Don’t lament the end of the football. Mark Griffiths takes a look at the sporting action dominating television over the next few weeks and discovers it’s the perfect opportunity to perhaps get into watching something new.
With Manchester United crowned champions of the English Premier League, sport-loving men and women across the Emirates may now find themselves at a loose end. But don’t put down the television remote just yet – consider it a chance to get into a whole new sport.
Cricket
It’s always hotly contested. The Ashes sees England vs Australia in a test series that has been played since 1882 – one of the most celebrated rivalries in international sport. It’s played biennially and alternately in each country. With England the current holders of the trophy, the players head to the UK to fight it out.
First test screened from Wed July 10 to Sun 14 on OSN Sport 1 HD daily from 2pm. The second test follows from Thu July 18 to Mon 22.
Where to watch
Head over to Cooper’s Bar. It shows a variety of sports, and you’ll find yourself in the company of other fans.
Park Rotana, Khalifa Park (02 657 3333).
Darts
The inaugural Dubai Duty Free Darts Masters last month saw Michael Van Gerwen triumph with a thrilling 11-7 win over Raymond van Barneveld in an all-Dutch final. The tournament has unearthed a new generation of fans in the UAE which in turn has encouraged OSN to screen darts from around the world.
World Matchplay 2013 runs from Sat July 20 to Sun 28, screened daily at 10pm on OSN Sports 1 and 2 HD and OSN Sports 3.
Where to watch
Ally Pally Corner has a few screens so you can pick what you want to watch.
Al Ain Palace Hotel, Al Markaziyah (02 679 4777).
Golf
With a wealth of renowned golf courses, it’s no surprise a fair number of keen golfers live and work in the UAE. So it’s also no surprise OSN snapped up the television rights for this year’s Irish Open. The competition makes up part of the PGA European Tour and this year takes us to County Kildare’s Carton House. It’s been four years since the Irish Open was won by a native competitor in Shane Lowry.
OSN Sport 1 HD from 5pm on Thu June 27 and Fri 28, from 4pm Sat 29 and 4.30pm on Sun 30.
Where to watch
Check out The Tavern, where they’ll be showing all the action.
Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort, Al Markaziyah (02 697 0224).
Lions Tour 2013
The historic Lions tour tracks the British and Irish players to Australia for the 125th year anniversary event. Things kicked off earlier this month on Saturday June 1, but the weeks ahead bring the real excitement and most anticipated clashes. Melbourne Rebels, ACT Brumbies, Waratahs and Queensland Reds are just a few of the teams on the line-up to take on the Lions, before three test matches against the national side on Saturday June 22, June 29 and July 6. A commentating team fronted by Jim Rosenthal and Lions living-legends Jeremy Guscott and Scott Gibbs have been flown to the Dubai studios for the warm-up matches as
well as pitchside in Australia for the three big games.
OSN Sport 1 HD from Wed June 5 to Sat July 6.
Where to watch
NRG is recommended because it’s one of the best sports venues in town.
Le Méridien Abu Dhabi, Tourist Club Area (02 644 6666).
WWE Raw
WWE’s Raw is the highest-rated flagship show, where legendary matches go down and history is made. The Raw Supershow features the biggest superstars including John Cena, CM Punk and Alberto Del Rio, the smart, feisty and powerful Divas of the series and the cast from SmackDown. Abu Dhabi Sports claim this is one of the most-watched shows across the UAE when it comes to American sporting action.
Raw is aired on Tuesdays at 5am, 3.30pm and 9pm on Abu Dhabi Sports 6.
Where to watch
Go to friendly establishment Heroes.
Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi, Hamdan Street (02 616 6132).
