Britain’s Alex Yee and Beth Potter claim victories at World Triathlon Championship Series in Abu Dhabi

Britain’s Alex Yee and Beth Potter claim victories at World Triathlon Championship Series in Abu Dhabi
Alex Yee winner of the men's World Triathlon Championship Series Abu Dhabi. (ADSC)
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Updated 04 March 2023
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Britain’s Alex Yee and Beth Potter claim victories at World Triathlon Championship Series in Abu Dhabi

Britain’s Alex Yee and Beth Potter claim victories at World Triathlon Championship Series in Abu Dhabi
  • At Yas Marina Circuit, world No. 2 Yee won the men’s elite race while world No. 5 Potter secured her first gold at the highest level

ABU DHABI: Great Britain’s Alex Yee and Beth Potter made a winning start to their season after triumphing in the elite races of the World Triathlon Championship Series Abu Dhabi, presented by Daman, on Friday.

Held at Yas Marina Circuit, the world’s best athletes began their quest to claim vital ranking points to qualify for next year’s Olympic Games in Paris on a day that also featured the Para Cup races.

In the women’s race, world No. 5 Potter put on an impressive performance as she battled in the hot conditions to reign supreme and claim her first-ever gold at the highest level.

Riding in a six-deep break on the bike, Potter pulled clear with teammate Sophie Coldwell over the 5 km finale. She finished the race in just under an hour, 57:56, finishing ahead of Coldwell and USA’s Taylor Spivey, who claimed silver and bronze medals respectively.

Potter, 31, was thrilled with her victory, saying: “It’s fantastic to win. I worked hard on the swim to stay in contention and then tried to get a bit of a gap for the rest of the race. The bike was good for me, and I felt I was technically good, although it was hard...

“The hot weather made the race more challenging, but given it’s only a sprint race, I kept going until the end. This will give me a lot of confidence for the rest of the season, and I will keep training hard when I go back to Leeds.”

Meanwhile, in the men’s race, world No. 2 Yee could not have asked for a better start as he powered to victory with a time of 52:53. The 25-year-old, who won silver at the 2020 Olympic Games, delivered a trademark 5 km run to hold off a strong field and add another gold to his collection.

For runner-up Vasco Vilaca of Portugal, who finished six seconds adrift, it was his first podium in the World Triathlon Series in three years while Brazil’s Manoel Messias came third.

Speaking after his win, Yee said: “I know it’s early doors as there’s still a long way to go until the end of the season, so (I’m) really pleased to start on a winning note. I’ve been away in Australia for four weeks, so (I’m) happy that has paid off.

“I just wanted to perform…strongly throughout the race and not give up on positions on the swim, bike and run, and wanted to race bravely, and I felt I was in control.”

Elsewhere, Spain’s Jairo Ruiz Lopez was among the winners in the Para Cup races. He came out on top in the PTS5 category in a time of 59:54 ahead of France’s Antoine Besse and Cyprus’ Andreas Doulappas.

The Spaniard said: “It’s really good, especially as it was a difficult season last year with injuries. Today I’m really happy to have won and can’t wait to be back again in Abu Dhabi. I’m very happy with how I swam and cycled, which went perfectly for me and set me strongly for the rest of the race.”

Winners in the Para Cup also included Spain’s Carmen Gonzalez Sanchez in the PTS4 category. In the PTWC races, the experienced figure of Florian Brungraber from Austria led Jose Cristobal Ramos Jimenez from the first strokes of the swim to record the win while Eva Maria Moral Pedrero won gold.

Meanwhile, the UAE’s younger generation put on some spirited performances in the junior races.

Among the hundreds to follow on the same course as the elite athletes was 12-year-old Alexander Da Cruz who took part in the 12-13 age group duathlon. He was in awe of competing on the Formula One track — the second time in a week.

He said: “I love the sport and I usually cycle and run a lot so competing against other people really pushed me to go further and makes you think about what you can achieve in the future. I competed in the Tri Yas last week, so it was cool to be running and cycling on the Formula One track.”

Another youngster who enjoyed the experience was Maria Samuelle who was part of the 10-11 duathlon race. The 10-year-old said: “I really enjoyed myself. It was a bit hard, but I kept on going and (was) happy to have finished. I love swimming, cycling and running, so it was great to compete here.”

It is the eighth year that Abu Dhabi is staging the pinnacle world triathlon event, which will conclude on Saturday with the age group races.


Pochettino urges struggling Chelsea players to ‘believe’

Pochettino urges struggling Chelsea players to ‘believe’
Updated 16 sec ago
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Pochettino urges struggling Chelsea players to ‘believe’

Pochettino urges struggling Chelsea players to ‘believe’
LONDON: Mauricio Pochettino has urged his struggling Chelsea team to keep believing in themselves but admitted they had to “fix” their crippling goalscoring problem.
The Blues, European champions just two years ago, are a lowly 14th in the Premier League table, just four points above the relegation zone, after one win in their first six matches.
Big-spending Chelsea have mustered just five goals in the league — and three of those came in the 3-0 win against newly-promoted Luton.
But new manager Pochettino, speaking on the eve of their League Cup third-round match against Brighton, struck a positive note, saying his team were still a work in progress.
“(It is) a very short time that we are together,” said the Argentine. “Realistically, we only started after the transfer window closed. Before, it was a little bit of an unstable situation.”
He said injury-hit Chelsea were full of ideas and dominating games but struggling to find the net — Raheem Sterling is the top-scorer with just two goals.
“Every single football person in this country sees Chelsea deserve more but we have missed (scoring) goals, the most important thing in football — we cannot forget that,” said the former Tottenham boss.
“We need to get criticized, of course, because we are not winning games but we need to keep being strong in the belief.
“The team is very well-organized, the effort is massive. You can see against Aston Villa (a match Chelsea lost 1-0) how the players fight with 10 men.”
He added: “We are playing well, it’s only we are not clinical in front of the goal. That is what we need to fix and try to give more confidence to our offensive players.”

DP World Tour prepares to celebrate 15th anniversary in Dubai

DP World Tour prepares to celebrate 15th anniversary in Dubai
Updated 26 September 2023
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DP World Tour prepares to celebrate 15th anniversary in Dubai

DP World Tour prepares to celebrate 15th anniversary in Dubai
  • 2023 edition of the season-ending event will bring 50 of the world’s top golf stars to Dubai

DUBAI: The DP World Tour Championship, Dubai, is set to return for its 15th edition in just 50 days with a blend of world-class golfing action, entertainment and fan experiences.

Following record weekend crowds last year and a sold-out event, the championship will take place at Jumeirah Golf Estates, as the grand finale of the prestigious Rolex Series.

From Nov. 16-19, the Earth Course at Jumeirah Golf Estates will witness the world’s top 50 players on the “DP World Tour Race to Dubai” Rankings battling for the coveted title of Race to Dubai champion.

The DP World Tour Championship Fan Village will offer an array of experiences including family-friendly activities, a special Ladies Day celebrating women’s golf, and daily music performances from local UAE based artists including Conleth McGeary, Lexie, Faux-asis and Garry Greig.

For those looking to improve their golf game, the “Golf for All” program will offer attendees lessons on the driving range, along with an opportunity to put skills to the test through a “long putt” challenge sponsored by DP World.

Tom Phillips, the DP World Tour’s Head of Middle East, said: “We’re thrilled to be celebrating the 15th edition of the DP World Tour Championship. This Rolex Series is not only a highlight on the global golfing calendar but has also firmly established itself on Dubai’s vibrant social calendar. It’s a testament to our commitment to delivering a world-class sporting and lifestyle experience that resonates with residents and visitors alike, and we can’t wait to share this milestone with everyone.”


Al-Nassr cruise, Al-Hilal stumble into King’s Cup round of 16

Al-Nassr cruise, Al-Hilal stumble into King’s Cup round of 16
Updated 26 September 2023
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Al-Nassr cruise, Al-Hilal stumble into King’s Cup round of 16

Al-Nassr cruise, Al-Hilal stumble into King’s Cup round of 16
  • Without Cristiano Ronaldo, Al-Nassr comprehensively overcome Ohod 5-1

Riyadh rivals Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal safely booked their spots in the round of 16 of the King’s Cup after away victories over lower-tier opposition on Monday night.

But while Al-Nassr cruised to a comfortable 5-1 win over Ohod, Al-Hilal struggled to overcome Al-Jabalain 1-0.

Al-Nassr, playing without the rested Cristiano Ronaldo, took the lead on 15 minutes through a penalty by Sadio Mane, but the home team responded with a fine chipped equalizer from Konrad Michalak deep into first-half stoppage time.

Second-half strikes from Seko Fofana (62 minutes), Talisca (75), Ayman Yahya (81) and Sami Al-Najei (86) saw the Yellows safely through to the next round.

In contrast, Al-Hilal could only manage a solitary goal from Reuben Neves on 64 minutes as they labored to beat stubborn first-division outfit Al-Jabalain.

Elsewhere on Monday night, there was shock as Saudi Pro League team Al-Raed were beaten by first-division Al-Najmah 2-1, while Damac progressed after a 2-1 victory over Al-Qaisumah.


Padel to debut at Emirates Dubai 7s with new tournament Rebound

Padel to debut at Emirates Dubai 7s with new tournament Rebound
Updated 26 September 2023
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Padel to debut at Emirates Dubai 7s with new tournament Rebound

Padel to debut at Emirates Dubai 7s with new tournament Rebound
  • Organizers confirm contest to be played across 5 custom-designed courts Dec. 1-3

DUBAI: Emirates Dubai 7s is to launch Rebound, its first padel tournament, further expanding the lineup of its sporting events for this year’s edition.

Set to take place from Dec. 1 to 3, the tournament welcomes players of all abilities, and will see them compete across five custom-designed padel courts at The Sevens Stadium.

Players can select from eight categories namely Team Open Competitive (C), Team Open Social (D), Men’s Open Competitive (C), Men’s Open Social (D), Women's Competitive (C+), Women’s Challenger (C-), Women’s Open Social (D), and the Parent & Kids Social for children aged 8 to 14.

During the tournament, each team will take part in a minimum of three games during the group stage, and game formats will vary by category. For most categories, there will be six games to a set in the group stage, and nine in the knockout stages, while the parent and children categories will feature four games to a set in the group stage and six in the knockout stages.

The tournament will kick off on Friday, Dec. 1 with the parent and children categories, as well as the initial group stages to determine finalists for the knockout stages. The team category will consist of four players — two female and two male — taking on opponents in mixed and same-gender matches in the group stages and finals.

Simon Jelowitz, head of sport operations at the Emirates Dubai 7s, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to introduce padel to our schedule of sporting events for the 2023 Emirates Dubai 7s, which will offer a completely new experience for players. Padel is a sport that is growing rapidly around the world and it’s no different in the UAE with a number of padel courts set up across the country.

“Whether you’re trying for the first time or play regularly, this is a great opportunity to be part of our first-ever padel competition in what will be a fantastic weekend of sports and entertainment and we encourage everyone to register and book spots now.”


Victory for Saudi handball team in Asian Games as tennis duo, fencers bow out

Victory for Saudi handball team in Asian Games as tennis duo, fencers bow out
Updated 26 September 2023
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Victory for Saudi handball team in Asian Games as tennis duo, fencers bow out

Victory for Saudi handball team in Asian Games as tennis duo, fencers bow out
  • In Boxing, the Kingdom’s Abdulaziz Al-Otaibi qualified for the round of 16 in the 51kg category

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s mens handball team were victorious in their second game at the Asian Games on Monday, beating Mongolian 45-15.
Saudi Arabia were seeking to revive their tournament after loosing to Japan in the opening game. They are now in joint second place in Group D alongside Iran, who they play on Wednesday.
In Boxing, the Kingdom’s Abdulaziz Al-Otaibi qualified for the round of 16 in the 51kg category, while teammate Raghad Al-Naimi bowed out after losing to Kazakhstan’s Natalia Bogdanova in the 66kg weight class. 


Saudi rower Haia Al-Mami finished 12th in the overall standings of the W1x competition with a time of 8.84 minutes on Monday. 


In the taekwondo competition, it was the end of the road for Dania Abu Talibn after losing to China’s Guo Qing, who won the silver medal in the 2022 World Championships, by a round to nil in the sub-49kg weight category for women. 


Also heading out of the games were fencers Adel Al-Mutairi and Mohammed Al-Omar in the saber competition. Al-Mutairi defeated Jordan’s Osama Al-Masri 15-12 before losing 6-15 in the round of 16 to South Korea’s Oh Sang-uk, who won gold at 2020 Tokyo Olympics. And Al-Omar lost in the round of 32 to Japan’s Yoshida Kento. 


The Saudi shooting team, Misfer Al-Ammari, Bader Al-Otaibi, and Hussein Al-Harbi, finished their participation in the 10m air rifle competition. Al-Ammari ranked 12th with 624.5 points, Al-Otaibi ranked 24th with 615.8 points, and Al-Harbi ranked 50th with 614.5 points. As a team, they finished 12th with a total of 1854.8 points. 


Saudi tennis duo, Ammar and Yara Al-Hogbani, also bowed out of the games after a loss in the doubles competition.