For Second Year in Row Diriyah Named Official Sponsor of Diriyah Saudi Super Cup

The decision to extend the partnership between the two parties results from the successful collaboration during the last tournament held in Abu Dhabi.
The decision to extend the partnership between the two parties results from the successful collaboration during the last tournament held in Abu Dhabi.
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For Second Year in Row Diriyah Named Official Sponsor of Diriyah Saudi Super Cup

The decision to extend the partnership between the two parties results from the successful collaboration during the last tournament held in Abu Dhabi.
The decision to extend the partnership between the two parties results from the successful collaboration during the last tournament held in Abu Dhabi.

The Saudi Arabian Football Federation, in partnership with SMC as the exclusive commercial partner, signed an agreement with Diriyah Company to sponsor the Saudi Super Cup tournament for the second consecutive year under the name of Diriyah Saudi Super Cup.

The event is scheduled to take place in Abha from August 13 to 17, with the participation of four clubs: Al Hilal, Al Nassr, Al Ahly, and Al Taawoun, SPA reported.
The decision to extend the partnership between the two parties results from the successful collaboration during the last tournament held in Abu Dhabi from April 8 to 11. Al Hilal emerged as the Diriyah Saudi Super Cup champion in that edition.
Diriyah Company Group CEO Jerry Inzerillo emphasized that "the popularity of Saudi football and its top teams was the main motivation behind renewing the partnership with the Saudi Arabian Football Federation to sponsor Diriyah Saudi Super Cup again. He added that Diriyah Company Group seeks to capitalize on the marketing opportunities in sports and the attention it garners, thanks to the presence of several international players and the high level of competition."
Secretary General of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, Ibrahim Al Kassim, said that renewing the agreement with Diriyah Company indicates the success of the previous Diriyah Saudi Super Cup. The competition featured strong matches between Al Hilal, Al Ittihad, Al Nassr, and Al Wahda. Al Kassim pointed out that this agreement is part of the federation's efforts to create investment and marketing opportunities, increase revenues, and diversify income sources aligned with Saudi Vision 2030's goals.
Al Kassim stated: "We in the Football Association are proud of the ongoing sponsorship, which is instrumental in promoting the key cultural, heritage, and tourism destinations throughout the Kingdom. This initiative not only highlights the historical, cultural, and competitive tourism benefits of the Kingdom but also demonstrates the considerable support and notable advancements being achieved. The partnership reflects the objectives of governmental entities and both public and private sectors in fostering collaborations that improve competitiveness and bolster investment initiatives in alignment with the Kingdom's goals."
SMC CEO Khalid bin Waleed AlKhudair said: "We take pride in renewing our partnership with Diriyah Company, a move that reflects our commitment to enhancing the sports landscape in Saudi Arabia and elevating its status on the international stage in alignment with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030."
AlKhudair added that "the success of the previous edition has strengthened the status of the Saudi Super Cup as one of the most prominent sporting events in the region. Furthermore, our collaboration with Diriyah aligns with our commitment to providing an exceptional sports experience that reflects the significant advancements the Kingdom is achieving across various sectors."



Alcaraz Sets Sights on Year-End Number One Spot 

Silver medal winner Carlos Alcaraz of Spain poses for a photo during the medal ceremony for the Men Singles of the Tennis competitions in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, at the Roland Garros in Paris, France, 04 August 2024. (EPA)
Silver medal winner Carlos Alcaraz of Spain poses for a photo during the medal ceremony for the Men Singles of the Tennis competitions in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, at the Roland Garros in Paris, France, 04 August 2024. (EPA)
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Alcaraz Sets Sights on Year-End Number One Spot 

Silver medal winner Carlos Alcaraz of Spain poses for a photo during the medal ceremony for the Men Singles of the Tennis competitions in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, at the Roland Garros in Paris, France, 04 August 2024. (EPA)
Silver medal winner Carlos Alcaraz of Spain poses for a photo during the medal ceremony for the Men Singles of the Tennis competitions in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, at the Roland Garros in Paris, France, 04 August 2024. (EPA)

After capturing back-to-back Grand Slam titles and a silver medal at the Paris Olympics, world number three Carlos Alcaraz said one of his key goals for the rest of the season is to finish as the top-ranked player in the world.

The 21-year-old French Open and Wimbledon champion, who lost a thrilling Olympic final to Novak Djokovic, returns to action at this week's Cincinnati Open, where he can gain ground on the Serb and Italian Jannik Sinner.

Alcaraz is 450 points behind world number one Sinner in the ATP live race to the season finale in Turin, the separate year-to-date standings that serve as a measuring stick for the year-end number one battle.

"Obviously being number one is a goal every time that I'm (behind) and the race is an important ranking for me. At the end of the year if you end the race number one, in the rankings it's quite similar, so you're going to end number one," Alcaraz said.

"So I'm really focused on that. I'm focused on going to every tournament, thinking about playing great tennis, doing a good result just to get better in the race. This year, ending the year as number one is one of my main goals right now."

Last year's Cincinnati runner-up, Alcaraz will begin his campaign against Gael Monfils or Alexei Popyrin as he returns to hardcourt tennis for the first time since reaching the Miami quarter-finals in March.

The Cincinnati Open is an important tune-up event for the Aug. 26-Sept. 8 US Open.

"I'm excited to play here again. Obviously great memories from last year, reaching the final, losing a really tight and epic match (to Djokovic)," Alcaraz said.

Djokovic withdrew from Cincinnati after his Olympic triumph.