Late penalty dents Al-Ittihad’s Saudi Pro League title hopes
League leaders struggle to break down a determined Al-Khaleej, who were denied two first-half penalty claims
Visiting Al-Itthad take lead late on but have to settle for a draw after a penalty decision finally goes the way of the home side in 96th minute
Updated 26 February 2025
John Duerden
Al-Ittihad were held to a 1-1 away draw at Al-Khaleej on Wednesday thanks to a late, late penalty that cut their lead at the top of the Saudi Pro League from seven points to five.
The results gives second-place Al-Hilal, as well as Al-Nassr and Al-Qadsiah who are a further four points back, some added hope with just 12 games of the season remaining. All three of them won on Tuesday.
Most people expected Al-Ittihad, who won the “Saudi El Classico” clash against Al-Hilal 4-1 on Saturday and have been in great form, to make it five wins out of five when they traveled to Al-Khaleej, who are 18 points behind them in ninth place.
However, it was to be a frustrating first half for the visitors. The home side sat deep, with men behind the ball, but still managed to look dangerous going forward.
For a long time, Al-Ittihad struggled to break the hosts down and things could have been even worse for the league leaders midway through the half. Al-Khaleej thought they had a penalty after 26 minutes, when Hassan Kadesh appeared to handle a cross into the area from Konstantinos Fortounis, but the referee was having none of it and the video assistant referee did not intervene. Minutes later, Al-Khaleej had another penalty appeal turned down.
Karim Benzema came close to breaking the deadlock for the visitors in first-half added time, with a low-driven free-kick. However, Ibrahim Sehic dove to make the crucial save that ensured the teams went in at the break on level terms.
The second half continued along similar lines but the Tigers began to push forward and look more dangerous. The reward for their efforts finally came with 12 minutes remaining.
Fawaz Al-Saqour, set free down the right by the in-form Moussa Diaby, made it to the byline and squared the ball across the six-yard box for Abdulrahman Al-Oboud to tap home at the far post from the closest of ranges, much to the relief of the fans who had traveled from Jeddah.
The relief turned to disappointment in the sixth minute of added time, however, when Al-Khaleej rescued a point in dramatic fashion, with Fortounis firing home from the penalty spot to the delight of the home fans in Riyadh.
Earlier, Al-Ettifaq defeated Al-Taawoun 1-0 to record a third win in four games since the departure of Steven Gerrard as head coach. A late goal from the in-form Gini Wijnaldum broke the deadlock and was enough to move the team up into seventh place in the league.
FIFA president cites ‘discussions’ for Ronaldo to play in Club World Cup
Updated 2 sec ago
Ronaldo’s Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr did not qualify for the tournament Infantino suggested that the Portugal star could switch to one of the 32 teams playing in the competition
GENEVA: FIFA president Gianni Infantino says Cristiano Ronaldo might play in the Club World Cup because of a unique transfer window.
Ronaldo’s Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr did not qualify for the tournament, but Infantino suggested that the Portugal star could switch to one of the 32 teams playing in the competition in the United States starting next month.
“Cristiano Ronaldo might play in the Club World Cup,” Infantino told online streamer IShowSpeed, whose YouTube channel has more than 39 million subscribers. “There are discussions with some clubs, so if any club are watching and are interested in hiring Ronaldo for the Club World Cup, who knows. Still a few weeks time, will be fun.”
FIFA confirmed Wednesday that last-minute transfer signings are open to all teams going to tournament, which fueled more speculation that one of them will try to sign the 40-year-old Ronaldo on a short-term deal, potentially a loan.
Such a move would be unprecedented in modern soccer though could appeal to FIFA by boosting the profile and ticket sales of an inaugural tournament being played in 11 US cities.
A transfer for Ronaldo also would reunite him and Lionel Messi in the same competition for the first time since the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Last October, FIFA invited Messi’s Inter Miami to enter the tournament in the slot that was expected to be reserved for the host nation’s champion. Inter Miami were eliminated in the MLS Cup playoffs.
Speculative reports have linked Ronaldo to the one Saudi club that qualified, Al Hilal, the Brazilian club Palmeiras and Wydad of Morocco, even though that club are currently banned by FIFA from registering new signings.
Transfers can be made from June 1-10 and again June 27-July 3 according to exceptional rules FIFA approved in October.
“The objective is to encourage clubs and players whose contracts are expiring to find an appropriate solution to facilitate the players’ participation,” FIFA said in Wednesday’s statement.
Leclerc fastest in Monaco practice as Hamilton crashes
Leclerc clocked a best lap of one minute and 10.953 seconds
Ferrari and Leclerc are hoping for a repeat of their emotional 2024 triumph
Updated 58 min 42 sec ago
AFP
MONACO: Charles Leclerc completed a hat-trick of perfect practice runs on Saturday when he topped the times for Ferrari at the Monaco Grand Prix, as Lewis Hamilton crashed into the barriers.
Leclerc, who last year became the first Monegasque winner of his home event in the Formula One era, clocked a best lap of one minute and 10.953 seconds — the only driver to dip below one minute and 11 seconds — to beat Max Verstappen by 0.280 seconds.
Ferrari and Leclerc are hoping for a repeat of their emotional 2024 triumph, but their mood was spoiled when the Monegasque’s teammate Hamilton crashed on entry to Casino Square to end the session with a red flag.
He was unhurt, but it was an uncharacteristic setback for the Briton who had looked fast and strong.
Hamilton was running in the turbulent air behind Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes and Esteban Ocon of Haas when he lost downforce and hit the barriers.
Lando Norris was third fastest for McLaren ahead of team-mate and championship leader Oscar Piastri, Hamilton and Williams’ Alex Albon.
Liam Lawson of Racing Bull was an impressive seventh ahead of Carlos Sainz in the second Williams, Yuki Tsunoda of Red Bull and Antonelli.
After a slow start the session burst into life by the halfway mark with Hamilton, Norris and Leclerc trading fastest laps before Verstappen took control.
To the delight of the local audience, Leclerc regained top spot in 1:11.179 on his softs and then went even quicker to move two-tenths clear before the session stopped for a red flag when Hamilton smacked the barriers at Massenet, damaging his right front and rear wheels.
He was unhurt and climbed clear.
“Sorry guys, I’ve hit the wall,” said Hamilton, left hoping his car could be repaired in time for qualifying later Saturday.
Liverpool’s Salah named Premier League player of the season, Gravenberch best youngster
Having also earned the award in 2017-18, Salah became only the fifth player to win it twice
The 32-year-old Egyptian is on course to win another Golden Boot
Updated 24 May 2025
Reuters
LONDON: Mohamed Salah was named the Premier League player of the season on Saturday after a stellar individual campaign as Liverpool cruised to their second Premier League title while his team mate Ryan Gravenberch was named the young player of the season.
Salah scored 28 goals and provided 18 assists to guide the Anfield club to the title, with Arne Slot’s side winning it with four games to spare.
Having also earned the award in 2017-18, Salah became only the fifth player to win it twice after Thierry Henry, Cristiano Ronaldo, Nemanja Vidic and Kevin De Bruyne.
The 32-year-old Egyptian is on course to win another Golden Boot for most goals in a season and is five strikes ahead of Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak going into the final day of the season on Sunday.
No player before has had 46 goal involvements in a 38-game season and Salah could even break the record of 47 held by Alan Shearer and Andrew Cole, who achieved the feat in a 42-game campaign, when Liverpool host Crystal Palace at Anfield.
With six more assists than any other player, Salah can become the first footballer to win the Golden Boot, Golden Playmaker and player of the season awards.
Salah also won the Football Writers’ Association men’s player of the year for the third time earlier this month.
Gravenberch became one of the first names on the team sheet under Slot, who deployed the Dutchman as a deep-lying midfielder, and the 23-year-old has become a crucial part of Liverpool’s spine, making 36 appearances this season.
His versatility to shield Liverpool’s back line has come to the fore this season while his ability to quickly initiate attacks, cutting out passing lanes and winning back possession, has made him indispensable.
No midfielder has made more interceptions this season than Gravenberch (59).
Gravenberch was also nominated for the Player of the Season award along with Virgil Van Dijk — the three Liverpool players who have clocked the most minutes in the team in the Premier League this season.
He is also the second Liverpool player to win the youngsters’ award after Trent Alexander-Arnold won it in 2019-20, the season it was introduced.
Blind tennis champion Naqi Rizvi lobbies for sport’s awareness and Paralympic inclusion
Invented in Japan by Takei Miyoshi in 1984, blind tennis is played around the world
Rizvi, who is married and works in finance, originally represented his native Pakistan
Updated 24 May 2025
AP
LONDON: Naqi Rizvi loves the “absolute freedom” he feels on the tennis court. Winning titles is fun, too.
The 34-year-old blind tennis champion is on a mission to not only raise awareness but also elevate the sport into the Paralympics.
“That would be the dream, and I’d love to be the first Paralympic champion if I can,” Rizvi said.
The London resident, fully blind from the age of 7 because of congenital glaucoma, only took up the sport a decade ago and is now the No. 1-ranked men’s player in the world for his category.
Also an avid runner, Rizvi has completed two marathons and although jogging with a guide is great, tennis offers more.
“On a tennis court, I have absolute freedom because I know where the boundaries are, no one needs to tell me which way to turn, I don’t need to have a cane or anything of this sort,” he told The Associated Press during a practice session at the National Tennis Center in southwest London.
Blind tennis champion Naqi Rizvi and his wife Zara attend a visually impaired tennis training session in London on May 20, 2025. (AP)
“It’s just the absolute sense of freedom to know that I can run comfortably, make my own decisions, and then be able to play points or rallies. It’s just incredible.”
HOW IT WORKS
The rules are basically the same as mainstream tennis just with smaller dimensions and slightly lower net. Tactile lines are taped onto the court so players like Rizvi can feel the boundaries. Depending on the level of visual impairment, you are allowed up to three bounces of the ball. The foam ball contains a bell so players can audibly track it.
“What I find interesting about blind tennis is it’s incredibly technical,” said Rizvi, who also possesses a big serve.
Blind tennis champion Naqi Rizvi serves the ball during a visually impaired tennis training session in London on May 20, 2025. (AP)
The problem-solving aspect of the sport is something Rizvi enjoys — no surprise given that he studied engineering at University College London.
“You really need to anticipate after you’ve heard the first bounce where the second and third will be,” he said. “You obviously can’t see how your opponent has hit the ball, so it’s a lot of anticipation and a lot of practice and getting used to different trajectories that the ball can take.
RAISING AWARENESS
Rizvi didn’t even know that tennis was an option until he visited Metro Blind Sport in London a decade ago. He was hooked right away.
“I can almost assure you that if you did a survey of blind and partially sighted people,” he said, “the majority of them wouldn’t have any idea because it’s not televised, it’s not in any other mainstream events, so how are people supposed to find out?”
Blind tennis champion Naqi Rizvi plays a shot during a visually impaired tennis training session in London on May 20, 2025. (AP)
The Lawn Tennis Association supports a visually impaired program that includes practice sessions at the governing body’s National Tennis Center. That’s where Jack Draper, the world No. 5 player, tried out the different levels. The LTA also runs tournaments each year and sends “Team GB” to an international competition.
Rizvi noted that there’s not much financial backing in the sport. There’s no prize money at tournaments and players often fund their own travel.
“Unless you obviously have the visibility and the money behind it, it’s really hard,” he said. “Governing bodies need to take a more active role and try and give parity to all forms of disability tennis not just the ones that have made it big like wheelchair tennis, for example.”
PARALYMPICS AND GRAND SLAM EVENTS
Rizvi, who is married and works in finance, originally represented his native Pakistan but for the past year has been part of England’s program since gaining British citizenship. He discussed his childhood — his father is Pakistani and his mother is Indian — in a TEDx Talk he gave as a student at UCL.
Invented in Japan by Takei Miyoshi in 1984, blind tennis is played around the world. Last year’s world championships in Italy were the largest to date with 117 players from 20 countries, the International Blind Tennis Association said.
Blind tennis champion Naqi Rizvi and tennis coach Lee Neale walk on court during a visually impaired tennis training session in London on May 20, 2025. (AP)
Rizvi has won several national titles, a European championship, the world championship in 2023 — as well as gold that year at the ISBA World Games. He is also the two-time defending champion of the Play Your Way to Wimbledon tournament.
The International Paralympic Committee handbook spells out that the sport or discipline must be “widely and regularly practiced” in at least 32 countries and three continents.
“I really want it to be in the Paralympics,” Rizvi said, “but I also want this to be a mainstream sport which can be part of the ATP Tour, part of Grand Slam tournaments, just like wheelchair tennis has made such amazing leaps forward. I’d love for blind tennis to be there as well because it’s definitely got the potential.
“It’s got the countries, the continents, the people, the passion behind it.”
Pacers take 2-0 lead over Knicks as Pascal Siakam scores 39 points in 114-109 victory
Myles Turner added 16 points and Tyrese Haliburton had 14 points, 11 assists and eight rebounds for the Pacers, who head home halfway to their second trip to the NBA Finals
No team has lost the first two games at home and come back to win a series in the conference finals
Updated 24 May 2025
AP
NEW YORK: Pascal Siakam scored a playoff career-high 39 points, and the Indiana Pacers beat the New York Knicks 114-109 on Friday night for a 2-0 lead in the Eastern Conference finals.
Myles Turner added 16 points and Tyrese Haliburton had 14 points, 11 assists and eight rebounds for the Pacers, who head home halfway to their second trip to the NBA Finals. They lost to the Lakers in 2000 in their only shot at the title.
Game 3 is Sunday in Indiana, though the Pacers might prefer to keep it right where it is. They have won six straight road games since falling at Milwaukee in Game 3 of the first round.
Siakam finished 15 for 23 from the field on a night nobody else on the high-scoring Pacers had more than five baskets.
“Special game,” Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said. “In the first half he was the guy that got us going and got us through some difficult stretches.”
Jalen Brunson had 36 points and 11 assists for the Knicks, who need a quick turnaround or their first appearance in the conference finals in 25 years will be a brief one. They defended much better after their crushing collapse in a 138-135 overtime loss in Game 1, but couldn’t find enough scoring to come back after a bad start to the fourth quarter.
Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns each had 20 points and seven rebounds for the Knicks, but Towns played just 28 minutes as coach Tom Thibodeau went longer with backup Mitchell Robinson, a much better defender who grabbed nine rebounds.
No team has lost the first two games at home and come back to win a series in the conference finals.
“Going into the fourth quarter it’s a tie ballgame. We’ve just got to make better plays, more winning plays,” Thibodeau said.
It was tied at 81 after three, before the Pacers opened the fourth with a 13-4 run to move ahead 94-85 on Siakam’s 3-pointer with 9:17 remaining. They would quickly push the margin back to around there every time the Knicks got any momentum, and it was 110-100 after another basket by Siakam with 2:45 to play.
The Knicks scored nine straight to make it 110-109 on Josh Hart’s basket with 14 seconds to go. Aaron Nesmith made two free throws for the Pacers, Brunson was well off on a 3-point attempt and Turner finished it out with two free throws.
The 50th playoff meeting between the rivals — the Pacers lead 28-22, all since 1993 — more closely resembled their defensive battles of the 1990s than the shootout of two nights earlier. The Knicks led that one by 14 with 2:45 to play before the Pacers caught them on Haliburton’s jumper as time expired and won it in OT.
This time, Indiana raced to a 19-9 lead, but the Knicks quickly caught them when Robinson and Deuce McBride entered and the game remained within a single-digit margin nearly the entire rest of the night.