Liverpool restore Premier League credentials PAGE 18

MONDAY, MARCH 11, 2019

Concrete works completed at World Cup 2022 Qatar stadium in Al Thumama PAGE 19 AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE RAYYAN VS LOKOMOTIV (6.35PM)

SHEIKH JOAAN ATTENDS IAAF COUNCIL MEETING IN DOHA

HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al Thani, President of Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) and Chairman of the Organising Committee for the World Athletics Championships Doha 2019, attended the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) Council Meeting which began in Doha on Sunday. The two-day meeting, which is being held at the Doha Sheraton, will conclude on Monday. Big finish hands Harding maiden title at gusty Doha Golf Course

South African ends his long European Tour title wait with three birdies on last four holes TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK DOHA

JUSTIN Harding’s nine-year- long wait for a maiden Euro- pean Tour title met a happy ending finally at an unlikely venue like the treacherous Doha Golf Club course with the South African firing a final day six under to win the Com- mercial Bank on Sunday. After an identical four un- Justin Harding receives the Mother of Pearl trophy from Commercial Bank Group CEO Joseph Abraham and der for the first two days, the Qatar Golf Association President Hassan al Naimi at the Doha Golf Club course on Sunday. Justin Harding with the winner’s cheque. He was also rewarded with a Rolex watch for his triumph. 191-cm tall Harding had a hor- rible time on Saturday when LEADERBOARD he carded one over par on the third day due to his five bogeys PLAYER COUNTRY TO PAR R1 R2 R3 R4 TOTAL PRIZE and four birides and was three 1 Harding Justin RSA -13 68 68 73 66 275 €259,669 shots off leader . 2 Bezuidenhout Christiaan RSA -11 72 71 66 68 277 €68,988 But the 33-year-old Hard- 2 Campillo Jorge ESP -11 72 69 68 68 277 €68,988 ing started his charge on a 2 Choi Jinho KOR -11 72 69 72 64 277 €68,988 terribly gusty day with three 2 Coetzee George RSA -11 68 68 73 68 277 €68,988 birdies in the first four holes and later, he fell behind the 2 Elvira Nacho ESP -11 71 67 69 70 277 €68,988 pack as he lost two strokes. 2 Karlsson Anton SWE -11 72 66 70 69 277 €68,988 He mounted another push and 2 Lorenzo-Vera Mike FRA -11 68 68 71 70 277 €68,988 collected three birdies in the 2 Van Rooyen Erik RSA -11 69 68 70 70 277 €68,988 last four holes to secure his 2 Wilson Oliver ENG -11 69 68 69 71 277 €68,988 breakthrough triumph in his 11 Detry Thomas BEL -10 70 68 70 70 278 €26,850 54th Tour start. 11 Sullivan Andy ENG -10 70 71 69 68 278 €26,850 Harding’s 13 under 275 The SA surge 11 Zanotti Fabrizio PAR -10 72 68 70 68 278 €26,850 aggregate fetched him a mas- Justin Harding becomes sive $291,660 in prize money, But he suffered two setbacks 2017 Maybank Championship. along with a Rolex watch. This the fifth South African before wrapping up his round “I’m putting myself in conten- is his career’s fifth title across winner of this event after with a birdie. Just like him tion and on a Sunday and that’s different tours. He posted two Darren Fichardt, Ernie Els, others also tried their best but a good thing. I just keep work- back-to-back Retief Goosen and Branden could not keep up the pace ing hard and progressing and wins in May and did the same Grace – who successfully with Harding, who waited hopefully I can get back in the on the in July. anxiously and was rewarded winner’s circle soon enough.” This triumph makes him defended the Mother of Golf enthusiasts follow the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters 2019 stars at Doha Golf Club on the final day. with the title eventually. Nick Cullen, Maximilian fifth South African winner of Pearl trophy in 2016. A further stroke down locked Kieffer, Jeff Winther and 2018 this event after Darren Fich- rea’s Jihho Choi. looking forward to seeing what The South Korean, also on the 11th spot were three play- Challenge Tour Grand Final ardt (2003), Ernie Els (2005), One shot off Harding was Harding, who was third on happens going forward and looking for his first Tour title, ers – Thomas Detry, Andy Sulli- winner Adri Arnaus shared Retief Goosen (2007) and a European Tour record nine- the last seasson’s Asian Tour but playing in some bigger events.” may call himself a bit unlucky van and Fabrizio Zanotti. It was 14th position while Bradley Branden Grace (2015, 2016). player group tied for the sec- did not have full playing privi- Choi earlier in the day set for not being able to raise the another near miss for Zanotti af- Dredge and Mikko Korhonen Harding, on a surge with ond - three compatriots Chris- leges on the European Tour, the clubhouse target at 11 under bar further. On the last hole, ter finishing one stroke behind split 18th place. two top fives and three more tiaan Bezuidenhout, George added, “I didn’t enjoy it but it’s total with a hot 64. After hitting he had a short birdie putt but at last week’s Commercial Bank Group top 20s in eights events this Coetzee and , good fun, I’m glad it happened three birdies on the first three he could not hole it in. Oman Open but the Paraguayan CEO Joseph Abraham and Qa- season, was choked with emo- Spanish players Jorge Campil- and now we move on. holes, he gained two more shots At one stage, Choi, Hard- remained upbeat with where his tar Golf Association President tions. “It feels good. It was lo and Nacho Elvira, Swede “I get into the events that I’d before his back nine. He had ing and Elvira were all locked game is at. Hassan al Naimi were the chief nerve wracking, especially Anton Karlsson, Frenchman like to be into again, the sched- another birdie and followed it at the top with 11 under total. “I am very happy with my guests at the closing ceremony coming off, it’s a situation I Mike Lorenzo-Vera, England’s ules change, I’m no longer up with a sizzling eagle on par- The Spaniard birdied the 12th golf right now,” said Zanotti, and presented the Mother of haven’t really been in.” Oliver Wilson and South Ko- having to pick and choose. I’m 4 281-metre 16th. to move into the solo lead. whose last triumph came at the Pearl Trophy and cheque. Sports Monday, March 11, 2019 17 DOVIZIOSO DOES IT AGAIN! Italian edges RESULTS 1.Andrea Dovizioso ITA Ducati Team (Desmosedici reigning world GP19) 42m 36.902s 2.Marc Marquez ESP Repsol Honda (RC213V) 42m champ Marquez 36.925s 3.Cal Crutchlow GBR LCR Honda (RC213V) 42m by 0.023secs for 37.222s 4.Alex Rins ESP Suzuki Ecstar (GSX-RR) 42m 37.359s consecutive Qatar 5.Valentino Rossi ITA Monster Yamaha (YZR-M1) 42m 37.502s MotoGP win 6.Danilo Petrucci ITA Ducati Team (Desmosedici GP19) 42m 39.222s RAAJIV TRIPATHI 7.Maverick Viñales ESP Monster Yamaha (YZR-M1) 42m 39.383s DOHA 8.Joan Mir SPA Suzuki Ecstar (GSX-RR)* 42m 41.990s IT was a classic duel in the 9.Takaaki Nakagami JPN LCR Honda (RC213V) 42m 44.308s closing stages of the Premier 10.Aleix Espargaro ESP Factory Aprilia Gresini (RS- Class racing at the season- GP) 42m 46.538s opening VisitQatar Grand 11.Franco Morbidelli ITA Petronas Yamaha SRT (YZR- M1) 42m 46.549s Prix between the two top rid- 12.Pol Espargaro ESP Red Bull KTM Factory (RC16) ers in the world and Andrea 42m 49.676s Dovizioso edged reigning 13.Jorge Lorenzo ESP Repsol Honda (RC213V) 42m Marc Marquez once again to 51.209s 14.Andrea Iannone ITA Factory Aprilia Gresini (RS- win at the Losail International GP) 42m 51.251s Circuit on Sunday. 15.Johann Zarco FRA Red Bull KTM Factory (RC16) Last year also, Mission 42m 51.995s Winnow Ducati’s Dovizioso MOTO2 1. Lorenzo Baldassarri (ITA/Kalex) 39min had beaten Repsol Honda’s 56.109sec, 2. Thomas Luethi (SUI/Kalex) at five-time world champion 0.026sec, 3. Marcel Schrotter (GER/Kalex) 2.123. Marquez here. But the race British Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton, who attended the Qatar Grand Prix, at the Petronas Moto2 standings: was not as close as this one. Yamaha SRT pit at the Losail International Circuit. 1. Lorenzo Baldassarri (ITA/Kalex) 25 points, 2. Thomas Luethi (SUI/Kalex) 20 points, 3. Marcel A packed stand held its Schrotter: 16 points (GER/Kalex) breath when the two went MOTO3 about attacking each other 1. Kaito Toba (JPN/Honda) 38 min 8.887sec, 2. in the final rounds of the 22- Lorenzo Dalla Porta (ITA/Honda) at 0.053sec, 3.Aron Canet (ESP/KTM) at 0.174 lap race. Marquez shot ahead MOTO3 STANDINGS: in the 21st lap’s Turn 4 as the 1. Kaito Toba (JPN/Honda) 25 points, 2. Lorenzo Italian went wide. Dalla Porta (ITA/Honda) 20, 3. Aron Canet (ESP/ The Spaniard, who last KTM) 16. won at Losail in 2014 from the pole, lost the lead on the Historic win by Toba straight before the final lap, Kaito Toba (Honda Team but he regained it and ap- Asia) used the slipstream bril- peared to be giving final push liantly to his advantage as the for the triumph. Mission Winnow Ducati’s Italian rider Andrea Dovizioso with his first Japanese rider won the Moto3 However, just as Marquez place trophy in the Qatar MotoGP Grand Prix at the Losail Interna- race and created history in Lo- lunged forward after the final tional Circuit on Sunday. (PHOTOS: HANSON K JOSEPH) sail Sunday. turn 16, Dovizioso zoomed Toba, Lorenzo Dalla Porta inside of him to power ahead Dovizioso. team, they worked so hard.” (Leopard Racing) and pole drawing the crowd to the edge Marquez said, “It was ex- Veteran Italian Valentino rider Aron Canet (Sterilgarda of the seats. Getting the ben- actly the same as last year. Rossi also turned in an incred- Max Racing Team) forged a efit of Ducati’s stronger accel- It’s difficult because when you ible performance in his 24th bit ahead of the chasing pack eration, he went on to record overtake, you’re on the dirt MotoGP season and landed in the final of the 18-lap race. an epic victory by 0.023 of a there is no grip. Here I strug- the fifth spot. The-old 40-year- And it was Leopard Rac- second. gled a lot with the front tyre 0Monster Energy Yamaha rid- ing rider who moved a slight After his ‘lucky’ 13th vic- but I finished the race with 20 er started the race from 14th ahead of the two when the fi- tory, Dovizioso, who has points. I’m really very happy but displayed his sheer com- nal straight started. been finishing runner-up to about this performance.” petitiveness to collect valuable (From left) Repsol Honda’s Spanish rider Marc Marquez, Mission Winnow Ducati’s Italian rider Andrea The Japanese however Marquez for two successive Cal Crutchlow (LCR Hon- points for his team. Dovizioso, and LCR Honda Castrol’s British rider Cal Crutchlow on the podium with their trophies after produced a thrilling slip- seasons, commented, “It was da Castrol) managed to hold Danilo Petrucci (Mission the Qatar MotoGP at the Losail International Circuit on Sunday. stream move to pip Dalla a strange race. I didn’t have off Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Winnow Ducati) got the better Porta on the finish line to a really good strategy. I was Ecstar) to get the third spot of pole rider Maverick Viñales Steady Baldassarri Premier Class last season with appeared to be taking the third become the first Japanese to managing a lot the rear tyre. for his 18th podium. This is (Monster Energy Yamaha) in wins Moto2 Honda, made up his way bril- spot but he was overtaken by win the lightweight class race Overall I’m so happy because I the 10th time that the British the sixth spot, while Joan Mir Lorenzo Baldassarri (Flexbox liantly. The Italian however German pole-sitter Marcel since Tomoyoshi Koyama’s didn’t see anyone so I couldn’t rider secured the last step of was the second fastest Su- HP 40’s Lorenzo) held off for- managed to keep him at bay Schrotter (Dynavolt Intact 125cc triumph at the Catalan know my positive or negative the podium. zuki rider in the seventh spot. mer MotoGP rider Thomas to win by 0.026 of a second for GP) on the straight by two GP in 2007. Also he is the first points. As he is recovering from his Takaaki Nakagami, Alexis Luthi (Dynavolt Intact GP) to his third career win in the in- thousandths of a second. first Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup “I tried to stop Rins be- last season’s injuries, Crutch- Espargaro and Franco were clinch a pulsating Moto2 vic- termediate class. Flexbox HP 40’s Augusto champion to win a Grand Prix. cause his speed in the middle low commented: “I think like eighth, ninth and tenth, re- tory on Sunday, Baldassarri was second Fernandez earned the fifth Marcos Ramirez (Leopard of the corner was really good. I’ve got a left bum as someone spectively. Three-time world Both were side by side to Francesco Bagnaia here spot, starting the race from Racing) was fourth on Honda, I was able to answer to Mar- hit me with a footpeg. But I champion Jorge Lorenzo, mak- on the final straight after Lu- last year and Alex Marquez from the fourth row, beating while Celestino Vietti (SKY quez because he was really pushed as hard as I could go. ing debut for Repsol Honda, thi, the 2017 championship was third. Remy Gardner Sam Lowes (Federal Oil Gres- Racing Team VR46) complet- on the limit,” added a smiling All credit to my LCR Honda was 13th. runner-up who moved to the (ONEXOX TKKR SAG Team) ini Moto2). ed the top five. New FIM President meets women Djokovic dumps Fratangelo to riders at Qatar Motorsport Academy book clash with Kohlschreiber AFP INDIAN WELLS, UNITED STATES

WORLD number one Novak Djokovic shook off a nervy start to dispatch US qualifier Bjorn Fratangelo in straight sets on Saturday to reach the third round of the ATP Indian Wells Masters. Djokovic, playing his first match since winning a record seventh Australian Open title in January, was less than sharp in conceding an early break to his 128th-ranked rival. FIM President Jorge Viegas at the Qatar Motorsport Academy (QMA) facility at the Losail International Circuit (LIC). He broke back as Fratan- gelo served for the set to knot TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK maihi, the Vice President and their riding skills but due to skills set. These lessons are it at 5-5, and then raced to a DOHA General Manager of Losail the huge demand of ladies that conducted on Tuesday at the 4-1 lead in the tiebreaker. Circuit Sports Club (LCSC) want to learn how to ride a mo- QMA. The feedback we re- Djokovic had to dig deep, NEWLY-ELECTED FIM Pres- and QMMF President Abdul- torbike, the QMA is providing ceived is very positive and we however, when Fratangelo Novak Djokovic of ident Jorge Viegas visited the rahman Al Mannai. riding courses to the ladies. want to encourage more ladies battled back to lead the tie- celebrates after his Qatar Motorsport Academy The visit was conducted “Qatar is helping young to join us “ he added. breaker 5-4. win against Bjorn (QMA) and met with woman during the opening round of the riders - boys and girls - in all The FIM President also After a double fault and Fratangelo at the riders enrolled at the special 2019 MotoGP World Champi- ages to help them learn the talked to with riders enrolled a forehand error from the Indian Wells Masters facility inside Losail Interna- onship. The FIM President was sport from the experts,” Al at QMA and praised Qatar’s 25-year-old American, Djoko- on Saturday. (AFP) tional Circuit (LIC). informed that the QMA was Remaihi said. “Also, we have role on developing young rid- vic suddenly had a set point, The FIM President was ac- launched in November last year special classes for female rid- ers including girls and the pro- and once he’d pocketed the set, companied by Khalid Al Re- to help young riders improve ers wanting to improve their motion of motorsport in Qatar. the second went all his way. doing it myself. injury with the German lead- “To be honest, I was a bit “I was lucky to get the first ing 6-3, 2-0. nervous in the beginning,” set. After that, things went bet- Action opened on stadium admitted Djokovic, who is go- ter for me,” added Djokovic. court with 18-year-old Cana- Quick Read ing for a record sixth Indian Djokovic next faces Ger- dian Felix Auger-Aliassime Wells title. man Philipp Kohlschreiber, a powering past Greece’s Stefa- Djokovic, currently tied 6-4, 6-4 winner over Austral- nos Tsitsipas, 6-4, 6-2, for his Second edition of Qatar Men’s ITF world tennis tour begins today with Roger Federer on five ian Nick Kyrgios. first win over a top-10 player. wins in the California desert, Kyrgios, seeded 31st, was In a battle of two ATP DOHA: The second edition of tion is $15000. It is organized tion, which will help Qatari play- can also tie world number two coming off a scintillating run young guns, 58th-ranked the Qatar Men’s ITF World Tennis by Qatar Tennis Federation (QTF) ers gain experience by competing Rafael Nadal’s record of 33 to the Mexico Open title in Auger-Aliassime came out Tour will begin Monday. Three in cooperation with International some of the best young players.” Masters 1000 titles. Acapulco. firing, and his aggression Qatari players will participate in Tennis Federation at Khalifa Inter- He added that the competition “I haven’t competed for As men’s seeds swung into paid off with a victory over the competition. The players are national Tennis and Squash Com- will also promote the sport in over five weeks. I was a bit action after first-round byes, 20-year-old Tsitsipas, who Mousa and Mubarak Shanan, plex. Director of the competition the region, which was another rusty in the first set. I was kind third-seeded Zverev advanced shot to prominence with a as well as Jaber al Mutawa. The Saad al Mohannadi said “QTF is motivation the federation had in of waiting for him to do some- when Slovakian foe Martin victory over Federer at the total prize money for the competi- proud to organise the competi- Mubarak Shanan of Qatar. organising the event. (TNN) thing with the ball rather than Klizan retired with an ankle Australian Open. 18 Monday, March 11, 2019 Sports Al RAYYAN SET TO ROAR AGAINST UZBEK CLUB TODAY Messi, Suarez both score to keep Barcelona clear at the top DPA more importance than that. BARCELONA He fought to score and we al- ways think he is going to pull BARCELONA maintained something out of the hat. The their seven-point lead at the secret is to persevere.” top of La Liga with a 3-1 win Pique was asked if he over Rayo Vallecano on Sat- thought the league was now urday at the Camp Nou. a two-team affair between Rayo stunned the league Barcelona and Atletico Ma- leaders on 24 minutes when drid, who earlier managed a Raul de Tomas put the Ma- 1-0 win over Leganes. drid club, second from bot- Third-placed Real Ma- tom in the table, ahead. drid are now 15 points behind A long ball forward from Barcelona but play Sunday at Alvaro found the Real Ma- Valladolid. Pique said: “We drid loanee and he got away are not going to rule out any- from Nelson Semedo and body until they can’t catch us Gerard Pique before shoot- mathematically.” ing past Marc Andre ter Ste- Atletico’s Saul Niguez gen. scored the only goal of their Barcelona equalised game on 50 minutes. on 38 minutes when Pique Angel Correa was was left unmarked to head brought down in the area in a Lionel Messi free-kick. and although Saul’s spot- Messi then made it 2-1 on kick was saved, he scored the 51 minutes scoring a pen- rebound. alty after Semedo had been Atletico could have ex- Al Rayyan coach Gilson Souza (right) and player Mohammed Alaaeldin during their AFC Champions League press conference at Al Sadd stadium in Doha on Sunday. brought down in the area by tended their lead with Thom- Jordi Amat. as Partey hitting the crossbar Luis Suarez sealed the from long range. Rodrigo points when he ran on to a appeared to foul Leganes pass from Ivan Rakitic to winger Jose Arnaiz late on Rayyan have chance to score the third eight minutes but referee Mateu Lahoz from time. There were some waved play on. whistles from Barcelona sup- “It was a hard-fought porters for Philippe Coutin- win,” said scorer Saul. ho when he was replaced by “I was lucky with the pen- Rakitic with 10 minutes left. alty because the ball came beat Lokomotiv: Souza Barcelona coach Ernesto straight back to me.” Later Valverde said: “In any club Getafe moved to within three in the world there are mas- points of Real Madrid with a The task for the Lions is to put up better defence and coordination between midfield and attack sive expectations to win and 2-1 win over Huesca. In Sat- at this club even more so. urday’s other match Alaves IKOLI VICTOR The Lions have now been dah. He stressed the need to edition when they defeated “We cannot give it any drew 1-1 with Eibar. DOHA beaten in their past three Concern for forget the run of poor results Nasaf home and away before games on the continent, and that players should focus exiting at the group stage. AL Rayyan look to turn the stretching back to April last defence on the upcoming games to While Al Rayyan will need page on their worst week in year. return the team to winning to find someone to step up in a long time by earning a vic- Speaking at the pre-match O Al Rayyan will need to find ways. the attack, the biggest concern tory in their AFC Champions press conference on Sun- someone to step up in the Lokomotiv, meanwhile, is the defence. With twelve League Group B match on day, new coach Souza said: attack, the biggest concern got off to the perfect start last goals conceded in their last Monday when it host Uzbeki- “We have a chance to return is the defense. With twelve week when goals from Te- three matches, the Lions have stan’s Lokomotiv at Jassim and achieve a positive result goals conceded in their last murkhuja Abdukholikov and fallen out of form and just Bin Hamad Stadium. against Lokomotiv, who have three matches, the Lions Islom Tukhtakhujaev secured look heartless. Al Rayyan have lost three a good team and play in a have fallen out of form and a 2-0 victory over the United The task for Rayyan is matches in a row, two in the high-speed and fast-perform- Arab Emirates’ Al Wahda in to put up better defence and QNB Stars League against ing way, but we’ll strive to just look heartless. Tashkent. ensure coordination between Al Sadd and Shahaniya and provide the best and equip the The Uzbek champions, midfield and attack. the third to Al Ittihad in the team to win the game.” whose domestic league has Souza will rely on the ser- Champions League last Mon- “We need time to harmo- yet to begin, have exited at vices of veteran Rodrigo Taba- day. nise the technical and tacti- I have trained several teams, the group stage in the past ta to provide all the ammuni- Turkish coach Bulent Uy- cal aspects with the players,” and I have trained the first two years but a second suc- tion for the attacking players, gun resigned from his position Souza added. team for a long time.” cessive win would put them while Gonzalo Viera will following mounting pressure The Brazilian clarified the Asian Cup winner Mo- in a strong position after two provide cover from the back. coming off their demoralis- position about his new role hammed Alaaeldin revealed games. Lucca Borges and Gelmin Ri- ing 5-1 loss to Saudi’s Al Hi- in the Rayyan technical crew, that the players met with Al Rayyan, who have never vas are expected to be the ar- lal, where he gave way for the “This is not my first match the administrative officials faced Lokomotiv in the AFC rowhead in the attack with Se- Barcelona’s forward Lionel Messi (centre) vies for the ball with Rayo club’s Under-23 coach Gilson with Al Rayyan as I have been in order to restore normalcy Champions League, last faced bastian Soria is likely to play a Vallecano’s players during the Spanish league match at the Camp Nou Souza, who has taken charge. with the club for nine years. following the big loss in Jed- Uzbek opposition in the 2012 substitute role. Stadium in Barcelona on Saturday. (AFP)

Politano, Gagliardini lift Inter Liverpool restore Premier League before Milan derby showdown credentials as Arsenal end Man U run AFP assist nine minutes later. MILAN The race for Champions League football remains tight AFP MATTEO Politano and Rob- with Roma, Torino and Atal- LONDON erto Gagliardini scored in the anta six points behind fourth- second half as Inter Milan beat placed Inter Milan. LIVERPOOL cut Manchester SPAL 2-0 on Sunday to revive Torino continued their City’s lead at the top of the Pre- their Champions League chase impressive form with An- mier League to a single point before next week’s derby show- drea Belotti bagging a brace on Sunday as Manchester down with local rivals AC Mi- to extend their winning run to United slipped to their first do- lan. Inter had taken just a point three games with a 2-1 win at mestic defeat under Ole Gun- from their last two games, fall- Frosinone. nar Solskjaer at Arsenal. ing at Cagliari last time out, and Walter Mazzarri’s side Chelsea, also in the hunt desperately needed a morale- move sixth and into the Eu- for the Champions League boosting win to keep pace with ropa League places, level on 44 qualification spots, needed AC Milan before next week’s points with Roma, who play at a last-gasp equaliser from Derby della Madonnina. Empoli on Monday under new Eden Hazard to earn 1-1 draw The win keeps Inter one coach Claudio Ranieri, and Ata- against Wolves. point behind third-placed AC lanta who beat Sampdoria 2-1. A disappointing run of Milan who beat bottom club Colombian Duvan Zapata results has badly dented Liv- Chievo 2-1 on Saturday for a broke through for the Bergamo erpool’s bid for a first English fifth league win in a row. outfit on 50 minutes and Robin league title since 1990 and Argentina star Mauro Icar- Gosens scored the winner after fans’ nerves were jangling after di remained on the Inter side- 77 minutes. they fell behind against strug- lines and has not played since Fabio Quagliarella had gling Burnley at Anfield on Liverpool’s midfielder Roberto Firmino (centre) celebrates scoring their Arsenal’s striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang celebrates scoring his being stripped of the captaincy equalised for Sampdoria from Sunday. third goal during the English Premier League match against Burnley at goal from the penalty spot during their EPL match at the Emirates a month ago. the spot on 67 minutes as the But Roberto Firmino and Anfield in Liverpool, on Sunday.(AFP) Stadium in London on Sunday. (AFP) Luciano Spalletti’s side 36-year-old went top of the Se- Sadio Mane both scored twice were frustrated in the first half rie A goal-scoring charts with as Jurgen Klopp’s team battled sure that we stay in this really tonishing Champions League The home side doubled two seasons away from Eu- by SPAL who are just two points 20 in 27 games, one more than back to win 4-2, lifting them interesting competition on top comeback against Paris Saint- their lead midway through rope’s top club competition. above the relegation zone. Juventus star Cristiano Ron- to 73 points, one behind Pep of the table. We have no prob- Germain in midweek and with- the second half when Pierre- - Hazard strike -Earlier, Lautaro Martinez looked to aldo. Bologna earned a valuable Guardiola’s City, who saw off lem with confidence, we’re in out a single domestic defeat Emerick Aubameyang scored Hazard came to Chelsea’s res- have given Inter the lead after three points with a 2-0 win over Watford on Saturday. a good moment.” Tottenham’s since interim boss Solskjaer from the penalty spot after cue in injury time, firing in half an hour on front of 61,000 relegation rivals Cagliari. “The message from today third defeat in four Premier took over in mid-December. Fred was penalised for bring- from long range to grab a point fans in the San Siro but a VAR Erick Pulgar converted a is that nobody gets rid of us,” League matches on Saturday But Granit Xhaka shocked ing down Alexandre Lacazette. as they drew 1-1 with Wolves at review awarded handball. 34th-minute penalty with Rob- said a defiant Klopp, whose has thrown the race for the the visitors early, with David Arsenal’s 2-0 victory lifted Stamford Bridge. The hosts also lost Croatian erto Soriano adding a second team had won just two of their top four -- the passport to the de Gea badly misjudging his Unai Emery’s side to within Chelsea enjoyed the bulk of midfielder Marcelo Brozovic, on 77 minutes to give Bologna previous six Premier League Champions League -- wide swerving shot. one point of north London the possession but Wolves took who limped off and was re- just their fourth win of the sea- matches. “We had the perfect open. United came back strongly rivals Spurs and meant they the lead through Raul Jimenez placed by Antonio Candreva. son. mixture of fighting the oppo- United travelled to the but were unable to take their leapfrogged United in the pro- in the 56th minute with their Politano finally broke Bologna remain third from nent and playing football. Emirates Stadium brimful chances, thwarted by Bernd cess as they target a return to first shot on goal after an inci- through after 68 minutes with bottom with Cagliari just six “All we have to do is make of confidence after their as- Leno in the Arsenal goal. the Champions League after sive counter-attack. Gagliardini turning in a Cedric points clear of safety. Sports Monday, March 11, 2019 19

FIFA WORLD CUP QATAR 2022 Concrete works at stadium ‘Gahfiya’ design The design of the 40,000-seat stadium is Qatar Gymnastics Federation inspired by the ‘gahfiya’ President Ali al Hitmi. headpiece worn by men in in Al Thumama completed Qatar and across the MENA region. It is the first QGF gears venue to be designed solely by a Qatari architect, up for Artistic Ibrahim Mohammed Jaidah. Gymnastics ONSTRUCTION of Al Thumama Sta- World Cup dium, a host venue for the FIFA World QNA CupC Qatar 2022, continues DOHA to progress rapidly with the stadium concrete works now AHEAD of the 12th Artistic completed. Gymnastics World Cup to The team building the be held at the Aspire Dome venue – proposed to host from March 20 to 23, Qatar games up to and including Gymnastics Federation (QGF) the quarter-final stage – is in- President Ali al Hitmi said stalling the steel and cables in that the success of the World preparation for the operation Gymnastics Championships, known as the ‘big lift’ of the hosted by Doha for the first roof structure. time in the region back in Oc- Al Thumama Stadium tober, will reflect positively on Project Manager, Saoud al An- More than 50,000 m3 of concrete have been cast at the site, the next Doha round. sari, said: “The roof columns while 2,285 tonnes of steel have been installed and approximately Speaking to the media, Al and compression ring serve as 38,400 m2 of masonry works have been completed. Hitmi discussed the prepara- an integral part for the roof’s tions for the Doha round with structure. Successfully install- 58 countries participating. He ing these items means we are a expected to take approxi- different countries including After Qatar 2022, Al ments, such as a hotel and a ly employed. Another design said that they take the task of step closer to the big lift, which mately seven to 14 days.” USA, Spain, Japan, South Thumama Stadium’s seat- sports clinic. target is to decrease the car- organising the round as a chal- is considered the main event More than 50,000 m³ of Korea, Luxemburg, Turkey, ing capacity will be reduced Given its potential loca- bon footprint of the structure lenge that they want to succeed in stadium construction.” concrete have been cast at Germany and Switzerland. from 40,000 to 20,000. The tion as a major component of in the long term, which is tar- in, especially after having organ- He continued: “The big the site, while 2,285 tonnes of The design of the 40,000- 20,000 seats removed from the south region, the precinct geting a four-star Global Sus- ised the world championships. lift requires the use of 80 hy- steel have been installed and seat stadium is inspired by the stadium will be donated to will provide a long-term focus tainability Assessment System On whether the participa- draulic jacks and 10 hydraulic approximately 38,400 m² of the ‘gahfiya’ headpiece worn countries in need of sporting on sport, leisure, community, (GSAS) certification for both tion of the largest number of pumps installed around the masonry works have been by men in Qatar and across infrastructure. housing and cultural uses. design, and construction. competitors in this version compression ring to carefully completed. the MENA region. It is the It is envisaged the sta- Cooling technology was Main contractor works adds to the pressure for the lift an intricate 727-tonne Materials to build Al Thu- first venue to be designed dium will be transformed into also devised in the design of at Al Thumama Stadium are organising committee, he said cable net system into place. mama Stadium are brought solely by a Qatari architect, a ‘sport city’ complemented the stadium where 2,500 con- scheduled for completion by that the number of partici- This laborious procedure is from many providers from Ibrahim Mohammed Jaidah. by other mixed use develop- struction workers are current- 2020. (SC.QA) pants was the highest in the history of the competition. He, however, maintained that they are well capable of organising the competition. He added that everyone is working on showing the real image of Qatar, highlighting that the federation has strat- egy for hosting the large num- ber of participants. On the most important gains from hosting the world championships and the Word Cup, he said that the eyes of participating countries will be on Qatar at a time the country is subjected to an unjust block- ade and fake news propagated against Qatar. He highlighted that the best way to respond to those lies is by organising ma- jor international tournaments After Qatar 2022, Al Thumama Stadium’s seating capacity will be reduced from 40,000 to 20,000. The 20,000 seats removed from the stadium will be donated to countries in need of sporting infrastructure. that will show the real image It is envisaged the stadium will be transformed into a ‘sport city’ complemented by other mixed use developments, such as a hotel and a sports clinic. of Qatar to the world.

Qatar Olympic Committee 40th Anniversary celebrations Aneesh and Salim star as Team Qatar’s Selex emerge champions women TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK overs. The two however Aneesh was declared the handball DOHA succeeded in cutting short Man of the Final for his top Mosanada innings, despite bowling show. team’s A three-wicket haul each by An- Anwar Afridi’s superb unde- Qatar Airways was the of- eesh and Salim propelled Selex feated half-century. ficial airline sponsor of the masterclass to an eight-wicket win over Afridi blasted three fours annual Qatar Cricket Tourna- Mosanda to emerge as champi- and as many sixes to get 51 not ment. QCA President Yousuf ons in the Qatar Airways Divi- out off just 28 balls. Jeham al Kuwari and QCA to students sion A Twenty20 Tournament Ahmed Khan made 17 with Operations Manager Manzoor at the West Bay Ground. two sixes in 22 deliveries. Ahmad congratulated the win- TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK The double-edged attack of In reply, Selex suffered two ners Selex for their fine all- DOHA Aneesh and Salim saw the two blows but the target was not big round performance. skittle Mosanada, batting first, enough to pose any real threat. SCORES: Division A Final AHEAD of Qatar Olympic for 106 runs in 17 overs. With Asif Abdullah and Afnas Mosanada: 106 all out in 17 Committee’s (QOC) 40th an- Aneesh was particularly batting fluently, they achieved overs (Anwar Afridi 51 not out in niversary celebration, Team more effective of the two. He the target in 13.5 overs. 28 balls, Ahmed Khan Qatar’s women’s handball just gave away 11 runs in his ex- Abdullah cracked half 17; Aneesh 3/11, Salim 3/35) team made a special visit to but the students had the op- tremely economical four-over a dozen fours in his 38-ball lost to Selex: 108 for two in Al Shefaa Primary School for portunity to be coached by spell picking up three wickets unbeaten knock of 48. He 13.5 overs (Asif Abdullah 48 girls for another memorable professionals as well as learn with one over being a maiden. was well supported by Afnas, no.o., Afnas 30 n.o.; Shahbaz masterclass. more about living a sporty In contrast, Salim’s three whose 22-ball unbeaten 30 1/16, Hasan 1/24) by 8 wkts. The female athletes went life and how they can be- wickets cost him 35 in four had three hits to the fence. Man of the final: Aneesh (Selex). on a mission to raise aware- come more involved in sports ness and promote physical around the country. activity amongst young girls Commenting on the visit, as well as to highlight the im- school principle Najlaa al portance of working as a team. Kuwari said, “With Interna- Through the two-hour master- tional Women’s Day being cel- class session, aspiring school- ebrated all over the world this girls were able to grasp the week, it was good timing for basic knowledge of handball our schoolgirls to look up at as well as learn more about the the team encouraged students enal experience that brought inspirational role models from national women’s team and to warm up and learn how back good memories from my the female handball team. I what motivates them. to work as a team with their childhood. was glad to see our students Six of Team Qatar’s female classmates by passing the ball Starting any sport from engage with the athletes and handball athletes delivered an around to one another. grassroots is important and show interest in handball – inspirational masterclass to Team Qatar’s handball I’m grateful to see schools in- many are interested to take 30 female students from the playmaker Maryam al Suwai- vest time in physical educa- up team sport and consider a 6th grade. di commented on her school tion and encourage a culture healthy lifestyle.” During the session, ath- visit experience: “I remember of sport and physical activity”. QOC is celebrating its 40th letes took the opportunity to being 13 and full of energy The masterclass included anniversary on March 14 and first introduce themselves and excited to try new sports tips on passing the ball, com- to celebrate the occasion, the to the 12-year-old students and interests. I remember the municating with team mem- QOC in collaboration with and give a brief background first time I tried handball and bers, controlling techniques the Ministry of education and about handball, its rules and realized that my passion lies on court and learning about higher education and national team structure. Before going within sport. Engaging with the scoring system. Not only federations are arranging for The Selex team with Qatar Cricket Association officials and the trophy at the West Bay ground. straight into trying handball, the students was a phenom- was this an effective workout 40 school visits this year.