分类： sports

In a strategic move, Sri Lanka won the toss and chose to field first in their one-day international (ODI) clash against Pakistan on Tuesday at the Pindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi. Captain Charith Asalanka cited the anticipated dew factor later in the evening as the primary reason for the decision, believing it would favor the bowling side. The match marked the return of star leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga to the ODI format, alongside the debut of 24-year-old left-handed opener Kamil Mishara. Pakistan, led by new ODI captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, made a forced change to their lineup, replacing the unwell leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed, who had delivered a career-best performance in the previous match, with fast bowler Naseem Shah. In Abrar’s absence, Pakistan will rely on spin all-rounders Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, and Mohammad Nawaz to bolster their bowling attack. Rawalpindi is set to host all three ODIs in the series this week, followed by a Twenty20 tri-series featuring Zimbabwe, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Pakistan enters the match with renewed confidence after securing a 2-1 series victory against South Africa last week, marking a turnaround from their earlier struggles in 2025.

The 15th National Games witnessed a groundbreaking event on Saturday as over 100 cyclists participated in the men’s individual road race, traversing the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge. This 231.8-kilometer race, a first in the games’ 66-year history, linked Guangdong province with the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions, symbolizing the deepening integration of the Greater Bay Area (GBA). The event highlighted the region’s advanced infrastructure and enhanced connectivity, offering a unique experience for both athletes and spectators. Starting in Zhuhai, the route passed through Macao’s Taipa Island and Hong Kong’s Lantau Island before returning to Zhuhai, with riders crossing checkpoints six times without stopping. The race not only showcased the GBA’s technological advancements but also emphasized the convenience of cross-boundary travel. Macao rider Kam Chin Pok remarked on the growing ease of movement within the GBA, noting that such events foster greater public awareness of regional integration. The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, a marvel of engineering spanning 55 kilometers, provided a challenging yet exhilarating backdrop for the race. Cyclists faced strong sea winds and changing landscapes, from urban skylines to expansive sea views. Li Dongyu, representing Tianjin, described the experience as awe-inspiring, while Han Feng of the Chinese Cycling Association praised the boldness of the concept. The event’s seamless organization, with staff ensuring safety at every checkpoint, further underscored the GBA’s commitment to fostering unity and collaboration through sports.

Dutch football legend Ruud Gullit, during an exclusive interview with Khaleej Times in Dubai, shared his insights on the evolution of football, the GOAT (Greatest of All Time) debate, and the emergence of new talents like Lamine Yamal. Gullit, a former Ballon d’Or winner and key figure in AC Milan’s golden era, reminisced about his playing days and the transformative impact of Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi on the sport. He also discussed the challenges facing modern football, including the physicality of players and the shifting dynamics of leagues like Serie A. Gullit praised the rapid development of Dubai, drawing parallels to the changes in football over the decades. He highlighted the immense potential of young Spanish sensation Lamine Yamal, while cautioning against overburdening the 18-year-old with responsibilities. Gullit also reflected on the Netherlands’ World Cup heartbreaks and shared his predictions for the 2026 World Cup, naming Spain, France, Argentina, and his beloved Holland as top contenders.

The Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club (SGSC) recently hosted the first-ever Golf Society League (GSL), a thrilling competition that brought together sixteen golf societies from across the UAE. Supported by Golf Away, the event offered participants the chance to vie for the prestigious title of GSL Champions, with the winning team securing an exclusive golfing holiday in Thailand. The tournament, which kicked off last weekend, was marked by intense competition and remarkable performances across three leagues, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead. The leagues were structured to ensure fierce competition, with the top teams from each league advancing to the knockout stages. League 1 saw the defending champions, Nepalese Golf Society, begin their title defense with a solid start, while The Hole Seekers emerged as early leaders with a standout performance. In League 2, Social 1 dominated their matches, securing a perfect start, while League 3 witnessed The Spartans making a strong statement with two consecutive wins. Additionally, players competed in the Betterball Stableford competition, with Deepak Mandory and Prashant Athreya of The Hole Seekers claiming the top prize with 42 points. The event concluded with high anticipation for the next round, scheduled for December 7th, promising more thrilling golf action at SGSC. For further details about the GSL, visit golfandshootingshj.com or contact Samjhana Lama at golfsales@golfandshootingshj.com.

The 2025 edition of the Emirates Mixed Amateur Open concluded with a thrilling display of skill and teamwork at the prestigious Majlis Course of the Emirates Golf Club. The event, which attracted 83 pairs of male and female amateur golfers, was played in a greensomes format, applying a 60% handicap allowance to the lower-handicapped partner and 40% to the higher. This innovative format highlighted the club’s commitment to fostering inclusivity and competitive spirit in golf. The dynamic duo of Raza Hussain and Linda Mahoney emerged as the overall champions, delivering a stellar performance with a net score of 63 (-9). Their exceptional teamwork, consistency, and strategic course management set them apart from a fiercely competitive field. In the gross division, Ian Scott and Adele McKelvey claimed the Best Gross honours with a score of 74 (+2), showcasing their precision and resilience on the challenging Majlis Course. The tournament, a hallmark of the Emirates Golf Club’s mixed amateur events, continues to grow in stature, promoting creative formats and mixed-gender participation. Other notable achievements included Suk Chang Jung and Yang Sook Jung as runners-up with a net 64 (-8), and Andrej Podgorsek and Veronika Podgorsek securing third place with the same score. The event also featured individual accolades in the Nearest the Pin category, with Priyanka Gupta, Naima Maya, Suk Chang Jung, and Andrej Podgorsek earning recognition for their accuracy. The 2025 edition of the Emirates Mixed Amateur Open was a celebration of teamwork, skill, and the enduring appeal of golf.

In a commanding performance at the ATP Finals in Turin, Taylor Fritz secured a decisive victory over Italian Lorenzo Musetti, winning 6-3, 6-4 in their opening round-robin match on Monday. Musetti, who stepped in as a late replacement following Novak Djokovic’s withdrawal, initially showed promise but struggled to maintain momentum against Fritz’s relentless play. The American’s strong serve and strategic gameplay proved too much for Musetti, who despite the support of a partisan crowd, couldn’t turn the tide. The match’s pivotal moment came early when Fritz saved four break points and subsequently broke Musetti’s serve to take a 3-1 lead. Fritz’s dominance continued throughout the match, with nine aces in the second set alone, sealing the win with two final aces. Musetti, though defeated, showcased moments of brilliance with clever drop shots and lobs, keeping the audience engaged. Fritz’s victory marks a strong start to his campaign at the season-ending championships, where he aims to build on his semifinal appearance in 2022. Meanwhile, top seed Carlos Alcaraz also began his tournament with a win, defeating Alex de Minaur in the Jimmy Connors Group. The round-robin format ensures intense competition, with the top two players from each group advancing to the semifinals. Italian fans will look forward to Jannik Sinner’s match later in the day as he begins his title defense against Felix Auger-Aliassime.

A violent altercation broke out shortly after a tense football match between Maccabi Haifa and Bnei Sakhnin, a predominantly Arab club, ended in a 3-3 draw in Sakhnin, Israel. Dozens of Maccabi Haifa fans, clad in the team’s green and black colors, stormed the Amigo restaurant near Bnei Sakhnin’s Doha Stadium, attacking patrons with knives, sticks, and bottles. Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic and brutal, with several people sustaining injuries, including deep head wounds and fractures. The restaurant owner, Ayham Abu Rayya, recounted the sudden and organized nature of the attack, accusing the police of failing to intervene promptly. Despite six arrests, many criticized the authorities for their delayed response. The incident has sparked outrage among Sakhnin residents, who condemned the violence and accused Israeli media of downplaying the event due to its Arab victims. The Referees’ Association also condemned the attack, revealing that several referees attending the match were severely beaten. This incident highlights a broader trend of rising anti-Arab rhetoric in Israeli football, with a 67% increase in racist chanting reported this season. Maccabi Haifa’s management has distanced itself from the violence, expressing confidence in the police to hold those responsible accountable.