Investment tenders for 6 Saudi football clubs announced

Investment tenders for 6 Saudi football clubs announced
Hilal supporters cheer as they celebrate their team's 19th Saudi Pro League title after their football match against Al-Hazem at the Kingdom Arena stadium in Riyadh on May 11, 2024. (File/AFP)
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Updated 14 August 2024
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Investment tenders for 6 Saudi football clubs announced

Investment tenders for 6 Saudi football clubs announced
  • The clubs included in this phase are Al-Zulfi, Al-Nahda, Al-Okhdood, Al-Ansar, Al-Orouba and Al-Kholoud

RIYADH: The Ministry of Sport, in collaboration with the National Center for Privatization & PPP, or NCP, announced on Sunday that tenders for six sports clubs have been issued, aimed at local and international investors.

The clubs included in this phase are Al-Zulfi, Al-Nahda, Al-Okhdood, Al-Ansar, Al-Orouba and Al-Kholoud.

This announcement follows the ministry’s Sports Clubs Investment and Privatization Project Second Track, following the Council of Ministers’ approval to privatize 14 clubs in Saudi Arabia.

This initiative is a part of the ongoing project launched by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman aligning with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

It aims to provide opportunities for the private sector to help develop the sports industry.

Investors can submit expressions of interest, and requests for qualification, on the NCP website until Sept. 19.

Subsequent offers will be evaluated, followed by the announcement of the winners, and then ownership transferred.


‘Big transition’: Esports World Cup CEO welcomes chess to 2025 lineup in Riyadh

‘Big transition’: Esports World Cup CEO welcomes chess to 2025 lineup in Riyadh
Updated 12 sec ago
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‘Big transition’: Esports World Cup CEO welcomes chess to 2025 lineup in Riyadh

‘Big transition’: Esports World Cup CEO welcomes chess to 2025 lineup in Riyadh
  • Ralf Reichert spoke to Arab News about how the new addition has been embraced by the chess and gaming communities

RIYADH: In a groundbreaking move in the gaming industry, the 2025 Esports World Cup — taking place from July 31-Aug. 3 in Riyadh — has officially integrated chess into its lineup, marking a significant step in bridging traditional and digital sports.

With chess experiencing a global resurgence in online popularity, the move highlights the growing convergence of strategy, entertainment and competitive gaming.

According to Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports World Cup, incorporating chess was a natural evolution in fulfilling EWC’s commitment to showcasing the world’s best video games.

“Esports World companies promise to have the best video games in the world to be part of the Esports World Cup overall. And if you look at chess, the original board game is probably the oldest game that’s still out there and being played at scale,” he told Arab News in an exclusive interview. “It is popular almost everywhere in the world, and it had a big transition and a big growth rate in the last five years on the Internet, in video games.”

With platforms such as Chess.com redefining the sport’s accessibility and chess influencers such as Gotham Chess and Hikaru Nakamura drawing millions of viewers, the crossover between traditional chess and esports has become undeniable.

Beyond its historical significance, chess aligns perfectly with the core elements of esports — competition, strategy and global reach. Reichert highlighted its thriving competitive scene and how its digital adaptation aligns with the Esports World Cup’s club-based format.

“It has a hugely competitive ecosystem across the world, with participants who are stars and celebrities in their own right. It’s been played as a video game, and a lot of the qualifications are online,” he said.

“The biggest teams in the world, like Team Liquid, have signed Magnus Carlsen and Fabiano Caruana, (and) Hikaru Nakamura being signed by Falcons — the winner of the Esports World Cup 2024. Seven of the top 10 chess players have been signed to clubs, which shows that there is a big interest on both sides, the player’s side and the club’s side.”

This integration provides an opportunity for chess professionals to compete for life-changing prize money while promoting the sport to a wider audience.

While the move has been met with overwhelming enthusiasm, the full-scale integration of chess into an esports-focused championship remains a work in progress.

“I think I can tell you after the summer,” Reichert said when asked about potential challenges. “We spent a lot of time identifying three things — a. Does it ultimately qualify as esports from a purely technical perspective? b. is the sport ready in terms of scale and openness and necessity to develop it? and c. Who is the right partner to operate this with? Esports World Cup always works with the existing ecosystem and tries to make it bigger.”

The response from both the chess and gaming communities has been overwhelmingly positive. “It almost seems like it was long overdue to merge these two worlds,” he said. There’s been a lot of positive sentiment, fan anticipation all over the Internet, and media interest in how this will unfold.

To ensure that chess aligns with the high-energy nature of esports, EWC has opted for a fast-paced 10/0 format, also known as ultra-blitz.

The goal is to create the most competitive environment possible, where every match is crucial and becomes a “do-or-die scenario for the players,” according to the CEO.

The 10/0 format is the fastest-paced, with players given only 10 minutes to complete the game, with no additional time. This leads to rapid and intense matches, requiring players to carefully manage their time from the start. It offers an exhilarating experience for both the players and the audience.

The Esports World Cup is not treating chess as a one-off experiment. The inclusion is part of a broader long-term vision.

“Everything we do in the Esports World Cup is with a long-term horizon. We are trying to establish this as one of the largest sports properties. With chess, we have officially announced a three-year partnership at least,” Reichert said, adding that their expectation and hope is that it becomes a permanent fixture.

Looking ahead, Reichert envisions chess evolving within the EWC as a platform for both elite and emerging players.

The aim is to provide life-changing prize money and expand qualifications to be larger and more inclusive on a global scale. The goal is to give new players the chance to rise and compete on the biggest stage. With chess experiencing a resurgence as an online spectator sport, the hope is to bring that excitement to a live audience at the Esports World Cup.

While chess is a major addition, the 2025 Esports World Cup is set to expand even more elsewhere.

“Last year, we had 22 different disciplines. This year, we will have 25, with some of the biggest games that were missing (such as) Valorant, the largest competitive shooter, Fatal Fury, an up-and-coming fighting game, Crossfire, which is the largest shooter in China,” Reichert said.

“The Esports World Cup promises to have the best games, (including) chess as the most classic tactical game.”

With the Esports World Cup redefining the boundaries between traditional and digital competition, chess’s inclusion marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of both esports and one of the world’s oldest strategy games. As the first tournament unfolds, the chess world — and the wider esports community — will be watching closely.


Pakistan to host PSL 10th edition from April 11

Pakistan to host PSL 10th edition from April 11
Updated 7 min 22 sec ago
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Pakistan to host PSL 10th edition from April 11

Pakistan to host PSL 10th edition from April 11
  • The six-team tournament will see 34 matches from April 11 till May 18
  • Lahore will host 13 matches, including two eliminators and the final

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will host the 10th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) from April 11, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said on Friday, with defending champions Islamabad United taking on two times champions Lahore Qalandars at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in the opening match.
The six-team tournament will see 34 matches between April 11 and May 18. Lahore’s Qaddafi Stadium will host 13 matches, including two eliminators and the final, according to the PCB.
Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium will host 11 matches, including the first qualifier on May 13. National Bank Stadium in Karachi and Multan Cricket Stadium will host five PSL matches each.
“We are thrilled to officially announce the schedule for the historic 10th edition of the HBL Pakistan Super League,” PSL Chief Executive Officer Salman Naseer was quoted as saying by the PCB.
“As part of our commitment to expanding the reach of the HBL PSL, we are delighted to host an exhibition match in Peshawar before the start of the tournament, which is a significant step in bringing top-tier cricket to Peshawar, a city with a deep-rooted love for the game.”
The PSL, which officially began in February 2016, features city-based franchise teams and has become a major event in Pakistan’s cricket calendar, symbolizing the country’s love for the sport. The league brings together both local and international talent, and has grown substantially in value and popularity since its inception.
“We remain dedicated to enhancing the experience for players, fans, and stakeholders, who have witnessed some breathtaking contests in the league over the years,” Naseer said.
Karachi Kings, winners of the league’s 5th edition, will begin their campaign on April 12 in their own backyard against runners up of the last edition, Multan Sultans. Multan Sultans, winners of the 6th edition, will face Lahore Qalandars on April 22 – the first HBL PSL X match hosted by Multan Cricket Stadium.
The newly constructed Qaddafi Stadium in Lahore will welcome the PSL-X on April 24, with the home side taking on Peshawar Zalmi. Qalandars won the 7th and 8th editions.
Peshawar Zalmi, champions of the PSL 2017, will play their five matches at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, while Quetta Gladiators, winners of the fourth edition, will play five matches at Qaddafi Stadium.


Dubai set for Emirates Super Saturday at Meydan Racecourse

Dubai set for Emirates Super Saturday at Meydan Racecourse
Updated 20 min 19 sec ago
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Dubai set for Emirates Super Saturday at Meydan Racecourse

Dubai set for Emirates Super Saturday at Meydan Racecourse
  • A highlight of the racing calendar, the event acts as pathway to the Dubai World Cup on April 5

DUBAI: One of the highlights of the UAE racing calendar returns on March 1 when the Meydan Racecourse hosts Emirates Super Saturday, an event that has horses from around the globe compete for a coveted spot on the Dubai World Cup card.

Held just five weeks ahead of the Dubai World Cup on April 5, Super Saturday will feature nine races, with six offering guaranteed entry to the showcase event through the exclusive bonus scheme.

Ali Al-Ali, CEO and board member of Dubai Racing Club, said: “Emirates Super Saturday is one of our most popular and exciting days of racing, offering not only top-notch preparatory races but also a unique blend of sport, fashion and entertainment that captivates both racing aficionados and lifestyle enthusiasts.”

The highlight of the day is the G2 Al-Maktoum Classic, with $327,000 in prize money, and a field that includes top contenders Kabirkhan (under the guidance of eight-time UAE Champion Doug Watson), Korean star Global Hit, and France’s Group 1 winner King Gold.

The 2,400-meter G2 Dubai City of Gold paves the way for the G1 Longines Dubai Sheema Classic, while the G2 Singspiel Stakes serves as a strong race in its own right but also unlocks automatic entry to the G1 Dubai Turf.

Racing fans can look forward to match-ups featuring Godolphin’s multiple G1 winner Nations Pride and the British-trained sensation Cairo for Alice Haynes.

Adding an international twist, two impressive Japanese runners join the lineup.

These are American Stage, from trainer Yoshito Yahagi, in the Group 3 Mahab Al-Shimaal — an exciting prelude to the G1 Golden Shaheen — and T O Saint Denis, guided by Daisuke Takayanagi, in the G3 Burj Nahaar, set to prepare for the G2 Godolphin Mile.

Other highlights include the Group 3 Nad Al-Sheba Turf Sprint, a precursor to the G1 Al-Quoz Sprint featuring the defending champion British filly, Frost At Dawn, and there is the culmination of the three-year-old turf series with the Listed Jumeirah 1000 Guineas and Jumeirah 2000 Guineas.


Top seed Medvedev exits Dubai Tennis Championships after defeat to Griekspoor

Top seed Medvedev exits Dubai Tennis Championships after defeat to Griekspoor
Updated 34 min 48 sec ago
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Top seed Medvedev exits Dubai Tennis Championships after defeat to Griekspoor

Top seed Medvedev exits Dubai Tennis Championships after defeat to Griekspoor
  • World No. 47 stuns tournament’s No. 1 seed to set up last-4 tie with No. 4 seed Stefanos Tsitsipas, who advanced to first semifinal in 7 months after seeing off Matteo Berrettini
  • ATP’s most in-form player, Felix Auger-Aliassime, secures 15th win of the year against veteran Marin Cilic to secure semifinal berth alongside French qualifier Quentin Halys

DUBAI: In a stunning upset at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships on Thursday, Tallon Griekspoor toppled top-seeded Daniil Medvedev to secure the most significant victory of his career and leave the defeated world No. 6 smashing his racquet in frustration.

Showing remarkable resilience, Griekspoor rallied from a set down to claim a dramatic 2-6, 7-6 (7), 7-5 win. The Dutchman saved four match points in the second set before closing out the match at the fourth opportunity to earn a place in the ATP 500 semifinals, where he will face No. 4 seed Stefanos Tsitsipas.

Griekspoor’s path to the final four has been anything but easy. In the opening round, he survived three match points against qualifier Roman Safiullin, and in the second he took down defending champion Ugo Humbert of France.

Now, with Friday representing his eighth ATP Tour semifinal, the 28-year-old Griekspoor continues to prove his mettle against the sport’s elite. “I’m absolutely thrilled with this win,” he said.

“I had to fight off a few match points in the second set … Daniil is an incredible player and competitor. He’s been at the top of the game for years, so this is a huge victory for me.”

In a one-sided first set, Medvedev was quick to anticipate Griekspoor’s aggressive forays to the net, countering with precision and wrapping up the opening inside just 27 minutes. The Russian played near-flawless tennis, committing just one unforced error in open play and winning every point behind his first serve.

Yet Griekspoor refused to be discouraged. After surrendering an early break, the world No. 47 found his rhythm in the second set, sticking to his serve-and-volley strategy. Facing two match points at both 4-5 and 5-6 on his own serve, he forced a dramatic tiebreak that he ultimately won.

Buoyed by his resurgence — and later admitting to wondering how he was still in the tournament — Griekspoor carried his momentum into the decisive set, waiting patiently before seizing his opportunity in Medvedev’s final service game.

“(Daniil) played unbelievably well in the first set,” said Griekspoor. “I wasn’t doing too much wrong, but he was just better. I just tried to hang in there, even after going a break down in the second.

“Once I broke back, I felt the momentum shift a little in my favor. I had some luck on the match points I saved and in the second-set tiebreak, and even when I had match points myself, it took a few tries to close it out.”

Medvedev, who had been seeking a third successive Dubai semifinal, was asked what changed in the second set, responding: “(Tallon) started playing better in some moments. I do think in a way he got lucky with some shots, but that’s tennis.

“When I say lucky, he also went for it, so he deserves it. It’s on his side this week, luck. Sometimes it happens: you go all the way like this — a little bit crazy. Let’s see where it brings him.”

For now, it has brought him to the semifinal in Dubai and a tie with former world No. 3 Tsitsipas, after the Greece star outlasted Italy’s Matteo Berrettini to win 7-6(5), 1-6, 6-4, in a match that went on until after midnight.

The victory ensured a first semifinal appearance since July for Tsitsipas, a two-time Grand Slam finalist. “It’s a great feeling being back so deep in a tournament,” he said.

“It brings a smile to my face to know I’ve been playing good tennis to get to the semis of one of the biggest 500s. It was a difficult match, lots of ups and downs.

“My first set was a great effort to finish it off, but I didn’t really deliver in the second — it was pretty poor. I find it actually quite confusing how I managed to win in the end because it felt like I was going through some mental battle during the match.”

In the other half of the draw, the in-form Felix Auger-Aliassime defeated Croat Marin Cilic 6-4, 3-6, 6-2 to book a second semifinal appearance in the space of a week. The Canadian fought for 2 hours, 18 minutes before Cilic, facing match point on serve, sent a forehand wide.

The former world No. 6 fired a total of 13 aces and broke the Croat three times to reach his fourth semifinal of 2025. “It’s been a great start,” said Auger-Aliassime of his Tour-leading 15 wins this season.

“Of course there’s the work, but then there’s also just seizing opportunities. Sometimes you have to be fortunate.”

He added: “This week, I won three three-set matches that went back and forth. Now the level is so high everywhere, the margins are really small, but I’m glad that it went my way and another semifinal, it’s great.”

The Canadian will face Quentin Halys on Friday after the French qualifier reached his first ATP 500 semifinal by fighting back from a set down to beat Lucky Loser Luca Nardi 2-6, 6-3, 7-6(5). Halys had earlier this week stunned third seed Andrey Rublev, who won in Dubai in 2022.

“The end was crazy,” Halys said. “We were missing some easy shots and playing some crazy rallies … I’m super happy about the win and how I handled the end of the match.

“I’m coming from the qualifiers; I didn’t have many matches before this tournament. The way I’m playing this week is crazy good.”


Afghans plot Australia downfall after dumping out England in Pakistan-hosted Champions Trophy

Afghans plot Australia downfall after dumping out England in Pakistan-hosted Champions Trophy
Updated 28 February 2025
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Afghans plot Australia downfall after dumping out England in Pakistan-hosted Champions Trophy

Afghans plot Australia downfall after dumping out England in Pakistan-hosted Champions Trophy
  • The Champions Trophy debutants sent England crashing out with a thrilling eight-run victory in Lahore
  • Rain is forecast in Lahore but even a washout will keep Afghanistan in contention of reaching semifinals

LAHORE: Afghanistan skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi on Thursday targeted another big scalp in the form of Australia after knocking England out of the Champions Trophy, with a semifinal spot the prize.
The Champions Trophy debutants sent England crashing out of the 50-over tournament with a thrilling eight-run victory in Lahore on Wednesday.
Afghanistan similarly stunned then holders England at the 2023 World Cup in India.
Next they play world champions Australia at Lahore’s Qaddafi Stadium on Friday in their final group match and must win to reach the last four of the eight-nation tournament.
“Obviously a win like this boosts every team’s confidence and strengthens them,” Shahidi said after Afghanistan sent England packing.
“Our morale has increased even more.”
The skipper added: “The upcoming match will be crucial for both teams in the race for the semifinals.
“Australia is a tough and good team. I have said this in previous conferences as well — that we came here to play good cricket.
“We will try to play a positive game. Just like we defeated England today, we hope to beat Australia as well.
“We won’t put that pressure on ourselves by thinking too much about the semifinal qualification.”
Rain is forecast in Lahore but even a washout will keep Afghanistan in contention of reaching the semifinals, but they will then have to depend on other results or net run-rate.
Afghanistan, a growing force in white-ball cricket, and Australia have played four ODIs previously with the Australians winning all of them.
At the 2023 World Cup, Afghanistan had Australia on the ropes at 91-7 when a cramping Glenn Maxwell hammered an unbeaten 201 to pull off victory in hot and humid Mumbai.
Afghanistan roared back to beat Australia at last year’s T20 World Cup and they reached the semifinals in a landmark achievement.
Asked about the threat that the big-hitting all-rounder Maxwell poses, Shahidi said: “I know that he played really well in the 2023 World Cup, but that’s part of history.”
Afghanistan suffered a 107-run hammering to South Africa in their Champions Trophy opener last week but bounced back to post 325-7 against England.
Ibrahim Zadran smashed 177, the highest individual innings in Champions Trophy history, after Afghanistan chose to bat and were struggling on a precarious 37-3.
In reply, England were all out for 317 to suffer their second straight defeat.
The 23-year-old Zadran, who scored 17 against South Africa, is back in action after a long lay-off following ankle surgery.
“Even though he was away from cricket for six months, it’s never easy for a player to return from injury and make such a strong comeback in a high-stakes match,” said Shahidi.
“I am extremely happy for him because he is a very talented and hard-working player.”