Football

Berlin: Borussia Dortmund and Germany defender Nico Schlotterbeck has extended his deal by four years until 2031, the club announced Friday. German media reported the new deal makes Schlotterbeck, 26, the club's top earner and includes a release clause available only to a limited amount of clubs which will be active after the World Cup. Arriving from Freiburg in 2022, Schlotterbeck has become one of Dortmund's core players and captains the club in the absence of injured skipper Emre Can. The announcement comes less than a fortnight after Schlotterbeck said the surprise departure of Dortmund's sporting director Sebastian Kehl would likely delay the negotiations. "I'm absolutely delighted to have extended my contract with Dortmund. I deliberately took my time with the decision because it's an important one for me," Schlotterbeck said in a statement. Yet to lift any major silverware, Schlotterbeck said his goal was to "win titles together with Borussia Dortmund." The deal is the first major achievement of new Dortmund sporting director Ole Book, who Friday called Schlotterbeck "one of the best centre-backs in the world". An attack-minded defender, the left-footed Schlotterbeck has made 155 appearances for Dortmund, scoring 10 goals. At international level, he has established himself at the heart of Julian Nagelsmann's defence, having played 25 times for Germany. He is considered a guaranteed starter at this summer's World Cup.

Horse Racing

Doha, Qatar: Sussex delivered a commanding performance in the 3200m Thoroughbred Open Handicap, clinching The Late Yousef Al Romaihi Cup at Al Rayyan Racecourse yesterday. The trophy was presented by Ali, Fahad, and Mubarak Yousef Al Romaihi, in the presence of Saad Ali Al Kubaisi, Deputy Director of the QREC Registration & Studbook Department.Sussex, guided by Jefferson Smith, wins the Late YousefAl Romaihi Cup.PICS: JUHAIM/QREC The seven-year-old bay gelding secured back-to-back wins this campaign, turning the race into a one-horse show with a pillar-to-post display. Always well clear of his rivals, Sussex powered home alone in the straight to win by a commanding 10 lengths. Under the care of M.H.K. Al Attiyah, he was partnered by Jefferson Smith. The meeting featured a total of 10 races.

Horse Racing

Doha, Qatar: The ninth edition of the Longines Hathab Qatar Equestrian Tour resumed yesterday with the tenth round of the championship at the Qatar Equestrian Federation’s main arena. The Tour paused for the prestigious Doha Equestrian Tour, which wrapped up over the weekend. The three-day event features 14 rounds and saw over 65 riders competing in both the Amateur and Silver Tours. The Silver Tour, contested at 130 cm, produced an exciting contest as Saudi rider Khaled Al Hadi claimed first and third place on Carlton de Sauvageonn (55.89 seconds) and Capoen (57.48). His compatriot Abdullah Al Sharbatly finished second on Inturido in 56.29 seconds. Awards were presented by Mohammed Saleh Al Marri, Head of the Championship’s Facilities and Logistics Committee.Saudi rider Khaled Al Hadi guides Carlton de Sauvageonn over a fence. Meanwhile, Qatar’s Sultan Jassim Al Suwaidi won the Amateur Tour at 100cm on Cat Ballou 27 in 26.79 seconds. Faisal Mohammed Al Nuaimi was second on Dilandra (28.27) and Salha Khalid Al Obaidli third on Roxette van de Achterhoek (28.38). Organised by the Qatar Equestrian Federation in partnership with Al Shaqab, the Longines Hathab Tour provides a high-level competitive platform to develop riders’ skills, nurture national talent, and prepare participants for international competitions.