Riyadh can become ‘fight capital of the world,’ says AJ McKee

AJ Mckee will take on Paul Hughes at PFL’s ‘Battle of the Giants: Brace For Impact’ in Riyadh. (PFL)

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Updated 15 October 2024

Arab News

October 15, 2024 12:05

Riyadh can become ‘fight capital of the world,’ says AJ McKee

McKee all set to take on Paul Hughes at PFL’s ‘Battle of the Giants: Brace for Impact’ at The Mayadeen on Oct. 19

Updated 15 October 2024

Arab News

October 15, 2024 12:05

RIYADH: AJ McKee, set to take part in the Professional Fighters League’s “Battle of the Giants: Brace for Impact” on Oct. 19, believes Riyadh can become the fight capital of the world if it continues to make such an incredible impact in combat sports.

The American steps into the cage at The Mayadeen in Riyadh next Saturday in a pivotal lightweight clash against Irishman Paul Hughes. The big fight night in the Saudi capital city also includes the matchups of Francis Ngannou locking horns with 6’8” phenomenon Renan “Problema” Ferreira and MMA legend Cris Cyborg versus hard-hitting Brazilian Larissa Pacheco.

McKee said: “I think if they continue doing what they’re doing, then in the near future they can definitely claim being the fight capital of the world. I wouldn’t quite yet say that Riyadh is the fight capital of the world, but following the track record of the fights that they’ve put on thus far, they’re very big cards. It’s all the top names and big fights that everyone wants to see.”

By the end of 2024, the Saudi Mixed Martial Arts Federation will have hosted six PFL events, including three PPV extravaganzas. The Kingdom is now regularly hosting the best bouts on the planet, and the 29-year-old Californian says fighters just relish fighting in Riyadh.

“I would say what makes Riyadh such a great city for hosting world-class fights is just the environment,” said McKee. “The people there are super loving and welcoming. The environment is ideal; there’s no drinking, there’s no smoking, so being a professional athlete is just ideal. You know that there’s no really bad influences around. It’s a healthy lifestyle and they just want to see the best.”

Saudi Arabia has hosted more than 100 global sports events since 2018, with 2.5 million international fans in attendance. The number of sports federations has increased by 200 percent in the last nine years from 32 in 2015 to 97 in 2024. Sports participation among the population also rose from 13 percent in 2015 to 48 percent in 2023.

McKee added: “Speaking from a personal view, I would say that Saudi is giving me an opportunity as an athlete to showcase my skills and not only their country. They’ve kind of opened up doors for athletes to travel and get outside of where their home is. It allows fighters to get out of their comfort zone by traveling and seeing new places, seeing new cultures, seeing new lifestyles and being able to experience that. You know, a lot of people don’t get to do that, so I think that’s big.”

Topics: Mixed martial arts PFL Riyadh Saudi Arabia

‘Gracias, Rafa’: Rafael Nadal will head into retirement after Spain hosts the Davis Cup

Updated 6 sec ago

November 18, 2024 03:30

‘Gracias, Rafa’: Rafael Nadal will head into retirement after Spain hosts the Davis Cup

When Nadal explained last month that the Davis Cup would be it for him, he spoke in happy terms about his more than two decades in the sport
He becomes the second member of the so-called Big Three of men’s tennis to retire

Updated 6 sec ago

November 18, 2024 03:30

MALAGA, Spain: Rafael Nadal’s impending retirement will loom over the Davis Cup Final 8 from the moment it begins Tuesday in southern Spain.

If that weren’t already obvious, just glance at the banner measuring 28,000 square feet (2,600 square meters) — about half the size of a football field — that wraps around the soccer stadium across the street from the arena hosting the tennis. The blue sign, visible from the highway leaving Malaga’s airport, is marked with large white letters that read, “GRACIAS, RAFA.” Between those two words is an image of Nadal toting a tennis racket in his left hand while wearing one of his trademark sleeveless shirts and his just-as-ever-present headband.

He is shown with his back to the world, walking away, symbolizing the 38-year-old Spaniard’s goodbye to the sport after a remarkable career.

“It’s going to be very exciting for everyone,” said tournament director Feliciano Lopez, a former player who faced Nadal 14 times on tour as an opponent in singles and also was his Davis Cup teammate. “Very emotional, at the same time.”

That sentiment likely applies to Nadal’s fans, other players, his family — his wife and their son have attended practice — and, quite understandably, the 22-time Grand Slam champion himself as Tuesday approaches. That’s when Spain face the Netherlands on an indoor hard court at the Palacio de Deportes Jose Maria Martin Carpena.

“It’s amazing that it might be the last match that Nadal plays,” Dutch captain Paul Haarhuis said Sunday, “and we hope to give him a nice ‘Adios.’”

Nadal had hip surgery in June 2023 and missed nearly all of that season. He dealt with a new hip muscle problem this year and an abdominal injury, part of a long series of issues that contributed to his body feeling like what he described as “a jungle” in May after losing in the first round of the French Open, the clay-court Slam he’s won a record 14 times.

That was his only Grand Slam appearance all year; Nadal played a total of just 23 official singles matches over the past two seasons combined. That includes going 12-7 in 2024. His last real matches came at the Olympics in early August, when he lost in the second round of singles to Novak Djokovic and in the quarterfinals of doubles alongside Carlos Alcaraz.

Spain’s captain, David Ferrer, the 2013 French Open runner-up to Nadal, has not yet told the world how he will employ the star in Malaga.

Could be for singles, although Nadal said he’ll step aside if he doesn’t think he can win. Could be in doubles with his 21-year-old heir apparent, Alcaraz, in a renewal of their “Nadalcaraz” partnership. Could be both. If Spain gets past the Netherlands, it would face Germany or Canada in the semifinals on Friday.

“I really want him to retire with a title,” Alcaraz said.

Thursday’s quarterfinals feature the US against Australia, and defending champion Italy — whose roster features No. 1-ranked Jannik Sinner — against Argentina. The winners of those matchups will meet in the semifinals on Saturday; the championship will be decided Sunday.

When Nadal explained last month that the Davis Cup would be it for him, he spoke in happy terms about his more than two decades in the sport.

“Really, everything I have experienced has been a dream come true,” he said.

He becomes the second member of the so-called Big Three of men’s tennis to retire.

Roger Federer announced his departure in 2022 — teaming with Nadal in doubles at the Laver Cup, then crying alongside his longtime rival and, eventually, friend — while Djokovic is still near the top of the game.

Djokovic’s Serbia did not qualify for the Davis Cup quarterfinals, but he wrote on social media that he would be on hand in Malaga. Who knows who else might show up in the sellout crowd of 9,200 on Tuesday, not just from the world of tennis, and not just athletes from other sports, but other celebrities, as well?

“I don’t know if we’re going to have seats for everyone,” Lopez said. “Everyone wants to be there for his farewell.”

There will be plenty of folks tuning in on TV from afar, including other tennis players, of course.

“I’m going to watch it. I’m going to enjoy it,” said 2021 US Open champion Daniil Medvedev, who lost to Nadal in two Grand Slam finals. “It’s a big moment for the sport, because he did so much for the sport.”

Topics: Davis Cup Finals Rafael Nadal Spain

Harry Kane sparks England rout against Ireland and Nations League promotion

Updated 6 min 10 sec ago

November 18, 2024 03:24

Harry Kane sparks England rout against Ireland and Nations League promotion

England won their group on goal difference ahead of second-placed Greece, who beat Finland 2-0
After five wins from six games, Carsley will now return to his permanent role as head coach of England’s under 21s
Erling Haaland leads the Nations League scoring charts after hitting a hat trick in Norway’s 5-0 win against Kazakhastan in Group B3

Updated 6 min 10 sec ago

November 18, 2024 03:24

LONDON: Harry Kane’s 69th international goal sparked a second-half scoring spree that fired England back to the top tier of the UEFA Nations League on Sunday.

In temporary head coach Lee Carsley’s final game in charge, a 5-0 win against Ireland secured promotion and ensured England will be back among Europe’s leading nations in the next edition of the competition.

“I wanted the England team to be exciting to watch and attacking,” Carsley said. “I see them do it day in, day out on the training ground. And now we’ve seen it (on the field).”

England won their group on goal difference ahead of second-placed Greece, who beat Finland 2-0.

Kane’s 53rd-minute penalty at Wembley was a record-extending goal for his country after Liam Scales brought down Jude Bellingham in the box and was sent off for a second yellow card offense.

Within five minutes England were 3-0 up through Anthony Gordon in the 55th and Conor Gallagher in the 58th.

Substitute Jarrod Bowen made an immediate impact, scoring with his first touch in the 75th and Taylor Harwood-Bellis, making his debut, headed in another four minutes later.

“A really important win for us,” Kane said. “It was a tough first half, but we came out second half with a lot more energy and we finished it off.”

England, who are set to welcome new head coach Thomas Tuchel in January, needed to match Greece’s result to top Group B2.

Anastasios Bakasetas had put Greece ahead in the 52nd in Finland, with Kane’s England opener coming a minute later.

Christos Tzolis scored the second for Greece, which faces a playoff to try to win promotion.

After five wins from six games, Carsley will now return to his permanent role as head coach of England’s under 21s. Tuchel begins in January and will lead the campaign to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

He should have plenty of options when he selects his first squad after Carsley handed debuts to eight players during his short reign.

In his final game, Gordon, Gallagher, Bowen and Harwood-Bellis all scored their first senior goals for England.

“Lee has achieved the main objective from the six fixtures this autumn: securing promotion back to the top tier of the Nations League,” English Football Association CEO Mark Bullingham said. “The players have really enjoyed working with Lee and his team – they have made a real impact in their interim roles.”

Rabiot double

Adrien Rabiot scored two goals as France beat Italy 3-1 to win Group A2.

Both teams had already secured their places in the quarterfinals before the match in Milan, but France needed to win by at least two goals to take top spot.

“It’s been a while since we’ve played a match like that, fighting all together,” Rabiot told French television channel TF1. “The aggressiveness that we showed, our team spirit, that should all be highlighted. That is the real face of the France team.”

Rabiot headed the visitors in front just inside two minutes.

France shocked San Siro into silence in the 33rd when Lucas Digne curled in a magnificent free kick from 25 yards that went into the top left corner via the underside of the bar and Guglielmo Vicario. It went down as an own-goal from the Italy goalkeeper, who was a late replacement after Gianluigi Donnarumma fell ill with a stomach bug.

Italy pulled a goal back two minutes later when Andrea Cambiaso volleyed past Mike Maignan.

But Rabiot grabbed his second in the 65th with another header — the sixth goal in a row Italy has conceded from set plays.

While the match had started with the Italy fans booing the French anthem, it finished with France supporters proudly singing the same song in triumph.

It was the first time Italy had lost a home game by two or more goals since 1983, according to soccer statistician Opta.

Also in the group, No. 6-ranked Belgium fell to a surprise 1-0 loss against Israel, ranked 81st. Yarden Shua’s goal settled the game, which was held in Budapest, Hungary, in the 86th. Israel were relegated to League B despite the win.

Belgium must now face a playoff to try to avoid relegation.

Haaland hat trick

Erling Haaland leads the Nations League scoring charts after hitting a hat trick in Norway’s 5-0 win against Kazakhastan in Group B3.

The Manchester City striker took his total to seven goals and is two clear of Viktor Gyokeres, Cristiano Ronaldo and Benjamin Sesko, who are all tied on five.

Norway were promoted to the top tier, ahead of second-place Austria, who drew 1-1 with Slovenia.

Topics: UEFA Nations League England Harry Kane Ireland

Nelly Korda rallies in Florida for her seventh LPGA win of the year

Updated 18 November 2024

November 18, 2024 01:45

Nelly Korda rallies in Florida for her seventh LPGA win of the year

Korda now has won four times this year when trailing going into the final round

Updated 18 November 2024

November 18, 2024 01:45

BELLEAIR, Florida: Nelly Korda was back to competition for the first time in nearly two months and didn’t miss a beat. She ran off five straight birdies on the back nine to stage another Sunday comeback, closing with a 3-under 67 to win The Annika for her seventh LPGA Tour title this year.
Korda had a rough start and said she didn’t have many happy thoughts when she made the turn at 2 over for the day, two shots behind Charley Hull. Starting with a birdie on No. 11, she made five in a row on her way to a three-shot victory.
The only big surprise was seeing her younger brother, Sebastian, who has been charting his own career in tennis that kept him from seeing his sister win until Sunday at Pelican Golf Club.
Korda, who earlier this year tied an LPGA record with five straight victories, became the first player to win seven times in a season since Yani Tseng in 2011. No other American had won seven times in a season since Beth Daniel in 1990.
Korda now has won four times this year when trailing going into the final round.
Hull, going for a wire-to-wire win, simply couldn’t keep up with Korda’s birdie blitz. Coming off her first win worldwide two weeks ago in Saudi Arabia, Hull closed with a 1-over 71 and tied for second with LPGA rookie Jin Hee Im (68) and Weiwei Zhang (70).
Zhang moved up 24 spots to No. 82 in the Race to CME Globe to keep her card for next year. The top 60 advance to the CME Group Tour Championship next week in Naples, where the winner gets $4 million. Carlota Ciganda moved up three places to secure the final spot.
Korda last played Sept. 22 in Ohio. She was planning to play twice during the Asian swing until a minor neck injury kept her at home. She was eager to get back in time to play Pelican, where she had won two of the previous three years.
“After taking some time off with an injury, it feels great to be back out here,” Korda said. “Nothing like being in the hunt, the adrenaline feeling on the back nine, and being in contention. I love it so much.”
The victory puts her over $4 million for the year, and she can nearly match that with a win next week at Tiburon Golf Club. The ranking does not matter for the season finale — all 60 players have the same shot at one of the biggest prizes in women’s sports.

Topics: LPGA Nelly Korda golf

Sinner beats Fritz to win ATP Finals and add another big title with his doping case still pending

Updated 18 November 2024

November 18, 2024 00:23

Sinner beats Fritz to win ATP Finals and add another big title with his doping case still pending

Sinner won his first two Grand Slam titles at the Australian Open and US Open in 2024 and had already clinched the year-end No. 1 ranking

Updated 18 November 2024

November 18, 2024 00:23

TURIN, Italy: Top-ranked Jannik Sinner added another big title to his tremendous year, beating US Open runner-up Taylor Fritz 6-4, 6-4 on Sunday for the ATP Finals trophy before his home fans — and before a final verdict is reached in his doping case.
Sinner won his first two Grand Slam titles at the Australian Open and US Open in 2024 and had already clinched the year-end No. 1 ranking.
“It’s the first title in Italy and it means so much to me,” said Sinner, who also won the Next Gen ATP Finals — an event for the top under-20 players — in Milan in 2019. “It’s something very, very, very special.”
Sinner, however, has off-court issues after he tested positive in two separate drug tests in March. A decision to clear him of wrongdoing was appealed by the World Anti-Doping Agency in September. A final ruling is expected from the Court of Arbitration for Sport early next year.
Sinner’s explanation was that the banned performance-enhancer entered his system unintentionally through a massage from his physiotherapist, who had used a spray containing the steroid to treat his own cut finger.
Sinner maintained his recent mastery over Fritz, having also beaten the American in the US Open final in September and in the group stage this week at the elite event for the year’s top eight players.
By sweeping all five of his matches en route to the trophy, Sinner earned $4.8 million — the largest winner’s prize on the men’s tour.
Sinner became the first Italian to win the finals and he went one step further than last year, when he lost the championship match to Novak Djokovic, who withdrew this time. And he did so without dropping a set – which was last accomplished by Ivan Lendl in 1986.
“I just tried to understand whatever works best for each opponent,” Sinner said. “It was a very high-level tournament from my side. At times, I couldn’t play better.”
The crowd inside Inalpi Arena included multiple clusters of fans wearing orange — a tribute to Sinner’s red- and orange-colored hair, and how he once ate carrots during a match. There were orange carrot costumes, orange wigs, orange hats, jackets and plenty of other orange items, too.
Some fans even had carrots in their mouths.
The crowd broke into its customary chant of “Ole, Ole, Ole; Sin-ner, Sin-ner” when Sinner produced a drop-shot winner to break for a 4-3 lead in the first set.
Sinner faced a break point while serving for the first set but saved it with a big serve out wide that Fritz couldn’t return. Then he served an ace — his 10th of the set — to close it out.
Another break by Sinner early in the second and the match was virtually over.
Sinner extended his winning streak to 11 matches. He’s won 26 of his last 27 matches and ends the ATP season with eight titles and an overall record of 70-6.
Fritz was attempting to become the event’s first American champion since Pete Sampras beat Andre Agassi in the title match 25 years ago.
Still, Fritz will rise to a career-high No. 4 in the rankings on Monday after beating No. 2 Alexander Zverev in a third-set tiebreaker in the semifinals on Saturday. That will make him the highest-ranked American man since Andy Roddick was No. 4 in August 2007.
It’s the latest in a series of achievements for Fritz, whose run in New York made him the first American man to reach a Grand Slam singles final since Roddick lost to Roger Federer at Wimbledon in 2009.
At the start of the week, Fritz told The Associated Press that his “career has always been a very steady progression and just improving a little bit each year.”
Both Sinner and Fritz will conclude their seasons representing defending champion Italy and the United States, respectively, in the Davis Cup finals, which start Tuesday in Malaga, Spain.
The German duo of Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz beat Marcelo Arevalo and Mate Pavic 7-6 (5), 7-6 (6) to win the doubles title.

Topics: ATP Finals Jannik Sinner Taylor Fritz

Casa Riyadh win Silver Cup polo championship

Updated 17 November 2024

Arab News

November 17, 2024 17:55

Casa Riyadh win Silver Cup polo championship

Polo teams show ‘good technical performance and strong competition’ in first championship of the season

Updated 17 November 2024

Arab News

November 17, 2024 17:55

RIYADH: Casa Riyadh won the Silver Cup polo tournament after beating the Tuwaiq Team 5-4 in the final match at the Nova Equestrian Resort field, west of the capital Riyadh.

On Saturday, Casa Riyadh’s captain, Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Salman, accepted the championship trophy from Amr Zidane, the president of the Saudi Polo Federation. Ibrahim Al-Harbi, Salman bin Haif and Mohammed Nafeed won golden medals alongside Prince Salman.

Zidane said that the third edition of the Silver Cup was the first championship of the polo season in Saudi Arabia and that teams delivered a “good technical performance and strong competition” in the latest tournament.

The Tamam team of Hashem Al-Alawi, Abdulmohsen Al-Hokair, Faisal Abunyan, and the Argentine Marcelo Antonio came second, while Tuwaiq players Khaled bin Muammar, Mudhar Al-Zoubi, Asif Shah and Britain’s George Amor secured third place.

The Silver Cup is played using a points system. In the event of a tie, the team with the most goals wins.

Zidane said that there are six local competitions in the current polo season that “will enhance the technical performance and readiness” for the Saudi national polo team’s international competition.

Topics: Polo; The Silver Cup; Casa Riyadh Saudi Polo Federation

Riyadh can become ‘fight capital of the world,’ says AJ McKee

Riyadh can become ‘fight capital of the world,’ says AJ McKee

PFL announce stacked card for ‘Battle of the Giants’ in Riyadh

PFL MENA 3: Fighters battle for glory in night of shocking upsets

‘Gracias, Rafa’: Rafael Nadal will head into retirement after Spain hosts the Davis Cup

‘Gracias, Rafa’: Rafael Nadal will head into retirement after Spain hosts the Davis Cup

Nadal, Alcaraz and Sinner in Davis Cup finals teams

Champions Italy, Argentina qualify for Davis Cup final eight

Harry Kane sparks England rout against Ireland and Nations League promotion

Harry Kane sparks England rout against Ireland and Nations League promotion

Ronaldo shines as Portugal rout Poland to reach Nations League last-eight

Leweling rockets Germany past Dutch and into Nations League quarterfinals

Nelly Korda rallies in Florida for her seventh LPGA win of the year

Nelly Korda rallies in Florida for her seventh LPGA win of the year

Hull clings to one-shot lead over Korda, Zhang at LPGA Annika

Charley Hull triumphs at Aramco Team Series in Riyadh with impressive 18-under finish

Sinner beats Fritz to win ATP Finals and add another big title with his doping case still pending

Sinner beats Fritz to win ATP Finals and add another big title with his doping case still pending

US Open runner-up Fritz back in another big final and faces Sinner again for ATP Finals crown

Sinner stays perfect and Fritz also advances to the semifinals at ATP Finals

Casa Riyadh win Silver Cup polo championship

Casa Riyadh win Silver Cup polo championship

Saudi Polo Federation reveals season event calendar

New equestrian and polo center to be built in Diriyah

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Riyadh can become ‘fight capital of the world,’ says AJ McKee

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