Latest news with #SouthAfrican
South Wales Argus
2 hours ago
- Sport
- South Wales Argus
Home favourite Rory McIlroy falls short in bid for first-round Open lead
The Northern Irishman from an hour down the road in Holywood rarely comes to these parts due to commitments on the PGA Tour and on his last competitive visit in 2019 went home early after missing the cut. But, after teeing off at 3.10pm with a four-under-par target in his sights, he recovered from a bogey at the first – a three-shot improvement on six years ago when he went out of bounds – to have a crowd 10 deep in places buzzing in anticipation. Rory McIlroy was cheered on by the fans at Royal Portrush (Peter Byrne/PA). The 61 he shot as a 16-year-old on this course was never on the cards, but three under through 10, having hit just two fairways, raised the prospect of a memorable first day. But over the course of the next four holes that waywardness off the tee took its toll with three bogeys, including one at the course's easiest hole, the par-five 11th, and only a 12-foot par save at the 15th prevented further damage. There was a much-needed birdie from similar distance at the penultimate hole, having again gone left off the tee, and even though his 44-footer for a 69 grazed the cup at the 18th, the fans went home happy, with their man just three off the pace. That was set by McIlroy's Ryder Cup team-mate Matt Fitzpatrick, whose 67 was the lowest opening round of his major career, world number 354 Jacob Skov Olesen, China's Li Haotong, South African Chris Bezuidenhout and American Harris English. 'I had it going three under through 10 and let a few slip around the middle of the round. I steadied the ship well and played the last four in one under and it was just nice to finish under par,' McIlroy said. 'It was a tough enough day, especially either chopping out of the rough or out of the fairway bunkers.' Fitzpatrick, a former US Open champion, continued his upward trend following top-10 finishes in his last two events after an otherwise disappointing season, despite a joint-eighth place at May's US PGA. Rory escapes trouble on 17. He takes a birdie heading onto 18. — The Open (@TheOpen) July 17, 2025 The Sheffield golfer got off to a flying start with a 22-foot eagle putt at the second hole, but the highlight was a slam-dunk chip for birdie from the steep bank on the treacherous Calamity Corner par-three 16th. 'I felt like The Players was the lowest I've felt in my career,' Fitzpatrick, bidding to become the first English winner of The Open since Nick Faldo in 1992, said of missing the cut at Sawgrass in March. 'Statistically it could be the worst run that I've played as well. I just didn't feel good or know where it was going. 'Today I just felt like I did drove it well, approach play was good and chipped and putted well. It was just an all-around good day.' Olesen, a Danish left-hander who won the Amateur Championship at Ballyliffin in Ireland last summer, only turned professional in November after earning his DP World Tour card. That meant the 26-year-old had to sacrifice his amateur exemptions for this year's Masters and US Open, so this was only his second appearance at one of golf's premier events after his debut at Troon 12 months ago. But he had no regrets about his decision, having come through qualifying a fortnight ago. Matt Fitzpatrick was in a five-way share of the lead (Mike Egerton/PA). 'I think it would have been a different decision if I was 19 at the time, but getting out on tour has always been a dream of mine,' he said. 'I had already made the decision before even going to second stage of Q-school that, if I got through, it would be a no-brainer to turn pro.' World number one Scottie Scheffler missed a birdie putt at the last which would have given him a share of the lead, but his 68 was the lowest score by a player who hit three or fewer fairways in The Open for last 25 years. 'When it's raining sideways it's actually, believe it or not, not that easy to get the ball in the fairway. Thank you guys all for pointing that out,' said the reigning US PGA champion. Asked whether there was a shot he was really pleased with, he replied: 'No.' English duo Tyrrell Hatton and Matthew Jordan, one of only two players in the field with top-10 Open finishes in the previous two years, were also three under, with 52-year-old compatriot Lee Westwood marking his 30th anniversary at the tournament with a two-under 69.
Gulf Today
2 hours ago
- Business
- Gulf Today
UAE participates in 3rd G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors meeting in South Africa
The UAE, represented by the Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank of the UAE, is participating in the 3rd meeting of G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FMCBG), held under the presidency of South Africa for the year 2025. The meeting took place in the city of Durban, bringing together representatives of G20 member states, invited countries, and international organisations. Led by Mohamed Bin Hadi Al Hussaini, Minister of State for Financial Affairs, the UAE delegation featured Younis Haji AlKhoori, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Finance; Ebrahim Obaid Al Zaabi, Assistant Governor for Monetary Policy and Financial Stability at the Central Bank of the UAE; and Ali Abdullah Sharafi, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for International Financial Relations at the Ministry of Finance. The meeting is set to explore the progress made on the 2025 priorities set by the South African presidency of the G20. It will conclude with the adoption of the official communiqué, which the UAE contributed to through working group comments and participation in Deputy-level drafting meetings. The discussions cover a wide range of topics, including the global macroeconomic outlook, international financial architecture, infrastructure development, international taxation, impediments to growth and development in Africa, sustainable finance, financial sector issues and financial inclusion. Mohamed Bin Hadi Al Hussaini stated that the 3rd G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting provided a strategic platform for strengthening international coordination on global economic and financial issues as well as for advancing joint efforts to achieve economic stability and support sustainable development. He noted that the UAE's participation aimed to support the Group's global objectives and contribute actively to the development of international economic and financial policies. He emphasised the importance of adopting effective policies that ensure macroeconomic stability, including targeted fiscal support, improved institutional quality, and enhanced labour market efficiency. He stressed that the UAE is committed to strengthening the international finance structure, supporting emerging markets and developing economies (EMDEs .(This, he noted, can be achieved by reducing investment risks, mobilising private capital, providing targeted financial support, strengthening local markets, advancing structural reforms, and fostering international cooperation, efforts that collectively enhance global financial stability. Al Hussaini added that the UAE continues to pursue proactive financial policies to reinforce this approach, further contributing to long-term sustainable development. Al Hussaini welcomed the progress made on international tax reform through the BEPS Action Plan, highlighting the UAE's commitment to building fair and sustainable tax systems through the country's involvement in the UN Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation. The Minister also underscored the need to boost private sector participation in infrastructure, improve access to affordable capital through more inclusive financial markets, and advance governance and institutional capacity, highlighting these as key policy priorities to drive growth and development in Africa. Al Hussaini affirmed that policy coherence, institutional capacity, and reliable climate data are essential to overcoming barriers to sustainable finance, highlighting the UAE's experience in addressing insurance protection gaps through climate risk assessments and premium pricing frameworks and collaborative approach among financial regulators. On the sidelines of the G20 FMCBG meetings, the UAE attended the G20 Finance and Central Bank Deputies meetings on 14-16 July to discuss the statement of the G20 FMCBG. Discussions also covered recent multilateral development bank developments, pandemic response financing, growth and development in Africa, and additional communiqué drafting sessions of the G20. The UAE is taking part in the G20's activities 2025, which will conclude with the Leaders' Summit later this year. This marks the country's sixth participation in the G20 Summit process, following previous invitations as a guest country in France (2011), Saudi Arabia (2020), Indonesia (2022), India (2023), and Brazil (2024). WAM
The South African
2 hours ago
- Climate
- The South African
Rain and cooler weather set to sweep across KwaZulu-Natal
KwaZulu-Natal can expect a cold and wet Friday as a cold front continues to move across the country, bringing rain and chilly conditions. Rain will be more widespread along the coastal parts of the province, with scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms expected throughout the day. According to Phemelo Zonke, a SABC meteorologist, 'Scattered showers and rain are forecast along the coastal regions of KwaZulu-Natal, while isolated thunder showers are expected inland.' These conditions will likely result in slippery roads and poor visibility in some areas, especially in the morning, when fog is also expected in parts of the interior. Temperatures across KZN will remain cool, with many inland areas experiencing cloudy skies and light rain. Drivers and commuters should be prepared for slower travel and plan accordingly. The South African Weather Service has warned about damaging Northern Cape and North West winds, while the Western Cape faces strong coastal waves. Though KZN is not under severe warning, residents are urged to remain alert to changing conditions. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Morocco World
2 hours ago
- Politics
- Morocco World
Rachid Talbi El Alami Receives Former South African President Jacob Zuma
Rabat – The President of Morocco's House of Representatives, Rachid Talbi El Alami, met on Thursday in Rabat with former South African President and leader of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, Jacob Zuma, who is visiting Morocco with an accompanying delegation. The meeting brought together the presidents of the parliamentary groups and caucuses within the House of Representatives. According to a statement from the chamber, the discussions highlighted Zuma and his party's clear position in support of Morocco's Autonomy Plan for the Sahara. They emphasized that the plan offers a concrete framework for local governance by the populations of the region, while safeguarding Morocco's sovereignty over its territories. Zuma and his delegation acknowledged the historical and legal context underpinning Morocco's claim to the Sahara, stressing that Morocco's efforts to recover its territorial integrity align with the MK Party's commitment to protecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of African nations. The talks also highlighted Morocco's Africa-focused policy under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, a policy rooted in solidarity, fostering development across the continent, and promoting South-South cooperation, all while respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states and refraining from interfering in their internal affairs. The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss shared parliamentary interests and to express the Moroccan parliament's willingness to strengthen ties with South African lawmakers at both bilateral and multilateral levels. Also in attendance were Mohamed Chaouki (National Rally of Independents group), Abderrahim Bouazza (Authenticity and Modernity group), Allal Amraoui (Istiqlal Party group), Abderrahim Chahid (Socialist–Ittihadi Opposition group), Driss Sentissi (Haraki group), Rachid Hamouni (Progress and Socialism group), and Abdellah Bouanou (Justice and Development parliamentary caucus).
The Star
3 hours ago
- Sport
- The Star
Former Banyana Banyana captain Nthabeleng Modiko backs reigning champions for WAFCON glory
As the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) heats up, the nation's focus is firmly on our beloved Banyana Banyana. Having stormed through the group stages unbeaten with two dominant wins and a draw – including a sensational 4-0 thrashing of Mali – South Africa's reigning champions have emphatically secured their spot in the quarter-finals, where they will face Senegal today. With back-to-back titles firmly in their sights, former Banyana Banyana captain and formidable defender Nthabeleng Modiko shares her insights on what it takes to conquer Africa. Modiko, a respected figure in South African football, emphasises the critical role of a rock-solid defence in a tournament of this magnitude. "This tournament has developed very well over the years, and we've seen the brilliance of national teams being able to give very good forwards and attackers to the world – Thembi Kgatlana [RSA], Barbra Banda [ZAM], Asisat Oshoala [NGA], Fatima Tagnahout [MOR], just to name a few," Modiko says. "It's very important for every team to be resolute in their defensive moments and allow for minimal to no mistakes as the stages progress. That could be the decider for a team to end their campaign or go on further. 'So, I would say, it's very important to have a well-functioning and effectively communicating defence unit with players dominating their individual and group demands." According to Modiko, the blueprint for a watertight backline, especially against formidable opponents like Senegal, lies in key elements: "The ability to track and check your opponent in a timely fashion, allowing no space or gaps for penetration, leadership, and rapid decision-making when attacked, amongst others," she explains. As a former captain who marshalled the defence, Modiko highlights the power of constant communication. "It's constant communication and talking to self, teammates, and even my front players. When the whole team understands what the game requires, it relieves pressure as the solution can be found within the group in the match." Defenders, Modiko believes, bring a unique precision to team leadership. "Most defenders will tell you that there's not much room for mistakes as a defender, so in leadership, I think defenders bring the precision correct approach to the game of football." When facing Africa's most potent attackers, preparation is paramount. "Being quick, strong aerially and in duels, and agile to deal with the improvisation and dribbles from attackers," Modiko lists as crucial attributes. "The only way to deal with it is to train twice or thrice as hard, make sure to improve within your club and individual trainings because no two attackers are the same. Also, learn to launch attacks on opponents; you can't only defend the entire match." Looking at the current Banyana Banyana squad, Modiko is confident. "It helps that we have very experienced defenders and goalkeepers who have played in the FIFA World Cup and Olympics, so the experience and brilliance of all players is a big strength," she says. While acknowledging potential challenges with speed against quicker players and set-piece defence against taller opponents, Modiko remains optimistic. "As SA, we don't really have good height, but we have strong headers, and that should help for aerial duels. I wasn't tall either, but there's a lot more of positives that has helped us to be the powerhouse we are today." Modiko passionately advocates for a collective defensive effort against Senegal. "I believe it is the philosophy of the team to have everyone contributing to defensive duties, and not just the defenders.' 'It helps to have those wingers and attackers who are able to track and defend attacks before they reach the danger areas. It relieves the pressure and evens out the numbers to have both attackers and defenders working together to defend." To the next generation of female defenders, Modiko offers invaluable advice: "The training you are doing is already a big start, and the fact that you are part of the game and team. As a young up-and-coming player, invest your time in playing the matches, listening to your coaches, read and watch senior players and learn from them.' 'Take care of your body and mind because you need to be strong and ready for when the national scouts come. Stay in school and educate yourself by improving your marks. Enjoy the game."
