Ryder Cup legend Garcia has Saudi International in his sights

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Sergio Garcia birdied the first hole of a sudden-death playoff to defeat Justin Rose at Augusta National and claim the 2017 Masters. (Getty Images)
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Updated 21 January 2020
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Ryder Cup legend Garcia has Saudi International in his sights

  • ‘Since I have been married and had my daughter Azalea, I have felt much more relaxed in life, both on and off the course’
  • ‘Whenever I am on the course, I am always trying to play my best golf with the aim of winning the event, wherever I am playing’

JEDDAH: Spanish superstar golfer Sergio Garcia, known as El Niño, will be back in the Kingdom next week to once again tee it up against the world’s best at the Saudi International powered by SoftBank Investment Advisers (January 30 – February 2).

Garcia is one of Europe’s finest golfers with a stellar career of 35 worldwide wins including a maiden major triumph at the 2017 Masters at the iconic Augusta.

Garcia wrote his name into the history books at the 2018 Ryder Cup, becoming the record points scorer in the sport’s biggest team event. Garcia has made nine appearances in the Ryder Cup and is victorious in six of them. Garcia speaks about new priorities in his life since turning 40, making amends in Saudi Arabia and golf’s life lessons.

How important is it for golf to be coming to Saudi Arabia and bringing the game into a new market?

It is really important for golf and also for the European Tour. We visit so many different countries during the year and it is always nice to see a new part of the world. It is going to be a very strong event again with so many world-class players competing for the title and I am looking forward to coming back.

What are your thoughts on returning back to Saudi Arabia after last year?

I am really excited to be coming back to the Saudi International this year. I feel terrible about what happened following last year’s disqualification. I want to go back and show my respect – I love the people there and they wanted me to come back. So that was an easy decision, and I’m excited to go back there. Show myself, show the true Sergio, and show them my respect and try to play the best that I can and hopefully have a great tournament. The event has a welcoming feel to it and everyone there makes you feel so comfortable from the clubhouse staff, to the hotel to the organizers, so I am excited. The people I met last year are fantastic and their hospitality is very warm and welcoming.

Many people in Saudi Arabia will not have attended a golf championship. What can they expect, and what do fans get from watching the golf live and up close that is just impossible to experience through the TV?

Last year, the fans were great and I hope it will be even better this year. The fans are part of the event and if there were no fans, golf wouldn’t be anywhere near as fun to play. They are a part of the event as much as us guys playing, and so us players hope to put on a good show for them this week.

More young people in Saudi Arabia are watching sport or taking up sport. What would you say to encourage them to take up golf and what can they learn from the sport?

Golf is obviously so new in the region but I hope that from seeing the world-class golf on show during the week, the local fans have a think about giving it a try. There are lots of fun putting and chipping games going on in the entertainment zone which are great fun. Working hard to succeed in the game can teach you to have faith and confidence in yourself as well as never giving up.

At New Year you posted on Twitter a toast to your last decade, which mentioned your marriage and the birth of your first daughter (and imminent arrival of first son!). These are three huge, brilliant milestones: how have they impacted you as a golfer, on and off the course?

Since I have been married and had my daughter Azalea, I have felt much more relaxed in life, both on and off the course. Family provides you with a feeling that is so amazing and they become priority in life. They support me on and off the course and they have given me more dedication to work hard and achieve my goals, for them.

For many of your fans, it was you winning your first major title – which came at the 2017 Masters – that was the highlight of their golfing decade…something you also mentioned in your New Year tweet! Nearly three years on now, how – if in any way – did that win change you as a golfer?

For sure, it was the best moment in my career, but it is closely rivalled by all of the years playing in the Ryder Cup. Holing that putt in the playoff at Augusta felt amazing and it is a moment I will never forget. Whenever I am on the course, I am always trying to play my best golf with the aim of winning the event, wherever I am playing.

You’re a regular competitor in the Middle East, playing in the likes of Dubai and Abu Dhabi most years. How much do you enjoy the golf on offer in this part of the world?

I really enjoy playing out here in the Middle East. I love playing all of the courses out here and they all provide us golfers with an enjoyable different challenge each time we play. The courses are always pristine, the weather is perfect and with Saudi Arabia being added to the Middle East schedule, I am looking forward to another week I can enjoy out here to start my season.

A trio of Saudi golfers will be playing in the Saudi International. What would it mean to golf to see a big name, major-competing player come out of the Middle East?

It would great to see. There are so many good golfers on the tour from all over the world and to have a new face would be great for everyone. When a new player comes on the tour, it brings a new challenge for all of us, so I hope there will be more golfers from here, to come and challenge us.


Kevin Durant wins NBA’s Magic Johnson Award

Updated 2 sec ago
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Kevin Durant wins NBA’s Magic Johnson Award

The Professional Basketball Writers Association gives the award annually
Durant also won the award in the 2010-11 season, his fourth in the league

OKLAHOMA, USA: Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant is the winner of the 2024-25 Magic Johnson Award.

The Professional Basketball Writers Association gives the award annually to the NBA player who excels on the court and displays “cooperation and grace in dealing with the media and fans.”

Durant also won the award in the 2010-11 season, his fourth in the league, with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

He becomes the fourth two-time honoree, joining Stephen Curry (2016, 2024), Damian Lillard (2017, 2020) and Shane Battier (2007, 2013).

“We’re really pleased to honor KD again,” association president Howard Beck said.

“Kevin has long been one of the NBA’s most thoughtful and accessible stars. He always makes time for reporters, whether for on-the-record interviews or just informal chit-chat, and he never shies away from any topic. He’s as eager to dive into the minutiae of a single play as he is to discuss broader issues facing the league.

“His passion for the game always comes through. Our members were also really appreciative of Kevin’s public advocacy for reopening locker rooms after the pandemic, recognizing how critical that access is for building trust and rapport between players and journalists,” added Beck.

Durant, 36, was named to his 15th All-Star team in the 2024-25 season. He averaged 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game.

Donovan Mitchell of the Cleveland Cavaliers finished second in the balloting, with Bam Adebayo of the Miami Heat, Tyrese Haliburton of the Indiana Pacers and Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors the other finalists.

The award has been given annually since 2001.

Lewandowski back for Barca at Espanyol with LaLiga title in sight

Updated 14 May 2025
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Lewandowski back for Barca at Espanyol with LaLiga title in sight

  • The Polish striker missed Barca’s last three league games
  • The 36-year-old has scored 25 goals in 31 league games

BARCELONA: Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski is set to return to action in Thursday’s LaLiga clash at Espanyol, manager Hansi Flick said, as his side prepare to wrap up the title this week.

A victory in their city derby against Espanyol would clinch the championship for the Catalans. Barcelona, now seven points clear at the top with 82 points, could win the title as early as Wednesday if Real Madrid fail to win at Mallorca.

The Polish striker missed Barca’s last three league games and was also absent from their 3-2 Copa del Rey final win over Real Madrid on April 27 due to a muscle injury.

The 36-year-old has scored 25 goals in 31 league games, two behind Kylian Mbappe in the LaLiga Golden Boot race, with both having played the same number of matches.

“Lewandowski is doing good and of course he is ready to play,” Flick told reporters on Wednesday.

Lewandowski featured for only 30 minutes in their Champions League semifinal second leg defeat by Inter Milan last week and missed their 4-3 home win against Real Madrid on Sunday.

After their last Clasico win, Barcelona have defeated Real in all four encounters this season across all competitions, and Flick hailed his team’s performance as a source of immense pride.

“We played 24 minutes with no contact from Real in our half, so it has something to do with the pressing, it has something to do with the right structure we had,” he said.

“How we started to press them when they had the ball was unbelievable. When I heard this stat I thought it’s really great... we can be very proud of that. I’m happy for the fans, for the club, because I know that’s very important for them.”

Asked about Real manager Carlo Ancelotti joining the Brazil national team at the end of the season, Flick, who coached Germany from 2021 to 2023, said: “I think he (Ancelotti) did a fantastic job in Madrid. He’s a gentleman and one of the best and most successful coaches in the world.

“I wish him all the best for his new job. I think he will find a great team there, and he can follow success there.”


Saudi Western Region Men’s Hockey Championship and Women’s Hockey Championship start Friday

Updated 14 May 2025
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Saudi Western Region Men’s Hockey Championship and Women’s Hockey Championship start Friday

  • Tournaments are part of the series of competitions organized by the Saudi Hockey Federation
  • Championships will feature the participation of four teams in both competitions

JEDDAH: The Saudi Western Region Men’s Hockey Championship and the third Women’s Hockey Championship will begin at the indoor sports hall of Al-Ahli Club in Jeddah on Friday.

The two-day tournaments are part of the series of competitions organized by the Saudi Hockey Federation, a media statement said on Wednesday.

The championships will feature the participation of four teams in both competitions, as part of SHF’s efforts to promote the sport across various regions of the Kingdom.

In March, the federation organized the 2025 Saudi Central Region Hockey Championship, which was held at the Al-Shabab Club fields.

That tournament saw the participation of 40 players representing eight teams, playing a total of eight matches and scoring 51 goals.

SHF said that organizing the tournaments was part of its efforts to enhance competitiveness among teams, empower amateur clubs and expand community participation.

“This initiative contributes to developing an integrated sports environment that supports hockey practice and talent discovery, reflecting the federation’s vision to build a strong foundation for the sport across the Kingdom,” the statement said.


Atletico keen to keep improving to close gap with rivals, says Simeone

Updated 14 May 2025
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Atletico keen to keep improving to close gap with rivals, says Simeone

  • Simeone’s side faded and now sit third with 70 points from 35 matches
  • Atletico will also have one eye on the upcoming Club World Cup

MADRID: Atletico Madrid will continue their efforts to close the gap on their rivals next season, manager Diego Simeone said on Wednesday as his side look to end the current campaign on a high after falling out of the LaLiga title race.

Atletico’s close-season transfer window last year was headlined by forward Julian Alvarez, with the club also signing midfielder Conor Gallagher, center back Robin Le Normand and striker Alexander Sorloth.

Atletico, who last won LaLiga in 2021, were in the running for the title this campaign and even topped the standings at the halfway mark, but Simeone’s side faded and now sit third with 70 points from 35 matches.

Barcelona are top with 82 points, seven ahead of bitter rivals Real Madrid in second place. Barca could secure the title on Wednesday without kicking a ball if Real fail to beat Mallorca.

“In every season we take steps, last year with the arrival of players and next year we are going to do it the same way, always thinking about improving,” Simeone told reporters ahead of Thursday’s trip to 11th-placed Osasuna.

Atletico will also have one eye on the upcoming Club World Cup.

The expanded 32-team tournament runs from June 14 to July 13 in the United States with $1 billion in prize money at stake.

“The money at stake is for those who are thinking about that competition. For us it’s a very nice tournament, it’s exciting to represent Atletico and we hope to get there in the best way,” Simeone said.

The Argentine was also asked about Carlo Ancelotti, who will leave Real at the end of the season to become the new coach of the Brazil national team.

Ancelotti has enjoyed four hugely successful years in his second tenure with the Spanish giants but they are set to finish this season without a trophy.

The Italian is set to be replaced at the Bernabeu by former Real midfielder Xabi Alonso.

“As a coach, we all have admiration for his work, not only for everything he managed at Real Madrid, but for his entire sporting career. I’m an admirer of his, I love him very much, he knows that and I wish him all the best,” Simeone said.


Dubai-based racing talent targets F1 goals after ‘milestone’ Alpine move

Updated 14 May 2025
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Dubai-based racing talent targets F1 goals after ‘milestone’ Alpine move

  • Keanu Al-Azhari, 17, recently joined the French team and will race in the GB3 Championship this season

DUBAI: A young UAE motorsport driver hopes his move to Alpine Academy can help him achieve his goal of racing in Formula 1 in the future.

Dubai-based Keanu Al-Azhari, 17, recently joined F1’s Alpine Academy and will race for Hitech GP in the GB3 Championship this year after two seasons in Formula 4.

He praised Dubai Autodrome, a subsidiary of Union Properties, for its role in his sporting development.

Al-Azhari described his move to Alpine Academy as a “milestone” achievement, especially as he comes from a racing family. The 17-year-old is now looking forward to the latest chapter in his racing journey, hoping it can eventually lead to a seat in the pinnacle of motorsport — Formula 1.

“Joining Alpine is a big milestone in my career and a reflection of all the hard work that I have put in,” he said. “I’m really proud to be part of the Alpine family, and they will help develop me during my junior single-seater career. Hopefully, this move will be another step toward reaching my career goal of reaching F1 one day, as that is my dream. It’s going to be a tough few years, but I am ready to show everyone what I have now.”

Al-Azhari has made an impressive start to his motorsport career. Last year, he secured four wins, nine podiums and five pole positions, finishing runner-up in the Formula 4 Spanish Championship, while in the Formula 4 UAE Championship in the same year, he earned two wins, five podiums and four pole positions to secure third place overall.

Before getting behind the wheel, he came through the ranks in karting at Dubai Kartdrome, where he was part of its DAKA program, and raced in some prominent competitions, including the IAME Series UAE.

His fond memories of the venue came at a very early age, having followed his father, Karim, in his motorsport journey. Al-Azhari also spoke of his gratitude to Dubai Autodrome for supporting his career.

He said: “The Dubai Autodrome and Kartdrome have been a big part of my life. My first memories of going to the track were at a very young age, when I was 3 years old, when my dad, Karim Al-Azhari, was racing in local competitions. After finishing my karting career, it was the place where I learned how to drive a racing car and got my racing license.

“I have taken to the track and driven in so many different layouts of the track, which helped me develop before I went into the Formula 4 European Series races. I’m really grateful for their support, as they have played a big role in my journey today.”

Al-Azhari is among a number of young drivers who have transitioned from karting to motorsport with the help of Dubai Kartdrome.

The list includes UAE’s Rashid Al-Dhaheri, former Dubai Kartdrome O Plate champion, who recently joined Mercedes’ Junior Driver Program; Zack Scoular, competing in British GB3; Jamie Day, an ex-karting champion and part of the Aston Martin drivers’ junior team in European Endurance GT3; Edward Jones, who finished third in Indy 500; and Federico Rifai, a multiple-karting champion and former Saudi F4 winner.

Having seen Al-Azhari come through the ranks, Dubai Autodrome general manager Faisal Al-Sahlawi said the 17-year-old’s rapid progress is a testament to the Dubai Autodrome’s efforts to produce future motorsport stars.

He added: “We are extremely pleased to see how far Keanu Al-Azhari has come so early in his career, and we are delighted Dubai Autodrome has played a key role in helping make him the driver he is today.

“Ever since he started coming to Dubai Autodrome, he always had a passion for motorsport and the hunger to succeed in every race, and it is wonderful to see that he still has that commitment. With plenty of years ahead of him, he possesses all the correct attributes to be an even better driver and become a future world motorsport champion.

“We hope many young drivers across the UAE can follow in his footsteps and begin their motorsport journey with Dubai Autodrome.”