Barcelona blitz St. Poelten in Women’s Champions League

Barcelona blitz St. Poelten in Women’s Champions League
Barcelona's Spanish midfielder #14 Aitana Bonmati celebrates scoring her team's third goal with teammates during the UEFA Women's Champions League preliminary round 1 day 3 Group D football match between FC Barcelona and SKN St. Polten at the Estadi Johan Cruyff in Barcelona on November 12, 2024. (AFP)
Short Url
Updated 13 November 2024
Follow

Barcelona blitz St. Poelten in Women’s Champions League

Barcelona blitz St. Poelten in Women’s Champions League

PARIS: A five-goal blitz in the space of 12 minutes sent Barcelona on their way to a 7-0 romp over St. Poelten in the Women’s Champions League on Tuesday, while Manchester City stayed top of Group D with a win.
Arsenal beat Juventus 4-0 in Italy but remain second in Group C after Bayern Munich extended their 100 percent record with a 3-0 victory over Valerenga.
For Barcelona, Ewa Pajor, Francisca Nazareth, Aitana Bonmati, Keira Walsh and Claudia Pina all scored between the 32nd and 45th minutes, before Pina and Caroline Graham Hansen added goals in the second half.
Despite scoring 16 goals and conceding none in their last two European outings, holders Barca sit second in Group D after they lost their opening fixture at Manchester City.
“Objective met — yes, absolutely,” Barca coach Pere Romeu said after his side’s second emphatic victory in three games.
“Even when we couldn’t score in the first half an hour, we were getting in behind them. And I knew once we got the first goal, more would follow.”
Austria’s St. Poelten stay bottom of the group with three losses from three.
The floodgates opened at the Johan Cruyff Stadium shortly after the half-hour when Pajor slid onto full-back Ona Batlle’s cross at the near post and directed the ball into the far corner.
Stand-in captain Marta Torrejon nearly doubled the score soon after she rose highest from a set-piece, but her looping header clipped the top of the crossbar.
Fresh from picking up her second Ballon d’Or last month, Aitana Bonmati nearly caught Carina Schlueter out with a chip but the goalkeeper just managed to claw out the ball.
Barca were all over the Austrians. When Bonmati got in behind the defense on the right, her cross was parried to Nazareth who made no mistake on 38 minutes.
Bonmati opened her account in the Champions League this season two minutes later, before Walsh fizzed home a side-footed strike from outside the box in the 42nd minute.
On the stroke of half-time, Pina flitted in at the back post to guide home an outside-of-the-foot volley as Barca ran riot.
The Spanish forward then completed her brace from 12 yards seven minutes after the interval following a foul on the rampaging Batlle.
Substitute Graham added a seventh in the 87th minute.
Man City stayed three points ahead of Barca after second-half goals by Laura Brown and Aoba Fujino overcame Sweden’s Hammarby 2-0.
Goals by Frida Maanum, Stina Blackstenius, Mariona Caldentey and Caitlin Foord handed Arsenal a 4-0 win in Piedmont against Juventus.
The Gunners are second in Group C on six points while Juve sit third with one win and two losses.
A superb team passing move unlocked the Italians’ defense with Maanum deftly applying the finish on 38 minutes.
Blackstenius, Caldentey and Foord stuck inside the final quarter of an hour to make the game safe for Renee Slegers’ side.
“We are happy with the win, but in a few days we will face Juventus again and we will have to start from scratch. We have to think about that game and not look at the table, because it is still early and there are many difficult challenges ahead of us,” Arsenal interim manager Slegers said.
Group C leaders Bayern Munich increased their tally to nine points with a 3-0 win at home to Norway’s Valerenga.
Pernille Harder put the German champions into the lead on 10 minutes, before Giulia Gwinn added a second from the spot seven minutes later.
Sarah Zadrazil powered home a third two minutes into stoppage time.
On Wednesday, eight-time Champions League winners Lyon visit Roma and Galatasaray host two-time victors Wolfsburg in Group A.
In Group B, Real Madrid play Dutch side Twente and Chelsea travel to Scotland to take on Celtic.


PIF appoints Matteo Berrettini as tennis ambassador

PIF appoints Matteo Berrettini as tennis ambassador
Updated 09 December 2024
Follow

PIF appoints Matteo Berrettini as tennis ambassador

PIF appoints Matteo Berrettini as tennis ambassador
  • Berrettini competed in the Diriyah Tennis Cup in 2022, showcasing his talent on Saudi soil for the first time

LONDON: Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund on Monday announced the appointment of Italian tennis star Matteo Berrettini as its new tennis ambassador.

The former world No. 6 in the ATP Rankings is celebrated for his impressive achievements, including becoming the first Italian player to reach the quarterfinals of all four Grand Slam tournaments and securing a victory at the prestigious Nitto ATP Finals.

No stranger to Riyadh, Berrettini competed in the Diriyah Tennis Cup in 2022, showcasing his talent on Saudi soil for the first time.

In his new role as PIF tennis ambassador, he will focus on nurturing young talent and working closely with emerging players to shape the future of the sport, a statement said.

A key aspect of Berrettini’s ambassadorship will be promoting inclusivity within tennis, aiming to elevate the game and create opportunities for players of all levels.

The initiative aligns with PIF’s broader commitment to fostering global sports development through investment and inspiring the next generation of athletes.


Twisted Minds take crown in first ESL Saudi Challenge

Twisted Minds take crown in first ESL Saudi Challenge
Updated 09 December 2024
Follow

Twisted Minds take crown in first ESL Saudi Challenge

Twisted Minds take crown in first ESL Saudi Challenge
  • Group wins grand prize from a $20,000 prize pool

Riyadh: Twisted Minds beat Dragons in the final of the first Electronic Sports League Saudi Challenge, earning them the lion’s share of the $20,000 prize pool for the e-sports tournament.

The groundbreaking tournament provided a platform for local talent to shine and qualify for international competitions, as Saudi Arabia aims to become a key player in the global e-sports scene, according to a statement from the organizers.

The ESL Saudi Challenge provided intense competition and unforgettable moments in Overwatch 2, highlighting the region’s e-sports talent.

In the semifinals, Dragons showed tenacity to win 3-2 in a hard-fought best-of-five series. The grand finals, however, belonged to Twisted Minds, who delivered a commanding performance with an unbeaten 4-0 sweep in the best-of-seven match.

“The ESL Saudi Challenge tournament has been a phenomenal success, showcasing the incredible talent and passion of players from across the region and beyond. This event is a testament to Saudi Arabia’s commitment to fostering a vibrant e-sports ecosystem,” said Franck Guignery, senior vice president at ESL FACEIT Group.

Twis Quartz, a player for Twisted Minds, shared his excitement after his team’s victory: “Winning the first-ever ESL Saudi Challenge is an amazing feeling.”

He encouraged Overwatch 2 players in the local community to keep working hard, saying: “The future is bright for all of us.”

 


Title bouts announced as One Championship returns Qatar next year

Title bouts announced as One Championship returns Qatar next year
Updated 09 December 2024
Follow

Title bouts announced as One Championship returns Qatar next year

Title bouts announced as One Championship returns Qatar next year
  • One 171 will take place at Lusail Sports Arena on Feb. 20

DOHA: One Championship has announced that the organization will return to Lusail Sports Arena with One 171: Qatar, the country’s second blockbuster event, on Feb. 20, 2025.

The event is a collaboration between One, the world’s largest martial arts organization; official presenting partner Visit Qatar; and official media partner Media City Qatar.

The main event will see Jonathan Haggerty take on Wei Rui for the One Bantamweight Kickboxing world title. Haggerty has a 22-5 overall record, while Wei, who beat Hiroki Akimoto, is the former K-1 champ and has a 70-3 overall record.

In the co-main event, Joshua Pacio faces Jarred Brooks for the One Strawweight MMA world title in what will be their third bout. The two are tied at 1-1. Brooks won in August 2022, while Pacio won when Brooks got disqualified in One 166: Qatar in March 2023.

ONE 171: Qatar will also feature other world title matches, with additional event details and headline bouts to be announced in the coming weeks as tickets go on sale.

Chatri Sityodtong, chairman and CEO of One Championship, stated: “After a successful event in Qatar last March, One Championship will return to Lusail Sports Arena in early 2025 for another showcase of the world’s best martial arts talent. We’re putting together another explosive card that fans will not want to miss, featuring our elite World Champion athletes across all of our martial arts disciplines. We can’t wait to ignite Qatar with hope, strength, dreams, and inspiration once again. I would like to personally thank Visit Qatar and Media City Qatar for giving us another opportunity to make history.”

One 166: Qatar, One Championship’s first-ever live event in Qatar on March 1, 2024, featured three World Championship bouts, drew a capacity crowd at Lusail Sports Arena and was watched by nearly 20 million fans across online and television broadcasts.


Kevin Paul’s ‘ripple-effect’ mission to help transform Saudi Arabia’s sports culture

Kevin Paul, a decorated Paralympic swimmer from South Africa. supplied
Kevin Paul, a decorated Paralympic swimmer from South Africa. supplied
Updated 09 December 2024
Follow

Kevin Paul’s ‘ripple-effect’ mission to help transform Saudi Arabia’s sports culture

Kevin Paul, a decorated Paralympic swimmer from South Africa. supplied
  • Paralympic swimming legend explains how making sports accessible will benefit future generations in the Kingdom

RIYADH: Kevin Paul, a decorated Paralympic swimmer from South Africa, is not only passionate about his athletic achievements but also deeply committed to shaping the future of youth sports in Saudi Arabia.

In an exclusive interview with Arab News, Paul shared his vision for sports education in the Kingdom, the role of his organization Nujoom, and how the growing scene in Saudi Arabia is creating opportunities for the next generation.

Born and raised in South Africa, where sport is a significant part of life, Paul has always viewed athletics as a powerful tool for personal growth. “Sport has always been an outlet for me,” he said.

“It’s always been an opportunity, and it’s always given me so much to be able to fall back on — whether it’s in business, relationships, or friendships. Every major milestone in my life has been linked to sport.”

As a Paralympic athlete, Paul understands the resilience and determination needed to overcome challenges.

Kevin Paul has won a gold medal at the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games. supplied

After winning a gold medal at the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games and then retiring from competitive swimming, Paul found himself at a crossroads — to either embark on a legal career he had studied for or pursue his passion for sport.

He chose the latter, moving to Dubai and eventually seeing the potential for sports education in Saudi Arabia, especially with the launch of Vision 2030.

“I feel that when the opportunity came for me to be able to do that in Saudi, I wanted to grab it as soon as possible,” Paul said, adding that the Kingdom has so much potential, and he wants to be a part of the future here.

One of the main vehicles for Paul’s mission in Saudi Arabia is Nujoom, a sports education organization he co-founded with Abdullah Alireza, a top Saudi professional triathlete.

They aim to bring high-quality, accessible opportunities to the Kingdom, aligning their efforts with Vision 2030’s focus on sports development.

“If you look at it from the Nujoom side of things, we want to be able to provide accessibility and provide our opportunity for sport to all,” Paul said. “It’s that little ripple effect, if you make that one change now, it’s just going to have an impact for generations to come.”

With Saudi Arabia investing heavily in high-end sports events and infrastructure, Paul highlights the critical importance of grassroots initiatives.

Grassroots sports are just as crucial as the big events in football and boxing, he explained. “If we can inspire parents to fall in love with sports, their kids will naturally benefit from that.”

For Paul, the most exciting aspect of Saudi Arabia’s sports transformation is the drive and determination he sees in the people, which he likens to his home country of South Africa.

“People here are very determined and resilient. They go after what they want,” he said. “If you’re looking back five or 10 years ago, maybe these goals didn’t exist because the opportunities weren’t there.

“But now the kid playing football in the park behind the house, he believes he can be the next (Cristiano) Ronaldo,” he added.

Paul also celebrates the transformation in Saudi Arabia for women and girls, emphasizing that inclusivity is key to the country’s growing sports landscape.

“That’s just going to pave the pathway for whatever kids want to do moving forward,” he said. Participation in physical activities help teach children life lessons such as resilience, goal-setting and teamwork that they can apply to every aspect of their lives, he added.

The paralympic athlete’s love for swimming led him to create one of the Kingdom’s most exciting sports initiatives, a mixed open-water swim group.

When he moved to Jeddah, he thought “there must be other people who have that same love for swimming as I do. Let’s start an open-water swim club like you have run clubs and cycle clubs.”

The club has now grown to 75 members, coming from diverse backgrounds and sharing a love for the water. “It’s a lot more than just swimming in the ocean,” Paul said.

“We’re breaking boundaries, making friends, and creating a healthy, active community. It’s the ripple effect — start with one change, and it grows into something much bigger."

The group meets every Saturday for open-water swims followed by coffee, fostering a sense of community. People will meet others from different walks of life, and it is not just about fitness, but also connecting with others who share a passion.

Kevin Paul has always viewed athletics as a powerful tool for personal growth. supplied

As a Paralympic athlete, Paul is particularly sensitive to the challenges faced by youth with disabilities in pursuing sports. He believes that education and structured programs are essential to ensuring these athletes receive the support they need to succeed.

He said one of the biggest challenges for youth with disabilities in Saudi Arabia when it comes to pursuing sports is ensuring that both youth and coaches understand what it takes to become the best.

Paul stresses the importance of making sure coaches have the necessary qualifications and experience to guide young athletes effectively. Private sector organizations like Nujoom can play a significant role in providing top-tier coaching, but high-level programs are needed.

He said Nujoom focuses on four key pillars: fun, learning, structured curriculum, and qualified coaches.

Paul said children need to have a clear learning pathway, and to progress at their own pace, whether they are doing so for recreation or preparing for the Paralympics.

He shared a powerful lesson from his experience at the 2012 London Paralympic Games, where he played a game of Jenga with a teammate Hendri Herbst, who is visually impaired.

“Hendri taught me that he didn’t want sympathy; he just wanted equal respect and opportunity,” Paul recalled. The biggest lesson he took away from that was to make the most of a situation, work toward goals, and ask people for help.

Paul and the team at Nujoom want to ensure that in 10 to 15 years the top athletes will be homegrown. “All the posters on the walls of kids’ rooms should be of Saudi born-and-bred athletes moving forward.”


Maharaj bowls South Africa to 109-run win, sweep of Sri Lanka

Maharaj bowls South Africa to 109-run win, sweep of Sri Lanka
Updated 09 December 2024
Follow

Maharaj bowls South Africa to 109-run win, sweep of Sri Lanka

Maharaj bowls South Africa to 109-run win, sweep of Sri Lanka
  • Left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj picked up 5-76 as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 238
  • South Africa have two remaining Tests against Pakistan for the world championship final

Gqeberha: Keshav Maharaj took five wickets as South Africa beat Sri Lanka by 109 runs on the fifth day of the second Test at St. George’s Park on Monday.
Left-arm spinner Maharaj picked up 5-76 as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 238. They lost their remaining five wickets for 33 runs on Monday.
The win gave South Africa a 2-0 series win and took them to the top of the World Test championship table.
Sri Lanka’s hopes of an upset win were extinguished when overnight batsmen Dhananjaya de Silva and Kusal Mendis were dismissed inside the first 10 overs of the day.
De Silva and Mendis, the team’s last recognized batsmen, resumed on 205 for five, still needing 143 runs to win.
Maharaj made the first breakthrough when Mendis edged a low catch to Aiden Markram at slip. He made 46 in a 97-run sixth wicket partnership with De Silva.
Kagiso Rabada then had Sri Lankan captain De Silva caught behind for 50, exposing the Sri Lankan tail.
The last three wickets fell quickly with Maharaj claiming two more scalps and Marco Jansen finishing the match with his first ball of the day when Lahiru Kumara was caught off a wild slog.
South Africa’s chances of playing in the Test championship final at Lord’s in June next year now lie in their own hands, with their two remaining fixtures being at home against Pakistan.