29 Mar. 2017 – Check out this photo album from the game between Homenetmen & Sagesse in the Lebanese basketball league final 8. Photos by Lara Arapguirlian / Sportscode Images.

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29 Mar. 2017 – With Speed ball already in the Lebanese volleyball league final courtesy of a rapid 3-0 series win against Bouchrieh, we are still waiting for the winner between Al Zahra & Tannourine, as only a 5th decisive game remains.

Nevertheless, the federation released the final schedule, regardless of who makes it to the final.

Game 1: Speed ball vs Zahra or Tannourine – 31/03/2017 – 8:30 P.M in Hamat

Game 2: Zahra or Tannourine vs Speed ball – 01/04/2017 – 5:00 P.M in Mina or Ghazir

Game 3: Speed ball or Zahra or Tannourine – 03/04/2017 – 9:30 P.M in Hamat

Game 4: Zahra or Tannourine vs Speed ball – 04/04/2017 – 8:30 P.M in Mina or Ghazir

Game 5: Speed ball vs Zahra or Tannourine – 06/04/2017 – 8:30 P.M in Hamat

On the other hand, the game for third place will take place on Saturday, April 1st at 7:00 P.M in Hamat, between Bouchrieh and Zahra or Tannourine.

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29 Mar.2017– Louaize head to Jbeil vowing to clinch the win as they hope to cut Sagesse‘s hope of taking 3rd place in the group.

When Byblos cut ties with Ndudi Ebi everybody went mad, how can you let go of the MVP? Yet his work ethic and personality may have been the issue. Now with Ali Traore inserted in the lineup, Byblos have a typical center who can play the post and score down low. Today, he’ll be facing Wendell Lewis, who’s known for his defensive presence and his ability to run the floor. If positioned properly, Traore may cause some damage, especially that Lewis won’t have someone to back him up. With Ali Kanaan and Joe Abi Kheres matching up with Ribal Bechara and Edward Bechara, Lewis would be tempted to double the other side as both the Becharas are undersized. Leaving Traore to operate, while he can even take the mid-range shot, is a big NO NO.

In his first appearance, Chris Crawford showed glimpses that he’s a good shooter with that killer instinct. Although one game can’t show us everything but Byblos must make sure he doesn’t catch fire. With Geron Johnson driving the lane and forcing the defense to close up on him, a shooter like Crawford can find himself free to drain his shots. It will be hard for Jay to hold down Johnson but with the assist of Tarek Ammoury, they can force him to play from the outside as he isn’t that much of a shooter, you’de rather him taking 100 threes than driving the lane. With Ebi gone, Jay has been holding all the pressure to score some vital points for his team. He’s the engine and the motivator, so Johnson will have to put in some work on the defensive end too. Keeping Jay under close scrutiny will have Byblos looking for the difficult option.

As Jay might be held off, both Rodrigue and Ali Mahmoud must be ready to keep the flow of the game. Jay must move off the ball, so setting screens down low is very important. Here Rodrigue or Ali come into play as they must facilitate his movements and take their shots when available. Same goes for Miguel Martinez as his fast transition from defense to offense with Geron running the floor, will cause Byblos many problems.

Talking about shooters, Byblos count a lot of Clay Tucker to score those shots from downtown. Although he is a deadly shooter, he has been on a rollercoaster of highs and lows. He can have the night of his life then the next day play like an amateur. He won’t cut to the basket nor play the pick and roll. One dimensional player that probably should have been changed a long time before. As for Louaize, they rely on Elie Stephan to make the difference. Elie has grown into that spot-up, take your shot whenever you need kind of shooter. He upgraded his game this year and showed he can carry some of the burden next to Geron.

The post Lebanese Basketball League-Preview: Byblos vs Louaize appeared first on Sports 961.

29 Mar. 2017 – Yasmeen Ghaoui, a 16 year old Lebanese tennis player, shone at the OP BEOGRAD Women’s tournament.

After grabbing the silver medal in the 18U OTK Belgrade, Yasmeen managed to win the tournament, grabbing 4 victories over he opponents. First off, she defeated Nastaza Luzajic 2 sets to none (6-0, 6-1). In her second game, she overcame Stefana Topo (6-1, 6-3) thus advancing to the semi final against Jovana Samoceta. She pulled off a great performance winning this game (7-5, 7-6). After 3 incredibly tough games, Yasmeen reached the finals and grabbed the gold medal against Yelena Kovac. She won her game 6-7, 6-2 and 6-3.

Congrats Yasmeen on making us proud once again.

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29 Mar. 2017 – Tannourine defeated Zahra 3-1, to end the series in their favor 3-2.

Tannourine booked their place in the finals to meet Speedball in a very exciting series.

The first game will take place on the 31st of March in Hamat.

The winner of 3 games will be crowned as the Lebanese Volleyball Champion.

Good luck to both teams.

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30 Mar.2017– Defending Champions Riyadi visit Dik El Mehdi as they vow to extend their winning streak.

Riyadi mixed things up by adding Edgar Sosa to their roster. Sosa previously replaced Ken Brown in their game against Tadamon, same is expected in this game. Sosa is a pure born scorer that can find gaps in the defense, create his own shot, and take advantage of any space to operate. While Arakji remains on the sidelines, Sosa will carry most of the burden to create offensively and keep things moving. Coach Sarkis might depend on Ali Farhat to pressure him and cut him from the team. Easier said than done.

While all eyes are on Sosa, never forget that Riaydi can hit you with their prince releasing 3 after 3. Sosa might force the defenders to double him as he drives the lane, forcing the defense to close on him, especially if Sarkis decides to play zone defense. Waiting on the weak side will be Amir, ready to splash the three. Against a team that can play by the three point line like Riyadi, Champville better play man to man specially that they have the size to do so. Rembert must work on both sides of the floor. Defensively he must help his teammates, one week link against Riyadi will mean that they will knock the door open and use this pathway to hurt you. On offense, Rembert is known for his great touch, shooting and first step attacking the basket. He should be patient today as the yellows often play harsh defense that frustrates the opponents pushing them to take the forced shots. Then they move quickly from defense to offense with Sosa leading the break and Amir on the wings.

Known for his exeptional defensive abilities, Jean Abdel Nour is in for a fight as he takes on Markieth Cummings. Athletic, fast, strong and versatile, Cummings will put Jean to the test. Markieth can play outside in. His ability to shoot the deep three doesn’t hide his great vision to find teammates in better positions or his capacity to drive the lane and finish strong at the rim. One big fight to keep an eye on. If Jean manages to keep him at bay, it’s practically game over.

Down low, Riyadi depend on Alade Aminu and Ali Haidar to control Darien Townes. One on one, Townes has an advantage on both of them. Stronger than Aminu and bigger than Haidar, Champville must look for their big guy down low. Although Ali is one of the best defenders in the league, Towns remains one of the best centers that can play the post and finish nicely his hook shots. Doubling him will be necessary, not with 2 big guys but rather with one big and a guard. This is because Bassel Bawji can’t be underestimated too. His long range and versatile play will keep Ali focused. Bassel can spread the defense, but must focus today on pounding the basket and limit his shooting. Riyadi will definitely depend on Ismael Ahmad to relieve the pressure off Aminu and Haidar as Ismael has still some defensive presence and strong play.

A game to watch as Riyadi want to revenge their opening season loss in Dik El Mehdi.

The post Lebanese Basketball League-Preview: Champville vs Riyadi appeared first on Sports 961.

30 Mar. 2017 – Sports Mania organized Lebanese Mini football banks championship for the third consecutive year.

Under the supervision of Mr. Riad Salameh, Governor of Banque du Liban, 13 teams have competed in Sports Avenue Hazmieh.

Here are the standings of the tournament:

• First Group:

Blom Bank (12 pts, from 4 games)

Bank Audi (9 pts, from 3 games)

Byblos Bank (6 pts, from 3 games)

Lebanon Trade Bank (6 ts, from 4 games)

• Second Group:

BBAC (12 pts, from 4 games)

SGBL and First National Bank (7 pts from 3 games)

Jammal Trust Bank and First National Bank (6 pts from 4 games).

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30 Mar. 2017 – On the 21st of March, the swimming qualifications for the 2017 Summer Universiade took place in AUB.

You will find the results of all events below.

The post 2017 FSUL Swimming Qualification Results appeared first on Sports 961.

30 Mar. 2017 – The table tennis qualifications for the 2017 Summer Universiade took place in LAU Beirut. 55 female and male athletes took part in the event where the top 2 women athletes and top 2 men athletes secured a spot at the Summer Universiade.

The results came as follows:

Men:

1. Missak Boyadjian – AUB
2. Habib Antoun – Antonine Baabda
3. Ralph Hamdar

Women:

1. Mayssa Bsaibes – NDU
2. Nina Markarian – LAU Beirut
3. Minerva Abboud – USEK

Congratulations to all those who have qualified, and best of luck!

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30 Mar. 2017 – The U20 Lebanese Futsal National Team is participating in the Asian Champion taking place in Bangkok, Thailand from the 16th till the 26th of May.

The draw between took place on Thursday, and 21 national teams were divided into 4 groups. 3 of which included 5 teams and 1 included 6. The first and second team of each group will advance to the quarter finals. Besides, the two finalists will qualify to the U21 World Cup.

The Lebanese national team is doubling its efforts as the Iranian is focusing on the physical aspect of the team as well as the technical one. This is is the first edition of the championship and the draw came as follows:

Group 1:

• Thailand
• Iraq
• Malaysia
• Brunei
• Bahrain
• Afghanistan

Group 2:

• Vietnam
• Japan
• Chinese Taipei
• Tajikistan
• Indonesia

Group 3:

• Uzbekistan
• Qatar
• Lebanon
• Myanmar
• Hong Kong

Group 4:

• Iran
• Kyrgyzstan
• China
• Mongolia
• United Arab Emirates

Best of luck to the Cedars, go get’em!

The post Draw of the Lebanese Futsal National Team at Asian Championship appeared first on Sports 961.

30 Mar. 2017- After an amazing run in the Lebanese Futsal League where they made it to the semi finals, Achrafieh Youth Club claimed the long awaited Futsal Cup Trophy against Louaize.

AYC made it to the semi finals of the Lebanese Futsal but unfortunately for them, they lost against the runners up; the army. However, they were able to compensate for the early end of their journey in the league, by successfully defeating Loauize in the Lebanese Futsal Cup. They delivered an outstanding performance scoring goal after goal and ending the game in a 6-1 victory.

Congratulations to AYC on this well deserved win. What a way to end the season.

The post Ashrafieh Youth Club Defeat Louaize, Clain Futsal Cup Title appeared first on Sports 961.

31 Mar. 2017 – Check out this photo album from the game between Tadamon & Moutahed in the Lebanese basketball league final 8. Photos by Christophe Akiki / Sportscode Images.

The post Tadamon vs Moutahed – Lebanese Basketball Final 8 Pictures! appeared first on Sports 961.

31 Mar. 2017 – Check out this photo album from the final 8 game between Byblos & Louaize in the Lebanese basketball league. Photos by Lara Arapguirlian / Sportscode Images.

The post Byblos vs Louaize – Lebanese Basketball Final 8 Pictures appeared first on Sports 961.

31 Mar. 2017 – Organized by the Lebanese tennis federation and supervised by the Asian federation, the Juniors West Asian Championship was taking place in Lebanon, at ATCL.

In the girls category, an outstanding performance from our girls, Youmna Faissal, Maria Braidy and Yara Madi gave Lebanon a 2-1 win against Iran in the final, to bag the gold medal in front of our home fans.

First, after Youmna lost 2-0 (0-6 2-6) against Iran’s Shirazi, Maria Braidy got back and quickly disposed of Arissa Sabiblad 2-0 (6-2 6-2) to level the score.

Finally, the tie breaker was a doubles match where the duo Faissal-Braidy beat Shirazi and Zinali 2-0 (6-4 6-4).

The boys will also face Iran in the final today, so we wish them all the luck.

The post Lebanese Girls Tennis NT Defeat Iran, Win West Asian Competiton appeared first on Sports 961.

31 Mar. 2017 – The Lebanese fencing national team is going to Bulgaria from April 1st and until the 10th, in order to participate in the U17 & U20 category of the World Cup.

Heading the delegation is the Fencing president Georges Zidan, while the players are: Marie Joe Abou Jaoude (U17), Nay Salameh (U17), Antoine Oneissi (U17), Giorgio Daou (U17), Mark El Rahi (U17), Victoria Haikal (U20), Antoine Choueiry (U20), Arz Zahreddine (U20) and Mark Baghdadian (U20).

The delegation also consists of coaches Bahij Charanek and Mahmoud Ali Ahmad and good results are expected as the team is well prepared.

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31 Mar. 2017 – Tonight, Sagesse will host Byblos at 5:30 P.M in Ghazir, as the final 8 games of the Lebanese basketball league resume.

Two key players in Byblos, Jay Youngblood and Joe Abi Khers are going to miss the game, which will surely increase Sagesse chances of winning.

Jay is suffering from a knee injury and there is not timetable for his return as the medical staff is still running tests to clear things out. On the other hand, Joe sustained an eye injury and will miss at least 10 days, which means Byblos will have to do without their Lebanese center.

We wish both a speedy recovery!

The post Lebanese Basketball – Youngblood & Abi Khers Set to Miss Sagesse Game appeared first on Sports 961.

31 Mar.2017– Emerging talents have a tough time finding their feet in a league where imports take the biggest part of the cake. With all the hurdles and difficulties, some of these upcoming players still find their way through hardwork, endurance and the will to succed.

The number 9 pick on our Top 10 U22 talents is noneother than Karl Assi born on January 2, 1998 . Some of you know him as the younger brother and teammate of John Assi, both part of the wolf pack led by Coach Ghassan Sarkis.

His love for the game started at age 4 when he attended Sagesse’s training camps under coach Joe Mjaes. Assi was not the kid you can push around. His strong character and talent allowed him to play next to older kids as age didn’t matter for him.

Few years later, Karl was seeking greener pastures as coach Sarkis Korjian attracted him to Kahraba Club. Coach Sako was the biggest motivator and always pushed Karl to give his best on court. He’s the reason Assi still balls today. Assi learned a lot about fundementals and how a PG should run the game while he was under Korjian. Sako treated him like a son and used to tell him:”You’re like Marc to me, the court is yours 24/7″. In the back of his mind Assi knew that even if Sako treated him harshly and screamed at him, it was in his best interest. 

Assi wore the Lebanese National Team colors at first for the U16. Although he was the youngest guy on that team, Assi never hesitated to prove himself and that he deserves to be selected as one of the best of his generation. His leadership on court allowed him to progress and then captained the U18 NT as the young PG was flourishing.

After his exceptional season that year with Kahraba in the second division, Assi caught the eyes of coach Ghassan Sarkis. Karl’s transition to Champville was hard. As a 17-year-old trying to find his way, Karl kept working hard as his dream of achieving glory never faded away. Karl is known for his great vision, ball-handling, and a great sense of feeling the court. He knows when to push and play the run and gun game as well as playing the slow tempo to kill off the game.

A bright future awaits you young man, keep hustling as all roads to success have to pass though hard work boulevard at some point.

The post NxGn: Pick Number 9 In Our Shortlist- Lebanese Basketball appeared first on Sports 961.

31 Mar. 2017 – Check out this photo album from the game between Champville & Riyadi in the Lebanese basketball league final 8. Photos by Christian Azar / Sportscode Images.

The post Champville vs Riyadi – Lebanese Basketball League Final 8 Pictures appeared first on Sports 961.

1 Apr.2017– The biggest clash in football is coming your way on April 28.

Barcelona take on Real Madrid as both teams look to rain supreme in Beirut. Barcelona have recently acquired former center back/left back Eric Abidal.

In his career, he played mainly for Lyon and Barcelona accumulating 21 major titles, including 2 Champions league trophies with the latter. Eric is also a French International and has represented his country in the 2006 World Cup and Euro 2008.

Abidal’s journey was cut short after a liver disease but we’re delighted to see him in Beirut.

What a game it’s shaping up to be.

The post Barcelona Acquire Another Star To Compete In El Classico In Beirut appeared first on Sports 961.

10:24 A.M – More and more finished are crossing the line, wrapping up beautiful races today. Stay tuned for the podium shots!

10:05 A.M – And the 5k fun run has started!

9:56 A.M – Our final race for today, the 5k fun run is about to start!

9:51 A.M – And it’s Farah Tayyar who successfully defends her title and grab first place in the Elite girls run!

9:49 A.M – After finishing second to Mountaser last year, Kifah Mohamad managed to end up first this year, ahead of Hamieh who came 2nd. Congratulations!

9:40 A.M – A few minutes separate us from the first finishers in the 5k run.

9:30 A.M – The 5k elite runners are now off! Good luck.

9:26 A.M – Can Mountaser Hamieh retain his 5k title? He is surely confident about it!

9:22 A.M – The 5k Elite runners are now lined up and ready to go.

9:17 A.M – Radwan Chehab grabbed the first place in the special needs – wheelchairs! What a spirit on this little boy. He lets nothing stand in his way!

9:13 A.M – AbdelRazak Barakat is our special needs winner as he finished his run in 7 minutes and 58 seconds! Well done champion. The girls special needs winner meanwhile is Fatima Kaoun! Top job.

9:03 A.M – The special needs race is on! Good luck heroes…

8:58 A.M – Can you spot our very own Radwan lined up for the start of the special needs race?

8:55 A.M – More and more finishers…

8:51 A.M – Here’s a shot of our boys winner crossing the line!

8:49 A.M – On the other hand, Nay Moustafa was the first female runner to cross the line. Well done!

8:48 A.M – Fida Abou Khzam finishes the boys 2k run in first place! He was 7th last year, so definitely a huge improvement.

8:39 A.M – Ready, set and go! The 2k run is officially a go. Will the 7 minutes barrier be broken this year?

8:35 A.M – The Lebanese national anthem first!

8:31 A.M – This edition of BMA’S Youth Race is dedicated to the Lebanese Army and to all the soldiers who have fallen in defense of our country!

8:21 A.M – 9 minutes left until the 2 kilometers run is launched!

8:11 A.M – A huge thanks to the Lebanese Red Cross who are always there ready to help!

8:00 A.M – The final countdown has begun. Only 30 minutes left!

7:51 A.M – Looking back at some of last year’s results, the boys 5k run was won by Mountaser Hamieh while Farah Tayyar won the girls run.

7:45 A.M – Warming up under the rain, because nothing can stop the young runners!

7:25 A.M – Our first race for the day will be at 8:30 A.M, as things are set to start with the 2 kilometers run.

7:07 A.M – Good morning everyone! We are going to provide you with live updates from the 2017 Bankmed Youth Race by Beirut Marathon, so stay tuned!

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