Ƶ

Mahrez calls on Al-Ahli to embrace opportunity in Asian Champions League final

Mahrez calls on Al-Ahli to embrace opportunity in Asian Champions League final
Al Ahli’s Roberto Firmino celebrates scoring their first goal with Riyad Mahrez during their Asian Champions League — Semi Final — against Al Hilal — King Abdullah Sports City, Jeddah — Apr. 29, 2025. (Reuters)
Short Url
Updated 02 May 2025

Mahrez calls on Al-Ahli to embrace opportunity in Asian Champions League final

Mahrez calls on Al-Ahli to embrace opportunity in Asian Champions League final
  • “When you play in this type of competition you are ready to win, especially when you play at home,” said Mahrez
  • “We have a good opportunity to bring the first Champions League to Al-Ahli”

JEDDAH: Al-Ahli winger Riyad Mahrez has called on his teammates to avoid complacency as the Saudi Pro League side look to win the Asian Champions League Elite title for the first time on Saturday with victory over Japan’s Kawasaki Frontale.
The Jeddah-based club, who have the advantage of playing the final in front of their own fans at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, will be making a third attempt to lift the trophy after final defeats in 1986 and 2012.
But while a squad boasting high-profile signings such as Mahrez, Roberto Firmino, Ivan Toney and Franck Kessie will go into the decider as favorites, the Algeria winger emphasized the need to embrace the opportunity provided by the occasion.

“When you play in this type of competition you are ready to win, especially when you play at home,” said Mahrez.
“We have a good opportunity to bring the first Champions League to Al-Ahli and we will give everything.
“Of course the opponent is not an opponent that we play every week, it’s from Japan and it’s a different team. We have seen them play and we know what approach we can have.
“The most important is to give everything and to enjoy it because maybe some people think finals are every season, but some people might only play one final in their career. So we have to give everything to win the trophy for Al-Ahli.”
Mahrez, 34, is no stranger to success, having been part of the Manchester City side that won the treble of UEFA Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup in 2023 as well as four other English league titles, including with Leicester City in 2016.
He was also a key part of Algeria’s Africa Cup of Nations success in 2019 but is looking to claim his first silverware since switching to Al-Ahli from City last year.
“This is a trophy in another continent, in Asia,” said Mahrez, who has scored nine times in the competition so far.
“I’ve been lucky enough to play in teams that have won a lot of trophies with big players. When you play, any trophy, any cup you play for is always exciting.
“I’m really looking forward to it. I really want to win a trophy with this team, this club and I’ll give everything tomorrow.”


Pakistan eye series win in second ODI against West Indies today

Pakistan eye series win in second ODI against West Indies today
Updated 10 August 2025

Pakistan eye series win in second ODI against West Indies today

Pakistan eye series win in second ODI against West Indies today
  • Pakistan are 1-0 up in three-match series after beating West Indies by five wickets in first ODI
  • Both sides will lock horns for a third time after today’s fixture in Trinidad and Tobago on Aug. 12

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will take on the West Indies in the second One Day International match between the two sides in Tarouba, Trinidad and Tobago, today, Sunday, eyeing a series victory after beating the hosts in the first match. 

Pakistan beat the West Indies by five wickets on Friday courtesy of middle-order batter Hassan Nawaz and all-rounder Hussain Talat. Debutant Nawaz scored 63 runs from 54 balls while Talat scored 41 from 37 balls. 

Former Pakistan captain Babar Azam pitched in with a score of 47 runs before he was stumped off a Gudakesh Motie delivery. 

“In the second One Day International of the three-match series, Pakistan will face West Indies in Tarouba today,” state broadcaster Radio Pakistan reported. 

Pakistan’s left-arm pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi returned to form in the last match, returning figures of 4-51 from the match. Fellow pacer Naseem Shah also impressed with the ball, finishing with figures of 3-55 while T20 skipper Salman Ali Agha ended up with 1-44 from his 10 overs. 

ODI skipper Rizwan also impressed with his batting skills in the second ODI, scoring 53 runs from 69 balls before he was trapped leg before wicket. 

After the second ODI, both teams will lock horns for the third ODI at the same venue on Aug. 12. The match today is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. Pakistan Standard Time. 


Ƶ overpower India to secure spot in qualification round

Ƶ overpower India to secure spot in qualification round
Updated 10 August 2025

Ƶ overpower India to secure spot in qualification round

Ƶ overpower India to secure spot in qualification round
  • Ƶ will take on Group D’s 3rd-ranked team, the Philippines, on Monday night, with a place in the last 8 up for grabs

JEDDAH: Hosts Ƶ secured their spot in the qualification round to the quarterfinals in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 with a dominant 84-59 win over India in Group C.

With a 2-1 record, Ƶ will take on Group D’s third-ranked team, the Philippines, on Monday night, with a place in the last eight up for grabs.

During the post-match press conference, Ƶ’s coach Ricard Casas told the press: “The next match is not easy. It’s very difficult. We will give our best.

“Of course, it’s very important, these next hours for our preparation. Because we will play a good team.”

Saudi center Mohammed Al-Marawani said: “I just want to thank my teammates for their performance and hope we continue with this high level on Monday when we face Philippines.”

The Philippines had booked their place in the qualification to the quarterfinals with a gritty 66-57 victory over Iraq in Group D.

Meanwhile, China continued its winning streak and booked the first ticket to the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 quarterfinals following a 90-68 victory over Jordan.

Friday’s last game saw New Zealand book a direct quarterfinals place through from Group D with a 118-78 victory over Chinese Taipei.


Twisted Minds win Call of Duty: Warzone tournament at Esports World Cup 2025

Twisted Minds win Call of Duty: Warzone tournament at Esports World Cup 2025
Updated 10 August 2025

Twisted Minds win Call of Duty: Warzone tournament at Esports World Cup 2025

Twisted Minds win Call of Duty: Warzone tournament at Esports World Cup 2025
  • Ƶn team lift trophy after competitive 10-match Grand Final

RIYADH: Twisted Minds won the Call of Duty: Warzone tournament at the Esports World Cup 2025, lifting the trophy after an epic 10-game final.

The win is the first major tournament victory for all three players on the roster, despite each of them having storied careers.

This is the crowning moment the Twisted Minds players have been working towards for years, with this being the first LAN win for all three members of the team, despite each of them having been at the top of the Call of Duty: Warzone scene since its inception. Aydan Conrad, Riley Smith, and Benjamin Rosendahl were all on the podium at the Esports World Cup 2024 when members of two different teams, before building a new roster that has finally seen them take the final step.

Twisted Minds entered the event via the North American Qualifier as the fourth seed from the region. They had a strong showing in the group stage, finishing third and securing a spot in the final without having to play in the last-chance stage.

The Ƶn organization came alive in the final, securing five top four finishes in the first six games to put them on match point. But with teams targeting them and Virtus.pro, who reached match point at the same time, it was not until Game 10 that Twisted Minds were able to secure the win they needed to lift the trophy.

Twisted Minds win the $250,000 first place prize, but for these three players, the opportunity to finally call themselves champions will be just as sweet.

“It’s my first LAN victory, you know, it means a lot to me,” Conrad said. “To have people in the stands watching, rooting for us, shout out to Twisted Minds and to everyone here, because without y’all, this is not possible without you guys. Thank you for making this the event it was.”

Smith takes home the Sony MVP award, thanks to his in-game prowess and successful plays throughout the tournament, winning $10,000 and the MVP medal as testament to his contributions.

“This is your goal, you start playing five years ago to win on the big stage, that’s where you want to be,” Smith said. “I know right now this is the best team I’ve ever played with.”

With the win Twisted Minds earned 1,000 Club Championship points, which puts them fifth in the overall standings. They are now just 200 points behind Virtus.pro, the side they stopped from gaining the full 1,000 points in Warzone. With Twisted Minds still competing in five more titles in the next two weeks of the Esports World Cup 2025, they could make a late charge for the Club Championship title.

Week five at the Esports World Cup 2025 takes place until August 10 with finals in EA Sports FC 25.


She Runs 2025 returns to Expo City Dubai

She Runs 2025 returns to Expo City Dubai
Updated 10 August 2025

She Runs 2025 returns to Expo City Dubai

She Runs 2025 returns to Expo City Dubai
  • The race dedicated to female runners will take place on Nov. 2

DUBAI: The UAE race wholly dedicated to women and girls is back and this November, She Runs 2025 will once again touch the streets of Expo City Dubai, with thousands of runners expected to join.

Taking place on Sunday, Nov. 2, the event returns to the venue for the second year in a row, promising a race experience that blends purpose with progress.

“Expo City is a city of possibilities and that’s exactly what She Runs represents,” said Dr. Harmeek Singh, CEO of Plan B Group. “For every girl crossing the starting line, this isn’t just a race. It’s a beginning, for confidence, connection, and community.”

Now in its 12th year and newly rebranded from the Women’s Run, She Runs continues to break barriers and build bridges. With over 5,000 attendees to the event in 2024, including more than 2,000 school-aged girls, the event is fast becoming the most inclusive run movement in the region. This year, participation is expected to grow by 20 percent, reflecting the rising momentum around female-led wellness in the UAE.

At the heart of She Runs 2025 is its fan-powered Race Village, set within the grounds of Expo City Dubai at Al-Forsan Park. This year’s Race Village will feature interactive wellness zones, youth-led performances, family-friendly fitness challenges, and community art installations.

Guests will explore a vibrant marketplace of female-led brands, from sustainable fashion and health foods to tech-forward wellness solutions. There will be mindfulness tents, recovery stations, and mental health hubs, ensuring the event supports holistic wellbeing. Educators, coaches, and student leaders will also take the spotlight, creating a festival atmosphere where inspiration flows as freely as the miles covered.

She Runs 2025 offers race categories from 1K to 10K, including a dedicated Girls’ Run and route for People of Determination. This year’s theme, “For Voices. For Connection. For Change.”, reflects a commitment to empowering the next generation through community-driven health.

Registration is now open via www.sheruns.me and Premier Online.


Son Heung-min makes instant impact in LAFC debut

Son Heung-min makes instant impact in LAFC debut
Updated 10 August 2025

Son Heung-min makes instant impact in LAFC debut

Son Heung-min makes instant impact in LAFC debut
  • South Korea star Son Heung-min made his Major League Soccer debut for Los Angeles FC Saturday, providing a burst of energy as a second-half substitute in a 2-2 draw with the Fire in Chicago

CHICAGO: South Korea star Son Heung-min made his Major League Soccer debut for Los Angeles FC Saturday, providing a burst of energy as a second-half substitute in a 2-2 draw with the Fire in Chicago.
Son drew a penalty in the 77th minute that new teammate Denis Bouanga converted to clinch the draw in the 81st minute — VAR confirming the spot kick after the referee initially let play continue.
“Obviously it was definitely contact and it was definitely a penalty, I have no doubt about it,” said Son, who was sent sprawling in the area by Carlos Teran after getting loose on a breakaway.
“And, yeah, we tied the game, but I think we should have won this game (so) a little bit disappointed.”
In addition to drawing the penalty, Son had three shots on goal — all saved with relative ease by Fire keeper Chris Brady.
Son signed with LAFC on Wednesday for a reported MLS record $26 million transfer fee after a decade with Tottenham in the Premier League — where he became a household name.
The South Korea captain had announced just the previous Saturday in his homeland that he would be leaving Spurs.
He departed as Tottenham’s fifth-highest goalscorer of all time with 173 goals in 454 appearances.
Son’s first chance to play in front of home fans in Los Angeles will come against Western Conference leaders San Diego on August 31.
But plenty of his jerseys, South Korean flags and signs welcoming him to MLS were dotted around the Fire’s SeatGeek Stadium and cheers greeted his entry in place of David Martinez in the 61st minute with the teams level at 1-1
Jonathan Bamba put Chicago up 2-1 in the 70th minute. Teran had opened the scoring in the 11th with a header off a corner kick.
Eight minutes later Ryan Hollingshead nodded in off a corner kick to pull LAFC level at 1-1.
Son had said at his introductory press conference on Wednesday that he felt fighting fit and wanted to get on the pitch “as soon as possible.”
His arrival reunites him with former Tottenham teammate Hugo Lloris, the French goalkeeper who said the South Korean will make a “big impact.”
“It’s great for the league, great for the city, great for the club,” Lloris said.