DUBAI: With one deft swish of his left boot, Omar Abdulrahman instantly won a host of global admirers.
It was the 2015 Asian Cup quarterfinals and arguably the biggest match of his career, but he was not remotely overawed. Keisuke Honda had just thumped his penalty over the bar and Omar stepped up with the chance to turn the shootout in the UAE’s favor. The Emirati playmaker produced an audacious Panenka to leave Japan keeper Eiji Kawashima rooted, paving the way for the UAE’s victory, and progress to the last four.
It was an incredible moment of invention and bare-faced cheek from a player at the peak of his powers and should have been the proverbial passing of the torch from Honda — perhaps Asia’s most recognizable football face of the past decade — to Omar. Australia midfielder Massimo Luongo may have been named the Asian Cup MVP after Australia’s eventual triumph but most fans and journalists balked at the announcement; the tournament belonged to Omar and that magic wand of a left foot.
No longer hidden from view in the Arabian Gulf League, Omar had produced at the highest level — making an impression on the fans, and scouts, who watched him. Offers inevitably arrived from Europe and the timing seemed perfect for a transfer; he had captivated a wider audience and a move West would surely help cement the UAE’s rising reputation on the international stage.
But both Omar and his club Al-Ain stood firm. He insisted he was happy to stay and his loyalty was admirable. Al-Ain had after all brought the skinny 15-year-old over to the UAE from Saudi Arabia, offering his entire family citizenship and the prospect of a stable life. They invested in him both professionally and personally, helping nurture his precocious talent and paying him handsomely for emerging as the club’s key player.
And so the moment passed. Omar returned to the AGL, fading away from the memory of those who had so eagerly coveted him. He continued to dominate week in, week out, of course — his creativity a cut above the others in the league. Then in 2016, he returned to the fore as his performances inspired Al-Ain to reach the Asian Champions League final. They fell short at the last hurdle, losing to Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, but Omar had, once again, left an indelible mark — this time he was crowned the tournament’s best player and a month later was named AFC Asian Player of the Year.
Once again, Omar was center stage. Once again, the offers came — more serious and more tempting. But once again, Omar stayed at Al-Ain. Clubs in France, Spain and England all made overtures but almost a year after taking the continent’s top individual accolade, he remains a big fish in a small pond and is at risk of stagnating. In that time the UAE have also failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, meaning his next big chance to reach a wider audience will likely be the 2019 Asian Cup on home soil.
By then he will be 27 and while not exactly closing in on retirement, time is running out if he is to really make waves in the West. But does he actually want to? Despite his obvious attachment to Al-Ain, the answer seems to be a resounding ‘yes’. In interviews he has regularly spoken of his desire to play in La Liga or the Premier League and he often goes misty-eyed when reminiscing about a trial he had at Manchester City in 2012 after impressing at that year’s Olympics. At that time he was judged to be too lightweight and he has done little since to emulate the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale and beef up his frame.
The Emirati is a player in the mold of David Silva. He glides across the turf and possesses outstanding vision. But while the Spaniard is stocky, Omar is slight. There are questions about whether he would be able to handle the physicality of English football and perhaps it is that fear of failure that is preventing the star from taking the plunge. Ex-Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp recently told Arab News in Dubai that “under the right club and the right manager, he could make a mark” and it seems a fair assessment.
Maybe Omar is just patiently biding his time until he finds the perfect fit but he must be careful not to wait too long as he is at risk of being just another Gulf football hero whose ability is greater than his aspiration.
Now or never for awesome Omar
Now or never for awesome Omar
James Harden breaks tie with Ray Allen, moves to No. 2 on NBA’s career 3-point list
- The Los Angeles Clippers guard connected on the 2,974th 3-pointer of his career Sunday night
The Los Angeles Clippers guard connected on the 2,974th 3-pointer of his career Sunday night and broke a tie with Basketball Hall of Famer Ray Allen for the No. 2 spot on the NBA’s list.
“It’s an unbelievable accomplishment and just a testament to the work that I’ve been putting in,” Harden said. “As I get older and chip away at an unbelievable career, you start to accomplish things like that and I don’t ever want to take it for granted.”
Harden’s history-making shot came from the right wing with 6:09 left in the first quarter in a 116-105 victory over the Utah Jazz. The only player ahead of Harden on the list is Golden State’s Stephen Curry at 3,782.
Curry and the Warriors are in Southern California to face the Clippers on Monday.
“I’m one of the most confident guys we have in this league, but no, I probably won’t catch Steph, and I don’t think anybody will, honestly,” Harden said.
Harden was 2 of 8 from 3-point range and finished with 20 points, 11 assists and six rebounds.
Allen needed 1,300 games to make his 2,973 3-pointers. Harden passed him in 1,086 games.
“Both of those guys,” Clippers coach Tyronn Lue said last week, “are extraordinary shooters.”
Harden is one of three players in NBA history to have 300 3-pointers in a season. He made 378 in 2018-19; the other players on that list are Curry (who has done it five times, including an NBA-record 402 in 2015-16) and Klay Thompson (who made 301 in 2022-23).
“To be a scorer at all three levels and to be second all-time in 3-pointers made is crazy,” Lue said after the game. “And a lot of tough 3s: off the dribble, step backs, pocket 3s, pulling up off the dribble on pick and rolls.
“Just to see what he has accomplished from a two-guard to the transition to point guard, his whole career has been great.”
Harden also is 15th on the NBA’s career list in points and 13th in assists. The only other player who ranks in the top 15 in scoring, assists and 3-pointers — appearing on all three lists — is LeBron James, the league’s career scoring leader who is fourth in assists and eighth in 3-pointers.
Allen passed Reggie Miller for No. 1 on the 3-pointers list during the 2010-11 season and held the record for more than a decade. Curry passed Allen during the 2021-22 season.
‘Gracias, Rafa’: Rafael Nadal will head into retirement after Spain hosts the Davis Cup
- When Nadal explained last month that the Davis Cup would be it for him, he spoke in happy terms about his more than two decades in the sport
- He becomes the second member of the so-called Big Three of men’s tennis to retire
MALAGA, Spain: Rafael Nadal’s impending retirement will loom over the Davis Cup Final 8 from the moment it begins Tuesday in southern Spain.
If that weren’t already obvious, just glance at the banner measuring 28,000 square feet (2,600 square meters) — about half the size of a football field — that wraps around the soccer stadium across the street from the arena hosting the tennis. The blue sign, visible from the highway leaving Malaga’s airport, is marked with large white letters that read, “GRACIAS, RAFA.” Between those two words is an image of Nadal toting a tennis racket in his left hand while wearing one of his trademark sleeveless shirts and his just-as-ever-present headband.
He is shown with his back to the world, walking away, symbolizing the 38-year-old Spaniard’s goodbye to the sport after a remarkable career.
“It’s going to be very exciting for everyone,” said tournament director Feliciano Lopez, a former player who faced Nadal 14 times on tour as an opponent in singles and also was his Davis Cup teammate. “Very emotional, at the same time.”
That sentiment likely applies to Nadal’s fans, other players, his family — his wife and their son have attended practice — and, quite understandably, the 22-time Grand Slam champion himself as Tuesday approaches. That’s when Spain face the Netherlands on an indoor hard court at the Palacio de Deportes Jose Maria Martin Carpena.
“It’s amazing that it might be the last match that Nadal plays,” Dutch captain Paul Haarhuis said Sunday, “and we hope to give him a nice ‘Adios.’”
Nadal had hip surgery in June 2023 and missed nearly all of that season. He dealt with a new hip muscle problem this year and an abdominal injury, part of a long series of issues that contributed to his body feeling like what he described as “a jungle” in May after losing in the first round of the French Open, the clay-court Slam he’s won a record 14 times.
That was his only Grand Slam appearance all year; Nadal played a total of just 23 official singles matches over the past two seasons combined. That includes going 12-7 in 2024. His last real matches came at the Olympics in early August, when he lost in the second round of singles to Novak Djokovic and in the quarterfinals of doubles alongside Carlos Alcaraz.
Spain’s captain, David Ferrer, the 2013 French Open runner-up to Nadal, has not yet told the world how he will employ the star in Malaga.
Could be for singles, although Nadal said he’ll step aside if he doesn’t think he can win. Could be in doubles with his 21-year-old heir apparent, Alcaraz, in a renewal of their “Nadalcaraz” partnership. Could be both. If Spain gets past the Netherlands, it would face Germany or Canada in the semifinals on Friday.
“I really want him to retire with a title,” Alcaraz said.
Thursday’s quarterfinals feature the US against Australia, and defending champion Italy — whose roster features No. 1-ranked Jannik Sinner — against Argentina. The winners of those matchups will meet in the semifinals on Saturday; the championship will be decided Sunday.
When Nadal explained last month that the Davis Cup would be it for him, he spoke in happy terms about his more than two decades in the sport.
“Really, everything I have experienced has been a dream come true,” he said.
He becomes the second member of the so-called Big Three of men’s tennis to retire.
Roger Federer announced his departure in 2022 — teaming with Nadal in doubles at the Laver Cup, then crying alongside his longtime rival and, eventually, friend — while Djokovic is still near the top of the game.
Djokovic’s Serbia did not qualify for the Davis Cup quarterfinals, but he wrote on social media that he would be on hand in Malaga. Who knows who else might show up in the sellout crowd of 9,200 on Tuesday, not just from the world of tennis, and not just athletes from other sports, but other celebrities, as well?
“I don’t know if we’re going to have seats for everyone,” Lopez said. “Everyone wants to be there for his farewell.”
There will be plenty of folks tuning in on TV from afar, including other tennis players, of course.
“I’m going to watch it. I’m going to enjoy it,” said 2021 US Open champion Daniil Medvedev, who lost to Nadal in two Grand Slam finals. “It’s a big moment for the sport, because he did so much for the sport.”
Harry Kane sparks England rout against Ireland and Nations League promotion
- England won their group on goal difference ahead of second-placed Greece, who beat Finland 2-0
- After five wins from six games, Carsley will now return to his permanent role as head coach of England’s under 21s
- Erling Haaland leads the Nations League scoring charts after hitting a hat trick in Norway’s 5-0 win against Kazakhastan in Group B3
LONDON: Harry Kane’s 69th international goal sparked a second-half scoring spree that fired England back to the top tier of the UEFA Nations League on Sunday.
In temporary head coach Lee Carsley’s final game in charge, a 5-0 win against Ireland secured promotion and ensured England will be back among Europe’s leading nations in the next edition of the competition.
“I wanted the England team to be exciting to watch and attacking,” Carsley said. “I see them do it day in, day out on the training ground. And now we’ve seen it (on the field).”
England won their group on goal difference ahead of second-placed Greece, who beat Finland 2-0.
Kane’s 53rd-minute penalty at Wembley was a record-extending goal for his country after Liam Scales brought down Jude Bellingham in the box and was sent off for a second yellow card offense.
Within five minutes England were 3-0 up through Anthony Gordon in the 55th and Conor Gallagher in the 58th.
Substitute Jarrod Bowen made an immediate impact, scoring with his first touch in the 75th and Taylor Harwood-Bellis, making his debut, headed in another four minutes later.
“A really important win for us,” Kane said. “It was a tough first half, but we came out second half with a lot more energy and we finished it off.”
England, who are set to welcome new head coach Thomas Tuchel in January, needed to match Greece’s result to top Group B2.
Anastasios Bakasetas had put Greece ahead in the 52nd in Finland, with Kane’s England opener coming a minute later.
Christos Tzolis scored the second for Greece, which faces a playoff to try to win promotion.
After five wins from six games, Carsley will now return to his permanent role as head coach of England’s under 21s. Tuchel begins in January and will lead the campaign to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
He should have plenty of options when he selects his first squad after Carsley handed debuts to eight players during his short reign.
In his final game, Gordon, Gallagher, Bowen and Harwood-Bellis all scored their first senior goals for England.
“Lee has achieved the main objective from the six fixtures this autumn: securing promotion back to the top tier of the Nations League,” English Football Association CEO Mark Bullingham said. “The players have really enjoyed working with Lee and his team – they have made a real impact in their interim roles.”
Rabiot double
Adrien Rabiot scored two goals as France beat Italy 3-1 to win Group A2.
Both teams had already secured their places in the quarterfinals before the match in Milan, but France needed to win by at least two goals to take top spot.
“It’s been a while since we’ve played a match like that, fighting all together,” Rabiot told French television channel TF1. “The aggressiveness that we showed, our team spirit, that should all be highlighted. That is the real face of the France team.”
Rabiot headed the visitors in front just inside two minutes.
France shocked San Siro into silence in the 33rd when Lucas Digne curled in a magnificent free kick from 25 yards that went into the top left corner via the underside of the bar and Guglielmo Vicario. It went down as an own-goal from the Italy goalkeeper, who was a late replacement after Gianluigi Donnarumma fell ill with a stomach bug.
Italy pulled a goal back two minutes later when Andrea Cambiaso volleyed past Mike Maignan.
But Rabiot grabbed his second in the 65th with another header — the sixth goal in a row Italy has conceded from set plays.
While the match had started with the Italy fans booing the French anthem, it finished with France supporters proudly singing the same song in triumph.
It was the first time Italy had lost a home game by two or more goals since 1983, according to soccer statistician Opta.
Also in the group, No. 6-ranked Belgium fell to a surprise 1-0 loss against Israel, ranked 81st. Yarden Shua’s goal settled the game, which was held in Budapest, Hungary, in the 86th. Israel were relegated to League B despite the win.
Belgium must now face a playoff to try to avoid relegation.
Haaland hat trick
Erling Haaland leads the Nations League scoring charts after hitting a hat trick in Norway’s 5-0 win against Kazakhastan in Group B3.
The Manchester City striker took his total to seven goals and is two clear of Viktor Gyokeres, Cristiano Ronaldo and Benjamin Sesko, who are all tied on five.
Norway were promoted to the top tier, ahead of second-place Austria, who drew 1-1 with Slovenia.
Nelly Korda rallies in Florida for her seventh LPGA win of the year
- Korda now has won four times this year when trailing going into the final round
BELLEAIR, Florida: Nelly Korda was back to competition for the first time in nearly two months and didn’t miss a beat. She ran off five straight birdies on the back nine to stage another Sunday comeback, closing with a 3-under 67 to win The Annika for her seventh LPGA Tour title this year.
Korda had a rough start and said she didn’t have many happy thoughts when she made the turn at 2 over for the day, two shots behind Charley Hull. Starting with a birdie on No. 11, she made five in a row on her way to a three-shot victory.
The only big surprise was seeing her younger brother, Sebastian, who has been charting his own career in tennis that kept him from seeing his sister win until Sunday at Pelican Golf Club.
Korda, who earlier this year tied an LPGA record with five straight victories, became the first player to win seven times in a season since Yani Tseng in 2011. No other American had won seven times in a season since Beth Daniel in 1990.
Korda now has won four times this year when trailing going into the final round.
Hull, going for a wire-to-wire win, simply couldn’t keep up with Korda’s birdie blitz. Coming off her first win worldwide two weeks ago in Saudi Arabia, Hull closed with a 1-over 71 and tied for second with LPGA rookie Jin Hee Im (68) and Weiwei Zhang (70).
Zhang moved up 24 spots to No. 82 in the Race to CME Globe to keep her card for next year. The top 60 advance to the CME Group Tour Championship next week in Naples, where the winner gets $4 million. Carlota Ciganda moved up three places to secure the final spot.
Korda last played Sept. 22 in Ohio. She was planning to play twice during the Asian swing until a minor neck injury kept her at home. She was eager to get back in time to play Pelican, where she had won two of the previous three years.
“After taking some time off with an injury, it feels great to be back out here,” Korda said. “Nothing like being in the hunt, the adrenaline feeling on the back nine, and being in contention. I love it so much.”
The victory puts her over $4 million for the year, and she can nearly match that with a win next week at Tiburon Golf Club. The ranking does not matter for the season finale — all 60 players have the same shot at one of the biggest prizes in women’s sports.
Sinner beats Fritz to win ATP Finals and add another big title with his doping case still pending
- Sinner won his first two Grand Slam titles at the Australian Open and US Open in 2024 and had already clinched the year-end No. 1 ranking
TURIN, Italy: Top-ranked Jannik Sinner added another big title to his tremendous year, beating US Open runner-up Taylor Fritz 6-4, 6-4 on Sunday for the ATP Finals trophy before his home fans — and before a final verdict is reached in his doping case.
Sinner won his first two Grand Slam titles at the Australian Open and US Open in 2024 and had already clinched the year-end No. 1 ranking.
“It’s the first title in Italy and it means so much to me,” said Sinner, who also won the Next Gen ATP Finals — an event for the top under-20 players — in Milan in 2019. “It’s something very, very, very special.”
Sinner, however, has off-court issues after he tested positive in two separate drug tests in March. A decision to clear him of wrongdoing was appealed by the World Anti-Doping Agency in September. A final ruling is expected from the Court of Arbitration for Sport early next year.
Sinner’s explanation was that the banned performance-enhancer entered his system unintentionally through a massage from his physiotherapist, who had used a spray containing the steroid to treat his own cut finger.
Sinner maintained his recent mastery over Fritz, having also beaten the American in the US Open final in September and in the group stage this week at the elite event for the year’s top eight players.
By sweeping all five of his matches en route to the trophy, Sinner earned $4.8 million — the largest winner’s prize on the men’s tour.
Sinner became the first Italian to win the finals and he went one step further than last year, when he lost the championship match to Novak Djokovic, who withdrew this time. And he did so without dropping a set – which was last accomplished by Ivan Lendl in 1986.
“I just tried to understand whatever works best for each opponent,” Sinner said. “It was a very high-level tournament from my side. At times, I couldn’t play better.”
The crowd inside Inalpi Arena included multiple clusters of fans wearing orange — a tribute to Sinner’s red- and orange-colored hair, and how he once ate carrots during a match. There were orange carrot costumes, orange wigs, orange hats, jackets and plenty of other orange items, too.
Some fans even had carrots in their mouths.
The crowd broke into its customary chant of “Ole, Ole, Ole; Sin-ner, Sin-ner” when Sinner produced a drop-shot winner to break for a 4-3 lead in the first set.
Sinner faced a break point while serving for the first set but saved it with a big serve out wide that Fritz couldn’t return. Then he served an ace — his 10th of the set — to close it out.
Another break by Sinner early in the second and the match was virtually over.
Sinner extended his winning streak to 11 matches. He’s won 26 of his last 27 matches and ends the ATP season with eight titles and an overall record of 70-6.
Fritz was attempting to become the event’s first American champion since Pete Sampras beat Andre Agassi in the title match 25 years ago.
Still, Fritz will rise to a career-high No. 4 in the rankings on Monday after beating No. 2 Alexander Zverev in a third-set tiebreaker in the semifinals on Saturday. That will make him the highest-ranked American man since Andy Roddick was No. 4 in August 2007.
It’s the latest in a series of achievements for Fritz, whose run in New York made him the first American man to reach a Grand Slam singles final since Roddick lost to Roger Federer at Wimbledon in 2009.
At the start of the week, Fritz told The Associated Press that his “career has always been a very steady progression and just improving a little bit each year.”
Both Sinner and Fritz will conclude their seasons representing defending champion Italy and the United States, respectively, in the Davis Cup finals, which start Tuesday in Malaga, Spain.
The German duo of Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz beat Marcelo Arevalo and Mate Pavic 7-6 (5), 7-6 (6) to win the doubles title.
