CCRICKET|RICKET Page 3 FFOOTBALLOOTBALL | Page 6 Bumrah races Neymar set against time to to return for get fi t for fi nal PSG in ‘special Test at Gabba game’ today

Wednesday, January 13, 2021 DAKAR RALLY Jumada I 29, 1442 AH Peterhansel extends GULF TIMES lead as al-Attiyah stays in second SPORT Page 2 Sheikh Joaan meets International Judo Federation president

HE President of the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani yesterday met with International Judo Federation president Marius Vizer who is currently visiting Doha to attend the IJF Doha Masters. HE Sheikh Joaan welcomed Vizer, noting the fruitful and deep relations between the two parties and discussed means to develop them further. He thanked the IJF for its role in developing the sport and increasing its popularity around the world, aff irming that Qatar will continue supporting judo at all levels. On his part, Vizer expressed his satisfaction with his visit to Doha and praised the international sporting status of Qatar. HE QOC secretary-general Jassim Rashid al-Buenain also attended the meeting.

DOHA MASTERS JUDO World champ Agbegnenou starts new season with gold ‘I am already qualified for Olympics. I wanted this competition to see myself what I can do and assess myself...’

By Yash Mudgal Doha

eigning world and Euro- pean champion Clarisse Agbegnenou of France Rstarted the new season on a winning note at the Inter- national Judo Federation’s 2021 Doha Masters at the Lusail Multi- purpose Hall yesterday. Agbegnenou, who won her fi fth European title in Prague on November 20, defeated Nami Na- brkura of Japan in the fi nal to win the -63kg category gold. “I am very happy because it was really tough. It is nice to start (the season) like that but I would keep in mind that I need to do a lot of work and to be ready for the Ol- ympic Games,” Agbegnenou said. Agbegnenou, the silver med- allist at the Rio Games in 2016, is getting ready for the Tokyo Games. Tato Griglashvili of Georgia (in white) won the men’s -81kg category gold , beating Frank De Wit of the “I am already qualifi ed for Ol- Netherlands. ympics. I wanted this competi- tion to see myself what I can do RESULTS and assess myself to know what Men’s -73kg I need to work on. This event Gold: Changrim An (Korea) gave me confi dence that I can Silver: Soichi Hashimoto (Japna) put up my level and I can work Bronze: Igor Wandtke (Ge- on other things. I have good mo- wrmany), Turave Khikmatillokh tivation and power so I have to (Uzbekistan) stay like this. Defi nitely, I have to Men’s -81kg improve a lot and work on new Gold: Tato Griglashvili (Georgia) techniques,”Agbegnenou said. Clarisse Agbegnenou of France (in white) in action against Nami Nabrkura of Japan in the 2021 Doha Silver: Frank De Wit (Nether- The four-time world champion Masters at the Lusail Multipurpose Hall yesterday. PICTURES: Jayan Orma and agencies lands) Frenchwoman praised Qatar for Bronze: Ivaylo Ivanov (Bulgaria), hosting the event successfully Yoko Ono of Japan claimed the injury, De Wit seemed slightly tralize each other’s moves. Sagi Muki (Israel) during the coronavirus pandem- gold medal. She defeated Russian distracted. It helped Grigalash- It was only after three min- Women’s -63kg ic. Madina Taimazova. In the fi nal, vili take advantage of the situa- utes and 43 seconds of extra Gold: Clarisse Agbegnenou “It is really hard what is hap- Taimazova resisted well during tion to throw him before apply- time that Hashimoto applied (France) pening to the world, but Qatar is regulation time, but the golden ing an unstoppable arm lock. a dangerous technique - for Silver: Nami Nabrkura (Japan) organizing this event really well. score period was too much for 2018 world champion South which he received a Hansoku- Winners of the women’s -70kg category celebrate on the podium. Bronze: Sanne Vermeer (Nether- We wanted to see this country the young Russian, who had to Korean Changrim An claimed make (defeat by grave infringe- lands) Andreja Leski (Slovania) more and I hope we can see it in suff er a defeat by hold down. the gold medal in the -73kg ment) - and An won the third get past their rivals in the first old Rabahi lost to experienced good times because it seems re- In the men’s -81kg category, category. He defeated Soichi gold medal for Korea in the and second round respectively. opponent world No 19 Anri Women’s -70kg ally beautiful.” The bronze med- reigning European champion Hashimoto of Japan in a tough event. The 28-year-old Zemouri, Egutidze of Portugal. Gold: Yoko Ono (Japan) als of the category went to winner Tato Griglashvili, from Georgia, final. Both of Qatar’s judokas who represented Qatar at the The men’s under-100kg and Silver: Madina Taimazova of the Tbilisi Grand Prix Sanne defeated Frank De Wit of the At the end of regular time crashed out yesterday morning. 2016 Rio Olympic Games and over-100kg, and women’s un- (Russia) Vermeer of the Netherlands and Netherlands. The fi nal seemed no point was scored and the Khalil Rabahi and Morad Ze- had a first-round bye, lost to der-78kg and over-78kg bouts Bronze: Kim Polling (Nether- Andreja Leski of Slovania. rather balanced for most of reg- athletes entered golden score, mouri, both participated in the Dominic Ressel of Germany in will be held today. lands), Giovanna Scoccimarro In the -70kg women’s category, ulation, but following a slight where they continued to neu- men’s -81kg event, but failed to the second round. The 23-year- (Germany) Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, January 13, 2021 SPORT

RALLYING ‘Mr Dakar’ extends lead over Nasser with stage win With three stages remaining, al-Attiyah stays second overall after finishing behind French legend Peterhansel

Qatar’s Nasser al-Attiyah and co-driver Matthieu Baumel in action during stage 9 of the Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia yesterday.

Reuters Arabian desert desert The 55-year-old, punctures on his way to second place in Chilean Jose Ignacio Cornejo stretched ing for the lead on his KTM when he where he was,” said Brabec. Riyadh nicknamed ‘Mr Dakar’ for his record 13 the 465km stage around Neom with de- his lead to 11 minutes and 24 seconds crashed after 155km. Defending cham- “He asked me probably seven times wins on two wheels and four, stretched fending champion Carlos Sainz, Peter- over Argentina’s Kevin Benavides, who pion Ricky Brabec of the United States where he was and who I was. I came his advantage over the Qatari to 17 min- hansel’s X-Raid Mini JCW teammate, won the stage. Britain’s Sam Sunder- and Sunderland stopped to assist Price across him and just hung out with him verall leader Stephane Peter- utes and 50 seconds with three stages only 11th.The Spaniard, who had to stop land was third in the standings. and were handed back the lost time un- until the helicopter got there.” hansel fi nally won a stage in remaining. Until yesterday the French- and repair his car’s brakes, stayed third Australian Toby Price crashed and der rally regulations. Price had posted images on the pre- the 2021 Dakar Rally yester- man had not won stage of this year’s overall. France’s nine-times world rally was fl own to hospital by helicopter for “He’s a little bit injured, I think it’s his vious marathon stage of the ‘bush me- day to leave his closest rival event. champion Sebastien Loeb retired from checks. The twice Dakar winner had left shoulder and left arm. He hit pretty chanic’ repairs he made to his gashed ONasser al-Attiyah trailing in the Saudi Toyota’s al-Attiyah suff ered two the event. In the motorcycle category, been second overall and was challeng- hard on the left and didn’t really know rear tyre using cable ties.”

TENNIS FORMULA 1 Sabalenka to face Kudermetova in fi nal Australian GP postponed to AFP Abu Dhabi November, China uncertain

orld number 10 Reuters indicated China would be slot- our Chinese colleagues to fi nd a Aryna Sabalenka London ted in if circumstances allowed solution to race there in 2021 if says she’ll do eve- and another race dropped off . something changes.” rything she can to The calendar will not stretch Tickets for the Australian Wkeep her winning streak alive ormula One postponed beyond 23 races. Grand Prix had yet to go on sale after she posted a 14th consecu- the Australian Grand Both the Australian and Chi- and local organisers said it was tive victory in Abu Dhabi yes- Prix from March to No- nese races were cancelled en- the right decision to reschedule. terday to reach her third fi nal in vember, with Bahrain tirely last year as the pandemic “As the third-last race of the as many tournaments. openingF the season and China’s ripped up the sporting calendar, season, this provides the op- Sabalenka needed just 61 race left hanging, as Covid-19 with the season reduced to 17 portunity to safely host what minutes to wrap up her 6-3, 6-2 forced the sport to rewrite the grands prix in Europe and the could be the championship-de- success over the ninth-seeded 2021 calendar yesterday. Middle East. cider in Melbourne in the lead- Maria Sakkari and will take on Italy’s Imola circuit was “We are pleased to con- in to summer,” said Australian Russia’s Veronika Kudermetova added to the record 23-round fi rm that the number of races Grand Prix Corp Chairman Paul in the title decider in the UAE schedule as the second race on planned for the season remains Little. capital today. April 18, after Bahrain on March unchanged,” Formula One’s The new calendar, which is The 22-year-old from Bela- Aryna Sabalenka... 28. The third slot on May 2 was new chief executive Stefano subject to approval by the gov- rus, who ended her 2020 season unbeaten in Abu Dhabi still to be confi rmed but is ex- Domenicali said in a statement. erning FIA, also features three by picking up back-to-back ti- pected to be fi lled by Portugal’s “The global pandemic has successive triple-headers. tles in Ostrava and Linz, com- Algarve circuit, which debuted not yet allowed life to return to Belgium, the Netherlands pleted an Arabian Gulf hat-trick last year. normal, but we showed in 2020 and Italy are held on succes- against Sakkari, having also de- Australia was given a new that we can race safely as the sive weekends from Aug 29 to feated the Greek in Dubai and date of Nov. 21 for what would fi rst international sport to re- Sept. 12 with Russia, Singapore Doha 11 months ago. battle on her way to a 7-6 (10/8), “I think she has a bit more The fourth-seeded Sabalen- normally be the season-opener turn and we have the experience and Japan from Sept 26 to Oct. The longest winning streak 6-4 win over Ukrainian teen- pressure than me because she’s ka fired 22 winners against a in Melbourne. China’s race in and plans in place to deliver on 10 and then the US Grand Prix, in WTA history was Martina ager Marta Kostyuk. supposed to win tomorrow, she mere eight unforced errors and Shanghai was postponed due our season. Mexico and Brazil from Oct. 24 Navratilova’s 74-match run “I have a little bit more expe- already won two tournaments will be targeting a ninth career to ongoing travel restrictions “It is great news that we have to Nov. 7. None of the American in 1984. “It’s an unbelievable rience than Marta, she is really in a row. I think tomorrow I’ll title when she faces Kuderme- making the scheduled date im- already been able to agree a re- races happened last year due to number. Of course I’d like to go young, she’s 18. Today I think play freely; I’ll try to play re- tova in Wednesday’s final. possible. scheduled date for the Austral- the pandemic while the Nether- this far and I’ll do everything it was the key because I have a laxed and try to enjoy my final.” Alex de Minaur will take While not listed on the re- ian Grand Prix in November lands, Singapore and Japan were I can to keep winning, so we’ll little bit more experience than Sabalenka swept the opening on Alexander Bublik in the An- vised schedule, Formula One and are continuing to work with also cancelled. see,” said Sabalenka of Navrati- her,” said the 23-year-old Ku- three games and was untrou- talya Open final after the Aus- lova’s record. dermetova, who idolises Kha- bled until Sakkari stopped her tralian defeated second seed “I think I’m putting my fo- bib Nurmagomedov and Maria from serving out the first set David Goffin 6-4, 3-6, 6-2 BADMINTON cus on the right space, I’m just Sharapova. at 5-1. The Greek narrowed the yesterday. focusing on the right things and The world number 46 is gap but Sabalenka’s firepower De Minaur, the world this helps me to, fi rst of all, not through to her maiden WTA delivered in game nine as she number 23, is bidding for a think about all these wins and final and takes a 5-3 win-loss secured a one-set lead in just fourth career title following Nehwal to play aft er false secondly to keep winning. record against top-10 op- under 30 minutes. wins at Sydney, Atlanta and “I think I need to keep focus- position into her clash with Sakkari enjoyed a bet- Zhuhai in 2019. ing on my game, on my move- Sabalenka. ter start to the second set but Kazakhstan’s Bublik over- positive test at Thai Open ment on the court and try to do “From my side, I don’t have Sabalenka would not relent, came Jeremy Chardy 6-4, 6-7 everything I can in the moment expectations from tomor- and the Belarusian soon earned (4/7), 6-3 in the second semi- AFP But late yesterday offi cials As a direct contact, Hany and I think that works really well row because Aryna is a top-10 a double-break advantage en fi nal in Turkey. The world Bangkok announced that following fur- will have daily tests under self- with me.” player, she plays unbelievably, route to victory. number 49 is aiming for a fi rst ther tests Nehwal and Prannoy quarantine until further notice, Contesting the biggest semi- she’s playing really well here,” “She played lights-out ten- ATP crown after fi nishing run- were actually virus free, along the BWF said. Women’s singles fi nal of her career, Kudermetova Kudermetova said, looking nis, she gave me zero chances,” ner-up at Chengdu and New- ndian badminton star Saina with Jansen, and able to return player Hadia Hosny, despite survived a 60-minute fi rst-set ahead to the final. said the 22nd-ranked Sakkari. port two years ago. Nehwal has been cleared to to play. The BWF tweeted that being a close contact, can play play after a false positive Nehwal’s match would be re- subject to a negative test. Covid-19 result, Thailand scheduled for today The federation and the Bad- OpenI offi cials said yesterday, Elgamal has been forced to minton Association of Thailand following a testing muddle that withdraw after testing posi- said they were following all nec- Harrison fi ned for declining interview over wearing mask sent top players to hospital. tive on the swab test and then essary safety measures, adding Orlando, Florida: American The 26-year-old spoke out semi-final by defeating Gianluca in the hot sun for more time Four players — Nehwal, returning a negative antibody there were stringent contact tennis player Christian Harrison against wearing masks on social Mager 7-6(2) 6-4 at the event on than absolutely necessary after Egyptian mixed doubles player test. The Egyptian player has tracing measures in place. has been fined $3,000 by the ATP media last week saying: “Healthy Monday. a tough match. I was given the im- Adham Hatem Elgamal, Ger- been sent to hospital for further Nehwal’s husband, men’s after refusing to take part in a enough to play 3 hour matches. He wore a mask for the subse- pression it was optional. I wasn’t man mens and mixed doubles observation and tests and will singles competitor Parupalli mandatory on-court interview at But I’m an absolute safety hazard quent on-court interview and told I would be fined,” he said in Jones Ralfy Jansen, and India’s remain in isolation for a mini- Kashyap, was forced into hotel the Delray Beach Open in Florida walking maskless through a later said in an Instagram post he the post. HS Prannoy — tested positive mum 10 days. isolation and missed a match as it required him to wear a mask. restaurant.” was not aware it was mandatory “I was required to do a sit-down for the virus, offi cials said. His mixed doubles match but the federation is yet to con- The qualifier, ranked 789th in the “Christian Harrison was fined to wear one for TV interviews. He interview after the match with the But while Elgamal and Jansen with partner Doha Hany sched- fi rm its rescheduling. world, stunned top seed Cristian $3,000 for declining the man- added that the ATP supervisor same person which I agreed to were declared negative in re- uled for yesterday has been Meanwhile, India’s Rio Ol- Garin of Chile 7-6(3) 6-2 on Satur- datory post-match on-court had told him that the fine would and I did not have to wear a mask examination of their samples, postponed. ympics silver medallist PV day for his first victory against a interview following his second be rescinded if he appealed and for it. It’s not about safety to wear the two Indian players were “Subsequently, the Egyptian Sindhu was a high-profi le cas- top 50 player. round win over Cristian Garin promised to follow tournament mask for TV to talk to a micro- taken to a Bangkok hospital, team are considered high risk,” ualty on day one as she lost to He decided not to wear a mask on Saturday,” the ATP said in a rules even if he did not agree with phone with no one around. Badminton World Federation the Federation said in a state- Denmark’s Mia Blichfeldt, 16- following his win and declined to statement. them. “I don’t support masking people said earlier. ment. 21, 26-24, 21-13. be interviewed on court. Harrison reached his maiden ATP “It’s not healthy to wear a mask for the sake of it for TV.” Gulf Times Wednesday, January 13, 2021 3 CRICKET

SUSPENSE FOCUS Paine apologises for Bumrah racing against time to sledging Ashwin get fi t for Gabba series-decider during third Test

IANS the ongoing series while Shardul Thakur Brisbane on the bench has played just one Test in his career. Left-arm fast bowler T Na- tarajan is yet to play a Test. Kartik Tyagi ndia pace spearhead Jasprit Bum- is also there but as a net bowler. He is yet rah has suff ered from abdominal to play any form of international crick- strain ahead of the fourth and fi nal et and has played just two fi rst-class Test against Australia that begins at matches. IThe Gabba from Friday. Bumrah has been the most over- Bumrah was seen holding his stom- worked pace bowler in both camps, hav- ach during the third Test which ended ing bowled 117.4 overs in the Test series. in a draw at the Sydney Cricket Ground Overall, on the Australia tour, he has (SCG) on Monday and had undergone for bowled 169.1 overs (including 22 in the scans. While speculation is rife that he warm-up fi xture and 29.3 in ODIs). This won’t play the fi nal Test, a BCCI offi cial follows 60 overs he bowled in the Indian told IANS that there has been no confi r- Premier League (IPL) before coming to This file photo taken on January 11 shows India’s Ravichandran mation on his availability. “There is no Australia. Ashwin (R) fist-bumping with Australia’s captain Tim Paine at the confi rmation on it yet,” said the offi cial The right-arm pace bowler had suf- end of the third Test match at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). when asked about Bumrah’s availability. fered a lower back injury late last year. The team landed in Brisbane yesterday He did not play an international after AFP face and I fell short of my expec- afternoon and will assess his injury over August, 2019 and made his international Sydney tations and our team standards,” the next couple of days. return only in January 2020. he said. The right-arm pacer has three days to of Umesh Yadav (injured in second Test), tors will be forced to fi eld a very inexpe- The series is currently tied at 1-1 with Paine, who was also fi ned for recover and the Indian team will do its Mohammed Shami (injured in fi rst Test) rienced pace attack at The Gabba. Australia winning the fi rst Test in Ad- ustralian captain Tim dissent after an expletive-laden best to ensure his availability for the fi nal and Ishant Sharma (who didn’t travel at Mohammed Siraj (two Tests), Navdeep elaide while India registering win in the Paine apologised yes- rant at umpire Paul Wilson on Test as his absence following the pullout all to Australia), will mean that the visi- Saini (one Test) have both made debut in second match in Melbourne. terday after launching day two of the match, admitted an ugly tirade at India’s “my mood throughout the whole ARavi Ashwin in the drawn Syd- Test was probably a bit off ”. PREVIEW ney Test, admitting he was “bit- He insisted the behaviour was terly disappointed” in his own a “blip” that would not be re- conduct. peated and said he had not con- Paine said frustration got the sidered standing down as cap- better of him on Monday when tain over the incident. he tried to unsettle Ashwin, who Critics, including former Eng- played a key role as the tourists land captain Michael Vaughan, denied Australia to salvage a said Australia appeared to be draw on the fi nal day of the third heading “back to the old days” England and Lanka Test. of sledging and foul language. “I want to apologise for the Star batsman Steve Smith, way I went about things yester- who was Australia’s captain day... my leadership wasn’t good during the sandpaper cheating enough, I let the pressure of the scandal, also attracted nega- game get to me,” the Australian tive attention when footage skipper told reporters. suggested he scuff ed up bats- Stump microphones picked man Rishabh Pant’s guard at the set for action aft er up Paine making a series of ver- crease. bal jabs at Ashwin. The stump camera showed But the tail-ender was defi - Smith shadow batting and then ant and his unbeaten 39 helped apparently rubbing off the pitch keep the series level at 1-1 to set marks — made by the batsmen to up a winner-takes-all fourth judge where they stand — with and fi nal Test in Brisbane start- his boots. ing Friday. Paine said it was just part of 10-month delay Paine acknowledged his ac- Smith’s regular routine. tions undermined the goal he “It’s one of his manner- set himself when appointed Test isms, he was marking centre, he England left Sri Lanka without playing a Test last March as the pandemic struck captain in 2018 to revamp the wasn’t by any stretch of the im- team’s toxic culture after the agination trying to change guard AFP about our win in 2018 being “Sandpaper-gate” ball-tamper- or do anything like that,” he said. Galle in the back of their minds and ing scandal. Paine dropped three catches wanting to get revenge for that,” “I’m a captain who wants to during the epic fi nal day, includ- said Silverwood. enjoy the game, who wants to ing a chance from Ashwin short- en months after abort- “Do I believe we can win? play the game with a smile on his ly after their exchange. ing their tour of Sri Of course, I always believe our Lanka as the pandemic team can beat anyone. To me it’s advanced, England will about the processes, the con- SPOTLIGHT Tfi nally play the fi rst Test tomor- tinual progression of the team.” row with the coronavirus still Uncapped Essex batsman causing problems. Dan Lawrence is set for an in- Joe Root’s team, missing Ben ternational debut with Silver- Surgery completed, Stokes and Jofra Archer, need wood saying the 23-year-old is a convincing win in the two- “ready” for it. match series to keep alive their England, placed fourth in the will return with a hopes of reaching the World Test inaugural Test championship Championship fi nal. table led by Australia, need a All-rounder Moeen Ali is series win in Sri Lanka to have bang, says Jadeja also out of the two-Test series’ a chance of making the fi nal at opener after testing positive for Lord’s. IANS the coronavirus on arrival in the Sri Lanka have just returned Sydney island on January 3. from a losing 2-0 whitewash in After England left Sri Lan- South Africa and must fi nd re- ka without playing a Test last placements for injured batsman eft-handed India all- March — and cut short a tour of Dhananjaya de Silva and pace- rounder Ravindra South Africa in December over man Kasun Rajitha. Jadeja said yesterday coronavirus fears — it has been Wicketkeeper-batsman that he has undergone an unsettling time for the team. Niroshan Dickwella said their Lsurgery after suff ering a blow on But the players, living in absence would be a blow, but his thumb during the third Test a bio-secure ‘bubble’ in Sri that Sri Lanka still pose a threat. against Australia played at the Lanka, have remained unit- England are much weakened Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). ed throughout, according to England’s Jonny without Stokes and Archer, who “Out of action for a while, sur- wicketkeeper-batsman Jonny Bairstow has said were given permission to miss gery completed. But will soon re- Bairstow. unity is the real key this part of a tour before the turn with a bang,” Jadeja tweeted. “Everyone’s together. That’s for his team during team heads to India. Jadeja has already been ruled shown that he has dislocated his been a strength of the team, Covid times. “I think it is going to be tough out of the fourth and fi nal Test thumb,” said a statement from the unity. It’s been a real key series,” said Dickwella. against Australia which begins the Board of Control for Crick- throughout this whole period of force my way in and with no ending today, Dom Bess and available. We travel with such a “Compared to the conditions Friday at The Gabba in Brisbane. et in India (BCCI) on Monday Covid,” he said. Stokesy here it emphasises that Jack Leach will be the premier large group so should any even- in 2018 I think we have a better “Jadeja suff ered a blow to his evening. Bairstow, who last played a an all-rounder’s role which spin bowlers in the 18-member tuality come up we have it cov- chance this time with no Arch- left thumb while batting on Day “Jadeja will not be available for fi ve-day match in late 2019, is myself or Sam Curran could fi ll squad. ered.” er, no Ben Stokes and few other 3 of the third Border-Gavaskar the fourth and fi nal Test against expected to return to the Test to balance the team a bit,” said The slow bowlers could be Moeen and Leach were key to players,” said the wicketkeeper- Test that concluded on Mon- Australia to be held in Brisbane team in Galle. the paceman and a right-hand crucial, but England do have the touring England team that batsman. day (in Sydney). He later went from January 15-19 at the Gab- All-rounder Chris Woakes batsman, who started training three reserve spinners in Ma- won 3-0 in Sri Lanka in 2018 “But we don’t take it easy. We for scans and the results have ba,” it added. admitted that chances of him with the squad on Monday. son Crane, Matt Parkinson and and Silverwood said they have just play our normal game.” playing the fi rst game remain “A little frustrating that I Amar Virdi. the muscle to beat the hosts on The left-handed batsman “quite slim” after being a close can’t do that for this Test, but “We can play plenty of spin their home territory again. added: “We don’t underes- contact of Moeen and isolating I have got my head round the if required,” coach Chris Silver- “It is diffi cult to win here. timate the England side but I Pucovski under injury cloud for fourth Test for seven days. situation.” wood insisted. I read (Sri Lanka head coach) think we have a good chance of “I was certainly hoping to With Moeen’s isolation only “They are all here, so they’re Mickey Arthur’s comments winning this series.” Sydney : Australian opener Losing Pucovski could cause Will Pucovski is in doubt for headaches for the Australian the fourth Test against India, top order after the 22-year-old BOTTOMLINE with Cricket Australia confirm- stepped up to replace Joe ing yesterday that the opener Burns, who struggled in the dislocated his shoulder while first and second Tests. fielding in Sydney. Injury woes have also hit Windies youngsters have chance to shine: Simmons Pucovski’s performance in his the India camp ahead of the first match for the Test side Brisbane Test, with Ravindra AFP “You are here to give yourself a chance. Others such as Sheldon Cottrell, Evin “Some chose it in the fi rst series, some had been a bright spot for the Jadeja ruled out with a dislo- Dhaka You have a chance now to seal your place Lewis, Shai Hope, Shimron Hetmyer and in the last series and some chose it in this Aussies, who were held to a cated thumb. in the team. Nicholas Pooran also declined to travel, series. I think that people have diff erent draw in the third Test at the The tourists have already “If you do well here, it augurs well for forcing Cricket West Indies to name an in- reasons for doing things. I cannot judge Sydney Cricket Ground on lost fast bowlers Mohammed est Indies coach Phil Sim- you moving forward. experienced squad for the series. anyone for not going on a tour,” he said. Monday. Shami, Umesh Yadav and mons urged the young mem- “You come here and do well in the three Simmons said he had no complaints Simmons said West Indies are now one “Pucovski suff ered a shoulder Ishant Sharma to injuries while bers of his squad to grab their ODIs and two Tests, you are putting your- about the players who decided not to of the most experienced teams in a bio- subluxation injury while diving batsman KL Rahul was out chances in the forthcoming self in a place from where nobody can travel. “I can’t say it was a wrong call for secure environment having already played in the field on day five,” Cricket ahead of the third game with a threeW one-day internationals and two- move you. Only you have the opportunity,” them. Everybody has their reasons and series in England and New Zealand amid Australia said in a statement. sprained left wrist. Test series against Bangladesh. he said. The West Indies arrived with a de- opinions,” he said. the Covid-19 pandemic. “He will continue rest and re- The teams flew to Brisbane “My rule and message to all the play- pleted squad in Bangladesh as a number “They made their choices. They took “We know that we have to stick to the habilitation over the next two yesterday with the four-Test ers here is that you are not here to fi ll in,” of regular players, including captain Jason the best decision for them. I can’t decide protocols even when you are out of the days before a decision is made series tied at 1-1 ahead of final Simmons told reporters in the team’s fi rst Holder and senior fi gures Kieron Pollard what’s best for anyone else but Phil Sim- fi rst phase. We have to maintain distance on his fitness for the fourth game at the Gabba starting press conference in Dhaka, held online and Darren Bravo opted out because of mons. “I think that all our players have as much as possible. It is all about keeping Test match.” Friday. yesterday. coronavirus fears. been given the option from the fi rst series. each other safe,” he said. Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, January 13, 2021 SPORT

FOCUS Community Engagement stakeholders bring Fan Zone experience to life during Amir Cup fi nal

ootball fans were treated to a special occasion on Qatar National Day, as the 48th Amir Cup fi nal becameF the fi rst offi cial match to be played at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium. The 40,000-capacity venue is the fourth Qatar 2022 stadium to be inaugurated with just under two years to go until the country hosts the fi rst FIFA World Cup in the Middle East and Arab world. As part of the festivities on 18 December 2020, the Community Engagement Division of the Su- preme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) partnered with vari- ous stakeholders, notably the Ministry of Culture and Sports and Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum (QOSM), to operate a Fan Zone outside the stadium. tions Senior Manager, Khaled one, it was great to see so many which set up a majlis that visi- during Qatar 2022,” she added. A Qatar Museums initia- Qatar to lead an active lifestyle, A range of activities and cul- al-Suwaidi. smiling faces enjoying the fes- tors had the chance to engage Additionally, the Minis- tive, QOSM activations at the which we see as one of the key tural off erings were on off er both “Their excitement for Qatar tivities and marking the inaugu- with, showcased a traditional try organised a robust display Fan Zone included children’s legacies of hosting large sport- prior to kick-off and after the 2022 has been unwavering, so it ration of the fourth Qatar 2022 musical instrument known as dedicated to the heritage of Al activities that were inspired ing events like the Amir Cup and fi nal whistle. This included rov- was great to see our local com- venue.” a rababa, and hosted falconry, Rayyan SC, widely recognised as by the colours of the Olympic the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022,” ing and on-stage performances munities get involved and make The Ministry of Culture and along with a wide variety of one of Qatar’s most widely sup- rings, a mini fi ve-a-side foot- said Ahmad al-Namla, CEO of from various community groups a contribution to the festive at- Sports, tasked with nurturing a traditional games,” said Aisha ported football teams. This in- ball match and live colouring of Qatar Museums. including Bangladesh, Egypt, mosphere we created on Nation- growing and inclusive cultural al-Mahmoud, Director of PR & cluded both video content and a football jerseys with the emblem The SC has continued to en- Ghana, Hungary, India, Kenya, al Day,” he added. environment throughout Qatar, Communications at the Minis- photography exhibition. of Al Rayyan SC, the Qatar Stars gage thousands of people in Qa- Mexico, Nigeria, Palestine, Su- Al-Suwaidi continued: “I organised a series of activations try of Culture and Sports. The Fan Zone also featured a League team that will make Ah- tar as the country’s FIFA World dan and Uganda. would like to thank our com- at the Fan Zone. These included “It was important for us to series of activations organised mad Bin Ali Stadium its home. Cup preparations continue. De- “What we wanted to achieve munity groups, along with our traditional activities such as showcase Qatari culture at the by QOSM, a cultural institu- “We are delighted with the spite the ongoing pandemic, a with the Fan Zone was to not valued stakeholders – particu- folkloric games that form the country’s most prestigious foot- tion dedicated to promoting the enthusiastic response to the ac- variety of programmes and ini- only celebrate the opening of larly the Ministry of Culture and backbone of a vibrant sports cul- balling event on our National positive value of sport through tivations organised by Qatar Ol- tiatives run by Community En- another World Cup venue, but Sports and Qatar Olympic and ture in Qatar. Day, an occasion that was made showcasing the origins, de- ympic & Sports Museum during gagement have thrived in 2020 also to highlight the diversity Sports Museum – for their sup- “The Ministry’s participa- even more special with the inau- velopment and signifi cance of the Amir Cup fi nal, particularly as Qatar aims to involve every- of Qatar’s many communities,” port in organising the Fan Zone. tion was primarily through the guration of Ahmad Bin Ali Sta- sporting culture within Qatar because they were all designed one on its World Cup journey. said the SC’s Stakeholder Rela- After a diffi cult year for every- Nomas Educational Center, dium, which will host matches and beyond. to inspire communities across qatar2022.qa

SPOTLIGHT NFL Pederson out as Eagles head coach Belichick declines the win over the New England Reuters New York Patriots in Super Bowl LII, however, the Eagles are 22-25- 1. Pederson had a 4-2 playoff oug Pederson’s fi fth record with Philadelphia. season as head coach Lurie reportedly had con- of the Philadelphia cerns that included Pederson’s Eagles was also his plan to fi x an off ense that un- Medal of Freedom last.D Pederson is out as the derperformed in 2020, the Eagles coach, the team an- future at the quarterback po- ‘Remaining true to the people, nounced Monday. sition and the makeup of the “Coach Pederson and I had coaching staff . The contracts team and country I love the opportunity to sit down of defensive coordinator Jim and discuss what that col- Schwartz, senior off ensive as- outweigh the benefits of any lective vision would look like sistant Rich Scangarello and moving forward,” Eagles own- senior off ensive consultant from Trump individual award’ er Jeff rey Lurie said in a state- Marty Mornhinweg expired, ment. “After taking some time and they will not be returning. to refl ect on these conversa- Pederson reportedly pre- tions, I believe it is in both of ferred to fi ll the off ensive coor- our best interests to part ways.” dinator role with Press Taylor, Pederson’s fi ring comes on the team’s 32-year-old quar- the heels of a meeting between terbacks coach. ESPN reported Pederson and Lurie last week, Lurie wanted the position fi lled which ESPN reported “did from outside the organisation. not go well.” The report also The Eagles’ off ense ranked said that Lurie remained “un- 24th in the NFL in yards per decided” on whether to retain game (334.6), 26th in scoring Pederson and that there would (20.9 points) and 28th in pass- be another meeting this week. ing yards (207.9). Pederson Following a season-ending removed Carson Wentz as the loss to the Washington Foot- starting quarterback after 12 ball Team, Pederson voiced games and replaced him with confi dence he was going to be rookie Jalen Hurts. back as head coach for a sixth Multiple outlets have re- season. ported Wentz wants time to “I feel fully confi dent to be determine where he stands on the head coach of the Eagles returning to the Eagles, despite in 2021,” Pederson said. “The being under contract. General thing I’m most proud of this manager Howie Roseman in- football team, we have been in dicated the day after the sea- the postseason three of the last son ended that trading Wentz fi ve years since I’ve been here wasn’t an option. and that’s pretty good.” “When you have play- Pederson led the Eagles to ers like that, they’re like fi n- their only Super Bowl win in gers on your hand,” Roseman franchise history after the 2017 said. “You can’t imagine that season, and he posted a over- they’re not part of you, that all record of 46-39-1 in fi ve they’re not here. That’s how seasons with the Eagles. Since we feel about Carson.”

New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick smiles during a victory parade after winning Super Bowl LIII, in Boston, Massachusetts, US, on February 5, 2019. (Reuters)

Reuters ing a rally where he repeated weigh the benefi ts of any indi- aff ect Belichick’s standing with the spot here,” Dan Shaughnessy, Boston false claims that the November vidual award.” players in the locker room. Rob- a long-time sports columnist for 3 election was “rigged” against The White House was not im- ert Kraft, owner of the Patriots, the Boston Globe, said before him. At least fi ve people died mediately available for comment. is also friendly with Trump. Belichick’s statement. “If he re- ew England Patriots in the attack. “I was off ered the News that Belichick was being The US president has had a ceives the award, it makes things coach Bill Belichick opportunity to receive the Presi- lined up for the Medal of Freedom long-running fi ght with the Na- diffi cult for him in his locker said on Monday he has dential Medal of Freedom,” Beli- sparked widespread negative re- tional Football League over play- room and in this community.” decided not to accept chick said in a statement. “Sub- action on social media. “If this ers kneeling during the national With the Patriots slumping Nthe Medal of Freedom from US sequently, the tragic events of story about Bill Belichick accept- anthem, a gesture that was fi rst to their fi rst losing season since President Donald Trump in the last week occurred and the deci- ing a Medal of Freedom from the adopted by some Black players to 2000, Belichick needs good rela- wake of last week’s siege of the sion has been made not to move disgraced occupant of the White protest against racial disparities tions with players and prospec- Capitol by the president’s sup- forward with the award.” House is true, he’s dead to me,” in the criminal justice system. tive free agents as they look to porters. Belichick said above all he was Bob Ryan, a Boston Globe sports Trump called on the league shore up defi ciencies on their Politico reported on Sunday an American citizen “with great columnist emeritus, wrote on to ban players from kneeling in roster. Belichick’s teams have that Trump had planned to be- reverence for our nation’s val- Twitter. “Say it ain’t so, Bill.” protest. In the Patriots’ home won a record six Super Bowl stow the highest civilian hon- ues, freedom and democracy. In 2016, Trump read a glow- state of Massachusetts, Trump championships but this season our on Belichick. Trump faces “I know I also represent my ing letter from Belichick while received only 32% of votes cast the Patriots posted a 7-9 record an attempt by Congressional family and the New England Pa- on the campaign trail, in which in the presidential election in without star quarterback Tom In this file photo taken on December 19, 2020, head coach Doug Democrats to remove him from triots team,” he continued. “... the coach praised his courage November. Joe Biden is set to be Brady, who is gunning for a sev- Pederson of the Philadelphia Eagles talks with quarterback Jalen offi ce after he urged supporters Remaining true to the people, and leadership. It was criticised sworn in as the 46th US presi- enth win with his new team, the Hurts (right) during their NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals to march on the Capitol dur- team and country I love out- by some fans but did not seem to dent on January 20. “Bill is on Tampa Bay Buccaneers. at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. (AFP) Gulf Times Wednesday, January 13, 2021 5 SPORT

NHL Covid-19 forces divisional shakeup, shrinks season AFP to the deadly virus, the league positive tests. Regular season Cup title run of 2018 under new Washington stands to lose more than $1 bil- and pre-season NHL contests coach Peter Laviolette. lion, NHL commissioner Gary in Europe, outdoor contests in The Capitals also boast the Bettman said Monday. “We’re Minnesota and North Carolina NHL’s oldest and tallest player National Hockey coming back to play this season and the NHL All-Star Game in (6-foot-9, 2.06m) in 43-year- League season disrupt- because we think it’s important Florida were all wiped out due to old defenseman Zdeno Chara ed by Covid-19 even be- for the game,” Bettman said. “It Covid-19 issues. and the NHL’s top assist produc- fore the fi rst puck drops would be cheaper for us to shut But Vegas will face Colorado ing backliner in John Carlson, willA start today with defending the doors and not play.” and Boston will meet Philadel- who set-up 60 goals last season champion Tampa Bay among the Bettman said revenue from phia outdoors at Lake Tahoe in while scoring 15. Stanley Cup contenders. spectators accounts for half of February. The Lightning have Boston, which led the NHL The campaign has been short- all NHL income. “Everybody is the most wins, playoff wins and with 44 wins last season, should ened from 82 games per club to going to lose a lot of money to do goals scored in the NHL over be a factor as well with Pastrnak 56 and scheduled to run until this,” Bettman said. the past six seasons and fi gure and a fast, physical lineup. Colo- May 8 in home arenas with play- Only Dallas, Florida and to challenge for the Cup again rado, powered by 35-goal scorer off s to follow into July, bringing Arizona plan to have a limited with Steven Stamkos healthy af- Nathan MacKinnon, will be a hope of returning to a normal number of spectators for games ter missing most of Tampa Bay’s favourite in the West along with October start for the 2021-22 among the NHL’s 31 teams. playoff run, Andrei Vasilevskiy the Vegas Golden Knights, who season. Teams have been rea- There has been an off -season solid at goaltender and Victor lost to Washington in the 2018 fi - ligned due to US-Canada border break similar to normal since the Hedman anchoring a strong de- nal in their inaugural season and travel restrictions with all seven Tampa Bay Lightning captured fensive unit. reached the Western Conference Canadian clubs in their own divi- the Stanley Cup on September The divisional shakeup makes fi nal last year before falling to sion and new eight-team break- 28, beating Dallas four games to Dallas a division rival instead of Dallas. Hockey-mad Canada will downs in three US-only divisions. two in the best-of-seven NHL a foe from the opposite confer- enjoy a season unlike any other The Dallas Stars have already Final inside a Covid-19 bubble at ence, with Carolina and Nash- with its seven teams together had their fi rst four games post- Edmonton. ville also likely to challenge playing only each other. poned, two at Florida and two at It ended four days shy of a among Central rivals. The Edmonton Oilers should Tampa Bay in a rematch of last year from the 2019-20 season Washington’s Alex Ovechkin, be a force behind stars Con- year’s Stanley Cup Final, after opener, concluding a campaign whose 48 goals shared the NHL nor McDavid and Leon Drai- six players and two staff mem- halted March 12 by the pandemic lead last season with Boston’s saitl while the Toronto Maple bers tested positive last week for with an expanded playoff s in David Pastrnak, has topped the Leafs, sparked by 47-goal scor- In this file photo taken on July 12, 2020, aerial view over the 17th green at Edgewood Tahoe South course Covid-19. And without specta- August and September in quar- league in goals for seven of the er Auston Matthews, fi gure to during the final round of the American Century Championship in South Lake Tahoe, Nevada. Two National tors in the stands for most clubs antine bubbles at Toronto and past eight seasons and hopes the contend for Canadian bragging Hockey League regular-season games will be played next month on an outdoor rink on the south shore of over most of the season due Edmonton that saw no Covid-19 Capitals can repeat the Stanley rights as well. Lake Tahoe, the league announced on Monday. (AFP/GETTY IMAGES)

NBA FOCUS NBA postpones games at Dallas and Chicago Bucks ease past due to Covid-19

AFP postponed this season due to New York Covid-19 issues was on De- cember 23 between Oklahoma City at Houston. wo more NBA games Dallas has three players Magic, Wizards beat were postponed by the listed as out due to the NBA league on Monday due Covid-19 protocols – Jalen to Covid-19 and con- Brunson, Josh Richardson and Ttract tracing issues, bringing Dorian Finney-Smith – and the total to four in the virus- Maxi Kleber listed as question- shortened 2020-21 season. able for the same reason. The New Orleans Pelicans Scott Tomlin, the Maver- game at Dallas on Monday and icks’ vice president of bas- short-handed Sixers the Boston Celtics game Tues- ketball communications, told day at Chicago were both de- the Dallas Morning News that layed over unspecifi ed health the team would have had at ‘We had enough guys tonight, but the other night, we were not happy with the way that went down’ and safety protocol issues. The least eight players available on league also said it would meet Monday, but the league chose with the National Basketball to postpone the contest “to AFP Players Association on Monday ensure the health and safety Los Angeles about possible modifi cations in of players, coaches and other the joint safety protocols. personnel” as contact tracing There has been concern ex- continues. ilwaukee star Giannis An- pressed by coaches about the NBA commissioner Adam tetokounmpo shook off foul health and safety of players be- Silver said before the season trouble to score 13 of his 22 ing forced into playing unusu- started on December 22 that points in the second half ally high numbers of minutes the league, which completed MMonday as the Bucks pulled away for a due to depleted rosters being the disrupted 2019-20 sea- 121-99 NBA victory over the Magic in Or- forced to take the court. son in a quarantine bubble in lando. The latest postponements Orlando, Florida, expected Antetokounmpo, the two-time defend- will mark three consecu- disruptions as it forged ahead ing NBA Most Valuable Player, showed no tive days of lost games for the in teams’ home markets with sign of the back spasms that forced him NBA after Miami’s matchup on coronavirus still surging. out of the Bucks win over Cleveland on Sunday against the Celtics in “We do anticipate there will Saturday, adding six rebounds, four as- Boston was called off because be bumps in the road along the sists and two blocked shots. the Heat were unable to fi eld a way,” Silver said in December, Khris Middleton scored 20 points and minimum eight players due to adding that’s why the sched- grabbed 10 rebounds and Bobby Portis Covid-19 issues. ule for only the fi rst half of the chipped in 20 points off the bench as the The Celtics had been re- season had been released. Bucks notched their fi fth win in six games. duced to the minimum eight “We know it’s possible we Orlando’s Nikola Vucevic led all scor- players by virus issues with may have to reschedule games ers with 28 points and 13 rebounds, but seven players missing due to along the way,” he said. it wasn’t enough in the fi rst meeting be- the virus or contact tracing. Philadelphia coach Doc Riv- tween the teams since Milwaukee ousted The Heat were still sched- ers said Saturday he trusted Orlando in the fi rst round of the Eastern uled to play on Tuesday night the procedures the league had Conference playoff s in August. in Philadelphia, where the put in place to limit spread of 76ers had only a minimum Covid-19, but he said losing so eight available players, just many players to contact trac- RESULTS seven of them healthy, for a ing posed a danger to those home loss Saturday to Denver. remaining with increased min- Atlanta 112-94 Philadelphia The South Florida Sun-Sen- utes on the fl oor, wear and tear Portland 112-111 Toronto tinel reported that the Heat’s and the push to perhaps play Sacramento 127-122 Indiana available players would travel through injury. Charlotte 109-88 New York from Boston to Philadelphia “That’s long-term health while players deemed at risk with the accumulation of Memphis 101-91 Cleveland through contact tracing would games,” he said. “So I’m ac- Milwaukee 121-99 Orlando be fl own to Florida to quaran- tually more concerned about Washington 128-107 Phoenix tine. that than I am actually about The fi rst NBA game to be Covid.” Orlando forward Aaron Gordon threw down a dunk over Antetokounmpo early in the fourth to pull the Magic within 88-86. Antetokounmpo responded with Report: Bryant subject of a three-pointer and assisted on Portis’s Cubs-Blue Jays talks shot from beyond the arc as the Bucks re- built their lead. Kris Bryant has been the is a fourth-year arbitration After Gordon’s dunk, the Bucks scored subject of trade talks eligible player after three 22 of the next 24 points as they put the between the Chicago Cubs consecutive one-year deals game out of reach. and Toronto Blue Jays, MLB to avoid arbitration. “He’s growing in all ways and it was Network reported. But a trade could be compli- just two huge plays, because the momen- Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks drives to the net as Aaron Gordon of the Orlando Magic defends at Amway Center in Bryant, 29, has also drawn cated without a new contract tum could’ve swung on the dunk,” Bucks Orlando, Florida. (Getty Images/AFP) interest from the New York agreement since Bryant is coach Mike Budenholzer said of Antetok- Mets, San Francisco Giants scheduled to become a free ounmpo’s late-game eff ort. tory over the New York Knicks. The Hor- day’s game between the Dallas Mavericks Philadelphia center Joel Embiid, back and Washington Nation- agent at the end of the 2021 It was a tight fi nish in Portland, where nets notched their fourth straight victory and New Orleans Pelicans postponed, after missing one game with a tight back, als, according to previous season. CJ McCollum scored 30 points, includ- – longer than any streak they put together along with a scheduled Tuesday clash scored 14 points with 11 rebounds but reports. Bryant was the National ing the game-winning pull-up jumper last season. The Washington Wizards between the Boston Celtics and Chicago played less than four minutes in the third The Cubs are undergoing League MVP in 2016 and is with 9.9 seconds remaining to give the notched their fi rst home win of the sea- Bulls. Some of the enforced absences were quarter and sat out the fourth. an off season makeover with a three-time All-Star. He has host Trail Blazers a 112-111 victory over the son, downing the Phoenix Suns 128-107. due to positive or inconclusive Covid-19 Sixers coach Doc Rivers was still irked slugger Kyle Schwarber non- played third base and both Toronto Raptors. Toronto’s Pascal Siakam With star guard Russell Westbrook ab- tests, and others to the league’s stringent that his team had to take the court on Sat- tendered and right-handed corner outfield positions for missed a fl oater in the closing seconds and sent with a quadriceps injury, Bradley Beal contact tracing and isolation of possibly urday with just seven fi t players between ace Yu Darvish sent to the the Cubs. the Blazers escaped with a victory after led the Wizards with 34 points, eight re- exposed players. Covid protocols and late injuries. San Diego Padres in a trade. A previous MLB Network trailing by as many as 17 points. bounds and nine assists. The Philadelphia 76ers, among the “We had enough guys tonight, but the Team president Theo Epstein report linking the Nation- The Blazers posted their third straight Beal, who had totalled 101 points in his teams feeling the pinch with fi ve players other night, we were not happy with the is also gone with Jed Hoyer als to the Cubs in Bryant win, despite losing center Jusuf Nurkic previous two games, was back in action sidelined by coronavirus protocols, en- way that went down,” Rivers said, al- now the president of baseball trade discussions indicated to a left quadriceps contusion in the fi rst after missing Saturday’s contest against dured a third straight defeat, 112-94 to the though he acknowledged that “No one is operations. Chicago was zeroed in on top quarter. Miami because of the league’s coronavirus Hawks in Atlanta. going to feel sorry for us. A significant pay raise is ex- Washington pitching pros- In Charlotte, Gordon Hayward scored health and safety protocols. Hawks point guard Trae Young led all “We’ve been in a tough spot with Cov- pected for Bryant. He made pect Jackson Rutledge. 28 of his game-high 34 points in the fi rst But the ongoing pandemic was having scorers with 26 points and Atlanta took a id. I have a sneaking feeling a lot of teams $18.6 million in 2020 and (Reuters) quarter to fuel the Hornets’ 109-88 vic- an eff ect on the young season, with Mon- 32-point lead into the fourth quarter. are going to have this problem.” Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, January 13, 2021 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Neymar set to return for PSG in ‘special game’ for Pochettino AFP The Brazilian later accused Marseille in Lens in northern France. Paris defender Alvaro Gonzalez of racism, al- Nevertheless Pochettino, who played though in the end no action was taken for PSG, called it a “special match, but due to a lack of evidence. winning the game almost matters more eymar is in line to return for Today’s game is just PSG’s third since than winning a trophy at the end of it”. Paris Saint-Germain after former Tottenham Hotspur coach Po- His fi rst game at the helm ended in a 1-1 four weeks on the sidelines chettino was appointed as the succes- draw with Saint-Etienne last week, be- in today’s Champions Tro- sor to the sacked Thomas Tuchel, and fore he oversaw a fi rst win as PSG beat Nphy game against bitter rivals Mar- off ers the chance for him to win his Brest 3-0 on Saturday to leave them a seille. “Neymar is available and will be fi rst piece of silverware with the Qatar- point behind Ligue 1 leaders Lyon at the in the squad. We will decide tomorrow owned club. campaign’s halfway stage. (Wednesday) if he plays or starts on the The Champions Trophy is the French While Neymar returns, young full- bench,” PSG coach Mauricio Pochet- equivalent of a Super Cup, usually back Colin Dagba on Tuesday became tino said at a virtual press conference contested at the start of the season by the latest Paris player to test positive ahead of the game. the league champions and French Cup for Covid-19 and has joined team- The world’s most expensive player winners. mates Rafi nha and Thilo Kehrer in hav- has not played since being stretchered With PSG winning both last season, ing to isolate. Marseille, coached by off with an ankle injury at the end of Marseille have been selected as their Andre Villas-Boas, beat PSG 1-0 in that PSG’s Ligue 1 defeat to Lyon on De- opponents as the Ligue 1 runners-up. last, fi ery meeting in the league in Sep- cember 13, missing his side’s last fi ve Played overseas in the last 10 years, tember, their fi rst win over their great- matches as a result. Neymar was one including most recently in China, this est rivals in nine years. of three PSG players sent off in an ugly season’s edition was delayed because “Andre and I both coached Totten- ending to PSG’s most recent meeting of the raging coronavirus pandemic ham. I have great aff ection for him and with Marseille, who fi nished with nine and is taking place today in less ex- we get on well with each other,” Po- men. otic conditions behind closed doors chettino said of his opposite number.

PREMIER LEAGUE Real Madrid defend Super Cup repatriated from Saudi to storm-hit Spain Fulham boss Parker Madrid: Despite the concerns finalists from last season’s Copa about a crammed fixture calen- del Rey, an all-Basque final dar in a season badly impacted which was postponed due to by the coronavirus pandemic, the health crisis and has still not Spain is going ahead with its been played. four-team Super Cup this week That means current La Liga as Real Sociedad and Athletic leaders Atletico Madrid are not says Spurs fi xture Bilbao provide the opposition involved, while Real will not go for Barcelona and Real Madrid. into their semi-final in the best However, after being taken to shape after a build-up impacted Saudi Arabia in January 2020, by the winter storm. Zinedine the Spanish Football Federation Zidane’s team were left stuck in (RFEF) is organising this year’s the northern city of Pamplona version in Andalusia, with the for three nights due to the switch scandalous final on Sunday at La Cartuja in weather, leaving on Monday Seville. From the shores of the after drawing 0-0 with Osasuna Spurs were scheduled to face Aston Villa today but that match has been postponed Red Sea back to Spain, which on Saturday in a game which Zi- has been battered in recent dane and his players felt should Reuters days by Storm Filomena deliver- not have gone ahead. London ing the country’s worst snowfall “We are not puppets who in decades as well as brutally should have to play all the time. cold temperatures. We made the eff ort but we ulham manager Scott Parker has Barcelona play Real Sociedad need to think about the travel criticised the Premier League in the first semi-final today in involved too,” complained goal- for re-arranging his side’s game Cordoba, before trophy holders keeper Thibaut Courtois. at Tottenham Hotspur for to- Madrid face Athletic Bilbao in Instead of returning to the day,F giving him only 48 hours to prepare Malaga tomorrow, with the capital, they flew straight to his players. Fourth-placed Spurs were winners remaining in southern Malaga to prepare for the Super scheduled to face Aston Villa today but Spain to contest Sunday’s final. Cup. Athletic, meanwhile, had that match was postponed after a Cov- Fulham manager Scott Parker. (Reuters) All of the games will be behind their game away to Atletico in id-19 outbreak forced the closure of the closed doors. In ordinary times Madrid postponed because of Midlands club’s training ground. the RFEF would not have given the snow — their plane circled Instead, Tottenham’s home game with up on its controversial money- the sky awaiting permission Fulham, itself postponed two hours be- spinning Saudi venture, after to land before being forced to fore kickoff on Dec. 30 after a Covid out- initially agreeing a 120mn euro return home. break amongst the Fulham squad, has ($146mn) three-year deal to play Their hope is to be able to been squeezed in. While former Spurs an expanded four-team com- play their Basque neighbours in player Parker said there was talk of the petition in the Middle Eastern the final on Sunday before they switch last weekend, it was only con- Kingdom. eventually clash again in the de- fi rmed on Monday. “To confi rm that on That agreement also included layed Copa del Rey showpiece. Monday morning is scandalous. You’re the option of three more years, “We are not used to winning constantly working out well in advance,” but the lack of fans allowed in trophies and it would be special he told reporters. Saudi stadiums led the Federa- and unforgettable,” admitted Fulham beat Queens Park Rangers in tion to renegotiate its contract their Spanish international the FA Cup third round on Saturday and and bring the tournament back centre-back Inigo Martinez. Parker said his team selection for that home. The move abroad fol- Before that game Barcelona game might have changed had he known lowed in the footsteps of Italy will hope to continue their they faced Jose Mourinho’s high-fl ying and France, who have taken perfect start to 2021 against a Tottenham side a few days later. their own equivalents of the Real Sociedad side who were “The decisions I would have made with Super Cup — between the previ- top of La Liga but have won just QPR, or the players who are just com- ous season’s league champions one of their last nine league ing back. We’ve had it tough with Covid. and domestic cup winners — to games. “We are close to a first That’s quickly changing Monday morn- foreign shores in recent years. title of the season and we come ing. It’s madness really,” he said. This time the competition into this full of excitement Mourinho off ered little sympathy for his sees reigning La Liga cham- because we are on a good run,” Fulham counterpart when asked about it pions Madrid and runners-up said Barca midfielder Sergio yesterday. “Are you serious? They had 48 Barcelona joined by the two Busquets. hours to prepare for this game. Look, I had the news that I wasn’t going to play them two hours before the game started,” he said in reference to the decision to postpone ROUND-UP the original game against Fulham. Mourinho said clubs needed to be fl exi- by Mourinho while he was a player at fi xture in. Jose’s selection (against Marine but to think we chuck a game bang in the ble in the midst of the Covid-19 pandem- Chelsea, said the Portuguese’s gripe did in the FA Cup on Sunday) suggested that. middle of the week is another story,” he ic if they wanted to complete the season. not compare with his own dilemma. “Re- They’ve planned.” said. “My players are fi ne and will be fi ne. Aguero out for up to 10 “In the end you have to play 19 matches garding being told the (original) game was Several Fulham players were forced to I sit angry because I don’t think it’s right. I at home and 19 away and two matches called off . It’s an irrelevance. It’s a disap- isolate after testing positive for Covid-19 believe we’ll give Spurs a game but I think days due to quarantine against every team. If it helps the Premier pointment,” he said. and Parker said that while they were it’s wrong. The problem is the time we’ve League to end the season properly it’s a “To have a game called on with 48 not showing ill-eff ects, pitching them been told. “It’s beyond belief really.” anchester City solution that we all have to accept as a hours notice... I don’t want to get into it straight into a big league fi xture was not Third-bottom Fulham were due to host striker Sergio Aguero positive solution.” (as) regards Jose but you plan what you do ideal. “Obviously a week, if this game Chelsea in the league on Friday but that will be out for up to Parker, who was given little game time in the week. Tottenham knew they had a didn’t exist, a week of work is some ask has now been pushed back to Saturday. 10 days because the MArgentine striker is still isolating after coming into close contact FOCUS with someone who tested posi- tive for Covid-19, manager Pep Guardiola said yesterday. Aguero was expected to start Man United v Liverpool highlights FA Cup fourth round in last weekend’s FA Cup third- round tie against second-tier after the Hammers eked out a 1-0 win at recorded their fi rst win of the eason at Wanderers v Tottenham Hotspur; Fulham Birmingham City but did not Reuters v Burnley; Sheff ield United v Plymouth London National League (fi fth tier) outfi t Stock- Bristol Rovers in the third round, host feature in the matchday squad port County on Monday. Holders Arsenal Plymouth Argyle. Argyle; Chelsea v Luton Town; West Ham as City won 3-0. City’s record dismissed coach Michel Sanchez will be on the road and play either South- Fulham take on Burnley in an all-Pre- United v Doncaster Rovers; Brentford scorer has played nine games in yesterday after a run of just one anchester United will host ampton or Shrewsbury Town, with the mier League matchup while League Two v Leicester City; Everton v Sheff ield all competitions this season after win in 18 games, while Alaves Liverpool in the fourth round third round tie yet to be decided after the side Crawley Town, who upset Leeds Wednesday missing the start of the campaign sacked Pablo Machin with the of the FA Cup after the two game was called off when Shrewsbury re- United, are away at Bournemouth. The following knee surgery. Guardio- club barely above the relegation arch rivals were drawn to- ported COVID-19 cases in their squad. draw for the fi fth round was also made la side face Brighton today in the zone. Huesca have lost four of Mgether on Monday, with the game set The FA said there will be a meeting of on Monday, with the Premier League’s FIFTH ROUND DRAW Premier League. their last fi ve matches to fall six to be played a week after their Premier its Professional Game Board this week to ‘Big Six’ avoiding match-ups against each (to be played week starting Feb. 8) City, who are fi fth in the table points adrift of safety following League summit clash. decide on the fate of the Southampton v other should they advance. Fulham or Burnley v Bournemouth or with 29 points from 15 games, their promotion to Spain’s top The two sides, who are both top of the Shrewsbury Town fi xture. Although a ris- Crawley; Manchester United or Liverpool have midfi elder Raheem Sterling division for just the second time. Premier League table and go head-to- ing number of Covid-19 infections — 36 available after he was left out of Alaves parted ways with FOURTH ROUND DRAW v West Ham United or Doncaster Rovers; head in the league on Sunday, meet in in the last round of tests in the Premier the last game due to lack of match Machin following a poor series (to be played weekend of Jan. 23-24) Sheff ield United or Plymouth Argyle v the cup for the fi rst time since Dirk Kuyt League alone — has forced many to call for fi tness, but defenders Aymeric of results to leave the club in 16th scored a late winner as Liverpool beat a break in the season, there is no let-up of Cheltenham Town v Manchester City; Millwall or Bristol City; Chorley or Wolves Laporte and Nathan Ake are still place and only two points clear of United 2-1 in January 2012. fi xtures as authorities look to complete all Bournemouth v Crawley Town; Swansea v Southampton/Shrewsbury Town or injured. Defender Eric Garcia and the bottom three. Machin over- United have not beaten Liverpool since fi xtures by May. City v Nottingham Forest; Manches- Arsenal; Barnsley or Norwich City v Chel- midfi elders Adrian Bernabe and saw a 2-1 victory over champions March 2018, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer Manchester City travel to fourth tier ter United v Liverpool; Southampton/ sea or Luton Town; Everton or Sheff ield Cole Palmer are still in isolation, Real Madrid in November, but his yet to taste victory against the Anfi eld side Cheltenham Town while Tottenham Shrewsbury Town v Arsenal; Barnsley v Wednesday v Wycombe Wanderers or Guardiola said. team has won just once in seven side in four attempts as manager, once as Hotspur, who beat eighth tier Marine, Norwich City; Chorley v Wolverhampton Tottenham Hotspur; Swansea or Notting- games since and only four times ham Forest v Cheltenham or Manchester Cardiff City boss. The winners will clash travel to second tier Wycombe Wander- Wanderers; Millwall v Bristol City; Bright- HUESCA AND ALAVES in the league all season. Alaves City; Brentford or Leicester v Brighton or with either West Ham United or League ers. Chelsea host Championship side on & Hove Albion v Blackpool; Wycombe SACK COACHES appointed Abelardo Fernandez as One (third tier) side Doncaster Rovers Luton Town while Sheffi eld Untied, who Blackpool La Liga’s bottom side Huesca Machin’s successor. Gulf Times Wednesday, January 13, 2021 7 SPORT

EQUESTRIAN Commercial Bank CHI Al Shaqab to bring world’s best to Qatar Al Shaqab’s signature equestrian competition will take place from February 25-27 at the Longines Arena at Al Shaqab

l Shaqab, a member of Qatar Foundation (QF), will organ- ise and host the 8th edition of Commercial Bank CHI Al ShaqabA Presented by Longines, a pre- mier event on the world’s equestrian calendar. Al Shaqab’s signature equestrian competition, which provides an ex- hilarating mix of top-class equestrian sport and fun-fi lled family entertain- ment, will take place from February 25-27, 2021, at the Longines Arena at Al Shaqab. The three-day event will once again bring the world’s best riders and horses to Qatar to compete in the Olympic disciplines of Showjumping, Dressage, and Para Dressage. Created in 2013, CHI Al Shaqab is one of fi ve CHI competitions worldwide, and the fi rst and only equestrian event of its kind in the Middle East and Asia region. Commercial Bank is the Title Sponsor of the event, while Longines is the Presenting Partner and ExxonMobil is the Main Sponsor. Ticketing information, including Besides ensuring an action-packed details about exclusive VIP off erings, competition, CHI Al Shaqab also of- will be made available soon on the Al fers a range of entertaining and educa- Shaqab website (www.alshaqab.com) tional activities for adults and children and social media channels. in its spectacular Festival Area. CHI Al Since its establishment in 1992, Al Shaqab will be one of two prestigious Shaqab’s vision was to build on Qatar’s international back-to-back equestrian Arabian horse heritage and be a leading events taking place at Al Shaqab, and global centre for equine professionals, will be followed a week later by the sea- while providing an engaging experi- son opener of the 2021 Longines Global ence for the community. Global lead- Champions Tour. ership has not only meant preserving, Khalifa al-Attiya, Vice Chairman, improving, and promoting the Arabian Supreme Organising Committee Com- horse breed, but also encouraging the mercial Bank CHI Al Shaqab Presented community in this unique, traditional by Longines, and Executive Director, cultural sport. Al Shaqab, said: “CHI Al Shaqab sup- Today, Al Shaqab’s impressive facili- ports Qatar’s National Vision 2030, and ties, which are distinctively designed in Al Shaqab’s organisation of such a key HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad bin al-Thani, Chairman, Supreme Organising Committee, with the podium winners of the last year's Commercial Bank CHI AL Shaqab the shape of a horseshoe, cover 980,000 international event bears testament to Presented by Longines. square meters. With a state-of-the-art Qatar’s position as a global sporting Main Arena comprising both an indoor destination. CHI Al Shaqab will show- “Al Shaqab is proud that CHI Al ates that aspect of Qatari tradition and event on the world’s equestrian calen- In view of the current Covid-19 pan- and outdoor venue capable of holding case Al Shaqab’s standing as an eques- Shaqab has become a landmark annual culture.” dar. Commercial Bank is committed to demic, the Ministry of Public Health’s over 5,000 spectators, Al Shaqab is part trian centre of excellence with world- event for the local community. The Joseph Abraham, Group Chief Ex- supporting Qatar’s vision to be an in- precautionary measures will be strictly of Qatar’s growing reputation on the class facilities, while the entertainment Arab world has a very rich equestrian ecutive Offi cer, Commercial Bank, said: ternational sporting hub and we recog- enforced to ensure the safety and well- world stage that showcases its ability to on off er will help provide a memorable heritage, and through events such as “We are pleased to be the Title Spon- nise the importance of sports in Qatar’s being of participants, equestrian fans, host major international sports event at experience for all spectators. this, Al Shaqab preserves and perpetu- sor for the second year for this premier economic and social development.” and all who are involved with the event. the highest level.

SPOTLIGHT Court shuts FIFA out of case Sports nutrition supplements Taskforce holds fi rst meeting investigating he recently-created sports nu- Commenting about the proposal, Infantino trition supplements Taskforce the Ministry of culture and sports rep- held its fi rst meeting (by vide- resentative, Abdul Rahman al-Dosary, Zurich: Global football FIFA oconference) to consider the said: “our concerns in Qatar is the has failed to win access to Timpact of the current situation and the community and people who practising case files compiled by the health of athletes by assessing the risks sports in the gymnasiums, number of special prosecutor named last of use of sports nutrition supplements gyms increased dramatically, in 2014 year to handle an investiga- by Qatari based athletes as well as rec- there were 86 in Qatar only, now there tion into its president Gianni reational athletes. are over than 500 centres in the country. Infantino and his dealings The committee, which was held at There are many people who consumes with Switzerland’s former at- the request of the CEO of Aspetar Dr supplements in these gyms without torney general. Special pros- Abdulaziz Jaham al-Kuwari, included supervision and control over what has ecutor Stefan Keller in July many prominent fi gures from various been sold to them and without aware- opened criminal proceedings sectors such as Jassim al-Buenain, Sec- ness of their impacts and best way to over undocumented meet- retary General of QOC, Nasser al-Saad, use, which worried us. ings Infantino and former top Director Qatar Anti-doping Commis- He added: “Of course, the Ministry of prosecutor Michael Lauber sion, Abdulrahman al-Dosary, Adviser culture and Sports gives all the support held while Lauber’s off ice in- to Minister of Culture and Sports (Min- for the success of this project, we seek vestigated alleged corruption istry of Culture and Sport), Dr Aisha to raise the awareness about the associ- in world football. al-Ansari (Director Pharmacy and Drug ated risks, and to issue regulations that Infantino and Lauber, who Control, MoPH), Shaima al-Khaldi control their circulation and sale.” has since resigned, have de- (Director Scientifi c Support, Aspetar) Nasser al-Saad, Director Qatar Anti- nied any wrongdoing. FIFA’s and Dr Daniel Kings (Director Clinical doping Commission, specifi ed that the ethics committee cleared Projects, Aspetar). use of supplements has increased dra- Infantino in August of any Many topics related to the consump- matically, some are taking information code breaches. In a verdict re- tion of sports nutrition supplements from untrusted people in the gym, and leased yesterday, the Federal and Qatar regulations were deliberated our role is to educate athletes. “We are Criminal Court rejected FIFA’s during the meeting. Consequently, sev- working with the Qatar Olympic Com- request for access to files in eral signifi cant decisions were made for mittee on the issue of doping control and the investigation as a third further discussion on this topic. Sports Topics related to the consumption of sports nutrition supplements and Qatar regulations were deliberated during the meeting. we will provide you with useful statistics party directly involved in the and health local authorities expressed and data at the upcoming meetings.” proceedings. their concerns at this challenging time in the Qatar community who consume embarked on a mission to understand athletes, this does not constitute an At the session a number of areas were FIFA, which complained aiming to proactively safeguard the these supplements. and improve the knowledge and prac- obstacle, because they are aware about identifi ed and agreed on to be more that opening a criminal case health of all sports practitioners, and to The task force group would activate tices on sports supplements use in Qa- consuming supplements and we edu- closely reviewed by the panel of partners against its president had safeguard public health in general. various initiatives outlined in a co- tar. Most recently, this has included in- cate them continuously, but it seems and Dr Abdulaziz al-Kuwari stressed damaged its reputation, The objectives of this high-level operative way prior to Qatar 2022 FIFA struction to lead a national task force on diff erent for the public that fl ock to the that the project is a national project and had argued that Keller was taskforce are to review and propose World Cup to safeguard, educate ath- improving access to safer sports sup- gym every day. At QOC, our crucial role not only concerns those parties present- unauthorised to start such changes to the current practices in the letes and the physically active public plementation in the State of Qatar. The is to promote health awareness related ed at this meeting. Over a series of ses- proceedings and appealed areas of importation, classifi cation, community who take sports supple- fi rst session of this taskforce was held campaigns on the sidelines of champi- sions, a full implementation plan will be against his decision to deny quality control certifi cation and retail ments in Qatar. this week”. onships and community events. I think developed for discussion on these areas. FIFA’s bid to see case files. access to safer sports supplements in Dr Abdulaziz Jaham al-Kuwari, As- Jassim al-Buainain Secretary Gen- it’s the optimal time to discuss all ideas Upon refi nement and approval, changes In a statement, FIFA said the state of Qatar. The goal of these be- petar CEO, said: “With a mandate by eral of Qatar Olympic Committee, said: and have a proposal to be executed as should then be implemented ahead of Keller had given “a misleading ing to create a roadmap that will ulti- Amiri decree to protect the health of “As a former athlete, I appreciate and a binding law will help protecting our 2022. Further announcements will be impression that something mately protect the health of all athletes athletes, for several years Aspetar has support this eff ort. For professional athletes”. made accordingly. illegal or untoward may have happened when the FIFA President met with the former FOOTBALL Attorney General of Switzer- land. Any such suggestion or implication is entirely reject- ed.” It said neither FIFA nor Ozil eyes Turkey or US move as he nears Arsenal exit Infantino had been informed about alleged wrongdoing AFP He dropped plenty of hints about his Ozil, the highest-paid player in Arse- Madrid playmaker had been a regular nor had the FIFA president London next destination in a Twitter question nal’s history, said he was a Fenerbahce under the Spaniard but has failed to fea- been given any opportunity and answer session, with Fenerbahce fan when growing up in Germany. “Eve- ture since and was not included in the to respond. “FIFA and the FIFA and DC United reported to be among ry German-Turkish person supports a club’s Premier League or Europa League President will, of course, con- rsenal misfi t Mesut Ozil the teams leading the chase for his sig- Turkish team when they grow up in Ger- squads for the fi rst half of the current tinue to cooperate with this has revealed he plans to play nature. The 32-year-old World Cup many,” he said. “And mine was Fener- campaign. “There have been many investigation, assuming they his football in Turkey or the winner was asked if he would continue bahce. Fenerbahce is like Real Madrid in ups and downs so far, but all in all I’ve are ever given the chance to United States when he fi - his career when he left Arsenal, whom Spain. The biggest club in the country.” never regretted my decision to join Ar- do so,” it added. nallyA leaves the Premier League club. e joined in 2013. “I defi nitely will,” he Arteta made the decision not to se- senal,” Ozil insisted. “I’ve enjoyed that Infantino was elected in The German has not played for Mikel replied. “There are two countries I want lect Ozil when the Premier League re- time a lot and I’ve thought we’re really 2016 to clean up FIFA after it Arteta’s side since March last year and to play football in before I retire: Turkey sumed in June after being halted early on a very positive way,” he added.”But became embroiled in a cor- has just six months left on his contract and USA. If I went to Turkey, I could in the coronavirus pandemic. Before after the break things unfortunately ruption scandal. at the Emirates. only go to Fenerbahce.” football was suspended, the former Real changed.” Wednesday, January 13, 2021 GULF TIMES SPORT

QNB STARS LEAGUE Bounedjah hits hat-trick as Al Sadd sail past Al Duhail ‘We played an amazing game and I am proud of the performance of all the players. It was a very good performance’

By Sport Reporter In the 12th minute, Hassan al-Hay- Doha dous curled in a spectacular shot from the edge of the box, but Al Duhail keep- er Salah Zakaria blocked the shot with eaders Al Sadd took a giant step closed fi sts. Two minutes later, Al Sadd towards QNB Stars League title struck back. after Baghdad Bounedjah’s hat- Bounedjah, after receiving a cross trick powered them to a 3-1 win from al-Haydous on the fl ank, hood- Lover Al Duhail in a marquee clash yes- winked Ismail Mohammed as he en- terday. At the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadi- tered the Al Duhail box from the um, hosts Al Sadd went a goal down in fl ank. Just as Al Duhail’s Mehdi Bena- the sixth minute after Almoez Ali gave tia charged ahead to block the move, the holders Al Duhail the lead from the Bounedjah successfully worked on an penalty spot in the 6th minute. acute angle to slip the ball past the out- But thereafter it was Bounedjah show stretched left hand of the keeper. all the way as the Algerian poacher In the 23rd minute, Paulo Edmilson showed why he is the best striker in of Al Duhail volleyed on a short cross Qatar’s top fl ight. The striker scored from Almoez inside the Al Sadd box, in the 14th, 50th and 87th minutes as but his shot was blocked by keeper Bar- the Wolves remained unbeaten in the sham. Three minutes later, Al Duhail’s league to open up an 11-point lead over Eduardo Rodrigues delivered a right- bitter rivals Al Duhail, who are second footed shot from the edge of the box, with 27 points but his shot was parried away by the Al Sadd head coach Xavi Hernan- keeper. dez was delighted with the result. “We In the 33rd minute, former Arsenal played an amazing game and I am proud player Santiago Cazorla hit the Al Du- of the performance of all the players. hail crossbar off a direct free-kick as It was a very good performance and Al Sadd mounted relentless attacks. Al we managed to come back after score Sadd’s Nam Tae-Hee also impressed thrice after conceding a goal,” the with his quick moves in the fi rst half. Spaniard said. In the 36th minute, the Korean interna- “The team’s positive and collective tional unleashed a swinging shot from spirit was the basis for this impor- the edge of the box, but Al Duhail keep- tant win. We were the better side. We er caught the ball. changed the dynamics of Qatari foot- Maintaining their attacking game ball and we have always been the best. from the fi rst half, Al Sadd jumped to a We must continue working. We haven’t 2-1 lead early in the second half. After achieved anything yet and we must a goalmouth melee, Bounedjah showed maintain the lead at the top of the table great alertness to tap the ball from close until the end,” he added. range in the 50th minute. With three The game between the top sides in the Al Duhail defenders blocking his path, league began with entertaining action Bounedjah still managed to tap the ball from the beginning, as Al Sadd threat- into the top of the net. Al Sadd’s Baghdad Bounedjah (centre) scores during QNB Stars League match against Al Duhail at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium yesterday. ened the Duhail goal early on. In just In the 61st minute, Olunga, inside the third minute of the match, Al Sadd the Al Sadd box, swivelled and let go plete his hat-trick in the second suc- keeper Meshaal Barsham stepped out off a shot that sailed above the crossbar. cessive match. of his box to kill a long cross from the Al Six minutes later, al-Haydous curled in In another match, Al Rayyan beat Duhail half. Barsham attempted to clear a free-kick, but his snapheader from the high-fl ying Qatar SC 2-1. Al Rayy- the ball, but hit new recruit Michael inside the box was a little wayward. an’s goals were scored by Yohan Boli Olunga with his shot. To the relief of Al In what could be described unfortu- (45+1) and Shojae Khalilzadeh (54th Sadd fans, the ball slipped away from nate, al-Haydos missed an easy chance minute). Qatar SC’s reply came through the empty goalmouth with keeper Bar- to score in the 78th minute. Bounedjah, Youcef Belaili (79th minute). The Li- sham in no position to run back to his under pressure from Al Duhail keeper, ons climbed to fi fth in the table with position. fl icked back a cross to unmarked al- 22 points, while Qatar SC stay at third Two minutes later, Al Duhail stunned Haydous standing inside the box with place with 23 points. Al Sadd fans. Almoez, after receiving a acres of space to shoot the ball into the Earlier, Al Sailiya defeated Al long cross, charged towards the Al Sadd net. But the Al Sadd star’s hurriedly- Kharaitiyat 2-0 at the Al Ahli Stadium. box with Abdelkarim Hassan giving taken shot missed the target from in- Abdulqadir Ilyas (27th minute) and hot chase. Just as Almoez sneaked into side the box. Mohanad Ali (51st minute) scored the the box, Abdelkarim’s tackle from the Three minutes from time, Bounedjah goals as Al Sailiya took their tally to 18 back saw the Qatar national team star picked up a neat cross from substitute points and are eighth. fall down. Referee Abdulhadi al-Ruaile, Akram Afi f before charging into the Al Bottom-placed Al Kharaitiyat re- after seeking VAR assistance, pointed Duhail box. As the Al Duhail keeper left mained on six points following their to the spot and the penalty was easily his position to kill the move, Bounedjah 12th defeat, the worst record by any converted by Almoez. calmly slotted the ball home to com- side in the 12-team tournament. Al Rayyan’s Shojae Khalilzadeh (centre) celebrates with teammates after scoring against Qatar SC.

TENNIS SPOTLIGHT Troicki seals place in fi nal round QFA Executive Offi ce discusses By Sports Reporter Doha developments related to bid fi le

ormer world No.12 Viktor Troicki to host AFC Asian Cup 2027 is one step away from reaching the main draw of the 2021 Australian Open after dispatching American UlisesF Blanch in straight sets 7-5, 6-3 yes- terday in the second round of the men’s qualifi ers being held at the Khalifa Interna- tional Tennis & Squash Complex in Doha. The 34-year-old Serbian, who won the inaugural ATP Cup in 2020, becoming the fi rst player in history to win all three ma- jor team competitions (Davis Cup in 2010 and World Team Cup in 2009 and 2012), dispatched his 246-ranked opponent in 94 minutes. Troicki won 89 percent of fi rst serves and 65 percent of the second in the highly-en- tertaining encounter as he booked his ticket against Germany’s Cedrik-Marcel Stebe in today’s fi nal round match. Stebe, ranked 126, had ended the run of wildcard entrant Rinky Hijikata of Australia, winning 6-4, President of the Qatar Football Association (QFA) HE Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed al-Thani 6-2 on Court A earlier in the day. (centre) chaired the meeting of the Executive Off ice yesterday. Should Troicki, a quarter-fi nalist at the Serbia’s Viktor Troicki in action during his victory over Ulises Blanch of USA at the 2008 French Open, overcome the 30-year- Australian Open 2021 Men’s Qualifiers at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash QNA Rahman al-Qahtani, and Man- less events in times of Covid-19 old German in the fi nal round, it would be Complex in Doha yesterday. (Tennis Australia) Doha sour al-Ansari, QFA Secretary pandemic. his 12th appearance in Melbourne since General, at the Executive Meet- The meeting also discussed 2008. He had only missed the fi rst Grand made into the third round in Melbourne in enia’s Blaz Rola (seeded 32), Lorenzo Giusti- ing. the report on the fi nal match Slam of the year in 2014 while serving a 2014 and 2018, meanwhile, trounced Ger- no of Italy (29th seed), and Spain’s Carlos he Executive Offi ce of The meeting discussed in de- of the Amir Cup that coincided doping ban. many’s Julian Lenz 6-2, 6-2 in one hour and Taberner (22nd seed) – crashing out of the Qatar Football Asso- tail a series of matters directly with the celebration of Qatar’s In the other highlights of the day, Aus- eight minutes to advance into the last day of tournament. While Rola suff ered a 2-6, 7-6, ciation (QFA) discussed falling under QFA purview, in- National Day on December 18. tralia’s Dane Sweeny, a wildcard entrant, the four-day event in Doha. 3-6 defeat from the hands of Frenchman during its meeting yes- cluding a detailed report on the The Amir Cup fi nal was staged sailed past USA’s Denis Kudla, the No. 4 Lenz broke his opponent’s serve only Mathias Bourgue, Giustino and Taberner Tterday the developments related tournaments hosted by QFA in at the brand new Ahmed Bin Ali seed, to book the fi nal day ticket against once, while the Bosnian player, on the other were defeated in straight-sets by Croatia’s to bid fi le to host the AFC Asian the last year and matters related Stadium, one of the venues for Ukraine’s Sergiy Stakhovsky who defeated hand, managed to do it fi ve times. Dzum- Borna Gojo and Dustin Brown of Germany Cup 2027. President of the Qa- to 2020 AFC Champions League FIFA World Cup 2022 to be held Australia’s Jason Kubler 7-6, 6-4. hur, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s No. 1 player, respectively. tar Football Association (QFA) matches held for East and West in Qatar. A fourth Australian Open appearance is achieved 60 percent of fi rst serves, com- In the other match of the day, tourna- HE Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Zones. At the end of the meeting, QFA looking very likely for the No 5-seed Taro mitted two double faults and won 18 service ment’s second-seed Hugo Dellien of Bo- bin Ahmed al-Thani chaired the The QFA President was ap- President expressed his thanks Daniel of Japan after the 27-year-old Flor- points on his way to victory. livia withstood a second set rally from meeting in the presence of all prised of AFC praise made public and appreciation to all entities ida resident knocked out German Maximil- The 28-year-old Bosnian, ranked 118, is 232-ranked Andrew Harris of Australia to members. by AFC President Sheikh Salman and institutions operating in the ian Marterer, ranked 209, 6-3, 6-4. With set to face Belgian Kimmer Coppejans, who post a straight-sets 6-4, 7-6 win in two The QFA President was joined bin Ibrahim on Qatar’s timely country, especially the Ministry the win, Daniel secured a fi nal round ticket defeated the 31-seeded Egyptian Mohamed hours and 3 minutes on Court A to book a by Saud bin Abdulaziz al-Mu- help in hosting the two separate of Public Health and the Ministry against fast-serving Elias Ymer of Sweden, Safwat in straight-sets, tomorrow for one of fi nal round clash against Spain’s Carlos Al- hannadi, QFA Vice President, month-long events in Sept-Oct of Interior, for ‘the great eff ort who staged a comeback to win 1-6, 6-3, the 16 slots available from the qualifi ers for caraz – the 21-seed. A total of 128 players Sheikh Ahmed bin Hamad al- and Nov-Dec. The AFC presi- and the work they did with the 6-2 against the 27th-seeded Marc-Andrea the main draw in Melbourne. participated in the 2021 Australian Open Thani, Hani Talib Ballan and dent had specially lauded QFA utmost dedication, sincerity and Huesler of Switzerland. Meanwhile, some upsets were recorded men’s qualifi ers which ends today. Sixteen Ahmed Abdulaziz al-Buainain, and the state authorities directly love in raising Qatar’s profi le in Seventh-seed Damir Dzumhur, who on the day with three seeded players – Slov- main draw slots are up for grabs in Doha. Ibrahim al-Mohannadi, Abdul responsible for delivering fl aw- world football’.