MELBOURNE: Only Marin Cilic stands between Roger Federer and a 20th Grand Slam title as an injury-ravaged Australian Open staggers to its Sunday final at Melbourne Park.
The 36-year-old Swiss marvel continues to defy the years and attrition rate to reach his 30th Grand Slam decider and a shot at his sixth Australian crown while his long-time rivals have fallen by the wayside.
World No.1 Rafael Nadal, six-time champion Novak Djokovic and former winner Stan Wawrinka succumbed to injuries, while five-time finalist Andy Murray didn’t even get to the starting line.
Yet Federer is again still standing.
Cilic overcame him on the way to winning the 2014 US Open final, but it is his only win in nine encounters and the Swiss defending champion has glided to the brink of another title without dropping a set.
Federer is supremely confident he has it all in place to join Djokovic and Australian Roy Emerson with the most Australian titles.
“It’s not about having to improve anything in particular,” he said ahead of the final.
“I’m pleased that my game has been good from the very beginning of the tournament so far.
“I mean, I’ve won all my matches without dropping a set. Things must be all right if I haven’t dropped a set and in the final.”
Federer was waved through to the final with an all-too-brief semifinal that lasted just 62 minutes when South Korean youngster Chung Hyeon retired with severe foot blisters.
Five of Federer’s six matches have finished on or under two hours and he has been on court for a total of 10hr 50min, some 6hr 13mins less than Cilic.
“I would have preferred a normal end (to the Chung match), yes. But I must admit, as well, you do take the faster matches whenever you can,” said Federer.
“There’s enough wear and tear on the body, there’s enough tough matches throughout the season that when they happen, you take them.”
But he knows he faces a tough seasoned opponent in Cilic to win the big one.
“I definitely think him winning the US Open has given him great belief he can do it. If the big moments come about, that he can attain this level,” Federer said.
“I like his attitude. He’s very professional. He’s always very much the same regardless of whether he wins or loses.
“On the court, he’s a winner. He’s there to win and not just to be there. I think he strives for more.”
Win or lose Federer will remain world No.2 behind Nadal while Cilic is ensured of climbing from his current six to a career-high three.
Cilic, 29, has had a trailblazing tournament and is the first Croatian man or woman to appear in a Melbourne final.
His career high point so far has been victory at the 2014 US Open where, as the 14th seed, he swept past Federer in straight sets on the way to beating Kei Nishikori in the final.
But he was in tears when he gamely played on with a nasty blister on his left foot in last year’s Wimbledon decider against Federer, describing it as very tough to deal with.
Another opportunity to win a second Grand Slam quickly materialized when he toppled injured Nadal in the quarter-finals and rising British star Kyle Edmund in the semis.
He says he is in a good space with his serve and forehand.
“I’m feeling really good physically, even though I had a few matches that went more than three hours,” Cilic said.
“I’ve played a great tournament so far, I’m playing much more aggressive, hitting most of the shots really good.
“From the return, moving, forehand, backhand, serving, I think everything is in a good, solid spot. Feeling really excited about the final.”
But on facing Federer, he added: “When it gets to the semifinals, finals, he gets better and better and is playing great tennis. So with him it’s always a big challenge.”
More Slam glory beckons for ageless Roger Federer
More Slam glory beckons for ageless Roger Federer
Jeddah Corniche Circuit hosts main trial sessions ahead of SAL Jeddah GT Race 2024
- European GT4 Series, supported by the R-Ace Club, began free practice sessions with 3 periods
- Circuit also hosted the first, second official trial sessions for Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe supported by AWS
JEDDAH: The Jeddah Corniche Circuit on Thursday hosted official trials for the SAL Jeddah GT Race 2024, dubbed the world’s fastest street circuit, taking place in Saudi Arabia for the first time on Nov. 29-30.
The European GT4 Series, supported by the R-Ace Club, began their free practice sessions with three periods: The first started at 1:00 p.m., the second at 4:00 p.m. and the third concluded at 7:00 p.m.
Each session lasted one hour in preparation for the two-day race, which is being organized by the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation and Motorsports Company, under the supervision of the Ministry of Sport.
The circuit also hosted the first and second official trial sessions for the Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe supported by AWS, a media statement said.
The first session began at 2:15 p.m., and the second followed at 5:15 p.m., with each lasting 90 minutes. The endurance race, known as the “six-hour race,” covers a distance of 1,000 km.
Bronze category trials for the Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe supported by AWS were launched at 8:45 p.m. and lasted one hour.
As the SAL Jeddah GT 2024 competitions start tomorrow, the qualifying trials for the European GT4 Series supported by the R-Ace Club will take place at 2:15 p.m. and last one hour.
The second trial session, lasting 45 minutes, will start at 6:00 p.m. and determine the starting positions for the first European GT4 Series race, which will begin at 10:00 p.m. and last one hour.
The fan zones include various entertainment areas, children’s zones, interactive games, virtual reality experiences and carnival-style games.
Saudi Sailing Federation hosts Junior Global Sailing Yacht Challenge Championship
- SSF’s CEO Samia Baghdadi sees event as historic moment for sailors, teams from around the world
- ‘Hosting these two major global championships at the Jeddah Yacht Club will significantly impact the sport’s growth in Saudi Arabia,’ Baghdadi says
RIYADH: World Sailing, which was formerly the International Sailing Federation, has selected Jeddah Yacht Club to host the 2024 Junior Global Sailing Yacht Challenge Championship, organized by the Saudi Sailing Federation, which takes place from Nov. 29 to Dec. 2.
The Women’s Global Sailing Yacht Challenge Championship event will follow from Dec. 5-8.
The events reflect the successes of the Saudi Sailing Federation and are significant milestones in the federation’s efforts to promote sailing in Saudi Arabia.
Quanhai Li, the president of World Sailing, said: “We are thrilled to host these unique races at such an exceptional venue. This championship marks the first event organized by the International Sailing Federation in Saudi Arabia.”
He added it reflected the Kingdom’s commitment to developing diverse sports while enhancing its international standing.
He said: “Sailing is one of the fastest-growing sports globally, and through this event we see a fantastic opportunity to promote and develop sailing in the region.”
Samia Baghdadi, the SSF’s CEO, sees the event as a historic moment for sailors and teams from around the world.
Baghdadi said: “It’s an extraordinary opportunity to explore Jeddah’s potential as a vibrant hub for marine sports. We are working to promote sailing.
“Hosting these two major global championships at the Jeddah Yacht Club will significantly impact the sport’s growth in Saudi Arabia. We are excited to welcome all teams who participate in this remarkable event.”
David Graham, the CEO of World Sailing, said: “Selecting the Jeddah Yacht Club to host the 2024 Junior and Women’s Global Sailing Yacht Challenge Championships is a significant step in our efforts to elevate the sport on a global scale.”
The Red Sea region offers opportunities for developing programs that can benefit individuals across the Gulf, Africa, and beyond, according to Graham.
He added: “This event will serve to inspire those passionate about sailing.”
The SSF aims to raise awareness and foster a culture of sailing within the community.
Saudi Arabia’s T20 World Cup hopes end in defeat against Qatar
- Hosts register 6-wicket victory over Kingdom to book ticket to next round
- Qatar successfully chase target of 166 in 17.5 overs
DOHA: Saudi Arabia’s hopes of qualifying for the final round of the 2026 Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup have ended after the team lost to Qatar in the final league match of their Asia Qualifier B in Doha.
The hosts registered a six-wicket victory over Saudi Arabia on Thursday to book their ticket to the next round.
Qatar successfully chased their target of 166 in 17.5 overs after putting the Kingdom in to bat first at the University of Doha for Science and Technology Cricket Ground.
A win would have been enough for Saudi to advance to the next round ahead of Qatar, but the hosts batted well enough to achieve their goal.
Saudi Arabia’s middle order failed to capitalize on the start given by their openers as the side ended up with 165-6 in 20 overs. Opener Abdul Waheed top scored with 34 runs off 27 balls, hitting two fours and two sixes before getting out in the ninth over.
His brother, Faisal Khan, scored 18 off 11 balls and was the first wicket to fall in the fourth over.
Abdul Manan Ali (24), Usman Khalid (18), and Waji Ul Hassan (20) all got starts but could not convert their knocks into big ones. Abdul Wahid hit two fours and a six in his 20-ball 27 while Muhammad Jabir picked up three wickets for Qatar.
In reply, Saqlain Arshad started off well for the hosts, hitting four fours and two sixes in the powerplay. He hit one more maximum before being caught out for 45 runs off 32 balls in the seventh over.
Player of the Match Mohamad Ahnaff saw two more batters return to the pavilion before he opened fire against Saudi’s spin attack. He hit five sixes and two fours to crown an excellent spell of form, going on to complete his third half-century of the tournament before getting out soon after reaching the milestone.
Muhammad Tanveer’s experience came in handy as he made sure his team did not falter. Tanveer scored 35 runs off 22 balls, with two fours and two sixes. Mohammed Hisham Shaikh took three wickets for Saudi Arabia but it was not enough to save his side from defeat.
The UAE had already qualified for the next stage before their last match, and retained their perfect win record in the tournament by beating Bahrain by eight wickets, finishing top of the standings with 12 points.
Qatar took second spot with 10 points, with Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Thailand completing the top five with six points each. Cambodia opened their account in the final match with a consolation win over Bhutan, who claimed no points.
The UAE and Qatar will now join Qualifier A sides Malaysia and Kuwait in the regional final. Samoa and Japan are representing the East Asia-Pacific region, with Nepal, Oman, and Papua New Guinea competing in the regional finals.
Fragility, strength and uncertainty at cricket’s margins
- From IPL ‘mega-auction’ to the more humble sixes events, the sport continues to exist at opposite extremes
Last week’s column considered two of cricket’s extremes. At one end were teams dreaming of qualifying for upcoming World Cups. At the other end were ongoing geopolitics between India and Pakistan. Their latest standoff carries the threat that the 2025 Champions Trophy, scheduled to be hosted by Pakistan next February, will be postponed or changed in shape. Despite more saber-rattling in the last week, a resolution has not been found. A much-needed schedule of play is required by teams, broadcasters and the Pakistan Cricket Board, among others.
It is not surprising that the Board of Control for Cricket in India might have diverted its eyes from the need to find a resolution for a few days. On Nov. 24 and 25, it held its player auction for the 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League. Jeddah was selected as the venue for this glitzy affair. Much has been read into this choice of location. Some have interpreted it as evidence of an imminent surge of Saudi investment in cricket. Irrespective of location, the event is another example of cricket’s ability to generate extremes.
This year’s auction is a “mega-auction,” which occurs every three years. It allows for a reset, in that each of the 10 franchises is allowed to retain only six players, thereby giving them an opportunity to rebuild their squads. In the intervening years, teams can retain as many players as they like, before a “mini-auction.” In this year’s mega-auction, a final number of 577 registered players were put forward for auction, 367 Indians and 210 overseas.
As reported elsewhere in Arab News, the auction opened with two sets of six marquee players. They receive special focus based on their abilities, past performances and stature. It was not long before records were broken. Each year seems to produce a new most expensive player. Last year it was Mitchell Starc, who was sold for $2.9 million. This year it is India’s wicketkeeper-batter, Rishabh Pant, who was bought by Lucknow Super Giants for $3.19 million. An aggregate $757 million was spent.
It is not just a matter of buying top players. Purchases are designed to optimize the dynamics of team strategy, leadership potential, skills balance and the development of young, mainly Indian, talent. This year’s extreme example was the purchase of 13-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi for $0.1 million.
Far away from this extravaganza lies another world of cricket, existing at the very margins. Regular readers will recall my annual trip in April to the Chiang Mai International Sixes. Those who organize this tournament also hold another one in November, called the Gymkhana Sixes, which is based largely on local Thais and expatriates. Previously, between 2008 and 2016, a tournament had been held in Bangkok, Then, it was titled the Thailand International Sixes and played at Harrow International School.
One of its leading lights was Mike Maher, an inveterate cricket sixes organizer via his Asian Cricket Sixes Tour. After 2016, the Harrow facility was no longer available and an alternative venue proved to be unsuitable. A move to Chiang Mai was agreed and The Siam International Sevens was created in 2018, held at the Gymkhana Club. This was facilitated by conducive linkages between Maher and the organizers of the Chiang Mai Sixes.
In 2019 the tournament became the Gymkhana Sixes, organized locally, as a one-off. During the COVID-19 restrictions on international travel between 2020 and 2022, the Gymkhana Sixes proved to be a popular opportunity for domestic tournament cricket. It continued in 2023 and was set up for 2024.
However, a few weeks before the Gymkhana Sixes was due to open, the adjacent River Ping burst its banks and flooded the golf course in which the cricket ground sits. The deposited mud was cleared away by a combination of golf caddies and local volunteers. Shortly after this restorative work, the Ping flooded again, to far more devastating effect. Flood waters over a meter deep covered the area, depositing 20 cm of mud and silt.
The waters swept all before them in a diagonal path from one end of the course to the other. One victim of the waters was an electronic scoreboard which, somewhat fortuitously, was discovered by a local resident in her garden some 3 km away. Overall, the ground was rendered unusable. Once it had dried, clearing by hand began, but realization of a mammoth task led to the deployment of machinery.
An immediate impact of the floods was on the 2024 Gymkhana Sixes. They were moved to Royal Chiang Mai Golf club some 30 km north of the city and held on Nov. 23, involving six teams. Although the setting is beautiful, the site is too far out of town to host the International Sixes event in April. The cost of restoring cricket to the Gymkhana Club is estimated to be about $32,000. A crowd funding and general appeal has been initiated. One rich irony is that turf-laying requires water. This will be in short supply in coming months up to the Sixes in April. Restoration of an area devastated by unexpected flood water now requires water as a salving balm.
All of this is in stark contrast to the event in Jeddah. Yet, there are linkages. Cricket’s ecosystem is fragile. Its playing surfaces are nurtured by climate. Grounds of a sufficient quality are required to sustain cricket from amateur to international levels. Sometimes the grounds curated by amateur teams are required for international tournaments. This has been the case with the Gymkhana ground in Chiang Mai. It may be a surprise to learn that junior and senior Saudi Arabian men’s teams played there in International and Asia Cricket Council World Cup qualifying tournaments in 2017 and 2019.
Although there may have been an interdependency in recent times, this is unlikely to be replicated in future. Instead, a gap is emerging. The Gymkhana Club will go to its loyal base to support its restoration work. Saudi cricket is aspirational, which will have been boosted by its association with the IPL auction and BCCI leaders. It remains to be seen how these will unfold in cricket’s global landscape. At an opposite extreme, the plight of the Gymkhana Club will go largely unnoticed. It will be a shame if grassroots cricket of this sort is subsumed by mightier concerns.
Saudi women’s U20 national team ready for West Asian Football Federation Championship in Jordan
- Team led by head coach Pauline Hamill will face Palestine, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria
- Event is part of team’s preparation for the 2026 AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers
RIYADH: The Saudi Arabian under-20 women’s national team makes its competitive tournament debut against Palestine on Thursday night at the West Asian Football Federation U20 Women’s Championship in Jordan.
The championship will feature women’s national U20 sides from Palestine, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria. Head coach Pauline Hamill’s side will play their opening match in Aqaba, before facing the remaining sides to determine the winners of the tournament.
After a camp in Jeddah in October, the upcoming tournament concludes the U20 side’s first year since the formation of the team as part of the Women’s National Team program in December 2023.
As the first competitive tournament appearance for Hamill’s squad, the U20 WAFF Women’s Championship will provide a platform to prepare for the upcoming qualification matches for the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup in 2026.
Aalia Al Rasheed, head of women’s football at the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, said: “We believe in the abilities of our players, and this tournament is an opportunity to build competitive experience for the players and develop their football capabilities.
“It’s incredible to look at the growth of this team since the formation of the squad in December 2023, we look forward to seeing our under-20 side performing in their tournament debut and representing our nation with honor in a fitting conclusion to their first year.”
The latest tournament for the Saudi Women’s National Team programme highlights the rapid growth of women’s football in the Kingdom since the official introduction of the national team in 2021 and the first professional football league in 2022, with more than 70,000 girls also participating in the national schools’ league.
