WEDNESDAY 6 MARCH 2019 SPORT 07 The Hathab Series is helping us achieve our goals. It is giving clear competition Qatar Equestrian Federation and Asian Equestrian to the young riders and tapping their UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Federation President ROUND OF 16 - Kickoff at 11:00pm Qatar time passion. We are getting new horses. Hamad Abdulrahman FC Porto vs Roma Paris Saint Germain vs This helps the system in achieving our Al Attiyah ACTION (Agg 1-2) Manchester United (Agg 2-0)

long-term goals. TODAY’S

Raptors, Rockets Kelly Oubre Jr. of the Phoenix Suns celebrates with fans after defeating the Milwaukee Bucks Ennis’ to play pre-season in the NBA game at Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Arizona, on Monday. The Suns won hat-trick lifts games in Japan 114-105. AP Maple Leafs TOKYO past Flames The Toronto Raptors and the Houston Rockets will play two pre-season games in October AGENCIES at the Saitama Super Arena, the CALGARY basketball venue for next year’s Tokyo Olympics. Tyler Ennis collected his first In a statement yesetrday, career hat trick and Zach the NBA said it has staged 12 Hyman tallied twice as the regular-season games in Japan, visiting Toronto Maple Leafs beginning in 1990 when the handed the Calgary Flames a Utah Jazz played the Phoenix 6-2 defeat on Monday night. Suns. The NBA says this was the Not to be lost in the victory first regular-season game was the play of Toronto goalie played outside North America Frederik Andersen, who made by a US sports league. 35 saves, including a key The Rockets played two breakaway stop when it was a regular-season games in Japan one-goal game late in the first in 1992. The Raptors will be period and a couple of others making their first visit to Japan. just before his team lit the Houston is led by James lamp. Toronto has won two Harden and Chris Paul. Toronto straight and five of six games. is led by Kawhi Leonard, Kyle Ennis, a healthy scratch the Lowry, and Marc Gasol. previous outing, opened the scoring with a power-play Oubre Jr shines for Suns in goal just before the midway NBA STANDINGS point of the first period. Ennis was left alone in front of the EASTERN CONFERENCE net and neatly lifted a Team Wins Losses backhand shot for his first of Milwaukee 48 16 comeback win over Bucks the night. Toronto 46 18 He was at it again with Indiana 41 23 AGENCIES 21 games. Malcolm Brogdon NBA: RESULTS Los Angeles Lakers for their third 2:45 left in the opening period, Philadelphia 40 23 PHOENIX scored 19 points. consecutive victory. this time with a lucky break. Boston 38 26 LA Lakers 105, LA Clippers 113 Lou Williams scored 21 points His shot from the right circle Detroit 31 31 Kelly Oubre Jr recorded 27 Spurs 104, Nuggets 103 San Antonio 104, Denver 103 off the bench, and Montrezl Harrell ricocheted off the skate of a Brooklyn 33 33 points, 13 rebounds and three DeMar DeRozan scored 24 Brooklyn 127, Dallas 88 added 14 points and 11 rebounds in defender and into the cage. Orlando 30 35 blocked shots, and Devin Booker points, and LaMarcus Aldridge Miami 114, Atlanta 113 a reserve role for the Clippers. Then it was Hyman’s turn Charlotte 29 34 scored 22 points as the lowly added 22 points as San Antonio Rajon Rondo scored a season- to score two consecutive times. Sacramento 115, New York 108 Miami 29 34 Phoenix Suns pulled off a outlasted visiting Denver to high 24 points to go with 10 Hyman made it 3-0 just 96 Washington 26 37 stunning 114-105 victory over the capture its third straight victory. Phoenix 114, Milwaukee 105 rebounds and 12 assists for his first seconds later when he used Atlanta 22 43 visiting Milwaukee Bucks on San Antonio led by 21 points Utah 112, New Orleans 115 triple-double with the Lakers. the stopping technique to put Chicago 18 46 Monday night. in the second quarter and by 17 LeBron James finished with 27 home a loose puck after Mitch Cleveland 16 48 Deandre Ayton registered 19 with 9:10 to go in the game, but points, eight rebounds and six Marner was denied on a New York 13 51 points, 12 rebounds and three Denver got within one point points and 11 rebounds in only assists. breakway. blocked shots, and Josh Jackson when Jamal Murray canned a three quarters for the Pelicans, Hyman netted another 4:11 WESTERN CONFERENCE scored 16 for Phoenix. 3-pointer with 49.6 seconds left. who won their third straight. Kings 115, Knicks 108 into the second period with a Golden State 44 19 The Suns have won three of The Nuggets then missed four Davis did not play the entire Harry Giles III contributed a one-timer set up by Marner, Denver 42 21 four since enduring a fran- shots at a win in the remaining fourth quarter. The Jazz led by dunk and a hook shot to an who made a fantastic pass Oklahoma City 39 24 chise-worst, 17-game losing time. 17 points in the second quarter eight-point run that opened the across the zone for Hyman’s Portland 39 24 career-high 16th goal of the Houston 38 25 streak. Murray scored 25 points, and and by 14 early in the fourth. fourth quarter, and Sacramento season. Utah 36 27 Tyler Johnson had 13 points Nikola Jokic had 22 points and Jae Crowder and Kyle Korver finally was able to pull away Matthew Tkachuk gave the LA Clippers 37 29 and four steals and also knocked 10 rebounds for Denver, which totaled 20 points apiece off the from visiting New York. hosts life with a power-play San Antonio 36 29 down the tiebreaking basket for has lost three games in a row. bench to lead Utah. Rudy Gobert Buddy Hield had 28 points Sacramento 32 31 the Suns, who outscored Mil- scored 19 points and collected 19 and Harrison Barnes contributed goal of his own with 4:25 left LA Lakers 30 34 waukee 38-23 in the fourth Pelicans 115, Jazz 112 rebounds, and Donovan Mitchell 22 points and 10 rebounds for in the middle frame, on the Minnesota 29 34 quarter. Jrue Holiday and Julius added 19 points with nine assists. the Kings, who had lost three in spot for a loose puck to net his New Orleans 30 36 Giannis Antetokounmpo had Randle each scored 30 points to a row, including two straight to 26th of the year. Dallas 27 36 21 points, 13 rebounds, six assists lead New Orleans to a 115-112 Clippers 113, Lakers 105 begin a key four-game However, Ennis completed Memphis 25 40 and three steals for the NBA-best come-from-behind victory over Danilo Gallinari scored 23 homestand. his first NHL hat trick 3:15 into Phoenix 14 51 Bucks, who have lost two straight Utah in Salt Lake City. points, and the visiting Los Knicks rookie Allonzo Trier the third period with a long after winning 19 of the previous Anthony Davis totaled 15 Angeles Clippers defeated the led all scorers with 29 points. shot that Flames goalie David Rittich simply whiffed on. Ennis has 12 goals on the season, but Brooklyn Nets guard D’Angelo Russell (left) dribbles five in the last five games. against Dallas Mavericks guard Devin Harris during Nets crush Mavericks 127-88 Calgary’s Derek Ryan and their NBA match played at the Barclays Center in Marner traded late goals to New York, on Monday. round out the scoring. Marner’s AGENCIES for the seventh time in eight that 18-point cushion at one goal and two assists give NEW YORK games. Dallas did finally get halftime - after Doncic threw him 10 points (3-7-10) in a Dirk Nowitzki a couple late in a halfcourt shot for the final four-game run. The Nets needed a win, and baskets after he missed his basket - for their biggest Rittich made 26 stops for they got their easiest one ever first nine shots in what could halftime advantage of the the Western Conference- in Brooklyn. have been his last game in season. leading Flames, who have DeMarre Carroll scored Brooklyn. They extended it to 26 dropped two straight in regu- 22 points, Rodions Kurucs had With Treveon Graham after three, also their biggest lation for the first time since 19 and the Nets easily out with back soreness, margin of the season, and all mid-November. snapped a three-game losing Kurucs started at power that was left from there was streak with a 127-88 victory forward, and coach Kenny cheering for Nowitzki to get Tyler Ennis of the Toronto over the Dallas Mavericks on Atkinson also inserted Allen on the board. Fans screamed Maple Leafs celebrates Monday night. Crabbe for LeVert at shooting his name as soon as the Mavs after scoring against the Caris LeVert added 18 guard. LeVert had started the started bringing the ball up Calgary Flames, on Monday. points and Spencer Din- previous seven games after the floor, and booed the Mav- widdie finished with 16 on a coming off the bench in his ericks players who took shots night the Nets shook up their first two after a returning rather than pass to Nowitzki, starting lineup but were from a 42-game absence who still hasn’t said if he will fueled by their reserves. The with a dislocated right foot. retire. 39-point margin was their Atkinson said before the most lopsided victory at game that Brooklyn’s Heat 114, Hawks 113 home - and matched their problem in its recent losses Dwyane Wade scored 14 biggest victory overall - since to Washington, Charlotte and of his 23 points in the fourth moving from New Jersey in Miami was poor shooting quarter as host Miami won 2012. affecting their effort on consecutive games for the The Nets were routed by defense. first time since January, teams below them in the Neither side of the floor defeating Atlanta. standings in their last three was a problem in this one, as Josh Richardson added 19 games but led nearly the the Nets were shooting above points, and Justise Winslow entire way, with the lead bal- 60 percent into the fourth added 18 for Miami, which looning to 44 points. Brooklyn quarter before finishing at finally beat Atlanta after moved back into a tie for sixth 56.5 percent. They limited losing the first three games of place in the Eastern Dallas to 35.6 percent. this season’s four-game Conference. The Nets led 31-21 after series. The Hawks fell just Dwight Powell scored 20 one and quickly pushed the short of what would have points and Luka Doncic had lead to 18 led by Carroll and been their first 4-0 sweep of 16 for the Mavericks, who lost Dinwiddie. They maintained Miami since 1990-91. 08 SPORT WEDNESDAY 6 MARCH 2019

Defending Kohli scores ton as India seal low totals will be crucial at World Cup, narrow win to take 2-0 lead says Kohli AFP A NEW MILESTONE NAGPUR IANS India pulled off an eight-run NAGPUR victory in a low-scoring thriller 500 after all-rounder Vijay Shankar An eight-run victory in Praising the team for picked two wickets in the final Nagpur yesterday was India’s victory over Australia in over of the second one-day 500th ODI win. the second One-Day Inter- international against Australia national (ODI) yesterday, yesterday. Virat Kohli asserted that The Australians needed 11 was given out leg before wicket the grit and attacking spirit runs from the last over with two after Australia’s appeal was displayed by Indians wickets in hand but Shankar, upheld on review. during their successful playing only his sixth ODI, kept India had no such luck as defence of ‘a lowish’ total his nerves to pick a wicket off his Ambati Rayudu’s decision to will stand them in good first and third balls in the day- appeal against the on-field stead during the World night game in Nagpur. umpire’s lbw decision was Cup later this year. India now take a 2-0 lead turned down, the hosts reduced Asked to bat first, Indian captain Virat Kohli into Friday’s third ODI in Ranchi. to a shaky 75-3. Indians were dismissed for celebrates his century in Skipper Virat Kohli, who Kohli, the world’s top- 250 runs before restricting struck 116 in India’s modest total Nagpur, yesterday. ranked ODI batsman, went for the visitors to 242. of 250, asked Shankar to bowl the counter-attack, hitting two “Just to come through the final over ahead of the fours off the last two balls of the in games like these, gives regular Kuldeep Yadav, and he 18th over by Zampa to underline great confidence. I think was rewarded amply for his his top form. it’s very important to look The 30-year-old skipper ugly at times and earn vic- SCOREBOARD timed his innings perfectly, tories. There might be low stitching a 81-run partnership totals in World Cup games India U. Khawaja c Kohli b Jadhav ...... 38 move. The Aussies were bowled off 59 balls, tried to take a risky with Shankar, who impressed as well. We will fight till the R. Sharma c Zampa b Cummins...... 0 S. Marsh c Dhoni b Jadeja ...... 16 S. Dhawan lbw b Maxwell ...... 21 P. Handscomb run out ...... 48 out for 242 off 40.3 overs with single but Ravindra Jadeja made during his 41-ball 46 before end, and tonight was an V. Kohli c Stoinis b Cummins ...... 116 G. Maxwell b Yadav ...... 4 Marcus Stoinis top-scoring with no mistake in hitting the stumps. being run out by Zampa. example of that,” Kohli A. Rayudu lbw b Lyon ...... 18 M. Stoinis lbw b Shankar ...... 52 52. A double-strike by Jasprit Zampa struck again soon said after the match. V. Shankar run out ...... 46 A. Carey b Yadav ...... 22 It was the 500th win in Bumrah (2-29) turned the game after, dismissing Kedar Jadhav Kohli’s century was the K. Jadhav c Finch b Zampa ...... 11 NM Coulter-Nile b Bumrah ...... 4 one-day internationals for India. around for the Indians who (11) and Mahendra Singh Dhoni highlight of the Indian M.S. Dhoni c Khawaja b Zampa ...... 0 P. Cummins c Dhoni b Bumrah ...... 0 The visitors were off to a ensured there was no let-up in (0) off successive balls to stun the innings. Coming in to bat R. Jadeja c Khawaja b Cummins ...... 21 N. Lyon not out ...... 6 steady start with openers Aaron the pressure on the visitors. home crowd into silence. after Rohit Sharma was K. Yadav b Cummins ...... 3 A. Zampa b Shankar ...... 2 Finch (37) and Usman Khawaja Earlier, Kohli smashed his But Kohli looked unfettered dismissed in the first over, M. Shami not out ...... 2 Extras (lb 3, w10) ...... 13 J. Bumrah b Coulter-Nile ...... 0 Total (all out; 49.3 overs) ...... 242 (38) putting on 83 runs before 40th century on a challenging at the other end, reaching his the Indian skipper batted Extras (b1, lb7, w4) ...... 12 Fall of wickets: 1-83 (Finch), 2-83 (Khawaja), being dismissed in successive pitch that seemed to aid bowlers. 40th ODI century with a four almost till the end, scoring Total (all out; 48.2 overs) ...... 250 3-122 (Marsh), 4-132 (Maxwell), 5-171 (Hands- overs. Kohli hit 10 fours in his 120- over backward point. 116 runs off 120 balls with Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Sharma), 2-38 (Dhawan), comb), 6-218 (Carey), 7-223 (Coulter-Nile), 8-223 Glenn Maxwell (18) saw his ball knock and held anchor after The flamboyant captain 10 boundaries studding his 3-75 (Rayudu), 4-156 (Shankar), 5-171 (Jadhav), (Cummins), 9-240 (Stoinis), 10-242 (Zampa). stumps being uprooted after a Australian captain Finch had removed his helmet and raised patient innings. 6-171 (Dhoni), 7-238 (Jadeja), 8-248 (Kohli), Bowling: Shami 10-0-60-0 (w5), Bumrah 10-0- ball from Kuldeep Yadav elected to bat. his bat to acknowledge the “When I walk to bat, 9-249 (Yadav), 10-250 (Bumrah). 29-2 (w2), Jadeja 10-0-48-1 (w1), Shankar 1.3-0- sneaked from under his bat. The Indians got off to a rocky applause from the crowd and the the situation gets difficult. Bowling: Cummins 9-2-29-4 (w1), Coulter-Nile 15-2, Yadav 10-0-54-3 (w1), Jadhav 8-0-33-1 But it was the run-out of start, losing openers Rohit dressing room. I got no choice, just need 8.2-0-52-1 (w1), Maxwell 10-0-45-1 (w2), Zam- (w1). Peter Handscomb who looked Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan (21) Kohli’s innings ended when to put my head down and pa 10-0-62-2, Lyon 10-0-42-1, Stoinis 1-0-12-0. Result: India win by 8 runs Australia Series: India lead 2-0 set for a big score that hurt the early in the innings. he holed a simple catch to Stoinis bat. Me and Vijay had a A. Finch lbw b Yadav ...... 37 Toss: Australia visitors hard. Sharma (0) top-edged off off Pat Cummins who picked up good partnership. I’m Handscomb, who made 48 Adam Zampa and Dhawan (21) four late wickets. totally exhausted now. He (Shankar) was batting out- standingly well, but was unfortunately run out. I knew 250+ will be chal- Balbirnie century guides Ireland to victory lenging,” he said. Talking about his century, his 40th in ODIs, AFP “You dream of knocks like Khan ball to the boundary. Andy SCOREBOARD Kohli said: “It felt good, but DEHRADUN that,” said Balbirnie. McBrine then came in to play the Afghanistan Ireland just a number. As long as I “There was a lot of pressure final support role as Balbirnie hit Mohammad Shahzad lbw b Murtagh ...... 5 W. Porterfield (c) lbw b Mujeeb ...... 3 keep playing for India, I’m Andy Balbirnie gave Afghanistan coming into this game. We hadn’t the winning runs. Hazratullah Zazai run out (Murtagh) ...... 34 P. Stirling c Asghar b Dawlat ...... 20 happy.” a taste of their own medicine won against these guys. There Najibullah came in with Rahmat Shah lbw b McBrine ...... 1 A. Balbirnie not out ...... 145 The skipper also yesterday, smashing a brilliant were a few scary moments but Ireland taking the upper hand Asghar Afghan c O’Brien b Rankin ...... 75 S. Singh lbw b Dawlat ...... 1 praised Indian bowlers for unbeaten 145 as Ireland claimed we came through. bowling as well with Afghanistan Hashmatullah Shahidi b Cameron-Dow ...... 11 K. O’Brien c Asghar b Samiullah ...... 21 disciplined performance. Samiullah Shinwari c Balbirnie b Dockrell ...... 4 G. Dockrell st Shahzad b Nabi ...... 54 their first win of a punishing “It was an important morale- on 69-4. Left-arm wrist spinner Najibullah Zadran not out ...... 104 S. Poynter c Zazai b Rashid ...... 0 series. booster with two games to go.” The 26-year-old all-rounder Mohammad Nabi c Poynter b Rankin ...... 2 A. McBrine not out ...... 9 Kuldeep Yadav was the The 28-year-old Dubliner Ireland had looked shaky on patiently took his side to safety Rashid Khan c Singh b Murtagh ...... 8 Extras (lb 4, w 3) ...... 7 most successful among anchored Ireland’s innings as 29-3 inside eight overs. while building his maiden inter- Dawlat Zadran not out ...... 2 Total (for 6 wickets, 49 overs) 260 Indian bowlers with figures they passed Afghanistan’s 256-8 But with Afghanistan’s feared national century with five sixes Extras (lb 3, w7) ...... 10 Did not bat: W. Rankin, T. Murtagh, J. Cameron- of 3/54 in 10 overs. Shankar with an over to spare to take the spin attack looking jaded, Bal- and five fours. Total: (for 8 wickets, 50 overs) ...... 256 Dow and fellow pacer Jarprit third one-day international by birnie and George Dockrell Captain Asghar Afghan’s 75 Did not bat: Mujeeb Ur Rahman Fall of wickets: 1-13 (Porterfield), 2-27 (Stirling), Bumrah claimed two four wickets. steadied nerves and scored also played a major role as his Fall of wickets: 1-12 (Mohammad Shahzad), 3-29 (Singh), 4-73 (O’Brien), 5-216 (Dockrell), wickets each. After Najibullah Zadran hit steady runs that put Ireland back side went from 74-5 to easily see 2-23 (Rahmat Shah), 3-53 (Hazratullah Zazai), 6-217 (Poynter) “He (Shankar) just put 4-69 (Hashmatullah Shahidi), 5-74 (Samiullah Bowling: Mujeeb Ur Rahman 10-0-55-1, Dawlat an unbeaten 104, Afghanistan in contention. out the 50 overs. Shinwari), 6-191 (Asghar Afghan), 7-193 (Mo- Zadran 10-1-52-2, Samiullah Shinwari 10-0-60-1, the ball in the right areas. must have thought their total was Balbirnie scored his century “We dropped some hammad Nabi), 8-240 (Rashid Khan) Mohammad Nabi 10-0-45-1, Rashid Khan 9-0- He showed great com- big enough to extend their off 111 balls. Dockrell then passed important catches and we had Bowling: Murtagh 10-2-60-2, McBrine 10-2-37- 44-1 posure with both bat and unbeaten run so far in the T20 his 50 with a six. Two balls later, our chances,” said Asghar after. 1, Singh 8-0-46-0, Cameron-Dow 7-0-37-1, Dock- Result: Ireland win by four wickets ball; a good game for him. and now 50-over series. however, he was out stumped The series in the Indian city rell 5-0-17-1, Rankin 10-0-56-2 Series: Five match series level 1-1 He’s (Bumrah) a champion. But Balbirnie hit eight sixes playing too ambitiously for a big of Dehradun is an important He just turned the game and eight fours to set up the shot. preparation for Afghanistan around. He’s at the top of morale-boosting win that levelled Stuart Poynter then lasted ahead of the World Cup in June. England. Ireland were white- records fell. Ireland and Afghan- the rankings, he’s at the top the five match one-day series 1-1, just three balls before he was Afghanistan ironically beat washed in the earlier T20 games istan will also play a one-off Test of his game.” with two matches to play. caught trying to smash a Rashid Ireland to reach the event in in which a series of world in Dehradun. India’s Dravid, a gift that keeps on giving

REUTERS Lord’s. Three years later, Dravid staking World Cup claims, while “We had a few chats about Sent home midway through NEW DELHI hit 145 in a World Cup match Shubhman Gill broke into the my game and he figured that the test series in Australia, Rahul against Sri Lanka but once again ODI team in New Zealand. part out,” Agarwal added. joined the A team under Dravid Seven years into his retirement Ganguly’s 183 was the talking “He’s been a great mentor “He said ‘to do well in Test and found his mojo back in the and former Test stalwart Rahul point. for us,” said Agarwal, who cricket, you need to manage five matches against England Dravid (pictured) is still making Dravid’s 180 in the 2001 impressed on his maiden tour your mental energy because you Lions. silent and important contri- Kolkata Test was crucial to in Australia. are up and about for all five He has since looked his free- bution for India, shaping the India’s stunning victory against “We can always walk up to days’. That’s something we flowing self in the two Twenty20 next generation of cricketers Australia but still ended up him, speak to him about our spoke about. matches against Australia, who will form the core of the being second fiddle to Laxman’s batting, about our thought “Also we figured out things scoring 50 and 47, a turnaround team. epic 281. process, the way we approach we can control in the middle he credited to the time he spent For a significant part of his Having quit international an innings or if there’s any tech- and focus on doing them.” with Dravid. 16-year Test career, Dravid was cricket with more than 24,000 nical difficulty.” Lokesh Rahul is another “Fortunately, I got to play the bulwark in India’s star- runs against his name, Dravid has Shoehorned into the Indian beneficiary of Dravid’s deep some India A games and some studded batting line-up that also since taken charge of India’s side midway through the test understanding of the game - games where the pressure was included Sachin Tendulkar, under-19 and A teams, overseeing series following an opening accumulated over 164 Tests and a little less, so that I can focus Sourav Ganguly and VVS the seamless transition of young- crisis, Agarwal impressed 344 ODIs - and batsmanship in on my skill and my technique,” Laxman. even though team-mates often sters into the senior side. immediately with two 75-plus particular. Rahul said last week. A classical batsman who eclipsed his best efforts. Among his wards, Mayank knocks in three innings. Rahul, 26, was in crisis after “I spent a lot of time with built his game around a near- His 95 in his very first Test Agarwal, Prithvi Shah and The 28-year-old said Dravid a slump in form was followed Rahul Dravid, working on my impregnable defence and an innings was overshadowed by Hanuma Vihari have taken to helped him understand how to by a brief suspension for inap- game and chatting about cricket. over-my-dead-body attitude, fellow debutant Ganguly’s test cricket like duck to water, manage mental energy in the propriate comments on a tele- He helped me a lot in the games ‘The Wall’ was a purist’s delight century in the 1996 match at all-rounder Vijay Shankar is long format. vision chat show. I played for India A.” WEDNESDAY 6 MARCH 2019 SPORT 09 Start of new MotoGP season just two days away Qatar’s Abdulla Number crunching: A few aiming for Baja stats about this year’s grid success in Dubai THE PENINSULA DOHA

Adel Abdulla (pictured below) continues his hectic start to the 2019 rallying season by taking part in the Dubai International Baja, round two of the new FIA World Cup for Cross-Country Bajas, this weekend (March 7-9). Fresh from taking three stage wins, a Qatar Manateq National Baja victory and fifth in the T3 section at the recent Manateq Qatar Cross-Country Rally, Adel now switches his attention to the battle for T3 honours in the new Baja series that was separated from the longer cross-country events by the FIA at the end of 2018. The Qatari was not able to take part in the opening round in Russia’s Republic of Karelia last month, but the former FIA T2 World Champion is relishing the prospect of competing for glory in Dubai in a bid to lay the foundations for an assault on a championship that will also visit Italy, Spain, Hungary, Poland, Jordan and Portugal later this season. Adel is reunited with his French navigator Jean-Michel Polato for the second round of the series in Dubai, after taking part in Qatar with Spaniard Marc Serra. The pair will run Adel’s new Can-Am WWW.MOTOGP.COM They represent the 11 who together claim A 20-YEAR GAP BETWEEN THE OLDEST Maverick X3, which is being managed on events by the Spanish FN 30 World Championships, and if you count AND YOUNGEST RIDER Speed Team and has support from the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Titles, victories, age difference and nation- Cal Crutchlow’s (LCR Honda Castrol) A healthy nine nationalities will lineup Federation (QMMF). alities...motogp.com gives you some numbers WorldSSP title, that’s 12 world beaters on the on the MotoGP grid in 2019. Italy, Spain, Adel said: “I am looking forward to this race. It is the second behind the 2019 MotoGP grid 2019 MotoGP grid… France, Great Britain, Australia, Japan, round of the Baja Championship. I could not do the first one in Kick off to the 2019 campaign is now 19 RACE WINNERS, 419 VICTORIES: Malaysia, Portugal and the Czech Republic. Russia. It was a little bit tight for me in terms of the time schedule imminent as 22 of the world’s fastest riders In terms of wins, 19 of the 22 riders in Meanwhile, at 19 years and 324 days, to do the Qatar Cross-Country Rally. We had some bad luck in Qatar, all aim to get their season off to a perfect MotoGP this year have claimed victory in Fabio Quartararo (Petronas Yamaha SRT) is but I am sure we will do much better in Dubai. start under the lights in Qatar this weekend. either the premier class, Moto2/250cc or the youngest rider on this year’s premier class “I know the car much better now as well. I am back together But let’s focus on some of the numbers Moto3/125cc, with their combined total grid. In contrast, Rossi is the oldest at 40 with Jean-Michel Polato. He could not do Qatar because of some that make this year one of, if not the most reaching an impressive 419 victories. years and 22 days; 20 years and 63 days sep- personal commitments, but we are a good team together. I am proud exciting World Championships ever. In addition, eight of those have stood arating the two Yamaha riders. A staggering to be working with the FN Speed Team again and hope that we get 30 TITLES BETWEEN 11 RIDERS: on the top step of the podium in the premier statistic. a good result. I did this race in 2017 and 2018 and have a little expe- Knowing that half the grid has taken a class: Rossi, Marquez, Lorenzo, Viñales, So that was just a few numbers to whet rience here. Okay, we did those races in a T2 car in a different cat- World Championship at some point during Dovizioso, Crutchlow, Andrea Iannone your appetite for the much-anticipated 2019 egory, but we will try to do our best. The challenge with the T3 is their career is a mouth-watering prospect. (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini) and Jack MotoGP season. Make sure you don’t miss a quite tough. I also say thanks to my sponsor Ooredoo, who have Valentino Rossi (Monster Energy Yamaha Miller (Alma Pramac Racing). You can fully beat of the Qatar GP this weekend as Grand renewed my contract now for a third year. I am looking forward to MotoGP), reigning Champion Marc Marquez expect the eight to grow in number this Prix motorcycle racing fires into life under representing them again and challenging for a good result.” (Repsol Honda Team) and fellow Repsol year. the lights of Losail. The Qatari faces stiff competition in Dubai from a host of T3 Honda rider Jorge entrants, including Oman’s Abdullah Al-Zubair, Italy’s Michele Lorenzo have all claimed Cinotto, Spain’s Santiago Navarro, Emirati Michel Fadel and the multiple premier class Russian driver Fedor Vorobeyev. titles, as well as interme- Cinotto claimed maximum T3 points in Russia and leads the diate and lower-class series with 25 points. Al Zubair is second on 18 and Dmitrii Pon- crowns. omarenko is currently third on 15. Then we have Johann The event is based at the Dubai Autodrome and offers 407km Zarco (Red Bull KTM of competition in a compact route of around 607km. After a cere- Factory Racing), Pol monial start tomorrow evening, crews will tackle selective sections Espargaro (Red Bull KTM of 201.60km and 204.93km on Friday and Saturday. Factory Racing), Tito Rabat (Reale Avintia Racing), Franco Morbidelli (Petronas Yamaha SRT), Francesco Bagnaia (Alma Pramac Racing), Maverick Viñales (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP), Mission Winnow Ducati’s Andrea Dovizioso and Team Suzuki Ecstar’s Joan Mir – all of whom have at least one lower class title to their name. Important changes announced Indonesian fans for the Qatar GP time schedule rejoice over WWW.MOTOGP.COM Full time schedule (QST time, GMT+3): plans for MotoGP The moment we’ve all been waiting Thursday 7th March 17:30-17:45 - Moto3 Qualifying 1 AFP for is nearly here. The 2019 MotoGP JAKARTA World Championship revs back into 17:00 - Pre-event Press Conference 17:55-18:10 - Moto3 Qualifying 2 life on Friday March 8 with FP1 and 18:25-18:40 - Moto2 Qualifying 1 FP2, Saturday with qualifying and of Friday 8th March 18:50-19:05 - Moto2 Qualifying 2 MotoGP’s return to Indonesia after more than two decades has course, Sunday with the first races of 13:50-14:30 - Moto3 Free Practice 1 19:20-19:50 - MotoGP Free Practice 4 been met with jubilation on the island of Lombok where sports the season. fans hope it will revive their earthquake-ravaged economy. 14:45-15:25 - Moto2 Free Practice 1 20:00-20:15 - MotoGP Qualifying 1 The lightweight class gets the ball MotoGP promoter Dorna Sports announced in February it rolling with FP1 on Friday at 13:50 15:40-16:25 - MotoGP Free Practice 1 20:25-20:40 - MotoGP Qualifying 2 had signed a five-year deal with the Indonesia Tourism Devel- local time (GMT+3), with Moto2 FP1 18:10-18:50 - Moto3 Free Practice 2 opment Corporation (ITDC) to hold an event on the island in starting at 14:45 before the premier 19:05-19:45 - Moto2 Free Practice 2 Sunday 10th March 2021. class head out at 15:40, with MotoGP 20:00-20:45 - MotoGP Free Practice 2 14:40-15:00 - Moto3 Warm Up The premier motorbike race will be hosted on a new street FP2 ending Friday’s action at 20:00 15:10-15:30 - Moto2 Warm Up circuit that will reportedly be 4.32-kilometres (2.68-miles) long sharp. with 18 corners. Saturday 9th March 15:40 - 16:00 - MotoGP Warm Up Make sure you keep an eye out as News of the event has thrilled motorsports fans in Indonesia, Saturday’s on-track action takes on a 13:25-14:05 - Moto3 Free Practice 3 17:00 - Moto3 Race where MotoGP has a significant following but has not seen a new look this season. 14:20-15:00 - Moto2 Free Practice 3 18:20 - Moto2 Race major race since 1997. It begins as usual with all three FP3 15:15-16:00 - MotoGP Free Practice 3 20:00 - MotoGP Race “If this plan materialises of course we would be very happy,” sessions, before Moto3 adopt the Qual- Chandra Gunawan, vice president of the Indonesian fan club of ifying 1 and 2 format at 17:30 local Valentino Rossi, said. “It’s been over 20 years since we hosted time, like we see in MotoGP. MotoGP in the country.” Moto2 then do the same, with Q1 Many residents now hope the arrival of a world-class sporting for the intermediate class beginning event will safeguard livelihoods for years to come. at 18:25, before the premier class end “This is very cool, I can watch MotoGP directly -- I can see Saturday with FP4, Q1 and Q2 – the Valentino Rossi!” Lalu Zulman Hakim, from the town of Kuta, battle for the first pole position of the said. year gets going at 20:25 local time. “But we don’t want to be mere spectators, we hope we can Race day begins at 14:40 Doha time be involved,” he added. with Moto3 Warm Up, before lights go Another Kuta resident Nasib Gunawan said he hoped the out for the first time in 2019 at 17:00 “MotoGP circuit would create more jobs.” with the lightweight class riders going Tourism officials are confident the event will boost visitor for glory. numbers to Indonesia and help Lombok recover from last year’s Moto2 launch at 18:20, before the earthquakes. big one gets underway: the MotoGP “MotoGP brings a lot of potential for the economy,” ITDC race commencing at 20:00 under the director Abdulbar Mansoer said. lights. 10 SPORT WEDNESDAY 6 MARCH 2019 Qatar’s Jaham relishing European Tour debut

FAWAD HUSSAIN played well at the Qatar Open to Jaham, who started playing THE PENINSULA qualify for this event (Qatar golf at the age 13, said there was Masters) and since then I’ve been a need to educate the Jaham Al Kuwari will start his working hard on many aspects of Qatari people more about campaign at the Commercial Bank It is going to be a the game and I hope to improve the sport. Qatar Masters with a realistic challenging task in front my skills. Our performance in GCC “A lot of people approach, hoping to leave a mark of so many big names. The and Arab Championships was also have this idea that golf is in the tournament in what will be realistic approach for me good and I am confident of doing a game which some old his maiden European Tour event. will be to make the cut well here,” he said. people play when they retire, but Jaham, 26, will be up against Speaking about his plan for the it’s wrong. If you look at all some of the big names of the sport, and qualify for the last remaining year, the golfer said a these players, they’re all in who are preparing to tee off in the two days. If I make the cut good performance in the event will their 20s and 30s. It’s a 22nd edition of the prestigious that would be fantastic help him schedule his roster. very athletic sport. So I event that starts at the picturesque and will be a great “If I make the cut you never think there needs to be Doha Golf Club tomorrow. achievement: Al Kuwari know ... different doors may open more outreach The Doha-based golfer along different opportunities. Apart from programmes. with Saleh Al Kaabi will represent that as an amateur, we have the “A lot of talent can be Qatar at the European Tour event, that would be fantastic and will be Asia-Pacific Championship, which found in Qatar because in which will see the likes of two- a great achievement,” he said. will be in Hong Kong and then we sports, you never know Qatar’s Jaham time champion Paul Lawrie, 2017 “We will play with the profes- have the GCC and the Arab Cham- about the talent until Al Kuwari in champion Jeunghun Wanghis, sionals and golf is their job unlike pionship,” he said. you see it,” Jaham Ryder Cup star David Howell and us who have to do other jobs too, Asked about his plan to turn said before action in this 2010 winner Robert Karlsson in besides golf. So, I will look to gain professional, Jaham said: “It’s adding: “We file picture. action. experience and have fun as this is always been a dream of mine. But have the “It is my first European Tour my first European event.” like I said, you have to have real- Education event and I am very excited about Jaham’s build up for the istic goals and I think keeping a City Golf Club it,” Jaham told The Peninsula at European debut includes last job right now is a realistic goal that’s open and Doha Golf Club yesterday. month’s Qatar Open Amateur for me. Yeah, but no Inshallah. they’re doing a very “It is going to be a challenging Championship besides the GCC We’ll see how this (Qatar Masters) fantastic job with their task in front of so many big names. and Arab Championship, where goes. And you know, this might marketing. So we’ll see The realistic approach for me will Qatar secured second position for be a confidence booster for me by the will of Allah it be to make the cut and qualify for the first time. and you never know. What grows. I hope we have the last two days. If I make the cut “My preparation is good. I happens.” more competition.”

TEE TIMES IN DOHA Lawrie eyes a hat-trick in Doha Two-time champion Paul Lawrie will play the first two rounds of the Commercial Bank ARMSTRONG VAS Qatar Masters in the company THE PENINSULA of his protege Sam Locke and 2010 winner Robert Karlsson. A field of 144 players will be vying for the top prize at the European The first of Lawrie’s wins here Tour sanctioned Commercial came 20 years ago when Bank Qatar Masters which kicks he stormed to a seven-shot off here at the Doha Golf Club victory before going on to win tomorrow, organisers of the event The Open Championship at informed here yesterday. Carnoustie later that year. The four-day event will see the likes of Paul Lawrie, who The Scot returned to the will be looking to become the winner’s circle at Doha Golf first three-time winner of this Club in 2012 and he will be event when he tees it up at the hoping history repeats itself Peter Harradine designed course. Besides Lawrie, six other again this week. Major Championship winners will be seen in action, Qatar Golf Lawrie will get his first round Association (QGA) officials under way at 12.00 tomorrow informed. alongside Swede Karlsson and “We have about one hundred fellow Scot Locke, the Silver forty four top professional Medal winner at last year’s players, who will be vying for the Open who is a product of the top prize. Paul Lawrie Foundation. “With some of the major championship winners and top Kurt Kitayama will begin Fahad Nasser Al Naimi (second left), General Secretary of Qatar Golf Association (QGA) and Hussein Al Abdulla (centre), Chief Marketing level players taking part, the level his quest for back-to-back Officer at Commercial Bank of Qatar pose for a picture along with Faisal Al Naimi, (left) Executive Director of QGA, Mikael Eriksson (second of play will be of the highest European Tour titles alongside standard and we are looking right), Tournament Director and Gary McGlinchey, General Manager at Doha Golf Club, pose for a picture after a press conference at Jordan Smith and 2017 forward to some magnificent golf Doha Golf Club yesterday. champion Jeunghun Wang over the next four days,” said when he starts from the tenth Fahad Nasser Al Naimi, General on the Mother of Pearl trophy in Oman these two weeks is going schools students through our tee at 07.15am. Secretary of the QGA, while Qatar. to be a fantastic weeks of golf,” campaign. We have been sup- speaking at a press conference Mikael Eriksson, Tour- he added. porting Vision 2030, which basi- Rookie Kitayama continued his yesterday. Lawrie, the 50-year- nament Director said the some Eriksson said the field is wide cally aims to spread sport and remarkable start to life on Tour old leads the field in Qatar. of the top golfers will be looking open and anyone can take home education. We have done a lot of With some of the last week, claiming his second The Scotsman first etched his forward to extend their the trophy. education awareness among the victory in just his 11th event at name on the Pearl trophy in Feb- impressive run at the recently “I always said anyone can schools, malls, social media,” said major championship the Oman Open after producing ruary 1999 - five months before concluded Oman Open at the win the tournament nowadays Al Abdulla. winners and top level a wonderful comeback at Al he tasted Major glory, winning Qatar Masters. on the European Tour because He hoped golf lovers will players taking part, Mouj Golf on Sunday. The Open Championship at “They have been playing con- the level of play. Everybody who come and enjoy the sport as well the level of play will Carnoustie Golf Links. Over a tinuously for two weeks in a row, plays on the European tour is so as the family entertainment pro- Thailand’s Thongchai Jaidee, decade later, in 2012, Lawrie tri- Oman last week and they are good nowadays. I think there grammes which will be held at be of the highest England’s Ross Fisher and umphed again in Qatar - lifting coming to Doha this week, I think would be a lot of guys that go in the venue. standard and we are Scotland’s David Law also have the trophy in the early part of the the quality of the players is very the door,” added Eriksson. Faisal Al Naimi, Executive looking forward to early starts tomorrow as they year for a second time. good, hopefully we will see a good Hussein Al Abdulla, Chief Director of QGA informed that the begin at 06.55am. In addition to Lawrie, other week ahead,” said Eriksson. Marketing Officer at Commercial tournament will be broadcast by some magnificent golf players who have won the Com- The event has become a Bank of Qatar, sponsors of the the European Tour. over the next four Brandon Stone, Paul Waring mercial Bank Qatar Masters and popular with many top event, said they have been sup- “The event will be broadcast days: Al Naimi and Bernd Wiesberger start also lifted Major silverware are players,and they have enjoyed porting the tournament keeping by European Tour production and their first rounds at 1130, while Ernie Els, Adam Scott, Henrik playing in Qatar. The course Vision 2030 in mind. will reach over 400 million 2013 winner Chris Wood will Stenson, Retief Goosen and layout, hospitality has made the “We have been reaching out households through its live cov- Meanwhile the pro-am event be partnered by David Lipsky Sergio Garcia, all of whom who tournament a must visit for quite to school students and we have erage reaching out to over 95 will be held today starting from and Andrea Pavan at 07.05am. will be eager to lay their hands a few players. Together with reached out to more than 500 countries.” 7.00am. Kitayama looking for back-to-back wins on Doha debut

THE PENINSULA road, and maybe we’ll celebrate when on Monday and was impressed with DOHA we get back to America.” what he saw. Kitayama came through Qualifying “The course is a great layout,” he American rookie Kurt Kitayama is School to earn his European Tour card said. hoping to ride the crest of a wave after for 2019 and quickly made his break- “I played nine holes yesterday and winning last week’s Oman Open and through at the Afrasia Bank Mauritius nine today, so I’ll be taking it all in. It’s make it two-in-two with victory at the Open at Anahita in December. He fol- supposed to be windy all week, so it’s Commercial Bank Qatar Masters, lowed that victory with a top-15 finish going to be a bit of a grind. The greens which gets underway tomorrow at the following week and is hoping for are quite firm, a little soft in the American Doha Golf Club. a similar run this week. morning but yesterday afternoon they rookie Kurt “It hasn’t quite sunk in yet,” said “I need to ride the wave,” he said. were like rocks. Some of the holes go Kitayama the American, who bounced back from “I’m playing well. When I won in into side-winds as well, so that makes during a a quadruple bogey to win in Muscat. Mauritius I continued that form into it a little tougher.” practice “I’m taking it all in and enjoying it. the SA Open and hopefully I can do Kitayama is looking to follow in session It was such a long day, and then I had the same here. I want to take last the footsteps of Jeunghun Wang (2017) to rush to the airport to get to Qatar. weeks’ confidence into this week. and Ernie Els (2005) as winners of the in Doha I’ve not had the chance to think about The 26-year-old got a first look at Commercial Bank Qatar Masters on yesterday. it. I still have a few more weeks on the Doha Golf Club for a practise round their debut. WEDNESDAY 6 MARCH 2019 SPORT 11 World’s best set for CHI Al Shaqab challenge

RIZWAN REHMAT CHI AL SHAQAB: ORDER OF PLAY THE PENINSULA TOMORROW 10:45 - 14:15 Indoor Arena Para Dressage CPEDI 3* Qatar’s top five riders will join 13:00 - 14:15 Outdoor Arena Al Shaqab Inter-Nations Camp Great Britain’s Olympic Games 16:00 - 17:30 Outdoor Arena Jumping CSI 5* - 1.45m star Ben Maher and Australia’s 18:15 - 20:45 Indoor Arena Qatar Eques trian Tour Hathab (Dressage Level 1 + Level 2) Edwina Alexander-Tops at this 18:15 - 20:00 Outdoor Arena Jumping CSI 5* - 1.50m week’s CHI Al Shaqab, the second successive five-star FRIDAY, MARCH 8 show jumping event to be held 08:30 - 12:00 Indoor Arena Para Dressage CPEDI 3* at the popular venue inside 09:00 - 10:45 Outdoor Arena Qatar Eques trian Tour Hathab - Small Tour two weeks. 15:00 - 16:15 Outdoor Arena Qatar Eques trian Tour Hathab - Medium The 2017 LGCT Grand Prix 15:00 - 19:00 Indoor Arena Dressage CDI 5* Grand Prix winner, Bassem Mohammed will headline Qatar’s entries 17:15 - 18:30 Outdoor Arena Jumping CSI 5* - 1.50m alongside Asian Games gold 19:15 - 21:30 Outdoor Arena Jumping CSI 5* - 1.55m medallist Sheikh Ali bin Khalid SATURDAY, MARCH 9 Al Thani, Amir’s Golden Sword winner Faleh Suwead Al Ajami, 08:30 - 09:30 Indoor Arena Dressage CDI 5* Grand Prix Special Khalid Al Suwaidi and Sultan 09:00 - 10:45 Outdoor Arena Qatar Eques trian Tour Hathab - Open Class Salmen at the CSI5 event from 10:30 - 13:45 Indoor Arena Para Dressage CPEDI 3* 11:30 - 12:30 Outdoor Arena Qatar Eques trian Tour Hathab - Big Tour March 7 to 9, organisers said FROM LEFT: Al Shaqab Media and Broadcast Director Fahad Abdulla Al Hajri, Tournament Director Ali Al Rumaihi, Qatar 14:15 - 15:45 Outdoor Arena Jumping CSI 5* - 1.45m yesterday. Equestrian Federation (QEF) President Hamad Abdulrahman Al Attiyah, Commercial Manager Omar Al Mannai and QEF 14:30 - 17:00 Indoor Arena Dressage CDI 5* Grand Prix Free Style Last Saturday, Al Shaqab Secretary-General Badr Al Darwish pose for a photograph at the Al Shaqab Arena, yesterday. hosted the LGCT season- 16:30 - 19:00 Outdoor Arena Jumping CSI 5* - 1.60m Grand Prix opener when French show jumping star Julien Epaillard know about the rules and reg- Qatar’s 2017 LGCT Grand Prix winner Bassem Mohammed clinched top prize of €123,750 ulations,” he said. in action in this file photo. by winning the Grand Prix with “We started with a high Hathab Series helps his ride Usual Suspect d’Auge. number but in line with the This week Epaillard will be vision and the sports policy of achieve our goals: QEF joined by Great Britain’s Emily the Qatar Olympic Committee Moffitt, Swiss star Pius (QOC). We are focusing on Schwizer and Germany’s Olympic disciplines. The riders President Al Attiyah Daniel Deusser. are being groomed with that The home riders will in mind,” he added. feature in the 9th round of the “There is participation of RIZWAN REHMAT Hathab Series set to be held on senior riders at our events and THE PENINSULA the sidelines of the three-day that gives opportunity to championships. Qatari young riders to learn The hugely popular Hathab “This is the 6th edition of from the best. In addition we Show Jumping Series - now in this event. We are pleased that have another activity with the its second season - is proving to Qatar is known for organising department of equestrian be a big success for the young world-class equestrian of training with officials from 14 Qatari riders, Qatar Equestrian sports events. This is a good countries. This department is Federation (QEF) President initiative,” Omar Al Mannai, doing its best to provide an Hamad Abdulrahman Al Attiyah the Commercial Manager, Al excellent opportunity to spread (pictured) said yesterday. Shaqab, said yesterday. the sport in Asia and the Hundreds of young Qatari “There are many benefits region,” Al Mannai said. riders feature in this seven- to gain from hosting of such Ali Al Rumaihi, the former month long show jumping and events. The Al Shaqab brand Qatari rider and now the Tour- dressage series launched by the gets more mileage. This is an nament Director, said: “I would Qatar Olympic Committee international event. It boosts like to thank the media for their (QOC) Chairman H E Sheikh our capacity when we conduct extensive coverage last week. Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani to such events,” Al Mannai said. We are hoping to welcome assist young riders learn the “This week we will have back a huge crowd this week ropes by competing against the 91 riders aiming for glory in as well. This CHI event comes senior pros. three different disciplines. The on the heels of LGCT’s season- The Hathab Series will see Al Attiyah said Doha will riders will represent 23 coun- opening round.” action in the 9th round of the stage the QEF General Assembly tries. There are more than 139 He added: “This event will 2018-19 season when the CHI this week with a series of horses in all. The local riders reflect positively on the riders Al Shaqab is held from Mar 7 to meetings set on the agenda for are close to 90,” Al Mannai who were in action last week. 9. discussions. said. The cooperation between “The Hathab Series is “This year is a unique year Al Mannai said the course designers and technical helping us achieve our goals. It for Asian body as we will be weekend plans at the Mar 7-9 officials will be extended this is giving clear competition to the staging the General Assembly Al Shaqab, ExxonMobil Qatar event have been finalised week. We are preparing for the young riders and tapping their this week. At the same time, we keeping the past traditions of 9th round of Hathab Series. passion. We are getting new will have world’s best riders sign sponsorship agreement creating a family atmosphere The riders who couldn’t do horses. This helps the system in competing at CHI Al Shaqab. We at Al Shaqab Arena. well in round 8 can redeem achieving our long-term goals,” thank Al Shaqab for their close THE PENINSULA Al Mannai said partici- themselves this week. We are Al Attiyah, who is the President cooperation administratively DOHA pation in the numbers of the expecting riders from Oman of the Asian Equestrian Feder- and otherwise also,” Al Attiyah home riders have increased and Kuwait. It is nice to see ation (QEF) also, said said. A sponsorship agreement has manifold. riders from other countries.” yesterday. “The meeting of the Asian been signed between Al “We have an academy When asked about the “We are happy to see the Equestrian Federation, which is Shaqab, member of Qatar also. We have increased par- benefits of conducting the commitment of our young happening along the sidelines Foundation, and ExxonMobil ticipation from the academy. Hathab Series, Al Rumaihi said: riders. They are learning with of CHI Al Shaqab is a very Qatar, which will see the oil More than 200 students have “This has been a fruitful coop- each round in Hathab Series,” important addition to the and gas company be the applied to get regis- eration between Qatar Eques- Al Attiyah said. agenda, as the elections will be main sponsor of the CHI Al tered with the trian Federation (QEF) and “It is the young riders who held for the important positions Shaqab 2019 event. academy. The Al Shaqab. We wish it con- will benefit from this series. Our such as that of President and ExxonMobil has a long riders are tinues for generations. We senior riders have gone ahead Vice President. history of being the main getting need to see what we can a great deal,” he said. “The close cooperation sponsor of CHI Al Shaqab, Saleh Al Mana, Vice President to do better. This will “Qatar has to thank the between the Qatar Equestrian which is the signature event and Director of Government benefit the sport Father Amir, H H Sheikh Hamad Federation and Asian Equestrian in Al Shaqab’s calendar, overall. When the riders bin Khalifa Al Thani for taking Federation (AEF) is also very having started supporting the and Public Affairs for come and watch such an this sport forward. Al Shaqab important. While our senior competition in 2013. CHI Al ExxonMobil Qatar event, they see the seniors was created for this purpose, to riders have come a long way, Shaqab 2019, which is the in action, they get moti- host events and to create new the upcoming young riders will sixth edition of the compe- “We work hard with our vated themselves. They riders. I also thank the QOC benefit greatly from this tition, starts on March 7 and local partners to create learn about the rela- Chairman H E Sheikh Joaan bin partnership. ends on March 9. learning environments for tionship between a horse Hamad Al Thani for launching “The goal of the Federation “I’m pleased to announce students that are inspiring, and the rider.” the Hathab Series. We are is to train young boys and girls ExxonMobil Qatar’s spon- exciting and engaging, and delighted to see the progress to the highest possible level of sorship of CHI Al Shaqab extend beyond traditional made by young riders,” the horse riding. We are also 2019. We’re looking forward classrooms so that we can QEF President said. looking to support them finan- to the world-class equestrian help build the sustainable, Qatar riders made their cially and provide training competition in the magnif- knowledge-based economy debut at the 2016 Olympic camps. In addition to show icent Al Shaqab facilities” the Qatar National Vision Games in Rio de Janeiro in jumping, we aim to train our said Saleh Al Mana, Vice 2030 strives to achieve,” he Brazil. Since then Qatari riders young riders in the discipline of President and Director of added. Bassem Mohammed has won dressage – a discipline that Government and Public CHI Al Shaqab is the only LGCT events notably the Grand follows a certain rhythm - as it Affairs for ExxonMobil Qatar. equestrian competition of its Prix at Al Shaqab in November is quite popular at the Asian “Over the years, CHI Al kind in the Middle East and 2017. Qatar’s Sheikh Ali bin Federation level.” Shaqab has grown more and Asia region to be sanctioned Khalid Al Thani has won medals “There are important more popular. We’re proud by the International Eques- at the Asian Games besides fea- agendas to be dealt today. The to support such a culturally trian Federation, and regu- turing regularly on the interna- presidential elections will held significant sport that holds so larly attracts leading riders tional stage. this week,” Al Attiyah, who will much meaning for Qataris. and horses from around the 91 riders, 139 Al Attiyah yesterday had a contest for a fresh four-year “In 2017, we announced world to take part. word of caution for the young term, said. our sponsorship of the Al CHI Al Shaqab is tes- horses from Qatari riders. He said: “First of Badr Al Darwish, the Sec- Shaqab riding academy, and tament to Al Shaqab’s 23 nations to all, the young riders need disci- retary General of both the QEF since then, many students standing as a centre of eques- pline before participating at big and the AEF, is also standing for have benefitted from the trian excellence with state- participate in events. We have to focus on re-election at the General lifelong lessons and lead- of-the-art facilities, while Al Shaqab’s show jumping. We are training Assembly in Doha this week. Al ership skills that are taught also supporting Qatar’s Qatar’s Asian Games young boys and girls. We started Darwish said yesterday: “As there. Education comes in National Vision 2030, as well signature gold medallist Sheikh the Hathab series last year. Doha will host the AEF General many forms, and it is a stra- as promoting the country as There is a willingness to help the Assembly at Al Shaqab, it will be tegic priority for us at Exxon- a premier international Ali bin Khalid Al Thani in new riders. We are also con- the focus of Asian equestrian Mobil Qatar. sports destination. event action in this file photo. ducting training camps.” sport.” SPORT Wednesday 6 March 2019 PAGE | 08 PAGE | 10 Kohli scores ton Qatar’s Jaham as India seal relishing narrow win to European take 2-0 lead Tour debut Ajax knock hapless Real Madrid out

AGENCIES “But we have to play with MADRID Three-time winners calm and confidence, be beaten at home aggressive and compact. We also Holders Real Madrid were have to be careful but not scared. knocked out of the Champions in Champions “They might score first, but League by Ajax Amsterdam after we have to be ready to react if a 4-1 defeat at home in their League last 16. that happens.” last-16, second leg yesterday. Meanwhile, Manchester Ajax scored twice in the first Tottenham Hotspur United’s Chilean forward Alexis half through Hakim Ziyech and Sanchez is facing up to a six- David Neres, while Dusan Tadic beat hosts Borussia week spell on the sidelines due and Lasse Schone netted after the Dortmund to stroll to a knee ligament injury, break to wrap up a 5-3 aggregate according to coach Ole Gunnar win over Madrid, who had won into the quarters Solskjaer. the last three Champions League “He might be out for, it was a titles in a row. for only the second bad knee injury, so if it is four Tottenham Hotspur beat time in their history. weeks or six weeks. Hopefully he hosts Borussia Dortmund 1-0 will recover quickly,” Solskjaer thanks to a Harry Kane winner, told a news conference to stroll into the Champions yesterday. League quarter-finals for only the Sanchez, 30, injured the second time in their history with medial ligament in his right knee a 4-0 aggregate victory. during United’s 3-2 Premier Kane, who missed the first leg League victory over Southampton through injury, fired in the winner on Saturday. However, he is shortly after the restart to silence expected to be fit to represent a fiery home crowd and leave Chile at the Copa America, which Dortmund needing five goals after starts on June 14, national team having lost 3-0 in London last physio Pedro Onate told Chilean month. The Germans, who have newspaper El Mercurio. seen their seven-point lead in the Sanchez could return for Ajax’s Brazilian forward David Neres (second left) scores their second goal against Real Madrid during the UEFA Champions League league evaporate in recent weeks United’s last two league games round of 16 second leg match played at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid yesterday. and are also out of the German against Huddersfield Town and Cup, have never overturned a 3-0 Cardiff City, but any setback in first leg deficit in the competition. Today, Paris St Germain will Tuchel said yesterday. The Uru- training sessions in full, but we Gunnar Solskjaer said scoring the his rehabilitation would mean he Despite a valiant effort in the first meet Manchester United in their guayan striker, who picked up a are going to wait until tomorrow,” first goal would be crucial for has played his last match this half, they were unable to score. second leg clash while FC Porto thigh injury last month and Tuchel told a news conference United to overturn the deficit -- season. For Tottenham, whose only take on AS Roma. missed his club’s 2-0 win in the yesterday. a scenario that Tuchel did not rule United are already without a other quarter-final appearance However, PSG’s Edinson first leg at Old Trafford, has taken “We have decided to wait and out. host of players for today’s clash came in the 2010/11 season, it Cavani faces a late fitness test part in the last two training make a decision on his partici- “Our goal will also be to score at PSG due to injury, while mid- turned out to be an easier task ahead of today’s match at the sessions. pation in the game tomorrow.” the first goal,” he said with a fielder Paul Pogba is suspended than expected. Parc des Princes, coach Thomas “He took part in the last two Tuchel’s counterpart Ole smile. for the tie. ACL: Al Duhail crush Esteghlal 3-0 at home

THE AFC before slotting into an empty Bounedjah was adjudged to corner in what was the first Al Duhail’s Youssef DOHA net to make it 2-0. have brought down Al Somah real chance of the second half. El Arabi (centre) Esteghlal’s frustration in the box. The crowd Six minutes later, Al celebrates his goal Qatar’s Al Duhail turned on grew with their inability to favourite sent Al Sadd cus- Sadd’s hopes of overturning with team-mates. the power in the second half break the Qatari defence and todian Saad Al Sheeb the the result were dealt a heavy to beat Iran’s Esteghlal FC 3-0 they resorted to shooting from wrong way to give Al Ahli the blow when Al Somah doubled in their opening 2019 AFC range. Captain Pejman Mon- lead. Al Ahli’s lead. The in-form Champions League (ACL) tazeri tried his luck but his Al Sadd looked to push striker netted with a thumping Group C tie yesterday. effort sailed wide. forward in search of an header off a Salman The home side came Substitute Ali Afif sealed equaliser in the second half Muwashar corner to get his racing off the blocks, and victory with the third goal but they found the going second of the night. nearly got their opening goal after a swift counter attack. tough, with Al Ahli head coach Al Ahli will now be high within 60 seconds of kick-off. The Qatari international mid- Jorge Fossati ensuring a on confidence when they Luiz Junior intercepted the fielder embarked on a robust defensive display travel to Uzbekistan on ball in midfield and supplied 50-yard jinking run and then against his former side. Matchday Two to play Shoya Nakajima who exchanged a one-two with In the 69th minute, Pakhtakor while 2011 cham- advanced down the left and Nakajima that left him with a Abdelkarim Hassan’s strike pions Al Sadd host Persepolis struck from a narrow angle. simple tap in in added time. was parried away by with an eye on making The Japanese’s shot was saved Al Duhail travel to Saudi Mohammed Al Owais for a amends. by Mehdi Rahmati. Arabia to face Al Hilal on Centre-back Ahmed Matchday Two, while Yasser tested the goalkeeper Esteghlal welcome Al Ain to from distance. His powerful Tehran next Tuesday. strike seemed destined for the Elsewhere, in Jeddah, top corner, but Rahmati Omar Al Somah struck twice tipped it behind in the 12th to give Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli minute. a 2-0 opening day win over Al Duhail’s Al Duhail nearly broke the Al Sadd in Group D, midfielder deadlock just before the break yesterday. through Nakajima who took Al Sadd had knocked out Ali Afif Bassam Al Rawi’s cushioned Al Ahli in the Round of 16 (centre) header first-time from the during last year’s edition, but shoots edge of the box but could not Syrian striker Al Somah had to score find the back of the net. missed both legs of that tie. against Rui Faria’s men came out This time around, he made his Iran’s from the dressing room a dif- presence felt with a con- Esteghlal ferent side, taking the game vincing show up front. FC during to their opponents and soon It was Al Sadd who started their AFC taking the lead. off as the brighter side, with Champions Benatia marked his AFC Jung Woo-young coming League Champions League debut close to scoring in the ninth Group C with a goal, heading home minute but his powerful free- match Murad Naji’s cross to open the kick could only scrape the played scoring for Al Duhail in the side netting. at the 56th minute. Akram Afif then somehow Abdullah Top scorer Youssef El skied the ball over the bar bin Khalifa Arabi doubled the Qatari from just around the six-yard Stadium side’s lead in the 74th minute. box a few minutes later. in Doha, The Moroccan latched onto a Al Ahli punished the vis- yesterday. Nakajima through pass and itors midway through the first rounded the goalkeeper half when Baghdad