US amphibious group with over 2,000 Marines heads to Middle East
A US amphibious group carrying more than 2,000 Marines has departed San Diego for the Middle East, amid expectations of increased American military presence.
The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) has unveiled its 2027 calendar, which features an annual Middle East swing encompassing three consecutive weeks of events in Abu Dhabi, Doha, and Dubai during February. Additionally, a new 250-level tournament will take place in Manila in November. The tour also announced that all combined WTA 1000 tournaments will now award equal prize money for the first time.
This groundbreaking change was developed through the Tour Architecture Council, a working group chaired by world No. 3 Jessica Pegula, which includes players, tournaments, and WTA leadership. The aim of these changes is to provide players with greater flexibility while maintaining strong competition, compelling matchups, and world-class tournaments.
Jessica Pegula expressed her understanding of the demanding schedule, stating that some weeks may be a sacrifice in the long run. Valerie Camillo, Chair of the WTA, emphasized the significance of achieving equal prize money across all combined WTA 1000 tournaments, highlighting the WTA's commitment to player and financial equality.
The new Tournament Investment Fund will provide targeted financial support to select markets to enhance the overall health of the tour, modeled after central funding structures in other professional sports leagues. With these updates, the WTA aims to implement a series of player and tournament-led enhancements to the 2027 circuit, with the agreement being a one-year pilot for the season.
Written by urgent.news from The National UAE's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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