Rally Jameel concludes second stage in stunning AlUla

Stage two on Thursday brought participants across Jordan’s border into the northwestern reaches of Saudi Arabia. (SUPPLIED)
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Updated 25 April 2025
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Rally Jameel concludes second stage in stunning AlUla

  • Maha Alhamali, Syndiely Wade of Team Obiyah take top spot
  • Women drove from Jordan’s Petra into northwest Saudi Arabia

ALULA: Rally Jameel, the world-class navigational rally for women in the region, has concluded its second stage with AlUla’s landscapes as the backdrop.

Organized by Jameel Motorsport, and supported by the FIA Women in Motorsport and the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation, began on Tuesday in Petra before progressing to Tabuk and AlUla.

Stage two on Thursday brought participants across Jordan’s border into the northwestern reaches of Saudi Arabia.

Tabuk’s striking mountain ridges and expansive desert plains, en route to the historic landscapes of AlUla, created a stunning yet grueling course that rewarded precision navigation and adaptability.

Maha Alhamali and Syndiely Wade of Team Obiyah claimed the top spot in the standings, driving a Toyota Land Cruiser Prado.

They were followed by Annie Seel and Pochola Hernandez from Lexus Racing Team in a Lexus LX 700H.

In third place were Reem Al-Aboud and Hanna Riehle from Jameel Motorsport in a Toyota Land Cruiser Prado.

The route showcased Saudi Arabia’s growing reputation for adventure tourism, with panoramic views and off-road segments that pushed every team’s limits.

The challenge deepened as teams adjusted to new terrains. Camaraderie among participants also grew stronger as the day unfolded.

Earlier on Wednesday, Al-Aboud and Riehle of Jameel Motorsport were leading the standings after day one, delivering a steady and confident performance in their Toyota Land Cruiser Prado.

They were followed closely by Team Canada, Michelle Laframboise and Elise Racette in a Toyota Fortuner, and Al-Tawkilat Motorsport, Jalah AlGhalib and Joanna Hassoun in a GMC Canyon.

Rally Jameel depends on both navigation skill and strategy — teams must interpret clues, track distances, and manage their timing across each leg.


Alcaraz swats aside Walton as career Grand Slam bid begins in Melbourne

Updated 18 January 2026
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Alcaraz swats aside Walton as career Grand Slam bid begins in Melbourne

  • The 22-year-old Spaniard can eclipse Don Budge and become the youngest man to win all four major singles titles at least once

MELBOURNE: Carlos Alcaraz kicked off his latest bid for a career Grand Slam by dismantling unseeded Australian Adam Walton 6-3 7-6(2) 6-2 in the first round of the Australian Open on Sunday, as the world number one showcased the power and precision befitting a player chasing history.
The 22-year-old Spaniard, who can eclipse Don Budge and become the youngest man to win all four major singles titles at least once, gave a packed Rod Laver Arena an exhibition in shot-making that ‌had fans ‌either glued to their seats or ‌rising ⁠in ovation.
“I’m really ‌happy to step on to the court for the first time this season. I think it couldn’t be better than here at Rod Laver Arena. It was a good match, I felt great,” Alcaraz said.
“Adam (showed) a great level in the match so I had to stay there. Overall, I’m happy ⁠with the level I played at today.
“It was difficult to find good spots (against ‌him) ... he was always in a ‍good position, long rallies and ‍solid from the baseline. His flat ball was sometimes ‍really difficult for me.
“It was a really solid match and when he was able to step in on the court and play aggressive, he did, and that made it really difficult in the match.”
A ferocious forehand helped Alcaraz to grab the first break for a 5-3 lead and the ⁠six-times Grand Slam champion closed out the opening set on his retooled serve, which now bears more than a passing resemblance to the delivery of Novak Djokovic.
That technical tweak followed Alcaraz’s abrupt split last month with long-time coach Juan Carlos Ferrero, whose steadying influence was missing when the Spaniard was dragged into a second-set tiebreak after a spell of loose, crowd-pleasing tennis.
A ruthless Alcaraz came out all guns blazing to double his advantage in the clash and then rode the ‌momentum to ease through the third set, booking a second-round meeting with Germany’s Yannick Hanfmann.