U.S. swimmers hear the criticism, even as they finish on top at worlds
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Yahoo
11 minutes ago
- Yahoo
/C O R R E C T I O N -- Saudi Tourism Authority/
In the news release, Saudi Tourism Authority Brings Football Fever and Cultural Wonders to Hong Kong, issued 01-Aug-2025 by Saudi Tourism Authority over PR Newswire, we are advised by the company that the second subtitle and its following paragraph, the first sentence, should read "Hong Kong Stadium" rather than "Kai Tak Stadium" as originally issued inadvertently. The complete, corrected release follows: Saudi Tourism Authority Brings Football Fever and Cultural Wonders to Hong Kong Saudi Tourism Authority's Roadshow brings a vibrant showcase of culture and heritage to Hong Kong, followed by the historic debut of the Saudi Super Cup highlighting Saudi's growing global influence in events and elite sport. Download high-res images here HONG KONG, Aug. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Saudi Tourism Authority (STA)'s national tourism brand, 'Saudi, Welcome to Arabia' is set to transform Hong Kong this summer with a spectacular series of events showcasing Saudi's unique blend of world-class sport, rich heritage, and warm hospitality. STA will host an exclusive roadshow at the JW Marriott Hong Kong on 6 August, where this event will bring together 11 of STA's key destination marketing partners, along with Qiddiya Investment Company, one of Saudi's prominent destination development entities. During this roadshow, Saudi will spotlight its rich heritage, luxury experiences, and vibrant culture, reinforcing its appeal as one of the world's most dynamic and inspiring new destinations for Hong Kong travelers. Welcoming Hong Kong travelers to Saudi With Saudi's eVisa program now available to 66 countries and regions, and with direct Cathay Pacific flights between Hong Kong and Riyadh, it's easier than before to experience Saudi's warm hospitality and iconic welcome. From indulgent shopping and fine dining in cosmopolitan hubs like Jeddah and Riyadh to serene retreats and curated cultural journeys, Saudi offers experiences tailored to every traveler's desires. This summer, highlights include Jeddah Season 2025, the Esports World Cup in Riyadh, and AlUla Summer Nights, blending entertainment, heritage, and natural beauty. Visitors can explore the eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as the Hegra Archaeological Site in AlUla, the Historic Jeddah old town, and the At-Turaif District in Diriyah—the birthplace of the Kingdom. Along the pristine Saudi Red Sea coast, a new chapter in luxury travel unfolds with world-class resorts and marine adventures set against breathtaking natural beauty. Whether visitors are seeking culture, adventure, relaxation or entertainment, Saudi promises a journey that is enriching, authentic, and unforgettable. Saudi Super Cup in Hong Kong Stadium, Hong Kong From 19 to 23 August, Saudi's premier football competition heads to Hong Kong for the first time as the Saudi Super Cup takes over the Hong Kong Stadium. Leading clubs including Al-Ittihad, Al-Nassr, Al-Qadsiah, and Al-Ahli Saudi FC will battle for glory, with star players. More than just a sporting spectacle, this landmark occasion highlights Saudi's growing influence on the world stage and its commitment to fostering cultural exchange, regional engagement, and world-class entertainment experiences. Hosting the tournament in Hong Kong reflects Saudi's ambition to deepen ties with the city while offering fans across Asia a front-row seat to the energy and excitement of Saudi football at its finest. Football fans can secure tickets for the Saudi Super Cup at Hong Kong Stadium from 19 to 23 August, priced between HK$499 and HK$2,990. You may find the information of Saudi Super Cup ticket from this link: To learn more about the very best attractions and experiences that Saudi has to offer, visit About "Saudi, Welcome to Arabia" "Saudi, Welcome to Arabia" is a vibrant consumer brand dedicated to sharing Saudi Arabia with the world and welcoming travelers to explore all the country has to offer. The brand's role is to drive forward the country's tourism industry through awareness-raising campaigns and to provide a comprehensive array of information and resources for travelers to plan and enjoy unforgettable journeys. As the world's fastest-growing destination, Saudi, the heart of Arabia, is the most exciting new year-round destination. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Saudi Tourism Authority Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
15 minutes ago
- Yahoo
The Welshman part of Hong Kong China rugby history
Hong Kong China have made history by qualifying for a first World Cup, and a Welsh rugby stalwart helped them do it after a 6,000-mile gamble. Former Dragons captain Lewis Evans, whose 236 appearances remains a club record, has been part of the national set-up since 2021 and was on the management team for a sixth successive Asia Rugby Championship triumph. The trophy, earned by a 70-22 hammering of Korea, wasn't the main prize this year, it was a place at the expanded 24-team Rugby World Cup in Australia in 2027. Forwards and defence coach Evans, a back-row forward in his playing days, will watch December's draw with interest. The 38-year-old from Newport could be hatching plans for South Africa, New Zealand, France, England, Ireland or even Wales as Hong Kong, currently ranked 23rd in the world, aim to earn respect Down Under. "We aren't going to win the World Cup, but look at what Portugal did last time, we want to be the darlings of the tournament," said Evans, referring to the European minnows who stunned Fiji and drew with Georgia. "Winning one game will be a challenge and so would be staying competitive given that we are going up against top teams. "Facing South Africa, Ireland, New Zealand, England would be very tough, but if you can't build yourself up for that… "Give us another year with a full-time programme and we will show that we've got good players who deserve to go up against quality teams. "Expansion of the World Cup is important to give emerging nations the chance to be on that big stage trying to compete." Dragons back-row Evans to retire Draw for 2027 World Cup to take place in December Building to qualification Evans was head coach when Hong Kong were close to qualification in 2022 after winning the Asia Rugby Championship. They lost to Tonga in a play-off then took part in a qualification tournament that featured USA, Kenya and winners Portugal. The expanded 2027 World Cup, with 24 teams split into six groups, presented a big opportunity that they took. "Since the Chinese New Year we have had 22 players who are full-time and that has got them physically fitter and working to a game plan," said Evans. "We are in a good place to build and are able to utilise sevens boys, who are full-time, while other players are on a hybrid model. "We have personal trainers, teachers, bankers and our starting 12, Tommy Hill, is a crypto solicitor who has made a lot of sacrifices." 'Leap of faith' Evans was a whole-hearted back-rower over 15 seasons for the Dragons and his exploits earned two Wales call-ups. He was denied a place on the summer tour to North America in 2009 because of a fixture clash with a European Cup play-off and missed out on the matchday squad for the post-World Cup Test against Australia in 2011. The move to Hong Kong in 2021 has given the former Wales Sevens and age-grade international a chance to experience Test rugby. "It was a big jump considering that I had never lived further than three or four miles from the M4," he said. "To suddenly move 6,000 miles away to Hong Kong was a big leap of faith and it was initially the plan to do two years and come back. Four years on and I have just signed another two-year contract." Evans works under New Zealander Andrew Douglas on a staff that features former Scotland prop Alex Allan, South African Marno Meyer and Kiwi Logan Asplin. "It will be a six-year mission that I have loved and leaving my comfort zone has been massive for my coaching development," said Evans, who worked with Dragons age-grade teams, Newport RFC and his boyhood club Newport High School Old Boys in Caerleon while playing. "Hong Kong is a brilliant place for a young coach because you get experience of international rugby, but also work alongside coaches from around the world and are exposed to different ideas and thinking." Welsh connections Evans is following in the footsteps of the likes of Leigh Jones, Dai Rees and Will Thomas in Hong Kong and is part of a sizeable Welsh contingent featuring former Cardiff coach Paul John, ex-Dragons forward Jevon Groves, former Dragons and Ospreys back Tom Isaacs and ex-Newport RFC favourite Adam Frampton. But would the former flanker, who is expecting a daughter with partner Lizzie in the coming weeks, return home for the next step of his professional coaching journey? "At the age of 25 I would have said that I'd eventually love a transitional role before going on to become forwards coach or head coach at the Dragons, but it didn't work out that way," he said. "The ambition is to come back to the UK, but leaving for Hong Kong opened my eyes up and in coaching you have to be ready to take the opportunities when they come." First, Evans has a World Cup to build towards.
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
Gout Gout sent message ahead of showdown as rival called out for post-race act
Noah Lyles has been accused of poor sportsmanship after he was pushed from a rival after winning the US titles with a time that sends a message to Gout Gout and his competitors ahead of the World Championships. Gout would have been paying attention to the US titles with 200m world champ Lyles up against rival Kenny Bednarek in a very quick field. And the pair were involved in a heated moment after the race as Lyles chased down Bednarek on the home stretch to win in 19.63 seconds. Lyles' time is the fastest of the year and well beyond anything Gout has put up so far in his flourishing career. And the 17-year-old would have also taken notice of Lyles and Bednarek sharing some words after the race. Lyles crossed over into Bednarek's lane after the win having looked over at his rival at the finish line. This prompted Bednarek to give Lyles a little shove as he crossed lanes. Lyles then taunted Bednarek in front of the cameras having won the event. The pair shared some words in a heated conversation. "I tell ya, if you've got a problem, I expect a call," Bednarek said. Lyles replied: "You know what, you're right. You're right. Let's talk after this." But Bednarak took aim at his 200m rival moments later in front of the media. "Noah is going to be Noah. If he wants to stare me down that is fine, but I ran five rounds, he is fresh. He can line up again when we are both fresh and see what happens," Bednarak said. "What he said doesn't matter, it's just what he did. Unsportsmanlike s**t and I don't deal with that." Lyles claimed he wasn't at 100 per cent for the meet, but was happy with his performance. "It was a pretty difficult championship," Lyles said "I've been tired. It's been rough. Coming out here when you're not 100 per cent and being able to say, 'I still got to give my all no matter what happens.' That's tough. That's tough." While there is clearly tension between the two, both will be looking to take the crown at the Athletics World Championships next month in Tokyo. And Gout will also be looking to make his mark in a stacked field. Heated men's 200m race between Noah Lyles 🇺🇸 and Kenny Bednarek!!🔥Lyles ran down Bednarek to win the US title in a World Lead of 19.63s (0.2)!Bednarek was 2nd in 19.67s. — Track & Field Gazette (@TrackGazette) August 3, 2025 'noah got in his way'😂😂😂 — Shaggy (@DillonAnthony_) August 3, 2025 Gout Gout facing huge step up at world titles Gout has already been announced as Australia's 200m representative at the world championships and is ready to show the athletics community the hype is real. However, he will need to break some Aussie records if he is going to get the attention of his rivals. Lyles ran the fastest-time of the year so far to win the race in 19.63. Bednarak was second with an impressive time of 19.67. To put this into perspective, Gout broke the Aussie national record with 20.02 in the Ostrava meet in June. Gout beat his own national record by 0.02 in what was his first ever run in Europe and also set the record for the track in Ostrava. While he has sub-20 in Australia the time was not an official record because of the wind assistance. Gout's fastest time would have seen him finish in equal sixth in the US nationals. This is partly why the 17-year-old has only competed in one men's event in overseas competition. While he competed in the men's race in Ostrava, he followed it up running in the U-23 men division in Monaco. Gout won the race in 20.10 seconds, but was facing strong headwind and recorded an impressive time. Aussie fans can't wait to see what Gout can do at the Tokyo event next month.
