Ronaldo loses for first time in Saudi Arabia as Al-Nassr are felled by Al-Ittihad

Special Ronaldo loses for first time in Saudi Arabia as Al-Nassr are felled by Al-Ittihad
Al-Nassr’s Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo heads the ball during the Saudi Pro League game against Al-Ittihad, King Abdullah Sport City Stadium, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Mar. 9, 2023. (AFP)
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Updated 10 March 2023

Ronaldo loses for first time in Saudi Arabia as Al-Nassr are felled by Al-Ittihad

Ronaldo loses for first time in Saudi Arabia as Al-Nassr are felled by Al-Ittihad
  • The result was a real statement of intent from Al-Ittihad, who leapfrogged Al-Nassr to claim top spot in the league
  • Romarinho’s first touch took him past two defenders and into the box, from where he slotted the ball past Al-Aqidi and inside the post.

RIYADH: Cristiano Ronaldo has been smiling for much of the time since he arrived in Saudi Arabia in January but there were only scowls and frustrated gestures on Thursday as Al-Nassr lost their first Roshn Saudi League game since the five-time Ballon D’or winner joined the team.

There were bigger ramifications than Ronaldo’s disappointment, however. The clash was far a classic but the 1-0 victory allowed Al-Ittihad to leapfrog Al-Nassr at the top of the league, with 10 games of the season remaining.

The Tigers, who let the title slip through their fingers last season, now have 47 points, one more than Al-Nassr. There is still a long way to go but Nuno Santo’s men certainly made a big statement of intent with the victory, and their fans at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah twice celebrated almost as though they had already won the league: First when Romarinho scored the late winning goal and again when the referee blew for full time.

While the focus was obviously on the top-class international attacking talent on display, it should not be forgotten that heading into today’s game these two teams had conceded a combined total of only 16 goals in their 38 league games. Given this statistic, and what was at stake in the game, it is no surprise that the chances did not flow.

Al-Ittihad made most of the running, with Al-Nassr seemingly more interested in attempting to hit on the counter. As the game progressed, it increasingly looked as if the visitors would be content with a point from the game. It was not to be.

It was, in truth, a forgettable first half with neither goalkeeper really tested. Romarinho received the ball in a good position on the left side of the area but his low shot was much too weak. Al-Ittihad’s top scorer, Abderrazak Hamdallah, had a chance from outside the area but cleared the bar.

Ronaldo looked like he might open the scoring just before the half-hour, his combination with the busy Abdulrahman Ghareeb working to good effect once again. However, his shot was saved and the initial pass caused the referee’s assistant to raise his flag for offside anyway. Overall, though, the Portuguese star, like the other players on the pitch, was simply unable to make things happen.

After the break, everyone was looking for a spark. There was finally a reasonably clear chance 10 minutes into the second half, when Bruno Henrique rose for a header at the near post but could only direct the ball wide of the post.

Soon after Ronaldo sent a free-kick over the bar, Igor Coronado slipped the ball through the Al-Nassr defense and suddenly Hamdallah was free in the area, only for goalkeeper Nawaf Al-Aqidi to come out quickly and block. The ball fell to Romarinho but his shot was blocked on the line by Alvaro Gonzalez.

There was a sense of excitement among the fans and the Brazilian forward then found some space around the penalty spot but his header was too close to the goalkeeper.

With 10 minutes remaining, the goal came and the fans, the bench and the players erupted in delight. Ahmed Sharahili crossed from the right to Romarinho just outside the area. The Brazilian’s first touch took him past two defenders and into the box, from where he slotted the ball past Al-Aqidi and inside the post.

Ronaldo shook his head as the roof was raised, perhaps in the knowledge that his team now had to score against a defense that had not conceded a league goal in their previous six games.

Last week, Al-Nassr were a goal down when the 90 minutes were up against Al-Batin, and then scored an amazing three goals in 15 minutes of added time. Now there were only seven minutes from defeat and this time, they were facing Al-Ittihad.

Their best chance of salvaging a point came in the 93rd minute and it fell to Ronaldo. Finally, he had a little space in the area but his fierce shot from the left side was well saved by the in-form Marcelo Grohe. In the end, it was all too little too late.

There will be many more twists and turns in the coming weeks and it remains to be seen who will end up lifting the trophy. Two things are certain though: Al-Ittihad now believe they can do it and Ronaldo knows there is going to be an almighty battle for top spot.


Jabeur bounces back at French Open, Ruud and Russian teenager advance

Jabeur bounces back at French Open, Ruud and Russian teenager advance
Updated 16 sec ago

Jabeur bounces back at French Open, Ruud and Russian teenager advance

Jabeur bounces back at French Open, Ruud and Russian teenager advance
PARIS: Ons Jabeur got a do-over on Court Philippe Chatrier at the French Open and won this time.
A year after her first-round exit, the No. 7 seed Jabeur beat Lucia Bronzetti 6-4, 6-1 to help erase some bad memories and answer questions about a recent calf injury.
The Tunisian, a crowd favorite in Paris, smiled and expressed relief in not repeating last year’s mistake, when she lost to Magda Linette of Poland.
“I’m very happy to win my first match on Philippe Chatrier — because I’ve never won here,” Jabeur said on court about the clay-court tournament’s main stadium.
Now she can focus on trying to win her first major. She was runner-up at Wimbledon and the US Open last year.
The 28-year-old Jabeur has also battled injuries this season. She had knee surgery after the Australian Open, and was then sidelined with a calf injury. She had stopped playing against top-ranked Iga Swiatek at the clay-court tournament in Stuttgart, Germany, in late April and then pulled out of the Madrid Open.
“It was a very difficult period for me after Stuttgart,” said Jabeur, adding that she’s beginning to find her rhythm.
Jabeur struck 27 winner’s to Bronzetti’s seven, though with 24 unforced errors she’ll have room to improve.
Also Tuesday, 16-year-old Russian Mirra Andreeva had a memorable Grand Slam debut by dominating Alison Riske-Amritraj 6-2, 6-1. Andreeva’s older sister — 18-year-old Erika — was facing Emma Navarro later in the day.
Later, Swiatek gets her French Open title defense started against Cristina Bucsa, who is ranked 70th.
On the men’s side, No. 4 seed Casper Ruud beat qualifier Elias Ymer 6-4, 6-3, 6-2, to remind the higher-profile tournament favorites that he was runner-up to Rafael Nadal last year at Roland Garros.

Al-Faisaly reverse decision to withdraw from football tournament in Palestine

Al-Faisaly reverse decision to withdraw from football tournament in Palestine
Updated 20 min 43 sec ago

Al-Faisaly reverse decision to withdraw from football tournament in Palestine

Al-Faisaly reverse decision to withdraw from football tournament in Palestine
  • Tension on the pitch led to crowd trouble at the Al-Quds and Al-Karameh tournament match against rivals Al-Wehdat on Monday
  • Club’s board had released a statement on Tuesday saying the team were heading back to Amman

AMMAN: Jordanian football club Al-Faisaly have reversed their decision to withdraw from the Al-Quds and Al-Karameh tournament in Palestine after trouble had marred their derby match against fierce rivals Al-Wehdat.

Monday’s opening match of the friendly competition — which was organized by the Palestinian Football Federation — was in the final moments of a 1-1 draw when an aggressive challenge by an Al-Faisaly player on Mohammed Kahlan from Al-Wehdat led to a scuffle between members of the two teams.

Tension on the pitch spread to fans in the stands and this resulted in Al-Faisaly’s board of directors taking the decision to leave the competition and return to Amman.

Jordan’s Al-Ghad newspaper reported Al-Faisaly’s official statement as saying: “Following the unfortunate events that were witnessed at the Al-Faisaly match in the Al-Quds and Al-Karameh tournament, which was held in the sisterly state of Palestine yesterday, the board of directors of Al-Faisaly Club held today, Tuesday, a meeting at the club’s headquarters headed by the Chairman of the Board, Eng. Nidal Al-Hadid.

“The board says that the unfortunate events that occurred… resulted in tension inside the stadium, during which the club’s delegation was attacked.

“In order to preserve national unity, which is our top priority, and for the relations that bind us with the Palestinian brothers, we overlook the offense, and we reiterate that it will not undermine our national unity.

“Based on the unfortunate events that took place as a result of the poor organization during the Al-Quds and Al-Karameh match, and in order to ensure the safety of the club’s delegation, the board of directors has decided to confirm the return of the team to the capital, Amman, as soon as possible.”

Head of the Palestinian Football Federation Jibril Rajoub apologized to Al-Faisaly following the club’s statement and it appears that the Jordanian side are now prepared to abandon their plans to return home.


Swiatek says Ukraine war has caused ‘chaos’ in sport

Swiatek says Ukraine war has caused ‘chaos’ in sport
Updated 49 min 44 sec ago

Swiatek says Ukraine war has caused ‘chaos’ in sport

Swiatek says Ukraine war has caused ‘chaos’ in sport
  • The Pole also hit out at the ruling bodies of tennis, the ATP and WTA, saying they had failed to provide leadership on the issue of Ukrainian players facing Russians on the court
  • "Those who are in the worst position are the Ukrainian players and it would be good if we paid more attention to what they feel and what they endure," Swiatek said

PARTSI: Reigning French Open champion Iga Swiatek says the Ukraine war has caused “chaos” in the world of sport.
In an interview with French daily Le Monde on Tuesday, the Pole also hit out at the ruling bodies of tennis, the ATP and WTA, saying they had failed to provide leadership on the issue of Ukrainian players facing Russians on the court.
“There are indeed tensions among the players, sometimes the atmosphere in the locker room is quite heavy,” the 21-year-old said.
“At the beginning of the conflict, there was a lack of leadership on the part of the tennis authorities, we were not brought together to explain how we were supposed to manage this complex situation and how to behave.
“Those who are in the worst position are the Ukrainian players and it would be good if we paid more attention to what they feel and what they endure.”
Her fears were illustrated on Sunday when Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk was booed at the French Open for refusing to shake hands with Belarusian opponent Aryna Sabalenka.
Kostyuk said the Paris crowd should “feel embarrassed” by their actions.
Swiatek, whose country neighbors Ukraine, was asked if she would support the participation of athletes from Russia and their ally Belarus at the Paris Olympics next year.
“It is not for us as athletes to make such a decision,” she said. “There is currently a kind of chaos in sport and the most important thing is not to make it worse, to share values that are the right ones and to be clear that we cannot tolerate the ongoing war.”
Russia and Belarus were banned from international competition following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022,
In March this year, the International Olympic Committee recommended that Russian and Belarusian athletes return to international competition, without commenting on their possible presence at the Paris Games.


WBC highlights diversity in boxing as it celebrates 60th anniversary

WBC highlights diversity in boxing as it celebrates 60th anniversary
Updated 30 May 2023

WBC highlights diversity in boxing as it celebrates 60th anniversary

WBC highlights diversity in boxing as it celebrates 60th anniversary
  • Organization created the ‘Diriyah Champion’ belt to highlight Saudi efforts in promoting sport
  • WBC Middle East Continental Federation hosting a platform for local fighters

The boxing world is celebrating as the World Boxing Council (WBC) proudly enjoys its Diamond Anniversary; 60 years of promoting the “sweet science” of boxing, shaping the sport’s landscape and awarding its champions with its famous green and gold belts.

Since its inception in 1963, the WBC has been an instrumental force in boxing, fostering sporting excellence, advocating for fighters’ rights and inspiring millions of fans worldwide.

Six decades ago, Mexican visionaries Jose Sulaiman and Luis Spota founded the WBC with a noble goal in mind: To create a platform where the best boxers could compete and thrive while upholding integrity, fairness and safety.

At the heart of the WBC’s success is its commitment to producing unforgettable boxing moments and champions.

Throughout its storied history, the organization has witnessed the rise of legends such as Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Leonard, Julio Cesar Chavez and Mike Tyson — to name a few.

The international outlook of the World Boxing Council has always been one of its finer qualities. In addition to its traditional championship belts, the World Boxing Council has also implemented the use of commemorative international belts to promote cultural diversity and foster global unity within the sport.

These unique belts, often featuring vibrant colors and symbols representing different countries and regions, serve as powerful symbols of international cooperation and sportsmanship.

Recently, the WBC created the “Diriyah Champion” belt, adorned with Arabic designs and letters, to highlight Saudi Arabia’s efforts in promoting the sport in the Middle East.

Based on the wishes of the late Don Jose Sulaiman’s, whose father was Lebanese, the organization has created a WBC Middle East Continental Federation to elevate boxing and provide a platform for local fighters in the region. Headed by previous champion Amir Khan, the WBC Middle East has helped promote events in Dubai, Diriyah and Istanbul over the last 15 months.

Beyond the confines of boxing, the WBC has embraced its social responsibility, leveraging its platform to champion numerous charitable causes. From supporting children’s hospitals to raising awareness about important mental health issues with WBC Cares, the organization has used its influence to make a positive difference in the world. Through its charitable initiatives, such as recently donating $20,000 to victims of the earthquake in Turkey, the WBC has exemplified that the spirit of boxing extends far beyond the confines of the ring.

As the WBC embarks on its next chapter, it remains committed to evolving with the times while preserving the essence of the sport. The organization's leadership, headed by Mauricio Sulaiman, son of the late Jose Sulaiman, continues to prioritize innovation, inclusivity and integrity.

The WBC has embraced technology, engaging fans through digital platforms and expanding its global reach. It has also taken steps to address gender inequality, supporting the growth of women’s boxing and providing equal opportunities for female fighters to shine.

Indeed, recent female boxing contests such as Chantelle Cameron vs. Katie Taylor have become as anticipated as those of their male counterparts — with the help and recognition of the WBC.

By embracing and showcasing these diverse cultural and social elements, the WBC sends a powerful message of inclusivity, respect and celebration of heritage, further strengthening the bond among nations through the universal language of boxing.

The motto of the WBC, “My blood is green, my heart is gold,” looks set to inspire future generations of growth and excellence, as in sport — as in life.


How Saudi cricket is building bridges between cultures

How Saudi cricket is building bridges between cultures
Updated 30 May 2023

How Saudi cricket is building bridges between cultures

How Saudi cricket is building bridges between cultures
  • From street matches to the success of the national team, the sport’s profile is rising among both locals and expats across the Kingdom

JEDDAH: The sun was directly over Jeddah’s sprawling cityscape, casting a warm orange glow as a group of men gathered in an empty lot.

They were in casual attire, with some wearing cricket jerseys and others in traditional shalwar kameez outfits. The sound of lively chatter and laughter filled the air as they set up for a tape-ball cricket game.

The men worked together to mark out a makeshift pitch on the dusty plot, using chalk to draw the boundaries and creases. As the preparations continued, the players took turns to warm up their arms by throwing the ball to each other.

The tape ball is a tennis ball covered in electrical tape, which makes it easier to grip and swing — similar to a traditional cricket ball. It is a popular choice for informal games played on streets, in parks, and other open spaces.

Meanwhile, a small group of spectators had gathered on the sidelines, eager to watch the game unfold. They chatted amongst themselves, discussing the players’ skills, and making predictions on who would win.

The game was about to begin.

For many Saudis, Fridays are a time to unwind, catch up on sleep, and enjoy traditional meals with loved ones. However, for many expats living in Saudi Arabia, Fridays can look quite different. Those from Pakistan, India and Bangladesh often use their Fridays to pursue hobbies, which by in large seems to be cricket.

It is estimated that there are approximately 7.5 million expats from cricket-playing nations residing in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. These expats use the beloved game as means to stay connected with their home countries and cultures.

Furthermore, cricket provides them with a sense of familiarity and comfort in a foreign land and allows them to bond with fellow expats over a shared passion for the sport.

Mohammed Hassan, a 27-year-old IT professional, captured his passion for the game by saying: “Playing cricket on Fridays is like a breath of fresh air for me. It’s a chance to forget about work and the stresses of daily life and to just enjoy the game with my friends. We play on empty plots of land or in parks, wherever we can find a space.”

Most players are forced to play on empty plots of land and makeshift fields, as there are few dedicated cricket facilities available in the country. This is particularly true in smaller towns and cities, where there may be little to no cricket infrastructure at all. However, despite all these challenges, expats have continued to play cricket in Saudi Arabia and have even formed their own community-led leagues and tournaments.

The transformation of the Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation under the patronage of Prince Saud bin Mishal Al-Saud has had a significant impact on the development of the sport across the country.

The SACF has established goals of promoting and developing cricket throughout the country and has made significant progress. This was highlighted when the Saudi National Cricket team won the inaugural 2023 ACC Men’s Challenger Cup in Bangkok.

Winning this tournament has put Saudi Arabia on the map as a rising cricketing nation. This exposure could lead to greater interest and investment in the sport, which will have a positive impact on the local cricket community.

The SACF’s CEO Tariq Sagga was recently quoted by Arab News as saying that this year participation would exceed 50,000 in cricket-related activities in the Kingdom. These initiatives not only affect the cricket-loving expat community but also provides an alternative sport for the local Saudi population.

Sagga has said in the past that most Saudis have a perception of cricket as being a dangerous street sport that is unorganized and often played in risky places. “We need to change this perception first,” he said.

In recent years, cricket has become a lucrative sport due to the rise of franchise leagues. A prime example of this comes from the Indian Premier League which manages to raise billions of dollars in revenue each year. Having already invested heavily in other sports such as LIV Golf and football, Saudi Arabia has already made headlines around the world for a proposed cricket league, as part of the International Cricket Council.

“Given their advance into sport more generally, cricket would work quite well for Saudi Arabia,” ICC chairman Greg Barclay recently told Australian news outlet The Age.

“Our aim is to create a sustainable industry for locals and expats living in the Kingdom and make Saudi Arabia a global cricketing destination,” Prince Saud told Arab News recently.

By providing a legitimate structure and well-fitted cricket facilities, the SACF has been able to positively affect the game. By investing in local talent, building strong partnerships with the ICC, and promoting the sport as a means of social cohesion, the federation has helped to raise the profile of cricket in the country and created opportunities for players of all levels to compete and enhance their skills.

Cricket can be a powerful force for bringing people together, breaking down cultural barriers, and building bridges between different communities.

Whether it is through playing the sport itself or simply coming together to watch a match, cricket can help to promote a greater sense of unity, understanding, and shared purpose in Saudi Arabia.