Showing posts with label Sports news. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sports news. Show all posts
คลิปลับ! แม่... X กับลูกชาย
สังคมเสื่อม จับแม่สมสู่กับลูกชายวัย 16 ปี พร้อมรวบหลักฐานคลิปออรัลเซ็กส์
ตำรวจสหรัฐได้ทำการจับกุมนางมิสตี้ แอ๊ตกินสัน ในข้อหามีเพศสัมพันธ์กับบุตรชายตัวเอง วัย 16 ปี ซึ่งตำรวจสามารถตรวจสอบข้อมูลจากไฟล์คอมพิวเตอร์ได้เป็นคลิปวิดีโอขณะเธอมีเพศสัมพันธ์กับลูกชายมาใช้เป็นหลักฐาน และยังพบวิดีโอขณะที่เธอกำลังทำออรัลเซ็กส์ให้ลูกชายตัวเองในโทรศัพท์มือถือของฝ่ายลูกชายด้วย นอกจากนี้ ตำรวจยังพบภาพลับที่เธอส่งให้ลูกชายผ่านโทรศัพท์มือถือ อย่างไรก็ตาม แม่สุดฉาวรายนี้ถูกประกันตัวไปในวงเงิน 2 แสนดอลลาร์
คดีทำนองนี้เคยเกิดขึ้นในสหรัฐเมื่อ 3 ปีก่อน ในรัฐมิชิแกน โดยคดีดังกล่าวผู้ก่อคดีถูกตัดสินจำคุกขั้นต่ำถึง 9 ปี
ที่มา: มติชนออนไลน์
จับผิด "คนอวดผี" ต้มคนดูหรือเปล่า?
โอละพ่อ ฉาวอีกระลอก เมื่อชาวเน็ตรุมจับผิดรายการ "คนอวดผี" ในช่วงล่าท้าผี ว่ากำลังต้มคนดูหรือเปล่า? เพราะสถานที่ที่ใช้ถ่ายทำเหมือนจะซ้ำกัน แค่เปลี่ยนเนื้อเรื่องใหม่เท่านั้น
สังคมเน็ตออกมาตั้งข้อสังเกตุแฉข้อมูลรายการผีชื่อดัง รายการคนอวดผี ในช่วงล่าท้าผี โดยได้รวบรวมคลิปรายการช่วงที่ออกมาอากาศมาเปรียบเทียบกันอย่างชัดเจน พร้อมตั้งข้อสังเกตุว่าสถานที่ที่ใช้ถ่ายทำเหมือนจะซ้ำกัน เพียงแค่เปลี่ยนชื่อตอนเท่านั้น เนื่องจากมีลักษณะคล้ายกันหลายที่ อาทิ คลิปช่วงล่าท้าผีออกอากาศในวันที่ 30 พฤษภาคม 2555 เป็นเรื่องเกี่ยวกับบ้านร้างของสองตายายที่ถูกกลุ่มวัยรุ่นเข้าไปฆ่าชิงทรัพย์ และคลิปรายการช่วงล่าท้าผีออกอากาศในวันที่ 6 มิถุนายน 2555 ก็เป็นเรื่องเกี่ยวกับบ้านร้างของสองตายายที่ถูกกลุ่มวัยรุ่นเข้าไปฆ่าชิงทรัพย์ และคลิปรายการช่วงล่าท้าผีที่ออกอากาศในวันที่ 5ตุลาคม 2554 เป็นเรื่องเกี่ยวกับบ้านร้างของสองสามีภรรยาที่ฆ่ารัดคอภรรยาแล้วฆ่าตัวเองตาม
อย่างไรก็ตามทางรายการ คนอวดผี ยังไม่ได้ออกมาให้ข่าวเกี่ยวกับเรื่องดังกล่าวแต่อย่างใด
UAE face Kazakhstan in crunch A5N rugby tie Hosts aim to bounce back after two losses
Kick-off is scheduled for 4pm in what is billed as a relegation battle particularly after South Korea pulled off a 21-19 victory against Hong Kong last week.
UAE are aiming to bounce back from the battering they received at the hands of Hong Kong (85-10) and Japan (106-3).
Kazakhstan opened its 2012 season with an 87-0 loss to Japan but had a bye last weekend.
After two rounds of high intensity rugby, UAE will be seeking an improved performance and hope home advantage will work in their favour in this crucial third-round clash after their new-look outfit learned lessons the hard way.
“We have learned to defend better from our first two games, even though the scoreboard doesn’t reflect it, and hopefully we will be able to use that to good effect against Kazakhstan,” said UAE's performance manager Duncan Hall.
Hall has made four changes to the starting XV in a bid to field the best squad.
Graham Murphy steps back into the front row, Tim Fletcher steps into outside Centre, John Fawls at right wing and Imad Reyal takes on full back duties. Starting from the bench is Chris Jones-Griffiths, Sean Hurley and returning to the squad is Sam Cook at no.19.
“The A5N draw to face Hong Kong and Japan in the first 2 weeks (without rest) was playing to achieve wins against impossible odds,” admits Hall.
“We’ve played under enormous pressure, that has led to mistakes on the field during this campaign. We have no excuses and have gained valuable experience. The next match against Kazakhstan is now our time to use these experiences and play with high expectations. We have prepared to deliver confident, effective combinations and having been exposed to playing by far the best two sides in Asia (early in the campaign) has united the players more on and off the field,” he added.
Hall is aware of the immense pressure he and his squad face at home.
“To move forward we need to build on what we have available, we don’t (currently) have the luxury of a deep talent pool. I am proud of the commitment and attitude that has come through in many of the players particularly over the past two weeks, these players have earned their right to represent the UAE,” he said.
“This was always going to be our crucial game,” Hall added. “We knew we would face two challenging games in our opening encounters and last week’s result, where South Korea defeated Hong Kong, makes this game even more critical.”
Korea, returning to the top flight, defeated Hong Kong 21-19 to move up three places in the IRB world rankings to 28th. Hong Kong slipped down to 29.
UAE does not have an official ranking as they have still to play the required number of internationals, but realise that a loss against Kazakhstan will all but shut the door on them in the Top Five next year.
“We can’t assume anyone is going down as yet. We have two games to go and our target when we began was to win two matches. So we are still in with a shout,” Hall said.
“The guys have worked hard. We have struggled so far because we are not used to playing under such intense pressure. The speed at which Japan and Hong Kong played has been incredible.
“We don’t have anyone of the calibre of say the Japanese winger (Yoshikazu Fujita) who scored six tries against us. We are not endowed with speed, but I can see improvement in our side and hopefully that will be translated on to the scoreboard,” Hall added.
UAE has received some words of encouragement from Japan’s new coach Eddie Jones who has said he liked the “commitment” showed by the players.
“They lost on the scoreboard, but in terms of attitude, there are some really good signs there,” Jones told the media after last week’s match.
“We are playing with limited numbers,” admitted Hall. “But all these guys have a lot of heart.”
In this week’s other HSBC A5N Top 5 match, Japan are away to South Korea in a battle of the last two unbeaten teams remaining in this year’s Top 5 competition. The game will be held at Seongnam Stadium in Seoul at 13.00 local time on Saturday.
UAE squad
1. Graham Murphy – Abu Dhabi Harlequins
2. Peter Sampson – Abu Dhabi Harlequins
3. Dan Boatwright – Dubai Hurricanes
4. Greg Thompson – Dubai Hurricanes
5. Simon Osborne – Dubai Hurricanes
6. Brett Williams – Dubai Exiles
7. David Matasio – Dubai Wasps
8. Alistair Thompson (captain) – Abu Dhabi Harlequins
9. Patrick Hegarty – Abu Dhabi Harlequins
10. Murray Strang – Abu Dhabi Harlequins
11. Steve Smith – Dubai Hurricanes
12. Jonathon O’Connor – Abu Dhabi Harlequins
13. Tim Fletcher (vice-captain) – Jebel Ali Dragons
14. John Fawls – Dubai Exiles
15. Imad Reyal – Dubai Exiles
16. Charles Lilley – Abu Dhabi Harlequins
17. Christopher Jones-Griffiths – Abu Dhabi Harlequins
18. Tristan Barnett – Dubai Hurricanes
19. Sam Cook – Abu Dhabi Harlequins
20. Antoine Bertheuil – Dubai Frogs
21. Sean Hurley – Jebel Ali Dragons
22. Mohammed Alsulaiman – Dubai Wasps
UAE hold off Kazakhstan in A5N Top 5 battle Hosts bounce back after two consecutive losses
After trailing 29-nil at half time, Kazakhstan posted 31 points in the second half to close the gap to 10 points in the final 10 minutes before UAE dashed their hopes of an inspirational comeback.
It was a great comeback by the hosts after the battering they received at the hands of Hong Kong and Japan.
The win by UAE is key to their hopes of staying in the HSBC A5N Top 5 in 2013. Kazakhstan will be ruing a chance to take vital away match points and will now face their second must-win match in two weeks when they host Korea next Saturday in Almaty, before closing out their campaign in Hong Kong on May 26.
UAE performance manager Duncan Hall said: “It’s a relief for the guys definitely. We talked that this was definitely a winnable match and we are very luck we kept our noses in front. Kazakhstan is a proud country. They never let down and they showed that today.”
UAE captain Alistair Thompson said: “Today was a winner take all match in terms of staying up in the Top 5, so there was a lot of pressure on us. The last couple of weeks we have played teams (Hong Kong and Japan) that play expansive and want to play wide, but today it was a completely different game style where guys wanted to take us on up front. We went to sleep for the first 15 minutes of the second half and we ended up needing to score tries and luckily we did that.
“I’m proud of the lads. I think we have done enough to stay up in the Top 5 and if so, we have moulded UAE Rugby for the year ahead. The profile of staying up is vital for continuing to develop the game in the UAE and in the region.”
UAE jumped out to a fiery start in the desert sun as Sevens captain Tim Fletcher crossed over for the first try at the five-minute marker. The tries followed thick and fast as the UAE dominated territory throughout the opening 40.
Flanker Brett Williams, fullback Imad Reyal and scrum-half Pat Hegarty all added tries in the opening half. Flyhalf Murray Strang accounted for nine points in the same half with three conversions and a penalty to send the home side into the changing sheds 29-points to the good.
UAE was poised to be in a controlling position for the final 40, but it was Kazakhstan who struck first in just the second minute through a try to flanker Nikita Trofimov, who finally put the Nomads on the board at 29-5.
Moments later, UAE lock Greg Thompson helped his team regain last ground with a try to extend the lead to 34-5.
Undaunted, Kazakhstan exhibited its famed never-say-die rugby attitude with a second try through Dmitriy Tronin. The conversion by captain and centre Ildar Abdrazhakov narrowed the margin to 12-34.
Less than two minutes later, the Kazakh forward pack had worked the ball back deep into UAE territory, when flanker Nikita Trofimov scored his second try of the match. Abdrazhakov’s conversion brought the score to 34-19, with the Nomads having scored 19 points to UAE’s five in a rampaging second half. With 20 minutes remaining the game seemed to hang in the balance.
Kazakhstan seemed to tilt the match further in their favour as lock Anton Makarenko went over again from close range to bring the visitors within 10 points of an incredible comeback win at 34-24. Makarenko’s try saw Kazakhstan gain its first point of the 2012 HSBC A5N Top 5 as they earned a matching bonus point to that of the UAE for scoring four or more tries in a match.
With 10 minutes remaining, the atmosphere was tense as the UAE faithful pondered the thought of letting a 29-point lead slip through their fingers.
Earlier in the week Hall had lauded his charges saying they “had a lot of heart” and they repaid his faith by scoring a brilliant 50 metre handling try with some great interplay between backs and forwards.
The try was perfectly finished by slippery fullback Imad Reyal who collected a brace for his efforts.
Murray Strang’s boot was again on the mark with the conversion as UAE pulled comfortably back in front at 41-24 with eight minutes remaining on the clock.
Kazakh heads naturally dropped and the UAE again capitalised, this time through captain and No 8 Alistair Thompson giving the UAE a 46-24 lead with five minutes remaining.
As testament to the spirit in the Kazakhstan team, the visitors struck for the final time on the night as reserve scrum-half Evgeniy Romanov scooted over before the final whistle. Abdrazhakov’s conversion brought a thrilling 48-point second half to a close as Kazakhstan bowed out with heads held high at 46-31.
The crucial home win for UAE may have done enough to retain their spot in the HSBC A5N Top 5 in 2013. UAE captured five points for the win on the series table and a sixth (bonus) point for scoring four tries or more. Kazakhstan also earned a bonus point for its scoring spree in the second half. They trail the competition with one point from three matches and now face another must-win match as they host South Korea next weekend in Almaty.
South Korea are the promoted team in this year’s HSBC A5N Top 5 and have shown every indication of sticking in the top flight after a come from behind win against Hong Kong last weekend. Korea currently lie third in the standings on six points and face top-ranked Japan on Saturday in Seoul’s Seongnam Stadium (kick-off at 13.00 local time).
That game will be televised across Asia on ESPN Star Sports as well as into North Africa, the Middle East, Australia, New Zealand and North America on other international broadcasters. All HSBC A5N Top 5 games are also available for live streaming or video on demand at http://www.ustream.tv/A5NRugby.
F1: Hamilton stripped of Spanish pole Williams' Venezuelan driver Maldonado promoted
As a result, Venezuelan Pastor Maldonado of Williams will start from pole position for the first time after being promoted from second on the grid while Hamilton, the 2008 world champion, will start from the back.
The 27-year-old Briton was excluded from the qualifying results because he did not return to the pits with his McLaren car after setting his fastest lap.
Instead, he followed urgent orders transmitted by the team and stopped out on the track. He required assistance to return to the pits where a one litre fuel sample was to be taken.
A stewards meeting later decided that this was in breach of the regulations and excluded Hamilton, dismissing his team's argument that this had happened under circumstances of 'force majeure'.
"This is such a disappointment. Today's qualifying session was one of the best I've ever driven - the whole car was just rolling so smoothly, it felt fantastic," said Hamilton.
"On my slowing-down lap, my engineers told me to stop on the track, and I didn't know why. Later, to hear that I'd been excluded from qualifying, was of course extremely disappointing.
"It's clear that it's going to be an incredibly tough race. But as I always say, and as I always do, whatever grid position I start a Grand Prix from, I'll always race my heart out."
The race stewards rejected McLaren's argument that the incident was a case of force majeure.
"The stewards heard from the team representative Sam Michael who stated that the car stopped on the circuit for reasons of force majeure," said a statement.
"A team member had put an insufficient quantity of fuel into the car thereby resulting in the car having to be stopped on the circuit in order to be able to provide the required amount for sampling purposes.
"As the amount of fuel put into the car is under the complete control of the competitor the stewards cannot accept this as a case of force majeure."
McLaren accepted the stewards' decision.
"We accept that the stewards did not agree with our interpretation of force majeure. Our aim is now to maximise the points we can score," said a spokesman.
McLaren team chief Martin Whitmarsh declined to explain precisely why Hamilton had been asked to stop.
"There was enough fuel to take a fuel sample, but we stopped the car. There was 1.3 litres of fuel taken out of the car," insisted Whitmarsh.
Hamilton and McLaren were given a reprimand and a $10,000 fine at the 2010 Canadian Grand Prix in similar circumstances.
Whitmarsh said Saturday's drama was due to a problem in the McLaren garage.
"It is a technical problem that happened in the garage that didn't impede the performance of the car in any way and we stopped when it had 1.3 litres of fuel in the car," he added.
He was adamant that Hamilton had enough fuel to complete his lap back to the pit lane and also to supply a one litre sample.
Hamilton had a best lap of 1min 21.707sec to finish half a second clear of Maldonado.
Fernando Alonso was next fastest in a Ferrari ahead of Romain Grosjean and his Lotus team-mate Kimi Raikkonen.
They were followed by Sergio Perez of Sauber, Nico Rosberg of Mercedes and defending champion Sebastian Vettel in a Red Bull.
Maldonado's promotion was a great present for team founder Sir Frank Williams, who was celebrating his 70th birthday in the team garage.
"We have worked so hard to understand these tyres and develop our car around them and this is a great step forward for the team. We have such a good spirit and the car feels fantastic," said Maldonado.
Williams have their first pole since Nico Hulkenberg secured his maiden and sole pole position at the 2010 Brazilian Grand Prix.
It is also the first ever for a Venezuelan driver.
NBA: Miami's James named MVP winner again Beat Durant, Paul and Bryant in voting
Miami Heat forward LeBron James was named on Saturday as the National Basketball Association's Most Valuable Player for the 2011-12 season, cementing his place among the game's greatest players.
It was the third time in four years that 'King' James has won the game's most prestigious individual award, elevating him alongside the sport's biggest names.
Only seven other players - Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Michael Jordan, Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson and Moses Malone - have won the trophy at least three times.
Abdul-Jabbar holds the record for six MVP wins, one ahead of Jordan and Russell but James, still just 27 years old, has plenty of time on his side.
"I never dreamt about being an NBA Most Valuable Player," an emotional James said in a presentation in Miami broadcast live on national television.
"I never dreamt about doing the things that I do now at a high level.
"Now that it's in me now, and it's happening, it's overwhelming."
James, who twice won the award with the Cleveland Cavaliers before moving to Miami last season, averaged 27.1 points, 7.9 rebounds and 6.2 assists during the 2011-12 regular season, which was shortened to 66 games because of a labor dispute.
He totaled 1,074 points, including 85 first-place votes, from a panel of 121 voters that decided the award.
"We do not take LeBron James for granted, not here in this organization," Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said.
"He's as committed as ever... and we all respond to his energy on the court."
Oklahoma City's Kevin Durant, the leading scorer for the third season in a row, finished second in the vote, followed by Chris Paul of the Los Angeles Clippers and Kobe Bryant from the Los Angeles Lakers.
Chicago's Derrick Rose, who won the MVP award last year, finished 11th in the voting after missing more than a third of the season because of injury.
James, despite his individual success, has yet to win an NBA title, but has perhaps his best chance this season with Miami.
"This is very overwhelming to me as an individual award," James said.
"But this is not the award I want, ultimately. I want that championship. That's all that matters to me."
The Heat, who finished runners-up to Dallas last year after James left Cleveland to link up with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh in Miami, cruised through the opening round of the playoffs.
They now face the Indiana Pacers in a best-of-seven series, starting in Florida on Sunday, for a place in the Eastern Conference final.
James is sure to feature in the star-studded United States team at this year's London Olympics after being a member of the team that won the gold medal in Beijing four years ago.
Mena Golf Tour provides platform for emerging talent Second edition will have regional flavour
Shaikh Fahim bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Arab Golf Federation and the Emirates Golf Federation, Mohamed Juma Buamaim, Chairman of the Mena Golf Tour, and Khalfan Al Kaabi, a board member of the Emirates Golf Federation, with the Mena Golf Tour trophy. (FILE)
The Mena Golf Tour fits perfectly into the larger scheme of things if the region’s players, including the UAE, are to realise their ambitions of competing on the bigger stage, especially the Asian Games or even the 2016 Olympics where the sport is making a comeback after a 112-year absence.
The tour, now in its second edition, has assumed a special significance with the UAE National Olympic Committee officially endorsing golf in its portfolio of sports, thus clearing the way for the country’s leading players to start dreaming about the biggest moments of their careers.
"There are hundreds of young golfers in the region who would be proud to represent their country and it would be an honour for anyone who plays this game to be part of the Asian Games and Olympic Games,” said Mohamed Juma Buamaim, chairman of the MENA Golf Tour.
“Hard work and exposure to high-intensity competitions are vital ingredients to preparing the players for top flight golf, and the Mena Golf Tour has the strength in depth to provide competition that would challenge the players and fine tune their skills required to compete at this level.
“Our intention is to develop amateurs who represent their country through this Tour because we feel they are the ones who will encourage more people to take up golf – and not Woods and Westwoods,” he said. “The added incentives, of course, are the spots that we offer to top golfers on the Order of Merit - three professionals and one leading amateur - to compete in the Omega Dubai Desert Classic.
“We have created a springboard for the players to benefit from it and, hopefully, they will set new standards,” said Buamaim, who thanked the UAE NOC for its initiative to recognise golf, which is fast becoming popular among the Emiratis.
The Tour, he explained, is not UAE specific. “It is meant to create playing opportunities for all those keen on playing at the top level or planning on making a career out of golf. It’s a stepping stone to the exciting world of international golf.”
The second edition of the Mena Tour, which is scheduled to kick off in September this year, will have a true regional flavour with stops in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and possibly, Morocco. With more tournaments, more prize money on offer, the tour is expected to attract a strong field with players who have featured on the Challenge Tour and Asian Tour events adding to its strength.
If a Mena Golf Tour player goes on to establish his credentials on the international circuit, it will just be a sign of the times in an ever-changing world. “This calls us to join hands, group our efforts and set off to make this dream come true,” he said.
Westwood retains Indonesian Masters title World number three secured his 38th career victory
The 38-year-old, who finished tied third at the Masters two weeks ago, held an eight-shot lead going into the final round but tiredness began to kick in on his homeward nine as he shot three bogeys.
Play at the Asian Tour event had been abandoned on Saturday due to lightning.
"It was draining out there and I was really feeling it on the back nine. When you are in contention and under pressure, it seems to zap your energy faster," said Westwood.
"You never know how to play with such a big lead. You don't know if you should attack or defend. It is quite hard to get your mental attitude around it.
"It was a case of staying patient and calm and playing the holes correctly. It was exhausting."
Westwood, who collected a winner's cheque of ê118,875, said he hoped the win would kick-start this year's attempt at winning an elusive Major championship.
"I've played well without any wins so hopefully I can go on and win other tournaments.
"It is tough when you are the favourite because if you don't win then it will be disappointing. There was a lot of pressure so I'm glad I did it."
Thaworn, winner of the Asian Tour Order of Merit in 2005, birdied the last two holes to claim his best finish of the season.
"I felt tired after the 12th hole but I held on. I couldn't really hit my shots properly so I'm quite surprised with the way I finished.
"I haven't won in a while but I've come close this season so I hope to keep the momentum going."
Leading final scores (par 72)
272 - Lee Westwood (ENG) 65-68-65-74
274 - Thaworn Wiratchant (THA) 72-69-66-67
276 - Gaganjeet Bhullar (IND) 72-70-65-69, Shiv Kapur(IND) 68-71-70-67
277 - Anirban Lahiri (IND) 74-68-66-69
278 - Seuk-hyun Baek (KOR) 72-70-68-68
279 - Angelo Que (PHI) 69-73-68-69, Lee Sung (KOR) 68-71-67-73, Bernd Wiesberger (AUT) 70-68-72-69
281 - Berry Henson (USA) 69-73-69-70, Wade Ormsby (AUS) 71-73-66-71, Masanori Kobayashi(JPN) 69-68-74-70, Zaw Moe (MYN) 68-67-75-71
Meydan launches the Track for golf enthusiasts No membership fees and a real challenge guaranteed for all players
Meydan Golf today launches The Track - a unique new pay-and-play golf course at the world famous Dubai racecourse.Challenging enough for even the best players, it is also extremely welcoming for novices looking to take up the sport and those with limited experience.There is no membership fee at The Track with players simply booking a tee time to take on the brilliant nine-hole course.Bookings for preview play rounds are now being taken, at Dh300 per player. Players in this introductory period can choose to play nine holes or double up to 18 holes at no extra charge.
Permanent rates for 9 and 18 holes will be announced following the preview period.
Tuition packages and one-off lessons will also be available from professional instructors who will tailor sessions to the individual’s needs.
From the summer, The Track will be floodlit and open until midnight so golfers can beat the heat and keep their game sharp.
Developed by Meydan Golf and run by leading golf management company Troon Golf, The Track is nestled alongside Meydan racecourse, home of the Dubai World Cup.
Just a ten minute drive out of the city, the facility makes the most of the natural contours and lakes in the area and is home to a variety of wildlife.
The Track, which is open from 6.30am, was designed by renowned golf course architect Peter Harradine, with every hole posing a unique challenge.
“Water is a predominant feature of the course thanks to the natural lakes we have here,” said Paul Dennis, The Track’s general manager.
“These make sure the course is a challenge for better players off the back tees with the forward tees also allowing it to be really enjoyable for the novice golfer.”
The course can be played as 9 or 18 holes, with a challenging 18 hole yardage of 7,416. The course offers something for players of all ages and abilities, as distances from the tees vary from 633 yards on the 1st hole at the toughest level, down to 100 yards for novices on the 6th.
Stunning views across Meydan and towards the Burj Khalifa add to an unforgettable golfing experience for everyone.
“The Track opens up the sport to those who are a little intimidated by traditional golf clubs or who cannot commit to becoming a member,” added Dennis.
“It gives people somewhere to play where they receive five-star service but without the fees which usually accompany being a member of a golf club.
“It is really all about getting everyone out and enjoying golf at The Track.”
At the heart of the stunning two-tier clubhouse is The Track Restaurant.
A light and modern space, it is open daily between 6.30am and 10.30pm and offers a variety of food - from classic full breakfasts through to gourmet sandwiches, salads, steaks and curry.
A family room and children’s play-area will open later in the year.
Upstairs is Qube – a revolutionary sports lounge whose sleek design offers an airy and sophisticated setting without compromising on all the fun elements of a sports lounge.
Four giant screens are suspended in a cube at the centre of the vibrant venue with a further 16 big screen televisions around the perimeter. A range of games including pool tables, shuffleboard, darts and fussball will keep guests entertained all evening.
For more information on The Track or for golf bookings and enquiries, please visit www.meydangolf.com
For more information on Qube sports lounge, programming and events please visit www.qubesportsbar.com
Haya extends patronage of Dubai Ladies Masters Dh2.45m European Tour event is growing in stature
Princess Haya’s kind gesture of extending her patronage to the 2012 and 2013 Omega Dubai Ladies Masters is a fitting recognition to the role played by the event in promoting women’s golf in the region and is part of a long-term Dubai goal to become a solid foothold for sports in the world.
“It is indeed a great honour and privilege for all of us at golf in Dubai to have HRH Princess Haya extend her patronage to the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters," said Mohamed Juma Buamaim, Vice-Chairman and CEO of golf in Dubai.
“A former Olympic athlete, humanitarian, member of the International Olympic Committee, UN Messenger of Peace and President of the International Equestrian Federation, HRH Princess Haya is a woman of substance who has inspired many people with her strong values and forceful conviction," he said.
“Her patronage has certainly raised the profile of our event and we will strive and do everything possible to raise the bar for future events befitting Dubai’s image as the region’s sporting capital. Every international sporting event hosted in Dubai has its own appeal and aura, reflecting on the Emirate’s dynamic and innovative sporting culture,” he added.
The 2011 Omega Dubai Ladies Masters, the first event to be held under patronage, generated tremendous media coverage around the world. The independent facts provided by the Ladies European Tour show the event, won by US teenage prodigy Alexis Thompson, generated international media exposure worth Dh383 million via 380 broadcasts.
Tiger ready for Quail Hollow with 'fixed' swing Woods has spent past fortnight working on his game
Tiger Woods returns to PGA Tour action at this week's Wells Fargo Championship in Charlotte, North Carolina, confident he has solved the ball-striking problems which plagued him at this month's Masters.
The former world number one failed to break 72 in any of his four rounds at the year's opening Major, completing his worst performance at Augusta National since he turned professional.
He battled his way to a closing two-over-par 74 for a five-over total of 293, ruing his tendency to allow old habits to creep back into a swing he has grooved with coach Sean Foley over the last two years.
"At the Masters, I was kind of struggling with my ball-striking a little bit," Woods said during a question and answer video session with his fans posted on his website on Monday.
"Sean and I fixed it. It had to do with my posture. My setup wasn't quite right, as well as my takeaway so we worked on that. I just needed to do hundreds of (repetitions). I'm getting dialed in."
Woods, a 14-times Major champion, took a week off after the April 5-8 Masters and has since spent the past fortnight working on his game.
Asked if he liked his chances of winning a 73rd PGA Tour title in this week's event at Quail Hollow, he replied: "I feel like I do, yes.
"I feel like if I can do the things that we've been working on, and get my posture and my takeaway dialed in, then yes, I have a good chance.
"I'm going to a golf course I like in Charlotte. I've won there before. The very next week is a tournament that I've also won at," the 36-year-old American added, referring to the May 10-13 Players Championship at Sawgrass.
Woods triumphed at Quail Hollow in 2007 and won his only Players title in 2001 at the event regarded by many as the unofficial 'fifth' Major.
Monday's video session, based on questions sent in by fans via Facebook and Twitter, was an interesting choice by Woods who will not be giving his customary pre-tournament news conference ahead of the Wells Fargo Championship.
The world number seven typically addresses the media before every event in which he plays but is not scheduled to speak to reporters until after he completes Thursday's opening round at Quail Hollow.
Woods fielded 19 questions from fans in the video session, among them a query as to the best putt he has ever sunk on the PGA Tour.
In reply, he cited the par putt he knocked in from just inside four feet on the 72nd hole of the 1997 Masters, his first Major title which he clinched by a staggering 12 strokes with a record low total of 270.
"To set the record, all the history it meant at the time, to have my dad there at the back of the green," Woods added. "By far it was the biggest."
As for his favourite Major trophy, Woods did not hesitate in selecting the cherished Claret Jug awarded to winners of the British Open.
"The history and what it represents," he said. "Every single great champion has played in the British Open."
Fowler wins maiden PGA title in playoff McIlroy reclaims number one world ranking from Donald
Rickie Fowler delivered on his vast potential by claiming his first PGA Tour win at the Wells Fargo championship with a birdie on the first hole of a playoff against Briton Rory McIlroy and fellow American D.A. Points at Quail Hollow on Sunday.
The 23-year-old Fowler finally justified his billing as one of the game's top young players when he sank a four-footer for birdie at the 18th hole to claim victory at the Charlotte, North Carolina course.
"It's a good feeling right now," Fowler told reporters after winning in his 67th professional start. "Definitely some relief, satisfaction.
"I definitely knew I was good enough, and it was just getting everything to come together and stay patient."
Despite losing out in the playoff, the finish ensured US Open champion McIlroy, who is also 23, would reclaim the number one world ranking from Luke Donald.
Fowler fired a three-under-par 69 to join McIlroy (70) and Points (71) in the sudden-death playoff after tying at 14-under-par 274 after the regulation 72 holes.
Fowler, who had made the last US Ryder Cup team despite lacking a tour victory, saw the pressure lift off his shoulders when both Points and McIlroy missed their long birdie putts and had to settle for par.
McIlroy had left himself 34 feet from the cup after his approach shot, and Points was 41 feet away.
Home-town favorite Webb Simpson, the third-round leader who lives about a mile from the course, finished one stroke out of the playoff at 275 after posting a 73 for fourth place.
Two shots further back on 277 were Briton Lee Westwood (66) and Americans Ben Curtis (67) and Ryan Moore (74).
The Wells Fargo finish could presage a dynamic rivalry between the young Fowler and McIlroy, who two years ago fired a sensational, course-record 62 to win this tournament.
"I'm looking forward to playing with Rory for a long time," said Fowler, whose colourful outfits and all-orange Sunday get-up had brought him more attention than his tour results.
"We've always had a great camaraderie, been good buddies," Fowler said about the Northern Irishman.
"I've had a lot of fun playing against him. We first played against each other at the Walker Cup in '07, and I look forward to playing against him and hopefully having plenty more tournaments like this where we're battling back and forth."
After all three players found the fairway with their playoff drives, Fowler set up victory with his brilliant approach.
All three golfers had the chance to clinch victory during the final holes.
Points had a one-shot lead going to the final hole of regulation but knocked his approach shot into a bunker and took a bogey.
McIlroy had a shot at winning in regulation but missed a 15-foot birdie putt at the last.
Fowler had the outright lead until he drove into a fairway bunker at the 16th and then hit to a greenside bunker. He two-putted from 10 feet for bogey to slide back.
Dubai Ladies Masters raises global media value Alexis Thompson's triumph contributed to phenomenal success
The 2011 Omega Dubai Ladies Masters, won by US teenage sensation Alexis Thompson, generated a massive global media exposure giving ‘golf in Dubai’ and ‘Brand Dubai,’ in particular, a massive boost.
Held under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Haya bint Al Hussein - wife of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai - the season-ending event of the Ladies European Tour played from December 14 to 17, reached millions of homes of worldwide, producing Global Media Value worth Dh382.5 million – a whopping 466 per cent increase in value since the inaugural edition in 2006.
In addition, commercials produced by CNN International in the run up to the event, reached over 170 million households and hotel rooms across Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia Pacific, bringing an unprecedented level of promotion to the euro 500,000 (Dh2.5 million) tournament, which has become the torch-bearers for ladies golf in the region.
The independent statistics, provided by Ladies European Tour, clearly shows ladies golf, once considered alien to the sporting fabric of the nation, has become very much part of Dubai’s vision in putting the Emirate on the sporting map, thus enhancing the Emirate’s image as an Arab city with “an international spirit and sensibility.”
Promoted and organised by ‘golf in Dubai,’ an event management company that operates under the umbrella of the Dubai Investment Corporation, the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters has grown in stature and popularity over the years, thanks to the regular participation of the world’s leading players, making it the 'Ladies Major of the Middle East'.
The tournament website (www.dubailadiesmasters.com) also recorded a new high with 27,737 visits from 120 countries, an increase of 22.46 per cent. Also, a total of 11,119 spectators turned up at the Emirates Golf Club to watch the proceedings, a healthy figure considering ladies golf is still new to the region.
The stunning victory of Thompson, who at age 16 years, 10 months and seven days, became the youngest professional to win tournaments on both sides of the Atlantic, greatly contributed to the phenomenal success of the tournament as the “breaking news” was splashed all over the newspapers and news sites in the United States of America.
Also included in the field were a slew of other LPGA stars, led by Michelle Wie and Christina Kim who joined Britian’s all-time great and golf in Dubai ambassador Laura Davies, Melissa Reid and Sophie Gustafson and a host of other top-draw from the Ladies European Tour, giving the tournament truly a global look.
The action on the course was equally thrilling with the strong 108-player field, representing 28 countries, producing six eagles (all on par-3, fifth hole), 995 birdies, 4,160 pars and 997 bogeys over the four days.
“The facts provided by the Ladies European Tour amply confirm the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters was well received on the international circuit and contributed immensely in showcasing Dubai’s attractions to the world,” said Mohamed Juma Buamaim, vice-chairman and CEO of golf in Dubai.
“We strive and assemble a top quality field that creates new storylines every year. The success of an event of this magnitude would not be possible without the generous support of key sponsors and I would like to especially thank the title sponsor, Omega, for their association. In fact, we have a great family of partners and patrons, and we value their support in raising the profile of the event.
“We feel proud and privileged to be part of a tradition that began in 2006 with the winner’s trophy serving as ladies golf’s one of the most valued treasures that holds significance to the players. Very soon we will announcing some big names who will be competing in the 2012 event.”
Clijsters to miss French Open with hip injury Belgian will make comeback in Den Bosch before Wimbledon
The popular Belgian has been laid low by numerous injuries throughout her 13-year career, her feet, ankles, hips wrists and shoulders all feeling the strain at some stage, and she has decided not to risk aggravating her latest hip problem by playing on the punishing slow surface.
"It's such a pity not to be able to play a last claycourt season. But I can't be fully fit for the French Open (which begins on May 27)," Clijsters, who will retire from professional tennis at the end of the season, was quoted as saying on her website (www.kimclijsters.be) on Tuesday.
"I really look forward to starting a long training to be ready for the grasscourt season where I will pursue two main goals at Wimbledon and the Olympic Games."
Since making her comeback in 2009 following a 2-1/2 year maternity break, Clijsters has won three grand slam titles but has also struggled to play a full schedule on the WTA tour.
Her sole appearance at Roland Garros during the second phase of her career was last year, when she lost in the second round.
Her participation in Paris followed a two-month layoff after an ankle injury. After that defeat, she played in only two tournaments during the rest of the season and was forced to miss Wimbledon (foot injury) and the defence of her U.S. Open crown (stomach muscle problem).
She returned to action at the Australian Open in January, where her injury jinx struck again as she badly sprained her ankle in the fourth round but battled on before falling to eventual champion Victoria Azarenka in the semi-finals.
The rolled ankle meant Clijsters was again sidelined for two months but when she made the yet another comeback in Miami, she was floored by the hip problem.
Clijsters said she planned to resume full training in three weeks and to be back on the courts at the Wimbledon warm-up event in Den Bosch.
The Olympic tennis tournament will also be staged on the green lawns of Wimbledon at the end of July.
