’ worst qualifying result of 2020. The Briton crashed heavily in FP3 and will be feeling the effects of his shoulder injury earlier in the year, while Championship leader Marini had to settle for 12th in Styrian GP qualifying. Dixon and Joe Roberts (Tennor American Racing) sit between the Italian and title rival Enea Bastianini (Italtrans Racing Team) as 2020’s leading contenders aim to claw their way through the field on Sunday afternoon…
Plenty has shuffled since last week, and Sunday promises another stunning twist in the title fight. Tune in for the Moto2™ race at 12:20 (GMT+2)!
Moto2™ front row 1 Aron Canet – Openbank Aspar Team– Speed Up – 1:28.787 2 Jorge Martin – Red Bull KTM Ajo – Kalex +0.118 3 Tetsuta Nagashima – Red Bull KTM Ajo – Kalex +0.370
Aron Canet: “I’m very happy to be here on pole in Moto2, it’s a really difficult category for me, all the riders and the rookies. After MotoGP the grip changes a lot, for me it didn’t change so much but for others they can’t do the time… for that, I was able to take pole. We’ll see what happens tomorrow because for sure we’ll see different conditions, but with dry conditions I’m very happy with my pace!”
Moto2™ front row L-R: Martin. Canet and Nagashima
Rodrigo denies Fernandez pole by just 0.012
The front row in Styria are split by 0.064, with Rodrigo leading Fernandez and Suzuki
Gabriel Rodrigo (Kömmerling Gresini Moto3) will start the BMW M Grand Prix of Styria from pole, the Argentinean rider coming out on top by just 0.012 to deny Raul Fernandez (Red Bull KTM Ajo) three in a row. Fernandez will start second though, with Tatsuki Suzuki (SIC58 Squadra Corse) completing a front row split by just 0.064.
Under sunny Styrian skies, it was Jaume Masia (Leopard Racing) who headed the timesheets in Q1, securing his place in Q2… or not. Drama hit for the Spaniard in the session as he crashed and damaged his machine, then remounting and heading back to the pits. Except the bike was leaking, leaving two more riders behind to crash and a long clean up operation and delay to the next session. For the lapse of judgement, Masia was suspended from Q2, meaning it was only Niccolo Antonelli (SIC58 Squadra Corse), Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Tech 3) and Darryn Binder (CIP – Green Power) who would move through and take part.
Once Q2 was underway, we were treated to some late drama as Rodrigo stole pole position away with his final flying lap of the session, chequered flag waving. Before that final attack it was Tony Arbolino (Rivacold Snipers Team) who held provisional pole, but 2020’s qualifying sensations Tatsuki Suzuki and Raul Fernandez jumped ahead of him, demoting the Italian to third… and Rodrigo making sure it became fourth.
Behind that top three split by just 0.064, Arbolino will therefore front the second row of the grid, joined there by Celestino Vietti (Sky Racing Team VR46), who will start from fifth at the Red Bull Ring for the second time in a week, and John McPhee (Petronas Sprinta Racing) in sixth as the Scot proved the fastest of the top three in the Championship.
Half a second behind Rodrigo’s 1:36.470 and seventh on the grid will be Leopard Racing’s Dennis Foggia, the Italian a fraction clear of Ai Ogura (Honda Team Asia), who is the man third overall and the second quickest of the top three in the title battle at the moment. it’s not by much though, as World Championship leader Albert Arenas (Valresa Aspar Team) did suffer his worst qualifying of 2020, but only to the extent of starting alongside Ogura in ninth as he defends his 28 point lead.
Darryn Binder will no doubt be a strong challenger on Sunday from 10th on the grid, not needing to make up his often customary and impressive 15 or 20 places on race day, and he will line-up on row four alongside another man likely to have his elbows out: Deniz Öncü. Filip Salač (Rivacold Snipers Team), Sergio Garcia (Estrella Galicia 0,0), Jeremy Alcoba (Kömmerling Gresini Moto3) and Antonelli complete the top 15.
That’s the grid set for Sunday, although especially in the lightweight class, everything will already be a shuffle by Turn 1. Tune in for another miraculous melee on Sunday as Moto3™ take on the Red Bull Ring again from 11:00 (GMT +2).
Moto3™ front row 1 Gabriel Rodrigo – Kömmerling Gresini Moto3 – Honda – 1:36.470 2 Raul Fernandez – Red Bull KTM Ajo – KTM +0.012 3 Tatsuki Suzuki – SIC58 Squadra Corse – Honda – +0.064
Gabriel Rodrigo: “It was a bit difficult because the second to last corner was very slippy, I had a plan to use two tyres, but as the conditions were a bit strange I decided to stay on track and go faster lap by lap. At the end it worked because I already put a nice lap in at the start but on the last lap I improved even more. I’m very happy, after the last two Sundays we needed a bit of energy for the race! We’re focused for tomorrow, I think the pace is good so I’m really looking forward to the race.”
Moto3™ front row L-R: Fernandez, Rodrigo and SuzukiPol Espargaro is on a roll in StyriaNakagami makes his first MotoGP™ front row startZarco defied a broken scaphoid to go third quickest in qualifying
The BMW M Grand Prix of Styria marks the 900th premier class race since the Championship began in 1949
For more than 70 years, the FIM MotoGP™ World Championship has been hitting milestones and writing chapters in the record books. As the MotoGP™ grid prepare to go racing on Sunday in the BMW M Grand Prix of Styria, another incredible episode in the sport’s illustrious history is about to be penned: the 900th premier class race.
When the World Championship began in 1949, the premier class was limited to 500cc and so it remained until 2002, when the class was renamed ‘MotoGP™’ and the capacity limit increased, initially to 990cc for four-stroke machines. From those 500s to the modern prototypes about to make more history at the Red Bull Ring, the competition is closer than ever and the spectacle one of the greatest in motorsport – something worth celebrating in itself.
Rider
Premier class wins
Valentino Rossi
89 (10% of all premier class races)
Giacomo Agostini
68
Marc Marquez
56
Mick Doohan
54
Jorge Lorenzo
47
Total
314 (35% of all premier class victories)
This ‘fantastic five’ of Rossi, Agostini, Marquez, Doohan and Lorenzo have won a stunning 35% of the 899 premier class races between them. Rossi has also started 346 of them, or 38.5% of all premier class races in history.
It’s not all about the top step, however, with the podium finishers over 899 races also making for incredible reading. 269 riders have managed to achieve the feat in the premier class so far, with a familiar name at the top of the table: Valentino Rossi.
Rider
Premier class podiums
Valentino Rossi
199 (22% of all premier class races)
Jorge Lorenzo
114
Dani Pedrosa
112
Marc Marquez=
95
Mick Doohan=
95
History continues to be made week on week too. In Brno, Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) became the latest first time premier class winner, the first South African to achieve the feat as KTM also took their first MotoGP™ win. In the Austrian GP, there was another milestone: the 50th premier class win for Ducati, taken by Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team). 899 races, 111 winners, 269 podium finishers, 19 different countries… and now we get suited and booted for the BMW M Grand Prix of Styria.
The premier class race is a history maker in itself as we hit 900 – but there’s also chance to make even more. A 200th podium for Rossi? A new premier class winner? Or the beginning of another different chapter? Tune in on Sunday the 23rd of August at 14:00 (GMT +2) as the lights go out at the Red Bull Ring and a little more history is made – that’s a guarantee!
The milestone winners:
100: 1962, East Germany
Mike Hailwood (MV Agusta)
200: 1972, Dutch TT
Giacomo Agostini (MV Agusta)
300: 1981, Sweden
Barry Sheene (Yamaha)
400: 1989, France
Eddie Lawson (Honda)
500: 1996, Imola
Mick Doohan (Honda)
600: 2003, France
Sete Gibernau (Honda)
700: 2009, Japan
Jorge Lorenzo (Yamaha)
800: 2014, Aragon
Jorge Lorenzo (Yamaha)
900: 2020, Styria
?
The three fastest men on Saturday: Nakagami (L), Pol Espargaro and Zarco (R). Can they return to the top three in the 900th race?
Burgeoning Asian Tour Destinations programme announces new venues
Aug 23. 2020
Asian Tour Destinations – an exclusive network of world-class golf venues with direct ties to the Asian Tour – has significantly strengthened its presence in the region with the addition of three premier golf clubs.
Black Mountain Golf Club in Hua Hin, Thailand; Classic Golf & Country Club in New Delhi, India; and Kota Permai Golf & Country Club in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, have all become part of the exciting network, which will be adding prominent venues from the Asia Pacific region to its portfolio in the near future.
All with a history of hosting prestigious Asian Tour tournaments, they join Sentosa Golf Club, Singapore which was the first golf club to become part of the Asian Tour Destinations network in 2015.
In addition, Asian Tour Destinations has further enhanced its portfolio by partnering with online booking portal Tee Time Saver and the globally leading Customer Service Analysis provider 59Club Asia.
Cho Minn Thant, Commissioner and CEO of the Asian Tour, said: “We welcome the new venues on board, and we look forward to working with them and further developing our relationships. They represent the top-tier of golfing properties in Asia and are a perfect fit for Asian Tour Destinations.
“Through our combined resources these golf clubs will benefit from the significant value that the Asian Tour and Asian Tour Destinations brand will add to their commercial and strategic goals in combination with support from Tee Time Saver and 59Club Asia.”
The primary mission of Asian Tour Destinations is to provide an affiliate membership programme between the associated venues – with a collective membership base of 7,500 golfers – and the Asian Tour which will help grow the game of golf in the region.
In particular, being a part of the Asian Tour Destinations network means that each venue is certified Tour caliber and operates a comprehensive range of facilities and services to their members and guests under tournament-ready conditions all-year round.
Among the core benefits, Asian Tour members will be able to play and practice at each venue facilitating for the members at each club to enjoy direct engagement with the region’s best golfers.
“Black Mountain is delighted be part of this new community of leading golf courses. We pride ourselves on being a desirable destination for visitors from all over the world and our association with the Asian Tour and Asian Tour destinations will truly help with this objective. Several Tour players already base themselves at our property and we look forward to welcoming more in the future as well as the members from the other Asian Tour Destination clubs around Asia,” said Harald Elisson, General Manager, Black Mountain.
The renowned Hua Hin venue has played host to a number of Asian Tour sanctioned tournaments including the Black Mountain Masters, the Thailand Classic, the King’s Cup, and the Royal Trophy.
“Classic Golf and Country Club has worked hard to build an international profile that highlights our world-class venue and so our new relationship with Asian Tour Destinations network is the perfect conduit for this, among many other benefits,” added Deepak C. Menezes, the Managing Director of Landbase India Ltd., Classic Golf & Country – venue for the Panasonic Open India, the Classic Golf and Country Club International Championship, and the Sail Open.
“Kota Permai Golf & Country Club has always embraced the spirit of providing the best golfing experience possible to all our patrons. As one of the leading golf clubs in Malaysia, we would like to ensure that we are aligned with other elite clubs in Asia plus the region’s foremost professional golf Tour. Becoming a member of Asian Tour Destinations is an honour and an exciting opportunity for Kota Permai to showcase our pristine golf course, excellent club facilities as well as warm hospitality. We look forward to welcoming both Tour players and Asian Tour Destinations members alike,” said Tang Meng Loon, Director of Club, Township & Property Management at Gamuda Land.
The golf club has been hosting events on the Asian Tour for nearly 20 years such as the Volvo Masters of Asia, the Selangor Masters and more recently the 2020 Bandar Malaysia Open.
Sentosa Golf Club, home of the Asian Tour and the SMBC Singapore Open, has enjoyed its role as a founding member of Asian Tour Destinations.
“Sentosa Golf Club boasts a strong bond with the Asian Tour and our involvement with Asian Tour Destinations allows us to push ahead with one of our key roles, which is to help the golf industry in the region, as a whole, attain new levels of quality and excellence. We look forward to working with the venues who have recently joined,” said Andy Johnston – General Manager and Director of Agronomy at Sentosa Golf Club.
In addition, Asian Tour Destinations has established a partnership with the Tee Time Saver to promote its network of venues. Tee Time Saver provides an integrated search and booking engine for golfers to easily find the best tee-time and golf packages available for Asian Tour Destinations venues. They will also produce dedicated content on their website and social media platforms for golf fans to have in-depth reviews from Asian Tour professionals on the destination venues including strategies to adopt when playing signature holes.
As the leading sales & service analyst and performance training provider in Asia, 59club Asia delivers the resources to significantly improve and maintain sales & service etiquette, in turn increasing customer satisfaction, revenue and ultimately profits. 59club Asia are the only company in golf industry that rewards venues achieving improved customer service levels, recognised though mystery shopping audits, presenting Service Excellence Awards, famously known as the ‘Oscars’ of the industry.
#ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.
Kulabdam knocks out Sangmanee for ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai final spot
Aug 22. 2020Kulabdam Sor. Jor. Piek Uthai delivers a punch against Sangmanee Klong SuanPluResort
ONE Championship™ (ONE) once again electrified the bustling Thai capital of Bangkok with another spectacular evening of world-class martial arts action.
ONE: NO SURRENDER III, a closed-door, audience-free event showcased the absolute best in local and international martial arts talent.
In the main event, 21-year-old Thai phenom “Left Meteorite” Kulabdam Sor. Jor. Piek Uthai notched the biggest win of his young career, stopping top-rated countryman “The Million Dollar Baby” Sangmanee Klong SuanPluResort to advance to the final round of the ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai Tournament. The two men exchanged fiery combinations at the center of the ONE Championship ring to start the contest. Sangmanee was loose and relaxed, as Kulabdam launched sharp uppercuts and hooks from just out of range. However, an explosive left straight toward the end of the first round connected for Kulabdam, tagging Sangmanee flush to the jaw. Sangmanee was out cold before he hit the ground, as Kulabdam walked away with an emphatic knockout victory.
In a ONE Super Series flyweight Muay Thai contest, Lumpinee Stadium Muay Thai World Champion Mongkolpetch Petchyindee Academy of Thailand put forth a striking clinic, thwarting an aggressive but outclassed opponent in Kun Khmer World Champion Sok Thy of Cambodia. Sok Thy started the first round attacking aggressively, moving forward while Mongkolpetch opted to counter from range. In the second round, Mongkolpetch continued to use his height and reach advantage, keeping Sok Thy at bay with accurate combinations and superior length. In the final frame, Mongkolpetch turned up the intensity, proceeding to outwork Sok Thy en route to a unanimous decision victory after three rounds.
Thai Naksu Champion and ONE Championship veteran Shannon “OneShin” Wiratchai spoiled WBC Muay Thai Champion Fabio Pinca’s highly-anticipated mixed martial arts debut, winning by close split decision after three rounds. Wiratchai started strong in the early going, controlling the pace with well-placed counters, and dropping Pinca at the end of the first round. Pinca opened up the second round with slicing elbows on the inside, but a spinning backfist from Wiratchai dropped the Frenchman. In the third and final round, Pinca turned up the aggression as he got more comfortable on the feet. Wiratchai used his superior experience to stay out of harm’s way, edging Pinca out slightly on the judges’ scorecards.
2-time Thailand Muay Thai Champion Wondergirl Fairtex put together a smashing performance, using speed and power to overwhelm WBC Oceania Muay Thai Champion Brooke Farrell of Australia in her ONE Super Series debut. Wondergirl showcased her pinpoint accuracy, connecting on a variety of punch combinations from range. A series of right hands then dropped Farrell just a couple of minutes into the round. As soon as the Australian got back to her feet, Wondergirl swarmed her opponent with straight punches to complete the impressive first round knockout.
In a ONE Super Series atomweight Muay Thai contest, Estonian “Snow Leopard” Marie Ruumet impressed in her ONE Super Series debut, defeating game but overmatched opponent Little Tiger of Japan after three exciting rounds. Ruumet was effective with her reach and timing, staying tall while attacking Tiger with roundhouse kicks, step through elbows, and a stream of powerful knees in the clinch. Though Tiger never backed down, Ruumet’s constant pressure continued through rounds two and three and proved too much for the Japanese athlete to overcome. In the end, all three judges scored the bout in favor of Ruumet to win by unanimous decision.
Kicking off the action at ONE: NO SURRENDER III, UKFC Featherweight Champion Ben Royle of the United Kingdom made a successful ONE Championship debut, scoring the first knockout of his career with a TKO victory over the United States’ Quitin Thomas. Though the two athletes are primarily grapplers, the entire bout was spent on the feet as both men preferred to trade strikes at the center of the ONE Championship ring. A leg kick hurt Thomas in the second round, and the American was close to being finished, but Royle had difficulty putting his opponent away. Instead, he put the finishing touches in the third round, stopping Thomas with a perfectly executed standing combination.
Official results for ONE: NO SURRENDER III
ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai Tournament Semifinal: Kulabdam Sor. Jor. Piek Uthai defeats Sangmanee Klong SuanPluResort by Knockout (KO) at 2:45 minutes of round 1
Muay Thai Flyweight: Mongkolpetch Petchyindee Academy defeats Sok Thy by Unanimous Decision (UD) after 3 rounds
Mixed Martial Arts Featherweight: Shannon Wiratchai defeats Fabio Pinca by Split Decision (SD) after 3 rounds
Muay Thai Strawweight: Wondergirl Fairtex defeats Brooke Farrell by Knockout (KO) at 1:21 minutes of round 1
Muay Thai Atomweight: Marie Ruumet defeats Little Tiger by Unanimous Decision (UD) after 3 rounds
Mixed Martial Arts Featherweight: Ben Royle defeats Quitin Thomas by TKO (Strikes) at 3:27 minutes of round 3
Juan Soto connects in the Washington Nationals’ 11-8 loss to the Miami Marlins at Nationals Park on Monday, Aug. 24, 2020. CREDIT: Washington Post photo by Katherine Frey 
Chatri Sityodtong, Chairman and CEO of ONE Championship, stated: “Following the success of the ONE: NO SURRENDER event series in Bangkok, we come right back to the capital of Thailand with another amazing live event. ONE: A NEW BREED will once again showcase the strength and resilience of the human spirit, through the spectacular performances of our ONE Championship athletes.” 
Jasmine Suwannapura (Credit to LPGA)
Miguel OliveiraA thriller to the last, the final corner sees the Portuguese rider make history – and win for KTM on home turf
Jasmine Suwannapura smiles at her caddie during play. (Credit to LPGA)
Kulabdam Sor. Jor. Piek Uthai delivers a punch against Sangmanee Klong SuanPluResort 
SootinClaimon.Com 