UAE is ideal setting for Sail Grand Prix, says managing director

UAE is ideal setting for Sail Grand Prix, says managing director
Andrew Thompson, Managing Director of SailGP. (Adam Warner/SailGP)
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Updated 27 September 2024
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UAE is ideal setting for Sail Grand Prix, says managing director

UAE is ideal setting for Sail Grand Prix, says managing director
  • Andrew Thompson spoke to Arab News about the importance of the Middle East market and the introduction of SailGP’s first female driver
  • UAE to host the opening and closing races of SailGP’s 5th season, which starts in Dubai on Nov. 23

DUBAI: The UAE is set to play a pivotal role in Sail Grand Prix’s Season 5, which begins in Dubai on Nov. 23 before drawing to a close in Abu Dhabi next year.

Ahead of the new season, Arab News spoke to Andrew Thompson, SailGP’s managing director, who discussed the importance of the Middle East market, the introduction of SailGP’s first female driver, and what fans can expect from the most entertaining race on water.


What was the reason behind choosing Dubai for the season-opening event?

The UAE has become one of the most important global sporting destinations, with multiple high-profile events held consistently across the country and wider Middle East region. For SailGP, it’s imperative that our calendar includes key locations such as Dubai in order to engage as wide a fan base as possible.

Having held events in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi previously, we are aware of the appetite for sailing in the UAE, and the enthusiasm that those in attendance have for our races.

UAE weather in November provides great conditions to host an event and the port of Mina Rashid provides the perfect setup for a tight racecourse for exciting racing.

The UAE will also play an important role in the new season as both the starting and finishing point, and we are delighted about that.

 

Mina Rashid will play host to the event for the third consecutive year. What makes the location so special?

Mina Rashid is the ideal setting for a SailGP event, from the perspective of both competitors and spectators alike. The tight racecourse and very deep water close to the shoreline ensure hugely competitive action with boats coming within touching distance of the stadium, which makes for great viewing for all the fans on the water’s edge.

Our previous two events at Mina Rashid were a huge success, with the closest finish in SailGP history last season, and our athletes have told us they are excited to return. Mina Rashid is also home to the P&O Marina’s Sailing Academy, which is a home for watersports designed to introduce people of all ages to the joy of sailing.

 

How important is the Middle East market for SailGP?

Very important, as evidenced by the fact that the 2024-25 season both starts and finishes in the UAE. Our fan base in the region has grown considerably over the past three seasons and we look forward to continuing growth of the Sail Grand Prix in the region as a long-term established event.

Dubai is the home of both Emirates and P&O Marinas, who along with Dubai Sports Council, are playing a pivotal role in helping us grow the sport across the UAE and engage a brand-new audience. We are now approaching our third Dubai event, and the two previous editions have been a resounding success from the perspective of all involved.

We’re equally delighted to be working closely with Mubadala and Abu Dhabi Sports Council. Their commitment to SailGP is fantastic and we look forward to harnessing a mutually beneficial long-term working relationship.

Our inaugural Abu Dhabi event earlier this year was a fantastic occasion, and we are excited about returning for the 2024-25 season final next year.

 

The upcoming season features the addition of the Mubadala Brazil Team, who have announced the first-ever female (Martine Grael) SailGP driver. How important is that for the evolution of the brand?

It’s hugely significant, and fantastic news. In 2021, SailGP introduced the Women’s Pathway as part of its Better Sport strategy to accelerate inclusion, inspire change, and provide opportunities at the elite level of sailing.

The Spain event in 2021 (Season 2) was a milestone in SailGP’s Women’s Pathway. It was the first time the teams raced with six (or four in light wind configuration) athletes on board, with every team including a female athlete on the F50 for racing.

It will take time to close the gap in experience between women and men; we are proud of being a sport that has women and men competing alongside each other at the highest level in sport.

Martine is a decorated sailor — two-time Olympic gold medal winner — and a fantastic leader. Developments such as appointing her as driver of the Brazilian team are a step in the right direction, but there is still work to do.

What would you say would attract people to come to the SailGP events?

SailGP features fast boats racing close to shore between 11 rival nations in short-form 15-minute races across the weekend. As a spectator in Dubai, you can see the full racecourse from the comfort of your seat while almost being able to reach out and touch the boats as they fly past.

SailGP’s top athletes race identical boats, which fly faster than the wind: high-tech, hydrofoiling F50 catamarans at speeds approaching 100 kph, which is a sight to behold. Our events combine elite-level sporting action and a first-class hospitality and entertainment schedule, and as the season-opener, this is one not to be missed. If you like racing and entertainment by the water, it really is the perfect way to spend an afternoon.


NBA legend Michael Jordan files anti-trust lawsuit against NASCAR

NBA legend Michael Jordan files anti-trust lawsuit against NASCAR
Updated 16 sec ago
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NBA legend Michael Jordan files anti-trust lawsuit against NASCAR

NBA legend Michael Jordan files anti-trust lawsuit against NASCAR
  • The legal fight in the most popular form of US auto racing had six-time NBA champion Jordan’s 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports jointly filing against France and NASCAR
  • The suit argues the closed-cockpit stock car racing circuit and its leaders have used anti-competitive practices to prevent fair competition

WASHINGTON: An auto racing team co-owned by NBA legend Michael Jordan filed an anti-trust lawsuit on Wednesday against the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) and its chief executive Jim France.

The legal fight in the most popular form of US auto racing had six-time NBA champion Jordan’s 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports jointly filing against France and NASCAR in the Western District of North Carolina at Charlotte, where former Chicago Bulls star Jordan, 61, is a part-owner of the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets.

“Everyone knows that I have always been a fierce competitor and that will to win is what drives me and the entire 23XI team each and every week out on the track,” Jordan said in a statement.

“I love the sport of racing and the passion of our fans, but the way NASCAR is run today is unfair to teams, drivers, sponsors, and fans.

“Today’s action shows I’m willing to fight for a competitive market where everyone wins.”

The suit argues the closed-cockpit stock car racing circuit and its leaders have used anti-competitive practices to prevent fair competition.

“We share a passion for racing, the thrill of competition, and winning. Off the racetrack, we share a belief that change is necessary for the sport we love,” the teams said in a joint statement.

“Together, we brought this anti-trust case so that racing can thrive and become a more competitive and fair sport in ways that will benefit teams, drivers, sponsors, and, most importantly, fans.”

According to the lawsuit, NASCAR and the France family operate without transparency, stifle competition, and control the sport of stock car racing in ways that unfairly benefit them at the expense of team owners, drivers, sponsors, partners and fans.

The teams accuse NASCAR of such anti-competitive practices as buying most of the top racetracks exclusive to NASCAR races, imposing exclusivity deals on NASCAR-sanctioned tracks, acquiring stock car competitor Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA), preventing teams from participating in other stock car races and forcing teams to buy their parts from single-source suppliers chosen by NASCAR.

“No other major professional sport in North America is run by a single family that enriches themselves through these kinds of unchecked monopolistic practices,” the teams said in a statement.

Front Row and 23XI did not sign recently updated NASCAR charter agreements, claiming the terms were unfair to teams.

“After more than two years of attempted negotiations over the 2025 agreements, during which NASCAR continually stonewalled and refused to engage constructively, we concluded that litigation was the only way to address the anti-competitive practices of NASCAR and the France family,” the teams said.

The teams plan to file a preliminary injunction to allow the teams to race in NASCAR next year while pursuing anti-trust litigation.

Denny Hamlin, a 54-time NASCAR winner as a driver and a part-owner of 23XI Racing, said not all teams share fairly in NASCAR’s success.

“Everyone who invests in making the sport a success should share fairly in that success,” Hamlin said. “With the right changes we can certainly make that a reality in racing.”


Knicks get Karl-Anthony Towns from T-wolves for Randle in major NBA deal

Knicks get Karl-Anthony Towns from T-wolves for Randle in major NBA deal
Updated 03 October 2024
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Knicks get Karl-Anthony Towns from T-wolves for Randle in major NBA deal

Knicks get Karl-Anthony Towns from T-wolves for Randle in major NBA deal
  • The three-team deal saw the Knicks also obtain the draft rights to James Nnaji from the Charlotte Hornets
  • Knicks also sent Donte DiVincenzo, Keita Bates-Diop and a future first-round pick to Minnesota and Charlie Brown, DaQuan Jeffries, Duane Washington Jr. and two future second-round picks to Charlotte

NEW YORK: Karl-Anthony Towns was traded from the Minnesota Timberwolves to New York in a three-team NBA trade on Wednesday that sent Julius Randle from the Knicks to the T-wolves in return.

The three-team deal saw the Knicks also obtain the draft rights to James Nnaji from the Charlotte Hornets while also sending Donte DiVincenzo, Keita Bates-Diop and a future first-round pick to Minnesota and Charlie Brown, DaQuan Jeffries, Duane Washington Jr. and two future second-round picks to Charlotte.

Towns, a 7-foot (2.13m) center, is a four-time NBA All-Star who sparked the T-Wolves into the Western Conference finals last season for the first time in 20 years.

“We’re beyond excited to welcome Karl-Anthony Towns to the New York Knicks,” team president Leon Rose said. “Karl-Anthony brings a skillset that is unique to the game of basketball. He possesses a blend of playmaking, shooting, rebounding and defending that in combination with his size allows him to compete at a level that is rare in this league.

“Karl-Anthony has demonstrated throughout his career to be a high caliber player and person on and off the court who will complement the type of team and culture we continue to build in New York.”

Towns, 28, has averaged 22.9 points, 10.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.3 blocked shots a game over nine NBA seasons, all with the Timberwolves.

“To the Timberwolves Family: Nine years ago, I arrived in Minnesota as a young man with a dream. Little did I know that this place would become my home, and its people would become my family,” Towns posted on social media.

“Your love, support, and unwavering loyalty have fueled my journey and inspired me to be the best player I could be. Thank you to my teammates, coaches, and the entire Timberwolves organization for the countless opportunities and experiences. I’ll cherish the friendships I’ve made and the battles we’ve fought together.

“To the incredible fans, your support has meant the world to me. It gave me strength on and off the court. I’ll never forget it. You’ll always hold a special place in my heart. Thank you for everything.”

Randle, a three-time NBA All-Star forward, helped the Knicks reach the playoffs in three of the past four seasons. He has averaged 19.1 points, 9.4 rebounds and 3.7 assists over 10 NBA seasons, the past five with the Knicks.

“Julius worked tirelessly day in and day out to represent the Knicks organization with grit, grace and tremendous skill,” Rose said. “Julius played a major role in establishing the foundation and culture of our team and we cannot thank Julius enough for what he did.”

Nnaji, a 20-year-old Nigerian guard, spent the past three seasons with Barcelona of the Spanish league, averaging 2.9 points and 2.0 rebounds over 110 games.

DiVincenzo, a 27-year-old guard, has spent six seasons in the NBA with Milwaukee, Sacramento, Golden State and New York, averaging 10.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.2 steals. He was part of Golden State’s 2021 NBA championship team.


Mbappé can’t rescue Real Madrid in Champions League loss to Lille

Mbappé can’t rescue Real Madrid in Champions League loss to Lille
Updated 03 October 2024
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Mbappé can’t rescue Real Madrid in Champions League loss to Lille

Mbappé can’t rescue Real Madrid in Champions League loss to Lille

Kylian Mbappé came off the bench but couldn’t prevent defending champion Real Madrid from losing 1-0 at unheralded Lille in the revamped Champions League on Wednesday.
With Mbappé a substitute after a minor hamstring injury, the opening goal came from Canada striker Jonathan David ‘s penalty deep into first-half stoppage time. A video review ruled that midfielder Eduardo Camavinga handled the ball.
David scored a hat trick last weekend and shot confidently past goalkeeper Andriy Lunin, who was replacing the injured Thibaut Courtois. Mbappé came on in the 57th.
It was Madrid’s first loss in the competition since a 4-0 hammering by Manchester City in the 2023 semifinal return leg.
Brazil teenager Endrick became the youngest Champions League starter for Madrid at 18 years, 73 days old. He surpassed the mark set by former Madrid great Raúl González, who was 18 years, 78 days old when he faced Ajax in 1995.
Liverpool coach Arne Slot got his first taste of a European night at Anfield and saw his team beat Bologna 2-0, thanks to goals from midfielder Alexis Mac Allister and prolific forward Mohamed Salah.
Substitute Jhon Duran scored a late winner to give Aston Villa another 1-0 win against Bayern Munich.
When the sides met in the 1982 European Cup final, Villa won 1-0 in a big upset. Prince William was born that year, and he was cheering in the Villa Park crowd when Duran pounced late on.
Coach Unai Emery sent the 20-year-old Duran on in the 70th and the Colombia forward — who has made a habit of scoring goals from the bench — did it again with a brilliant left-footed effort from around 25 meters to beat Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.
Juventus had goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio sent off in the 59th for a handball yet still won 3-2 at Leipzig.
Slovenia forward Benjamin Sesko scored both goals for Leipzig but Serbia’s Dusan Vlahovic did the same for 10-man Juve before Francisco Conceição netted in the 82nd.
OTHER MATCHES
Earlier, Atalanta and Feyenoord got their first wins in the competition’s second round of matches.
Italian side Atalanta coasted to a 3-0 win over Ukraine’s Shakhtar Donetsk, Dutch club Feyenoord secured a gritty 3-2 win at tournament newcomer Girona.
Albanian Berat Djimsiti, Nigerian Ademola Lookman, and Italian Raoul Bellanova scored for Atalanta in the German city of Gelsenkirchen. It was officially a home game for Shakhtar, which is playing at German club Schalke’s stadium because of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Girona led through center-back David López’s close-range finish, but the visitors equalized with an own goal from Yangel Herrera and took the lead on Antoni Milambo’s 31st-minute strike.
Donny van de Beek made it 2-2 but another own goal, this time from Ladislav Krejci, gave Feynoord — Slot’s former club — victory in a match where both teams missed a penalty.
Kerem Akturkoglu, veteran Ángel Di Maria, Alexander Bah and Orkun Kokcu scored for Benfica in a 4-0 rout of Atletico Madrid; and Monaco netted a last-minute equalizer in a 2-2 draw at Dinamo Zagreb thanks to Denis Zakaria’s penalty.
Also, Sturm Graz lost 1-0 at home to Club Brugge, which won thanks to a curling strike from Christos Tzolis.


Volleyball and badminton feature on day three of Saudi Games

Volleyball and badminton feature on day three of Saudi Games
Updated 03 October 2024
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Volleyball and badminton feature on day three of Saudi Games

Volleyball and badminton feature on day three of Saudi Games
  • Other action included deaf futsal and 5x5 basketball

RIYADH: Wednesday’s action at the Saudi Games saw the men’s volleyball semifinals decided, with Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, Al-Khaleej, and Al-Ittihad securing their spots.

Al-Hilal triumphed over Abha with a commanding 3-0 win, while Al-Nassr defeated Al-Ahli 3-1, and Al-Khaleej edged past Al-Ittihad in a close 3-2 match.

At the Boulevard 4 area in Riyadh, 22 matches were held in badminton singles for both men and women.

Meanwhile, the Paralympic Hall at Prince Faisal bin Fahd Olympic Complex hosted the 5x5 basketball quarterfinals for both men and women.

In the women’s category, Jeddah United claimed victory over Al-Ittihad 66-54, while Al-Nassr defeated Al-Okhdood 78-47. For the men’s matches, Al-Khaleej beat Al-Khuwaildia 72-43, and Al-Ittihad narrowly won against Al-Ahli 71-67.

All victorious teams have now advanced to the semifinals.

In men’s futsal for the deaf, Jeddah Deaf Club dominated Makkah Deaf Center with a 13-2 win, while Riyadh Deaf Club beat Madinah Deaf Center 12-1. Al-Baha Deaf Center secured a 11-3 victory against Al-Qatif Deaf Center.

The women’s volleyball semifinals are set to begin on Thursday with Al-Fayha taking on Al-Nassr, followed by Al-Ula versus Al-Anqaa.

Jeddah will also host the rowing and jet skiing competitions, while Riyadh will see action in athletics, fencing, Muay Thai boxing, futsal, and Paralympic athletics.


Messi back in Argentina’s squad for World Cup qualifiers against Venezuela and Bolivia

Messi back in Argentina’s squad for World Cup qualifiers against Venezuela and Bolivia
Updated 02 October 2024
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Messi back in Argentina’s squad for World Cup qualifiers against Venezuela and Bolivia

Messi back in Argentina’s squad for World Cup qualifiers against Venezuela and Bolivia
  • The 37-year-old star had missed recent matches because of an ankle injury
  • Messi did not play the two previous rounds after sustaining an injury in Copa America

BUENOS AIRES: Lionel Messi will return to Argentina’s national team for the South American World Cup qualifying matches against Venezuela and Bolivia.
The 37-year-old star had missed recent matches because of an ankle injury.
Coach Lionel Scaloni announced his squad Wednesday for the matches at Venezuela on Oct. 10 and five days later in Buenos Aires against Bolivia.
Messi did not play the two previous rounds after sustaining an injury in the Copa America final against Colombia. Argentina won 1-0.
Argentina lead South American qualifying with 18 points, followed by Colombia (16) and Uruguay (15). The top six teams will qualify for the 2026 World Cup, and the seventh position will play an international playoff for a berth.

Squad:
Goalkeepers: Walter Benítez (PSV Eindhoven), Gerónimo Rulli (Olympique Marseille), Juan Musso (Atletico Madrid)
Defenders: Gonzalo Montiel (Sevilla), Nahuel Molina (Atletico Madrid), Cristian Romero (Tottenham), Germán Pezzella (River Plate), Marcos Acuña (River Plate), Leonardo Balerdi (Olympique Marseille), Nicolás Otamendi (Benfica), Lisandro Martínez (Manchester United), Nicolás Tagliafico (Lyon)
Midfielders: Leandro Paredes (Roma), Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool), Enzo Fernández (Chelsea), Giovani Lo Celso (Real Betis), Nicolás Paz (Como), Exequiel Palacios (Bayer Leverkusen), Rodrigo de Paul (Atletico Madrid), Valentín Carboni (Olympique Marseille)
Strikers: Thiago Almada (Botafogo), Lionel Messi (Inter Miami), Nicolás González (Juventus), Alejandro Garnacho (Manchester United), Julián Álvarez (Atletico Madrid), Paulo Dybala (Roma), Lautaro Martínez (Inter Milan)