Front row L-R: Espargaro, Viñales and Quartararo
Di Giannantonio ousts Marquez for maiden pole at MisanoItalian rookie takes his first pole position in style on home turf, ahead of the top two in the title fight

Front row L-R: Marquez, Di Giannantonio and Fernandez
Suzuki supreme at Misano for first career poleJapanese rider puts SIC58 Squadra Corse in P1 on the team’s hallowed home turf

In the main event, ONE Welterweight World Champion Zebaztian “The Bandit” Kadestam of Sweden defends his title against Kiamrian Abbasov of Kyrgyzstan. Also, in the co-main event, ONE Lightweight Kickboxing World Champion Regian “The Immortal” Eersel of The Netherlands defends his title against countryman Nieky “The Natural” Holzken in a highly-anticipated rematch.

Ticket information for ONE: DAWN OF VALOR is available at http://www.onefc.com. Tickets, priced from IDR 75,000, are on sale now at https://one.cognitix.id/. From now through 22 September, save 20% on tickets using the promo code ‘ONELOYALTY.’

Kadestam started training in Muay Thai when he was 12 years old, and later embarked on a highly successful professional career in the sport. Soon, he explored other disciplines, as he trained at Pancrase Gym in Stockholm, and also traveled to Thailand and the Philippines to sharpen his skills under famed martial artist Ole Laursen. “The Bandit” joined ONE Championship in May 2017, claimed the ONE Welterweight World Championship in November 2018 in Jakarta, and successfully defended the title for the first time this past March. Now Kadestam returns to the same venue where he won the gold for his second defense.

Abbasov, a Prime Selection GP Welterweight Champion, was raised by a single mother in his hometown of Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan’s capital city. There, he began his martial arts journey with Greco-Roman wrestling, and later added boxing to his arsenal. Early in his career, he won two tournament championships, including a tournament in December 2016 where he beat three different men in one night. Today, he is one of Kyrgyzstan’s top mixed martial artists. In his most recent outing, Abbasov spoiled Yushin Okami’s promotional debut, defeating his decorated Japanese opponent by technical knockout. In Jakarta, he will challenge Kadestam for the ONE Welterweight World Championship.

In the co-main event of the evening, Eersel will defend the ONE Lightweight Kickboxing World Championship against Holzken in a rematch between Dutch kickboxing superstars.

Eersel represents the famed Sityodtong Amsterdam Muay Thai camp. He has made a name for himself as a Lion Fight Super Middleweight World Champion and an MFC Kickboxing World Champion. He initially began his martial arts journey by training in taekwondo at the age of eight. After experiencing success in taekwondo competition as well as amateur kickboxing, Eersel decided to turn professional, and has since put together an incredible record of success. Last May, “The Immortal” reached the pinnacle of the sport when he defeated Holzken via unanimous decision to capture the inaugural ONE Lightweight Kickboxing World Title. Now he looks to defend it successfully for the first time against “The Natural” in a rematch.

Holzken is a multiple-time kickboxing World Champion who started boxing at the age of 10. Later, he expanded on his skills by adding kickboxing and Muay Thai to his repertoire. He competed extensively in all three disciplines, compiling over 100 combined wins on his way to Dutch and European championships, as well as several World Titles. A sensational striker, Holzken’s entertaining style has already seen him secure nearly 50 knockouts in kickboxing and an additional 11 in the boxing ring. When he challenges Eersel in Jakarta, he will attempt to add one more World Title to his already dazzling resume.

Making his highly-anticipated ONE Championship debut is Brazil’s John “Hands Of Stone” Lineker. He faces top bantamweight contender Muin Gafurov of Tajikistan.

Lineker is a mixed martial arts veteran with over a decade of experience competing in some of the world’s top promotions. The Brazilian is a former Jungle Fight Bantamweight Champion known for his unbridled power, relentless aggression, and toughness. He currently holds a professional record of 31-9, which includes 14 knockouts and four submissions. Always looking to end bouts early, the Brazilian brings his unique all-action style to ONE Championship’s bantamweight division.

Gafurov, who owns a stellar 16-2 professional record, is one of the top talents to come out of Tajikistan. He utilizes a frenetic pace that opponents find difficult to match, and he possesses high-level grappling techniques, powerful striking, and an aggressive style. Gafurov is riding a five-bout win streak, and he will look to push that streak to six when he welcomes Lineker to The Home Of Martial Arts.

Also making his ONE Championship debut is lightweight Johnny Nunez of the United States, who is scheduled to face Kazuki Tokudome of Japan.

Nunez is coming off two stellar victories, which have pushed his professional record to an impressive 7-1 overall. Out of seven victories, he owns two by knockout and one by submission. The 34-year-old now makes his way to the bright lights of ONE Championship to face the world’s best talent on the global stage for martial arts.

Tokudome, on the other hand, is a former Pancrase Lightweight World Champion who trains out of Paraestra Hachioji in his native Japan. In his most recent bout, Tokudome defeated Australian veteran Adrian Pang by technical knockout in the second round. Now the Japanese martial artist is tasked to welcome Nunez to the ONE Championship lightweight division.

Also on the card is Mongolia’s Amarsanaa Tsogookhuu, who faces undefeated Australian prospect Antonio “The Spartan” Caruso. Also, New Zealand’s Mark “Tyson” Fairtex Abelardo takes on China’s Ayideng “The Kazakh Eagle” Jumayi.

Indonesian martial artists will also be well-represented at ONE: DAWN OF VALOR with the country’s biggest stars scheduled for action.

Multiple-time Indonesian national wrestling champion Eko Roni Saputra is set to make his return to the ONE Championship stage. He will square off against the Philippines’ Kaji “Alpha” Ebin.

Top Indonesian women’s mixed martial arts star Priscilla Hertati Lumban Gaol goes for two straight as she faces Myanmar’s Bozhena Antoniyar.

Also, in a series of all-Indonesian showdowns, Rudy “The Golden Boy” Agustian goes head-to-head with Abro Fernandes, Egi Rozten locks horns with Elipitua Siregar, and Adi Paryanto collides with Angelo “The Unicorn King” Bimoadji.

Finally, in what is sure to be a crowd favorite match-up between a pair of exciting finishers, top Indonesian strawweights Adrian “Papua Badboy” Mattheis and Stefer “The Lion” Rahardian meet in a three-round clash.

At the event in Tokyo, players were given medals and caps commemorating the international sports competition, and captain Michael Leitch drew an eye on a daruma doll to pray for victory. Leitch said: “This is only chance in my lifetime to have an impact on 120 million people [in Japan]. I want to prove that we are strong.”

A ceremony to greet Ireland’s team, which will play Japan in Pool A, was also held in Chiba city on the day.

Its aim remains unchanged: to highlight walking and cycling as two universal forms of action that can be done by anyone locally anywhere to generate a solution to problems at a global level. As purely physical activity, walking and cycling reduce sedentary behaviour and effectively contribute to achieve the World Health Organisation’s Global Action Plan on Physical Activity 2018-2030 which aims to increase physical activity among the people by at least 15 per cent. Walking and cycling as non-motorized transport is also good for environment and significantly contribute to achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

B&W Forum 7 runs from 9 am to 4 pm at the Knowledge Exchange for Innovation Centre in Bangkok. The academic forum will offer an overview of situations concerning physical activity around the world in general and Thailand in particular and how walking and cycling have become a solution to the lack of physical activity problem, followed by presentation of results of action research and community activities to create walking and cycling friendly communities/cities by changing mentality and behaviours. There will also be an open forum for all participants to ask questions, share their views, discuss and make recommendations, aiming to reach conclusions on what should be done further in the years to come to more effectively promote walking and cycling in daily life in Thailand. The forum closes out with a press conference.

As in the previous years, the forum will be followed by a walking/cycling trip. This year it will be in Samut Sakhon Province on Sunday, September 22.

Both teams are going all-in with their rookies on Friday morning. While six-time Solheim Cup veteran Morgan Pressel will hit the first tee shot for the Americans, five rookies (Marina Alex, Brittany Altomare, Nelly Korda, Megan Khang and Annie Park) will see morning action. Team Europe placed Bronte Law in the opening group, with Celine Boutier off right after her.

“I really wanted to get my rookies out there in the morning and get them out playing,” said Inkster. “That was a lot of our thinking. I feel like we’ve got some pretty good rookie alternate-shot players.”

The only USA rookie to sit for the morning session is Ally McDonald, who was named to the team on Tuesday when Stacy Lewis withdrew due to a back injury. According to Inkster, McDonald’s late addition to the team was a factor in that decision, but McDonald will tee it up in the afternoon session.

Like Inkster, Matthew did not want her rookies to sit around too long without getting into the action. “We wanted to try and get as many rookies out as we could the first day, the first morning,” said Matthew. “It’s just that’s a long hang-on if they want to go any later. And they’ve all keyed up, ready go.”

KORDAS SET TO MAKE HISTORY

When they tee off on Friday at 8:34 a.m., Jessica Korda and Nelly Korda will make Solheim Cup history as the first sisters to play together. In 1998, Swedish sisters Annika Sorenstam and Charlotta Sorenstam played for Team Europe, but they were never paired together.

“I was actually really surprised to learn that the Sorenstam sisters didn’t play together. I didn’t know that. I just figured they did,” said Jessica Korda with a laugh. “Hopefully it can be something great. We’ll see how everything turns out. And we’re just happy to be here and just enjoy our week.”

The duo petitioned Captain Juli Inkster for the opportunity to play together. Inkster admitted to not being completely sold on the plan, but she relented after the sisters tied for 12th at the Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational – and successfully remained friends.

“This is not often you get two sisters on one team,” said Inkster. “They should have the right to play together. And Jessica said, why do you see how we play in the Dow together. If we kill each other, then maybe don’t put us together.”

“We kind of know what ticks one another off and we know how to calm each other down as well,” added Nelly Korda. “I think we handled it quite well at Dow and kind of got a game plan going.”

Jessica Korda is appearing in her second Solheim Cup and first since 2013. She did not qualify for the team in 2015 and while she was an automatic qualifier in 2017, she was forced to withdraw prior to the competition with a forearm injury. Her return to Team USA is made extra sweet by having her younger sister at her side.

“It’s great to be part of a team environment,” said Korda, who went 1-2-1 in 2013 in Colorado. “Luckily, I had a little bit of taste of that last year at International Crown but being able to play on a bigger team and be part of the Solheim Cup is always super special. So I’m just happy to be back and healthy.”

The Kordas will tee off at 8:34 a.m., going up against Caroline Masson and Jodi Ewart Shadoff.

NEW PAIRING ON THE BLOCK

The 2019 Solheim Cup in Scotland is marked with a lot of “firsts” for Team USA. It is the first time the U.S. team features six rookies, Juli Inkster is the first three-time U.S. captain and this will be the first time since the 2013 Solheim Cup that Lexi Thompson will tee it up with someone other than Cristie Kerr.

In her past three Solheim Cup appearances, Thompson has played with Kerr in six of eight four-ball and foursomes matches, posting a 4-0-2 record. With a young U.S. team and Kerr not making the 2019 squad, Thompson will take on more of a leadership role as she plays alongside Brittany Altomare, who is making her Cup debut.

“It’s definitely different not having Cristie Kerr here,” said Thompson. “She’s always a special part of the team aspect in Solheim Cup. She’s definitely missed but we know she’s here in spirit, cheering us on. But I’ve played with my pod [Altomare, Jessica Korda, Nelly Korda] and my teammates and compared games, and see which ones mesh together the best. And we’ve been talking about it, and just really getting to know each other more. It’s big on personalities, too, not just games and team format.”

Altomare played her way into the eighth and final qualifying spot on Team USA with seven top 10s during the qualifying period, including a runner-up finish at the 2017 Evian Championship. She’s loving reliving the camaraderie she enjoyed as a four-time All-American at the University of Virginia and also on the 2006 Junior Ryder Cup team.

“I got to be on a team for four years at Virginia,” said Altomare. “And I just loved being on a team. I loved having teammates, because I think it makes you play harder and it makes you play better. You’re playing for something more than just yourself, which I think is what this week is about. So I’m really looking forward to playing on a team again and playing for more than just myself.”

Captain Juli Inkster said she never hesitated pairing up Thompson and Altomare.

“I mean, you’ve got two great players playing together,” said Inkster. “They just kind of feed off each other. Yes, we miss Cristie, but I think Brittany Altomare showed us a lot this year. She didn’t miss a cut. She’s my leading birdie getter for the United States. So she’s got a solid game. And it’s funny, her and Lexi just kind of hit it off. So, to me, it just works out well that they’re playing together.”

The American duo will tee off their foursomes match on Friday at 8:22 a.m. against Georgia Hall and Celine Boutier.

STATS CORNER

The following statistical notes are provided by Amy Mills, the LPGA’s statistical research manager.

Average Driving Distance

Six players are ranked in the top 12 in average driving distance on the LPGA Tour this season. Anne van Dam leads this stat averaging 284 yards per drive, 25 yards farther than the current average driving distance for players at 259 yards. Angel Yin ranks second at 281 yards. Lexi Thompson, Jessica Korda, Carlota Ciganda and Nelly Korda all average more than 270 yards.

Driving Accuracy Percentage

Lizette Salas and Megan Khang are finding the fairway more than 80% of the time and are ranked sixth and seventh in driving accuracy on the LPGA Tour in 2019. Salas leads the American team in accuracy and has been the most consistent in this stat over the last five years. The next highest ranked player in the top 20 is Marina Alex at 78%, followed by Anna Nordqvist and Celine Boutier at 77% and Ally McDonald at 76.9%.

Scoring

Carlota Ciganda ranks first in eagles made (17) and third in birdies made (308) on the season. Ciganda is just two eagles away from tying the record for most eagles in a season, a mark of 19 set by European Vice Captain Laura Davies in 2004. Five players are currently ranked in the top 10 in eagles on the LPGA Tour. Ciganda and Anne van Dam have combined to make a total of 31 eagles this year compared to Brittany Altomare, Lexi Thompson and Jessica Korda with a total of 27 eagles.

COMPETITION SCHEDULE

Friday, Sept. 13

8:10-8:46 a.m. – Morning foursomes matches

12:40-1:25 p.m. – Afternoon four-ball matches

Saturday, Sept. 14

8:10-8:46 a.m. – Morning foursomes matches

12:40-1:25 p.m. – Afternoon four-ball matches

Sunday, Sept. 15

11:40-1:50 p.m. – Singles matches

SOCIAL MEDIA – #SolheimCup2019

Event:

Facebook: Facebook.com/The2019SolheimCup

Twitter: @2019SolheimCup

Instagram: @SolheimCup2019

Ahead of the Gran Premio Octo di San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini, it was time to talk shop in the pre-event Press Conference, with reigning Champion and points leader Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) joined by his closest challenger, Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team), as well as Silverstone winner Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar), UK podium finisher Maverick Viñales (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP), hometown hero Valentino Rossi (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) and Moto3™ Championship leader Lorenzo Dalla Porta (Leopard Racing).

Marquez was first to talk, with that incredible British GP first on the agenda before talk turned to the recent Misano test.

“Yeah of course it was not the best last corner for us, but anyway I’m happy because Silverstone was one of the circuits we struggled at a lot last year and this year we were there. The Misano test was quite interesting, we will check this weekend. Race pace was not so fast compared to last year but we were competitive, especially Yamaha riders were very fast, Dovi was not 100% fit but he will be fast, and he’s the winner from last year. Apart from that we have a good advantage in the championship, we need to be calm, try to finish races and see what happens in the future.

“The key is it’s difficult to be consistent every lap. 2 or 3 hard brake points it’s hard to be consistent, also sector 3 with all the fast corners…to be consistent there all the race is difficult. It’s a race track that I like, we will start in a good way, we have new things from the test we need to check. Anyway in our box we don’t need to be crazy. Find the best of what we have and take points every weekend, that’s what’s important.”

2018 winner Andrea Dovizioso spoke next, beginning with how he feels after the big crash at Silverstone.

“I feel good fortunately, we worked hard at home and we were able to complete a test, it was important to make a test before the race. The feeling wasn’t perfect but it was important to do some laps. I feel good, I’m happy, I’m 100% fit, I did some motocross just to be sure and I’m ready. Last year was good for us, we had a special race, but I’m expecting a different weekend this year. The competitors are very strong, in the test a lot of riders have good pace but the weekend is always different. And the conditions are maybe a bit different, we have to see the grip we can find because at the test it was different than last year. So we have to see, I think it will be important for every bike.”

And overall? 78 points is his deficit to Marquez, but he says it’s the bigger picture. “I think my best way to make the best result is the same way I’m racing now. For the Championship 78 points is a big gap, but it’s a bigger gap if you think about recovering the points to Marc. It’s not just about 78 points, there’s not a big reason to think about the Championship. Especially because in some races we were quick and some not, so we have to improve those things.”

Fresh from his second premier class win, Rins took the mic next. And that was, of course, where the Suzuki rider began.

“It was unbelievable to get the victory in Silverstone, especially for the battle with Marc. I saw the race six or seven times. After the victory I think we are a little stronger in the race, in the race I’m able to fight, and we arrive here after a good test. We found some things, two days of testing and our setup is more or less clear. But things will be difficult because all the riders are there and it’s a small track, so it will be a fun weekend.

“During all the Fridays we are trying to improve, to see the setup, do a lot of laps on the tyres. Now I’m ready to do one lap at the end of the Championship, from this year it was more difficult. Silverstone wasn’t enough, we were in Q1, so I will try to be more in the top positions.”

Viñales spoke next, fresh from his rostrum finish in the UK where he came home third and almost in touching distance of the duel ahead.

“For sure we need to try and keep the momentum. I feel really good on the bike and especially with myself. Confidence is really high, so we’ll try to push the maximum, try to keep a good level all weekend and during the race be at the front. The test has been really successful for me so we will try to do our best.

“I focused a lot to improve myself on the bike for this race, so I focused a lot on that side.”

Rossi, meanwhile, will be doing his best to take back fifth in the title fight from Viñales, with the two having been locked close together for a good few races. But first, the nine-time World Champion talked about the pre-event on Tuesday that saw him take to the streets of his hometown of Tavullia on the Yamaha M1.

“It was a great moment because it was a dream I had when I was a child. We know very well that road because we always go up and down with our scooter, the road is fun with a lot of corners. So I said ‘one time it will be good to try my M1 in Tavullia’. It was like this and it was fun. I have a good feeling and on the road, I expected it to be more difficult, but the bike was ok!”

And the Grand Prix itself? The ‘Doctor’ sounds ready to fight near the front on home – truly home – turf.

“For sure here in Misano it’s always a special Grand Prix, it’s really my home Grand Prix. In the last races I was a bit better but in Silverstone after a solid weekend, in the race I wanted to fight for the podium but I was not strong enough. So we will try another time here. We did some testing, important testing, my pace was quite good, I feel quite well with the bike so we try, we are ready and we will see if we are strong enough to fight for the podium.”

Finally, lightweight class points leader Dalla Porta took the mic. Last season the venue saw him take his first win, this year he arrives as Championship leader.

“Last year I took my first victory here and it was very important for me. Very impressive because I didn’t expect it. This year I have had some good results so far, I’m trying to have good races only. I’m so excited to start this weekend and try to have a good race!”

And the future? It’s looking bright as the Italian spoke about his move for next year: “Italtrans is a fantastic team. For me it will be to experience first, but I’m so excited to ride the bike, I never tried a 600 bike before! I want to try the bike as soon as possible, but for now I have to be focused on this season.”

Top photo L-R: Dalla Porta, Viñales, Dovizioso, Marquez, Rins, Rossi

Marquez aims to keep growing that leadCan Dovi make it back to back Misano wins?

The two men at the top: home turf vs enemy territory?

Rins will be aiming high once again

Viñales was positive after the Misano test

Partisan crowd? You bet! Rossi is optimistic for his home weekendDalla Porta took his first win here last year

Riders storm San Marino!

A parade lap through the historic centre gets us in gear for another classic weekendL-R: Antonelli, Rossi, Di Giannantonio, Bulega, Marini, Canepa, De Angelis in the Piazza della Liberta

High above the Riviera di Rimini in the Serenissima Repubblica di San Marino, crowds got treated to a taste of Moto2™, Moto3™ and MotoE™ on Thursday afternoon, with riders firing up for a parade lap through the historic centre of the city and republic. Home hero Alex De Angelis (Octo Pramac MotoE) was joined by fellow MotoE™ rider Niccolo Canepa (LCR E-Team), Luca Marini and Nicolo Bulega (Sky Racing Team VR46), Fabio Di Giannantonio (+Ego Speed Up), Riccardo Rossi (Kömmerling Gresini Moto3) and Niccolo Antonelli (SIC58 Squadra Corse) for the event, with the skies blue and the streets packed.

Starting from the Piazzale lo Stradone, the riders made their way through the streets up to the Piazza della Liberta, parking there and greeting the crowd before a few interviews and autographs. Breathtaking views from the top of the mountainous republic made for an aptly-named serene scene, although there was a little time left for a couple of burnouts too…

Bulega leads ‘Diggia’ through the streetsMarini follows his compatriots up the hillDid someone say….burnout? De Angelis and Canepa twist the throttle on their Energica Ego CorsasRossi (R) and Antonelli put on a showAntonelli alongside the BMW Safety CarBefore the parade in the Piazzale lo Strado

The 31-year-old Indonesian has never found himself in contention of late but a return to the Classic Golf and Country Club after almost a decade has rekindled happy memories when his last visit in 2009 ended with a top-10 finish.

It was at the same event that witnessed a slice of history when Thailand’s Chapchai Nirat recorded the world’s lowest 72-hole score with a 32-under-par to win the third of his four Asian Tour titles then.

A two-week break from competitive golf where he worked closely with his mental coach also paid off for Thailand’s Sattaya Supupramai as he returned with a 66 to trail Hie by two shots together with compatriots Kwanchai Tannin and Suradit Yongcharoenchai in tied-second place at the inaugural Asian Tour event.

Indian rookie Aadil Bedi took advantage of his course familiarity by signing for a 67 to end his day in share of fifth place with countryman Aman Raj and Sweden’s Andreas Gronkvist.

New Zealand’s Gareth Paddison meanwhile came close to tying the Asian Tour record for the lowest nine-hole score when he blitzed his front-nine with a 29.

However, he could not maintain that momentum after a triple-bogey seven on the par-four first followed by a closing birdie on nine saw him finish the round with a 69, five shots back of Hie in tied-18th place.

Kosuke, who entered the spotlight when he came in runner-up at the Yeangder Tournament Players Championship in Chinese Taipei last week, is inspired to bid for a successful outing when he gets his campaign underway at the Classic Golf and Country Club.

Thanks for his commendable result last week, the 20-year-old Thai has virtually locked up his Asian Tour card for 2020 after playing only five events so far this season. He will be aiming to go one rung better in the inaugural Asian Tour event, which offers a prize purse of US$300,000.

“Obviously, I’m quite relieved that I have secured my playing rights for next year. Now that I have my playing rights secured, my goal is to finish as high as possible on the Order of Merit so that I get into all the co-sanctioned events,” said Kosuke who hails from Chiang Mai.

“To be honest, I didn’t really expect anything because it’s my rookie year. I didn’t want to expect too much out of myself, I just wanted to learn as fast as I can, and learn as much as possible every single week,” added the Japanese-Thai, gold medallist in the 2017 SEA Games.

“It was nice to drop only shot throughout the week in Chinese Taipei. But I wasn’t thinking about keeping the bogeys off the cards because in golf, the harder you try to do something, the harder it is for you to do it. If you try not to make a bogey, it’s easier to make a bogey. So I will just go out and focus on my processes. Whatever meant to happen, will happen.

“It’s not going to be easy to get a win this week, but I’ll definitely give my 100% effort, and like I said just try to focus on my process and whatever happens, happens,” the Thai young gun said.

India’s Chikkarangappa S. and Viraj Madappa are counting on home advantage to steer themselves to a victory this week. Their title ambitions will be put to test by Korea’s Taehee Lee and Masahiro Kawamura of Japan, placed fourth and fifth respectively on the Order of Merit.

The host venue, which comprises of an 18-Hole Signature Championship Course as well as a 9-Hole Signature Canyon Course, witnessed a slice of history in 2009 when Thailand’s Chapchai Nirat recorded the world’s lowest 72-hole score with a 32-under-par to win the third of his four Asian Tour titles then.

Prior to hosting its first Asian Tour event in 2009, the Classic Golf and Country Club was also home to the prestigious Indian Open in 2000 and 2001. Over the past few years, it has also played host to several tournaments on the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI).

Five days after a disappointing draw with arch-rivals Vietnam in a home game, Akira Nishino’s side finally restored their pride in the away game at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium following goals from the Buriram United midfielder in 55th and 73rd minutes plus another penalty shot by Theerathon Bunmathan.

The victory propelled the Kingdom to the top of group G with four points from two games, followed by United Arab Emirates and Malaysia, each with three points.

“I told the players to adjust to the atmosphere and they really worked hard to achieve that. They did a great job, I’m really happy with the result,” said Japanese coach Nishino, who assumed the position less than two months ago.

The Japanese coach also praised the 21-year-old Supachok for a quick recovery from the match with Vietnam last week. The star player was widely criticized on the social media after failing to capitalize on several opportunities in the game.

“He was under huge pressure and has had to live with it. But he more than proved his potential against Indonesia.” Nishino added.

Nishino is also not too worried about the injury Theerathon picked up during Tuesday’s match. “He seems to be moving okay at this point,” Nishino said.

Thailand will next face a tough challenge against the United Arab Emirates on October 15 at Thammasat University in Pathum Thani. Only the winners from eight groups plus four best runners-up will move into the third round.

“We will gather as much as information as possible before we take on the UAE,” Nishino said.

Kaske was narrowly denied his breakthrough in May when he lost to Korea’s Taehee Lee in a play-off in Korea and is now hoping that heartbreak can be erased with a grandstand finish at the US$300,000 Asian Tour event this week.

The Finn is part of a strong international field of players where players from more than 20 countries are making the Classic Golf & Country Club International Championship a truly global event.

Kaske will come up against Lee again as the Korean has also committed to playing at India’s first Jack Nicklaus signature course, the Classic Golf & Country Club.

The Korean immediately took up an Asian Tour membership after his win on home soil in May and is billed as one of the pre-tournament favourites.

Lee is the highest ranked player in fourth place on the Asian Tour Order of Merit and will be looking for his first professional victory outside Korea this week.

England’s Jack Harrison is hoping to ride on the positive vibes he has of India after enjoying a top-10 finish in his last visit to the country.

The Englishman also has a top-five finish in Bangladesh this season and could prove to be one of the genuine contenders.

The host venue, which comprises of an 18-Hole Signature Championship Course as well as a 9-Hole Signature Canyon Course, witnessed a slice of history in 2009 when Thailand’s Chapchai Nirat recorded the world’s lowest 72-hole score with a 32-under-par to win the third of his four Asian Tour titles then

Prior to hosting its first Asian Tour event in 2009, the Classic Golf and Country Club was also home to the prestigious Indian Open in 2000 and 2001. Over the past few years, it has also played host to several tournaments on the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI).