Man City’s Mendy found not guilty on six counts of rape

In this file photo taken on August 15, 2022 Manchester City and France footballer Benjamin Mendy arrives to Chester Crown Court for his trial for the alleged rape and assault of seven women. (AFP)
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Updated 13 January 2023
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Man City’s Mendy found not guilty on six counts of rape

  • City issued a statement saying the club had noted the verdict

LONDON: Manchester City defender Benjamin Mendy was found not guilty of six counts of rape and one count of sexual assault on Friday.
Meanwhile jurors could not reach verdicts on one count of rape and one of attempted rape, British media reported on Friday.
The trial had been taking place at Chester Crown Court since August after 13 women made allegations against Mendy and co-accused Louis Saha Matturie.
City issued a statement saying the club had noted the verdict.
“Given there are open matters related to this case, the club is not in a position to comment further at this time,” City said in a statement.


Lydia Ko returns to defend title at 2026 HSBC Women’s World Championship

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Lydia Ko returns to defend title at 2026 HSBC Women’s World Championship

  • Ko: Winning this event, Asia’s major, has always been a goal of mine, and to finally achieve it was an incredible moment
  • HSBC extends title sponsorship through 2030 as part of long-term commitment to women’s golf

SINGAPORE: Three-time major champion Lydia Ko will return to Sentosa Golf Club to defend her title at the HSBC Women’s World Championship from Feb. 26 – March 1, 2026.

In her 11th appearance at the tournament, Olympic gold medalist, Ko won the 2025 championship with a four-shot victory over Japan’s Ayaka Furue and Thailand’s Jeeno Thitikul, following a steady final-round 69 that included three consecutive birdies starting at the sixth hole. The win marked the 23rd LPGA Tour title of her career.

“I’m really excited to be returning to the HSBC Women’s World Championship as the defending champion,” said Ko. “Winning this event, Asia’s major, has always been a goal of mine, and to finally achieve it was an incredible moment. The course, the fans, and the atmosphere in Singapore make it such a special tournament, and I feel so proud to have my name on the trophy. I’m excited to come back next year and give it my all in defending the title.”

Lydia Ko has enjoyed one of the most distinguished careers in women’s golf, with three major championships, three Olympic medals (bronze, silver, and gold) and last year became the youngest inductee into the World Golf Hall of Fame at just 27 years old.

Tickets for the 18th edition of the HSBC Women’s World Championship go on sale tomorrow at 10am SGT, with an early-bird discount of 20 percent on weekend seasonal and four-day passes. The first 100 ticket buyers will also receive an exclusive HWWC Goodie Bag, redeemable on-site during tournament week.

Wong Kee Joo, CEO of HSBC Singapore, said: “We are proud to continue our long-standing partnership and commitment to women’s golf with the renewal our title sponsorship of the HSBC Women’s World Championship through to 2030. This reaffirms our dedication to ‘Asia’s major’ and to showcase Singapore as a stage for world-class sport.

This tournament continues to play a pivotal role in highlighting the strength and global appeal of women’s golf and we look forward to welcoming the world’s best golfers, including defending champion Lydia Ko, back to Singapore for the 18th edition of the HSBC Women’s World Championship next year. Sentosa Golf Club has been an exceptional host, and we are excited for another outstanding week of competition on the world’s first carbon neutral golf club.”

HSBC has been the title sponsor of the HSBC Women’s World Championship since its inception in 2008 and recently renewed its agreement for another five years, increasing both the prize money purse to $3 million and the field to 72 players. Of the event’s 17 past editions, 15 have been won by major champions, underscoring the tournament’s reputation as a showcase for the world’s elite golfers. The 2025 field featured players from 22 nationalities, including 19 major champions and 9 of the world’s top 10.

The 72-hole stroke play championship will once again take place on the widely acclaimed Tanjong Course at Sentosa Golf Club, hosting the event for the 12th time, and currently No. 2 on Golf Digest’s Best Courses in Singapore list. Sentosa continues to receive global recognition for its leadership in sustainable golf and championship venue status, with The Serapong recently being named Asia’s Best Golf Course and Singapore’s Best Golf Course at the 2025 World Golf Awards.