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Wembanyama has 30 points, 14 rebounds, 6 blocks to help Spurs beat Antetokounmpo, Bucks, 144-118

Wembanyama has 30 points, 14 rebounds, 6 blocks to help Spurs beat Antetokounmpo, Bucks, 144-118
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama dunks over Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo during the second half at Frost Bank Center. (Imagn Images)
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Updated 01 February 2025
AP
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Wembanyama has 30 points, 14 rebounds, 6 blocks to help Spurs beat Antetokounmpo, Bucks, 144-118

Wembanyama has 30 points, 14 rebounds, 6 blocks to help Spurs beat Antetokounmpo, Bucks, 144-118
  • Wembanyama was 9 for 20 from the field in an dynamic showing one day after being named to his first All-Star Game as a Western Conference reserve
Updated 01 February 2025
AP
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SAN ANTONIO: Victor Wembanyama had 30 points, 14 rebounds and six blocks and the San Antonio Spurs had a season high in points to overcome 35 points and 13 rebounds from Giannis Antetokounmpo and beat the Milwaukee Bucks 144-118 on Friday night.

Keldon Johnson added 24 points and Stephon Castle had 20 as San Antonio snapped a two-game skid and won for just the second time in seven games.

Damian Lillard had 22 points for Milwaukee. Khris Middleton added 21.

Wembanyama was 9 for 20 from the field in a dynamic showing one day after being named to his first All-Star Game as a Western Conference reserve.

Wembanyama banked in a 34-foot 3-pointer that hit the backboard, bounced off the front of the rim, hit the backboard again and dropped in with 7:18 remaining in the third quarter. The 3-pointer drew loud gasps and cheers from the fans and left Milwaukee coach Doc Rivers with his arms raised in puzzlement.

Wembanyama closed out a 14-point quarter by making a running, one-legged 3-pointer.

Takeaways

Bucks: Middleton was 8 for 9 from the field, including 3 for 4 on 3-pointers, in 23 minutes off the bench.

Spurs: Castle is averaging 16.8 points and 3.3 assists in his past nine games since returning to the starting lineup.

Key moment

Wembanyama was held to two points on 1-for-4 shooting in the first quarter, but he had three blocks to help San Antonio end the period tied at 35. Wembanyama blocked Antetokounmpo’s shots twice in 14 seconds in the opening two minutes of the game. Antetokounmpo avoided a third block by powering in a dunk over Wembanyama.

Key stat

San Antonio shot 15 for 25 from the field in outscoring Milwaukee 45-30 in the third quarter.

Up next

The Bucks host Memphis on Sunday night. The Spurs host Miami on Saturday night to complete a three-game homestand.

Topics: basketball NBA Victor Wembanyama Spurs

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ATP, PIF launch upgrade to Tennis IQ platform

ATP, PIF launch upgrade to Tennis IQ platform
Updated 22 August 2025
Arab News
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ATP, PIF launch upgrade to Tennis IQ platform

ATP, PIF launch upgrade to Tennis IQ platform
  • New version puts vital data in hands of more players, governing body says
  • System ‘embodies how innovation can empower athletes,’ PIF says
Updated 22 August 2025
Arab News

NEW YORK/RIYADH/LONDON: The ATP and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund on Friday launched an updated technology platform designed to give players unprecedented access to performance data and analytics.

ATP Tennis IQ Powered by PIF will be available to all singles players across the PIF ATP Rankings for the first time, extending access to as many as 2,000 players on both the ATP Tour and ATP Challenger Tour.

The system provides real-time scouting tools, video analysis and wearable insights aimed at helping players refine their preparation, strategy and match performance.

Ross Hutchins, chief sporting officer at the ATP, said the platform marked a major milestone for the sport.

“One of the things we’re most proud of … is putting high quality data insights into the hands of more players, enabling easy access to information that can genuinely impact their careers,” he said.

“We’ve also made big strides in the sophistication of the platform itself. Working with PIF has accelerated that progress — scaling faster, supporting more players and delivering one of the biggest technological step changes in the sport.”

Mohamed Al-Sayyad, head of corporate brand at PIF, said the project reflected the fund’s ambition to improve sport through innovation.

“PIF’s partnerships are designed to address critical needs and leave a legacy of transformative impact, built on a shared ambition to elevate every level of sport on a global scale,” he said.

“ATP Tennis IQ Powered by PIF embodies how innovation can empower athletes. PIF remains committed to driving partnerships in sport to catalyze innovation, expand opportunity and support the next generation of talent.”

The technology was first launched in 2023 in collaboration with Tennis Data Innovations and TennisViz.

The updated version broadens access to all ATP coach members as well as players and introduces an upgraded interface, enhanced scouting and video tools, and integration with wearables to capture physical performance data.

The ATP said these enhancements would place “richer data and analytics at players’ fingertips in real time” to help improve training techniques, refine strategy and make smarter in-match decisions.

The platform forms part of a wider strategic partnership between the ATP and PIF, which last year became the official naming partner of the ATP rankings.

PIF is also a partner of major ATP Tour events in Indian Wells, Miami, Madrid and Beijing, as well as the season-ending Nitto ATP Finals in Turin and the Next Gen ATP Finals Presented by PIF, hosted in Jeddah until 2027.

Topics: tennis ATP Public Investment Fund (PIF)

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All Women’s World Cup matches shifted from Bengaluru, Pakistan to play in Colombo

All Women’s World Cup matches shifted from Bengaluru, Pakistan to play in Colombo
Updated 22 August 2025
AFP
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All Women’s World Cup matches shifted from Bengaluru, Pakistan to play in Colombo

All Women’s World Cup matches shifted from Bengaluru, Pakistan to play in Colombo
  • ICC dropped Bengaluru as a venue after a June stampede killed 11 at Chinnaswamy Stadium
  • Mumbai is now added as another venue, with the final set to take place there or in Colombo
Updated 22 August 2025
AFP

NEW DELHI: The Bengaluru stadium where 11 cricket fans died during celebrations in June will no longer host Women’s World Cup matches including the opening game, the sport’s governing body said on Friday.

Mumbai will instead be one of the four Indian venues for the 50-over tournament starting on September 30, along with the Sri Lankan capital Colombo.

The International Cricket Council cited “unforeseen circumstances” for moving games away from Chinnaswamy Stadium, without saying the specific reasons.

However, local media has said that police denied permission to the Karnataka State Cricket Association to host major matches at the stadium.

On June 4 a victory parade by hundreds of thousands of fans for IPL champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru turned deadly, with fans as young as 14 crushed to death and about 50 others hurt as supporters swarmed outside the gates of the venue.

The stadium was subsequently deemed “unsafe” by a judicial commission to host large crowds.

The opening match of the World Cup, between co-hosts India and Sri Lanka, will now be played in Guwahati.

Bengaluru had been scheduled to stage up to five World Cup games including the November 2 final, depending on whether Pakistan reach the title decider.

Pakistan will play all their matches in Colombo as part of a compromise deal.

The final will now be played in either Mumbai or Colombo.

Topics: Pakistan women cricket team

Al-Nassr coach confident of victory over Al-Ahli in Saudi Super Cup final showdown in Hong Kong

Al-Nassr coach confident of victory over Al-Ahli in Saudi Super Cup final showdown in Hong Kong
Updated 22 August 2025
Arab News
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Al-Nassr coach confident of victory over Al-Ahli in Saudi Super Cup final showdown in Hong Kong

Al-Nassr coach confident of victory over Al-Ahli in Saudi Super Cup final showdown in Hong Kong
  • This year’s Saudi Super Cup is the first to be staged in East Asia
  • The tournament opened in Hong Kong on Tuesday
Updated 22 August 2025
Arab News

HONG KONG: Al-Nassr coach Jorge Jesus expressed confidence in his players’ ability to lift the Saudi Super Cup when they face Al-Ahli in Saturday’s final in Hong Kong, despite the absence of star forward Sadio Mane.

“On Saturday, Saudi football will be exposed to the whole world, we are expecting to see two excellent and exciting teams, which is great for the game in the country,” Jesus said at a pre-match press conference on Friday.

“It’s a 50/50 match, but we want to win and return to Riyadh with the trophy.”

Spanish defender Inigo Martinez, who joined Al-Nassr from Barcelona this summer, said the team’s battling 2-1 semifinal victory over Al-Ittihad with 10 men had shown “a high level of fraternity.”

A La Liga champion last season, the center-back added: “I am really pleased and honored to have the chance to contest a final in just my second match for Al-Nassr. Our mission is to counter the aggression of our rivals; it will be difficult but we own the tools to win. Our team is ready; we’ll be united and adopt the same spirit as on Tuesday.”

On the opposite bench, Al-Ahli coach Matthias Jaissle said his side were fully focused on the small details that could decide the final.

“(Saturday’s) result cannot be predicted, but we must work on the small details in order to achieve our goal from the match, which is victory,” he said.

Acknowledging Al-Nassr’s heavy investment in recent seasons, Jaissle added: “They have made huge signings; you can just be realistic with that. They did an amazing job with a big budget. Therefore, it will be a huge challenge tomorrow.”

Al-Ahli striker Ivan Toney said preparations for the match had been intense.

“The preparations were a bit crazy,” he admitted. “We will have a tough match against an opponent with distinguished players, especially in defense, but we will fight for victory. My teammates and I are fully prepared for this encounter.”

This year’s Saudi Super Cup is the first to be staged in East Asia. The tournament opened in Hong Kong on Tuesday, when Al-Nassr booked their place in the final with a hard-fought win over Al-Ittihad. Al-Ahli joined them with a commanding 5-1 victory against Al-Qadsiah.

Topics: football soccer Saudi Arabia Saudi Pro League SPL Al-Nassr SPL Al-Ahli

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Barca’s Flick unfazed by criticism of Yamal’s goal celebrations

Barca’s Flick unfazed by criticism of Yamal’s goal celebrations
Updated 22 August 2025
Reuters
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Barca’s Flick unfazed by criticism of Yamal’s goal celebrations

Barca’s Flick unfazed by criticism of Yamal’s goal celebrations
  • Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal sparked controversy with his regal goal celebration last week when he pretended to crown himself after scoring against Mallorca
Updated 22 August 2025
Reuters

BARCELONA: Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal sparked controversy with his regal goal celebration last week when he pretended to crown himself after scoring against Mallorca, but manager Hansi Flick on Friday brushed off criticism of his 18-year-old winger.

The gesture appeared to anoint Yamal as the new king after netting his first goal of the season in Barcelona’s 3-0 victory over Mallorca, with the teenager having inherited the iconic number 10 shirt worn by many club greats in the past.

Yamal has found himself under scrutiny recently, with a Spanish disability rights group threatening legal action over reports of people with dwarfism being hired as entertainment at his 18th birthday party last month.

But Flick remains unfazed by the external noise surrounding his player.

“I don’t care what other people say about my team. Lamine is only 18 years old but he’s a fantastic footballer,” Flick told reporters ahead of Saturday’s game away at Levante.

“I will help him to grow in the right way. But what I can see here, his behavior is very good.”

Robert Lewandowski is expected to return to the squad after the veteran striker, who turned 37 on Thursday, missed the LaLiga opener with an injury.

However, he will be competing with Ferran Torres to lead the line.

“We will see, we have some thoughts about how the match is going and what we can change, but at the end we have different options at number nine,” Flick said.

“Ferran scored a goal (against Mallorca) and it’s the best argument to play again. We will try and include Robert if it’s possible.”

Flick also suggested England forward Marcus Rashford could be deployed as a striker after he made his Barca debut as a second-half substitute.

“Rashford gives us some more options. He’s more familiar with the number 11 (position on the wing) but his strengths, his first touch, his speed — he is really helpful for our game,” Flick said.

“We can enjoy a fantastic Marcus Rashford this season, 100 percent.”

Flick said he hopes to have all players registered next week as Barcelona navigate LaLiga’s financial constraints.

The German also insisted on retaining midfielder Fermin Lopez, who had eight goals and 10 assists last season, amid transfer speculation.

“I don’t want to lose any players now because I think it will be a tough season and we need this quality from Fermin. He was doing really good last season and also when we started the new season,” Flick said.

“I’m happy with him, the players — I want to keep everyone here because the options we have now are very good.”

Topics: Barcelona FC

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Isak will not play against Liverpool, as ‘lose-lose’ situation continues

Isak will not play against Liverpool, as ‘lose-lose’ situation continues
Updated 22 August 2025
Reuters
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Isak will not play against Liverpool, as ‘lose-lose’ situation continues

Isak will not play against Liverpool, as ‘lose-lose’ situation continues
  • Newcastle responded by saying there had been no commitment to sell the 25-year-old who is under contract until 2028
Updated 22 August 2025
Reuters

Newcastle United’s wantaway striker Alexander Isak will not be in the squad when they host Premier League champions Liverpool on Monday, said boss Eddie Howe, who called the tense standoff a “lose-lose” situation.

Isak was the subject of a 110 million pounds ($148.34 million) bid from Liverpool earlier this month, according to media reports, and in a social media post on Tuesday accused Newcastle of breaking promises.

Newcastle responded by saying there had been no commitment to sell the 25-year-old who is under contract until 2028.

“There’s been no change,” Howe told reporters on Friday. “It’s a lose-lose situation. I don’t think we can come out of this winning in any situation.”

Should Isak still be under contract at Newcastle when the transfer window closes on September 1, Howe said he and the players would welcome him back into the squad.

“I have no doubt about how the players will feel. They will feel the same way I do. Alex is a fantastic player, he’s a good person, a good character and a good lad,” Howe said. “If Alex wanted to come back and play for us, the players would welcome him.

“100 percent I want to see him back in a Newcastle shirt.”

Howe said he has not seen Isak, who is not training with the team, this week, adding that conversation between the two has otherwise been normal.

“There’s no issues there. Of course it’s a difficult situation from both sides and it’s far from ideal for both parties,” he said. “When we bump in to each other, we speak but as I say I’ve not seen him this week as he’s training later on and detached from the group.”

When asked about the public statements from Isak and the club earlier this week, the manager said he prefers that “it doesn’t happen publicly.”

“Everything is better dealt with behind closed doors but in this situation, needs must and in this situation the club has spoken and justifiably so in that moment,” he added.

Howe is confident Newcastle’s supporters could forgive Isak if he comes back into the team.

“The supporters will always react off how a player plays and what he gives the team,” Howe said. “There is always two sides to every story.”

Topics: Liverpool

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