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US coach expects exciting displays from team at International Basketball Week in Abu Dhabi

The US national basketball team will play two exhibition matches in Abu Dhabi. (Supplied)
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Updated 15 August 2023
Michelle Kuehn
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US coach expects exciting displays from team at International Basketball Week in Abu Dhabi

  • Americans to take on Greece, Germany at Etihad Arena in preparation for 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup in Manila
  • Steve Kerr: You see the improvement of the players throughout the Middle East and of course the Arab national teams (Egypt, Lebanon, and Jordan) that have qualified for the FIBA World Cup
Updated 15 August 2023
Michelle Kuehn

ABU DHABI: US national team coach Steve Kerr has revealed his excitement at taking part in two preparation matches against Greece and Germany in Abu Dhabi ahead of the start of the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup in Manila on Aug. 26.

The Americans demolished Puerto Rico 117-74 in their first exhibition game in Las Vegas on Aug. 9, and followed it up with victories over Slovenia and Spain in Malaga before arriving in the UAE capital for International Basketball Week.

It will be the first time the US national team has played in Abu Dhabi, taking on Greece on Aug. 18 and Germany on Aug. 20.

Kerr said: “We are very excited to play in Abu Dhabi. I think a couple of the guys have been here because they played in the NBA (National Basketball Association) pre-season games last year.

“I have never been here, so I am excited to bring the team and I hope our team gives the fans a chance to see a lot of the players that they already know from watching the NBA, and that we make basketball even more popular in Abu Dhabi.”

Bobby Portis, the 28-year-old, 6ft 11in Milwaukee Bucks guard will make his debut with Team USA on his return to Abu Dhabi for a second time after playing last year in the NBA pre-season games which saw the Milwaukee Bucks take on the Atlanta Hawks at the Etihad Arena.

He said: “Speaking on my time there in Abu Dhabi back in October last year, obviously it is always different going to a new environment that you have never been to, and it was great going to a new culture, and they are big time basketball fans that don’t get a chance to see us that much in person.

“So being able to go there, and put on two games against the Hawks, I had a great time, and the fan support was crazy. The arena was sold out and packed, I am excited for this time as well. Representing my country for the first time, it is going to be great,” he added.

The International Basketball Week showcase will take place at Etihad Arena with games involving Egypt, Lebanon, and Mexico starting on Aug. 17. And with three Arab countries qualifying for the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, Kerr noted that it was a sign of the sport’s growth in the region.

“It is very exciting for me to see the progress of basketball in the Middle East. When I was there in high school, we would play games against the different clubs. I was playing for the Cairo American College, and we would play some of the (local) clubs.

“At the time, basketball wasn’t very popular, so we would win those games. Now you watch and see the improvement of the players throughout the Middle East and of course the Arab national teams (Egypt, Lebanon, and Jordan) that have qualified for the 2023 FIBA World Cup,” Kerr added.

DCT Abu Dhabi and the NBA entered a multi-year strategic partnership last year, and the NBA will return for two pre-season games this year featuring the Dallas Mavericks and the Minnesota Timberwolves on Oct. 5 and 7 at the Etihad Arena on Yas Island. Several of the NBA players set for a return in October will be representing their home countries in the USA Basketball Showcase at the weekend.

Kerr said: “We really need these exhibition games that we are playing. We had one in Las Vegas, two in Malaga, and the two in Abu Dhabi before we get into the tournament.

“These games are really important, maybe the Abu Dhabi games are the most important given that those are the lead-in games to the tournament, and we will have been together as a team for a couple of weeks.

“So, I think those games should be really good indicators of where we are as a team, and we are playing two great teams as well with Greece and Germany. It is very exciting for us,” he added.

Portis said he was looking forward to playing against NBA players from rival nations.

“I think our team is great, we are trying to get better daily. Obviously playing against Germany in Abu Dhabi is going to be great, with Dennis Schroder (Toronto Raptors) and the Wagner brothers (Orlando Magic) – they have a lot of guys that play in the NBA that we respect a lot.

“Obviously when these guys play for their countries, they are different players than they are in the NBA. You have to be prepared for it, and we are ready for it,” Portis added.

Team USA players that will be appearing in Abu Dhabi this weekend:

Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic

Mikal Bridges, Brooklyn Nets

Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks

Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves

Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana Pacers

Brandon Ingram, New Orleans Pelicans

Jaren Jackson Jr., Memphis Grizzlies

Cameron Johnson, Brooklyn Nets

Walker Kessler, Utah Jazz

Bobby Portis, Milwaukee Bucks

Austin Reaves, Los Angeles Lakers

Topics: 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup United States of America (USA) Steve Kerr

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Daniel Dubois ready to do ‘whatever it takes’ to beat Anthony Joshua on ‘historic’ night for British boxing

Updated 20 September 2024
Arab News
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Daniel Dubois ready to do ‘whatever it takes’ to beat Anthony Joshua on ‘historic’ night for British boxing

  • Two fighters faced off for second time this week at press conference at Guildhall in London
Updated 20 September 2024
Arab News

LONDON: Reigning International Boxing Federation heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois said on Thursday he was ready to do “whatever it takes” to win his fight against Anthony Joshua at Wembley Stadium on Saturday.

The two fighters, who will headline the Riyadh Season Card Wembley Edition event in London, faced off for a second time this week at a press conference at Guildhall in the British capital.

Dubois, who has been guarded and careful with his words during the build-up week, did not mince his words when asked how he felt 48 hours from the bout.

“I’ve been preparing for this moment for months. This fight has been anticipated since the start of my professional career, and I’m here to solidify my place by winning,” he said. 

“I’m feeling in peak condition, physically and mentally, and I’m prepared for battle.

“Whether by knockout or decision, I’ll do whatever it takes to win. The method doesn’t matter — what matters is that I’m ready for any scenario,” he added.

 Anthony Joshua (L) and Daniel Dubois (R) during the press conference at Guildhall in London. (Action Images via Reuters)

Joshua, who could join an elite group of fighters to be crowned a three-time world champion, emphasized the respect between him and Dubois, adding that boxing was “at its core, a gentleman’s sport.”

However, he acknowledged the tension that often accompanies face-offs, recalling a recent encounter with Dubois: “During the face-off about a month ago, tensions flared, but it remained respectful. Dubois said, ‘Let’s go now,’ and for a moment, I wasn’t sure what he meant. But this is boxing, and these things happen. We’re ready for Saturday.”

He continued: “In this sport, you can’t give anyone an inch because they’ll take a mile. I’m going all out, and I want to thank my team for their efforts in preparing me for this battle.”

 Anthony Joshua (L) and Daniel Dubois (R) during the press conference at Guildhall in London. (Action Images via Reuters)

Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing, said the event on Saturday had the potential to be an “historic night for British boxing,” and not just for his fighter.

“I never imagined that Riyadh Season would reach this level, but here we are, hosting an extraordinary event at Wembley,” he said. 

“Joshua has always been an inspiration to a new generation of fighters, and ever since he won Olympic gold, he has set the standard for British boxing. Saturday offers him the chance to prove himself once again as a three-time heavyweight world champion, joining the ranks of legends like Muhammad Ali and Lennox Lewis.

“Anthony is fully prepared. I’ve never seen him this calm and confident. Saturday will be a night to remember, and it will undoubtedly go down as one of the greatest in British sporting history,” he added.

 Anthony Joshua (L) and Daniel Dubois (R) during the press conference at Guildhall in London. (Action Images via Reuters)

Hearn’s rival promoter Frank Warren, who manages Dubois, agreed.

“This isn’t just any fight— we have two of Britain’s strongest heavyweight contenders going head-to-head. Both have faced challenges, but Dubois has shown throughout his career that he’s a fighter not to be underestimated,” he said.

“He’s surmounted numerous obstacles, and now he’s here to show the world what he’s capable of. Dubois packs a powerful punch, with speed and agility that make him a dangerous opponent.

“I advise everyone not to blink during this fight because it’s going to be extraordinary from start to finish. I truly believe this will be one of the greatest bouts in British boxing history.”

Topics: boxing Saudi Arabia UK Riyadh Season Card Wembley Edition Daniel Dubois Anthony Joshua

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Barca stumble at Monaco after early red card

Updated 20 September 2024
AFP
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Barca stumble at Monaco after early red card

Updated 20 September 2024
AFP

MONACO: Barcelona fell to a 2-1 defeat at Monaco on Thursday in their Champions League opener, hindered by an early red card shown to Eric Garcia.
Hansi Flick’s side have started the season with a perfect record after five La Liga matches but struggled to find their best level against the Ligue 1 side.
After Garcia was sent off for pulling down Takumi Minamino as he ran through, Maghnes Akliouche fired Monaco ahead.
Starlet Lamine Yamal scored a fine equalizer for Barcelona but George Ilenikhena grabbed the winner for Monaco in the 71st minute.
Five-time winners Barcelona, last crowned European champions in 2015, have struggled in Europe in recent seasons, particularly away from home and were brought crashing down to earth in the French Riviera.
Monaco thrashed Barcelona in a pre-season friendly and had the Catalan giants’ number for much of the clash at the Stade Louis II.
They were significantly aided by Garcia’s dismissal after 11 minutes, for felling former Liverpool midfielder Minamino on the edge of the box.
A careless pass from Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen put Garcia under immediate pressure and he tangled with the Japan international as he tried to stop him running in on goal.
Monaco soon took the lead after 17 minutes when Akliouche worked his way into the box and finished well under little pressure.
With Barcelona at a numerical disadvantage the hosts were on top and Raphinha squandered the visitors’ best openings despite his impressive domestic form of late.
Monaco had kept Spain’s Euro 2024 star Yamal quiet but he burst into life to level before the half-hour mark, cutting in from the right and drilling inside the near post.
The teenage made it look easy to score a goal out of nothing, becoming the second youngest scorer in Champions League history at 17 years and 68 days old.
The record-holder watched on from Barcelona’s bench — Ansu Fati, who netted in 2019 against Inter Milan at 17 years 40 days of age.
Alejandro Balde bundled off target for Barcelona but Monaco came closer, with Breel Embolo firing at Ter Stegen and Wilfried Singo having a goal disallowed for offside.
Monaco took the lead when the dangerous Vanderson played a long ball over the top which substitute Ilenikhena ran on to, with Inigo Martinez in his rearview mirror.
The 18-year-old Nigerian forward hit his shot hard and low and it flew into the net via a hand from Ter Stegen, who might have kept it out.
The German stopper achieved some redemption when he produced a superb save to keep out Folarin Balogun’s ferocious effort.
Monaco were awarded a penalty late on when Balogun tumbled to ground under pressure from Martinez, but the referee changed his decision after a VAR review.
Flick threw on Fati for his first Barcelona appearance since August 2023 in search of an equalizer but it was not forthcoming.

Topics: Barcelona Monaco UEFA Champions League

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Ex-Man United striker Anthony Martial joins AEK Athens

Updated 19 September 2024
AFP
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Ex-Man United striker Anthony Martial joins AEK Athens

  • Martial will receive $3.9m per year, becoming the most expensive player in the history of the 13-time Greek champions
  • “AEK was a chance for me and I want to give the best of myself to win trophies and bring joy to the fans,” the French player said
Updated 19 September 2024
AFP

ATHENS: Former Manchester United forward Anthony Martial has penned a three-year deal with AEK Athens, the Greek first division club announced on Thursday.
Out of contract after nine years with the Premier League club, Martial will receive 3.5 million euros ($3.9m) per year, becoming the most expensive player in the history of the 13-time Greek champions, who are celebrating their centenary this year.
“I’m very happy. AEK was a chance for me and I want to give the best of myself to win trophies and bring joy to the fans,” the French player said.


The 28-year-old former Lyon and Monaco player signed for Man United in 2015, scoring 90 goals in 317 games and winning the Europa League in 2017 and two FA Cup trophies.
But he has never fulfilled his early promise after bursting onto the scene at Monaco as a teenager.
Martial was capped 30 times capped by France with two goals scored but his last selection was in the final of the Nations League in October 2021, though he did not appear from the bench in that match as France beat Spain 2-1.
AEK have also signed former Tottenham Hotspur and Sevilla midfielder Erik Lamela.
They are top of Super League Greece after four matches, but are not playing in European competition this season.

Topics: Anthony Martial Manchester United AEK Athens

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Topgolf to open three driving range entertainment venues in Kingdom

Updated 19 September 2024
Arab News
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Topgolf to open three driving range entertainment venues in Kingdom

  • Move part of partnership deal with Golf Saudi
  • Company will also sponsor Kingdom’s professional golfers
Updated 19 September 2024
Arab News

RIYADH: Topgolf Callaway Brands is set to open three driving range entertainment venues in the Kingdom under a partnership deal with Golf Saudi.
The facilities will open in Riyadh, Jeddah and the Eastern Province, with the possibility of more to follow in the future, according to a press statement.
Golf Saudi CEO Noah Alireza said: “Our partnership marks a pivotal moment for golf in Saudi Arabia. Our golf infrastructure has been rapidly evolving and this multi-brand deal with Topgolf Callaway Brands will accelerate the game we love across the whole ecosystem.
“We are confident that we’ve found the right long-term partner to leverage the fast developing sports and golf canvas in Saudi Arabia and to co-innovate to help shape the future of golf in Saudi and beyond.
“This partnership ladders back to Golf Saudi’s role in achieving the goals of Vision 2030,” Alireza said.
“We are driven by improving the lives and opportunities of all Saudis and expats living in the country. Opening Topgolf will not only get thousands of people into playing golf and enjoying the health and wellness benefits that come with that, but it will also bring hundreds of new jobs to young Saudis, which is another part of our ambitions of building a far-reaching and sustainable golf ecosystem in Saudi Arabia.”
As well as the entertainment venues, under the deal Golf Saudi will become the official distributor of Topgolf Callaway Brands equipment and clothing in the Kingdom.
Callaway Golf will also sponsor the country’s professional golfers and provide clothing for the men’s, women’s and junior national teams.

Topics: Topgolf Callaway Brands Golf Saudi

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Ton-up Ashwin lifts India to 339-6 against Bangladesh

Updated 19 September 2024
AFP
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Ton-up Ashwin lifts India to 339-6 against Bangladesh

  • Pacer Hasan Mahmud rips through Indian batting order by taking four wickets 
  • India slipped to 144-6 in the second session before Ashwin, Jadeja’s rescue 
Updated 19 September 2024
AFP

CHENNAI, India: A counter-attacking century from Ravichandran Ashwin pulled India to a “good position” at 339-6 on day one of the first Test after Bangladesh fast bowler Hasan Mahmud rattled the hosts with four wickets on Thursday.

India slipped to 34-3 inside the first hour of play in Chennai, then 144-6 in the second session before Ashwin, on 102, and Ravindra Jadeja, on 86, put on an unbeaten stand of 195 runs.

Hasan had vindicated skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto’s decision to field first in overcast conditions, striking early with three wickets and taking one more after lunch.

The tourists, fresh from their 2-0 sweep in Pakistan, are looking for their first Test win against India.

Chennai-born Ashwin and the left-handed Jadeja — India’s go-to spinners — blunted the Bangladesh bowling, to the delight of the home fans.

“We always have a plan. We were relaxed in the dressing room when watching,” India opener Yashasvi Jaiswal told reporters.

“I think initially the ball was moving and seaming a bit and the wicket was damp. We took our time. In the last session we scored quite well and are in a good position at the moment,” he added.

Ashwin, 38, reached his sixth Test ton in 108 balls with 12 boundaries, removing his helmet and raising his hands to soak in the crowd’s cheers.

Hasan ripped through the Indian top-order including skipper Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli — both scoring just six runs — to leave the hosts at 34-3 inside the first hour of play.

Jaiswal put on a 62-run partnership with fellow left-hander Rishabh Pant to get some momentum into the Indian innings.

Hasan broke the stand in the third over after lunch when wicketkeeper-batsman Pant, who is playing his first Test after a serious 2022 car crash, was caught behind off a loose shot. He made 39 with six boundaries.

Jaiswal fell to Bangladesh’s new pace sensation Nahid Rana for 56. Spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz then took down KL Rahul for 16.

Hasan’s opening spell of 3-14 put the hosts immediately on the back foot, starting with Rohit caught at second slip.

“The plan was simple, to bowl at my strength — bowl seam-up and shape the ball in and out — and I succeeded,” said Hasan. “I was in my zone.”

He added: “Later in the day the wicket settled, but still I got some movement.”

Shubman Gill survived just eight deliveries before being caught behind for a duck when he attempted a flick down the leg side.

Kohli walked in to loud cheers but the noise soon stopped when the former captain edged a length delivery outside the off-stump from Hasan to wicketkeeper Litton Das.

It was a disappointing outing for Kohli after missing his team’s 4-1 home win over England in March due to the birth of his second child.

India is looking to extend their lead at the top of the World Test Championship rankings as they begin a fresh Test season of 10 matches.

The second and final Test starts on September 27 at Kanpur.

Topics: India Ravichandran Ashwin

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