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THURSDAY 25 FEBRUARY 2021 AlA Sadd's Boualem eyes silverware in blockbusterb final against Al Duhail We’reW expecting a strong match as the two teams include most of the first-teamf players of Qatar. So, it’ll be a great summit and we’ve to do our best tto win and defend the title. I’m looking forward to winning the tournament.

Boualem Khoukhi Sport | 11

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: LAST 16 - Real Madrid beat Atalanta 1-0; Manchester City beat Borussia Mönchengladbach 2-0 Alli scores Late Mendy goal gives Real victory wonder goal as Tottenham over 10-man Atalanta; City win 2-0 advance in AGENCIES – BERGAMO, ITALY Real Madrid’s players celebrate after Ferland Europa League Ferland Mendy popped up with a late Mendy scored the winning winner to earn lacklustre Real Madrid goal against Atalanta AP – LONDON a 1-0 win over 10-man Atalanta in yesterday. yesterday's Champions League last-16 Dele Alli scored with an overhead first leg. kick and set up two other goals as Real's task appeared to have been Tottenham beat Wolfsberg 4-0 in made much easier after Atalanta's the Europa League on Wednesday Remo Freuler was sent off in the 17th to become the first team to qualify minute for denying Mendy a goal- for the last 16. scoring opportunity. Alli, handed a rare start by Tot- Against the 10 men, however, Zin- tenham manager Jose Mourinho, edine Zidane's side, who were missing flicked the ball up after meeting a several high-profile players through right-wing cross by Matt Doherty injury, struggled to break down the then leapt with his back to goal and hosts, and Real had only one shot on directed an acrobatic effort into the target in the rest of the first half. bottom corner in the 11th minute of Atalanta continued to defend dog- the second-leg match in the round gedly after the interval, but Mendy's of 32. The midfielder crossed for superb strike in the 86th minute gave Carlos Vinicius to head in the second the Spanish side a slender lead to take goal in the 50th then played in sub- into the second leg. stitute Gareth Bale to curl a powerful Elsewhere, in Budapest, the Por- 73rd-minute shot into the top corner. tuguese connection of Joao Cancelo Vinicius added a fourth for Tot- and Bernardo Silva combined for tenham, which completed an 8-1 almost identical goals as Manchester victory on aggregate over its Aus- City beat Borussia Mönchengladbach trian opponent. 2-0 to close in on a fourth straight The remaining second legs in the appearance in the Champions League last 32 are staged today. quarter-finals. The Tottenham-Wolfsberg game A 19th straight win for the Premier was played to avoid a clash with League leaders never looked in doubt fellow north London club Arsenal, in the last-16 first leg from the moment which is also at home in the second Cancelo, City’s playmaker at full back, leg against Benfica - although that pounced on a loose pass and swung in game is being played in Athens a cross from the left that the dimin- because of coronavirus utive Silva headed in at the far post in restrictions. the 29th minute. The same combination struck again in the 65th, Cancelo sending over a similar-looking cross this time to the Messi double byline, where Silva nodded the ball across goal for Gabriel Jesus to prod helps Barca into the net from inside the six-yard game since mid-December. City didn’t Guardiola’s most important players box. even need Kevin De Bruyne, its star this season. It was another dominant display player, who was an unused substitute The sight of record scorer Sergio see off Elche by Pep Guardiola’s side, which is on a night Cancelo - a tactically ver- Aguero coming on as a late substitute unbeaten in all competitions in more satile defender - showed off the cre- for his first appearance since Jan. 3 REUTERS – BARCELONA than three months and has won every ative side that has made him one of because of injury capped a night full of positives for City - except Lionel Messi scored twice to help for the fact the margin of Barcelona overcome an uninspiring Manchester City’s victory should have been first half and beat Elche 3-0 at home Gabriel Jesus wider at an empty Puskas in yesterday. celebrates with team- Arena in Budapest. The The Catalans created little in one mate Bernardo Silva game was played Hungary of their worst first-half displays at after scoring their because of coronavirus the Camp Nou this season but found second goal yesterday. travel restrictions. intercepting a back-pass, only to dally a breakthrough early in the second City’s defense might be on the ball and see his belated attempt when Martin Braithwaite released virtually impenetrable this at a shot blocked. Messi with a classy backheel and the season - Gladbach didn’t The Brazil striker made amends Argentine did the rest. have a touch in City’s box with the second goal, which should Barca, who failed to hold onto a until the 63rd minute and prove enough ahead of the second leg, narrow lead in Sunday’s 1-1 draw at or a shot on target until the scheduled for City’s Etihad Stadium on home to Cadiz, got an all-important third minute of stoppage March 16. City last conceded two goals second goal in the 69th when time - but there was a lack in its 2-0 loss at Tottenham in the Frenkie de Jong burst through the of cutting edge that clearly on Nov. 21. middle and laid the ball off for Messi annoyed Guardiola, who cut It’s that strong defensive unit to dribble into the net for an 18th a picture of frustration at created by Guardiola that could lead league goal of the season, extending times in the technical area. City to becoming European champion his lead at the top of the scoring Jesus, in particular, was for the first time, after a number of charts. Jordi Alba struck the third a culprit especially when he painful eliminations in recent years. goal from another Braithwaite assist was sent clean through in Guardiola has never reached the sem- to round off a victory which took the 54th minute after ifinals with City since joining in 2016. Barca into third in the standings. Qatar's Cherif, Tijane advance to quarters

Qatar's Cherif Younousse and Ahmed Tijan in action during their Main Draw - Pool A matches of the FIVB World Tour - Beach Volleyball Cup at Al Gharafa beach yesterday. The Qatari duo, ranked 13th in the world, won both of their matches yesterday to make it to today's quarter-finals. They defeated Lebanon's Joe/Chafic 2-0 (21-8, 21-11) before outplaying Pavel Shustrov/Alexey Gusev of Russia 2-0 (21-14, 21-17). Meanwhile, M Essam/Ziad defeated their Egyptian counterparts, but lost to Russians Kuvichka/ Kislytsyn. The Qatari pair advanced to the 12th Round and will meet Gambia's Jawo/ Jara today. Qatar's Oughlaf/Abdullah, and Jassim/Nassir failed to advance. THURSDAY 25 FEBRUARY 2021 SPORT 11

Al Sadd and Al Duhail players taking part in practice sessions at their respective training grounds ahead of Qatar Cup final tomorrow. QATAR CUP QSL holds Qatari star targets back-to-back titles with Al Sadd coordination Boualem eyes silverware in meeting head of the final blockbuster Qatar Cup final THE PENINSULA – DOHA THE PENINSULA – DOHA faced with ferocity. But we succeeded He said that Al Sadd are very As part of arrangements and in the last minute to score the winning much familiar with Al Duhail. preparations for the 2021 , one of the most goal through . It was a "We know Al Duhail players Qatar Cup final, the Qatar Stars prominent defenders on the domestic tough semi-final befitting the name of very well. We had beaten them in League (QSL) held a Co-ordi- and Asian football circuit, is one of the the two teams in addition to the the league this season in both legs nation Meeting at its Head- key players in 's Al Sadd outfit as presence of fans, who added to the and our weapon will be to remain quarters in Al Bidda Tower well as the Qatar national team. excitement levels at the venue," focused in the final in order to win. yesterday. Boualem, a member of the Qatar Boualem said. The Al Duhail team includes many The final will be played squad that won the 2019 AFC Asian Cup, "We’re expecting a strong match as outstanding players and they play between Al Duhail and Al Sadd is continuing to have a huge impact on the two teams include most of the first- as one unit, so we’ll face them as one tomorrow at the Al Duhail Al Sadd in their QNB Stars League team players of Qatar. So, it’ll be a great team as well," Boualem said. Stadium. matches and is a towering presence at summit and we have to do our best to He said that the outcome of the The meeting was held in the back when he is in his best form. win and defend the title. I’m looking matches don't always turn out in favour the presence of Hassan Rabiah In an interview with www.qsl.qa forward to winning the tournament," of predictions. Al Kuwari, Executive Director ahead of their 2021 Qatar Cup final the Qatari said. "Football doesn’t reason with pre- of Sales, Marketing and Com- against Al Duhail which will be played Boualem also noted that Cup match predictions. We have to work munication at the QSL, tomorrow, the 30-year-old said that Al matches are different from league and prepare well for the match. Abdullah Saleh Al Sulaiti, Sadd will do their best to defend the fixtures. And then, we have to play hard Director of Media and Com- title. "It’s possible to play and not win, so and fight on the field to win the munication at the QSL, and "It’s a strong and important tour- we must be careful and play with great Cup. We won four championships Ahmed Abdullah Al Sayed, nament for us. The best four teams from balance between defence and attack to last season and we’re seeking to Head of Football Operations last season are part of it. We thank God get the win," he said. repeat the same achievement this at the QSL. for our recent victory over Al Rayyan "Our first goal is to win and retain season by also winning the QNB Stars Al Duhail’s representative in the semi-final," Boualem said. the Cup at Al Sadd’s trophy cabinet. God League, the Qatar Cup and the Amir Nadeem Hussein, Al Sadd’s He said the semi-final was a tough Willing, Al Sadd will be the champions Cup. We also want to compete strongly representative Abdullah game like all Cup matches. of this edition of Qatar Cup," Boualem in the AFC Champions League," Hussain Al Yafie, "Al Rayyan were a side that we said. Boualem added. Saeed Mansour from the Stadium Security Department, and Sultan Al Hathal as well as Faisal Al Naimi from the General Directorate of Traffic Intense Chelsea attended the meeting. Al Kuwari praised the efforts and work done by all stifled Atletico, parties concerned to present the tournament in the best possible way despite the pre- cautionary measures and pro- says Tuchel tocol implemented to tackle the Coronavirus (COVID-19) REUTERS – BUCHAREST pandemic. He congratulated the two teams on reaching the Chelsea coach Thomas Tuchel praised his players final, wishing them success, for suffocating Atletico Madrid with relentless and hoped the fans would pressing as they beat Diego Simeone’s side 1-0 in enjoy a strong match. Bucharest on Tuesday in the first leg of their last The meeting reviewed 16 Champions League tie. COVID-19 protocol and safety Olivier Giroud’s stunning overhead kick in the aspects of fans, and emphasis second half handed Chelsea the advantage going was placed on the continu- into the second leg at Stamford Bridge on March ation of precautionary 17 but Tuchel was most pleased with how his measures for the attending players implemented their game plan and deprived fans, including displaying the La Liga leaders of space and the ball. green status on the Ehteraz “We knew they were ready to suffer with eight App before entering the people in the box. The intention was to keep the stadium, commitment to wear intensity high and we did that very well. We never masks while attending the let them breathe or come out for counter-attacks,” match and maintaining social Tuchel told reporters. distancing besides the ban on Chelsea’s Olivier Giroud scoring against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday. “We wanted to dominate in the opponents’ all kinds of food at the stadium. half, to never lose concentration, not to make any easy mistakes and always be aware of quick counter-attacks for all their quality. It was a very disciplined performance, a deserved shut out.” Tuchel has led Chelsea to six wins in eight games Spanish clubs’ grip on Europe slides in all competitions since succeeding Frank Lampard in January but this was his most signif- icant result. The performance showed the impact he has already had on the team. further with three home defeats The German said the players were following his methods well but they had to keep on prac- REUTERS – MADRID Champions Leagues but last year outperformed Dortmund in nearly tising their new-found style of play as if they were no teams reached the semi-finals The country’s pride was already every area, they made a string of a band. The warning signs flashed last year for the first time since 2007. individual errors which the “I’m confident because I see the will, the and after three home defeats in this The writing was on the wall hurting from Barcelona being Germans ruthlessly pounced upon hunger, the desire. Today was one of the toughest season’s Champions League last 16, then, as Barca were humiliated 8-2 hammered 4-1 by Paris St thanks to their superior pace. challenges to open up a defence like Atletico but the decline of Spanish football on by Bayern, Real Madrid were out- Germain and Sevilla losing 3-2 to “It’s impossible when your we can and we will not stop pushing the guys and the European stage is becoming ever classed by Manchester City in the opponents run like they’re on a encourage them to improve and keep going.” harder to ignore. last 16 and Atletico were over- Borussia Dortmund, but Atletico motorbike and you do not,” said Atletico coach Simeone said he felt the game had The country’s pride was already powered by RB Leipzig. Madrid’s limp 1-0 loss against former Real Madrid youth player been tight and did not agree that his side had been hurting from Barcelona being ham- Now, there is a serious threat of and coach Alvaro Benito on radio second best. mered 4-1 by Paris St Germain and Spain not having a team in the Chelsea on Tuesday was perhaps station Cadena SER. “Both sides worked really hard, there were Sevilla losing 3-2 to Borussia quarter-finals for the first time since the hardest defeat to swallow. “The reality is in Spain players really few opportunities to score and they took Dortmund, but Atletico Madrid’s the 2004-05 campaign. Their hopes want the ball at their feet. They get theirs, but apart from that it was really even,” said limp 1-0 loss against Chelsea on may rest on Real Madrid, who visit accustomed to the speed of their the Argentine, whose side have won only once in Tuesday was perhaps the hardest Atalanta on Wednesday. Vinicius Jr. and failing to league and playing at 80% insteadnstead theirtheir llastast fivefive matchesmatches in all defeat to swallow. Barcelona coach Ronald deliver. of 100.” When it comes to intensity,ensity, competitions.competitions. Atletico have been the best side Koeman has said it’s too early to Spanish clubs misadventure in few teams can match Championspions “But if you’you’dd told in Spain all season but against a jump to conclusions about Spain’s the transfer market was recently League holders Bayern, wwhoho me in SeptembeSeptemberr we’d Chelsea side still learning the ropes decline in Europe, but his side are mocked by the Bundesliga CEO thrashed Lazio 4-1 away on Tuesday.esday. be 1-01-0 ddownown afafterte the under Thomas Tuchel, they were a case in point. when he talked of “poorly managed “A recent statistic showedowed firstfirst legleg of the lastl 16 utterly toothless and failed to have The vanguard of football a cash-burning machines” last week. Bayern ran 20 kilometres morere peperr in the ChamChampionsp a shot on target. decade ago, the Catalans have failed But physical weakness may be game than the average La Liga team. League and topt of “This is a big reflection how poor to evolve their style of play or squad an even bigger factor in Spanish That’s the style that made themthem La Liga,Liga, I’d have La Liga is at the moment,” said 2008 while squandering hundreds of mil- clubs’ decline. European champions, everyoneryone signedsigned upu for Champions League winner Rio Fer- lions of euros on flops such as While Barcelona played far breaking into space, goingg for it.”it.” dinand on BT Sport. Philippe Coutinho, Antoine more passes than PSG last week, second balls, arriving in the area,”rea,” Former Chelsea player Joe Cole Griezmann, Ousmane Dembele. they fell way short in distance added Benito. added: “If that’s the best La Liga’s Real Madrid have also recruited covered, the French side running “Our teams are too open andnd offering they have problems. It’s poorly, with record signing Eden 1.4 kilometres more. when they play in these com-- definitely shifting.” Spanish sides Hazard being riddled with injuries Atletico were also overrun by petitions they are not Thomas Tuchel won six of the previous 10 and expensive Brazilian youngsters Chelsea, and although Sevilla prepared.” 10 SPORT THURSDAY 25 FEBRUARY 2021

2021 CHI AL SHAQAB PRESENTED BY LONGINES BEGINS TODAY Al Shaqab A world-class facility

Since its establishment in 1992, Al Shaqab’s vision was to build on Qatar’s Arabian horse heritage and be a leading global center for equine professionals, while providing an engaging experience for the community. Global leadership has not only meant preserving, improving, and Longines Arena at Al promoting the Arabian horse breed, Shaqab set to host the but also encouraging the community CHI Al Saqab from today. in this unique, traditional cultural sport. Today, Al Shaqab’s impressive facilities, which are distinctively designed in the shape of a horseshoe, cover 980,000 square meters. With a state-of-the-art Main World's best riders get set for Arena comprising both an indoor and outdoor venue capable of holding over 5,000 spectators, Al Shaqab is part of Qatar’s growing thrilling battle at Al Shaqab Arena reputation on the world stage that showcases its ability to host major RIZWAN REHMAT international sports event at the THE PENINSULA highest level.

Limited number of fans but unlimited thrills. That will be the mantra at the CHI Al Saqab - a premier five-star event that kicks off today at one of the world’s The designation of CHI (Concours most admired show jumping venue - Hippique International – the Longines Arena at Al Shaqab. International Equestrian The three-day event - backed by Competition) is the official title Title Sponsors Commercial Bank - will awarded by the Fédération be the first of two five-star events to be Equestre Internationale (FEI) to held at the imposing venue over the course of next two weeks. international equestrian At the same venue, the Longines competitions comprising three or Global Champions Tour (LGCT) will kick more equestrian disciplines. The off the new season from March 4 to 7. three magic letters make all the Based on the recommendation of difference in the prestigious the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH), equestrian world. Organizers yearn only 10 percent fan attendance will be to be awarded this title, while allowed during the two events that have massive following around the world. riders covet winning at a show of According to Omar Al Mannai, Event this stature. A rider warms-up ahead of the CHI Al Saqab at Longines Arena at Al Shaqab yesterday. Director, Commercial Bank CHI Al Shaqab, and Commercial Manager, Al Shaqab, limited fan attendance has been Tops-Alexander of Australia and Scott Al Mannai, a former Qatari rider Sponsor; and The Social & Sport Con- and to support Qatar’s national vision planned to keep the popular events Brash of Great Britain at the Feb 25-27 himself, said the coming two weeks tribution Fund (Daam) is the Supporter of being a world-class sports venue COVID-19 free. event that will hold competitions in would be enthralling for the fans. of the event. through our sponsorship of this premier But at the same time, Al Mannai said, Olympic disciplines of dressage and “Once again, this amazing event has Abdulrahman bin Abdulatif Al competition.” the presence of 85 riders from 27 coun- para dressage. managed to attract globally respected Mannai, Chief Executive Officer, Daam, Saleh Al Mana, Vice President and tries - along with 138 horses - will Qatar’s promising rider Sultan champion riders and horses to Doha. said in a statement: “I’m delighted to Director of Government and Public ensure there won’t be any shortage of Salmen Al Suwaidi will be in the fray They love to compete at Al Shaqab and announce that Daam will be the Sup- Affairs, ExxonMobil Qatar, said: “We’re excitement for the equestrian fans in that also includes France’s Julien it shows in the number of riders who porter of Commercial Bank CHI Al pleased to be sponsoring CHI Al Shaqab Doha and those watching around the Epaillard and Kevin Staut, Belgium’s keep returning for the event,” Al Mannai Shaqab Presented by Longines, a pres- for yet another year, and to continue to world. Pieter Devos and Jos Verlooy, Ger- said a day before the event during a tigious event on the international eques- support Al Shaqab’s programs through World Number 4 Sweden’s Peder many’s Christian Ahlmann, Sweden’s press conference. trian calendar. Equestrian sport truly our partnership, that was established Fredricson will join Olympians and Henrik Von Eckermann along with Jor- “Al Shaqab has truly achieved its represents Qataris, our tradition, and since the centre’s very beginning.” former CHI Al Shaqab winners Edwina danian entry Odai Abu-Hamdan. goal of developing an equestrian com- our culture, and this is reflected in the “Our collaboration with Al Shaqab petition that other organisers aspire to competitions and events undertaken is inspiring leadership and life skills and talk about, and that elite organisa- by Al Shaqab, an organisation passion- among young people that will be tions wish to be a part of. This is high- ately committed to preserving and pro- extremely important in their future Al Shaqab is proud and delighted that CHI Al Shaqab and LGCT will once again take place in lighted by the quality of sponsors and moting Qatar’s rich equestrian careers, particularly in relation to the Qatar, as these popular global equestrian events showcase Al Shaqab as a premier partners who are associated with the heritage.” Qatar National Vision 2030.” competition venue bar none. They also bear testament to Qatar’s position as an event,” he added. Joseph Abraham, Group CEO, Com- Al Mannai said strict safety and international sports destination, and its ability to organize world-class events despite the Commercial Bank is the Title mercial Bank, said in a statement: health protocols will be in play during challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Ultimately, the health and safety of Sponsor; Longines is the Presenting “Commercial Bank is pleased to play the two events. spectators and participants remains Al Shaqab’s highest priority, and MoPH COVID-19 Partner; ExxonMobil is the Main our part in Qatar’s sporting success story “Tickets will be available at the entrance and are also available online. precautionary measures will be strictly enforced to ensure the safety and well-being of There will also be coffee shops. This will riders, equestrian fans, and all who are involved with the events: Khalifa Al Attiya, be an enjoyable event for fans. We are Executive Director, Al Shaqab, and Vice Chairman, Supreme Organising Committee, in communication with MOPH. We Commercial Bank CHI Al Shaqab Presented by Longines begin our events at 8 in the morning and end at 8 in the evening. We are not basketball or football. Ten percent (of Today fan attendance) is a big number. It may look small but it is an acceptable number,” Al Mannai said. “Let me assure you, great efforts have been made to host the event at this time.time. We have got great support formform our partners. We hhaveave alwaysalways wantewantedd to hhostost thisthis eeventvent wiwithth sustasustainableinable actactiv-iv- itiesities anandd we did tthathat 100 ppercentercent ovoverer Tomorrow thethe years.yey ars. That’sThat’s becausebecausse off tthehhe ssupportupportt wew ggetet ffromroom ouourr spsponsors,”onnsoors,” AAll MaMannainnai said.said.

Saturday, February 28 THURSDAY 25 FEBRUARY 2021 SPORT 09

Ferrari returning Patel, Rohit put India on top in to Le Mans top pink-ball Test against England flight with hypercar in 2023 REUTERS — AHMEDABAD India's Axar REUTERS — LONDON Spinner Axar Patel claimed Patel celebrates a career-best 6-38 as India with bundled out England for 112 Ferrari will return to the top flight of endurance team-mates on the opening day to put racing with a hypercar entry in 2023, during the first themselves in the box seat competing for outright Le Mans 24 Hours day's play in in the day-night third Test victory for the first time in 50 years, the Italian Ahmedabad. in Ahmedabad yesterday. marque said yesterday. Rohit Sharma then PICTURE Ferrari last entered the top category at Le helped the hosts weather a COURTESY: BCCI Mans in 1973 and rivals will include Toyota, top-order wobble of their Peugeot, Porsche and Audi among major own and finish an eventful manufacturers. 13-wicket day on 99-3. The Hypercar category replaces the pre- Rohit was batting on 57 vious LMP1 in endurance racing. at stumps with Ajinkya Ferrari has won Le Mans outright nine Rahane on one at the other times but not since 1965, when it fought a end with India eyeing a famed battle with Ford at the Sarthe circuit in handy first-innings lead. western France. The marque has tasted success Earlier, Joe Root’s more recently in GT racing, winning the 2019 decision to bat backfired as GTE Pro category. the tourists folded in 48.4 “With the new Le Mans Hypercar pro- overs inside two seasons gramme, Ferrari once again asserts its sporting despite Zak Crawley’s commitment and determination to be a pro- stroke-filled 53. tagonist in the major global motorsport events,” On a track where the ball said Ferrari president John Elkann in a spun from the first session, statement. the English batsmen The name of the Ferrari car and the drivers repeatedly played for the have yet to be announced. turn and got beaten by the partnership with Root swinging pink ball in the Shubman Gill took 27 balls occasional aggression in his Ferrari have been looking for other activ- straight ball instead. could really flourish, Rav- final session. to open his account while unbeaten fifty. Jofra Archer ities in which to redeploy staff as a Formula They made four changes ichandran Ashwin (3-26) The usually fluent Rohit mixed caution with dismissed Gill for 11 and Jack One budget cap takes effect and the sport’s to their playing XI but their intervened. Leach removed Cheteshwar oldest and most successful team are forced to rejigged top order let them The wily off-spinner dis- SCOREBOARD Pujara for a duck but Rohit’s slim down. down. missed Root lbw for 17. The England 1st innings 0 (nb1), Patel 21.4-6-38-6, Ashwin 16-6-26-3 64-run partnership with Some technical staff have already moved Z. Crawley lbw b Patel ...... 53 India 1st innings Playing his 100th Test, England captain reviewed D. Sibley c R. Sharma b I. Sharma ...... 0 R. Sharma not out ...... 57 Virat Kohli helped India across to work with the Haas F1 team, who use seamer Ishant Sharma dis- the decision but could not J. Bairstow lbw b Patel ...... 0 S. Gill c Crawley b Archer ...... 11 maintain their upper hand Ferrari engines and have a close partnership missed Dom Sibley in the get it overturned. J. Root lbw b Ashwin ...... 17 C. Pujara lbw b Leach ...... 0 in the contest. with Maranello. third over before the Patel ended Crawley’s B. Stokes lbw b Patel ...... 6 V. Kohli b Leach ...... 27 Ollie Pope dropped Kohli Ferrari also have a thriving young driver O. Pope b Ashwin ...... 1 A. Rahane not out ...... 1 spinners took over. knock in similar fashion to B. Foakes b Patel ...... 12 Extras (b2, w1) ...... 3 at gully but Leach dismissed academy with endurance racing another arena Left-arm spinner Patel trigger a batting collapse and J. Archer b Patel ...... 11 Total (33 overs, 3 wickets) ...... 99 him when the India captain for them to gain experience. trapped Jonny Bairstow lbw England lost their last eight J. Leach c Pujara b Ashwin ...... 3 Fall of wickets: 1-33 (Gill), 2-34 (Pujara), 3-98 chopped a delivery onto his for nought with his first wickets for 38 runs. S. Broad c Bumrah b Patel ...... 3 (Kohli) stumps to depart for 27 in J. Anderson not out ...... 0 To bat: R. Pant, W. Sundar, A. Patel, R. Ashwin, I. delivery. It was a sense of deja vu Extras (b1, lb2, nb3) ...... 6 Sharma, J. Bumrah the final over. At the other end, for England who were dis- Total (48.4 overs, all out) ...... 112 Bowling: Anderson 9-6-11-0, Broad 6-1-16-0, Around 40,000 fans Russia out of Crawley appeared to bat on missed for 58 in their pre- Fall of wickets: 1-2 (Sibley), 2-27 (Bairstow), Archer 5-2-24-1, Leach 10-1-27-2, Stokes 3-0-19-0 thronged the world’s largest a different pitch, dealing vious pink-ball Test in New 3-74 (Root), 4-80 (Crawley), 5-81 (Pope), 6-81 (w1) stadium which was (Stokes), 7-93 (Patel), 8-98 (Leach), 9-105 (Broad), Toss: England European indoors mostly in boundaries and Zealand three years ago. 10-112 (Foakes) Umpires: Anil Chaudhary (IND), Nitin Menon (IND) named after India Prime bringing up his fifty off 68 India did not find scoring Bowling: I. Sharma 5-1-26-1 (nb1), Bumrah 6-3-19- TV Umpire: Chettihody Shamshuddin (IND) Minister Narendra Modi balls. Before his easy either against the earlier yesterday. due to doping

PCB CENTRAL CONTRACTS plan delay Azhar Ali, , Mohammad Rizwan, and PSL: Sharjeel's century in vain Category A: AP — MONACO Shaheen Afridi. Category B: Abid Ali, Asad Shafiq, Haris Sohail, Mohammad Ab- Russian athletes won’t be able to compete at bas, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Shan Masood and Yasir Shah. as Islamabad down Karachi next month’s European indoor championships Category C: Fakhar Zaman, Fawad Alam, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad because they can’t yet get exemptions, the Wasim, Imam-ul-Haq, Naseem Shah and Usman Shinwari. AP — KARACHI in governing body of track said yesterday.

Emerging Players’ Category: Haider Ali, Haris Rauf and action yesterday. Russia has been suspended by World Ath- Mohammad Hasnain. Islamabad United overcame a BRIEF SCORES letics since 2015 because of widespread doping, blistering century by Karachi Islamabad but leading athletes have been given “neutral” Kings opener to United 197 for status after vetting and allowed to compete in Hafeez declines record their second successive 5 (Ifthikar 49*, international events for much of that time. victory in the Pakistan Super Hales 46, Talat That scheme was suspended when the fed- League yesterday. 42, Nabi 1-26) eration, known as RusAF, was found to have PCB's central The left-handed Khan, who beat Karachi used fake documents to lie about why one of scored only six runs in the first Kings 196 for 3 its top athletes, Danil Lysenko, wasn’t available (Sharjeel 105, contract offer six overs, plundered eight sixes for doping tests. Azam 62) by and nine fours in his 105 off 59 World Athletics ordered RusAF to draw up five wickets AP — ISLAMABAD balls to give defending cham- a program of reforms but rejected the first draft pions a strong total of 196-3. as “deficient” in September and gave Russia Twenty20 specialist Mohammad Hafeez has But the depth in Islamabad’s until March 1 to fix it. That will then be used to declined a central contract offer from the batting, led by Iftikhar Ahmed’s create a new road map for eventually lifting . unbeaten 49, and an early couldn’t get the breakthrough, legspiner for four successive Russia’s long-running ban. The all-rounder “politely turned down” a onslaught by Alex Hales (46 off with (1-44) sixes in the ninth over but Kara- RusAF said the process won’t be finished contract offer in category C for 2020-21, the 21 balls) helped the former returning with expensive figures. chi’s bowlers overstepped at least in time to compete at the European indoors in cricket board said yesterday. champions cruise to 197-5 for a Afghanistan’s experienced three times which could have Torun, Poland, from March 5-7, so it will focus “While I am disappointed, I fully respect five-wicket win in 19.1 overs. Twenty20 allrounder Mohammad broken the partnership. on the outdoor season heading into the post- his decision,” PCB chief executive Wasim Hales set up a strong platform Nabi (1-26) pegged back Islama- Babar was twice caught off poned Tokyo Olympics. Khan said in a statement. for Islamabad by smashing fast bad’s run-chase through his Hussain’s no-balls in one over World Athletics said in an e-mailed “Hafeez has been one of our star per- bowler Aamer Yamin for 29 runs offspin in the middle overs before and Karachi also missed out to statement that “any discussion” on giving formers of the season and we hope he will in only the third over -- the most Asif Ali finished off the game with dismiss Khan on 70 when fast Russian athletes neutral status would be held carry the form and momentum to Africa,” he expensive over bowled in the a rapid 21 off nine balls. bowler Mohammad Wasim at its next scheduled council meeting on March added. history of PSL. Earlier, after being put into overstepped. 17-18. Wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Hales was caught out at mid bat, Khan and Pakistan all- Both batsmen fell on suc- “We understand all of the bitterness and Rizwan and lefthanded batsman Fawad Alam off in the sixth over, but the Eng- format skipper Babar Azam fea- cessive deliveries in the penul- disappointment of our athletes, coaches and got promotions in the updated list of central lishman’s clean hitting had pro- tured in a PSL record-breaking timate over of Hasan Ali (1-36), track and field fans and we ask our athletes to contracts after their impressive performances vided a solid base of 75 runs 176-run opening wicket stand but not before Karachi erred once again remain patient and train for the last year. Rizwan joined all-format captain inside the batting powerplay. against the erratic Karachi once again in the field. summer season according to the plan,” RusAF Babar Azam, Azhar Ali and Shaheen Afridi in Iftikhar and Hussain Talat bowlers. and said in a statement. category A while Fawad, who had earlier only (42) then combined for a match- Khan forced Islamabad Islamabad share the leaderboard “We will persevere in pursuing opportu- a domestic cricket contract, was elevated in winning stand of 94 runs off 67 United captain Shadab Khan out with two wins from as many nities for Russians to compete in international category C. balls as Karachi’s fast bowlers of the attack by smashing the games in the six-team event. competitions.” Injured Barty withdraws from Qatar Total Open

AGENCIESAGENCIES — ADELAIDEA “Unfortunately I have with- hard-court tournament at Sanders upset seventh-seeded drawn from the Qatar Total Memorial Drive. It was Gauff’s Yulia Putintseva 6-4. 5-7. 6-1, WorldW number Open with a left leg injury,” Unfortunately I have fourth win in a row after two Jil Teichmann beat eighth- oneo Ash Barty Barty said. withdrawn from the Qatar qualifying wins and a victory seeded Wang Qiang 3-6, 6-3, (pictured)(p has “I wish the tournament a in the first round. 6-3 and Anastasija Sevastova withdrawnwithd from next safe and successful event and Total Open with a left leg Gauff lost to fifth-seeded defeated Christina McHale 6-4, week’sweek’ Qatar Total hope to play there next year. injury. I wish the Elina Svitolina in straight sets 6-1. OpenOpen inin Doha due to a “Thank you to the event tournament a safe and at the Australian Open. In 2020 The 23-year-old Bencic lost left leg injury,in organisers organisers and the WTA for all successful event and hope during her Australian Open in the quarterfinals at Memorial ofof tthehe WWTA 500 tour- the work you are doing, I look debut, she lost to eventual Drive last year. She won six namentnament ssaid yesterday. forward to competing again in to play there next year. champion Sofia Kenin in three consecutive games from early Barty’sBarty’s decision comes Miami in a few weeks time,” she sets in the fourth round. in the first set to take control of after beingbeing knocked out of said. Ash Barty This year, Gauff also spent the match. thetthe Adelaide IInternationaln yes- Barty follows world number World No.1 two weeks in COVID-19-forced “I really like this court, it’s terday,terday, losinglosi 6-3, 6-4 to three Simona Halep and 2019 quarantine ahead of the delayed only my second time here in AmericanAmerican Danielle Collins US Open winner Bianca Australian Open. She’ll face Adelaide but I love this tour- in tthehe ssecondeco round. Andreescu in skipping the Doha fellow American Shelby Rogers nament, I feel very comfortable The 2424-year-old- Aus- event. yesterday at the Adelaide today in the Adelaide here,” Bencic said in an on- traliantralian was sstruggling with a Coco Gauff advances to International. quarter-finals. court interview. leftleft thigh strainstr throughout Adelaide quarters The 16-year-old American In other matches yesterday, Top-ranked Ash Barty, who thethe AustralianAustralia Open, where Coco Gauff’s five-week stay beat sixth-seeded Petra Martic second-seeded Belinda Bencic lost in the Australian Open sheshe bowedbowe out in the in Australia has been extended 5-7, 6-3, 6-4 to advance to the also advanced with a 6-1, 6-3 quarterfinals, is the Adelaide quarter-finalsquarter-f last week. with a second-round win quarterfinals of the win over Misaki Doi. Storm defending champion. Sport THURSDAY 25 FEBRUARY 2021 08 Police investigate car crash that leaves golf great seriously injured Tiger Woods has surgery in Los Angeles

REUTERS — LOS ANGELES

Police yesterday sought to The damaged car of Tiger Column: Woods determine what caused Tiger Woods is towed away after Woods to swerve off a Southern he was involved in a car crash, California road in his sport near Los Angeles on Tuesday. survives but his utility vehicle, colliding with a tree and rolling down a hillside in a crash that left the golf great career might not seriously injured. AP — LOS ANGELES Woods, 45, was pried from been taken from vehicles in the wreckage by rescue crews various stages of distress, a and rushed by ambulance from The sheared-off front of the disturbing pattern that began the scene of the Tuesday wrecked SUV told part of the with his infamous Thanks- morning crash outside Los story, and the officers on the giving weekend 2009 Angeles to nearby Harbor-UCLA scene filled in the rest. Tiger encounter with his now Medical Center suffering what Woods was lucky to be alive, ex-wife outside his Florida his agent described as “multiple they said, thanks to modern mansion. leg injuries.” A statement posted safety technology and a big Four years ago he was on Woods’ official Twitter dose of good luck. found passed out in his car account on Tuesday night said Alive and well, no. But on a Florida highway with the he had undergone a “long sur- alive nonetheless. engine running and charged gical procedure” to his lower The good news - no, with a DUI that was later plea right leg and ankle and was make that the BEST news - is bargained down. “awake, responsive and recov- that Woods survived after And now the questions ering in his hospital room.” being pried Tuesday from the are just beginning about how Compound fractures of his SUV he wrecked in Los he managed to crash a brand- tibia and fibula - the two bones was “lucid” following the and the Masters title in 2001, a weekend but did not compete Angeles. That’s despite new Genesis SUV on a clear of his leg below the knee - were accident, appeared to have feat that became known as the due to his back injuries. The injuries that are so severe - morning on the California stabilized with a rod, and screws been going faster than normal ‘Tiger Slam’. But he has suffered wrecked sport utility vehicle including multiple open frac- coast - a wreck that sheriff and pins were used to stabilize for a downhill, curving stretch years of injuries and undergone bore the Genesis Invitational tures of his leg - that he will deputies say he was lucky to additional injuries to his foot of road known by locals to be multiple surgeries on both his name on its doors. be convalescing a long, long escape alive. and ankle, Dr. Anish Mahajan, hazardous. Weather was not back and knees. He was seen at the Rolling time. Suddenly, the 2019 chief medical officer of Harbor- considered a factor. Woods, one of the world’s Hills Country Club on Monday The other piece of good Masters seems like it was an UCLA, said in the tweet. Video footage from the most celebrated sports figures, with actress Jada Pinkett Smith, news was that there was no awful long time ago. Mahajan also said that scene showed Woods’ dark was the sole occupant of the car retired basketball star Dwyane immediate sign that Woods Woods has done things trauma to the muscle and other gray 2021 Genesis sport utility when it crashed near the sub- Wade and comedian David was impaired at the time of over the years we couldn’t soft tissue of the leg “required vehicle badly crumpled and urban communities of Rolling Spade. the crash - a significant bit of imagine on the golf course. surgical release of the covering lying on its side near the bottom Hills Estates and Rancho Palos Golf Digest reported information, of course, I’ve been along for many of of the muscles to relieve of the hillside, its windows Verdes, the sheriff’s department Woods had been shooting a TV because of his past. them, covering Woods from pressure due to swelling”. smashed. said. show segment in which he was The bad news is that the his first PGA Tour win in Las Los Angeles County Sher- Woods’ injuries were not The vehicle veered across giving on-course instruction career of the world’s greatest Vegas in 1996 as well as the iff’s deputies responding to the life-threatening, the sheriff said, the center divider of the road to the three celebrities and golfer - at least on the game’s Masters comeback win two wreck found no immediate but sports commentators were into an opposite traffic lane, was due to resume filming on biggest stages - is probably years ago that was one of the indication that Woods had already speculating that the striking a roadside curb, and a Tuesday. over. great sports stories of our been under the influence of crash could end the career of the tree as it careened over an Woods held the top spot in Coming back from his times. alcohol or drugs before losing greatest golfer of his embankment, and “there were golf’s world rankings for a recent back surgery to play He transitioned from control of his vehicle shortly generation. several rollovers” before the record total of 683 weeks, again at the age of 45 was young phenom to all-time after 7am. Woods is the only modern SUV came to rest, Villanueva winning 14 major championship always going to be a problem. great as the years and the Sheriff Alex Vil- professional to win all four said. titles from 1997 to 2008. His 15 Woods himself said previ- wins piled up, only to be lanueva, however, major golf titles in succession, Woods hosted the PGA tour’s major titles stand second only ously that Father Time humbled by a scandal that said the golf taking the US Open, British Open Genesis Invitational at the to the record 18 won by Jack remains undefeated and that cost him his marriage as well star, who and PGA Championship in 2000 Riviera Country Club over the Nicklaus. his return to top level play as a lot of fans. Then he came wasn’t guaranteed. back to win his fifth green Combine that with the jacket in a storybook tale that Friends and fellow athletes react gruesome injuries from his might have made him more crash and now it borders on popular than ever. PHIL MICKELSON ON TWITTER RETIRED GOLFING GREAT JACK NICKLAUS impossible. Woods celebrated behind ON TWITTER “We are all pulling for you, Tiger. We are so sorry that you and This isn’t Ben Hogan, the 18th green that day by “Barbara and I just heard about Tiger’s your family are going through this tough time. Everyone hopes accident, and like everyone else, we are deeply and prays for your full and speedy recovery.” coming back from a near fatal hugging his children, much concerned. We want to offer him our heartfelt support RETIRED MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL PLAYER ALEX car accident in 1949 to win as he celebrated becoming and prayers at this difficult time. Please join us in RODRIGUEZ ON TWITTER the U.S. Open next year. the youngest Masters wishing Tiger a successful surgery and all the best “Praying for my brother @TigerWoods as we all anxiously Hogan was nine years champion ever in 1997 by for a full recovery.” await more news. Thinking of him and his entire family.” younger, hadn’t been through hugging his father. Woods not FELLOW PGA TOUR GOLFER JUSTIN THOMAS AT NEWS PGA TOUR IN STATEMENT multiple back and knee sur- only seemed to regain his CONFERENCE “We have been made aware of Tiger Woods’ car accident geries, and didn’t have to try game in the last few years but “I am sick to my stomach. It hurts to see one of your... closest today. We are awaiting further information when he comes to swing his driver hard his ability to connect with friends get in an accident and I just hope he’s alright. Just out of surgery. On behalf of the PGA TOUR and our players, enough to hit it 350 yards to others as he began smiling worried for his kids. I’m sure they are struggling.” Tiger is in our prayers and will have our full support as he keep up with the other and signing autographs like FORMER US PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA recovers.” players. it wasn’t the chore he made “Sending my prayers to @TigerWoods and his family tonight - RETIRED LOS ANGELES LAKERS GUARD MAGIC JOHNSON Woods was fragile it out to be most of his career. here’s to a speedy recovery for the GOAT of golf. If we’ve learned “Everyone send your prayers out to Tiger Woods! He was just enough to begin with and On Sunday he was at the anything over the years, it’s to never count Tiger out.” in a bad car accident. Let us all pray for his speedy recovery.” there were already questions Genesis Invitational at nearby MASTERS CHAIRMAN FRED RIDLEY IN STATEMENT ON FORMER US PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP IN STATEMENT about whether he could Riviera Country Club as the TWITTER “Get well soon, Tiger. You are a true champion!” return to play at a high level. tournament host. He couldn’t “Tiger Woods is part of the Augusta National family, and the RETIRED US OLYMPIC SWIMMER He might share Hogan’s play because of his most news of his accident is upsetting to all of us. We pray for him, MICHAEL PHELPS ON TWITTER determination to overcome recent back surgery just for his full recovery and for his family during this difficult “Prayers for everything in front of him, but before Christmas but came time.” @TigerWoods” in the end there’s only so on CBS to answer questions much he can do to mend his about whether he would be broken body. back in time for the Masters. That means Woods will “God, I hope so,” Woods never break the record of 18 said. “I gotta get there first.” major championship wins He won’t be there this held by Jack Nicklaus. It year. The odds are he will means his fans will never be never tee it up at Augusta able to will him on to another National as a competitive Tiger Woods held the top spot in win like they did at the 2019 player again. golf’s world rankings for a Masters. And it means golf The one sure thing is that will be a lot quieter for a long golf won’t be the same record total of 683 weeks, time to come. without him. The game will winning 14 major The wreck on a downhill survive, of course, but it’s stretch of road in tony hard to imagine it without the championship titles from 1997 Rancho Palos Verdes was one player who transcended to 2008. His 15 major titles stunning, though it shouldn’t the sport. have come as a shock. It The only thing that really stand second only to the record marked the third time in a matters now, though, is that 18 won by Jack Nicklaus. dozen years that Woods has Woods survived, too. NBA: Doncic’s last-second trey lifts Mavericks

REUTERS — LOS ANGELES 10 rebounds and eight assists Sacramento in New York. points as the Nets again played RESULTS quarter for the 76ers, who for the Mavericks, who posted Harden finished with 29 points, without Kevin Durant (strained ended a string of 16 straight reg- Mavericks 110 - Celtics 107 Luka Doncic drained a their sixth win in seven outings 14 assists and 11 rebounds for hamstring). ular-season road losses to Nets 127 - Kings 118 3-pointer to snap a tie with one- despite playing without Kristaps hishis ssixthixth ttriple-doubleriple-double as a NNet.et. De’AaronDe’Aaron Fox scored 27 Toronto. 76ers 109 - Raptors 102 tenth of a second remaining in Porzingis (back) and Maxi BruceBruce BrBrownown points to lead thethe Kings, who Also on Tuesday, Lamar Cavaliers 112 - Hawks 111 the fourth quarter, lifting the Kleber (ankle). added a have lost twice to Brooklyn in Warriors 114 - Knicks 106 Stevens’ slam dunk with 4.1 host Dallas Mavericks to a Brown scored 29 points, career-highcareer-high their eight-gameeight-game skid.s Rookie Pistons 105 - Magic 93 seconds left lifted Cleveland to 110-107 victory over the Boston fellow All-Star Game reserve 2929 ppointsoints on TyreseTyrese HaliburtoHaliburtonn added 23 as Bucks 139 - Timberwolves 112 a win over visiting Atlanta,

Celtics on Tuesday. Jayson Tatum added 28 and 11 ofof 1313 fromfrom Sacramento shot 51.7 percent Clippers 135 - Wizards 116 ending the Cavaliers’ 10-game

After making a 3-pointer to Kemba Walker had 21 for the thethe field.field. and hit 15 3-pointers.3-pointe losing streak. Nuggets 111 - Trail Blazers 106 stake Dallas to a 107-105 lead Celtics, who have lost seven of KKyrieyrie IIrvingrving Elsewhere,Elsewhere, TobiasTo Harris Collin Sexton finished with with 15.8 seconds left, Doncic their past 10 games. added hhadad 12 of his 23 pointsp in the 29 points and five assists for provided the fireworks fol- Meanwhile, James Harden 21 ffourthourth quartequarter as visiting Embiid added 18 points and 12 Cleveland. Darius Garland lowing Jaylen Brown’s tying posted another triple-double as PhiladelphiaPhiladelph held on to rebounds to end a streak of 14 added 17 points and eight layup. Doncic calmly sank a Brooklyn finished strong down defeatdefeat Toronto at straight games in which he had assists, and rookie Dylan high-arcing attempt for the the stretch and extended their Tampa.Tam scored at least 25 points. Furkan Windler set career highs with eventual winning shot. winning streak to seven games James Harden Philadel- Korkmaz scored 16 of his 15 points and five 3-point Doncic collected 31 points, with a victory over skidding phia’sp Joel season-best 19 points in the first baskets.