Pacers hold off Celtics in overtime, Cavs rout Lakers in James family return

Pacers hold off Celtics in overtime, Cavs rout Lakers in James family return
 Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam (43) and guard Tyrese Haliburton celebrate Siakam's game-winning three point basket against the Boston Celtics at Gainbridge Fieldhouse Wednesday. (USA TODAY Sports)
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Updated 31 October 2024
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Pacers hold off Celtics in overtime, Cavs rout Lakers in James family return

Pacers hold off Celtics in overtime, Cavs rout Lakers in James family return
  • Indiana’s victory in a rematch of last season’s Eastern Conference finals left the Cleveland Cavaliers as the East’s only unbeaten team
  • The Cavs gave the Los Angeles Lakers a rough ride, despite a warm reception for Bronny James in Cleveland, where the hosts dominated in a 134-110 victory to improve to 5-0
  • The Oklahoma City Thunder remained unbeaten in the West, improving to 4-0 with a 105-93 victory over the San Antonio Spurs

LOS ANGELES: Pascal Siakam drilled the game-winning three-pointer in overtime as the Indiana Pacers beat Boston 135-132 on Wednesday, handing the NBA champion Celtics their first defeat of the season.

Indiana’s victory in a rematch of last season’s Eastern Conference finals left the Cleveland Cavaliers as the East’s only unbeaten team.

The Cavs gave the Los Angeles Lakers a rough ride, despite a warm reception for Bronny James in Cleveland, where the hosts dominated in a 134-110 victory to improve to 5-0.

In Indianapolis, Bennedict Mathurin led the Pacers with 30 points and 11 rebounds. Siakam added 29 and Tyrese Haliburton scored 17 points with 12 assists for Indiana, who led by as many as 24 early in the third quarter.

Boston outscored Indiana 38-24 in the fourth, twice cutting the deficit to three before Jayson Tatum drained a step-back three-pointer with 14.4 seconds remaining in regulation.

Boston took their first lead since the first quarter on Derrick White’s driving layup that made it 132-130 with 39.7 seconds left.

But Siakam had the last word, making a basket to tie it then rising for a three-pointer over Haliburton with 7.3 seconds to play.

“It’s big, it’s big,” Siakam said. “We got a couple of games where we lost by a couple of turnovers, rebounds. So we wanted to get this one.”

Tatum scored 37 points, Brown added 25 and White scored 23 for Boston, but they couldn’t pull off the miracle.

“We let them come back, but I thought we fought,” Siakam said. “That’s what we’ve got to do. We’ve got to be a team that fights to the end.”

Boston dropped to 4-1 as Cleveland improved to 5-0 for just the third time in franchise history.

Wednesday’s game was billed as a homecoming for LeBron and Bronny James — who hadn’t played since he was subbed in to play alongside his superstar father in the Lakers’ season-opening victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves.

That made them the first father-son duo to play alongside each other in an NBA game.

This time around, LeBron James had departed for good and the game was out of hand when Bronny James was subbed in late in the fourth quarter — to cheers from Cleveland fans who remember him as a toddler attending Cavs games when his father starred for his hometown team.

Although the 20-year-old drafted by the Lakers in June is expected to be headed to the developmental G League soon, he did hit a mid-range jump shot for his first NBA points.

“To see him get his first NBA basket in this arena where he grew up not too far from here — it’s an unbelievable moment,” LeBron James said.

Nevertheless, it will be little consolation for the Lakers.

The Cavs made 17 three-pointers to the Lakers’ six and parlayed 21 Lakers turnovers into 31 points.

Cleveland took control with a red-hot first quarter, connecting on 77.3 percent of their shots from the field.

The Cavs led by 19 at halftime and turnovers doomed the Lakers’ efforts to make significant inroads in the third.

Evan Mobley scored 25 points and Mitchell added 24 as six Cavs players scored in double figures.

LeBron James led the Lakers with 26 points. Anthony Davis added 22 with 13 rebounds but Los Angeles dropped their second straight.

The Oklahoma City Thunder remained unbeaten in the West, improving to 4-0 with a 105-93 victory over the San Antonio Spurs.

Lu Dort scored 20 points and Chet Holmgren added 19 for Oklahoma City as San Antonio star Victor Wembanyama was held to six points on one-for-five shooting.

Wembanyama added eight rebounds and three blocks, but it was Holmgren who came out on top in their match-up of second-year big men.

Elsewhere, Karl-Anthony Towns erupted for 44 points and 13 rebounds to propel the New York Knicks to a 116-107 victory over the Heat in Miami.

Jaden Ivey scored 23 points and Cade Cunningham added 22 to lead the Detroit Pistons to their first win, a 105-95 triumph in Philadelphia where the 76ers continued to struggle with stars Joel Embiid and Paul George sidelined by injury.


Saudi Kickboxing Federation participates in International Day of Persons with Disabilities event

Saudi Kickboxing Federation participates in International Day of Persons with Disabilities event
Updated 10 sec ago
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Saudi Kickboxing Federation participates in International Day of Persons with Disabilities event

Saudi Kickboxing Federation participates in International Day of Persons with Disabilities event
  • SKF President Ahmed Al-Towayan expressed delight at Prince Sultan’s visit
  • “Our participation in this event is part of activating the ‘Qadir’ initiative launched by the federation earlier this year,” he said

RIYADH: The Saudi Kickboxing Federation participated on Tuesday in the International Day of Persons with Disabilities event, organized by the Disabled Children’s Association in collaboration with the King Salman Center for Disability Research.
Prince Sultan bin Salman Al-Saud, chairman of the board of trustees of the center, visited the federation’s booth and met several athletes and coaches, a media statement said.
SKF President Ahmed Al-Towayan expressed his delight at Prince Sultan’s visit and his support for activities and events related to persons with disabilities.
“Our participation in this event is part of activating the ‘Qadir’ initiative launched by the federation earlier this year,” Al-Towayan said.
The initiative aimed to provide sports activities for persons with disabilities, develop their skills in kickboxing, and empower Paralympic athletes to practice these sports, he added.
“Qadir initiative aims to offer sporting opportunities to anyone facing difficulties in participating in sports, whether due to a disability or limited financial resources,” Al-Towayan said.


Riyadh to host World Anti-Doping Agency meetings

Riyadh to host World Anti-Doping Agency meetings
Updated 23 min 45 sec ago
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Riyadh to host World Anti-Doping Agency meetings

Riyadh to host World Anti-Doping Agency meetings
  • Event will discuss international strategies to combat doping
  • Prominent sporting figures, experts set to attend

RIYADH: Riyadh will host World Anti-Doping Agency meetings on Dec. 4-5 to support integrity in sport.
The agency’s foundation board and executive committee will meet in the Saudi capital to discuss updates on policies and international strategies to combat doping, a media statement said on Tuesday.
The two-day event will be attended by prominent sports figures and international experts.
Saudi Arabia has previously hosted several anti-doping events, including conferences and workshops aimed at fostering international cooperation as well as promoting the Kingdom as a global sports hub.
WADA’s foundation board consists of 42 members, 21 of whom are ministers representing national governments, while another 21 are members of the International Olympic Committee and presidents of international federations representing the Olympic Movement.
The agency was established in 1999 as a nonprofit dedicated to protecting the integrity of sports by combating doping.
It collaborates with international sports organizations, government bodies and national authorities to ensure a doping-free sports environment.


Golfers want to ‘make Saudi proud’ at major Riyadh tournament

Golfers want to ‘make Saudi proud’ at major Riyadh tournament
Updated 55 min 22 sec ago
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Golfers want to ‘make Saudi proud’ at major Riyadh tournament

Golfers want to ‘make Saudi proud’ at major Riyadh tournament
  • Othman Al-Mulla: We all have the same goal: To represent Saudi Arabia in international competitions and see how good we can be
  • Saudi Golf Federation is backing Saudi stars like Al-Mulla, while growing the love of the game with school programs and free classes for women

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s golfers spoke about their ambition to make their country proud and inspire young players during a press conference on Tuesday ahead of the PIF Saudi International in Riyadh.

Othman Al-Mulla, the Kingdom’s first professional golfer, will be joined by Faisal Salhab, Saud Al-Sharif, and Khalid Walid Attieh, marking an unprecedented lineup of Saudi golfers taking on international stars including Dustin Johnson and Cameron Smith.

Al-Mulla told the press at Riyadh Golf Club: “I’ve been representing Saudi for over 20 years, and even five years after I turned professional, I’m still pinching myself at the thought of us competing against the best players in the world in Saudi Arabia (for) one of the biggest prizes.”

Joined by Salhab and Shergo Al-Kurdi, the UK-born Golf Saudi ambassador, Al-Mulla added: “We all have the same goal: To represent Saudi Arabia in international competitions and see how good we can be. We want to be Asian champions, we want to be world champions and win events and make Saudi proud.”

Saudi Arabia has made huge inroads into the world of golf in recent years, signing a host of top players to its LIV Golf tour, and engaging in discussions over a potential merger with the PGA Tour.

On a grassroots level, the Saudi Golf Federation is backing Saudi stars like Al-Mulla, while growing the love of the game with school programs and free classes for women.

Salhab said: “What Golf Saudi is doing and what the Saudi Golf Federation is doing for both juniors and women, like opening doors for them and creating more access for them to come into the sport, have more places to play, see great players, it’s very new for us but they’ve done a great job.”

Al-Mulla highlighted the importance of the increasing number of Saudi players, and added: “We have three main objectives: We need to increase awareness, give access and opportunities, and then nurture those opportunities for people that are interested in the game.”

The tournament, which is in its sixth edition, will run from Dec. 4-7 in Riyadh for the first time following five editions at the King Abdullah Economic City.

It offers a total prize pool of $5 million and has moved this year into the coveted season-ending position for both the Asian Tour and The International Series.

Al-Mulla said: “To see how far we’ve come in such a short period of time is something that we can all be proud of as Saudis, and hopefully we can be a beacon to grow the game.”


F1 surges in popularity in Saudi Arabia and across the Middle East new data reveals

F1 surges in popularity in Saudi Arabia and across the Middle East new data reveals
Updated 03 December 2024
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F1 surges in popularity in Saudi Arabia and across the Middle East new data reveals

F1 surges in popularity in Saudi Arabia and across the Middle East new data reveals
  • 11 percent rise in female interest and 10 percent uptick among male fans in the Kingdom
  • Globally, F1’s fanbase has grown by 5.7 percent since 2021

LONDON: Formula 1 has experienced a surge in popularity, particularly in Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East, according to a new study released on Tuesday by Nielsen Sports.

With a global fanbase now exceeding 750 million, the sport has gained 50 million fans since 2021, fueled by rising interest in the Middle East region as well as among young female fans, the report showed.

The study revealed Saudi Arabia as one of the sport’s fastest-growing markets, with an 11 percent increase in fans compared to the 2023 season.

The surge in popularity also spans demographics, with an 11 percent rise in female interest and a 10 percent uptick among male fans. Among older Saudi audiences, enthusiasm has soared, with 22 percent more fans aged 50-69 following the championship than in the previous season.

The UAE also saw a significant boost, with fan interest rising by 6 percent. Together, these countries solidify the Middle East as a critical growth region for Formula 1 in 2024, the Nielsen report concluded.

Globally, F1’s fanbase has grown by 5.7 percent since 2021, with women now making up 41 percent of all fans. Young women aged 16-24 represented the fastest-growing demographic, reflecting the sport’s evolving accessibility and appeal.

Jon Stainer, global general manager at Nielsen Sports, attributed this success to Formula 1’s innovative fan engagement strategies.

“Formula 1 is a perfect example of a rights owner innovating its relationship with fans,” he said.

“Growth of interest, especially among women and newer markets like Saudi Arabia, can be attributed largely to a shift in how the teams and drivers are profiled today, and the access they are affording global audiences.

“New sponsorship categories are opening up. We’re seeing a significant shift in the brands engaging in the sport, attracted to this changing fan demographic,” he added.

Netflix’s acclaimed docuseries, “Drive to Survive,” has played a pivotal role, with 35 percent of viewers of the show expressing intent to watch more races. Another quarter of surveyed fans credited the series with their newfound passion for the sport.

F1’s commercial prospects have also increased, with sponsorship deals seeing a 56 percent rise in value since 2019.

The average sponsorship deal now stands at $5.08 million, up from $2.87 million from pre-pandemic levels. The diversification of sponsors — which range from luxury brands such as LVMH to IT giants such as HP and Dropbox — has cemented the championship’s status as a commercial powerhouse, the Nielsen report said.

While the Middle East leads the charge of new fans, the series continues to thrive in traditional strongholds, especially in Europe. Interest in the UK rose by 2.3 percent, while Germany saw a 4.5 percent uptick.


LaLiga opens Riyadh workspace to strengthen Saudi Pro League ties

LaLiga opens Riyadh workspace to strengthen Saudi Pro League ties
Updated 03 December 2024
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LaLiga opens Riyadh workspace to strengthen Saudi Pro League ties

LaLiga opens Riyadh workspace to strengthen Saudi Pro League ties
  • New office will be at SPL headquarters, with the two organizations exchanging best practices and driving innovation
  • SPL CEO Omar Mugharbel and LaLiga President Javier Tebas attend the official opening

RIYADH: The Saudi Pro League has welcomed Spain’s LaLiga to Riyadh with the inauguration of a dedicated workspace within its headquarters, it announced at the World Football Summit on Tuesday.

This strategic move is the latest in the SPL’s efforts to build ties with the global football community, with the new workspace, designed for use by LaLiga and Spanish clubs, officially commencing operations on Dec. 2.

SPL CEO Omar Mugharbel and LaLiga President Javier Tebas attended the official opening at the SPL headquarters.

This initiative aligns with LaLiga’s broader international strategy, which includes a presence in 34 countries through 11 global offices. Additionally, a LaLiga delegate will soon be based in Riyadh to further strengthen the new partnership.

Mugharbel said: “We are thrilled to welcome LaLiga to Riyadh. This collaboration represents a vital step in forging closer ties between the SPL and other leagues, showcasing our dedication to opening the SPL to the world.”

He also underscored the partnership’s role in exchanging best practices and driving innovation within the league.

Tebas added: “LaLiga is committed to supporting the growth of the sports and entertainment industry in Saudi Arabia. This workspace marks a new chapter in our relationship with the region and the SPL, and we are confident that this partnership will pave the way for exciting new projects.”

This partnership between the SPL and LaLiga paves the way for enhanced cooperation, enabling both organizations to share expertise and further elevate the sport, while helping the SPL develop the next generation of Saudi footballers.