Latest news with #Zen-like
Straits Times
3 days ago
- Sport
- Straits Times
Scheffler in Tiger-mode as he closes in on British Open
Scottie Scheffler of the US hits his tee shot on the 6th hole during the third round. PORTRUSH, Northern Ireland - The last nine times American Scottie Scheffler has led after 54 holes on the PGA Tour, he has closed out the victory and there is no reason to suggest he will not make that a perfect 10 at the British Open on July 20. The 29-year-old world number one extended his lead from one to four strokes with a calm and collected bogey-free round of 67 on a picture-perfect Royal Portrush course on July 19. Barring a nonchalant eagle at the par-five seventh, he left the chasing pack to provide the fireworks as he displayed the sort of Zen-like focus once associated with 15-time major winner Tiger Woods in his pomp to seize control. Scheffler also led after 54 holes in all of his three major wins and while he will be taking nothing for granted on July 20, someone will surely have to do something special to stop him. "Your guess is as good as mine," Scheffler, the first world number one to lead the Open at the halfway stage since Woods in 2006, said when asked why he has become such a good finisher. "I like being out here competing. This is why we work so hard is to have opportunities like this, and I'm excited for the challenge of tomorrow. Winning major championships is not an easy task, and I've put myself in a good position. "Going into tomorrow I'm going to step up there on the first tee and I'm going to be trying to get the ball in the fairway, and when I get to the second shot I'm going to be trying to get that ball on the green. There's not much else going on." Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Mindef, SAF units among those dealing with attack on S'pore's critical information infrastructure Asia How China's growing cyber-hacking capabilities have raised alarm around the world Asia At least 34 killed as tourist boat capsizes in Vietnam's Halong Bay Singapore 1 dead, 1 injured after dispute between neighbours at Yishun HDB block Singapore Vessels from Navy, SCDF and MPA to debut at Marina Bay in NDP maritime display Asia Autogate glitch at Malaysia's major checkpoints causes chaos for S'porean and foreign travellers Asia SIA, Scoot, Cathay Pacific cancel flights as typhoon nears Hong Kong Singapore A deadly cocktail: Easy access, lax attitudes driving Kpod scourge in S'pore That simple mantra has worked wonders on Portrush's Dunluce Links. He has made only three bogeys in three rounds -- a figure matched only by China's Li Haotong who is his nearest challenger ahead of Sunday's finale on the Antrim coast. After July 18's majestic round of seven-under 64 , the lowest of the week, July 19 was about making sure he consolidated having built a strong foundation. With eagles and birdies being sunk all across the course, Scheffler took a while to get going but just when the field began to sense an opportunity, he eagled the seventh thanks to a sublime approach shot and then birdied the eighth. He then dug in, making a vital par-save from 10 feet on the 11th hole after a rare missed green. "I think the card could look stress-free, but I had two really nice par saves on the back nine that were key," he said. "I made a nice eight-ish footer on 11, another one on 14, so two really important putts I felt like. "I think anytime you can keep a clean card around a major championship, you're going to be having a pretty good day." Scheffler, whose tied seventh last year at Troon was his previous best Open result, knows there is still plenty of work to do, but he is looking immovable. Home favourite Rory McIlroy, who will start six shots back in a tie for fourth, said he was not surprised by Scheffler's display so far. "He's playing like Scottie. Everyone's seen the way he's played over the past two or three years. He's just so solid. He doesn't make mistakes," McIlroy said. "He's turned himself into a really consistent putter as well, so there doesn't seem to be any weakness there. Whenever you're chasing down a guy like that, it's hard to do. "He's incredibly impressive." REUTERS
Straits Times
3 days ago
- Sport
- Straits Times
Scheffler in Tiger-mode as he closes in on Open
Golf - The 153rd Open Championship - Royal Portrush Golf Club, Portrush, Northern Ireland, Britain - July 19, 2025 Scottie Scheffler of the U.S. hits his tee shot on the 6th hole during the third round REUTERS/Paul Childs PORTRUSH, Northern Ireland - The last nine times American Scottie Scheffler has led after 54 holes on the PGA Tour, he has closed out the victory and there is no reason to suggest he will not make that a perfect 10 at the British Open on Sunday. The 29-year-old world number one extended his lead from one to four strokes with a calm and collected bogey-free round of 67 on a picture-perfect Royal Portrush course on Saturday. Barring a nonchalant eagle at the par-five seventh, he left the chasing pack to provide the fireworks as he displayed the sort of Zen-like focus once associated with 15-time major winner Tiger Woods in his pomp to seize control. Scheffler also led after 54 holes in all of his three major wins and while he will be taking nothing for granted on Sunday, someone will surely have to do something special to stop him. "Your guess is as good as mine," Scheffler, the first world number one to lead the Open at the halfway stage since Woods in 2006, said when asked why he has become such a good finisher. "I like being out here competing. This is why we work so hard is to have opportunities like this, and I'm excited for the challenge of tomorrow. Winning major championships is not an easy task, and I've put myself in a good position. "Going into tomorrow I'm going to step up there on the first tee and I'm going to be trying to get the ball in the fairway, and when I get to the second shot I'm going to be trying to get that ball on the green. There's not much else going on." Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Mindef, SAF units among those dealing with attack on S'pore's critical information infrastructure Asia How China's growing cyber-hacking capabilities have raised alarm around the world Asia At least 34 killed as tourist boat capsizes in Vietnam's Halong Bay Singapore 1 dead, 1 injured after dispute between neighbours at Yishun HDB block Singapore Vessels from Navy, SCDF and MPA to debut at Marina Bay in NDP maritime display Asia Autogate glitch at Malaysia's major checkpoints causes chaos for S'porean and foreign travellers Asia SIA, Scoot, Cathay Pacific cancel flights as typhoon nears Hong Kong Singapore A deadly cocktail: Easy access, lax attitudes driving Kpod scourge in S'pore That simple mantra has worked wonders on Portrush's Dunluce Links. He has made only three bogeys in three rounds -- a figure matched only by China's Li Haotong who is his nearest challenger ahead of Sunday's finale on the Antrim coast. After Friday's majestic round of seven-under 64, the lowest of the week, Saturday was about making sure he consolidated having built a strong foundation. With eagles and birdies being sunk all across the course, Scheffler took a while to get going but just when the field began to sense an opportunity, he eagled the seventh thanks to a sublime approach shot and then birdied the eighth. He then dug in, making a vital par-save from 10 feet on the 11th hole after a rare missed green. "I think the card could look stress-free, but I had two really nice par saves on the back nine that were key," he said. "I made a nice eight-ish footer on 11, another one on 14, so two really important putts I felt like. "I think anytime you can keep a clean card around a major championship, you're going to be having a pretty good day." Scheffler, whose tied seventh last year at Troon was his previous best Open result, knows there is still plenty of work to do, but he is looking immovable. Home favourite Rory McIlroy, who will start six shots back in a tie for fourth, said he was not surprised by Scheffler's display so far. "He's playing like Scottie. Everyone's seen the way he's played over the past two or three years. He's just so solid. He doesn't make mistakes," McIlroy said. "He's turned himself into a really consistent putter as well, so there doesn't seem to be any weakness there. Whenever you're chasing down a guy like that, it's hard to do. "He's incredibly impressive." REUTERS
Scottish Sun
5 days ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Golf star who is Buddhist monk tearing it up at The Open thanks to Zen-like focus
Thai star in contention after stunning round one as huge name has shocker OPEN MINDED Golf star who is Buddhist monk tearing it up at The Open thanks to Zen-like focus Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) GOLF star Sadom Kaewkanjana is hoping to continue his winning habit - after taking time out to become a MONK. The 27-year-old from Thailand took time away from the sport to become ordained as a Buddhist monk and practice meditation. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Sadom Kaewkanjana is an ordained Buddhist monk Credit: Sadom Kaewkanjana 3 The Thai star shot an impressive three-under round of 68 Credit: Getty His win at Kolon Korea Open earned him a place at Royal Portrush. And he seized the chance with an opening round of 68 to lie at -3. Kaewkanjana said: 'Being a monk helps me with my concentration, both on the golf course and away from the golf course. 'It has made me focus. READ MORE ON THE OPEN GUST OF WIND Awkward moment fart noise stuns Open commentators into silence on live TV "I forget everything on the outside, just live in the present, just stay in my mind. "I really enjoy being a monk.' His Zen-like focus was put to the test in testing conditions at The Open on Thursday. But he fared better than many of the biggest names in the sport such as Jon Rahm (-1), Xander Schauffele (E) and Bryson DeChambeau (+7). CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS Kaewkanjana has ten professional wins in Asia, and admitted he has never experienced anything like Portrush. He said: 'We have no links courses so it's a new experience for me. Tense moment as furious Jon Rahm confronts golf fan at The Open "I really enjoy playing a links golf course. "It's fun to play with a windy course and tough conditions.'
Time Out
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
NY Kimchi
When Sam Yoo of Golden Diner took over his parents' lease across from Rockefeller Center, he decided his next act would pay homage to them and their heritage. Inside the 6,500-square-foot space sits two concepts of his own making: Korean pub Golden Hof and Korean raw bar and steakhouse NY Kimchi. Compared to the lively drinking den up above, NY Kimchi acts as a calming sanctuary. Upon descending the stairs, the eye is immediately drawn to the massive rock wall that lines the back wall, with tufts of green and yellow moss sprouting from the edges and cracks. Successfully evoking the idea of a rock garden, the sound structure is softened with rows of bamboo and round paper lanterns that hang from the ceiling. And yet, among such Zen-like interiors, each table houses a fire. With barbecues built right into wooden tables, incredibly friendly staff come around to converse, take your order and expertly cook your food right in front of you. Yes, of course, you can go for the 30-day, dry-aged porterhouse for $140, but Yoo has made it a point to keep affordability in mind, serving soy-marinated short rib priced at $44, while ssamjang-slicked lamb chops come in at $46. Served alongside are all manner of banchan—cubes of pickled radish, marinated cucumbers, and a round of potato salad, to name a few. You could easily eat like a purist, but the steaks do come with perilla-soy and kimchi-heavy dipping sauces, so we do recommend a quick dip. But before you go all in on steak, know that Yoo has taken just as much care to the steaks as he has the starters, serving a cooling black bass "Naengmyum" crudo so chilled that lemon zest-laden ice chips are a feature; and a jiggly Parmesan egg souffle that balances that right amount of cheese and airiness, making it ever so easy to spoon it from dish to mouth until done.
The Hindu
26-06-2025
- Sport
- The Hindu
Rishabh Pant's fearless and entertaining style makes him a unique and exceptional player
It's the morning of the fourth day, India's lead decent without being intimidating. Off the seventh ball of the day, Shubman Gill trudges off disconsolately to the pavilion, chopping a lifting, incoming ball from Brydon Carse on to his stumps. India hadn't just lost their captain, but also one of three centurions from the first innings. At 92 for three, they were ahead by 98, and not too many wickets away from a collapse — as subsequent events would prove. Out walked a chunky, unprepossessing figure, triggering a frisson in the well-populated stands. In the first innings, he had uncorked a brilliant hundred of two parts — the first fifty came off 91 deliveries, his slowest to date. Between 50 and 100, he needed just 55 balls, keeping his tryst with his eighth Test ton with a six. It wasn't unexpected; like Virender Sehwag, he likes to herald a milestone with a flourish when almost everyone else will get there with a nurdled single, a scrambled brace. Then again, Rishabh Pant isn't 'everyone else'. Thank goodness for that. Back to day four, a regular Monday until Pant made sure it wasn't. Early blood to England, India under pressure. Really? Clearly, Pant hadn't been paying attention. There's something about very early in his innings and a charge down the track to the fastest bowler in the opposition that is quintessentially Pant. In the first dig, he came haring the pitch to hammer his second ball, from England captain Ben Stokes, back past the bowler's head for a searing, statement boundary. For a second, Stokes — himself of the free spirit — was startled. Needless evasive action was followed by an unchecked bout of laughter. Stokes couldn't believe what he had just been subjected to. What's this guy made of? Back again to day four. Carse, his tail up after cleaning up Gill, came bounding in, fresh as a daisy, determined to drive home the advantage. Ball two to Pant, who again embraced the charge-and-bash routine. Perhaps he needs to do that to get the circulation doing, perhaps he must do it because he is desperate to get off the dreaded duck, perhaps he just likes it. Whatever. He matched Carse for speed, waiting nearly till the ball left the bowler's hand before leaving his crease. Unlike in the first innings, there was neither shape nor control. As he threw his hands at the ball, it skewed off the outside edge and over the slips, down to vacant third man for four. Hello? ALSO READ | Spectacular success or promise less fulfilled... the first impression of India's GenNext Headingley woke up, if at all it had gone into a slumber after an early strike by a home bowler. The buzz was unmistakable. The revolving door was here, no one knew what was coming next. What came next was a manic passage of play, with Pant doing the most outrageous of things even by Pant standards. 'Harakiri' came to mind. K.L. Rahul, his Zen-like partner, was flummoxed. England were hopeful, optimistic, convinced that a wicket was but a ball away. In the dressing-room, Karun Nair, the next man in and playing his first Test in more than eight years, must have felt his heart thudding against his chest, knowing that he was on a pair, perhaps believing that the next ball would usher his presence into the middle. Pant heaved. He slogged. He charged. He went hard at the bowling. He walked across his stumps, attempting the most extravagant and ill-advised hoick to fine-leg, his stumps exposed, the stroke more suited to the final over of a T20 game than during an intense, potentially decisive passage of play. Pure theatre Then, in pure theatre that broadcasters salivate over and those watching on television can't get enough of, Pant admonished himself. He spoke to himself, calmly, as if transported from his body, advising himself to play straight. He questioned himself about the need for extravagance. He tried to get himself to understand the gravity of the situation. The stump microphone isn't everyone's favourite but in this case, it threw up gold. Absolute gold. It provided a window to the extraordinary mind of an exceptional cricketer. Self-admonishment and self-advice worked, Pant became a more selective version of himself without sacrificing flair or entertainment or the wow factor. It made for magnificent viewing – on television, sure, but 100x magnified at the venue. A second century of the match was almost inevitable once Pant spoke to Pant, once Pant heeded Pant. It was fascinating; every time Rahul was in his ears, Pant respectfully responded with 'haanji', then did what he wanted to do. It's not that he didn't respect his senior partner's inputs, it's just that he took them on board, fused them with his unique way of thinking and came up with solutions to questions England didn't even think they had posed. It takes guts and courage and bravery and self-belief and a certain bullheadedness to embrace the Pant way of thinking. It comes with the attendant risk of failure, of looking silly — 'stupid, stupid, stupid', anyone? — of being taken to the cleaners by even those who revel in his success when he pulls off a reverse ramp in a Test match against James Anderson, or who clubs a Mitchell Starc screamer over mid-wicket as if having a friendly net against a wannabe left-arm spinner. But Pant is not about bravado alone; he does have eight Test hundreds, the most by an Indian wicketkeeper, and averages in the mid-40s. There is great method to his inimitable madness, so to question his methodology, however exasperating it might appear at times, is a little out of place. You just have to focus on the reactions when you utter the name/word 'Pant' to see what he triggers in teammate and opponent alike. Rahul seemed almost in awe while speaking of the man with whom he shared a 195-run partnership. 'You just stand there and admire and sometimes scratch your head about the shot selection and the outrageous cricket that he plays,' Rahul, a stately Rolls Royce to the rollicking McLaren that Pant is, said the other day, trying his best to conceal the broad grin that reflected the joy in his heart. ALSO READ | 50 years later: how the World Cup launched cricket into mainstream consciousness 'He's a unique, unique player and you just let him be. I've had a few partnerships with him, (including during) his first hundred in Oval (2018). 'We've batted together for a long period of time and he enjoys his cricket and that's how he likes to express himself,' Rahul went on. 'I just let him be and try and keep him as calm as I can. He obviously has a method to his batting which none of us in this room understand, but it seems to work for him.' Pant, 27, is now the deputy to Gill, 25. A combined age of 52 makes this amongst the youngest leadership playing groups India have put out in recent memory but the good news is that these two men have played a lot of cricket together at various levels, are great friends off the field and share a terrific relationship which augurs well for the future. Pant has emphatically played his hand — he will respect the responsibility that comes with the vice-captaincy, but he won't try to be anything other than what he is, because then he won't be the Pant he can be. More than numbers Given cricket's propensity to judge individuals by numbers, Pant is on to a great thing already, less than halfway through his international career. He has more Test hundreds in England than any other Indian apart from Rahul Dravid. Notice something there — India's best technician and India's most mercurial middle-order bat bunched together in an elite, exclusive club of two? Just goes to show that there are numerous ways to skin a cat. He is one of only two stumpers, after Andy Flower, to smack a hundred in both innings of the same Test. He is, simply, Rishabh Pant. In the middle of all this, around the excitement and the hype and the encomiums, it's easy to forget that he is only 27. That he is still a very, very young man, not just in life but in cricketing life too. He has been through so much already, including the career-threatening, life-threatening single-car accident of December 2022. That he has managed to retain his joie de vivre, that he has still stayed equanimous and generous and grateful for a second chance, is clear for everyone to see. Pant knows that not everyone is as blessed as he is; therefore, he believes, he must make the most of benevolence of the higher power, make every second count, stand out as an inspiration for others. ALSO READ | Moneyball: IPL 2025 edition Occasionally, the petulant child in him surfaces, like in the first innings at Headingley when Paul Reiffel legitimately turned down his entreaty to change the ball and Pant reacted by churlishly backhanding the ball along the ground to the mid-wicket fielder, his annoyance all too obvious. It was the boiling over of a frustration merited, but which shouldn't have manifested in the way it did. For his indiscretion, he was slapped with a demerit point and given an official reprimand by Richie Richardson, the ICC match referee. Given that he is his best judge and his worst critic, Pant will tell himself, 'Rishabh, woh theek nahi tha, waisa nahi karna tha'. And then immediately put all that behind him and get on with the job. After all, that's what makes him what he is. At the conclusion of a match in which more than 1,650 runs were scored at more than four an over, Stokes spoke of the high rate of scoring without any batter trying anything fancy. 'Barring Rishabh,' he chuckled. That's what Gautam Gambhir must be saying in the dressing-room too when plans are being formulated. 'These apply to everyone,' could well be the head coach's message, 'barring Rishabh.' Or, at least, that's what he should be saying.
