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‘We showed our character’ — Koulibaly proud of Al-Hilal in Capital Derby

Koulibaly challenges Cristiano Ronaldo during the 1-1 draw between Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr in the Capital Derby. (SPL)
Koulibaly challenges Cristiano Ronaldo during the 1-1 draw between Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr in the Capital Derby. (SPL)
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Updated 02 November 2024

‘We showed our character’ — Koulibaly proud of Al-Hilal in Capital Derby

‘We showed our character’ — Koulibaly proud of Al-Hilal in Capital Derby
  • Al-Hilal came back to draw 1-1 with Riyadh rivals Al-Nassr but dropped their first points of the season

RIYADH: Al-Hilal may have relinquished their 100 percent start to the 2024-25 Roshn Saudi League season, but for defender Kalidou Koulibaly, the Capital Derby was another display of the title-holders’ championship mettle.

Not even a minute had elapsed on Friday night when Al-Hilal went behind to chief rivals Al-Nassr, the hosts ahead through Anderson Talisca’s 55-second finish to send the majority of the 25,000-plus crowd at Al-Awwal Park wild in celebration.

Al-Hilal, to that point with eight wins from eight to begin the season where they left off last term, were in an instant in danger of their mammoth unbeaten RSL run coming to an end.

But, as champions do, they rallied. Indeed, they could have nicked a ninth successive win had a late claim for a penalty gone their way. However, as the middle of three marquee matches in the RSL’s inaugural Derby Week came to a close, Jorge Jesus’ side would settle for Sergej Milinkovic-Savic’s headed equalizer 13 minutes from time.

A gripping encounter, which included three disallowed goals and no shortage of competitive spikiness, ended in a 1-1 draw — and a share of the spoils.

“A good game against a nice team who were prepared,” Al-Hilal defender Koulibaly said. “They made a lot of difficulties for us, but the draw was fair because, as I said, they make a lot of trouble for us. But we always believed we could score this goal, and we scored it. So, we can be happy tonight.”

Al-Hilal, who last season enjoyed a record-breaking title triumph, thought they should have been granted the opportunity to win the derby in the closing stages, when they appealed vigorously for a penalty following a coming together between striker Aleksandar Mitrovic and Al-Nassr goalkeeper Bento.

Yet, following a VAR review, the initial decision of no infringement was upheld. Koulibaly, though, preferred to focus on the positives. Namely, his side’s formidable strength of character.

“I don’t like to speak about (the decision),” the former Napoli and Chelsea center-back said. “I’m a defender and when it’s a penalty it’s a penalty. We are not happy because it’s not for us this time, but the most important is the mentality of the team to come back.”

With the draw, Al-Hilal’s undefeated streak in the RSL stretches to 45 matches and all the way back to the tail end of the 2022-23 season. This campaign’s winning run halted, they still remain right where they want to be — after nine rounds, they are perched at the RSL summit, one point ahead of second-placed Al-Ittihad and six out in front of Al-Nassr, their great cross-city competitors, in third.

“For you we lost two points, but for us it’s OK,” Koulibaly told reporters. “We are used to seeing Al-Hilal always win but today was a tough game. We draw and we can feel OK. It’s difficult to win every game, to try to win every game. But we can happy also because it was against a strong team, and we were away from home.

“We were behind from the first minute, but we showed good character. I’m proud of my team.”

Asked what he would promise the Al-Hilal fans, many of whom chanted and cheered on their team from behind the goal in which Milinkovic-Savic secured the point, Koulibaly said: “We promise to continue like this. We are making a good performance in league, we are getting through some tough games. We will continue to work to build on our work.”

For now, Koulibaly said it did not matter that Matchweek 9 concluded with the capital club’s lead at the top reduced to a solitary point. Although, the RSL title race is undoubtedly heating up.

“We just look for Al-Hilal,” the Senegal international said. “We don’t look for anyone else.”


UFC 321 card grows with three new international bouts

The card is headlined by Tom Aspinall’s first UFC heavyweight title defense against French contender Ciryl Gane. supplied
The card is headlined by Tom Aspinall’s first UFC heavyweight title defense against French contender Ciryl Gane. supplied
Updated 22 September 2025

UFC 321 card grows with three new international bouts

The card is headlined by Tom Aspinall’s first UFC heavyweight title defense against French contender Ciryl Gane. supplied
  • The bout marks Camilo’s second UFC appearance after a debut loss earlier this year. With both fighters searching for a breakthrough

ABU DHABI: UFC 321 has added three more international matchups to its already stacked lineup ahead of the Oct. 25 event at Etihad Arena.

The card is headlined by Tom Aspinall’s first UFC heavyweight title defense against French contender Ciryl Gane and will now feature added depth across the featherweight and lightweight divisions.

British featherweight Nathaniel Wood is set to face Mexico’s Jose Miguel Delgado in what promises to be a dynamic clash of styles.

Wood, who made a successful move up from bantamweight, has built a reputation as a well-rounded and dangerous fighter. He enters Abu Dhabi aiming to break into the featherweight top 15.

Delgado arrives with just one professional loss and a size advantage. Known for his aggression and finishing instinct, the rising Mexican talent faces the toughest test of his career in Wood.

In the lightweight division, Poland’s Mateusz Rebecki will meet Slovakia’s Ľudovit “Mr Highlight” Klein in a bout tipped to be a potential Fight of the Night.

Rebecki, a graduate of Dana White’s Contender Series, is known for his relentless pressure and slick submissions. His UFC tenure has featured both setbacks and gritty, crowd-pleasing victories.

Klein, a sharp southpaw striker, is aiming to bounce back after a loss to Mateusz Gamrot ended his seven-fight unbeaten streak.

This matchup pits Rebecki’s ground game against Klein’s striking and could have major implications for the lightweight rankings.

Palestinian featherweight Abdul-Kareem Al-Selwady also returns to action in Abu Dhabi, where he will take on Brazil’s Matheus Camilo.

Al-Selwady, a former champion in both Desert Force and Brave CF, is seeking his first UFC win following a loss to Loik Radzhabov in 2024.

The bout marks Camilo’s second UFC appearance after a debut loss earlier this year. With both fighters searching for a breakthrough, this contest carries added emotional and career weight.

UFC 321 will also feature a co-main event between Brazil’s Virna Jandiroba and American grappler Mackenzie Dern for the vacant women’s strawweight title.


Newcastle’s attack still adjusting to Isak’s absence, says Howe

Newcastle’s attack still adjusting to Isak’s absence, says Howe
Updated 22 September 2025

Newcastle’s attack still adjusting to Isak’s absence, says Howe

Newcastle’s attack still adjusting to Isak’s absence, says Howe
  • Newcastle’s goalless draw at Bournemouth on Sunday was their third consecutive 0-0 Premier League draw away from home
  • Newcastle are looking to club-record signing Nick Woltemade to spearhead their attack following Alexander Isak’s departure

Manager Eddie Howe said Newcastle United are still adapting to life without Alexander Isak following the striker’s transfer to Liverpool and called for patience as his new-look attack struggles to click into gear.
Newcastle’s goalless draw at Bournemouth on Sunday was their third consecutive 0-0 Premier League draw away from home and extended their winless run on the road this season.
While Howe was pleased with a third straight clean sheet in the league, they have scored only three goals in five games and are 13th with just six points.
“It’s three 0-0s away from home for us, which is really uncommon with our attacking style,” Howe told reporters. “I think just naturally we’re going to be a different team attacking-wise this year without Alex.
“I’m hopeful we’re evolving to a different team, hopefully a better team, but it may take a bit of time.”
Newcastle are looking to club-record signing Nick Woltemade to spearhead their attack following Isak’s departure to the Premier League champions in a record-breaking deal, and Howe said there is more to come from the German.
“I thought Nick played really well today,” Howe added. “I thought he was very effective with his footwork and his link play.
“But we just need to know and get used to him and his style more and get more runners off him because he’s very good in that respect.”
Newcastle next host English third-tier side Bradford City in the League Cup second round on Wednesday.


Ben Harburg: From Wall Street to the Saudi Pro League

Ben Harburg: From Wall Street to the Saudi Pro League
Updated 22 September 2025

Ben Harburg: From Wall Street to the Saudi Pro League

Ben Harburg: From Wall Street to the Saudi Pro League
  • The American, known for managing international investment funds, has taken an unusual path into the Kingdom’s sporting landscape by fully acquiring Al-Kholood Club

RIYADH: From global finance to Saudi stadiums, American investor Ben Harburg has taken an unusual path into the Kingdom’s sporting landscape. Known for managing billions of dollars through international investment funds, he recently made headlines by fully acquiring Al-Kholood Club, a team newly promoted to the Saudi Pro League.

The move reflects the growing appeal of Saudi football to international investors and aligns with Vision 2030’s ambition to connect sport with economic development and global visibility.

Harburg’s career is rooted in high finance. As a founding partner of MSA Capital, he has overseen assets exceeding $2 billion, investing in global giants such as Uber, Airbnb, and Palantir. Yet his decision to step into Saudi football reveals a different kind of calculation.

“I believe the Saudi Pro League is operating in a high-growth market, while competition in Europe is either weakening or flatlining,” he said. To him, this is not a short-term gamble but a long-term commitment to a sector on the rise.

What sets Harburg apart from the stereotype of foreign investors is his philosophy. Rather than chasing quick returns through marquee signings, he speaks of building a foundation of young Saudi players and world-class facilities.

“We’ve got to produce young Saudi players that can be sold to clubs like Al-Ittihad and Al-Ettifaq,” he explained. “And we’ve got to attract players who don’t come to us simply because we pay the highest salaries, but because they find a high level of professionalism, training equipment, and infrastructure.” His approach resonates with the Kingdom’s broader push to make clubs more sustainable, competitive, and rooted in local talent.

Harburg also distinguishes himself with his presence among fans.

“Because of the way you’re treating your supporters and engaging with them, I’ve become one of your fans,” he said.

It is an attitude that extends beyond financial ownership, reflecting a desire to shape a deeper connection between the club and its community. In doing so, he adds cultural and social value to an investment that is often judged solely by numbers.

The arrival of an investor like Ben Harburg in the Saudi Pro League symbolizes more than the globalization of the game; it marks a shift in the way foreign capital interacts with local sport.

From Wall Street to Ƶ, he embodies a new model of investment — one that sees people, infrastructure, and supporters as the true pillars of the future of football in the Kingdom.


Riyadh horseracing season kicks off on Oct. 16

Riyadh horseracing season kicks off on Oct. 16
Updated 22 September 2025

Riyadh horseracing season kicks off on Oct. 16

Riyadh horseracing season kicks off on Oct. 16
  • Jockey Club of Ƶ unveils 2025-2026 calendar that concludes with the $20m Saudi Cup in February

RIYADH: Horseracing resumes at King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Riyadh next month after the new season schedule was revealed by the Jockey Club of Ƶ, culminating with the $20 million Saudi Cup on Feb. 14, 2026.

The new campaign gets underway on Oct. 16 and is the first of 50 meetings for thoroughbred and purebred Arabian horses, which for the first time will end with The Saudi Cup meeting.

The change in schedule is to accommodate Ramadan, which falls around Feb. 28, 2026

The seventh running of The Saudi Cup coincides with a significant moment for Ƶ as the 41st Asian Racing Conference, titled “Honouring Tradition — Shaping The Future”, takes place in the country from Feb. 9 and closes at The Saudi Cup.

The season finale gets underway on Feb. 13 and features the popular International Jockeys’ Challenge, The Sarawat and Tuwaiq Cups and builds to the $1.5m Group 1 Al Mneefah Cup for purebred Arabians held over 2,100m on the turf course.

Nine races will be held the following day as The Saudi Cup enters its seventh year with the G2 Neom Turf Cup, G2 Riyadh Dirt Sprint and the Red Sea Turf Handicap offering a host of opportunities on turf and on dirt for the world’s best equine athletes.

Before that, the new Riyadh season begins next month and will be staged in its familiar format with 12-race cards taking place every Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

The most significant meeting outside the season finale is the Saudi Cup trials weekend on Jan. 16-17, which features The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup and King Abdulaziz Cup.

American challenger Rattle N Roll landed The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup for trainer, Kenny McPeek and jockey Joel Rosario to qualify for The Saudi Cup in 2025, and the winner of the Group 3 next January will also guarantee themselves a starting position in the world’s richest race.

Qualifiers for The Neom Turf Cup, 1351 Turf Sprint, Red Sea Turf Handicap, Riyadh Dirt Sprint and the G1 Obaiyah Classic and G1 Al-Mneefah Cup will also be held over those two days.

Other significant events on the calendar are the Royal Cups on Dec. 26-27, featuring three domestic G1 races — the 1,600m King Fahad Cup for juveniles, the 1,800m King Khaled Cup for three-year-olds and the King Saud Cup over 2,000m for older horses.

Another domestic G1 will be staged on Dec. 5 with The Crown Prince Cup for local bred horses over 2,400m, alongside the Listed Crown Prince Cup.

Both races carry a purse of SR1 million ($266,000) and feature some of the best Saudi-trained horses, with the latter race last won by the French entry Wootton’sun, who went on to finish third to Rattle N Roll and take his chance in The Saudi Cup itself.


Tokyo worlds: Stahl leaves it late to win discus gold in delayed final

Tokyo worlds: Stahl leaves it late to win discus gold in delayed final
Updated 22 September 2025

Tokyo worlds: Stahl leaves it late to win discus gold in delayed final

Tokyo worlds: Stahl leaves it late to win discus gold in delayed final
  • Revving up the remaining crowd at the arena where he won the Olympic title in 2021, the 33-year-old sent the disc soaring in to the sky and past the 70-meter line for his season’s best throw of 70.47m and a third world title
  • Stahl: Mentally, I was ready for the last throw. I prepared myself for it. This is my favorite arena of all time. It was special in 2021, and it has been special again tonight

TOKYO: Former Olympic champion Daniel Stahl of Sweden won the last gold medal of the 2025 World Athletics Championships on Sunday with the penultimate throw of a men’s discus final delayed for more than two hours by rain.

World record holder Mykolas Alekna managed the only legal throw before the heavens opened at the National Stadium and the athletes were removed from the arena for safety reasons.

They returned after all the other events and the official closing ceremony had been completed, an army of volunteers wiping down the throwing circle with towels between attempts as the rain persisted.

“I have trained for many years in the rain and know that it usually rains in Tokyo in September-October,” Stahl told Swedish broadcaster SVT Sport.

“It’s important to keep the focus because there can be delays and it can take a few hours.”

Alekna lays down marker

Lithuanian Alekna laid down a marker with a throw of 67.84m on his second attempt which led the final until Stahl took to the circle for his last shot at the title.

Revving up the remaining crowd at the arena where he won the Olympic title in 2021, the 33-year-old sent the disc soaring in to the sky and past the 70-meter line for his season’s best throw of 70.47m and a third world title.

“Mentally, I was ready for the last throw. I prepared myself for it,” Stahl said.

“This is my favorite arena of all time. It was special in 2021, and it has been special again tonight.”

Alekna, 22, fouled his last attempt and finished second to add to his bronze at the last world championships and silver in 2022 but remained without a title to match the two his father Virgilijus won in discus in 2003 and 2005.

“Having the men’s discus throw as the last event of the championships, I don’t think it ever happened before,” Alekna said.

“At first, after the competition finished, I was a little disappointed. But I know I did everything I could to fight for the gold.”

Alex Rose took bronze with a throw of 66.96m on his fifth attempt to knock Australia’s Matt Denny out of third place and give Samoa a first world championship medal.

“This is one of the greatest moments of my entire life and it’s been 20 years in the making,” Rose said.

“To come back here and do what I just did, there is no feeling like it. The young Pacific Island athletes never give up. I work a full-time job and took time off to from my company to compete here.”