Cilic won 7-6 (7/3), 6-3, 6-3 to secure the title for Croatia for the first time since 2005.

Pouille took Cilic to a tie-break in the first set on the indoor clay in Lille but could not mount a challenge in the next two, losing in two hours, 19 minutes.

It meant Croatia won all three singles matches in straight sets with the scheduled fifth match between Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Borna Coric a dead rubber. France won a single match, in the doubles.

“It’s just a dream weekend, we all dreamed of playing this well all weekend,” said Cilic. “We did not even concede a service (in singles).”

It was the last final in the traditional format before a radical but controversial reorganisation of the venerable competition.

“Yes, that makes it special,” said Cilic.

The victory gives Croatia some revenge for their football team’s defeat by France in the World Cup final in July.

“We can’t wait to be in Zagreb, like the footballers when they came back from the World Cup,” said Zeljko Krajan, the Croatia captain.

– Sweet moment –

The beaten Pouille made no excuses: “They were better than us and all we can do is congratulate them,” he said.

“I played a pretty good match but Cilic was better than me in every department. Last year I cried tears of joy. This year I cried because I was sad.”

It was an especially sweet moment for Cilic. In the 2016 final, he also played the first reverse singles with Croatia a point ahead, but lost in five sets to Juan Martin del Potro and Argentina went on to win 3-2.

“We were in this position before and Marin did not manage to do it,” said Krajan.

“This time, I told them they were strong enough and that they would only have to focus on their game for this to happen.”

From next year a qualification tournament will take place in February, from which 12 teams will progress to the finals in November, along with the previous four semi-finalists and two wild cards.

The finals will take place at the Caja Magica in Madrid between November 18 and 24, but one concern is that many players take time off around that period of the year.

France team member Nicolas Mahut said he was still at a loss to understand the decision of his country’s federation to back the change.

“I won’t criticise the small federations which voted ‘yes’ because the new format will give them a change to blood young players. But not us. Sorry, but France’s decision just doesn’t wash as far as I am concerned.”

Moto2™ testing continued at Jerez on Sunday but after a damp start to the day, conditions then worsened further in the middle of testing after a midday downpour – putting paid to any improved laptimes. That means Luca Marini (Sky Racing Team VR46) remains quickest after his Saturday best, followed by Sam Lowes (Federal Oil Gresini Moto2) and Alex Marquez (EG 0,0 Marc VDS), but it’s Steven Odendaal (NTS RW Racing GP) who mastered Sunday.

The South African put in a 1’46.704 to top the third day, getting ahead of MV Agusta Forward Racing’s veteran Dominique Aegerter by a couple of tenths as the Italian marque had a good showing in the wet on their return to the Grand Prix paddock. It was EG 0,0 Marc VDS pairing of Alex Marquez and Xavi Vierge who did the most laps in the tougher conditions, however – a good few more of the next most prolific at the test, Xavier Cardelus (Angel Nieto Team). Cardelus ended the day third quickest, just ahead of rookie Fabio Di Giannantonio (Speed Up Racing). Dimas Ekky Pratama (Honda Team Asia), Lukas Tulovic (Kiefer Racing) and Marco Bezzecchi (Red Bull KTM Tech3) were next up, with Philipp Öttl (Red Bull KTM Tech3), Vierge and Andrea Locatelli (Italtrans Racing Team) completing the top ten on Sunday.

Now it’s winter break time for the intermediate class, with the new era of Triumph power next firing up for an Official Test on the 20th-22nd February at Jerez.

Thailand were handed the first goal through a mistake from Singaporean Irfan Fandi in the 12^th minute before 19-year-old Supachai Jaided produced his third goal of the tournament in the 23^rd minute.

SCG Muangthong’s  Adisak Kraisorn then scored his eighth goal of the Cup  in the 88^thminute as Thailand completed their last round-robin game on a clean sheet.

Thailand with three wins and one draw moved into the knock-out stage as the group leader with 10 points. Philippines who drew a 0-0 with Indonesia came at second in the group with seven points and will play Vietnam, Group A leader, on December 2.

Thailand will play the first leg of the semi-finals against Malaysia, Group B runner-up,  in the away game on December 1.

Childhood friends Pieters and Detry, who started the day with a five-shot advantage, continued their formidable partnership as they closed with a four-under-par 68 in the final round foursomes to cap a winning total of 23-under-par 265 at The Metropolitan Golf Club.

The talented duo fended off fast-charging Marc Leishman and Cameron Smith of host nation Australia, who carded a second straight 65 to share second place with Mexicans Abraham Ancer and Roberto Diaz, who fired three birdies in their closing five holes for a commendable 66.

Korean talents Byeonghun An and Siwoo Kim settled six shots back of Team Belgium following a battling 70 while India’s Anirban Lahiri and Gaganjeet Bhullar matched the day’s efforts of Team Korea to settle for a share of 10th place at the prestigious US$7 million event.

Team China’s Li Haotong and Wu Ashun closed with a 67 to take 13th place on 277 while Thai duo Kiradech Aphibarnrat and Prom Meesawat marked their best round of the week with a 66 to finish a further shot back in tied-14th.

Malaysia’s Ben Leong and Gavin Green slipped to 22nd place following a disappointing 74 while Hideto Tanihara and Satoshi Kodaira took 23rd place for Japan after posting a 72.

 Once again this year’s event takes place at the stunning beach town resort of Pattaya, Thailand where participants will enjoy two days of two-wheeled activities. The energy-charged weekend focuses on rides of 30KM to 62KM, and in addition there are slower paced options for those wanting to enjoy less rigorous rides. The Bangkok Bank CycleFest 2018 takes place on the scenic, closed-road circuits around Siam Country Club, one of Thailand’s most renowned international sporting event venues.  This beautiful location will further enhance the experience for the riders.

Participants have a variety of rides to choose from including: timed rides, challenging off-road rides, fun rides, and a team time trial, with so many choices, there’s indeed “A Ride for All”. Besides races, riders can enjoy quality downtime with family and friends at the Festival Village, which will feature a range of F&B outlets, kids activities, booths selling a range of cycling equipment as well as  sponsored activities plus a welcome chance to rest and recharge in our lounge area.

In addition to the fun, the Bangkok Bank CycleFest also places a focus on community and will raise funds for the event’s official charity, the Pattaya-based Father Ray Foundation, which takes care of 850 orphaned, abused and disadvantaged children and students with disabilities. All 720,000 baht raised from the entry fees from the Fun Ride category will be donated to the Father Ray Charity. Individual riders are also offered the opportunity to kindly offer a contribution of their own.

“Bangkok Bank is very pleased to support the bicycle sport in Thailand. We are delighted to see many cyclists in Thailand and from abroad taking to their bikes on this wonderful weekend. We are genuinely committed to helping drive the growth of Thailand’s lively cycling scene in a safe way while also giving as many people as possible the chance to enjoy an activity that so many of us appreciate,” said Director and Executive Vice President of Bangkok Bank Public Company Limited, Dr. Thaweelap Rittapirom. “The Bangkok Bank CycleFest is an exciting example of how we continually strive to fulfill our corporate social responsibilities, with the goal of enhancing the quality of life and sustainability for society. Bangkok Bank also wants to help enhance cycling as a sport in Thailand and promote the country as a major destination for sports.”

The event makes a great contribution to the sense of community spirit, Dr. Thaweelap added, for allowing people of all ages to experience the thrill of racing. “With the new category of ‘Off Road Race’ this year, we challenge cyclists who participated last year and new participants as well to test their limits and see how far they can go. This new category adds a whole new category of fun to the BANGKOK BANK CYCLEFEST.”

This year the Bangkok Bank CycleFest is proud to welcome Andy Schleck, former professional rider and Tour de France winner.  The event’s international ambassador and Luxembourg National will be on hand to interact and support participants, sharing with them his personal journey of what are takes to go the distance. The bright star on the pro biking circuit won his first race, the Giro d’Italia in 2007, followed by the Liège–Bastogne–Liège two years later. In 2010, his pedal power propelled him to claim the grandest of all bicycling championships, the Tour de France, in which he was competing under the young rider classification for the third consecutive year.

“I am delighted to support this super cycling festival event here in Thailand,” said Schleck. “In the last few years, more Thais and expats here are joining in the global biking trend. While cycling sports continue growing more popular in Europe, that region was already highly developed as a cross-border cycling community. It is here in Asia that the really phenomenal growth in biking is taking place. Of course this is welcomed, but it also means that we need to ensure people are educated about safe cycling and the safety of particular roads and biking environments.”

“In reaching my greatest achievements as a professional racer, I can definitely say that patience and self-control were key to success,” continued the champion cyclist. “If you want to win, you must keep on improving yourself, telling yourself every day that you are capable of attaining the greatest goals. I strongly believe that cycling is a sport promoting equality. Whether you are young or old, rich or poor, and whatever your nationality is, when you’re cycling, everyone is a friend along the same route and someone to whom you can talk freely. I hope that this event will inspire passion in cycling not just as a sport but also a part of everyday life.”

Other event ambassadors include actors “Nut” Devahastin Na Ayudhya, “Varnvarn” Aroonnapa Panichjaroon and “Mint” Wanicha Kanchanaapirak. Bangkok Bank executives and their ambassadors would like cyclists to remember the charitable aspect of the event, which can add that extra little something to keep riding when you start to feel tired.

“The event concept ‘Ride for All’ is well reflected in the great variety of categories that the Bangkok Bank CycleFest offers participants,” saidSenior Vice President, International Strategic Partnerships of Endeavor, Robbie Henchman. “We’re proud of the collective effort and support from participants, sponsors and partners as we work together to make the event accessible to all levels of cyclists.  Moreover, a crucial part of the Bangkok Bank CycleFest is the ability to run a CSR program that supports a worthwhile organization, while showing our support for the greater Pattaya community. We would not be able to offer this ride to the cycling community of Thailand or benefit the Father Ray Foundation without the strong support of Bangkok Bank and all our sponsors including our premium partners Daikin and GS Battery. We would like to warmly extend a big ‘Thank you’ to all our sponsors and supporters, who continue to make this event possible.”

Besides the races for a good cause and fun activities, all registrants in the Bangkok Bank CycleFest 2018 will be entered in a lucky draw with the top prize of two airline tickets to Paris, four nights accommodation and great spectating opportunities for the Tour De France 2019. The names of the winners will be announced on the Bangkok Bank CycleFest website (http://www.BangkokBankCycleFest.com) and Facebook on 3 December 2018.

The Bangkok Bank CycleFest is being organized by IMG, an Edeavor company and global leader in professionally organized mass participation events.The event is sponsored by Bangkok Bank with premium partners Daikin, GS Battery, gold sponsors Aero Media, Garmin.

The 22-year-old Jazz, who cruised to a four-shot triumph in July after a birdie blitz on the final day, will set his sights on becoming the first Thai player to retain the title at the US$500,000 event.

He will be among the strong Thai contingent gunning for the prestigious trophy at the Legacy Golf Club, including Tirawat Kaewsiribandit, Rattanon Wannasrichan, Pavit Tangkamolprasert and Phachara Khongwatmai.

Jazz first entered the winner’s circle in 2017 when he claimed his maiden victory in Banglasdesh. He enjoyed a fruitful start to the 2018 season, with a tied-fourth finish in Singapore that earned him a coveted spot to The Open Championship.

The young Thai is in fine form, with two top-10 finishes in his last three starts. He will be hoping to secure his first multiple-winning season with the support of his family and the advantage of home soil.

“It’s exciting to be playing in Thailand again and in front of a home crowd. My family will be there to support me. This will also be the first time I will be coming to an event as a defending champion. The field looks good and a lot of Thais are playing this event so hopefully we will keep the trophy at home,” said Jazz, who is ranked 13th on the current Habitat for Humanity Standings.

“I grew up watching Thongchai (Jaidee) play and I have always looked up to him as my golfing idol. He has one of the best work ethics on Tour and I strive to be like him and follow in his footsteps,” added Jazz.

Three-time Asian Tour number one Thongchai is relishing the opportunity to assume responsibility of hosting an event which is held in honour of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, after doing so on the Asian Development Tour (ADT) for three seasons.

“It is an honour to host a tournament back home, especially the Queen’s Cup which is one of the most popular events in Thailand and it is exciting that Jazz (Janewattananond) will be coming back to defend his title,” said Thongchai.

The 13-time Asian Tour winner also hopes a successful event will draw attention to his foundation that was launched in 2009, with the aim of giving back to the under-privileged golfers in his hometown as well as providing more playing opportunities for the region’s rising stars.

“With the Asian Tour season coming to an end, the schedule is very tight and everyone is busy but I look forward to seeing a good field play next week. This tournament will be hosted by my foundation for the first time and hopefully we will run it well so that it will continue to be a regular event on the Asian Tour,” said the 13-time Asian Tour winner.

Korea’s Sanghyun Park, currently ranked second on the Habitat for Humanity Standings, Indian duo Shiv Kapur and S.S.P Chawrasia, both multiple winners on the Asian Tour, will be amongst those who will spearhead the international challenge at the Tour’s fifth stop in Thailand this season.

Other notable players in the 132-men field include Thai veteran star Thaworn Wiratchant who won in 2012 and 2014, as well as compatriots Chawalit Plaphol and Chinnarat Phadungsil, who won the event in 2011 and 2009 respectively.

An and Kim fired an eagle and four birdies against two bogeys to trail by five shots in second place alongside Abraham Ancer and Roberto Diaz of Mexico (65) and Italy’s (66) Andrea Pavan and Renato Paratore.

It was Belgium’s Thomas Pieters and Thomas Detry who pulled away from the chasing pack after signing for a commanding 63 and a three-day total of 19-under-par 197 at The Metropolitan Golf Club. They had held a share of the overnight two-shot lead with Korea.

Indian duo Anirban Lahiri and Gaganjeet Bhullar, who started the round in tied-third place, conceded they failed to produce their A-games after posting a two-under-par 70. They slipped nine shots off the pace to tie in 11th position at the prestigious US$7 million event.

Despite struggling to keep their momentum going, Malaysia’s Gavin Green and Ben Leong held their heads up as they signed for a 72 to settle for tied-15th place on 208.

The 56-man field from 28 countries, including six Asian nations, is vying to hoist the famous trophy in the event, won previously by many legends of the games.

The tournament will switch back to foursomes format for the all-important final round on Sunday.

The 23-year-old traded four birdies against two bogeys to compile a three-day total of 16-under-par 194, a score which comfortably kept his compatriots Tommy Fleetwood and Matthew Fitzpatrick at bay at the Hong Kong Golf Club.

Fleetwood signed for a 66 while Fitzpatrick returned with a 68 to share second place on 200 total while Spain’s Sergio Garcia signed for the day’s lowest score after posting a 64 to take tied-fourth place with Australia’s Jason Scrivener.

Thai legend Thongchai Jaidee showed he still can match up against the best players from Asia and Europe despite recently turning 49.

The three-time Asian Tour Order of Merit champion signed for a 66 to tie France’s Victor Perez for sixth place.

With Korea’s Sanghyun Park making his early exit from the tournament, India’s Shubhankar Sharma could extend his merit lead when he returned with a 67 to share 12th place while close rival, Justin Harding of South Africa fired a 67 for tied-20th place.

Rai leads by four over Korea’s Hyowon Park with his two-day total of 14-under-par 126 while Matthew Fitzpatrick of England made his move with a 62 to take third place on his own at the Hong Kong Golf Club.

Despite struggling with his putting, Korea-American Micah Lauren Shin, who finished tied-seventh at the Hong Kong Open last year, renewed his affinity with event by signing for a 67 to take outright fourth place.

2014 Hong Kong Open champion Scott Hend is determined to give Rai a run for his money after the Australian signed for a 66 which placed him in a share of fifth place.

Rai took advantage of the ideal scoring conditions in the morning by firing six birdies in his first nine holes before continuing his spectacular run with another three more in his inward-nine to break the course record by two strokes.

Rai started the day in a three-way tie after opening up with a 65. The 23-year-old reeled off birdies at holes 12, 13, 14 and 15 in his back-nine 11, to move quickly to nine-under.

He picked up further gains on 18 before adding more red numbers on his card with birdies on the first, fourth and sixth holes to complete his stunning day.

The weekend cut was set at one-over-par with 73 players making it into the final two rounds.

Lorenzo Baldassarri (Pons HP 40) topped the first day of Moto2™ testing for 2019 at the Circuito de Jerez-Angel Nieto, but it’s reigning Moto3™ World Champion and Moto2™ rookie Jorge Martin who stole the headlines after he crashed – and was left with a left humerus fracture and a some broken bones in his foot. That means he’ll be sidelined in order to recover, with his first taste of the category cut short for now. He did make a solid impression before that and was inside the top 15, however, but a 1:42.203 from Baldassarri in the final session of the day then changed the goalposts as the Italian beat compatriot Luca Marini (Sky Racing Team VR46) to the top.

The test signals the beginning of a new era not only for the rookies like Martin, but also of Triumph power – as well as some updates in the technical regulations. And it’s off to a good start, with Baldassarri getting within three tenths of his 2018 pole lap at the track. Behind him and Marini, the man in third was another man with a good record at the track: Sam Lowes, as he returns to the Federal Oil Gresini Moto2 squad.

The Moto2™ riders completed four sessions throughout the day, with conditions improving in the afternoon after overnight rain had seen a damp start to proceedings. At the end of Day 1, Pons HP40’s Augusto Fernandez was fourth fastest, with Remy Gardner (SAG Team) rounding out the top five – 0.533 off the top.

The fastest rookie was Nicolo Bulega (SKY Racing Team VR46), the Italian setting the seventh quickest time of the day to finish 0.566 from P1 – a great debut for the number 11 rider. Martin was next quickest rookie, in P15, with Fabio Di Giannantonio (Speed Up Racing) P18 on the times. He was just ahead of fellow rookie Enea Bastianini (Italtrans Racing Team).

Elsewhere, Jake Dixon’s (Angel Nieto Team) Moto2™ debut ended with the British rider setting a quickest time of 1:44.401, 2.198 off Baldassarri’s benchmark, with Dixon finishing one place ahead of Moto3™ graduate Marco Bezzecchi (Red Bull KTM Tech 3) – P25 and P26 respectively for the pair as they settle in.

Moto2™ riders will be back out on track on Saturday as they continue their adaptation to the Triumph engine.