Baseball United announces Dubai Wolves and Abu Dhabi Falcons as its latest two franchises

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The Dubai Wolves and Abu Dhabi Falcons have been announced as Baseball United's newest franchises. (Baseball United)
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The Dubai Wolves and Abu Dhabi Falcons have been announced as Baseball United's newest franchises. (Baseball United)
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The Dubai Wolves and Abu Dhabi Falcons have been announced as Baseball United's newest franchises. (Baseball United)
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Updated 04 August 2023
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Baseball United announces Dubai Wolves and Abu Dhabi Falcons as its latest two franchises

  • UAE teams will join Mumbai Cobras and Karachi Monarchs at Baseball United’s Dubai Showcase event this November

DUBAI: Baseball United, the first-ever professional league of the sport focused on the Middle East and Indian subcontinent, on Thursday revealed the names and branding of its Dubai and Abu Dhabi franchises.

The Dubai Wolves and Abu Dhabi Falcons are the first professional baseball franchises in the history of the GCC region, and will compete against the Mumbai Cobras and Karachi Monarchs in the league’s Dubai Showcase later this year.

The four-game event will take place at Dubai International Stadium from Nov. 10 to 12, and will kick off with a matchup between the Indian and Pakistani teams, while the UAE franchises will close out the showcase.

The Dubai Wolves’ brand pays homage to the Arabian Wolf that once roamed the Liwa Desert in vast numbers, and honors Dubai’s transformation into a thriving, urban metropolis, the organization stated.

The Abu Dhabi logo includes a stylized “AD” monogram, as well as the profile view of a peregrine falcon, the national bird of the UAE. The Falcons’ name speaks to the compelling history and heritage of the nation’s capital.

“This is a historic day for our organization, for baseball, and for the UAE,” said Kash Shaikh, president, CEO, board chairman and majority owner of Baseball United. “We are so grateful and proud of these two milestone franchises that we now get to share with our fans across the UAE. The Dubai Wolves and Abu Dhabi Falcons will be iconic brands that inspire millions of people here in this great nation, and all across the world.”

The announcement of the two new franchises comes shortly after Baseball United’s historic partnership with the Emirates Cricket Board, which awarded Shaikh’s organization a 15-year term to host its league in the UAE, and the rights to the Dubai and Abu Dhabi franchises.

Baseball United will be working with the ECB to bring bat-and-ball sports together in two of the world’s most sports-focused cities, Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

“The partnerships that we continue to forge here in the UAE have given us the momentum and support necessary to build this league the right way,” said John Miedreich, executive vice president of operations, vice chairman of the board, and co-owner of Baseball United. “We are grateful to all the people and organizations who have joined us on this pursuit, and we’re looking forward to even more partners teaming with us in the future.”

Baseball United partnered with US-based creative agency, BSB International, on the brand development and design for each franchise.

The Dubai colors will be red, white and black while Abu Dhabi’s colors are white, gray and teal.

Those who attended the press event at Dubai International Stadium included representatives from the US’ Dubai consulate, embassy of Dominica, the ECB, and Dubai Sports City.

“We started this journey nearly two years ago,” said Shaikh. “The barriers to entry were incredibly challenging. The difficulty level is high. And this dream of ours will most definitely not be easy. But today was one of those magical reminders that if we keep believing, keep building, and keep our focus on our current and future fans, we can help make baseball the region’s next great sport.”


Real Madrid close in on Vinicius contract extension amid Saudi interest

Updated 14 February 2025
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Real Madrid close in on Vinicius contract extension amid Saudi interest

  • Spanish champions discussing new deal with Brazilian
  • Move follows prospect of record-breaking Saudi interest

MADRID: Real Madrid are close to agreeing a contract extension with Vinicius Jr. after discussions began in January amid interest from Saudi Arabia to sign FIFA’s Player of the Year to a record-breaking deal, multiple sources told Reuters on Thursday.

Despite the Brazil forward’s current contract running to the end of the 2026-27 season, the Spanish champions contacted the player’s agents last month to rework his deal and put an end to the Saudi interest that has rumbled on for over a year.

A source close to Vinicius Jr said that, despite multiple contacts from Saudi Arabia showing interest over a possible move to Al-Ahli, a formal contract offer was never discussed and Saudi confidence in a possible move has waned in recent months.

Real have denied being contacted by Saudi authorities but a source close to the Madrid club said they were approached by Saudi Public Investment Fund officials during the Spanish Super Cup in Jeddah in early January to enquire about Vinicius Jr.

However, the European champions showed no interest in negotiating a transfer, highlighting the 24-year-old player’s €1 billion ($1.04 billion) buy-out clause as the only scenario in which they would allow the Brazilian to leave.

“I don’t know anything, nobody has talked to me about (a Saudi offer),” Vinicius Jr told TNT Sports after Real’s 3-2 win at Manchester City in their Champions League playoff first-leg on Tuesday. “They have to speak to (Real’s) president. I hope I can stay here for a long time,” added the player of the match.

“It’s always very exciting to be able to open talks with Real Madrid about my renewal. I have a contract until 2027, but I’ve always spoken of my desire to be able to play here for a long time, to be able to make history here.”

Real announced Vinicius Jr.’s last contract extension in October 2023, which was a four-year deal reportedly worth a net €13.5 million in salary per season.

He opted for a shorter, incentive-based deal, rather than the usual five-to-six-year contracts most Real players sign, in a bet on his progress as one of Europe’s leading young players.

Top salary

Following a LaLiga and Champions League double last season and his FIFA Player of the Year award in 2024, sources said Vinicius Jr. had achieved a series of performance and loyalty bonuses that boosted his salary to the top of Real’s wage bill.

Neither the club nor the players disclose the figures in their contracts but multiple soccer sources said Vinicius Jr.’s salary is already at about the same level as their new striker Kylian Mbappe’s, around €18 million per year.

However, the Frenchman’s contract includes a €100 million signing bonus and a large percentage of his image rights that make him one of the highest-paid athletes in the world.

Following a couple of face-to-face meetings in the last few weeks in Madrid attended by Vinicius Jr.’s father, Real have put forward new numbers and a third meeting between club executives and the player’s team is scheduled for next week.

There is growing optimism on both sides that there will soon be an agreement on a contract extension for Vinicius Jr.

A source close to the player said he has no interest in joining another club in Europe and would only start listening to contract offers from Saudi Arabia above €1 billion.

Vinicius Jr. and his staff already have a fruitful business relationship with Saudi Arabia and he has participated in sponsorship and commercial meetings regarding tourism and E-sports events in the Gulf country.

There is also interest from Saudi Arabia in making him an ambassador for the 2034 World Cup, which will be held there.


Swiatek tops Rybakina to reach Qatar Open semifinals

Updated 14 February 2025
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Swiatek tops Rybakina to reach Qatar Open semifinals

  • Ekaterina Alexandrova continued her impressive form against sixth seed Jessica Pegula, winning 4-6, 6-1, 6-1
  • After the exits of Rybakina and Pegula, Swiatek is the last survivor among the Doha seeds

DOHA: Three-time defending champion Iga Swiatek advanced to the semifinals of the Qatar Open on Thursday with a straight-sets win over last year’s runner-up Elena Rybakina.

Second seed Swiatek staved off a fightback from the fifth-seeded Kazakh in the second set to win 6-2, 7-5.

Ekaterina Alexandrova continued her impressive form against sixth seed Jessica Pegula, winning 4-6, 6-1, 6-1, having eliminated world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in the second round.

After the exits of Rybakina and Pegula, Swiatek is the last survivor among the Doha seeds.

“I’m super happy and proud of myself, in the second set I felt she lifted her level,” said Swiatek.

She next plays Latvia’s Jelena Ostapenko who eased past Tunisia’s Ons Jabeur, a former world No. 2, 6-2, 6-2.

“I need to be prepared for some tricky shots, but I have some myself,” added five-time Grand Slam winner Swiatek, who is bidding for a 23rd WTA title but first since the French Open in June.

Swiatek easily won the first set against Rybakina after breaking her rival’s serve twice.

But the Pole was broken at the start of the second and struggled to catch up for a long time, missing five break points before finally finding the opening to get back to 4-4.

A break at 6-5 in favor of Swiatek, sealed by a double fault from Rybakina, secured victory for the Pole.

Alexandrova, ranked 26th, extended her winning run to eight matches following her triumph in Linz, Austria at the start of the month.

The Russian struggled in the first set against Pegula, twice dropping serve and paying for four double faults.

But she took control thereafter and allowed her opponent just two more games as she eased through to the last four.

“I just play every single match and every single point and I don’t think about the future,” said the 30-year-old, who is hunting a sixth career title.

She will meet Amanda Anisimova for a place in the final after the American beat Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk 4-6, 7-5, 6-4

“It’s step by step and I am glad that policy is working out as I feel amazing. Being in semis is just great,” said Alexandrova.

“When I saw the draw I thought maybe I will not get very far.

“I’m really happy with the way I’m playing right now. And I want to keep it as long as possible — no matter what.”


Porto draw with Roma as Fenerbahce win in Europa League play-offs

Updated 14 February 2025
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Porto draw with Roma as Fenerbahce win in Europa League play-offs

PARIS: Porto and Roma drew 1-1 in the first leg of their Europa League knockout phase play-off Thursday, while Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce took a big step toward the last 16 with a 3-0 win over Anderlecht.
Zeki Celic gave 2023 runners-up Roma the lead in first-half stoppage time in Portugal, but Porto defender Francisco Moura’s deflected strike ensured the teams will head to Italy next week with the tie finely poised.
Roma played the final 18 minutes a man down after Bryan Cristante was sent off for two yellow cards, with coach Claudio Ranieri fuming at the final whistle.
In Turkiye, Former Premier League duo Dusan Tadic and Edin Dzeko scored in the first half for Fenerbahce before Morocco international Youssef En-Nesyri headed in a third for Galatasaray to give them full control.
Mourinho won the competition with Porto in 2003 and again with Manchester United in 2017, also reaching the final when he was in charge of Roma two years ago.
“We played very well, but I can’t say ‘a good result’. We need to advance to the next round for this to be a good result,” said Mourinho.
“Normally, of course, when you are leading 3-0, you are happy, but there is a second leg. Therefore, everything is still out there.”
Real Sociedad triumphed 2-1 away to Midtjylland after a penalty from Brais Mendez and terrific goal by Japan winger Takefusa Kubo saw them past the Danish champions, who pulled one back through Adam Buksa.
The winners of the tie will play United or Tottenham in the last 16.
Ajax took charge of their play-off against Belgian outfit Union Saint-Gilloise with a 2-0 victory in Brussels.
Christian Rasmussen steered the Dutch club ahead just before the hour, with 16-year-old Jorthy Mokio volleying in a second from 20 yards.
Israel’s Mohammad Abu Fani struck the only goal in Budapest as Ferencvaros won 1-0 against Viktoria Plzen.
AZ Alkmaar battered Galatasaray 4-1 with Sven Mijnans, Troy Parrott, Jordy Clasie and David Moller Wolfe all on target for the hosts.
Roland Sallai had equalized for Galatasaray who toiled for much of the second half with 10 men after Kaan Ayhan was dismissed.
Ricky Van Wolfswinkel’s 95th-minute penalty earned Twente a 2-1 win at home to Bodo/Glimt, while Romania’s FCSB won by the same score against PAOK in Greece.
In the UEFA Conference League, Irish side Shamrock Rovers secured a 1-0 win away to Norwegians Molde.
Molde defender Valdemar Lund was sent off before half-time for a challenge on Michael Noonan, who netted the winner in the second half to become the competition’s youngest scorer at 16 years and 197 days old.
Antony scored for the second time in three games since joining Real Betis on loan from United as the Spanish team cruised to a 3-0 victory at Gent.
Heidenheim won 2-1 away to Copenhagen, while Bosnia’s Borac Banja Luka snatched a 1-0 victory over Olimpija Ljubljana.
Omonia Nicosia and Pafos drew 1-1 in an all-Cypriot encounter.
Iceland’s Vikingur Reykjavik beat Panathinaikos 2-1 as the Greeks grabbed a vital late goal from the penalty spot.
Celje of Slovenia drew 2-2 against APOEL Nicosia, while Jagiellonia Bialystok captain Jesus Imaz scored twice in a 3-1 win away to Serbia’s TSC Backa Topola.


Medvedev into first quarter-final of 2025 in Marseille

Updated 14 February 2025
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Medvedev into first quarter-final of 2025 in Marseille

MARSEILLE: Former world number one Daniil Medvedev reached his first quarter-final of 2025 in Marseille on Thursday as China’s Zhang Zhizhen stunned fourth seed Hubert Hurkacz.
Eighth-ranked Medvedev defeated French qualifier Pierre-Hugues Herbert 6-2, 6-4 in a repeat of the 2021 final, which Medvedev also won.
Medvedev, playing in Marseille on a wild card after second round exits at the Australian Open and in Rotterdam, is seeking his first title since Rome in 2023.
“Funny enough we have played five times on tour and three times in Marseille,” Medvedev said.
“It is where we meet all the time and I am happy that I played at a good level. Did not lose my serve and happy to win.”
He will next play Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff, who saw off French player Hugo Grenier 6-4, 5-7, 6-4, for a place in the semifinals.
Zhang belied his ranking of 52 to stun Hurkacz 6-4, 6-7 (1/7), 6-3 in a big-hitting battle in which he cracked 37 winners to the Pole’s 30 during their two-hour, eight-minute clash.
“I felt great on court today, it was the same goal as the first match, I tried to put the match to the tie-break, and that’s how I wanted to play,” said Zhang, who reached the quarter-finals in Marseille in 2024.
“I guess I like it here, two years in the quarters.”
Zhang next faces Belgium’s Zizou Bergs who defeated Portugal’s Nuno Borges 6-2, 6-7 (5/7), 6-2.


Somi Lee leads way at PIF Saudi Ladies International, Team Kyriacou set the pace

Updated 14 February 2025
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Somi Lee leads way at PIF Saudi Ladies International, Team Kyriacou set the pace

  • 7-under-par for leader in opening round at Riyadh

RIYADH: Korea’s Somi Lee surged to the top of the leaderboard at the PIF Saudi Ladies International on Thursday, delivering a flawless 7-under-par 65 in the opening round at Riyadh Golf Club.

The 26-year-old’s performance gives her a one-shot lead over Germany’s Esther Henseleit and England’s Annabell Fuller.

Lee set the tone early, reaching 4-under on the front nine before sinking three crucial birdie putts in the final four holes to cap off a near-perfect round. Fresh off a top-15 finish at last week’s Founders Cup, she remains focused on the task ahead.

“I don’t want to think about what has passed. I just want to think about what’s coming, and that’s my main focus,” Lee said.

Alongside the individual battle, the PIF Saudi Ladies International features a unique team format, with 28 teams of four competing for a $500,000 prize fund. The best two scores on each hole contribute to the team total, adding an exciting dynamic to the event.

A brilliant team effort from Stephanie Kyriacou’s squad propelled them into the lead. The Australian, a two-time Ladies European Tour winner, combined with Germany’s Olivia Cowan, Czechia’s Sara Kouskova, and England’s Liz Young to post a team-best -17.

“We ‘ham and egged’ really well,” Kyriacou said, after closing her round with four birdies in the last five holes to boost her team’s total. Cowan also delivered a dazzling display, carding eight birdies, including a near ace at the par-3 17th.

She added: “I wasn’t really doing much for the first 14 holes but I was able to turn it on (in) the last few that will help us going into Friday.”

Close behind in second place is Team Lee, led by individual leader Somi Lee, whose 65 was backed up by an impressive 67 from Minsun Kim. They were joined by France’s Nastasia Nadaud and England’s Amy Taylor.

One of the day’s biggest highlights came from Thailand’s April Angurasaranee, who celebrated her first-ever hole-in-one. The 20-year-old struck a perfect 6-iron at the par-3 sixth hole, much to the delight of her team captain Moriya Jutanugarn.

The PIF Saudi Ladies International continues to break new ground, with an equal prize fund to the men’s event.

Round two tees off on Friday, as the world’s best battle for both individual and team glory in Riyadh.