Riner Makes a Golden Roar As Doha World Judo Masters 2021 Conclude

Swede Elias Ymer tops Japan’s Taro Daniel to seal Australian Open berth in Doha THURSday, JANUARY 14, 2021 page 14

HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President, Qatar Olympic Committee, awarded the men’s +100kg event winners at the IJF Doha World HE Sheikh Ahmad Al Fahad Al Sabah, President of the Olympic Council of Asia, attended the IJF Doha Judo Masters 2021 Championship which concluded at the Lusail Multipurpose Hall on Wednesday. World Judo Masters 2021 and honoured winners of the men’s -90kg event. Riner makes a golden roar as Doha World Judo Masters 2021 conclude

Tribune News Network Doha

Champions are made of sterner stuff! So is Teddy Riner of France. A ten-time individual world, five-time European champion and double gold medallist at the Olympics, he barely needs an introduction in the sport of judo. Yet, following a shock loss last year after a stupendous unbeaten nine years, Riner was faced with a challenge of returning to winning ways. The French shed no less than 20 kilos on his way to Qatar. And on Wednesday, claimed his reward with a gold medal in the men’s blue rib- bon (over 100kg) event at the IJF Doha World Judo Masters 2021 which concluded at the Lusail Multipurpose Hall. HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President, Qatar Olympic Committee, and Marius Vizer, President, The 31-year-old Riner dis- International Judo Federation, watch proceeedings on the final day of the three-day Tokyo 2020 Olympics played the same tenacity that qualifying event at the Lusail Multipurpose Hall on Wednesday. fetched him 154 victories during undisputed run since 2011 before two defeats last year broke the remarkable feat. Confident and in control, he defeated Russia’s Inal Ta- soev without much trouble to lead French gold rush on the final day of the three-day To- kyo 2020 Olympics qualifying event. The French star dominat- ed his counterpart completely with the terrific kumi-kata and after being penalised three times and disqualified, Tasoev offered the victory to Riner. “It’s good to be back on top after a long gap and qualify for the Tokyo Olympic Ten-time individual world, five-time European champion and Olympics double gold medallist Teddy Riner of Games,” remarked the jubi- France (in white) fights Russian Inal Tasoev in the men’s +100kg gold medal bout at the IJF Doha World Judo lant Frenchman. Masters 2021 – a Tokyo 2020 Olympics qualifying event – at the Lusail Multipurpose Hall on Wednesday. “I was focused on getting the win in Doha and I’m so preliminary matches by ippon, to hold Kindzerska for ippon these points which I got today happy I succeeded. The op- Malonga overcame a stiff battle to confirm her first gold medal I think I am safe and will go ponent was strong, but I man- with Japan’s Shori Hamada in at the Masters. for the Olympics for sure. This aged to outdo him. The venue the final to win gold medal. is a very nice tournament and was absolutely fantastic and I “I am very happy. It was a Noel confirms Olympic hospitality is very good and really enjoyed fighting here. I difficult competition.I t is the berth with triumph the weather here is very nice. always kept my focus and was start of the year and it was im- Meanwhile, Dutchman The organisation is very good intent only on winning the portant to win for me. It is a year Noel Van T End booked his and I am happy to perform gold medal here,” Riner added. of Olympics and since I am the Olympic spot with under 90 here again. I look forward to Also, reigning world cham- world and European champion title, defeating Georgia’s Beka come here again for the World pion and world No. 1 in under I wanted to win this event so I Gviniashvili in the final. Championships in 2023.” 78 kg, Madeleine Malonga and am now targeting the Olympic Both the finalists put Gerogia’s Varlam Li- European champion Romane Games,” said Malonga. pressure on one another but partelini won the under 100kg Dicko (over 78) won titles “It was a big break during Noel got an edge scoring a after beating Azerbaijan’s for France, which topped the events because of the virus late waza-ari. The Dutchman Zelym Kotsoiev in the final. Nasser Al Khelaifi, President, Paris Saint-Germain, and Qatar Tennis, Squash and Badminton Federation medals race with five golds, 1 and was difficult to prepare denied pressure from his op- Gerogia finished fourth on after awarding the women’s 78kg podium finishers at the Lusail Multipurpose Hall on Wednesday. silver and a bronze. but I trained daily for this ponent and applied a light- the medals table with 2 gold, South Korea slipped to event,” she added. ening fast strangle for an ip- a silver and a bronze, with the Results Adamian (Russia). Sayit (Turkey). second with three gold medals Dicko was also in top pon finish almost at the bell Netherlands securing the fifth Men’s +100kg: Gold: Riner -90kgGold: Gold: Noel Van T -78kg Gold: Madeleine Ma- with Japan securing third spot form as she eliminated Cuba’s to seal his victory. spot with a gold, a silver and Teddy (France); Silver: Inal End (Netherlands); Silver: Beka longa (France); Silver: Shori with two gold and five silver Olympic and world champion “This is a first tournament five bronze medals. Tasoev (Russia); Bronze: Yakiv Gviniashvili (Gerogia); Bronze: Hamada (Japan); Bronze: medals. Idalys Ortiz before eventually of the year and I am very hap- The three-day Olympic Khammo (Ukraine) and Henk Eduard Trippel (Germany) and Guusje Steenhuis (Nether- Malonga confirmed her defeating Azerbaijan’s Iryna py to win a gold medal here. qualifying event, featuring 399 Grol (Netherlands) Lasha Bekauri (Georgia) . lands), Loriana Kuka (Kos). status as top jukoka in her Kindzerska in the final. It is a big achievement in this athletes including 215 male -100kgGold: Gold: Varlam Women’s +78kg: Gold: Romane Medals Tally: 1. France (5 Gold, 1 category with an outstanding Halfway of the regular Olympic year,” he said after and 184 female judokas from Lipartelini (Georgia); Silver: Dicko (France); Silver: Iryna Silver, 1 Bronze); 2. South Korea 3, performance throughout the time, Dicko scored a waza-ari his win. 69 countries was held under Zelym Kotsoiev (Aze); Bronze: Kindzerska (Aze); Bronze: Nihel 0, 0; 3. Japan 2, 5, 0; 4. Georgia final day. After winning all her that she followed to the floor “I was in top four and with strict health safety measures. Peter Latchik (Israel) and Arman Cheikh Rouhou (Tun) and Kayra 2, 1, 2; 5. Netherlands 1, 1, 5. Sports Thursday, January 14, 2021 13 Al Rajhi takes stage as Attiyah beats overall leader Peterhansel Agencies has propelled Al Rajhi to 13th, Al Ula (Saudi Arabia) up five places from Tuesday’s ranking, behind Toyota priva- Overdrive Toyota driver teer Benediktas Vanagas and Yazeed Al Rajhi took top hon- PH Sport’s Cyril Despres. ours in Stage 10 of the Da- In the motorbike cat- kar Rally on Wednesday, as egory, defending champion Nasser Al Attiyah narrowly Ricky Brabec (USA) who had beat Stephane Peterhansel to reached the rest day stuck in second. the doldrums, almost 20 min- Starting fourth in the utes behind the leader, won 342km loop between Neom the first part of the marathon and Alula, Al Rajhi snatched stage and has since finished the lead from fellow Saudi every stage on the podium. Arabian driver Yasir Seaidan The Honda rider contin- at the second waypoint and ued to make up time as his never looked back, claiming a main rivals, including Xavier second stage win of 2021. De Soultrait, Toby Price and With Al Rajhi out of reach, Nacho Cornejo, made fatal Al Attiyah and Peterhansel mistakes. were locked in a tight scrap for Brabec’s win in stage 10, the best of the rest honours, combined with Kevin Bena- with the X-raid Mini driver vides’s mediocre performance holding the initial advantage. in the same special, bring the But Toyota’s Al Attiyah was American within one minute able to overturn his advantage of his stablemate in the gen- by the eighth waypoint, even- eral standings. tually securing second place On Thursday, Brabec will by a slender margin of 49s. face the challenge of opening Reigning champion Carlos the longest stage in this year’s Sainz dropped as low as 17th edition… but he already ac- in the early part of the stage, quitted himself brilliantly to- losing over six minutes to the day by opening the way after leaders, but recovered enough overtaking Benavides. to finish fourth, 4m12s down Standings after Stage 10 (Car): on Al Rajhi. 1. Stephane Peterhansel (Mini) Jakub Przygonski rounded 37hr33m06s; off a strong day for the Over- 2. Nasser Al Attiyah (Toyota) drive team in fifth, beating the 17m01s; 3. Carlos Sainz factory Toyota of Giniel de Vil- (Mini) 1hr03m44s; 4. Jakub Prz- liers by just over a minute. ygonski (Toyota) 2hr18m43s; 5. Vladimir Vasilyev was sev- Toyota’s driver Nasser Al Attiyah of Qatar and his co-driver Mathieu Baumel of France compete during the Stage 10 of Dakar Rally 2021 between Neom and Al Ula in Saudi Arabia Nani Roma (BRX) 2hr50m22s; enth on a Mini 4x4, ahead of on Wednesday. (AFP) 6. Khalid Al Qassimi (Peugeot) the Century cars of Mathieu 3hr13m14s; 7. Vladimir Vasi- Serradori and Brian Baragwa- at the first checkpoint, was Peterhansel is edging closer to Przygonski and Roma have Qassimi, who finished 15th in the privateer Ford of Martin lyev (Mini) 3hr14m56s; 8. Giniel nath. Nani Roma completed forced to stop at the 190km a record 14th title, holding an consolidated fourth and fifth Wednesday’s stage. Prokop to move up to eighth, de Villiers (Toyota) 3hr43m28s; the top 10 on the sole remain- mark and is yet to complete advantage of 17 minutes over position respectively, ahead Vasilyev just sits one minute with Optimus driver Christian 9. Martin Prokop (Ford) ing Bahrain Raid Xtreme entry. the stage. Al-Attiyah, with Sainz more of the top PH Sport Peugeot behind Al Qassimi in seventh, Lavieille remaining 10th. 3hr45m46s; 10. Christian La- Seaidan, who led the rally With just two stages to run, than an hour down in third. of ex-WRC driver Khalid Al while de Villiers has jumped A second stage win of 2021 vieille (Optimus) 4hr30m52.

PREMIER LEAGUE Inter Milan win, holders Napoli also Foden sends Man City third advance in Italian Cup

DPA failed to break the stalemate Rome until the 119th minute. with win over Brighton Serie A leaders AC Milan Inter Milan edged Fiorentina prevailed on penalties against DPA old, look at the starts,” Guar- 2-1 late in extra time and hold- Torino on Tuesday and will London diola said. ers Napoli beat second-division meet Inter in the late January “The amount of games, the Empoli 3-2 on Wednesday in quarter-finals. Manchester City picked assists compared to the bigger the Italian Cup’s round of 16. In Naples, Giovanni Di up their seventh consecutive stars in football. Can play both Inter forward Romelu Lu- Lorenzo nodded in Napoli’s win in all competitions as they sides, in the middle as a false kaku came on to strike with one opener against his former beat Brighton & Hove Albion nine. He is so clever in front of minute left in the second extra team and Hirving Lozano’s 1-0 on Wednesday to climb to goal. That is why he deserves time, nodding home off Nicolo drive put the hosts ahead for a third in the Premier League. to play.” Brighton remain 17th, Barella, himself a substitute. second time as Nedim Bajrami Phil Foden put City ahead three points above the relega- Arturo Vidal earlier netted twice levelled for the Serie B just before half-time and tion zone, but manager Gra- his first goal since joiningI n- frontrunners. though Raheem Sterling ham Potter was encouraged by ter in September, converting a The Swiss youth-team in- missed a penalty in time add- his side’s performance. penalty awarded through video ternational drilled in two great ed on, the home side held on “We are disappointed to review after keeper Pietro Ter- shots into the far corner on ei- for victory. come away with nothing,” he racciano fouled Alexis Sanchez. ther side of half-time. City are now four points be- said. “We met a top team. I’m A smashing drive from Juventus welcome Genoa hind leaders Manchester Unit- so proud of the players. You Christian Kouame levelled for later Wednesday, with Sassuolo ed and one behind Liverpool, have to suffer here, that’s how the Florence hosts in the pause v SPAL and Atalanta v Cagliari with a game in hand on both. it is. We tried to attack. as the Nerazzurri pressed but meeting on Thursday. Manager Pep Guardiola “You need everything to admitted Brighton made life go your way if you’re going to tough for his team. get anything here. Second half “We had a really good first was really good, really spirited. half and had chances. After we We pushed a very good team Al Gharafa hold Al Arabi to missed a really clear chance in all the way.” “I really enjoyed draw in QNB Stars League the second half they were bet- Manchester City’s English midfielder Phil Foden on the ball during the English Premier League match the performance, the spirit. ter,” he said. against Brighton and Hove Albion at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, England, on Wednesday. (AFP) They had a go. We were organ- “We need to win these sort ised. We had an idea of what of games. It is a good lesson his worth, the England mid- does as well as anyone. fouled, did not take away from we wanted to do. There was a for us. fielder scoring the only goal And even a missed penalty, Guardiola’s pleasure, especial- lot to be proud of.” Tottenham Every game will be like into the bottom corner after when Sterling blasted over the ly with Foden. were due to face Fulham in the this.” Yet again, Foden showed findingspace, something he bar after Kevin De Bruyne was “Phil Foden is 20 years night’s other match. Manchester United go top with win at Burnley

DPA play here. We got the three disappointing but we caused Rhian Brewster hit the sending off and the penalty London points and we’re happy for that them a lot of problems,” Burn- post for the hosts, who held on will be talked about but in my but there’s still a long way and ley defender Burnley James through six minutes of injury opinion we were value for the Manchester United hit the now we focus again until the Tarkowski said. “We had some time to move to within three victory tonight.” top spot in the Premier League end of the season.” United were great chances at the end and points of second-bottom West Newcastle manager Steve on Tuesday after winning 1-0 lucky to end the first half with should have put one away. Brom. It was Sheffield United’s Bruce said he had no problem at Burnley. 10 men after the video assistant We are not far away. We are first league win in 186 days. with the red card but could not Paul Pogba scored the only referee (VAR) decided that Luke not too down.” Earlier, bottom “I have been counting,” understand the awarding of goal with a deflected volley on Shaw deserved only a yellow side Sheffield United picked up Sheffield United manager the penalty. 71 minutes to put United three card for a studs-up challenge. their first win of the Premier Chris Wilder said. “Every min- “The referee got it spot on points ahead of champions Harry Maguire had a League season as they beat 10- ute of every hour of every day. in real time,” Bruce said. “It hit Liverpool who are due to host header ruled out for a foul and man Newcastle on Tuesday. “It feels good, I’m delighted. (Fernandez’s) hand but it’s United at Anfield in a top-of- Burnley held United until Pog- Ryan Fraser was sent off on We should have got more re- not intentional. It could have the-table clash on Sunday. ba, set up by Marcus Rashford half-time for a second yellow sults, we know that, but the been a foul on him as well. “We know that the game and Bruno Fernandes, fired card and Billy Sharp scored performance was good. “VAR is supposed to be for A dramatic penalty on the final touch of the match helped Al Gharafa today was very hard, very dif- United ahead. the winner from the penalty “We played with the iden- clear and obvious decisions. share points with a spirited Al Arabi side following a 1-1 draw in Week ficult and obviously we wanted Burnley remained 16th, spot on 73 minutes after VAR tity that has been the way we How someone 300 miles away 14 of the 2020-21 season QNB Stars League at the Qatar SC Stadium to win,” Pogba said. just two places above the rel- said Federico Fernandez had have played for the last few on a TV screen can overturn it on Wednesday. In the other matches, Al Khor beat Al Ahli 2-1, while “We know it’s not easy to egation zone. “The result is handled the ball. years. I should imagine the is beyond me.” Umm Salal and Al Wakrah shared a 0-0 draw. 14 Thursday, January 14, 2021 Sports

GRAND SLAM EVENT’S men’s qualifiers successfully conclude in Doha Ymer, Alcaraz seal Australian Open 2021 main-draw spots

Agencies Doha

Young guns Elias Ymer and Carlos Alcaraz sealed their spots in the main draw of Aus- tralian Open 2021 after the final round of qualifying was completed at the Khalifa Inter- national Tennis & Squash Com- plex courts on Wednesday. Alcaraz, a 17-year-old Spaniard and one of the sport’s hottest prospects, charged into the main draw of a Slam for the first time following a 6-2 6-3 win over No.2 seed Hugo Dellien. That result came after Ymer was similarly dominant in a 6-1, 6-2 dismissal of fifth seed Taro Daniel, a win moving the Swede into the main draw of a major tournament for the first time since 2018. Also qualifying for the year’s first Grand Slam event were No.3 seed Aslan Karatsev – who has now won 32 of his past 38 matches after trounc- ing Alexandre Muller – and former world No.12 Viktor Troicki, a straight-sets winner over Cedrik-Marcel Stebe. Elias Ymer of Sweden after defeating Japan’s Taro Daniel in the Another former top-20 men’s qualifying final at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash A view of the courts at the Australian Open 2021 Men’s Qualifying at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex in Doha on player, Bernard Tomic, sur- Complex in Doha on Wednesday. Wednesday. (Tennis Australia PhotoS by Samer Alrejjal) vived a thrilling fight with fellow Aussie John-Patrick younger brother Mikael – the some thrillers to conclude the 174-ranked Michael Mmoh of they’ve managed this event the first time, alongside Karim can do something special for Smith, sealing a 6-4, 5-7, world No.94 and two years qualifying event. the USA, Czech Republic’s To- for us. Very quickly we had to and his team on delivering a Doha and Qatar because of the 7-6(10-7) victory under lights. younger than Elias – in the No.15 seed Henri Laak- mas Machac, and world No.12 turn around and put an event safe and successful event.” way they’ve treated us.” Yet former world No.23 main draw at a Grand Slam sonen was broken in the ninth Viktor Troicki of Serbia. on with more than 120 players Tiley noted that when the Karim Alami, Qatar Tennis Damir Dzumhur was unable tournament for the first time. game of the third set by Borna USA’s Maxime Cressy, Aslan plus their entourage, that’s a organisers were looking for cit- Federation (QTF) Board Mem- to join them on the flight to “Family is so important to Gojo, who moved ahead 5-4 Karatsev of Russia, Botic Van de massive draw size, and there ies around the world for the ber, said, “We are greatly de- Melbourne, losing 6-2, 6-0 to me and, like, where we come and 30-0 when serving for the Zandschulp of the Netherlands, hasn’t been a draw size that Australian Open qualifiers, right lighted with the success of this Kimmer Coppejans. from, for two brothers to make match. Yet the Swiss recovered France’s Quentin Halys, Portu- big in Doha before, so that’s away Doha was on top of that tournament. It was a great priv- Top seed Gregoire Barrere the same main draw, it’s like to win 10-7 in a match tie-break. guese Frederico Ferreira Silva significant they were able to do list. “So we made the phone call, ilege for us to host the first-ever was also beaten, going down unbelievable, I have to say. It’s Roman Safiullin, an Aus- and Bernard Tomic of Australia it so well at short notice.” and the arrangement was made Australian Open qualifiers to 6-3, 6-4 to Portugal’s Freder- crazy,” he said. tralian Open boys’ singles are also going to be making an He added, “We are very straight away,” he said. be held outside Australia in the ico Ferreira Silva. “When I saw him play all champion in 2015, rebounded appearance in Australia. fortunate Qatar are handing Speaking about hosting fu- tournament over a century his- Ymer ensured a heart- these matches and playing so to beat Constant Lestienne of the pandemic so well, and the ture events in Doha, Tiley said, tory. We thank the Australian warming milestone when he good, when I was doing my France 6-7(2) 6-3, 6-4, thus Tennis Australia CEO testing is vigilant and ongo- “I must admit I felt incredibly Open organisers and the ATP sealed an exciting match point rehab for my elbow, I was like, qualifying for a Slam main applauds QTF ing to ensure everyone is kept proud when the first bit of vi- for the confidence they had in against Daniel, scrambling man, if my brother can do this, draw for the first time. Craig Tiley, Tennis Aus- safe. The Qatar Tennis Fed- sion I saw out of Doha was us in offering us this opportuni- about the court to stay alive in come on Elias. I felt like kind Mario Vilella Martinez also tralia CEO and Australian eration has been magnificent seeing those backboards with ty. I believe all the participants a rally before ending it with a of the energy of it. came back from the loss of the Open Tournament Director, in partnering with us, our own the Australian and Qatar on have had a great time in Qatar searing forehand passing shot Ten of the day’s 16 final- first set to pip Tung-Lin Wu said, “There’s no question Andre Sa; a former top player it, with the AO, and the blue and we doubtlessly look for- up the line. round matches were decided 4-6, 7-5, 6-4. the Qatar Tennis Federation has done a magnificent job be- courts, and it looked magnifi- ward to welcoming them back It means he will join in straight sets. But there were Others on the list are the are world champions on how ing a tournament director for cent, and we hope one day we in the nearest future.” Veteran Pironkova, teenager Burel make it to Melbourne

Agencies Dubai

Tsvetana Pironkova and Clara Burel represented two distinct groups of players sealing their place in the main draw at Australian Open 2021 after final-round qualifying victories on Wednesday. Playing in Dubai, Pironk- ova and Burel were among 16 women booking their seat on a plane to Melbourne, where they will complete two weeks of ho- The India cricket team members (left), and the coaching staff and selection committee members at Gabba, the vuew for the fourth India- tel quarantine before resuming Australia Test match starting on January 15, in Brisbane, Australia, on Wednesday. (Pics: BCCI) competition in February. The Australian Open will be staged at Melbourne Park Bulgarian Tsvetana Pironkova was one of the several veterans winning on 8-21 February. her way to the 2021 Australia Open through women’s qualifiers in India prepare for Gabba Test The first to qualify on Dubai on Wednesday. Wednesday was No.1 seed Kaja Juvan, a commanding motivation for me, because win over wildcard Ana Konjuh. 6-1 6-2 victor over Rebecca I really love the Grand Slam Also winning on Wednes- under strict quarantine Sramkova. tournaments and I am so hap- day were 30-year-old Cana- Later, Pironkova, a 33-year- py to be here. dian Rebecca Marino and Agencies steps will be taken with imme- The news of the cases old mother from Bulgaria, was “I have a lot of things to 29-year-old Valeria Savinykh. Brisbane diate effect to make the play- linked to the Grand Chancellor one of several veterans winning work on in my game still; it’s Russia’s Savinykh beat ers comfortable in Brisbane. Hotel, which is located close her way to Melbourne. the first matches for the sea- 13th seed Ysaline Bonventure The Indian cricket team has Earlier on Tuesday, the team to the Indian team hotel, has Pironkova is playing in just son. But I’m really happy that 6-4 7-5 while Marino will play been put under strict quaran- members were restricted to come as a fresh concern in the the third event in her comeback I was able to fight through in the main draw at a Slam for tine in their hotel since their their rooms even though the lead up to the fourth Test. The from a three-year tour absence, all the matches. Today, also, the first time since Australian arrival in Brisbane from Syd- entire team hotel is completely Queensland government has during which she welcomed mentally, was kind of tricky.” Open 2013 after beating Mar- ney for the fourth Test against empty apart from the Indian allowed 50 per cent crowd ca- son Alexander into the world. Mental challenges have yna Zanevska in straight sets. Australia, which will get un- team and their support staff. pacity at the Gabba for the se- Incredibly, the three tour- also defined Sara Errani’s re- French 19-year-old Clara derway at the Gabba on Friday “The team still have to do ries decider. Face masks have naments she has played have cent journey, with the Italian Burel was one of the first to (January 15). their own housekeeping in been made mandatory for any been majors. And she has had admitting to ausopen.com progress, notching another In spite of best efforts of the their respective rooms as ho- fan moving around the venue an impact at all of them, reach- that she now struggles on impressive result at Slam level. Board of Control for Cricket in tel staff is not available for this during the Test. ing the quarterfinals at theU S court with nerves and tension When tennis resumed af- India (BCCI), the restrictions purpose. The team still don’t The quarantine hotel has Open and the third round at that prevent her from playing ter the COVID-19 shut-down over the Team India members have access to the swimming been evacuated with guests Roland Garros before qualify- as freely as she did during her in August 2020, Burel was could not be completely lifted. pool in the hotel although we moved to other hotels in the ing for the Australian Open. top-10 days of 2012 and 2013. ranked outside the top 500. “The team members now Ravichandran Ashwin’s wife Prithi are hoping that the access will state. The Queensland govern- After resuming her career Yet the 33-year-old man- She has since risen to No.236, have the permission to move tweeted this picture of being be provided permission for ment is all set to test and quar- unranked, she is now closing aged to control those nerves after most notably reaching around on the floors on which ‘locked down’ in their hotel room this soon,” the source added. antine 250 guests who were in in on the top 100. on Wednesday, and was an- the third round at Roland Gar- the rooms have been allocated with a tag of ‘Quarantinebane’. Meanwhile, Ravichandran the hotel previously, accord- “Now that I think about it, other veteran sealing her place ros as a wildcard. to the Indian team. They are also Ashwin’s wife Prithi tweeted a ing to 9News. However, only I actually played only Grand in the AO main draw. “Everything I think (is now allowed to use the gymna- Ganguly and secretary Jay picture of being ‘locked down’ two new COVID-19 cases have Slams since I returned, so “I’m really happy to have clicking),” laughed the teenag- sium within the hotel,” sources Shah were both in touch with in their hotel room with a been detected in Queensland three in a row,” she laughed won this match and to go to Aus- er, who is projected to rise to a close to the Indian team said. Cricket Australia (CA) officials tag of ‘Quarantinebane’ on in the last 24 hours, reports after beating Margarita Gas- tralia. It’s a dream for me,” said career-high ranking of No.209 BCCI president Sourav and they were assured that Wednesday morning. have stated. paryan 6-3 7-5. “That’s extra Errani following her 3-6 6-2 6-4 after her AO qualifying result. Sports Thursday, January 14, 2021 15 Qatar handball team to leave for Egypt today for world c’ship

Tribune News Network ration against our European Doha rivals by conducting long over- seas camps and bringing in The Qatar handball team will prominent professionals at our leave for Egypt on Thursday to clubs, but this did not happen participate in the 27th Men’s in the last season (in Qatar) World Championship which and therefore our rivals have starts January 13 (Wednes- the advantage in the World day) and runs until Jan. 31. Championship,” he said. The Qatari delegation He explained that the pres- is led by President of Qatar ence of coach Rivera is one of Handball Association (QHA) the positive factors for the Qa- Ahmed Al Shaabi, and in- tar squad. cludes member of the Board of He said coach Rivera Directors Khalifa Tayseer, Di- knows the rival teams, their rector of the Team Youssef Al players and tactics well and Hail, and administrative man- this should help the team at ager of the team Youssef Al the world championship. Moallem. The technical staff “We have been facing is led by Spanish head coach The Qatari national team will compete in the Men’s World Handball Championship 2021 in Group C, which matches that the national of the coronavirus pandemic great challenges after we Valero Rivera, in addition to includes Croatia, Japan and Angola. team played were limited. on the preparations of other reached the World Champi- 20 players. We played friendly matches teams, especially European onship (Qatar 2015) final. We The Qatari national team Qatar will play with Angola dominant handball force in “We wanted to play a big against Tunisia, Argentina sides, is relatively less as cannot deny that the teams will compete in the World on Friday, Japan on Sunday, Asia. Qatar have won the Asian number of friendly matches and Spain,” the QHA Presi- they have strong competitive in our World Championship Championship in Group C, and Croatia on Tuesday. title thrice and also reached against strong teams, but we dent Ahmed Al Shaabi had leagues. group – Croatia, Japan and which includes Croatia, Japan In recent years, Qatar have the World Championship final were not able to do so due to remarked recently. “Usually we try to cover Angola – are tough oppo- and Angola. established themselves as a on home soil in 2015. the COVID-19 situation. The He also said the impact this big difference in prepa- nents,” said Al Shaabi.

Masters at Augusta National with limited attendance Return To Senders sprints to DPA of patrons, provided it can be Berlin done safely.” The 2020 Mas- ters was delayed from April The Masters Tournament, to November in a season re- Umm Al Afai Cup triumph the first major of the golf sea- scheduled because of the glob- son, will be held in April with al health situation. limited fans in attendance due “We are confident in our Tribune News Network to the coronavirus pandemic, ability to responsibly invite a Doha Augusta National Golf Club limited number of patrons to said on Tuesday. Augusta National in April,” Nasser Saeed Al Eida’s Re- A statement said the 85th Augusta National chairman turn To Senders (Sir Pranceal- edition of the tournament Fred Ridley said. ot x Bougainvilla) went one “will be conducted with simi- “As with the November better than his last outing lar health and safety standards Masters, we will implement to win for the first time this to those previously instituted practices and policies that will season, landing the Umm Al in November 2020. protect the health and safety of Afai Cup in the Thorughbred “With these protocols in everyone in attendance.” The Handicap (Class 3, Rated place, efforts are being made Masters, defended by Dustin 75 – 95) at Qatar Racing and to include a limited number Johnson, runs April 8-11. Equestrian Club’s Al Rayyan Park on Wednesday. QREC Racing Manager Abdulla Rashid Al Kubaisi presented trophies to the winners of Umm Al Afai Cup. The 4yo colt had not finished outside the top five since January 2020 when the bay colt had won the Marmi Cup on dirt. In the dirt feature, JP Guillambert partnered with the Jassim Gazzali-trained colt and the duo put up a de- termined run on the straight to win the 1100m sprint with The winning group of Return To Senders with their trophies and prizes at QREC’s Al Rayyan Park on Wednesday. one and a half lengths to spare, holding off an Al Jasra Stud duo saddled by Ahmed Kobeissi. Ivan Rossi rode Shobrom (Acclamation x Strasbourg Place) to runner up finish, while Faleh Bughanaim was on Chattanooga Boy (Accla- Eighth Longines Hathab mation x Sign From Heaven) to third. Injaaz Stud’s Lekhraib (AF round at QEF’s outdoor AlBahar x Grace T) improved his strike rate this season, rac- arena this weekend ing to his fourth victory from six outings this terms so far. Tribune News Network This will be followed by the His latest win was in the Doha Medium Tour 120-135cm class Purebred Arabian Conditions for teams and individual with where he partnered with Ali The Longines Hathab Qatar a total prize of QR60,000. Khalid Al Mosallam. Trainer Jassim Gazzali receives the trophy for Return To Senders at Equestrian Tour -- supported Saturday will see the Saddled by Mohammed the hands of QREC Racing Manager Abdulla Rashid Al Kubaisi. Return To Senders being guided to victory by JP Guillambert. by The Social & Sport Contri- Open Class Mini Derby action Ghazali, the 7yo chestnut bution Fund – action will re- (115-125cm) with a prize of landed the six furlong sprint (70 & below). The duo landed turn to the Qatar Equestrian QR25,000. with ease finishing a dominant the 1900m run on dirt with six Federation’s (QEF) outdoor This will be followed by the five lengths ahead ofS oufiane and a half lengths to spare. arena for the exciting eighth Big Tour (130-145cm) which Saadi ridden Ateej, showing Yousuf Mubarak Al Ku- round the showjumping leg of carries a prize of QR45,000 versatility, having landed a wari’s I Am Thunder (Night which will held over the week- besides the valuable points. 1700m feature last time round. Of Thunder x Martine’s Spirit) end ((January 15th & 16th) Nasser Al Ghazali currently Rodeyna (Intense Focus x went one better than his last and the dressage on next Sat- leads the points tally with Hidden Meaning) completed time round to land his first ca- urday (January 23rd). 182 points, followed by Faleh a hat-trick for the colours of reer victory. This the fourth season sea- Al Suwaidi (153) and Hamad Injaaz Stud when the Moham- Helmed by Ali Khalid son of the annual domestic Nasser Al Qadi (144). med Ghazali trained mare al-Mosallam for the third equestrian series launched in The Medium Tour is led by won the Local Thoroughbred straight time, the Hamad Al 2017. The best seven results Cyrine Sherif leads (175 points) Handicap (85 & below) in a Jehani trained colt lined up in of the total twelve rounds are while Khalifa Abdullah Al Khal- cozy finish to the 1700m run. the six furlong Thoroughbred taken into account in deciding di tops the Small Tour (177). With JP Guillambert in Maiden Plate (Class 6) sprint overall champions in various Among the teams, the Exx- the saddle, the 6yo branded a from gate 2. categories. onMobil team leads the rank- not-so-impressive outing in a A fantastic ride by the ap- The mandatory veterinary ing with 188 points. miler last time as a mere blip prentice rider saw the 4yo checks for the participating The fourth season of the with a great run on the straight win with two lengths and horses in this round will be Longines Hathab champion- on Wednesday. The bay mare Action from one of the races at QREC’s Al Rayyan Park on Wednesday. three quarters to spare, beat- held on Thursday. ship is being held jointly by the beat Killian Leonard ridden ing Marco Casamento ridden The showjumping compe- Qatar Equestrian Federation Sarmad Bu Thaila by a four Injaaz Stud’s Khafooq (Ko- third by Michael Forest. three quarters of a length in Swagger for the victory. titions will start on Friday with and Al Shaqab (member, Qa- lengths and a quarter. diac x Al Manaal) raced to his Qatari rider Meshaal Abd- front of Abdulla Saleh Al Yafei Qatari jockey Saleh Salem two rounds of the Small Tour tar Foundation) and the event Injaaz Stud’s Muthhil second C&D victory in Qatar latif Al Mohannadi registered ridden Pinatar. Al Marri continued with what 110-115cm class of one round is supported by The Social & (Amer x New Princess) led a when the Gassim Ghazali sad- his first career victory when Rashid Bin Mubarak has been his best season so far against the clock with a total Sport Contribution Fund and one-two for trainer Gassim dled gelding landed the Thor- the apprentice rider rode the Aljafali Al Naimi’s Better when he rode his 15th winner prize of QR20,000. ‘Global Peace’. Ghazali when the Qatar bred oughbred Handicap (Class winner in the Thoroughbred Than Ever (Mainsail x Better of the season. 6yo bagged the Purebred Ara- 4) (80 & below) in dominant Handicap (Class 5) (Qatari Chance) has shown promise In the Local Purebred bian Handicap (80 & below) in fashion. Riders Only) (Div 2) (70 & and consistency this season Arabian Novice Plate, the ap- a fine finish to the 1700m run. Helmed by Marco below). with the Majed Seifeddine- prentice rider guided Khalid Helmed by Qatari ap- Casamento for the third Ahmed Hassan Al Malki trained gelding never finishing Rashid Al Mohannadi’s Stam prentice jockey Saleh Salem straight start, the 5yo held off Al Jehani’s Jurz (Exceed And outside the top three this term. Al Naif (Djelmidor x Hadab Al Al Marri, the grey horse went a duo saddled by Zuhair Mohs- Excel x Bahja) brushed aside That run continued as the Naif) to a fine victory. one better than his last start en at the post in the six furlong a bunch of forgettable fin- 5yo raced to his second victory Rashid Al Jehani saddled to enter the winner’s circle for sprint. SoufianeS aadi ridden ishes as Al Mohannadi rode of the season when Rashid Ali 9yo had last won in the April of the second time this season. Superior Moment was runner the Hamad Al Jehani trained Al Marri guided the gelding to 2017 over C&D. On Wednes- Muthhil beat Marco Casamen- up six lengths behind the win- horse to a close victory in the a dominant win in the Thor- day, the bay horse won the six to ridden Anees by two lengths ner, while another Injaaz Stud 1900m run on dirt. oughbred Handicap (Class 5) furlong sprint with one and a at the post for the victory. contender, Inde, was ridden to The duo went past the post (Qatari Riders Only (Div 1) half lengths to spare.