Sports

Building on the legacy of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, the Her Game Festival brings the spirit of inclusion, empowerment, and cultural exchange to Morocco. Organized by Generation Amazing Foundation (GA) in partnership with LEAD Morocco and TIBU Africa as part of the Qatar - Morocco Years of Culture 2024 program, the festival highlights how the transformative power of sports transcends borders, connects communities and fosters personal growth.With the recent announcement that Morocco will be co-hosting the FIFA Men’s World Cup 2030, the festival provides a foundation for empowering youth and strengthening regional ties through sport and culture. Her Game builds on the momentum of the GA Youth Festival 2022, where LEAD Morocco partnered with GA to inspire youth through sports during the lead-up to the World Cup. Two years later, that legacy has evolved, with Her Game Festival 2024 instilling these values on Moroccan soil. “Her Game Festival marks a pivotal step in advancing the legacy of Qatar 2022 across the region. This festival is about more than football — it’s about creating an environment where girls can play, lead, and thrive,” commented Nasser Al Khori, Executive Director of GA. “By sharing our coaching philosophy and inclusive sport-for-development training with Morocco, we’re harnessing sport as a catalyst for transformative change and strengthening the capacity-building relationship between Qatar and Morocco. Together with our partners, we’re committed to creating a lasting impact in the region.”Soufiane Najah Elidrissi, Executive Director of LEAD Morocco, commented “Through Her Game Festival, we honor the legacy of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ and lay the foundation for the mega sports events that Morocco will soon host, including the Men’s and Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in 2025, as well as the FIFA Men’s World Cup in 2030. By transferring its spirit of empowerment to Morocco, this event has demonstrated that sports can inspire change, build confidence, and create lasting opportunities for youth.”Over two days, the festival engaged more than 170 young female players and 40 coaches in sports and educational activities. Held at the LEAD Academy in Mansouria, the first day featured an under-15 girls' football tournament, Silent Football matches promoting non-verbal communication, and interactive workshops focused on confidence-building and collaboration.On the second day, held at CIH Bank Club, the festival continued with workshops on leadership, psychosocial well-being, and inclusive coaching designed to inspire personal growth and teamwork. The festival concluded with a final match, a celebratory VIP game, and a closing ceremony attended by the Governor of the Province of Benslimane, Samir Lyazidi, the 1st Vice President, Mohamed Bourhim, and the 2nd Vice President, Abdellatif Miraoui, of the Casablanca-Settat Region."At Tibu Africa, we firmly believe that sport is a powerful driver of social transformation and inclusion. The Her Game Festival, organised in partnership with Generation Amazing Foundation and LEAD Morocco, reflects our commitment to empowering marginalized young girls and women. By celebrating the legacy of global football and the strong ties between Morocco and Qatar, we have provided these young participants with a unique experience filled with learning, hope, and opportunities for change." – Mohamed Amine Zariat, Founding President of the NGO Tibu Africa.Sara Ahmed AL-Mohannadi, National Comittee for Years of Culture Board Secretary: “Initiatives like Her Game Festival embody the lasting legacies of hosting major sporting events. These programs create opportunities for youth development and cultivate a culture of inclusion, building cross-cultural ties that resonate long after the events themselves. Supporting talent development and building bridges between communities through programs like Her Game Festival helps lay the groundwork for Morocco’s future role as a host of global sporting events. This event is an excellent example of how through meaningful dialogue and collaborative initiatives, the Years of Culture program can support the cultivation of a global community that values and supports progress through sports and youth development. We would like to thank our partners for creating a festival that promises a lasting impact.

The Qatari team, consisting of Abdullah Al-Khelaifi, Ghanem Al-Ali, Ibrahim Al-Abdulghani, and German driver Julian Hanses, achieved a remarkable victory by securing first place in the 'Cup' category of the Gulf 12 Hours endurance race held at Yas Marina Circuit (14-15 December). This marks the team’s fifth consecutive win in international races this season, reflecting their outstanding performance and consistent efforts to achieve success. The Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) is committed to continuing its support for the team by involving them in more international races next season, aiming to achieve new accomplishments that add to Qatar’s sports legacy.

Organized by the Ministry of Culture, Qatar National Day 2024 events and activities taking place at Darb Al Saai in Umm Salal saw a large turnout on Sunday, despite cold weather, attracting citizen and resident families who flocked to enjoy the traditional atmosphere and cultural activities.One such event is a seminar organized by the National Archives of Qatar titled "Qatar statistics in the Ottoman archives" delivered by Dr. Suhail Saban, who discussed documents from the Ottoman archive on various aspects of Qatar's economy and social life during the times of the founder, Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed bin Thani.Dr. Saban pointed out that these records included approximate estimates of the population of Qatar back then, the number of mosques and traditional educational institutes, as well as sources of income and prominent Qatari cities and villages. He added that these documents contained detailed reports on the pearl trade and the types of ships used in pearl diving.Another activity at Darb Al Saai was a live Qatari cooking competition aimed at highlighting traditional Qatari cuisine and introducing it to the general public, combining a passion for cooking with creativity in preparing traditional recipes.On another note, the heritage market in Darb Al Saai attracted a high turnout from visitors eager to purchase traditional handcrafts and products: perfumes, traditional garments, marine products, as well as items linking past and present.

More than nine months ago, Pachuca started a journey which has taken them over land and sea, from near and far, all the way to the FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2024 final in QatarLos Tuzos, indeed, kickstarted their Concacaf Champions Cup campaign all the way back in March with a 6-0 thumping of Philadelphia Union, before a similarly comprehensive 7-2 aggregate victory over Herediano. Fellow Mexican outfit Club America were swept aside in the semi-finals, paving the way for a 3-0 victory over Columbus Crew in the June decider.That victory clinched the club a sixth continental crown and secured their place in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2024. They faced a Botafogo side in the FIFA Derby of the Americas on December 11 at Stadium 974 which had recently claimed both continental and domestic honours, but showed no fear as they dismantled their Brazilian counterparts 3-0.A match against Al Ahly in the FIFA Challenger Cup – the club’s ninth game all told in this mammoth quest for global glory – stood between Guillermo Almada’s charges and a place in the final against Real Madrid at Lusail Stadium on Wednesday.Penalties would decide the destination of the trophy. Despite Pachuca missing their opening two spot-kicks, the Hidalgo-based club sensationally prevailed 6-5 after Al Ahly’s Khaled Abdelfattah hit the crossbar in sudden death.“All of my nerves went away, it’s an indescribable emotion,” defender Bryan Gonzalez said of the moment the ball hit the bar.“I’m so happy for the result. It’s a team effort and I’m proud of them. I’m very excited, very happy, [and] proud of this team for its unity, the humility that it has and now we’ll continue working for what’s ahead.”After captain Salomon Rondon and fellow forward Borja Baston saw their penalties saved and clear the crossbar respectively, their opponents netted three on the bounce and were on the cusp of advancing, until missing two of their own. “I still can’t believe it,” defender Luis Rodriguez, who scored his side’s seventh penalty, said following the game.“Anyone can miss or make a penalty, but in that moment I thought of a thousand things, mostly my family. The penalties were crazy. We started by missing, but that’s football – anything can happen and more so in penalties. Today, it was our turn to enjoy [a] triumph.”Despite travelling more than 8,000 miles to reach Doha and playing against Botafogo just three days prior, Pachuca attacked with intent and didn’t stop until the final whistle after 120 minutes of intense action. Midfielder Nelson Deossa, who also converted from the spot, believes that will hold them in good stead going into their Madrid clash.“The intensity to always go forward is something that we work on daily,” the Colombian said. “We are an aggressive team and we always work on intensity, aggressiveness. It’s something that always characterises us. I’m so happy about this win. It was a difficult game, but we knew how to face it and we got to the penalty shootout, it happened and we won, thank God.”Now, only Real Madrid stand in Pachuca’s way of global glory and their fourth trophy of the year. The excitement in the Pachuca camp is palpable. “I feel very proud, very happy,” Deossa continued.“All of the work that we have been doing has a great [reward] and it is a big final, to face the biggest team in the world. We hope to come out as champions. It’s a tough game, but we must dream it. Ever since you are a boy, you dream of these moments (facing Real Madrid),” Gonzalez added. “To achieve it is a boyhood dream of mine, it’s an honour. Now, we’re going to give it our all in this final and try to win it.” (fifa.com)

Manchester United scored twice in the final three minutes to deepen Premier League champions Manchester City’s crisis with a 2-1 win at the Etihad yesterday. City have now won just once in their last 11 games, a run that includes eight defeats.Josko Gvardiol’s first-half header had put Pep Guardiola’s men in front. But United hit back for just Ruben Amorim’s second win in five league matches since taking charge last month. Bruno Fernandes’ penalty levelled before Amad Diallo squeezed home the winner from a narrow angle in the last minute of regular time. Defeat leaves City still in fifth, nine point off leaders Liverpool, who have a game in hand. United climb to 12th and within five points of their city rivals. The Red Devils will be hoping a dramatic victory can also be the starting point for Amorim to turn around the momentum of a rivalry that City have dominated over the past decade.Amorim made a bold call before kick-off as both Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho were left out of the United squad with the Portuguese saying he “pays attention to everything”. The United boss may have regretted that call as early as the 12th minute when Mason Mount limped off to continue his injury-ravaged spell since joining from Chelsea 18 months ago.It took 20 minutes for Phil Foden to have the first attempt on goal with a volley that flew just wide of Andre Onana’s goal. But United’s set-piece defending has been at the root of their poor start to life under new management.For the third consecutive Premier League game they conceded from a corner as Kevin De Bruyne’s deflected cross looped perfectly into the path of Gvardiol to head in on 36 minutes. A slow burn of a derby finally came to life seconds later when Kyle Walker and Rasmus Hojlund went head-to-head with both ending up getting booked.Foden’s double win this fixture for City last season on their way to an unprecedented fourth consecutive league title. But his lack of form and fitness has been one of the causes of City’s struggles this season. However, Foden looked more like his old self as a jinking run and shot that deflected just wide came close to doubling City’s lead before half-time.United did not manage a single shot on target in the first 45 minutes and Amorim was growing visibly frustrated. A vintage City side under Guardiola would have put their neighbours to the sword, but English champions created nothing of note in the second period.Diallo finally forced Ederson into action with a header that the Brazilian clawed around the post on the hour mark. Fernandes then missed a glorious chance to equalise 15 minutes from time when his dink over Ederson drifted wide with just the Brazilian to beat.However, City were to be the architects of their own downfall. Matheus Nunes’ short backpass played in Diallo, who was then chopped down by the Portuguese midfielder in his desperation to atone for the original error. Fernandes this time coolly sent Ederson the wrong way to level. City’s defence was then undone by one simple long ball over the top by Lisandro Martinez that Diallo raced onto, rounded Ederson and kept his composure to find the net.Sarr stars as Crystal Palacebeat BrightonEarlier,Crystal Palace savoured a first win over rivals Brighton since 2021 as a 3-1 victory lifted the Eagles four points clear of the relegation zone. Ismaila Sarr teed up Trevoh Chalobah for the opening goal before scoring twice himself to secure Palace’s first success over the Seagulls in seven games.Brighton could have gone level with Manchester City in fifth but have now failed to win in their last four games to slip down to ninth. Palace are unbeaten in five.

Real Madrid trained in the Spanish capital yesterday as they prepared for the Intercontinental Cup final against Pachuca, set to take place at Lusail Stadium in Qatar on Wednesday. The starting eleven from their La Liga clash with Rayo Vallecano on Saturday completed a recovery session, while the rest of the squad underwent intensive gym and on-pitch workouts.David Alaba, Ferland Mendy and Kylian Mbappe trained separately as they continued their recoveries from injuries. While Alaba and Mendy have been ruled out of Wednesday’s match, Mbappe remains in contention. The French forward, recovering from a muscle injury sustained during the Champions League match against Atalanta last Tuesday, has been included in the travelling squad to Qatar. Meanwhile, Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao are sidelined for the rest of the season.Brazilian star Vinicius Junior, who was substituted against Rayo as a precaution following his recent return from injury, participated in an intensive session alongside Eduardo Camavinga, who also featured in the weekend’s draw against Rayo Vallecano. They were joined by Raul Asencio, Jesus Vallejo, Dani Ceballos, Endrick, and several youth players called up to bolster the first team.Real Madrid’s squad will continue training in Madrid before travelling to Qatar in pursuit of yet another addition to their illustrious trophy cabinet.Despite dropping points against Rayo when a win would have propelled them to the top of La Liga, Real Madrid, currently sitting third behind leaders Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, remain optimistic. Ancelotti is confident that his team is on the “right path” and is focused on lifting the FIFA Intercontinental Cup.“We have a great chance to win a title on Wednesday, which would put the cherry on top of a great year,” said head coach Carlo Ancelotti on Saturday.Midfielder Jude Bellingham also turned his attention to Wednesday’s final. Bellingham, who has scored in six successive La Liga matches, stressed the importance of shifting focus to the challenge ahead. Reacting to the Rayo Vallecano match on Instagram, star Bellingham wrote: “One of the more complicated away games but should be leaving with more than a point. Rest and refocus for an opportunity to win another title on Wednesday.”

There was a first in Queen & King of the Court history in Doha as three Kings were crowned during the Queen & King of the Court Beach Volleyball Finals 2024 at the Aspire Zone on last night.Stefan Boermans had to drop out of the final after two rounds to be replaced by countryman Steven van de Velde. He and Yorick de Groot won, in a unique result in the sport. Boermans was well on his way to his first-ever crown. He and Yorick de Groot had gathered the most points in the first two rounds, but just before the second round came to a stop Boermans injured his groin. He was unable to continue, leaving the organization with a spot to fill. It’s within Queen & King of the Court regulation to introduce a different player. Steven van de Velde, who was outside the stadium playing a game for fun, came to his aid.Van de Velde was surprisingly sharp, he and De Groot ran to ten points quite early. The comeback of Clemens Wickler and Nils Ehlers (Kings of 2023 in Doha) was stopped in time and thus came about the unprecedented situation of crowning three Kings. Wickler and Ehlers won the silver, the bronze medal went the way of France’s Calvin Aye and Remi Bassereau.On the women’s side, Lezana Placette and Sandra Ittlinger claimed the crown after a tight final in which they beat their German and Dutch opponents. Placette and Ittlinger normally feature on opposite sides of the net. But this time they teamed up for Doha and made it count. In the final round they ousted two teams that made the final directly from the Group Stage: Germany’s Cinja Tillmann and Svenja Muller and Dutchies Katja Stam and Wies Bekhuis. This is the second crown for Ittlinger, who won the 2021 Finals with Isabel Schneider. Placette is on the top step of the podium for the first time, after having won silver and bronze before. It was the fourth time the Queen & King of the Court Finals were held in the Aspire Zone.Final StandingsMen: 1. Stefan Boermans / Yorick de Groot / Steven van de Velde (NED); 2. Clemens Wickler / Nils Ehlers (GER); 3. Calvin Aye / Rémi Bassereau (FRA)Women: 1. Lezana Placette (FRA) / Sandra Ittlinger (GER); 2. Cinja Tillmann / Svenja Müller (GER); 3. Katja Stam / Wies Bekhuis (NED).

Alexander Sorloth earned Atletico Madrid an 11th straight victory with his goal sealing a 1-0 win over Getafe yesterday in La Liga.Diego Simeone’s side have been in fine form and continued their winning run across all competitions with a deserved home triumph, pulling provisionally level with league leaders Barcelona. Norwegian target man Sorloth came off the bench to head home the winner in the second half for his seventh league goal this season. Atletico, second, lead rivals Real Madrid by a point after Los Blancos drew at Rayo Vallecano on Saturday, while Barcelona were hosting Leganes late last night.“I’ll repeat it, I’m boring, I won’t change – until the last day, we’ll go game by game,” Simeone told reporters when asked if his team could challenge for the title. “I always say the best result is 1-0 because you work hard in defence and you’re effective in attack, if you win 4-3 there are things you have to improve.”Atletico Madrid controlled the first half but could not put away the chances they created. Two of the most inviting fell to winger Samuel Lino, but he failed to convert on both occasions. Giuliano Simeone crossed for the Brazilian and he poked the ball wide, before firing off-target again after Rodrigo De Paul played him in with a clever lob.Argentine midfielder De Paul, on a strong run of form, swept a shot wide as the hosts continued to dominate at the Metropolitano stadium. David Soria saved from Julian Alvarez shortly before the teams went in goalless at the break. Pablo Barrios fired narrowly off-target before Atletico took the lead in the 69th minute.Substitute Sorloth peeled off his marker at the far post and placed a header back across goal and into the net from Nahuel Molina’s cross. Molina was another reinforcement brought on by Simeone, with Atletico’s impressive squad depth telling.“Before the game I spoke with the players about thanking and recognising those who weren’t going to start the game,” said Simeone. “There are very important players who are competing in an extraordinary way, and you can tell that when they come into the team. That is our strength, to compete in the way we want, we need everyone to be as involved as they (currently) are, it’s our biggest strength.”Getafe pushed for a leveller but it was Atletico who came closer to scoring in the final stages, with Angel Correa running through on goal but between Soria and two defenders, the visitors managed to thwart him.The winning goal came after two substitutes and Simeone said he was glad to see players coming off the bench to make a positive impact. “I always tell them that I imagine the matches with different situations, imagining what can happen and having answers. And we have answers, but it all depends on the commitment of the players,” Simeone said.“It’s easy to say but it’s very difficult how the players represent it when they go on the pitch, it makes me very happy to see the attitude I saw today.”

The Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club (QREC) is set to host the 4th Doha International Arabian Horse Show from 19 to 22 December at the main arena of the Qatar Equestrian Federation.The event will see the participation of 300 horses representing farms and studs from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait and the UAE, with these participants aiming for prestigious titles of the Show.The European Conference of Arab Horse Organizations (ECAHO)-affiliated event will be overseen by international judges from various countries.The contests of each class will qualify winners to the champions of colts, fillies, mares and stallions.The top three winners in each class will be awarded gold, silver and bronze medals, respectively. Luscious prize money are on offer for the winners of the prestigious titles at the conclusion of the Show to encourage participation and support local owners.Among the prominent participants from Qatar are Al Shaqab (Member of Qatar Foundation), Al Shahania Stud, Al Sraiya Stud, Al Jood Stud, Al Jaham Stud and Al Jamal Stud along with several other stables and farms from outside Qatar.The 4th Doha International Arabian Horse Show is part of the 2024–2025 horse show season, which features a range of local and international shows with participations from renowned farms and studs across Qatar and the region. QREC management is committed to maintaining Qatar’s leadership in Arabian horse shows, both in terms of organisation and winning championships at international and global events.The outstanding results of Qatari studs at the World Arabian Horse Championship - Salon Du Cheval De Paris – achieved by Al Shaqab (Member of Qatar Foundation), Al Shahania Stud, Al Nasser Stud, Al Naif Stud and others in recent years are a testament to this success.The third renewal of the Show was held between 5 and 8 January this year and saw intense competitions among the participants. It was marked by the diversity of the winners of the major titles with the Gold Medal in the Stallion Championship awarded to BASHIR AL BASHIR, owned by Abdullateef Basheer Alrasheedi. In the Mare Championship, the Salem Stud–owned D FALA won the Gold Medal while the Al Nasser Stud–owned ASHADIYA won the Silver Medal. The latter was also selected the Best in all the classes of the Show.MZOON AL DIRIYAH won the Junior Female Championship Gold Medal for owner Mesfer Mohammed Al Hajri.BAHI AL JAHAM, owned by Al Jaham Stud, won the Gold Medal in the Junior Male Championship. In addition, the bay colt received the prize of the highest score in the Show, having collected 93 points in the qualifying stage.MHS SORA, owned by Alkhashab Stud, won the Gold Medal in the Yearling Female Championship while QAYSAR RJ, owned by Al Rajhiah Stud, won the Gold Medal in the Yearling Male Championship

China’s Shi Yuqi blew away Denmark’s Anders Antonsen to win the men’s singles crown at the season-ending BWF World Tour Finals yesterday as the hosts swept three titles.In an all-Chinese women’s singles final in Hangzhou, Wang Zhiyi fought back from a game down to defeat Han Yue 19-21, 21-19, 21-11 in 74 minutes.Shi beat Antonsen 21-18, 21-14 in 52 minutes to win the prestigious title for a second time in his career, to go with his triumph in 2018.“Playing at home makes me very happy,” said the 28-year-old Shi, who paraded around the venue after his victory and threw his shirt into the crowd. “These people are very passionate and supportive,” he added.Antonsen’s fellow Dane, the reigning two-time Olympic champion Viktor Axelsen, was not in China to defend his title after pulling out before the competition with injury.There was home glory too for mixed doubles pair Zheng Siwei and Huang Yaqiong as they beat Malaysia’s Chen Tang Jie and Toh Ee Wei in three games to retain their title.It was a triumphant farewell to badminton for the 27-year-old Olympic gold medallist Zheng, who had announcement his intention to retire from the sport after the tournament.South Korea’s Baek Ha-na and Lee So-hee won the women’s doubles and the Danish duo Kim Astrup and Anders Skaarup Rasmussen prevailed in the men’s doubles final.

Retiring Spanish football legend Andres Iniesta bid farewell to his playing career yesterday in an exhibition match between Barcelona and Real Madrid greats in Tokyo and will now look to go into coaching.The 40-year-old announced in October that he was hanging up his boots after a career that saw him win two European Championships and the 2010 World Cup.He gave a crowd of more than 45,000 fans in Tokyo one last glimpse of the skills that also saw him win nine La Liga titles and four Champions Leagues during his 16 years with Barcelona.He made sure he went out with a bang, delivering a last-minute cross that the Real Madrid defence turned into their own net to hand Barcelona a 2-1 win.“I think it was a great game for the Japanese fans,” said Iniesta, who played in Japan for five years after leaving Barcelona in 2018.“If they went home satisfied then I’m very happy.”Iniesta lined up alongside former midfield partner Xavi Hernandez, with Rivaldo, Rafael Marquez and Javier Saviola also in the Barcelona line-up.Roberto Carlos, Fabio Cannavaro and Iker Casillas were among the players in the Real team.Iniesta said he had “a lot of fun” playing with Xavi, with whom he helped take Barcelona and Spain to new heights.“Of course neither of us is at the same level that we were before but a lot about the way we used to link up came back to me during today’s game,” said Iniesta.Iniesta came up through Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy and made his first-team debut aged 18. He made 674 appearances and won a total of 32 trophies during his time at the Camp Nou.He moved to Japan’s Vissel Kobe before playing one final season in the United Arab Emirates.Iniesta said he wanted to stay involved in football.“I’m thinking about getting my coaching licence and I want to see where my career takes me,” he said.

Melbourne: While racking up centuries and a 241-stand in the third Test at the Gabba yesterday, Australia’s Travis Head and Steve Smith gave India a repeat of their nightmare in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.At The Oval in June last year, the pair combined for 285 runs in the first innings to set a platform for Australia’s maiden WTC title, Head smashing 163 from 174 balls while Smith played the patient accumulator in his 268-ball knock of 121.The pair reprised their roles yesterday, Smith making 101 off 190 deliveries and Head racing to 152 at nearly a run a ball.Jasprit Bumrah dismissed them both after tea but not until the pair had batted through the entire middle session to undo India’s positive start of three morning wickets.‘Feeling good’“I’ve been feeling good the last few games, I just haven’t managed to get in and get into my work,” said Smith, who shrugged off a dire run of scores and snapped his longest streak without a century.“So today it was nice to have a little bit of luck early, get through it, and then put on a partnership with (Head).“He makes things so easy, and I’m just at the other end doing my thing. It felt pretty similar to the Test Championship final, actually, the way we went about our business today.”With the series level at 1-1, Australia finished day two at well in front at 405 for seven after rain restricted them to 28 for no loss on day one.Victory at the Gabba would put Australia within one Test win of sealing their place in the WTC final while taking India’s hopes of reaching the decider out of their hands.Back-to-back hundredsHead celebrated back-to-back hundreds, having smashed a match-winning 140 in the pink ball Test in Adelaide, and posted his ninth test ton to continue his role as India’s nemesis.Rating Bumrah as “one of the greats”, Head casually ramped the pacer behind the wicket for a boundary that fired up the Gabba terraces.“From my side of things, I’m trying to be as positive as I can to (Bumrah) and get in good positions,” said Head.“So yeah, (he was) challenging again.“He bowled really well again to us.”

Kane Williamson scored a 38th half-century as New Zealand took charge on the second day of the third Test by dismissing England for 143 and making 136 for three at yesterday’s close of play for an overall lead of 340.England have already secured series honours after big wins in Christchurch and Wellington but were on the back foot from the very start of a hot day at Hamilton’s Seddon Park as they tried to finish off New Zealand’s first innings.Spinner Mitchell Santner (76) and seamer Will O’Rourke resisted for more than an hour to add 32 runs to the overnight tally for the last wicket, taking New Zealand to a healthy 347 all out.O’Rourke led the way with a brilliant spell as the pair then teamed up with Matt Henry to rip through England’s batting order in a session and a half before tea to give the hosts a first-innings lead of 204.New Zealand declined to force the follow-on and the batters took over for the final session with skipper Tom Latham chopping on after making 19 and Will Young scoring 60 from 85 balls before pulling a Ben Stokes delivery to midwicket.O’Rourke returned to the crease as nightwatchman but edged behind off Ben Stokes for a duck, leaving Rachin Ravindra to take New Zealand to stumps on two not out in the company of Williamson, who was unbeaten on 50.“I think a little bit in the first two tests, we probably didn’t have heaps of the rub of the green,” said O’Rourke.“It was big for us just to be able to bring their bowlers back, and having to bowl big spells, and hopefully we can keep keep bringing them back tomorrow.”SPECIAL SPELLNew Zealand are desperate for a consolation victory to send Tim Southee out a winner on his home ground in his final Test but it was the younger quicks who will assume the mantle he has worn for 16 years that did the early damage yesterday.Henry (4-48) removed the England openers in the fifth over of the innings, taking a brilliant low catch to remove Zak Crawley for 21 before trapping Ben Duckett plumb in front for 11 four balls later.O’Rourke (3-33) stepped up after lunch with two wickets in two balls, having Bethell caught at point for 12 before danger man Harry Brook chopped on for a golden duck.Pope saw off the hat-trick ball but Joe Root had no such luck when an O’Rourke delivery reared up into his face and the batsman cut it to Young at gully to depart for 32 with England having lost three wickets for five runs.Pope and Stokes put on 52 for the sixth wicket to rescue England from 82-5 but spinner Santner (3-7) came on for the first time and had the wicketkeeper caught in the slips for 24 with his fifth delivery.The left-armer also sent back the England captain lbw for 27 in his next over before he and Henry tag-teamed to remove Brydon Carse, Gus Atkinson and Matthew Potts cheaply as the England tail folded. “It hasn’t been our best day, it’s as simple as that. We’re always pretty honest in that dressing room,” said England assistant coach Paul Collingwood.“One thing I would say is that I think we witnessed a pretty special hostile spell of Test bowling (from O’Rourke) today. It was great to watch.”BRIEF SCORES (Third Test, Day 2)New Zealand 347 (Santner 76, Potts 4-90) and 136 for 3 (Williamson 50*, Ravindra 2*) lead England 143 (Henry 4-48, Santner 3-7, O’Rourke 3-33) by 340 runs

Al Sij Al Sakab delivered a commanding performance to win The Late Sheikh Jassim Bin Mohammad Bin Thani Trophy at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club’s (QREC) Al Uqda Racecourse on Saturday. Under a masterful ride by Alberto Sanna, the Khalid Hamad MA al-Atteya-owned and Jassim Hamad al-Atteya-trained six-year-old held off his rivals to secure a memorable half a length victory in the day’s 1400m feature race – Local Purebred Arabians for three-year-old+. Jean de Mieulie-trained Al Mirage, in the silks of Al Shaqab, came second and Al Jeryan Stud’s AJS Saaeq finished third. HE Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed al-Thani, Minister of Sports & Youth, in the presence of Issa bin Mohammed al-Mohannadi, QREC Chairman, crowned the winners of the feature race. Jabalah, in the colours of Wathnan Racing, won the Qatar National Day Trophy with a brilliant finish under jockey James Doyle. With the win the eight-year-old son of Al Mamun Monlau finally clinched the Group 2 PA contest after near misses in the past two renewals and in the process gave Wathnan Racing and Doyle their fourth win of the day. It was also the third win on the cards for trainer Alban de Mieulle. Khalifa bin Sheail KH J al-Kuwari-owned and Julian Smart-trained Moshrif came second. Haunted Dream, owned by Wathnan Racing and trained by Hamad al-Jehani, won the QA Group 3 Al Safliya Cup for the second consecutive year. The five-year-old gelding, under the supervision of in-form James Doyle, powered to victory by almost three lengths. RESULTS – 13th Al Rayyan Race Meeting Late Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed Bin Thani Trophy WINNERS: Horse, Trainer, Jockey The Late Sheikh Jassim Bin Mohammed Trophy - Local Purebred Arabian (Class 1) Al Sij Al Sakab, Jassim Hamad al-Atteya, Alberto Sanna Qatar National Day Trophy - Purebred Arabian (Class 1 Gr2) International Race Jabalah, Alban Elie De Mieulle, James Doyle Al Safliya Cup - Thoroughbred (Class 1 Qa-Gr3) Shalfa Qualifier Haunted Dream, Hamad al-Jehani, James Doyle Halul Island Cup - Local Thoroughbred Open Race (Class 2) Equinoxe, Alban Elie De Mieulle, James Doyle Al Busayyir Cup - Thoroughbred Conditions (Class 2) Dark Trooper, Alban de Mieulle, James Doyle Falcon Cup - Thoroughbred Conditions (Class 2) Taxiwala, Osama Omer E al-Dafea, Soufiane Saadi Purebred Arabian Conditions (Class 2) Shgarde, Hamad al-Jehani, Christophe Soumillon Purebred Arabian Handicap 65-85 (Class 4) Hemian, Jean de Mieulle, Faleh Bughanaim Purebred Arabian Maiden Plate (Class 6) Ihtijaj, Jean de Mieulle, Christophe Soumillon

Pachuca will face Real Madrid in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup final following their dramatic penalty shootout victory over Al Ahly in the FIFA Challenger Cup at the 974 Stadium in Doha on Saturday.Both sides had chances in the first period, with Pachuca goalkeeper Carlos Moreno called into action to stop Taher Mohamed’s low drive early on. Down the other end Oussama Idrissi, who was Player of The Match in the FIFA Derby of the Americas win over Botafogo earlier in the week, saw a shot blocked following a mazy run. Captain Salomon Rondon pounced on the rebound, but fired over.Both Idrissi and Nelson Deossa tested Al Ahly goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy in the second half with long-range efforts but couldn’t break through, meaning extra time would be required to try and find a winner.The best chance of the game came in the additional period, as Percy Tau set Mahmoud Kahraba through, but Moreno did well to tip aside his chipped attempt. Penalties would eventually decide the contest.Ahly took an early 2-0 lead in the shootout following misses from Pachuca’s Salomon Rondon and Borja Baston. With the score at 3-2, a sudden-death save by Moreno turned the tide, with two further Al Ahly misses as Mahmoud Kahraba and Omar Kamal failed to convert their spot-kicks, handing Pachuca a lifeline. Khaled Abdel-Fattah then struck the bar, denying Ahly a victory that seemed within grasp.In nine previous appearances in the Club World Cup, now revamped as the Intercontinental Cup, Ahly have claimed four bronze medals but never progressed beyond the semi-finals. Marcel Koller’s men will now set their sights on next summer’s Club World Cup.Pachuca midfielder Pedro Pedraza said his side were prepared on the penalty shootout and was excited to face Spanish heavyweights Real Madrid in the final on Wednesday at the Lusail Stadium.“We were prepared for that and more. I don’t think there’s a team that trains harder than us. We had practically lost everything, but trust is the last thing to die, and we trusted our squad, the players who were going to take the shots, and Carlos (Moreno), who became a key figure and truly deserved it. Thanks to him, we became champions. “It’s a dream, not just for us, but for the institution, the fans, and our families. We are going to face it in the best way possible.” said Pedraza.Guillermo Almada, Pachuca coach on facing Real Madrid, said: “It’s going to be tough, very challenging, especially given the football marathon we endured today. Still, we’ll do our best to help the players recover and approach that match with all the motivation in the world.”

Qatar’s Mohammed Saeed Haidan clinched the Al Shaqab Champions 130cm class, the feature event of the first round of the Al Shaqab League at the Longines Indoor Arena in Al Shaqab on Saturday.The thrilling finale, which offered a prize purse of QR70,000, culminated in a sensational showdown with a 17-rider jump-off. In the end, it was Haidan who prevailed as he guided nine-year-old stallion Popeye de Tamise to a fastest time of 41.86 seconds and take home QR17,500 in prize money.Fellow Qatari rider Awad al-Qahtani took the second spot with eight-year-old gelding Florian in 42.81 seconds, while Saudi Arabia’s Bader Alfard, riding Hw Cosette, finished third in 42.84 seconds.Hamza al-Kuwari, Corporate Services Director at Al Shaqab, presented the trophies to the winners. The main class featured 46 participants, capping two days of high-calibre showjumping, with many young riders displaying abundance of talent and offering a glimpse into the promising future in the sport.The Junior Champions 115cm class was won comprehensively by Fahad Jassim Hamad al-Thani, who completed the course in 25.36 seconds aboard the 11-year-old mare Gabbana M. The winning time was 2.59 seconds faster than the runner-up, Ibrahim Khalid al-Kuwari, riding Gamin Raye. Al-Kuwari also claimed third place with Flexy Bel, finishing in 28.30 seconds. Khalid al-Jehani, Breeding and Show Manager at Al Shaqab, presented the trophies to the winners.Jordan’s Joud Bassam Elaker won the Amateur Class - Optimum Time - 90cm, clocking in at an impressive 52.33 seconds with the bay mare Lambada.Qatar’s Naylah Tamim Hamad al-Thani, riding Bon Suela, took second place, while Al Qaqaa Tamim Hamad al-Thani, also aboard Bon Suela, finished third. Ahmed Khaled al-Hemaidi, Legacy and Heritage Specialist at Al Shaqab, awarded the trophies to the riders.Meanwhile, Khalifa Joaan al-Thani delivered an outstanding performance in the Introductory Class 2 - Optimum Time - 60cm, taking first place while also securing third. Riding the eight-year-old grey stallion Ardfry Apollo, he posted a winning time of 49.96 seconds in a field of 48 participants. He later led Zion II to third place. Mohammed Saleh al-Fadala, on Bay Barney, claimed second place. Abdulrahman al-Kaabi, Commercial Manager at Al Shaqab, honoured the riders.The team event was won by Wadi, with Al Wathna finishing second and Shahalel third. Faisal al-Kahla, Hathab Event Director, awarded the trophies to the winners. The team competition has been introduced for the first time, featuring a unique Team Competition Draw. Each team has been named after legendary Al Shaqab Champion Horses.Following the success of its inaugural edition, the League continues to nurture young talent and promote excellence in horsemanship, offering aspiring riders under 25 a dynamic and competitive platform to display their skills.In addition to showjumping competitions, Al Shaqab League also hosted the Hayakum Festival, offering a wide range of fun activities for children and families, along with an assortment of food and beverage options from local cafes and restaurants.The second round of the Al Shaqab League will take place from December 26-28.

Atalanta’s bid for a first Serie A title continued on Saturday with a club-record 10th straight league win, 1-0 at Cagliari, which was followed by closest challengers Napoli staying on their heels with a 3-1 win at Udinese.Nicolo Zaniolo made sure Atalanta stayed top of Serie A this weekend with the goal which decided a hard-fought encounter in Sardinia, the Italy international forward stroking home the winner from Raoul Bellanova’s cut-back in the 66th minute. Atalanta, guided by veteran coach Gian Piero Gasperini, have emerged as genuine Scudetto challengers for the first time in their history and stay two points clear at the top of the league.However, Gasperini was not happy with his players’ performances as, after impressing in Tuesday’s 3-2 defeat to Real Madrid, they struggled against Cagliari who are 15th and only two points above the relegation zone. Atalanta, who also struck the post through Ademola Lookman almost straight after Zaniolo’s winner, only came away with all three points thanks to a brilliant performance between the sticks from Marco Carnesecchi.Goalkeeper Carnesecchi pulled off three sensational stops in the six minutes before the break and saved the win in stoppage time by keeping out Leonardo Pavoletti’s header. Zaniolo’s strike was his third of the season and a further sign of new life after a difficult last few years.The 25-year-old was once the rising star of Italian football after coming to prominence at Roma, where two serious knee injuries in 2020 stymied his development as a creative playmaker. He won the inaugural Europa Conference League with Roma in 2022 under Jose Mourinho, but fell out with the Portuguese coach and last year was packed off to Galatasaray, from where he was loaned to Atalanta in July.Napoli, missing injured star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, came back from a goal down to secure the three points.Trailing at the break after Florian Thauvin netted on the rebound from his own saved 22nd-minute penalty, Napoli roared back in the second half. Romelu Lukaku levelled five minutes after half-time, bursting through to collect Scott McTominay’s pass, holding off Lautaro Giannetti and firing in his sixth Napoli goal.The unfortunate Giannetti inadvertently put Napoli ahead in the 76th minute when he shinned in David Neres’ miscued shot and Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa sealed the points by coolly finishing off a fine team move. Napoli are four points ahead of Lazio and third-placed Inter, who face off in Rome tomorrow night, and Fiorentina with the Viola at Bologna. Juventus are 10 points behind Atalanta ahead of their home clash with bottom club Venezia.

Diogo Jota rescued Liverpool as the Premier League leaders recovered from Andy Robertson’s early red card to snatch a 2-2 draw with Fulham, while Arsenal’s title challenge was dented by a goalless stalemate against Everton on Saturday.With just four minutes left at Anfield, Arne Slot’s side were in danger of losing for just the second time in 15 top-flight games this season. But Jota grabbed a valuable equaliser as Liverpool extended their unbeaten run in all competitions to 19 matches since a loss to Nottingham Forest in September. With last weekend’s Merseyside derby at Everton postponed by severe weather, Liverpool have now gone two league games without a win following their 3-3 draw at Newcastle.The Reds sit five points clear of second-placed Chelsea, who can close the gap with a win against Brentford at Stamford Bridge today.Liverpool were rocked in the 11th minute as Fulham midfielder Andreas Pereira met Antonee Robinson’s cross with an agile volley that deflected in off Robertson.The Reds suffered another blow when Scotland left-back Robertson was sent off in the 17th minute for a professional foul on Harry Wilson. But Slot’s men have made a habit of coming from behind this season and Cody Gakpo equalised in the 47th minute with a stooping header from Mohamed Salah’s cross.Fulham forward Rodrigo Muniz delivered a sucker punch as he bundled over the line from Robinson’s cross in the 76th minute. That set the stage for a dramatic finale as Jota levelled in the 86th minute with a cool finish past Bernd Leno from the edge of the area. “I don’t think I could have asked for more from my players, especially after going down to 10 men,” Slot said. “It’s an emotional game. It’s good to see our performance after so many setbacks.”Arsenal failed to take advantage of Liverpool’s rare stumble as the Gunners were kept at bay on a frustrating afternoon at the Emirates Stadium. The north Londoners have become a force from set-pieces, scoring 23 goals from corners since the start of last season.But their lack of firepower outside of that route has been questioned this season and once again they were hampered by a failure to turn pressure and possession into goals. After a second successive league draw, third-placed Arsenal remain six points behind Liverpool, who have a game in hand on last season’s runners-up.“We fully deserved to win the game,” Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta said. “It’s Frustrating, especially when we concede zero chances and dominate the game so much.”Nottingham Forest climbed to fourth place after staging a dramatic late fightback to beat Aston Villa 2-1 at the City Ground. Jhon Duran put sixth-placed Villa in front with a powerful header from John McGinn’s 63rd minute cross. But Forest levelled with three minutes left when Nikola Milenkovic’s header crept past Emiliano Martinez’s weak attempted save.And Anthony Elanga’s composed close-range finish in stoppage-time sealed Forest’s third victory in their last four games. Newcastle handed Ruud van Nistelrooy his first defeat as Leicester boss with a 4-0 rout at St James’ Park.Former Manchester United striker Van Nistelrooy had taken four points from his first two games since replacing the sacked Steve Cooper.But Newcastle ended that encouraging start as Jacob Murphy struck in the 30th minute and Bruno Guimaraes nodded the second goal in the 47th minute. Alexander Isak bagged the Magpies’ third two minutes later and Murphy netted again on the hour to leave Leicester two points above the relegation zone.Jack Taylor’s stoppage-time goal gave Ipswich a priceless 2-1 win over relegation rivals Wolves at Molineux. Ipswich went ahead through Matt Doherty’s 15th minute own goal before Matheus Cunha grabbed a 72nd minute equaliser.Taylor headed home from a 94th minute corner to seal Ipswich’s second league win since their promotion to the top tier. Third-bottom Ipswich are just one point adrift of safety, while second-bottom Wolves are three points behind them after an 11th loss in 16 league games piled further pressure on boss Gary O’Neil.

With strong participation from the freestyle champions and a large audience in attendance, the second round of the 2024/2025 Qatar Freestyle Drifting Championship concluded last Friday evening. The event was held under the patronage of HE Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad al-Thani, Chairman of the Qatar Racing Club (QRC).The registration and technical inspection were conducted on Thursday, where the organising committee of the championship set several criteria and conditions that all participants had to meet in order to compete in this round.These conditions included requirements related to the car, such as the need to equip it with a roll cage, secure the car battery properly, and have an effective seatbelt, among other points. There were also requirements related to the competitors, focusing on safety elements such as sportswear, helmets, and the presence of an effective seatbelt, among others. On Friday, a briefing session was held for the competitors with the organisers and the judging panel, where several important technical and procedural matters were clarified before the race began. According to the competition structure, each competitor is given one opportunity to enter the track and perform a series of five manoeuvres: drifting, reverse driving, the knot move, and the reverse drive. These manoeuvres must be completed within a total time frame of four minutes, and the faster the competitor completes the manoeuvres, the more points they earn. Additionally, there is a style score awarded based on the overall performance and the execution of specific manoeuvres.Abdullah al-Qahtani won the race marking his second podium finish in the championship after securing third place in the opening round. Mohammad al-Muhannadi repeated his result from the opening round, finishing in second place, while the third spot went to Saud Abdulaziz al-Kuwari, who had finished in fifth place in the previous round. Abdullah al-Merri and Ahmad Ahmad took the fourth and fifth positions, respectively.At the end of the competition, Sheikh Jabor bin Khalid al-Thani, Director of QRC, crowned the winners. The third round will take place on December 26 and 27.

Qatar’s Fares Ibrahim secured two silver medals at the Manama 2024 World Weightlifting Championships for Men and Women, in Bahrain.The competition, featuring some of the world’s most prominent weightlifters, will conclude on Sunday.A gold medallist at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, Fares showcased an impressive performance in the fiercely contested 102kg weight class, which included 24 elite lifters, many of them world and Olympic champions.In the clean and jerk, Fares claimed the silver medal by lifting 225kg.The gold medal went to Uzbekistan’s Artyom Antropov who lifted 230kg, while Colombia’s Jhonatan Rivas took bronze with a lift of 213kg.Fares also earned a silver medal in the total category, achieving a combined lift of 399kg – 225kg in the snatch and 174kg in the clean and jerk.He narrowly missed the gold, which was won by Antropov with a total of 400kg (230kg in the clean and jerk and 170kg in the snatch).The bronze medal in the total went to Spain’s Marcos Ruiz, who lifted a combined 395kg – 212kg in the clean and jerk and 183kg in the snatch.In the snatch category of the 102kg event, the gold medal was awarded to Ruiz.