Hall of fame manager Eddie Diaz selected to lead UAE’s national baseball team

Hall of fame manager Eddie Diaz selected to lead UAE’s national baseball team
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Hall of Fame Eddie Diaz has been announced as manager of the newly established UAE National Baseball Team. (Baseball United)
Hall of fame manager Eddie Diaz selected to lead UAE’s national baseball team
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Eddie Diaz with Kash Shaikh, the Chairman, CEO, and Co-Founder of Baseball United. (Baseball United)
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Updated 08 October 2024

Hall of fame manager Eddie Diaz selected to lead UAE’s national baseball team

Hall of fame manager Eddie Diaz selected to lead UAE’s national baseball team
  • Hall of famer in both Mexico and the Dominican Republic, Diaz will lead the newly announced team at Baseball United’s Arab Classic next month

DUBAI: Baseball United, the first professional baseball league focused on the Middle East and South Asia, has announced that Eddie Diaz, the former Mexican League hall of fame manager and current vice president of baseball operations at Baseball United, has been named as manager of the UAE’s national baseball team.

The new team will compete for the first time at Baseball United’s Arab Classic tournament next month in Dubai.

Diaz’s career has covered more than four decades in professional baseball, with experience as a player, scout, manager, and executive. He played Minor League Baseball with the New York Yankees, Atlanta Braves and Cleveland Indians, and was also a Major League Baseball scout for more than a decade.

Diaz later managed in Mexico’s top summer baseball league, the LMB, for 12 years and its top winter league, the Mexican Pacific League, for 11.

Diaz won three successive championships as the manager of Yaquis de Obregon in the Mexican Pacific League. He was inducted into their hall of fame in 2022.

Diaz also won two Caribbean Series championships — a top professional tournament that brings together the champions of the best Latin American professional baseball leagues.

Born in the Dominican Republic, Diaz was inducted into its Northern Region Sports Hall of Fame in 2014.

Kash Shaikh, the chairman, CEO and co-founder of Baseball United, said: “We are honored and excited to appoint a leader with Eddie’s character and pedigree as the first-ever manager of the UAE’s national baseball team.

“Eddie has a track record of success across the highest levels of professional and international baseball. And, even more importantly, he’s a great person and a strong motivator who cares about people. He will help this team develop quickly. We expect the UAE to make a strong showing at the Arab Classic.”

The UAE team will compete as one of nine nations at Baseball United’s Arab Classic from Nov. 7-10 at the league’s new ballpark at The Sevens sports and entertainment complex in Dubai.

The inaugural tournament is the largest national baseball team event to take place in the Middle East and South Asia. Others competing include India, Pakistan, Palestine, and , and the complete schedule will be announced shortly.

Diaz said: “I’m very thankful to Kash and (co-owner) John (Miedreich) for giving me this historic opportunity.

“I take the challenge with honor, gratitude, and responsibility. And, most importantly, I take it with a deep passion to continue Baseball United’s mission as we work to grow our sport on the other side of the world. I am so proud to be a part of this team.”


‘Unique atmosphere’: Ronnie O’Sullivan happy to be back at Masters Snooker Championship in Jeddah

‘Unique atmosphere’: Ronnie O’Sullivan happy to be back at Masters Snooker Championship in Jeddah
Updated 13 sec ago

‘Unique atmosphere’: Ronnie O’Sullivan happy to be back at Masters Snooker Championship in Jeddah

‘Unique atmosphere’: Ronnie O’Sullivan happy to be back at Masters Snooker Championship in Jeddah
  • Organizing committee of the tournament holds an expanded press conference with some of the world’s top players

JEDDAH: Ronnie O’Sullivan is excited to be back in the Kingdom for the Masters Snooker Championship in Jeddah.

“I love being here in at the Snooker Masters and enjoying its unique atmosphere,” he said on Monday of the contest which began on Aug. 8 and ends on Saturday.

“ has set a wonderful example in hosting international tournaments. From the moment you arrive, you feel the grandeur of the tournament and the wonderful experience,” he added.

The organizing committee of the championship held a press conference on Monday attended by Saudi Billiard and Snooker Federation President Naif Al-Jaweini, World Snooker Tour Chairman Steve Dawson, and ’s female referee Najla Al-Nuaimi.

Al-Jaweini lauded the Ministry of Sports’ role in the event, including the partnership with Matchroom and the WST.

“We are still at the beginning of the road, and in the coming years we will achieve many accomplishments to develop the level of players and referees, and we are pleased to welcome the world’s elite players to this prestigious tournament,” said Al-Jaweini.

The WST’s Dawson said: “The professional organization in is on par with the largest international tournaments.”

He added that ’s decision to host the event for 10 years would  “contribute to the development of the game and building a base of talent, players, and referees capable of competing in the world rankings.”

Al-Naimi said: “I am proud to represent in the field of refereeing, and I hope to see more Saudi women in this field of this distinguished sport.

“The tournament has given me a wealth of experience by rubbing shoulders with the best referees in the world.”

Defending champion Judd Trump also had praise for the Kingdom’s organization.

“Since the first edition, the attendance and interest have been evident, leaving us with many beautiful memories. It would be great to play against a Saudi player in the future, and perhaps see one of them become a world champion.”


Paris Saint-Germain sign Ukrainian defender Illia Zabarnyi

Paris Saint-Germain sign Ukrainian defender Illia Zabarnyi
Updated 12 August 2025

Paris Saint-Germain sign Ukrainian defender Illia Zabarnyi

Paris Saint-Germain sign Ukrainian defender Illia Zabarnyi
  • Illia Zabarnyi had an impressive 2024-2025 season in England with Premier League club Bournemouth
  • Bournemouth have now sold three of their first-choice defensive lineup from last season

PARIS: European champions Paris Saint-Germain announced on Tuesday they have signed Ukrainian center-back Illia Zabarnyi from Premier League club Bournemouth.

“Paris Saint-Germain are excited to welcome Illia Zabarnyi,” PSG said in a statement, adding that he would be the first Ukrainian ever to play for the club.

Zabarnyi, 22, had an impressive 2024-2025 season in England and his arrival in the French capital is expected to put pressure on PSG’s Brazilian stalwart Marquinhos in central defense.

Bournemouth have now sold three of their first-choice defensive lineup from last season after Milos Kerkez moved to Premier League champions Liverpool and Dean Huijsen was transferred to Real Madrid.


UAE jiu-jitsu athletes claim three medals at World Games Chengdu 2025

UAE jiu-jitsu athletes claim three medals at World Games Chengdu 2025
Updated 12 August 2025

UAE jiu-jitsu athletes claim three medals at World Games Chengdu 2025

UAE jiu-jitsu athletes claim three medals at World Games Chengdu 2025
  • Competiton is a global showpiece for sports yet to be included in the Olympic Games

CHENGDU: Three UAE Jiu-Jitsu National Team athletes have succeeded in winning medals on the second day of the World Games Chengdu 2025.

Saeed Al-Kubaisi claimed gold in the under-85kg division after a series of strong bouts against opponents from Portugal, South Korea and . Mehdi Al-Awlaki won silver in the under-77kg division, while Mohammed Al-Suwaidi earned silver in the under-69kg division.

Considered a global showpiece for sports yet to be included in the Olympic Games, the 12th World Games, which runs in the Chinese city from Aug. 7-17, features nearly 5,000 athletes from 118 countries competing across 34 sports, making it one of the most prominent international sporting events.

Mohamed Salem Al-Dhaheri, vice chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, said: “Jiu-jitsu in the UAE has proven its excellence and its ability to succeed at every opportunity, supported by the sport’s continued growth and the achievements of our national team on both continental and global stages. Our athletes have consistently made the nation proud in regional and international arenas, and today’s result is even more significant given the presence of top-ranked competitors from around the world. This success is the result of the federation’s ongoing efforts and initiatives to prepare our athletes to perform at the highest level.”

Gold medallist Al-Kubaisi said: “I entered the championship confident in my ability to win gold, as it’s the natural result of the hard work and intensive training we’ve put in over recent months. I want to thank the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation for the support they have given us, helping us reach this stage and make our mark at a global event of this scale.”

Meanwhile, Al-Awlaki said: “The final was tough, but I never gave up and kept pushing until the last second because my goal was gold. I’m happy to take silver in such an important championship, and I’m confident there is more to come.”

On Tuesday, Emirati athletes will compete in the open weight division, with Al-Awlaki, Al-Kubaisi and Al-Suwaidi in the men’s category, and Asma Alhosani, Shamsa Al-Amri and Shamma Al-Kalbani in the women’s category.


Saudi esports teams rising to the occasion at Esports World Cup in Riyadh

Saudi esports teams rising to the occasion at Esports World Cup in Riyadh
Updated 12 August 2025

Saudi esports teams rising to the occasion at Esports World Cup in Riyadh

Saudi esports teams rising to the occasion at Esports World Cup in Riyadh
  • Strong performances from Team Falcons and Twisted Minds in front of home crowd highlight ’s emergence on world stage

RIYADH: ’s top esports teams have continued to make their mark on the global stage at the Esports World Cup 2025, with Team Falcons and Twisted Minds delivering standout victories in front of sold-out crowds at Boulevard Riyadh City.

Team Falcons recently stormed to victory in Overwatch 2, while Twisted Minds captured the Call of Duty: Warzone title in a dramatic grand final performance, adding crucial points to their Club Championship standings.

The Overwatch 2 competition showcased Saudi dominance, with all top-three places claimed by local teams.

Team Falcons defeated Al-Qadsiah Esports 4-0 in the final, their first title of the tournament. Twisted Minds claimed third place after a 3-1 victory over South Korea’s T1, highlighting the Kingdom’s depth of talent in the title.

Twisted Minds triumphed in the Call of Duty: Warzone tournament, lifting the trophy after an intense 10-game final. Along the way, they defeated top-seeded rivals, including last year’s champions and tournament favorites Team Falcons, who finished fifth overall.

Saudi teams have also earned podium finishes and top placements across a range of other competitions.

Team Falcons finished second in Dota 2 after a dominant path to the grand final, with victories over Team Liquid and Tundra Esports, before falling to Team Spirit.

In the inaugural Esports World Cup Chess tournament, Team Falcons’ Alireza Firouzja placed second behind Magnus Carlsen, while teammate Hikaru Nakamura took third.

ROC Esports delivered a historic result in Apex Legends, finishing second among 40 of the world’s best teams, and Twisted Minds reached the semifinals of Honor of Kings to claim fourth place.

In addition, Team Falcons secured sixth in Free Fire and 10th in PUBG Mobile, with fellow Saudi team POWR Esports finishing 12th in the latter.

With two weeks of competition remaining, the race for the Esports World Cup Club Championship is heating up.

Team Falcons sit in second place overall with 3,700 points behind leaders Team Liquid, while Twisted Minds have strengthened their standing with their Call of Duty victory, climbing to fifth place with 2,200 points.

The coming days will see Saudi teams compete in several more high-profile tournaments, with the potential to add to the Kingdom’s medal count and Club Championship points total.

Here are some of the events that will include Saudi teams before the end of the competition:

Rocket League: Saudi squads Team Falcons and Twisted Minds are targeting Esports World Cup glory, with Team Falcons looking to go one better after finishing as runners-up last year.

PUBG: Battlegrounds: Team Falcons and Twisted Minds are set to battle for success in the tournament.

Tekken 8: Team Falcons are entering with proven regional champions.

Teamfight Tactics: Falcons, POWR Esports, and Twisted Minds are all in action, with strong prospects for deep runs.

Counter-Strike 2: Team Falcons are aiming for redemption after previous close finishes.

Street Fighter 6: Team Falcons’ top fighters are expected to contend against the world’s best.

Crossfire: Team Falcons, Twisted Minds, and Al-Qadsiah will represent .


Week 5 of 2025 Esports World Cup concludes with three more champions crowned

Week 5 of 2025 Esports World Cup concludes with three more champions crowned
Updated 12 August 2025

Week 5 of 2025 Esports World Cup concludes with three more champions crowned

Week 5 of 2025 Esports World Cup concludes with three more champions crowned
  • Team Liquid made history as first club to win three EWC titles in one year

RIYADH: With five weeks now in the bag, the 2025 Esports World Cup is approaching the finish line with just two weeks to go.

The Club Championship leaders changed once again, as three more titles have been claimed during the last week, with Team Liquid also making history as the first club to win three EWC titles in one year as they claimed victory in EA Sports FC 25.

Team Secret secured victory against G2 Esports in a Europe vs Europe grand final. Team Secret had a flawless run-up to the grand finals, and with favorites Team Falcons being eliminated on day one, it was all to play for. A clean 3-0 victory for Team Secret in the grand final saw them sail ahead to secure the title.

Team Secret came into the tournament as Europe’s third seed, making their title run even more impressive. The victory also marks Team Secret’s first title at the Esports World Cup, and their first major trophy in Rainbow Six Siege.

Twisted Minds were able to see off a tough field of competitors to secure the title in Call of Duty: Warzone. The victory also saw the team’s storied roster claim their first LAN victory for all three players, despite their long-standing presence at the top of the Warzone scene. Aydan “Aydan” Conrad, Riley “zSmit” Smith, and Benjamin “Almond” Rosendahl all previously reached the podium at the inaugural Esports World Cup with different teams. They then formed a new roster, which has now successfully claimed the top position.

Twisted Minds secured victory in the 10th game of the series, having achieved match-point conditions earlier in the series during game six alongside rivals Virtus.pro. That set up the next four games as tense affairs, as more teams joined them on match point — and it all went down to the wire in the final game.

Team Liquid’s Dutch star Manuel “ManuBachoore” Bachoore lifted the FC Pro 25 World Championship trophy, becoming a two-time world champion in the process. He battled through the play-in stage, taking down many of the world’s top players to claim the title, as well as Team Liquid’s third title of this year’s EWC.

The match itself was a close one against Team Vitality’s Brice “Brice” Masson, with both players trading goals, and while ManuBachoore was leading 4-3 in the closing minutes of the game, Brice came close on so many occasions that it was a nail-biting finale. ManuBachoore managed to secure a late goal, easing the pressure, and with just minutes left, he ran the clock down to secure the win.

After Week 5, Team Liquid is back on top of the Club Championship table with 4,200 points, after their victory in EAFC 25. That win, combined with Team Falcons having a disappointing week where they only secured 200 points from three titles, was enough to push Liquid back to the top of the table.

Falcons underperforming has also had ramifications further down the table, with Team Vitality closing the gap on them to just 550 points. Now, with all three teams having multiple titles remaining, and the likes of Virtus.Pro and Twisted Minds having rosters in almost all the remaining games at EWC, the race for the Club Championship is wide open.

Meanwhile, In an EA FC 25 showmatch, two footballing icons, Ronaldo Nazario and Kaka, went head-to-head to find out who was the best on the virtual pitch. The two icons played in front of a sold-out crowd at the Esports World Cup, with the packed arena cheering the legends on.

The eventual winner was Kaka, though Ronaldo was quick to offer up a new challenge in defeat.

“I promise you, Kaka beat me in football, but in Call of Duty: Warzone I’ll beat him, for sure,” Ronaldo said during a recent episode of EWC Spotlight. “I remember recovering from my first injury, my knee. I remember doing physio and playing Call of Duty.”

Esports World Cup 2025 concludes with the New Global Sport Conference at the Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh from Aug. 23-24.