Kickboxing, arm wrestling and fencing take center stage on day 8 of World Combat Games

Medals were awarded in kickboxing, armwrestling and fencing on day eight of the Riyadh World Combat Games on Friday. (Supplied)
Medals were awarded in kickboxing, armwrestling and fencing on day eight of the Riyadh World Combat Games on Friday. (Supplied)
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Updated 27 October 2023
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Kickboxing, arm wrestling and fencing take center stage on day 8 of World Combat Games

Kickboxing, arm wrestling and fencing take center stage on day 8 of World Combat Games
  • A total of 30 gold medals were won across the event on Friday, with Saudi Arabia's total medal tally reaching 41 after the day’s action

RIYADH: Medals were awarded in kickboxing, arm wrestling and fencing on day eight of the Riyadh World Combat Games on Friday.

A total of 30 gold medals were won across the event on Friday, with Saudi Arabia's total medal tally reaching 41 after the day’s action.

Ukraine are first in the standings, leading the total gold medal count with 18, while Kazakhstan follows in second with 10. Hosts Saudi Arabia are third with a total of nine gold medals.

Women’s Low Kick kickboxing

In the women's Low Kick kickboxing discipline, Brazil's Maria Eduarda Costa Alves secured the gold in the -48 kg division, Julina Nilusmas of France took the top spot in the -56 kg category, and Serbia's Valentina Keri emerged with first in the -65 kg weight class.

Women’s Point Fighting kickboxing

Gold in women’s Point Fighting was secured by Italy’s Carol Scacchi in the -55 kg division, Andrea Busa of Hungary in the -65 kg category and Jodie Browne of Ireland in the -70 kg event.

Men’s Low Kick kickboxing

In the men’s Low Kick championships, first was awarded to Amin Guliyev of Azerbaijan in the -60 kg division, Abror Khakimov of Kyrgyzstan in the -71 kg category and Brazil’s Lucas Rafael Ferraz Dos Santos in the -81 kg segment.  

Men’s Point Fighting kickboxing

In the Men's Point Fighting competition, champions included Hungary's Bence Laszlo Zajacz in the -69 kg category alongside his compatriot Imre Lajos Fesu in the -79 kg bracket and Christopher John Aston from Great Britain in the -94 kg division.

Women’s Left Arm arm wrestling

In the women's Left Arm division, Esra Kirav from Turkey secured victory for the -55 kg division, Aigerim Karamanova from Kazakhstan claimed the -65 kg title, Sweden's Mona Ann-Sofi Reisek emerged as the champion in the -80 kg category, and Barbora Bajciova from Slovakia took the +80 kg division win.

Ukraine excelled in both Para events, with Alona Hornich taking first place in the Women's Left Arm Para Standing event and Olesia Bessalnova securing the gold in the Women's Left Arm Para Visual category.

Men’s Left Arm arm wrestling

In the men’s Left Arm division, Kazakhstan’s Yerdaulet Sarybay secured the -70 kg win with a victory by extra round, while compatriot Nurdaulet Aidarkhan took the -80 kg top spot. In the -90 kg division, Marius-aurel Jurovschi of Romania claimed victory, while Kazakhstan secured another two wins in the -100 kg and +100 kg categories, with golds awarded to Talgat Aktayev and Medet Kuttymuratovm, respectively.

The champion of the Men’s Left-Arm Para Standing division was Daniel Simon of Hungary, while the gold in the men’s Left-Arm Para Sitting category was awarded to Gokhan Seven of Turkey.

Women’s Fencing

The women's Foil team witnessed the UAE securing first place with a 45-13 win over Saudi Arabia. The Saudi team later rebounded to secure the bronze medal.

In the women's Sabre team event, Saudi Arabia emerged victorious, clinching the top spot by defeating the UAE 45-25.

Men’s Fencing

In the men's Sabre team event, Saudi Arabia was awarded the gold with a 45-33 win over Iraq. Additionally, Saudi Arabia captured the bronze by defeating the UAE 45-21.

For the men's Foil team category, Qatar emerged with the victory, beating Kuwait with a score of 45-40.


Win over England a ‘relief’ but doesn’t fix Pakistan woes, says skipper Shan Masood

Win over England a ‘relief’ but doesn’t fix Pakistan woes, says skipper Shan Masood
Updated 18 October 2024
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Win over England a ‘relief’ but doesn’t fix Pakistan woes, says skipper Shan Masood

Win over England a ‘relief’ but doesn’t fix Pakistan woes, says skipper Shan Masood
  • The 152-run victory against England was Pakistan’s first home win since February 2021
  • Pakistani captain wants to carry forward the momentum in the final Test on Oct. 24

MULTAN: Captain Shan Masood hailed Pakistan’s second Test win over England in Multan on Friday as a “relief” but warned his team’s dire recent record would take a long time to turn around.
Pakistan spinner Noman Ali grabbed 8-46 and Sajid Khan took 2-93 as the pair wrapped up England’s second innings for 144 after the visitors were set a daunting target of 297.
The 152-run victory was Pakistan’s first home win since February 2021 and came after they were thumped by an innings in the first Test on the same Multan pitch.
“This was a very important win for Pakistan cricket. The recent results were unacceptable. There is relief, whether you ask cricketers or fans,” said Masood.
“We were hurt after recent results and wanted a positive result, which has come here,” he said. “We need to carry this forward because things will not change overnight.”
Noman finished with a match haul of 11-147 while Sajid had figures of 9-204, only the second time in Pakistan’s history that two bowlers took all 20 wickets in a Test.
Pakistan’s last Test win at home came against South Africa in Rawalpindi more than three years ago. It was followed by 11 home Tests without a win.
Friday’s victory is the first for Masood in his six Tests since being appointed captain last year. “This win is special for the team and for me as well,” he said.
Pakistan dropped ace batsman Babar Azam in one of four changes after their defeat in the first Test.
“Since I’ve come in we’ve had no issue taking risks. We’ve tried to play cricket that brings results, and we’ve lost a lot of matches doing that too,” said Masood.
“But we want to become a team that can produce results anywhere. This is a long process and journey.”
Masood said his team’s first innings score of 366 had set up the win.
“We need big first innings with the bat and then the bowlers to back us up,” said Masood, whose team then bowled England out for 291 for an invaluable 75-run lead.
“The lead took the third innings pressure off us,” he said.
The final Test starts in Rawalpindi on October 24.


Ten Hag slams ‘fairy tales and lies’ as Man Utd boss comes out fighting

Ten Hag slams ‘fairy tales and lies’ as Man Utd boss comes out fighting
Updated 18 October 2024
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Ten Hag slams ‘fairy tales and lies’ as Man Utd boss comes out fighting

Ten Hag slams ‘fairy tales and lies’ as Man Utd boss comes out fighting
  • Ten Hag is widely believed to be in a fight to save his job after presiding over United’s worst start to a top-flight season since 1989-90
  • United are languishing in 14th place in the Premier League ahead of Saturday’s visit from Brentford

LONDON: Erik ten Hag defiantly slammed “fairy tales and lies” about his Manchester United future as the under-fire boss insisted he is not in danger of the sack.
Ten Hag is widely believed to be in a fight to save his job after presiding over United’s worst start to a top-flight season since 1989-90.
United are languishing in 14th place in the Premier League ahead of Saturday’s visit from Brentford, whose manager Thomas Frank has been linked with replacing the Dutchman at Old Trafford.
Without a victory in their last five games in all competitions, Ten Hag’s side have won just twice in seven league matches this term.
Another flop against Brentford will pile further pressure on Ten Hag ahead of a tricky week featuring away games at Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce in the Europa League and West Ham in the Premier League.
But the former Ajax boss is convinced he retains the support of United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe and his coterie of advisers.
“Noise is only coming from some of you in the media, creating stories and fairy tales, and bringing lies,” Ten Hag told reporters on Friday.
“I told this before the break. Several journalists probably didn’t believe me because I see the reports.
“But internal in the club it’s quiet. Of course, we are discussing, that we are unhappy with the position where we are and how we have to turn the corner, what has to happen, so what should be strategy to turn this corner.
“But ultimately we are quiet, we are composed, we stay where we are, we stick to the plan, and we are very convinced we will make it a success.”
United finished a dismal eighth in the Premier League last season, their lowest final position since 1990, triggering a Ratcliffe-led internal review into Ten Hag’s position.
But the 54-year-old eventually signed a new contract in a move seen as a show of faith during the close season.
Ten Hag won the League Cup in his first season to end United’s six-year trophy drought, then lifted the FA Cup last term in a shock final triumph against Manchester City that is credited with saving his job.
However, the embattled Ten Hag is once again engaged in a struggle to stave off the axe.
United’s inconsistent form during his reign shows no signs of improving and he acknowledged the climb back to respectability would not be easy.
“We have to climb a mountain. That is top football and sometimes you have to face challenges. I am sure we will make a success, as we did the last two seasons,” he said.
“Underneath I see good things and good stats that confirm we are in a good direction. But of course the ranking is not lying. We are where we are and that is not good enough.”
Former Manchester United assistant coach Benni McCarthy added to the scrutiny on Ten Hag recently when he said the players’ training ground performances are not replicated during matches.
Ten Hag conceded United have lacked a cutting edge during a run featuring just five goals in seven league games.
“The players did well. We won last season. Sometimes in general the players do perform well. But we have to start scoring,” he said.
“In that part we have to improve entering the final third and into the box. Now we have to take the most important step.”


Asian football body takes Bahrain concerns ‘seriously’ after threats

Asian football body takes Bahrain concerns ‘seriously’ after threats
Updated 18 October 2024
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Asian football body takes Bahrain concerns ‘seriously’ after threats

Asian football body takes Bahrain concerns ‘seriously’ after threats
  • Bahrain’s players have been “subjected to a torrent of insults, slander, threats and hacking operations” online, the BFA alleged.
  • The Asian Football Confederation said it was “aware of the concerns“

KUALA LUMPUR: Asian football chiefs said on Friday they took Bahrain’s concerns “seriously” after the country looked to get a World Cup qualifier moved out of Indonesia over alleged death threats.
Bahrain are scheduled to play Indonesia away in March in the decisive third round of Asian qualifying for the 2026 World Cup in North America.
The teams met last week and drew 2-2, with hosts Bahrain equalising in the ninth minute of injury time.
Indonesian officials and supporters later complained bitterly that the added time had gone on for too long.
Bahrain’s football association (BFA) said this week it will ask for the return fixture to be moved out of Indonesia “to preserve the safety of the team.”
Bahrain’s players have been “subjected to a torrent of insults, slander, threats and hacking operations” online, the BFA alleged.
Indonesia’s FA said the Bahrain team would be safe.
The Asian Football Confederation said it was “aware of the concerns.”
“The AFC takes these concerns seriously and is fully committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all players, officials, and fans, while condemning all forms of online abuse and threats,” it said in a statement.
“The AFC will discuss the matter further with FIFA, the BFA, and the Football Association of Indonesia to create a safe and secure environment for all stakeholders involved in the match.”


Mbappe ‘seems unaffected’ by rape investigation reports: Real Madrid coach Ancelotti

Mbappe ‘seems unaffected’ by rape investigation reports: Real Madrid coach Ancelotti
Updated 18 October 2024
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Mbappe ‘seems unaffected’ by rape investigation reports: Real Madrid coach Ancelotti

Mbappe ‘seems unaffected’ by rape investigation reports: Real Madrid coach Ancelotti
  • Mbappe’s lawyer said this week the France captain was “shocked” to see his name linked to the investigation
  • A Swedish prosecutor has confirmed that an investigation has been opened, without naming Mbappe

MADRID: Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said Friday the club’s French striker Kylian Mbappe “seems unaffected to me” after Swedish media reported he is being investigated for an alleged rape during a visit to Stockholm.
Mbappe’s lawyer said this week the France captain was “shocked” to see his name linked to the investigation and he will take action for libel.
The forward was not selected by France for UEFA Nations League matches after an injury and visited the Swedish capital with a group of people last week.
“In this moment (the reports) are speculations, I see him working every day, he is happy, content, he doesn’t seem affected to me at all,” Ancelotti told a news conference.
“He’s looking forward to keep on helping the team.”
Ancelotti said Mbappe, 25, had been given time off by the Spanish and European champions.
“The days off were set for him and beyond that, individuals can choose what they want to do,” explained Ancelotti.
“I don’t care where players prefer to rest. I went to London for a couple of days and didn’t ask anybody.
“I also don’t have a travel agency to organize trips for players.”
A Swedish prosecutor has confirmed that an investigation has been opened, without naming Mbappe.
Mbappe claimed in a post on X on Monday there was a link between the report and a hearing before a French league committee on Tuesday over his bitter dispute with his former club Paris Saint-Germain over what he says is 55 million euros ($60 million) in unpaid wages.
“FAKE NEWS !!!!. It’s becoming so predictable, on the eve of the hearing, as if by chance,” he wrote.
Mbappe completed a dream move to join Madrid in the summer after seven years at PSG.
The striker scored five goals in his first seven La Liga appearances before suffering a thigh injury.
Mbappe made a quicker-than-expected recovery but France did not select him for their games against Belgium and Israel, earning the forward criticism in his homeland.
Madrid, three points behind leaders Barcelona, visit Celta Vigo on Saturday with Mbappe expected to start for Los Blancos.
Ancelotti said the superstar attacker looks a “different player” after doing some fitness work during the international break.
“Mbappe took advantage of this break to improve his condition, recover from injuries... he’s doing very well, happy and looking forward to playing tomorrow,” continued Ancelotti.
“This fortnight has helped him a lot — he’s a different player than he was from before the break.”


SAFF Women’s Cup 2024-25 set to kick off this weekend

SAFF Women’s Cup 2024-25 set to kick off this weekend
Updated 18 October 2024
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SAFF Women’s Cup 2024-25 set to kick off this weekend

SAFF Women’s Cup 2024-25 set to kick off this weekend
  • Sixteen teams from the Saudi Women’s Premier League and First Division begin their quest to win the cup in March next year
  • Second elite competition sees cup-holders Al-Ahli welcome Al-Hmmah, with Al-Hilal hosting Abha and Al-Nassr heading to play Al-Taraji

RIYADH: The SAFF Women’s Cup 2024-25 kicks off this weekend, with 16 teams from the Saudi Women’s Premier League and First Division battling it out to lift the coveted trophy in March next year.

This is the second SAFF Women’s Cup. Last year’s inaugural competition saw Al-Ahli crowned cup-winners after beating Al Shabab 3-2 in the 2024 final at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh in March.

The Jeddah club begin their defense of the SAFF Women’s Cup with a home tie against Al-Hmmah on Saturday. Other matches to look out for in the Round of 16 this weekend include Al-Hilal hosting Abha on Friday and the back-to-back Saudi Women’s Premier League winners Al-Nassr’s trip to Al-Taraji on Saturday.

This season’s SAFF Women’s Cup final is scheduled to be played in March 2025, with the winning team earning a total prize of SR1 million ($267,000).

Aalia Al-Rasheed, head of the women’s football department at SAFF, said: “The inaugural SAFF Women’s Cup was warmly welcomed into the football calendar by clubs and fans last season, adding an extra layer of professionalism and competition to women’s football in Saudi Arabia. We have no doubt that the SAFF Women’s Cup will go from strength to strength this campaign, beginning with a Round of 16 featuring a number of fascinating fixtures this weekend.”

The full set of SAFF Women’s Cup Round of 16 fixtures this weekend is as follows:

Friday: Al-Qadsiah v Al-Amal; Al-Hilal v Abha; AlUla v Al-Riyadh; Al-Ittihad v Jeddah.

Saturday: Al-Shabab v Al-Anqaa; Al-Shoulla v Eastern Flames; Al-Ahli v Al-Hmmah, Al-Taraji v Al-Nassr.

The start of the SAFF Women’s Cup follows the successful start of the 2024-25 Saudi Women’s Premier League campaign.

The new season — featuring more than 200 players registered to play in the Kingdom’s top flight — began with a campaign called “See Us Play,” inviting football fans to celebrate women’s football across Saudi Arabia. There are almost 77,000 female players taking part in the nation’s schools league system.