Midseason review of Roshn Saudi Pro League 2023-2024

Midseason review of Roshn Saudi Pro League 2023-2024
Al-Hilal are top of the Roshn Saudi League as it returns following the lengthy AFC. (Asian Cup break X/@Alhilal_FC)
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Updated 14 August 2024
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Midseason review of Roshn Saudi Pro League 2023-2024

Midseason review of Roshn Saudi Pro League 2023-2024
  • Arab News looks at the state of play for the SPL clubs as they return from the AFC Asian Cup break, starting with positions 1-9

Anticipation abounds ahead of this week’s restart of the 2023-2024 Roshn Saudi Pro League.

The six-week interlude for the 2023 AFC Asian Cup saw managerial changes, eye-catching player acquisitions and noteworthy exits.

Arab News provides a breakdown of the 16 clubs as they head into Thursday’s resumption, including their key winter business and outlook for the 15 remaining matchweeks.

In part one, we look at the clubs occupying the first nine positions.

 

1. Al-Hilal

Points 53

Goals scored/conceded 59-9

Season so far: The major injury to Neymar aside, this campaign could not be going any better.

Their other massive summer additions have all contributed significantly — Serbia hitman Aleksandar Mitrovic has struck 17 times, and Salem Al-Dawsari is putting in displays worthy of being AFC Player of the Year. In addition, it is like returning head coach Jorge Jesus has never been away, and November’s 9-0 thrashing of Al-Hazem was the division’s biggest win.

Major winter changes: With an attack firing on all cylinders even without Neymar, a measured call was made to bolster defensive ranks with the addition of Marseille and Brazil fullback Renan Lodi.

Outlook: In short, Hilal look unstoppable in this quest to regain their crown. Last week they registered a 2-0 victory versus Al-Nassr in the Riyadh Season Cup. A 12-match top-flight winning run has opened up a seven-point lead, while they boast the best defense and attack. They must navigate away-trips to nearest challengers Nassr and Al-Ahli.

 

2. Al-Nassr

Points 46

Goals scored/conceded 55-23

Season so far: An opening pair of league defeats had set alarm bells ringing. But the summer decision to hire Luis Castro has proven to be an inspired one. The Brazilian has orchestrated 56 goal contributions from a fearsome attacking trio of Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mane and Talisca, with Marcelo Brozovic and Aymeric Laporte adding defensive quality. The only serious blemish was December’s 3-0 derby humbling at Hilal, which had seen a second-half collapse.

Major winter changes: The loan of Aziz Behich from Melbourne City raised eyebrows. Also, either the experienced Australia left-back or injury prone returning Colombia goalkeeper David Ospina will take the place of departed Ivory Coast midfielder Seko Fofana. The latter was part of a trio of mid-season exits to Ettifaq, alongside winger Khalid Al-Ghannam and Saudi Arabia center-back Abdullah Madu.

Outlook: With the ageless Ronaldo at the top of scoring (20) and assists (nine), anything is possible. A return of 46 points from the last 51 shows they will be there, if imperious Hilal ever start slipping.

 

3. Al-Ahli

Points 40

Goals scored/conceded 41-19

Season so far: This season was always going to be a work in progress because of a heralded top-flight return, the injection of world-class signings and the visionary hire of young German manager Matthias Jaissle. Al-Ahli’s four-match winning start belied their winter struggles to come.

But a near-perfect December witnessed things click under their ex-Red Bull Salzburg tactician. The influence of the Ivory Coast’s Africa Cup of Nations inspiration Franck Kessie is palpable. In addition, Algeria superstar Riyad Mahrez has 15 goal contributions and Saudi Arabia striker Firas Al-Buraikan headed into the break with five goals in his last five league outings — made vital by ex-Liverpool superstar Roberto Firmino’s disappointing output.

Major winter changes: Not applicable.

Outlook: A nine-point gap to Jeddah rivals Al-Ittihad means these promoted giants are well placed to hold on for qualification to the inaugural AFC Champions League elite. They must showcase how the youthful and visionary Jaissle can carry them even further in 2024-2025.

 

4. Al-Taawoun

Points 34

Goals scored/conceded 32-22

Season so far: Another campaign as dark horses under the ingenious Pericles Chamusca continues. A flood of summer exits at last term’s fifth-placed finishers did not derail them. Instead, we have witnessed former Al-Wahda target man Joao Pedro netting frequently upon his return to the Kingdom. In addition, former Nantes defender Andrei Girotto represents a rock at the back alongside Saudi Arabia breakout Awn Al-Saluli, and Nagoya Grampus-import Mateus has registered four goals and assists. Ending December with two defeats provides a note of caution, however.

Major winter changes: Key Spanish midfielder Alvaro Medran departed to Ettifaq, with the mercurial Mohammed Al-Kuwaykibi among those making the opposite trip. Argentine playmaker Cristian Guanca has a new temporary home, on loan from Al-Shabab.

Outlook: It appears a huge ask to gatecrash the top three, but Chamusca’s ambition and application makes this a possibility.

 

5. Al-Ittihad

Points 31

Goals scored/conceded 37-26

Season so far: This has been a title defense to forget. The fanfare that greeted the summer arrivals of Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante and Fabinho has not translated onto the pitch. Nuno Espirito Santo departed in November and his replacement Marcelo Gallardo has taken just seven points from 18. They are a side struggling in the transition from defensive football to an expansive outlook. A 3-0 victory last week against Al-Tai — rescheduled because of Al-Ittihad’s early FIFA Club World Cup exit — does hold promise.

Major winter changes: A free transfer granted to Brazilian assist-machine Igor Coronado should allow fit-again Egypt colossus Ahmed Hegazi to be re-registered after serious injury. Al-Shabab fullback Fawaz Al-Sqoor has inked a move from Al-Shabab when on Asian Cup duty, while Hamed Al-Ghamdi, Ahmed Al-Ghamdi and Saad Al-Mousa have joined on loan from Ettifaq; with Abdulrahman Al-Aboud and Haroune Camara moving the opposite way.

Outlook: With so much ground to make up, Gallardo must swiftly showcase the brilliance which made him a triple Copa Libertadores champion.

 

6. Damac

Points 30

Goals scored/conceded 35-25

Season so far: Cosmin Contra’s first full campaign has been hugely impressive. Fueled by the sensational 14-goal return from ex-Tottenham Hotspur forward Georges-Kevin Nkoudou, the wiles of Egypt veteran Tarek Hamed and impact of Romania forward Nicolae Stanciu, a rise from last term’s eighth place appears apparent. This will be some achievement.

Major winter changes: Not applicable.

Outlook: They have Taawoun in their sights for a battle to become the competition’s best of the rest.

 

7. Al-Fateh

Points 29 

Goals scored/conceded 33-26

Season so far: Another former Ittihad boss is working wonders in the Kingdom. Slaven Bilic has weathered the late exit of Firas Al-Buraikan, developing a potential Asian superstar in teenager Abbas Al-Hassan, and eliciting excitement through driving attackers Mourad Batna, Cristian Tello and Lucas Zelaryan. They have recorded just one defeat from matchweek four to 11.

Major winter changes: Not applicable.

Outlook: Another side that have Taawoun and Damac in their sights. A repeat of last term’s sixth-place finish would be commendable.

 

8. Ettifaq

Points 25

Goals scored/conceded 22-22

Season so far: Here is a manager and a squad with much to prove. Steven Gerrard’s heralded tenure began with purpose, with his victory over Nassr being one of five from his opening seven RSL games. The wheels had already started to come off, however, before injury to seven-goal French striker Moussa Dembele. They are currently winless from their last eight matchweeks.

Major winter changes: This has easily been the busiest side. A frantic end to the transfer window witnessed Abha raided for Cameroon forward Karl Toko Ekambi, Taawoun for Medran, and Nassr for Fofana. International headlines had already been made by England midfielder Jordan Henderson’s departure to Ajax. Brazilian forward Vitinho (Al-Shabab) and DR Congo center-back Marcel Tisserand (Abha) also exited.

Outlook: Gerrard must justify last month’s award of a two-year contract extension despite disappointing recent results. Superior squad depth has been delivered to him.

 

9. Al-Wehda

Points 25

Goals scored/conceded 31-34

Season so far: A significantly more comfortable campaign than last season’s relegation battle. The return of manager Giorgios Donis and impactful Australia winger Craig Goodwin have provided sizeable uplift in quality. Veteran pre-season recruit Odion Ighalo’s nine goals is already six more than anyone managed in 2022-2023.

Major winter changes: Not applicable.

Outlook: Al-Wehda is enjoying mid-table security. Saudi Arabia forward Abdulaziz Noor is one to watch, after recording three goals and five assists in 18 games.


Glenn Phillips ton lifts New Zealand to 330-6 against Pakistan in tri-series

Glenn Phillips ton lifts New Zealand to 330-6 against Pakistan in tri-series
Updated 08 February 2025
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Glenn Phillips ton lifts New Zealand to 330-6 against Pakistan in tri-series

Glenn Phillips ton lifts New Zealand to 330-6 against Pakistan in tri-series
  • Phillips was ably supported by Daryl Mitchell with 81 and Kane Williamson with 58 runs
  • Pakistan’s Shaheen Shah Afridi ended up with expensive figures of 3-88 from his 10 overs

LAHORE: Glenn Phillips cracked a maiden century to lift New Zealand to 330-6 against Pakistan in the tri-series opener in Lahore on Saturday.
Phillips hit 106 not out from 74 balls, with seven sixes and six boundaries, after New Zealand won the toss and batted.
He was ably supported by Daryl Mitchell with 81 and Kane Williamson (58).
Phillips added a quickfire 54 off just 47 balls with Michael Bracewell for the sixth wicket. Bracewell scored 31 from 23 balls, with three sixes.

New Zealand’s Glenn Phillips (R) is congratulated by Mitchel Santner after scoring a century during the tri-series ODI cricket match between Pakistan and New Zealand at Qaddafi Stadium in Lahore on February 8, 2025. (AP)

New Zealand plundered 123 runs in the last 10 overs, including 84 from the final five.
Phillips smashed a boundary and two sixes off pace bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi to reach his hundred off 72 balls, taking 25 in the 50th over.

Pakistan’s Mohammad Rizwan walks off the field as New Zealand’s players celebrate after his dismissal during the tri-series ODI cricket match between Pakistan and New Zealand at Qaddafi Stadium in Lahore on February 8, 2025. (AP)

Shaheen ended up with expensive figures of 3-88 from his 10 overs, although he gave Pakistan an early breakthrough by removing opener Will Young for four with the fourth ball of the match.
Spinner Abrar Ahmed had opener Rachin Ravindra caught and bowled for 25 but Williamson and Mitchell then added 95 off 112 balls to rebuild the innings.

Pakistan’s Babar Azam (R) and Fakhar Zaman run between the wickets during the tri-series ODI cricket match between Pakistan and New Zealand at Qaddafi Stadium in Lahore on February 8, 2025. (AP)

Williamson hit seven boundaries in his 46th half century, his first one-day international since November 2023, before edging Shaheen to wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan.
Mitchell appeared well set for a hundred but miscued a shot off Abrar in the 38th over to be caught after hitting four sixes and two boundaries.
Pakistan was hit hard when pace bowler Haris Rauf walked off in the 37th over after suffering a side strain, having bowled 6.2 overs that included the wicket of Tom Latham for nought.


Saudi skiing pioneer Fayik Abdi carries Kingdom’s hopes at 2025 Asian Winter Games

Saudi skiing pioneer Fayik Abdi carries Kingdom’s hopes at 2025 Asian Winter Games
Updated 08 February 2025
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Saudi skiing pioneer Fayik Abdi carries Kingdom’s hopes at 2025 Asian Winter Games

Saudi skiing pioneer Fayik Abdi carries Kingdom’s hopes at 2025 Asian Winter Games
  • At the age of 24, Abdi became the first ever athlete from the Kingdom to take part in the Winter Olympics

LONDON: It was three years ago that Fayik Abdi’s life changed forever. At the age of 24, Abdi became the first ever athlete from Saudi Arabia to compete in the Winter Olympics, taking part in the men’s giant slalom event at the Beijing 2022 Games. Just a couple of years earlier, he had been working as a ski technician in the resorts of Utah.

Abdi finished in 44th place out of 46 in China — a huge achievement given that a further 43 athletes, almost half of the entire giant slalom field, did not complete the race. Unsurprisingly, it is a memory that still feels fresh in the mind of the Saudi skier.

“It was surreal,” Abdi told Arab News. “Walking into the Olympic Village, wearing the Saudi flag and knowing I was making history was overwhelming.

“Being the first Saudi athlete to compete in the Winter Olympics was an incredible honor, and it’s something I will always be proud of. There was a lot of pressure, but at the same time, I felt a deep sense of pride and responsibility.

“It wasn’t about me — it was about inspiring others in Saudi Arabia and the Arab world to dream big and believe that anything is possible.”

The impact of Abdi competing was almost immediate. The Saudi Snow Sports Federation was established as an independent entity in 2022 and athletes interested in representing the Kingdom internationally began to approach the organization.

Fast-forward three years and Abdi is now leading the first ever Saudi delegation at the Asian Winter Olympics, which launched with its opening ceremony on Friday.

Returning to China, this time to the resort of Harbin, the 27-year-old is no longer alone. Alongside Abdi are two female skiers — Joud Farhoud and Sharifa Al-Sudairi — and a male curling team.

“It’s an incredible feeling,” Abdi said from the athletes’ village in Harbin. “Just a few years ago, we had very little representation in winter sports, and now we have a growing delegation. It’s a testament to how much the sport is developing in Saudi Arabia.

“I’m honored to be part of this journey and to help pave the way for future generations of Saudi winter athletes.”

What began with a few ski lessons on family holidays as a child has morphed into a sporting opportunity that few in the world are able to experience.

“The more I skied, the more I wanted to push myself and improve,” he recalled. “Over time, I fell in love with the feeling of speed, the precision of carving turns and the challenge of racing against the clock.”

Abdi’s Winter Olympics debut attracted global headlines; understandably, people did not expect an elite skier to emerge from a nation that is better known for its vast desert.

It captured people’s attention in a similar fashion to the story of the Jamaican bobsleigh team’s participation at the 1988 Games, which was later immortalized in the film “Cool Runnings.”

Abdi said: “Most people are surprised at first as they don’t expect a skier to come from Saudi Arabia, given our climate. But once they learn more, they realize how dedicated I am to the sport and how much winter sports are growing in the region.

“The reactions have gone from surprise to excitement, especially now that more Saudi athletes are taking part in winter sports.”

While sending an inaugural delegation to this month’s Asian Winter Games is a big step for Saudi Arabia, there is a giant leap to come in four years’ time.

The Kingdom has never shied away from hosting major sporting events and in 2029, the Asian Winter Games is coming to Trojena — NEOM’s mountain tourism destination.

“It’s a huge milestone for winter sports in Saudi Arabia,” Abdi said. “Hosting the 2029 Asian Winter Games in Trojena shows the commitment to developing winter sports infrastructure in the region.

“It will introduce more people to the sport and create opportunities for young athletes. I’m looking forward to seeing how it all comes together and hopefully competing there as well.”

Abdi has skied all over the world — picking out Snowbird, Utah as his most “unforgettable” experience — and believes that the SSSF and the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee will do everything possible to ensure Trojena 2029 is a memorable event for athletes and fans.

On a personal level, Abdi is striving to improve and become more competitive. The Saudi skier says he finds inspiration from international athletes and those closer to home, too.

“I have a lot of respect for Wayne Rooney, Rafael Nadal and Max Verstappen because of their hard work, dominance and consistency in their sports,” Abdi said.

“From Saudi Arabia, I admire my brother Faris Abdi and Tarek Hamdi (2020 Olympic karate silver medalist) for their work ethic, grit and winning mentality.”

Hamdi in particular offers a blueprint for sporting success on the biggest stage of all. And before Trojena 2029, Abdi has his sights firmly set on making it to a second successive Winter Olympics when the quadrennial event takes place in Milan-Cortina next year.

“My goal is absolutely to qualify for the 2026 Winter Olympics and I’m training hard to make that happen,” Abdi said. “I want to continue pushing myself, improving my performance and representing Saudi Arabia on the world stage.”


Bencic stuns Rybakina to set up Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open final against Krueger

Bencic stuns Rybakina to set up Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open final against Krueger
Updated 08 February 2025
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Bencic stuns Rybakina to set up Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open final against Krueger

Bencic stuns Rybakina to set up Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open final against Krueger
  • Swiss star overturns one-set deficit to progress to a second final in the UAE capital

ABU DHABI: Belinda Bencic is through to another Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open final after coming from behind to eliminate reigning champion Elena Rybakina in a pulsating contest.

The Swiss player will now meet Ashlyn Krueger, who beat Linda Noskova in straight sets to reach Sunday’s showpiece.

Winner of the inaugural Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open in 2023, Bencic went into the semi-final against the current champion as the underdog. Rybakina, who came out on top in a three-set thriller against Ons Jabeur in the last eight, started the match in ominous fashion, quickly taking control and claiming the first set 6-3.

Bencic, having only returned to action at the tail end of last year after taking a maternity break, had grown in stature throughout the tournament and secured her passage to the semi-finals with a straight-sets win over Marketa Vondrousova.

The disappointment of falling behind, if anything, galvanized the 27-year-old, who responded brilliantly in the second set, racing into a 3-0 lead. Rybakina, in true champion style, hit back, but Bencic held on to force a decider.

Bencic looked the more dangerous of the two players and, after breaking Rybakina for a third time, found herself serving for the match.

Rybakina saved two match points before breaking her opponent’s serve to close the deficit to a single game, with the score 5-4 in favor of Bencic, who was left serving for the match once more.

This time around, she was not to be denied, seeing out the match to win 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 and book her place in the final for the second time.

Krueger’s impressive form in the tournament continued after standout wins against Daria Kasatkina and Leylah Fernandez, as she edged an entertaining clash with Noskova to reach the final.

It was a clash of the rising stars with the two players, both 20, having impressed on their way to the last four, with Noskova beating Paula Badosa and Magda Linette in straight sets.

It was the first meeting between the two players and Noskova, who won her maiden title at the Monterrey Open last August, appeared to be on course to take the first set as she led 4-2.

Krueger, however, had other ideas and fought back strongly as both women attempted to seize the initiative. It was no surprise to see the set eventually settled via a tie-break, which Krueger claimed 7-2 to take the lead.

After that Krueger grew in confidence and broke Noskova twice to take control of the second.

Despite failing to take advantage of a match point, with Noskova breaking her opponent and winning the next game on serve to bring it back to 5-4, Krueger, serving for the match, successfully sealed a 7-6, 6-4 victory and secure her first appearance in a WTA 500 final.

Jelena Ostapenko/Ellen Perez are through to the final of the doubles event after an impressive 6-3, 6-2 victory against Marketa Vondrousova/Liudmila Samsonova in the day’s opening match on Stadium Court.

They will meet Kristina Mladenovic/Shuai Zhang in tomorrow’s final after the duo defeated Olivia Nicholls/Olivia Gadecki 6-1, 6-4 in the second semi-final.

The doubles final, scheduled for 2:30 p.m., gets tomorrow’s action underway as the two pairings aim to claim the title which was won last year by Americans Bethanie Mattek-Sands and Sofia Kenin.

That match will be followed by the Krueger-Bencic singles final.


NBA-leading Cavaliers, Thunder roll on with victories

NBA-leading Cavaliers, Thunder roll on with victories
Updated 08 February 2025
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NBA-leading Cavaliers, Thunder roll on with victories

NBA-leading Cavaliers, Thunder roll on with victories
  • A wild ending in Charlotte saw the Hornets hang on for a dramatic 117-116 victory over the San Antonio Spurs
  • In Atlanta, the Milwaukee Bucks squandered a 21-point lead early in the third quarter to lose 115-110 against the Hawks

LOS ANGELES: The pace-setting Cleveland Cavaliers and Oklahoma City Thunder cruised to victories to maintain their grip on the NBA conference standings on Friday.

Oklahoma City extended their lead at the top of the Western Conference table, improving to 41-9 for the season after blowing past the Toronto Raptors 121-109.

The Thunder welcomed back center Chet Holmgren from injury following a 39-game absence after suffering a pelvic fracture in November. Holmgren made four blocks in a 22-minute display.

Jalen Williams led the Thunder scoring with 27 points, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander adding 25 despite sitting out the fourth quarter.

In Washington, Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley combined for 60 points to give Cleveland their sixth win in seven games against a Washington Wizards lineup who threatened an upset after an inspired performance from Jordan Poole.

Wizards ace Poole finished with 45 points but it was not enough to stop the Cavaliers pulling away to complete a 134-124 victory.

Mitchell led Cleveland’s scoring with 33 points while Mobley added 27. Darius Garland made five three-pointers on his way to a 23-point performance.

The Cavaliers improved to 42-10 to maintain their lead at the top of the Eastern Conference ahead of the Boston Celtics, who trail by six games with a 36-16 record.

A wild ending in Charlotte saw the Hornets hang on for a dramatic 117-116 victory over the San Antonio Spurs after Miles Bridges drained a three-pointer with 1.4secs remaining.

San Antonio thought they had snatched a sensational win however when new De’Aaron Fox nailed a buzzer-beating basket as time ran out.

The score was initially given but replay footage showed Fox just failed to release the ball before the buzzer sounded to give Charlotte a win that sees them improve to 13-36.

Bridges led the Charlotte scoring with 25 points while LaMelo Ball added 24 with 10 assists. Stephon Castle led the Spurs scoring with 33 points, with Fox adding 22.

In Atlanta, the Milwaukee Bucks squandered a 21-point lead early in the third quarter to lose 115-110 against the Hawks.

Trae Young led the Atlanta scoring with 24 points on a night when seven Hawks players cracked double figures.

The game swung in Atlanta’s favor after a dominant third quarter which saw the hosts outscore Milwaukee 37-17 to erase their double-digit deficit.

The Brooklyn Nets, meanwhile, grabbed only their 18th win of the season with a 102-86 victory over the Miami Heat.

Miami looked poised for victory after leading for most of the first three quarters. But the Nets turned the contest on his head by outscoring the visitors 31-9 in the fourth quarter to complete victory.


Meronk clings to two-shot lead, Legion XIII dominate team leaderboard at LIV Golf Riyadh

Meronk clings to two-shot lead, Legion XIII dominate team leaderboard at LIV Golf Riyadh
Updated 08 February 2025
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Meronk clings to two-shot lead, Legion XIII dominate team leaderboard at LIV Golf Riyadh

Meronk clings to two-shot lead, Legion XIII dominate team leaderboard at LIV Golf Riyadh
  • Meronk followed his opening 10-under 62 with a 6-under 66 to grab a two-shot lead over Torque GC’s Sebastian Muñoz
  • Legion XIII’s 18 under total moves them to 42 under for the first two rounds, giving the foursome an 11-stroke advantage over Torque GC

RIYADH: Jon Rahm and his Legion XIII teammates each enter Saturday’s final round at LIV Golf Riyadh presented by Ma’aden with an outside chance to capture the individual title. 

In terms of the team competition, though, Legion XIII already has one collective foot atop the podium. 

Legion XIII extended their team lead to a commanding 11 strokes in Friday night’s second round at Riyadh Golf Club, shooting the field’s best team score for the second consecutive night.

Their 18 under total moves them to 42 under for the first two rounds, giving the foursome an 11-stroke advantage over Torque GC. 

“Extremely proud,” Rahm said of his team’s dominant start in the season opener. “I don’t know what else to add to that. Obviously yesterday was a fantastic start and it didn’t take very long today, either, for the whole team to get going.” 

Individually, Legion XIII players make up 50 percent of the top eight players on the leaderboard. Tyrrell Hatton and Caleb Surratt each shot 5-under 67s on Friday and are tied for fourth at 11 under. Rahm also shot 67 and newcomer Tom McKibbin shot 69, as each finished at 10 under and in a three-way tie for 6th. 

Cleeks GC’s Adrian Meronk backed up his opening 10-under 62 with a 6-under 66 to grab a two-shot lead over Torque GC’s Sebastian Muñoz.

Ripper GC’s Lucas Herbert is in solo third at 12 under after his 64 on Friday, the low round of the day. 

Catching Meronk seems like a tall ask, giving his form the first two days. But Legion XIII will have plenty of chances with four players in contention in the first tournament since a format change to all scores counting on each round.

No team has swept the podium since Stinger GC pulled off the feat in the 2022 inaugural LIV Golf event in London. 

“I think if we all focus on trying to win individually and give it the best shot we can to do that, I think we can put a strong enough performance where we’d be hard to catch,” Rahm said of his team’s large lead. “But we still have to go out there tomorrow and take care of it. Nothing is guaranteed until the last putt drops.”

Although Meronk didn’t match his flawless performance in the opening round when he hit all 18 greens, the 31-year-old from Poland relied on his putting, needing just 26 putts. 

With Muñoz nipping at his heels, Meronk never surrendered the lead. At the par-3 17th, he extended it to two shots with a 15-foot birdie putt while Muñoz followed by missing a 5-footer for birdie. 

“I played quite solid,” said Meronk, whose only bogey this week came at the par-4 11th. “I had a couple of bad swings, but overall, I’m very happy with the result and excited for tomorrow.” 

Muñoz matched Meronk’s 66 and has the field’s hottest putter, needing just 51 putts through the first two rounds. “I’m just going to try to shoot as low as possible, make as many birdies as possible like I’ve been doing the last two days and see what happens on the 18th green,” Muñoz said. “There’s no other strategy than that.” 

Meronk and Muñoz have each celebrated LIV Golf wins as members of winning teams but not as individuals. That could change on Saturday for one of them. 

“It would be special for sure, especially the first of the year,” Meronk said. “But I don’t want to focus on that. My only focus tomorrow will be just one shot at a time and playing my best golf as possible, and we’ll see what happens.”