Andreeva, 17, tops world No. 1 Sabalenka for Indian Wells title

SINGAPORE: Sergio Garcia’s Fireballs GC extended their winning streak to three consecutive events with a dramatic comeback at LIV Golf Singapore on Sunday, while Joaquin Niemann secured his second individual title of the season with a commanding five-shot victory at Sentosa Golf Club.

The Fireballs’ triumph marks the longest team winning streak since 4Aces GC won four straight during the inaugural LIV Golf Invitational Series in 2022.

They will now look to match that record at LIV Golf Miami on April 4-6.

“We’re the only ones that can keep the streak alive,” said Fireballs captain Garcia. “Hopefully, we’ll keep it going.”

Niemann, the 26-year-old Chilean and Torque GC captain, delivered the only bogey-free round of the day, shooting a six-under 65 to finish at 17 under par. His dominant performance not only secured his second win in three events but also propelled him to the top of the Individual Champion points standings, putting him in prime position for the LIV Golf exemption into this year’s US Open.

“Today was one of those days,” Niemann said. “Everything went my way.”

The battle for the title was expected to be between Niemann and Dustin Johnson, but the much-anticipated duel never materialized. Johnson, the 4Aces GC captain, struggled with four bogeys in a two-over 73, dropping into a tie for fifth place at nine under.

Instead, defending Singapore champion Brooks Koepka emerged as Niemann’s closest competitor, matching his six-under 65 to finish solo second at 12 under.

“Not really hitting it great,” Koepka said. “But kind of tried to figure out how to finish second because first was obviously out of reach.”

The Fireballs’ victory was particularly impressive considering Garcia battled bronchitis throughout the week, managing only an even-par total. Despite his struggles, his teammates stepped up to erase an eight-shot deficit in the final round.

David Puig led the charge with a five-under 66, finishing solo fourth at 10 under, while Luis Masaveu (68) and Abraham Ancer (69) helped the team to a 10-under aggregate score on Sunday, tying for the lowest of the day.

“This week was a tough week because I’ve been sick all week and haven’t been able to help the team as much as I would have liked to,” Garcia said. “To see the performance that my teammates put in to be able to get this win was pretty impressive.”

Puig, 23, now boasts a record eight LIV Golf team victories, the most of any player, having won four times with Torque GC in 2023 before joining the Fireballs this season.

“I love team golf,” Puig said. “I think I’m a good team player. I like to be surrounded by a good group of guys, and I have them here at the Fireballs. I just have a lot of fun, and I never give up, and I just love it.”

With two wins in the first four events of 2024, Niemann has reasserted himself as the dominant force in LIV Golf, reclaiming the top spot in the season standings from Legion XIII captain Jon Rahm.

“There’s a few things that I can improve, then go down to Miami and have a chance to win,” Niemann said. “I feel like that for me is really exciting to become a better player and try to get better every day.”

With the Fireballs chasing history and Niemann eyeing further success, all eyes will now turn to LIV Golf Miami next month to see if the streak continues.

Christchurch, New Zealand: Pakistan slumped to a nine-wicket loss in the first Twenty20 against New Zealand in Christchurch on Sunday after failing to defend a meagre score of 91.
The tourists began the five-match series in disastrous fashion, reduced to 11-4 at the end of the fifth over after towering paceman Kyle Jamieson ran amok with the new ball.
They were eventually dismissed for their lowest score in a T20 on New Zealand soil and the home side had few problems in responding with 92-1 off just 10.1 overs.
Jamieson claimed three of the first four wickets to finish with 3-8 off four overs.
New ball partner Jacob Duffy returned later in the innings to sweep up the tail and, like Jamieson, claimed career-best T20 figures of 4-14 off 3.4 overs.
Pakistan never recovered from their top-order collapse after being sent in on a Hagley Oval pitch offering early life, with only three players reaching double figures.
Newly-installed captain Salman Agha scored 18 and put on 46 for the fifth wicket with top-scorer Khushdil Shah, who struck three sixes in his 32 off 30 balls.
Jahandad Khan scored 17 at a run-a-ball before the innings ended with eight balls still to be bowled.
Pakistan’s previous lowest T20 score in New Zealand was 101 all out in a 95-run loss in Wellington in 2016.
Opener Tim Seifert got New Zealand off to a flying start, with 44 off 29 balls, striking seven fours and one six.
Finn Allen on 29 and Tim Robinson on 18 completed the chase off the first ball of the 11th over.
The second match is in Dunedin on Tuesday.