Australian Open: Keys upsets Swiatek and will face Sabalenka in the final

Australian Open: Keys upsets Swiatek and will face Sabalenka in the final
Madison Keys of the US celebrates beating Poland’s Iga Swiatek in their women’s singles semifinal on Day 12 of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on Thursday night. (AFP)
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Updated 24 January 2025
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Australian Open: Keys upsets Swiatek and will face Sabalenka in the final

Australian Open: Keys upsets Swiatek and will face Sabalenka in the final
  • Keys: I’m still trying to catch up to everything that’s happening
  • Sabalenka beat good friend Paula Badosa 6-4, 6-2 earlier Thursday

MELBOURNE: When Madison Keys finally finished off her 5-7, 6-1, 7-6 (10-8) upset of No. 2 Iga Swiatek in a high-intensity, high-quality Australian Open semifinal on Thursday night, saving a match point along the way, the 29-year-old American crouched on the court and placed a hand on her white hat.

She had a hard time believing it all. The comeback. What Keys called an “extra dramatic finish.” The victory over five-time Grand Slam champion Swiatek, who’d been on the most dominant run at Melbourne Park in a dozen years. And now a chance for Keys to play in her second Grand Slam final, a long wait after being the 2017 US Open runner-up.

“I’m still trying to catch up to everything that’s happening,” said the 19th-seeded Keys, who will face No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, the two-time defending champion, for the trophy Saturday. “I felt like I was just fighting to stay in it. ... It was so up and down and so many big points.”

Just to be sure, Keys asked whether Swiatek was, indeed, one point from victory, acknowledging she really had no idea. Yes, Madison, Swiatek was that close to ending things while serving at 6-5, 40-30, but missed a backhand into the net, then eventually getting broken by double-faulting, sending the contest to a first-to-10, win-by-two tiebreaker.

“I felt like I blacked out there at some point,” Keys said, “and was out there running around.”

Whatever she was doing, it worked. Keys claimed more games in the semifinal than the 14 total that Swiatek dropped in her five previous matches over the past two weeks.

“It was a matter of one or two balls,” said Swiatek, who lost in the Australian Open semifinals two years ago, too. “Madison was kind of brave.”

Sabalenka beat good friend Paula Badosa 6-4, 6-2 earlier Thursday. Sabalenka, a 26-year-old from Belarus, can become the first woman since 1999 to complete a threepeat.

“If she plays like this,” the 11th-seeded Badosa said, “I mean, we can already give her the trophy.”

Keys might have something to say about that.

Still, Sabalenka won her first major championship at Melbourne Park in 2023, and she since has added two more — in Australia a year ago and at the US Open last September.

The last woman to reach three finals in a row at the year’s first Grand Slam tournament was Serena Williams, who won two from 2015-17. Martina Hingis was the most recent woman to win three titles in a row in Melbourne, doing it from 1997-99.

“I have goosebumps. I’m so proud of myself,” said Sabalenka, whose 4-1 head-to-head record against Keys includes a win in the 2023 US Open semifinals.

Swiatek had not lost a single service game since the first round, but was broken three times by Keys in the first set alone and eight times in all.

That included each of Swiatek’s first two times serving, making clear right from the get-go this would not be her usual sort of day. And while Swiatek did eke out the opening set, she was overwhelmed in the second, trailing 5-0 before getting a game.

This was the big-hitting Keys at her very best. She turns 30 next month and, at the suggestion of her coach, former player Bjorn Fratangelo — who also happens to be her husband — decided to try a new racket this season, an effort both to help her with generating easy power but also to relieve some strain on her right shoulder.

It’s certainly paid immediate dividends. Keys is now on an 11-match winning streak, including taking the title at a tuneup event in Adelaide.

She was good enough to get through this one, which was as tight as can be down the stretch.

“At the end, I feel like we were both kind of battling some nerves. ... It just became who can get that final point and who can be a little bit better than the other one,” Keys said. “And I’m happy it was me.”

Sabalenka trailed 2-0, 40-love at the start but quickly figured things out, especially once Rod Laver Arena’s retractable roof was shut in the first set because of a drizzle. She straightened her strokes and overpowered Badosa, who eliminated No. 3 Coco Gauff to reach her first major semifinal.

“She started to be very, very aggressive,” said Badosa, who thought about retiring last year while dealing with a stress fracture in her back. “Everything was working.”

Sabalenka and Badosa did their best to avoid any eye contact for much of the evening, whether up at the net for the coin toss or when they crossed paths at changeovers.

When their match was over, they met for a lengthy hug.

During Sabalenka’s on-court interview, she joked about taking Badosa — who by then was sitting in a hallway, her head bowed — on a shopping spree to make things up to her, paying for whatever the Spaniard wants.

Told what Sabalenka said, Badosa noted: “It’s going to be something really expensive.”


6th edition of IMMAF Youth World Championships kicks off in Al-Ain

6th edition of IMMAF Youth World Championships kicks off in Al-Ain
The sixth edition of the IMMAF Youth World Championships kicked off on Monday in Al-Ain
Updated 22 July 2025
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6th edition of IMMAF Youth World Championships kicks off in Al-Ain

6th edition of IMMAF Youth World Championships kicks off in Al-Ain
  • Over 1,000 male and female athletes representing 60 countries will compete at the tournament, which runs until July 27

AL-AIN: The sixth edition of the IMMAF Youth World Championships on Monday got underway at ADNEC Centre Al-Ain and is set to feature a record participation of more than 1,000 male and female athletes representing 60 countries.

Organized by the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation and hosted by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, the championship runs until July 27. It is the first time that it has been hosted in Al-Ain.

For the first time since the championship’s inception, competitions in the Youth D category, for athletes aged 10 to 11, were held, with the UAE national team making an impressive start to the tournament.

Kerrith Brown, president of IMMAF, expressed pride in the ongoing partnership with the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation. He noted that this edition is the largest since the championship began in 2019 and serves as an ideal platform for cultural exchange and for promoting positive values among youth worldwide.

He highlighted that the UAE has become a leading model for hosting international sporting events, supported by its ambitious vision, world-class infrastructure and commitment to empowering youth in the field of sports.

Mohammed bin Dalmouj Al-Dhaheri, board member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation and chairman of the MMA Committee, said: “Hosting the championship in the Al-Ain Region for the first time reflects the international sporting community’s confidence in the UAE’s organizational capabilities. It also highlights the country’s efforts in enhancing its sports infrastructure and expanding its hosting map to cover all emirates.

“The inclusion of the Youth D category this year introduces a new dimension to the competition and aligns with a forward-thinking vision to support and nurture talent from a young age. This contributes to developing future champions, instilling a positive competitive spirit early on, and preparing a generation with the skills and mindset needed to represent the UAE on the global stage.”

Kyle Wilson, coach of the US national team, commented: “We are here with around 30 athletes. This isn’t our first time in the UAE, as we’ve competed before in a championship held in Dubai. The level of organization at this event is exceptional. Everything runs smoothly and meets the highest standards, allowing athletes and coaches to focus fully on the matches. We’ve trained hard in the lead-up and had a good performance today. We’re looking forward to tomorrow’s bouts.”


Esports World Cup 2025 delivers new milestones, rising stars in week 2

Esports World Cup 2025 delivers new milestones, rising stars in week 2
Week 2 of the 2025 Esports World Cup has concluded in Riyadh with four new champions crowned
Updated 22 July 2025
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Esports World Cup 2025 delivers new milestones, rising stars in week 2

Esports World Cup 2025 delivers new milestones, rising stars in week 2
  • 4 new champions crowned as teams compete for prize pool of $70m and Club Championship crown

RIYADH: Week two of the 2025 Esports World Cup wrapped up here with four new champions, as thousands of the world’s top players continue to battle for a share of the record $70 million prize pool and Club Championship crown.

The Club Championship leaderboard had several teams secure points across multiple games.

 

Gen.G make League of Legends history

South Korea’s Gen.G Esports captured their second international title in just over a week, defeating AG.AL 3-2 in a thrilling League of Legends grand final.

Their undefeated run through the Esports World Cup, combined with their MSI 2025 title, has extended their winning streak to 26 matches, marking one of the most dominant eras in history.

With this win, Gen.G becomes the fastest team to secure back-to-back international League of Legends titles.

 

Team Spirit dominate in Dota 2

Team Spirit emerged as the champions of the Dota 2 tournament, dropping just one game across the entire event, and dismantling Team Falcons 3-0 in the final.

“There is not really much emotion as the grand final was not that hard,” said captain Iaroslav “Miposhka” Naidenov.

 

Team Vitality perfect in MLBB Women’s Invitational

Team Vitality stormed to a flawless 4-0 victory over Gaimin Gladiators in the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Women’s Invitational, reclaiming their crown after falling short last year.

They also broke the MWI fastest match record twice, reclaiming it with a 9 minute, 36 second victory in the grand final.

Sisters Cindy “Cinnyyy” Siswanto and Michelle “Chelll” Siswanto secured their first EWC title, following a heartbreaking runner-up finish in 2024.

 

EVOS Esports triumph in Free Fire

Indonesia’s EVOS Esports dominated the Free Fire tournament with consistent performances and clutch plays.

They reached match point by Game 6 of the finals and secured the championship after a dramatic final battle against Team Vitality.

The spotlight also shined on 15-year-old phenom Rasyah “Rasyah” Rasyid, who became the youngest MVP in EWC history, earning the SONY MVP Award and $10,000 in prize money.

Other key results had Honor of Kings finalize its top eight playoff teams, with Paws Gaming, Nova Esports, and AG.AL leading the charge.

Meanwhile Saudi Arabia’s Team Falcons claimed the Overwatch Champions Series Midseason Last Chance Qualifier, defeating ZETA DIVISION to secure their place in the OWCS Midseason Championship beginning July 31.

 

Club Championship standings 

At the close of week two on July 20, Team Vitality lead the Club Championship standings, with Gen.G Esports in hot pursuit. Team Falcons and AG.AL are close behind.

With eight clubs now holding titles across different games, teams earning points in multiple disciplines are beginning to separate from the rest of the pack.


Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club accredited as world’s first hybrid show jumping arena

Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club accredited as world’s first hybrid show jumping arena
The Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club has been accredited as the world’s first hybrid showjumping arena
Updated 22 July 2025
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Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club accredited as world’s first hybrid show jumping arena

Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club accredited as world’s first hybrid show jumping arena
  • Designation allows club to organize and host both indoor and outdoor showjumping events

ABU DHABI: The Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club has been accredited as the world’s first hybrid showjumping arena by the International Equestrian Federation, allowing it to host indoor and outdoor events.

Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, vice president of the UAE, deputy prime minister, minister of the presidential court, and chairman of the ADEC has been instrumental in the advancement of equestrian sport, the organization said in a statement recently.

In addition, the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation has played a key role by organizing and promoting international championships.

Ali Al-Shaiba, director-general of the ADEC, said: “This is a proud moment; this recognition marks a historic milestone for equestrian sport in the UAE.

“It is a reflection of our leadership’s vision and a testament to the nation’s commitment to excellence across all disciplines.

“The new hybrid arena at ADEC is not only the first of its kind globally — it also sets a new benchmark offering a unique venue designed to meet the needs of both riders and horses year-round.”

The arena is a modern equestrian facility inspired by the traditions of Arab architecture and debuted with a series of events during the 2024–25 season.

This includes two major International Equestrian Federation-sanctioned tournaments held in partnership with the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation: the Abu Dhabi International Show Jumping Event CSI4-W and the UAE President’s Cup Show Jumping CSI5 (2025 Edition).

In addition, the ADEC hosted three international competitions in January 2025, all in the new hybrid arena: the 12th FBMA International Show Jumping Cup CSI2; Al-Shira’aa International Horse Show CSI3; and Al-Shira’aa International Horse Show CSI4-W.


With series on the line, Pakistan face Bangladesh in second T20I today

With series on the line, Pakistan face Bangladesh in second T20I today
Updated 22 July 2025
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With series on the line, Pakistan face Bangladesh in second T20I today

With series on the line, Pakistan face Bangladesh in second T20I today
  • Bangladesh defeated Pakistan by seven wickets in first T20I between the two sides on Sunday
  • All three matches of the series will be played at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will face a confident Bangladesh side in the second T20I cricket contest between the two sides today, Tuesday, at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka. 

Pakistan will look to shrug off a disappointing seven-wicket defeat at the hands of the hosts on Sunday. The visitors struggled against a disciplined Bangladesh bowling attack to get dismissed for 110. Bangladesh managed to successfully chase the target with over 20 balls to spare. This was Bangladesh’s largest such victory over Pakistan and their fifth largest overall. 

“The second T20 International of three-match series between Pakistan and Bangladesh will be played in Dhaka today,” state broadcaster Radio Pakistan reported on Tuesday.

Pakistan white-ball Head Coach Mike Hesson last week blamed the first T20I defeat on the Dhaka pitch, describing it as “unacceptable.” However, he also admitted the visitors made some poor choices while batting, which included three run-outs as well. 

“I think (the pitch) is not ideal for anybody,” Hesson said at the post-match conference on Sunday. “Teams are trying to prepare for the Asia Cup or the (T20) World Cup. It is not acceptable.”

If Pakistan win against Bangladesh today, it will level the three-match T20I series between the two nations 1-1 before the final is played in Dhaka on July 24. 

Pakistan’s left-handed batter Fakhar Zaman is 107 runs away from becoming just the fifth Pakistani to score 2,000 T20I runs. 

Bangladesh (Probable XI): Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Litton Das (captain), Towhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali (wicketkeeper), Shamim Hossain, Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Mustafizur Rahman and Taskin Ahmed.

Pakistan: Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Mohammad Haris (wicketkeeper), Hasan Nawaz, Salman Ali Agha (captain), Mohammad Nawaz, Khushdil Shah, Abbas Afridi, Faheem Ashraf, Salman Mirza and Abrar Ahmed.


Defending titleholder Fedor Gorst strikes on first day of World Pool Championship

Defending titleholder Fedor Gorst strikes on first day of World Pool Championship
Updated 22 July 2025
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Defending titleholder Fedor Gorst strikes on first day of World Pool Championship

Defending titleholder Fedor Gorst strikes on first day of World Pool Championship
  • Tournament opens with colorful ceremony in Jeddah
  • 128 elite players from over 40 countries participating

JEDDAH: Defending titleholder Fedor Gorst won his first game on the opening day of the World Pool Championship here by defeating American Sam Henderson 9-3.

The championship opened with a vibrant and colorful ceremony on Monday night.

Nayef Aljawini, president of the Saudi Arabian Billiard & Snooker Federation, delivered a speech at the event. Deputy Minister of Sports Khalid Al-Muawad, and Emily Frazer, CEO of Matchroom, were also present.

In other matches, Jayson Shaw from Scotland barely broke a sweat against his Saudi Arabia opponent Khalid Al-Otaibi.

In a major shock, Vietnam’s Luong Duc Thien defeated one of the world’s best, America’s Shane van Boening, 9-8 after a long and thrilling match.

Meanwhile, two-time junior European Pool Championship winner Wojciech Szewczyk from Poland began his tournament with a 9-7 win over Taipei’s Fu Che Wei.

The competition has 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.

In addition, the Saudi Junior Championship begins on Tuesday with 16 players, including eight representing the Kingdom.

The Saudi Arabia players are Abdulaziz Al-Aswad, Ibrahim Al-Aswad, Ibrahim Khazindar, Youssef Bukhari, Abdullah Al-Qabbani, Ziad Al-Qabbani, Hassan Al-Saleh, and Basil Hamida.

Running until July 26 at the Green Hall venue, the tournament features a record-breaking $1 million prize pool.

The contestants include 128 elite players from more than 40 countries, including powerhouses from the US, Taiwan, Germany, Philippines, UK, and host nation Saudi Arabia.