Sports

UAE’s Rouda Al Serkal marks historic milestone at Norway Chess Open

Published

2 months ago

May 27, 2025

Spread the love

In a landmark moment for UAE sport and the Arab world, 15-year-old Rouda Al Serkal, the country’s first Woman Grandmaster (WGM), made her debut at the prestigious Norway Chess Open tournament, competing here for the first time. Her participation marks a new era for Emirati women in international chess, putting the UAE firmly on the map in a sport long dominated by European and Asian powerhouses.

In her opening match on a bright and sunny Monday evening, Rouda faced Ukraine’s GM Platon Galperin, playing with the white pieces in a tense 56-move encounter. Despite a valiant effort, the game ended in a 0–1 result against her favour.
“It is sad to not start with a win,” Rouda said with a smile, reflecting on the experience. “But it was also incredibly valuable. Playing at this level is intense, and I know I’ll grow from this.”
Her qualification and invitation to Norway Chess Open – held on the sidelines of the main tournament that draws the world’s elite, including regining World chess Champion Gukesh Dommaraju of India and Norwegian legend Magnus Carlsen—has been widely celebrated across the Emirates, especially given her groundbreaking rise through the ranks.

Rouda’s participation in the open category signals not only her individual ambition but a broader shift in the global perception of Gulf athletes, particularly women.
“It’s been a incredible journey for me so far – one tournament at a time, learning from every game and gradually improving. Playing at an event like Norway Chess, alongside some of the biggest names in the sport, is a great experience. It shows how far I’ve come, and how much more there is to learn and achieve,” said Rouda, who has already made waves on the international circuit.
Earlier this year, she secured her Woman Grandmaster title, becoming the youngest and first-ever ever from the UAE to do so. Her Norway debut is more than a personal milestone—it’s a statement.
“She’s breaking barriers that we didn’t even know existed,” said Kjell Madland. Founder and tournament director of Norway Chess. “For a young Emirati woman to compete in the open category at one of the world’s top tournaments—it’s inspirational. The significance of Rouda’s journey stretches beyond sport.”
As the UAE increases its investment in youth and women’s participation in global competitions, Rouda stands as a symbol of possibility and progress. “I am confident her courage and skill are paving the way for a new generation of Emirati girls who now see a future for themselves on the international stage—not just in chess, but in any field they choose,” added Madland.
Norway Chess continues this week in Stavanger, with Rouda expected to face more top-tier opponents in the rounds ahead.
“I’m just getting started,” she said. “It’s an honour to be here, and I’m going to fight hard every game.”

Related Topics:#norwaychess #norwaychessopen #roudaalserkal

Staff Reporter

Sports

Italy poised for historic T20 World Cup debut after victory over Scotland

Published

1 day ago

July 10, 2025

Michael Gomes

Spread the love

For decades, the blue of Italy has been synonymous with soccer. But as the once-mighty Azzurri football team teeters on the brink of missing a third successive FIFA World Cup, it is another, far less storied national side that is offering the country a shot at global glory.

Italy’s cricketers are now within touching distance of a historic first appearance at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, following a 12-run victory over Scotland on Wednesday in the European regional qualifiers.

The win, achieved in Voorburg, propels Italy to the summit of the standings with one crucial fixture remaining. Victory over the Netherlands on Friday would see them qualify automatically for the 2026 tournament. Even a narrow loss may suffice, should Jersey and Scotland fail to produce the kind of crushing wins required to overhaul Italy’s superior net run rate (1.722, compared to Jersey’s 0.430 and Scotland’s -0.150).

At the centre of this unlikely charge is Joe Burns, the former Australian Test opener who has found new purpose, and a new passport, in leading the Italian side. “It’s a very surreal feeling,” said Burns, whose 23 Tests for Australia included Ashes appearances.

“To come and beat Scotland, who are an exceptional team, is a wonderful reward for the sacrifices made by our players, our staff and the federation.

“This is hopefully the beginning of something special for Italian cricket. The group is very emotional right now, we know what’s at stake.”

With their final fixture scheduled after Scotland and Jersey conclude their clash earlier on Friday, Italy will take the field knowing precisely what is required.

Scotland, long considered Europe’s most capable challengers outside England, were left to rue a stuttering display with both bat and ball. Captain Richie Berrington admitted his side had been outmanoeuvred. “We stayed in the fight but couldn’t quite execute at the end,” he said.

“Full credit to Italy, they out-skilled us with the ball in those conditions.

All eyes will now turn to Voorburg, where Italy’s date with destiny awaits, and history is within their reach.

Sports

UFC returns to Abu Dhabi with high-stakes middleweight showdown on July 26

Published

2 days ago

July 9, 2025

Michael Gomes

Spread the love

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), in collaboration with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), is set to make a thrilling return to the UAE capital on Saturday, July 26, with a blockbuster middleweight clash headlining the action at Etihad Arena.

Top-ranked contender and fan favourite Robert Whittaker, currently No.5 in the middleweight division, will square off against rising star Reinier de Ridder in what promises to be an electrifying battle.

In a poetic twist, Whittaker returns to Abu Dhabi exactly five years after his victory at the final Fight Island event on July 26, 2020. That win over Darren Till, played out in a silent, pandemic-era arena, became a defining chapter in Whittaker’s storied career. This time, the stage is set for redemption and roar, as he steps back into the Octagon in front of a packed house.

Will the former champion recreate history, or will de Ridder seize his moment on the big stage?

Also on the fight card is a high-intensity light heavyweight bout featuring Türkiye’s Ibo Aslan taking on the USA’s Billy Elekana, a showdown guaranteed to keep fans on the edge of their seats.

Abu Dhabi continues to strengthen its global reputation as a world-class destination for combat sports, and this event is shaping up to be another unmissable chapter in the UFC legacy.

Sports

T20 superstars set to light up UAE as DP World ILT20 begins on National Day

Published

4 days ago

July 7, 2025

Michael Gomes

Spread the love

Cricket fans in the UAE are in for another blockbuster season as the DP World International League T20 (ILT20) returns for its fourth edition, kicking off on Tuesday, December 2, coinciding with UAE National Day (Eid Al Etihad). The month-long, six-team tournament will conclude on Sunday, January 4, 2026, promising 34 high-octane matches featuring some of the world’s most exciting T20 players.

Big Names Back for Season 4

The first phase of squad selection is complete, and it features a stellar cast of returning favourites and headline-making new signings. Among the top international stars confirmed for Season 4 are:

England’s T20 World Cup winners: Alex Hales, Sam Curran (Season 3 MVP – Red Belt Winner), Phil Salt, Liam Livingstone, Moeen Ali, and Chris Woakes
West Indies heavy-hitters: Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, and Shai Hope (Season 3 Best Batter – Green Belt Winner)
Asia’s top talent: Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Fazalhaq Farooqi (Season 3 Best Bowler – White Belt Winner), and Sikandar Raza (Season 2 MVP – Red Belt Winner)
Australia and New Zealand powerhouses: Tim David, Tim Southee, and Lockie Ferguson

Player Auction Coming Soon

Each team has completed eight-player rosters in this initial phase, which included retentions from Season 3 and new signings. The final squads will be completed during the upcoming DP World ILT20 Season 4 Player Auction, with dates and details to be announced shortly.

Key Retentions – Season 3 Heroes Stay Put

Teams have locked in key players from the previous edition:

Abu Dhabi Knight Riders: Andre Russell, Phil Salt, Charith Asalanka, Sunil Narine
Desert Vipers: Sam Curran, Wanindu Hasaranga, Lockie Ferguson, Dan Lawrence
Dubai Capitals: Rovman Powell, Shai Hope, Dasun Shanaka
Gulf Giants: James Vince, Blessing Muzarabani, Gerhard Erasmus
MI Emirates: Fazalhaq Farooqi, Romario Shepherd, Tom Banton, Muhammad Waseem
Sharjah Warriorz: Tim Southee, Johnson Charles, Kusal Mendis

New Signings Heat Up the Transfer Window

Several big-name players have changed franchises or made their ILT20 debut:

Dubai Capitals: Added Afghan spinner Waqar Salamkheil, pacers Luke Wood and Muhammad Jawadullah
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders: Signed explosive batters Alex Hales, Liam Livingstone, and Sherfane Rutherford
Desert Vipers: Welcomed opener Andries Gous
Gulf Giants: Secured Moeen Ali, Azmatullah Omarzai, and Rahmanullah Gurbaz
MI Emirates: Added Chris Woakes and Sri Lanka’s Kamindu Mendis
Sharjah Warriorz: Signed Sikandar Raza, Maheesh Theekshana, Tim David, and USA quick Saurabh Netravalkar

Mark Your Calendar

The tournament opens on UAE National Day, setting the tone for a festive month of cricketing fireworks across UAE stadiums. With star-studded squads, huge fanbases, and intense franchise rivalries, DP World ILT20 Season 4 is shaping up to be the biggest edition yet.