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Scheffler wins Masters for second major title – ARN News Centre

Published

2 years ago

April 16, 2024

Staff Reporter

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WARREN LITTLE/ GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/ Getty Images via AFP

American Scottie Scheffler claimed a second Masters title in three years on Sunday, the world number one holding steady while his biggest challengers self-destructed making their way through the infamous Amen Corner.

Scheffler, the Green Jacket winner in 2022, began the day with a one-stroke lead over twice major winner Collin Morikawa and posted a final round of four-under 68 to finish 11-under for the week, four clear of Swedish young gun Ludvig Aberg.

Aberg closed with a 69 to take solo second spot and cap a sensational majors debut.

Morikawa, after tumbling down the leaderboard with double-bogeys at nine and 11, recovered with birdies at 13 and 15 to help secure a share of third place with American compatriot Max Homa and Britain’s Tommy Fleetwood at four-under.

Scheffler, the red hot favourite coming into the year’s first major, leaves Augusta National as the planet’s undisputed best with three titles and a runner-up finish in his last four starts.

The performance was all the more remarkable as the 27-year-old played with the added distraction of knowing he might have to return home at any moment to be with his wife for the birth of their first child.

It is said the Masters does not start until the back nine on Sunday, with many a Green Jacket won or lost with a trip through Amen Corner, the treacherous three-hole stretch that begins at the par four 11th.

The drama actually started a little earlier at the ninth this year where Scheffler had a tap in birdie, that he nearly holed out for an eagle, to lead by one heading into the turn.

All around Scheffler challengers were unravelling. Morikawa taking a double-bogey at nine to fall three shots off the pace.

As Scheffler was piling on the pressure with birdies at eight, nine and 10, Amen Corner bared its teeth to sink the hopes of three Green Jacket contenders – Aberg, Morikawa and Homa.

Aberg and Morikawa found water at 11, taking double-bogeys, while Homa suffered a double-bogey at the 12th after losing his ball in the bushes.

Even Scheffler could not escape Amen Corner unscathed, his run of three birdies ending with a bogey at 11.

But a birdie at 13 allowed Scheffler to walk away from Amen Corner at nine-under, holding a three-shot lead over Aberg with five to play.

Aberg, however, was not waving the white flag, undoing the damage done at the 11th with back-to-back birdies at 13 and 14 to stay in sight of the leader at two back.

But Scheffler did not take his foot off the gas either, answering with a tap-in birdie at 14 and another at 16 to seal the victory.

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Sports

DP World ILT20: MI Emirates bounce back in style as Farooqi, Bairstow lead the charge

Published

3 days ago

December 12, 2025

Michael Gomes

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MI Emirates delivered a clinical all-round performance to seal a convincing seven-wicket victory over Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in the ILT20, with left-arm pacer Fazalhaq Farooqi and opener Jonny Bairstow leading the charge.

Farooqi was the standout performer with the ball, ripping through ADKR’s top order with a superb 4-for that never allowed the hosts to settle. His early breakthroughs set the tone for MI Emirates as ADKR struggled to build momentum, eventually posting a below-par total.

Chasing the target, MI Emirates showed confidence from the outset. Bairstow anchored the innings with a composed, unbeaten 49, mixing clean hitting with smart rotation of strike. His calm presence ensured the chase stayed on track, while contributions from the middle order helped wrap up the match with plenty of balls to spare.

The win marks MI Emirates’ third victory of the season and a timely boost to their campaign. For ADKR, the search for consistency continues as they look to bounce back in their next outing.

With form on their side and key players stepping up, MI Emirates will be eyeing another strong showing when they return to action later this week.

Brief Scores:
MI Emirates beat Abu Dhabi Knight Riders by seven wickets

Abu Dhabi Knight Riders 122 in 19.3 overs (Alishan Sharafu 38, Sunil Narine 26, Fazalhaq Farooqi 4 for 14, Kamindu Mendis 3 for 21)

MI Emirates 123/3 in 13.5 overs (Jonny Bairstow 49, Tom Banton 29, Muhammad Waseem 27, Jason Holder 1 for 11, Ajay Kumar 1 for 30)

Player of the match: Kamindu Mendis

Sports

Dubai Basketball takes on Bayern Munich in blockbuster EuroLeague showdown this Friday

Published

4 days ago

December 11, 2025

Michael Gomes

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Dubai Basketball fans, get ready, because one of the biggest names in global sport is coming to town.

Dubai’s first-ever professional basketball franchise will hit the court against FC Bayern Munich at the Coca-Cola Arena on Friday, December 12. And they’re stepping into the game with some serious momentum, riding a 10-game unbeaten streak at home across both the EuroLeague and the ABA League.

After a strong debut season in the ABA League, where they powered their way to the playoff semi-finals, Dubai Basketball is now competing in the EuroLeague for the very first time.

For anyone new to it, the EuroLeague is Europe’s top-tier basketball competition, featuring 20 elite teams from 10 countries, all battling it out through a high-speed, high-intensity season that ends with the iconic Final Four showdown.

Big stage, big opponent, big moment for Dubai. Game on.

Sports

DP World ILT20: Desert Vipers beat MI Emirates by one run in last-ball thriller

Published

5 days ago

December 10, 2025

Michael Gomes

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Cricket fans at the Zayed Cricket Stadium were treated to a nail-biting finish on Tuesday night as the Desert Vipers edged MI Emirates by just one run in a dramatic DP World ILT20 Season 4 clash.

The victory marked the Vipers’ fourth straight win of the season, keeping them firmly at the top of the points table with eight points.

Payne Turns the Game on Its Head

Defending a total of 159, the Vipers found themselves under pressure until David Payne delivered a match-winning 19th over, picking up three crucial wickets to completely swing momentum. Payne finished with sensational figures of 4 for 29 and was named Player of the Match.

He was well supported by UAE pacer Khuzaima Tanveer, who took 2 for 34, as the Vipers held their nerve in the dying moments.

MI Emirates needed 16 runs from the final over, and Rashid Khan nearly pulled off the chase with a six and a four. However, the batting side fell two runs short on the very last ball, sealing a heartbreaking defeat.

MI Emirates Fight Hard in the Chase

Chasing 160, MI Emirates lost Jonny Bairstow early, but Muhammad Waseem (24) and Tom Banton (34) rebuilt the innings with a steady partnership. Later, Nicholas Pooran (31) joined Banton to keep the chase alive.

Kieron Pollard, leading the side, added a quick 23 off 13 balls and looked dangerous before being dismissed by Payne in the penultimate over, a moment that proved crucial.

Solid Start with the Bat for Vipers

Earlier, the Vipers got off to a strong start thanks to Fakhar Zaman (35) and Andries Gous (21). After Gous retired hurt, Zaman added 51 runs with Max Holden (42) to keep the scoreboard ticking.

Late contributions from Shimron Hetmyer (15), Sam Curran (19) and Dan Lawrence (15 not out) helped the Vipers reach a competitive 159 for 4.

For MI Emirates, young spinner Allah Ghazanfar impressed with 2 for 32, while Fazalhaq Farooqi also chipped in with a wicket.

David Payne, Player of the Match, said: “It went right down to the wire, and it was entertaining for everyone watching. We kept things simple, hit the right areas, and that made the difference.”

MI Emirates captain Kieron Pollard reflected: “We didn’t finish the innings well in the last couple of overs. In cricket, momentum can change quickly, and that’s exactly what happened tonight.”