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Errani and Paolini among 3 doubles teams confirmed for WTA Finals in Riyadh

Errani and Paolini among 3 doubles teams confirmed for WTA Finals in Riyadh
Italy’s Jasmine Paolini, left, returns a play with Sara Errani during their women’s doubles gold medal match against Individual Neutral Athletes Mirra Andreeva and Diana Shnaider during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games on Aug. 4, 2024. (AFP)
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Updated 09 October 2024
Arab News
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Errani and Paolini among 3 doubles teams confirmed for WTA Finals in Riyadh

Errani and Paolini among 3 doubles teams confirmed for WTA Finals in Riyadh
  • Gabriela Dabrowski and Erin Routliffe will be making their second consecutive appearance as a team at the prestigious season-ending event
  • Katerina Siniakova won the WTA Finals doubles title in 2021, while Taylor Townsend will be making her tournament debut
Updated 09 October 2024
Arab News
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RIYADH: The WTA has announced the doubles teams that have qualified for the WTA Finals Riyadh, which are Sara Errani and Jasmine Paolini, Gabriela Dabrowski and Erin Routliffe, and Katerina Siniakova and Taylor Townsend.

They are the third, fourth and fifth pairings to secure their participation after Jelena Ostapenko and Lyudmyla Kichenok, and Hsieh Su-Wei and Elise Mertens confirmed their qualification in September.

Over half the doubles field is now set for the WTA Finals Riyadh, with three qualification places remaining on the PIF Race to the WTA Finals.

The WTA Finals Riyadh is a key element of the Saudi Tennis Federation’s plans to grow the sport in the Kingdom and have 1 million participating by 2030.

This is a part of the WTA’s aims to grow the game worldwide.

Paolini will debut at the WTA Finals, while Errani returns, having competed in doubles from 2012-2014 and qualified in singles in 2012 and 2013.

The Italian duo won the WTA 500 Upper Austria Ladies Linz and the WTA 1000 Internazionali BNL d’Italia in Rome, finished as runners-up at Roland-Garros, and clinched gold in doubles at the Paris Olympics.

This season marks Canadian Dabrowski’s sixth WTA Finals appearance, with her partner Routliffe being the first New Zealand qualifier last year. They went undefeated in the 2023 group stages and won the WTA 250 Rothesay Open Nottingham.

They also reached four finals at WTA 1000 events in Toronto, Miami, Eastbourne, and Wimbledon, where Routliffe became the PIF WTA World No. 1 in doubles.

Siniakova and Townsend, who won Wimbledon in July, have also qualified for the WTA Finals. Townsend debuts, while Siniakova makes her sixth consecutive appearance, having won in 2021 and finishing as runner-up in 2018 and 2022.

The Czech-US duo teamed up in May, reaching the quarterfinals in Rome, winning Wimbledon, and making the semifinals at the US Open.

The 2024 WTA Finals features the top eight singles and doubles teams on the PIF Race to the WTA Finals Leaderboard, with the eighth spot going to the singles player and doubles team that have won a Grand Slam if ranked No. 8 to No. 20.

This showcases the world’s best eight singles players and doubles teams competing in a round-robin format.

The singles champion lifts the WTA Finals Billie Jean King Trophy and the doubles champions earns the WTA Finals Martina Navratilova Trophy.

Topics: tennis Sara Errani Jasmine Paolini WTA Finals Riyadh Saudi Arabia

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Manchester derby brings sleepless nights for Guardiola and problems for Amorim

Manchester derby brings sleepless nights for Guardiola and problems for Amorim
Updated 1 min 10 sec ago
AFP
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Manchester derby brings sleepless nights for Guardiola and problems for Amorim

Manchester derby brings sleepless nights for Guardiola and problems for Amorim
Updated 1 min 10 sec ago
AFP

LONDON: Riddled with anxiety about Manchester City’s shocking decline, Pep Guardiola will endure another sleepless night as he tries to pose more problems for Ruben Amorim in the Manchester United manager’s first taste of the Premier League’s most explosive rivalry.
For the first time in years, City go into the Manchester derby mired in even more turmoil than United after a dismal run of one win in 10 games in all competitions.
Wednesday’s 2-0 Champions League defeat at Juventus was City’s seventh loss in that period, an astonishing collapse for a club that has won six of the last seven Premier League titles, including their current streak of four in a row.
United are hardly in peak form themselves, having won just three of Amorim’s six games in charge since he replaced the sacked Erik ten Hag.
But Amorim has already inflicted one painful blow to Guardiola this season when his Sporting side crushed City 4-1 in the Champions League in Lisbon on November 5.
City squandered an early lead on that occasion, blown away by Viktor Gyokeres’ hat-trick as Amorim ruthlessly exposed the gaping holes in Guardiola’s ramshackle defense.
That chastening loss came just days before Amorim officially took charge at Old Trafford and Guardiola would love to exact avenge at the Etihad Stadium this weekend.
Whether Guardiola’s injury-plagued team, whose confidence appears to be in tatters, are in any shape to deliver a sixth win in their last seven league meetings with United is another matter.
The strain of the worst run of his glittering managerial career is taking a toll on Guardiola as well.
In an interview before the Juventus game, Guardiola said his state of mind was “ugly,” his sleep was “worse” and he was eating lighter as his digestion has suffered during City’s collapse.
On Friday, Guardiola, who recently signed a new two-year contract, insisted he was “fine” despite the stress.
“In our jobs we always want to do our best. When that doesn’t happen you are more uncomfortable than when the situation is going well,” said Guardiola, who could have just three fit defenders available on Sunday.
“In good moments I am happier but when I get to the next game I am still concerned about what I have to do.
“There is no human being that makes an activity and it doesn’t matter how they do.”
There is no question another loss to Amorim would be a huge blow for Guardiola, whose fourth-placed side are eight points behind leaders Liverpool, who have a game in hand.
Yet Amorim has plenty of issues of his own to resolve after a rocky first month in Manchester featuring only one league victory in four matches.
United are languishing in 13th place after successive league losses to Arsenal and Nottingham Forest underlined the extent of the rebuilding job faced by Amorim.
They struggled to find any fluency in a nervy 2-1 victory at minnows Viktoria Plzen in the Europa League on Thursday.
Given United’s mediocrity before and since his arrival, Amorim is in no position to cast aspersions about City’s woes.
“I never think about these things. We will face a great opponent and I’m more focused on our problems, so we have a lot of issues here,” he said.
“I’m more focused on what we should do on Sunday to win the game, so I’m really focused on my team.”
And the 39-year-old believes City are capable of hitting back if United allow them to rediscover their rhythm amid the sound and fury of the derby.
“The great teams can respond in any moment. I think they are in a better place than us in the type of understanding the game,” he said.
“The way they play, the confidence they have. Even in these kind of moments.”

Topics: Manchester city Manchester United Pep Guardiola

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French court jails 3 rugby players for 12 to 14 years over rape

French court jails 3 rugby players for 12 to 14 years over rape
Updated 14 December 2024
AFP
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French court jails 3 rugby players for 12 to 14 years over rape

French court jails 3 rugby players for 12 to 14 years over rape
  • It sentenced Irishman Denis Coulson, 30, and Frenchman Loick Jammes, 30, to 14 years behind bars, and New Zealander Rory Grice, 34, to 12 years in jail
  • None of the three had been in detention until now
Updated 14 December 2024
AFP

BORDEAUX: A French court Friday jailed three rugby players formerly with French side Grenoble for 12 to 14 years over the 2017 rape of a student after a drunken night out.
It sentenced Irishman Denis Coulson, 30, and Frenchman Loick Jammes, 30, to 14 years behind bars, and New Zealander Rory Grice, 34, to 12 years in jail.
None of the three had been in detention until now.
Coulson had stopped playing rugby and was working in construction, while Jammes and Grice have been playing for Provence Rugby and Oyonnax, two French clubs in second division.
Gaessy Gros, one of the lawyers representing the victim, said the ruling “gave a very strong signal to men in this country, to the rugby world, and to women.”
Coulson’s lawyer Corinne Dreyfus-Schmidt said she was “extremely shocked” by the verdict.
She and attorneys for Jammes and Grice said they would appeal.
The court in the southwestern city of Bordeaux also handed a four-year sentence, including two years suspended, to ex-Ireland international 31-year-old Chris Farrel over failure to prevent the crime.
Farrel, who has also been playing for Oyonnax, was to serve his two years under house arrest with an electronic bracelet.
New Zealander Dylan Hayes, now 30 and unemployed, received a two-year suspended sentence, also for not intervening to stop the rape.
In the small hours of March 12, 2017, the student, identified only as V., was in tears as she left a hotel on the outskirts of Bordeaux, where the Grenoble team spent the night after losing a Top 14 encounter against local side Bordeaux-Begles.
V. filed a complaint with police, saying she had met the players in a bar together with two friends and accompanied them to a nightclub where all of them drank heavily.
The student said she had no recollection of how she got from the club to the hotel where she woke up, undressed on a bed and abused.
She saw two undressed men in the room and others fully dressed.
Coulson, Jammes and Grice stated they had an encounter with V. but claimed it was consensual and the student had been pro-active in bringing it about.
On the basis of statements from the accused and witnesses, as well as a video shot by Coulson, investigators have concluded there were several incidents of abuse.
CCTV footage showed her having difficulty standing up as she arrived at the hotel and being propped up by a player.
Gros argued during the trial V. was “in no state to give her consent as these men who carried her, who were with her, know perfectly well.”
Coulson’s lawyer, Dreyfus-Schmidt on Wednesday said her client had apologized to the victim and his teammates too “because he feels responsible as it was him who led the young woman into the room.”
Rape accusations have shaken the world of international rugby recently.
An Argentine court on Tuesday dismissed rape charges against two French international rugby players accused of assaulting a woman after playing a match in the country in July.
Hugo Auradou and Oscar Jegou, both aged 21, were held for weeks in Argentina after the alleged July assault.
A 39-year-old woman, whom they met in a nightclub accused them of a vicious assault in a hotel room.
A judge in Mendoza dismissed the case on the advice of the prosecution, which called for the charges to be dropped over inconsistencies in the woman’s version of events. Her lawyer too is planning to appeal.

Topics: French court Grenoble rape rugby Denis Coulson Loick Jammes

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How will the World Cup change Saudi Arabia?

How will the World Cup change Saudi Arabia?
Updated 13 December 2024
Sulafa Alkhunaizi
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How will the World Cup change Saudi Arabia?

How will the World Cup change Saudi Arabia?
  • As well as the stadiums, Saudi Arabia plans to construct around 230,000 hotel rooms across five host cities to accommodate visiting fans and dignitaries
Updated 13 December 2024
Sulafa Alkhunaizi

RIYADH: Preparations are set to begin across Saudi Arabia to ensure a seamless World Cup in 2034 after the Kingdom was officially named host.

So, how will the World Cup, one of the world’s premier sporting events, change Saudi Arabia? As stated in the Kingdom’s bid, games will be played in 15 stadiums, with 11 yet to be built, spread across Riyadh, Jeddah, Alkhobar, Abha, and NEOM.

Luckily, the Kingdom has ample time to learn from previous World Cups, as well as the upcoming event: 2026 will be jointly hosted by the US, Mexico, and Canada, and 2030 jointly hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco.

Saudi Arabia’s opening game and final will be held in the new 92,760-capacity King Salman International Stadium in Riyadh.

Existing stadiums, including “The Shining Jewel” in Jeddah, will undergo major refurbishment and expansion.

Each stadium must have a capacity of at least 40,000, with quarterfinal and semifinal venues able to accommodate 60,000 spectators. Stadiums for the opening match and the final must have a minimum capacity of 80,000.

As well as the stadiums, Saudi Arabia plans to construct around 230,000 hotel rooms across five host cities to accommodate visiting fans and dignitaries.

Looking at its eastern neighbor Qatar might give some indication of how the major infrastructure projects will leave their mark on Saudi Arabia.

While many of Qatar’s World Cup venues, including the iconic Lusail Stadium, are being used by the Qatar Stars League, others are being repurposed. These include the Al-Bayt Stadium, part of which will be converted into a hotel and shopping center.

Ebraheem Alghafees is one of many Saudis excited about the Kingdom hosting the World Cup. 

Alghafees attended the 2022 tournament in Qatar, and said that it was nothing short of extraordinary. 

“Attending the games was thrilling, and the electrifying atmosphere in the stadiums left an indelible impression on me.”

He told Arab News that Saudi Arabia can “draw several lessons” from previous World Cups.

“First, investing heavily in infrastructure and transportation is crucial for accommodating global audiences.

“Second, creating a cultural narrative that showcases Saudi heritage, while leveraging advanced technologies, can help deliver a memorable experience.

“Lastly, fostering a welcoming environment through hospitality initiatives will ensure that visitors leave with positive impressions of the Kingdom.”

Describing his excitement about Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the 2034 event, Alghafees said: “It represents a golden opportunity for the Kingdom to showcase its rapid transformation and global aspirations under Vision 2030.

“Hosting such an event will unite people worldwide and position Saudi Arabia as a hub for cultural exchange, innovation, and excellence. It is an honor to see the Kingdom rise to the occasion on such a grand scale.”

Saudi Arabia first held a FIFA event, the World Youth Championship, in 1989. In 1997, there was the Confederations Cup.

But during the past five to 10 years, the number of sporting events and tournaments — not just football — held in the Kingdom has skyrocketed, earning the country a solid reputation as a host.

Topics: FIFA World Cup 2034

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England and new coach Tuchel land in 2026 World Cup qualifying group with Serbia and Albania

England and new coach Tuchel land in 2026 World Cup qualifying group with Serbia and Albania
Updated 13 December 2024
AP
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England and new coach Tuchel land in 2026 World Cup qualifying group with Serbia and Albania

England and new coach Tuchel land in 2026 World Cup qualifying group with Serbia and Albania
  • “It’s a difficult group, is my first impression,” said Tuchel
  • Europe will send 16 teams to the first 48-team World Cup, being co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico
Updated 13 December 2024
AP

ZURICH: Thomas Tuchel’s first official duty as England coach on Friday was to see his new team drawn in a 2026 World Cup qualifying group with Serbia, Albania, Latvia and Andorra.
Tuchel starts work in January as the first German coach of the 1966 World Cup winner but was at FIFA headquarters to see the 54 European teams drawn into 12 qualifying groups. Games start in March for some groups, while others will begin in June or September.
“It’s a difficult group, is my first impression,” said Tuchel, who must wait for FIFA to approve the fixture list to see if his England debut will be a qualifying game in March or a warm-up friendly.
Europe will send 16 teams to the first 48-team World Cup, being co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. The 12 group winners next November advance directly and runners-up go to a playoff in March 2026, joined by four more teams who won a Nations League group last month.
England are one of the few top-seeded teams to already know their qualifying opponents. Most groups are still incomplete as eight top-seeded teams will be placed based on the results of their Nations League quarterfinals in March.
The winner of the quarterfinal between European champion Spain and the Netherlands faces a tough Group E with Turkiye, Georgia and Bulgaria.
Spain ended Georgia’s impressive run at their first major tournament, winning 4-1 in the round of 16 at Euro 2024 in Germany.
Georgia coach Willy Sagnol acknowledged “it will be a difficult group,” with Turkiye having lost a Euro 2024 quarterfinal to the Netherlands.
The loser between Spain and the Netherlands be in a five-team group with Poland, Finland, Lithuania and Malta that shapes to be less challenging.
The winner between France and Croatia in March will head Group D with Ukraine, Iceland and Azerbaijan. The loser of that Nations League quarterfinal will be in the five-team Group L with the Czech Republic, Montenegro, Faeroe Islands and Gibraltar.
For Germany and Italy, the group draw could be an added incentive to win their Nations League meeting and land in Group A.
Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann acknowledged it would be “a bit easier” to play in a four-team group with Slovakia, Northern Ireland and Luxembourg. The loser will face Erling Haaland and Norway in a five-team group that also includes, Israel, Estonia and Moldova. Israel have been unable to host games for security reasons since the Hamas attacks in October last year, and likely will continue playing home games in Hungary.
Russia were excluded from Friday’s draw because their teams are banned from international competitions by FIFA and UEFA since the military invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Russia’s military ally Belarus, which will play in a group with either Portugal or Denmark, plus Greece and Scotland, have been forced to host games in neutral countries because of the war.
One security challenge could arise in England’s group, with Serbia set to host Albania for the first time since the famous “drone game” in 2014 between the Balkan near-neighbors.
A decade ago, the game in Belgrade abandoned after a fan outside the stadium flew a drone over the field with an Albanian nationalist banner, leading to clashes between players and a field invasion by Serbian fans. UEFA awarded Serbia a win by default that was overturned on appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, ultimately sending Albania to their tournament debut at Euro 2016.
Soccer relations between Serbia and Albania — at federation level, if not among ultras fan groups — are much improved and they are set to be confirmed Monday as co-hosts of the Under-21 Euros in 2027.

Topics: 2026 FIFA World Cup England Thomas Tuchel Germany Nations League

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Usyk vs. Fury II: Riyadh braces for a heavyweight showdown of legacy and redemption

Usyk vs. Fury II: Riyadh braces for a heavyweight showdown of legacy and redemption
Updated 13 December 2024
MANAL AL-BARAKATI
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Usyk vs. Fury II: Riyadh braces for a heavyweight showdown of legacy and redemption

Usyk vs. Fury II: Riyadh braces for a heavyweight showdown of legacy and redemption
  • The bout marks the second meeting between the two heavyweights
Updated 13 December 2024
MANAL AL-BARAKATI

RIYADH: The boxing world turns its eyes once more to Riyadh as Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury prepare for their highly anticipated rematch on Dec. 21.

With the Kingdom Arena set to host the clash, both fighters bring their distinct styles and personal stakes to the squared circle, promising fans an unforgettable night.

This bout marks the second meeting between the two heavyweights. Their first encounter, held earlier this year in May, saw Usyk dethrone Fury in a dramatic split decision to become the first undisputed heavyweight champion in 24 years. For Fury, this rematch is redemption; for Usyk, it’s a chance to cement his legacy as one of the greatest in heavyweight boxing history.

Despite the gravity of the rematch, Usyk maintains his trademark calm demeanor.

“I don’t think about legacy,” the Ukrainian southpaw told Arab News in an interview. “I’m living now, in the present. Legacy is for the future — my children and the young boxers.”

Usyk, known for his masterful footwork and ring IQ, hinted at a “great tactic” for the rematch. While he keeps his cards close to his chest, his relentless preparation speaks volumes.

“I believe I will win again,” he stated confidently. “Boxing is not just about strength; it’s about discipline, education, and good behavior.”

His manager, Egis Klimas, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the challenges of maintaining focus during an extended training camp. “Every day is the same — you train, eat, and rest at the same times. It’s tough, but Usyk’s motivation keeps him going,” Klimas said.

Meanwhile, Fury’s team has hinted at adopting a more aggressive strategy this time around. Known as “The Gypsy King,” Fury’s unorthodox style, coupled with his towering reach and exceptional agility, makes him a formidable opponent. But Klimas isn’t fazed.

“They’ve both learned about each other in the first fight. This rematch starts at Round 13,” he quipped.

The fight is yet another jewel in Saudi Arabia’s growing reputation as a global sports hub. Boxing promoter Alexander Krassyuk praised the venue and the Kingdom's efforts in elevating the sport.

“Riyadh has become the capital of boxing in the last two years. These fights, anticipated by fans worldwide, are finally happening here,” he said.

The Kingdom’s push to host marquee events like Usyk-Fury aligns with its Vision 2030 goals, aiming to diversify its economy and promote cultural and sporting excellence.

In the ring, the rematch promises to be a chess match of contrasting styles. Usyk’s southpaw stance, speed, and precision will collide with Fury’s size, reach, and unyielding resilience.

Their first fight showcased both men’s strengths, with Usyk dominating early rounds and Fury roaring back in the middle before Usyk sealed his victory with a punishing ninth round. Fury’s corner must address the defensive lapses that led to his near-collapse in the ninth, while Usyk will aim to exploit those vulnerabilities again.

For Usyk, the fight is about more than belts and glory. As a proud Ukrainian, he sees his success as a beacon of hope for his war-torn homeland. “I will always speak about my country,” he said. “It is beautiful, with kind people. I fight for them.”

For Fury, the bout is about reclaiming his throne and restoring his reputation. As the sport’s ultimate showman, he has vowed to deliver a career-defining performance.

With their contrasting personalities and styles, Usyk and Fury embody the drama and unpredictability that make heavyweight boxing so captivating.

As they prepare to step under the Riyadh lights once more, one thing is clear — this rematch is not just about titles but about pride, resilience, and the enduring spirit of the sport. Who will rise as the ultimate heavyweight king? The answer awaits on Dec. 21.

Topics: boxing Saudi Arabia Oleksandr Usyk Tyson Fury

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