Leicester hold Roma as Feyenoord edge Marseille in Conference League semis

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Updated 29 April 2022
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Leicester hold Roma as Feyenoord edge Marseille in Conference League semis

  • Mourinho is hoping to add the new third-tier European trophy to his collection having won two Champions Leagues, a UEFA Cup and a Europa League during his managerial career

PARIS: Gianluca Mancini's second-half own goal allowed Leicester City to draw 1-1 with Jose Mourinho's Roma in the first leg of their Europa Conference League semifinal on Thursday, while Feyenoord got the better of Marseille in a five-goal thriller.

Mancini got the final touch midway through the second half as he tried to stop Ademola Lookman turning in a low ball driven into the six-yard box by Harvey Barnes.

That brought Leicester level in their first ever European semifinal after Lorenzo Pellegrini had given Roma an early lead at the King Power Stadium.

The tie, which pits Mourinho against Brendan Rodgers, his one-time protege on the coaching staff at Chelsea, is now poised ahead of next week's return in Italy.

"I thought we played ever so well, really dominated the game, and I am very pleased with the performance," Rodgers told broadcaster BT Sport.

Mourinho is hoping to add the new third-tier European trophy to his collection having won two Champions Leagues, a UEFA Cup and a Europa League during his managerial career, and Roma could not have asked for a better start.

They went ahead on the quarter-hour mark when Nicola Zalewski collected the ball on the left and powered forward before playing in captain Pellegrini to fire low past Kasper Schmeichel in the Leicester goal.

Last season's FA Cup winners, who dropped into the Conference League after going out of the Europa League in the group stage, were then dealt a blow as Timothy Castagne was forced off midway through the first half.

Lookman tested goalkeeper Rui Patricio from range just after the half-hour mark but it was the second-half introduction of Barnes that proved crucial in getting the Premier League side back on level terms.

Barnes replaced Marc Albrighton at the same time Kelechi Iheanacho was sent on for Jamie Vardy, the veteran forward making his first start since early March following his latest injury setback.

It was Barnes who drove into the box before drilling a low ball in from the left side of the area towards Nigerian international Lookman. Italian international defender Mancini ended up helping the ball over the line to make it 1-1.

Rui Patricio then tipped an Iheanacho shot around the post and Leicester — whose former striker Gary Lineker was watching from the stands — will have to find a way of winning in Rome if they are to reach the final in the Albanian capital Tirana at the end of next month.

"We played an opponent with a different culture, a different intensity and to take everything to Rome is good for us," Mourinho told BT Sport.

"I'm not saying it's easy but it's good to go home with this result. Let's go for the final. I'm not speaking about the final in Tirana, but the 'final' in Rome."

Feyenoord beat Marseille 3-2 in Rotterdam, throwing away a two-goal lead before being gifted what proved to be the winner on the night right at the start of the second half.

Colombian forward Luis Sinisterra laid the ball off for Cyriel Dessers to open the scoring for the Dutch side in the 18th minute, and Sinisterra doubled their lead just two minutes later, sweeping home from a Reiss Nelson assist with his shot deflecting in off Valentin Rongier.

In a remarkable game between two former European Cup winners, Marseille pulled a goal back in the 28th minute when Cedric Bakambu played a ball into the path of Bamba Dieng and the Senegal striker smashed in a shot from just outside the area.

The French visitors were level five minutes before half-time when Matteo Guendouzi's low cross into the box from the right was turned out by Feyenoord goalkeeper Ofir Marciano and Brazil midfielder Gerson arrived to smash in the loose ball.

Yet, in a raucous atmosphere at De Kuip, Feyenoord went back in front just 11 seconds into the second half as Duje Caleta-Car's short backpass was intercepted by Dessers and the Belgian-born Nigerian international snapped up the chance.

Marseille must now overturn the deficit when the teams meet again at the Velodrome next Thursday.


Racing returns to King Khalid Racecourse in Taif

Updated 24 July 2025
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Racing returns to King Khalid Racecourse in Taif

  • Muqtahem, Honky Tonk Man feature in action
  • Highlights of season include September’s Group 3 King Faisal bin Abdulaziz Cup

TAIF: Racing returns to Saudi Arabia this week with race days on Friday and Saturday as the Taif Summer Racing Season gets underway at King Khalid Racecourse.

Top quality horses have been declared, including Muqtahem and Honky Tonk Man, and the competitors include a number last seen flying the Saudi flag on Saudi Cup weekend.

The JCSA Almaseef Cup takes center stage on Friday and 24 hours later the Taif Flower Festival Cup Prep meeting is held.

Over the coming weeks there will be 160 opportunities for Thoroughbreds and 40 for Purebred Arabians and a schedule packed full of compelling action from 29 Championship Cups.

Highlights of the season include September’s Group 3 King Faisal bin Abdulaziz Cup and the Listed Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Cup, both carrying a purse of SR1 million and open to Purebred Arabians.

The top Thoroughbred ranks, from 2-year-olds to older horses, will be campaigned toward the Taif Cups series as well as the Okaz Cup for older horses, carrying a purse of SR700,000, and the SR500,000 National Day Cup.

The very best juvenile contenders will work their way toward the JCSA’s 3-year-old program in Riyadh, which culminates this season on Saudi Cup weekend.

Saturday sees the 1,200-meter open featuring Group 2 Riyadh Dirt Sprint runner-up Muqtahem, trained by top Saudi handler Thamer Aldaihani, take on Honky Tonk Man, now under the care of Hadi Gharawi. Honky Tonk Man was the winner of a leg of the International Jockeys’ Challenge on the Friday of the Saudi Cup weekend.

Aeadat (KSA), another prolific winner and a daughter of Premium Tap, makes her return for trainer Ahmed Mohamoud in the Um Alqura Cup Prep as she bids to score for the eighth consecutive time. She goes up against Istita’aeh (KSA) and Aldaihani’s Pretty Flag from Ireland, winner of the Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Cup.


Barca’s Ter Stegen faces three months out after back surgery

Updated 24 July 2025
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Barca’s Ter Stegen faces three months out after back surgery

  • The Spanish champions signed Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia this summer
  • “Today is a personally difficult day for me. Physically and athletically,” said Ter Stegen

BARCELONA: Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen is set to undergo back surgery on a long-term problem and will miss three months as a result, the Germany international said on Thursday.

The Spanish champions signed Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia this summer, who is expected to become the team’s first choice, with Wojciech Szczesny as back-up.

“Today is a personally difficult day for me. Physically and athletically, I feel in very good shape, although unfortunately I am not free from pain,” said Ter Stegen on social media network Instagram.


“After intensive discussions with the FC Barcelona medical team and external experts, the quickest and safest way for me to fully recover is through back surgery.

“After my last operation on my back, I returned to the pitch after 66 days-almost two months... this time, the doctors believe about three months will be necessary as a precaution, to avoid any risks.”

Spanish media reported Barcelona were hoping to sell Ter Stegen, 33, who signed for the club in 2014, to help register new signings Garcia and Marcus Rashford.

Last summer a long-term injury to defender Andreas Christensen allowed Barcelona to use a La Liga loophole to register playmaker Dani Olmo on a temporary basis after he signed from RB Leipzig.

“Emotionally, it hurts a lot not being able to support the team during this time. Fortunately, the rehabilitation is manageable and the road back is clear,” continued Ter Stegen.

“Don’t worry — I’ll be back.”


Golf Saudi partners with Five Iron Golf to expand sport across Kingdom

Updated 24 July 2025
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Golf Saudi partners with Five Iron Golf to expand sport across Kingdom

  • First Five Iron Golf venue scheduled for 2026 on ground floor of PIF Tower in King Abdullah Financial District
  • Five Iron Golf offers simulators, professional instruction, Callaway club fittings, a global membership program, and full-service hospitality

RIYADH: Golf Saudi has announced a strategic partnership with Five Iron Golf — a global leader in immersive golf experiences — to launch a series of advanced indoor golf venues across Saudi Arabia.

The collaboration supports Golf Saudi’s mission to broaden community engagement and build a sustainable, inclusive golf ecosystem in alignment with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030’s goals for the sports sector.

The first Five Iron Golf venue is scheduled to open in Riyadh in the first quarter of 2026. Located on the ground floor of the iconic PIF Tower in the King Abdullah Financial District — one of the region’s most advanced business hubs — it is set to become one of the world’s most prominent indoor golf destinations, adding a new dimension to Saudi Arabia’s evolving sports and entertainment landscape.

Spanning approximately 1,500 sq. meters, the venue will combine Five Iron Golf’s signature mix of cutting-edge technology, vibrant hospitality, and immersive design at one of the Kingdom’s most prestigious addresses.

Founded in New York in 2017, Five Iron Golf has grown into a global brand with over 36 sites across 16 US states and five other locations — including Dubai, India, Singapore, and Australia.

The company offers simulators, professional instruction, Callaway club fittings, a global membership program, and full-service hospitality. Backed by strategic investors such as Callaway Golf and Enlightened Hospitality Investment, Five Iron is rapidly expanding through both corporate development and franchising, with over 60 locations in the pipeline.

The partnership aligns with Golf Saudi’s vision to expand the sport’s footprint across the Kingdom by introducing modern, accessible venues that appeal to all demographics — particularly youngsters and women.

Golf Saudi and Five Iron aim to deliver a comprehensive, world-class model that blends technology, hospitality, and education to welcome players of all skill levels.

Noah Alireza, CEO of Golf Saudi, said: “We’re thrilled to partner with Five Iron Golf to bring one of the world’s most dynamic and inclusive golf experiences to Saudi Arabia.

“This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to expanding participation, developing youth talent, and building year-round golf infrastructure. Together, we aim to create a vibrant, accessible golf ecosystem across the Kingdom, in line with Vision 2030.”

Jared Solomon, the co-founder and CEO of Five Iron Golf, said: “We believe Five Iron is more than just a place to hit balls — it’s a cultural experience that has helped shape the modern face of golf. We’re excited to bring our brand, energy, and commitment to inclusivity to Saudi Arabia.

“As the Kingdom builds a vibrant golf ecosystem and inspires a new generation of golfers, we’re proud to be part of this momentum and contribute to its broader success story.”

Golf Saudi and Five Iron Golf plan to expand the model to additional cities in the future, further accelerating the Kingdom’s golf development and reinforcing its regional leadership in the sport.


Seo Seoa stuns two-time champion Ouschan

Updated 24 July 2025
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Seo Seoa stuns two-time champion Ouschan

  • Seo Seoa dismantled the two-time World Champion Albin Ouschan with a dominant 9-2 victory
  • Defending champion Fedor Gorst continued his strong title defence with a 9–5 victory over Italy’s Francesco Candela

JEDDAH: Seo Seoa produced the shock of the tournament, so far, eliminating two-time World Champion Albin Ouschan to reach the last 64. As the only female competitor in the field, she now stands just one victory away from making history as the first woman ever to reach the last 32 of the event.

In collaboration with the Saudi Arabia Billiard & Snooker Federation and under the supervision of the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Sport, the 2025 World Pool Championship — the crown jewel of the World Nineball Tour — returns to the iconic Green Halls in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, from 21–26 July.

Seo Seoa dismantled the two-time World Champion Albin Ouschan with a dominant 9-2 victory — an extraordinary result that brings the Korean star within one win of making history.

Reflecting on her landmark performance, Seoa said: “I just enjoy my game so I’m not nervous and I feel my confidence is good. I really respect Albin’s game, he’s a two-time champion. But because of that respect I feel comfortable when up against him.

My goal is to break the record of the first woman player to reach the last 32 stage. I’m now only one step away.”

Defending champion Fedor Gorst continued his strong title defence with a 9–5 victory over Italy’s Francesco Candela, building momentum ahead of the single-elimination rounds. While still fine-tuning his break, the Russian looked more settled at the table.

“I think this match went better than the first one. I felt more confident at the table, and the things I worked on after the first round were definitely working during this one. The shots that gave me trouble before were much more under control now. I made a few solid decisions and shots that I was happy with.

That being said, my break still wasn’t working for me, so I’m heading to the practice room now to work on that. I’ve made it to the last 64 – single elimination starts tomorrow, races to 10. Time to reset and get ready.”

One of the day’s most anticipated matches saw a dramatic clash between former world champions Shane Van Boening and Ko Pin Yi in the last round of Losers Qualification. With both players fighting for survival, Van Boening jumped out to an early lead. Ko mounted a late comeback to make it 5-5, but the American held firm to progress by charging the next 4-racks to secure a crucial victory.

Filipino rising star AJ Manas produced one of the standout performances of the day, toppling reigning UK Open champion Aloysius Yapp to secure his place in the last 64.

“I’m very happy because not only did I win my game but I felt really comfortable now on the main TV table — not like yesterday. Aloysius made a couple of errors so I had to take my chance. But now I look forward to my next match. I know I need to stay locked in for the last 64, but I’m so excited.”

Reyes Cup teammates Johann Chua and Carlo Biado both cruised into the last 64, continuing the strong Filipino showing in Jeddah. Chua overcame Oliver Szolnoki, while Biado defeated fellow countryman Lee Vann Corteza.

Chua stated: “I’m happy to be back in the last 64 – but it’s far from over yet. I know I got to stay focused, tomorrow is going to be tough. But I am happy – and happy for the Filipinos that have made it through alongside me – Carlo Biado, one of the best players from the Philippines, to have him with me. I am proud.”

Jayson Shaw continued his smooth progress through the field with a 9–5 win over American Max Eberle, while fellow Brit Chris Melling had to fight his way through the Losers Qualification stage. After falling short to last year’s runner-up Eklent Kaci in his opening match, Melling bounced back by defeating Mohamed Al-Balkhi to stay in contention.

“I haven’t played Nineball since last year’s US Open. So coming into this event I didn’t have high expectations and I’m aware anything can happen in this event – I focus on each match one by one.

But with Kaci I felt like I played better than him at the start of the match – I only missed one shot. But I think my shot selection let me down but I like to go out firing on the table. However I’m glad I got the job done in my following match, and am happy to be back tomorrow.”

With just 64 players remaining, the World Pool Championship now enters its most demanding stage—single elimination, races to 10. The stakes are higher, the pressure is heavier, and every shot counts as the battle for the world title intensifies in Jeddah.


Farhan’s 50 lifts Pakistan to 178-7 in third Bangladesh T20I

Updated 24 July 2025
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Farhan’s 50 lifts Pakistan to 178-7 in third Bangladesh T20I

  • Sahibzada Farhan’s 41-ball 63 studded with five sixes and six boundaries
  • Bangladesh rest five main players after already winning three-match series

DHAKA: Opener Sahibzada Farhan hit a solid half century to guide Pakistan to an improved total of 178-7 in the third and final Twenty20 international against Bangladesh in Dhaka on Thursday.

Farhan’s 41-ball 63 studded with five sixes and six boundaries as well as Hasan Nawaz’s 17-ball 33 with three sixes and a boundary helped Pakistan post a challenging total after they were sent into bat.

Having already won their first-ever T20I series against Pakistan with victories in the first two matches, Bangladesh rested five of their main players including spearhead Mustafizur Rahman.

Pakistan had scored 110 and 125 in the first two matches — also in Dhaka.

Farhan, who replaced Fakhar Zaman as one of two changes for Pakistan, put on 82 for the opening stand with Saim Ayub who scored a 15-ball 21 with a six and two boundaries.

Farhan, 29, fell in the 12th over to spinner Nasum Ahmed who finished with 2-22 in his four overs. Pacer Taskin Ahmed took 3-38.

Mohammad Nawaz, who scored 16-ball 27 with two sixes and as many fours, and skipper Salman Agha made 12 to help Pakistan add 46 runs in the last five overs.