Al-Hilal crowned Roshn Saudi League champions after Al-Hazem rout
The 4-1 win at Kingdom Arena means the Riyadh giants have now extended their Saudi Pro League record to 19 championships
Updated 13 August 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: Al-Hilal wrapped up the Roshn Saudi League title with a comprehensive 4-1 win over Al-Hazem on Saturday at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh.
The victory means that Al-Hilal have now extended their Saudi Pro League record to 19 championships.
Al-Nassr’s 3-2 win over Al-Okhdood on Thursday had delayed Al-Hilal’s coronation for two days at least, but Jorge Jesus and his men knew a win or draw against Al-Hazem would be enough to clinch the title.
Serbian forward Aleksandar Mitrovic, one of the signings of the season, got the party underway with a penalty after 15 minutes but, with nine minutes of the first half left, an unscripted moment saw Faiz Selemani score with a fine left-foot strike after being put through on goal.
Al-Hazem’s joy did not last long however, with Ahmed Al-Juwaid gifting Al-Hilal the lead five minutes later with a bizarre own goal that sailed over goalkeeper Zaid Al-Malki’s head.
The home team scented blood and proceeded to put the result, and the title race, to bed with two goals in first-half added time.
Mitrovic side-footed home from countryman Sergej Milinkovic-Savic’s cross from the left in the 48th minute of the half, and the assister turned goalscorer three minutes later to give Al-Hilal a 4-1 lead at the break.
With Al-Hilal fans already in celebratory mood and the title all but confirmed by the break, the second period inevitably saw the home team take their foot off the pedal.
VAR ruled out what would have been Al-Hazem’s second goal in added time and moments later the final whistle went to confirm the championship for Al-Hilal.
Their fans could finally celebrate a title win that had been on the cards for several weeks.
Sharjah Self-Defense and Al-Jazira take lead at Abu Dhabi World Youth Jiu-Jitsu Championship opener
Event is part of the 16th Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship, which runs until Nov. 16 with 9,000 male and female athletes competing from 137 countries
Updated 09 November 2024
Arab News
ABU DHABI: The Abu Dhabi World Youth Jiu-Jitsu Championship got underway on Friday at Mubadala Arena as part of the 16th Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship, with the opening day showcasing competitions for athletes aged 10 to 13.
The day saw Sharjah Self-Defense Sports Club secure first place in the boys’ division, followed by the Kazakhstan National Team in second and Al-Ain Jiu-Jitsu Club in third. In the girls’ division, Al-Jazira Jiu-Jitsu Club claimed the top spot, with Baniyas Jiu-Jitsu Club and Commando Group taking second and third, respectively.
The 16th Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship runs until Nov. 16 with 9,000 male and female athletes from 137 countries taking part.
Board member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation Yousef Abdullah Al-Batran praised the strong performances of Emirati athletes and acknowledged the central role of local clubs and academies in preparing and training players to compete at the highest international levels, with world-class facilities and technical support.
“The Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship continues to contribute to elevating Abu Dhabi’s status as a global hub for the sport, offering a premier platform that draws top talent from around the world to compete for the sport’s most prestigious titles,” he said. “We are pleased to see such broad international participation from clubs and academies worldwide, reflecting the championship’s status as a leading global sporting event. This international engagement reinforces our commitment to providing an outstanding competitive environment where elite athletes can confidently pursue their dreams.”
One of the guests of honor, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al-Dahak said: “It’s an honor to attend the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship and present the awards to the winners of an event that has become a symbol of sport and peace around the world. Our presence today reflects our belief in the role of sport in building a healthy society, and underscoring Abu Dhabi’s status as a global sporting hub that fosters values such as responsibility, perseverance and determination among athletes.
“I applaud the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation for its efforts in advancing the sport and for delivering an exceptional experience for both participants and fans. This championship plays a crucial role in discovering and nurturing talent with the potential for future success.”
Stadiums & Mega Events zone to debut at Cityscape Global 2024 in Riyadh
Didier Drogba and Anthony Joshua among speakers at event highlighting the growth of Saudi Arabia’s events landscape
Updated 09 November 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: Cityscape Global, the world’s largest real estate exhibition, is set to debut a Stadiums & Mega Events zone, powered by the Saudi Ministry of Sport, at this year’s event, from Nov. 11-14 at the Riyadh Exhibition & Convention Center.
The new zone will highlight Saudi Arabia’s ascent in recent years as a leader in hosting global events, aligned with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.
Stadiums & Mega Events will feature a zone that will bring together more than 80 industry experts and sports figures such as Didier Drogba, Anthony Joshua OBE, Emile Heskey, Gilberto Silva, Sol Campbell, Marta Corredera, Louis Saha, Jens Lehmann, Maxwel and John Obi Mike. The zone also offers more than 30 hours of exclusive content on innovation, sustainability and inclusivity in mega-event planning and stadium design.
The zone will explore three key tracks — redevelopment, diversification and sustainability. From Expo 2030 to the World Cup, attendees will have the chance to learn from event committees, football stars, architects and e-sports pioneers about how cities leverage cutting-edge arenas where innovation, sustainability and inclusivity thrive.
Former Chelsea star Didier Drogba will be on eof the guest speakers as Stadiums & Mega Events zone debuts at Cityscape Global 2024 in Riyadh. (Supplied)
“The Ministry of Sport is thrilled to be the official sponsor of the new zone, Stadiums and Mega Events at Cityscape Global 2024, powering insightful debate from over 80 industry experts and several iconic international sports stars,” said a Ministry of Sport spokesperson. “This event showcases how visionary projects are redefining sports and entertainment infrastructure, transforming future cities.”
Also speaking ahead of the event next week is former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba, who will be taking part in a session about what the future holds for the sports industry.
“I am excited to be attending Cityscape Global, the world’s largest real estate event, this November and seeing the transformation of sports infrastructure in Saudi Arabia,” he said. “I will be speaking about the future of sports and esports on November 12th, along with doing a meet-and-greet.”
This year’s Cityscape Global will feature seven specialized conferences, with the Stadiums & Mega Events conference joining an illustrious lineup that includes The Future of Living Summit, Asset Horizons, Institutional Investors, DNA (Design & Architecture), PropTech, and FutureBuild. The conferences will feature more than 500 expert speakers.
“The launch of Stadiums & Mega Events is a testament to Saudi Arabia’s ambitions to leverage the power of mega-events to showcase how the Kingdom is planning to redefine how stadiums are designed, built and delivered in a way that will change how fans experience sports in the future,” said Rachel Sturgess, senior vice president of Tahaluf, which organizes Cityscape Global. “The event next week will bring together some of the world’s leading investors and sports stars to discuss the upcoming mega events sector that will help transform Saudi Arabia into an aspirational tourism destination with events and attractions that captivate, unite and inspire.
“The urban development market is gearing up to accommodate the expected influx of people into the country, and our new Stadiums and Attractions feature will shed light on these plans,” she said. “The Saudi Arabian stadium construction industry is about to experience a sustained industry-wide boom, which the global sector attending the event in Riyadh next week will be eager to be a part of.”
With FIFA expected to confirm Saudi Arabia as hosts of the 2034 World Cup, the Kingdom is developing its land to give visitors a 360-degree experience, where, when arriving to attend matches, they also have multiple tourist attractions to view. In addition to the FIFA 2034 bid, Saudi Arabia is undertaking several major projects, such as the King Salman Sports City and the Sports Boulevard in Riyadh.
“Participating in Cityscape Global is a pivotal moment for us at the Sports Boulevard Foundation, as we contribute to the evolution of Saudi Arabia’s sports and mega events sector,” said Jayne McGivern, CEO of the Sports Boulevard Foundation.
Boxing legend Anthony Joshua will also be joining the line-up of sporting celebrities when the doors open to the public next week.
“I am stepping out of the boxing industry to step into the world of real estate, and I am with the world’s biggest event, Cityscape Global, in Riyadh. We are going to talk about how the world of sports fuses with the world of business, as well as real estate, the future of Riyadh and the future of boxing,” Joshua said.
Saudi win, Palestine stay undefeated on Day Two of Baseball United Arab Classic
Pakistan also maintained unblemished record while UAE claimed dominant win over Afghanistan
Updated 09 November 2024
Arab News
DUBAI: Day Two of the Baseball United Arab Classic saw Saudi Arabia comfortably defeat Nepal 14-2, as well as featuring Palestine’s dramatic win over Sri Lanka.
The day also showcased a dominant offensive display by the UAE against Afghanistan, and Pakistan’s huge victory over India in one of the tournament’s most anticipated matchups.
“Two straight days and nights of amazing baseball and incredible passion,” said Kash Shaikh, Baseball United chairman, CEO and co-founder. “The fans were awesome, the environment was electric, and the field was beautiful. We ended the night with two great games, with Palestine and Pakistan coming out on top. Baseball is truly here in Dubai.”
Game recaps:
Bangladesh vs Afghanistan
Bangladesh put on a show against Afghanistan, claiming a dominant 12-0 victory behind a mix of offensive firepower and commanding pitching. Right-hander Azgar Hussain earned the win with a stellar 3-inning performance, allowing no runs, walking two and striking out five.
First baseman Imran Khan led the offensive charge for Bangladesh, going 3-for-4 with two doubles and two RBIs, setting the tone for an explosive lineup. Afghanistan’s Osman Shinwari struggled on the mound, giving up 10 runs and nine hits over 3 innings, as Bangladesh cruised to a decisive shutout win.
KSA vs. Nepal
Saudi Arabia captured their first-ever tournament win in commanding fashion, defeating Nepal 14-2 in a historic game. Right-hander Jake Curtis earned the victory with a solid 4-inning outing, allowing only 2 runs while striking out two.
Kevin Workman headlined KSA’s offense, going 2-for-3 with the Kingdom’s first-ever home run and driving in three runs. James Overstreet also delivered, going 3-for-4 with a double and three RBIs. Nepal’s Ritesh Bishwakarma struggled on the mound, surrendering 12 runs in 3 innings, as Saudi Arabia celebrated this milestone victory.
Afghanistan vs. UAE
The UAE put on a dominant performance against Afghanistan, claiming a decisive 15-0 victory. Chris Beyers led the charge with two doubles and an RBI, while a remarkable eight UAE players tallied an RBI, showcasing the team’s balanced offense.
RHP Bobby Fiala earned the win with three scoreless innings, adding two strikeouts and maintaining control on the mound. Afghanistan, still searching for its first win, struggled to keep pace as UAE’s relentless lineup capitalized on every opportunity.
Palestine vs. Sri Lanka
In a thrilling back-and-forth contest, Palestine edged out Sri Lanka 8-7 in one of the most dramatic finishes of the tournament so far. Yunis Halim shone as Palestine’s hero, driving in two runs and coming in as a reliever for the final inning, where he struck out Sri Lanka’s Hemantha Pushpasiri with the bases loaded to clinch the victory. For Sri Lanka, centerfielder Sameera Rathnayake delivered a standout performance, going 2-for-2 with two runs and an RBI, keeping his team in the game until the final pitch.
India vs. Pakistan
Pakistan delivered a dominant 12-0 victory over India, showcasing both offensive power and pitching mastery. Muhammad Hussain led the charge with a 2-for-4 performance, including a double and 3 RBIs, while Zan Shariff added 3 RBIs of his own with a 1-for-3 effort.
On the mound, RHP Syed Muhib was untouchable, tossing 3.1 innings of scoreless ball, striking out 4 and keeping India’s offense to just a single hit. India’s Akshay More struck out 7 batters but was unable to contain the aggressive Pakistani lineup, allowing 2 earned runs in 3 innings, as Pakistan cruised to a dominant shutout victory.
Cavs ride huge first half to crushing win over Warriors and perfect 10-0
Atkinson: Ten-0 is a magic number
In Boston, Jayson Tatum scored 33 points to lead the Celtics in a 107-102 overtime victory over the Brooklyn Nets
Updated 09 November 2024
AFP
LOS ANGELES: The Cleveland Cavaliers continued their perfect start to the NBA season in sensational style on Friday, seizing a 41-point halftime lead on the way to a 136-117 rout of the Golden State Warriors.
The Cavs improved to 10-0, ending the Warriors’ five-game winning streak and handing them their first road defeat of the season.
The damage was done early, the Cavs’ 83 first-half points tying a franchise record for most scored in any half and their 41-point halftime lead the biggest in team history.
Against the Warriors’ second-ranked defense, the Cavs posted their fifth game of the young season with at least 130 points.
That ties a team record for the most 130-plus point games for an entire season.
“Ten-0 is a magic number,” Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson said. “We’re playing really good basketball and I’m just really pleased where the group is.
“I was worried about tonight — they’re 7-1 and rolling and they’re coming in here, they’re champions and they’re going to try and knock our block off.”
Darius Garland scored 27 points, Evan Mobley added 23 and Ty Jerome chipped in 20 off the bench as six Cavs players scored in double figures against a Warriors defense that came in ranked second in the league.
Meanwhile, they kept the potentially explosive Warriors offense in check, opening the game on a 20-2 scoring run.
“The way we came out tonight — that surprised me, how ready we were, how hungry we were,” Atkinson said.
Andrew Wiggins with nine points and Stephen Curry with seven were the only Warriors starters to score before the break.
Golden State were able to adjust after the break, out-scoring the Cavs 41-29 in the third quarter.
“First half, can’t play much better than that,” Atkinson said. “But second half, way we came out, they scored 13 points in the first three minutes. It was a little frustrating.”
The Warriors, however, were in too deep a hole.
Jonathan Kuminga led Golden State with 21 points off the bench, Curry finished with 12 on five-of-10 shooting, making just one from three-point range.
“We’ve got to execute better,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said. “Thirteen turnovers in the first half — we were completely disorganized.”
In Boston, Jayson Tatum scored 33 points to lead the Celtics in a 107-102 overtime victory over the Brooklyn Nets, who led by as many as 14 in the first half and didn’t surrender the lead until the fourth quarter.
In Detroit, Cade Cunningham drove for the go-ahead basket with 8.5 seconds left to play in the Pistons’ 122-121 victory over Atlanta, then sealed the victory with a block on a driving Onyeka Okongwu.
Cunningham finished with a triple-double of 22 points, 11 rebounds and 13 assists with a steal and the game-saving block.
Jusuf Nurkic’s free throw with eight-tenths of a second remaining lifted the Phoenix Suns to a 114-113 victory over the Mavericks in Dallas.
Kevin Durant scored 26 points and Nurkic added 15 points and 10 rebounds for the Suns, who notched a seventh straight victory to improve to 8-1.
“It’s been fun,” Durant said of the Suns start. “(It has) definitely been nerve-wracking with the tight games we’ve been in, but I think that’s great for our team to understand what it’s like in crunch time.”
Luka Doncic scored 30 points and Kyrie Irving added 29 for Dallas, who have now lost twice this season to Phoenix.
In New York, Karl-Anthony Towns scored 32 points for the Knicks, who led by as many as 30 in a 116-94 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks.
Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 24 points and grabbed 12 rebounds for Milwaukee, who trailed all the way.
Nikola Jokic’s third straight triple-double leads Nuggets past Heat 135-122
Jamal Murray had 28 points and became the first player in Nuggets franchise history with 1,000 career 3-pointers
Updated 09 November 2024
AP
DENVER: Nikola Jokic had 30 points, 14 assists and 11 rebounds for his third straight triple-double to lead the Denver Nuggets past the Miami Heat 135-122 Friday night.
The triple-double was Jokic’s NBA-best fifth of the season.
After missing the past three games in concussion protocol, Jamal Murray had 28 points and became the first player in Nuggets franchise history with 1,000 career 3-pointers.
The Heat played most of the game without Jimmy Butler, who turned his ankle on a drive against Murray seven minutes into the game and did not return.
Denver raced out to a 17-6 lead in the opening 4:10 as part of a 40-point first quarter in which it made 14 of its 20 shots. Though it fought back to get within seven in the final five minutes of the game, Miami never led and trailed by as many as 26 in the second half.
Tyler Herro had a team-high 24 points and 11 assists for the Heat. Takeaways
Heat: Miami’s fourth loss in its past five games came with the added pain of losing Butler, who is second on the Heat with 18.1 points per game.
Nuggets: Though concerns continue to persist about the drop off between its starting five and its bench, Denver continued its recent surge, winning for the sixth time in the past seven games after an 0-2 start. Key moment
After carrying an 11-point lead into halftime, the Nuggets outscored the Heat 15-4 in the opening 3:03 of the third quarter to extend its advantage to 86-64. Key stat
Russell Westbrook continued a strong recent stretch, dishing out a season-high 10 assists for Denver. It’s just the second time he’s had double-digit assists in his past 44 games. Up next
The Nuggets host the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday, the same day the Heat continue a six-game road swing at the Minnesota Timberwolves.
