ONE: CLASH OF LEGENDS delivered a series of compelling bouts, performed by the absolute best in local and international martial arts talent. In the main event, Nong-O Gaiyanghadao of Thailand defeated China’s Han Zi Hao to capture the inaugural ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Championship.

In the main event of the evening, Muay Thai legend Nong-O Gaiyanghadao of Thailand overwhelmed China’s Han Zi Hao to earn a unanimous decision victory and capture the inaugural ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Championship. Nong-O put on a striking clinic for five rounds as he unleashed a wave of kicks and punches that knocked Han down on multiple occasions. After five action-packed rounds, it was Nong-O who was hailed as the new World Champion, as he added another prestigious award to his already impressive list of accolades.

In the co-main event of ONE: CLASH OF LEGENDS, Muay Thai icon “Left Savage” Kongsak P.K.Saenchaimuaythaigym turned in a successful ONE Super Series debut, defeating Russian Alaverdi “Babyface Killer” Ramazanov via split decision. In an exciting three-round affair, the two world-class strikers stood toe-to-toe and went back-and-forth as they traded blistering combinations. In the end, Kongsak did enough to earn the decision on two of the three judges’ scorecards to come out triumphant in his maiden ONE Championship appearance.

Japanese grappler Shuya “Stealth” Kamikubo continued his stellar run in ONE Championship as he dominated former ONE World Title challenger Dae Hwan Kim of South Korea to win by unanimous decision. Kamikubo showcased his elite-level grappling as he took Kim down at will and punished him on the mat with ground-and-pound. There were no doubts at the end of the three-round contest as Kamikubo walked away with the convincing decision victory.

ONE Warrior Series winner Mark “Tyson” Fairtex Abelardo announced his arrival on ONE Championship’s main roster with a third-round stoppage of Japan’s Daichi Takenaka. Abelardo weathered through numerous takedowns and remained relentless as he continued to score points with his strikes whilst fending off submission attempts. In the final round, Abelardo delivered an elbow that opened up a deep cut on Takenaka, which caused a halt to the bout. The technical knockout victory was then awarded to Abelardo.

Mongolian phenom Amarsanaa “Spear” Tsogookhuu left the Bangkok crowd stunned as he defeated hometown hero Shannon “OneShin” Wiratchai. Tsogookhuu flaunted his well-rounded skill set in his first ONE Championship appearance, dictating the pace in striking while also scoring a couple of crucial takedowns to assert his dominance. In the end, Tsogookhuu cruised to a unanimous decision victory.

“Smokin’” Jo Nattawut of Thailand kept his momentum going in the highly-acclaimed ONE Super Series after defeating France’s Samy “AK47” Sana via unanimous decision. Sana’s height and reach proved to be a problem for Nattawut early in the match, but the two-division Lion Fight World Champion rallied back in the final two rounds with a torrent of thunderous low kicks. After three rounds of gruelling action, it was Nattawut who was declared the winner.

Gina “Conviction” Iniong of the Philippines put on an all-around performance, shutting down Malaysia’s Jihin “Shadow Cat” Radzuan en route to a split decision victory. The Team Lakay stalwart was a step ahead on all fronts as she easily prevented Radzuan’s takedowns, while also picking the Malaysian standout apart in the striking department with her signature right hand. In a last-ditch effort, Radzuan caught Iniong in a rear-naked choke late in the third round, but the Filipina managed to hang on to the final bell. In the end, two of three judges saw the bout in favor of Iniong.

In a battle between ONE Super Series debutants, Superlek Kiatmoo9 of Thailand emerged victorious, putting on a striking masterclass to defeat Cambodia’s Lao Chetra via unanimous decision. The two-time Lumpinee Muay Thai World Champion overwhelmed Lao Chetra with his world-class striking skills, unloading a barrage of lashing kicks to the legs and body. With a dominant performance against Lao Chetra, Superlek was declared the winner.

In a ONE Super Series Muay Thai contest, Chamuaktong Fightermuaythai of Thailand edged out Charlie “Boy” Peters of the United Kingdom by majority decision to pick up his second win on the ONE Super Series stage. Both men employed fiery offense over the course of three rounds, with Peters utilizing his speed and accuracy to connect on a handful of crisp strikes. Chamuaktong turned the tide in the third round however, driving hard knees to the midsection to drop Peters to the canvas. The knockdown tipped the balance in favor of Chamuaktong, as two of the three judges saw him as the victor on their scorecards.

Japan’s Yoshiki Nakahara routed Emilio Urrutia of the United States by way of third-round technical knockout in his ONE Championship debut. The Japanese warrior put forth a dominant striking performance, stringing together dynamic combinations in an offensive clinic against his American counterpart. Nakahara overwhelmed Urrutia with throbbing strikes from the opening bell, blasting his opponent with thunderous high kicks and cracking left crosses. In the third round, Nakahara finished the job, knocking Urrutia down with a perfectly-timed overhand left before unloading follow-up shots to get the stoppage.

Kun Khmer World Champion Nou Srey Pov of Cambodia impressed in her mixed martial arts debut, toppling Thai heroine Rika “Tinydoll” Ishige via unanimous decision. The Cambodian newcomer showcased her pinpoint accurate striking early on, peppering Ishige with stinging kicks and stiff punches. Although Ishige boldly traded strikes with Nou Srey Pov from bell to bell, the latter landed the more telling blows. In the end, Nou Srey Pov earned the undivided nod from the three judges at ringside.

Setting the tone for an action-packed evening was ONE Hefei Flyweight Tournament Champion Liu Peng Shuai’s triumphant return to ONE Championship. Liu showcased true grit and determination in defeating Elipitua Siregar of Indonesia, overcoming his opponent’s devastating offense to score an impressive submission victory by Kimura in the third round.

Official results for ONE: CLASH OF LEGENDS

ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Championship bout: Nong-O Gaiyanghadao defeats Han Zi Hao by Unanimous Decision (UD) after 5 rounds.

ONE Super Series Muay Thai Bantamweight bout: Kongsak P.K.Saenchaimuaythaigym defeats Alaverdi Ramazanov by Split Decision (SD) after 3 rounds

Bantamweight bout: Shuya Kamikubo defeats Dae Hwan Kim by Unanimous Decision (UD) after 3 rounds

Bantamweight bout: Mark Fairtex Abelardo defeats Daichi Takenaka by TKO (Doctor Stoppage) at 2:34 minutes of round 3

Lightweight bout: Amarsanaa Tsogookhuu defeats Shannon Wiratchai by Unanimous Decision (UD) after 3 rounds

ONE Super Series Muay Thai Featherweight bout: Jo Nattawut defeats Samy Sana by Unanimous Decision (UD) after 3 rounds

Women’s Atomweight bout: Gina Iniong defeats Jihin Radzuan by Split Decision (SD) after 3 rounds

ONE Super Series Muay Thai Flyweight bout: Superlek Kiatmoo9 defeats Lao Chetra by Unanimous Decision (UD) after 3 rounds

ONE Super Series Muay Thai Catch Weight bout (67.5kgs): Chamuaktong Fightermuaythai defeats Charlie Peters by Majority Decision (MD) after 3 rounds

Featherweight bout: Yoshiki Nakahara defeats Emilio Urrutia by TKO (Strikes) at 2:50 minutes of round 3

Women’s Atomweight bout: Nou Srey Pov defeats Rika Ishige by Unanimous Decision (UD) after 3 rounds

Strawweight bout: Liu Peng Shuai defeats Elipitua Siregar by Submission (Kimura) at 4:15 minutes of round 3

Despite missing out on a top-eight position where the seeded players will receive a bye into the last 16, the three-time Asian Tour winner is in a relaxed mood ahead of Sunday’s showdown with Australia’s Steven Jeffress at the Lake Karrinyup Country Club.

The 23-year-old posted a three-day total of seven-under-par 209 to end the day three shots back of Sweden’s Per Langfors, who returned with a 64 to emerge as the 54-hole stroke play leader.

“It’s going to be fun. I’ve never played this format before and this is the first time I’ve made the cut and playing on a Sunday. I’m looking forward to it. I just got to go in fresh tomorrow and not think about other things. I have to play every shot like it’s my last shot. Just play your best, every shot. I’m just happy I’m inside the top-24 and anything can happen on Sunday,” said the world No 77.

Panuphol Pittayarat, who took a share of the overnight lead, left it late to seal his place in Sunday’s match play rounds after signing for a 74.

The Thai was among the 11 players vying for one of the last 10 spots in the play-offs and safely punched his ticket with a par that will see him go head-to-head with England’s Ben Evans in the first knockout rounds on Sunday.

“It was very windy and tough out there today. I birdied 14 and 15 to get back to seven-under and then bogeyed the last. But I had a great up and down and I’m really happy I’m through. That third shot on the play-off hole was extremely important and I’m glad I hit it so close to the hole. I lost control of the ball especially in my front-nine but I’m standing here right now and I’m playing on Sunday. That’s all that matterrs,” said Panuphol in his ninth season on the Asian Tour with two titles under his belt.

Zimbabwean Scott Vincent will also take on Wade Ormsby of Australia in the first round after a par at the first play-off hole confirmed his place as one of the top-24 players.

The 20-year-old from Narathiwat, playing his only third event as a pro, sprinkled his round with six birdies against a lone bogey on the 17^th hole to lead on 12 under-par-198, five shots ahead of countryman Chinnarat Phadungsil, one-time European Tour winner Lee Soo-min of South Korea and Seungjae Maeng of the US.

“I’m very confident today as I was putting so well. I shot four birdies in the first five holes which made me feel comfortable out there,” said Sadom, winner of the Asian Tour Q-School Final Stage in Nakhon Nayok in December. He was excited to play alongside Lee, winner of the Shenzhen International, a European-Asian co-sanctioned Tour in 2016.

“I wished to learn his game. But in the end I had to focus on my game by hitting the fairways and the greens and went for my putts,” added the local young gun who won his maiden All Thailand Tour title as an amateur in the 2017 Singha Pattaya Open.

“Right now I’m trying not to think about winning yet but I don’t know how I will react at the first tee-off on Sunday. But to hit the fairways, go for the greens and shoot scores from good putts is still my plan,” Sadom added.

Chinnarat Phadungsilp 

Fellow Thai Chinnarat hit a 64 to take the joint second place on seven under-par-203. The 30-year-old from Chanthaburi is more concerned with regaining his confidence and dares not placing too much hope in the final round.

“I’m regaining the form I used to have (when he won three Asian Tour titles between 2005-2009). I have been playing better over the past five tournaments but I’m still not confident with my game. So at this point I hope to work things out and get back to my old form first,” said Chinnarat who won his last title in the 2015 Singha Open.

Seungjae Maeng of the US

Halfway leader Kazuki Higa of Japan was no where near his form, carding a 74 for a total five under-par-205 which saw him slip to tied sixth along with American Trevor Simby.

Seemingly down and almost out at 1-4 in the third set, world number three Halep was roared on by a large and noisy set of Romanian fans to secure a remarkable 6-3, 3-6, 6-4 victory over the Ukrainian.

She will play Belgium’s Elise Mertens in Saturday’s final after the world number 21 surprisingly beat three-time Grand Slam champion Angelique Kerber 6-4, 2-6, 6-1 in the other last four match.

Halep described her dramatic win as “unbelievable”.

“I didn’t give up, I promised myself I would never give up against her again because I lost two matches very bad,” said Halep.

She added: “She played amazing. She moved very well, she hit the ball strong, she didn’t miss much.

“So I think was at a very high level of tennis today, and I’m really proud that I could win the match against her.”

It was her first win against the world number seven since 2017.

The Romanian will now play her 34th career final and will rise to the rank of number two in the world whatever the result.

Mertens’ victory was the second time this week she has beaten a player in the top 10, having dispatched world number eight Kiki Bertens in the quarter-finals.

The Qatar final will be her sixth singles’ career final and she has only lost one of those, in Turkey in 2017 to Svitolina.

“I knew it was going to be a really difficult match to play,” said Mertens.

“I mean, I had to play aggressive, stay on my line, because she can put that one ball back in the court.”

In a tournament blighted by injury and withdrawals, with some players complaining about workload, it is notable that both Halep and Mertens played Fed Cup matches last weekend before flying straight to Doha.

“I think it really helps when you play Fed Cup,” added Mertens. “I didn’t win my matches but… I worked hard that week.”

The Japanese top seed set up a semi-final with treble Grand Slam winner Stan Wawrinka, who had his troubles before putting away Canadian Denis Shapovalov 6-4, 7-6 (7/4).

Nishikori won his 11th match of the season as he controlled Fucsovics in their first career meeting.

Asia’s top player began the year with a 12th career title in Brisbane before suffering his only 2019 loss at the Australian Open against Novak Djokovic in an injury-hit quarter-final exit.

Fucsovics arrived in the Dutch port city after playing the Sofia final last weekend.

“This is one of the best that I’ve played, the second set was almost perfect,” Nishikori said. “I feel like I’m improving with each match.

“I was making almost every ball.”

Wawrinka leads the series with Nishikori 5-4, winning their last match in August at Cincinnati.

“Stan is a very good player, I’m glad to see him back from injury,” Nishikori said. “I hope we can have a good match.”

“He’s got a great backhand and plays very aggressive, it will be tough.”

Wawrinka, the 2015 champion in Rotterdam, was broken while serving for the match against Shapovalov, leading a set and 5-4.

As the set went into a tiebreaker, his resistance stiffened, with Wawrinka running out the winner on his second match point as the Canadian drove long.

“I feel relieved, happy, I was playing great,” said the veteran Swiss.

– Monfils eyes ‘revenge’ –

“I couldn’t find a way to close out the match, he started playing better. He was more aggressive and I was giving him too much time.

“But I’m happy to be in the semi-finals. There were a lot of tough and long rallies in the tiebreaker.”

Daniil Medvedev ended Jo-Wilfried Tsonga’s seven-match win streak when the Russian triumphed 6-4, 6-2.

Tsonga, ranked a lowly 140 after 2018 knee surgery, had been on a roll in the Dutch port city, following his title victory last week in Montpellier.

But fifth seed Medvedev arrived in Rotterdam buoyed by a title of his own after lifting the Sofia trophy five days ago.

Medvedev outlasted 33-year-old Tsonga in a 90-minute struggle to reach the semi-finals and a meeting with Gael Monfils.

The French showman took 69 minutes to advance to his second straight semi-final of the season with his 6-1, 6-2 thrashing of Bosnian Damir Dzumhur.

Medvedev improved to 14-2 this season after advancing with seven aces and saving both break points he faced against Tsonga who suffered only his third loss of 2019.

“The match felt strange, I don’t think I was playing that well,” said the beanpole Russian.

“Jo was probably not happy with his level, but that is normal. We’ve both played a lot of matches (in recent weeks). I’m just happy I managed to win today.”

Monfils finished runner-up in Rotterdam 2016 to Martin Klizan and lost to Rafael Nadal in the 2009 title match at the Ahoy Arena.

Dzumhur had beaten third seed Stefanos Tsitsipas in the opening round.

After going down to Medvedev last week in the Sofia semi-finals, Monfils knows his priorities for Saturday.

“I’d like to take a bit of revenge,” he said.

Race fans can expect to see more advanced bikes and intense competition when Buriram’s Chang International Circuit stages its leg of the FIM World Superbike Championship next month.

A star-studded field, including Irish world champion Jonathan Rea, Spain’s former 125cc world champion Álvaro Bautista, 2011 World Supersport champion Chaz Davies and Dutch ace Michael van der Mark, have committed to line up in the event from March 15-17, its fifth-consecutive year in Thailand.

Thailand’s Thitipong Warokorn and Ratchada Nakcharoensri will bid to give fans a home triumph and a range of activities will be staged so visitors to Isaan will have plenty to enjoy over the action-packed weekend.

Newin Chidchob, President of Buriram United International Circuit, said the event had been a pioneer in Thailand’s hosting of top-class sports.

“The WorldSBK [FIM World Superbike Championship] is important because it was the first event and led to the Chang International Circuit staging many world-class races.”

“What we will witness in the fifth year of the WorldSBK is a line-up of more advanced and striking racing bikes, well-equipped racers and more intense competition after decisive victories in the previous years.”

The FIM Superbike World Championship 2019 has a lot to live up to – it is promising to deliver a world-class experience to match the stunning success of last year’s MotoGP debut on the same circuit. This year, head sponsor “Chang” is also offering a Chang International Circuit Friend Club card which will give motorsports fans a discount of up to 25% off ticket prices and a discount of 10% when making purchases at the Buriram United Shop.

This year’s FIM Superbike World Championship 2019 promises to be a wide open field, with a change of riders in many teams and the introduction of new Superbike models.

Kawasaki’s Rea, the 2015-2018 World Championship winner, starts out as still being the man to beat and will this year be racing alongside his new British teammate Leon Haslam.

Welshman Chaz Davies from Team Aruba Racing will welcome Bautista as his new teammate after the Spaniard’s decision to quit MotoGP. Aruba will also be strengthened by a new bike, the Ducati Panigale V4 R, which offers riders more advanced functions than its predecessor, the Panigale V4.

The Pata Yamaha WorldSBK team have announced their determination to win the 2019 world crown and say their performances, especially during the most recent pre-season testing, have progressively improved since their return to the sport two years ago. Van der Mark and Englishman Alex Lowes will again be representing the team in 2019.

Thitipong, who has been awarded a wildcard, will be racing at the highest level of the World Superbike Championship for the Kawasaki Thailand Racing Team, using a bike with the same specifications as Rea’s. In addition, Ratchada will become Thailand’s first female rider to ever enter the global event – she will make her debut for the Yamaha PTT Lubricants Tann Racing Connect Team. Ratchada who has also been awarded a wildcard, will be racing in the World Supersport 600cc class.

Fans can also show their support for Thai riders Tatchakorn Buasri, Piyawat Patumyot and Warit Thongnakun, who will be representing the AP Honda Racing Thailand in the third and fourth races of the Asia Talent Cup 2019. This support race is one of many programs organised by Dorna Sports, the marketing company and commercial rights holder for MotoGP, to give high-profile race experience to promising Asian riders with an eye to world championship races in the future. There will also be a PTT Superbike 1000cc race, in which more than 30 Thai riders will be competing and adding more excitement to the fans over the three-day event.

The FIM Superbike World Championship 2019 will start from February 22-24 at Phillip Island in the Australias state of Victoria, followed by Thailand’s race, from March 15-17.

The diminutive Japanese golfer – he is all of 1.58 metres (five feet two inches) tall – recovered from his first bogey of the week on the 11th hole to fire five birdies before ending with another bogey to finish on nine-under-par 131.

“It was a so-so round,” said the 23-year-old from Okinawa. “My shots were good but I was not happy with my putts. I made three putts on the 11th and two putts from the bunker on the ninth for those bogeys.”

The one-time Asian Development tour winner (the BTI Open in Bangladesh last year) hopes to hit 15-16 under over the next two days which he believes would guarantee him his second title on the ADT circuit.

“You have to play it safe on this course,” he cautioned. “The greens are tough. You have to make good tee and second shots to shoot good scores.

Lee Soo-min

South Korean Lee Soo-min, who shot six birdies against two bogeys for a second-round 66, is one shot behind on -8. The 25-year-old from Gangwon is looking for his second title after winning the Shenzhen International, his only European Tour victory, in 2016.

Sadom Kaewkanjana

Thai rookie Sadom Kaewkanjana emerged the best Thai contender after a 67 on Friday and a total of six under-par-134, which saw him rise to joint third, with his former teammate, the Thai-Japanese player Kosuke Hamamoto.

“I’ve achieved my goal of hitting under par every day,” said the 20-year-old Sadom, who only turned pro at the end of last year. “As long as you hit the fairways and the greens, you can set yourself in a good position.”

While several players have had problems on the military-owned course, Sadom said the narrow layout suited his game.

“I like narrow courses but I’m not thinking about winning yet as we’re still only at the halfway stage,” he said.

“My plan for the weekends is to keep hitting the fairways and come up with some good second shots from there on.”

Kosuke Hamamoto 

A total of 57 players have made it to the weekend rounds. The cut-off was at two over par 142.

Audie Attar, President of Paradigm Sports Management, has joined Legend FC as a founding board member and will play a pivotal role in the business as Legend FC continues to further the reach of MMA across Asia.

Attar and his firm, Paradigm Sports Management, headquartered in Irvine CA, represents more than 40 of the world’s leading athletes across the NFL, Bellator and UFC, including some of the most iconic names in MMA from Conor McGregor to China’s Li Jingliang, Michael Bisping, Cris Cyborg, Tony Ferguson and Megan Anderson.

Over his 15 years in sports management Attar has negotiated the highest purses and endorsement deals in MMA history and was co-promoter of the historic McGregor vs. Mayweather mega-fight in Las Vegas.

Legend FC is also pleased to welcome Berjaya Assets Bhd, an associate of Berjaya Group of Companies, one of Malaysia’s largest conglomerates, as a strategic investor in the MMA promotion.

Berjaya Asset’s business segments are gaming and related activities, property development and property investment, and recreation. Berjaya’s major shareholder owns some of the world’s largest sports assets and will bring a wealth of experience from its management of Cardiff City Football Club, FK Sarajevo, KV Kortrijk and co-ownership of Los Angeles FC.

“When people think of the origins of MMA in the Asia-Pacific region they immediately think of the Legend FC brand,” said Audie Attar, President of Paradigm Sports Management.

“Legend FC is a pioneer of mixed martial arts and together we will chart a new and exciting course for the sport. I couldn’t be more excited about this announcement today and about where the future might lead us.”

Legend FC Chairman Matthew Kwok added the new strategic partners bring extensive leadership experience to the sport of MMA.

“There is a proven global pedigree but perhaps most importantly a strong understanding, respect and appreciation for China,” he said.

“After analyzing the market in Asia-Pacific and seeing the number of promotions that are trying so hard to become the next UFC, we decided to focus on the original market that was of interest: China.”

Legend returned with its relaunch event, Legend 12, on 15 September 2018 in Guangzhou, China. The promotion held its first-ever event in Hong Kong back in January 2010 and went on to shape Asia’s MMA scene for years, launching the careers of up-and-coming fighters onto the international stage.

A date and location for Legend 13 will be announced in the coming weeks.

Not only have they won their respective season openers, but they have gone down in history as the first winners to have received Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points following their victories on the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) and All Thailand Golf Tour (ATGT)

This is the first time the Tours’ where their tournaments are awarded world ranking points following the OWGR’s decision to include the PGTI and AGTI into the OWGR system.

The OWGR is used to determine eligibility to lucrative events such as Major championships, World Golf Championship tournaments, the World Cup, Olympic golf tournament and several other high-profile events worldwide.

With these domestic Tours attaining OWGR points, golfers will have more opportunities to earn points and work their way up the rankings.

India’s Chikkarangappa claimed a two-shot victory at the Golconda Masters 2019 Powered By Telangana Tourism & Incredible India, the season-opening event on the PGTI. The 26-year-old received five OWGR points, which lifted him from 461 to 357 on the world rankings.

Thailand’s Danthai Boonma was dominant at the Singha E-San Open 2019 as he finished the tournament five shots ahead of the field. He earned seven points and rose from 395 to 315 on the OWGR.

Chikkarangappa and Danthai are regular competitors on the Asian Tour, which has worked closely with the PGTI and ATGT in developing professional golf in the region.

In 2018, the Asian Tour co-sanctioned the Hero Indian Open, TAKE Solutions Masters and the Panasonic Open India with the PGTI. The year also saw the emergence of India’s Shubhankar Sharma, who started his professional career on the PGTI.

The All Thailand Golf Tour (ATGT) has nurtured the likes of two-time Asian Tour winner Jazz Janewattananond and three-time Asian Tour Order of Merit champion Thongchai Jaidee.

The Asian Tour has been in close collaboration with the ATGT over the last 20 years.

This week the Asian Development Tour (ADT) is holding a joint-sanctioned event in Lopburi at the home of Thai Legend Thongchai Jaidee. Last year, the Asian Tour worked with the ATGT to put together two events on the ADT, the Singha Laguna Phuket Open and the Betagro Championship.

The top five golfers on the respective Order of Merit lists at the end of the season will receive spots at the Final Stage of the Asian Tour Qualifying School, with the top-ranked player earning playing rights on Asia’s premier circuit.

Said Cho Minn Thant, Asian Tour Chief Operating Officer: “The Asian Tour would like to congratulate Chikkarangappa S. and Danthai Boonma for winning their respective tournaments. It’s great to see two of our members victorious and boosted their positions on the world rankings.

“The PGTI and ATGT have reached a significant milestone with their inclusion into the OWGR system. The Asian Tour will continue to collaborate with local golf bodies to collectively develop the game of golf in the region.”