Joaquin Niemann and Cameron Smith target more success at season-opening LIV Golf Riyadh

Joaquin Niemann and Cameron Smith target more success at season-opening LIV Golf Riyadh
Cameron Smith of Ripper GC hits his shot from the first tee during the first round of LIV Golf Jeddah 2024 in King Abdullah Economic City. (LIV Golf)
Short Url
Updated 29 January 2025
Follow

Joaquin Niemann and Cameron Smith target more success at season-opening LIV Golf Riyadh

Joaquin Niemann and Cameron Smith target more success at season-opening LIV Golf Riyadh
  • Chilean and Australian stars are ready to reignite battle in 2025 following dramatic playoff finish at Riyadh Golf Club in December

RIYADH: Torque GC captain Joaquin Niemann returns to Saudi Arabia for the 2025 LIV Golf season opener in Riyadh with fond memories of competing in the Kingdom.

The Chilean star landed the LIV Golf Jeddah title in the third event of the 2024 LIV Golf season, a month after lifting the LIV Golf Mayakoba trophy.

While the venue for the tournament in Saudi Arabia has moved to Riyadh this year, Niemann knows how to win there too. Only last month, he claimed victory at the PIF Saudi International powered by Softbank Investment Advisors at Riyadh Golf Club, the 10th and final International Series event of 2024, where he beat Cameron Smith in a dramatic playoff.

Arab News spoke to the two players in the run-up to this year’s event.

AN: Looking ahead to 2025, how are you preparing to defend your title in Saudi Arabia, and what’s your mindset going into LIV Golf’s first event in Riyadh?

JN: “I’m pretty excited. I played there for the Saudi International back in December, so we were able to see the course and what it was going to be like. I think it’s going to be similar weather, too, so I’m excited to go back. There were good crowds, so it’s going to be a fun week.”

AN: What did the victory in Riyadh at the International Series event in December signify for you, and what does it feel like to have twice won in Saudi now?

JN: “It was pretty special. I feel like it was an interesting week because I was playing great, I felt like I had a great chance and I was almost getting it done on the last couple of holes but then it got a little bit complicated, Cam was playing great. It was a good experience. I played great on those playoff holes. I struggled on a few short putts but that’s part of it. It was great.”

AN: Having claimed two titles in Saudi, you’ve built a strong connection with the region, what do you enjoy most about playing and competing in Saudi — both on and off the course?

JN: “I’ve been playing great in Saudi. I don’t know… I just like Saudi, I think.

Australia’s Cameron Smith, meanwhile, returns to Riyadh Golf Club determined to go one better after his near miss at the event in December. The 2022 Open Champion led Ripper GC to Team Championship glory last season and is seeking a strong start to their title defense.

AN: Heading into LIV Golf Riyadh having finished as runner-up in the recent PIF Saudi International at Riyadh Golf Club, do you feel there’s any unfinished business to see to?

CS: “I really wasn’t expecting to finish where I finished on that last day, I had a great last day. It was such a blur, and I wasn’t expecting it. I like the golf course, it’s a golf course that lends itself well to me. There are plenty of wedges and plenty of birdie opportunities, so hopefully I can get back there and start the season off well and walk away with the trophy.”


Aubameyang scores 2 as Marseille moves on from players’ locker room fight with big win over Paris FC

Aubameyang scores 2 as Marseille moves on from players’ locker room fight with big win over Paris FC
Updated 24 August 2025
Follow

Aubameyang scores 2 as Marseille moves on from players’ locker room fight with big win over Paris FC

Aubameyang scores 2 as Marseille moves on from players’ locker room fight with big win over Paris FC
  • Victory followed Marseille's season-opening loss at Rennes, which caused teammates Adrien Rabiot and Jonathan Rowe to fight
  • Coach Roberto De Zerbi said the two players, who brawled as if in a pub fight, have been put on the club’s transfer list

MARSEILLE, France: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored twice as Marseille ended a week of turmoil with a 5-2 win over promoted Paris FC in the French league on Saturday.

Marseille could even afford a missed penalty from Mason Greenwood late on.

But the victory wasn’t a given amid the unusual buildup to the game. Marseille coach Roberto De Zerbi said Friday that teammates Adrien Rabiot and Jonathan Rowe had brawled as if in a pub fight after the team’s season-opening loss at Rennes last weekend.

Both players have been put on the club’s transfer list.

Greenwood opened the scoring Saturday with a penalty before the Aubameyang show started with a spectacular finish in the 24th minute.

Ilan Kebbal pulled one back four minutes later with a brilliant strike inside the far post and he played in Moses Simon to equalize early in the second half with a perfectly placed through ball.

Aubameyang restored Marseille’s lead after a gift from the Paris defense, Pierre-Emile Höjbjerg made it 4-2 in the 81st, and impressive substitute Robinio Vaz completed the scoring in stoppage time after Greenwood missed his second opportunity from the spot. The penalty was awarded for a foul on Vaz.

Lyon wins again

Lyon eased to a 3-0 victory over Metz for its first home win of the season following its successful appeal against relegation last month.

The seven-time French champion was demoted to the second tier because of ongoing financial irregularities and debts estimated at 175 million euros ($203 million), but it appealed.

The club’s new president, Michele Kang, watched as first-half goals from Malick Fofana and Corentin Tolisso were followed in the 83rd minute by Adam Karabec’s first goal since his arrival from Sparta Prague.

There was a brief holdup in the second half as an announcement and a message on the large screen warned against offensive chants.

It’s the second win from two games for Lyon, which opened with a 1-0 win over Lens last week.

Also Saturday, Nice enjoyed a 3-1 win over Auxerre, which had goalkeeper Donovan Léon sent off before the break for bringing down Isak Jansson.

Defending champion Paris Saint-Germain defeated Angers 1-0 on Friday.

 


Viktor Gyokeres scores twice as Arsenal rout Leeds

Viktor Gyokeres scores twice as Arsenal rout Leeds
Updated 23 August 2025
Follow

Viktor Gyokeres scores twice as Arsenal rout Leeds

Viktor Gyokeres scores twice as Arsenal rout Leeds
  • Victory came at a cost for Mikel Arteta as Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard hobbled off injured

LONDON: Viktor Gyokeres scored his first two Arsenal goals as the Gunners gave Leeds a harsh lesson in the step up to the Premier League with a 5-0 win at the Emirates.

Victory came at a cost for Mikel Arteta as Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard hobbled off injured just eight days before Arsenal’s trip to Liverpool.

Arsenal edged ahead of north London rivals Tottenham at the top of the table on goal difference, as the only two sides so far with a 100 percent record from their opening two games.

Saka fired in a blistering strike from a narrow angle to double the home side’s lead after Jurrien Timber opened the scoring.

Gyokeres was signed from Sporting Lisbon as the solution to Arsenal’s need for a killer number nine.

The Swede’s ability to succeed in the Premier League has been questioned despite his prolific record of 97 goals in 102 games for Sporting.

Gyokeres made his mark with a fine individual run and finish before Timber bundled in his second from another Declan Rice corner.

Gyokeres rounded off the scoring from the penalty spot with virtually the last kick of the game.

A day of celebration for the home fans began before kick-off when new £60 million ($81 million) signing Eberechi Ezi was paraded after he turned down a move to Tottenham.

But the sight of captain Odegaard and talisman Saka leaving the field soured a routine win.

Arsenal had to rely on their threat from set-pieces to grind out a 1-0 win at Manchester United on the opening weekend of the season.

Despite a dominant start to the game, that was how the the Leeds defense was prized open.

Timber had scored just twice in 52 Arsenal appearances before Saturday.

The Dutch international doubled that tally as he firstly got his head to Rice’s inviting delivery on 34 minutes.

Odegaard then made his departure after appearing to injure his shoulder falling heavily to the turf.

Saka soon had the Emirates crowd back on their feet when he drilled Timber’s pass high past Lucas Perri with his supposedly weaker right foot.

Gyokeres had at one point been a target for Leeds during his days with Coventry in the Championship before making the move to Portugal.

Arsenal’s new £66 million signing showed the Yorkshire side what they missed as he scampered onto Riccardo Calafiori’s ball over the top and cut inside before firing in at the near post.

Saka missed nearly four months of last season with a hamstring injury.

Worryingly for Arteta, the England international was holding the back of his left leg when he was replaced on 53 minutes.

Arsenal added a fouth when Leeds failed to clear another Rice corner and Timber forced the ball over the line from close range.

Arteta could then afford the luxury of handing a Premier League debut to 15-year-old Max Dowman.

He became the second youngest ever player to play in the English top-flight after team-mate Ethan Nwaneri.

Dowman’s trickery won a penalty deep into stoppage time that Gyokeres gratefully dispatched.


Al-Ahli claim Saudi Super Cup after Ronaldo hits historic century for Al-Nassr

Al-Ahli claim Saudi Super Cup after Ronaldo hits historic century for Al-Nassr
Updated 23 August 2025
Follow

Al-Ahli claim Saudi Super Cup after Ronaldo hits historic century for Al-Nassr

Al-Ahli claim Saudi Super Cup after Ronaldo hits historic century for Al-Nassr
  • Jeddah club win penalty shootout following dramatic 2-2 draw in Hong Kong

LONDON: Asian Champions Al-Ahli claimed the Saudi Super Cup with a penalty shootout win over Al-Nassr in Hong Kong on Saturday after Cristiano Ronaldo made history by scoring his 100th goal for the Riyadh club.

The two teams drew 2-2 after 90 minutes of action, before Al-Ahli emerged victorious 5-3 on penalties.

The 40-year-old Ronaldo reached his century of goals for Al-Nassr, for whom he signed in December 2022. In doing so, he became the first player ever to reach three figures for four separate clubs after netting 450 times for Real Madrid, 145 for Manchester United and 101 for Juventus. Ronaldo is also the all-time leading international goalscorer with 138 — and counting — for Portugal.

Al-Nassr had the better of the first half but were unable to make their superiority count until they got a helping hand after 40 minutes. Ali Majrashi stopped a cross from Ayman Yahya with his hand and Ronaldo stepped up to fire the spot kick straight down the middle.

Al-Ahli were back on level terms inside added time of the first half. It was a fine strike. Enzo Millot found Franck Kessie in space on the edge of the area and the Ivorian curled a shot into the far corner for his third goal of the Super Cup.

Al-Ahli kept the momentum going for the second half and should have gone ahead with 20 minutes remaining but, somehow, Firas Al-Buraikan fired an Ivan Toney cross against the post from inside the six-yard box.

With seven minutes remaining, however, Marcelo Brozovic restored Al-Nassr’s lead with a rare goal. The Croatian dispossessed Kessie inside the area and then calmly finished into the bottom corner.

But with only a minute left on the clock, Brazilian defender Ibanez headed home a corner to take the game into a penalty shootout.

Ronaldo scored, but once his teammate Abdullah Al-Khaibari missed, it was all over as Al-Ahli ran out 5-3 winners to lift the trophy for the first time sine 2016.

Attention now turns to the Saudi Pro League season which kicks off on Thursday as Al-Nassr take on Al-Taawoun while Al-Ahli host the newly-promoted, and ambitious, Neom SC.


Esports World Cup Foundation announces new Nations Cup tournament

Esports World Cup Foundation announces new Nations Cup tournament
Updated 23 August 2025
Follow

Esports World Cup Foundation announces new Nations Cup tournament

Esports World Cup Foundation announces new Nations Cup tournament
  • First global, recurring national team competition will involve Electronic Arts, Krafton, Tencent and Ubisoft in November 2026 debut

RIYADH: The Esports World Cup Foundation today announced the Esports Nations Cup, a landmark tournament where the best esports players in the world will compete not only for professional glory with their clubs, but also for the honor of representing their countries. 

The ENC introduces national pride to the global esports stage in a recurring format and is the first event of its kind at this scale.

“Nation vs. nation competition is the ultimate expression of sport,” said Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation. “The ENC makes this a reality for esports, giving every fan a flag to rally behind and every player the pride of representing their country. It’s a stage to create heroes, inspire the next generation, and, together with our partners and stakeholders, build the national ecosystems that will accelerate the growth of esports worldwide.”

The inaugural edition will be co-developed with publishers and video game companies — Electronic Arts, Krafton, Tencent and Ubisoft. These partners bring the scale and insight essential to building a global competition for national teams that reflects the values and integrity of each game. Each will help shape their game’s national ranking systems, qualification pathways and event formats, ensuring the ENC resonates with their fans and meets the highest standards of competition.

The ENC will feature national teams from all major regions: North America, South America, Europe, MENA, Africa, Asia, and SEA & Oceania, competing in both team-based and solo-player formats. A multi-layered qualification model will balance competitiveness and inclusivity, combining global rankings, regional qualifiers and wildcard entries, including solidarity placements, to ensure a broad and representative competitive stage in every game. All players will receive guaranteed prize money, with equal placement rewards across all games, ensuring fairness for players. The Esports World Cup Foundation will work with relevant stakeholders in each region to shape how teams are formed and represented.

The ENC will be hosted every two years, providing a dependable structure for players, coaches and esports organizations, and confidence for publishers, clubs and partners to invest in long-term national team programs.

As the newest addition to the EWCF portfolio, the ENC builds on the momentum of the Esports World Cup — the world’s largest multi-title esports event — and extends its mission to a new layer of global competition. While the EWC unites the best clubs, the ENC unlocks a new frontier powered by national identity and regional representation.

The ENC will debut in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in November 2026, before moving to a rotating host model, bringing national esports teams to fans and cultures worldwide.

The Nations Cup announcement was made at the New Global Sport Conference in Riyadh, where 1,500 industry leaders convened to discuss the convergence of gaming, esports and sport.


Manchester City troubles reappear as solid Spurs go top after 2-0 win

Manchester City troubles reappear as solid Spurs go top after 2-0 win
Updated 23 August 2025
Follow

Manchester City troubles reappear as solid Spurs go top after 2-0 win

Manchester City troubles reappear as solid Spurs go top after 2-0 win
  • Brennan Johnson and Joao Palhinha struck for the Europa League winners just before half-time

MANCHESTER: Manchester City’s troubles from last season were exposed once more in a humbling 2-0 home defeat to Tottenham on Saturday that raised questions over their quest to regain the Premier League title.

Brennan Johnson and Joao Palhinha struck for the Europa League winners just before half-time as Spurs went top of the table, making it a perfect start for Thomas Frank after two league games in charge.

“Extremely proud of the players, exceptionally good performance,” said Frank.

“The mentality is the key thing. We need this mentality to win games like this.”

City’s run of four consecutive titles came to a spectacular end last season as they finished a distant third behind Liverpool and Arsenal.

A 4-0 thrashing of Wolves on the opening weekend of the campaign showed glimpses of a new-look City back to their best.

However, a series of defensive issues remain unresolved, while manager Pep Guardiola must decide on who will be his number one goalkeeper going forward after a day to forget for James Trafford.

“We missed the simple things,” lamented Guardiola.

“Of course we have to improve, but I said the same after Wolves.”

Trafford retained his place in goal despite the return to fitness of Ederson.

The Brazilian is reportedly on the verge of joining Turkish giants Galatasaray, which would free up City to make a move for out-of-favor Paris Saint-Germain ‘keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.

City’s failure to get those deals done before the final week of the transfer window came back to haunt them in a familiar tale for Guardiola’s men against Tottenham.

In the last 13 Premier League meetings between the sides, City have won just four despite several changes of management at Spurs in that time.

Frank is the latest man in the Tottenham dug out and has made a highly impressive start.

Spurs were minutes away from beating PSG in the UEFA Super Cup, before losing on penalties, and have taken maximum points from their opening two Premier League games without conceding.

City’s high line was easily exposed in an embarrassing early exit from the Club World Cup to Saudi side Al-Hilal last month and is an issue Guardiola still has to resolve.

Tottenham took the lead on 35 minutes when Mohammed Kudus fed Richarlison and he squared for Johnson to power past Trafford.

An offside flag briefly halted Spurs’ joy until a VAR review showed the slipping Ruben Dias had played Richarlison onside.

City then completely lost their composure for the period before half-time.

Trafford was fortunate to avoid being punished after rushing outside his box to block from Kudus with his arm.

But the 22-year-old then endured a moment which might cost him the chance to be Guardiola’s number one this season.

Trafford’s attempted pass to Nico Gonzalez inside his own box was intercepted by Pape Mate Sarr and even though the goalkeeper recovered to deny Richarlison, Palhinha smashed home the rebound.

Erling Haaland had the chance to reduce City’s arrears in first-half stoppage time, but headed over to sum up a tough afternoon for the Norwegian.

Spurs let a two-goal lead slip late on against PSG in Frank’s first game in charge, but rarely looked in danger of suffering a similar fate.

Haaland wasted City’s other big opportunity to gain a foothold when he overhit a pass to Rayan Cherki with just Guglielmo Vicario to beat.

But City fell to defeat with a whimper and could have been further punished on the counter-attack when Trafford made good saves to deny Dominic Solanke and Wilson Odobert in stoppage time.