emerged as the star performer on a glorious night of football at Al Wakrah

FRIDAY, MAY 17, 2019 AL DUHA L PROVIDE BIG DELIGHT

AL DUHAIL PROVIDE BIG DELIGHT

Al Duhail players celebrate with the Amir Cup trophy which they retained defeating Al Sadd at the newly-inaugurated Al Wakrah Stadium which was packed with 38,678 fans on Thursday night. (AFP) Red Knights retain the Amir Cup in style winning the final Scoreline & Cards Al Duhail 4 ( 16’, Edmilson Jr 58’, 81’, Youssef El Arabi 63’) bt Al Sadd 1 ( 6’) 4-1; Edmilson nets stunning brace; four reds flashed Red Cards: , (Al Sadd); (Al Duhail) IKOLI VICTOR League to Al Sadd, the Amir Cup was dulrahaman Jassim red carded Al- to make it 3-1 in the 62nd minute. The Al Duhail’s only chance of a silverware. moez Ali for a second yellow offence Moroccan international guided the ball And they did not disappoint their teem- after 26 minutes. home with his chest from close range after PAULO EDMILSON produced a man- ing fans as Portuguese coach Rui Faria There were scoring moments for some neat footwork by Edmilson whose of-the match performance as Al Duhail capped his debut season with a trophy, both teams but the half ended with both cross sailed past Boualem Khouki and rallied from behind to beat record 16- while Jesualdo Ferreira missed out in sides holding forth. Pedro Miguel. time winners Al Sadd 4-1 to retain Qa- his last outing. In the second session, Al Sadd hav- With twenty-five minutes still to tar’s most prestigious cup competition, Also, it was a sad end to a glittering ing the numerical advantage were de- play, coach Jesualdo Ferreira in his last Amir Cup in an entertaining contest at career for former Barcelona legend nied by ’s double save match for the Wolves made two substi- the newly built FIFA World Cup 2022 Hernandez who was on the losing side. from Hassan Haydos and Bounedjah’s tutions with Haydos and Wooyoung re- stadium in Al Wakrah. Akram Afif became the first player strike. The game got even more intrigu- placing Ali Asadalla and Hamid Ismael The Amir HH Sheikh Tamin bin to score a goal at the Al Wakrah Sta- ing as referee Abdulrahman flashed respectively. Hamad al Thani presented the pres- dium with a perfect strike from inside a direct red card to Tarek Salman for Al Duhail were in the ascendency tigious Amir Cup to the winning cap- the box in the sixth minute. He was set stopping goal-bound Edmilson in the for most of the half as chief tormen- tain to the cheers of on goal by Baghdad Bounedjah with a 54th minute. tor Edmilson forced Saad Abdulla to the fans. clever back heel pass. Things got worse for the league make a brilliant save in the 75th min- The 40,000 capacity Al Wakrah Sta- Al Sadd’s lead lasted for only ten champions as Al Duhail scored a second ute. The Brazilian was in devastating dium was 1322 fans less and almost filled minutes as a rampaging Al Duhail domi- goal from a perfect team effort that saw form as he scored his second of the to the brim in an enclosed air-condi- nated play until they found the back of the Red Knights exchange five passes be- game with a blistering strike from tioned atmosphere. It was a match with the net courtesy Ali Hassan Afif. His fore Edmilson hit the back of the net in outside the box as ’keeper Saad’s fin- many moments as four red cards were cracking left-footed strike from an Al- the 59th minute. It was a through pass gertip effort couldn’t stop the strike in flashed – three to Al Sadd and one for Al moez Ali assist beat Saad Abdulla in goal. from Youssef El Arabi that found the the closing minutes. Duhail. It was also a clash that witnessed Edmilson almost doubled Al Du- Brazilian who turned his marker before There was more drama as the referee two brothers from opposing sides hitting hail’s lead after cutting past Abdelkarim unleashing a shot into the net. dismissed two Al Sadd players Hamid the back of the net. Hassan but his effort went wide. The impressive Edmilson Ismael and Bounedjah deservedly for After relinquishing the QNB Stars In a strange decision, referee Ab- turned provider for El Arabi unsportsmanlike behaviour on the pitch.

Hernandez Xavi’ in action during the final. The Barcelona legend’s play- ing career came to an end with the Amir Cup final on Thursday.(AFP)

Al Duhail’s star striker Youssef El Arabi celebrates with the Amir Cup Spectators engrossed in the absorbing Amir Cup final at the Al Wakrah Stadium on Thursday.(AFP) The referee flashes one of the four red cards shown during the game.(AFP) trophy and his kids. (REUTERS) 12 Friday, May 17, 2019 Sports

WONDERFUL WAKRAH STADIUM WOWS ALL

(PHOTO: AFP)

Footballing stars, past and present, from all over the world descended in Doha on Thursday to witness the Amir Cup final at the Al Wakrah Stadium which was inaugurated by the Amir HH Tamim bin Hamad al Thani. The stadium will Former Brazilian football star Roberto Carlos (far left), Argentine footballer Pablo Zabaleta (centre) and Cameroonian footballer Samuel Eto’o (with the phone) and ’s high-jump legend Mutaz Essa Barshim former Serbian footballer and coach Bora Milutinovic during the Amir Cup final.(AFP) also host FIFA watch the Amir Cup final.(AFP) World Cup Qatar matches in 2022. The 40,000-seater stadium was designed by Late Zaha Hadid and took its inspiration from the sails of traditional dhdhowow boats.boats.

Former Spain star Fernando Hierro (left) and Argentine star Javier Zanetti (right) during the final.(AFP) FormerForm Dutch stars Ruud Gullit (standing right) and Ronald de Boer (with specs) at the Amir Cup final.(AFP)

French footballer Youri Djorkaeff (right), a member of the 1998 World Cup winning team, in the stands before the Amir Cup final.(REUTERS) A military band plays during the opening ceremony of the Amir Cup final.(REUTERS) Sports Friday, May 17, 2019 13 Sheikh Hamad re-elected AGCFF president QNA ed as vice-president of the During the meeting, it was DOHA federation. announced the convening of The meeting was attended Ordinary General Assembly in QATAR Football Association by vice-president of QFA Saud accordance with the Statutes, president Sheikh Hamad bin al Mohannadi, president of then the agenda was approved. Khalifa bin Ahmed al Thani the Kuwaiti Football Associa- Two members were ap- was re-elected president of tion Sheikh Ahmed al Yousif, pointed to review the minutes the Arab Gulf Cup Football president of the Iraqi Football of the meeting, and the audi- Federation for a new two- Association Abdul-Khaliq Ma- tors were also appointed. The year term at the Ordinary soud, and president of the Om- minutes of the extraordinary General Assembly of the Arab ani Federation Sheikh Salim al general meeting of the presi- Gulf Cup which was held at Wahaibi, and representative of dents of the federations held the Four Seasons Hotel in the Yemen football federation on April 27, 2016, and the ex- Doha Wednesday. Labib Abdullah Al Mahdi while traordinary general meeting of First vice-president of representatives of Saudi Ara- the presidents of the federa- Oman Football Association bia, the United Arab Emirates tions held May 21, 2016 were Qatar Football Association president Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed al Thani was re-elected president of the Arab Gulf Cup Football Jassim al Shukaili was elect- and Bahrain did not attend. also approved. Federation for a new two-year term at the Ordinary General Assembly of the Arab Gulf Cup in Doha Wednesday.

UCL plan Kyrgios kicked out of Italian benefits ‘rich and dominant’ clubs, say Open after on-court outburst leagues

REUTERS Federer, Nadal, ZURICH Djokovic advance Osaka clinches Roland A proposal to create a near- Garros top seeding closed Champions League AGENCIES would benefit only a small num- ROME AFP ber of rich and dominant clubs, ROME Europe’s domestic leagues said AUSTRALIAN firebrand Nick on Thursday. Kyrgios was disqualified from IN the Italian Open women’s The region’s governing the Italian Open after an ex- competition, world number body UEFA is working with pletive-laden rant on Thurs- one Naomi Osaka fought the European Club Association day as defending champion back after losing her serve (ECA), whose members include Rafael Nadal swept into the early to ease past Dominika all of the continent’s biggest third round along with top Cibulkova 6-3, 6-3 against clubs, to re-design European seed Novak Djokovic and Rog- the 33rd-ranked Slovak who competition after the current er Federer. she also beat last week in international calendar ends in Kyrgios grabbed the head- Madrid. 2024. lines when he suffered a spec- The Japanese star hit 44 Several league representa- tacular meltdown on Court winners and 12 aces, despite tives have said they were pre- Three against Norwegian 25 unforced errors. sented with a proposal to create qualifier Casper Ruud. Osaka, the US Open and a three-tier European league The controversial 24-year- Australian Open champion, with promotion and relegation old, who had marked his pres- reached the third round in between each division. ence in Rome by criticising Australia’s Nick Kyrgios was disqualified from the Italian Open after an expletive-laden rant on Thursday. (AFP) Rome for the first time in The top tier - the equiva- Djokovic and Nadal in an in- three appearances. lent of the Champions League terview on Wednesday, start- She was at risk of losing Japan’s Naomi Osaka reacts - would include 32 teams, the ing arguing with the umpire in her world number one rank- after winnning her second top 24 of whom would keep the third set. Kyrgios’ past controversies ing to Simona Halep but the round match against Slovakia’s their places for the next season, World number 36 Kyrgios Romanian was knocked out Dominika Cibulkova. (REUTERS) ending the tradition that quali- had levelled the match at one O In 2015, having already been fined for an “insulting remark” to opponent Stan Wawrinka, by Czech teenager Marketa fying for European competition set all but was given a game Kyrgios was given a suspended 28-day ban and £16,200 fine for making lewd remarks Vondrousova losing 2-6, Next up for the Japanese is achieved via national leagues. penalty early on in the third about the Swiss player’s girlfriend. 7-5, 6-3 having needed to player on the clay of the Only four places would be set for swearing. win the tournament to re- Foro Italico is Romania’s open to the winners of Europe’s His response was to kick O The following year he was banned for eight tournament weeks and fined £20,560 for his gain top spot she last held in Mihaela Buzarnescu. 54 national leagues. UEFA has out at a water bottle before behaviour –- including “lack of best efforts” at the Shanghai Masters. During the match in mid-January. Czech second seed Pe- said discussions are at a pre- throwing a chair onto the question against Mischa Zverev, Kyrgios also argued with a fan and received a code Halep’s defeat also guar- tra Kvitova eased past Yulia liminary stage and has not giv- court, packing his bag and violation for swearing, after which he was fined for breaching the ATP code of conduct. antees Osaka’s top seeding Putintseva of Kazakhstan en any further details. It could then storming off court, shout- at the French Open. 6-0, 6-1. not immediately be reached for ing I am fucking done’’ O In the same tournament the next year, having earlier received a warning for smashing comment on Thursday. Kyrgios was automati- two balls out of court in frustration, he stormed off midway through his first-round match one,” said the 20-time Grand Austrian Thiem com- European Leagues, said the cally disqualified with Ruud against Steve Johnson. He was later fined for unsportsmanlike conduct. Slam winner. plained competitors were left proposal “benefits just a few winning 6-3, 6-7 (5/7), 2-1 to “I think it gives me some hanging around during the rich and dominant clubs but advance to the third round O The Shanghai Masters was again the venue last year when he was involved in a prolonged good information. I believe it’s rain-impacted day 24 hours damages the leagues and the against former US Open cham- argument with French umpire Damien Dumusois during his first-round exit. (bbc.com) going to be similar conditions earlier. great majority of clubs playing pion Juan Martin del Potro. in the match this afternoon.” “I really dislike how we in the domestic competitions”. Kyrgios had already been Nadal said it was a “good players get treated at this The group said it was at the centre of controversy his opinion on a number of ’s Jeremy Chardy 6-0, er up against Croatian Borna start” as he targets a first title tournament because yester- working on changes to the during Wednesday’s washout tennis stars. 6-1, with Federer, a four-time Coric, and Djokovic facing Ger- on clay this season before he day was, in my opinion, not proposal which “contribute to when he told the NCR tennis After branding Roger runner-up, easing past Portu- many’s Philipp Kohlschreiber. starts the defence of his French acceptable,” said last year’s the long-term sporting and fi- Podcast that Djokovic had “a Federer the “greatest of all gal’s Joao Sousa 6-4, 6-3, and For 37-year-old Federer, Open crown from May 26. French Open runner-up. nancial sustainability of both sick obsession with wanting time”, he went in on Nadal, Djokovic beating Canadian returning to Italy for the first “That’s important for “I’m quite pissed about European and domestic club to be liked” and that the Serb’s calling the Spaniard his “polar Denis Shapovalov 6-1, 6-3. time since 2016, it was like a what’s coming up,” said the it. I was tired, exhausted, to- competitions”. post-match celebration was opposite”. All three are in action practice session. eight-time Rome winner. day because of all these shitty It added: “UEFA must “cringeworthy”. But he had nicer things to again later in the day to make “Like any other practice World number four Domi- things,” he added. come to an agreement with the Nadal was described by the say about Britain’s Andy Mur- up time after play was washed day when you play twice a day, nic Thiem slammed tourna- Japan’s Kei Nishikori, the European Leagues and the oth- Australian as “super-salty”. ray, currently out of the game out on Wednesday. you finish the first session, ment organisers after he was sixth seed, got past American er stakeholders to safeguard In the 50-minute inter- following hip surgery. Nadal meets Georgian take a shower, eat something, dumped out 4-6, 6-4, 7-5 by Taylor Fritz 6-2, 6-4 and next the interests of all professional view, Kyrgios was asked about Meanwhile, Nadal crushed Nikoloz Basilashvili, with Feder- relax, get ready for the next Spain’s Fernando Verdasco. meets Jan-Lennard Struff. football clubs in Europe.”

Injured Kane included in England’s Nations League squad Masnada wins stage, Conti leads Giro

REUTERS us but we have always adapted earned him the Player of the REUTERS year’s Giro. LONDON and we have always managed to Year award at his club. SAN GIOVANNI ROTONDO “I’m delighted. I’ve done achieve results with new play- “It is a really good oppor- it,” Masnada said. “I knew ENGLAND captain Harry Kane ers, with young players, so this tunity for Nathan,” Southgate ITALIAN Fausto Masnada I was in good shape but it’s has been included in Gareth looks like being the same. added. “I think the new manag- won the sixth stage of the Giro hard to win at the Giro d’Italia Southgate’s squad for June’s “It is going to be a lot of er (Ralph Hasenhuettl) has had d’Italia as Primoz Roglic lost and I’ve done it. I dedicate Nations League finals despite uncertainty about who is go- a positive effect: a lot of pace, the overall leader’s pink jersey the win to my uncle, who died an ankle injury, the Football As- ing to be available until the last playing the high press and he to Valerio Conti on Thursday. just before the Giro d’Italia sociation said on Thursday. minute, but we have got a really has started to score more regu- Masnada emerged as started.” Roglic crashed in the Kane, who has not played strong squad with a lot of talent larly.” the strongest rider in a large opening hour and dropped to since sustaining the injury and we are looking forward to Following the Netherlands breakaway, making his de- 11th in the standings, trailing in Tottenham’s Champions these matches.” clash in Guimaraes, England cisive attack on Coppa Conti by five minutes and 24 League win over Manchester Chelsea’s Ruben Loftus- will face either hosts Portugal or Casarinelle about 20 kilome- seconds. City on April 9, faces a race Tottenham striker Harry Kane Cheek missed out on a place Switzerland in a final or third- tres from the finish line. The Slovenian needed against time to be fit for the fi- in the squad after his injury in place playoff on June 9. The Androni Giocattoli-Si- treatment to his right buttock nal of that competition against the 27-man squad and South- a friendly in the United States dermec rider was soon joined and his Jumbo-Visma team Liverpool on June 1. gate is wary of fatigue concerns on Wednesday, but fellow mid- FULL SQUAD: Goalkeepers: Jack Butland, Tom by compatriot Conti and they were then content to sit in and England play their Nations heading into the final stretch of fielders Declan Rice and James Heaton, Jordan Pickford Defenders: Trent Alexander- both rode into the finishing control the main title contend- League semi-final against the the Nations League campaign. Ward-Prowse are involved Arnold, Ben Chilwell, Joe Gomez, Michael Keane, straight of the 238km stage to Italy’s Fausto Masnada celebrates ers, allowing the breakaway to Harry Maguire, Danny Rose, John Stones, Kieran after winning stage six of the Giro Netherlands on June 6, and “Post the Champions again. Southampton winger Trippier, Kyle Walker Midfielders: Ross Barkley, Dele cap off a fine day for the home stay out in front on a humid Southgate is hopeful the striker League final, we are going to Nathan Redmond, overlooked Alli, Fabian Delph, Eric Dier, Jordan Henderson, nation as Conti became the d’Italia from Cassino to San Gio- day in central Italy. will complete a full recovery have to assess everyone really,” since winning his solitary Eng- Declan Rice, James Ward-Prowse, Harry Winks first Italian to wear the pink vanni Rotondo, on Thursday. (AFP) Their patient approach over the next three weeks. Southgate told a news confer- land cap in March 2017, returns Forwards: Harry Kane, Jesse Lingard, Marcus jersey since Vincenzo Nibali ensured Roglic retained a Kane is one of nine Cham- ence. to the squad after a strong finish Rashford, Nathan Redmond, Jadon Sancho, in 2016. Grand Tour stage win and 25-second advantage over pions League finalists named in “It is a strange situation for to the domestic season which Raheem Sterling, Callum Wilson. It was Masnada’s first Italy’s first victory of this Britain’s Simon Yates. 14 Friday, May 17, 2019 Sports

Amir Cup Volleyball Championship final at QVA Indoor Hall on Saturday Quick read Koepka seizes the lead as Tiger struggles early at PGA

BETHPAGE (USA): Tiger Woods endured two double-bogey dis- asters in the first eight holes Thursday while defending cham- pion Brooks Koepka shared the early lead at 4-under par at the PGA Championship. Woods, who snapped an 11-year major win drought at last month’s Masters, opened with a double bogey at the par-4 10th hole and made another at the par-3 17th to reach the turn three-over par at the formidable, 7,549-yard, Bethpage Black. Koepka, who played alongside Woods and British Open champion Francesco Molinari in the feature group, was spectac- ular, holing a 40-foot birdie putt at 10, sinking a 20-foot birdie putt at the par-3 14th and adding two more at 18 and one. That left third-ranked Koepka sharing the lead with Eng- land’s Tommy Fleetwood, trying to become the first Englishman to win the event since Jim Barnes in 1919. Fleetwood opened with a bogey at 10, answered with birdies at 15 and 16 and birdied three of the first four holes after making the turn. Koepka, who seeks a third consecutive US Open title next month at Pebble Beach, faces similar hazards to those on offer at US Opens on a course that hosted that major twice. With a victory, Koepka would become the first player to own back-to-back titles at two majors at the same time. Sixth-ranked Woods stumbled badly early alongside Koepka and Italy’s Molinari at the first PGA Championship played in May since 1949, the event moving from August this year in a revamp of the global golf schedule. From one of Bethpage’s toughest tees, Woods missed the 10th fairway and found the rough, hit a layup then went over the QVA Assistant Secretary-General Saeed Salem al Jumaan with Video House and Electronic Centre Vice-Chairman and Managing Director Sajid Jassim Mohammed Sulaiman, other green and chipped to six feet. But he lipped the right edge on representatives of sponsors, QVA Technical Director Hussein Imam Ali, players, coaches and officials of Al Rayyan Club and Police during a press conference in Doha. his bogey putt to make double. (AFP)

Experienced Amir included in Pakistan’s World Cup squad

Police bank on Guerra, KARACHI: Experienced left-arm pacer Mohammad Amir was on Thursday included in Pakistan’s World Cup squad after their bowlers were taken to the cleaners by England recently. The thrashing by English batsmen in a T20 International and two ODIs has alarmed the selectors, who were initially not Rivas to win Amir Cup keen on picking Amir for the showpiece owing to lack of form. Though Amir is suspected to be suffering from chicken pox and is to have a medical examination done in London, a reli- Holders Al Rayyan have depth to deal with rivals in the 27th final: Schwanke able source told PTI that the team management, including cap- tain Sarfaraz Ahmed and head coach Mickey Arthur, expressed confidence in the bowler and allowed him time to recover. “The chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq is also in agreement RAAJIV TRIPATHI with the team management but he wants to first be sure Amir DOHA can be fit by the time the World Cup starts from May 30,” the source said. (AFP) POLICE are figuring in the prestigious Amir Cup Volley- ball Championship final after 22 spots for World athletics relays in a gap of four years and their Doha filled up coach Damian Arredondo has high hopes of ending his DOHA: At the end of two days of enthralling athletics action at team’s losing streak this time the IAAF World Relays Yokohama 2019, the relay fields for the around. IAAF World Athletics Championships Doha 2019 have started Their rivals in the title to take shape. clash at the QVA Indoor Hall The World Relays has always existed to serve two main on Saturday at 9.30 pm are purposes - to trial innovative and exciting relay events, and to none other than defending offer a qualifying opportunity for up-coming major champion- champions and 13-time win- Players and officials of Police (left) and Al Rayyan Club with the Amir Cup Volleyball Championship trophy in Doha. ships. ners Al Rayyan Club, who are This year in Yokohama, 10 of the 16 World Championships also Asia Club Championship His decorated career includes During a press conference depth and the way we’re play- the Asia club title. We were spots in the men’s and women’s 4x100m and 4x400m were bronze medallist. the Rio Olympic Games gold ahead of the match, Guerra ing right now, we’re optimistic very close to accomplishing up for grabs, along with 12 of the 16 available spots in the A press conference was medal in 2016 – the same year said he was thrilled to have to win the title this time.” the dream in Taipei but had mixed 4x400m. held at the QVA Meeting Hall in which he assisted his club to helped Police get into the final. Police had twice beaten Al to be satisfied with the bronze The remaining available places will be offered to the high- with QVA Assistant Secretary- the FIVB World Club Champi- “I’m really excited that we’re Rayyan during the League but medal. Next year, we’d try it est placed teams on the world lists at the end of the qualifying General Saeed Salem al Ju- onship and was adjudged the in the final of the Amir Cup. they had not been able to beat again and for this, we must win period (September 6, 2019). maan, Video House and Elec- best opposite. It is an important event and I them in the , the the Amir Cup final on Satur- tronic Centre Vice-Chairman The Brazilian also has the expect the final to be a tough and the Arab club day. We’re determined and our The qualified teams are listed below. and Managing Director Sajid 2018 World Championship match. championship semi-final in team’s ability to come through 4x100m: The eight teams in the World Relays final plus Jassim Mohammed Sulaiman, silver medal and 2017 FIVB “We’re playing well and Tunis. difficult times is surely going to the next best two teams from the first round. CEO CV Rappai and QVA World clubs bronze medal to will try as much as possible Al Rayyan coach Carlos help us,” he added. Men: Brazil, USA, Great Britain & Northern Ireland, China, Technical Director Hussein his name as well. to help my team become the Schwanke, who will soon join Talking about the Brazilian France, Jamaica, Turkey, Italy, South Africa and the Netherlands Imam Ali being present along During the Qatar Cup, Po- champions,” added the Brazil- the Brazilian senior national team coaching job, Schwanke Women: USA, Jamaica, Germany, Brazil, Italy, Australia, with players and officials of the lice had fielded Venezuelan ian star. team as one of the coaches, said, “I’m honoured to get this Ghana, Denmark, Trinidad and Tobago and Kazakhstan two teams. national team player Wilner His teammate Rivas, who said, “Police are much strong- huge opportunity. I’m sure The current QVA League Rivas along side Finland’s was a member in the national er now with the arrival of I’ll learn something there and 4x400m: Men’s and women’s: The eight teams in the winners Police have played Mikko Oivanen but the latter team which finished runners- Evandro, who is the Olympics when I come back to guide Al World Relays final plus the top two teams in the ‘B’ final. If one four finals before and lost all of was replaced by Guerra for the up in the 2017 South American gold medallist for Brazil. The Rayyan for next season, I’ll use or more teams in the main final do not start or do not finish or them – three to Al Arabi Club Amir Cup. And ever since he Championship, also expressed final is never going to be easy that experience to make them are disqualified, their qualifying place is taken by the next best and one to Al Rayyan Club, has come to Doha, he formed his determination to lift his for any side. better and stronger. placed finishers in the ‘B’ final. who made the grade for the a potent pair with Rivas and team to the title on Saturday. “We’ve an experienced Explaining about the loss- Mixed: The eight teams in the World Relays final plus the third year in a row. They re- they have been instrumental in “I’m happy to play the final and side with Italian club Bunge es in the League, he said, “We next best four teams from the first round. cently lost the Qatar Cup final Police’s victories. Inshallah, we’ll deliver what Ravenna’s Kamil Rychlicki and were hit badly by injuries to Men: Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, Belgium, Japan, Great to Al Rayyan as well. Against last year’s runners- the team is expecting us to.” Belgian national team player key players and our profes- Britain & Northern Ireland, South Africa, Australia, Italy, France However, the reason of the up Al Ahli, Guerra and Rivas Police coach Arredondo Sam Deroo (ZAKSA Kedzier- sional player could not do as and Czech Republic Argentine coach to be so opti- collected 16 points each in the said, “We’re highly motivated zyn-Kozle) as professionals. well as we were expecting. Women: Poland, USA, Italy, Canada, Jamaica, Great Britain mistic is the presence of Bra- first of best of three semi-final for this final. I think it is go- See I started my coaching in Al But the new pair of pros has & NI, Switzerland, France, the Netherlands and Belgium zilian national team opposite playoff series. Then Guerra ing to be a high quality match. Rayyan with winning the Amir given the required momen- Mixed: USA, Canada, Kenya, Italy, Poland, Brazil, Germany, Evandro Guerra. The 208-cm mustered 22 points to seal a Al Rayyan are a strong side. Cup. This is our third final and tum and we’ll do our best to Belgium, Jamaica, France, Japan, Great Britain & Norther tall Sada Cruzeiro spiker can 2-0 victory for his team and We’re different than what we very crucial for us. retain the title,” Schwanke Ireland. smash the ball at 359 cms. took them into the final. were in the Qatar Cup. We’ve “I have a dream of winning added. Samba-Benjamin clash to light Shanghai DL meet

IAAF No3 spot. year. In all, five of the top six ranked cipline winner collects $50,000, DOHA Samba’s already gotten off to a 100m athletes are in the field, and a stunning Diamond Trophy, the sensational start, winning the Asian seven of the top 10 including African title of IAAF Diamond League THE tenth anniversary season of the title in 47.51 just over three weeks champion Akani Simbine of South Champion, and this year, a wild IAAF Diamond League continues ago. Benjamin has shown good form Africa and Briton Reece Prescod, card entry to the World Champi- with the Diamond League Shanghai as well, clocking 44.31 in his 400m the winner here last year. onships that begins three weeks meeting on Saturday with the pro- season opener on April 20. Samba and Lyles were two of after the final in Brussels. gramme including a slew of tantalis- Another is the is the 100m the dominant figures in Diamond The attention in the women’s ing head-to-heads that just may de- match-up between two of last year’s League action in 2018, the second 100m will focus on double Olympic fine much of the 2019 season in the three fastest men, Diamond League season in which the 14-meeting se- champion Elaine Thompson who’s run up to the IAAF World Athletics 100m champion Christian Coleman ries utilised its successful champi- back in action in her specialty after Championships Doha 2019. and Noah Lyles, the series’ 200m onship-style model, a format that a sub par 2018 campaign. The Ja- The most anticipated race on the winner. continues in 2019. maican knows the Shanghai Stadi- slate is one the world’s been waiting Coleman battled back from mid- Athletes earn points in the um track well, winning here in 2017 on for nearly a year - the first 400m season injuries to cap his 2018 sea- first 12 stops to earn qualification after flying to an impressive 10.78 hurdles head-to-head between Ab- son with a 9.79 lifetime best in Brus- for the two final winner-takes-all performance. Keep an eye on Aleia derrahman Samba of Qatar and Rai sels and will be in action for the first meetings to be held in Zurich (Au- Hobbs, the 2018 NCAA champion, Benjamin of the US, two of the four time since. In Coleman’s absence, gust 29) and Brussels (September who has already notched seven fastest men of all time in the event. Lyles captured the US title last 6). As part of the overall US$8 sub-11 performances (she clocked Samba lowered the Asian re- June, clocking a 9.88 career best to million in prize money available her 10.85 personal best in 2017). cord to 46.98 last year to become illustrate his ambitions of success- Abderrahman Samba of Qatar: Will he have samba in Shanghai on May 18? across the series, the finals offer She’ll be making her Diamond the second fastest man in history, fully venturing beyond his favoured a prize purse of $3.2 million, with League debut on the mend from while Benjamin clocked 47.02 to tie 200m distance. loaded. Local hopes rest on the Asian record holder at 9.91, and Xie $100,000 at stake in each of the a broken wrist sustained about a all-time legend Edwin Moses in the But behind them, the field is shoulders of Su Bingtian, the co- Zhenye, who improved to 9.97 last 32 Diamond disciplines. Each dis- month ago. Nation Friday, May 17, 2019 15 Belgian envoy congratulates Qatar PRIME MINISTER MEETS WEF PRESIDENT on inaugurating new WC stadium

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK Cup 2022 in Qatar with the official inau- to the planet and a commitment to the fu- DOHA guration of Al Wakrah Stadium, the newly ture, he said. built FIFA World Cup stadium. “Indeed, the construction by an inte- BELGIUM’S Ambassador to Qatar HE Bart “As the Belgian ambassador, I am very grated and successful joint venture brought De Groof has congratulated Qatar and the proud that this achievement is the result of a people and nations together. The project Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy successful joint venture between MIDMAC obtained the five star Global Sustainability (SC) for the completion and official inaugu- Contracting, PORR Qatar and Six Con- Assessment System (GSAS) for Sports and ration of the Al Wakrah Stadium during the struct. Congratulations to Qatar and to the Construction Management – a real commit- Amir Cup on Thursday. Supreme Committee. ment to the planet,” the envoy said. The 40,000-capacity stadium was “The joint venture was represented on “As the ambassador, I closely followed jointly built by Qatari, Belgian and Austrian site by Bjorn Walgraeve, Marwan Daou and the construction of this stadium together with firms for the FIFA World Cup 2022. It was Andrea Nassi. Together with their team, my Austrian colleague HE Willy Kempel dur- a joint venture between MIDMAC Contract- they achieved the completion of this state- ing our regular visits to the stadium. It was a ing (a Qatari company), PORR Qatar (an of-the-art 40,000 seat FIFA compliant sta- pleasure to have it seen built,” he added. Austrian company) and Six Construct (a dium in an astonishing 40 months period.” According to plans by the SC, once the Belgian company). The envoy added that the new edifice FIFA World Cup in 2022 is over, 20,000 Prime Minister and Minister of Interior HE Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al Thani met with In a press statement, the ambassador would be a beautiful example of what the seats from the Al Wakrah stadium will be President of World Economic Forum (WEF) Borge Brende in Doha on Thursday. During the meeting, said, “Today is an important day not only for World Cup is about according to FIFA: Liv- removed and transported to countries in they reviewed bilateral cooperation between Qatar and the WEF, in addition to a number of topics of Qatar, but also for Belgium. Today we take ing football. A commitment to the game, a need of football infrastructure, in coopera- common interest. (QNA) a significant step towards the FIFA World commitment to the people, a commitment tion with FIFA. Shura panel discusses draft QA unveils new TVC to celebrate law on auditing profession sponsorship of FIFA Women’s WC QNA The committee continued dustry HE Sultan bin Rashid DOHA the study of the draft law on al Khater and Director of the Organization of the Profes- Department of Legal Affairs The expressive new film features Brazilian football sensation Neymar THE Financial and the Eco- sion of Auditing Accounts at the Ministry of Commerce nomic Affairs Committee of and decided to complete the and Industry Hila Mohamed the Advisory (Shura) Coun- study at its next meeting. al Khulaifi. TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK ly conveys the anticipation so cil held a meeting on Thurs- The meeting was attended Representatives of the DOHA many fans around the world day under the chairmanship by Minister of Commerce and ministry responded to queries feel as we prepare for the of its Rapporteur HE Ali bin Industry HE Ali bin Ahmed and issues raised by the mem- QATAR Airways (QA), the Of- opening match of the tourna- Abd al Latif al Misnad al Mu- al Kuwari, Undersecretary of bers of the committee on the ficial Partner and Official Air- ment on 7 June in Paris. We hanadi. Ministry of Commerce and In- draft law. line of FIFA, has announced are tremendously proud to be the launch of its new TVC the Official Partner and Of- campaign celebrating the ficial Airline of FIFA, and we most exciting moment yet to look forward to elebrating the come in women’s team sports: spirit of the game this sum- Mirqab Mall delights visitors the FIFA Women’s World Cup mer in France.” France 2019, taking place A total 24 qualifying teams from June 7 to July 7 in cities will compete in nine cities with special Ramadan events throughout France. throughout France this sum- The innovative new film mer, including Paris, which features a mother telling her will host the opening match, as TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK On May 19, the mall col- daughter a wonderful bedtime well as Reims, Valenciennes, DOHA laborated with retailers for story. It is a flight of imagina- Le Havre, Rennes, Grenoble, an exciting garangao event to tion, in which she describes Montpellier, Nice and Lyon, AL Mana Malls has put togeth- mark the mid-Ramadan cel- an amazing new land where which will host the semi-finals er a spectacular display of ac- ebration with over 1,000 chil- women’s football reigns, and final match. tivities and decor for the Doha dren. Participants followed where players rule and fans the FIFA Women’s World Cup well as the tens of thousands In May 2017, the award- community in celebration of a map that took them across from many nations gather to France 2019. The look and feel who will travel to France to winning airline announced its the Holy Month of Ramadan. the mall to collect their share cheer. The film features one is fantasy-like, and the story is cheer for their national team ground-breaking sponsorship Mirqab Mall, managed by of sweets from participating of the most famous faces from epic and expressive, highlight- in person. As an airline, we be- deal with FIFA, which saw it Al Mana Malls, is organising stores. the world of football, Brazil- ing the dreams of both players lieve in the power of sports to become the Official Partner a series of family-oriented ac- Each weekend, Islamic ian football superstar Neymar, and fans alike. unite people, and we look for- and Official Airline of FIFA un- tivities during the month, in- craft workshops will be held celebrating with fellow foot- Qatar Airways Group Chief ward to bringing fans together til 2022. The agreement also cluding a traditional Ramadan to entertain and delight young ball fans. Executive Akbar al Baker said: in France this summer to take sees QA become the Official market in collaboration with visitors, where children can By the film’s end, we real- “Women’s football is bigger part in the most exciting event Airline Partner of the 2019, Bedaya, Garangao -- the fun create money boxes, design ise that the mother and daugh- than ever before, and the FIFA yet in women’s sports.” 2020, 2021 and 2022 editions candy collection night, Islamic the intention of allowing our Eid greeting cards, or design ter are in fact on board a QA Women’s World Cup France Qatar Airways Senior of the FIFA Club World Cup, crafts workshops and story- visitors to make great memo- their own lanterns. aircraft flying to the very des- 2019 is the place where the Vice-President Marketing the FIFA U-20 World Cup, the telling for children to henna ries here,” general manager of Mirqab Mall retailers are tination she has been describ- hopes and dreams of many and Corporate Communica- FIFA U-17 World Cup, FIFA stations and falconry. the mall Rony Mourani said. participating in the festivities ing: a magical land, where fans and supporters come true. tions Salam al Shawa said: U-20 Women’s World Cup, “We welcome everyone to Daily offerings include with special iftar offers and the story of women’s football It is truly a wonderful celebra- “The FIFA Women’s World the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Mirqab Mall during the Holy complimentary henna on the other in-store Ramadan pro- comes alive. Their relationship tion of the women’s game. Our Cup France 2019 is set to Cup, the FIFA Beach Soccer Month of Ramadan. We have Mezzanine level, as well as motions. is a genuine anchor for the new campaign expresses the be one of the most thrilling World Cup, the FIFA Futsal put together a remarkable dis- welcome refreshments such as More details about the emotion and optimism sur- excitement of the many fans events on the global sports World Cup, the FIFA eWorld play of decorations and events Arabic coffees, teas and dates events are available on www. rounding the biggest moment all over the world who will be calendar this summer, and Cup and the FIFA Women’s for all family members with in the Mall’s majlis by Gate 2. almirqabmall.com. yet in women’s team sports: watching the tournament as this new campaign eloquent- World Cup. National Museum of Qatar welcomes football legends

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK DOHA

THE National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ) on Thursday received international foot- ball legends, sharing stories of the country’s heritage and traditions. The visit coincided with their participation in the opening of the Al Wakra World Cup Stadium. During the tour, they complimented the un- paralleled immersive ex- perience housed in Jean Nouvel’s architectural masterpiece. The visitors included During the tour, the football stars complimented the unparalleled immersive experience housed in Jean Nouvel’s architectural masterpiece. Cafu, Fernando Hierro, Youri Djorkaeff, , mon Calderon. ture and expressing the aspi- creativity and community en- Qatar and advancing the na- Nasser Hamdan and former Giving voice to the na- rations of its people, NMoQ gagement, providing diverse tion’s cultural vision on the Real Madrid president Ra- tion’s rich heritage and cul- serves as a hub for discovery, educational opportunities for global stage. 16 Friday, May 17, 2019 The Last Word AMIR ATTENDS HH THE AMIR CUP FOOTBALL FINAL AT AL JANOUB STADIUM

Fireworks at the Al Janoub Stadium during the Amir Cup final on Thursday. (Right) A portrait of Late Zaha Hadid, the stadium designer, during the opening ceremony of the stadium inspired by the sails of traditional dhow boats. (AFP)