Round 15 of the Saudi Football League did not witness any changes as Al-Shabab continued to dominate the lead at the standings with 31 points along with Al-Hilal, which also have 31 points but in second place because of goal difference. Al-Ahli gave Shabab their first taste of defeat by beating them 2-1 in Riyadh. The victory strengthened Ahli’s position in the third place with 24 points and halted Shabab from advancing further in first place. A question mark on Al-Ittihad performance in the league is remained after their return from World Club Championship in Japan. Ittihad tied 1-1 against Al-Nasr in Riyadh and hardly survived against Al-Abha - the weakest team in the league - after winning 1-0 with an unconvincing performance. Sources from Ittihad club said that players would suffer from salary deduction due to their weak performance. Ittihad are currently at fourth place with 20 points with six matches in pending, which is an extra pressure on them. Al-Wehda are on fifth place with 19 points after drew 2-2 with Abha in Makkah. Teams Al-Qadiseya, Al-Taie, Al-Hazem and Al-Ittifaq are in the middle warm zone while Nasr, Abha and Ansar are in the danger zone.
LG International Tournament:
The LG international soccer tournament, which took place in Riyadh on Jan. 21-25, ended with South Korea emerged winners. Four teams including hosts Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Finland and Greece took part in the tournament. Saudi Arabia drew both of their matches against Finland and Greece, 1-1. South Korea also tied their first match 1-1 against Greece but won the last one 1-0 against Finland.
Arab Volleyball Championship:
The fairy tale run of Al-Ahli volleyball team continued as they won all their matches so far in the Arab Volleyball Championship being played in Damascus in Syria. Keeping their eye on title, Ahli outfought their rivals such as Al-Defaa of Sudan, Al-Najma of Bahrain, Broosek of Iraq, Al-Arabi of Qatar and Al-Noor of Lebanon. Ahli is close to advance to the semifinals of the competition.
FIFA Referees to Officiate
Crown Prince Cup Semifinals:
The Saudi Football Federation had received the names of the referees from the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) who will officiate the semifinals at the Crown Prince Cup. On Feb. 1 the Spanish international referees will officiate the match between Al-Shabab and Al-Ahli in Riyadh. On Feb. 2 the Italian international Referees to officiate the match between Al-Hilal and Al-Wehda in Riyadh. On Feb. 5 the Greece international referees will officiate the Ahli and Shabab match that will be played in Jeddah. On Feb. 6 the English international referees will officiate the match in Makkah between Wehda and Hilal.
Equestrian Tournament:
Buraidah for the tenth time hosted equestrian race at the Equestrian Club on Wednesday for the Counsel Cup in Al-Qasim. Winner at the first open race for 1,600 meters was Damlah who belongs to Khalid Al-Suageer. The winner at the second open race for 2,000 meters was Misgil Al-Ezz who belongs to Saleh Al-Hamadi. The winner at the third open race for 1,200 meters was Danat Aseer who belongs to Sulaiman Al-Ebrah. The final fourth open race for 1,600 meters, won by Had Al-Hussam who belongs to Al-Ezz Stable.
Hail Rally:
The Supreme Commission for Tourism finalized their preparations to host the first Hail Rally, which is to be held from Feb.1 to Feb. 10 in Hail. The Saudi Federation for Cars also participating in hosting the event along with the Youth Welfare Presidency. According to Abdullah ibn Khalid Al-Saud, deputy president at the SCT that 10 executive directing committees are supervising this event. “This is the first Hail Rally that we host here in the Kingdom in order to benefit from it through the economic, social, media and tourism fields,” said Al-Saud. Among the facilities are the 500 tents that will provide the visitors to enjoy their times at the variety of restaurants and shops that contain handmade and souvenirs crafts.
Buraidah Hosting Billiards Tournament:
On Feb. 13 Buraidah will host the billiards tournament for four days at the Muhtarif Hall. The tournament will run under the supervision of the Youth Welfare Presidency and the Saudi Committee for Billiards and Snooker. During that period a billiards tournament for youth under-18 will also run. People who are willing to participate are encouraged to contact the Youth Welfare Presidency office in Al-Qasim. Winners will be awarded and those who are qualified will present the Kingdom’s national billiards team.
