Latest news with #Niemann
The Citizen
an hour ago
- Politics
- The Citizen
Shock allegations against Municipal Manager by DA over alleged R1 billion tenders for kickbacks
Shock allegations against Municipal Manager by DA over alleged R1 billion tenders for kickbacks The Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC) has been described as 'a toothless dog' by councillors. Well, not anymore, as evidenced by the shocking announcement by the DA that Municipal Manager Mandla Mnguni will be investigated over his involvement in an alleged tenders for kickbacks scheme, worth a staggering R1b. Through its MPAC Chairperson Hennie Niemann, the DA in Steve Tshwete has today launched an investigation into allegations of tender fraud in electrification projects. According to Niemann, a whistleblower reached out to MPAC last week to investigate, and if necessary, open a case of fraud against Mnguni, for allegedly awarding tenders for electrification projects to known associates. It is alleged that Mnguni used his position to appoint two companies, with the same owner, to carry out electrification projects worth R1b across the 2023/24-2025/26 financial years. The whistleblower alleges that Mnguni ignored recommendations of the bid adjudication committee, which warned him about possible perceived collusion. Mnguni also allegedly defied two legal opinions, binding him to abide by the bid adjudication committee's recommendations. In addition, the whistleblower alleges that Mnguni received alleged kickbacks in the form of a house in Aerorand, in which he resides, as well a farm in Stoffberg and an emergency helicopter for the ambulance company he allegedly owns. Taking these allegations seriously, the DA has launched an investigation through its MPAC chairperson by requesting the necessary bid evaluation reports and the adjudication committee recommendations that date back to 2023. Niemann said he'll ensure that the investigation request is fairly, and transparently, handled. Niemann added, 'We will prioritise this investigation and make sure that we provide a detailed report within the next 21 days.' Phone calls to Mnguni for comment went unanswered. He also did not respond to WhatsApp requests for comment before publication.
Khaleej Times
a day ago
- Sport
- Khaleej Times
LIV Golf gathers momentum as unstoppable Niemann claims record fifth victory
As the 2025 LIV Golf season nears its dramatic conclusion, the once-controversial tour is showing signs of evolution, flourishing with growing viewership, star performances, and tightened team battles. With only two individual events remaining before the team finale in Michigan, the stakes have never been higher. Only Chicago (August 8–10) and Indianapolis (August 15–17) remain on the 14-event LIV schedule, before all 13 teams gear up for the season-ending LIV Golf Team Championship from August 22–24. Joaquin Niemann, playing for Torque GC, made headlines again last week with his record fifth win of the season at LIV Golf UK by JCB. The Chilean fired rounds of 65, 63, and 68 to finish 17-under-par, securing a three-shot victory and a hefty share of the $25 million purse. Bubba Watson (RangeGoats GC) showed a welcome return to form in second, while rising star Caleb Surratt (Legion XIII) took third, one stroke further back. How the Season Format Stands At each event, the top 24 players earn points. Those finishing the season inside the top 24 are guaranteed LIV Golf status for 2026, known as The Lock Zone. Currently, the last man in is Dustin Johnson (4Aces GC). Players ranked 25–48 fall into The Open Zone. They may retain their place in LIV Golf but are not guaranteed a team contract for next season. Notable names in this bracket include: Louis Oosthuizen (Stinger GC) – 28 Brooks Koepka (Smash GC) – 30 Lee Westwood (Majesticks GC) – 46 Henrik Stenson (Majesticks GC) – 47 Those placed 49th and below land in The Drop Zone, facing potential relegation unless they secure their spots through the LIV Promotions or other exemptions. Ian Poulter, a key figure in the Majesticks GC setup, currently sits in 51st. Niemann's dominance continues, leading the Individual Standings ahead of Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau. Team Competition Tightens In the Team Standings, Legion XIII—powered by consistent finishes—leads the two-time defending champions, Crushers GC, with Fireballs GC in third. The revamped 2025 format, requiring all four players' scores to count over all three days, has rewarded teams with depth and consistency. UAE-based players, Adrian Meronk (Cleeks GC) and Anirban Lahiri (Crushers GC), both look secure for 2026, placed 17th and 21st, respectively in the Individual Rankings. Their teams sit in 11th and 2nd, respectively. The Road Ahead: OWGR and Legitimacy The quest for Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) recognition remains ongoing. Transparent and credible promotion and relegation systems appear crucial to earning OWGR points. Many observers will be watching closely to see if adjustments are made to help LIV Golf achieve full status. The LIV Golf Promotions event—along with the Asian Tour's International Series—offers players a pathway into the league, ensuring fresh talent enters the system each season. As the season hurtles toward its climax, LIV Golf is no longer just an upstart disruptor. It's maturing, and with players like Niemann leading the charge, the story of 2025 is far from finished.
Indian Express
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Hans Niemann slams table after losing to Anish Giri; no signs of going viral
Nostalgics will lament that table-slams after losing a chess match, are not what they used to be once. For Hans Niemann has done the predictable – gently slammed the playing table at the Esports World Cup of chess, to no visible after effect. The video of the last chance qualifier was put out by garnered 54.6K views, but didn't exactly go viral. Niemann was winning the qualifier against Anish Giri, when with 8 seconds to go he seemed to have frozen like mint icecream, the colour of his shirt. Niemann went KingB7 down at six seconds and sacrificed on the pre-game moves as last resort. Giri however was refusing to go Dutch for a draw, and ended up flagging Niemann with a rook check to give Team Secret a quality boost. Niemann who had been 15 seconds up on the clock with less than a minute to go, imploded and hit a Magnus-Lite table small, more a fist with his left, thereafter. Hans SLAMS The Table 🤜💥 — (@chesscom) July 26, 2025 The Slam though didn't quite fetch much aura, like Magnus Carlsen's against Gukesh, though it recreated the pressure and exhalation after losing from a winning position. 'The chess has spoken once again' ran the refrain riffing off Niemann's diss of Carlsen losses. This format in e chess does not allow time increments. Giri though dawdling through the match, had the recent upperhand over Niemann in blitz before punching his ticket for the World Cup of eSports, and had set up the shootoff after beating Pragg. The table slam was a restrained fist thump on the computer table, minus the 'oh my god' ST. He would remove his earphones, look around at his surroundings where nothing much stirred and walk off with no controversy fallowing in his wake. 27 reposts and 569 likes of the clip on made it distinctly unviral. Niemann had once destroyed and entire hotel room, so this was viewed as a sign of flailing tempest and maturity outcomes. While tables are a routine, common enemy of several chess players, a literal punching bag, Carlsen had elevated slamming tables to level of pro-max frustrate emote, after D Gukesh defeated him. Given the propensity to thump tables, there were calls to add a slam button to the app. His exit meant no tables turned at Qiddiya.
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
LIV Golf star who brutally sacked caddie and coach secures lucrative £3m payout
Joaquin Niemann lifted his fifth LIV Golf title of the season at the JCB Golf and Country Club on Sunday, bouncing back after sacking his coach and caddie following a poor performance at The Open Joaquin Niemann won the LIV Golf UK title on Sunday after firing his coach and caddie. Having failed to make the cut at The Open Championship a little over a week ago, Niemann bounced back with a vengeance at JCB Golf and Country Club. The Torque GC captain shot an impressive six-under-par 66 in the opening round and bettered that with a 64 on Saturday. Sunday saw the star hit a weekend high round of 68, but was still able to finish three strokes clear of runner-up Bubba Watson with a total score of 17-under. Following his disappointment last Friday, the Chilean golfer made several changes before arriving at JCB last week. In a significant move, Niemann recently parted ways with his long-time caddie, Gary Matthews, and coach, Eduardo Miquel, reports the Irish Star. Reflecting on the changes within his team after his second round on Saturday, Niemann said: "I'd say it's been a little weird the last two, three weeks. There have obviously been a few movements on my team. "At the same time, it is what it is. I'm really grateful for them, for the two people that they are not working with me anymore on the team, but it's part of it. "I feel like I was pretty frustrated at the beginning of this week after a bad result, obviously, at The Open as well, and all the rest kind of going on. I feel like... not low, but I wasn't, like, going on the golf course going into this week, I wasn't feeling that confident at all. "I think it was just keep doing the same work that I'm used to and keep working with my team and why we work every time, stay positive with myself." Niemann has been streets ahead of his rivals on the LIV circuit, securing five wins in 11 outings this season. And his win on Sunday in Rocester landed him an impressive £2.9million payday for his efforts. Having recorded just one bogey across his opening six holes, Niemann's recent behind-the-scenes tweaks seem to have caused no harm to his bid for the league's individual title in 2025, keeping him ahead of Jon Rahm. Speaking about his victory in the UK, Niemann said: "Obviously I want to win the season. I think there is a lot of golf to play yet. Jon, we know how good of a player he is, also Bryson [DeChambeau]. "There is not much I can think about other than worry about what I'm doing, how I can improve and get better and play my best golf for the next two weeks. I feel like that's all I'm worrying about right now." Two singles events remain on the LIV Golf calendar this season. The breakaway circuit lands at the Bolingbrook Golf Club for LIV Golf Chicago between August 8 and 10, before LIV Golf Indianapolis plays out at The Club at Chatham Hills a week later. The LIV Golf Team Championship then takes place at The Cardinal at Saint John's, Michigan, between August 22 and 24.
The Advertiser
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Niemann breezes to fifth LIV Golf success of season
Joaquin Niemann captured his fifth victory of the season with a three- stroke win at LIV Golf United Kingdom. Niemann carded a three-under 68 on Sunday to finish with a 17-under 196 for the tournament at the JCB Golf and Country Club in Rocester, England. The Torque GC captain collected five birdies against two bogeys to add his to his titles at Adelaide, Singapore, Mexico City and Virginia. Sunday's victory served as a $4 million payday for Niemann, who began the week by firing his caddie and coach after missing the cut at the 2025 Open Championship. Niemann's Torque GC, however, were unable to hold their three-stroke lead over Legion XIII in their bid for a first team title since 2023. Legion XIII shot a staggering 14-under on Sunday to finish at 35-under for the tournament, eight strokes better than Torque GC. Niemann wasn't too interested in talking about his individual play on Sunday. He said: "Well, I'm going to talk for the first two days because today I didn't feel like I had my best. Yeah, it was great. I was able to flow on tough situations. "I felt like today I was pretty calm, pretty chill, until Bubba (Watson) started playing golf. He made it tough for me. I was actually feeling the pressure on 13, 14, but, yeah, just stay in the present. Yeah, was able to hit a great shot on 15. After that put me back into my place." Watson had a stretch of four birdies and two eagles from No.9 to No.14. He rolled in six birdies overall to finish in second place at 14-under after a third-round 65. Niemann put a halt to his charge after sending a shot within five feet of the cup on the 15th hole. "I was pretty happy to see that ball go in that close, and making that birdie I think was huge for the next three holes," he said. Caleb Surratt (65 on Sunday) sank six birdies during his bogey-free round to finish at 13-under for the tournament, followed by Talor Gooch (66) at 11-under. As for team play, Legion XIII captain Jon Rahm was thrilled after his team captured their fourth title of the season. "With all four scores counting this year I thought we played to our advantage. It showed early on and it's showing now," Rahm said. Cameron Smith was the highest placed Australian, finishing 10th, nine shots off the lead. Marc Leishman was a shot behind with Lucas Herbert 34th and Matt Jones 40th. Joaquin Niemann captured his fifth victory of the season with a three- stroke win at LIV Golf United Kingdom. Niemann carded a three-under 68 on Sunday to finish with a 17-under 196 for the tournament at the JCB Golf and Country Club in Rocester, England. The Torque GC captain collected five birdies against two bogeys to add his to his titles at Adelaide, Singapore, Mexico City and Virginia. Sunday's victory served as a $4 million payday for Niemann, who began the week by firing his caddie and coach after missing the cut at the 2025 Open Championship. Niemann's Torque GC, however, were unable to hold their three-stroke lead over Legion XIII in their bid for a first team title since 2023. Legion XIII shot a staggering 14-under on Sunday to finish at 35-under for the tournament, eight strokes better than Torque GC. Niemann wasn't too interested in talking about his individual play on Sunday. He said: "Well, I'm going to talk for the first two days because today I didn't feel like I had my best. Yeah, it was great. I was able to flow on tough situations. "I felt like today I was pretty calm, pretty chill, until Bubba (Watson) started playing golf. He made it tough for me. I was actually feeling the pressure on 13, 14, but, yeah, just stay in the present. Yeah, was able to hit a great shot on 15. After that put me back into my place." Watson had a stretch of four birdies and two eagles from No.9 to No.14. He rolled in six birdies overall to finish in second place at 14-under after a third-round 65. Niemann put a halt to his charge after sending a shot within five feet of the cup on the 15th hole. "I was pretty happy to see that ball go in that close, and making that birdie I think was huge for the next three holes," he said. Caleb Surratt (65 on Sunday) sank six birdies during his bogey-free round to finish at 13-under for the tournament, followed by Talor Gooch (66) at 11-under. As for team play, Legion XIII captain Jon Rahm was thrilled after his team captured their fourth title of the season. "With all four scores counting this year I thought we played to our advantage. It showed early on and it's showing now," Rahm said. Cameron Smith was the highest placed Australian, finishing 10th, nine shots off the lead. Marc Leishman was a shot behind with Lucas Herbert 34th and Matt Jones 40th. Joaquin Niemann captured his fifth victory of the season with a three- stroke win at LIV Golf United Kingdom. Niemann carded a three-under 68 on Sunday to finish with a 17-under 196 for the tournament at the JCB Golf and Country Club in Rocester, England. The Torque GC captain collected five birdies against two bogeys to add his to his titles at Adelaide, Singapore, Mexico City and Virginia. Sunday's victory served as a $4 million payday for Niemann, who began the week by firing his caddie and coach after missing the cut at the 2025 Open Championship. Niemann's Torque GC, however, were unable to hold their three-stroke lead over Legion XIII in their bid for a first team title since 2023. Legion XIII shot a staggering 14-under on Sunday to finish at 35-under for the tournament, eight strokes better than Torque GC. Niemann wasn't too interested in talking about his individual play on Sunday. He said: "Well, I'm going to talk for the first two days because today I didn't feel like I had my best. Yeah, it was great. I was able to flow on tough situations. "I felt like today I was pretty calm, pretty chill, until Bubba (Watson) started playing golf. He made it tough for me. I was actually feeling the pressure on 13, 14, but, yeah, just stay in the present. Yeah, was able to hit a great shot on 15. After that put me back into my place." Watson had a stretch of four birdies and two eagles from No.9 to No.14. He rolled in six birdies overall to finish in second place at 14-under after a third-round 65. Niemann put a halt to his charge after sending a shot within five feet of the cup on the 15th hole. "I was pretty happy to see that ball go in that close, and making that birdie I think was huge for the next three holes," he said. Caleb Surratt (65 on Sunday) sank six birdies during his bogey-free round to finish at 13-under for the tournament, followed by Talor Gooch (66) at 11-under. As for team play, Legion XIII captain Jon Rahm was thrilled after his team captured their fourth title of the season. "With all four scores counting this year I thought we played to our advantage. It showed early on and it's showing now," Rahm said. Cameron Smith was the highest placed Australian, finishing 10th, nine shots off the lead. Marc Leishman was a shot behind with Lucas Herbert 34th and Matt Jones 40th. Joaquin Niemann captured his fifth victory of the season with a three- stroke win at LIV Golf United Kingdom. Niemann carded a three-under 68 on Sunday to finish with a 17-under 196 for the tournament at the JCB Golf and Country Club in Rocester, England. The Torque GC captain collected five birdies against two bogeys to add his to his titles at Adelaide, Singapore, Mexico City and Virginia. Sunday's victory served as a $4 million payday for Niemann, who began the week by firing his caddie and coach after missing the cut at the 2025 Open Championship. Niemann's Torque GC, however, were unable to hold their three-stroke lead over Legion XIII in their bid for a first team title since 2023. Legion XIII shot a staggering 14-under on Sunday to finish at 35-under for the tournament, eight strokes better than Torque GC. Niemann wasn't too interested in talking about his individual play on Sunday. He said: "Well, I'm going to talk for the first two days because today I didn't feel like I had my best. Yeah, it was great. I was able to flow on tough situations. "I felt like today I was pretty calm, pretty chill, until Bubba (Watson) started playing golf. He made it tough for me. I was actually feeling the pressure on 13, 14, but, yeah, just stay in the present. Yeah, was able to hit a great shot on 15. After that put me back into my place." Watson had a stretch of four birdies and two eagles from No.9 to No.14. He rolled in six birdies overall to finish in second place at 14-under after a third-round 65. Niemann put a halt to his charge after sending a shot within five feet of the cup on the 15th hole. "I was pretty happy to see that ball go in that close, and making that birdie I think was huge for the next three holes," he said. Caleb Surratt (65 on Sunday) sank six birdies during his bogey-free round to finish at 13-under for the tournament, followed by Talor Gooch (66) at 11-under. As for team play, Legion XIII captain Jon Rahm was thrilled after his team captured their fourth title of the season. "With all four scores counting this year I thought we played to our advantage. It showed early on and it's showing now," Rahm said. Cameron Smith was the highest placed Australian, finishing 10th, nine shots off the lead. Marc Leishman was a shot behind with Lucas Herbert 34th and Matt Jones 40th.
