Parnasse draws rave reviews after dominant UFC debut

'A brand-new title contender in the lightweight division' 'A veteran of 12 title fights making his UFC debut' UFC Hall of Famer Michael Bisping has hailed Saladin Parnasse (28, France) as a genuine lightweight title contender after the fighter's dominant debut victory at UFC Fight Night 287. Parnasse (24-2) stopped Dan Hooker (24-15) by first-round TKO on Sunday at Accor Arena in Paris. A two-division champion in Poland's KSW organization, Parnasse made his debut look like a formality — he never allowed a counterattack and finished the fight in one-sided fashion, announcing himself as a force in the division. Bisping, who served as a commentator at the event, was effusive in his praise. "To finish a tough Dan Hooker that quickly and make it look easy — that tells you Parnasse has made his presence known throughout the entire lightweight division," he said. "He has what it takes to be a champion." Fellow commentator Paul Felder, who has fought Hooker himself, was equally impressed. "On a stage this big, he was fast, calm and composed in the finish," Felder said. "He is going to be a definite star in the UFC." Former UFC double champion Daniel Cormier also joined the chorus of praise. "I'm not sure there's been a more impressive debut than this," he said. "A completely new title contender has arrived in the lightweight division." Cormier noted how rare it is for fighters to transition seamlessly from other promotions. "Moving to the UFC from another organization is hard. Even fighters from Bellator have struggled badly — Patricio Pitbull, Aaron Pico, they all had a tough time," he said. "The UFC is a different stage, a much bigger stage. But Parnasse didn't struggle at all." Cormier credited Parnasse's experience and physical conditioning as the reasons his UFC arrival stood apart from other high-profile crossover signings. "KSW in Poland, where Parnasse competed, is not some small regional promotion scattered around the US — it's a global organization," he said. "He fought for the title there 12 times. I'm not sure any fighter has come into the UFC with that level of experience." Cormier also highlighted Parnasse's grueling training regimen. "Parnasse does 400-meter sprints — 15 repetitions, each one under a minute," he said. "As fight preparation, that is an absolutely insane level of training."

Sept. 7, 2026

Ian Machado Garry: 'I'd beat Makhachev right now' in rematch

'Should have thrown more' in first fight 'I'll come back and prove I'm the best on the planet' Ian Machado Garry says he is confident he would win if given another shot at Islam Makhachev. Garry, who lost a welterweight title fight against Makhachev at UFC 330 last month, said after reviewing the bout that he believes he would beat Makhachev in an immediate rematch. He also said he regrets not throwing more strikes in their first encounter. Garry made the remarks in a recent interview with sports streaming platform DAZN. Asked what he thought when looking back at the Makhachev fight, Garry said: "I'm proud and happy with the process and the camp. Obviously the result is frustrating. But that's fighting. You get back up and go again." In the Aug. 16 bout, Garry held his own on the feet against Makhachev but was taken down seven times and lost by unanimous decision at the end of five rounds. While Garry was competitive, critics said he should have been more aggressive even at the cost of taking risks. He also drew backlash for patting Makhachev on the head and pressing palms with him during round breaks — gestures many felt were out of place for a fighter on the losing end. UFC President Dana White and several veteran fighters called the behavior unsightly. When asked what he would do differently, Garry said: "The biggest thing I would change is throwing more. More kicks, more power on the head shots. But it's hard to do that when you're standing across from someone who has won and won and won." Garry then expressed strong confidence that he could win a rematch. "I think if I fought him right now, I'd win," he said. "I have massive belief in myself, my team and the process. I'd love to walk back into the octagon tomorrow and do it all over again from the outset." Many fighters are lining up for a shot at Makhachev's belt, and Garry is expected to need at least two more wins before earning a rematch and another title opportunity. "I'll come back and prove I'm one of the strongest people on the planet," Garry said, adding that he plans to return to the octagon as quickly as possible against whoever is next.

Sept. 7, 2026

Seoul education chief cheers youth hockey players, calls for broader school sports opportunities

Seoul Superintendent Jung Keun-sik emphasizes cooperation and respect through school sports, urges expanded access for student athletes Seoul Superintendent of Education Jung Keun-sik cheered on athletes competing at the 2026 Seoul World Youth Hockey Championship at a specially constructed venue in Jamwon Han River Park on Sunday, calling on participants to embrace the values of cooperation and respect through sport. Jung said he hoped the tournament would serve not merely as a competition but as a stage for growth — one where student athletes could share experiences and set new goals for themselves. He said the process of respecting opponents and working in sync with teammates, even amid fierce competition, could become an important lesson for young people. "I hope the sweat and the hours of challenge you pour onto the field today become a precious foundation as you move toward even greater dreams," he said. Hockey carries particular educational value because teamwork and cooperation among players shape outcomes just as much as individual skill. Rather than focusing solely on wins, losses and statistics, the sport gives young people a chance to develop a sense of community and responsibility by working toward shared goals and pushing their own limits. Jung also highlighted the role of school physical education as a vital foundation for students' healthy development and well-rounded learning. He said expanding opportunities for students to participate in a range of sports was essential, as doing so allows them to discover their aptitudes and potential while building confidence and a sense of responsibility. He also expressed hope for a broader base of participation in youth hockey, saying that greater access to the sport — combined with more tournaments and exchange events involving schools and local communities — could help identify promising players, raise the level of competition and strengthen the bridge between recreational and elite athletics. Jung said the tournament also held significance as an opportunity for domestic and international youth athletes to connect through sport and deepen their understanding of one another's cultures. The friendships and experiences forged on the field, he added, could lay the groundwork for future challenges on the international stage. He urged the competing athletes to "cherish not only the outcome of the matches but also the experiences gained while preparing for the tournament and the time spent with fellow competitors." He added that sustained interest from schools and local communities was essential to the continued development of youth hockey and the growth of its players.

Sept. 7, 2026

Lawmaker Park urges support for youth hockey at 2026 Seoul World Youth Hockey Championship

Park calls for broader hockey participation, stable training environment for young athletes Lawmaker Park Jeong-hyeon of the Democratic Party of Korea, representing Daejeon's Daedeok district, encouraged young hockey players to embrace challenge and growth, calling for continued support to expand the sport's grassroots base and promote youth athletics. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Seoul World Youth Hockey Championship at Jamwon Han River Park on Sunday, Park said she hoped the tournament would give players more than just competitive experience — offering them a chance to share skills and cultures and grow as athletes. She said young players should use sport as a means to learn the values of teamwork, respect and perseverance, and to nurture their ambitions toward bigger stages. "I hope the sweat and effort you have put in will translate into a meaningful experience on the field today," Park said. "Beyond winning or losing, I hope you show respect for one another and give everything you have until the very end." Park said the growth of youth sport cannot rest on individual effort alone, and that stable training environments, diverse competition opportunities and a systematic development framework must all be in place. She said hockey in particular needs a stronger bridge between school-level and elite sport so that more young people can discover the game and realize their potential. Park said the experience of athletes from different regions and countries coming together to compete — building friendships and sharing memories through sport — is itself a valuable asset for young people. "I hope the experiences and friendships forged here today become a solid foundation for your growth," she said. "I look forward to continued interest and encouragement so that young people who love hockey can keep chasing their dreams."

Sept. 7, 2026

Seoul Sports Council chief cheers youth hockey players at 2026 World Junior Hockey Tournament

'A time to unite through hockey — a stage to build friendship and exchange beyond wins and losses' Kang Tae-sun, president of the Seoul Metropolitan Sports Council, celebrated the successful opening of the 2026 Seoul World Junior Hockey Tournament at Jamwon Han River Park on Sunday, offering words of encouragement to the young athletes competing in the event. In his congratulatory address, Kang said he hoped the tournament would serve as a meaningful stage where young players from around the world could compete, deepen their understanding of one another and forge lasting friendships through sport. He said sporting experiences during one's youth go beyond results on the field, building confidence, teamwork and a spirit of challenge that become invaluable assets in life. Kang urged the athletes to set aside any pressure over outcomes and focus on showcasing the skills they had worked hard to develop. Kang also said the Seoul Metropolitan Sports Council would continue to devote attention to broadening the base of youth sport and creating a stronger foundation for athletes to grow. He extended his gratitude to the participating athletes, coaches and officials, saying, "I hope this tournament becomes a special memory that stays with these young players for a long time," and adding, "I wish all the athletes their best performances, free from injury."

Sept. 7, 2026

Seoul council budget chief calls youth hockey 'growth engine' for city's sports future

Young athletes' challenges seen as key to Seoul's sporting future Park Yu-jin, chairperson of the Seoul Metropolitan Council's Special Committee on Budget and Accounts and a Democratic Party of Korea member representing Eunpyeong District 3, said continued attention and support for expanding the base of youth hockey and nurturing young players are essential. Park delivered congratulatory remarks Sunday at the 2026 Seoul World Youth Hockey Tournament, held at a specially constructed venue in Jamwon Hangang Park, saying the process by which athletes grow by sharing skills and experiences — not just competing — is itself a core value of sport. She said systematic support is needed so young players can train in a stable environment and take on the international stage. "I hope today serves as an opportunity for new challenges and growth for all the athletes," Park said. "Beyond the results on the field, I look forward to seeing the spirit of sport — respecting one another and giving your all until the very end." Park said that for youth hockey to grow from school and recreational sport into a professional discipline, improvements to facilities and training environments, the identification of promising players, and the activation of competitions must all advance together. She said the Seoul Metropolitan Council would also focus on broadening the foundation for youth athletic activity and creating an environment where players can realize their potential. "I hope the experience you gain at this tournament becomes a solid stepping stone as you take on even bigger stages in the future," Park told the participating athletes. "We will be cheering on your passion and determination."

Sept. 7, 2026

Seoul council culture chief hopes youth hockey tournament becomes annual hub for exchange

Hwang Cheol-gyu calls on Seoul to anchor international youth sports diplomacy Tournament aims to become a regular annual event in Seoul Hwang Cheol-gyu, chairman of the Seoul Metropolitan Council's Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee (People Power Party, Seongdong 4), said he hopes the international youth hockey tournament will help young athletes sharpen their skills and experience the values of exchange and unity through sport. Hwang delivered congratulatory remarks at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Seoul World Youth Hockey Tournament, held Sunday at a specially built arena in Jamwon Han River Park. Athletes from six countries and regions, including Seoul and Beijing, are competing in the tournament, which runs through Friday. Hwang said competing against players from around the world and sharing different cultures and experiences through international competition could be a formative experience for the next generation. He said he particularly hoped that athletes from Seoul, Beijing and other participating delegations would use hockey as a bridge to build friendships and deepen mutual understanding beyond wins and losses. He added that international sports events should serve not only to raise the level of young athletes' play but also as platforms connecting nations and cities. Hwang said the council would continue to support Seoul's efforts to host international sports events and create an environment where young athletes can compete on the world stage. He urged participants to play safely and perform well, adding, "I hope this will be a meaningful tournament where everyone learns from one another and grows, beyond just winning or losing."

Sept. 7, 2026

Seoul hosts 2026 World Youth Hockey Tournament

Six nations and regions gather in Seoul for youth hockey competition and cultural exchange, with matches running Sunday through Friday at Jamwon Hangang Park Youth hockey players from six nations and regions — South Korea, China, Japan, Macao, Malaysia and the Philippines — have gathered in Seoul to compete on the international stage. The tournament goes beyond athletic competition, offering young players international experience while fostering city-to-city exchange through sport. The 2026 Seoul World Youth Hockey Tournament, organized by the Seoul Hockey Association with The Herald Business and The Korea Herald serving as media partners, opened Sunday at a specially built arena in Jamwon Hangang Park. The tournament runs through Friday, with players representing their respective nations while gaining competitive experience and building international connections. The tournament's chief significance lies in expanding opportunities for international sports exchange at the youth level. Domestic players can measure their skills directly against overseas counterparts, while all participants are exposed to different cultures and sporting environments through competition and interaction. Sunday's season opener, which featured delegations from Seoul and Beijing, marked the formal start of sports exchange between young athletes from the two cities. Players compete on the field but spend the tournament period communicating with one another and building friendships through sport. The event shows that international competitions can serve as a platform for youth exchange and cultural understanding, not just athletic development. The tournament also draws attention to Seoul's urban spaces. Hosting the event at the Jamwon Hangang Park arena introduces participants and officials to one of the city's signature riverside venues, while giving Seoul residents a chance to watch international youth hockey up close. A ceremonial first hit marked the official opening, with distinguished guests joining players from the Seoul and Beijing delegations for a group photo and wishing all athletes safe and strong performances. Attendees included Choi Jin-young, chief executive of Herald Media Group; Kang Tae-sun, president of the Seoul Metropolitan Sports Council; Jeong Geun-sik, superintendent of the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education; Assembly member Park Jeong-hyeon; Hwang Cheol-gyu, chair of the Seoul Metropolitan Council's Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee; Park Yu-jin, chair of the Seoul Metropolitan Council's Budget and Accounts Special Committee; Min Seon-hui and Choi Won-seon, vice chairs of the council's Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee; Seoul Metropolitan Council members Kim Gwang-cheol and Min Gyeong-hui; and Cho Byeong-u, president of the Seoul Hockey Association. The tournament is expected to give young players valuable international competition experience while broadening the scope of Seoul-centered youth sports exchange. Participants will continue competing through Friday, testing their skills and forging friendships through sport.

Sept. 7, 2026

VIPs join Seoul and Beijing delegations after ceremonial strokes at 2026 Seoul World Youth Hockey Tournament

Sept. 7, 2026

Choi Ye-rim finally earns her first KLPGA title

Choi Ye-rim claimed her first KLPGA Tour title Sunday at the OK Savings Bank Utman Open, which carried a purse of 1 billion won ($736,000), finally adding "champion" to her name after years of near-misses. In the final round at Adonis Country Club (par 72) in Pocheon, Gyeonggi Province, Choi carded three birdies and two bogeys for a 1-under 71, finishing at 10-under 206 to edge runner-up Im Hee-jeong by one stroke for her first win on the regular tour. "It's my first win in nine years as a pro, and I'm so happy — I'm still in a daze," Choi said. "From here, I really want to win 10 titles, 10 titles." Choi had entered the final round with a three-stroke lead and looked comfortable through the front nine, showcasing sharp iron play that saw her miss only one green in regulation across the first nine holes. She birdied the 1st hole (par 4) from 4.3 meters, then added birdies on the par-5 5th and 9th holes from 90 centimeters and 3.5 meters, respectively. The back nine, however, brought turbulence. The field mounted a fierce charge, with Im leading the pursuit by firing six birdies on the day, steadily closing the gap and piling pressure on Choi. Choi's lead began to slip when she drove into the rough on the 14th hole (par 4), made bogey with a three-on, two-putt, and suddenly found Im just two strokes back. She then drove into the rough again on the 16th (par 4) and missed a 4-meter par putt, trimming her lead to one. It was the kind of moment that could have revived painful memories of her nine previous runner-up finishes. Standing on the 18th tee (par 4) with a one-stroke lead, Choi again pushed her drive into the right rough — a bogey there would have forced a playoff. But she kept her composure, found the green in two, and two-putted from 7.6 meters to make par and seal the victory. The win came in Choi's 239th KLPGA Tour start and earned her a winner's check of 180 million won. The title also lifted her to third place in both the season points standings and the money list, announcing her presence at the top of the tour. Choi turned professional in 2017 and collected two wins on the Dream Tour, the second-tier circuit, but had gone winless on the KLPGA Tour proper, accumulating nine runner-up finishes without a title. She had been the all-time leading money earner among winless players on tour. This year alone, she suffered her ninth career runner-up finish in June, losing to Kim Min-sol in a playoff at the McColl-Mona Yongpyong Open. In her post-round interview, Choi reflected on the moment. "I'm usually a big crier — I'm very sensitive and I cry a lot in everyday life. I used to imagine, 'If I ever win, I'll cry so much. What if the tears just won't stop?' But I didn't cry as much as I expected," she said. "I think the biggest feeling is just pure joy." Im Hee-jeong finished with a bogey-free, six-birdie round to claim the runner-up finish. The 110 million won runner-up check lifted her money-list ranking from 71st to 38th. Kim Min-sol, chasing her fourth win of the season, shot a 4-under 68 to finish at 8-under 280 and take sole third place. The 80 million won third-place prize pushed her season earnings to 103.66 million won, enough to overtake Seo Gyo-rim (132.17 million won) and reclaim the top spot on the money list.

Sept. 6, 2026

Choi Ye-rim shakes off nine runner-up finishes to claim first KLPGA Tour title

Wins OK Savings Bank Utman Open at 10-under 206 'I focused on my own game, not the gap' Choi Ye-rim has finally broken through for her first KLPGA Tour victory, ending a run of nine runner-up finishes. Choi carded a 1-under 71 in the final round of the OK Savings Bank Utman Open — purse 1 billion won ($736,000) — at Adonis Country Club (par 72) in Pocheon, Gyeonggi Province, posting three birdies against one bogey. Her 54-hole total of 10-under 206 was enough to hold off late-charging Im Hee-jeong, who finished at 9-under 207, by one stroke. Choi, who made her regular-tour debut in 2018, claimed the title in her 239th start and earned a winner's check of 180 million won. Entering the final round with a three-stroke lead, Choi was sharp from the start, missing just one green in regulation over the front nine and converting three birdies. A birdie putt from 3.5 meters on the par-5 9th hole stretched her advantage to six strokes over the chasing pack. Im mounted a serious challenge on the back nine as Choi went quiet with a string of pars. Im, who had picked up three strokes on the front nine, added three more birdies through the 15th hole to pile on the pressure. A bogey by Choi on the par-4 14th suddenly cut the gap to two strokes. After Im failed to convert a birdie putt on the par-4 18th and finished her round, Choi dropped another stroke on the 16th hole but steadied herself to close with a two-putt par on 18 and seal the win. Choi had most recently been denied at the McColl·Mona Yongpyong Open in June, losing in a playoff to Kim Min-sol, but she made no mistake this time. The victory vaulted Choi to third on the season money list and third in the Player of the Year points standings, shaking up what had been shaping up as a two-horse race between Seo Gyo-rim and Kim Min-sol. "I was very nervous because I've let wins slip away before, but I tried not to think about the gap and just focused on my own game," Choi said. Kim Min-sol, who has three wins this season, fired a final-round 4-under 68 to finish alone in third at 8-under 208, reclaiming the top spot on the season money list from Seo Gyo-rim, who did not compete in the event.

Sept. 6, 2026

Son Heung-min scores, assists but LAFC held to draw after 8-game drought

LAFC, third in the West, winless in six straight league matches Son Heung-min scored for the first time in eight matches across all competitions, but his Los Angeles FC side could not claim victory. Son started and played the full 90 minutes Sunday (Korean Standard Time) in LAFC's MLS regular-season Round 24 away match against Real Salt Lake at America First Field in Salt Lake City, Utah, contributing a goal and an assist. It was his first MLS goal in five league games and his first in any competition in eight matches. Son had gone seven consecutive matches without scoring across MLS and Leagues Cup combined since netting his fourth league goal of the season in a 1-1 draw against Vancouver Whitecaps in Round 19 on Aug. 2. Sunday's strike was Son's fifth MLS goal of the season. Combined with two goals in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, he now has seven goals and 18 assists in all competitions this season. His 11th league assist also moved him into a tie for second place in the assists standings, behind only Lionel Messi of Inter Miami, who leads with 12. Despite Son's contribution, LAFC drew 2-2 with Real Salt Lake. The result extended the club's winless run to six league matches (four draws, two losses), leaving them third in the Western Conference with 37 points from 10 wins, seven draws and seven losses. Real Salt Lake sit on 29 points, with a record of eight wins, five draws and nine losses.

Sept. 6, 2026

LIV Golf's Uihlein disqualified from DP World Tour Q-School after no-show

LIV Golf's Peter Uihlein has been disqualified from the DP World Tour Q-School first-stage qualifying after failing to appear for his third-round tee time. Golf media outlets reported Sunday that Uihlein did not arrive at Huddersfield Golf Club in West Yorkshire, England, in time for his tee time in the third round of the DP World Tour Q-School first stage. Tour officials formally recorded a DQ on his scorecard. Uihlein was well down the leaderboard at the time of his disqualification. He had carded a 4-over-par 74 in the first round and a 3-over-par 73 in the second, leaving him at 7 over par and tied for 66th place. He was well outside the top 19 needed to advance to the second stage. Under Rule 5.3a of the Rules of Golf, a player must be ready to play from the teeing area at the committee-designated start time. A player who arrives within five minutes of the scheduled time receives a general penalty of two strokes on the first hole, but anyone more than five minutes late without a valid exception — or who does not appear on the course at all — is disqualified. Uihlein, 37, has one career victory across the PGA Tour and DP World Tour and has been competing for LIV Golf's Rangegoats GC since the league launched in 2022. He has not offered any explanation for his absence from the third round. The incident highlights the challenges LIV Golf players face as they seek to return to traditional tours or secure playing cards. The DP World Tour Q-School first stage is continuing despite Uihlein's withdrawal, with the final stage scheduled to be held in Spain in November.

Sept. 6, 2026

'Korean Derby' falls through as Hwang excluded, Kim benched in Bundesliga clash

Bayern Munich, Schalke play to 0-0 draw A much-anticipated "Korean Derby" between Bayern Munich's Kim Min-jae and Schalke 04's Hwang Hee-chan — both born in 1996 — failed to materialize Sunday as neither player took part in the match. The two South Korean internationals did not feature in the 2026-27 Bundesliga second-round match between Schalke and Bayern, played Sunday (Korean Standard Time) at Veltins-Arena in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. Striker Hwang, who had been with Wolverhampton Wanderers in the English Championship, joined Schalke on loan just before the transfer deadline Wednesday. The Schalke-Bayern match was his new club's first fixture since the move. Hwang was left out of the squad entirely, while center back Kim — who had started every official match for Bayern this season — was an unused substitute. The match ended 0-0. Bayern dominated possession with 83 percent of the ball and registered five shots on target to Schalke's one, but could not find the net. Bayern sit fourth with one win and one draw, while Schalke are 14th after one draw and one loss.

Sept. 6, 2026

Choi Ye-rim takes Round 2 lead at KLPGA OK Savings Bank Open

Eight birdies fuel 7-under 65; three-shot lead over Han Ji-won Nine runner-up finishes haunt Choi as she chases first KLPGA win Choi Ye-rim, who has finished runner-up nine times on the KLPGA Tour without a single victory, surged to the top of the leaderboard in the second round of the OK Savings Bank Utman Open — purse 1 billion won ($736,000) — putting herself in contention for the first win of her career. Playing Saturday at Adonis Country Club (par 72) in Pocheon, Gyeonggi Province, Choi carded eight birdies against just one bogey for a 7-under-par 65. After shooting a 2-under 70 on Friday, Choi moved to a 9-under 135 total, holding a three-shot lead over Han Ji-won, who posted a 3-under round to sit at 6-under 138. Choi joined the KLPGA in July 2017 and has reached the runner-up position nine times without ever breaking through. Her most painful near-miss came in June at the McColl·Mona Yongpyong Open, where she finished tied with Kim Min-sol at 12-under 204 before losing on the second playoff hole. Starting the second round tied for seventh, Choi teed off on the 10th hole (par 4) and quickly moved into contention by reeling off three consecutive birdies on holes 11 through 13. She parred the 14th (par 4), then stuck her third shot close on the 15th (par 5) to add another birdie and keep the momentum going. Choi dropped her first bogey after missing a 2-meter par putt on the 17th (par 3), but bounced back with a birdie on the 1st (par 4). She then birdied the 5th (par 5) and followed with back-to-back birdies on holes 7 and 8, collecting four birdies on the inward nine alone to claim sole possession of first place. Meanwhile, Shin Da-in, seeking a second consecutive title, managed only a 1-under round and dropped to third at 5-under 139, four shots off the lead. Shin had shared the overnight lead but traded three birdies for two bogeys to card a 1-under 71, falling two spots to third at 5-under 139 — still within striking distance heading into the weekend. Kim Min-sol, chasing what would be an unprecedented fourth rookie win, fired a 2-under round to reach 4-under 140, joining Lee Ye-sol — who managed only an even-par round — in a tie for fourth, five shots behind Choi.

Sept. 5, 2026

Leader Choi Ye-rim, still chasing first KLPGA win, vows to 'hypnotize' herself into believing she's already a champion

Choi Ye-rim has taken a three-stroke lead at the KLPGA Tour OK Savings Bank Utman Open, which carries a purse of 1 billion won ($736,000). Choi fired a tournament-best 7-under-par 65 on Saturday — eight birdies against one bogey — at Adonis Country Club (par 72) in Pocheon, Gyeonggi Province, to move to 9-under 135 for the tournament and open a three-shot gap over Han Ji-won in second place. Choi got off to a strong start by draining a 9.5-meter birdie putt on the par-4 first hole, then added another birdie from 1.4 meters on the par-5 fifth. Back-to-back birdies on the seventh and eighth holes gave her four under for the front nine. She kept the momentum going on the back nine, birdieing three consecutive holes from the 11th through the 13th, then stuck her third shot to within 70 centimeters of the pin from 85 meters on the par-5 15th for another birdie. Her only blemish came on the par-3 17th, where a three-putt left her with the day's sole bogey. Choi turned professional in 2017 and has two wins on the second-tier Dream Tour, but she has yet to claim a title on the main KLPGA Tour despite finishing runner-up nine times. She leads all winless players in career earnings on the tour. This year, she added a ninth runner-up finish in June, losing to Kim Min-sol in a playoff at the McCall-Mona Yongpyong Open. "I really want to win, but my mindset is always the same — I plan to play with a relaxed mind," Choi said after her round. "I'm going to keep telling myself, 'I'm already a player who has won,' and try to stay calm and play freely." Han Ji-won, who also has no KLPGA Tour title to her name, carded a 3-under 69 — six birdies, three bogeys — to sit alone in second at 6-under 138. Her best result this season was a tie for fifth at the E1 Charity Open in May. "I want to win, but I know that wanting it too badly doesn't make it happen," Han said. "I'll try to play as calmly and comfortably as I did in the first two rounds." Shin Da-in, who successfully defended her title at last week's KG Ladies Open, posted a 1-under 71 — three birdies, two bogeys — to move to 5-under 139 and take sole third place, four shots off the lead. With two rounds remaining, the gap is well within striking distance. "I'm four back and the course isn't particularly easy, so I think it's very much doable," said Shin, who is chasing back-to-back wins. "I'll give it everything tomorrow and go for the win." Kim Min-sol, bidding for her fourth win of the season, shot 2-under for the second straight day to join Lee Ye-won in a tie for fourth at 4-under 140. Kim Jae-hee, Jeong So-i, Hong Hyun-ji, Park Bo-gyeom and Heo Yun-seo are all tied for sixth at 3-under 141.

Sept. 5, 2026

Seoul Sports Council boosts science support for climbing athletes

Sports science classes launched for climbers at Seoul mountain culture center Program expands to cover mental training, fitness and conditioning The Seoul Metropolitan Sports Council is stepping up science-based support for climbing athletes, broadening its programs to cover mental management, physical fitness and conditioning — areas directly tied to competitive performance. The council announced Friday that it held a sports science class for climbers at the Seoul Mountain Culture Experience Center on Thursday. The program was developed in partnership with the Seoul Sports Science Center to help athletes manage the tension and anxiety they experience during competition and maintain stable performance. Sports psychology specialist Lee Hye-in led a lecture Thursday on the theme "Your own competition routine: a steady mind even through anxiety." Lee introduced mental training techniques for regulating nerves and anxiety during competition, along with methods for building personalized pre-competition routines. The session also covered practical strategies athletes can use to monitor and manage their own mental state, from pre-competition preparation through to the moment of performance. The Seoul Mountain Culture Experience Center plans to deepen its partnership with the Seoul Sports Science Center following the session, linking sports science disciplines — including psychology, fitness management and conditioning — to athlete support programs. Lee Jang-hyeok, director of the Seoul Mountain Culture Experience Center, said the session helped athletes manage the psychological pressure they feel ahead of major competitions and build confidence. "We will continue working closely with the Seoul Sports Science Center to provide systematic, science-based support so our athletes can perform at their best," he said. The Seoul Mountain Culture Experience Center is a dedicated mountain sports and climbing facility built by the Seoul Metropolitan Government and operated under contract by the Seoul Metropolitan Sports Council. It runs climbing experience and education programs for the public while also supporting athlete development and sports science initiatives to promote mountain and climbing sports.

Sept. 5, 2026

PSG extends Enrique's contract through 2030, but team winless in 3 league games

Paris Saint-Germain has agreed to extend the contract of manager Luis Enrique of Spain through 2030. PSG officially announced Saturday (Korean Standard Time) that it had reached a three-year contract extension with Enrique ahead of the club's Ligue 1 home match against Monaco at Parc des Princes in Paris. His previous contract had been set to expire at the end of this season. Five key players also signed extensions that day: Joao Neves, Fabian Ruiz, Willian Pacho, Lucas Beraldo and Senny Mayulu. PSG, however, fell to a 2-1 comeback defeat against AS Monaco in their Ligue 1 Round 3 home match at Parc des Princes, leaving the club without a league win in three consecutive matches to open the season. Speaking after the match, Enrique said: "This is not the best timing to bring this up, but it is the first time in my coaching career that I have stayed with one club for more than three years. I am surprised at myself that I am more motivated now than I was in my first year here. I am very happy and I hope to live up to the role I have been given." AS Monaco, meanwhile, climbed to the top of the league standings with three straight wins to open the season.

Sept. 5, 2026

SSG's Avila throws shutout as Doosan falls to fourth straight loss

The SSG Landers defeated the Doosan Bears on Friday behind back-to-back home runs from Jeon Eui-san and a complete-game shutout from pitcher Pedro Avila. SSG beat Doosan 4-0 in a home game at Incheon SSG Landers Field in the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League regular season. The loss dropped fifth-place Doosan to a four-game losing streak. SSG drew first blood in the third inning off an opponent error. Jeong Jun-jae reached second base on a catcher's throwing error following a strikeout-not-out, and Guillermo Heredia drove him in with an RBI single to left with two outs and a runner on second. In the fourth inning, Jeon Eui-san and Jo Hyeong-u hit back-to-back solo home runs off Doosan starter Park Shin-ji with two outs, extending the lead to 3-0. Jeon added another solo shot to center in the sixth inning against reliever Lee Yong-chan, pushing the margin to 4-0. The star of Friday's game was SSG starter Avila. He ran into trouble in the top of the eighth when a strikeout-not-out wild pitch put Ahn Jae-seok on base, a walk to Yang Seok-hwan followed, and Jo Su-haeng added an infield single to load the bases with one out. Avila escaped by inducing a shortstop grounder from Jeong Su-bin and a left-field flyout from Kim Gi-yeon. He returned to the mound in the ninth and finished without allowing a run, earning his first complete-game shutout in the KBO League. Jeon went 2-for-3 with two home runs, two RBIs and two runs scored. Avila pitched all nine innings, allowing three hits and one walk while striking out five without giving up a run. Avila became the third pitcher in the KBO League this season to record a shutout.

Sept. 4, 2026

Shin Da-in shares first-round lead at OK Savings Bank Open, eyes back-to-back wins

Lee Ye-won, Yang Hyo-jin join at 4-under 68 'I focused on hitting fairways,' Shin says Shin Da-in shared the first-round lead at the KLPGA Tour's OK Savings Bank Utman Open — which carries a purse of 1 billion won ($736,000) — on Friday, setting her sights on a second consecutive victory. Playing at Adonis Country Club (par 72) in Pocheon, Gyeonggi Province, Shin carded five birdies and one bogey for a 4-under-par 68, joining Lee Ye-won and Yang Hyo-jin atop the leaderboard after the opening round. Shin is riding a wave of momentum after winning the KLPGA Tour's KG Ladies Open last week for her second consecutive title. Starting on the 10th hole, Shin dropped a stroke at the par-4 13th after her tee shot drifted left and drew a penalty, finishing the front nine at even par after picking up a birdie at the par-5 15th. She surged up the standings with four birdies on the back nine — draining a 10.5-meter putt for birdie at the par-4 2nd hole, then following it with another birdie at the par-3 3rd. She added two more at the par-5 5th and par-5 9th with precise iron play. "The course isn't particularly long, so I focused on hitting more fairways," Shin said after her round. "That naturally created a lot of birdie opportunities, and I was able to finish with a good result." Amateur Oh Su-min, a student at Shinseong High School, joined winless Han Ji-won and Ko Ji-woo — who has one victory this season — in a tie for fourth at 3-under 69. Kim Min-sol, who has three wins this season, opened with four birdies and two bogeys for a 2-under 70, placing her in a tie for seventh. Her same-age rival Seo Gyo-rim, who leads the season with four victories, did not enter the tournament. Defending champion Bang Shin-sil struggled to a 1-over 73 — two birdies offset by a bogey and a double bogey — and dropped into a tie for 40th.

Sept. 4, 2026