thitikul leads women8217s
|

Thitikul leads Women’s open as Ryu and Kuwak…

World number two Jeeno Thitikul leads the first round of the AIG Women’s Open by two shots after a spectacular seven-under-par 64 at Royal Lytham & St Anne’s.

The 23-year-old Thai, who has 11 top-10 finishes in majors but is yet to win one, went bogey-free in a fine start to her latest attempt. Thitikul sank seven birdies in a faultless round, including three straight birdies on the front nine and difficult par saves. “Winning one [major] doesn’t mean I am going to have a really good, successful career,” Thitikul said. “Winning one doesn’t mean much, I would rather be a consistent player, more than just winning one and then gone. Sometimes I had a hard time dealing with all the noise.”

South Korea’s Haeran Ryu, aiming to become only the fifth woman in history to claim three majors in a calendar year, is tied for second alongside Japan’s Shiho Kuwaki on five under. Ryu, 25, claimed her second major in the space of two weeks at the Evian Championship earlier this month. That form continued as four birdies on the front nine quickly took her to the top of the leaderboard. Despite a bogey on the 15th, Ryu finished with two birdies in the last three holes.

England’s Lottie Woad and Charley Hull are both on two under, while compatriot Alice Hewson led the tournament in the morning and finished one under. Hull, the most recent British female player to win a major, is back playing after giving birth five months ago and endured a tough opening round to end the day five over. “I missed quite a few putts today that I felt I should have holed, but I felt like I stayed in there pretty well considering how nervous I was, because I feel there was a lot of pressure on me out there,” she said.

Last year’s Open champion Miyu Yamashita shot one-over-par, while three-time major winner Lydia Ko is even par. World number one Nelly Korda, who started the year with two major titles and won the US Open in June, struggled in her quest for a career Grand Slam, finishing two over par. Korda got off to a slow start with bogeys on the second and third holes but recovered those shots to reach the back nine at even par before slipping back.

Similar Posts

  • | |

    Fawad urges Imran Khan’s immediate hospital tran…

    Former federal minister Fawad Chaudhry has called for the immediate end of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan’s solitary confinement and urged authorities to shift him to a hospital following recommendations in his latest medical report. In a statement posted on social media platform X, Chaudhry expressed concern over Imran Khan’s health and conditions at Adiala Jail. He said the medical report made it necessary for authorities to end the former prime minister’s solitary confinement and provide him with better medical facilities. Chaudhry criticised the decision to keep Imran Khan in isolation and alleged that denying adequate medical care to a major political leader was unacceptable. He urged the authorities to follow the recommendations of medical experts and ensure that all necessary treatment and facilities were provided without delay. A medical report submitted to the Supreme Court reportedly contains recommendations from a medical board that examined Imran Khan at Adiala Jail. According to the report, the medical board recommended several measures to help manage Imran Khan’s blood pressure and anxiety. The doctors recommended that the former prime minister be allowed to walk for at least one hour every day. The board said some relaxation in the prison environment was necessary in view of his current health condition. The medical team also recommended providing Imran Khan with newspapers, magazines, books and television facilities. The measures are intended to keep him mentally engaged during his imprisonment. The medical board also made recommendations regarding his meetings with family members and his wife. It suggested that meetings with his family and wife should take place more regularly and for longer than the currently prescribed duration, subject to the applicable rules. According to the recommendations, regular physical activity, access to reading material and greater interaction with family members could help reduce Imran Khan’s anxiety and assist in keeping his blood pressure under control. Fawad Chaudhry has called on the authorities to implement the medical recommendations and ensure that Imran Khan receives appropriate treatment and a suitable environment during his imprisonment.

  • | |

    Pakistan unveils four-year Hajj policy

    The government has introduced a four-year Hajj policy covering arrangements from 2027 to 2030. Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf presented the policy on Wednesday. He described it as a major step toward improving and modernising Hajj arrangements in Pakistan. Speaking at a briefing, the minister said this was the first time the government had introduced a four-year Hajj policy. He said the initiative would provide a long-term framework for organising the pilgrimage. Yousaf said the policy had been prepared under the guidance of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. It focuses on technology, transparency and improved services for pilgrims. According to the minister, the new framework aims to bring Pakistan’s Hajj arrangements closer to international standards. It will also introduce several new facilities for pilgrims. For the first time, applicants will have access to a registration and waiting-list system. The government expects the system to make the process more organised and transparent. The minister said the government and private Hajj schemes would retain their existing quota division. Sixty per cent of the quota will remain with the government scheme, while private operators will receive 40 per cent. The Ministry of Religious Affairs will continue to oversee and regulate Hajj arrangements. It will also monitor the performance of private Hajj companies. Under the new policy, applicants will be able to enter the pilgrims’ list after paying 10 per cent of the required amount. The government has also planned greater transparency in procurement. Purchases made in Pakistan and Saudi Arabia will be carried out through transparent procedures. Yousaf said any money remaining after meeting the required expenses would be returned to the pilgrims. The measure is aimed at improving financial transparency and protecting the interests of Hajj applicants. The government also plans to change the way private Hajj companies are monitored. Their registration and oversight will not depend only on the quota allocated to them. Instead, their performance will be an important factor in determining their registration and continued participation in the Hajj programme. A digital complaint-resolution system is also being introduced. Pilgrims will be able to submit complaints and seek quick action through the new system. An appeal mechanism will also be established. This will provide pilgrims with another channel to challenge decisions or seek resolution of their complaints. The minister said the government would also improve training programmes for Hajj pilgrims. The aim is to prepare pilgrims more effectively before their departure for Saudi Arabia. The Hajj Muhafiz Scheme will continue under the new policy. The government considers the scheme an important part of its arrangements for pilgrims. Yousaf said the new policy had been developed in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. The framework is intended to improve coordination and service delivery during the pilgrimage. The minister said the government’s objective was not limited to managing logistical arrangements. It also wanted to ensure that Pakistani pilgrims received a dignified and comfortable Hajj experience. The estimated cost of the government Hajj package is expected to remain between Rs1.2 million and Rs1.3 million. However, the final cost may depend on various arrangements and expenses associated with the pilgrimage. Yousaf also clarified that any increase or decrease in Pakistan’s Hajj quota would require a decision from the federal cabinet. He said Pakistan had received recognition and awards for its Hajj arrangements in the past. The government now wants to further improve the system through long-term planning and greater use of technology. The four-year policy is expected to provide greater continuity in Hajj preparations. Officials believe the long-term framework will also make planning easier for both the government and pilgrims.

  • |

    PTI will win even if Pakistan has 100 provinces, B…

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan on Friday launched a sharp criticism of the country’s ruling coalition, claiming that administrative reforms or the creation of new provinces would not weaken his party’s political strength. Speaking to reporters outside Parliament House, Gohar said the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) lacked both the political will and public mandate to introduce major constitutional changes, including the formation of new administrative units or provinces. “You may create 100 provinces, but PTI will still emerge victorious across the country because the people stand with Imran Khan,” Gohar said, asserting that the former prime minister continues to enjoy overwhelming public support. The PTI chairman also commented on the health of Bushra Bibi, saying she had recently been shifted to hospital for an eye examination before being returned to Adiala Jail. He said he was informed about her transfer only after she had already been taken to the hospital. Responding to speculation about political contacts, Gohar denied having any communication with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi or PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. He questioned the government’s handling of national affairs and urged authorities to explain what had led the country’s governance system into what he described as a “default mode.” Turning to the judiciary, Gohar argued that recent constitutional amendments had failed to improve the justice system despite the appointment of dozens of additional judges. He claimed public confidence in judicial institutions had declined and called for reforms based on consensus rather than political interests. The PTI leader further alleged that the ruling parties were considering administrative restructuring to weaken the opposition. He insisted that constitutional amendments should not be introduced without broad political agreement. Gohar also criticised the PPP, accusing it of remaining silent on national issues while focusing on political gains. He repeated PTI’s longstanding allegations regarding the 2024 general elections and challenged the PPP leadership to a public debate over disputed electoral seats, including constituencies in Karachi. His remarks come amid renewed political debate over constitutional reforms, governance and the country’s evolving political landscape, with both the government and opposition continuing to exchange sharp criticism over electoral legitimacy and institutional performance.

  • | |

    Attaullah Tarar accuses PTI of violent politics

    Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar has accused Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) of pursuing a politics of violence. In a statement, Tarar said the Mall Road incident in Rawalpindi had brought several issues to light. He alleged that PTI supporters arrive at protests carrying weapons. He said a security official was fired upon in broad daylight on Mall Road in Rawalpindi. According to Tarar, the incident was another example of what he described as PTI’s politics of violence. The federal minister further alleged that the purpose of PTI protests was to disrupt law and order and create unrest in the country. Tarar said the party’s objective behind protests was to create anarchy and instability in Pakistan. He also claimed that PTI was unable to accept the country’s development and progress. His remarks came after the Mall Road shooting in Rawalpindi, where a man identified as Muhammad Hussain was killed after allegedly opening fire at security forces, according to police.

  • | | | |

    Iranian strike hits Chinese company building in Ku…

    KUWAIT CITY: A building belonging to a Chinese company in northern Kuwait was struck during an alleged Iranian attack, leaving one worker dead and causing extensive structural damage, according to Kuwait’s Ministry of Defense. The ministry confirmed the incident in an official statement on Wednesday, saying emergency response teams and security agencies were immediately dispatched to the affected site to secure the area, assess the damage, and launch rescue operations. Authorities said one worker was killed in the strike, but did not immediately disclose the victim’s identity or nationality. Officials added that investigations are continuing to determine whether there were additional casualties or injuries and to establish the full extent of the damage caused by the attack. Images from the scene showed emergency personnel working around the damaged building as security forces cordoned off the area. Officials have yet to release further details regarding the type of weapon used or the circumstances surrounding the strike. In its statement, Kuwait’s Ministry of Defense stressed that the country’s armed forces remain on high alert and are fully prepared to safeguard Kuwait’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national security against any external threat. The ministry also urged the public to rely only on official government statements for updates, warning citizens against spreading or believing unverified reports and rumors circulating on social media. The attack comes amid heightened regional tensions linked to the ongoing confrontation between Iran and the United States, which has fueled growing security concerns across the Gulf region. In recent weeks, military facilities, energy infrastructure, commercial shipping routes, and strategic installations have increasingly come under threat, raising fears of a wider regional escalation. Security analysts say the latest strike demonstrates how the conflict is expanding beyond its primary actors, with neighboring Gulf states facing increasing risks from the deteriorating security environment. Kuwait, which has traditionally sought to maintain balanced regional relations, now finds itself confronting the possibility of being directly affected by the broader conflict. The incident is expected to intensify security measures across the country, particularly around critical infrastructure, industrial facilities, and foreign-owned commercial sites. Regional governments have already strengthened surveillance and emergency preparedness in response to the growing threat of cross-border attacks. No immediate statement was issued by Iranian authorities regarding the alleged strike. Meanwhile, Kuwaiti officials said investigations remain underway and pledged to provide further information as more details become available. The latest incident underscores the widening regional impact of the Iran-US confrontation and highlights growing concerns that escalating hostilities could increasingly affect civilian infrastructure and foreign businesses operating across the Gulf.

  • | | |

    13 militants killed in Balochistan operation: secu…

    QUETTA: Security forces continued intelligence-based operations under Operation Azm in Balochistan, carrying out another targeted raid against suspected militants in Mastung district. According to security sources, the latest operation resulted in the killing of several militants, bringing the total number of militants killed during the ongoing operation to 13. Security sources said the operation was conducted in the Khad Kocha area of Mastung after intelligence reports indicated the presence of armed militants in the region. Troops launched a coordinated operation and engaged the suspects during the raid. According to the sources, several militants were killed during the exchange. Officials did not disclose the exact number of militants killed in the latest action but confirmed that the overall death toll in the operation has now reached 13. The operation also targeted militant infrastructure in the area. Security sources said multiple hideouts allegedly linked to the group referred to as Fitna al-Hindustan were destroyed. They added that dismantling these hideouts is part of broader efforts to disrupt militant activities and prevent future attacks. During the operation, security personnel recovered a cache of weapons, ammunition, explosives and materials allegedly used to manufacture improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Officials said the recovered items would be examined as part of the ongoing investigation. Sources further claimed that several militants were injured during the operation. However, the exact number of those wounded has not been confirmed, and no official details have been released regarding their identities. Security officials said intelligence-based operations are continuing across different parts of Balochistan to eliminate militant networks and improve the overall security situation. They added that such operations are being carried out on the basis of intelligence information to target suspected militant hideouts. According to security sources, the campaign against militant groups will continue until terrorist networks are dismantled and peace and stability are restored across the province. They reiterated the commitment of security forces to maintain pressure on armed groups through sustained intelligence-led operations.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *