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.
US Sport News
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
Saudi PIF and Formula E launch global STEM education initiative ahead of Miami E-Prix
MIAMI: Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and Formula E announced on Thursday the launch of Driving Force Presented by PIF, an educational initiative designed to empower the next generation of engineers, scientists, and sustainability leaders.
Casement Park rebuild not being held back because of me – communities minister
A DUP minister has said the redevelopment of Casement Park is because of a funding gap and not because he is at the helm of the department.
Canada, Mexico trade war makes 2026 World Cup ‘exciting’: Trump
US President Donald Trump said Friday that trade tensions with Mexico and Canada would be a boost for the 2026 World Cup as he announced the creation of a White House task force to help organize the tournament.