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Formula E set for biggest lineup in the motorsport’s history

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In total, 12 teams from around the world are focused on the Diriyah Circuit. The track was created at the UNESCO World Heritage site known as the home of kings and heroes. (Photo/Supplied)
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Error messageThe page you are editing could not be locked automatically. Please lock the page to make sure other people cannot accidentally overwrite your changes. Attached Files Show row weights File information Operations Image icon 1828591-1174122071.jpg (580.71 KB) Title In total, 12 teams from around the world are focused on the Diriyah Circuit. The track was created at the UNESCO World Heritage site known as the home of kings and heroes. (Photo/Supplied) The title is used as a tool tip when the user hovers the mouse over the image. Image icon mahinda.jpg (385.91 KB) Title The title is used as a tool tip when the user hovers the mouse over the image. Image icon etron.jpg (328.55 KB) Title The title is used as a tool tip when the user hovers the mouse over the image. Image icon ds_auto.jpg (482.06 KB) Title The title is used as a tool tip when the user hovers the mouse over the image. Add a new file Files must be less than 2 MB. Allowed file types: jpg jpeg gif png.
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Error messageThe page you are editing could not be locked automatically. Please lock the page to make sure other people cannot accidentally overwrite your changes. Attached Files Show row weights File information Operations Image icon 1828591-1174122071.jpg (580.71 KB) Title In total, 12 teams from around the world are focused on the Diriyah Circuit. The track was created at the UNESCO World Heritage site known as the home of kings and heroes. (Photo/Supplied) The title is used as a tool tip when the user hovers the mouse over the image. Image icon mahinda.jpg (385.91 KB) Title The title is used as a tool tip when the user hovers the mouse over the image. Image icon etron.jpg (328.55 KB) Title The title is used as a tool tip when the user hovers the mouse over the image. Image icon ds_auto.jpg (482.06 KB) Title The title is used as a tool tip when the user hovers the mouse over the image. Add a new file Files must be less than 2 MB. Allowed file types: jpg jpeg gif png.
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Error messageThe page you are editing could not be locked automatically. Please lock the page to make sure other people cannot accidentally overwrite your changes. Attached Files Show row weights File information Operations Image icon 1828591-1174122071.jpg (580.71 KB) Title In total, 12 teams from around the world are focused on the Diriyah Circuit. The track was created at the UNESCO World Heritage site known as the home of kings and heroes. (Photo/Supplied) The title is used as a tool tip when the user hovers the mouse over the image. Image icon mahinda.jpg (385.91 KB) Title The title is used as a tool tip when the user hovers the mouse over the image. Image icon etron.jpg (328.55 KB) Title The title is used as a tool tip when the user hovers the mouse over the image. Image icon ds_auto.jpg (482.06 KB) Title The title is used as a tool tip when the user hovers the mouse over the image. Add a new file Files must be less than 2 MB. Allowed file types: jpg jpeg gif png.
Updated 22 November 2019
Arab News
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Formula E set for biggest lineup in the motorsport’s history

  • Two German giants will complete a full grid of 24 cars for the very first time
Updated 22 November 2019
Arab News

JEDDAH: The 2019/20 ABB FIA Formula E Championship season will see two German giants — TAG Heuer Porsche and Mercedes-Benz EQ  — complete a full grid of 24 cars for the very first time in Formula E’s history, creating one of the most eagerly anticipated showdowns in motorsport.

In total, 12 teams from around the world are now focused on the Diriyah Circuit in Saudi Arabia on Nov. 22 and 23. The track, created in the UNESCO World Heritage site known as the home of kings and heroes, is set for electrifying action, given that season 6 of the ABB FIA Formula E Championship kicks off with a doubleheader of back-to-back races. Here we meet the teams that will be fighting for glory. 

 

Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler — Germany 

For Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler, the 2017/18 season of the Championship saw the team fight back from the brink of defeat to finish first overall, clinching the title by just two points in the final round. With a history in the series dating back to the very first Formula E race in Beijing in 2014, Audi Sport has competed in everything from the World Rally Championship and Pikes Peak, to Super Touring and GT racing. Completing the team’s driver lineup is Brazilian driver Lucas Di Grassi, the winner of the drivers championship in the 16/17 season and his German teammate Daniel Abt. 

Both drivers have been with the team since the first season. With a title to defend, the battle has just begun for the German manufacturer. 

 

BMW i Andretti Motorsport — Germany 

BMW has been a mainstay of Formula E since the championship’s inception. Alongside providing the entire fleet of safety and official cars, the German giant became a full manufacturer works team ahead of the 2018/19 season, when it partnered up with Andretti Autosport. 

The team fielded Antonio Felix da Costa and newcomer Alex Sims behind the wheel of its Gen2 challenger, the BMW iFE.18. Rounding off its first campaign as a works team with a 5th-place finish, the team signed former Dragon driver Max Guenther for the current season while retaining Sims.    

 

DS Techeetah — China 

After clinching the team championship title at the end of a grueling 2018/19 campaign, DS Techeetah is looking to scoop its second title with reigning champion Jean-Eric Vergne and Antonio Felix da Costa in this season. 

First entering into the ABB FIA Formula E Championship in the 2016/17 season, after taking over the entry previously held by Team Aguri, reigning champions Techeetah face their third campaign in the competition with Vergne and da Costa driving the DS E-Tense FE20. 

 

Envision Virgin Racing – UK 

Envision Virgin Racing has been competing in the championship since the inaugural season, and is one of two British teams (alongside Panasonic Jaguar Racing) in the series. Partnering with digital energy company Envision Group, Virgin Racing becomes Envision Virgin Racing for the 2018/19 season. Long-time Virgin driver Sam Bird and familiar Formula E face Robin Frijns complete the driver lineup for the season. 

 

Geox Dragon Racing — US 

Geox Dragon has been a mainstay of Formula E, competing in every race to date. Founded by Jay Penske in 2007, the outfit is the only all-American team on the grid, headquartered in Los Angeles, California — the largest single metropolitan electric vehicle market in the world — with additional operations at Silverstone in the UK. 

For Geox Dragon’s sixth season in the series, the team signed former Formula 1 and World Endurance Car Champion Brendon Hartley and former DTM runner-up and Formula E debutant Nico Muller. 

 

Mahindra Racing — India 

Mahindra Racing has competed in the championship since 2014. The team scored its breakthrough maiden win in the 2016/17 season, and in 2017/18 went on to score two more victories. For the 2018/19 season, the team was fronted by long-standing Formula E and former Dragon driver Jerome d’Ambrosio as well as rookie driver Pascal Wehrlein. 

After a strong season together, the pair remain in place for a second consecutive season, getting behind the wheel of the new M6Electro, which sports a powertrain developed in partnership with German engineering giant ZF. 

 

Mercedes-Benz EQ — Germany 

Mercedes-Benz EQ joins the grid for the curent season after transitioning from HWA Racelab. With 125 years of motorsport experience, the entry marks the beginning of a radical new chapter as it works toward an all-electric future. Behind the wheel of its new Gen2 challenger, the Silver Arrow 01, is Dutch reigning Formula 2 Champion Nyck de Vries and former Formula 1 driver, Stoffel Vandoorne. 

With a strong racing pedigree outside of Formula E, such as five constructor’s titles in the hybrid era of Formula 1 and seven driver titles, few names can claim to be more successful on the racing circuit. 

 

Nio 333 — UK/China 

The team is the racing arm of Chinese car maker NIO — makers of the record breaking EP9 hypercar, which set a new lap record of the Nurburgring in 2017. Nelson Piquet Jr. remained with the team for three seasons, partnered by Oliver Turvey. For the 2017/18 season, Italian IndyCar driver Luca Filippi replaced Piquet Jr. to partner Turvey. For the upcoming season, Turvey remains, and Ma Qing Hua has taken over from Filippi — the first Asian to participate at Diriyah. They pilot NIOs striking green and white Gen2 challenger. 

 

Nissan e.dams — Japan 

After announcing its arrival into Formula E in 2017, Nissan partnered with seasoned outfit e.dams (formally racing partner of French manufacturer Renault) to become Nissan e.dams. After finishing runner-up in the teams’ championship in its debut season, it will challenge for the title in the 2019/20 season. Nissan is the first Japanese manufacturer to enter the series and is a world leader in the design and manufacture of all-electric cars. 

Racing for the team is Formula E veteran and former champion Sebastien Buemi alongside British driver Oliver Rowland. 

 

Panasonic Jaguar Racing – UK 

The team heads into its third season with its new Gen2 Jaguar I-Type III. With one of the richest histories in motorsport of any manufacturer, dating back to 1948, the British car guant revived its motorsport program to showcase its range of electric cars with its entry into Formula E in 2016. The team calls on Mitch Evans and James Calado as the stars of their show.  

 

Tag Heuer Porsche — Germany 

After more than 30 years, Porsche returns to single-seater racing, making its debut in the 2019/20 season of the ABB FIA Formula E Championship. They are represented by Andre Loterrer and Neel Jani, and going up against fellow German car giants Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, the series will see them race head-to-head for the first time in history. 

With one of the longest-standing track records in motorsport dating back to the 1950s, Porsche’s entry into Formula E is the latest step in the German manufacturer’s history. After its most recent success in endurance racing, including multiple victories in both LMP1 and GT categories, the brand turns to the all-electric racing series to ready the next generation of electric Porsche road cars. 

Topics: 2019/20 ABB FIA Formula E Championship TAG Heuer Porsche Mercedes-Benz EQ DIRIYAH SEASON

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Defending champs Alcaraz and Sabalenka win opening matches at Madrid Open

Updated 9 sec ago
AP
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Defending champs Alcaraz and Sabalenka win opening matches at Madrid Open

  • The two-time defending champion was playing for the first time in nearly a month after his injured arm ruled him out of Monte Carlo and Barcelona
  • Fourth-seeded Alexander Zverev, another two-time Madrid champion, saw off Borna Coric 6-3, 6-2 and will face Denis Shapovalov next
Updated 9 sec ago
AP

MADRID: Carlos Alcaraz didn’t need to put his tender right arm to the test while easing to victory in his opening match at the Madrid Open on Friday.

The two-time defending champion was playing for the first time in nearly a month after his injured arm ruled him out of Monte Carlo and Barcelona. And after doubting this week he would be good to go in Spain’s capital, Alcaraz admitted he could afford to hold back a little in a 6-2, 6-1 win over Alexander Shevchenko.

“I didn’t hit my forehand 100 percent. I hit it softer than I used to hit it, but I think it helped me, you know, to, let’s say, stay relaxed,” Alcaraz said. “But the first thing that I was thinking about when I was stepping on the court is to stay healthy.

“I was really happy to not feel anything in the forearm, and after that I could increase my intensity a bit. It was great for me this match.”

Defending women’s champion Aryna Sabalenka faced tougher resistance in her opening match while beating Magda Linette 6-3, 4-6, 6-3 on the Caja Magica clay.

This was Alcaraz’s first match since the Miami Open quarterfinals nearly one month ago. Madrid is the Spaniard’s first appearance on the European clay court swing — he struggled in Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro in February — as he aims to win his first French Open title next month.

“Right now I’m thinking to be better or get better every day, and I’m thinking to be closer to my 100 percent here in Madrid.” the two-time major champion said. “Let’s see how it’s going to be the next few weeks. But the main thing is to be ready for next tournament and obviously to Roland Garros.”

In Madrid, the third-ranked Alcaraz is seeded second behind Jannik Sinner and both enjoyed first-round byes.

Alcaraz played with a compression sleeve on his right arm from his wrist up past his elbow. But he looked pretty much like the same aggressive player who has dominated here for the past two years and given Spanish tennis fans hope there is life after Rafael Nadal.

Alcaraz broke Shevchenko’s serve four times and will next face Thiago Seyboth Wild of Brazil.

Seyboth Wild upset Daniil Medvedev at last year’s French Open and should offer a stiffer challenge to Alcaraz in the round of 32.

Fourth-seeded Alexander Zverev, another two-time Madrid champion, saw off Borna Coric 6-3, 6-2 and will face Denis Shapovalov next.

Seventh-seeded Andrey Rublev snapped a four-game losing streak by defeating Facundo Bagnis 6-1, 6-4. Rublev’s last win came at Indian Wells in March.

Holger Rune was just two points from defeat against Mariano Navone before he rallied to force a second-set tiebreaker and finally prevailed 5-7, 7-6 (2), 6-4.

Eighth-seeded Hubert Hurkacz beat Jack Draper 6-1, 7-5. Last year’s finalist Jan Lennard Struff, Taylor Fritz, Tommy Paul, Alejandro Davidovich, and Sebastian Baez also moved on.

SABALENKA’S SLOW START

The second-ranked Sabalenka struggled with her serve at times against Linette, but the two-time Australian Open winner struck her 10th ace on match point.

Sabalenka got some help from the net to get a key break and go up 5-3 in the third set when Linette was unable to reach a shot by the Belarusian that clipped the top of the tape.

Sabalenka has either won it all in Madrid as she did in 2021 and last year, or gone out in the first round as she did in 2018, 2019 and 2022.

“Hopefully it’s going to be a good sign and I will keep it like that,” she said. “I either lose in the first or I win (the title).”

Fourth-seeded Elena Rybakina beat Lucia Bronzetti 6-4, 6-3 to take her season-leading win haul to 27 as she seeks her fourth title of 2024.

Rybakina will next face Egypt’s Mayar Sherif after she upset Marta Kostyuk 6-2, 7-5 to reach the third round.

Danielle Collins extended her career-best win streak to 14 matches after beating Serb qualifier Olga Danilovic 4-6, 6-4, 7-6 (8) from 6-4, 3-1 down.

Fifth-seeded Zheng Qinwen, who lost the Australian Open final to Sabalenka, withdrew with a right thigh injury while trailing Yulia Putintseva 7-5, 2-0.

Sixteen-year-old Mirra Andreeva, who made her breakout at Madrid last year, bettered 19-year-old Linda Noskova 4-3, 6-3, 6-3.

Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, Carolina Garcia, and Jasmine Paolini also advanced.

Topics: tennis Carlos Alcaraz Aryna Sabalenka

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Ahly, Esperance book CAF Champions League final places

Updated 34 min 41 sec ago
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Ahly, Esperance book CAF Champions League final places

  • Ahly are seeking a record-extending 12th victory in the premier African club competition
  • Both clubs have booked final places after 11 clean sheets in 12 qualifying, group and knockout matches
Updated 34 min 41 sec ago

JOHANNESBURG: Title-holders Al Ahly of Egypt and long-time rivals Esperance of Tunisia will meet in the two-leg CAF Champions League final during May.

Ahly overpowered TP Mazembe from the Democratic Republic of Congo 3-0 in Cairo to win a semifinal by the same score on aggregate after a goalless first leg last Saturday.

Esperance soaked up constant pressure from Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa in Pretoria before snatching a 1-0 win to advance 2-0 overall after also winning 1-0 at home.

Mohamed Abdelmonem, Wessam Abou Ali and Akram Tawfik scored in the second half for Ahly, who are seeking a record-extending 12th victory in the premier African club competition.

Raed Bouchniba came off the bench to score 12 minutes into the second half against Sundowns in a match that lasted 190 minutes after a storm halted play midway through the opening half.

It will be the third time Ahly and Esperance face each other in the final of the Champions League with the Egyptians winning in 2012 and the Tunisians succeeding in 2018.

They also clashed in the semifinals last season with Ahly winning home and away for a 4-0 aggregate triumph.

Both clubs have booked final places after 11 clean sheets in 12 qualifying, group and knockout matches.

Esperance, seeking a fifth Champions League title, will host the first leg in Rades on the outskirts of Tunis on May 18 with the return match in Cairo seven days later.

Sundowns had their chances against Esperance with Peter Shalulile and Aubrey Modiba hitting the woodwork and Namibia captain Shalulile coming close several times.

But the first time Esperance threatened to score they did so as a counterattack ended with Bouchniba racing into the area and firing across goalkeeper Ronwen Williams into the far corner.

Since their lone Champions League title in 2016, Sundowns have reached the semifinals three times and lost on each occasion to north African opponents.

In Cairo, Joel Beya had a goal for Mazembe early in the second half disallowed before a powerful header from Abdelmonem off a corner broke the deadlock on 68 minutes.

A superb cross from veteran Tunisia defender Ali Maaloul was fired into the net by Abou Ali on 83 minutes for his first goal of the African campaign.

Tawfik struck 12 minutes into added time by racing through and slamming the ball across Senegalese goalkeeper Alioune Faty into the far corner.
 

Topics: CAF Champions League Mohamed Abdelmonem Al-Ahly Esperance of Tunisia

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Arda Guler stretches Real Madrid’s vast Liga lead at Real Sociedad

Updated 39 min 31 sec ago
AFP
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Arda Guler stretches Real Madrid’s vast Liga lead at Real Sociedad

  • The playmaker, 19, has endured an injury-hit season but on his first league start snatched a heavily rotated Madrid side a tight victory at the Reale Arena
  • The match was brought forward to Friday from Saturday at little more than a week’s notice, to help Madrid prepare for their Champions League match at Bayern
Updated 39 min 31 sec ago
AFP

SAN SEBASTIAN, Spain: Turkish teenager Arda Guler’s strike helped Real Madrid close in on the Spanish title with a 1-0 win at Real Sociedad on Friday, moving 14 points clear at the top of La Liga.

After last weekend’s Clasico win over second place Barcelona it appears a formality for Madrid to take the title back from their arch-rivals, and Guler helped them move one step closer.

The playmaker, 19, has endured an injury-hit season but on his first league start snatched a heavily rotated Madrid side a tight victory at the Reale Arena.

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti rested virtually his entire first choice team with Tuesday’s Champions League semifinal visit to face Bayern Munich in mind.

Top scorer Jude Bellingham was on the bench after recovering from a stomach problem to earn a late addition to the squad list, alongside Vinicius Junior, Toni Kroos and various other stars.

As a result Madrid conjured little in attack beyond Guler’s goal, with the hosts, sixth, on top in driving San Sebastian rain.

“Arda scored a goal, Arda will be an important player for us in the future, there’s no doubt he’ll be here next year,” Ancelotti told reporters, also praising his team’s commitment despite the rotations.

“It was quite clear that everyone thought we were coming here for a stroll, the only ones who didn’t think so were the players,” he continued.

“I am proud of the players because they had the desire and will to keep winning... I have to thank them because from that point of view, they were spectacular.”

Madrid goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, on loan from Chelsea, pushed away a Takefusa Kubo effort as La Real continued to probe.

Ancelotti also gave defender Eder Militao his first start after his long-term knee injury.

The Brazilian looked uncertain but Real Sociedad could not capitalize, with Benat Turrientes firing narrowly over.

Despite previously failing to generate openings of their own, Madrid took the lead in the 29th minute.

Aurelien Tchouameni swept the ball out to Dani Carvajal on the right, who stroked a low ball across the area.

It was a perfectly placed pass by the Spain international — playing seemingly only as he is suspended for the visit to Munich — and Guler arrived in the right place at the right time to finish.

Kubo thought he had pulled Real Sociedad level against his former side before the break when he beat Militao and slotted home, but Ander Barrenetxea was penalized for a foul on Tchouameni in the buildup.

“Barrene went to steal the ball and the only thing I can say is that the player who loses it was sleeping,” Kubo told Movistar.

Arrizabalaga pushed a Turrientes effort wide in the second half and Ancelotti called on the cavalry for the final 25 minutes, sending Vinicius Junior and Fede Valverde into the fray.

Another substitute, Antonio Rudiger, made a vital block on an attempted Oyarzabal dink to deflect the forward’s effort behind for a corner.

Alex Remiro made a fine save to deny Eduardo Camavinga late on as the reinforced visitors took control in five minutes of added time to see out the win.

The match was brought forward to Friday from Saturday at little more than a week’s notice, to help Madrid prepare for their Champions League match at Bayern.

“It’s a pity, whoever watched the game knew that we deserved to win,” added Kubo.

“It’s a pity for the fans, because of the rain, the change of schedule... all that rubbish.”

Barcelona face Valencia on Monday in La Liga but the Catalans have all but thrown in the towel in the title race.

Madrid’s performance was decidedly forgettable but they are eyeing a league and Champions League double for the fifth time in their history — and that would be something to remember.
 

Topics: Arda Guler real madrid La Liga football league Real Sociedad

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‘Ballistic’ Bairstow stars as Punjab pull off record T20 chase in IPL win over Kolkata Knight Riders

Updated 27 April 2024
AFP
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‘Ballistic’ Bairstow stars as Punjab pull off record T20 chase in IPL win over Kolkata Knight Riders

  • Previous highest run chase in T20 history was scripted by South Africa who overhauled 258-5 made by the West Indies in 2023
  • Shashank Singh also impressed with the bat, making 68 not out off 28 balls with eight sixes and two fours
Updated 27 April 2024
AFP

KOLKATA: Jonny Bairstow smashed a “ballistic” unbeaten century as Punjab Kings recorded the highest successful run chase in Twenty20 cricket with an eight-wicket thrashing of Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League on Friday.
The England star clobbered nine sixes and eight fours in his 48-ball 108 to help Punjab overhaul Kolkata’s 261-6 with eight balls to spare in hot and humid conditions at the Eden Gardens.
“We got off to a good start and that was key. They got off to a flier themselves so we knew we had to go ballistic in the powerplay,” said Bairstow, named player of the match.
“When you’ve to chase 200-plus you’ve to take risks in the powerplay. Try and whack it as hard as possible.”
Shashank Singh also impressed with the bat, making 68 not out off 28 balls with eight sixes and two fours.
The previous highest run chase in T20 history was scripted by South Africa who overhauled 258-5 made by the West Indies in 2023.
“Shashank has done it all season, a lovely guy and special player. To have someone like him coming in and do that is unbelievable,” added Bairstow.
The match also saw the batsmen club 42 sixes — the most ever hit in a T20 game.
“Cricket has turned to baseball hasn’t it?” said Punjab captain Sam Curran.
“Guys can hit balls for long periods of time, the coaches, training, the dew, dot balls become wide after reviews and you get the extra ball. Stats are going out of the window.”
He added: “Really pleased for Jonny, he’s been on tour for a long time and was eager to score. Shashank, he was promoted to number four, he’s been our find of the season.”
Kolkata skipper Shreyas Iyer said his team will learn from the defeat.
“Both teams played tremendously. You have to go back to the drawing board and see where you went wrong,” said Iyer.
“Not defending hurts but it’s a great lesson for the players.”
Punjab registered only their third win from nine games and moved to eighth spot in the 10-team competition.
Kolkata, with five wins from eight games, remain in second place.
“From the dugout, I was watching the wicket. I felt the ball was coming on with good bounce,’ said Shashank.
“This match, the way Jonny batted was a huge positive. It was a great learning for me, we still have five more matches to go.”
Opening the Punjab innings, Bairstow put on 93 runs with impact sub Prabhsimran Singh (54) and another 85 runs with South Africa’s Rilee Rossouw (26).
Prabhsimran was run out by a direct throw from Sunil Narine who also chipped in with the wicket of Rossouw in the 13th over.
Despite the two dismissals, Shashank continued to unleash big shots, making sure Punjab did not lose their nerve while chasing the big total.
Earlier, Kolkata got off to a blistering start with Phil Salt and Narine sharing 138 runs off just 69 balls for the first wicket after being put in to bat.
Narine, dropped on 16, hammered four sixes and nine fours in his 32-ball 71 before holing out to Bairstow off leg spinner Rahul Chahar.
England’s Curran dismissed Salt who hit a 37-ball 75 studded with six sixes and six fours after being dropped twice by sloppy Punjab fielders.
Venkatesh Iyer chipped in with a cameo 39-run knock as Kolkata posted the highest IPL total ever at the Eden Gardens.

Topics: Cricket T20 cricket India Indian Premier League (IPL) Punjab Kings

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Kozuma shoots 63 to grab lead; Torque top team leaderboard

Updated 26 April 2024
Arab News
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Kozuma shoots 63 to grab lead; Torque top team leaderboard

  • Torque GC owns the team lead by shooting 20 under, the lowest first-round counting score by any team this year
  • The Iron Heads are one shot back in second, while HyFlyers GC is third at 17 under
Updated 26 April 2024
Arab News

ADELAIDE, Australia: After shooting a bogey-free 9-under 63 to grab the first-round lead at LIV Golf Adelaide, Iron Heads GC’s Jinichiro Kozuma credited his putting prowess with helping him get through “some troubles here and there.”

 His teammate and Friday playing partner Danny Lee, sitting next to Kozuma during the post-round press conference, was perplexed. “Trouble? What trouble?”

Indeed, the 29-year-old Kozuma seemed to have almost no trouble during the first round at The Grange Golf Club. He was 8 under after his first 11 holes and never gave up the lead on a day of low scoring before enthusiastic jampacked crowds at The Grange.

Kozuma will take a one-shot advantage into Saturday’s second round over Lee and Torque GC’s Carlos Ortiz. Four players are tied for fourth, two shots back – Mito Pereira (Torque), Peter Uihlein (RangeGoats GC), Andy Ogletree (HyFlyers GC) and Anirban Lahiri (Crushers GC).

Torque GC owns the team lead by shooting 20 under, the lowest first-round counting score by any team this year. Besides the contributions from Ortiz and Pereira, captain Joaquin Niemann — who leads the Individual Championship standings this season thanks to two individual wins — contributed a 67.

The Iron Heads are one shot back in second, while HyFlyers GC is third at 17 under. Crushers GC, who lead the season-long team race, are in fourth at 16 under. The hometown favorites Ripper GC, captained by Cameron Smith, are fifth at 15 under.

Kozuma, who’s in his first full year in LIV Golf after earning a spot via the Promotions tournament during the offseason, is leading for the first time after any round in his nine LIV Golf starts. His family is attending its first LIV Golf tournament this week to watch him play.

“I wanted to play really well in front of my family and impress all the family,” said Kozuma, whose round was highlighted by a 40-foot eagle putt. “I guess I got to do that, and I’m really happy about that.”

Non-captain teammates played together in the same group on Friday, and Kozuma and Lee will be together again in Saturday’s second round. They hope it will lead to another day of feeding off
each other.

“Whatever I was doing today and whatever Jinny was doing today worked out pretty good,” said Lee, the winner last year in Tucson. “We’re going to just enjoy each other’s company and keep our head down, keep making putts.”

Ortiz and Pereira also excelled together in the all-Torque group.

“It was really nice playing with these guys,” Ortiz said. “They holed out two holes in a row, so it felt like we were getting some momentum our way. Really happy the way I played, and just get it going.”

Kozuma, Lee, Pereira and Ogletree are among eight individual players who have yet to produce points (top 24 finish) through the first five tournaments this season. That they posted strong opening rounds at Adelaide is an indication that better results may be on
the horizon.

“Not the start (to this season) that I would like,” said Pereira, who finished eighth in the season-long standings last year. “… But trying to work hard to get my game back where it was last year, or
even better.”

For Kozuma and Lee, the focus for the next two rounds is not on points but just playing well and building on the momentum of Friday’s hot start.

“You can’t get too caught up in that kind of stuff,” said Lee, who was slowed by offseason surgery on his wrist. “I feel like that’s only putting a lot of pressure on yourself, so you’ve just got to let it go and keep your head down and just keep doing what we’ve been doing.”

Added Kozuma: “I don’t want to think too much about the points. I want to just enjoy where I’m at right now and play.”

Topics: LIV Golf LIV Golf Adelaide Jinichiro Kozuma The Grange Golf Club Torque GC Iron Heads GC

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