World Supercross return promises more thrills in the sand for Abu Dhabi crowds

World Supercross return promises more thrills in the sand for Abu Dhabi crowds
The WSX season finale will take place at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday night. (SUPPLIED)
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Updated 03 December 2024
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World Supercross return promises more thrills in the sand for Abu Dhabi crowds

World Supercross return promises more thrills in the sand for Abu Dhabi crowds
  • Ethara’s Ali Al-Beshr and Tom Burwell of WSX spoke to Arab News about their partnership and the season finale on Wednesday

ABU DHABI: As part of Abu Dhabi GP Week, which wraps up the 2024 Formula 1 Championship, Yas Island on Wednesday night will also be the final World Supercross event of the 2024 championship.

Arab News spoke to two leading figures, from organizers Ethara and WSX, about the significance of hosting the World Supercross Abu Dhabi GP in the capital of the UAE.

Ali Al-Beshr

Executive director of Motorsport Development at Ethara

After the successful debut of WSX in Abu Dhabi last year, what is the significance of hosting the finale this year?

Hosting the WSX finale is a significant step forward for Abu Dhabi and the UAE.

Last year’s debut showcased our ability to deliver a high-energy, world-class event, and this year we’re taking it to the next level by hosting the championship’s concluding round. This elevates the UAE’s position as a global hub for motorsport, demonstrating not just our logistical and operational capabilities but also our commitment to bringing diverse motorsport disciplines to the region.

What can fans expect from this year’s WSX finale, and how is it different from last year’s event?

From the moment fans step into Etihad Arena, they’ll feel the excitement of a championship-deciding event. With activities like pit walks, where fans can see the bikes and teams up close, and meet-and-greet sessions with the riders, fans are given unique access to the stars of the sport.

The track design has also been reimagined to make the races even more competitive and thrilling. Being the finale, there’s an added intensity as riders compete for the WSX and SX2 titles. Combined with larger fan zones and entertainment offerings, this year’s event is going to be a step up from last year’s event.

How do you see WSX influencing the growth of motorsport culture in the UAE?

WSX is a game-changer for motorsport culture in the UAE. It introduces a fresh, dynamic element to our calendar and appeals to a younger, more diverse audience. The high-adrenaline nature of supercross, with its sharp turns, steep jumps, and competitive intensity, makes it a sport that draws people in instantly. By hosting WSX, we’re not only entertaining fans but also inspiring them, especially young people who may want to pursue motorsport as a passion or career. This event complements our existing motorsport offerings at Ethara, like Formula 1 and karting, and helps to broaden the UAE’s reputation as a leader in motorsport innovation and development.

How is the WSX finale aligned with your vision for long-term motorsport development in the UAE?

The WSX finale aligns seamlessly with our long-term goals for motorsport in the UAE. Our vision is to create a motorsport ecosystem that is diverse, inclusive, and globally recognized. By bringing a sport like supercross to Abu Dhabi, we’re expanding the range of motorsport disciplines available in the region, inspiring interest from fans and aspiring athletes. Beyond the spectacle, events like WSX foster grassroots engagement by introducing new audiences to the thrill of motorsport and creating pathways for future talent development. The UAE has always been a pioneer in hosting world-class events, and by integrating WSX into our portfolio, we’re reinforcing our position as a hub for innovation, excellence, and community-focused growth in motorsport.

Tom Burwell,

CEO of WSX

How does having the WSX season finale in Abu Dhabi align with your vision for the championship’s global expansion?

Abu Dhabi is the perfect host for the WSX finale because of its commitment to hosting world-class sporting events and its global connectivity. The city offers unmatched infrastructure, a welcoming environment, and a unique ability to bring together fans from across the globe. Partnering with Abu Dhabi helps achieve our vision of making WSX a truly international championship by introducing supercross to new audiences.

How is WSX working to grow supercross as a sport in regions like the Middle East, where it is still relatively new?

By creating exciting, accessible events that introduce the series to new fans. By hosting our finale in Abu Dhabi, we’re showcasing the sport at its highest level, inspiring local interest and encouraging growth in the region. We also work to engage with the community through rider interactions, fan activations, and collaborations with local stakeholders to foster grassroots enthusiasm for the sport.

Do you see WSX becoming a recurring event in Abu Dhabi, and are there plans to expand its presence elsewhere the Middle East?

Abu Dhabi has already proven to be an outstanding partner for WSX, through races in previous seasons thanks to our collaboration with Ethara, a highly esteemed organisation in the region with a proven track record of delivering world-class events like Formula 1. This strong, long-standing relationship gives us great confidence in Abu Dhabi’s ability to host exceptional supercross events year after year. Ethara’s expertise and reputation solidify Abu Dhabi as a cornerstone of our vision for WSX in the Middle East. While we’re eager to expand supercross across the region, Abu Dhabi will remain a central part of our journey as we grow the sport globally.


Barcelona thrash Real Madrid to win Spanish Super Cup in Jeddah

Barcelona thrash Real Madrid to win Spanish Super Cup in Jeddah
Updated 32 sec ago
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Barcelona thrash Real Madrid to win Spanish Super Cup in Jeddah

Barcelona thrash Real Madrid to win Spanish Super Cup in Jeddah
JEDDAH: Barcelona hammered rivals Real Madrid 5-2 in a wild Spanish Super Cup final in Saudi Arabia on Sunday to win the first trophy of coach Hansi Flick’s reign.
Kylian Mbappe put Madrid ahead but a dominant Barcelona hit five in response before their goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny was sent off in the second half.

Atletico Madrid wins record 14th game in a row to lead Spanish league at halfway stage

Atletico Madrid wins record 14th game in a row to lead Spanish league at halfway stage
Updated 30 min 28 sec ago
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Atletico Madrid wins record 14th game in a row to lead Spanish league at halfway stage

Atletico Madrid wins record 14th game in a row to lead Spanish league at halfway stage
  • Atletico has won all of its matches across all competitions since October

MADRID: Atletico Madrid set a club all-time record of 14 straight victories with a 1-0 win over Osasuna on Sunday and went top of the Spanish league at the halfway stage.
Julián Álvarez scored in the 55th minute at the Metropolitano stadium to give Atletico the milestone victory and a one-point lead over second-place Real Madrid. Diego Simeone’s team has a six-point gap to third-place Barcelona.
Madrid and Barcelona play each other in the Spanish Super Cup final in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, later Sunday. A 4-0 defeat to Barcelona will be on Madrid’s mind ahead of the second clasico of the season.
Atletico has won all of its matches across all competitions since October. Its last setback was a 1-0 loss at Real Betis in the Spanish league on Oct. 27. Eight of the victories have come in the league.
“It’s an important streak to show the growth of this club,” Simeone said. “We have been working really hard.”
It was the seventh consecutive league game without a win for Osasuna, which is in 11th place.
Also Sunday, 15th-place Getafe won 2-1 at 14th-place Las Palmas.


Tom Kohler-Cadmore’s heroics seal last-ball victory for Sharjah Warriorz

Tom Kohler-Cadmore’s heroics seal last-ball victory for Sharjah Warriorz
Updated 37 min 42 sec ago
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Tom Kohler-Cadmore’s heroics seal last-ball victory for Sharjah Warriorz

Tom Kohler-Cadmore’s heroics seal last-ball victory for Sharjah Warriorz
  • Gulf Giants beaten by 3 wickets in thriller 

DUBAI: In a thrilling encounter at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday, Tom Kohler-Cadmore’s match-winning knock of 83 not out guided the Sharjah Warriorz to a nail-biting three-wicket victory over the Gulf Giants in the DP World ILT20.

The game, which went down to the final delivery, saw Kohler-Cadmore showcase his class and composure as he finished with six fours and four sixes in his 56-ball knock.

Kohler-Cadmore, who scooped the player of the match award, said: “It is great to get off with a win. I would have been devastated had we not got over the line. The pitch played well once you got your eye in; it was easier to hit.”

Chasing 175, the Warriorz faced early setbacks, losing Johnson Charles and Jason Roy in the first two overs to Daniel Worrall and Mark Adair, respectively.

Despite the shaky start, Kohler-Cadmore and the UAE’s Rohan Mustafa steadied the innings with a 105-run partnership. Mustafa contributed a crucial 45 runs off 33 balls before falling to Blessing Muzarabani in the 13th over, leaving the Warriorz on 119-3.

As wickets fell at the other end, Kohler-Cadmore held firm, pacing his innings with precision. After the quick dismissals of Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Karim Janat, and Harmeet Singh, the Warriorz required 24 runs off the final two overs.

Adil Rashid’s six in the 19th over helped reduce the equation to 10 off the last six balls. In a dramatic final over, Kohler-Cadmore’s calm ensured the Warriorz crossed the line, securing victory on the last ball.

Earlier in the evening, Sharjah Warriorz’s captain Tim Southee elected to bowl first, a decision vindicated by his impressive figures of three for 30. Southee’s early strikes removed Adam Lyth and James Vince, leaving the Gulf Giants at 41-2 in the powerplay.

Rehan Ahmed and Jordan Cox then shared in a 57-run stand, with Ahmed scoring 46 off 27 balls and Cox contributing 36 from 23.

Shimron Hetmyer added firepower, hammering 36 off 23 balls, while Mark Adair’s 20 runs and Saghir Khan’s quick 11 off four deliveries lifted the Giants to a competitive 174-7.

Reflecting on the game, Gulf Giants’ captain Vince praised Kohler-Cadmore’s performance.

He said: “I’m pretty happy with that score. There was some quality bowling from them upfront. Rehan and Cox built a good partnership, and Hettie did what he does.

“We thought they would come out strong, and the half chance of Cadmore proved costly. Having someone staying till the end was crucial. He is a quality player, a clean striker of the ball. It was a quality knock.”


Dan Lawrence, Sam Curran lead Desert Vipers to victory over Abu Dhabi Knight Riders

Dan Lawrence, Sam Curran lead Desert Vipers to victory over Abu Dhabi Knight Riders
Updated 12 January 2025
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Dan Lawrence, Sam Curran lead Desert Vipers to victory over Abu Dhabi Knight Riders

Dan Lawrence, Sam Curran lead Desert Vipers to victory over Abu Dhabi Knight Riders
  • Emphatic 7-wicket win at the Zayed Cricket Stadium 

ABU DHABI: The Desert Vipers began their DP World ILT20 season three campaign with an emphatic seven-wicket victory over the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders at the Zayed Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

Star performances from Dan Lawrence and Sam Curran, who struck commanding half-centuries, powered the Vipers to their target of 167 with eight balls to spare.

Lawrence was the star of the show, smashing 70 runs off 39 balls, including four sixes and five boundaries. He was supported by Curran, who remained unbeaten on 50 from 37 deliveries, anchoring the chase with minimal risks and only two fours and a six.

Speaking after the game, player of the match Lawrence had kind words for his experience in the DP World ILT20 so far.

He said: “The situation was quite nice to come into, knowing I had to give myself time. From the hotel to how the coaches treat you, this is probably the most professional set-up.”

The Vipers began their chase strongly, putting on 46 runs in the powerplay.

Fakhar Zaman contributed a quick-fire 23 before being dismissed by Andre Russell, while Alex Hales fell cheaply to Sunil Narine.

At 56-2, Lawrence and Curran joined forces, forging a match-winning 95-run partnership in just 59 balls. Despite Lawrence’s dismissal in the 18th over, the Vipers comfortably reached their target, finishing at 168-3 in 18.4 overs.

Earlier, the Knight Riders’ innings got off to a shaky start after they lost Kyle Mayers and Joe Clarke inside five overs, leaving them 19-2.

However, Phil Salt held the innings together with an unbeaten 71 off 49 balls, supported by Alishan Sharafu’s 46 and a late blitz from Andre Russell, who hammered 30 runs off 14 deliveries. The team finished on 166-5 after 20 overs.

Narine, Abu Dhabi Knight Riders’ captain, admitted that the early overs proved decisive, adding: “We did well to get back in the game. We had a tough powerplay and we obviously wanted more runs. The key was the difference in the first six overs.”

Desert Vipers will be pleased with the win as they aim to contend for the DP World ILT20 title this season.


High-flying Afghanistan announce Champions Trophy squad

High-flying Afghanistan announce Champions Trophy squad
Updated 12 January 2025
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High-flying Afghanistan announce Champions Trophy squad

High-flying Afghanistan announce Champions Trophy squad
  • Afghanistan finished sixth in the 50-over World Cup in 2023 and reached the semifinal in last year’s Twenty20 World Cup
  • This will be the first time Afghanistan participate in the eight-nation Champions Trophy, starting in Pakistan on Feb. 19

KABUL: Afghanistan announced their squad Sunday for next month’s Champions Trophy, with prolific opener Ibrahim Zadran returning after an injury lay-off but spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman missing out.
The country’s performance in white-ball cricket has been strong recently — finishing sixth in the 50-over World Cup in 2023 and reaching the semifinal in last year’s Twenty20 World Cup.
This will be the first time Afghanistan participate in the eight-nation Champions Trophy, staged between February 19 and March 9 in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates.
“Zadran, who was away from action due to an ankle injury, has returned to the squad,” said a statement from the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB).
“However, Mujeeb Ur Rahman misses out on the selection, as AM Ghazanfar, a similar mystery spinner, has made the cut for the mega event.”
Rahman was left out because “he has been advised by his doctor to focus on T20s for a while to ensure his full recovery,” added acting ACB chief selector Ahmad Suliman Khil.
But fast-rising opener Sediqullah Atal did secure a place in the squad, the ACB said.
Afghanistan beat England and Pakistan in the ODI World Cup and Australia and New Zealand in the T20 World Cup.
Their Champions Trophy campaign begins with a clash against South Africa in Karachi on February 21, before they face England and Australia in Lahore.
Squad: Hashmatullah Shahidi (capt), Rahmat Shah (vice-capt), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ikram Alikhil (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan, AM Ghazanfar, Noor Ahmad, Fazal Haq Farooqi, Naveed Zadran and Farid Ahmad Malik.