RIYADH: Spanish sexagenarian Carlos Sainz is having the time of his life at this year’s Dakar Rally.
The 61-year-old three-time winner of motorsport’s toughest endurance test leads this year’s edition after a stamina-sapping first week in the Saudi Arabian sand by over 20 minutes.
Sainz has summoned all his guile and expertise to put himself in a prime position for a fourth overall title after the inaugural 48-hour two-part stage six in the kingdom’s Empty Quarter.
The father of Formula One driver Carlos Sainz finished the stage second to Sebastien Loeb to top the standings ahead of his Audi teammate Mattias Ekstrom to make him the man to beat going into the second week.
On Saturday’s rest day in Riyadh he told AFP he was “proud and happy” after his performance behind the wheel of his Audi Hybrid since the start of the 2024 Dakar on January 5 in Al-Ula.
“We are better prepared than last year, the main priority is reliability,” he noted, in reference to his team’s problem in that department over the past two Dakars.
“When we have such a complex car it’s only normal to worry about something going wrong.”
While Sainz sailed through the Empty Quarter, the vast expanse of desert proved catastrophic for the title prospects of three of his arch-rivals: defending champion Nasser Al-Attiyah, the Qatari’s Prodrive teammate Saudi Arabian Yazeed Al-Rajhi, and record 14-time Dakar winner Stephane Peterhansel, a Frenchman who drives for Audi.
“Anything can happen so quickly, you can easily lose half an hour,” said Sainz.
“If you are behind a rival it’s easy to make up a lot of time on him by taking risks.
“But it’s also a certainty that due to my experience, sooner or later you’re going to make a mistake or crash,” he noted.
Sainz, a former Spanish squash champion, won two world rally titles before retiring from the WRC in 2005 to embark on a second career in off-road rallying.
He took 11th on his Dakar debut in 2006, winning in 2010, 2018 and 2020.
Despite all his success, he is on more than nodding terms with the flip side of the event, having to abandon it on no fewer than seven occasions, including last year.
While Peterhansel may hold the record for number of titles Sainz holds a proud record of his own. In 2020 aged 57 he became the oldest ever winner — a milestone he is hoping to break when this year’s edition wraps up in Yanbu on the Red Sea next Friday.
“We all want to win the Dakar,” observed Sainz.
“I imagine that for Mattias (Ekstrom) or Sebastien (Loeb), who have never won it, finishing second or third is worth nothing in their eyes.
“I am sure they will take risks, that they will put a lot of pressure on me. I will defend as best as possible.”
He rates Loeb, runner up in the last two years, as “one of the best drivers in history“
“It is clear that one day or another he will win the Dakar, we have to postpone that moment,” added the man nicknamed ‘El Matador’.
After their well-earned time-out on Saturday, Sainz and company will fire up their engines again on Sunday for stage seven which includes a 483km special as they head to Al-Duwadimi.
Evergreen Sainz holding back the sands of time to lead Dakar
https://arab.news/znseh
Evergreen Sainz holding back the sands of time to lead Dakar
- Sainz has summoned all his guile and expertise to put himself in a prime position for a fourth overall title
Saudi Sports For All Federation and STC Group sign sustainability partnership
- Pact between the parties was inked at the 8th Future Investment Initiative in Riyadh
- Collaboration will help identify opportunities for improving public participation in physical activities
RIYADH: The Saudi Sports For All Federation has signed a memorandum of understanding with the STC Group to promote physical activity, encourage social integration through sports, and support the development of grassroots programs.
The signing ceremony took place last week at the 8th Future Investment Initiative in Riyadh, which was held under the theme “Infinite Horizons: Investing Today, Shaping Tomorrow.”
Shaima Alhusseini, managing director of the SFA, and Maha Alnuhait, general manager of sustainability at the STC Group, inked the agreement, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The collaboration will focus on establishing sustainability reporting frameworks, key performance indicators, and metrics in alignment with community-driven programs.
The SFA aims to leverage the telecom group’s expertise to achieve their goals and contribute to the objectives of Vision 2030, the SPA reported.
Record number of athletes expected at 16th Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship
- Over 9,000 athletes from 137 countries set to take part in tournament from Nov. 6-16
ABU DHABI: The 16th edition of the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship, from Nov. 6 to 16 at Mubadala Arena in Zayed Sports City, is expected to have a record 9,000 athletes from 137 countries taking part.
Participants will have the opportunity to earn points toward the prestigious Abu Dhabi World Jiu-Jitsu Awards.
During a press conference on Monday at The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, details of this year’s championship were revealed.
Abdulmunem Alsayed Mohamed Alhashmi, chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, president of the Asian Jiu-Jitsu Union, and senior vice president of the International Jiu-Jitsu Federation, thanked the UAE leadership for supporting the event.
“This championship unites the world’s best talent to showcase their skills and elevate their global rankings, further establishing Abu Dhabi as a global jiu-jitsu hub,” he said.
He also thanked the event’s partners and sponsors. “Their support has been vital in helping us achieve this level of global leadership in jiu-jitsu.
“As we celebrate another world-class edition, we hope to continue to inspire new generations to pursue excellence and embrace the core values that make our sport so impactful.”
Saud Abdulaziz Al-Hosani, undersecretary of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, commented: “Since the inception of the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship, jiu-jitsu has flourished in the UAE and around the world.
“Thanks to the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation’s efforts and our wise leadership support, Abu Dhabi has become a global sports hub and the world’s jiu-jitsu capital. We look forward to welcoming athletes and fans from 137 countries.”
Aref Hamad Al-Awani, secretary-general of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, emphasized the championship’s role in reinforcing the city’s standing in the global sports arena.
“This championship solidifies Abu Dhabi’s track record in hosting world-class events, and the Abu Dhabi Sports Council stands ready to provide every support needed to achieve our shared goals.”
This year’s championship will feature an extended schedule, additional mats, and increased capacity to accommodate more athletes across various categories.
The event culminates in the Abu Dhabi World Jiu-Jitsu Awards, which honors the year’s standout athletes, academies and federations.
Other officials and sponsor representatives who attended the press conference included Ahmed Abdullah Al-Qubaisi, executive director of the Support Services Sector; Yaqoub Al-Saadi, head of Abu Dhabi Sports Channels; and Fahad Ali Al-Shamsi, secretary-general of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation.
Also in attendance were Saed Hijazi Salama, general manager of sales at Premier Motors; Futoon Al-Mazrouei, group head of consumer banking at First Abu Dhabi Bank; and Mona Hassan Sadoun, vice president of customer service and marketing at Al-Tayer Motors.
Cavaliers stay perfect with win over Bucks, Pistons beat Lakers
- The Golden State Warriors welcomed Stephen Curry back from a three-game injury absence with a 125-112 victory over the Wizards in Washington
- The reigning champion Boston Celtics romped past the Hawks 123-93 in Atlanta
LOS ANGELES: Darius Garland poured in 39 points as the Cleveland Cavaliers fended off a late Milwaukee surge to beat the Bucks 116-114 on Monday and push their perfect NBA record to 8-0.
Garland drilled a step-back three-pointer to put Cleveland up 113-111 with 45 seconds to play, then fed Jarrett Allen for a dagger layup as the Cavs, who led by as many as 19 in the second quarter, matched the franchise’s best start to a season also achieved in 1976.
“It’s hard to get one (win) so eight is crazy,” Garland said. “I’m happy we got eight (we’ve) got to keep this thing going.”
The Bucks, with two-time NBA Most Valuable Player Giannis Antetokounmpo a late scratch with an adductor strain, dropped their sixth straight game, coming up short again after a one-point home loss to the Cavs on Saturday.
Milwaukee point guard Damian Lillard scored 14 of his 36 points in the third quarter as the Bucks battled back to lead 91-89 heading into the fourth.
They pushed the lead to eight points midway through the fourth, but a three-pointer from Garland ignited a 10-0 scoring run that put the Cavs up by two. Lillard would briefly put Milwaukee back in front but the Cavs had enough.
Evan Mobley added 17 points and Allen finished with 14 points, 15 rebounds and a massive block on Lillard with 8.8 seconds to play that sealed the win.
“We had to fight for 48 minutes,” Garland said. “We knew they were going to come out in the second half and try to be more aggressive. It was a great all-around team effort.”
On a busy night that saw every team in action before a pause for the US presidential election on Tuesday, the Detroit Pistons upset the Los Angeles Lakers 115-103 while the reigning champion Boston Celtics romped past the Hawks 123-93 in Atlanta.
The Golden State Warriors welcomed Stephen Curry back from a three-game injury absence with a 125-112 victory over the Wizards in Washington.
In Detroit, Cade Cunningham scored 17 points with 11 rebounds and 11 assists for the third triple-double of his career and Jaden Ivey scored 26 points to power the Pistons to their third win of the season.
Anthony Davis scored 37 points for the Lakers but appeared to be troubled by a left foot or ankle injury in the fourth quarter. He stayed in the game and threw down an alley-oop dunk that cut the Pistons’ lead to five points with 4:10 to play but Detroit pulled away again.
LeBron James scored 20 points with eight rebounds and 11 assists, but the Pistons seized the lead in the first quarter and remained in control the rest of the way.
The Warriors led all the way in Washington, Curry scoring a team-high 24 points in his first game since he tweaked his left ankle on October 27.
Jayson Tatum led the way for Boston with 28 points. Derrick White added 21 as the Celtics again barely missed injured star Jaylen Brown.
Outsider Knight’s Choice wins Melbourne Cup in thrilling finish
- The five-year-old Australian-bred gelding came home by a nose in a photo finish ahead of Japanese raider Warp Speed and Okita Soushi
- A cultural institution in Australia, the Melbourne Cup has been run since 1861 and is considered so important it is a public holiday in its host state of Victoria
MELBOURNCE: Rank outsider Knight’s Choice upset favorite Buckaroo on Tuesday to win the Aus$8 million ($5.25 million) Melbourne Cup, earning Irish jockey Robbie Dolan a debut victory in Australia’s “race that stops a nation.”
The five-year-old Australian-bred gelding came home by a nose in a photo finish ahead of Japanese raider Warp Speed and Okita Soushi in the energy-sapping 3,200-meter (two-mile) handicap at Flemington.
“Pinch me, I’m dreaming,” said Dolan, who was riding in the famous race for the first time. “It is incredible. I can’t believe it. I don’t even know what to say.
“I didn’t know what to expect, but I feel like I’ve ridden it 10 times because I have ridden it in my head 100 times.
“I can’t put it into words. It is the biggest race in the world.”
Buckaroo, priced as the $7.00 favorite, finished ninth while the fancied Vauban could only manage 11th on a warm and sunny day, with the track firm.
A cultural institution in Australia, the Melbourne Cup has been run since 1861 and is considered so important it is a public holiday in its host state of Victoria.
Held in front of a bumper crowd, drinking and socializing took priority over racing for many, with the sound of popping champagne corks accompanying the thundering of hooves.
Breaking from barrier six, the John Symons and Sheila Laxon-trained Knights Choice, priced at $81.00, settled in the middle of the 23-strong pack behind early leader Just Fine.
With 1,000m to go, Just Fine was still ahead but was slowly reeled in down the home straight with Knight’s Choice, Warp Speed and Okita Soushi all surging for the line.
It was a second victory for Laxon, who became the first woman to train a Melbourne Cup winner in 2001 with Ethereal.
She said Symons had always been confident despite Knight’s Choice’s outsider status, and lavished praise on Dolan.
“He did, he did,” she said. “We didn’t give him instructions, he knew what to do.
“I’m thrilled to win the Cup, and it is the people’s Cup, and that’s what it is all about.”
A record four women jockeys took part with Jamie Kah faring best, with her third on Okita Soushi.
Michelle Payne is the only woman rider to win the Melbourne Cup after she steered Prince of Penzance to victory in 2015.
There was one withdrawal by stewards before the race started with French import Athabascan found to have an irregular heartbeat, reducing the field to 23.
Michael Jordan, fellow team owners head to federal court for hearing in antitrust fight against NASCAR
- The two teams say NASCAR gave all Cup Series teams a last-minute, take-it-or-leave-it offer in September that both 23XI and Front Row refused to sign
- In a brief comment outside court, Jordan said he didn’t think the legal battle would detract from 23XI’s effort to win the championship with Reddick
CHARLOTTE, N.C.: Retired NBA great Michael Jordan and his fellow owners of two NASCAR teams went to federal court Monday for a hearing in their antitrust fight against the stock car series over what they say is an unfair business model.
23XI Racing, which is owned by Jordan and three-time Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin, and Front Row Motorsports, owned by restaurant entrepreneur Bob Jenkins, sued NASCAR and chairman Jim France in October after months of tense negotiations over NASCAR’s charter system, which is essentially a franchise model that includes revenue sharing.
The two teams say NASCAR gave all Cup Series teams a last-minute, take-it-or-leave-it offer in September that both 23XI and Front Row refused to sign. The owners contend the charter system limits competition by unfairly binding teams to the series, its tracks and its suppliers, and they called the France family and NASCAR “monopolistic bullies.”
The two teams are represented by Jeffrey Kessler, the top antitrust lawyer in the country, who argued repeatedly they are only asking for a temporary injunction that allows them to compete without the clause that would prevent their ongoing lawsuit.
He said NASCAR has since rescinded the charter agreements offered to 23XI and FRM in September.
“We do not challenge the entire charter agreement. We want a return to status quo,” Kessler said. “We are not seeking a seven-to-14-year argument. Let us operate under the terms they offered for the duration of the (court) case and race under the charter terms for the duration of the case.”
Kessler said NASCAR is fighting the injunction because NASCAR does not believe it has a winnable case.
The fight is playing out as NASCAR heads into its championship weekend, with the title-deciding race set for Sunday in Phoenix with 23XI Racing’s Tyler Reddick among the four drivers who can win.
After a hearing that lasted nearly two hours, US District Judge Frank D. Whitney said he’d have a decision on 23XI and FRM’s request for a preliminary injunction to be recognized in 2025 as chartered teams by Friday — when cars hit the track in Phoenix to begin preparations for the title-deciding race.
Jordan listened to Kessler’s arguments from the front row of the gallery, and he leaned forward intently for the entirety of NASCAR’s case before the court.
In a brief comment outside court, Jordan said he didn’t think the legal battle would detract from 23XI’s effort to win the championship with Reddick.
“No, I’ve been in situations of disparity. I think the race team is going to focus on what they have to do this weekend, which I expect them to do,” Jordan said. “I think Jeffrey did an unbelievable job today, and I think I put all my cards on the table. I’m looking forward to winning a championship this weekend.”
At issue before the court is 23XI and FRM’s request to be released from a clause in NASCAR’s agreement that prohibits teams from suing the sanctioning body. Both teams have said they will operate as “open” teams in 2025 if they don’t receive the injunction, but even that agreement prevents them from suing NASCAR.
Also, an “open” team is not guaranteed a spot in the weekly 40-car field, does not receive the same amount of revenue as chartered teams, and its drivers and sponsors potentially could leave because they are associated with unprotected chartered teams.
The charter system began in 2016 and has now twice been extended, with the deals signed by 13 organizations set to run from 2025 through 2031.
Christopher Yates, of Latham & Watkins LLP, represented NASCAR and France. He said the teams have plenty of options outside of NASCAR.
“Mr. Jordan had a choice: They could invest in NASCAR, IndyCar, buy another NBA team,” Yates said, “but they chose to invest in NASCAR.”
Yates also disputed the notion that the 13 teams who signed the charter agreements 48 hours before the playoffs began in September did so under coercion, but he used slides that cherry-picked quotes that left out the parts where owners admitted to reporters that NASCAR threatened to kill the entire charter process if it did not receive signed agreements within a very short time period.
“We’re talking about Roger Penske, Rick Hendrick and Joe Gibbs — people who do not get pushed around,” Yates said.
Kessler called Yates’ synopsis a “complete distortion” of the facts.
Kessler also argued that the terms of the new charters potentially could put the two teams out of business, and cause Reddick to leave 23XI even if he wins the championship Sunday.
“We have a potential champion who would be free to leave and we’d never get him back,” Kessler said. “This could put these teams out of business. You can’t go to a stock car team and ask them to become a Formula 1 team.”
Whitney last week denied an expedited discovery request from 23XI and Front Row for NASCAR to produce documents prior to Monday’s preliminary injunction hearing.
“While the proposed discovery requests may help plaintiffs show a likelihood of success on the merits, they are not sufficiently narrowly tailored,” Whitney wrote.
Jordan, Hamlin and Curtis Polk of 23XI were joined by Jenkins and Front Row President Jerry Freeze for the hearing, which is crucial to how next season will proceed for the two teams.
The teams argue that NASCAR would not be harmed by the injunction because the series had planned to have 36 chartered teams and allowing them to compete as chartered teams while pursuing the lawsuit was maintaining the status quo.
NASCAR now says it plans to run 32 chartered teams and eight open cars (instead of four) in its 40-car field each week. Front Row and 23XI currently have two charters apiece that they did not sign, and both have deals with Stewart-Haas Racing to buy one charter each.
Those deals have not closed and NASCAR has indicated it won’t recognize the sales. NASCAR is alleging it is only honoring the 32 charter agreements that were signed in September.
NASCAR contends the two teams don’t meet the requirements for an injunction because they can still compete as open teams and that any damages that they suffer if they prevail in the case can be covered monetarily.
