Concacaf Gold Cup draw lands Saudi Arabia in group with hosts USA
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia will play US in this summer’s Concacaf Gold Cup, after organizers held the official draw on Thursday.
India Sport News
Rose grabs three-shot Masters clubhouse lead over Scheffler
AUGUSTA, Georgia: England’s Justin Rose used a red-hot putter to build a four-shot Masters clubhouse lead over defending champion Scottie Scheffler in the opening round on Thursday at Augusta National where Grand Slam-seeking Rory McIlroy ran into trouble late. Rose, twice a runner-up at the year’s first major, needed just 22 putts en route to a seven-under-par 65 that equaled his best start to a Masters and left him in control. Rose had the world’s best golfer breathing down his neck, though, as twice champion Scheffler bids to become the fourth golfer to retain his Masters crown. The 44-year-old Rose, who went out with the late starters, wasted no time making a move as he kicked off his round with three consecutive birdies and added another three in succession around the turn before back-to-back birdies at 15 and 16. The only blemish on the card for Rose, who with a win here would become the oldest first-time Masters champion since a 41-year-old Mark O’Meara won in 1998, came at the 18th where he made bogey after his tee shot missed the fairway. World number one Scheffler’s round included a huge birdie putt from 62 feet at the par-three fourth and a pair of up-and-down par saves after chipping out of greenside bunkers at both the seventh and 17th holes. “Anytime you can keep a card clean out here it’s a really good thing... I struggled for what felt like two pars today,” said Scheffler. “I had to make two really good up-and-downs.
Onana at fault twice as Man United draws 2-2 at Lyon, Tottenham held at home, Chelsea stays perfect
Andre Onana, described by Nemanja Matic as “one of the worst goalkeepers in Manchester United’s history”, was at fault for both goals as his side drew 2-2 at Lyon in a Europa League quarterfinal first leg on Thursday. Former United midfielder Matic, now a player with Lyon, made the less than flattering comments about Onana in a pre-game press conference. Then, in the match itself, United went 1-0 down after 25 minutes when Onana failed to stop a curling free-kick from out wide by Thiago Almada. Leny Yoro equalized for the visiting team in first-half stoppage time, with a header after goalkeeper Lucas Perri had cleared a Bruno Fernandes free-kick. Fernandes then sent a precise cross for substitute Joshua Zirkzee to head what seemed to be the winner in the 88th minute. But Rayan Cherki hit back for Lyon when he pounced on the rebound after Cameroon international Onana had spilled an effort from Georges Mikautadze. “I think this is the worst moment to concede a goal like that,” Yoro told TNT Sports. “We were winning 2-1.
Al-Ittihad move clear at the top of SPL table after 2-0 win
JEDDAH: Al-Ittihad defeated Al-Orubah 2-0 on Thursday to move eight points clear of Al-Hilal at the top of the Saudi Pro League.
Esports World Cup to feature record $70m prize pool in return to Riyadh
RIYADH: The Esports World Cup Foundation announced on Thursday a record-breaking prize pool of more than $70 million for the 2025 edition of the Esports World Cup, which returns to Riyadh from July 7 to Aug. 24. The pot is the largest in esports history, solidifying the EWC’s reputation as the ultimate global stage for competitive gaming and a key driver of long-term industry sustainability. The massive increase in prize money, which is up $10 million from last year’s inaugural event, is driven by the foundation’s ambition to provide life-changing opportunities for players and clubs, while fostering stable and scalable careers across the esports ecosystem, organizers said. “The record-breaking $70+ million prize pool, along with our commitment to the Club Partner Program and our multi-year publisher agreements, is a privilege to announce and validation of our purpose to elevate the industry, by giving players, clubs, publishers and all other stakeholders the stability needed to invest for future success,” said Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation. “While more than $70 million is an incredible, life-changing sum, it’s always aligned with a long-term vision rather than short-term impact.
PFL MENA announces fight card for 2025 opening event in Jeddah
JEDDAH: The Professional Fighters League (PFL) has announced the fight card for the opening event of the 2025 PFL MENA season, which will take place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Friday, May 9, 2025.
Rahul shines as Delhi Capitals bag fourth straight win in IPL
BENGALURU: KL Rahul smashed an unbeaten 93 as Delhi Capitals beat Royal Challengers Bengaluru by six wickets to maintain their winning streak in the Indian Premier League on Thursday. Rahul, 32, hit six sixes and seven fours in his scintillating 53-ball knock to help Delhi overhaul Bengaluru’s 163-7 with 13 balls to spare at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Tristan Stubbs chipped in with 38 not out and shared 111 runs with Rahul off just 56 balls to steer Delhi to their fourth consecutive win. Delhi now sit second in the table while Bengaluru are third in the 10-team competition. Bengaluru bowlers picked some early wickets but ran into the in-form Rahul who batted with composure and ease. Delhi had a wobbly start, losing openers Faf du Plessis and Jake Fraser-McGurk cheaply with just 10 runs on the board. Captain Axar Patel tried to steady the innings but holed out to Tim David off impact sub Suyash Sharma for 15. Stubbs said the win was “really satisfying.” “I came in a tricky situation, but the run-rate never got out of hand,” he said. “I did not need to do much — KL played the way he did.” Earlier, Bengaluru were off to a flier, with openers Virat Kohli and Phil Salt taking the attack to the opposition. The duo smashed 30 runs in the third over off Mitchell Starc before guiding Bengaluru to the fastest team 50 of the season. The batting assault ended when Salt (37) was run-out after a mix-up and Kohli (22) lobbed a catch to Starc who dived forward to take a fine catch at long-off. Salt hit three sixes and four fours in his 17-ball knock. Bengaluru lost regular wickets after the twin setbacks, with Delhi left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav picking two, including the scalp of captain Rajat Patidar for 25. David
Vijayveer Sidhu Fetches India's Fourth Gold At Shooting World Cup
Paris Olympian Vijayveer Sidhu fetched India its fourth gold medal at the ISSF World Cup after he emerged victorious in the men's 25m rapid-fire pistol event in Buenos Aires. Vijayveer shot 29 in a thrilling but low-scoring final to get the better of experienced Italian Riccardo Mazzatti, who was left one short after the eight series of five rapid-fire shots each. Chinese teenager Yang Yuhao won bronze. "I have played so many past finals with Gurpreet sir, Anish and others previously in the nationals, trials etc. and have performed well," Vijayveer said after the final on Tuesday.