Latest news with #Annika
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Florida State's Mirabel Ting wins Annika Award as top NCAA DI women's player
CARLSBAD, Calif. – Mirabel Ting wasn't sure if she'd win the Annika Award. With an NCAA-best five individual titles this season, plus no finishes worse than sixth, Ting was the unquestioned top-ranked player in women's college golf. But the player-of-the-year honor, which is presented by Stifel Financial and voted on by players, coaches, SIDs, media members and former Annika recipients, had two other worthy candidates any other year in Oregon's Kiara Romero, who had just won Big Tens and her NCAA regional, and Ting's teammate and world No. 1 Lottie Woad, who only boasted two wins but didn't have a finish worse than third entering the NCAA Championship. Advertisement But when Ting, the lovable junior from Malaysia, was officially presented with the honor at Omni La Costa, she couldn't wipe the grin off her face. She joins past Annika winners such as Rose Zhang, Leona Maguire, Maria Fassi and last year's recipient Ingrid Lindblad. 'Everyone on this trophy, they're all pretty successful and on the LPGA tour, and I'm just hoping to be like them one day,' said Ting, who came runner-up to Arkansas' Maria Jose Marin in the NCAA individual competition, which wrapped Monday. Ting's transformation has been remarkable. She was a 17-year-old freshman at Augusta University when two months into her college career she learned of the death of her father, Thomas, from a heart attack. Ting left school twice that fall to return home, not playing until the spring, where she won once and posted five more top-7 finishes. Advertisement When she transferred to Florida State that summer, she was then ruled ineligible due to her missing the deadline by a day. The news devastated the already shy and immature Ting, but by the spring, she was cleared and over the past year-plus Ting has blossomed both on the golf course and off it. Her sense of humor is unmatched at this level, and that self-deprecating nature has proven that she's now more confident than ever. That's translated to what Florida State head coach Amy Bond has called the 'season of a lifetime.' 'When I first stepped into the U.S., it was kind of scary because I was all alone, my parents were half a world away,' Ting said. 'But I just told myself that if I could just practice hard and be successful, one day I'll be able to help out my family, help out my friends and that's what I'm trying to do, make everyone proud at home.' Ting added that Bond has pushed her further than she'd ever thought. Having Woad on her team certainly has inspired her practice. And a switch last winter to instructor Kris Assawapimonporn, who works with LPGA star Jeeno Thitikul and has totally revamped Ting's putting. Advertisement 'She's always been a naturally gifted ball-striker, probably the best I've ever seen,' Bond said of Ting. 'And now, she's making the putts on top of it. I mean, holy cow.' After a television interview with Golf Channel and some photos with her new hardware, Ting was asked to write a letter to herself in 10 years and slip it into the Annika trophy, which doubles as a time capsule. In true Ting fashion, she revealed, 'I did that two months ago.' 'That's Mirabel,' Bond said, laughing. But there were still two more surprises. First, the major invitation into this summer's Evian Championship. Upon hearing about the exemption, Ting, who plans to turn pro after NCAAs, started balling. Bond quickly walked over and wrapped her arms around Ting, then she said, 'Mirabel, you still have to play golf today.' Ting wiped her tears and smiled. Then came the final gift: A two-liter bottle of Coke. Knowing Mirabel, that might've been the greatest of all.
NBC Sports
20-05-2025
- Sport
- NBC Sports
Florida State's Mirabel Ting wins Annika Award as top NCAA DI women's player
CARLSBAD, Calif. – Mirabel Ting wasn't sure if she'd win the Annika Award. With an NCAA-best five individual titles this season, plus no finishes worse than sixth, Ting was the unquestioned top-ranked player in women's college golf. But the player-of-the-year honor, which is presented by Stifel Financial and voted on by players, coaches, SIDs, media members and former Annika recipients, had two other worthy candidates any other year in Oregon's Kiara Romero, who had just won Big Tens and her NCAA regional, and Ting's teammate and world No. 1 Lottie Woad, who only boasted two wins but didn't have a finish worse than third entering the NCAA Championship. But when Ting, the lovable junior from Malaysia, was officially presented with the honor at Omni La Costa, she couldn't wipe the grin off her face. She joins past Annika winners such as Rose Zhang, Leona Maguire, Maria Fassi and last year's recipient Ingrid Lindblad. 'Everyone on this trophy, they're all pretty successful and on the LPGA tour, and I'm just hoping to be like them one day,' said Ting, who came runner-up to Arkansas' Maria Jose Marin in the NCAA individual competition, which wrapped Monday. Ting's transformation has been remarkable. She was a 17-year-old freshman at Augusta University when two months into her college career she learned of the death of her father, Thomas, from a heart attack. Ting left school twice that fall to return home, not playing until the spring, where she won once and posted five more top-7 finishes. When she transferred to Florida State that summer, she was then ruled ineligible due to her missing the deadline by a day. The news devastated the already shy and immature Ting, but by the spring, she was cleared and over the past year-plus Ting has blossomed both on the golf course and off it. Her sense of humor is unmatched at this level, and that self-deprecating nature has proven that she's now more confident than ever. That's translated to what Florida State head coach Amy Bond has called the 'season of a lifetime.' 'When I first stepped into the U.S., it was kind of scary because I was all alone, my parents were half a world away,' Ting said. 'But I just told myself that if I could just practice hard and be successful, one day I'll be able to help out my family, help out my friends and that's what I'm trying to do, make everyone proud at home.' Ting added that Bond has pushed her further than she'd ever thought. Having Woad on her team certainly has inspired her practice. And a switch last winter to instructor Kris Assawapimonporn, who works with LPGA star Jeeno Thitikul and has totally revamped Ting's putting. 'She's always been a naturally gifted ball-striker, probably the best I've ever seen,' Bond said of Ting. 'And now, she's making the putts on top of it. I mean, holy cow.' After a television interview with Golf Channel and some photos with her new hardware, Ting was asked to write a letter to herself in 10 years and slip it into the Annika trophy, which doubles as a time capsule. In true Ting fashion, she revealed, 'I did that two months ago.' 'That's Mirabel,' Bond said, laughing. But there were still two more surprises. First, the major invitation into this summer's Evian Championship. Upon hearing about the exemption, Ting, who plans to turn pro after NCAAs, started balling. Bond quickly walked over and wrapped her arms around Ting, then she said, 'Mirabel, you still have to play golf today.' Ting wiped her tears and smiled. Then came the final gift: A two-liter bottle of Coke. Knowing Mirabel, that might've been the greatest of all.
Irish Daily Mirror
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
'I worked at Eurovision Song Contest and here's what fans don't see on camera'
As Eurovision week reaches its climax ahead of the 2025 Grand Final in Basel this Saturday, a former volunteer has lifted the lid on what goes on behind the scenes of the competition. Annika Mohlin, a 53 year old Eurovision superfan and leadership coach, jumped at the chance to volunteer when the contest came to her hometown of Malmö, Sweden in 2024. She was delighted to be selected for the commentator service team, where she played a vital role in supporting commentators throughout the event. In an interview with Betway, Annika offered a rare insight into the backstage world of Eurovision, revealing how she helped ensure hosts like Graham Norton had everything they needed during live shows and recalling the tense atmosphere when the Netherlands were disqualified in 2024. When asked about the pre-show preparations, Annika explained that there's plenty of activity behind the scenes. She said: "I was put on the commentator service team, which was part of the backstage team. I think there were 10 or 12 of us working as commentator hosts, which technically means we were staffing the floor of the arena where the competition was held, where all the commentators sat and did their work," reports the Express. "So, there were a lot of booths where each country had their space. They were quite small, so that's where they sat and commentated on the live shows. "Our role was to provide them with anything they needed." Delving into her role, the insider recounted her experience at Eurovision, detailing the responsibilities that came with the job, "So, making sure that there was coffee, refreshments, fruits, biscuits, and that it looked nice and clean. Another part of the role was to assist at the briefings." Revealing the preparation that goes on behind the scenes, she said, "Ahead of every show, they all went to a big briefing where the television company went through what was going to happen. So, we organised the area with all the different briefing packs, everything they needed for those." Discussing any high-pressure moments, she recalled, "The only thing that was a bit tense was when the Netherlands were disqualified. I think there were some question marks around that at the time. We weren't massively involved in it at all." She added, regarding the disqualification, "We were just told they weren't going to be performing. It was more of a fact, and everyone was informed, and everyone moved on and kept going as there was no time to stop." Looking ahead, the scoop has been confirmed that Remember Monday will fly the flag for the UK at this year's Eurovision Song Contest. In addition, beloved presenter Graham Norton is set to return with his wit and charm to give the running commentary for UK viewers tuning in to the spectacle.
New Indian Express
13-05-2025
- General
- New Indian Express
Two new Belgian Malinois at Similipal Tiger Reserve
BARIPADA: To enhance conservation and prevent entry of poachers, Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) authorities have added two new dogs to its squad. The dogs, Nanta and Annika, arrived on Sunday. They are kept at Pithabata wildlife range under the STR's south wildlife division where special staff is taking care of them. Talking to this paper, Deputy director of STR's south wildlife division, Samrat Gowda said the dogs belong to Belgian Shepherd Malinois breed. The male, Nanta and Annika, the female, are below one year in age. They completed their training from Secunderabad in Telangana. Cost for the procurement of the two dogs was borne by the Forest department. Nanta has been specifically trained in tracking, making his skill at following suspects or suspicious activities while Annika is highly skilled in detecting ivory, tiger skins and animal remains or wildlife contraband. They will be deployed in vulnerable locations inside the STR very soon, added Gowda. Previously seven dogs including three males were deployed in the STR and it gave positive response towards security measures. Two German Shepherds named Drona and Maya joined in 2021 and 2022 respectively. Two Belgian Shepherd dogs named Leo and Khairi joined in 2024. Honey, a German Shepherd joined in 2024 while another named Chank joined in 2025.
NBC Sports
24-04-2025
- Sport
- NBC Sports
Nelly Korda practices with different putter after opening in 77 at Chevron title defense
THE WOODLANDS, Texas — Nelly Korda was on the verge of tears when she walked out of the scoring tent after signing for a disappointing 5-over 77 to begin her title defense at the Chevron Championship. 'I just have to work,' Korda said, visibly frustrated after her round. 'I'm not hitting it well.' She was 12 off the lead but, more importantly, four off the early projected cut line. Korda's caddie, Jason McDede, and her swing coach, Jamie Mulligan, immediately went to the practice putting green at The Club at Carlton Woods following Korda's morning round, in which she needed 33 putts. The world No. 1 joined her team 15 minutes later, but she didn't practice with the blade putter that she put in play Thursday. Instead, she practiced with a mallet-style putter that looked similar to her former putter. A member of Korda's team confirmed to that she was trying something 'different.' Korda put the blade putter back in her bag at last week's JM Eagle LA Championship, where she endured multiple three-putts. She used that style putter for most of her historic 2024 season — for six of her seven tour wins. Korda switched to the mallet style at the AIG Women's Open at St. Andrews — following some summer struggles — and used it through her first four starts in '25 (earning one win, at the '24 Annika). The low point of Korda's opening round Thursday came midway through her front nine when she made four consecutive bogeys on hole Nos. 3-6, and her eyes grew glassy. 'I'm going to go and practice,' Korda said as she walked away from the 18th green, and away from her difficult start to the season's first major, 'and see where it takes me.'
