Asia Sports Weekly News Bulletin – ISSUE 37 Week of 20 October 2025
(1) Hong Kong Jockey Club turns to AI to help with drug testing at National Games
HKJC’s Racing Laboratory has been commissioned to support the procuring and testing of samples from competing horses.
(2) Asian Tour: Dominic Foos breaks 29-year German drought with dramatic Macau Open triumph
Dominic Foos beats Taiwan’s Wang Wei-hsuan on second play-off hole after pair finish 72 holes tied on 17-under.
(3) AFC Champions League 2: Tai Po’s Renner hails ‘magical night’ after dramatic draw with Beijing
Visitors overturn 2-0 deficit at Mong Kok Stadium only for Michel Renner equaliser to earn deserved point for home team.
(4) NBA: Portland’s Yang Hansen reflects on areas where he’s ‘not good enough’ after NBA debut
Chinese 20-year-old opens up on low-key start to life with Portland Trail Blazers, as new team lose home opener to Minnesota Timberwolves.
(1) Hong Kong Jockey Club turns to AI to help with drug testing at National Games
(Photo Credit: Jonathan Wong/SCMP)
“Regarding the National Games, samples from the previous 2021 Shaanxi National Games were processed here.” For this year’s National Games, the club has committed more than HK$500 million (US$64.3 million) to the competition. Established in 1970 and located at Sha Tin Racecourse, the Racing Laboratory is a world-class drug testing facility dedicated to providing analytical and advisory services in doping control. It is one of only four laboratories worldwide to be appointed by both the Federation Equestre Internationale and the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities. The lab, which has never recorded a false positive result in official sample tests, receives more than 20,000 samples each year, with most coming from local horse racing events.
Beyond testing, HKJC provides holistic support for the Games, including venue design, horse welfare, stable management, and publicity, while sending its largest-ever team of 11 rider-horse pairs. The Racing Laboratory, established in 1970 and based at Sha Tin Racecourse, is one of only four globally accredited by both FEI and IFHA, with a legacy of processing samples from events like the 2008 Beijing Olympics, 2021 Shaanxi National Games, and Asian Games in Incheon, Hangzhou, and Qatar.
HKJC has allocated over HK500million (US64.3M) to the Games, underscoring its dedication to sports integrity. Emmie Ho, Head of the Racing Laboratory, emphasized that AI augments—not replaces—human expertise, ensuring reliable detection while avoiding false positives. This approach reinforces HKJC’s role as a global leader in equine doping control, balancing technological innovation with ethical stewardship in competitive sports.
News Source: https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3329660/hong-kong-jockey-club-turns-ai-help-drug-testing-national-games
(2) Asian Tour: Dominic Foos breaks 29-year German drought with dramatic Macau Open triumph
(Photo Credit: Asian Tour/SCMP)
German golfer Dominic Foos ended a 29-year drought for his country on the Asian Tour by winning the SJM Macau Open, becoming the first German champion since Bernhard Langer in 1996. After tying with Taiwan’s Wang Wei-hsuan at 17-under-par through 72 holes, Foos clinched the title on the second sudden-death playoff hole with a 10-foot birdie putt, while Wang missed his par attempt on Macau Golf and Country Club’s iconic 18th green.
Foos and Wang surged on the final day with rounds of 63 and 62 respectively, overtaking overnight leader Sarit Suwannarut (73). Foos, who avoided leaderboard checks until the 18th hole, credited his focus and support system—including his father and mentor Mr. Kramski—for persevering through career challenges. The win grants him a two-year Asian Tour exemption, a significant boost after years on Europe’s Challenge Tour.
Hong Kong’s Taichi Kho (T10) and Matthew Cheung also delivered strong finishes, while Chinese teenager Pang Runzhi won the Women’s China Open in Shanghai, defeating defending champion Ji Yuai by one stroke. Pang’s victory, her second career win, sets momentum for the upcoming National Games where she will represent Guangxi, highlighting a weekend of breakthrough performances across Asian golf.
News Source: https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3329586/asian-tour-dominic-foos-breaks-29-year-german-drought-dramatic-macau-open-triumph
(3) AFC Champions League 2: Tai Po’s Renner hails ‘magical night’ after dramatic draw with Beijing
(Photo Credit: Elson Li/SCMP)
Tai Po FC secured a thrilling 3-3 draw against Beijing Guoan in the AFC Champions League 2 group stage at Mong Kok Stadium, thanks to Michel Renner’s 90th-minute equalizer—a strike he described as a “magical moment.” The Hong Kong champions initially dominated, with Renner scoring in the 17th minute and James Temelkovski adding a penalty by the 29th, but Beijing rallied with goals from Yang Bai, Michael Ngadeu, and Fabio Abreu, nearly clinching victory before Renner’s late intervention.
Tai Po coach Lee Chi-kin expressed pride in his team’s spirit but disappointment at not securing a win, highlighting lapses in set-piece defense after leading 2-0. The result leaves Tai Po second in Group E with 4 points, ahead of Macarthur on goal difference, while Beijing trails with 2 points. Lee emphasized the need for improved focus ahead of the rematch at Beijing’s Workers’ Stadium, where they will face 40,000 hostile fans.
Beijing coach Ramiro Amarelle acknowledged his team’s overconfidence and critical errors, including defensive mishaps that allowed Tai Po’s goals. Controversy arose when an offside flag nullified a potential Beijing winner from Lin Liangming, though Amarelle later learned the call was incorrect. Despite this, he stressed accountability for his squad’s performance, while Renner highlighted the significance of competing in the tournament, expressing confidence in Tai Po’s qualification prospects.
News Source: https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3330101/asian-champions-league-2-tai-po-strike-late-dramatic-draw-beijing-guoan?module=top_story&pgtype=section
(4) NBA: Portland’s Yang Hansen reflects on areas where he’s ‘not good enough’ after NBA debut
(Photo Credit: Getty Images)
Yang Hansen, the 16th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, made his debut for the Portland Trail Blazers in a 118–114 season-opening loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, playing just over five minutes off the bench. Despite limited action, the 7-foot-1 center recorded 2 points, 1 rebound, and 1 foul, becoming the eighth Chinese player in NBA history. He acknowledged the need to adapt to the league’s intensity, stating, “I was experiencing a new level of competition and must improve in areas I’m not good enough at.”
Yang’s brief appearance included a missed shot blocked by Rudy Gobert and a defensive lapse where he was posterized by Jaden McDaniels. Post-game, he emphasized improving his positioning and readiness as a rookie, noting the importance of supporting teammates. He also expressed gratitude for guidance from Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard, who advised him on defensive rules and offensive moves during the game, highlighting Lillard’s willingness to share experience.
Chinese social media reactions were divided: some questioned Yang’s speed and readiness, while others praised his attitude and screening effectiveness, urging patience for his development. Yang, a former Qingdao Eagles youth product, remains focused on self-improvement, summarizing shortcomings and preparing for future opportunities. His debut, though modest, marks a significant step in China’s basketball legacy, following icons like Yao Ming and Yi Jianlian.
News Source: https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3330047/nba-portlands-yang-hansen-reflects-areas-where-hes-not-good-enough-after-nba-debut?module=top_story&pgtype=section
