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☆ 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

☆ From disappointment to the Olympic dream, Singapore's sprint queen is 'ready' for the next challenge
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-12 | by ( Charmaine Jacob | In Charmainemariajacob | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Singapore's Shanti Pereira of Singapore celebrates winning the women's 200m final athletics event during the 19th Asian Games at Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre on Oct. 2, 2023. The 28-year-old track-and-field athlete — often referred to as Singapore's sprint queen — brought home a gold in the women's 200-meter race and silver in the 100-meter race at the Asian Games. As a result, she could not progress beyond the Asian Games heats that year. Three weeks before the Southeast Asian Games, she finally snapped out of that downward spiral. The same year, Pereira broke the national record in the 100-m sprint six times and 200-m race four times.

Persons: Singapore's Shanti Pereira, Shanti Pereira, —, Pereira Organizations: Singapore, Hangzhou Olympic Sports, Asian, Paris Olympics, CNBC, Games, Sports Excellence, Singapore Management University's, Southeast Asian Games Locations: Singapore, U.S

☆ Neeraj Chopra has gained unlikely stardom in India. If he wins another Olympic gold, he will be ‘treated like God’
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-11 | by ( George Ramsay | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

CNN —In a line-up of India’s sporting heroes, most of whom have gained celebrity status through cricket, Neeraj Chopra is an anomaly. Matthias Hangst/Getty ImagesPrior to Chopra, India had practically no history in track and field, winning most of its Olympic medals in field hockey and wrestling. But still, Neeraj Chopra is the best sportsperson. “My main focus is to stay healthy,” says Chopra, “but I’m not taking the pressure of winning a gold medal again. He is a moving billboard, one can say now.”And if he wins a second gold medal at the Olympics?

Persons: Neeraj Chopra, ” Chopra, – Chopra, ”, Chopra, It’s, Matthias Hangst, Norris Pritam, He’s, Fabrice Coffrini, “, Pritam, Kirill Kudryavtsev, he’s, I’m, I’ll, ’, –, Michael Steele, ’ ” Organizations: CNN, CNN Sport, Ormax Media, Diamond League, Tokyo, “, ”, volleyball, Zurich Diamond League, Getty, Commonwealth Games, Paris Olympics, India Locations: India, Tokyo, Budapest, Khandra, Haryana, Panipat, AFP, Panchkula, Hungary

☆ 100-year-old performs exhibition dive at the 2024 Doha World Championships ahead of World Aquatics Masters Championships
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-12 | by ( Issy Ronald | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

Fast forward to 2024 and his exhibition dive at the 2024 World Championships in Doha on Friday marked two weeks until the World Aquatics Masters Championships where he will be the oldest competitor. Taghi Askari won medals at the Asian Games and national titles in Iran. World AquaticsIt ignited a lifelong love of diving for him, and he went on to win medals at the Asian Games and national titles. “When I was competing at a national level the last championships I did was when I was 41 years old,” he said. The Iranian will be among the competitors at the World Aquatics Masters Championships – a competition held shortly after the elite world championships open to participants aged over 25.

Persons: Taghi Askari, Askari, ” Askari, ”, “ Organizations: CNN, Iranian, Aquatics, Asian Games Locations: Doha, Iran, Tehran

☆ Rohan Bopanna: At the age of 43, Indian tennis star is making history – with a little help from Iyengar yoga
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-25 | by ( Amy Woodyatt | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Rohan Bopanna is set to become the world’s oldest No.1 tennis player in history at the age of 43 – with a little help from Iyengar yoga. Bopanna and Ebden defeated Tomas Machac of Czech Republic and Zhang Zhizhen of China on the 12th day of the Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 25, 2024. Bopanna attributed yoga, which he started practising during the Covid-19 pandemic, as helping improve his tennis in recent years. But with a local studio near his home, Bopanna tried Iyengar yoga, which he practiced four times a week for 90 minutes. Next, second-seeded Bopanna and Australian Ebden will face Italians Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassor as the Indian seeks his first major title, and the Australian his second.

Persons: CNN — Rohan Bopanna, –, Matthew Ebden, Maximo Gonzalez, Andres Molteni, Tomas Machac, Zhang Zhizhen, “, ” Bopanna, you’re, Bopanna, ”, Ebden, Andy Cheung, Eric Butorac, Iyengar, Simone Bolelli, Andrea Vavassor, Max Purcell, Matt it’s Organizations: CNN, Iyengar, Melbourne Park, Los Angeles, Indian, Wimbledon, Asian, Paris Olympics Locations: Czech Republic, China, India, Australian

☆ 2023 sporting moments in pictures
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-29 | by ( Reuters Photographers | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Filed: November 29, 2022, 11.00 a.m. GMTThe year was filled with sporting excellence, broken records and newly-crowned champions, and Reuters photographers were present to document every major twist and turn. In soccer, the Women’s World Cup shattered several attendance and viewership records, but Spain’s win was overshadowed by a sexism storm that attracted global headlines. Manchester City won their first-ever Champions League trophy en route to the treble and Napoli lifted their first Serie A title in 33 years. Novak Djokovic’s quest to establish himself as the greatest-ever men’s tennis player was the highlight of the tennis season. He won three major titles, although he ultimately lost the Wimbledon final to Carlos Alcaraz.

Persons: Novak, Carlos Alcaraz, Coco Gauff, Max Verstappen, Francesco Bagnaia, dazzled Organizations: Reuters, Manchester City, Napoli, Serie, Wimbledon, U.S, Rugby, Australia, Cricket, Formula One, Asian, Pan American Locations: South Africa, Hangzhou, Santiago

☆ Pack your jerseys. The era of 'sports tourism' is here
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-27 | by ( Randy Mulyanto | Marylou Costa | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +6 min

Sports tourism, as it's called, is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the travel industry, according to the United Nations World Tourism Organization. "The sport tourism market will continue as long as new opportunities to play and compete exist," she said. Justin Setterfield | Getty Images Sport | Getty ImagesFor some countries, these events are an opportunity to raise their international standing. Patrick Smith | Getty Images Sport | Getty ImagesTravel + Leisure Co. and Sports Illustrated Resorts announced plans to open a network of sports-themed resorts in American college towns. Ryan Pierse | Getty Images Sport | Getty Images

Persons: Lisa Delpy Neirotti, George, Neirotti, Delpy, Justin Setterfield, Cristiano Ronaldo, Dustin Johnson, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Delpy Neirotti, Lewis Hamilton, Kym Illman, Jay Wardle, Narendra Modi, Robert Cianflone, Gianni Infantino, Major League Baseball —, Patrick Smith, GetYourGuide, Ryan Pierse Organizations: Summer, Games, Sports, United Nations World Tourism Organization, George Washington University's, Management, Sport, Padres, NFL, MLB, FIFA, Getty, CNBC Travel, Saudi Crown, Fox News, Adara, ICC Men's Cricket, The Bank of Baroda Economics Research, Narendra, MotoGP, Rugby, Las Vegas, Companies, Major League Baseball, Sports Illustrated Resorts, University of Alabama —, McLaren Technology, U.S ., CNBC, Olympic Games, Olympic Locations: Mexico City, Germany, London, Brisbane, Australia, Saudi Arabia, China, Qatar, Singapore, India, New Zealand, Indonesia, France, United States, Tuscaloosa , Alabama, U.S, New York

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

☆ China tells Japan to reaffirm strategic relations in rare leader talks
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-17 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

China and Japan should reaffirm their "strategic relationship of mutual benefit and give it new meaning", he added. In brief remarks at the start of the meeting, Kishida told Xi: "Japan and China coexist and prosper as neighbors and have a responsibility to contribute to world peace and prosperity." Kishida also met Biden at the summit where they discussed issues including "common challenges" that they share with China. China's push to reaffirm relations with Japan could be partly driven by Tokyo's close ties with its arch-rival Washington, said Rumi Aoyama, an expert on Japan-China relations. On the sidelines of the APEC summit, Kishida has also met South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in their seventh meeting this year.

Persons: Noushad Thekkayil, Xi Jinping, Fumio Kishida, Xi, Kishida, Joe Biden, Biden, Washington, Rumi Aoyama, Aoyama, Yoon Suk, Yoon Organizations: Asian, Hangzhou, Olympic Sports Centre, Getty Images, Japanese, APEC, China, ., Waseda Institute of Contemporary Chinese, South, Economic Cooperation Locations: Japan, Aichi, Nagoya, Hangzhou, China's, Zhejiang, San Francisco, China, Taiwan, Beijing, Gaza, U.S, United States, Asia

☆ Australia's Smith charges to share of lead at Hong Kong Open
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-09 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Oct 20, 2023; Doral, Florida, USA; Cameron Smith putts on the eighth green during the first round of the LIV Golf Miami golf tournament at Trump National Doral. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsHONG KONG, Nov 9 (Reuters) - Cameron Smith went on a late birdie blitz in a round of 63 to take a share of the first round lead at the Hong Kong Open on Thursday as the event made its return after a long COVID hiatus. Australian Smith caught fire from the 12th, rolling in five birdies in six holes to join Spaniard Eugenio Chacarra on seven-under at the storied Hong Kong Golf Club in Fanling. Coming off a break after the LIV event in Saudi Arabia last month, British Open winner Smith returned to action with eight birdies and a solitary bogey on the par-five third. The Hong Kong Open returned to the Asian Tour schedule this year after last being played in 2020.

Persons: Cameron Smith putts, Sam Navarro, Cameron Smith, Smith, Eugenio Chacarra, Thailand's Gunn Charoenkul, Korean Jang Yu, LIV, Chacarra, Patrick Reed, Ireland's Graeme McDowell, Wade Ormsby, Ian Ransom, Simon Cameron, Moore Organizations: LIV Golf Miami, Trump National Doral, Mandatory, USA, Hong, Hong Kong Golf Club, British, Oklahoma State University, Hong Kong Open, Thomson Locations: Doral , Florida, USA, HONG KONG, Hong Kong, Fanling, Korean, Hangzhou, China, Saudi Arabia, Saudi, Melbourne

☆ China has a sweeping vision to reshape the world — and countries are listening
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-09 | by ( Simone Mccarthy | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +23 min

All this coincides with longstanding calls from countries across the developing world for an international system where they have more say. Beijing, he added, sees the US as merely “paying lip service” to the “liberal order” to hurt other countries. Sergei Savostyanov/Sputnik/ReutersIn recent years, even some countries that have for decades embraced a close partnership with the US have drawn closer to China and its vision. “Is China really trying to promote multipolarity — or does China just want to (become a) substitute (for) US influence over the world?” he asked. They also raise questions about how a more militarily and economically powerful China would behave globally, if left unchecked.

Persons: Xi Jinping, —, Xi, Vladimir Putin, General Antonio Guterres, ” Xi, , Shen Hong, they’d, ”, Yun Sun, liberalize, Sanjit Das, Shen Dingli, ‘, ’ ”, Russia’s Putin, Bashar al, Assad —, Assad’s, Sergei Savostyanov, Ali Sarwar Naqvi, “ We’ve, James Marape, ’, Rubens Duarte, Li Zhiquan, “, Tong Zhao, Zhao, Ted Aljibe, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Zhang Youxia, Beijing’s, Gilberto Teodoro Jr, BRICS, Weeks, Joe Biden, Sergio Lima, ” — Organizations: Hong Kong CNN, United Nations, Forum, China, Communist, CNN, Beijing, Washington, Getty, Stimson, Bank, World Trade Organization, . Riot, Bloomberg, Initiative, Asian, Global, Sputnik, Reuters, Center for International Strategic Studies, Papua New Guinea, multipolarity, China News Service, Carnegie Endowment, International Peace, Global Security Initiative, NATO, Russia, Philippine Defense, Shanghai Cooperation Organization, United, New, Seven, Ministry, Global Security, Group, UN, Communist Party Locations: China, Hong Kong, Beijing, United States, Ukraine, Gaza, Russian, Xinhua, Washington, South, Taiwan, Tibet, Xinjiang, America, Shanghai, West, Hangzhou, Israel, Pakistan, Pakistani, Islamabad, Papua New, Brazil, Indonesia, Europe, Asia, Scarborough, South China, AFP, Moscow, Russia, “, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Palestine, India, South Africa, Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, United Arab Emirates, New Delhi, Southeast Asia, Latin America, Caribbean, ” Beijing

☆ China pledges to expand market access at annual trade fair amid foreign criticism
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-05 | by ( Brenda Goh | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

SHANGHAI, China (Reuters) -China will further expand market access and increase imports, its premier told a trade fair in Shanghai on Sunday, amid criticism from European firms who said they wanted to see more tangible improvement in the country’s business environment. China will promote coordinated development of trade in goods and services, protect an international business environment, and relax market access including lifting restrictions on foreign investment in manufacturing, he said. The import expo was launched by President Xi Jinping in 2018 to promote China’s free trade credentials and counter criticism of its trade surplus with many countries. China’s imports have slumped this year amid a slowdown in the world’s second largest economy, although data released last month indicated that the downtrend could be starting to ease. China will “actively promote” its application to join the Comprehensive Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), Li also said in his speech on Sunday.

Persons: Li Qiang, Tingshu Wang, ” Li, Xi Jinping, Li, Anthony Albanese, “ Organizations: Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre, China, European Chamber of Commerce, Micron Technology, Nestle, Burberry, Australian, Pacific Locations: SHANGHAI, China, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Afghan, Australia, United States, Taiwan, Ukraine, Costa Rica, Uruguay, Ecuador, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, Vietnam, Britain

☆ Esports joins Pan Am Games, but medals won't count
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-01 | by ( Steve Keating | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

But any medals won will not be added to their country's official total as they were at the recent Asian Games where esports had full medal status and was one of the most popular events drawing huge enthusiastic crowds. Like the Asian Games the Pan Am competition will be closely watched by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as Esports makes a push for a spot on the Olympic programme. While esports is making its Pan Am Games debut, gamers have been part of many other multi-sport competitions, including the Commonwealth and the European Games. One reason esports medals are not being counted at the Pan Am Games is that gamers are not subject to doping controls like every other athlete in Santiago. Authorities in Hangzhou ploughed $627 million into building a new esports venue while the Pan Am Games competition will be staged in a tent in a grassy corner of the Games fan zone.

Persons: SANTIAGO, Esports, esports, Paul Foster, Foster, Steve Keating, Toby Davis Organizations: Pan American, Asian, International Olympic Committee, Pan Am, Commonwealth, European, IOC, Global Esports Federation, Doping Agency, Esports, Ams, Pan Am Games, Thomson Locations: Sunday's, esport, Santiago ., Hangzhou, Santiago

☆ Hwang In-tae: The South Korean referee making history officiating in the NBA
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-31 | by ( Ben Morse | Gawon Bae | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

But Hwang In-tae, who is the first Asian staff referee in the NBA, wouldn’t have it any other way. Stephen Gosling/NBAE/Getty ImagesRoute to the topJust like unearthing a future NBA or WNBA star, there is a scouting group to find potential standout NBA referees. Hwang (right) and Shin (middle) before a game at the 2014 Incheon Asian Games with fellow FIBA referee Kim Cheong-soo (left). Courtesy Shin Gi-rokAnd Shin believes that Hwang’s rise will prove to be motivation for others in similar positions to him. “There are few new referees at the Korea Basketball Association right now saying that their goal is to become an NBA referee.

Persons: CNN — You’ve, Hwang, Shin Gi, ” Shin, Shin, ”, “, It’s, Hwang officiates, Stephen Gosling, nbaofficials.com, He’s, ” Hwang, Star Charles Barkley, ” Barkley, CNN’s Chris Wallace, They’re, Both Hwang, Kim Cheong Organizations: CNN, NBA, rok, Busan University of Foreign Studies, CNN Sport, America, Connecticut Sun, Washington Mystics, Korean Basketball League, Olympics, Summer, FIBA, International Basketball Federation, G League, G, WNBA, Washington Post, Star, “, Korean Basketball Association, Incheon, Games, Korea Basketball Association Locations: South Korea, Shin, North America, Spain, Incheon, Masan

☆ Esports made their 'tense and exciting' debut at this year's Asian Games
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-15 | by ( Polly Thompson | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Esports, or professional video gaming, were an official sport at the Asian Games for the first time. AdvertisementAdvertisementEsports, or competitive video gaming, debuted as an official event at this year's Asian Games in Hangzhou, China that concluded earlier this month. Due to the event's popularity, esports tickets were sold on a lottery basis, with more than five million entering the ballot, according to Hangzhou Asian Games data. We're excited to see the landscape of esports events around the world expand," said John Robinson, president of US esport organization 100 Thieves. The Olympic Esports Series is "a global virtual and simulated sports competition created by the IOC, and in collaboration with International Federations and game publishers."

Persons: —, esports, Chris Liu, Liu, Esports, JADE GAO, John Robinson, Kim Gwanwoo, WANG ZHAO, Matt Woods, AFK, Grant Rousseau, " Rousseau Organizations: Asian Games, of, EA Sports FC Online, Singapore, Service, Professional, EA Sports FC, South Korea, Team Malaysia, China, Xinhua News Agency, South, Associated Press, Fighter, Getty, Olympic, IOC, International Federations, Guardian, Team Falcons Locations: Hangzhou, China, Thailand, Wuxi, esports, Asia, Pacific, US, South Korea, AFP, Los Angeles

☆ Lee must stay humble, says coach Klinsmann of PSG playmaker
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-15 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Oct 15 (Reuters) - South Korea coach Juergen Klinsmann has called on Lee Kang-in to keep his feet on the ground as the Paris Saint-Germain playmaker continues his emergence as the country's next great hope. "It's just a joy to work with him because he's always in a good mood, he's always smiling, but he's also hungry," Klinsmann said. It's not easy for Kang-in to stay hungry because here, he's getting treated like a pop star, which is not good because a pop star doesn't score goals. "Every time he will come back to Korea, there will be I don't know how many people screaming for him," Klinsmann said. "When a club like Paris Saint-Germain takes a player from Korea, it means that it's a very special player.

Persons: Juergen Klinsmann, Lee Kang, Germain, Lee, he's, Klinsmann, Kang, Paris Saint, Michael Church, Muralikumar Organizations: Paris Saint, Asian Games, La Liga, Real Mallorca, Champions League, Thomson Locations: South Korea, Paris, Tunisia, Seoul, China, Spain, Korea, South, Europe

☆ India wants to host summer Games in 2036, says PM Modi
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-14 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

REUTERS/Amit Dave/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsOct 14 (Reuters) - India is interested in hosting the Olympic Games in 2036, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday at the opening ceremony of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) session in Mumbai. "India will leave no stone unturned in our efforts to organise the Olympics in India in 2036. India is among several nations eyeing future Games, with Paris set to host the 2024 summer Olympics and Los Angeles picked for the 2028 Games. Modi also said India would look to host the Youth Olympics in 2029. "Sport is not just about winning medals but also winning hearts," he said.

Persons: Arun Haryani, Amit Dave, Narendra Modi, Modi, Andrzej Duda, Rohith Nair, Maria Ponnezhath, Mark Potter, Hugh Lawson, Toby Davis Organizations: Tokyo, REUTERS, Olympic Games, International Olympic Committee, Commonwealth Games, IOC, Cricket, Youth Olympics, Thomson Locations: Ahmedabad, India, Mumbai, Delhi, Paris, Los Angeles, Brisbane, Australia, Indonesia, Mexico, Bengaluru

☆ WTA roundup: Zheng Qinwen advances at Zhengzhou Open
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-11 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

She will face Ukraine's Anhelina Kalinina, who posted a 7-5, 6-1 victory over Russian qualifier Vera Zvonareva. Hana Bank Korea OpenBelgium's Yanina Wickmayer seized a 6-3, 7-6 (6) victory over third-seeded Ekaterina Alexandrova of Russia to move on to the quarterfinals in Seoul. Wickmayer will meet Russian Polina Kudermetova, who breezed to a 6-3, 6-1 win over Kathinka von Deichmann of Liechenstein. Fifth-seeded Anna Blinkova of Russia coasted to a 6-1, 6-3 win over Australian Priscilla Hon to advance to the third round. Third-seeded Elise Mertens of Belgium had little difficulty in her 6-1, 6-4 victory over Australian qualifier Daria Saville.

Persons: China's, Zheng, China's Zhu Lin REUTERS, Kim Kyung, Zheng Qinwen, Maria Sakkari, Sakkari, Kalinina, Vera Zvonareva, Italy's Jasmine Paolini, Caroline Garcia of, Ukraine's, Tsurenko, Donna Vekic, Wickmayer, Ekaterina Alexandrova, Kudermetova, Kathinka von Deichmann, Claire Liu, Arantxa Rus, China's Yuan Yue, Slovenia's Kaja Juvan, Beatriz Haddad Maia, Anna Blinkova, Russia coasted, Priscilla Hon, Elise Mertens, Daria Saville Organizations: Tennis Centre, Russian, Caroline Garcia of France, Hana Bank, Hong, Belarus, Thomson Locations: Hangzhou, China, Greece, Zhengzhou, Croatia, Hana Bank Korea, Russia, Seoul, Wickmayer, Arantxa, Netherland, Hong Kong, Brazil, Belgium

[1/8] Asian Games - Hangzhou 2022 - Closing Ceremony - Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre Stadium, Hangzhou, China - October 8, 2023 A view of the handover ceremony at the closing ceremony REUTERS/Marko Djurica Acquire Licensing RightsHANGZHOU, China, Oct 8 (Reuters) - China's eastern city of Hangzhou rounded off the 19th Asian Games on Sunday with a colourful and "joy"-themed closing ceremony after hosting the continental sporting extravaganza which organisers hailed as "one of the finest" ever. Taking place amid tight security the less-than two hour ceremony also included a handover to the hosts of the next Asian Games in 2026, the Japanese city Nagoya. The hosts' 201st gold left them two better than their previous best of 199 at the 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games. Organisers said 12,407 athletes from 45 nations competed in 40 sports at the Hangzhou Games, which were delayed for a year due to COVID-19. "We have hosted the most successful Asian Games in history" said Chen Weiqiang, Executive Secretary General of the Hangzhou Asian Games Organising Committee and vice-mayor of Hangzhou.

Persons: Marko Djurica, Li Qiang, jigged, Takashi Kawamura, Randhir Singh, Gu Shiau, Kazakhstan's Moldir, Chen Weiqiang, WADA, Martin Quin Pollard, Ian Ransom, Christian Schmollinger, Toby Chopra, Christian Radnedge Organizations: Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre, Rights, Games, Nagoya, Mainichi, Olympic Council of Asia, energised, Bangkok Games, Hangzhou Games, Hangzhou Asian Games, Doping Agency, Olympic, Paralympic Games, Olympic Council of, OCA Locations: Hangzhou, China, Rights HANGZHOU, Nagoya, Nanjing, Aichi, Guangzhou, Jakarta, Japan, Macau, North, Korea, Olympic Council of Asia

WADA said North Korea was still non-compliant with its anti-doping code and the OCA had failed to enforce its sanction. "North Korea, the DPRK Korea, has also written a letter to them very lately telling them that the borders have opened and they can send the doping control officers for the testing which the WADA has agreed and they will be shortly sending it to the DPRK, to North Korea," Tiwari added. North Korea won 11 golds in Hangzhou, including in artistic gymnastics, shooting, wrestling, boxing and six in weightlifting. It was the first international multi-sport event North Korea attended since the 2018 edition in Jakarta. North Korea closed its borders for nearly four years because of COVID-19.

Persons: Kim Kyung, WADA, Vinod Kumar Tiwari, It's, Tiwari, Martin Quin Pollard, Robert Birsel Organizations: North, Rights, Olympic Council of Asia, Hangzhou Asian, Doping Agency, Olympic, Paralympic Games, OCA, DPRK, North Korea, International Olympic Committee, Beijing, Games, Thomson Locations: Hangzhou, China, North Korea, Rights HANGZHOU, Korea, DPRK Korea, Jakarta . North Korea, Tokyo

The two-week Asian Games offer a glimpse at a changing Mongolia, a vast nation sandwiched between China and Russia with only 3.3 million people. And there's also a bronze medal in men’s 3x3 basketball, where Mongolia edged South Korea 21-20. Mongolia has just over 400 athletes at the Asian Games, less than half the size of large delegations from China, Japan or South Korea. She called herself “a novice” breakdancer but has practiced with at least one member of the Mongolian team, Gan-Ulzii Ganbalt. “My generation is trying to change the way Mongolia is seen," she said.

Persons: —, Genghis Khan, “, breakdancing, Myagmarjav, ”, Mongolia’s, Chinzong Baatarsukh, there's, Tugstur Dashzevge, esports, “ There’s, Amarasana Chimeddorj, Majigsuren Organizations: breakdancing, Asian Games, Associated Press, Olympics, Soviet Union, “, Monaco, Mongolian Locations: HANGZHOU, China, Mongolia, Russia, America, Soviet, Ulaanbaatar, Asia, South Korea, Japan, Niger, Mongolian, Gan

"It's very special," said one of Taiwan's female breakers, 25-year-old Yang Jia-li, who added that breaking had massively boosted her confidence. Along with esports' debut as a medal event in Hangzhou, organisers hope "breaking" can help lure young viewers turned off by traditional Games sports. A counter-cultural art-form born in the streets of New York City decades ago, breakdancing is judged against broad criteria in competition. "But before the Olympics we've been doing competitions even in our (underground breaking) culture. “I'm getting used to it and I'm getting used to these sport rules.

Persons: breakdancing, Yang Jia, esports, Sun Zhen, Meng Changqing, Meng, Kim Heon, we've, Kim, I’m, “ I'm, ”, Sun, Ian Ransom, Ken Ferris Organizations: Asian Games, Paris, Sporting, Games, Asian, Thomson Locations: HANGZHOU, China, Eastern, Hangzhou, New York, South Korea

☆ Asian Games: India’s Chopra wins javelin gold despite officiating howler
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-05 | by ( Story Reuters | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

The Indian eventually won the Asiad gold thanks to getting 88.88 metres on his fourth registered effort. Soon Chopra went over to speak to them to protest because he knew his was a “good throw”. “I fight (protest my case) with them because it was a good throw. I go there for six times.”Chopra was able to recover from the mistake to win the gold medal. “We just noticed that no result, no result, because they took it out and measured again the other on… sh*t happens,” Bartonietz said.

Persons: Neeraj Chopra, Kishore Jena, Chopra, “, ”, ” Chopra, Tingshu Wang, I’ll, I’m, Klaus Bartonietz, ” Bartonietz, It’s, Wu Yanni Organizations: Reuters, Hangzhou Asian, Olympic, Indian, Games

THE COLONY, Texas (AP) — Hyo Joo Kim took the first-round lead Thursday in The Ascendant LPGA, breaking away at Old American with a back-nine birdie run in a 7-under 64. “My putting hasn’t been good, so I hadn’t been able to hit low scores,” Kim said. She's a rookie on the LPGA Tour. “I hit good drives, good approaches; I putted really nicely. Maddie shot 74 and amateur Ellie had a 76 in her LPGA Tour debut.

Persons: — Hyo Joo Kim, Kim, Azahara Munoz, Sofia Garcia, Yu, Sang Hou, Sarah Kemp of, American Marina Alex, ” Kim, “, ” Garcia, She's, ” Alex, Celine Boutier birdied, Lexi Thompson, Thompson, Charley Hull, Arpichaya, Maddie, Ellie Szeryk, Ellie, ___ Organizations: Old, Sarah Kemp of Australia, Texas Tech, LPGA, Globe, Solheim, CME Globe, Games Locations: Texas, Spain, Paraguay, Taiwan, American, Las Vegas, Arkansas, Thailand, China, Dallas

☆ 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

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