Dushmantha Chameera’s heroics not enough to save Dubai Capitals from ILT20 defeat to Sharjah Warriors

Dushmantha Chameera’s heroics not enough to save Dubai Capitals from ILT20 defeat to Sharjah Warriors
Dushmantha Chameera of Dubai Capitals celebrates the wicket of Niroshan Dickwella of Sharjah Warriors during Match 5 of the DP World International League T20. (CREIMAS / ILT20)
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Updated 23 January 2024
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Dushmantha Chameera’s heroics not enough to save Dubai Capitals from ILT20 defeat to Sharjah Warriors

Dushmantha Chameera’s heroics not enough to save Dubai Capitals from ILT20 defeat to Sharjah Warriors

DUBAI: The Dubai Capitals’ bowler Dushmantha Chameera picked up four wickets in the DP World ILT20 clash against the Sharjah Warriors, but it was not enough to counter the batting prowess of Johnson Charles, who helped his team chase down the target of 170 in a closely fought encounter at Dubai International Stadium on Monday.

Speaking after the match, the Sri Lankan bowler said: “Johnson Charles is an attacking player. We made the mistake of bowling length balls, which he put away to the boundary. There was a little bit of dew on the pitch after the 10th over and that definitely hurt us.”

This did not stop Chameera from shining with the ball, also taking the wicket of Charles, who scored 93 off 51. Despite the loss, the Dubai Capitals’ bowler was optimistic about other aspects of his team’s performance.

“This is a disappointing result considering that we did well with the bat and on the field. We could’ve defended 170 runs,” added the right-armer.

Chameera also added that sharing the dressing room and taking the field under the leadership of David Warner was an enlightening experience.

“It is a very good experience sharing the dressing room with players like David Warner. He has played in all the major leagues around the world, so it’s a good experience for me. All the senior players have a lot of experience so I am enjoying my time with this team,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Capitals will host the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in their next clash on Thursday, Jan. 25.


West Ham beat Wolves after edgy Premier League match and heap more pressure on O’Neil

West Ham beat Wolves after edgy Premier League match and heap more pressure on O’Neil
Updated 10 December 2024
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West Ham beat Wolves after edgy Premier League match and heap more pressure on O’Neil

West Ham beat Wolves after edgy Premier League match and heap more pressure on O’Neil
  • Wolves started the night second to last while the London side was in 14th place, and the pressure and nerves were apparent in an edgy first half that was devoid of class or composure

LONDON: West Ham beat Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-1 in the Premier League and heaped more pressure on beleaguered coach Gary O’Neil on Monday.
Both sides came into the match under a cloud and the game was widely billed as a make-or-break match for O’Neill and West Ham counterpart Julen Lopetegui.
Wolves started the night second to last while the London side was in 14th place, and the pressure and nerves were apparent in an edgy first half that was devoid of class or composure.
Mohammed Kudus and Konstantinos Mavropanos had half chances for West Ham, while at the other end João Gomes shot over from a good position.
Things improved after the break, and West Ham took the lead in the 53rd minutes from a corner kick. Wolves left Tomas Soucek unmarked at the back post and his looping header sailed into the far corner.
Matt Doherty equalized for Wolves in the 69th. However, just three minute later West Ham’s talismanic captain Jarrod Bowen found time and space in the box to slot home with his left foot.
West Ham was without Michail Antonio, its ever-present striker who broke a leg in a car crash on Saturday, and Bowen held up Antonio’s No. 9 shirt to celebrate his goal.
The West Ham players took the field in training tops with Antonio’s name and number on them and the home fans gave him a warm round of applause in the ninth minute.
The result left the Hammers in 14th spot, one point behind Manchester United. It was the third defeat in a row for Wolves, who remain on nine points, equal with third-to-last Ipswich Town.


Real Madrid star Vinicius in contention for Atalanta clash, says Ancelotti

Real Madrid star Vinicius in contention for Atalanta clash, says Ancelotti
Updated 10 December 2024
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Real Madrid star Vinicius in contention for Atalanta clash, says Ancelotti

Real Madrid star Vinicius in contention for Atalanta clash, says Ancelotti
  • Madrid face probably the form team in Europe in Atalanta, who on Friday equalled a club record of nine straight wins in Serie A by beating AC Milan

BERGAMO, Italy: Carlo Ancelotti hinted on Monday that Vinicius Junior could make his Real Madrid comeback for his team’s key Champions League clash at red-hot Atalanta.
Vinicius was expected to be out until the Intercontinental Cup final next week after suffering a hamstring injury last month but Ancelotti told reporters that he is in contention to start in Bergamo on Tuesday night.
“Vinicius is in good shape but we’ve got to assess him. I think it’s very important for him how he does in training today,” said Ancelotti.
“But we’ve got Rodrygo back and Bellingham is good. He’s trained well. They’ll all train today and then later we’ll take a decision.”
Federico Valverde is keen to have Vinicius back to help dig Madrid out of the uncomfortable position in which they find themselves in the Champions League.
Madrid might be two points behind leaders Barcelona with a game in hand in La Liga but Ancelotti’s team are 24th in Europe’s top club competition and risk dropping out of the play-off positions for the last 16 in Bergamo.
“It’s always a pleasure to play with Vinicius and also to have him as a friend, as a teammate, to have him close to me,” said Valverde.
“We’ve seen how eager he is to play and come back. Obviously, it’s great for us that he can play tomorrow. Whether he plays or not, that’s a question for Carlo Ancelotti, but he can always offer something.”
Madrid face probably the form team in Europe in Atalanta, who on Friday equalled a club record of nine straight wins in Serie A by beating AC Milan.
That win gave Atalanta top spot in Italy’s top flight, and Gian Piero Gasperini’s side, who sit fifth in the Champions League having only conceded one goal in five matches, have been tipped by some as favorites for Tuesday’s fixture even though they were beaten by Madrid in the European Super Cup.
“It will be a demanding game. Atalanta are in great form and they’ve improved a lot since the Super Cup,” added Ancelotti.
“They’ve won a lot of games. And they compete very well. We’ve got an opportunity to pick up points and we’ve got to take advantage of these three games to qualify.
“The most important thing is qualifying. We’ve got to pick up those points, and that will be difficult. Getting into the top eight looks a bit tricky so maybe we’ll have to go through the play-offs. Unfortunately that’s the way it is.”
Gasperini insisted that his team are not favorites to win and warned against arrogance when facing the 15-times European champions.
“No team can call themselves favorites when they’re playing Real,” he said.
“We’re very happy for where we are but to go from there to say that we’re better than Real Madrid doesn’t help.
“We come into this match on an extremely gratifying run of results and all we can be is happy for what we’ve gifted our supporters.”


PIF appoints Matteo Berrettini as tennis ambassador

PIF appoints Matteo Berrettini as tennis ambassador
Updated 09 December 2024
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PIF appoints Matteo Berrettini as tennis ambassador

PIF appoints Matteo Berrettini as tennis ambassador
  • Berrettini competed in the Diriyah Tennis Cup in 2022, showcasing his talent on Saudi soil for the first time

LONDON: Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund on Monday announced the appointment of Italian tennis star Matteo Berrettini as its new tennis ambassador.

The former world No. 6 in the ATP Rankings is celebrated for his impressive achievements, including becoming the first Italian player to reach the quarterfinals of all four Grand Slam tournaments and securing a victory at the prestigious Nitto ATP Finals.

No stranger to Riyadh, Berrettini competed in the Diriyah Tennis Cup in 2022, showcasing his talent on Saudi soil for the first time.

In his new role as PIF tennis ambassador, he will focus on nurturing young talent and working closely with emerging players to shape the future of the sport, a statement said.

A key aspect of Berrettini’s ambassadorship will be promoting inclusivity within tennis, aiming to elevate the game and create opportunities for players of all levels.

The initiative aligns with PIF’s broader commitment to fostering global sports development through investment and inspiring the next generation of athletes.


Twisted Minds take crown in first ESL Saudi Challenge

Twisted Minds take crown in first ESL Saudi Challenge
Updated 09 December 2024
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Twisted Minds take crown in first ESL Saudi Challenge

Twisted Minds take crown in first ESL Saudi Challenge
  • Group wins grand prize from a $20,000 prize pool

Riyadh: Twisted Minds beat Dragons in the final of the first Electronic Sports League Saudi Challenge, earning them the lion’s share of the $20,000 prize pool for the e-sports tournament.

The groundbreaking tournament provided a platform for local talent to shine and qualify for international competitions, as Saudi Arabia aims to become a key player in the global e-sports scene, according to a statement from the organizers.

The ESL Saudi Challenge provided intense competition and unforgettable moments in Overwatch 2, highlighting the region’s e-sports talent.

In the semifinals, Dragons showed tenacity to win 3-2 in a hard-fought best-of-five series. The grand finals, however, belonged to Twisted Minds, who delivered a commanding performance with an unbeaten 4-0 sweep in the best-of-seven match.

“The ESL Saudi Challenge tournament has been a phenomenal success, showcasing the incredible talent and passion of players from across the region and beyond. This event is a testament to Saudi Arabia’s commitment to fostering a vibrant e-sports ecosystem,” said Franck Guignery, senior vice president at ESL FACEIT Group.

Twis Quartz, a player for Twisted Minds, shared his excitement after his team’s victory: “Winning the first-ever ESL Saudi Challenge is an amazing feeling.”

He encouraged Overwatch 2 players in the local community to keep working hard, saying: “The future is bright for all of us.”

 


Title bouts announced as One Championship returns Qatar next year

Title bouts announced as One Championship returns Qatar next year
Updated 09 December 2024
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Title bouts announced as One Championship returns Qatar next year

Title bouts announced as One Championship returns Qatar next year
  • One 171 will take place at Lusail Sports Arena on Feb. 20

DOHA: One Championship has announced that the organization will return to Lusail Sports Arena with One 171: Qatar, the country’s second blockbuster event, on Feb. 20, 2025.

The event is a collaboration between One, the world’s largest martial arts organization; official presenting partner Visit Qatar; and official media partner Media City Qatar.

The main event will see Jonathan Haggerty take on Wei Rui for the One Bantamweight Kickboxing world title. Haggerty has a 22-5 overall record, while Wei, who beat Hiroki Akimoto, is the former K-1 champ and has a 70-3 overall record.

In the co-main event, Joshua Pacio faces Jarred Brooks for the One Strawweight MMA world title in what will be their third bout. The two are tied at 1-1. Brooks won in August 2022, while Pacio won when Brooks got disqualified in One 166: Qatar in March 2023.

ONE 171: Qatar will also feature other world title matches, with additional event details and headline bouts to be announced in the coming weeks as tickets go on sale.

Chatri Sityodtong, chairman and CEO of One Championship, stated: “After a successful event in Qatar last March, One Championship will return to Lusail Sports Arena in early 2025 for another showcase of the world’s best martial arts talent. We’re putting together another explosive card that fans will not want to miss, featuring our elite World Champion athletes across all of our martial arts disciplines. We can’t wait to ignite Qatar with hope, strength, dreams, and inspiration once again. I would like to personally thank Visit Qatar and Media City Qatar for giving us another opportunity to make history.”

One 166: Qatar, One Championship’s first-ever live event in Qatar on March 1, 2024, featured three World Championship bouts, drew a capacity crowd at Lusail Sports Arena and was watched by nearly 20 million fans across online and television broadcasts.