Charley Hull triumphs at Aramco Team Series in Riyadh with impressive 18-under finish

England’s Charley Hull stormed to victory at the Aramco Team Series in Riyadh on Saturday, closing with a 66 to secure her first tournament win since 2022. (Supplied/LET)
England’s Charley Hull stormed to victory at the Aramco Team Series in Riyadh on Saturday, closing with a 66 to secure her first tournament win since 2022. (Supplied/LET)
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Updated 02 November 2024

Charley Hull triumphs at Aramco Team Series in Riyadh with impressive 18-under finish

Charley Hull triumphs at Aramco Team Series in Riyadh with impressive 18-under finish
  • Englishwoman’s 18-under-par performance gave her a three-stroke lead over Denmark’s Nicole Broch Estrup

RIYADH: England’s Charley Hull stormed to victory at the Aramco Team Series in Riyadh on Saturday, closing with a 66 to secure her first tournament win since 2022.

Hull’s 18-under-par performance gave her a three-stroke lead over Denmark’s Nicole Broch Estrup, marking her sixth professional win and her fourth on the Ladies European Tour.

Hull attributed her success to her sharp play and solid putting. 

“I felt really sharp, I played very solidly today,” she said. “I made a bogey on the par five 17th and the par three, but that was just two three putts. So quite long putts, in all fairness, and they got away from me a little bit, but felt like I held my game together pretty well. And 18-under for three days is a pretty good score.”

Starting the final round two strokes behind Slovenia’s Pia Babnik, Hull quickly took control with an aggressive approach, sinking birdies throughout the front nine. 

Her momentum was especially evident on the par-5 fifth hole, where she drove close to the green, setting up a perfect chip that left her with a simple tap-in birdie.

“I was actually chatting to someone who was quite close to me before I started, and he said, get off to a fast start, try and get ahead,” Hull shared. “That's what I did — and it’s a good job I listened to them.”

Hull maintained her lead despite bogeys on the 14th and 17th, closing with a steady par on the 18th. Her friends Georgia Hall and Annabell Dimmock were there to celebrate as she sank her final putt, capping off a flawless week in Riyadh.

She now turns her focus to the final events of the LPGA Tour in the US before preparing for a major campaign in 2025. 

“I’m going home for a week, before I head back to America for the last two events in the LPGA Tour, which is the ANNIKA event, and then the CME Group Tour Championship. I like the Tour Championship golf course. I won there in 2016, so I’m looking forward to them too, and then home for Christmas, I can’t wait.”

The Aramco Team Series in Riyadh, one of five $1 million LET events hosted by Golf Saudi this season, capped off an impactful year for golf in . 

Golf Saudi CEO Noah Alireza praised the tournament, saying: “What an incredible week of golf we’ve enjoyed here in Riyadh — and what fitting and deserving champions we have in both Charley Hull and Team Tamburlini.”

Alireza also highlighted the event’s local influence, noting the participation of ten Saudi amateur players and the success of Golf Saudi’s Go Golf initiative, which has brought 58 new Saudi players into the game. 

“All of these are landmark moments as we continue to grow golf in . I’d like to thank all the players and partners who helped make this an unforgettable week of golf and we look forward to the return of the Aramco Team Series presented by PIF next year.”


Gerard Pique introduces new era of football gaming to MENA region

Gerard Pique introduces new era of football gaming to MENA region
Updated 29 min 51 sec ago

Gerard Pique introduces new era of football gaming to MENA region

Gerard Pique introduces new era of football gaming to MENA region
  • Former Spain and Barcelona star inaugurated Kings League MENA at the ongoing Esports World Cup in Riyadh
  • Unconventional seven-a-side football game was designed with younger audiences in mind

RIYADH: Football legend and former Barcelona player Gerard Pique is bringing Kings League, the game that revolutionized online football gaming, to the Middle East and North Africa region, with at its heart.

The Spanish defender inaugurated Kings League MENA last night as part of the ongoing Esports World Cup, where the new team presidents from the region were also announced.

Pique started Kings League in Spain in 2023, and after a successful first launch has since expanded to other leagues worldwide including Italy, Brazil, Japan, France, Germany, Hispanic America, and the US.

On how he envisions the Kings League gaming community to look like in the MENA region, Pique told Arab News: “Very young, very motivated, very committed to the product and the project.

“I’m sure that there will be a lot of intensity, a lot of clashes (between streamer fans), this is what we want.

“We want them to care and want to win, and that they dedicate everything they have to winning.”

The unconventional seven-a-side football game was designed with younger audiences in mind, adding more creativity and free reign with secret weapons or “golden cards,” unlimited substitutions, sin bins, and penalty shoot-outs after every draw.

Kings League was also created in a way that brings together fans with their most beloved content creators and streamers taking the role of team presidents in each region.

The MENA teams and their presidents were announced to be SXB FC, led by Ahmed Alqahtani from , Ultra Chmicha led by Morroccan Ilyas Elmaliki, Red Zone led by Jordanian Maher Sultaneh, 3BS led by Jordanian Hani AlQoublam, FWZ FC led by Kuwaiti Fawaz Hamad, Turbo led by Egyptian Saleh Tarboun, and DR7 led by Saudi streamer Mafrah Aseeri.

Elmaliki, Morroco’s top streamer, was appointed president of Morocco’s national team in the Kings World Cup Nations held in Italy where his team made it all the way to the semifinals. Ultra Chmicha was later invited by Pique to join the Kings World Cup Clubs 2025 as the first wildcard team.

Alqahtani’s SXB FC was also picked as a wildcard for the Paris games, and their match against Jijantes FC drew a record breaking 950,000 live viewers, the tournament’s highest.

“We have amazing streamers,” Pique said. “They have huge communities that are very loyal to them.”

“They have to have good players because the level is very high in Kings League. But I know some of them, and I’m sure that that they will bring a lot of fun, a lot of entertainment and a good level of football.”

Fans can now submit their application and try their chance at getting drafted to join one of the official Kings League MENA teams, potentially later qualifying for the Kings World Cup Clubs or represent their country in the Kings World Cup Nations Brazil 2026.

Kings League MENA is a joint venture with SURJ Sports Investment as part of an ongoing effort to expand digital sports and entertainment in the region.

Having visited the Kingdom a few times before with Barcelona for the Spanish Super Cup, Pique also told Arab News that he is always “very happy when I come here.

“The food is amazing. And I think the people, you are very similar to Spanish people.

“When you arrive to the country, everything is very comfortable, so I’m enjoying it so much.”


Team Liquid’s Manuel Bachoore wins EA Sports FC 25 Tournament at Esports World Cup 2025

Team Liquid’s Manuel Bachoore wins EA Sports FC 25 Tournament at Esports World Cup 2025
Updated 11 August 2025

Team Liquid’s Manuel Bachoore wins EA Sports FC 25 Tournament at Esports World Cup 2025

Team Liquid’s Manuel Bachoore wins EA Sports FC 25 Tournament at Esports World Cup 2025
  • ‘ManuBachoore’ wins second World Championship title, and Team Liquid make history as first club to secure 3 championships in a single edition of the Esports World Cup

RIYADH: Manuel “ManuBachoore” Bachoore has won the FC Pro World Championship at the Esports World Cup 2025 for Team Liquid in a 5-3 grand final win against Brice “Brice” Masson of Team Vitality, picking up Team Liquid’s third championship title at this year’s event.

ManuBachoore’s victory sees him become a two-time champion, having won in 2023. He claimed a top eight finish at the Esports World Cup 2024.

And ever since favorite and world No. 1 Anders “Vejrgang” Vejrgang was eliminated this year, ManuBachoore has looked like the most likely winner.

ManuBachoore made it to the World Championship stage via the play-ins, where he only dropped one match in the group stage, topping his group. His main event run proved more difficult, with multiple matches being won by just one goal, proving the intensity of the high-level competition.

The Grand Final was a close match, with ManuBachoore’s signature attacking style on display against his French rival, where goals were traded between the pair.

The final moments proved a tense affair, with ManuBachoore leading by just one goal. However, he was able to score a late goal to make it 5-3, which ended up sealing the championship in his favor.

“I’m so thankful to God, for me to be two-time World Champion is more than I ever asked for in my career. Honestly, I did not think it was possible to win two times.

“But here we are, I can’t believe it. It feels like a dream. It is my dream. I’m happy it’s a reality,” said ManuBachoore.

“I said in an interview before we started, the first time I did not really realize what I did. Now I realize and enjoy it, I’m so happy. It’s a dream. I started in the play-ins, so I came here, not even sure if I would qualify for the tournament.

“I’m here now with the trophy. I’m grateful for this dream.”

ManuBachoore earned Team Liquid 1,000 Club Championship points for his victory, sending the side firmly to the top of the Club Championship standings.

The victory in EA Sports FC 25 is Team Liquid’s third title at the Esports World Cup 2025, marking the first time a club has won three titles at the same Esports World Cup.

The result blows the Club Championship wide open, with Team Falcons having just one top-eight finish this weekend, as we head into the final two weeks.

Team Liquid’s victory in EA Sports FC 25 not only gained them 1,000 Club Championship points, but also denied third-place Team Vitality 250 more crucial points.

Team Vitality remain in third place; however, the strong showing in EA Sports FC 25 has seen them bridge the gap to Team Falcons in second place to just 550 points.

Week six at the Esports World Cup 2025 takes place until Aug. 17 with finals in Teamfight Tactics, Rocket League and Tekken 8.


Japan boxing to hold emergency meeting following deaths

Japan boxing to hold emergency meeting following deaths
Updated 11 August 2025

Japan boxing to hold emergency meeting following deaths

Japan boxing to hold emergency meeting following deaths
  • Japanese boxing officials will hold an emergency meeting on Tuesday as the sport in the country faces intense scrutiny following the deaths of two fighters in separate bouts at the same event

TOKYO: Japanese boxing officials will hold an emergency meeting on Tuesday as the sport in the country faces intense scrutiny following the deaths of two fighters in separate bouts at the same event.

Super featherweight Shigetoshi Kotari and lightweight Hiromasa Urakawa, both 28, fought on the same card at Tokyo’s Korakuen Hall on August 2 and died days later following brain surgery.

The Japan Boxing Commission (JBC), gym owners and other boxing officials are under pressure to act and will hold an emergency meeting on Tuesday.

They are also expected to have talks about safety next month, local media said.

“We are acutely aware of our responsibility as the manager of the sport,” Tsuyoshi Yasukochi, secretary-general of the JBC, told reporters on Sunday.

“We will take whatever measures we can.”

Japanese media highlighted the risks of fighters dehydrating to lose weight rapidly before weigh-ins.

“Dehydration makes the brain more susceptible to bleeding,” the Asahi Shimbun newspaper said.

That is one of the issues the JBC plans to discuss with trainers.

“They want to hear from gym officials who work closely with the athletes about such items as weight loss methods and pre-bout conditioning, which may be causally related (to fatalities),” the Nikkan Sports newspaper said.

In one immediate measure, the commission has decided to reduce all Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation title bouts to 10 rounds from 12.

“The offensive power of Japanese boxing today is tremendous,” Yasukochi was quoted by the Asahi Shimbun as telling reporters.

“We have more and more boxers who are able to start exchanges of fierce blows from the first round. Maybe 12 rounds can be dangerous.”


Pakistan face fifth bowler dilemma ahead of West Indies decider

Pakistan face fifth bowler dilemma ahead of West Indies decider
Updated 11 August 2025

Pakistan face fifth bowler dilemma ahead of West Indies decider

Pakistan face fifth bowler dilemma ahead of West Indies decider
  • Pakistan’s part-time Saim Ayub, Salman Agha dup conceded combined 66 runs in seven wicketless overs
  • Pakistan, who won preceding T20 series 2-1, are currently tied with West Indies in three-match ODIs 1-1

Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan acknowledged a dilemma over the fifth bowler and said they would take a late decision on their team combination for Tuesday’s series decider following their defeat in the second one-day international on Sunday.

Pakistan, who won the opening ODI by five wickets, posted a competitive 171-7 in 37 overs in a rain-truncated match but West Indies prevailed by five wickets to draw level in the three-match series.

Pakistan’s part-time duo of Saim Ayub and Salman Agha conceded a combined 66 runs in seven wicketless overs as West Indies cruised home.

“You could say our fifth bowler gave away too many runs but in recent years, Salman Agha and Saim Ayub have both bowled well for us,” Rizwan said after the match.

“Saim didn’t have the best day today, but he performed well in the T20Is. That’s just part of the game.”

Rizwan said they could not read the conditions and several rain delays did not help their cause.

“Honestly, the weather forecast has been completely different from expectations, and it’s hard to read.

“We’re keeping our options open and will finalize the XI after assessing the conditions.”

Pakistan had won the preceding Twenty20 series 2-1. 


West Indies level series with 5-wicket win over Pakistan in second ODI

West Indies level series with 5-wicket win over Pakistan in second ODI
Updated 11 August 2025

West Indies level series with 5-wicket win over Pakistan in second ODI

West Indies level series with 5-wicket win over Pakistan in second ODI
  • Roston Chase’s 49 not out off 47 balls included two sixes, winning boundary as West Indies scored 184-5 in 33.2 overs
  • Pakistan won preceding T20 series 2-1, third and final match in ODI series is scheduled for Tuesday at the same stadium

TAROUBA, Trinidad and Tobago: Roston Chase and Justin Greaves led West Indies to a five-wicket victory over Pakistan with 10 balls to spare in the rain-reduced second one-day cricket international on Sunday, leveling the three-match series at 1-1.

Chase’s 49 not out off 47 balls included two sixes and the winning boundary as West Indies scored 184-5 in 33.2 overs.

The hosts were chasing a revised target of 181 runs in 35 overs under the DLS method after multiple rain interruptions saw Pakistan’s innings end at 171-7 in 37 overs. Right-arm fast bowler Jayden Seales took 3-23 in seven overs.

West Indies stumbled from 101-3 after 18 overs at Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba, Trinidad and Tobago, to 111-5 off 24 overs, including the wicket of Sherfane Rutherford, who hit a 33-ball 45 with three sixes and four fours.

Chase and Greaves (26 off 31) shared a 77-run unbroken partnership for the sixth wicket.

West Indies earlier chose to bowl first and Hasan Nawaz again played a key role for Pakistan with 36 not out off 30 deliveries, after his unbeaten 63 in the ODI opener.

Hasan’s knock on Sunday included three sixes — two of them in what turned out to be the last over of Pakistan’s innings after more rain. Hussain Talat got 31 off 32 balls but most Pakistan batters were much slower, including captain Mohammad Rizwan who was trapped lbw by Gudakesh Motie for a 38-ball 16.

Pakistan beat West Indies in the first one-day international on Friday, also by five wickets.

The third and final match in the ODI series is scheduled for Tuesday at the same stadium.

Pakistan won the preceding Twenty20 series 2-1 played in Florida.