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Ten Hag Hopes Rashford and Man Utd ‘Find Each Other’ in Contract Talks

Manchester United's Marcus Rashford shows dejection at full time during the English Premier League match between West Ham United and Manchester United, in London, Britain, 07 May 2023. (EPA)
Manchester United's Marcus Rashford shows dejection at full time during the English Premier League match between West Ham United and Manchester United, in London, Britain, 07 May 2023. (EPA)
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Ten Hag Hopes Rashford and Man Utd ‘Find Each Other’ in Contract Talks

Manchester United's Marcus Rashford shows dejection at full time during the English Premier League match between West Ham United and Manchester United, in London, Britain, 07 May 2023. (EPA)
Manchester United's Marcus Rashford shows dejection at full time during the English Premier League match between West Ham United and Manchester United, in London, Britain, 07 May 2023. (EPA)

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag said he is confident that Marcus Rashford will agree a new contract with the Premier League club even as the English forward prepares to enter the final year of his deal with the Old Trafford outfit.

Rashford has enjoyed the best season of his career with 29 goals in all competitions for United, including 16 in the Premier League.

However, the 25-year-old United academy graduate has yet to put pen to paper on a new deal and although Ten Hag said he knew why talks have dragged on, the Dutchman refused to elaborate.

"Yes, I know (why), but I don't talk about the process. Let the process go. Once again, this is not important at the moment for me or Rashy," Ten Hag told reporters ahead of Saturday's league match at Bournemouth.

"For him, it is to get more goals this season. He is playing a wonderful season and the team is playing a wonderful season. We have to get into the Champions League and focus on that.

"Marcus wants to stay and we want him to stay, so I think we will find each other."

United are fourth in the table with 66 points and have a game in hand over Liverpool, who are a point behind in the top-four race for Champions League qualification.

Ten Hag's side are also in the FA Cup final where they will look to deny their rivals Manchester City a shot at the treble achieved only once before in England -- by the 1998-99 United team -- but he is not looking that far ahead yet.

"When we have three games and it's gone, yes, I will enjoy it. Before that, it is not important at all," he said.

"I think we have to keep doing what we have all season, improve every day and improve every game ... Focusing on the next game is the most important."

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Sports

Tunisia’s Jabeur Wins Ningbo Open

Tunisia's Jabeur hits a return against Russia's Diana Shnaider during the women's singles final match at the WTA Ningbo Open tennis tournament in Ningbo, in China's eastern Zhejiang province on September 30, 2023. (Photo by AFP) / China OUT
Tunisia's Jabeur hits a return against Russia's Diana Shnaider during the women's singles final match at the WTA Ningbo Open tennis tournament in Ningbo, in China's eastern Zhejiang province on September 30, 2023. (Photo by AFP) / China OUT
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Tunisia’s Jabeur Wins Ningbo Open

Tunisia's Jabeur hits a return against Russia's Diana Shnaider during the women's singles final match at the WTA Ningbo Open tennis tournament in Ningbo, in China's eastern Zhejiang province on September 30, 2023. (Photo by AFP) / China OUT
Tunisia's Jabeur hits a return against Russia's Diana Shnaider during the women's singles final match at the WTA Ningbo Open tennis tournament in Ningbo, in China's eastern Zhejiang province on September 30, 2023. (Photo by AFP) / China OUT

Top-seeded Ons Jabeur won her fifth career title at the Ningbo Open with a 6-2, 6-1 victory over teenager Diana Shnaider on Saturday.
The seventh-ranked Jabeur, a three-time Grand Slam finalist, saved her best performance of the tournament for the final and raced to victory in 78 minutes.
“I felt tactically I played very well, I had an advantage in that I had more experience than her to manage certain points,” The Associated Press quoted Jabeur as saying.

“Playing a final here is more relaxed than playing a Grand Slam final, but I think it will help me gain confidence more, and to help me manage the pressure and stress.”
The Tunisian had 18 winners to only 10 unforced errors, while saving all three break points she faced, denying the 19-year-old Shnaider any chance to get a foothold in the match.
This was 85th-ranked Shnaider's first career final in just her ninth WTA tournament main draw. One year ago, she was ranked No. 220 and beginning her freshman year at North Carolina State.

Sports

Medvedev Advances to Quarterfinals at China Open. Rublev Crashes Out

Russia's Daniil Medvedev hits a return to Australia's Alex De Minaur during their men's singles second round tennis match at the China Open tennis tournament in Beijing on September 30, 2023. (Photo by Jade Gao / AFP)
Russia's Daniil Medvedev hits a return to Australia's Alex De Minaur during their men's singles second round tennis match at the China Open tennis tournament in Beijing on September 30, 2023. (Photo by Jade Gao / AFP)
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Medvedev Advances to Quarterfinals at China Open. Rublev Crashes Out

Russia's Daniil Medvedev hits a return to Australia's Alex De Minaur during their men's singles second round tennis match at the China Open tennis tournament in Beijing on September 30, 2023. (Photo by Jade Gao / AFP)
Russia's Daniil Medvedev hits a return to Australia's Alex De Minaur during their men's singles second round tennis match at the China Open tennis tournament in Beijing on September 30, 2023. (Photo by Jade Gao / AFP)

Third-ranked Daniil Medvedev showed composure to overcome a characteristically tenacious Alex de Minaur on Saturday, and secure a spot in the quarterfinals of the China Open.

The second-seeded Medvedev emerged with a 7-6 (3), 6-3 win in Beijing, but not before his 12th-ranked Australian opponent had staged a comeback from trailing 5-2 in the first set to force a tiebreaker.

“It’s crazy how every time he is down in a match, you know he is going to start playing like he is No. 1 in the world," Medvedev said, according to The Associated Press. "Tough to play against him, a tough victory, but I am happy with my level.”

“Confidence is key. When I am in good shape and good form, I have this ability to win these kinds of matches in straight sets. If I’m missing just 2% of what I’m doing right now, that’s when it’s tougher."

The Russian will next face Ugo Humbert on Monday, after the Frenchman upset fifth-seeded Andrey Rublev 5-7, 6-3, 7-6 (3).

Humbert thwarted Rublev’s attempt to serve out the match at 5-3 in the final set and then completed the comeback victory with a dominant tiebreaker.
Nicolas Jarry, who eliminated fourth-seeded Stefanos Tsitsipas in the previous round, beat qualifier Matteo Arnaldi 6-7 (4), 7-6 (4), 6-3.

Sports

Olympics: No Restrictions on Hijab in Paris 2024 Games’ Athletes Village

Paris will host the Summer Olympics from July 26 to Aug. 11 next year. - AFP
Paris will host the Summer Olympics from July 26 to Aug. 11 next year. - AFP
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Olympics: No Restrictions on Hijab in Paris 2024 Games’ Athletes Village

Paris will host the Summer Olympics from July 26 to Aug. 11 next year. - AFP
Paris will host the Summer Olympics from July 26 to Aug. 11 next year. - AFP

Athletes can wear a hijab in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games athletes’ village without any restriction, the International Olympic Committee said on Friday, days after France’s sports minister banned it for the host country’s athletes.

The Olympic body also said it needed to better understand the situation in France and had been in contact with the French Olympic Committee (CNOSF).

French Sports Minister Amelie Oudea-Castera said on Sunday French athletes would be barred from wearing a hijab during the Paris Games to respect principles of secularism.

“For the Olympic Village, the IOC rules apply,” an IOC spokesperson said. “There are no restrictions on wearing the hijab or any other religious or cultural attire.”

The vast majority of the approximately 10,000 athletes at Olympic Games reside in apartments in the Olympic village and share common spaces, including dining halls and recreational areas.

“When it comes to competitions, the regulations set by the relevant International Federation (IF) apply,” the IOC spokesperson said, Reuters reported.

The sports competitions at the Olympics are organized and overseen by the individual international sports federations.

There are 32 sports on the program of the Paris Games.

“Since this French regulation relates to the members of the French team only, we are in contact with the CNOSF to further understand the situation regarding the French athletes,” the spokesperson said.

The French decision to bar its athletes from wearing a hijab was criticized by the United Nations human rights office this week.

Paris will host the Summer Olympics from July 26 to Aug. 11 next year.

Sports

Sport Ministry's Pavilion in Rome-based Saudi Village Attracts Sports Enthusiasts

The activities of the ministry at the Saudi Village in Rome were organized by Saudi Arabia’s embassy in Italy. SPA
The activities of the ministry at the Saudi Village in Rome were organized by Saudi Arabia’s embassy in Italy. SPA
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Sport Ministry's Pavilion in Rome-based Saudi Village Attracts Sports Enthusiasts

The activities of the ministry at the Saudi Village in Rome were organized by Saudi Arabia’s embassy in Italy. SPA
The activities of the ministry at the Saudi Village in Rome were organized by Saudi Arabia’s embassy in Italy. SPA

The pavilion of the Ministry of Sport at the Saudi Village in Rome concluded its activities Friday.

The activities were organized by Saudi Arabia’s embassy in Italy.

The pavilion shed light on the international events held by the ministry and the diverse investment opportunities available with regard to Saudi sports.

It also highlighted the role of the Saudi private sector and its effective participation in sports projects.

The pavilion spotlighted the progress seen in women’s football and the training centers provided for this game, in addition to future projects under the Saudi Vision 2030.

During the event, there was also a chance to highlight the championships that the Kingdom is preparing for, including the 2027 AFC Asian Cup as well as the 2029 Asian Winter Games in Trojena.

The pavilion attracted Italian sports enthusiasts, fans, investors, and university students during its activities.

Sports

Riyadh to Host Arab Archery Competition Next Month

A general view of Riyadh city, Saudi Arabia, February 20, 2022. REUTERS/Mohammed Benmansour
A general view of Riyadh city, Saudi Arabia, February 20, 2022. REUTERS/Mohammed Benmansour
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Riyadh to Host Arab Archery Competition Next Month

A general view of Riyadh city, Saudi Arabia, February 20, 2022. REUTERS/Mohammed Benmansour
A general view of Riyadh city, Saudi Arabia, February 20, 2022. REUTERS/Mohammed Benmansour

The 13th Arab Open Archery Competition will be held in Riyadh from October 12 to 17.

Organized by the Saudi Arabian Archery Federation, the competition will see the participation of 120 female and male athletes representing 20 national teams.

Federation CEO Abdulrahman Alshudukhi said that all preparations are underway for the event, adding that hosting the Arab competition for the first time will set the stage for regional and international archery competitions in the future.

Sports

Alcaraz, Medvedev Untroubled in 1st Round at China Open

Tennis - ATP 500 - China Open - National Tennis Center, Beijing, China - September 29, 2023. Carlos Alcaraz of Spain in action during his first round match against Yannick Hanfmann of Germany. REUTERS/Florence Lo
Tennis - ATP 500 - China Open - National Tennis Center, Beijing, China - September 29, 2023. Carlos Alcaraz of Spain in action during his first round match against Yannick Hanfmann of Germany. REUTERS/Florence Lo
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Alcaraz, Medvedev Untroubled in 1st Round at China Open

Tennis - ATP 500 - China Open - National Tennis Center, Beijing, China - September 29, 2023. Carlos Alcaraz of Spain in action during his first round match against Yannick Hanfmann of Germany. REUTERS/Florence Lo
Tennis - ATP 500 - China Open - National Tennis Center, Beijing, China - September 29, 2023. Carlos Alcaraz of Spain in action during his first round match against Yannick Hanfmann of Germany. REUTERS/Florence Lo

Second-ranked Carlos Alcaraz made a comfortable debut in China on Friday with a 6-4, 6-3 victory over qualifier Yannick Hanfmann in the first round of the China Open.

In his first competitive match since the semifinals of the US Open, the Spaniard traded breaks early before taking control.

"I’m really happy to be able to win this match in straight sets,” The Associated Press quoted Alcaraz as saying. “I tried to be really focused on every part of my game. I have to improve a little bit so I’m really happy to do it and have another chance to be better in the next round.”

Alcaraz will next face Lorenzo Musetti, who beat Karen Khachanov 6-3, 1-6, 6-2.

Third-ranked Daniil Medvedev defeated Tommy Paul 6-2, 6-1. The US Open finalist made only three unforced errors in his first visit to China in four years.

“I played great. The start of the match was not easy, but it’s never easy first round, especially in another part of the world," Medvedev said. “Then I was playing better and better during the match, so I’m happy about my level.”

The Russian will next face Alex de Minaur on Saturday.

Third-seeded Holger Rune, fifth-seeded Andriy Rublev, sixth-seeded Jannik Sinner, seventh-seeded Casper Ruud and eighth-seeded Alexander Zverev also won, while fourth-seeded Stefanos Tsitsipas was eliminated.

Sports

Russian Athletes to Compete at Paris Paralympics after IPC Votes Against Full Ban

A view shows the medals of French Paralympic cyclist Marie Patouillet, 35, who wants to compete at the Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics Games, in her apartment in Paris, France, September 5, 2023. REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier
A view shows the medals of French Paralympic cyclist Marie Patouillet, 35, who wants to compete at the Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics Games, in her apartment in Paris, France, September 5, 2023. REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier
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Russian Athletes to Compete at Paris Paralympics after IPC Votes Against Full Ban

A view shows the medals of French Paralympic cyclist Marie Patouillet, 35, who wants to compete at the Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics Games, in her apartment in Paris, France, September 5, 2023. REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier
A view shows the medals of French Paralympic cyclist Marie Patouillet, 35, who wants to compete at the Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics Games, in her apartment in Paris, France, September 5, 2023. REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier

Russian athletes will be able to compete as full participants or neutral athletes at next year's Paris Paralympics after the International Paralympic Committee members voted against a full ban of Russia on Friday.
The decision clears the way for Russians, whose athletes are currently banned from any Paralympic competition, to be in Paris and what the IPC will decide later on Friday is whether they will do so in full national team gear or if they will compete as neutrals, without national emblems, flags or anthem.
"At the IPC General Assembly in Bahrain, IPC members voted 74-65 (13 abstentions) against a motion to fully suspend NPC (National Paralympic Committee) Russia for breaches of its constitutional membership obligations," Reuters quoted IPC as saying.
The decision comes two weeks before the International Olympic Committee session in Mumbai where it will also discuss Russia's and Belarus' participation at the Paris Olympics next year.
The IPC had last year suspended the paralympic committees of both countries and banned their athletes from competing following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Belarus has acted as a staging ground for Russian troops and weapons.
Although an appeal against the suspension of the committees was upheld this year, Russian and Belarusian para-athletes remain banned from competitions to this day.
The IOC has not sanctioned the Russian or Belarus Olympic Committee or Russian members of the IOC. It did ban athletes following last year's invasion of Ukraine, which Russia calls a special military operation.
In March, however, it issued a first set of recommendations for international sports federations to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to return.

Sports

Saudi Squash Team to Participate in Denmark International Championship Friday

File: Tourists and visitors enjoy a warm sunny day in the historic Nyhavn area of Copenhagen, Denmark, July 9, 2023. (Reuters)
File: Tourists and visitors enjoy a warm sunny day in the historic Nyhavn area of Copenhagen, Denmark, July 9, 2023. (Reuters)
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Saudi Squash Team to Participate in Denmark International Championship Friday

File: Tourists and visitors enjoy a warm sunny day in the historic Nyhavn area of Copenhagen, Denmark, July 9, 2023. (Reuters)
File: Tourists and visitors enjoy a warm sunny day in the historic Nyhavn area of Copenhagen, Denmark, July 9, 2023. (Reuters)

The Saudi squash team will participate in the Denmark International Squash Championship, which will be held from September 29 to October 1st, with the participation of 32 players.
Mohammed Al-Nasfan and Hasan Al-Daoud are eagerly anticipating their upcoming participation in the championship, SPA reported.

This comes after Al-Nasfan's recent win at the Head Danish International Under-15 Championship held in Copenhagen, Denmark last September, which had a total of 99 players from 17 different countries.

Both players are determined to perform well and establish themselves in the upcoming championship.

Technical advisor Samer Al-Khatib and technical manager Ahmed Kamel are leading the Saudi team.

Sports

Draw Conducted for 2023 IHF Men's Super Globe in Dammam

Saudi flag flutters/file photo
Saudi flag flutters/file photo
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Draw Conducted for 2023 IHF Men's Super Globe in Dammam

Saudi flag flutters/file photo
Saudi flag flutters/file photo

The draw for the International Handball Federation's (IHF) Men's Super Globe competition, which will take place in the Kingdom's eastern city of Dammam between November 7 and 12, was held Thursday in Switzerland.

The draw put Saudi Al-Noor Club with Group A along with FC Barcelona and Egyptian Al-Ahly, while Saudi host team Khaleej will face SC Magdeburg, the current EHF Champions League Men title holders, and University of Queensland from Australia.

According to SPA, Group B combines Kuwait SC, San Fernando HB from Argentina, and Füchse Berlin, while Group D has KS Kielce from Poland, Bahraini club Al-Najma, and American San Francisco CalHeat.

The competition will be played according to the group system with the winners of each group to progress into the semi-finals while the other two sides will head to the Placement Matches.

Sports

Women's International Championship: Bhutan and Lebanon Reach Final

The Saudi Women's National Team during the match against Bhutan (Saudi Football Federation)
The Saudi Women's National Team during the match against Bhutan (Saudi Football Federation)
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Women's International Championship: Bhutan and Lebanon Reach Final

The Saudi Women's National Team during the match against Bhutan (Saudi Football Federation)
The Saudi Women's National Team during the match against Bhutan (Saudi Football Federation)

The Saudi Women's National Team missed a the chance to reach the final of the International Friendly Tournament taking place in Taif, after losing to the Bhutanese national team, who scored a late goal in the second half of extra time.

The Bhutanese team has secured their spot in the tournament final and will face off against Lebanon. Lebanon triumphed over Malaysia with a score of 4-3. Meanwhile, the Saudi team will compete against Malaysia to determine the third-place finisher on Saturday.

It's worth noting that this tournament featured the participation of national teams from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Bhutan, Laos, and Lebanon.