「香港快閃板球賽2018」開鑼前與畢馬威達成贊助協議，今次合作是希望將香港塑造成板球盛事之都，而畢馬威也希望藉快閃板球宣傳香港。 「香港快閃板球賽2018」共有破紀錄的27名外援參賽與一眾本地好手組成五路雄師，在2月6-11日期間假天光道運動場爭奪賽事殊榮 。 香港板球董事Jonathan Cummings 說:「『香港快閃板球賽』能與國際知名品牌如畢馬威站在同一陣線實屬美事。」「賽事規模每年都在壯大中，現在有畢馬威作為後盾，讓我們無後顧之憂地去推動香港成為新穎大型體育盛事的樞紐。」 「畢馬威是上屆的合作伙伴，今年雙方的關係更進一步，亦希望維持長遠關係。」 畢馬威除了十分活躍於支持本地體育界之外，也以聯席顧問身份積極參與啟德體育園發展計劃。 畢馬威贊助「香港快閃板球賽2018」突顯了他們持續支持本地社區的決心和協助提升香港的國際體育盛事目的地的地位。 「香港快閃板球賽2018」還宣佈首次與有線電視達成指定電視台合作，賽事將於63台播放。 畢馬威呈獻之「香港快閃板球賽2018」將於2月6日(星期二，下午1時)假九龍天光道運動場掀起戰幔。 資料來源 : 香港板球 / 「香港快閃板球賽」: max.abbott@hkcricket.org

SANTIAGO, CHILE (February 3, 2018) - Jean-Eric Vergne fended off his team-mate Andre Lotterer in a tense fight around the streets of Santiago to claim his second victory in Formula E and the first one two in the history of the electric street racing series. The pair exchanged blows in the closing stages of the race with a gaggle of cars waiting behind to pounce, ensuring a nail-biting finish to the inaugural E-Prix in the Chilean capital. Vergne led away from Julius Baer pole position with a number of cars making moves behind. Lotterer jumped Sebastien Buemi off the line to move into second place, but Panasonic Jaguar Racing driver Nelson Piquet Jr. caught them both unaware with a bold late-braking move around the outside of the first corner. As the field streamed through the opening section, the squeeze came in the mid-field with Jose Maria Lopez running out of road in close proximity with Sam Bird and hitting the wall on the outside of Turn 2. The Qualcomm safety car was deployed to clear both Lopez and the stricken Venturi of Maro Engel who went into the barriers at Turn 7. Piquet looked to have lost out on the restart, but piled the pressure on Vergne with a move for the lead only a few corners later. Vergne placed his car well and held off a fast-charging Piquet despite a bump from behind, which wouldn’t be the only close-call in his wing mirrors for the remainder of the race. Approaching the pit-stop phase, Vergne started to extend his lead to over three seconds as Piquet fell into the grasps of Lotterer. The German scythed his way into second place past Piquet and set his sights on his team-mate. Lotterer slowly reeled in Vergne moving into his slipstream and drew alongside into the main overtaking point at Turn 1. Both drivers came perilously close to exchanging paintwork, but Vergne held his nerve and forced Lotterer to retreat. However, Lotterer hadn’t thrown in the towel yet and tried to mirror the move again but misjudged his braking and hit the back of Vergne. Smoke poured from Vergne’s wheels as his team-mate was pushing him from behind. Despite the helping hand from Lotterer, both cars managed to avoid the wall and the threat of other cars behind to deliver maximum points for TECHEETAH and vault the team to the top of the standings. It marks the first victory for Vergne since the season-finale in Montreal last year, which was also his first in Formula E. Joining the two TECHEETAH drivers on the podium was Sebastien Buemi, showing once again that the form of Renault e.dams in Hong Kong was merely a blip. Buemi slipped backwards on the long run down into the first corner and struggled to match the pace of his rivals in the early phase of the race. Buemi and Bird re-enacted their close duel in Marrakesh in the battle for fourth place, with the DS Virgin Racing driver hounding the back of his gearbox. The group held station until the mid-race car swaps, which saw Rosenqvist leap up the order ahead of Bird - allowing Buemi to focus on Piquet and surpass his fellow champion to secure a spot on the podium. Rosenqvist - who entered Santiago as the points leader and the winner of the past two races - started way back in 14th after a dismal qualifying session, but salvaged points in fourth place. Bird picked-up the additional point for Visa fastest lap and took the chequered flag in fifth after a slow pit-stop and benefitting from Piquet’s late lunge on Buemi into Turn 1. Piquet looked to re-take the position he lost earlier but locked his brakes and ended up losing time reversing out of the run-off area. Piquet’s team-mate Mitch Evans followed close behind in seventh, with Jerome D’Ambrosio, Antonio Felix da Costa and Nico Prost rounding out the top 10 points-paying positions. The next stop on the Formula E calendar sees the series return to Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez for the third edition of the Mexico City E-Prix for round five of the ABB FIA Formula E Championship on March 3. 2018 Antofagasta Minerals Santiago E-Prix (Rd 4) 1 - Jean-Eric Vergne, TECHEETAH, 1:01:24.514s (28) 2 - Andre Lotterer, TECHEETAH, +1.154s (18) 3 - Sebastien Buemi, Renault e.dams, +1.959s (15) 4 - Felix Rosenqvist, Mahindra Racing, +2.793s (12) 5 - Sam Bird, DS Virgin Racing, +4.490s (11) 6 - Nelson Piquet Jr, Panasonic Jaguar Racing, +6.364s (8) 7 - Mitch Evans, Panasonic Jaguar Racing, +7.099s (6) 8 - Jerome D’Ambrosio, DRAGON, +13.308s (4) 9 - Antonio Felix da Costa, Andretti Formula E, +14.811s (2) 10 - Nico Prost, Renault e.dams, +21.092s (1) 11 - Tom Blomqvist, Andretti Formula E, +32.924s 12 - Luca Filippi, NIO Formula E Team, +44.127s 13 - Edoardo Mortara, Venturi Formula E Team, +49.398s 14 - Oliver Turvey, NIO Formula E Team, +1:12.282s Information and photo source : The ABB FIA Formula E Championship

The 2017/18 Asian Le Mans Series is coming to a nail biting conclusion with all Class Championships, and the four invitations to race in the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans that go with them are still undecided. The winners of the LMP2 and LMP3 classes will receive an invitation to join the LMP2 class in the race held in France in June this year. The top two finishers in the GT Class will receive an invitation to compete in the LM GTE-Am class. The 4 Hours of Sepang will take place this coming Sunday on the Malaysian circuit located just 15 minutes from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport. The grid will once again see a mix of cars which is synonymous with the Le Mans brand of endurance racing with both prototypes and GT cars sharing the track for the 4-hour race. With the possibility of rain effecting both qualifying and the race, the weekend is shaping up to be very exciting. The Sepang International Circuit (SIC) will also be home to the 1st LMP3 Asia Festival. As a part of the celebrations, SIC held a convoy featuring a Ligier JS P3 to Putrajaya to raise awareness of the category and promote the finale of the Series this weekend. There will also be VIP hot laps in an LMP3 (Ligier JS P3) during the weekend allowing guests to experience the thrill of these magnificent machines. Fans will also have the chance to check out around 500 cars from various car clubs that will be on display behind the grandstands, while local school children will be invited for a special behind the scenes look at the Asian Le Mans Series teams and cars. LMP2: With a maximum of 26 points up for grabs in the 4 Hours of Sepang, the LMP2 Championship title is set to be a battle between the #8 成龍 Jackie Chan DC Racing X Jota Sport Oreca 05 (70 points) and the #37 BBT Ligier Sportscars JS P2 (52 points). After winning their debut round as a trio in the #7 Jackie Chan DC Racing X JOTA Sport Oreca 05 Nissan, the all Malaysian entry is hoping to spoil the party. Jazeman Jaafar, Weiron Tan and Afiq Ikhwan Yazid became the first all-Malaysian line up to win a round of the Asian Le Mans Series and they are hoping to take a home ground advantage and give the Malaysian crowd something to cheer about. Sepang will also see Eurasia Motorsport return to the Asian Le Mans Series with their Ligier JS P2 after missing the previous round of the Series. Marco Asmer returns and will be joined by Nabil Jeffri and Jake Parsons. LMP3: 1 point. That is all that separates 1st and 2nd currently in the LMP3 class of the Asian Le Mans Series. In has been an incredibly tight battle all season, the top four teams remain in with a chance of winning the Championship ahead of the final round of the season. Leading the way, after winning the previous round, is the #18 KCMG Ligier JS P3 (53 points) followed closely by the #6 Jackie Chan DC Racing x Jota Sport Ligier JS P3 (52 points). Behind them at the #65 Viper Niza Racing Ligier (40 points) and the #11 Ligier JS P3 of Taiwan Beer GH Motorsport (36 points). A new part of the 4 Hours of Sepang this year will be the 1st LMP3 Asia Festival. As a part of this festival, the LMP3 teams also racing for a prize pool of $45,000USD in Sepang – to be used towards entries in the 2018/19 Asian Le Mans Series. (More information.) GT: The three-way battle in the GT Class of the Asian Le Mans Series has been intense all year, particularly between the two FIST Team AAI entries. With the Audi R8 LMS from Audi Sport Customer Racing Asia by TSRT finishing the season very strongly, the Championship will be decided this weekend. Currently holding a 9-point lead is the #91 FIST Team AAI BMW M6 GT3 (69 points), from the #90 FIST Team AAI Ferrari 488 GT3 (60 points). In third currently is the #66 Audi Sport Customer Racing Asia by TSRT Audi R8 LMS (48 points). The #66 Audi Sport Customer Racing Asia by TSRT Audi R8 LMS will also have a new face behind the wheel with Mitch Gilbert joining the team for this round. The driver line ups in both FIST Team AAI entries have been changed ahead of the final round. In the BMW M6 GT3, due to prior commitments, Chaz Mostert has been replaced by Finnish driver, Markus Palttala. In the Ferrari 488 GT3, Ollie Millroy will be joined by two Thai drivers, Sarun Serrthoranakul and Bhurit Bhirombhakdi who competed in Round 1 of the Asian Le Mans Sprint Cup in 2017. Racing with Kantasak Kusiri, he won the first race, and finished 2nd in the second race. Sepang is one of the biggest bases for the FIST Team AAI, will this bring enough of a home town advantage to help them secure a 1-2 finish in the GT Class Championship, and the two, money can’t buy invitations to the 24 Hours of Le Mans? World class broadcast schedule – free, live and in full: As always there will be live streaming of qualifying and the race in full on the Series Facebook page and on the website www.asianlemansseries.com which will also have live timing. In addition, the races will also be broadcast live on www.Motorsport.TVand MotorTrendonDemand. In China, the race will be broadcast through the Tencent Sports network on both PC and mobile services. Tickets: Tickets can be purchased through the Sepang Circuit - Main grandstand ticket Sunday (Free entry on Saturday) – RM11 Paddock access (including main grandstand access) – RM106 Provisional Schedule: Friday: 14:00 – 15:30 Private test session Saturday: 08:40 – 10:10 Free Practice 1 11:40 – 13:10 Free Practice 2 17:00 – 17:15 Qualifying LMP2 and LMP3 17:25 – 17:35 Qualifying GT and GT Cup Sunday: 10:00 – 10:30 Pit walk / Autograph session 13:00 – 17:00 4 Hours of Sepang Information and photo source : THE ASIAN LE MANS SERIES

[香港，2018年2月1日] - 經過11天在香港的逗留後，各支參加Volvo Ocean Race 環球帆船賽隊伍的船長均表示香港作為首次主辦這項世界級帆船比賽的城市，是一次相當成功的體驗。 船隊們在1月20日陸續駛進維多利亞港，香港參賽隊伍新鴻基Scallywag更以第一名的成績率先到達終點，伴隨著的是一連兩星期嘉年華般的娛樂節目例如音樂會，互動遊戲和帆船展覽等。各船隊在1月31日已啟航前往廣州。 這次比賽出現了很多第一次，包括第一次有香港的船隊贏得Volvo Ocean Race 環球帆船賽的其中一個賽圈，也是香港第一次舉辦這項盛事，對此新鴻基Scallywag船長大衛域治 (David Witt)表示將會是他一生難忘的體會和經驗。 「這是一個相當巨大的支持。」大衛域治說。「有行政長官林鄭月娥女士到訪支持，對Volvo Ocean Race和香港帆船界來說是很大的鼓舞，也令大眾明白到我們一直想宣揚的訊息----帆船是一項每人也能觸及的運動。今次經歷就像童話故事一樣，帆船是一項非常棒的運動，我們希望每個小朋友都有機會在維多利亞港中一嚐玩帆船的感覺。」 兩星期的帆船嘉年華一共吸引了超過十萬人到訪啟德跑道公園，當中有12,500名學生參加了免費的學校導賞計劃，另外也有不少歌迷支持本地歌星鄭秀文、李幸倪、盧凱彤及符致逸的精彩歌唱表演。 海洋高峰會也是帆船嘉年華的其中一個焦點，雲集了專家和環保界的領袖探討全球海洋塑膠污染危機的問題。 另一邊廂，查里斯古達利亞(Charles Caudrelier)作為中國船隊東風隊的船長，視這次香港站和之後的廣州站旅途為一次繼續令中國推動帆船發展的好機會。 他表示今屆的賽事中國船員們皆展現非凡的精神面貌。 「這只是一個開始。」古達利亞說道。「我們目標是終有一天將會出現中國的船長，而我相信距離這一天的出現不會太遠。」 在本屆賽事暫時領先的西班牙曼福隊，船長沙比費蘭迪斯 (Xabi Fernández) 表示在香港體驗Volvo Ocean Race比賽的感覺是前所未有般特別。 「很榮幸能到來這個城市。當我們到達的時候，船員們都筋疲力盡，但在香港這裡我們都有充分的休息，而且有很好的食物和樂趣。不單是賽事村的氣氛十分棒，而且能在維港和環島進行帆船比賽都是十分完美。」 由Volvo Ocean Race的比賽船員，到香港普羅大眾，皆對這次香港分站的感覺十分良好。作為香港分站的比賽策劃公司Mayo & Calder，對此感到十分高興，並希望香港作為「亞洲國際都會」能在未來成為Volvo Ocean Race環球帆船賽的常規分站。 Volvo Ocean Race環球帆船賽香港分站營運總監Grant Calder對此表示: 「能在香港成功舉辦這次的比賽真的是宛若夢幻。作為第一次在香港舉辦這項帆船比賽，社區對我們的回饋及大眾的支持已經超出原本的期望。我確信每個親身見證比賽的香港市民都會認為沒有什麼比香港壯麗的海港更適合作帆船比賽的佈景。我們很期待在未來能有機會把這項比賽再次帶到香港。」 香港十分榮幸獲選為環球帆船賽的主辦城市，能夠首次有份在2017-18年度賽季參與這項國際盛事。民政事務局及香港帆船運動總會會攜手協辦的「環球帆船賽-香港分站賽2018」。 這項活動已成為一項「M」品牌認可活動，有助提升香港作為亞洲體育盛事之都的形象。獲大型體育事務委員會頒發的「M」品牌，標誌著緊張、精彩、刺激的大型體育活動。 資料及相片來源 : Elite Step Asia / Mayo and Calder Limited

前新西蘭國家隊球星卡達(Dan Carter)及港將禾爾尼(Matt Worley)已隨 Racing 92 大軍抵港，將於本週六下午 4 時在香港仔運動場火拼南非球隊 Cell C Sharks。 現時在法職聯賽身處第三位的 Racing 92 有部分球員因入選法國國家隊出戰「六國賽」（Six Nations）而未能來港，但他們仍派出強陣出擊，希望藉此仗備戰餘下賽季。 曾代表法國國家隊上陣 83 次及曾出席之前 3 次「Natixis 欖球盃」的隊長施薩華施基 (Dimitri Szarzewski)亦有隨隊來港，但他因傷未能披甲為香港觀眾獻技。 曾三屆當選世界欖球先生的卡達繼 2016 年後重臨香江，他說：「再次來到香港感到興 奮，我之前曾多次到港作賽，特別是參與『香港七人欖球賽』時能感覺香港市民對欖 球的狂熱及喜愛，氣氛非常好。」 「我曾幾次在香港比賽,以『香港國際七人欖球賽』印象最深刻。很開心能舊地重遊， 這裡有很多的外地球迷，欖球氣氛旺盛。」 「欖球有一種魔力，一旦開始便不能停止，我認為青少年及小孩應嘗試接觸欖球，探 索一下欖球的魅力。」 隊友們都期待來港比賽，能夠認識香港文化及觀光，並感謝 Natixis 為我們在季中安排 友誼賽，讓我們嘗試不同的挑戰。 阿根廷國腳翼鋒伊荷夫(Juan Imhoff)及洛高曲高(Joe Rokocoko)亦會在週末上陣，前者更 曾効力國家 35 次。 伊荷夫在 2011 年加盟 Racing 92，他曾代表阿根廷國家隊出戰 2016 里約熱內盧奧運會， 得分能力毋庸置疑。 洛高曲高為新西蘭國家隊穿甲佩劍 8 年，上陣 68 次中攻下 46 次達陣，其後於 2015 年 以 34 歲之齡加盟 Racing 92，是球隊的得分利器之一。 另一名值得留意的球員是曾多次為愛爾蘭國家隊上陣的賴恩(Donnacha Ryan)，他將夥拍 兩名薩摩亞球員阿法迪亞(Viliamu Afatia)及莊士頓(Census Johnston)攻堅。 丹比爾尼(Benjamin Dambielle)將是卡達今仗的拍檔，並與度比哲(Louis Dupichot)及另一位 前新西蘭國家隊成員度達華基(Anthony Tuitavake)組成後衛線。 禾爾尼已是 Racing 92 欖球學校的二年生，他今次也隨隊「回家」並有機會在主場上 陣，他亦希望在今次能夠向教綀團證明立足一隊的能力。 禾爾尼曾於去年參與Racing 92的季前熱身賽，其後在9月為香港在「世界青年欖球盃」 中爭勝。他最近開始跟一隊成員操練，當中包括卡達，他談及到禾爾尼的表現說： 「他在季前與我們一起訓練，並在季前賽有不俗的演出,令我留下深刻印象。」 卡達認為香港小將禾爾尼是可造之材，他説：「禾爾尼跟隨我們季前集訓，他令我留 下良好印象。」 他續道：「禾爾尼的速度及對欖球的熱愛令他在法國有良好的成長，希望他的故事能 夠讓香港的年青人知道只要努力不懈，當機會來到時好好把握便可以達到自己的目 標。」「他應該會是全隊最期待上陣的球員，希望他能夠在主場球迷及家人朋友前發 揮優異。」 禾爾尼道：「能夠代表 Racing 92 披甲上陣是一件高興的事，另外在香港作賽令我更亢 奮。」 「我與一眾球星們訓練獲益良多，在他們身上可以學習很多欖球知識及技術。」 他續道：「我希望在家人及球迷面前代表 Racing 92 上陣，並期望有更多欖球迷入場支 持我們，如果能獲勝回法國就更理想。」 Racing 92 大軍名單： 前鋒：加高維(Vasil Kakovin)、杜加干(Luc Ducalcon)、阿法迪亞(Viliamu Afatia)、高堅拿 華 (Luka Goginava) 、莊士頓 (Census Johnston) 、艾維 (Ole Avei) 、艾巴捷迪 (Patricio Albacete)、巴魯(Boris Palu)、卡利薩(Manuel Carizza)、賴恩(Donnacha Ryan)、卡臣(Antonie Claassen)、法艾素奧(Sootala Fa’Aso’o)、祖臣路斯(Baptiste Chouzenoux)、馬卡(Edwin Maka)。 後衛：卡達(Dan Carter)、度達華基(Anthony Tuitavake)、伊荷夫(Juan Imhoff)、洛高曲高 (Joe Rokocoko)、丹比爾尼(Benjamin Dambielle)、度比哲(Louis Dupichot)、查維亞(Xavier Chauveau) 、 撲 堤 亞 (Franck Pourteau) 、艾拔維利 (Albert Vulivuli) 、伊利巴恩 (Teddy Iribaren)、巴利斯(Leonard Paris)、安德魯(Marc Andreu)、禾爾尼(Matt Worley) 關於 Natixis 欖球盃 「透過『香港國際七人欖球賽』可知道欖球在這兒的受歡迎程度，我們期待有良好的發揮以 報答屆時入場的球迷。」 「Natixis 欖球盃」今次將踏入第四屆，Racing 92 在 2013 年與另一支法職球隊 Stade Toulousain 對戰，2015 年則和 Natixis 香港足球會會長選手隊比賽，而 2016 年 Racing 92 則反勝新西蘭超 級欖球聯賽盟主高地人隊(The Highlanders)高舉獎盃。 「Natixis 欖球盃 2018」亦希望向公眾宣揚欖球運動，因此今年特意特意安排小型欖球教室， 讓小朋友於球賽當日向兩隊的後備球員「偷師」，屆時並會有「啤酒樂園」及樂隊現場演 奏，延續歡樂氣氛。 Team One Groupe 行政總裁 Philippe Spanghero 說：「『Natixis 欖球盃』是由 Louis Vincent Gave 發起的，此比賽讓 Racing 92 可以衝出國際並開拓亞洲市場。」 「香港球迷可以近距離觀看 世界級賽事之餘，也為全城矚目的『香港國際七人欖球賽』熱身。」 他補充說：「我特別感謝香港欖球總會及法國外貿銀行的支持，亦感謝 Racing 92 和 Cell C Sharks 接受英雄帖讓球迷可以大飽眼福。」 關於香港欖球總會 香港欖球總會是中國香港體育協會暨奧林匹克委員會的成員之一，並致力在本地舉行更多欖球比 賽，以及向社區推廣及普及欖球在社區各層面的發展。 更多資訊請瀏覽：www.hkrugby.com、www.facebook.com/hkrugby及 twitter.com/HongKongRugby 資料及相片來源 : Elite Step Asia / HKRU / 「Natixis 欖球盃 2018」

This year's tournament will take place between 2-5/Feb/2018. Please visit the official tournament web site for match schedule and tournament information: http://hkphoenixcup.com/ Information and photos source : The Phoenix Cup 2018

LONDON, UK (January 30, 2018) - Formula E and the FIA have released the first digital images of the next generation car for season five showcasing the futuristic new-look of the electric street racing series, with the covers coming off the physical model at the Geneva Motor Show on March 6. Making its competitive debut for the 2018/19 ABB FIA Formula E Championship, the fully-electric Gen2 car will be used for the next three seasons. The car visibly represents a new era for Formula E and further distinguishes the series from other categories in motorsport. This is the first car ever to be created by the governing body for motorsport, with the FIA bringing together the world’s leading designers and engineers to work on the concept. The common package of specification parts will be homologated and built by the competing manufacturers to house their own bespoke powertrain. The new car demonstrates a step-up in performance from the current iteration with almost double the energy storage capacity and double the range, meaning the teams and drivers will complete a full race distance at higher speeds without making a mid-race car swap. The Gen2 car is clear proof of the advancements in battery and electric motor technology achieved in the space of only four years. Click here to download a selection of hi-res images and watch the Gen2 car in action. The physical model of the Gen2 car together with full technical specifications will be revealed on the FIA stand at the Geneva Motor Show on March 6. FIA President Jean Todt, said: “These are very exciting times for Formula E. Today we show for the first time the design of the next generation car, and I’m sure that everyone will be very excited by how futuristic and advanced it is. I’m very proud that the FIA has been at the forefront of this car’s development, it’s something new for the Federation, and the project has been a huge success. I can’t wait to take the covers off the real car when it will be seen for the first time in Geneva on March 6.” Alejandro Agag, Founder & CEO of Formula E, said: “This car represents the future of racing. When we started Formula E, our goal was to break the mould and challenge the status quo - bringing a revolution to motorsport. This next generation car represents that revolution. The cars will be faster and will have almost double the amount of energy storage capacity and double the range, demonstrating the continuous evolution of battery technology. Together with the FIA, we’ve achieved a great milestone with the introduction of this car and I can’t wait to see it on track.” To follow the latest news and information, visit - www.FIAFormulaE.com Information and photos source : FORMULA E / FIA

南非勁旅Cell C Sharks將於2月3日(星前六)在香港仔運動場與法職球隊Racing 92角逐「Natixis 欖球盃」。 Cell C Sharks是首支亮相香江的南非十五人欖球隊，Cell C Sharks將利用「Natixis 欖球盃2018」備戰2月17日開鑼的「超級欖球聯賽2018」(Super Rugby)。 Cell C Sharks於去年曾打入「超級欖球聯賽」八強，實力非同凡響。他們的皇牌球員保治(Curwin Bosch)及今仗隊長保法(Ruan Botha)也會隨隊來港獻技。 保治於2017年8月首次為南非國家隊披甲上陣，而保法及杜度(Thomas Du Toit)也希望今年能夠入選國家隊，因此他們會藉「Natixis 欖球盃」提升比賽狀態。 另外年僅21歲的翼鋒尼高斯(S’busiso Nkosi)也在大軍名單當中，他驚人的速度將成為球隊最大武器。他在去年的「超級欖球聯賽」及「Currie 盃」(Currie Cup)鋒芒畢露，令他在「欖球錦標賽2017」(2017 Rugby Championship)已能夠入選國家隊，不過他仍未獲得國家隊喼帽，但相信在不久將來會取得喼帽。 數名經驗戰將因傷未能到訪，只有經驗較豐富的丹尼爾(Keegan Daniel)隨隊來港。 前鋒線領軍人物之一利維斯(Stephan Lewies)將繼續在前方衝鋒陷陣，25歲的他已曾代表南非國家隊，他在場上非常積極，相信今仗將帶領前線對抗Racing 92。 另外三名國家隊成員盧漢尼奧岩(Lukhanyo Am)、禾獲(Lwazi Mvovo)及華拉比利(Chiliboy Ralepelle)皆會在本週亮相香港仔運動場。 現年31歲的華拉比利已有23頂國家隊喼帽，他在2016年加盟Cell C Sharks前曾效力Bulls及Toulouse。 Cell C Sharks大軍名單： 禾特(Jeremy Ward)、杜度(Thomas Du Toit)、偉治(Cameron Wright)、華美倫(Jacques Vermeulen)、馬祖拿(Mzamo Majola)、保羅(Tyler Paul)、禾獲(Lwazi Mvovo)、保治(Curwin Bosch)、馬比比(Makazola Mapimpi)、盧漢尼奧岩(Lukhanyo Am)、華拉比利(Chiliboy Ralepelle)、譚保(Lubabalo Mtembu)、利維斯(Stephan Lewies)、杜派斯(Rob du Preez)、雲域克(Kobus van Wyk)、保法(Ruan Botha) (隊長)、美亞(John-Hubert Meyer)、丹尼爾(Keegan Daniel)、阿保爾(Garth April)、安祖斯(Hyron Andrews)、雲華特(Philip van der Walt)、史高文(Juan Schoeman)、尼高斯(S’busiso Nkosi)、威廉斯(Grant Williams)、文拿斯(Franco Marais)、魯維(Marius Louw) 關於Natixis 欖球盃 「透過『香港國際七人欖球賽』可知道欖球在這兒的受歡迎程度，我們期待有良好的發揮以報答屆時入場的球迷。」 「Natixis 欖球盃」今次將踏入第四屆，Racing 92在2013年與另一支法職球隊Stade Toulousain對戰，2015年則和Natixis 香港足球會會長選手隊比賽，而2016年Racing 92則反勝新西蘭超級欖球聯賽盟主高地人隊(The Highlanders)高舉獎盃。 「Natixis 欖球盃2018」亦希望向公眾宣揚欖球運動，因此今年特意特意安排小型欖球教室，讓小朋友於球賽當日向兩隊的後備球員「偷師」，屆時並會有「啤酒樂園」及樂隊現場演奏，延續歡樂氣氛。 Team One Groupe行政總裁Philippe Spanghero說：「『Natixis 欖球盃』是由Louis Vincent Gave發起的，此比賽讓Racing 92可以衝出國際並開拓亞洲市場。」「香港球迷可以近距離觀看世界級賽事之餘，也為全城矚目的『香港國際七人欖球賽』熱身。」 他補充說：「我特別感謝香港欖球總會及法國外貿銀行的支持，亦感謝Racing 92和Cell C Sharks接受英雄帖讓球迷可以大飽眼福。」 資料及相片來源 : Elite Step Asia / 「Natixis 欖球盃2018」

MAPFRE wins the Around Hong Kong Island Race (28 January) It was a challenging day for the Volvo Ocean Race teams as they tackled the Around Hong Kong Island Race on Sunday with a generously sized spectator fleet on hand to cheer them on. Light and variable wind shortly after the start allowed the leading boats to break away as they found new wind pressure first. But it didn’t mean opportunities for passing later in the afternoon were completely closed off. MAPFRE had the best start in the fleet and eked out ahead in light winds. Three teams broke the line early and needed to restart, with Team Brunel, Turn the Tide on Plastic and Sun Hung Kai/Scallywag all turning back. It put them at an immediate disadvantage, but while Brunel had the best re-start, it was Turn the Tide on Plastic who moved up the fleet to challenge the leading pack over the next 20 minutes. However as the race progressed, MAPFRE and Dongfeng Race Team found the new favourable wind first and built a commanding lead over the others. "With these inshore races you never know, because just as you can have the advantage one moment, the next you can lose it," said MAPFRE navigator Juan Vila. "Fortunately today it was more of a race in which the one in front always seemed to have better pressure. The transitions have also gone a little better for us and of course, the start and the moments afterward were key." "It was very tricky conditions today but we had a lot of good advice from local sailors and it helped us a lot," said Dongfeng Race Team skipper Charles Caudrelier. "So I think we prepared it very well and the result is there, so that’s good." Behind the leading pair, it was team AkzoNobel and Turn the Tide on Plastic battling for third place early. But a the teams rounded the southern shore of the island, Sun Hung Kai/Scallywag and Team Brunel slipped through in the middle of the channel with better wind. Scallywag went from last across the starting line to a third place finish with Team Brunel just a couple hundred metres back. That left AkzoNobel, who won Saturday’s HGC In-Port Race Hong Kong to take fifth place in front of Turn the Tide on Plastic, who had a frustrating weekend trailing the fleet in both races. When MAPFRE crossed the finish line, they were flying a protest flag but later informed the Race Committee they would not be following through with a protest, making the results on the water final. Sunday’s results mean Dongfeng Race Team has the best overall score on the weekend after two second place finishes. The team will claim a full 7 points from the Hong Kong series which pulls it into a tie on the overall leaderboard with MAPFRE, both sitting on 25 points. Dongfeng Race Team is ranked first based on winning the most recent series in Hong Kong. "It is a very good result for us," Caudrelier continued. "We are in the same position as the MAPFRE crew which is full of inshore specialists, so I think we can be proud of the team’s performance." Vestas 11th Hour Racing did not race this weekend and has announced it will not participate in Leg 5 to Guangzhou next week as the team coordinates repairs to its boat. Information source : The Volvo Ocean Race More photos at our facebook page...

阿聯酋杜拜2018年1月29日電 /美通社/ -- 埃塞俄比亞的Mosinet Geremew在馬拉松歷史上最扣人心弦的一場決賽中，以2小時04分鐘0秒的成績，贏得了渣打銀行杜拜馬拉松(Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon)男子組冠軍。 這位27歲的埃塞俄比亞跑手在最後幾天才報名參加賽事，在他沖過終點線之後的八秒內4位選手緊跟其後完成了比賽。首次參賽的Leul Gebresilase以2秒之差（2小時04分鐘02秒）排名第二，而衛冕冠軍Tamirat Tola位列第三，他的成績是2小時04分鐘06秒。 總共有7位選手在2小時05分鐘00秒內完成了比賽，這一成績在世界馬拉松歷史上獨一無二，在這7位選手中，有6個人的成績不慢於2小時04分鐘15秒。 第19屆渣打銀行杜拜馬拉松獲得了杜拜王儲阿勒馬克圖姆(Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum)殿下的贊助，並由杜拜體育委員會(Dubai Sports Council)主辦，讓體育記錄撰稿人再次更新了記錄簿。 在近乎完美的天氣條件下，渣打銀行杜拜馬拉松的第一方陣以非常連貫一致的步伐奔跑。半馬賽程在61分鐘36秒結束，而當選手們跑過30公里時只使用了1小時27分鐘25秒，極有可能打破2小時02分鐘57秒的世界紀錄。但在最後的配速員退出之後，選手們調整了步伐，開始關注贏得200,000美元的頭獎。 當第一方陣進入終點直道時，還有5位選手在互相較勁，最終由在最後關頭才參加杜拜馬拉松的Mosinet Geremew獨佔鰲頭。 女子馬拉松也打破了紀錄，Roza Dereje以2小時19分鐘17秒的成績打破了女子紀錄，並由此成為馬拉松歷史上速度第七快的女選手。 這位埃塞俄比亞女選手在比賽最後一英里從由四個人組成的第一方陣中突圍，在這場比賽中，首次有4位女選手取得了2小時20分鐘內的成績。埃塞俄比亞的Feyse Tadese以2小時19分鐘30秒的成績位列第二，其次是Yebrgual Melese（時間為2小時19分鐘36秒）和衛冕冠軍Worknesh Degefa（時間是2小時19分鐘53秒）。 在從阿聯酋體育總局主席魯邁蒂(Mohammed Khalfan Al Rumaithy)少將閣下和渣打銀行阿聯酋分行行政總裁Julian Wynter手上接過獎盃後，格勒門表示：「我很高興能夠在前半程以配速員的速度奔跑。我在什麼時候想過我能夠贏得比賽呢？當我還有最後一公里要跑的時候，我才考慮贏得比賽的問題。」 杜拜馬拉松網址：http://www.dubaimarathon.org 消息及相片來源 Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon