Jeddah set for Fanatec GT World Challenge race

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The final round of the 2024 Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe will take place on the Jeddah Corniche Circuit. (Supplied)

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The final round of the 2024 Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe will take place on the Jeddah Corniche Circuit. (Supplied)

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Updated 27 November 2024

SALEH FAREED

November 27, 2024 19:15

Jeddah set for Fanatec GT World Challenge race

Anticipated SAL Jeddah Race, which will be held for the first time in the Kingdom on Nov. 29-30, will feature two major motorsport races and cover 1,000 km
Iconic manufacturers taking part include Porsche, Aston Martin, Ferrari, Lamborghini, McLaren, Mercedes AMG, BMW M Sport, Audi Sport and Ford

Updated 27 November 2024

SALEH FAREED

November 27, 2024 19:15

JEDDAH: Jeddah is all set for the final round of the 2024 Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe on Friday when a 49-car field tackles a six-hour Endurance Cup race at Jeddah Corniche Circuit.

The anticipated SAL Jeddah Race, which will be held for the first time in the Kingdom on Nov. 29-30, will feature two major motorsport races and cover 1,000 km, making it the longest circuit race in Saudi history.

Iconic manufacturers taking part include Porsche, Aston Martin, Ferrari, Lamborghini, McLaren, Mercedes AMG, BMW M Sport, Audi Sport and Ford.

The GT4 European Series, supported by RAFA Racing Club, will feature four competitive categories, promising an exciting spectacle for motorsport enthusiasts in Saudi Arabia:

Pro: A showcase for the world’s finest drivers and teams vying for top honors.

Gold: Designed to cultivate and elevate emerging driving talents.

Silver: A competitive platform featuring a mix of amateur and semi-professional drivers.

Bronze: A unique category combining experienced professionals with promising young drivers, offering a valuable learning experience.

Saudi Logistics Services, the official title sponsor for the Jeddah GT Race 2024, announced on Monday the arrival of more than 70 cars from the ports of Barcelona and Valencia in Spain to the port of Jeddah.

The SAL Jeddah GT Race is an endurance racing event that encourages drivers to push their maximum limits and test their stamina, strategy and reliability throughout the intense competition.

The event’s fan zone includes live entertainment and fun activities for families, as well as food festivals.

Topics: SAL Jeddah GT Race

‘Our tournament is over,’ say Pakistan fans after New Zealand loss at Champions Trophy

Updated 18 sec ago

Reuters

February 20, 2025 09:19

‘Our tournament is over,’ say Pakistan fans after New Zealand loss at Champions Trophy

New Zealand posted a commanding 320-5 after Pakistan won the toss and put the visiting team to bat
Pakistan’s defeat has left fans disappointed, with some saying they are not optimistic about India match

Updated 18 sec ago

Reuters

February 20, 2025 09:19

KARACHI: Disappointed Pakistan fans lamented their side’s slow start to the Champions Trophy on Wednesday, saying their tournament is already over after falling to a 60-run loss to New Zealand in Karachi.
Will Young struck 107 and Tom Latham smashed an unbeaten 118 to help New Zealand overcome a sluggish start and post a commanding 320-5 after being put into bat.
Glenn Phillips chipped in with a brisk 61 as New Zealand breached the 300-mark, which had looked like a distant dream after their wobbly start.
Pakistan were all out for 260 in 47.2 overs with Babar Azam (64) and Khushdil Shah (69) scoring half-centuries but the hosts never looked in the hunt.
The opening defeat left the home fans disappointed and frustrated after they packed into the National Bank Stadium.
“The do-or-die situation was today and I think our tournament is over,” Pakistan cricket fan Muhammad Umer said after the match. “If we’re struggling to score 300 runs at home, what will happen when we face tougher challenges? Scoring 300 runs is the norm these days, but unfortunately, our team’s potential is limited to around 250 runs.”
The eight-team tournament will continue till March 9. Pakistan entered the contest as the defending champions, having beaten India in the final of the 2017 edition.
The eight participating teams have been divided into two groups with hosts Pakistan, Bangladesh, India and New Zealand pooled in Group A while Group B comprises Afghanistan, current ODI World Cup champions Australia, England and South Africa.
Following their opening encounter against New Zealand, Pakistan will now play their next two group matches on February 23 against India in Dubai and on 27 February against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi.
However, Umer said he was not optimistic about the team’s next match with India either. His sentiment was also echoed by Maaz Hassan, another fan.
“It’s extremely disappointing that we’ve virtually been eliminated from the tournament after just one match,” he said. “With India next, it’s unrealistic to expect a win against them.”
Hassan said even if Pakistan beat Bangladesh, the team’s chances of survival in the tournament were slim.
“Today’s loss was a huge opportunity wasted, and it’s clear that we’ve not only lost this match, but the tournament as well,” he said.

Topics: Champions Trophy 2025 Pakistan v New Zealand Cricket Karachi

Depleted Australia face uphill battle at Champions Trophy hosted by Pakistan

Updated 39 min 29 sec ago

AFP

February 20, 2025 08:41

Depleted Australia face uphill battle at Champions Trophy hosted by Pakistan

Australia’s ‘Big Three’ pacemen are not participating in the tournament for injuries and personal reasons
The team will be playing opening match against rivals England on Saturday as they face each other in Lahore

Updated 39 min 29 sec ago

AFP

February 20, 2025 08:41

SYDNEY: An Australia team struggling for confidence and missing the wealth of experience that has long been the backbone of their success face a daunting task to win a first Champions Trophy title since 2009.
The World Cup holders are without their “Big Three” pacemen — Pat Cummins (ankle), Josh Hazlewood (hip) and Mitchell Starc, who has opted out for personal reasons.
It is a giant hole to fill with the trio sharing 525 ODI wickets across a combined 308 games.
Add in the absence of all-rounders Mitchell Marsh (back) and Marcus Stoinis (retired), and half of their regular team is missing.
Leg-spinner Adam Zampa is the only frontline bowler still standing for the tournament in Pakistan and Dubai.
The depleted side suffered a heavy 2-0 ODI series defeat last week in Sri Lanka, who failed to qualify for the Champions Trophy, and have now gone four 50-over games without a win.
Their death bowling is looming as a major concern.
The seamers Australia have selected — Spencer Johnson, Sean Abbott, Nathan Ellis, Ben Dwarshuis and all-rounder Aaron Hardie — have just 52 ODIs in total, for a sum of 56 wickets.
Ahead of their opening Champions Trophy match against old rivals England on Saturday in Lahore, chief selector George Bailey is adamant they have enough ammunition to do the job.
“We have a range of options to shape the playing XI within the tournament depending on the opposition and conditions we face,” he said.
Drawn in Group B, they also face South Africa and Afghanistan.
Johnson will likely fill Starc’s new-ball strike role, tasked with making the early breakthroughs that have become a hallmark of the veteran quick.
“It’s obviously something I’ve pictured in my mind, to come in and play a similar role to him (Starc),” Johnson said.
“Hopefully I can replicate some of the stuff he’s done.”
Australia have twice lifted the Champions Trophy, in 2006 and 2009, and Steve Smith has been tasked with replicating the feat with regular skipper Cummins missing.
Travis Head, Glenn Maxwell and Josh Inglis join him in a potentially explosive batting order.
But Marnus Labuschagne is badly out of form and Australia are still struggling to fill the shoes of David Warner at the top of the order.
Jake Fraser-McGurk and Matt Short have so far been underwhelming, but one will be given another crack to open alongside Head.
Smith said the sobering Sri Lanka series was “another learning curve” while admitting Cummins, Hazlewood and Starc would “certainly be missed.”
“But it gives some guys an opportunity and I thought some of the guys who had an opportunity in the last two games (against Sri Lanka) bowled really nicely,” he said.
Despite his distinguished career Smith has never before played ODI cricket in Pakistan, and is unsure exactly what conditions they will encounter.
But he is confident the batters will rise to the occasion.
“The ball skids on probably a little bit more (in Pakistan),” he said. “So it’s potentially better for batting, but you’ve got to rock up and assess it and play to the conditions on the day.
“We’ve got a 15-man squad, quite a few batters in that squad we can choose from and we’ll pick whatever we feel is best for each scenario we face.”

Topics: Champions Trophy 2025 Australia

Salah scores, sets up equalizer as Liverpool draw 2-2 at Villa to lead Premier League by 8 points

Updated 20 February 2025

February 20, 2025 04:17

Salah scores, sets up equalizer as Liverpool draw 2-2 at Villa to lead Premier League by 8 points

Liverpool have now played a game more than second-place Arsenal, who appear to be the only other realistic challenger for the title
Liverpool are seeking a 20th top-flight championship to tie the record of Manchester United

Updated 20 February 2025

February 20, 2025 04:17

LONDON: Mohamed Salah scored one goal and set up the equalizer by Trent Alexander-Arnold in Liverpool’s 2-2 draw at Aston Villa that stretched their lead in the Premier League to eight points on Wednesday.

Salah tucked away with his league-leading 24th goal of the campaign to put Liverpool ahead at Villa Park in the 29th minute, only for the leaders to fall behind by halftime following a volley by Youri Tielemans and a header from Ollie Watkins.

Alexander-Arnold ran onto an inside pass from Salah and drove in a shot that deflected past Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez in the 61st as Liverpool salvaged a point from an end-to-end game, avoiding what would have been just a second league defeat of the season.

It remains to be seen whether this was a good point for Liverpool in one of the toughest away fixtures in the league or two more dropped points, a week after a 2-2 draw at local rival Everton.

“We desired more,” Liverpool manager Arne Slot said, “and that is the only thing we can blame ourselves for a few times now — we did not get what we deserved. We must not make a habit of that.”

Liverpool have now played a game more than second-place Arsenal, who appear to be the only other realistic challenger for the title, and have another tough away game on Sunday at Manchester City.

Arsenal play first out of the top two at the weekend — at home to West Ham on Saturday — and have the chance to trim the lead to five points before Liverpool meet City.

Liverpool are seeking a 20th top-flight championship to tie the record of Manchester United.

Salah is spearheading Liverpool’s title charge. Not only is the Egypt forward the league’s top scorer, with five more than nearest challenger Erling Haaland of Manchester City, he has more assists than anyone else with 15.

Should Arsenal wind up reeling in Liverpool, the Reds may regret a big miss from Darwin Nunez after the Uruguay striker came on as a substitute. Dominik Szoboszlai ran through a squared the ball to Nunez, who had an open goal at which to aim with a left-footed shot.

Nunez blazed the finish high and wide, with Slot on the touchline barely believing what he had seen.

Villa then had chances to win it, with Morgan Rogers shooting over when well-placed and substitute Donyell Malen driving a low shot just wide with one of the last kicks of the game.

“We had some good chances to make it 3-2 and then we could even have lost it,” Slot said. “It was a great game but I am not happy with the result.”

Villa, who have lost just once at home all season in the league, stayed in ninth place and are four points off fifth. A fifth-place finish looks set to be enough to qualify for next season’s Champions League.

Topics: english Premier League Liverpool Mohamed Salah Aston Villa

Alcaraz needs three sets to oust Luca Nardi at Qatar Open

Updated 20 February 2025

February 20, 2025 04:08

Alcaraz needs three sets to oust Luca Nardi at Qatar Open

Second-seeded Alex de Minaur beat Botic van de Zandschulp 6-4, 6-4 to set up a quarterfinal match against fifth-seeded Andrey Rublev
Fourth-seeded Daniil Medvedev beat Zizou Bergs 6-2, 6-1 and will meet Felix Auger-Aliassime in the final eight

Updated 20 February 2025

February 20, 2025 04:08

DOHA: Top-seeded Carlos Alcaraz reached the quarterfinals of the Qatar Open by beating Luca Nardi 6-1, 4-6, 6-3 on Wednesday.

The 21-year-old Spaniard let his guard down in the second set, when his Italian opponent fought back from trailing 1-4 to force a decider.

“My energy levels probably went down a little bit, but credit to him,” said the third-ranked Alcaraz, who will next face Jiri Lehecka.

Also Wednesday, second-seeded Alex de Minaur beat Botic van de Zandschulp 6-4, 6-4 to set up a quarterfinal match against fifth-seeded Andrey Rublev.

Fourth-seeded Daniil Medvedev beat Zizou Bergs 6-2, 6-1 and will meet Felix Auger-Aliassime in the final eight.

Jack Draper eliminated Christopher O’Connell 6-2, 6-1. He will next play either Matteo Berrettini, who knocked out Novak Djokovic, or Tallon Griekspoor.

Topics: Qatar Open Carlos Alcaraz Luca Nardi

Mbappe hat-trick as Real Madrid knock Man City out of Champions League

Updated 20 February 2025

AFP

February 20, 2025 01:15

Mbappe hat-trick as Real Madrid knock Man City out of Champions League

Updated 20 February 2025

AFP

February 20, 2025 01:15

MADRID: Kylian Mbappe struck a brilliant hat-trick for Champions League holders Real Madrid in a 3-1 win over Manchester City on Wednesday, helping Los Blancos reach the last 16 with a 6-3 aggregate victory.
Pep Guardiola’s side, shorn of key striker Erling Haaland, suffered a painful early exit without laying a glove on the completely dominant 15-time record winners in the Spanish capital, until Nico Gonzalez tapped home in stoppage time.
French superstar Mbappe broke the deadlock with a lob in the fourth minute and netted a fine second after combining with his attacking partners as the English side were sliced open.
The striker, in sensational form after a slow start to life at Madrid, completed his treble in the second half with a low strike from the edge of the box to reach seven goals in the competition this season in 10 appearances.
City, who won the competition in 2023, were a far cry from their best as has been the case for much of their campaign.
Guardiola was dealt bad news before the game with Haaland, who netted twice in the first leg, named on the bench after a suffering a knock at the weekend against Newcastle.
By contrast Real Madrid welcomed Antonio Rudiger back from injury and he slotted seamlessly into defense, with Aurelien Tchouameni restored to his preferred midfield slot.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side performed almost flawlessly in the first half and took the lead in the opening stages.
Mbappe shrugged off Ruben Dias and lofted the ball over City goalkeeper Ederson after young center-back Raul Asencio played him in with a long pass.
John Stones limped off for the visitors a few minutes later in another blow for the Premier League champions.
Fede Valverde had a shot deflected narrowly wide and Ederson saved from Mbappe after Tchouameni sent him dashing in on goal with another ball over the top.
Mbappe netted his second in the 33rd minute after Madrid’s “fantastic four” star players combined. Jude Bellingham fed Vinicius who rolled the ball across for Rodrygo, who nudged it to Mbappe.
The former Paris Saint-Germain forward moved inside to leave the flailing Josko Gvardiol sliding in the wrong direction and drilled home at the near post.
Guardiola had claimed City only had “one percent chance” of beating Madrid and his team played like they believed him.
Madrid’s only blot on their copybook was a booking for Bellingham for fouling England team-mate Phil Foden, leaving him suspended for the last 16 first leg.
Bellingham, who caused a stir afer being sent off for dissent last weekend in La Liga, was assured in midfield but the night belonged to Mbappe.
The 26-year-old completed his hat-trick with a superb individual goal just after the hour mark, opening up some space on the edge of the box and firing beyond Ederson as City’s defense stood off.
Mbappe departed to a standing ovation and Madrid continued to create chances in his absence but could not take them, as the home fans marvelled at the ease of their team’s victory, against an opponent with whom they have shared many close battles in the past decade.
The visitors pulled a goal back in stoppage time when Omar Marmoush crashed a free-kick against the crossbar and Gonzalez rolled home the rebound, but it offered scant consolation.
City have now lost 13 games in their last 26 across all competitions, and face Premier League leaders Liverpool next on Sunday, with a battle to finish in the top four on their hands.
Madrid, by contrast, are still in the running for three major competitions and with Mbappe in such sensational form, believe they can win all of them.
Next up in the last 16 is a clash with either city rivals Atletico or German champions Bayer Leverkusen.

Topics: real madrid Manchester city UEFA Champions League

Jeddah set for Fanatec GT World Challenge race

Jeddah set for Fanatec GT World Challenge race

Jeddah Corniche Circuit to host SAL Jeddah GT Race 2024 on Nov. 29-30

Excitement builds for SAL Jeddah GT Race 2024

‘Our tournament is over,’ say Pakistan fans after New Zealand loss at Champions Trophy

‘Our tournament is over,’ say Pakistan fans after New Zealand loss at Champions Trophy

Depleted Australia face uphill battle at Champions Trophy hosted by Pakistan

Depleted Australia face uphill battle at Champions Trophy hosted by Pakistan

Salah scores, sets up equalizer as Liverpool draw 2-2 at Villa to lead Premier League by 8 points

Salah scores, sets up equalizer as Liverpool draw 2-2 at Villa to lead Premier League by 8 points

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Alcaraz needs three sets to oust Luca Nardi at Qatar Open

Alcaraz needs three sets to oust Luca Nardi at Qatar Open

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Mbappe hat-trick as Real Madrid knock Man City out of Champions League

Mbappe hat-trick as Real Madrid knock Man City out of Champions League

Real Madrid’s Bellingham banned for two matches after dissent

Ancelotti downplays Guardiola’s suggestion Man City have 1 percent chance of eliminating Madrid in playoffs

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Jeddah set for Fanatec GT World Challenge race

Jeddah set for Fanatec GT World Challenge race

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‘Our tournament is over,’ say Pakistan fans after New Zealand loss at Champions Trophy

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