Fiery Formula 1 finale in Abu Dhabi expected

Fiery Formula 1 finale in Abu Dhabi expected
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Red Bull driver Max Verstappen of the Netherlands attends a news conference ahead of the Formula One Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, UAE, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Darko Bandic)
Fiery Formula 1 finale in Abu Dhabi expected
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Mercedes' British driver Lewis Hamilton sits on his car as he poses for a group photo with his team ahead of the Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi on December 5, 2024. (Photo by Andrej ISAKOVIC / AFP)
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Updated 06 December 2024
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Fiery Formula 1 finale in Abu Dhabi expected

Fiery Formula 1 finale in Abu Dhabi expected
  • All the storylines to look out for at the F1 season finale at Yas Marina Circuit

The longest season in Formula 1 history ends this weekend at Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi with several intriguing matchups expected.

While Max Verstappen has already secured a fourth world championship, there is still plenty at stake at the 24th and final stop of the 2024 campaign.

McLaren and Ferrari in fierce battle for P1

With Red Bull no longer a contender for the constructors’ championship, the fight for the top spot is between McLaren and Ferrari, with the former entering Abu Dhabi with a 21-point lead.

The way Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc put it, Ferrari must have a perfect weekend, while McLaren must have a not-so-perfect one in order for the Scuderia to win.

For Sainz, helping Ferrari secure their first constructors’ title since 2008 would be a special parting gift as the Spaniard moves to Williams next season.

“It would mean everything to me, honestly,” Sainz said on Thursday.

“It’s, I think, the best way to say goodbye to my home these last four years and to the team that I’ve given my absolute best to for the last four years; and I’ve enjoyed every single moment with them.

“And to say goodbye with a constructors’ title, I think, would be the perfect sign off, the perfect goodbye. I am also honest with you saying that it’s still not a long shot, but it is a difficult one.”

He added: “Being 21 points behind two of the fastest drivers and one of the fastest teams and recovering those 21 points in one weekend requires perfection from our side, and probably a not-optimal weekend or a bad weekend from their side.

“It’s still going to be difficult, but I’ve seen worse things in racing happen before, and we’re going to give it our best shot.”

McLaren’s Piastri is confident but is aware there will be multiple battles unfolding on the track that could affect his team’s chances.

“We’re still in a good spot in terms of the lead we have. I think it’s going to be a very tightly fought weekend between probably the top four teams, not just us and Ferrari, which means that some of the other teams can potentially play a role in deciding the championship. So let’s see,” said the Australian.

Leclerc and Norris vie for runner-up spot

In the drivers’ championship, Lando Norris is leading Leclerc by eight points.

Norris will be looking to rebound from a disappointing 10-second stop/go penalty that dashed his podium chances in Qatar, where he finished in 10th place.

Meanwhile, Leclerc noted that Ferrari have not done well at Yas Marina Circuit in recent years.

“We need to do first and second this weekend and we need things to not go exactly the way they want in McLaren,” said Leclerc. “Because on paper they will be strong on this track as well. It’s also true that we’ve never won here in Abu Dhabi, so there’s quite a lot of work. It’s not impossible.

“I think we’ve had the right approach in the last few races and we’ve taken some points even on weekends where we did not expect to do so.

“On this weekend, we are a bit more neutral and we think it’s going to be a positive weekend for us. I really hope that is the case.”

Alpine in three-way fight for P6

Given they were hovering between eighth and ninth at the summer break, it is quite remarkable what Alpine have managed to achieve in the last three months.

The Enstone outfit arrive in Abu Dhabi in sixth position but have to fight off Haas and RB to keep that position by season end.

A fifth-place finish for Pierre Gasly in Qatar gave Alpine a five-point edge over Haas, with RB a further eight points behind.

Gasly will have a new teammate in Abu Dhabi, with Jack Doohan starting his Formula 1 career earlier than expected, replacing Esteban Ocon for the final race of the season instead of waiting until 2025.

“I would say personally it doesn’t change anything,” said Gasly of having a rookie teammate for a crucial race.

“I know exactly what my target is this weekend. I know what I got to do on track. I think it’s going to be intense until the line because Haas has proved at times to be able to put both cars up there.

“Even though we have a small cushion after last week’s result, it’s still going to be tight and we’ve got to get it done. I’m confident. I’m confident we’re going to be there in the battle with them.

“But there’s still a few more racing laps that we’ve got to make sure we optimize and really get together.”

Doohan ‘ready’ for F1 debut

Doohan was already scheduled to drive the Alpine car in Free Practice 1 but now gets a full drive and is excited to experience several firsts this weekend.

“It’s a great opportunity just to run through the motions and go over everything,” said the 21-year-old Aussie, who has been reading up on all the regulations these past few days.

“To simply put it, like the driver parade that I’ve never done, laps of the grid that I’ve never done from junior categories. So these little things that are new territory, now I just get to familiarize myself before next year.

“I’m feeling comfortable and feeling ready for the weekend ahead.”

War of words escalates between Russell and Verstappen

The feud between Verstappen and George Russell has carried over from Qatar, where the world champion accused Russell of fighting to get him penalized during a meeting with the stewards.

Verstappen was handed a one-grid penalty for driving too slow in qualifying, and the Dutchman later slammed Russell, calling him two-faced, and saying he lost all respect for him.

The Red Bull driver doubled down on his comments on Thursday in Abu Dhabi, saying he has “no regrets” and in fact wishes he had said more.

That pushed Russell to hit back at Verstappen as the Mercedes man spoke to the press, in the presence of team principal Toto Wolff, to “set the record straight.”

“As drivers, you fight hard on the track, you fight hard in the stewards; the same way as Max the very next day asked his team to look at Lando’s penalty through the yellow flag,” Russell explained.

“That’s not personal Max to Lando, that’s just racing. And I do not see why he felt the need for this personal attack, and I’m not going to take it.

“I’m not going to stand here watching some guy slam me personally as he has done.”

Russell claimed that Verstappen threatened to purposely crash into him.

The Brit added: “I think we’ve got a duty as drivers, I’ve got an 8-year-old nephew who’s just starting go-karting, he watches all of my races, watches TikTok, watches YouTube, and for a world champion to be coming out saying he’s going to go out of his way to crash into someone, put them on their (expletive) head, that is not the sort of role models we should be.

“He’s a four-time world champion, but when I compare his actions to the ones of Lewis (Hamilton) — Lewis is the sort of world champion I aspire to be like.”

Hamilton bids Mercedes farewell

Meanwhile, Russell’s teammate, Hamilton, is ending a history-making 12-year chapter with Mercedes as he prepares to race his 246th and final Grand Prix with the Silver Arrows.

Hamilton admitted it has been a “painful” and “emotional” time since he announced his move to Ferrari next year, and he “massively underestimated” how difficult it would be.

“It’s been a very emotional year for me. And I think I’ve not been at my best in handling and dealing with those emotions,” he confessed on Thursday.

“You’ve all seen the worst of me and seen the best of me and I’m not going to apologize for either because I’m only human and I don’t always get it right.

“And I would definitely say this year’s been one of the worst in terms of handling that from my side, which I’ll work on trying to be better at.”

Quick hits

— In practice on Friday, Leclerc and his younger brother Arthur will make history as the first siblings to take part in a Formula 1 session as teammates.

— There is uncertainty about the future of some drivers including Sergio Perez and Franco Colapinto. Despite rumors he is being replaced next year, Perez renewed his contract with Red Bull earlier this year — until the end of 2026 — and is hopeful it will stick.

The new terms of his agreement could possibly include performance clauses. Meanwhile, Williams rookie Colapinto is highly-rated but without a confirmed seat for next year.

“I am trying to stay away (from speculation). I try to enjoy the moment. At the moment it’s my last race, so I’m trying to give the best I can for the team,” said the young Argentine.

— The F1 Academy is also in Abu Dhabi this weekend and Emirati sisters Hamda and Amna Al-Qubaisi will be racing for the last time in the female-only series. They have hit the two-season limit and get to enjoy a swansong on home soil.

— The battle for the Formula 2 Championship could not be any tighter with leader Gabriel Bortoleto and contender Isack Hadjar separated by just half a point.


New Zealand’s Ravindra suffers sickening head injury in Pakistan ODI

New Zealand’s Ravindra suffers sickening head injury in Pakistan ODI
Updated 41 sec ago
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New Zealand’s Ravindra suffers sickening head injury in Pakistan ODI

New Zealand’s Ravindra suffers sickening head injury in Pakistan ODI
  • Ravindra was fielding at deep square leg when he seemed to lose sight of ball at Gaddafi Stadium
  • After being treated, the 25-year-old left the field holding a bandage tight to his bloodied forehead

LAHORE: New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra suffered a sickening blow to the head after he appeared to misjudge a catch during his team’s ODI victory over Pakistan on Saturday.
The 25-year-old was fielding at deep square leg when he seemed to lose sight of the ball against the Qaddafi Stadium floodlights as he shaped to take a catch to dismiss Khushdil Shah.
Blood poured from the head of a dazed Ravindra while the crowd looked on with concern.
After being treated, he left the field holding a bandage tight to his bloodied forehead.
“Ravindra was forced from the field after being struck in the forehead by the ball attempting a catch in the 38th over,” a New Zealand Cricket spokesman told cricinfo.
“He sustained a laceration to the forehead which has been addressed and treated at the ground, but is otherwise well. He came through his first HIA (Head Injury Assessment) well and will continue to be monitored under HIA processes.”
Earlier Ravindra had scored 25 from 19 balls at the top of the order as New Zealand piled up 330-6 before his team went on to claim a 78-run win.
The match was part of a tri-nations series which also features South Africa and is a warm-up ahead of the Champions Trophy later this month.
 


Phillips powers New Zealand’s 78-run win over Pakistan ahead of Champions Trophy

Phillips powers New Zealand’s 78-run win over Pakistan ahead of Champions Trophy
Updated 09 February 2025
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Phillips powers New Zealand’s 78-run win over Pakistan ahead of Champions Trophy

Phillips powers New Zealand’s 78-run win over Pakistan ahead of Champions Trophy
  • Glenn Phillips smashes unbeaten 106 off 74 balls in maiden ODI century 
  • Fakhar Zaman scores 84 off 69 balls as Kiwis dismiss Pakistan for 252 runs

LAHORE: Glenn Phillips warmed up for the Champions Trophy with his first one-day international century as New Zealand beat Pakistan by 78 runs in the opening game of the tri-nation cricket series on Saturday.
Phillips smashed an unbeaten 106 off 74 balls, including six boundaries and seven sixes, at a newly renovated Gaddafi Stadium. The No. 6 batter propelled New Zealand to 330-6 in its 50 overs on a flat wicket with Daryl Mitchell (81) and Kane Williamson (58) also getting the feel of the wickets for the upcoming Champions Trophy with half centuries.
In reply, Fakhar Zaman, playing his first international in more than seven months because of illness, made a belligerent 84 off 69 but the rest of the top-order batters struggled against spin.
Pakistan was bowled out for 252 in 47.5 overs.
Phillips capped a perfect day by trapping Zaman leg before wicket with his off-spin and also took a brilliant diving catch to dismiss Babar Azam early in Pakistan’s run chase.

New Zealand’s Glenn Phillips, right, plays a shot as Pakistan’s Mohammad Rizwan watches during the tri-series ODI cricket match between Pakistan and New Zealand at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on February 8, 2025. (AP)

Babar struggled in his new role as opener in ODIs for the first time since 2015 and scored a painstaking 10 runs off 23 balls.
New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner (3-41) clipped the top-order with his left-arm spin while Bracewell took 2-41.
New Zealand, which is already sweating on the fitness of fast bowler Lockie Ferguson, had another injury scare when the ball hit Rachin Ravindra in the face as he misjudged a catch of Khushdil Shah in the outfield and had to leave the field.
Fast bowler Matt Henry chipped in with 3-55.

Pakistan’s Mohammad Rizwan walks off the field as New Zealand’s players celebrate after his dismissal during the tri-series ODI cricket match between Pakistan and New Zealand at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on February 8, 2025. (AP)

No. 10 batter Abrar Ahmed hit an unbeaten 25 that included three successive boundaries off Henry.
Phillips unleashed his power-hitting against Pakistan’s two premier fast bowlers – Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah — in the last five overs that cost the home team 84 runs.
Pakistan, which lost the toss, had kept New Zealand in check at 246-5 before Phillips cut loose against the two pacers.
Williamson, playing his first ODI since November 2023, took his time to settle down. He reached the slowest ODI half century of his career in 82 balls before he edged Afridi after sharing a 95-run stand with Mitchell.
Mitchell survived a close run-out at the non-striker’s end before he had scored when Babar couldn’t hit the stumps from close range, but settled in well to score nearly a run-a-ball before chipping a catch to mid-wicket against a low full toss from Ahmed (2-41).

Pakistan’s Babar Azam (R) and Fakhar Zaman run between the wickets during the tri-series ODI cricket match between Pakistan and New Zealand at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on February 8, 2025. (AP)

Pakistan suffered a major blow in the latter half of the innings when Haris Rauf (1-23) had to leave the field due to side strain after he fell in his follow-through during his seventh over. He took no further part in the match.
Phillips switched gears when he smashed three sixes against Agha, who filled in for Rauf, and then hit an audacious reverse scoop against Afridi which went for a flat six over third man.
Phillips reached his hundred in an expensive 25-run last over of Afridi, who ended up with 3-88 in 10 overs. Michael Bracewell hit 31 in 23 balls.

New Zealand’s Glenn Phillips (R) is congratulated by Mitchel Santner after scoring a century during the tri-series ODI cricket match between Pakistan and New Zealand at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on February 8, 2025. (AP)

Gaddafi Stadium is one of the three venues to be upgraded for the Champions Trophy.
Karachi and Rawalpindi will also host Champions Trophy matches in Pakistan.
Lahore hosts the second game of the tri-nation series between South Africa and New Zealand on Monday. Karachi then hosts the remaining two games, including the final on Feb. 14.


LIV Golf Riyadh: Cleeks’ Meronk, Rahm’s Legion XIII go wire-to-wire under the lights

LIV Golf Riyadh: Cleeks’ Meronk, Rahm’s Legion XIII go wire-to-wire under the lights
Updated 09 February 2025
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LIV Golf Riyadh: Cleeks’ Meronk, Rahm’s Legion XIII go wire-to-wire under the lights

LIV Golf Riyadh: Cleeks’ Meronk, Rahm’s Legion XIII go wire-to-wire under the lights
  • The 31-year-old from Poland won his first individual title since joining LIV Golf prior to last season, shooting a 1-under 71 to finish at 17 under
  • Legion XIII won the LIV Golf season opener for the second consecutive season, having captured the title last year in Mayakoba when making their debut as LIV Golf’s first expansion team

RIYADH: Cleeks GC’s Adrian Meronk faced some tense moments on the back nine Saturday night at LIV Golf Riyadh presented by Ma’aden.

On the other hand, Jon Rahm’s Legion XIII spent the final round mostly in cruise control, their substantial lead never seriously threatened on the team leaderboard.

In the end, both Meronk and Legion XIII emerged as wire-to-wire champions in LIV Golf’s first tournament under the lights at Riyadh Golf Club.

The 31-year-old from Poland won his first individual title since joining LIV Golf prior to last season, shooting a 1-under 71 to finish at 17 under, two strokes ahead of Rahm and Torque GC’s Sebastian Muñoz.

Dean Burmester (Stinger GC) and Lucas Herbert (Ripper GC) tied for fourth at 14 under. 

“Super special,” said Meronk, a former DP World Tour Player of the Year.

“I was nervous all day. I played quite good in the beginning, then it was a fight at the end. But super happy that I crossed the line. It was very satisfying, definitely.” 

Legion XIII won the LIV Golf season opener for the second consecutive season, having captured the title last year in Mayakoba when making their debut as LIV Golf’s first expansion team.

They began Saturday’s final round with an 11-shot lead, which ended up as their winning margin. Their winning total of 50 under for the week was just three shots off the record low by any team in a LIV Golf event, with Riyadh being the first tournament in which all four scores counted for every round. 

Legion XIII won the LIV Golf season opener for the second consecutive season, having captured the title last year in Mayakoba when making their debut as LIV Golf’s first expansion team. They won three more times in 2024 and now have five wins in their first 15 LIV Golf tournaments. 

Rahm led his team Saturday with a 5-under 67, with Tyrrell Hatton shooting 70 and Caleb Surratt 71. Tom McKibbin, the 22-year-old from Northern Ireland, shot even par to finish at 10 under and tie for 15th in his LIV Golf debut for Legion XIII. 

“Luckily we had a nice cushion going into today and we could afford to not have our best day as a team,” Rahm said, “But still, it was a decisive win and very happy we got to start the year again like this.” 

The All-Australian Ripper GC, the reigning LIV Golf Team Champions, prepared for their return to Adelaide this week as defending tournament champions by finishing tied for second at 39 under with RangeGoats GC. 

With Legion XIII draining the final round of drama on the team leaderboard, Meronk appeared to be doing the same in the individual competition. Entering the round with a two-shot lead, he extended it to four shots at the turn. 

But then he missed a short par putt at the 10th hole and followed with an errant tee shot at 11 that set up a second consecutive bogey. At the par-5 13th, his short birdie putt circled the cup 360 degrees before lipping out. Muñoz, playing in the same group, made birdie to tie Meronk for the lead. 

“The lip-out at 13, that was just so ugly,” Meronk said. “But it happens.” 

He steadied his nerves and delivered the decisive blow at the par-4 16th when his second shot from 167 yards settled 4 feet from the pin for the go-ahead birdie. He then closed it out with two pars. “The birdie on 16 was really huge,” Meronk said. “...It was probably the biggest shot for me this round.” 

Rahm, the defending LIV Golf individual champion was six shots back to start the day. He produced five birdies in a six-hole stretch early in his round and spent the back nine threatening to join the leaders. But he missed a 3-foot birdie putt at 15 that could’ve moved him to within a shot. 

“I think I played good enough to win,” he said. “Obviously it just maybe wasn’t my week.” It was definitely his team’s week, though. Their dominance under the lights left no doubt.  


Saudi equestrian wins Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Endurance Cup in AlUla

Saudi equestrian wins Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Endurance Cup in AlUla
Updated 09 February 2025
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Saudi equestrian wins Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Endurance Cup in AlUla

Saudi equestrian wins Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Endurance Cup in AlUla
  • Muhannad Alsalmi completed the race in 13 hours, 8 minutes, and 15 seconds
  • Emirati riders Abdullah Al-Amri and Saif Al Mazrouei won 2nd and 3rd places, respectively

ALULA: Saudi equestrian Muhannad Alsalmi topped the 120-kilometer Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Endurance Cup in AlUla on Saturday, beating 200 riders from 64 countries around the world, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Alsalmi completed the race in 13 hours, 8 minutes, and 15 seconds, for an average speed of 23.6 kilometers per hour, according to the report.

Taking the second spot was Emirati rider Abdullah Al-Amri, who clocked 13 hours, 8 minutes, and 43 seconds. Another Emirati rider, Saif Al Mazrouei, was third with a time of 13 hours, 9 minutes, and 29 seconds.

Organized by the Saudi Arabian Equestrian Federation and the Royal Commission for AlUla, the endurance race is the largest of its kind. (SPA)

The winners received their prizes from Prince Abdullah bin Fahd bin Abdullah, chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Arabian Equestrian Federation and head of the Sports Sector at the Royal Commission for AlUla, during the award ceremonies.

Held at AlFursan Equestrian Village in AlUla, the event took place amid a fiercely competitive atmosphere. Recognized as one of the premier endurance races globally, the competition boasted a total prize pool of SAR15 million, the largest of its kind in this category.

The championship continues on Sunday, with 100 riders competing in the 160-kilometer Al-Mutadil Endurance race for a SAR5 million prize pool.

Last month, the picturesque ancient city located in Saudi Arabia's western region of Madinah hosted the AlUla Trail Race, with some 1,450 athletes from around the world competing.

 

 


Chelsea crash out of FA Cup at Brighton

Chelsea crash out of FA Cup at Brighton
Updated 09 February 2025
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Chelsea crash out of FA Cup at Brighton

Chelsea crash out of FA Cup at Brighton
  • Chelsea haven’t won a domestic trophy since lifting the FA Cup in 2018 and their wait will go on for another season after they blew the lead at the Amex Stadium
  • Newcastle came from behind to win 3-2 against Birmingham at St. Andrew’s

LONDON: Brighton’s Kaoru Mitoma sent Chelsea crashing out of the FA Cup as the Japan star sealed a 2-1 win in the fourth round, while Kevin De Bruyne spared Manchester City’s blushes in their 2-1 victory at third-tier Leyton Orient on Saturday.

Chelsea haven’t won a domestic trophy since lifting the FA Cup in 2018 and their wait will go on for another season after they blew the lead at the Amex Stadium.

Enzo Maresca’s side were gifted the lead in the fifth minute when Brighton keeper Bart Verbruggen fumbled Cole Palmer’s cross into his own net.

It was a horrendous mistake but Chelsea failed to press home their advantage.

Thrashed 7-0 at Nottingham Forest in the Premier League last weekend, Brighton bounced back impressively from the second worst defeat in the club’s 123-year history.

They equalized in the 12th minute as Joel Veltman’s cross reached Georginio Rutter, who found space between Chelsea defenders Trevoh Chalobah and Tosin Adarabioyo to flick a header into the far corner.

And Brighton completed their fightback in the 57th minute when Mitoma clipped a deft finish past Chelsea keeper Robert Sanchez despite the visitors’ claim for handball.

“I think the handball is quite clear. Without VAR it’s complicated,” Maresca said.

“The second half the only shots they had we conceded a goal from. We had a few chances at 2-1. But you have to take the consequence of the result.”

At Brisbane Road, Manchester City were rocked when Jamie Donley’s long-range effort came back off the bar and rebounded in off City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega to give Orient an early lead.

The English champions finally drew level after 56 minutes when Uzbekistan defender Abdukodir Khusanov deflected in Rico Lewis’s shot for his first goal since signing for City from Lens in the January transfer window.

City boss Pep Guardiola had to turn to his bench more than he would have liked just four days before a mammoth Champions League play-off round first leg against Real Madrid.

But the introduction of De Bruyne made the difference as the Belgian midfielder scored 11 minutes from time.

“It was a typical FA Cup game, that is why this competition is unbelievable. For the fans, how the crowd support and we knew they are strong,” said Guardiola, who saw deadline day signing Nico Gonzalez hobble off injured in the first half of his debut.

Newcastle came from behind to win 3-2 against Birmingham at St. Andrew’s.

Birmingham led after 42 seconds through Ethan Laird’s deflected strike.

A quickfire double from Joe Willock and Callum Wilson turned the tie in Newcastle’s favor, but Tomoki Iwata’s blistering strike levelled before half-time for the League One leaders.

Newcastle, though, rounded off a fine week after reaching the League Cup final on Wednesday as Willock restored their lead on 82 minutes.

Bottom of the Premier League and seemingly destined for relegation, Southampton got no respite in the FA Cup as Burnley won 1-0 at St. Mary’s.

Scott Parker’s team went in front after 77 minutes when Marcus Edwards scored from close range on his debut after signing on loan from Sporting Lisbon.

It is almost 600 minutes since Championship promotion chasers Burnley last conceded a goal, with 10 clean sheets in their last 11 games.

“We were unlucky to lose to a scrappy goal. We did lots of good things and created lots of opportunities,” Southampton boss Ivan Juric said.

In the last FA Cup tie at Goodison Park, Everton, who are moving to a new stadium next season, were beaten 2-0 by Bournemouth thanks to goals from Antoine Semenyo and Dan Jebbison.

Rodrigo Muniz scored twice as Fulham won 2-1 at League One Wigan.

Ipswich, second bottom of the Premier League, swept to a 4-1 win against Frank Lampard’s Coventry.

Millwall reached the fifth round for the first time since 2018-19 thanks to Femi Azeez’s double in a 2-0 win at Championship leaders Leeds.