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Saudi Esports Federation launches second edition of GCC competition

GCC Esports League will take place on July 21-22. (Supplied)
GCC Esports League will take place on July 21-22. (Supplied)
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Updated 14 sec ago
Arab News

Saudi Esports Federation launches second edition of GCC competition

Saudi Esports Federation launches second edition of GCC competition
  • Presented by Genesis, GCC Esports League features best players from ÂÜÀòÊÓÆ”, 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
Updated 14 sec ago
Arab News

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 ÂÜÀòÊÓÆ”. 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.

Topics: esport ÂÜÀòÊÓÆ” Saudi Esports Federation (SEF)

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Open Championship win ‘special feeling’ for dominant Scottie Scheffler

Open Championship win ‘special feeling’ for dominant Scottie Scheffler
Updated 17 sec ago

Open Championship win ‘special feeling’ for dominant Scottie Scheffler

Open Championship win ‘special feeling’ for dominant Scottie Scheffler
Updated 17 sec ago
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.”

Al-Ain set for IMMAF Youth World Championships

Al-Ain set for IMMAF Youth World Championships
Updated 46 min 13 sec ago
Arab News

Al-Ain set for IMMAF Youth World Championships

Al-Ain set for IMMAF Youth World Championships
  • More than 1,000 athletes to compete at the event running from July 21-27 at ADNEC Centre Al-Ain
Updated 46 min 13 sec ago
Arab News

AL-AIN: The sixth edition of the IMMAF Youth World Championships it set to get underway on Monday in Al-Ain for the very first time.

Held under the patronage of Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, crown prince of Abu Dhabi and chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, the event will run from July 21-27 at ADNEC Centre Al-Ain.

More than 1,000 male and female athletes from over 60 countries will compete in what is shaping up to be the biggest edition in the championships’ history. Participants will compete across four age divisions: Youth D (10–11 years), Youth C (12–13 years), Youth B (14–15 years) and Youth A (16–17 years).

The UAE National Team enters the competition with 57 athletes, following a training camp in Phuket, Thailand, as part of their final preparations. The team is aiming for a strong showing and hopes to build on last year’s success, where they finished fourth overall and secured 12 medals.

Mohammed Al-Hosani, a member of the MMA Committee, UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mix Martial Arts Federation, said that hosting the championship in Al-Ain for the first time with a record number of participants reflects the UAE’s growing stature on the global combat sports map. He described the event as a sporting and cultural platform that promotes cross-cultural understanding and empowers youth.

“The championship serves as a launchpad for future champions and a bridge to connect nations through sports. A series of tailored experiences have also been designed for the athletes and delegations, offering them a well-rounded Emirati experience that blends hospitality, entertainment and cultural exchange.

“The UAE National Team is approaching the championship with high spirits and a strong sense of determination. We have all the confidence in athletes’ capabilities to deliver a powerful performance that highlights the progress of MMA in the country,” Al-Hosani added.

Topics: Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) UAE Al-Ain IMMAF Youth World Championships

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Clinical Bangladesh thump sloppy Pakistan in first T20I

Clinical Bangladesh thump sloppy Pakistan in first T20I
Updated 32 min 40 sec ago
AFP

Clinical Bangladesh thump sloppy Pakistan in first T20I

Clinical Bangladesh thump sloppy Pakistan in first T20I
  • Taskin finished with 3-22 while Rahman grabbed 2-6 to dismiss Pakistan for their lowest total against Bangladesh in T20Is
  • Parvez smashed five sixes, three boundaries in his 39-ball 56 not out to help Bangladesh chase down the target in 15.3 overs
Updated 32 min 40 sec ago
AFP

DHAKA: Fast bowlers Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman rocked Pakistan for 110 before opener Parvez Hossain hit an unbeaten 50 as Bangladesh won the first Twenty20 international by seven wickets in Dhaka on Sunday.

Taskin finished with 3-22 while Rahman grabbed 2-6 in his four economical overs to dismiss the visitors in 19.3 overs for Pakistan’s lowest total against Bangladesh in all T20Is.

Parvez smashed five sixes and three boundaries in his 39-ball 56 not out to help the home team chase down the target in 15.3 overs, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

Bangladesh’s Parvez Hossain Emon plays a shot during the first Twenty20 international cricket match between Bangladesh and Pakistan at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka on July 20, 2025. (AFP)

Debutant Pakistan pacer Salman Mirza (2-23) jolted Bangladesh with wickets of Tanzid Hasan (one) and Litton Das (one) but Parvez and Towhid Hridoy (36) added 73 for the third wicket to ease up the chase.

It was only Bangladesh’s fourth win over Pakistan in 23 T20Is.

For Pakistan, opener Fakhar Zaman top-scored with a 34-ball 44, which included six boundaries and a six, while Abbas Afridi scored 22 and Khushdil Shah 17.

Pakistan’s previous lowest T20I total against Bangladesh was 127-5 at the same venue in 2021.

Litton admitted batting was not easy on a slow pitch.

“It’s not an easy wicket to bat on, but the way we batted, it looked good,” said Litton. “We took early wickets and that’s the key point.”

Bangladesh’s Taskin Ahmed (center) runs out Pakistan’s Salman Mirza during the first Twenty20 international cricket match between Bangladesh and Pakistan at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka on July 20, 2025. (AFP)

Pakistan skipper Salman Agha blamed poor batting.

“It wasn’t enough on the board as we lost wickets at regular intervals which we have to talk about before the second game,” said Agha.

Sent into bat, Pakistan had a disastrous start, with half the side dismissed for 46 in the eighth over with Saim Ayub (six), Mohammad Haris (four) and Agha (three) falling cheaply.

Hasan Nawaz fell without scoring and Mohammad Nawaz made just three.

Bangladesh’s Mustafizur Rahman delivers a ball during the first Twenty20 international cricket match between Bangladesh and Pakistan at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka on July 20, 2025. (AFP)

Zaman, dropped on four and 30, added 24 for the sixth wicket before he was run out after being sent back by Khushdil Shah but was caught out of his crease.

Shah and Abbas took Pakistan past the 100-mark during their 33-run stand for the seventh wicket.

The remaining matches are on Tuesday and Thursday, also in Dhaka.

Topics: Pakistan vs Bangladesh Pakistan cricket

Mfiondu Kabengele becomes Dubai Basketball’s 8th signing of the summer

Mfiondu Kabengele becomes Dubai Basketball’s 8th signing of the summer
Updated 20 July 2025
Arab News

Mfiondu Kabengele becomes Dubai Basketball’s 8th signing of the summer

Mfiondu Kabengele becomes Dubai Basketball’s 8th signing of the summer
  • Canadian center arrives from Italian club Reyer Venezia, where he starred last season in the EuroCup and the Italian League
Updated 20 July 2025
Arab News

DUBAI: Canadian center Mfiondu Kabengele joins Dubai Basketball for the next two seasons after reaching an agreement with the club starting this September. The Canadian arrives from Reyer Venezia (Italy), where he starred last season in the EuroCup and the Italian League.

He is the eighth new signing following the announcement of Musa, Avramovic, Wright, Kamenjas, Jaiteh, Bacon, and Anderson joining Dubai’s head coach Jurica Golemac.

Kabengele had a fantastic season in the EuroCup with Reyer Venezia. He was the top rebounder of the competition, averaging 9.7 rebounds per game. He added 15.4 points, 1.5 assists, and 1 steal per game in 18 matches. His impressive performance earned him a spot on the All-EuroCup First Team.

In the Italian League, he was one of the best players on court. He averaged 15.2 points and 9.8 rebounds and had one of the best efficiency ratings in the competition (20.7).

Before moving to Europe, Kabengele played in the NBA from 2019 to 2022. The Canadian played for the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Boston Celtics. In total, he appeared in 55 NBA games. In the G League, he had strong performances and helped the Rio Grande Valley Vipers win the title in 2022.

Kabengele is set to play a key role for Dubai Basketball in their debut EuroLeague season. Looking to improve on their third-place finish in the ABA League in their inaugural season, the Dubai side have assembled a roster to compete at the highest level in Europe.

Topics: basketball

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Pakistan-India ‘World Championship of Legends’ cricket match called off amid tensions

Pakistan-India ‘World Championship of Legends’ cricket match called off amid tensions
Updated 20 July 2025

Pakistan-India ‘World Championship of Legends’ cricket match called off amid tensions

Pakistan-India ‘World Championship of Legends’ cricket match called off amid tensions
  • Match called off hours after India’s Shikhar Dhawan withdrew from fixtures against Pakistan 
  • WCL features retired, non-contracted players from India, Pakistan, England and other nations
Updated 20 July 2025
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ISLAMABAD: A match between veteran cricket stars from India and Pakistan as part of the “World Championship of Legends (WCL)” tournament was called off on Sunday, the league announced after Indian players withdrew due to political tensions between Islamabad and New Delhi. 

Sporting ties between arch-rivals India and Pakistan have remained limited due to political tensions between the two countries. Both countries engaged in the worst fighting between them in decades in May this year before a ceasefire was brokered by Washington on May 10. 

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

In a statement released on its social media accounts, the WCL said it had decided to hold the India-Pakistan match in Birmingham after news that the Pakistan hockey team will be coming to India this year, and witnessing the recent India vs Pakistan under-16 volleyball match in Thailand. 

“But maybe in the process, we ended up hurting the feelings of many and stirring emotions,” the WCL’s message read. 

“More than that, we unintentionally caused discomfort to our Indian Cricket Legends, who have brought so much glory to the country, and we ended up affecting the brands who supported us purely out of love for the game.”

WCL said it was due to these reasons it had decided to call off the match. 

“We sincerely apologize again for hurting the sentiments and hope people will understand that all we ever wanted was to bring a few happy moments to the fans,” it concluded. 

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

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

“My country is everything for me and nothing is worth more than that,” he wrote. 

The second edition of the WCL started on July 18 in Birmingham and has seen three matches played so far. Pakistan played the opening game of the tournament but Sunday’s clash was going to be India’s first.

Former Indian batter Yuvraj Singh is leading the India side while ex-Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez is leading the green shirts. 

Topics: World Championship of Legends Pakistan v India Cricket Pakistan India Ties

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