Aramco Team Series confirms Shenzhen’s Mission Hills Resort as fourth stop of season

Aramco Team Series confirms Shenzhen’s Mission Hills Resort as fourth stop of season
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The Aramco Team Series presented by PIF and organized by Golf Saudi has confirmed Mission Hills Resort in Shenzhen as its fourth stop of the season. (Supplied)
Aramco Team Series confirms Shenzhen’s Mission Hills Resort as fourth stop of season
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The Aramco Team Series presented by PIF and organized by Golf Saudi has confirmed Mission Hills Resort in Shenzhen as its fourth stop of the season. (Supplied)
Aramco Team Series confirms Shenzhen’s Mission Hills Resort as fourth stop of season
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The Aramco Team Series presented by PIF and organized by Golf Saudi has confirmed Mission Hills Resort in Shenzhen as its fourth stop of the season. (Supplied)
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Updated 27 August 2024
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Aramco Team Series confirms Shenzhen’s Mission Hills Resort as fourth stop of season

Aramco Team Series confirms Shenzhen’s Mission Hills Resort as fourth stop of season
  • Ladies European Tour returns to mainland China for the first time in over seven years
  • Organized by Golf Saudi, the Aramco Team Series presented by PIF is a series of five events on the LET

SHENZHEN, China: The Aramco Team Series presented by PIF and organized by Golf Saudi has today confirmed Mission Hills Resort in Shenzhen as its fourth stop of the season, as the Ladies European Tour (LET) returns to mainland China for the first time in over seven years.

A cornerstone of the LET, the second Asian leg of the 2024 Aramco Team Series presented by PIF will tee-up on the acclaimed World Cup Course at Mission Hills Resort in the vibrant city of Shenzhen, October 4-6. The Jack Nicklaus-designed course will welcome an array of the world’s top talent, as they bid to win individual and team trophies, and a share of the weekend’s $1 million prize fund.

Organized by Golf Saudi, the Aramco Team Series presented by PIF is a series of five events on the LET each year, adding an annual $5 million in prizemoney. With events in destinations across Europe, Asia, North America and the Middle East, the innovative format is loved by players and fans alike, as groups of three professionals and an amateur compete against each other in the Tour’s only recurring team event.

The series heads to Shenzhen in October following events in Florida, Seoul and London already this season, with the final leg of the season set for Riyadh in November.

Noah Alireza, CEO of Golf Saudi, said: “We’re thrilled to be taking the Aramco Team Series to Shenzhen. This move not only showcases elite women’s golf to a significant audience, but also offers us an opportunity to inspire future generations in this exciting market. Joining efforts with the world-renowned Mission Hills allows us to deliver a best-in-class event that meets the quality our golfers, fans and stakeholders alike all expect with the Aramco Team Series. Together, we are poised to deliver another truly unforgettable event.”

Khalid Al-Zamil, Aramco vice president of Public Affairs, said: “We are delighted that the Aramco Team Series will be hosted in Shenzhen. At Aramco, we believe sport provides a platform to create opportunity, improve lives and positively impact society. The Aramco Team Series aims to empower female athletes, elevating women’s golf globally, inspiring future generations of athletes.”

Following a successful event in Hong Kong last year, the move to Shenzhen represents an opportunity for the tournament to continue to engage with a diverse array of spectators and showcase the elite of women’s golf.

Mission Hills Resort Shenzhen, a sprawling golf and leisure resort located in the heart of southern China’s Guangdong Province, is renowned as the world’s largest golf facility, boasting a staggering 12 golf courses, making it one of golf’s premier global destinations.

Tenniel Chu, vice chairman of Mission Hills Group, said: “Bringing the Aramco Team Series to Shenzhen represents a significant milestone for both Shenzhen and Mission Hills, heralding the return of the Ladies European Tour to China for three days of thrilling elite competition. We take immense pride in hosting this esteemed event at Mission Hills and look forward to extending a warm welcome to the international community at our breath-taking resort. Our aim is to orchestrate a memorable tournament that captivates audiences and leaves a long-lasting positive impact.”

Since its inception in 2021, the Aramco Team Series presented by PIF has continued to grow at a rapid pace on the global stage.

Alexandra Armas, chief executive officer of the Ladies European Tour said: “Returning to China is an exciting prospect for the LET, as we continue to provide our members with valuable experiences on the world’s best courses. Our aim is to continue elevating women’s golf to new heights, around the globe, and in partnership with the Aramco Team Series.”


MLS sets new attendance record with 11 million fans

MLS sets new attendance record with 11 million fans
Updated 08 October 2024
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MLS sets new attendance record with 11 million fans

MLS sets new attendance record with 11 million fans

NEW YORK: More than 11 million fans have flocked to Major League Soccer games this season, the league said Monday, breaking the previous record of 10.9 millions fans who attended games in 2024.
The league said in a statement that the league has averaged 23,240 fans per game, breaking the 11 million-fan barrier for the first time in history.
MLS said the arrival of international stars such as Lionel Messi — whose presence in the league has often prompted teams to switch fixtures to bigger stadiums — had helped boost attendances.
“The arrival of international stars and the work from clubs to create more unique fan friendly ticket packages and game day experiences are among the key drivers of the continued surge of record-breaking attendance across MLS,” the league announced.
The record-breaking tally comes with the regular season still to be completed. Sixteen more matches are due to ake place before the season wraps up on October 19.
The attendance numbers mark the third consecutive year that MLS had drawn more than 10 million fans.


Pakistan set to get its inaugural women’s cricket league as first trials held in Rawalpindi

Pakistan set to get its inaugural women’s cricket league as first trials held in Rawalpindi
Updated 07 October 2024
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Pakistan set to get its inaugural women’s cricket league as first trials held in Rawalpindi

Pakistan set to get its inaugural women’s cricket league as first trials held in Rawalpindi
  • The event brought together students from various universities across the Rawalpindi and Islamabad divisions
  • The Girls Cricket Camp will continue on Tuesday to provide more participants a chance to demonstrate skills

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is set to get its inaugural women’s cricket league as Zalmi Foundation, a Pakistani non-profit skills development organization, on Monday held trials of aspiring women cricketers from Rawalpindi and Islamabad.

Zalmi Foundation completed day one of the trials for its Girls Cricket Camp at the Government Post Graduate College in Rawalpindi, aiming to empower women in sports and fostering gender equality through inclusive platforms.

The event, organized in collaboration with other organizations, brought together students from various universities across the Rawalpindi and Islamabad divisions to showcase their cricketing skills and compete at a national level.

“This event marks a turning point for women in sports in Pakistan,” said Dr. Saima Hamid, vice-chancellor of the Fatima Jinnah Women University in Rawalpindi. “By offering a space where young women can thrive and showcase their talent, the Zalmi Foundation is breaking down barriers and creating new possibilities for female athletes.”

Shabana Nawaz, deputy chief of the National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW), described the event as a “powerful initiative to challenge the status quo.”

“By empowering women in sports, we are promoting equality and creating a future where young girls are not only encouraged but expected to excel in all areas, including sports,” she said.

On the occasion, Mohayyudin Ahmad Wani, special secretary at the Pakistani education ministry, emphasized the importance of collaboration to empower women in the country.

“The combination of education and sports is transformative. The Zalmi Foundation has taken a bold step by collaborating with NCSW and Dukhtar-e-Pakistan to provide opportunities that will shape the future of women in Pakistan,” he said.

Abbas Layaq, a top official of Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Peshawar Zalmi, expressed his excitement over the talent displayed during the trials, saying the young women had “immense potential.”

“We are committed to ensuring that they have the resources and platform to succeed,” he added.

The Girls Cricket Camp will continue on Tuesday to provide more participants a chance to demonstrate their cricketing skills and book a place in the inaugural women’s cricket league.


Baseball United partners with ECB to launch UAE national team

Baseball United partners with ECB to launch UAE national team
Updated 07 October 2024
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Baseball United partners with ECB to launch UAE national team

Baseball United partners with ECB to launch UAE national team
  • Emirates Cricket Board backs history-making new team that will compete in Baseball United Arab Classic tournament next month
  • Baseball United presented the plan for the team and program to the ECB as part of its grassroots and community development strategy

DUBAI: Baseball United, the first-ever professional baseball league focused on the Middle East and South Asia, announced today a plan to form and develop the first national baseball team in the history of the UAE.

Baseball United received official sanctions from the Emirates Cricket Board to manage the UAE National Baseball Team and institute a corresponding development program for baseball in the nation. The Emirates Cricket Board is the governing body for bat and ball sports activities in the UAE.

The new team will compete in international baseball events, beginning with Baseball United’s inaugural Arab Classic tournament, which will take place from Nov. 7-10, 2024, at Baseball United’s new ballpark in Dubai.

Baseball United presented the plan for the team and program to the ECB as part of its grassroots and community development strategy. The new sanctions tout Baseball United’s professional knowledge, expertise and pedigree as a respected international baseball organization, and enable it to oversee player selection, player development and the team’s participation in baseball competitions worldwide.

“Thanks to the vision of His Highness Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al-Nahyan, chairman of the Emirates Cricket Board, and the ongoing support of Vice Chairman Khalid Al-Zarooni and General Secretary Mubashshir Usmani, we’ve been able to reach another significant milestone for baseball in this region,” said Kash Shaikh, chairman, CEO and co-founder of Baseball United.

“While our professional league aims to create the gold standard for baseball across the Middle East and South Asia, we believe the most powerful way to grow the game is through the development and enhancement of national team programs in this part of the world. We’ve supported several national teams over the past three years, including India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Nepal, and now we are very grateful to build a new program here in our UAE headquarters.”

The new team will now compete with Pakistan, India, Saudi Arabia and five other regional nations at Baseball United’s Arab Classic event. Saudi Arabia and the UAE will field national baseball teams for the first time. The tournament will be the largest national baseball team tournament in the history of the region, with all games played at Baseball United’s new ballpark at the Sevens sports and entertainment complex in Dubai.

The UAE National Baseball Team will follow World Baseball Classic eligibility rules and regulations, which will enable broader representation and participation for local residents. In addition to country citizens, WBC rules allow for permanent legal residents and/or players born in the national team’s country or territory to participate in its international events. In addition, players with at least one parent who is, or if deceased, was, a citizen of the national team’s country or territory, or whose parent was born in the national team’s country or territory, are also eligible to play.

“I truly believe this milestone will be an inspiration to countless young players, coaches and fans across the UAE,” Shaikh added. “We are excited to implement our baseball training curriculums and professional protocol, and get to work in developing the most competitive team possible. I have no doubt that the UAE team will make their country proud.”


Rakan Ali Reda, Haya Al-Mami take gold at rowing competition

Rakan Ali Reda, Haya Al-Mami take gold at rowing competition
Updated 07 October 2024
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Rakan Ali Reda, Haya Al-Mami take gold at rowing competition

Rakan Ali Reda, Haya Al-Mami take gold at rowing competition
  • Sixteen male and female rowers from various parts of the Kingdom took part in the beach sprint at Kokiyan Beach in Jeddah
  • Ali Hussein Alireza: The tournament showed the emergence of great talents in the sport of rowing, which will be the nucleus of a Saudi team

JEDDAH: Jeddah Gov. Prince Saud bin Abdullah bin Jalawi crowned the winners of the coastal rowing competition as part of the third Saudi Games on Saturday.

Sixteen male and female rowers from various parts of the Kingdom took part in the beach sprint at Kokiyan Beach in Jeddah.

The two-day competition began with preliminary qualifiers to determine the finalists.

In the men’s category, Rakan Ali Reda claimed the gold medal, with Turki Al-Aref earning the silver, and Moayyad Al-Rashidi securing the bronze. In the women’s category, Haya Al-Mami won the gold medal, while Israa Qadri took home the silver, and Yusra Malaika earned the bronze.

The President of the Saudi Rowing Federation Ali Hussein Alireza congratulated the winners on their achievement.

“The tournament showed the emergence of great talents in the sport of rowing, which will be the nucleus of a Saudi team that can provide impressive results in the upcoming international championships,” he said.

“The future of rowing will witness great development in the Kingdom with the direct support of the Ministry of Sports.”

The Saudi Games is the largest national sporting event held annually in the Kingdom, featuring the participation of more than 9,000 athletes, representing 200 clubs and competing in 52 different sports.

The total prize pool exceeds SR200 million ($53.25 million), with the gold medalists in the coastal rowing receiving SR1 million, the silver medalists SR300,000, and the bronze medalists SR100,000.


Dubai Basketball fall to Mega MIS on last-second foul call

Dubai Basketball fall to Mega MIS on last-second foul call
Updated 07 October 2024
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Dubai Basketball fall to Mega MIS on last-second foul call

Dubai Basketball fall to Mega MIS on last-second foul call
  • A 80-83 defeat to the Serbian team saw the new franchise lose their unbeaten start to the ABA League

DUBAI: Dubai Basketball saw their perfect start to the 2024-2025 ABA League season come to an end following an agonizing 80-83 defeat to Serbia’s Mega MIS on Saturday night — in a game that was watched by NBA and global basketball royalty.

Both sides went into the Round 3 game with an unbeaten 2-0 record, and it was Mega MIS who maintained their flawless start to the season with a closely fought victory in front of almost 4,000 vociferous fans at Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai.

Among the stars sitting at courtside were Denver Nuggets’ stars, three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic, a 2023 finals champion and MVP, and 7-time NBA All-Star, and Vlatko Cancar, who both played for Mega MIS, as well as Dario Saric.

They were joined by Denver Nuggets’ owners, Stanley Kroenke and Josh Kroenke, former EuroLeague president, Jordi Bartomeu, NBL owner, Larry Kestelman, BeoBasket owner, Misko Raznatovic, VTB League president, Serhiy Kurchenko, and owner of Gigantes Spanish basketball newspaper, Jose Luis Ortiz.

The fans were treated to a thrilling game that was decided in the last second, on a controversial foul call against Awudu Abass that brought Mega MIS’ Kosta Kondic to the free-throw line — scoring three consecutives to seal his team’s victory.

Earlier, the hosts made a strong start to the game, buoyed by strong home support. Leon Radosevic’s three-pointer was among the highlights that saw Dubai Basketball take a 24-18 advantage at the end of the first quarter. By the end of the second quarter Mega MIS had found their rhythm, but Dubai Basketball’s intensity saw them rewarded with a 45-36 advantage going into half-time.

The third quarter was closely fought as Mega MIS closed the gap to just three points at 63-60, setting things up for an enthralling final 10 minutes.

With the scores tied at 77-all, Kosta Kondic hit a huge three-pointer for Mega MIS to give his team a three-point lead going into the final minute. However, Dubai had their answer ready as Danilo Andusic drove through the lane for a tough-fought two, and was fouled in the process — making the free throw to complete tie the game at 80-80.

As the clock went below five seconds, with Dubai Basketball’s defense pressuring, Kondic’s three-point attempt was off the mark — but a foul was called, sending him to the line for three, with the entire game in the balance. Kondic kept his cool despite the loud Dubai crowd, draining all three shots from the line, and finishing the game’s joint-top scorer with Filip Jovic (16 points).

For Dubai Basketball, the US’s Isaiah Taylor scored a game-high 14, and also grabbed five rebounds while captain Klemen Prepelic continued his impressive form with 13 points, seven rebounds and three assists.

Dubai Basketball head coach, Jurica Golemac, was proud of his team and said there were positives to take from the defeat.

Golemac said: “We couldn’t catch the rhythm and break the game. We were up most of the game. But we never got through and Mega played extremely energetically and extremely quick. I would say at crucial moments we missed a couple of lay-ups and we let them shoot open shots on the end.

“The season is a marathon and not a sprint, but we need to learn from the mistakes. From the defeats — we are learning. Defeats make you learn; defeats make you work harder. In the wins, not everything is perfect, and in the defeats not everything is bad.”

Dubai Basketball will next be in action on Sunday, Oct. 13 when they travel to Serbia to take on Borac Mozzart. They will then return to the Coca-Cola Arena for the home game against Spartak Subotica on Sunday, Oct 20.