Leading professionals set to inspire and grow the game at Saudi International

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The 2020 Saudi International will boast the strongest golf line-up on the Middle East swing with world number one Brooks Koepka, above, Dustin Johnson, Phil Mickelson, Patrick Reed, Ernie Els, Sergio Garcia, Shane Lowry and Henrik Stenson just some of the global stars playing. (Supplied)
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Updated 22 January 2020
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Leading professionals set to inspire and grow the game at Saudi International

  • Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki — ‘Anybody can play golf — young or old Saudis can take it up at any stage bringing families and strangers together through sport’
  • Golf Saudi will ensure that 50% of the Saudi population has access to golf facilities within a one-hour drive by 2030

JEDDAH: Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki is predicting a very bright future for golf in Saudi Arabia as the country prepares to once again welcome the world’s top stars to the Kingdom at the end of the month.

After a knockout 2019 of sport for Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom is teeing up more game-changing events this year with golf’s Saudi International, powered by SoftBank Investment Advisers, returning to Royal Greens Golf & Country Club in King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC) from January 30 — February 2nd.

HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki, the chairman of the General Sports Authority (GSA) of Saudi Arabia, believes the European Tour event, billed as ‘The Ultimate Day Out’, will inspire a new generation of golfing talent and in turn get more Saudis participating in sport.

“Having young Saudi golfers compete against the world’s best creates new role models for sports fans in Saudi Arabia and it’s an exciting time for golf to really take off in the country.

“We are seeing more and more young people take an interest in golf, whether its watching or picking up a club for the first time through the efforts of the Saudi Golf Federation and Golf Saudi. It’s an addictive game that really hooks people in.”

The 2020 Saudi International will boast the strongest golf line-up on the Middle East swing with world number one Brooks Koepka, Dustin Johnson, Phil Mickelson, Patrick Reed, Ernie Els, Sergio Garcia, Shane Lowry and Henrik Stenson just some of the global stars playing.

They will be joined by Saudi’s top players including Othman Almulla, Saud Alsharif and Faisal Al Salhab who will also be in KAEC competing.

Sporting participation continues to flourish throughout the Kingdom, with young children looking to emulate the football stars of the MBS League (Saudi Pro League) and an increase of female participation in athletics — 76% of under-15s have become ‘active or semi-active’ due to Physical Education in schools.

Golf Saudi will ensure that 50% of the Saudi population has access to golf facilities within a one-hour drive by 2030 with 1 million Saudi nationals also set to try golf for the first time in the next decade.

HRH Prince Abdualziz added: “Anybody can play golf — young or old Saudis can take it up at any stage bringing families and strangers together through sport.”

“A full family could take up golf together, a father, mother, son and daughter can all play against each other in the same game, or groups of friends can get involved at local clubs.

“Just look at the Championships at the end of the month where we will see our bright hope 20-year-old Saud Alsharif facing legends of the global game like Ernie Els and Phil Mickelson, who have been playing golf for decades – it’s incredible how diverse the sport is and how much you can learn from it.”

“Sport has a unique power to educate people, golf teaches so many values which you can take from the course into everyday life, whether it’s a classroom or a working environment – characteristics like discipline, concentration and resilience.”

Echoing the Prince is top golfing amateur Turki Al Hussain, part of the Saudi National team, who took the sport up at a young age and now combines his golf alongside a job in the banking sector.

“When I was young I was playing tennis and my father said ‘why not try golf so you can play both’ so I started playing twice a week and then I met the Saudi team coach and he asked me to join and then I kept going.

“I have seen many young people playing golf, men and women and I think golf is becoming big with more courses. Golf is a good sport to be in with a good environment and it’s a chance to meet other people.”

Fans of all ages can enjoy the Saudi International four-day sporting spectacular which promises fun for all the family and ‘The Ultimate Day Out’. The tournament is placing a special focus on developing the country’s future golfing pedigree, and is encouraging children, men and women to come along and give golf a try.

While the live golf will take center-stage, the off-course spectator village will run in tandem throughout and be packed with interactive, family fun experiences, plus a delicious selection of food trucks and pop-ups.

Once the sun sets, three days of golf will be followed by unforgettable live concerts. Canadian singer-songwriter Bryan Adams, Belgian born DJ duo Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Grammy Award–winning DJ Zedd, flamenco favorites the Gipsy Kings and Puerto Rican music sensation Luis Fonsi – the man behind global megahit ‘Despacito’ — will all take to the stage across tournament weekend.

Tickets are now on sale for the Saudi International, priced at 50 SAR per day or 160 SAR for a full tournament pass (four days). Exclusive concert tickets will be available soon.

For more tournament information, visit www.saudiinternational.com


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.”