As the battle to host the 2022 Ryder Cup "gets close to a conclusion," Turkey is aiming to be the "strongest bidder" for the match four years after that, when Ireland could also be among the contenders. In the meantime, Turkey has "turned its attention" to the '26 encounter, with Turkish Golf Federation President Ahmet Agaoglu "hoping the financial muscle of Turkish Airlines can play its part in securing the transatlantic tussle" (SCOTSMAN, 10/31). ... Dubai has withdrawn from hosting the 2016 SportAccord Convention, "a major blow for the annual event as it continues its rebuilding process following a tumultuous year." The Gulf Emirate has been in discussion with organizers in recent weeks, "but ultimately decided not to press ahead" with its bid. There is speculation here that Doha "could step in as a replacement" (INSIDE THE GAMES, 10/29). ... San Diego will host the inaugural World Beach Games in '17 after the general council of the Association of National Olympic Committees voted on Friday to back the city's bid. San Diego was the only candidate put forward to the general council after ANOC's exec council selected the city "ahead of interest from the Sarasota in Florida, as well as Dubai, Sochi and a possible Chinese venue" (REUTERS, 10/30). ... Fan Yilin, Viktoriia Komova, Daria Spiridonova and Madison Kocian "shared an unprecedented four gold medals at the gymnastics world championships on Saturday" when the judges "could not decide" between their asymmetric bars routines. All four were awarded 15.366 points. A giant TV screen confirmed that there "were indeed four champions from the eight-woman final" (REUTERS, 10/31). ... Int’l Cycling Union Africa Tour event Tour du Faso, in Burkina Faso, increased its security “after the threat of jihadists in certain areas of the country.” Burkina Faso Sports & Leisure Minister David Kabré said, “Police are stationed along the entire course, and frame the front and rear of the caravan and athletes. All of this creates a canvas that allows us to assure the Tour is under maximum security. In addition, the sites where the athletes will spend the night will be surveyed by police, reinforced by military” (L’ÉQUIPE, 11/1).
