Around the UAE: Sheikh Khalifa cricket into semi-finals; Dubai karting schools off to fast start

What's going in on the UAE sporting world this week?

Egypt’s Sherif Othman sets the standard with a new world record at Seventh Fazza IPC Powerlifting World Cup. (Photo Courtesy- World Powerlifting Cup)

Cricket: Sheikh Khalifa school into last four

Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Pakistan School reached the semi-finals of the UAE Exchange U16 Abu Dhabi School League after beating New Indian Model School (Nims) of Al Ain to top Group A. The defending champions completed the group stage unbeaten after a 66-run win at the Abu Dhabi Cricket Council’s Nursery Oval-1. Khalid Mehmood smashed 75 off 46 balls to set the platform to finish on 209 for six. In reply, Nims Al Ain made 143 for seven with Arbaz Khan stranded on 52 not out. The winners will meet the runners-up in the other group from the outcome of the game between Abu Dhabi Indian School and The Cambridge High School.

Cricket: All-round showing from Puca’s Mani

Ranjith Mani excelled with bat and ball for Puca in their victory over Globelink West Star Shipping in the second Asianet Premier League Twenty20 tournament. The opener smashed 72 off 49 balls for his team to post 167 for seven. He then took four for 16 from four overs to dismiss Globelink for 123 in the 44-run victory at The Sevens. Ghulam Sabir, who is set to become eligible to play for the UAE, stroked an unbeaten 84 as Alubond Tigers beat Banafsagy by 72 runs. In the other games, Red Flowers Tourism got the better of LLH Hospital by five wickets and Danube Lions overcame Touchmate by seven wickets.

Karting: First schools karting in Dubai proves a hit

The Jumeirah English Speaking School (Jess) Arabian Ranches won the one-hour enduro at the inaugural Emirates Schools Karting Championship at the Dubai Kartdrome. Eliot Jones, a UAE Rotax Max Championship regular, led the Jess squad alongside teammates Max Tryggvason and Sam Burtonwood, and it was no surprise that they claimed pole position in qualifying with a best time of 1:11.012. The Ghost Racing Team were next best, followed by Dubai English Speaking College (DESC) 3 and DESC 1. “It was notable to witness the less experienced drivers showing amazing commitment,” race director David Bright said.

Athletics: Memorable outing for NYUAD at meet

New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) enjoyed a successful week in the Abu Dhabi Inter-University League. Their women footballers were undefeated in the regular season after a 3-0 win over Abu Dhabi University, and their volleyball team emerged 2-0 victors over the same opponents. “We kept our energy high, as well as our rhythm,” said Siraj Ahmed, the NYUAD volleyball coach. “We were behind by 10 points” in the second set “but with our energy and teamwork, we caught up.”

Jiu-jitsu: Junior wins two gold medals at Sharjah

Jose Junior won a double gold at the Sharjah Open to extend his winning streak in the black belt absolute class to three in the domestic championships conducted by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation. The 30-year-old Brazilian won both his 94-kilogramme plus weight class and the open division to take his tally to five golds from the Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah and Sharjah Open. The victory sets him up to bid for the elusive gold at the Abu Dhabi World Professional Championships in April.

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