AlUla to Host First-Ever Mideast Tough Mudder Infinity Challenge in February

The winner is awarded one of the largest financial prizes in the history of obstacle-course racing - SPA
The winner is awarded one of the largest financial prizes in the history of obstacle-course racing - SPA
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AlUla to Host First-Ever Mideast Tough Mudder Infinity Challenge in February

The winner is awarded one of the largest financial prizes in the history of obstacle-course racing - SPA
The winner is awarded one of the largest financial prizes in the history of obstacle-course racing - SPA

The world's most popular obstacle-course racing challenge, Tough Mudder, announced the launch of a Tough Mudder Infinity race for the first time in the Middle East, to be held February 24, 2024 in AlUla Governorate, one of the most prominent tourist destinations in the world.

During the eight-hour race, participants must accomplish the largest number of laps around the Tough Mudder obstacle course. The winner is awarded one of the largest financial prizes in the history of obstacle-course racing. Participants can join the race individually or in teams, according to AFP.
In conjunction with the Tough Mudder Infinity competition, 5km and 10km Tough Mudder competition will be held, providing a group of challenges suitable for all fitness levels.
The Tough Mudder license holder in the Middle East, Nick Cartwright, said that holding the Tough Mudder Infinity competition in AlUla represents the region’s commitment to provide exceptional experiences and promoting an active lifestyle, amid the stunning views of AlUla, which offers participants a wonderful experience.
For his part, Rami Almoallim, the vice president of Destination Marketing and Management at the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU), said that AlUla represents one of the most distinctive tourist destinations in the region, as it continues to attract visitors thanks to the annual “AlUla Moments” calendar, which presents many special events and festivals. He said the region is looking forward to host fans of this exciting sport.



Stakusic Fights off 4 Match Points to Upset Top-Seeded Ostapenko at the Guadalajara Open 

Marina Stakusic of Canada celebrates her victory over Jelena Ostapenko of Latvia during a match at the Guadalajara Open WTA 500 tournament in Guadalajara, Mexico, 12 September 2024. (EPA)
Marina Stakusic of Canada celebrates her victory over Jelena Ostapenko of Latvia during a match at the Guadalajara Open WTA 500 tournament in Guadalajara, Mexico, 12 September 2024. (EPA)
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Stakusic Fights off 4 Match Points to Upset Top-Seeded Ostapenko at the Guadalajara Open 

Marina Stakusic of Canada celebrates her victory over Jelena Ostapenko of Latvia during a match at the Guadalajara Open WTA 500 tournament in Guadalajara, Mexico, 12 September 2024. (EPA)
Marina Stakusic of Canada celebrates her victory over Jelena Ostapenko of Latvia during a match at the Guadalajara Open WTA 500 tournament in Guadalajara, Mexico, 12 September 2024. (EPA)

Teenager Marina Stakusic fought off four match points to claim the biggest win in her career after defeating top-seeded Jelena Ostapenko 6-3, 5-7, 7-6 (0) on Thursday to advance to the Guadalajara Open quarterfinals.

The 19-year-old Canadian trailed 4-0 in the third set and fought off the four match points when she was down 5-3.

“I’m happy to pull through, it was a rollercoaster, I got a chance to close it in the second and I didn't, but I’m happy with the win and excited with the quarters,” said Stakusic, who got into the main draw on a wild card.

Stakusic defeated Olympic semifinalist Anna Karolina Schmiedlova 6-2, 6-4 in the opening round and then Ostapenko for her first-career win over a top-20 player. Last year she lost to Barbora Krejcikova in the Billie Jean King Cup Finals.

The Canadian, ranked 155th, is the first wild-card entry to reach the quarterfinals in Guadalajara. Stakusic will next play fifth-seeded Magdalena Frech, who beat Ashley Krueger 3-6, 6-3, 6-1 in the last match of the night.

Ostapenko, who is ranked 12th and won the 2017 French Open, had 17 double faults in the match.

Earlier, fourth-seeded Caroline Garcia held off Ena Shibajara 7-6 (3), 7-6 (5) and also progressed to the quarterfinals where she will meet Marie Bouzkova, who in the first match of the day breezed past qualifier Lucrezia Stefanini 6-2, 6-1.

The 30-year-old Garcia will be playing in her first quarterfinal since she advanced to the Rouen semifinals last April.

“We played very different styles, she is a player that does not suit me, I need to play solid, and I will see what I can do differently to beat her,” said Garcia, who is 0-4 against Bouzkova.

The tournament is being played on hard courts at the Complejo Panamericano de Tenis, in Guadalajara.