MMOTORSPORTOTORSPORT | Page 3 FFOOTBALLOOTBALL | Page 7 F1 unveils Chelsea fastest street contenders but track for Saudi City, Bayern the Grand Prix teams to beat

Friday, March 19, 2021 Sha’aban 6, 1442 AH Hosts India survive GULF TIMES fi nal- scare to level series 2-2 SPORT Page 2 FOOTBALL

Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium to Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium. host Amir Cup fi nal on May 14

By Sports Reporter mosphere with all reassurance. Al Arabi, while Al Rayyan will Doha The details of the match ar- face Al Duhail. rangements will be announced at In the quarters, Baghdad a later time, QFA said. Details re- Bounedjah scored a brace as Al he Qatar Football Associ- lated to obtaining tickets and the Sadd had crushed Al Gharafa 5-0, ation (QFA), in co-oper- preventive and health measures while last year’s runner-up Al Ara- ation with the Supreme will also be announced later. bi had cruised past Al Sailiya 4-1. Committee for Delivery It is noteworthy that the last Al Duhail had sealed their spot andT Legacy (SC), has set Friday, edition (48th) of the Amir Cup was in the semi-fi nals with a 2-0 vic- May 14, for the fi nal match of held last December, when Al Sadd tory over Al Shamal with Kenyan the Amir Cup. The match will be beat Al Arabi at the Ahmed Bin Ali striker Michael Olunga (45+3) and played at Jassim Bin Hamad Sta- Stadium, the fourth World Cup Abdulla al-Ahraq (89) scoring for dium, the home turf of Al Sadd. 2022 stadium, which was offi cially the Red . In another quar- The QFA has urged the fans launched on the day of the fi nal. ter-fi nal, Al Rayyan had edged – who wish to attend the fi nal QFA has not yet announced the out Al Kharaitiyat 2-0, thanks to a match – to obtain the Covid-19 dates of the semi-fi nals, which brace by Ivorian Yohann Boli, who vaccine to enjoy the match’s at- will see holders Al Sadd take on struck once in each half.

HORSE RACING Smart ward Off He Goes wins the battle of stayers Tomas Lukasek rides the gelding to victory in the 3,200m feature; Soufiane Saadi guides three winners

By Mikhil Bhat Doha

he battle of stayers went right down to the wire as HE Sheikh Iman bint Mohamed bin Khalifa al-Thani’sT Off He Goes ran a de- termined race to bag The Late Yousef Al Romaihi Cup at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club’s Al Rayyan Park yesterday. The 3,200m feature for Class 2 Thoroughbreds saw familiar rivals — Off He Goes and Umm Qarn’s Duke Of Dundee — set the pace for the entire duration of the race. Tomas Lukasek had Ju- lian Smart-trained Off He Goes pick up the pace coming off the fi nal bend and Ronan Thomas followed suit astride Alban de Mieulle’s ward Duke Of Dundee. Ali bin Yousef al-Romaihi, Mubarak bin Yousef al-Roamaihi and Fahad bin Yousef al-Romaihi are seen with the winners of The Late Yousef Al QREC Acting CEO Bader bin Mohamed al-Darwish (right) presents a However, the latter, who had Romaihi Cup after Off He Goes won the 3,200m feature at Al Rayyan Park yesterday. PICTURES: Juhaim memento to Ali bin Yousef al-Romaihi. fi nished three lengths behind the seven-year-old gelding last running the 2,000m Thorough- Won by: ½, ¾, ½. Time: 1:31.54. Aafreen (Meteb Ali al-Marri), 3. time round in a 2,800m aff air, bred Plate for three-year-olds, Owner: Injaaz Stud. Trainer: Ali Abha (Faleh Bughanaim), 4. Mater closed the gap yesterday but still the colt’s longest run so far. Yousuf al-Kubaisi. (Ronan Thomas). Won by: 2, ¼, ¾. fell short by half-a-length at the However, a winner over 1,300m Race 3: PUREBRED ARABIAN Time: 2:08.11. Owner: Abdulatif post. on dirt at Al Uqda Equestrian MAIDEN PLATE (3 Year Olds) Hussain al-Emadi. Trainer: Bader Ivan Rossi egged Quelindo Complex two weeks ago, US Cliff (Far Bend) (Distance: 1,200m) al-Balushi. on at the top of the straight, but had little trouble with the change 1. Watnah Al Sakab (Anas al-Seya- Race 7: THOROUGHBRED could never get into the game as in conditions as Saadi guided the bi), 2. AJS Saeeq (Soufiane Saadi), HANDICAP (Class 3) (Far Bend) Off He Goes won for the third bay son of Footstepsinthesand to 3. Zood (Meteb Ali al-Marri), (70-90) (Distance: 2,000m) time this season from four starts. a half-a-length victory. 4. Al Maronah Al Sakab (Qais 1. Bottom Bay (Khalid al-Balushi), Frenchman Soufi ane Saadi Earlier in the day, Anas al- al-Busaidi). Won by: 5, 10 ½, 2 ¾. 2. She’s Our Queen (Ivan Rossi), rode three winners yesterday, Seyabi and Alberto Sanna rode Time: 1:23.92. Owner: Al Sakab 3. Burano Boy (Soufiane Saadi), including Umm Qarn’s Abida, a maiden winner each with the Stud. Trainer: Ibrahim al-Malki. 4. More Than A Dream (Carlos Abdulatif Hussain al-Emadi’s former riding Ibrahim al-Malki- Race 4: PUREBRED ARABIAN Henrique). Won by: ½, ½, NK. Sky Blue and Jassim bin Ali al- schooled Watnah Al Sakab on the MAIDEN PLATE (Far Bend) Time: 2:03.79. Owner: Khalifa bin Attiyah’s US Cliff . fi lly’s smashing winning debut (4-6-year-old) (Distance 1,200m) Sheail al-Kuwari. Trainer: Zuhair In the nine-race card’s fi rst in the Purebred Arabian Maiden 1. Hadjira De Flauzins (Alberto Mohsen. event yesterday, Umm Qarn’s Plate. The Al Sakab Stud fi lly beat Sanna), 2. HM Al Bourak (Tomas Race 8: THOROUGHBRED Abida raced to her second the fi eld in the six-furlong sprint Lukasek), 3. Tamih (Rashid Ali PLATE (3 Year Olds) (Class 2) straight victory under Saadi as by an impressive fi ve lengths. al-Marri), 4. Guyloud De Carrere (Far Bend) (Distance: 2,000m) the De Mieulle-saddled mare Sanna was astride Ali Yousuf (Meteb Ali al-Marri). Won by: 2, 4, 1. US Cliff (Soufiane Saadi), 2. topped the Local Purebred Ara- al-Kubaisi-saddled Hadjira De 2 ½. Time: 1:19.90. Owner: Khalifa William Bligh (Alberto Sanna), 3. bian Maiden Plate over 2,000m. Flauzins in the other Arabian bin Sheail al-Kuwari. Trainer: Ali Risque (Ivan Rossi), 4. Mahthouf Saadi was astride a winner in maiden race for four-to-six- Yousuf al-Kubaisi. (JP Guillambert). Won by: ½, 4 ½, another 2,000m aff air, when Sky year-old contenders around the Race 5: THOROUGHBRED PLATE Hd. Time: 2:06.09. Owner: Jassim Blue eased past the post in the same distance. Khalifa bin Sheail (3 Year Olds) (Class 3) (Far bin Ali al-Attiyah. Trainer: Jassim Local Thoroughbred Handicap al-Kuwari’s fi lly fi nally entered Bend) (Distance: 1,200m) Ghazali. for horses rated 70-90. Bader al- the winner’s enclosure on her Tomas Lukasek rides Off He Goes to The Late Yousef Al Romaihi Cup victory yesterday. 1. Jimmy Sparks (Alberto Sanna), Race 9: THE LATE YOUSEF AL Balushi’s ward had impressed in seventh start after missing out on 2. Lauded (Anas al-Seyabi), 3. ROMAIHI CUP (Far Bend) (Class all but one of his starts this term, a victory on at least four previous oughbred Plate event for three- half-a-length victory in a 1,500m Lyla (Tomas Lukasek). Won by: 1, Vedute (Ivan Rossi), 4. Nastase 2 THOROUGHBREDS) (Distance: fi nishing in the money six out of occasions. year-olds, edging out his rivals novice event for Thoroughbreds. ¼, 1 ¾. Time: 2:16.69. Owner: Umm (Ronan Thomas). Won by: ¼, 1 ¼, 3,200m) seven outings. In the eighth race The win was fi rst of the two by a quarter-of-a-length. Qarn. Trainer: Alban de Mieulle. 3. Time: 1:12.41. Owner: Abdulhadi 1. Off He Goes (Tomas Lukasek), this season, the fi ve-year-old for the Italian jockey as he was For al-Kubaisi, Hadjira De RESULTS Race 2: THOROUGHBRED Mana al-Hajri. Trainer: Stefano 2. Duke Of Dundee (Ronan Tho- gelding won by two lengths in astride the winner once again Flauzins was his second winner Race 1: LOCAL PUREBRED NOVICE PLATE (Class 6) (Far Ibido. mas), 3. Quelindo (Ivan Rossi), 4. front of Meteb Ali al-Marri-rid- half-an-hour later, this time in yesterday, having earlier saddled ARABIAN NOVICE PLATE (Far Bend) (Distance: 1,500m) Race 6: LOCAL Masterpiece (Marco Casamento). den Aafreen. the colours of Abdulhadi Mana Injaaz Stud’s Pom Malpic, the Bend) (Distance: 2,000m) 1. Pom Malpic (Marco Casamen- THOROUGHBRED HANDICAP Won by: ½, 5, 1 ¼. Time: 3:30.26. In the penultimate race of the al-Hajri. Sanna rode Stefano promising runner-up from the 1. Abida (Soufiane Saadi), 2. to), 2. Cruella Dovil (Anas al-Seya- (Far Bend) (70-90) (Distance: Owner: HE Sheikha Iman bint day, Jassim Ghazali-schooled US Ibido’s ward Jimmy Sparks to high-quality Al Biddah Mile (QA Dalilak (Khalid al-Balushi), 3. bi), 3. Courageux (Alberto Sanna), 2,000m) Mohamed bin Khalifa al-Thani. Cliff stepped up big in distance an exciting victory in the Thor- Group 2) almost a month ago, to Valentina (Alberto Sanna), 4. Alf 4. Main Reef (Faleh Bughanaim). 1. Sky Blue (Soufiane Saadi), 2. Trainer: Julian Smart. Gulf Times 2 Friday, March 19, 2021 CRICKET

TWENTY20 FOCUS Bangladesh’s Iqbal to miss T20I series Hosts India survive against New Zealand fi nal-over scare to level series 2-2 Suryakumar Yadav smashed 57 to help India to 185-8, their highest total of the series

Reuters IANS WARNER ENDS CENTURY Ahmedabad Dunedin DROUGHT IN DOMESTIC TIE Australia opener David Warner hit his fi rst century in 14 months ndia survived fi nal-over angladesh opening bats- to help New South Wales main- drama to beat England by man Tamim Iqbal will tain their unbeaten record in the eight runs in the fourth miss the three-match domestic Marsh One-Day Cup International and T20I series against New yesterday. Ilevel the fi ve-match series 2-2 in ZealandB that follows a three- Warner’s 108 off 115 balls pow- Ahmedabad yesterday. match ODI series between the ered the Blues to a three- Suryakumar Yadav smashed two teams that starts tomorrow. victory with seven balls to spare 57 to help the hosts to 185-8, “I have communicated it to the in a top-of-the-table clash their highest total of the series, team management and the head against Tasmania in Hobart. after being put into bat. coach and I wish the best for the The Blues now have a four- Ben Stokes and Jason Roy then team,” Iqbal said in a Zoom press point lead over Tasmania and came up with entertaining cam- conference ahead of the ODI se- look on track to play the fi nal eos but it was not enough to stop ries. Iqbal, who has been troubled next month. India from levelling the series by a hamstring issue, said that he The tournament marks Warn- for the second time. is hopeful of playing the opening er’s return from a groin injury Shardul Thakur (3-42) looked ODI against New Zealand. that had kept him out of action a bundle of nerves bowling the “I am hopeful of playing the since the fourth test against In- eventful fi nal over with England opening game. I have practised dia at the Gabba in Brisbane in needing 23 runs for an unas- today and will be practising to- January. sailable lead. After Chris Jordan morrow, and I am in good shape “It’s good to have some time took a single off the rstfi deliv- following the hamstring injury,” in the middle,” Warner told re- ery, Archer hit the next two for he said. The left-hander was porters after his match-win- a four and a six, which seemed ruled out of the intra-squad ning knock, which included 10 to rattle Thakur who followed it warm-up game on March 16 due boundaries. with two wides. to a hamstring problem. Iqbal “For me, it’s a good hit-out Archer took a single off the is the second senior member of to come out here, and obviously next delivery, breaking his bat the team to miss the T20I series we got another game against in the process, before Thakur after talismanic all-rounder and Queensland in New South Wales regained his composure and former captain Shakib Al Hasan and I’m looking forward to that.” dismissed Jordan before fi nish- took paternity leave and chose Warner’s fi rst hundred in any ing with a dot ball. The previous not to travel to New Zealand. format since January last year three matches were won by the Shakib has also opted out of was not chanceless though, as team electing to fi eld but India a two-match Test series in Sri he was dropped twice on what he managed to buck that trend after India’s Suryakumar Yadav plays a shot during the fourth Twenty20 match against England at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad Lanka in April to play in the In- called a “two-paced wicket”. losing the toss. yesterday. (AFP) dian . The 34-year-old will be key Rohit Sharma smashed the fi rst “We have to look at it in this to Australia’s hopes of winning ball of the match from Adil Rashid the next over after a quickfi re 40 manner that we might not get all their maiden Twenty20 World for a six but Archer (4-33) foxed but Stokes threatened to take the the players every time, and we Cup in India in October-Novem- him with clever change of pace to game away with a blistering 46. must look forward (to playing) ber as well as their bid to retain elicit a simple return catch. Yadav The all-rounder smashed even when they are not avail- the Ashes when England tour at pulled the fi rst ball he faced, from three sixes before Thakur turned able,” said Iqbal. the end of this year. Archer, for a six and raced to a 28- the game on its head, dismissing ball half-century. Stokes and England captain Eoin India crossed the 50-mark in Morgan in successive deliveries. T20 WC regional qualifi ers postponed the seventh over before Stokes Eoin Morgan said India de- extended KL Rahul’s batting served their win in the match Three regional qualifying tournaments for the men’s Twenty20 slump and Rashid unleashed a where dew made bowling dif- World Cup in Australia next year have been postponed because of googly to deceive home captain fi cult. “They controlled large the Covid-19 pandemic, the governing International Cricket Council Virat Kohli who was dismissed parts of the game,” the England (ICC) said yesterday. All three tournaments, originally to be played for one. captain admitted. next month, would now be played in October with the Asia A quali- Yadav smashed three sixes The teams play the deciding fiers in Kuwait while South Africa hosts the two African events. before Dawid Malan took a low fi nal at “The decision was taken... due to new restrictions being put in place catch at fi ne leg to send him the same venue tomorrow be- by several participating countries to suspend sporting activities back. Replays, however, sug- fore moving to Pune for a three- to limit the spread of the new Covid-19 variants...” the ICC said in a gested the ball might have match one-day series beginning statement. “The other contributing factor was the extensive quar- touched the grass. Rishabh Pant on Tuesday. antine requirements for the visiting teams on their return to their made a breezy 30 and Shreyas respective countries.” The governing body also cancelled an Asian Iyer contributed 37 to push India BRIEF SCORES qualifier for next year’s Under-19 World Cup in West Indies. “We past the 175-mark. India 185 for 8 (Suryakumar 57, will continue to monitor and assess all events across our pathway England lost Jos Buttler early Iyer 37, Archer 4-33) beat Eng- structures with the ICC’s priority continuing to be to protect the in their chase, and Malan made land 177 for 8 (Stokes 46, Roy well-being of players, coaches, off icials and fans,” ICC Head of Events 14 before Rahul Chahar bowled 40, Thakur 3-42, Pandya 2-16) India pacer Shardul Thakur (second from right) celebrates with teammates after taking a wicket Chris Tetley said in a statement. him round his legs. Roy fell in by eight runs. yesterday. (Reuters)

SPOTLIGHT Markram and Mulder return to SA ODI squad Reuters for the most expensive overseas Dwaine Pretorius, Tabraiz Durban player in IPL history, all-round- Shamsi, Lutho Sipamla, Kyle Ver- er , who was pur- reynne, Pite van Biljon, Migael Australia star Perry signs up for chased by the Rajasthan Royals Pretorius, Lizaad Williams, Wihan English cricket’s Hundred pening batsman Aid- for $2.25-million. Lubbe. en Markram and all- “The ODI squad boasts the Australia all-rounder Ellyse in and I’m looking forward to rounder Wiaan Mulder calibre of talent we have in South PAKISTAN PLAYER TESTS Perry has signed up to play helping introduce a new gen- will return to South African cricket and I’m really ex- POSITIVE FOR COVID-19 in the inaugural edition of eration to cricket and hope- Africa’sO One-Day International cited to see how they go about the A member of the Pakistan squad English cricket’s Hundred fully inspiring them to pick up squad for the fi rst time in two series. We have enough experi- set to travel to South Africa next – a major coup for the new a bat and ball themselves.” years ahead of a three-match ence within that squad to provide week has tested positive for Cov- 100-balls-per-side competi- Phoenix coach Ben Sawyer home series against Pakistan a good challenge to Pakistan,” id-19, the country’s cricket board tion. Perry, recently named the said: “Ellyse is a world-class next month. convenor of selectors Victor (PCB) said. International Cricket Council’s cricketer who would improve Markram has not played since Mpitsang said in a media release The PCB named a 35-mem- women’s player of the decade, any team and we are thrilled the World Cup in England hav- from . “The ber squad last week to play three has agreed to join the Birming- that she will be turning out for ing failed to transfer his test form T20 squad is also a good indica- one-dayers and four Twenty20 ham Phoenix. us at Birmingham Phoenix this into the 50-over format, while tion of our depth as a cricket na- Internationals in South Africa The 30-year-old, currently top summer.” Mulder won the last of his 10 tion with the loss of some of the before they move to Zimbabwe of the one-day international caps in the home series against senior players to the IPL.” for two tests and three 20-overs all-rounder rankings, will join a Sri Lanka in March 2019. matches. Phoenix side that also features Uncapped seamer Lizaad Wil- ODI: Temba Bavuma (captain), The squad are assembling in New Zealand’s Sophie Devine, liams and burley all-rounder Si- Quinton de Kock, Beuran Lahore before a training camp who is at the summit of the sanda Magala are also included Hendricks, Heinrich Klaasen, begins today. They will play a corresponding T20 rankings. in the extended 22-man squad, Janneman Malan, Keshav couple of intra-squad 50-overs Perry is eager to play in The which will be captained for the Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David matches before leaving for South Hundred, which features eight fi rst time by Temba Bavuma. Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Africa on March 26. franchises, all with men’s and The matches will be played Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso “A total of 35 tests were con- women’s teams. between April 2-7, and will be Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Jon-Jon ducted on the South Africa- “I can’t wait to come over to followed by a four-game Twen- Smuts, Rassie van der Dussen, bound Pakistan men’s national the UK and get involved in The ty20 International series, though Junior Dala, Lutho Sipamla, cricket team on Tuesday,” the Hundred this summer,” she Cricket South Africa has con- Wiaan Mulder, Sisanda Magala, PCB said in a statement. said yesterday. fi rmed that players contracted to Kyle Verreynne, Daryn Dupavil- “The player who has tested “It’s fantastic to see how Indian Premier League sides will lon, Lizaad Williams positive will undergo a repeat test it’s put women’s cricket in be released for the April 9 start of Twenty20: Temba Bavuma at his residence. the spotlight and attracted the competition. (captain), Bjorn Fortuin, Beuran “If he tests negative, only then so many of the world’s top That rules out Quinton de Hendricks, Reeza Hendricks, he will be eligible to travel to La- players to come and play in it. Kock, Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Heinrich Klaasen, George Linde, hore where he will remain in iso- “With 100 balls per side it’s go- Ngidi, while there is no place in Rassie van der Dussen, Janne- lation for two more days before South Africa’s Aiden Markram in action against New Zealand during ing to be really exciting to play either the ODI or T20 squads man Malan, Sisanda Magala, being re-tested.” their ICC World Cup match at Edgbaston on June 19, 2019. (Reuters) Gulf Times Friday, March 19, 2021 3 SPORT

FOCUS Aston Martin takes pole position as an Offi cial Safety Car of Formula 1 specially equipped version of 535PS, delivered by a 4.0-litre twin- pable car that signifi es an exciting new F1 Medical Response Coordinator Dr the Aston Martin Vantage – turbo V8 that goes from 0-60mph in era for Aston Martin,” Maylander said. Ian Roberts and a local doctor, leaving the most powerful Vantage just 3.5 seconds. The peak torque of Aston Martin DBX will also share one spare, in case an incident requires in the production range – has 685Nm remains and additional work the Official Medical Car of Formula a racing driver to be driven back to the beenA developed for the critical role of on the transmission means the driver 1 responsibilities this season, driven pit lane. intervening and controlling the pace is a lot more in control. The Vaned by South African 41-year-old Alan Besides the two screens like in the of an event involving the fastest rac- grille coupled with a new front split- van der Merwe. Like the safety car, safety car, an additional screen is used ing cars in the world. Engineered by ter creates more downforce than the medical car is distinguishable by to read live biometric data delivered an experienced team at Aston Martin’s the production Vantage produces at its 2021 Aston Martin Racing Green via the drivers’ gloves, which in the Headquarters in Gaydon, the new safe- 200km/h. Modifi cations to the sus- paint with Lime Green accents, as event of an accident, provides critical ty car, with only a few additional modi- pension, steering, dampers and un- well as the prominent FIA medical information on their condition. The fi cations to make it FIA compliant, is derbody have been made, besides a car livery, LED rear number plate and ‘Marshalling System’ and the rear-view the pinnacle of Vantage performance. comprehensive aero kit and a switch to roof-mounted LED light-bar which mirror camera display have also been Aston Martin DBX, the brand’s criti- lower profi le tyres. sits upon the roof rails. installed into the medical car. cally acclaimed fi rst SUV, will also take As it performs on standard Pirel- Powered by the 4-litre, twin-tur- Both these vehicles have endured on the role of an Offi cial Medical Car of li road tyres, the safety car is also bo V8 engine, also found in DB11 and signifi cant testing at the Aston Martin Formula 1, showcasing its own power equipped with the same carbon-ce- Vantage, DBX provides an impressive facility at Silverstone. and handling prowess as it launches ramic brakes found on the production output of 550PS and 700NM of torque Tobias Moers, Chief Executive Of- into action to support in the event of an Vantage, with additional brake ducts which launches DBX from 0 to 62mph fi cer of Aston Martin Lagonda said, emergency. hidden within the front grille to aid in just 4.5 seconds, reaching a top speed “Together with the whole company, I Piloted by Germany’s Bernd May- cooling. Specially equipped Aston Martin DBX (left) and Aston Martin Vantage went of 181mph. am extremely proud of the Aston Mar- lander, who has been at the helm of the The safety car mimics the Aston rigorous testing at the company’s facility at Silverstone in preparation for their The Offi cial Medical Car of Formula tin brands return to Formula 1, the pin- F1 safety car for over 20 years, the Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One Team roles as the Off icial Medical and Safety cars respectively. 1 will carry a substantial amount of nacle of motorsport for the fi rst time in Martin Vantage will remain on standby car with an all-new paint colour. equipment including a large medical more than 60 years and represents the in the pit lane throughout the race. The F1 safety car is distinguished by into a second rear-view mirror located shows which colour fl ag is being shown bag, a defi brillator, two fi re extinguish- start of a signifi cant new era for Aston When deployed by Race Control, its prominent livery, bodyside mounted inside the cabin. on the track. TV cameras are mounted ers and a burn kit in the DBX’s 632 litres Martin. To see our acclaimed Vantage, former race driver and co-driver Rich- radio antennas, an LED rear number The cabin sports FIA-approved rac- on top of and inside the car, to provide of boot space. our most dynamic sports car, perform- ard Darker of the UK takes to the head plate and a bespoke, roof-mounted ing seats equipped with a 6-point live footage. Inside, the central rear seat has been ing the role of the Offi cial Safety Car of the fi eld to control the pace of the LED light-bar, developed by Aston safety harness, two screens mounted “Formula 1 fans around the world removed, and the remaining four have of Formula 1 and our fi rst SUV, DBX, pack, and allowing any incident to be Martin. that provide a live television feed and are delighted to see the return of Aston been replaced with sport bucket seats operate as the Medical Car on Formula managed safely by offi cials. A rear facing camera is also fi xed to a variety of customisable information Martin to the track, as am I. The Offi - with 6-point safety harnesses. These 1 circuits around the world is a proud The power has increased by 25PS to the light-bar that feeds a live image displays. The ‘Marshalling System’ cial Safety Car of F1 is a beautiful, ca- provide seating for Van der Merwe and moment for us all.”

FORMULA 1 SPOTLIGHT F1 unveils fastest street Red Bull ahead track for Saudi GP AFP on performance: Riyadh audi Arabia’s fi rst ever Formula One Grand Prix in December will feature the fastest street circuit inS the sport, organisers said yes- terday. Mercedes offi cial They predicted the race in the Red Sea port city of Jeddah will ‘But it is a test, it is not a race, and it is one event out of 23’ see average speeds of around 250 kph (155 mph) and the circuit Reuters will run over 6.175km (3.8 miles), London, United Kingdom making it the second longest track on the calendar. “The fastest street track in This handout picture shows the circuit design for the Jeddah Street ed Bull were the top Formula 1 history – that’s what Circuit where the 2021 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix is planned to be held. team in testing and the drivers will be taking to when Formula One looks set they line up for the inaugural “The setting is incredible, on the time we will host a Formula 1 for a close title battle, Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jed- Red Sea, and we can’t wait to see Grand Prix, delivering such im- MercedesR motorsport strategy dah on December 5,” F1 organis- the cars on track in December.” portant international events is director James Vowles said yes- ers said in a statement. The event is set to be the pe- further confi rmation of the king- terday. The fl oodlit circuit, which is nultimate event of a 23-race cal- dom’s ability to manage and or- Max Verstappen was quickest located along the Red Sea, will endar for 2021. ganise these events to the highest for Red Bull in two of the three feature 27 corners. “We are looking forward to standards.” days in Bahrain from March 12- “The design brings out the best welcoming motorsport fans to The kingdom already hosts the 14 while Mercedes, with Lewis of a modern street circuit but also Saudi Arabia,” said Prince Khalid Dakar Rally, a 12-day marathon Hamilton chasing a record has fast paced free fl owing ar- bin Sultan, president of the Saudi through the Arabian desert, and eighth title this year, covered eas that will create fast speeds and Automobile and Motorsport Fed- the all-electric Formula E series, fewer laps than anyone else. In this March 14, 2021, picture, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen in action during the pre-season testing at overtaking opportunities,” said F1 eration (SAMF). in addition to an array of boxing, “I would say Red Bull are Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir. (Reuters) managing director Ross Brawn. “Even though this is the fi rst golf and events. ahead on performance, they are the class act from the test,” Mercedes would move forwards here now,” added the strategist. get it more stable and predict- Vowles said in a video debrief on and backwards relative to their “Huge amounts of data avail- able, and that work is going on OLYMPICS the Mercedes website. rivals but would not be ahead able to us and now a long jour- now,” he added. Tajikstan’s Olympic “But it is a test, it is not a race, when the season starts in Bah- ney ahead to try and understand “Hopefully when we get to hammer champ and it is one event out of 23,” he rain on March 28. what was causing that.” the race weekend it won’t be so Nazarov banned for added. “Are we going to have He said it was “pretty evi- Trackside engineering direc- diffi cult for the drivers because Tokyo Games creative a close season? I would say so. dent” in testing that the new car tor Andrew Shovlin said that the they were having to work pret- two years Red Bull are a fi erce adversary, was handling poorly while the wind had proved tricky but that ty hard to do the lap times that they’ve got a strong package and Red Bull looked very stable and others were clearly not strug- they were doing.” head resigns over clearly came out of the box very, “planted” to the track, an obser- gling in the same way. Mercedes have won the last very quick.” vation refl ected in the lap times. “We need to put quite a focus seven drivers’ and constructors’ Vowles said that across the “It’s also fair to say that we on understanding why the rear titles, while Red Bull won four in derogatory remark season, on diff erent tracks, don’t have answers as we are sat end was a bit weak, how we can a row from 2010-13. Reuters Tokyo, Japan BADMINTON / ALL ENGLAND OPEN okyo Olympics creative head Hiroshi Sasaki said he has resigned af- Indonesia urges probe into exclusion ter making a derogatory commentT about a popular fe- Reuters spected the BWF’s decision but male Japanese entertainer, in the Jakarta, Indonesia Sen in quarters, Prannoy loses to Momota was still holding out hope of a latest controversy over insensi- reprieve for the players. tive remarks towards women to India’s Lakshya Sen pro- loss to Japanese world No. 1 “We’ll still fi ght for it, maybe Tajikstan’s Dilshod Nazarov, hit Games organisers. this body shape,” Watanabe ndonesia’s sports minister gressed to the men’s singles Kento Momota in 48 minutes. there’s a room open for us to who won Olympic hammer With only four months left said in a statement posted on has questioned the fair- quarter-finals of the prestig- This is Prannoy’s eighth straight play at the tournament,” he told gold in the 2016 Rio Games, before the Olympics begin, the her agency’s website. ness of the exclusion of the ious All England Open bad- defeat to Momota, who is mak- reporters. “But if we don’t, we was yesterday banned for departure of the chief direc- “But, as a human being, I country’s badminton team minton tournament yesterday. ing his return after a car crash don’t have to feel bad. We’re two years for doping, the tor for the opening and closing sincerely hope that the world Ifrom the All England Open and Sen beat France’s Thomas in January last year led to him champions who are postponed.” Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) ceremonies is another blow to will become a fun and prosper- called on the national governing Rouxel 21-18, 21-17. missing the the 2020 season. The BWF had said earlier on announced. the 2020 Games, which were ous place where we can respect body to pursue the matter with Sen will now face either Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Wednesday that the tourna- Re-testing of Nazarov’s postponed by a year due to the and recognise each individual’s the Badminton World Federa- Ireland’s Nhat Nguyen or Ashwini Ponnappa too went ment would take place with a sample from the 2011 World Covid-19 pandemic. individuality and way of think- tion (BWF). Netherland’s Mark Caljouw. out after losing their mixed full complement of players after Athletics Championships The setback comes on the ing.” The team were “withdrawn” HS Prannoy lost 15-21, 14-21 doubles match. delaying the start to allow the in Daegu, South Korea, had heels of Yoshiro Mori’s resigna- Sasaki said he had told Tokyo from the prestigious tourna- re-testing of some player sam- shown the presence of a tion as organising committee 2020 President Seiko Hashim- ment after they had been in- ples for Covid-19. prohibited substance, namely president last month after his oto late on Wednesday evening structed by British health au- treated this way,” the minister team and Yigit from Turkey,” the The re-tests, all of which the DHCMT, or oral turinabol, sexist remarks sparked outrage. that he was stepping down. thorities to isolate for 10 days added. BWF said. BWF said returned negative a performance-enhancing Sasaki said he had told a Hashimoto said she was because a passenger on their “If we stay silent – like if we Desra Percaya, Indonesia’s results, were necessary after anabolic steroid. planning group through a “shocked” at the comment and fl ight to England tested positive think there’s indications of un- ambassador to the United King- doubts were raised about the The AIU declared Nazarov group chat that Naomi Wa- accepted his resignation given for Covid-19, the BWF said on fairness, injustice – and we ig- dom, said that the team should accuracy of the original batches ineligible for two years start- tanabe could play a role as an that gender equality was a pri- Wednesday. nore it, we’ll be seen as weak. be given a chance to get re-test- of tests submitted by Badmin- ing September 24, 2019, and ‘Olympig’. ority for the organisation. “I lament what happened “So I urge the association ed for Covid-19 and allowed to ton England. scrubbed his results between “There was a very inappropri- A Japanese government to the Indonesian badminton to take measures to question play if the results are negative. Marcus Fernaldi Gideon, August 29, 2011-August 29, ate expression in my ideas and spokesman, Naoki Okada, also team,” minister Zainudin Amali BWF and its Asia federation so “I don’t want this issue to be who won the All England Open 2013. remarks,” Sasaki said in a state- said Sasaki’s comment was said in a streamed conference that people know that we won’t a roadblock in the bilateral rela- men’s doubles titles with Kevin A three-time Asian champion, ment issued through Games “totally inappropriate”. yesterday. stand for it. We feel the injustice tionship between Indonesia and Sanjaya Sukamuljo in 2017 and Nazarov also won world organisers early yesterday. “I Last month, Mori stepped “It wasn’t their fault, but in our players.” the United Kingdom,” he said. 2018, said the Indonesian play- silver in Beijing in 2015 before sincerely apologise to her and down from his role as president they’re bearing the brunt.” The BWF said in a state- The withdrawal attracted ers had all tested negative upon claiming his country’s first people who have felt discomfort of the Tokyo 2020 organising Zainudin told reporters he ment yesterday that the player furore on social media yester- arrival in England. ever Olympic gold medal a with such contents.” committee after causing a fu- understood that a player of a onboard with the Indonesian day, with the hashtag #BWF- “BWF has failed to organise year later in Rio. Sasaki’s resignation came rore with sexist remarks when diff erent nationality on the team, Neslihan Yigit of Turkey, MustBeResponsible trending this matter,” he said in an Insta- The 38-year-old, who also swiftly after weekly magazine he said women talk too much. same fl ight was still in the tour- was also withdrawn from the on Twitter in Indonesia, where gram post. competed in the 2004, 2008 Shukan Bunshun reported his The 83-year-old Mori, a nament, which started behind tournament. badminton is hugely popular “If there are strict rules for and 2012 Olympics, finished remarks on Wednesday, which former prime minister, was closed doors in Birmingham on “This is a very unfortunate and leading players are stars. entering Britain due to Covid, 10th in the Daegu worlds sent shockwaves through Japan. replaced by athlete-turned- Wednesday. circumstance and something Indonesian Badminton As- BWF should have put in place a and fifth two years later in Watanabe expressed “sur- politician Hashimoto who has “I urge the association to take BWF and Badminton England sociation (PBSI) chief Agung bubble system that guarantees Moscow. prise” by the comments. pledged to make gender equal- measures so that we don’t get did not wish for the Indonesian Firman Sampurna said he re- our safety.” “In fact, I am happy with ity a top priority at the Games. Gulf Times 4 Friday, March 19, 2021 SPORT

RUGBY/SIX NATIONS Daly ‘digs deep’ to earn England recall vs Ireland ‘ELLIOT HAS HAD TO DIG DOWN DEEP INTO HIMSELF AND FIND THE BEST OF HIMSELF’ Scotland captain Hogg

AFP at fl y-half as Townsend London rings changes for ddie Jones praised Elliot Scotland captain Daly for fi nding “the best will makes his first Test start of himself” after recall- at fly-half in place of Finn Rus- ing the versatile back at sell in tomorrow’s Six Nations outsideE centre for England’s Six international against Italy at Nations fi nale away to Ireland Murrayfield. tomorrow. Russell suff ered a concussion Daly, best known at Test level during last week’s 27-24 loss at as a full-back, returns in place of home to Ireland and now Scot- the injured Henry Slade after be- land coach ing on the bench for last week’s has deployed Hogg, an out- 23-20 win over France at Twick- standing full-back, at stand-off , enham. in in one of several changes. The 28-year-old last played Elsewhere in the backs, centre a Test at outside centre against Huw Jones’ reward for scoring South Africa in 2016. his first Test try in three years But Daly, capped 51 times, off the bench last Sunday is a now fi nds himself restored to place in the starting line-up. the starting lineup after being fills the gap dropped at full-back in favour of at full-back left by Hogg’s . positional switch, with Darcy Daly impressed after coming Graham taking the Saracens on in the second half against Les star’s place on the wing and and have performed better Bleus and his inclusion is the only Harlequins scrum-half Scott away from home in this year’s change to the team that ended Steele replacing . championship, causing both France’s hopes of a . In the pack, locks England and France a number England coach Jones wants and Scott Cummings have been of problems. Daly to fi ll the gap left by Slade’s ruled out with shoulder and “We expect them to produce left-footed kicking game after he hand injuries, leading to recalls their best rugby of the season endured a diffi cult start to the Six for and Sam against us.” Nations. Skinner. Meanwhile, Townsend said he “Elliot has had to dig down Other changes see Dave had had still to be off icially in- deep into himself and fi nd the Cherry replace George Turner formed about when Scotland’s best of himself,” Jones said yes- at hooker following Scotland’s postponed third-round match terday. “It’s been a tough Six Na- poor line-out display against against France, delayed by a tions for Elliot and he’s coming the Irish and prop Zander Fag- coronavirus outbreak in the back into his best form and he’s erson returns from suspension French camp, would take place got a great opportunity in his following his red card against even though there is wide- preferred position.” Wales. spread speculation it will now While Jones said he preferred Scotland started the Cham- be played a week on Friday. deploying Daly at full-back, the pionship by beating reigning veteran Australian coach was ex- England’s (right) during a training session at the Twickenham Stadium in London. (Reuters) champions England, their first Scotland (15-1) cited by what he could bring to victory over their oldest rivals Sean Maitland; , the midfi eld against Ireland. in training earlier this week and “They’ve been progressing South Africa in which they were SQUAD at Twickenham in 38 years. Huw Jones, Sam Johnson, “If it’s a high-volume kicking would be too much of a risk if se- nicely,” said Jones of Ireland. overpowered up front. England (15-1) But they have since suff ered Duhan van der Merwe; Stuart game, which it probably will be, lected for the trip to Dublin. “Their forward play has been ex- “Experience tells us that if Max Malins; Anthony Watson, narrow defeats by Wales and Hogg (capt), Scott Steele; Matt then his work-rate off the ball, his Champions England cannot ceptional and it’s coincided with you play in a game like that, like Elliot Daly, (capt), Ireland. Fagerson, Hamish Watson, ability to get back on kick returns win the Six Nations following a higher kicking game that’s seen the World Cup semi-fi nal where Jonny May; George Ford, Ben “Saturday is an opportunity ; Grant Gilchrist, and his ability to kick chase is go- defeats to Scotland and Wales. them play some good rugby.” there is a lot of ball movement, Youngs; , Tom for us to show an improved Sam Skinner; Zander Fag- ing to be really important,” he said. But victory at the Aviva Sta- England produced some of the next game generally the op- Curry, Mark Wilson; Charlie performance and a much truer erson, David Cherry, Rory “And he’s got a great engine on dium against an Ireland side their best attacking play of position try to take that away Ewels, ; Kyle Sinckler, reflection of who we are as a Sutherland him, Elliot. He’s strong defen- coached by Andy Farrell, the fa- this year’s tournament against from you, which is sensible and Luke Cowan-Dickie, Mako team,” said Townsend in a Scot- Replacements: George Turner, sively and we know he’s a pen- ther of England captain Owen France. the game becomes more of an at- Vunipola tish statement. , , etrative runner. If we get some Farrell, would put them in credit But Jones has compared their tritional game,” he said. Replacements: , Italy have lost their last 31 suc- Alex Craig, Nick Haining, Ali quick ball, he’ll trouble him on for the tournament. situation to the 2019 Rugby “So we’re preparing for an at- Ellis Genge, Will Stuart, cessive Six Nations matches Price, , Chris the outside there.” England have won their past World Cup in Japan, where Eng- tritional game and if it happens Jonny Hill, , Dan but former Scotland fly-half Harris Jones said a run on Thursday four matches against Ireland, land’s exuberant semi-fi nal vic- to go the other way then we want Robson, Ollie Lawrence, Joe Townsend added: “Italy have Coach: Gregor Townsend by Slade confi rmed he was still who narrowly beat Scotland 27- tory over New Zealand was fol- to be ready to take our opportu- Marchant been playing ambitious rugby (SCO) troubled by a calf injury suff ered 24 last week. lowed by a loss in the fi nal to nities.” Coach: Eddie Jones (AUS)

GOLF FOCUS Mori starts as Italy look to end Westwood tests Augusta campaign on positive note

Reuters to recover from a shoulder injury caps) 10. (Benet- London infl icted in that defeat to make ton Rugby, 8 caps) 9. Stephen with Ryder Cup looming the squad. duo Varney (Gloucester Rugby, 5 Niccolo Cannone and Federico caps) 8. (Benet- AFP She was on a run, wasn’t she, but entre Ruzza line up in the second row, ton Rugby, 5 caps) 7. Johan Miami she’s here, so I’ll be able to chat will start for Italy after while prop pair Meyer ( Rugby Club, 12 to her at night about stuff that’s being named in coach and make up caps) 6. (Benet- going on. Franco Smith’s side for the front row alongside cap- ton Rugby, 31 caps) 5. Federico ee Westwood was feeling “Sam is enjoying himself and theirC fi nal match of this year’s tain . Despite losing Ruzza (Benetton Rugby, 21 fatigued Wednesday after looking forward to this run of competition against Scotland four from four so far, Smith says caps) 4. Niccolo Cannone (Ben- two days of practice for tournaments where he’s getting tomorrow, with the Azzurri there is still plenty to play for etton Rugby, 12 caps) 3. Marco the Masters and back-to- to caddie.” looking to end another disap- and believes his side are capable Riccioni (Benetton Rugby, 14 Lback PGA Tour runner-up fi n- So who will be on the bags in pointing campaign on a high. of ending their win drought on caps) 2. Luca Bigi (Zebre Rugby ishes that have delighted Euro- the Ryder Cup? “I’m not sure Italy have lost 31 Six Nations Saturday. “We have a big chal- Club, 35 caps) (captain) 1. Danilo pean Ryder Cup captain Padraig about the Ryder Cup yet,” West- matches in a row stretching lenge ahead of us,” he said. “Our Fischetti (Zebre Rugby Club, 10 Harrington. wood said. “We’ll cross that back to a 2015 win over Scotland work during the week was excel- caps) Westwood played two rounds bridge if I get in the team.” at Murrayfi eld and are already lent. “We want to win on Satur- Replacements: 16. Gianmarco Monday and another Tuesday – ‘It’d be a great story’ – It’s guaranteed to pick up a sixth day, closing the tournament in Lucchesi (Benetton Rugby, 5 at Augusta National alongside a path Westwood had better be successive wooden spoon this the best possible way and con- caps) 17. (Zebre his son Sam, who will serve as ready to cross. He jumped to time around. To end that bar- tinuing on the path of becoming Rugby Club, 45 caps) 18. Giosuè his caddie when the 47-year-old fourth in world points on the Ry- ren run, Smith has named an- more and more competitive.” Zilocchi (Zebre Rugby Club, 14 Englishman chases his fi rst ma- der Cup qualifying list and seems other youthful XV with Mori, ITALY: 15. caps) 19. Riccardo Favretto (Mo- jor title next month at the Mas- a lock to be on Irishman Har- 20, starting his fi rst Six Nations (Benetton Rugby, 27 caps) 14. gliano Rugby 1969, 0 caps) 20. ters. “He chipped in on 18 yes- rington’s roster. match of the tournament at cen- (Zebre Rugby (Zebre Rugby terday to take the money. We’ll “You want an experienced guy tre alongside Juan . Club, 29 caps) 13. Juan Ignacio Club, 27 caps) 21. not discuss the shots,” Westwood playing well, and it’s great to see South African Smith makes Brex (Benetton Rugby, 3 caps) (Zebre Rugby Club, 19 caps) said Wednesday. Lee is playing well. Everything four changes from the side who 12. Federico Mori (Kawasaki Ro- 22. (Zebre Rugby “I will say it’s as hard as I’ve Lee Westwood of England walks with his caddie and son Sam during about Lee playing well is a bonus were thrashed by Wales last bot Calvisano, 8 caps) 11. Mon- Club, 51 caps) 23. seen Augusta play, even when it the pro-am prior to The Honda Classic in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, for me,” said Harrington. weekend, with David Sisi unable tanna Ioane (Benetton Rugby, 4 (Benetton Rugby, 5 caps). has been the week of the Masters. on Wednesday. (Getty Images/AFP) “Lee in some ways looks like It was cold. It was playing long he’s played his way in, frees up and the greens were like rock. top-10 eff orts in eight starts at Masters, in 2010 and 2016. another spot for a pick... certain- They were really releasing out. It PGA National. “I’m a little bit Sam will serve as his cad- ly you would probably ask him to ‘Satisfi ed’ France unchanged for Wales Six Nations decider was a tough couple of days to play tired, I must admit. I feel a little die this week, as he will at the do a little more than just play golf France coach Fabien Galthie said he named an do a week later is to bounce back against Wales Augusta.” bit drained. My legs are feeling it Masters, after Westwood en- that week.” unchanged side yesterday to host Wales in a with the potential that is at the heart of this team,” Westwood, who owns 25 Eu- a little bit,” Westwood said. joyed success with fi ancee Helen Westwood would fi gure to be potential Six Nations Grand Slam decider this he added. The ex-Test captain stuck with Jalibert, ropean Tour triumphs but hasn’t “I suppose I’m not expecting Storey on the bag the past two not only a locker room leader, weekend because he was “satisfied” with the Taofifenua and Cretin in favour of Romain Ntama- won a PGA Tour event since too much this week, but I don’t weeks. She will be back in May’s but maybe get some love from US loss to England. Second-row Romain Taofifenua, ck and Anthony Jelonch, and Swann Rebbadj who 2010, fi nished second at the Ar- know what to expect from myself PGA Championship. fans as he has this month. fly-half Matthieu Jalibert and flanker Dylan Cretin are on the substitutes’ bench. There are three new nold Palmer Invitational and at the moment. I’m obviously “Not too much diff erence. I “Lee was at one stage the best keep their places after the defeat for Saturday’s faces among the reserves as Galthie reverted to Players Championship the past coming off two good results and just like being out there with the player in the world,” Harrington match at the . The visitors can five forwards and three backs. Prop Uini Atonio two weeks, teeing off in Sunday’s my game feels good. I’m putting both of them,” Westwood said. said. “He has come back as an claim a second tournament clean sweep in three comes in for Dorian Aldegheri, Rebbadj replaces fi nal pairings both times. well and if I’m feeling all right to- “Both keep me relaxed. We have older player, and even for his years with a win in Paris. “We’re very satisfied with the injured Cyril Cazeaux and flanker Cameron Even after his test at Augusta, morrow, there’s no reason why I good chats out there. It’s good non-fans, they respect what he’s the performance of the team in generally. We’re Woki drops out for centre Arthur Vincent. Regular Westwood says he never consid- shouldn’t play well.” bonding time. doing... people are going, ‘Wow, very satisfied with the potential of this team too,” lock Bernard Le Roux was left out after failing ered skipping this week and will Westwood has 19 top-10 major “Helen picked the last two we’re wishing him well, we’d like Galthie said. “In Twickenham, we felt a lot poten- to recover suff iciently from the thigh injury that play the Honda Classic after fi n- fi nishes without a victory, with weeks to caddie. I think she’s sick to see him get a major’. It’d be a tial and strength in this team and what we need to caused him to miss the England game. ishing fourth last year, with four two runner-up fi nishes at the she didn’t pick this week now. great story to see him do it.” Gulf Times Friday, March 19, 2021 5 SPORT

NBA NFL Rams begin anew with QB Staff ord Bucks rally to beat Reuters deal prior to the 2020 season and New York is owed $8 million this season. Rams general manager Les Snead also reworked deals for atthew Staff ord of- several high-priced players on fi cially joined the the roster, including defensive Los Angeles Rams as tackle Aaron Donald and Jalen the league year in the Ramsey, to clear a total of $30 Sixers, Harden MNFL began Wednesday. million under the 2021 cap. Staff ord was traded to the Rams from the Detroit Lions, VIKINGS, PETERSON AGREE ‘We trusted one another, we who received quarterback Jared ON 1-YEAR, $10 MILLION DEAL Goff and multiple draft picks Patrick Peterson is leaving the didn’t put our head down, from Los Angeles. Detroit re- desert after 10 years as one of the ceived a third-round draft pick NFL’s top cornerbacks. we kept our composure’ in 2021 and fi rst-round picks in The Minnesota Vikings have propels Nets 2022 and 2023. agreed to bring aboard the three- The swap of former No. 1 picks time All-Pro on a one-year, $10 represents a signifi cant shift for million deal, according to mul- both franchises. Goff took the tiple reports. Among the as- Rams to the Super Bowl after the sets Peterson had sought in free 2018 season. agency was a team with a good Staff ord, 33, was the top pick quarterback. in the 2009 draft and spent his “I’d consider playing for any- entire career with the franchise body that has ... a quarterback,” prior to the trade. Detroit posted Peterson said last week on his a farewell to Staff ord on Wednes- “All Things Covered” podcast day night. with Bryant McFadden. Staff ord was unable to lead the “If you don’t have a quarter- Lions to an NFC North division back it’s going to be pretty dif- title and another regime change fi cult trying to win a football in the off season brought fi rst- game, so whoever has a quarter- time general manager Brad Hol- back that can spin the rock and mes and fi rst-time head coach also collect enough wins to get in Dan Campbell to Detroit. the playoff s. That gives us a shot The Rams also announced a to win it all.” four-year deal with pass rusher The Vikings’ starting quarter- Leonard Floyd, which is report- back is Kirk Cousins, who threw edly worth $64 million. 35 touchdowns and 13 intercep- Even with the additions, there tions in 2020, earning a passer were many key losses early in rating of 105 per Pro Football the off season for Los Angeles. Reference (No. 8 in the NFL). Staff ord currently has two years Peterson had 53 tackles and left on a team-friendly contract three interceptions in 2020, but due to pay him a combined $43 earned just a 55.2 overall grade million – $20 million this year from Pro Football Focus. and $23 million next year. The Peterson, who turns 31 in July, Rams worked feverishly in recent has been a Pro Bowl selection in weeks to reach full compliance eight of his 10 seasons – all with with the 2021 salary cap, which the Arizona Cardinals, who made includes charges of $20 million him the fi fth overall pick in the for Staff ord and $22.2 million in 2011 NFL Draft. “dead money” for Goff . The LSU product has played all Likewise, the Lions are still 16 games in nine seasons and has being charged for Staff ord ($19 started all 154 career games in Indiana Pacers forward Domantas Sabonis and Brooklyn Nets guard James Harden fight for a rebound in the fourth quarter at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. (USA TODAY Sports) million) and now take the $14.15 which he’s played, collecting 28 million hit for Goff . interceptions and 12 fumble re- tinued to await the return of star Kevin fering what the team called a tailbone The Rams and Lions got to- coveries. Peterson has 499 career AFP RESULTS Los Angeles Durant from a hamstring strain. contusion in a hard sideline fall in the gether again Wednesday to fi nal- tackles and 91 passes defensed. third quarter. Curry had missed a three- The Vikings, who went 7-9 in Dallas 105-89 Clippers Former NBA MVP Harden fi lled the ise a second trade that will send void, making 13 of 27 shots from the fi eld pointer as time ticked down in the third defensive tackle Michael Brock- 2020, made the playoff s with a iannis Antetokounmpo scored Memphis 89-85 Miami and 12 of 14 free throws. His putback when he stumbled backwards, falling in a ers to Detroit for a seventh- 10-6 record in 2019 but have had 10 of his 32 points in overtime Cleveland 117-110 Boston layup knotted the score at 96-92 early in seated position. round pick in 2023. Brockers only three winning seasons over to power the Milwaukee Bucks Detroit 116-112 Toronto the fourth quarter and ignited a 13-4 Nets Clearly in pain, Curry was able to rise signed a three-year, $24 million the past eight years. to a 109-105 victory over Phila- scoring run. and walk gingerly to the locker room. Gdelphia in an NBA Eastern Conference Brooklyn 124-115 Indiana Harden added 10 rebounds and 14 as- He fi nished the night with 18 points heavyweight clash Wednesday. Milwaukee 109-105 Philadelphia sists and Joe Harris scored 19 for Brook- and eight assists. Jordan Poole led the Reigning two-time NBA Most Valuable Sacramento 121-119 Washington lyn, who trailed by as many as 16. with 23 points off the bench. Gibraltar honours Whyte, Povetkin with Player Antetokounmpo, ably defended by “It’s not even about the triple-double, Kelly Oubre added 19 points. special coin ahead of rematch Philadelphia’s Ben Simmons, struggled Denver 129-104 Charlotte it’s about our eff ort,” Harden said. “Es- Sacramento’s De’Aaron Fox drilled the early, scoring just four points in the fi rst San Antonio 106-99 Chicago pecially that second half we did an unbe- game-winner for the Kings in Washing- Britain’s Dillian Whyte said it was a “great honour” to feature on a half as the East-leading 76ers built a 45- Golden State 108-94 Houston lievable job defensively, just getting after ton, his pull-up jumper over Bradley Beal new 2 pounds coin issued by the Gibraltar government to commem- 31 lead. it. That’s it.” with seven-tenths of a second remain- orate his “Rumble on the Rock” rematch with Alexander Povetkin on Philadelphia, again without injured game,” added Antetokounmpo, who add- Malcolm Brogdon scored 24 points for ing delivering a 121-119 victory over the March 27. star Joel Embiid, led by as many as 19. ed 15 rebounds and fi ve assists, his run the Pacers, who had a triple-double from Wizards. Fox fi nished with 28 points for Russian Povetkin, who knocked out Jamaica-born Whyte in the fifth But Milwaukee seized a 78-76 lead with of three straight triple-doubles coming Domantas Sabonis with 18 points, 11 re- the Kings, who withstood 29 points from round of their first fight in London last August, also features on coin. 8:18 remaining in regulation. to an end. Tobias Harris led Philadelphia bounds and 11 assists. Beal and a triple-double of 26 points, The two heavyweights are the only boxers to feature on any sterling From there it was a back-and-forth with 19 points and Danny Green added 18 It was good news for the Nets, after 14 rebounds and 10 assists from Rus- currency, with Whyte the first Black person to receive the honour. battle until Antetokounmpo scored 10 for the Sixers. coach Steve Nash said before the game sell Westbrook. Ja Morant was the star in “It is a great honour for someone like me to go down in history as straight Bucks points in overtime, a run Simmons had a triple-double of 13 that Durant, while showing “improve- Memphis, driving the length of the court the first boxer, and first Black man, to feature on sterling currency,” that included a left-handed drive past points, 10 rebounds and 12 assists, but the ment,” remained at least two weeks away for a go-ahead layup with 1.2 seconds re- Whyte said in a statement. Simmons and a step-back jump shot over 76ers saw their six-game winning streak from a return. maining in the Grizzlies’ 89-85 victory “I can’t believe someone that comes from where I come from and Dwight Howard that put the Bucks up end and lost Seth Curry in the fourth “We’re monitoring it and expect him over the Miami Heat. has been through what I’ve been through can be honoured in this 105-98 with 1:11 left in the extra period. quarter with a sprained ankle. to make a full recovery,” Nash said of Du- Memphis’ Kyle Anderson came up with way. “We didn’t stop playing, we played They fi nished the night tied atop the rant, who has been sidelined since Feb- a steal and two free throws to seal a vic- “This is why we should never give up on children that come from great defense,” Antetokounmpo said. East with the Brooklyn Nets, who were ruary 13. “But he’s probably got a couple tory that ended Miami’s fi ve-game win disadvantaged and troubled backgrounds. Kids that are diff icult and “We trusted one another, we didn’t put propelled by James Harden’s 40-point weeks of ramp-up left.” streak. There was no such drama in Dal- misunderstood at school.” our head down, we kept our composure. triple-double in a 124-115 victory over the Golden State guard Stephen Curry las, where Mavericks star Luka Doncic The first coin was struck at Tower Mint in London on Tuesday, the “We believed in ourselves, and that’s Indiana Pacers. Nets All-Star Kyrie Irving departed early in the Warriors 108-94 scored 42 points in the hosts’ 105-89 vic- statement added. why we were able to come back in the sat out with a sore groin as the Nets con- victory over the Rockets in Houston, suf- tory over the Los angeles Clippers.

NHL Zibanejad’s record night fuels Rangers’ 9-0 rout of Flyers puck and gave Winnipeg a three-on- Reuters RESULTS New York two. Ehlers took the shot and ripped Rangers 9-0 Flyers it through goalie Carey Price’s 5-hole Jets 4-3 Canadiens for the victory. The Canadiens scored ika Zibanejad collected a twice in the third period to force over- natural hat trick and tied Oilers 7-3 Flames time. They cut the lead to one at 5:58 an NHL record by scoring Canucks 3-2 Senators when Danault lost the faceoff to Adam six points during a seven- Golden Knights 5-4 Sharks Lowry. Gallagher picked him off and Mgoal second period outburst Wednes- skated in for a quick shot. day night by the host New York Rang- Kings 4-1 Blues With 1:25 left in regulation, Toff oli ers, who routed the Philadelphia Flyers 12-0 loss to the Chicago Black Hawks snuck around the back of the Jets net 9-0. on Jan. 30, 1969. The nine goals allowed and took a perfect pass from Corey Per- The seven goals by the Rangers were were the most since a 10-3 loss to the ry to surprise Jets goalie Connor Helle- one shy of the franchise record for a Pittsburgh Penguins in Game 4 of an buyck, who was caught out of position. period, set when they scored eight in Eastern Conference quarter-fi nal se- It was Toff oli’s 18th goal of the season. a 12-1 win over the California Golden ries on April 18, 2012, and the most in a The Jets scored quickly to start the Seals on Nov 21, 1971. The Rangers regular-season game since a 9-8 loss to game. The Canadiens got stuck clear- hadn’t scored seven goals in a single the Winnipeg Jets on October 27, 2011. ing the puck out of their own end in the game since a 7-2 victory over the Van- Brian Elliott was pulled after giving up fi rst minute. Wheeler ended up with couver Canucks on Nov. 15, 2016. the fi rst fi ve goals on just 13 shots. Cart- an open shot and beat Canadiens goal- The nine goals were the most for the er Hart allowed the fi nal four goals and tender Carey Price at the 50-second Rangers since a 10-2 win over the Tampa fi nished with 12 saves. mark.The Jets padded their lead to 2-0 Bay Lightning on Nov. 10, 1998, while at 15:46 when defenseman Xavier Ouel- the margin of victory was the largest for JETS LET LEAD SLIP AWAY, BEAT let bumped into Price, drawing his own the franchise since a 9-0 win over the CANADIENS IN OT goalie out of the play. Connor was left New Jersey Devils on March 31, 1986. Nikolaj Ehlers scored 55 seconds into with a wide-open net to score easily. Zibanejad’s hat trick, achieved in just Mika Zibanejad (left) of the New York Rangers celebrates his power-play goal of the second period against Carter Hart of the overtime to lift the host Winnipeg Jets Danault got the Canadiens within 10:10, began with a breakaway short- Philadelphia Flyers at Madison Square Garden in New York City. (Getty Images/AFP) to a 4-3 win over the Montreal Cana- one at 1:26 of the second. Thomas Tatar handed goal and also included an even- diens on Wednesday. Kyle Connor had broke across the blue line and dished strength goal and a power-play tally. on Dec. 23, 1978. Brendan Lemieux and pened with a fi ll-in coaching staff on Wednesday. Wolf Pack associate head two goals and Blake Wheeler scored the puck over to Danault on a two-on- His six points – he had assists on the Artemi Panarin scored in the fi rst period the bench. Head coach David Quinn coach Gord Murphy and New York as- once for the Jets. Pierre-Luc Dubois one against Jets defenseman Tucker second period’s fi rst three goals, two and Filip Chytil closed out the second- and assistants Jacques Martin, David sociate general manager Chris Drury chipped in three assists. Phillip Dan- Poolman. Danault took the shot and by Pavel Buchnevich and one by Jacob period barrage for the Rangers, who Oliver and Greg Brown were unavail- were the assistants. Rangers goalie Al- ault, Brendan Gallagher and Tyler Tof- fooled Hellebuyck with a quick wrister. Trouba – tied a mark set by the New didn’t score in the third period as the able due to NHL Covid-19 protocols. exandar Georgiev made 26 saves for foli countered for the Canadiens. With Connor restored the two-goal lead York Islanders’ Bryan Trottier, who had approximately 2,000 fans at Madison Kris Knoblauch, the head coach of his second shutout of the season. For Jets head coach Paul Maurice skating at 13:42. He picked the puck from the three goals and three assists in the sec- Square Garden chanted, “We want 10!” the club’s AHL affi liate, the Hartford the Flyers, the shutout defeat was the three forwards in overtime, the Ca- Jets and got down low to pounce on a ond period of a 9-4 win over the Rangers The Rangers’ historic night hap- Wolf Pack, served as acting head coach most lopsided for the franchise since a nadiens’ Jeff Petry coughed up the rebound off Dubois’ shot to beat Price. Gulf Times 6 Friday, March 19, 2021 FOOTBALL

PREMIER LEAGUE SPOTLIGHT Watkins named in England squad for Newcastle take on World Cup qualifi ers

AFP London

ston Villa striker Brighton in crucial Ollie Watkins and West Brom goalkeeper Sam Johnstone received theirA fi rst England call-ups yes- terday ahead of three World Cup qualifi ers. England manager Ga- reth Southgate has named a 26- man squad for this month’s tri- relegation battle ple-header against San Marino, Albania and Poland. Leeds striker Patrick Bam- Newcastle under manager Bruce have won just twice in 17 Premier League games ford had been widely tipped for a call-up but Southgate has turned Reuters to Watkins, who has impressed London since joining Villa from Brent- ford last year. “Bamford was very close. There’s a number of posi- hen Newcastle United were tions in this squad that have been on the verge of a 300mn really close calls and we felt we pounds ($417mn) takeover wanted an extra striker,” South- by a Saudi Arabian consorti- gate said. Wum last summer, fans of the club thought “Ollie is a player we’ve had less that coronavirus travel restric- their dreams might fi nally start coming interaction with in the past. It’s tions in Germany would rule him true. Seven months after that deal col- going to be good to get to know out. Bellingham’s club team- lapsed, however, the nightmare scenario him. He’s got some improvement mate Jadon Sancho misses out of relegation from the Premier League to make in linking the game, but through injury. England open looms large for a club mired in medioc- in his fi rst season in the Premier their 2022 World Cup qualifying rity. League at a big club, he’s done campaign against San Marino at By the time they kick off at fellow exceptionally well.” home on March 25. They have strugglers Brighton and Hove Albion to- Johnstone, who has shone for an away fi xture against Albania morrow, Newcastle may have slipped into the embattled Baggies this sea- three days later and host Poland the relegation zone, depending on 18th- son, gets his maiden call-up fol- on March 31. placed Fulham’s result at home against lowing an injury to Southgate’s Leeds United 24 hours earlier. fi rst choice keeper Jordan Pick- ENGLAND SQUAD Should that happen few on Tyneside ford. “Sam Johnstone, in a team will be surprised as optimism among the that has had a diffi cult season, Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson faithful that things will ever change for has kept a very good level of per- (Man United/ENG), Sam John- the better appears to be draining away. formance. It is a great opportu- stone (West Brom/ENG), Nick When the Saudis came knocking it ap- nity for him,” Southgate said. Pope (Burnley/ENG) peared the unpopular reign of owner Mike Liverpool right-back Trent Defenders: Ben Chilwell (Chel- Ashley was coming to an end and that Alexander-Arnold is conspicu- sea/ENG), Conor Coady (Wolves/ Newcastle, often described as a sleeping ously absent from a squad that ENG), Eric Dier (Tottenham/ENG), giant, might fi nally produce a team wor- sees Luke Shaw, John Stones and Reece James (Chelsea/ENG), thy of the fans’ infl ated expectations. Jesse Lingard return after long Instead Ashley remains at the helm absences. Lingard is back after Harry Maguire (Man United/ENG), and despite a run of only two wins in impressing on loan with West Tyrone Mings (Aston Villa/ENG), 17 Premier League games manager Ham following his January move Luke Shaw (Man United/ENG), remains the man saddled from Manchester United. John Stones (Man City/ENG), with trying to turn the team’s fortunes “We have injuries in attack- Kieran Trippier (Atletico Madrid/ around. According to lifelong fan Dan ing areas which have opened ESP), Kyle Walker (Man City/ENG) Lowe, who writes for Newcastle fan- Brighton’s English manager Graham Potter (third left) leaves the pitch with his players after their win over Southampton in the up an opportunity for Jesse. I Midfielders: Jude Bellingham zine The Mag, the club is paying for its Premier League at St Mary’s Stadium in Southampton, southern England on March 14. (AFP) have to say his performances for (Borussia Dortmund/GER), Phil chronic lack of ambition since Ashley West Ham have been excellent. Foden (Man City/ENG), Jesse became owner in 2007. leaked to the media. His side might be Arsenal and West Ham United. will also have an impact at the top end of We know he can perform at that Lingard (West Ham/ENG), Mason “Ultimately, the root cause is a board- unbeaten in their last three league games Their fi nal game of the season is against the table with West Ham United’s push level,” Southgate said. “There is Mount (Chelsea/ENG), Kalvin Phil- room level desire for mediocrity,” he but draws against Wolverhampton Wan- Fulham, who were 10 points adrift of the for a top-four fi nish continuing against a space there. We trust Jesse and lips (Leeds United/ENG), Declan wrote. “Bruce was hired to maintain the derers, second-from-bottom West Bro- safety zone as recently as early February Arsenal on Sunday. think he can play a big part in Rice (West Ham/ENG), James status quo and deliver a fi nish of 11th- mwich Albion and Aston Villa, thanks to but can now see salvation. With fourth-placed Chelsea in Cup ac- these three games.” 15th in the Premier League. “The best a last-minute equaliser by club captain Scott Parker’s side will have a huge tion, a home victory for West Ham would Stones’ recall after long- Ward-Prowse (Southampton/ENG) managers won’t accept that remit and the Jamaal Lascelles, have allowed a resur- incentive to beat Leeds today as victory put them level on points with the Blues awaited return to form at Man- Forwards: Dominic Calvert-Lewin average ones won’t inspire good players gent Fulham to close the gap. would put them one point above Newcas- ahead of the international break. Eighth- chester City means the centre- (Everton/ENG), (Tot- within the club.” Should results go badly this weekend a tle and level on points with Brighton, al- placed Tottenham Hotspur are also in back could make his fi rst England tenham/ENG), Marcus Rashford Bruce has worn a battle-weary look of third relegation under Ashley will look in- beit having played more games than their action on Sunday, away to ninth-placed appearance since November (Man United/ENG), Bukayo Saka late with talk of dressing room dishar- creasingly likely especially with a tough run relegation rivals. Aston Villa with both sides needing a win 2019. Borussia Dortmund’s teen- (Arsenal/ENG), Raheem Sterling mony fuelled by a training ground bust- of fi xtures ahead including games against With FA Cup quarter-fi nals this week- to keep in touch with the race for a top- age midfi elder Jude Bellingham (Man City/ENG), Ollie Watkins up with winger which was Manchester City, Liverpool, Leicester City, end, a limited Premier League schedule four place. has been included despite fears (Aston Villa/ENG)

FOCUS Inter match against Sassuolo postponed aft er Covid outbreak ‘Slapstick’ errors have cost Liverpool: Klopp Milan: ’s UEFA hinted on Wednesday match this weekend against that it did not want a European Reuters as slapstick,” he said. Sassuolo was postponed on the championships without specta- Liverpool “On the other hand, we create a lot of orders of local health authori- tors and so any of the 12 host chances, in the ‘expected goals’ we are ties yesterday because of a cities that insisted on banning still second behind City in the Premier coronavirus outbreak at the spectators could have their iverpool manager Jurgen Klopp League, but far from them in the ones we club, the Italian league leaders matches transferred “to other said “slapstick” mistakes had actually scored. This problem has been confirmed. cities which have the capacity undermined Liverpool’s defence going on throughout.” Defender and to welcome spectators”. of their Premier League title and Liverpool are still in with a chance of midfielder Matias Vecino have It has given host cities until Lmade it almost impossible for them to winning this year’s Champions League contracted the virus following April 7 to submit their proposal fi nish in the top four. Liverpool cruised to and are in the draw for the quarter-fi nals the positive cases of de- and intends to decide “at the the Premier League title last season but after brushing aside RB Leipzig in the fender Danilo D’Ambrosio and latest” during an executive are sixth in the current campaign on 46 last-16. Missing out on Europe’s elite goalkeeper and captain Samir committee meeting on April 19, points, fi ve points behind fourth-placed club competition would be a huge blow Handanovic earlier this week. on the eve of its annual con- Chelsea with nine matches remaining. but Klopp said he was not worried about Faced with these new cases, gress scheduled in Montreux. “I like to be an optimist, but in the his future. local health authorities in Bucharest is due to host league it is almost impossible to qualify “It would mean a huge fi nancial loss. Milan ordered the “immediate three Group C matches — in the competition for the Champions In almost all clubs, I would be questioned suspension of any type of team Austria v North Macedonia, League places that we have,” Klopp told in a situation like this,” he said. “This is activity for four days until Sun- Ukraine v North Macedonia German newspaper Bild. “At Totten- normal, I accept that. Our owners, sports day inclusive,” Inter said. and Ukraine v Austria, as well ham Hotspur, Gareth Bale is now playing director nobody doubts anyone here. We That would include tomor- as one round of 16. again, and they are also in the running. have accepted the situation and fi ght our row’s match against Sassuolo (Manchester) City and United, who are will be diffi cult.” nent usually doesn’t need a lot of chances way through.” in San Siro. In addition, authori- MINAMINO’S JAPAN far away, Chelsea on the rise. Reaching Klopp said his side had paid the price against us because we make big mistakes, Liverpool next visit Arsenal after the ties are prohibiting all interna- CALL-UP IS ‘NONSENSE’, Champions League through the league for uncharacteristic errors. “The oppo- insane ones that can almost be described international break on April 4. tionals who should have left SAYS HASENHUTTL Milan on Sunday to join their Southampton manager national teams from respond- Ralph Hasenhuttl claims it is WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS ing to this summons. “nonsense” for Japan forward Takumi Minamino to be asked ROMANIA EXPECTS to travel for international QUARTER-FULL STADIUM duty during the coronavirus Dembele and Ndombele back in France squad FOR EURO 2020 pandemic. Minamino, on loan Romanian authorities have from Liverpool, is set to join up expanded squad of 26 named by coach als scheduled outside the EU and Europe- Leo Dubois (Lyon), AFP (Bayern Munich/GER), agreed in principle to have 25% with the Japan squad for next Paris , with also an Economic Area (EAA), which includes capacity in the Arena Nationala week’s friendly against South included as the Manchester United mid- Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. (Paris Saint-Germain), Clement Lenglet in Bucharest for the Euro 2020 Korea in Yokohama. fi elder returns following more than a France are also due to come up against (Barcelona/ESP), Ferland Mendy (Real matches this summer, the The fixture had already arcelona forward Ousmane Dem- month out injured. Finland in the fi ve-team Group D, with Madrid/ESP), (Bayern country’s football federation irked Tottenham boss Jose bele and Tottenham Hotspur France begin their qualifying cam- only the winners qualifying directly for Munich/GER), Raphael Varane (Real Ma- said. “The principle of a 25-per- Mourinho after Son Heung- midfi elder Tanguy Ndombele paign at home to Ukraine next Wednes- the fi nals. Teenage Rennes midfi elder drid/ESP), (Chelsea/ENG) cent presence has been agreed min was named in South were recalled to the France squad day, March 24, behind closed doors at the Eduardo Camavinga and Lyon’s Houssem Midfielders: N’Golo Kante (Chelsea/ENG), and will have to be ratified by Korea’s squad despite limping yesterdayB as the World Cup holders begin Stade de France. Aouar were among those left out of the Tanguy Ndombele (Tottenham Hotspur/ the government before being off with a hamstring injury their campaign to qualify for next year’s They will then make the long trip to squad as they will instead feature for communicated to UEFA in early against Arsenal on Sunday. tournament in Qatar with a triple-header play Kazakhstan away on Sunday, March France at the upcoming Under-21 Euro in ENG), Paul Pogba (Manchester United/ April,” Razvan Mitroi, spokes- Now Hasenhuttl has added of matches this month. 28 and will travel straight from there Hungary. ENG), (Juventus/FRA), man for the Romanian Football his voice to the complaints Dembele, 23, was part of the France to Bosnia and Herzegovina for another (Tottenham Hotspur/ENG) Federation, said. about the return of interna- squad that won the World Cup in Rus- qualifi er in Sarajevo three days later. The FRANCE SQUAD Forwards: Wissam Ben Yedder (), Some 12,000 spectators could tional matches while the virus sia in 2018 but has not played for Les France squad were given an exemption Goalkeepers: Alphonse Areola (Fulham/ (Bayern Munich/GER), thus be accommodated inside remains a global problem. Bleus since December of that year. He is allowing them to travel outside the Euro- ENG on loan from Paris Saint-Germain), Ousmane Dembele (Barcelona/ESP), the 55,000-seat stadium, he “I expect Minamino’s trip to rewarded for his recent form with Bar- pean Union for these matches and avoid (Chelsea/ENG), Antoine celona and a rare, lengthy run free from having to spend a week in self-isolation (Tottenham Hotspur/ENG), said. According to Mitroi, if the happen, although there are Griezmann (Barcelona/ESP), Thomas epidemiological situation is fa- some big journeys and long injury. on their return. (Marseille), Lemar (Atletico Madrid/ESP), Anthony vourable, “it will be theoretically travels there, which I do not Ndombele won the last of his six caps That is despite the French league this (Lille) Martial (Manchester United/ENG), Kylian possible to go up to 50 percent”. like to see, but it is how it is.” in June 2019, shortly before joining Tot- week announcing that clubs would not Defenders: (Everton/ENG), tenham from Lyon. The duo feature in an release players for upcoming internation- Mbappe (Paris Saint-Germain) Gulf Times Friday, March 19, 2021 7 FOOTBALL

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FOCUS First Copa del Rey fi nal will be without Tuchel makes Chelsea fans: Spanish federation

AFP contenders but Man City, Madrid he postponed Spanish Copa del Rey fi nal from last year will be played without fans, the Span- Tish football federation confi rmed Bayern the teams to beat yesterday. Reports in Spain had suggested a 20 to 25 per cent- capacity could be allowed for Chelsea saw off leaders Atletico Madrid 2-0 to win their last-16 tie 3-0 on aggregate the match in Seville next month between Basque rivals Athletic AFP Bilbao and . Paris The fi nal was postponed last year because of the coronavirus pandemic and then put off to mong the many eyebrow-rais- April 3, in the hope supporters ing comments made by Juven- could attend the much-antici- tus chairman Andrea Agnelli pated derby. But the federation recently was the suggestion has said the fi nal will still take thatA clubs involved in the Champions place behind closed doors, with League would no longer be allowed to travel restrictions in Spain en- buy or sell players among themselves. suring local Bilbao and La Real In his role as head of the European fans would not be able to go. Club Association, Agnelli is at the fore- A statement from the fed- front of plans to reshape the Champions eration said the regional Health League which include the likely expan- Ministry in Andalusia had iden- sion of the group stage to 36 teams, each tifi ed a “moderate risk” if the playing 10 group games against 10 dif- fi xture was opened up to the ferent opponents in a so-called ‘Swiss public. It added: “The current system’. situation with the virus and the The discussed reforms are widely established measures that en- seen as a compromise between Europe- sure the restriction of travel, in- an football’s governing body UEFA and cluding for both the autonomous the continent’s most powerful clubs, community of Andalusia and preventing the threat of a breakaway the province of Seville, mean it ‘Super League’ but entrenching the po- would not be feasible for fans not sitions of the richest teams. living in the province to attend Agnelli’s Juve are one of those, but the game.” they will be absent from today’s quar- The federation are still to con- ter-fi nal draw following their shock fi rm whether this year’s Copa last-16 defeat by Porto. Yet rather than del Rey fi nal between Athletic the transfer of a player between two Bilbao and Barcelona will also go clubs, it is a coach who started the sea- ahead without fans. That game is son in charge of one of Europe’s elite scheduled to take place on April before joining another who made the 17, two weeks after the 2020 fi - biggest impression in the Champions nal, also at La Cartuja stadium in League this week. Seville. Thomas Tuchel was sacked by Paris Suggestions that supporters Saint-Germain in December despite could be allowed to attend the winning a Champions League group fi nals were rejected on Wednes- also containing RB Leipzig and Man- day by Spanish Health Minister chester United. In January he joined Carolina Darias. “Let me be clear Chelsea and the impact the German has and blunt. It is not appropriate. had in seven weeks has been remark- Chelsea’s Hakim Ziyech (left) scores against Atletico Madrid during the Champions League last 16 second leg match in London on Wednesday. (Reuters) It is not timely and it is not con- able. On Wednesday nightk, they saw venient,” Darias said. off La Liga leaders Atletico Madrid 2-0 last eight which is already a big step. successor Mauricio Pochettino, their in the last three years. “Since the fi rst ing Juve, are surely the side most teams The Covid-19 infection rate at Stamford Bridge to win their last-16 From there on we go, there is no need to 4-1 win in Barcelona aside. year I arrived they told me that you have would prefer to face. The Portuguese has increased slightly in sev- tie 3-0 on aggregate. Tuchel took over be afraid, we will take what we get and There are six former winners in the to win the Champions League,” Guardi- champions have lifted the trophy twice eral regions recently which may a side struggling for consistency under will prepare in the best way possible,” last-eight draw, with a total of 29 Eu- ola admitted after his side beat Borussia before and are regulars on Europe’s big- mean that a weeks-long decline Frank Lampard and immediately turned Tuchel said on Wednesday. ropean Cups between them. Only Man- Moenchengladbach. gest stage, but given how much money in the national infection rate has them into a supremely disciplined unit Chelsea’s 2012 Champions League chester City among the quarter-fi nal- With Liverpool also still alive, Eng- talks at this level it would be a huge sur- bottomed out, she added. Yet La that has conceded just two goals and triumph came after they changed man- ists have never reached the fi nal, but land have three representatives in the prise if they went any further. Liga president Javier Tebas said remains unbeaten in his 13 games in ager mid-season and Tuchel will be de- they look formidable: Pep Guardiola’s draw, yet Bayern – with 18 wins and one Porto are way down the list of the he hoped some fans could return charge. termined to go one better than last sea- team have won 24 of their last 25 games draw in 19 Champions League games continent’s richest clubs and a recent to league matches in late April. They made Diego Simeone’s Atletico son, when PSG lost to Bayern Munich in and are chasing an unprecedented since the start of last season – remain KPMG Football Benchmark report put “It’s been a year, we’ve learned look thoroughly ordinary in both legs the fi nal. A reunion with PSG in the next quadruple. the team to beat. Defeats for Juventus their income last year at 87.3mn euros a lot, and we hope that by the and few teams will relish the prospect round would be fascinating, and not one Perhaps the only thing counting and Atalanta mean there is no Italian ($104mn), less than a quarter that of third week of April we can start of facing Chelsea in the last eight. “We the French club would likely welcome as against them is the growing pressure to team in the last eight for the fi rst time Dortmund, the club closest to them fi - to have a percentage back in the feel that we deserve this. We are in the they struggle to impress under Tuchel’s win the trophy after quarter-fi nal exits since 2016, and Porto, despite eliminat- nancially. stadiums,” Tebas said.

BOTTOMLINE SPOTLIGHT Flick reveals clear-the-air talks Bayern Munich stroll into quarter-fi nals AFP with club’s sports director Munich, Germany

AFP Berlin olders Bayern Munich cruised into the Cham- pions League quarter- ayern Munich coach Hansi Flick re- fi nals as a 2-1 win over vealed he has had clear-the-air talks with HLazio in Wednesday’s last-16 the club’s sports director Hasan Saliha- second leg sealed a 6-2 aggregate midzic amid reports of simmering ten- victory. Robert Lewandowski sionsB between the pair. Holders Bayern cruised converted a penalty before a deft into the quarter-fi nals of the Champions League chip from his second-half re- on Wednesday as a 2-1 home win over Lazio placement Eric Maxim Choupo- sealed a 6-2 aggregate win in their last 16 tie. having right now, it would be nicer if things were Moting doubled the advantage on Bayern are in the last eight of the Champions calm and we didn’t give internal fuel to the out- the night. League for a record 19th time in the competition’s side world. But it doesn’t put much of a strain on Lazio grabbed a consolation history. Off the fi eld, there is said to be a power us as a team. On the fi eld, you don’t notice any when Marco Parolo was left un- struggle brewing between Flick and Salihamidzic. unrest from the outside.” marked to head in a late free-kick Flick said the pair met to settle their diff erence on Flick has also been heavily linked to the role of from close range. “The win is Wednesday. Germany head coach with Joachim Loew set to very important to us. It’s in our “We both approached each other and sorted it step down after this summer’s European cham- DNA that we want to win every out in the best interests of the club. It was a short pionships. Flick was Loew’s assistant coach when game,” Bayern midfi elder Joshua conversation and we are very optimistic for the Germany won the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Kimmich said. “We played confi - future,” said the Bayern coach. One of the reported disagreements between dently, even if it wasn’t a brilliant Flick said the talks were important for “both Flick and Salihamidzic was over the amount of performance and it was annoying of us, for the team and the club”. Bayern are four game time given to reserve goalkeeper Alexan- to concede a goal.” points clear at the top of the Bundesliga and into der Nuebel. The 24-year-old is said to have been Their passage into the last the last eight in Europe on an unbeaten run of 19 signed from Schalke on a free transfer with an of- eight takes Bayern past Barcelo- Champions League matches spanning two years. fer by Salihamidzic of at least ten appearances for na’s tally of 18 Champions League Yet midfi elder Joshua Kimmich admitted ten- Bayern per season. quarter-fi nal appearances since sion between the club’s bossses was an unwel- However, Nuebel made only his third start all the competition was rebranded come distraction for the players. “Of course, you season in Wednesday’s home win over Lazio as from the European Cup. Snow hear what is written and discussed externally,” fi rst-choice Manuel Neuer was sidelined with a fell during the game at the Alli- Kimmich said after the win over Lazio. cold. Nuebel is said to be chasing a loan spell at anz Arena, but Bayern made light “At the end of the day, with the success we’re French side Monaco. work of the wintry conditions. They extended their unbeaten run in the Champions League Bayern Munich’s Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting (second left) celebrates with teammates after scoring to 19 games over two years. “We against Lazio during the Champions League last 16 second leg match in Munich. (AFP) needed a good performance Dortmund sign French teenager Coulibaly and we bow out of the competi- as understudy Alexander Nuebel Lazio goalkeeper Pepe Reina the fi nal whistle when Andreas Dortmund: Borussia Dortmund level, will join Dortmund for the the best step for me. I had off ers tion with a positive game,” Lazio made only his third start of the beaten on 67 minutes. It was one Pereira’s free-kick was headed have signed teenage defender 2021-22 campaign. from other clubs, but when coach Simone Inzaghi said. season. Bayern were awarded of his last involvements as he and home by Muriqi’s replacement Soumaila Coulibaly from French “I’m really looking forward I spoke to the BVB off icials, I “Some teams are unplayable: a penalty on 31 minutes when Thomas Mueller made way for Parolo. champions Paris St-Germain to being able to play for such knew straight away that this Bayern are one of them.” Muriqi brought Leon Goretzka Choupo-Moting and 18-year- Serge Gnabry fi red wide late on on a long-term contract, the a traditional club in the future. was the right club for me. I can’t With his side trailing 4-1 from down in the area. After a VAR old Jamal Musiala. as Bayern kept Lazio under pres- Bundesliga club announced I’m grateful for the training I wait to get started.” the fi rst leg, Inzaghi opted to review, Lewandowski smashed Less than two minutes later, sure. Lazio defender Francesco yesterday. enjoyed at PSG,” France un- Coulibaly has regularly rest top-scorer Ciro Immobile, in the resulting spot-kick. It was David Alaba slid a pass through Acerbi said the Italians played The 17-year-old centre back, der-18 player Coulibaly said in a trained with PSG’s senior squad with the 1.94m-tall Vedat Muriqi the Poland star’s 39th goal in all for Choupo-Moting to sprint better than in their heavy fi rst- who is a PSG academy product statement. and is recovering from a knee starting up front. Bayern had competitions this season and onto and fl ick a shot over Reina. leg defeat, but admitted that and has yet to play at senior “But I think this move is now injury sustained in February captain and Germany goalkeeper fi fth in the Champions League. Bayern were guilty of sloppy “Bayern are probably the best in Manuel Neuer sidelined by a cold Lewandowski hit the post with defending eight minutes from the world”. Friday, March 19, 2021 GULF TIMES SPORT

TABLE TENNIS No queue, reduced crowds at Indian trio seal Tokyo Wimbledon London: Wimbledon’s famous ticket queue will not operate this year and the number of fans inside the grounds at the grasscourt Grand Slam is likely to be reduced, the All England Lawn Tennis Club Olympic Games berths (AELTC) said yesterday. The queue, which has become part of Wimbledon Sathiyan tops the South Asia group Olympics qualifiers with two wins, Sharath Kamal finishes second folklore, with fans lining up from the early hours and even Agencies camping overnight to snap up Doha tickets for the showcourts and grounds, will be abandoned for this year’s tournament in ndia’s table tennis players Sathiy- favour of online sales. an Gnanasekaran, Achanta Shar- The Wimbledon Champion- ath Kamal and Sutirtha Mukher- ships were cancelled last year jee qualifi ed for this year’s Tokyo for the first time in the Open IOlympic Games at the Asian Olympic era due to the Covid-19 pan- Qualifi cation Tournament being played demic but the AELTC board in Doha yesterday. hopes to welcome fans back The Asian qualifi ers, being played in June-July. “At this point in at the Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiya Arena, time, the most likely outcome had six Olympic berths up for grabs in for this year’s Championships, the men’s singles events. The spots for as an outdoor venue, is a re- Tokyo were to be allotted to the fi ve duced number of spectators group winners and the highest-ranked within the grounds,” it said in second-placed player. a statement. While Sathiyan topped the South “For this reason, we want to Asia group with two wins in as many ensure that we can leave deci- matches, Sharath Kamal ended as the sions on public capacity as top-ranked second-placed player, late as we can in order to wel- handing him the sixth slot for Tokyo come the maximum number 2020. While this will be a maiden Ol- of guests, and manage our ympics for G Sathiyan, it will be a fourth ticket distribution accord- one for veteran Sharath Kamal. ingly. “Given the likelihood of Sharath Kamal and Sathiyan both continued social distancing scored dominant wins over Pakistan’s requirements and with con- Mohamed Rameez yesterday. The vet- sideration for the health and eran Sharath Kamal thrashed Rameez safety of all the public, there 11-4, 11-1, 11-5, 11-4 in little over 22 will not be a Queue or Ticket minutes in the second men’s singles Resale in operation for this round-robin match in the South Asia year’s Championships.” group. The board also said those Later in the day, Sathiyan confi rmed who were successful in the his maiden Olympic appearance with a public ballot last year will 11-9, 15-13, 5-11, 7-11, 10-12, 11-9, 11-8 have the opportunity to win over Rameez. Kamal had lost his purchase tickets for the 2022 opening match 9-11, 13-15, 11-5, 11-7, edition for the same day and 12-10, 9-11, 8-11 to compatriot Gnan- court. The Lawn Tennis As- asekaran Sathiyan. India’s Achanta Sharath Kamal in action during the Asian Olympic Qualification Tournament at the Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiya Arena yesterday. PICTURE: ITTF / Remy Gros. sociation (LTA) is not holding “It was a good match against Sathiyan a ballot for tickets this year, but I made some errors and he capital- gether. And since Manika and Sutirtha Paranang was on clear display in her with an online platform in ised on them to win the match. I was a were the only entrants in the South Asia second South East Asia fi xture, making Iran’s Neda Shahsavari place for ticket sales in June bit nervous before playing against Ram- group, one was assured of winning the it back-to-back wins with her crushing beat Kazakhstan’s and there will be no reselling eez as I had never faced him before. But qualifi cation for Tokyo Olympics. De- performance against Philippines’ Jan- Zauresh Akasheva to within the grounds. after the fi rst few games I was confi dent spite her defeat against Sutirtha, Mani- nah Romero (11-8, 11-6, 11-8, 11-4). keep her Olympics “Both the queue and ticket that my strategy was working and I exe- ka will still have a good chance of quali- Singapore’s Clarence Chew has as- hopes alive. resale remain much-loved cuted it well to maintain control,” world fying for the Tokyo Olympics because of sumed control in Group 2 of the men’s and important traditions No. 32 Kamal said after qualifying. her ranking. singles South East Asia event, with his and we look forward to their Kamal, 38, had been in impressive Meanwhile, in Group 2 in the Cen- victory over Thailand’s Padasak Tan- return in 2022,” added the form before the Covid-19 pandemic tral Asia region, no.3 seed Iran’s Neda viriyavechakul (11-7, 11-3, 7-11, 11-9, 11- statement. AELTC chairman struck the world. With no matches Shahsavari emerged victorious in her 7) propelling him to the group summit. Ian Hewitt said that while the happening, Kamal’s preparation for the opening group stage. Shahsavari upset Chew’s fellow compatriot Pang Yew En promise of a return to a more Olympics was badly impacted, much the seeding list in her meeting with Ka- Koen has negotiated Group 1 with a 100 normal existence was on the like others. However, he refused to zakhstan’s Zauresh Akasheva, powering percent win record, besting Indonesia’s horizon, we are not there yet. give up and returned to the arena after past the second seed 4-1 (11-8, 13-11, Rafanael Nikola Niman in four games “As such, we have taken a break of almost a year at the recently 8-11, 11-5, 11-3). (11-6, 11-7, 11-7, 11-9) to advance. some key decisions in order concluded WTT Contender Doha and Shahsavari is now well-placed in her Central Asia top seed Kirill Gerassi- to provide us with some a last-16 fi nish in the two events, as pursuit of top spot in the group, the menko of Kazakhstan also moves certainty in our planning, and well as defeating world No. 16 Patrick same can be said regarding Uzbekistan’s through to the next stage of the com- yet also to retain flexibility Franziska gave him enough confi dence Rimma Gufranova over in Group 1. The petition following his gruelling Group where we need it the most,” ahead of the Asian Qualifi ers. no.4 seed played catch-up for the ma- 1 aff air with Iranian no.4 seed Nima he said. The AELTC also said Later, Mukherjee booked her maiden jority of her encounter with top seed Alamian (14-12, 9-11, 3-11, 11-7, 11-4, that any players who wish to Olympic berth as she overcame compa- Anastassiya Lavrova, but Gufranova 9-11, 11-9). Over in Group 2, Alamian’s participate at the Champion- triot Manika Batra 4-2 (7-11, 11-7, 11-4, never lost hope and her determination national colleague Noshad Alamiyan ships this year must stay at 4-11, 11-5, 11-4) in a thrilling encoun- was rewarded with a six-game win over enjoyed his second success of the day, the off icial hotels to minimise ter. In the women’s singles event, world her Kazakh counterpart (7-11, 11-6, 12- outclassing Uzbekistan’s Zokhid Ken- risk and curb the spread of No. 62 Manika Batra and world No. 95 14, 11-3, 11-7, 11-3). jaev 4-1 (11-5, 11-2, 11-7, 5-11, 11-4) to the virus. (Reuters) Sutirtha Mukherjee were drawn to- The class of Thailand’s Orawan swing the tide in his favour.

TENNIS FOCUS Shapovalov, Karatsev advance to Dubai semis Teenager Sinner AFP Dubai confi dent Italian enis Shapovalov put together tennis is on the up another serving clinic to storm into the 12th semi-fi nal of his Reuters career with a 7-5, 6-4 victory Dubai overD French veteran Jeremy Chardy in Dubai yesterday, while Aslan Karatsev ousted No. 16 seed . annik Sinner said Ital- The third-seeded Shapovalov has yet ian tennis is in great shape to drop a set this week in the Emirates, and has predicted a bright and has not been broken in all 28 serv- future for fellow 19-year- ice games he has played through three oldJ Lorenzo Musetti after the matches. The 21-year-old Canadian fi red pair notched up wins at ATP 500 very exciting,” Sinner said. 26 winners and lost a mere six points on events this week. “Musetti is a big, big talent. He serve throughout the contest against While and can do everything with the ball Chardy. led Italy to the fi nal already, so he’s already physically In what will be his third semi-fi nal ap- of the team-based ATP Cup last strong. I think he’s a great play- pearance since the tour restarted from its month in Melbourne, 2019 Next er... He’s serving big and going hiatus last August, Shapovalov will take Gen ATP Finals winner Sinner for shots. “I’m excited for Italian on either Lloyd Harris. has also made a name for himself tennis and I think everyone can “I defi nitely focused on my serve a lot as one of the brightest prospects do well in every tournament.” the last couple of weeks in practice, just on the circuit. Sinner last month Sinner reached his maiden putting a lot of time into it, placing it, became the youngest player to Grand Slam quarter-fi nal at last trying diff erent serves out and trying to win two ATP titles since Novak year’s and spent have more variation,” said the world No. Djokovic in 2006 by claiming the his 14-day isolation in Adelaide 12. Denis Shapovalov plays a forehand against France’s Jeremy Chardy in Dubai yesterday. Great Ocean Road Open after his ahead of the in Shapovalov and Chardy went neck win at the Sofi a Open at the end Melbourne as Rafa Nadal’s hit- and neck for the fi rst 10 games before The 27-year-old Karatsev, who started lucky. The second set I started to feel few matches under my best now,” said of 2020. ting partner. The 32nd-ranked the explosive lefty fi nally got his hands the year ranked 114 in the world before better, more comfortable,” said the 42nd- Harris. “It’s starting to feel like my home On Wednesday, he took down Italian said he was learning more on a break point, courtesy of a brilliant his breakthrough showing in Melbourne, ranked Karatsev. court. I am really enjoying it out here and Spain’s former number nine about his own game and feels backhand return winner. The Canadian came back from a set down for a second Later, South African Lloyd Harris con- played really well on the break points [in Roberto Bautista Agut 6-4 3-6 more comfortable on court. comfortably served out the opening set, consecutive match in Dubai. tinued his dream week by becoming the the third set].” 7-5 to reach the quarter-fi nals in For Musetti, the victories in at love, on the 46-minute mark. A crucial The Russian wildcard unleashed 41 fi rst qualifi er to reach the Dubai semi-fi - Nishikori admitted, “He took the Dubai. But yesterday, he lost to Acapulco this week are his fi rst break in game nine gave Shapovalov the winners against 25 unforced errors during nals. World No. 81 Harris advanced to his chance at the end and served well for Aslan Karatsev in the semis. Tour-level wins on . edge in the second set, and he wrapped the two-hour 49-minute quarter-fi nal fi rst ATP 500 semi-fi nal with a 6-1, 3-6, sure. I have a couple of chances, but he hit A day earlier, qualifi er Musetti “The start of the season is re- up the win with his 10th ace of the match. and will next face second-seeded Andrey 6-3 victory over former World No. 4 Kei his forehand and backhand well.” completed his fi rst top-10 ca- ally good,” he said after his win Meanwhile, Karatsev backed up his Rublev or Hungarian Marton Fucsovics. Nishikori in one hour and 37 minutes. Harris, who earned the biggest win of reer win against Argentine Diego against Schwartzman. “It’s not surprise run to the Australian Open “From the beginning it was tough to get Having saved two break points in the his career over top seed Dominic Thiem in Schwartzman in Acapulco, Mex- easy to rise because of the rank- semi-fi nals last month by advancing to used to the rhythm, he’s playing so fast, deciding set, the match turned in the the Dubai second round, won the fi rst fi ve ico, before defeating American ings now, it’s still a little bit fro- the last-four stage in Dubai with a hard- he’s a really talented guy, he’s a top player. eighth game when Nishikori overhit a games of the match, but it was a diff erent to reach the last zen, but I’m playing good... I’m fought 6-7 (5/7), 6-3, 6-2 win over Italian It took me time to get used to the rhythm forehand to hand Harris a chance to serve story in the second set when Nishikori eight. “Everyone is diff erent, has trying to reach them and break teenager Sinner. and then in the tiebreak I was a bit un- for a place in the semi-fi nals. “I have a took a 4-0 lead. diff erent styles, so I think that’s into the top 100, that’s my goal.”