Jeddah all set for rounds 3 and 4 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship

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Rounds 3 and 4 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship will take place at the iconic Jeddah Corniche Circuit on Friday 14 and Saturday 15 February. (Supplied)
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Updated 12 February 2025
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Jeddah all set for rounds 3 and 4 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship

  • ABB FIA Formula E World Championship’s 11th season began with a thrilling opener in Brazil, followed by the 2nd round in Mexico on January 11
  • Double-header race will showcase the inclusion of Pit Boost for the first time - cars will receive a 10 percent energy increase (3.85kWh) from a quick, 30-second 600kW re-charge in the pitlane

JEDDAH: The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship is primed for its first double-header of the season in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Rounds 3 and 4 will take place at the iconic Jeddah Corniche Circuit on Friday 14 and Saturday 15 February.

Since 2018, the E-Prix, was hosted for six successful seasons in Diriyah, this year it has been shifted to the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, renowned as the fastest street circuit in the world.

This two-day event, the third in the 17-race Formula E season, represents the seventh time Saudi Arabia has hosted a Formula E World Championship race, which includes 11 global locations.

The 11th season began with a thrilling opener in Brazil, followed by the 2nd round in Mexico on January 11. The competition has already delivered intense rivalries, particularly between reigning drivers’ champion Pascal Wehrlein and the NEOM McLaren team, which currently leads the teams’ championship standings.

Round 2 winner Oliver Rowland arrived in Jeddah and will be eager to deliver another standout performance, matching his victory last month in Mexico. The Brit’s victory lifted him into second in the Drivers’ Championship.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Beside the thrilling action during the two days, the double-header race will showcase the inclusion of Pit Boost for the first time. Cars will receive a 10 percent energy increase (3.85kWh) from a quick, 30-second 600kW re-charge in the pitlane.

Hosting up to 120 young women for its FIA Girls on Track program across race week. The day-long experience includes career talks, a Pit Lane Walk, activations in the Gaming Arena and educational partner workshops on-site, led by inspirational women from within the paddock.

The program focuses on STEM education and gender inclusivity in motorsport, engaging girls from diverse communities in host cities.

 In addition, the Rookie Free Practice session debuts ahead of the event, providing global motorsport talent a chance to showcase their abilities in the latest GEN3 Evo technology. These changes highlight Formula E and the FIA’s commitment to innovation, competition, and fan engagement as the series embarks on an exciting new chapter in Jeddah.

Formula E’s philosophy is not just to race, but also it supports communities and the environment. The championship has revealed sustainability initiatives that will be implemented during the Jeddah E-Prix 2025.

These initiatives will include innovative social and environmental projects, the most important of which are the “Girls on Track” program, and the “Formula E Fund for a Better Future” to support charities, in addition to the use of renewable energy and waste management systems.

ABB FIA Formula E World Championship – standings after 2 of 16 races

Drivers’ classification

1. Antonio Felix da Costa (POR), 37 points

2. Oliver Rowland (GBR), 25 points

3. Mitch Evans (NZL), 25 points

4. Pascal Wehrlein (GER), 21 points

6. Jake Dennis (GBR), 13 points

14. Dan Ticktum (GBR), 4 points

15. Nico Müller (SUI), 2 points

22. David Beckmann (GER), 0 points

Teams’ classification

1. TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team (GER), 58 points

2. NEOM McLaren Formula E Team (GBR), 27 points

3. Jaguar TCS Racing (GBR), 25 points

7. Andretti Formula E (USA), 15 points

10. CUPRA KIRO (USA), 4 points

Manufacturers’ classification

1. Porsche, 55 points

2. Nissan, 54 points

3. Jaguar, 41 points


‘This is My City’: Fighter Abdulaziz bin Moammar eyes success in front of hometown fans in Riyadh

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‘This is My City’: Fighter Abdulaziz bin Moammar eyes success in front of hometown fans in Riyadh

  • The rising amateur star will face Hassan Ahmed of Egypt at PFL MENA 2 on July 4 at the Green Halls
  • The Saudi’s latest challenge follows a debut victory against Algerian Fares Hamdani at PFL MENA 1 in Jeddah in May

RIYADH: When Abdulaziz bin Moammar steps inside the world-famous Professional Fighters League SmartCage at PFL MENA 2 in Riyadh on July 4, it will not be just another fight for him.

The amateur standout will be competing in front of a hometown crowd for the first time and he is looking forward to the landmark experience.

“Fighting in Riyadh isn’t just another bout, it’s a responsibility,” he said of his clash with Hassan Ahmed of Egypt at the Green Halls. “This is my city, this is where I grew up, and my real fans are here.”

Bin Moammar expects to feed off the unique energy that will be generated by that hometown crowd on fight night.

“Competing in front of (local fans) gives me a different kind of energy, so there’s no room for hesitation or retreat,” he added.

A dangerous grappler with a background in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and combat sambo, the fighter used his elite ground game to emerge victorious against Fares Hamdani from Algeria at PFL MENA 1 in Jeddah in May. It marked a successful start to his amateur MMA career, and he said the debut win helped boost his confidence and determination.

“That fight in Jeddah was an important first step,” bin Moammar said. “It gave me confidence. The win sparked a deep drive in me to continue.”

With his maiden PFL win in the books he is now looking ahead to another tough test, his showdown on Friday with the dangerous Ahmed, who has a 3-1 amateur record.

Bin Moammar defeated Fares Hamdani at PFL MENA 1 in Jeddah in May. (PFL)

“Now, in Riyadh, the challenge is bigger and the expectations are higher,” bin Moammar said.

He revealed that to ensure he is at his fighting peak, he has had to make some difficult sacrifices for his training regimen.

“I’m in an intense local training camp in Riyadh, fully dedicating my time to preparation,” he said.

“It’s kept me away from my family and it hasn’t been easy, but I believe that every sacrifice I make today will pay off tomorrow. The camp is physically and mentally exhausting but I’m determined to show the best version of myself in the SmartCage.”

When the bout begins on fight night, bin Moammar guaranteed that he will be fighting backed by the strength of all the young fighters in the Kingdom with dreams of making it big one day on the global stage.

“I promise to fight with the spirit of every young Saudi who dreams of excelling in this sport,” he said. “The journey is long and going professional is no easy task but I’m ready to go all the way. Your support is my greatest weapon.”

Tickets for PFL MENA 2 are available now at webook.com.


Former runner-up Ons Jabeur retires from Wimbledon first-round match

Updated 30 June 2025
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Former runner-up Ons Jabeur retires from Wimbledon first-round match

  • Bulgarian Tomova took a tight opening set on a tiebreak and was 2-0 ahead in the second when Jabeur retired

LONDON: Twice Wimbledon runner-up Ons Jabeur’s tournament lasted only one hour and 25 minutes as the Tunisian retired in her first-round match against Viktoriya Tomova on Monday.

Bulgarian Tomova took a tight opening set on a tiebreak and was 2-0 ahead in the second when Jabeur, who reached the final in 2022 and 2023, decided she could not continue.

The 30-year-old former world number two had looked uncomfortable in fiercely hot conditions on Court 14 and needed a long medical timeout in the first set.

Jabeur, who has slipped outside the world’s top 50, suffers from asthma and experienced breathing difficulties at this year’s Australian Open.

“I wasn’t expecting not to feel good,” Jabeur said. “I have been practicing pretty well the last few days but I guess these things happen.

“I’m pretty sad, it really doesn’t really help with my confidence and what I keep pushing myself to do even though it was a very tough season for me. I hope I can feel better and see what is going to happen.”

Temperatures at Wimbledon were expected to reach 34 degrees Celsius on the opening day of the championships and the All England Club has implemented its warm weather policy.


Pakistan name Azhar Mahmood as latest red-ball head coach

Updated 30 June 2025
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Pakistan name Azhar Mahmood as latest red-ball head coach

  • Azhar Mahmood becomes fourth man to be appointed to the post in last 18 months
  • Pakistan will host South Africa in their first series of latest WTC cycle in October

KARACHI: Pakistan on Monday named former all-rounder Azhar Mahmood interim head coach of the Test side, the fourth man to take the post in the last 18 months.

The 50-year-old will remain in the position until January, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said.

As a pace bowling all-rounder Mahmood played 143 one-day internationals and 21 Tests for Pakistan, and has been serving as assistant coach since last year.

“The PCB announces Mahmood as the acting red-ball head coach of the Pakistan men’s team,” said a PCB press release.

Mahmood replaces Aaqib Javed, who was interim head coach for the Test series in South Africa in December-January and at home against the West Indies.

Javed left after Pakistan lost all four Tests and finished ninth and last in the third cycle of the World Test Championship.

Javed took over from former Australia pacer Jason Gillespie, who quit six months into his stint in December 2024 after differences with the PCB.

Before Gillespie, former Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez was team director and oversaw a 3-0 Test defeat in Australia.

Monday’s appointment is part of a series of changes the PCB has taken to improve the performances of the national team after a poor two years.

Last month, New Zealand’s Mike Hesson took over as white-ball head coach for two years.

Pakistan will host South Africa in their first series of the latest WTC cycle in October this year and then Sri Lanka in December-January.


Baniyas emerge victorious in round 4 of Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship

Updated 30 June 2025
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Baniyas emerge victorious in round 4 of Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship

  • Final day of action in Abu Dhabi concluded with Al-Jazira Jiu-Jitsu Club finishing second and Al-Ain Jiu-Jitsu Club taking third

ABU DHABI: The fourth round of the Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship concluded on Sunday at Mubadala Arena in Zayed Sports City with Baniyas Club taking first place.

The final day of action had competitions in the kids and under-12 divisions (Gi category), with final overall standings confirming Al-Jazira Jiu-Jitsu Club in second and Al-Ain Jiu-Jitsu Club taking third.

Mohamed Humaid Hamad Dalmouj Aldhaheri, board member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, said the championship “reflects the wise leadership’s vision of empowering individuals.”

“The involvement of younger age groups demonstrates the success of our long-term development plans, providing a safe, competitive, and professional environment that nurtures talent and builds a solid foundation for future national champions,” he added.

“The leadership’s continued support, including the directive of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed to double the prize pool, inspires the entire jiu-jitsu community,” he said.

“This sport promotes physical fitness, mental resilience, and values like discipline and respect — key pillars for a strong society and a sustainable, world-leading nation.”

Hamad Nasseeb Al-Ahbabi, father of young athlete Matar Al-Ahbabi, said: “Anyone who’s seen my son’s progress in jiu-jitsu understands how much this sport can transform young lives. This championship is about more than medals.

“It’s about building character, values, and confidence. The generous prize initiative from His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed is a clear sign of how much the leadership cares about motivating and supporting the nation’s youth.”

The next round is in August, as jiu-jitsu strengthens its position as one of the UAE’s leading sports.


Caitlin Clark and Napheesa Collier chosen as captains of WNBA All-Star Game by fan vote

Updated 30 June 2025
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Caitlin Clark and Napheesa Collier chosen as captains of WNBA All-Star Game by fan vote

  • Clark received 1,293,526 votes from fans, while Collier had about 100,000 fewer
  • Collier leads the league in scoring at a career-best 24.5 points and is fourth in rebounding at 8.4 per game

 

 

NEW YORK: Caitlin Clark and Napheesa Collier will captain the WNBA All-Star Game next month, the league announced Sunday.
Clark received 1,293,526 votes from fans, while Collier had about 100,000 fewer.
“It’s cool that fans get to be a part of it and have a little impact on the game,” Clark said. “It’s going to be special to do it here in this city. ... Trying to make it the best All-Star that the WNBA has ever had. It’s certainly a cool honor.”
The Indiana Fever star, who is sidelined with a groin strain, is averaging 18.2 points and a career-high 8.9 assists. She also led the fan voting last season, her rookie year, but the All-Star format was the US Olympic team playing against a select group of WNBA stars so no captains were chosen. She learned she was captain in a phone call from WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert.
Collier leads the league in scoring at a career-best 24.5 points and is fourth in rebounding at 8.4 per game. Her daughter surprised her wearing a shirt saying “Mama you’re a All-Star,” as she scooted into the locker room with former Lynx great Sylvia Fowles right behind her to let Collier know the news.
“It’s really cool,” Collier said to reporters before warming up for a game Sunday night “I went from never being a starter to captain.”
This will be her fifth All-Star appearance.
Before squaring off in Indianapolis on July 19, Clark and the Fever will face Collier and the Lynx on Tuesday in the Commissioner’s Cup final.
The 10 starters were selected from across the WNBA without regard to conference affiliation. Current players and a media panel joined fans in selecting the All-Star starters. Fans voting accounted for 50 percent, while the players vote and the media choices each account for 25 percent.
The pair will draft their fellow starters from a group that will be revealed on Monday. After the starters are announced, the league’s head coaches will choose the 13 reserves by voting for three guards, five frontcourt players and four from either position. Coaches can’t vote for players from their own teams. The 12 reserves will be revealed next Sunday.
“Obviously I’m going to try and get my teammates on my team, that’s the goal,” Clark said. “Once they come out with whoever has made it and whoever hasn’t, I’ll get to pick and choose. I don’t know how it works.”
The two All-Star captains will then draft their respective rosters by selecting first from the remaining eight players in the pool of starters and then from the pool of 12 reserves.
Clark and Collier also led the initial fan voting, with Indiana’s Aliyah Boston in third. Boston finished second last season behind Clark in the fan vote.