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Saudi Olympians meet with local mayor at Paris Games training camp

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The mayor of Val-de-Reuil in Normandy met with Saudi athletes preparing to compete in the upcoming Paris Olympics at their training camp in the commune on Thursday. (Supplied/SOPC)
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Updated 18 July 2024
Arab News
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Saudi Olympians meet with local mayor at Paris Games training camp

  • Marc-Antoine Jamet spoke with pole vaulter Hussain Al-Hizam and swimmer Zaid Al-Sarraj
Updated 18 July 2024
Arab News

LONDON: The mayor of Val-de-Reuil in Normandy met with Saudi athletes preparing to compete in the upcoming Paris Olympics at their training camp in the commune on Thursday.

Marc-Antoine Jamet spoke with pole vaulter Hussain Al-Hizam and swimmer Zaid Al-Sarraj as well as the director of the Saudi team, Afnan Barnawi, and a number of camp administrators.

The mayor was joined by local children and they wished the Saudi team luck and success in their Olympic participation.

Also on Thursday, the Saudi show jumping team held a training session in the Kingdom ahead of their journey to join up with the Saudi delegation in Paris two days before the equestrian competition starts on July 27.

Topics: Olympics Olympics Paris 2024 Saudi Arabia Saudi Olympic & Paralympic Committee (SOPC)

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Local favorite Mansour ‘Tarzan’ Barnaoui to face American Archie Colgan at PFL Europe in Paris

Updated 11 sec ago
Arab News
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Local favorite Mansour ‘Tarzan’ Barnaoui to face American Archie Colgan at PFL Europe in Paris

  • Belgian sensation Patrick 'The Belgian Bomber' Habirora fights compatriot Nicolas Di Franco in a lightweight encounter
  • Taylor Lapilus scheduled to make PFL debut at the Accor Arena
Updated 11 sec ago
Arab News

LONDON: The Professional Fighters League has announced that Paris’s own Mansour “Tarzan” Barnaoui (22-6) will face the undefeated Archie “King” Colgan (11-0) in a clash of the top lightweight contenders looking to stake their claim for title opportunities.

Barnaoui’s record includes 15 submissions and six KO/TKOs, meaning he has finished all but one of his professional wins inside the distance. “Tarzan” has also never been stopped, and will enter the SmartCage on May 24 with full confidence to pick up the victory for his Parisian fans in attendance.

Colgan is a National Collegiate Athletic Association Division 1 wrestler who has not yet been beaten in MMA, establishing himself as one of the most dominant lightweights in the world. Having trained with legendary fighters Justin Gaethje and Kamaru Usman, “King” has all the tools to spoil the Paris homecoming. 

Also on the card is a domestic Belgian clash between the undefeated Patrick “The Belgian Bomber” Habirora (6-0) and Nicolas Di Franco (10-4-1) at lightweight.

Habirora’s flawless professional record and experienced amateur career has created a huge fanbase in his past two PFL outings, making his third fight a hugely anticipated affair. Di Franco is making his PFL debut two weeks after his brother Sebastien, who will compete in the PFL Europe Lightweight Tournament at PFL Europe Belfast on May 10, with the brothers out to make their mark on the promotion in 2025.

Also on the card is new PFL signing Taylor “Double Impact” Lapilus (21-4), who will make his debut in Paris, with his opponent yet to be announced.

“I have a huge opportunity at the Accor Arena on May 24 to make a statement and finish an undefeated fighter,” Barnaoui said. “I expect a tough fight from Colgan, who is an excellent opponent, but when the referee lifts my hand, the PFL will realise they have a true lightweight title contender on their hands, and I have ambitions of becoming the champion. The French crowd will bring the energy like they always do, and I will bring the fight like I always do.”

Colgan said: “Paris, I’m back and ready to show everyone why I am one of the best lightweights in the world. The French fans always bring a great atmosphere so I’m ready to put on a show at the Accor Arena and show why I am in this conversation for the title shot. We will see you Saturday May 24th inside the SmartCage.”

PFL CEO Peter Murray said: “Paris holds a special place in PFL’s heart. The French fans have made their case to be amongst the best in the world, and they tear the roof off the Accor Arena every time we bring the SmartCage, so it was a must-visit for us.

“Barnaoui hunts for the finish no matter his opponent, but Archie Colgan has never been stopped,” he added. “French fans are about to find out what happens when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object, and I know it’s going to build on the history of French MMA.

“We also know what happens when we bring Patrick Habirora to France, so the energy is going to be off the charts. He faces a tough challenge against his Belgian compatriot, so let’s see if his star continues to rise or if Nicolas Di Franco can steal the hype and make a name for himself.”

Topics: PFL Europe Mansour ‘Tarzan’ Barnaoui

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NBA and FIBA explore new European professional basketball league

Updated 4 min 24 sec ago
Arab News
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NBA and FIBA explore new European professional basketball league

  • Organizations plan additional support to develop Europe’s basketball ecosystem
Updated 4 min 24 sec ago
Arab News

UAE: The National Basketball Association and International Basketball Federation have announced they will jointly explore a new professional men’s basketball league in Europe.

The two organizations plan to continue discussions that began more than a year ago with prospective investors, teams, arena developers and commercial partners. If established, the league would bring the sport to more fans and accelerate its growth across the continent.

Under the initiative, the new league would integrate into the current European basketball landscape, with teams also participating in their respective national leagues. In addition to permanent teams, it would offer a merit-based pathway to qualification.

The NBA and FIBA would also dedicate financial support and resources to continue development of Europe’s basketball ecosystem, including club academies and the NBA and FIBA’s existing programs to develop aspiring players, coaches and referees at all levels.

The announcement was made by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and FIBA Secretary-General Andreas Zagklis following a meeting of the NBA Board of Governors in New York and a FIBA Executive Committee meeting earlier this month in Mies, Switzerland.

“The European basketball community is proud of its seven-decade history of international club competitions and the elite talent it develops,” said Zagklis.

“Yet given the sport’s popularity and the success of national team competitions, there is untapped potential in European club basketball. A new league in Europe would combine the NBA’s business acumen with the international expertise of FIBA to attract new basketball fans and investors alike, maximize club benefits, and establish synergies for the benefit of all stakeholders.”

He added: “The NBA and FIBA are uniquely positioned to build on the rich tradition of European basketball. We look forward to collaborating with FIBA to explore the creation of a new league for fans across the continent.”

Topics: NBA FIBA

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Jessica Pegula ends Alexandra Eala’s fairytale run, sets up final with Aryna Sabalenka

Updated 28 March 2025
AFP
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Jessica Pegula ends Alexandra Eala’s fairytale run, sets up final with Aryna Sabalenka

  • The 19-year-old Eala, ranked 140th in the world, had only two WTA main draw victories to her name before arriving in Miami
  • Filipina phenom proceeded to beat three Grand Slam winners in Jelena Ostapenko, Madison Keys and world number two Iga Swiatek
Updated 28 March 2025
AFP

MIAMI GARDENS, United States: Philippines sensation Alexandra Eala’s remarkable run at the Miami Open came to a brave end with a three-set loss to Jessica Pegula in the semifinals on Thursday.
In an enthralling battle over 2hrs 24mins, fourth-seeded American Pegula emerged with a 7-6 (7/3), 5-7, 6-3 win to seal a place in Saturday’s final against world number one Aryna Sabalenka.
Sabalenka blasted her way into the final with a 6-2, 6-2 demolition of Italy’s Jasmine Paolini.
The 19-year-old Eala, ranked 140th in the world, had only two WTA main draw victories to her name before arriving in Miami.
She proceeded to beat three Grand Slam winners in Jelena Ostapenko, Madison Keys and world number two Iga Swiatek.
The lowest-ranked semifinalist in the tournament’s history, Eala seriously threatened to go one step further with another accomplished and effervescent display.
The tide looked to have turned against her when Pegula broke to go 3-1 up in the second set, but Eala broke back and her fist pump and look of determination was a sign of things to come.
Eala broke Pegula three times in the set and was broken twice herself but crucially was able to hold when serving for the set at 6-5.
Both players protected their serve better in the deciding set but Eala’s forehand let her down when the American broke to go 5-3 up and she served out for a victory that brought her visible relief.
“Of course there is disappointment right after the match,” said Eala.
“But there are just so many times in tennis where you have to dig through the dirt to look for the positive and I’m just enjoying because there is so much positive around me and I don’t know how many times that happens,” she added.
Playing with a strapped thigh from the outset, Eala turned her ankle mid-way through the second set but said she had not been impacted by the injury.
“I literally gave everything I had, I’m half tape, I’m like a mummy. I did everything and I have no regrets,” she said.
“To have a week like this, the stars need to align and they did this week, and hopefully I can keep that up — that is my goal now, to keep this up,” she added.
Pegula said it had been difficult to play an opponent like Eala.
“I let her back in the match at 3-1 up (second set) and she just started ripping her balls, going for her shots and you just have to weather the storm with people like that. She competes really well,” said the American.
Sabalenka needed just 71 minutes to wrap up her win against the sixth seed Paolini.
The Belarusian, beaten in the Indian Wells final earlier this month by Mirra Andreeva, will appear in the Miami final for the first time in her career.
“I’m super happy with the level I played today. Of course super happy to be in my first Miami Open final,” said Sabalenka.
Sabalenka was never behind against Paolini. She served six aces and broke the Italian’s serve four times.
“I definitely would say that this was one of the best matches in the season so far. I don’t know. I was just so focused on myself, on the things I had to do today,” she said.
“It felt like everything was just going smoothly my way.”
Sabalenka will be keen to banish the memory of defeat in the Indian Wells final and in the Australian Open final, where she lost to Keys.
“The lessons (of those defeats) was I believe focus on myself, not on what’s going on the other side,” she said.
“I think in those finals I was more focusing on my opponents than on myself. I think I just have to bring the same attitude, the same mindset that I had today, I think I have to bring it in the finals,” she said.
“I really feel this time I’m going to do better than I did in the last two finals,” added the 26-year-old.
She is only the sixth woman to reach the finals of both stops on the American ‘Sunshine Swing’ in the same season.

Topics: tennis Jessica Pegula Alexandra Eala Aryna Sabalenka Miami Open

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Thunder set team record with 61st win as Giddey lifts Bulls over Lakers

Updated 28 March 2025
AFP
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Thunder set team record with 61st win as Giddey lifts Bulls over Lakers

  • Oklahoma City improved to a league-best 61-12 and have already clinched the Western Conference title
  • Eastern Conference leader Cleveland improved to 59-14 with a 124-116 home victory over San Antonio
Updated 28 March 2025
AFP

LOS ANGELES: NBA scoring leader Shai Gilgeous-Alexander netted a game-high 37 points to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder over Memphis 125-104 on Thursday for a team-record 61st season victory.

The host Thunder also had 20 points from Jalen Williams plus 18 points and 11 rebounds from Isaiah Hartenstein in stretching their win streak to eight games and breaking the team’s single-season win mark.

“It feels good,” said Canadian guard Luguentz Dort. “It just shows how much we’re getting better throughout all the years — and we’ve got to run through the finish line.”

The Thunder haven’t gotten past the second round of the playoffs since 2016 but they pulled away in the last seven points to turn a tied game into a lopsided triumph.

“We started getting our groove in the fourth quarter and started moving the ball, getting some steals and going up and down,” Dort said.

“Just have to go out there and compete and give everything to make it tough for them.”

Oklahoma City improved to a league-best 61-12 and have already clinched the Western Conference title while Eastern Conference leader Cleveland improved to 59-14 with a 124-116 home victory over San Antonio.

Donovan Mitchell had 25 points and 14 assists while Jarrett Allen had 29 points and 15 rebounds to spark the Cavaliers.

Australia’s Josh Giddey swished in a half-court shot at the final buzzer to give the Chicago Bulls a stunning 119-117 home victory over the Los Angeles Lakers.

On a night when Giddey had a triple-double with 25 points, 14 rebounds and 11 assists, the 22-year-old guard from Melbourne saved the best for last.

Giddey inbounded the ball to a teammate from under Chicago’s basket, took a return pass and from the far edge of the mid-court circle launched a miracle shot that went in and set off an incredible celebration where the Aussie was mobbed by teammates and all were dancing along the court.

“That’s a Bulls win,” Giddey said as he walked off the court to applause from the crowd.

Austin Reaves had put the Lakers ahead 117-116 with 3.1 seconds remaining only for Giddey to steal the show.

Coby White led Chicago with 26 points. Reaves had 30 to lead the Lakers while Luca Doncic had 25 points and 10 rebounds and LeBron James added 17 points and 12 assists.

Jaden Hardy came off the Dallas bench to score 22 points in the Mavericks’ 101-92 triumph at Orlando, spoiling a 35-point performance by the Magic’s Paolo Banchero.

Tyler Herro scored 36 points to lead Miami’s 122-112 home victory over Atlanta while Tyrese Haliburton scored 29 points to lead nine Indiana double-digit scorers in a 162-109 rout at Washington.

Turkiye’s Alperen Sengun scored 33 points and added 10 rebounds as the Houston Rockets had seven scorers in double figures in a 121-110 triumph at Utah.

Topics: Lakers Giddey bulls

Patriotic fervor the spur for Ukrainian boxing legend Usyk

Updated 28 March 2025
AFP
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Patriotic fervor the spur for Ukrainian boxing legend Usyk

  • “It is crucial to show that Ukraine is not Russia,” said Usyk, who hs been providing financial support to his country's army and civilians
  • Usyk remains unbeaten as a professional with 23 victories, including 14 stoppages
Updated 28 March 2025
AFP

PARIS: Ukraine’s boxing icon Oleksandr Usyk told AFP he will stay in the sport “a little longer” so he can provide “financial support to our army and civilians” and achieve his sporting goal of once again being undisputed heavyweight world champion.
The 38-year-old, who holds all the belts except the IBF version which belongs to Daniel Dubois, has been galvanized by the war ever since Russia invaded Ukraine in late February 2022, wreaking death and destruction on his compatriots and his homeland.
His exploits — two memorable victories over British opponent Tyson Fury plus others over Anthony Joshua and Dubois — have helped keep his beleaguered country very much in people’s minds.
In a wide-ranging interview, Usyk said his father, who fought in the Soviet Army, was the seminal influence on his career.
He says he has been inspired by “both the heroes of the past and the modern Ukrainian heroes who are now defending our homeland in the armed forces.”
“Representing Ukraine on the global sports stage, spreading the truth about the war, and providing financial support to our army and civilians — this is also a powerful motivation for me to stay in professional boxing a little longer,” he said.
“I feel great, I’m ready for any opponent and would love to take another shot at becoming the undisputed heavyweight champion again.”
Usyk says Fury is the toughest opponent he has faced “for the moment” and added that he expects the unpredictable Briton to return to boxing, although perhaps “in a different role.”
Usyk can thank his late father, also called Oleksandr, for his extraordinary resilience in brutal bouts with Fury and twice with Joshua. He remains unbeaten as a professional with 23 victories, including 14 stoppages.
Usyk senior was wounded twice fighting for the Soviet Army during their 10-year occupation of Afghanistan from 1979 to 1989.
“My father was a tough man, indeed,” said Usyk.
“He taught me iron discipline, but he also taught me to believe in myself.
“He was the first to tell me that I would become a champion — when no-one else believed it, and everyone looked at him as if he were crazy.”

His father — who Usyk recalled would have nightmares and call out the names of comrades who had died in Afghanistan — lived just long enough to see his son be crowned Olympic heavyweight champion in London in 2012.
“I inherited my fighting spirit from him, though I would never compare myself to the true warriors who are now defending Ukraine on the front lines,” he said.
“They are the real fighters, the real heroes.”
The admiration works both ways as some of those wounded in the conflict — including soldiers who had lost limbs — traveled to watch his rematch with Joshua in September 2022.
Usyk has in the past cried when talking about his father and placing the Olympic gold medal in his lifeless hand — he died just prior to his triumphant return from London.
However, after beating Fury on points in last December’s rematch in Riyadh, he dedicated his victory to his mother and “all Ukrainian mothers.”
“In Ukraine, there is probably no one who hasn’t lost someone because of the war,” he said.
“As a father, I wholeheartedly understand the pain of mothers who lose their children.
“This should not be happening in the modern world.
“That is why we must do everything possible not only to end the war but also to ensure that it never happens again.”
Usyk held up a sabre which belonged to 17th century Ukrainian leader Ivan Mazepa after his most recent win, against Fury in Riyadh in December.
“It is crucial to show that Ukraine is not Russia,” he explained. “That it is a nation with a 300-year history of resisting the Russian Empire, no matter what name it has taken in different historical periods.”
Usyk was dissuaded from taking up arms at the outset of the war, but he has been generous in dispensing his fortune.
He contributed the majority of the funds to rebuild the house of Oleksiy Dzhunkivskyi, a good friend and former teammate who was shot dead by Russian forces in Irpin, a suburb of Kyiv.
“Over the past three years, my foundation has raised millions of euros from various donors to support the military, reconstruction efforts, and humanitarian projects,” he said.
Usyk said an overall assessment of his career cannot be made until he hangs up his gloves.
“I believe it’s too soon to sum up my overall achievements,” he said.
 

Topics: Oleksandr Usyk Ukraine-Russia war

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