Esports World Cup to host Neymar celebrity gaming match in Riyadh

Esports World Cup to host Neymar celebrity gaming match in Riyadh
Neymar during a visit to the Esports World Cup in July. (Supplied)
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Updated 14 August 2024
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Esports World Cup to host Neymar celebrity gaming match in Riyadh

Esports World Cup to host Neymar celebrity gaming match in Riyadh
  • Al-Hilal’s Brazilian superstar to perform in ‘Counter-Strike 2,’ ‘Rocket League’ and ‘Tekken 8’ tournaments on Aug. 20 at Boulevard Riyadh City
  • Neymar’s visit is another step in mission to elevate esports and attract a broader global audience, says Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation

RIYADH: The Esports World Cup is set to host Al-Hilal’s Brazilian superstar Neymar for a unique showmatch experience in Riyadh on Aug. 20.

Neymar now calls Riyadh home after joining Saudi Pro League champions Al-Hilal in the summer of 2023.

Hosted at the Qiddiya Arena, the event will see Neymar play games in “Counter-Strike 2,” “Rocket League” and “Tekken 8.” Fans can also look forward to mini challenges, interviews, exclusive interactions, and raffles for signed merchandise.

In another first for Saudi Arabia’s esports scene, Neymar will enlist the help of professionals in “Counter-Strike 2” and “Rocket League.” Teams will be a mix of professional esports players, local talent, and special guests.

The inaugural Esports World Cup, which features 22 games across 21 titles over a two-month period, has a record-breaking industry prize pool of $60 million.

Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation, the hosting entity of the global event, said: “Neymar’s visit to the Esports World Cup is another step in our mission to elevate esports and attract a broader global audience.

“I’m excited to welcome Neymar back to EWC for the second time this year. Last month, he joined us to watch the incredible Counter-Strike 2 Esports World Cup Game Championship, and now he’ll showcase his own gaming skills in a celebrity showmatch.

“With his profound passion for gaming and competitive spirit, it’s sure to be thrilling for fans worldwide.”

Neymar, 32, who was pictured celebrating Esports World Cup action during a visit to Boulevard Riyadh City in July, is an Olympic gold medalist with Brazil, and won the UEFA Champions League with former club FC Barcelona.

The EWC Celebrity Showmatch featuring Neymar will be shown live on the Esports World Cup Central broadcast channel, and via media partners.


Bayern sign Germany defender Tah until 2029

Updated 2 sec ago
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Bayern sign Germany defender Tah until 2029

Bayern sign Germany defender Tah until 2029
“I want to take on responsibility here and work hard every day so that we’re successful as a team,” Tah said
“In Jonathan Tah we’ve acquired a player with international experience and quality,” said sporting director Christoph Freund


MUNICH: Bayern Munich have signed German international defender Jonathan Tah on a free transfer from Bayer Leverkusen, the Bundesliga champions announced on Thursday.

The 29-year-old has signed a four-year deal which will keep him in Munich until 2029.

“I’m very happy to be at Bayern. I want to take on responsibility here and work hard every day so that we’re successful as a team and win lots of trophies together,” Tah said in the club statement.

Tah spent a decade at Leverkusen, winning an unbeaten league and cup double in 2023-24. He told Leverkusen he would not be extending his contract beyond 2025 and was given a big farewell at his last home game in May.

Bayern were linked with signing Tah in the summer of 2024 with one year remaining on his contract, but the Bavarians refused to meet Leverkusen’s asking price.

Bayern needed to sign a center-back after Eric Dier departed for Ligue 1 side Monaco at the end of the season.

“In Jonathan Tah we’ve acquired a player with international experience and quality, who won’t need much time to establish himself in our defense,” said sporting director Christoph Freund.

“He’ll be a good and important addition for us with his technical qualities as well as his manner and the way he leads.”

The Hamburg-born defender, who was also linked with a move to Barcelona where he would have joined former Germany coach Hansi Flick, has played 35 games for the national team since making his debut in 2016.

Tah has since established himself at the heart of the Germany defense. He has started all but one of the international games for which he was available since September 2023.

He is a member of Julian Nagelsmann’s squad to play in the Nations League finals next month.

The hosts face Portugal in the semifinals in Munich on June 4 with the winner taking on either
France or Spain in the final at the Bayern home ground three days later.

Bayern also tried to sign Tah’s club teammate Florian Wirtz but the midfielder now appears likely to move to Liverpool after Leverkusen admitted this week that there is “concrete interest” from the Premier League winners.

Amorim tells Man Utd players they cannot ‘hide’

Amorim tells Man Utd players they cannot ‘hide’
Updated 12 min 11 sec ago
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Amorim tells Man Utd players they cannot ‘hide’

Amorim tells Man Utd players they cannot ‘hide’
  • “It’s a moment that is hard for us and we want to finish the season,” Amorim said
  • “But at the same time we want to give something to the fans”

HONG KONG: Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim said Thursday that his players cannot “hide” after a dismal season hit a fresh low when they were booed off following a friendly defeat in Malaysia.

United finished 15th in the Premier League and failed to win a trophy, then immediately jetted out Sunday for lucrative friendlies in Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong.

But if his squad were hoping for some respite in Asia, they did not get it, suffering a 1-0 defeat to a Southeast Asian XI in the Malaysian capital on Wednesday.

United’s players trudged off with boos ringing in their ears and now face Hong Kong’s representative team in another friendly on Friday.

“We’ve had the season that we had and it’s not easy to face the fans around the world, so it’s a moment that is hard for us and we want to finish the season,” Amorim said of the tour at the end of a long and poor campaign.

“But at the same time we want to give something to the fans. We are traveling, we don’t have time to adapt, we don’t have so much time to have contact with the fans and give everything they deserve.

“But it’s clear that we cannot hide... if there is one thing that is really important in this club, it’s that we need to face our fans in this moment and give something to our fans around the world.”

Amorim, who took over from Erik ten Hag during the season but failed to spark an improvement in performances, said his side of first-teamers and youngsters was “not really focused” in Wednesday’s loss.

“Everybody can feel it. But I understand the fans (booing), I understand the players and you also understand that we want to give something to the fans, but it’s hard in this moment,” he said.

The 40-year-old Portuguese said he had learned that being Manchester United manager meant being “more than a coach.”

“You have to improve as a person, you have to improve as a leader. Sometimes after the games you see I am frustrated, I am trying to control that.

“When you have results, you can manage everything so much easier,” he added.

Heavy rain lashed the 40,000-capacity Hong Kong Stadium on the eve of the game and Amorim will be desperate not to have any fresh injuries to finish off the campaign.

“The weather looks like Manchester so we feel at home,” Amorim joked.

“If we are professional and we focus on the game it is the best way to protect our players from injuries,” he added.


Teenager Andreeva shows her mettle, Pegula advances at French Open

Teenager Andreeva shows her mettle, Pegula advances at French Open
Updated 29 May 2025
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Teenager Andreeva shows her mettle, Pegula advances at French Open

Teenager Andreeva shows her mettle, Pegula advances at French Open
  • The 18-year-old sixth seed found herself an early break down on Court Simonne Mathieu
  • “This match wasn’t easy, I’d lost to her at the US Open,” Andreeva said

PARIS: Mirra Andreeva underlined her claycourt credentials again at the French Open when the Russian teenager methodically took apart Ashlyn Krueger, and third seed Jessica Pegula also moved into the third round on Thursday.

Andreeva, a surprise Roland Garros semifinalist in 2024, confirmed her calibre on the sport’s slowest surface with runs to the Madrid and Rome quarter-finals this season, and she had to be at her inventive best to beat the powerful Krueger 6-3 6-4.

The 18-year-old sixth seed found herself an early break down on Court Simonne Mathieu but fought back to secure the first set, before mixing up her game with exquisite sliced forehands in the next to see off her American opponent.

“This match wasn’t easy, I’d lost to her at the US Open,” Andreeva said, reflecting on her second-round defeat by Krueger in New York last August.

“She’s a powerful and aggressive player. I knew I had to play well ... I suffered and struggled with my serve, but I’m happy I found a way to stay calm.

“I pushed myself to fight until the end.”

Pegula, Krueger’s frequent doubles partner this season and French Open third seed, had to battle hard against fellow American Ann Li but found her best level when it mattered to prevail 6-3 7-6(3) in windy conditions.

Up next for the 2024 US Open runner-up is former Paris finalist Marketa Vondrousova, after the Czech sent 25th seed Magdalena Frech packing 6-0 4-6 6-3.

On the men’s side, Vondrousova’s compatriot Jiri Lehecka took out Spanish 26th seed Alejandro Davidovich Fokina 6-3 3-6 6-1 6-2 while Kazakh Alexander Bublik upset Australian ninth seed Alex De Minaur 2-6 2-6 6-4 6-3 6-2.

Three-times French Open champion Novak Djokovic continues his bid for more history and a record 25th Grand Slam trophy when he plays Frenchman Corentin Moutet later on Thursday.

Top seed Jannik Sinner resumes his hunt for a maiden title on Parisian clay when he meets another local favorite in Richard Gasquet, who will retire when his campaign at his home Grand Slam comes to an end.


Benzema named Saudi Pro League’s Player of the Season after Al-Ittihad title triumph

Benzema named Saudi Pro League’s Player of the Season after Al-Ittihad title triumph
Updated 29 May 2025
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Benzema named Saudi Pro League’s Player of the Season after Al-Ittihad title triumph

Benzema named Saudi Pro League’s Player of the Season after Al-Ittihad title triumph
  • Salem Al-Dawsari named Best Saudi Player, Cristiano Ronaldo retains the Golden Boot as competition’s top scorer

JEDDAH: Al-Ittihad’s Karim Benzema was declared the winner of 2024-2025 Saudi Pro League’s Player of the Season award after the season’s conclusion on Monday.

According to the league's official X account on Wednesday, the French forward claimed the award after scoring 21 goals and providing nine assists during the Jeddah club’s title-winning campaign.

The award for Best Saudi Player went to Al-Hilal captain Salem Al-Dawsari who enjoyed the most productive season of his career, scoring 15 goals and making 15 assists as his team finished second in the league.

Al-Nassr captain Cristiano Ronaldo won the Golden Boot award for the second consecutive season after topping the league’s scorers list with 25 goals.

Al-Ittihad’s French coach Laurent Blanc took the Best Coach award after leading his team to the league title with two rounds remaining.

The Young Player of the Year award went to Musab Al-Juwair, the 21-year-old Al-Shabab team midfielder, who impressed throughout the season with 15 goal contributions (five goals, 10 assists) in 31 matches. Al-Ettifaq’s Marek Rodak collected the Goalkeeper of the Season award after an exceptional season.

The winners of the Saudi Pro League awards are selected through a vote in which coaches and team captains each make up 40 percent, sports media professionals 15 percent, and fans five percent.


Signs of hope for a cricket nation in transition

Signs of hope for a cricket nation in transition
Updated 29 May 2025
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Signs of hope for a cricket nation in transition

Signs of hope for a cricket nation in transition
  • In 2019 Zimbabwe Cricket was suspended from ICC tournaments because of government interference. Only recently has optimism for the future of cricket in the African country returned

On May 23, a one-off, four-day Test match began at Trent Bridge, Nottingham, between England and Zimbabwe. It was the first match in any format between the countries since 2007 and only the seventh Test match played between them. The last meeting was in 2003 when England hosted two Tests, winning both by an innings.

Overall, England has won four of the seven Tests, with three drawn. Two of these were in December 1996, the first time England toured Zimbabwe, which was granted full membership of the International Cricket Council in 1992.

Zimbabwe’s playing performances over the last three decades have fluctuated drastically. In the first 30 Test matches, only one was won, at home to Pakistan in early 1995. This prompted discussion that the granting of Test status had been premature. However, a talented group of players emerged to provide the basis for a Test team that became one of the hardest to beat in the late 1990s. It won a one-off Test against India in October 1998, following up on this by beating Pakistan 1-0 in a three-match Test series in November and December 1998. The one-day international team qualified for the 1999 World Cup, narrowly missing out to New Zealand on a semi-final place because of an inferior net run-rate.

These golden years were ended by political turmoil. The 2003 World Cup was jointly hosted by Zimbabwe, Kenya and South Africa. Concerns over security of players caused England to forfeit a match scheduld to be played in Harare. A desperate shortage of food, a deteriorating economic situation and violent clashes between rival factions led two Zimbabwean players, Andy Flower and Henry Olonga, to stage a protest. In a long statement they said that they could not “ignore the fact that millions of our compatriots are starving, unemployed and oppressed … that thousands of Zimbabweans are routinely denied their right to freedom of expression.” They wore black armbands, “mourning the death of democracy.”

Unsurprisingly, the government was embarrassed, both players were dismissed from the team and felt compelled to leave Zimbabwe. Team harmony, already affected by government involvement in selection, was further disrupted, with a succession of players deciding to end their international careers prematurely. In 2004, the team captain, Heath Streak, was sacked by the Zimbabwe Cricket Union, prompting 14 other players to walk out.

Despite attempts at rapprochement, results failed to improve in an environment of mistrust. Another bout of player resignations led the cricket board to voluntarily suspend the team from Test cricket in late 2005. After a six-year exile, Test cricket returned to Zimbabwe in August 2011 when Bangladesh was beaten in a one-off match in Harare. In subsequent years, off-the-field issues continued to dominate, whilest performances on the field were patchy and disappointing. 

In July 2019, the ICC voluntarily suspended Zimbabwe Cricket from ICC tournaments because it had failed to ensure that it was free from government interference. This meant that ICC funding was frozen and that neither men’s nor women’s teams could compete in T20 World Cup preliminaries and qualifiers, despite a lifting of the suspension three months later.

It is only recently that greater optimism for the future of cricket in Zimbabwe has emerged. Control over finances seems to have been established, ICC funding of $13.5 million being used to support a five -team domestic structure, national sides and the expensive business of hosting Test matches. Since 1992, the men’s Test team has played 124 Test matches, winning only 14, drawing 30 and losing 80. It would be easy for ZC to downplay Test cricket at a time when its relevance is being questioned.

The stance of ZC’s chair, Tavengwa Mukhulani, is diametrically opposite. He wants to see all Full Member teams play each other on a home and away basis, believing that the way for Zimbabwean cricketers to improve is by playing the stronger teams. Consequently, Mukuhlani is not in favor of a two-tier Test system. It is also an issue for him that Zimbabwe is not part of the World Test Championship, for reasons which are not clear to him. Zimbabwe’s commitment to Test cricket is clear. In 2025, it will play 11 Tests, joint highest with Australia.

The issues for Zimbabwe at Test level were illustrated at Trent Bridge. England was invited to bat first and raced to score almost 500 runs on Day 1, against bowling that betrayed a lack of knowledge of how to perform on an English pitch. In reply to England’s 565 for six, declared, Zimbabwe’s batters attacked, none more so than Brian Bennett, 21. He wrote himself into the history books by scoring the fastest Test century for Zimbabwe. Although England ultimately won by an innings and 45 runs, it was clear that Zimbabwe has talent to nurture. 

Some of this nurturing will fall to experienced team members. One of them, Sikandar Rasa, has played for Zimbabwe since 2013. Prior to the Test at Nottingham, he was playing in the Pakistan Super League for Lahore Qalandars. Once the Test, in which he bowled 25 overs and batted for 20 overs, had finished a day early, he flew back to Lahore via Birmingham, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, arriving minutes before play started. Lahore was set 202 to win. When Rasa went out to bat, 57 runs were needed from 3.2 overs. He immediately hit a four and six and, in the final over, repeated the feat to secure victory with one delivery remaining.

Zimbabwean cricket has suffered tough times over the past 20 years. Superhuman feats such as Rasa’s and the individual performances witnessed at Nottingham, where the team enjoyed colourful and musical support, provide hope for a brighter future. In Zimbabwe's first World Cup match at Trent Bridge in June 1983, when Australia was dramatically beaten by 13 runs, a bright future was suggested. Then, the team consisted almost entirely of white players, Ali Shah being the exception. Fifteen years later, nine of the team were white. At Trent Bridge last week, seven of the team were black, including the 6 foot, eight inches tall fast bowler, Blessing Muzarabani, who had claimed 26 Test wickets in 2025 prior to Nottingham.

Robert Mugabe, who ruled Zimbabwe between 1980 and 2017, is attributed with saying that “Cricket civilises people and creates good gentlemen. I want everyone to play cricket in Zimbabwe. I want ours to be a nation of gentlemen.” Noticeably, there was no mention of women.

Zimbabwe’s women’s team made its international debut in 2006 at the ICC Africa Regional Qualifier for the Women’s Cricket World Cup. The team has yet to reach the final stages of a World Cup although it did win a gold medal at the Africa Games in 2023. Currently, the team consists entirely of black players.

In the past two decades, a transformation has taken place that has turned the men’s national cricket team into one that more closely represents Zimbabwe’s demographics, in which white Zimbawean’s make up less than 1 percent of the 17 million population. The women’s team is totally reflective of that fact. Zimbabwean cricket needs an era of stability and support to allow its new generation of cricketers to mature.