Three clubs fighting relegation in SPL Roshn League’s final round

Three clubs — Al-Wehda, Al-Akhdood and Al-Orobah — will be fighting relegation during the Saudi Pro League (Roshn League) final round on Monday with matches being played simultaneously. (X/@ALAKHDOUD)
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Updated 23 May 2025
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Three clubs fighting relegation in SPL Roshn League’s final round

  • Two out of the three clubs — Al-Wehda, Al-Akhdood and Al-Orobah — will be relegated to join Al-Raed
  • Al-Wehda will stay in the league if they win or draw against Al-Ettifaq in Dammam

RIYADH: Three clubs — Al-Wehda, Al-Akhdood and Al-Orobah — will be fighting relegation during the Saudi Pro League (Roshn League) final round on Monday with matches being played simultaneously.

Two out of the three clubs will join Al-Raed, who have already been relegated to the first division. As things stand, Al-Wehda is in 15th place with 33 points, Al-Akhdood is in 16th place with 31 points and Al-Orobah is in 17th place with 30 points.

Al-Wehda will stay in the league if they win or draw against Al-Ettifaq in Dammam. A loss means they will need both Al-Akhdood and Al-Orobah to also lose or draw.

Al-Akhdood must beat Al-Khaleej and hope that Al-Wehda lose, as that would keep Al-Akhdood in the SPL for another new season.

Al-Orobah has the most difficult task. They need to beat Al-Taawoun in Al-Jouf and then hope that both Al-Wehda and Al-Akhdood lose. If that happens, Al-Orobah will move above Al-Akhdood in points and tie with Al-Wehda.

In that case, Al-Orobah would survive because they have a better head-to-head record against Al-Wehda — losing the first match 2–1 but winning the second 4–2.


Pakistan cricket team leaves for Dhaka for upcoming Bangladesh T20I series 

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Pakistan cricket team leaves for Dhaka for upcoming Bangladesh T20I series 

  • Three-match T20I series will be played in Dhaka from July 20 to 24 
  • Series follows Pakistan’s 3–0 home sweep over Bangladesh in May

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s national men’s cricket team has departed for Dhaka via Dubai to play a three-match T20 series against Bangladesh starting July 20, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced on Wednesday. 

The series will be played from July 20 to 24 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka and will take place just two months after Bangladesh toured Pakistan in May, where they were whitewashed 3–0.

The team traveled to Bangladesh in two separate groups on July 15 and July 16, the board said. The first group comprised captain Salman Ali Agha, Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Nawaz, Abrar Ahmed, Khushdil Shah, Faheem Ashraf and members of the support staff. 

“The second group of the national squad has also departed from Karachi to Dhaka via Dubai,” the PCB said in a statement.

This group comprised Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Haris, Sahibzada Farhan, Hasaan Nawaz, Sufyan Moqim, Hussain Talat, Ahmad Daniyal, Salman Mirza and members of the support staff. 

The series in Dhaka also offers an opportunity for newer players like Hassan Nawaz and spinner Moqim to gain international experience, while selectors continue testing bench strength ahead of the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup.

The Sher-e-Bangla stadium is known for its spin-friendly conditions, which could suit bowlers like Ahmed and Mohammad Nawaz.

The tour comes after Pakistan and Bangladesh agreed to mend bilateral ties last year, paving the way for renewed engagements between the two sides.

Pakistan last toured Bangladesh in November 2021 when they also won a T20I series 3–0.

Pakistan squad for Bangladesh T20Is:

Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Ahmed Daniyal, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Hassan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, and Sufyan Moqim.

Team Management:

Naveed Akram Cheema (manager), Mike Hesson (head coach), Ashley Noffke (bowling coach), Muhammad Hanif Malik (batting coach), Shane McDermott (fielding coach), Cliffe Deacon (physiotherapist), Grant Luden (strength and conditioning coach), Talha Ejaz (analyst), Syed Naeem Ahmad (media manager), Irtaza Komail (security manager), Dr. Wajid Ali Rafai (doctor), and Muhammad Ehsan (masseur).
 


Sao Paulo provides spectacular stage for the 2025 Global Champions Arabians Tour

Updated 16 July 2025
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Sao Paulo provides spectacular stage for the 2025 Global Champions Arabians Tour

  • Arabian horse heritage on show in Brazil before tour moves to Denver

SAO PAULO: The 2025 Sao Paulo edition of the Global Champions Arabians Tour came to a close on Monday evening, with Lughan, owned by Haras Paiquere, claiming the prestigious Senior Stallion Gold Championship title.

Held at the Helvetia Riding Center in Indaiatuba, the Sao Paulo stage was the third stop of the 2025 Americas Series. Over two days, the venue was transformed into an international equestrian extravaganza, welcoming more than 100 purebred Arabian horses and their handlers, as well as an audience of VIPs, horse lovers, and international guests.

With a prize purse of $270,000, the Sao Paulo stage was a key qualifier for the GCAT Americas overall ranking. Winners advanced in the race to claim part of the $1.275 million in end-of-season prize purse, allocated to the top 20 male and female horses and handlers, with an additional $50,000 bonus for the highest-scoring horse of the Americas Series. The tour continues to solidify its reputation as the most prestigious and rewarding in Arabian horse sport.

“Sao Paulo has embraced the spirit of the Global Champions Arabians Tour with energy and elegance,” said Sheikh Mohammed bin Nasser Al-Thani, deputy CEO, Global Champions Arabians Tour. “This stage celebrated more than just competition; it was a vibrant expression of culture, excellence, and unity that truly elevated the Americas Series.”

The first day of the event concluded with a live performance by Brazilian music legend Gilberto Gil, while the second day featured closing entertainment, followed by the official championship awards ceremony and a show by renowned Brazilian duo Fernando & Sorocaba.

The winning mare and stallion received a custom Sao Paulo champion blanket, vibrant yellow with tropical birds, flowers, and greenery celebrating Arabian strength and the spirit of Brazil.

The Tour’s Americas Series now moves to Stage 4 in Denver, Colorado, on August 8-9, as the journey toward the season’s grand finale in Doha, the World Arabian Horse Championship Supreme, continues.

Gold champions, Sao Paulo 2025

  • Senior stallions: Lughan HVP, owned by Haras Paiquere, Brazil
  • Senior mares: Sephora K, owned by Haras Das Paineiras, Brazil
  • Junior colts: EFC Chaheer W, owned by EFC Arabians, Joao Carlos Inserra Milan, Flavia Torres and Rodrigo Lorenzi de Castro, Brazil
  • Junior fillies: ALK Merlina TE, owned by Al-Kaisar Stud, Uruguay
  • Yearling colts: TM Emperor, owned by Akmal Stud, Saudi Arabia
  • Yearling fillies: Chiarahserondella, owned by Al-Kaisar Stud, Uruguay

2025 Dubai T100 Triathlon weekend set to be ‘bigger and better’

Updated 16 July 2025
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2025 Dubai T100 Triathlon weekend set to be ‘bigger and better’

  • Dubai Sports Council to expand 2025 Dubai T100 edition, with more amateur places in 100 km and sprint distance events up for grabs

DUBAI: The second edition of the Dubai T100 Triathlon Weekend is set to return from Nov. 13–16, 2025, and promises to be “bigger and better,” according to the Dubai Sports Council.

The event will again be held in collaboration with the Professional Triathletes Organization.

General registration is now open for amateur triathletes to take part in the 100 km race (2 km swim, 80 km bike, 18 km run) and the sprint distance (750 m swim, 20 km bike, 5 km run).

Ahmed Al-Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, a division of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism — a key partner of the event — highlighted the strategic value of the triathlon weekend, which will again be included in the annual 30 days of Dubai Fitness Challenge.

“Our continued commitment to developing sports tourism through world-class events like the Dubai T100 Triathlon aligns with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which seeks to position Dubai as a premier global destination for both business and leisure,” he said.

“After the success of the 2024 debut, we are confident that the 2025 edition will attract global attention, contribute to the local economy, and highlight Dubai’s diverse offerings to international audiences.”

Eisa Sharif, director of Sports Events at the Dubai Sports Council, revealed ambitious plans to expand the event in 2025.

“We were delighted to host the T100 Triathlon World Tour in Dubai for the first time last November. The race was a valuable addition to our growing calendar of diverse sporting events, particularly as part of the successful Dubai Fitness Challenge,” he said.

“Dubai has firmly established itself as a global hub for triathlons, offering events for men, women, professionals, and amateurs. With world-class infrastructure and local expertise, we are well-positioned to host major international competitions.”

Sharif said that the T100 had brought together the world’s top triathletes, including Olympic champions, and had crowned the first men’s and women’s T100 world champions, Belgium’s Marten Van Riel and American Taylor Knibb.

“Equally significant was the enthusiastic participation of nearly 10,000 amateur athletes across the 100 km and sprint races, as well as in the untimed 5 km music run, which welcomed participants of all ages and abilities. This community race aligned perfectly with the Dubai Fitness Challenge’s goal of encouraging 30 minutes of activity for 30 days,” he added.

“For 2025, we are working closely with the PTO to expand all three race categories. In addition, we will introduce a schools event and a corporate relay, further enhancing community engagement and reinforcing our vision of promoting healthy, active lifestyles to improve the quality of life in Dubai.”

Sam Renouf, CEO of the Professional Triathletes Organization, said: “The 2024 Dubai T100 Triathlon was a huge success, quickly becoming a bucket-list race on the new T100 World Tour. We’re thrilled to be building on that momentum by creating more opportunities for amateur athletes — and now, corporate teams — to participate in a festival-like celebration of swim, bike, and run around the Meydan Racecourse.”

The 2025 T100 Triathlon World Tour has already visited Singapore (April 5–6), San Francisco (May 31-June 1) and Vancouver (June 14-15).

Swiss Olympic star Julie Derron leads the T100 Race to Qatar rankings for the women, while Belgium’s 2024 T100 world champion Marten Van Riel tops the rankings for men. The next T100 race is in London on Aug. 9-10.


England’s Archer keen to play remaining India Tests, Ashes

Updated 16 July 2025
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England’s Archer keen to play remaining India Tests, Ashes

  • Archer: I can play the other two (against India) if they let me. I don’t want to lose this series
  • Archer made his Test comeback at Lord’s in the third Test, bowling at full tilt to claim five wickets, including three in the second innings as England clinched a 22-run victory to go 2-1 up in the five-match series

LONDON: After missing four years of Test duty due to injury, England speedster Jofra Archer is keen to make up for lost time and says he wants to play the final two Tests against India and prove he deserves a place in the squad for the Ashes series in Australia.

Archer made his Test comeback at Lord’s in the third Test, bowling at full tilt to claim five wickets, including three in the second innings as England clinched a 22-run victory to go 2-1 up in the five-match series.

England management, men’s managing director Rob Key in particular, have been careful about Archer’s workload since his recovery from elbow and back injuries but the bowler is raring to go.

“I can play the other two (against India) if they let me,” Archer told Sky Sports.

“I don’t want to lose this series. I told ‘Keysey’ I wanted to play the test summer and I wanted to play the Ashes.

“I think one tick is already there and I will do everything possible in my power to be on the plane in November.”

It was Archer’s first Test since coach Brendon ‘Baz’ McCullum and captain Ben Stokes took the helm in 2022 and implemented an exciting result-oriented approach.

Archer was happy how his reintegration into the Test squad had been handled.

“Obviously it would have been the format which would have taken the most time to come back to. So I played 50-over and T20 for the last year and a half, two years,” he said.

“The guys have played some really exciting cricket since Baz took over. I think the mentality of the team under Baz suits the way I like to play my cricket.

“I just couldn’t wait to get back and actually do it without having to be prompted to do it.”

The fourth Test against India begins on July 23 in Manchester.


Schauffele starting with blank canvas for Open defense

Updated 16 July 2025
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Schauffele starting with blank canvas for Open defense

  • The 31-year-old produced a blemish-free final-round of 65 at Royal Troon last year to win his second major title to go along with his gold medal from the Tokyo Olympics
  • With the perils of a links course’s sloping greens, cavernous bunkers, knee-deep rough and the wild weather associated with Britain’s coast, it is hardly surprising that defending the title is treacherous

PORTRUSH: Xander Schauffele is super-excited at the prospect of trying to defend his British Open title at Royal Portrush this week but says he will have to come up with a different plan to the one that took him to victory 12 months ago.

“I think a blank canvas is a great place to start. You can paint many different pictures to win a tournament. You’ve just got to do the right one,” the American told reporters on the County Antrim coast on Tuesday after practice.

The 31-year-old produced a blemish-free final-round of 65 at Royal Troon last year to win his second major title to go along with his gold medal from the Tokyo Olympics.

He was the third American in four years to win golf’s oldest major but while that experience will hold him in good stead for the days ahead, he said Portrush’s Dunluce Links will throw up a completely new test of his renowned links golf skills.

“It’s an interesting thing just because my thoughts of playing really well were at Royal Troon,” he said.

“Coming here, I feel like I’m trying to re-learn this golf course, get comfortable with certain sight lines, some blind tee shots. If I can get myself in the mix, that’s when I think I would have an advantage. That’s where my biggest edge would be.

“I can lean on experience at other points in time, but I think the most fun and the biggest advantage I would have is coming down the stretch if I can get close to that lead.”

With the perils of a links course’s sloping greens, cavernous bunkers, knee-deep rough and the wild weather associated with Britain’s coast, it is hardly surprising that defending the title is treacherous.

The last player to do so was Ireland’s Padraig Harrington in 2008 and Schauffele knows the luck of the draw and getting lucky with the weather could be vital this week.

“This week is a pretty good example of having to deal with a wave. There’s typically a good wave and a bad wave in an Open Championship,” he said. “You just keep your fingers crossed that you’re in the good wave and try and play well.

“If you’re not, fight for your life and make the cut and then try and do something on the weekend.”

For a player who grew up in San Diego, it might be surprising how he has embraced the challenge of links golf.

But he said 16-hour trips in the car with his dad as a youngster helped him learn to be creative.

“We drove up to Bandon Dunes from San Diego. It took about 16 hours. I was 13 years old,” he said. “We played three or four days in a row. I think it was just Pacific Dunes and Bandon Dunes at the time. We got the real weather. My rain gear stopped working. It was that much wind and rain.

“I had a blast. As much as it was nice to look forward to a hot shower at the end of the day, I had so much fun for some reason trying to figure out how to play golf in that weather.”

With wind and rain expected to batter Portrush at times over the next five days, he will draw on those experiences again.