German Football League hopes to resume matches in May

Leipzig’s Tyler Adams controls the ball during a recent German Bundesliga soccer match between RB Leipzig and FC Augsburg. (AP)
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Updated 19 April 2020
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German Football League hopes to resume matches in May

  • The date is important as it would secure around €300 million ($326 million) from television deals alone, which could reportedly save some clubs from insolvency

BERLIN: The Bundesliga hopes to get the go-ahead from the German government to resume in May, yet a debate is raging as to whether there will be enough testing available for the coronavirus to keep players safe.
League football was suspended in mid-March in Germany until at least April 30 to help limit the spread of the virus, but the German Football League (DFL) hopes matches can resume early next month.
If the authorities give the green light, the Bundesliga could be the first top European league to restart and could potentially make German football the focus of a
global audience.
One proposal is for games to be played behind closed doors without spectators — dubbed “ghost games” in German — with each of the 36 clubs in the top two tiers testing their players, coaches and backroom staff every three to four days.
Only those players or staff who test positive for the coronavirus would be quarantined — not entire teams — with the league hoping the season can be completed by June 30.
The date is important as it would secure around €300 million ($326 million) from television deals alone, which could reportedly save some clubs from insolvency.
However, the plan to resume next month would require around 20,000 tests spread across the 36 teams — 18 clubs in the Bundesliga and the same number in the
second tier.
There are concerns that testing footballers would put unnecessary strain on the health system in Germany, which has 133,830 official cases of coronavirus and 3,868 deaths, according to Friday’s figures.
“We don’t have infinite testing capacities (in Germany),” virologist Ulf Dittmer told newspaper Ruhr Nachrichten.

There are many more important things than football at the moment.

Niklas Suele, Defender at Bayern Munich

“I don’t know whether it is ethically justifiable to carry out 20,000 tests on people who are not actually a risk group and who do not have symptoms.”
However, a senior figure from Berlin-based Accredited Laboratories in Medicine (ALM), which oversees 200 laboratories in Germany, says they could cope with the extra demand.
“Even if the 36 clubs were to test their staff every two days with 40-50 people involved, we would still be at less than half a percent of the testing capacity,” ALM board member Dr. Evangelos Kotsopoulos told German daily Bild.
“I also cannot imagine that the intention of the clubs is to use tests that would be medically necessary for other people.”
According to Bild, ALM’s figures for the 107 laboratories that most recently supplied data show testing has increased to 110,000 per day for a total of 550,000 tests per week.
However, there are also concerns about the quality of some testing.
Spiegel magazine reported Friday that 30 players and staff at Eintracht Frankfurt underwent two types of testing at the same time after two players and two coaches
became infected.
In seven cases —  almost a quarter of the samples — the results differed.
There are also voices within German football who question the return of the Bundesliga during the pandemic.
“An imminent continuation of the season would be sheer mockery of the rest of society,” said supporters’ group Fanszenen Deutschlands in a recent statement.
“Professional football has long been sick enough and should continue to be quarantined.”
In a sign of potential opposition from players, Bayern Munich defender Niklas Suele said subsidiary SID in an interview “there are many more important things than football at the moment.”


Gen.G Esports crowned League of Legends champions at Esports World Cup 2025 in Riyadh

Updated 5 sec ago
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Gen.G Esports crowned League of Legends champions at Esports World Cup 2025 in Riyadh

  • The Korean powerhouses now sit top of the Club Championship standings with 1,800 points

RIYADH: Gen.G Esports continued their dominant run on the international stage by capturing the League of Legends title at the Esports World Cup 2025 over the weekend, defeating AG.AL 3-2 in a dramatic Grand Final to claim their second international trophy in as many weeks.

The Korean powerhouses now sit top of the Club Championship standings with 1,800 points, following a historic run that has seen them go unbeaten in 26 consecutive matches, one of the most commanding streaks in the history of competitive League of Legends.

The title win in Riyadh follows closely on the heels of their victory at the Mid-Season Invitational, making this the fastest back-to-back international title haul ever recorded in the game.

Their flawless campaign at the Esports World Cup culminated in a thrilling five-game final against AG.AL, who had earlier stunned both Hanwha Life Esports and reigning champions T1.

“It’s a very meaningful win for our team,” said Kim "Kiin" Ki-in, who was later named tournament MVP and awarded a $10,000 prize.

“In the past in international events we feel that we have underperformed, so to achieve back-to-back wins in the Mid-Season Invitational and now here at the Esports World Cup means that we are still a top contender level team. We are right at the top.

“And on a personal level, the wins let me know that I’m still the player I know I can be and that we can continue to lift many trophies together.”

Teammate Jeong "Chovy" Ji-hoon praised the atmosphere in the Riyadh Arena for playing a key role in their final push.

“The atmosphere in the arena was amazing, you could really feel it and I think that support was what drove us to go on and win in the end,” he said.

“The overall support of the fans throughout the tournament was incredible, they were electric and energetic, and they continue to drive us to lift more trophies again as soon as we can compete again,” he added.

The Gen.G lineup of Joo "Duro" Min-kyu, Jeong, Kim "Canyon" Geon-bu, Park "Ruler" Jae-hyuk, and Kim outclassed 11 other top-tier teams to secure the $600,000 winners’ prize and an additional 1,000 Club Championship points.

Arnold Hur, CEO of Gen.G Esports, hailed the team’s consistency and hunger for improvement.

“For us, the important thing is to keep on improving and delivering positive performances and results each year compared to the previous one, and that's what we're doing in this year's edition so far,” he said. “Everyone is working to help the club reach new heights and to keep rising.”

Reflecting on his MVP performance, Kiin added: “We were here last year, but we got eliminated early, so this time I wanted to lift the trophy, and I did. I'm really excited.”


Pakistan voice disappointment after ‘World Championship of Legends’ match against India called off

Updated 43 min 21 sec ago
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Pakistan voice disappointment after ‘World Championship of Legends’ match against India called off

  • WCL features retired, non-contracted players from India, Pakistan, England and other nations
  • The match was called off after India’s Shikhar Dhawan withdrew from fixtures against Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani veteran cricket stars on Sunday voiced their disappointment after their match against India, part of the “World Championship of Legends (WCL)” tournament, was called off on Sunday, with Indian players withdrawing because of political tensions between Islamabad and New Delhi.

Sporting ties between arch-rivals India and Pakistan have remained limited due to years of political tensions, which heightened after the two countries engaged in a four-day military standoff over an attack in the disputed Kashmir region before a ceasefire was reached on May 10.

The WCL is a T20 tournament approved by the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) held in England every year. The tournament features retired and non-contracted players from cricketing giants, including England, India, Pakistan, Australia, West Indies and South Africa.

“On behalf of Pakistan Champions, we express our deep disappointment over WCL’s decision to call off the match against India,” Pakistan Champions owner Kamil Khan said in a statement.

“This decision not only undermines the spirit of the game but has let down cricket fans across the globe.”

In a statement released on its social media accounts, the WCL said it had decided to call off the India-Pakistan match in Birmingham and apologized again for “hurting the sentiments” of Indian fans.

The league’s owners include its founder, Indian entrepreneur Harshit Tomar and Bollywood actor Ajay Devgn.

The WCL statement came hours after Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan wrote on X that he was withdrawing from India’s WCL matches with Pakistan.

“We believe cricket should rise above and transcend political differences,” Khan said.


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

Updated 20 July 2025
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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

Updated 20 July 2025
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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

Updated 20 July 2025
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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.”