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Jeddah E-prix double-header becomes most-watched Formula E weekend in history

Jeddah E-prix double-header becomes most-watched Formula E weekend in history
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The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship has confirmed that the 2025 Jeddah E-Prix double-header became the most-watched Formula E weekend in history with a record 65 million viewers, according to data analysis released by Kantar Media on Thursday. (Supplied)
Jeddah E-prix double-header becomes most-watched Formula E weekend in history
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The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship has confirmed that the 2025 Jeddah E-Prix double-header became the most-watched Formula E weekend in history with a record 65 million viewers, according to data analysis released by Kantar Media on Thursday. (Supplied)
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Updated 26 June 2025

Jeddah E-prix double-header becomes most-watched Formula E weekend in history

Jeddah E-prix double-header becomes most-watched Formula E weekend in history
  • Formula E CEO Jeff Dodds hails ‘phenomenal’ record 65m viewers
  • Digital audiences showed impressive growth, with social video views and engagements up 13% and 12% respectively

JEDDAH: The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship has confirmed that the 2025 Jeddah E-Prix double-header became the most-watched Formula E weekend in history with a record 65 million viewers, according to data analysis released by Kantar Media on Thursday.

Held under the lights of the iconic Jeddah Corniche Circuit on Feb. 14-15, the races marked the championship’s thrilling debut in the Red Sea city after six successful seasons in Diriyah.

Jeddah’s unique night racing spectacle, coupled with a state-of-the-art circuit and electric atmosphere, has cemented Ƶ’s growing reputation as a premier destination for world-class motorsport, said a media statement.

It added that Jeddah is confirmed to once again host the only double-header night races on the Formula E calendar in Season 12, which will be held on Feb. 13-14, 2026.

According to Jeff Dodds, CEO of Formula E, the latest figures from their external providers are truly phenomenal and show the tremendous momentum behind the growth of the sport.

“They highlight that not only do we have world-leading technology and acceleration in the cars, but that it’s producing some of the best most-competitive racing that old and new fans can’t get enough of,” said Dodds.

He revealed that they are building fan bases and fan loyalty in key and new markets, with Mexico and the US examples of where their investment and longevity in the market is paying dividends.

“As the world’s fastest growing motorsport though, we know we can’t stand still. We know we need to continue offering the best racing, the best rivalries and the best most-inclusive events to continue on our steep trajectory and build a strong community of electric super fans,” added Dodds.

In addition to the record-setting Jeddah rounds, Formula E has seen exceptional growth this season with the data analysis showing unprecedented audience growth across TV and social media for the first half of the 2024-25 season, with its cumulative audience due to surpass 500 million by the end of Season 11.

Digital audiences analysed through Emplifi have also shown impressive growth, with social video views and engagement up 13 percent and 12 percent respectively, underscoring the vibrant and interactive fan community the series continues to build.

The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship’s 11th season — which started in Sao Paulo in December 2024 and will culminate in London on July 26-27 — has so far delivered some of the most exciting racing action in world motorsport, while continually pushing the boundaries of electric performance.

So far this season, its 22 world-class drivers have engaged in intense, head-to-head competition, captivating fans with epic battles on iconic circuits and nail-biting finishes at new venues.

Fans around the globe have tuned in and turned up in greater numbers than ever before, drawn by compelling racing and a shared vision for sustainable and cutting-edge innovation, added the statement.


Pakistan to hold first ever national futsal tryouts for AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers in Ƶ

Pakistan to hold first ever national futsal tryouts for AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers in Ƶ
Updated 14 sec ago

Pakistan to hold first ever national futsal tryouts for AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers in Ƶ

Pakistan to hold first ever national futsal tryouts for AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers in Ƶ
  • Pakistan is in Group D with hosts Ƶ, Iraq and Chinese Taipei for qualifiers
  • Group stage matches to be held in Dammam, with Pakistan set to face Iraq on Sep. 20

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) announced on Wednesday it would hold the first-ever futsal national team tryouts in Lahore on Aug. 10, as it gears up for its upcoming AFC Futsal Asian Cup 2026 qualifiers to be held in Ƶ next month.

Futsal is a fast-paced indoor variant of football played on a smaller, hard court with five players per side. Emphasizing close control, quick passes and creativity, it is known for its speed and frequent goal-scoring opportunities.

In Pakistan, the game has rapidly gained popularity over the years, particularly among youth, thanks to its dynamic and skill-driven nature.

“Open to futsal players across the country, the tryouts will take place on August 10, 2025, at the 5th Generation Sports Complex in DHA Phase 8, Lahore, from 9am to 6pm,” the PFF said in a statement.

“The players must bring valid identification, including a passport and CNIC, to be eligible for selection.”

The PFF will finalize the squad in due course and the training camp will begin in the first week of September, it added.

With the announcement of the national team’s first-ever tryouts, Pakistan is making its official entry into international futsal, which marks a significant milestone in the sport’s growth within the country.

Pakistan has been placed in Group D alongside Ƶ, Iraq, and Chinese Taipei for the AFC Futsal Asian Cup 2026 qualifiers, scheduled from Sep. 20 to 24.

Group stage matches will be held in Dammam, with Pakistan set to face Iraq on Sep. 20, Ƶ on Sep. 22, and Chinese Taipei on Sep. 24.

AFC Futsal Asian Cup 2026 will be held in Indonesia next year.


Liverpool set to cut losses with Nunez move to Saudi: reports

Liverpool set to cut losses with Nunez move to Saudi: reports
Updated 06 August 2025

Liverpool set to cut losses with Nunez move to Saudi: reports

Liverpool set to cut losses with Nunez move to Saudi: reports
  • Nunez joined the Reds for an initial $87m from Benfica three years ago
  • According to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, Al-Hilal will pay an initial 53 million euros

LIVERPOOL: Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez is reportedly closing in on a move to Saudi club Al-Hilal, which could allow the Premier League champions to make a fresh bid for Newcastle’s Alexander Isak.

Nunez joined the Reds for an initial 75 million euros ($87 million, £65 million) from Benfica three years ago but has failed to live up to that price tag.

The Uruguayan has scored 40 goals in 143 appearances but slipped down the pecking order at Anfield under both Jurgen Klopp and Arne Slot.

According to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, Al-Hilal will pay an initial 53 million euros for the 26-year-old.


Nunez was likely to play even less this season after Liverpool signed Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz as part of a 300 million euro spending spree that also includes full-backs Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong.

However, the club could still break the British transfer record by signing Isak, with Newcastle reportedly demanding a fee of up to £150 million for the Swedish striker.

The sale of Nunez would take Liverpool’s income for transfer sales this window to nearly 200 million euros after the departures of Luis Diaz, Jarell Quansah, Caoimhin Kelleher, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Tyler Morton.

Harvey Elliott is also attracting interest from RB Leipzig, with Liverpool wanting at least 45 million euros for the England midfielder.

Nunez would become the latest big name to join Al-Hilal, who shocked Manchester City to reach the quarter-finals of the recent Club World Cup.

Coached by former Inter Milan boss Simone Inzaghi, the Saudi club’s squad includes Portuguese internationals Ruben Neves and Joao Cancelo, Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly and former Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic.


Senegal grind out win against Nigeria to open CHAN title defense

Senegal grind out win against Nigeria to open CHAN title defense
Updated 06 August 2025

Senegal grind out win against Nigeria to open CHAN title defense

Senegal grind out win against Nigeria to open CHAN title defense
  • Midfielder Serigne Koite pounced on a loose ball at the edge of the box
  • Senegal’s next opponents Congo came from behind to hold favorites Sudan to a 1-1 draw

NAIROBI: Senegal beat Nigeria 1-0 in their opening group match at Zanzibar’s Amaan stadium on Tuesday to make a successful start to their African Nations Championships (CHAN) title defense.

The sides were evenly matched for the majority of the encounter before Senegal, who were meeting their West African rivals for the first time in the championships, managed to break the deadlock in the 75th minute.

Midfielder Serigne Koite pounced on a loose ball at the edge of the box, drew out the Nigerian goalkeeper and set up Christian Gomis to tap home the winner for Senegal.

Senegal’s next opponents Congo came from behind to hold favorites Sudan to a 1-1 draw in an evenly-contested game.

The Sudanese Falcons had appeared on course to collect all three points after wonderkid Musa Ali Hussein had given them an early lead in the 29th minute.

The Al Merrikh striker weaved past a pair of Congolese defenders before releasing a right-footed shot from the left side of the box to give his side a well deserved lead.

But a defensive lapse inside the last five minutes allowed underdogs Congo to share the spoils.

Substitute Carly Ekongo rescued his country in the 86th minute when he capitalized on a loose ball inside the penalty area to smash home the equalizer.


Djokovic, Sinner and Alcaraz part of strong field as Six Kings Slam returns to Riyadh

Djokovic, Sinner and Alcaraz part of strong field as Six Kings Slam returns to Riyadh
Updated 06 August 2025

Djokovic, Sinner and Alcaraz part of strong field as Six Kings Slam returns to Riyadh

Djokovic, Sinner and Alcaraz part of strong field as Six Kings Slam returns to Riyadh
  • Tournament is part of Riyadh Season and will take place from Oct. 15-18
  • Jannik Sinner will return to Riyadh to defend his Six Kings Slam title

RIYADH: Six Kings Slam is set to return this year as part of the opening week of Riyadh Season 2025 in October, with all six of the current Men’s PIF ATP-ranked players confirmed to compete.

Having recently secured his first Wimbledon title just last month, Jannik Sinner will return to Riyadh to defend his Six Kings Slam title when it gets underway, with the second edition of the tournament set to commence on Oct. 15 and the final being staged on Oct. 18.

ANB Arena will play host once again, where last October the World No. 1 came from a set down in a thrilling encounter to overcome five-time Grand Slam winner Carlos Alcaraz 6-7, 6-3, 6-3, and win the inaugural tournament.

The current top two players in the world, both confirmed to play in Ƶ’s capital again this year, have since won all three of this year’s Grand Slams between them so far, with Sinner taking the Australian Open and Wimbledon titles and Alcaraz claiming victory at Roland Garros.

Last October’s Six Kings Slam was also memorable for staging the match of the great sporting rivalry between Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal before the Spaniard’s retirement, with Djokovic triumphing in their third-place match 6-2, 7-6.

The record 24-time men’s singles Grand Slam champion Djokovic, currently ranked No. 6 in the world, will return this year as he bids to claim his first Six Kings Slam trophy, while making their first appearances at the Riyadh showpiece this year will be three-time Grand Slam finalist Alexander Zverev, 2024 US Open finalist Taylor Fritz and Great Britain’s World No. 5 Jack Draper.

Full lineup based on PIF ATP Ranking order:
1. Jannik Sinner
2. Carlos Alcaraz
3. Alexander Zverev
4. Taylor Fritz
5. Jack Draper
6. Novak Djokovic


‘These courses look amazing.’ PIF Future Fairways tee off in London

Saudi Public Investment Fund and Golf Saudi officially launched PIF Future Fairways in central London on Tuesday. (AN photo)
Saudi Public Investment Fund and Golf Saudi officially launched PIF Future Fairways in central London on Tuesday. (AN photo)
Updated 06 August 2025

‘These courses look amazing.’ PIF Future Fairways tee off in London

Saudi Public Investment Fund and Golf Saudi officially launched PIF Future Fairways in central London on Tuesday. (AN photo)
  • Event at Urban Golf in Smithfield unveils interactive 3D digital display of three flagship Saudi golf courses
  • These next-generation venues will anchor Saudi’s broader ambitions to triple its number of golf courses by 2030

LONDON: With immersive tech, visionary course design, and a bold ambition to shape the next chapter of global golf, the Saudi Public Investment Fund and Golf Saudi officially launched PIF Future Fairways in central London on Tuesday — a preview event blending innovation with sport to highlight Ƶ’s emergence as a world class golf destination.

The event at Urban Golf in Smithfield unveiled an interactive 3D digital version of three flagship Saudi golf courses — Shura Links, Laheq Golf Course, and Trojena Northern Golf Course — designed to position the Kingdom at the heart of golf’s next era.

These next-generation venues will anchor Saudi’s broader ambitions to triple its number of golf courses by 2030 and build a holistic sports and tourism ecosystem.

Attendees, including pro golfers, designers and industry leaders, explored virtual replicas of the new courses, demo-played signature holes on high-tech simulators, and took part in a “closest to the pin” challenge — all while engaging in off-the-record discussions with PIF stakeholders and Golf Saudi executives.

“For me, every experience that I have with Saudi, it’s been amazing,” said Carlota Ciganda, one of Golf Saudi’s ambassadors. “I know what they are capable of doing. These courses look amazing, a lot of fun to play — they’re going to attract a lot of people, a lot of tourists. I would love to go, play, and be part of this.”

Her sentiments were echoed by fellow ambassador Marianne Skarpnord, who said: “I definitely see Ƶ becoming a golf tourist destination. Ƶ’s landscapes are tailor-made for golf — from coastal settings to dramatic desert terrain. As we’ve seen here today, there are some amazing courses being built — it’ll be an easy choice for many people coming from the outside.”


Beyond new courses, the event also highlighted Golf Saudi’s long-term commitment to growing the sport from the ground up.

Dedicated programs and academies are now being developed throughout the Kingdom to nurture young talent and embed golf within the local culture — a critical step for any emerging golf nation.

Ƶ’s new courses — including the coastal Shura Links on Shura Island, the desert-framed Laheq Golf Course along the Red Sea coast, and the alpine-inspired Trojena Northern Golf Course in NEOM — are being designed not just for playability but for global competition. Each is expected to host future tournaments, including events on the PIF Global Series, which resumes this weekend with the PIF Championship at London’s Centurion Club.

The fusion of golf and tourism is at the heart of the vision. By integrating world-class design with environmental sensitivity and destination appeal, Ƶ is not only building venues but offering experiences tailored to the modern golfer.

“The goal is to reimagine how golf is experienced, shared, and celebrated — both locally and globally,” said one stakeholder during the event. “This is not about copying what exists elsewhere. It’s about creating something distinctly Saudi, with universal appeal.”

PIF Future Fairways will continue to appear at all PIF Global Series tournaments through 2025 and into 2026, serving as a traveling exhibition of Ƶ’s golf transformation.

For now, Tuesday’s London event delivered a clear message: Ƶ is not just joining the global golf stage — it’s setting the direction for its future.