among 36 cricket internationals for Pakistan Super League PaGe 14 Thursday, February 20, 2020 Seven of world’s top-ten players to feature in Qatar Total Open 2020 Injured Andreescu, Konta pull out of WTA Premier 5 tournament

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK Doha

WORLD No. 1 and champion Ashleigh Barty of Australia will lead a string of top stars who will be on show at the Qatar Total Open 2020 that swings into action at the Khalifa In- winner Sofia Kenin of united States will also be ternational Tennis & Squash playing in the Qatar Total open 2020 tournament. Complex courts from Sunday (February 23). The 18th edition of the an- nual WTA Premier 5 tourna- Top stars for Doha ment in Doha carries a total prize purse of $2,939,695. ● world No. 1 ashleigh Barty of australia ● No. 2 of romania ● No. 3 karolina Pliskova of Czech republic ● No. 4 Belinda Bencic of Switzerland ● No. 6 elina Svitolina of Ukraine ● No. 7 Sofia kenin of United States ● No. 8 kiki Bertens of the Netherlands Among the others from ● No. 11 Petra kvitova of Czech republic the top ten WTA rankings (released on Feb 17th), who would be arriving soon in Qa- tar include Australian Open World No. 1 Ashleigh Barty of Australia will be in the spotlight in Doha at the Qatar Total Open 2020 WTA Premier 5 tournament which begins Belgian Elise Merters, who won the Falcon trophy in Doha last year, champion Sofia at the Khalifa International Tennis & Squash Complex from Sunday (February 23). will be back along with 2019 finalist Simona Halep of Romania. Kenin of the US (No. 7), two- time Grand Slam champion, the singles event while the Ooredoo named Silver Sponsor stan’s Zarina Diyas has also and a champion in Doha in doubles will have a draw of 32. Knee setback pulled out due to a yet to be 2017 Czech Karolina Plisko- The draw ceremony for the I’m very sad to announce that QaTar’S leading telecommunications operator has announced confirmed injury. Russia’s va (No. 3), Australian Open championship will be held on I won’t be able to compete in that it is to be the Silver Sponsor for Qatar Total open 2020. duo of Liudmila Samsonova 2020 finalist, and Qatar Total Friday at the Khalifa Interna- the Qatar Total Open. I’m not Speaking of the sponsorship, Manar khalifa al Muraikhi – Direc- and Natalia Vikhlyantseva, Open champion in 2014 Si- tional Tennis & Squash Com- tor Pr and Corporate Communications at ooredoo, said: “we’re as well as Belgium’s Ysaline mona Halep of Romania (No. plex at 6pm. at 100% yet and following delighted to once again be supporting this major international Bonaventure have now been 2), Ukrainian Elina Svitolina Meanwhile two stars, my team and doctor’s sporting fixture, and proud to be involved with an event that draws placed in the qualifiers. (No. 6), Swiss Belinda Ben- world No. 5 Bianca Andreescu recommendation I don’t want the spotlight to Qatar. we’re firmly committed to supporting events Tournament Director Saad cic (No.4), twice Wimbledon of Canada, and Great Brit- to take any risk to reinjure my that promote a healthy, active lifestyle, as part of our corporate so- al Mohannadi said, “Though champion Petra Kvitova of ain’s Johanna Konta (world knee. Each day I get closer to cial responsibility strategy, and we’d encourage as many people as we would have loved to see Czech Republic (No. 11) – also No. 14) have withdrawn from being back to the court possible to go along, see some incredible tennis and be inspired. Andreescu and the rest of the a winner in Doha in 2018, and the tournament due to knee competing, but Doha is just too we look forward to an awesome event and some exciting matches stars play at this year’s tour- Dutch Kiki Bertens (8). injuries while USA’s Danielle soon. Hope I can come and play from some of the world’s top women’s tennis players.” nament, we, however, under- Joining them will be de- Collins (ranked 50) will also in Doha next year! Tickets for the sought-after event are now on sale at City Center stand that their health is more fending champion Belgian not feature following abdom- Mall, Doha Festival City Mall and Villaggio Mall, as well as at the important at this moment. We Elise Mertens (currently inal injury, the organisers – 2019 US Open champion venue and online at qatartennis.org wish them a speedy recovery world-ranked 17), and 2014 announced. Bianca Andreescu of Canada and also wish them the best as runner-up “I’m very sad to announce we look forward to welcoming of Germany (now ranked 18). that I won’t be able to com- I can come and play in Doha Ajla Tomljanovic of Australia, them to Doha in the future.” A total of 64 players in- pete in the Qatar Total Open team and doctor’s recommen- day I get closer to being back next year!,” said Andreescu. and Russia’s Svetlana Kuznet- The seven-day tourna- cluding eight qualifiers will in Doha next week. I’m not at dation I don’t want to take any to the court competing, but The latest development sova into the main draw. ment will run from February make it to the main draw of 100% yet and following my risk to reinjure my knee. Each Doha is just too soon. Hope moves USA’s Jennifer Brady, In the qualifiers, Kazakh- 23 to 29.

Al Kass International Cup Amadou Sarr scores winner as Inter Milan knock out Aspire

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK a fine long-range angle shot got on the end of a long ball Doha narrowly wide of the post after and nodded it into the path 12 minutes, with Surag then of Aqboub who saw his effort INTER Milan’s Amadou Sarr firing into the arms of Inter saved by the Scottish keeper. scored the only goal of the keeper Paolo Raimondi. At the other end, Lindsay burst match as the Italians ended Inter had a glorious op- between two defenders and fed Qatari hopes of a home success portunity on 17 minutes when Ure, but his shot was saved by in this year’s Al Kass Interna- Gabriele Menegatti powered Hasbi, who was also alert when tional Cup on Wednesday. in a fine left-foot drive that racing off his line after Lindsay The Italians had reached Amir Katoul could only parry got in behind the defence and the semi-finals on each of their into the path of Kifle Gambato looked likely to score. two previous visits to Qatar and but the striker failed to take Rangers levelled on 67 they maintained that record advantage and his effort was minutes and inevitably it was with a hard-earned victory in a well off target. Lindsay who provided the fin- game of very few chances. Surag shot wide as Aspire ish. Icelandic midfielder Jo- Aspire, who have played in continued to push forward hannes Bjarnason sent him all nine editions of the tourna- and the lively striker then through on the right and he ment, had topped Group A on went even closer on the half- Mohammed IV Academy striker Action from the match between Aspire Academy and Inter Milan. shot across the keeper from an their way to the quarter-finals, hour mark as he created space Omar Sadik celebrates scoring angle to find the net. and they were much the better on the edge of the box before against Rangers during their Al ternational Cup. Allan won the ball from Has- the match Aqboub fired home. Sadik, a hat-trick hero in team in the first half with Mo- firing just past the post. Kass International at the Aspire Skipper Omar Sadik san Aqboub just inside the The Moroccans delighted Mohammed VI Academy ’s hamed Surag a constant threat Sloppy defending by Inter Zone on Wednesday. scored the winner with his Mohammed VI Academy half their vociferous fans as they 3-0 victory over Altinordu, down the left. skipper Andrea Pelamatti saw fourth goal of the tournament and he found Robbie Ure who took the lead with one of the again proved the hero when Inter raised their game in him dispossessed by Mobark nine minutes remaining, when as the Moroccans continue to played a fine through ball to goals of the tournament on 27 soaring high to head the win- the second half although they Hamza but he couldn’t make he got away from Abdulnasir impress with their fine passing Lindsay who sent a low right- minutes. Harkness was dis- ner on 83 minutes. had to wait until the 81st min- the Italians pay. to head home Mattia Ortelli’s and quality finishing. foot shot past goalkeeper possessed near the halfway Mohammed VI Academy ute to find the all-important Inter were much improved well-flighted free-kick. The result was harsh on Walid Hasbi. line and the ball was played found themselves down to 10 goal, just as the game seemed after the break but there were Debutants Mohammed Rangers skipper Charlie Lind- The lead lasted just two min- out to the left from where men in the 88th minute when to be heading for a penalty few clear-cut chances and Men- VI Academy stun champions say, who netted his fourth and utes though as Jack Harkness Aqboub sent in a beautiful Mohammed Jazouli need- shoot-out. egatti shot straight at the keeper Rangers Tournament debu- fifth goals of the tournament played a weak back pass and curling shot beyond the de- lessly kicked out at Semple to Inter had the better of the shortly after the hour-mark be- tants Mohammed VI Academy to go to the top of the goals- Sadik sent a shot on goal that spairing dive of McConnell. become the first player in the early stages but Aspire were fore Sarr headed narrowly wide. stunned reigning champions coring charts. Jack McConnell saved, but the The second half was less tournament to receive a red the first to have a shot in anger, It was Sarr who finally Glasgow Rangers to reach the Rangers took the lead on keeper was then out of position than a minute old when McCo- card. It means he will now Chalpan Abdoulnasir sending found the net though with just semi-finals of the Al Kass In- seven minutes when Connor as the most valuable player of nnell was tested again. Sadik miss the semi-finals. sports Thursday, February 20, 2020 13 struggling al Gharafa look for a bounce-back win at al ahli Bottom-placed Al Shahania to take on Al Arabi Atletico Madrid players celebrate after Saul Niguez scored against liverpool during their uEFA Champions league Round in QNB Stars of 16 first-leg match on Tuesday.(aFP) League

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK Liverpool seek Doha Reaction! THE QNB Stars League re- After exiting from two Cup sumes on Thursday after almost home comforts three weeks’ break. competitions in successive Al Gharafa will look to put weeks, I hope there will be a behind a disappointing run of Al Gharafa players take part in a training session ahead of their QNB Stars league match. reaction from the team. We exits in the Cup competitions regret the recent results, we after Atletico when they visit Al Ahli, while about. Now, we have Al Ahli Nebojsa Jovovic couldn’t be any goal. did not play at our best bottom side Al Shahania face an and we will do our best to get happier with his side’s form. The Dream Team beat Al uphill task against fifth-placed three points,” Jokanovic said on The Brigadiers are on a run of Shahania earlier this season, level. Now, we have Al Ahli wake-up call Al Arabi. Wednesday. three wins from four, including but Heimir Hallgrimsson noted and we will do our best to Al Gharafa have lost four of The seven-time league victories in the Amir Cup and that Al Shahania will present a get three points. their last seven matches in all champions face an Al Ahli side Ooredoo Cup. different challenge this time, AFP there is a pattern in the Euro- competitions, the most unlikely they lost to less than a week ago “Certainly, after the posi- especially due to their league – Al Gharafa coach LoNDoN pean champions struggling to of which was a stunning defeat in the Ooredoo Cup. tive results in the Cup competi- position. Slavisa Jokanovic hit top form on the road in the in the Amir Cup Round of 16 to Jokanovic, however, insists tions, we have created a healthy “We struggled to beat them LIVERPOOL’S return to the Champions League. minnows Al Markhiya. his team continues to suffer atmosphere in the team. The last time and now there is no son and with eight matches scene of their Champions Liverpool have lost seven The Cheetahs kicked off the from the injury bug, which has most important thing for us doubt that both teams know left to play, Al Shahania coach League triumph last season of their last 11 away games in season under Slavisa Jokanovic contributed to a dip in form. is the next match against Al very well how important the Pepe Murcia knows his team was not a happy one. Europe’s premier club compe- with impressive wins in their “We have missed some key Gharafa, whom we beat in the three points are, especially as need to start picking up points A 1-0 defeat by Atletico tition – more than they have first four matches, but have players and our performance Ooredoo Cup last week. On our we are approaching the end of to have any hopes of remaining Madrid in the first leg of their lost in their last 106 Premier managed just two league wins obviously dipped. The solu- part, we promise to give our best the league. in the top flight. last-16 tie on Tuesday leaves League games. in their last five. tion is to be organised again in order to achieve our target of “Also, my confidence in “We have played many the European champions rely- For all its TV-revenue “After exiting from two Cup and keep working for all play- three points. It will be an inter- Al Arabi players is big. The games with depleted squad. ing on another Anfield come- fuelled wealth, that raises competitions (Amir Cup and ers. Everyone must be ready to esting match,” Jovovic said. team found a clear footballing As a team, even one player’s back to progress. questions of the overall qual- Ooredoo Cup) in successive take advantage of the opportu- identity and personality and absence will adversely affect Jurgen Klopp’s men fa- ity of the Premier League, weeks, I hope there will be a re- nity and provide his best. There Al Shahania vs Al Arabi they fight every match,” Hall- us. I wish we enter this match mously thrashed Barcelona particularly with the likes of action from the team. We regret are other strong teams in the Al Arabi needed penalties in grimsson said. with all players and that will 4-0 in their last knockout tie Manchester United, Totten- the recent results, we did not league. For me, when our squad the Amir Cup to beat Al Khor Al Shahania are staring give us options. Our goal is to at home to overturn a 3-0 ham Hotspur, Chelsea and play at our best level. was complete, our level was bet- as they secured a semi-final relegation in the face with just get the three points and if we deficit in last season’s semi- Arsenal at a low ebb. “In football, there is always ter,” the Serbian added. spot in the Ooredoo Cup after eight points so far. They have get them, it will help us a lot,” finals. Yet, even amidst that run, a next stage for you to think Meanwhile, Al Ahli coach beating Al Wakrah by a lone managed just one win all sea- said Murcia. There is no need for such Liverpool have reached back- a dramatic turnaround when to-back Champions League Atletico visit on March 11. But finals and have never lost a after being frustrated by how two-legged European tie in World champ an intense atmosphere at the four seasons under Klopp. Fingers pointed at Tuchel as Neymar & Wanda Metropolitano affect- If travel sickness has been ed the performance of Polish a problem, fortress Anfield Hamilton sets referee Szymon Marciniak, has always more than made Klopp is keen to harness the amends. Roma and Manches- PSG face fight to avoid UCL elimination test pace power of Anfield. ter City were also blown away “We speak from time to in the latter stages in recent AFP AFP time (about) the power of An- years before the miracle of ParIS MoNTMeLó, SPaIN field and the power of a sta- Barcelona. dium and what a stadium can “The second half will be PARIS Saint-Germain travelled WORLD champion Lewis have, tonight we saw it,” said played in a different stadium, to Borussia Dortmund desper- Hamilton hammered out an Klopp. in our stadium, and that will ate to finally make their mark early season warning to his “The whole stadium only be different as well,” added on the Champions League rivals on Wednesday when wanted a result, the stadium Klopp. “Atletico will feel that knockout stage but left on the he set the fastest time on the was not here for seeing sensa- and that’s what we are looking receiving end of a defeat which opening day of pre-season tional football. They wanted a forward to.” threatens to derail yet another testing at Barcelona. result and they got the result, Three weeks from now European campaign. Hamilton, who will attempt so they are now happy in this Liverpool will also be fully up The aftermath saw an un- to equal Michael Schumacher’s moment and we are not.” to speed. They were also slug- happy Neymar pointing the all-time record of seven world Liverpool were unhappy gish in a 1-0 win at bottom-of- finger of blame at his own club titles this year, clocked a best at the award of a throw-in the-table Norwich City on Sat- with coach Thomas Tuchel time of 1min 16.976sec off a to- which led to Saul Niguez’s urday after a two-week winter clearly in the firing line. tal of 94 laps. fourth-minute opener, while break. The world’s most expensive He was the only driver at a Klopp replaced Sadio Mane A similar 11-day break last player scored a potentially pre- chilly Montmelo to duck under at half-time for fear Atletico’s year due to an early exit from cious away goal for the French 1min 17sec. play-acting would earn the the FA Cup allowed Klopp to club, but a brace by the excep- Worryingly for the rest of Senegalese star a second yel- take his players on a warm- tional Erling Braut Haaland PSG coach Thomas Tuchel shakes hands with goalkeeper Keylor Navas as the players leave the pitch after the field, Mercedes teammate low card. weather training camp. On gave Dortmund a 2-1 win to the UEFA Champions League Last 16, first-leg match against Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday. (AFP) Valtteri Bottas was second Defeat was just the Reds’ their return, they drew five of take to Paris for the return leg fastest in 1min 17.313sec. second all season with a senior their next seven games, which of their last-16 tie on March 11. Would Kylian Mbappe and “I was genuinely injured, I attacking stars but made them “It’s been a good day and team. A near flawless Premier ultimately cost them the title. The danger is that a famil- Neymar, the two most expen- had a fissure in a rib. But it was potentially more vulnerable at a really good start for all of League campaign has them 25 However, they finished iar story is unfurling for PSG, sive players in world football, nothing that should have pre- the back, Tuchel switched to a us, considering we had a long points clear at the top of the the season in supreme form, who had gone three and a half really stick around for another vented me from playing. 3-4-3 in Dortmund, mirroring break,” said Hamilton. table and romping towards a winning 14 of their last 15 months unbeaten before their crack at the competition? “They postponed my return the opposition. “So to come back and clock first league title in 30 years. matches to be crowned cham- trip to Germany. Far too strong Despite his goal, Neymar again, and then postponed it Sports daily L’Equipe called in over 170 laps just shows how The Club World Cup and pions of Europe and register for their domestic rivals, but un- looked off the pace in Dort- again and again. it “a tactical choice that had not hard everyone has been work- UEFA Super Cup have also a club record Premier League able to cope with the step up in mund, short of match sharp- “I understand the club’s been worked on and did not ing over the winter.” been won along the way, but points tally of 97. intensity at the business end of ness having missed his team’s fear, because I missed the last work out”. Tuchel “lost his bet”, Sergio Perez, in a Rac- the Champions League. previous four games with a rib 16 in each of the last two years. the paper added. ing Point, was fourth best at Humiliated by second-leg problem which he insisted was I respect the decisions, but it “It is nothing to do with 0.399sec off the pace while comebacks at this stage by Man- not serious. can’t be that way, because it is the tactical set-up, it is up to Red Bull’s Max Verstappen Quick read chester United last year and PSG’s desire to wrap the the player who ends up suffer- us to show the desire,” insisted was fourth at 0.540 after put- doha to host 2022 World Cup referees prep course Barcelona in 2017, beaten by Brazilian in cotton wool for the ing. It was very difficult to play Presnel Kimpembe, a member ting in 168 laps, the most of Real Madrid in 2018, it is four last fortnight was understand- a game of that intensity, for 90 of that back three. any driver. Doha will host a course, organised by the International Football years since the Qatar-owned able, after he missed the United minutes without stopping. If I Kimpembe’s brother was “It’s been a good day. It’s association (FIFa) during the period from March 9 to 13, to prepare club won a Champions League tie 12 months ago with a foot in- were in a better condition phys- rather less generous -- he always important to do as referees for the 2022 world Cup. International referees from asia, knockout tie. jury and the second leg against ically then I definitely would launched a foul-mouthed tirade many laps as possible and to- africa and oceania continents will participate in the course, which is Sporting director Leonardo Madrid in 2018 because of a have played better.” against Tuchel in a video posted day was a really good example reserved for the field referees only. Qatar’s abdulrahman al Jassim recently tried to remove some similar problem. While Neymar appeared on Instagram that went viral in of how you should do it, so I’m will participate in the course. Theoretical lectures will be held at the of the pressure going into the But it proved detrimental, to point the finger at the club’s France, although he did then very happy,” said Verstappen. Intercontinental hotel, while practical exercises and tests will be Dortmund tie when he said: according to the player himself. medical staff as well as Tuchel, claim it was “a joke”. For Ferrari, Charles Leclerc held at Qatar Club. The course will be lectured by Vice Chairman of “This is not life or death, it’s a “The club decide, so sadly others were more directly criti- Nobody of a PSG persuasion replaced four-time world FIFa and aFC referees’ Committees hani Ballan, head of the arbitra- game of football.” I had to respect their decision. cal of the coach. will be in the mood for laughing champion Sebastian Vettel for tion Department in the FIFa Massimo Busacca and Chairman of the However, another exit at But that ended up being bad for After months of committing if they go out in the second leg, opening day duties after the FIFa referees Committee Pierluigi Collina. (QNA) this stage would be immensely me and my teammates,” he told to a 4-4-2 formation which gave but the rest of Europe possibly German fell ill and returned to damaging for the PSG project. Brazilian media after the game. more room to fit in his many will be, at their expense. the team hotel.

Rashford ‘touch and go’ to play again this season: Solskjaer Manchester united’s Marcus Rashford is AFP It was initially thought Club Brugge. tion for play for England at the injury was worse than United consoled by Anthony LoNDoN Rashford would be out for “So hopefully we can go Euros, Solskjaer said: “Well, I had first anticipated. Martial after picking around six weeks, but United through and get through this would hope that he plays before “He had a scan and it was up an injury. (aFP) MARCUS Rashford will be side- manager Solskjaer said it is not tournament and prolong the then but we’re not sure, so if maybe more severe, that frac- lined for several months after impossible the England forward season. he’s not fit enough he won’t go.” ture, than what we hoped for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer revealed could now miss the rest of the “It takes time. I’m not a doc- Rashford, who came off and expected because he felt the Manchester United striker season and Euro 2020. tor, but obviously I was hoping with a back injury against fine the few days before that,” is “touch and go” to play again “I would hope he’s playing that he would recover quicker Norwich just days before the Solskjaer said. this season. this season but it’ll just be touch than it actually looks like he’s Wolves match, had been confi- “When he recovers, when Rashford, 22, suffered a and go towards the end,” Sol- going to be out for. So, another dent of being “back before the he’s healed, he’ll be stronger back injury in United’s FA Cup skjaer told British media as he few months definitely.” season ends” shortly after sus- for it, so it’s important that we third-round replay win against prepared for Thursday’s Europa Pressed on whether Rash- taining the injury last month. don’t rush him. And we won’t Wolves in January. League last 32 first leg clash ford would be out of conten- But Solskjaer conceded the do that.” 14 Thursday, February 20, 2020 sports manateq QCCr to host al ahli beat Gharafa, rise in QVa league first three rounds of Qatar National baja Italian Dakar star Liparoti to challenge for top honours

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK Doha

THE Qatar Motor and Motor- cycle Federation (QMMF) will host the opening three rounds of the Manateq Qatar National Baja (MQNB) in conjunction Al Ahli Club beat Al Gharafa Club in straight sets in the QVA league at the QVA Indoor Hall in Doha on with the Manateq Qatar Cross- Wednesday. The 25-14, 25-19 25-18 victory was Al Ahli’s 11th triumph in 15 matches and took their tally Country Rally (MQCCR) on to 31 points, one less than second-placed Police. Al Arabi are leading the table with 38 points from 13 February 22 to 27. wins in 14 games. For Al Gharafa, this was their 10th defeat in 14 matches. Non-FIA homologated cars will be joined by teams tack- ling the full five-day FIA event and will challenge for points on Qatar’s Adel Abdulla is hoping to do well in both the rallies. three days of the international cross-country rally, subject to nadi, Ahmed Allouh and Ali Kohli says he’s not all the vehicles passing final Saeed al Kuwari in their T3 FIA and National Baja scruti- Maverick X3s. neering checks. Potentially running at the yet ready to ease Each of the three days will front of the National Baja field be a separate counting round will be the 1993 FIA Middle of the Manateq Qatar National East rally champion Sheikh Baja series, although the Na- Hamed bin Eid al Thani and captaincy workload tional competitors will only be French navigator Stéphane permitted to take part in the Duplé in a Sierra GMC and added. “At a time when the entire opening selective section Jahman Jaralla and Jamal body doesn’t respond as well, Bangladesh of the FIA event on February Fakhroo in T1 and T2 Nis- maybe at around 34, 35, you 23 and the first parts of days san Patrols. Doha-based Ger- might have a different conver- retain Mashrafe three (February 25) and five man lady driver Edith Weiss sation, but for the next two or (February 27). rounds off the National entry three years I have no issues.” as captain for Qatari and Kuwaiti drivers in her T1 Nissan. Kohli, who took over the will be joined by Italian Dakar Qatar’s Khalid al Mohannadi is competing in both the Manateq Qatar Mohammed al Meer, Adel Test captaincy in late 2014, Zimbabwe ODIs star Camelia Liparoti on the Cross-Country Rally and the Manateq Qatar National Baja. Abdulla, Mubarak al Hajri, Ab- said he wanted to ensure the exclusive Manateq Qatar Na- dullah al Rabban, Khalid and Indian team was in a good AFP tional Baja entry. Liparoti is Rashid al Mohannadi, Moham- place when he finally relaxed Dhaka a regular competitor in cross- med al Harqan and Ahmed al his grip on the reins. country rallies and tackled the Kuwari are taking part in the “The team wants a lot of my BANGLADESH pace bowler Dakar Rally last month in a main FIA event and will also be contribution in the next two or Mashrafe Murtaza will lead Yamaha in the Side-by-Side eligible for MQNB points. AFP three years, so that we can ease the country in the forthcom- (SxS) category. The Italian Twenty-five points will be weLLINGToN into another transition, which ing three-match one-day lady has agreed to use a locally- awarded to the winner of each is what we faced about five or international series against supplied Yamaha YXZ 1000R day, with 18 for second, 15 for VIRAT Kohli admitted on six years ago,” he said. Zimbabwe despite uncertainty to tackle the rally with fellow third and on down to a single Wednesday that captaining “The mindset is obviously over his future. countryman Angelo Montico in point for 10th overall. There India in all three cricketing on the larger picture and from Mashrafe has not repre- the National T4 section. will also be trophies and cash formats was gruelling but in- that point of view, I am pre- sented Bangladesh in any ODI She lines up against the prizes in three different cat- sisted he was not yet ready to paring myself for a rigorous since the ICC World Cup last Kuwaiti T3 Can-Am quartet egories for T1, T2 and T3 com- ease his leadership burden. three years.” year, and in January with- of Mohammed al Mutairy, petitors. Speaking ahead of the open- Kohli backed rookie open- drew his name from a lucra- Abdulaziz al Basheer Moham- The series will reach its ing Test against New Zealand in ing batsmen Mayank Agarwal tive national team contract. med Amir and Abdulrahman conclusion with rounds four Wellington on Friday, Kohli, 31, and Prithvi Shaw to shine at But Bangladesh Cricket Board Ali and Qatar’s Mohammed Italian Camelia liparoti will drive yamaha yXZ 1000R to tackle the and five on October 30-31 and said stepping back was on his Wellington’s Basin Reserve, officials said he would skipper al Attiyah, Ahmed al Mohan- Manateq Qatar National Baja from Saturday. November 27-28. mind, but not for a few years. where India have not won a the side. “It’s not a conversation to Test since 1968. “At this moment we don’t hide away from,” he told re- “These guys have no bag- have a substitute for a cap- porters. “It’s been about eight gage, they’re not desperate in tain like Mashrafe,” president years now that I’ve been play- any way to perform here,” he Nazmul Hassan told reporters Australia eye fifth title at Women’s T20 World Cup ing almost 300 days a year. said. “They play with a fear- in Dhaka. “If he is not fit, that “With the travelling, prac- lessness that can motivate the is another issue.” AFP ing champions, and four-time England this month, before where organisers are hoping tice sessions and the intensity whole team and give us the Hassan said while SYDNeY winners, were rarely tested rallying to win the warm-up to draw a world-record at- being right up there all the kind of starts we want.” Mashrafe’s captaincy was vital through the second half of tri-series. tendance for a women’s sport- time, it does take a toll on you.” Kohli expected the notori- to the team, it was also time for MIGHTY Australia go into their 2019 when they whitewashed “To be put under pressure ing fixture. Asked about fellow players ous Wellington wind to play a him to decide his future. “We home Twenty20 World Cup an injury-ravaged West Indies like this heading into a World The cavernous MCG holds who had dropped one or more role in the match, saying it had have to decide about our next this week as overwhelming fa- and a developing Sri Lanka Cup is extremely good prepa- 100,000 fans, while the re- forms of the game in order to to be carefully considered when captain very soon,” he said. vourites as they look to cement team in the short format. ration,” Lanning insisted. cord stands at 90,185 for the extend their careers, Kohli re- weighing up bowling options. Bangladesh will face Zim- their superiority in women’s Giving a glimmer of hope Despite the recent losses, 1999 football World Cup final plied: “I’m not in that space at “Wind in this stadium babwe in the three-match ODI cricket and draw a world-re- to their rivals, they surpris- Australia are widely expected when the United States beat the moment.” more than any other in the series from March 1 in Sylhet, cord crowd in the process. ingly slumped to defeat to contest the March 8 final at China on penalties in Pasa- “Periodic breaks for me world plays a massive, mas- before travelling to Pakistan in Meg Lanning’s defend- against major rivals India and the Melbourne Cricket Crowd, dena, California. seem to work pretty OK,” he sive role,” he said. April for a one-off ODI series. Cricket’s coming home: Pakistan hosts star-studded T20 league

AFP lustrates how security has im- karaChI proved in a country where the army has fought a militant in- surgency for years. CRICKET-CRAZY fans in Pa- “So many players touring kistan will be able to enjoy Pakistan shows the confidence the whole of their Twenty20 they have in playing in Paki- league on home soil for the stan,” said Mani, who took first time when the star-stud- over last year with the aim of ded fifth edition begins on bringing cricket home. Thursday in Karachi. “For the fans, this will be The month-long Pakistan a long-awaited opportunity to Super League (PSL) will see see their cricketing heroes live top internationals such as Dale in action and reinforce their Steyn of South Africa, Shane love for this great game after Watson and Chris Lynn of being left deprived.” Quetta’s Australian star Shane Watson leaves the ground under heavy Australia, West Indian Carlos A generation of Pakistan’s secuirty after practising in Karachi this week. Brathwaite and England’s Alex youth had not watched top- Hales and among 36 flight cricket at home since a “I am delighted to see the sound to bring joys for the whole overseas players in six teams. deadly attack on the Sri Lan- PSL fully staged in Pakistan,” nation, and youngsters get in- Matches will be shared kan Test team’s bus in 2009 former Pakistan captain Sar- spired,” said Ahmed, who will between Karachi, Rawalpindi, prompted international sides faraz Ahmed told AFP. play for the . Multan and Lahore after secu- to shun the country. Pakistan’s legendary squash player Jahangir Khan (center R) holds the Pakistan Super League (PSL) trophy “I welcome all the foreign Six teams – Islamabad rity concerns had caused most Security improved enough next to cricket officials during its unveiling ceremony at the Karachi National Stadium on Wednesday. players and hope they take a United, Karachi Kings, La- games in previous years to by 2015 for limited-overs inter- Cricket-crazy fans in Pakistan will be able to enjoy the whole of their Twenty20 league on home soil for the good message .. so that in the hore Qalanders Lutan Sultans, be played in the United Arab nationals to be hosted but Test first time when the star-studded fifth edition begins on Thursday in Karachi.(aFP) coming years we have more Peshawar Zalmi and Quetta Emirates, with only the final cricket returned only in Decem- international teams coming.” Gladiators – will play each stages of the last three editions ber after a decade’s exile. Karachi Kings. teams with security normally blocked and fans will have to Australia’s limited overs other twice in a round-robin being held at home. “It’s important that it goes “All the big boys, who are reserved for visiting heads of go through multiple security leg-spinner was phase with the top four con- Pakistan Cricket Board off well, for the future of Pa- here from overseas, must bring state, with hundreds of police cordons. Pakistan hosted only born in Pakistan but fled to his testing play-offs beginning on (PCB) chairman Ehsan Mani kistan cricket,” said former their countries here and play.” guarding stadiums and hotels the tournament final in 2017, adopted country in 2010 after March 17. believes the willingness of Australian batsman Dean Since hosting Zimbabwe in and the PSL is no different. expanding to four matches in Taliban threats. The final will take place in overseas stars to sign up il- Jones, who is the coach of 2015, Pakistan has provided Roads to stadiums will be 2018 and eight a year ago. “Hopefully it goes safe and Lahore on March 22. sports Thursday, February 20, 2020 15

hh The amir sWOrd FesTiVal 2020 aT QreC raCeCOurse FrOm TOday

The three-day premier horseracing event on the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) calendar – HH The Amir Sword Festival 2020 – is all set for a galloping start at the New Al Rayyan Racecourse from Thursday evening. The highlight of the opening day is the Al Zubara Trophy 2,000m race. The Gulf Cup and the Irish Thoroughbred Marketing Cup will be the feature events on the second day. The festival, which has attracted strong runners from all over the world, will conclude on Saturday, presenting an eight-race card for fans. The Longines-presented HH the Amir Trophy (QA Group 1) and the Al Hazm-sponsored HH the Amir Sword (Group 1 Purebred Arabians) are the feature races which carry $1 million each in prize-money. Last year, HH Sheikh Moham- med bin Khalifa al Thani-owned Ebraz provided an exciting finale, winning HH the Amir Sword (Group 1 PA) against umm Qarn’s yazeed by three quarters of a length. The 2017 champion Ebraz is in the field again, looking for his third win in four years. French King clinched HH the Amir Trophy (QA Groupr 1) with a convincing one-and-a-half-length victory over Royal Julius. Fakhir also posted an identical victory by one- length-and-a-half against AJS Moaddie to emerge as cham- pion in HH the Amir Silver Sword, presented by ooredoo.

daam supporting partner for hh The amir sword Festival 2020

Daam, the social and sport contribution fund in Qatar, has signed with the Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club (QREC) to be the supporting partner for the three-day prestigious HH The Amir Sword Festival 2020. At the QREC Headquarters in New Al Rayyan, Daam Programme Director Ahmed Salem al Ali and QREC CEo Nasser Sherida al Kaabi signed the sponsorship agreement during a press conference. Kaabi presented a momento to Ali on the occasion.

Golfers geared up for Qatar Open 2020 CHI Al Shaqab offers families fun and entertainment galore TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK Doha

QATAR’S premier international equestrian competition, Com- mercial Bank CHI Al Shaqab Presented by Longines taking place at the Longines Arena at Al Shaqab from 27-29 February will not only feature world class equestrian competition but fun-filled family activities and entertainment that will capti- vate and fascinate spectators. This year’s festival area and dedicated family enter- tainment zone, will offer a variety of entertaining activi- The Qatar open Amateur Golf Championship ties suitable for visitors of all 2020 will begin at the Doha Golf Club course ages. This includes magic and on Thursday. After the first two days, the final puppet shows, marionettes, round will take place on Saturday. arcade games, art & craft, face painting, virtual reality games and even, traditional Qatari cultural activities such as henna painting and falcon SHOW PROGRAM 23 European pros, 80 amateurs including 8 from Qatar to battle for top spots handling. ‘CHI’ stands for Concours DAY 1 - THURSDAY 27 TH FEBRUARY 2020 TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK European professionals and al Kuwari and 47 other Doha- victory. He aggregated one- Hippique International or In- TIME CATEGORY EVENT HEIGHT 12:00 15:45 | CPEDI3* | Para Dressage - Team Test Indoor Arena

Doha 80 amateurs,” said Qatar Golf based golfers. under 215, with the next clos- ternational Equestrian Compe- 13:30 14:15 | | Al Shaqab Internations Camp Outdoor Arena

Association (QGA) General- Kaabi’s 2017 runner-up est player, England’s William tition. The three magic letters 15:00 17:00 | CSI5* | 2 Phases Outdoor Arena | 1.45m

MORE than 100 players from Secretary Fahad al Naimi. position is the best result for Shucksmith, at six-over. make all the difference in the 17:45 20:00 | CSI5* | Against the clock Outdoor Arena | 1.55m

39 countries will take part in German Marcel Siem, a a Qatari in the championship. In the professional cate- prestigious equestrian world. It 18:00 20:40 | | Longines Hathab - Dressage L1 & L2 Indoor Arena the Qatar Open Amateur Golf four-time European Tour win- Some of the Qatari players are gory, Poland’s Adrian Meronk is a title of nobility, something HATHAB DAY 2 - FRIDAY 28TH FEBRUARY 2020

Championship at the Doha ner, is the player to watch in in good nick and will be hop- emerged as the winner. rare that does come not easy. TIME CATEGORY EVENT HEIGHT

Golf Club from Thursday the Pro category. ing for an impressive outing This is the third time pro- First organised in 2013, 09:00 11:00 | HATHAB | Longines Hathab - Small Tour Outdoor Arena | 1.00/1.15m to Saturday. The 2014 BMW Masters in the event which will be a fessionals are participating in CHI Al Shaqab has evolved to 09:15 12:45 | CPEDI3* | Para Dressage - Individual Test Indoor Arena

Top three Qatari players champion Siem has a World three-day Individual Stroke- the tournament with the organ- become one of the highlights 13:00 15:00 | HATHAB | Longines Hathab - Medium Tour Outdoor Arena | 1.20/1.30m and top three professionals will Cup win on his CV after part- play tournament with half the ising committee awarding the on the world’s equestrian cal- 15:00 18:00 | CDI5* | Dressage - Grand Prix Test Indoor Arena get to match their skills with nering fellow German Bern- field advancing to Saturday’s best three results a spot in the endar. It brings together the 15:45 17:15 | CSI5* | Against the clock Outdoor Arena | 1.50m some of the best players on the hard Langer to glory in Barba- final round play on Saturday. Commercial Bank Qatar Mas- world’s top ranking riders in 18:00 18:45 | CHILDREN | Al Shaqab Children Competition Outdoor Arena | 1.00m

European Tour in the Com- dos in 2006. This year his best The handicap limit for ama- ters, which has moved across three Olympic equestrian dis- 19:30 21:30 | CSI5* | Jump off Outdoor Arena | 1.60m mercial Bank Qatar Masters at finish in three events on the teur players is nine. the Qatari capital from Doha ciplines – showjumping, dres- DAY 3 - SATURDAY 29TH FEBRUARY 2020 the Education City Golf Club European Tour has been a tied Last year, Danish young- Golf Club for the first time in sage and para dressage. TIME CATEGORY EVENT HEIGHT (ECGC) from March 5 to 8. 49th at the South Arican Open ster Mikkel Mathiesen, who its 23-year history to ECGC – a Tickets for Commercial 08:30 09:15 | CDI5* | Dressage - Grand Prix Special Test Indoor Arena “This is one of the old- The spotlight will be on has been a junior member at landmark project for Qatar and Bank CHI Al Shaqab Pre- 10:25 12:15 | HATHAB | Longines Hathab - Open Class Outdoor Arena | 1.15/1.25m est tournaments in the region eight Qatari players – Saleh Doha Golf Club (DGC) for ten the world of golf – which offers sented by Longines, including 10:00 13:30 | CPEDI3* | Para Dressage - Freestyle Test Indoor Arena and from last two years, the al Kaabi, Ali al Shahrani, Ab- years, won the championship. a revolutionary and holistic ap- exclusive VIP packages, are 13:30 14:45 | HATHAB | Longines Hathab - Big Tour Outdoor Arena | 1.30/1.45m tournament has seen the par- durahman al Shahrani, Jaham The 18-year-old played proach to growing the game. now available online at htt- 14:15 16:45 | CDI5* | Dressage - Grand Prix Freestyle Test Indoor Arena ticipation of some of the best al Kuwari, Fahad Rizwan, remarkably well as his final Winners of both the cat- ps://www.q-tickets.com/ or 15:30 16:30 | CSI5* | Table C Outdoor Arena | 1.45m international professionals. Abdelaziz al Mohannadi, Ab- round 70 with a birdie and a egories will receive a Royal Air through the Al Shaqab website 17:10 17:25 | ARABIAN | Arabian Horse Show Outdoor Arena This year’s event includes 23 delaziz al Boainain, Ghanim bogey earned him a seven-shot Maroc round trip ticket. (www.alshaqab.com). 17:30 20:00 | CSI5* | GRAND PRIX-Two Rounds + Jump Off Outdoor Arena | 1.60m