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Felix double fires Chelsea in Conference League rout

Felix double fires Chelsea in Conference League rout
Chelsea’s Joao Felix celebrates scoring their first goal with teammates Axel Disasi and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall during their Europa Conference League match against Panathinaikos at Athens Olympic Stadium, in Oct. 24, 2024. (Reuters)
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Updated 24 October 2024

Felix double fires Chelsea in Conference League rout

Felix double fires Chelsea in Conference League rout
  • Portugal forward Felix has struggled to make an impact since returning for a second spell with Chelsea in August
  • He ended his six-game barren run in the first half against out-classed Panathinaikos and netted again after the interval

LONDON: Joao Felix ended his goal drought with a brace as Chelsea powered to a 4-1 win against Panathinaikosin Athens in the UEFA Conference League on Thursday.
Portugal forward Felix has struggled to make an impact since returning for a second spell with Chelsea in August.
Yet to start a Premier League game following his move from Atletico Madrid, the 24-year-old seized the chance to prove a point to Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca.
Felix’s only goal in seven previous appearances this season came on his debut at Wolves on August 25.
He ended his six-game barren run in the first half against out-classed Panathinaikos and netted again after the interval.
Mykhailo Mudryk and Christopher Nkunku were also on target as Chelsea made it two wins from two games in the tournament.
Before kick-off, Panathinaikos paid tribute to their defender George Baldock, who drowned in his swimming pool in Athens aged 31 earlier this month.
In Panathinaikos’s first home match since Baldock’s death, his team-mates warmed up wearing the Greece international’s number 32 on their shirts, while fans held up green cards with the same numerals during an emotional minute’s silence.
Maresca made 11 changes from the side that lost at Liverpool last weekend, but still fielded a strong side that was far too dynamic for Panathinaikos.
Felix put Chelsea ahead in the 22nd minute, starting the move with a cushioned header to Mudryk before sprinting into the six-yard box to slot home from the Ukrainian’s cross.
After setting up Chelsea’s opener, Mudryk bagged the second himself in the 49th minute with a fierce strike from Neto’s cross.
Felix scored again in the 55th minute, putting the result beyond doubt with a 20-yard drive that took a wicked deflection into the net.
Nkunku’s 59th minute penalty, awarded for Daniel Mancini’s foul, underlined Chelsea’s superiority.
Facundo Pellistri got one back for Panathinaikos with a close-range finish in the 69th minute.
Beaten by West Ham and then Olympiakos in the last two Conference League finals, Fiorentina survived a scare in their 4-2 win at St. Gallen.
The Swiss side took a shock lead through Felix Mambimbi’s 23rd minute goal but Lucas Martinez equalized in the 50th minute.
Jonathan Ikone struck for Fiorentina four minutes later before St. Gallen’s Lukas Gortler levelled in the 62nd minute.
Ikone restored the lead in the 69th minute and Robin Gosens’s stoppage-time goal secured the Serie A team’s second successive victory in the competition.
The champions of the Republic of Ireland were too strong for the champions of Northern Ireland as Shamrock Rovers routed Larne 4-1.
The first competitive meeting between the two sides was played at Belfast’s Windsor Park because Larne’s Inver Park stadium is not big enough to host Conference League matches.
Rovers were on top from the start as Graham Burke’s incisive run teed up Joshua Honohan, who drilled home from eight yards in the third minute.
Johnny Kenny headed in Burke’s cross to increase the visitors’ lead in the 24th minute.
Tomas Cosgrove’s 30th minute own goal put Rovers in command and Chris Gallagher’s reply three minutes after half-time was swiftly erased as Burke completed the thrashing in the 53rd minute.
Hearts also have six points after beating Omonia Nicosia 2-0 at Tynecastle.
Alan Forrest and Blair Spittal were the scorers as Hearts ignored their position near the bottom of the Scottish Premiership to build on their opening victory against Dinamo Minsk.
It was a second consecutive win for new Hearts boss Neil Critchley, who replaced the sacked Steven Naismith.


Vollering to keep racing at Tour de France after crash

Vollering to keep racing at Tour de France after crash
Updated 2 min 13 sec ago

Vollering to keep racing at Tour de France after crash

Vollering to keep racing at Tour de France after crash
Vollering underwent medical tests that have excluded a risk of a concussion
She fell less than four kilometers from the finish line in Angers

SAUMUR, France: Former champion Demi Vollering will continue racing at the women’s Tour de France despite a heavy crash that left her bruised.

Her FDJ-Suez team said on Tuesday that Vollering underwent medical tests that have excluded a risk of a concussion after she hit the ground during Monday’s Stage 3.

Her team said Vollering, who lagged 19 seconds behind race leader Marianne Vos in the general classification, is “determined to take the start” of Tuesday’s stage from Saumur to Poitiers.

Vollering fell less than four kilometers from the finish line in Angers in a crash that involved several riders. Examinations carried out by the team doctor revealed that she had suffered multiple contusions but she did not go to hospital “given the non-urgent nature of her condition,” FDJ-Suez said.

Vollering is one of the most decorated cyclists of her generation. She won the Tour de France in 2023.

The nine-stage race ends Aug. 3.

Portugal’s Felix joins Ronaldo at Al-Nassr

Portugal’s Felix joins Ronaldo at Al-Nassr
Updated 40 min 52 sec ago

Portugal’s Felix joins Ronaldo at Al-Nassr

Portugal’s Felix joins Ronaldo at Al-Nassr
  • Joao Felix: ‘I’m here to spread joy. Let’s win together’
  • Felix remains one of the most expensive transfers in history, following his move from Benfica to Atletico Madrid for 127.7m euros in 2019

RIYADH: Portuguese forward Joao Felix has signed a two-year deal with ֱ’s Al-Nassr, where he will join Cristiano Ronaldo, the club announced Tuesday.
Felix, now 25, made a blockbuster move from Benfica to Atletico Madrid in 2019.
“I’m here to spread joy. Let’s win together,” said Felix in a video posted on the club’s X account. A separate post said he had signed until 2027.
Felix remains one of the most expensive transfers in history, following his move to Atletico for 127.7 million euros ($147.3 million) in 2019.
He has since had stints at Barcelona, AC Milan and Chelsea.


Al-Ain to host first Abu Dhabi Grappling Championship

Al-Ain to host first Abu Dhabi Grappling Championship
Updated 29 July 2025

Al-Ain to host first Abu Dhabi Grappling Championship

Al-Ain to host first Abu Dhabi Grappling Championship
  • Hundreds of athletes from over 20 countries to compete at ADNEC Centre Al-Ain from Aug. 1-3

AL-AIN: The inaugural Abu Dhabi World Grappling Championship 2025 will take place from Aug. 1 to 3 at ADNEC Centre Al-Ain, it was announced recently by International Vision Sports Management.

This initiative is being held in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, and under the banner of Abu Dhabi Jiu-Jitsu Pro.

The championship will feature hundreds of male and female athletes from over 20 countries, including youth, amateurs, masters and professionals.

Saeed Al-Dhaheri, destination management director at the department, said: “As Abu Dhabi grows in prominence as a hub for major global sporting events, combat sports have emerged as an increasingly important pillar of our sport and entertainment vision for the emirate.”

The event will join other top shows in the UAE including Abu Dhabi Showdown Week, UFC Fight Nights, and the Jiu-Jitsu World Championships, Al-Dhaheri added.

“We look forward to new audiences in Al-Ain Region and across Abu Dhabi being introduced to this exciting and increasingly popular sport.”

Tareq Al-Bahri, general manager of International Vision Sports Management, said: “This event underscores the UAE’s leadership in hosting elite combat sports, offering a platform for athletes worldwide to excel.

“With the support of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, we aim to deliver unparalleled competition and establish a lasting legacy for grappling in the region.”

As part of the AJP Tour, competitors of all nationalities can participate across age divisions, from under 14 to over 35 in the amateur and professional categories. Winners will earn 2,000 ranking points and substantial cash prizes.

The event’s opening day will focus on professional bouts up to the semifinals, followed by youth and amateur competitions on the second day. The championship will conclude with third-place playoffs and finals.


West Indies suffer Test, T20 humiliation against Australia ahead of Pakistan series

West Indies suffer Test, T20 humiliation against Australia ahead of Pakistan series
Updated 29 July 2025

West Indies suffer Test, T20 humiliation against Australia ahead of Pakistan series

West Indies suffer Test, T20 humiliation against Australia ahead of Pakistan series
  • Australia beat West Indies 5-0 in T20I, 3-0 in Test series sweep in recently concluded tour 
  • West Indies take on Pakistan in another home series involving three T20s, three ODIs

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts: Australia completed a sweep of the Twenty20 international cricket series with a three-wicket victory over West Indies on Monday to finish its Caribbean tour with an 8-0 record.

Australia went into the last game on a 7-match winning streak following the 3-0 test series sweep and victories in the first four of the T20 internationals. It was Australia’s first sweep of a five-game T20 series and only the second at the most elite level after India’s in New Zealand in 2019-20.

“To be honest, I didn’t expect 5-0,” Australia captain Mitchell Marsh said. The sweep “was something we spoke about after the fourth game. We knew no Australian team had done it.

“It’ll be something we’re very proud of. Across the board over the five games, we played some really good cricket.”

After winning the toss for the eighth straight time, Australia sent the home team in to bat and dismissed West Indies for 170 two balls short of the allotted 20 overs.

Shimron Hitmyer’s 52 from 31 balls and Sherfane Rutherford’s 35 off 17 propped up the innings but the target wasn’t big enough to put genuine pressure on the Australian batters.

Ben Dharshuis took 3-41 and Nathan Ellis finished with 2-32, while spinner Adam Zampa returned 1-20 in his 100th T20 international after taking a wicket and having a chance dropped off his bowling in the penultimate over.

The Australians reached 173-7 with 18 balls to spare, with a 63-run fifth-wicket partnership between Mitchell Owen (37 off 17 deliveries) and Cameron Green (32 off 18) stabilizing the innings. Aaron Hardie finished not out on 28.

West Indies had Australia in trouble in the opening powerplay with Jason Holder and Alzarri Joseph taking two wickets apiece, but the runs kept flowing.

Holder dismissed Glenn Maxwell for a golden duck, the first ball of the second over, when the Australian allrounder swung at a ball that shaped away and edged to short third-man where Jediah Blades juggled the catch but held the second grab.

Holder also removed Josh Inglis (10) at the end of the second over.

Joseph bowled Marsh (14) as Australia slipped to 29-3 after 2.2 overs and, after on onslaught of sixes, he had Tim David (30 from 12 balls) caught in the deep as Australia slipped to 60-4 in the fifth over.

From there, Owen and Green dominated with a succession of sixes, including one by Owen that landed on the roof on a pavilion.

Left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein was finally introduced to the attack to change the pace, and had an immediate impact with his second delivery to dismiss Owen and break up the important partnership.

Hosein also dismissed Green and Ben Dwarshuis to return 3-17.

Australia had a three-wicket win to open the T20 series before Josh Inglis and Cameron Green spearheaded an eight-wicket victory that spoiled Andre Russell’s last game for West Indies in the second game at Kingston, Jamaica.

The tourists then clinched the series on the back of a 37-ball century by Tim David in St. Kitts on Friday before Inglis and Green again combined to help them win the fourth game.

“A lot of guys had great series,” Green, who batted at No. 4 and was voted player of the series, said. “We’ve got about half a team who’re allrounders. That’s the beauty of what we’re trying to build here. A lot of depth.”

The sweep, he said, was a “massive” boost ahead of next year’s T20 World Cup.

“You always want to win every game you can. T20 can be a bit of a lottery at times, so to build a bit of consistency is important,” he said. “Good signs.”

The Australians will host South Africa in a T20 series next month, and West Indies takes on Pakistan in another home series involving three T20s and three one-day internationals.


The vision architect: Princess Nouf Al-Saud’s blueprint for Saudi sport

The vision architect: Princess Nouf Al-Saud’s blueprint for Saudi sport
Updated 29 July 2025

The vision architect: Princess Nouf Al-Saud’s blueprint for Saudi sport

The vision architect: Princess Nouf Al-Saud’s blueprint for Saudi sport

When Princess Nouf Al-Saud started her role as general manager of marketing at ֱ’s Ministry of Sport in 2018, she confronted a world unfamiliar with the Kingdom’s pulse.

“When I first began this journey,” she said, “I realized that many people around the world had never truly experienced our culture, our energy or our vision.”

Six years and more than 135 global events later — from the electrifying debut of Formula 1 to the pioneering E1 Electric Boat Race — Al-Saud now orchestrates a marketing portfolio that has drawn more than 3 million attendees and broadcast ֱ’s evolution to more than 160 countries.

Her greatest triumph? Rewriting the narrative. Al-Saud told Arab News: “We’ve evolved from being seen simply as a destination that hosts events, to being recognized as a forward‑thinking leader in sports.”

Where skepticism once lingered, Al-Saud now projects certainty: “Today, the most important message is that ֱ is not only open to the world, but actively shaping the global sports narrative.”

This conviction permeates every campaign — whether amplifying community participation at Extreme E or embedding cultural storytelling into the WTA Finals.

The most profound transformations, however, unfold in Saudi stands. “A decade ago, it was rare to see parents, daughters and sons attending events side by side,” Al-Saud said.

Now, stadiums brim with multi-generational energy. Al-Saud said: “Girls are proudly wearing team jerseys, parents are cheering with their children and young fans are recognizing themselves in the athletes they watch.”

She calls this phenomenon “a ripple effect where sport becomes a shared cultural language” — a testament to Vision 2030’s societal impact.

Challenging global perceptions remains intrinsic to her work. “We viewed every global event as a fresh opportunity to open a new window,” she said, countering stereotypes with experiential proof — be it through world-class venues or volunteers’ warmth.

Her creative arsenal relies on authentic storytelling: “We flip the script by designing campaigns that don’t just market a match or a race, they tell stories.”

These narratives, showcasing international fans’ pilgrimages or homegrown talent, serve a higher purpose: “Our role goes far beyond ticket sales; it is about inspiring the next generation of athletes.”

As chair of the Women’s Sports Committee, Al-Saud wields platforms like the WTA Finals as catalysts. “It’s never been enough to simply host a women’s tournament,” she added.

Her strategy is inclusion at every level: “We use these platforms to show that Saudi women are athletes, leaders, strategists and innovators.”

From mentorship programs to leadership panels, the objective is unequivocal: “Redefining roles not just on the court, but in boardrooms, production teams and strategy tables.”

Amid the scale of progress, human moments anchor her. She vividly recounts the Italian Super Cup: “Watching them, dressed in their club colors, walking through our fan zones with their children, laughing, taking photos, I felt an overwhelming sense of pride.”

In that instant, the mission crystallized: “It wasn’t just about the game. It was about ֱ becoming a magnet for people who love sport, wherever they come from.” For Al-Saud, those smiles are more than rewards — they are proof that sport can build bridges no statistic can measure.