Saudi Sports Minister Sees off National Team ahead of its Departure to US for FIFA World Cuphttps://english.aawsat.com/sports/5277117-saudi-sports-minister-sees-national-team-ahead-its-departure-us-fifa-world-cup
Saudi Sports Minister Sees off National Team ahead of its Departure to US for FIFA World Cup
Saudi Minister of Sport and President of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal and the Saudi national team and accompanying staff sit for a family before the team's departure to the US. (SPA)
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Saudi Sports Minister Sees off National Team ahead of its Departure to US for FIFA World Cup
Saudi Minister of Sport and President of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal and the Saudi national team and accompanying staff sit for a family before the team's departure to the US. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Sport and President of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal met on Monday with the Saudi national football team ahead of its departure to the United States to participate in the FIFA World Cup 2026.
The minister conveyed the greetings of Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, along with his best wishes for the team’s success in the tournament that kicks off on June 11.
The meeting was attended by Saudi Arabian Football Federation President Yasser Al-Misehal.
Prince Abdulaziz stressed that the Saudi team’s participation in the landmark global football event reflects the Kingdom’s continued presence in major international competitions.
He urged the players to give their best and demonstrate high morale during the tournament.
On Your bike! Bottas Opts for 2 Wheels to Reach Singapore GPhttps://english.aawsat.com/sports/5327251-your-bike-bottas-opts-2-wheels-reach-singapore-gp
Cadillac's Finnish driver Valtteri Bottas arrives ahead of the Formula One Bahrain Grand Prix in Sepang on October 4, 2026. (Photo by Lillian SUWANRUMPHA / AFP)
On Your bike! Bottas Opts for 2 Wheels to Reach Singapore GP
Cadillac's Finnish driver Valtteri Bottas arrives ahead of the Formula One Bahrain Grand Prix in Sepang on October 4, 2026. (Photo by Lillian SUWANRUMPHA / AFP)
Valtteri Bottas swapped his Formula One car for a bicycle as he pedaled the 420 kilometers from Sepang in Malaysia to this week's Singapore Grand Prix.
Other drivers on the grid enjoyed luxury private planes for the short flight between Sunday's Bahrain GP at the Sepang circuit near Kuala Lumpur to the Marina Bay Circuit in Singapore, which borders Malaysia.
But Bottas, a keen cyclist, instead got on his bike in the tropical heat.
"Yeah, I'm riding to Singapore on the gravel roads less travelled," Bottas posted on X on Monday.
Late on Wednesday night he reported he had made it to Singapore safely on his saddle after a "419.67km commute" (around 260 miles).
"Well arrived in Singapore this arvo," added the Finnish driver.
"What an epic adventure more to come eventually!"
His Cadillac team told AFP that his epic bike ride, which began hours after spinning out of Sunday's Bahrain GP in Malaysia, had been a "private activity.”
Cycling has become one of Bottas's main activities when he is away from F1.
Alcaraz, Sinner, Osaka Commit to Australian Open '1 Point Slam'https://english.aawsat.com/sports/5327241-alcaraz-sinner-osaka-commit-australian-open-1-point-slam
Carlos Alcaraz of Spain in action against Jiri Lehecka of the Czech Republic during his final match of the Japan Open tennis tournament at Ariake Colosseum in Tokyo, Japan, 06 October 2026. EPA/FRANCK ROBICHON
Alcaraz, Sinner, Osaka Commit to Australian Open '1 Point Slam'
Carlos Alcaraz of Spain in action against Jiri Lehecka of the Czech Republic during his final match of the Japan Open tennis tournament at Ariake Colosseum in Tokyo, Japan, 06 October 2026. EPA/FRANCK ROBICHON
The Australian Open will revive its innovative "1 Point Slam" in 2027 with Carlos Alcaraz, Coco Gauff, Naomi Osaka and Jannik Sinner among those agreeing to take part Thursday.
The sudden-death contest was played for the first time at Melbourne Park this year ahead of the opening Grand Slam of the year, pitting 24 professionals alongside 24 amateurs and celebrity wildcards.
Each match consisted of just one point -- win and you advanced, lose and you were out.
(FILES) Italy's Jannik Sinner celebrates winning against Germany's Alexander Zverev during their men's singles final tennis match on the fourteenth day of the 2026 Wimbledon Championships at The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in Wimbledon, southwest London, on July 12, 2026. (Photo by Henry NICHOLLS / AFP)
Against the odds, amateur Jordan Smith sensationally upset the star-studded field at a packed Rod Laver Arena to collect a Aus$1 million (US$670,000) prize.
"It creates an opportunity for grassroots tennis players to share the spotlight with some of the biggest names in the game," AFP quoted Tennis Australia's Tom Larner as saying.
"Having stars like Carlos Alcaraz, Coco Gauff, Naomi Osaka and Jannik Sinner locked in to play, alongside everyday Australians ... captures exactly what this event is about, bringing people together through tennis."
Japan's Naomi Osaka hits a return to Czech Republic's Karolina Muchova during their women's singles match at the China Open tennis tournament in Beijing on October 6, 2026. (Photo by ADEK BERRY / AFP)
The amateur field will again comprise winners of eight state championship rounds played across Australia, along with eight others who come through qualifying.
More than 1.3 million fans attended the 2026 Australian Open, and organizers are planning to increase viewing capacity and seating even further for the 2027 tournament which runs from January 17-31.
Saudi Arabia Climbs to 55th in FIFA World Rankings, Fourth among Arab Nationshttps://english.aawsat.com/sports/5327221-saudi-arabia-climbs-55th-fifa-world-rankings-fourth-among-arab-nations
Saudi Arabia Climbs to 55th in FIFA World Rankings, Fourth among Arab Nations
File photo of the Saudi flag/AAWSAT
Saudi Arabia climbed three places to 55th in the latest FIFA World Rankings, released following the international break, up from 58th following the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Saudi national team accumulated 1,443.17 ranking points to finish fourth among Arab national teams, behind Morocco, Egypt, and Algeria, the Saudi Press Agency said.
Saudi Arabia's rise followed their unbeaten triumph at the 27th Arabian Gulf Cup (Khaleeji 27) in Jeddah, where they lifted the trophy without conceding a goal. The tournament's results were officially counted toward the FIFA World Rankings for the first time.
At the top of the standings, world champions Spain retained first place following a strong run of results in the UEFA Nations League qualifiers, securing progression to the later stages. Argentina remained second, followed by France in third and England in fourth.
Portugal climbed to fifth on the back of successive Nations League victories, ahead of Brazil in sixth and Morocco in seventh.
Elsewhere among Arab teams, Egypt slipped one place to 25th, while Algeria rose one spot to 28th.
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