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Stephen Curry says he knows patience will be required when dealing with hamstring injury

Stephen Curry says he knows patience will be required when dealing with hamstring injury
Curry is going to be a postseason spectator for at least a few games, his Grade 1 hamstring strain bad enough that it took him out of most of Game 1 of the Warriors’ Western Conference semifinal series on Tuesday. (Imagn Images)
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Updated 09 May 2025

Stephen Curry says he knows patience will be required when dealing with hamstring injury

Stephen Curry says he knows patience will be required when dealing with hamstring injury
  • Stephen Curry sat down after the Golden State Warriors went through their gameday shootaround practice in Minneapolis and quickly announced that he’s feeling great
  • Curry is going to be a postseason spectator for at least a few games, his Grade 1 hamstring strain bad enough that it took him out of most of Game 1 of the Warriors’ Western Conference semifinal

Stephen Curry sat down after the Golden State Warriors went through their shootaround practice in Minneapolis on Thursday, quickly announcing that he’s feeling great.
He was not telling the truth.
“Sarcasm,” the four-time NBA champion with the Warriors quickly clarified, just in case anyone missed the joke.
Curry is going to be a postseason spectator for at least a few games, his Grade 1 hamstring strain bad enough that it forced him out in the second quarter of Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinal series at Minnesota on Tuesday night. He missed the lopsided Game 2 loss to the Timberwolves on Thursday night that evened the series and will likely be sidelined for at least Games 3 and 4 in San Francisco, too.
Curry — who is with the team but isn’t allowed to do anything basketball-related yet, even stationary shooting — isn’t exactly sure how or why the injury happened. He’s never had any hamstring issue of significance before.
“It’s hard to really predict this stuff is what I’m learning,” Curry said. “There were no, like, warning signs or any weird feelings. I felt great the whole game up until that point. And then I made a little pivot move on defense and felt something.”
Curry thought he would be able to return to Game 1, then quickly realized that wasn’t the case. Playing with the strain could have made the issue far worse, Curry said. Hamstrings, he’s quickly learning, need time no matter what sort of rehabilitation program he partakes in.
“Obviously, a tough break,” Curry said. “Hopefully, I’ll be back soon.”
Curry scored 13 points in 13 minutes of Game 1 before his exit, and Golden State went on to a 99-88 win. Buddy Hield, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green combined for 62 points for the Warriors, who held Minnesota to a 5-for-29 clunker on 3-point tries and limited the Timberwolves to 60 points through three quarters.
“We have a lot of confidence that we can still win the series and guys will step up no matter how it looks,” Curry said. “And it’s obviously a situation where you want to think positively and optimistically that we can win games and buy me some time to get back and hopefully have another series after this and be able to be in a position where I can get back out there safely, where I’m not putting too much risk on the body if it’s not ready.”
Curry, who is averaging a team-best 22 points in these playoffs, can still contribute in small ways even if he’s not playing.
“The guys obviously revere Steph, and they love his presence and that’ll matter to us tonight during the game,” coach Steve Kerr said in his pregame interview. “I’m sure he’ll be talking to the guys on the sidelines and giving some thoughts. He may come into our huddle and make a suggestion, which I always welcome, so it’s good to have him here for sure.”
At one point, when Green picked up his fifth technical foul of the playoffs, two short of an automatic one-game suspension, Curry was concerned enough about his pal getting ejected for a second technical that he went over to the scorer’s table to try to talk Green down and walk him back to the bench.
But not having Curry on the court clearly hurt.
“Everybody knows it’s difficult to recreate or even get close to doing what he does, but we’re going to have to find a way,” Butler said. “So we’ll go to the tapes, talk about it and execute it to the best of our abilities.”


Saliba signs new long-term deal at Arsenal

Saliba signs new long-term deal at Arsenal
Updated 14 sec ago

Saliba signs new long-term deal at Arsenal

Saliba signs new long-term deal at Arsenal
  • William Saliba has signed a new long-term contract with Arsenal, the Premier League club announced on Tuesday
LONDON: William Saliba has signed a new long-term contract with Arsenal, the Premier League club announced on Tuesday.
The France defender has reportedly put pen to paper on a five-year deal, which will keep him at the club until 2030. His previous contract had been due to run until 2027.
Saliba, 24, had been expected to extend his stay at the Emirates despite earlier reported interest from Real Madrid.
The center-back joined the Gunners in 2019 but had a number of loan spells before establishing himself as a regular in Mikel Arteta’s team during the 2022/23 season.
Since then Saliba has been at the heart of an Arsenal side that has finished second in each of the past three seasons in the Premier League.
“I feel at home. We have a good team, we have a good squad, we have good staff. The coach is perfect for me, so it’s the best place to be,” said Saliba.
“I enjoy every day when I have the chance to wear this shirt. I try to give everything, and now I’ll give even more to this club and to the fans.”
Manager Arteta said: “William is loved by all the players and staff, and that speaks volumes about his character, commitment and attitude every day.
“Since joining us, William has grown so much, embraced responsibility, and has created a strong connection with our supporters and everyone at the club.”
Arsenal are second in the Premier League, two points behind leaders Liverpool after six games of the season.

Saudi jockey club launches scholarship program

Saudi jockey club launches scholarship program
Updated 30 September 2025

Saudi jockey club launches scholarship program

Saudi jockey club launches scholarship program
  • The initiative offers an opportunity for ARF member nation employees to attend 41st Asian Racing Conference

RIYADH: A special program enabling employees of Asian Racing Federation member nations to attend the Asian Racing Conference in February has been launched by the Jockey Club of ֱ.

Successful recipients will be invited to take part in the 41st ARC, scheduled to take place from Feb. 9-14 next year. 

The scheme will allow people across all ARF memberships to attend the conference, where they will sit in on open business program sessions and attend The Saudi Cup race meeting on Feb. 14.

Each ARF member is invited to nominate one representative to apply to the program, to be reviewed by the JCSA supported by the ARF Secretariat. It is open to full-time staff working at an ARF member organization who are aged 35 or below and have worked in horse racing for a minimum of three years.

Successful scholars will have the chance to interact with the foremost leaders in horseracing and will be invited to all social events.

Completed application forms, a resume, and a letter of nomination from an ARF member organization must be submitted by Oct. 1.

A JCSA spokesperson said: “As host of the 41st Asian Racing Conference, the JCSA has been given a unique opportunity to invest in the future of racing, not just in ֱ, but on an international scale.

“We are looking forward to working with our fellow ARF member jurisdictions to create an opportunity for racing’s future leaders who may otherwise not have the chance to attend the Asian Racing Conference.”


Baseball United chief Kash Shaikh ‘proud’ as standouts join Arabia Wolves roster

Baseball United chief Kash Shaikh ‘proud’ as standouts join Arabia Wolves roster
Updated 30 September 2025

Baseball United chief Kash Shaikh ‘proud’ as standouts join Arabia Wolves roster

Baseball United chief Kash Shaikh ‘proud’ as standouts join Arabia Wolves roster
  • Inaugural season of first professional baseball league focused on the Middle East and South Asia kicks off in November

DUBAI: Baseball United, the first professional league focused on the Middle East and South Asia, signed on Tuesday two familiar faces from Dubai to the Arabia Wolves roster for its inaugural season.

Shortstop Chris Beyers, who has been a fixture for several years in the city, and pitcher Sean Fekete, who starred in the Dubai Little League while attending the American School of Dubai, will run out this November for the Wolves.

The Wolves — Dubai’s new professional team — will play all their games at Baseball United Ballpark at The Sevens sports and entertainment complex.

Beyers starred for the Dhahran’s (ֱ) Little League team that made it to the Little League World Series in 2007 and 2008. He has played professionally in Germany and also represented his native South Africa in international baseball tournaments.

He was the final player selected to play in the Baseball United All-Star Showcase in November 2023 in Dubai, and also competed in the Baseball United UAE Series in February this year.

Fekete, who lived in Dubai for seven years, played Division I college baseball at Oakland University in the US, and also represented the Hungarian National Baseball Team. He also played for the Wolves during the Baseball United UAE Series earlier this year.

Both Beyers and Fekete played for the UAE National Baseball Team, which was constructed by Baseball United and competed in the Arab Classic Tournament in November 2024.

The addition of these two players on the Wolves roster is a significant milestone for baseball in Dubai and across the GCC.

The Dubai Little League, founded in 1996, has more than 500 families associated with its baseball and softball program. There are additional youth leagues in Abu Dhabi, ֱ, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman.

“We are proud to have two players on the Wolves’ roster who have called Dubai home for many years,” said Kash Shaikh, chairman, CEO, and co-founder of Baseball United.

“These guys grew up competing on the fields just a few minutes outside of downtown, and now they’ll be suiting up as professionals in our league’s inaugural season in front of their families, friends, and community.

“I’m very happy for Chris and Sean, and I know their stories will inspire the next generation of great players right here in Dubai.”

The Arabia Wolves are one of Baseball United’s four founding franchises, alongside the Mumbai Cobras, Karachi Monarchs and Mid East Falcons. The Wolves roster includes a mix of international veterans, regional talents, and young prospects.

Baseball United’s inaugural season will begin on Nov. 14, 2025, in Dubai, with 21 games scheduled over four weeks.

The Wolves — Dubai’s home team — will play their first game on Tuesday, Nov. 18, against the Cobras, and a total of nine games during the regular season.

The season will conclude with the United Series — a best-of-three championship between the top two teams — held from Dec. 12 to 14 at Baseball United Ballpark.

All Baseball United games will air locally and internationally, with official broadcast partners to be announced in October. The full Wolves roster and schedule can be viewed at baseballunited.com.


Pakistan include uncapped Afridi, Akram and Nazir for upcoming South Africa Test series

Pakistan include uncapped Afridi, Akram and Nazir for upcoming South Africa Test series
Updated 30 September 2025

Pakistan include uncapped Afridi, Akram and Nazir for upcoming South Africa Test series

Pakistan include uncapped Afridi, Akram and Nazir for upcoming South Africa Test series
  • Pakistan will play two-Test match series against South Africa from oct. 12-24 in Lahore and Rawalpindi
  • Skipper Shan Masood to lead squad while Pakistan select stalwarts Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan for series

KARACHI: Pakistan have named three uncapped players Asif Afridi, Faisal Akram and Rohail Nazir for the upcoming South Africa Test series scheduled to take place later this month, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said in a statement on Tuesday. 

South Africa, champions of the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25, will take on Pakistan in the first Test at the Qaddafi Stadium in Lahore from Oct. 12-16. The second and final match of the two-Test series will be played at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from Oct. 20-24.

Pakistan’s national selection committee announced the 18-member Test squad for the series, which will be part of the World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle. The PCB announced that the squad will be further trimmed ahead of the first Test. 

“Shan Masood will continue to lead the side, while three uncapped players – Asif Afridi, Faisal Akram and Rohail Nazir have also been included,” the PCB said in a statement. 

The squad includes Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, former Pakistan captain Babar Azam, Akram, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Kamran Ghulam, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Rizwan (wicket-keeper), Noman Ali, Nazir (wicketkeeper), Sajid Khan, T20I skipper Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel, and pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi. 

The two-Test match series will be followed by three T20Is and as many ODIs, to be played from Oct. 28 to Nov. 8. The squad for the white-ball series will be announced in due course.

TOUR SCHEDULE

Oct. 12-16– First Test at Qaddafi Stadium, Lahore

Oct. 20-24 – Second Test at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

Oct. 28– First T20I at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

Oct.31 – Second T20I at Qaddafi Stadium, Lahore

Nov. 1 – Third T20I at Qaddafi Stadium, Lahore

Nov. 4 – First ODI at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad

Nov. 6– Second ODI at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad

Nov. 8 – Third ODI at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad

Pakistan will look to begin their World Test Championship 2025-27 on a winning note against South Africa and put behind their five-wicket loss to India in the Asia Cup 2025 tournament. 


Wayne Rooney has ‘no faith’ that Ruben Amorim can revive Manchester United

Wayne Rooney has ‘no faith’ that Ruben Amorim can revive Manchester United
Updated 30 September 2025

Wayne Rooney has ‘no faith’ that Ruben Amorim can revive Manchester United

Wayne Rooney has ‘no faith’ that Ruben Amorim can revive Manchester United
  • Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has overseen nine wins, 17 defeats and seven draws in his 33 league games in charge

Manchester United’s all-time leading scorer Wayne Rooney says the club has lost its soul and has voiced concerns about manager Ruben Amorim’s ability to turn things around after a woeful start to the season.
Amorim, who has overseen nine wins, 17 defeats and seven draws in his 33 league games in charge, has faced mounting pressure with United 14th in the Premier League with seven points from six matches.
Speaking on his “The Wayne Rooney Show” podcast, on Monday, Rooney said: “I have tried my hand in management and it didn’t work out too well, I get it.
“Amorim is my age, he is still a young manager and I’m sure he still has a massive future, but what’s going on at Man United, this is not Man United.
“I honestly hope he can turn it round and he does. But if you’re saying to me, ‘do you believe he will?’, then, after everything I’ve seen, honestly, I’ve got no faith in it.”
Minority owner Jim Ratcliffe, who holds roughly 29 percent of United and oversees football operations, has rolled out cost-saving measures including staff reductions, higher ticket prices and the scrapping of free lunches at staff canteens.
And Rooney, who won five league titles during his time at United between 2004-2017, said there was more than just the performances on the pitch to be concerned about.
“It’s everything about the club that needs fixing ... The soul has gone from the club,” he added. “It needs a new engine, a new lease of life. It needs something to kick-start that football club.”