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South Korea's martial law scandal is set to loom large over local elections in June that will test whether opposition conservatives can rein in the power of the ruling party of President Lee Jae Myung.The June 3 contest for mayors and governors in South Korea's 16 cities and provinces is the first nationwide vote since Lee took power in a snap election last year after disgraced former president Yoon Suk-yeol, of the conservative People's Power Party (PPP), briefly imposed martial law in 2024.Yoon was sentenced to life in prison in February for masterminding an insurrection and faces at least seven other trials.Lee's Democratic Party (DP) already controls the presidency and parliament, so a strong showing in the local elections would leave the Democrats with the most political power of any single party since 2020.South Korea's right has been in disarray since the martial law bid and infighting over the issue has created splits within the PPP. The conservatives have barely a month to convince voters they are a credible alternative but analysts have predicted they are heading for a landslide defeat.Some of the right's prominent figures say the party should avoid internal conflict and try to put the Yoon scandal behind them.’In the end, when we fought among ourselves, we couldn't pay attention to the lives of the people,’ PPP leader and erstwhile Yoon supporter Jang Dong-hyeok said in an interview.’Now what we need to show is how we can unite and properly keep the ruling party and the Lee Jae Myung administration in check, and thereby protect South Korea's democracy and its future.’A spokesperson for the Democrats said the vote was about judging the ‘unresolved remnants of insurrection’ and building competent local governments to protect ‘real democracy.’The PPP currently controls 12 out of South Korea's 16 local governments but looks unlikely to hold on to the seats.Its approval rating stood at 21% in the last week of April versus the DP's at 46% and President Lee's at 64%, according to a survey by Gallup Korea.Lee's popularity has been buoyed by a chip-led stock rally and his response to the energy crisis caused by the war in the Middle East, even though conservatives accuse him of using the courts and parliament to shield himself from criminal cases.SPLIT AMONG CONSERVATIVESFormer PPP leader Han Dong-hoon, who opposed Yoon's martial law and broke ties with him, is a vocal opponent of Jang. Han was expelled from the PPP over allegations of opinion manipulation and is running for parliament as an independent in Busan's Buk-A district in a by-election to be held alongside the local elections.He is facing both PPP and DP candidates in a three-way contest.Han told Reuters in an interview that he believed the PPP is controlled by a ‘small faction’ more interested in pleasing Yoon loyalists than winning back voters, and that he hoped to rebuild South Korea's conservative movement and return to the party.’The people have already crossed the sea of martial law,’ Han said. ‘The big problem is that conservative politics still has not crossed it.’He said the PPP could not credibly attack Lee while carrying Yoon's baggage.’When we criticise them, the attack that comes back is, 'Aren't you the party that declared martial law?'’ Han said. ‘That weakens everything.’Jang criticised Han's campaign as self-serving and said he was open to uniting with other conservatives excluding Han, whom he said bore great responsibility for the party's troubles.Shin Yul, a professor at Myongji University, said the Busan race would test the possibility of a conservative realignment as well as Han's own prospects to run for president in the future.If Han wins, Shin said, he could send ‘a clear new message’ to the struggling PPP and weaken the DP's argument that conservatives should be judged as an insurrection-linked force. Source link
Qatar coach Julen Lopetegui is expecting a tough time next January when the two-time champions arrive in Saudi Arabia to defend their AFC Asian Cup crown they won in 2019 and 2024. On Sunday, Qatar were drawn with four-time winners Japan, Thailand and Indonesia in Group F of the 24-team tournament set to be held in Saudi Arabia from Jan 7-Feb 5 next year. Qatar beat Japan in the final of the 2019 edition staged in the UAE for their maiden AFC Asian Cup title triumph. Five years years later on home soil, Qatar beat Jordan in the title clash of Asia’s showpiece football tournament to win two back-to-back trophies under the captaincy of Hasan al-Haydos. After the draw ceremony staged in Riyadh on Sunday, Lopetegui said: “We are optimistic but understand the qualities of our opponents and we will play in a very tough group. Japan are the main favourites, Indonesia have improved a lot, and so have Thailand. It’s going to be a tough and balanced group, now we have a lot of work to do.” Born in Asteasu, Spain, Lopetegui has enjoyed a remarkable career both on the pitch and on the sidelines. Appointed as the head coach of the Spanish national team on July 21, 2016, he managed 16 matches, securing 12 victories and 4 draws. He was named Qatar coach last year in May. Lopetegui’s next big assignment is the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be held in the US, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19. Thailand’s coach Anthony Hudson said: “It’s an exciting group. It’s a good group. Obviously some big teams in there. For us, it’s a great opportunity to play against some really good opponents and anything can happen. If you want to play in the Asian Cup, it’s great to meet a team like Japan. Our opening game against Qatar is a great game. Then you look at Indonesia who are improving, there’s a huge rivalry there.” John Herdman, coach of Indonesia, said: “The expectation for Indonesia is to represent the country as the fans want to see us. They are the most passionate of fans and every time the players put on the jersey, we owe them everything we got. This tournament gives us a chance to do something special for them. Thailand are a strong team but every game in this group is huge.” Related Story Source link
The 4th GCC Games Doha 2026 will officially open tomorrow (Monday) at Al Shaqab Arena, as Qatar hosts one of the region’s largest and most prestigious multi-sport events from May 11 to 22.The opening ceremony will be attended by presidents of the National Olympic Committees, secretaries-general, senior officials of the Olympic committees and sports federations from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, in addition to the participating delegations.The ceremony will feature a variety of artistic and cultural performances, including a special operetta titled (One Gulf, One Heart) celebrating the unity, solidarity and shared identity of the GCC nations. Hosting this edition reflects the commitment of His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, Chairman of the Organising Committee of the Fourth GCC Games – Doha 2026, to delivering a tournament that embodies the deep-rooted bonds among GCC nations and contributes to strengthening the presence of Gulf sport, while presenting an exceptional edition that matches Qatar’s established position as a leading host of major regional and international sporting events. More than 1,000 male and female athletes from the six GCC countries will compete in 17 different sports: handball, table tennis, athletics, padel, fencing, boxing, taekwondo, karate, swimming, billiards, snooker, 3×3 basketball, shooting, archery, volleyball, equestrian and bowling.The Games will also witness strong women’s participation in 3×3 basketball, athletics, padel, taekwondo, fencing, shooting and archery events.Qatar will be represented at the 4th GCC Games by a delegation of 300 male and female athletes competing across all sports featured in the Games.Competitions will officially begin the day after tomorrow (Tuesday), with swimming events taking place at the Hamad Aquatic Centre, while 3×3 basketball competitions will be held at Al Gharafa Club Hall. Taekwondo and table tennis competitions will be staged at Aspire Dome, while billiards competitions will take place at the Qatar Billiards and Snooker Federation Hall, and bowling events will be hosted at the Qatar Bowling Center.On Wednesday, equestrian competitions will begin at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club, while fencing and boxing competitions will be held at Aspire Dome. Shooting events will also commence at the Lusail Shooting Range.Athletics competitions are scheduled to start on Thursday at Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium at Qatar SC, in addition to handball competitions which will take place at Duhail Sports Hall.Friday will witness the launch of snooker competitions at the Qatar Billiards and Snooker Federation Hall, while volleyball competitions will begin next Saturday at the Women’s Sports Hall, alongside padel competitions at Aspire Dome.Archery competitions are scheduled to commence next Sunday at the Lusail Shooting Range, while karate competitions will be held for one day only on Thursday, May 21, the penultimate day of the Games, at Aspire Dome.Historically, Kuwait topped the overall medal standings at the inaugural GCC Games held in Bahrain in 2011 with a total of 48 medals, including 27 gold, 14 silver and 7 bronze medals.Bahrain finished second with 21 medals, including 10 gold, 6 silver and 5 bronze medals, while Qatar secured third place with 26 medals, including 7 gold, 12 silver and 7 bronze medals.The United Arab Emirates came fourth with 30 medals, including 5 gold, 12 silver and 13 bronze medals, followed by Oman in fifth place with 11 medals, including 4 gold, 3 silver and 4 bronze medals, while Saudi Arabia finished sixth with 23 medals, including 3 gold, 7 silver and 13 bronze medals.Saudi Arabia topped the medal standings at the second edition of the Gulf Games held in Dammam in 2015 with 115 medals, including 57 gold, 35 silver and 23 bronze medals.The United Arab Emirates finished second with a total of 73 medals, including 26 gold, 20 silver and 27 bronze medals, while Qatar claimed third place with 59 medals, comprising 11 gold, 17 silver and 31 bronze medals.Bahrain came fourth with 43 medals, including 7 gold, 20 silver and 16 bronze medals, while Oman finished fifth with 29 medals, including 4 gold, 13 silver and 12 bronze medals.Kuwait also topped the overall medal standings at the third GCC Games, which it hosted in 2022, with a total of 96 medals, including 36 gold, 28 silver and 32 bronze medals.Bahrain finished second with 64 medals, including 20 gold, 23 silver and 21 bronze medals, while the United Arab Emirates secured third place with 50 medals, including 18 gold, 16 silver and 16 bronze medals.Saudi Arabia came fourth with 67 medals, including 16 gold, 22 silver and 29 bronze medals, while Qatar finished fifth with a total of 52 medals, including 16 gold, 21 silver and 15 bronze medals.Oman placed sixth with 33 medals, including 12 gold, 5 silver and 16 bronze medals.The Doha edition of the Games is expected to further strengthen Gulf sporting cooperation and solidarity while showcasing Qatar’s world-class sports infrastructure and outstanding organizational capabilities in hosting major international sporting events. 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Race favourite Jonas Vingegaard made his rivals sweat Saturday on stage 2 of the Giro d’Italia, a hilly 221km course won by Guillermo Silva of Astana, who also took over the race lead.Vingegaard crossed the line in the same time as Silva of 5 hours 39 minutes 25 seconds after an eventful run from the Black Sea at Burgas westward into a remote hilly interior region where this Giro ended for a clutch of riders in a mass fall.A crack in the road on a sharp corner provoked a twisted mess of bodies and bikes with around 30 riders either piled atop each other or strewn over a barrier.Santiago Buitrago and Derek Gee-West both staggered away in pain while Adam Yates re-embarked covered in mud and blood as Remi Cavagna waited for assistance feebly clutching his wrist.Four riders pulled out, including both Jay Vine and Marc Soler of Team UAE while Yates finished over 13 minutes down.”This is sad so early in the race,” said UAE team chief Mauro Gianetti.After the race was briefly neutralised, the two-time Tour de France winner Vingegaard broke on the last big climb but he, Giulio Pellizzari and Lennert Van Eetvelt were caught on a narrow, cobbled village road 1 kilometre from the finish at Veliko Tarnovo.Uruguayan Silva was fastest at the line taking the race lead from French rookie Paul Magnier of Quick Step, who won Friday’s bunch sprint after the 22-year-old avoided another nasty late pile up.”I’ll never forget this day, I was feeling good but never imagined this. I’m over the moon,” he said.Sunday’s third stage, the last one in Bulgaria, runs from Plovdiv to Sofia where the sprinters should provide a late shakedown. Monday is a rest and travel day.Vingegaard has to wait until stage seven for a first real mountain with a near 14km climb at over 8 percent up Mount Blockhaus in the Apennines. Related Story Source link
Jorge Martin surged to victory in the MotoGP sprint race at the French Grand Prix at Le Mans Saturday as Marc Marquez broke a foot in a spectacular crash.Martin started eighth on the grid but raced through the pack heading into the first corner and then pulled away to win.”I love this track,” said Martin, who won both the sprint and the main race at Le Mans on his way to the 2024 world title.Behind him, reigning world champion Marquez endured a nightmare day that ended in a violent crash on his factory Ducati. It left him with a broken right foot that will require surgery.Marquez started on the front row but had slipped to seventh before losing control with less than two laps of the 13-lap race to go.He put his left foot on the ground to try to regain his balance but was flipped over the handlebars in the opposite direction, sliding along the ground as his disintegrating Ducati cartwheeled just past him.Ducati issued a statement after the race saying that an X-ray showed “a fracture of the fifth metatarsal in his right foot” and that Marquez, who is a distant fifth in the standings, would miss Sunday’s main race and at least one more.”He will fly to Madrid this evening to undergo surgery in the coming days. He will not participate in the Catalan Grand Prix next week,” said the Ducati statement.Martin started from eighth on the grid but jumped to first early on his Aprilia.”I struggled a bit in qualifying but I knew my potential,” he said.”I put all my determination into the start. I found myself ahead at the second corner and I pushed like I’m used to alone, and boom! boom! boom!” he added, punching the air three times.In balmy, sunny conditions, Martin finished a comfortable 1.107 seconds ahead of Francesco Bagnaia on the second factory Ducati.”I’m happy,” said the Italian. “We are stilling missing something compared to Aprilia. I hope tomorrow we will have good weather because we can make a good result.”The other Aprilia, ridden by Marco Bezzecchi, was third 2.786sec back.The Italian remained at the top of the riders’ standings, with his lead cut to six points over team-mate Martin.Pedro Acosta, on a KTM, is third, 36 points off the pace.”I’m very happy,” said Bezzecchi. “I wasn’t feeling very good. Happy to get this result. Always fighting.”Spaniard Acosta was fourth with Frenchman Fabio Quartararo fifth for Yamaha.The weekend’s racing continues with Sunday’s main race when rain is forecast. Related Story Source link
Following Al Gharafa’s victory in the 54th Amir Cup final, Jassim bin Rashid al-Buainain, President of the Qatar Football Association (QFA), Saturday congratulated the club for their impressive performance. “I congratulate Al Gharafa on winning the Amir Cup,” said al-Buainain. The final, played under the gracious patronage of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, saw Al Gharafa defeat Al Sadd at Khalifa International Stadium.” Beyond the result, the QFA President was keen to highlight the collective effort behind the event. “I truly appreciate the work of all our partners in making this final, our most precious trophy, a success,” he stated. “It caps off a successful and truly special season for Qatari football.” The QFA President also praised the technical and organizational standards on display, noting that the final coincided with a landmark anniversary. “This was a fitting celebration as Khalifa International Stadium marks 50 years since its opening, I extend my appreciation to every government, sports, security, and media entity that collaborated with the QFA to deliver a memorable experience for the fans in attendance.” Al-Buainain went on to acknowledge the tournament’s sponsors as essential partners. “We value the vital role played by the Amir Cup sponsors. They are fundamental to the competition’s continued success through their unwavering support. We wish them continued progress and prosperity.” Taking a broader view of the season, the President added: “I also congratulate every club that has won silverware during the 2025–2026 season. We’ve seen outstanding performances from clubs throughout the year. By any measure, it has been a successful season, and we wish them all the best in their future competitions, both domestically and internationally.” Finally he offered a special word of thanks to the local media. “I am pleased to express my gratitude and appreciation to Qatar’s media outlets. Your role as a core partner in supporting Qatari football, and in covering every event and competition throughout the season, is invaluable,” he added. Related Story Source link
US President Donald Trump yesterday announced on social media that there would be a three-day ceasefire in the war between Russia and Ukraine from May 9 until May 11 to mark the end of World War II for the Russians. Trump had said after a phone call with Putin on April 29 that a temporary ceasefire was in the works. Putin announced a similar truce last year that lasted three days but was not agreed with Kyiv.Trump said in a Truth Social post that the pause will include a suspension of all kinetic activity, and also a prison swap of 1,000 prisoners from each country. “Hopefully, it is the beginning of the end of a very long, deadly, and hard fought War,” he said, adding that there was constant progress in talks to end the conflict. Russia announced a ceasefire for May 8 to 9 to coincide with commemorations of the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War II and a military parade in Moscow’s Red Square.Ukraine announced its own proposal for an open-ended ceasefire that started at midnight on Tuesday, urging Russia to reciprocate. Officials said on Thursday that Ukraine’s top negotiator, Rustem Umerov, had arrived in Miami for a series of meetings with US representatives as peace talks on ending Russia’s war in Ukraine have stalled in recent months.The US-brokered talks are deadlocked over Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region. Moscow demands Kyiv pull troops back from parts of the region it has failed to capture in its four-year full-scale invasion. Ukraine says it will not cede land that it controls. Moscow and Kyiv have both accused each other of violating ceasefires that each has separately declared. Related Story Source link
Defending champions Qatar and record winners Japan were drawn in the same group for next year’s AFC Asian Cup, while hosts Saudi Arabia will meet Kuwait, Oman and Palestine.The draw for the 2027 edition of the continent’s showpiece event, which runs from January 7 to February 5, took place on Saturday in Diriyah on the outskirts of Riyadh.Saudi Arabia is staging the Asian Cup for the first time as the kingdom views the tournament as a precursor to hosting the 2034 World Cup.For the third time running, the Asian Cup will feature 24 national teams, with 23 already confirmed.The sole remaining spot will go to either Lebanon or Yemen, who contest a play-off in Doha on June 4.A tie would be enough for Lebanon to qualify.At the draw, Japan were placed in Group F alongside Qatar, Thailand and Indonesia.Japan have lifted the trophy a record four times, although they have not won the tournament since 2011.Saudi Arabia and Iran each have three wins, with Qatar crowned champions for the past two tournaments, in 2019 and 2023.Last time out, the 2022 FIFA World Cup hosts defeated Jordan 3-1 in the final.Both countries have qualified for this summer’s global finals, with Jordan competing for the first time.On Saturday, teams were divided into four pots of six in accordance with the latest FIFA ranking as of April 1. At 18th in the official standings, Japan are the lead country in Asia, with Iran second (No. 21), South Korea third (No. 25) and Australia fourth (No. 27).Allocated first position in Pot 1, Saudi Arabia are looking to add to the three titles they won in 1984, 1988 and 1996.The opening match will be played on June 7 between Saudi Arabia and Palestine at the refurbished King Fahd Sports City Stadium, its 72,000 capacity making it the largest of the venues used. Related Story Source link
Peter Magyar, a pro-EU conservative, was sworn in as Hungary’s new prime minister Saturday, closing the chapter on the 16-year rule of his nationalist predecessor, Viktor Orban.The former government insider turned critic whose Tisza party resoundingly won April 12 legislative elections, vowed he would bring in “regime change”.That was underlined by the speaker of the new parliament ordering the EU flag be reinstalled on the building, after a 12-year absence under Orban, just ahead of Magyar taking his oath of office in the legislature.The European Union has been effusive in its welcome of Magyar, seeing his arrival as Hungary’s leader as drawing a line under years of hostility and obstructionism from Budapest.European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on X said his premiership held “the hope and promise of renewal in these challenging times”.Magyar’s inauguration drew tens of thousands of people to giant screens around the parliament, where they waved Hungarian and EU flags to watch the ceremony and then party into the night.Inside the parliament, Magyar vowed: “I will not rule over Hungary; I will serve my country.”He afterwards addressed his supporters outside, emphasising that the country “belongs to everyone… and that together we will rebuild Hungary”.”I’m glad that we could resolve peacefully and didn’t have to rise up against the oppressive power,” said one supporter, 25-year-old Zoltan Markus.”We’re looking forward with hope in our hearts to what comes next, as well as to the complete arrest of the former government,” he added.Magyar, 45, has pledged that one of his government’s first steps would be to create an independent office to investigate corruption over the past 20 years and recover public assets from those who “illegally acquired” them.He also wants to undo changes introduced under Orban — who fostered close ties with US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin — that eroded the judiciary, media, universities and other institutions.His Tisza party won 141 of parliament’s 199 seats, a comfortable two-thirds majority with the power to amend the constitution and push through key reforms.Among Magyar’s most urgent priorities is unlocking billions of euros in EU funds frozen by Brussels over rule-of-law concerns.Hungary faces a stagnating economy and deteriorating public services — problems analysts say require deep structural reform.”There is a lot of patience and goodwill toward the new government, but the expectations are through the roof and need to be met in the short-term as well,” said Andrea Virag, strategy director at the liberal Republikon Institute think tank.In his inaugural speech, Magyar said many state institutions had “squandered” public trust, reiterating an earlier call for President Tamas Sulyok and other Orban allies to resign by the end of the month.Orban said last month that he would not take up his seat in parliament for the first time since Hungary’s transition to democracy in 1990.He also skipped Saturday’s ceremony, breaking with decades of tradition.The 62-year-old, who openly championed “illiberal democracy” and curtailed rights, said he would instead focus on the “reorganisation of the national camp”.The new cohort of lawmakers on Saturday elected hotelier Agnes Forsthoffer as speaker — one of several women tapped for senior roles by Tisza, which seeks to offer broader representation than Orban’s coalition.History teacher Krisztian Koszegi was elected Hungary’s first-ever Roma deputy speaker.Other nominations included lawyer Vilmos Katai-Nemeth as social and family affairs minister, who would be the country’s first visually impaired cabinet member.Celebrations in and around parliament were heavy with symbolism, featuring flags and music highlighting Hungary’s EU membership, its Roma minority and ethnic Hungarians living in neighbouring countries. Related Story Source link
South Korea’s Im Sung-jae fired a two-under par 69 to seize a one-stroke lead over England’s Tommy Fleetwood after Friday’s second round of the PGA Truist Championship.Im birdied the par-five 10th and 15th holes and answered a bogey at the 12th hole with a birdie at 14 to stand on nine-under 133 after 36 holes at Quail Hollow in Charlotte, North Carolina.”I’m very happy I’m leading,” Im said. “I didn’t putt very well, but I’m happy with where I’m at.”I’m driving the ball very well. I’m keeping it in the fairways, so it makes it easier for me to hit my second shots on the green. I know this course very well, so I’m taking advantage of that.”Fleetwood fired a 67 to finish one adrift with England’s Alex Fitzpatrick and American Justin Thomas sharing third on 135 after each fired 68.Rory McIlroy, coming off a triumph in last month’s Masters, shot 67 despite a bogey at 18 to join a pack in eighth on 137 that included Americans Rickie Fowler, who fired a 63, and Matt McCarty, the first-round leader.”Would have been nice not to make that bogey at the last,” McIlroy said. “But overall it was a good day’s work and puts me right into the thick of things going into the weekend.”Im, a 2020 Masters runner-up, seeks his third PGA Tour title after the 2000 Honda Classic and 2021 Shriners Children’s Open.The 28-year-old Asian star had struggled with a wrist injury but said he was “100%” this week.Fleetwood sank a 13-foot birdie putt at 14 and made a five-footer for birdie at the par-three 17th to grab second.”Definitely didn’t have my rhythm, got ahead of a few shots, but I didn’t hit it in any terrible spots and I scored very well,” Fleetwood said.”I’ve definitely hit enough good shots. Today I didn’t quite have it, but still managed to get a good score out of it. I holed out well and did a lot of other things well.”McCarty, who fired a 63 on Thursday, shot 74 with three bogeys and a double bogey.World number two McIlroy, who had played only the Masters over a seven-week span, found his form as he charged into the hunt for his fifth victory at Quail Hollow.The Northern Ireland star sank a 17-foot birdie putt at par-five 11th, made an 13-foot birdie putt at 11 and dropped his approach inside three feet then tapped in for birdie at the par-three 13th.McIlroy reached the green in two and tapped in for birdie at the par-five 15th then made an 11-foot birdie putt at 16 to pull within three of the lead before finding fairway and greenside bunkers at 18 to set up a bogey.A day earlier he sank a 15-foot birdie putt at 18 after 17 pars.”I still feel like I left a couple out there,” McIlroy said. “It was an improvement and if I can keep seeing improvements as the week goes on, that’s a good thing.”There’s maybe a little rust, but it’s more like getting a (scorecard) in your hand and getting comfortable hitting certain shots. Definitely felt a little more comfortable today, drove it in the fairway a little bit more and was able to take advantage of that and make some more birdies.”American Chandler Blanchet aced the 188-yard, par-three 17th hole. Source link