SATURDAY 17 MARCH 2018 SPORT 21 I’m just happy that I’m able to keep up 8.30PM 10:45PM a good level. Same for Venus. Really FOOTBALL FOOTBALL happy for her that she’s really consist- Roger Federer Liverpool vs Manchester United vs ently easily making all these semis and World No. 1 finals and winning tournaments. Watford Brighton & Hove Albion Qatar juniors shine at Open Water Challenge

FAWAD HUSSAIN experience as the world’s best categories were also competed THE PENINSULA swimmers are participating in the during the day. Series today. The exclusive experience also DOHA: A day before the FINA/ Young Qatari swimmers witnessed participants enjoy the HOSA Marathon Swim World dominated the boys categories same facilities and full services as Series in Doha, Qatari youngsters with Hssine Fahd Mohamed (Boys the elite athletes, including the impressed with their swimming 11-14), Jacob Al Khulaifi (Boys athlete pre-race call-room, the skills at the Open Water Chal- 15-17) and Ahmed Sameh (Boys same starting platform, live athlete lenge which saw hundreds of 18-24) winning their respective tracking and entering the post-race local kids and adults taking a contests. mixed zone, enabling everyone to plunge at the Corniche yesterday. The goal of the Open Water be a world-class athlete for the day Over 360 Qatari kids from the Challenge was to enable people and hopefully inspire the young neighbouring schools and adults of all abilities to swim the same talents of tomorrow. gathered for the challenge to course on Doha’s picturesque Commenting on the Open exactly sample the same Corniche. Several other Water Challenge, President of the Qatar Swimming Association (QSA) and FINA Bureau Member, Khaleel Al Jabir, said: “While we aim to organise the FINA /HOSA Marathon Swim World Series to the highest possible level for all participants, our ambitions go far beyond this. We are determined to use the opportunity to grow and develop swimming by show- casing the sport to new audiences and creating an enjoyable and memorable experience for everyone.” Today’s women’s elite com- Action from the FINA Open Water Challenge at the Doha petition take place at 08:30am, Corniche, yesterday. Pics: Salim Matramkot/The Peninsula while the men’s competition is at 1:30pm.

Federer Bangladesh cricketer Tamim FIM launches ‘Say no! to Iqbal plays a shot during the tri-nation Nidahas Trophy at and Venus the R Premadasa Stadium in roll into doping’ campaign in Qatar , yesterday. THE PENINSULA Riders taking part in the Qatar Grand Prix semi-finals attend the 2018 FIM “Say No! to Doping” talk DOHA: The 2018 FIM “Say No! at Losail International Circuit (LIC) yesterday. AP to Doping” campaign was launched at Losail International INDIAN WELLS: The seniors Circuit (LIC) ahead of this week’s are rolling into the semifinals first Grand Prix of the new at the BNP Paribas Open. MotoGP season. Roger Federer and Venus The LIC is set to host the Williams won in straight sets season opener under lights on Thursday, extending the tomorrow. 36-year-old Swiss superstar’s FIM Medical Director Dr bid for a record sixth title in David McManus and FIM Anti- the desert and the 37-year- Doping Coordinator Evelyne old American’s attempt to win Magnin provided a series of Bangladesh edge out her first. briefings to the riders in Moto3, Federer defeated Chung Moto2 and MotoGP ahead of Hyeon 7-5, 6-1 and equal his their first track action. , enter final career-best start of 16-0 from The briefings highlighted the AFP 2006. rationale for the FIM Anti- no ball due to its height. Williams beat Carla Doping campaign, in particular Skipper Shakib Al Hasan Suarez Navarro 6-3, 6-2 in the dangers of doping, empha- Sports, said. “It’s something the integrity of you all,” Magnin COLOMBO: Mahmudullah looked furious on the boundary the event where she first sizing the potential adverse that’s very important to both of said. Riyad hit an unbeaten 43 to help and even waved to call the broke out as a 16-year-old effects on the health of the us and especially to the FIM as “The FIM will propose some Bangladesh edge out Sri Lanka batsmen back to the pavilion. qualifier in 1997. riders, illustrated by some the sporting organiser of the workshops and educational by two in a bad- But sanity prevailed at R. Pre- Federer won the Aus- examples of prohibited World Championship and the activities during the season in all tempered and enter madasa stadium and Bang- tralian Open in January and substances. disciplinary authority. As the disciplines.” the final of the tri-series in ladesh erupted after getting the has regained the No. 1 An explanation of the sport has developed, the physical The FIM Medical Director, Colombo yesterday. winning runs. ranking. Williams returned to Athlete Biological Passport aspect is now one of the most Dr David McManus, added: Chasing 160 for victory in a It was a crucial third- the top 10 last year after being (ABP), Therapeutic Use important for all classes and we “This briefing is a very welcome virtual semi-final, Mah- partnership between opener runner-up at the Australian Exemption (TUE) process and the feel that it’s important to give opportunity to interact with the mudullah steered the team , who made 50 off Open and Wimbledon. Anti-Doping Administration riders a good education about riders and emphasize the home with a six on the penul- 42 balls, and Mushfiqur Rahim, “I’m just happy that I’m Management System (ADAMS) anti-doping both on the track health implications of doping timate ball but not before a who hit 28, that set up the win able to keep up a good level. was provided. and off.” and the benefits of the FIM heated exchange of words for the underdogs. Same for Venus,” Federer The riders were also intro- The FIM Anti-Doping Anti-Doping campaign, partic- between the players of the two Mystery spinner Akila Dan- said. “Really happy for her duced to the Anti-Doping coordinator, Evelyne Magnin, ularly at the beginning of the sides. anjaya claimed two wickets. that she’s really consistently e-learning platform (ADeL) and demonstrated a range of sup- season. We were encouraged The Tigers will take on India Earlier and easily making all these semis encouraged to participate in the porting material and con- and impressed by the partici- in the final on Sunday. struck gritty and finals and winning tour- ALPHA program (Athlete cluded by thanking the riders pation of the riders and their Drama unfolded when Mus- half-centuries to lift the hosts naments.” With Rod Laver Learning Program about Health who have contributed to the commitments to the campaign tafizur Rahman missed two to 159-7 after being put into bat and Pete Sampras looking on, and Anti-Doping). campaign including Aron and the promotion of a clean bouncers from in first.The left-handed pair of Federer fired 12 aces and was “The FIM and Dorna have Canet, Joan Mir and Dani sport. We would like to extend the final over and was run out Kusal (61) and Thisara (58) broken just once. been working very closely these Pedrosa. a special thanks Dorna for sup- but the Bangladesh players con- counter-attacked after Sri Federer and Chung last past seasons on this subject,” “You deserve a clean sport porting the FIM ‘Say no! to tested the call, saying it was a Lanka were reduced to 41-5. played in the Australian Open Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO Dorna by protecting your health and for doping campaign’.” SCOREBOARD semifinals, when the South Sri Lanka Liton Das c TPerera b Dananjaya ...... 0 Korean was forced to retire MotoGP rider Valentino Rossi trailing 6-1, 5-2 because of c Rahim b Shakib ...... 4 Sabbir Rahman st. KPerera b Dananjaya .....13 takes part in the 2018 FIM c Sarkar b MRahman ...... 11 Mushfiqur Rahim c TPerera b Aponso ...... 28 blisters on his left foot. “Say No! to Doping” campaign Kusal Perera c Miraz b Sarkar ...... 61 Soumya Sarkar c KPerera b JMendis ...... 10 Federer went on to win the at Losail International Circuit run out ...... 5 Mahmudullah Riyad ...... 43 title and at 36 is the No. 1 (LIC) yesterday. Dasun Shanaka c Rahim b Rahman ...... 0 Shakib Al Hasan c Dananjaya b Udana ...... 7 player again. Federer saved c MRahman b Miraz ...... 3 Miraz run out ...... 0 a handful of break points in Thisara Perera c Iqbal b Hossain ...... 58 Mustafizur Rahman run out ...... 0 the first game of the second Isuru Udana (not out) ...... 7 Rubel Hossain (not out) ...... 0 set and then broke Chung Akila Dhananjaya(not out) ...... 1 Extras: (9W) ...... 9 Extras: (4LB, 5W) ...... 9 Total: (for 8 wkts) ...... 160 twice, including on a double Total: (for 7 wkts) ...... 159 Fall of wickets: 1-11, 2-33, 3-97, 4-105, 5-109, fault to take a 5-1 lead. Fall of wickets: 1-15, 2-22, 3-31, 4-32, 5-41, 6-138, 6-137, 7-148, 8-148. “I had a plan in place, but 7-154. Did not bat: Nazmul Islam. then you adjust to it con- : Shakib Al Hasan 2-0-9-1 (1w), Rubel Ho- Bowling: 1-0-10-0 (1w), Akila stantly,” Federer said. sain 4-0-41-1, Mustafizur Rahman 4-1-39-2 (2w), Dhananjaya 4-0-37-2 (1w), Amila Aponso 3-0-19-1, Next up for Federer is Mehedi Hasan Miraz 4-0-16-1, Mahmudullah Riyad Thisara Perera 2-0-20-0, Danushka Gunathilaka Borna Coric of Croatia, who 4-0-29-0 (1w), Saumya Sarkar 2-0-21-1 (1w). 3-0-24-1 (7w), Jeevan Mendis 4-0-24-1, Isuru Bangladesh Udana 2.5-0-26-1. upset No. 7 seed Kevin Tamim Iqbal c KPerera b Gunathilaka 50 Result: Bangladesh won by 2 wickets. Anderson 2-6, 6-4, 7-6 (3) 22 SPORT SATURDAY 17 MARCH 2018 Real face Juve in quarter-finals REUTERS unhappy memories for the Italian wins for Juve, nine for Real -- Champions League side who lost 6-1 on their last visit including the 1998 final -- and trophy during the NYON: Juventus were given a to the Nou Camp in November two draws. draw yesterday. chance to avenge last year’s 2015, and Sevilla, who beat Man- “In last year’s final we only Champions League final defeat chester United in the last round, played well for the first 45 by Real Madrid when the two will take on Bayern Munich. minutes,” said Juventus vice- sides were drawn together for the The first legs will be played president and former midfielder quarter-finals of this year’s on April 3/4 with the return Pavel Nedved. competition yesterday. matches one week later. “However, over two legs, I The last eight also produced Juventus, who will host the think we will have a better an all English pairing as Premier first leg, were thumped 4-1 by chance... they will be two very League leaders Manchester City Real in last season’s final in tough contests, but we will try to were drawn against Liverpool, Cardiff, although the Turin side play the Juventus way.” the only team to have beaten Pep came out on top when they last Liverpool’s tie against Man- Guardiola’s side in the league this met over two legs, in the semi- chester City will be the first season. finals in 2015. meeting between English sides In the other ties, Barcelona Overall, the teams have faced in the quarter-finals since 2010/11 will face AS Roma, bringing back each other 19 times with eight when Chelsea faced Manchester United. General view of the final draw City have won only one of their last eight meetings with Liv- erpool in all competitions, if you exclude their penalty shootout triumph in the 2016 League Cup final. “It’s always common in a draw that you’ll get your Thank God it’s football and anything can happen, especially would not underestimate Sevilla. neighbour, more or less, but to nothing is decided.” in these type of games,” he said. “Sevilla are not an easy team. be honest I don’t mind,” said Former Roma stalwart “We’ve already come a long They eliminated Manchester Liverpool manager Juergen Francesco Totti said his former way, finishing ahead of Chelsea United,” said Bayern sports Klopp. team, who are considered the and Atletico Madrid in the group director Hasan Salihamidzic. “I don’t think they thought outsiders alongside Sevilla, stage and knocking out Shakhtar “It certainly is no easy draw, before the best draw they could should not be worried about Donetsk.” they did not come through to this have got is Liverpool. That’s a sign facing Barca. Bayern, the runaway Bun- stage by accident,” added mid- for us and how strong we can be... “Football is beautiful because desliga leaders, promised they fielder David Alaba. Arsenal draw CSKA Moscow Morata left out of Spain squad, Diego in Europa League last-8 stage Costa returns AFP UEFA competitions director AP Giorgio Marchetti and Eric Atletico until the team’s NYON, SWITZERLAND: English Abidal during the draw transfer ban from FIFA ended club Arsenal will take on CSKA yesterday. MADRID: Spain coach Julen in January. Spain will play Moscow after the clubs were Lopetegui has left Chelsea Germany on March 23 in Dus- drawn together in a Europa striker Alvaro Morata out of seldorf and Argentina on League quarter-final in Nyon the national team squad for March 27 in Madrid as part of yesterday at a time of strained friendlies against Germany its World Cup preparations. relations between Britain and and Argentina, while Diego Squad Russia. Costa was included after Goalkeepers: Kepa British Prime Minister returning to action with Arrizabalaga (Athletic Bilbao), Theresa May this week expelled Atletico Madrid. David De Gea (Manchester 23 Russian diplomats over the Lopetegui said yesterday United), Pepe Reina (Napoli). nerve agent poisoning of a he did not include Morata in Defenders: Jordi Alba former spy, and said British his 24-strong squad because (Barcelona), Cesar Azpilicueta royals and ministers would not he hasn’t played much (Chelsea), Marcos Alonso attend the World Cup in Russia recently, but added that the (Chelsea), Dani Carvajal (Real this year. player still has a chance of Madrid), Nacho Fernandez The first leg of the Arsenal- making it to the World Cup in (Real Madrid), Gerard Pique CSKA tie will take place in London Russia. (Barcelona), Sergio Ramos on April 5 with the return leg in the “Morata has almost (Real Madrid), Alvaro Odri- Russian capital on April 12. always been with us,” ozola (Real Sociedad). Lopetegui said. Midfielders: Francisco EUROPA LEAGUE DRAW “He had physical “Isco” Alarcon (Real Madrid), First Leg problems, was inactive for a Thiago Alcantara (Bayern April 5 while, and we thought it was Munich), David Silva (Man- Leipzig (Germany) vs Marseille (France) Arsenal posted a statement developments.” The competition a place in the last four. better to bring other players. chester City), Andres Iniesta Arsenal (England) vs CSKA Moscow (Russia) on their website drawing the represents Arsenal’s only Marseille, the only former He remains in our thoughts (Barcelona), Saul Niguez attention of fans to travel advice remaining chance of winning a Champions League winner left and his chances of going to (Atletico Madrid), Dani Parejo Atletico Madrid (Spain) vs issued by Britain’s Foreign Office, trophy this season and their sole in the competition, face rising the World Cup remain intact. (Valencia), Jorge “Koke” Res- Sporting Lisbon (Portugal) which said: “Due to heightened chance of qualifying for next sea- German force RB Leipzig, who He will have an extraordinary urreccion (Atletico Madrid), Lazio (Italy) vs Salzburg (Austria) political tensions between the UK son’s Champions League. are competing in Europe for the end to his season... to make it Rodrigo Hernandez (Vil- Second Leg and Russia, you should be aware Atletico Madrid, who won the first time. to the World Cup.” Morata, larreal), Marco Asensio (Real April 12 of the possibility of anti-British Europa League in 2010 and 2012 Austria’s Red Bull Salzburg, who is yet to score this year, Madrid). Marseille (France) vs Leipzig (Germany) sentiment or harassment at this and were losing Champions finalists in 1994 but very much had been bothered by a back Forwards: Iago Aspas CSKA Moscow (Russia) vs Arsenal (England) time. League finalists in two of the last the minnows of this year’s last problem. (Celta Vigo), Rodrigo Sporting Lisbon (Portugal) vs “You’re advised to remain four seasons, are the most eight, travel to Rome for their Costa had not been called (Valencia), Diego Costa

Atletico Madrid (Spain) vigilant, avoid any protests or imposing of the quarter-finalists. first leg against Lazio. up in more than nine months (Atletico Madrid), Lucas Salzburg (Austria) vs Lazio (Italy) demonstrations and avoid com- They take on Sporting Lisbon, All the matches will be played because he couldn’t play with Vazquez (Real Madrid). menting publicly on political with the first leg in Portugal, for on April 5 and April 12.

Henrik Stenson of Sweden in action Stenson on top but Tiger prowls at Arnold Palmer Invitational in REUTERS Orlando, Florida. PALMER INVITATIONAL SCORES “Golf is funny game, my putter NEW YORK: Henrik Stenson turned wasn’t working at all last week, I in a sizzling eight-under 64 to grab 64 - Henrik Stenson (SWE) actually hit the ball alright through the first round lead at the Arnold 65 - Aaron Wise the two rounds I played but just Palmer Invitational on Thursday, Talor Gooch 67 - Jimmy Walker, Rickie Fowler, Bryson couldn’t get a birdie and had to go while Tiger Woods was back near the DeChambeau do some work on my putting and got top of the leaderboard and on the 68 - Patrick Reed, Tiger Woods, An Byeong-Hun (KOR), that going.” prowl for a ninth Bay Hill title. Billy Horschel, Brian Harman, JB Holmes Lurking two shots farther back Stenson, who missed the cut at 69 - Brandon Harkins, Justin Rose (ENG), Graeme Mc- at five-under after 67s are a trio of last week’s PGA Tour stop the Dowell (NIR), Zach Johnson, Tommy Fleetwood (ENG), Americans including world number

Valspar Championship, started his Rory McIlroy (NIR), Emiliano Grillo (ARG), Ernie Els seven Rickie Fowler, Jimmy Walker round quietly with three pars but (RSA), Sam Burns and Bryson DeChambeau. then birdied nine of his next 13 holes But the man in the spotlight once including five straight from the ninth. again was Woods - back at one of The only blemish on an otherwise lead over Americans Talor Gooch and his favourite events and near the top polished card was a bogey at the Aaron Wise. of the leaderboard after carding a 14th that interrupted a magical run “There was no point wasting a rock solid four-under 68 to share of seven birdies over eight holes few (birdies) when I was heading seventh with compatriot Patrick before the Swede closed out his home (last week),” said Stenson, Reed and South Korean An round with two pars for a one shot whose nine birdies are a career best. Byeong-hun. SATURDAY 17 MARCH 2018 SPORT 23 Emir Cup: Masoud wins Double Trap title at Losail

Masoud Hamad Al Athba, aims at the target during the men’s Double Trap event at the Emir Cup.

Masoud Hamad Al Athba, winner in the men’s Double Trap of the Emir Cup poses for a picture during the victory ceremony at Losail Shooting Range yesterday.

Relegation Umm Salal take on Al Rayyan battle goes to the wire with eye on QSL fourth spot THE PENINSULA

DOHA: Qatar SC can afford ARMSTRONG VAS to take it easy against Al THE PENINSULA Kharaitiyat when they clash in the Week 21 match of the DOHA: Unbeaten Al Duhail has QNB Stars League here today. alaready pocketed the QNB Stars Al Kharaitiyat are fighting League (QSL) title with two more with their back to the wall to rounds still to go, the focus has avoid relegation. With just 13 now shifted as to which of the points and are in the second teams will clinch the fourth spot. last place. Will it be Al Gharafa or Umm Qatar SC, on the other Salal - the only teams in con- hand are eighth with 22 tention for the prestigious points, “I am preparing the position that guarantees a place team in the best possible way. in the elite, four-team Qatar Cup. We had done well in many Al Duhail (54 points), Al Sadd games but did not get the (46) and Al Rayyan (39) have desired results. We created been assured of the first, second opportunities time and again and third position respectively. but found ourselves at the The fourth-spot clash became receiving end. Against Al intense after both Al Gharafa and Duhail also last week, we Umm Salal won in Week 20, made many individual mis- against Al Sailiya (3-0) and Al takes and that proved costly,” Sadd (2-1) respectively. Only one Al Kharaitiyat coach Yasser point separates the teams. Sebaei said. Al Gharafa have 32 points “I hope we will be lucky from nine wins, five draws and in the last two games and six defeats, while Umm Salal, on make a turnaround in our 31, have to their credit eight vic- The match assumes more sig- coach Talal El Karkouri said on the opponents (Al Rayyan) play We know Umm Salal well and fortunes. Our goal is to stay tories, seven draws and five nificance for Umm Salal, ifr they the eve of the match. even though we badly need three they are a tough team to defeat,” in the league. We are really losses. are keen to displace Al Gharafa “It is very crucial for us to win points. We will adopt a wait-and- he added. suffering from the many Al Gharafa scored 39 goals from the fourth position in QNB the next two games if we have to watch approach,” said El “Since our loss to Al Sadd, we defeats we endured in the and conceded 31 to have a goal Stars League standings. finish among the top four. We Karkouri. knew that we will not retreat to first phase. There were too difference of +8, whereas Umm Umm Salal are having an cannot lose or draw and wait for Al Rayyan coach Michael the fourth position and we also many negative results. In Salal scored 30 goals, but con- impressive run, while Al Rayyan’s Al Gharafa’s results. We must Laudrup said Umm Salal are will not win the league title. This some matches, despite dom- ceded 31 to be one goal in deficit. form slumped slightly of late. play well week in and week out,” tough opponents. was clear in the players’ minds. inating…,” he added. Umm Salal take on Al Rayyan Al Rayyan had also lost big- he added. “Great week for Al Rayyan as Since that moment, the league “We have used videos to vs Umm Salal in Week 21 today. time to Al Gharafa in Week 19. “I am expecting Al Rayyan to well as other Qatari clubs com- was a closed chapter for us and assess the strengths and Even though it is a foregone con- field their best eleven. They may peting in the AFC Champions we then turned our focus to the weaknesses of Qatar SC. They QNB STARS LEAGUE clusion that they would finish play with 60 per cent of their League. We gained crucial points AFC Champions League,” the are a different side under third, Michael Laudrup’s men will main players also because of which will make us continue our Dane said. Abdullah Mubarak. This is a QNB Stars League Week 21 fixtures be keen to collect as many points fatigue resulting from their Asian Asian campaign with more con- “When we speak about the do or die game for us and we Today’s matches as possible from the remaining engagements. fidence. Now, we will encounter league, there is only one team are counting on the fighting Al Arabi vs Al Gharafa (Al Arabi Stadium), two matches. “They have many young Umm Salal… the team struggling that did not lose any game and spirit of our players to put up Al Rayyan vs Umm Salal (Qatar SC Stadium) Al Kharaitiyat vs Qatar SC (Al Khor Stadium) “Al Rayyan are doing good in players in their ranks. I was away for the fourth position. We are in therefore they are the league a strong showing,” he said. Al Sadd vs Al Khor (Al Sadd Stadium) the AFC Champions League from Qatar for two years, so I the third position and we are well champions. We should all con- “There is no other way for Al Markhiya vs Al Duhail (Al Gharafa Stadium) though they suffered some set- could not keep track of them aware of our status,” Laudrup gratulate them. No other team us than winning this match. I Al Ahli vs Al Sailiya (Al Ahli Stadium). backs in the QNB Stars League. much. We have not decided said. can be compared to Al Duhail as have not faced such a difficult

All matches will kick off simultaneously at Naturally, they are tough oppo- whether to go all out or take a “This also does not mean we they also won all their group- situation in my career, but I 18:05 nents. They are changing players defensive approach. I will take a will enter the game with strength stage fixtures in the AFC Cham- am confident we can wriggle from game to game,” Umm Salal call on that only after seeing how in order to win the three points. pions League,” he added. out of it,” said Yasser.

Hathab Equestrian Tour action continues

The podium winners, at the Ninth Round of the Hathab Equestrian Tour event, pose for a picture during the victory ceremony of the Small Tour at the Al Shaqab Arena yesterday. Right: A rider takes part in one of the event yesterday. Today is the last day of the event. SPORT Saturday 17 March 2018 PAGE | 21 PAGE | 22 PAGE | 23 Federer, Venus Real Madrid face Umm Salal take Williams roll into Juventus in Champions on Al Rayyan with semi-finals League quarter-finals eye on 4th spot

Qatar joins hands with Dorna and Aspire to launch academy

RIZWAN REHMAT visited Aspire Academy - which THE PENINSULA I must say is an incredible place to train and educate young kids DOHA: The Losail Circuit Sports - I saw what kind of work was Club (LCSC) yesterday confirmed going on. We talked if some- that it had joined hands with thing could be done about Dorna Sports and Aspire young riders with their help. Academy to launch the Qatar Then we thought let’s have Motorsport Academy (QMA), the LCSC, the QMMF, Aspire region’s first learning school of Academy and Dorna to create its kind for budding riders. possibilities about creating an The aim of the academy is to academy,” Ezpeleta said. nurture young riding talent in “I have been told the Qatar and the region, Khalid Al academy will be opened for eve- Remaihi, Vice President and rybody. This will be a new mot- General Manager LCSC, said orsport family. Qatar will be the yesterday. first country in the world to do Al Remaihi was joined by something like this at the national Carmelo Ezpeleta, Dorna CEO, level. It is very important for the Ivan Bravo, General Director region as well. For us, it is a very Aspire Academy, Abdulrahman exciting project. Right now we Al Mannai, QMMF President and have the required experience to Minister of Culture and Sports of Qatar, H E Salah bin Ghanim Al Ali (third left) is seen with Vito Ippolito, FIM President (left), Ivan Bravo, Vito Ippolito, FIM President, at a push this on. This is even bigger General Director Aspire Academy (second left), Abdulrahman Al Mannai, QMMF President (right), Khalid Al Remaihi, Vice President and press conference called to of a project than we thought of announce the details of the General Manager LCSC (second right) and Carmelo Ezpeleta, Dorna CEO during the press conference yesterday. initially. We will do everything in academy. our power to help talented riders Minister of Culture and Sports reporters. “Aspire Academy is “The platform is for kids time when we begin our regular moving in the right direction with get to Moto 3 and beyond,” the of Qatar, H E Salah bin Ghanim also an icon in sports training and falling in the bracket of 6 to 14 racing season. We will keep the launch of the academy. Dorna Sports CEO said during the Al Ali, also attended the press education. Their forte is excel- years of age. Whether you are a spreading the word about this “Today is a very important press conference. conference. lence in sports. To have their Qatari or resident of this country, academy. We will make the most day for motorsport in Qatar,” QMMF President Al Mannai “We are thrilled to have this support is also a big plus for us. everybody is welcome. People of our resources to get everything Ezpelata said yesterday. said: “I think this will make our partnership with Dorna Sports This partnership is about an living around the region can also moving. We thank QMMF for “Dorna has created systems job easier with the launch of this who have vast experience in this academy that will be a platform be part of this programme. I their cooperation. Hopefully around the world to reach young academy. With expertise of field. They have vast knowledge for those wanting to get the right would said even those living some day we will have our own riders the right techniques. We Dorna and Aspire Academy, we in the field of bike racing. They training and support.” further away from the region can riders in the world of MotoGP,” have given them good education. feel this is a perfect combi- have done this around the world. “There will be a lot of pro- benefit from this academy,” he Al Remaihi said. All of this helped us build a team nation. When you think of a They have created platforms for grammes and segments to the added. Ezpelata said Qatar - who of people who could go on to sport-related project, you have younger generation to take up the specialised training we are going “Our target is to launch this were the first and only country show the young people the pos- to see that is comprehensive. As sport with the right kind of to impart at the academy,” he programme on the first of to host a MotoGP round in the sibilities of becoming top riders. President of QMMF, I support training,” Al Remaihi told added. October later this year. That is the region since October 2004 - were “Two years ago, when we this initiative. We are very happy about it.” Bravo said: “Our part will be what Aspire Academy really does. Once you have base of the pyramid - when you have a lot of kids maybe starting to ride or getting exposed to the sport - it is then Dorna’s technical expertise will tell us ‘here is this kid with special talents or potential’. That includes their physical or psychological condi- tioning or preparation. Every- thing that comes around in sports science, we will look after those aspects. Except for the coaching Khalid Al Remaihi Ivan Bravo Vito Ippolito Abdularahman Al Mannai Carmelo Ezpeleta and training, the rest will be handled by us.” Dovizioso sets the pace at Losail THE PENINSULA realistic test. Fellow Ducati rider following a busy start to his session Frenchman Johann Zarco Danilo Petrucci (Alma Pramac with his Ducati machine causing (Monster Yamaha Tech 3) rounds DOHA: Ducati Team’s Andrea Racing) completed the day as top sparks to fly on the home straight. out the top ten. Dovizioso started his Grand Prix of independent rider in second Italian Andrea Iannone (Team Maverick Vinales (Movistar Qatar campaign in the best possible position, as he set his time with Suzuki Ecstar) wasn’t far behind his Yamaha MotoGP) had a difficult end way as the Italian ended yesterday’s three minutes remaining only to be team-mate in fifth with a lap of in 11th position, ahead of compa- free practice at the top of the timing beaten by his compatriot. 1.54.841, whilst reigning world triot Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing screens, stunning his rivals with a Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar) champion Marc Marquez (Repsol Team Gresini). lap time of 1.54.361 to put him just was the first non-Ducati of the day, Honda Team) ended the day in sixth Tito Rabat (Reale Avintia 0.006s ahead at Losail Interna- sitting 0.097s behind Dovizioso position. Racing) secured a top 13 finish on tional Circuit. after a strong session for the Honda’s Cal Crutchlow (LCR board his Ducati, with Australian It was the perfect test for race Spanish rider, who led the way in Honda Castrol) sits in eighth, and Jack Miller (Alma Pramac Racing) pace in the second session of 2018 the final ten minutes. the second of the independents debuting in 14th position with his for MotoGP, as bikes take to the Jorge Lorenzo (Ducati Team) ahead of ninth placed Valentino new team. Completing the top 15 is track at the same time as the lights secured fourth position overall Rossi (Movistar Yamaha MotoGP) rookie Takaaki Nakagami (LCR will go out for the race, putting the around the Losail International who was unable to secure a fast lap Honda Idemitsu), 1.333s off the Andrea Doviziso in action during free practice yesterday. track conditions to the most Circuit, his time of 1.54.831 was set time at the end of the session. fastest man of the day.