Stars look forward to return of LIV Golf Jeddah in March

Stars look forward to return of LIV Golf Jeddah in March
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Smash GC captain and LIV Golf Jeddah 2023 individual champion Brooks Koepka celebrates with the trophy (Supplied)
Stars look forward to return of LIV Golf Jeddah in March
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2023 LIV Golf Jeddah team champions Fireballs GC (Abraham Ancer, Eugenio Chacarra, Captain Sergio Garcia, Carlos Ortiz) pose together after the final round of LIV Golf Jeddah at the Royal Greens Golf & Country Club. (Supplied)
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Updated 24 January 2024
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Stars look forward to return of LIV Golf Jeddah in March

Stars look forward to return of LIV Golf Jeddah in March
  • More details revealed about this year’s competition, which will again take place at Royal Greens Golf and Country Club and be the 3rd event of the 14-event 2024 season
  • Competitors will include 2023 Masters champion Jon Rahm, and 2-time LIV Golf Jeddah winner Brooks Koepka, who said he looks forward to defending his title

JEDDAH: Following the confirmation this month that LIV Golf is set to return to Royal Greens Golf and Country Club at King Abdullah Economic City in Jeddah, more details have emerged about the event and some of the stars who will compete have spoken of their excitement about returning to the city.
The third LIV Golf Jeddah will take place from Mar. 1 to 3 and organizers said it will feature some of the biggest names in the sport, including: 2023 Masters Champion Jon Rahm; 2023 LIV Golf Individual Champion Talor Gooch, with his new team, Smash GC; 2023 PGA Championship winner, and five-time major champion, Brooks Koepka, also of Smash GC; 2020 US Open champion Bryson DeChambeau, with 2023 LIVE Golf Team Champions Crushers GC; 2022 Open Champion Cameron Smith with Ripper GC; six-time major winner and World Golf Hall of Famer Phil Mickelson with HyFlyers GC; and two-time major winners Dustin Johnson (4Aces GC), Bubba Watson (RangeGoats GC) and Martin Kaymer (Cleeks GC).
Koepka is very familiar with Royal Greens, having won LIV Golf Jeddah there in each of the past two years. He will defend the title he won in October last year in a dramatic playoff against Gooch, who now joins him on team Smash following an offseason trade.
“Royal Greens is somewhere I’ve had success before and to win last year, beating Talor in the playoff, who had a great season, was a great way to finish the season,” said Koepka.
“I look forward to returning to Jeddah in March, with Talor as a teammate, to hopefully claim the Jeddah individual and team titles.”
LIV Golf Jeddah will be the third event of the international 14-event 2024 season, which showcases LIV Golf’s innovative format in which the world’s best golfers compete both individually and as teams over three days.
Fireballs GC, featuring captain Sergio Garcia, Abraham Ancer, Eugenio Chacarra and former Torque GC player David Puig — who signed for the team as a free agent during the offseason to replace Carlos Ortiz, who moved to Torque — will return to Royal Greens as defending team champions.
“LIV Golf Jeddah was the site of our second team victory in 2023 and capped off a fantastic first full season for Fireballs GC,” said Garcia.
“We can’t wait to make our return to Royal Greens as a team, defend our title, and look forward to the incredible support of fans in Saudi Arabia for what is always a great event.”
In addition to the action on the course, organizers said the event will once again feature the popular Beach Club, a daily fireworks display, a vibrant fan village with activities for fans of all ages, and a wide range of food and beverage options.
Single-day and three-day grounds passes for LIV Golf Jeddah are available at LIVGolf.com, and include access to all fan activities.


‘As easy as the semifinal’ — Alhyasat predicts another win over Al-Qahtani

‘As easy as the semifinal’ — Alhyasat predicts another win over Al-Qahtani
Updated 26 November 2024
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‘As easy as the semifinal’ — Alhyasat predicts another win over Al-Qahtani

‘As easy as the semifinal’ — Alhyasat predicts another win over Al-Qahtani
  • Saudi fighter Al-Qahtani gets second chance against his Jordanian opponent after Islam Reda’s withdrawal from the PFL Mena Championship final

RIYADH: The author of arguably the biggest upset in the inaugural season of PFL MENA, Jordanian welterweight Abdelrahman “Cobra” Alhyasat, has predicted history will repeat itself during the first championship final on Nov. 29.

A relative unknown, Alhyasat shocked the world when he beat Saudi Arabian mixed martial arts star and title favorite Abdullah Al-Qahtani in the semifinals, winning by unanimous decision. 

While the undefeated Alhyasat was initially scheduled to face Islam Reda in the final, an injury meant the latter had to withdraw — opening the door for a rematch with Al-Qahtani.

However, Alhyasat does not seem too excited about facing the “The Reaper” for a second time.

“I would have preferred to face a different fighter in the final, but Islam Reda’s injury led to Al-Qahtani being in the final,” he said.

However, “Cobra” is confident that he can make it 2-0 against the Kingdom’s biggest MMA star. 

“I will repeat my victory over Al-Qahtani,” he said boldly, even stating the hometown disadvantage would not be much of an issue. “I’m comfortable with this matchup; it will be as easy as the semifinal. Fighting on his home turf won’t be a source of stress for me.”

While Alhyasat believes he can shut down Al-Qahtani again, he also knows the Saudi Arabian star will not have the same game plan as he did in their semifinal showdown — so he has made his own strategy adjustments to compensate.

“I expect Al-Qahtani to change his fighting style for the final. That’s why, during my specialized training camp in Thailand, we coordinated with the technical team to study all possibilities and adapt to the flow of the fight,” Alhyasat explained.

“The plan we’ve prepared for the final is flawless and ensures another victory over Al-Qahtani,” he added.

In fact, Alhyasat is so confident in his capabilities that he already has a celebration planned.

“I will celebrate the belt with my friends in Amman, enjoying Jordanian mansaf, even if my opponent changes his fighting style,” he said.

 

The complete PFL MENA Championships card:

PFL MENA Featherweight Championship: Abdelrahman Alhyasat (5-0) vs. Abdullah Al-Qahtani (9-2)

PFL MENA Welterweight Championship: Mohammad Alaqraa (7-0) vs. Omar El Dafrawy (12-6)

Amateur Women’s Atomweight Bout: Hattan Alsaif vs. Lilia Osmani

PFL MENA Bantamweight Championship: Ali Taleb (11-1) vs. Rachid El Hazoume (15-3)

 

PFL MENA Lightweight Championship: Mohsen Mohammadseifi (6-1) vs. Georges Eid (10-4)

 

Showcase Fights:

Lightweight MENA Showcase: Mansour Barnaoui (21-6) vs. Alfie Davis (17-4-1)

Heavyweight MENA Showcase: Slim Trabelsi (7-0) vs. Abraham Bably (5-0)

Featherweight Global Showcase: Jesus Pinedo (23-6-1) vs. Jeremy Kennedy (19-4)

Featherweight Global Showcase: Asael Adjoudj (8-1) vs. Jose Perez (9-1)

Middleweight Global Showcase: Costello van Steenis (15-3) vs. Joao Dantas (7-1)


FIFAe Finals 2024 to take place in Riyadh

FIFAe Finals 2024 to take place in Riyadh
Updated 26 November 2024
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FIFAe Finals 2024 to take place in Riyadh

FIFAe Finals 2024 to take place in Riyadh
  • The tournament returns to the Saudi capital from Dec. 5-12 with a partnership between FIFAe and the Saudi Esports Federation

RIYADH: The FIFAe Finals 2024 come to Riyadh next month, the first time the event will include multiple esports titles.

Hosted at the SEF Arena at BLVD Riyadh City, it will unfold in two stages. Proceedings begin with the FIFAe World Cup featuring Rocket League from Dec. 5-8, followed by two FIFAe World Cups featuring eFootball (on console and mobile) that will run from Dec. 9-12.

Ahead of the tournaments, Turki Al-Fawzan, CEO of the Saudi Esports Federation, said: “As we continue to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s position as a global leader in esports, hosting the FIFAe Finals 2024 is a proud moment for us. This event not only highlights the Kingdom’s commitment to the esports ecosystem but also provides an unparalleled opportunity for players from across the world to showcase their talent and passion on a global stage. We’re excited to witness the next chapter of esports history unfold right here in Riyadh.”

Players have the opportunity to represent their nations and lift the official FIFAe World Cup Trophy on a global stage. Sixteen nations are competing in Rocket League and up to 18 will go head-to-head in eFootball.

In line with Rocket League’s third-party regulations, the prize pool stands at $250,000. The prize pool for both eFootball competitions (console and mobile) is $100,000 each, bringing the total prize distribution for the FIFAe Finals 2024 to $450,000.

“This year’s addition of multiple new titles marks a major expansion for football esports tournaments, offering players from diverse ecosystems the chance to compete on the biggest stage under the FIFAe banner. We’re excited to continue this momentum together with the SEF and look forward to bringing this event to life in December together with our partners and publishers,” said FIFA Secretary-General Mattias Grafstrom.

The FIFAe Finals 2024 follow the inaugural FIFAe Next Gen event in Liverpool, England, which included the first-ever FIFAe World Cup featuring Football Manager, alongside the FIFAe Fame Your Game Cup.


‘Bright is an understatement’ says Golf Saudi CEO about the sport’s future in the Kingdom

‘Bright is an understatement’ says Golf Saudi CEO about the sport’s future in the Kingdom
Updated 17 November 2024
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‘Bright is an understatement’ says Golf Saudi CEO about the sport’s future in the Kingdom

‘Bright is an understatement’ says Golf Saudi CEO about the sport’s future in the Kingdom
  • Noah Alireza speaks to Arab News about the Aramco Team Series, the GoGolf programs and producing homegrown talent

On a weekend that included the start of the WTA Finals in Riyadh, WWE Crown Jewel, as well as the Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam derbies in the Saudi Pro League, you could be forgiven for thinking there was any space left for any other sporting event to shine.

But golf’s Aramco Team Series — Riyadh, however, more than held its own and even drew in higher crowds than some of the rival events. The aim, said Golf Saudi CEO Noah Alireza, is to spread the golfing gospel.

“Our focus on global events comes with a primary objective of growing the game locally,” Alireza said. “(At Aramco Team Series) we (saw) a really vibrant crowd thatwas really getting into it.

“It’s all about creating the right environment and with this crowd being here as a captive audience, we, as much as possible, push towards them signing up for GoGolf, the program, and converting them into future golfers.” 

As the 2024 golf season draws to a close, Alireza said that his federation’s mandate is to act as an “catalyst and incubator” to create a golf industry.

“For us in Saudi, we have a blank canvas,” Alireza told Arab News. “We’re starting from scratch, and that provides an opportunity not to catch up, but hopefully to leapfrog because as is everything (in the Kingdom) today, Saudi doesn’t look at things in terms of just taking what was there and bringing it here. It’s taking and learning from what was, and doing it better.

“So for us to grow the game in Saudi Arabia, our primary focus today is on the development of innovative supply and infrastructure, and hopefully when we build it, the demand will catch up and that’s how we're going to hopefully be creating a viable ecosystem for golf.”

One of the ways that Golf Saudi is looking to increase participation in the game, in accordance with Vision 2030, is through its GoGolf programs.

“GoGulf is for us a complete product from end to end to get people from Saudi and living in Saudi Arabia to get into Golf. So we’re starting with a program that answers the question why golf? What is golf? And then a call to action is GoGolf. GoGolf is a three-month (program), maybe you can look at it as getting a license to drive.”

Alireza appreciates that taking up golf comes with a significant sporting and financial dedication, and GoGolf aims to give budding players an early advantage.

“Golf is not an easy game to play. In order to break that barrier, three months’ worth of free lessons, or a package of 12 free lessons, will get you the license to be able to play on golf courses and other areas. So it’s a teaching methodology, but beyond the teaching phase, there is other infrastructure under the GoGolf brand that we will be deploying in addition to other things we’ve launched outside golf courses, like Top Golf — a project that’s going to be taking place over the next year and a half.”

Alireza has a message for parents looking to introduce their children to new sports and activities: “The choices are plenty to get kids into sports, and all sports will teach kids certain traits,” he said. “Whether it is discipline, motivation and so many other traits.

“Growing up around golf, I had the opportunity to see it first hand, and golf is slightly different from other sports in that it takes up so much time and you’re moving an object, you’re not reacting to a ball, you’re having to impart impact on to a ball and a lot of time in between there are so many things that you have to exercise. Patience, resilience, determination, the seeking of perfection and getting better every day, and I believe those traits are really good traits to start to ingrain into kids, and hopefully one day from that some of the kids will specialize in golf and create those future champions that we’re looking to create.”

Alireza is bullish about golf’s trajectory in the Kingdom over the coming years.

“Bright is an understatement,” he said. “With the incredible support that we’re seeing in Saudi Arabia today across all the sectors, we have an incredible opportunity to bring the world of golf here to co-innovate with us on creating a platform that defines what future golf will be in terms of the infrastructure, golf courses, practice facilities and beyond.”

While there are several Saudi golfers already making moves in the professional game, Alireza’s aim is to see a whole generation of golfers emerging from the Kingdom over the next decade.

“I think it's important that we focus on building that generation for two important reasons,” he said. “No.1 is that creating champions is an element that we’ve seen as a story throughout history that helps generate future generations of champions.

“So when Saudi beat Argentina in the World Cup, that was a generational moment that not only created future football stars but athletes in general,” Alireza said. “Everyone could now believe if somebody that I know of that is from my city, my country can do it, then so can I. And that element, that barrier, as a threshold is extremely important. So for us, the focus on creating those champions is really important because then it goes to the second reason.”

“The second reason is that that tipping point, when that champion is created, inshallah, and our goal is to have that happen within the next five to 10 years, is that it creates a whole new generation of golfers that sustains the golf economy that we’re seeking to create.”

 


Brazil crowned champions at NEOM Beach International Cup

Brazil crowned champions at NEOM Beach International Cup
Updated 17 November 2024
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Brazil crowned champions at NEOM Beach International Cup

Brazil crowned champions at NEOM Beach International Cup
  • Spain defeated Germany 2-1, while Japan won 8-2 against England to finish fifth

NEOM: Brazil were crowned NEOM Beach Soccer Cup champions for the third time in a row at Gayal Beach after a 6-1 win over the UAE in the final on Saturday night.

The Samba Boys dominated the first period, scoring four goals and the one-sided affair continued in the second period, with the UAE struggling to find their footing.

The defending champions’ relentless pressure paid off in the third period, as they extended their lead to 6-0 with a late consolation goal for the UAE.

In the match to decide third and fourth places, Spain defeated Germany 2-1, while Japan won 8-2 against England to finish fifth.

Saudi Arabia grabbed sixth after beating China 5-3.

In the women’s competition, Spain were crowned 2024 NEOM Beach Soccer Cup champions after a 5-1 win against Brazil.

 


‘Zurdo’ Ramirez beats Billam-Smith by unanimous decision in Riyadh

‘Zurdo’ Ramirez beats Billam-Smith by unanimous decision in Riyadh
Updated 18 November 2024
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‘Zurdo’ Ramirez beats Billam-Smith by unanimous decision in Riyadh

‘Zurdo’ Ramirez beats Billam-Smith by unanimous decision in Riyadh
  • Mexican southpaw’s win improves his record to 47-1, including 30 knockouts
  • Saudi boxer Ziyad Almaayouf earns hard-fought draw against Mexico’s Juan Garcia on the undercard

Riyadh: WBA cruiserweight champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez defeated WBO champ Chris Billam-Smith by unanimous decision on Saturday in the main event at Riyadh’s “Latino Night” to become the undisputed world champion in the division.

The Mexican southpaw improved his record to 47-1, including 30 knockouts, while the British champ’s record slipped to 20-2, with 13 knockouts, after three straight title defenses.

Ramirez showed his power and precision before a packed crowd at The Venue, Riyadh, headlining an unforgettable evening that celebrated Latin American culture and the global appeal of boxing.

Ramirez took control of the fight from the opening bell, using his size advantage and sharp combinations to pin Billam-Smith on the back foot. The British fighter displayed immense heart, landing counter shots and working the body, but Zurdo’s power and precision proved overwhelming.

In his post-fight interview, Ramirez dedicated his victory to his fans and the Latino community. “I’m a proud Mexican and Latino — I will represent the Latino Night very well,” he told Arab News before the fight. And he did.

The evening began with an undercard packed with talent and exciting matchups. Fighters from across Latin America displayed skill and determination, thrilling the crowd with breathtaking rounds, technical displays, and a few dramatic comebacks. Each bout built anticipation for the night’s culminating showdown.

 Saudi boxer Ziyad Almaayouf delivered a spirited performance in the opening fight, earning a hard-fought draw against Mexico’s Juan Garcia. 

The bout was characterized by Almaayouf’s sharp boxing skills and Garcia’s relentless pressure, with both fighters trading heavy shots and testing each other’s endurance across all 12 rounds. 

Almaayouf, backed by a passionate home crowd, landed cleaner combinations early in the fight, but Garcia’s aggression in the later rounds allowed him to claw back on the scorecards, leading to a split-decision draw.

The result left fans buzzing, with many praising Almaayouf’s resilience and composure under Garcia’s constant attacks.

In a post-fight interview with Arab News, Almaayouf, known as “Zizo”, said that he won the fight tonight despite what the judges decided. “I’m always going to think that I did enough to win the fight. This is just the opinion of two judges.

“If you go back 10-15 years ago and you ask the world: would they see a Saudi professional boxer standing in the middle of the ring with a tough Mexican fighter, they wouldn’t believe it,” he added. “But tonight, we showed that can happen.”

He said that a rematch is his next target.

For Garcia, the result was a testament to his durability and fighting spirit, earning him respect as a worthy opponent in a thrilling opener to an unforgettable night.

Latino Night in Riyadh was another milestone in Saudi Arabia’s emergence as a global destination for sports and entertainment. By blending cultural celebration with world-class boxing, the event left a lasting impression on fans and participants alike.

As the arena emptied and the lights dimmed, one thing was clear: Gilberto Ramirez had won not only a fight, but had also solidified his position as a global ambassador for the enduring legacy of Latino boxing.