ZURICH: The sight of fast, expensive cars racing around the monied streets of Zurich is nothing new; the place oozes cash and, for many, the two go hand in hand.
That was the scene last month when Formula E revved into town as one of the 10 stopping points in its 12-race season. For some the sight of the same electric speed machines on the streets of Riyadh, when the city hosts next season’s opening race in December, will be equally fitting — the Saudi Arabia capital is known as a spot for fast cars and petrolheads.
But for Aseel Al-Hamad the race will be about far more than who simply reaches the chequered flag first. For the first female member of the Saudi Arabian Motorsport Federation, the race could inspire a generation of Saudi women to get behind the wheel.
The all-electric ABB Formula E Championship will make its Middle East debut in Riyadh just six months after the ban on women driving in the country was lifted. Although details are scarce, it is understood that activities involving women drivers will be incorporated into the ground-breaking race on December 15. For Al-Hamad, who also represents her country on the FIA Women in Motorsport Commission, that could pave the way for Saudi women not only to drive for the first time, but also to dream big and become professional racers.
“This is beautiful news for me. Our mission at the FIA Women in Motorsport Commission is to encourage the participation of women in all aspects of motorsport; not just racers, but as mechanical engineers, marshals, team managers, photographers and PRs,” Al-Hamad told Arab News.
“We are so lucky that Formula E is happening after the ban was lifted because it’s a great way to push motorsport for women aggressively. “Could we see a Saudi woman racing driver in the future? Definitely.”
That the Formula E circus, rather than Formula One, is storming into the Kingdom just months after the female driving ban was lifted is perhaps apt. Unlike F1, three women have raced in Formula E since its inception in 2014, and in Susie Wolff the sport can boast of having a female team principle. As with Al-Hamad, the former test driver for the Williams F1 team hopes the Riyadh race can do a lot for women throughout Saudi Arabia.
“Encouraging more women to be involved in motorsport is very important to me,” the principle of the Venturi Formula E outfit said.
“(That’s) why I started my initiative ‘Dare to be Different’ — a call to action to inspire the next generation of women to see the opportunities within motorsport, on and off the track.
“The start of the next season will bring lots of attention to the sport and the host city of Riyadh, but I will be firmly focussed on our debut performance at a new circuit and on ensuring the best possible result for the team.”
Motorsport is a tough sport, and on the streets of Zurich it was clear that, at least where Formula E is concerned, it is a highly competitive one as well.
The 10-year deal between the General Sports Authority (GSA) and the city-based spectacle of speed was signed in May and will see the series not only make its Middle East debut, but also unveil its futuristic next-generation car.
The race will be held in the picturesque Old City, Ad-Diriyah, on the outskirts of the capital, and Al-Hamad, who on the same day the female driving ban was lifted drove a Renault Sport F1 car in a parade before the French Grand Prix, insisted that it will accelerate interest in
motorsport across Saudi Arabia and the region.
The Kingdom held its first-ever international motorsport event, the Race of Champions, in February and Al-Hamad said: “The Race of Champions is a big international race and you could see many people who were not familiar with motorsport got introduced to it.
“This is a great opportunity to arouse passion in motorsport in the Middle East. Kids with a passion for this can see they can start training at an early stage and have a career in it.
“We are so happy to host an international race (series) that’s very popular. (Formula E) is the future of motorsport and the automotive industry in general.
“Saudi has the Vision 2030, which is very much supporting the idea of leading the way in innovation in technology and industry, so this race is a great, symbolic initiative.”
Of the venue she added: “It’s a very historic area and it’s going to be a beautiful way to show the combination of new technology, which is Formula E’s super-fast cars, and the old heritage of Riyadh. There are old mud houses and beautiful palaces, so I believe this is going to be great exposure to the heritage and tradition of our beloved country.”
The move to give the green light to Riyadh opening next season’s championship — one which will see former F1 ace Felipe Massa join the grid alongside other famous names such as Nick Heidfeld and Nelson Piquet Jr — has also got the thumbs up from the teams.
“(We are) extremely excited to race in Riyadh this December, particularly at such a pivotal time in Saudi Arabia with the Crown Prince’s Vision 2030 initiative diversifying its economy and nurturing new industries,” Jay Penske, Dragon owner and team principal, and CEO of Penske Autosport, told Arab News in Zurich.
“We are proud that we and Formula E will have the opportunity to participate in Saudi Arabia’s vision for the future.”
James Barclay, Panasonic Jaguar Racing team director, said: “The Middle East has a wealth of passionate and knowledgeable motorsport fans that will welcome the series to the region. The Middle East is a key region for us to promote our electrification message ‘Race to Innovate’ and our electrified vehicles.”
The race in Zurich, the home of title sponsor ABB’s global headquarters, attracted an estimated 150,000 fans and illustrated that the sport, although still very much in the shadow of Formula One, has a popular and growing fanbase and a bright future. The series’ first-ever race took place only four years ago and it is already making loud noises in the motorsport world, with fans speculating whether it will one day get out of the slipstream of its better-known cousin and overtake it.
Alejandro Agag, founder and CEO of Formula E, said he could not wait to get to the Riyadh race and introduce the series to a new destination.
“I’m looking forward to seeing the new cars and format in action against the backdrop of iconic city skylines, starting in Ad-Diriyah in December,” Agag said.
That view was echoed by Michael Isaac, spokesman for ABB, a global technology company and leader in electrification, robotics and motion, said: “As title sponsor of the ABB FIA Formula E Championship, we are delighted that the 2019 season will open in Riyadh in December. Saudi Arabia is one of ABB’s most important markets in the Middle East and we are committed to supporting the development with e-mobility and sustainable technologies.”
Saudi Arabian racing star Aseel Al-Hamad backs Formula E Riyadh race to inspire women drivers
Saudi Arabian racing star Aseel Al-Hamad backs Formula E Riyadh race to inspire women drivers
- Formula E set to storm into the Kingdom, with capital to host inaugural race of new season
- Al-Hamad hopes December race inspires women in country to get behind the wheel
Jannik Sinner beats Alexander Zverev in 3 sets for his second Australian Open title in a row
- Jannik Sinner is the youngest man to leave Melbourne Park with the trophy two years in a row since Jim Courier in 1992-1993
MELBOURNE: Jannik Sinner claimed his second consecutive Australian Open championship on Sunday, never facing a single break point and using his complete game to outplay and frustrate Alexander Zverev for a 6-3, 7-6 (4), 6-3 victory in the final.
Sinner, a 23-year-old Italian, is the youngest man to leave Melbourne Park with the trophy two years in a row since Jim Courier in 1992-93.
Sinner rose to No. 1 last June, remaining there for every week since, and the gap between him and No. 2-ranked Zverev was pronounced as can be in Rod Laver Arena. This was the first Australian Open final between the men at No. 1 and No. 2 since 2019, when No. 1 Novak Djokovic defeated No. 2 Rafael Nadal – also in straight sets.
Here’s how dominant Sinner has been since the start of last season: He has won three of the five major tournaments, including the US Open in September, and his record in that span is 80-6 with a total of nine tournament titles. His current unbeaten run covers 21 matches, dating to last year.
The only thing that’s clouded the past 12 months for Sinner, it seems, is a doping case in which he was cleared by a ruling that was appealed by the World Anti-Doping Agency. He tested positive for a trace amount of an anabolic steroid twice last March but blamed it on an accidental exposure involving two members of his team who have since been fired. Sinner initially was exonerated in August; a hearing in the WADA appeal is scheduled for April.
While Sinner became the eighth man in the Open era (which began in 1968) to start his career 3-0 in Grand Slam finals, Zverev is the seventh to be 0-3, adding this loss to those at the 2020 US Open and the 2024 French Open.
Those earlier setbacks both came in five sets. This contest was not that close. Not at all.
There truly was only one moment that felt as if it contained a hint of tension. It was late in the second set, which Zverev was two points from owning when he led 5-4 and got to love-30 on Sinner’s serve. But a break point – and a set point – never arrived there.
Zverev not got closer, dropping the next four points, making it 5-all. Sinner then emerged with the ensuing tiebreaker. No surprise there: He went 4-0 in those set-deciders over the past two weeks and has grabbed 16 of his past 18.
A year ago, Sinner went through a lot more trouble to earn his first Slam, needing to get past Novak Djokovic – who quit one set into his semifinal against Zverev on Friday because of a torn hamstring – first, before erasing a two-set deficit in the final against 2021 US Open champion Daniil Medvedev.
Beating Zverev allowed Sinner to become the first man since Nadal at the French Open in 2005 and 2006 to follow up his first Grand Slam title by repeating as the champion at the same tournament a year later.
Usman Nurmagomedov retains Bellator lightweight world title after epic win over Paul Hughes
- Defending champion says he would welcome a rematch in Belfast
DUBAI: Usman Nurmagomedov beat Paul Hughes on Saturday night to retain his Bellator lightweight world title at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai.
The main event at the PFL Road to Dubai Champions Series produced a 25-minute battle between the prides of Dagestan and Northern Ireland, with Nurmagomedov staying unbeaten after receiving the nod from two of the three judges sitting outside the SmartCage (47-47, 48-46, 48-46). After the majority decision win, Nurmagomedov had nothing but respect for his opponent.
“This is for you guys, Paul Hughes, you are the man, brother you’re tough, I underestimated this guy,” Nurmagomedov said. “But I’m still undefeated, undisputed Bellator lightweight champion.”
Hughes also made it clear he would love a rematch in Belfast.
“It played out how I expected, I’m so gutted and disappointed I lost. I thought I won the fight, I probably left some in the tank, I need to leave everything behind next time. I really thought I was going to win,” Hughes said. “The PFL believed in me and I believe in the PFL. We have to do the rematch in Belfast, it has to be in Belfast, I think I’ve earned this.”
The PFL Road to Dubai Champions Series is the inaugural “Road to Dubai” event after the signing of a groundbreaking multi-year partnership between the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, Dubai Sports Council and the Professional Fighters League.
The first-of-its-kind partnership will allow MMA world champions and the sport’s biggest stars from the PFL to compete in title fights as Dubai becomes a marquee destination for the best of MMA.
All other Champions Series events will now be co-branded as “Road to Dubai” events, with each show building to the finale, set in the new fight capital. As part of the PFL’s commitment to developing the sport of MMA in Dubai, rising Emirati star fighters will now have a pathway to become future PFL champions.
In the heavyweight co-main event of the evening, former Bellator light heavyweight world champion Vadim Nemkov (19-2) made quick work of Tim Johnson (18-11), needing only 3:08 to submit the former Minnesota National Guardsman. Originally scheduled to face Corey Anderson in a rematch, Johnson took the bout on short notice and brought the fight to Nemkov, but a rear-naked choke brought the bout to an end. Nemkov now has 14 straight wins under his belt.
Dagestan’s Akhmed Magomedov (11-1) submitted Ireland’s Nathan Kelly (11-3) via rear-naked choke in Round 2 in a featherweight main card bout on Saturday. Magomedov, who had not fought in almost two years, quickly shook off any rust. With the win, Dagestan moved to 2-0 against Ireland with the main event remaining.
England’s Ibragim Ibragimov improved to 9-0 after a unanimous decision victory (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) against Kenny Mokhonoana (5-2). Ibragimov’s third win under the PFL banner shows that he is not only one of the best rising prospects on the European MMA scene, but globally as well.
The opening main card bout of the PFL Road to Dubai Champions Series featured Russia’s Renat Khavalov (9-0) against Brazil’s Cleiver Fernandes (9-2) at bantamweight. With Islam Makhachev and Khabib Nurmagomedov in his corner, Khavalov cruised to a unanimous (30-27, 29-28, 29-28) decision in his PFL debut.
Preliminary card results
Ahmed Samy (12-4) beat Tarek Suleiman (13-9) via TKO at 5:00 in Round 1
Mirafzal Akhtamov (8-0-1) beat Mike Thompson (7-3) via technical submission (head and arm choke) at 2:50 of Round 2
Hadi Omar Al Hussaini (6-1-1) beat Ruel Panales (5-3) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
John Mitchell (10-2) beat Souhil Tairi (7-6-1) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Haider Khan (9-1) beat Mostafa Nada (9-4) via TKO at 3:18 of Round 1
Talal Alqallaf (3-0 AM.) beat Saeed Alhosani (4-3 AM.) via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-27)
LIV Golf set for first-ever night event at 2025 season opener in Riyadh
- After three years of hosting the event in Jeddah, LIV Golf will debut at Riyadh Golf Club from Feb. 6-8
- Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka, Jon Rahm, Phil Mickelson, and many of golf’s biggest stars set to compete
RIYADH: Following three years of hosting events at the Royal Greens Golf and Country Club near Jeddah, LIV Golf will make its debut this season at the Riyadh Golf Club from Feb. 6-8 in what will be its first-ever night event.
The event will feature a strong line-up of players including LIV Golf 2024 individual champion Jon Rahm (Legion XIII), LIV Golf Jeddah 2024 winner Joaquin Niemann (Torque GC), as well as international golfing stars such as World Golf Hall of Famer Phil Mickelson (HyFlyers GC), five-time major winner Brooks Koepka (Smash GC), 2024 US Open champion Bryson DeChambeau (Crushers GC), and many more.
Ross Hallett, LIV Golf executive vice president and head of events, shared his excitement, saying, “LIV Golf Riyadh is going to be a can’t-miss event featuring world-class competition and entertainment for fans of all ages. Hosting the tournament at night is another example of our commitment to innovation and presenting new ways to enjoy the sport at its highest level.
“We encourage all fans to arrive early to enjoy the fan village, food festival, fun fair and on-course treasure hunt amongst the many family activities happening around the golf course as we deliver an unforgettable experience at Riyadh Golf Club starting on the 6th of February,” he added.
The 2025 season opener will also mark the debut of Lee Cheih-po, winner of the LIV Golf Promotions 2024 event at Riyadh Golf Club. The Chinese-Taipei star secured the sole spot to join the league’s prestigious 54-player field after a thrilling final day at the Riyadh Golf Club in December.
Gritty Gulf Giants overcome MI Emirates in thrilling DP World ILT20 contest
- Tom Banton of MI Emirates takes the Green Belt as highest run-scorer in the tournament so far
ABU DHABI: Gulf Giants were forced to dig deep to defeat the MI Emirates by two wickets, in a real nail-biter at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Saturday.
In the DP World ILT20 clash, t Giants looked down and out at one stage, before their lower order showed nerves of steel to guide the side over the finish line. The win helps Gulf Giants to move to fifth on the points table.
Asked to bat first, MI Emirates had a slow start as they lost the openers Kusal Perera for four and Muhammad Waseem for 12, both to Daniel Worrall, in the powerplay. The in-form Tom Banton then began the job of rebuilding for MI Emirates, hoping for support from his skipper.
But Nicholas Pooran could add only eight to the cause while Dan Mousley added five more, before both were dismissed, leaving MI Emirates in a spot of bother at 57/4. Banton was joined by Kieron Pollard, and they dug in, keeping the scoreboard moving even when the big hits were hard to come by.
Banton completed his half-century in the 15th over, and in the next Pollard took Aayan Khan to the cleaners, smashing three sixes in a 21-run over.
The Bantom fell in the 17th over for 56 and a superb 66-run stand came to an end. The MI Emirates would need a strong finish and along with Pollard, who scored 34, Akeal Hosein and Romario Shepherd added a few lusty blows as well. Hosein finished unbeaten on 20 and Shepherd was not out on eight as MI Emirates reached 151/6 in their 20 overs. Banton’s half-century meant he took over the Green Belt as the highest run-getter in the tournament.
Gulf Giants too could not get off to a fast start, as captain James Vince was the first to fall for one. Soon after, Jordan Cox was packed off for nine, and the Gulf Giants were 20/2 in the fourth over. Tom Alsop was joined by Gerhard Erasmus, and they had to rebuild after the early scares.
Both Alsop and Erasmus avoided the high-risk approach and steadied the ship with a solid half-century stand. The third wicket produced 65 runs for Gulf Giants, who were back in the contest. Alsop was the next to fall for 32 and Erasmus followed shortly after for 37. For MI Emirates, Muhammad Rohid Khan and Alzarri Joseph were doing most of the heavy lifting with the ball.
Shimron Hetmyer and Ibrahim Zadran tried to up the ante after that, but Joseph castled the West Indian southpaw for seven, which put further pressure on the Gulf Giants. Fazalhaq Farooqi cleaned up Zadran for 11 after that, but Tom Curran was soldiering on at the other end for the Giants, who had four wickets left. Curran and Mark Adair were picking some crucial boundaries at this point, and brought the Giants to within 17 runs of the target, with two overs to go.
Farooqi accounted for Adair for 15 in the 19th over, before Aayan Khan combined with Curran and Muhammad Zuhaib to clinch a thrilling win off the final delivery of the game. Khan, who scored an unbeaten 11 off six deliveries, was instrumental in helping his side over the line.
Player of the match Adair said: “It was just about getting the basics right again. Tom Curran came in and shared his experience, and that helped in the crucial moments.”
MI Emirates’ captain Pooran said: “It was a tough one today, we weren't disciplined enough, and paid the price as a team.”
Brief Scores
Gulf Giants beat MI Emirates by two wickets
MI Emirates 151/6 in 20 overs (Tom Banton 56, Kieron Pollard 34, Daniel Worral 2 for 19, Mark Adair 1 for 24, Blessing Muzarabani 1 for 16,)
Gulf Giants 152/8 in 20 overs (Gerhard Erasmus 37, Tom Alsop 32, Tom Curran 16, Fazalhaq Farooqi 3 for 34, Muhammad Rohid Khan 2 for 15)
Player of the Match: Mark Adair
Desert Vipers cruise to eight-wicket win as Hales and Curran shine against Sharjah Warriorz
- Khuzaima Tanveer’s four-wicket haul sets foundation for Vipers’ sixth win of the DP World ILT20 season
SHARJAH: Alex Hales and Sam Curran powered the Desert Vipers to a commanding eight-wicket victory over the Sharjah Warriorz at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Saturday.
Their stunning 128-run partnership off just 65 balls turned a modest chase of 152 into a one-sided affair, with Hales smashing a 36-ball half-century and Curran following with a blistering 33-ball 50. The pair enabled Vipers to win in just 14.5 overs and inch closer to the play-offs.
Earlier, David Payne set the tone for the Vipers with two wickets in a sharp spell. UAE’s Khuzaima Tanveer then ripped through the middle and lower order with an excellent four-wicket haul while Jason Roy made a spirited contribution for the Warriorz with 55 runs in 38 balls.
Defending 151, early breakthroughs were crucial for the Warriorz, and Adam Milne delivered by removing Fakhar Zaman and Dan Lawrence within the first four overs, giving his side the ideal start.
However, Hales and Curran seized control of the chase. Initially cautious, Hales shifted gears spectacularly, launching three consecutive sixes off Muhammad Jawadullah in the 13th over to bring up a 36-ball half-century. Hales finished the innings with seven fours and five sixes.
Curran soon followed suit, unleashing a flurry of boundaries. He hammered Adam Zampa for a six and two fours in the 14th over, while Tim Southee’s 15th over went for 19 runs, sealing the deal for the Vipers. Curran reached his 33-ball 50 on the back of two sixes and five fours as the Vipers comfortably chased down the target in just 14.5 overs.
In the first innings, David Payne gave the Vipers an early advantage, exploiting the new ball to remove Johnson Charles and the in-form Avishka Fernando within the first five overs. The early breakthroughs left the Warriorz searching for stability.
Skipper Tom Kohler-Cadmore and Jason Roy responded with intent as the pair found the gaps consistently, building a 50-run partnership in just 33 balls with Roy looking in excellent touch, contributing 24 runs off just 13 deliveries.
Kohler-Cadmore, batting at a measured pace, shifted gears with a towering six off Wanindu Hasaranga. However, the leg-spinner struck back in the same over, dismissing the batter for 42 runs off 36 balls. At the halfway mark, the Warriorz were 75/3.
Roy continued to lead the charge and brought up his half-century in just 35 balls. His dismissal in the 17th over, courtesy of Mohammed Amir, derailed the death overs.
Meanwhile, Tanveer dismantled the middle and lower order with a decisive spell. He accounted for Tim Seifert, Rohan Mustafa, Luke Wood, and Tim Southee, finishing with figures of four wickets for 22 runs.
Ashton Agar chipped in with a crucial late cameo. Remaining unbeaten on 15 runs, including two sixes, pushing the total to 151/8 in 20 overs.
Player of the Match Tanveer said: “Whenever I play cricket, I truly enjoy it without feeling any pressure. The captain gave me a clear plan to hit the deck hard, and I simply executed it, which led to taking wickets. Overall, I’m really enjoying my time out there.”
Sharjah Warriorz captain Tim Southee said: “We got ourselves into a good position but lost too many wickets in the back half. We’ve shown glimpses of quality but haven’t been able to string enough together. With four games left, the equation is pretty simple. It was tough in the first few overs, and we needed to take regular wickets. On a positive note, it was great to see Jason Roy back in form.”
Brief scores
Desert Vipers beat Sharjah Warriorz by eight wickets
Sharjah Warriorz 151/8 in 20 overs (Jason Roy 55, Tom Kohler-Cadmore 42, Tim Seifert 16, Khuzaima Tanveer 4 for 22, David Payne 2 for 33)
Desert Vipers 152/2 in 14.5 overs (Alex Hales 77 not out, Sam Curran 54 not out, Adam Milne 2 for 17)
Player of the Match: Khuzaima Tanveer
