THURSDAY 6 FEBRUARY 2020 SPORTSPORT 07

FOOTBALL FOOTBALL Everyone knows how much I love racing in London, but my Y’S Copa Del Rey: Real Amir Cup: Round of priority is to be fit, healthy and competitive for the summer A Madrid vs Real 16 matches in season and for that reason I have had to make the tough D Sociedad Doha O ACTION

decision, Mo Farah says as he withdraws from Big Half race TODAY’S T

NFL notebook: Antetokounmpo powers Bucks to Jaguars set for two games victory as Lakers thrash Spurs in London

AFP — LOS ANGELES sting of losing to Toronto in last year’s Eastern Conference final REUTERS — NEW YORK Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Reigning NBA Most Valuable and failing to lift the Bucks into Antetokounmpo (left) shoots over Player Giannis Antetokounmpo their first NBA Finals since 1974, The Jacksonville Jaguars will New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion scored 34 points and grabbed three years after Milwaukee become the first NFL team to 17 rebounds to lead the league- won its only title. Williamson during their NBA game. play two home games outside leading Milwaukee Bucks over That’s why chasing the NBA the United States in the same the New Orleans Pelicans one-season best record of 73-9 season when they host a pair 120-108. by Golden State is not the Bucks’ of contests in London during Antetokounmpo hit 12-of-17 major goal. the 2020 campaign. from the floor and 9-of-13 free “It’s going to be good if we The games will be held on throws while adding six assists, win 70 games. All that hard consecutive Sundays, the team a steal and a blocked shot as the work is going to pay off,” announced, and the potential Bucks improved their NBA-best Antetokounmpo said. opponents for those home record to 43-7 thanks to a 42-24 “It’s going to be even better games are Houston, Indiana- scoring edge in the third if we get better every game and polis, Tennessee, Cleveland, quarter. play for the championship.” Detroit and Miami. “I had a good game but I Brandon Ingram led the The Jaguars will receive could get host Pelicans with 32 points, additional revenue with two better,”Antetokounmpo said. while 19-year-old rookie star games in London, making the “Closing down the third Zion Williamson had 20 points decision the correct one in the quarter, we didn’t do a good job. despite 5-of-19 shooting from eyes of team president Mark We got sloppy.” the floor with seven rebounds Lamping as the team works The Greek star still feels the and five assists. toward gaining approval of a proposed $700m enter- tainment district development around TIAA Bank Field. --The Jaguars also announced the hiring of former San Francisco 49ers general manager Trent Baalke to be their director of player “I’m happy he’s going to be NBA RESULTS Harden, chasing a third consec- personnel. out there and help his team Milwaukee 120 New Orleans 108 utive NBA scoring crown, In Baalke’s first three win,” Antetokounmpo said. poured in 40 points, passed off seasons with the 49ers, the Houston 125 Charlotte 110 “It’s good playing against 12 assists and grabbed nine team went to three straight Denver 127 Portland 99

him. It’s going to be a great duel rebounds to power the Houston NFC Championship Games and

LA Lakers 129 San Antonio 102 for a lot of years.” Rockets over visiting Charlotte one Super Bowl, losing to the In Los Angeles, the Lakers 125-110. Baltimore Ravens following got 36 points, nine assists and Harden could match the the 2012 season. seven rebounds from LeBron Lakers’ lead from 87-77 to 108-87 third-longest run of scoring --Free agent tight end Greg James and 18 points from and seal San Antonio’s fate. titles in NBA history, behind Olsen will visit the Seattle Sea- Anthony Davis and Kyle Kuzma “LeBron came out and hit only the record seven seasons hawks, multiple outlets as the hosts rolled over the San five straight threes in 3 1/2 in a row of scoring crowns won reported. It was reported Antonio Spurs 129-102. minutes, he got the lead for us by Michael and Wilt Monday that the former The Lakers improved the and closed out the game early,” Chamberlain. Carolina Panthers star would best record in the Western Con- Davis said. Serbian centre Nikola Jokic visit the Buffalo Bills and ference to 38-11, 3 1/2 games “We just want to come out scored 29 points, grabbed 13 Washington Redskins in the ahead of the second-place Los and make sure we play defense rebounds and passed out nine near future. Angeles Clippers. every night.” assists to spark the Denver Olsen, 34, hasn’t yet James sank five 3-pointers in DeMar DeRozan led the Nuggets over visiting Portland decided if he will play another Houston Rockets guard James Harden (left) drives against Charlotte the first 3 1/2 minutes of the Spurs with 28 points. 127-99. Damian Lillard led the NFL season or go into broad- Hornets forward Cody Martin during their NBA game. fourth quarter to stretch the NBA scoring leader James Trail Blazers with 21 points. casting with Fox. MLB: Dodgers to acquire Ovechkin’s hat-trick too much Betts and Price from for Kings; Jackets edge Panthers Red Sox, say reports REUTERS — WASHINGTON

REUTERS — LOS ANGELES about half of the $96m owed Alex Ovechkin scored three to Price, with other reports consecutive third-period goals The Los Angeles Dodgers are confirming the Red Sox did in less than five minutes as the set to acquire stars Mookie send cash to the Dodgers as Washington Capitals rallied for Betts and David Price from part of the deal. a 4-2 victory over the visiting Boston Red Sox, multiple Betts is a four-time All- Los Angeles Kings. media outlets reported. Star and a four-time Gold The Kings held a 2-1 lead Outfielder Alex Verdugo Glove winner. before Ovechkin pulled off his would head to Boston in the In 2019, hit.295 with quick hat trick, with the last deal that also reportedly a.391 on-base percentage, goal being a long empty-netter. would include the Minnesota a.524 slugging percentage, 29 Ovechkin has 14 goals in his Twins. Right-hander Kenta homers, 80 RBIs and a past seven games, 40 this Maeda would move from the major-league-high 135 runs. season and 698 in his career. Dodgers to the Twins, with A year earlier, his Braden Holtby started in right-hander Brusdar line was goal for the Capitals after sitting Graterol moving from Min- .346/.438/.640 with 32 the past two games in favor of nesota to Boston. homers, 80 RBIs and big- rookie Ilya Samsonov, who won Numerous reports stated league-leading 129 runs. 11 straight decisions before that the deal is incomplete He also topped the AL in losing Sunday. Holtby made 29 pending medical reviews of batting average and slugging saves. the principals. percentage in 2018. Blue Jackets 1, Panthers 0 Betts, a 27-year-old right For his six-year career, Zach Werenski scored 1:54 fielder, was the American all with the Red Sox, Betts into overtime as Columbus League’s Most Valuable has a.301/.374/.519 batting extended its point streak to nine Player in 2018, when he line with 139 homers, 470 games with a home victory over Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (right) celebrates with team-mates after scoring a goal helped lead the Red Sox to RBIs and 613 runs in 794 Florida. against the Los Angeles Kings during their NHL game. the World Series games. Werenski, who recorded a championship. Price, slowed by injuries hat-trick in a 4-1 home win over beyond regulation. Nashville’s play after Montreal was called three assists as Colorado scored He will make $27m in numerous times in his career, Florida on December 31, took Juuse Saros stopped 33 of 34 for having too many men on the four goals in the second period 2020 after avoiding arbi- went 7-5 with a 4.28 ERA in the puck on the far boards, shots while Winnipeg’s Connor ice, and the Devils pulled goalie to win easily in Buffalo. tration, and he has stated his 22 starts last year. skated in and beat ex-Blue Hellebuyck stopped 34 of 36 Louis Domingue to set up the Islanders 4, Stars 3 plans to head into free The five-time All-Star is Jackets goaltender Sergei shots. The Jets’ Mason Appleton tying tally. Anthony Beauvillier scored agency next winter. 150-80 with a 3.31 ERA in 321 Bobrovsky for the game’s lone and the Predators’ Nick Bonino Ducks 3, Senators 2 his second goal of the game In an attempt to get career games (311 starts) for goal. scored first-period goals. Ondrej Kase scored in reg- with 2:08 left in overtime as something back for Betts the Tampa Bay Rays, Detroit Rookie Elvis Merzlikins Canadiens 5, Devils 4 ulation and a shootout to lift host New York rallied to beat before losing him, the Red Tigers, Toronto Blue Jays and made 32 saves for his fourth Ilya Kovalchuk scored the Anaheim to a win at Ottawa. Dallas. Beauvillier also opened Sox also apparently found a Boston. shutout of the season for winning goal in a shootout as Nick Ritchie also scored a the scoring in the first period. way to unload Price’s bloated Verdugo, 23, Columbus, 8-0-1 in its last nine Montreal overcame a three- regulation goal for Anaheim, Derick Brassard and Mathew contract. Price, a 34-year-old hit.294/.342/.475 with 12 games and 18-2-5 since goal deficit and bounced back and John Gibson made 30 saves. Barzal added goals for the left-hander who is a former homers and 44 RBIs in 106 December 9. from allowing the tying goal in Rikard Rakell scored the Islanders, who have earned Cy Young Award winner, still games for Los Angeles in Predators 2, Jets 1 the final seconds of regulation clincher in the shootout. Drake points in four straight games has three years and $96m left 2019, appearing at all three Mikael Granlund’s one- to edge New Jersey in Newark, Batherson and Artem Anisimov (2-0-2). Semyon Varlamov on the seven-year, $217m outfield positions. timer off the post 1:11 into N.J. scored power-play goals, Mike recorded 28 saves. deal he signed in December Over three major league overtime gave Nashville a Kyle Palmieri scored the Reilly had two assists, and Denis Gurianov, Jason Dick- 2015. seasons, all with the Dodgers, victory at Winnipeg. tying goal on a rebound during Marcus Hogberg made 26 saves inson and John Klingberg MLB Network’s Jon he has a.282/.335/.449 hitting Granlund’s 11th goal of the a scramble in front of the net for the Senators. scored for the Stars, who had a Heyman reported that the line with 14 homers and 49 season gave the Predators their with 19.4 seconds remaining on Avalanche 6, Sabres 1 Andre two-game winning streak Dodgers are expected to pay RBIs in 158 games. third win in four games, with a six-on-four. Burakovsky tied his career high snapped. Ben Bishop made 37 two of those victories coming New Jersey had a power in goals for a season and added saves. 08 SPORT THURSDAY 6 FEBRUARY 2020 Al Attiyah eyes sixth Oman Rally title

THE PENINSULA — MUSCAT A winner of five Oman rallies and a veteran of a The Sultanate of Oman returns record-breaking 73 MERC rally wins, Al Attiyah teams to the international rallying up with Matthieu Baumel of France who, himself, has arena for the first time since I am really looking won 21 regional rallies. 2015 this weekend when the forward to participate Oman Automobile Association hosts the Oman International Al Attiyah faces competition in the R5 category from in this rally. I am Rally, the opening round of the two rivals. His cousin Nasser Khalifa Al Attiyah drives pleased that the 2020 FIA Middle East Rally a Ford Fiesta R5 and Oman’s Abdullah Al Ruwahi has Oman International Championship (MERC). graduated from the MERC 2 category and a Subaru Eighteen teams will tackle Rally has returned to Impreza STi to drive a second of the powerful Fords. three days of competitive action the MERC again after on demanding gravel special stages in the Al Hajar mountains around five years. and the defending regional For me, this is one of champion Nasser Saleh Al the best rallies in the Attiyah tops the seeded entry list in his Volkswagen Polo GTI Middle East: Nasser R5. Saleh Al Attiyah After the ceremonial start at the Oman Automobile Associ- ation (OAA), the timed action gets under way at 15.49hrs this Nasser Saleh afternoon with a short super Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah during a rally in this lelfilee photopphophot hohotophoto.otototo. Al Attiyah special stage of 3.55km. Spec- tators are welcome to attend the stage taking place at the OAA. A winner of five Oman best rallies in the Middle East. Impreza STi to drive a second is relishing the challenge of suc- rounds off tthehe cchampionshiphampionship thisthis rallies and a veteran of a “The stages remind me a of the powerful Fords. ceeding against his international year.” record-breaking 73 MERC rally little of Rally Finland. But you Al Ruwahi said: “This is the rivals on home gravel stages. Omanini rival Khalid Al ManManjiji wins, Al Attiyah teams up with can see the mountains and opening round of the Middle The Mitsubishi driver said: added: “After“After stopping raral-l- Matthieu Baumel of France enjoy a different landscape. I East and it will be held in Oman. “I am the driver for the 968 lying forr fivefive years, I am who, himself, has won 21 have taken part in this rally a We are very happy to have the Racing Team. I am excited for returningng at the Oman regional rallies. lot and I hope everybody will championship back here. This the Oman International Rally, Rally. Myy lastlast rallyrally was Competitors passed through succeed and make it to the will be my first time partici- the first round of the Middle this eventnt in 2015. I administration and technical finish. Hopefully we can do our pating in an R5. I am still getting East Rally Championship. I will have an N14 SubaruSubaru checks yesterday. best to win the rally.” used to it. I hope everything will be competing with a Mit- and am ccompetingompeting in An upbeat Al Attiyah said: “I Al Attiyah faces competition go well. The stages in Oman are subishi Evo IX in Group N and Group N.N. The stagesstages am really looking forward to in the R5 category from two very tough and beautiful as well. am looking forward to the are veryy nicenice as participate in this rally. I am rivals. His cousin Nasser Khalifa The goal is to finish on the battle with the Middle East usual. I kknownow mmostost pleased that the Oman Interna- Al Attiyah drives a Ford Fiesta podium.” champions in this category. I of them, but they tional Rally has returned to the R5 and Oman’s Abdullah Al Omani drivers dominate the will be working hard to finish have beenbeen MERC again after around five Ruwahi has graduated from the country’s return to the regional in the top three in the event regradedd andand years. For me, this is one of the MERC 2 category and a Subaru rallying scene and Zakaria Al Aufi and to participate in more are well done.dodone.”ne.”

Chinese GP in doubt as Shanghai suspends all sporting events

REUTERS —SHANGHAI could join the growing list of to urge employees to protect championships scheduled to sports events already post- themselves,” it added. be held in Nanjing on March Shanghai sports authorities poned or cancelled. China said another 65 13-15, which have been post- have recommended the sus- The Shanghai Sports people had died as of Tuesday, poned until next year. pension of all sporting events General Association, in a the highest daily total yet, The all-electric Formula E in the city due to the corona- notice yesterday, instructed all taking the overall toll on the motor racing series has aban- virus outbreak, casting further sporting bodies to suspend mainland to 490, most in and doned plans for a race in Sanya doubt on whether the Chinese sport events until the threat is around the locked-down next month. Grand Prix will take place. over and “formulate a plan for central city of Wuhan, where , badminton and The fourth Grand Prix of epidemic prevention to avoid the virus emerged late last boxing qualifying tournaments the season is scheduled for internal infections”. year. for this year’s Olympics April 19 in Shanghai and the “Organisations should also The outbreak has affected have also been postponed, Renault’s Australian driver Daniel Ricciardo (front) drives his viability of the race will be dis- implement a daily hygiene numerous international sports rescheduled or moved, while car during the Formula One Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai, cussed by Formula One bosses management system and events in China. Among them an LPGA Tour golf tournament in this April 14, 2019 file photo. this week amid speculation it strengthen health education was the world indoor athletics has been moved to next year.

CADF confirms World Indoor Tour: Astana team report Sweden's Duplantis leak, taking no narrowly misses disciplinary action pole vault record

REUTERS — LONDON REUTERS — DUSSELDORF

The Cycling Anti-Doping Foundation (CADF) said World silver medallist Mondo Duplantis yesterday it “deeply regretted” the leaking of a narrowly missed setting a world record but report into possible anti-doping violations by the still cleared a season leading 6.00 metres to Astana team and confirmed that it had not win the pole vault at the World Athletics initiated disciplinary proceedings. Indoor Tour meeting in Dusseldorf. Reports in Danish media this week, allegedly The American-born Swede was bidding based on the leaked 24-page CADF report, for a world record 6.17 metres when he claimed the high-profile Danish Astana rider brushed off the bar with his arm during his Jakob Fuglsang had met banned doctor Michele second attempt at the height. Had Duplantis Ferrari last year. succeeded, he would have topped Astana, Ferrari and Fuglsang, winner of last Frenchman Renaud Lavillenie’s 6.16m set year’s Criterium du Dauphine and Liege-Bas- in Ukraine on February 15, 2014. togne-Liege races, all strenuously denied the “I thought it was possible,” Duplantis said claims made in the publication Politiken along of the record attempt at his opening indoor with Danish state television DR and Norwegian meeting. daily VG. “You don’t think that everything’s going Italy’s Niccolo Bonifazio of Total Direct Energie Team crosses the finish line to win the second stage Cycling’s governing body the UCI also issued to be put together in your first meet just of the Saudi Tour, from Sadus Castle to Al Bujairi near Riyadh, yesterday. a statement saying it had not received a report because you’re physically fit. But it came from the CADF in order to initiate proceedings together. It came together nicely. “ against individuals or the team. World champion Sam Kendricks finished In a statement yesterday, cycling’s inde- Saudi Tour: Italy's Bonifazio second at 5.80m. pendent anti-doping body the CADF said it had Five other season leads were set at the acted on information it had received into pos- German meeting. sible anti-doping violations and had asked intel- Norway’s Filip Ingebrigtsen took the ligence service provider Sportradar to conduct clinches win in second stage men’s 1,500 in 3:36.32, while Beatrice Chep- additional research. koech, the 3,000m steeplechase record RIYADH “Sportradar’s subsequent report was shared SAUDI TOUR AFP — Stage 1 winner Rui Costa holder, won the women’s 1,500 in a Kenyan in strict confidentiality and in a secured manner maintains a wafer thin lead indoor record 4:02.09. with a selection of relevant anti-doping bodies Stage 2 A late break from the peloton after the 187km run from Sadus In a fast 3,000m race, Ethiopian Selemon and law enforcement agencies,” the statement 1. Niccolo Bonifazio (ITA/TDE) 4hrs by Niccolo Bonifazio lit up the Castle to the outskirts of Barega powered past Kenya’s Bethwell said. 32min 31sec 2. Phil Bauhaus (GER/BAH) final kilometre of stage 2 of the Riyadh, just one second ahead Birgen on the final straight to win in 7:35.71. “The CADF treated the information contained at 02sec 3. Nacer Bouhanni (FRA/ARK) Saudi Tour yesterday as the of Heinrich Haussler, with Bou- Ethiopian Getnet Wale beat out Birgen for in the report with extreme care. At no point did same time. Italian held on for victory just hanni a further second back in second. it share the findings with any other third party, 4. Timothy Dupont (BEL/CIW) s.t. two seconds ahead of the fast third. including media representatives. 5. Jens Debusschere (BEL/B&B) s.t. closing pack. Bonifazio is down in 91st The Swede was bidding for a “The CADF deeply regrets that the report was Overall Standings In perfect racing conditions place, over eight minutes world record 6.17 metres when he leaked, and an inquiry is being conducted to 1. Rui Costa (POR/UAE) 8hrs 24min Total-Direct Energie rider Bon- behind after crashing during brushed off the bar with his arm understand how the file was made public and 35sec 2. Heinrich Haussler (AUS/BAH) at ifazio won in 4hrs 32mins and the first stage. during his second attempt at the prevent this from happening again.” 31sec with his early sprint, and Today’s shorter but hilly 1sec 3. Nacer Bouhanni (FRA/ARK) 2sec The Swiss-based organisation confirmed that was quickly followed across 119km run from King Saud Uni- height. Had Duplantis succeeded, “after careful review” it had not submitted the 4. Phil Bauhaus (GER/BAH) 4sec 5. An- the line by German Phil versity to Al Bujairi will poten- he would have topped Frenchman report to the UCI. dreas Lorentz Kron (DEN/Riwal Readyn- Bauhaus of the Bahrain- tially shake up the standings Renaud Lavillenie’s 6.16m set in

According to Politiken, the CADF report stated ez Cycling Team) at 9sec dga/dmc/td 02 McLaren team, Frenchman with a further hilly stage before Ukraine in 2014. that Fuglsang had met Ferrari at the 2019 Volta - TELEFONICA DEUTSCHLAND HOLDING Nacer Bouhanni of Arkea- Saturday’s flat final stage run a Catalunya. Samsic and a host of others. around Riyadh. THURSDAY 6 FEBRUARY 2020 SPORT 09

SCOREBOARD T Blundell st Rahul b Yadav ...... 9 Taylor-made win as Black P Shaw c Latham b de Grandhomme 20 R Taylor () ...... 109 M Agarwal c Blundell b Southee ...... 32 T Latham c Shami b Yadav ...... 69 V Kohli b Sodhi ...... 51 J Neesham c Jadhav b Shami ...... 9 S Iyer c Santner b Southee ...... 103 C de Grandhomme run out Kohli ...... 1 Caps down India in run-fest KL Rahul (not out) ...... 88 M Santner (not out) ...... 12 K Jadhav (not out) ...... 26 Extras (LB 4, W 24, NB 1) ...... 29 AFP — HAMILTON Extras (LB 7, W 19, NB1) ...... 27 Total (6 wkts) ...... 348 An unbeaten century from Total (4 , 50 overs) ...... 347 Fall of wickets: 1-85, 2-109, 3-171 veteran batsman Ross Taylor Fall of wickets: 1-50, 2-54, 3-156, 4-292 4-309, 5-328, 6-331 powered New Zealand to a Bowling: Southee 10-1-85-2 (w1), Ben- Bowling: Bumrah 10-1-53-0 (w13), Sha- stunning four- win over nett 10-0-77-0 (w6), de Grandhomme 8-0- mi 9 1-0-63-1 (w7), Thakur 9-0-80-1 India in the first one-day inter- 41-1 (w3), Neesham 8-0-52-0 (nb1, w3), (nb1,w2), Jadeja 10-0-64-0 (w1), Yadav national in Hamilton yesterday. Santner 10-0-58-0 (w2), Sodhi 4-0-27-1 10-0-84-2 (w1) The hosts completed the second highest run chase in New Zealand Result: New Zealand win by four wickets their history to finish on 348 for M Guptill c Jadhav b Thakur ...... 32 Series: New Zealand lead the three- four and overhaul the imposing H Nicholls run out Kohli ...... 78 match series 1-0 target set by India. It was a morale-boosting victory for the Black Caps, who went into the match as Rawalpindi Test: Top-class underdogs after a 5-0 whitewash in the recent live TV broadcast planned Twenty20 series, when they New Zealand’s Ross Taylor bats during the first one- repeatedly squandered winning day international match between New Zealand THE PENINSULA — LAHORE opportunities. and India at Seddon Park in Hamilton yesterday. The roles were reversed at Fans will be treated to top-quality broadcast coverage for the Seddon Park, with India posting Rawalpindi Test between and Bangladesh, an ICC a mammoth total of 347 for four World Test Championship fixture which begins tomorrow, the after losing the toss, including Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said in a statement yesterday. a maiden century to Shreyas Kohli was gracious in 35-year-old remained at the side after recovering from a The broadcast coverage will done by Ten Sports, the PCB’s Iyer and half-centuries for defeat, saying India produced crease to hit the winning run. form slump. broadcast partner, through 23 High Definition cameras which skipper Virat Kohli and KL a “decent” performance that While Iyer’s 103 from 107 balls “He’s a special talent, I’d put will include two super slow spin vision cameras and one ultra- Rahul. But the tourists’ bowling was not quite good enough on was the highlight of India’s him in the league of Rohit high speed camera. attack failed to prevent a the day. innings, debutant opening Sharma and Virat Kohli,” he The production will also include the Decision Review match-turning innings from “You have to say that the batsmen Mayank Agarwal and said. System, Hawkeye ball-tracking and ultra-motion and stump Taylor, who scored a 73-ball opposition played better than Prithvi Shaw also performed The ever-reliable Kohli cameras. century, his 21st in ODIs, and us because they were more solidly, bring up an opening cruised to his 58th ODI half- Renowned commentators Ramiz Raja, Bazid Khan, Athar ended the match on 109 not out. intense,” he said. partnership of 50. century in a 102-run part- Ali Khan, Shamim Chaudhary and Danny Morrison will bring He was supported by a New Zealand started their Iyer rode his luck at times nership with Iyer that ended the action to life and before and after each day’s play the fans quick-fire 69 from captain Tom chase well, reaching 147 for two -- dropped on nine and 83 -- when spinner Ish Sodhi clean will be served an exciting mix of analysis and entertainment Latham and Henry Nicholls’ after 25 overs as Taylor and but earned praise from VVS bowled him on 51 with a decep- through Straight Drive, a hugely popular show. hard-fought 78, although three Nicholls developed a promising Laxman for the way he set tively flighted ball. Along this, the match will also be live-streamed in subcon- late wickets gave India hope of partnership. about dismantling New Zea- It was a rare highlight for tinent through sonyliv.com (website and mobile app). rescuing the match. It took a piece of fielding land’s attack. the New Zealand bowlers, The following is the list of region-wise broadcasters: “It’s been a long time brilliance from Kohli to break “I really enjoyed the way he whose inaccuracy proved ŭƔU¢ÆƔPÖÌÙãÝƔƈƔI½²ÝãÆƔƔ between drinks,” said Latham, it with India’s skipper swooping paced his innings, a very mature expensive on the small ground. ŭƔPèÖ¢ÙPÖÌÙãƔƆƔPÌèã°Ɣ«Ù²™ whose side suffered a 3-0 Test on a stay ball and tossing it knock,” the Indian batting Tim Southee was the best ŭƔ Ì÷ƔƈƔèÝãٍ¿² series defeat in Australia before underarm with skill in mid-air legend said in commentary. performer with two wickets, but ŭƔd²¿¿ÌòƔƈƔZP the T20 drubbing on home soil. to run-out a diving Nicholls. Laxman’s praise for Rahul, he conceded 8.5 runs an over ŭƔÝãÙÌƔƈƔ8¿øݲ “It’s nice to get over the line and But Taylor continued his who scored an unbeaten 88, taking them. ŭƔU¢ÆƔ Ù²™½¢ãƔƆƔ Ù²˜˜¢Æ we managed to keep our com- assault with Latham to take was even more fulsome, saying The second ODI will be ŭƔPÌÆøƔƆƔPÌèã°ƔÝãƔݲ posure at the end and get New Zealand to 292 for three the wicketkeeper-batsman had played at Auckland’s Eden Park ŭƔPÌÆøƔI²™ãèÙ¢ÝƔ9¢ãòÌÙ½Ɣ&ƞ²ƔƆƔ&ƞ²ÆƔÝè˜ƈ™ÌÆã²Æ¢Æã there.” with 10 overs remaining and the cemented his spot in the Indian on Saturday. Bangladesh squad returns England need a game-plan to Pakistan for to stifle De Kock: Woakes first Test REUTERS — CAPE TOWN reporters. “With him being was pretty good and won them captain now as well, he has that the game.” AP — ISLAMABAD England must find a way to side of the game where he Joe Denly top-scored for combat South Africa captain wants to see them over the line England with 87, but only The Bangladesh cricket squad Quinton de Kock or they will and that might mean he plays Woakes (40) was able to add has returned to Pakistan for face a series loss in their first even better. another score of some sub- the second leg of the bilateral outing since lifting the World “We have to find ways to get stance, and the regular fall of series, which includes its first Cup last July, seamer Chris him out. I have been fortunate wickets knocked England off Test match in the country since Woakes said. to play with him in the IPL, and their rhythm. 2003. South Africa eased to a I know we must figure out how “We were constantly Bangladesh was originally seven-wicket victory in the first we can stop him scoring runs. rebuilding through the middle. scheduled to play three One-Day International at New- He is a big player for them.” Ideally you want two guys set Twenty20 Internationals and lands on Tuesday, with a fine England went from 51 to take those middle overs two test matches, but agreed 107 from De Kock and an without loss to 108 for five, and through to the back end. That to split the tour into three South Africa’s equally attractive 98 from eventually 258 for eight in their gives you the platform for a phases because it did not want Quinton de Kock Temba Bavuma. 50 overs, which set the home good score. But we kept losing to stay in Pakistan for a longer celebrates after De Kock appeared to play side a record score to chase wickets. duration because of security scoring a century within himself as he reached his down, something they managed “We have done some good concerns. (100 runs) during 15th ODI century and Woakes with 14 balls to spare. stuff today, obviously we can Pakistan won the T20 the first one-day said England, who have rested “It was a respectable total, do it better. It was by far not our series 2-0 last month at international (ODI) their talisman Ben Stokes for probably not by any means a best performance, but we can Lahore, with the third game cricket match against this series, know the South great score, but something to take some positives and put it abandoned because of rain. England at The Africa skipper often holds the bowl at. If we took wickets at right.” Bangladesh lost 3-0 to Newlands Cricket key to their batting potential. important times we could have The second match takes Pakistan in its last test series Stadium in Cape “I have bowled against him put pressure on them. place in Durban tomorrow with here in 2003, which included Town on Tuesday. quite a bit and he is a world “But that partnership the series finale in Johan- the home team’s nail-biting class player,” Woakes told between Temba and Quinton nesburg on Sunday. one-wicket victory at Multan. Leading Bangladesh player Lehmann set to Mushfiqur Rahim, who didn’t Most hundreds in ODIs travel to Pakistan for last HAMILTON: New Zealand's batsman Ross Taylor scored his 21st One-Day undergo heart op month’s Twenty20 series, has International hundred in his 229th career match in Hamilton yesterday. also opted out of the test match Here's a list of players with 20 or more ODI centuries: AFP — SYDNEY at Rawalpindi. A three-member security Player Span Matches 100s 50s Former Australian cricket delegation from Bangladesh, S Tendulkar (INDIA) 1989-2012 463 49 96 coach Darren Lehmann will led by retired Major Hussain V Kohli (INDIA) 2008-2020 246 43 58 undergo a heart bypass oper- Imam, met with security offi- LƔIÌÆã²Æ¬ƔƃZPƄƔ ĊĒĒĎƈċĉĊċƔ ČĐĎƔ ČĉƔ đċƔ Ɣ ation after being rushed to cials from the Pakistan gov- R Sharma (INDIA) 2007-2020 224 29 43 hospital yesterday suffering ernment and the Pakistan S Jayasuriya (SL) 1989-2011 445 28 68 chest pains, Cricket Australia Cricket Board at the Pindi H Amla (SA) 2008-2019 181 27 39 reported. Cricket Stadium on Tuesday. AB de Villiers (SA) 2005-2018 228 25 53 The former Test batsman The Bangladesh officials C Gayle (WI) 1999-2019 301 25 54 was celebrating his 50th also met with Pakistan players K Sangakkara (SL) 2000-2015 404 25 93 birthday watching his son play during their visit. S Ganguly (INDIA) 1992-2007 311 22 72 cricket on the Gold Coast when The first Test, which is part T Dilshan (SL) 1999-2016 330 22 47 the health scare occurred, the of the World Test Champi- R Taylor (NZ) 2006-2020 229 21 50 Pakistan coach Misbah Ul Haq (right) official cricket.com.au website onship, starts tomorrow. H Gibbs (SA) 1996-2010 248 21 37 and Test opener Shan Masood during a said. It said he was resting in Bangladesh will depart S Anwar (PAK) 1989-2003 247 20 43 training session in Rawalpindi yesterday. hospital and would have next Wednesday and return to surgery on Saturday. Pakistan in April for one one-day international and the second test match at Karachi. Bangladesh is the second Bavuma hits out at double standards in transformation debate test country to tour Pakistan since the resumption of inter- REUTERS — CAPE TOWN debate on social media about whether side is when you are thrown into talks debate. He said: “The one thing that irks national cricket here. his place in the team was deserved or of transformation. me is when you are seen through the In December, Temba Bavuma hopes his eye-catching whether he was only being picked “Yes, I am black, that’s my skin. But eyes of transformation. When you do toured Pakistan for 16 days innings in South Africa’s seven-wicket because of efforts to redress imbalances I play cricket because I love it. I’d like to well, transformation is not spoken about and played test matches at victory over England in the first one-day from the country’s apartheid era. Cricket think the reason I am in the team is but when you do badly transformation Rawalpindi and Karachi. international at Newlands on Tuesday South Africa targets the inclusion of two because of performances I have put is thrown at the top of the agenda. I have It was the first Test series will end the debate over whether he black African players and four from the forward in my franchise side, and also a serious problem with that. We’ve got in Pakistan in more than a deserves his place in the side. mixed-race in each team. for the national team, whenever I have to be able to take the good with the bad. decade after a terrorist attack Batting at number three, Bavuma’s “It has been hard. It’s not so much been able to.” The 29-year-old, who has If transformation is bad when black on the Sri Lanka cricket team excellent 98 comes after a difficult the dropping part, all players get been a top performer across all formats African players are not doing well, then bus at Lahore left eight people month in which he was temporarily dropped, everyone goes through slumps in domestic cricket over the past few when we are doing well, let’s also rec- killed and injured several dropped from the Test side for a home of not scoring well,” Bavuma said. “The years, has hit out at what he saw as ognise transformation for what it’s players. series against England. His axing stirred awkwardness and discomfort from my double standards in the transformation done.” 10 SPORT THURSDAY 6 FEBRUARY 2020 get set for National Sport Day celebrations THE PENINSULA – DOHA

Qatar will celebrate the 9th edition of its National Sport Day on Tuesday. The Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC), along with various national sports federa- tions, will mark the day by offering members of the public a wide-ranging programme of sports activities and demonstra- tions. The National Sport Day has been celebrated across Qatar since 2012, and is an extremely popular day which aims to bring people together in celebration Jassim bin Rashid of sport, while encouraging Al Buenain, people of all ages to stay fit and QOC Secretary-General Action during last year's Sport Day active. QOC has also again organised a Team Qatar Sports and martial arts, as well as on- give our community the oppor- goal of ours to encourage people One of QOC’s primary aims National Sport Day is a pio- Village to be held at Barahat stage entertainment from tunity to try new sports and enjoy to stay fit and active, not only on for the National Sports Day is to neering initiative adopted by Msheireb in Doha from 8am football freestylers and sport engaging workshops. There will National Sport Day, but all year promote a healthy community The Amir H H Sheikh Tamim until 8pm. jugglers. be an opportunity to meet with long. Qatar is one of the first both physically and psycholog- bin Hamad Al Thani, who The event will feature a Jassim bin Rashid Al Buenain, some of Team Qatar’s star ath- countries in the world to have a ically by educating the com- issued the Amiri Decree No. 80 diverse range of sports catering Secretary-General of the QOC, letes. It is our hope that these paid national holiday which is munity on the many benefits of for the year 2011 on December for all ages, including: athletics, said: “This year is an Olympic world-class athletes will dedicated solely to sports and participating in sports. QOC’s 6, 2011, concerning the basketball, , gym- year, which makes National Sport encourage young people to be exercise, which reflects both the efforts to promote sports, National Sport Day. The Decree nastics, table tennis, boxing, Day 2020 an even more signif- physically active, and perhaps forward-thinking leadership of physical education and sus- states that the second Tuesday wrestling, taekwondo, karate icant day! The events and activ- even inspire the future gener- Qatar’s sports leaders, and the tainable development within the of every February shall be a and judo. Throughout the day ities we have planned with the ation of Qatari athletes. fact that sport is an important community are all steps towards sport day which encourages there will also be live sports valuable help of national sport “Qatar recognises the impor- pillar of the Qatar National helping to achieve the Qatar everyone to participate in workshops featuring gymnastics federations and stakeholders, will tance of sports, and it is a key Vision 2030.” National Vision 2030. sporting activities. Some countries Amir Cup: Al Duhail begin title defence not implementing VAR properly: as coach Regragui eyes first win in Doha FIFA President ARMSTRONG VAS REUTERS – ZURICH THE PENINSULA The Video Assistant Referee Al Duhail’s new coach Walid (VAR) system is not being used Regragui will be looking for his properly in all countries and first win when the Amir Cup while final decisions should champions start their title always be taken by the defence against second division on-pitch referee this has not side Muaither SC today at their been the case, FIFA President home ground. Gianno Infantino said Regragui, a replacement for yesterday. coach Rui Faria, who parted “It’s important that VAR ways with the club after losing is there to support the 4-0 to Al Sadd in the referee. It shouldn’t be final, will be keen to steady the somebody else taking the ship after a couple of losses. decision on behalf of the The French-born Moroccan referee, and this is how VAR Regragui lost his first match as is implemented in almost Al Duhail coach to every part of the world, but 1-0, the loss cut their lead at the not everywhere,” he told the top of the Olympic Channel, the Inter- table to just two points. national Olympic Commit- However, Regragui is not tee’s web-based TV station. unduly worried about starting The use of VAR has been his coaching stint in Qatar on a surrounded by controversy losing note. and many fans feel it goes far “I am under no pressure, I beyond its original remit - to have told my players to quickly Al Duhail's players taking part in a practice session on the eve of their Amir Cup match against Muaither SC review the most glaring mis- forget the loss against Al which will be played at the Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium, today. takes - and that decisions are Rayyan. I told my players there taking too long. are matches we don’t play well In the English Premier and we win and there are of his injured players match League, where VAR was intro- oxcassions we played badly and ready for the upcoming duced this season, critics have we win. In the QSL match, we matches. complained that the video ref- had 60 percent ball possession “Our focus now is on erees -- who watch the game but we paid dearly for one returning our injured players We have to on monitors in an enclosed mistake,” said Regragui about like Youssef Msakni, Edmilson concentrate all the room - have been taking the the loss to Al Rayyan. and work hard with Mario Man- time and we have to main decisions rather than Regragui said the need of dzukich. Mandzukich needs officials on the pitch. the hour is to be focussed at all some time to get used to the be focused and be Unlike in most other com- times. other team-mates,” Regragui more diligent in front petitions, Premier League ref- “We have to concentrate all said. erees have been told by the the time and we have to be The coach assured sup- of the goal. I have PGMOL, which is responsible focused and be more diligent in porters that they will see change confidence especially for match officials in the front of the goal,” he added. in a month’s time. in my work and in my English game, to use pitchside The former Morocco “I know the players and I monitors sparingly, instead defender said he needs some have confidence in myself, I am players. We still have relying on what video Al Duhail coach Muaither SC coach time to impose his style of play a young game coach and a lot of time to work assistants tell them. Walid Regragui Philippe Burle and coaching philosophy. wherever I went I have done with the players and The exception is deciding “I have confidence espe- well but it takes time for a coach between a yellow or red card. cially in my work and in my and the goal is that in a few today’s game against Al Duhail. did not rule his team registering they have to get used Tottenham Hotspur players. We still have a lot of weeks the change will happen,” “I have told them to go into one in today’s match. to my system of play manager Jose Mourinho told time to work with the players said the 44 year-old. the match with a positive frame “In France, in the French which will take a little reporters on Tuesday that the and they have to get used to my Meanwhile, Muaither SC of mind and give their best,” the Cup a lot of upsets take place system should be renamed system of play which will take coach Philippe Burle said he is former defender said. and i am trying to tell the while: Al Duhail's VR - Video Referee - because a little while.” Regragui said he trying to bring about a change The Frenchman said upsets players that they can cause an coach Regragui the pitch referee is no longer is also focused on getting some as to how his players approach in the Amir Cup are rare but he upset,” said the 46-year-old. making the decisions. A survey by pollsters YouGov showed six out of 10 fans felt the system was Icardi rediscovers scoring touch as PSG march on working badly in the Premier League. REUTERS – PARIS Three days after showing his frustration Paris St Germain’s Kylian Mbappe in action against Nantes during their Ligue “At the beginning, (Italy) at being substituted in a 5-0 Ligue 1 win 1 match played in Nantes, France, on Tuesday. went through some turbulent Mauro Icardi rediscovered his scoring touch against Montpellier, France striker Kylian times with some critics. So I to help Paris St Germain beat Nantes 2-1 Mbappe started alongside Icardi, with wouldn’t take the current away as the French champions continued Neymar missing the game due to a minor critics or criticism, from their march towards the Ligue 1 title on rib injury. England in particular and the Tuesday. Icardi, who had last scored with a treble Premier League, in too much Icardi, who had not scored in his last in a 6-1 demolition of St Etienne in the of a dramatic way,” said six competitive games, found the back of League Cup quarter-finals almost a month Infantino. the net just before the half hour and Thilo ago, found the back of the net in the 29th “There is no reason why in Kehrer added another after the break minute, deflecting home an Angel di Maria England it cannot be successful before Moses Simon reduced the arrears shot. PSG have now scored in their last 31 if it has been successful eve- for Nantes in the 68th. away games in Ligue 1, just one shy of the rywhere else. PSG moved to 58 points from 23 games French top-flight record set by Sedan “I think it’s pretty normal and lead second-placed Olympique de Mar- between 1957-59. for something that football has seille, who play at St Etienne on Wednesday, Kehrer doubled the lead in the 57th been waiting for 150 years,” he by 15 points. minute, heading in a Di Maria corner for added. “We can’t all pretend Nantes slipped down to 10th on 32 PSG’s 100th goal in all competitions this it’s perfect. points. season. Simon pulled one back by scoring “But... it is certainly An early Loic Remy goal earned fourth- from close range after benefiting from a progress. It is certainly a step placed Lille, now on 37 points, a 1-0 home defensive blunder by Presnel Kimpembe, in the right direction and help victory against third-placed Stade Rennais but PSG were still a cut above as they for the referees, (but) it has to as they narrowed the gap with the Brittany claimed their 10th win in their last 11 league be used in the appropriate side to three points. matches. way.” THURSDAY 6 FEBRUARY 2020 SPORT 11 Qatar set for busy sport season THE PENINSULA – DOHA QatarQatatatarar wilwiwwillililllh hhostostososts a recrrecordececordororrdd Qatar'sQatar's world FEBRUARY numnnumberumumbberbeeerr ofo majormam jjorjooorr sportssspportorttsse eeventsvevvenentss championchampion highhigh jumperjumper 11: National Sport Day thithtthishihis yyear,eareaearar, ddemonstratingemoememmonstnsnsstratrraaattingngng thtthatatat Mutaz Essa Barshim 14: CAF 15: FINA 10km Marathon Swim World theththehe cocountry'sountununttry'rryy sss statusstattatttattusus asas a willwill be the cynosure ofof Series 2020 wworwoworldororldld spospssportingpoportirtrtitingng powpoppowerowerer all eyeseyes when bigbig 20-22: Qatar Open Amateur Golf continuesconccoonontintitininuesuues toto rirrise.se.see namesnames in global Championship 20-22: The Amir Show Jumping Cup at the athletics descenddescend in QEF Arena DohaDoha forfor thethe IAAF 23-29: Qatar Total Open 27-19: CHI Al Shaqab Show Jumping DiamondDiamond LeagueLeague Championship openeropener on AprilApril 17. MARCH 4-8: Seventh Championship (Men and Women) 5-7: Longines Global Champions Tour and Global Champions League 5-8: Qatar Masters gold at Education City 6-8: MotoGP Grand Prix of Qatar 9-13: FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour at Katara 11-14: Junior Squash Open Championship 15-17: Qatar Junior Squash Championship 18-21: FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Cup 24: Qatar Volleyball Cup final 25: Schools Olympic Programme finals 31: Qatar Basketball Cup final

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AUGUSTAUGUST 28:28: GCC AquaticsAquatics ChampionshipChampionship QOCQOC SSPORTPORT AFFAFFAIRSAIRS DEPARTMENT’SDEPARTMENT’S EEVENTS:VENTS: OCTOBEROCTOBER 8-10:8-10: FINAFINA Swimming WorldWorld CupCup FEBRUARYFEBRUARY 2929:: SportSport DiplomaticDiplomatic OCTOBEROCTOBER 1166 TTOO NOVEMBERNOVEMBER 2: QatarQatar Day APRIL 26 TTOO MMAYAY 5: QOC ClassClassicic SqSquashuash ChampChampionshipionship RamaRamadandan CChampionshiphampionship 27-31:27-31: QatarQatar Junior’s TableTable Tennis Champi-Champi- JUNE 23: OlympicOlympic DayDay onsonshiphip WWorldorld ChallenChallengege DaDayy NOVEMBERNOVEMBER SEPTEMBERSEPTEMBER 12: QOCQOC Electronic 5-6:5-6: Qatar and Al RayyanRayyan International Show GGamesames ChamChampionshippionship JumpingJumping ChampionshiChampionshipp OCTOBEROCTOBER 229:9: World WalkingWalking DayDay 9-14:9-14: Third Asian Junior Tennis ChamChampionshippionship NOVEMBERNOVEMBER 55:: EntertainmentEntertainment DayDay QQataratar Men’s ITF WorWorldld Tennis ChampionshipChampionship For PPeopleeople witwithh SpecSpecialial NeeNeedsds NOVEMBERNOVEMBER 115-17:5-17: QOCQOC Padel DECEMBERDECEMBER CChampionshiphampionship 6-18:6-18: AsianAsian Cricket ChampionshipChampionship DECEMBERDECEMBER 2: FitnessFitness andand HHealthealth 9-19:9-19: 20202020 FIFA Club World Cup PProgramrogram 19-24:19-24: Qatar Asian Weightlifting ChampionsChampionshiphip DECEMBERDECEMBER 19: QOC Multi-SportsMulti-Sports DECEMBERDECEMBER 28 TTOO JJANUARYANUARY 1, 2021: AsianAsian ChampionshipChampionship JJuniorunior TeamTeam ChampionshipChampionship

Qatar is set to host 65 local, continental NATIONAL FINALS Ducati's Andrea Dovizioso will be and international sporting events this Qatar Handball Cup: May 7 looking for a repeat of success at year, eight more than the country hosted Amir's Basketball Cup: May 9 the Losail International Circuit in a highly successful 2019, which was Amir's Volleyball Cup: May 12 under lights when the MotoGP highlighted by the IAAF World Amir's Football Cup: May 15 returns for Grand Prix of Qatar on Championships and FIFA Club World Cup. Amir's Handball Cup: May 18. March 8. SPORT SPORTS | 08 SPORT | 09 Qatar's Taylor-made win Al AAttiyah eyes as Black Caps sixth Oman down India in Rally title run-fest

THURSDAY 6 FEBRUARY 2020 Al Rayyan, Al Sailiya in Amir Cup quarters ARMSTRONG VAS Rayyan continued to dominate Al Sailiya continued to dictate AMIR CUP: ROUND OF 16 THE PENINSULA in the second session with terms but could not add more Mesaimeer unable to make goals. YESTERDAY'S RESULTS A brace from Yohan Boli and inroads in the Al Rayyan Umm Salal came back with Al Sailiya 2-1 Umm Salal goals from Khaled Muftah and defense. a late challenge to pull one Al Rayyan 4-0 Mesaimeer Rodrigo Tabata helped Al Al Rayyan came close to back with Nasser Al Nasr TODAY'S FIXTURES Rayyan coast to an emphatic scoring a few times in the breaking through the Al Sailiya Al Sadd vs Al Kharaitiyat at Abdullah Bin 4-0 win over second division second half but had to wait till defense to make it 2-1, with Khalifa Stadium, 4:30pm side Mesaimeer and advance the 81st minute to get the third nine minutes to go for the final Al Duhail vs Muaither to the quarter-finals of the goal. whistle. at Abdullah Bin Amir Cup at Hamad Bin Khalifa Boli got his second goal of In the last few minutes, Khalifa Stadium, 7:00pm Stadium yesterday. the match as he latched on a Umm Salal threw everything TOMORROW Also making their way into long ball and beat a couple of in the attack in search of the Al Shahaniya vs Al Wakrah at Grand Hamad the last eight stage were Al defenders and the last line of equaliser but Al Sailiya rose to Stadium, 4:30pm Sailiya who defeated Umm Mesaimeer defense to make it the challenge to repulse the Al Ahli vs Qatar SC at Grand Hamad Stadium, Salal 2-1. 3-0. attacks and keep the scoreline 7:00pm The Al Rayyan-Mesaimeer Tabata, who worked at 2-1 till the final whistle. SATURDAY FEBRUARY 8 clash saw Al Rayyan holding overtime in the midfield, Al Sailiya’s Boussoufa was Al Arabi vs Al Khor at Thani Bin Jassim sway over the proceedings with capped his effort with a goal of chosen as the Man-of-the- Stadium, 4:30pm the winners going into the half his own in the 90th minute to Match in his side’s win over Al Gharafa vs Al Markhiya at Thani Bin time break leading 2-0. Boli complete the resounding win. Umm Salal. Jassim Stadium, 7:00pm gave Al Rayyan the lead in the In the earlier match yes- 11th minute and Muftah con- terday, Al Sailiya struck late in Al Sailiya's solidated the lead in the 38th the first half and consolidated Mohammad minute. the lead six minutes into the Faisal Abu In the second half, Boli second session while Umm Zraiq (left) struck again in the 81st minute Salal pulled one back nine vies for and Tabata completed the one minutes from the final whistle. the ball sided win with a goal in the Al Sailiya dominated play possession 90th minute. right from kick off and put with an Umm Al Rayyan pressed for the pressure on Umm Salal Salal player mid field advantage right from defense. during their kick off and were successful in Al Sailiya came close to Amir Cup having their way pushing scoring a number of times but Round of Mesaimeer on the defensive. could not get past the rival 16 match Al Rayyan players congratulate Yohan Boli after the Ivorian yesterday. The second division side defense. scored his second goal against Mesaimeer during their Amir were not overawed by the sit- On the other hand, Umm Cup pre-quarter-final match yesterday. uation and gave a good account Salal were pushed on the in repulsing the moves. With defensive, After a sustained Al Rayyan coming up with Coast striker, finished off a disallowed by the referee as his attacking play, Al Sailiya struck varied combinations, move started by Franck Kom. team-mate was pulled up for with four minutes to go for the Mesaimmer midfielders had to Thereafter, Al Rayyan had foul in a goalmouth melee. first half whistle. work overtime to check the a few chances to swell the lead Al Rayyan consolidated the Mubarak Boussoufa struck free flowing Al Rayyan in but Mesaimeer goalkeeper lead with eight minutes to go on the goal front for Al Sailiya check. Hassan Ahan Afsordeh came for the first half. Mesaimeer making no mistake from the With Al Rayyan having out with some out of the blue paid dearly for a costly penalty spot, sending the rival most of the possession, saves to deny Al Rayyan defensive lapse. A hasty keeper the wrong way his Mesaimeer relied on the strikers more goals. clearance by a Mesaimeer penalty kick. counter attacks and the few Twice in the first half defender landed at the feet of Al Sailiya consolidated the stray forays that they made Hassan deflected wickedly Khaled, who took a couple of lead in the second half. were effectively dealt by the Al bending free kicks from steps and unleashed a left Maher Youssef got his Rayyan defense. Rodrigo Tabata. footed thunderbolt which had name on the scorers list with a Coach Diego Aguirre’s side Mesaimeer’s goal had no answer from Hassan in goal to give his team a 2-0 did not take long to rip open another narrow escape in the Mesaimeer goal. cushion. the rival defense. Boli, the Ivory first half when Boli’s goal was In the second half, Al With a cushion of 2-0 lead, Al Sadd ready for Al Kharaitiyat clash ARMSTRONG VAS THE PENINSULA

Al Sadd will be adopting a match-by-match approach as they head into one of the busiest period of the season, said assistant coach David Prats. Speaking to journalists ahead of today’s Amir Cup Round of 16 match against Al Kharaitiyat, Prats said: “All the tournaments are important for Al Sadd. Yes, they are different Al Sadd's assistant coach David Prats tournaments, such as the AFC Champions League, the QSL, Ooredoo Cup and the Amir Cup, but we want to compete in all of these tournaments and fight with our maximum Our focus will be on winning strength to win. We will take the next game against Al the game-to-game approach, Al Sadd's players taking part in a practice session on the eve of their Amir Cup match against Al Kharaitiyat which will be played Kharaitiyat and after that, tournament-by-tournament at the Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium, today. we will begin to prepare approach.” for the two AFC Champions “Our focus will be on League games against Al winning the next game against “The game against Al excited to play and win in a and aim to pick up a surprise Ayoub Mashhour said a win Al Kharaitiyat and after that, Kharaitiyat will not be easy. competitive atmosphere and win. was on his mind when they Nassr and Sepahan, which is we will begin to prepare for They have good players, with if we maintain our level, I “We have a huge task take on Al Kharaitiyat which important to us: Prats the two AFC Champions many of them having played think we will be able to reach ahead. We will be playing will take them to the next League games against Al Nassr in the first division. We must the final,” he added. against one of the best team stage of the tournament. and Sepahan, which is maintain this same per- Meanwhile, Al Sadd have not only in Qatar but which is Ayoub said: “We faced Al important to us,” he added. formance in order to win and hired a Mexican player, Marco among the top 15 clubs of Kharaitiyat more than once in Al Sadd begin their AFC reach the quarter-finals,” Fabian and Prats said coach Asia,” said Adam. the league, and we faced Champions League campaign added Prats. Xavi will assign specific roles Al Sadd has its weakness problems against them. Our with an away match against Prats said Al Sadd are tar- to Fabian and Ivorian and they are beatable, said aim (in the next game) is to Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr on geting a place in the final: “Al Gervinho. Adam. win. We will look to score February 11, followed by a Sadd plays to win every match, “Marco Fabian is an “In the QSL Al Sadd have early on and get to the match against Sepahan on and our aim is to reach the attacking midfielder, who lost to Wakrah and that gives quarter-finals.” February 18 in Doha. final of the Amir Cup.” differs from striker Gervinho, us hope of pulling an upset. The Al Sadd player, who The Wolves, who are third Al Sadd lost years’ Amir and we will see about his We have seven to eight players recently returned from a loan in the QNB Stars League Cup final to Al Duhail and position in the team. He will who have played for the top move, added: “Al Sadd always behind Al Duhail and Al Prats said if they maintain the help us with all his strength. clubs in Qatar, so we are not depends on the young players. Rayyan, will begin their Amir same level of consistency Xavi is the one who will decide short on the experience front,” My loan move was to increase Cup Round of 16 campaign reaching the final will not be his position with the team,”, said the Al Kharaitiyat coach, my experience. I am looking against Al Kharaitiyat on much of a problem. the assistant coach said. whose team are leading the to gain the confidence of the Thursday evening at Abdullah “Yes, we lost the previous Al Kharaitiyat coach Yousif points table in the second coaching staff in order to be Bin Khalifa Stadium at Al final against Al Duhail but this Adam said his team will give division league. with the team in the next Al Kharaitiyat's coach Yousif Adam Duhail Stadium. is a new tournament. We are their best against Al Sadd Meanwhile, Al Sadd’s stage.”