Emotional Valieva takes lead in Olympic figure skating

Kamila Valieva of the Russian Olympic Committee in action during the women’s short program in figure skating at the 2022 Beijing Olympics on Tuesday. (Reuters)
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Updated 15 February 2022
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Emotional Valieva takes lead in Olympic figure skating

  • Valieva is the overwhelming favorite for the gold and Russia are aiming for the first sweep by any nation of the women’s Olympic podium

BEIJING: Russian teen sensation Kamila Valieva put aside the emotional exhaustion of being at the center of a doping scandal and took the lead in the women’s figure skating competition after the short program at the Beijing Olympics.

Skating despite a positive drug test, Valieva started her pursuit of a second gold medal with a score of 82.16 points on Tuesday. She faltered on her opening triple axel and then made it through the rest of her program.

The 15-year-old Valieva tested positive for a banned heart medication from a sample given in December, a result that only emerged last week after she helped Russia win gold in the team event with a historic performance. It included her landing the first quadruple jumps by a woman at the Olympics.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled Monday that Valieva should be allowed to compete in part because she is a minor, known as a “protected person,” and is subject to different rules from an adult athlete. But the decision has been roundly criticized, including by others that performed before her on Tuesday.

Valieva is the overwhelming favorite for the gold and Russia are aiming for the first sweep by any nation of the women’s Olympic podium.

Reigning world champion Anna Shcherbakova was second with 80.20 points. Kaori Sakamoto of Japan had a score of 79.84 to prevent a 1-2-3 Russian finish in the short program. Alexandra Trusova, the other member of the Russian “Quad Squad,” was fourth with 74.60 points.

Whatever happens on the ice, Valieva will not get a medal ceremony moment in Beijing. Nor will any skater who finishes in the top three with her.

Valieva told Russian state broadcaster Channel One in comments shown Monday night that “these days have been very difficult for me. I’m happy but I’m tired emotionally.”

She broke into tears as she skated off the ice Tuesday night.

The free skate is Thursday.

Shiffrin 0 for 4

Mikaela Shiffrin is 0 for 4 at the Beijing Olympics after finishing 18th in the downhill. It was hardly unexpected considering it was the first time she’s competed in that event in her Olympic career and her struggles in earlier races.

Shiffrin is planning to enter two more races: The Alpine combined on Thursday — she won a silver in that at the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics — and the team event on Saturday. She owns two gold medals from past Olympics; no American Alpine skier ever has won three in a career.

Corinne Suter of Switzerland won the downhill gold and defending champion Sofia Goggia of Italy had an inspiring performance to take the silver less than a month after a bad crash and serious leg injury. Nadia Delago of Italy took the bronze.

Teenager Su Yiming went spinning through the air in front of the cooling towers and smokestacks of an old steel mill to win China’s first Olympic snowboarding gold medal and elevate his celebrity status.

Su had such a big lead after two rounds that other competitors played it safe, just trying to earn a podium spot. He took the silver in slopestyle and would have had gold if judges had noticed Max Parrot missing a grab on his first jump. Parrot took bronze Tuesday.

It was China’s second gold medal at Big Air Shougang following Eileen Gu’s win in freestyle skiing.

Su, a 17-year-old aspiring actor who had a part in the 2014 action film “The Taking of Tiger Mountain,” led by 17.5 points entering the final round. He started the competition with consecutive 1800s — five spins — first completing the trick going forward, then backward.

Su went off casually on his last jump and then held his hands to his head during an ovation from the crowd.

Su hadn’t seen his parents in seven months while training in Europe and competing around the world. Shortly after getting on the podium, Su spotted them in the stands and began to cry. He later spoke to them through a fence separating those allowed inside Beijing’s Olympic bubble from the fans.

“I was thinking back to when I was four years old and my first time snowboarding,” he said in English. “I’m so appreciative. This moment is so special for my family.”

Silver for Gu

Eileen Gu won’t win three gold medals at the Beijing Games, but she can still become the first extreme sports athlete to win three medals at an Olympics.

The 18-year-old American-born freestyler who is competing for her mother’s home country of China narrowly missed out on the gold medal in slopestyle. She finished .33 points behind Mathilde Gremaud of Switzerland. Gremaud took the bronze in the big air event won by Gu.

Gremaud was the first to go in the second round and posted the score to beat. Gu vaulted from the back of the pack but couldn’t quite overtake Gremaud.

“I trust the judges. Sometimes they give it to you, sometimes they don’t,” Gu said. “And today, they didn’t ... I did everything that I could that was in my control, and some things you just can’t control and you just have to accept it.”

Gu will compete in freeski halfpipe later this week.

Germany posted the first podium sweep by any nation in any Olympic bobsled race, led by Francesco Friedrich piloting the winning sled in the two-man event. Johannes Lochner drove the silver-medal sled and Christoph Hafer steered his bobsled to the bronze.

The US won their second speedskating medal of the Beijing Olympics when they  took the bronze in team pursuit. With 36-year-old Joey Mantia leading three American skaters through all eight laps, the US denied Sven Kramer of the Netherlands his 10th career medal.


Lyon handed Ligue 2 relegation by financial regulator

Updated 2 sec ago
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Lyon handed Ligue 2 relegation by financial regulator

During a hearing earlier in the day, Lyon were unable to convince DNCG to lift the restrictions
Lyon can appeal the decision

LYON: Seven-time Ligue 1 champions Lyon have been relegated to the second-tier by French football’s financial watchdog, the French professional league (LFP) announced on Tuesday.

During a hearing earlier in the day, Lyon were unable to convince the regulator (DNCG) to lift the restrictions it had put on the club in November.

Lyon can appeal the decision.

Before the meeting, Lyon’s president John Textor said he was confident of avoiding the drop to Ligue 2 for next season, where the club has not played since 1989.

“We have made a variety of investments in recent weeks,” he said. “Everything is good financially.”

American Textor sold his 43 percent stake in Premier League outfit Crystal Palace earlier in the week. Lyon have reduced their salary bill and sold Rayan Cherki to Manchester City and Maxence Caqueret to Como.

Lyon qualified for next season’s Europa League after finishing sixth in the French top-flight.

If their relegation is confirmed, they would be replaced in Ligue 1 by Reims.

Lyon won seven consecutive French titles between 2002 and 2008. Only five clubs have won Ligue 1 more often. Paris Saint-Germain hold the record with 13 titles.

Arab Golf Federation launches elite scholarship program with training camp in Riyadh

Updated 12 min 22 sec ago
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Arab Golf Federation launches elite scholarship program with training camp in Riyadh

  • 4-day camp marks first phase of broader initiative

RIYADH: A group of promising young Arab golfers has gathered in Riyadh this week for the launch of a new regional initiative aimed at preparing future champions for the international stage.

The Arab Golf Federation has begun its Elite Sports Scholarship Camp, a flagship program designed to identify and nurture top golfing talent from across the Arab world.

Held at Riyadh Golf Club, the four-day training camp marks the first phase of a broader scholarship initiative that will see selected players offered full-time development opportunities at the renowned IMG Academy in the US.

The camp, which includes 16 male and female golfers under the age of 18, has brought together rising stars from across the region, based on their performances in regional and international events.

The program is structured into two intensive phases. The first is focused on technical, physical and psychological assessments, and the second on simulated competitive rounds designed to test performance under pressure.

At the end of the camp, the top-performing players will be awarded full scholarships, beginning in August.

The package includes elite golf training, academic education, and access to sports science facilities, including strength and conditioning and mental performance coaching.

The initiative forms a key part of the federation’s long-term strategy to elevate Arab golf and create a pipeline of talent capable of competing at the highest levels by 2035.

Yasir bin Othman Al-Rumayyan, president of the Arab Golf Federation, said: “While we continue to lay a strong and sustainable foundation locally, we are also committed to partnering with the best international institutions to provide world-class training and professional development for our promising young players.

“This initiative reflects our dedication to investing in youth talent based on global best practices, empowering them to compete on the international stage.

“In the coming years, as we achieve our ambitious goals, we will be able to rely entirely on our local capabilities and deliver a comprehensive Arab system for developing future champions.”

Noah Alireza, secretary-general of the federation, described the camp as a pivotal moment for the sport in the region.

“This camp represents a turning point in our journey to establish a clear competitive pathway for Arab golfers,” he said.

“By combining world-class training, international exposure, and meticulous evaluation, we are laying a strong foundation for young Arab talents to rise to the top levels of the sport.

“The Elite Sports Scholarship Camp is a genuine launchpad toward realizing the Arab Golf Federation’s vision of producing a new generation of Arab champions capable of competing globally.

“Through comprehensive assessment programs and strategic partnerships with leading institutions, the federation is laying the groundwork for a promising future for golf in the Arab world, built on planning, professionalism, and investment in youth potential.”


Saudi Sport Ministry signs deals for new hotels at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah

Updated 48 min 39 sec ago
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Saudi Sport Ministry signs deals for new hotels at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah

  • The project will include 2 world-class hotels offering integrated services designed to meet the needs of international sporting delegations and other visitors
  • Development will also feature a fan zone, fitness and sports clubs, swimming pools, restaurants, shops, areas for athletes, and conference and event spaces

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Sport on Tuesday signed agreements with local and international companies to develop, build, manage and operate two new hotels at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah.

The ministry said the hotels will be world-class establishments built to the highest engineering standards, and offer integrated services designed to meet the needs of international sporting delegations and other visitors.

The ministry’s acting director general of investment, Badr Al-Juraissi, attended signing ceremonies for the agreements with Kushan Real Estate Development Company, represented by its CEO, Marwan Al-Qaidi; Zuhair Fayez Partnership, which will provide design and engineering consultancy services and was represented by its chairperson, Zuhair Fayez; and IHG Hotels and Resorts, which will provide hotel services and was represented by Haitham Mattar, its regional managing director.

The hotels, expected to provide a total of 585 rooms, will be built on a 16,000-square-meter site at the sports city, the ministry said, and will help support the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to attract major sporting events.

The development will also include a fan zone, fitness and sports clubs, swimming pools, international restaurants, retail stores, dedicated areas for athletes, and conference and event spaces.

The ministry said the initiative forms part of its ongoing efforts to achieve its strategic goals, including engagement with the private sector in the development of the nation’s sports industry. It will also support environmental improvements through infrastructure development, and in doing so directly contribute to the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, officials said.


Abdulaziz bin Moammar promises ‘to fight with the spirit of every young Saudi’ at PFL MENA Showdown

Updated 24 June 2025
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Abdulaziz bin Moammar promises ‘to fight with the spirit of every young Saudi’ at PFL MENA Showdown

  • Fighting in Riyadh is a pivotal moment in Bin Moammar’s career
  • Saudi fighter says his connection to combat sports began long before joining PFL

RIAYDH: Saudi fighter Abdulaziz bin Moammar continues his preparations for his second bout in the Professional Fighters League – Middle East and North Africa, scheduled for July 4 in Riyadh.

The event is part of a major promotion organized by the PFL, featuring a strong lineup of top regional fighters — a large crowd is expected.

Bin Moammar said returning to fight in Riyadh is a pivotal moment in his career: “Fighting in Riyadh isn’t just another match — it’s a responsibility. This is my city, where I grew up. My real fans are here. Fighting in front of them gives me a different kind of energy. There’s no room for complacency or backing down.”

He said that his connection to combat sports began long before joining the PFL, but his debut with the organization significantly expanded his visibility and fan base.

“I had a decent following before joining, but after my first fight in Jeddah, I felt a real surge in engagement. People started to recognize me more, follow me, and anticipate my next fights,” the Saudi fighter said.

The fight in Jeddah was an important first step for Bon Moammar who said: “It gave me confidence, and winning lit a fire inside me to keep going. But now in Riyadh, the challenge is bigger, and expectations are higher.”

Discussing his current training, the fighter revealed that he is in the middle of an intense local training camp in Riyadh, dedicating nearly all his time to preparation.

“Full focus on training has kept me away from my family, but I believe every moment of sacrifice now will pay off later. The camp is physically and mentally exhausting, but I’m determined to bring the best version of myself into the cage,” he said.

He further promised his fans “to fight with the spirit of every young Saudi who dreams of excelling in this sport.”

Bin Moammar knows the road is long and that professionalism is not easy but said: “I’m ready to walk it to the end. Your support is my greatest weapon.”


San Francisco 49ers host first community event in UAE

Updated 24 June 2025
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San Francisco 49ers host first community event in UAE

  • Event features flag football coaching session in Dubai
  • 49ers announced in March that they had been granted activation rights in the UAE

DUBAI: The San Francisco 49ers have made history by becoming the first NFL franchise to host an event in the UAE. It followed the announcement that the league had granted the 49ers marketing, fan engagement, and commercial rights in the market.

The event — which featured a flag football coaching session and youth flag football clinic in Dubai — highlights the club’s continued investment in youth athletics and the growth of flag football worldwide in the lead-up to the sport’s inclusion in the 2028 Summer Olympics.

The 49ers announced in March that they had been granted activation rights in the UAE as part of the NFL’s Global Markets Program.

The initiative builds on the team’s success in other global markets, including the UK and Mexico in which the 49ers’ local fan base has grown by at least 50 percent. The 49ers have hosted more than 50 community events in the UK and Mexico since 2021, leaving a lasting impact on local youngsters.

Tuesday’s event was held at GEMS World Academy Senior School, which is part of the largest network of schools in the UAE, serving 125,000 students.

The day began with staff from the 49ers training more than two dozen physical education teachers in the fundamentals of coaching flag football. Then around 30 students, aged 10-11, participated in a flag football clinic, enjoying different NFL-themed practice drills and an introduction to flag tag. Sourdough Sam, the mascot of the 49ers, also made a special appearance to engage with students and interact with fans.

Stephanie Rogers, executive vice president of marketing for the 49ers, said the occasion marked “an exciting milestone in the 49ers’ global fandom journey.”

She added: “We’re thrilled to see so much local enthusiasm for the San Francisco 49ers and flag football. We have been warmly welcomed by the community and we look forward to building long-lasting relationships with future fans and partners here.

“Our commitment is not just about flag participation but about creating a journey for youth development. Across a combination of in-person events, digital activations and community initiatives, we aspire to share the storied history of the 49ers with the UAE.”

Elevate recently announced its role as the 49ers’ agency of record for global marketing efforts, after acquiring Rise Group, the Middle East’s sports and entertainment agency. The partnership will strengthen the team’s ability to make a meaningful impact in the UAE.

Dave McCann, partner at Rise Group, said: “The 49ers are synonymous with innovation and community engagement, and we look forward to unlocking more opportunities for both the team and MENA (Middle East and North Africa region) partners as we continue to grow in the region.

“We’re excited to help shape the future for both the 49ers and flag football in the UAE.”

The 49ers are also announcing the launch of their Arabic social media channels —  on Instagram, X, TikTok, and Facebook — during their visit to further engage with local communities.