NEOM McLaren Formula E Team announces Bianca Bustamante and Ella Lloyd for new season women’s test

NEOM McLaren Formula E Team announces Bianca Bustamante and Ella Lloyd for new season women’s test
NEOM McLaren Formula E Team will take part in the Pre-Season Testing session in Valencia on Nov. 4- 7. (Supplied)
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Updated 17 October 2024
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NEOM McLaren Formula E Team announces Bianca Bustamante and Ella Lloyd for new season women’s test

NEOM McLaren Formula E Team announces Bianca Bustamante and Ella Lloyd for new season women’s test
  • Team will take part in pre-season testing in Valencia in November before the season-opening Sao Paulo E-Prix in December

RIYADH: The NEOM McLaren Formula E Team has announced its full driver lineup for the women’s test, as part of pre-season testing for the 2024-2025 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.

Bianca Bustamante has been involved in racing since the age of five, winning several karting championships in Asia. So far in her single-seater career, Bustamante has competed in W Series, Formula 4 UAE Championship, Italian Formula 4, USF Juniors and most recently F1 Academy. In October 2023, it was announced Bustamante would join the McLaren driver development program, representing the team in the 2024 F1 Academy season with ART Grand Prix.

Ella Lloyd began racing competitively in 2022 in the Ginetta Junior Championship before competing in in the Ginetta GT Championship the following year, finishing as vice-champion.

At the beginning of 2024, Lloyd competed in the Formula Winter Series, securing the female driver trophy several times. She competed in British F4, completing the 2024 season with three P2 results, one P3 and numerous points finishes. She has now joined the McLaren driver development programme and will represent the team in the 2025 F1 Academy season with Rodin Motorsport.

The 2024 women’s pre-season test aims to provide women an opportunity to gain experience in the new GEN3 Evo car, while building their motorsport development.

The NEOM McLaren Formula E Team will be in action at the pre-season testing in Valencia, Spain from Nov. 4-7, before the season starts at the Sao Paulo E-Prix on Dec. 7.

Bustamante said: “I’m looking forward to getting behind the wheel of a GEN3 Evo car with the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team next month in Valencia. I’ve already been honing my skills in the simulator and working with the team so I can extract the most from this opportunity as I can. I’m really looking forward to it.”

Lloyd said: “I’m really excited to be part of the women’s test with the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team. This opportunity will allow me to gain valuable experience in Formula E GEN3 Evo machinery and continue to develop my skills as a racing driver. I can’t wait to get going.”

Ian James, team principal and managing director of NEOM McLaren Electric Racing, said he was excited to work with the two new additions to the team.

“Both drivers have had a smooth integration into the team and have already been developing their skills in the simulator as part of their preparation,” he said.

“I’m glad we can provide Bianca and Ella with a platform to demonstrate their ability and build new career opportunities as part of the championship’s commitment to develop their experience in motorsport. I’m looking forward to seeing how they get on in Valencia next month.”


Former Liverpool goalkeeper Karius signs for Schalke

Updated 45 sec ago
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Former Liverpool goalkeeper Karius signs for Schalke

Former Liverpool goalkeeper Karius signs for Schalke
Karius has bounced around teams in England, Germany and Türkiye but has failed to secure significant game time
"Schalke are a big club with passionate fans," Karius said

BERLIN: Former Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius on Tuesday signed for German second-division side Schalke, the latest in a series of clubs as he tries to revive his career.
Karius has bounced around teams in England, Germany and Türkiye but has failed to secure significant game time.
The 31-year-old was widely criticised following an error-ridden performance in Liverpool's 3-1 Champions League final loss to Real Madrid in 2018, his last match for the club.
Five days after the match, Karius was diagnosed with concussion, having collided with Real defender Sergio Ramos.
Most recently he was with Premier League club Newcastle but has been a free agent since his contract expired in July 2024.
"Schalke are a big club with passionate fans," Karius said in a statement, adding "I'm looking forward to training with the team."
Karius joins fallen giants Schalke, who are also looking for an upturn in fortunes.
One of Germany's biggest clubs with seven top-flight titles, Schalke sit just six points above the relegation play-off place in the German second division.
Having arrived in Gelsenkirchen for a medical on Friday, Karius is expected to be Schalke's back-up 'keeper behind Justin Heekeren.

Former Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius on Tuesday signed for German second-division side Schalke, the latest in a series of clubs as he tries to revive his career. (X/@aa_spor)

Officials reinforce Japan-Saudi sports relations

Officials reinforce Japan-Saudi sports relations
Updated 14 January 2025
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Officials reinforce Japan-Saudi sports relations

Officials reinforce Japan-Saudi sports relations

Matsumoto Hisashi, Japan’s parliamentary vice minister for foreign affairs, visited the Saudi Judo Federation on Monday during his visit to the Kingdom, further strengthening the relations between the two countries. 

The visit highlighted the Saudi Judo Federation’s achievements and its future programs. Additionally, the Japanese official paid a visit to the Mahad Academy to attend a judo demonstration.

During his visit to Saudi Arabia, Matsumoto also held a meeting with Rakan bin Ibrahim Altouq, the assistant minister of culture, to further foster Japan-Saudi culture relations. He, alongside a Japanese delegation, also held talks with Saudi officials to discuss Vision 2030.

 


Banton, Pooran steer MI Emirates to emphatic 26-run triumph over Dubai Capitals

Banton, Pooran steer MI Emirates to emphatic 26-run triumph over Dubai Capitals
Updated 14 January 2025
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Banton, Pooran steer MI Emirates to emphatic 26-run triumph over Dubai Capitals

Banton, Pooran steer MI Emirates to emphatic 26-run triumph over Dubai Capitals
  • Victory at Zayed Cricket Stadium was MI Emirates’ first win of the DP World ILT20 season

ABU DHABI: The MI Emirates cruised to their first win of the DP World ILT20 season against the Dubai Capitals at Zayed Cricket Stadium on Monday evening.

With half-centuries from Tom Banton and Nicholas Pooran, the MI Emirates clinched a 26-run win.

Shai Hope was the star of the match with a magnificent 101 runs in 59 balls, but it was in vain as the Dubai Capitals lost to the MI Emirates for the first time in the tournament’s history.

The course of the game turned in favor of the MI Emirates with Fazalhaq Farooqi’s over, where he picked up two wickets and conceded just three runs.

With the Capitals chasing a daunting target of 188, the MI Emirates opened their bowling with spin. Akeal Hosein was handed the new ball and the move nearly paid off in the third over.

This was when Ben Dunk skied a quicker one, but Waqar Salamkheil dropped the sitter. Hope, at the other end, did the bulk of the scoring and anchored the Capitals’ innings.

Alzarri Joseph gave the MI Emirates the breakthrough as he bowled Dunk in the sixth over, but Hope motored on at the other end and brought up his 50 in 32 deliveries.

Hope and McMullen put up 61 for the second wicket before the latter was stumped by Pooran. It was a redemption tale for Salamkheil as he finally got his man.

Hope remained unscathed and hit AM Ghazanfar for a four and six as he brought up his T20 career’s second century. This was the first century scored by a Dubai Capitals player and also the third 100 in the history of the DP World ILT20. Hope fell with the next ball.

The momentum swung the MI Emirates’ way thereafter as Farooqi dismissed Sikandar Raza with a toe-crushing yorker. Farooqi made it two in two as he crafted another brilliant yorker to get rid of Dasun Shanaka’s off-stump.

The Dubai Capitals were left to rue their chances as Zahoor Khan bowled a fantastic 19th over, giving away just one run. The Dubai Capitals needed 36 in the final over, but it proved to be too steep a hill to climb.

Earlier in the evening, the MI Emirates stuttered as Dushmantha Chameera was on the money in his very first delivery. He outfoxed Kusala Perera and dislodged his leg stump to give the Dubai Capitals an early footing in the game.

Banton joined Muhammed Waseem in the middle and the duo offered the MI Emirates much-needed stability with a key partnership of 38 runs that was littered with boundaries.

However, Raza made amends for a missed catch earlier as he found the stumps with a stunning throw from mid-off and Waseem returned to the pavilion for 18. The powerplay ended with the MI Emirates putting up 50 for two, with both teams having plenty of positive takeaways.

Banton continued to thrive on one end, bringing up his half-century in style as he swept Zahir Khan for a huge six on the leg side to wrap up the 11th over.

Coming in at number four, Pooran joined the party as he clobbered two fours and six sixes in a 29-ball endeavor that yielded 59 runs. Pooran took Olly Stone for three successive sixes in the 15th over.

The skipper began his onslaught with a perfectly timed scoop, the next was a fortunate edge that sailed over the ropes, and the third was a repeat of the first. In pursuit of a fourth consecutive maximum, he holed out to Shanaka at deep midwicket.

Stone struck again in the 18th over as he got rid of Banton, the architect of MI Emirates’ innings, for a top score of 74 runs in 52 balls.

Romario Shepherd, Kieron Pollard and Joseph made up Gulbadin Naib’s second consecutive three-wicket haul in the final over as the Capitals restricted the MI Emirates to 187 for seven.

Expressing his regret on not bringing the Capitals home, centurion Hope said: “A 100 always feels a lot sweeter when you end up on the winning side.

“Just unfortunate I could not get the team there, but we just fell short with the bat. It was a pretty good pitch, and I thought we did well to restrict them to under 200.”

Meanwhile, Player of the Match, Banton remarked: “It was tricky to begin with. We spoke pre-game that someone’s got to bat through the innings. I looked to put pressure back on the bowlers when the ball was in my area.

“I’ve played a lot of cricket here and the wickets are always good. It’s my first year here, I was with MI Cape Town last year. Someone has to put his hand up every game, and today it was me.”

Brief scores:

MI Emirates beat Dubai Capitals by 26 runs.

MI Emirates 187-7 in 20 overs (Tom Banton 74, Nicholas Pooran 59, Kieron Pollard 22, Gulbadin Naib 3 for 27).

Dubai Capitals 161-6 in 20 overs (Shai Hope 101, Brandon McMullen 16, Fazalhaq Farooqi 2 for 22).


Saudi Arabia, Japan discuss collaboration for 2026 Asian Games

Saudi Arabia, Japan discuss collaboration for 2026 Asian Games
Updated 14 January 2025
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Saudi Arabia, Japan discuss collaboration for 2026 Asian Games

Saudi Arabia, Japan discuss collaboration for 2026 Asian Games
  • Meeting at Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee headquarters in Riyadh

RIYADH: Officials representing the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee and Japan’s Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Hisashi Matsumoto discussed on Monday plans for the hosting of the 20th Asian Games and the 5th Asian Para Games in Nagoya city in 2026.

According to the Saudi Press Agency, the SOPC’s CEO and Secretary-General Abdulaziz bin Ahmed Baeshen attended the meeting at the organization’s headquarters in Riyadh.

The officials discussed ways to facilitate the participation of Saudi Arabia’s sports delegation in the games.

Collaboration between Saudi Arabia and Japan have strengthened following the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the SOPC and the Japanese Olympic Committee on the sidelines of the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Set to begin in September, the theme of the 2026 Asian Games is “Imagine One Asia.”


‘Ready and excited’: Beterbiev looking to remain undefeated in rematch with Bivol at ‘The Last Crescendo’

‘Ready and excited’: Beterbiev looking to remain undefeated in rematch with Bivol at ‘The Last Crescendo’
Updated 14 January 2025
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‘Ready and excited’: Beterbiev looking to remain undefeated in rematch with Bivol at ‘The Last Crescendo’

‘Ready and excited’: Beterbiev looking to remain undefeated in rematch with Bivol at ‘The Last Crescendo’
  • The fight, backed by Riyadh Season, will determine the undisputed light-heavyweight champion

LONDON: Artur Beterbiev on Monday declared his readiness and excitement for his highly anticipated rematch against Dmitry Bivol, headlining the blockbuster boxing event “The Last Crescendo” on Feb. 22 in Riyadh.

The fight, backed by Riyadh Season, will determine the undisputed light-heavyweight champion.

“I am ready and excited, and looking forward to the match,” Beterbiev told Arab News during a press conference in London. The undefeated champion highlighted his respect for Bivol’s skills and his confidence in securing another win.

Their first fight was a closely contested bout, showcasing their talent and tenacity. Bivol, seeking redemption, expressed his determination to reclaim the title and avenge his only career loss.

The event features a stellar lineup of undercard bouts, with champions and rising stars ready to deliver memorable performances.

Daniel Dubois vs. Joseph Parker
Dubois, the IBF heavyweight champion, will defend his title against former WBC champion Parker. “I’ve pushed myself harder than ever in training. This is my time to shine,” said Dubois. Parker, undeterred, vowed to use his experience to regain a world title.

Shakur Stevenson vs. Floyd Schofield
In a WBC lightweight title bout, Stevenson will face Schofield, a rising star in the division. “This fight is a stepping stone to solidify my legacy,” Stevenson said. Schofield called the match a “dream opportunity” to prove his worth on the world stage.

Carlos Adames vs. Hamzah Sheeraz
WBC middleweight champion Adames will battle the undefeated Sheeraz. “I’m here to make a statement and bring the title home,” Sheeraz said. Adames, determined to retain his belt, promised to “show the world why I’m the champion.”

Zhilei Zhang vs. Agit Kabayel
Heavyweight powerhouses Zhang and Kabayel will face off in a bout with global intrigue. “The support of Saudi Arabia is incredible, and events like these align with Vision 2030 to promote global sports and cultural exchange,” Zhang said.

Joshua Buatsi vs. Callum Smith
Two rising stars of the light-heavyweight division will clash in a bout that could redefine the division’s future.