Red Bull cliff divers conquer Jazan wadis

Red Bull cliff divers conquer Jazan wadis
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Cliff divers Catalin Preda of Romania and David Colturi, from the USA, became the first to dive into Saudi Arabia’s wadis on Tuesday in the run-up to the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series 2024. (Supplied)
Red Bull cliff divers conquer Jazan wadis
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Cliff divers Catalin Preda of Romania and David Colturi, from the USA, became the first to dive into Saudi Arabia’s wadis on Tuesday in the run-up to the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series 2024. (Supplied)
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Updated 27 March 2024
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Red Bull cliff divers conquer Jazan wadis

Red Bull cliff divers conquer Jazan wadis
  • Two-time World Series stop winner Catalin Preda was in awe of the cliff search experience
  • “It was beautiful to see the majesty and the special nature of these particular spots,” said Preda

JAZAN: Cliff divers Catalin Preda of Romania and David Colturi, from the USA, became the first to dive into Saudi Arabia’s wadis on Tuesday in the run-up to the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series 2024.
During a hike and dive experience through the rough and rugged natural landscapes of Wadis Lajab and Al-Rough in Jazan, Preda and Colturi explored canyons, valleys, waterfalls and freshwater ponds.
A two-time World Series stop winner, Preda said he was in awe of the Kingdom’s cliff search experience.
“It was beautiful to see the majesty and the special nature of these particular spots. Arriving at the locations was absolutely mind blowing, seeing what they actually look in real life, only having seen a couple of pictures,” said the Romanian.
At 2.15 million sq. km, Saudi Arabia’s arid climate makes it the largest country in the world devoid of rivers, lakes or areas of lush natural vegetation. The duo had to embark on an expedition to discover hidden pools for their diving adventures.
In Jazan, the Kingdom’s heartland and an area noted for its fruit production, Preda and Colturi found what they were looking for in the form of two wadis with fresh water and dramatic views. This also meant interesting rock formations and unique take-off spots.
American Colturi said: “In Al-Rough, there’s a slanted cliff, and so you’ve got to work your way up and stand on a little bit of an angle, but decent footing. In Lajab, it’s a lot more contained. You’ve got the boulder rock, you’ve got the slanted wall with the 13-meter take offs, and then you’ve got the high perch around 20 meters.”
Describing the dives themselves as the most difficult challenge, the 34-year-old added: “From the 15 years that I’ve been in cliff diving, it was a unique and cool opportunity to do our art form in such a beautiful location.”
As the cliff divers headed back to prepare for the 15th season of the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series, which starts in Athens on May 26, Preda summed up the adventure: “A trip full of discoveries and trials from the very beginning. Some battle scars as well, but a truly memorable experience.”


RB Kingmaker claims Al-Mneefah Cup crown in thrilling finish at Saudi Cup meet

RB Kingmaker claims Al-Mneefah Cup crown in thrilling finish at Saudi Cup meet
Updated 22 February 2025
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RB Kingmaker claims Al-Mneefah Cup crown in thrilling finish at Saudi Cup meet

RB Kingmaker claims Al-Mneefah Cup crown in thrilling finish at Saudi Cup meet
  • The grey purebred Arabian delivers a determined performance under Cristian Demuro after several tough defeats in recent months
  • Sees off late challenge from Christophe Soumillon on Nabucco Al Maury, who also made a strong charge but fell just short

RIYADH: RB Kingmaker showcased his class and determination as he claimed victory in the $1.5 million Al-Mneefah Cup, presented by the Ministry of Culture, at the King Abdulaziz Racecourse on Friday, the opening day of Saudi Cup weekend.

The six-year-old gray purebred Arabian, trained by Helal Alalawi and ridden by jockey Cristian Demuro, surged widest of all in the home stretch, fending off a late challenge from Nabucco Al Maury to win the 2,100 meter contest on turf by a length, in a time of 2 minutes 20.298 seconds. Home hope Asfan Al Khalediah was another half-length back in third.

Breaking from post 12 in a 13-runner field, RB Kingmaker was kept wide throughout the race but finished with a powerful late surge to secure his second career Group 1 victory. His previous top-level win came in February 2024 at the President Cup in Abu Dhabi.

Friday’s win was a triumphant return to form for the horse after a series of tough defeats in recent months, including a runner-up finish to Al Ghadeer in the Qatar Arabian World Cup on Arc Day at ParisLongchamp in October, and a failed defense of his title this month in the The President Cup.

For trainer Alalawi, who heads the National Stables in the UAE, the victory marked a breakthrough after several near-misses in elite company.

“There are no words to tell you how I’m feeling,” said an emotional Alalawi as he reflected on the significance of the win. “To be honest, this has been a dream that has now come true.

“It’s been a hard situation for our stable this season. As you’ve seen, we keep finishing second in the World Cup and third in the Emir’s Sword, and we lost the President Cup in Abu Dhabi. It’s not easy for a local stable like us.

“Today is one of the biggest achievements we have in our career. Cristian executed the race exactly how we asked him to and was perfect. He knows the horse and, as you saw, we saw the real Kingmaker today.”

Demuro, who has ridden RB Kingmaker throughout his career, delivered a perfectly judged ride, anticipating the moves of his rivals before striking late.

“He finished second to Al Ghadeer in the Qatar Arabian World Cup on Arc Day,” Demuro said. “He is not an easy horse but today he had the perfect race.

“I anticipated the moment they would quicken, as I know the Al Khalediah horses. So I always had my eye on them. If you don’t attack, they always get away. I surprised them a little and my horse responded well.

“He is a horse I have always ridden and I know him well. It is fabulous to win this race. It is a Group 1 race and this also opens the doors for Dubai and elsewhere.”

Runner-up Nabucco Al Maury also made a strong late charge but fell just short. Jockey Christophe Soumillon praised his mount’s performance.

“I saw that Cristian was going really easily when we entered the straight and so I rode him to finish second. My horse finished the race really well … and he was very courageous. We are very happy with him,” he said.

RB Kingmaker’s victory cements his place among the top purebred Arabians in the world and opens the door to further elite-level opportunities, with Dubai now a potential next stop for the talented grey.

The two-day Saudi Cup meet concludes on Saturday.


Leicester hit historic low in Brentford rout

Leicester hit historic low in Brentford rout
Updated 22 February 2025
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Leicester hit historic low in Brentford rout

Leicester hit historic low in Brentford rout
  • Leicester made unwanted history as the first team in the Premier League era to lose six successive home games without scoring

LEICESTER, United Kingdom: Leicester’s bid to avoid relegation from the Premier League hit a historic low as Brentford cruised to a 4-0 win at the King Power Stadium on Friday.
Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side would have moved out of the relegation zone with a victory, but instead they remain two points from safety.
Yoane Wissa, Bryan Mbeumo and Christian Norgaard all scored for Brentford in a wretched first half for second-bottom Leicester.
Fabio Carvalho netted in the closing stages and the Foxes were booed off after a 10th defeat in their last 11 league games that added to the pressure on the under-fire Van Nistelrooy.
Underlining the depth of their struggles, Leicester made unwanted history as the first team in the Premier League era to lose six successive home games without scoring in any of them.
With just 12 games left to avoid a relegation, Leicester are in severe danger of an immediate return to the Championship.
Enzo Maresca quit to take charge of Chelsea after masterminding Leicester’s promotion last season and the club’s Thai owners have failed to find an adequate replacement for the Italian.
Steve Cooper was sacked after just five months in charge and former Manchester United striker Van Nistelrooy has fared no better.
Leicester have won just four of their 26 league games this season, with Van Nistelrooy contributing only two of those victories in 15 matches.
Van Nistelrooy was waiting to officially take charge of Leicester when they were thrashed at Brentford while he watched from the stands in November.
If he could be forgiven for the result on that occasion, there were no excuses for the Dutchman this time.
Jamie Vardy needs two goals to reach 200 in all competitions for Leicester and the veteran striker nearly moved closer to that milestone in the opening moments.
Bursting into the Brentford area, Vardy was denied from by Mark Flekken’s fine save.
But Wissa’s 13th goal this season put 10th-placed Brentford ahead at the climax of an eye-catching raid in the 17th minute.
Kevin Schade’s back-heel reached Mikkel Damsgaard on the edge of the area and he clipped a perfect pass toward Wissa, whose close-range strike bounced awkwardly past wrong-footed Leicester keeper Mads Hermansen.
Brentford’s quality on the counter was too much for Van Nistelrooy’s men to handle.
In the 27th minute, Mbeumo took Damsgaard’s pass on the right flank, cut into the area and curled a superb shot into the far corner for his 15th goal this term.
Leicester were in disarray and Norgaard effectively ended the contest after just 32 minutes.
Mbeumo whipped a free-kick into the six-yard box and Leicester were too slow to respond as Norgaard rose to thump his header past Hermansen.
That was the signal for hundreds of disgruntled Leicester fans to head for the exits.
Those that stayed saw Kristoffer Ajer’s effort cannon off the post as Brentford pushed for a fourth.
Thomas Frank’s side rubbed salt into Leicester’s gaping wounds in the 89th minute when Carvalho slotted home from Mbeumo’s pass.


Rickelton hits century as South Africa rout Afghanistan in Pakistan-hosted Champions Trophy

Rickelton hits century as South Africa rout Afghanistan in Pakistan-hosted Champions Trophy
Updated 21 February 2025
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Rickelton hits century as South Africa rout Afghanistan in Pakistan-hosted Champions Trophy

Rickelton hits century as South Africa rout Afghanistan in Pakistan-hosted Champions Trophy
  • South Africa blunted the threat of Afghanistan’s slow bowlers, winning the match by 107 runs
  • Afghanistan’s star leg-spinner Rashid Khan went wicketless, giving 59 runs in his 10 overs

KARACHI: Opener Ryan Rickelton struck a maiden one-day international hundred as South Africa routed Afghanistan by 107 runs in the Champions Trophy in Karachi on Friday.
Rickelton cracked a 106-ball 103 with seven boundaries and a six to anchor South Africa’s imposing total of 315-6 in the Group B match at the National Stadium.
South Africa’s pace attack of Kagiso Rabada (3-36), Wiaan Mulder (2-36) and Lungi Ngidi (2-56) then dismissed highly-fancied Afghanistan for just 208 in 43.3 overs.
South Africa blunted the threat of Afghanistan’s slow bowlers with star leg-spinner Rashid Khan going wicketless for 59 runs in his 10 overs.
Rahmat Shah top-scored for Afghanistan with a fighting 92-ball 90 with nine boundaries and a six before he was the last man out.
Chasing a formidable target, Afghanistan desperately needed a fast start but lost flamboyant openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz for 10 and Ibrahim Zadran for only 17 by the 10th over.

Afghanistan’s Ibrahim Zadran is bowled out by South Africa’s Kagisco Rabada during the ICC Champions Trophy cricket match at the National Stadium in Karachi, Pakistan on February 21, 2025. (AP)

Sediqullah Atal fell for 16 while skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi went without scoring as Afghanistan were left teetering at 50-4.
Shah and Azmatullah Omarzai (18) took the score to 89 before Rabada and Marco Jansen, who got rid of Mohammad Nabi, struck to effectively end Afghanistan’s hopes.
Rashid Khan briefly entertained the crowd with a quickfire 13-ball 18 including a six and three boundaries.
South African skipper Temba Bavuma hailed a team performance.
“It’s a clinical performance,” said Bavuma. “We got the rub of the green with the toss but it was a brave decision to bat first not knowing how it would play.
“We took care of that, got a competitive score and then were clinical with the ball.”
Shahid rued a flopped batting show.
“I think the batting was not good enough today,” said Shahidi. “The pitch was helping their bowlers. We will move forward and play quality cricket in the next two games.”
Earlier, Rickelton was ably assisted by Bavuma (58), Rassie van der Dussen (52) and Aiden Markram (52 not out) to steer South Africa to a solid total after they won the toss and batted.
Nabi, who finished with 2-51, provided an early breakthrough with his first ball by dismissing opener Tony de Zorzi, caught at mid-on for 11.
Rickelton and Bavuma then added 129 for the second wicket as Afghanistan toiled in the field.
Bavuma hit five boundaries in his 76-ball knock before he was finally caught off a short Nabi delivery to give some joy to hundreds of Afghan fans in an otherwise sparse crowd.

South Africa’s Ryan Rickleton celebrates after reaching his century during the ICC Champions Trophy cricket match against Afghanistan at the National Stadium in Karachi, Pakistan on February 21, 2025. (REUTERS)

Rickelton, who has two Test centuries to his name but a previous best of only 91 in ODIs, completed his first white ball century with a single.
Two runs later, however, he was gone, victim of an unlucky run out.
Coming down the pitch to drive Rashid, Rickelton was forced to turn quickly and dive back into his crease as the bowler collected and fired the ball to wicketkeeper Rahmanullah Gurbaz.
Rickelton appeared to make his ground but replays showed that his bat was slightly raised so not in the crease when Gurbaz whipped off the bails.
Van der Dussen hammered two sixes and three boundaries in his 46-ball knock before falling to spinner Noor Ahmad in the 43rd over.
It was left to Markram to take South Africa past the 300-mark, clubbing six boundaries and a six in a 36-ball 52 not out that helped the Proteas to add 50 runs in the last five overs.
Australia meet England in another Group B clash in Lahore on Saturday.
Pakistan, India, New Zealand and Bangladesh are in Group A. The top two teams from each group will qualify for the semifinals.


Rickelton hits century as South Africa rout Afghanistan in Champions Trophy

Rickelton hits century as South Africa rout Afghanistan in Champions Trophy
Updated 21 February 2025
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Rickelton hits century as South Africa rout Afghanistan in Champions Trophy

Rickelton hits century as South Africa rout Afghanistan in Champions Trophy
  • Rickelton cracked a 106-ball 103 with seven boundaries and a six to anchor South Africa’s imposing total of 315-6

KARACHI: Opener Ryan Rickelton struck a maiden one-day international hundred as South Africa routed Afghanistan by 107 runs in the Champions Trophy in Karachi on Friday.
Rickelton cracked a 106-ball 103 with seven boundaries and a six to anchor South Africa’s imposing total of 315-6 in the Group B match at the National Stadium.
South Africa’s pace attack of Kagiso Rabada (3-36), Wiaan Mulder (2-36) and Lungi Ngidi (2-56) then dismissed highly-fancied Afghanistan for just 208 in 43.3 overs.
South Africa blunted the threat of Afghanistan’s slow bowlers with star leg-spinner Rashid Khan going wicketless for 59 runs in his 10 overs.
Rahmat Shah top-scored for Afghanistan with a fighting 92-ball 90 with nine boundaries and a six before he was the last man out.
Chasing a formidable target, Afghanistan desperately needed a fast start but lost flamboyant openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz for 10 and Ibrahim Zadran for only 17 by the 10th over.
Sediqullah Atal fell for 16 while skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi went without scoring as Afghanistan were left teetering at 50-4.
Shah and Azmatullah Omarzai (18) took the score to 89 before Rabada and Marco Jansen, who got rid of Mohammad Nabi, struck to effectively end Afghanistan’s hopes.
Rashid Khan briefly entertained the crowd with a quickfire 13-ball 18 including a six and three boundaries.
Earlier, Rickelton was ably assisted by skipper Temba Bavuma (58), Rassie van der Dussen (52) and Aiden Markram (52 not out) to steer South Africa to a solid total after they won the toss and batted.
Nabi, who finished with 2-51, provided an early breakthrough with his first ball by dismissing opener Tony de Zorzi, caught at mid-on for 11.
Rickelton and Bavuma then added 129 for the second wicket as Afghanistan toiled in the field.
Bavuma hit five boundaries in his 76-ball knock before he was finally caught off a short Nabi delivery to give some joy to hundreds of Afghan fans in an otherwise sparse crowd.
Rickelton, who has two Test centuries to his name but a previous best of only 91 in ODIs, completed his first white ball century with a single.
Two runs later, however, he was gone, victim of an unlucky run out.
Coming down the pitch to drive Rashid, Rickelton was forced to turn quickly and dive back into his crease as the bowler collected and fired the ball to wicketkeeper Rahmanullah Gurbaz.
Rickelton appeared to make his ground but replays showed that his bat was slightly raised so not in the crease when Gurbaz whipped off the bails.
Van der Dussen hammered two sixes and three boundaries in his 46-ball knock before falling to spinner Noor Ahmad in the 43rd over.
It was left to Markram to take South Africa past the 300-mark, clubbing six boundaries and a six in a 36-ball 52 not out that helped the Proteas to add 50 runs in the last five overs.
Australia meet England in another Group B clash in Lahore on Saturday.
Pakistan, India, New Zealand and Bangladesh are in Group A. The top two teams from each group will qualify for the semifinals.


‘More than a dream’ — how BASE jumpers filled Downtown Dubai skyline in aerial spectacle

‘More than a dream’ — how BASE jumpers filled Downtown Dubai skyline in aerial spectacle
Updated 21 February 2025
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‘More than a dream’ — how BASE jumpers filled Downtown Dubai skyline in aerial spectacle

‘More than a dream’ — how BASE jumpers filled Downtown Dubai skyline in aerial spectacle
  • ‘We’re not thrill seekers, we’re life seekers, looking to experience life to the full,’ says BASE jumper Katie Hansen

DUBAI: Rainy weather wasn’t the only reason Dubai residents and visitors were looking to the skies this week. Over two days, 31 BASE jumpers from 15 countries took over the Downtown Dubai skyline, completing 437 jumps from the 828-meter-high Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building.

The event — EXIT139 — was organized by action-sport brand XDubai in partnership with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, Skydive Dubai, and Emaar, and held across two days this week.

According to XDubai, the activity built on the legacy of the first BASE jump from Burj Khalifa in 2014. This year’s event pushed new boundaries, bringing together 30 of the world’s best aerial athletes to complete what the brand described as a “dream jump.” Among them were three women: Cornelia Mihai, Katie Hansen, and Roberta Mancino.

For Mihai, a Romanian athlete and instructor at Skydive Dubai, being part of the event was “unbelievable” and “more than a dream.” A Dubai resident who first discovered the sport in 2006, Mihai initially sidelined BASE jumping to focus on skydiving, only rediscovering it during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, she has completed over 300 jumps and says the sport has shaped her perspective on life:

“BASE jumping has taught me to trust myself, to trust my decisions and my reflexes, and to love life more than ever. Before a jump, I tell myself that I am very lucky and I love living and I love my life.”

For Katie Hansen, an American who started BASE jumping in 2003 and has since completed 1,350 jumps, participating in EXIT139 was a one-of-a-kind experience.

“It felt very special. I feel very privileged to be here,” she said. “This is one of the most beautiful buildings in addition to being one of the tallest exit points I have ever jumped. It’s a beautiful city with wonderful people, and I feel very, very fortunate to be a part of it.”

While many view BASE jumping as an adrenaline-fueled sport for extreme thrill seekers, the athletes themselves take a different perspective, both pragmatic and deeply philosophical.

“We’re not thrill seekers, we’re life seekers, looking to experience life to the full,” Hansen explained.

Mihai echoed this sentiment: “BASE jumping is not only for the crazy. It’s not for the crazy at all, actually. I think us BASE jumpers are actually quite responsible and trustworthy — more than a lot of people out there.”

To Mihai’s point, extensive planning was required not only from the athletes but also from the event organizers. A 12-meter platform was specially engineered as the launch pad for the jumps, extending six meters beyond the balcony of the 139th floor. According to organizers, safety was the top priority.

Beyond technical mastery, both organizers and athletes emphasized the individuality each jumper brings to the sport — making every leap uniquely their own.

Italian athlete Mancino, who started BASE jumping in 2009 and has completed more than 600 jumps, described her approach:

“Before a BASE jump, I tell myself to have fun, be relaxed, and enjoy the special moment,” she said. “I bring my own style just from what I have learned being myself and a girl.”

With EXIT139 behind them, inspiring awe among bystanders, many of whom shared the showcase on social media throughout the week, the athletes are reflective.

“I hope we’re gonna get the chance to do this all over again because it’s amazing. It’s hard to describe the past two days in words,” Mihai said.

“I wish people knew that BASE jumping is the most beautiful sport of flying,” said Mancino. “I mean, who gets to jump from such a building like the Burj Khalifa?”

Dawn Barnable is the founder and host of The Mettleset Podcast, a platform dedicated to women in sport from across the region.