Al-Mneefah Cup to receive international G1 status

Asfan Al-Khalediah won last season’s Al-Mneefah Cup, which will be run as a Group 1 in 2024. Credit: JCSA
Asfan Al-Khalediah won last season’s Al-Mneefah Cup, which will be run as a Group 1 in 2024. Credit: JCSA
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Updated 19 July 2023
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Al-Mneefah Cup to receive international G1 status

Asfan Al-Khalediah won last season’s Al-Mneefah Cup, which will be run as a Group 1 in 2024. Credit: JCSA
  • 6 Purebred Arabian races in Saudi Arabia upgraded to Listed level for 2023/24 season

Riyadh: The $1 million Al-Mneefah Cup, one of two flagship Purebred Arabian races held at The Saudi Cup meeting, will be run as an international PA Group 1 for the first time in 2024, after being upgraded from PA Group 2 status by the International Federation of Arabian Horse Racing.

The upgrade will mean that both the $2 million Obaiya Arabian Classic, held the same night as the Group 1 $20 million Saudi Cup, and the Al-Mneefah Cup, staged a day earlier, will be run as PA Group 1 contests next year.

As well as the Al-Mneefah Cup, the 2023/24 Saudi racing season, organized by the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia, will see a further six PA races upgraded to international Listed status, with the first of these, the Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Cup, set to be held at Taif’s King Khalid Racecourse in early September alongside the King Faisal Cup for Purebred Arabians which also holds international Listed classification.

The Riyadh season, scheduled to begin at King Abdulaziz Racecourse in October, will see five PA contests upgraded to international Listed class for the first time.

The JCSA Cup and one new, yet to be named Listed race, will be run later this year, while in the new year, the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Sword, The Sprint Championship, and the King Abdulaziz Racecourse Championship will all be run as PA Listed events.

Prince Abdullah bin Khalid bin Sultan, chairman of the JCSA’s technical committee, said: “We are very pleased that our Purebred Arabian race schedule has received such a big vote of confidence from the IFAHR.

“The development of Arabian racing has been and will continue to be a key goal in the strategic advancement of the JCSA. It is a code of the sport that holds a special place in Saudi Arabian culture, and to see it flourish in the Kingdom is very gratifying.

“The upwards trajectory of Purebred Arabian racing within the country is reflected in the strong representation of Saudi-owned, trained, and bred Arabians on the global stage, and we look forward to watching these six races play out on our racecourses,” he added.


37th America’s Cup yacht races start in Jeddah

37th America’s Cup yacht races start in Jeddah
Updated 29 November 2023
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37th America’s Cup yacht races start in Jeddah

37th America’s Cup yacht races start in Jeddah
  • Jeddah Yacht Club hosts the second preliminary sailboat race until Dec. 2
  • Saudi Sailing Federation’s CEO Samia Baghdadi said: “We aim for this championship to inspire Saudi athletes in water sports”

JEDDAH: The 37th America’s Cup yacht race started in Jeddah for the first time on Wednesday with the participation of six teams.
The second preliminary sailboat race continues until Dec. 2 at the Jeddah Yacht Club, under the organization of the Saudi Sailing Federation and in collaboration with the Ministry of Sports, a media statement said.
In this first-of-its-kind round outside Spain, the teams will compete to reach the podium and win the qualification round for the final, which will feature only two teams.
American Magic team won the round in Vilanova, northern Spain, in September with a slight lead over the other teams.
Samia Baghdadi, CEO of the SSF, said: “This comes as a continuation of a series of major sporting events hosted by the Kingdom during the past period, confirming its status as the preferred destination for sports and athletes from all over the world. Additionally, we aim for this championship to inspire Saudi athletes in water sports and contribute to achieving their targets and continuous growth.”
Grant Dalton, CEO of the America’s Cup, said: “We are proud and excited to host this round of the prestigious international yacht championship in Saudi Arabia … we constantly strive to contribute to making the Kingdom a new global center for water sports. We are also looking forward to witnessing its strong and exciting competitions in the Red Sea waters of Jeddah.”
The six teams competing include the defending champion, New Zealand’s Emirates, along with Ineos from Britain, American Magic representing the US, Italy’s Prada Pirelli, Red Bull Racing of Switzerland, and France’s Orient Express Racing.
The America’s Cup yacht race is one of the oldest international championships in water sports. It began 172 years ago and has been developing ever since, with the latest AC40 boats reaching speeds of 100 km an hour.
The organizing committee said that sports fans will be able to attend championship events for free by booking via https://webook.com/en-US/events/americas-cup, and can watch the action on large screens at the event venue, as well as visit the fan village.


All you need to know about the Riyadh derby

All you need to know about the Riyadh derby
Updated 29 November 2023
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All you need to know about the Riyadh derby

All you need to know about the Riyadh derby
  • Roshn Saudi League leaders Al-Hilal host second-placed Al-Nassr
  • Al-Hilal have won a record seven RSL titles, while Al-Nassr have three

RIYADH: The 2023-24 season’s first principal Riyadh derby kicks off this weekend, with Roshn Saudi League leaders Al-Hilal hosting second-placed Al-Nassr. As such, the stakes couldn’t be much higher.

Here’s all you need to know about one of the fiercest rivalries not only in Saudi football, but in the region, ahead of Friday’s much anticipated encounter.

The rivalry

The capital’s two premier clubs, part of the RSL’s traditional “Big Four” (including Al-Ittihad and Al-Ahli), less than 10 kilometres apart in the city. On the pitch, Al-Hilal have won a record seven RSL titles, while Al-Nassr have the next best, with three.

In Al-Nassr’s most recent title success, in the 2018-19 campaign, they pipped Al-Hilal to the trophy by a solitary point; the following season, it was Al-Hilal who were celebrating the championship, with Al-Nassr finishing second.

The derby is therefore considered one of the marquee fixtures of the RSL calendar, with the matches often sold-out well in advance. On Friday, there is expected to be another full house at the King Fahd Sports City – anticipate fireworks, flags, banners and plenty of back-and-forward between the opposing fans. It should be rivalled only by what takes place on the pitch, as Riyadh bragging rights and, potentially, a huge step towards the RSL title are up for grabs.

Head-to-head record

Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr have met 30 times in the RSL era, with the former winning 15 matches and the latter nine. Both teams have not lost more games to anyone else, or conceded as many goals (54 Al-Nassr, 34 Al-Hilal).

Fixture’s top scorer

Mohammed Al Sahlawi (Al-Nassr) - 11 goals

Salem Al Dawsari (Al-Hilal) - 8 goals

Biggest wins

Al-Hilal 5-1 Al-Nassr 4 May 2017

Al-Nassr 0-4 Al-Hilal 3 March 2022

Al-Nassr 1-4 Al-Hilal 5 August 2020

Last six meetings

Al-Hilal 2-0 Al-Nassr

Al-Nassr 1-0 Al-Hilal

Al-Hilal 0-2 Al-Nassr

Al-Nassr 0-4 Al-Hilal

Al-Nassr 2-2 Al-Hilal

Al-Hilal 2-0 Al-Nassr

Last season’s matches

Al-Nassr 2-2 Al-Hilal, 26 December 2022

Just days before the biggest transfer in Saudi football history, Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal played out a mightily entertaining draw at Al-Awwal Park at King Saudi University. Al-Hilal took the lead early through former Manchester United striker Odion Ighalo, before Anderson Talisca levelled for the hosts, with Salem Al-Dawsari restoring the visitors’ advantage from the spot just after the hour. But there was late, late drama: Abdulrahman Ghareeb struck an 88th-minute equaliser. Four days later, Al-Nassr signed five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo.

Al-Hilal 2-0 Al-Nassr, 18 April 2023

With Al-Nassr chasing a first RSL title in four years, they fell to a damaging defeat to Al-Hilal thanks to a penalty in either half from Ighalo. To make matters worse for the visitors, Ronaldo had a goal disallowed for a marginal offside, while he also saw the award of a penalty overturned. Nassr were now three points behind leaders Al Ittihad with only five rounds remaining. They eventually finished runners-up to Al-Ittihad, and their wait for a 10th league championship continued.

This season

To add a little more spice to the clash – as if that is needed – Al-Nassr defeated Al-Hilal in August in the final of the King Salman Club Cup. They won 2-1 in extra-time, with Ronaldo getting both their goals.

The form guide

Unbeaten in the RSL this season, Al-Hilal have won 12 and drawn two matches. They are riding a seven-match win streak, most recently making history by defeating Al-Hazem 9-0 away – a record result for the RSL.

Al-Nassr have built an impressive run since losing their opening two RSL matches, going unbeaten in the next 12. They have won five on the bounce since drawing with Abha in Matchweek 9; last time out, Al-Nassr sealed a comfortable 3-0 win at home to Al-Akhdood.

Standout stat

With the exception of the first two rounds this season, the two are tied at the top of the table with 34 points each. They are also tied at the summit of the RSL’s ranking in 2023, with 75 points each in 33 games and are, rather unbelievably, equal in scoring 77 goals and conceding 27 goals.

Players to watch

Al-Hilal

Kalidou Koulibaly: The Senegal international defender, signed this summer from Chelsea, will have to be on guard against an all-firing Al-Nassr who possess the league’s second-best attack this season.

Salem Al-Dawsari: The current Asian Player of the Year really needs no introduction. Arguably Saudi’s most talented player, he carries a sizeable goal and assist threat. Will be difficult to shackle.

Aleksandar Mitrovic: What an impact from the Serbian international following his summer move from Fulham. Has 11 goals in 12 RSL matches, showing in the “Saudi Clasico” with Al-Ittihad what he can do in high-stake games by notching a hat-trick.

Al-Nassr

Nawaf Al-Aqidi: The league’s leading local goalkeeper, the Saudi stopper has emerged as one of the league’s most reliable pair of hands since deputising for the injured David Ospina. Up against the season’s most prolific attack, he will need to be at his best.

Aymeric Laporte: One of the most notable RSL additions this summer, the recent treble winner with Manchester City knows what he is up against in Neves, Mitrovic and Co. The battle with the imposing Mitrovic should be pivotal.

Cristiano Ronaldo: What more can be said about the superstar? The Al-Nassr captain leads the way this season in RSL goals (15 in 13 games) and sits joint-top of the assist charts also, with seven. Quite clearly, the club’s go-to man.

Coaching compatriots, but competitors too

In the blue corner, Al-Hilal boast the vastly experienced, and hugely decorated, Jorge Jesus. The Portuguese manager is enjoying his second spell at the club after a brief, seven-month reign from June 2018. Formerly managed Benfica, Sporting Lisbon and Flamengo, with his notable trophies including three Portuguese top-flight titles and the 2019 Copa Libertadores.

In the opposing dugout, fellow Portuguese tactician Luis Castro has managed a raft of clubs in his homeland before spells in Ukraine with Shakhtar Donetsk, Qatar with Al-Duhail and Brazil’s Botafogo. Helped Shakhtar win the 2019-20 Ukrainian top-flight title. Joined proved a real hit at Al-Nassr since joining in July.

Jesus and Castro have faced each other in 10 games, with the former winning five and the latter three.


Barca, Dortmund, Atletico and Lazio into Champions League last-16

Barca, Dortmund, Atletico and Lazio into Champions League last-16
Updated 29 November 2023
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Barca, Dortmund, Atletico and Lazio into Champions League last-16

Barca, Dortmund, Atletico and Lazio into Champions League last-16
  • Barcelona came from behind to beat Porto 2-1 as Portuguese duo Joao Cancelo and Joao Felix both netted to turn the game on its head after Brazilian winger Pepe opened for Porto
  • Borussia Dortmund secured their spot in the last-16 with a 3-1 win at AC Milan, who are staring early elimination in the face

PARIS: Barcelona, Borussia Dortmund, Atletico Madrid and Lazio all qualified for the knockout phase of the Champions League on Tuesday.

Manchester City bounced back from 2-0 down to beat RB Leipzig with both teams already qualified, while Paris Saint-Germain and Newcastle drew 1-1 and both need a result on matchday six to go through.

Atletico Madrid booked their place with a sumptuous volley from defender Mario Hermoso and two own goals firing them to a thrilling 3-1 win over Dutch champions Feyenoord.

“I am very happy for the players. Today, we knew how difficult our opponent would be,” said Atletico coach Diego Simeone to Movistar.

That left Atletico with 11 points in Group E ahead of 10-point Lazio, who had a tense wait after playing earlier and needing a Feyenoord defeat to confirm their place.

Veteran Italian striker Ciro Immobile shot the Italian side into the last-16 in a 2-0 win over eliminated Celtic in Rome, leaving Feyenoord to join the Europa League.

In Group H, Barcelona came from behind to beat Porto 2-1 as Portuguese duo Joao Cancelo and Joao Felix both netted to turn the game on its head after Brazilian winger Pepe opened for Porto.

“It was a final and we won it ... we’ve put the club in the last-16, which is where it deserves to be,” Cancelo told Movistar.

The Spanish champions now have 12 points while Porto are locked on nine alongside Shakhtar Donetsk, who beat Antwerp 1-0 in Hamburg.

Borussia Dortmund secured their spot in the last-16 with a 3-1 win at AC Milan, who are staring early elimination in the face.

Marco Reus’ early penalty and second-half strikes from English teenager Jamie Bynoe-Gittens and Karim Adeyemi secured passage into the next round with a match to spare for Dortmund.

There was late drama at the Parc des Princes when a 98th-minute Kylian Mbappe penalty earned Paris Saint-Germain a 1-1 draw with Newcastle United.

It looked as though Newcastle — who won 4-1 when the sides met at St. James’ Park last month — were going to leave Paris with all three points in the Group F encounter thanks to Alexander Isak’s 24th-minute opener.

PSG had run out of ideas by the time they were gifted an opportunity to salvage a draw in injury time when the VAR decided a Tino Livramento handball in the box was worthy of a penalty.

Mbappe made no mistake from the spot, and PSG hold onto second place in the group behind Borussia Dortmund.

“I’m feeling very flat, but very proud of the players and their commitment levels,” said Newcastle coach Eddie Howe to TNT Sports.


Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson faces spell on sidelines

Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson faces spell on sidelines
Updated 29 November 2023
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Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson faces spell on sidelines

Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson faces spell on sidelines
  • “Both are out. Ali is a bit lesser, so we have to see,” Klopp said ahead of the Europa League visit of LASK on Thursday
  • “Diogo will take a little bit longer”

LIVERPOOL: Goalkeeper Alisson Becker and forward Diogo Jota are facing spells on the sidelines after sustaining injuries during Liverpool’s 1-1 draw at Manchester City, manager Jurgen Klopp said on Wednesday.
Brazil international goalkeeper Alisson, who could miss the next five matches, appeared to sustain a hamstring problem late in Saturday’s match but managed to complete the game.
“Both are out. Ali is a bit lesser, so we have to see. Not day by day — he will not play tomorrow, not on Sunday, probably not the week after. Then it should be kind of OK,” Klopp said ahead of the Europa League visit of LASK on Thursday.
“Diogo will take a little bit longer. We don’t know exactly how long, but it’s a bit more severe. We have to see.
“Alisson is not as bad (as we thought), but still bad enough.”


Skippers expect intense racing in Jeddah at 37th America’s Cup

Skippers expect intense racing in Jeddah at 37th America’s Cup
Updated 29 November 2023
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Skippers expect intense racing in Jeddah at 37th America’s Cup

Skippers expect intense racing in Jeddah at 37th America’s Cup
  • Saudi Sailing Federation CEO: ‘We are very excited to showcase what Red Sea has to offer sailing’
  • Regatta will be first time in America’s Cup history that the race is held in Saudi Arabia

JEDDAH: Skippers of participating teams at the second preliminary regatta of the 37th America’s Cup praised the warm welcome they have received from Saudi Arabia since their arrival and assured that the country is capable of hosting such a race with its facilities and infrastructure.

Their remarks came during a press conference held at the Jeddah Yacht Club on Wednesday ahead of the first official day of the regatta.

Ahead of the press conference, Samia Bagdady, the chief executive of the Saudi Sailing Federation, took the stage and told the press that having an event like America’s Cup with its advanced technology and the highest performing athletes is the best way to inspire children to be what they can be in sailing.

She said: “We’re super excited, and it is in line with the Kingdom’s 2030 sporting vision to increase participation numbers and local awareness. It’s the first time in the America’s Cup history that the oldest event in international sport comes to the Red Sea, and we are very excited to showcase what the Red Sea has to offer for sailing.”

Grant Dalton, CEO of America’s Cup Events, told Arab News that all was set for the race and that he was looking forward to the amazing event, held in Saudi Arabia for the first time.

With the skippers on the stage, Peter Burling, skipper of Emirates Team New Zealand, spoke of the Kiwi approach saying: “Amazing regatta, incredibly excited to be back out sailing, new town, new place … We want the racing to be close … As a sailor, you want to be tested. We go in with an aggressive mindset, ready to perform.”

Sir Ben Ainslie spoke on behalf of the INEOS Britannia team, saying: “We’re focused hard on upping our game.”

Alinghi Red Bull Racing have put considerable resources into this regatta with two boats on-site and some solid blocks of training in Jeddah. They brought in the experienced Dean Barker, Phil Robertson and Jason Waterhouse to help tune up the racing team, and as Arnaud Psarofaghis confirmed: “We have put everything in place to raise the game of the racing crew. We are here to win the regatta.”

Competing in his first regatta in the America’s Cup, Ruggero Tita from Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli is the people’s pick to lead the Italians to future glory.

Tita said: “For sure, it’s a big step. We’re happy to be here to compete … The intensity is really high. We are here to learn. Not many hours in the AC40 but happy to be here and race with these guys.”

Winners in Vilanova at the first preliminary regatta, NYYC American Magic spent the summer training in AC40s but have switched the program to the AC75 in Barcelona. Speaking on behalf of the team, helmsman Paul Goodison said: “It was really successful in Vilanova and the boost it gave back at base, where 100 guys are working day in/day out, made all that work worth working for. Would be a big boost to win again here … We took a lot of confidence from Vilanova … and although we’ve spent a lot of time in AC40 and then switched to AC75, the team still expects to do well, and we are trying to repeat the performance.”

Finally, Quentin Delapierre spoke on behalf of the French Orient Express Racing Team, saying: “In Vilanova, it was a good feeling. We enjoyed racing and the regatta. It means a lot to a new challenge, and we can feel good energy as a team. We’ve worked hard to come here and improve our skills with the simulators, and we just have to trust the process and try to race against this unbelievable fleet.”

Fleet racing practice begins at 1:30 p.m. (local Jeddah time) with three races scheduled on Wednesday, Nov. 29.