Latest news with #WorldChampionships
Newsweek
3 hours ago
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Williams F1 Team Boss Releases Statement After Long Term Contract Extension
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Williams team principal James Vowles has announced a long-term contract extension after joining the team in 2023. Vowles will continue leading the Grove-based outfit in its quest to become a championship-winning team. In a statement posted on X, Vowles acknowledged that though the goal remains distant, he is confident that Williams is heading in the right direction. Having arrived from Mercedes in 2023, a team that had won nine Constructors' Championships, Vowles is aware of the mindset a winning team needs to have. One major step to getting closer to his goal was signing former Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz last year, after the Maranello outfit signed Lewis Hamilton for the 2025 campaign. Convincing Sainz to take the wheel of a car that constantly finished outside the points was a big ask. However, it was Vowles' leadership and his vision for the team's future that motivated him to take the leap of faith. Williams Team Principal James Vowles looks on in the paddock during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Monaco at Circuit de Monaco on May 24, 2025 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. Williams Team Principal James Vowles looks on in the paddock during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Monaco at Circuit de Monaco on May 24, 2025 in Monte-Carlo, his contract extension on X, Vowles wrote: "I am absolutely delighted to have signed a new long-term contract with Atlassian Williams Racing. Remaining at Williams was never in doubt, but I'm really pleased to have formalised it. "This team has felt like home from the moment I walked through the door. It really is a special place and we have an amazing opportunity to get it back where it belongs: building on Sir Frank's legacy and winning World Championships. "We aren't there yet but we are on the right path. We have done some good work fixing the foundations. To be clear, it isn't my work – it is your work. The great privilege of this job is in getting 1,000 people pointing in the right direction to deliver results. We now have the platform to build from. We have the investment we need from Dorilton, a world-class driver line-up in Alex and Carlos, top global brands as partners, and a growing global fanbase. "I'm excited as to what we can achieve together in the years ahead." I am absolutely delighted to have signed a new long-term contract with Atlassian Williams Racing. Remaining at Williams was never in doubt, but I'm really pleased to have formalised it. This team has felt like home from the moment I walked through the door. It really is a… — James Vowles (@JV_F1) June 19, 2025 The chairman of Atlassian Williams Racing and Dorilton Capital, Matthew Savage, said in a statement: "We are thrilled that James has signed a new contract with Atlassian Williams Racing and committed his future to completing the mission that we are on together. He has brought experience, energy and strategic leadership to the task of restoring Williams to the top step of the podium. We aren't there yet but you can sense the momentum we are building at Grove and are excited about what lies ahead."
New Straits Times
6 hours ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Aaron-Wooi Yik urged to snatch world No 1 ranking
KUALA LUMPUR: They may be good friends off court, but on it, the rivalry between Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik and Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani is reaching boiling point. And national coach Herry IP wants his charges, world No 2 Aaron-Wooi Yik, to dethrone compatriots and snatch the world No 1 ranking as soon as possible. Preferably, before the World Championships in Paris from Aug 25-31. Herry, known in badminton circles as the 'Magician', believes the Asian champions are in a perfect position to leapfrog independent pair Sze Fei-Izzuddin and head to Paris with the best possible seeding and momentum in their bid to win a second world title. There's a real opportunity for Aaron-Wooi Yik to overtake the top-ranked pair by shining in next month's Japan Open (July 15-20) and China Open (July 22-27). Sze Fei-Izzuddin will be under pressure to defend their points, having won both events last year, while Aaron-Wooi Yik are set to gain significantly, having not competed in either tournament in 2024. "Aaron-Wooi Yik are already in a strong position. But if they can become world No 1, why not?" said Herry at the Academy Badminton Malaysia in Bukit Kiara on Friday. "It will help them in the seeding and draw process at the World Championships. "Of course, it's not just about the ranking. They're preparing to do well in both Japan and China." Currently, Sze Fei-Izzuddin lead with 91,090 points, with Aaron–Wooi Yik just 1,220 points behind on 89,870. The China Open offers 13,500 ranking points to the winners, while the Japan Open champions will collect 11,000 points. Herry also believes that even world No 7 Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun shouldn't be ruled out of the race.
New Straits Times
6 hours ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Wei Chong-Kai Wun shrug off Istora jeers, eye stronger comeback
KUALA LUMPUR: Men's doubles ace Tee Kai Wun is not losing sleep over the hostile reception he and Man Wei Chong received during their Indonesia Open semi-final recently. The world No. 7 were jeered by a packed Istora Senayan crowd when they took on home favourites Sabar Karyaman Gutama–Moh Reza Pahlevi in Jakarta. The Malaysians eventually went down 21-18, 12-21, 21-18. But rather than dwell on the incident, Kai Wun is choosing to take it in stride. "I didn't see it as a big deal. The home fans were probably just trying to support their players by getting into our heads and disrupting us mentally — that's normal," said the 25-year-old after a training session on Friday. "But honestly, we've never experienced anything quite like that — at least not to that extent. It was overwhelming, but definitely something we can learn from and try to handle better moving forward. "Maybe the crowd was trying to break our momentum, especially since we had done quite well in the last two tournaments in Indonesia. But it's part and parcel of playing in front of a passionate crowd. We accept it. "It's really not a huge problem. Every player goes through this kind of pressure at some point in their career. Other major tournaments — like the World Championships — can be just as intense. Ultimately, it's on us to manage the situation and stay focused." Known for its deafening atmosphere, the iconic Istora has long been regarded as one of the toughest arenas for visiting players, especially Malaysians, due to the longstanding rivalry between the two nations. Despite the semi-final exit, Wei Chong-Kai Wun have been enjoying a resurgence of form. After a string of four early exits since March, the duo roared back to life by winning the Malaysia Masters Super 500, reaching the quarter-finals of the Singapore Open Super 750, and making the semi-finals of the Indonesia Open Super 1000 — all in the space of three weeks. "We've got a month to prepare for Japan and China," said Kai Wun, referring to the back-to-back Japan Open (Super 750) and China Open (Super 1000) next month. "We need to fix our shortcomings from the past tournaments. We have to push ourselves in training, no matter how tough, and make the most of the next few weeks. "We're definitely a better pair than we were in past years, but we've got to work hard to keep this going and stay consistent. We can't afford to let our guard down and flop in Japan — that would undo all that we've built recently. "If we want to move up in the world rankings, we have to start getting better results at the Super 750 and Super 1000 events. We'll get our chance to do that next month."
Reuters
7 hours ago
- Sport
- Reuters
Japan's Sakamoto to retire after 2026 Winter Olympics
June 20 (Reuters) - Three-times world figure skating champion Kaori Sakamoto is to retire after the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics next year, the Japanese 25-year-old told reporters in Kobe on Friday. Sakamoto became the first woman in 56 years to win the figure skating world singles title three times in a row last year, matching the feat of American Peggy Fleming, who won three world titles between 1966-68. "I feel like I have less than a year left. I'll be 29 at the following Olympics, which is out of the question," Kyodo news reported Sakamoto as saying. "I'll try to bring things to a close the year I turn 26." Sakamoto, who won bronze at the 2022 Winter Olympics, missed out on a fourth straight world title in March when she finished runner-up to American Alysa Liu.
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Judo: Kim strikes gold for Korea, Tasoev defends heavyweight crown on Day 7 in Budapest
Day 7 closes out the individual competition at the OTP Bank World Judo Championships and it's time for the heavyweights to take centre stage in Budapest. Before the finals, IJF President Mr. Marius Vizer awarded diplomas recognising achievements in judo. And the traditional flag-passing ceremony was held to commemorate the closing of the event, as Hungary passed the IJF flag to Azerbaijan — with Baku set to host the World Championships in 2026 where judo would return to the land of fire. At +78kg, Hayun KIM had been making her mark on the international stage, and in Budapest she delivered her best performance yet. Could she take the title? Facing her was Japan's Mao ARAI who had managed to secure her place in the final after a fantastic performance in the preliminaries. ARAI looked every bit a contender for the World final was a tight, tactical battle taken into Golden Score. It was Hayun KIM who would wear the red backpatch for the Republic of Korea's first gold medal! I'm so happy to win my first World Championship gold medal, especially after finishing fifth and third. OTP Bank Chairman & IJF Honorary President Dr Sandor CSANYI awarded the medals. At +100kg, Guram TUSHISHVILI was on fire — storming his way through the preliminaries with explosive throws and unstoppable momentum. The Georgian powerhouse looked focused and fearless. He was here to reclaim the title he first won in 2018. Facing him in the final was Inal TASOEV, the 2023 World Champion. TASOEV had delivered a solid performance and was aiming to add a second World title to his the final, TUSHISHVILI led with a yuko, but it was TASOEV who came back with a waza-ari and managed to keep the Georgian at bay, claiming his second World title! This is very cool, it's my second time in Budapest and both of them were successful, the first time I won a Grand Slam and the second time a World Championships. Only positive emotions. 5 time Olympic and 12 time World Champion, Mr Teddy RINER awarded the medals. Join us tomorrow in Budapest where the Mixed Team competition kicks off. 3 men 3 women, one team, one goal. Don't miss it!
