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Al-Hilal defeat Al-Nassr to lift King’s Cup after penalty shootout leaves Ronaldo in tears

Update Al-Hilal defeat Al-Nassr to lift King’s Cup after penalty shootout leaves Ronaldo in tears
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Updated 01 June 2024

Al-Hilal defeat Al-Nassr to lift King’s Cup after penalty shootout leaves Ronaldo in tears

Al-Hilal defeat Al-Nassr to lift King’s Cup after penalty shootout leaves Ronaldo in tears
  • Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou is the hero, saving two spot-kicks after three players were sent off and the game ended in a 1-1 draw

Cristiano Ronaldo’s season ended in tears on Friday as Al-Hilal completed the league and cup double by defeating Al-Nassr 5-4 in a penalty shootout, after two hours of play in a tempestuous King’s Cup final at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah had ended 1-1.

Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou was the hero, saving two spot-kicks at the conclusion of a fierce battle between the Riyadh rivals that had a little of everything. There was an early goal from Aleksandar Mitrovic that seemed to put the league champions on course for their 11th triumph in Ƶ’s premier cup competition. Then there was a late, late equalizer from Ayman Yahya that took the game into extra time — but not before three players had been sent off by Argentine referee Dario Herrera.

Al-Nassr goalkeeper David Ospina was the first to go, early in the second half. At that point, it seemed certain that Al-Hilal’s name was destined to be on the cup but then, late in the game, both of their central defenders, Ali Al-Bulaihi and then Kalidou Koulibaly, were red-carded.

Ronaldo and his teammates, who earlier in the week finished the league season in second place behind Al-Hilal, looked dangerous from the start.

Sadio Mane had the best opportunity of the early exchanges, firing just over from close range in the sixth minute. Seconds later, however, Mitrovic illustrated the difference between the teams this season as he made the Yellows pay for missed opportunities with the kind of ruthless efficiency that has been a trademark of this Al-Hilal side; if you do not take your opportunities against them, you will be punished. The Serbian striker was waiting at the far post to head the ball low into the net after Malcom curled a fine cross over from the right.

Just three minutes later, Al-Nassr had a great chance to equalize but Otavio fired just wide from inside the area. Shortly after the half-hour mark, Yahya had a shot cleared off the line by Al-Bulaihi, and then a low effort by Ronaldo was blocked by the legs of Bounou.

The Moroccan goalkeeper was in action again soon after, pushing another shot from the 39-year-old Portuguese superstar away and then saving Otavio’s follow-up header from the rebound. This summed up a frustrating first half for Al-Nassr in which they made most of the running.


GALLERY


At the start of the second half, Ronaldo almost scored what might have been the goal of the season but his spectacular, near-perfect overhead kick, which left Bounou no chance, bounced off the post.

Things began to go wrong for Al-Nassr eight minutes after the restart when Malcom burst through on goal. Ospina came out of his area and handled the ball, earning him a red card.

Al-Nassr continued to give it their all, though, in an attempt to get back into the game, and Ronaldo forced another good save from Bounou with a well-struck free-kick. But the five-time Ballon d’Or winner appeared an increasingly frustrated figure.

Still, Al-Hilal were not quite able to put the game to bed and there were some nerves on display when a Mitrovic effort rolled just past the post when he had only substitute goalkeeper Waleed Abdullah to beat.

Then, three minutes from the end of the regulation 90 minutes, Al-Nassr were thrown a lifeline when Al-Bulaihi was sent off for seemingly headbutting Sami Al-Najei.

Yahya immediately took advantage by heading home from close range, sparking wild celebrations among the hordes of yellow-shirted fans and taking the game into extra time, but not before Al-Hilal went down to nine men when Koulibaly received a second yellow.

There was plenty of space on the pitch during the first period of extra time, given the reduced number of players, and both teams pushed forward in search of a winner. However, the longer they went without one of them managing to grab that all-important goal, the more inevitable it seemed the result would be decided by penalties. And so it proved to be.

Ruben Neves missed the first kick of the shoot-out but then so did Alex Telles. Bounou then saved from Ali Al-Hassan and Meshari Al-Nemer to secure another trophy for Al-Hilal and leave Ronaldo sprawled on the turf in despair.


Rozner rekindles Dubai romance to lead DP World Tour Championship

Rozner rekindles Dubai romance to lead DP World Tour Championship
Updated 6 sec ago

Rozner rekindles Dubai romance to lead DP World Tour Championship

Rozner rekindles Dubai romance to lead DP World Tour Championship

Antoine Rozner posted a stunning seven under par round of 65 to move into the lead at the DP World Tour Championship at Jumeirah Golf Estates.

The Frenchman, who has a good record in Dubai, having won the 2020 Golf in Dubai Championship presented by DP World, leads by one on nine under par with a stacked leaderboard in pursuit, including nearest challengers Tyrrell Hatton, of England, and Race to Dubai leader Rory McIlroy one shot back.

“I putted really well. It’s one of those days where everything goes in, and I had a ton of fun out there. I think with my caddie we had a really good fun, it was one of those days where everything goes right and took advantage of it,” Rozner said.

Three-time DP World Tour winner Rozner was one under through his first eight holes, before catching fire from the ninth where he reeled off a trio of birdies, before adding another three in a row from the 14th to move into the 36-hole lead for the fourth time in his DP World Tour career.

Victory for Rozner on the Earth Course could also see him climb as high as second on the Race to Dubai and secure dual membership with the PGA TOUR for 2025.

Four-time Major Champion McIlroy posted a three under par 69, which could have been one better had a closing eagle putt not slid by, to strengthen his grip on the Harry Vardon Trophy.

The 17-time DP World Tour winner was four under through seven holes of his second round and threatening to open a comprehensive lead, but bogeys at the eighth and tenth opened the door for Rozner to seize the advantage, with his closing birdie earning him a round of 69.

The Northern Irishman leads the Race to Dubai Rankings in Partnership with Rolex and with South Africa’s Thriston Lawrence — the only man able to deny him a sixth Race to Dubai title — nine shots off the lead on level par, McIlroy is in line to be crowned European No. 1 for the sixth time and move alongside the legendary Seve Ballesteros.

McIlroy said: “A little disappointed that I didn’t kick on after such a great start, four under through seven. I just started to miss a few fairways around the turn, and not by much either, but the rough is so thick, and you lose all control of your golf ball if you hit it in there.”

Hatton matched playing partner McIlroy’s round of 69, bouncing back from a bogey at the fourth with birdies at the sixth, eighth, tenth and 15th to remain in the mix with two rounds to play. The Englishman has twice been a runner-up in the DP World Tour Championship in 2016 and 2022, and also finished second in last week’s Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, the first of the two events in the DP World Tour Play-Offs.

“Pretty similar thing to yesterday, to be honest, in terms of just not feeling very comfortable. Just every shot felt like a bit of a struggle, I guess. Three under is a pretty acceptable score, all things considered,” Hatton said.

Chilean Joaquin Niemann sits in fourth place on seven under par, with Denmark’s Rasmus Hojgaard, Irishman Shane Lowry and Swede Jesper Svensson all posting five under par rounds of 67 to join Japan’s Keita Nakajima in a tie for fifth on six under.

The English trio of Tommy Fleetwood, Matt Wallace and Paul Waring are a shot further back in tied ninth, with the latter continuing his quest for back-to-back Rolex Series titles after his victory at Yas Links last week.


Asma Alhosani becomes first Emirati woman to reach black belt finals at Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship

Asma Alhosani becomes first Emirati woman to reach black belt finals at Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship
Updated 5 min 52 sec ago

Asma Alhosani becomes first Emirati woman to reach black belt finals at Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship

Asma Alhosani becomes first Emirati woman to reach black belt finals at Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship
  • First time four UAE athletes in different categories have reached black belt finals since competition’s inception

ABU DHABI: Emiratis Zayed Alkatheeri, Khaled Al-Shehhi, Mohammed Alsuwaidi and Asma Alhosani on Friday secured their spots in the finals of the professional black belt division at the 16th Abu Dhabi World Jiu-Jitsu Championship.

The finals will will take place on Saturday at Mubadala Arena, and will feature four Emirati athletes for the first time since the championship’s inception.

Representing Baniyas Club, Alhosani has made history by becoming the first Emirati woman to qualify for the professional finals in the women’s brown/black belt category. She achieved the milestone after defeating France’s Lina Grosset from School of Champs in the 55 kg division.

“I am very proud to be the first Emirati woman to reach the final in the women’s brown/black belt division at this world championship,” Alhosani said. “This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the support of our wise leadership and the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation. I eagerly look forward to the final, where I aim to win gold and stand on the podium.”

In the men’s 62 kg men’s division, Al-Ain Club’s Khaled Al-Shehhi secured his place in the finals after defeating Ecuadorian Enrique Guerrero.

“Reaching the final for the second consecutive year is a significant step in my career,” he said. “I’m determined to give my best performance and win the gold medal and the championship belt. Last year’s silver medal motivated me to improve my skills, refine my strategy, and work harder throughout the year. My goal tomorrow (Saturday) is to take gold.”

Meanwhile, Zayed Alkatheeri, representing Abu Dhabi Police Academy, also advanced to the finals. Alkatheeri, who made history in 2022 as the first Emirati to win gold in the black belt division, defeated Armenian Rafayel Kostanyan from Legacy Jiu-Jitsu Armenia.

“I’m thrilled with my performance today and excited about the opportunity to reclaim the title,” Alkatheeri said. “I’m confident in my abilities and ready to compete against one of the best athletes in the world. Tomorrow is my chance to showcase my skills and prove my progress.”

Elsewhere, Mohammed Alsuwaidi from Al-Wahda Jiu-Jitsu Academy secured his place in the 69 kg final after overcoming Brazilian Raimundo Sodre from Clube Feijao in the semifinal. “I am so glad I made it to the finals in the black belt division. I’m really looking forward to the final tomorrow. I’ve done all the preparations right, so I am confident I will do my best to win the title,” he said.


Commando Group leads as Emiratis shine on penultimate day of Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship

Commando Group leads as Emiratis shine on penultimate day of Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship
Updated 15 min 39 sec ago

Commando Group leads as Emiratis shine on penultimate day of Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship

Commando Group leads as Emiratis shine on penultimate day of Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship
  • Six home favorites claimed medals at Mubadala Arena on Friday night

ABU DHABI: The UAE’s Commando Group took the lead on the penultimate day of the 16th Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship, held at Mubadala Arena.

Friday’s competition saw the finals of the purple and brown belts and the qualifying rounds for the black belt category. Emirati MOD UAE finished in second place, and American Checkmat International secured third. The finals for the black belt divisions will take place on Saturday night.

Mohamed Salem Al-Dhaheri, vice chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, said: “I congratulate the champions who made it to the podium on Friday. This success is the result of hard work, dedication to training and thorough preparation. I’m confident that this new generation of athletes will continue the journey of achievements, supported by the UAE’s wise leadership that provides everything needed for their success.”

The Emirati athletes’ total of six medals on Friday in the professional competitions (purple and brown belts) included two golds, one silver and three bronzes. Zayed Al-Shamsi from Al-Wahda Club, competing in the purple belt category, achieved the gold medal in the 56 kg weight category. His club colleague Saeed Al-Kubaisi, competing in the brown belt category, also secured the gold medal in the 85 kg weight category.

Hadi Abbas from Al-Ain Club earned the silver medal in the 62 kg purple belt category. Meanwhile, Mohammed Saeed Al-Ketbi, Fahad Al-Hammadi and Maid Al-Shehhi, all from Baniyas Club, claimed bronze medals in the 56 kg purple belt, 69 kg purple belt and 56 kg brown belt categories, respectively.

The black belt finals for the professional category take place at Mubadala Arena on Saturday, with a group of champions from countries including the UAE, Brazil, the US, Portugal, the Philippines and Russia, competing. The black belt finals will be held from 6 p.m. 9 p.m. (UAE time), followed by the champions’ crowning ceremony.


Jake Paul beats 58-year-old Mike Tyson as hits failed to match the hype

Jake Paul beats 58-year-old Mike Tyson as hits failed to match the hype
Updated 16 November 2024

Jake Paul beats 58-year-old Mike Tyson as hits failed to match the hype

Jake Paul beats 58-year-old Mike Tyson as hits failed to match the hype
  • Downdetector reported that the outage primarily impacted users in major metropolitan areas, including New York, Seattle and Los Angeles

ARLINGTON, Texas: Jake Paul won a unanimous decision over Mike Tyson as the hits didn’t match the hype in a fight between a young YouTuber-turned-boxer and the 58-year-old former heavyweight champion Friday night.

All the hate from the pre-fight buildup was gone, with Paul even stopping to pay homage with a bow to Tyson before the final bell sounded at the home of the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys.

The fight wasn’t close on the judge’s cards, with one giving Paul an 80-72 edge and the other two calling it 79-73.

Tyson came after Paul immediately after the opening bell and landed a couple of quick punches but didn’t try much else the rest of the way.

Even fewer rounds and shorter rounds couldn’t do much to generate action for a 58-year-old in his first sanctioned pro fight in almost 20 years, facing a boxing neophyte with hopes of fighting for championships somewhere in the future.

Paul was more aggressive after the quickly burst from Tyson in the opening seconds, but the punching wasn’t very efficient. There were quite a few wild swings and misses.

Tyson mostly sat back and waited for Paul to come to him, with a few exceptions. It was quite the contract the co-main event, another slugfest in which Katie Taylor kept her undisputed super lightweight championship with a decision over Amanda Serrano.

It was the first sanctioned fight since 2005 for Tyson. Paul started fighting a little more than four years ago.

The fight was originally scheduled for July 20 but had to be postponed when Tyson was treated for a stomach ulcer after falling ill on a flight.


Kosovo players walk off in Romania game after ‘Serbia’ chants

Kosovo players walk off in Romania game after ‘Serbia’ chants
Updated 16 November 2024

Kosovo players walk off in Romania game after ‘Serbia’ chants

Kosovo players walk off in Romania game after ‘Serbia’ chants

Bucharest: A Nations League game between Romania and Kosovo in Bucharest was suspended on Friday in injury time after fans in the crowd shouted “Serbia!.”
The Kosovo players left the pitch after the chants, leading to the game to be paused with the score 0-0.
Animosity between Kosovo and Serbia has persisted since the war between Serbian forces and ethnic Albanian insurgents in the late 1990s.
Kosovo and Serbia do not play each other in UEFA and FIFA tournaments.
Football’s world governing body opened disciplinary proceedings against Serbia during the 2022 World Cup after the team hung a flag in their changing room depicting Kosovo as part of Serbia.
Kosovo joined FIFA and European confederation UEFA in 2016.
When Romania played in Pristina, they beat Kosovo 3-0.