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Qatar’s Abdullah Yassin scored a game-high 38 points in the hosts’ 80-67 win over Oman on Wednesday. Qatar’s secured qualification for the FIBA Asia U-18 Championship 2026 after defeating Oman 80-67 in the fourth round of the Gulf Qualifiers at Al Gharafa Sports Hall on Wednesday. The victory marked Qatar’s third consecutive win in the qualifying tournament, taking the hosts to six points and guaranteeing one of the two available Gulf qualification spots for the continental championship, scheduled to take place in Ahmedabad, India, from August 13-23. Bahrain also confirmed qualification after matching Qatar’s perfect record of three wins from three matches. The two unbeaten sides will now meet in the final qualifier to decide the Gulf champions and top spot in the standings. Qatar continued its impressive campaign with another composed performance despite a competitive challenge from Oman. After trailing 19-18 at the end of the opening quarter, the hosts responded by taking the second period 23-20 before Oman edged ahead in the third quarter 14-9. Qatar, however, dominated the final quarter 30-14 to pull away and secure a comfortable 13-point victory. Abdullah Yassin delivered a standout display for Qatar, finishing with a game-high 38 points, while Adam Suleiman led Oman with 17 points. The victory completed a flawless run for Qatar in the qualifiers. The hosts opened their campaign with an 80-76 win over Saudi Arabia before producing an emphatic 81-53 victory against Kuwait in the second round. The win over Oman sealed qualification and highlighted the team’s growing confidence ahead of the continental championship. In the day’s other fixture, Saudi Arabia earned their first win of the tournament with a convincing 75-46 victory over Kuwait. Saudi Arabia raced to a 21-5 first-quarter lead, shared the second period 13-13, lost the third 19-14, and finished strongly with a 27-9 final quarter. Saudi Arabia had previously suffered defeats to Bahrain (62-54) and Qatar (80-76), while Kuwait remain without a victory after losses to Oman (62-59), Bahrain (106-51), Qatar (81-53), and Saudi Arabia. Following four rounds, Qatar and Bahrain sit jointly atop the standings with six points each and have both secured qualification for the Asia championship. Saudi Arabia and Oman are tied on four points, while Kuwait remain at the bottom after four consecutive defeats. Related Story Source link
The Torrey Pines golf course in California. The US PGA Tour’s annual tournament at Torrey Pines in California will be added to the top-tier Championship Series starting in 2028, organizers announced Wednesday. The new elite PGA series set to feature 23-24 events for the sport’s best players is part of a major shake-up of men’s golf unveiled last month, and its roster of tournaments is beginning to take shape. Golf’s four major tournaments, The Players Championship, playoff events and the Ryder and Presidents Cups had already been confirmed to be part of a schedule from February through August. So too had the Travelers Championship, which takes places each June at TPC River Highlands in Cromwell, Connecticut, and an event sponsored by Japanese corporation Sompo at a yet-to-be-announced venue. Now the Torrey Pines tournament, which will be known as The Sentry from this coming January’s edition under a new sponsorship deal, has been added too. “Earning the distinction of becoming a PGA TOUR Championship Series event in 2028 reinforces our standard of hosting a field of world-class golfers at renowned Torrey Pines Golf Course,” said Marty Gorsich, CEO of the Century Club of San Diego, which co-organizes the tournament. Known until this year as the the Farmers Insurance Open, the tournament began life in 1952 as the San Diego Open. It has been played annually at Torrey Pines since 1968. Justin Rose won the most recent edition, storming to a wire-to-wire victory with a record 23-under to win by seven strokes, for his 13th career PGA TOUR victory and his second at Torrey Pines. Torrey Pines has also hosted two US Opens, including the memorable 2008 edition in which Tiger Woods defeated Rocco Mediate in a 19-hole playoff despite playing with a broken leg. The remaining dozen or so events for the PGA’s new Championship Series will be announced at a later date. A second-tier PGA Tour Challenger Series of at least 20 events will run alongside the Championship Series, offering golfers the chance to secure a pathway to the elite circuit.A system of player promotion and relegation between the two tiers will be introduced. Related Story Source link
Doha continues to reinforce its position as a leading global destination for sports training camps, supported by world-class facilities and comprehensive infrastructure that meet the highest international standards. These strengths have made Qatar a preferred choice for teams and clubs from around the world.The Qatar Gymnastics Federation (QGF) is hosting a training camp for the artistic gymnastics team of Al Ittihad Saudi Club at the QGF training hall. The camp forms part of the team’s preparation program for upcoming competitions and championships.The camp features an intensive training program that includes joint sessions with members of Qatari teams. The competitive and focused training environment supports the exchange of technical expertise, helps raise athletes’ skill levels, and reflects the depth of sporting cooperation between the two sides. QGF President and First Vice President of the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) Ali al-Hitmi said hosting training camps aligns with the Federation’s vision to strengthen Qatar’s position as a regional and global sports hub. He noted that the QGF remains committed to expanding cooperation with Arab and international federations and clubs, raising the technical level of gymnastics, and promoting the exchange of expertise among athletes and technical staff. Al Hitmi added that Qatar’s world-class sports facilities, organizational expertise, and advanced logistical capabilities make it an ideal destination for training camps and sporting events. He said these strengths support the country’s broader vision of establishing itself as a global sports capital. For his part, Director of the Artistic Gymnastics Team at Al-Ittihad Saudi Club Mohammed Al Sumairi expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome and excellent organization the team received upon arriving in Doha. He praised Qatar’s advanced sports facilities and the world-class standards of the QGF training hall, noting that its modern equipment and comprehensive facilities helped provide an ideal environment for the success of the camp and the achievement of its technical objectives. Al Sumairi also thanked the QGF, led by al-Hitmi, for its warm reception and strong cooperation. He emphasized that the camp offers an important opportunity to prepare the athletes for upcoming competitions while strengthening sporting ties between the Qatari and Saudi federations. The camp reflects continued confidence in Qatar as a host for international sports training camps, supported by its advanced infrastructure and strong organizational expertise. It further reinforces the country’s position as a premier destination for teams and clubs seeking an ideal environment for preparation and development. Related Story Source link
Newly-appointed Italy coach Roberto Mancini said Wednesday he was dreaming of bagging a major trophy, the Azzurri having missed out on the last three World Cups.Mancini was speaking at his first press conference since being unveiled as successor to Gennaro Gattuso, who resigned as Italy coach after their World Cup qualification play-off final defeat by Bosnia and Herzegovina in March.The 61-year-old Mancini was previously Italy boss from 2018 until 2023, leading them to the Euro 2020 title.He has been preferred to another ex-national team coach in Antonio Conte.’I hope to win another trophy, maybe two,’ Mancini said.’My goal is to make sure the team immediately gets back to winning ways.’Mancini's first period at the helm of the Italy side ended suddenly when he took up the Saudi Arabia job.Leaving the Italy setup at the time, he said, was ‘a bit like losing the woman of your life’.But the former Manchester City and Inter Milan coach, who has signed a four-year deal, vowed ‘to make sure the team is so good that the fans fall in love with it all over again’.Mancini added: ‘I believe there are young, talented players in Italy. I simply believe we need to trust them and let them play.’Mancini's first game in charge is a Nations League match against Belgium in Rome on September 25, before facing Turkey three days later.Then comes a trip to Paris when Italy take on France, with Zinedine Zidane at the helm.’These will be important matches,’ he said. ‘We'll immediately see our strengths and the areas in which we'll need to improve.’Mancini was appointed on Tuesday, along with Claudio Ranieri as technical director in place of Paolo Maldini, who reportedly threatened to resign if Mancini was appointed.Mancini's appointment, however, remains divisive despite leading Italy to the Euro 2020 title and a 37-match unbeaten streak.His abrupt resignation as Italy coach in the summer of 2023 to take charge of Saudi Arabia reportedly damaged his standing with many senior officials at the Italian federation, particularly as the Azzurri were struggling in their qualifying campaign for Euro 2024.Mancini left his job with the Saudi national side just 14 months later.He was most recently coach of Qatari club Al Sadd, with whom he signed a two-year deal last November.Now he will turn his attentions to the job of taking Italy back to the top of the international game.The four-time world champions have not reached a World Cup since 2014, and have not even played a knock-out stage match at the tournament since winning the 2006 final against France on penalties.The one success in that time was the European Championship victory, also secured in a shoot-out against England five years ago.Their title defence, with Luciano Spalletti at the helm, ended with a last-16 loss to Switzerland in 2024.Mancini also won three consecutive Serie A titles as Inter Milan boss between 2005 and 2008.He then led Manchester City to their first English league title since 1968 with a famous last-day victory over QPR in the 2011-12 Premier League season. Source link
Mercedes’ Andrea Kimi Antonelli celebrates with the trophy after winning the Belgian Grand Prix. (Reuters) Formula One boss Stefano Domenicali heaped praise on teenager Kimi Antonelli on Wednesday as the sport gave itself a glowing half-term report, with sold-out races and booming viewing figures in key markets.Liberty Media-owned Formula One said all 11 races this year had been sold out and six circuits had broken attendance records, with Britain’s Silverstone recording by far the biggest weekend crowd of 564,000.Nearly 3.7 million people had attended race weekends compared to 3.4 million at the same races in 2025, with Japan showing an increase of 18% and Britain 13%.Television audiences in Italy, home of Mercedes’ championship leader Antonelli as well as a resurgent Ferrari, were up 27% on 2025 over the nine rounds through the British Grand Prix. 19-YEAR-OLD A SIX-TIMES WINNERAntonelli, 19, has won six of 11 races this season while Ferrari, winless last year, have triumphed with both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc.”I think that for the sport, he’s really great,” Domenicali told reporters about a compatriot who hails from the same region around Bologna. “He’s fresh, he’s still very new and very open to any kind of thing that is happening to him.”He has brought a lot of new fans connected to him because the nature of his way of engaging is fantastic…he’s added a new dimension.”He’s an incredible asset for the future of what we’re doing together.”Television audiences in Brazil on race weekends were up to five times greater than a year ago, with a record 18 million watching the British Grand Prix on TV Globo and SportTV3.The Monaco Grand Prix, won by Antonelli reached nearly 80 million viewers globally.Formula One said its Fan Voice polling forum, which gathers responses from 60,000 fans, showed 66% of fans voting the racing good or excellent – despite driver complaints about the new engines – compared to 60% last season.The British Grand Prix, which ended controversially with the safety car deployed and Ferrari’s Leclerc winning after Antonelli took pole position, drew a 69% good or excellent rating – down 20% on 2025.The Silverstone drivers’ parade in cars made of Lego led to more than 70 million views across social platforms.Women made up 42% of the sport’s audience, and three-quarters of new fans, while 43% of the total fanbase was under 35 years old.Formula One’s next race is the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort on August 23. Related Story Source link
DFB vice-president Hans-Joachim Watzke. The vice-president of the German FA (DFB) on Wednesday slammed FIFA’s controversial plans to sell stakes in its competitions, including the World Cup, as “an outright attack on football”.FIFA announced Tuesday it was set to create a semi-private subsidiary which would sell part of its business operations in the World Cup and other competitions, hoping to raise $4.2bn.The plan would still have to be approved by the 38-member FIFA council and the majority of its 211 member associations. FIFA said it intends to present the plans to the council soon.Hans-Joachim Watzke, the DFB vice-president who is also president of Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund and a vice-president of UEFA’s executive committee, joined the chorus critical of the proposal.”Many in European football see FIFA’s plans as an outright attack on football. I share this view. A line has been crossed here,” Watzke told Germany’s Kicker.”There is broad agreement on this among the member associations, as several conversations I’ve had with (UEFA boss) Aleksander Ceferin and other colleagues in recent days have shown me.”Watzke, 67, highlighted the performances of European nations at the World Cup, hinting that European federations may unite to oppose the deal.”At the World Cup, six European teams reached the quarter-finals and three the semi-finals.”If European football stands united against these plans, that carries a great deal of weight.”Max Eberl, the sporting director of Dortmund rival Bayern Munich, echoed Watzke’s comments, saying the proposal was “shameful” and indicated FIFA’s true priorities.”I am ashamed that we in football are even discussing such ideas,” Eberl said Wednesday, adding the proposal goes beyond what is usually accepted in football business.”Right now, I get the feeling that FIFA exists solely to make a profit. It feels like the only goal is to rake in money from every possible avenue.”I consider myself a child of football — I’ve been involved in the sport for decades — and even I find this disgusting.”European football’s governing body UEFA, which has been critical of Infantino, criticised the plan as a proposed sale of the game’s “soul”.CONCACAF, which governs North and Central American football, said it was “deeply concerned by the lack of due process”.Earlier in July, the DFB confirmed to AFP subsidiary SID it refused to sign a letter supporting Infantino’s re-election, despite the Swiss reportedly winning the support of more than 200 member associations. Related Story Source link
The Formula One season will finish in Europe if the planned races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi are cancelled due to the Middle East war, the sport’s CEO Stefano Domenicali said Wednesday.The Bahrain and Saudi Arabia Grands Prix were scrapped earlier this season due to the start of Israel and the United States’ war with Iran.The Bahrain Grand Prix was eventually rescheduled and will now be held in Malaysia on October 4.Domenicali said F1 would decide whether or not to go ahead with the race in Qatar, scheduled for November 29, and the season finale in Abu Dhabi on December 6, by mid-September.”That moment will be not be before the middle of September. For us today, the races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi are confirmed,” he told reporters.”But of course, if the situation will not be cleared the way that we believe it should be, before the middle of September, we will take the decision.”And in that respect, I just want confirm to you that if this will not be possible, that the end of the season would be in Europe.”There have been persistent rumours in the paddock suggesting an extra Grand Prix could be held at the Circuit of the Americas in Texas, or that a second successive race may be staged in Las Vegas, the week after the one already slated for November 21.But Domenicali said that idea had been shelved.”There was a possibility of having two races in Las Vegas but we don’t want to ruin a jewel that is growing by undervaluing what we are doing there,” he said.”And of course, we don’t have to forget that in that period of the year, we are fighting in the US against the NFL.”Domenicali did not say which tracks in Europe could step in if needed, although the Imola circuit is reportedly the front-runner to host the finale if the Middle East conflict is still ongoing.The World Endurance Championship announced Tuesday it would conclude its season in Spain and Italy after cancelling planned events in Qatar and Bahrain. Related Story Source link
* CONCACAF and AFC concerned by FIFA’s private investment plan * Plan aims to raise up to $4.2 billion through minority stake sales * FIFA cannot continue to use our sport to enrich themselves and their friends, UEFA says FIFA’s proposal to sell stakes in a $20 billion commercial subsidiary has drawn strong criticism from soccer’s regional confederations, which said they were blindsided by the world governing body’s plan to bring private investors into the sport.The Confederations of North America, Central America and the Caribbean (CONCACAF) and Asia (AFC) delivered stinging rebukes on Wednesday, saying they learned of FIFA’s equity sale proposal through media reports rather than official channels. FIFA said on Tuesday that it plans to create a $20 billion subsidiary to run the World Cup and its other events, offering stakes of up to 20% in it to external investors.Under the plan, FIFA would establish FIFA Forward Enterprise to oversee commercial and event operations. FIFA, which this year held a 48-team World Cup across the U.S., Canada and Mexico that was the biggest in the tournament’s history, would retain control of the enterprise, but offer minority stakes to private investors to raise up to $4.2 billion.’LACK OF DUE PROCESS'”CONCACAF was only made aware of this matter through media reports and, subsequently, via a media release. We are deeply concerned by the lack of due process,” it said in a statement.”We share the disappointment of many within our region and the game that this level of detail has been designed and shared publicly before any discussion with the relevant governance bodies and stakeholders has taken place.”As leaders within football, we are the custodians of the game. Collectively, FIFA, the confederations and every member association have a responsibility to always act in the best interests of the sport.”Every decision we make must be guided by good governance, robust processes and long-term stewardship.” Former FIFA President Sepp Blatter said the World Cup should not become an investment product for private equity with investors seeking returns. “The FIFA World Cup is not a commercial asset that belongs to a handful of executives. It is part of the cultural heritage of world football,” Blatter told Reuters. “FIFA is the guardian of the World Cup, not its owner.”Czech Football Association President David Trunda, however, said he saw “pragmatic benefits” from working with FIFA President Gianni Infantino.”Of course, we need more details, but my personal point of view is that I can see the positive impact of FIFA’s intentions,” Trunda told Sky News.”I was elected a little more than a year ago. For me, personally, all the projects I have experienced in cooperation with FIFA have been very positive for the development of European football.”AFC DISAPPOINTEDThe AFC said it recognised the importance of “exploring innovative approaches” but was disappointed that such a significant proposal was announced before the confederation had the opportunity to examine the plan.”Such initiatives should be founded upon the principles of good governance, transparency and meaningful consultation,” it said.”Decisions that may reshape the commercial and financial future of the game require comprehensive prior engagement with confederations, member associations and other relevant stakeholders before any proposal is made to the appropriate decision-making body(ies),” the AFC added.INFANTINO’S DEADLINEThe Times reported that Infantino had sent a letter to all member associations saying they would receive $40 million each if they agreed to the proposal by September 19.However, if they rejected the package totalling $10 billion, which would be available from January 1 next year, it would be reduced to the $2.7 billion that was previously on offer. Infantino added that the proposal would only be implemented if more than half of FIFA’s member associations participate by the deadline and the FIFA Council formally approves the necessary changes.”Today we have learned of FIFA’s deadline to associations to support their proposals or have the one-off payout offer withdrawn. This says everything you need to know about this plan,” UEFA said in a statement.”FIFA cannot continue to use our sport to enrich themselves and their friends. We can grow the game correctly. It’s time to prioritise associations, clubs, leagues, players and fans.”While the AFC has 47 member associations, CONCACAF has 41. Together with UEFA’s 55 members, that brings the total to 143 of 211 member associations whose confederations either criticised the proposal or had concerns about it. Reuters has contacted the confederations of South America (CONMEBOL), Africa (CAF) and Oceania (OFC) for comment.FIFA did not respond to a request for comment.’RAISES MANY QUESTIONS’The backlash also extended to individual country ruling bodies with French Football Federation chief Philippe Diallo saying his organisation had not been informed either.”Given its direction – specifically, as I understand, bringing investment funds into a commercial entity alongside FIFA – it obviously raises many questions,” he said on French Inter radio station.England’s Football Association (FA) said it was “completely unaware” of the proposal and had no substantive details.”Based on the limited information, we are deeply concerned about the lack of process and governance to get to this point, and the apparent substance and principles involved,” the FA said.FIFA’s move had provoked a furious response from UEFA, which accused world soccer’s governing body of putting the game’s “soul” up for sale.A UEFA official said the idea of holding an emergency meeting to discuss FIFA’s proposal was put forward on Tuesday. Another source said virtual meetings were taking place on Wednesday to talk about the situation. Related Story Source link
A picture shows the FIFA logo during a press conference held by the president of the football’s governing body at the FIFA Executive Football Summit on…
Cruz Hewitt, the 17-year-old son of former world number one Lleyton Hewitt, captured his first ATP Tour victory on Tuesday to reach the second round of the Washington Open.The Aussie teen, ranked 612th in the world, ousted fellow qualifier Marcos Giron of the United States 6-3, 6-4 in 74 minutes in his ATP main draw debut.Among his father’s 30 career ATP titles was the 2004 Washington crown, four years before Cruz was born.”It’s a pretty special moment,” Hewitt said. “Seeing my dad play this tournament and to get my first tour win, it feels really cool.”Hewitt plays for a quarter-final berth against the winner of a scheduled later match between Greek wildcard Stefanos Tsitsipas and top-seeded defending champion Alex de Minaur, a newlywed from Australia.Hewitt copied a celebration from his father after the victory, holding up his bent right arm with his hand curled back toward him.”He just always did it and when I was little I’ve just always seen it,” Hewitt said. “It’s cool to be able to do that now because obviously my dad has been a huge part of where I am today.”Hewitt was uncertain he could copy his father, who won his first ATP match at Adelaide in 1998 on the way to his first tour title.”I’ll try my best,” he said. “I’m just playing one match at a time.”Hewitt saw his father’s name on the ring of champions at center court during his qualifying wins.”It’s very surreal,” he said. “Pretty special to play my first two qualies matches on center court and my dad’s name being in the back. Kind of inspirational to look up at it as well. Super special to be back here.”Hewitt became familiar with ATP events while being at them with his father but said they have a different and special feel now.”Trying to forge my own path, use what advice my dad has from his experience, which I think helps a lot,” Hewitt said.”I do feel pretty comfortable to be at the tournaments. It’s pretty exciting because I’ve dreamed of playing at these tournaments and I’ve seen behind the scenes and to be in the gym and the locker room with these guys, it’s pretty cool.”France’s 47th-ranked Adrian Mannarino eliminated American fifth seed Learner Tien 7-5, 6-4 to book a second-round match against American Alex Michelsen, who ousted US lucky loser Mackenzie McDonald 6-4, 7-5.French eighth seed Arthur Fils was defeated, falling to Spain’s 19-year-old Rafael Jodar 7-6 (7/5), 6-3. The Spaniard reached a second-round match against Japan’s 36-year-old Kei Nishikori.Rain halted US third seed Ben Shelton’s match with US qualifier Martin Damm in the second set. Eala advancesFilipino 21-year-old left-hander Alexandra Eala rallied to defeat China’s Zheng Qinwen 4-6, 6-4, 6-1 after two hours and 26 minutes.Eala, ranked 28th, was down a set and a break but broke six times in all to oust the reigning Olympic champion.”Just being patient and being brave, waiting for my opportunities,” Eala said. “It was a very difficult match. I was at some difficult points but I’m happy with how I was able to turn it.”Eala will play for a quarter-final berth against seventh-seeded defending champion Leylah Fernandez of Canada.”She’s known to be a fighter and have a really good mentality on court,” Eala said. “I know I’ll have to bring what I have.”Venus Williams, a 46-year-old winner of seven Grand Slam singles titles, was scheduled to face Austria’s Anastasia Potapova in a later first-round match. Related Story Source link