TUESDAY 11 FEBRUARY 2020 SPORTSPORT 07

CRICKET FOOTBALL It's an important win and home wins always increase Third and Final ODI: AFC Champions confidence within the team: Pakistan Azhar New Zealand vs League, Group Stage Ali after a crushing innings-and-44-run victory over India matches ACTION

Bangladesh in the first Test. TODAY’S

Kadri injured in Jason and Laura to Avalanche win; Jets down lead Britain’s medal Blackhawks charge in Berlin

REUTERS — MINNESOTA REUTERS — The husband and wife duo have 10 Olympic Nathan MacKinnon and Jason and will gold medals between Gabriel Landeskog had goals, spearhead Britain’s assault on them with sprinter Jason Pavel Francouz stopped 34 the World Track Champion- needing just one more to shots, and the visiting Colorado ships in Berlin this month after move past Avalanche beat the Minnesota being named in a high-powered great Chris Hoy as Wild 3-2. squad yesterday. Pierre-Edouard Bellmare The husband and wife duo Britain’s most successful Olympian. also scored for Colorado, Utah Jazz's Joe Ingles have 10 Olympic gold medals which won the final four games (centre) celebrates with between them with sprinter of its five-game road trip. team-mates Rudy Gobert Jason needing just one more to Nazem Kadri had an assist (left) and guard Jordan move past track cycling great for the track for the Avalanche before Clarkson after a win over Chris Hoy as Britain’s most suc- cyclists and, as has always been leaving the game late in the the Houston Rockets. cessful Olympian. our clear intention for this stage second period because of an They share the record with of the cycle, our focus now is injury. He returned in the third six. Endurance rider Laura on those riders who we believe period before going back to the Kenny, formerly Trott, is a four- have the potential to win a locker room. time Olympic gold-medallist. medal in Tokyo.” Avalanche coach Jared The world championships Barker was Britain’s only Bednar told ESPN that Kadri Bojan's buzzer beater in Berlin is a dress rehearsal for gold medallist at last year’s suffered a lower-body injury the Tokyo Olympics when track world track championships in and will be re-evaluated when cycling’s heavyweight nations, Poland, that coming in the the team returns to Denver. namely Britain, Australia, the . Jets 5, Blackhawks 2 lifts Jazz over Rockets Netherlands, the US and She was also part of the Andrew Copp tallied a goal Germany, will be looking to squad beaten to and an assist -- including the REUTERS — HOUSTON Ja Morant records his 3-pointer in the second score some psychological gold by Australia, after which game-winning goal at 13:27 first career triple-double overtime. points. Laura Kenny withdrew from of the third period -- to back Bojan Bogdanovic hit a with 27 points, 10 New York saw its four- Olympic medallists Ed the competition because of a 24-save effort from goal- 3-pointer at the buzzer to lift assists and 10 rebounds game winning streak end Clancy, , Elinor illness. tender Connor Hellebuyck the Utah Jazz to a 114-113 as visiting Memphis despite getting 35 points and 18 Barker, Phil Hindes and Katy “Training has been going and lead host Winnipeg past victory over the host Houston rallied late to defeat rebounds from Julius Randle. Marchant are also included. well, and it feels like everything Chicago. Rockets. Washington in the Reggie Bullock added 21 points Twenty riders will form the is starting to come together for The Jets have won three in Bojan had just two field goals and Mitchell Robinson had 15 British squad in Berlin, with the team now so I’m excited to a row and four of five (4-0-1), and eight points for the night, nation’s capital. points and 11 rebounds. many looking to secure their see how my team mates and I while Chicago lost its third 13 below his season average. Los Angeles Clippers 133 - spots for Tokyo. get on in Berlin,” said Barker, straight game (0-1-2) in the But Utah executed the final while Ben Simmons had 19 Cleveland Cavaliers 92 “The bar in track cycling is part of Britain’s women’s team opener of a five-game road trip inbound play to perfection, points, 10 assists and 10 Lou Williams scored 25 continuously being raised, pursuit squad that won Olympic through western Canada. with Bojan making a 28-footer rebounds for his fifth triple- points and Paul George 22 as which is great for keeping the gold in Rio de Janeiro. Blackhawks captain over James Harden and PJ double. Tobias Harris con- Los Angeles rebounded from a sport healthy, but also means In the London world cham- Jonathan Toews, a Winnipeg Tucker, the final clutch 3 in a tributed 14 points for the demoralizing defeat one night the fight for every medal is pionships before the 2016 native, earned an assist for his sequence of them down the Sixers, who improved to 24-2 earlier for an easy road victory much tougher so Berlin will be Games, Britain topped the 800th career NHL point. stretch. at home. over Cleveland. interesting,” Stephen Park, medal table with five golds Toews had been held in Harden registered a triple- Memphis Grizzlies 106 - Marcus Morris Sr. had 10 ’s performance before dominating on the Rio check entering play Sunday, double (28 points, 10 rebounds, Washington Wizards 99 points in his Clippers debut as director said in a statement. boards by claiming six of the 10 going pointless in four games 10 assists) with his pass to Ja Morant recorded his first Los Angeles distanced itself “The world championships golds on offer, including three on the heels of a six-game Robert Covington, whose career triple-double with 27 from a surprising 27-point in Berlin mark an important for and two for stretch in which he tallied four 3-pointer with 28 seconds left points, 10 assists and 10 defeat against Minnesota on milestone on the path to the Laura Kenny. goals and nine assists. gave the Rockets a 110-109 rebounds as visiting Memphis Saturday. The Clippers won Meanwhile, Andreas Atha- advantage. rallied late to defeat Wash- without Kawhi Leonard, who Jason Kenny (right) and nasiou scored two third-period Boston Celtics 112 - ington in the nation’s capital. received a day of rest on the Laura Kenny pose with goals as host Detroit ended Oklahoma City Thunder 111 Kyle Anderson added 16 for second night of a back-to-back their medals at 2016 Rio Boston’s six-game winning Kemba Walker scored 27 Memphis while Jonas Valan- scenario. Olympics in this file photo. streak. points to help Boston to a road ciunas had eight points and 18 Portland Trail Blazers 115 Athanasiou hadn’t scored win over Oklahoma City. rebounds. - Miami Heat 109 since a two-goal game on Walker hit a pair of crucial Jaren Jackson Jr. posted a Damian Lillard recorded 33 November 16. Brendan Perlini 3-pointers late to seal the double-double with 14 points points and eight assists to lead scored his first goal of the victory for Boston, which won and 11 rebounds, with Tyus Portland past visiting Miami. season for Detroit, which had its seventh straight. The Celtics Jones adding 13 points off the Gary Trent Jr. contributed gone 1-9-1 in its previous 11 have won 10 of their past 11 bench for Memphis. 22 points and four steals off the games. games. Atlanta Hawks 140 - New bench, and Trevor Ariza scored Jonathan Bernier made 39 Philadelphia 76ers 118 - York Knicks 135 19 of his 21 points in the first saves for the Wings, who have Chicago Bulls 111 Trae Young scored 11 of his half as the Trail Blazers won for the league’s worst record but Furkan Korkmaz scored 31 48 points in the second the seventh time in the past 10 have two victories over Boston points to carry host Phila- overtime as Atlanta held on to games. this season. delphia past Chicago. defeat visiting New York. Carmelo Anthony scored 15 Torey Krug scored his Joel Embiid added 28 John Collins added 32 points points, CJ McCollum added 13 eighth goal of the season for points, 12 rebounds, five assists and 16 rebounds for the Hawks. and Hassan Whiteside had 11 the Atlantic Division-leading and four blocked shots for his DeAndre Hunter added 19 points, 17 rebounds and four Bruins. 30th double-double this season points, including a crucial blocked shots. Dodgers finalise deal for Betts, Price: Report

REUTERS — LOS ANGELES Another deal is expected arbitration process serve as Tampa Bay Rays, was in his to follow involving the continued reminders that too first season with the Astros that After several days of uncer- Dodgers that would send often players are treated as year and was the winning tainty, outfielder Mookie Betts outfielder Joc Pederson commodities by those running pitcher in Game 7 of both the and left-hander David Price and right-hander Ross the game.” AL Championship Series and reportedly are heading to the Stripling to the Los For his six-year career, all World Series. Los Angeles Dodgers as part of with the Red Sox, Betts has He also pitched for Houston Angeles Angels. a deal that was agreed upon on a.301/.374/.519 batting line with in 2018 before signing a two- Sunday. 139 homers, 470 RBIs and 613 year contract in free agency The deal is pending medical Ross Stripling to the Los runs in 794 games. and helping the Rays make the reviews, according to Ken Angeles Angels. Price, slowed by injuries playoffs last season. Rosenthal of The Athletic. The final structure of the numerous times in his career, "I was aware of the The Dodgers will obtain trades provides a slight alter- went 7-5 with a 4.28 ERA in 22 banging. ... Being in the dugout, Betts and Price, along with cash ation on a set of deals agreed starts last year. The five-time you could hear it. I don’t know to cover up to half of Price’s upon earlier this week, which All-Star is 150-80 with a 3.31 when it dawned on me, but you $96m remaining salary, mul- reportedly were delayed ERA in 321 career games (311 knew it was going on,” Morton tiple outlets reported. because of physicals. The MLB starts) for the Tampa Bay Rays, said during Tampa Bay’s The Boston Red Sox will Players’ Association quickly Detroit Tigers, Toronto Blue annual Fan Fest event at Trop- receive outfielder Alex grew impatient with the holdup Jays and Boston. icana Field. Verdugo, shortstop Jeter as spring training rapidly Verdugo, 23, "Personally, I regret not Downs and catcher Connor approached. hit.294/.342/.475 with 12 doing more to stop it. I don’t Wong from the Dodgers. “The proposed trades homers and 44 RBIs in 106 know what that would have In a second trade, the between the Dodgers, Red Sox, games for Los Angeles in 2019, entailed,” the 36-year-old Dodgers will send right-hander Twins and Angels need to be appearing at all three outfield right-hander said. "I think the Kenta Maeda to the Minnesota resolved without further positions. actions would have been Twins for right-hander Brusdar delay,” Tony Clark, executive Meanwhile, two-time All- somewhat extreme to stop it. Graterol and the 67th pick in director of the MLBPA, said on Star pitcher Charlie Morton That’s a hypothetical.” the draft next summer. Min- Friday, according to the Los says he regrets not doing any- While conceding the nesota also reportedly will Angeles Times. thing to try to stop the Houston cheating scandal "negatively receive cash and a low-level “The events of this last Astros from illegally stealing impacted the game and people’s prospect as part of the deal. week have unfairly put several signs and relaying the infor- perception of the game,” as well Mookie Betts Another deal is expected to players’ lives in a state of limbo. mation to their hitters during as Houston's lone World Series follow involving the Dodgers The unethical leaking of the team’s 2017 World Series title, Morton said he doesn’t that would send outfielder Joc medical information as well as championship season. recall specifics about who did Pederson and right-hander the perversion of the salary Morton, now the ace of the what wrong in 2017. 08 SPORT TUESDAY 11 FEBRUARY 2020

McIlroy back Coronavirus wipes out lucrative as World No.1 after five years early-season LPGA events in Asia

SINGAPORE The three-event swing would have carried in REUTERS — LONDON AFP — this season, we look forward excess of $5m in prize money. The coronavirus to returning to Asia soon.” Rory McIlroy has returned to the top Golf’s HSBC Women’s World outbreak has affected several other sports The tour’s next scheduled of golf’s rankings for the first time Championship in Singapore including football and athletics, mainly in China. Asia event is the LPGA in five years after a string of strong and the LPGA Thailand were Shanghai, China, in October. finishes. cancelled yesterday because Singapore has stepped The 30-year-old Northern of the coronavirus outbreak, athletics, mainly in China. have been up for grabs at the up its disease alert level with Monfils biggest Irishman, a four-time major winner, meaning the US LPGA Tour “Due to the continued Siam Country Club in the event organisers advised to replaces American Brooks Koepka. has been forced to scrap all health concerns and recent Thai resort of Pattaya from cancel or defer non-essential gainer in latest McIlroy was tied third at the three of its lucrative early- advisories in some Asian February 20, and $2.1m at the large-scale events. Farmers Insurance Open last month season events in Asia. countries that large-scale Jian Lake Blue Bay Golf Singapore has barred ATP rankings and was fourth at the World Tour The World Champi- events should be cancelled Course on Hainan Island the entry of travellers who Championships in Dubai in onship, won last year by or postponed as a result of from March 5. had been to China recently AFP — PARIS November, following his victory at world number two Park the coronavirus, the LPGA LPGA Tour players are and suspended issuing visas the WGC-HSBC Champions. Sung-hyun, is one of the most and its partners have made currently in Adelaide where for Chinese passport Frenchman Gael Monfils His rise back to the top of golf’s prestigious on the US LPGA the decision to cancel the the Australian Open begins holders. (pictured) was the biggest official world rankings, which uses Tour with the world’s top 20 2020 Honda LPGA Thailand on Thursday after Sunday’s Other major sporting gainer in the ATP top 20 a rolling two-year points format, players and the previous and the 2020 HSBC Women’s conclusion of the Vic Open, events to be cancelled or rankings published yesterday means McIlroy will move into fourth year’s major-winners all World Championship,” an won by South Korea’s Park postponed in China because as tennis caught its breath place in total time spent as number participating. LPGA Tour statement said. Hee-young in Geelong. of the virus include the World after the Australian Open. one. The Tour had already An elite field of 66 were After that the LPGA tour Indoor Athletics Champion- While Rafael Nadal and This will be his 96th week there, announced 10 days ago the due to compete for a $1.5m will resume at the Founder’s ships, Olympic qualifying Roger Federer were playing in behind only Tiger Woods (683), cancellation of China’s Blue purse at Sentosa Golf Club Cup in Phoenix, Arizona, on events in boxing, women’s front of a world-record tennis Greg Norman (331) an fellow Briton Bay LPGA from March 5-8 on from February 27 with March 19. football and basketball, crowd at an exhibition match Nick Faldo (97). the southern island of defending champion and “The health and safety of World Cup skiing and a in Cape Town, Monfils was Koepka slips down to number Hainan. The three-event Park playing along with our players, fans and everyone Formula E race. securing his third title in two with Spaniard Jon Rahm at swing would have carried in fellow South Korean Ko Jin- working on the event is always China has also sus- Montpellier. three, followed by Americans Justin excess of $5m in prize money. young, the world number our highest priority,” the LPGA pended all domestic football, The veteran 33-year-old Thomas, Dustin Johnson, Patrick The coronavirus outbreak one, and third-ranked Nelly statement said. "While we are with the start of the top-flight stayed in ninth despite Cantlay, Webb Simpson, Woods and has affected several other Korda of the US. disappointed that these tour- Chinese Super League post- drawing level on points with Xander Schauffele. Englishman sports including football and A purse of $1.6m would naments will not take place poned indefinitely. Matteo Berretini. The Italian Justin Rose completes the top 10. remains in eighth because he has won more tournaments in the last 12 months. Lower down the top 20, David Goffin, a semi-finalist in Montpellier, and Diego Taylor wins Pebble Beach title Schwartzman, who reached the final of the Cordoba Open AP — PEBBLE BEACH in his native Argentina, added Nick Taylor of Canada poses with the trophy after winning the a few points to their totals. Nick Taylor knew the odds were AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am at Pebble Beach Golf Links. not in his favour at Pebble ATP RANKINGS (TOP 10) Beach. Already nervous about 1. Novak Djokovic (SRB) 9720 pts facing Phil Mickelson for the 2. Rafael Nadal (ESP) 9395 first time with only a one-shot 3. Roger Federer (SUI) 7130 lead, Taylor found himself 4. Dominic Thiem (AUT) 7045 watching Lefty’s short-game 5. Daniil Medvedev (RUS) 5890 highlight show on the eve of PEBBLE BEACH PRO-AM SCORES 6. Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE) 4745 their final-round pairing at the 268 - Nick Taylor (CAN) 63-66-69-70 7. Alexander Zverev (GER) 3885 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. 272 - Kevin Streelman 69-67-68-68 8. Matteo Berrettini (ITA) 2860

“I was just curious, to be 273 - Phil Mickelson 68-64-67-74 9. Gael Monfils (FRA) 2860 honest. And he hit some 276 - Jason Day (AUS) 67-64-70-75 10. David Goffin (BEL) 2600 amazing shots,” Taylor said. 278 - Maverick McNealy 72-72-66-68, Daniel Berger 70- “I’m like, ‘Well, I don’t know 69-70-69, Matt Jones (AUS) 68-73-65-72, Charl Schwart- if he can keep that up. If he can, great.’ But if I keep doing what zel (RSA) 67-66-73-72 I’m doing, plugging along ... then 279 - Jordan Spieth 70-71-71-67, Lanto Griffin 67-68-71- NFL: Ravens and try to make the guys behind me 73 try to beat me.” 280 - Matthew NeSmith 68-71-69-72, Patrick Cantlay Clark agree to Taylor created his own 66-69-72-73, Peter Malnati 70-69-66-75 short-game highlights for a 281 - Kevin Na 75-67-68-71, J.B. Holmes 71-72-67-71, 3-year extension victory that will stay with him Joel Dahmen 71-73-67-70, Max Homa 67-69-71-74 a long time. 282 - Joseph Bramlett 71-70-69-72, Chesson Hadley AP — OWINGS MILLS He holed a bunker shot for 71-67-72-72, Wyndham Clark 68-71-70-73, Harry Higgs eagle that carried him to a five- 66-69-74-73, Zac Blair 69-69-73-71, Kurt Kitayama 69- The Baltimore Ravens have shot lead at the turn. And when 69-69-75, Scott Piercy 68-66-72-76 agreed to a three-year contract that lead shrunk to two shots in extension with safety Chuck 40 mph gusts, Taylor chipped Clark, who had a career-high in for a birdie on the 15th hole 12 starts in 2019 and led the that all but sealed it. team with 68 tackles. Turns out Taylor had more “Chuck is a great story trouble with the wind than about hard work, patience, Mickelson, and the Canadian preparation and passion,” managed both just fine. He than Taylor could digest.He along with the PGA Champi- a larger lead at the start, and And then the wind arrived, general manager Eric DeCosta never lost the lead and closed won in his fourth start as a PGA onship up the coast at Harding then he had one in the middle. so strong that it was hard work said. with a 2-under 70 for a four- Tour rookie at the 2015 Sand- Park in May. In his sixth year He regained the lead with to make bogey. Mickelson “He waited for his chance shot victory over Kevin erson Farms Championship in on tour, the 31-year-old a 15-foot birdie on No. 4, chipped away with a birdie at and seized the opportunity. Streelman. Mississippi, at the time an Canadian has played only two matched birdies with Mick- No. 10 and two pars, and he He’s the type of player we Mickelson, going for a opposite-field event that didn’t majors as a pro. elson on the par-3 fifth, holed picked up another shot with a want on our defense for a long record sixth time at he Pebble feature any of the top players. One of those was last the bunker shot on the par-5 bogey on the par-5 14th, where time.” Beach Pro-Am, faded to third He went 146 starts on the PGA summer at Pebble Beach, after sixth to seize control and made the wind was so strong it blew The 24-year-old Clark was with a 74. Tour until his next victory, and which Taylor announced he and a 7-foot birdie on No. 9 to head Taylor’s cap off his head as he set to enter the final season of “It’s disappointing certainly it was a big one. his wife, Andie, were expecting to the back nine with a five- faced 227 yards to the green - his rookie contract in 2020. to have not won, but I got out- “That was amazing,” Taylor their first child. They were shot lead. for his third shot. Selected in the sixth round played,” Mickelson said. said. waiting for him beyond the 18th Mickelson contributed to Taylor made double bogey. of the 2017 draft out of Virginia “I mean, Nick played better “I believed I could do it green at Pebble. Taylor’s advantage, going long The lead was two with four Tech, he spent his first two than I did. He holed a couple of because I’ve done it before. But “You couldn’t write it much over the eighth green and holes to play. NFL seasons playing on special great shots. That eagle on 6, the to do it in that fashion, playing better,” Taylor said. chipping so strong that it caught “I had to remind myself I teams and serving as backup putts he made on 4, 5 and 7 ... with Phil, gives me a lot of con- The final chapter was more the slope and rolled back to the still had the lead, I knew I was on defense before enjoying a he just really played some great fidence going forward.” than five hours of jumbled emo- fairway, leading to double swinging it well and just breakthrough year for a golf.” The victory gets him into tions. Taylor figured he would bogey. He made bogey on No. needed to hit that fairway,” Ravens team that won the AFC The rewards were more the Masters for the first time, have been more nervous with 9, a two-shot swing. Taylor said. North with a 14-2 record. Hamilton and Mercedes ‘obvious pairing’, says Wolff

AFP — LONDON have kicked off the season. brands with a longlong-term term vision football clubs Nice and said Ratcliffe, one of Britain’sBritain s “Lewis has proven he is the forfor success.”success.” Lausanne and is sponsoring richestrichest mmen.en. Mercedes Formula 1 boss Toto best current driver, and on the TheThe five-year deal is RatRat-- TeamTeam UKUK forfor thethe 22021021 AmAmerica’serica’s “By“By strengtstrength-h- Wolff said yesterday that his mid and long-term. I would ccliffe’sliffe’s latest sporting CupCup in sailing. ening our part-part- team’s tie-up with Lewis We would like to have hope we can continue to iinvestment.nvestment. ThThee TeamTeam InIneoseos “The“The MercedesMercedes teamteam isis nershipnership wiwithth Hamilton (pictured) is the the fastest man in provide technology to the best cyclingcycling teteam,am, formerformerlyly knknownown a leader iinn globalglobal sport Mercedes-Mercedes- “obvious pairing”, with the driver.” as Team Sky, made their debut aandnd have consistconsist-- AMGAMG PPet-et- future of the six-time world the car and I know Hamilton will attempt to last year and Ineos entlyently shown that ronasronas it champion still unclear on the Lewis wants to be in equal Michael Schumacher’s funded KenyanKenyan EliudEliud they are atat the will allow eve of the new season. record of seven drivers’ world Kipchoge’s successful fforefrontorefront ooff us to Hamilton, 35, is out of con- the fastest car. There titles this year while Mercedes questquest to run a mar-mar- technological identidentifyify tract at the end of the year and is an obvious mutual are attempting to win a seventh athonathon in underunder twotwo inninnovationo v ati o n andand uunlocknlock the British driver has been outcome: Toto Wolff straight constructors’ hourshours in aandnd hhumanuman evene v e n linked with a move to Ferrari. championship. October.October. performance,”performance,” greatergreater peper-r- “It is the obvious pairing The F1 season gets under IneosIneos formanceformance going forward,” said Wolff as way on March 15 in Australia. also gains acroacrossss Mercedes unveiled a five-year spoken to Hamilton since the Mercedes themselves have owns thethe widerwider IneosIneos partnership with Jim Ratcliffe’s team’s Christmas party in yet to commit to remaining in sports family.” chemicals company Ineos in December. Formula One beyond 2020 but London. “We travel for 10 months of Wolff said the partnership with “We would like to have the the year and what we do over Ineos “was an important cor- fastest man in the car and I the winter is that we leave each nerstone of our future plans in know Lewis wants to be in the other in peace,” he said. Formula One”. fastest car. There is an obvious “We said we would con- “It once again serves to mutual outcome.” tinue our discussions when he demonstrate the attraction of Wolff revealed he had not is back from America and we the sport for ambitious, global TUESDAY 11 FEBRUARY 2020 SPORT 09 Entries for Manateq Qatar Rally close today THE PENINSULA — LUSAIL lightweight cars such as the across the various T1, T2, T3, T4 Can-Am Maverick X3, Polaris and T5 categories in advance of The new OT3 Overdrive in action at the Entries close for the Manateq RZR 100 or the Yamaha. Several the deadline today. recent Dakar Rally in this file picture. Qatar Cross-Country Rally international names have Qatar’s Nasser Saleh Al (MQCCR), the opening round of already confirmed their partic- Attiyah won the candidate event the 2020 FIA World Cup for ipation in the Qatar event. in 2011 and has since won six of Cross-Country Rallies, today. These include the Spanish the eight FIA World Cup rounds The event will take place Can-Am driver Emilio Fernando (2012, 2014-2017 and 2019) to across the deserts of Qatar from and the defending FIA World be held in Qatar with two dif- February 22 to 27. Cup for Cross-Country Bajas ferent co-drivers Double Dakar An ever present in the champion Fedor Vorobyev. The winner Jean-Louis Schlesser regional cross-country rallying Russian sealed his title in Por- was successful in Doha in 2013 scene since joining the FIA tugal last October and will take and Poland’s Jakub Przygonski World Cup for the first time in part in some of the longer dis- prevailed in 2018 on his way to 2012, the event laid on by the tance events in his Zavidovo a maiden FIA World Cup Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Racing Team Can-Am. drivers’ title. Federation (QMMF) will be the Saudi Arabian driver Saleh The opening round of the first round of a series that also Al-Saif won the T3 category at FIA World Cup will run over five visits Abu Dhabi, Russia, Kaza- last weekend’s Ha’il Rally in his days and around 1,430 compet- khstan and Morocco for a homeland and he makes a itive kilometres in a route of second successive season. welcome appearance in Qatar 2,200km across the length and Vehicles taking part in with a Can-Am. breadth of Qatar. rounds of the FIA World Cup are The South Racing team has Manateq – Economic Zones split into several categories, entered the American driver Company is the title sponsor for most notably T1, T2, T3, T4 and Austin Jones in the latest T4 the third successive season. T5. The T1 section caters for version of their Can-Am Mav- Established in 2011, the modified and powerful vehicles erick X3 and the Dutch busi- company is positioned as a vital that normally sit at the top of nessman Kees Koolen returns component in achieving the the leader boards, while the T2 to Qatar to tackle the event in a economic development goals section caters for more new OT3 Overdrive prototype of the Qatar National Vision standard-type series production T3 vehicle. 2030, through providing cross-country vehicles. This was launched by the premium infrastructure within One of the most popular Belgian car preparations strategic economic zones to rising categories in cross- company at the end of 2019 and Rally last month in the hands of Despres and several rookie Red Bull Junior Team banner. promote the logistics and indus- country rallying is T3 for open, made its debut at the Dakar French Dakar veteran Cyril drivers competing under the Entries are still coming in trial sectors in Qatar. Ineos joins Mercedes F1 10th International Arabian Peninsula Horse Show team as principal partner

REUTERS — LONDON US-based commercial rights said in November it would cut holders Liberty Media beyond at least 10,000 jobs and reduce Formula One champions this year, with some evident staff costs by around 1.4bn Mercedes sent a statement of sticking points. euros by the end of 2022, but intent about their future Despite that, Wolff -- a Wolff said Formula One worked yesterday with the shareholder in the team -- for the carmaker. announcement of a five-year sounded optimistic. Ridiculing recent media principal sponsorship deal “We are in this for the long reports that Mercedes were with British billionaire Jim term,” Wolff told reporters at a considering pulling out of the Ratcliffe’s petrochemicals news conference at London’s sport, he envisaged instead a giant Ineos. Royal Automobile Club. time when Formula One Mercedes F1 boss Toto “We like the platform but at actually made a profit for the Wolff hailed a new chapter for the same time we are in nego- carmaker. a team who have won the last tiations with the rights holders “We see the data... partici- six drivers’ and manufacturers’ and things need to be sorted pating in Formula One is one of titles with Lewis Hamilton out. the greatest returns on chasing his seventh career “But the partnership is investment in the whole crown this season. clearly something that indicates Daimler Group,” he said. Formula One is entering a our wish to continue our suc- “This is an exercise that new era in 2021 and the teams, cessful journey in Formula costs little in comparison to the including Mercedes, have yet One,” added the Austrian. billions of marketing value that Sheikh Hamad bin Ali Al Thani poses with Class 3 A winners at the 10th International Arabian to sign a new agreement with Mercedes’ parent Daimler are being generated,” he added, Peninsula Horse Show, Magida Al Rayyan and Safiya Al Rayyan, organised by Racing and Equestrian Club at Longines Arena at Al Shaqab yesterday. BOTTOM: Class 2B winning team for 2-year-old fillies, Ineos Chairman Jim poses with winning horse Reema Al Nasser. The Horse Show will continue for the next two days at Ratcliffe (left) and the same venue. Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team’s team principal Toto Wolff speak during a media event at the Royal Automobile Club in London, yesterday.

Inter, Lazio posing serious threat to Juve’s reign

AP — ROME Lazio players celebrate after the match against striker, has remained with Verona at the Stadio Ennio Tardini, Parma, Italy on Sunday. through two seasons in -- All of a sudden, it’s a three-way race including last season when Verona was for the Serie A title. promoted after winning a Serie B With Inter Milan and Lazio both playoff by erasing a 3-0 first-leg deficit posting victories on Sunday, a day after against Cittadella in the final. Juventus’ surprise loss at Hellas Verona, African players Musa Barrow and the Bianconeri’s eight-year hold on the Jérémie Boga had two of the best per- Italian league is facing a serious formances of the weekend. challenge. Barrow, a 21-year-old Gambia Inter and Juventus are level on forward, scored twice for Bologna in points, with Lazio one behind. a 3-2 win at Roma in his first start since Inter should have the most confi- joining on loan from Atalanta - raising dence after coming from two goals his tally to three goals in four matches down to beat AC Milan 4-2 in the Milan with his new club. Boga, a 23-year-old derby. French-born midfielder who repre- Lazio’s 1-0 win at Parma extended sents Ivory Coast, earned a penalty and the Roman club’s unbeaten streak to then scored a 90th-minute winner in a club-record 18 matches. The club is Sassuolo’s 2-1 comeback victory at 11 points ahead of fourth-place Ata- Spal. Already known for his dribbling lanta - with the top four qualifying for expertise, Boga’s intuitive run to the Champions League. redirect a long cross from Domenico “At this point when we’re only one Berardi with a header for the winner point behind we’ve got to aim for more showed that he’s a complete player. than just the Champions League,” Lazio numbers for Juventus, which has only while Inter visits Lazio. Verona’s preseason training that players often Having come up through Chelsea’s winger Luis Alberto said. “We’re right the fourth-best attack and the third- current eight-game unbeaten run get sick with exhaustion. The hard youth system, Boga transferred to Sas- there and we’re going to fight for it until best defense in terms of goals for and began in December by eliminating a work paid off in a 2-1 comeback win suolo in 2018 but the London club the end. Juventus remains the favorite against. three-goal deficit in a 3-3 draw with against Juventus, which was sealed by included a clause in the deal that allows but we’re going to try to create some But Juventus will be favored to Torino. a decisive penalty from substitute it to buy him back - an increasingly trouble.” jump back in front next weekend when Verona coach Ivan Jurić is known Giampaolo Pazzini. likely prospect considering his recent There are some worrisome it hosts relegation-threatened Brescia for pushing his team so hard in Pazzini, a 35-year-old former Italy performances. 10 SPORT TUESDAY 11 FEBRUARY 2020 Warner edges Smith for top cricket award in comeback year

AP — MELBOURNE David Warner beat Steve Smith by one vote to win the Australian cricketer of the year award yesterday in the first season back for both players from 12-month bans for the so-called Sand- papergate scandal that almost derailed their careers. Warner won the Allan Border Medal with 194 votes, with former Test captain Smith getting 193 votes and pace bowler Pat Cummins placing third with 185. Warner and Smith - then the vice-captain and captain - were each suspended for a year by Cricket Australia and opener Cameron Bancroft was banned for nine months after South African broadcasters caught an attempt at ball tampering in a test match in Cape Town in March 2018. Bancroft was caught trying to scratch the surface of the ball to make it more favourable for Australia’s bowlers. An investigation found that Warner was involved in the plot and Smith didn’t do enough to stop it. In a country where the national cricket team is held in high esteem, it was considered inexcusable. None of the players Pakistan’s bowler Yasir Shah (centre) celebrates with captain Azhar Ali (left) and Shaheen Shah Afridi after taking last wicketf o challenged the severity of the bans, which were excessively Bangladesh’s Abu Jayed during the fourth day of the first cricket Test match between Pakistan and Bangladesh in Rawalpindi yesterday. harsher than anything ever imposed in international cricket Pakistan completed a crushing innings and 44-run victory over Bangladesh. for ball tampering. Some critics thought the players should never represent Australia again, but all three have returned to international cricket. And Warner and Smith have returned to the top. Smith played a major role in helping Australia retain the Pakistan crush Bangladesh Ashes in with 774 runs at an average of 110 from four Tests. Warner, who scored 647 runs at an average of 71.88 in the World Cup in England but only tallied 95 runs in the Ashes, by innings in the first Test eventually found form in all three formats and scored a career- high 335 in a day-night Test against Pakistan in November. AFP — RAWALPINDI -- were important to boost boundary in the first over, but “Pakistan bowled superbly “I couldn’t be any prouder to stand here and receive the confidence. then fell leg-before in the same and exploited our weaknesses award... (and) to see the rest of the other guys doing so well,” Pakistan completed a crushing “It’s an important win and over for 41. and that hat-trick changed the Warner said. innings-and-44-run victory home wins always increase Liton Das (29) and tail- game completely to open Paki- “I really had a hunger and determination to come back and over Bangladesh on the fourth confidence ender Rubel stan’s victory path.” really put my foot forward... so to have a summer like that morning yesterday, taking a 1-0 within the SCOREBOARD Hossain kept With the victory, Pakistan really put a smile on my face.” lead in the two-Test series. team,” said Bangladesh (I innings) ...... 233 Pakistan at bay gained 60 points in the World Warner, who also won the Allan Border medals in 2016 Bangladesh were bowled Azhar. Pakistan (I innings) ...... 445 for 11.5 overs Test Championship, taking their and ‘17, won the player of the year award. Marnus out for 168 in their second “We have Bangladesh (II innings) before tally to 140 points. Labuschagne was voted test cricketer of the year. innings after resuming the day to play Tamim Iqbal lbw Yasir ...... 34 Mohammad India lead the nine-team Ellyse Perry won the top women’s award for the third time, on 126-6 as Pakistan’s pace and important Saif Hassan b Naseem ...... 16 Abbas trapped championship table with 360 picking up 161 votes to finish eight ahead of Alyssa Healy. spin attack was too hot to away series Najmul Hossain Shanto lbw Naseem ...... 38 Rubel leg- points followed by Australia Mominul Haque lbw Shaheen ...... 41 handle despite a flat Rawalpindi including one Taijul Islam lbw Naseem ...... 0 before for five. (246) and England 146. BELOW IS A FULL LIST OF THE 2020 AUSTRALIAN pitch. in England Mahmudullah c Sohail b Naseem ...... 0 Leg-spinner Top two teams on the CRICKET AWARD WINNERS Fast bowler Naseem Shah, (July-August Mohammad Mithun b Yasir ...... 0 Yasir Shah dis- championship points table will Male Player of the Year: Aaron who at 16 years and 359 days this year) so we Liton Das lbw Yasir ...... 29 missed Das lbw play the final at Lord’s in June Finch became the youngest bowler to will carry this Rubel Hossain lbw Abbas ...... 5 and had Abu 2021. Female One Day International Player of the Year: Alyssa take a Test hat-trick on Sunday, confidence. Abu Jayed c Shafiq b Yasir ...... 3 Jayed for three Pakistan’s victory was on Healy finished with 4-26 and was “Naseem Ebadat Hossain not out ...... 0 to finish with the cards after they bowled Hall of Fame Induction: Sharon Tredrea declared Man of the Match. and other Extras: (W2) ...... 2 4-58 and com- Bangladesh out for 233 in the Betty Wilson Young Cricketer of the Year: Tayla Total: (all out) ...... 168 Despite Naseem being una- bowlers Fall of : 1-39, 2-53, 3-124, 4-124, plete the win. first innings and then piled up Vlaeminck vailable to bowl yesterday with bowled 5-124, 6-126, 7-130, 8-156, 9-165, 10-168 Haque rued 445 in reply, with Babar Azam Bradman Young Cricketer of the Year: Wes Agar rib pain, Pakistan mopped up superbly and it : Shaheen 16-6-39-1 (w1), Abbas Bangladesh’s smashing 143 and Shan Masood Male Test Player of the Year: Marnus Labuschagne the last four wickets in 90 was an out- 17.4-6-33-1 (w1), Naseem 8.2-2-26-4, Yasir low first- 100. Female Domestic Player of the Year: Molly Strano minutes, inflicting their 10th standing 17.2-3-58-4, Shafiq 3-0-12-0 innings total. This becomes Bangladesh’s Male Domestic Player of the Year: Shaun Marsh defeat on Bangladesh in 11 batting display, Result: Pakistan won by an innings and 44 runs “Disap- sixth defeat in 14 months, Hall of Fame Induction: Craig McDermott matches with one draw. so all in all it pointing batting including their fifth by an Female International Twenty20 Player of the Year: Alyssa Pakistan skipper Azhar Ali was a complete on a flat innings. They have yet to score Healy said home wins -- only possible team effort.” (in the first innings) and no a championship point in three Male International Twenty20 Player of the Year: David in recent months, after the Bangladesh skipper team can come back from Tests. Warner resumption of in Mominul Haque started the day such situations,” said Haque, The second Test starts in Belinda Clark Award: Ellyse Perry Pakistan following a decade’s by square-driving paceman who has now lost all three Tests Karachi -- after a two-month Allan Border Medal: David Warner isolation over security concerns Shaheen Shah Afridi for his fifth as skipper by an innings. break -- from April 5-9.

Pakistan’s Naseem Shah, New Zealand’s who on Sunday got a hat-trick, Devine first to holds a ball and an award hit 50 in five after Pakistan won the first cricket Test straight T20s match against Bangladesh REUTERS — WELLINGTON in Rawalpindi yesterday. New Zealand women’s cricket Pakistan captain Sophie Devine became completed a the first player to pass 50 in crushing innings five successive Twenty20 and 44-run internationals yesterday when victory over she scored 105 in her side’s Bangladesh 69-run win over South Africa Bangladeshi cricket players react after winning the ICC Under-19 World Cup final against India at the on the fourth in Wellington. Senwes Park, in Potchefstroom, on Sunday. morning, taking The 30-year-old scored 72 a 1-0 lead in the against India last February and two-Test series. had innings of 54 not out, 61 and 77 earlier in the series against South Africa. Bangladesh erupts in joy India batswoman Mithali Sodhi, Tickner reinforce NZ Raj, former New Zealand men’s captain Brendon after biggest cricket triumph after illness strikes bowlers McCullum and West Indies opener Chris Gayle are the AFP — DHAKA Bangladesh captain Akbar Ali referring to the year-long cel- REUTERS — WELLINGTON only players to have passed 50 to Mughal emperor Akbar the ebration of what would have in four successive Twenty20 Thousands of fans flooded the Great. been the 100th birthday of Legspinner Ish Sodhi and pace bowler Blair Tickner have been internationals. streets of Bangladesh’s capital “Young Tigers Rule the Bangladesh’s founding Pres- called back into New Zealand’s one-day squad for their final clash “The last 12 months I have Dhaka and the prime minister World”, roared the front-page ident Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, with India today after illness swept through the team at the really challenged myself to be yesterday promised a public headline of the largest-circu- who is her father. weekend. consistent with my perform- celebration after the under-19 lating English newspaper, The The Bangladesh Cricket Sodhi and Tickner had been released to play for New Zealand ances,” Devine said after the team on Sunday won the World Daily Star. Board is expected to announce ‘A’ against India ‘A’ in a four-day game in Christchurch but were match on her home ground at Cup in the nation’s biggest “The Young Tigers created financial rewards for the recalled with Scott Kuggeleijn suffering from a virus, while Tim the Basin Reserve. “If I looked cricket triumph. arguably the most seminal players. Southee and Mitchell Santner had gastroenteritis. at my batting a couple of years Bangladesh stunned four- moment in its cricketing history “We cannot express this Kuggeleijn and Santner were both ruled out of the second ago I could have a match- time winners India in the final at Senwes Park in Potchef- achievement in words. A World match in Auckland last Saturday, although Kuggeleijn did end up winning contribution but it of the Under-19 World Cup late stroom yesterday, ending their Cup is World Cup... we were as a substitute fielder temporarily in the 22-run win that sealed wasn’t as regular or often as I Sunday in South Africa to wait for a major global trophy,” close many times in the past but the three-match series with a game to spare. would have liked.” It was also record a three-wicket victory the Star wrote. it did not happen,” the gov- Southee, who temporarily left the field at Eden Park to be sick, just the second Twenty20 over the favourites. Bangladesh Prime Minister erning body’s spokesman Jalal bowled out his full complement of 10 overs, taking 2-41 and international by a New The elated supporters, some Sheikh Hasina said a “mass Yunus said. earning plaudits from his team and commentators before he left Zealand woman. Suzie Bates, wearing the team jersey and reception” would be held for The under-19 team played the field again permanently. who was batting with Devine, painted from head to toe as a the team once they return to 30 youth one-day interna- “For him to do that, it just shows how much wearing the silver is the other. tiger -- the national team’s Dhaka. tionals in two years before the fern on his chest means to him,” fellow pace bowler Hamish “To bring up a T20 nickname -- held spontaneous “They beat four-time cham- tournament, winning 18 Bennett said at the weekend of Southee’s efforts, which included hundred is a pretty special victory parades and shouted pions India. These boys are very matches. bowling India captain Virat Kohli. occasion but to have Suzie “Bangladesh, Bangladesh”. brave,” she told a weekly Their best showing at the “He’s a good leader in our side and his actions have a lot to Bates out there, I remember National newspapers hailed cabinet meeting. World Cup ahead of the tour- do with that. He led by example, to show that no matter what the being there for hers,” Devine the teen cricketers, with one “This is the best gift in Mujib nament was a third-place finish situation is, you’ve just got to go out there and get the job done.” said. publication likening Borsho (year),” Hasina said, as hosts in 2016. TUESDAY 11 FEBRUARY 2020 SPORT 11 QSL plans to become the first carbon neutral league QNA – DOHA The initiative was the G system SAS Operations QSL will apply the towards serving the community Football Development at QSL, announced after a Memo- (GSAS), affiliated to GORD. The highest standards by developing working-mech- Ahmed Khellil Abbassi said, “In In the quest of achieving Qatar randum of Understanding electronic portal will manage anisms to achieve common alignment with the Qatar Stars League’s (QSL) vision to (MoU) was signed by QSL CEO. the project evaluation process as well as best goals. National Vision 2030, at QSL, become the best league in Asia, Hani Taleb Ballan and that seeks to obtain GSAS practices, in co- Speaking on the sidelines of we take the environmental crisis and in line with the Qatar Chairman of the Board of accreditation and issue a operation with the the event, Dr Yousef Alhorr said, seriously, acknowledge our eco- National Vision 2030, as well Directors of Gulf Organization certificate. “Sustainability as we know is no logical responsibility, and as the commitment to organise for Research and Development Co-operation will be wit- authorities concerned longer a passing trend. It is a address it by taking actions that the first carbon neutral FIFA (GORD). Dr Yousef Alhorr nessed in the field of institu- to reduce carbon pressing need of the day. Like preserve the environment, World Cup in Qatar in 2022, the yesterday. tional carbon footprint in emissions in other industries, sports sector promote sustainability and QSL announced a new initiative The MoU outlines co-oper- accordance with the require- has also realized the immense apply best practices to create a aimed at becoming the first ation in several fields to ments of the Global Carbon and sports facilities. potential green practices hold. better future for generations to league in the world to be enhance activities aimed at Council (GCC) of GORD, a Today, we are honored to col- come through the passion for carbon neutral. combating climate change and program that works towards laborate with Qatar Stars football. We seek to reach our It will be made possible by promoting green initiatives that enhancing efforts to combat role in society and their efforts League, and have no doubt in goal of being the best league on working to reduce carbon are environmental-friendly and climate change and carbon fin- in promoting activities aimed its transformative power. We and off the field and part of it is emissions in stadiums and the role QSL can play in those gerprint management proc- at combating climate change, are positive that this partnership becoming the first league in the sports facilities, applying the aspects, in addition to creating esses worldwide. preserving the environment will reap great rewards not just world to be carbon neutral to highest standards as well as awareness of the best environ- Commenting on the initi- and promoting best practices for the sports community but inspire other leagues, federa- best practices, in co-operation mental-sustainability practices, ative, Hani appreciated the of sustainability. He highlighted the entire society at large.” tions, sport clubs and organiza- with the authorities and applying green building Board of Directors of GORD, that the initiative originated On his part, Executive tions in Qatar and around the concerned. standards in accordance with headed by Dr Yousef, for their from the QSL’s keenness Director of Competitions and World to follow.”

Brazil qualify for Tokyo Olympics

Brazilian players in action during their South American Olympic Qualifier against Argentina, in Bucaramanga, Colombia, on Sunday. Reigning Olympic men’s football champions Brazil qualified for this summer’s QFA Development Department conducts training course tournament in Qatar Football Association (QFA) officials and the participants of the Class-B training course for trainers, posing Japan with a for a photograph at the Development Department of QFA headquarters at Aspire. Twenty six trainers successfully 3-0 win concluded the course which was conducted by QFA in collaboration with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). Cavani on target Messi inspires Barcelona Inter win Milan derby as PSG tame to thrilling La Liga win to move top

REUTERS – PARIS goal for the capital side just REUTERS – SEVILLE Barcelona’s of Serie A when they appeared Sergio Second-half substitute vulnerable. Lionel Messi produced a hat- AFP – MILAN Busquets Edinson Cavani rediscovered Di Maria cut back inside trick of assists as Barcelona celebrates his scoring touch as Paris St the area and beat Anthony pulled off a gutsy 3-2 win Inter Milan moved top of Serie his goal with Germain beat Olympique Lopes with a low shot at the away to Real Betis in La Liga A on Sunday after storming team-mate Lyonnais 4-2 to edge closer near post to put the hosts on Sunday after trailing twice back from two goals down to to a seventh Ligue 1 title in ahead in the 22nd minute. in an enthralling match as Lionel Messi. snatch a 4-2 win over AC Milan eight years on Sunday. Mbappe made it 2-0 coach Quique Setien enjoyed in a pulsating derby at the San Uruguay striker Cavani seven minutes before a winning return to his former Siro. struck his first goal in almost halftime by flicking the ball club. Inter pull level on 54 points six months after being barely past Lopes from Thomas French defender Clement with Juventus, who lost 2-1 at used on his return from Meunier’s cross. Lenglet headed home the Hellas Verona on Saturday, but injury. His goal completed It was a harsh reality decisive goal in the 72nd are ahead of the champions on the win to put PSG on 61 check for Lyon, who had minute from a Messi freekick goal difference thanks to a points from 24 games. started the match with but was then sent off for two exhilerating second half turn- Thomas Tuchel’s side, 16-year-old Rayan Cherki bookings, moments after Betis’ around after Ante Rebic and who also scored through livening up proceedings on Nabil Fekir had been dis- Zlatan Ibrahimovic had put Angel Di Maria, Kylian the right flank. missed for earning two yellow Milan 2-0 up at the break. Mbappe and a Fernando Lyon fell 3-0 behind two cards in the space of a minute. Lazio are just a point Marcal own goal, lead minutes into the second half Barca had fallen behind in behind in third after Felipe second-placed Olympique in farcical fashion as Marcal the sixth minute to a penalty Caicedo scored the only goal de Marseille by 12 points. sent the ball under the bar from Sergio Canales after a in a hard-fought win at Parma Lyon, who hit back with trying to clear Julian Drax- VAR review showed Lenglet earlier on Sunday. goals by Martin Terrier and ler’s back pass in the area. had handled the ball, but Dutch Milan had dominated the Moussa Dembele, are in But the visitors did not midfielder Frenkie de Jong first half with Inter struggling ninth place on 33 points, give up and Terrier reduced promptly equalised with the to deal with Ibrahimovic, who eight behind Stade Rennais the arrears with a low shot help of a lofted pass from Messi. soared above Diego Godin who hold the last Champions from just inside the box after Betis restored their lead before knocking down for League qualifying spot. being set up by Cherki. with a strike from World Cup- Rebic to tap the opener past PSG were without Dembele pulled another winning forward Fekir in the Daniele Padelli. Neymar, who skipped the one back by tapping home 26th minute but Barca struck Stefan De Vrij blocked game because of a rib injury, from Karl Toko Ekambi’s back again right before another cross to deny Rebic a but they were inspired up pass after the second-half halftime when Messi found second tap in but Franck Kessie front even if Mauro Icardi substitute had outpaced Sergio Busquets with a flicked on for a waiting Ibrahi- had another night to forget. Presnel Kimpembe. freekick and the midfielder movic to turn in the second. The Argentine was But Cavani found the converted from close range. The comeback began five replaced in the second half back of the net from Di Lenglet’s headed goal minutes after the break when by PSG’s most prolific scorer Maria’s pass 11 minutes from earned second-placed Barca The topsy-turvy Bilbao to exit the Copa del Brozovic lashed home a Cavani, who netted his 199th time to wrap it up. a first away win in the league encounter was a fitting end Rey. stunning volley and two in four matches and allowed to a dramatic week for Barca “It was so important for us minutes later Mattias Vecino them to cut the deficit behind in which Ousmane Dembele to win after losing in the Cup in finshed off an Alexis Sanchez Paris Saint-Germain’s Uruguayan forward Edinson Cavani celebrates league leaders Real Madrid sustained a serious injury, the last minute but we just had pass to level the scores. after scoring a goal during the French L1 football match against back to three points with 23 Messi lashed out at sporting to keep playing in the same De Vrij put Inter Lyon in Paris, on Sunday. games played after Real beat director Eric Abidal and the way and that’s what we did,” deservedly ahead with a Osasuna 4-1 earlier. team lost 1-0 to Athletic said Barca’s Sergi Roberto. superb diving header with 20 minutes to go, and after Ibra- himovic hit the post for Milan Romelu Lukaku then headed Referee rested after Barca’s home substitute Victor Moses’ cross three minutes into injury time to maintain Inter’s charge controversial win at Betis for a first Serie A title in a decade. Milan’s collapse REUTERS – BARCELONA other for dissent. Lenglet followed but Betis means they missed the chance were angry that Sergi Roberto, who had to move into the Europa La Liga referee Jose Maria Sanchez Martinez already been booked, was let off after scything League places and sit 10th. has not been allocated a game next weekend down Carles Alena. Caicedo kept Lazio’s own by the Spanish football federation following “How can that not be a second yellow for dream of a first ‘Scudetto’ in his officiating of the fixture between Real Sergi Roberto’s foul on Alena?” asked Betis 20 years alive as a 1-0 win Betis and Barcelona on Sunday in which he coach Rubi. “Barcelona should have been left over Parma moved the angered both teams. with 10 men, there’s no doubt about it.” Romans second in Serie A. The Spanish champions won 3-2 at the Real Betis’s vice-president Jose Miguel Simone Inzaghi’s side are Benito Villamarin in a thrilling match the Lopez Catalan also criticised the officials after right in the title discussion official seemed to lose control of, sending off the game. “We are indignant and angry after extending their unbeaten Clement Lenglet and Nabil Fekir but not dis- because once again refereeing has hurt Betis run to 18 league games. Their missing Sergi Roberto or awarding Lionel Messi and it has not been fair,” he said. last Serie A defeat was in Sep- a penalty. Barcelona had complaints too, with Messi tember to Inter Milan, who Fekir was sent off for two bookings in the pulled back in the area at the end but Sanchez they host next weekend at the space of a few seconds, one for a foul and the Martinez did not point to the spot. . SPORT SPORTS | 10 SPORT | 11 PakistanPak crush Edinson Cavani BaBangladeshn by on target as inningsinn in the PSG tame first Test Olympique Lyon

TUESDAY 11 FEBRUARY 2020 Al Duhail, Al Sadd eye winning starts ARMSTRONG VAS featuring two AFC Champions losing to Kashima Antlers. But are high on motivation and said THE PENINSULA League winners, Group D gets with several changes to both most of his players have a underway with two enticing sides, including at the mana- champion mentality. Qatar’s Al Duhail and Al Sadd clashes. The 2002-03 winners gerial level, there will be a fresh “I love challenges and that will be looking to start their Al Ain host Islamic Republic of feel to this high-profile is why I came to Al Duhail in 2019-20 AFC Champions Iran’s Sepahan FC in the group's encounter. the middle of the season is not League campaigns on a winning second match of the day. Al Duhail's new coach Walid an easy thing, but it is a chal- note. The Riyadh match, mean- Regragui said he wants to lenge that I like to take,” he QNB Stars League (QSL) while, is a repeat of last year’s impose his style of play on the added. leaders Al Duhail take on quarter-final first leg when Al team and that it will take some Meanwhile, Al Duhail Iranian club Persepolis in the Nassr won 2-1, but it was ulti- time. striker Almoez Ali said they are Group C match today at the mately the reigning Qatar Stars “I have full confidence in confident of making a positive Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium, League champions who myself and my players and we start to their campaign and Doha. The match kicks off at advanced after recording a 3-1 get positive results. I am trying qualify for the next stage of the 6:15pm. victory in the return leg in Doha to impose my style of play and tournament and will be looking Al Sadd on the other hand to reach the semi-finals. coaching philosophy at Al to fans to support them in large Al Sadd players and officials arriving in Riyadh yesterday, ahead will be playing away from home The match between Al Duhail and if the players are numbers. of today's AFC Champions League Group D match against Saudi in Riyadh at the Faisal Bin Fahd Duhail and Persepolis is a able to understand my style and “Hopefully we can start the Arabia's Al Nassr. Stadium. The 2011 champions repeat of the 2018 AFC Cham- philosophy we will reap the campaign on a perfect note take on Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr pions League quarter-final. benefits at the end of the with a win and thereon qualify in Group D at 6:15pm Qatar Two years ago, it was Perse- season,” said the French-born from our group and reach the After 19-year-old Iraqi Duhail’s 2-0 win over Al time. polis who triumphed, going all Morrocon coach. next stage. Our group is strong forward Mohanad Ali struggled Sailiyah in the Qatar Cup semi- The only West Asia group the way to the final before Regragui said his players and we will need to be focussed to adapt to life at Al Duhail, the final, but it is in the 2020 AFC on the playfield and give a Qatari side opted to loan him Champions League that new strong performance. The com- out to Potimonense in Portugal, coach Regragui will hope the Al Duhail's players in action during a practice session yesterday as they gear up for their position of our team has instead splashing the cash to Croatian target man can make AFC Champions League match against Iran's Persepolis. changed compared to last year bring in Juventus forward the most impact as the club but we will give our best,” said Mandzukic. dream of becoming Qatar’s Almoez. The Euro 2012 top goals- second continental Besides Almoez, Regragui corer comes to Asian football champions. will be banking on new recruit after an illustrious career in In other Group C matches, Mario Mandzukic to deliver the Europe that saw him score UAE Pro League champions goods upfront even as he is goals for fun at the likes of Sharjah return to continental missing out on several of his Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid action for the first time since key players due to injuries. and Juventus as well as help 2004, having withdrawn from The good news in the Al Croatia reach their first-ever the 2011 edition. Duhail camp is that Edmilson, FIFA World Cup final in Russia In their sole AFC Champions who was injured in the QSL 2018. League participation, Sharjah match against Al Rayyan, will Following his arrival in topped their group before being return to the team and will give Doha on Christmas eve, Man- knocked out by Seongnam FC Regragui additional options. dzukic got off the mark in Al in the quarter-finals. Aussie legend Cahill joins SC as 2022 ambassador THE PENINSULA – DOHA

Australian football legend Tim Cahill was unveiled as an official ambassador for the Supreme Committee for & Legacy (SC), at a special event in Qatar. Cahill, 40, became the latest renowned name to join the SC family – and accom- panies Xavi, Samuel Eto’o, Cafu plus a number of other local and regional football legends on the ambassador programme. The programme seeks to work with some of the game’s most high-profile names to promote and deliver the SC’s numerous legacy projects, and help use the opportunities pro- vided by Qatar 2022 to create The Secretary-General of the Supreme Committee for Delivery a lasting positive social change and Legacy, Hassan Al Thawadi presenting a Qatar 2022 jersey across the region and around to Australian football legend Tim Cahill. the globe. Cahill, a regular visitor to Qatar over the past 12 years, the (rights to host the) World Although that means he will be has developed a close affinity Cup. I remember afterwards unable to take to the field at with the country and will work talking about Qatar’s presen- Qatar 2022, he’s thrilled to be to promote various activities tation; just seeing the elements part of the tournament in a dif- and legacy programmes, of the stadiums being built vis- ferent capacity and looking including Generation Amazing, ually, and then the way they forward to playing a role in Josoor Institute and Workers’ were all getting lifted off and telling Qatar’s story to the Welfare, among others. He will transferred to different coun- world. also work with Qatar’s local tries. All this stuff was mind- A key part of Cahill’s role communities to ensure the blowing. They took the tech- with the SC will be to work legacy of the FIFA World Cup nology to a different level – closely with Generation 2022 is both long-lasting and everyone in that room was Amazing – the SC’s flagship far-reaching. really impressed. To be sitting CSR programme. It seeks to Speaking at his here today to see that concept deliver positive social change announcement ceremony, in action; the stadiums, the air through innovative football for which took place at a Gener- conditioning; it’s incredible.” development coaching ses- ation Amazing activation with Cahill, an AFC Asian Cup sions – locally, regionally and local school children, Cahill winner in 2015, holds numerous internationally. spoke of his delight at joining accolades at international level. Commenting on the the ambassador programme. As well as being one of an announcement, SC Secretary- “I think joining the SC elite group of players to have General H E Hassan Al family was a natural pro- featured at four separate FIFA Thawadi, said: “We are gression for me,” he said. World Cups (2006, 2010, 2014 delighted to welcome Tim “I’ve been traveling to and 2018) he was also the first Cahill to our ever expanding Qatar since 2008, so have Australian man to score at the family of renowned ambas- developed a close relationship finals, and with 50 goals in 108 sadors. Tim’s credentials as a [with the country] over the appearances, he is his country’s player are indisputable. To years, so to be part of it, and to record goal scorer. have appeared at four separate share the story of Qatar 2022 After a glittering 21-year World Cups puts him in an elite is pretty special.” playing career, which included group – one which Xavi, Eto’o He continued: “I had the stints in England, the US, China, and Cafu are also part of. This privilege to actually be in Swit- Australia and India, he hung up makes him, and them, a perfect zerland at the time Qatar won his boots in March 2019. fit for our SC family."