JEDDAH, 27 November 2005 — Al-Hilal stayed on top by securing an important victory, trouncing Jeddah’s Al-Ahli 4-1 in their Saudi soccer league match last night in Riyadh. The victory strengthened Hilal’s position at the top with 21 points, while Ahli remain third with 13 points. In a match played in Dammam, Jeddah outfit and Asian champions Al-Ittihad outplayed their rivals Al-Qadisiya 4-2. The victory increased Ittihad points to seven as they advanced to 6th position. Qadisiya remain on fourth with 11 points. In Hail, Al-Shabab handed Al-Taie a 2-1 defeat. With this victory Shabab remain on second position with 17 points while Taie are on seventh position with 7 points.

Saudi Youth Team

DAMMAM, 27 November 2005 — The Saudi youth team qualified for the AFC youth soccer championship finals after beating Oman 4-2. The finals will take place in India in 2006. Saudi Arabia are now on top of Group B with 6 points. The result of the group’s final match between Oman and Syria will not affect the standings.

Al-Qahtani Deal

RIYADH, 27 November 2005 — Al-Hilal will make the final payment to complete the deal for Yasir Al-Qahtani on Wednesday. The deal was worth SR11.2 million. Hilal will then officially enlist the player in their team’s roster. Al-Qahtani moved to Hilal club from Qadisiya early this year.

Prince Faisal ibn Fahd Cup

JEDDAH, 27 November 2005 – The Saudi Basketball Federation has approved the new opening date of the Prince Faisal ibn Fahd Cup.

The 7-day competition was scheduled to take place in Madinah at the Prince Muhammad ibn Abdul Aziz Hall. The competition will now start from Dec. 7.

Al-Hazem, Al-Ansar Draw

MADINAH, 27 November 2005 — Al-Hazem drew with Al-Ansar 0-0 in the Saudi soccer league on Friday. It was a dull game as both teams failed to bring any keenness in the game. Al-Ansar stay on 11th position with 3 points and Al-Hazem drop to ninth position with 5 points.

Diving Event Canceled

RIYADH, 27 November 2005 — The Saudi Swimming Federation canceled the diving competition due to lack of entries by the participating clubs.

Ittihad Club sent only three divers and that was not enough to fulfill the requirements set by the organizing committee. Other teams simply sent their representatives just to apologize for not attending.