Dr. Adel Al-Aqili, President of the Saudi Squash Federation, crowned Egyptian player Karim Badawi champion of the Riyadh Squash Championship "PSA 3K," which concluded in the Saudi capital, Riyadh. The tournament was held from February 12th to 14th, amidst a highly competitive atmosphere and excellent organization, reflecting the significant development of the sports sector in the Kingdom.

Details of the final match and crowning ceremony

The closing ceremony was attended by the CEO and Secretary General of the Saudi Arabian Olympic and Paralympic Committee, Mr. Abdulaziz Baeshen, lending a high-level official air to the event. In a thrilling and closely contested final, Egyptian Karim Badawi secured the title after defeating his Saudi opponent, Mohammed Al-Nisfan, by a score of 3 sets to 1. Despite the loss, Al-Nisfan delivered a heroic performance that earned him the admiration of the large crowd that filled the stadium to support the players.

Broad international participation

The tournament featured 16 professional players representing five different countries: Saudi Arabia (the host country), Egypt, Kuwait, Oman, and Canada. This diverse participation underscores the growing appeal of tournaments hosted by the Kingdom and its ability to attract talent from across the globe to compete on its soil.

The importance of the tournament and the future of Saudi squash

The Riyadh PSA 3K Squash Championship holds special significance as it is a PSA-sanctioned tournament, and the first time the Kingdom has hosted it. Hosting such international events is a strategic step that aligns with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 to strengthen the sports sector and establish the Kingdom as a global destination for various sports.

These tournaments directly contribute to raising the technical level of Saudi players by giving them the opportunity to compete against elite international and world-ranked players, thus providing them with the necessary experience to compete in major international events. Furthermore, the tournament's inclusion in the Professional Squash Association's calendar allows players to earn valuable ranking points that help them climb the world squash rankings.

The success of the organization and the distinguished public attendance reflect the growing popularity of squash in Saudi Arabia, and the tireless efforts made by the Saudi Squash Federation to expand the base of practitioners and develop the infrastructure of the game, in order to ensure the sustainability of sporting excellence and the graduation of new generations of champions capable of representing the nation in the best possible way.

Ayman Yahya, the left-back and winger for Al-Nassr's first football team, opened his scoring account for the 2025-2026 Saudi Professional League season against Al-Fateh. He netted the decisive second goal in the match played on Saturday evening, which ended in a well-deserved 2-0 victory for Al-Nassr in the 22nd round of the competition.

Ayman Yahya's goal drought ends

This match held special significance for the 24-year-old, as it marked his 15th appearance for Al-Nassr in the league this season. Prior to this encounter, Yahya had only managed one assist in his previous 14 matches, failing to score a goal himself. This goal, therefore, held particular importance in restoring his confidence and reaffirming his ability to contribute offensively to the team during crucial moments.

The battle for the top spot and the heated competition in the Roshan League

This victory's impact extends beyond the player's individual performance, providing a significant boost to Al-Nassr's title aspirations. Thanks to this win, the club raised its points tally to 52, solidifying its second-place position in the Roshan League standings. This victory also puts the pressure on league leaders Al-Hilal, reducing the gap to just one point, while Al-Nassr now trails Al-Ahli, who sit in third place, by two points, setting the stage for a thrilling end to the season and a fierce three-way battle for the championship.

The importance of winning in the final stretch of the league

This result comes at a crucial juncture in the competition, as teams enter the final third of the season, a period often referred to as the "crucial stage" where points are paramount. Ayman Yahya's goal at this time highlights the importance of the bench and local players in supporting the team and complementing the international stars in securing victories in difficult matches, especially against a tough opponent like Al-Fateh.

Ayman Yahya's statistics with Al-Nasr (25/26 season)

In total, Ayman Yahya played 23 matches for Al-Nasr across all competitions this season, scoring one goal (his goal today) and providing one assist. Below is a summary of his statistics in the Roshan League:

• Number of matches: 15 matches
• Goals: 1 goal
• Assists: 1 assist

Newcastle United achieved a valuable and well-deserved victory over their stubborn host Aston Villa, with three goals to one, in the fiery encounter that brought them together on Saturday evening at "Villa Park" stadium, as part of the round of 32 of the prestigious FA Cup for the 2025-2026 season.

The match was thrilling from the opening minutes, with the home side surprising their visitors with an early goal. Striker Tammy Abraham found the back of the net in the 14th minute, giving Aston Villa the lead and igniting the crowd. However, the Magpies refused to be deterred by the deficit, displaying a strong character in the second half, spearheaded by Italian midfielder Sandro Tonali.

Newcastle rallied in the second half, with Tonali leveling the score in the 63rd minute before adding his second and his team's second goal in the 76th minute, putting the visitors in control of the game. In the dying minutes, specifically in the 88th minute, Foltemead delivered the final blow, scoring the third goal to officially secure his team's qualification.

This victory holds particular significance for Newcastle United, not only because it came away from home against a strong opponent like Aston Villa, but also because it boosts the team's chances of competing for the FA Cup title, the oldest competition in football history, which represents a primary objective for the club's management and its trophy-hungry fans. Reaching the Round of 16 is a pivotal step in the team's journey towards Wembley, especially given the intense competition among Premier League clubs this season.

On the other hand, the cup exit represents a significant blow to Aston Villa's ambitions and those of their manager, as the team had hoped to go far in the competition. They are now expected to focus entirely on the Premier League to improve their position and secure European qualification for next season. With this resounding victory, Newcastle sends a strong message to their rivals, demonstrating their readiness, both technically and physically, to compete for silverware.