‘Best event on tour’: Ronnie O’Sullivan praises Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters

‘Best event on tour’: Ronnie O’Sullivan praises Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters
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Ronnie O’Sullivan (second left) called the Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters the best event on the WST. (Supplied)
‘Best event on tour’: Ronnie O’Sullivan praises Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters
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Ronnie O’Sullivan (second left) called the Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters the best event on the WST. (Supplied)
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Updated 03 September 2024
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‘Best event on tour’: Ronnie O’Sullivan praises Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters

‘Best event on tour’: Ronnie O’Sullivan praises Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters
  • World’s top ranked 16 players to make Riyadh debuts in Tuesday’s action after automatic qualification for the last 32

RIYADH: The inaugural Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters on Tuesday will welcome the world’s top 16 ranked players to the Green Halls in Riyadh.

The World Snooker Tour’s new major championship is the biggest in its history — inviting 144 of the world’s best cueists to compete for the title and vital rankings points.

Following four days of action since the competition began, the tour’s top the 16 elite players will kick off their campaigns on Tuesday, having qualified for the last 32 automatically.

On Monday night, some of the new additions spoke to local and international media and expressed their excitement about the opportunity to compete in Riyadh.

Dressed in traditional Saudi attire, Ronnie O’Sullivan, the seven-time world champion widely considered the greatest player of all time, said: “Saudi Arabia has really raised the bar — this is the best event on the tour. I’ve never seen so many happy snooker players, everyone is excited to be here, we want to compete, play well and put on a really good show for the Saudi Arabian fans.

“We’ve already seen a 147, which is fantastic, and the tournament has just begun. All the top players are about to enter the event and hopefully everyone’s going to watch some of the best snooker they could possibly see. The tables, the facilities, the venue that’s been put together; this tournament deserves to watch the best snooker ever seen, it really is that good.”

Confirmed for the next decade, the Saudi Arabian Snooker Masters is part of a legacy commitment between the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Sport, the Saudi Arabian Billiards & Snooker Federation and Matchroom Sport.

Emily Frazer, CEO of Matchroom Multi Sport, said: “For us, it’s about traveling the globe, developing the sport, and creating new opportunities for international players to compete. This is why Saudi Arabia was such an outstanding candidate to host snooker’s newest major championship. We’re not here for a standalone event; we’re here to inspire the next generation of players and further develop snooker at every level — regionally, nationally and globally.”

Frazer’s sentiments were echoed by Dr. Nasser Al-Shamri, president of the Saudi Billiards and Snooker Federation. While speaking about the Saudi Arabian Snooker Masters’ significance, he highlighted the opportunities waiting for new generations of local players and fans.

“This is a milestone moment for snooker in the Kingdom and one that’s already paving the way for the bright and opportunistic future ahead,” he said. “Local fans who’ve loved snooker for many years are now guaranteed to watch the world’s best players in a world-class event for the next decade. And in turn, this will inspire new generations who’ll benefit from our local infrastructure, tournaments and player pathways.

“We have big ambitions for the future — and we’re already seeing incredible development across the ecosystem.”

The Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters runs until Sept. 7 and presents players with vital world rankings points alongside a record prize pool.

Ex-world champions John Higgins, Mark Selby, Mark Williams, Luca Brecel and Shaun Murphy are among the top 16 lining up in Tuesday’s round five matches. World No.1 and 2019 world champion Judd Trump is also in action, as are world No.2 Mark Allen and 2024 world champion Kyren Wilson.

Simon Brownwell, CEO of WST, said that the involvement of the world’s best players is an essential step toward snooker’s expansion in the Middle East.

“We are proud of the way we have developed snooker around the globe over the past 15 years, becoming an international tour of over 20 events and more than 400 million viewers,” he added.

“We see expansion into the Middle East as an exciting step in that journey. Our shared ambition with our partners in Saudi Arabia is to build long term growth. This week’s groundbreaking new event and the presence of the world’s biggest stars will inspire new fans and players.”


Al-Ahli’s Ivan Toney looking to outscore Ronaldo in the SPL this season

Al-Ahli’s Ivan Toney looking to outscore Ronaldo in the SPL this season
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Al-Ahli’s Ivan Toney looking to outscore Ronaldo in the SPL this season

Al-Ahli’s Ivan Toney looking to outscore Ronaldo in the SPL this season
  • The England international is set for his Jeddah derby against Al-Ittihad on Thursday night

JEDDAH: Al-Ahli forward Ivan Toney is hoping to score more goals than Cristiano Ronaldo this season — starting by netting in a Derby Week victory over Jeddah rivals Al-Ittihad in the Roshn Saudi League on Thursday.

The England goalscorer, who joined Al-Ahli from Brentford in the summer, has netted three times in six Roshn Saudi League matches. Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo has six goals from seven Roshn Saudi League games for Al-Nassr this season.

Toney hopes to improve that tally in the Sea Derby, which kicks off at 9 p.m. local time on Thursday as Al-Ahli travel to face their city rivals Al-Ittihad at King Abdullah Sports City. The big game is part of Roshn Saudi League’s innovative Derby Week, which is taking place in Matchweek 9 of the 2024/25 season.

The new Derby Week addition to the Saudi Arabian topflight also features Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr versus champions Al-Hilal, with Neymar at No. 10, at Al-Awwal Park in the Capital Derby on Friday. The Eastern Derby between Al-Ettifaq, managed by Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard, and Al-Qadsiah, who welcomed Real Madrid hero Nacho into their ranks in summer, is on Saturday.

Here are some of Toney’s views on a big few days ahead.

On the derby

“We know it’s going to be big. On a personal level, it is going to be my first one. I’m excited. I know derbies from my previous clubs, but I’m sure it’s nothing like being here, how much it means to everyone, and hopefully we can win.

“I think it’ll be similar (to other derbies), you know, there’ll be tackles flying in, but the fact is we’re fighting for what color we make Jeddah. Obviously, it’s special to everyone and special to the fans; obviously with them being so close, we want to make Jeddah green.”

On facing top Al-Ittihad talent

“You’ve got to do the work. It’s all well and good coming up against these players, but we’re not here to idolize these players, we’re here to beat them, and hopefully we can do that.”

Roshn Saudi League ambitions

“Obviously, we have to aim to win the league. If I was saying, ‘We’ll just try and get top three,’ what’s the point in playing the games? We want to win the league, end of story.”

Goalscoring

“I always set targets for myself and hopefully I can hit them. (Media) ask me what my target is, but it doesn’t come out. It only comes out when I’ve hit it come the end of the season! Hopefully I can keep playing well, score goals and help the team to win games.”

On scoring more or less than Cristiano Ronaldo

“Hopefully more! To be fair, I’m competing with myself really, I don’t watch what other people are doing. Obviously, Ronaldo is a top player, but I concentrate on myself and what I do best.”


Karim Benzema happy at Al-Ittihad, head coach Laurent Blanc says

Karim Benzema happy at Al-Ittihad, head coach Laurent Blanc says
Updated 30 October 2024
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Karim Benzema happy at Al-Ittihad, head coach Laurent Blanc says

Karim Benzema happy at Al-Ittihad, head coach Laurent Blanc says
  • Team sits second in Saudi Pro League ahead of Thursday’s Sea Derby clash with Al-Ahli
  • ‘It will be a very interesting game,’ Frenchman says

JEDDAH: Al-Ittihad manager Laurent Blanc says his star striker Karim Benzema is happy to be at the Jeddah club, as the French duo target victory over Al-Ahli on Thursday.

Al-Ittihad go into the Sea Derby in second place in the Roshn Saudi League, with their rivals back in 11th. Ahead of the match, Blanc, a World Cup winner with France as a player in 1998, has spoken about managing Al-Ittihad, 2022 Ballon d’Or winner Benzema, facing Ivan Toney and the big game itself.

The match, which kicks off at 9 p.m. at King Abdullah Sports City, is part of the league’s innovative Derby Week, which falls on Matchweek 9 of the 2024-25 season.

The new feature will also see Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr play champions Al-Hilal, with Neymar at No. 10, at Al Awwal Park in the Capital Derby in a mouthwatering match up on Friday. The Eastern Derby between Al-Ettifaq, managed by Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard, and Al-Qadsiah, who welcomed Real Madrid hero Nacho into their ranks in summer, is on Saturday.

Here are some of Blanc’s views on what promises to be a big weekend for Saudi football:

The Sea Derby

“It will be a hard game because it is a derby. But the game? I don’t know, I am not a magician. We hope we have the ball, because we want the ball in every game. Certainly, Al-Ahli will not agree with that. They are a good team with good players, so we need to be ready for a big game.

“It will be a very interesting game because on the pitch will be many good players. It will be a tough game, physically and technically. And there will be many people in the stadium to see it. I am impatient because this game is very interesting to play.

“I have been involved in a lot of derbies — in France, in England, in Spain, in Italy. It is the same way everywhere. In Saudi Arabia it is the same. You prepare for the game, you want to prepare to be ready, physically and technically. We are preparing well, I am sure. But Al-Ahli is also too. The only way is to win the game, but for now we don’t know the result. So it is the same everywhere guys, the most important thing is preparing to be ready physically and in my opinion in the derby, mentally. If you are ready mentally you can get a result, if you are not ready mentally it is very difficult.”

Benzema

“I think he is happy on the pitch and certainly off the pitch — this is very important for the player and he’s scored a lot. But this isn’t a surprise. Karim Benzema has played football for 20 years more or less and he scored a lot every year — 25, 27, 24 goals in a year. In Madrid, in Lyon and in Al-Ittihad it is the same.”

Facing Toney and Mahrez

“Everybody knows this player (Toney) is a very good player. He is a scorer too. He scored a lot of goals in England. But it’s not only Toney, they have Mahrez who we know a lot because he played in France and in England, he scored a lot. Technically he is a very, very good player. Al-Ahli is a good team. Everybody knows that.”

Building a successful team

“We need to adapt the squad to our objective. It is complicated, if you want to go to the top there is only one way and that is to win games. So the objective is big and we have to work a lot. The local players and the foreign players don’t have the same culture, so we have to work with the football but also in my opinion to be working with the human. I love to do that. Sometimes we have good results, sometimes we have bad results but we need to continue to work like this.”


England’s FA apologizes after Muslim footballer barred from match over clothing

England’s FA apologizes after Muslim footballer barred from match over clothing
Updated 30 October 2024
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England’s FA apologizes after Muslim footballer barred from match over clothing

England’s FA apologizes after Muslim footballer barred from match over clothing
  • Iqra Ismail, 24, captained the Somali women’s team in 2019
  • She was told by a referee during a league game that shorts were mandatory

LONDON: England’s Football Association has apologized to a Muslim footballer who was barred from a league match over her clothing.

Iqra Ismail, 24, who captained the Somali women’s team in 2019, was prevented from taking the field after refusing to wear shorts due to her religious beliefs.

On Sunday, Ismail was due to come on as a halftime substitute for United Dragons FC from London, but was prevented by the referee, who said club shorts were mandatory.

The Dragons were playing Tower Hamlets within the Greater London Women’s Football League, which has since updated its guidance to match officials and members.

The league said in a statement that it has been working with the FA to “better understand” its guidance on women’s playing attire to “ensure their faith or religious beliefs are not compromised.”

The statement added: “It was our understanding that players were permitted to wear tights or tracksuit bottoms to cover their legs but that they would also have to wear shorts on top, to adhere to club colour regulations. It was this requirement that our referee was seeking to adhere to this weekend.”

Ismail told the BBC that she “was warmed up and ready to go” before the referee’s decision, and that she had worn tracksuits in matches for almost five years.

“I’ve never worn shorts playing competitively,” she added. “I told him that I wasn’t comfortable wearing shorts in any capacity. It was a shock to me that the referee took such a strong stance of it.

“I was very visibly upset as the game was going on, my teammates and the manager were very supportive. Everyone has been devastated.”

Ismail has played the sport since she was 8 and has always worn a sports hijab, a long-sleeve top and tracksuit while on the field.

She was appointed to the Football Black List in 2019 and was a speaker at the FA’s Your Game Your Way event at Brentford Football Club earlier this year, Sky News reported.

Since the incident on Sunday, which Ismail detailed in an online video, the FA has pledged to ensure that the issue is “quickly resolved.”

An FA spokesperson told Sky: “We are aware of this matter and we are in contact with Middlesex FA to ensure that it is quickly resolved.

“We proactively wrote to all county FAs and match officials across the women’s grassroots game earlier this year to confirm that women and girls should be allowed to wear clothing that ensures their faith or religious beliefs are not compromised.

“We remain deeply committed to ensuring that English football is an inclusive and welcoming environment for everybody.”


Abu Dhabi to host UCI Urban Cycling World Championships in December

Abu Dhabi to host UCI Urban Cycling World Championships in December
Updated 30 October 2024
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Abu Dhabi to host UCI Urban Cycling World Championships in December

Abu Dhabi to host UCI Urban Cycling World Championships in December
  • Free-to-attend event takes place Dec. 17-21 at the city’s Nation Towers

ABU DHABI: The Abu Dhabi Sports Council, in collaboration with the Union Cycliste Internationale, will host the 2024 UCI Urban Cycling World Championships later this year.

Taking place at Abu Dhabi’s Nation Towers from Dec. 17 to 21, the event returns to the city following a successful hosting of the 2022 edition.

The championships include competitions in two disciplines: BMX Freestyle (park and flatland for men and women) and trials (Women Elite, Men Elite 20 inch or 508 mm wheel size, Men Elite 26, Men Junior 20, Men Junior 26 and mixed team).

Other competitions taking place in Abu Dhabi include the 2024 UCI Cycling Esports World Championships on Oct. 26, as a part of the city’s bid to promote cycling.

In addition, on Dec. 18 and 19, the UAE capital will host the 2024 UCI Mobility and Bike City Forum, the UCI’s annual conference dedicated to the promotion of sustainable and active mobility, and cycling’s contribution to the global sustainable development agenda.

Aref Al-Awani, general secretary of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, said hosting the event reflects the “confidence” of international sports federations in Abu Dhabi’s “ability to dazzle, excel and be professional in organizing the largest global sporting events.”

The UCI’s President David Lappartient said he was “delighted” that the event is being held again in the UAE capital.

“The city provides a fitting setting for the spectacular urban disciplines of BMX Freestyle and trials, and with free entry to Nations Towers, the local population will have easy access to witness the best in the world in action.”

The popularity of cycling continues to grow in the capital following the launch of Bike Abu Dhabi in 2021, a government initiative designed to foster mobility, health and leisure.

The city currently has 300 km of dedicated cycle tracks in locations including Al-Hudayriyat Island, Abu Dhabi Corniche, Al-Wathba, Qasr Al-Sarab and Yas Marina Circuit, home of the iconic Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

This year’s edition will be the seventh instalment of the championships, with China (Chengdu) having hosted the first three events in 2017, 2018 and 2019, before it moved to France (Montpellier) in 2021.

Abu Dhabi staged the competition in 2022 with the UK (Glasgow, Scotland) taking over in 2023.


UAE national jiu-jitsu team are world champions for fifth year running

UAE national jiu-jitsu team are world champions for fifth year running
Updated 30 October 2024
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UAE national jiu-jitsu team are world champions for fifth year running

UAE national jiu-jitsu team are world champions for fifth year running
  • The Emirati athletes claimed nine medals in the tournament, which took place in Greece

HERAKLION: The UAE’s national jiu-jitsu team have taken the World Championship title for the fifth successive year.

The team, sponsored by Mubadala Investment Company, won nine medals in the adult category at the championships, in Heraklion, Greece — two golds, three silvers and four bronzes.

Hamad Issa Al-Blooshi also took the gold medal in the 60 kg para-jiu-jitsu section.

Mohamed Salem Al-Dhaheri, vice chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, dedicated the team’s achievements to the UAE’s leadership and support.

He also praised the dedication of the athletes and commended the technical staff, emphasizing how intensive training camps ahead of the tournament helped prepare them for the event and enhanced their performance.

“Our champions gained valuable experience at the championship, competing alongside the world’s elite. Their success in winning nine medals in the adult competitions and a gold medal in the para-jiu-jitsu category reflects their high sense of responsibility and readiness to meet any challenge,” Al-Dhaheri said.

“Throughout the championship, they displayed tremendous determination to achieve victory. We are confident that even more accomplishments lie ahead, driven by the leadership’s support, the athletes’ passion for jiu-jitsu, and their resolve to stay at the forefront.”

Gold medalist Al-Blooshi said: “I dedicate this achievement to the UAE’s wise leadership and the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, who have been a strong source of support, providing everything we need to pursue excellence. Jiu-jitsu is more than just a sport to me; it’s a way of life and a path that has helped me realize my potential.”

In the adult category, Omar Al-Suwaidi and Khaled Al-Shehhi won gold medals, while Balqees Abdul Karim, Zayed Al-Katheeri and Mohammed Al-Suwaidi claimed silver and bronze medals went to Aysha Al-Shamsi, Maitha Shraim, Mahdi Al-Awlaqi and Saeed Al-Kubaisi.