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Al-Hilal: First team footballers will not take part in Saudi Super Cup

Al-Hilal: First team footballers will not take part in Saudi Super Cup
Al-Hilal players celebrate scoring against Manchester City in the Club World Cup, in Orlando, US. (AFP)
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Al-Hilal: First team footballers will not take part in Saudi Super Cup

Al-Hilal: First team footballers will not take part in Saudi Super Cup

RIYADH: Al-Hilal’s first team footballers will not be participating in the 2025/6 edition of the Saudi Super Cup, the club said, citing contractual obligations on annual leave as well as a need to preserve the health of players amid a packed game calendar.

“The main purpose behind the withdrawal, the club stressed, was to ensure the health and readiness of its international players ahead of the national team camp and the rest of the domestic competitions,” said a statement posted on the team’s website on Sunday.

The club described in detail the complications that the teams participation in the Club World Cup had caused to the amount of time off players would receive, and how taking part in the Super Cup would make the club fall foul of the ֱn Football Federation’s rules on annual leave.

Al-Hilal reached the quarterfinals of the Club World Cup, held in the US, including a draw with Real Madrid and a memorable victor over Manchester City.

After the Blue’s exit to Fluminese, “The team had to remain in Orlando for three additional days due to flight constraints, which reduced the players’ annual leave to only 24 days in the event of withdrawal, and to 21 days if the club participated in the Super Cup,” a club statement read. 

“This violates clause (5.6) of the mandatory contracts included in the annexes of the Professionalism and Player Status Regulations issued by SAFF, which stipulates that players are entitled to a minimum of 28 days of annual leave—a condition already included in all professional player contracts of Al Hilal’s first team.”

After this, the players’ leave overlapped with the start of pre-season preparations. 

“As a result, Al-Hilal was forced to delay the start of its own preparations for the upcoming season, which further increased the competitive imbalance among participating clubs.”

The statement also said the club became aware on June 13 that the competition would be held in Hong Kong, by which point the Al-Hilal players had already made the trip to the US for FIFA’s elite club championship, and without knowing how far they would go in the competition.

Al-Hilal has won the Saudi Super Cup five times.

The club said: “The decision came after a review of the physical and muscular condition of several players, which showed signs of extreme fatigue after a demanding season that lasted a full year and one week.”

The decision would also serve the Saudi national team, which features a number of Al-Hilal players, the statement said.


How all 20 LIV Golfers finished at The Open Championship

How all 20 LIV Golfers finished at The Open Championship
Updated 30 min 3 sec ago

How all 20 LIV Golfers finished at The Open Championship

How all 20 LIV Golfers finished at The Open Championship

LIV Golf’s major drought will extend into 2026, but the breakaway league did have a surprise top-10 finisher at Royal Portrush for The Open Championship.
A breakdown of how each of the 20 LIV players fared at Royal Portrush.
1. Bryson DeChambeau (-9, T10) DeChambeau leading the LIV pack would not have been a surprise at the start of the week despite his shaky history on links courses. But his rally to a tie for 10th was especially impressive considering his 78 on Thursday left DeChambeau ahead of only seven players in the entire field.

Bryson DeChambeau of the US hits his tee shot on the 1st hole during the second round of the the 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush Golf Club in Northern Ireland on July 18, 2025. (Reuters)

The two-time US Open champion fired a 65 on Friday to make the cut on the number and then posted 68-64 over the weekend to finish at 9 under. DeChambeau’s 64 on Sunday tied champion Scottie Scheffler (second round) for the low round of the tournament.
2. Tyrrell Hatton (-7, T16) The Englishman played his way onto the first page of the leaderboard through 54 holes, but Hatton’s legendary temper was on full display during a disappointing 72 on Sunday. After battling to stay in contention on the front nine, Hatton went 1 over on the back to slide out of the top-20.

Tyrrell Hatton of England acknowledges the crowd after putting on the 18th green during the final round of the British Open golf championship on July 20, 2025. (AP)

3. Dustin Johnson (-6, T23) There was a D.J. sighting on the weekend of a major for the first time since The Open last year. It didn’t appear the drought was going to be snapped after opening with a 73, but Johnson went 69-67-69 to quietly move his way up the leaderboard.
T4. Sergio Garcia (-3, T34) Desperately trying to regain his form in time to convince European captain Luke Donald to consider him for the Ryder Cup, Garcia also made the cut on the number and then closed with a 68 for his low round of the tournament.

Sergio Garcia of Spain plays his tee shot on 9th hole the during the second round of the British Open golf championship on July 18, 2025. (AP)

T4. Jon Rahm (-3, T34) After solid showings at each of the first three majors of the year, Rahm admitted he just couldn’t find his groove at Royal Portrush. His low round was a 69 on Saturday, and the Spaniard was never a factor this week.
T4. Lee Westwood (-3, T34) The Englishman qualified for The Open for the first time in three years and then made some early noise by going 3 under through his first seven holes of the tournament. Westwood wasn’t able to maintain the momentum for 72 holes and closed with a 73 that included a triple bogey on Sunday.
7. Jason Kokrak (-2, T40) Kokrak hasn’t made many waves with his performance and cruised his way through four rounds at Royal Portrush without breaking 70. But that was good enough for a T40 — the best finish among players who failed to post at least one score in the 60s this week.
8. Henrik Stenson (-1, T45) The 2016 Open champion rebounded from an opening 75 to make the cut on the number. The author of one of the most dramatic finishes in Open history was unable to generate much drama over the weekend this time, closing 69-71.
9. Marc Leishman (E, T52) Leishman book-ended a 73 and a 75 with a pair of 68s. The Australian was never really a threat after going 3 over through his first 12 holes of the event. Leishman did go 4 under over the next 40 holes but was unable to maintain the momentum. Many take shots at LIV’s 54-hole format, and Leishman is one of several who again struggled on Sunday.

Marc Leishman of South Africa acknowledges the crowd after getting a birdie on the 12th green during the second round of the British Open golf championship  on July 18, 2025. (AP)

10. Phil Mickelson (+1, T56) A hole-out as part of an opening 70 was Mickelson’s highlight for the week. He faded with a 72 on Friday that was followed by a 76 on Saturday. Mickelson did rebound for a closing 67 that saw him climb 10 spots on the leaderboard.
11. Dean Burmester (+3, T61) The South African made the cut with a stroke to spare but then tumbled with a 76 on Saturday. After opening the final round with three bogeys through four holes, Burmester did recover to post five birdies en route to a 69.
Missed the cut: Joaquin Niemann (144) Carlos Ortiz (145) Tom McKibbin (145) John Catlin (146) Lucas Herbert (146) Patrick Reed (147) Luis Oosthuizen (148) Brooks Koepka (149) Cam Smith (150)
The 20 LIV Golf players will now have a few days to relax locally before joining their league mates for this week’s LIV Golf IK starting Friday at the JCB Golf & Country Club.
 


Fury targets third fight against Usyk

Fury targets third fight against Usyk
Updated 21 July 2025

Fury targets third fight against Usyk

Fury targets third fight against Usyk

LONDON: Tyson Fury says Oleksandr Usyk “knows” he is the only fighter who can beat him after the Ukrainian crushed Daniel Dubois to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion.
Usyk produced an emphatic fifth-round finish against his British opponent at Wembley on Saturday to reclaim the IBF title, further cementing his status as one of boxing’s all-time greats.
The undefeated 38-year-old added the IBF belt to his WBC, WBA and WBO belts when he beat Fury by split decision in Riyadh in May last year before he was forced to vacate his IBF title.
The British boxer retired after he lost to Usyk, again in ֱ, by unanimous decision in December, but he signaled his intention to return to the ring earlier this month.
The “Gypsy King” has angrily questioned the two defeats and remains confident he can get the better of Usyk.
Fury, 36, posted a video of himself on his Instagram account during a run, which was laden with expletives.
“Massive shout-out to Oleksandr Usyk, he said.
“He did a fantastic performance tonight over Daniel Dubois, a good, young, game lad who came for a good tear-up, so congratulations to both men but Oleksandr Usyk knows there is only one man who can beat him.”
“I did it twice before and the world knows it ... I took it like a man.”
He added: “No matter what anyone wants to say, I won ... those fights. Guaranteed, 100 percent. There is only one man. GK (Gypsy King) all day every day. Get up!”
Frank Warren, Fury’s promoter, acknowledged a third fight with Usyk would be “big” but reiterated WBO mandatory Joseph Parker is next in line.
“Tyson has made it very clear to me he would love to fight at Wembley and would love to do that fight. And it would be a big fight, I am quite sure of it,” Warren said.
“As a fan, I would like to see the Joe Parker fight. Joe deserves it, he is on a run himself similar to what Daniel was on and that is the fight that has been ordered.
“One way or another it will either happen or Joe will fight for the vacant title.”


Gen.G Esports crowned League of Legends champions at Esports World Cup 2025 in Riyadh

Gen.G Esports crowned League of Legends champions at Esports World Cup 2025 in Riyadh
Updated 20 July 2025

Gen.G Esports crowned League of Legends champions at Esports World Cup 2025 in Riyadh

Gen.G Esports crowned League of Legends champions at Esports World Cup 2025 in Riyadh
  • The Korean powerhouses now sit top of the Club Championship standings with 1,800 points

RIYADH: Gen.G Esports continued their dominant run on the international stage by capturing the League of Legends title at the Esports World Cup 2025 over the weekend, defeating AG.AL 3-2 in a dramatic Grand Final to claim their second international trophy in as many weeks.

The Korean powerhouses now sit top of the Club Championship standings with 1,800 points, following a historic run that has seen them go unbeaten in 26 consecutive matches, one of the most commanding streaks in the history of competitive League of Legends.

The title win in Riyadh follows closely on the heels of their victory at the Mid-Season Invitational, making this the fastest back-to-back international title haul ever recorded in the game.

Their flawless campaign at the Esports World Cup culminated in a thrilling five-game final against AG.AL, who had earlier stunned both Hanwha Life Esports and reigning champions T1.

“It’s a very meaningful win for our team,” said Kim "Kiin" Ki-in, who was later named tournament MVP and awarded a $10,000 prize.

“In the past in international events we feel that we have underperformed, so to achieve back-to-back wins in the Mid-Season Invitational and now here at the Esports World Cup means that we are still a top contender level team. We are right at the top.

“And on a personal level, the wins let me know that I’m still the player I know I can be and that we can continue to lift many trophies together.”

Teammate Jeong "Chovy" Ji-hoon praised the atmosphere in the Riyadh Arena for playing a key role in their final push.

“The atmosphere in the arena was amazing, you could really feel it and I think that support was what drove us to go on and win in the end,” he said.

“The overall support of the fans throughout the tournament was incredible, they were electric and energetic, and they continue to drive us to lift more trophies again as soon as we can compete again,” he added.

The Gen.G lineup of Joo "Duro" Min-kyu, Jeong, Kim "Canyon" Geon-bu, Park "Ruler" Jae-hyuk, and Kim outclassed 11 other top-tier teams to secure the $600,000 winners’ prize and an additional 1,000 Club Championship points.

Arnold Hur, CEO of Gen.G Esports, hailed the team’s consistency and hunger for improvement.

“For us, the important thing is to keep on improving and delivering positive performances and results each year compared to the previous one, and that's what we're doing in this year's edition so far,” he said. “Everyone is working to help the club reach new heights and to keep rising.”

Reflecting on his MVP performance, Kiin added: “We were here last year, but we got eliminated early, so this time I wanted to lift the trophy, and I did. I'm really excited.”


Pakistan voice disappointment after ‘World Championship of Legends’ match against India called off

Pakistan voice disappointment after ‘World Championship of Legends’ match against India called off
Updated 20 July 2025

Pakistan voice disappointment after ‘World Championship of Legends’ match against India called off

Pakistan voice disappointment after ‘World Championship of Legends’ match against India called off
  • WCL features retired, non-contracted players from India, Pakistan, England and other nations
  • The match was called off after India’s Shikhar Dhawan withdrew from fixtures against Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani veteran cricket stars on Sunday voiced their disappointment after their match against India, part of the “World Championship of Legends (WCL)” tournament, was called off on Sunday, with Indian players withdrawing because of political tensions between Islamabad and New Delhi.

Sporting ties between arch-rivals India and Pakistan have remained limited due to years of political tensions, which heightened after the two countries engaged in a four-day military standoff over an attack in the disputed Kashmir region before a ceasefire was reached on May 10.

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

“On behalf of Pakistan Champions, we express our deep disappointment over WCL’s decision to call off the match against India,” Pakistan Champions owner Kamil Khan said in a statement.

“This decision not only undermines the spirit of the game but has let down cricket fans across the globe.”

In a statement released on its social media accounts, the WCL said it had decided to call off the India-Pakistan match in Birmingham and apologized again for “hurting the sentiments” of Indian fans.

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

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

“We believe cricket should rise above and transcend political differences,” Khan said.


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

Jeddah set to host $1m World Pool Championship as global stars descend on ֱ
Updated 20 July 2025

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

Jeddah set to host $1m World Pool Championship as global stars descend on ֱ
  • $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’s flagship event to ֱ 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 ֱ.

Organized in partnership with the ֱn Billiard & Snooker Federation (SBSF), the Saudi Ministry of Sport and the World Nineball Tour, the event highlights the Kingdom’s 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’s striking new trophy and hailed ֱ’s growing role in cue sports.

“It is really an honor to be here in ֱ for the second year in a row,” she said.

“We are all super excited to get this tournament rolling tomorrow with the participation of the world’s finest players,” she added.

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

“Today, we are witnessing a comprehensive renaissance in billiards and snooker, as is happening in all other sports within the Kingdom,” he said.

“The 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.

“We 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,” he added.

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

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

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

“I’m really excited about it and I don’t think about the pressure at all. I’m looking forward to it and will just try and enjoy as much of it as possible.”

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

“Yes, I am ready and looking forward to compete with other players and hope to win it this year,” he said.

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

“We 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,” 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’s 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.