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☆ Gukesh Dommaraju: Indian teenager becomes youngest challenger for world chess title, will face reigning champion from China
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-23 | by ( Andrew Mcnicol | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —Teenage Indian chess prodigy Gukesh Dommaraju, better known as Gukesh D, became the youngest player to claim the men’s Candidates Tournament in Toronto, Canada Sunday. The 17-year-old grandmaster’s win sets up an opportunity to dethrone reigning world champion Ding Liren of China at the 2024 World Chess Championship later this year. Gukesh is set to become the youngest player ever to challenge for a world chess title. China’s Tan Zhongyi won the women’s Challenger category to qualify for a world title match against compatriot and reigning world champion Ju Wenjun – date also unknown. Gukesh is the second Indian to play in a world championship after legendary Indian player Viswanathan “Vishy” Anand.

Persons: Gukesh Dommaraju, Ding Liren, Ding, Garry Kasparov’s, Gukesh, Hikaru Nakamura, “, ” Gukesh, ”, Kasparov, ” Kasparov, Narendra Modi, Gukesh’s, Magnus Carlsen, China’s Tan Zhongyi, Ju, Rameshbabu, Carlsen, “ Pragg, Viswanathan “ Vishy ” Anand, Anand, “ I’m, ” Anand Organizations: CNN, International Chess Federation, FIDE, Indian Locations: Toronto, Canada, China, Russian, Asia, Britain, India, Vaishali

☆ Chinese runner’s win invites suspicion after rivals appear to step aside
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-15 | by ( Andrew Mcnicol | Hassan Tayir | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

Hong Kong CNN —Chinese runner He Jie’s victory Sunday in the Beijing Half Marathon is facing a probe after his win was called into question by Chinese internet users because a trio of African runners appeared to deliberately slow down to let him win. The Chinese runner crossed the finish line in 1:03:44 to claim the $5,500 first prize, with the African trio just one second behind in joint-second place. The video clip shows the African runners applauding He’s win and patting him on the back, though the Asian Games marathon champion appears less enthused despite winning his first ever competitive half marathon. Some Chinese internet users called for an investigation into the race, while others demanded action from organizers. He is ranked 77th in the world in men’s marathon by World Athletics and is expected to lead the way for Asian runners in the upcoming Paris 2024 Summer Olympics.

Persons: Kenya’s Willy Mnangat, Robert Keter, Ethiopia’s, He’s, patting, “, ”, ” Xstep, It’s, Mark Dreyer, That’s, “ It’s, Jie, ” Dreyer Organizations: Hong Kong CNN, Asian Games, Beijing Municipal Sports Bureau, Chinese Athletics Association, CNN, Sporting, World Athletics Locations: Hong Kong, Beijing, Kenya, Weibo, China’s Ningxia

☆ Akebono: Pioneering US-born sumo wrestling champion dies aged 54
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-11 | by ( Andrew Mcnicol | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

Tokyo CNN —Pioneering US-born former sumo wrestling champion Akebono has died, his family announced in a statement Thursday. Widely considered to have blazed a trail for other foreign sumo wrestlers, the 54-year-old died of heart failure at a hospital in Japan. Born Chad George Ha’aheo Rowan in Hawaii, Akebono became the first non-Japanese yokozuna – a sumo grand champion, the highest rank in the sport. According to the Japan Sumo Association, Akebono was rushed to hospital after a wrestling match in 2017 and had been unwell ever since. I was talking with him about meeting under a tree in Hawaii with all our fellow sumo wrestlers when we grew older.

Persons: Akebono, Chad George Ha’aheo Rowan, –, Akebono Taro, “, Akebono “, Rahm Emanuel, Joe Biden, Fumio Kishida, Masaru Hanada, ” Hanada, I’m, ” Organizations: Tokyo CNN —, Yokozuna, Japan Sumo Association, Twitter, Japanese Olympic Committee, Nagano, Japan’s Locations: Japan, Hawaii, Tokyo, United States, ”, Washington, I’ll

CNN —Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Lee Kang-in said on Wednesday that he apologized to Tottenham Hotspur forward and South Korea captain Son Heung-min in person in London after a brawl took place between them at the Asian Cup this month. The pair clashed about playing table tennis while on international duty with South Korea ahead of the team’s 2-0 loss to Jordan in the Asian Cup semifinal on February 6. A television screen in Seoul, South Korea, shows the image of the pair that Son shared on Instagram. “So even if I were to face the same situation again, I would act for the sake of the team,” Son added. The Taegeuk Warriors scraped through to the Asian Cup semifinals, despite only winning one game in regulation time during the competition, before being upset by Jordan.

Persons: Germain, Lee Kang, Son Heung, Jordan, ”, Son, Ian Walton, Kim, Lee “, ” Kim, Lee, Heung, ” Lee, Lee’s, Instagram, Jung Yeon, Kang, ” Son, “, “ Kang, Karim Jaafar, Jürgen Klinsmann Organizations: CNN, Paris Saint, Tottenham Hotspur, South, Korean national football, Korea Football Association, Athletic, Yonhap News Agency, English Premier League, Brighton, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Tottenham, South Korea, Instagram, Getty, South Korean, Taegeuk Warriors, Qatar Locations: South Korea, London, Seoul, AFP, Jordan

☆ Pan Zhanle: Chinese teenager breaks 100m freestyle world record at World Championships
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-12 | by ( Andrew Mcnicol | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —China’s 19-year-old swimming phenom, Pan Zhanle, recorded the fastest 100 meters in history on Sunday as he smashed the men’s freestyle world record and established himself as the pacesetter ahead of the forthcoming Paris Olympics. “Breaking the world record just came naturally. Chinese men's 4x100 meter freestyle world championship gold medallists Wang Haoyu, Zhang Zhanshuo, Ji Xinjie and Pan Zhanle. Ian MacNicol/Getty ImagesPan is the first Chinese male to hold the world record in the event. The two other Chinese world record holders in history are Zhang Lin, whose 800m freestyle swim from 2009 still stands, while controversial compatriot Sun Yang has held the 1,500m freestyle since 2012.

Persons: CNN —, Pan Zhanle, Pan, David Popovici, –, “, ” Pan, Wang Haoyu, Zhang Zhanshuo, Ji Xinjie, Zhanle, Ian MacNicol, Zhang, Qin Haiyan, Zhang Lin, Sun Yang Organizations: CNN Locations: Paris, Doha, Romanian, Zhejiang, Fukuoka, Japan, China, Italy

☆ Jessie Lingard: Former Manchester United star makes shock move to South Korea’s FC Seoul
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-08 | by ( Gawon Bae | Andrew Mcnicol | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

Seoul, South Korea CNN —Former Manchester United midfielder Jesse Lingard has signed for South Korea’s FC Seoul in a surprise move that ends the England international’s months-long search for a new club. He also impressed for England at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, where the team reached the semi-finals. Following a successful loan spell with Premier League side West Ham in 2021, Lingard made a permanent transfer to newly promoted Forest, becoming the team’s highest-paid player. FC Seoul, South Korea’s oldest professional club, finished seventh in the top division last year. The new K League season begins next month, when Lingard could make his debut in FC Seoul’s clash with Gwangju FC on March 2.

Persons: Jesse Lingard, Lingard, ” Lingard, ” Organizations: South Korea CNN — Former Manchester United, South Korea’s FC Seoul, FC Seoul, K League, English Premier League, Nottingham Forest, Manchester United, UEFA Europa League, England, Premier League, West, FC Seoul’s, Gwangju FC Locations: Seoul, South Korea, England, Korea, Russia, Old Trafford, yesteryear, West Ham, South

☆ Lionel Messi no-show ignites booing and calls for refunds at Inter Miami match in Hong Kong
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-04 | by ( Andrew Mcnicol | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

Hong Kong CNN —Thousands of soccer fans in Hong Kong were left disappointed when Argentine superstar Lionel Messi failed to take to the field in a friendly match for Inter Miami on Sunday. What started with overwhelming cheers and rapture ended in boos and calls for refunds in the sold-out, 40,000-seat Hong Kong Stadium. Inter Miami — out to prove a point having gone winless during a worldwide pre-season tour — comfortably defeated a Hong Kong XI 4-1 in an event branded as Tatler XFEST Hong Kong. According to Reuters, tickets went on sale in December and cost between 880 and 4,880 Hong Kong dollars (about $113 and $624). “This whole Messi in Hong Kong thing has been building up for quite some time.

Persons: Lionel Messi, —, Messi, Ballon, Hong, “ Messi, Luis Suárez, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, Louise Delmotte, David Beckham, Messi ”, ”, XFEST, Suárez, “, Gerardo “ Tata ” Martino, Leo, Luis, ” Martino, apologetically, Hong Kong, “ Leo, Suarez, ” Suárez, Martino, Yapp Hung, Yapp, Messi superfan Christer Leung, ” Leung, Lionel, Lam Yik, Reuters “ Messi Organizations: Hong Kong CNN, Argentine, Inter Miami, Hong Kong Stadium, Inter Miami —, Hong, Reuters, CNN, Miami, Al, MLS, Major League Soccer, Hong Kong XI, fai, Messi, Argentina, ’, Inter, USA, Sports, Ardent, Argentina national, Australia, Nigeria, Vissel Kobe Locations: Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia, America, China, Beijing, Argentina, Ivory Coast, Hangzhou, Japan

☆ Kamila Valieva ban: US figure skaters awarded gold for 2022 Beijing Olympics after Russian skater disqualified
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-30 | by ( Homero De La Fuente | Andrew Mcnicol | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —The United States Figure Skating team will receive a gold medal for their team event at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, after Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva was handed a four-year ban Monday over a long-running doping controversy. Valieva, now 17, had led the Russian Olympic Committee to first place in the team event ahead of the US and Japan — before her doping test came back positive for performance-enhancing substance trimetazidine. CNN Sport has contacted the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the Japanese Olympic Committee and the Russian Olympic Committee for further comment. Even with the latest news of Valieva’s ban, Alexander Kogan, director general of the Russian Figure Skating Federation, said that he still views his athletes to be the champions in the team event. In its Monday announcement, CAS said that the decision to ban Valieva for four years is “final and binding,” explaining that the parties can appeal to the Swiss Federal Tribunal “within 30 days on limited grounds.”

Persons: Kamila Valieva, Japan —, Valieva, ”, Sarah Hirschland “, Evan Bates, Karen Chen, Nathan Chen, Madison Chock, Zachary Donohue, Brandon Frazier, Madison Hubbell, Alexa Knierim, Vincent Zhou, Alexander Kogan Organizations: CNN, United, Skating, Russian Olympic Committee, Olympic, Paralympic, IOC, International Olympic Committee, International Skating, CNN Sport, Japanese Olympic Committee, Swiss Federal Locations: United States, Japan, Canada, Beijing

CNN —After more than three years of going missing from world soccer, North Korean striker Han Kwang Song has reappeared, playing for his country in two recent World Cup qualifiers and scoring in the 6-1 win over Myanmar on Tuesday. Attempting to qualify for the World Cup for a third time, North Korea lost 1-0. The North Korea football federation, the Asian Football Confederation and world soccer governing body FIFA didn’t respond to CNN’s request for comment on Han’s return to international football. The return of the North Korean wunderkind has surprised soccer pundits and fans, who worried about his safety and promising career being cut short. The Covid-19 pandemic led to North Korea fully sealing its borders, making it impossible for Han and fellow repatriated North Korean nationals to return home.

Persons: Han Kwang, Han, Duhail, –, Korean wunderkind, Max Canzi, ” Canzi, Han’s, Nicholas Pennington, Kwang, Choe, Pölten, Alberto Mier, Qatar’s, ”, Kim Jong, Kim, Tullio M Organizations: CNN, North, Myanmar, North Korean, Qatar, Al, Asian Football Confederation, FIFA, Korean, Serie, CNN Sport, Syria, Cagliari, Austria’s SKN, Italy’s, UN, Juventus, United Nations Security Council, Qatar Stars, Qatar Stars League, UNSC, Qatar Airways, Perugia, Getty, Tokyo, Beijing Winter Games, International Olympic Committee Locations: North Korean, Syria, Saudi Arabian, Jeddah, North Korea, Yangon, Rome, Qatar, Korean, Pyongyang, Myanmar, Austria’s SKN St, Arezzo, Qatari, Korea, Ahli, Doha, Puglia, Beijing, Asia

☆ Jeremy Lin: Basketball star revels in Taiwan homecoming with younger brother playing on same team
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-14 | by ( Andrew Mcnicol | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

Hong Kong CNN —Former NBA sensation Jeremy Lin launched a “dream” 14th professional basketball season by playing alongside his younger brother last week in Taiwan, the island his parents left to emigrate to the United States. While playing for the Santa Cruz Warriors in the NBA G League amid the Covid-19 pandemic in 2021, Lin claimed he had been called “coronavirus” on court. By the end of the year, Lin had moved to the Chinese Basketball Association’s Beijing Ducks, and later the Guangzhou Loong Lions, in a chapter that was somewhat soured by the country’s strict pandemic regulations. Matt Beyer, co-founder and CEO of East Asia Super League and former agent for Chinese NBA trailblazer Yi Jianlian, said the impact of Lin’s presence in the region could not be underestimated. To have him now playing in the East Asia Super League is a huge draw for the fans.”

Persons: Hong Kong CNN —, Jeremy Lin, –, Joseph Lin, Lin, ”, Joseph, Matt Beyer, Yi Jianlian, ” Beyer, ‘ you’re Organizations: Hong Kong CNN, Hong Kong CNN — Former NBA, New, New Taipei City, South Korea’s SK Knights, Asian Super League, Fubon Braves, New York Knicks, NBA, Toronto Raptors, Santa Cruz Warriors, League, Asian, Basketball Association’s Beijing Ducks, Guangzhou Loong Lions, Taiwan’s Kaohsiung Steelers, East Asia Super League, Harvard, East Asia Super Locations: Hong Kong, Taiwan, United States, New Taipei, New Taipei Kings, Taiwan’s, California, Taipei, China

☆ South Korea breakdancing: Korean b-boys eye Asian Games and Olympic gold
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-05 | by ( Andrew Mcnicol | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

South Korean breakdancing team Jinjo Crew at the World K-pop Concert in 2021. Jeon Jiye, or b-girl Fresh Bella, will feature for the South Korean delegation at the Asian Games. The veteran, from the legendary Jinjo Crew, is a multiple world champion and Asian Games gold medal contender. There is added motivation after the country’s emphatic success in fellow Asian Games debutant, esports. “At the Asian Games, we will see all of this.

Persons: John Jay Chon, Breakdancing, Seo, –, United States –, Ronald Reagan’s, Han Myung, breakdancing, “, ”, Jeon Jiye, Fresh Bella, Jiang Han, Kim Heon, Korea’s, Kim, esports, We’ve, ” Kim, ” Kim Heonwoo, ’, Kwon Jang, Kwon, ” Kwon, we’re, We’re, Chen Po Chun, Chen Organizations: Hong Kong CNN, Korean, South, Asian, Summer, South Korean, World, Games, CNN, Getty, Asian Games, “ Locations: Hong Kong, Korea’s, Korean, American, South Korea, United States, Korea, Hangzhou, China, Paris, Bronx, Xinhua, South, Seoul, United Kingdom, Asia, Japan, somebodies

Beijing CNN —A decade ago, Zhang Weili was handing out flyers to rushing commuters in front of her local subway station. Zhang, born in China’s northern Hebei province, is her country’s first and only champion in US-based promotion the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Our preparations and tactics were spot on,” Zhang told CNN from Black Tiger Fight Club in Beijing. The Black Tiger Fight Club MMA gym in Beijing is where China's first and only UFC champion, Zhang Weili, trains. The Black Tiger Fight Club training area in Beijing, China.

Persons: Beijing CNN —, Zhang Weili, she’s, Zhang, Brazil’s Amanda Lemos, Joe Rogan, ” Zhang, “, Mengchen Zhang, Rose Namajunas, Namajunas, won’t, ”, CNN Bruce Lee, Bruce Lee, Cai Xuejun, ’, gesturing, didn’t Organizations: Beijing CNN, UFC, CNN, Black Tiger Fight Club, Fight Club, Fight, MMA Locations: Beijing, China’s, Hebei, “, Lemos, China, Lithuanian, Jacksonville , Florida

☆ Cui Chenxi: Teen skateboarder becomes China's youngest Asian Games gold medalist
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-27 | by ( Andrew Mcnicol | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —Thirteen-year-old Cui Chenxi of China clinched gold in women’s skateboarding at the Asian Games on Wednesday, becoming the country’s youngest gold medalist as teenage girls continue to dominate the sport. The street event requires competitors to perform tricks on a track scattered with stairs, rails, ramps, benches and more. While the men’s sport tends to be dominated by athletes in their late teens or early twenties, women’s skateboarding has skewed increasingly younger. China's Cui Chenxi competes in the final of the women's street skateboarding event during the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou. Meanwhile in the street event, Momiji Nishiya became Japan’s youngest-ever Olympic champion at 13, while 13-year-old Rayssa Leal of Brazil finished second and 16-year-old Nakayama third.

Persons: Cui Chenxi, Cui, ” Cui, ”, Zeng Wenhui, Ito Miyu, Japan, Funa Nakayama, China's Cui Chenxi, Hector Retamal, ” Cui’s, Alegado, Margielyn Didal, Didal, I’m, Japan’s Hinano, Li Yujuan, Mao Jiasi, Li, Sakura Yosozumi, Kokona Hiraki, Brown, Momiji Nishiya, Rayssa Leal, Nakayama Organizations: CNN, Asian Games, Reuters, Roller Sports, Paris Olympics, Games, Olympic, Getty, Weibo, Japan’s, Brazil Locations: China, Shandong, Hangzhou, Jakarta, Indonesia, Lausanne, Tokyo, AFP, Philippines

☆ Japan in tears after first ever win against European team in FIBA World Cup
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-27 | by ( Andrew Mcnicol | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Japanese players and fans were left in tears after the country claimed its first ever victory against European opponents in the FIBA Basketball World Cup on Sunday. It was Japan’s first World Cup win in 17 years – its last came as host nation against Panama at the then-named FIBA World Championship in 2006. Japan lost all five of its group games at the postponed 2019 World Cup held in China. The 2023 FIBA World Cup is co-hosted by the Philippines, Japan and Indonesia – the first time multiple nations have hosted the event. The FIBA World Cup runs until September 10.

Persons: Yuta Watanabe, League’s Yudai Baba, Josh Hawkinson, 5’7, Yuki Kawamura, Tom Hovasse, Japan's, Hiro Komae, ” Hovasse, Stephen Curry ”, Japan's Yuta Watanabe, Kyle Anderson Organizations: CNN, FIBA Basketball, Finland, Phoenix Suns, NBA, Panama, FIBA, Keisei Tominaga, Germany, Okinawa Arena, Kyodo, Getty, Japan, Indonesia – Locations: Japan, Okinawa, US, China, Asia, Finland, Australia, Oceania, Serbia, Philippines, Indonesia

☆ China was once a women’s soccer superpower. This year’s World Cup is a first step in reclaiming that status
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-28 | by ( Simone Mccarthy Andrew Mcnicol Candice Zhu Cnn | Simone Mccarthy | Andrew Mcnicol | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

The rapid development of women’s soccer programs across Europe and the Americas has fielded a new generation of powerful teams-to-beat. I hope through these matches, we can form a clearer picture of the current position of Chinese women’s soccer,” she told state media earlier this month. China scores against New Zealand during a group match at the 1991 Women's World Cup in Guangzhou. That’s even as more than thirty years ago, when China hosted the first ever-women’s World Cup in its southeastern Guangdong province. But as norms change, seeing China’s women’s team competing on the world stage at events like the World Cup would also “inspire girls” to play, Peng added.

Persons: Shui, ”, Xiao Yuyi, Rajanish, Xi, –, China's Zhang Ouying, Carla Overbeck, Vincent Laforet, Wang Shuang, Germain, Zhang Linyan, Chan Yuen Ting, Chen guo, Chan, Denmark’s Amalie Vangsgaard, Zhang, they’d, China's, Gary Day, William Bi, “, it’s, Qi Peng, China’s, Peng Organizations: Hong Kong CNN, AFC Asian, womens, FIFA, Americas, Roses, Denmark, Haiti, AFC, Asian, America, Rose Bowl, Veterans, Paris Saint, Swiss, Grasshopper Club, League, Jiangsu, CNN, New Zealand, Sports, AP Soccer, Xi, Sport Management, Manchester Metropolitan University, “ Locations: Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, United States, Europe, China, England, South Korea, Mumbai, India, Pasadena , California, France, “, Guangzhou, Guangdong, Beijing

☆ Kyle Anderson: US-born NBA player will represent China at the basketball World Cup
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-24 | by ( Andrew Mcnicol | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —US-born basketball player Kyle Anderson will represent China at next month’s FIBA World Cup after obtaining Chinese nationality, the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) announced on Monday. Anderson is China’s first naturalized basketball player and his addition to the national team roster is considered a huge coup. Really proud and honored to wear the Team China jersey,” he said. While a first in basketball, China has acquired a handful of elite athletes with and without Chinese roots through naturalization. “When I’m in China, I’m Chinese.

Persons: Kyle Anderson, Li Kaier, “, Anderson, Yao Ming, Yao, ”, Eileen Gu, Gu, heptathlete Nina Schultz –, Zheng Ninali Organizations: CNN, FIBA, Chinese Basketball Association, The Minnesota Timberwolves, Weibo, NBA, China, Team USA, China’s, Chinese Super League, Timberwolves Locations: China, I’m, Canada, China’s Beijing, Fairview , New Jersey, Philippines, Japan, Indonesia . China, Serbia

☆ A North Korean stunned world soccer when he scored in Serie A. Then Han Kwang Song went missing
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-01 | by ( Gawon Bae | Andrew Mcnicol | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +20 min

But the Covid-19 pandemic led to North Korea fully sealing its borders, making it impossible for Han and fellow repatriated North Korean nationals to return home. PyongyangHan was born in the North Korean capital of Pyongyang in 1998. The opening of North Korea through sport seemed like a door that would not be closed any time soon. They followed the Olympics and soccer,” former North Korean men’s soccer national team head coach Jørn Andersen told CNN Sport, adding that he had limited contact with the North Korean public during his time in Pyongyang between 2016 and 2018. Holding a North Korean passport, Han was no exception to these sanctions, despite his preternatural soccer talent.

Persons: Han Kwang, Qatar’s, Han, –, Hahn, hea, Kim Jong, Pyongyang Han, Kim Jong Un’s, Kim, Alberto Mier, Jørn Andersen, ” Andersen, Han Kwang Song, Enrico Locci, YuMi, Rome –, Choe, “, Mario Berreta, ” Cagliari’s, Max Canzi, ” Canzi, ‘ Tell Mario, ”, Canzi, Nicholas Pennington, Tullio M, Pennington, ” Han, Juventus –, Duhail, Sandro Stemperini, Qatar Han’s, Andersen, hasn’t, he’s, ” Anderson, regretfully Organizations: CNN, Juventus, Little North, South, CNN Sport, United Nations Security Council, North, Pyongyang International Football School, CNN North Korea, Korean, soccer, team, North Korean, Bundesliga, Liga, KCTV, FIFA, Cagliari's Serie, Chievo Verona, Academy, ISM Academy, AC Perugia Calcio, Cagliari, Canzi, Serie A, Perugia, Getty, AC Perugia, Juventus ’, Serie, ISM International Scouting Center, UNSC, North Korea, DPRK, Democratic People’s, Al, Qatar’s, Qatar Stars, Qatar, UN, Fiorentina, Sport, Qatar Stars League, “, Qatar Airways, – Locations: Korean, Italian, Pyongyang, South Korean, North Korea, Qatar, London, South Korea, Germany, Italy, England, Spain, Perugia –, Italy’s, Umbria, Rome, Europe, “, Cagliari, Puglia, Seoul, North Korean, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Qatari, Korea, North, Ahli, ”, Doha, China, Russia

“Messi” soon became the top trending topic on Chinese social media platform Weibo, while video footage showed hundreds of fans swarming the team’s hotel entrance in the hope of catching a glimpse of their idol. Argentina’s pre-match training session was delayed for safety reasons Sunday after “outrageously passionate” fans made it impossible for the team to leave their hotel, Global Times reported, citing game organizers. One fan was so eager to meet Messi that he spent 10,000 yuan ($1,400) on rooms at multiple Beijing luxury hotels in the hope of seeing the star, Global TImes said. AFA/Handout/ReutersSeveral unofficial Weibo accounts also claimed to offer VIP stadium passes, front-row seats for the game and autographed Argentina jerseys at inflated prices. Argentina will next travel to Jakarta for a friendly against Indonesia on June 19, though it is unclear if Messi will join the squad for that game.

Persons: Hong Kong CNN — Lionel Messi, scammers, “ Messi, ” Messi, “ Messi ”, Argentina’s, “, Messi, ” Argentina's Lionel Messi, d’Or, Germain Organizations: Hong Kong CNN, Australia, Weibo, Global Times, Workers, Beijing, AFA, Reuters, Messi, Barcelona, Major League Soccer, Inter Miami, Paris Saint, Indonesia Locations: Hong Kong, Argentina, Beijing, China, United States, Jakarta

☆ Chinese snooker players banned for life for match-fixing, eight others suspended
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-07 | by ( Andrew Mcnicol | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —Two professional Chinese snooker players have been banned for life and eight others suspended after being found guilty of match-fixing and other charges, the sport’s governing body has announced. Traditionally snooker was dominated by players from the United Kingdom, but in recent years has seen an influx of Chinese talent, with the sport soaring in popularity there. Liang was the first Chinese player to be suspended in connection with the investigation in October. The remaining players either joined in with match fixing or made illegal bets themselves. If any player is involved in fixing a snooker match, they will be caught and will face severe penalties,” he added.

Persons: Liang Wenbo, Li Hang, Zhao Xintong, Yan Bingtao –, –, Lu Ning, Zhao Jianbo, Chang Bingyu, Bai Langning, Chen Zifan, Zhang Jiangkang, Liang, Li, ”, Jason Ferguson, ” “ Organizations: CNN, Snooker Association, Integrity Association Locations: China, United Kingdom

CNN —South Korean soccer star Son Jun-ho has been arrested in China for allegedly accepting bribes as Beijing clamps down on alleged corruption in the upper ranks of Chinese football. A South Korean Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Tuesday the ministry was aware of Son’s situation and that local Korean diplomatic missions were providing consular assistance. Wang said China would provide South Korean officials with the “necessary facilitation” to perform their consular duties. The Korea Football Association (KFA) said it had written to the Chinese Football Association and the Asian Football Confederation regarding the player on Tuesday but had not yet heard back. Vice President Kim Jeong-bae was checking on Son’s condition with the South Korean Foreign and Sports Ministries, a KFA official told CNN.

☆ This Asian MMA promotion wants to crack the US market -- without the blood and trash-talking
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-05 | by ( Andrew Mcnicol | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

Could 2023 be the year mixed-martial arts (MMA) in the United States finally returns to its pure, humble beginnings nurtured in Asia nearly 5,000 years ago? “I can’t wait for the US fans to be exposed to true martial arts. Fighting on American soil, it’s amazing to be able to headline this landmark event,” said the former longtime UFC champion, who joined One in 2018. Courtesy Aaron Pan/ONE ChampionshipWhat “true martial arts” means in new-era combat sports is certainly up for interpretation. That’s more true to the spirit of martial arts and its traditional values.

☆ Erling Haaland smashes EPL record with 35th league goal of the season
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-03 | by ( Andrew Mcnicol | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Manchester City striker Erling Haaland broke the record for most Premier League goals in a single season on Wednesday as the 22-year-old Norwegian scored his 35th league goal of an incredible debut campaign in England. “35 Premier League goals. The previous Premier League record of 34 was jointly held by Andy Cole (1993/94) and Alan Shearer (1994/94), when league seasons were 42 games long. Martin Rickett/APHaaland, who had already set the record for a 38-game season, still has five league games left to add to his haul. He has now scored 51 goals in just 45 games in all competitions this season – more than any Premier League player ever.

Hong Kong CNN —The Hong Kong government on Monday demanded an investigation after a song associated with the city’s pro-democracy movement was played instead of the Chinese national anthem before a rugby sevens match between Hong Kong and South Korea. The song, an unofficial anthem of the city’s 2019 pro-democracy protests, includes lyrics that a Hong Kong court has previously ruled could incite secession – a national security offense. “Korea Rugby Union will take all measures to prevent a repeat of such an occurrence in future matches,” the organization said, adding that its “Hong Kong” folder has now been erased. In a statement, the Hong Kong Rugby Union (HKRU) said it “expressed its extreme dissatisfaction” over the incident to the organizers. Hong Kong, a former British colony handed over to Beijing’s rule in 1997, sends its own representative teams separate from mainland China to a wide range of sporting events, including the Olympics.

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