Hamilton defends F1 Vegas race after Verstappen outburst

Hamilton defends F1 Vegas race after Verstappen outburst
Mercedes’ British driver Lewis Hamilton during a press conference ahead of the Las Vegas Grand Prix on Nov. 15, 2023, in Las Vegas, Nevada. (AFP)
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Updated 17 November 2023
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Hamilton defends F1 Vegas race after Verstappen outburst

Hamilton defends F1 Vegas race after Verstappen outburst
  • Hamilton said that the growth of the sport in the US was a welcome development and praised the American investor and Formula One CEO Stefano Domenicali
  • The return of F1 to Vegas after a 41 year absence follows the addition of Miami to the circuit while the US Grand Prix is held in Austin, Texas

LAS VEGAS: Seven-times Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton has defended the organization of the Las Vegas Grand Prix after criticism from current world champion Max Verstappen.

Red Bull’s Verstappen had said the event was “99 percent show and one percent sporting event” and said the street track was “not every interesting.”

Other drivers including McLaren’s Lando Norris and Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz had questioned the amount of commercial commitments that drivers have had to undertake around the race.

The comments, after a glitzy opening ceremony with a drone show and performance from Australian singer Kylie Minogue, are unlikely to have pleased F1’s American owners Liberty Media, who are also promotors of the Vegas race.

But Hamilton said that the growth of the sport in the US was a welcome development and praised the American investor and Formula One CEO Stefano Domenicali.

“I hear there are a lot of people complaining about the direction that Stefano and Liberty has gone. But they are doing an amazing job,” said the Mercedes driver.

“The sport continues to grow. It is a business and you will still see good racing here. It is a country to tap into and really captivate the audience,” he said.

Hamilton said there was clearly a buzz around the event.

“Everybody I know in Hollywood is coming and there will be a lot of business going on this weekend,” he said.

“It will be a good spectacle to watch, even for those back home who have never been to Vegas. They will get to learn what it is all about,” he said.

The race will go along the famous ‘strip’, home to the city’s top hotels and casinos.

The return of F1 to Vegas after a 41 year absence follows the addition of Miami to the circuit while the US Grand Prix is held in Austin, Texas.

“We needed to have at least two races in the US, one wasn’t enough, and this is one of the most iconic and unique cities that they have here,” said British driver Hamilton, who conceded that the atmosphere around the Vegas race was very different to some of the established classic venues on the circuit.

“It is a big show for sure, and it is never going to be like Silverstone, but maybe over time, the people in this community will grow to love the sport,” he said.

Verstappen had criticized the track saying he wasn’t a fan of street courses in general.

“Of course it will be great driving through the Strip, but then the layout itself is not the most exciting. An F1 car is a lot more fun with a lot of high-speed corners,” said the Dutchman.

But Hamilton said he would wait until the drivers had competed on it, starting with Thursday night’s practice sessions, before making any judgment.

“Maybe the track will be good, and maybe it will be bad. It was so-so on the simulator. But don’t knock it until you try it,” he said.


Manchester United sack manager Ten Hag

Manchester United sack manager Ten Hag
Updated 28 October 2024
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Manchester United sack manager Ten Hag

Manchester United sack manager Ten Hag

MANCHESTER: Manchester United have sacked manager Erik ten Hag, the Premier League club said on Monday, with the Old Trafford side 14th in the standings after nine games.
“Erik ten Hag has left his role as Manchester United men’s first-team manager,” the club said in a statement.
“Ruud van Nistelrooy will take charge of the team as interim head coach, supported by the current coaching team, whilst a permanent head coach is recruited.”


Saka regrets Arsenal not showing ‘our best selves’ against Liverpool

Saka regrets Arsenal not showing ‘our best selves’ against Liverpool
Updated 28 October 2024
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Saka regrets Arsenal not showing ‘our best selves’ against Liverpool

Saka regrets Arsenal not showing ‘our best selves’ against Liverpool
  • It took England winger Saka just nine minutes to open the scoring on his return from a hamstring injury only for Virgil van Dijk to equalize for Liverpool

LONDON: Bukayo Saka lamented Arsenal’s failure to show “our best selves” after they lost ground on Premier League title rivals Liverpool in a 2-2 draw at the Emirates Stadium.
It took England winger Saka just nine minutes to open the scoring on his return from a hamstring injury only for Virgil van Dijk to equalize for Liverpool.
Arsenal, however, regained the lead toward the end of the first half through Mikel Merino only for Mohamed Salah to rescue a draw for the visitors nine minutes from time.
The result left Arsenal, last crowned champions of England 20 years ago, third in the table but five points behind leaders Manchester City and four adrift of Liverpool after nine games.
Mikel Arteta’s men dominated the first half but failed to turn that superiority into more goals.
“We’re disappointed,” said Saka. “I feel like we didn’t show our best selves for 90 minutes. We believe we should have won it.
“For sure, there’s definitely some positives. Liverpool are a top team, and credit to them.
“But the overall feeling is that we didn’t show our best selves for the whole game, especially more in the second half, and it cost us in the end.”
Saka was a major doubt heading into Sunday’s match after missing Arsenal’s previous two games with a hamstring injury he suffered on international duty.
In the end he was fit to play and marked his comeback with a 50th goal in the Premier League.
“Hopefully that can push us to some silverware as well,” added Saka, who at 23 years and 52 days became the youngest player to reach the milestone for the Gunners.
“I hate to miss games, so I was buzzing to be back. I had this game in mind to come back for and I was feeling good out there, and I was happy to get an early goal.”
Arsenal ended the game with a makeshift and untested back four after Gabriel was forced off with a knee injury, while Jurrien Timber was also unable to complete the match.
But Gunners manager Arteta can now call upon William Saliba again after the center-back served a one-match suspension following his red card in the defeat at Bournemouth.
Arsenal are away to Preston in the League Cup on Wednesday before traveling to Newcastle in the Premier League on Saturday.


Mixed martial arts is ‘the sport of our era’ in the Kingdom and beyond

Mixed martial arts is ‘the sport of our era’ in the Kingdom and beyond
Updated 28 October 2024
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Mixed martial arts is ‘the sport of our era’ in the Kingdom and beyond

Mixed martial arts is ‘the sport of our era’ in the Kingdom and beyond
  • Abdullah Al-Hazza, CEO of the Saudi Mixed Martial Arts Federation, writes for Arab News about the sport’s rapid growth in the country
  • Saudi Arabia recently held the globally successful PFL MENA’s ‘Battle of the Giants’ event in Riyadh featuring Francis Ngannou

RIYADH: When Francis Ngannou said Saudi Arabia felt like “family” after his historic Professional Fighters League’s “Battle of the Giants” victory over Renan Ferreira in Riyadh recently, it made me feel very proud.

I was proud that one of the greatest fighters in our sport has such love for this country, which is certainly reciprocated. And that the work we are doing to promote MMA across the Kingdom is bearing fruit.

Ngannou is aware of what we as a federation are doing, and he understands how passionate people are for MMA in Saudi Arabia. He wants to play his part in the growth of what we all believe is the sport of our era.

There has been a 21 percent increase in MMA participation this year from last year across Saudi Arabia — which includes not just fighters and athletes of various ages, but also coaches, referees and judges.

This is evidence of an MMA ecosystem in place, which we are constantly trying to expand and enhance.

With six PFL events in 2024, including three pay-per-views, Saudi Arabia is reinforcing its role as a leading destination for major MMA competitions, while increasing awareness and excitement for the sport among our local population.

Since the federation’s inception in 2018, Saudi Arabia’s MMA fighters have won 35 medals — 19 gold, three silver and 13 bronze — in various international competitions. This includes world, Asia and other international championships.

We have three undefeated fighters in the PFL with Malik Basahel (3-0), Mostafa Nada (2-0) and Hattan Al-Saif (2-0). In addition, Abdullah Al-Qahtani has a 4-1 record. Overall, Saudi Arabia fighters now have a 11-1 record in reputable organizations such as the PFL.

There is also the financial aspect of MMA. Saudi Arabia has been highly successful in utilizing the sports industry as a catalyst for economic and social development.

This has connected us with global communities, attracted inward investment, contributed significantly to the nation’s gross domestic product, created jobs, and, essentially, encouraged healthy lifestyles.

We recognize the opportunities that MMA provides and our responsibility as a federation, working with relevant partners such as the Ministry of Sport, to ensure they are fully realized. Securing sponsorships for the programs we have created is but one example of this in action.

The next big international MMA event in Saudi Arabia takes place on Nov. 29 when Riyadh hosts the 2024 PFL finals.

The event will be held outside the US for the first time, with the federation, ministry, and the global PFL organization in charge of its management.

There is a $6-million prize pool, with $1 million awarded to each winner of the six main fights across various weight classes.

For us as Saudi Arabia citizens, however, perhaps the most exciting part is the inaugural Middle East and North Africa PFL finals, where Al-Saif will make history as the first woman from this nation to compete in a global PFL event.

The promotion of MMA among women is an integral part of what we do as a federation. We have organized two championships for women, and now have an increasing number of women fighters, coaches, referees and judges participating.

This means, I can assure everyone, that while Al-Saif is on an exciting journey, she is the first of many to come.

Speaking of which, I am often asked by members of the media if there will ever be a Saudi Arabian Francis Ngannou — an elite, world champion from the Kingdom.

My answer is always the same: there will be. It is only a matter of time, and when it happens, I will be justifiably proud because of all the work we have put into this endeavor.


Dubai Basketball secure dominant win in Croatia

Dubai Basketball secure dominant win in Croatia
Updated 28 October 2024
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Dubai Basketball secure dominant win in Croatia

Dubai Basketball secure dominant win in Croatia
  • The 102-74 victory against Cibona was the new team’s first triple-digit performance in the ABA League

DUBAI: Dubai Basketball have registered their first triple-digit performance with a 102-74 thrashing of Cibona on the road, to take their ABA League record to 5-1.

Dubai Basketball’s head coach, Jurica Golemac, could not have asked for a better performance as they dominated the game from tip-off to the final buzzer in Zagreb on Saturday.

After Ahmet Duverioglu converted both his free throws in the first 13 seconds, the visitors never looked back, closing out the first quarter with a healthy 35-17 advantage.

Dubai are now one of only a few teams to score over 30 points in a single quarter of play this season.

Cibona struggled without their starting point guards, Roko Rogic and Kreso Radovcic, and seemed to lack the star power needed to slow down Dubai’s offense.

By the time the third quarter ended, Dubai held a huge 81-52 lead and continued to pour on the offense, crossing the 100-point barrier late into the final quarter thanks to a JaCorey Williams two-pointer in the paint.

This marked the first time in the franchise’s young history that they would eclipse the century mark.

Williams, who scored double digits in three of six games this season, would leave Croatia ranked second in the ABA League’s “Points in the Paint.”

Former NBA star, Davis Bertans, put up a game-high of 17 points, doing most of his damage from beyond the arc, shooting five of eight (62.5 percent) from three-point territory.

At Saturday night’s conclusion, Bertans ascended to second in the ABA League for three-point shots made, trailing only Split’s Jordano Antonio.

Thirdy Ravena was stellar in over 10 minutes of action, recording his first steal, assist, and rebound of the season.

Thirdy, who has quickly emerged as a fan favorite in Dubai, kept intense pressure on Cibona’s offense, playing a major role in holding them to just 74 points.

Dubai Basketball are now tied for second in the ABA League standings, behind Partizan Mozzart, who they will face on Sunday, Nov. 10.

Golemac praised his team. “I congratulate my players for playing really well. We achieved what we came for, played a great game and now we are going to analyze what we can do better and move on to the next game.

“Our players understand that every move and every possession is important and they all share the same vision of wanting to not only win but also be competitive in each game. As a coach, it’s a pleasure to be working with them.”

Dubai Basketball are again on the road next weekend when they travel to Montenegro for game seven against Studentski Centar Derby on Saturday, Nov. 2.

They return to the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai on Sunday, Nov. 17, to take on KRKA.


Gillespie to coach Pakistan during Australia white-ball series as Kirsten resigns

Gillespie to coach Pakistan during Australia white-ball series as Kirsten resigns
Updated 28 October 2024
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Gillespie to coach Pakistan during Australia white-ball series as Kirsten resigns

Gillespie to coach Pakistan during Australia white-ball series as Kirsten resigns
  • Kirsten’s decision comes after PCB appointed new selection committee without coaches and captain in it
  • Pakistan’s cricket team is scheduled to play against Australia in away white-ball series starting next month 

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced on Monday that white-ball Head Coach Gary Kirsten has resigned from his post, with test coach Jason Gillespie set to take over his place for the upcoming Australia tour. 

Kirsten was reportedly at odds with the PCB after it announced a new selection committee following Pakistan’s humiliating innings defeat to England in the first test match at Multan this month. 

The new selection committee, the third in three months, now comprises former Pakistan fast bowler Aaqib Javed, Aleem Dar, Azhar Ali, Asad Shafiq and Hassan Cheema. Kirsten, Gillespie and the captain of the national squad, who were previously part of the selection committee, were removed from the panel. The new selection committee, Javed in particular, has risen in influence after their initiative to produce spin-friendly tracks in Multan and Rawalpindi helped Pakistan win the three-match test series against England 2-1.

“Jason Gillespie will coach the Pakistan men’s cricket team on next month’s white-ball tour of Australia after Gary Kirsten submitted his resignation which was accepted,” the PCB said in a statement. 

The development takes place a day after the PCB announced central contracts for 25 cricketers and appointed wicket-keeper batter Mohammad Rizwan as the new Pakistan white-ball skipper. 

When the announcement was made at a press conference on Sunday, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi was flanked by Javed, Ali, Rizwan and newly appointed vice-captain Salman Ali Agha. Kirsten was notably missing. 

His resignation comes days before Pakistan take on Australia for a limited-overs away series next month. The green shirts will play three ODIs against Australia on Nov. 8, 8 and 10 while it will play five T20Is against the Aussies on Nov. 14, 16 and 18. 

Kirsten, 56, is a former South African top-order batter who played 101 Test matches and 185 ODIs from 1993-2004 in which he scored a total of 14,087 runs and 34 centuries.

The former South Africa top-order batter played 101 Tests and 185 ODIs from 1993-2004 in which he accumulated a total of 14,087 runs with 34 centuries.

Kirsten coached India from 2008-2011 and helped them win the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2011 title and attain the number one position on the ICC Test Team Rankings.

He also coached South Africa men’s cricket team from 2011-2013 and inspired them to the number one position on the ICC Test Team Rankings.

Kirsten has coached Indian Premier League (IPL) teams Delhi Capitals, Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Gujarat Titans, who won the 2022 IPL tournament.