Sabalenka, Zverev in the spotlight as Australian Open begins

Sabalenka, Zverev in the spotlight as Australian Open begins
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Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus gestures during a practice session ahead of the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025. (AP)
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Updated 12 January 2025
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Sabalenka, Zverev in the spotlight as Australian Open begins

Sabalenka, Zverev in the spotlight as Australian Open begins
  • Sabalenka is aiming to become the first woman since Martina Hingis (1997-99) to win three consecutive Australian Opens
  • Germany’s Zverev, at a career-high number two ranking, has eyes on Jannik Sinner and a first Grand Slam title after losing to Carlos Alcaraz in the final at Roland Garros last year

MELBOURNE: Aryna Sabalenka will begin her quest for a historic third consecutive Australian Open crown when the first Grand Slam of the year begins on Sunday.

The Belarusian world number one headlines the evening session on the main Rod Laver Arena in a potentially tricky encounter with 2017 US Open champion Sloane Stephens at 7:00 p.m. (0800 GMT).

Men’s second seed Alexander Zverev rounds off the first night against the dangerous Lucas Pouille of France, who made the semifinals at Melbourne Park in 2019 before losing to eventual champion Novak Djokovic.

Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen of China has the honor of playing the first point of the tournament on center court when the fifth seed faces Romania’s 110th-ranked Anca Todoni at 11:30am (0030 GMT).

Sabalenka is aiming to become the first woman since Martina Hingis (1997-99) to win three consecutive Australian Opens.

If she lifts the winner’s Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup again, Sabalenka will join a select group of Margaret Court, Evonne Goolagong, Steffi Graf, Monica Seles and Hingis as the only women to complete a Melbourne three-peat.

“I know that I have the possibility of joining legends by winning three times in a row,” Sabalenka said.

“Hopefully by the end of this tournament I’ll be able to put my name into history.”

The Belarusian won the Brisbane International last week and accepts she is the woman to beat after the best season of her career in 2024, where she also won a maiden US Open.

“I like that feeling. That’s what drives me and helps me to stay motivated because I know that I have a target on my back and I really like to have it,” she said.

Germany’s Zverev, at a career-high number two ranking, has eyes on Jannik Sinner and a first Grand Slam title after losing to Carlos Alcaraz in the final at Roland Garros last year.

“I think everybody knows what I’m chasing,” he said.

“Going into a Grand Slam as the world number two, you have to have the mindset of, I want to win the tournament.”

The 22-year-old Zheng lost to Sabalenka in the Australian Open final a year ago.

But it heralded a breakthrough 2024 during which she beat Swiatek on her way to winning Paris Olympic gold and claimed three WTA titles.

Zheng believes she is closing the gap on Sabalenka, who also beat the Chinese player at the US Open and in front of her home crowd in the final at Wuhan in October.

“I think each time I play against her, the results are getting closer and closer, which is a positive thing,” said Zheng, who did not play any warm-up events before Melbourne.

“I need to have this mentality to be a better player. I’m right now top five, but still far away from my goal.”

Men’s sixth seed Casper Ruud of Norway begins his challenge against Spain’s world number 61 Jaume Munar in the second match on Rod Laver.


Jeddah set to host $1m World Pool Championship as global stars descend on Saudi Arabia

Jeddah set to host $1m World Pool Championship as global stars descend on Saudi Arabia
Updated 9 sec ago
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Jeddah set to host $1m World Pool Championship as global stars descend on Saudi Arabia

Jeddah set to host $1m World Pool Championship as global stars descend on Saudi Arabia
  • $1 million prize pool brings together 128 elite players from more than 40 countries

JEDDAH: The 2025 World Pool Championship, the most lucrative tournament in nine-ball history, is set to break new ground in Jeddah on Monday, marking the return of the sport’s flagship event to Saudi Arabia for the second consecutive year.

Being held from July 21 to 26 at the Green Hall venue, the tournament features a record-breaking $1 million prize pool and brings together 128 elite players from more than 40 countries, including powerhouses such as the US, Taiwan, Germany, the Philippines, the UK, and host nation Saudi Arabia.

Organized in partnership with the Saudi Arabian Billiard & Snooker Federation (SBSF), the Saudi Ministry of Sport and the World Nineball Tour, the event highlights the Kingdom’s growing stature in the global sporting calendar.

A press conference on Sunday officially launched the tournament, with top players and organizers expressing excitement and anticipation ahead of the opening matches.

Emily Frazer, CEO of Matchroom, unveiled the tournament’s striking new trophy and hailed Saudi Arabia’s growing role in cue sports.

“It is really an honor to be here in Saudi Arabia for the second year in a row,” she said.

“We are all super excited to get this tournament rolling tomorrow with the participation of the world’s finest players,” she added.

Nayef Aljawini, President of the SBSF, spoke of the tournament’s wider significance for sports development in the Kingdom.

“Today, we are witnessing a comprehensive renaissance in billiards and snooker, as is happening in all other sports within the Kingdom,” he said.

“The great support from the Ministry of Sports reflects our deep belief in the capabilities of our youth, and these hosting events are only the beginning of a promising future for this game and other sports.

“We look forward to warmly welcoming the very best snooker and pool players in the world to the Kingdom and taking their sports into the heart of our communities, while also giving emerging young Saudi players the chance to compete at this level for the second time at home,” he added.

Among the leading names in attendance was Fedor Gorst, the reigning world champion and current world number one.

“I am back in Jeddah to defend my title and I'm very much looking forward to competing amidst the best in the world,” he said.

Filipino star Johann Chua, winner of the Hanoi Open, said he would approach the event with positivity and calm.

“I’m really excited about it and I don’t think about the pressure at all. I’m looking forward to it and will just try and enjoy as much of it as possible.”

American legend Shane Van Boening, one of the sport’s most successful players, was equally confident.

“Yes, I am ready and looking forward to compete with other players and hope to win it this year,” he said.

Representing the host nation, Saudi rising star Khalid Al-Ghamdi expressed pride in taking part.

“We are really so excited to be part of the tournament which gathers the best in the world and we all hope to raise our level and reach good positions. Simply, we are all looking forward to be there among the best,” he said.

The competition will begin with a double elimination format, where players must win two matches in race-to-nine racks to progress. From there, the final 64 enter a single elimination phase of race-to-11 racks, culminating in Saturday’s final, a race-to-15 showdown.

Fans around the world will be able to follow the action live. Sky Sports will provide daily coverage from 7pm local time, while DAZN (USA, Spain), Vietcontent (Vietnam) and TAP (Philippines) are among several international broadcasters carrying the event.


Saudi Esports Federation launches second edition of GCC competition

Saudi Esports Federation launches second edition of GCC competition
Updated 5 min 44 sec ago
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Saudi Esports Federation launches second edition of GCC competition

Saudi Esports Federation launches second edition of GCC competition
  • Presented by Genesis, GCC Esports League features best players from Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman
  • Competition has total prize pool of SR100,000, is an official qualifier for the Street Fighter 6 tournament at Esports World Cup 2025

RIYADH: The Saudi Esports Federation is set to host the second edition of the GCC Esports League on July 21-22 at the SEF Arena in Riyadh.

The tournament gathers leading players from across the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council): The UAE, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. It is presented by the global luxury automotive brand Genesis.

Players will compete across two of the world’s leading games, EA FC 25 and Street Fighter 6, for a total prize pool of almost SR100,000 ($26,000).

Turki Al-Fawzan, CEO of the SEF, said: “We are delighted that the league is returning for its second edition following a successful and highly competitive first edition in 2024.

“We are excited to witness elite competitive gaming from leading esports athletes from across the GCC countries, and (to) experience the passion of the fans as they watch the next generation of gaming heroes stamp their authority on the competition.

“The fans in the GCC countries are known across the world for their vibrant, unwavering support for home-grown talent and their knowledge of esports.

“Once again the tournament will provide a leading platform for players in the region to elevate their skills and continue their development as part of a comprehensive sustainable gaming and esports ecosystem here in Riyadh.”

Omar Al-Zubaidi, CEO at Genesis Middle East and Africa, said: “At Genesis we are proud to support platforms that empower the next generation, whether through bold automotive innovation or the evolving world of competitive gaming.

“As presenting partner of the GCC Esports League, we are honored to celebrate the creativity, ambition, and talent of the region’s rising champions, and to play a role in fostering a future shaped by excellence across all arenas.’’

The second edition of the GCC Esports League also serves as an official qualifier for the Street Fighter 6 tournament at the Esports World Cup 2025, creating pathways for players to make significant progress in their esports careers with opportunities to compete against the world’s leading players.

The league supports the SEF’s aims to champion regional esports development and nurture talent at all levels, from amateur players to professional esports athletes, while showcasing Riyadh as one of the world’s leading hubs for esports and gaming.


Open Championship win ‘special feeling’ for dominant Scottie Scheffler

Open Championship win ‘special feeling’ for dominant Scottie Scheffler
Updated 15 min 59 sec ago
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Open Championship win ‘special feeling’ for dominant Scottie Scheffler

Open Championship win ‘special feeling’ for dominant Scottie Scheffler
  • World number one shot to the top of the leaderboard during his second round on Friday and never looked back

PORTRUSH, Northern Ireland: Scottie Scheffler said his first taste of winning the British Open was “special” after romping to his fourth major title by four shots at Royal Portrush on Sunday.

The world number one shot to the top of the leaderboard during his second round on Friday and never looked back to finish on 17 under par.

“It’s a pretty special feeling,” Scheffler told Sky Sports. “It was a battle, but played some really good golf and I’m fortunate to be standing here holding the trophy.”

Scheffler is making the extraordinary look serene as he won for the fourth time in his last 11 events.

However, lifting the Claret Jug held a greater significance for the 29-year-old after his memories of waking up early to follow the British Open across the Atlantic Ocean as a child.

“I grew up waking up early to watch this tournament on TV, just hoping and dreaming I would get the chance to come play in this championship,” added Scheffler.

“It’s pretty cool to be sitting here with the trophy. It’s hard to put into words.”

Scheffler birdied three of his first five holes to snuff out any possibility that he would not convert his four-shot overnight lead into victory.

Even an uncharacteristic misjudgment when he failed to get out of a fairway bunker at the eighth, which led to a double bogey, could derail Scheffler’s charge.

“I felt a good amount of peace today. I felt very in control of how I was playing. I was very comfortable with my game,” he added.

“Even after the little hiccup there on the eighth hole, we bounced back really quick with a birdie on nine and got things back in gear pretty quick.

“Playing this game, it’s a battle within yourself all the time to try and get the most out of your game and yourself. This week, I did a really good job of hanging in there mentally and playing some good golf.”


Al-Ain set for IMMAF Youth World Championships

Al-Ain set for IMMAF Youth World Championships
Updated 20 July 2025
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Al-Ain set for IMMAF Youth World Championships

Al-Ain set for IMMAF Youth World Championships
  • More than 1,000 athletes to compete at the event running from July 21-27 at ADNEC Centre Al-Ain

AL-AIN: The sixth edition of the IMMAF Youth World Championships it set to get underway on Monday in Al-Ain for the very first time.

Held under the patronage of Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, crown prince of Abu Dhabi and chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, the event will run from July 21-27 at ADNEC Centre Al-Ain.

More than 1,000 male and female athletes from over 60 countries will compete in what is shaping up to be the biggest edition in the championships’ history. Participants will compete across four age divisions: Youth D (10–11 years), Youth C (12–13 years), Youth B (14–15 years) and Youth A (16–17 years).

The UAE National Team enters the competition with 57 athletes, following a training camp in Phuket, Thailand, as part of their final preparations. The team is aiming for a strong showing and hopes to build on last year’s success, where they finished fourth overall and secured 12 medals.

Mohammed Al-Hosani, a member of the MMA Committee, UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mix Martial Arts Federation, said that hosting the championship in Al-Ain for the first time with a record number of participants reflects the UAE’s growing stature on the global combat sports map. He described the event as a sporting and cultural platform that promotes cross-cultural understanding and empowers youth.

“The championship serves as a launchpad for future champions and a bridge to connect nations through sports. A series of tailored experiences have also been designed for the athletes and delegations, offering them a well-rounded Emirati experience that blends hospitality, entertainment and cultural exchange.

“The UAE National Team is approaching the championship with high spirits and a strong sense of determination. We have all the confidence in athletes’ capabilities to deliver a powerful performance that highlights the progress of MMA in the country,” Al-Hosani added.


Clinical Bangladesh thump sloppy Pakistan in first T20I

Clinical Bangladesh thump sloppy Pakistan in first T20I
Updated 50 min 55 sec ago
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Clinical Bangladesh thump sloppy Pakistan in first T20I

Clinical Bangladesh thump sloppy Pakistan in first T20I
  • Taskin finished with 3-22 while Rahman grabbed 2-6 to dismiss Pakistan for their lowest total against Bangladesh in T20Is
  • Parvez smashed five sixes, three boundaries in his 39-ball 56 not out to help Bangladesh chase down the target in 15.3 overs

DHAKA: Fast bowlers Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman rocked Pakistan for 110 before opener Parvez Hossain hit an unbeaten 50 as Bangladesh won the first Twenty20 international by seven wickets in Dhaka on Sunday.

Taskin finished with 3-22 while Rahman grabbed 2-6 in his four economical overs to dismiss the visitors in 19.3 overs for Pakistan’s lowest total against Bangladesh in all T20Is.

Parvez smashed five sixes and three boundaries in his 39-ball 56 not out to help the home team chase down the target in 15.3 overs, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

Bangladesh’s Parvez Hossain Emon plays a shot during the first Twenty20 international cricket match between Bangladesh and Pakistan at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka on July 20, 2025. (AFP)

Debutant Pakistan pacer Salman Mirza (2-23) jolted Bangladesh with wickets of Tanzid Hasan (one) and Litton Das (one) but Parvez and Towhid Hridoy (36) added 73 for the third wicket to ease up the chase.

It was only Bangladesh’s fourth win over Pakistan in 23 T20Is.

For Pakistan, opener Fakhar Zaman top-scored with a 34-ball 44, which included six boundaries and a six, while Abbas Afridi scored 22 and Khushdil Shah 17.

Pakistan’s previous lowest T20I total against Bangladesh was 127-5 at the same venue in 2021.

Litton admitted batting was not easy on a slow pitch.

“It’s not an easy wicket to bat on, but the way we batted, it looked good,” said Litton. “We took early wickets and that’s the key point.”

Bangladesh’s Taskin Ahmed (center) runs out Pakistan’s Salman Mirza during the first Twenty20 international cricket match between Bangladesh and Pakistan at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka on July 20, 2025. (AFP)

Pakistan skipper Salman Agha blamed poor batting.

“It wasn’t enough on the board as we lost wickets at regular intervals which we have to talk about before the second game,” said Agha.

Sent into bat, Pakistan had a disastrous start, with half the side dismissed for 46 in the eighth over with Saim Ayub (six), Mohammad Haris (four) and Agha (three) falling cheaply.

Hasan Nawaz fell without scoring and Mohammad Nawaz made just three.

Bangladesh’s Mustafizur Rahman delivers a ball during the first Twenty20 international cricket match between Bangladesh and Pakistan at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka on July 20, 2025. (AFP)

Zaman, dropped on four and 30, added 24 for the sixth wicket before he was run out after being sent back by Khushdil Shah but was caught out of his crease.

Shah and Abbas took Pakistan past the 100-mark during their 33-run stand for the seventh wicket.

The remaining matches are on Tuesday and Thursday, also in Dhaka.