Ronaldo’s double seals Seria A record as Juventus edge Sampdoria in Turin PAGE 19 SUNDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2018

Khalid al Emadi, Fiji land Big Tour honours in the fifth round of Hathab seriesPAGE 17 ENGLISH MAN UTD VS BOURNEMOUTH

2019 ExxonMobil Open Wawrinka to face third seed Khachanov in lung-opener ATP tournament’s draw throws up interesting battles as Djoko and Wawrinka head for possible semis clash

VINAY NAYUDU going to try my best. The last time I played him (two years ago at Rotterdam), I played re- THE draw of 32 for the six-day ally well and I had a chance to Qatar ExxonMobil Open 2019 win,” he said. extravaganza, which be- On being in Doha for the gins at the Khalifa Internation- first time, he said he’s got all the al Tennis & Squash Complex on positive feelings. Monday, has thrown up some “It’s my first visit to Qatar intriguing first round matches. and I’m still discovering it. But, Three-time I find it to be a great place. The champion Stanislas Wawrinka courts and stadium is amazing of will meet third and the people are welcoming. seed and World No. 11 Karen So all positive feelings so far for Khachanov of Russia while An- me and I am looking forward to drey Rublev, who played Gael the week ahead,” he added. Monfils in the final here last Romanian Marius Copil, year, will face Italian Andreas who plays Hungarian Marton Seppi. Fucsovics, was left with mixed Second-seeded Canadian feelings of battling a friend and drew Qatar a doubles partner. ExxonMobil Open debutant “It’s going to be an interest- Herbert Pierre-Hughes of ing clash. We’ve played each . other before three times and Twice winner of Qatar they all have been good match- ExxonMobil Open in 2016 and es. We were also supposed to 2017, World No. 1 and the top (From left) Players Marius Copius of Romania, Pierre-Hughes Herbert of France, of Netherlands and of , Tournament Supervisor Lars Graff, play doubles here together but seed here, of Tournament’s gold badge referee Ashraf Hamouda, Tournament Director Karim Alami, Secretary-General of Qatar Tennis Federation and General Coordinator of the tournament then we switched partners. But will be meeting Damir Tariq Darwish Zainal, Vice President and HR Manager ExxonMobil Abdullatif al Naemi, and QTF Executive Director Saad al Mohannadi during the draw ceremony of Qatar ExxonMobil we shall be teaming up at the Dzumhur of Bosnia-Herzego- Open 2019 at Four Seasons Hotel on Saturday. . We’re good vina. friends, it’s going to be tough Meanwhile, Qatar’s QATAR EXXONMOBIL OPEN 2019 DRAW playing against each other, but Mubarak Shannan Zayed was it’s an honour at the same time. drawn to play a qualifier and Men Singles (1st Round) (ESP) “We both had a great 2018 could well fancy his chances to [1] Novak Djokovic (SRB) vs. Damir Dzumhur (BIH) [6] (BEL) vs. Qualifier/Lucky Loser and to be here straight in the Marton Fucsovics (HUN) vs. Marius Copil (ROU) Dusan Lajovic (SRB) vs. (FRA) making the second round of the (RUS) vs. (ITA) (ARG) vs. [WC] Cem Ilkel (TUR) main draw among the world’s ATP Tour 250 tourney. Albert Ramos-Vinolas (ESP) vs. [5] Qualifier/Lucky Loser vs. [4] Marco Cecchinato (ITA) top players is a great feeling,” Held on Saturday evening (GEO) [8] (ESP) vs. Qualifier/Lucky Loser he explained. at the Four Seasons Hotel, the [3] (RUS) vs. Stanislas Wawrinka (GER) vs. [WC] Tomas Berdych Tariq Darwish Zainal, QTF (SUI) (CZE) draw was supervised by Tour- Robin Haase (NED) vs. Nicolas Jarry (CHI) Qualifier/Lucky Loser vs. (GER) Secretary-General, said he nament Supervisor Lars Graff [WC] Mubarak Zayed (QAT) vs. Qualifier/Lucky Loser Pierre-Hughes Herbert (FRA) vs. [2] Dominic Thiem hoped for the stars to provide along with the tournament’s (ITA) vs. [7] (AUT) the fireworks and big time en- gold badge referee Ashraf Ham- tertainment to the spectators. ouda in the presence of Tariq “I believe this year we have Darwish Zainal, Secretary-Gen- Jarry someone who’s been com- think they are the mother of the biggest stars here in Doha. eral of Qatar Tennis Federation ing up the rankings and who’s all disappointments. I just try Usually at Qatar ExxonMobil and General Coordinator of playing really well. He’s a dan- to do my best and work on my Open we have stars participat- the tournament, Abdullatif al gerous player with a big serve game like I have in the last two ing and this year we have No- Naemi, Vice President and HR and a big backhand, so I have years with my new coach and vak Djokovic, the World No.1, Manager, ExxonMobil, Karim to be ready. I will be pushed on its going well.” we have Stanislas Wawrinka, Alami, Tournament Director, to my defence on multiple occa- Despite finding the World Tomas Berdych, Dominic Thi- Saad al Mohannadi, QTF Ex- sions, but I will also need to be No. 8 Dominic Thiem against em, Karen Khachanov, David ecutive Director, and players offensive,” he said. him, tournament debutant Goffin, Andrei Rublev and oth- Marco Cecchinato of Italy, On his possible next round Pierre-Hughes Herbert was er upcoming stars and this is Robin Haase of Nether- Saad al Mohannadi, QTF Executive Director, picks a chip during the draw ceremony of Qatar ExxonMobil opponent being Wawrinka or quite in his elements and fan- what we provide the spectators. lands, Pierre-Hughes Herbert Open 2019 on Saturday. Khachanov, he said, “I never cied chances. “The draw is quite interest- of France and Marius Copius of look at the round ahead because “Yes, I have a tough draw. ing. Khachanov and Wawrinka Romania. withdrawal, another lucky loser feated Djokovic at the French Dutch Robin Haase, who it will be like guessing who it It’s not easy to play the second clash first up. Qatar’s Shanan With world’s top-25 ranked has been added to the main Open quarters in 2016 – Marco meets young Chilean Nicolas could be so I never do that. I’d seed straight up. Dominic is an Zayed is to play a qualifier, so players making the 65 best draw. Cecchinato of Italy – drew a Jarry, was left pondering the rather concentrate on my first amazing player, he’s finished there could be a lot of surprises. players’ list, the tournament Interestingly, the man who qualifier as his first round op- battle. match and go from there.” the year many a time being in We hope to a packed sta- will see some top competition. went on to win his first ATP tile ponent. The Italian is No. 20 “There’s never an easy On his future expectations the top-10 and he’s a tough op- dium come Monday when the The draw list includes four at the 2018 as now and given the draw can be draw. I play a very talented and Haase quipped, “I don’t have ponent to beat. But I am looking tournament proper begins,” qualifying players and with one a lucky loser and who had de- expected to go the distance. younger opponent in Chilean N any expectations because I forward to this match and I’m said Zainal. Firmino hat-trick takes Liverpool Arabi’s Karad named best player 9 points clear in Premier League

AFP LIVERPOOL EPL STANDINGS TEAM MP W D L GF GA PTS LIVERPOOL roared back from 1. LIVERPOOL 20 17 3 0 48 8 54 a rare Anfield deficit to move 2. TOTTENHAM 20 15 0 5 43 21 45 nine points clear at the top of 3. MAN CITY 19 14 2 3 51 15 44 the Premier League as Roberto 4. CHELSEA 19 12 4 3 37 16 40 Firmino’s hat-trick inspired 5. ARSENAL 20 11 5 4 42 30 38 a 5-1 thrashing of Arsenal on Saturday. 6. MAN UTD 19 9 5 5 37 31 32 Mohamed Salah and Sa- 7. WOLVES 20 8 5 7 23 23 29 dio Mane were also on target 8. LEICESTER 20 8 4 8 24 23 28 as Liverpool’s front three all 9. WATFORD 20 8 4 8 27 28 27 scored in the same league game 10. EVERTON 20 7 6 7 31 30 27 for the first time this season. 11. WEST HAM 19 8 3 8 27 28 27 Liverpool had trailed at 12. B’MOUTH 19 8 2 9 27 33 26 home in the league for the first 13. BRIGHTON 20 7 4 9 22 27 25 time in a day short of a year 14. C’TAL P’ACE 19 5 4 10 17 25 19 when Ainsley Maitland-Niles Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino celebrates scoring their fifth goal with teammates as Arsenal’s Laurent Ko- 15. NEWCASTLE 20 4 6 10 15 27 18 turned home Alex Iwobi’s ex- scielny and Granit Xhaka look dejected during their English Premier League match at Anfield in Liverpool 16. CARDIFF 20 5 3 12 19 38 18 on Saturday. (REUTERS) cellent cross 11 minutes in. 17. S’HAMPTON 19 3 6 10 20 35 15 However, the lead lasted just three minutes as Firmino Mane and Salah’s penalty another significant step to- the season can prevent an end 18. FULHAM 20 3 5 12 18 43 14 profited from some calamitous had the game wrapped up by wards a first league title since to nearly three decades of hurt. 19. BURNLEY 19 3 3 13 17 41 12 Arsenal defending to level and half-time and Firmino com- 1989/1990. Champions City now trail 20. H’DERSFIELD 20 2 4 14 12 35 10 Mustafa al Karad of Al Arabi Club was adjudged the best player of then left Shkodran Mustafi and pleted his hat-trick from the Win again in their next the pace setters by 10 points the Arab Clubs Handball Championship in Sfax, Tunisia on Satur- Sokratis Papastathopoulos on spot as Jurgen Klopp’s men ex- outing at Manchester City on and even if they reduce that need to end Liverpool’s invinci- day. He struck 44 goals in the championship and helped the club the floor to score his second tended their unbeaten league Thursday and only a Liverpool lead to seven with victory at ble season so far to get back in secure the third place. (SEE PAGE 18) goal in three minutes. start to 20 games and took collapse in the final months of Southampton on Sunday, they the title race at the Etihad. Sports Sunday, December 30, 2018 17 Sanchez eyes Asian Cup title with 2022 WC ultimate goal

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK “It’s a great challenge, but lenge. We are well aware of players. The players have DOHA we have a bunch of very tal- QATAR SQUAD our challenges and how we shown their commitment on ented players. The 23-man squad: have to tackle them.” the pitch. QATAR head coach Felix “Our long-term goal, of Saad Al Dosari, Pedro Miguel, Abdulkarim Qatar have been impres- Qatar’s defence will be Sanchez has said that the course, is to be ready to fight Hassan, Tareq Salman, Hamed Ismael, sive in their friendlies includ- boosted by the presence of Asian Cup 2019 is target for at home at the World Cup Hassan al Haydos, Akram Hassan Afif, Salem ing victories over Switzer- Abdulkarim Hassan, who his talented youthful side with in 2022, and playing at the al Hajri, Khouaki Boualem, Karim Boudiaf, land, Jordan, Kyrgyzstan and was named 2018 AFC Asian the ultimate goal having the Copa America next year is Bassam al Rawi, Almoez Ali, Ali Hassan Afif, a decent 2-2 draw against Player of the Year. team ready for the 2022 World also part of that. Assim Madibo, Ahmed Fathi, Youssef Hassan, Euro 2016 quarter-finalists While, the team’s key Abdulaziz Hatem, Ahmed Alaa Eddin, Tamim al Cup on home soil. “Doing well at the AFC Muhizea, Ahmad Moin and Abdul Rahman Iceland but suffered a minor player for the tournament As hosts of the next edi- Asian Cup is a personal chal- Fahmi. disappointment against Al- will be no other than play- tion of the FIFA World Cup, lenge, especially after we did geria in their latest friendly maker Akram Afif. The all eyes will be on the coun- so well at the AFC U23 Cham- last Thursday, with the loss 21-year-old first burst into try’s performances ahead of pionship in China at the start Sanchez is refusing to look being the team’s first in five the scene in 2014, leading the 2022 mundial. Sanchez’s of the year. beyond the meeting at the games. Qatar to win the AFC U19 first task is to prove their sta- “The Asian Cup is an Qatar head coach Felix Sanchez: Has deep faith in his young team Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium. “We played the friendly Championship. tus among the best teams in event for us to show where “Right now we are only matches to help the play- Capable of playing cen- Asia following an impressive we stand in Asia.” looking at the first match,” he ers get into the right frame trally or on either flank, Afif third place finish at the AFC Qatar, who have been As hosts of the next edition of the FIFA World Cup, all said. “We respect our com- of mind and valuable match currently plies his trade at U23 Championship China drawn to face Lebanon, DPR eyes will be on the country’s performances ahead of petitors but we are aware of practice,” said Sanchez. Al Sadd. His tally of 11 goals 2018 in January. Korea and three-time win- the 2022 mundial. Sanchez’s first task is to prove their their strengths and weak- “We have got to see the from 34 appearances is cer- “The AFC Asian Cup is ners Saudi Arabia in Group status among the best teams in Asia following an nesses. fitness levels of our players tainly going to be bettered one of the titles we are look- E, will kick off their cam- impressive third place finish at the AFC U23 “We will be focusing on and their overall form (in if the youngster finds his ing for and the players have paign in Al Ain on January Championship China 2018 in January one game at a time. All the the friendly matches). Play- rhythm in the continental prepared well,” he said. 9 against the Lebanese and teams offer a different chal- ing matches always help the showpiece. Aussies Wagner brings Khalid al Emadi, Fiji should learn from Virat, Kiwis close to team up to land Big says Hick Test victory IANS MELBOURNE AFP dies, England and Pakistan ear- CHRISTCHURCH (NEW ZEALAND) lier this year. BATTING coach Graeme Hick Despite losing both open- Tour top honours on Saturday said Australia NEW Zealand were eyeing an ers in the first two overs of need to learn from India skip- historic victory as injury and a their second innings, Sri Lanka per Virat Kohli on how to bat barrage of Neil Wagner bounc- fought to stay in the game until VINAY NAYUDU long in Test matches after ers left Sri Lanka in tatters at Wagner came into the frame. DOHA their abject surrender in both the close of day four of the sec- Skipper Dinesh Chandimal innings left them on the brink ond Test in Christchurch on and Kusal Mendis produced KHALID Mohammed al of defeat in the third Test here. Saturday. stubborn resistance for 53 overs Emadi, who had excelled for After the hosts were skit- The conditions were tailor- for the third wicket before Men- his team Power Steel in the tled out for a paltry 151 in made for short-ball specialist dis went for 67. Medium Tour on Friday, con- 66.5 overs on day three, Hick Wagner as Sri Lanka were 231 They had seen off the swing tinued his good showjumping said he stressed on the need for six at stumps. and seam of New Zealand form on Saturday too as the to develop awareness of the At most they have only four strike bowlers Tim Southee rider went on to claim the Big game and gave the example of wickets left, but with doubt and Trent Boult at the start Tour title in the fifth round of Kohli’s first innings 204-ball whether the injured Angelo of the day and initially they Hathab National Equestrian 82-run knock. Mathews will return to help dodged the barrage aimed at Series at the Qatar Equestrian “We spoke about how them survive the final day. the ribs by Wagner. Federation’s outdoor arena. Kohli went about it. We knew At the crease were Dilruwan But Mendis, who in the Khalid and his bay geld- (Cheteshwar) Pujara, even Perera on 22 and Suranga Lak- course of his innings became ing Fiji combined flawlessly Kohli, one of the most explo- mal on 16 with their 660-run only the second player behind yet again to emerge supreme sive batters, got to 20 off 25, target out of sight. India’s Virat Kohli to score in the Big Tour’s individual 26 balls, then the rest of his Wagner broke through 1,000 Test runs this year, was Table A, One round against innings took whatever it was,” stubborn Sri Lankan resistance, frustrated as Wagner forced the clock, Art. 238.2.1 | Hick said on SEN Radio on with figures of three for 47 from him on to the back foot with 130/145cm class and claimed a marathon 28 overs. four successive deliveries. the top prize of QR10,150, After rain ensured a drawn When the next ball was full besides valuable points. Hick added that it was first Test in Wellington, a win in length, the 23-year-old could Seasoned campaign- disappointing to see his the Christchurch decider would not resist going for the drive ers Saeed Nasser al Qadi hard work not being repli- give New Zealand a fourth con- and was smartly caught by sub- (on Daydreamer EC), and cated on the field secutive series win for the first stitute fielder Matt Henry div- Mubarak Yousuf al Rumaihi time after beating the West In- ing to his left at extra cover. (on Vivaldi K) had to be con- tent with second and third Saturday. place finishes this time. “For the best player in the SCOREBOARD French rider Cyrine Khalid Mohammed al Emadi on his mount Fiji on the way to winning the Big Tour event of the fifth round world to change his innings NEW ZEALAND (1ST INNINGS): 178 D. Perera not out 22 Cherif, who has been top- of Hathab National Equestrian Series at QEF’s outdoor arena on Saturday. and play like that, if you can’t SRI LANKA (1ST INNINGS): 104 S. Lakmal not out 16 ping the dressage and jump- be on the same field as him NEW ZEALAND (2ND INNINGS): 585-4 DECL Extras: (b 4, lb 2, wd 1) 7 SRI LANKA (2ND INNINGS, OVERNIGHT 24-2) Total: (for 6 wickets, 104 overs) 231 ing overall tally, finished podium spot. and watch him and learn from D. Gunathilaka c Watling b Southee 4 Fall of wickets: 1-1 (Karunaratne), 2-9 (Gunathilaka), fourth on her mount Gerlin Hathab, an initiative of what he is doing, then you are D. Karunaratne c Watling b Boult 0 3-126 (Mendis), 4-158 (Chandimal), 5-181 VD Waterkant. HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad in the wrong space. D. Chandimal c Nicholls b Wagner 56 (Dickwella), 6-208 (Silva) In the Open Class compe- al Thani, President, Qatar “There are certainly things K. Mendis c sub (Henry) b Wagner 67 Bowling: Boult 27-11-73-1, Southee 27-13-61-2, de A. Mathews retired hurt 22 Grandhomme 10-1-23-0 (1w), Wagner 28-10-47-3, tition, Jaber Rashid al Amri Olympic Committee, is co- our players can take out of R. Silva c Watling b Wagner 18 Patel 12-9-21-0. finished on top riding Jousts, hosted by QEF and Al Shaqab that. It takes a lot of discipline, N. Dickwella b Southee 19 Toss: Sri Lanka while Saeed Nasser al Qadi equestrian centre and sees a a lot of patience and, on top of and Salman Mohammed total of twelve legs. The best that, you have got to bat with al Emadi were second and seven results are taken into intent,” he added. third, respectively. account at the end of the Hick added that it was Among the Future Rid- QR1-mn series in deciding disappointing to see his hard ers, Saoud Abdull al Kubaisi the overall winners in vari- work not being replicated on on Selest finished flawlessly ous categories of showjump- the field. in 33.29secs to take the top ing and dressage. “It’s disappointing as a head coach. You feel if you are putting the work in and doing RESULT the right things, over a period Big Tour | Table A, One round against the clock, Art. 115/125 cm | Prize-Money QR15,000 of time, the players learn. Un- 238.2.1 | 130/145 cm | Prize-Money QR35,000 1. Jaber Rashid al Amri; Jousts; 0; 0; 0; QR3,750 fortunately, it’s not the easiest 1. Rider: Khalid Mohammed al Emadi; Horse: Fiji; Time: 2. Saeed Nasser al Qadi; Desperadito; 0; 0; 4; thing to learn out in the mid- 62.61secs; Faults: 4; Prize: QR10,150 QR2,625 2. Saeed Nasser al Qadi; Daydreamer EC; 4; 2. Salman Mohammed al Emadi; Best of Des Forets; 0; dle at the MCG of the Boxing 64.93secs; QR8,050 0; 4; QR2,625 Day Test match,” said the for- 3. Mubarak Yousuf al Rumaihi; Vivaldi K; 4; 71.61secs; mer England batsman. QR6,300 Future Riders | Table A, One round against the clock, “You have got to learn 4. Cyrine Cherif; Gerlin VD Waterkant; 4; 76.55secs; QR Art. 238.2.1 | 85/100 cm 4,375 1. Saoud Abdulla al Kubaisi; Selest; 0; 32.16secs. Podium finishers of Big Tour event of the fifth round of Hathab Na- quickly in international cricket New Zealand’s paceman Neil Wagner (centre) celebrates with 2. Tamim Nasser al Qadi; GK Aqueena; 0; 33.29secs. tional Equestrian Series Khalid Mohammed al Emadi, Saeed Nasser these days because you don’t teammates after dismissing Sri Lanka’s batsman Dinesh Chandimal Open Class | Table A, Six Bar Comp., Art. 262.3 | 3. Mutlaq Ali al Hajri; Super Girl; 0; 33.46secs. al Qadi and Mubarak Yousuf al Rumaihi with their prizes at QEF’s get a lot of time to remedy during day four of the second cricket Test match at Hagley Park Oval outdoor arena on Saturday. what you might feel is wrong.” in Christchurch on Saturday. (AFP) Pat Cummins resists India’s victory push with 61 not out flopped, throwing his role as a SCOREBOARD Aussies on the verge of defeat after Test opener under ever more scrutiny with speculation that INDIA (1ST INNINGS): 443-7 DECL eight down for 258 on fourth day he either has to drop down the AUSTRALIA (1ST INNINGS): 151 AUSTRALIA (2ND INNINGS) order in or make way INDIA (2ND INNINGS, OVERNIGHT 54-5): M. Harris c Agwaral b Jadeja 13 AFP M. Agarwal b Cummins 42 A. Finch c Kohli b Bumrah 3 The previous biggest suc- for someone else. H. Vihari c Khawaja b Cummins 13 U. Khawaja lbw b Shami 33 MELBOURNE cessful run chase at the ground He played a poor shot to C. Pujara c Harris b Cummins 0 S. Marsh lbw b Bumrah 44 came in 1928, when England pace spearhead Jasprit Bum- V. Kohli c Harris b Cummins 0 T. Head b Sharma 34 A. Rahane c Paine b Cummins 1 M. Marsh c Kohli b Jadeja 10 AUSTRALIA were teetering on made 332 for seven. rah and was caught by Kohli R. Sharma c S.Marsh b Hazlewood 5 T. Paine c Pant b Jadeja 26 the brink of defeat in the third Despite more batting fail- for three. R. Pant c Paine b Hazlewood 33 P. Cummins not out 61 Test on Saturday despite a ures Australia were still alive Fellow opener Marcus Har- R. Jadeja c Khawaja b Cummins 5 M. Starc b Shami 18 battling unbeaten half-century at stumps on 258 for eight, ris got out for 13 of Ravindra M. Shami not out 0 N. not out 6 Extras (lb1 b5, w1) 7 Extras (lb6, b2, w2) 10 from tailender Pat Cummins needing another 141 runs with Jadeja and Usman Khawaja Total (eight wickets declared, 37.3 overs) 106 Total (eight wickets, 85 overs) 258 after being set a massive 399 the gutsy Cummins not out was the next to go after a lively Did not bat: Ishant Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah To bat: Josh Hazlewood to win by India. 61 - only his second Test 50 33, trapped lbw by Mohammed Fall of wickets: 1-28 (Vihari), 2-28 (Pujara), 3-28 Fall of wickets: 1-6 (Finch), 2-33 (Harris), 3063 After early morning driz- and his highest ever score. It Shami. (Kohli), 4-32 (Rahane), 5-44 (Sharma), 6-83 (Khawaja), 4-114 (S. Marsh), 5-135 (M. Marsh), 6-157 (Agarwal), 7-100 (Jadeja, 8-106 (Pant) (Head), 7-176 (Paine), 8-215 (Starc) zle, India started an overcast followed his career-best 6-27 When Shaun Marsh was Bowling: Starc 3-1-11-0, Hazlewood 10.3-3-22-2, Bowling: Bumrah 17-1-53-2, Sharma 12-0-37-1, fourth day in Melbourne with with the ball. also trapped leg before by Cummins 11-3-27-6, Lyon 13-1-40-0, Jadeja 32-6-82-3, Shami 21-2-71-2, Vihari 3-1-7-0. a 346-run lead and with five He was accompanied by Bumrah for a brisk 44 and his wickets in hand on a wearing Nathan Lyon (not out six) in brother Mitch - another can- pitch becoming increasingly the rearguard action. didate for the Sydney axe - fell for 26 it appeared all but over Australia’s saviour when a low difficult to bat on. But with a full day left, Australia’s batsman Pat Cummins (right) celebrates his half-century for 10, Australia’s faint survival - until Cummins dug in. delivery ricocheted off the bat Skipper Virat Kohli de- India are now zeroing in on a as teammate Nathan Lyon looks on during day four of the third hopes were fading fast. Debutant opener Agarwal onto the stumps and he was clared at 106 for eight, leaving first-ever series win Down Un- cricket Test match against India in Melbourne on Saturday. (AFP) Travis Head put up some showed early aggression on out for 42. Australia to chase what would der with just the Sydney Test resistance with a battling 34 be- Saturday when they resumed, It was Cummins’ third five- be a record fourth innings to- next week to go. The series is finish off the tail, Indian bowl- Finch flops again fore his stumps were knocked smacking Lyon for two big wicket haul in his 17 Tests - and tal at the Melbourne Cricket currently level at 1-1. ing coach Bharat Arun praised Australia’s task was made over by Ishant Sharma and sixes. But he was no match he achieved the feat in just nine Ground. Despite not being able to his attack. harder when Aaron Finch again when skipper Tim Paine went for Cummins who was again overs for 14 runs. 18 Sunday, December 30, 2018 Sports

Al Arabi finish third in Arab Clubs Handball Championship

Qatar’s Al Arabi Club earned the third place as they defeated Kuwait’s Salmiya Club 37-31 in the bronze medal match of the Arab Clubs Handball Championship, which concluded in Sfax, Tunisia on Saturday. Al Arabi’s Mu’tasim Mohamed Abdulwa- hed was declared the best player of the match. In an all-Tunisia final, Esperance ST posted a 26-20 victory over defending champions CS Sakiet Ezzit. Al Arabi and CS Sakiet Ezzit clashed in the semi-finals and the latter edged the Qatari team 28-27. The two teams had competed in the final last year also, with the Tunisian escaping with a thrilling 38-37 triumph.

New Aussie Barty downs Cornet at Hopman Open heat policy to counter Cup as Australia defeat France hot conditions AFP MELBOURNE “Probably because of the Norrie stuns rising weather conditions. The heat A new extreme heat policy here - it’s a bit different. It’s that dictates when it is safe star Stefanos tougher conditions than to play will be introduced Tsitsipas, as the Dubai where I was prepar- at next month’s Australian ing.” Open to better deal with British underdogs Following Norrie’s vic- frequent oven-like condi- tory, team-mate Katie Boulter tions on court. beat Greece 2-1 lost 6-0, 4-6, 6-2 in her singles The “Heat Stress Scale” in Group B match against Greek world will be used for the first number 41 Maria Sakkari, time at a Grand Slam to putting the pressure on both help prevent players from DPA teams in the mixed double fainting and suffering ex- SYDNEY finale. The Brits eventually haustion, relying on more prevailed 4-3, 3-4, 4-3, but weather-measuring devic- ASH Barty defeated Alize only after a dramatic third set es at Melbourne Park. Cornet in straight sets at the in which they came back from Organisers said it fol- Hopman Cup in Perth on Sat- 3-0 down against the Greek lowed “cutting-edge re- urday as hosts Australia beat favourites and saved several search and testing into France 2-0 on the first day of match points. the specific effects of heat the team contest. “I had no expectations stress on tennis players”. The world number 15 won coming here. I was just want- New rules will allow 7-5, 6-3 at the RAC Arena, ing to enjoy it and have fun for a 10-minute break be- though Cornet, ranked 45 and represent the coun- tween the second and third and who was one half of the try,” said Boulter, who only sets in women’s singles winning team in 2014, fought cracked the top 100 this year matches when a four -- on back hard in the second set. to reach a ranking of 97. a scale of one to five --- is “I knew I was going to She and Norrie will face recorded on the HSS prior have to hit a million balls stiff competition on Sunday to or during the first two against Alize,” 22-year-old when they meet Switzerland’s sets of a match. Barty said. defending champions Roger Men will get a 10-min- “We’ve had a couple of Federer and Belinda Bencic. ute breather after the third good battles in the past.” Tournament favourites set if a four is reached. Her teammate Matthew Eb- Angelique Kerber and Alex- If the heat stress scale den overcame a slow start to ander Zverev will also take goes to five, play can be vanquish 3-6, on ’s Garbine Muguruza suspended. 7-6 (7-5), 6-2, breaking the and in Group A. Tennis Australia chief Frenchman twice in the final Ashleigh Barty of Australia hits a return against Alize Cornet of France during their second session women’s singles match on Day One of the However, the highlight medical officer Carolyn set. Hopman Cup tennis tournament in Perth on Saturday. (AFP) of the tournament will take Broderick said the scale “There wasn’t much place on New Year’s Day, took into account the ef- rhythm until the second-set the net.” downed rising star Stefanos “I’m really excited to get in the top 20, admitted find- when Switzerland face the fects of heat on the human leg,” Perth native and world Their victories meant Tsitsipas, as the British un- the win; he’s a tough competi- ing it tough to adjust to condi- , pitting Federer body including the maxi- number 46 Ebden said. the final match in the Group derdogs beat Greece 2-1 in tor,” said 23-year-old Norrie. tions in Perth, where temper- against 23-time Grand Slam mum stress an athlete can “Lucas was playing fast, A round-robin session, the Group B. “He came out with some atures hit 28 degrees Celsius winner Serena Williams in safely withstand, the sweat he’s got a lot of power in his mixed doubles, played with Norrie, ranked 91, defeat- big shots and so did I.” on Saturday. the mixed doubles match. rate of that person and serve. I was trying to do the Fast4 Tennis rules, was to be ed Tsitsipas 7-6 (10-8), 6-4 in Tsitsipas, who “Cameron played really After the round-robin their core temperature. same. I was able to get just a a dead rubber. a closely-fought match which jumped from 91 to 15 in the well, but I really felt uncom- stage, the winners of Groups “The scale also ac- little bit more aggressive, a Earlier in the day, relative saw him break the Greek world rankings this year to fortable. I don’t know why,” A and B will take part in the counts for the physiologi- little more forwards, a little to unknown Cameron Norrie three times in the second set. become the youngest player the 20-year-old said. final on January 5. cal variances between adults, wheelchair and junior athletes while also taking into account the Djokovic equals Nadal with 4th four climate factors -- air Slalom queen Shiffrin collects record temperature, radiant heat or the strength of the sun, Mubadala title, heads to Doha humidity and wind speed.” Previously, organisers 15th victory in calendar year AFP day event in the UAE in 2011, could only activate the ex- ABU DHABI 2012 and 2013 and has now treme heat policy and halt AFP last 14 World Cup slaloms, in- matched ’s record play or close roofs when SEMMERING, AUSTRIA cluding two parallels, and all WORLD number one Novak of four titles. the temperature exceeded five run this season, including Djokovic won a fourth Mubada- “I’m a bit tired. We weren’t 40 degrees Celsius (104 AMERICAN Mikaela Shiffrin one parallel. At 23, she has al- la World Tennis Championship expecting to play two hours and degrees Fahrenheit) and cruised to victory in the slalom ready won 51 World Cup races. title on Saturday, coming back 30 minutes just before the start the Bureau of Meteorol- in Semmering, Austria, on Sat- Under clear skies in Sem- from a set down to beat Kevin of the season,” said Djokovic ogy’s wet bulb globe tem- urday for a record 15th World mering, she built a 0.49sec lead Anderson 4-6, 7-5, 7-5. who is building towards an as- perature index -- which Cup triumph in a year. over Vlhova in the first leg and, Djokovic claimed victory on sault on a possible seventh Aus- is used to estimate heat It was the American’s 36th skiing last in the second leg, a fifth match point against his tralian Open title next month. stress in humans -- hit slalom victory, also a record. was able to cruise to victory by South African opponent who Wimbledon and US Open 32.5 Celsius. She finished 0.29sec ahead of 0.29sec. won the pre-season exhibition champion Djokovic now heads Suffocating weather the Slovak Petra Vlhova, winner “I think the big thing was I tournament in 2018. to Doha where he will be top at Melbourne Park has of Friday’s giant slalom, and the had a really good first run. So The 31-year-old Djokovic seed at the Qatar Open starting caused serious problems Swiss Wendy Holdener. I had a little bit of time to play previously claimed the three- on Monday. with players in the past. After a disappointing fifth with,” Shiffrin said. Among those suffer- place the day before, Shiffrin re- On Friday, after winning for ing at the 2018 tourna- asserted her domination of the the first time this season, Vla- ment was Gael Monfils, World Cup slopes as she broke hova reacted with relief to a rare with fears for his health the record for World Cup victo- victory over Shiffrin. in a mid-afternoon match ries she had briefly shared with “I’m always second. Second, against Novak Djokovic. the Austrian Marcel Hirscher, second and second. Then seeing The Frenchman, known who has won 14 this year. Nei- Winner Mikaela Shiffrin of the US on the podium after the women’s her behind me I feel pride,” Vl- as one of the fittest players ther will race again before Janu- FIS Alpine Skiing World Cup Slalom race in Semmering, Austria on hova said. On Saturday she was on tour, looked dazed and ary 1. Swedish slalom great In- Saturday. (EPA-EFE) second again. confused in his second set gemar Stenmark won 13 races “History repeats itself,” Vl- and eventually received in both 1977 and 1979. stands alone in women’s World “Records are made to be hova said on Saturday. “But she medical assistance. “It’s a little bit distracting,” Cup slalom history. She broke a broken and somebody’s going always pushes me to my limits. He said afterwards Shiffrin said. “Because I’m tie with the legendary Austrian to come and break my record, It’s always a great battle with he was “dying” on court, not chasing these records and Marlies Schild, who won 35 sla- I hope, because that means that Mikaela” while France’s Alize Cor- sometimes it gets in my head loms between 2004 and 2014. I inspired some girl as much as She is also second in the net had her blood pressure like I should be thinking about “I know the Schild number,” Marlies inspired me and then overall World Cup standings. and pulse monitored by a the records and the thing that Shiffrin said. “She was the best the sport is coming to a new Shiffrin has 1,034 points, Vl- doctor during a medical helps me ski fast is focusing on slalom skier of this generation level,” Shiffrin said. “I hope my hova has 568, although she is Serbia’s Novak Djokovic celebrates his victory during the Mubadala timeout, saying later she my skiing.” and I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t record doesn’t stand forever.” comfortably ahead of Ragnhild World Tennis Championship on Saturday. Djokovic beat Kevin Ander- was going to faint. Shiffrin also ensured she have her to inspire me.” Shiffrin has won 13 of the Mowinckel, in third on 396. son 4-6, 7-5, 7-5. (AFP) Sports Sunday, December 30, 2018 19 ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE Ronaldo double seals new Juve Wolves stun Tottenham as record, Balde Fulham, Cardiff secure win rescues Inter The Portuguese is on top of Serie A’s Spurs shock 3-1 defeat at home to deals a huge blow to their title hopes scoring charts with 14 goals AFP AFP are missing for the Scudetto.” MILAN Ronaldo had come off the bench to score in Bergamo last TOTTENHAM’S Premier CRISTIANO Ronaldo scored Wednesday but returned to the League title challenge suffered twice as voracious Italian cham- starting line-up in the Allianz a huge blow as Wolves struck pions Juventus finished 2018 on Stadium. And the Portuguese three times in the final 18 min- a high with a 2-1 win over Samp- striker found a way through utes to win 3-1 at Wembley as doria to set a new points record early, picking up a Paulo Dybala Cardiff and Fulham secured in Serie A before the winter break cross to fire in past Sampdoria’s huge wins at the other end of as Inter Milan’s Senegalese wing- on loan Juventus goalkeeper the table on Saturday. er Keita Balde scored the only Emil Audero. Spurs had the chance to goal in a win over Empoli days Sampdoria pulled level fol- close to within three points after the club were embroiled in lowing a penalty awarded fol- of league leaders Liverpool, a racism controversy. lowing an Emre Can handball but despite Harry Kane’s first- Ronaldo curled in the opener with Quagliarella making no half wonder strike, Willy Boly, after just two minutes in Turin mistake beating Mattia Perin in Raul Jimenez and Helder Cos- adding a second from the penalty the Juventus goal. ta instead condemned Mauri- spot on 65 minutes, putting the The 35-year-old became cio Pochettino’s men to a fifth Portuguese top of Serie A’s scor- the first player to score in nine league defeat. ing charts on 14 goals. consecutive Serie A games since Fulham struck in stop- Fabio Quagliarella pulled the David Trezeguet for Juventus in page time through Aleksandar Genoa outfit level with a penalty 2005. Mitrovic to beat fellow strug- on 33 minutes, but a late Ricca- Audero deflected over a glers Huddersfield 1-0 at Cra- rdo Saponara goal was ruled off- Ronaldo header on the hour but ven Cottage, while Cardiff also side after consultation with the the hosts went ahead when the scored the only goal of the video assistant referee. referee pointed to the spot for an game in stoppage time to beat “It was important to end the Alex Ferrari handball off a cor- Leicester 1-0 thanks to Victor year on a high and it wasn’t at all ner after a VAR viewing. Camarasa’s long-range effort. easy,” said coach Massimiliano Substitute Saponara looked Liverpool can now open Allegri. to have grabbed a point deep up a nine-point lead at the top VAR proved decisive in the into injury time but VAR ruled when Arsenal visit Anfield lat- game with Sampdoria coach he was in an offside. er (1730) after Spurs’ terrific Marco Giampaolo, dismissing In Tuscany, Inter Milan week turned sour. Ronaldo’s penalty as “a gift,” add- earned back-to-back wins with Tottenham had smashed ing “that Saponara goal should Balde scoring on 72 minutes to 11 goals past Everton and never have been cancelled”. move closer to Napoli, who they Bournemouth in the previ- Juventus open up a 12-point beat by the same scoreline amid ous six days and Wolves also lead at the top of Serie A ahead of controversy three days ago. looked to be put to the sword Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Willy Boly celebrates with teammates after scoring his goal against Tottenham Hotspur during their Premier Napoli who can reduce the gap Luciano Spalletti’s side were by one moment of outstand- League match at Wembley Stadium, in London, on Saturday. (REUTERS) when they host Bologna later on playing without their fans after ing quality from Kane. Saturday. racist abuse aimed at Napoli’s The England captain raced stoppage time when Camarasa Inter Milan are third two Senegalese defender Kalidou onto Son Heung-min’s pass unleashed a rocket to move points behind Napoli. Koulibaly in Milan. and cut inside onto his weaker Cardiff four points clear of the Seven-time reigning cham- Roma profitted from Samp- left foot, but still produced a relegation zone. pions Juventus also have a re- doria’s defeat to move up to fifth powerful drive from 20 yards cord number of points before thanks to second half goals for that beat Rui Patricio to move the three-week winter break with Bryan Cristante (58) and Cen- level with Arsenal’s Pierre- Results/Fixtures 53 from 19 games. “Records are giz Under (75) in a 2-0 win over Emerick Aubameyang as the Brighton & Hov 1 - 0 Everton meaningless, if not to improve promoted Parma. league’s top scorer on 13 goals. Fulham 1 - 0 Huddersfield Town and raise the bar,” said Allegri. Lazio were held 1-1 by To- Leicester City 0 - 1 Cardiff City The reigning champions rino in the Stadio Olimpico, as Tottenham Hotspur 1 - 3 Wolverhampton have dropped points just twice, Atalanta beat Sassuolo 6-2 with Spurs had the chance to Watford 1 - 1 Newcastle United Liverpool 5 - 1 Arsenal being held 1-1 by Genoa at home Slovenian Josip Ilicic scoring a close to within three points in October and 2-2 against Atal- second-half hat-trick. of league leaders Liverpool, Sunday anta midweek, and are firmly on The battle for European Crystal Palace 15 : 00 Chelsea but despite Harry Kane’s Burnley 17 : 15 West Ham United track for an eighth consecutive football is tight with just six first-half wonder strike, Willy Southampton 17 : 15 Manchester City Scudetto. points between Lazio in fourth Manchester United 19 : 30 AFC Bournemouth . “With Ronaldo, the percep- and Fiorentina in tenth position. Boly, Raul Jimenez and tion is different. He’s the best Meanwhile, bottom club Helder Costa instead con- Tuesday 1-1-2019 Everton 15 : 30 Leicester City player in the world,” continued Chievo achieved their first top demned Mauricio Arsenal 18 : 00 Fulham Allegri. flight success with a 1-0 win over Pochettino’s men to a fifth Cardiff City 20 : 30 Tottenham Hotspur “37 points, give or take a few, fellow strugglers Frosinone. league defeat. Wednesday 2-1-2019 AFC Bournemouth 22 : 45 Watford Chelsea 22 : 45 Southampton However, the hosts failed Huddersfield Town 22 : 45 Burnley to build on their lead before West Ham United 22 : 45 Brighton & Hov… ...... Fulham’s Aleksandar Mitrovic celebrates his goal with teammates against Huddersfield Town during their Wolverhampton 22 : 45 Crystal Palace the break and were caught out Newcastle United 23 : 00 Manchester United ..... by Wolves’ improvement af- Premier League match at Craven Cottage, in London, on Saturday. (REUTERS) ter the break when Boly rose Thursday 3-1-2019 highest to meet Joao Moutin- goal. with the nature of Jurgen Lo- Brighton 11 points clear of the Manchester City 23 : 00 Liverpool cadia’s controversial winner ho’s corner. In an afternoon of few drop zone. Top scorers (Goals & Penalties) Much has been made of Po- goals elsewhere as the strains on the south cost as the Dutch Fulham are now just a 1. P. Aubameyang Arsenal FC ....13 (1) chettino’s ability to extract the of a hectic festive fixture list striker had initially been point away from safety after 1. Harry Kane (Tottenham) ...... 13 (3) most from a stretched squad, appeared to take their toll, flagged offside before firing Mitrovic saved Aboubakar 1. M. Salah (Liverpool FC) ...... 13 (2) 4. Eden Hazard (Chelsea) ...... 10 (3) but Spurs finally looked like Brighton also boosted their into the roof of the net. Kamara’s blushes after the 5. Richarlison (Everton) ...... 9 (0) a side jaded by competing on survival chances by beat- However, after consulta- Frenchman had a late penalty 6. R. Sterling (Man City) ...... 9 (0) four fronts in the final stages ing Everton 1-0 on the south tion between the referee and saved by Jonas Lossl. 7. Kun Agüero (Man City) ...... 8 (0) as Wolves took full advantage coast. his assistant, the goal was giv- A missed penalty was also 8. F. Anderson (West Ham) ...... 8 (0) But Newcastle were de- en as the ball rebounded into 9. Sadio Mané (Liverpool) FC ...... 8 (0) on counter-attack. the turning point at the King 10. A. Martial (Man United) ...... 8 (1) Jimenez put the visitors nied a vital three points by Locadia’s path via Everton Power where Neil Etheridge 11. A. Mitrovic (Fulham) FC ...... 8 (0) in front six minutes from Abdoulaye Doucoure’s late midfielder Andre Gomes. saved James Maddison’s 12. G. Murray (Brighton) ...... 8 (3) time and three minutes later equaliser for Watford in a 1-1 Richarlison hit the post spot-kick for Leicester. And 13. G. Sigurðsson (Everton) ...... 8 (2) Helder Costa raced clear to draw at Vicarage Road. as Everton tried to rally, but the Welsh side snatched a 14. C. Wilson (Bournemouth) ...... 8 (1) Juventus’ Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates his goal with Paulo Dybala score his first Premier League Everton were unhappy they remain in eighth, whilst first away win of the season in against Sampdoria in a Serie A game in Turin on Saturday. (REUTERS) Gerrard ends Rodgers’ dominance Aim is to advance from Asian Cup group stage: Constantine strike helps Rangers beat bitter rivals Celtic Derby jinx IANS The team had to wait 20 KOLKATA years to qualify for the finals AFP Sustained early home broken again, and in both occasions GLASGOW pressure resulted in Celtic INDIAN football coach Ste- (1984, 2011) bowed out of the goalkeeper Craig Gordon O It was Rodgers first phen Constantine believes the group stages. emerged saving his side twice in quick experience of defeat in 13 team can make it out of the Under Constantine, the victorious in the Old Firm succession, first from Daniel meetings with Rangers and group stages of the forthcom- Sunil Chhetri-led side has done clash with his former Liver- Candeias and then brilliantly puts Gerrard’s side level on ing Asian Cup. well in recent times, attain- pool boss Brendan Rodgers tipping away Connor Gold- points with Celtic, though “I honestly believe we can ing close to an all-time-high as Rangers deservedly beat son’s point blank header. the latter stay top courtesy get out of the group and that is FIFA ranking and qualifying champions and bitter rivals From the ensuing cor- of a better goal difference. our target. Of course, we need for the finals of the Asian Cup Celtic 1-0 on Saturday. ner, Brown was fortunate his Celtic also have a game in to be on our game in all three as group-toppers ahead of Kyr- It was Rodgers first back header rattled the post hand. games and we will take one gyzstan, Myanmar and Macau. experience of defeat in 13 and rebounded to safety. game at a time,” Constantine The English-Cypriot coach, meetings with Rangers and The hosts deservedly said from Abu Dhabi. who is in his second stint with puts Gerrard’s side level on took the lead after a fine In their previous three the national team, said the points with Celtic, though piece of skill down the left hearted spirit was reflected attempts, India’s best per- fact that they have the second the latter stay top courtesy wing by teed up by Andy Halliday taking a formance in the continental youngest team in the compe- of a better goal difference. Jack. He sidefooted the ball goal-bound shot by Olivier competition came 55 years ago tition augurs well for Indian Celtic also have a game in straight at Scott Brown, who Ntcham full in the groin to when they finished runners-up. football going ahead. hand. snapped his ankles together keep his side ahead. India had gained a direct “We are, in fact, the second Ryan Jack’s deflected just too late, succeeding only The normally full-blood- qualification to the finals of youngest team in the Asian goal on the half-hour mark in deflecting the ball inside Rangers’ Ryan Jack celebrates scoring his goal with Connor Goldson ed affair had begun on a the tournament in 1964 after Cup and that is a huge plus for proved the difference in a the near post. against Celtic during their match at Ibrox, in sombre and respecful note several Western Zone teams Indian football going forward match that Rangers large- Gordon came to Celtic’s Glasgow, on Saturday. (REUTERS) earlier on Saturday, with pulled out due to political rea- as these boys now go into the ly dominated against a rescue again early in the directors from Rangers and sons. future with the experience of a strangely out-of-sorts Celtic. second-half as he got down possession to Kent before the net in the 66th minute Celtic laying wreaths to the Under English coach Harry major event. The visitors were only smartly to deny the impres- Gordon saved. The defender through Callum McGregor, 66 people who lost their lives Wright, India had got the bet- “The experience of the old- supported by 750 of their sive Kent. redeemed himself by clear- only for the left-back to be in the Ibrox Disaster on Jan- ter of South Korea and Hong er lads is also important and I fans as Rangers had slashed Belgian centre-back De- ing ’s shot off ruled offside. uary 2, 1971. The crush on an Kong to cement their second am sure the youngsters will do their usual ticket allowance drick Boyata had a game to the line. Rangers withstood a late exit stairway at the Rangers place in the four-nation round- India proud,” the 56-year old of 7,000. forget, not least when he lost Celtic did have the ball in assault and the hosts’ stout- ground also injured 200. robin format meet. stated. 20 Sunday, December 30, 2018 The Last Word 2nd Qatar Visa Centre in Pakistan opened in Karachi The centre operates through an integrated electronic system to complete the enrolment of biometric data and required medical check-ups

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK DOHA

THE Government of Qatar opened the second Qatar Visa Centre in Karachi, Pakistan on Saturday. The inaugural ceremony was attended by Consul Gen- eral of the State of Qatar in Pakistan HE Mishal Moham- med AA al Ansari, Advisor to the Minister of Interior Maj Gen Abdullah Salim al Ali, Director of Expat Affairs Dept in Qatar’s Ministry of Interior Brig Abdullah Ali al Muhan- nadi and Labour expert in the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs Mohamed Ali al Meer. The Pakistani officials who attended the event included: Minister for Information Technology, Environment and Coastal Development The inaugural ceremony was attended by Consul General of Qatar in Pakistan HE Mishal Mohammed AA al Ansari, Advisor to the Minister of Interior Maj Gen Abdullah Salim al Ali, Director of Expat Affairs Dept Nawab Muhammad Taimur at the Ministry of Interior Brig Abdullah Ali al Muhannadi, Pakistan’s Minister for Information Technology, Environment and Coastal Development Nawab Muhammad Taimur Talpur and Sindh Minister for Women Talpur, Sindh Minister for Development Syeda Shehla Raza as well as other officials and businessmen from Pakistan. Women Development Syeda Shehla Raza as well as a group of officials and businessmen from Pakistan. Work visa applicants mi- grating to Qatar will be re- quired to sign work contracts, enrol their biometrics data and undergo medical tests at the Qatar Visa Centre. The centre operates through an integrated electronic system to complete the enrolment of biometric data and required medical check-ups. The work visa applicants need to get a visa reference number from Qatar’s Min- istry of Interior; book an ap- pointment by visiting www. qatarvisacenter.com and required medical tests. decided to establish Qatar and Karachi. Through these added further He added that the services 8:30am to 4:30 pm from visit Qatar Visa Centre on the Upon completion of the Visa Centre in eight countries centres, the visa related pro- Major Abdullah Khalifa in these centres also include Monday to Friday. scheduled date, not earlier process at the visa center, visa to simplify visa procedures cedures will be complete in al Mohannadi said that the taking fingerprints of the ap- Some of the key medical than 15 minutes before the applicants will be able to track for expatriate workers.” the home countries of expa- inauguration of the Qatar plicants and registration of tests to be conducted at the scheduled time. the status of the application Ansari added: “In the light triate workers before their Visa Center in Islamabad vital data in order to ensure centre include blood tests, x- At the reception, the iden- online or through their em- of the long standing bilateral departure to Qatar unlike in and Karachi was part of the preservation and protection ray, visual assessments, and tity of the visa applicant will ployer in Qatar. ties that exist between Pa- the past when the procedures plan to open Qatar Visa Cen- of the rights of both expatri- physical examinations. The be verified, the list of required Speaking on the occasion, kistan and Qatar and as two took place in the state.” tres in eight different coun- ate workers and their employ- tests are conducted by a team documents checked and a to- the consul general of Qatar re- countries that share a com- “This is in line with Qa- tries in order to facilitate the ers. of highly qualified healthcare ken issued. Once the token is marked: “The opening of the mon ideological narrative, tar’s pledge to increase the processing of all visa appli- The Qatar Visa Centre professionals. called, visa applicants are re- visa centre in Karachi is an- Pakistan has been selected as number of Pakistani workers, cations, conducting of medi- in Karachi is equipped with It is worth mentioning quired to digitally sign their other milestone in strength- one of the eight countries for especially as the FIFA 2022 cal examinations and sign- state-of-the art biometric that Qatar Visa Centres were work contract, enrol biom- ening ties between Qatar and establishment of such cen- World Cup infrastructure ing of contracts in workers’ enrolment & medical test opened in Sri Lanka and etric data and undergo the Pakistan further. Qatar has tres in the cities of Islamabad projects are underway”, he home countries. facilities and operates from Bangladesh recently. Shop Qatar announces winners of first raffle draw

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK DOHA

THE first of the Shop Qatar’s Exciting discounts, prizes four raffle draws was held at Ta- war Mall recently announcing the nine winners who won two Jaguar cars and QR200,000 in cash prizes. At the time of the raffle draw, there was also a ‘Wheel of Fortune’ which saw 15 shoppers walk away with valuable prizes courtesy of the mall’s shops. Jassim Jabr Tawar al Ku- wari, chairman of Tawar Mall, commented: “We are delight- ed to be taking an active part in Qatar’s biggest and most- anticipated shopping festival. Our participation in the cam- paign is an important step in becoming the most sought- The first of the Shop Qatar’s four raffle draws was held at Tawar Mall recently announcing the nine winners after shopping and entertain- who won two Jaguar cars and QR200,000 in cash prizes. ment destination in Qatar and the region. The first raffle draw ping or dining at any of the Raffle Draw will be held at tour prices are QR200 per indi- event surely introduces col- festival’s 13 mall partners or at 7:30pm on January 3 (Thurs- vidual (100 for children above ourful and exciting surprises The Pearl-Qatar. For every QR day) at Hyatt Plaza. 10 years) and registration can to our guests. With this event, 200 spent at any of the partici- In addition to the mall be done by calling 66725272. Tawar Mall furthers its com- pating retailers or restaurants, shopping experiences, resi- To find out more, down- SHOP Qatar’s 14 retail partners across the and two cars to be won every week. To enter mitment to a prosperous Qatar shoppers can enter one of the dents and visitors interested load the Shop Qatar mobile app country are offering residents and visitors the raffle draw, one needs to show receipts and continues to create a bal- festival’s three remaining raffle in exploring the local culture, on both Android and iOS app incredible offers and discounts of up to 50 of shopping at stores in the participating ance between Qatar’s vibrant draws, with two cars and 7 cash sights and tastes can join guid- stores or visit www.shopqatar. percent at stores and restaurants. malls to the Shop Qatar info kiosk in order to retail landscape, shopping ex- prizes ranging from QR10,000 ed shopping tours led by Em- qa and follow the dedicated Visitors spending QR200 get a chance collect one voucher for every QR200 spent perience and brand exposure.” to QR100,000 to be won each brace Doha at Souq Waqif. The Shop Qatar social media ac- to win car and cash prizes worth up to QR3 and drop the voucher(s) in the Shop Qatar Visitors and residents still week. last of three weekend tours will counts on Instagram, Twitter million, with 7 cash prizes worth QR200,000 raffle box.(TNN) have a chance to win by shop- Next week’s Shop Qatar be on January 5 (Saturday), and and Facebook.

Souq Waqif and Souq Al Wakra bustle with Spring Fest activities

AILYN AGONIA colourful live performances dent commented. DOHA and rides for children, the ven- Another resident, Maryam, ue also attracts art enthusiasts also praised the diversity of ac- QATAR’S residents are making with its live painting sessions tivities featured this year for the the most of the good weather hosted by Waqif Art Center. festival. She said, “Souq Waqif by spending time outdoors, “It is to celebrate the is the favourite destination of particularly at two of the main thriving art scene in Qatar with our family. We enjoy the diver- heritage destinations in the such activity. It also, in a way, sity of restaurants, including the country, Souq Waqif and Souq inspires young people to pur- new food stalls. We also always Al Wakra. sue their interests in painting look forward to the live perfor- Both venues are bustling with and drawing as they see these mances during the Spring Fes- of families. The games and “This place is an ideal geta- activities with their rich offerings talented people bring their cre- tival and the different rides our rides are welcome addition to way for families, especially of attractions catering to families ative ideas to life on canvas. We children can enjoy.” the place which is frequented during weekends. We appreci- and diverse interests during the hope to have more of this kind At Souq Al Wakrah, differ- for its beach theme park and ate the activities that are made ongoing Spring Festival. of events and activities across ent children rides are also made array of restaurants along the available during the festival,” a At Souq Waqif, aside from the country,” Samuel, a resi- available for the entertainment seaside. resident commented. (PHOTOGRAPHS BY JALAL PATHIYOOR)