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Sunday, March 14, 2021 Sha’aban 1, 1442 AH Muguruza ends GULF TIMES two-year title drought in Dubai SPORT Page 2

TENNIS / QATAR EXXONMOBIL OPEN Basilashvili downs Bautista Agut to soar with the Falcon ‘This tournament was one of the strongest 250s I have ever seen probably... To be able to win it... surprising and happy’

By Mikhil Bhat Doha

oming into the Qa- tar ExxonMobil Open, Nikoloz Basilashvili had barely won two matches outC of his last 16, and had a streak of fi ve losses. In fact the fi rst time he played at the Centre Court of Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex during the 2021 edition was when he faced Swiss three- time champion in the quarter-fi nals. And the Georgian made it worth the trip, coming back from a set down and even saving a match point to beat the 20-time cham- pion in just under two hours. Yesterday in the fi nal, where he had booked a place after beat- ing Taylor Fritz in straight sets on Friday, with His Highness The Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani in the audience, Basi- lashvili lifted his fourth career ATP Tour title. The world No. 42 beat the 2019 champion 7-6 (5), 6-2 in cold, windy condi- tions in 90-odd minutes. The 29-year-old had admitted right after beating Federer in the quarters that he had no expec- tations coming into the tourna- ment because of a tough run in the past eight months. However, what’s also true now HE Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani (third from left), Chairman of the Organizing Committee Nasser bin Ghanim al-Khelaifi (second from right), Tournament Director Karim Alami (right) with the Qatar is that Basilashvili has lifted the ExxonMobil Open 2021 winner Nikoloz Basilashvili (third from right) of and finalist Roberto Bautista Agut (second from left) during the prize distribution ceremony yesterday. title the last four times he has reached the fi nal. “I am somehow managing to play good in tougher conditions or tougher matches, you know. This tournament was one of the strongest 250s I have ever seen probably. We had four top 10 players,” he said after the win. “To be able to win it, it’s inter- esting why am I playing good in these big tournaments, you know, big matches. Yeah, sur- prising and same time happy.” Asked about turning around a disappointing run of results and winning the title, he said, “I was not expecting that (to win the ti- tle). But (at the) same time, I was working a lot. I was feeling good on the court. I played last half of year with a lot of stress in my body. I was not able to put 100% on court in any match. This week Qatar Tennis Federation Secretary-General Tariq Darwish Zainal (third from right) with the winners of Qatar I somehow found a way to deal ExxonMobil Open doubles title Aslan Karatsev (left) and (second from left), and finalists with these stressful moments Marcus Daniell (second from right) and Philipp Oswald (right) on Friday. and very happy to get through.” Bautista Agut charted his way Nikoloz Basilashvili of Georgia poses with the Falcon trophy after his Qatar ExxonMobil Open win yesterday. victory over Federer gave him ter 14 months, but in my case, it the world is facing with the coro- through the draw with wins over enough confi dence at the tour- gave me a lot of confi dence. Even navirus pandemic,” Genetti said. big-serving Reilly Opelka, beat- Basilashvili was able to return the him 4-2 ahead. Another dou- “I don’t like to lose. I think I nament that is “one of my fa- though he came back after a long “It was a fantastic tournament - ing Kazakh Alexander Bublik favour immediately. The aff air ble break point, this time for the could have played a better but, vourites” on the Tour. time, for me to beat Roger, my congratulations to Nikoloz Basi- in straight sets, fi ghting it out was settled when a backhand re- championship, and Bautista Agut today, it was his fi nal. I want to “I think for Roger, even if he idol (smiling), it gave me a lot of lashvili on his remarkable win. with wins over top seed Dominic turn from closer to the net found forehand goes marginally wide congratulate Basilashvili. He was completely ready, in my confi dence. That’s why I think I “It is the strong and long- Thiem and Rotterdam winner Bautista Agut in a not-so-great to hand his opponent the Falcon played great. He played very ag- opinion, it’s tough to come back played the next two matches a bit term partnership we share with Andrey Rublev. position for the Spaniard and his trophy. gressive. Now it is time to re- and play these competitive more relaxed.” the Qatar Tennis Federation that However, yesterday, Bautista feeble return went wide. The Spanish world No. 13 was cover, to keep working, to keep matches. Everything changes Dominic Genetti, President has allowed us to create a world- Agut never really troubled Basi- In the sixth game of the sec- on a nine-match winning streak improving and hopefully I can when you play matches. Even and General Manager for Exxon- class tournament in Qatar for the lashvili’s serve with the latter ond set, Basilashvili earned a in the Qatari capital going back come back next year and try to though if you practice a lot, tour- Mobil Qatar, congratulated the world to enjoy. We’re very proud never facing a break point in the double break point, and his drop to his title victory back in 2019, get the title again,” Bautista Agut nament matches are completely Georgian on his victory. “We’re of how it has evolved over the fi nal. Even though the Spaniard shot draws Bautista Agut for- when he had beaten Novak Djok- said in an on-court interview af- diff erent. delighted that the Qatar Exxon- years through our close collabo- took points off of his opponents ward before a deep backhand ovic in the semis and then Tomas ter the loss. “It would have been pretty Mobil Open returned to Doha ration and look forward to what serve in the fi rst set tiebreak, winner from the Georgian puts Berdych in the fi nal. Basilashvili admitted that tough for him fi rst match af- this year given the circumstances the future holds for us.” Gulf Times 2 Sunday, March 14, 2021 SPORT

BASKETBALL Al Gharafa complete grand treble with Amir Cup

l Gharafa com- day. In a remarkable Tyler Harris and Ab- and Sadd had 22 points, each and Erfan Saeed pleted a do- coincidence they beat dulrahman Saad were while Franklin Ses- chipped in with 11. mestic clean Al Wakrah in all three the heroes yesterday sion had 17 and Nedim Al Gharafa were quick sweep by add- finals, with a 77-70 win as Al Gharafa edged all Muslic 12. on the break, scoring LEFT: Al Gharafa players celebrate with the trophy after winning the Amir Cup yesterday. Sheikh Saud ingA the prestigious Amir yesterday in the Amir quarters, leading for For Al Wakrah, Brandon 14 fast-break points, bin Ali al-Thani, first vice president Qatar Olympic Committee and president FIBA Asia is also seen in Cup to their league and Cup final proving the ic- almost 35 minutes of Spearman and Julius while Al Wakrah had the picture along with other off icials. ABOVE: Al Gharafa’s Tyler Harris battles for the ball with Al Wak- Qatar Cup titles yester- ing on the cake. the match. Both Harris Coles had 21 points only five. rah’s Abdelrehman Abdelhaleem.

TENNIS SPOTLIGHT Djokovic can Muguruza ends extend No.1 two-year title record to 400 weeks: drought in Dubai Medvedev ‘I’m very happy after losing a few finals in a row, to get this one’ Reuters that the 20-times major win- London ner was still able to win his AFP marched towards a 4-2 advan- fi rst match on return. Dubai tage. “I would defi nitely like to She gave a huge sigh of re- ovak Djokovic is ca- play Roger. He’s one of the lief when a Krejcikova forehand pable of extending three best in tennis history, arbine Muguruza sailed long on Muguruza’s sec- his record for holding it’s always great playing him,” ended a two-year title ond match point. the men’s world No.1 Medvedev said, adding “every drought by claiming a The Spaniard has been com- Nranking for most weeks to 400, time you step out on the court maiden Dubai crown peting in Doha and Dubai with- said Russia’s against the , it’s a Gwith a 7-6 (8/6), 6-3 victory over out her coach Conchita Martin- who will climb up to a career- special feeling”. unseeded Czech Barbora Krejcik- ez, who contracted Covid-19 and best ranking of second tomor- The “Big Three” refers to ova yesterday. was forced into isolation. row Federer, Rafa Nadal and Djok- The ninth seed was contesting “It was very challenging, more The 33-year-old Djokovic, ovic. her third fi nal of 2021 and be- than people think, with so many who won his 18th Grand Slam The 25-year-old Medvedev came the fi rst Spanish woman to things that happened in this at the last will become the fi rst player triumph in the emirate thanks to Middle East swing but we stood month, eclipsed Roger Feder- outside Djokovic, Federer, her success over Krejcikova. strong and I’m very proud of my er’s record on March 8 when he Nadal and to be Muguruza, who had lost her whole team,” said Muguruza. moved past the Swiss to hold ranked in the top two since last three fi nals, had not won a ti- “I want to dedicate this tour- the top ranking for the 311th Lleyton Hewitt in 2005 when tle since Monterrey in April 2019 nament especially to my physio, week. the rankings are updated on prior to this week in Dubai. Adri (Adriana Fort). She worked “First of all, it’s an unbeliev- Monday. “It’s a great achievement. I’ve so hard this week, to do every- able achievement,” Medvedev Only 11 of the last 68 Grand been coming here for many years thing, the coaching, the physio, said after reaching the semi- Slams have been won by play- in a row and I felt like I was close, the fi tness training, I’m very fi nals of the ATP 250 event in ers other than the “Big Three” but not enough, and today fi nally proud of her work. Marseille on Friday. and ATP Finals champion I got the champion’s trophy. “And also to Conchi, my “I think in the world of ten- Medvedev has had two shots at “I’m very happy after losing coach, she got the virus and she nis we talk about Grand Slams pulling off the rare feat. a few fi nals in a row, to get this was so upset she couldn’t come, more than anything else. But But he fell in the deciding one,” said the 27-year-old Mu- this one is for her.” Krejcikova has this is also a small competi- match on both occasions, los- guruza. enjoyed great success in doubles, tion, I’m sure he’s really happy ing to Nadal in the 2019 US “It paid off this week. The reaching the number ranking and about it. The way he’s played, Open and to Djokovic at Mel- other weeks I was close. Today claiming two women’s doubles he’s defi nitely capable of bourne Park last month. I fought harder and I’m very Grand Slam trophies, as well as catching 400 weeks. “As I’ve always said about happy about it.” The two-time three in mixed doubles. “We’re going to try to not the Big Three, they are unbe- major champion now owns a Her surge in singles can be let him do this. I didn’t manage lievable. The records they have tour-leading 18 match-wins in traced back to last fall when she to do anything in the Austral- set (are) probably not going to 2021 and a total of eight winner’s made the fourth round at Roland ian Open fi nal, but that is what be beaten maybe in 100 years,” trophies in her cabinet. It is the Garros before reaching the semi- sport is about. Nobody is going Medvedev said. former world number one’s big- fi nals in Linz. to give him an easy pass, he’s “It’s very rare that you see gest title since Cincinnati in 2017. in Melbourne last month. but Krejcikova utilised her fl uid 65-minute opening set on a wide The Czech world number 63 going to have to earn it.” this in sports. I don’t think you “I feel like the consistency on A netted forehand from Mugu- backhand to peg her back. Kre- forehand from her opponent. claimed the fi rst top-20 win of Federer, who will turn 40 can say that other players were tour is so hard to get. Being able ruza handed Krejcikova a break of jcikova dug deep to fend off three Krejcikova went off court for 11 her career in singles earlier this in August, returned to court not good enough in this era, to play three fi nals (this year) is a serve in the opening game but the set points on her own serve and minutes, delaying the start of the season at the Grampians Trophy this week after 13 months due it’s just that they were unbe- great sign that we are on the right Spaniard retaliated immediately force a tiebreak. second set. in Melbourne. to double knee surgeries and lievable and there’s nothing for way,” said Muguruza, who was to draw level. Muguruza trailed 3-5 in the The 25-year-old blew a 40-0 She will now rise to a career- Medvedev found it “amazing” others to be ashamed of.” runner-up in Doha last week, as An aggressive return saw breaker and saved a set point lead to get broken upon re- high 36 in the world in singles well as at the Yarra Valley Classic Muguruza break for a 4-2 lead at 5-6 before she grabbed the sumption of play as Muguruza courtesy of her exploits in Dubai. IOC approves set of reforms for Games, host cities Tokyo: The International Olympic Com- world in fundamental ways,” IOC Presi- outside world war periods — by 12 months the addition of physical virtual sports, mittee on Friday unanimously approved dent Thomas Bach told the organisation’s further aff ected the image of the Games such as stationary cycling, in the Olympic a set of 15 reforms it hopes will again turn session. and the IOC’s finances. programme. the Olympics into an attractive prospect “The world will never again be like it was The latest reforms are based on five pil- The IOC has for years been trying to for fans, cities and sponsors through re- before. Even once we have finally over- lars that include digitisation, sustainability stop the rising age profile of its Olympic duced cost, an increased digital presence come the health crisis, we will face the development and financial resilience supporters and inject new blood into its and new revenues streams. far-reaching social, financial, economic and according to the IOC are designed to spectator base and its involvement with The IOC has seen its key product — the and political consequences.” better position the organisation and the virtual sports is seen as a way to do this summer and winter editions of the Ol- A previous set of reforms, ‘Agenda 2020’, Games in the global environment after successfully. ympics — lose some of its shine in recent was passed in 2014 but did not stop the the novel coronavirus pandemic. The IOC has already awarded the 2024 years, failing to ignite enthusiasm among exodus of cities midway through bidding Among the reforms approved on the last summer Games to Paris, the 2028 Olym- potential host cities, scared off by the size processes for the 2018, 2020 and the day of the IOC’s virtual session are the im- pics to Los Angeles after reforming the and cost of the world’s biggest multi- 2022 editions of the Games. provement of legacy plans for Games that bidding process in 2014 and a few weeks sports event. The postponement last year of the Tokyo would leave a bigger positive impact for ago picked Brisbane as the preferred Serbian tennis player throws goodies to fans “The coronavirus crisis has changed our 2020 Olympics — the first to be delayed the local community and also to consider hosts for the 2032 edition. as he celebrates 311 weeks as world number one with his family and supporters in front of his restaurant “Novak” in Belgrade, on March 8, 2021. Gulf Times Sunday, March 14, 2021 3 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Marseille shake off Brest for second win under Sampaoli Paris: Florian Thauvin and Michael Cuisance struck late Olivier and Cunha seal goals as Marseille defeated Brest 3-1 in yesterday, giving Jorge Sampaoli a second straight victory since his appointment as the club’s new manager. Arkadiusz Milik combined wins at Marathon FINA superbly with Dimitri Payet to score the opener at the Velo- drome just before half-time, but Lilian Brassier’s header brought Brest level with 20 minutes to play. Thauvin swept home first Swim World Series Doha time from Luis Henrique’s pass to restore Marseille’s lead on 88 minutes and ‘It was a diff icult race because of high waves and I am so happy to win here again’ Cuisance, who grabbed his first OM goal with a late win- By Sports Reporter ner midweek against Rennes, Doha came off the bench to add a third in stoppage time. Sampaoli is the first arc-Antoine Olivier of Marseille coach to win his France and Ana Marcela first two league games since Cunha of Brazil posted ex- Elie Baup in August 2012. citing wins in the season- Marseille climbed up a place Mopening 10km FINA/CNSG Marathon to fifth, which off ers qualifica- Swim World Series 2021 Doha held at tion to the new Europa Con- Katara Beach yesterday. ference League competition Olympic bronze medallist Olivier next season. took 1:52:02.4 seconds to bag his second League leaders Lille are consecutive title in the Qatari capital, unbeaten in 10 games but while fi ve-time World Champion Cun- today they go to Monaco, ha edged Oceane Cassignol of France who are fourth and had gone in a photo fi nish, clocking 2:01:30.3 to 12 unbeaten before losing regain her Doha title after the 2019 tri- at Strasbourg last time out. umph. Defending champions Paris In the men’s race – the fi nal event of Saint-Germain host strug- the day starting at 2pm – 2019 FINA gling Nantes and will again be World Championships gold medallist Swimmers in action during the men’s 10km FINA/CNSG Marathon Swim World without the injured Neymar. (5km) Kristof Rasovszky of Hungary Series at Katara Beach yesterday. Lyon needed a stoppage- was ahead in the fi rst two laps before time equaliser from Zim- Olivier picked pace to set up the vic- here and put that to practice.” babwe international Tino tory. Rasovszky fi nished second with Last year’s winner in Doha, Leonie Kadewere to salvage a 1-1 a time of 1:52:05.5 while Olympic and Beck if missed out a medal af- draw at Reims on Friday. Lyon World champion Gregorio Paltrinieri of ter touching the fi nish-line in 2:01:32.8, stay third in the table, level Italy completed the race in 1:52:07.9 for claiming fourth position. Rio 2016 sil- on 60 points with PSG but a bronze medal. From front left: Secretary-General of the Qatar Olympic Committee Jassim ver medallist Rachele Bruni of Italy behind on goal diff erence. Olivier, 24, termed his victory in the al-Buenain, FINA second vice president Sam Ramsamy and Qatar Swimming and here compatriot European cham- Lyon have played a game season-opening race important. “It was Association president Khaleel al-Jabir pose with the podium finishers of the men’s pion Arianna Bridi claimed the next more than Lille and PSG. a diffi cult race because of high waves 10km FINA/CNSG Marathon Swim World Series at Katara Beach yesterday. two spots with times of 2:01:33.2 and Mathieu Cafaro gave Reims and I am so happy to win here again. I 2:01:34.4 respectively. A total of 35 ath- the lead after 33 minutes started slowly and picked pace [in the there was not even a second’s gap be- a year. “The level of the race in presence letes fi nished the women’s race. with a sharp half-volley from last three laps], as I followed the last tween the two athletes throughout the of athletes who are preparing for the Husain al-Musallam, FINA fi rst vice- a cross by Thomas Foket. year’s plan in which I was successful,” contest. However – Cunha, also a silver Olympics was very tough. There was a president awarded medals to athletes, Reims were indebted to goal- he said. “This fi rst meet was so impor- medallist in Doha last year – managed lot of wind but I like swimming in these while Qatar Swimming Association keeper Predrag Rajkovic who tant because it is an Olympic year and to keep her slim lead over the French conditions. These conditions make the (QSA) president Khaleel al-Jabir and pulled off three memorable my win here is crucial,” Olivier added. during all the fi ve laps for her second race tougher for every contender,” Cun- Secretary General Talal Mohamed al- saves in the second half. Qatari swimmers Nour Eddine Khed- gold medal in Doha. Cassignol fi nished ha said. Darwish also attended the medal cer- Lyon’s pressure paid off in dache, Ahmad Samara, Mohamed Mah- the race in 2:01:30.8 for a second place, On the return of World Series, the emonies. the second minute of injury moud, Salama A Kareem Salah and with Lea Boy of Germany clinching the 28-year-old said: “I want to thank Qa- QSA, which will host the Doha 2023 time when Kadewere headed Tameea Elhamayda also participated in bronze medal with a time of 2:01:31.9. tar for organising the race. It is very ex- FINA World Championships, organised in a cross from Memphis De- the race. Brazilian star Cunha was elated with citing to come back here and compete in the event by adhering to all Covid-19 pay for his 10th league goal Earlier, in the women’s race, Cunha her close victory in Doha that marked the World Series. During quarantine, we protocols advised by the Ministry of Ana Marcela Cunha of Brazil won the of the season. and Cassignol were neck and neck as the return of Marathon Series after over had more time to train. It is nice to come Public Health (MoPH). women’s race.

LA LIGA LIGUE 1 Benzema to the rescue again as Real edge past Elche PSG opt for caution

AFP by Zidane before the end. Madrid Madrid were the better team in the with Neymar return fi rst half but there was hardly a chance to show for it, the only real opening falling AFP against struggling Nantes, with arim Benzema saved Real Ma- to Benzema at the back post as Fede Val- Paris striker Moise Kean still unavail- drid for the second week run- verde released Vinicius Junior down the able after testing positive last ning yesterday, his two goals right but his cross bounced awkwardly week for Covid-19. PSG face a dragging his team to a 2-1 win for Benzema, who shot wide. eymar will miss Paris key stretch of games before and Kover struggling Elche in . After Both sides wanted penalties early in the Saint-Germain’s game after the international break, Benzema’s late equaliser salvaged a draw second half, with Elche’s Ivan Marcone against Nantes today in starting with the visit of Lille against Atletico Madrid last weekend, the fortunate to be awarded a free-kick when Ligue 1 due to a linger- next week in the last 16 of the Frenchman came up trumps again, a bril- he looked more culpable in a tangle with Ning thigh injury, but coach Mau- French Cup. liant shot fl ying in off the post in the 91st Ramos. Then Ramos escaped punishment ricio Pochettino says there has They travel to Lyon in Ligue 1 minute to snatch a crucial home victory for a challenge on Guido Carrillo. Shortly been no setback in his recovery. on March 21 and then host lead- at Valdebebas. after, Elche took the lead. The Brazilian was ruled out ers Lille at the start of April be- Real Madrid move fi ve points behind Ramos shielded his eyes as if strug- of both legs of PSG’s Champi- fore resuming their Champions Atletico in La Liga although Diego Sime- gling with the sun and the corner found ons League last-16 tie against League campaign, having quali- one’s team can restore their advantage to , who climbed above Raphael his former club Barcelona, and fi ed for the quarter-fi nals. eight by beating Getafe late last night. Varane to head in off the crossbar. Ramos, hasn’t played since sustain- “Nantes are a very physical Barcelona, who are six points back, face Isco and Fede Valverde made way for Mo- ing the injury on February 10 in team that will make life diffi cult bottom club Huesca tomorrow. dric, Kroos and Rodrygo, and 10 minutes the French Cup. “It’s diffi cult to for us, just like Monaco three Benzema recovered from injury just in later Madrid were level. predict a return date because the weeks ago. It is a very important time to play Atletico and his three goals Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema celebrates after scoring against Elche. (Reuters) Modric collected a short corner and recovery is diff erent depending game for us. I don’t think it’s since have earned his team four points in swung a cross into the back post, where on the player,” Pochettino said potentially a dangerous match seven days, while also denying Atletico a said. Sergio Ramos returned from a knee Eden Hazard, who has also been out Benzema nodded in. There were 17 min- during a virtual press confer- because we are aware of the situ- crucial win. After heading in the equal- injury to make his fi rst appearance since since January, came off the bench in the utes left to fi nd a winner but it came in ence yesterday. “There’s been ation,” Pochettino said. iser against Elche, Benzema delivered a January, although the defender came off second half and could play in midweek, injury-time. Benzema scooped the ball no relapse. We’re happy with his “It’s always important to be special winner, catching the ball in the air shortly after an hour, meaning his avail- when Madrid will start with a 1-0 ad- up to Rodrygo on the edge of the area. progress and we hope he’ll be able to control the next game with a superb shot that found the far cor- ability for Tuesday’s Champions League vantage from the fi rst leg. Toni Kroos and He cushioned it back to the striker, who back with the team soon.” after the Champions League. ner. “It was a beautiful goal and it won us game at home to Atalanta is perhaps not Luka Modric were rested, perhaps with caught the ball in the air with a brilliant Neymar will be sidelined for We know it will be a tough game three points, so I’m happier than ever,” he guaranteed. that game in mind, but both were needed shot that fl ew in off the far post. an eighth consecutive match against an athletic side.”

FOOTBALL Injured Afi f misses out as Sanchez names Qatar squad for European qualifi ers

By Sports Reporter the FIFA World Cup 2022 host nation, Qatar CORDOVA NAMES of the QNB Stars League matches. Doha has already qualifi ed for the tournament. UNDER 23 SQUAD Squad: Mustafa Tariq Mishaal, Youssef Though Qatar automatically qualify being Coach Nicolas Cordova, Qatar’s Under-23 Abdullah Blida, Faisal Mohamed, Baha the hosts but are taking part in the qualifying coach, has named a 33-player squad for a Mamdouh al-Laithi, Hashem Abdullatif oach Felix Sanchez named a squad of to get match practice in the lead up to the 2022 two-week training camp that will include and Mohamed Mannaei (Al Sadd) Jassim 28 players who will be travelling to FIFA World Cup. Qatar take on Luxembourg two friendlies against Kosovo. The squad al-Muhairi, Khaled Mohamed and Ali Hungary for Qatar’s European quali- in their fi rst match on March 24. The second has been named to prepare them for the AFC Karmi (Al Duhail). Jasim Jaber, Abdul- fi ers for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. match will be against Azerbaijan on March 27. U-23 qualifying group to be held later this lah al-Sulaiti, Abdul Rahman al-Sadiq CAl Sadd forward Akram Afi f is notable ab- year in October. (Al-Arabi) Yusef Ayman, Nasser Bir and sentee after he was ruled out due to a thigh Qatar Squad: Pedro Miguel, Salem al-Hajri, Qatar Olympic squad also play two Isa Ahmed (Qatar SC), Mohamed Imad, muscle injury. Afi f suff ered the injury during friendlies – on March 27 and 29 during Tariq Salman, Abdelkarim Hassan, Boualam Yaseen Farid, Amir Abdullah (Al Wak- their QNB Stars League game against Umm a March 15-30 camp. The two friendlies Khokhi, Hassan al-Haydos, Youssef Abdel rah). Al-Makki Mohsen, Abdulaziz Hazza, Salal and could be out of action for up to six will be held at Aspire Academy’s No. 4 Razzaq, Ahmed Suhail, Musab Khader and Nayef al-Hadrami (Al Rayyan), Nasser weeks, Al Sadd said. Mohamed Waad (Al Sadd); Salah Zakaria, Bas- pitch. This will be the first appearance The squad began training yesterday at of the Qatar Olympic squad under Chil- al-Yazidi, Rabah Bousafi (Umm Salal), sam al-Rawi, Asim Madibo, Almoez Ali, Karim Abdulrashid Umaru and Mohamed Kha- Aspire Academy and will fl y out to Hungary Boudiaf, Ismail Mohamed, Mohamed Muntari, ean coach Nicolas Cordova. The training on March 19. The Asian champions will join begins from tomorrow and ends on the lid al-Nuaimi (Al Ahly). Abdullah Nasser Abdullah Abd al-Salam (Al Duhail); Ahmed Ala al-Muraisy, Diab Haroun (Al Khor) Ahmed Group A – alongside UEFA Euro 2016 win- al-Din, Humam al-Amin, Muayyad Hassan and 30th. ners Portugal, Serbia, Republic of Ireland, The players will return to their clubs al-Janahi and Andrei Siahpotra (Al Tamim al-Muhaizeh (Al Gharafa) Ahmed Fathi Luxembourg, and Azerbaijan. on Jan 31 for Qatargas U-23 League. Al Gharafa) Marwan Sharif (Al Shahaniya) and Mahmoud Abu Nada (Al Arabi) Abdul Aziz Qatar will play their ‘home’ fi xtures on Gharafa and Al Wakra players will join the Shihab Mamdouh al-Laithi (Al Kharaiti- European soil in order to facilitate shorter Hatem (Al Rayyan) Khaled Munir (Al Wakrah) national team’s training on March 17 after yat), Ahmed Sebaei (Al Sailiya), Osama Akram Afif was ruled out due to a thigh muscle injury. travel times for their group opponents. As Coach: Felix Sanchez the end of the two team’s match Round 21 al-Tiri (Muaither) Gulf Times 4 Sunday, March 14, 2021 FOOTBALL

BUNDESLIGA Lewandowski equals goal milestone as Bayern cruise score twice in the second half over visitors Hertha Berlin to move back into fifth place

AFP contention and into fi fth place on 42 Berlin points, one behind fourth-placed Ein- tracht Frankfurt. Third-placed Wolfsburg put another ayern Munich romped to a 3-1 nail in the coffi n of bottom side Schalke win at Werder Bremen yester- who crashed to a 5-0 defeat away from day as home. Schalke’s former Arsenal de- claimed another goal-scoring fender Shkodran Mustafi headed into milestoneB in the and hit the his own net in the fi rst half. woodwork three times in a dynamic The fl oodgates opened after the break display. Bayern dominated their fi - when , Ridle Baku, nal fi xture before hosting Lazio in the and Maximilian Philip all Champions League last 16, second leg, scored for Wolfsburg. With nine games on Wednesday holding a 4-1 lead. left, Schalke have only a mathematical Goals by and Serge chance of avoiding a fi rst relegation in Gnabry put Bayern 2-0 up in Bremen 30 years. With just one league win all before Lewandowski claimed his 32nd season, they are 11 points from escap- league goal this season. Bremen striker ing the bottom three with a horrendous Niclas Fuellkrug came off the bench to goal diff erence of -50. score a late consolation goal. “We were Mainz claimed a huge win in the rel- fresher and more active. We had con- egation battle when Swedish striker trol of the game. We should have scored Robin Quaison scored six minutes from more,” said Bayern forward Thomas time in their 1-0 win over Freiburg. Mueller, who set up the fi rst two goals. Moments after a stunning save by Despite hitting the post and clip- Freiburg goalkeeper Florian Mueller, on ping the crossbar, Lewandowski fi - loan from Mainz, Quaison tapped in the nally scored with an hour gone to equal winning goal from close range. former Schalke striker Klaus Fischer’s Union moved a point from the Euro- tally of 268 Bundesliga goals. Only pean places after their captain Christo- Bayern legend Gerd Mueller has scored pher Trimmel scored their winner in a more in Germany’s top-fl ight with 365 2-1 home victory against Cologne. in 427 league games. A superb save from Bremen goal- BUNDESLIGA RESULTS keeper Jiri Pavlenka also prevented VfL Wolfsburg 5 (Mustafi 31-og, Lewandowski scoring with a power- Weghorst 51, Baku 58, Brekalo 64, ful header late on. The victory extends Philipp 79) Schalke 0; Union Berlin 2 Bayern’s lead at the top of the table to (Kruse 48-pen, Trimmel 67) Cologne 1 fi ve points. Second-placed RB Leip- Bayern Munich’s Robert Lewandowski (centre) tries to score against Werder Bremen during the Bundesliga match yesterday. (AFP) zig need to beat at (Duda 45+2-pen); Mainz 1 (Quaison 84) home today to keep pace with the Ba- It was 2-0 at the break and Lewand- tory over visitors Hertha Berlin to grab koko then fi red in from a tight angle in minute close-range eff ort. Freiburg 0; Werder Bremen 1 (Fuellkrug varians. owski hit the post twice in quick suc- their third Bundesliga win in the last stoppage time for his third goal of the Reus was clumsily felled from behind 86) Bayern Munich 3 (Goretzka 23, Mueller was outstanding in Bremen cession early in the second-half. The four games and move back into fi fth season. Dortmund, who are through by Vladimir Darida in the 81st minute Gnabry 35, Lewandowski 67); Borus- as his deft fl ick allowed Goretzka to Pole fi nally got on the scoresheet when place. tried his luck from to the Champions League quarter- with the Czech given a straight red card sia Dortmund 2 (Brandt 54, Moukoko head home the opening goal from a cor- he tapped home from close range before 25 metres in the 54th minute and Her- fi nals, had the upper hand throughout and the Dortmund captain taken off in- 90+1) Hertha Berlin 0 ner on 22. With a superb piece of skill, Bremen scored their consolation after a tha keeper Rune Jarstein completely and also hit the woodwork three times jured a little later. Playing today (Times GMT): Bayer Mueller then deftly chested down the counter-attack. misjudged the ball as it fl ew through his through captain in the fi rst The win lifted Edin Terzic’s team, Leverkusen v Arminia Bielefeld (1230), ball and rolled a pass into Gnabry’s path Later, Borussia Dortmund scored hands and into the goal. half, Mo Dahoud’s defl ected cross on who lost 4-2 to Bayern Munich last RB Leipzig v Eintracht Frankfurt (1430), to score on 35 minutes. twice in the second half in a 2-0 vic- Sixteen-year-old Youssoufa Mou- the hour and Giovanni Reyna’s 89th- week, back into Champions League VfB Stuttgart v Hoff enheim (1700)

PREMIER LEAGUE SERIE A Chelsea and Everton stumble in top four chase Committed to Juve, AFP who have two games in hand. ety, I feel we should be encouraging bet- says Ronaldo amid London Everton are still fi ve points adrift of the ter education in schools, and social me- top four as they failed to win for the sixth dia companies should be taking stronger time in seven home league games this action against people who abuse others helsea gave the chasing pack in year. Burnley’s bright start was rewarded online — not just footballers,” Zaha said rumours of Real return the race for a place in next sea- with a vital three points in their battle to in a statement. “I now just want to focus Reuters that Ronaldo could leave the club son’s Champions League hope beat the drop. on football and enjoy being back playing Turin were to be expected after the with a 0-0 draw at Leeds yester- Chris Wood opened the scoring before on the pitch. I will continue to stand tall.” Italian side’s Champions League day,C but Everton failed to take advantage Dwight McNeil’s sensational strike dou- Once the action began, Luka Milivo- exit to Porto. “It’s normal that as Burnley won 2-1 at Goodison Park. bled the visitors’ lead. Johann Berg Gud- jevic scored the only goal from the pen- uventus forward Cristiano he’s disappointed by what hap- Fourth-placed Chelsea remain un- mundsson also hit the post for Sean Dy- alty spot to plunge the Baggies ever closer Ronaldo said yesterday pened the other night, like the beaten in 12 games since Thomas Tuchel che’s men before Dominic Calvert-Lewin to a return to the Championship. Sam Al- he remains focused on rest of the team,” Pirlo told a replaced the sacked Frank Lampard and pulled a goal back for Everton. lardyce’s men remain eight points adrift winning trophies with news conference. they kept a 10th clean sheet in that run The hosts lost goalkeeper Jordan Pick- of safety in 19th with just nine games left theJ Italian champions, amid ru- “It’s normal to have rumours. at Elland Road. However, the Blues have ford to injury before half-time and a to save themselves. mours linking the Portugal star He’s the most important fi gure been far from prolifi c at the other end nervy moment from his replacement Joao with a return to former club Real in football and he’s always being despite the wealth of attacking talent at Virginia nearly gifted Matej Vydra a third RESULTS Madrid following Juve’s exit from talked about. But let’s remind Tuchel’s disposal. early in the second-half. But Burnley Crystal Palace 1 (Milivojevic 37-pen) West the Champions League. ourselves that he’s always done “We created enough chances and comfortably held out to open up a seven- well, scoring around 90 goals for Brom 0; Leeds 0 Chelsea 0; Everton 1 Juventus were knocked out enough touches in the box to score one or point gap above the relegation zone. in the last 16 of the Champions Juventus, and has demonstrated (Calvert-Lewin 32) Burnley 2 (Wood 13, two goals. Unfortunately, we didn’t, so we Crystal Palace’s Wilfried Zaha became League on Tuesday as 10-man his value. Failing to score in a McNeil 24) have to live with a draw,” said Tuchel. “We the fi rst Premier League player not to take Porto progressed on away goals match can happen, just like it can were not clinical enough in our counter- a knee prior to kick-off of a 1-0 win over Playing today (all times GMT): South- following a 4-4 aggregate draw. happen to others. But more of an attacks. We take a 0-0.’” West Brom. The Ivory Coast internation- ampton v Brighton (1200), Leicester The Italians’ defeat sparked crit- uproar is made about him.” Tuchel left strikers Timo Werner and Burnley’s Dwight McNeil celebrates after al stood tall while the rest of his Palace v Sheff ield United (1400), Arsenal v icism of 36-year-old Ronaldo in Juventus have won the last Olivier Giroud left on the bench with Kai scoring against Everton in the Premier team-mates and their opponents took Tottenham (1630), Manchester United v the media. Much of the disap- nine Serie A titles, but their pe- Havertz keeping his place as a false nine League yesterday. (Reuters) the knee. West Ham (1915) pointment stems from the fact riod of domestic dominance is at with and the German had his side’s best The 28-year-old revealed last month Playing tomorrow: Wolves v Liverpool that Juventus spent 100mn euros risk of ending this season. They chance with a driven eff ort than Illan claimed victory themselves as Edouard that he would no longer perform the ges- (2000) to sign him from Real in 2018 spe- sit third in the table, 10 points Meslier tipped over. Mendy made brilliant saves to deny Tyler ture against racial injustice, which has cifi cally with Champions League behind Inter Milan, although Leeds lost top scorer Patrick Bamford Roberts and Raphinha. A point edges been followed by Premier League players, Played Friday: Newcastle 1 (Lascelles glory in mind. “True champions they have a game in hand over the to injury in the fi rst-half, but could have Chelsea three points clear of West Ham, offi cials and staff since June. “As a soci- 90+4) Aston Villa 1 (Clark 86-og) never break!” Ronaldo said on leaders. They also have a Coppa Instagram, with a photo of him Italia fi nal against Atalanta com- training ahead of today’s Serie A ing up on May 19. SPOTLIGHT game away to Cagliari. “In my career I’ve been “Our focus is already in through a lot of moments like Cagliari, in the Serie A strug- this because I’ve won a lot but gle, in the Italian Cup fi nal I’ve also lost a lot,” Pirlo said. “I Moyes enjoys renaissance aft er wilderness years and in everything that we can always tried to restart with great still achieve this season. His- enthusiasm despite the great AFP 2013, the Scot was widely regarded as his eyes. After less than a season in charge tory can’t be deleted, it’s written disappointment. We will do the London one of the brightest young managers in he was sacked in April, 2014 with United every single day with resilience, same tomorrow, because we’re the Premier League after his impressive languishing in seventh place and destined team spirit, persistence and lots in March and still have 13 league 11-year reign at Goodison Park. Although to miss out on a Champions League place of hard work.” games and a Coppa Italia fi nal est Ham boss David Moyes he was unable to deliver any silverware, for the fi rst time since 1995. Moyes was Meanwhile, Pirlo said rumours ahead of us.” returns to Manchester Unit- he had led Everton to a top four fi nish in back in management at Real Socieded just ed today with his reputation 2005 and consistently kept them in the months later, but once again he was a fi sh restored after a long period top half of the table on a limited budget. out of water. Win the wilderness following his Old Traf- Moyes’ appointment at United had The often terse Moyes was a bad fi t in ford nightmare. Moyes has West Ham fl y- been endorsed by Alex Ferguson, who the cultured environment of La Liga and ing high in the Premier League and a win recommended his compatriot before re- he was sacked after just 12 months. That at his old club would boost their unex- tiring. Inheriting a title-winning team, lost year in the Basque country was fol- pected bid to qualify for the Champions Moyes signed a six-year contract and was lowed by an even more chastening expe- League via a top four fi nish. relegation zone after taking charge of expected to refresh an ageing squad while rience at Sunderland. The fi fth placed Hammers have won the east London club in December 2019. maintaining the success of the Ferguson Taking over at the Stadium of Light four of their last six league games, closing Moyes has revamped his squad with a se- era. But he never looked comfortable in in 2016, Moyes’ return to the Premier within two points of fourth placed Chel- ries of astute signings, including Czech the harsh glare of the Old Traff ord spot- League was a disaster as Sunderland were sea and six behind second placed United, duo Tomas Soucek and Vladimir Cou- light, with each decision picked apart by relegated in his fi rst season. At that point with a game in hand on both. “If we can go fal, promising winger Jarrod Bowen and, fans, pundits and even his own players in it was hard to imagine Moyes salvaging to Old Traff ord and pick up three points most recently, Jesse Lingard on loan from an unforgiving way he never had to en- his crumbling career. But the 57-year- that would be an incredible achievement Manchester United. dure at Everton. old has been rewarded for sticking to his for us,” Moyes said. “We have been on a Lingard is not eligible to face United He was criticised for his cautious tac- belief that work ethic and team-spirit are really good run since the start of this year. this weekend, but Moyes’ ability to re- tics and ridiculed after signing Everton the foundations for any successful team. We are in good form, the players have tak- vitalise the midfi elder’s stalled career, midfi elder Marouane Fellaini, a player Moyes has also been helped by the coro- en on all the games and we want to keep together with his development of Declan whose rudimentary style contrasted with navirus lockdown removing fans from that record going.” Rice, prove he has rediscovered the midas United’s purist principles. Moyes soon stadiums, allowing him to work in peace This time last year, Moyes was fi ght- touch that made his name at Everton. wore the anguished expression of a man without the pressure of the notoriously Juventus signed Cristiano Ronaldo for 100mn euros from Real in ing to steer West Ham away from the When Moyes was hired by United in who knew his dream was fading before demanding Hammers’ faithful. 2018 specifically with Champions League glory in mind. (AFP) Gulf Times Sunday, March 14, 2021 5 SPORT

NBA BASEBALL Braves’ Toussaint sharp, beats Twins Embiid injures knee in spring training

Kuzma scores team Reuters didn’t give up a hit over the fi - New York, United States nal fi ve innings as the Phillies high 24 points as dropped Baltimore in Sarasota, Fla. Phillies starter Zack Wheeler Lakers rally vs Pacers ne-time hot prospect gave up two runs in four innings in return game Touki Toussaint bol- while Baltimore’s John Means al- stered his hopes of lowed one run in four innings. AFP making the Braves’ rosterO with three shutout innings RED SOX 8-2 RAYS Los Angeles, United States in Atlanta’s 8-5, eight-inning Christian Arroyo, Michael win over the Minnesota Twins Chavis and Jonathan Arauz BA MVP candidate Joel Em- on Friday in Fort Myers, Florida. homered and drove in a total biid emerged from quarantine The 24-year-old right-hander of seven runs as Boston topped Friday only to exit in the third lowered his spring ERA to 1.80 Tampa Bay Fort Myers, Fla. Red Nquarter with a left knee injury over fi ve innings after his solid Sox starter Garrett Richards as the Philadelphia 76ers beat the Wash- outing Friday. He gave up one hit, threw four scoreless innings. ington Wizards 127-101 in Washington. struck out one and walked none. Dalton Kelly homered for the Embiid, who missed today’s All-Star Toussaint had walked two and Rays. Game because of Covid-19 restrictions, struck out four in his previous threw down a dunk and landed awkward- two-inning stint. ly on his left knee before falling to the Sean Kazmar Jr. hit a three- OTHER RESULTS fl oor halfway through the third quarter. run homer for the Braves and Cardinals 4-3 Astros He was attended to by Sixers trainer Johan Camargo added a two-run Kevin Johnson before getting up and shot. The Twins mustered just Pirates 2-1 Blue Jays walking to the dressing room on his own. seven hits off Atlanta pitching, (8 inns) The team said he had a hyperextended left only two for extra bases, with Giants 9-8 Rockies knee and would not return. Luis Arreaz doubling twice. (8 inns) Philadelphia coach Doc Rivers spoke Dodgers 9-2 Indians to Embiid after the game and said the all- YANKEES 4-2 TIGERS (7 inns) star was upbeat. Rivers said team doctors Jameson Taillon got the win de- would examine Embiid further on Satur- spite 2 2/3 shaky innings that Brewers 8-3 Cubs day once the swelling went down. included three walks, and New (7 inns) “He fell off balance. I am not going to York got a two-run homer from Rangers 3-2 White Sox speculate,” Rivers said of Embiid, who Rob Brantly in a win over Detroit Athletics 5-4 Padres fi nished with a team high 23 points. “He Lakeland, Fla. Tigers starter Julio was in the locker room. He is in pretty Teheran gave up two runs on four Angels 4-3 D’backs good spirits. Let’s hope for the best.” hits and a walk in three innings. (8 inns) The victory kept Philadelphia atop the Mariners 4-3 Reds Eastern Conference, moving them a full PHILLIES 6-2 ORIOLES (8 inns) game ahead of the second-place Brook- Nick Maton hit a three-run hom- Marlins 4-2 Mets lyn Nets. er and the Philadelphia bullpen Embiid shot eight-of-11 from the fl oor and had seven rebounds and three assists in 20 minutes of playing time. The Sixers led the Wizards 80-60 Los Angeles Lakers forward Kyle Kuzma (centre) goes up for a shot past Indiana Pacers guard TJ McConnell (left) during the second NFL marks millionth Covid-19 when Embiid was hurt. He had surgery on half of the NBA game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, United States, on Friday. (USA TODAY Sports) the same knee in 2017 causing him to miss vaccine given in 15 stadiums part of the season. game, the Sixers still managed to win The Pacers led for most of the game “It looked like a hyper-extension. That’s their fourth straight. RESULTS and had an opportunity to send it into More than one million doses of Covid-19 vaccine have been what we all hope it is,” said teammate To- Shooting guard Shake Milton came off overtime. But with Los Angeles ahead administered in 15 NFL stadiums as of Friday, the league an- Philadelphia 127-101 Washington bias Harris. “We’re just praying that he’ll be the bench to score 18 points and Tobias 103-100, Caldwell-Pope stole a pass from nounced, with more venues opening next week. The milestone OK and be healthy tomorrow.” Harris tallied 14 points and eight assists in New Orleans 116-82 Cleveland Indiana with 10 seconds left. He then was reached Friday as more than 10% of the US population has Embiid, who turns 27 on Tuesday, was the win. Russell Westbrook led the Wizards Denver 103-102 Memphis sunk a pair of free throws to seal the win. been fully vaccinated against the deadly virus. “With gratitude to playing in his fi rst game after receiving a with 25 points, eight assists and fi ve re- Also the Lakers learned Friday that An- healthcare workers across the country, the NFL is proud that our San Antonio 104-77 Orlando negative test for Covid-19 earlier Friday. bounds while Bradley Beal added 19 points. thony Davis is still bothered by a sore calf stadiums & facilities have been used to administer 1mn vaccina- Teammate Ben Simmons, who also Miami 101-90 Chicago muscle and is going to be out for at least tions,” the league tweeted. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell missed the All-Star Game last weekend, LAKERS RALLY Utah 114-99 Houston two more weeks. Davis missed his 10th said last month that league stadiums would be made available has not yet been cleared to play, needing Elsewhere, Kyle Kuzma fi nished with straight start. LA Lakers 105-100 Indiana as mass vaccination sites. Cities with stadiums used for Covid-19 another negative test to be green lighted a team high 24 points and 13 rebounds In Memphis, Nikola Jokic fi nished with vaccinations include New York, Los Angeles, Seattle, Phoenix, after he and Embiid were exposed to a while Kentavious Caldwell-Pope made 28 points, 15 rebounds and seven assists Houston, Detroit, Tampa, Charlotte, Miami, Atlanta, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia barber who tested positive a clutch steal with 10 seconds left as the The time off seemed to help the Lak- and defended a Ja Morant layup attempt Baltimore and suburban Boston and San Francisco. Green Bay’s for the coronavirus last Sunday. Los Angeles Lakers clawed their way back ers who had lost two straight heading into with three seconds left as the Denver famed Lambeau Field will begin administering vaccines on Embiid entered Friday averaging 30.2 in the fi nal quarter to beat the Indiana the break and are now 4-7 over the team’s Nuggets defeated the host Memphis Wednesday with Nashville, home of the Tennessee Titans, to points and 11.6 rebounds in 30 games this Pacers 105-100. last 11 games. Grizzlies 103-102. open for vaccinations on March 20. The Pro Football Hall of Fame season. Simmons is averaging 16.1 points, LeBron James fi nished with 18 points “The break did exactly what I expected In Salt Lake City, Donovan Mitchell also announced Friday that several members are producing 7.9 rebounds and 7.6 assists in 31 games. and 10 assists and Montrezl Harrell had it to do,” said Caldwell-Pope. “I recov- scored 28 points as the Utah Jazz handed public service announcements to inform and encourage people Despite missing Embiid for almost half 17 points for the Lakers, who were playing ered. I caught up on rest and I’m mentally the hapless Houston Rockets their 15th to get the vaccination. the game and Simmons for the whole their fi rst game since the all-star break. prepared.” straight defeat with a 114-99 victory.

NHL NFL Kaprizov leads Wild’s win over Coyotes Brady inks extension with Bucs

Reuters AFP CHIEFS HOPE TO New York, United States RESULTS New York, United States RESTRUCTURE MAHOMES’ CONTRACT: REPORT Minnesota 4-0 Arizona The Kansas City Chiefs appar- irill Kaprizov recorded Las Vegas 5-4 St. Louis om Brady signed a ently hope to become the lat- his fi rst NHL hat trick Colorado 2-0 Los Angeles contract extension est NFL team to restructure and Cam Talbot made with the Tampa Bay the contract of a high-priced 25 saves as the Minne- Edmonton 6-2 Ottawa Buccaneers Friday and quarterback to save salary-cap San Jose 6-0 Anaheim T Ksota Wild shut out the Arizona immediately set his sights on an space. Coyotes 4-0 on Friday in Saint eighth Super Bowl crown. ESPN reported Friday that Paul, Minnesota. more off ensive pressure but After media reports indicat- the Chiefs hope to change Ma- The Wild won their third con- couldn’t solve Talbot. Phil Kessel ing Brady had agreed terms on homes’ $21.7mn roster bonus to secutive game and are a perfect was the biggest victim, as Talbot a new deal with Tampa Bay, the a signing bonus, a manoeuvre 6-0-0 in their last six home denied Kessel on three separate 43-year-old quarterback con- $19mn on Brady’s salary for the that would result in $17mn of games. breakaway and partial breakaway fi rmed the move on social media. 2021 season, when he was due cap savings for the 2021 season. Talbot recorded his fi rst shut- chances. “In pursuit of 8,” Brady wrote to cost $28.4mn under NFL The accounting shift would out since signing with Minnesota The Coyotes were 0-for-4 on on Instagram alongside a photo payroll limit rules and his origi- allow the team to spread out the as a free agent in October. The the power play. The Wild have of him putting pen to paper on nal two-year deal. cap cost of the bonus money veteran goalie was 0-2-1 with killed off 17 of 18 penalties over a new contract. “@buccaneers The savings will allow Tampa over multiple years. an.865 save percentage in his their last six games. w’ere keeping the band together.” Bay to spend more on keeping The Chiefs’ tight salary-cap previous three outings, and has The Wild also went 0-for-4 on The NFL Network and ESPN the talented supporting cast situation was highlighted ear- increasingly been losing playing Minnesota Wild left wing Kirill Kaprizov (centre) and defenseman Matt the power play, continuing their reported earlier that the seven- around Brady that helped de- lier this week when the team time to Kaapo Kahkonen in the Dumba (right) celebrate after the win over Arizona Coyotes in Saint season-long struggles with the time Super Bowl winner Brady, liver a 31-9 victory over Kansas parted ways with starting tack- Wild’s net. Paul, Minnesota, United States, on Friday. (USA TODAY Sports) man advantage. Minnesota ranks who turns 44 in August, had City in last month’s Super Bowl les Mitchell Schwartz and Eric Arizona goalie Adin Hill last in the NHL in both power- agreed to a deal which will ease at Tampa. Fisher on the same day. stopped 28 of 31 shots, battling Less than three minutes later, It was Kaprizov’s fi rst multi- play goals and power-play per- salary cap issues for the Bucs. Brady, a fi ve-time Super Mahomes is under contract Talbot in what was a goaltending Kaprizov took the puck behind goal game in the NHL. The rookie centage. The new contract keeps Bowl Most Valuable Player and with the Chiefs through 2031 duel until Kaprizov took control the Coyotes’ net and circled back leads all Minnesota skaters with Minnesota forward Marcus Brady in Tampa Bay through the three-time NFL MVP, has long on a 10-year, $450mn con- in the third period. out front before converting a 23 points (10 goals, 13 assists). Foligno didn’t return to the ice 2022 season, when he will be 45, said he wanted to play until he tract he agreed to last summer. At the 5:47 mark of the fi nal quick wrist shot. Mats Zuccarello had three as- after he was struck in the lower and features voidable years at was 45 and his championship He reportedly was guaranteed frame, Kaprizov’s shot from the Jonas Brodin scored an empty- sists for Minnesota. leg by a shot from Brodin in the the end of the contract allowing results with a new club after $103.5mn through this month, circle defl ected off Arizona’s net goal in the fi nal minute, with After recording only 14 shots fi rst period. the club to spread Brady’s salary 20 seasons with New England including a $63mn bonus paid Christian Dvorak and past Hill Kaprizov adding a fi nal marker in each of their last two games, The Coyotes and Wild play cap hit over a longer period. showed he still has the skill to when he signed. His total injury for the game’s breakthrough goal. just 10 seconds later. the Coyotes generated much again in Saint Paul today. That will save the Buccaneers produce success. guarantee was $141mn.

BOTTOMLINE League prospects seize on few chances to impress ahead of NFL Draft Reuters country through April 9 for a pro years of fi lm to look at so that al- diff erential between how confer- coaches and scouts had raised because they’ve kind of got one potential draftees. New York, United States day circuit that may be more criti- ready sets the process back.” ences scheduled football in the concerns over his experience. shot at it,” Oklahoma head coach “It’s one thing to have a coach cal than ever after the Covid-19 Steinberg, who represented last pandemic,” he said. “That’s the biggest question I Lincoln Riley told reporters. tell you that a guy is passionate, pandemic prompted some colle- year’s fi fth overall pick, quarter- think that I’ve got from diff erent Like his coach, Oklahoma run- he likes football,” NFL Network ational Football League giate conferences to cancel games back Tua Tagovailoa who joined ‘BIGGEST QUESTION’ people. It would have been nice ning back Rhamondre Stevenson analyst Daniel Jeremiah told re- (NFL) prospects are and some players to opt out. Miami Dolphins, told Reuters North Dakota State University’s to have a full season this fall for told reporters that there was a porters this week. navigating an unusual “This group of draftees is unu- players and their agents – par- (NDSU) 6’3” quarterback Trey him... so he could have played clear, added emphasis to excel. “It’s another thing to go out path to the draft this sual in that some of the biggest ticularly those who would have Lance opted to forgo his fi nal potentially 15 more games or so,” “I don’t like to use (the word) there at practice and see a guy Nyear, with the annual NFL Scout- stars opted out of college football benefi ted from an appearance in two-plus years of eligibility and Hedberg told reporters. “That ‘pressure’ but it’s just a lot of anxi- bouncing around and leading ing Combine cancelled after a this year,” said Leigh Steinberg, the combine’s rigorous gauntlet of is a potential fi rst-round pick, would have helped him in the ety,” said Stevenson. “You’ve got to every drill and kind of getting his chaotic collegiate football season a veteran NFL agent and real- physical and mental tests – need to thanks to a monster arm. long run.” do your best and prepare well.” team mates going. Those are the that left fewer opportunities to life inspiration behind the Jerry fi nd an “innovative way to empha- But after starting just 17 games For players, the altered scout- All interviews and psychologi- pieces of information that we impress. Maguire fi lm. sise their skill set. at NDSU – including their lone fall ing process comes with added cal testing have been moved to a just didn’t get.” League scouts are descending “So instead of having three years “It’s really hard to create an game in October – quarterbacks stress. virtual format as well, giving NFL The NFL Draft is set to kick off on college campuses across the of fi lm to look at, (scouts) have two even playing fi eld because of the coach Randy Hedberg said some “For our guys it’s diff erent teams scant in-person access to on April 29. Gulf Times 6 Sunday, March 14, 2021 SPORT

CRICKET SPOTLIGHT England’s Rashid ready to open the Archer determined bowling again to clinch WC place ‘It is still a way away, I need to take care of my elbow first...’

England’s Adil Rashid celebrates after taking the wicket of India’s captain Virat Kohli in Ahmedabad on Friday.

AFP and November. Ahmedabad “Bowling with the new ball, two fi elders out, you’ve got to be clever. I did it back in 2010 pinner Adil Rashid yes- in Big Bash and for Yorkshire terday said he is ready as well,” he said. to open the bowling “So I had a bit of an experi- again after England’s ence then. It’s defi nitely a dif- bigS Twenty20 win against In- ferent experience now as well. dia, but brushed aside talk of a Something that I will cherish Test return. and something that I will keep Rashid dismissed India in my armoury as well.” skipper Virat Kohli for a duck But the veteran bowler said on Friday after being given the making a Test comeback is not new ball as England thrashed on the cards, even in an Ashes India by eight wickets in the year, after a shoulder injury in fi rst of the fi ve T20 matches in 2019 forced him to stay away Ahmedabad. from the fi ve-day format. The leg-spinner celebrated “It’s not actually crossed my Kohli’s prized scalp in just the mind,” said Rashid, who last third over of the match with played a Test in January 2019. Archer said that on arriving in over series before the World down, you have to accept that as the batsman caught at mid-off “At the moment, I’m enjoy- India he told the England man- Cup. a batsman,” said Kohli. for his third duck in his last fi ve ing playing white ball cricket, agement his arm was “not feel- Kohli blamed a “lack of execu- “On your day you will prob- international innings. concentrating on doing what ing great”. tion” by top batters whose poor ably end up scoring much more. “Bowling with the new I’m doing.” “I didn’t have to say it twice,” shots gave Archer and spinner But the important thing is keep ball is something new for me, England have a busy year he said. “They jumped on it and Adil Rashid key early wickets. true to your intent and plan as a something I’d been working with up to 17 Tests including England’s Jofra Archer (also caricatured) in action against India already started making plans. “These fi ve games are the only batsman and understand some- on for the past couple of days,” the Ashes series. during the first T20 international on Friday. We are all on the same page. ones we have before the T20 times the bowling team will Rashid told reporters. Opener Jason Roy smashed “So for me in the immediate, World Cup,” said Kohli. come out and execute better “Hopefully, something I 49 in England’s quick chase AFP Archer was declared man of I am going to get through the “So we need to try a few things than your plans.” can do again depending on the of 125 in the T20 opener and Ahmedabad the match after taking three series and then I will do eve- as well, but having said that we Shreyas Iyer top-scored with game situation. First six overs, later credited facing Rashid’s wickets in Friday’s eight wicket rything in my power to make cannot take anything lightly, es- 67 to boost the Indian total and middle overs or death — I’m leg spin in the nets for getting trouncing of India, who could sure that I am going to the pecially against a team like Eng- said the team’s preparations are always looking to develop and battle-ready. ngland’s emphatic win manage only 124-7 against Eng- World Cup and the Ashes.” His land which is so strong.” in place for the World Cup. work hard.” Rashid said bowling to Roy over India in their open- land’s disciplined bowlers. captain Eoin Morgan praised Kohli’s own form remains a “We have come with a plan Opening the bowling for in the nets worked well for ing T20 showdown re- But after the game he re- Archer’s performance in a problem. The frustration was and we need to execute it as a spinner is becoming more both players. vealed concerns for both vealed his struggle with a trou- bowling line-up full of qual- clear to see as he walked off after much as possible because go- common in the modern game, “For myself, it was more of Esides as they seek to build mo- blesome elbow that made him ity pace with Mark Wood and getting out to Rashid’s leg-spin ing into the World Cup we need especially on sub-continent me bowling with the new ball, mentum before this year’s World miss two of the four Tests in Chris Jordan. just three overs into the game. to see that we have ticked all the pitches that aid turn. and giving him confi dence Cup. India — that England lost 3-1. “He is excellent, and I think But the premier batsman said boxes,” Iyer said after the game. Rashid, 33, did experiment facing a spinner with the Top-ranked side England And there was no firm com- our bowling unit today again the fl ops have to be accepted and “This is a fi ve-match series so with the tactic 10 years ago and new ball,” said Rashid. “So it must worry about the elbow of mitment for the World Cup to similar to our batting unit has dealt with. His last big T20 score it’s a perfect time that we try out insists he will hone the skill worked hand in hand.” their star bowler Jofra Archer, be held in India in October- a lot of competition for places,” was an 85 against Australia in diff erent stuff and see whatever with the T20 World Cup tak- The second match of the se- while number two India will be November, and the Ashes tour Morgan said after the win. December, so analysts said there suits us.” ing place in India in October ries will be played today. fretting about their batting — to Australia after. India faltered in the T20 is no need to panic yet. The second match of the se- with captain Virat Kohli in the “It is still a way away, I need to opener after a successful Test “It is part of the whole jour- ries is today. All fi ve games will spotlight after failing to score take care of my elbow fi rst before season with Kohli keen to fi x ney of international cricket. be at the Ahmedabad stadium to FORMULA 1 for the third time in fi ve interna- I think about what is going to their problems in what will al- When you have played for that be used for the World Cup fi nal tional innings. happen,” Archer told reporters. most certainly be their last 20 long you will have your ups and in November. Bottas turns F1 ODI testing on head as Hamilton spins off Lewis ton clinches series for WI Sebastian Vettel, in his fi rst AFP ries in the last over of the match, taking That lack of success was especially dis- Sakhir, Bahrain season with Aston Martin after the West Indies to an unbeatable 2-0 lead appointing for Sri Lanka captain Dimuth leaving Ferrari, was slower. ahead of the fi nal match at the same venue Karunaratne. Hamilton suff ered a rare spin today. “The spinners are expected to take altteri Bottas set the in the morning session before Lewis’ hundred, which came off 121 wickets,” he stated fl atly at the end of the fastest time on the Bottas took over driving duties balls and was embellished by eight fours match. second day of pre- under the lights in the after- and four sixes, earned him the man of the “We lacked wicket-taking options and season testing in noon. match award. that’s why we couldn’t put pressure on the VBahrain yesterday while world “It’s very gusty, as I found “It was a total team performance. Our West Indies.” champion teammate Lewis out into Turn 13. The rear best chance was chasing so it was good to Hamilton said there “was no doesn’t feel particularly great see the boys sticking to the their plans,” Sri Lanka point being worried” despite but we are trying to fi nd the said West Indies captain Kieron Pollard. D. Gunathilaka b Mohammed 96 spinning off the dusty Sakhir sweet spot,” said the Briton. Earlier, Danushka Gunathilaka just D. Karunaratne b Joseph 1 circuit. Bottas clocked 1min “It’s day two of testing so P. Nissanka b Joseph 10 missed out on a century as Sri Lanka post- O. Fernando c Holder b Hosein 2 30.289sec off 58 laps, 24 hours we’re just focused on under- ed a competitive 273 for eight after being D. Chandimal c Allen b Mohammed 71 after fi nishing the opening day standing the car so there is no put in to bat. A. Bandara c Shepherd b Mohammed 18 at the bottom of the time charts point being worried just yet.” Two days after his controversial dis- T. Perera run out 19 due to a gearbox problem that Pierre Gasly, in an AlphaTau- missal — he was ruled to have obstructed W. Hasaranga c Joseph b Holder 47 restricted him to just six laps. ri, was second fastest, ahead of the fi eld in a run out attempt by Pollard L. Sandakan not out 2 Seven-time world champion McLaren’s Lance Stroll. — the left-hander played fl uently for 96 D. Chameera not out 1 Hamilton, who was down in The British driver was an Extras (lb1, w5) 6 in helping his team recover from an indif- Total (50 overs, 8 wkts) 273 10th place on Friday, was 15th impressive second on Friday ferent start. Fall of wickets: 1-7 (Karunaratne), 2-32 (Nissan- yesterday. behind Red Bull’s Max Verstap- Fast bowler Alzarri Joseph’s early dou- ka), 3-50 (Fernando), 4-150 (Gunathilaka), 5-186 Only four-time champion pen. ble-strike and Oshada Fernando’s demise (Bandara), 6-204 (Chandimal), 7-268 (Hasaranga), with the total on 50 was counteracted by 8-271 (Perera) Did not bat: N. Pradeep a effi cient 100-run stand for the fourth Pogacar takes stage four to seize wicket between Gunathilaka and Dinesh Bowling: A. Joseph 10-1-42-2 (3w), J. Holder 9-0-66-1 (1w), A. Hosein 4-0-20-1, R. Shepherd 3-0- overall lead on Tirreno-Adriatico Chandimal. 37-0 (1w), F. Allen 10-0-43-0, K. Pollard 4-0-17-0, J. Four runs short of his third century in Mohammed 10-0-47-3 Tour de France champion him second overall, 35 sec- this format of the game though, the left- Tadej Pogacar moved top of onds behind Pogacar who last hander fell to Jason Mohammed. West Indies the Tirreno-Adriatico overall month won the UAE Tour. As in the fi rst match, which the West E. Lewis st Chandimal b Sandakan 103 standings after winning the “Today was a very hard stage. Evin Lewis of West Indies celebrates his century against Sri Lanka at the Vivian Indies won comfortably by eight wickets, S. Hope c Pradeep b Perera 84 fourth stage, a 148-km moun- My team did a great job bring- Mohammed continued to show his worth D. Bravo c Bandara b Perera 10 Richards Cricket Stadium in North Sound, Antigua and Barbuda, on Friday. N. Pooran not out 35 tain trek from Terni to Prati di ing down the gap from the as more than the general categorisation of K. Pollard lbw Pradeep 15 Tivo yesterday. breakaway and then I did my him as a part-time off -spinner by taking F. Allen c Bandara b Pradeep 15 The Slovenian attacked in best on the climb: I am very AFP partner Shai Hope seemed to have set the three for 47 off ten overs. J. Holder not out 2 the final climb, six kilometres satisfied with this win,” said Extras (b1, lb5, w3, nb1) 10 North Sound, Antigua and Barbuda home side up for an eff ortless stroll to the While Gunathilaka paced his innings at from the finish to beat Briton Pogacar. target of 273 as the pair put on 192 for the a run-a-ball, Chandimal was more cir- Total (5 wkts, 49.4 overs) 274 Simon Yates by six seconds Having eff ectively won the fi rst wicket. cumspect, although his contribution of 71 Fall of wickets: 1-192 (Lewis), 2-194 (Hope), 3-212 and Colombian Sergio Higuita Tour in the final time trial last (Bravo), 4-233 (Pollard), 5-249 (Allen) est Indies turned a leisure- However, Lewis’ dismissal for 103 in the was important to ensure the tourists were Did not bat: J. Mohammed, R. Shepherd. A, by 29. September, Pogacar knows all ly canter into a desperate 38th over triggered a surprising level of able to post a challenging target. Joseph, A. Hosein Belgian Wout van Aert, who too well that he has not won scramble to achieve a series- indecisiveness with the Sri Lankans com- They also benefi ted from exciting late Bowling: N. Pradeep 9.4-0-66-2 (3w), D. started the day as the overall the race yet. clinching fi ve-wicket vic- ing to life in the fi nal stage of the match as pyrotechnics from Wanindu Hasaranga, Chameera 10-0-56-0, T. Perera 7-0-45-2, D. leader, fought hard on the “Now I am in the lead, but Wtory over Sri Lanka with two balls to spare seamers Nuwan Pradeep and Thisara Per- who thrashed 47 off 31 balls with four six- Gunathilaka 3-0-17-0, W. Hasaranga 10-0-48-0, L. climb but showed his limita- tomorrow we have another in the second One-Day International of era claimed two wickets each. es and two fours. Sandakan 10-1-36-1 tions in the mountains to really hard stage, and with the their three-match series at the Sir Vivian But when he most needed to be on tar- But the leg-spinner, such a potent Result: West Indies won by 5 wickets Series: West Indies 2-0 finish ninth, 45 seconds off final ITT (individual time trial) Richards Stadium in Antigua on Friday. get, Pradeep’s fi nal two overs were plas- threat in the preceding T20 International Toss: West Indies the pace. anything can still happen,” A fourth ODI hundred by Evin Lewis tered for 28 runs with Nicholas Pooran’s series, was kept wicketless for the second Umpires: Joel Wilson and Nigel Duguid (WIS) His gritty performance still left he said. and an elegant supporting 84 by opening unbeaten 35, which included two bounda- consecutive match. Match Referee: Richie Richardson (WIS) Gulf Times Sunday, March 14, 2021 7 SPORT

TABLE TENNIS Double delight for Japan as Harimoto, Ito clinch titles Harimoto held off a valiant eff ort from qualifier Filus, while Ito came back from one game down to beat Tianwei

By Sports Reporter Doha

op seeds Japanese Tomokazu Harimoto and Mima Ito cruised to men’s and women’s titles re- spectively at the World Table TTennis (WTT) Star Contender tourna- ment yesterday. At the Losail Sports Arena, 17-year- old Harimoto held off a valiant eff ort from German qualifi er Ruwen Filus 11-9, 11-9, 12-14, 11-5, 7-11, 11-8 in the men’s fi nal. Earlier, Ito made it a dou- ble delight for Japan as the 20-year-old claimed her second title in a week with a 10-12, 12-10, 11-7, 11-8, 11-6 victory over Singapore’s fi fth seed Feng Tian- wei. As anticipated, the men’s fi nal was a clash of styles which delivered incred- ible moments throughout the match. World No. 5 Harimoto’s pace and ag- gression infl icted signifi cant damage as always, yet Filus caught the eye at times with his defensive play leading to some wonderful rallies away from the table. Filus was presented with his fair share of chances, failing to convert an 8-4 lead in game two, while also com- ing close to throwing away an extraor- dinary third game despite leading 8-2. However, Harimoto is built for the big occasion and ultimately emerged the deserved champion, after having lost in the semi-fi nals at Contender event last Qatar Table Tennis Association president Khaleel al-Mohannadi (right) and International Table Tennis Federation CEO Steve weekend. Dainton (left) pose with men’s World Table Tennis (WTT) Star Contender champion Tomokazu Harimoto (second right) of Meanwhile, Ito was tested early by Japan and runner-up Ruwen Filus of Germany at the Losail Sports Arena. PICTURES: Noushad Thekkayil Japan’s Mima Ito is all smiles after claiming the women’s title. 34-year-old Feng, who saved game point to take the opening game. But chances better,” Feng said. and Miu Hirano 11-6, 12-10, 11-8. pecially since table tennis is receiving the Japanese came back strongly as she Chinese Taipei’s Lin Yun-Ju and Meanwhile, Lee and partner Jeoung its share of attention in this wonderful saved a game point herself to level the Cheng I-Ching emerged victorious in Youngsik lived up to expectations with country,” the Australian offi cial said. tie. Momentum had shifted sides and the mixed doubles fi nal, fi ghting back the top seeds in the men’s doubles draw “Qatar was able to overcome all or- Ito refused to let go of it, needing just from a one-game defi cit to beat South edging past ’s Alvaro Robles and ganisational and logistical challenges the fi ve games in the end to seal the Korea’s Lee Sangsu and Jeon Jihee ’s Ovidiu Ionescu at the fi nal during event, especially as we are wit- triumph. Playing in her fi rst women’s 10-12, 11-8, 11-9, 11-6. It was Lin and hurdle 2-11, 11-6, 11-8, 8-11, 11-3. nessing a new tournament with a new singles fi nal since the 2017 , Cheng’s second title success in con- identity and professionalism. The WTT Feng fell short to Ito and the Singapo- secutive weeks, after the pair had won ITTF CEO PRAISES QTTA FOR Middle East Hub was praised by many rean admitted she is still playing catch- the mixed doubles trophy at last week’s HOSTING WTT MIDDLE EAST HUB players and offi cials. The local organ- up with the top-ranked paddlers. WTT Contender event. Defeat for the Meanwhile, International Table Ten- ising committee, headed by QTTA “I was able to see the gap with Ito in Koreans in the mixed doubles fi nal, but nis Federation CEO Steve Dainton was president Khalil al-Mohannadi, must today’s match so we’ll have to get back Lee and Jeon enjoyed better luck earlier full praise of Qatar Table Tennis Asso- be commended for providing endless to training after this. But I felt like I on day six with positive outings in the ciation’s (QTTA) organisation of WTT services to world table tennis,” Dain- played decently and handled certain day’s opening two fi xtures. Middle East Hub. ton added. The ITTF CEO said that the parts of the game well. The fi rst few In the women’s doubles fi nal Jeon and “Qatar’s hosting of many tourna- health bubble system that was adopted games were lost when the score was teenage sensation Shin Yubin, 16, com- ments during the coronavirus pan- by QTTA was a massive success, de- very close; I didn’t play very well during bined to devastating eff ect, seeing off demic has strengthened our confi dence spite the huge participation of more In the women’s doubles final, ’s Jeon Jihee and Shin Yubin stunned crucial points and could’ve taken some Japanese no.1 seeds Kasumi Ishikawa in its organisational capabilities, es- than 700 players from 70 countries. Japanese top seeds Kasumi Ishikawa and Miu Hirano.

RUGBY FOCUS Wales thrash Italy to stay on Itoje’s late show sees England track for Six Nations Grand Slam deny France a Grand Slam AFP AFP Twickenham, United Kingdom Rome aro Itoje’s try four ales scored seven tries in a 48-7 minutes from time thrashing of Italy in Rome yes- saw England dash terday to keep on track for a Six France’s hopes of a Nations Grand Slam. Hooker MGrand Slam with a 23-20 victory WKen Owens touched down twice with Josh in the Six Nations at Twicken- Adams and Taulupe Faletau also crossing to ham yesterday. help the visitors to a 27-0 half-time lead in France were leading 20-16 the Stadio Olimpico. but second row Itoje’s score, George North, Callum Sheedy and Louis awarded by the television match Rees-Zammit added three more tries after offi cial and then converted by the break. Wayne Pivac’s unbeaten Triple skipper Owen Farrell, extended Crown winners take on title rivals France their 16-year-wait for a win over in Paris next week, as they chase a second England at Twickenham. Victory England’s Maro Itoje (left) and Ellis Genge celebrate after their Six Grand Slam in three years. “We came for fi ve saw reigning champions England Nations win over France at Twickenham Stadium in London. (AFP) (points) and we got fi ve so we’re happy with bounce back from their 40-24 that,” said Pivac. “If you get too far ahead defeat by Wales last time out. Bleus’ squad. fi ve-metre scrum. But when the of yourselves a game like Italy can become It took France just two minutes A second-string France had ball was worked behind the pack, a banana skin. To have four tries in the bag to score the opening try of the pushed England all the way be- the chance of a try disappeared by half time we were very pleased with that match through star scrum-half fore losing the Autumn Nations with Malins’s wild pass into part of the game. We achieved everything Antoine Dupont. Cup fi nal at Twickenham in De- touch.But England were level in we wanted to in that half and it allowed us to England, however, hit back cember in sudden death extra the 10th minute when a break rest some of the big boys. through Anthony Watson’s try time. But that still left France by centre Henry Slade created “We talked about being ruthless and before two penalties from cap- searching for their fi rst win over an overlap out wide that allowed clinical and at times we were but there were tain Owen Farrell saw them into a England since 2005 when Dimitri wing Watson to mark his 50th a couple we left out we didn’t quite fi nish. Italy’s Marcello Violi (bottom) tackles Wales’ Willis Halaholo during the Six Nations rugby 13-7 lead. France responded with Yachvili kicked all of their points England cap with a 22nd Red It was far from perfect but we’re pleased to union tournament at the Olympic stadium in Rome yesterday. (AFP) a Matthieu Jalibert penalty be- in an 18-17 victory. Rose try. Farrell converted and have the opportunity now to go all the way fore the fl y-half converted Dam- Reigning champions England his two subsequent penalties, and win fi ve from fi ve in the Grand Slam.” reth Davies. Reduced to 14 men, Italy con- a man advantage. ian Penaud’s try to give Les Bleus had already seen their hopes of a either side of a dynamic break Pivac added: “Going to Paris will be a dif- ceded 12 points with Adams and Faletau Replacement Sheedy collected a pass a 17-13 lead at half-time. successful title defence ended by by Watson that was a sign of the ferent challenge for us, it’s a totally diff erent touching down for tries and Biggar convert- from man-of-the-match Josh Navidi for his Jalibert and Farrell exchanged losses to Scotland and Wales ei- team’s increased willingness to opposition.” ing, with Owens going over twice on 21 and fi rst try for Wales in his eighth outing with penalties early in the second half ther side of a win over perennial attack from deep, saw England Italy fell to their 31st consecutive de- 29 minutes against the young Italian side. Rees-Zammit breaking through with a solo before Itoje powered his way over strugglers Italy. pull clear at 13-7. feat in the tournament stretching back six Wales continued the punishment after run over 80 metres to touch down. The vic- late on. Referee Andrew Brace But it was not long before Ma- Jalibert grounded a chip ahead years. “It’s a great frustration, but it doesn’t the break with Jonathan Davies taking a tory was Wales’s 16th consecutive win over initially decided that Itoje had lins was left stranded. France re- on his own leg but, with Brace change anything about my commitment,” tackle from two Italian defenders before be- Italy, their longest winning run against an been held up by Teddy Thomas gained possession following an having played an advantage, he said coach Franco Smith who has not won fore a smart offl oad to North, who sprinted opponent, overtaking a run of 15 straight and Cameron Woki but consult- England box-kick and an eight- kicked a simple penalty in the a match since taking over after the 2019 clear to touch down for his 43rd try in 101 victories versus France from 1908-1927. ed TMO Joy Neville to make sure phase move saw powerful centre 29th minute. And three minutes World Cup. international appearances. “We all make a lot sacrifi ces, we work re- and she ruled that the lock had Virimi Vakatawa break clear. He later France were back in front. The hosts paid for indiscipline with the Monty Ioane restored Italian pride with ally hard, the players put their body, their grounded the ball. in turn found wing Teddy Tho- From a line-out, centre Gael Welsh taking hold of the game in the fi rst an individual try, gathering his own chip heart, and they are criticised everywhere,” It was a sweet moment for mas, who chipped over the head Fickou sold a fi ne dummy before half hour. Italy captain Luca Bigi was pe- over Rees-Zammit and riding Liam Wil- said Smith, fi ghting back tears. “We’re very Itoje after he had given away of Malins and Dupont, underlin- Jalibert’s excellent lobbed miss- nalised for off -feet at a ruck with Dan Big- liams’ tackle to fi nish in the corner. Paolo disappointed, I can’t hide it. “We have to fo- several penalties against Wales. ing his reputation as a brilliant pass found wing Penaud in space gar sending over a penalty goal after three Garbisi converted from a diffi cult angle. cus on the next match in Scotland which, for France, who’d already defeated support player, beat the England for a try. minutes. But Italy replacement Marco Riccioni was us will obviously be very important.” Italy and Ireland, kicked off hav- cover to the touch down. Jalibert and Farrell both landed Worse was to come for Bigi, however, with sin-binned after 57 minutes for a leading His side have conceded 26 tries and 187 ing had an extended break after Jalibert added a tricky conver- penalties to leave France 20-16 the skipper yellow carded four minutes later elbow charge into the throat of Wales’ New points this campaign as they are set to take their third-round match against sion and France led 7-0. England ahead going into the fi nal quar- for failing to retreat 10 metres for a penalty Zealand-born centre Willis Halaholo. And the wooden spoon for the 16th time and Scotland was postponed because then laid siege to the France line ter before Itoje just did enough to as he hauled down darting scrum-half Ga- the visitors again added two more tries with sixth consecutive year. of a coronavirus outbreak in Les with a series of drives that led to a pierce the French defence.

Sunday, March 14, 2021 GULF TIMES GOLF

COMMERCIAL BANK QATAR MASTERS Veteran Fichardt braves the wind to take one-stroke lead ‘IT’S TOUGH BECAUSE YOU CAN HIT A GREAT PUTT OR SHOT AND STILL END IN DISASTER’

South Africa’s Darren Fichardt tees off during the third round of the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters at the Education City Golf Club yesterday. PICTURES: Jayan Orma England’s Jack Senior in action during the third round yesterday.

By Yash Mudgal holes 13 and 14. He fought back Bhullar, going out early in Belgian Thomas Detry, Eng- 214-G Forrest (SCO) 71 68 75, S Doha with two birdies on the day’s fi - the second group this morning, land’s Chris Paisley and South Sharma (IND) 71 68 75, D Law nal holes and was one of just four birdied third, fi fth and sixth and African Brandon Stone were at (SCO) 64 75 75, L Van Meijel players to post a score under par was three-under in six holes. three-under, a shot clear of a (NED) 69 72 73, S Crocker (USA) arren Fichardt survived yesterday. He carded a 68, which group of eight players includ- 68 73 73, J Lagergren (SWE) 66 swirling cold winds to Former champion Fichardt, matched the lowest round of the ing Winther, who carded a 77, 72 76, N Lemke (SWE) 70 72 72, stay on course for his who has a total of 18 victories day, to move up 28 places and sit and defending champion Jorge S Jamieson (SCO) 67 71 76, G second victory in Doha on the South African-based at fi ve-under. Campillo — the fourth man to go Higgo (RSA) 66 71 77, J Smith asD he climbed to the top of the Sunshine Tour, used some solid “Today from the fi rst hole it round in red fi gures after a 70. (ENG) 69 74 71, K Samooja (FIN) Commercial Bank Qatar Masters wedge play yesterday. was gusting and howling pretty India’s Shubhankar Sharma 65 71 78, A Levy (FRA) 71 72 71 leaderboard yesterday. “When I started today I much the whole day. I hit the shot 75 despite a crippling triple 215-R Langasque (FRA) 70 70 The South African, who won couldn’t get the pace right, the ball well and gave myself a lot of bogey on fi fth and three other 75, L de Jager (RSA) 68 72 75, E this event in 2003, carded a greens sped up signifi cantly with opportunities, I drove the ball bogeys between 12th and 16th, Pepperell (ENG) 69 71 75, J Catlin one-under 70 at the Education the wind. I was three-whacking okay and didn’t miss too many and was placed tied 28 (USA) 70 70 75, J Janewattana- City Golf Club (ECGC) despite like it was going out of fashion, fairways. The main target was nond (THA) 69 70 76, D Drys- a rough stretch which included on every green. Luckily I fi gured to keep the ball in play and make LEADING ROUND THREE dale (SCO) 70 72 73, J Walters a double bogey and two further my swing out on the range before sure I was hitting a lot of my SCORES (RSA) 73 70 72 dropped shots in the windy con- I teed off ,” he said. shots in regulation to stay in the 206-D Fichardt (RSA) 68 68 70 216-C Wood (ENG) 73 68 75, ditions. The veteran is expecting a game,” the 2018 Fiji Internation- 207-J Senior (ENG) 68 68 71 H Du Plessis (RSA) 65 74 77, C “It’s tough because you can hit tough fi nal round today. al champion said. 208-G Bhullar (IND) 67 73 68 Syme (SCO) 69 72 75, R Santos a great putt or shot and still end “Tomorrow will be quite a Rozner matched Bhullar’s 209-A Rozner (FRA) 69 72 68, J (POR) 71 71 74, M Kieff er (GER) in disaster,” Fichardt said. fi ght. We’ll take whatever comes score as he made an eagle on Hansen (DEN) 66 71 72, J Don- 67 75 74, R Enoch (WAL) 69 74 The venue may be a little fur- our way and see what happens,” the 13th and birdies on the sec- aldson (WAL) 68 68 73 73, D Coupland (ENG) 69 74 73, S ther in land than Doha Golf Club he said. ond, sixth and 18th to go with 210-T Detry (BEL) 66 72 72, C Brown (ENG) 69 74 73, A Sullivan where Fichardt had lifted the A two-time winner on the Eu- dropped shots on the fi fth and Paisley (ENG) 67 70 73, B Stone (ENG) 69 74 73 Mother of Pearl trophy 18 years ropean Challenge Tour, 32-year- ninth. (RSA) 69 68 73 217-W Nienaber (RSA) 69 71 77, ago, but the windy conditions old Senior, is also in search of a “It was very diffi cult. The 211-J Campillo (ESP) 67 74 70, R W Besseling (NED) 72 69 76, G are similar and the 45-year-old maiden European Tour victory. wind was blowing very hard, it Mcevoy (ENG) 65 73 73, L Gagli Fdez-Casta (ESP) 69 70 78, P moved to seven-under overall lead “That was a battle from start wasn’t easy to get good yard- (ITA) 68 70 73, C Shinkwin (ENG) Figueiredo (POR) 67 74 76, M by a solitary shot from England’s to fi nish. I got off to a half-de- ages on the second shots. The 70 68 73, F Zanotti (PAR) 67 70 Schwab (AUT) 71 71 75 Jack Senior, who carded a par 71. cent start, quite a quick start hardest part today was putting 74, N Bertasio (ITA) 65 72 74, 218-A Chesters (ENG) 72 70 76, B Fichardt claimed his last vic- really. Then the wind started – the short putts are becom- K Kitayama (USA) 67 69 75, J Hebert (FRA) 71 72 75 tory at the Joburg Open in 2017, gusting on the back nine, you ing a lot more diffi cult. I think I Winther (DEN) 67 67 77 219-A Bjork (SWE) 68 73 78, F but lost his card in 2019 only just had to hang on for dear life,” India’s Gaganjeet Bhullar carded five-under on the third day to stay in managed that pretty well. I hit a 212-J Veerman (USA) 71 69 72, Y Laporta (ITA) 68 73 78, N Elvira to claim it straight back at the Senior said. the contention. lot of greens and made good par Chang (KOR) 70 71 71, S Norris (ESP) 69 73 77 Qualifying School, and he is now India’s Gaganjeet Bhullar is saves when I missed them. I’m (RSA) 69 70 73, R Jacquelin 220-T Tree (ENG) 67 75 78, R on the verge of his sixth Europe- third with fi ve-under after a “I had a good start to the tour- in the beginning, but played well very, very happy with my round (FRA) 70 69 73, G Migliozzi (ITA) Ramsay (SCO) 69 74 77, C Shar- an Tour title, just 11 days short of round of 68, while Frenchman nament, four-under on day one on the back nine. That was the today,” said Rozner, who shares 71 67 74, M Pavon (FRA) 68 69 75 vin (NIR) 70 73 77 the 20th anniversary of his fi rst. Antoine Rozner made the big- was pretty solid. Yesterday, I hit time when the wind picked up. I fourth spot with Joachim B. 213-D Whitnell (ENG) 68 72 73, 221-A CaoIzares (ESP) 73 69 79, The South African opened gest move on the leaderboard, the ball pretty good and gave had a feeling of confi dence that I Hansen of Denmark and Welsh- M Armitage (ENG) 69 72 72, M R Rock (ENG) 72 71 78 the back nine with two straight rising 35 places after also record- myself a lot of birdie opportuni- could play well in the wind,” Bh- man Jamie Donaldson on four Antcliff (AUS) 69 72 72, T Pieters 222-J Suri (USA) 70 68 84 birdies but hit his rough patch on ing a three-under round. ties. I made a few silly mistakes ullar said. under par. (BEL) 68 69 76 223-M Kinhult (SWE) 70 73 80

FOCUS ‘Feel good’ Westwood leads Fitzpatrick at Players Championship AFP ing champion Rory McIlroy of North- He, too, opened with birdies at the 10th, carding fi ve birdies in his sec- Miami ern Ireland was among those who 10th and 11th and added birdies at 15 ond straight three-under 69 to head a missed the cut — Westwood was rarely and the second to reach eight-under. group on six-under 138. in danger on the way to a nine-under- He answered each of his two back-nine He was joined by Denny McCa- ngland’s Lee Westwood, feel- par total of 135. bogeys with birdies to fi nish a stroke rthy (69), Brian Harman (71), Charley ing “calm and in control,” fi red Westwood opened with back-to- ahead of American Chris Kirk and Hoff man (68), Doug Ghim (67) and Im six birdies in a six-under-par back birdies at the 10th and 11th. He Spain’s Sergio Garcia, who were tied at Sung-jae (66). 66 on Friday to seize a one- moved atop the leaderboard with a run seven-under. McCarthy’s three-under eff ort in- shotE lead over compatriot Matthew of three straight birdies at the second, That’s exactly where overnight lead- cluded a hole in one at the par-three Fitzpatrick in the US PGA Tour Players third and fourth, rolling in a 30-footer er Garcia started the day. After a prom- third, where he had an eight-iron off Championship. at the par-three third. After a tricky ising birdie at the second the Spaniard the tee from 165 yards. The 47-year-old, who was the 54- downhill fi ve-footer to save par at the was trending in the wrong direction South Korea’s Im climbed the lead- hole leader at the Arnold Palmer In- eighth, he rolled in a fi ve-foot birdie with three bogeys, but thrust himself erboard with six straight birdies from vitational last week on the way to a putt at the par-fi ve ninth. back in the mix with a sensational eagle the 15th through the second — a run runner-up fi nish behind Bryson De- “Hit it well off the tee. Hit quite a lot at the par-fi ve 11th, where he almost that included an 18-footer at the par- Chambeau, said he’d carried his confi - of fairways,” Westwood said. “My iron holed his 222-yard second shot before three 17th and a 16-footer at 18. dence from Bay Hill to TPC Sawgrass in shots were good. I played away from tapping in from four inches. After two late bogeys, Im polished Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. fl ags when I needed to. Got suckered After another pair of bogeys — in- off his round with a birdie at the ninth. “I’ve regrouped,” Westwood said. into a couple of pins, but short game cluding a two-foot miss at the 15th, DeChambeau, ranked sixth in the “I’ve still got the memories of last bailed me out on those. Garcia birdied the par-fi ve 16th and world, was the only player among the week, of playing well and hitting good “Chipping and bunker play all felt the last for his share of third. Kirk had world top-10 in the top-10 on the lea- shots when I needed to, but there’s no good and rolled the ball well on the been in the clubhouse for hours on sev- derboard. hangover from last week. greens. I had fun out there, felt calm en-under by then, fi ring an eagle and McIlroy, the defending champion “It’s a feel-good experience for me and in control.” seven birdies in his seven-under 65. thanks to his 2019 victory after the this week, and I’ve carried that into the Fitzpatrick, 26, capped a four-under DeChambeau, the reigning US Open coronavirus pandemic halted last fi rst two rounds.” 68 with his sixth birdie of the day at champion coming off his eighth tour year’s edition, followed his seven-over Lee Westwood of England lines up a putt on the ninth green during the second On a course where some of the the par-fi ve ninth for sole possession title at Bay Hill on Sunday, shook off a fi rst round with a three-over par 75 to round of the Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, game’s best were struggling — defend- of second place on eight-under 136. double-bogey at his opening hole, the miss the cut by a long chalk. Florida. (Getty Images/AFP)