Medvedev knocks out Murray in Brisbane second round PAGE 18 THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2019

Pulisic joins Chelsea from Borussia Dortmund for 64 million euros PAGE 19 ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE MAN CITY VS LIVERPOOL Our aim is to see Qatari players make ATP 500 event, says Khelaifi

VINAY NAYUDU was a member of the Qatar our goal. “Some of our youngsters are DOHA team playing 43 ties between 1992 coming through the ranks. While they and 2002 and had a 12–31 record in are on top in the GCC and the region, NASSER bin Ghanim al Khelaifi, a Some of our youngsters are singles, and 12–16 in doubles. and second among youth we want former Qatar Davis Cup representa- coming through the ranks. The ATP World Tour 500 series is them to rise higher,” he added. tive and President of Qatar While they are on top in the the fourth highest tier of the men’s ten- The 45-year-old Paris Saint-Ger- Federation, on Wednesday said that GCC and the region, and nis tournament after the four Grand main (PSG) chairman added, “Young- QTF’s aim is to see Qatari youngsters second among youth we want Slam tournaments, ATP Finals, and sters need to love their sport and qualify for an ATP 500 tournament in the ATP World Tour Masters 1000. should be ready to work hard to excel. the near future. them to rise higher. The series includes 13 tournaments, “There are no secrets in any “We are providing the best of fa- Nasser al Khelaifi with 500 rankings points awarded for sport. You need to do more than the cilities for our players and we have the events’ singles champions. others and you need to be there each also hired a new German coach Ol- “Our ambition is also see our play- day to train and do things by your- Qatar Tennis, Squash and Badminton Federation (QTSBF) President ivier to help them develop physically our players or two eventually gradu- ers aim for, and hopefully achieve self. You don’t need someone to push Nasser bin Ghanim al Khelaifi speaking to journalists at the Khalifa Inter- and mentally. We aim to see one of ate to that level,” said Khelaifi, who a world ranking inside 500. That is you,” he stressed. national Tennis & Squash Complex on Wednesday. Djoko survives scare, Wawrinka steady on way to quarter-finals

AMIR ATTENDS QATAR OPEN Berdych, Nikoloz The Amir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani attended part of the Qatar and Cecchinato ExxonMobil Open tennis tournament at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex on Wednesday. HH the Amir watched the match between through to last 8 (QNA) world number one and Hungary’s Marton Fucsovics. VINAY NAYUDU DOHA

TWO-TIME champion in Doha, Novak Djokovic has had an impeccable record at the Khalifa International Tennis & Squash Complex. The Ser- bian has only lost once here, in the quarter-finals, in his debut year in 2015. In 2016, he didn’t drop a set going on to lift the Falcon trophy, and the fol- lowing year he prevailed over Spain’s Fernando Verdasco and Britain’s Andy Murray with three-set wins to emerge as champion a second time. Now in 2019, the World Czech Republic’s Tomas Berdych in action during his second round match against Spain’s Fernando No.1 is bidding to emulate Verdasco. Swiss maestro Roger Federer by winning in Qatar for a third RESULTS time. And the man, who him- self admitted to be “very, very SINGLES 2ND ROUND confident” given his blazing 1-Novak Djokovic (SRB) bt Marton Fucsovics 4-6, 6-4, 6-1 Stanislas Wawrinka (SUI) bt Nicolas Jarry (CHI) 6-4, 7-6 (3) 7- (ESP) bt Q-Guillermo Garcia-Lopez (ESP) 6-1, 6-4 Dusan Lajovic (SRB) bt Q-Ricardas Berankis (LTU) 7-6 (4), 0-6, 7-5 start at the $1.4m Qatar Exx- Pierre-Hughes Herbert (FRA) bt Q-Maximilian onMobil Open 2019 event, was Marterer (GER) 6-3, 6-7 (6-8), 7-6 (8-6) however made to rally from 4-Marco Cecchinato (ITA) w/o Guido Pella (ARG) 5-Nikoloz Basilashvili (GEO) bt Andrey Rublev (RUS) being a set down by Hungarian 6-3, 6-4 Marton Fucsovics at the centre 8-Fernando Verdasco (ESP) vs WC-Tomas Berdych court on Wednesday. (CZE) It was quite a scare indeed QUARTER-FINALS LINE-UP 1-Novak Djokovic (SRB) vs 5-Nikoloz Basilashvili as the world number 36 Fucso- (GEO) vics, who is also exactly as tall Stanislas Wawrinka (SUI) vs 7-Roberto Bautista Agut as Djokovic at 6’2”, claimed the (ESP) opening set pushing his oppo- 4-Marco Cecchinato (ITA) vs Dusan Lajovic (SRB) WC-Tomas Berdych (CZE) vs Pierre-Hughes Herbert nent into conceding the much- (FRA) needed break before the Serbi- DOUBLES (QUARTER-FINALS) an decided to change gears and & Matwe Middelkoop (NED) bt Maximo eventually dictate terms to win Gonzalez (ARG) & Nicolas Jarry (CHI) 6-2, 6-4 Marko Djokovic & Novak Djokovic (SRB) bt Damir the match 4-6, 6-4, 6-1 after Dzumhur (BIH) & Dusan Lajovic (SRB) 7-5, 3-6, two hours. 10-7. It also meant that both Djokovic and Stanislas Waw- STAR POWER: Paris St Germain coach Thomas Tuchel watches the rinka stayed on collision course second round match between Chile’s Nicolas Jarry and Switzerland’s stepped up his level of play. for a likely semi-final meeting. Stanislas Wawrinka. The 31-year-old who is 72- Wawrinka too faced resistance time Tour-level titlist found from big-hitting Chilean Nico- cia-Lopez of Spain. making a comeback to the Tour his range on his forehand side, las Jarry, but the Swiss stayed Unseeded Dusan Lajovic of after suffering injuries in 2018 earning two set points with a Novak Djokovic of gestures to the crowd after winning his second round match of the Qatar Exxon- steady and ensured a 6-4, 7-6 Serbia booked a quarters clash claimed the third set 7-5. sharp-angled winner before Mobil Open against Marton Fucsovics of Hungary in Doha on Wednesday. (JALAL PATHIYOOR) (3) win in an 89-minute battle. with 4th seed Marco Cecchina- The busy day threw up clinching the set in dramatic For the 14-time Grand to of Italy with a 7-6 (4), 0-6, many absorbing contests but fashion as Fucsovics made an Slam champion Djokovic and 7-5 win over qualifier Ricardas none provided more jitters ill-judged Hawk Eye challenge 3-time champion Berankis of Lithuania, who than the one in which Djokovic on a forehand which clipped Wawrinka to meet in the last had accounted for 6th seeded was involved. the baseline. four, they will have to over- Belgian David Goffin in the All seemed cool in the con- Djokovic was back where come their quarter-final oppo- first round. test till 4-4 in the first set be- he belongs and the final set nents. While Djokovic meets Cecchinato was given a fore an eager Fucsovics began seemed a mere formality. the rising star and world num- walk over by Argentina’s Gui- to make inroads. The Hun- Later, Novak and his ber 21 from Georgia Nikoloz do Pella as he was suffering garian, who won the Geneva younger brother Marko Djoko- Basilashvili, Wawrinka will from lower back pain. tournament, earned two break vic also made it to the doubles play Roberto Bautista Agut of Debutant Pierre-Hughes points but Djokovic stuck to semi-finals. Spain. Herbert of France did him- his guns. A third break point, The Serbian siblings de- The 26-year-old Basilas- self proud registering a hard- however, saw Fucsovics seize feated Damir Dzumhur of Bos- hvili, who won two ATP 500 fought win against German his chance as his backhand on nia and his Serbian partner titles in 2018 to become the qualifier Maximilian 6-3, 6-7 the line caught the Serbian off Dusan Lajovic 7-5, 3-6, 10-7 in first champion from Georgia, (6-8), 7-6 (8-6). guard. the quarter-finals. accounted for 2018 Qatar Exx- In the last match of the day, The Hungarian held his The Djokovic brothers, onMobil Open finalist Andrey veteran Fernando Verdasco nerve, serving out the 10th game who had not won a match to- Rublev of Russia 6-3, 6-4. of Spain fell to Czech Tomas on love to take a one-set lead. gether in their five attempts as World number 24 Agut too Berdych. Verdasco had won the Buoyed by the success, a pair before coming to Doha, was brisk in his 6-1, 6-4 win first set 6-4, while Berdych won Fucsovics tried to keep up have now won two from two Djokovic of Serbia gives high-five to ball girls after his match. over qualifier Guillermo Gar- the second 6-3. Berdych who is the pace but then Djokovic outings. Sports Thursday, January 3, 2019 17 ExxonMobil Qatar extends sponsorship Aspetar provides medical services at Qatar of Qatar ExxonMobil Open ExxonMobil Open 2019

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK what a synergy between part- the tournament’s title sponsor TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK As part of its mission to DOHA ners with similar goals and vi- for 25 years. Our partnership DOHA assist athletes to achieve their sions can achieve when given with the QTF isn’t just about maximum performance and EXXONMOBIL Qatar, the title the opportunity,” said Khelaifi. bringing exceptional tennis to FOR the eighth consecutive full potential, Aspetar is also sponsor of the Qatar Exxon- “The Qatar Tennis Federa- Qatar for the world to see - it’s year, Aspetar will be providing offering tailored physiother- Mobil Open, on Wednesday tion and ExxonMobil are one about supporting the Qatar Na- world-class medical services apy solutions to participating renewed its sponsorship agree- identity together as one team. tional Vision 2030 by promot- at the ATP Qatar ExxonMobil athletes. In addition, players ment of the ATP 250 Tourna- The tournament has continued ing a healthier and stronger Open 2019, the international can use Aspetar’s state-of-the- ment for another three years to grow by leaps and bounds local community that can con- tennis tournament, which is art rehabilitation facilities, de- till 2022. over the years and we are im- tribute to the country’s future. currently taking place in Qatar’s signed to treat injured athletes The agreement was signed mensely proud of our achieve- “The Qatar ExxonMobil Khalifa International Tennis & from all over the world. at the Khalifa International ments, which include winning Open has really established it- Squash Complex and is sched- Since 2011, Aspetar has Tennis and Squash Complex by the prestigious ATP 250 Tour- self over the years as the place to uled to run until January 5. been the official and exclusive Nasser bin Ghanim al Khelaifi, nament of the Year award on be and celebrate the New Year Aspetar’s nine-person medical partner for the Qatar President of Qatar Tennis, two occasions (2015 and 2017) in Doha and it gives me great strong team includes experi- ExxonMobil Open as part of Squash and Badminton Fed- - an accomplishment unri- pleasure to formalise and deep- enced sports medicine phy- the hospital’s long-term part- eration (QTSBF), and Alistair valled in the region. Nasser bin Ghanim al Khelaifi, President of Qatar Tennis, Squash and en the partnership by announc- sicians, physiotherapists, nership agreement. This is Routledge, President and Gen- “Our partnership with Exx- Badminton Federation (QTSBF) and Alistair Routledge, President and ing that ExxonMobil Qatar is massage therapists, and an extension of Aspetar’s on- eral Manager for ExxonMobil onMobil Qatar is a key enabler General Manager for ExxonMobil Qatar during the sponsorship agree- renewing its title sponsorship podiatrists and they will be going efforts to provide inte- Qatar. for QTF to organise a high-qual- ment signing at the Khalifa International Tennis & Squash Complex on of the tournament for another providing comprehensive on- grated sports medical care in “The enduring strategic ity event for all in attendance, Wednesday. three years – 2020, 2021 and site provision of service to 32 support of all local and inter- partnership between our two and to continue to define Qa- 2022. This exemplifies our world- class singles players national tournaments held in great organisations is one of tar as a globally renowned and ExxonMobil Qatar has been 25 years. Routledge said, “For long-term commitment to Qa- and 16 doubles teams as well Qatar, while ensuring fast, on- the oldest in Qatar. It is an al- vibrant centre for world-class the title sponsor of the annual 27 years, we have had the privi- tar the country, its people and supervising medical services the-spot reaction to any injury liance that has come to define sporting events,” he added. tennis tournament for the last lege of being QTF’s partner and its vision,” Routledge added. to other event clientele. obtained during play. PACEMAN ISHANT SHARMA ‘MYSTERIOUSLY’ LEFT OUT Paine targets long-term India makes U-turn, improvement AFP SYDNEY keeps Ashwin in AUSTRALIA captain Tim Paine insisted on Wednesday that his priority was to develop his inexperienced cricket team for the future even as they face the prospect of losing a home series against India for the first time. But he pledged that Australia would still 13-man squad pick the “best XI that we think is the best com- bination to win this Test” once they had seen the Sydney pitch. Australia, who have never lost a home series against India, go into Thursday’s fourth Test 1-2 down and in danger of Virat Kohli’s men completing a historic landmark Down Under. While Australia must win to level the series, Paine said that his aim was on improvement, particularly in the batting department, with home Tests to come against Sri Lanka ahead of an Ashes tour to England this year. “It doesn’t for me personally,” he said on whether preventing an India series win was his key motivation. Australia’s paceman Pat Cummins (right) “Other guys may use it but my focus has celebrates a wicket with his captain Tim Paine been on us improving and on us playing the during the third cricket Test match against India best possible cricket that we can and when we in Melbourne recently. (AFP) haven’t, making sure we learn from it.” The hosts’ top order has largely failed to getting more than 50 in Melbourne with the ex- fire and the odds are mounting that the under- ception of tailender Pat Cummins. performing Aaron Finch will either be pushed Australia were skittled for 151 and then 261 down or axed, with number three Usman Kha- in Melbourne. waja moving up to open alongside Marcus Har- ris. “If that’s the way we go, Usman will go out Tim wants public to and give his all as he always does. I think the way he’s handled the last month or so has been give Smith, Warner exemplary, it’s a real credit to him,” said Paine. The captain said he wanted a final look at another chance Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin in action. the wicket before selecting the team, adding AFP that conditions at the Sydney Cricket Ground SYDNEY AFP the morning of the Test,” it yank Agarwal, with Hanuma win in Australia in their sights. would determine which members of the 14- SYDNEY said ahead of what is expect- Vihari dropping back down But Kohli insisted making man squad were left on the sidelines. TEST skipper Tim Paine urged Australia’s ed to be turning wicket at the to No.6 as cover for Rohit history was not their primary “It’s just team balance really,” he said. public to give the disgraced Steve Smith INDIA reversed their decision Sydney Cricket Ground. Sharma. motive. “There’s ongoing discussion the last day or two and David Warner a second chance, saying on Wednesday to rule out top In a surprise, first-team The Ashwin U-turn was “The reason why we want but we’ll have a final look at the wicket and we’ll he hoped “they’re welcomed back” into the spinner Ravichandran Ashwin regular Sharma was not in- not explained although there to win this Test is because we have our last chat then. national team. from the fourth Test against cluded with the reasons un- was speculation that Jadeja understand as cricketers how “We’re not too far away. As I said all along, The pair’s year-long ban for ball-tam- Australia, while pace spear- known. Fast bowler Umesh may also not be fully fit. difficult it is to come here and we’ll be looking to pick the best XI that we think pering is due to expire at the end of March head Ishant Sharma was mys- Yadav was named as his re- Kohli had earlier said of play,” he said. is the best combination to win this Test and the and they are widely expected to be rushed teriously missing from their placement. Ashwin: “The physio and the “It’s is not only the team wicket will play a part in that.” back into a side that has struggled without 13-man squad. Wrist-spinner Kuldeep Ya- trainer have spoken to him in you are playing against but the The Sydney wicket has a healthy green tinge them. Indian officials had earlier dav was also on the squad list terms of what’s required in or- whole nation as they get be- which will suit both team’s opening bowlers, But how the Australian public responds told reporters Ashwin had not and could play alongside fin- der to get over that injury. hind their team so well. before it could deteriorate to give something to remains to be seen after they were widely recovered from an abdominal ger-spinner Ravindra Jadeja if “He is very disappointed “Purely just to take that the spinners. slammed for tarnishing the country’s image strain that has kept him out of Ashwin is not fit and India opt with the fact that he has not challenge on, we want to win Australia have parachuted leg-spinning with their antics in South Africa last March. the last two Tests, and skipper for two slow bowlers. been able to recover in time, here. It’s got nothing to do batsman Marnus Labuschagne into the squad Asked if the trio should be welcomed Virat Kohli had lamented the Middle-order batsman Ro- but the things have been laid with proving that we have for Sydney and he could start if selectors feel back with open arms, Paine replied: “I think offspinner’s absence, saying hit Sharma, who hit a gritty out to him (over) what needs done something that hasn’t there is enough in the track to warrant playing so. I hope they’re welcomed back. I mean he was “very disappointed” 63 in the first innings at Mel- to be done to get back to full been done in the past.” him alongside Nathan Lyon. everyone is entitled to their own opinion to miss the final match of the bourne, is not available after fitness. And if India opt for two spinners, it could and will have a different view on it. series. jetting back to Mumbai to be “Honestly, you can’t pre- India squad: open the door for a return of Peter Handscomb, “But I think that once they’ve done their But barely an hour later, with his wife who recently dict an injury, when it hap- Mayank Agarwal, KL Rahul, Hanuma Vihari, who was left out of the Melbourne Test but is time I’m very hopeful that the Australian his name was on the squad list gave birth. pens you just manage and do Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli (Capt), Ajinkya renowned as a top player of spin. public will welcome those three guys back tweeted by the BCCI, India’s KL Rahul, who was axed what you can to get over that Rahane, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, That would likely put all-rounder Mitch and give them a fair chance. governing body. for the last Melbourne Test, is injury.” Kuldeep Yadav, Ravichandran Ashwin, Marsh’s spot at risk. “I mean, just to be treated like all other “A decision on R Ashwin’s back in contention and could India go into the final Test Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah and Paine said it was crucial that the batsmen cricketers are,” he added. availability will be taken on open the innings with Ma- 2-1 up and with a first series Umesh Yadav. play their part in Sydney, with none of them Tendulkar’s coach Achrekar passes away National Shooting & Archery Team AGENCIES MUMBAI Cup starts at Losail Ranges RAMAKANT Achrekar, the celebrated cricket coach credited for discovering and grooming TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK for the upcoming international him al Mohannadi said, “The Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar, died at his DOHA competitions, including the QSAA wishes to provide equal Shivaji Park residence in Dadar on Wednesday. qualifiers for the 2020 Olympic opportunities to all the com- He was 87 and, according to a family mem- THE action in the National Games. petitors and hopes that these ber, had been battling old age-related ailments Shooting and Archery Team Naimi said, “The pre-event competitions will make the con- for the past few days. “He (Archrekar Sir) is no Cup began with the training in training for skeet and pistol testants not only confident but more with us. He passed away this evening,” his skeet and pistol events at the shooters marked the start of help them put in their best. The kin Rashmi Dalvi said. Losail Ranges on Wednesday. the new championship in 2019. National Shooting and Archery Achrekar figured in just one first-class The Qatar Shooting and Participants and the association Team Cup will also enable all match in his playing career but discovered and Archery Association (QSAA) are ready for the competition in the participants to assess them- shaped the biggest batsman in international A file photo of Sachin Tendulkar with his mentor announced formation of the the right earnest and we expect selves so that they can improve cricket after Sir Donald Bradman in Tendulkar. Ramakant Achrekar. administrative and technical tight contests in almost all the in the areas in which they are Tendulkar, who is now retired, owns almost committees of the event. Majid events. feeling to be lacking.” all the batting records that were meant to be I knew (when) Sir has taken me to have bhelpuri al Naimi, the QSAA Secretary- “The QSAA President Ali On Friday, the first day of broken in the game, including the highest runs or paani-puri, Sir is happy, I have done some- General, has been appointed Mohammed al Kuwari chaired the Skeet qualifying for men in Tests (15,921) and ODIs (18,426). thing nice on the field,” Tendulkar had said last the Chairman of the Organising various meetings of the organ- for the Tokyo Olympics. All and women will be held. Also Achrekar is best known for being his child- year at an event while recalling Achrekar’s con- Committee, while Ibrahim al ising committee to ensure that the shooters and archers have on the schedule is the 25m Pis- hood coach and has always been acknowledged tribution in making him the cricketer he became. Mohannadi is the Tournament everything is in place for the worked hard and we’re likely to tol Precision Stage for women. by the celebrated right-hander for the role he Achrekar was bestowed the Padmashri Director and Ahmed al Jaidah first tournament of the year. witness high-level battle for the The Team Cup will conclude played in shaping his career as a child. Ten- award in 2010. Besides Tendulkar, he also heads the Judges Committee. The performance of all the glory. The association aims to on January 12 with Trap finals dulkar was coached by Achrekar at the Shivaji coached some prominent players in Vinod The first event of the year is contestants would be followed bag maximum possible qualify- (men and women), 25m Pistol Park here. Kambli, Pravin Amre, Sameer Dighe and Bal- part of the preparations of the keenly as this year has lots of ing spots,” added Naimi. Stage 2 (men) and 50m Rifle 3 “Sir did not say well-played to me ever, (but) winder Singh Sandhu. national shooters and archers competitions as the qualifiers Tournament Director Ibra- Positions (men and women). 18 Thursday, January 3, 2019 Sports Sharapova into Shenzhen Rising star Medvedev halts quarters after Chinese teen retires due to injury Murray’s return in Brisbane AFP adding that the teenager had a BEIJING great career ahead of her. “It’s not the way either of FORMER world number one us wants to finish the match, Murray is making a comeback after a disastrous 2018, during which he played just six tournaments Maria Sharapova qualified win or lose,” said Sharapova, for the quarter-finals of the who is ranked 29. Shenzhen WTA after strug- “I thought (Wang) was ab- gling against China’s great solutely the dominant player tennis hope Wang Xinyu, who in this match, and had all the was forced to retire from the opportunities to win it, even match in pain. though I felt like I was finding The fifth-seed Russian was my stride and getting a little surprised early on by the pow- bit closer to the line and being er of her 17-year-old oppo- more aggressive.” nent, who took the final game Wang won two junior dou- of the first set 7-6 and broke in bles titles last year at two Grand the second. Slam tournaments (at Wimble- But Wang Xinyu had to don and the ). retire hurt, apparently af- She was given a wild card for ter feeling pain in her thigh, the tournament in Shenzhen. while she was leading 5-2 in In the next round, Shara- the second set. pova takes on top-seed Be- “You played unbelievable,” lorussian Aryna Sabalenka, Sharapova told Wang, after the who had an easy win over Rus- Chinese player announced she sian Ekaterina Alexandrova on was retiring from the match, Wednesday 6-3, 6-3. Murray rests during a break. (AFP)

I think when you obviously play better players, I mean he’s 15 in the world or so, they will expose any errors that you make in your game or any shots that you’re not hitting particularly well.

Daniil Medvedev of Russia hits a return against Andy Murray of Britain during their men’s singles second round match at the Brisbane Interna- Andy Murray tional tennis tournament on Wednesday. (AFP)

AFP the sport, winning seven titles any shots that you’re not hit- “I start playing better, takes on Frenchman Jeremy BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA in 2018 on his way to a world ting particularly well. playing more aggressive and Chardy in the quarter-finals. ranking of 16. “And he did that tonight.” started getting more rhythm, Chardy came back from RUSSIA’S He broke Murray early Medvedev will meet Cana- and my serve got better in the losing the first set to beat Maria Sharapova (left) talks with Wang Xinyu who retired hurt in their showed Andy Murray just how in the first set and although da’s in the quar- second. I think it was a good Australian Nick Kyrgios 6-7 women’s singles second round match at the Shenzhen Open tennis much work he still has to do, Murray got back on level ter-finals. first match.” (5/7), 6-2, 6-3. tournament on Wednesday. (AFP) when he beat the former world terms, Medvedev broke again The huge-serving Raonic Nishikori will now play After an even first set, number one in straight sets in late in the first set to gain the fired down 21 aces in his 6-3, sixth seed Grigor Dimitrov in Chardy’s game picked up the on advantage. Murray was bro- 7-6 (7/2) win over Serbian the quarter-finals, a rematch while Kyrgios’s fell away. Wednesday. ken twice at the start of the qualifier Miomir Kecmanovic of the 2017 final won by the Kyrgios will now fall out Murray is making a come- second to fall behind 0-4 and to go with the 18 he served in Bulgarian. of the top 50 for the first time Anderson downs Djere to reach last eight back to the sport after a disas- there was no way back for the the first round. Dimitrov played some since 2014, while Chardy still trous 2018, during which he 31-year-old Scot. Earlier, Japanese star Kei sublime tennis to down local has a chance of reaching the PUNE: World number six of South Africa moved into played just six tournaments “In the second set I made Nishikori eased past American favourite John Millman 6-3, top 32 and guaranteeing the quarter-finals of the ATP Maharashtra Open after a hard-fought win and was out of the game for 11 a few too many mistakes, and Denis Kudla 7-5, 6-2. 6-4. himself a seeding at the Aus- over Laslo Djere on Wednesday. Last year’s runner-up Anderson, who months with a hip injury. obviously there was a period Nishikori had too many Nishikori was joined in tralian Open. got a first-round bye in the hard court event, edged past Serbia’s Djere He had a comfortable first in the match from 5-5 where I answers for Kudla, breaking the quarter-finals by fellow Top seeded Spaniard Ra- 7-6, 7-6 in the western Indian city of Pune. round win over James Duck- lost six games in a row,” Mur- him towards the end of the countryman Yasutaka Uchiy- fael Nadal was a late with- Anderson served 20 aces against 23-year-old Djere, who is ranked worth but found the step up in ray said. first set and twice in the sec- ama, who stunned British drawal with a thigh strain. 93rd in the world singles chart, and won both sets in tie-breaks. “It is class too much against Medve- “And I think when you ob- ond for a comfortable victory. number one Kyle Edmund He has been replaced in always tough playing somebody who has been here played a (first- dev, the 22-year-old Russian viously play better players, I “After 5-5 I think he 7-6 (8/6), 6-4. the draw by lucky loser Taro round) match. That is always a bit tricky,” Anderson said. cruising to a 7-5, 6-2 win in mean he’s 15 in the world or dropped a little bit his level, Uchiyama, 26, is playing Daniel of Japan, who will Defending champion of France came back from a set just 80 minutes. so, they will expose any errors and I was also able to play bet- just his fifth tournament on play Jo-Wilfried Tsonga on down to beat Belarusian Ilya Ivashka 6-7, 6-2, 6-1 in over 2 hours and Medvedev is a rising star of that you make in your game or ter,” Nishikori said. the ATP World Tour and next Thursday. 30 minutes. (AFP) Family says Schumacher ‘in the very best of hands’ SA ‘Enforcer’ Olivier confirmed for DPA to him and you, his fans, by cel- 2nd Test against struggling Pakistan BERLIN ebrating his accomplishments,” the statement said. MICHAEL Schumacher’s fam- Todt meanwhile said in AFP bowl long spells. He’s different, ily has asked for understanding an interview published on CAPE TOWN he runs at you, he’s around your over the lack of public infor- Wednesday he saw his friend- head most of the time, it’s not mation about the health of the ship with Schumacher as “a SOUTH African captain Faf comfortable.” record Formula One motor- great gift.” du Plessis said on Wednesday Pakistan captain Sarfraz racing world champion but says Todt, 72, told German daily that fast bowler Duanne Olivier Ahmed acknowledged that Ol- he is “in the very best of hands.” Die Welt he visited Schumacher would be used in an “enforcer” ivier had caused problems for “Please understand if we are at least once a month and said role as part of a pace barrage his batsmen in Centurion. following Michael’s wishes and the former driver was “fighting in the second Test against Pa- “We will definitely talk keeping such a sensitive subject against his terrible fate.” kistan starting at Newlands on about him. He’s a different type as health, as it has always been, He added: “His family is Thursday. of bowler with a fast bowling ac- in privacy,” Schumacher’s fam- A file photo Michael Schumacher with the Mercedes team in the pits fighting the same way and, of Du Plessis said he wanted to South Africa capt Faf du Plessis. (AFP) tion,” he said. ily said in a statement via Face- of the Interlagos racetrack in Sao Paulo, Brazil in 2012. (AFP) course, our relationship, or bet- keep the pressure on the Paki- Du Plessis said South Africa book. ter friendship, cannot be what it stan batsmen after Olivier took that Olivier provided a contrast did not want to let Pakistan off Schumacher, who suffered can be sure that he is in the very Scnhumacher’s son Mick. used to be, just because we no 11 wickets in South Africa’s six- to the skill and control of Kagiso the hook following their col- severe head injuries in a skiing best of hands and that we are The charitable body is re- longer have the same commu- wicket win in the first Test in Rabada, Dale Steyn and Vernon lapse in the second innings in accident five years ago, turns 50 doing everything humanly pos- leasing an official Schumacher nication as before.” Centurion. Philander. Centurion. on Thursday. sible to help him.” app on Thursday to coincide Asked if he felt “helpless” on There had been specula- “Duanne is more of an en- Sarfraz said Haris Sohail “We are very happy to cel- Schumacher’s family also with his birthday. The app is de- visiting Schumacher, Todt said: tion that Olivier might have to forcer who puts you on the back had not recovered from a knee ebrate Michael’s 50th birthday referred to the Keep Fighting scribed as “a virtual museum” “No, absolutely not.” sit out at Newlands because of foot and can be a bit challenging injury that kept him out of the tomorrow together with you Foundation whose trustees in- complementing the Michael He added: “In the end only the return to fitness of Vernon for batters, especially when they first Test and was unlikely to and thank you from the bottom clude Jean Todt, the president Schumacher Private Collection positive thoughts help him. De- Philander. But Du Plessis said come from the sub-continent play again in the series. He said of our hearts that we can do this of motorsport federation FIA, at the Motorworld exhibition. spite all the circumstances, I he would definitely play. where the ball doesn’t bounce Pakistan would keep the same together,” his family said. Ross Brawn, Formula One’ “The app is another mile- and his entire family react posi- “He brings variety to our as high,” said Du Plessis. batting line-up that played in The statement added: “You sporting director, and Michael stone in our effort to do justice tively in the mental sense.” attack,” said Du Plessis, adding “He’s a fit guy and he can Centurion. Leonard’s 45 points fuel Raptors over Jazz; Bucks beat Knicks

“We just tried to stay in handed dunk over Jon Leuer first half and pulling within The Raptors improve to 28-11 in the it til the end of the game. in the final minute of the first four points with less than We had to get some stops on quarter. four minutes to play before East, keeping the pressure on the defensive end and try to Milwaukee were up by a three-pointer from Jokic leaders Milwaukee come back and execute on 16 by halftime, the margin with 2:55 remaining helped the offensive end -- it was a swelling to as many as 28. Denver pull away. AFP In their absence, Leonard good win for us tonight.” “Pleased with the focus, Jokic notched his third LOS ANGELES excelled, making all seven of Pascal Siakam contrib- pleased with the effort,” said triple-double of the season his field goal attempts in the uted a career-best 28 points Bucks coach Mike Buden- -- scoring in double digits in KAWHI Leonard poured in third quarter as he scored 19 with 10 rebounds for the holzer. three key statistical catego- a career-high 45 points to points in the period and the Raptors and Norman Pow- “We keep talking about ries as the Nuggets won their lead the Toronto Raptors to a Raptors -- who trailed by two ell added 14 points off the wanting to do it for 48 min- third straight. 122-116 NBA victory over the at halftime -- pulled away. bench as Toronto improved utes ... felt like tonight was The Portland Trail Blaz- Utah Jazz on Tuesday. After making just two to 28-11. one of those nights where we ers opened 2019 in dramatic With the win the Raptors three-pointers in the first In Milwaukee, the Bucks got closer to that, without a style, winning an overtime improved to 28-11, keeping half, the Raptors connected won their fourth straight lull or very few lulls if any.” thriller against the Kings in the pressure on the Milwau- on their first three from be- with the help of 25 points Sacramento 113-108. kee Bucks who boosted their yond the arc in the third to from Brook Lopez, 22 from Jokic triple-double leads Jusuf Nurkic produced 24 league-leading record in seize control of the contest. Khris Middleton and 18 from Nuggets points and a career-high 23 terms of winning percentage They took a 10-point lead Eric Bledsoe. In Denver, Nikola Jokic’s rebounds to go with seven as- to 26-10 with a 121-98 victory into the fourth quarter, and “I was feeling good,” triple-double of 19 points, sists, five blocked shots and over Detroit. while the Jazz managed to Lopez said. “We were moving 15 assists and 14 rebounds five steals for Portland. The Raptors were again cut the deficit to as few as the ball really well ... my guys propelled the Nuggets to a Damian Lillard came without injured Jonas Val- four, they couldn’t get any were making great passes to 115-108 victory over the New alive late, forcing overtime anciunas and Kyle Lowry -- closer. me all night.” York Knicks. with a layup with 15.5 sec- whose return date remains “They’re a well-coached Bucks star Giannis Ante- The Knicks dropped onds remaining in regulation uncertain after he received team, they’ve got great guys on tokounmpo had a relatively their eighth straight, but and scoring five of his 25 anti-inflammatory injections their team that compete every modest 15 points, but they Toronto’s Kawhi Leonard shoots over Utah’s Joe Ingles during their NBA they didn’t go quietly, lead- points for the Trail Blazers in to combat back pain last week. possession,” Leonard said. included a stunning one- game at Scotiabank Arena in Utah on Tuesday. (USA TODAY SPORTS) ing by as many as 10 in the overtime. Sports Thursday, January 3, 2019 19 Top-of-the-table clash: Manchester City v Liverpool today Chelsea sign Klopp says Guardiola’s American star Pulisic from side are world’s best Dortmund AFP LONDON

LIVERPOOL boss Jurgen The US winger was loaned back to the Klopp says Manchester City Bundesliga leaders until end of season are the best team in the world ahead of his Premier League AFP leaders’ top-of-the-table LONDON clash at the Etihad Stadium on Thursday. AMERICAN international Klopp’s unbeaten side go Christian Pulisic, regarded as into the meeting with a sev- one of the hottest properties in en-point lead over City, who European football, signed for have slipped to third place Premier League side Chelsea after a pair of shock defeats, for a reported fee of £58 million but is keen to play down the ($74m) from Borussia Dort- hype surrounding his side mund on Wednesday. and put the focus on Pep The 20-year-old right wing- Guardiola’s pre-season title er -- who has had more playing favourites. time in the Champions League “A very difficult one, one this term than the Bundesliga of the most difficult games as coach Lucien Favre generally you can play in the modern prefers England international Borussia’s Dortmund Christian football world,” he told re- Jadon Sancho in that position Pulisic porters on Wednesday. -- has been loaned back to the “We have to be prepared German league leaders until player for many years to come.” as good as possible, we have the end of the season. Michael Zorc, Dortmund’s to be brave, we have to be full “In the summer I move on sport director, said given the of desire, angry ... but with to Chelsea and to a new com- size of the offer the club would the knowledge the opponent petition, the English Premier have been foolish to turn it is, for me, still the best team League,” Pulisic said in a state- down. in the world.” Klopp and Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola (left) and Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp during a Premier League match recently. (REUTERS) ment issued by Chelsea. “It has always been Chris- Guardiola have both talked “It’s a privilege to have tian’s big dream to play in the up the strength of their op- “We have to be prepared as ‘We’ll catch them’? Of course “I know today nobody trusts of their last four meetings signed for such a legendary Premier League,” said Zorc. position ahead of the clash, good as possible, we have not -- it’s difficult with the with Liverpool, who - in con- club and I look forward to “That’s certainly got to do with the City boss returning qualities all the teams have. us. Everyone is talking trast to the champions’ indif- working hard towards being with his American background, the compliment by hailing to be brave, we have to be “But it’s January 3. It’s a about ‘if we lose’ - but we ferent recent form - have won a contributor to their team of and therefore we were unable Liverpool as the world’s top full of desire, angry ... but very, very important game for can win,” Guardiola said. their last nine Premier League world class players.” to extend his contract. team. with the knowledge the both teams, obviously ... They games. Chelsea director Marina “With this background and Liverpool have dropped opponent is, for me, still the will be ready and we have “At the moment they are Granovskaia said she looked given the short remaining pe- just six points this season, best team in the world,” to make sure we are ready.” special. Since then it feels dif- the best team in Europe, in forward to Pulisic becoming a riod on his contract, we decided and go into the match on a Klopp said his team’s run ferent.” their consistency and the way major influence at the club for to accept the extraordinarily lu- nine-match winning streak Klopp said. to last season’s Champions Meanwhile, Guardiola they control the details in years to come. crative offer from FC Chelsea.” in the league. League final, which they lost feels losses against Crystal their game,” said Guardiola. “We are delighted to have Pulisic, who had also been The Reds have won three not-lose game for his team, to Real Madrid, was the mo- Palace and Leicester City He said: “A lot of nice signed one of Europe’s most linked with Premier League of their past four meetings stating the title race would ment a switch flicked. have diminished confidence words are spoken when you sought-after young players,” leaders Liverpool, has been at with City but their last league be finished should City slip 10 “I think we got rid, fi- in City. make 100 points in a season. she said. Dortmund since he was 15 and trip to the Etihad ended in points adrift. nally, of the backpack when The Spaniard said: “I But after, it is how you come “Christian has shown his aged just 17 made both his Bun- a 5-0 defeat in September Klopp expects the situa- we reached the Champions know today nobody trusts us. back - and we did it. quality during a fantastic spell desliga debut and international 2017. tion to fire up City, saying: “If League final,” he said. Everyone is talking about ‘if “I am delighted with my in Germany and at just 20, we debut for the United States hav- Guardiola has already we would be 10 points behind, “That was the moment we lose’ - but we can win.” team. We have made a lot of believe he has the potential to ing turned down an approach labelled the match a must- would the first thing I say be, when we did something really City have failed to win any points.” become an important Chelsea from Crotia to play for them. Expanded Asian Cup welcomes old & new faces S Korea counting on

DPA The UAE play the first of lives.” Of Asia’s five representa- red-hot Son to shine ABU DHABI 51 tournament games, across tives at the World Cup in Rus- four cities and eight stadiums, sia last summer, only Japan WHILE the Asian Cup has ex- against Bahrain at Abu Dhabi’s escaped the groups to lose a on Asian Cup quest panded from 16 teams to 24, in Zayed Sport City on Saturday. five-goal thriller to Belgium in all likelihood it will be a familiar They also meet Thailand and the last 16. name which lifts the trophy af- India in Group A. The record four-time cham- AFP ter the Abu Dhabi final on Feb- “It’s important for teams pions last won the title in 2011 ABU DHABI ruary 1. and supporters coming to the and begin with Uzbekistan, Iran, South Korea and Ja- UAE to feel a warm welcome Oman and Turkmenistan in SOUTH Korea are hoping Son pan are the favourites for the and know that such a prestig- Group F. Heung-min’s dazzling pace competition which begins Jan- ious football tournament is Iran also impressed in Rus- and goals can help them end uary 5 while reigning champi- happening here and that we are sia, narrowly falling in a pool a 59-year wait to be crowned ons Australia and Saudi Arabia, proud hosts,” organizing com- including Spain and Portugal, continental kings as the newly both also present at the World mittee tournament director and coach Carlos Queiroz leads expanded Asian Cup starts at Cup in Russia, are further con- Aref Hamad Al Awani said. his side against Vietnam, Iraq the weekend. tenders. UAE were runners-up as Australia national team players celebrate after winning the 2015 and Yemen in Group D. Holders Australia, four- The hosting United Arab hosts in 1996 and third in 2015 edition of the Asian Cup. Yemen’s fellow newcomers time winners Japan, Carlos Emirates are aiming to cause an but have struggled for form un- Kyrgyzstan and the Philippines Queiroz’s Iran and hosts the upset on home turf in search of der Italian coach Alberto Zac- champions Australia, looking expecting to win every game.” meet in Group C which also has United Arab Emirates are all Tottenham’s Son Heung-min their first-ever Asian Cup title cheroni and are without star to repeat their 2015 home suc- In contrast to the Australian China and South Korea, who formidable opponents, but while Kyrgyzstan, Yemen and midfielder Omar Abdulrahman cess, against Syria, Palestine squad, with several players al- will be joined by Tottenham none will relish facing Paulo editions, will demand im- the Philippines are all making following a cruciate knee liga- and Jordan, but without the ready in Europe, competing Hotspur star Son Heung Min Bento’s Koreans. provements on 2015, when their maiden appearances. ment tear. injured Aaron Mooy and sweat- for Palestine offers a path to a two games into the tournament The 2015 runners-up have as defending champions they Italian coach Marcello Lip- Experienced forwards Ali ing on the fitness of Hertha much sought after professional so he can play Premier League put their stamp on the inter- slipped up with a penalties de- pi now leads ambitious China Mabkhout and Ahmed Khalil, Berlin winger Mathew Leckie. contract. games. national scene in recent times, feat to UAE in the last eight. and Qatar are looking to build with over 90 international “We will do our preparation “Despite all the difficulties The Philippines v China stunning holders Germany at Recent results have been ahead of hosting the 2022 goals between them, carry the and our analysis as well, but it we have a fairly competitive clash also sees two prestigious last year’s World Cup before encouraging, including a 4-3 World Cup. home hopes as the UAE look to is all about us,” said coach Gra- league comprising 12 teams,” coaches meet as Sven Goran winning the Asian Games foot- win over Uruguay, and Hajime Others such as Syria match local club Al-Ain’s recent ham Arnold. “It is about our Mohammed Rashid told the Eriksson tackles World Cup ball tournament in September. Moriyasu has picked on form and Palestine have the chance surprise run to the Club World attitude being right, us being governing AFC website. winner Lippi, believed to be Son, 26, was at the heart of after ditching World Cup stars to lift their fans fighting difficult Cup final in December. ready for those games, prepar- “The players have a great one of the best-paid managers both successes and his delight Shinji Kagawa and Shinji Oka- political situations back home. Group B is headlined by ing properly, and going out and desire to excel and better their in the world. was plain to see at the Asian zaki in favour of younger play- Games in Indonesia, where ers. victory earned the team an ex- Australia, however, seem emption from South Korea’s to have gone backwards since compulsory, 21-month military they lifted the trophy in Sydney Aspire attracts top teams for training camps service. in 2015, and it’s a tall order for The Tottenham Hotspur new coach Graham Arnold who forward, who has a deadly is plunged into the title defence TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK Expected Teams shot with either foot, has been just four games into the job. DOHA in scorching form for his club, After record scorer Tim FC Bayern Munich, PSV Eindhoven, Club Brugge scoring seven goals in his last Cahill retired, Arnold’s pre- ASPIRE Zone Foundation Kas Eupen, FC Persepolis, Paris Saint Germain seven Premier League games. dicament worsened last month (AZF) is gearing up to host Spartak Moscow, Lokomotiv Moscow, FK Rostov But he will sit out South Ko- when midfield lynchpin Aaron comprehensive football train- Zenit St. Petersburg rea’s first two games next week Mooy suffered a serious knee ing camps for a number of under a deal with his club in injury and was ruled out of world-class teams this Janu- ensures everything is readily return for his release for last tournament. ary. Time and again, these available for visiting athletes, year’s Asian Games. UAE received a body blow teams return to AZF during who return to Aspire Zone Son, the most prolific Asian with the loss of playmaker the northern hemisphere’s Foundation’s training camps in Premier League history, will Omar Abdulrahman to a knee winter to benefit from Qa- year after year.” hope South Korea get the job injury, but they have plenty of tar’s perfect outdoor training Reasons why elite teams done against the Philippines firepower and are redoubtable weather at this time of the conduct training camps at and Kyrgyzstan before he jets on home ground, where they year and prepare for a range of Aspire Zone Foundation AZF in for their final Group C clash were runners-up as hosts in international and continental is globally recognised for its against China on January 16. 1996. tournaments in ideal settings. ideal training environment The Koreans, edged 2-1 by Aus- Meanwhile, rivals Qatar are During this year’s train- for elite athletes, giving them tralia after the 2015 final went desperate to make a statement ing camp season, AZF has an- access to training fields of the to extra time, haven’t won the before 2022. Success in UAE nounced that it will host 10 in- highest quality, multi-purpose Asian Cup since 1960 -- a puz- would be doubly satisfying for ternational football teams, all Bayern Munich players during their winter tour at Aspire Zone Foundation in Doha. halls for a variety of sports, zling record considering their Qatar, who have been under of whom are eager to benefit and swimming pools, gyms, 10 World Cup appearances, blockade from their neigh- from its world class training, from 8-13 January, Persepo- clubs from 20 January – 31 Jan- Hilal, Head of Federation and and indoor and outdoor tracks including the 2002 semi-finals. bours since June 2017. accommodation and enter- lis, the Iranian football team, uary. Spartak Moscow will be in Teams Affairs at AZF, said: equipped with the latest tech- Japan are among their chief On Saturday in Abu Dhabi, tainment facilities. from 9-19 January, and Paris Doha from the 18 – 30 January, “AZF’s unique trio of Aspire nologies. rivals in UAE, after they were the UAE and Bahrain will open Bayern Munich are sched- Saint-Germain from 13 – 17 FC Rostov and FC Lokomotiv Academy, Aspetar and Aspire In addition, teams are also the only Asian side to reach the the biggest Asian Cup yet after uled to visit from 4 January January. Moscow from 20-30 January, Logistics offer world-class encouraged to return because World Cup knock-outs before it grew from 16 to 24 teams, – 10 January, Holland’s Ein- In preparation for the Rus- and FC Zenit Saint Petersburg outdoor and indoor facilities of the success in domestic and narrowly going down to Bel- paving the way for Kyrgyzstan, dhoven from 4-12 January, sian league, Aspire Zone will from 15 to 29 January. combined with sports science international tournaments gium in the last 16. war-torn Yemen and Sven- Belgium’s Club Brugge from also host a mini championship Commenting on the train- and sports medicine exper- that follows their Aspire Zone The Blue Samurai, win- Goran Eriksson’s Philippines 5-12 January and Kas Eupen between a number of Russian ing camps this year, Ibrahim tise. This convenient structure training camps. ners of four of the last seven to make their debuts. 20 Thursday, January 3, 2019 The Last Word Amir awards winners of Founder Camel Festival

THE Amir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Tha- ni crowned on Wednesday the winners of the eight main races of the Founder Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed bin Thani Camel Festival for purebred Arabian camels, which took place at Al Shahaniya racetrack. The Amir awarded the winners of the final four races of the category for camels aged more than seven years, owned by their excellencies sheikhs. Al Sha- haniya camels won the four races. The camels Wesal, Al Hathra, Munawer and Marmar all won the awards in the four races. In the same category for camels owned by tribe members, the Amir awarded Said Mohammed Zayed al Khayarain, owner of the camel ‘Sahm’ the silver spear, as well as Nasser Mohammed Said al Aida, owner of ‘Al Udeid’, and Salem Nasser Said al Eida, owner of ‘Lusail’, two silver daggers. The races were attended by their excellencies sheikhs, tribe members and lovers of Al Hejen sports. (QNA)

Flowers add colour to Mahaseel Festival QatarDebate Centre A WIDE variety of locally-pro- duced flowery plants from Qa- to organise Arabic tari farms are adding big attrac- tion to the Mahaseel Festival, being organised by the Cultural debates in Vienna Village Foundation – Katara. The flowers section is an im- QNA portant part of the festival which DOHA runs until January 5, Saturday. The Mahaseel market will be QATARDEBATE Centre, a member of Qatar Founda- open on weekends until the end tion for Education, Science and Community Develop- of March. ment, will host the first European Championship of Several dignitaries and the Arabic-language debates in the Austrian capital of prominent figures have vis- Vienna today. ited the festival, including the A total 20 universities are participating in the Chargé d’Affaires of Iraq in three-day tournament. These varsities are repre- Doha HE Abdel Sattar al Janabi. senting 15 European countries -- Austria, Belgium, Families throng the festival Bulgaria, France, Germany, Kosovo, Macedonia, in the mornings and evenings Poland, Portugal, Serbia, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, to buy fresh vegetables, meat Ukraine and Czech Republic. products, honey, dates and dairy The first day of the tournament will be allocated products from local farms in Qa- juice of sugarcane and carrots The organising committee of dedicated a space for families al dishes and sweets, adding a to training workshops for students and arbitrators by tar. The visitors are also offered produced locally. the Mahaseel Festival has also who offer home-made tradition- local flavour to the festival. (TNN) the centre’s instructors and ambassadors as per the important criteria to be followed by the teams during the rounds. Through the tournament, QatarDebate Center seeks to spread the culture of positive dialogue and Arabic language among the speakers and motivate the students to pay attention to the language of the civi- lised dialogue and to raise the level of discussions in both scientific and linguistic terms. At the end of the tournament, the centre will hon- our the best two teams and best speakers. The jury staff will consists of 12 ambassadors of the centre and the elite Academy. The centre’ ambassadors Fahad al Subaei and Ibrahim Qarkouri will train 20 arbitrators of the teams participating in the European Championship to prepare them for the fifth International Champion- ship of university debates in Arabic language which will be held in Doha, after acquiring practical experi- ence in the European Championship arbitration and equip them with international arbitration skills.

MORE THAN 3,600 CRUISE PASSENGERS ARRIVE AT DOHA PORT

Doha Port on Wednesday received more than 3,600 visitors, who arrived on board cruise ship ‘TUI Mein Schiff 4’. It was Mein Schiff 4’s fifth call at Doha Port during the ongoing 2018-19 cruise season. (TNN)