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Home , 2021 ISSF World Cup, Ashen Bandara, Haris Rauf, Kamindu Mendis, Kyle Jamieson, Mohammed Siraj

QatarTribune Qatar_Tribune Devon QatarTribuneChannel qatar_tribune Conway sizzles with unbeaten 99 as NZ beat Australia in T20I opener Tuesday, FEBRUARY 23, 2021 page 15 Stoppage time show: Cazorla strike sinks Al Arabi, takes Al Sadd closer to title

Sebastian Soria celebrates scoring the first goal for Al Arabi.

team-mate Nam Tae-Hee once ute corner kick. But referee Ab- attack from the left flank. missed the target. dulhadi Al Ruaile, after consult- Al Gharafa, aiming to Action continued to be ing with VAR, disallowed the bounce back, made a fiery hot in the second half and Ca- Kenyan striker’s goal, declaring attack in stoppage time, but zorla hit a grounder against Sultan Al Brake offside. the rival goalkeeper made a the right upright in the 54th Olunga got another oppor- flying save from Adlene Gue- minute. Soon, Al Sadd cap- tunity to score after a fine ball dioura’s bullet from near the tain Hassan Al Haydous’ shot from Assim Madibo, but he hit penalty area to keep Sabri was blocked by Al Arabi goal- the ball wide from a difficult Lamouchi-coached side in keeper Mahmoud Abunada angle as the clock reached the lead at half-time. and Bounedjah hit one wide double figures. The second session started of the target. Al Gharafa too created in similar fashion, with both Tabata drew level for Al chances that included their sides creating opportunities to Sadd by placing the ball home 17th minute attack when Kodjia score. Kodjia and Dudu both in a goalmouth melee, with stormed near the danger area, came close to scoring their Spaniard Santi Cazorla (right), who scored in 90+2 minute for Al Sadd to win 3-2, in action during the QNB Stars League match against Al Arabi Nam doing the spadework but Al Duhail defenders were second goal during the ex- at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium on Monday. along the left goalline. After well in time to thwart him. changes, but none of the teams Msakni took Al Arabi ahead Just a few moments later, succeeded in finding a goal in Tribune News Network fans in delight. proud of my players’ perfor- Al Sadd had more of the for a second time, Al Sadd did Al Duhail went ahead when the second half as Al Duhail Doha Runaway leaders Al Sadd mance, especially in the sec- ball in the first half with 61 not lose heart and their con- Muntari, unmarked near the emerged as victorious. (15 wins, 2 draws, 0 loss) now ond half. We have achieved percent even though Al Arabi certed efforts bore fruit when penalty area, fired a left-foot- Later, Al Rayyan eased Just when it seemed that Al have a tally of 47 points from an amazing victory. We have took the half-time break with Bounedjah headed home Guil- ed shot into the net following a past Al Kharaitiyat 3-0. Ga- Arabi were in with a chance to 17 matches. They now now not lost yet this season and a 1-0 lead. The fast-paced herme Torres’ long cross from corner kick by Dudu. briel Mercado (45), Naif al- pull off a thrilling result, the need just one win from the five we need one victory to win game saw both teams attack the right. Cazorla sealed the However, Al Gharafa did Hadhrami (52nd minute) and Wolves had two of their stars remaining matches to claim the QNB Stars League,” the from the word go and Al Arabi issue in favour of Al Sadd by not have to wait much to find Yacine Brahimi (85th minute) hunting as a pair and their dy- the title. Al Sadd coach said. shocked Al Sadd with an early firing in a missile as a thriller an equaliser as they won a pen- scored the goals for Al Rayyan, ing-minute strikes left their ri- Al Sadd’s tally is 13 more Al Arabi, who were without goal, with Soria heading in a came to a close. alty after Al Brake committed a who climbed to third with 28 vals shell-shocked in the QNB than their fierce rivals Al Du- coach Heimir Hallgrimsson in measured cross from the right Earlier, Al Duhail edged foul against Homam al-Ameen points. Al Kharaitiyat remain Stars League at the Jassim Bin hail, who beat Al Gharafa 2-1 the dugout after the Icelander by Mehrdad Mohammadi. past Al Gharafa 2-1 at the near the goal post. Kodjia hit at the bottom of the table with Hamad Stadium on Monday. in another clash of the evening. tested positive for coronavi- In fact, Mehrdad gave the Suheim Bin Hamad stadium. a confident low shot from the six points. Chasing the title, Al Sadd “It was a crazy match and rus, went ahead after Sebas- assist for their second goal as Mohamed Muntari (19th min- spot, firing the ball past a div- made a roaring 3-2 comeback we deserved to win. We re- tian Soria’s found the net in well with a through pass that ute) and Dudu (44th min- ing goalkeeper Salah Zakaria. Results win Al Arabi in the elec- spect the Al Arabi team a lot, the 10th minute. was translated into goal by ute) scored for Duhail, while Five minutes before half- Al Sadd 3 (Hassan Al Haydos trifying Derby remain- but they relied on time wast- Rodrigo Tabata equalised Msakni with a long-range shot. Jonathan Kodjia (24th min- time, referee Alasmar reversed 63’, Baghdad Bounedjah 90’, ing unbeaten in league. ing throughout the match. for Al Sadd in the 63rd min- Al Arabi were a determined ute) struck one for Al Gharafa his decision of awarding an- Santi Cazorla 90+2’) bt Al Arabi Coach Xavi Hernandez’s Therefore, winning in the last ute but Youssef Al Masakeni lot, just like they performed from the penalty spot. The Red other penalty to Kodjia fol- 2 (Sebastian Soria 10’, Youssef men were just minutes away minutes was well deserved,” a restored the lead for Arab in against Al Sadd in the 2019-20 Knights consolidated their sec- lowing Al Brake’s challenge Msakni 77’) from suffering their first loss delighted Xavi said. the 77th minute. The Dream season Amir Cup final before ond spot with 34 points, while against him – after checking Al Duhail 2 (Mohammed Mun- of the season, but Baghdad “In the first half we did Team, who had not lost since going down fighting. Al Gharafa stayed on 27 points. with VAR. tari 19’, Dudu 44’) bt Al Ghara- Bounedjah equalised in the not play well and this gave Al their defeat to Al Sadd in the On the half-hour mark, As Duhail got off to a fast In the penultimate minute fa 1 (Jonathan Kodjia 24’ (P)) 90th minute before Santi Ca- Arabi the advantage. But our Amir Cup final two months Msakni was just thwarted by start, Michael Olunga was on of the first half, Brazilian Dudu Al Rayyan 3 (Gabriel Mercado zorla’s thunderbolt strike two performance improved in the back, looked like securing a Al Sadd goalkeeper Meshaal target early when he headed the put Al Duhail in the lead again 45+1’, Naif Al Hadrami 51’, minutes later left Al Arabi second half and we succeed- famous win before Bounedjah Barsham. At the other end, ball past Al Gharafa goalkeeper with a header from close range Yacine Brahimi 85’) bt Al camp stunned and Al Sadd ed in achieving victory. I am and Cazorla broke their hearts. Bounedjah thrice and his Yousef Hassan in a third-min- after a fine cross following an Kharaitiyat 0. Bayern resume Champions League after domestic wobble DPA commitments including a trip and Thomas Lemar have all there is a lot of talk about it, Berlin to Doha for the Club World recovered. Chelsea are only but it doesn’t affect us as a Cup - which they won - earlier fifth in the Premier League team at all. Bayern Munich’s form in this month. but unbeaten under new coach “At the end of the day, the Champions League is for- They have not won domes- Thomas Tuchel and looking we just have to keep working midable going into their last tically since, with Robert Le- to improve on four consecu- hard and keep believing in 16 first leg at Lazio on Tues- wandowski’s second half goal tive last 16 eliminations most ourselves.” Real are waiting day but in contrast to a re- unable to prevent a 2-1 defeat recently a 7-1 aggregate hum- on the fitness of Karim Benze- cent domestic wobble which in Frankfurt. Matches Today bling to Bayern. ma who missed the weekend has opened up the Bundes- “We’ll build on the second 11pm: City are also in top form win over Valladolid with an liga title race. half performance,” promised Lazio vs Bayern Munich as they charge towards the abductor injury, and are defi- Hansi Flick’s men have Flick. 11pm: Premier League title. They nitely without Fede Valverde, taken just one point from The holders are nearly two Atletico Madrid are unbeaten in their past 25 Rodrygo Goes, Eden Hazard, their last two outings before years unbeaten in the Cham- vs Chelsea games across all competitions, Sergio Ramos, Dani Carvajal, visiting Rome while at the pions League, winning 16 and winning 22. Eder Militao, Marcelo and Al- same time stuttering Primera drawing once since losing to “I’m surprised and im- varo Odriozola. Division leaders Atletico Ma- Liverpool in the 2019 round of pressed and so when every- “We have a lot of players drid host Chelsea - though in 16 second leg. one is suffering in this world, out. But the players that we Bucharest due to coronavirus “I think we go in as favour- all the teams in the league have are all committed,” said travel restrictions in . ites but they have to be taken are dropping points, we were coach Zinedine Zidane, who Budapest is again home- seriously with their class for- consistent over the past two led Real to the last three of from-home for a German wards,” goalkeeper months and I did not expect their 13 European titles. “It’s side for the same reason on Manuel Neuer said. “We know [that],” manager Pep Guardi- not easy but we have to get Wednesday as Borussia Moe- how dangerous Ciro Immobile Bayern Munich’s German head coach Hans-Dieter Flick (2nd R) argues with referees during the Bundesliga ola said after the weekend 1-0 on with it.” Atalanta are again nchengladach host high-flying is. I think Robert Lewandows- match against Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday. (AFP) win at Arsenal. in the knock-out stage of the Manchester City while record ki is looking forward to that Gladbach are winless in elite event reaching the quar- European champions Real clash a bit.” Lazio striker Im- goals in the tournament with have some issues, but I would cuses, we have to find solu- four in the Bundesliga and a ter-finals in their debut last Madrid visit Atalanta. mobile won the golden boot the Romans back in the event have preferred if we both were tions,” said coach Diego Sime- strong season is threatening season. “It’s a long season,” Flick with a continental best 36 they last played in 2007-08 without worries.” Inzaghi’s one, who is without injured to unravel in light of coach “It’s a two-leg affair and said after Saturday’s loss at Serie A goals last season but and, as their coach Simone In- woes are mainly defensive defender Jose Gimenez. Marco Rose announcing he’ll we would like to be into the Eintracht Frankfurt which told UEFA.com of runner-up zaghi confessed, would have with Luiz Felipe and Stefan Coronavirus positives join Borussia Dortmund next game in Madrid,” coach Gian followed a 3-3 home draw Lewandowski: “He is a com- gladly avoided Bayern. Radu out. have reduced their options re- term - even if the players deny Piero Gasperini said. with relegation strugglers plete striker. “They are the squad we Atletico are struggling cently but players are gradu- that is a factor. City and Real have their Arminia Bieleld. “I think he is currently the really did not want to meet,” with just five points from their ally returning. “That decision doesn’t home legs on March 16 with Bayern had little pre- best number nine in the world, Inzaghi said. last four games to see their La Moussa Dembele made play any kind of role,” wing- Bayern and Chelsea hosting a season last summer and their so we have to be very careful.” “They are European and Liga lead cut. his debut at the weekend, and er Jonas Hofmann told the day later. The final is May 29 2019-20 treble brought extra The Lazio skipper has five world champions. They may “I am not looking for ex- Mario Hermoso, Joao Felix club homepage. “I know that in Istanbul. Sports Tuesday, February 23, 2021 13 Doha Beach Volleyball Cup 2021 qualification rounds from today FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour event kicks off in Doha for the 8th time Agencies Doha

The FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour event will kick off for the eighth time with the US$5,000 Doha Beach Vol- leyball Cup at the Al Gharafa Beach Complex from Tuesday (Feb 23-26). The Qatar pairing of Cherif Younousse Samba and Ahmed Tijan will be seeking their second medal in the Qatari capital after placing third in the March 2018 Katara Beach Practice and preparations ahead of the Doha Beach Volleyball Cup (FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour event) at the Al Gharafa Beach Complex on Monday. Volleyball Cup after defeating Americans Phil Dalhausser teams participating in the their participation in the World The top three finishers in Oman (2), (4), and Alexey Gusev/Pavel Shus- on Tuesday as all five FIVB and Nick Lucena in the bronze tournament including those Tour 1-Star event. each of the four groups will (5), (1), Tunisia trov of Russia, Yves Haussen- confederations are scheduled medal match. from Lebanon, Poland, Russia The precautionary meas- advance to the elimination (1), (2), United States er/Quentin Metral of Switzer- to have teams competing in The Doha Beach Vol- and the USA, as those teams ures as per the Ministry of Pub- bracket where two rounds will (1) and Venezuela (2). land, Murat Giginoglu/Volkan the event – Asia (Lebanon, leyball Cup is the first 1-star entered the medical bubble lic Health precautionary meas- be played on Thursday. Eleven of the teams in the Gogtepe and Selcuk Sekerci/ Oman, Qatar), Africa (Gam- men’s-only tournament of allocated at the Ezdan Hotel ures against new coronavirus Friday’s schedule fea- Doha Beach Volleyball Cup Sefa Urlu of Turkey and Travis bia, , Morocco), Europe two World Tour events in West Bay, in preparation for (COVID-19) have been applied. tures the semifinal and medal are ranked on the FIVB World Mewhirter/Adam Roberts of (Poland, Russia, Switzerland), Qatar this season with the the tournament. A total of 24 teams from 14 matches. Tour list led by Qatar’s Cherif the United States. NORCECA (Canada and the $300,000 Katara Beach Vol- The teams received a warm countries will be in the field on Led by Cherif and Ahmed, and Ahmed. With three World Also competing in the United States) and South leyball Cup set for March 8-12 welcome upon their arrival at Tuesday. the 13th ranked team on the Tour medals to their credit in Doha Beach Volleyball Cup America (Venezuela). for both men and women. Hamad International Airport, Four pairs will advance to FIVB World Tour, host Qatar 29 FIVB starts together, Cherif are Jackson Henriquez and The last World Tour event The local organizing com- where the medical swab tests the main draw from the quali- has entered seven teams into and Ahmed are ranked 13th Jesus Villafane of Venezuela, was played this past September mittee of Qatar Volleyball As- were conducted in line with the fication rounds. the event. internationally. who competed in one World in Lithuania where teams from sociation has implemented health safety policy to limit the Following Tuesday’s quali- Other countries entered in Six other teams in the Tour event together since their (Kusti Nolvak Mart preparation policies ahead of spread of COVID-19 and then fiers, the 16-team main draw the Doha Beach Volleyball Cup Doha Beach Volleyball Cup last full season on the interna- Tiisaar) and (Margherita the start of the competition went directly to the residence for the Doha Beach Volleyball are Brazil (1 entry), Canada (1), field have FIVB medals to tional circuit in 2016. Bianchin/Claudia Scampoli) from Monday until Friday. hotel, where teams entered the Cup begins with pool play on Egypt (1), Gambia (1), Israel their credit, including Anton Henriquez and Villafane topped the men’s and women’s Doha began to welcome “health bubble” until the end of Wednesday. (2), Lebanon (1), Morocco (1), Kislytsyn/Daniil Kuvichka will start play in the qualifier podiums, respectively.

The week in football Champions League, Bundesliga title race

DPA Bayer Leverkusen will have to Berlin work hard to comeback after a 4-3 defeat at Young Boys. After their Club World Cup win, Bayern Munich are yet to PREMIER LEAGUE: find their form and risk losing Leaders Manchester City their Bundesliga lead after now have a very comfortable the Champions League clash 10-point lead over city rivals at Lazio. In Italy and Spain, Manchester United and third- the title race is also up and placed Leicester. City host Qatar’s six-time Olympian shooter Nasser Al Attiyah is part of the running, while things already West Ham on Saturday, while team participating in the 2021 ISSF World Cup Shotgun in Egypt. seem settled in England. on Sunday United have a big clash and Chelsea and Leices- CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: ter welcome Arsenal. Also on Qatar shooters in Egypt for After a domestic draw against Sunday, champions Liverpool, Arminia Bielefeld and a de- who are now sixth in the stand- feat to Eintracht Frankfurt, ings, visit Sheffield United. ISSF World Cup Shotgun holders Bayern will attempt Inter players celebrate winning against AC Milan in Italian Serie A at the San Siro stadium in Milan on Sunday. (AFP) a better result at Lazio in the SERIE A AND LA LIGA: Tribune News Network land; Luxembourg; Libya; Nor- last 16 first leg on Tuesday to Inter Milan consolidated their Doha way; Poland; Sudan; and Egypt. keep their Champions League It’s another week of Champions League and Europa League clashes before the Italian Serie A lead with a derby The Qatari national team title defence on track. Re- domestic leagues – and some exciting title races – resume at the weekend. win over AC Milan and are four The Qatar team of shooters is represented in the champi- cord champions Real Madrid points clear at the top. Next in reached on Monday to onship by Nasser Al Attiyah visit Italian side Atalanta on triumph at Hertha Berlin, the and almost 40 institutions the title race, Inter host Genoa participate in the 2021 ISSF and Rashid Saleh in the Skeet Wednesday, while due to cor- Bavarians’ lead in the league wants to present a concept EUROPA LEAGUE: and Sunday and second-placed World Cup Shotgun cham- competition, and Mohammed onavirus travel restrictions, was cut to two points. They based on previous experience Manchester United built a Milan visit Roma. Champions pionship to be held in Egypt Al Rumaihi and Saeed Abu Atletico Madrid will host their host ailing side Cologne on as well as scientific studies very comfortable 4-0 first leg Juventus, in sixth, travel to Ve- from February 22 to March 5. Sharb in the Trap event. clash against Chelsea in Bu- Saturday, while Leipzig wel- that will enable large cultural at Real Sociedad and doesn’t rona on Saturday. In Spain, Real The event brings together Team Qatar will also partici- charest, and Borussia Moe- come Borussia Moencheng- and sporting events with spec- need much to secure a spot Madrid are three points behind 400 shooters from 31 nations pate in World Cup Rifle/Pistol/ nchengladbach will host Man- ladbach. Third-placed Wolfs- tators in Germany. in the last 16 in the second leg leaders Atletico Madrid and will including ; Armenia; Shotgun to be staged in New chester City in Budapest. burg, seven points off Bayern, In addition to profes- game on Thursday. Arsenal try to keep their comeback run- Spain; ; ; Ger- Delhi, from March 18-28, host Hertha Berlin and Borus- sional leagues of other sports, and Benfica will once again ning with a home game against many; India; ; Sau- 2021 which is the last qualifying BUNDESLIGA: sia Dortmund have Bielefeld the German Football League play on neutral ground due Real Sociedad next Monday, di Arabia; ; Lebanon; tournament for the upcoming Champions Bayern will return as their next opponents. (DFL) and the German foot- to coronavirus travel restric- while Atletico visit Villarreal South Africa; the Netherlands; Olympic Games in Japan. to a tense Bundesliga situation ball federation (DFB) also tions after a 1-1 draw in the on Sunday. On Saturday, Bar- Qatar; Russia; Sweden; Slova- The mission is headed after their date at Lazio. After RETURN OF SPECTATORS?: support the concept. Details of first leg.H offenheim were 3-1 celona have an away third v kia; the US; the UAE; Senegal; by Ibrahim Al Mohannadi, a the defeat to Frankfurt and An alliance of culture, sport the paper will be presented in up against Molde but ended fourth clash at Sevilla after they ; Canada; ; the member of the shooting teams second-placed RB Leipzig’s and science with 20 scientists Berlin on Monday. up conceding a 3-3 draw, and host Elche in midweek. ; England; Ire- committee. Aspire launch insightful series featuring stars Profligate Barcelona drop two points against Cadiz Tribune News Network colourful international career brace, gather and lead the best Doha playing at two FIFA World practitioners in world youth DPA the deadlock in the 32nd min- Cups (2010 and 2014) as well football in consolidating and Barcelona ute, but the Catalans were Aspire Academy through as finishing with a runners- developing the knowledge punished for wasting several its widely acclaimed initia- up medal at 2012 European pool in the world of football Barcelona conceded a last chances to add to their lead. tive, “Aspire in the World Fel- Championships. Leonardo performance and science. minute equalizer and dropped The result leaves Barce- lows” launched a bi-weekly Bonucci the hard-tackling de- The activity leans on the cor- two crucial points against Cadiz lona third, eight points behind programme, named “Player fender is a worthy star player nerstone of Aspire Academy in a 1-1 draw after dominating Atletico and and five behind Insight”. The opening show to kick off the latest produc- Global Summit and Fellows the game on Sunday in La Liga. second-place Real Madrid. aired on the afternoon of Mon- tion from world-renowned As- Gatherings. After Atletico Madrid lost “There are no excuses, day 22nd February 2021 and pire Academy. As well as regular gather- against Levante on Saturday it we cannot permit more of featured Leonardo Bonucci, Player Insight first epi- ings in Doha and events in was an opportunity for Ronald this,” said Barcelona left-back the Italian national team and sode was broadcasted on both Europe to develop their ideas, Koeman’s side to put pressure Jordi Alba. “We knew that they Juventus FC centre-back. their point of view on the game in this new addition to the AlKass Sports Channels One members are supported by on the leaders. But deep-sitting would play tight at the back but Speaking about the pro- of football, providing an insight hugely successful, “Aspire in HD Arabic and English, on a cutting-edge online portal Cadiz proved difficult to crack this is Barcelona, there are no gramme, Aspire Academy Di- on training methodologies, the World Fellows” platform. Aspire Fellows website, As- enabling the spread of best and found a stunning leveller excuses. Today we had a unique rector of Football Performance competition exposure and their Bonucci is recognized as one pire Academy social media practice, trends and the latest through Alex Fernandez from opportunity we did not take ad- and Science, Professor Valter overall experiences and feelings of the best defenders in world platforms and other local and thinking. Taken together, the the penalty spot in the 89th vantage of it.” Barcelona lost 4-1 Di Salvo spelt out the aim, say- on the beautiful game.” football and was part of the international sports channels. various elements of the com- minute after a Clement Lenglet to Paris Saint-Germain in the ing , “Player Insight is a pro- Kicking of the series with Juventus team that won six “Aspire in the World munity’s activity provide a foul on Ruben Sobrino. Champions League last 16 first gramme within Aspire in the a stalwart defender like Leon- consecutive Serie A titles be- Fellows” is a programme powerful platform to support Lionel Messi had stroked leg in midweek but the door was World Fellows project with the ardo Bonucci indicates the tween 2012 and 2017. launched by Aspire Academy the broader development of home from the spot after Iza opened back up for them in La goal to let the players express punch and gravitas packed The defender has had a in 2014 with the goal to em- football around the world. Carcelen fouled Pedri to break Liga after Atletico’s slip-up. 14 Tuesday, February 23, 2021 Sports Felix makes sensational return to indoor 200m Sprints to victory in 22.59secs in Fayetteville Tech Mahindra

Agencies Fayetteville (US) launches Global When Allyson Felix last raced over 200m indoors, she was a Chess League 17-year-old up-and-coming high school phenomenon. Eighteen years, 11 world titles and six Olympic gold To have eight medals later, the 35-year-old returned to the banked oval franchise-owned on Sunday (21) for the fourth teams from American Track League fix- ture in Fayetteville – a World across the world Athletics Indoor Tour Silver meeting – and, as she so often Tribune News Network has done during her glittering career, emerged the winner. Drawn in lane five, Felix Tech Mahindra Ltd., one of didn’t get out of the blocks the fastest growing Global IT particularly well, but she hit companies and a leading pro- GM Viswanathan Anand, a five- top speed on the back straight vider of digital transformation, time world chess champion, is and made up the stagger on consulting and business re- the league’s mentora Advisor 15-year-old Shawnti Jack- engineering services and solu- and facilitator-in-chief. son, drawn in lane six. Puerto tions, on Monday announced Rico’s Jasmine Camacho- the launch of a first-of-its-kind eraged to explore innovative Quinn moved on to Felix’s phygital (physical and digital) ways of promoting the game shoulder on the final bend, but Global Chess League. through interactive platforms Felix edged ahead again on the It also announced that to engage a global audience. final stretch and pulled away Viswanathan Anand, five-time Tech Mahindra will act as to win in 22.59. World Chess Champion and the architect behind this con- Felix’s winning time Indian chess Grandmaster will cept and will provide necessary smashed her previous PB mentor, partner, advise and operational and technological (23.14) and moves her to 18th help shape the league. With his support to execute the vision. on the US indoor all-time list. motivational and inspirational Anand Mahindra, Chair- It’s also the fastest ever indoor stature across the world as an man, Mahindra Group, said, 200m by a masters (35+) ath- individual and a chess cham- “Chess still has an incipient lete; no one else that age has pion, Anand will help catalyse and largely untapped poten- ever bettered 23 seconds. the growth of chess, further tial across the globe. Recently, “It feels good to be running building the sport that has de- there has been a surge of in- again, it’s been a long time,” said fined his entire life as he joins terest post the online Chess Felix, who will be targeting the hands with the Tech Mahin- Olympiad and the enormous 200m at the US Olympic Trials dra Global Chess League and popularity of a TV series based later this year. “The 200m is one Allyson Felix in action during the World Athletics Indoor Tour Silver meeting 200m at the Randal Tyson Indoor Center in Fayetteville, Arkansas, becomes its face for the global on the game. We hope that the of my favourite races, so I just US, on Sunday. Felix won in 22.59 secs. audience and his fans, a re- creation of a league will har- wanted to have some fun. We’re lease from the organisers said. ness this resurgence of interest still working hard; the big goal is Her winning time moves her eron Jones was the runner-up lievably sick on Friday night the US indoor all-time list. Current plans envision and bring about a renaissance much later this year.” to seventh on the US indoor in 1:46.23. and all through Saturday. I’m Jamaica’s 2015 world the League to engage players in the world of chess. I am par- Sprint hurdler Camacho- all-time list. A bout of food poisoning not exactly feeling great right champion Danielle Williams from all levels – professional ticularly excited about sharing Quinn, a former training part- Jamaica’s Chrisann Gordon put an end to Ryan Crouser’s now, but I just wanted to come finished strongly to win the or otherwise. my learnings from founding ner of Felix’s, finished second in was second in 52.06 and Mexi- streak of 22-metre-plus compe- out and compete.” women’s 60m hurdles, overtak- The League will have eight the Pro Kabaddi league with an indoor PB of 22.91. Jackson, co’s Paola Moran third in 52.78. titions, though it wasn’t enough There were big throws ing Tonea Marshall on her way franchise-owned teams from the team in order to replicate daughter of 2005 world 400m to prevent him winning. across the board in the wom- to an equal PB of 7.86. Marshall across the world. that success on a much larger hurdles champion Bershawn Saruni back to his best The Olympic champion en’s shot put. For the first time finished second in 7.89. The teams will comprise of and global platform.” Jackson, was third in 23.45. Kenya’s Michael Saruni, look- produced five valid throws ever in US women’s shot put- Michael Dickson, win- a mix of titled women and men Viswanathan Anand, Earlier in the programme, ing like he’s back in the form beyond 21.70m, all of which ting, the top three all threw ner of the men’s event, was players along with juniors and 5-time World Chess Champi- Felix had finished second in the that carried him to an African would have been enough to 19.50m or beyond. also rewarded with a PB. He wildcard entrants playing each on, said, “Chess is a game that 60m in 7.28 in a race won by indoor 800m record two years win. His best throw, 21.93m, Olympic finalistR aven clocked a best of 7.53 in the other in a Round Robin format. is played by millions around Britain’s Daryll Neita (7.24). ago, won his specialist event came in the fifth round. Pay- Saunders threw an indoor heats and then matched it in The teams qualifying for the the world. At this time, a On a good day for the in 1:45.34. ton Otterdahl was second with PB of 19.57m in the fourth the final to finish 0.13 ahead semifinals will enter the knock- unique opportunity exists to women’s long sprints, hurdles The 2018 NCAA indoor 21.40m. round to overtake all-round of Ruebin Walters of Trinidad out stage of the championship. popularize it further and dra- specialist Shamier Little domi- champion followed the pace- “I had one of my best prac- throws talent Maggie Ewen, and Tobago. We are actively looking at the matically enhance its visibility nated the 400m. maker through 400m in 50.48 tices ever on Friday in prepa- who had set a PB of 19.54m Elsewhere, 2016 world in- prospect of introducing inno- through a global league pow- The 2015 world 400m and held a slight lead over ration for this meet,” said in round two. Pan-American door champion Marquis Dendy vative scoring, board selection ered by technology. hurdles silver medallist sped Isaiah Harris at 600m. Saruni Crouser. “This meeting had Games bronze medallist Jes- won the long jump with a last- methods and a fantasy league to “I am personally happy through the first lap in 23.45, then kicked on the final lap been my big focus of the whole sica Ramsey set an outright PB round leap of 8.19m. Olivia maximize viewer engagement. to partner with a technology just 0.05 shy of her indoor PB and opened a big gap on the indoor season and everything of 19.50m to finish third. The Gruver won the pole vault with The finalL eague structure and provider like Tech Mahindra, for 200m, but ran a controlled rest of the field, going on to was geared to throwing far this three women now sit at fourth, 4.70m, equalling her recent PB. team details will be announced whose endorsement and pro- second lap to finish in 50.57. win by almost a second. Kam- weekend. But then I got unbe- fifth and sixth respectively on (Worldathletics.org) in due course. motion will certainly elevate The league will mark a wa- the sport to a higher level and tershed moment as it aims to offer the right platform to pop- raise the profile of the sport, ularize chess across the globe. discover new generations of “There is a renewed in- chess champions, enhance the terest in the game of chess Fakhar, Hafeez star in Qalandars’ 9-wkt win fan base of the sport and take and through this unique the sport to new commercial global league format, we will Agencies Gayle, one of Quetta Gladia- heights. New-age technologies be able to keep the spirit of Karachi Scores: Quetta Gladiators 178-6 ( 68, Sarfaraz tors’ platinum pick. such as 5G, artificial intelli- chess intact and ensure the Ahmed 40, Mohammad Nawaz 33 ; 3-38) The Gayle Storm well and gence, and virtual reality will right platform is provided to Blistering unbeaten half- lost to 179-1, 18.2 overs ( 82 truly arrived in Karachi as be at the core and will be lev- upcoming talent.” centuries from Fakhar Zaman not out, 73 not out, 21) by the most proficient T20 bats- and Mohammad Hafeez led nine . MOM: Fakhar Zaman (Lahore Qalandars). man took Lahore Qalandars Lahore Qalandars to an em- to cleaners. Gayle hit five fours phatic nine- win over and as many sixes in his siz- Quetta Gladiators in the fourth zling knock of 68 off 40 balls, Sri Lanka announce ODI, T20I fixtureof the HBL PSL 6 at the after Sohail Akhtar-led Qa- National Stadium Karachi on landars elected to field. squad for West Indies tour Monday evening. Gayle, dropped twice on 20 Chasing 179 to win, the and 31, brought up his maiden ANI consultant. Vaas has also in- Qalandars got off to a brisk half-century in the competi- Colombo formed that he will not be avail- start as openers Sohail tion’s history off 32 balls. He able to tour West Indies as a Akhtar, the Lahore Qalandars contributed a 101-run stand Sri Lanka on Monday an- member of the support staff. captain, and Fakhar made full for the third wicket with cap- nounced the ODI and T20I The three T20I matches use of the batting powerplay, tain Sarfaraz Ahmed. squad for the upcoming tour will be played on March 3, 5, scoring at eight runs per over Both batsmen came to- of the West Indies. and 7 in Antigua, while the ODI to post 48 for no loss in six gether in the 3rd over when Suranga Lakmal was series will be played in Antigua overs. Sohail was first to go Gladiators lost both the open- named as a replacement for on March 10, 12, and 14. The in the ninth over as he mis- ers for 12. pacer Lahiru Kumara, who first Test start on March 21, judged a googly from Zahid That Gladiators posted was tested positive for the cor- and second March 29. Mahmood. He scored 21 off 178 for six was because of a onavirus earlier in the day. Sri Lanka squad: Dimuth 26 balls, hitting three bound- late onslaught from Moham- Kumara will not travel Karunaratne (c), Dasun aries. Before departing, the Lahore Qalandars’ batsmen Mohammad Hafeez (left) and teammate Fakhar Zaman during their unbeaten mad Nawaz. The all-rounder with the team yet he was Shanaka, Danushka Gu- pair had knitted 64 runs. 115-run stand (highest for Lahore Qalandars) during the match against Quetta smashed an unbeaten 33 off named in the squad. The Sri nathilake, Pathum Nissanka, There was no stopping Gladiators at the National Stadium in Karachi on Monday. (AFP) 20 balls. His innings includ- Lankan team will leave for the Ashen Bandara, Oshada Fer- Fakhar, as the left-handed ed one four and three sixes, Caribbean on February 23. nando, , batsman smoked bowlers deep mid-wicket. The ‘Profes- balls and hit the winning runs with an unbeaten 52-ball 82, where 31 runs were scored in During the tour, Sri Lanka will Angelo Mathews, Niroshan all around the ground. He sor’ smacked a six and a four in the 19th over. laced with eight fours and last two overs of the innings. play three T20Is, three ODIs, Dickwella, Thisara Perera, brought up his half-century in in the same over and collected Hafeez and Fakhar con- two sixes. His partner, Hafeez With today’s win, Lahore and two Test matches, under a Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu the 11th over of the innings off 19 runs off left-arm fast Us- tributed unbeaten 115 runs ended-up with 73 not out off Qalandars, now at the top of bio-secure environment in An- Hasaranga, Ramesh Mendis, just 31 balls. His partner Ha- man Shinwari. for the second wicket, which 33, smashing five fours and the ladder, have won two from tigua from March 3 to April 2. Lahiru Kumara, , feez, coming to bat at number Hafeez stroked the ball went down as the best sec- six huge sixes. as many outings, while Quetta Earlier in the day, former Sri Asitha Fernando, Dushmantha three, made full use of a re- with ease and recorded his ond wicket stand for Lahore That Lahore Qalandars Gladiators are yet to open their Lanka pacer Chaminda Vaas on Chameera, Akila Dananajaya, prieve in the 14th over, when fastest HBL PSL fifty as he Qalandars in the history of had an imposing total to sur- account and are placed at the Monday decided to resign from Lakshan Sandakan, Dilshan Saim Ayub dropped him at reached the milestone in 24 HBL PSL. Fakhar top-scored mount was because of Chris bottom of the points table. his post as Sri Lanka’s Madushanka, Suranga Lakmal. Sports Tuesday, February 23, 2021 15 Motera gears up to host India’s second home pink-ball Test ANI New Delhi

Surpassing Melbourne Ground (MCG), Motera has become the largest cricket stadium in the world. Located in Sabarmati, Ahmedabad, the Motera Stadium will be inau- gurated by India’s President Ram Nath Kovind on Tuesday as the ground gets ready for the third Test match between India and England, starting on Wednesday. The Sardar Patel Motera Stadium in Ahmedabad is spread over 63 acres, with a seating capacity of 110,000 people. Currently, Mel- bourne is the largest cricket stadium in the world. It can accommodate 90,000 people simultaneously. Built at an estimated cost of Rs 800 crore, the beauty of this stadium is incredible. The stadium is constructed by the Larsen & Turbo (L&T) company. The stadium has 76 A general view of the newly-rebuilt 110,000-seater Sardar Patel Stadium, the world’s biggest cricket stadium, ahead of the third Test match between India and England, in Motera, on the outskirts of Ahmedabad. (AFP) corporate boxes, Olympic level swimming pool, indoor acad- emy, four dressing rooms for Probably one of the best grounds I’ve been to: Archer athletes, food courts and GCA club house. ANI when he was asked whether he A total of 11 clay pitches of Ahmedabad would be given a chance in the six red and five black soil have playing XI for the third Test. been prepared in the stadium. England pacer Jofra Arch- “Always nice to be in com- It is the first stadium to use er on Monday said that the petition for a spot in the team, both coloured clay for main newly-built Motera Stadium is if I do not get it then it’s fine. and practice pitches. In the probably one of the best he has I would rather win the series event of rain, the pitch can be ever been to. The four-match than play a lot of games. I could dried in only 30 minutes. series between India and Eng- have played the second Test if The state-of-the-art LED land currently stands level at needed but I was going to be floodlights will not warm up The Sardar Patel Stadium in Motera, near Ahmedabad, built by the 1-1 and now both teams will rested anyway, I took the injec- the atmosphere and will pro- river Sabarmati, is pictured from a distance. (AFP) lock horns in the pink-ball tion so that I could have enough vide comfort to the spectators Test from Wednesday at the time to be back,” said Archer. as well as the cricketers. An in- of-the-art gyms have also been eyeballs of the spectators. Motera Stadium. When asked about Eng- novative feature of this stadi- set up. A special lounge has When the old stadium “The stadium is beautiful, land’s much-debated rotation um is that the 360-degree po- been built near the players and was demolished in 2016, the the seats are beautiful. The policy, Archer said: “Rest- dium concourse at a height of VIP entrance. Motera Stadium had a capac- ground is probably one of the England paceman Jofra Archer at the Sardar Patel Stadium in Motera. ing is necessary looking at 9 meters simplifiesthe move- The autographed bat col- ity of 54,000 spectators. best I have ever been to. Half COVID-19. Rest and rotation ment of spectators, as well as lection of players from the The foundation stone of of 1,10,000 would be present mal, to be honest. It is pretty very important, if we go all the are necessary. There is a lot provides a uniform view to the teams of IPL and World Cup the new cricket stadium was at the stadium, this is the most much the same, it is a little bit way, that would put us in the of cricket this year, we have a spectators from any stand. matches played so far in the laid by the Gujarat Cricket we get at most places anyway. hard to shine. It does a little driver’s seat,” he added. big squad, we are giving guys The corporate boxes that Autograph Gallery at the stadi- Association in January 2018 Ready to see what unfolds bit more when the lights come Archer had missed the sec- a chance to show what they are designed have a seating ca- um is the center of attraction. for the construction of a new when the match starts,” said on as compared to daytime. ond Test of the series against can do. The beauty of the big pacity of 25 each. Huge dress- The “Hall of Fame”, featur- and state-of-the-art and fully Archer while talking to ECB’s This is going to be new for me India after having an injec- squad is that we can see eve- ing rooms have been created ing photographs of world-re- equipped stadium completed media team on Monday. if I play the pink-ball Test with tion in his right elbow. The ryone on a daily basis, you can for both teams. Separate state- nowned cricketers, catches the in a short span of two years. “Pink-ball feels pretty nor- the SG ball. The next Test is pacer remained tight-lipped still see what they can do.” Umesh Yadav clears fitness Conway sizzles as Kiwis brush Test, added to India squad aside Australia in T20I opener ANI Mumbai India squad for last Agencies two Tests vs England Christchurch The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on (Captain), A ballistic Devon Conway Monday added pacer Umesh Rohit Sharma, knock and an all-round per- Yadav to the hosts’ squad Mayank Agarwal, formance from the New Zea- for the last two Tests against Shubman Gill, land bowlers helped the hosts England after the speedster Cheteshwar Pujara, beat Australia comfortably in cleared his fitness test. Ajinkya Rahane (vice-captain), the first T20I at the Hagley Last week, BCCI named the KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Oval on Monday. squad for the third and fourth Rishabh Pant (wicket-keeper), New Zealand recovered Test of the series and had said Wriddhiman Saha from 19/3 to set Australia a that Umesh will join the team (wicket-keeper), target of 185, thanks to Con- in Ahmedabad after passing the R Ashwin, way hammering a 59-ball fitness test. “Team India fast Kuldeep Yadav, 99*. Thereafter, their bowlers bowler Umesh Yadav appeared Axar Patel, dismantled the Australian top for a fitness test on Sunday, 21st , order to set them on their way February at Motera. He has Ishant Sharma, to an easy victory, with Ish So- cleared his fitness test and has Jasprit Bumrah, dhi then returning 4/28 to run been added to the squad for the , through the lower order. last two Tests of the ongoing In- Umesh Yadav. The result gave New Zea- dia-England Test series,” BCCI land a 1-0 lead in the five- said in a statement. Umesh Yadav bowls during India’s practice session at the Sardar Patel match series. Shardul Thakur has been Stadium in Motera on Monday. Australia had opted to bowl, released from the squad and and it seemed the correct deci- will take part in the Vijay Jofra Archer, James Anderson the ball very late in the game. sion after their bowlers made New Zealand’s Devon Conway during his 59-ball 99 in the first Twenty20I against Australia at the Hagley Hazare Trophy. and Stuart Broad for the pink- “Jofra Archer is very tal- an explosive start. Martin Gup- Park Oval in Christchurch on Monday. (AFP) The four-match series be- ball Test, starting Wednesday. ented; I believe among all the till’s woes in the middle contin- tween India and England cur- The former speedster feels young talented bowlers we ued as his thick edge off Daniel rently stands level at 1-1. that this combination will ben- have seen in the past 2-3 years Sams flew to point, and he had Scoreboard If India win the ongoing efit the Joe Root-led side even -- Jofra Archer is number one. to walk back for nought. Jhye New Zealand Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-11, 3-19, 4-93, 5-140 D. Sams c Jamieson b Sodhi 1 series by at least a margin of if they get a similar wicket like In the form Jofra Archer is in, Richardson sent in a yorker a M. Guptill c Agar b Sams 0 Bowling: Sams 4-0-40-2 (w1), Zampa 3-0-20-0, J. J. Richardson st Seifert b Santner 11 T. Seifert b J.Richardson 1 Richardson 4-0-31-2 (w1), K. Richardson 4-0-42-0, K. Richardson c Neesham b Sodhi 5 2-1, then the side will qualify Chennai. Archer and Ander- especially if he’s in form and fit, couple of overs later, which took K. Williamson c Wade b Sams 12 Agar 2-0-20-2, Stoinis 2-0-17-1, Maxwell 1-0-9-0 A. Zampa not out 13 for the finals of the World Test son both missed the second it will benefit the England team. out Tim Seifert’s off stump, and D. Conway not out 99 Australia Extras: (lb1, w 7, nb1) 9 Championship. Test in Chennai after featuring “About Jamie Anderson, I when captain G. Phillips c Marsh b Stoinis 30 M. Wade c Williamson b Boult 12 Total: (All Out; 17.3 overs) 131 India had achieved an em- in the first Test. Broad, who don’t need to say much about became Sams’ second wicket J. Neesham c Wade b J.Richardson 26 A. Finch c Conway b Southee 1 Fall of wickets: 1-3, 2-8, 3-16, 4-19, 5-56, 6-98, 7-99, M. Santner not out 7 J. Philippe c Conway b Boult 2 8-99, 9-108, 10-131 phatic 317-run win against Eng- missed the first Test, played his talent. Joe Root will be in in the next over, New Zealand Extras: (lb3, w4, b2) 9 M. Marsh c Santner b Jamieson 45 Bowling: Southee 3-0-10-2 (1w), Boult 3-0-22-2 (2w), land in the second Test of the in the second game but went a fix as to which three bowl- were in trouble at 19/3. Total: (For 5 wickets; 20 overs) 184 G. Maxwell c Neesham b Southee 1 Jamieson 3-0-32-1 (1w), Neesham 1-0-9-0, Sodhi 4-0- ongoing four-match series. As wicketless in the match. ers he should go ahead with That New Zealand recov- Did not bat: , Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, Trent M. Stoinis c&b Sodhi 8 28-4 (1nb), Santner 3.3-0-29-1 (3w) a result, the Virat Kohli-led side Speaking on Star Sports or should he pick two bowlers, ered from such a state was a Boult. A. Agar c Jamieson b Sodhi 23 Result: New Zealand win by 53 runs. has also reached the second show Cricket Connected, Nehra he will also have to analyse credit to Conway and Glenn spot in the WTC standings. said, “When we talk about pac- the pitch. Even if India sees Phillips. The duo put on a soon enough as well, picking on 47 with Jimmy Neesham they capitalised, as Australia ers, England doesn’t have any a similar wicket like Chennai, 74-run stand, and while they for sixes in the and then 44* with Mitchell started their chase poorly, and Nehra wants visitors to pick shortage of pacers; Joe Root England still has a strong line- were a tad watchful at the 11th over, and their partner- Santner, all the while plunder- never really recovered. Archer, Anderson will have to charge them on the up the way Stuart Broad bowls start of their association, they ship took New Zealand’s total ing the bowlers. Southee and Boult took and Broad ground. For example, in the leg-cutters and bowls wicket didn’t miss an opportunity to to the 90s. Phillips then fell Conway was unfortunate two wickets apiece in the first Former India pacer Ashish second Test in Chennai, expe- to wicket; Jofra Archer bowls score big. Conway whipped to , a slower not to bring up his maiden five overs, with Southee hav- Nehra on Monday made his rienced bowler Stuart Broad pace and bounce, Jimmy An- a six off his pads for his first ball proving his undoing, but T20I century – the innings ing Australia captain Aaron pick for the England fast bowl- wasn’t seen in his best form, he derson has experience with boundary, and ensured there that didn’t stop Conway, who ended with him stranded on Finch caught in the very first ers who he would like to see in didn’t even play the first Test his swing and reverse swing. was a boundary almost every brought up his half-century off 99* – but his belligerence gave over of the innings. Boult then the XI for the third Test at the match. In the second innings, England has everything in over thereafter. just 36 balls later that over. He New Zealand a firm founda- had top-edging Motera Stadium. He included his form was back but he got their armoury,” he added. Phillips got into the act couldn’t be dislodged, putting tion. Their bowlers ensured one for another easy catch.