JEDDAH, 24 February 2006 — Al-Hilal secured the full three points against Al-Ahli after winning the match 3-2 at Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Stadium yesterday.
The victory put Hilal equal on points at 38 with leaders Al-Shabab although the latter have a game in hand in the Saudi Soccer League. Hilal dominated the first half and three goals by Al-Anbar in the 27th minute and by Camatcho in the 31st and 45th minute put pressure on the home team.
Ahli made some adjustments in the second half and fielded Abdul Ghani and Al-Arraif to gain more control of the midfield. This added power to the striking line and produced the desired result as Ahli got in their first goal in the 54th minute courtesy of Dinovitch.
Going on the offensive, Ahli pulled another one back when Malek Moaz scored in the 75th minute from a nice shot outside the penalty box. The goal by Tayser Al-Jasim was ruled offside 10 minutes from time denying Ahli what could have been an equalizer. Despite the defeat, Ahli stayed in third position with 28 points.
Al-Ittihad remain at fourth with 26 points thanks to their 4-3 win on Sunday against Taei. Today’s matches pit Al-Hazem against Ansar, Ittihad against Qadisiya, and Shabab against Taei.
Saudi International Referee Cited: On Monday, Prince Sultan ibn Fahd, president of Youth Welfare, congratulated the Saudi referees on their success and achievements made during the national and international matches they officiated. The prince was particularly proud of the international Saudi referee, Nasser Saleh, who had performed well during the World Volleyball Cup. Prince Sultan gave Nasser an award for which he thanked the prince saying, “our improving performance is a proof of your encouragement and concern.”
Equestrian Tournaments: On Thursday, Jeddah Equestrian Club hosted their 15th race meeting consisting of five rounds at the racetrack on Asfaan Road. The first race for local three-year old horses covered a distance of 1, 400 meters, which was also used for the second race, that, however, featured local four-year olds who have won in the past. The third race was for horses four years and above over a distance of 1, 600m, fourth for imported horses four-year olds at 2,000m and the fifth and final fifth race for four-year olds and non-winners at 1, 600m.
Meanwhile, Buraidah on Wednesday hosted their 14th race meeting at the Equestrian Club’s field in Al-Qaseem. Rothana, owned by the Thmardal Stable, won the first out of four races for novice horses at 1,400 meters. The second open race at 1, 600m went to Ruwah, owned by Omar Al-Marshoud. Winning the third race at 1, 600m was Wardat Al-Riyadh, owned by Abdulilah Al-Munsalih, while Ghaddar, owned by Khalid Al-Saalou ruled the fourth race over a distance of 1,400m.
Saudi Fencers Enter 2nd World Fencing Championship in Egypt: Saudi Arabia were among the seven other countries that entered the second World Fencing Championship in Cairo, Egypt last week. The championship was organized and supervised by the Egyptian Federation for Military. Around 100 fencers under the age of 20 saw action at this championship. They were from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Italy, Australia, Switzerland, Serbia and the hosts Egypt. The championship featured competitions in solo combat and sword combat.
Athletics Meet in Qateef: On Wednesday, Al-Qateef hosted the second round of the Kingdom Athletics Championship for youth clubs. The 15 clubs who joined were Dumk, Al-Ahli, Al-Hilal, Al-Nakhil, Al-Safa, Al-Tarf, Okaz, Ittihad, Najran, Al-Khalij, Al-Adalah, Al-Washm, Mudar, Al-Watni and Al-Majzal. Dumk lead the championship with 115 points followed by Ahli with 107 points and Hilal with 103 points.
Yanbu Sports Festival: Yanbu on Sunday hosted a sport festival to run for three weeks at the Yanbu Industrial City. The director of the Royal Commission, Akili Khawaji, launched the event the opening ceremony at the Ibn Sena Intermediate School Field. Some 300 students participated along with scout teams and more than 15 governmental sectors. “The festival aims at activating the sports in the city and encouraging the talented and enthusiastic youth to participate in something useful,” said director of the social services at the Royal Commission Khalid Sebeh.
Gulf Press Federation for Sports: Taking the lead from the Oman Sport Press Societies, six Gulf countries agreed to establish a Gulf Press Federation for Sports. The meeting was held in Muscat, Oman where the federation headquarters are to be located. Representatives from Oman, United Emirates, Qatar and Kuwait attended the meeting in Muscat to discuss the idea while Saudi Arabia and Bahrain begged off. And according to www.kooora.com website, the federation will also launch a website that will include all their rules, regulations, and topics discussed. The Gulf Press Federation will also take into consideration projects aimed at improving the Gulf sport press.
