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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.
Cricket fans in the UAE, get ready, the Asia Cup 2025 is heading your way, and the excitement starts on September 9.
The tournament opener will see Afghanistan take on Hong Kong China. Still, all eyes will be on the highly anticipated clash the next day: India vs UAE on September 10, marking the Men in Blue’s first match on Emirati soil in this edition.
Organised by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), the Asia Cup is back for its 17th edition, bringing together eight nations divided into two action-packed groups.
Group A
India
Pakistan
UAE (hosts)
Oman
Group B
Sri Lanka
Bangladesh
Afghanistan
Hong Kong China
The big-ticket match everyone is waiting for? India vs Pakistan on September 14. And depending on how the Super 4 and final play out, these two rivals could face off up to three times in the tournament.
Format & Schedule Highlights
Group Stage: September 9 to 19
Super 4s: September 20 to 26
Final: September 28 (All matches start at 6pm UAE time)
The top two teams from each group will qualify for the Super 4 round, and the top two from there will battle it out in the final showdown on September 28.
Can India Defend Their Crown?
India enters the Asia Cup 2025 as the defending champions and the most successful team in the tournament’s history, with eight titles to their name. Sri Lanka follows closely with six, while Pakistan have won it twice.
This year’s tournament will be played in the T20 format, making it the perfect build-up to the T20 World Cup in 2026. The last time the Asia Cup was played in T20 format? Sri Lanka stunned Pakistan in 2022 to take the trophy.
Mark These Matches on Your Calendar:
Sep 10: India vs UAE
Sep 12: Pakistan vs Oman
Sep 14: India vs Pakistan (don’t miss this!)
Sep 17: Pakistan vs UAE
Sep 19: India vs Oman
Sep 28: Asia Cup Final
With high stakes, regional pride, and potential rivalries reignited, Asia Cup 2025 promises fireworks in the UAE, on and off the pitch.
The DP World International League T20 (ILT20) is extending its impact well beyond the cricket pitch, to Madagascar, where children are now proudly wearing official ILT20 merchandise from last season, thanks to a charitable partnership with Gulf for Good, a UAE-based non-profit.
As part of its CSR initiative, the ILT20 has donated over 500 pieces of branded merchandise to children in need through Gulf for Good’s Outreach Programme. The initiative is part of a broader effort to support education and community development projects around the world, with over 2,000 children expected to benefit in the long run.
“This initiative is all about making a small contribution to a much bigger cause,” said David White, CEO of DP World ILT20. “We’re proud to call the UAE our home, a country that is globally recognised for its generosity. As the region’s biggest cricket league, we are committed to making a positive impact beyond the field.”
Looking ahead: ILT20 Season 4 set for UAE National Day launch
The DP World ILT20 Season 4 will return in style this winter, kicking off with a blockbuster opening on UAE National Day (December 2) and wrapping up with the grand final on January 4, 2026. The six-team, 34-match tournament continues to grow in popularity, drawing international stars and thousands of fans from across the region.
Football fans, mark your calendars: FIFA has announced that the first ticket application phase for the FIFA World Cup 2026 will open on Wednesday, September 10, 2025.
The tournament, set to be the biggest FIFA World Cup ever, will be hosted across Canada, Mexico, and the United States, featuring 48 teams and 104 matches.
With demand expected to be massive, FIFA is urging fans around the world to pre-register at FIFA.com/tickets and create a FIFA ID now to be ready for the draw.
“These will be the most coveted seats in world sport,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino. “We’re excited to welcome the world back to North America for what will be the greatest sporting event ever.”
Key tournament dates
Opening match: Thursday, June 11, 2026 – Mexico City
Final match: Sunday, July 19, 2026 – New York/New Jersey
The announcement follows the success of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, also hosted in the U.S., which drew nearly 2.5 million fans across 11 cities, a strong preview of what fans can expect in 2026.
What fans can expect
48 national teams competing
Matches across 3 countries and multiple cities
6.5 million fans expected to attend
First ticket draw opens September 10, 2025
Whether you’re planning a summer trip or simply want to be part of football history, now’s the time to act. Register your interest and get ready to secure your place for what’s set to be a truly unforgettable tournament
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