2025 Dubai T100 Triathlon weekend set to be ‘bigger and better’

2025 Dubai T100 Triathlon weekend set to be ‘bigger and better’
Marten Van Riel winning the Dubai T100 Triathlon in 2024 at Meydan Racecourse. (SUPPLIED)
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Updated 16 July 2025
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2025 Dubai T100 Triathlon weekend set to be ‘bigger and better’

2025 Dubai T100 Triathlon weekend set to be ‘bigger and better’
  • Dubai Sports Council to expand 2025 Dubai T100 edition, with more amateur places in 100 km and sprint distance events up for grabs

DUBAI: The second edition of the Dubai T100 Triathlon Weekend is set to return from Nov. 13–16, 2025, and promises to be “bigger and better,” according to the Dubai Sports Council.

The event will again be held in collaboration with the Professional Triathletes Organization.

General registration is now open for amateur triathletes to take part in the 100 km race (2 km swim, 80 km bike, 18 km run) and the sprint distance (750 m swim, 20 km bike, 5 km run).

Ahmed Al-Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, a division of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism — a key partner of the event — highlighted the strategic value of the triathlon weekend, which will again be included in the annual 30 days of Dubai Fitness Challenge.

“Our continued commitment to developing sports tourism through world-class events like the Dubai T100 Triathlon aligns with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which seeks to position Dubai as a premier global destination for both business and leisure,” he said.

“After the success of the 2024 debut, we are confident that the 2025 edition will attract global attention, contribute to the local economy, and highlight Dubai’s diverse offerings to international audiences.”

Eisa Sharif, director of Sports Events at the Dubai Sports Council, revealed ambitious plans to expand the event in 2025.

“We were delighted to host the T100 Triathlon World Tour in Dubai for the first time last November. The race was a valuable addition to our growing calendar of diverse sporting events, particularly as part of the successful Dubai Fitness Challenge,” he said.

“Dubai has firmly established itself as a global hub for triathlons, offering events for men, women, professionals, and amateurs. With world-class infrastructure and local expertise, we are well-positioned to host major international competitions.”

Sharif said that the T100 had brought together the world’s top triathletes, including Olympic champions, and had crowned the first men’s and women’s T100 world champions, Belgium’s Marten Van Riel and American Taylor Knibb.

“Equally significant was the enthusiastic participation of nearly 10,000 amateur athletes across the 100 km and sprint races, as well as in the untimed 5 km music run, which welcomed participants of all ages and abilities. This community race aligned perfectly with the Dubai Fitness Challenge’s goal of encouraging 30 minutes of activity for 30 days,” he added.

“For 2025, we are working closely with the PTO to expand all three race categories. In addition, we will introduce a schools event and a corporate relay, further enhancing community engagement and reinforcing our vision of promoting healthy, active lifestyles to improve the quality of life in Dubai.”

Sam Renouf, CEO of the Professional Triathletes Organization, said: “The 2024 Dubai T100 Triathlon was a huge success, quickly becoming a bucket-list race on the new T100 World Tour. We’re thrilled to be building on that momentum by creating more opportunities for amateur athletes — and now, corporate teams — to participate in a festival-like celebration of swim, bike, and run around the Meydan Racecourse.”

The 2025 T100 Triathlon World Tour has already visited Singapore (April 5–6), San Francisco (May 31-June 1) and Vancouver (June 14-15).

Swiss Olympic star Julie Derron leads the T100 Race to Qatar rankings for the women, while Belgium’s 2024 T100 world champion Marten Van Riel tops the rankings for men. The next T100 race is in London on Aug. 9-10.


Saudi rowing stars shine in Asian championship with 4 medals

Saudi rowing stars shine in Asian championship with 4 medals
Updated 42 sec ago
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Saudi rowing stars shine in Asian championship with 4 medals

Saudi rowing stars shine in Asian championship with 4 medals
  • The championships, staged earlier this month on Jomtien Beach in Pattaya, Thailand, brought together elite competitors from 13 nations

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s rowing team returned from the 2025 Asian Coastal (Beach Sprint) Rowing Championships with a haul of four medals, marking one of the Kingdom’s strongest international performances to date.

The championships, staged earlier this month on Jomtien Beach in Pattaya, Thailand, brought together elite competitors from 13 nations, including rowing powerhouses China, Japan, Korea, the UAE and Kuwait.

Despite the stiff competition, the Saudi contingent delivered a performance that underlined the growing strength of the sport in the Kingdom.

Among the highlights was a silver medal for rising talent Mofleh Al-Khalidi, who produced a superb display in the Junior Men’s Singles event.

Al-Khalidi also partnered with Abdullah Al-Mami in the Junior Men’s Doubles, where the duo battled through the heats to claim bronze.

In the senior categories, Moayad Al-Rashidi secured a bronze medal in the Men’s Singles, while the mixed pairing of Haya Al-Mami and Turki Al-Aref added further success with a bronze in the Mixed Doubles.

The Saudi team, which included athletes Abdullah Al-Hay, Radaan Al-Dossari and Al-Jazi Al-Ibrahim, was guided by a technical and administrative coaching staff led by head coach Matthew Tarrant, alongside Fernando Ferraz and Humood Al-Shammari.

Saudi Rowing Federation Vice President Sherine Abu Al-Hassan and Executive Director Yousef Jleidan provided support throughout the competition, with officials noting the impact of their presence in lifting the squad’s morale.

In a statement, the federation hailed the results as a milestone, describing it as evidence of the sport’s rapid development across the Kingdom.

The federation said that it would continue working to nurture a new generation of athletes capable of competing at the highest continental and international levels.


Al-Ahli book Super Cup final date with Al-Nassr

Al-Ahli book Super Cup final date with Al-Nassr
Updated 20 August 2025
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Al-Ahli book Super Cup final date with Al-Nassr

Al-Ahli book Super Cup final date with Al-Nassr
  • Asian champions recovered from an early setback after their rivals from Dammam took an eighth-minute lead to win 5-1
  • Al-Ahli, who have won the trophy once, will take on Al-Nassr, twice winners of the cup, at Hong Kong Stadium on Saturday

Al-Ahli thrashed Al-Qadsiah 5-1 in the semifinal of the Saudi Super Cup on Wednesday to book a showdown on Saturday with Al-Nassr.

In the traditional curtain-raiser to the Saudi Pro League season, the Asian champions recovered from an early setback after their rivals from Dammam took an eighth-minute lead.

Christopher Bonsu Baah, signed by Al-Qadsiah from Belgian club Genk in the summer, cut in on the left side and the Ghanaian international chipped a perfect cross into the six-yard box for Gaston Alvarez to head home.

Al-Ahli were level just four minutes later. A long throw caused chaos in the area and Franck Kessie swept the loose ball home.

The Greens took the lead in the 28th minute. A raised arm in the box led to a penalty and Ivan Toney stepped up to send the goalkeeper the wrong way from the spot.

Just three minutes later it was 3-1 thanks to some fine wing play from Riyad Mahrez. The former Manchester City star twisted and turned on the right edge of the area and crossed for French midfielder Enzo Millot — who was making his debut — to head home from close range.

It got worse for Al-Qadsiah just before the break as Bonsu Baah was red carded for a reckless tackle.

Then, in added time in the first half, the game was virtually over as a contest as Kessie scored his second and his team’s fourth. Mahrez, on the other side this time, floated over another perfect cross and the former AC Milan man made no mistake.

More misery was inflicted just after the hour as Nacho Fernandez put into his own net.

Al-Ahli, who have won the trophy once, will take on Al-Nassr, twice winners of the cup, at Hong Kong Stadium on Saturday.


Coach Polemic ‘very optimistic’ as Dubai Basketball look forward to EuroLeague debut

Coach Polemic ‘very optimistic’ as Dubai Basketball look forward to EuroLeague debut
Updated 20 August 2025
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Coach Polemic ‘very optimistic’ as Dubai Basketball look forward to EuroLeague debut

Coach Polemic ‘very optimistic’ as Dubai Basketball look forward to EuroLeague debut
  • Team will take part in historic first participation in 2025-26 after playing in ABA League last season

DUBAI: Dubai Basketball head coach Jurica Golemac is optimistic as the 2025-26 preseason begins, after a summer spent carefully building a 16-man roster that will compete in both the EuroLeague and ABA League.

“We’ve worked on this team since the beginning of the year, and we’re extremely happy with the players we brought,” Golemac said. “It was important to sign guys who can quickly become a team. It will be challenging, but we added hungry players with strong character, and I’m very optimistic about the season ahead.”

For the Slovenian coach, competing in two major competitions is both a privilege and a challenge. “You prepare, you compete, you analyze — that part doesn’t change,” he said. “But with this travel and schedule, nobody has done it before. We are pioneers. It won’t be easy, but we won’t complain about how tough it is. Instead, we’ll enjoy the work and stay focused.”

One of the most difficult aspects is starting the preseason without eight players who are currently away competing with their national teams for EuroBasket or the AmeriCup. Golemac acknowledged the challenge but also pointed to the quality it reflects.

“As staff, of course we’d prefer to have the full group from day one. But having so many internationals shows the level of our roster. We’ll welcome the first arrivals, make them feel at home, and integrate each national team player as soon as they return.”

The coach also addressed the demanding schedule ahead — from 40 games last season to potentially 80 this year if Dubai reaches the playoffs and finals. “The biggest challenge is how to manage traveling, practices, and recoveries. With 20 EuroLeague teams, finding time to practice and analyze will be key.”

Finally, Golemac turned to the supporters: “Our mission is to fight like there’s no tomorrow. Fans can expect us to be physical, to compete for the city, the club, and for them. Like last year, we want them to be our sixth player. With their energy, I know it will be even tougher for any team to beat us at home.”


‘Magic’ Grealish will come good, says Everton teammate Tarkowski

‘Magic’ Grealish will come good, says Everton teammate Tarkowski
Updated 20 August 2025
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‘Magic’ Grealish will come good, says Everton teammate Tarkowski

‘Magic’ Grealish will come good, says Everton teammate Tarkowski
  • The Toffees will play their first-ever match at new Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday against Brighton

LIVERPOOL: Jack Grealish has been backed to provide the “magic” to help usher in a new era for Everton.

The Toffees face Brighton on Sunday in the first Premier League game at the new Hill Dickinson Stadium, having moved from their Goodison Park home after 133 years.

And defender James Tarkowski says new signing Grealish is the perfect choice to add sparkle to the historic occasion and help the club this season.

The 29-year-old Grealish has joined on loan from Manchester City after struggling for regular first-team opportunities at Etihad Stadium and losing his England place.

He made his Everton debut off the bench in Monday night’s 1-0 loss at Leeds United, where a controversial Tarkowski handball resulted in an 84th-minute penalty winner for Lukas Nmecha.

But the former Aston Villa captain, who cost City $135 million when he signed in 2021, and won three Premier League titles and the Champions League, now has the chance to revive his career with David Moyes’ side.

Everton looked short of attacking quality as they struggled to create chances against Leeds. But center-back Tarkowski believes Grealish can make a difference as the club look to add further signings before the transfer window closes.

“We all know Jack’s quality. We want to get him on the pitch as much as we can,” said the 32-year-old recently.

“I’m sure we’ll see him a lot more. I’ve played against him many a time so I know he’s quality. He’ll take the ball anywhere, carry it, dribble, create and pass and physically he’s one of the strongest I’ve played against, he’s incredibly strong.

“We’ll give him the ball as much as we can and trust him to go create and use his magic. We’ve seen it at Villa, we’ve seen it at City and hopefully we’ll see it here.

“For sure (he is a matchwinner). Hopefully he hits his best form at our place and he’ll be a great asset for us.”


Swiatek, Ruud romp into US Open mixed doubles semis, Alcaraz, Djokovic out

Swiatek, Ruud romp into US Open mixed doubles semis, Alcaraz, Djokovic out
Updated 20 August 2025
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Swiatek, Ruud romp into US Open mixed doubles semis, Alcaraz, Djokovic out

Swiatek, Ruud romp into US Open mixed doubles semis, Alcaraz, Djokovic out
  • Swiatek and Ruud will meet top seeds Jessica Pegula of the US and Britain’s Jack Draper in Wednesday’s semifinals
  • Italy’s reigning champions Andrea Vavassori and Sara Errani ousted second seeds Elena Rybakina and Taylor Fritz 4-2, 4-2

NEW YORK: Iga Swiatek shrugged off lingering weariness to partner Casper Ruud to back-to-back victories in the revamped mixed doubles competition at the US Open on Tuesday.

Swiatek — who on Monday had battled through a two-hour tussle with Jasmine Paolini to win the Cincinnati Open — looked full of energy as she and Ruud powered into Wednesday’s semifinals.

Swiatek and Ruud needed just 39 minutes to dispatch the US pairing of Madison Keys and Frances Tiafoe 4-1, 4-2 in their opening game at Arthur Ashe Stadium, and then reappeared roughly 20 minutes later to defeat Caty McNally and Lorenzo Musetti 5-3, 4-2 in their quarterfinal clash.

The victories capped a gruelling 24 hours for Polish star Swiatek, who hot-footed it to the airport after Monday’s win in Cincinnati and only arrived at her hotel in New York in the early hours of Tuesday.

“Honestly the last two days have felt like one day, but I’m super happy to be here,” Swiatek said, adding that her tight turnaround had helped her unwind after her exertions in Cincinnati.

“Honestly I think actually it’s kind of nice for the recovery,” Swiatek said. “To have another task and to not let yourself be lazy but also focused on the next exciting thing.”

Ruud and Swiatek had just enough time to fit in a quick practice before taking to the court in their first match as a doubles pairing.

“I was happy to team up with Iga,” Ruud said afterwards. “She’s on the winning train these days so I’m just jumping on the train and let’s see if we can win some more before the mixed doubles is over.

“I think everyone should show some appreciation to Iga today. She only got to her hotel 12 hours ago at 2.30am, and she’s here playing.”

Swiatek and Ruud will meet top seeds Jessica Pegula of the US and Britain’s Jack Draper in Wednesday’s semifinals.

Pegula and Draper clicked smoothly to eliminate the glamor pairing of Carlos Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu 4-2, 4-2 in the first round before easing past Russia’s Daniil Medvedev and Mirra Andreeva 4-1, 4-1 in the quarter-finals.

Medvedev and Andreeva had earlier romped past Novak Djokovic and Olga Danilovic in straight sets in the first round, winning 4-2, 5-3.

In other results on Tuesday, US tennis icon Venus Williams and partner Reilly Opelka exited against Karolina Muchova and Andrey Rublev, losing 4-2, 5-4.

Italy’s reigning champions Andrea Vavassori and Sara Errani ousted second seeds Elena Rybakina and Taylor Fritz 4-2, 4-2.

Earlier Tuesday, world No. 1 Jannik Sinner’s withdrawal from the mixed doubles was confirmed as expected. Sinner, who retired due to illness in the first set of his Cincinnati Open final with Alcaraz on Monday, was due to partner Katerina Siniakova in the doubles.

Sinner and Siniakova were replaced in the draw by the American duo of Danielle Collins and Christian Harrison.

This year’s US Open mixed doubles competition is being held over Tuesday and Wednesday in the week before the main singles draws get under way.

The tournament is using a modified scoring system, with short sets to four games, no-advantage scoring, tiebreakers at four-all and a 10-point match tiebreak in lieu of a third set.

The final will be a best-of-three set match to six games, featuring no-advantage scoring, with tiebreakers at six-all and a 10-point match tiebreaker instead of a third set, with the winning pairing pocketing $1 million.