Kickboxing, arm wrestling and fencing take center stage on day 8 of World Combat Games

Medals were awarded in kickboxing, armwrestling and fencing on day eight of the Riyadh World Combat Games on Friday. (Supplied)
Short Url
Updated 27 October 2023
Follow

Kickboxing, arm wrestling and fencing take center stage on day 8 of World Combat Games

  • A total of 30 gold medals were won across the event on Friday, with Saudi Arabia's total medal tally reaching 41 after the day’s action

RIYADH: Medals were awarded in kickboxing, arm wrestling and fencing on day eight of the Riyadh World Combat Games on Friday.

A total of 30 gold medals were won across the event on Friday, with Saudi Arabia's total medal tally reaching 41 after the day’s action.

Ukraine are first in the standings, leading the total gold medal count with 18, while Kazakhstan follows in second with 10. Hosts Saudi Arabia are third with a total of nine gold medals.

Women’s Low Kick kickboxing

In the women's Low Kick kickboxing discipline, Brazil's Maria Eduarda Costa Alves secured the gold in the -48 kg division, Julina Nilusmas of France took the top spot in the -56 kg category, and Serbia's Valentina Keri emerged with first in the -65 kg weight class.

Women’s Point Fighting kickboxing

Gold in women’s Point Fighting was secured by Italy’s Carol Scacchi in the -55 kg division, Andrea Busa of Hungary in the -65 kg category and Jodie Browne of Ireland in the -70 kg event.

Men’s Low Kick kickboxing

In the men’s Low Kick championships, first was awarded to Amin Guliyev of Azerbaijan in the -60 kg division, Abror Khakimov of Kyrgyzstan in the -71 kg category and Brazil’s Lucas Rafael Ferraz Dos Santos in the -81 kg segment.  

Men’s Point Fighting kickboxing

In the Men's Point Fighting competition, champions included Hungary's Bence Laszlo Zajacz in the -69 kg category alongside his compatriot Imre Lajos Fesu in the -79 kg bracket and Christopher John Aston from Great Britain in the -94 kg division.

Women’s Left Arm arm wrestling

In the women's Left Arm division, Esra Kirav from Turkey secured victory for the -55 kg division, Aigerim Karamanova from Kazakhstan claimed the -65 kg title, Sweden's Mona Ann-Sofi Reisek emerged as the champion in the -80 kg category, and Barbora Bajciova from Slovakia took the +80 kg division win.

Ukraine excelled in both Para events, with Alona Hornich taking first place in the Women's Left Arm Para Standing event and Olesia Bessalnova securing the gold in the Women's Left Arm Para Visual category.

Men’s Left Arm arm wrestling

In the men’s Left Arm division, Kazakhstan’s Yerdaulet Sarybay secured the -70 kg win with a victory by extra round, while compatriot Nurdaulet Aidarkhan took the -80 kg top spot. In the -90 kg division, Marius-aurel Jurovschi of Romania claimed victory, while Kazakhstan secured another two wins in the -100 kg and +100 kg categories, with golds awarded to Talgat Aktayev and Medet Kuttymuratovm, respectively.

The champion of the Men’s Left-Arm Para Standing division was Daniel Simon of Hungary, while the gold in the men’s Left-Arm Para Sitting category was awarded to Gokhan Seven of Turkey.

Women’s Fencing

The women's Foil team witnessed the UAE securing first place with a 45-13 win over Saudi Arabia. The Saudi team later rebounded to secure the bronze medal.

In the women's Sabre team event, Saudi Arabia emerged victorious, clinching the top spot by defeating the UAE 45-25.

Men’s Fencing

In the men's Sabre team event, Saudi Arabia was awarded the gold with a 45-33 win over Iraq. Additionally, Saudi Arabia captured the bronze by defeating the UAE 45-21.

For the men's Foil team category, Qatar emerged with the victory, beating Kuwait with a score of 45-40.


Smash GC announces 2026 LIV Golf roster as Harold Varner III joins lineup

Updated 22 January 2026
Follow

Smash GC announces 2026 LIV Golf roster as Harold Varner III joins lineup

  • Talor Gooch-led team returns with lineup built for depth and competitiveness as LIV Golf kicks off new season in Riyadh

NEW YORK: Smash GC of the LIV Golf League today announced its official roster for the 2026 season with the addition of Harold Varner III. Varner joins newly minted captain Talor Gooch and returning veterans Jason Kokrak and Graeme McDowell.

The team blends winning pedigree, global experience and a competitive edge, reinforcing the team’s identity as one of LIV Golf’s most battle-tested lineups.

Varner, who made his LIV Golf debut in 2022, brings a mix of global experience and personal drive. He earned his first LIV Golf individual win in 2023 at LIV Golf DC after sinking a hole-out from the bunker for a birdie mid-round to claim a one-stroke victory. He joins Smash GC after a steady performance in 2025 with 4Aces GC, when he finished in the top 10 four times.

“Smash GC is a team that competes with confidence and edge,” Varner said. “I’m excited to join a group that believes in what it’s building and is focused on winning. I’m ready to get to work and contribute meaningfully in 2026.”

Gooch will lead Smash GC in 2026 after being officially named captain last December. One of LIV Golf’s most accomplished and consistent performers, he brings a performance-driven mindset and a deep understanding of team competition. He reunites with Varner after the two played together with RangeGoats GC during 2023, which was both Gooch’s and Varner’s most successful LIV Golf season.

In addition to Varner’s DC win, Gooch won three tournaments and the season-long individual championship. Rounding out the 2026 roster are Kokrak, who has delivered key individual and team performances throughout his LIV Golf tenure, and McDowell, the 2010 US Open champion and longtime Ryder Cup standout who brought steady play to the 2025 season combined with his experience, leadership and competitive instincts.

“Adding Harold to Smash GC is a big move for us, and I couldn’t be more excited to reunite with him in 2026,” Gooch said. “He’s proven he can compete at the highest level and, as captain, I’m excited about how he strengthens our lineup and pushes our standards forward. We’re building a team that expects to contend every week, and Harold is a big part of that.”

Smash GC enters the new season following a 2025 campaign defined by resilience and competitiveness. With strong team performances and consistent individual contributions, the club laid a foundation it now aims to build upon under refreshed leadership and a reinforced roster.