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TISSOT GRAND PRIX OF DOHA Rookie Martin storms to MotoGP pole at Losail

Sam Lowes of Elf Marc VDS Racing Team fought off wind and fierce competition to grab the Moto 2 on Saturday. Lowes fends off Gardner for back-to-back poles

Tribune News Network ion Aspar Team) now led the Losail field from Bendsneyder but Bezzecchi then took control Spaniard stuns teammate Zarco and Last weekend’s race winner of the session with a 1:59.736. (Elf Marc VDS However, once again, the Vinales in ferocious second qualifying Racing Team) once again times would tumble. brought his A game to the ta- Gardner retook P1 but Tribune News Network out of pitlane for the eagerly tage to 0.330s. ble when it mattered as the Lowes then laid down a gaunt- Losail anticipated pole position Now, attentions turned to British rider and Remy Gard- let to lead fellow Brit Dixon. shootout. A confident rookie a rookie on fire. Martin was up ner (Red Bull KTM Ajo) went Raul Fernandez (Red Bull The Losail International Cir- Jorge Martin (Pramac Rac- by 0.015s in Sector 2 on his fi- head-to-head for Tissot Grand KTM Ajo) soon split Lowes cuit hosted yet another mes- ing) was the fastest rider from nal flying lap, with every other Prix of Doha Moto2 pole posi- and Dixon to grab P2, but the merising MotoGP qualifying the get-go and set a 1:53.892 rider setting orange sectors. tion on Saturday. Free Practice pacesetter was session and coming out on straight out the traps, im- What came next was utterly Lowes 1:59.055 eventu- three tenths down on Lowes – top, in just his second-ever mense from the Spaniard. sensational. Out of nowhere, ally saw him beat Gardner by and just 0.002s ahead of Dix- premier class qualifying ses- (Petronas Zarco gained over two tenths 0.137s in Q2, on. Fighting sion, was rookie sensation Yamaha SRT) leapt up to P1 in the last split to snatch pro- Marco Bezzec- Moto2 back, Bezzec- Jorge Martin () but once again, shadowing visional pole by an absolute Jorge Martin (Pramac Racing) set a 1:53.106 to beat teammate Johann chi (SKY Rac- chi climbed on Saturday night. Mir, Martin was back on top whisker – 0.004s. Zarco by 0.157s who in turn edged third place Maverick Vinales (Mon- ing Team 1. Sam Lowes (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) – to P2 to sit ster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) by 0.004s in MotoGP qualifying of TISSOT 1:59.055; 2. Remy Gardner (Red Bull KTM The Spaniard set a of the pile. Now, his time was However, Martin, the Mo- VR46) makes Ajo) + 0.137; 3. Marco Bezzecchi (SKY Racing 0.272s from 1:53.106 to beat teammate a 1:53.597 as toGP new boy stormed across Grand Prix of Doha at the Losail International Circuit on Saturday. up the front Team VR46) + 0.272; 4. Raul Fernandez (Red Lowes with by 0.157s who (Monster Energy Yamaha Mo- the line and went P1 by a tenth row in P3. Bull KTM Ajo) + 0.386; 5. Jake Dixon (Petronas just over two in turn edged third place Mav- toGP) slotted himself into P2, and a half. It wasn’t quite over has every chance of stealing Row 3 is a couple of Suzukis. There was Sprinta Racing) + 0.388; 6. Ai Ogura (Idemitsu minutes left, erick Vinales (Monster Energy just 0.017s behind Martin’s yet though because Miller and the holeshot from P4. Alex Rins sits 0.040s ahead of early drama Honda Team Asia) + 0.637; 7. Fabio Di before Gard- Yamaha MotoGP) by 0.004s. early benchmark. Quartararo had clocked red Quartararo’s fifth place Team Suzuki Ecstar teammate witnessed in Giannantonio (Federal Oil Gresini Moto2) + ner then sat Ahead of Q2 in Doha, a After the first couple of fly- sectors. Firing their way to the was less than the Frenchman Mir as the GSX-RR duo finish Q1 as Xavi Vi- 0.641; 8. Joe Roberts (Italtrans Racing Team) second. A red nail-biting Q1 session got un- ing laps, Martin, Quartararo chequered flag, neither pen- would have expected too, but 0.6s shy from pole position. erge (Petronas + 0.672; 9. Aron Canet (Solunion Aspar Team) second split + 0.730; 10. Augusto Fernandez (Elf Marc VDS derway and for the second and Aleix Espargaro ( etrated the front row but both it’s far from a disaster. Like Not bad from the Suzuki rid- Sprinta Rac- Racing Team) + 0.754 then popped time in two weeks, reigning Racing Team Gresini) was the improved their times to grab Viñales, he’ll be worried about ers, especially with Mir navi- ing) missed up for Gard- World Champion provisional front row. Morbidel- P4 and P5 respectively, but the the Ducatis off the line though. gating his way through Q1, but out on a top ner as Lowes (Team Suzuki Ecstar) was in- li and the Ducati Lenovo Team headlines go the way of Martin. One of those will be last there’s again work to do at the four place. Reigning Moto3™ backed out, so all eyes turned volved. After the first runs, Mir duo of and To earn pole position in week’s polesitter Francesco start of the race on Sunday. World Champion Albert Are- to the number 87. was three tenths clear of Brad Jack Miller were on the second your second MotoGP qualify- Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo They’re in the mix though, and nas (Solunion Aspar Team) A red split was also seen in Binder (Red Bull KTM Fac- row with just over five minutes ing session, his first in Q2, is Team). P6 is the best the Ital- that’s what counts. slammed in a personal best Sector 3 for Gardner but could tory Racing), but the second remaining, with World Champi- unreal. ian could manage this time Rounding out the top 10 was lap on his final flyer that was he pick up a good drive from set of flying laps saw some real onship leader Maverick Viñales The ‘Martinator’ shows us around at Losail, however, Morbidelli, the Italian was just good enough for P3 to demote the final corner? Not quite! The changes. (SKY (Monster Energy Yamaha Mo- exactly why he’s nicknamed that front holeshot device 0.009s from the third row in a his compatriot to P5, meaning Aussie lost ground on the run to VR46 Esponsorama) sat P2 toGP) nine tenths off in P9 – just so, with Zarco making it Sat- could work wonders again and quiet session, as leading Hon- Vierge is forced to start P19. the line but improved his time as red splits lit up everywhere, behind Mir in P8. urday night fever for Pramac see him sail forward from the da rider (Repsol (MB Conveyors to cut Lowes’ lead to 0.137s, but the Italian would lose out Pushing, Vinales came out Racing. Vinales once again off. An interesting start awaits Honda Team) and fastest KTM ) topped the first part but it didn’t matter – pole for to (Red Bull for his second run with the lines up P3 at Losail. for the leading six riders, it’s a Oliveira complete the Q2 results of qualifying with a 1:59.592, the second week in a row was KTM Factory Racing) by just grit between his teeth. A cou- Spearheading Row 2 is Ducati vs Yamaha affair from in P11 and P12 respectively. Bo Bendsneyder (Pertamina Lowes’. Job done for the Cham- 0.008s, as Mir improved his ple of moments didn’t ham- Miller who, at the end of the the front couple of rows. Pramac Racing’s attention Mandalika SAG Team), Are- pionship leader, with Gardner time to safely make it through per the number 12’s lap time session inside the box, didn’t Leading the third row is will quickly turn to focusing on nas and Jake Dixon (Petronas impressing again to pick up his to Q2 by a couple of tenths. and Viñales went P9 to P1 look best pleased. Aleix Espargaro after another how to convert pole position Sprinta Racing) progressed first front row in Ajo colours. Job done by the Suzuki star in with under two minutes to go. The Australian will of fantastic performance. With into a great result. If Martin into Q2. Bezzecchi completes a star- a brilliant Q1 session. And then, Viñales was over a course have been aiming for the Yamahas and Ducatis gets anything like the start he Gardner was the early studded front row. The Losail International quarter of a second up on his the front row at least but see- looking strong in Qatar, start- did last Sunday, then he’ll be pacesetter but the times were Fernandez ends his sec- Circuit then fell silent for a next flying lap. Viñales nailed ing two Ducati rivals ahead of ing P7 – one place higher than into Turn 1 way ahead of the down on Q1’s best efforts, but ond Moto2 qualifying session handful of minutes, before the Sector 2, then nailed Sector 3 him on grid will hurt. last week – is yet another job pack. Zarco looks set for anoth- red sectors lit up the timing in P4, another fantastic job 12 fastest premier class riders and taking the chequered flag, Nevertheless, it’s one bet- well done for the Noale facto- er awesome Sunday, but Vina- screens as a big reshuffling by the rookie who is joined on so far this weekend rumbled Viñales extended his advan- ter than last week and Miller ry. Joining the Aprilia star on les is lurking on the Yamaha. took place. Aron Canet (Solun- Row 2 by Q1 graduate Dixon. Championship leader Masia snatches Moto3 pole in final lap Tribune News Network ended with Masia claiming pole the best of times in Q2 but P7 Losail moto3 position, a perfect Saturday for and P8 isn’t a disaster, they’ll 1. Jaume Masia (Red Bull KTM Ajo) - last week’s race winner. His both move up a place also He left it until his final flying lap 2:05.913; 2. Sergio Garcia (GasGas Gaviota time was 1.9 seconds slower thanks to Garcia’s penalty. but Qatar GP race winner Jaume Aspar) + 0.099; 3. Jeremy Alcoba (Indonesia than seven days ago, an indi- Pedro Acosta (Red Bull Masia (Red Bull KTM Ajo) will Moto3) + 0.245; 4. Gabriel cation of how much worse the KTM Ajo) is another rider to start on pole for the Tissot Grand Rodrigo (Indonesia Gresini Racing Moto3) + conditions are. Garcia finishes feel the wrath of Race Direc- Prix of Doha, as the Spaniard 0.433; 5. Tatsuki Suzuki (SIC58 Squadra second but will start from pit- tion for his antics in FP2, the beat pitlane start bound Sergio Corse) + 0.494; 6. Andrea Migno (Rivacold lane on Sunday, however he’ll Qatar GP podium finisher Snipers Team) + 0.706; 7. Darryn Binder Garcia (GASGAS Gaviota Aspar) (Petronas Sprinta Racing) + 0.730; 8. John have a clear run into Turn 1 and picked up a P9 in Q2 but will by less than a tenth. McPhee (Petronas Sprinta Racing) + 0.733; 9. will lead the other riders out of start behind Garcia in the Masia set a 2:05.913, the Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo) + 0.916; 10. pitlane. Alcoba lines up on the pitlane. 10th place and fel- only sub 2:06 lap time in Q2, Izan Guevara (GasGas Gaviota Aspar) + 0.920 front row for his equal-best low rookie Guevara profits as Jeremy Alcoba (Indonesian qualifying performance, he’ll from Acosta’s Friday mistake, Racing Gresini Moto3) equals Q2 in windy conditions. start second though because of the reigning FIM CEV Repsol his best Grand Prix qualifying With the wind making a Garcia’s grid penalty. Moto3 Junior World Champi- result in P3, which becomes big difference, slipstream – Rodrigo qualified fourth on will start alongside McPhee P2 with Garcia’s penalty. an ever-present factor in the but will jump up to the front on the third row in P8. Q1 saw some big hitters aim- lightweight class – was even Jaume Masia (Red Bull KTM Ajo), in action during the second qualifying race, will start on pole for the row to make it two Gresini ma- Another great Moto3 quali- ing to get through into the Q2 more important than before. Tissot Grand Prix of Doha on Sunday. chines at the pinpoint of the fying session, but it’s your early pole position shootout, and it Garcia was the early paceset- grid, this domino effect sees title race leader Masia who con- was the experienced head of An- ter but Migno was soon at the Gaviota Aspar) was provision- as the riders headed out for went pole by less than a tenth. Tatsuki Suzuki (SIC58 Squad- tinues to lay down the marker in drea Migno (Rivacold Snipers summit as a lot of the riders ally on the front row too, with their second runs, a handful Further down the road, In- ra Corse) spearhead the sec- 2021. Two penalties inside the Team) who topped the session were working in tandem with the likes of John McPhee, were stopping at the end of donesian Racing Gresini Moto3 ond row despite a P5 finish in top 10 will see riders starting with a 2:06.925, a tenth faster teammates. Migno, lapping Petronas Sprinta Racing pitlane before eventually tak- duo Alcoba and Gabriel Rodrigo Q2. Migno eventually slipped further up the grid than where than Leopard Racing’s Dennis with the Leopard duo and Du- teammate Darryn Binder and ing to the track for the final were able to propel themselves to P6 in Q2 but having come they qualified, with Garcia and Foggia and Xavier Artigas. Ja- pasquier, improved on his sec- World Championship leader three minutes. It was a one-lap to P3 and P4 with McPhee and through Q1, that’s a great Acosta ruing their Friday antics. son Dupasquier (CarXpert Prüs- ond lap to go over a tenth clear Jaume Masia (Red Bull KTM dash for the entire 18-strong Binder also improving in the day’s work for the Italian. Last It promises to be another telGP) got the job done to earn of Garcia with seven minutes Ajo) outside the top 10. field, with Garcia going back same gaggle of riders. week’s polesitter Binder and phenomenal Moto3 encounter the final top four place ahead of to go. Izan Guevara (GASGAS The fun and games started to P1 but immediately, Masia A busy end to the session teammate McPhee didn’t have on Sunday at 17:00hrs. Sports Sunday, April 4, 2021 13 Madrid ease past Eibar QNB Stars League: Thrills galore to keep pressure on in La Liga as Umm Salal edge Al Rayyan 3-2 title race

DPA Barcelona

Real Madrid earned a com- fortable 2-0 win over Eibar on Saturday in La Liga to stay in the title race. Los Blancos climbed to second with 63 points from 29 games, three behind league leaders Atletico Madrid and one ahead of Barcelona, third, both of whom have played 28. Zinedine Zidane rotated his Al Arabi’s Aron Gunnarsson tries to block a shot from an Al Duhail pack ahead of the Champions player during their QNB Stars League Round 20 match on Saturday. League clash with Liverpool, handing Isco, Marcelo and Eder Tribune News Network Al Rayyan stayed on 34 points. Militao rare starts, but his team Doha Both teams had played out a coped with the changes well and 1-1 draw in the first leg. dominated the match. Umm Salal staged the third- Umm Salal started on a placed Al Rayyan 3-2 in the positive note, creating gaps to penultimate round (Week 20) attack Al Rayyan and not let of the 2020-21 season QNB them take early control of the Stars League at the Qatar SC match. In the first 10 minutes, Stadium on Saturday as 12 The Orange Fortress had al- teams played out six matches ready made several attacks. Umm Salal players celebrate one of their goals against Al Rayyan during their Week 20 QNB Stars League match played at the Qatar SC Sta- in one night. QNB Stars League’s web- dium on Saturday. As many as 12 teams locked horns in the six matches of the penultimate round. In other exciting results, site said that Al Rayyan made Al Duhail had to fight to beat first shot on target in the 15th terattacks. Quaya got a tough with a much-deserved victory. Al Arabia 3-2 while league minute when Abdulrahman Al chance to score his second winners Al Sadd won 2-0 Harazi attempted to score af- goal in the 50th minute, but Xavi Pleased with against Al Gharafa. Al Sailiya ter receiving a cross from Mo- this time he was well-blocked Al Sadd’s win prevailed over Qatar Sports hammed Alaaeldin, but Umm by the defenders. Kayke made Al Sadd coach Xavi ex- Club 2-1 and Al Ahli defeated Salal keeper Baba Malick com- another brilliant attempt five pressed his delight at beating Real Madrid’s French forward Al Kharaitiyat 2-1. The only fortably picked the ball. minutes later, but his lofty hit Al Gharafa 2-0 in the 20th Karim Benzema celebrates after match to end goalless was be- Three minutes later, Ham- struck the right goalpost before week of Qatar Stars League. scoring a goal against SD Eibar tween Al Wakrah and Al Khor. moudan volleyed a corner he finally scored a goal with a Xavi said in the press con- at the Alfredo di Stefano stadium Ahmed Hammoudan (18th kick from close range to stun header from Mohammed Tera- ference after the match that in Valdebebas, near Madrid, on minute) and captain Lawrence Al Rayyan, giving Umm Salal zors pass. Elsadig was sent off he was happy to get the vic- Saturday. (AFP) Quaye (45th minute) scored the lead. The Lions, seeking a after receiving his second yel- tory even after rotating some the goals for Umm Salal in the leveller, made several attacks low card for a rash tackle on of the players to keep them Karim Benzema should first half, with Kayke Rodri- including a hit from a distance Alaaeldin. fresh. He maintained that the have opened the scoring when gues (72nd) adding another in by captain Yacine Brahimi that other scare to Al Rayyan as he free-kick inside the box, with Yohan Bolis attempt for a players did face difficulties in Alejandro Pozo made a poor the second session. just sailed over the crossbar. stormed into the box dodging Quaye availing of the opportu- goal hit the crossbar, but Awad, the game, but that they are de- pass-back, but the Frenchman Substitutes Mowafak Umm Salal were responding two defenders, but he failed to nity to score Umm Salals sec- who came off the bench in the termined to finish this league’s was denied by Marko Dmitro- Awad (87th minute) and Ali well with counterattacks and beat Al Rayyan keeper Saoud ond goal. The captain struck 78th minute, was on target on campaign unbeaten. On the vic one-on-one. Ferydoon (90+3) scored for Al could have got their second Al Hajri with his hit. a left-footed kick that just es- a rebound following a free-kick team’s preparations for the Benzema and Marco Asen- Rayyan. Umm Salals Ibrahim goal 10 minutes before half- However, Umm Salal suc- caped Al Hajris left hand. three minutes before time. AFC Champions League, he sio had goals disallowed in the Elsadig was sent off in the 74th time, but Ismail Mahmoud ceeded in taking a 2-0 lead Al Rayyan started the sec- Another substitute Ferydoon said they were going well. He first half for offside, and the minute. missed a chance after receiv- just before the break after a ond half aggressively, but Umm struck a goal in stoppage time, added that they have a good latter hit the crossbar with Umm Salal moved on to 18 ing a superb pass from Kayke defensive error as Al Rayyans Salal were not giving gaps to the but it was too late for Al Rayy- team that will be capable of a free-kick. Eventually the points with the victory while Rodrigues. Kayke gave an- Dami Traori failed to clear a rivals, while looking for coun- an as Umm Salal walked away getting the best results. Spaniard put Madrid ahead in the 41st minute, racing onto Casemiro’s through ball and finishing expertly. The weather turned for the worse in the second half and Neymar sees red as PSG lose ground at the top of Ligue 1 Eibar began to threaten in tor- rential rain, with the otherwise DPA Moise Kean also tested untroubled Thibaut Courtois Berlin It was a frustrating day for Maignan and Lille - who lost nearly letting a ball slide past Neymar who had missed David to injury before the break him and in at the far post, re- Neymar was sent off on his two great chances before - found plenty of success utilis- acting just in time. first Ligue1 start in two months ing pace against a static PSG Casemiro had a goal ruled as part of a dramatic finale to receiving a second yellow defence in a frenetic encounter. out for offside again before Paris Saint-Germain’s 1-0 defeat card and subsequent red Di Maria saw a tentative Benzema made the game safe, to Lille in a barnstorming top- for a shove on Tiago Djalo penalty claim waved away heading home his 18th league of-the-table clash. as frustrations boiled over before Neymar and Bamba goal of the season from Vin- The Brazilian forward in- traded well-struck long-range icius Junior’s cross. jured his adductor as a substi- in the closing stages. efforts. “We knew this game was tute against Marseille at the It was Neymar again who going to be important for us, beginning of February but was spin in Ligue 1 for the first really ought to have done bet- we had a good game overall unable to inspire the champions time since October 2007. ter for PSG when stooping to and we’re happy with the three in a game settled by Jonathan Neymar would have ex- head Marquinhos’ right-wing points,” Asensio said. David’s 20th minute goal on his pected to hit the back of the net cross wide with 20 minutes Madrid’s next league match return to the starting eleven. with an acrobatic effort after to play, while Burak Yilmaz is the Clasico against Barcelona It was a frustrating day for being expertly teed up by Angel – who scored four times for on Saturday April 10, after the Neymar who had missed two Di Maria, who also set Kylian Turkey during the interna- visit of Liverpool on Tuesday. great chances before receiving Mbappe racing free only for his tional break – shot straight at Earlier, Gerard Moreno’s a second yellow card and sub- left-foot effort to be brilliantly Navas with a great chance to hat-trick earned Villarreal a sequent red for a shove on Tia- saved by Mike Maignan. wrap it up for Lille. 3-0 win at Granada, helping go Djalo as frustrations boiled Lille succeeded where PSG Tempers then boiled over them climb above Real Socie- over in the closing stages. failed after 20 minutes when as Neymar, already booked for dad to fifth provisionally, while Djalo was also shown red Jonathan Bamba led a light- pushing Andre in the face, lost Osasuna and Getafe drew 0-0 having already been booked ning counter-attack to pick his cool trying to get the ball in a mid-table battle. Leaders but Lille moved three points out David, whose shot deflect- French referee Benoit Bastien speaks to Paris Saint-Germain’s French defender Presnel Kimpembe and back from Djalo, who was also Atletico Madrid face Sevilla clear of PSG, who have now ed off Thilo Kehrer and over a Paris Saint-Germain’s Brazilian forward Neymar during the French L1 match between Paris-Saint Germain dismissed for his role in the on Sunday and Barcelona host lost three home games on the helpless Keylor Navas. (PSG) and Lille (LOSC) at the Parc des Princes Stadium in Paris on Saturday. (AFP) unsavoury finish. Real Valladolid on Monday. Mendy and Jesus make their mark for champions-elect City

DPA peared to be on the cards. before half-time. mouth in vain. en his marching orders for a Berlin A majestic De Bruyne Leicester’s first shot belat- Mahrez trudged off having second bookable offence only throughball allowed substitute edly arrived in the 48th min- come agonisingly close to scor- 29 minutes into his return Benjamin Mendy was an Raheem Sterling to tee up Ga- ute, when Youri Tielemans ing against his former employ- from injury. unlikely goalscorer as Man- briel Jesus for a game-sealing treated Ederson to a routine ers, clipping a shot just wide The clinical Pereira then chester City took another step goal that put the leaders 17 stop. after Jesus mugged a flagging struck twice in first-half stop- towards the Premier League points clear of Manchester Ruben Dias slid in to make Jonny Evans. page time and things went title with an authoritative 2-0 United, albeit having played a telling block from the Bel- Earlier, Matheus Pereira from bad to worse for Chelsea victory at Leicester City. two games more than Ole gium midfielder moments and Callum Robinson each after the break, with Robinson Pep Guardiola’s side were Gunnar Solskjaer’s men. later after Kelechi Iheanacho scored doubles after Thiago and Mbaye Diagne giving Al- dominant for long periods, Manchester City captain picked Fernandinho’s pocket. Silva was sent off as West bion a three-goal advantage. Kevin De Bruyne hitting the Fernandinho drilled a 25-yard Mahrez stung Schmeichel’s Brom secured a stunning Mason Mount pulled one crossbar, but had to wait until drive into the bottom corner palms before the hour and 5-2 Premier League win at back, but Robinson applied the 58th minute for left-back but his fifth-minute effort Leicester failed to clear the Chelsea. the finishing touches in injury Mendy to find the break- was ruled out because Sergio danger - possession falling to The Blues were unbeaten time as the brilliant Baggies through. Aguero jumped over the shot Mendy, who stepped inside in 14 games under head coach secured a first away league Both teams had seen goals in an offside position. Marc Albrighton and slotted Thomas Tuchel and had not victory over the London club ruled out for offside by that De Bruyne went closer for home right footed. conceded a goal in seven since 1978 to raise hopes they point, with Jamie Vardy frus- the visitors, rattling the bar Sterling and Jesus threat- matches, but they suffered a can pull off an unlikely great trated in first-half stoppage with a 23rd-minute free-kick, ened to undo De Bruyne’s shock defeat at the hands of escape. time, although nothing ap- before Kasper Schmeichel imperious work 16 minutes the second-bottom Baggies at Results: Chelsea 2 West Bro- proaching a repeat of Leices- saved with his boot to thwart Manchester City’s French defender Benjamin Mendy (R) celebrates scor- from time but held their nerve Stamford Bridge on Saturday. mwich Albion 5; Leeds United ter’s 5-2 early season triumph former team-mate Riyad Mah- ing the opening goal during the English Premier League match against to seal victory as blue shirts Christian Pulisic put Chel- 2 Sheffield United 1; Leicester at the Etihad Stadium ever ap- rez and Jesus thrashed over Leicester City at King Power Stadium in Leicester on Saturday. (AFP) darted back towards the goal- sea in front, but Silva was giv- City 0 Manchester City 2. 14 Sunday, April 4, 2021 Sports

Amir Cup Volleyball 2021: Al Rayyan, Al Arabi spikers make final

Al Rayyan (right) and Al Arabi zoomed into the final of Amir Cup Volleyball 2021 with semi-final second leg wins over Al Ahli and Police Sports Club at the Qatar Volleyball Association Hall on Saturday. While Al Rayyan won in straight games against Al Ahli 3-0 (25-17, 25-12, 25-20), Al Arabi rallied to overcome Police SC 3-2 (22-25, 22-25, 25-23, 25-16, 19-17). Both Al Rayyan and Al Arabi had won their first round semi-finals too. The final will be played on Wednesday (April 7) at 6.30pm. Sinner matches Super Barty retains title Agassi, Nadal, Djokovic as as Andreescu retires Miami gets event in the past two seasons. World No.1 Still, Andreescu’s bold and brave run to the final means teenage finalist becomes the she still boasts a stunning 33-2 win-loss record in North DPA and then we both played a lit- sixth woman to America since the start of Berlin tle bit better,” Sinner said. defend a Miami 2019. Additionally, Andreescu “Today was not easy, it is projected to move up three Jannik Sinner followed in was a little bit windy, and in Open crown spots in the WTA rankings to the footsteps of three all-time the end I tried to serve better World No.6. tennis greats as he became the and try to move him a little bit WTA Barty’s forehand was in fourth teenager in history to more, try to mix it up a little Miami (Florida) impressive form as she relied reach a men’s singles final at bit, and that was the key today. on that wing to build an early the Miami Open. “He was serving a few sec- The woman at the top of the lead. She broke Andreescu for The 19-year-old Italian ond serves in the last game WTA rankings finished on top 2-0 with a passing winner off hit three huge backhand win- and I just tried to go for it and at the Miami Open, as World of that side, then held on with ners to break serve in the final even if I lost the game I was No.1 Ashleigh Barty defeated ease to consolidate for 3-0. game as he pulled off a 5-7 6-4 5-5, so I was up in the score an injured No.8 seed Bianca However, holding a 40-0 6-4 victory over Spain’s Rob- and it was the right decision.” Andreescu, 6-3, 4-0, ret., to lead to take a 4-1 advantage, erto Bautista Agut in their last- Agassi, in 1990, and Djok- successfully defend her title on Andreescu’s grit in rallies four clash. ovic, in 2007, were both teen- Saturday. forced miscues from the rac- It means Sinner matches age champions at the event, 2019 Miami champion quet of Barty, and the Canadi- Andre Agassi, Rafael Nadal beating Stefan Edberg and Barty has now won 12 consec- an stormed back in that game, and Novak Djokovic - play- Guillermo Canas respectively utive matches at the tourna- earning her first break of the ers who went on to be ranked in the title matches. ment, although her first-ever day to get back on serve. number one in the world - in Nadal lost to Roger Federer meeting with fellow Grand A protracted game fol- becoming a finalist at the Mas- in the 2005 final, with theS wiss Slam champion Andreescu Ashleigh Barty of Australia poses with the winner’s trophy of the Miami Open at the Hard Rock Stadium in lowed, where strong serv- ters 1000 tournament while coming from two sets down to ended prematurely after the Miami Gardens, Florida, on Saturday. (Getty Images/AFP) ing by Andreescu helped her still in his teens. win what was then a five-set fi- Canadian unfortunately suf- save two early break points. The hotly tipped world nale to the tournament. fered an injury at 2-0 in the (her first match off of Austral- But a forehand winner off number 31 will contest a final It has since gone back to second set, then retired two ian soil in over a year), Barty the netcord went the way of at this level for the first time in being a best-of-three match. games later. needed to save a match point Barty, giving the Australian a his career on Sunday, awaiting Sinner may have benefit- Barty became the sixth before staving off the chal- third break point, and Barty the winner of the second semi- ed from Nadal, Djokovic and woman to defend the Miami lenge from the qualifier. clinched that one by ending an final between Andrey Rublev Federer electing to skip this Open crown, following in the The top seed was able to all-court rally with a backhand and Hubert Hurkacz. year’s tournament, but many legendary footsteps of Stefanie battle through the draw from crosscourt winner. Sinner said of his feat: “It believe he has the potential to Graf (1987-88, 1994-96), Mon- there (including three-set wins Barty held on from there to sounds incredible. I’m very, follow them to the very top of ica Seles (1990-91), Arantxa over Victoria Azarenka and wrap up the one-set lead, having very happy about today be- the game. Sanchez-Vicario (1992-93), Aryna Sabalenka), earning her slammed 11 winners, including cause obviously being the first Former women’s world Venus Williams (1998-99), milestone 10th WTA singles three aces, to Andreescu’s six in semi-final it’s not easy to play, number five Daniela Hantu- and Serena Williams (2002- title in the process. the opening frame. especially on a Masters event, chova hailed Sinner’s “brave- 04, 2007-08, 2013-15). Each Andreescu’s arduous trip After double faulting to and playing against a very, ness and calmness”, adding: of these six players has held through the draw, which in- cede an early break in the very very solid player in Roberto. “When it really mattered, he the World No.1 ranking. cluded four three-setters in a first game of the second set, “We had a tough battle two stepped it up big time and to Moreover, Barty is the row en route to the final, came Andreescu was already facing weeks ago, and coming out as be able to do that at such a first No.1 seed to win the Mi- to a very unlucky end in the a deficit when she tripped and a winner today it means a lot young age, we are looking at ami Open since Serena Wil- Bianca Andreescu of Canada is consoled by her coach, Isade Juneau, final. fell at 2-0. Andreescu played to me.” something very, very special liams in 2015. Barty will re- after retiring in the final of the Miami Open on Saturday.(Getty/ AFP) The Canadian had already on for two more games, but in Sinner also won that pre- here.” main at World No.1 after her missed the entirety of the tears and obviously distressed, vious match, another tight Greg Rusedski, runner-up title defence. mendous turnaround from two-and-a-half-hour opening 2020 season due to injuries, the Canadian was unable to three-setter, in Dubai. at the 1997 US Open, add- Barty completed a tre- the start of the event. In her clash against Kristina Kucova and Miami was only her third continue beyond that point. Speaking on Amazon ed on Amazon’s broadcast: Prime, he explained how he “Rafa was the youngest to be recovered from a slow start to in the Miami finals. Mentally win the Miami tussle. they have a lot in common. “In the beginning I think Different styles but just bold SERIE A we were both a little bit tight and brave.” Ronaldo salvages Turin derby draw after Sanabria double

DPA selli’s free-kick in a frantic finale. Berlin A late goal from Jens Hauge secured a 1-1 draw for Milan at Cristiano Ronaldo salvaged home to 10-man Sampdoria on a 2-2 Serie A draw for Juventus Saturday. after Antonio Sanabria’s double A superb strike from Fabio Qua- threatened to secure a shock Turin gliarella had put the visitors in front derby win for struggling Torino. in a tight contest at San Siro before Federico Chiesa’s 13th goal of the substitute Hauge levelled with Mi- season put the champions in front, lan’s first shot on target after 87 but Sanabria equalised before the minutes. break and struck again just 15 sec- Claudio Ranieri’s side played onds into the second half at Ol- the final half-hour with 10 men and impico Grande Torino. looked to have done enough before Ronaldo denied Torino when Hauge’s clever finish. Audero then he levelled 11 minutes from time saved from Hakan Calhanoglu and with a goal that was initially ruled Kessie hit the post as Milan just out, but a video assistant referee failed to complete the turnaround. checked showed he was onside. Stefano Pioli’s men have now Sanabria came close to a hat- gone consecutive home games trick in the closing stages with in all competitions without a win a header that was saved by Wo- for the first time since December Jannick Sinner of Italy returns a shot to Roberto Bautista Agut of Juventus’ Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo is tackled during the Italian Serie A match jciech Szczesny and the Juve goal- 2013, leaving their Scudetto hopes Spain in the semi-final of the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium in against Torino at the Olympic stadium in Turin on Saturday. (AFP) keeper palmed away Daniele Ba- looking slim. Miami Gardens, Florida, on Friday. (Getty Images/AFP) Sports Sunday, April 4, 2021 15

QATAR NATIONAL ARABIAN HORSE SHOW Al Reeh Stud’s Spartacus To tops as stallion on Day 2

Tribune News Network Doha

Spartacus To of Al Reeh Stud was adjuged best in the Karaamah at the winning post of the first Purebred Arabian race of Stallions 11+Years-Old (Class the season for three-year-olds in Bordeaux, France, on Friday. 12) on the second day of the Qatar National Arabian Horse Show for Individual Owners at Sheikh Abdullah’s Karaamah Al Shaqab on Saturday. The chestnut stallion (Marwan Al Shaqab x Da wins Qatar Prix Massoud Shahnia) is 2007 born and stood out impressively amass- at Bordeaux ing 91.70 points to be ahead of Om El Sanadeed and Gazwan Tribune News Network After a couple of remind- Al Nasser. Doha ers, Karaamah asserted by a The Stallions 7-10 Years neck in front of HH Sheikh Old (Class 11) was won by Naif Bordeaux hosted the first Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Al Zaeem (91.30) of Al Naif Purebred Arabian race of the Thani’s Zain El Hala (FR) Stud. season for three-year-olds, the (Assy x Chamade De Ghazal). The 2014 bay stallion Fadi QREC-sponsored Qatar Prix The winner carried half a Al Shaqab x Tasnim Al Naif) Massoud, on Friday. kilo (1lb) more than the run- finishedahead of Lammah Al Karaamah (FR) (Al Ma- ner-up, with the latter, trained Naif, and Mardf Al Shaqab. mun Monlau x Al Anqa) an- by Thomas Fourcy, benefitting The qualifying second nexed this particular heat, from Laurie Foulard’s claim. round was held for Class 5A over seven furlongs, for un- Adil Al Mazrooei’s ZF AL- (Colts 2-Years-Old) to Class raced types in the colours of MUZON (FR) (Dahess x Z F 11 (Stallions 7-10 Years-Old) her owner-breeder, His High- Al Ameena) finished one and on Saturday. ness Sheikh Abdullah bin quarter lengths further in The 9th Qatar National Khalifa Al Thani. third for trainer T. Lemer and Arabian Horse Show for In- Trained by Didier Guil- jockey Antoine Werle. dividual Owners began at the Al Reeh Stud’s Spartacus To, winner of Class 12 (Stallions 11+Years-Old on the second day of the 9th Qatar National Arabian Horse Show for lemin, the bay filly was ridden Karaamah is a daughter Longines Arena of Al Shaqab, Individual Owners at Longines Arena of Al Shaqab, on Saturday. on her racecourse bow by Ol- of the Al Shaqab Racing sire Member, Qatar Foundation, ivier Peslier. Al Mamun Monlau, a stallion on Friday with as many as 150 In a race in which Josko based at the Haras du Grand contenders participating in (Josco Du Cayrou x Essaana) Courgeon. Her dam, Al Anqa, the qualifying classes on the set a modest pace, Karaamah won the French Arabian Breed- first day. settled in mid-division. Chal- ers’ Challenge (Gr1 PA). This Both Friday and Saturday lenging between horses and, makes Karaamah a full sister to saw yearling fillies and colts, travelling very comfortably, Sir Monlau. The latter won the 2yo fillies and 3yo fillies vy- the fillyplaced herself in the Qatar Silver Sword at QREC Al ing for attention for a shot at firing line after laying down Rayyan Park, Doha on April 1 – the championship gold on the the gauntlet to the leaders. less than 24 hours earlier! third and final day of the com- petition on Sunday. The Show began with Ebrahim bin Yousef Al Ro- maihi’s Maaly taking the top spot in Class 1A for Yearling Fillies with 90.60 points, ahead of Al Khor Stud’s Thab- ya Al Khor (90.20) and Saad Salem Al Hajri’s Dhai Al Salem (89.70). In Class 1B for Yearling Fillies, it was Aljazeel Stud’s Farida NWA who impressed the judges with the most earn- ing 90.50 points, while Mo- hammed Mubarak Al Sulaiti’s Rajwa Lembarak (90.20) and Yousef Al Kuwari’s Royal Tita- nia AS (89.90) finished second Enemy scooted home in the Prix du Champ d’Alouette, a Class 3 mile and third respectively. for four-year-olds at Chantilly on Friday. (Pic: Scoopdyga) The finalqualifying year- ling class for fillies saw a tie at the top for overall points be- Qatar Racing’s Enemy tween Al Jamal Stud’s Elham Al Jamal and Aljazeel Stud’s opens his French account Shadi Al Nasser at 91.50. El- Naif Al Zaeem, winner Class 11 (Stallions 7-10 Years -Old). ham Al Jamal took the top Tribune News Network my finished fifth on his French spot having earned half a point In Class 2B for 2yo Fillies, Al Marroona Stud’s Lulu Anoud Al Sraiya earning 91.70 of the day, 4B for Yearling Doha debut and was then beaten a more on Type than her rival. Al Reeh Stud’s Rose Kas won Al Marroona was awarded points for the win, while Al Colts, it was Al Ammar Stud’s short head into second. Al Marroona Stud’s Qatar Al with 91.60 points, while judg- 90.90 points. Jood Stud’s Juhaina Al Jood Shangar Al Ammar that took It was mission accomplished On this particular Friday Marroona took the third spot es had to decide the next two Al Sraiya Stud-owned fil- (90.80) and Muhammad the top spot in one of the clos- for Enemy (GB) (Muhaar x card, and with Pierre-Charles with 90.30 points. spots on Move after Kaheel lies took the top two spots in Mesned Al Misned’s Jamilah est contests in the day with Prudenzia) as the representa- Boudot in the plate, Enemy Al Sraiya Stud’s Alaliya Al Stud’s Tara KL and Khalid Al the Class 3A for 3yo Fillies Al Raheed (90.70) finished 90.40 points. tive of Qatar Racing, Ecurie scooted home in the Prix du Sraiya amassed 92.10 points Qahtani’s Rifal Al Bairaq were with Amirata winning the second and third respectively. Masod Rashid Al Athbi’s des Monceaux and Skymarc Champ d’Alouette, a Class to top Class 2A for 2yo Fillies locked at same overall points class with 91.80 points. Kayid Al Jazeel led a one- Rayyan Al Athba finished Farm, recorded his first French 3 mile for four-year-olds at while Ebrahim Bin Yousef Al at 90.20 and also on Type. Temooh Al Shahania and two for the owners Aljazeel second with 90.30 points, in victory in his third attempt on Chantilly. He powered home Romaihi’s IS Shereen, gold Tara KL was adjudged runner Heboob Al Shahania were Stud in the first qualifying front of third placed Baghdad French soil on Friday. by three and a half lengths in champion among the year- up ahead of Rifal Al Bairaq. locked in at 91.10 points and class for colts — Class 4A for Al Hazza, owned by Al Hazza The four-year-old gelding front of Gemcutter (Medaglia lings at 23rd Qatar National Ghanim Mubarak Nasser also on Type, before Move Yearling Colts. While Kayid Al Stud, with 90.00 points. got back to winning ways af- d’Oro x Profit). Arabian Horse Show in Janu- Al Kuwari’s Ghaliah Al Kheesa broke the deadlock and the Jazeel won with 90.90 points, The three-day competi- ter proving successful on his Enemy’s dam is none other ary this year, was second with narrowly edged out Al Yacoub former was adjudged to have Bariz OS finished second with tion will see six championship two-year-old debut at Ascot than the excellent Prudenzia 91.80 points. Stud’s Aahd Al Yacoub for the finished second. 90.40 points and Ezz Imperial rounds — yearling colts and for British trainer John Gos- (Dansili), a mare already re- Al Hazm Stud’s Celine AH top spot in Class 2C for 2yo In the final class for fil- of Ezz Elkhail Stud was third fillies, junior colts and fillies, den. After joining the stable of sponsible for the high class Stud rounded out the top three Fillies with 91.40 points to the lies on Friday, Al Sraiya Stud with 90.30 points. and mares and stallions — will French trainer Francis-Henri distaffers, Magic Wand (Gali- with 91.20 points. latter’s 91.30. took yet another victory with In the last qualifying class be held on Sunday. Graffard in September, Ene- leo) and Chicquita (Montjeu). Bayern take big step in title race with table-topper win over Leipzig

DPA the deadlock in the 38th min- Without Lewandowski, who for offside before team-mate ter in fifth, but seven points Berlin ute with a powerful shot after Andre Silva secured the late behind. a perfectly placed assist by is sidelined after suffering win for Frankfurt with a power Flying high in the fight for Bayern Munich didn’t seem Thomas Mueller. a knee injury during the header in the 87th minute. a chance to play the Champi- to miss top scorer Robert Le- Leipzig worked hard in the international break with “I wasn’t disappointed ons League next season are wandowski on Saturday, tak- second half to at least rescue Poland, Leon Goretzka was when my goal was disallowed third-placed Wolfsburg, who ing a big step in the title race a point and keep title hopes responsible for securing a because I knew we would score secured a 1-0 home win over with a 1-0 win in the Bundes- high, but keeper Manuel Neu- victory for the Bavarians. another. That’s exactly what Cologne. liga table-topper clash against er was superb to secure Bayern happened,” Ilsanker said. Bayer Leverkusen, who second-placed RB Leipzig. the three points. point advantage over Leipzig Dortmund had a big chance also battles Dortmund and Earlier, Eintracht Frank- “An important step. We with seven games left in the to rescue a point on added Frankfurt for a spot in the furt secured a late away win don’t want to let this be taken season. time, but Emre Can’s header continental competition, beat against Borussia Dortmund away from us,” Neuer told Frankfurt opened the scor- was blocked by midfielder Dji- Schalke 2-1. to take home three important broadcaster Sky. ing with 11 minutes played bril Sow over the line. Klaas-Jan Huntelaar points in the fight for aC ham- Leipzig coach Julian thanks to Dortmund defender “The result is deserved, scored his first goal since his pions League spot next season. Nagelsmann said his team Nico Schulz, who looped a even though Dortmund had return to Schalke, who remain Without Lewandowski, team was “certainly” not header over keeper Marwin their chances. We had the bet- bottom of the table, but that who is sidelined after suffering worse, but less effective in Hitz and into his own goal. ter opportunities though and wasn’t enough to avoid defeat. a knee injury during the inter- scoring goals. But shortly before the were desperate to get the win,” Elsewhere, Mainz and national break with Poland, “We still played a very good break, Mats Hummels levelled coach Adi Huetter said. Arminia Bielefeld played out Leon Goretzka was responsi- game and pressed Bayern well it up for the hosts as he vol- Frankfurt are currently a 1-1 draw and Augsburg beat ble for securing a victory for at the back in the second half. leyed the ball into the net after fourth, the last place in the Hoffenheim 2-1. the Bavarians. We just missed every chance, Bayern Munich’s German midfielder Leon Goretzka (L) celebrates a Marco Reus corner. top-four qualifying Champi- Borussia Moenchenglad- After a restless first half unfortunately,” he said. scoring with Bayern Munich’s German forward Thomas Mueller during In the second half, Stefan ons League zone. bach also defeated Freiburg on both sides, Goretzka broke Bayern now have a seven- the Bundesliga match against RB Leipzig on Saturday. (AFP) Ilsanker had his goal ruled out Dortmund come right af- by the similar margin of 2-1.