Australia post dominant 60-run win over New Zealand in Women’s T20 World Cup

Australia post dominant 60-run win over New Zealand in Women’s T20 World Cup
Australia's Beth Mooney in action during the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024 match between Australia and New Zealand at Dubai International Stadium Tuesday. (AP)
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Updated 09 October 2024
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Australia post dominant 60-run win over New Zealand in Women’s T20 World Cup

Australia post dominant 60-run win over New Zealand in Women’s T20 World Cup
  • Australia scored the tournament’s second-highest total — 148-8 in 20 overs — thanks to Beth Mooney’s 40 off 32 balls
  • It was New Zealand’s third-highest margin of defeat in women’s T20s

SHARJAH, UAE: Megan Schutt took three wickets for just three runs off 20 deliveries as Australia secured a rampant 60-run win over New Zealand in their Group A clash at the Women’s T20 World Cup.

Schutt’s return was the most economical three-wicket spell in tournament history, surpassing England’s Danielle Hazell’s 3-4 against Bangladesh in 2014.

This was after Australia scored the tournament’s second-highest total — 148-8 in 20 overs — thanks to Beth Mooney’s 40 off 32 balls.

In reply, New Zealand was bowled out for 88 runs in 19.2 overs with medium pace pairing Schutt and Annabel Sutherland sharing six wickets.

Sutherland took 3-21 in four overs, as Australia moved to the top of Group A with two wins in as many games.

Australia opted to bat after winning the toss as Mooney put on 41 runs with Alyssa Healy, who scored 26 runs.

Mooney added another 45 off 48 balls with Ellyze Perry, who scored 30 off 24 balls, hitting three fours and a six.

Perry’s knock provided momentum for Australia, despite Mooney being caught by all-rounder Amelia Kerr.

Kerr finished with 4-26 in four overs, picking up a couple late wickets, but couldn’t prevent Australia from putting up a challenging total.

Chasing 149, New Zealand lost Georgia Plimmer early — bowled off Schutt for four.

Kerr contributed 29 off 31 balls, hitting three fours, and put on 47 runs for the second wicket. It raised visions of a Kiwi fightback, before left-arm spinner Sophie Molineux made a double breakthrough.

Molineux broke the partnership in the 11th over and New Zealand crashed to defeat within 42 deliveries, losing nine wickets for 27 runs.

Only Lea Tahuhu (11) managed to reach double figures thereafter, as Australia registered their 13th consecutive win in Women’s T20 World Cups.

It was also New Zealand’s third-highest margin of defeat in women’s T20s.


Mollie Marcoux Samaan stepping down as LPGA commissioner after 3 1/2 years of record prize money

Mollie Marcoux Samaan stepping down as LPGA commissioner after 3 1/2 years of record prize money
Updated 03 December 2024
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Mollie Marcoux Samaan stepping down as LPGA commissioner after 3 1/2 years of record prize money

Mollie Marcoux Samaan stepping down as LPGA commissioner after 3 1/2 years of record prize money
  • Marcoux Samaan is leaving on Jan. 9, three weeks before the LPGA begins its 75th season
  • The LPGA said prize money increased by more than 90 percent under Marcoux Samaan, a big part of that the major championships

NEW YORK: Mollie Marcoux Samaan is resigning in January as LPGA commissioner, a surprise announcement Monday after record growth in prize money along with criticism the LPGA wasn’t gaining in popularity during the surge in women’s sports.

Marcoux Samaan is leaving on Jan. 9, three weeks before the LPGA begins its 75th season. Liz Moore, the chief legal and technology officer, will be interim commissioner until a search committee hires a new one.

Marcoux Samaan did not cite a specific reason for resigning except to mention spending more time with her three children. She will serve the third-shortest stint among nine LPGA commissioners dating to 1975, behind only Jim Ritts (1996-99) and Bill Blue (1988-90).

“With the LPGA positioned for continued growth, it’s time for me to have more time to cheer on our three amazing children as they live their dreams while I continue to pursue my passion for building leaders, uniting communities and creating value through sports, particularly women’s sports,” Marcoux Samaan said in a statement.

The LPGA said prize money increased by more than 90 percent under Marcoux Samaan, a big part of that the major championships. The five majors had a combined prize fund of $23.4 million in 2021. Next year, the majors combine to offer at least $47.8 million in prize money.

She announced the end of her tenure a week after the season-ending CME Group Tour Championship awarded $4 million to the winner, Jeeno Thitikul, from an $11 million purse.

“Since joining the LPGA in 2021, Mollie has been instrumental in solidifying our position as the global leader in women’s professional golf, realizing record growth in player earnings and fan engagement,” said John B. Veihmeyer, chairman of the LPGA board. “Mollie has been a steadfast advocate for equity in the sport and has worked tirelessly to expand opportunities for women and girls through the game.”

The LPGA said the average earnings for the top 100 players topped $1 million this year, compared with an average of just over $570,000 in 2021.

Women’s sports across the landscape has seen a spike in money and interest, though Marcoux Samaan was criticized for the LPGA not getting enough attention behind remarkable story lines this year. Nelly Korda tied an LPGA record with five straight wins, and Lydia Ko won Olympic gold to qualify for the LPGA Hall of Fame, and then won another major at the Women’s British Open at St. Andrews.

The Americans also won the Solheim Cup, but not without a transportation mess on the opening day at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Virginia when there were not enough buses for spectators and many of them waited hours before they could get in, missing the opening tee shots that typically feature packed grandstands and raucous cheering.

Marcoux Samaan pointed to growth in defending her job when some of the criticism was raised at the season-ending tournament.

“I focus every day on trying to support the athletes, to try to grow the tour, and to try to make this the best place in the world to play and to give additional opportunities to girls and women. So I feel like the statistics really speak for themselves,” she said at the Tour Championship.

“I think we’re experiencing enormous growth. That’s really what my job is.”

Along with huge increases in earnings, Marcoux Samaan announced full subsidized health care for the LPGA for the first time in its history. She also was behind stipends for missing the cut and domestic travel in a bid to make sure players were adequately compensated.

Official prize money for the LPGA in 2025 is $127.5 million.

Terry Duffy, the chairman and CEO of CME Group, signed a two-year extension of the LPGA deal. In an interview with Golfweek, he gave Marcoux Samaan high marks.

“I don’t know how you could not give A++ to where the tour is at today under her leadership,” Duffy said. “I run markets. I don’t care if you’re running a business at a hardware store or an exchange or professional golf, there’s ebbs and flows to everything in life and everything in business. ... If you’re worth more today than you were 10 years ago or three years ago, you’re doing the right things.”

Marcoux Samaan was the ninth commissioner — and second female commissioner — when she left her role as athletic director at Princeton. Marcoux Samaan replaced Mike Whan, who took over in 2010 when players revolted and ousted Carolyn Bivens.

Whan brought high energy and a big personality during his 11 years, making him the longest-serving LPGA commissioner in history.

The LPGA board will work with an executive search firm to conduct a global search for the organization’s next commissioner.


Man United open FA Cup title defense at Arsenal and Man City to play ‘Class of 92’-owned Salford

Man United open FA Cup title defense at Arsenal and Man City to play ‘Class of 92’-owned Salford
Updated 03 December 2024
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Man United open FA Cup title defense at Arsenal and Man City to play ‘Class of 92’-owned Salford

Man United open FA Cup title defense at Arsenal and Man City to play ‘Class of 92’-owned Salford
  • The standout match features the competition’s two most successful teams, with Arsenal having won the trophy 14 times compared to United’s 13
  • The third round will take place around the weekend of Jan. 11-12 and sees the 44 clubs from the Premier League and second-tier Championship enter the competition

LONDON: Manchester United will start their FA Cup title defense with a trip to Arsenal in a third-round draw containing a host of intriguing English Premier League vs. lower league matchups.

Among the best were Tamworth, one of only two non-league clubs in the draw, getting to host Tottenham and Manchester City at home to Salford City — the team owned by members of Man United’s famed “Class of 92” such as Ryan Giggs and Gary Neville.

Accrington Stanley, in sixth-to-last place in fourth-tier League Two, face a daunting trip to Premier League leaders Liverpool at Anfield. Chelsea, meanwhile, will host Morecambe, which are bottom of League Two.

The standout match features the competition’s two most successful teams, with Arsenal having won the trophy 14 times compared to United’s 13. Arsenal last lifted it in 2020 while United beat City in a second straight Manchester derby in the FA Cup final last season.

The third round will take place around the weekend of Jan. 11-12 and sees the 44 clubs from the Premier League and second-tier Championship enter the competition, joining the 20 lower-league and non-league sides who won in the previous round.

Draw:

Southampton vs. Swansea

Arsenal vs. Manchester United

Exeter vs. Oxford United

Leyton Orient vs. Derby County

Reading vs. Burnley

Aston Villa vs. West Ham

Norwich vs. Brighton

Manchester City vs. Salford

Millwall vs. Dagenham & Redbridge

Liverpool vs. Accrington Stanley

Bristol City vs. Wolverhampton

Preston vs. Charlton

Chelsea vs. Morecambe

Middlesbrough vs. Blackburn

Bournemouth vs. West Bromwich Albion

Mansfield vs. Wigan

Tamworth vs. Tottenham

Hull vs. Doncaster

Sunderland vs. Stoke

Leicester vs. Queens Park Rangers

Brentford vs. Plymouth

Coventry vs. Sheffield Wednesday

Newcastle vs. Bromley

Everton vs. Peterborough

Wycombe vs. Portsmouth

Birmingham vs. Lincoln

Leeds vs. Harrogate

Nottingham Forest vs. Luton

Sheffield United vs. Cardiff

Ipswich vs. Bristol Rovers

Fulham vs. Watford

Crystal Palace vs. Stockport


Messi, Ronaldo only World XI nominees from clubs outside Europe as voted by players

Messi, Ronaldo only World XI nominees from clubs outside Europe as voted by players
Updated 03 December 2024
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Messi, Ronaldo only World XI nominees from clubs outside Europe as voted by players

Messi, Ronaldo only World XI nominees from clubs outside Europe as voted by players
  • The 37-year-old Messi and 39-year-old Ronaldo were the only players not with clubs in Europe to be voted on a 26-man shortlist for the world team of the year
  • FIFPRO said the final team will include the highest-polling goalkeeper, plus each of the top three vote-getters among defenders, midfielders and forward

HOOFDDORP, Netherlands: Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are still popular and respected by their fellow players even though they no longer play for European clubs.

The 37-year-old Messi and 39-year-old Ronaldo were the only players not with clubs in Europe to be voted on a 26-man shortlist for the world team of the year organized by global players’ union FIFPRO on Monday.

The other 24 nominees played in the past year with clubs in England, Germany, Spain and France, though Kylian Mbappé was the only French connection after spending last season at Paris Saint-Germain.

No player from any Italian club was selected, nor from any club in South America or Africa.

Eight players from Real Madrid, including Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham were on the shortlist, plus seven from Manchester City including Ballon d’Or winner Rodri, Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland.

Lamine Yamal, the 17-year-old from Barcelona who was the breakout star of Spain’s European Championship title, also made it in polling by union members worldwide.

Messi, in Major League Soccer with Inter Miami, and Ronaldo, in Saudi Arabia with Al-Nassr, will find out on Dec. 9 if they are in the World XI lineup.

FIFPRO said the final team will include the highest-polling goalkeeper, plus each of the top three vote-getters among defenders, midfielders and forward. The final place goes to the outfield player with the next highest votes total.

The Netherlands-based union said 28,000 players from 70 countries sent votes.

Goalkeepers: Ederson (Manchester City, Brazil), Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa, Argentina), Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich, Germany).

Defenders: Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid, Spain), Ruben Dias (Manchester City, Portugal), Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool, Netherlands), Jeremie Frimpong (Bayer Leverkusen, Netherlands), Antonio Rudiger (Real Madrid, Germany), William Saliba (Arsenal, France), Kyle Walker (Manchester City, England).

Midfielders: Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid, England), Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City, Belgium), Phil Foden (Manchester City, England), Toni Kroos (Real Madrid, Germany), Luka Modrić (Real Madrid, Croatia), Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich, Germany), Rodri (Manchester City, Spain), Federico Valverde (Real Madrid, Uruguay).

Forwards: Erling Haaland (Manchester City, Norway), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich, England), Kylian Mbappe (Paris Saint-Germain/Real Madrid, France), Lionel Messi (Inter Miami, Argentina), Cole Palmer (Manchester City/Chelsea, England), Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr, Portugal), Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid, Brazil), Lamine Yamal (Barcelona, Spain).


Beterbiev-Bivol rematch date announced in ‘one of the greatest cards ever’

Beterbiev-Bivol rematch date announced in ‘one of the greatest cards ever’
Updated 03 December 2024
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Beterbiev-Bivol rematch date announced in ‘one of the greatest cards ever’

Beterbiev-Bivol rematch date announced in ‘one of the greatest cards ever’

RIYADH: Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol will meet in Riyadh for the much anticipated rematch for the undisputed world light heavyweight crown on Feb. 22, organizers announced early Wednesday.
Beterbiev was victorious against Bivol by majority decision in October at IV Crown Showdown in the Saudi capital.
Turki Alalshikh, the head of the Saudi General Entertainment Authority, announced the fights and said the event has “one of the greatest cards ever”.
The Riyadh Season event, dubbed “The Last Crescendo” features a stacked card of championship fights including a matchup between Daniel Dubois and Joseph Parker for the IBF heavyweight title.

The other under card clashes include:

Shakur Stevenson v Floyd Schofield
Carlos Adams v Hamzah Sheeraz
Vergil Ortiz Jr v Israil Madrimov
Joshua Bautsi v Callum Smith
Zhilei Zhang v Agit Kabayel

 


No Ronaldo, no points: Al-Nassr suffer last-minute loss

No Ronaldo, no points: Al-Nassr suffer last-minute loss
Updated 03 December 2024
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No Ronaldo, no points: Al-Nassr suffer last-minute loss

No Ronaldo, no points: Al-Nassr suffer last-minute loss
  • Al-Sadd claim victory with penalty

RIYADH: A last-minute penalty gave Al-Sadd a 2-1 win over Al-Nassr to end the unbeaten record of the Saudi Arabian club in the AFC Champions League Elite.

The one positive, on a night when the Yellows did not impress against the Qataris, is that they had already secured a place in the round of 16 and are still in third.

In the absence of the rested Cristiano Ronaldo, who was watching from the sidelines, Talisca did his best to step up early on. The Brazilian fired an early shot wide and came closer after 17 minutes when he hit a post. He should have scored from close range as he was found by a smart Sadio Mane pass but while Meshaal Barsham was beaten, Talisca’s shot came back off the woodwork.

That near miss came just after Al-Sadd should have taken the lead. Marcelo Brozovic played a blind pass across the face of the penalty area and right into the path of Cristo Gonzalez. The Spaniard was completely unmarked on the edge of the area but his low shot was saved by Bento.

Mane should have broken the deadlock in the 24th minute. The former Liverpool and Bayern Munich forward got on the end of a Sultan Al-Ghannam cross that was swinging into the area from the right, but his diving header at the far post went just wide. So too did a low Angelo shot from outside the box that had Barsham scrambling to get down.

Eight minutes after the restart, Al-Sadd took the lead. Akram Afif ran onto a through pass from Gonzalez, outpaced Mohammed Al-Fatil and then, from just inside the area, calmly rolled the ball past the diving Bento and into the far corner.

Al-Nassr came back at the hosts with Aymeric Laporte and Wesley having attempts on goal, and with 19 minutes remaining Mane went even closer by hitting the post.

Then, with 10 minutes left, Al-Nassr got back on level terms. It may have been an own goal but much of the credit must go to Wesley who got to the left byline to fire over a low cross that was turned in from close range by Romain Saiss.

But Al-Sadd then won it. Adam Ounas stroked home from the penalty spot in the 99th minute after Al-Fatil had brought down Afif. It sent the Qatari club into the round of 16.

Earlier in the day, two penalties from Ivan Toney gave group leaders Al-Ahli a 2-2 draw at home to Esteghlal as Pitso Mosimane returned to Jeddah after being dismissed in 2023, and became the first coach to take some reward from his former club in the tournament.

Twice Al-Ahli had to come back from behind. The Iranians took the lead three minutes before the break, Raphael Silva volleying home past Edouard Mendy after a free-kick was floated into the area by Jaloliddin Masharipov.

At the end of the half Riyad Mahrez hit the bar, but there was still time before the interval for Al-Ahli to draw level. Didier Ndong brought down Fahad Al-Rashidi and Toney stepped up to make no mistake.

Mohammad Hossein Eslami put the Tehran giants back in front seven minutes into the second half with a spectacular volley from the edge of the area.

But Esteghlal’s hopes for a famous win were dealt a blow nine minutes from time when Eslami received a red card.

Toney scored from the spot again with four minutes remaining, his fourth in the space of a week, and Al-Ahli thought they had won it in added time when Firas Al-Buraikan netted but it was ruled out by VAR. The Greens, though, stay top of the group.