Sakkari QatarTribune Qatar_Tribune shocks QatarTribuneChannel qatar_tribune Osaka to storm into Miami Open semis page 15 Thursday, April 1, 2021

Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium Khalifa International Stadium

Tribune News Network hospitality. This uniquely Qatari stadium comes complete with a state-of-the-art retractable roof and is surrounded by 400,000m² of green spaces for the local community. arch 31, 2021 marked the 600-day count- The venue will host nine matches through to the semi- down to the FIFA World Cup 2022™. finals stage of Qatar 2022. The first World Cup in the Middle East and Construction update: The stadium structure has Arab world will kick off on 21 November and been completed and is ready to host matches. This in- Mconclude 28 days later on 18 December – Qatar National cludes the laying of the stadium pitch in record time. This Day. Qatar’s infrastructure plans are well advanced. Four year, the venue achieved a high sustainability rating from stadiums have been inaugurated, the new metro system GSAS. The surrounding Al Bayt Park opened on Qatar is up and running, and a host of expressways have been National Sports Day in February 2020. built. Here’s a closer look at the eight stadiums which will host matches during Qatar 2022. Khalifa International, Al Janoub, Education City and Ahmad Bin Ali have all hosted major matches, while the construction of Al Bayt Capacity: 40,000 has been completed. Along with Al Bayt, Al Thumama and Designer: Arab Engineering Bureau Ras Abu Aboud are set to be inaugurated during 2021, Distance from Doha city centre: 12km (7 miles) while the venue for the Qatar 2022 final, Lusail, is set to With a design inspired by the ‘gahfiya’, a traditional open early next year. woven cap worn for centuries by men across the Arab world, Al Thumama Stadium honours the region’s culture and traditions. It is the first FIFA World Cup venue to be Khalifa International Stadium designed by a Qatari architect – Ibrahim M. Jaidah. The Capacity: 40,000 stadium will host eight matches up to the quarter-finals Distance from Doha city centre: 11km (7 miles) stage during Qatar 2022. Inaugurated: 2017 Construction update: Roof and façade works have Khalifa International became the first Qatar 2022 600 been completed, along with the stadium’s bleacher instal- venue to open following a major renovation when it host- days to go: lation. Turfing of the field of play and tree plantation in ed the Amir Cup final on 19 May 2017. The stadium is set the precinct have also been completed. Seat installation, to host eight matches up to the third-place play-off during along with mechanical, electrical and plumbing works, Qatar 2022. plus finishing, are nearing completion. Khalifa International is located at the heart of Qa- tar’s hub of sporting excellence, , and is sur- Qatar’s FIFA World Cup rounded by Aspire Academy, Aspetar and the 3-2-1 Qa- tar Olympic and Sports Museum. Its illustrious hosting Capacity: 40,000 history includes the Asian Games, AFC Asian Cup, 2019 Designer: FIA Fenwick Iribarren Architects IAAF World Athletics Championships, the 24th Arabian stadiums are looking Distance from Doha city centre: 7km (4 miles) Gulf Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup Qatar 2019™. In Ras Abu Aboud will be the first fully dismountable and 2020, the stadium hosted matches in the West Zone of the re-usable tournament venue in FIFA World Cup history, 2020 AFC Champions League and was also a venue for incredible making it a pioneer in sustainable stadium development the East Zone portion of the competition. and design. Designed by Fenwick Iribarren Architects, this 40,000-capacity venue is being built using shipping containers and other modular materi- Al Janoub Stadium als. Overlooking the stunning Capacity: 40,000 and West Bay skyline, the stadium will host Design inspired by: Dame seven matches up to the round of 16 stage Distance from Doha city centre: 23km (14 miles) Four of eight during Qatar 2022. Inaugurated: 2019 Construction update: The stadium The first Qatar 2022 stadium to be built from scratch, is being built using 974 modular containers, Al Janoub was inaugurated on 16 May 2019 ahead of the tournament venues Al Thumama Stadium with the delivery and installation of all con- Amir Cup final. Located inA l Wakrah, the stadium’s de- tainers now completed. This includes spe- sign features elegant curves and lines inspired by the sails have been launched; cial containers for the energy substation. All of traditional dhow boats – in tribute to the city’s sea- remaining structural steel members, includ- faring past. Al Janoub will host seven matches up to the three more to be ing tension rods, have also been delivered and round of 16 stage during Qatar 2022. An innovative cool- installed. Installation of all seats in the stadium is ing system and retractable roof mean the stadium can be inaugurated this year nearing completion, as are the mechanical, engineer- used all-year-round. ing, plumbing and finishing works.E xternal works in the Last year, Al Janoub hosted the 2020 AFC Champions precinct are underway League final. The surroundingA l Janoub Park opened on Qatar National Sports Day in February 2020. Ras Abu Aboud Stadium final. Located in and adjacent to the Mall of Qa- tar, Ahmad Bin Ali is built on the site of a deconstructed Lusail Stadium stadium and is within walking distance of Al Riffa station Capacity: 80,000 on Doha Metro’s Green Line. The stadium’s glowing fa- Designer: Foster + Partners Capacity: 40,000 çade is comprised of patterns that characterise different Distance from Doha city centre: 20km (12 miles) Designer: FIA Fenwick Iribarren Architects aspects of Qatar: the importance of family, the beauty of The largest Qatar 2022 venue, Lusail embodies Qa- Distance from Doha city centre: 13km (8 miles) the desert, native flora and fauna, and local and interna- tar’s ambition, along with its passion for sharing Arab Inaugurated: 2020 tional trade. A fifthshape – a shield – brings together all culture with the world. The design of this magnificent sta- Dubbed ‘Qatar’s Diamond in the Desert’, Education the others, representing the strength and unity that is par- dium is inspired by the interplay of light and shadow that City was inaugurated on 15 June 2020 during a special ticularly relevant to the desert city of Al Rayyan. characterises the fanar lantern. digital launch which paid tribute to frontline healthcare The venue will host seven matches during Qatar 2022 Its striking gold façade, along with its scale, will im- workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Located at the up to the round of 16 stage. Earlier this year, the stadium press fans approaching the venue from afar. heart of Qatar Foundation – a vibrant centre for knowl- hosted matches during the FIFA Club World Cup™. The venue is situated in the heart of Qatar’s futuris- edge and innovation – the arena is dotted by leading re- tic Lusail City – a newly built, state-of-the-art metropolis, search and education facilities. The stadium will host eight designed specifically with residents’ needs in mind. The matches up to the quarter-finals stage during Qatar 2022. stadium will host ten matches up to and including the fi- The stadium became the first Qatar 2022 tournament Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium Capacity: 60,000 nal of Qatar 2022. venue to receive a five-star Global Sustainability Assess- Capacity: 40,000 Designer: Dar Al-Handasah Construction update: The stadium’s concrete ment System (GSAS) rating ahead of its inauguration. Designer: Ramboll Distance from Doha city centre: 46km (29 miles) works, steel superstructure installation and the roof big Last year, Education City hosted matches in the West Distance from Doha city centre: 22km (14 miles) The venue for the opening match of Qatar 2022, Al lift have been completed. The roof membrane is under Zone of the 2020 AFC Champions League and was also a Inaugurated: 2020 Bayt will introduce fans from across the world to the fabrication, to be installed after completion of the ongoing venue for the East Zone portion of the competition. This Ahmad Bin Ali was the latest Qatar 2022 stadium to country’s traditional culture. Delivered by Aspire Zone secondary steel bracings. The venue’s turf was planted in year, Education City hosted matches during the FIFA be inaugurated. The venue welcomed fans for the first Foundation, the design of Al Bayt resembles a traditional the precinct’s turf farm in August 2020, with inspections Club World Cup 2020™, including the final. time on 18 December 2020 when it hosted the Amir Cup Arab tent known as ‘bayt al sha’ar’ – a symbol of Arab indicating good growth progress and overall health. (SC)

Education City Stadium Al Bayt Stadium Lusail Stadium 14 Thursday, April 1, 2021 Sports

QFA Secretary-General attends AFC meeting Delighted coach Sanchez lauds Qatar’s team spirit

Tribune News Network Doha

With a creditable 1-1 draw against Ireland in their Euro- pean Zone Qualifiers for IF FA World Cup 2022 friendly in Mansour Al Ansari, Secretary-General of Qatar Football Association Hungary on Tuesday, Qa- (QFA), participated in the third meeting of the Financial Committee of tar continued their unbeaten the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), held virtually on Wednesday. streak and the team coach Fe- lix Sanchez said he was proud of his team. Al Annabi won two match- es, 1-0 against Luxembourg Armenia come back and 2-1 against Azerbaijan, earlier. Qatar will return in September to take on Euro- pean champions Portugal and late to stay perfect in Serbia – the two other teams in Group A. Qatar are playing in the World Cup qualifying tournament as a guest nation DPA three from three starts. as they prepare for next year’s Berlin Title holders France, 2018 World Cup at home, with their Against Ireland, we faced a very strong team, runners-up Croatia and Eu- matches considered friendly. especially physically. All the players put on a good Underdogs Armenia joined ropean champions Portugal, On Tuesday night they came performance. The team as a whole made us proud. the cream of European foot- however, are among those back from a goal down to hold ball in making it three wins who have failed to make 100 higher-ranked Republic of Ire- Playing against these teams in these conditions is from three to start 2022 World per cent starts to their groups. land 1-1 at the Nagyerdei Sta- never easy and this is precisely why I am delighted. Cup qualifying but needed a Romania, who lost to dium in Debrecen, Hungary. dramatic comeback to beat Germany on Sunday, had led Qatar players were put un- These three matches have helped us immensely. Romania on Wednesday. through Alexandru Cicaldau’s der stern test by Ireland, but Tigran Barseghyan’s 89th double after Eduard Spert- passed out with flying colours Qatar National football team coach Felix Sanchez. minute penalty completed syan’s opener but a red card and could have won the game the turnaround to keep 99th- for George Puscas tilted the with a bit of luck. “I can say that we played but we could have won the ranked Armenia perfect in game to Armenia, who have Ireland took the lead in to win especially in the second match after creating many op- Group J after Varazdat Haroy- now won a record consecutive the very fourth minute of the half and put pressure on Ire- portunities. We have achieved an levelled matters four min- matches and are unbeaten in match through James Mc- land, who have many players many benefits from our histor- utes from time. eight. Clean’s deflected strike but playing in the English Premier ic participation in the Europe- Germany, top seeds in Armenia have also defeat- Mohamed Muntari levelled League,” the Spaniard said. an qualifiers and played very Group J, can join them on nine ed Lichtenstein and Iceland for a lively Qatar side with a Sanchez did not single out well in the three matches,” points when they host North in this campaign which con- fine finish early in the second any single players for praise said Al Sheeb. Macedonia later while else- tinues at North Macedonia in half. Muntari and Ireland sub- but lauded the team spirit. “In earlier times, Qatar where England, Denmark early September before they stitutes Callum Robinson and “All the players put on a good would not recover well after and Italy could also complete visit Germany. Josh Cullen all spurned chanc- performance. The team as a going a goal behind. But at Ireland’s James McClean (hidden) and Qatar’s Mohammed Muntari es to score a late winner. whole made us proud. Playing the moment our mentality is jump for the ball during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 friendly at Sanchez was pleased with against these teams in these strong and we proved this in the in Debrecen, on Tueaday. Both McClean and his players’ performance and conditions is never easy and the European qualifiers. We Muntari scored a goal each for their respective teams. (AFP) believed the matches against this is precisely why I am de- also beat Azerbaijan after they European teams will ben- lighted. These three matches scored first. beautifully against a strong der of their fixtures because of efit Qatar ahead of the home have helped us immensely,” “I can say that Qatar has team that includes many the Irish government’s COV- World Cup next year. he added. reached a very good stage of good players. ID-19 quarantine rules. “Against Ireland, we faced Meanwhile, Al Sadd preparation for the World “We made a few mistakes Ireland have now failed to a very strong team, especially goalkeeper , Cup. We want to prove to in the beginning but settled win in 11 games since Stephen physically. We were behind a who played an active role in everyone that we are properly into the game thereafter. We Kenny took charge, drawing goal after just three minutes the match against Ireland, prepared for the World Cup controlled the game and cre- five and losing six. but our players kept their spir- said Qatar played a good and are a team that competes ated many opportunities.” It is the worst start by an its high and were determined match against a strong side with full strength against all The Group A game was Ireland manager since Mick Romania’s forward Claudiu Keseru (left) and Armenia’s defender to come back into the match. but felt the team could have teams,” he added. originally scheduled to take Meagan failed to win any of his Andre Calisir vie for the ball during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 We played at a good level won the match. Qatar defender Tariq Sal- place in Ireland, but the two 12 games in charge between qualification match in Yerevan on Wednesday.( AFP) throughout. “We came out with a draw man, said: “We performed teams agreed to reverse the or- 1969 and 1971. James backs Page to lead Portugal recover in Luxembourg Wales at Euro 2020 if needed DPA James said of Page after his knowledged that Wales could but Turkey are held by Latvia London first headed goal in senior not afford another slip up in football had secured Wales’ a five-team qualifying group DPA The 26-year-old Mitrovic Winger Daniel James has victory late on in Cardiff. which also includes Belarus Berlin became Serbia’s highest ever backed Robert Page to take “He’s been great and he’s and Estonia. scorer with their first goal in a charge of Wales at Euro 2020 taken the role very well. Him The 3-1 away defeat to Bel- Cristiano Ronaldo net- 2-2 comeback draw with Por- should Ryan Giggs’ position and Albert (Stuivenberg, gium last Wednesday had put ted the winner as his Portugal tugal last time out to build on not be resolved by then. Page’s assistant) have been early pressure on Wales. side fought back from a goal a brace in the 3-2 opening win Manager Giggs has been unbelievable in getting things But Saturday’s Prague down to avoid World Cup em- over Ireland. absent from the last two Wales across to us. That shows in the draw between the Czech Re- barrassment with a 3-1 win at And goals in the 16th and camps after being arrested on game.” Asked if Page could public and Belgium was a pos- Luxembourg on Tuesday. 81st minutes on Tuesday put suspicion of assault. step up if Giggs remained ab- itive result for Wales - and the Ronaldo’s 103rd interna- Serbia in a strong position with Giggs denies the allega- sent this summer, James said: Dragons’ next two games in tional goal moved him within seven points from three games tions and has had his bail ex- “Yes, definitely. September are away to Belarus six of Ali Daei’s all-time record despite Emin Makhmudov’s tended until May 1 - just six “Whether he’s the manag- and at home to Estonia. for Iran but brought Portugal a penalty levelling for Azerbai- weeks before Wales start their er or not, he’s been such a big James said: “It’s a mas- crucial three points after they jan on the hour. Euro 2020 campaign against part of before when the gaffer sive win. Going home with one - Ronaldo in particularly - had Turkey led 2-0 and 3-1 Switzerland in Baku. has been here. point or no points would have been enraged at having a late against visiting Latvia who Page has won four and “But he’s taken on the role been disappointing for us all. winner at Serbia not given on nonetheless fought back to drawn one of the six games in so well. Nothing has changed “We wanted to end this Saturday. level late on through Davis Giggs’ absence, with Tuesday’s really. He has just been doing camp on a high, and we need- Portugal and Serbia, who Ikaunieks. 1-0 home win over the Czech the job that he was doing be- ed to do it to keep up with themselves struck late in Azer- The dropped points mean Republic kick-starting their fore. He gets the points across those teams. baijan to win 2-1, top qualify- they are only one clear of the World Cup qualifying cam- to us so well. “We’re only one point off ing Group A on seven points Netherlands, who laboured paign after an opening defeat “Him, Albert and all the them (the Czech Republic) after the opening triple-head- against Gibraltar but eventu- to group favourites Belgium. staff behind him have been now. It’s a big win for us and er. Fixtures resume in Sep- ally won 7-0 after Steven Ber- “He’s been unbelievable,” unbelievable.” James ac- we keep our heads high.” tember after the delayed Euro ghuis broke the deadlock in 42 2020. minutes. Belgium top Group E after Portugal’s forward Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring a goal Norway got their campaign an 8-0 thrashing of Belarus during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 qualification Group A match back on track 1-0 at Montene- while Turkey lost their perfect against Luxembourg at the Josy Barthel Stadium, in Luxembourg City, gro with both sides also on six record in a 3-3 thriller with on Tuesday. (AFP) points beside the Dutch. Latvia but stay top of Group G. Seven-point Belgium Russia fell 2-1 in Slovakia to scored, but I think that from Maxime Chanot was dismissed dished out a lesson to Belarus lose the lead Group H on goal that point on we controlled the for two yellow cards. with Hans Vanaken and Lean- difference to 2018 runners-up game.” Ronaldo headed over “It was very exciting to dro Trossard getting doubles. Croatia, who beat Malta 3-0. when he should have levelled have scored my first goal,” Pal- The Czech Republic are three Portugal initially strug- but Diogo Jota made no mis- hinha told broadcaster RTP. points behind after having gled against Luxembourg, who take from a similar position in “It was a very special moment, Patrik Schick sent off in Wales, were in confidence mood after first-half injury-time. especially with this group of who won 1-0 with a late Daniel a shock weekend win at Ireland. Despite throwing his cap- players with such quality. James goal after Connor Rob- And Gerson Rodrigues, tain armband away in frustra- “It is a mix of emotions. erts was also dismissed. who struck the winner in Dub- tion in Belgrade, Ronaldo kept With Azerbaijan it was very Wales have three points lin, gave his side hope of an his role as skipper and deliv- important (for me to get my) alongside Belarus. even more famous win with a ered for his team yet again with first cap.N ow I’m happy for And Ivan Perisic made the 30th minute diving header. a simple side-footed winner six the goal, but I’m even happier breakthrough for Croatia just “It was a difficult first half,” minutes after the restart. for the win.” after the hour against Malta Portugal’s Renato Sanches Ronaldo missed a one-on- In the other match, Alek- as they went top of Group said. one but despite their best ef- sandar Mitrovic continued H thanks to Robert Mak’s win- “Luxembourg started well, forts Luxembourg could not his heroics for Serbia with a ner for Slovakia, who are a but I think we controlled the find an equalizerand Joao Pal- crucial double in Azerbaijan point behind, against Russia. Wales’ interim head coach Rob Page (R) watches as Wales’ midfielder Gareth Bale warms up ahead of the game. hinha’s late header guaranteed to extend his national record Cyprus beat Slovenia 1-0 in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 qualification match against Czech Republic in Cardiff on Tuesday.( AFP) “They had a set-piece and the points before the hosts’ scoring total to 41. other game. Sports Thursday, April 1, 2021 15

QOC Secretary-General meets Vice-President of Saudi Arabian Olympic Committee

HE Jassim bin Rashid Al Buenain, Secretary-General of the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) met at his office on Wednesday with HH Prince Fahd bin Jalawi bin Abdul Aziz bin Musaid, Vice-President of the Saudi Arabian Olympic Commit- tee, who is visiting Doha to attend HH the Amir Sword Hejen Festival. During the meeting, HE QOC Secretary-General welcomed HH Prince Fahd bin Jalawi and wished him a pleasant stay in Doha. They reviewed the sport co- operation between the two coun- tries and the means for further enhancements in the future. Prince Fahd thanked the of- ficials of the Olympic Move- ment in the State of Qa- tar, stressing the strength of the relationship between the Saudi and Qatari Olympic Com- mittees. (TNN) MyBoyHenry bags the Late Sakkari secures shock win to Rashid Mubarak Al Shafi Cup end Osaka’s winning run

Agencies/WTA the set, and one - a double fault MIAMI (Florida) - behind her own delivery. A shellshocked Osaka was Maria Sakkari pulled off a almost entirely unable to find stunning upset as she ended the court, contributing 12 un- Naomi Osaka’s 23-match win- forced errors in 34 points, fre- ning streak with a straight-sets quently within the first shot or victory in the quarter-finals of two of a rally. the Miami Open on Wednesday. The result was the 15th ba- World No. 25 Sakkari gel set Osaka has received in raced through the opening set her professional career, and without dropping a game and eighth at WTA or Billie Jean then finished by winning five King Cup level. She had won games in a row to clinch a 6-0, four of those matches, though, 6-4 win. most recently overcoming It is Osaka’s first defeat Anna Karolina Schmiedlova in over a year and ends her 0-6, 7-6(4), 6-1 in the first chances of overtaking Ashleigh round of Roland Garros 2019. Barty as world No 1 this week. As the second set got under Sakkari will face either way, Osaka showed resolve in Abdulla Bin Rashid Mubarak Al Shafi crowned the winners of The Late Khalid Abdulaziz Al Kuwari’s MyBoyHenry wins the feature race for The Late Rashid Mubarak Al Shafi Cup Rashid Mubarak Al Shafi Cup named in commemoration of his father at on turf. Jockey Meteb Al Saaq guided the Hossin Ashour-trained 6YO to victory at the Qatar Racing & Eques- Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club’s (QREC) Al Rayyan Park on Wednesday. trian Club’s (QREC) Al Rayyan Park on Wednesday.

Tribune News Network rode the Mohammed Hussain 4YO gelding to a ½-length Doha Afroz-trained 3YO filly to a Results win in the 1750m run. nose win in the 1500m run. WINNERS: Horse, Trainer, Jockey (Far Bend) (Division 2) Al Sakab Stud’s AL SIJ Al Khalid Abdulaziz Al Ku- Sharq Stud’s Majhool THE LATE RASHID MUBARAK AL SHAFI CUP - AJS Sarhan (QA), Rashid Al Ali, Soufiane Saadi Sakab (QA) (T M Fred Texas) wari’s MyBoyHenry won the Al Zaeem (QA) (Hockney x THOROUGHBRED HANDICAP (Class 3) (Far PUREBRED ARABIAN HANDICAP (Far Bend) made a perfect debut winning feature event of Qatar Racing Lady Jameela) won the Lo- Bend) Jefred (FR), Zuhair Mohsen, Soufiane Saadi the Purebred Arabian Maiden & Equestrian Club’s (QREC) cal Thoroughbred Handicap Myboyhenry (IRE), Hossin Ashour, Meteb Ali THOROUGHBRED MAIDEN PLATE (Class 6) Plate. 43rd Race Meeting to claim (0-70) with Ronan Thomas Al-Marri* (-5kg) (Far Bend) Anas Al Seyabi rode the THOROUGHBRED HANDICAP (Class 5) (Far In The Night (IRE), Ibrahim Saeed Al Malki, Anas the The Late Rashid Mubarak riding the Owaida Salem Al Bend) (Division 2) Al Seyabi Ibrahim Al Malki-trained colt Al Shafi Cup at Al Rayyan Park Hajri-trained 6YO horse to a Flirty Rascal (GB), Mohammed Hussain Afroz, PUREBRED ARABIAN MAIDEN PLATE (3 YEARS to an impressive 9¾-length on Wednesday. 3-length win in the 1500m run Marco Casamento OLD) (Far Bend) win in the 7f run for 3YOs. MyBoyHenry (IRE) (Foot- for 4YO+. THOROUGHBRED HANDICAP (Class 5) (Far Al Sij Al Sakab (QA), Ibrahim Saeed Al Malki, Mohamed Abdulla Al stepsinthesand) won on turf Eng. Hassan Ali Alabdul- Bend) (Division 1) Anas Al Seyabi Hajri’s Moneeaty (QA) (Asraa after Meteb Al Saaq rode the malik’s Vedute (IRE) (Holy Vedute (IRE), Deborah Amanda Clare Mountain, LOCAL PUREBRED ARABIAN MAIDEN PLATE Min Albarq) in 2nd attempt Hossin Ashour-trained 6YO to Roman Emperor x Quads) Alberto Sanna (Far Bend) (Division 1) won the Local P/A Maiden a 3¼-length win in the 1750m won the Thoroughbred LOCAL THOROUGHBRED HANDICAP (Far Moneeaty (QA), Hamad Al-Jehani, Abdulaziz Plate (Div.1) under Abdulaziz Bend) Jaber Dharman Class 3 Handicap (70-90). Handicap (0-70) (Div.1) un- Majhool Al Zaeem (QA), Owaida Salem Al Hajri, PUREBRED ARABIAN MAIDEN PLATE (Far Jaber Dharman who guided Abdulla Bin Rashid der Alberto Sanna. The Deb- Ronan Thomas Bend) the Hamad Al Jehani-trained Mubarak Al Shafi crowned bie Mountain-trained 3YO LOCAL PUREBRED ARABIAN MAIDEN PLATE Najia (FR), Majed Seifeddine, Marco Casamento 5YO mare to a 3¼-length win the winners of The Late gelding won by a nose in the in the 1500m run. Rashid Mubarak Al Shafi Cup 1500m run. Al Meqdam Stud’s Najia Maria Sakkari of Greece (left) returns a shot during the women’s sin- named in commemoration of Mohammed Bin Ham- 1500m run. 1750m run. (FR) (General x Vodka’l Fau- gles quarter-final of the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami his father. ad Khalifa Al Attiyah’s AJS Injaaz Stud’s Jedfred (FR) The Ibrahim Saeed Ibra- quey) 2nd time out claimed Gardens, Florida, on Wednesday. (On right) Naomi Osaka of Japan In the earlier races of the Sarhan (QA) (AF Albahar) (TM Fred Texas x Jelza) got him Al Malki-owned & trained the Purebred Arabian Maiden reacts during the match. (Getty Images/AFP) day, Khalifa Bin Sheail Al Ku- claimed the Local Purebred off the mark in a Purebred In The Night (IRE) (Shamard- Plate on turf. wari’s Flirty Rascal (GB) (Ac- Arabian Maiden Plate (Div.2) Arabian Handicap (0-65). al x Surprise Moment) was Marco Casamento rode Sara Sorribes Tormo or Bian- attempting to repeat that. clamation x Enliven) won the with Soufiane Saadi riding Soufiane Saadi rode the Zu- winner in the Thoroughbred the Majed Seifeddine-trained ca Andreescu next, with Barty Committing to longer ral- Thoroughbred Handicap (0- the Rashid Al Ali-trained 4YO hair Mohsen-trained 4YO Maiden Plate. 5YO mare to a ¼-length win meeting Elina Svitolina in the lies and finding more first 70) (Div.2). Marco Casamento colt to a 1¾-length win in the colt to a 1½-length win in the Anas Al Seyabi rode the in the 1500m run. other semi-final. serves, Osaka saved a total of Osaka had not lost a match six break points in her first two in over a year. Since falling 6-0, service games of set two, and 6-3 to Sara Sorribes Tormo in in between broke Sakkari to last February’s Billie Jean King take control of the scoreboard. Cup qualifiers, Osaka had put The Osaka backhand was fir- Medvedev leads the way as Tsitsipas together the ninth-longest un- ing, while Sakkari’s aggressive beaten WTA Tour run since strategy was resulting in more 2000, including both the US overpressing mistakes. and Rublev also move into quarter-finals and Australian Open titles. A tentative Osaka was un- But Sakkari delivered an able to execute with her usual DPA Milos Raonic and Taylor Fritz it is not and I am going to try knocked out 12th seed Raonic impeccable performance, power. Serving at 4-4 and in Berlin also exited. to do something with it tomor- 4-6 6-3 7-6 (7-4). striking 22 winners and com- control of the point, she opted World number two Med- row.” World number nine ing from 0-3 down in the sec- to carefully steer her backhand Top seed Daniil Medvedev vedev was too good for Tiafoe Tsitsipas kept up his good Schwartzman was knocked ond set. By contrast, Osaka from line to line instead of hit powered his way into the Mi- in a 6-4 6-3 victory. form after making last month’s out in three sets by Korda 6-3 would commit 23 unforced er- out on it. Sakkari duly pun- ami Open quarter-finals, along Medvedev improved his Australian Open semi-finals, 4-6 7-5 as he continues his su- rors and find only five winners. ished this with a pinpoint lob, with Stefanos Tsitsipas and 2021 record to 17-2, send- by booking his first Miami per run. The Greek, who had es- and went on to break by un- Andrey Rublev on Tuesday. ing down 11 aces with a Open quarter-final appear- Florida resident Korda, caped six match points against leashing on a backhand return. Medvedev won in straight dominant first-serve display ance. 20, reached his maiden ATP Jessica Pegula in the previ- Having feasted on Osaka’s sets against unseeded Ameri- while taking three of his The Greek world number 1000 quarter-final, showing ous round, has spoken about subpar 41% first serve percent- can Frances Tiafoe, hitting 24 four break points. five defeated Sonego 6-2 7-6 fight after the Argentinian working on aggressive tactics age all match, Sakkari was able winners. The 2021 Australian Open (7-2) with a clinical perfor- raised his game in the second while rediscovering her on- to close out her second win in Second seed Stefanos runner-up will meet seventh mance to keep alive his dream set, winning after an early court identity in Miami. Her five meetings over the former Tsitsipas won in straight sets seed Roberto Bautista Agut in of a maiden ATP Masters title. break in the last. improvement is illustrated in World No.1 with a minimum of against 24th seed Lorenzo his maiden Miami Open quar- Tsitsipas won in just over Rublev made light work of her recent record against elite fuss. She thus books her place Sonego, although the second ter-finals appearance. an hour and a half, proving too former US Open champion Ma- opposition. The result was in the third WTA 1000 semifi- went to a tie-break which the “It was definitely a tough good on serve, having not of- rin Cilic, triumphing 6-4 6-4. Sakkari’s sixth Top 5 win of her nal of her career following Wu- Greek dominated. match,” the Russian said in fered up one break point and Bautista Agut got past career, and fourth in a row. han 2017 and Rome 2019. World number eight An- his post-match on-court in- winning 89 per cent of first- 18th seed Isner 6-3 4-6 7-6 The opening set was as- But despite Osaka raising drey Rublev got past Marin terview. “I am just looking for- serve points. (9-7), while Jannik Sinner tounding. Two clean return her game, Sakkari refused to Cilic in straight sets to book ward to tomorrow. Roberto is He was also too good with defeated Alexander Zverev’s winners from Sakkari enabled let the set get away from her. A his last-eight spot. Daniil Medvedev of Russia serves a hell of a player. his return for the Italian, win- conqueror Emil Ruusuvuori her to break Osaka from 40-0 blitzed backhand winner ena- Fifth seed Diego Schwartz- to Frances Tiafoe of the United “I feel like sometimes, ning 35 per cent of the points 6-3 6-2. up in the first game, and the bled her to break back for 3-4 man was the major casualty on States during the Miami Open when I have practised with on Sonego’s serve. Alexander Bublik, seeded 25-year-old didn’t look back. - the second key break from Tuesday, losing to unseeded at Hard Rock Stadium at Miami him and played against him, The Greek will take on Pol- 32nd, sent down 23 aces as Continuing to tee off on her op- 40-0 down of the match - and American Sebastian Korda in Gardens, Florida, on Tuesday. that his ranking should be ish 26th seed Hubert Hurkacz he beat Taylor Fritz 6-7 (5-7) ponent’s second serve, Sakkari from there Sakkari began to three sets. Seeds Josh Isner, (Getty Images/AFP) higher. There are reasons why in the last eight, after he 6-3 6-4. dropped just eight points in dominate again.