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Li keeps the heat on leading rookie Couvra in Turkey

Li keeps the heat on leading rookie Couvra in Turkey

The Advertiser10-05-2025

France's Martin Couvra will take a two-shot lead into the weekend as he looks to win his first DP World Tour title at the Turkish Airlines Open in Antalya.
The 22-year-old rookie started the day in a three-way tie at the top of the leaderboard but pulled clear of the chasing pack courtesy of a five-under 66 at Regnum Carya on Friday.
Couvra has impressed during his maiden campaign at this level, having already posted four top-10 finishes, including fifth at the Hainan Classic last time out.
"I'm really happy about my game today - it's always good to have a bogey-free round," said world No.247 Couvra.
At 11-under par, Couvra leads by two from South Africa's Wilco Nienaber (65), with Li Haotong (65) a shot further back in third.
The 29-year-old from Shanghai, China remains in contention to win his fifth European tour event after claiming the Qatar Masters in Doha in February.
Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald (72) missed the cut on three over par, with Todd Clements (68) leading the British challenge on seven under in a tie for fourth.
The two Australians in the field both missed the weekend cut, with Daniel Gale (75) at even and Danny List (78) five-over the card.
With AAP.
France's Martin Couvra will take a two-shot lead into the weekend as he looks to win his first DP World Tour title at the Turkish Airlines Open in Antalya.
The 22-year-old rookie started the day in a three-way tie at the top of the leaderboard but pulled clear of the chasing pack courtesy of a five-under 66 at Regnum Carya on Friday.
Couvra has impressed during his maiden campaign at this level, having already posted four top-10 finishes, including fifth at the Hainan Classic last time out.
"I'm really happy about my game today - it's always good to have a bogey-free round," said world No.247 Couvra.
At 11-under par, Couvra leads by two from South Africa's Wilco Nienaber (65), with Li Haotong (65) a shot further back in third.
The 29-year-old from Shanghai, China remains in contention to win his fifth European tour event after claiming the Qatar Masters in Doha in February.
Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald (72) missed the cut on three over par, with Todd Clements (68) leading the British challenge on seven under in a tie for fourth.
The two Australians in the field both missed the weekend cut, with Daniel Gale (75) at even and Danny List (78) five-over the card.
With AAP.
France's Martin Couvra will take a two-shot lead into the weekend as he looks to win his first DP World Tour title at the Turkish Airlines Open in Antalya.
The 22-year-old rookie started the day in a three-way tie at the top of the leaderboard but pulled clear of the chasing pack courtesy of a five-under 66 at Regnum Carya on Friday.
Couvra has impressed during his maiden campaign at this level, having already posted four top-10 finishes, including fifth at the Hainan Classic last time out.
"I'm really happy about my game today - it's always good to have a bogey-free round," said world No.247 Couvra.
At 11-under par, Couvra leads by two from South Africa's Wilco Nienaber (65), with Li Haotong (65) a shot further back in third.
The 29-year-old from Shanghai, China remains in contention to win his fifth European tour event after claiming the Qatar Masters in Doha in February.
Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald (72) missed the cut on three over par, with Todd Clements (68) leading the British challenge on seven under in a tie for fourth.
The two Australians in the field both missed the weekend cut, with Daniel Gale (75) at even and Danny List (78) five-over the card.
With AAP.
France's Martin Couvra will take a two-shot lead into the weekend as he looks to win his first DP World Tour title at the Turkish Airlines Open in Antalya.
The 22-year-old rookie started the day in a three-way tie at the top of the leaderboard but pulled clear of the chasing pack courtesy of a five-under 66 at Regnum Carya on Friday.
Couvra has impressed during his maiden campaign at this level, having already posted four top-10 finishes, including fifth at the Hainan Classic last time out.
"I'm really happy about my game today - it's always good to have a bogey-free round," said world No.247 Couvra.
At 11-under par, Couvra leads by two from South Africa's Wilco Nienaber (65), with Li Haotong (65) a shot further back in third.
The 29-year-old from Shanghai, China remains in contention to win his fifth European tour event after claiming the Qatar Masters in Doha in February.
Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald (72) missed the cut on three over par, with Todd Clements (68) leading the British challenge on seven under in a tie for fourth.
The two Australians in the field both missed the weekend cut, with Daniel Gale (75) at even and Danny List (78) five-over the card.
With AAP.

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Socceroo silences 'keyboard warriors' with heroics
Socceroo silences 'keyboard warriors' with heroics

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Socceroo silences 'keyboard warriors' with heroics

Mitch Duke wasn't even supposed to be a part of the Socceroos' past two World Cup qualifiers. Then he sealed Australia's sixth consecutive World Cup finals appearance. But his teammates never doubted his value, or ability to step up. Duke, who for a second consecutive window was left out of Tony Popovic's squad only to earn a late reprieve, is soaking it all in. The veteran striker came off the bench in the 1-0 win over Japan that effectively sealed automatic qualification for the 2026 tournament. Then Popovic called on Duke to start against Saudi Arabia in Jeddah, where Australia only needed to avoid defeat by less than five goals. Australia conceded the opener but in the 42nd minute, Duke teed up Connor Metcalfe to score the equaliser. Three minutes after halftime, the much-maligned striker glanced home a header to put Australia in front with his first goal since January 2024. "I wasn't even supposed to be here, to be honest," Duke said. "Mat Leckie got injured, and I was a late call-up.'' He joked: "Got the voodoo doll out and maybe injured Leckie. Nah, kidding, sorry, mate. "But it feels good, and probably a good way to silence some of the keyboard warriors as well. Feels good." Duke had previously been open about critics on social media coming for him after he missed chances in Australia's Asian Cup quarter-final exit last year. Winger Martin Boyle was singing the praises of hard-working Duke, one of the heroes of Australia's golden run at the 2022 World Cup. "Absolutely delighted for him," Boyle told AAP. "Obviously, as footballers, you're open to a lot of criticism, but for Dukey, he just powers through. He comes up with some massive goals. "Obviously he was disappointed not to be selected in the initial squad. But he's also come back, he's kept his head down, and he's changed the game against Japan. "He took his chance and his opportunity tonight with a goal and an assist. "I love playing with him, and I have done for many years, and everything that he's given for the country. He's a top-class striker and hopefully he can keep going." Duke relished Australia's turnaround in qualifying after Popovic took over from Graham Arnold, who resigned after a loss and draw in his first two games of the campaign. "It feels damn good," Duke said. "Not the best start (to qualifying) to be honest, and to get us here, into automatic qualification, we haven't done that for a while, just feels unbelievable." Now 34, Duke knows he will have to kick up a gear to retain his spot ahead of next year's tournament in north America, especially with young strikers like Mo Toure waiting in the wings. "All I can do is take the opportunities when they're presented to me, do well at club football, and hope I just keep doing well," he said. Mitch Duke wasn't even supposed to be a part of the Socceroos' past two World Cup qualifiers. Then he sealed Australia's sixth consecutive World Cup finals appearance. But his teammates never doubted his value, or ability to step up. Duke, who for a second consecutive window was left out of Tony Popovic's squad only to earn a late reprieve, is soaking it all in. The veteran striker came off the bench in the 1-0 win over Japan that effectively sealed automatic qualification for the 2026 tournament. Then Popovic called on Duke to start against Saudi Arabia in Jeddah, where Australia only needed to avoid defeat by less than five goals. Australia conceded the opener but in the 42nd minute, Duke teed up Connor Metcalfe to score the equaliser. Three minutes after halftime, the much-maligned striker glanced home a header to put Australia in front with his first goal since January 2024. "I wasn't even supposed to be here, to be honest," Duke said. "Mat Leckie got injured, and I was a late call-up.'' He joked: "Got the voodoo doll out and maybe injured Leckie. Nah, kidding, sorry, mate. "But it feels good, and probably a good way to silence some of the keyboard warriors as well. Feels good." Duke had previously been open about critics on social media coming for him after he missed chances in Australia's Asian Cup quarter-final exit last year. Winger Martin Boyle was singing the praises of hard-working Duke, one of the heroes of Australia's golden run at the 2022 World Cup. "Absolutely delighted for him," Boyle told AAP. "Obviously, as footballers, you're open to a lot of criticism, but for Dukey, he just powers through. He comes up with some massive goals. "Obviously he was disappointed not to be selected in the initial squad. But he's also come back, he's kept his head down, and he's changed the game against Japan. "He took his chance and his opportunity tonight with a goal and an assist. "I love playing with him, and I have done for many years, and everything that he's given for the country. He's a top-class striker and hopefully he can keep going." Duke relished Australia's turnaround in qualifying after Popovic took over from Graham Arnold, who resigned after a loss and draw in his first two games of the campaign. "It feels damn good," Duke said. "Not the best start (to qualifying) to be honest, and to get us here, into automatic qualification, we haven't done that for a while, just feels unbelievable." Now 34, Duke knows he will have to kick up a gear to retain his spot ahead of next year's tournament in north America, especially with young strikers like Mo Toure waiting in the wings. "All I can do is take the opportunities when they're presented to me, do well at club football, and hope I just keep doing well," he said. Mitch Duke wasn't even supposed to be a part of the Socceroos' past two World Cup qualifiers. Then he sealed Australia's sixth consecutive World Cup finals appearance. But his teammates never doubted his value, or ability to step up. Duke, who for a second consecutive window was left out of Tony Popovic's squad only to earn a late reprieve, is soaking it all in. The veteran striker came off the bench in the 1-0 win over Japan that effectively sealed automatic qualification for the 2026 tournament. Then Popovic called on Duke to start against Saudi Arabia in Jeddah, where Australia only needed to avoid defeat by less than five goals. Australia conceded the opener but in the 42nd minute, Duke teed up Connor Metcalfe to score the equaliser. Three minutes after halftime, the much-maligned striker glanced home a header to put Australia in front with his first goal since January 2024. "I wasn't even supposed to be here, to be honest," Duke said. "Mat Leckie got injured, and I was a late call-up.'' He joked: "Got the voodoo doll out and maybe injured Leckie. Nah, kidding, sorry, mate. "But it feels good, and probably a good way to silence some of the keyboard warriors as well. Feels good." Duke had previously been open about critics on social media coming for him after he missed chances in Australia's Asian Cup quarter-final exit last year. Winger Martin Boyle was singing the praises of hard-working Duke, one of the heroes of Australia's golden run at the 2022 World Cup. "Absolutely delighted for him," Boyle told AAP. "Obviously, as footballers, you're open to a lot of criticism, but for Dukey, he just powers through. He comes up with some massive goals. "Obviously he was disappointed not to be selected in the initial squad. But he's also come back, he's kept his head down, and he's changed the game against Japan. "He took his chance and his opportunity tonight with a goal and an assist. "I love playing with him, and I have done for many years, and everything that he's given for the country. He's a top-class striker and hopefully he can keep going." Duke relished Australia's turnaround in qualifying after Popovic took over from Graham Arnold, who resigned after a loss and draw in his first two games of the campaign. "It feels damn good," Duke said. "Not the best start (to qualifying) to be honest, and to get us here, into automatic qualification, we haven't done that for a while, just feels unbelievable." Now 34, Duke knows he will have to kick up a gear to retain his spot ahead of next year's tournament in north America, especially with young strikers like Mo Toure waiting in the wings. "All I can do is take the opportunities when they're presented to me, do well at club football, and hope I just keep doing well," he said.

Australia vs South Africa: The battle for the world Test championship at Lord's
Australia vs South Africa: The battle for the world Test championship at Lord's

Sydney Morning Herald

time15 hours ago

  • Sydney Morning Herald

Australia vs South Africa: The battle for the world Test championship at Lord's

6.44pm Carey back to the scene of the crime Alex Carey returns to Lord's for the first time since his controversial stumping of Englishman Johnny Bairstow. The incident in the 2023 Ashes sparked uproar from the Lord's crowd, particularly the Members in the traditionally polite Long Room. Carey later admitted the fallout of that incident took a toll on him, but was at ease recalling the Test this week at an Amazon Prime launch. 'Yeah, no spinner and still got a stumping so that was good in that Test match,' Carey joked, when recalling Nathan Lyon's absence in that Test's fourth innings. Carey will be hoping the crowd is on his side during the WTC final. 6.44pm 'We know how to beat them' Pace ace Kagiso Rabada was quick to declare the Proteas would not be afraid of the Australians. Indeed, it's Rabada, and his pace and bounce, which will have Pat Cummins and his men on their toes. 'South Africa versus Australia has always been an intense rivalry, because we play cricket quite similar. We play hard – and they're going to come hard at us, and we know that,' Rabada said after Australia joined South Africa in qualifying for the decider. 'But we also know how to beat them.' Rabada was cleared to play in the final after serving a one-month suspension in April for a positive drug test during South Africa's domestic T20 tournament in January. Skipper Temba Bavuma missed South Africa's domestic four-day final in April because of an elbow issue but has been cleared to lead his nation. 6.44pm Smith bats it away Now here's something a little unusual. Not that long ago, putting the bat away for three months would have been unthinkable for Steve Smith. But that is what the star batter did after Australia were eliminated from the Champions Trophy in March, the semi-final ending up being the last game of his ODI career. A meticulous trainer, Smith used to need to hit hundreds of balls in the nets to feel ready to perform. Coming off a golden summer, however, the 36-year-old has taken a minimalist approach to Australia's bid to win consecutive World Test Championship finals. 'I feel the first two hits have been really good,' a relaxed Smith said in London. 'I walked out of my first hit and told 'Ron' [Australia coach Andrew McDonald] straight away: 'Can we play tomorrow? I'm ready to go'. 'I hadn't hit a ball since I missed a full toss off Mohammed Shami in the Champions Trophy. 'I've hit so many balls over my career, what do they say, it's like riding a bike, I suppose, in a way.' As he often does, Smith spent his downtime in his second home of New York, where he made use of his golf clubs. AAP

The Socceroos are in the World Cup. Here's what you need to know
The Socceroos are in the World Cup. Here's what you need to know

Sydney Morning Herald

timea day ago

  • Sydney Morning Herald

The Socceroos are in the World Cup. Here's what you need to know

With a 2-1 victory over Saudi Arabia on Wednesday morning, the Socceroos qualified for their sixth consecutive FIFA World Cup. It's a year to the day until the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico begins, which means Socceroos coach Tony Popovic has 365 days to ready his team for their first match of the tournament. So now Australia is guaranteed a start, here's what you need to know ahead of kick-off. Where is it, and who is playing? The 2026 World Cup in North America will be the first tournament under the expanded format and will run for about five weeks from June 11 to July 19. Previously, 32 teams have always competed for the title, but that will increase to 48 for the first time next year, and teams will compete across three nations and 16 cities. Extra teams mean that qualification has become a little easier, but the Socceroos have qualified directly, which takes the pressure off the next few months. Eight countries have so far guaranteed their spot at the 2026 World Cup – Australia, Japan, Jordan, Korea Republic, Iran, Uzbekistan, New Zealand and Argentina. The host nations are also guaranteed a spot, which means the United States, Canada and Mexico have also booked their tickets. Qualifying is divided by confederation (decided by continent/location), with the AFC – the Asian confederation that Australia is in – the first to have multiple nations begin securing spots. Back in March, Japan were the first to secure a World Cup spot; European qualification only began that month.

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