Affectionately known as The Big Easy due to his fluid golf swing, Els, who is also an Asian Tour Honorary Member and International Ambassador, will be swinging easy on the course and taking it easy away from the course.

“I am delighted to be playing the Fiji International presented by Fiji Airways. I have watched the TV coverage in the past and the beautiful golf course looks like an excellent challenge,” said Els.

“But I am also looking forward to visiting Fiji. As professional golfers we are very lucky to travel the world and Fiji is a place that I would like to explore once my work on the course is finished.”

Now in its fifth year, the Fiji International presented by Fiji Airways has attracted a long list of world class players to the tropical nation with Els the most recent addition.

“We are very excited to welcome Ernie Els to our beautiful country for the Fiji International presented by Fiji Airways,” said The Honourable Faiyaz Siddiq Koya, Minister for Industry, Trade, Tourism, Lands and Mineral Resources.

“Having a player of Ernie’s calibre compete in the Fiji International demonstrates the tournaments’ standing on the international golf schedule.

“Ernie is highly respected in the golf world and having his tick of approval for the tournament will continue to enhance Fiji’s reputation as a world class golfing destination.”

Tri-sanctioned by the ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia, European Tour and Asian Tour; securing Ernie Els for the 2018 tournament further demonstrates the advantage of the three tours’ involvement.

“We are very pleased to welcome and host Ernie in Fiji. Ernie is an incredibly talented player with a long and storied history in golf, his participation in the tournament will ensure the world’s attention is on the Fiji International presented by Fiji Airways throughout event week,” said Gavin Kirkman, CEO of the PGA of Australia which owns the ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia.

“Each year we have attracted players from all over the world to Fiji but Ernie will be the first South African player to tee it up in the tournament.  South Africa is a strong golf playing nation, having Ernie in the field will showcase to South Africans the potential of Fiji as a golfing destination.”

It was an amazing effort from a 24 year-old qualifier in just her second season as a professional and her debut appearance at Key Biscayne.

This was the first time in two attempts Collins has beaten a top 10 player, and even the crestfallen world number eight Williams would find it impossible to admit Collins didn’t deserve to seal a meeting with French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko on Thursday for a place in Saturday’s final.

“I don’t think it was my best night of tennis, but there wasn’t a shot she couldn’t make,” Williams said. “She played very well and aggressively, and she went for every shot and it landed.”

Collins was simply delighted with the win over a player she idolized.

“The first time I saw Venus in the locker room I nearly cried,“ Collins said. “She has been my favourite player so I am finding it difficult to wrap my head around this.”

The previously unheralded Collins, a  Florida native who ended 2017 ranked 167TH but came into this tournament as the 93rd best player in the world, is certainly having a March to remember.

As a wildcard she reached the round of 16 in Indian Wells and has gone far better here with a fantastic run to the last four having come through qualifying.

That eclipsed the previous best result by a qualifier, when Marion Bartoli made the last eight in 2003.

Despite playing six matches to Williams’ three, Collins came into this encounter having spent 24 minutes less on court than her American opponent (6 hours 58 minutes for Collins and 7 hours 22 for Williams).]

There could, however, be no sterner test for the 24 year-old than veteran Williams, who had fought her own battles to reach this stage, saving three match points in a marathon three-setter against Kiki Bertens  in the round of 32.

Collins could be excused for being nervous, yet the media studies graduate from the University of Virginia,who claimed two NCAA collegiate singles titles in three seasons, roared out of the blocks and grabbed an early break to ease into a 3-0 lead.

Williams was on the back foot and saved two break points at 1-4 to keep herself in the set.

But Collins was relentless. Her hitting, especially from the back of the court, was of the highest order and when she broke again, this time thanks to a brilliant lob, the first set was sealed.

An excitable crowd here were expecting seven-time grand slam winner Williams to respond immediately, but it was her seemingly pressure-free opponent who continued to attack and soon enough, Williams was broken once more.

When the 37-year-old’s serve let her down again, Collins could see the finish line.

    Nicknamed the Azkals — slang for mongrel dogs — the Philippines qualified for the Asian Cup with a 2-1 come-from-behind win over Tajikistan in Manila in an emotional game on Tuesday night.

“When there’s success in any sport people would talk about it and the most we can do is bring football as much success,” Azkals captain Phil Younghusband, a former Chelsea youth player, told AFP.

“Hopefully this will be the catalyst for the growth of Philippine football,” he added. “Maybe the lack of success in the last eight years has slowed down the growth.”

The Philippines had been a bit-player on the Asian stage but turned heads by reaching the 2010 AFF Suzuki Cup semi-finals.

The victory sparked interest in football in the Philippines, a nation that treats basketball almost as a religion.

Tuesday’s game began with a goalless opening half but Kevin Ingreso later headed home to level for the Azkals who then made sure of their place in next year’s tournament with a last-minute penalty that was converted by Younghusband.

It happened to be the 50th international goal of Younghusband.

“It was so emotional because of the way the game went. It’s the happiest football moment so far in my professional career,” he said.

“All I was thinking about is we qualified for the Asian Cup. Anything else is a bonus.”

Younghusband, who has been playing in Philippines football for 13 years, described the Azkals’ journey to being among the top 24 teams in Asia as a “rollercoaster ride”.

He said the victory would prompt more interest in football in the Southeast Asian nation ahead of the World Cup in  Russia in June.

“Football will again be on people’s minds and attract new fans, bring back old fans and with the World Cup coming up, this is the perfect timing,” he said.

Younghusband urged for fan support, adding the Azkals will be going up against teams in the Asian Cup where football is the main sport.

“I grew up in England where football is a big sport but rugby, cricket are also popular. It can be the same in the Philippines. It just needs good organisation and a lot of support.”//AFP

Southgate’s side were denied another impressive World Cup warm-up friendly result as Lorenzo Insigne’s penalty three minutes from time salvaged a 1-1 draw for Italy at Wembley on Tuesday.

However, the visitors were only awarded a spot-kick after German referee Deniz Aytekin overturned his initial decision not to give a penalty when substitute Federico Chiesa tumbled under the challenge of James Tarkowski using VAR.

“I’m glad it’s not the World Cup just yet,” said Southgate. “I think the ruling is ‘clear and obvious’ and it’s not. It’s one you can debate all day.”

Southgate added that he is against the use of technology, as in England’s Premier League, despite the huge financial considerations wrong decisions can affect.

“I prefer referee’s decision is final. It’s sport and we shouldn’t be talking abut how much money it’s cost or lost.”

England were on course to back up their 1-0 win over the Netherlands on Friday and draws against World Cup favourites Germany and Brazil back in November thanks to Jamie Vardy’s 26th-minute opener.

“Generally over the two games I’m really pleased,” added Southgate.

“In the last four games we’ve played four of the biggest countries in the world, at different levels of progression, and been competitive in every one.”

Insigne’s equaliser was the first goal England have conceded in six games.

However, the hosts could have been punished far earlier for a lackadaisical start but for some poor finishing from Ciro Immobile.

The Lazio striker has scored 34 goals this season, but twice failed to get his shot away in time after pouncing on a pair of errors by John Stones inside the first three minutes.

Immobile’s best chance came 10 minutes later when he met Antonio Candreva’s enticing cross unmarked at the back post, but again failed to find the target as his header drifted over.

– Kane void –

England have had to cope without talismanic striker Harry Kane through injury for all of their last four friendlies.

However, Vardy furthered his case should Southgate have to cope without Kane once more in Russia by blasting ruthlessly into the roof of the net from Jesse Lingard’s quickly taken free-kick.

Italy will not be joining England in Russia come the summer having failed to qualify for the first time in 60 years.

But the difference in motivation for both sides failed to show as a slew of substitutions began in the second half with many England players unable to make an impression in their final match before Southgate names his provisional 23-man World Cup squad.

England’s lack of goals without Kane continues to be a concern for Southgate.

Kane has scored seven goals in his last six international appearances, but without the Spurs striker England lacked a cutting edge to kill the game off.

They were nearly punished when Insigne volleyed across Butland and just beyond the far post 10 minutes from time.

But there was no such reprieve five minutes later.

The decision to use VAR at the World Cup has not been an entirely popular one due to mixed results from a series of trials across the world.

But replays proved Tarkowski had trod on Chiesa’s foot and Insigne wasn’t distracted by a lengthy wait to take the penalty as he smashed low into Butland’s right-hand corner.

The fourth sub rule would be available in knockout-stage games and will also be applied by FIFA at this year’s World Cup in Russia, having previously been used for the 2016 Rio Olympics.

UEFA has also changed the rules regarding cup-tied players, with January signings set to be able to play for their new clubs in European competitions even if they have already featured for another team.

For example, Barcelona’s Philippe Coutinho has been unable to play in this year’s Champions League knockout stage after joining from Liverpool in January, but under the new rules, players in the same situation next season will not be cup-tied.

UEFA said that each team can add three new players to their squads for the knockout rounds “without any restrictions”.

Teams in the Champions League, Europa League and Super Cup finals will also be able to name 12 substitutes instead of seven.

The kick-off times for the Champions League have been changed from the traditional 1945 GMT slot to 2000 GMT, with group-stage matchdays to have two games played at 1755 GMT in an apparent attempt to maximise income from television rights.

Gabriel Jesus’ first-half goal at a sold-out Olympic Stadium on Tuesday saw Brazil end Germany’s unbeaten run of 22 games dating back to their Euro 2016 semi-final defeat by hosts France.

“It was a matter of pride, after all that has been written and said,” said Silva, who was suspended for the 7-1 rout in Belo Horizonte nearly four years ago.

“This jersey deserves a little more respect. That’s why I’m overjoyed about winning against a big opponent.”

The friendly victory gained a measure of revenge for five-time world champions Brazil, whose coach Tite had admitted are still haunted by the thrashing in the semi-finals of the last World Cup.

The 56-year-old, nicknamed ‘The Professor’, said his side had learnt the lesson and showed cool heads in chilly Berlin.

“You media has spoken a lot about this (7-1) result, the reality that it is over — we simply played well here and we won,” said Tite.

“We had no anger or hatred, you can’t play well with emotions like that.

“We weren’t trying to rebuild lost pride, we just wanted to put in a good performance.

“There are positive things to take from the game and the result, but we made a few mistakes, we gave away some possession and we lacked some width in our game.”

Tite said he was pleased to see Brazil earn wins over Russia and now Germany in the last week without injured star forward Neymar.

“We are learning to play well without Neymar and that is part of our strength,” said the Brazil boss.

Defending world champions Germany are now winless in their last four games after draws against England, France and Spain.

“We have lost the game, but we can live with it as we have four or five points which we need to intensively work on,” said Germany head coach Joachim Loew.

“It was to be expected that Brazil, with their injured soul, played their best team and were highly motivated.

“It wasn’t our day. We made too many mistakes, which allowed Brazil to grow in strength and confidence.

“We had a few young players, who will learn from this, but in addition, the body language was not right from some players.”

There was some relief for Loew after Germany captain Jerome Boateng twisted ankle ligaments and had to come off in the second half.

“I don’t think it’s so bad and that nothing is torn,” revealed Loew.

The Germany boss made seven changes from the team which started the 1-1 draw with Spain last Friday and included just two World Cup-winners.

Kroos felt some fringe players had blown their chance at a place in Germany’s World Cup squad.

“There were a few players who had the chance to show what they could do, but didn’t take it — that’s annoying,” said the Real Madrid midfielder.

“We saw today that we aren’t as good as we are made out to be and as some players believe.

“There is a lot of room for improvement.”

Fisher went missing while on watch aboard the yacht SHK/Scallywag at 1342 GMT Monday some 2,250 kilometres (1,400 miles) west of Cape Horn on the tip of South America.

He was wearing survival gear but a desperate search by Scallywag failed to find him and the yacht was forced to head for port as weather conditions deteriorated.

Race president Richard Brisius said there was no hope of finding the 47-year-old alive.

“Given the cold water temperature and the extreme sea state, along with the time that has now passed since he went overboard, we must now presume that John has been lost at sea,” he said in an update late Tuesday.

“All of us here at the Volvo Ocean Race organisation send our heartfelt condolences out to John’s family, his friends and his teammates and we will do everything in our power to support them in this very difficult time.”

Brisius said an investigation would be launched, acknowledging “there will be many questions” about how such an accident occurred.

But he said the immediate priority was looking after Fisher’s devastated team-mates.

“The crew is, of course, emotionally and physically drained after what they have just experienced,” he said.

“Our sole focus now is to provide all the support and assistance that we can to the team.”

The race has already been marred by tragedy, when Vestas 11th Hour Racing collided with a trawler on its way to Hong Kong, killing a fisherman.

The Race fleet set off from Auckland on March 18 on the toughest stretch of the around-the-world epic.

The 14,075 kilometre leg takes the yachts across inhospitable waters from New Zealand to Cape Horn and then up South America’s eastern coast to the Brazilian city of Itajai.

The 2017-18 Volvo Ocean Race is the longest in the competition’s 44-year history, stretching over eight months and 45,000 nautical miles around the globe and ending in The Hague in the Netherlands in late June.

The US 13th seed’s comprehensive triumph in tricky wind conditions over the former world number one ensured Stephens reached the last four at Key Biscayne for the first time.

It also means the reigning US Open champion will finally be named in the world’s top 10 when the WTA release their rankings next week.

“I am so tired of hearing that I am number 11 in the world,” said a smiling Stephens, who will face either Victoria Azarenka of Belarus or sixth-ranked Czech Karolina Pliskova for a place in Saturday’s final.

“It’s very exciting to get there, something I have wanted to do for a while. Getting into the top 10 is pretty special and something I have worked on for a long time.”

Stephens’ previous best here in Key Biscayne came with a quarter-finals run in 2015 so the emotions on display at the end of what was an ultimately straightforward win over the world number 10 were understandable.

Since her debut Grand Slam triumph at the US Open last September, the 25-year-old has struggled to follow on. Stephens arrived at Key Biscayne having not beaten a top-50 player since the run at Flushing Meadows.

But this week has seen the American, who was raised in South Florida, get back to her roots — and to winning ways.

Reigning Wimbledon champion Gabrine Muguruza was emphatically dispatched in straight sets Monday before Kerber received similar treatment.

Wind hampered both players but it was Stephens who adapted far better, the power of her groundstrokes and superior movement leaving Kerber frustrated and unable to find a way into the encounter.

“The wind is uncomfortable for both of us. But it can help push you outside of your comfort zone. You just have to embrace it,” Stephens said.

Stephens took just 23 minutes to wrap up the first set, Kerber looked sluggish from the start.

Kerber was deep in conversation with coach Wim Fissette during the break, being urged to assert herself.

Kerber saved four break points in the fifth game but Stephens was did not allow her opponent into the match and a 22nd winner sealed the triumph.

“You have to execute your game well and make sure you stick with it,” Stephens said. “It’s easy to start doing other things so I just need to keep to my plan and make sure I didn’t venture off.”

Kerber admitted coming through a grueling three-set win over qualifier Wang Yafan the day before had left her flat.

“I was really feeling a little bit tired today,” Kerber said. “It was windy, it was tricky, but I’ve played so many matches in the last three months that I was feeling it a little bit in my body.”

Juan Martin del Potro sent his devoted fans home happy Tuesday by powering into the ATP Miami Open quarter-finals with a 6-4, 6-2 triumph over Serbian Filip Krajinovic.

Roared on by a partisan crowd, the 29-year-old Argentinian recovered from 1-4 down in the first set to reel off nine games in a row on his way to a last-eight match with Canada’s Milos Raonic on Wednesday.

Del Potro’s welcome return to form and fitness saw him win the Indian Wells title and continue to impress at the last tournament in Key Biscayne before a move north to the NFL Miami Dolphins home stadium next year.

“Playing here they make it special for the South American players and I am trying to enjoy the last time playing in Key Biscayne,” Del Potro said. “I know many Argentine fans live here and are so close. I will miss them.”

Windy conditions hampered players all day and the former US Open champion took time to find his groove in his first meeting with 27th-ranked Krajinovic.

“The weather was so bad to play tennis. We couldn’t feel the ball 100 percent. We couldn’t hit from the baseline,” Del Potro admitted.

“I’m confident I will feel better tomorrow. The better weather will make me feel better on court.”

Milos Raonic 

Raonic, who easily saw off Frenchman Jeremy Chardy 6-3 6-4, lost to del Potro in the Indian Wells semi-finals and will be eagerly seeking revenge.

“It will be a different match to the one we played in Indian Wells, different conditions,” Del Potro said. “Milos is improving and playing very solid. He has the potential to win the tournament. It will be a good match to test my fitness and see what level I’m at.

“I don’t feel pressure. I am just going down my own road and seeing how far I can get. I am not thinking about ranking or anything. Just the last time here in Key Biscayne.”

– Isner ousts Cilic –

Del Potro is the top seed remaining after second seed Marin Cilic was beaten 7-6 (7/0), 6-3 by resurgent American John Isner.

The Croatian’s run was halted by big-serving Isner in just 87 minutes to set up a last-eight meeting with South Korean 19th seed Chung Hyeon.

It was a fine performance by Isner, the 14th seed, who rattled down 12 aces and was boosted by winning 85 percent of points on his first serve.

All three of Isner’s wins over the 2014 US Open champion have now come in ATP Masters events and once a first set tie-break was negotiated in windswept conditions, the 32 year-old confidently held his nerve to send Cilic home.

Isner has never won an ATP Masters event but this display has fueled hopes this could be his time.

“I think in these events, the format is very good for me: two-out-of-three sets,” Isner said.

“In a situation like that, if I’m feeling fit and healthy, which I am, and serving like I did today, I can beat a lot of people playing like that.”

Thai Cycling Association president Decha Hemkrasri confirmed yesterday that the men’s route would cover a distance of 1,080km from Pattaya via Chanthaburi, Aranyaprathet, Khao Yao National Park, Nakhon Ratchasima, Roi Et to Khon Kaen from April 1-6.

The 293km women’s tour will then take place in Khon Kaen and surrounding areas from April 8-10.

“We have received good support from authorities in the provinces along the routes as they all wish to honour Her Royal Highness, who will turn 63 on April 2nd,” said General Decha.

Honourable trophy of Her Royal Higness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn 

The Thai cycling chief is also confident this year’s edition will draw widespread participation from the country’s leading riders, including those who just finished racing in the Tour of Langkawi on Sunday.

“As far as I’m concerned several teams have started training already to get accustomed to the local conditions,” Decha added.

Thailand will be represented by Navuti Liphongyu, gold medalist from the men’s road race at the 2017 SEA Games in Malaysia, and Thanawut Sanikwathi, who won a bronze medal in the Asian Games men’s scratch race.

Asian Games road race gold medalist Jutatip Maneephan will carry Thai hopes in the women’s event along with long-time national cyclist Chanpeng Nontasin, the 2011 Asian Cycling Championships time trial winner.

Decha added that the entire event would be broadcast live by the Thai PBS Channel on its official Facebook page.