Thread: Sporting News

• Fem van Empel Dominates on Muddy World Cyclocross Champs Course in Tábor

Defending champion Fem van Empel made light work of a tough race on Saturday, cruising to a dominant success in the women’s cyclocross world championships in Tábor, Czech Republic.

The 21-year-old stepped up her recent form to immediately pull clear from her rivals in the opening minutes and to steadily gain ground throughout. Riding parts of the course that others had to run, she ended the race 1:20 ahead of 2021 champion Lucinda Brand, with last year’s silver medalist Puck Pieterse third, 1:54 back.

World Cup winner Ceylin Alvarado completed a Netherland 1-2-3-4, rolling in 2:37 behind the winner and 15 seconds ahead of Belgium’s Laura Verdonschot.

“I did everything for this race the whole season,” she said, explaining she was building to a peak. “It is the cherry on the cake of a pretty good season. This is not my own victory, this is victory of team Fem. The whole group around me is so special and I want to dedicate it to them.

“It is a special day today. Everything needs to be in the right place at the right moment. It went so well today and I am super happy.”

https://velo.outsideonline.com/cyclo...urse-in-tabor/

• ‘It’s a Good Day for Us’: Lidl-Trek Comes Out Swinging in Show of Intention for 2024

New-look Lidl-Trek was thumping its chest Friday in double delight with wins in France and Spain in an early sign of where the U.S.-backed team is going in 2024.

Flush with cash with the arrival of new title sponsor Lidl, the team loaded up on fresh talent in the transfer season, and is intent of banging elbows with the WorldTour big boys across the classics and the grand tours this year.

On Friday, Lidl-Trek telegraphed its intentions via victories with Mads Pedersen in France, and newcomer Jonathan Milan in Spain.

“It’s a really good day for us and nice to give the guys the victory they deserved yesterday,” Pedersen said Friday. “The leader’s jersey sums up the two good days of racing. We’re happy, and now it’s on for tomorrow so we’ll see how it goes.

“But now we have what we came for. We came for a stage victory, so we are happy but of course we will try to hang on with these guys tomorrow.”

https://velo.outsideonline.com/road/...tion-for-2024/

• 2024 WM Phoenix Open prize money payouts for each PGA Tour player

It pays to play well on the PGA Tour. Just ask this week’s winner, Nick Taylor

The 35-year-old Canadian won the 2024 WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona after making clutch putt after clutch putt to take down Charley Hoffman in a two-hole playoff on Sunday. For his efforts, Taylor will take home the top prize of $1,584,000. Hoffman earned a hefty consolation prize of $959,200. Best friends and Ryder Cup partners Scottie Scheffler and Sam Burns finished T-3 and each earned $519,200.

The Genesis Invitational

Genesis Invitational: Tiger Woods marks return to PGA Tour with one-over-par 72

Tiger Woods marked his return to the PGA Tour with a one-over-par 72 at the Genesis Invitational on Thursday.

The 15-time major champion, who underwent ankle surgery in April 2023, was playing his first round of an official PGA Tour event since the Masters 10 months ago.

Woods was tied for 55th when his round concluded, with only the top 50 players making the cut after 36 holes.

He is eight strokes behind leader Patrick Cantlay on seven-under 64.

• Caitlin Clark sets NCAA women's basketball all-time scoring record

Caitlin Clark broke the NCAA women's basketball all-time scoring record on Thursday as she led Iowa to a 106-89 win over Michigan.

The big picture: The West Des Moines native made the record-breaking three pointer in the first quarter, topping the record of former Washington star Kelsey Plum's 3,527 career points.

By the numbers: Clark finished the game with a career high 49 points — setting a new Iowa program record.

What we're watching: Clark, who is averaging more than 32 points per game, is within reach of Pete Maravich's 3,667 career points — the men's record set five decades ago.

Zoom out: She is the first Division I player to surpass 3,000 points, 1,000 assists and 800 rebounds, the NCAA said.

https://twitter.com/MarchMadnessWBB/...96778959417450

Zalatoris makes HOLE-IN-ONE and wins car at The Genesis

Jordan Spieth disqualified from The Genesis Invitational

Jordan Spieth was disqualified for signing an incorrect scorecard at The Genesis Invitational at The Riviera Country Club on Friday.

Spieth signed for a 3 at the par-3 fourth hole and a second-round 72, when in fact he made 4 on the hole and shot 73. His round had ended poorly moments earlier as he got caught up in the right rough and made a double-bogey 6 at the difficult finishing hole at Riviera.

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• Tiger Woods withdraws during Round 2 of Genesis due to illness

Woods pulled out of the tournament after hitting his tee shot on the seventh hole at Riviera Country Club. He was taken off the course in a golf cart driven by a tournament official. At one point, Woods put his head in his hands in frustration.

Rob McNamara, Woods' good friend and the executive vice president of TGR Ventures, said in a statement that Woods began suffering flu-like symptoms Thursday night. On Friday morning, they were worse. He was treated by physicians at Riviera.

IBSF | International Bobsleigh & Skeleton Federation

Patrick Cantlay Takes 2-Shot Lead Into Sunday at Genesis Invitational

Patrick Cantlay holds a 2-shot lead over Xander Schauffele and Will Zalatoris with one more round to go at the Genesis Invitational.

Hideki Matsuyama shoots 62, charging to victory at Riviera in the Genesis Invitational

ueled by one of the greatest final rounds in the history of the Genesis Invitational, Hideki Matsuyama rallied from six shots back on Sunday to win the 2024 Genesis Invitational.

Matsuyama’s 9-under 62 tied a 62-year record for the lowest final-round shot by a tournament winner. Phil Rodgers shot a final round 62 to win the 1962 tournament.

The former Masters Champion is the first player from Japan to win at Riviera. It is Matsuyama’s ninth PGA Tour win, giving him the most PGA Tour wins by an Asian player, breaking a tie with K.J. Choi who won eight PGA tournaments during his career.

2024 Genesis Invitational money: Here’s how much every player made

1. Hideki Matsuyama $4 million

T2. Will Zalatoris $1.8 million
Luke List $1.8 million

T4. Adam Hadwin $866,666
Patrick Cantlay $866,666
Xander Schauffele $866,666

7. Harris English $700,000

8. Tom Hoge $646,000

9. Jason Day $600,000

T10. Tommy Fleetwood $455,000
Sam Burns $455,000
Scottie Scheffler $455,000
Eric Cole $455,000
Adam Svensson $455,000
J.T. Poston $455,000

Verry Elleegant, Melbourne Cup champion, dies suddenly while giving birth

The Australasian racing industry is in mourning following the news of the passing of 11-time Group One winner Verry Elleegant when foaling in Ireland.

By Grangewilliam Stud stallion Zed, Verry Elleegant was bred by Don Goodwin out of his Danroad mare Opulence, who he purchased as a broodmare prospect for $14,000 off South Auckland horseman Nicholas Bishara at Karaka. It came full circle for Bishara, and he was pleased to take on her progeny, including Verry Elleegant, to educate and subsequently train.

Verry Elleegant showed immense talent from day one and won two of her three starts for Bishara before she was partly sold, with the ownership group expanding to include John, Mark and Rachael Carter and a group of their Auckland friends, along with a number of Australians, including Aziz “Ozzie” Kheir and Brae Sokolski.

She was subsequently transferred to leading Victorian trainer Darren Weir, for whom she had four starts, including victory in the Group 3 Ethereal Stakes (2000m) and placed in the Group 2 Edward Manifold Stakes (1600m), before she joined leading Sydney trainer Chris Waller’s barn following Weir’s disqualification.

• 2024 Honda LPGA Thailand

The LPGA Tour is back in action this week after a three-week break following the thrilling conclusion of the LPGA Drive On Championship. The world’s top talent will go head-to-head in Chonburi, Thailand for the 17th edition of the Honda LPGA Thailand at Siam Country Club’s Old Course and will compete for a share of a $1.7 million purse. The 72-player field features defending champion and Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings No. 1 Lilia Vu, the Jutanugarn sisters and 2021 Chevron Championship winner Patty Tavatanakit, who picked up her first Ladies European Tour victory on Sunday at the Aramco Saudi Ladies International.

Take a look at who else is in the field this week at the Honda LPGA Thailand: In the link

• Suvichaya Claims Victory in National Qualifiers, Gears Up for Showdown with World-Class Golf Stars at Honda LPGA Thailand 2024

Suvichaya Vinijchaitham earned a place to compete in the Honda LPGA Thailand 2024 National Qualifiers held on January 10-11, 2024, at Siam Country Club Rolling Hills, Pattaya, Chonburi, and earns the privilege to participate in the Honda LPGA Thailand 2024, competing alongside 72 world’s top women golfers from February 22-25, 2024, at Siam Country Club Old Course, Pattaya, Chonburi.

In an impressive display of skill on the golf course, 17-year-old amateur Suvichaya, from Khonkaen, took the lead in the first round and secured the championship with a total score of 9 under par on the 2nd day. Not content with just a strong start, Suvichaya further solidified her position by adding three more under-par rounds in the final stretch. This remarkable performance marks a significant triumph in her golfing journey, showcasing talent and determination. Meanwhile, Alisa Inprasit thrilled the crowd by securing second place with an exciting score of 8 under par.

Suvichaya said, “I am overjoyed and incredibly proud to see my dreams come true. The competitive journey has been remarkable, and I extend my thanks to the Honda LPGA Thailand for consistently offering a platform for Thai golfers to participate in top-notch competitions. I am grateful to all Thai women golfers who serve as a source of inspiration. Looking ahead to the Honda LPGA Thailand 2024 next month, I am committed to giving my best performance and enjoying the game to the fullest. Being given this opportunity to compete is truly a memorable and valuable experience for me.”

From yesterday's round 1



2024 Honda LPGA Thailand - Yesterday’s highlights

Patty Tavatanakit Round 1 Highlights

Honda LPGA Thailand 2024 - Round 2

Three-Way Tie at the Top of Honda LPGA Thailand Leaderboard Through 36 Holes

Battling against the rising temperatures under the Thailand sun, three players grinded to the top of the leaderboard after 36 holes at the Honda LPGA Thailand to make it a three-way tie at double digits (-10): Madelene Sagstrom, Patty Tavatanakit and Sei Young Kim, who have 23 seasons between them and 14 LPGA Tour wins. Despite a bogey on the opening par-5 1st, Tavatanakit continued her strong form since a dominating win last week at the Aramco Saudi Ladies International, rebounding with four birdies in her next eight holes. As her energy dipped, the Thai native still carded birdies on the final par-5 opportunities (Nos. 10 and 18) to give the hometown fans something to cheer for on Friday.

“I feel a little bit more fatigue coming off a strong play last week. Used a lot of the adrenaline back there. It's only Friday and it's really hot and my body fells like it needs a lot of rest, so I'm going to go ahead and do that,” said Tavatanakit. “I am sure the golf will just take care of itself.”

Low Gap Hopper: Christopher Blevins and Kate Courtney take wins to open the US gravel season

The Low Gap Hopper from the Grasshopper Adventure Series opened the US gravel season on Saturday with wins for two of America’s top mountain bike pros: Kate Courtney and Christopher Blevins.

The two former World Champions in cross-country and short track, respectively, took the wins ahead of the gravel specialists on the short but hilly course around Mendocino County, California.

With the explosion in gravel’s popularity, the race is a popular season opener because the temperate climate of Northern California’s coastal range and the lush redwood forests make for a perfect 47-mile race to get the engine running for the bigger races ahead, and it has become a key race in the calendar for many riders.

“I think this is quickly becoming my 20-minute FTP test to start the year because the first climb is basically as hard as you can go. I’ve had a lot of good battles with Pete [Stetina] in early-season races in northern California. It's awesome to have someone to push me, especially on the climbs,” Blevins said in a post-race interview, shared on the Grasshopper Adventure Series Instagram page.

The American is in a crucial Olympic year and will need a strong showing at the opening rounds of the World Cups later this Spring to clinch a place in Paris for the games.

• Patty Tavatanakit With Solo Lead Heading Into Final Day at Honda LPGA Thailand

A week after holding the three-shot lead heading into the final day of her victory at the Aramco Saudi Ladies International on the Ladies European Tour, Tavatanakit has kept the momentum through 54 holes at the Honda LPGA Thailand to again take a three-shot advantage with one round to go at Siam Country Club Old Course. The Thai native shot a 6-under 66 on Saturday to make it three-straight rounds in the 60s, the first time she’s done so since 2021, and stands ahead the 72-player field at -16.

So far, so good

Patty Tavatanakit wins LPGA Thailand by one stroke

Local favorite Patty Tavatanakit held off a fast-finishing Albane Valenzuela to clinch the LPGA Thailand by one stroke on Sunday.

The 24-year-old Bangkok native showcased her prowess with a brilliant approach shot to tap in an easy birdie on the final hole to card a final round 67, finishing at 21 under-par-267 at Siam Country Club Pattaya Old Course.

“I’m honestly speechless. I was so nervous today and choked a bit as there are many Thai fans showing up to support me,” said Tavatanakit, whose triumph marked her second LPGA victory since her win at the ANA Inspiration in 2021.

“It’s a dream come true to win a home tournament in front of my parents.”

Prize money for 1^st place - $255,000

It’s Jake Knapp time at Mexico Open at Vidanta

PGA TOUR rookie, former nightclub bouncer wins in fifth TOUR start as member

Jake Knapp jokingly told his girlfriend, Makena White, that if he had a three-shot lead going into Sunday at the Mexico Open at Vidanta, he’d fly her down to watch the finale.

Turns out, the lead was four.

Makena showed him the booking Saturday night when they spoke on FaceTime. She paid for her own flight and arrived midday Sunday. Knapp walked over and gave her a kiss. There was a sweet moment on the broadcast when the cameras caught him waving to her.

Knapp’s whole family was at a watch party back in Costa Mesa, California, but with one special guest missing in person – his grandfather Gordon Bowles, who passed away in April. Knapp’s grandpa was with him Sunday, though. Tattooed on his arm and heavy on his mind.

Knapp proceeded to win the Mexico Open by two shots over Sami Valimaki, becoming the third TOUR rookie to win this season – matching the total number of rookie winners from last season – and even though his Sunday even-par 71 wasn’t pretty, it worked.

It was a win for himself, of course. You don’t get to the PGA TOUR for the first time at 29 without making some decisions for just you – like working as a nightclub bouncer to earn some extra cash. But Knapp sharing the win with those close to him makes it all the more special.

“Even though I didn't have my best stuff (on Sunday), kind of doing it for (my grandfather) and everybody else who has been a part of my team and my family and everything for so long,” Knapp said. “Keeping them in the back of my mind and just no quit, no surrender and just grind it out.”

Knapp started Sunday with “the three worst holes” he could have played, going bogey-par-bogey. The lead, however, was still two shots. The numbers show that his strengths from the first 54 holes of the week – his ball-striking, and especially his putting from the previous round – just weren’t there. He made up for it, however, with his short-game prowess. He was 56th in the field on Saturday in Strokes Gained: Around-the-Green but ranked 13th in the same stat in the final round. He hit only two fairways Sunday, the fewest by a TOUR winner on record. But he ranked No. 1 for the week in Strokes Gained: Approach the Green and didn’t miss a putt inside 5 feet. That’ll work.

Knapp finally made his first birdie Sunday on the par-4 seventh and added just one more circle on his scorecard on the par-5 14th. His four closing pars were plenty; when Valimaki had to take an unplayable after his tee shot on the 72nd hole ended up against an out-of-bounds fence, Knapp was able to enjoy the walk up to the 18th green and soak it all in.

Prize money: 1,458,000.00

• American women’s cycling team punished for deception attempt to enter race in Belgium

American women’s cycling team Cynisca was punished by the sport’s governing body for trying to enter an international race by deceiving organizers.

The International Cycling Union said a team official told a mechanic “to wear a rider’s clothes and a face mask” and pretend to be feeling ill so the team could have the mandatory five racers sign an entry list at the start of the one-day Argenta Classic in Belgium last year.

The Cynisca team, staff and riders “were therefore all found to have participated in a fraud,” the UCI said publishing the judgment of its disciplinary panel.

“Danny Van Haute was found to be the main perpetrator,” the UCI said, banning the veteran American official and 1984 Los Angeles Olympics rider from the sport through the end of 2025. Mechanic Moira Barrett is banned through August.

Cynisca was fined an unspecified amount and suspended from the next international race it was due to enter, the ruling said.

The sanctions for Cynisca were announced one day after its rider Lauren Stephens won the one-day Clasica de Almeria in Spain.

The team based in Bloomington, Indiana, had only four healthy riders at the Belgian race in July 2023 but needed to comply with UCI rules by having five sign a document to try to start the race. Four other riders who followed Van Haute’s instructions were reprimanded.

The team and staff can appeal against the ruling at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Here's What Each Player Will Bank This Week at Zurich Classic's Two-Man Team Event

WIN. Rory McIlroy/Shane Lowry, playoff: $1,602,000
2. Martin Trainer/Chad Ramey, playoff runner-up: $970,100
3. Ryan Brehm/Mark Hubbard, 24 under: $307,050
T4. Garrick Higgo/Ryan Fox, Sam Stevens/Paul Barjon, Nico Echavarria/Max Greyserman, Zac Blair/Patrick Fishburn; 23 under: $356,000
T8. Greyson Sigg/Chesson Hadley, Thomas Detry/Robert MacIntyre; 22 under: $269,225
10. Nick Taylor/Adam Hadwin, 21 under: $242,525

The Kentucky Derby starts at 6:57 pm EST. TV coverage starts at 2:30 pm on NBC.

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