Georgian Basilashvili Saves Match Point to End Federer’S Run in Doha

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QatarTribune Qatar_Tribune QatarTribuneChannel qatar_tribune Scot David Law opens up one shot lead on opening day of CB Qatar Masters FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2021 PAGE 10 Georgian Basilashvili saves match point to end Federer’s run in Doha

AGENCIES DOHA

NIKOLOZ Basilashvili re- covered from a set down on Thursday to end Roger Feder- er’s comeback appearance at the Qatar ExxonMobil Open in Doha. The Georgian played with consistent aggression from the baseline to rush Federer and earn a 3-6, 6-1, 7-5 victory at the Khalifa International Ten- nis & Squash Complex. Basilashvili saved seven of 10 break points, including a match point at 4-5 in the decider, to clinch victory after one hour and 50 minutes. “It is unbelievable. He is one of the greatest of all time,” Nikoloz Basilashvili of Georgia (left) during his quarter- nal clash of the Qatar ExxonMobil Open against Swiss Roger Federer at the Khalifa International Tennis & Squash Complex on Thursday. Basilashvili won 3-6, 6-1, 7-5. Basilashvili said in an on-court interview. “To just play him decider. It almost proved to be means so much to me. I am re- Nikoloz Basilashvili To win against him (Federer) is a the crucial moment, but Basi- ally happy that he came back saved seven of 10 break dream come true for me. He was lashvili held his nerve at 4-5, and is playing again. To win points, including a always my idol and I am sure he is to 30/40 to save match point with against him is a dream come match point at 4-5 in a strong forehand approach true for me. He was always many tennis players and fans. He is an shot. The 29-year-old then my idol and I am sure he is to the decider, to clinch unbelievable player, so I am extremely happy.” played with all-out aggression many tennis players and fans. victory after one hour on his backhand to turn the He is an unbelievable player, and 50 minutes. Nikoloz Basilashvili match decisively in his favour. so I am extremely happy.” Basilashvili took the shot up Basilashvili entered the the line on multiple occasions tournament on a five-match tory in his return match on Results; Friday Order of Play to break serve and ripped the losing streak but, with his first Wednesday against Daniel stroke cross-court to convert ATP Head2Head win against Evans. Singles (Quarter-finals) M. Daniell (AUS)/P.Oswald (AUT) bt 1-R. Farah/J. Cabal The 2019 champion Roberto Bautista Agut upstaged Dominic Thiem. his third match point. Federer (tied at 1-1), the “I’m happy (with) how I Taylor Fritz (USA_) bt 4-Denis Shapovalov (CAN) 5-7, (COL) 6-3, 6-4 6-3, 7-5 29-year-old is through to his played today. I’m happy [with] Andrey Rublev (RUS) walked over Martin Fucsovics Friday Order of Play in the fourth game. As he did an early break in the second Bautista Agut sets first semi-final since the 2019 how I did yesterday,” said (HUN) CENTRE COURT start 6pm to close his match with Evans, set. The Georgian then fired up Rublev semis Hamburg European Open. Federer. “I’m happy I [am] Nikoloz Basilashvili (GEO) bt 2-Roger Federer (SUI) 3-6, Singles (Semi-finals) Federer ripped a backhand powerful serves and came to In late night clash, fifth seeded Federer was attempting to back on the Tour. I’m pleased 6-1, 7-5 5-Roberto Bautista Agut (ESP) vs 3-Andrey Rublev down the line to convert his the net to escape a 0/40 posi- and 2019 winner in Doha, Rob- 5-Roberto Bautista Agut bt 1-Dominic Thiem (AUT) 7-6 (RUS) reach his seventh Doha semi- I came here to Doha. So it’s re- (3), 2-6, 6-4 Taylor Fritz (USA) vs Nikoloz Basilashvili (GEO) opportunity. The Swiss main- tion on serve to consolidate his er Bautista Agut defeated the final. The second seed was ally, really a positive return for Doubles (Semis) Doubles Final tained his lead to serve for the advantage. Basilashvili soon top seed Dominic Thiem in a making his first tournament me. I’m really happy.” A. Karatsev/A. Rublev (RUS) bt J. Chardy/ Fabrice Matin M. Daniell (NZL)/P. Oswald (AUT) vs A. Karatsev set at 5-3, and he clinched a added a second break and match which lasted 2 hours and appearance since the 2020 The World No. 42 will face (FRA) 7-6 (5), 7-6 (2) (RUS)/A. Rublev (RUS). love service hold with an ace clinched the set with a cross- 25 minutes. The Spaniard Agut Australian Open this week. Taylor Fritz for a place in the out wide. court backhand winner. won 7-6 (3), 2-6, 6-4 against the Federer, who underwent two championship match. The 6-3, 7-5 to reach his first semi- baseline and struck multiple Basilashvili ripped his re- For the second straight Canadian to set up a semi-final right knee surgeries in 2020, American outlasted fourth final of 2021. forehand winners to earn his turns and guided a backhand match, Federer was forced to clash with defending champion claimed a 7-6(8), 3-6, 7-5 vic- seed Denis Shapovalov 5-7, Federer stood on top of the first break point of the match past Federer at the net to gain save break points at 3-3 in the Russian Andrey Rublev.

4-STAR KATARA CUP BEACH VOLLEYBALL Fritz wins mental battle, Czech sensations make final vs Brazil AGENCIES ghts past Shapovalov DOHA CZECH sensations Ondrej AGENCIES Perusic and David Schweiner DOHA and Brazilian standouts Evan- dro Goncalves and Gustavo TAYLOR Fritz didn’t give up Carvalhaes are the two teams on Thursday, even after Denis to battle it out on Friday for Shapovalov won 24 straight the 4-star Katara Beach Vol- service points in the first set, leyball Cup gold. They took to reach the Qatar ExxonMobil two victories each on Thurs- Open semi-finals. day to make the final of the Fourth seed Shapovalov’s FIVB Beach Volleyball World early dominance turned after Tour event in Doha. costly errors early in the sec- The 17th-seeded Evandro ond set, as Fritz fought hard and Guto managed to come out Czech sensations Ondrej Perusic and David Schweiner. for a 5-7, 6-3, 7-5 victory in on top of a fantastic semifinal two hours and five minutes. clash with USA’s Nick Lucena Americans Nick Lucena and and April Ross of USA will The 23-year-old American and Phil Dalhausser to claim Phil Dalhausser on the way to an play each other in Friday’s recorded his first win in four their spot in the last match of emphatic 2-0 (21-9, 21-17) win women’s final. ATP Head2Head meetings the tournament. The two teams to make it to their first 4-star fi- The two teams successfully against Shapovalov, easing exchanged hard-fought wins in nal outside their home country. pushed through Thursday’s memories of the Canadian’s the first two sets, both extended The 14th-seeded Czechs quarterfinals and semifinals to comeback from two-sets-to- into overtime. In the tie-break- actually a harder time in their cross swords for gold. love down in the 2020 US Open er, the battle continued, but the quarterfinal duel with Qatari In the first semi-final of the third round. Fritz, who saved Brazilians maintained an edge favourites Cherif Younousse day, Alix and April dominated three match points against Da- throughout to a claim 2-1 (26- and Ahmed Tijan. They had to fellow Americans Emily Stock- vid Goffin on Wednesday, will American Taylor Fritz in action against Canadian Denis Shapovalov in Doha on Thursday. 24, 21-23, 15-11) victory. battle it back from a set down man and Kelley Kolinske. After next face Nikoloz Basilashvili “We knew it was going to to claim a 2-1 (17-21, 21-18, 17- a relatively one-sided first set, of Georgia on Friday. “I don’t think I have ever points at 4-3 in the third set, try to come back and break be a really hard battle with 15) victory in the ony three-set the second was more competi- “It was mentally a huge vic- gone a set without winning but paid the price for not con- him.’ I broke him. When I the American team. We know clash for the spots in the semis. tive until 7-7. At that moment, tory,” said Fritz. “Not serving a point on someone’s serve,” verting two match points on went to serve it out, I told my- them, they know us... We are “It’s amazing! We are in Alix and April went on a a sev- out at 5-4, 40/15, really took a said Fritz. “That was kind of serve at 5-4. Importantly, Fritz self, ‘I need to play this game really happy with this result the final and it’s hard to de- en-point run on April’s serve lot out of me, particularly after crazy. He was just playing re- didn’t panic and took away very aggressively’.” and to be in the final. The at- scribe the feeling. I would say and practically pre-decided our last match at the US Open ally, really well in the first set. Shapovalov’s energy by win- mosphere here is empty and that fatigue played its role the outcome of the match. last year. I didn’t want to lose I think I just had to play my- ning eight of the last 10 points. Rublev walks over strange, but we know why. today, because Nick and Phil Stockman and Kolinske again, and so I pushed harder. self into the match. I felt like When asked what he was Andrey Rublev moved into the Still, to be back on Tour after must have been really tired tried fighting back towards the I’ve had a lot of court time and I was holding [serve] pretty thinking after he failed to con- semi-finals without hitting a such a long time feels amaz- after yesterday’s three tough end, but Alix and April held up close wins, coming through easily. He played a pretty in- vert two match points, Fritz ball on Thursday after Hun- ing! We’ve been waiting for matches. But it feels great! We to cruise on to a 2-0 (21-15, 21- under pressure, so I want to sane game when he broke me said, “The last time after it gary’s Marton Fucsovics with- this tournament all year and performed really well in this 16) win and advance to the final. keep it going.” in the first set, so I have to just happened, I was so defeated drew due to a lower back injury. we are so grateful to be here,” tournament, which shows that In the second semi-final, Shapovalov was in total give credit. He played a very by it because I knew I choked. It would have been a Guto said after the match. all our preparation was worth Pavan and Melissa persevered control in the 37-minute open- good game to break me… I was This time, I didn’t make first repeat of last week’s ABN Earlier on Thursday, Evan- it. I hope that we will continue through two nerve-wracking er, but he lost his first point on lucky when the chance came, I serves on either one of the two AMRO World Tennis Tour- dro and Guto produced a 2-0 tomorrow,” Perusic said. extended sets to celebrate a serve at 0-1 in the second set was able to take it.” points. He hit a pretty nice nament final in Rotterdam, (21-11, 21-16) quarterfinal 2-0 (24-22, 26-24) victory when a routine forehand ap- Fritz took a 3-0 lead, then shot at 40/15. Then I made which Rublev won 7-6(4), 6-4. shutout of Latvia’s Aleksandrs Top seeds to meet over third-seeded Agatha Bed- proach flicked up off the net broke in the first game of the some dumb errors to get bro- Rublev now plays top-seed- Samoilovs and Janis Smedins. in women’s final narczuk and Eduarda Santos and landed wide. Two further decider when Shapovalov mis- ken… I blew it, but I just told ed Austrian Dominic Thiem In the second semifinal, Top-seeded Sarah Pavan and Lisboa (Duda) of Brazil. A errors cost the World No. 11 hit a forehand approach long. myself, ‘I can’t let this happen or Roberto Bautista Agut of Perusic and Schweiner totally Melissa Humana-Paredes and very hard-fought first set was and Fritz found his way back. The American saved two break again. I need to be positive and Spain. (atptour.com) dominated over legendary second-seeded Alix Klineman pushed deep into overtime. 10 Friday, March 12, 2021 Sports

QNB Stars League Law opens up one shot Al Duhail down Sailiya 2-0; Al Wakrah lead at CB Qatar Masters hold Al Sadd 1-1

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK with Edmilson scoring off an DOHA assist from Karim Boudiaf. Scores Almoez Ali, who came off ENSURING that they stay the bench in the second half, 64 – David Law (Sco) in the race to finish as sec- initiated the attack. 65 – Richard McEvoy (Eng), Hennie Du Plessis (Rsa), Kalle Samooja (Fin), Nino Bertasio (Ita) ond in the QNB Stars League The Red Knights kept Al 66 – Joachim B Hansen (Den), Thomas Detry (Bel), 2020-21, Al Duhail defeated Sailiya under pressure by cre- Joakim Lagergren (Swe), Garrick Higgo (Rsa) Al Sailiya 2-0 in the Week 19 ating more opportunities. 67 – Jorge Campillo (Esp), George Coetzee (Rsa), Kurt Kitayama (USA), Jeff Winther (Den), Scott clash at the Al Ahli Stadium on Mohammed Muntari, who Jamieson (Sco), Chris Paisley (Eng), Fabrizio Zanotti Thursday. replaced Olunga in the 62nd (Pry), Maximilian Kieffer (Ger), Gaganjeet Bhullar Michael Olunga converted minute, fired an angular shot, (Ind), Pedro Figueiredo (Por), Toby Tree (Eng) a penalty in the 20th minute but Amine did well to punch 68 – Thomas Pieters (Bel), Alexander Bjork (Swe), Shergo Al Kurdi (Jor), Sean Crocker (USA), Lorenzo before Paulo Edmilson Junior the ball away. Almoez’s hit Gagli (Ita), Matthieu Pavon (FRA), Jamie Donaldson added a second goal in the 51st eight minutes before time was (IRL), Francesco Laporta (Ita), Jack Senior (Eng), minute as Al Duhail avenged also well blocked by Al Sailiya Dale Whitnell (Eng), Louis de Jager, Darren Fichardt their 1-2 loss to Al Sailiya in keeper. (RSA). the first leg. Al Duhail goalkeeper Salah Al Duhail, now on 40 Zakaria made flying saves off points, consolidated their sec- two free-kicks deep into the ond position following their match to keep a clean sheet. 13th victory, with Al Sadd al- Meanwhile, Al Wakrah ready sealing the title with 50 held newly-crowned QNB points in Week 18 after taking Stars League champions Al an unassailable lead over oth- Sadd to a 1-1 draw in Week er competitors. 19 at the Al Sadd Stadium on Al Sailiya remained on 23 Thursday. points after suffering their Rodrigo Tabata took Al eighth defeat. Sadd ahead by scoring in the The Red Knights started in a 25th minute. Al Wakrah found dominant fashion, but they were the equaliser through Khalid David Law of Scotland in action on the opening day of the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters 2021 at the Education City Golf Club on Thursday afternoon. unable to pose real threat to Al Muneer in the 83rd minute. Sailiya, who showed solid de- Al Sadd extended their fending in the first 15 minutes. unbeaten run and now have Scot David Law produced a spotless 64 on the opening day at Education City Golf Club Sultan Al Breik then won 51 points, whereas Al Wakrah a penalty when his chip struck moved on to 19 points. AGENCIES ing myself why I’ve been hitting Mustafa Mohammed’s left Al Sadd, who won the Qa- DOHA bad shots, instead of just going hand inside the box. Olunga tar league championship for on to hit the next one. scored the opener with a clean a record-extending 15th time DAVID Law followed up five Finn Samooja enjoys opening 65 “Over the break we had I left-footed strike from the last weekend after beating birdies on the front nine with sat down with my coach Alan penalty spot, with goalkeeper Umm Salal 3-0 in Week 18, two more on his homeward AGENCIES McCloskey and Paul Lawrie, Claude Amine diving in the took the field by resting their nine to equal his lowest Euro- DOHA we discussed it and it’s all opposite direction. mainstays. pean Tour round on the open- about getting the ball in the Two minutes later, the Instead, the Wolves started ing day of the 24th Commercial KALLE Samooja put his ne start to the 2021 hole now, trusting that you’ve Kenyan striker was shown a the game with their second Bank Qatar Masters at the Edu- Commercial Bank Qatar Masters down to done the hard work and the yellow card for his foul against string compared to Al Wakrah’s cation City Golf Club’s course enjoying himself out on the course after an work’s done. the goalkeeper, while attempt- full-strength line-up. Goal- on Thursday. opening 65 earned him a share of second “It’s a nice draw. I’m looking to score his second goal. keeper Saad Al Dossari played The Scot, who made an af- place on Thursday. ing forward to getting back After Edmilson missed an his first league game after his ternoon start , jumped to seven The Finn, who nished in a tie for fourth at out there tomorrow. It’ll be opportunity, Al Sailiya created return from injury layoff. under par and leapfrogged January’s Omega Dubai Desert Classic, carded different. a golden chance on the half- In the other match of early clubhouse leaders Kalle seven birdies – including three in a row from the Kalle Samooja of Finland with his caddie at the “Although it was hot and hour mark, but Mohanad Ali the day, bottom-placed Al Samooja and Richard McEvoy second – and a single bogey at Education City Golf Education City Golf Club on Thursday. muggy it was calm, it’s never failed to connect a lob from a Kharaitiyat gave themselves a into top spot. Club to reach six under par. normally like that here. To- good position. lifeline by blanking Umm Salal Finn Samooja and Eng- Only a sparkling 64 from afternoon starter wind picks up. Today it was supposed to blow morrow will be a bit more Five minutes before the 3-0 at the Al Ahli Stadium. land’s McEvoy were then David Law prevented Samooja from going into and there was hardly any wind. like normal, a bit of wind and break, Al Duhail’s Ismail Mo- Rachid Tiberkanine (43rd- joined in a tie for second on Friday’s second round tied for the lead. “Apparently it’ll be blowing harder. The new it’ll be testing. I’m looking hammed had to be treated af- minute penalty and 45+2) six under by Italian Nino Ber- The 33-year-old is a big fan of this week’s host ball I’ve been playing with works well in the wind, forward to it.” ter a collision with Ahmed Al scored a brace for Al Kharaiti- tasio and South African Hen- course, having nished in a tie for third there last so I’m just trusting the ball.” In the morning, Samooja Minhali. yat. Nasser Al Nasr added a nie Du Plessis as the players year, and he was pleased to be back. Early starter Samooja got off to a fast start, had carded seven birdies – Al Sailiya made a couple of third goal for The Thunders in continued to post low scores He said: “It was one of the courses when taking advantage of the long second before pick- including three in a row from attacks before the break, but the 87th minute. in the afternoon. I saw the schedule that I really wanted to play ing up another shot from 15 feet at the third. the second – and a single bo- were unable to find an equaliser. Al Kharaitiyat now have Law had shot just one round again. I enjoyed it out there today and you can The Finn then made it three birdies in a row gey to head into the clubhouse Al Duhail struck the sec- a tally of nine points, while in the 60s in three European see that in the score. after lifting his tee shot at the par three fourth on six under. ond blow on their opponents, Umm Salal stay on 15. Tour events in 2021 coming “I don’t know which of the two nines is to three feet. He was soon joined at that into this week but made a light- tougher. There’s 18 holes where you can make Samooja rolled in his seven foot birdie putt mark by McEvoy, who bounced ning quick start. birdies. That’s how I see it. You just need to at the seventh to get to four under before safely back from an early bogey with After holing a lengthy birdie hit quality shots and then you have a lot of parring his way to the turn. seven birdies. putt at the first, the Scot made it chances. After kicking off his back nine with a close Then in the afternoon, Du three in a row with further gains “You have to play well to get in contention on range birdie at the tenth, Samooja rolled in birdie Plessis made six birdies in a at the second and third. Sunday afternoon. I’ve been close a few times putts from around eight feet at the 13th and 15th flawless opening effort to take Law’s fine form with the and my time will come eventually. before dropping his only shot of the day on the his place in the group on six putter continued as birdies at “A good start was pretty important. If you’re 17th to head into the clubhouse on six under. under, before Bertasio com- the seventh and eighth took him many shots behind it’s hard to catch when the (europeantour.com) pleted his round of 65, which to the turn in 31 blows. contained eight birdies and The 2019 ISPS Handa two bogeys. Vic Open champion joined Law then kept his card clean play and I holed some putts, “I was really happy with Joachim B. Hansen, Thom- Samooja and McEvoy on six with pars at the 16th, 17th and which was nice. how I stuck to my routines, my as Detry, Garrick Higgo and under with a birdie putt from 18th to head into the clubhouse “I’ve been guilty over the processes and I came out of it Joakim Lagergren were another four feet at the 13th, before on seven under. last few weeks when I’ve had with a good score. shot back on five under, one taking the outright lead when He said: “It was a good decent rounds going of not “I’m a lot more focused on stroke ahead of the large group his 14 foot putt for birdie on score. I played really well. finishing them off. I was semi- my targets rather than my golf containing defending champion the short 15th dropped, hav- Conditions were quite easy conscious of sticking with it swings. Over the last couple of Jorge Campillo. Al Duhail players celebrate one of their two goals against Al Sailiya at ing first circled the hole. but I was happy with my iron and trying to go low. seasons I’ve been guilty of ask- (europeantour.com) the Al Ahli Stadium on Thursday. PSG, Liverpool ease into Champions League last eight DPA Borussia Dortmund and throughout the second half Origi’s cross four minutes later BERLIN Porto made it to the last eight but Barcelona could not se- to seal a 4-0 aggregate victory. on Tuesday while holders Bay- cure even a win on the night “We had to switch off the THERE was no repeat of the ern Munich are among those and fell 5-2 on aggregate. Premier League stuff and give miracle comeback of 2017 on who will hope to progress next “We’ve left a good impres- it a proper try tonight,” Liver- Wednesday as Barcelona ex- week when they host Lazio sion here after a terrific per- pool manager Juergen Klopp ited the Champions League in having won 4-1 in Rome. formance,” said Griezmann. told BT Sport. the last 16 after a 1-1 draw at Barcelona arrived in Paris “We had lots of goal chanc- “The boys really enjoyed Paris Saint-Germain. needing a miracle to avoid es, particularly in the first half, themselves, but we had to do PSG led 4-1 from the first their earliest exit in the com- but we just didn’t score them.” the dirty work. leg in Spain and though Lionel petition in 15 years and in- Navas, a three-time Champi- It was a big defensive per- Messi’s superb strike equal- stantly dominated the ball. ons League winner with Real formance tonight and the boys ized Kylian Mbappe’s penalty But Ousmane Dembele Madrid, said PSG now had to did really well.” opener before the break, the missed a number of chances “continue in this state of mind. The nominal hosts did sur- Argentine’s missed spot-kick and Sergino Dest had a shot To win this competition you vive a scare at 0-0 when Leip- meant there was no way back turned onto the bar by Keylor have to be united. zig struck the bar through Al- for Barca. Navas before Clement Len- “The group has clear goals exander Sorloth’s header but Fours years ago PSG saw glet’s accidental foul on Mau- in mind. We hope to see it deserved their win. a 4-0 home lead overturned ro Icardi allowed Mbappe through to the end.” Liver- “We weren’t good enough 6-1 by Barcelona at the Camp – who hit a first leg hat-trick pool showed fewer nerves and today, or over the two legs,” Nou but on this occasion last – to open the scoring on the were perhaps grateful to play Leipzig coach Julian Nagels- season’s beaten finalists pro- half hour. in the Puskas Arena after six mann told Sky. “We didn’t gressed into the quarter-finals Mbappe thus claimed consecutive domestic losses have that punch to get the despite a poor performance. Messi’s record as the youngest at Anfield left them eighth in goals we needed. They are joined by 2019 player to reach 25 goals in the Paris Saint-Germain’s French forward Kylian Mbappe celebrates after scoring a penalty kick during the the Premier League. Leipzig, semi-finalists last winners Liverpool who se- competition at aged 22 years UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg match against Barcelona at the Parc des Princes stadium Diogo Jota was twice de- term remain in domestic con- cured a second 2-0 win over and 80 days. in Paris on Wednesday. (AFP) nied by Leipzig keeper Peter tention as they seek a maiden RB Leipzig in Budapest with Brazilian star Neymar Gulacsi among a string of early title. Mohamed Salah and Sadio failed to recover from a groin corner to equalize in the 37th turned onto the bar by Navas the second half would have Liverpool chances before the “A little disappointment is Mane again scoring. This time injury to play for PSG and his minute. after Antoine Griezmann was been a whole different affair,” Portuguese and Mane com- allowed, but after 20 hours we Liverpool were the hosts in continental rival Messi stole But Messi spurned the fouled by Layvin Kurzawa in said Barcelona coach Ronald bined to set up Salah 20 min- need to shrug it off and focus Hungary due to coronavirus the show with a sensational chance to heap the pressure first half injury-time. Koeman. utes from time. on the league and cup,” said restrictions. long-range drive into the top on PSG when his penalty was “If we’d led at the break, PSG were forced back Mane turned in Divock Nagelsmann. Sports Friday, March 12, 2021 11

AL WAKRAH AND AL GHARAFA MAKE AMIR CUP BASKETBALL FINAL

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK DOHA

AL Wakrah and Al Gharafa clubs scored wins in their respective semi-ﬁnals in the Amir Cup Bas- ketball at the Al Gharafa courts on Thursday. While Al Gharafa defeated Al Sadd 91-89 (27-17, 18-24, 21-18, 25-30), Al Wakrah beat Qa- tar Sports Club 90-53 (31-12, 27-9, 18-19, 14-11). B. Spearman scored the most (23) points for Al Wakrah followed by J. Coles Jr (22) and A. Abdelhaleem (16). For Al Gharafa, F. Session Jr. Li scored 21 points while R. Al Ab- dulla and T. Harris scored 20 each. The two sides will clash in the final on Saturday (March 13) at 6pm. FINA/CNSG Marathon Swim World Series 2021 Doha on Saturday

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK DOHA

FINA President Julio Magli- one joined athletes to praise the Qatar Swimming Associa- tion (QSA), which is set to host The winning group of Zyzzyva at the Al Uqda Complex on Thursday. the FINA/CNSG Marathon Swim World Series 2021 Doha at the scenic Katara Beach on Al Malki’s Zyzzyva Saturday (March 13). The season-opening meet, which will see the participation of around 100 long distance wins Ain Khaled swimmers from 25 countries marking the return of FINA open water competitions after Cup at Al Uqda over a year with COVID-19 pandemic forcing cancellation of the TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK fiane Saadi rode the Jassim events throughout last year fol- DOHA Ghazali-trained 5YO mare to lowing the 2020 Doha meet. a 1½-length win in the 6f run The 10km event, being THE Ibrahim Saeed Ibrahim for fillies & mares. held under strict COVID-19 Al Malki-owned & trained Abdulatif Hussain Al Ema- protocols, was launched at a Zyzzyva (FR) (Siyouni x di’s Al Adheed (QA) (Foot- video conference on March Zanatiya) claimed the stepsinthesand)completed a 11 in which QSA President Ain Khaled Cup run- double winning the Local Thor- Khaleel Khaleel Al Jabir wel- ning on turf in Qatar Racing oughbred Conditions. Soufi- comed all the athletes and & Equestrian Club’s (QREC) ane Saadi rode the Bader Al participants. 38th Race Meeting for the Ain Balushi-trained 6YO horse to a FINA Technical Delegate Khaled Cup at the Al Uqda 1¾-length win in the 6f run. Andrea Prayer Galletti, Rio Complex on Thursday. HE Sheikh Khalifa bin Mo- Olympics gold medalist Ferry Jockey Tomas Lukasek hammed bin Khalifa Al Tha- Weertman (NED), last year’s The season-opening meet, which will see the participation of around 100 long distance swimmers from 25 countries marking the return of rode the 6YO gelding to ni’s Aspetar (FR) (Al Kazeem) Doha winner Leonie Beck FINA open water competitions after over a year since the 2020 Doha meet following the global pandemic. ½-length victory in the 6f emerged winner in the Class 2 (GER) and 3-time Olympic me- Class 2 run for Thorough- Thoroughbred Conditions. dalist Oussama Mellouli (TUN) secutive year. ganization of this event. This the Dutchman. sian star added. breds. Tomas Lukasek rode the also spoke to the media. “We are happy to organize meet is very very important “I am always racing to win. Defending champion Sami Jassim Al Boenain, Julian Smart-trained 6YO The home to FINA World the event and it is my pleasure because it’s been a long time I will do my best to race but I Marc-Antoine Olivier (FRA), Adviser to QREC chairman, gelding to a 3½-length win in Aquatics Championships in to welcome all the participants since open water event took don’t have idea in what shape Kristof Rasovszky (HUN) – presented the Ain Khaled Cup the 2100m run. 2023, Doha –has become one to Doha. I shall ensure you place. This is the best leg of the the rest of athletes are as we gold medalist at 2019 World to Ibrahim Saeed Ibrahim Al The Al Shaqab Racing- of the main stops for FINA that we have taken all the nec- marathon series and I am sure have not been racing for such Aquatics Championships Malkifor Zyzzyva, winner of owned & bred Latam (FR) (TM competitions over the years, essary measures for your safe with the support of Organizing a long time but I am feeling (5km) and Gregorio Paltrinieri the feature event. Fred Texas x Ajdabya) won also staging the FINA Swim- participation so that you can Committee and the FINA del- pretty good,” he added. (ITA) are among the leading Earlier, the Umm Qarn- the Purebred Arabian Handi- ming World Cups since 2012 enjoy your performance,” the egates we can have a very nice African record holder Mel- contestants in men’s race. owned & bred Jabir (FR) (Al cap (0-90) on turf at Al Uqda. and FINA World Swimming QSA President said. and safe competition.” louli said Doha will provide a Meanwhile, Beck, who Mamun Monlau x Maleehah) Anas Al Seyabi rode the Ibra- Championships in 2014. “We like challenges. We Meanwhile the competitive perfect stage for athletes as they defeated Ana Marcela Cunha won the Purebred Arabian him Saeed Al Malki-trained In a recorded message, are working very hard with the field is ready for action. Both prepare for Olympics qualifiers. (BRA) to clinch title in Doha Conditions with Carlos Hen- 6YO horse to a 3-length win in FINA President Maglione, government, the Ministry of the men and women’s races “I want to thank FINA and the last year, expected a tough rique riding the Alban de the 2100m run. said: “Everyone is excited for Public Health. I would also like will feature a competitive field QSA for organizing this event. I women’s race on Saturday. Mieulle-trained 5YO horse The Sheikh Abdulla bin the race. I want to thank our to thank the foreign ministry of long distance swimmers. don’t remember the last time I “It’s a first competition for to a 1¼-length win in the Thani Al Thani-owned & host Qatar for their continuous and our colleagues at Hamad Weertman, who won in Doha raced in open water so it’s go- over a year and I am very ex- 2200m run. bred Al Hindi (QA) (Sleeping support and help. This country International Airport for their in 2018, praised QSA’s efforts ing to be cool for me to be in cited to race again. I am very Another of Umm Qarn- Indian) won the Local Thor- is a strong FINA partner and support. We are working very in staging the competition. open water and take a crack in happy about it. There are lots owned & bred – Abida (QA) oughbred Handicap (70-90). we are always happy to be in hard to make this event hap- “It’s very nice to have the another marathon,” he said. of good girls like Ana Marcela (Dahess x Altesse D’aroco) got Marco Casamento rode the Doha. We also enjoy the Qatari pen. We are happy to clear all competition back. With all the “It’s going to be interesting in the race so it’s going to be off the mark in the Local Pure- Jassim Ghazali-trained 4YO hospitality and take memories the obstacles. Most important testing and the quarantine in as a lot of swimmers entered tough. I am doing my best and bred Arabian Handicap (0- colt to a ½-length win in the from this competition. I wish thing for us is that athletes the room it feels pretty safe. I the race. For me it is a step- hoping to defend my title,” the 85). Soufiane Saadi rode the 2200m run. everyone good luck.” find a place to compete in this am very happy to race again. ping stone for my Olympic German star said. Alban de Mieulle-trained 5YO Noora Racing Limited’s Khaleel said his team put Olympic year.” The water is a bit warmer than qualification. I am trying to Athletes will complete the mare to a ½-length win in the Quepos (FR) (Al Tair x Bon- up a tremendous effort for the Galletti said: “I would like the last year so, I think the qualify for my sixth Olympics 10km races in 5 laps (2000m 2100m run. nett) won the Purebred Ara- event, adding that he was con- to thank Qatar Swimming As- water is about 22 degrees so this summer. I can’t imagine a each). The women’s race will Injaaz Stud’s Make A Wish bian Novice Plate. Soufiane fident of organizing another sociation, Doha Municipality for me that was perfect condi- better stage to get me prepare start at 9am followed by men’s (IRE) (No Nay Never x Saturn Saadi rode the Alban de successful competition, which and sponsors for all the big tions. The sun is shining and for Olympics Qualifier, which race, which will kick off at Girl) claimed the Class 2 Thor- Mieulle-trained 4YO colt to a Doha is hosting for fourth con- force they spent in the or- the water is nice and flat,” said will happen in May,” the Tuni- 1:30pm. oughbreds Conditions. Sou- nose win in the 7f run. Qatar MotoGP test: Vinales spearheads Yamaha trio on penultimate day TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK testing, handing riders a fan- suffered a fractured foot after things again during the first push the doctor to [pass me] DOHA tastic opportunity to get some Yamaha’s a crash. Marquez has had a part of the session because fit because I feel good.” crucial laps under their belts Maverick bruising test so far, crashing that part of the day is not for Top 10 on Day 4: YAMAHA’S Maverick Vina- with time running out before Vinales. four times across the first four making laps because condi- 1. Maverick Viñales (Mon- les took top spot at the end of the start of the season. days before having a fifth dur- tions are so different, and we ster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) play on Day four of the Official Vinales made a late time ing yesterday’s running. The will not have those conditions – 1:53.244; 2. Franco Mor- MotoGP Qatar Test, thanks to attack to snatch P1 from new LCR rider highsided at the during any practice in the bidelli (Petronas Yamaha SRT) a late 1:53.244 lap time at the Monster Yamaha team-mate Turn 9 right-hander, which [race] weekend. + 0.079; 3. Fabio Quartararo Losail International Circuit. Quartararo by 0.154s, who had brought out a brief red flag pe- “I was focused on many (Monster Energy Yamaha Mo- It was three Yamahas leading taken the top sport from Duca- riod and resulted in him suf- things, and then I put on new toGP) + 0.154; 4. Francesco the way yesterday as Franco ti’s Francesco Bagnaia earlier fering a small fracture in his tyres to make a time attack be- Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) Morbidelli (Yamaha SRT) and in the final hour. Morbidelli foot which ended his day early. cause it’s something I needed + 0.200; 5. Aleix Espargaro Fabio Quartararo (Yamaha) then made it an all-Yamaha Marquez says he has raced to improve. Making the time (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini) both set 1:53.3s to cement their top three by splitting Vinales with a similar injury before attack, I crashed - was a high- + 0.396; 6. Joan Mir (Team good form heading into the fi- and Quartararo in the closing and hopes to be cleared to side in Turn 9, fortunately I’m Suzuki Ecstar) + 0.583; 7. Alex nal day of pre-season testing. minutes. ride, but will only push for it OK. I have a small crack in my Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar) + In terms of new tech, noth- Vinales’ 1m 53.244s if weather conditions don’t right foot. At the moment I’ve 0.616; 8. Valentino Rossi (Pet- ing too out of the ordinary didn’t quite beat Jack Miller’s cause unnecessary risk. Ex- [been declared] not fit from ronas Yamaha SRT) + 0.749; 9. was seen yesterday. However, ‘53.183s from Wednesday, plaining his crash after ending the doctor, but tomorrow, if Johann Zarco (Pramac Racing) + track conditions couldn’t have but the Spaniard - like Bag- Honda’s Pol Espargaro - also longer runs. the day 17th, he said: “Well, we have a good weather and 0.812; 10. Pol Espargaro (Rep- been more perfect for Day 4 of naia, Quartararo and Repsol showed impressive pace over Meanwhile, Alex Marquez I was trying some important good conditions, I will try to sol Honda Team) + 0.859. 12 Friday, March 12, 2021 The Last Word Qatar calls for continued documentation of violations, crimes in Syria QNA Ambassador Ali Khalfan said the Syrian people are still struggling to Syrian citizens. GENEVA Syrian people are still struggling to achieve justice, freedom and dignity, Ambassador Ali Khalfan reiterated achieve justice, freedom and dignity, and find nothing but death, destruc- the assertion of the State of Qatar that QATAR has called for the need to and find nothing but death, destruc- tion and displacement under a regime the insistence of the Syrian regime and continue to document violations and that sought to transform the peaceful its allies on obstructing efforts to find a crimes in Syria and welcomed all ef- tion and displacement under a revolution into an armed conflict in political solution based on the Geneva forts at all levels to ensure account- regime that sought to transform the which many gross violations of human 1 Statement and Resolution 2254, on ability for all those responsible for vio- peaceful revolution into an armed rights and the most heinous crimes thwarting the work of the Constitu- lations and crimes committed against conflict in which many gross viola- have been committed. He noted that tional Committee and on pursuing a the Syrian people. tions of human rights and the most the regime attacked the Syrian peo- military solution, has led to a signifi- This is reflected in the State of heinous crimes have been committed ple with internationally prohibited cant deterioration in the human rights Qatar’s statement by its Permanent chemical weapons, targeted hospitals situation. It has also led to an increase Representative to the United Nations and civilian facilities, and deliberately in instability in the region and has Office in Geneva, HE Ambassador Ali tional Commission of Inquiry into the used arbitrary detention and torture contributed to the creation of new hu- Khalfan Al Mansouri, to the Human Syrian Arab Republic. for the sole purpose of staying in manitarian, economic and social chal- Rights Council during an interactive Ambassador Ali Khalfan said that power, even if the price was the lives lenges, especially given the spread of dialog with the Independent Interna- ten years have passed and that the and livelihoods of millions of innocent the Covid-19 pandemic. HE Ambassador Ali Khalfan Al Mansouri QU webinar explores link between gum disease and COVID-19 severity

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK DOHA

QATAR University’s (QU) College of Dental Medicine (CDM) hosted a webinar series on ‘The Association between Periodontitis, a serious gum infection, and the severity of COVID-19’. The event aimed to dis- seminate scientific findings to stakeholders and increase global visibility of CDM. It was attended by a number of Qatar Airways Cargo researchers and dentists from Qatar and across the world. The research team spear- headed by Dr Nadia Maarouf, and QDB join forces to associate consultant from Hamad Dental Center (HMC), and led by Dr Faleh Tamimi, professor at CDM, has shown a strong association between support Qatari exports COVID-19 complications and The study revealed that They also found that a signifi- to be statistically significant. periodontitis. patients with periodontitis cant portion of the patients The study revealed that pa- Researchers in Qatar in- were at least three times who suffered severe COVID-19 tients with periodontitis were Exporters will bene t from discounted rates and access to QA network vestigated the records of 568 complications and even death at least three times more like- patients who suffered from more likely to experience had advanced periodontitis. ly to experience COVID-19 TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK COVID-19. Periodontitis caus- COVID-19 complications Upon adjusting for sev- complications regardless of DOHA es a chronic inflammation that regardless of age, gender eral factors such as patient’s age, gender and other condi- makes patients more suscepti- and other conditions. age, gender and existence of tions. Periodontitis is mostly QATAR Airways Cargo and ble to the severe and danger- Periodontitis is mostly chronic diseases, the link be- caused by poor oral hygiene Qatar Development Bank ous inflammation caused by caused by poor oral hygiene tween periodontitis and COV- and lack of maintenance of (QDB) have joined hands to COVID-19, the study revealed. ID-19 complications proved the dental condition. support local manufacturers in Qatar. The cargo carrier is offer- ing discounted rates to local Qatari manufacturers, who are current QDB clients and Renowned US scientist explains COVID-19 hold a certificate of origin for their products, to export to international markets. The vaccine’s development at QU-BRC lecture products under this partnership cover all types of general TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK 66 days after the emergence of goods that are manufactured Export Development and Pro- Qatar Airways Cargo flights. DOHA the pandemic. within Qatar, while danger- motion at QDB, said, “We en- Qatari exports are projected Relying on the knowledge ous goods are excluded from joy a strong strategic relation- to grow noticeably over the QATAR University’s (QU) from the MERS vaccine devel- the agreement. ship with Qatar Airways based coming years, as an increas- Biomedical Research Center opment, the Viral Pathogenesis Guillaume Halleux, Qatar on common objectives and ing number of new SMEs are (BRC) organised a lecture on Lab at VRC-NIH demonstrated Airways Chief Officer Cargo, mutual understanding. This trained and developed to ex- ‘SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine the ability of the mRNA vac- said, “Through this agree- is reflected in our many bilat- port their goods. design enabled by prototype cine to induce potent antibody ment, we are pleased to sup- eral initiatives, and this agree- To avail this discount, the pathogen preparedness,’ pre- response in preclinical settings port local Qatari manufactur- ment is a product of such a Qatari exporters can visit Qa- sented by one of the biggest (using mice and monkeys), be- ers and help extend the reach synergistic partnership, which tar Airways Cargo’s Sales office names in COVID-19 research. fore the vaccine was tested in and availability of their prod- we are confident will open up at the cargo terminal between Dr Kissmekia Corbett, phases 1-3 clinical trials. ucts to international markets. new global markets and wider 7 am to 3.30 pm on weekdays a research fellow in the Vi- Answering questions, Dr We have a young and modern horizons for Qatari products or contact them via phone ral Pathogenesis Laboratory Corbett recommended the vac- fleet of freighters, passenger more than ever before. More- on 40183095, 40183093 or at the National Institutes of cination of pregnant and nurs- freighters, mini freighters and over, this will also help reduce 50459468. Health (NIH), National Insti- ing mothers when it is avail- belly-cargo planes to cater to export costs, and complement Qatar Airways Cargo is tute of Allergy and Infectious able, noting that phase three their export requirements. our ongoing efforts in sup- perfectly positioned to sup- Diseases (NIAID), Vaccine Re- and Moderna to develop and During the lecture, Dr clinical trial is still undergoing Additionally, through our be- porting export development port the growth of exports as search Center (VRC) in the US, evaluate the Moderna mRNA Corbett revealed the different for this group. spoke charter solutions, they at the Bank.” the cargo carrier expands its presented the lecture, which vaccine in preclinical and clini- stages of the COVID-19 mRNA Dr Hadi Yassine, section also have the option of utilis- The special discount is fleet and network strategi- aimed to highlight the devel- cal trials. She works under the vaccine development, illustrat- head of research at BRC mod- ing part or full charters.” available to more than 350 cally, enhancing its products opmental stages of the COV- direct supervision of Dr Barney ing the utilised approaches erated the seminar. Dr Yassine Commenting on the oc- Qatari exporters – QDB cli- and investing in digitalisa- ID-19 vaccine. Graham, deputy director of the that made the candidate vac- participated in coronavirus casion, Hamad Salem Me- ents – who wish to export tion to support its custom- Dr Corbett led the col- VRC, and Anthony Fauci, di- cine available for phase one vaccine development at NIH jegheer, executive director of their locally made products on ers’ business. laboration between the NIH rector of the NIAID. clinical trial, which occurred before joining the university. QFFD, Kenyan ministry sign pact to provide education to 250,000 children

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK countability of communities to skills and knowledge in prepara- when the country is seeking to of safety and protection that are DOHA enhance the enrolment and re- tion for the future. rebound from the devastating ef- essential to children’s develop- tention of OOSC. “We are aiming to pro- fects of the COVID-19 pandemic ment.” THE Qatar Fund For Develop- The project also seeks to vide education that engenders on the education sector. To date, EAA’s Educate A ment (QFFD) and the Ministry ensure the provision of quality equality and inclusiveness as “As the government contin- Child (EAC) programme, along- of Education in Kenya on Thurs- teaching and learning by imple- key factors in achieving sus- ues to implement the roll-out side its partners, has secured day signed a memorandum of menting alternative provision of tainable development. Ulti- of the Competency Based Cur- over 791,000 commitments to understanding (MOU) in sup- education, building teachers ca- mately, there is nothing more riculum, this programme will enrol OOSC into quality primary port of equitable access to qual- pacities, renovating classrooms, critical than education and its provide the necessary tools to education in Kenya, with more ity primary education for out- constructing WASH facilities potential to transform societies, equip and nurture learners with than 540,000 OOSC already en- of-school children (OOSC) in and improving access to learn- and appropriately equip future competencies required for them rolled. Kenya, which will be delivered ing for children with disabilities generations.” to achieve their potential.” In order to complement na- by UNICEF. to guarantee equitable access Prof George Magoha, Cabi- UNICEF Representative in tional education strategies and Contributions stemming to education for all children en- net Secretary, Ministry of Edu- Kenya Maniza Zaman said, “We priorities, EAA works to address from the signing of this MoU will rolled in the project. The programme will be implemented by Education Above All Founda- cation in Kenya, said: “Fostering are delighted to be implement- poverty, rehabilitates schools, support education opportunities QFFD Director-General tion’s (EAA) strategic partner, UNICEF. intergenerational equity in ac- ing this important programme provides psychosocial support for 250,000 OOSC, reaching the Khalifa bin Jassim Al Kuwari cess to education is a key pillar in Kenya to bring the life-chang- and sports education, carries out most marginalised children, in- said, “We are proud of this col- country. acquiring skills that are essential that fosters sustainable devel- ing beneﬁts of education to an targeted capacity-building initia- cluding those with disabilities in laboration with EAA, their part- “This programme will not to life in the 21st century.” opment. In this regard, I laud additional 250,000 out of school tives and advocates for the edu- urban informal settlements and ner UNICEF and the Ministry just help ensure education ac- EAA CEO Fahad Al Sulaiti all our partners led by QFFD, children. cation rights of the hardest-to- arid and semi-arid lands. of Education in Kenya, and cess for some of the most vulner- said, “This agreement is another EAA and UNICEF for working “Last year, we saw the dev- reach OOSC. In so doing, EAA The programme will be im- heartened by this potentially able children, including those important step in our efforts to with the Kenyan Government to astating effects of school clo- continues to alleviate barriers to plemented by Education Above life-changing project that will with disabilities, it will also con- ensure that out-of-school chil- ensure that quality education is sures on children. In addition education, such as poverty, refu- All Foundation’s (EAA) strate- provide equitable access to qual- tribute to the realisation of SDG4 dren in Kenya fulﬁl their right to availed to marginalised children to education, schools provide a gee status, gender discrimina- gic partner, UNICEF, and aims ity education opportunities for and help Kenyan children shape a quality primary education that and communities across the range of services from meals and tion, inadequate infrastructure, to increase the capacity and ac- out-of-school children in the their future and support them in will provide them with tangible country, especially at this time psycho-social support to a sense and challenging geographies.