Saudi win, Palestine stay undefeated on Day Two of Baseball United Arab Classic
Pakistan also maintained unblemished record while UAE claimed dominant win over Afghanistan
Updated 09 November 2024
Arab News
DUBAI: Day Two of the Baseball United Arab Classic saw Saudi Arabia comfortably defeat Nepal 14-2, as well as featuring Palestine’s dramatic win over Sri Lanka.
The day also showcased a dominant offensive display by the UAE against Afghanistan, and Pakistan’s huge victory over India in one of the tournament’s most anticipated matchups.
“Two straight days and nights of amazing baseball and incredible passion,” said Kash Shaikh, Baseball United chairman, CEO and co-founder. “The fans were awesome, the environment was electric, and the field was beautiful. We ended the night with two great games, with Palestine and Pakistan coming out on top. Baseball is truly here in Dubai.”
Game recaps:
Bangladesh vs Afghanistan
Bangladesh put on a show against Afghanistan, claiming a dominant 12-0 victory behind a mix of offensive firepower and commanding pitching. Right-hander Azgar Hussain earned the win with a stellar 3-inning performance, allowing no runs, walking two and striking out five.
First baseman Imran Khan led the offensive charge for Bangladesh, going 3-for-4 with two doubles and two RBIs, setting the tone for an explosive lineup. Afghanistan’s Osman Shinwari struggled on the mound, giving up 10 runs and nine hits over 3 innings, as Bangladesh cruised to a decisive shutout win.
KSA vs. Nepal
Saudi Arabia captured their first-ever tournament win in commanding fashion, defeating Nepal 14-2 in a historic game. Right-hander Jake Curtis earned the victory with a solid 4-inning outing, allowing only 2 runs while striking out two.
Kevin Workman headlined KSA’s offense, going 2-for-3 with the Kingdom’s first-ever home run and driving in three runs. James Overstreet also delivered, going 3-for-4 with a double and three RBIs. Nepal’s Ritesh Bishwakarma struggled on the mound, surrendering 12 runs in 3 innings, as Saudi Arabia celebrated this milestone victory.
Afghanistan vs. UAE
The UAE put on a dominant performance against Afghanistan, claiming a decisive 15-0 victory. Chris Beyers led the charge with two doubles and an RBI, while a remarkable eight UAE players tallied an RBI, showcasing the team’s balanced offense.
RHP Bobby Fiala earned the win with three scoreless innings, adding two strikeouts and maintaining control on the mound. Afghanistan, still searching for its first win, struggled to keep pace as UAE’s relentless lineup capitalized on every opportunity.
Palestine vs. Sri Lanka
In a thrilling back-and-forth contest, Palestine edged out Sri Lanka 8-7 in one of the most dramatic finishes of the tournament so far. Yunis Halim shone as Palestine’s hero, driving in two runs and coming in as a reliever for the final inning, where he struck out Sri Lanka’s Hemantha Pushpasiri with the bases loaded to clinch the victory. For Sri Lanka, centerfielder Sameera Rathnayake delivered a standout performance, going 2-for-2 with two runs and an RBI, keeping his team in the game until the final pitch.
India vs. Pakistan
Pakistan delivered a dominant 12-0 victory over India, showcasing both offensive power and pitching mastery. Muhammad Hussain led the charge with a 2-for-4 performance, including a double and 3 RBIs, while Zan Shariff added 3 RBIs of his own with a 1-for-3 effort.
On the mound, RHP Syed Muhib was untouchable, tossing 3.1 innings of scoreless ball, striking out 4 and keeping India’s offense to just a single hit. India’s Akshay More struck out 7 batters but was unable to contain the aggressive Pakistani lineup, allowing 2 earned runs in 3 innings, as Pakistan cruised to a dominant shutout victory.
Leclerc handed 10-place penalty for Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
The Monegasque topped first practice but was penalized after Ferrari fitted a new battery pack to his car
The penalty decision came minutes after the session ended
Updated 06 December 2024
Arab News
ABU DHABI: Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc topped the first practice session at Yas Marina Circuit ahead of Sunday’s Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, but later received a 10-place grid penalty for the race.
The Monegasque driver recorded a time of 1:24.321 with McLaren’s Lando Norris 0.221 seconds adrift. Lewis Hamilton, in his last F1 weekend with Mercedes before his move to Ferrari next season, was third fastest.
The penalty decision came minutes after the session ended and put a dent in Ferrari’s hopes of taking this year’s Constructors’ Championship. They currently lie second in the standings, 21 points behind McLaren, with 44 points up for grabs.
Six teams put rookies in one of their cars for the weekend’s first practice session. They were Ryo Hirakawa (McLaren), Arthur Leclerc (Ferrari), Isack Hadjar (Red Bull), Felipe Drugovich (Aston Martin), Ayumu Iwasa (RB) and Luke Browning (Williams).
In the second practice session, Norris led his teammate Oscar Piastri to finish 1-2, with a time of 1:23:517. Nico Hulkenberg came third for Haas.
Joaquin Niemann takes 1-shot lead into final round of PIF Saudi International
The Chilean has been model of consistency this week, sandwiching first and third rounds of 65 with 66 on Thursday
Focus earlier had been firmly on American Caleb Surratt
Updated 06 December 2024
ARBA NEWS
RIYADH: Chile’s Joaquin Niemann will take a narrow one-shot lead into Saturday’s final round of the PIF Saudi International after firing a six-under 65 on Friday to move to 17-under-par.
Niemann leads Americans Peter Uihlein (66) — who is heading The International Series’ rankings list and has proved his winning pedigree with two victories already this season — and 20-year-old Caleb Surratt, who smashed the course record at Riyadh Golf Club with a 10-under 61 on Friday.
Behind them lurk a host of world-class talents and proven winners, including Britain’s three-time European Ryder Cup player Tyrrell Hatton (66), who shares joint fourth spot with two more Americans — Jason Kokrak and Logan McAllister — on 15-under.
It is still anyone’s guess who will emerge as Saturday’s winner at the Golf Saudi event, and Niemann said afterwards that he knew he would need to be at the top of his game again to take away the handsome silver trophy.
He said: “I don’t know what score would do it. All I know is that it will have to be lower than the others.”
The Chilean has so far been a model of consistency this week, sandwiching first and third rounds of 65 with a 66 on Thursday. On Friday he needed to stay patient, having to wait 10 holes before he added another birdie to his opening two at the first couple of holes.
His round really caught fire on the par-5 15th with an eagle three, and he finished off in style with a birdie at the last to take the slimmest of leads.
Earlier, the focus had been firmly on American Surratt, who only turned professional at the start of the year but has already shown considerable promise in his first handful of tournaments.
That rich potential was translated into a string of eight birdies and an eagle at the long 12th hole to leave him 16-under-par.
The young prospect from Indian Trail, North Carolina, who has yet to win a professional tournament, could hardly believe his own sizzling form, especially on a course that he had never played until this week.
His score could have been even more impressive but his chip just off the green for birdie at the par-4 18th hit the pin and rolled just a couple of inches away.
Surratt said: “It would mean everything (if I win). I don’t have half the experience a lot of these guys do, so I need to keep my head together and play like it’s with my friends back home.”
Saturday’s final round should be a feast of thrilling golf for the sellout crowd at Riyadh Golf Club.
‘I wouldn’t want to be in those shoes’: Sergio Perez says partnering Verstappen would be a tall order for a young driver
With speculation rife around the Mexican’s future at Red Bull, he sends a reminder of just how tough his job really is
Updated 06 December 2024
Reem Abulleil
ABU DHABI: With his future at Red Bull Racing in doubt, Sergio Perez has provided an honest assessment of the challenge of being the teammate of four-time world champion Max Verstappen.
Despite signing a new contract that should keep him in the Red Bull seat until the end of 2026, rumors have swirled around the potential exit of the Mexican driver, given the dip in his performance over the past six months.
“It’s an incredible challenge. I knew what I signed up for when I came here,” Perez said in Abu Dhabi on Thursday.
“It’s an incredible challenge, and a challenge that people should not underestimate the level of experience, the level of capacity, of mental strength, that you need to cope with this extreme challenge.”
The 34-year-old joined the Milton Keynes-based outfit in 2021 and played a crucial role in helping Verstappen edge Lewis Hamilton in the season-closer in Abu Dhabi that year.
With Verstappen and Perez in tandem, Red Bull secured the constructors’ championship in 2022 and 2023, including a one-two in the drivers’ championship last season.
This year has told a different story, though, for Perez, who started 2024 by making the podium in four of the first five races and signing a contract extension in June, before struggling on the track for the rest of the season.
In his last 16 races, the Guadalajara native has had four DNFs, and has scored a mere 45 points.
With disappointing results since Monaco at the end of May, speculation has risen over possible replacements for Perez, whose new contract may include performance-related clauses.
Young candidates
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner said after the Qatar Grand Prix last weekend that Perez is “old enough and wise enough to come to his own conclusions but there is still a race to go, so let’s get to the end of Abu Dhabi and see where we are at.”
Several names have been thrown around as possible replacements for Perez, including Yuki Tsunoda and Liam Lawson, the drivers from Red Bull’s sister outfit RB — a team specifically designed to be a feeder for Red Bull.
Tsunoda, 24, has been at RB for four seasons and his current P12 in the drivers’ championship would be his highest finish since making his F1 debut in 2021. He is also scheduled to drive the Red Bull car in the post-season test in Abu Dhabi next week.
Lawson, 22, joined Red Bull’s Junior Team in 2019. The Kiwi driver subbed in for an injured Daniel Ricciardo at RB last year and was given the full seat late this season. Abu Dhabi will be just the 11th Grand Prix Lawson has raced so far in his young career.
Others have mentioned the 21-year-old Franco Colapinto, who has shown great promise since he got a Williams seat in Monza this season but is so far without a drive for 2025.
Perez believes it would be a tall order for a young driver to come in and replace him as Verstappen’s Red Bull teammate.
“I think being teammates with Max at Red Bull, for a young driver, I wouldn’t want to be in those shoes, if I’m honest,” said Perez.
“Like I said, people cannot underestimate the level of challenge that there is in this seat.”
Perez believes it would be a tall order for a young driver to come in and replace him as Max Verstappen’s Red Bull teammate. (AFP)
A role with a heavy toll
Williams driver Alex Albon, who spent a season and a half as Verstappen’s teammate at Red Bull, shared some insight into his own experience alongside the Dutch driver.
“It’s a tricky one. I think first of all you have to just appreciate the talent that Max has, that’s number one,” said Albon.
“Number two is, it’s not always that comfortable to drive that car. I don’t know where it is now for Checo (Perez), I haven’t been following along too much. But he likes a car quite different; it’s not easy for a driver to adapt to it.
“And then it’s just that toll of it. You’re in the spotlight constantly and it’s a tough place to be and I think for anyone, it’s not going to be an easy place to be, to be his teammate.”
Perez has indeed struggled with the RB20, which has not suited his driving style.
“I think when you look back at it, I was in the fight in 2022, I was in the fight in 2023, I had some tough moments in ’23 obviously. But then ’24 started really well. I think we just took a wrong direction and with driving styles, it impacts more one driver than the other,” said Perez.
“The way it impacted me, it was a lot harder than, for example, Max, because of his driving style. He can cope with a very neutral balance and I couldn’t. So, that was the main deficit, really.”
Taking responsibility
Perez’s performances mean that Red Bull have won the drivers’ championship via Verstappen but are out of the running in the constructors’ championship, which will be decided in Abu Dhabi this weekend between McLaren and Ferrari.
It is the first time since 1983 that a team that produced the winning driver in the championship only managed to finish third in the constructors’ standings.
Perez has acknowledged the role he played in such an anomaly but deflected the full blame.
“Of course, I take responsibility but also I don’t feel it’s fully all down to one person. I’m obviously part of a big organization, a big team, and it’s very unfortunate that we did not fight any harder for the constructors’,” said the Mexican driver.
Perez in action during FP1 ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. (AP)
Amid all the speculation about his future, Perez is choosing to believe he will be continuing with the team.
“For sure I’ve seen the rumors, but nothing different to the last couple of months. So, in that regard, nothing further to add,” he said.
“I already said it in the last six months that I’m here. I renewed with the team earlier in the year and I’m here to be the driver for the team next year and that’s where my full focus is.
“I think it’s important to stay together because as I said, the season hasn’t been the greatest, but at the end of the day, there’s a reason why they renewed me. They know I can still do it and that’s an important factor.”
‘We have a tremendous talent pool’
Horner spoke to reporters in Abu Dhabi on Friday and has not given a definitive answer regarding Perez’s fate.
The Red Bull boss paid tribute to Perez and the role he played in the team’s success over the past four years but has made no promises about his future.
“This season hasn’t gone to anyone’s plan, particularly with Checo’s performance and since Monaco, it’s been very, very tough for him. And, so, inevitably, once we get this race out of the way, we’ll sit down and discuss the future,” he said.
Asked if he regrets opting to sign an early contract extension with Perez in June, Horner said: “Obviously, at the time, Sergio was performing really well. I think he had four podiums in the first five races. In order to settle his mind and extend that run of form for the rest of the season, we elected to go early, which obviously didn’t work.
“We’re fortunate that we’ve got a tremendous pool of talent. It was good to see Isack Hadjar getting a run out as well in free practice today. We’ve got two talented drivers in VCARB. But until the situation is clear with Sergio and what he wants to do, everything else is purely speculation.”
Joining the elite
With decisions yet to be made, one thing is clear: Whoever ends up being Verstappen’s teammate in 2025 will face a daunting task.
“I think probably being Max’s teammate is the toughest drive in Formula 1 because he’s set such a high standard, such a high bar, and his performances are just relentless,” said Horner.
“So, anybody sat in the car alongside him is going to have tremendous strength of character and have the ability to work within a team, and be able to focus on themselves; to a degree almost ignoring what’s going on in the other car.
“Because I think that’s where, mentally, it becomes incredibly tough. As we’ve seen with many of the greats, I’m sure when you work with Michael Schumacher or Ayrton Senna previously, teammates had a similarly hard job. Max now joins that elite group of people. It’s as simple as that.”
“Serge won’t be there, Manu won’t be there,” Kompany told reporters, explaining “Manu has rib pain“
Neuer and Gnabry join Bayern’s long injury list, which includes England captain Harry Kane, Joao Palhinha, Josip Stanisic and Hiroki Ito
Updated 06 December 2024
AFP
MUNICH: Bayern Munich captain Manuel Neuer and forward Serge Gnabry will miss Saturday’s clash with Heidenheim, coach Vincent Kompany said Friday.
“Serge won’t be there, Manu won’t be there,” Kompany told reporters, explaining “Manu has rib pain.”
The 38-year-old goalkeeper failed to take part in training on Friday, and Kompany did not indicate when he would return.
Neuer and Gnabry join Bayern’s long injury list, which includes England captain Harry Kane, Joao Palhinha, Josip Stanisic and Hiroki Ito.
Neuer picked up the first red card of his 866-game career in Tuesday’s German Cup loss to Bayer Leverkusen after a first-half collision with Jeremie Frimpong.
Israel goalkeeper Daniel Peretz replaced Neuer in the 17th minute, making his Bayern debut.
With usual back-up goalie Sven Ulreich still missing due to personal leave, Kompany confirmed Peretz would take the field on Saturday.
Kane injured his hamstring in Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Borussia Dortmund and missed the loss to Leverkusen, but returned to individual training on Thursday.
“It looks good,” Kompany said of Kane’s recovery.
“The way it’s going now, it looks like he could play one or two games in the calendar year, if everything goes well.”
Before going down with injury, Kane scored 20 goals in 19 games in all competitions for Bayern this season.
Despite Tuesday’s German Cup elimination, Bayern are unbeaten in the league and are currently four points clear of second-placed Eintracht Frankfurt at the top of the Bundesliga table.
The Emirati officials putting safety at the heart of the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
Heba Abbas Bahaj and Shuhab Ahmed Al-Shehhi explain the vital roles they play during race week at Yas Marina Circuit
Updated 06 December 2024
Arab News
ABU DHABI: As the Formula 1 action begins at Yas Marina Circuit, Emirate officials will proudly represent the UAE as part of a strong and diverse team working behind the scenes to ensure everything runs smoothly and safely.
Among those playing a crucial role at the Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend are Heba Abbas Bahaj and Shuhab Ahmed Al-Shehhi. As members of the Emirates Motorsport Organization, their responsibilities include helping ensure the drivers’ safety on track and keeping the public out of harm’s way.
Heba, who has 16 years of experience, will have the best seat in the house when the lights go out at the start of the race, and when the checkered flag waves at the end. As chief flag official, one of her responsibilities is to monitor the start and finish of all sessions and races over the weekend, liaising closely with race control.
“A lot of preparation goes into what is essentially the biggest motorsport event in our race calendar,” said Heba, 41, who volunteered at the first Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in 2009 before starting her career as an EMSO official.
“For my position, the training sessions include ‘flag refresher,’ ‘communication’ and ‘pit lane’ and they span over two months, culminating in a practical shakedown session at the end. We had to pass a written exam to be ready for the event.”
From Friday to Sunday, Heba says she expects to get approximately four hours of sleep each night, leaving her house at 6 a.m. and returning late in the evening. Despite the long, hectic days it is a job she loves, and she is looking forward to helping make sure the event is a success.
She said: “Yes, we have the best seat at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, but it’s not all glamour and easy. As officials, it’s our responsibility to ensure everyone is safe, as well as the safety of the track section we are responsible for. Therefore, we need to be vigilant and attentive at all times, which means standing on our feet for long periods of time, monitoring, and reporting on incidents we see that might affect the safety or integrity of the race.
“As start and finish line officials, we need to be super attentive and monitor what’s going on (on) track, especially when it’s a close finish and the leader is approaching our location. Now, imagine having to do all of this under the watchful eyes of millions of people — yes, it’s a fun and enjoyable time, but it’s also a lot of pressure and responsibility.”
Joining Heba on the EMSO team of officials is Shuhab Ahmed Al-Shehhi. With 12 years’ experience, the 38-year-old enters the F1 season finale as the event’s F1 sector chief.
His main priorities during race week include ensuring his team understand their roles and have the correct equipment for going trackside, monitoring areas for hazardous materials, and attending a daily debrief.
He said: “I am really excited about this week’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, although it will be a busy period. I always try to pass on positive vibes to people that I meet as that is very important and sets the tone ahead.
“Having been in this field for 12 years, what pleases me the most is the dedication of each official and their determination to do their job to the best of their ability, and I believe anyone who wants to be an EMSO official marshal in the future must be willing to learn, be a team player, and be honest.
“More importantly, they must possess a deep passion for motorsports. I recall the first time I sat in an F1 car many years ago, which ignited my love for the sport. Now, I am serving as a race official for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in my home country.”
Mahir Badri, EMSO chief executive, added: “Since the inaugural Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in 2009, our collaboration with (Grand Prix organizers) Ethara and Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management has been instrumental in developing a robust team of officials. Today, we are proud to say that our UAE teams are among the best in the world — highly skilled and respected internationally.
“The presence of Formula 1 in Abu Dhabi has made this profession increasingly attractive, and we’re especially proud of our Emirati officials and the diverse community of residents who form the UAE’s EMSO team. They consistently go above and beyond, dedicating their time and energy to ensuring the success of major motorsport events.”
He added: “Just days ago, we concluded the Dubai International Baja, a challenging event that tested the endurance and commitment of our officials, who delivered exceptional results under tough desert conditions.
“With over 6,000 active race officials within EMSO, our team not only excels locally but also plays a significant role internationally, supporting prestigious motorsport events across the globe. Their dedication and professionalism continue to be the backbone of our motorsport community.”
