Van Dijk urges Liverpool to hit back after ‘unacceptable’ Forest loss

Van Dijk urges Liverpool to hit back after ‘unacceptable’ Forest loss
Liverpool captain Van Dijk wants the defeat to serve as fuel to beat Milan and quickly get their campaign back on track. (AP)
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Updated 16 September 2024
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Van Dijk urges Liverpool to hit back after ‘unacceptable’ Forest loss

Van Dijk urges Liverpool to hit back after ‘unacceptable’ Forest loss
  • Liverpool captain Van Dijk wants the defeat to serve as fuel to beat Milan and quickly get their campaign back on track

LONDON: Virgil van Dijk has urged Liverpool to hit back after their “unacceptable” defeat against Nottingham Forest as the Reds prepare to start their Champions League campaign.
Just days after their shock 1-0 loss to Forest in the Premier League, Arne Slot’s side begin the new Champions League format with a trip to AC Milan on Tuesday.
After winning the first three games of the Slot era, Liverpool were brought down to earth with a bump by Forest at Anfield on Saturday.
Liverpool captain Van Dijk wants the defeat to serve as fuel to beat Milan and quickly get their campaign back on track.
“We have a very good group that really understand that it was unacceptable and are disappointed,” the Dutch center-back said.
“We all know everyone can do better and we have to show that on Tuesday and that is what we focus on.
“We have been through losses and difficult moments together and I think we have to stay calm and we will stay calm.
“Hopefully if there are no injuries happening then rhythm is always a good thing.
“We need the whole squad and we know after the international break it will be a game every three days so we need everyone in their best shape and best form.”
Liverpool had looked impressive in their wins against Ipswich, Brentford and Manchester United.
They managed to avoid conceding a goal in any of those games, before Forest forward Callum Hudson-Odoi finally breached Van Dijk’s defense at the weekend.
Asked what they had to do to prevent the defeat impacting their early-season momentum, Van Dijk said: “Keep going and keep working and make sure the performances don’t go in that direction.
“We all know how the atmosphere can change but that is also part of the influence from outside which could affect you.
“I can’t wait to be out there hearing the Champions League tune and leading out the boys.
“A club like Liverpool needs to be in the Champions League and we are finally back and let’s go out there and put in a much better performance as it is needed otherwise you are going to have an issue.”


The DP World ILT20 is maturing

The DP World ILT20 is maturing
Updated 18 sec ago
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The DP World ILT20 is maturing

The DP World ILT20 is maturing
  • As tournaments grow, historical performance begins to generate rivalries

LONDON: After much jostling for position between the eight teams in the round robin group stages of ILT20 2025, the two finalists which emerged were beaten finalists in the two previous years.

In 2023, the Desert Vipers were beaten by the Gulf Giants and in 2024 MI Emirates defeated the Dubai Capitals. Thus, it was guaranteed that 2025 would see first-time champions.

Although the Vipers had led the way in the group stage, the Capitals seemed to have a hold over them, having beaten them in both group stage matches. This ascendancy was confirmed when the Capitals triumphed off the last ball of the first qualifier to condemn the Vipers to the second qualifier and elevate the Capitals directly to the final.

The Vipers then reached the final via the second qualifier by beating the Sharjah Warriorz, who improved on their 2024 performance by some measure. 

As tournaments mature, historical performance begins to generate rivalries. The one between the Capitals and the Vipers has begun to do that. In the final, there was added piquancy in that both captains were English and both have played for England.

Sam Curran captained the Desert Vipers because the appointed captain, Lockie Ferguson, had suffered a hamstring injury toward the close of the first qualifying match against the Delhi Capitals. This ruled him out of the rest of the tournament.  

On the revolving circus that is franchise cricket, Sam Billings, the Capitals captain, had previously played with the Vipers in 2023. Who knows how much his release from them motivates him when pitted against his former team. This year, Billings joined the Vipers squad in time for the final two group stage matches after playing in the final of the Big Bash in Australia.

His impact seems to have been immediate and, confident as he is, he will play that down. Captaining and organizing a group of elite cricketers is a special skill and Billings honed this to perfection in this year’s tournament.

Each team, their captains and coaches talk of game plans. These are framed according to the squad’s own strengths and weaknesses relative to those of the opposition. After the final, Billings talked of being blown off the Capitals’ game plan by the loss of early wickets in pursuit of a target of 190. At 31 for three after 4.5 overs, the Capitals were in some trouble.

This situation looked to worsen for them at the beginning of the eighth over when Rovman Powell was given out stumped, following a smart piece of wicketkeeping by Azam Khan down the leg side. The score was 46 for four, but drama ensued.

As Powell trudged off the field, he was asked to wait while the third umpire checked the dismissal. There are moments in cricket which are arcane and quite difficult for the uninitiated to comprehend. What unfolded was one of those moments.

Law 27.3.1 states that “The wicketkeeper shall remain wholly behind the wicket at the striker’s end from the moment the ball comes into play until a ball delivered by the bowler touches the bat or person of the striker or passes the wicket at the striker’s end or the striker attempts a run.”

Law 27.3.2 then states that “In the event of the wicketkeeper contravening this law, the striker’s end umpire shall call and signal no-ball as soon as applicable after the delivery of the ball.”

After reviewing the action, the third umpire ruled that the wicketkeeper had not taken the ball with his hands fully behind the stumps. In this case it was millimeters of one, maybe, two fingers.   

Powell was reprieved, a no-ball was awarded and, to add insult to injury for the Vipers, Powell hit the next ball, which was a free hit, for six. He then went on to club 63 runs, setting the base for some brutal hitting in the final overs by Dasun Shanaka and Sikandar Raza.

Ultimately, their experience triumphed over some inexperienced bowling at the close of the innings. Billings referred to this in his post-match interview as a facet recognized in their game plan.

The stumping decision was the seminal moment in the match. It seemed harsh on Khan, who had reacted superbly to the ball as it passed the batter down the leg side, pouching it in his left hand, before breaking the stumps with the ball in both hands.

Spectators do not have the benefit of seeing the action in slow motion, multiple times, as did the third umpire, and can only defer to that superior position.

In this context it is ironic that, prior to the match, Simon Taufel, who leads the tournament’s panel of officials, made himself available to talk to members of the press. Taufel, widely regarded as one of the best umpires in the history of the sport, stood as an elite umpire between 2000 and 2012.

He stressed the high caliber of umpires on the ILT20 panel and the developmental work which it does to build local umpiring capacity. 

Top level professional cricket matches require not just two on-field umpires, but a third off-field umpire and a match referee. Throughout ILT20 2025, Taufel and the former Sri Lankan player Roshan Mahanama have acted as match referees.

He referred to their role as one of assessors. This necessitates a report on each official for each of the 34 matches played in the tournament.

The tournament had deployed two specialist TV umpires and Taufel was keen to point out that, up to that point in the tournament, the third umpire had not made a mistake. Furthermore, the on-field umpires had got 92 percent of decisions correct. The stumping incident arose to test those levels in the tournament’s pinnacle match.

In-match decisions by officials are the visible part of their jobs. Taufel emphasized the amount of training and preparation which goes on behind the scenes. He revealed that officials have coaches who push and support their development.

A part of his work and that of his panel is to raise the standards of officiating alongside those of the playing strength. This is in line with the objective of growing cricket in the UAE, not just for players but also the landscape for officials, both men and women.

The creation of pathways of opportunity means providing access to international standards. Local officials are given opportunities to shadow experienced international officials. An international coach was engaged for the first week of the tournament to develop local talent. Taufel said that he had been impressed by the passion and enthusiasm of this talent, their eagerness to learn and their aspirations to officiate on the international stage.

This developmental theme was echoed afterwards in a separate interview with David White, the CEO of the DP World ILT20. I asked him when he expects the startup status, which he has accorded the tournament in previous discussions, to develop into something more mature. His reply was to reveal that he thinks it has gone past that stage.

This view is based on heightened levels of competition between teams, much enhanced social media awareness, and attraction of world-class players and officials, coupled with clear evidence of developing local UAE talent.

Another criterion which will be used to judge this, once data becomes available, is audience viewing figures. Apparently, initial indications are of an upward trend. All of this bodes well for the tournament in the increasingly competitive world of franchise cricket.


Jeddah all set for rounds 3 and 4 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship

Jeddah all set for rounds 3 and 4 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship
Updated 35 min 22 sec ago
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Jeddah all set for rounds 3 and 4 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship

Jeddah all set for rounds 3 and 4 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship
  • ABB FIA Formula E World Championship’s 11th season began with a thrilling opener in Brazil, followed by the 2nd round in Mexico on January 11
  • Double-header race will showcase the inclusion of Pit Boost for the first time - cars will receive a 10 percent energy increase (3.85kWh) from a quick, 30-second 600kW re-charge in the pitlane

JEDDAH: The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship is primed for its first double-header of the season in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Rounds 3 and 4 will take place at the iconic Jeddah Corniche Circuit on Friday 14 and Saturday 15 February.

Since 2018, the E-Prix, was hosted for six successful seasons in Diriyah, this year it has been shifted to the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, renowned as the fastest street circuit in the world.

This two-day event, the third in the 17-race Formula E season, represents the seventh time Saudi Arabia has hosted a Formula E World Championship race, which includes 11 global locations.

The 11th season began with a thrilling opener in Brazil, followed by the 2nd round in Mexico on January 11. The competition has already delivered intense rivalries, particularly between reigning drivers’ champion Pascal Wehrlein and the NEOM McLaren team, which currently leads the teams’ championship standings.

Round 2 winner Oliver Rowland arrived in Jeddah and will be eager to deliver another standout performance, matching his victory last month in Mexico. The Brit’s victory lifted him into second in the Drivers’ Championship.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Beside the thrilling action during the two days, the double-header race will showcase the inclusion of Pit Boost for the first time. Cars will receive a 10 percent energy increase (3.85kWh) from a quick, 30-second 600kW re-charge in the pitlane.

Hosting up to 120 young women for its FIA Girls on Track program across race week. The day-long experience includes career talks, a Pit Lane Walk, activations in the Gaming Arena and educational partner workshops on-site, led by inspirational women from within the paddock.

The program focuses on STEM education and gender inclusivity in motorsport, engaging girls from diverse communities in host cities.

 In addition, the Rookie Free Practice session debuts ahead of the event, providing global motorsport talent a chance to showcase their abilities in the latest GEN3 Evo technology. These changes highlight Formula E and the FIA’s commitment to innovation, competition, and fan engagement as the series embarks on an exciting new chapter in Jeddah.

Formula E’s philosophy is not just to race, but also it supports communities and the environment. The championship has revealed sustainability initiatives that will be implemented during the Jeddah E-Prix 2025.

These initiatives will include innovative social and environmental projects, the most important of which are the “Girls on Track” program, and the “Formula E Fund for a Better Future” to support charities, in addition to the use of renewable energy and waste management systems.

ABB FIA Formula E World Championship – standings after 2 of 16 races

Drivers’ classification

1. Antonio Felix da Costa (POR), 37 points

2. Oliver Rowland (GBR), 25 points

3. Mitch Evans (NZL), 25 points

4. Pascal Wehrlein (GER), 21 points

6. Jake Dennis (GBR), 13 points

14. Dan Ticktum (GBR), 4 points

15. Nico Müller (SUI), 2 points

22. David Beckmann (GER), 0 points

Teams’ classification

1. TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team (GER), 58 points

2. NEOM McLaren Formula E Team (GBR), 27 points

3. Jaguar TCS Racing (GBR), 25 points

7. Andretti Formula E (USA), 15 points

10. CUPRA KIRO (USA), 4 points

Manufacturers’ classification

1. Porsche, 55 points

2. Nissan, 54 points

3. Jaguar, 41 points


Inaugural Abu Dhabi Gold Cup set to showcase purebred Arabian racing excellence with over $500,000 prize purse

Inaugural Abu Dhabi Gold Cup set to showcase purebred Arabian racing excellence with over $500,000 prize purse
Updated 12 February 2025
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Inaugural Abu Dhabi Gold Cup set to showcase purebred Arabian racing excellence with over $500,000 prize purse

Inaugural Abu Dhabi Gold Cup set to showcase purebred Arabian racing excellence with over $500,000 prize purse
  • Transition from the 11th Race Meeting to the Abu Dhabi Gold Cup represents an ambitious step forward in elevating the event’s profile

ABU DHABI: The Abu Dhabi Turf Club has announced that the inaugural Abu Dhabi Gold Cup will take place on Feb. 16, with the transition from the traditional 11th Race Meeting set to showcase the best of purebred Arabian racing.

The 11th Race Meeting has long been a cornerstone of purebred Arabian racing, consistently attracting elite horses from across the UAE. The transition to the Abu Dhabi Gold Cup represents both a continuation of this proud heritage and an ambitious step forward in elevating the event’s profile.

The centerpiece of the event, the Abu Dhabi Gold Cup Group 1, over 2200m, offers a purse of $272,000. This premier race is designed to test both speed and stamina, attracting the finest purebred Arabian horses from leading stables across the UAE. The day’s racing program also features the Group 2 Liwa Oasis over 1400m with a prize of almost $82,000.

Other races include Abu Dhabi Fillies Classic ($27,000, 1400m), Abu Dhabi Colts Classic ($27,000, 1400m), Arabian Triple Crown ($63,000, 1600m), Wathba Stallions Cup ($19,000, 2200m) and Louvre Abu Dhabi ($18,000, 1400m).

Ali Al-Shaiba, director-general of the Abu Dhabi Turf Club, commented: “We are proud to welcome top contenders to Abu Dhabi Turf Club for the inaugural Abu Dhabi Gold Cup Race Meet. As we approach the final stages of the 2024-2025 racing season, we welcome new audiences from around the world and celebrate the excellence, dedication, and commitment of our partners, racegoers, and all those involved in the sport.”

Event schedule

Gates open: 3:00 p.m. (UAE)
First race: 4:00 p.m. (UAE)
Entertainment program begins: 3:00 p.m. (UAE)
Feature race — Abu Dhabi Gold Cup (Group 1): 6:30 p.m. (UAE)

  • Tickets are available from Platinumlist.

‘You always want to get better, and that’s just golf,’ says Patty Tavatanakit ahead of her Saudi Ladies title defense

‘You always want to get better, and that’s just golf,’ says Patty Tavatanakit ahead of her Saudi Ladies title defense
Updated 12 February 2025
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‘You always want to get better, and that’s just golf,’ says Patty Tavatanakit ahead of her Saudi Ladies title defense

‘You always want to get better, and that’s just golf,’ says Patty Tavatanakit ahead of her Saudi Ladies title defense
  • Golf Saudi ambassadors Patty Tavatanakit and Carlota Ciganda, both previous winners in Saudi’s capital, are set for the $5 million PIF Saudi Ladies International
  • Patty Tavatanakit: Being a Golf Saudi ambassador this year, I’m really grateful to be a part of this journey

RIYADH: Patty Tavatanakit is is ready to defend her title at the PIF Saudi Ladies International from 13-15 February at Riyadh Golf Club.

Reflecting on her off-season, Tavatanakit admitted she had not dwelled much on her three victories last year but instead remained focused on improvement and the road ahead.

The Thai player said: “I feel like, in the off-season, I hadn’t really reflected back on last year and the three wins. But I just kept on working and looking forward to this year already. I don’t know what to think or what to expect. 

“Coming into this week, I just really want to play my best. I’m working on some things right now. I just switched to a new coach, so I really want to focus on the process.” 

As the defending champion, she acknowledges the pressure but views it as a privilege.

“I feel like there’s always pressure. You're coming back as a defending champion. You’ve done it once. People expect you to do it again. But I could take it as a positive. Pressure is a privilege, and I’m very privileged to have that at the back of my mind.”

Last year was a strong season for Tavatanakit, with victories in Thailand, two additional top-10 finishes, and a third-place finish at The Amundi Evian Championship. However, she believes there’s still room for improvement.

“It was very, very important. A big boost in confidence, for sure. Earlier last year, I felt like my performance was there.

“At the same time though, I didn’t feel like I performed my best or had my form all year round. That’s something I’ve been working on this off-season — just trying to eliminate those big misses, tee to green, and cleaning things up on the putting green a little bit. You always want to get better, and that’s just golf.”

Tavatanakit also praised the efforts of PIF and Golf Saudi in growing the game globally. 

“What they’re doing for the game of golf in general is amazing. They’re showing their commitment. They’re here, they’re staying, and they’re trying to grow the game globally. Being a Golf Saudi ambassador this year, I’m really grateful to be a part of this journey.”

Carlota Ciganda also echoed similar sentiments about the event’s significance. 

The Spanish Solheim Cup star said: “I think it’s amazing what Golf Saudi are doing. I’ve been with them for the last three years and again this year. Very grateful for all the support and their commitment to women’s golf with all the tournaments on the Ladies European Tour, these team events. 

“Tournaments like this one with the same prize fund as the men — I think that’s changing women’s golf. It’s moving towards more equality, so I’m very happy to be a part of it.”

Tavatanakit’s primary goal for the season is clear: “I’d like to win this year. Very clear about that, very passionate about it. I’ll do anything I can to make that happen.”

As she prepares to defend her title, Tavatanakit emphasizes mental toughness. “I feel like the words “comfortable” and “confident” are kind of an illusion for me now. You just have togo out there regardless of how you feel. Just got to make it happen and accept that it’s golf — it’s not always going to look pretty.”

A previous team captain and winner in Riyadh, Ciganda embraces the format change. “I love playing for the team. It’s something I always enjoy. I love playing for my teammates, and I think the best comes out of me when I play for others as well.”

She also had words of encouragement for young players like Mimi Rhodes, who has previously stated Ciganda as a role model whilst growing up. 

“Young players nowadays are very ready to play. When they turn pro, they are much more prepared than 15 years ago. But I think it’s important to have fun, enjoy, and have a good team around you. It can be lonely sometimes, so having a coach and a team that supports you through good and bad times is really important. Just enjoy the process. Golf has ups and downs — that’s just how it is.” 

The Spaniard’s goal for the season? 

“Winning. Winning on the LPGA, winning here, winning majors — that’s what I want. Being European, the AIG Women’s Open is always special, but I’d be happy with any Major.” 

It’s all to play for as Tavatankit and Ciganda hope they can kick start their season with an all important win.


Afghanistan cricket team arrives in Pakistan to play first Champions Trophy tournament 

Afghanistan cricket team arrives in Pakistan to play first Champions Trophy tournament 
Updated 12 February 2025
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Afghanistan cricket team arrives in Pakistan to play first Champions Trophy tournament 

Afghanistan cricket team arrives in Pakistan to play first Champions Trophy tournament 
  • Led by Hashmatullah Afridi, Afghanistan will play first match against South Africa on Feb. 19
  • Afghanistan have been placed in Group B with Australia, South Africa and England 

ISLAMABAD: Afghanistan’s national cricket team arrived in the eastern city of Lahore on Wednesday to play their first Champions Trophy tournament, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said with only days left for the international tournament to kick off. 

The eight-nation tournament kicks off in the southern port city of Karachi on Feb. 19. Defending champions Pakistan will take on New Zealand in the city in the tournament opener whereas Afghanistan will kick off the event with their first encounter against South Africa in the same city. 

Led by skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi, Afghanistan will play their second match of the tournament against England in Lahore on Feb. 21 before meeting Australia on Feb. 28 in the eastern city. 

“Afghanistan’s cricket team have arrived in Lahore to take part in the Champions Trophy,” the PCB said in a statement. “This is the first time that Afghanistan are taking part in the Champions Trophy.”

Afghanistan were dealt a blow when teenage spinner AM Ghazanfar was ruled out of the tournament due to a back injury this week. 

“Afghanistan’s young spin-bowling sensation, AM Ghazanfar, has been ruled out of the ICC Champions Trophy due to a fracture in the L4 vertebra, specifically in the left pars interarticularis,” the team confirmed via a statement.

“He sustained the injury during Afghanistan’s recently held tour Zimbabwe, and will be sidelined for a minimum of four months and will remain under treatment during this period.”

Afghanistan’s spin department is already missing experienced spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman. 

Squad: 

Afghanistan squad: Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Ikram Alikhil, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Nangyal Kharoti, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Farid Malik, Naveed Zadran. Reserves: Darwish Rasooli, Bilal Sami