Sports
South African Wins Malaysian Open
Louis Oosthuizen recovered from his Masters disappointment to win the Malaysian Open on Sunday.
The South African beat Scotland’s Stephen Gallacher by three shots as he bounced back from last week’s play-off defeat by Bubba Watson at Augusta.
The former Open champion finished 17 under par at Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club.
The 29-year-old posted a final-round four-under 68, after finishing his rain-affected third round with a 69.
Oosthuizen had been struggling with the jetlag of travelling across 12 time zones from Augusta to Malaysia to make the event, but surprised himself with the speed of his recovery.
“I thought I was going to be a lot more tired,” he said. “I played well. I had a good week last week and I am looking forward to the US Open.”
It is Oosthuizen’s second European Tour victory of the season, following his win at the Africa Open, and his fifth in total.
The 2010 Open champion had to play 26 holes on the final day after storms on Friday and Saturday had disrupted the schedule.
Oosthuizen played the last eight holes of his third round in level par, and went into the final round with a one-shot lead over Gallacher.
The South African turned in a two-under-par 34, and sank a 10-foot birdie putt at the 13th to give him breathing space over his 37-year-old opponent, before closing out the win with ease.
Spain’s Rafael Cabrera-Bello closed with a 71 for a 12-under total to share third with England’s Danny Willett and American David Lipsky.
The Bayelsa State government, yesterday, announced that the marathon will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
The inaugural race is owned by the Bayelsa State Government and will be organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited, a sports management company.
Under the theme “The Reveal,” the race represents a bold unveiling of Bayelsa’s immense human and cultural potential to the international community, inviting the world to witness the resilience, grit, and talent rooted in the heart of the Niger Delta.
According to the organisers, the race will be flagged off at 9:30 a.m., at the Opolo Roundabout, guiding participants through a carefully designed 10-kilometre route that highlights the scenic beauty and vibrant atmosphere of Yenagoa.
The course will culminate at Peace Park Square, where athletes will cross the finish line into a grand celebration of endurance, unity, and community spirit.
To elevate the experience for runners and spectators alike, the finish venue will host a high-energy post-race concert featuring performances from top A-list artistes, blending sport and entertainment in a festival-style atmosphere.
The organisers directed all registered participants to collect their race bibs and kits at the designated Peace Park Square between March 30 and April 3, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.
The race, according to them, is currently on track for World Athletics accreditation, underscoring the commitment of both the Bayelsa State Government and Nilayo Sports Management Limited to delivering an event that meets the highest global standards.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, on Friday continued the Commission’s nationwide appreciation tour with a visit to Abeokuta, where outstanding junior athlete, Majekodunmi Afusat Bisola, was presented with a cheque of N3 million.
The presentation forms part of the NSC’s initiative to recognise and reward exceptional junior athletes who distinguished themselves in 2025 and contributed significantly to Nigeria’s medal haul.
Majekodunmi delivered an impressive run of performances on the track. At the last edition of the National Sports Festival, she stormed to gold in the 400m and the 4x400m relay. She replicated the double triumph at the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Junior Championship, in Abeokuta, before emerging as one of the standout stars at the African Youth Games in Luanda, Angola.
Speaking during the presentation, Olopade explained that the Commission deemed it necessary to extend financial appreciation to grassroots athletes after elite performers had earlier received grants running into thousands of dollars.
“A few weeks ago, after paying grants to our elite athletes, we agreed tthere was a need to also appreciate these young, budding talents who made Nigeria proud last year,” he said.
He disclosed that of the 376 medals recorded by Nigerian athletes in 2025, more than 200 were won by grassroots talents, underscoring the importance of sustained investment in youth development.
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