Patrice Evra: ‘E-sports can be 10 times bigger than football’

Patrice Evra (pictured in yellow), a UEFA Champions League and five-time Premier League winner with Manchester United, spoke as a panelist at the NGSC, a two-day conference being held at the Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh. (AN Photo/Abdulraham Shalhoub)

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Updated 24 August 2024

Arab News

August 24, 2024 22:37

Patrice Evra: ‘E-sports can be 10 times bigger than football’

Ex-Manchester United star: ‘This generation want gaming. It can be bigger than football 100%’
Final day of New Global Sport Conference takes place at Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh on Sunday

Updated 24 August 2024

Arab News

August 24, 2024 22:37

RIYADH: Electronic sports can be “10 times bigger than football,” former Manchester United player Patrice Evra said at the New Global Sport Conference 2024 on Saturday.
Evra, 43, a UEFA Champions League and five-time Premier League winner with Manchester United, spoke as a panelist at the NGSC, a two-day conference being held at the Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh.
The former left-back spoke at a session called “Becoming a Modern Sports Hero — Sports, Gaming and the Relentless Pursuit of Excellence” alongside Gabriel “FalleN” Toledo, the Brazilian national who is a star Counter-Strike II player for FURIA Esports.
The session explored how modern-day sports stars have redefined excellence in their respective fields, and parallels between traditional sports and competitive gaming, delving into the mindset, dedication and strategies that propel each to the pinnacle of their careers.
Speaking on the sidelines of the NGSC, Evra said: “Without hesitation, e-sports can be bigger than football — e-sports can be 10 times bigger than football.
“This is the new generation. Don’t forget, old school, our parents didn’t let us play (gaming), so we couldn’t do it. This generation want gaming. It can be bigger than football 100 percent.
“You can see the fans in the arenas where all these gaming competitions happen, like at the Esports World Cup in Riyadh … It’s serious. Kids have time to play and love it.
“The professionals train eight hours per day; footballers train two, maximum three hours per day. It’s going to be so big.”
FalleN, 33, told the conference: “I started playing when I was a kid. I was part of the first generation who knew what e-sports could be. I’m very happy I pursued my dreams and very happy to be here now.”
The second edition of the NGSC, themed “The Future of Fandom,” is hosting more than 60 global speakers, 200 CEOs and 1,200 attendees.

Topics: esport Saudi Arabia Patrice Evra The New Global Sports Conference

Dodgers comeback stuns Yankees to seal World Series triumph

Updated 4 sec ago

AFP

October 31, 2024 04:35

Dodgers comeback stuns Yankees to seal World Series triumph

Dodgers sealed their second Major League Baseball championship crown in five seasons and eighth overall
The Yankees had looked poised to take the series back to Los Angeles for game six

Updated 4 sec ago

AFP

October 31, 2024 04:35

NEW YORK: The Los Angeles Dodgers produced a stunning fightback to defeat the New York Yankees and clinch the World Series on Wednesday with a dramatic come-from-behind 7-6 victory.
On a night of spellbinding drama at Yankee Stadium, the Dodgers sealed their second Major League Baseball championship crown in five seasons and eighth overall after recovering from 5-0 down to complete a 4-1 series victory.
The Yankees, who had kept the series alive with an 11-4 rout in game four on Tuesday, had looked poised to take the series back to Los Angeles for game six after home runs from Aaron Judge, Jazz Chisholm and Giancarlo Stanton.
Yankees starter Gerrit Cole meanwhile produced a masterful performance from the mound to keep the Dodgers’ potent offensive line-up scoreless through four innings.
But a catastrophic fifth inning by the Yankees, which included a litany of defensive errors, saw the Dodgers pile on five unearned runs to tie the score at 5-5.
Although the Yankees regained the lead through a Stanton sacrifice-fly in the sixth inning, the Dodgers hit back in the eighth with sac-flys of their own from Gavin Lux and Mookie Betts to claim what turned out to be a winning 7-6 lead.
The Dodgers then brought back game three starter Walker Buehler to bag the final three outs in the ninth to clinch victory.
“Obviously (we’re) resilient, but there’s so much love in this clubhouse, care — that care won this game today,” said Dodgers star Betts. “That’s what it was. It was love, it was grit. It was just a beautiful thing and I’m just proud of us and I’m happy for us.”
Buehler meanwhile admitted he had not been expecting to play a part in the game.
“I wish I was in a little better shape so my heart could have handled it better,” the Dodgers pitcher said.
Dodgers star Freddie Freeman, who blasted four consecutive home runs in the opening four games of the series, was named Series Most Valuable Player.
“I think we were all saying the first three innings — ‘let’s just get one, just chip away, we can do this,’” said Freeman, who drove in two runs in the fifth inning rally with a single. “There’s a couple of mistakes that happened, you’ve got to capitalize.”
The Dodgers had gone into Wednesday’s game quietly confident, with victorious game one starter Jack Flaherty back on the mound.
But Flaherty’s eve-of-Halloween outing turned into a horror show as the revived Yankees bats cut loose to leave the Dodgers reeling.
Judge crushed a two-run homer in the first inning and then Chisholm followed it with a solo shot to put the Yankees 3-0 ahead, before Alex Verdugo drove in a run for Anthony Volpe to make it 4-0 in the second, prompting Dodgers manager Dave Roberts to remove Flaherty.
Stanton’s third inning solo home run made it a five-run game but after that dream start, the wheels fell off in the fifth.
Enrique Hernandez launched the Dodgers rally with a single to lead off the inning and then Tommy Edman was given a reprieve when Judge flubbed a catch in center-field that left the Dodgers with two men on base and no outs.
The Dodgers loaded the bases after an error from Volpe, the Yankees shortstop’s throw to third base hitting the dirt.
The Yankees appeared to have stopped the bleeding after Cole struck out Gavin Lux and Shohei Ohtani in quick succession.
But a terrible mix-up between Cole and first baseman Anthony Rizzo allowed Betts to single and score Hernandez to make it 5-1.
Freeman then took full advantage, doubling to score Edman and Will Smith to make it 5-3 with runners on first and third.
Teoscar Hernandez then drove a double to center-field to bring in two more runs and the game was suddenly tied at 5-5.
The Yankees reclaimed the lead in the sixth when Stanton flied out to deep center-field to bring home Juan Soto to leave the Yankees 6-5 up as the game headed to the late innings.
But the Dodgers conjured another rally, with Lux and Betts bagging sac-flys to snatch a one-run lead at 7-6, leaving Buehler to close out victory in the ninth.

Topics: baseball Major League Baseball Los Angeles Dodgers New York Yankees

Copa del Rey games and other sporting events postponed after deadly floods devastate southern Spain

Updated 31 October 2024

October 31, 2024 04:31

Copa del Rey games and other sporting events postponed after deadly floods devastate southern Spain

The Spanish league planned to postpone all weekend matches in the Valencia region, including those of Valencia against Real Madrid and Villarreal against Rayo Vallecano
Clubs, soccer stars and other athletes — including Vinicius Junior, Luka Modric, Sergio Ramos, Diego Simeone and Thibaut Courtois — posted messages of support on social media
Both Madrid and Barcelona held a moment of silence before their training sessions on Wednesday

Updated 31 October 2024

October 31, 2024 04:31

VALENCIA, Spain: The Copa del Rey matches involving Valencia and Levante have been postponed following floods that have killed at least 95 people and caused havoc in southern Spain.

Other sporting events were also affected by Tuesday’s flash floods that swept away cars, turned village streets into rivers and disrupted rail lines and highways in the worst natural disaster to hit the European nation in recent memory.

The Spanish league planned to postpone all weekend matches in the Valencia region, including those of Valencia against Real Madrid and Villarreal against Rayo Vallecano. Three second-division games also were expected to be postponed.

Clubs, soccer stars and other athletes — including Vinicius Junior, Luka Modric, Sergio Ramos, Diego Simeone and Thibaut Courtois — posted messages of support on social media.

“Real Madrid is deeply saddened and expresses its solidarity with all the people affected by this catastrophe, to whom it conveys all its full support and sympathy,” the club said.

Both Madrid and Barcelona held a moment of silence before their training sessions on Wednesday.

Spanish tennis players Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz both joined in the messages of support, as did Formula One driver Carlos Sainz.

“Today was a sad day with the suffering and pain caused by the (floods),” Nadal said on X. “Everyone’s hearts are hurting seeing those images.”

Valencia was set to play Parla Escuela in the first round of the Copa del Rey on Wednesday, while Levante was scheduled to visit Pontevedra.

Other midweek Copa games in the southern region were canceled as well.

The season-ending MotoGP race in Valencia in two weeks was also in doubt after reports of heavy damage caused by the floods at the Circuito Ricardo Tormo.

Some basketball games also had to be rescheduled as travel was affected throughout Spain.

Rainstorms that started Tuesday and continued Wednesday caused flooding across southern and eastern Spain, stretching from Malaga to Valencia. Muddy torrents tumbled vehicles down streets at high speeds while debris and household items swirled in the water. Police and rescue services used helicopters to lift people from their homes and rubber boats to reach drivers stranded atop cars.

Topics: Copa del Rey Spain floods

Musiala scores a hat trick as Bayern Munich beat Mainz 4-0 in German Cup

Updated 31 October 2024

October 31, 2024 04:14

Musiala scores a hat trick as Bayern Munich beat Mainz 4-0 in German Cup

After scoring his first on a slick team move assisted by Harry Kane, Musiala made sure he was in the right place at the right time for his other goals
The ease of the win underlined Bayern’s return to the sort of domestic dominance it is used to in Germany after a trophyless 2023-24 season
Eintracht Frankfurt played almost all of the game with 10 men but still beat Borussia Moenchengladbach 2-1

Updated 31 October 2024

October 31, 2024 04:14

MAINZ, Germany: Jamal Musiala scored a first-half hat trick as Bayern Munich reached the third round of the German Cup in a 4-0 win over Mainz on Wednesday.

Bayern were never seriously tested after Musiala opened the scoring less than 90 seconds into the game.

The ease of the win underlined Bayern’s return to the sort of domestic dominance it is used to in Germany after a trophyless 2023-24 season, even if their Champions League campaign has been less impressive.

After scoring his first on a slick team move assisted by Harry Kane, Musiala made sure he was in the right place at the right time for his other goals.

The second came on the rebound when a Kane shot was saved and Musiala completed his hat trick with Bayern’s fourth goal of the game, a tap-in when Konrad Laimer’s cross deflected off two Mainz players. Shortly before that, Leroy Sané had scored Bayern’s third goal on a flowing counterattack that began in his team’s own penalty area.

In Wednesday’s other games, Union Berlin have been on the rise again in the Bundesliga but had an early cup exit with a 2-0 loss to third-division Arminia Bielefeld.

Eintracht Frankfurt played almost all of the game with 10 men but still beat Borussia Moenchengladbach 2-1 on goals from forward Hugo Ekitike and Omar Marmoush.

Frankfurt were without defender Arthur Theate from the 15th minute after his handball saw him red-carded for the second game in a row. Theate was sent off in Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Union Berlin but the suspension didn’t carry over to the cup.

Heidenheim was upset 2-1 by second-division Hertha Berlin. Heidenheim thought it had done enough to go to extra time when Paul Wanner headed in a last-second equalizer, but it was ruled out for an apparent foul in the buildup.

Other Bundesliga teams progressed as Werder Bremen knocked out Paderborn 1-0, Freiburg saw off Hamburger SV 2-1 and Hoffenheim knocked out Nuremberg 2-1.

Topics: Bayern Munich German Cup

Man Utd hit five to start life after Ten Hag, Man City out of League Cup

Updated 31 October 2024

AFP

October 30, 2024 23:06

Man Utd hit five to start life after Ten Hag, Man City out of League Cup

Updated 31 October 2024

AFP

October 30, 2024 23:06

MANCHESTER: — Ruud van Nistelrooy enjoyed a winning start as interim Manchester United manager by beating Leicester 5-2 to reach the League Cup quarter-finals on Wednesday as Manchester City crashed out 2-1 to Tottenham.
Arsenal and Liverpool were among the other sides to book their place in the last eight, but Chelsea were beaten 2-0 at Newcastle.
A United legend as a player, Van Nistelrooy was thrust into the role of caretaker boss after the Red Devils sacked Erik ten Hag on Monday following a dreadful start to the season.
Sporting Lisbon coach Ruben Amorim is the man the English giants have targeted to take over but are still in negotiations with the Portuguese champions to agree compensation for the 39-year-old.
According to reports in Portugal, Amorim will remain at Sporting for the next three matches before completing his move during the November international break.
“I came here as an assistant to help the club. I’m helping as long as I’m needed and in the future, in any capacity, I’m here to help the club build toward the future,” said Van Nistelrooy.
“The reaction of the players was excellent. They deserve the credit for a good win and I’m happy the crowd goes home with a nice night of football.”
The Dutchman said before the game that United “can be unstoppable” when “players, staff and supporters pull together” and they cut loose by scoring four times in a thrilling first 45 minutes.
Casemiro’s stunning effort into the top corner opened the scoring before Alejandro Garnacho swept home Diogo Dalot’s cross to please a jubilant Van Nistelrooy on the touchline.
Bilal El Khannouss quickly pulled a goal back for the much-changed Foxes.
Bruno Fernandes’ deflected free-kick restored United’s two-goal cushion before Casemiro slammed home his third goal in two games.
Conor Coady grabbed another consolation for Leicester but United were not to be denied just a second win in nine games.
Fernandes rounded off the scoring when he pounced on a short back-pass to round Danny Ward and fire home.
United’s reward is a trip to Tottenham in the last eight after they eliminated a City side without Erling Haaland.
Timo Werner slotted home his first goal since March from Dejan Kulusevski’s inviting cross to open the scoring.
Pape Sarr’s long-range strike doubled Spurs’ lead before Matheus Nunes got an injury-hit City back into the tie in first-half stoppage time.
But they could not find an equalizer and Pep Guardiola showed where his priorities lie as Haaland remained on the bench for the full 90 minutes.

Cody Gakpo was the match-winner for Liverpool in a 3-2 win at Brighton to continue Arne Slot’s excellent start to life with the Reds.
Gakpo has not scored in the Premier League or Champions League this season but now has four goals in two League Cup games.
The Dutch international was ruthless with two powerful finishes cutting inside onto his right foot from the left wing.
Luis Diaz was also on target for Liverpool, while Simon Adingra and Tariq Lamptey struck late on for Brighton.
Liverpool are away to Southampton in December’s quarter-finals.
Teenager Ethan Nwaneri caught the eye with a sensational strike as Arsenal eased to a 3-0 win at Championship side Preston.
Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz got the other goals for the Gunners.
Arsenal host Crystal Palace, who beat Aston Villa 2-1, in the quarters.
Newcastle gained revenge for their Premier League defeat at Chelsea at the weekend to ease the pressure on manager Eddie Howe.
The Saudi-backed Magpies are winless in five in the league, but are desperate to end a 55-year wait to win a major trophy.
Alexander Isak’s strike and an Axel Disasi own goal inside three first-half minutes proved decisive at St. James’ Park.
Newcastle will fancy their chances of making the last four after being handed a home draw against Brentford.

Excitement builds for SAL Jeddah GT Race 2024

Updated 30 October 2024

Arab News

October 30, 2024 22:41

Excitement builds for SAL Jeddah GT Race 2024

Final preparations underway at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, which will host the motorsport event on Nov. 29 and 30
It includes the latest rounds of 2 top competitions: the Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe and the GT4 European Series

Updated 30 October 2024

Arab News

October 30, 2024 22:41

JEDDAH: With less than a month to go, final preparations are underway at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit for the SAL Jeddah GT Race 2024, which will feature the latest rounds of two prominent motorsport competitions: the Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe Powered by AWS and the GT4 European Series Powered by RAFA Racing Club.

The circuit, described as the fastest street circuit in the world, will host the event on Nov. 29 and 30. It includes a six-hour, 1,000 kilometer race, in which 55 cars will compete. It is the second-longest event, in terms of distance, in the Fanatec GT World Challenge after the CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa race in Belgium. The Jeddah event will also feature a 50-car, 250 kilometer GT4 contest.

The races will feature top drivers from many of the world’s leading manufacturers, including Porsche, Aston Martin, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Mercedes-AMG, BMW M Sport, Audi Sport and Ford. The SAL Jeddah GT Race is a new addition to the international championship calendar this year.

Topics: SAL Jeddah GT Race 2024 Jeddah Corniche Circuit CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa

Patrice Evra: ‘E-sports can be 10 times bigger than football’

Patrice Evra: ‘E-sports can be 10 times bigger than football’

Lessons in resilience from football legend Patrice Evra and esports star FalleN

New Global Sports Conference brings ‘incredible assembly of leaders’ from gaming and sports, says Ralf Reichert

Dodgers comeback stuns Yankees to seal World Series triumph

Dodgers comeback stuns Yankees to seal World Series triumph

Volpe slam sparks comeback after Freeman homer, Yankees beat Dodgers 11-4 to force World Series Game 5

Dodgers beat Yankees to reach brink of World Series crown

Copa del Rey games and other sporting events postponed after deadly floods devastate southern Spain

Copa del Rey games and other sporting events postponed after deadly floods devastate southern Spain

Mallorca beat Real Sociedad on penalties to return to Copa del Rey final two decades later

Real Madrid condemn racist abuse of Barca players in Clasico

Musiala scores a hat trick as Bayern Munich beat Mainz 4-0 in German Cup

Musiala scores a hat trick as Bayern Munich beat Mainz 4-0 in German Cup

Raphinha hat-trick helps Barca thrash Bayern in Champions League

Kane hat-trick sends Bayern top past Leipzig

Man Utd hit five to start life after Ten Hag, Man City out of League Cup

Man Utd hit five to start life after Ten Hag, Man City out of League Cup

Excitement builds for SAL Jeddah GT Race 2024

Excitement builds for SAL Jeddah GT Race 2024

Prince Khaled bin Sultan Al-Faisal outlines 20-year program to build ‘new ecosystem’ for Saudi motorsports

Saudi Logistics Services partners with Jeddah GT Race 2024

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Patrice Evra: ‘E-sports can be 10 times bigger than football’

Patrice Evra: ‘E-sports can be 10 times bigger than football’

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Dodgers comeback stuns Yankees to seal World Series triumph

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Copa del Rey games and other sporting events postponed after deadly floods devastate southern Spain

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