Sabalenka, Zverev start Cincinnati with convincing wins

Sabalenka, Zverev start Cincinnati with convincing wins
Aryna Sabalenka plays a forehand during her match against Elisabetta Cocciaretto of Italy during Day 5 of the Cincinnati Open at the Lindner Family Tennis Center on Aug. 15, 2024 in Mason, Ohio. (AFP)
Short Url
Updated 15 August 2024
Follow

Sabalenka, Zverev start Cincinnati with convincing wins

Sabalenka, Zverev start Cincinnati with convincing wins
  • Third seed Sabalenka has now won six of seven opening matches at the American Midwest venue in the ATP and WTA tuneup for the US Open
  • “I’m happy with my level in the tough moments,” the winner said

CINCINNATI, USA: Aryna Sabalenka polished her opening-match record at the Cincinnati Masters on an overcast Thursday by defeating Italy’s Elisabetta Cocciaretto 6-3, 6-4 while men’s second seed Alexander Zverev also advanced.

Third seed Sabalenka, who missed Wimbledon and the Paris Olympics with a shoulder injury, has now won six of seven opening matches at the American Midwest venue in the ATP and WTA tuneup for the US Open.

Sabalenka advanced as rain threatened play after three days of summer sunshine, finishing on a third match point for her 15th Cincinnati victory.

“I’m happy with my level in the tough moments,” the winner said. “Elisabetta is a difficult opponent. She fought to the last point.”

Cocciaretto was treated for a left hip problem midway through the second set and was seen by the trainer for a thigh tape adjustment at changeovers.

Zverev dodged a few raindrops late in the second set before wrapping up an ATP-leading 50th match win this season.

The German, who won the title here in 2021 after losing his first six career matches at the venue, advanced to the third round 6-3, 6-2 over Karen Khachanov.

The victory in 76 minutes was a repeat of the Tokyo Olympic final won by Zverev.

Khachanov committed 26 unforced errors in defeat against a long-time rival whom he now trails 5-2.

Zverev, who confessed to feeling poorly last week in Montreal despite making the quarter-finals, said his form is now much improved.

“I felt well on court. If you feel good in training it’s easier to bring it to the match,” he said. “I just hope my form can get better. I’m happy I got the win today.”

Zverev had no explanation for his 2023 run of success, saying: “It’s just been a good year, but I’ve also had some tough losses.”

Spain’s Pablo Carreno Busta lined up as the German’s next opponent after defeating Australian Max Purcell 6-3, 6-3.

Fifth seed Hubert Hurkacz, who made a surprise comeback from July knee surgery by reaching last week’s Montreal quarter-finals, won his opening match, defeating Yoshihito Nishioka 3-6, 7-6 (7/4), 6-1.

The Pole worked for more than two hours, dropping 16 aces against his Japanese opponent and saving 17 of 19 break points.

He will bid for the quarter-finals as he faces Italian Flavio Cobolli, who advanced when compatriot Luca Darderi retired trailing 7-6 (7/4), 3-1 with apparent illness.

In the WTA draw, Elena Rybakina was thwarted in her first match since Wimbledon, going down 3-6, 7-6 (7/3), 6-4 as Canadian Leylah Fernandez saved two match points in an upset of the fourth seed.

Rybakina, who missed the Paris Games with acute bronchitis, suffered with 17 double faults — including on match points. Even 20 aces could not save her afternoon.

Elina Svitolina, a semifinalist here nine years ago, saw off Spaniard Jessica Bouzas Maneiro 6-4, 6-1 to next take on Sabalenka.

Sabalenka has won their last two matches, including a Roland Garros quarter-final in 2023 and a three-setter in Rome three months ago.

Newly minted Armenian Elina Avanesyan, who only recently changed tennis nationalities, stunned eighth seed Jelena Ostapenko with a 2-6, 6-2, 6-2 fightback.


Tunisia’s Jaouadi wins 800m freestyle gold for first major title

Tunisia’s Jaouadi wins 800m freestyle gold for first major title
Updated 30 July 2025
Follow

Tunisia’s Jaouadi wins 800m freestyle gold for first major title

Tunisia’s Jaouadi wins 800m freestyle gold for first major title
  • Tunisia’s Ahmed Jaouadi won his first major title with victory in the 800m freestyle at swimming’s world championships on Wednesday with a perfectly timed attack

SINGAPORE: Tunisia’s Ahmed Jaouadi won his first major title with victory in the 800m freestyle at swimming’s world championships on Wednesday with a perfectly timed attack.

Jaouadi made his move midway through the race in Singapore and eased away to touch the wall in 7min 36.88sec, ahead of German pair Sven Schwarz (7:39.96) and 400m champion Lukas Maertens (7:40.19).

Jaouadi, who finished fourth at last year’s Paris Olympics, clocked the third-fastest time ever.

“I didn’t really think about strategy, I was just trying to control the race and see what happens,” said the 20-year-old.

“At some point I saw that the rhythm wasn’t that fast so I decided to just go and make the move.”

Ireland’s Olympic champion Daniel Wiffen finished last in 7:58.56.

Bobby Finke, the Olympic 1,500m champion, was fourth in 7:46.42.

Jaouadi dedicated his win to fellow Tunisian Ahmed Hafnaoui, a former Olympic and world champion who received a 21-month suspension in April for three anti-doping violations.

“This one is for Hafnaoui — he’s having some hard times now,” said Jaouadi.

Australia’s Sam Short, who qualified second-fastest for the final, was forced to withdraw hours before the race with stomach trouble.

Short, the silver medallist in the 400m freestyle, is the latest swimmer to be hit by illness this week in Singapore.

The United States team said the “overwhelming majority” of their swimmers had suffered from acute gastroenteritis, while Italy’s Nicolo Martinenghi complained of feeling unwell before his 100m breaststroke final.


Wadi Khamas delights visitors with rural charm

Wadi Khamas delights visitors with rural charm
Updated 30 July 2025
Follow

Wadi Khamas delights visitors with rural charm

Wadi Khamas delights visitors with rural charm

JEDDAH: Wadi Khamas, near Al-Shifa Center in Taif governorate, is a natural oasis that combines rural beauty with cultural, tourism, and entertainment options, making it an ideal summer retreat.

Rawan Al-Shammari, a tourist from Kuwait, said that Wadi Khamas stands out among Taif’s valleys for its cafes, children’s play areas, and seating spots, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Al-Shammari added that these amenities blend rustic charm with modern features, making it a family-friendly destination.

Tourism guide Raddad Al-Talhi said Wadi Khamas is a key summer destination, attracting thousands of visitors from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf.

The valley’s pristine landscapes are suitable for tourism investment and feature stunning natural features, Al-Talhi said.

It also holds deep environmental and historical significance, having served as a passage for farmers and shepherds, and is known for its seasonal water and fertile soil, ideal for traditional agriculture.


Bayern Munich sign Luis Diaz from Liverpool

Bayern Munich sign Luis Diaz from Liverpool
Updated 30 July 2025
Follow

Bayern Munich sign Luis Diaz from Liverpool

Bayern Munich sign Luis Diaz from Liverpool
  • Bayern Munich on Wednesday completed the signing of forward Luis Diaz from Premier League champions Liverpool for a reported fee that could rise to $86.5 million

MUNICH: Bayern Munich on Wednesday completed the signing of forward Luis Diaz from Premier League champions Liverpool for a reported fee that could rise to 75 million euros ($86.5 million).

The Colombian winger, who won the Premier League, FA Cup and two League Cups during his time at Anfield, has signed a contract with the Bundesliga champions until 2029.

The fee paid for Diaz is the third-highest in Bayern’s history.

“In Luis Diaz, we have succeeded in bringing in one of the best left wingers in the Premier League,” said Bayern CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen.

“He brings real player character from Liverpool to FC Bayern — he’s won silverware with every one of his clubs to date.”

Diaz, 28, said he was “very happy” with the move to the German club.

“It means a lot to me to be part of FC Bayern,” he said. “They’re one of the biggest clubs in the world. I want to help my new team with my way of playing football and my character.

“My goal is to win every possible title, and that’s what we’ll work for every day as a team.”

Writing on social media, Diaz said he would “treasure forever” his time at Liverpool and was “leaving proud of everything we achieved together.”

Diaz made 50 appearances and scored 17 goals and laid on eight assists in all competitions last season as Arne Slot’s team clinched the English title for the 20th time.

The Colombian, who joined from Porto in January 2022, scored 13 of those 17 goals in the Premier League, finishing as Liverpool’s second-leading goalscorer behind Mohamed Salah.

Diaz was left out of Liverpool’s 4-2 friendly defeat against AC Milan in Hong Kong on Saturday as speculation mounted over his future.

Diaz’s signing gives Bayern a quality replacement for Germany forward Jamal Musiala, who has been ruled out for a “long period” after he suffered a broken leg and dislocated ankle at the recent Club World Cup.

Having made his international debut in 2018, Diaz has scored 18 goals in 64 appearances for Colombia.

Bayern needed strengthening in the forward line, after veteran Thomas Mueller left the club and Leroy Sane moved to Galatasaray.

Diaz’s transfer fee trails in club history only the 95 million euros Bayern paid for England icon Harry Kane in 2023 and the 80 million for French international Lucas Hernandez in 2019.

Diaz will train with his new teammates and coach Vincent Kompany for the first time in Munich on Wednesday.

The winger could take the field when Bayern face French side Lyon in a friendly in Munich on Saturday.


Mbappe inherits Real Madrid’s number 10 jersey after Modric exit

Mbappe inherits Real Madrid’s number 10 jersey after Modric exit
Updated 30 July 2025
Follow

Mbappe inherits Real Madrid’s number 10 jersey after Modric exit

Mbappe inherits Real Madrid’s number 10 jersey after Modric exit

Kylian Mbappe will follow Real Madrid greats Ferenc Puskas, Clarence Seedorf and Luis Figo by wearing the iconic number 10 jersey after Luka Modric’s departure to AC Milan, the LaLiga club said late on Tuesday.

The 26-year-old French forward wore the number nine shirt in his debut season after arriving from Paris St. Germain on a free transfer.

He scored 44 goals in all competitions in the 2024-25 season, though failed to lift a major trophy.

Among the other elite players to wear the number 10 shirt for Real Madrid is Gheorghe Hagi, Michael Laudrop, Robinho and Mesut Ozil.


England and India fight fatigue as gripping Test series goes to the wire

England and India fight fatigue as gripping Test series goes to the wire
Updated 30 July 2025
Follow

England and India fight fatigue as gripping Test series goes to the wire

England and India fight fatigue as gripping Test series goes to the wire
  • India can still end the series all square at 2-2 after salvaging an unlikely draw in the fourth Test at Old Trafford, keeping the hosts on the field for 143 overs in their second innings

LONDON: England and India head to the Oval for the decisive fifth and final Test of a hard-fought campaign on Thursday, with both teams battling mental and physical fatigue.

A congested schedule of five Tests in less than seven weeks has proved gruelling, especially for the fast bowlers from both teams, with every match going the distance so far.

Remarkably, India can still end the series all square at 2-2 after salvaging an unlikely draw in the fourth Test at Old Trafford, keeping the hosts on the field for 143 overs in their second innings.

Tensions spiked at the end of the game when India allowed Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar to complete their centuries after England captain Ben Stokes offered to shake hands on a draw, adding spice to the Oval Test.

Here are the key talking points ahead of the fifth Test in London.

Jasprit Bumrah’s back injury earlier this year prompted India to announce the fast bowler would only feature in three games during the current series.

The world’s top-ranked Test bowler made his third appearance on a docile pitch in Manchester and has little time to recover after bowling a gruelling 33 overs, during which he took two wickets.

But India coach Gautam Gambhir says all of his squad’s quicks are fit for the finale including Akash Deep, who took 10 wickets in Bumrah’s absence during India’s 336-run win in the second Test at Edgbaston before suffering a groin injury in the next match at Lord’s.

England must decide whether to risk express paceman Jofra Archer, who has bowled nearly 90 overs in two Tests after more than four years of injury-enforced exile.

The home team took just four wickets on a flat Old Trafford pitch during India’s battling second innings, with seamer Brydon Carse also worked hard.

Jamie Overton has been added to an England squad that already has extra pace options in Josh Tongue and Gus Atkinson.

Can England stop skipper Ben Stokes from bowling himself into the ground at the Oval?

The Old Trafford match was a personal triumph for the all-rounder, who became just the fourth England cricketer to score a hundred and take five wickets in the same Test.

Stokes has now sent down 140 overs — the most he has bowled in any series — — and is the leading wicket-taker on either side with 17 scalps.

Yet in Manchester he was in evident pain, often clutching his thigh as well as nursing a bicep injury.

With the skippercentral to England’s hopes of regaining the Ashes on their upcoming tour of Australia, concerns remain over his workload.

“Bowling, being in the field is tough work, so I am pretty sore,” said Stokes after the fourth Test. “We are going in 2-1 up but we want to put that last big performance in.”

Captaincy appears to be doing wonders for the career of previously inconsistent India batsman Shubman Gill.

The elegant 25-year-old scored his fourth century of an extraordinary debut series as skipper at Old Trafford.

He came in with the tourists in dire straits at 0-2 in their second innings, responding with a marathon 103 in 238 balls that laid the foundations for a great escape.

Gill has set a new record for the most runs scored by an India batsman in a series against England of 722, surpassing team-mate Yashasvi Jaiswal’s tally of 712 in 2023/24.

At the Oval he could eclipse Sunil Gavaskar’s all-time India series record of 774 runs, set in a four-match campaign against the West Indies in 1971.

One downside for Gill is that he will be without vice-captain and prolific runscorer Rishabh Pant, who sustained a foot fracture in Manchester.