海角直播

Jeddah set to host $1m World Pool Championship as global stars descend on 海角直播

The 2025 World Pool Championship, the most lucrative tournament in nine-ball history, is set to break new ground in Jeddah on Monday, marking the return of the sport鈥檚 flagship event to 海角直播. (AN Photo/Saleh Fareed)
The 2025 World Pool Championship, the most lucrative tournament in nine-ball history, is set to break new ground in Jeddah on Monday, marking the return of the sport鈥檚 flagship event to 海角直播. (AN Photo/Saleh Fareed)
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Jeddah set to host $1m World Pool Championship as global stars descend on 海角直播

Jeddah set to host $1m World Pool Championship as global stars descend on 海角直播
  • $1 million prize pool brings together 128 elite players from more than 40 countries

JEDDAH: The 2025 World Pool Championship, the most lucrative tournament in nine-ball history, is set to break new ground in Jeddah on Monday, marking the return of the sport鈥檚 flagship event to 海角直播 for the second consecutive year.

Being held from July 21 to 26 at the Green Hall venue, the tournament features a record-breaking $1 million prize pool and brings together 128 elite players from more than 40 countries, including powerhouses such as the US, Taiwan, Germany, the Philippines, the UK, and host nation 海角直播.

Organized in partnership with the 海角直播n Billiard & Snooker Federation (SBSF), the Saudi Ministry of Sport and the World Nineball Tour, the event highlights the Kingdom鈥檚 growing stature in the global sporting calendar.

A press conference on Sunday officially launched the tournament, with top players and organizers expressing excitement and anticipation ahead of the opening matches.

Emily Frazer, CEO of Matchroom, unveiled the tournament鈥檚 striking new trophy and hailed 海角直播鈥檚 growing role in cue sports.

鈥淚t is really an honor to be here in 海角直播 for the second year in a row,鈥 she said.

鈥淲e are all super excited to get this tournament rolling tomorrow with the participation of the world鈥檚 finest players,鈥 she added.

Nayef Aljawini, President of the SBSF, spoke of the tournament鈥檚 wider significance for sports development in the Kingdom.

鈥淭oday, we are witnessing a comprehensive renaissance in billiards and snooker, as is happening in all other sports within the Kingdom,鈥 he said.

鈥淭he great support from the Ministry of Sports reflects our deep belief in the capabilities of our youth, and these hosting events are only the beginning of a promising future for this game and other sports.

鈥淲e look forward to warmly welcoming the very best snooker and pool players in the world to the Kingdom and taking their sports into the heart of our communities, while also giving emerging young Saudi players the chance to compete at this level for the second time at home,鈥 he added.

Among the leading names in attendance was Fedor Gorst, the reigning world champion and current world number one.

鈥淚 am back in Jeddah to defend my title and I'm very much looking forward to competing amidst the best in the world,鈥 he said.

Filipino star Johann Chua, winner of the Hanoi Open, said he would approach the event with positivity and calm.

鈥淚鈥檓 really excited about it and I don鈥檛 think about the pressure at all. I鈥檓 looking forward to it and will just try and enjoy as much of it as possible.鈥

American legend Shane Van Boening, one of the sport鈥檚 most successful players, was equally confident.

鈥淵es, I am ready and looking forward to compete with other players and hope to win it this year,鈥 he said.

Representing the host nation, Saudi rising star Khalid Al-Ghamdi expressed pride in taking part.

鈥淲e are really so excited to be part of the tournament which gathers the best in the world and we all hope to raise our level and reach good positions. Simply, we are all looking forward to be there among the best,鈥 he said.

The competition will begin with a double elimination format, where players must win two matches in race-to-nine racks to progress. From there, the final 64 enter a single elimination phase of race-to-11 racks, culminating in Saturday鈥檚 final, a race-to-15 showdown.

Fans around the world will be able to follow the action live. Sky Sports will provide daily coverage from 7pm local time, while DAZN (USA, Spain), Vietcontent (Vietnam) and TAP (Philippines) are among several international broadcasters carrying the event.


Saudi Esports Federation launches second edition of GCC competition

Saudi Esports Federation launches second edition of GCC competition
Updated 1 min 14 sec ago

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 海角直播, 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

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 海角直播. It is presented by the global luxury automotive brand Genesis.

Players will compete across two of the world鈥檚 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: 鈥淲e are delighted that the league is returning for its second edition following a successful and highly competitive first edition in 2024.

鈥淲e 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.

鈥淭he fans in the GCC countries are known across the world for their vibrant, unwavering support for home-grown talent and their knowledge of esports.

鈥淥nce 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.鈥

Omar Al-Zubaidi, CEO at Genesis Middle East and Africa, said: 鈥淎t Genesis we are proud to support platforms that empower the next generation, whether through bold automotive innovation or the evolving world of competitive gaming.

鈥淎s presenting partner of the GCC Esports League, we are honored to celebrate the creativity, ambition, and talent of the region鈥檚 rising champions, and to play a role in fostering a future shaped by excellence across all arenas.鈥欌

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鈥檚 leading players.

The league supports the SEF鈥檚 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鈥檚 leading hubs for esports and gaming.


Open Championship win 鈥榮pecial feeling鈥 for dominant Scottie Scheffler

Open Championship win 鈥榮pecial feeling鈥 for dominant Scottie Scheffler
Updated 11 min 29 sec ago

Open Championship win 鈥榮pecial feeling鈥 for dominant Scottie Scheffler

Open Championship win 鈥榮pecial feeling鈥 for dominant Scottie Scheffler
  • World number one shot to the top of the leaderboard during his second round on Friday and never looked back

PORTRUSH, Northern Ireland: Scottie Scheffler said his first taste of winning the British Open was 鈥渟pecial鈥 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.
鈥淚t鈥檚 a pretty special feeling,鈥 Scheffler told Sky Sports. 鈥淚t was a battle, but played some really good golf and I鈥檓 fortunate to be standing here holding the trophy.鈥
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.
鈥淚 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,鈥 added Scheffler.
鈥淚t鈥檚 pretty cool to be sitting here with the trophy. It鈥檚 hard to put into words.鈥
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鈥檚 charge.
鈥淚 felt a good amount of peace today. I felt very in control of how I was playing. I was very comfortable with my game,鈥 he added.
鈥淓ven 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.
鈥淧laying this game, it鈥檚 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.鈥


Al-Ain set for IMMAF Youth World Championships

Al-Ain set for IMMAF Youth World Championships
Updated 59 min 58 sec ago

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

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鈥 history. Participants will compete across four age divisions: Youth D (10鈥11 years), Youth C (12鈥13 years), Youth B (14鈥15 years) and Youth A (16鈥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鈥檚 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鈥檚 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.

鈥淭he 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.

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


Clinical Bangladesh thump sloppy Pakistan in first T20I

Clinical Bangladesh thump sloppy Pakistan in first T20I
Updated 46 min 25 sec ago

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

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鈥檚 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鈥檚 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鈥檚 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鈥檚 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.

鈥淚t鈥檚 not an easy wicket to bat on, but the way we batted, it looked good,鈥 said Litton. 鈥淲e took early wickets and that鈥檚 the key point.鈥

Bangladesh鈥檚 Taskin Ahmed (center) runs out Pakistan鈥檚 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.

鈥淚t wasn鈥檛 enough on the board as we lost wickets at regular intervals which we have to talk about before the second game,鈥 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鈥檚 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.


Mfiondu Kabengele becomes聽Dubai Basketball鈥檚 8th signing of the summer

Mfiondu Kabengele becomes聽Dubai Basketball鈥檚 8th signing of the summer
Updated 20 July 2025

Mfiondu Kabengele becomes聽Dubai Basketball鈥檚 8th signing of the summer

Mfiondu Kabengele becomes聽Dubai Basketball鈥檚 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

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鈥檚 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.