BWT Alpine F1 Team breaks new ground as Aseel Al Hamad and Abbi Pulling become first women to drive F1 cars in Saudi Arabia

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Updated 24 March 2022
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BWT Alpine F1 Team breaks new ground as Aseel Al Hamad and Abbi Pulling become first women to drive F1 cars in Saudi Arabia

  • Saudi Arabia roared to life with BWT Alpine F1 Team activity in some of the most iconic locations in the Kingdom
  • Supported by the Saudi Tourism Authority, this was the first time an F1 car has been driven through the streets of the capital Riyadh

RIYADH: BWT Alpine F1 Team has pushed boundaries with a ground-breaking demonstration run around the Saudi Arabian capital, Riyadh.

The city witnessed a V8-powered E20 car, driven by Saudi F1 driver Aseel Al-Hamad and Alpine Academy Affiliate driver, Abbi Pulling.

The pair made history as they became the first women ever to drive an F1 car in the Kingdom.

Aseel, who represents Saudi Arabia on the FIA Women in Motorsport Commission and is a board member of the Saudi Automobile & Motorcycle Federation, is leading the development of strategies and policies to promote the education and training of women in motorsport in Saudi Arabia.

She is also family to Alpine as she created history with the team in 2018 when she took the same E20 on track at Paul Ricard Circuit, France.

Joining Aseel for the demo was Abbi Pulling, who will compete in the W Series this year. Abbi is part of the Alpine Affiliate programme, which is the feeder series to the Alpine Academy. It nourishes young racing talent with potential all the way through to F1, with guidance on career path, media training, nutrition and psychology.

19-year-old Abbi got her first taste of F1 machinery in this demonstration run just one day before her birthday.

In an activity facilitated by the Saudi Tourism Authority, Aseel and Abbi took the E20 through some of the Kingdom’s most significant destinations, including through Wadi Hanifah in the historic city of Diriyah, which is overlooked by the UNESCO World Heritage Site At-Turaif, the original home of the Saud royal family, birthplace of the Kingdom and origin of the country’s First Saudi State, before guiding the car through the bright lights of the vibrant new King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD).

Together the two drivers demonstrated that opportunities in motorsport and the Kingdom are being created for and by women and the future looks bright for the next generation.

The Visit Saudi logos will appear on the Alpine A522 cars this weekend during the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

Aseel Al Hamad: “It was beautiful to drive with BWT Alpine F1 Team once again, and even more special to do this in my country of Saudi Arabia and my home city of Riyadh. I hope this inspires more generations to fall in love with Formula 1 and for more women to consider motorsport as a future career.

“I was super happy to meet Abbi, a lovely girl with lots of ambition, and an amazing passion for racing. She shows that with enough drive, girls can become professional racing drivers. It is important that we showcase examples to demonstrate to the younger generation that it can be them in the future; it doesn’t matter your gender; you need to show your talent. I will be cheering for them and opening the doors and hopefully we will see them on podiums in the near future.”

Abbi Pulling: “I got my first experience of an F1 car last weekend and it was everything I was expecting, and more. I started racing when I was just eight years old, always with the goal of reaching Formula 1, and I am so pleased to have got that little bit closer. It is very important for the industry to encourage and support young, female talents to achieve their ambitions. Programmes like the Alpine Academy coupled with demonstration runs with female racers show you have the opportunity and structure to do this. It was a pleasure to meet Aseel and to hear about all her initiatives to support young racers. It’s super encouraging for myself and the next generation.”

Laurent Rossi, CEO, Alpine: “The statement of having two women driving an F1 car through the capital of Saudi Arabia, past treasured historic monuments and into the heart of the city, shows that anyone with enough drive can follow their dreams in motorsport. Aseel shows that women of all backgrounds are welcome, while Abbi demonstrates motorsport is a genuine career path for women.

We hope that this action will inspire girls from the younger generation that anything is possible.”

Fahd Hamidaddin, Chief Executive Officer, Suadi Tourism Authority: “Saudi is a destination that is welcoming to everyone and inclusive of all. Tourism and sport are intimately connected and both offer opportunities for women to build career paths that are fulfilling and rewarding. As a father of two daughters myself, it is a pleasure to join with Alpine on this landmark initiative and inspire women
from all walks of life to follow their dreams wherever they may lead. And, more importantly, to support them in making their dreams reality.”


Sharjah Self-Defense takes lead on opening day of Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship

Updated 09 February 2025
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Sharjah Self-Defense takes lead on opening day of Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship

  • The 2nd round of the competition also saw Al Ain Jiu-Jitsu Club and Abu Dhabi Martial Arts Academy in 2nd and 3rd places on Day 1

DUBAI: The Sharjah Self-Defense Sports Club dominated the opening day of the second round of the Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship at Al-Nasr Club in Dubai. The event, featuring No-Gi competition, brought together young athletes from leading clubs and academies across the country.

Competitors in the U-12, U-14, and U-16 categories took to the mats on Day 1, with the Sharjah Self-Defense Sports Club securing the top spot. The Al Ain Jiu-Jitsu Club and Abu Dhabi Martial Arts Academy followed in second and third place, respectively. The action continues on Sunday with U-18, Adults, and Masters divisions set to compete.

Yousef Abdullah Al-Batran, board member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, said: “The second round of the Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship dedicated (to) No-Gi competition offers a valuable experience for young talents, allowing them to think quickly and apply precise techniques that enhance their technical and physical abilities. This helps them improve their performance and sharpen their skills.

“This championship serves as an important platform for athletes across different age groups to test their abilities, build confidence, and develop a strong competitive mindset. It also reinforces core sporting values such as discipline, commitment, and respect, while preparing them for challenges in their athletic careers.

“The Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship was the first event to introduce the Under-12 category to No-Gi competitions during its inaugural edition last year. This step was taken to help young athletes adapt to a professional competition environment early on, ensuring they develop both physically and mentally to become the future of jiu-jitsu in the country.”

Fareed Al-Qaiwani, executive director of Al-Nasr Sports Games Co., said: “We at Al-Nasr Club are honored to host this prestigious championship. We maintain close collaboration with the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, and by hosting this event, we play a role in promoting jiu-jitsu. We look forward to welcoming more championships in the future.”


Bencic claims second Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open title to complete fairytale comeback

Updated 09 February 2025
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Bencic claims second Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open title to complete fairytale comeback

  • Swiss star fights back from a set down to beat American Ashlyn Krueger

ABU DHABI: Belinda Bencic became Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open champion for the second time after coming from behind to defeat Ashlyn Krueger in Saturday’s final, capping a remarkable comeback story.

In the doubles event Jelena Ostapenko and Ellen Perez clinched the title with a dominant win over Shuai Zhang and Kristina Mladenovic.

The third edition of the WTA 500 event finished in front of a sold-out crowd at the International Tennis Centre, Zayed Sports City, the culmination of eight days of world-class tennis and fantastic off-court entertainment.

Both finalists recorded magnificent victories to secure their place in the tournament showpiece, with Bencic overturning a one-set deficit to eliminate reigning champion Elena Rybakina and Krueger defeating Linda Noskova, setting the stage for a super showdown on Stadium Court.

There was little to choose between the two players in the first set, which went with serve for the opening eight games.

With the score tied at 4-4, Krueger, 20, broke her opponent, subsequently seeing out the following game, on serve, to take the lead.

If the first set was close, the second was anything but, as Bencic, 27, produced a stunning response, completely overpowering Krueger, who was playing in her first WTA 500 final, to restore parity.

Buoyed by the ruthlessness of her second-set turnaround, 2020 Olympic gold medallist Bencic picked up where she left off, quickly racing into a 3-0 lead in the third to firmly take control of the contest.

The less experienced Krueger pulled a game back, but it was little more than a temporary reprieve. There was simply no stopping Bencic, who comfortably saw out the next three games to seal a 4-6, 6-1, 6-1 victory, and a second Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open title, capping a remarkable comeback story given she did not return to action until October after taking a maternity break.

With Bencic not competing at last year’s event, today’s victory ensures she remains undefeated at the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open, a tournament she is slowly making her own.

Bencic celebrated on-court, including her young daughter Bella in the proceedings, before collecting her trophy.

Earlier in the day, Ostapenko and Perez made light work of Zhang and Mladenovic in the doubles final, requiring just 60 minutes to land the title in a very one-sided contest.

The pair reached the final without dropping a set, and the final followed a similar theme as they blasted their opponents off court in devastating fashion, cruising to a 6-2, 6-1 victory.

Homaid Al Shimmari, deputy group CEO at Mubadala Investment Company, said: “Congratulations to the winners on their remarkable victory at the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open. This tournament has once again brought together the world’s top talent, thrilling fans and elevating the profile of women’s tennis on the global stage. At Mubadala, we are proud to support events that inspire the next generation and reinforce Abu Dhabi’s position as a world-class sporting destination. We look forward to building on this magnificent momentum and welcoming many more future champions to this speculator event next year.”

Aref Al-Awani, general secretary of Abu Dhabi Sports Council, said: “I am pleased to congratulate Belinda Bencic on her well-deserved victory. She showcased an outstanding performance that combined skill and determination that befits the prestige of the tournament.”

Also on Saturday, the Road to Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open winners were crowned as the initiative, which provides a pathway for aspiring players in the UAE to enhance their skills and make an impact on the global game, reached its conclusion.

Sanctioned by the UAE Tennis Federation, the Road to Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open holds tournaments throughout Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Fujairah for various age groups, with the respective finals taking place as part of the WTA 500 event.

For the second consecutive year, Timur Gordeev walked away with the title in the under-16 boys competition, while Karen John triumphed in the girls’ tournament for the same age group.

At under-14 level, Isabelle James successfully defended the title she won last year, with Alexi Rafa Aldemita winning the boys’ competition.

Ryan Abou Jamra and Sophie Himmelreich, meanwhile, were the winners in the under-12 category.

The event has a huge effect in the local community through the Road to Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open and Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open Schools Program, which engaged more than 25,000 children from schools in the capital.


Saudi Kickboxing Federation launches new identity as Saudi Open Kickboxing Championship ends

Updated 09 February 2025
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Saudi Kickboxing Federation launches new identity as Saudi Open Kickboxing Championship ends

  • Initiative is a transformative step in SKF’s journey
  • Male and female gold medalists crowned on Saturday

RIYADH: The Saudi Open Kickboxing Championship, which was organized by the Saudi Kickboxing Federation, featured the launch of SKF’s new identity on Saturday.

The president of SKF, Ahmed Al-Twayan, launched the new identity on the final day of the championship, which attracted 277 participants from 27 clubs and was held at the Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium in Al-Malaz.

The initiative is a transformative step in the federation’s journey, aiming to establish a national foundation for kickboxing in Saudi Arabia and support the goals of Vision 2030.

Male and female athletes who won gold medals were also crowned on Saturday.

During the closing ceremony, the SKF’s president honored the sponsors, various media outlets, winning athletes, and several supporters and influencers.

The ceremony included live performances by athletes, along with special prizes for families of participants. 

Israa Shalabi, the mother of player Sulaiman Balaous, won the Best Mother Award. Additionally, 10 audience members received prizes, including tablets and mobile phones.

The Saudi Open Kickboxing Championship started on Wednesday with weight-ins and registration, followed by competitions on Thursday and Friday, attracting a large audience.

To enhance the event experience, SKF organized entertainment activities and welcomed about 3,000 visitors to the Fan Zone.


Du Plessis batters Strickland to retain UFC middleweight crown

Updated 09 February 2025
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Du Plessis batters Strickland to retain UFC middleweight crown

  • South African Dricus du Plessis defended his UFC middleweight belt on Sunday with a unanimous win over bitter rival Sean Strickland, destroying his opponent’s nose in a bloody title fight in Sydney

SYDNEY: South African Dricus du Plessis defended his UFC middleweight belt on Sunday with a unanimous win over bitter rival Sean Strickland, destroying his opponent’s nose in a bloody title fight in Sydney.
The 31-year-old won 50-45, 50-45, 49-46 to boost his win-loss record to 23-2 and cement his status as mixed martial arts’ top 185-pound fighter.
Du Plessis first claimed the belt when he beat Strickland via a close split decision in Toronto in January last year, a bout the polarizing American repeatedly insisted he won.
The South African launched a successful defense against Nigeria-born Israel Adesanya in August, while Strickland rebounded with a tepid defeat of Brazil’s Paulo Costa to set up the re-match.
“To come in here and try to knock this man out it is next to impossible,” said Du Plessis, the first South African to win a UFC championship. “I’d love another round, but that’s not the game.
“I wanted a submission, a knockout or an absolute domination of a five rounder,” he added. “That’s what I gave. I gave it my all.”
The Toronto clash was decided by the smallest of margins, but this time it was all Du Plessis.
In a measured start he utilized his favored head kicks, landing four in round one as Strickland responded with tentative jabs.
The volume of strikes increased in round two with Du Plessis delivering combinations to the face that drew blood as he picked up the pace.
Strickland lacked urgency and Du Plessis rammed home the advantage in a dominant round four.
A huge right hook saw blood come pouring from the American’s nose, and another rocked him onto the cage.
Strickland’s nose was clearly bothering him as Du Plessis went in for the kill in the fifth and last round, targeting it whenever possible without being able to deliver a decisive knockout blow.
In a profanity-laden courtside interview afterwards, the American said his nose was broken.
“I popped it back in place and kept fighting for you,” he said. “He kicked my ass fair and square, props to him.”
Also on the maincard, Chinese strawweight queen Zhang Weili successfully defended her title for a third straight time, dominating previously unbeaten American challenger Tatiana Suarez.
The ferocious Zhang, seen as the best pound-for-pound women’s fighter in the sport, scored a unanimous win in the five-round fight that left Suarez with some nasty cuts.
“I was well prepared for this fight. Tatiana is very strong, but I just focused on myself,” said Zhang, who stretched her record to 26-3.
In the heavyweight non-title bout, Brazil’s Tallison Teixeira scored a knockout win over Justin Tafa after just 35 seconds, with a huge elbow to the nose sending the Australian down.
It stretched Teixeira’s record to 8-0.


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

Updated 09 February 2025
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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.