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Wednesday, March 17, 2021 CRICKET Sha’aban 4, 1442 AH Buttler blitz trumps GULF TIMES Kohli knock as England lead series SPORT Page 4 FOOTBALL Qatar players continue preparation for European 2022 qualifi ers QNA Doha

he Qatari national football team continued its preparation for the European Zone quali- fi ers for the FIFA World Cup 2022T later this month. Though Qatar automatically qualify being the hosts of the 2022 World Cup but are taking part in the qualifi ers to get match practice in the lead up to the tournament. Qatar take on Lux- embourg in their fi rst match on March 24. The second match will be against Azerbaijan on March 27 and then face Ireland on March 30 at Debrecen, Hun- gary. The Qatar squad had a training ses- sion under the supervision of Spanish coach Felix Sanchez at Aspire Academy with the participation of 23 players. The players worked on their fi tness as well as tactical aspect of their game. Coach Sanchez has not yet decided the list of players who will travel to Hungary this Friday, as the team will continue its training regularly until the departure date for the three matches. The fi nal list will be decided by Al Duhail’s Bassam al-Rawi, who suff ered a serious injury during the Arabian Gulf Sanchez tomorrow. Cup in 2019, is back in the national fold. Al Sadd forward Akram Afi f is notable Qatar players train at the Aspire Academy yesterday. absentee after he was ruled out due to QATAR SQUAD Khader and Mohamed Waad (Al Sadd); Hassan and Tamim al-Muhaizeh (Al a thigh muscle injury. Afi f suff ered the who suff ered a serious injury during the Portugal, Serbia, Republic of Ireland, Salah Zakaria, Bassam al-Rawi, Asim Gharafa) Ahmed Fathi and Mahmoud injury during their QNB Stars League Arabian Gulf Cup in 2019, is back in the Luxembourg, and Azerbaijan. Qatar Pedro Miguel, Salem al-Hajri, Tariq Madibo, Almoez Ali, Karim Boudiaf, Is- Abu Nada (Al Arabi) Abdul Aziz Hatem game against Umm Salal and could be national fold. will play their ‘home’ fi xtures on Eu- Salman, Abdelkarim Hassan, Boualam mail Mohamed, Mohamed Muntari, Ab- (Al Rayyan) Khaled Munir (Al Wakrah) out of action for up to six weeks, Al The Asian champions will join Group ropean soil in order to facilitate shorter Khokhi, Hassan al-Haydos, Youssef dullah Abd al-Salam (Al Duhail); Ahmed Sadd said. Al Duhail’s Bassam al-Rawi, A – alongside UEFA Euro 2016 winners travel times for their group opponents. Coach: Felix Sanchez Abdel Razzaq, Ahmed Suhail, Musab Ala al-Din, Humam al-Amin, Muayyad

SPOTLIGHT MOTOGP Morbidelli rivalry will drive Valentino on, says Rossi’s father Wenger calls he return of the MotoGP World Championship is imminent following four long months of winter. InT the wake of the Offi cial Qatar Test, expectations are beginning to form about how the fi rst two for World Cup rounds of the 2021 season will play out at Losail International Circuit. The Ducatis, Hondas and Yamahas all look strong and like early contenders to challenge Su- zuki for the crown, despite each every two years having seen new riders debut in the factory colours. Fabio Quar- The former Arsenal manager is Chief of Global Football tararo made the move to Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP, Jack Development at FIFA and a close adviser to president Infantino Miller and Francesco Bagnaia both jumped up to the factory Reuters Wenger conceded that his idea to have a Ducati Team while Pol Espargaro Manchester worldwide season run from March to No- dons another shade of orange as vember, to adjust for the November 2022 he traded KTM’s RC-16 for Rep- World Cup in Qatar, had found little sup- sol Honda Team’s RC213v. rsene Wenger says FIFA should port, however. “It’s my dream... I just think However, perhaps the move consider holding the World Cup I have the advantage of having worked in Ja- which has captured the imagina- and Euros every two years and that pan. We played from March until November tion the most is that of Valentino a review of the international match and it was perfect,” he said. Rossi, who switches to Petronas Acalendar will consider compressed qualifi - “It would make things more simple. And Yamaha SRT to partner Franco ers and enforced breaks for players. let’s not forget that this summer break Morbidelli at the satellite team. The former Arsenal manager is Chief of comes from the way where people were not Plenty of intrigue continues to Global Football Development at world foot- professional, it’s over 100 years ago,” he surround The Doctor as he en- ball’s governing body and a close advisor to added. ters his 26th season of Grand Prix president Gianni Infantino. Wenger said the “It was a good opportunity with the racing, and his father and former current four year wait for a World Cup is World Cup in November but it’s not the motorcycle racer Graziano Rossi, unfair to players and the focus should be on case, so that will not happen. But you need who recently turned 67, shared Yamaha SRT’s Valentino Rossi in action during the MotoGP testing at “competitions of meaning”, including the four weeks holiday and after that maybe you his thoughts on the season ahead. the Losail International Circuit last weekend. European Championships. need to go down to 18 clubs (in domestic “We need to be optimistic, the “If you look at the teams in the World leagues), everywhere.” situation is beautiful for several highly of Vale and it is clear that towards a MotoGP return after Cups usually the average age is 27/28. That’s Any changes to the international match reasons. Morbidelli is close, the he is convinced that he is in front riding a bike for the fi rst time why, because the World Cup, is every four calendar would have to be passed by FIFA’s right bike, a nice team of quick of him. But from this comparison, since the Andalucia Grand Prix in years there are very few chances to win it ruling council and possibly also a full con- and alert people, as Franco’s Valentino could come up with July of last year. The eight-time again because when they go back to the gress of all federations. Wenger said what- 2020 season has shown,” the something good. At Yamaha, I see World Champion was able to ride next World Cup they are 32/33. That’s why “I would say that’s one of the solutions we ever calendar was agreed had to include a elder Rossi told moto.it. Morbidelli stronger than Quar- a minimoto machine over the maybe we should organise the World Cup will discuss is to compact the qualifi ers... clear break for players. “I believe it’s needed, Indeed, he even feels that tararo and Maverick Viñales, who weekend after getting the doc- every two years,” he told broadcasters beIN instead of going away in October, Novem- with the physical resources that the players VR46 academy graduate Mor- have a few moments of little light.” tor’s approval. SPORTS in an interview. ber, September, March, June, we regroup the need today, it’s important that you have four bidelli could just be what his son With the younger Rossi look- Last week, the Spaniard sig- “Kick all the rest out. Organise only com- qualifi ers all in one month or two quadru- weeks holiday,” he said. to kick-on and reach the levels ing to have found some comfort nalled his intent to ride in Qa- petitions of meaning and kick all the parallel ples in October and in February but at least Wenger, 71, said he wasn’t ready to dis- of his hay day, feeling that the with his new YZR-M1 at the Test, tar at either of the opening two competitions out of the game. People must the players can dedicate that time to the club miss the possibility of returning to manage- three-time 2020 race winner is we wait with bated breath to see rounds of 2021 and that remark- understand what is at stake and only have from March until June, and we would gain ment but said he had a lot of work to do at again the biggest threat of the if he can translate that to Sunday able return now appears to be one games with meaning,” he added, having four dates,” he said. FIFA. “I don’t rule it completely out but I Yamahas. “Vale will need the form at the Barwa Grand Prix of step closer after fi nally making been critical in the past of UEFA’s new Na- “The ideal solution would be to regroup want really to have an infl uence on develop- competition, he will want to be Qatar on March 28th. his motorcycle return. In a post tions League tournament. the qualifi ers in one month, let’s say in Oc- ing the academy, the research centre in Zu- as fast as the other: it is a good on Instagram, Marquez said: The Frenchman said one idea on the agen- tober, you qualify and the rest of the season rich and contribute to put in place what can motivation and it is also a mo- MARC MARQUEZ MAKES “After eight months and after da, for the review which is due to start this you play for your club and then at the end make football outside Europe, in Europe as tivation that I would call happy. HIS RETURN TO RIDING the Doctors approval in the last month, is to reduce the amount of inter- of the season you play the national team well, better,” he said. “And as well let’s not The two understand and respect AFTER EIGHT MONTHS check-up, I fi nally felt this feel- national breaks taken from domestic foot- Championships but that will be a complete forget the women’s football has a boom and each other. I saw Morbidelli on Repsol Honda’s Marc Marquez ing again although it was with a ball for qualifi ers for major tournaments. evolution, not revolution.” they need as well a lot of support to do that.” Sky the other night: he spoke very has made his biggest step yet mini moto!” (motogp.com) Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, March 17, 2021 FOOTBALL

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SPOTLIGHT Lazio’s Inzaghi Simeone confi dent hopes to bounce back against Bayern

Reuters the best possible way,” Inzaghi Lazio, Italy added. “Before Bayern we had not yet lost in the Champions League in Suarez and Felix azio have made things the group stage... we have had diffi cult for themselves three away matches with three to qualify for the Cham- draws against Bruges, (Zenit) St pions League quarter- Petersburg and (Borussia) Dort- Lfi nals but coach Simone Inzaghi mund. They (Bayern) are a very said yesterday the Italian club’s strong team, they deserved all goal is to become regulars in the the trophies... We will play with can unlock Chelsea competition after missing out in determination and desire.” recent years. Atletico Madrid face a 1-0 deficit in the last-16 tie after losing in Bucharest Lazio, who last participated in BAYERN WAITING ON the Champions League in 2007- FITNESS OF NEUER, AFP 08, lost the fi rst leg of their last- COMAN FOR LAZIO Madrid 16 tie 4-1 to defending champi- Holders Bayern Munich are Atletico Madrid’s forward ons and treble winners Bayern waiting on the fi tness of cap- Luis Suarez takes part in a Munich last month. tain Manuel Neuer and winger uis Suarez, despite his Champi- training session, on the eve of Their qualifi cation for Eu- Kingsley Coman for their Cham- ons League goal drought, and Joao the Champions League round rope’s elite competition next pions League last-16 second leg Felix, whose future is in question, of 16 second leg match against season is in doubt with the Ital- against Lazio today. Bayern hold will start together as Atletico Ma- Chelsea. (AFP) ian side seventh in Serie A with a a 4-1 lead from the fi rst leg ahead Ldrid try to fi ght back in their second leg game in hand, six points behind of the return game at the Allianz at Chelsea, coach Diego Simeone said fourth-placed Atalanta. Arena. “Kingsley has some mus- yesterday. “We hadn’t entered the Cham- cular problems, ‘Manu’ (Neuer) “Only one objective: victory,” said pions League for more than 10 has a bit of a cold, so we took Simeone, whose team face a 1-0 defi cit years, we missed the second them out of team training today,” in the last-16 tie after losing their ‘home’ round (last-16) for 20 years. We coach Hansi Flick said. game in Bucharest. “I must fi nd the nec- have to hit it more consistently,” Germany goalkeeper Neuer sat essary tools to achieve this.” Inzaghi told reporters. out the training session, while Despite Covid-19 restrictions, today’s “But we know that it’s not easy Coman jogged alone briefl y. “We game will be played at Chelsea’s Stam- and that there are fi ve battle- have to wait, but hope they are ford Bridge home. Suarez has not scored ships ahead of us in addition to okay,” said Flick. an away goal in the competition since he Atalanta who are doing very well. Should Neuer drop out, re- struck in the 21st minute of Barcelona’s We have to fully enjoy an evening serve goalkeeper Alexander opening group game at Roma in Septem- like tomorrow night. I hope it Nuebel could make only his third ber, 2015. will happen again soon because start this season. The 24-year- Since then he has 17 goals in the Cham- we are very ambitious. We’ve old is reportedly unhappy at his pions League, all at the Nou Camp for achieved our goal, to return to lack of opportunities at Bayern Barcelona. He has yet to score in fi ve ap- the second round. Unfortu- since joining from Schalke last pearances in the competition for Atletico. nately, with the fi rst leg we have year and has been linked to a “Now would be good time for him to snap compromised passage to the next loan spell at Ligue 1 side Monaco. the streak,” Simeone told a press confer- round.” Bayern have options on the wing ence. “Why not? Suarez is a very impor- However, Inzaghi said he to replace Coman, with Germany tant player for us, a striker who has a lot hoped to count on their unbeaten stars Serge Gnabry and Leroy of infl uence on our game, who has stand- away record in the competition Sane both fi t. ing, for us and for our opponents.” this season when they take on Bayern have scored 12 goals in Felix’s recent form has been questioned Bayern, who last lost a game in three straight Bundesliga wins in Spain even as he has been the subject Europe two years ago. “We know since the fi rst leg. “We want to of speculation in Britain that Manches- how much we have worked in re- win this game, we are on a good ter City want the 21-year-old Portuguese cent years to play such matches. run and want to continue it,” said to replace former Atletico striker Sergio We will go to play the game in Flick. Aguero. “Joao is a very important player, he started the season at a very high level, we need that player,” said Simeone. “All footballers go through diff erent phases in their careers, especially when they are young.” With Felix alongside him at the press conference, Simeone dismissed doubts about the striker’s defensive work-rate. “We all want him to grow and for him to grow and get to where he wants to be, he has to be complete and have diff erent fac- Tuchel urges Chelsea to make home advantage count ets, because all footballers want to work London: Thomas Tuchel admits Chelsea have a normal schedule, and maybe this to build confidence. for the team.” have been handed a major advantage is the decisive percentage for tomorrow But he said players at Chelsea’s level Felix echoed his coach. “I’m happy at by not having to travel for the second that is on our side. We still need another did not have the luxury of time to find the club,” he said. “Like all players I have leg of their Champions League last-16 tie top performance, we need to play an- their form. “Maybe then it’s clearly my not so good phases, I don’t know if I’m against Atletico Madrid today. other high-intensity match. We have a fault and I take this responsibility for going through one or not, but I’m sure The first leg between the Spanish big respect (for Atletico) because we changing,” added Tuchel, speaking it will pass. I don’t know if I lack desire. league leaders and the Blues was played play against the leaders in Spain.” about whether his frequent changes had There are many examples of players who in Romanian capital Bucharest as a Chelsea are unbeaten in 12 games aff ected the confidence of his strikers. had a lot of talent, but lacked something result of coronavirus travel restrictions. under Tuchel, largely thanks to an “If you arrive in elite level football, if to reach the top. “I don’t want to be one Both legs of the ties between Liverpool excellent defensive record, with 10 clean you play for Chelsea, there is no time to of them, so I try to apply my desire and and RB Leipzig and Manchester City’s sheets in that run. However, they are perform, it does not exist. You are in a my talent.” clash with Borussia Moenchengladbach struggling to score, finding the net just competition with your teammates, there Chelsea are unbeaten since Thomas have been moved to Budapest. 13 times over the period. Olivier Giroud’s is no time to get four, five, six matches Tuchel took over from the sacked Frank However, Chelsea will defend their 1-0 overhead kick gave Chelsea a vital away in a row until you score regularly. This is Lampard in late January. “We are facing a first-leg lead at Stamford Bridge, even goal against Atletico last month but both not a secret, this is a given.” team that is doing very well, that has not though the game will be played behind the Frenchman and Timo Werner found Tuchel confirmed that Thiago Silva lost since the arrival of its new coach,” closed doors. “We have the advantage themselves on the bench for Saturday’s and Tammy Abraham remain out injured said Simeone. to play the home game, we don’t have to 0-0 draw at Leeds, when Kai Havertz but both should return after the interna- “But tomorrow, we will be looking for travel,” Chelsea boss Tuchel said. started as a false nine. tional break. Chelsea will also be without one result: victory. And we’ll try to play “This is good for us. We feel happy Tuchel was asked whether he needed influential midfielders Mason Mount and the game the way we need to achieve that to be in our hotel before (the game), to to give one of his strikers a run of games Jorginho as they are both suspended. objective.” Lazio coach Simone Inzaghi.

FOCUS QNB STARS LEAGUE QFA president meets Morocco’s Wakrah dent Gharafa’s top four hopes By Sports Reporter ambassador to Qatar Doha

l Wakrah continued their good run by beating Al Gharafa 2-0 in the QNB Stars League at the Al Du- hail Stadium yesterday. Mohamed BenyettouA (46th minute) and Abdulrahman Mohamed (62nd minute) scored the goals as Al Wakrah improved their points tally to 22 and are in ninth place. Al Wakrah stretched their unbeaten run to four matches, having drawn with Qatar SC goalless, beaten Al Sailiya 1-0 and held newly-crowned champions Al Sadd to a 1-1 draw. Al Gharafa remained on 30 points and are fi fth and missed another chance to return to the top four. It was The Cheetahs’ Al Wakrah’s Khalid eighth defeat. Muneer Mazeed (left) The match was originally scheduled for and Al Gharafa’s Yousuf Qatar Football Association President Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed al-Thani met Mohamed Setri April 6 along with other Week 21 games, Muftah vie for the ball (left), the ambassador of Morocco yesterday. but was rescheduled in view of Al Gharafa’s during the QNB Stars play-off with Uzbekistan’s FC AGMK in League match yesterday. he President of Qatar cordial meeting included discus- organised by an Arab country Doha on 7th April, 2021, for a berth in the Football Association sions of many common topics of for the fi rst time in 2022. The 2021 AFC Champions League group stage. (QFA) Sheikh Hamad bin interest. ambassador said his country The fi rst real chance of the match came Khalifa bin Ahmed al- The visiting ambassador extends full support to Qatar Al Gharafa’s way in the 18th minute, but a wings. For Al Wakrah, Benyettou, Abdul- Benyettou played a signifi cant role in the TThani received in his offi ce yes- praised the important role of the as it prepares to host the World shot by Ahmed al-Janehi, after he was put rahman Mohamed and Khalid Muneer made second goal too, as Abdulrahman Mohamed terday morning Mohamed Setri, State of Qatar at the sporting Cup. The meeting also discussed through by Sofi ane Hanni, was saved by Al unsuccessful attempts at the goal in the fi rst played a one-two with him before fi nding the ambassador of Morocco. level, indicating that Doha has strengthening means of co-op- Wakrah goalkeeper Saoud al-Khater who half. Al Wakrah came on for second-half the target after outplaying rival defenders The meeting was attended by become one of the most popular eration between the two sides in exhibited good refl ex. Three minutes later, play by fi elding Omar Ali and Mohamed Homam and Yousef Muftah. Ali Daoud, Executive Director cities on the world stage which various fi elds in light of the fra- Al Gharafa’s young star Homam al-Ameen Emad, and the move immediately paid off Al Gharafa then eff ected a few substi- of the Offi ce of QFA President. confi rms Qatar’s ability to or- ternal relationship between the came up with a long-range grounder and Al as the former assisted Benyettou for the fi rst tutions, including that of their spearhead The QFA President received the ganise a wonderful version of the two countries. At the end of the Khater pouched it. Homam was at it again in goal with a cross from the right. Jonathan Kodjia, but failed to fi nd a break- Moroccan ambassador seeking FIFA World Cup in 2022. meeting, the Moroccan ambas- the 24th minute, but this time, he hit wide of Al Wakrah were on the surge and Benyet- through. Al Gharafa had beaten Al Wakrah to strengthen the existing rela- He expressed his happiness sador was presented with a QFA the far post from the left. tou headed over a Murad Naji corner kick in 1-0 in the fi rst leg of 2020-21 season QNB tions between the two sides. The that the FIFA World Cup will be shield as a souvenir. Al Gharafa attacked mostly through the the 50th minute. Stars League. Gulf Times Wednesday, March 17, 2021 3 FOOTBALL

LA LIGA SPOTLIGHT Ibrahimovic back in Sweden squad Messi celebrates over the years with cheeky hints AFP Stockholm that he could be returning to the Swedish team. But things took a more serious latan Ibrahimovic will turn last autumn when, after be- return to Sweden’s squad ing awarded Sweden’s Footballer after an almost fi ve-year of the Year award for an aston- levelling Xavi hiatus to play in World ishing 12th time in late Novem- ZCup qualifi ers at the end of ber, he said that he missed play- March, head coach Janne An- ing for the team. “The one who dersson said yesterday. does not miss it, he has already The player, known for his fi nished his career. And I have not-so-humble ways, also an- not fi nished my career,” he said. nounced his own return, posting Ibrahimovic and coach Janne record with double a picture of himself on Instagram Andersson then met for talks. in the Swedish team kit. Andersson said: “I think we’ll be 'He’s the most important man in the history of Barca and he’s still with us' The highly-anticipated an- a better team with Zlatan, that’s nouncement comes just three why he was selected.” AFP months before the European And in a statement he devel- Madrid Championship in June-July. The oped that thought, saying the 39-year-old AC Milan striker towering 1.95m (6foot 4in) for- retired from the Swedish squad ward had been selected “fi rst ionel Messi scored a spectacular after the 2016 European Cham- and foremost because he’s a very double the same night he equalled pionship, with 116 caps and 62 good football player, the best Xavi Hernandez’s appearance international goals. we’ve ever had in Sweden.” record for Barcelona, the Argen- Media had speculated about “So it’s of course great that he Ltinian inspiring his team to a 4-1 win over Ibrahimovic’s possible return to wants to come back. In addition Huesca on Monday. the national team, but the Swed- to what he can contribute on the Messi tied Xavi’s 767 games in all com- ish Football Association had pitch, he has loads of experience petitions for Barca and marked yet an- refused to comment until yes- and can also share that with oth- other milestone with a brilliant brace, a terday, when he was announced er players on the team,” he added. curling eff ort in the fi rst half fl ying in off among the players selected for Without “Ibra”, Sweden the crossbar at Camp Nou before a late the qualifi ers against Georgia on reached the 2018 World Cup shot nestled in the corner. March 25 and Kosovo on March quarter-fi nals and qualifi ed di- “He’s the most important man in the 28, as well as a friendly against rectly for Euro 2020, which has history of Barca,” said coach Ronald Koe- Estonia on March 31. been postponed to June-July man after the match. “Even better that Ibrahimovic has been nursing 2021 due to the Covid-19 pan- he’s still with us.” a muscle injury lately but hopes demic. Antoine Griezmann had earlier fol- to return to the pitch tomor- In the fi rst round Sweden will lowed suit with another impressive shot row when Milan face his former face Spain, Poland and Slovakia into the top corner before Huesca pulled club, Manchester United, in in Group E. Andersson said he one back, Rafa Mir converting a doubtful the Europa League round of 16. would announce the squad for penalty on the stroke of half-time. But The Swede has made headlines the Euro in May. Messi helped Barca pull away, sending in a cross for Oscar Mingueza to head in and then scoring his second as the Cata- lans moved to within four points of league leaders Atletico Madrid. Messi’s performance had all the key elements of the 33-year-old’s genius. In a game that celebrated his longevity, he showed his class with perhaps his best goal of the season, his creativity with an assist and his consistency, by making it 13 consecutive campaigns that he has reached 20 La Liga goals. “He’s so deci- sive,” said Huesca’s Mir. “They play with one man extra.” Huesca stay bottom, four points adrift of safety, while Barcelona continue their Barcelona’s Lionel Messi scores during the La Liga match against Huesca at the Camp Nou in Barcelona. (Reuters) own excellent form. They have now man- aged 11 wins and a draw from their last breaking records,” said Suarez .”I think from Busquets and fl icked his fi rst touch hope at the end of the half when a scin- 12 matches, putting them within sight this one says a lot about you as a player around the sliding Jorge Pulido. The ball tillating counter-attack was rewarded of Atletico, who they still have to play at and what you represent for Barcelona.” was still spinning when he tapped it for- with a mysterious penalty, Mir failing to home in May. “We think you’re extraordinary, some- ward and whipped a shot that fl ew off the connect with Ferreiro’s cross but given Messi should break Xavi’s record on thing from another planet,” said Neymar. crossbar and in. a spot-kick anyway, seemingly for a late Sunday against Real Sociedad and the Koeman played Frenkie de Jong again in Barcelona were dominant and Jordi challenge from Marc-Andre ter Stegen. club toasted his achievement with a video the centre of a back three but he was re- Alba thrashed a shot against the crossbar Mir made no mistake. Yet Barca gave that included tributes from numerous placed in the second half by Ronald Arau- before Griezmann made it two, played themselves breathing space when Mingu- current and former team-mates includ- jo, whose return from injury should also into space by Pedri and driving another eza headed in his fi rst Barcelona goal from ing Gerard Pique, Sergio Busquets, Luis be a major boost to Barca during the run- thundering eff ort into the same corner a cross by Messi, who had the last word, The 39-year-old Zlatan Ibrahimovic retired from the Swedish squad Suarez, Neymar, Andres Iniesta, Car- in. Messi rose to the occasion in the 13th Messi had picked out. De Jong poked a cutting in from the right and fi ring into after the 2016 European Championship, with 116 caps and 62 los Puyol and Xavi himself. “You’re still minute. He darted back to receive a pass cross onto bar and Huesca were given the bottom corner for his 661st. international goals. (AFP)

FOCUS PREMIER LEAGUE Dinamo Zagreb coach quits Liverpool boss Klopp happy to win ‘dirty’ aft er jail sentence for fraud AFP former club director and a tax inspector were all Zagreb found guilty of graft which, according to the in- dictment, cost Dinamo more than 15mn euros ($18mn) and the state 1.5mn euros. inamo Zagreb coach Zoran Mamic has The cash was embezzled through fi ctitious resigned after being sentenced to four deals related to player transfers, notably two in- years and eight months in jail for a mul- ternational stars — Real Madrid midfi elder Mo- ti-million euro fraud involv- dric and defender Dejan Lovren. ingD Luka Modric’s move to Tottenham They both appeared as witnesses and other player transfers. during the trial providing details The Croatian champions an- of their transfers from Dinamo. nounced Mamic’s departure late Mon- Modric testifi ed over the de- day as the club prepare to face Spurs tails of his 2008 transfer from in tomorrow’s Europa League last 16 Dinamo to Tottenham Hotspur. return leg. Tottenham lead 2-0 after From there he joined Real Ma- last week’s fi rst leg in London. Mam- drid in 2012. Both Lovren and ic’s exit came after the Supreme Court Modric were initially charged upheld a 2018 ruling by a local tribunal with perjury after testifying at but reduced his initial prison sentence Mamic’s trial, but the charges by three months. “Although I do not were later dropped. feel guilty, as I said earlier if the verdict At the time Zdravko Mamic becomes fi nal I will accept it and quit was sentenced to six years and as Dinamo coach and sports director,” six months in jail and the Su- Mamic said. preme Court upheld the verdict. Assistant coach Damir Krznar will replace He fl ed to neighbouring Bosnia just ahead of the Liverpool’s Diogo Jota (left) scores against Wolverhampton Wanderers during the Premier League match on Monday night. (AFP) Mamic as both manager and sports director. verdict. Earlier this month another trial involving Mamic, 49, wished the club “all good luck and the Mamic brothers and three others embezzling AFP However, Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo the Champions League. However, the visitors success”. In 2018, Mamic, his brother and former millions of euros from Dinamo Zagreb opened be- Wolverhampton, United Kingdom allayed fears over the Portuguese’s health. should have been punished for a slow start as Dinamo Zagreb boss Zdravko Mamic as well as a fore a local tribunal. “He’s OK. He’s conscious, he remembers goalkeeper Alisson Becker somehow escaped what happens, he’s aware, so they tell me he’s without conceding a penalty when he crashed urgen Klopp said he had no problem OK,” said Nuno. “He’s going to recover.” into Nelson Semedo after just two minutes. with winning “three dirty points” as Wolves have already been badly aff ected by Sadio Mane missed two big chances at the Neymar ruled out of Cup game against Lille Diogo Jota returned to haunt Wolves a serious head injury this season. Their top other end to open the scoring for the visitors, with the only goal in a 1-0 win at Mo- scorer for the past two seasons, Raul Jimenez, but the Senegalese did have a part to play in Paris: Paris St Germain will also be without Pablo Sarabia Milan drop nine points behind lineuxJ on Monday night. A wretched run of has been out since fracturing his skull against the only goal of the game in fi rst-half stop- once again be without Neymar for the clash against the Ligue leaders Inter to damage their six successive home league defeats has left Arsenal in November. The absence of Jimenez page time as he exchanged passes with Mo- when they face Lille in the 1 leaders as the midfielder has hopes of a first league title Liverpool with an uphill task to qualify for the means Nuno’s men have missed Jota even hamed Salah before teeing up Jota for a low French Cup last 16 today as the a hip problem. since 2011. Rebic was punished Champions League next season. more since he joined the English champions shot that should have been kept out by Patri- Brazil forward has not yet fully for being "disrespectful" to But Klopp’s men have now won six of their for an initial £41mn ($57mn) in September. cio low to his right. recovered from an adductor MILAN'S REBIC HIT WITH the referee and will miss their last seven games away from Anfi eld. Vic- Jota has also been missed by Liverpool for Liverpool’s lack of fl uency compared to the muscle injury, the club said. TWO-MATCH BAN, next two league games against tory moved the English champions back up to much of the past three months due to a knee side that romped to the title last season was Neymar picked up the injury DONNARUMMA FINED Fiorentina and Sampdoria. sixth and within fi ve points of fourth-placed injury that halted his fl ying start to life at An- even more clear after the break as they were in the previous round against AC Milan forward Ante Rebic Donnarumma was fined Chelsea. “It’s all about the result,” said Klopp. fi eld. But the winger is hopeful his return can happy to sit on their lead and would have been Caen on Feb. 10 and the French has been handed a two-match 10,000 for his "threatening “It was a big fi ght. We won three dirty points, inspire a strong end to the season to secure punished by a more clinical opponent. Coady champions initially said he ban and goalkeeper Gianluigi and off ensive attitude towards I am completely fi ne with that. We need that Champions League football either via the headed wide a great chance to score against would be out for action for “up Donnarumma fined for their members of the opposing to get back on track.” Premier League or winning Liverpool’s sev- his former club, while Adama Traore stung the to four weeks”. behaviour in last weekend's club's bench, addressing one A disappointing night for Wolves ended enth European Cup. “Hopefully this can be palms of Alisson and Fabio Silva’s weak head- “Neymar is back to collective league defeat to Napoli, Serie A with an insulting expression". with a bigger concern than just the result as a great start of a run towards the end of the er fl oated into the grateful Liverpool ‘keeper’s training while continuing his announced. Croatian Rebic was Milan face Manchester United goalkeeper Rui Patricio had to be stretchered season,” said Jota. arms. But with Jimenez watching on from the individual programme,” PSG sent off at the end of the 1-0 in a decisive Europa League off after 15 minutes of treatment for a head in- Klopp named the same side that bounced stands, even Liverpool’s makeshift central de- said in a statement. PSG will loss which saw second-placed game today, with the tie at 1-1. jury following a collision with his own player back to form with a 2-0 win over RB Leipzig fensive pairing of Nat Phillips and Ozan Kabak Connor Coady in the closing stages. last midweek to reach the quarter-fi nals of were not asked serious questions. Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, March 17, 2021 SPORT

CRICKET Buttler blitz trumps Kohli knock as England take lead OPENER BUTTLER HITS UNBEATEN 83 IN A VICTORY WITH 10 BALLS TO SPARE

Agencies Bumrah to join IPL Ahmedabad bandwagon at os Buttler’s blistering 83 month-end aft er not out trumped Virat wedding break Kohli’s majestic half-cen- tury as England beat In- Pace bowler Jasprit Bumrah’s diaJ by eight wickets in the third wedding has turned a blessing Twenty20 International to go in disguise, allowing him a wel- 2-1 up in the fi ve-match series in come break ahead of a hectic Ahmedabad yesterday. schedule that comprises the Kohli struck an unbeaten 77 Indian Premier League (IPL), off 46 balls to rescue India from a tour of England for the World top-order collapse and help them Test Championship final as to a competitive 156-6. well as a five-Test series and England overwhelmed the tar- the T20 World Cup at home get with 10 balls to spare with later this year. Bumrah played Buttler smashing four sixes and just two Test matches during fi ve fours in his blistering 52-ball the recent Test series against knock. England and prior to that in Earlier put in to bat, India got Australia, represented India in off to a horror start mirroring three of the four Test matches. their batting struggle in the se- He missed the T20I series but ries opener. played all the three ODIs in Their top order batsmen Australia. He is sitting out of looked in discomfort against the the ongoing T20I series and pace and bounce of Mark Wood will, in all probability, miss the (3-31) and Jofra Archer. three-match ODI series to be Archer fl oored a return catch held in Pune later this month. to reprieve Rohit Sharma off his He is expected to join Mumbai fi rst ball but England did not have Indians towards the end of this to wait long for a breakthrough. month, between March 26-28 Wood breached KL Rahul’s and will immediately enter a defence with an express delivery week-long quarantine before in the third over, dismissing the flying to Chennai. Unlike him, opener for his second successive his other India teammates will duck in the series. directly go to their respective If pace got rid of Rahul, bounce venues since their movement did the trick against Rohit and Is- will be bubble-to-bubble. han Kishan. With Bumrah, since he has India were 24-3 after the six been outside the bubble, he powerplay overs and 55-3 at the will have to serve another halfway stage of their innings be- period of quarantine. fore Kohli counter-attacked. Bumrah’s workload has been The home captain smashed a concern for India ever since four sixes and eight boundaries he returned from a lower-back as the hosts milked 56 runs off injury back in early 2020. the last four overs. The Covid-19 pandemic England began cautiously and provided a break but on his lost Jason Roy early after the return he played the 2020 IPL opener played a reverse-sweep and bowled 60 overs in that against Yuzvendra Chahal. England’s Jos Buttler in action during the third T20 match against India at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad yesterday. (Reuters) tournament. After that he was Buttler smashed a couple of on board the flight to Australia sixes in that over and raced to a knock and seemingly settling any he made good on that. and gave me confi dence. I just stay and may well have reeled ing played behind closed doors where he suff ered a strain in 26-ball fi fty with his sustained question about his best role in “It was nice to spend time in tried to get across what a special in a maiden century had Jonny following a rise in Covid-19 cases the abdomen and had to be aggression. the team. He made his name as a the middle and I always like to not achievement it is to get to 100 Bairstow not joined in with a in the state of Gujarat. rested for the fourth and final The English batsman got a life ’fi nisher’ and is now used in the out at the end. Every time you get matches, being the fi rst English lively unbeaten 40 at the end. Test after playing the first on 76, when Kohli, usually a safe middle order by Rajasthan Roy- early wickets in the powerplay, it [men’s] player to do that,” said Ahmedabad hosts all fi ve BRIEF SCORES three Test matches. The right- catcher, dropped him at point als, but England are convinced he sets you up. It just felt like a good man-of-the-match Buttler. matches with the fourth Twen- England 158 for 2 (Buttler 83*, arm pace bowler has bowled after he had played a reverse- should open the batting and, by time to attack (at the top). It was With four sixes and fi ve fours, ty20 International scheduled to- Bairstow 40*) beat India 156 for 277.1 overs over the last five sweep. taking a chase of 157 by the scruff nice to chance my arm a bit. The Buttler was at his consider- morrow. 6 (Kohli 77*, Wood 3-31) by eight months. (IANS) It was Buttler’s career-best of the neck and refusing to let go, fi rst six off got me up and running able best throughout his 52-ball The last three matches are be- wickets.

FOCUS CYCLING ISC India Cup Golf Week commences Pogacar seals Tirreno-Adriatico win Reuters London

adej Pogacar wrapped up overall victory in the Tirreno-Adriati- co week-long race by holdingT off Belgian Wout van Aert in the fi nal individual time trial yesterday. The Tour de France champion took fourth place on the day, 12 seconds off the pace of stage winner Van Aert who clocked a best time of 11:06 over 10.1km around San Benedetto del Tron- to. Slovenian Pogacar built his victory by prevailing in the only mountain top fi nish of the race, Overall winner Slovenia rider Tadej Pogacar of UAE Team Emirates ISC India Cup Golf Week Matchday-1 winners pose with off icials and guests. then extending his overall lead celebrates on podium at the end of the 10km individual time trial over Van Aert in Sunday’s fi fth and last stage of the 56th edition of Tirreno Adriatico cycling race, he 4th India Cup Golf The Team of Akshay Randeva, India captain Mohan Atla gave for schoolchildren at the Doha stage. yesterday. (AFP) Week was commenced Subash Randeva, Chandrashekar away prizes to the winners in the Golf Club over the weekend. The Overall, he beat Van Aert by with Matchday-1 in Angadi and Nagesh Shetty were presence of other embassy and camp was jointly conducted by 1:03 and Spain’s Mikel Landa RESULTS AFTER FINAL STAGE 4. Tadej Pogacar (SLO/UAE) 12 which 36 golfers partici- declared runners up. ISC offi cials. PGA golf pros Mike Elliott and by 3:57 while 2019 Tour winner STAGE Overall standings Tpated in a four person team Texas Special Prizes went to Akshay Tournament Director Sanjay Reb Sotelo Bareng. Egan Bernal took fourth place, 1. Wout van Aert (BEL/JUM) 1. Tadej Pogacar (SLO/UAE) Scramble Event at the Doha Golf Randeva for ‘longest drive’, Gatik Jain, assisted by Qatar national On the occasion, Indian Sports 4:13 off the pace. 11min 06sec (average: 55.1 26hr 36min 17sec, 2. Wout van Club over the last weekend. Kher for ‘longest putt’, Rukkaiya coach Anwar Ali, QGL captain Center thanked its annual spon- It is Pogacar’s second stage km/h), 2. Stefan Kung (SUI/FDJ) Aert (BEL/JUM) at 1:03., 3. Mikel The event is being organised Pachisa for ‘closest to rope’, Clark White and QGL president sors – Land Royal Prop, Rusiya race victory this season after he at 6sec, 3. Filippo Ganna (ITA/ Landa (ESP/BAH) 3:57, 4. Egan by the Indian Sports Center (ISC) and Navin Bajaj for ‘closest to Manoj Megchiani, ensured that Group and ITI Group. won the UAE Tour last month. INE) 11 Bernal (COL/INE) 4:13. under the patronage of the Em- pin’. the tournament was conducted The ISC India Cup Golf Week bassy of India. ISC president Dr Mohan Tho- in fair and effi cient manner. Ra- will culminate with Matchday Team of Kunal Bhatia, Azfar mas hosted a prize distribution dio Olive Suno is the offi cial me- 2, when 40 golfers are expected Ali, Partho Saha, and Rakesh function. Chief guest Ambas- dia partners of the event. to participate in the grand fi nale UAE duo handed 8-year bans for fi xing attempts Wagh overcame stiff competition sador of Croatia to Qatar Drago As part of its week-long cel- at the Doha Golf Club course on Former United Arab Emirates captain Mohamed “Both had long international careers and were to emerge victorious in the com- Lovric and Guest of honour De- ebration of golf, ISC also or- March 19 for the India Cup Sin- Naveed and batsman Shaiman Anwar Butt have well versed in the threat from match fixers,” Alex petition. fence Attache at the Embassy of ganised a golf coaching camp gles Champion. been handed identical eight-year bans by a Marshall, General Manager of ICC’s Integrity Unit, tribunal for breaching the International cricket said in a statement. Council’s (ICC) anti-corruption code, the govern- “That they both chose to engage with this ing body said yesterday. corrupt activity was a cynical betrayal of their The independent tribunal found both guilty positions, their teammates, and all supporters of in January of attempting to fix matches of the UAE cricket. Twenty20 World Cup Qualifier 2019 in UAE and “I am pleased that the independent tribunal not reporting corrupt approaches to the anti- has imposed significant bans from all forms of corruption off icials. cricket and this should serve as a warning to any Naveed was also found guilty of similar breaches cricketer who considers taking the wrong path.” during the Emirates cricket Board’s T10 League The bans are backdated to Oct. 16, 2019, when that year. they were provisionally suspended. (Reuters) Schoolchildren pose with coaches during the ISC golf coaching camp at the Doha Golf Club. Gulf Times Wednesday, March 17, 2021 5 SPORT

NBA NFL Gronkowski re-signs with Buccaneers LeBron leads Lakers AFP Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers Los Angeles three times in the NFC Cham- pionship game before sacking Chiefs star Patrick Mahomes in ampa Bay Bucca- the Super Bowl. neers tight end Rob In other notable free agency Gronkowski has re- deals on Monday, the Chiefs signed with the Super strengthened their off ensive line rout, triple trio for TBowl champions on a one-year after snapping up New England’s deal worth up to $10 million, re- Joe Thuney in a fi ve-year deal ports said Monday. worth $80 million, according to Gronkowski, a long-time New ESPN. England Patriots teammate and The 28-year-old Thuney close friend of Buccaneers quar- played fi ve seasons for the Pa- terback Tom Brady, will receive triots after being drafted in 2016, $8 million for the 2021 campaign and appeared in three straight Giannis in Bucks win with bonuses worth an addition- Super Bowls in 2017, 2018 and al $2 million, NFL.com reported. 2019. The move should give The 31-year-old future Hall- Chiefs quarterback Mahomes ‘The way he’s playing, creating for others, creating for himself. He’s just playing great basketball’ of-Famer came out of retirement better protection after he was last year to reunite with Brady run ragged by Tampa Bay in the AFP in Tampa Bay, and scored two Super Bowl. Los Angeles touchdowns in the Bucs’ 31-9 Super Bowl win over the Kansas PATRIOTS REMAIN ON THE City Chiefs last month. OFFENSIVE, SNAG HENRY eBron James bagged his fourth News of Gronkowski’s return Add tight end Hunter Henry to triple-double of the season as the to Tampa Bay next season comes the New England Patriots’ list of Los Angeles Lakers thrashed the after Brady on Friday agreed a weapons purchases. Golden State Warriors 128-97 on contract extension that will keep Multiple reports indicate Hen- LMonday. him in Florida for the next two ry is headed to New England on a James fi nished with 22 points, 10 re- seasons at least. three-year deal worth up to $37.5 bounds and 11 assists as the Lakers domi- Brady’s restructured deal al- million, joining three other free- nated almost from start to fi nish for an lows Tampa Bay to make payroll agent acquisitions that should impressive win on the road at the Chase savings aimed at ensuring that boost an off ense that ranked 27th Center. the core of the team that won the in yards per game in 2020. Stephen Curry led the Golden State Super Bowl is available to return Henry, Tennessee Titans tight scoring with 27 points but the much next season. end Jonnu Smith, Las Vegas hoped-for duel with All-Star game team- As the NFL’s free agency ne- Raiders wide receiver Nelson mate James never materialised as the gotiating period opened on Agholor and San Francisco 49ers Dubs struggled to contain the Lakers’ of- Monday, the Buccaneers also wide receiver Kendrick Bourne fense. moved to lock up star pass-rush- are part of head coach Bill Be- Montrezl Harrell had 27 points off the er Shaquil Barrett. Barrett has lichick’s $150 million shopping bench to lead the Lakers scoring while inked a four-year deal worth up spree in free agency. That also Kyle Kuzma fi nished with 17 points. to $72 million, with $36 million includes retaining quarterback The Lakers improved to 26-13 to re- in salary guaranteed. Cam Newton last week. main in third place in the Western Con- He confi rmed the new deal in a The deals can become offi cial ference while the Warriors fell to ninth post on Instagram. “If it’s meant today when the NFL league year place with 20-20. to be, it will be,” Barrett wrote. begins. Elsewhere Monday, Giannis Antetok- “Something special about this Henry played last season on ounmpo reeled off his third straight tri- whole organisation and am so the franchise tag with the Los ple-double as the Milwaukee Bucks ex- excited to be a part of it for four Angeles Chargers and has spent tended their winning streak to four games more years.” all fi ve NFL seasons with the with a 133-122 victory over the Washing- Barrett was a key member of franchise. Henry, 26, caught 60 ton Wizards. the Buccaneers’ dominant de- passes for 613 yards and four Antetokounmpo fi nished with 31 fense last season, sacking Green touchdowns in 2020. points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists in another MVP-calibre performance that came two days after his 33-point triple double against the Wizards on Saturday. “We feel like we’ve said it a lot after games for a good stretch of time now - he’s been in a good place mentally for a while,” Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer said of Antetokounmpo’s performance at Washington’s Capital One Arena. “The way he’s playing, creating for LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers goes up for a slam dunk against the Golden State Warriors during the first half of an NBA others, creating for himself. He’s just basketball game at Chase Center in San Francisco, California. (Getty Images/AFP) playing great basketball,” Budenholzer added. Irving’s 34-point display was backed ation. There was a lot of frustration be- Khris Middleton added 23 points for RESULTS by Jeff Green (20 points) and Joe Harris hind it for both sides. I’ll let it be in the Milwaukee while center Brook Lopez with 13 points. past.” Bucks 133-122 Wizards fi nished with 22 as seven Bucks players The Knicks meanwhile fell just short Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau also cracked double fi gures. Lakers 128-97 Warriors of a fourth quarter comeback after com- played down Randle’s outburst. Bradley Beal led Washington’s scoring Nets 117-112 Knicks ing within three points of Brooklyn with “It’s an emotional game, he calmed with 37 points after going 13-of-19 from Clippers 109-99 Mavericks 10 seconds remaining having trailed by 18 down right away,” Thibodeau said. the fi eld with four three-pointers. points earlier in the half. “Sometimes it goes your way with the Russell Westbrook fi nished with 23 Nuggets 121-106 Pacers Knicks forward Julius Randle needed to whistles, sometimes it doesn’t. I thought points and 17 assists while Japan’s Hornets 122-116 Kings be restrained by team-mates at Julius played a terrifi c game.” Rui Hachimura added 22 points for Spurs 109-99 Pistons the buzzer after a controversial travel- Elsewhere Monday, the Los Angeles Washington. ling call eff ectively handed Brooklyn the Clippers overpowered the Dallas Mav- Milwaukee improved to 25-14 with Suns 122-99 Grizzlies win. Randle, who fi nished with 33 points, ericks 109-99 on the road with Kawhi the win and remain third in the Eastern 12 rebounds and six assists, angrily Leonard leading an all-round off ensive Conference behind Brooklyn and leaders slammed over a chair as he headed to the eff ort. Philadelphia. rolled to a fi fth consecutive victory with locker room following the loss. Leonard fi nished with 22 points on a a 117-112 win over the New York Knicks. “I was frustrated. We fought so hard to night when no fewer than seven players TEMPERS FLARE Harden fi nished with 21 points, 15 come back and win the game. I was just reached double fi gures for the Clippers. In other games Monday, James Harden rebounds and 15 assists in a superb in- frustrated,” Randle said afterwards, de- Luka Doncic led the Mavs scoring with 25 bagged a triple double and Kyrie Irving dividual display at Brooklyn’s Barclays clining to dwell on the incident. points, 10 rebounds and 16 assists while added 34 points as the Brooklyn Nets Center. “It’s best I don’t comment on the situ- Kristaps Porzingis added 22 points. Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Rob Gronkowski.

NHL Ovechkin ties for 6th on goals list in Caps’ win Sprong scored on a breakaway with Reuters RESULTS New York 4:53 left in the second period. Hatha- Capitals 6-0 Sabres way’s fourth of the year came 6:46 into Penguins 4-1 Bruins the fi nal period. Washington’s Justin lex Ovechkin scored his 717th Schultz, Nick Jensen and Conor Sheary goal, tying him for sixth on Predators 4-1 Lightning each had two assists. the NHL’s career list, and the Flyers 5-4 Rangers visiting Washington Capitals Canadiens 4-2 Jets PENGUINS DEFEAT BRUINS FOR wonA their season-high fi fth consecu- 6TH STRAIGHT WIN tive game, a 6-0 rout of the slumping Golden Knights 2-1 Sharks Sidney Crosby had a goal and two as- Buff alo Sabres. Flames 4-3 Oilers sists and Evgeni Malkin and Jake Washington rookie Vitek Vanecek Canucks 3-2 Senators Guentzel a goal and an assist each faced just 23 shots to record his fi rst Monday, helping the Pittsburgh Pen- Panthers 6-4 Blackhawks shutout. Evgeny Kuznetsov, Nick- guins extend their winning streak to las Backstrom, Richard Panik, Dan- period. Plagued by some poor defense six games, 4-1 over the visiting Boston iel Sprong and Garnet Hathaway also in front of him, Carter Hutton made 24 Bruins. Pittsburgh goaltender Tristan scored as the Capitals won for the ninth saves as the Sabres extended their long- Jarry picked up his fourth straight win time in 10 games. The Sabres took their est losing streak since dropping a club- by making 42 saves. 11th loss in a row (0-9-2) since winning record 14 straight in 2014-15. Shut out Evan Rodrigues also scored for the at New Jersey on February 23. for the second consecutive contest and Penguins, who improved to 12-2-0 at With Washington up 5-0 and 3:39 sixth time this season, Buff alo is also home. Matt Grzelcyk scored for Bos- left in the contest, Ovechkin trailed the mired in an 0-8-1 home slide. ton, which has lost fi ve of its past seven play and blasted home his 11th goal of Washington outshot Buff alo 13-2 in games. Jaroslav Halak stopped 22 of 25 the season and third in as many games. the fi rst period but was not rewarded Pittsburgh shots. Pittsburgh winger That left him tied with Phil Esposito until there was 1:14 left in the open- Brandon Tanev left in the third period and in position to claim the sixth spot ing frame. Just as a Capitals power play after taking a shot off his left wrist. outright Tuesday night against the vis- ended, Kuznetsov drilled a wrister from After a game that at times got chippy iting New York Islanders. the far board past Hutton for his 400th with some pushing and shoving, the Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin takes a shot on goal during their match against the Buff alo Sabres. (USA TODAY Sports) Vanecek, who ranks among the NHL career point. teams have a rematch Tuesday, again in rookie leaders with 12 wins, was hardly The Capitals padded their advantage Pittsburgh. Boston racked up 20 shots It was Grzelcyk’s fi rst goal of the sea- led in off Halak’s glove. Malkin earned and his fourth goal in fi ve games. At tested for the milestone victory in his by scoring twice within the fi rst six in the fi rst but couldn’t come out of the son. Rodrigues tied it at 16:51 of the an assist, extending his point streak to 11:40 of the second during a Pittsburgh 20th career start. He has stopped 144 minutes of the second period. Back- period with a lead. fi rst. After Boston’s Brad Marchand eight games. With 1:26 left in the fi rst, power play and against the Bruins’ top- of 152 shots while going 4-0-1 this sea- strom tapped in a rebound of T.J. Os- The Bruins opened the scoring with overskated the puck in the neutral Crosby gave the Penguins a 2-1 lead. ranked penalty kill, Malkin made it 3-1 son against the Sabres. Vanecek’s most hie’s shot at the 2:41 mark. Then 3:18 a power-play goal at 6:47 of the fi rst. zone, Pittsburgh’s Kasperi Kapanen On a give-and-go with Guentzel off and picked up his 1,100th career point. notable save came early in the third later, Panik blasted a Dmitry Orlov pass Grzelcyk’s wrist shot from the cent- jumped on it. He got the puck to Rod- the rush, Crosby threaded a severe- From the right hash marks, Malkin beat period, point blank from Curtis Lazar. from the top of the near circle to make er point eluded Jarry as Nick Ritchie rigues, who was unguarded and whose angle shot from Halak’s left inside the Halak short side. Guentzel added an Buff alo put 14 shots on net in the last it 3-0. Off another Buff alo turnover, served as a screen just above the crease. shot from the left-wing boards knuck- near post for his team-leading 11th goal empty-netter with 16 seconds left. Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, March 17, 2021 SPORT

GOLF Players champion Thomas passes Rahm for World No. 2 ranking

Reuters 54-hole lead. Ranked 39th two rose 13 spots. tian Cappelen while DJ Trahan New York weeks ago, the Englishman is will replace Piercy. now at No. 19. WOODLAND TESTS POSITIVE France’s Antoine Rozner used FOR COVID-19, WITHDRAWS AUGUSTA CANCELS MAS- ustin Thomas climbed to his victory at the Qatar Masters FROM HONDA CLASSIC TERS PAR 3 CONTEST No. 2 in the offi cial world on Sunday to climb 31 spots to Former US Open champion Augusta National Golf Club an- golf rankings following No. 63, while Talor Gooch rose Gary Woodland and Scott Piercy nounced Monday the Masters his victory at The Players 18 spots to 64th with his T5 have withdrawn from this Par 3 contest won’t be held be- ChampionshipJ on Sunday. at The Players. That qualifi ed week’s Honda Classic in Palm cause of social distancing pro- The win vaulted Thomas past both for next week’s WGC-Dell Beach Gardens, Florida, after tocols related to the coronavirus Jon Rahm despite the Spaniard’s Match Play event. both players tested positive for pandemic. tie for ninth place at TPC Saw- No. 66 Erik van Rooyen of Covid-19, the PGA Tor said on This marks the second con- grass. Thomas also moved up South Africa and No. 67 Adam Monday. secutive year the traditional three spots in the United States Long both dropped out of the World number 51 Woodland Masters kickoff event has been Ryder Cup team standings and top 64 this week, losing their competed at last week’s Players cancelled, and the third time he is now behind only Dustin automatic Match Play spots. Championship in Ponte Vedra in the past fi ve years. Storms Johnson and Bryson DeCham- Tiger Woods, who remains in Beach, Florida, where he missed forced offi cials to call off the beau, who fi nished two shots the hospital recovering from leg the cut after playing the open- event in 2017. behind Thomas on Sunday. injuries following a single-car ing two rounds at TPC Sawgrass The club said in a release that Johnson retained a healthy accident, is 56th in the world with Billy Horschel and Ian it hoped the event would resume cushion at No. 1 in the world rankings. Justin Rose’s avail- Poulter. in 2022 and reiterated its rules rankings despite settling for a tie ability for the Match Play event Piercy, a four-times winner for attending this year’s Mas- for 48th at The Players. also remains uncertain after the on the PGA Tour who is ranked ters. Those part of the limited Collin Morikawa remained at 38th-ranked player in the world 188th in the world, fi nished in crowd in attendance must wear No. 4, with DeChambeau mov- withdrew from The Players with a share of 69th at the Players a face covering at all times and ing up a spot to No. 5 with his tie a back injury. Championship where he played maintain a physical distancing for third following a victory at Brian Harman also leapt into the fi nal round with South Ko- of at least six feet. the Arnold Palmer Invitational. Lee Westwood plays his shot from the 16th tee during the final round of The Players Championship golf the WGC fi eld with his T3 at rea’s Lee Kyoung-hoon. The reigning champ of the Par Xander Schauff ele was bumped tournament at TPC Sawgrass Stadium Course in Ponte Vedra Beach. (USA TODAY Sports) TPC Sawgrass catapulting him Woodland, who captured the 3 Contest is Matt Wallace, who to No. 6 after missing his fi rst 37 spots to No. 58 in the world. most recent of his four PGA topped Sandy Lyle in a playoff cut in more than a year. ton, Patrick Cantlay and Webb mained No. 11 after missing the charge up the rankings with his He also climbed 24 spots to No. Tour victories at the 2019 US back in 2019. Patrick Reed is No. 7, fol- Simpson in the top 10. Rory cut by 10 shots at The Players. second consecutive runner- 23 in the U.S. Ryder Cup stand- Open, will be replaced in the The Masters is scheduled for lowed by England’s Tyrrell Hat- McIlroy of Northern Ireland re- Lee Westwood continued his up fi nished after holding the ings, just ahead of Gooch, who fi eld at PGA National by Sebas- April 8-11.

TENNIS FOCUS ATP’s revised ranking system makes no South Africa’s Harris sense, says Zverev shocks top seed Thiem in Dubai RUBLEV WINS IN DUBAI, JOINS CRITICISM OF RANKING SYSTEM

Reuters RECOVERING NADAL TO New York SKIP MIAMI AND FOCUS ON CLAY COURT SWING Rafa Nadal will skip the Mi- S Open runner-up Al- ami Open that begins later this exander Zverev says it month in a bid to recover from is “absurd” he remains a back injury in time for the clay behind Roger Federer court swing, the Spaniard said underU the ATP Tour’s revised yesterday. rankings system during the Cov- Nadal had not played since id-19 pandemic, given that the his quarter-fi nal exit at the Aus- Swiss was out injured for more tralian Open last month and than a year. also skipped the ATP 500 event The ATP, which runs the men’s in Dubai. The 34-year-old has tour, froze the rankings last year since dropped down one place during the fi ve-month shutdown in the rankings to third after of professional tournaments with Russian Daniil Medvedev leap- countries imposing lockdown and frogged him. sealing borders to check the spread “Sad to announce that I won’t of the novel coronavirus. When the be playing in Miami, a city that I tour restarted in August a revised love. I need to fully recover and system was put in place for cal- get ready for the clay court sea- culating the rankings, which de- son in Europe,” Nadal wrote on termine a players’ ability to enter Twitter. events and receive seedings. The Miami Open is a hard “The ranking doesn’t really court tournament which Nadal matter, especially with the sys- has never won despite reaching tem that we have now,” Zverev, the fi nal fi ve times between 2005 who is ranked seventh, told re- and 2017. porters ahead of this week’s ATP The Spaniard could possibly 500 tournament in Acapulco, be targeting the Monte Carlo Mexico. “I should be top-four, Masters in April and the Madrid top-fi ve in the world right now Open in May as he looks to get in the normal ranking system. into top shape for the French But the ranking system that we Open where he has won a record have now is a little bit absurd.” 13 times. South Africa’s Lloyd Harris beat top seed Dominic Thiem in Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships for his first win over a top 5 player. Federer, who only returned to Former champion Andy Mur- the tour in Doha last week, has ray has been granted a wild card Agencies Throughout the match, Har- Karen Khachanov also ad- the previous season. “If we Denis Shapovalov said he plans been a big benefi ciary of the new for Miami Open. The British Dubai ris held serve without being vanced to the third round. The would have the normal system, I to compete in fewer tourna- system with the 20-times Grand ex-world number one, who has forced to deuce. The World Russian outlasted Singapore would be like No. 4 in the world ments this season if the tennis Slam winner ranked sixth de- fallen to 116 in the rankings after No. 81 earned the only break of champion Alexei Popyrin 6-4, I think. So what do you think is tour continues to operate under spite a lengthy break due to dou- long injury lay-off s because of loyd Harris earned the the second set at 3-3, when he 3-6, 7-6(4) in two hours and 16 better for me, to be No. 8 or No. strict coronavirus bubble condi- ble knee surgeries last year. hip surgeries, is a two-time Mi- biggest win of his ca- rushed Thiem with deep back- minutes. 4?” said Rublev when asked if tions for players. “I am the biggest fan of Roger ami Open champion having won reer yesterday, when he hand returns and capitalised on Khachanov will meet Jeremy he agreed with Zverev’s state- Shapovalov, who enjoyed a Federer but he hasn’t played in a the title in 2009 and 2013. stunned top seed Do- two double faults. Chardy for a place in the quar- ments. winning debut in Dubai thanks year and he is ahead of me in the “It is exciting to see Andy back Lminic Thiem 6-3, 6-4 at the Harris closed the match with a ter-fi nals. “With the system that we’re to a 6-1, 6-3 second-round suc- rankings,” the 23-year-old Zver- in Miami,” Miami Open Tourna- Dubai Duty Free Tennis Cham- powerful fi rst serve into Thiem’s Ealrier in the day, Andrey Ru- having now, for me, it’s much cess over German big-server ev said. “I played a Grand Slam ment Director and former player pionships. backhand. blev has added his voice to criti- tougher to be No. 4, so here is Jan-Lennard Struff , says being fi nal, a Masters 1000 fi nal, won James Blake said in a news re- The South African served Harris will meet 14th seed cism of the current ATP ranking the answer.” confi ned to a hotel room at every two tournaments. lease. with confi dence to eliminate Filip Krajinovic for a quarter- system with the Russian world Rublev extended his winning tournament due to Covid-19 re- “Right now the ranking sys- “As someone who has had to the US Open champion after 72 fi nal spot. The Serbian saved all No.8 suggesting after winning streak at 500-level tournaments strictions can take a mental toll tem is just so messed up that you battle back from injury during minutes. four break points he faced to de- his opening match that it does to 21 matches after he beat Finn- on players. don’t need to pay attention to it.” his career, I understand and re- This is Harris’ fi rst win against feat Alejandro Davidovich Foki- not work in his favour. ish qualifi er Emil Ruusuvuori “I defi nitely don’t want to The rankings traditionally op- spect all the hard work Andy has a Top 5 player. The 24-year-old na 7-5, 6-4 in 80 minutes. Alexander Zverev, the German 6-4, 6-4 in the second round play too much this year if it’s go- erate on a “Best 18” results basis put in to get back on tour.” claimed his fi rst Top 20 win at Kei Nishikori extended his world No. 7, recently described in Dubai. The Russian, who has ing to be a bubble life because it over 52 weeks but the system was Murray, a three-times Grand last week’s Qatar ExxonMobil unbeaten ATP Head2Head the revised system as “absurd” won his last four events at this is extremely diffi cult mentally changed to cover a 22-month Slam champion, has had a stop- Open against Stan Wawrinka. record against David Goffi n to because he is ranked lower than level dating back to Hamburg to be locked up like this,” the period from March 2019 through start year after he was unable to Harris was happy to engage in 4-0 with a 6-3, 7-6(3) win. Roger Federer even though the last September, will next tackle 21-year-old said. December 2020 to allow players fl y to the Australian Open after backhand-to-backhand rallies The Japanese, who reached Swiss missed an entire year due American 15th seed Taylor Fritz “Of course it’s amazing to fl exibility to skip events amid the testing positive for Covid-19. early in the fi rst set. the ABN AMRO World Tennis to knee surgery. or freshly-crowned Doha cham- play, but as the weeks go on, you pandemic. The 33-year-old Briton’s last The South African proved Tournament quarter-fi nals ear- The system was introduced to pion Nikoloz Basilashvili in the kind of lose that passion for ten- The revised system for calcu- tournament was the Rotter- the more consistent player on lier this month, will face Aljaz protect players who are unable last-16 stage. nis and a lot of players are strug- lating rankings was this month dam Open where he was beaten the stroke to earn the fi rst break Bedene in the third round. to travel and compete because of The second-seeded Rublev gling with that. So we’re trying extended through the week of by Russian Andrey Rublev two points of the match at 2-1 and Bedene landed 10 aces and the coronavirus pandemic. faced no break points against to take the approach of minimis- Aug. 9 and the ATP anticipates weeks ago. He then decided to sit he converted his second chance won 92 per cent of his fi rst- While players can add points the 21-year-old Ruusuvuori and ing that as much as possible and that the traditional process with out this week’s Dubai Champi- with a cross-court backhand serve points to beat Lorenzo to their tally, they do not drop unleashed 26 winners, including just enjoying every match that I points dropping off on 52-week onships after his wife gave birth winner. Giustino 6-4, 6-3. the points accumulated from six aces. Canadian world No. 12 do go out and play this year.” basis will restart after that. to their fourth child. Gulf Times Wednesday, March 17, 2021 7 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT RUGBYSPOTLIGHT Ireland’s Stander set for retirement at end of season New ‘game-changer’

Reuters 2018. now look back on a journey that British & Irish Lions to New Dublin Stander said he arrived at off ered me rewards, memories Zealand four years ago, said it tournament for the decision during Ireland’s and surprises beyond anything I was during “a freezing training Covid-19 lockdown and plans to could have scripted for myself.” session at Munster towards the reland fl anker CJ Stander return home to his native South Stander joined Munster in end of 2020” that he realised he women unveiled yesterday surprisingly an- Africa. 2012 on a two-year contract had entered the fi nal stretch of nounced that he would re- “I came to the realisation that from South African Super 15 his career. Reuters from the European Six Nations tire from all forms of rugby my commitment to rugby has side the Blue Bulls. He went on “I always had the intent to London and the top three from a quali- atI the end of the season, just started to take an unfair toll on to make 150 appearances for the retire while I was still playing fi er featuring Australia, Canada, days after winning his 50th in- my family, who both in Limer- Irish club, winning their Player some of my best rugby. I also New Zealand and USA. ternational cap. ick and South Africa have made of the Year award thrice. knew I wanted my daughter Ev- orld Rugby has There will initially be no rel- South Africa-born Stand- considerable sacrifi ces for more “What a fantastic player and erli to grow up around her family launched a new an- egation from this tier, with the er, 30, made his Ireland debut than 25 years to allow me to live person CJ has been for Mun- in South Africa,” he said. nual three-tier glo- fi nals tournament played in a against Wales fi ve years ago and my dream,” Stander said in a sterrugby and @IrishRugby — Stander will be available to bal women’s tour- single location. won his 50th cap in Sunday’s 27- statement. thanks and respect,” Ireland’s represent Munster until his Wnament that has been described WXV 2 will comprise the next 24 Six Nations victory against “I am not saddened by my de- foreign minister Simon Coveney contract expires in June, and for as a “game-changer” that will two teams from the Six Nations, Scotland. He was part of the side cision. I’ve had a full and utterly said on Twitter. international duty until the end create a more competitive inter- the fourth-placed team from that won the Six Nations title in enjoyable rugby career, and I can Stander, who toured with the of the mid-year Test window. national landscape and grow the the cross-regional tournament Women’s Rugby World Cup from featuring Oceania and North 12 to 16 teams. WXV will start in American teams, and another FORMULA 1 2023 and has initially been sup- side each from Oceania, Asia and ported by a 6.4-million pound Africa. ($8.8mn) investment from the It will also be in a single loca- global governing body for the tion and the bottom team will be fi rst two years. It will be hosted relegated. WXV 3 will be made in a global September-October up of four teams and include international competition win- two more from Europe, one from dow, except in a World Cup year. Asia and the winners of an Africa “WXV will provide qual- versus South America playoff . I’m driving better ity competitions and inspire the The top side will be promoted to next generation of players and WXV 2. fans to get involved in the game,” Alan Gilpin, chief operating Katie Sadleir, World Rugby’s offi cer of World Rugby, says the General Manager for Women’s aligned international calendar Rugby, told journalists yesterday. has presented a blueprint for the “This has been a long two men’s 15s game, though that dis- years of working with unions, cussion is admittedly much more than ever, says regions and players to knock out complex. how we can align the interna- “This is a real fi rst for inter- tional calendar to lift the product national rugby to create that of the (women’s) 15s game. aligned calendar. There have “We are proud of what we have been some great discussions on in Sevens, but we need some- the men’s 15s in that regard and thing in 15s to connect regions to we are now back into those,” an international event. It will be Gilpin said. returning Alonso a game-changer.” The 2021 Women’s Rugby Entry into the competition will World Cup, to be staged in New be via regional qualifi ers. WXV Zealand and featuring 12 teams, ‘I thought that being at my best now, maybe Formula One was the place to be...’ 1, the top tier, will consist of six was postponed by a year due to teams — the leading three sides the Covid-19 pandemic. Reuters London FOCUS fter winning two world championships, fi nishing runner-up Japan league targets three times, celebrat- Aing 32 grand prix victories and making 97 podium appearances, Farrell, Itoje in bid to Fernando Alonso still has unfi n- ished business in Formula One. The Spaniard, who will be 40 top rugby world in July, is returning this season with Alpine — the team that AFP as Renault took him to titles in Tokyo 2005 and 2006 — in a comeback generating plenty of headlines. Since he last raced for apan’s Top League is hop- McLaren in 2018, Alonso has ing to lure England stars won the Le Mans 24 Hours for a Owen Farrell and Maro second time with Toyota, com- Itoje as it pursues its peted in the Indianapolis 500 Jsoaring ambition of becoming and fi nished 13th in the Dakar the world’s leading rugby com- Rally. He also won the World En- petition, its chairman told AFP. durance Championship in 2019 The well-heeled league has but, 20 years on from his debut swelled its ranks of foreign play- with Minardi, still feels Formula ers since the 2019 Rugby World One is where he needs to be. Alpine’s Spanish driver Fernando Alonso leads Mercedes’ British driver Lewis Hamilton during the third day of the Formula One (F1) Cup in Japan, with New Zea- “The main (reason) why I am pre-season testing at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir on March 14. land’s two-time World Player of here or came back was because I the Year Beauden Barrett chief felt that I was at my best in the that being at my best now, may- stood on the podium since his teban Ocon and are looking to I will have to re-learn a little among them. last couple of years... I felt that be Formula One was the place to last year with the Italian team build on that. bit and get used to but in terms Australia captain Michael I was driving better than ever,” be and I have time in the future in 2014. Four tough years that “I don’t fear any particular of driving, or approaching the Hooper and former All Blacks Alonso said during last week- to rethink some of the challeng- followed with Honda-powered challenge,” said Alonso, who weekend and working with the skipper Kieran Read are both after the World Cup,” Ota said. end’s testing in Bahrain, which es that were not completed. McLaren reaped fewer points in will race with titanium plates in team, I think it should be quite at Toyota Verblitz, while New He added that the shorter Top hosts the opening race on March “That’s the main thing. I felt I total than he scored in any of his his upper jaw as a result of a road smooth. Zealand scrum-half TJ Perenara League season of around fi ve 28. “I had to make a decision on had something to do here again.” fi ve seasons with Ferrari. accident while cycling in Swit- “I was not two years at home, is playing for the NTT Docomo months makes it an attractive what was the next challenge af- Alonso’s last race win was Renault fi nished fi fth last year zerland in February. I was racing every weekend ba- Red Hurricanes. proposition, and that Japan’s ter Le Mans, Indy, Dakar all the with Ferrari in 2013, at the Span- but had three podium fi nishes “There are a couple of things sically. It should be fi ne,” added No fewer than six of South Af- low crime rate, cuisine and cul- things that I tried. “I thought ish Grand Prix, and he has not with Daniel Ricciardo and Es- that after being two years out the Spaniard. rica’s World Cup-winning squad ture are also selling points. are playing in Japan, where Barrett certainly seems to be teams are bankrolled by leading enjoying playing in Japan, grab- BOTTOMLINE companies. bing 52 points in his fi rst three But the Top League, long a games to lead the scoring charts. destination for southern hemi- The greater Tokyo area is un- sphere stars on lucrative, short- der a virus state of emergency term contracts, is now looking to until at least March 21, and at- European players as it attempts tendance at sporting events is to rise above France’s Top 14 and limited to 5,000 or half capacity, Mick Schumacher follows his England’s Premiership. whichever is fewer. “We want to become the top But excitement was high for league in the world,” league Barrett’s fi rst appearance in chairman Osamu Ota told AFP. the capital on Saturday, which “It won’t happen straight lasted just 12 minutes before the father to the letter away, but we have a clear vision game was called off because of a Reuters day.” Schumacher senior, who and we’re going forward step by lightning storm. London has not been seen in public since step.” “I love him — he’s an amaz- he suff ered severe head injuries England captain Farrell and ing player,” Suntory fan Michiko in a 2013 skiing accident, made second row Itoje both play for Kuramoto told AFP before kick- he letters MSC on a For- an instant impression when he Saracens, who were relegated off . mula One timing screen qualifi ed seventh on his Formula from the Premiership last season “I saw him playing at the once charted the domi- One debut with Jordan in Bel- as punishment for repeated sal- World Cup, and I thought he nance of seven-times gium 30 years ago. ary cap breaches. was so cool and handsome and Tworld champion Michael Schu- He was snapped up for the George Kruis quit Saracens a great player, so I became a fan. macher but this season they de- next race by rivals Benetton, with for Japan last year, while fel- I was surprised when I heard he note the presence on track of his whom he won a race in his second low England international Alex was coming here.” son Mick. The Ferrari great fi rst season and then championships Goode is on loan from the Lon- The pandemic forced last took the abbreviation to set him- in 1994 and 1995 before fi ve in a don club. year’s Top League season to be self apart from younger brother row with Ferrari between 2000- “I’d be really happy if players abandoned after six rounds, and Ralf on screens that display the 04. like Owen Farrell and Itoje came Japan have not played since los- fi rst three letters of a surname, Mick can expect a less dramat- here,” Ota said. ing to South Africa in their debut but Mick has his own justifi ca- ic debut with a US-owned team “NEC signed Alex Goode and World Cup quarter-fi nal in 2019. tion. who scored only three points last Panasonic signed George Kruis A Covid-19 outbreak also de- After winning the 2020 For- year and have already made clear both from Saracens, so we are layed the start of the current Top mula Two title accompanied by that their main focus is on pre- creating a good pipeline with League season by a month. the letters SCH, the third Schu- paring for 2022 when new rules agents from diff erent countries.” But Ota believes it is not too macher to enter the sport asked come into play. Media reports say Wales late to capitalise on the World Formula One — now headed by The German’s enthusiasm, captain Alun Wyn Jones has Cup momentum, as the partly ex-Ferrari boss Stefano Domeni- Haas F1’s German driver Mick Schumacher drives during the third day of the Formula One (F1) even when the prospect of a received an off er from Japan, amateur Top League prepares cali — to make a change. pre-season testing at the Bahrain International Circuit in the city of Sakhir on March 14. possible year without points is while former Scotland skipper to relaunch next season with a “I wanted that MSC,” the raised, is undimmed. Greig Laidlaw is playing for NTT more professional structure. 21-year-old Haas driver told re- screens and seeing MSC back on is well-grounded. carry that name back into For- “I do feel ready, I would go rac- Communications Shining Arcs. “The benchmark for leagues is porters during pre-season test- the screens as well. I think there’s For him, taking the Schu- mula One, and I’m very proud of ing tomorrow if it were up to me,” “All Blacks and Wallabies the Top 14,” he said. ing in Bahrain ahead of his F1 race a positive to it.” macher name back onto the it,” the Swiss-born German said he said. “I cannot tell what is go- players have been coming here “That’s the target we’re aim- debut there on March 28. There will be those who ex- starting grid is a source of pride at the launch of his team’s new ing to happen this season but I since long ago, and it’s a natural ing for. We’re studying the best “It’s an emotional bond I have pect the famous name to bring its more than pressure. Ferrari-powered car. know that I will do everything progression that players from parts of the Top 14 and the Pre- to it. I think it’s quite nice for own magic but Mick has shown “I’m very happy to carry that “It’s like a boost for me and it in my toolbox... to hopefully get the northern hemisphere would miership, and we want to keep everybody watching the timing through the junior series that he surname, and I’m very happy to gives me motivation every single some points.” also start thinking about Japan progressing.”

Wednesday, March 17, 2021 GULF TIMES SPORT

TABLE TENNIS SPOTLIGHT Masks, distancing made mandatory for Majoros heads to roadside spectators during torch relay

Reuters ning Japanese footballer Naho- Tokyo mi Kawasumi confi rmed she will the Olympics with not take part in the coronavirus- delayed Tokyo Olympics torch okyo Olympic organis- relay, after originally pulling out ers yesterday called on last year because of concerns roadside spectators at over the pandemic. the torch relay to wear Kawasumi, who plays in the Tmasks and practise social dis- US for National Women’s Soccer tancing to help prevent the League side Sky Blue FC, tweet- win over Lambiet spread of the coronavirus. ed that she has not changed They also said torch relay staff her mind over being part of the ‘It’s a dream come true. Before I came here, it was a diff icult period, because I was must test negative for the coro- event, due to start on March 25, navirus before being sent from citing worries over infections injured and couldn’t practise a lot and my start in the event was really in danger’ Tokyo. and travel arrangements. The 121-day torch relay is set Members of Japan’s 2011 ITTF to begin on March 25 at the J- World Cup-winning squad are Doha Village training centre in Fuku- due to use the Olympic fl ame to shima, launching the build-up light the torch at the start of the towards the July 23 start of the nationwide relay in Fukushima. ungary’s Bence Ma- Games, postponed from 2020 “Once again, I have declined joros qualifi ed for the because of the coronavirus. to be a torch runner on March Tokyo Olympics with “People are fi ne to watch from 25, 2021,” tweeted Kawasumi, a 5-0 (11-6, 11-7, 11-9, the side of the road but when who was part of the team that 8-11,H 11-8) victory over Bel- they do so we would like them stunned the US to win the 2011 gium’s Florent Lambiet at the to practise distancing and avoid fi nal. World Singles Qualifi cation crowds,” Tokyo 2020 CEO To- “The infection problem still Tournament in Doha. shiro Muto told a news confer- hasn’t been resolved, and there’s Meeting in the men’s singles ence. “We want to ensure a safe also the fact that I live in the US, knock-out 2 fi nal, Majoros and torch relay not only for the run- so I have made this decision,” Lambiet, seeded 15th and 32nd ners, but for the people in the she wrote. respectively, needed no fur- local communities who are kind “I’m praying for everyone’s ther inspiration with the win- enough to host it,” he said. health and that the situation can ner claiming their ticket to the Organisers have the unprec- be resolved even one day earlier. Japanese capital. edented task of planning the The diffi cult days continue but Off to a thunderous start, world’s biggest multi-sport let’s all stand fi rm together.” Majoros built momentum with event during a pandemic. Kawasumi withdrew from the every passing game and even They face tough decisions over event last year just days before when signs of a Lambiet re- whether to allow in overseas it was due to begin, explain- sponse did begin to emerge the fans and how many spectators in ing there was “a high risk” of Hungarian refused to let up. general to let into venues. catching Covid-19 or infect- Arms in the air and a loud roar The “Grand Start” ceremony ing others. The torch relay was following the fi nal point, Ma- Hungary’s Bence Majoros and fi rst section of the torch re- postponed soon after, as Inter- joros can now rest easy knowing celebrates his qualification lay on day one will not be open national Olympic Commission his place on the Olympic Games for the Olympics. to the public as organisers re- chiefs and Japan’s then prime stage is assured. duce the number of participants minister Shinzo Abe took the “It’s a dream come true. Be- and simplify the programme. unprecedented decision to delay fore I came here, it was a dif- Meanwhile, World Cup-win- the Games by one year. fi cult period, because I was in- jured and couldn’t practise a lot and my start at the Middle East Hub and this event was really in danger. But I was just very never looked back from that sensed a change in approach land’s Suthasini Sawettabut. toward the friendly face des- happy that I was able to play and moment on (11-5, 14-12, 11-9, was necessary, upping the pace The European appeared to hold tined to miss out. control my emotions. I was just 11-6). a little in search of an open- the advantage early on, strolling A roller coaster aff air with really focused,” said Majoros. The third fi nal of the morning ing but Wang was ready to deal into a one-game lead with little incredible fast-paced rallies Lubomir Jancarik has also session saw two of the European with whatever came his way and to concern her. However, that sprinkled throughout, it was won the right to represent his continent’s fi nest defenders would not be stopped (3-11, 11- would turn out to be her sole no.16 seed Dvorak who struck country in Tokyo following go head-to-head as Slovakia’s 5, 11-9, 6-11, 11-6, 11-7)! success of the match. fi rst and she did so in quick another rousing performance Wang Yang, no.6 seed, stood Meanwhile, second seed and Always positive at the table, fashion needing just under 13 from the Czech Republic player opposite Greek no.10 seed Pan- one of the big favourites to seal no.3 seed Sawettabut found an- minutes to race into a two-game in the knock-out 1 fi nal. agiotis Gionis in the knock-out qualifi cation at the Tokyo 2020 other level to her performance, lead against the no.13 seed. Dic- Seeded 30th for the draw, 3 fi nal. World Singles Olympic Games moving up through the gears tating the tempo with her pow- Jancarik came up against a man An intriguing encounter in Qualifi cation Tournament, nicely. Striking the ball with erful forehand attack, Dvorak’s seeded 18 positions higher in many respects, it was Gionis Ukraine’s Margaryta Pesotska astonishing pace Sawettabut game plan looked to be working Ukraine’s Kou Lei but wasn’t at who made the brighter start to leaves Doha with an air of dis- refused to give another inch, a treat, however, the tide of war all fazed by the prospect. Game the match and in some style too, appointment after falling at the beating Pesotska by a 4-1 score- was about to change! two proved the most dramatic of securing the opening game by a semi-fi nal hurdle of the second line (4-11, 11-9, 11-9, 11-8, 11-9). Realising a diff erent approach the tie as Kou successfully saved commanding eight point mar- stage knock-out event yester- Two players who know each was required, Xiao was far more fi ve game points before going on gin. However, the 41-year-old day. other well, Maria Xiao’s meet- proactive from that point on to hold one of his own which, if failed to build on his early mo- Having lost out to Sweden’s ing with fellow Spaniard Galia and her fortunes took an im- he had taken, could have swung mentum as Wang began to fi nd Linda Bergström in the knock- Dvorak was always going to be mediate turn for the better with the advantage in his favour. his footing, winning three of the out 1 fi nal, Pesotska was well a tale of mixed emotions with the next four games going in her But Jancarik kept his cool, next four games to ramp up the aware that nothing short of the victor both delighted to direction to seal the win (3-11, going on to rescue the game and heat on his opponent. Gionis victory would do against Thai- progress while also sympathetic 4-11, 11-7, 11-9, 12-10, 11-3).

BOTTOMLINE Blackmore trumps the men to become fi rst female jockey to win Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham

AFP Cheltenham, United Kingdom

achael Blackmore, rid- ing Honeysuckle, be- came the fi rst woman Rjockey to win the Champion Hurdle at the Chel- tenham Festival yesterday. Japan’s midfielder Nahomi Kawasumi who has refused to be part of The 31-year-old Irish rider the torch relay because of coronavirus concerns. guided the favourite into the lead turning for home and Hon- eysuckle was never in trouble, notching her 11th win in 11 races. Qatar Shooting and the Archery Association Blackmore raised her arm as holds ordinary general assembly meeting she was saluted by those able to attend — no spectators are al- Doha: Qatar Shooting and the despite the Covid-19 pandemic, lowed due to strict coronavirus Archery Association held its saying: “Our athletes per- protocols at the British race- ordinary general assembly formed at a high level during course. meeting at its headquarters in competitions and achieved the “Absolutely incredible,” she Lusail Sports Complex under results expected of them.” told ITV. “I am speechless to be the supervision of representa- He also appreciated the eff orts honest, I really am. “I can’t be- tives of the Qatar Olympic made by the members of lieve we just won the Champion Committee. the Qatar Shooting and the Hurdle.” During the meeting chaired by Archery Association in imple- She made light of her history- Majid Ahmed al-Nuaimi, Secre- menting the action plan and making achievement. tary-General of the Federation, completing all preparations for “It doesn’t matter what you a mechanism for developing the participation of the archer are,” she said. “We are jockeys. and expanding the sport of Mohamed Ahmad al-Rumaihi It is just a privilege to be here.” archery within the country in the Tokyo Olympics. Trainer Henry de Bromhead was discussed, with a focus on Al-Nuaimi said Qatar is prepar- said it was a joy to watch the young men and women. ing to participate in the World winner in Blackmore’s assured The secretary-general of the Cup shooting championships hands. “It is amazing,” he said. federation was also charged to be held in New Delhi starting “You dream about it. Honey- Rachael Blackmore riding Honeysuckle celebrates victory at Cheltenham yesterday. with running the federation’s Saturday. suckle is amazing and what a activities until the next General He also touched on the suc- partnership she has with Rach- fancied Abacadabras fell early in the Triumph Hurdle. more’s achievement was some- “I am delighted for the person Assembly meeting. The mem- cess achieved by shooter ael, who was amazing. She was on and third-favourite Goshen However, Goshen drifted thing special. she is and she is a credit to the bership of Mohamed Khamis Rashid Saleh Hamad during so cool throughout the race.” lost his bearings completely. wide of the fi eld down the far “Absolutely brilliant,” she sport and a fantastic jockey. al-Sulaiti was also approved. his participation in the World Sharjah fi nished second and His jockey, Jamie Moore, had side of the course and Moore told the BBC. “I just think it is “She has brought it to an- Al-Nuaimi praised the eff orts Championships in Cairo where last year’s champion Epatante hoped to make up for heartbreak had to battle to keep him in the brilliant. She deserves this so other level (female riding). It made and the good results he won a bronze in skeet. was third. Honeysuckle’s task last year when he came off Gos- race. Former top Irish amateur much. She works hard and it is is great and so special to be achieved by Qatari archers (QNA) had been made easier when the hen at the last hurdle when clear jockey Katie Walsh said Black- history. watching on.”