WNBA’s Caitlin Clark and the Fever are a playoff team and hungry for more

WNBA’s Caitlin Clark and the Fever are a playoff team and hungry for more
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Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark drives past Los Angeles Sparks guard Kia Nurse in the second half of a WNBA basketball game in Indianapolis on Sept. 4, 2024. (AP)
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Updated 05 September 2024
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WNBA’s Caitlin Clark and the Fever are a playoff team and hungry for more

WNBA’s Caitlin Clark and the Fever are a playoff team and hungry for more
  • Since June 1, Indiana is 17-8 and has victories over each of the league’s top three teams along
  • It also stopped the league’s longest streak of consecutive games played with a losing record at 189

INDIANAPOLIS: Indiana Fever coach Christie Sides slept through her team’s historic playoff-clinching moment Tuesday night. Rookie guard Caitlin Clark watched the decisive game, then went to bed.

For the WNBA’s top-drawing team, the end to a seven-year playoff drought on a night it didn’t play seemed a little, well, unceremonious.

On Wednesday morning, the Fever’s world changed. The team that endured seven straight losing seasons, had won only 30 games over the previous four years and started this season 1-8 was the toast of Indianapolis.

“I usually go to bed by 9:30, 10 o’clock every night, but I did set my alarm for midnight to wake up and I actually just turned it off. Didn’t even look,” Sides said. “So this morning, I woke up to some really awesome text messages.”

Losses by Chicago and Atlanta gave the Fever their first postseason berth since Tamika Catchings retired in 2016, even if Sides wanted just one of those teams to win so the Fever could clinch it on their home court in front of another near-capacity crowd.

Still, nobody was all that upset, and the fans still had plenty to celebrate Wednesday night when Indiana beat Los Angeles 93-86 behind a triple-double from Clark, who also became the fastest player in WNBA history to reach 100 3-pointers in a season (she now has 102).

During pregame warmups, beaming smiles could be found on faces all around — Clark, the former Iowa star who has taken women’s basketball to unprecedented heights; Kelsey Mitchell, the seven-year veteran who will finally get her first taste of playoff basketball; and especially Sides, who on Wednesday was named WNBA coach of the month, a first for the Fever.

While this was the goal from the moment Indiana drafted Clark with the No. 1 overall in pick, it was never a gimme.

“Definitely, cool,” said Clark, who swept the league’s monthly honors for player and rookie of the month. “It doesn’t even have to come down to the wire for us, and I think that’s special. Like you can just relax and play basketball and have a lot of fun. Yeah, we accomplished that, but there’s still so much more left on the table.”

It’s not just Clark who realizes what’s possible.

Guard Erica Wheeler appeared in four playoff games during her first two WNBA seasons and it took her eight more to make it back. It’s been so long, the playoff format has changed, as has her role — playing behind Clark.

But as one of four Fever players with postseason experience, she can bring some important perspective.

“The job is not done,” Wheeler said. “We still have six, seven more games and we can’t think ahead like that. Me being a vet, I know that for a fact. So for me, it’s not time to think about the playoffs. You’ve got seven games left.”

Just three months ago, the postseason appeared unlikely.

A brutal early schedule coupled with Clark starting her pro career just five weeks after completing a 39-game college schedule contributed to Indiana’s early woes. The Olympic break gave Clark a much-needed breather and a young team time to figure out how to jell.

Since June 1, Indiana is 17-8 and has victories over each of the league’s top three teams — New York, Minnesota and Connecticut — along with a three-game season sweep of Phoenix, all while stopping the league’s longest streak of consecutive games played with a losing record at 189.

“We were able to keep it together and they focused on the things we kept talking about — creating good habits, relentless effort, togetherness and toughness,” Sides said. “We focused on those things and that’s what mattered.”

Having Clark didn’t hurt, either.

Clark continues to be the league’s feature attraction, routinely drawing sellout crowds and large national television audiences. Business Insider recently reported that this year’s secondary-market ticket prices had nearly doubled year over year — before the Olympic break.

Indiana also leads the league in home, road and overall attendance, and the Fever have appeared on each of the 13 highest-rated telecasts this year. It’s easy to imagine big audiences should Clark face record-setting rookie Angel Reese of Chicago, established stars Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner of Phoenix or Sabrina Ionescu and Breanna Stewart of New York in a playoff series.

Indiana is a league-best 9-2 in its last 11 games. And with five more home games and a regular-season finale at Washington, the Fever could cause the WNBA’s top teams some restless nights.

“It’s definitely a big moment for this place, but at the same time, I came in with the expectation this was going to happen,” Clark said. “For me, this isn’t a party. It’s great, I feel like it’s a great accomplishment, but there’s much more left to be done. Yeah, we made the playoffs, but I’m not just happy to be in the playoffs. I think we have the kind of team that can and advance going one game at a time.”


Saudi professional golfer Othman Almulla partners with SAL

Saudi professional golfer Othman Almulla partners with SAL
Updated 22 July 2025
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Saudi professional golfer Othman Almulla partners with SAL

Saudi professional golfer Othman Almulla partners with SAL
  • Partnership will nurture local talent and advance golf and the Saudi sports sector in general
  • Othman Almulla: I’m honored to have SAL’s support on my journey

JEDDAH: SAL Saudi Logistics Services has entered into a sponsorship agreement with Othman Almulla, the Kingdom’s first professional golfer.

The partnership is intended to nurture local talent and advance golf and the Saudi sports sector in general.

“I’m honored to have SAL’s support on my journey,” Almulla said. “Their belief in my mission reflects their broader commitment to the development of Saudi sports. Together, we aim not only to compete but to inspire, and I look forward to representing SAL and our Kingdom on the international stage.”

Almulla made history as the first professional golfer from Saudi Arabia to compete on international circuits, currently participating in events such as the Asian Tour and the Asian Development Tour. His journey in the sport is marked by determination and a strong sense of national pride, resonating with the core values of the sponsorship.

The agreement aims to provide Almulla with the support needed to inspire younger generations of athletes in Saudi Arabia. Beyond just financial backing, SAL sees this partnership as a way to foster a sense of community and pride in Saudi sports. Almulla’s achievements are not only a source of inspiration but also a representation of what is possible for Saudi youth.

Omar Hariri, CEO of SAL, said: “We are proud to sponsor an ambitious and inspiring athlete like Othman Almulla, who represents a true model of achievement and excellence. This reflects our belief in the importance of supporting and empowering Saudi talent and contributing to a brighter future for sports in the Kingdom. Through this sponsorship, we also aim to expand our brand visibility both locally and internationally.”

With this partnership, SAL joins a group of organizations — such as NEOM and Saudi Aramco — whose support champions Almulla’s journey and helps to elevate Saudi Arabia’s presence in the global sports arena.


Bangladesh take second T20I for first series win over Pakistan

Bangladesh take second T20I for first series win over Pakistan
Updated 22 July 2025
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Bangladesh take second T20I for first series win over Pakistan

Bangladesh take second T20I for first series win over Pakistan
  • Left-arm Bangladesh pacer Shoriful Islam picks up his best T20I bowling figures of 3-17
  • Pakistan lost five wickets for 15 runs and was bowled out for 125 while chasing target of 134

DHAKA: Bangladesh survived a late onslaught by Faheem Ashraf and Ahmed Daniyal to pull off a narrow eight-run victory in the second T20I match on Tuesday, winning a first-ever series in the format against Pakistan.

Ashraf hit an aggressive 32-ball 51 while debutant Daniyal smashed an 11-ball 17 but holed out off the second ball of the final over as Pakistan were all out for 125 in their chase of 134 to win in Dhaka.

Earlier, Jaker Ali struck a 48-ball 55 as Bangladesh — sent in to bat — were bowled out for 133 in 20 overs, with Salman Mirza taking 2-17 and Daniyal close behind on 2-23.

Left-arm Bangladesh pacer Shoriful Islam picked up his best T20I figures of 3-17 on a slow-paced Mirpur pitch as Pakistan lost their first five wickets for just 15 runs by the fifth over.

Ashraf cracked four sixes and as many boundaries to raise hopes of a comeback win, but spinner Rishad Hossain bowled him in the penultimate over.

Ashraf and Abbas Afridi, who scored a 13-ball 19, had revived the innings from 47-7 with a 41-run stand, but Bangladesh had the last laugh.

Bangladesh won the first match at the same venue by seven wickets and took an unassailable 2-0 lead with the final match on Thursday, also in Dhaka.

This was Bangladesh’s first T20I series win over Pakistan in four tries.

Pakistan lost opener Saim Ayub to a run out for one in the first over before Islam dismissed Fakhar Zaman (8) and Mohammad Haris (0) to hit Pakistan hard at the top.

Bangladesh skipper Litton Das praised a team effort.

“It’s wonderful to win back-to-back series,” said Litton, who also led the team to a 2-1 T20I series in Sri Lanka last week. “This shows good improvement in our standards.”

Pakistan captain Salman Agha rued his side’s batting lapses.

“We thought 134 would be gettable but we lost too many wickets early on and that’s something we must address quickly,” said Agha.

Earlier, Jaker smashed five sixes and a boundary for his third T20I half century.

Bangladesh had lost four wickets for 28 by the sixth over before Jaker and Mahedi Hasan revived the innings with a 53-run stand for the fifth wicket.

Mahedi scored a 25-ball 33 with two sixes and as many boundaries.


Saudi snooker prodigy hopes to one day be world champion

Saudi snooker prodigy hopes to one day be world champion
Updated 22 July 2025
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Saudi snooker prodigy hopes to one day be world champion

Saudi snooker prodigy hopes to one day be world champion
  • Abdullah Alqabani participated in the Saudi Junior Championship as the youngest player in the tournament
  • Alqabani practices at the Ronnie O’Sullivan academy in Riyadh

JEDDAH: Snooker prodigy, Abdullah Alqabani, age 10, is hoping to make a name for himself in the sport and represent Saudi Arabia internationally.

Alqabani on Tuesday took part in the Saudi Junior Championship, a part of the World Pool Championship making him the youngest player in the tournament.

Despite losing 4-7 in the first round of the Saudi Junior Championship to Romanian Hermeneanu Evan, the young Saudi remains hopeful about his future in snooker and aims to be the best snooker player in Saudi Arabia.

Arab News spoke to him at the Green Halls, he said: “I am so glad to be part of this international championship and seeing the best in the world competing here at home. It is a really great moment for me and my teammates because we learn from it. Just watching the best in the world performing here in Saudi Arabia is something else.”

Alqabani, who hails from Riyadh, practices and plays at the Ronnie O’Sullivan academy and recently has been shining on the junior snooker circuit in Saudi Arabia and because of his skills, he was invited to join the Saudi national team.

“Saudi Arabia is not a snooker nation but the sport is getting there and many players now are playing billiards and snooker of course with the support of the Saudi Billiards and Snooker Federation,” he said.

At the age of 8, he started playing American pool and moved to snooker as he got older, “It all started with my father who used to take me to play with him in one of the clubs in Riyadh.

He continued: “I am going to work hard to become the best player in Saudi Arabia and with such events held in Saudi Arabia, I think my generation can make it to the highest level but it takes time.”

As one of the young snooker players all over the world who look up to the greatest player of all time, Ronnie O’Sullivan, often referred to as ‘The Rocket,’ Alqabani said: “My idol is Ronnie O’Sullivan and hope one day to be like him.”


Power Slap returns to Abu Dhabi Showdown Week in October

Power Slap returns to Abu Dhabi Showdown Week in October
Updated 22 July 2025
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Power Slap returns to Abu Dhabi Showdown Week in October

Power Slap returns to Abu Dhabi Showdown Week in October
  • Event will take place in the lead-up to UFC 321 at Etihad Arena
  • Dana White: Power Slap has had 13 straight sold-out events, and is now heading back to Abu Dhabi, one of the premier fight capitals in the world

ABU DHABI: Power Slap, the world slap fighting promotion, is set to return to the UAE on Friday, Oct. 24 at the Space 42 Arena as part of Abu Dhabi Showdown Week, headlined by UFC 321.

Last year, Power Slap hosted its first international event, Power Slap 9: Dumpling vs Da Crazy Hawaiian, in the UAE capital. A sold-out crowd witnessed a showdown between two of the world’s best strikers, as former Power Slap super heavyweight champion, Da Crazy Hawaiian, defended his title against No. 1 ranked super heavyweight, Vasilii “Dumpling” Kamotskii, in a match that ended in a dramatic draw.

Power Slap 9 generated more than 700 million total views across social media platforms through promotional and event coverage content and drew global influencers with 1 billion-plus followers. This marked a big step in the sport’s international growth and highlighted the region’s enthusiasm for combat sports.

“Power Slap has had 13 straight sold-out events, and is now heading back to Abu Dhabi, one of the premier fight capitals in the world,” said Power Slap founder Dana White. “In just two years, Power Slap has exploded with nearly 30 million followers and close to 20 billion video views across our platforms. The Middle East is becoming a hotbed for Power Slap, and I’m excited to bring it back.”


Pakistan keep Bangladesh down to 133 in second T20I

Pakistan keep Bangladesh down to 133 in second T20I
Updated 22 July 2025
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Pakistan keep Bangladesh down to 133 in second T20I

Pakistan keep Bangladesh down to 133 in second T20I
  • Batter Jaker Ali smashes five sixes to hit a 48-ball 55 for his third T20I fifty
  • Bangladesh lead the three-match series 1-0 after winning the first match

DHAKA: Pacers Salman Mirza and debutant Ahmed Daniyal grabbed two wickets apiece to restrict Bangladesh to 133 all out in the second Twenty20 international in Dhaka on Tuesday.

Mirza finished with 2-17 and Daniyal took 2-23 after Pakistan won the toss and sent Bangladesh into bat on another slow-paced pitch.

Jaker Ali hit a fiery 48-ball 55 for his third T20I fifty, smashing five sixes and a boundary before holing out off the final delivery of the 20th over.

Fast bowler Abbas Afridi also grabbed 2-37.

Bangladesh lead the three-match series 1-0 after winning the first match — also at the same venue — by seven wickets.

Bangladesh had lost four wickets by sixth over for 28 before Jaker and Mahedi Hasan revived the innings with a 53-run stand for the fifth wicket.

Mahedi scored a 25-ball 33 with two sixes and as many boundaries.