Ameer Najjar conquers first round of Saudi Hill Climb competition

Jordanian driver Ameer Najjar topped the overall rankings in the opening round of the Hill Climb competition at Al-Mohammadia Hill in Al-Shifa in Taif Governorate. (Supplied)
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Jordanian driver Ameer Najjar topped the overall rankings in the opening round of the Hill Climb competition at Al-Mohammadia Hill in Al-Shifa in Taif Governorate. (Supplied)
The two-day event was organized by the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation, in cooperation with the Ministry of Sport and Taif Governorate. (Supplied)
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The two-day event was organized by the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation, in cooperation with the Ministry of Sport and Taif Governorate. (Supplied)
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Updated 29 July 2024

Ameer Najjar conquers first round of Saudi Hill Climb competition

Ameer Najjar conquers first round of Saudi Hill Climb competition
  • More than 50 drivers compete in the event in Taif Governorate, which marks start of 2024 Saudi Toyota Championship season
  • Najjar, from Jordan, takes top place in the overall rankings with fastest time of 2 mins 07.427 secs on the 30-turn, steeply ascending, 4.2 km track

TAIF: Jordanian driver Ameer Najjar topped the overall rankings in the opening round of the Hill Climb competition at Al-Mohammadia Hill in Al-Shifa in Taif Governorate over the weekend, which marked the start of the 2024 Saudi Toyota Championship season.

He secured top place among more than 50 competing drivers with the fastest time of 2 minutes 07.427 seconds on the 30-turn, steeply ascending, 4.2-kilometer track.

“It has been an amazing weekend. I and my team feel very happy and proud to emerge as the winners of the first round and hope to continue our pace for the next rounds,” said Najjar.

The two-day event was organized by the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation, in cooperation with the Ministry of Sport and Taif Governorate.

Khaled Al-Suwaidan, the CEO of the federation, thanked the Saudi leadership, the ministry, other government departments, official partner Jameel Motorsport, strategic partner the Saudi Investment Bank, and the other organizations that contributed for their help in making the event a success.

Full results

Overall ranking:

1. Ameer Najjar

2. Fadi Hamadeh

3. Faisal Qabbani

Category 2:

1. Abdulaziz Al-Rumaih

2. Sultan Al-Masoud

Class 1:

1. Hisham Najjar

2. Muadh Al-Zahrani

3. Alwaleed Zaki

Class 2a:

1. Ameer Najjar

2. Fadi Hamadeh

3. Faisal Qabbani

Class 2b:

1. Wael Mustafa

2. Ahmed Abdelhady

3. Mamoun Al-Qabbani

Class 3a:

1. Rabie Al-Aawar

2. Ibrahim Al-Sharida

3. Mohammed Al-Sharyan

Class 3b:

1. Hamza Bakhsheb

2. Jaber Al-Ahmad

3. Mahmoud Abed

Class 4a:

1. Hisham Al-Badea

2. Ali Al-Khudair

3. Abdulaziz Al-Fadhli

Class 4b:

1. Abdullah Qabbani

2. Mashaal Al-Huwaish

3. Khaled Baghdadi

Class 5a:

1. Bandar Al-Salmi

2. Ahmed Jankhout

3. Suhaib Ash'ari

Class 5b:

1. Abdullah Al-Khuraiji

2. Hadeel Khan

3. Inas Abtini

Ladies Category:

1. Hadeel Khan

2. Inas Abtini

3. Mashaal Al-Huwaish


Inter Milan scores twice in final minutes to beat Urawa in Club World Cup, 2-1

Inter Milan scores twice in final minutes to beat Urawa in Club World Cup, 2-1
Updated 22 June 2025

Inter Milan scores twice in final minutes to beat Urawa in Club World Cup, 2-1

Inter Milan scores twice in final minutes to beat Urawa in Club World Cup, 2-1
  • Inter Milan takes over the top spot in Group E after following up their tournament-opening draw with the victory

SEATTLE: Valentin Carboni scored the game-winning goal in stoppage time to give Inter Milan a 2-1 win over Urawa in the Club World Cup on Saturday, ending the Japan club’s chances of advancing past the group stage.
Inter Milan failed to score until the 78th minute, despite holding the vast majority of possession. Lautaro Martinez brilliantly bicycle kicked Nicolo Barella’s corner ball into the net.
Carboni’s game-winner assisted by Francesco Esposito came 14 minutes later. It was the culmination of multiple scoring threats by Inter, which had 21 more shot attempts than the Red Diamonds.
Urawa opened the scoring in the 11th minute to the delight of their exuberant fans, who have shown up in droves for these Seattle cup matches. Ryoma Watanabe scored on an assist in transition by Takuro Kaneko, who found Watanabe all alone on the penalty spot with his cutback ball.
The fans in red filled the south end of Lumen Field and made up a large swath of the 25,090 attendees. Their coordinated chants and jeers didn’t wane until after the final whistle.
Key moment
Urawa had a chance to equalize in the last minute of stoppage time, but goalkeeper Yann Sommer tipped the long-distance free kick over the crossbar.
Takeaways
Inter Milan takes over the top spot in Group E after following up their tournament-opening draw with the victory. The Italian club will play River Plate of Argentina on Wednesday.
Urawa will be playing for pride against CF Monterrey on Wednesday.
What they said
“I cannot find the words, I am so frustrated. ... We had the objective to go on to the next stage, so this loss is very hard for us. But we still have one more game to go. ... There are many fans who have come all the way or (are) still remaining in Japan and cheering for us, so we would like to win for them.” — Urawa Red Diamonds goalkeeper Shusaku Nishikawa
“I was speaking to (Carboni) the day before yesterday, and he told me that it was eight months exactly since his cruciate ligament injury. Coming through an injury like that, with all of the hard work and graft he’s had to put in ... you don’t know whether you’re going to come back to the peak of your powers. That’s not easy at all, so it was lovely to see him so emotional. I was a little bit emotional as well. It brought a tear to my eye because he’s a kid that I know very well. I’m delighted that he has the opportunity now to experience something as significant as that (goal).”


Medvedev defeats old rival Zverev to reach Halle Open final, Bublik awaits

Medvedev defeats old rival Zverev to reach Halle Open final, Bublik awaits
Updated 21 June 2025

Medvedev defeats old rival Zverev to reach Halle Open final, Bublik awaits

Medvedev defeats old rival Zverev to reach Halle Open final, Bublik awaits
  • “I could have done much better when I had the break in the second but it is normal,” Medvedev said
  • It’s Medvedev’s fourth consecutive win over Zverev

HALLE, Germany: Daniil Medvedev ended home favorite Alexander Zverev’s hopes of grass-court glory with a 7-6 (3), 6-7 (1), 6-4 win in their Halle Open semifinal on Saturday.

Medvedev recovered from squandering three match points on Zverev’s serve at 5-6 in the second set and took nearly 3 hours to get past his old rival and reach his first final in 15 months.

“I could have done much better when I had the break in the second but it is normal,” Medvedev said. “The same happened in the third set that when I had the break, he started playing better, returning better. I am happy that in the third set I managed to stay more composed and managed to save those break points.”

It’s Medvedev’s fourth consecutive win over Zverev and it extended his lead to 13-7 in their head-to-head series.

The Russian player will face Alexander Bublik — who beat top-ranked Jannik Sinner in the second round — in Sunday’s final.

Bublik, the 2023 champion, fired 18 aces as he defeated Karen Khachanov 4-6, 7-6 (5), 6-4 in the other semifinal.

Medvedev hasn’t played a final since March 2024, when he lost to Carlos Alcaraz at Indian Wells.

Zverev, who had been bidding to reach the Halle final for the third time, will have to wait for his first title on grass.


Bellingham strikes as Dortmund sink Sundowns in Club World Cup thriller

Bellingham strikes as Dortmund sink Sundowns in Club World Cup thriller
Updated 21 June 2025

Bellingham strikes as Dortmund sink Sundowns in Club World Cup thriller

Bellingham strikes as Dortmund sink Sundowns in Club World Cup thriller
  • Sundowns of South Africa took a surprise early lead but Dortmund hit back strongly
  • “It’s a really nice bonus (to score), I’m glad we won,” Bellingham told DAZN

CINCINNATI, USA: Jobe Bellingham netted his first Borussia Dortmund goal in a gripping 4-3 win over Mamelodi Sundowns at the Club World Cup on Saturday.

The English midfielder, who this month followed older brother Jude’s footsteps in joining the German side, started for the first time for Dortmund.

Sundowns of South Africa took a surprise early lead but Dortmund hit back strongly to triumph in sweltering conditions in Cincinnati at the TQL Stadium and move top of Group F.

“It’s a really nice bonus (to score), I’m glad we won but there’s a lot of things for me to improve on personally and for the team,” Bellingham told DAZN.

Dortmund coach Niko Kovac had claimed teams from the “south” had an advantage because of the heat, and the Sundowns 11th minute opener appeared to confirm his fears.

Lucas Ribeiro’s fine solo goal put the CAF Champions League runners-up ahead, with the Brazilian charging forward from his own half before beating Gregor Kobel.

However Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams handed Dortmund their equalizer on a plate, passing the ball straight to Felix Nmecha, who stroked home.

Both stoppers made good saves in an end-to-end clash before Dortmund claimed the lead through striker Serhou Guirassy.

Dortmund won the ball high up the pitch and Julian Brandt crossed for the Guinea international to score with a fine leap and header, continuing his fine form this season.

Bellingham, who joined earlier in June from Sunderland for 33 million euros ($37 million), netted Dortmund’s third just before the break.

Williams parried a cross into his path and after controlling on his chest, Bellingham drilled home.

“I’ve practiced that so many times, arriving late on the edge of the box as a midfielder is something you have to be really good at,” said Bellingham.

“As a kid and at Sunderland I’ve practiced that so many times, during training, after training, so I’m really proud of it.”

His brother Jude signed for Dortmund five years ago, before joining Spanish giants Real Madrid in 2023.


“Hey Jobe,” sang Dortmund fans, adapting the Beatles classic “Hey Jude” which they used to sing to Jude Bellingham.

“I didn’t hear that but it’s really nice,” said the Dortmund midfielder.

Dortmund were toothless in their opening draw against Fluminense but grabbed their fourth when Kuliso Mudau turned into his own net as he tried to cut out a cross.

Three minutes later Iqraam Rayners pulled one back as the Sundowns, who have won the last eight South African league titles, refused to give up.

Rayners, who netted Sundowns’ winner in the first match against Ulsan HD, hit the post with a header and reacted quickly to nod home the rebound.

Portuguese coach Miguel Cardoso’s side pulled back another through Lebo Mothiba in the 90th minute, forcing Dortmund to sweat through six minutes of stoppage time before they were able to celebrate their victory.

“The result is not what we wanted but we made a wonderful game,” Cardoso told DAZN.

“It’s important people understand what was at stake in this match. (Considering) the level of team that we played against, we worked fantastically.

“The boys made a wonderful performance... it was a hell of a match. I’m not happy but very proud.”

Later Saturday in the other Group F clash Fluminense take on Ulsan at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford.


Nottingham Forest boss Nuno signs new three-year contract

Nottingham Forest boss Nuno signs new three-year contract
Updated 21 June 2025

Nottingham Forest boss Nuno signs new three-year contract

Nottingham Forest boss Nuno signs new three-year contract
  • The 51-year-old led Forest to a seventh-place finish in the Premier League last season
  • A late slump in form saw them settle for a place in the Europa Conference League

LONDON: Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo was rewarded for guiding his side into Europe by signing a new three-year contract on Saturday.

The 51-year-old led Forest to a seventh-place finish in the Premier League last season, securing European qualification for the first time since the 1995/96 season.

After battling relegation for much of their first two campaigns back in the Premier League after a 23-year absence, Forest were on course to qualify for the Champions League last season.

A late slump in form saw them settle for a place in the Europa Conference League instead and included a flashpoint when owner Evangelos Marinakis confronted Nuno on the pitch after a 2-2 draw against relegated Leicester.

Former Manchester United captain and leading pundit Gary Neville said the Portuguese coach should have resigned in protest at that incident.

However, the former Wolves and Tottenham boss has committed his future to the City Ground and thanked Marinakis for his support since he was appointed in December 2023.

“I am delighted to be able to continue our journey at this fantastic football club,” Nuno said in a club statement.

“Since we arrived at Forest, we have worked extremely hard to create a special bond between the players, the fans and everyone at the club, which helped us achieve great things last season.

“I would like to thank our owner, Mr.Marinakis, for his constant support and backing. It is important to me to share a strong relationship with our ownership and we have thoroughly enjoyed working together ever since I arrived at Forest.”

Marinakis paid tribute to the impact made by Nuno and reiterated his desire for the two-time European champions to be contenders for major trophies once more.

“We enjoy a strong and solid relationship together,” said the Greek shipping magnate.

“Above all, we share the same dream and ambition of writing a new history for Nottingham Forest, competing in the Premier League and in Europe and winning trophies for our great club.”


Ill Mbappe out of second Real Madrid Club World Cup clash

Ill Mbappe out of second Real Madrid Club World Cup clash
Updated 21 June 2025

Ill Mbappe out of second Real Madrid Club World Cup clash

Ill Mbappe out of second Real Madrid Club World Cup clash
  • The French superstar was taken to hospital on Thursday for tests and treatment
  • Mbappe is improving “bit by bit” said the club source

FLORIDA: Ill Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappe will not travel to Charlotte for the team’s Club World Cup match against Pachuca, a club source told AFP Saturday.

The French superstar was taken to hospital on Thursday for tests and treatment after suffering gastroenteritis, before later being released.

Mbappe is improving “bit by bit” said the club source, but he will not fly with his team-mates for Sunday’s match against Mexican side Pachuca.

The 26-year-old missed the opening game with the same illness as Madrid were held 1-1 by Al-Hilal in Xabi Alonso’s debut as coach.

Madrid B-team player Gonzalo Garcia, 21, started in Mbappe’s stead and opened the scoring for Real Madrid against their n opponents.

Mbappe finished as the European Golden Shoe winner in his first season at Real Madrid with 31 goals in La Liga and 43 across all competitions, but Los Blancos finished the season without a major trophy.