Five reasons not to miss Aramco Saudi Ladies International

The Aramco Saudi Ladies International, presented by PIF, promises to deliver exceptional golf and entertainment, continuing the legacy of excitement and top-level play. (Supplied)
The Aramco Saudi Ladies International, presented by PIF, promises to deliver exceptional golf and entertainment, continuing the legacy of excitement and top-level play. (Supplied)
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Updated 13 February 2024
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Five reasons not to miss Aramco Saudi Ladies International

Five reasons not to miss Aramco Saudi Ladies International

RIYADH: The Aramco Saudi Ladies International presented by the Public Investment Fund promises an exhilarating blend of sport and family fun from Feb. 15-18.

Marking five years since the event was first held in the Kingdom, here are five reasons why golf fans should not miss it:


1. Experience Saudi Culture with Sajah Market

Experience the rich tapestry of Saudi culture at Sajah Market, where local vendors host stalls brimming with treasures to explore. It is a celebration of heritage and community to embrace the hustle and bustle of Saudi Arabia’s iconic market stalls.

You can also experience the elegance of Bachat Shamar, the esteemed camel and a second-place winner at the King Abdulaziz Festival. Join us for a unique opportunity to meet this celebrated camel up close and immerse yourself in a rich cultural heritage.


2. Family-Friendly Fun

Children, parents and sports fans can enjoy the fan zone, which combines advanced virtual reality with a 360 degree photobooth, offering an immersive and memorable experience for all ages.

Equipped with the latest VR headsets and technology, the zone transports guests into diverse virtual worlds, from adventure to education, ensuring seamless and lifelike interaction.

Designed for comfort, inclusivity and safety, the experience highlights the transformative potential of VR in entertainment and learning, making every visit unforgettable.

There are also some brilliant chances to show your skills, with a teqball table and panna arena, perfect for football enthusiasts.


3. Great Food Offerings

With every adult ticket purchased, spectators will receive a food and drinks voucher worth SR25 ($7).

The fan zone offers an array of food vendors, including international delicacies as well as a distinguished culinary experience at L’Entrecote, located on the 10th Tee viewing platform. Renowned for its signature steak frites paired with the legendary Cafe de Paris sauce, this famed French restaurant blends tradition with innovation.

You can enjoy the iconic food while taking in panoramic views of the Riyadh Golf Club and live golf action — a winning combination.


4. Live Entertainment

Join us for a captivating event showcasing traditional Saudi dances on Thursday.

The excitement extends from Friday to Sunday in the fan zone with DJ GeMctro and Couplet Music on the main stage, offering a vibrant mix of contemporary beats and traditional melodies to suit all musical tastes.


5. World-Class Golf

As the event gears up for four days of intense competition, the Aramco Saudi Ladies International Presented by PIF welcomes Major champions, rising stars and seasoned professionals.

Major winner Lexi Thompson will go head-to-head with previous champion Georgia Hall as a 120-strong field competes for a share of the $5 million prize fund.

There is also strong Arabic representation in the field, with Moroccan duo Maha Haddioui and Ines Laklalech both looking to become the first Arab winner of the tournament.


Dakar Rally comes down to a duel in the sand between Lategan and Al-Rajhi

Dakar Rally comes down to a duel in the sand between Lategan and Al-Rajhi
Updated 19 sec ago
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Dakar Rally comes down to a duel in the sand between Lategan and Al-Rajhi

Dakar Rally comes down to a duel in the sand between Lategan and Al-Rajhi
The South African Lategan leads his Saudi rival by 2 1/2 minutes going into the 11th and penultimate stage in the Empty Quarter dunes
Friday’s last stage is a ceremonial drive to the finish in Shubaytah

SHUBAYTAH: Henk Lategan and Yazeed Al-Rajhi will duel in the Saudi sand for their first Dakar Rally title after swapping the lead for a second straight day Wednesday.
The South African Lategan leads his Saudi rival by 2 1/2 minutes going into the 11th and penultimate stage in the Empty Quarter dunes. Friday’s last stage is a ceremonial drive to the finish in Shubaytah.
Al-Rajhi led by seven minutes before the 10th stage, a tricky 120-kilometer loop south of Shubaytah on Wednesday. But he got stuck and relinquished the overall lead back to Lategan.
“We got stuck because we were taking it easy,” Al-Rajhi said. “Everything is going good, that’s the most important (thing). I have a good position, I hope.”
Lategan also took it easy but without finding any trouble, and was 10th on the stage, making up minutes on all of his nearest pursuers.
“It wasn’t the plan to go quickly today,” Lategan said.
On Thursday, he will start 10th and Al-Rajhi 27th and they can push harder by taking advantage of the tracks of those in front.
’Most disappointing day of my life’
Third-placed Mattias Ekström fell two minutes further back to 27 minutes, and five-time champion Nasser Al-Attiyah lost five minutes to drop back to 30.
Al-Attiyah, the only former champion with an outside title shot, got lost about nine kilometers in.
“I’m very disappointed, but what can you do?” Al-Attiyah said. “We had a good pace but we lost a lot of time. This is the most disappointing day of my life.”
Spain’s Nani Roma, one of only three men to win the Dakar in a car (2014) and motorbike (2004), won his first stage in nine years by 18 seconds from Lucas Moraes of Brazil. Brian Baragwanath of South Africa was third.
Sanders on the brink
Australian rider Daniel Sanders was on the brink of his first Dakar title in a motorbike race he’s dominated from stage one.
Sanders was fourth on the 116-kilometer stage but ahead of his nearest rivals, extending his overall lead by about two minutes against Spain’s Tosha Schareina and France’s Adrien van Beveren.
The advantage over Schareina was 16 1/2 minutes, the biggest in the race so far.
“It’s pretty much survival tomorrow and just getting through,” Sanders said. “I think we’ll be all right. I felt really good in the navigation and I was opening a little bit and then, yeah, it felt nice. So yeah, ready for tomorrow.”
Portugal’s Rui Gonçalves won his maiden stage in his fifth Dakar by nearly four minutes from Slovakia’s Stefan Svitko. American Skyler Howes was third.

Wheelchair sports for UAE announced by Heroes of Hope and Dubai Sports Council

Wheelchair sports for UAE announced by Heroes of Hope and Dubai Sports Council
Updated 28 January 2025
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Wheelchair sports for UAE announced by Heroes of Hope and Dubai Sports Council

Wheelchair sports for UAE announced by Heroes of Hope and Dubai Sports Council
  • Initiative aims to expand access to adaptive sports for people of determination and foster discussions around disability

DUBAI: Heroes of Hope, in collaboration with the Dubai Sports Council, has launched an initiative to host wheelchair sports events in the UAE.

The initiative, announced at a press conference at JA Lake View Hotel in Jebel Ali, aims to expand access to adaptive sports for People of Determination and foster discussions around disability.

The event featured speakers Hollie Murphy, founder and CEO of Heroes of Hope, and Abdulla Alblooshi, the organization’s co-founder.

Murphy said: “Our activities, ranging from rugby to swimming, empower athletes of determination to feel included and thrive physically and socially.

“The addition of wheelchairs will allow more PODs to access sports, while also giving able-bodied individuals a better understanding of the resilience and skill required by wheelchair users, both in and outside of sports.

“It’s a powerful step toward a more inclusive community.”

Sara Houston, an Australian national wheelchair basketball athlete, member of the International Wheelchair Basketball Association, and former Idol contestant, shared her remarkable journey of resilience and empowerment through sports.

Houston, diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a rare and aggressive bone cancer, emphasized the importance of open conversations about disabilities to encourage innovation, acceptance, and inclusivity in sports.

“Sport gave me a purpose when I thought all was lost,” said Houston. “Wheelchair basketball introduced me to a community where I felt empowered, valued, and inspired.

“My mission now is to encourage everyone, athletes, coaches, and spectators, to embrace inclusivity and create a world where sports truly belong to everyone.”

Rodney Holt, founder and CEO of BSF Asia, played a key role in securing the wheelchairs and bringing Houston to the UAE for the event. Holt has been promoting adaptive sports across Southeast Asia for years.

He has had leadership roles in the Special Olympics Indonesia and the International Wheelchair Rugby Federation.

Through a partnership with PepsiCo, Heroes of Hope received 12 wheelchairs for training at the only academy in the UAE offering over 30 adaptive sports weekly for its POD athletes.

The academy has been recognized for hosting groundbreaking events such as Hyrox for PODs, Games of Hope by Aldar, and professional training programs for coaches.

Additionally, Heroes of Hope was the only organization to provide activities for PODs at the Dubai Rugby 7s in both 2023 and 2024.

Wael Ismail, PepsiCo vice president for corporate affairs for Africa, Middle East, South Asia, said: “We are proud to support the Heroes of Hope team as they break new ground with wheelchair sports in the UAE.

“Their determination and passion are truly inspiring, and it’s nothing short of amazing to witness how they face each challenge with such heart and courage, setting an example for the entire community.

“We’re honored to be part of their journey and to help them continue making a meaningful impact.”

 


Rattle N Roll books Saudi Cup spot with impressive Custodian success

Rattle N Roll books Saudi Cup spot with impressive Custodian success
Updated 28 January 2025
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Rattle N Roll books Saudi Cup spot with impressive Custodian success

Rattle N Roll books Saudi Cup spot with impressive Custodian success
  • Along with Ancestral Land, the result secured a double win for jockey Joel Rosario

RIYADH: Rattle N Roll (USA) came from the clouds to run out a comfortable winner of the Group 3 The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup for trainer Kenny McPeek, booking his place in the $20 million Group 1 Saudi Cup at King Abdulaziz Racecourse on Feb. 22.

Leased from Lucky Seven Stables for his Middle Eastern campaign by Saudi Arabian businessman Sharaf Al-Hariri, Rattle N Roll was well off the pace after emerging from stall 10. US Hall of Fame rider Joel Rosario patiently waited as fellow American runner EJ Won The Cup, under Mike Smith, set a strong gallop at the front.

Off the home turn, Rattle N Roll and Rosario began to make ground and, when switched towards the inside rail, the son of Connect stayed on strongly to power clear in the closing stages, winning by four-and-three-quarter lengths at the line.

After the race, Rosario said: “The horse was able to do everything. I was just sitting there, the pace was good in front and it worked out perfectly.

“It looked like it was a good pace, I just wanted to let him be where he wanted to be and hopefully he can run at the end, and he did! He just went away [after crossing the line]. It was a very good win.”

It marked a double on the day for the US-based rider, who was also successful with Ancestral Land (GB) for Saudi-based trainer Jimmy Jerkens in the Riyadh Dirt Sprint Qualifier presented by REEF.

Afterwards Rosario said: “It’s very nice to be here. We had two winners — it was a good day. There are so many things that have to go your way, but it’s a blessing when you can win.”

On Rattle N Roll’s chance in next month’s Saudi Cup over course and distance, he said: “He handled the track well and we beat good horses today. A lot of good horses are going to be coming here, it’ll be a tough race, but we’ll see what happens — hopefully, he can perform the way he did today.”

Elsewhere on the card there was a treble for Saudi-based Portuguese rider Ricardo Ferreira, including Mhally (GB) in The 2000 Guineas presented by Saudi National Bank, a qualifier for the G3 Saudi Derby.

The other qualifier for the Saudi Cup meeting was the Al-Diriyah Cup (Group 1 Obaiya Arabian Classic Qualifier) presented by Diriyah Gate ‍Development Authority, which was won by Nirehazz (FR) for trainer Omar Altuwilei and owner Mohammed Eidan A Alduhamshi.

There were also two high-profile Group 1 contests on Saturday, with The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup (for Saudi bred horses) won by Yaroa (KSA) under leading rider Camilo Ospina, while the SAR 5 million ($1.3 million) King Abdulaziz Cup was landed by Taj Blaadi (KSA) under Saudi Cup-winning rider, Wigberto Ramos, making it five winners on the day for Prince Khaled Bin Faisal Bin Abdulaziz’s Red Stable.

Friday’s meeting at King Abdulaziz Racecourse also included three Saudi Cup qualifiers.

The Ricardo Ferreira-ridden Malyan (GB) was a ready winner of the 1351 Turf Sprint Qualifier presented by NOVA, while Ospina was victorious in the Listed Prince Khalid Abdullah Cup, a qualifier for the G2 Neom Turf Cup, aboard Bolide Potro (IRE), formerly trained by Gianluca Bietolini in France and now a winner of two of his four starts in Saudi Arabia.

The final qualifier on Friday was the Arabian Horses Open (Al-Mneefah Qualifier) presented by Alfakhera, which was won by the Naif Alanzi-ridden Sharfa Alhezam (KSA).

The $38.1 million Saudi Cup meeting will take place at King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Riyadh from Feb. 21-22.


Banton and Fletcher shatter records as MI Emirates humble Desert Vipers by 154 runs

Banton and Fletcher shatter records as MI Emirates humble Desert Vipers by 154 runs
Updated 28 January 2025
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Banton and Fletcher shatter records as MI Emirates humble Desert Vipers by 154 runs

Banton and Fletcher shatter records as MI Emirates humble Desert Vipers by 154 runs
  • Duo’s 198-run stand the highest for any wicket in T20s on UAE soil, but Vipers stay top of table
  • Banton’s 105 makes him the first batter to register 2 centuries in the DP World ILT20

ABU DHABI: Tom Banton etched his name in DP World ILT20 history by becoming the first batter to score two centuries in the competition as MI Emirates cruised to a commanding 154-run victory over table-toppers Desert Vipers at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Monday.

The triumph also marked the second-highest victory margin in the DP World ILT20. Banton combined with Andre Fletcher to construct the highest stand for any wicket in T20s on UAE soil at 198 runs.

Fletcher remained unbeaten on 96 runs and Banton scored 105 runs to steer the MI Emirates to 228/2  — the second-highest total in DP World ILT20 history. 

In response, the Vipers only managed 74 runs, matching the record for the lowest score across three seasons of the DP World ILT20.

Muhammad Rohid made early inroads as he sent back Fakhar Zaman for only seven runs in the second over. Rohid went on to claim Sam Curran and Azam Khan later in the innings to finish with figures of 3/24. 

Meanwhile, Fazalhaq Farooqi claimed the wicket of the dangerous Alex Hales, while Alzarri Joseph bagged Dan Lawrence and Adam Hose to leave the Vipers reeling at 32/5 by the end of the powerplay.

With only two batters crossing double figures the Vipers were eventually bowled out for 74 runs in 12.3 overs. Dan Mousley picked up two wickets, while Farooqi and Alzarri picked up a wicket each to sweep up the tail.

Invited to bat first, the MI Emirates lost Muhammad Waseem, after he struck two consecutive sixes off Dhruv Parashar, to Mohammad Amir in the third over. Amir was economical in the powerplay only conceding 13 runs as the MI Emirates finished the first six overs at 40/1.

What followed was destruction from Banton and Fletcher. They initially played with restraint, taking 37 balls for their first 41 runs. But the tide turned in the 10th over when Banton took on Nathan Sowter, smashing him for a six and a four in a 16-run over.

Fletcher brought up his half-century off 32 balls, with Banton following suit in 38 deliveries. From there, it was pure carnage. The pair plundered 92 runs in the final five overs of the MI Emirates’ innings. 

Banton was the star of the show, reaching his second century of the season in just 52 balls. His knock, laced with nine fours and seven sixes, included three consecutive sixes off Lawrence. He was run out for 105 in the final over.

Fletcher was not far behind as he remained unbeaten on 96 runs in 50 balls, studded with 10 fours and three sixes as the MI Emirates were catapulted to 228/2 in 20 overs.

Player of the match Banton said: “I didn’t get off to a flier; I just knew the longer I stayed, the better chance I had. Sometimes you don’t time it as well as you’d like, and sometimes you do.

“As a top-order batter, you come up against very good bowlers, so having a good technique is important. It’s about looking at the match situation and scenario, not just teeing off.

“We came into this game on the back of two losses and were a bit under pressure. It’s a special night for MI Emirates, but we don’t want to take it for granted.”

Captaining the Desert Vipers in place of Lockie Ferguson, who was rested for the encounter, Curran said: “We just get the game out of the way and move on. That can happen in cricket.

“We were a little off with our fielding and energy. It’s such a quick tournament, and we play again the day after tomorrow, so we’ll have another chance.

“We can bounce back, and there’s no need to panic. It’s about learning and reflecting. Both of them played well, and I’m glad to see my fellow Englishman, and Fletcher, playing so well.”

Brief Scores

  • MI Emirates beat Desert Vipers by 154 runs
  • MI Emirates 228/2 in 20 overs (Tom Banton 105, Andre Fletcher 96 not out, Muhammad Waseem 19, Mohammad Amir 1 for 36)
  • Desert Vipers 74/10 in 12.3 overs (Azam Khan 12, Sam Curran 11, Muhammad Rohid 3 for 24, Alzarri Joseph 3 for 17, Dan Mousley 2 for 8, Fazalhaq Farooqi 2 for 10)

Surging Rockets beat the Celtics after knocking off the Cavaliers twice

Surging Rockets beat the Celtics after knocking off the Cavaliers twice
Updated 28 January 2025
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Surging Rockets beat the Celtics after knocking off the Cavaliers twice

Surging Rockets beat the Celtics after knocking off the Cavaliers twice
  • The Houston Rockets posted its ninth win in 11 games on Monday
  • Teams around the league are taking notice of what Houston is doing

BOSTON: The Houston Rockets have been one of the NBA’s more surprising teams this season. After their past three games, they shouldn’t shock anyone.
The Rockets beat the Eastern Conference-leading Cleveland Cavaliers twice last week before traveling to Boston and pulling out a 114-112 victory over the defending champion Celtics on Monday night.
“We’re over halfway through now and our record is what it is, so it’s not just a fluke or anything,” Houston coach Ime Udoka said. “People watch film and see the physicality and the way that we play, it’s a little different than the rest of the league, maybe that catches people off guard initially, but I wouldn’t say we’re sneaking up on anybody anymore at this point in the season.”
Houston (31-14), which is second in the Western Conference, posted its ninth win in 11 games on Monday. Its record is a few percentage points better than that of the defending NBA champion Celtics (32-15).
The Cavs and Celtics were a combined 104-28 (.788) entering their games against Houston. The Rockets became the first team in NBA history to win three straight games against teams with that high of a winning percentage, with a minimum of 40 games for each opponent, according to OptaSTATS.
Amen Thompson hit a floater over Jaylen Brown with 0.7 seconds left to give the Rockets the victory at Boston.
“We feel like we can beat anybody, and this road trip is really proving that,” Thompson said.
Led by a balanced lineup featuring Jalen Green, Alperen Sengun, veteran Fred VanVleet, Thompson and Dillon Brooks, the Rockets have been rolling since their 23-point home loss to the Celtics on Jan. 3.
“We don’t like to lose at home, especially to the Celtics,” Thompson said. “We just come in here every day and we just try to win.”
Teams around the league are taking notice of what Houston is doing. After the Cavaliers finished off their 19-point home win over Detroit on Monday, they spent time in the postgame locker room watching the Rockets’ victory.
“We’re just playing hard, playing together,” said Brooks, who finished with a 36 points against Boston, including a 10-of-15 performance from 3-point range.
“We have trust in one another,” Brooks said.
The Rockets are plenty confident, but they understand big wins mean nothing if they can’t follow them up. They’ll get that chance Tuesday night when they play at Atlanta.
“Playing some of the top teams obviously gives us some confidence,” Udoka said.