Mbappe and Madrid denied in Mallorca draw

Mbappe and Madrid denied in Mallorca draw
Real Mallorca's Spanish midfielder #18 Antonio Sanchez (R) and Real Madrid's French forward #09 Kylian Mbappe fight for the ball during the Spanish league football match between RCD Mallorca and Real Madrid CF at the Mallorca Son Moix stadium in Palma de Mallorca on August 18, 2024. (AFP)
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Updated 19 August 2024
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Mbappe and Madrid denied in Mallorca draw

Mbappe and Madrid denied in Mallorca draw
  • Madrid’s star-studded side struggled to break down Mallorca, who came closer to winning the game in the final stages at Son Moix stadium

PALMA, Spain: Kylian Mbappe was left frustrated on his Real Madrid La Liga debut on Sunday as a resilient Real Mallorca held the Spanish and European champions to a 1-1 draw in their title defense opener.
The French superstar was thwarted by Mallorca goalkeeper Dominik Greif and after Rodrygo Goes sent Madrid ahead early on the hosts levelled in the second half through Vedat Muriqi’s towering header.
Madrid’s star-studded side struggled to break down Mallorca, who came closer to winning the game in the final stages at Son Moix stadium.
Los Blancos defender Ferland Mendy was sent off in stoppage time for a high challenge on Muriqi.
“We went ahead, we had chances to score the second, and then in the second half we lacked balance,” Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti told reporters.
“We conceded counter-attacks, it was not a good game, it was quite a clear game to see that we need to defend better and have better balance on the pitch.”
Ancelotti selected the same starting line-up which defeated Atalanta to win the UEFA Super Cup on Wednesday, with Jude Bellingham in midfield behind the Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo attacking line.
Mbappe scored in that victory but the former Paris Saint-Germain forward was unable to celebrate his first match in his new homeland with another goal.
Ancelotti was not impressed with his team’s work-rate.
“We have to do better, with more attitude,” continued the Italian coach.
“This game can serve us to learn a lot from, it’s a game where it was quite clear where we had a problem.
“Mallorca had a very good game in a defensive sense, better than us.”
Mallorca coach Jagoba Arrasate was facing his first match in charge of the Copa del Rey runners-up and could not have asked for a tougher challenge on paper than the reigning champions, bolstered by Mbappe’s arrival.
However, his team rose to the challenge and earned a creditable point.
Madrid, who lost just once last season as they marched convincingly to the title, started quickly and took the lead after a slick combination between their Brazilian forward.
Vinicius rolled the ball backwards for Rodrygo to collect in the area and the winger bent a shot into the far corner, beyond the reach of Greif.
The goalkeeper tipped away another Rodrygo effort and Mbappe sent an effort wide as Madrid stayed on top but could not expand upon their advantage.
Arrasate urged his players to stay in the game until half-time and they duly obliged, shutting down Los Blancos’ array of stars.
Muriqi came close before the break for the hosts and tough-tackling defender Pablo Maffeo was booked for an ugly challenge on Vinicius.
Mallorca levelled early in the second half with burly Kosovo target man Muriqi powering a header home from Dani Rodriguez’s corner.
Greif saved low from Mbappe at his near post and Vinicius lashed over as Ancelotti’s side sought to regain the lead.
Ancelotti sent on veteran Luka Modric, who turns 39 in September, for defensive midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni, in search of more fluidity in attack against Mallorca’s bunkered-in defense.
Mbappe came close again but Greif denied him once more and Johan Mojica hacked the rebound to safety before Rodrygo could reach it.
Mallorca stabilized and held their own in the final stages to leave Mbappe disappointed on his league debut.
Madrid’s frustration showed in Mendy’s wild hack at Muriqi which earned him a straight red card.
“I’m so tired but it was worth it, it was so important to get a point against a team like Madrid, maybe the best in the world,” said Muriqi.
“I have to be honest, scoring against Madrid is so beautiful.”


Kingdom’s esports chief ‘proud’ as Riyadh prepares to host 16th IESF World Esports Championship

Kingdom’s esports chief ‘proud’ as Riyadh prepares to host 16th IESF World Esports Championship
Updated 10 November 2024
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Kingdom’s esports chief ‘proud’ as Riyadh prepares to host 16th IESF World Esports Championship

Kingdom’s esports chief ‘proud’ as Riyadh prepares to host 16th IESF World Esports Championship
  • Event will bring together more than 50 nations

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is hosting the 16th edition of the International Esports Federation’s World Esports Championship in Riyadh from Monday.

The event, which is being hosted by the Saudi Esports Federation and runs until Nov. 19, will bring together more than 50 nations across six major esports tournaments at the SEF Arena at Boulevard Riyadh City.

The championship will feature contests in Counter-Strike 2 (including both an open and a women’s category), Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (open and women’s tournaments), PUBG Mobile, and Dota 2. 

With over 200 matches set to take place, more than 480 esports enthusiasts are ready to participate and showcase their skills in what organizers hope will be a landmark international event for the Kingdom.

Abdullah Al-Nasser, head of esports at the Saudi Esports Federation, said: “Hosting the IESF World Esports Championship 2024 in Riyadh is another proud accolade for the federation in the Kingdom’s gaming and esports journey to becoming a global hub for the industry.

“We are delighted to welcome all athletes and countries to the WEC24 ahead of what is going to be a fascinating and intense competition.”

The championship’s opening ceremony is to be held on Monday at the main stage of the SEF Arena.

The event will include the introduction of participating teams, highlighted by a flag ceremony displaying the flags of each competing nation. Those attending will also be treated to a look back at the history of the showcase, featuring memorable moments, rivalries, and significant achievements from past editions of the World Esports Championship.


Basketball returns to NEOM Beach Games with FIBA 3x3 World Tour

Basketball returns to NEOM Beach Games with FIBA 3x3 World Tour
Updated 10 November 2024
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Basketball returns to NEOM Beach Games with FIBA 3x3 World Tour

Basketball returns to NEOM Beach Games with FIBA 3x3 World Tour
  • Single-hoop tournament’s new incarnation this year is the top tier of the 3x3 format

NEOM, Saudi Arabia: 3x3 basketball returned to NEOM Beach Games this week with the hosting of the FIBA 3x3 World Tour NEOM 2024.

Thrilling final matches saw Team Miami triumph in the men’s tournament and Bahrain’s Al-Zallaq come out on top in the Women’s Cup. The competition drew large crowds at the Beach Games Hub to witness the finalists secure their well-earned victories.

FIBA 3x3 World Tour NEOM 2024 at NEOM Beach Games featured 16 teams, including returning men’s teams Amsterdam, Hangzhou and Plunge. The presence of recent Olympic gold medalists Worthy De Jong, Dylan Travis and Frank Seguela brought an increased competitive edge to the event.

Four Saudi Arabia men’s teams — AlUla, Dammam, Jeddah and Makkah — took part in the tournament.

The NEOM Beach Games also saw strong women’s representation from Saudi Arabia, with Jeddah and Riyadh teams stepping on to the court.

Following their remarkable success in Manama, where Riyadh made history by winning the Kingdom’s first international 3x3 women’s trophy, they continued to impress by reaching the semifinals.

Jeddah excelled throughout the competition, finishing as the cup runner-up after a close match against Al-Zallaq.


WTA Foundation champions women’s health at event in Riyadh

WTA Foundation champions women’s health at event in Riyadh
Updated 10 November 2024
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WTA Foundation champions women’s health at event in Riyadh

WTA Foundation champions women’s health at event in Riyadh
  • Princess Reema Bandar Al-Saud: ‘We have laid the foundations for cooperation with WTA toward a healthier, more active future both on and off the court’
  • Ahead of the WTA Finals Riyadh, former players Marion Bartoli, Martina Hingis and Daniela Hantuchova called for greater resources, visibility and funding

RIYADH: Ahead of the final match of the inaugural WTA Finals Riyadh presented by PIF, the WTA Foundation on Saturday hosted “Championing Women’s Health Together,” an educational event attended by Saudi Ambassador to the US Princess Reema Bandar Al-Saud and tennis legends Marion Bartoli, Daniela Hantuchova and Martina Hingis.

The event, highlighting a new vision for women and girls in Saudi Arabia, and addressing global health priorities such as maternal and child malnutrition, was supported by several regional and global partners, including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Health and Ministry of Sport, the Saudi Tennis Federation and WTA’s title partner, Hologic.

“Championing Women’s Health Together” is one of five major development engagements to take place this year since the WTA Foundation launched its “Women Change the Game” campaign in partnership with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation this past International Women’s Day.

Panel discussions tackled a variety of issues including the role of preventative women’s health, the lifelong health benefits of sports for women and girls, the global state of women’s health and maternal nutrition, and the goals of the WTA Foundation’s Global Women’s Health Fund.

The fund launched with a $1.5 million donation from Hologic. It focuses on providing prenatal vitamins to at least 1 million women in low- and middle-income countries in its first year. The resources will be directed to the UNICEF-led Child Nutrition Fund, a global initiative aimed at ending malnutrition.

Former Wimbledon champion and WTA Foundation Game Changer Marion Bartoli highlighted global advancements in women’s healthcare while acknowledging persistent challenges.

“Healthy women are indeed the cornerstone of healthy families, vibrant communities and prosperous economies — from right here in Saudi Arabia to every corner of the globe,” she said.

Princess Reema Bandar Al-Saud highlighted the tournament’s lasting impact in inspiring women and girls through tennis as well as promoting healthier lifestyles.

“The legacy of the WTA Finals Riyadh will resonate for years to come, extending beyond the remarkable athleticism shown by the world’s top female tennis players this week,” she said.

“By hosting the WTA Finals, we aimed to inspire women and girls across Saudi Arabia and beyond to embrace tennis not only as a sport, but as a powerful tool for empowerment and community building. Through initiatives like ‘Championing Women’s Health Together’ and our collaborative efforts with the WTA Foundation and the Saudi Tennis Federation to integrate tennis into schools and communities, we have laid the foundations for cooperation with WTA toward a healthier, more active future both on and off the court.”

Dr. Khaled Alabdulkareem, assistant deputy minister for primary healthcare, Ministry of Health, said: “The relationship between sports and healthcare is intrinsic, as an active society is a healthy one. The WTA Finals aligns with our national Vision 2030 ambitions to inspire a healthier, more physically active society. The legacy of the WTA Finals, by inspiring more women into tennis, along with today’s discussions highlighting women’s healthcare, are part of achieving our goals.”

Ann Austin, executive director of the WTA Foundation, highlighted the organization’s dedication to community development.

“The WTA is about changing lives through tennis with its partners around the world, and when we show the world how healthy we can be, we empower an entire generation of young female champions,” she said.

Meanwhile Dr. Alaa Murabit, director of global health advocacy and communications at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, said that across the world “women are changing the game in their homes, workplaces and communities every day.

“While they lead this work, it’s essential to make their health and well-being a priority,” she added. “Investing in women as game-changers requires ensuring women everywhere have access to proven health and nutrition solutions, which is what ‘Women Change the Game’ is all about.”


McIlroy and Bale join forces for special golf challenge in Abu Dhabi

McIlroy and Bale join forces for special golf challenge in Abu Dhabi
Updated 10 November 2024
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McIlroy and Bale join forces for special golf challenge in Abu Dhabi

McIlroy and Bale join forces for special golf challenge in Abu Dhabi
  • The sporting icons took part in a series of stunts to promote the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship

Sporting superstars Rory McIlroy and Gareth Bale joined forces recently to showcase their golfing abilities in a unique, eye-catching campaign ahead of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship.

The four-day Rolex Series event, part of the inaugural DP World Tour Play-Offs, is currently taking place at Yas Links, with the likes of McIlroy, Tommy Fleetwood, Justin Rose and Shane Lowry competing.

McIlroy, reigning Race to Dubai champion, was joined by Bale, the former Real Madrid forward and keen golfer, with the pair taking part in a series of visually impressive challenges on Yas Island which involved a fast-paced flying drone.

Firstly, McIlroy and Bale were tasked with hitting shots, both individually and together, with the drone flying as close to the ball flights as possible, changing the flight path around the ball trajectories each time.

They were then challenged to hit a flying drone in the style of a clay shooting target, with the pair working as a team over multiple rounds to complete the task.

 


Al-Jazira Jiu-Jitsu Club tops medal table at Abu Dhabi World Youth Jiu-Jitsu Championship

Al-Jazira Jiu-Jitsu Club tops medal table at Abu Dhabi World Youth Jiu-Jitsu Championship
Updated 10 November 2024
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Al-Jazira Jiu-Jitsu Club tops medal table at Abu Dhabi World Youth Jiu-Jitsu Championship

Al-Jazira Jiu-Jitsu Club tops medal table at Abu Dhabi World Youth Jiu-Jitsu Championship
  • The competition for youngsters is part of the ongoing 16th edition of the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship

ABU DHABI: Al-Jazira Jiu-Jitsu Club secured top position on the second day of the Abu Dhabi World Youth Jiu-Jitsu Championship at Mubadala Arena, part of the 16th edition of the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship.

Commando Group claimed second place, followed by the Kazakhstan National Team in third.

Mohamed Salem Al-Dhaheri, vice chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, commented: “Today, we witnessed future champions deliver outstanding performances characterized by skill, enthusiasm, and professionalism. The high level of these youth athletes reflects their dedication and passion for the sport. We take pride in Abu Dhabi’s role as a global hub where athletes can showcase their talents and take significant steps in their careers.”

Al-Dhaheri also commended the young athletes from the UAE who secured multiple medals, adding: “This generation has the potential to achieve remarkable success on the international stage. It is inspiring to see their talent and determination, proving they are on the right path to success.

“The Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship serves as an ideal platform for supporting young athletes, helping them reach their goals and gaining invaluable experience for future achievements.”