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BASEL, Switzerland: On a stellar day for veteran Grand Slam champions, Stan Wawrinka beat third-ranked Casper Ruud and Andy Murray rallied to win in three sets in the first round of the Swiss Indoors on Tuesday.
The 37-year-old Wawrinka hit his ninth ace to seal a 6-4, 6-4 win over Ruud, who was the US Open runner-up last month, and delight his home crowd.
Wawrinka is now ranked No. 194 after persistent injury problems but the win was his second over a top-five opponent in five weeks. He beat fourth-ranked Daniil Medvedev last month in Metz, France.
“I fought despite the injuries. I wanted to come and play in front of you,” Wawrinka said in a tearful on-court interview, thanking fans for their support.
Murray, a former US Open champion like Wawrinka, earlier won 6-7 (5), 6-3, 6-4 against Roman Safiullin after the Russian led 4-1 in the final set.
The 35-year-old Murray, who also won two Wimbledon titles, reeled off five straight games to complete the victory after more than 2 ½ hours on court. It was the No. 49-ranked Scot’s first match in Basel since 2005.
“I changed the way I was returning a little bit and when I did that I was able to create a few more opportunities and frustrate him a little bit,” Murray said.
Wawrinka first played in Basel 19 years ago but never went beyond the semifinals at the event won by hometown favorite Roger Federer a record 10 times.
Wawrinka next plays Brandon Nakashima of the US. He could face Murray in the quarterfinals.
Another Swiss winner was 20-year-old Dominic Stricker who beat American Maxime Cressy 7-6 (4), 6-3. Stricker, a wild-card entry ranked No. 129, next faces Pablo Carreno Busta. The fifth-seeded Spaniard beat Sebastian Baez 6-2, 6-1.
ABU DHABI: The UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation has announced the completion of preparations for “Jiu-Jitsu Month,” which includes two world championships starting from Saturday.
The 27th Jiu-Jitsu World Championship, which is being held under the patronage of Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, member of Abu Dhabi Executive Council and chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Office, will kick off on Saturday, Oct. 29 and run until Nov. 8.
The 14th Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship, held under the patronage of Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, president of the UAE, will take place on Nov. 11-19.
“Hosting the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship and the Jiu-Jitsu World Championship is evidence of Abu Dhabi’s exceptional status as the global jiu-jitsu capital,” said Aref Al-Awani, general secretary of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council.
“I want to applaud the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation for its efforts in promoting jiu-jitsu and expanding the number of practitioners by creating effective plans and strategies, which help to reaffirm the UAE’s reputation as a worldwide promoter of jiu-jitsu.”
More than 7,000 players from more than 100 different countries are expected to take to the mats at the Jiu-Jitsu Arena during the championships.
“In the weeks to come, Abu Dhabi will be the center of attention for the whole jiu-jitsu world as it stages two of the most prestigious championships on the international sporting calendar over a 20-day period,” said Mohamed Salem Al-Dhaheri, vice president of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation. “These world-class events confirm the city’s undeniable position as the global capital of jiu-jitsu, as well as its capacity to host major sporting events that dazzle the world.
“Abu Dhabi is ready to receive thousands of players from around the world with the necessary infrastructure in place, including hotels, training centers, transportation, a competition site, and a dedicated staff who will look after them from the time they arrive in Abu Dhabi until they depart the nation,” he said.
“Our UAE National Team heroes are determined to repeat the joy we lived through these past months including the World Games in Birmingham.”
Al-Dhaheri expressed his gratitude to the UAEJJF’s partners, sponsors and media representatives for their support while staging the most prestigious international competitions.
Joachim Thumfart, director general of the Jiu-Jitsu International Federation, said: “We are proud to host the championship in Abu Dhabi for a third consecutive year. With its top-notch infrastructure and sporting facilities, the city has been extremely welcoming and encouraging of international players. The championship’s previous two editions were a huge success, and there was an overwhelmingly positive response to the events,” he said.
Saeed Ali Obaid Al-Fazari, executive director of the Strategic Affairs Sector at DCT — Abu Dhabi, added: “Hosting the jiu-jitsu month marks a turning point in Abu Dhabi’s calendar of major international events and demonstrates the emirate’s potential for hosting important competitions. Abu Dhabi has become a preferred location for professionals and champions. We are proud to launch the new Fitness District at the Arena, which has a dedicated fitness area that will play host to a variety of activations.”
RIYADH: The Saudi Games 2022, the largest national sporting event in the history of the Kingdom, kicked off on Thursday morning. The capital, Riyadh, will host the competition until Nov. 7 at 20 locations.
The women’s 48 kg weightlifting competitions, and men’s 61 kg, were staged in the Riyadh Club hall.
Rahma Al-Khawaher won the gold in the 49 kg weight category with a total of 117 kg, followed by Marie Al-Sihati in second place with a total of 115 kg. Munira Al-Ruwaita achieved third place with a weight of 109 kg. The winners were presented with their medals by Princess Dalil bint Nahar Al-Saud, deputy director of the Saudi Games.
In the men’s competition, Siraj Al-Saleem won the gold medal in the 61 kg division with a total of 271 kg, followed by his brother Mansour Al-Saleem with a total of 249 kg, and Jassem Al-Zouri was in third place with a total of 239 kg. The winners were awarded their medals by Muhammad bin Ahmed Al-Harbi, president of the Saudi Weightlifting Federation.
The camel race competitions hosted by Ramah Camel Field were concluded on Thursday, where the Bakkar Marathon and the Qaadan Marathon will also be held. The race resulted in the coach, Nayef Salim Al-Juhani, winning first place with Al-Matiyah Al-Juri and the gold medal for the Thanaya Bakkar Marathon. Bassam Al-Hwaiti won third place and the bronze medal. The coach Suleiman Abdullah Al-Hwaiti won the Thanaya Qaadan Marathon, achieving first place and the gold medal. Coach Ahmed Al-Hwaiti won the silver medal and coach Eid Al-Juhani won the bronze medal. The winners were crowned by Mohammed bin Hamad Al-Balawi, vice president of the Saudi Camel Federation.
In the men’s basketball competitions hosted by the Green Hall at Prince Faisal bin Fahd Olympic Complex, Al-Fateh team achieved third place and the bronze medal after winning the match against Al-Wehda with a score of 88-67. The final match was between Uhud and Al-Ittihad — the winner was Uhud by 79-65.
On Thursday, the goal ball competitions for people with disabilities began, hosted by the Saudi Paralympic Committee in the Prince Faisal bin Fahd Olympic Complex. Al-Rass beat Hail with a score of 12-2, Asir and Al-Qassim had a 4-4 draw, Riyadh beat Taif with a score of 11-3, Al-Baha won over Al-Jawf with a score of 10-0, Asir won over Hail with a score of 9-1, and Al-Rass won over Al-Qassim with a score of 12-2.
In the futsal competitions, hosted by Al-Nasr Club, four matches were held on Wednesday. In the men’s competitions, the results were: Al-Qadisiyah tied 5-5 with Riyadh, Al-Nasr Club beat Al-Ula Club with a score of 2-1, Al-Aardh team achieved a 11-2 victory over the Al-Majd team, and the Al-Itiifaq team defeated Al-Sir 6-1.
In the women’s competitions, the Al-Shabab team beat El-Himma by 10-1, and the Yamama team beat Al-Ahly 8-0.
The handball competitions at King Saud University arena on Thursday saw the Al-Safa team beat Al-Khuwaildia with a score of 44-29, and Al-Nour won against Al-Adalah with a score of 44-24.
In the King Saud University hall, judo competitions for men in the under 60 kg, under 66 kg, under 73 kg, under 90 kg and 90 + kg divisions were held on Thursday.
On Friday, the women’s basketball competitions begin at the Al-Hilal Club hall — four matches will be held between Riyadh and Jeddah United, Al-Shula and Al-Nasr, Abha and Al-Ittihad, Al-Wahda and Al-Hilal — and golf competitions will be held at the Riyadh Golf Club. Indoor rowing competitions will be staged at the Leaders Preparation Institute at Prince Faisal bin Fahd Olympic Complex.
Weightlifting competitions will continue at Riyadh Club on Friday with the 59 kg competitions for women and 73 kg contests for men. Also to be held will be the group stage competitions and quarter-final competitions in the padel, judo competitions for women in the 63 kg weight division, and handball competitions in three matches between Mudar and Hira, Al-Khaleej and Al-Huda, and Zalqi. Al-Rawda, and the first-round matches of the goal ball with four matches between Al-Jawf and Al-Taif, Al-Baha and Riyadh, Al-Qassim and Hail, Al-Rass and Asir will be held.
The Saudi Games competitions will continue until Nov. 7, with the participation of more than 6,000 male and female players competing in 45 sports, including five Paralympic sports.
PARIS: Cristiano Ronaldo scored on his first Manchester United appearance since his refusal to come on as a substitute last week in a 3-0 win over Sheriff Tiraspol in the Europa League on Thursday.
The victory, with goals from Diogo Dalot and Marcus Rashford adding to Ronaldo’s strike, guaranteed the Red Devils a place in the next round, where they will join Barcelona who were knocked out of the Champions League at the group stage 24 hours earlier.
United manager Erik ten Hag left the Portugal forward out of the United squad for Saturday’s draw at Chelsea and he was only allowed to return to first team training this week.
Ronaldo started up front with 18-year-old Argentinian winger Alejandro Garnacho, who was making his maiden senior start.
Right-back Dalot opened the scoring just before the break before Rashford doubled the lead with 25 minutes to play.
Ronaldo claimed his 701st club career goal and made sure of the three points with nine minutes left.
PSV Eindhoven became the first team to hold Arsenal scoreless this season, beating the Gunners 2-0 on Thursday to keep alive the fight for first place in their Europa League group.
Joey Veerman and substitute Luuk de Jong scored in the second half for PSV to hand Premier League leader Arsenal only its second loss of the season in all competitions and first in the Europa League.
De Jong set up Veerman to shoot past Aaron Ramsdale from inside the area in the 56th minute before heading in the second seven minutes later.
PSV forward Cody Gakpo and Xavi Simons had a goal each disallowed due to offside in the first half.
Arsenal still leads Group A with 12 points, with Eindhoven second on 10 with one round remaining. Both teams have qualified for the next stage, but the group winners advance directly to the last 16, while teams qualifying second go through an extra playoff round.
Those in third place drop into the third-tier Europa Conference League.
Real Betis secured first place in Group C after a 1-0 victory at Ludogorets, with Nabil Fekir scoring the winner. The Spanish club has 13 points while Ludogorets is second, six points behind.
Fenerbahçe staged a late come back to salvage a 3-3 home draw against Rennes with both sides already qualified from Group B.
Amine Gouiri netted twice and Martin Terrier added one in the opening 30 minutes to put the visitors on course to win the group. The Turkish side replied with a goal from Enner Valencia still in the first half before substitutes Miha Zajc and Emre Mor scored in the 82nd and 88th, respectively. Both teams are on 11 points ahead of the final round of games.
Teddy Teuma and Lazare Amani scored in the first half to lead Belgian club Union SG to the round of 16 from Group D after a 2-0 victory at Malmö.
Union SG tops the group with 13 points with Bundesliga leader Union Berlin moving to second with nine points after a 1-0 home win over Braga, which is third on six.
Lazio came from a goal down to beat Midtjylland 2-1 to take a provisional three-point lead in the tightly contested Group F. Sergej Milinković-Savić and Pedro Rodríguez replied after an opening goal by Gustav Isaksen for the Danish side. All four teams in the group were on five points before the fifth round of matches. Sturm hosted Feyenoord later in the group’s other game.
PSV was punished earlier Thursday for fan disorder inside Arsenal’s stadium in their previous meeting, which Arsenal won 1-0.
UEFA banned PSV from selling tickets to its fans for the team’s game in Norway next week against Bodø/Glimt.
The Dutch club must also pay a fine of 40,000 euros ($40,000) and compensate Arsenal for damage to seats in the stadium last week.
Europa Conference League
Fiorentina came from a goal down to beat İstanbul Başakşehir 2-1 and draw level with their Turkish opponent atop Group A with 10 points. Both teams mede it to the next round.
Villarreal’s perfect record came to an end after it was held 2-2 at home by Hapoel Beer-Sheva. But the Spanish club was already assured of qualifying in first place from Group C and avoiding the extra playoff round.
AZ Alkmaar had a five-point lead atop Group E after a 2-0 away win at Vaduz.
The kickoff of the Group D match between Czech side Slovácko and Cologne was initially delayed by 75 minutes due to heavy fog. But six minutes after the game started the fog again made it impossible to play. The match is scheduled to resume on Friday at 1 p.m. (1100 GMT).
MEXICO CITY: Lewis Hamilton has said he hopes to sign a new multi-year contract with Mercedes and continue racing in Formula One into his forties.
Speaking to reporters ahead of this weekend’s Mexican Grand Prix, the seven-time world champion revealed he was in talks with the team about another multi-year.
Asked about his future, Hamilton, 37, said: “You’re stuck with me for quite a bit longer.
“We are going to do another deal. We are going to sit down and discuss it in these next couple of months.”
Hamilton, who will be 38 on January 5, joined Mercedes in 2013 after starting his F1 career with McLaren in 2007.
He won his first title in 2008 and holds records for most victories (103) and pole positions (103), but this year faces completing a season without winning a single race for the first time.
“I want to keep racing,” he said.
“I love what I do. I’ve been doing it for 30 years and I don’t feel that I should have to stop. I think I am currently still earning my keep. I still want to do better.
“I could stop now — and I have lots of other things in the pipeline that I will be super-focused and super-busy with — (but) I’m here for the sheer love of working in the organization that I’m in.
“Mercedes-Benz have stuck with me through thick and thin. They stuck with me through being expelled at school.
“They stuck with me through everything that was going on through 2020. They’ve stuck with me through my mistakes and through the ups and downs.”
He declined to consider if he could be described as Formula One’s ‘greatest of all time’ driver.
When asked by American television host Jimmy Kilmmel, he replied: “I know what I am. I know how good I am, but I don’t really like to talk about it.
“I like to just do the talking on the track.
“That’s what my dad always said. When I was a kid when we were racing, we were on the receiving end of a lot of discrimination because we were the only people of color on the racetrack.
“My dad said just do my talking on the track. So, even today I don’t feel like I need to say anything. I just let my what I’m doing on the circuit, what I’m doing off the circuit, kind of talk.”
After a disappointing start to the season, when his Mercedes car suffered chronic ‘porpoising’ and bouncing problems, Hamilton has gradually clawed his way back to form and led last Sunday’s United States Grand Prix before finishing second behind world champion Max Verstappen of Red Bull.
Mercedes team chief Toto Wolff said: “Lewis drove an outstanding race to finish second — we need to keep this momentum going. While we didn’t quite have the pace to win, it was great to be in the mix at the front and leading the race.”
He added that Mercedes felt cautiously optimistic about this Sunday’s race although Hamilton suggested a race win this year was unlikely.
Hamilton also made clear that he had no interest in being handed the 2021 title by the International Motoring Federation (FIA) if it was as a result of Red Bull’s breach of last year’s budget cap, an offense for which no punishment has been agreed or announced.
“When I heard about this cost thing, for sure, it brings up a little bit of emotion because you kind of bury it and move on and then it comes back up — and it’s like another kick,” he said.
“But I’ve moved on from it. I refuse to live in the past.”