Professional Fighters League reveals ‘Battle of the Giants’ video ahead of Riyadh showdown
Event on Oct. 19 is headlined by Francis Ngannou and Renan Ferreira for the heavyweight title
Updated 02 October 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: The Professional Fighters League has released the promotional film for the “Battle of The Giants: Brace for Impact” event, created with award-winning studio Duality, which takes place on Oct. 19 at Mayadeen in Riyadh.
The video is inspired by the epic movie classic “Godzilla vs. King Kong,” and was filmed entirely on green screen using state-of-the-art technology.
It features larger-than-life versions of headliners Francis “The Predator” Ngannou and 2023 PFL Heavyweight World Champion Renan “Problema” Ferreira towering over a city and clearing everything in their paths to fight.
The card will also feature Bellator Women’s Featherweight World Champion Cris “Cyborg” taking on two-time PFL World Champion Larissa Pacheco in the co-main event, and a lightweight showdown between AJ “Mercenary” McKee and Paul “Big News” Hughes.
“Battle of the Giants: Brace for Impact” Main Card:
Heavyweight Main Event: Francis Ngannou (17-3) vs. Renan Ferreira (13-3, 3 No Contest).
Manchester United late show deepens Manchester City crisis
City have now won just once in their last 11 games
United climb to 12th and within five points of their city rivals
Updated 15 December 2024
AFP
MANCHESTER: Manchester United scored twice in the final three minutes to deepen Premier League champions Manchester City’s crisis with a 2-1 win at the Etihad on Sunday.
City have now won just once in their last 11 games, a run that includes eight defeats.
Josko Gvardiol’s first-half header had put Pep Guardiola’s men in front.
But United hit back for just Ruben Amorim’s second win in five league matches since taking charge last month.
Bruno Fernandes’ penalty levelled before Amad Diallo squeezed home the winner from a narrow angle in the last minute of regular time.
Defeat leaves City still in fifth, nine point off leaders Liverpool, who have a game in hand.
United climb to 12th and within five points of their city rivals.
The Red Devils will be hoping a dramatic victory can also be the starting point for Amorim to turn around the momentum of a rivalry that City have dominated over the past decade.
Amorim made a bold call before kick-off as both Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho were left out of the United squad with the Portuguese saying he “pays attention to everything.”
The United boss may have regretted that call as early as the 12th minute when Mason Mount limped off to continue his injury-ravaged spell since joining from Chelsea 18 months ago.
A shortage of confidence in both sides was clear to see in a cagey start.
It took 20 minutes for Phil Foden to have the first attempt on goal with a volley that flew just wide of Andre Onana’s goal.
But United’s set-piece defending has been at the root of their poor start to life under new management.
For the third consecutive Premier League game they conceded from a corner as Kevin De Bruyne’s deflected cross looped perfectly into the path of Gvardiol to head in on 36 minutes.
A slow burn of a derby finally came to life seconds later when Kyle Walker and Rasmus Hojlund went head-to-head with both ending up getting booked.
Foden’s double win this fixture for City last season on their way to an unprecedented fourth consecutive league title.
The England international’s lack of form and fitness has been one of the causes of City’s struggles this season.
However, Foden looked more like his old self as a jinking run and shot that deflected just wide came close to doubling City’s lead before half-time.
United did not manage a single shot on target in the first 45 minutes and Amorim was growing visibly frustrated at his side’s poor play on the ball as the second period started in a similar manner.
A vintage City side under Guardiola would have put their neighbors to the sword, but English champions created nothing of note in the second period.
Diallo finally forced Ederson into action with a header that the Brazilian clawed around the post on the hour mark.
Fernandes then missed a glorious chance to equalize 15 minutes from time when his dink over Ederson drifted wide with just the Brazilian to beat.
However, City were to be the architects of their own downfall.
Matheus Nunes’ short backpass played in Diallo, who was then chopped down by the Portuguese midfielder in his desperation to atone for the original error.
Fernandes this time coolly sent Ederson the wrong way to level.
City’s defense was then undone by one simple long ball over the top by Lisandro Martinez that Diallo raced onto, rounded Ederson and kept his composure to find the net.
Diriyah Company partners with Golf Saudi to operate Wadi Safar Golf Course, Royal Golf Club
Signing witnessed by officials, professional players, Golf Saudi ambassadors, select media
Updated 15 December 2024
Arab News
DIRIYAH: Diriyah Company signed a landmark agreement with Golf Saudi on Sunday to operate the Wadi Safar Signature Golf Course and the Royal Golf Club, set to become key sites within the expansive Diriyah development near Riyadh.
The signing ceremony, which was held at the Wadi Safar Experience Center and on the golf course, was witnessed by officials, professional players, Golf Saudi ambassadors, and select media.
Jerry Inzerillo, group CEO of Diriyah Company, and Noah Alireza, CEO of Golf Saudi, spoke of the collaboration’s transformative potential in their remarks at the event.
Inzerillo said: “This partnership with Golf Saudi marks an exciting chapter in Diriyah’s journey to becoming a global cultural and lifestyle destination.
“The Wadi Safar Signature Golf Course and Royal Golf Club embody our vision of blending world-class experiences with the heritage and natural beauty of Diriyah. Together, we are elevating golf tourism while supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 ambitions to lead in sustainable and inclusive developments.”
Golf Saudi will oversee operations at Wadi Safar, aiming to attract both regional and international audiences.
Alireza said: “We’re thrilled to collaborate with Diriyah Company on this landmark project.
“Wadi Safar represents an extraordinary addition to the Kingdom’s golfing venues. Together, we are setting a new standard for golf tourism, enhancing Saudi Arabia’s profile in the global sports and leisure market while championing sustainability and cultural heritage.”
The Wadi Safar Signature Golf Course, which was designed by golf legend Greg Norman, covers 630,000 sq. meters and was recently completed.
The facility includes an 18-hole championship course, a nine-hole academy course, a driving range, and short-game practice areas. It is just minutes from the UNESCO World Heritage Site of At-Turaif.
Tabuk Tigers win second season of NEOM community cricket program
Participation surged by 85 percent compared to the inaugural season in 2023, with 84 teams representing more than 150 companies
Updated 15 December 2024
Arab News
NEOM: The Tabuk Tigers edged out NESMA Fighters to take the honors in the second season of the NEOM cricket program, held in partnership with Indian Premier League team Rajasthan Royals.
The final, played in front of a 2,000-strong audience that included cricketing icons Rahul Dravid and Kumar Sangakkara, marked the end of a six-month competition featuring 146 matches. The day also featured an exhibition match between two all-female teams.
Participation surged by 85 percent compared to the inaugural season in 2023, with 84 teams representing more than 150 companies competing in a fast-paced T10 format.
Prince Saud bin Mishal Al-Saud, chairman of the Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation, emphasized the broader significance of the program.
“By developing a vibrant cricket community, we aim to inspire widespread participation and further establish cricket as a key contributor to the Kingdom’s sports ambitions,” he said.
Jan Paterson, managing director of NEOM Sport, added: “This partnership with the Rajasthan Royals underscores our commitment to fostering an inclusive community and using sport as a platform for growth and opportunity.
“By creating pathways for men, women and young people to engage in cricket, we’re strengthening community ties and advancing NEOM’s vision of a physically active society.”
Manoj Badale, owner of the Rajasthan Royals, said: “This collaboration is about more than cricket, it’s about fostering participation, inclusivity and active lifestyles. Cricket has the power to inspire communities, and we’re proud to be part of an initiative that has brought NEOM’s residents closer.”
With 84 teams and a growing community of players, NEOM’s cricket program aligns with Saudi Arabia’s national sports strategy, which aims to promote sporting participation and enhance quality of life.
‘The pride I felt winning for my country was unparalleled’: Saudi Rocket League FIFAe World Cup winners share joy of victory
Saudi stars reveal how it felt to become first-ever FIFAe World Cup winners on home soil
Saudi Arabia crowned first-ever FIFAe Rocket League world champions on home soil
Updated 15 December 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: The victorious Saudi Arabia team, who claimed victory on Dec. 8 in the inaugural FIFAe World Cup, featuring Rocket League, have been sharing their pride at securing the crown.
Cheered on by a raucous home crowd, they delivered a commanding performance to secure the title at the SEF Arena in Boulevard Riyadh City last Sunday.
Team captain Mohammed Al-Otaibi, known as TrK511, reflected on the triumph and said: “It’s an indescribable feeling to finally become world champions, winning the FIFAe Rocket League World Cup in our homeland, with our fans behind us every step of the way, makes the achievement unforgettable.”
Saudi Arabia dominated their opponents, topping the group stages before defeating Chile 4-0 in the quarter-finals, Brazil 4-0 in the semifinals and France 4-1 in the final.
Yazid Abdullah Bakhashwin, known as “Kiileerrz,” described the pride of representing Saudi Arabia on a global stage.
“This is the greatest achievement of my career,” he said. “What makes it even more significant is that it was the first Rocket League tournament for FIFAe, held here at home. The energy from the fans inside the SEF Arena was electrifying. Their cheers after every match and goal pushed us to perform at our peak.”
For coach Abdulrahman Al-Saad, the victory was the culmination of relentless preparation.
Mohammed Khalid Alotaibi (trk511) of Team Saudi Arabia celebrates against Team France during the Final of the FIFAe World Cup featuring Rocket League at SEF Arena on Dec. 8, in Riyadh. (FIFA via Getty Images)
“We’ve been working towards this tournament for so long,” he said. “Being the first of its kind and hosted in our homeland made it even more meaningful. It marked the end of a long year of tournaments — around 10 in total — where we learned from every match and improved on our mistakes, especially in international competitions.”
The victory was particularly sweet for the Saudi team, who had often come close in previous tournaments without taking the top prize.
“Reaching the finals and semifinals only to fall short was tough,” said Saleh Abdullah “Rw9” Bakhashwin. “But my family and friends never stopped believing in us. This win feels like the perfect reward for all our efforts, and I’m proud to have made them proud,” he added.
His teammate and captain, TrK511, echoed the sentiment.
“After so many close calls, this victory feels especially meaningful. We’ve learned from our past experiences, practiced relentlessly, and stayed focused as a team,” he said.
Eighteen nations competed in the tournament, one of three in the FIFAe Finals 2024. The event was part of a growing number of competitions hosted in Saudi Arabia, which included the inaugural Esports World Cup earlier this year. With 23.5 million gamers — almost 70 percent of the population — the Kingdom is rapidly establishing itself as a global leader in esports.
“The esports industry in Saudi Arabia is expanding at an incredible pace,” said coach Al-Saad. “The Kingdom is investing heavily in infrastructure and nurturing young talent. This win reflects the passion our country has for gaming and esports.”
For Saudi Arabia’s world champions, this victory is just the beginning.
“We’re living in an era of esports, with tournaments happening year-round and so much support from our country,” said TrK511. “I’ve always wanted to achieve something for my family and my country, and now I’ve achieved the most important title of my career — but it won’t be the last.”
JEDDAH: The Next Gen ATP Finals begins in Jeddah on Wednesday, with the season’s top under-20 players competing for the championship title.
The tournament, in its second year in Saudi Arabia, will be organized by the Saudi Tennis Federation and the Association of Tennis Professionals, under the supervision of the Ministry of Sports, and sponsored by the Public Investment Fund.
Held on indoor hard courts at King Abdullah Sports City from Dec. 18-22, the Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF features the eight best 20-and-under players on the ATP Tour.
This year’s lineup comprises Frenchman Arthur Fils, Alex Michelsen of the US, Jakub Mensik of the Czech Republic, China’s Juncheng Shang, American Learner Tien, Luca Van Assche of France, American Nishesh Basavareddy and Brazil’s Joao Fonseca.
Defending champion Hamad Medjedovic cannot try to retain his title due to his age, meaning that a new winner will be crowned in Jeddah next week.
The new ambassador of the Saudi Tennis Federation, Rafa Nadal, one of the greatest sporting figures and tennis players of all time, will attend the semifinals and final to witness the new champion crowned for 2024.
The 2024 tournament has increased total prize money to a record $2.05 million.
