Real Madrid Rallies Again to Beat Sociedad and Extend Its Perfect Start in Spanish League 

Real Madrid's Uruguayan midfielder Fede Valverde celebrates after scoring the 1-1 goal during the Spanish LaLiga soccer match between Real Madrid and Real Sociedad, in Madrid, Spain, 17 September 2023. (EPA)
Real Madrid's Uruguayan midfielder Fede Valverde celebrates after scoring the 1-1 goal during the Spanish LaLiga soccer match between Real Madrid and Real Sociedad, in Madrid, Spain, 17 September 2023. (EPA)
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Real Madrid Rallies Again to Beat Sociedad and Extend Its Perfect Start in Spanish League 

Real Madrid's Uruguayan midfielder Fede Valverde celebrates after scoring the 1-1 goal during the Spanish LaLiga soccer match between Real Madrid and Real Sociedad, in Madrid, Spain, 17 September 2023. (EPA)
Real Madrid's Uruguayan midfielder Fede Valverde celebrates after scoring the 1-1 goal during the Spanish LaLiga soccer match between Real Madrid and Real Sociedad, in Madrid, Spain, 17 September 2023. (EPA)

Real Madrid remained perfect in the Spanish league after it rallied again for a 2-1 win over Real Sociedad on Sunday.

Federico Valverde and Joselu scored early in the second half at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium to give Madrid its fifth straight victory to start the league season.

The only team still with a perfect record, Madrid has a two-point lead over second-place Barcelona, which has won four in a row after opening with a draw.

Ander Barrenetxea put Sociedad ahead with a goal from inside the area only five minutes into the match after a cross by Japan forward Takefusa Kubo. Valverde equalized for Madrid less than a minute into the second half with a one-timer from outside the area, and Joselu scored the go-ahead goal in the 60th with a header off a cross by Fran Garcia, who also assisted in Valverde's goal.

It was the third time that Madrid had to come from behind to pick up a win this season. It had also trailed early in victories against Almeria and Getafe.

“The good thing is that we have been able to overcome these early goals, but we have to analyze it and work to try to keep that from happening,” Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said.

Sociedad drew its first three matches but was coming off a win against Granada.

New Madrid signing Jude Bellingham had entered the match as one of the hottest players in the league, having scored five goals in the first four matches. The 20-year-old England midfielder nearly got his sixth goal with a diving close-range header that required a difficult save by Sociedad goalkeeper Álex Ramiro near the end of match.

Madrid, still without injured forward Vinícius Júnior, will be back at the Bernabeu on Wednesday to open its Champions League campaign in a group-stage match against Union Berlin.

Ramos returns

After a gap of 18 years, veteran defender Sergio Ramos has played again for the club where he started his career as Sevilla defeated Las Palmas 1-0 for its first win of the season.

The 37-year-old Ramos began his career at Sevilla before joining rival Real Madrid. Some Sevilla fans were not happy with his recent signing, but most showed their support on Sunday.

“It was very moving to be playing in front of these fans again,” said Ramos, who played the entire match.

Dodi Lukebakio scored a 71st-minute winner for Sevilla at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium. The victory moved the club out of the relegation zone after three consecutive league losses to start the season.

It was the third loss in five matches for promoted Las Palmas, which remains winless and in the relegation zone.

Las Palmas had to make the trip from the Canary Islands in two separate flights after the club said 15 players missed the first flight.

Late victory

Nemanja Maksimovic scored in the 86th as Getafe beat Osasuna 3-2 for its second win in three matches.

Mason Greenwood came on as a substitute late in the match to make his Getafe debut. Local media said some Osasuna fans said “Greenwood, die” when the forward entered the game. Greenwood left Manchester United following a criminal investigation into a possible attempted rape that was closed by prosecutors.

It was the second straight league loss for Osasuna.

Getafe's Fabrizio Angileri was sent off in stoppage time.

Winning debut

Villarreal coach Jose “Pacheta” Martín debuted with a 2-1 victory against Almeria thanks to Alexander Sorloth’s winning header four minutes into stoppage time.

The visitors had taken the lead through Sergio Akieme before Gerard Moreno equalized before halftime.

Villarreal had lost three of its first four games and was coming off consecutive defeats to Barcelona and Cadiz.

Almeria remains winless and in last place, with four losses and a draw.



Indonesians Pay Tribute to Victims of Stadium Crush One Year On

Protesters react before a memorial service on the first anniversary of the October 2022 stampede that killed 135 people in one of football's worst tragedies at the Kanjuruhan football stadium in Malang, East Java, on October 1, 2023. (AFP)
Protesters react before a memorial service on the first anniversary of the October 2022 stampede that killed 135 people in one of football's worst tragedies at the Kanjuruhan football stadium in Malang, East Java, on October 1, 2023. (AFP)
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Indonesians Pay Tribute to Victims of Stadium Crush One Year On

Protesters react before a memorial service on the first anniversary of the October 2022 stampede that killed 135 people in one of football's worst tragedies at the Kanjuruhan football stadium in Malang, East Java, on October 1, 2023. (AFP)
Protesters react before a memorial service on the first anniversary of the October 2022 stampede that killed 135 people in one of football's worst tragedies at the Kanjuruhan football stadium in Malang, East Java, on October 1, 2023. (AFP)

Hundreds of Indonesians paid emotional tributes Sunday to the victims of a football stadium crush a year ago that killed 135 people in one of the world's worst sports disasters.

Grieving relatives, survivors and fans gathered for a mass prayer at the Kanjuruhan stadium in the East Javan city of Malang, where the fatal stampede unfolded at the end of a match between Arema FC and fierce rivals Persebaya Surabaya.

Police fired tear gas into packed stands when home supporters invaded the pitch, sparking a rush to the stadium's small exits, some of which were closed. Forty-three children were among the dead and hundreds more people were injured in the crush.

Some relatives of the victims broke down in tears on Sunday and others fainted as they prayed at the makeshift memorial at the stadium's Gate 13, where many of the victims died.

"I felt very painful, but we all prayed together... Hopefully all of the dead spirits are in heaven," Misiati, who like many Indonesians goes by one name, told AFP.

Her 20-year-old son Fillah Aziz Firmansyah was among those killed.

"Please investigate thoroughly. Don't play with the laws," she said.

Some relatives are still seeking justice, claiming prison sentences of between one and two-and-a-half years handed to three police officers and two civilians for negligence causing death were too lenient.

FIFA, football's world governing body, bans the use of tear gas in stadiums.

Wahyu Jarwati, 51, whose child's friend was also one of the victims, prayed and expressed sadness that so many children were killed.

"Everyone was innocent as they only wanted to watch their team. But in reality, they went home only in their name," she said.

President Joko Widodo ordered a nationwide stadium audit after the tragedy and pledged to demolish and rebuild Kanjuruhan, but it remains standing.

Several victims' relatives read a statement before the prayer service, listing demands including a fair trial for those responsible and calling on Widodo to suspend the stadium's planned renovation so a reconstruction of events could take place.

They also demanded Indonesia's football association declare October 1 a national day of mourning.


Bellingham Impresses Again as Real Madrid Deals Girona Its 1st Defeat of Season to Go Top of League

Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham celebrates after scoring the 0-3 goal during the Spanish LaLiga match between Girona FC and Real Madrid at Montilivi stadium in Girona, Spain, 30 September 2023. (EPA)
Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham celebrates after scoring the 0-3 goal during the Spanish LaLiga match between Girona FC and Real Madrid at Montilivi stadium in Girona, Spain, 30 September 2023. (EPA)
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Bellingham Impresses Again as Real Madrid Deals Girona Its 1st Defeat of Season to Go Top of League

Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham celebrates after scoring the 0-3 goal during the Spanish LaLiga match between Girona FC and Real Madrid at Montilivi stadium in Girona, Spain, 30 September 2023. (EPA)
Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham celebrates after scoring the 0-3 goal during the Spanish LaLiga match between Girona FC and Real Madrid at Montilivi stadium in Girona, Spain, 30 September 2023. (EPA)

Jude Bellingham gave Girona a reality check on Saturday after he led Real Madrid to a 3-0 away victory over the early-season sensation in the Spanish league.

Girona had entered the round undefeated and on a six-game winning streak that had taken it to the top of the standings for the first time in the club's history.

But Bellingham put Madrid on course for the win by producing a superb pass for Joselu Mato’s 17th-minute opener. After Aurélien Tchouaméni quickly doubled the advantage, Bellingham rounded off the scoring with his league-leading sixth goal in eight rounds.

"It was an important win," Bellingham said. "We made a statement of intent to La Liga — three goals and a clean sheet against a team that was doing very well."

Madrid climbed over Girona and Barcelona to the top of the standings. Carlo Ancelotti’s Madrid now leads Barcelona by one point and Girona by two.

Girona, which is partly controlled by Manchester City’s Abu Dhabi ownership, had the early initiative until Bellingham again showed why Madrid spent big to acquire the 20-year-old England player from Borussia Dortmund this summer.

Girona twice threatened to score in the opening five minutes when Yangel Herrera headed over the bar and Artem Dovbyk headed off the post.

Then it was Bellingham's turn to use the outside edge of his right boot to bend a pass around three defenders and connect with Joselu at the far post where the striker fired home. Goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga got his gloves on the shot but couldn’t keep it out.

"That pass by Bellingham was spectacular and that goal hurt us a lot because until then we were playing well," Girona coach Míchel Sánchez said. "Madrid was full-on today and that opener made us realize how tough the game was going to be."

Bellingham said his pass was inspired by teammate Luka Modric, the veteran midfielder who was on Madrid's bench.

"I’ve been watching Modrić every day for three months," he said. "I just want to be creative. It was a good goal because it took the pressure off us that they put on us at the start."

Tchouaméni added a second goal in the 21st when he was left enough room to head in Toni Kroos’ corner kick.

Girona saw a chance to get back into the game five minutes after halftime when David López got his head on a corner, only for Kepa Arrizabalaga to swat the ball to safety.

Míchel sent on more attacking players and Girona pushed forward, but Madrid never had trouble defending its area and was eventually exposed in defense.

Joselu returned the assist for Bellingham in the 71st when the former Espanyol striker found Bellingham to score after a three-on-two counterattack.

Madrid lost defender Nacho Fernández in injury time when he saw a direct red for a studs-first tackle on Girona’s Cristian "Portu" Portugués. Portu had to be carried off on a stretcher. The foul led to a brief confrontation between players.

Ancelotti apologized to Girona for the foul that he called "senseless." Míchel said that Portu will undergo tests to determine the extent of his injury.

Madrid visits Napoli on Tuesday in the Champions League.

Basque derby

Real Sociedad rolled to a 3-0 win over Athletic Bilbao in the Basque Country’s biggest derby.

Robin Le Normand, Takefusa Kubo and Mikel Oyarzabal scored for the hosts, which moved ahead of Bilbao and into fourth place.

Falcao penalty

Radamel Falcao scored from a retaken stoppage-time penalty to snatch a 2-2 draw for Rayo Vallecano with Mallorca.

Predrag Rajkovic saved the initial spot kick taken by Falcao, but the referee ruled that Mallorca’s goalkeeper had left his line too early. Falcao didn't squander his second chance.

Ten-man Villarreal salvaged a 0-0 draw at Getafe after midfielder Álex Baena was sent off with a direct red card in the 24th for elbowing an opponent. Baena scored in his debut for Spain earlier in September.

Filip Jörgensen made several saves to preserve the point for Villarreal.


Referees’ Governing Body Admits ‘Significant Human Error’ after Liverpool’s 2-1 Loss at Tottenham

Liverpool's Portuguese striker #20 Diogo Jota reacts as he received a red card from referee Simon Hooper during the English Premier League football match between Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, on September 30, 2023. (AFP)
Liverpool's Portuguese striker #20 Diogo Jota reacts as he received a red card from referee Simon Hooper during the English Premier League football match between Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, on September 30, 2023. (AFP)
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Referees’ Governing Body Admits ‘Significant Human Error’ after Liverpool’s 2-1 Loss at Tottenham

Liverpool's Portuguese striker #20 Diogo Jota reacts as he received a red card from referee Simon Hooper during the English Premier League football match between Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, on September 30, 2023. (AFP)
Liverpool's Portuguese striker #20 Diogo Jota reacts as he received a red card from referee Simon Hooper during the English Premier League football match between Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, on September 30, 2023. (AFP)

The referees’ governing body in England admitted a “significant human error” after Luis Diaz had a goal ruled offside in Liverpool’s 2-1 loss at Tottenham in the Premier League on Saturday.

Diaz struck what he thought was a 34th-minute goal in the match at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, only for it to be ruled out.

The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) later admitted the mistake.

“The goal by Luiz Diaz was disallowed for offside by the on-field team of match officials,” it said in a statement. “This was a clear and obvious factual error and should have resulted in the goal being awarded through VAR intervention, however, the VAR failed to intervene.”

The PGMOL said it would conduct a full review into the matter.

That does not help Liverpool after it missed the chance to move to the top of the table following Manchester City’s surprising 2-1 loss to Wolverhampton earlier Saturday.

“We will not get points for it so it doesn’t help. Nobody expects 100% right decisions on field but we all thought when VAR comes in that it might make things easier," Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said.

Joel Matip's own-goal deep into stoppage time handed Tottenham the win in a game that also saw Liverpool reduced to nine men.

Liverpool looked set to hold on for a draw before Matip turned Pedro Porro's low cross into his own net in the sixth minute of added-on time.

The visitors had Curtis Jones sent off in the 26th minute for a reckless challenge on Yves Bissouma and had to play the last 20 minutes, plus stoppage time, with nine men after substitute Diogo Jota picked up two yellow cards in quick succession.

Liverpool would have gone top of the standings with a win. Tottenham moves up to second, overtaking the Merseyside club.

Jones was shown a red card after a VAR review. He was initially given a yellow card by referee Simon Hooper after he caught Bissouma late in a tackle but it was upgraded after the official consulted the pitchside monitor.

Replays showed Jones had gone over the ball and connected with his studs into Bissouma’s shin, which resulted in VAR calling for a review.

Tottenham opened the scoring in the 36th minute through Son Heung-min. Maddison played through Richarlison on the left and he squared for Son to tap home for his sixth goal of the season.

Two minutes earlier, the offside flag denied Liverpool when Diaz rifled into the bottom corner, but was ruled to be marginally offside.

Liverpool hit back in the fourth minute of first-half stoppage time when Virgil van Dijk’s header across goal was controlled by Cody Gakpo, who turned and fired past Guglielmo Vicario.

Gakpo had been down moments earlier after he was caught by Destiny Udogie and appeared in pain following the goal, but was eventually fine to carry on.

Liverpool was dealt another blow when Jota was sent off. He was cautioned by Hooper for a late tackle on Udogie in the 68th minute and within 120 seconds had received another yellow card for catching Udogie again.

Despite Liverpool being down to nine, Tottenham initially made little impact against a compact defense — Richarlison headed straight at goalkeeper Alisson early in added time — and Liverpool had chances to find a winning goal on the counter before Matip's own-goal decided the game.


Havertz Scores His First Arsenal Goal in 4-0 Win over Bournemouth in Premier League

Arsenal's German midfielder #29 Kai Havertz (R) and his teammates celebrate scoring the third goal from the penalty spot during the English Premier League football match between Bournemouth and Arsenal at the Vitality Stadium in Bournemouth, southern England on September 30, 2023. (AFP)
Arsenal's German midfielder #29 Kai Havertz (R) and his teammates celebrate scoring the third goal from the penalty spot during the English Premier League football match between Bournemouth and Arsenal at the Vitality Stadium in Bournemouth, southern England on September 30, 2023. (AFP)
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Havertz Scores His First Arsenal Goal in 4-0 Win over Bournemouth in Premier League

Arsenal's German midfielder #29 Kai Havertz (R) and his teammates celebrate scoring the third goal from the penalty spot during the English Premier League football match between Bournemouth and Arsenal at the Vitality Stadium in Bournemouth, southern England on September 30, 2023. (AFP)
Arsenal's German midfielder #29 Kai Havertz (R) and his teammates celebrate scoring the third goal from the penalty spot during the English Premier League football match between Bournemouth and Arsenal at the Vitality Stadium in Bournemouth, southern England on September 30, 2023. (AFP)

Kai Havertz scored his first goal for Arsenal as his new club cruised to a 4-0 win over Bournemouth in the Premier League on Saturday.

As title rival Manchester City struggled in a 2-1 loss at Wolverhampton, Arsenal eased to victory with goals from Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Havertz and Ben White. The Germany forward had not scored since joining Arsenal from Chelsea this summer.

Arsenal made just one change from the team that drew 2-2 with Tottenham last weekend as several players overcame injury doubts. Saka, William Saliba, and Declan Rice all retained their places despite unspecified knocks. Havertz came in for Fabio Vieira in Mikel Arteta’s only alteration.

Saka put Arsenal ahead in the 17th minute, nodding into an empty goal after Gabriel Jesus’ header came back off the post.

Arsenal was awarded a penalty late in the first half as Max Aarons felled Eddie Nketiah in the box. Odegaard sent Neto the wrong way to double the lead.

Bournemouth continued to cause its own problems as a poor challenge from Ryan Christie on Odegaard allowed Havertz to convert the spot-kick in the 53rd for his first Arsenal goal. White added a goal in stoppage time with an assist by Odegaard.

In another headache for Bournemouth, head coach Andoni Iraola was quoted in local media as saying US national team captain Tyler Adams could be sidelined “for some time” with a possible recurrence of his hamstring injury.

Adams was not included in Bournemouth’s squad for the Arsenal game. He came on as a substitute in the Cherries’ midweek 2-0 win over Stoke in the third round of the English League Cup, Adams’ first match since March 11.

“I don’t know what to call it, a setback, but he is not feeling well," Iraola said in comments made to the Daily Echo. “He has been out for a lot of time, so we have to reassess, to reset, to take the good decisions, thinking in everything."

Iraola added: “I couldn’t tell you if it’s exactly the same point, but it’s true that it’s his hamstring that he is not feeling well.”


Asian Games Wrap Up Their First Week in Hangzhou, China

 The crowd cheers with Chinese flags during the opening ceremony of the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023. (AP)
The crowd cheers with Chinese flags during the opening ceremony of the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023. (AP)
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Asian Games Wrap Up Their First Week in Hangzhou, China

 The crowd cheers with Chinese flags during the opening ceremony of the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023. (AP)
The crowd cheers with Chinese flags during the opening ceremony of the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023. (AP)

The two-week Asian Games featuring 12,500 participants from 45 nations and territories have completed their first week in China.

The opening ceremony in the packed 80,000-seat Olympic Sports Center Stadium in Hangzhou featured electronic flash, 3D animations and a virtual torchbearer.

Many of the 481 events offer a chance for smaller delegations to win medals, which is often impossible at the Olympics. The regional fare includes dragon boat racing, sepaktakraw — sometimes called “kick volleyball” — wushu, a Chinese martial art, and kabaddi, a popular contact sport on the Indian subcontinent.

Add to this a long list of what organizers call “mind sports” from bridge to chess to xiangqi (Chinese chess) to esports like League of Legends.

South Korea’s League of Legends team won not only the gold medal but also an exemption from military service at home. In South Korea, the law exempts athletes, classical and traditional musicians, and ballet and other dancers from military service if they have obtained top prizes in certain competitions and are assessed to have enhanced national prestige.

The youngest member of the nearly 900-strong delegation from China, a 13-year-old skateboarder, is going home with a gold medal in women’s street skateboarding. Cui Chenxi is already planning for next year’s Paris Olympics.

Nine sports at the Asian Games offer qualification spots for the Olympics — archery, artistic swimming, boxing, breaking, hockey, modern pentathlon, sailing, tennis, and water polo.


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.


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.


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.


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.


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.