分类： sports

ABU DHABI – Prominent New Zealand cricket analysts Simon Doull and Danny Morrison have enthusiastically endorsed the Abu Dhabi T10 tournament following its ninth season, characterizing the format as a visionary glimpse into cricket’s evolutionary path. The commentators provided comprehensive insights after observing the 12-day competition at Zayed Cricket Stadium.

Simon Doull emphasized the tournament’s growing prestige within international cricket circuits. “Each successive edition attracts progressively higher-caliber athletes,” Doull observed. “The scheduling proves ideal for global players, who appreciate both the superb climatic conditions and the world-class facilities at Zayed Stadium. This championship carries significant competitive prestige – participants are genuinely motivated to claim victory, supported by exemplary organizational standards and intensely contested matches.”

Danny Morrison spotlighted emerging Emirati talent, specifically highlighting right-arm pace bowler Zohair Iqbal’s tournament performance. Despite competing alongside established international bowlers, Iqbal emerged as the third-highest wicket-taker. Morrison noted: “Zohair has demonstrated exceptional skill domestically and now translates that ability to the international stage. His crucial breakthroughs for Aspin Stallions, combined with his effective swing bowling, have been particularly impressive. The pitches themselves have provided balanced contest between bat and ball.”

Doull further elaborated on the format’s distinctive appeal, describing the Abu Dhabi T10 as “electrifying, dynamic, and intensely competitive.” He articulated: “This tournament offers a preview of cricket’s future trajectory. As the most condensed and accelerated format, it delivers complete sporting entertainment within a compact 90-minute to two-hour window, requiring minimal time investment from viewers while maximizing excitement.”

The 2025 tournament continuation underscores the United Arab Emirates’ growing significance as a global cricket hub, providing optimal infrastructure and conditions for both established professionals and developing regional talent.

In a spectacular display of batting prowess, Virat Kohli’s record-extending 52nd one-day international century propelled India to a thrilling 17-run victory against South Africa in the series opener at Ranchi on Sunday. The match showcased exceptional performances from both sides, culminating in a nail-biting finish that kept spectators on the edge of their seats.

Kohli’s magnificent 135-run innings from 120 deliveries, featuring seven sixes and eleven boundaries, formed the cornerstone of India’s imposing total of 349-8. The former captain combined forces with Rohit Sharma (57) in a formidable 136-run partnership for the second wicket, delighting the home crowd with their masterful strokeplay. Despite early setbacks that left India at 200-4, captain KL Rahul’s crucial 60-run contribution provided stability alongside Kohli’s dominant presence.

South Africa’s response began disastrously as they slumped to 11-3 within the first five overs, with Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh wreaking havoc on the top order. However, Matthew Breetzke (72) and Marco Jansen (70 off 39 balls) mounted a spectacular recovery, bringing the visitors back into contention at 227-5. The match reached its climax when Kuldeep Yadav’s decisive 4-68 spell turned the tide in India’s favor.

The final overs witnessed intense drama as Corbin Bosch’s valiant 67-run effort from 51 deliveries nearly snatched victory from the hosts. Needing 50 runs from the last six overs with two wickets remaining, South Africa’s hopes were dashed when Indian bowlers executed impeccable death bowling strategies. Bosch’s heroic last-wicket stand ultimately fell short in the final over, concluding South Africa’s innings at 332.

Indian captain KL Rahul praised the veteran duo’s performance, stating, ‘It’s always fascinating to witness them play with such freedom and dominance. They demonstrate why they remain iconic figures in world cricket by consistently putting opposition teams under pressure.’

The victory provides India with crucial momentum as they seek to rebound from their recent test series defeat against the same opponents. Both teams will reconvene in Raipur on Wednesday for the second encounter of this three-match ODI series.

In a dramatic turn of events at the Qatar Grand Prix, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen secured a crucial victory that propels the Formula 1 championship into a decisive final confrontation in Abu Dhabi. The Dutch driver’s strategic triumph at the Lusail International Circuit on Sunday night has dramatically reshaped the championship landscape heading into the season finale.

Starting from behind McLaren’s front-row lockout, Verstappen executed a perfect start to overtake pole-sitter Oscar Piastri and never relinquished control. The race’s pivotal moment came when Red Bull made the astute decision to pit Verstappen during a safety car period, while McLaren opted to keep both Piastri and championship leader Lando Norris on track.

The strategic divergence proved decisive. Piastri managed to secure second place but expressed frustration with the team’s call, stating: ‘Clearly we did not get it right tonight. In hindsight it is pretty obvious what we should have done.’ Norris finished a disappointing fourth, seeing his championship lead shrink significantly.

Carlos Sainz of Williams claimed the final podium position in third, marking an impressive result for the British team. The desert night race under floodlights provided a spectacular backdrop for the championship drama that now sets up an unprecedented three-way battle in Abu Dhabi.

Verstappen, pursuing his fifth consecutive world title, now trails Norris by just 12 points, with Piastri sitting 16 points behind his McLaren teammate. The Dutch driver recalled his dramatic 2021 Abu Dhabi victory over Lewis Hamilton, suggesting similar drama might await next weekend.

In a dramatic Premier League turnaround, Manchester United secured a crucial 2-1 comeback victory against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, ending the host’s formidable nine-month unbeaten home streak. Manager Ruben Amorim attributed the triumph to his team’s enhanced tactical discipline and intensified second-half performance.

The breakthrough came through substitutes Joshua Zirkzee and Mason Mount, whose second-half strikes propelled United to sixth position in the league table. This victory marked only United’s second away win in their last twelve attempts, achieved at one of England’s most challenging venues where Palace hadn’t suffered a league defeat since February.

Amorim emphasized the significance of minute details in securing the three points. ‘The certainty on the pass, the movements, we work on that in a different pace,’ he explained. ‘Today proved that if you increase how we fight for every ball and improve the small details, we can beat anyone.’

The Portuguese manager acknowledged his team’s sluggish first-half performance but praised their transformed intensity after the interval. ‘We sensed Palace’s fatigue in the final fifteen minutes of the first half and exploited it mercilessly after the break. The rhythm and quality of our connections, particularly with Zirkzee, changed completely.’

Zirkzee’s contribution proved particularly meaningful as the striker netted his first league goal in nearly a year, filling the void left by injured Matheus Cunha. Amorim highlighted the psychological importance of the goal for both player and team: ‘For a striker to score is vital, but his overall response in the second half mattered more than just the goal. Those small details—winning first balls to secure second balls—define our game.’

The victory provides crucial momentum for United following their disappointing loss to 10-man Everton earlier in the week, offering fans hope of a sustained resurgence under Amorim’s leadership.

Jebel Ali Racecourse hosted a spectacular display of thoroughbred racing this Saturday, highlighted by significant milestones for key figures in the United Arab Emirates’ racing community. The afternoon’s feature event, the Zayed & Rashid Initiative Cup, witnessed a determined victory from Mashkoor under jockey Richard Mullen, marking a career-defining achievement for emerging trainer Marwan Al Baidhaei.

The victory represented a crucial breakthrough for Al Baidhaei, who has been steadily building his reputation within the UAE training circuit. Earlier this year, he received the prestigious ERA Najm Award recognizing his dedication, sportsmanship, and horse-first philosophy. Reflecting on Mashkoor’s performance, Al Baidhaei noted: ‘He’s a bit underrated, but he’s been training very well. I was slightly concerned as this was his seasonal debut, but carrying lightweight proved advantageous. When he saw competitors approaching at the 400-meter mark, he demonstrated tremendous fighting spirit.’

Meanwhile, British jockey Richard Mullen delivered an exceptional performance, securing three victories on the card. The veteran rider, long associated with Zabeel Stables and renowned for his 2013 Dubai Golden Shaheen triumph aboard Reynaldothewizard, demonstrated his enduring skill and tactical expertise. Two of Mullen’s wins came in partnership with reigning champion trainer Musabbeh Al Mheiri, who himself enjoyed a highly successful afternoon.

Al Mheiri’s double victory propelled him to the top of the UAE trainer standings, making him the first to surpass the Dh 1 million prize-money threshold this season. His successes included Duke Of Immatin’s maiden victory in The 54th Stakes for two-year-olds and The Ice Phoenix’s stylish win in The Ghaf Tree Stakes. The champion trainer expressed optimism about both horses’ development, stating: ‘They both showed the attitude and progression we hoped for. It’s a long season ahead, and we’re excited about their potential.’

The event collectively highlighted the dynamic nature of UAE racing, featuring breakthrough performances from emerging talents alongside continued dominance from established champions, all contributing to the sport’s growing prestige in the region.

Dubai’s prestigious Al Habtoor Tennis Challenge witnessed a wave of anticipation as Hungarian tennis star Dalma Galfi made her triumphant return to the W100 ITF World Tennis Tour event after a five-year absence. The tournament commenced Sunday at the Habtoor Grand Resort in Mina Seyahi.

Galfi, 27, enters as top seed with a career-high singles ranking of 79 achieved in September 2022. Her history at this Dubai event includes a memorable semifinal run as a wild card entrant in 2019. “I love being in Dubai, and for sure I would love to do well during the week,” Galfi expressed during Sunday’s draw ceremony. “I am excited, not just because I am returning to Dubai after five years, but also because I have some great memories here.”

The Hungarian player faces a qualifier in her opening match, with a potential second-round encounter against veteran Vera Zvonareva, one of four wild card recipients this year. Galfi remains undaunted: “No match is going to be easy, and I am confident I can do some good hard work out there.”

Tournament founder Khalaf Al Habtoor emphasized the event’s significance as “the first tennis event for women in this part of the world” since its establishment in 1998. “Each year, our tournament keeps getting better,” Al Habtoor noted. “Tennis is such a sport that actually combines enjoyment with entertainment.”

The competition features several notable participants, including second seed Anastasia Zakharova and Dubai resident Kristina Mladenovic, former world number one in doubles. Slovakia’s Viktoria Hruncakova, making her ninth appearance, acknowledged the challenging draw: “I expect myself to fight all the time. It is a tough draw, and I will be prepared for some tight matches.”

Among emerging talents, Czech Republic’s Vendula Valdamannova, who turns 18 on December 10, declared ambitious intentions: “I am here to win this tournament.”

Sunday’s qualifying rounds saw Japanese players dominate, with top qualifier Mai Hontama leading a trio of compatriots into the next round. Main draw matches commence Monday alongside final qualifying rounds at the Habtoor Grand Resort courts.

In a spectacular display of sailing prowess, Emirates Great Britain has etched its name in SailGP history by capturing the 2025 championship title during a heart-stopping finale at the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Sail Grand Prix. The British team accomplished what no other crew has achieved in the competition’s history—a complete clean sweep by simultaneously winning the Season Grand Final, topping the overall season standings, and securing the Impact League title.

The championship-deciding race unfolded on the Arabian Gulf with intense pressure and adrenaline-fueled action as three elite teams battled for supremacy. Under the leadership of Dylan Fletcher, Emirates GBR executed a remarkable comeback during the fourth leg of the winner-takes-all shootout, overtaking both the BONDS Flying Roos and the Black Foils to claim victory.

This monumental achievement marks Emirates GBR as only the third team ever to win a SailGP championship title, culminating in a record-breaking financial reward. The team’s exceptional season performance earned them a staggering $2 million championship prize, supplemented by an additional $400,000 for finishing the season with the highest points tally. When combined with their Impact League earnings, the British squad collected an unprecedented total of $4.4 million in prize money for the season.

Team skipper Dylan Fletcher expressed overwhelming excitement following the victory: ‘It was an unbelievable final. All three teams demonstrated incredible skill—any one of us could have emerged victorious. I’m absolutely over the moon right now. What a team, what a year… I’m stoked.’

The Mubadala Abu Dhabi Sail Grand Prix 2025 Season Grand Final, presented by Abu Dhabi Sports Council, concluded the sixth season of the global sailing championship. SailGP enthusiasts can anticipate the commencement of the 2026 season, which is scheduled to begin in Perth, Australia on January 17-18.