Milinkovic-Savic gets Al-Hilal back to winning ways

Sergej Milinkovic-Savic was the hero as Al-Hilal came from behind to win 2-1 at Al-Shabab on Saturday. (X/@AlHilal_FC)
Sergej Milinkovic-Savic was the hero as Al-Hilal came from behind to win 2-1 at Al-Shabab on Saturday. (X/@AlHilal_FC)
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Milinkovic-Savic gets Al-Hilal back to winning ways

Milinkovic-Savic gets Al-Hilal back to winning ways
  • Milinkovic-Savic lined up a free-kick just next to the ‘D’ and then curled the ball over the wall perfectly and into the top corner

Riyadh: Sergej Milinkovic-Savic was the hero as Al-Hilal came from behind to win 2-1 at Al-Shabab on Saturday and move to within two points of Saudi Pro League leaders Al-Ittihad.

It was a dramatic Riyadh derby in which both teams were reduced to 10 men, but thanks to the intervention of the Serbian midfielder, who scored both goals, a poor week for the champions ended on a winning note.

They feared the worst in the sixth minute when Abderrazak Hamdallah struck to put Al-Shabab ahead. Daniel Podence broke down the right and his looping cross eluded three defenders to find the Moroccan forward in space and he was able to beat the diving Yassine Bounou for his fifth goal of the season.

Just eight minutes later however, Al-Hilal were level. This time it was Joao Cancelo who supplied the — more delicate — cross from the right and there was Milinkovic-Savic to nod home from close range. 

Hamdallah looked to have restored Shabab’s lead just after the half hour but the goal was ruled out for offside. A minute before the break however, Al-Hilal were reduced to 10 men as former Chelsea defender Kalidou Koulibaly was shown a straight red for bringing down Hamdallah as he was bearing down on goal.

The one-man advantage did not last long as two yellow cards in the first 15 minutes of the second half led to Nader Al-Sharari being dismissed and Al-Shabab reduced to 10 men.

Two minutes after the hour, Al-Hilal were ahead. Milinkovic-Savic lined up a free-kick just next to the “D” and then curled the ball over the wall perfectly and into the top corner. 

After throwing away a 2-0 lead a week earlier to lose 3-2 to Al-Khaleej, Al-Hilal held on to this one to move to 31 points from 12 games, two behind Al-Ittihad who, earlier in the day, won 4-0 at Ettifaq.

 


Ferrari celebrates Endurance Cup glory as Mercedes-AMG team dominates 6 Hours of Jeddah

Ferrari celebrates Endurance Cup glory as Mercedes-AMG team dominates 6 Hours of Jeddah
Updated 1 min 22 sec ago
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Ferrari celebrates Endurance Cup glory as Mercedes-AMG team dominates 6 Hours of Jeddah

Ferrari celebrates Endurance Cup glory as Mercedes-AMG team dominates 6 Hours of Jeddah
  • Pier Guidi secures record third Endurance Cup title
  • First GT endurance event in the Kingdom proves popular with fans and drivers

Jeddah: Ferrari squad AF Corse — Francorchamps Motors secured teams’ and drivers’ titles at Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe Powered by AWS after an astonishing finish to the 6 Hours of Jeddah.

The season-closing race was won in commanding fashion by the #48 Mercedes-AMG Team Mann-Filter entry of Maro Engel, Lucas Auer and Daniel Morad, who emerged as leaders during the third hour and ran a faultless race thereafter. Behind them, a late full-course yellow and safety car shuffled the pack and paved the way for an incredible conclusion.

Crucially, the late neutralization allowed the #51 Ferrari of Alessandro Pier Guidi, Alessio Rovera and Davide Rigon to move back into title contention. The pole-sitting car led early on but slipped down the order in the middle phase of the race and looked to be out of the hunt when it received a 30-second stop-go penalty for breaching track limits.

But by making its final stop during the full-course yellow the Ferrari vaulted to sixth for the late restart. Guidi was at the wheel for a typically inspired charge through the order, the Italian ace overhauling the Comtoyou Racing Aston Martin, the #46 Team WRT BMW and the #32 Team WRT BMW to snatch third.

This was enough to secure Guidi a record third Endurance Cup crown and Rovera his first while Rigon, who was absent from the Monza round, joined his teammates in their celebrations. The #163 Grasser Racing Lamborghini of Marco Mapelli, Jordan Pepper and Franck Perera finished as runner-up on the road and in the drivers’ standings.

In the final run to the flag the #51 Ferrari was under significant pressure from Dries Vanthoor in the #32 BMW. The Belgian needed to take the place to wrestle the overall Fanatec GT Europe drivers’ title from Engel and Auer but could not find a way past. Despite this, WRT was able to capture the overall teams’ championship for a record-extending fifth time.

Sainteloc Racing secured the Gold Cup teams’ and drivers’ titles with its crew of Gilles Magnus, Jim Pla and Paul Evrard. They did so in style, winning a competitive class battle ahead of the #777 AlManar Racing by GetSpeed Mercedes-AMG and the debuting #85 Imperiale Racing Lamborghini.

The Silver Cup title was settled last time out at Monza in favor of Winward Racing. As such this class fight was all about pride and Sainteloc Racing rose to the occasion with one of the most impressive performances of the weekend. The #26 Audi of Ezequiel Perez Companc, Lucas Legeret and Kobe Pauwels led the entire race and finished 13th overall, beating the #10 Boutsen VDS Mercedes-AMG and the #12 Comtoyou Racing Aston Martin.

Finally, the Bronze Cup victory went to Rutronik Racing with its #97 Porsche crew of Dustin Blattner, Loek Hartog and Dennis Marschall. This would not be quite enough to secure the Endurance Cup crown, which was retained by the impressively consistent Chris Froggatt, Jonathan Hui and Eddie Cheever. The latter pair also secured the overall Bronze Cup title, but Rutronik’s win gives them the teams’ championship on a tie break.

The race was punctuated by a long full-course yellow and safety car period around the one-hour mark, caused by a heavy crash involving the #111 CSA Racing Audi and the #8 Kessel Racing Ferrari. Arthur Rougier was at the wheel of the Audi and was taken for further medical checks, while Nicolo Schiro was able to get out of his Ferrari unaided.

The 6 Hours of Jeddah took Fanatec GT Europe to a new and highly impressive venue, one that received universal praise from the drivers. It proved popular with the public too, as 11,500 people were present to witness the Kingdom’s first GT endurance race. They will not have left disappointed.

The event concluded an unforgettable 2024 campaign highlighted by the centenary CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa and this weekend’s maiden trip to Saudi Arabia. Although the celebrations have just begun, preparations for 2025 will begin soon. Indeed, in fewer than 100 days cars will be back on track for the official Prologue at Circuit Paul Ricard.

 


Pakistan to lock horns with Zimbabwe in first T20I in Bulawayo today

Pakistan to lock horns with Zimbabwe in first T20I in Bulawayo today
Updated 01 December 2024
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Pakistan to lock horns with Zimbabwe in first T20I in Bulawayo today

Pakistan to lock horns with Zimbabwe in first T20I in Bulawayo today
  • Pakistan beat Zimbabwe in a three-match ODI series 2-1 last month 
  • Salman Agha to lead Pakistan as Pakistan rest regular skipper Rizwan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will lock horns with Zimbabwe in the first of a three-match T20I series in Bulawayo today, Sunday, state-run media said, after completing a 2-1 ODI series victory over the hosts this week.
After losing the first ODI against Zimbabwe last month, Pakistan beat the hosts by convincing margins in the second and third ODIs in Bulawayo.
Skipper Salman Agha will lead his side in the T20 fixture against Zimbabwe on Sunday, with the next two matches to follow on Dec. 3 and 5.
“The first T20I match between Pakistan and Zimbabwe will start at 1:30 p.m. local time on Sunday,” the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said in a statement on Saturday.
Pakistan announced late Friday that they were adding Saim Ayub, Aamer Jamal and Abrar Ahmed from the ODI squad into the T20I series following impressive showings over the past week.
The green shirts have rested Babar Azam, Naseem Shah and Shaheen Afridi from the tour while white-ball captain Mohammad Rizwan is also not part of the T20Is, with Agha taking his place as captain.
The match is scheduled to begin at 4:30 p.m. Pakistan Standard Time.


Las Palmas stun Barca on 125th anniversary, Atletico rout Valladolid

Las Palmas stun Barca on 125th anniversary, Atletico rout Valladolid
Updated 01 December 2024
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Las Palmas stun Barca on 125th anniversary, Atletico rout Valladolid

Las Palmas stun Barca on 125th anniversary, Atletico rout Valladolid
  • Barca have now gone three league games without a victory, after a run of 11 wins in 12 prior in the top flight

BARCELONA: Las Palmas claimed a surprise 2-1 victory at La Liga leaders Barcelona on Saturday, spoiling the hosts’ 125th anniversary celebrations.
Atletico Madrid climbed provisionally second, within two points of Hansi Flick’s side with a 5-0 rout of Real Valladolid later on.
Sandro Ramirez sent Las Palmas ahead early in the second half and although Raphinha hammered home an equalizer, Fabio Silva struck to claim three points and take his team up to 14th.
Barcelona still lead champions Real Madrid by four points but third-place Los Blancos, who host Getafe on Sunday, have played two fewer games than the Catalans and Atletico.
Barca have now gone three league games without a victory, after a run of 11 wins in 12 prior in the top flight.
“We had a bad game, we have to look at what we’re doing badly to try and improve and win games,” Raphinha told Movistar.
“I don’t care about my goal, I care about winning, we didn’t win and I’m not satisfied with the game.”
Barcelona wore white shorts as part of their anniversary celebrations, as they used to back at the start of their history.
They held a gala in the city on Friday night to mark the occasion, having been founded on November 29, 1899, but came undone on Saturday afternoon.
“We have to (play) like we did at the beginning of the season... it’s a big disappointment today,” Flick told reporters.
“Today we have more than 70 percent ball possession but we’re not able to score the goals — maybe we have to change one or two things.
“We made some mistakes, but it was not the back four, it starts (with the players) in front, we have to speak about that.”
The Catalans were able to name teenage starlet Lamine Yamal on the bench after recovering from an ankle problem.
Raphinha came closest to breaking the deadlock in the first half, scoring from an offside position and hitting the crossbar after being played through by Gavi.
Flick threw on Yamal at the break, hoping the winger would give Barca the advantage after an even first half.
Las Palmas took a surprise lead early in the second half when Kirian Rodriguez played in Ramirez, who drilled home from the edge of the box.
Raphinha hit back quickly for Barcelona with a thumping long-range effort, but Las Palmas were soon ahead again.
Silva ran onto Munoz’s probing long ball and fired past Inaki Pena to restore the Canary Islanders’ advantage with his fifth goal in eight league matches.
Former Barca goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen made several good saves and Las Palmas survived eight minutes of stoppage time.
“It was a very important win, we worked hard for it, Barca put you under a lot of pressure,” midfielder Moleiro told Movistar after Las Palmas sealed their first away win at Barcelona since 1971.
Atletico Madrid romped to a five-star victory at bottom side Real Valladolid, with Antoine Griezmann scoring one of the goals of the season.
Diego Simeone’s team have won seven consecutive games across all competitions and moved two points clear of champions Real Madrid.
Clement Lenglet opened the scoring after 25 minutes and Julian Alvarez added the second.
Rodrigo de Paul swept home the third before half-time and Griezmann produced a wonderful turn and finish soon after the break to add the fourth on a memorable night for the Rojiblancos, which even some home fans applauded.
Alexander Sorloth wrapped up Atletico’s thumping victory in stoppage time.
Griezmann’s goal saw the French forward exchange passes with Alvarez before executing a sensational turn and beating goalkeeper Karl Hein with a delicate touch.
“I have to thank (the Valladolid fans), in the end it’s what all players want, we want people to enjoy it with us, whether it’s opposition fans or our own,” Griezmann told DAZN.
“In the end I have to be grateful for this love, I’m doing really well and I hope to give more.”
Atletico beat Sparta Prague 6-0 in the Champions League on Tuesday, meaning Simeone’s side scored 11 goals this week without reply.
“There are always things to improve, the team is always looking to do better,” Simeone told DAZN.
“We have to keep our humility, the nobility of keeping on looking for more... in the second half we could have done more... but I’ll stick with what the team’s giving me, with humility you can do anything.”


Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov re-elected president of fencing’s governing body

Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov re-elected president of fencing’s governing body
Updated 01 December 2024
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Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov re-elected president of fencing’s governing body

Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov re-elected president of fencing’s governing body

LAUSANNE, Switzerland: Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov has been elected to a new term as president of the International Fencing Federation while he faces ongoing sanctions.
The federation, known as the FIE, said in an emailed statement that Usmanov won 120 votes for a majority at the congress on Saturday in Uzbekistan, where he was born.
Usmanov was first elected FIE president in 2008 and his funding was key to fencing’s growth.
Usmanov said in March 2022 he would step aside from his duties as FIE president “until justice is restored” after he was placed under sanctions by the European Union following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Greek official Emmanuel Katsiadakis served as interim president since then.
Usmanov thanked his supporters on Saturday and said he would work for a “bright future” for fencing.
“As is well known, I am still subject to unjustified restrictions, which I am currently challenging in court,” Usmanov said in a statement. “In this regard, I declare that I have always acted in the best interests of the FIE and will continue to take all necessary measures to prevent the legally unfounded restrictions imposed on me being extended to the FIE and its activities.”


F1 champion Max Verstappen takes pole for Qatar Grand Prix

F1 champion Max Verstappen takes pole for Qatar Grand Prix
Updated 01 December 2024
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F1 champion Max Verstappen takes pole for Qatar Grand Prix

F1 champion Max Verstappen takes pole for Qatar Grand Prix
  • McLaren driver Norris admitted his disappointment at missing out on a front row start

DOHA: Newly-crowned four-time world champion Max Verstappen claimed his first pole position for five months on Saturday when he beat George Russell in a tense and tight qualifying at the Qatar Grand Prix.
The Red Bull driver had forecast he would continue to struggle for pace after a disappointing showing in the earlier sprint race, but late set-up changes enabled him to clock a fastest lap in one minute and 20.520 seconds.
Russell was second for Mercedes just 0.055 seconds adrift of pole ahead of Norris, who needed a late lap to grab third for McLaren, 0.252 off the pace, ahead of team-mate Oscar Piastri and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.
Seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton was sixth in the second Mercedes ahead of Carlos Sainz, in the second Ferrari, two-time champion Fernando Alonso of Aston Martin and Sergio Perez, in the second Red Bull.
Kevin Magnussen was 10th for Haas.
It was Verstappen’s career 41st pole and his ninth of the season.
“I didn’t expect that,” said Verstappen. “Honestly! But well done to the team to give me a car that feels a bit more connected — and once the car is a bit more together you feel you can push harder.”
The final seconds of the session saw Verstappen criticized by Russell for running too slowly in front of him.
“Super-dangerous by Verstappen,” said the Mercedes driver, whose thoughts prompted the stewards to investigate.
“I ended up going through the gravel and all over the floor it felt like it was scraping,” said Russell.
Norris admitted his disappointment at missing out on a front row start.
“It’s not what we hoped for, but it was the maximum we could do. My lap was pretty good, but not quick enough.”
Hamilton, set for Ferrari next year, finished sixth, admitting: “I don’t really care. I just want to get through these races, do my job, turn up and look forward to the winter break.”
After the early laps, Verstappen led before Russell went top in 1:21.519, a time that was seven-tenths quicker than Hamilton’s best as he struggled to extract matching pace on his way to ninth.
With four minutes to go, Russell offered Hamilton a tow which lifted him to sixth, 0.118 off the pace in a tight field before Russell trimmed two-tenths off his best lap in 1:21.241, beating Leclerc by 0.037 with Sainz third ahead of Norris.
Out went Alex Albon and his Williams team-mate Franco Colapinto along with Liam Lawson of RB, Haas’s Nico Hulkenberg and Alpine’s Esteban Ocon.
Russell began Q3 in the same style, clocking 1:21.161, but his top spot was quickly taken by Verstappen in 1:21.085, Red Bull’s set-up changes, following the sprint, paying dividends.
On his second run, Russell improved to go top again by 0.001 seconds, but it was not enough in improving conditions to resist a revitalized Verstappen, or Norris, who clocked 1:20.983.
It looked solid for McLaren, but in a final flurry of laps Verstappen went top in 1:20.687 with Hamilton rising to fifth, within 0.026 of Russell in fourth, and Alonso and Magnussen claiming top ten spots.
The ‘top 10 shootout’ began with Russell topping the pile in 1:20.575 ahead of Leclerc on their opening runs when Norris ran off at Turn Five and failed to clock a time before Verstappen slotted into second.
This left McLaren in need of a strong late lap in the final seconds as they all ran again and Verstappen, against his own forecasts, secured pole ahead of Russell and Norris — his first pole since the Austrian Grand Prix in June.