Dettori confirmed for Saudi Cup International Jockeys Challenge

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Frankie Dettori won the 2020 stc 1351 Turf Sprint with Dark Power. (JCSA)
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Updated 20 February 2023
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Dettori confirmed for Saudi Cup International Jockeys Challenge

  • Last year’s winner Caitlin Jones returns, while Joao Moreira and Chantal Sutherland make first trips to Saudi Arabia
  • The Italian will make his 11th seasonal appearance in Saudi Arabia, where he has ridden six winners from 72 rides, on what promises to be his final year in the saddle

RIYADH: Frankie Dettori will compete in the Saudi Cup International Jockeys Challenge (IJC) at King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Riyadh on February 24.

The Italian will make his 11th seasonal appearance in Saudi Arabia, where he has ridden six winners from 72 rides, on what promises to be his final year in the saddle.

Asked what it meant to be invited to ride in the IJC, which is held on the Friday of Saudi Cup weekend, Dettori said: “In my final year as a jockey I want to go to as many places as possible and being able to compete in the IJC at The Saudi Cup is a huge event that I’m delighted to be a part of.

“This will be one of my final chances to share a weighing room with some of the world’s greatest jockeys, and I look forward to seeing who else I’m going to come up against. Joao Moreira has been confirmed, as has last year’s winner Caitlin Jones, so the competition already looks pretty fierce!”

“I know both the dirt and the turf tracks well having ridden in Riyadh quite a lot over the years, and it’s a place I enjoy riding at as it’s very fair and the surfaces are always in great condition. It’s also a great warm-up event for the big Group races on the Saturday, and of course The Saudi Cup itself, which I’d love to win.”

Australian rider Caitlin Jones won last year’s IJC and has been invited back to defend her title.

Speaking about her experience of riding in and winning the IJC in 2022, Jones said: “It’s hard to believe it’s nearly been a year since I rode in the International Jockeys Challenge. It was extra special to ride alongside Glen Boss during his last hurrah and have him standing on the podium with me. That’s a memory I will never forget.

“I hadn’t had much experience on a dirt track, but it was a great surface to race on. You could travel wherever you were and if you were good enough you could win from anywhere. There wasn’t a lot of kickback, it’s an elite surface on every level. They’ve done a wonderful job with it.

“I couldn’t be happier to have been asked to come back and try to retain my title – it would be pretty cheeky if I managed it, wouldn’t it?! I’ll be going out there with every intention of taking it out a second time, but you need a lot of luck with the horses you get drawn. I can’t wait to be back competing in Saudi Arabia again.”

Four-time Hong Kong Champion Jockey, Joao Moreira, is another of the high-profile names to be confirmed to ride in the four-race challenge.

The Brazilian is back in his native land after leaving Hong Kong last year but is planning to ride more internationally in the coming months.

Moreira said: “I’m excited and looking forward to riding in the International Jockeys Challenge. This is a great opportunity for me to ride in a place I’ve never been before, and I wouldn’t miss a chance to ride at a different racecourse and to get that stamp on my CV.

“I’ve heard the infrastructure is good over there and I’ve no doubt that the event they are going to put on will be top-class. Whoever is there, I’m sure they are going to see some great riders doing their best and putting on a very good show.

“Frankie’s just a brilliant rider, he’s the best. Getting the chance to ride with him once again is fantastic.”

The second of the seven female riders to be confirmed is Canadian Chantal Sutherland, who has ridden over 1,200 winners, including three Grade 1s to date, and is set to take her first rides in Saudi Arabia.

Sutherland said: “It’s a huge opportunity which I’m super excited about. I’ve never been to Saudi but it’s always been on the bucket list as I love these jockey challenges. I’ve had a really good year in Florida so far and I can’t wait to head over.

“To ride against the likes of Frankie [Dettori] and Caitlin Jones is a real honor. I know Frankie well and have ridden against him plenty of times — he’s a lot of fun and the crowds always love him. Anyone of us could win it, but I’m going to give it my all – I’d love to come out on top. I was obviously very lucky to come second in the Breeders’ Cup Classic a few years ago, but if I could win the IJC it would top that.

“Racing in Saudi is getting bigger and bigger and everyone I’ve spoken to has been really positive about it. The prize money is absolutely amazing, and I’m really excited to be part of it all.”

The International Jockeys Challenge features four handicap races, each run for $400,000, with a further $100,000 prize fund for the challenge itself.

The jockeys are made up of seven international female riders, five international men and two local men with the jockeys receiving 15 percent of prize money won in each of the four races.

All races will consist of 14 runners and five reserves, with all 14 jockeys riding in each race.

Two races will be staged on dirt and two on turf, with the distances ranging from 1200m to 2100m.


Ex-Turkiye international Turan appointed Shakhtar boss

Updated 57 min 46 sec ago
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Ex-Turkiye international Turan appointed Shakhtar boss

  • Turan, 38, has signed a contract until 2027
  • “I’m proud to have joined Shakhtar,” Turan said

ISTANBUL: Ukrainian club Shakhtar Donetsk have announced former Turkiye midfielder Arda Turan as their new head coach, replacing Marino Pusic.

Turan, 38, has signed a contract until 2027 after taking unfancied Eyupspor to a sixth-place finish in the Turkish top flight.

Next season, 15-time Ukrainian champions Shakhtar will feature in the Europa League first qualifying round having won the domestic cup earlier this month.


“I’m proud to have joined Shakhtar — a great club with a rich history and great traditions,” Turan said in a Shakhtar statement.

“We are deeply motivated to win trophies — both in Ukraine and in European competitions.”

Shakhtar were forced to leave their home ground, the Donbass Arena in Donetsk, eastern Ukraine, after Russian-backed separatists seized control of the region in 2014.

Their home league games take place in the western city of Lviv.

They held their Champions League games this term in Gelsenkirchen, Germany.

Turan retired from playing in 2022 after spells with Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Galatasaray. He also won 100 caps for his country.


Top team to be crowned at ESL Saudi Challenge grand final

Esports World Cup is scheduled to return to Riyadh from July 7 through Aug. 24. supplied
Updated 28 May 2025
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Top team to be crowned at ESL Saudi Challenge grand final

RIYADH: The ESL Saudi Challenge 2025 reaches a thrilling climax this Friday at VOV Gaming in Riyadh, where Saudi Arabia’s top Overwatch 2 teams are set to battle for regional supremacy and a place on the global stage.

The high-stakes tournament will see Team Vision take on Al-Qadsiah in a best-of-five showdown, with the winner advancing to face reigning champions Twisted Minds in a best-of-seven grand final. 

With qualification for the Overwatch Champions Series and the Esports World Cup at stake, the event is being hailed as a defining moment for the Kingdom’s esports scene.

This year’s ESL Saudi Challenge is playing a crucial role in Saudi Arabia’s evolving esports ecosystem. More than just a tournament, it serves as a direct pathway to international competition while highlighting the rising caliber of local talent.

Organized by ESL FACEIT Group, the world’s leading esports and video game entertainment company, the tournament reflects the Kingdom’s broader ambitions to become a global gaming hub.

EFG was acquired in 2022 by Savvy Games Group, a wholly owned subsidiary of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, in a $1.5 billion deal aimed at accelerating the growth of esports in the region.

The ESL Saudi Challenge is a key pillar in that strategy, with EFG also serving as the main operating partner for the Esports World Cup over the next five years. The group’s involvement marks a long-term vision to build a world-class esports infrastructure in Saudi Arabia and provide new opportunities for players, fans and creators alike.

Viewers can tune in to the action live on ESL Arabia’s official channels across X, YouTube, Facebook and Instagram. As anticipation builds for Friday’s final, the event promises not only elite-level Overwatch 2 gameplay, but a powerful statement of intent from a nation rapidly becoming a leader in global esports.


UAE U-21s enjoy success at 9th Asian Jiu-Jitsu Championships

UAE U-21 National Team won a total of 22 medals at the 9th Asian Jiu-Jitsu Championship in Amman (Supplied)
Updated 28 May 2025
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UAE U-21s enjoy success at 9th Asian Jiu-Jitsu Championships

  • Team wins 10 medals on final day, making it 22 for the tournament 

AMMAN: The UAE’s U-21s notched up 10 medals in their category on the final day of the 9th Asian Jiu-Jitsu Championships, bringing the team’s total for the competition to 22.

The Emirati athletes, sponsored by Mubadala Investment Company, gave outstanding performances across the event, winning three gold, two silver and five bronze medals.

The gold medalists were Mariam Al-Ali (45kg), Rashed Mohammed Al-Shehhi (56kg) and Ammar Al-Hosani (94kg).

Silvers went to Aysha Al-Shamsi (45kg) and Alanood Al-Harbi (48kg), with Alanood Al-Hosani (57kg), Rashid Al-Haimeini (+94kg), Saeed Al-Nuaimi (62kg), Ahmad Andeez (69kg) and Fahad Al-Hammadi (77kg) taking bronze.

Several dignitaries attended the event, including Hamad Al-Matrooshi, acting charge d’affaires at the UAE Embassy in Amman, and Khaled Al-Ali and Aisha Al-Shehhi, both members of the UAE diplomatic corps.

Yousef Abdullah Al-Batran, of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation board, said: “This achievement highlights the athletes’ technical maturity and mental focus, as well as their ability to succeed against top-level competitors across Asia. Our preparation included both local and international training camps focused on tactical and physical development — something that clearly paid off during the competition.”

Rashed Mohammed Al-Shehhi, who won gold in the 56kg division, said he was delighted take such a significant victory.

“The matches were not easy, especially the final, where I faced a highly skilled and experienced opponent. I relied on tactical discipline and exploited my opponent’s flaws at vital points. With the coaches’ instruction and the rigorous preparation, we underwent, I was able to impose my style and secure the victory,” he said.

Fellow gold medalist Mariam Al-Ali added the competition and diverse techniques had been challenging.

“I experienced various technical hurdles that needed me to constantly change my plan, but I was able to transition quickly between offense and defense and employ ground control efficiently,” she said.

“The technical assistance provided by our coaches prior to and throughout the event was critical in building my confidence. This gold medal is just the beginning; my dreams are expanding, and I’ll keep working hard to reach even higher levels.”


Pakistan and Bangladesh begin three-match T20I series 

Updated 53 min 19 sec ago
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Pakistan and Bangladesh begin three-match T20I series 

  • 2009 world champions Pakistan have endured significant downturn in last 12 months, crashed out in first round of World Cup in 2024
  • Bangladesh, ranked ninth, have won just four of last 12 T20Is, lost series against lower-ranked US last year and UAE earlier this month

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan are all set to take on Bangladesh in a three-match T20I series commencing from today, Wednesday, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said in a statement. 

The second T20I will be held on Friday, May 30, while the third and final T20I of the series is scheduled on June 1.

Salman Ali Agha will lead Pakistan, while Litton Das will captain Bangladesh. All three T20Is will be played at Lahore’s Qaddafi Stadium, which will host its first T20I series after going through a complete renovation earlier this year.

“The boys are doing well as a unit. A lot of our players are coming off strong performances in the HBL PSL X, which is one of the most competitive T20 tournaments in the world. That form and momentum are something we are hoping to carry into this series,” Agha was quoted as saying in a PCB statement. 

“Bangladesh are a quality side with talented players and we are expecting a good challenge from them. I believe fans are in for some thrilling cricket over the next few days.”

Das, the Bangladesh captain, said his team was “focused and understands the challenge Pakistan poses, especially in their home conditions.”

“This series is a great opportunity for every player to step up. We are trying a few combinations in the build-up to the T20 World Cup next year and this tour is a valuable part of that process,” the PCB statement quoted Das as saying. 

The 2009 world champions Pakistan have endured a significant downturn in the last 12 months and crashed out in the first round of the World Cup in 2024.

They have won only three of their last 13 T20Is, two against minnows Zimbabwe, and slumped to eighth in the T20I rankings.

With a new head coach in New Zealand’s Mike Hesson they are looking to younger players with the World Cup in India and Sri Lanka just eight months away.

Star batsmen Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, and pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi, have all been axed.

Salman Agha will lead the side, having lost a series in New Zealand 4-1 two months ago.

Bangladesh, ranked ninth, are in the same boat.

They have won just four of their last 12 T20Is and lost series against lower-ranked United States (2024) and United Arab Emirates earlier this month.

They also have a new coach in West Indian Phil Simmons, who will be missing senior players including Tamim Iqbal, Shakib Al Hasan, Mohammad Mahmudullah and Mushfiqur Rahim, all either fully retired or from the T20Is.

Frontline fast bowlers Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman are nursing injuries while new pace sensation Nahid Rana withdrew from the tour over security fears following the cross-border conflict between India and Pakistan.

With inputs from AFP


Pacers beat Knicks to move one win shy of reaching NBA Finals

Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton drives to the hoop past New York Knicks forward Mikal Bridges (25) during the fourth qua
Updated 28 May 2025
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Pacers beat Knicks to move one win shy of reaching NBA Finals

  • Indiana, who blew a 20-point lead in a Game 3 home loss, seized a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven Eastern Conference finals with the home triumph
  • Haliburton: Guys put me in position to make plays and play my game and man, it’s a big win for us

WASHINGTON: Tyrese Haliburton delivered his second career playoff triple double to power Indiana over New York 130-121 on Tuesday, lifting the Pacers one win from the NBA Finals.

Haliburton scored 32 points, passed off 15 assists and grabbed a career-high 12 rebounds while making no turnovers over 38 minutes becoming the first player in NBA playoff history with 30-15-10 and no turnovers.

Indiana, who blew a 20-point lead in a Game 3 home loss, seized a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven Eastern Conference finals with the home triumph.

“I was just trying to be aggressive, trying to respond,” Haliburton said.

“I felt like I let the team down in game three so it was important to come out here and just make plays.

“Guys put me in position to make plays and play my game and man, it’s a big win for us.”

Game 5 is set for Thursday in New York’s Madison Square Garden.

“I’m excited about it. It’s going to be a lot of fun,” Haliburton said.

“It’s a tough environment to play in. We’ve got to be ready. Just one more game, take what we can from this and be ready for game five.”

The East winner will face either Oklahoma City or Minnesota in the NBA Finals starting June 5.

Haliburton’s father was in the arena after a month-long ban following an on-court incident with Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo earlier in the playoffs.

“Hell yeah. I’m glad pop is in the building,” Haliburton said. “It makes it that much more sweet. Had a little bit to do with it.”

Haliburton, who also had four steals, made 11-of-23 shots from the floor and 5-of-12 from three-point range.

“We tried giving him different looks,” Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau said. “We’ll look at the film. We just have to do better.”

Pascal Siakam added 30 points for the Pacers while Bennedict Mathurin scored 20 points off the bench for Indiana.

“We just wanted to come out with more energy, more urgency,” Siakam said.

“I thought we did that from the beginning. They made runs but we stuck to our game plan.”

Indiana coach Rick Carlisle praised Mathurin. “He was great. He gave us a huge lift,” he said.

Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 31 points while Karl-Anthony Towns had 24 points and 12 rebounds, O.G. Anunoby had 22 points and Mikael Bridges netted 17 points. New York gave up 17 turnovers.

“Our defense wasn’t good enough. Our defense and turnovers probably hurt us,” Thibodeau said. “The important thing is to reset. We’re not playing the series. We’re playing the game.”

Towns suffered a left knee injury defending a drive by Myles Turner with 2:10 remaining but stayed in the game.

“He was able to go back in. That was a good sign,” Thibodeau said. “We’ll see how he is after he’s evaluated.”

“I’m only thinking about the loss. I’m not thinking about that right now,” Towns said when asked about his knee.

The Pacers last made the NBA Finals in 2000 and have never won the NBA title.

The Knicks, on the brink of elimination, have not reached the NBA Finals since 1999 and their last crown was in 1973.

“You’ve got to give it your all,” Brunson said. “It’s that simple.”

Indiana led 43-35 after the first quarter as Haliburton had 15 points, six assists and five rebounds to start his no-turnover night.

“To not have any turnovers is pretty remarkable,” Carlisle said. “I know he takes great pride in it. That’s a motivating factor.”

The Pacers led 69-64 at halftime and stretched the lead to 102-91 entering the fourth quarter.

New York went on a 10-2 run to pull within 115-109, but could not catch Indiana and Obi Toppin’s three-pointer with 46 seconds remaining to establish a 126-116 Indiana lead sealed New York’s fate.