SUNDAY 18 MARCH 2018 SPORT 25

It gets harder and I love that 4.30PM 7:30PM challenge. I love that I’m faced FOOTBALL FOOTBALL with this huge mountain to climb Wigan Athletic vs Chelsea vs Lewis Hamilton again. I’ve got to work harder Southampton Leicester City than I’ve done before. Formula One driver Dutch swimmers Van Rouwendaal and Weertman bag Doha honours FAWAD HUSSAIN “I am very happy with my (2h02m25m2) and team-mate Sharon Van Rouwendaal, Leonie Beck and Finnia Wunram pose on the podium during THE PENINSULA maiden gold medal win,” Finnia Wunram third in the FINA/HOSA Marathon Swim World Series at the Doha Corniche yesterday. Weertman said after his victory (2h02m26s7) falling behind Van DOHA: Dutch compatriots in the men’s event. Rouwendaal after a tough Sharon Van Rouwendaal and “It was lovely out there. When contest, earlier in the morning. Ferry Weertman yesterday I first heard about competing in “It was a close race and I am reigned supreme as Qatar hosted Doha I thought it will be very hot very happy to end as winner,” their first-ever FINA/HOSA but it wasn’t like that and enjoyed Van Rouwendaal. Marathon Swim World Series the race thoroughly.” “I enjoyed the conditions and successfully at the picturesque “It was a very tough race and will definitely like to come back Doha Corniche. I feel it will be an intense com- to Doha,” she added. Rio Olympic gold medallist petition for the overall win in the As many as 115 long-distance Van Rouwendaal touched home series,” said the Dutchman. swimmers (43 women and 72 in 2h02m24s4 while Olympic France’s David Aubry took men) including World and title-holder Weertman clocked a silver in 1h52m42s5 and Italy’s Olympic champions took part in time of 1h52m41s6 to clinch his Simone Ruffini, last year overall the race. first gold medal in the World Series’ winner, took bronze in Doha, a popular venue for Series as thrilling battles were 1h52m24s7 in the men’s race. FINA World Cup for several years, witnessed in 10km races in both The women’s event saw will continue to host the Mar- men and women events. Germany’s Leonie Beck athon Swim World Series until 2021 after making their debut yesterday. “It’s another success for Qatar and the Qatar Swimming Associ- ation,” Qatar Swimming Associ- ation (QSA) Khaleel Al Jabir said. “We are very happy to be hosting this popular event and we look forward to make it even better in the years coming ahead,” he said. Portugal, Canada, Chinese Tapei, Water Challenge which saw the neighbouring schools and The Doha event was the first Hungary and China. hundreds of local kids and adults gathered for the challenge leg of FINA/HOSA Marathon A day before the FINA/HOSA adults taking a plunge at the to sample the exact same expe- Swim World Series which will Marathon Swim World Series in Corniche. rience as the world’s best now be moved held in Seychelles, Doha, the QSA also hosted Open Over 360 Qatari kids from swimmers.

Naomi Osaka (right) of Japan Hamilton, Vettel chasing 5th shakes hands with Simona Halep of Romania in Indian Wells, F1 title to match Fangio California on Friday. AP one of them truly stand out. “(He was) season, his hunger is still evident. Only the best we’ve ever had in terms of Schumacher has more wins with 91. PARIS: Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian putting it all together,” Vettel said of Taking inspiration from veteran Vettel start the Formula One season in Fangio, while Hamilton described him stars, such as 20-time Grand Slam Australia on March 25 within touching as “the godfather of the sport” driving champion Roger Federer, helps Ham- distance of further greatness. in “the most dangerous period of time.” ilton hit his targets. Persuading himself A fifth world title would move one F1 is far more safety-conscious he’s the best is an important part of of the drivers level with Juan Manuel these days, and risk-taking on track that success. Fangio and second only to Michael has greatly diminished. Still, this did “That’s what you have to think. I’m Schumacher’s seven. not stop Vettel and Hamilton clashing sure if you asked Federer, he will truly Hamilton and Vettel share 109 last season. believe that if he’s trained hard and wins (Hamilton 62, Vettel 47), 216 Gaining any sort of psychological feeling great, there’s no one that can podiums (117-99) and 122 pole posi- advantage can prove important, con- touch him,” Hamilton said. tions (72-50). Hamilton got his first title sidering they are hugely successful in “You have to be convinced that will 10 years ago before Vettel won four their own right. be the case.” Hamilton is friends with straight from 2010-13. The 33-year-old Hamilton has the another tennis star, Serena Williams, Osaka ousts Halep But Hamilton has dominated since edge with 47 wins and 50 poles but is who like Federer is 36. Hamilton joining Mercedes. Last year’s title was three years older than his rival. clearly draws inspiration from athletes the British driver’s third in four seasons “It gets harder and I love that chal- who have pushed back time. to level at 4-4 with his Ferrari rival. lenge. I love that I’m faced with this “I look at these greats who con- to set up title clash Next Sunday’s season-opening huge mountain to climb again,” Ham- tinue to break barriers within their Australian GP will be Vettel’s 200th ilton said. own performance. (I) keep going back race, and fittingly the German is “I’ve got to work harder than I’ve to Federer, but he’s back at the top,” seeking his 100th F1 podium. Ham- done before. Physically I’m stronger, Hamilton said. with Kasatkina ilton, meanwhile, seeks a record- I’ve put on muscle. I feel very strong “To have that drive: You’ve got AFP extending 73rd pole and a 63rd GP win. mentally.” family, you’ve got wealth, but still have Indian Wells semi-finalist since Kim Cli- Matching Fangio, the daring Although Hamilton has yet to sign that drive - maybe it is part of the mark jsters in 2005. Argentine who won his titles in the a new contract with Mercedes, fueling of a great. It’s inspiring to see these INDIAN WELLS: Japanese dynamo Naomi “I was kind of nervous that entire (final) 1950s when driving circumstances talk he could walk away from F1 to iconic individuals continue to shine, Osaka punched her ticket to the Indian game because it kept going back and forth,” were extremely challenging, will make pursue other interests at the end of the and they’re inspiring.” Wells final on Friday, routing world No. 1 Osaka said. Simona Halep to set up a title clash with “But I’m really glad I was able to finish rising star Daria Kasatkina. on my serve instead of having to break her World No. 44 Osaka stormed past the or something like that. Yeah, it felt good.” top seeded Halep in stunning fashion with Halep had three double faults, won just five a 6-3, 6-0 win, while Russian juggernaut points on her second serve and had her Kasatkina wore down the 37-year-old serve broken five times. seven-time Grand Slam winner Venus Wil- Halep, who had reached the semi-finals liams in three sets 4-6, 6-4, 7-5. in all four of her tournaments in 2018, was The 26-year-old former champion trying to repeat her Indian Wells success Halep dropped to 18-2 on the season as she of three years ago when she beat Jelena lasted just 64 minutes on the court with Jankovic to lift the trophy. Osaka. Meanwhile, Kasatkina rolled over her “I just was not ready. I missed the ball third top-10 player in a row to reach her a lot and I didn’t play what I had to play,” first Indian Wells final. Halep said. “I don’t find excuses. She was Kasatkina rallied to claim the better. I just was not ready and played biggest victory of her career and defeat wrong.” Youth prevailed Friday night as world number eight Williams, extending both unseeded Osaka and world No. 19 a year-long assault on top players, Kasatkina are 20 years old while the com- Grand Slam winners and former world bined age of Williams and Halep is 63. number ones. “I feel like there is a new generation “A match like this, you’re just Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes in action during the Formula and we are trying to push through,” said speechless,” Kasatkina said. “Too many One test session at the Circuit de Barcelona Catalunya, Osaka, who clinched the contest on the emotions and you cannot explain Montmelo, Spain in this March 9 file picture. third match point. everything. Osaka improved to 14-4 in 2018 as she “Maybe one of the best nights in my came into the clash as the lowest ranked life, for sure.” 26 SPORT SUNDAY 18 MARCH 2018 Qatar looks to host best-ever FIG meet with eye on 2018 Worlds FAWAD HUSSAIN THE PENINSULA

DOHA: Gearing up to host the FIG Artistic World Championships All the preparations for later this year, Qatar Gymnastics the event have been Federation (QGF) is confident of completed and we are organising the best-ever FIG looking forward to a Artistic Gymnastics World Cup this weekend, with an array of very successful World world’s best gymnasts are set to Cup this year also: QGF compete at Aspire Dome. President Ali Al Hitmi The QGF has been hosting the Artistic Gymnastics World Cup since 2008 but this year’s event have been completed and edition, that runs from March we are looking forward to a very 21 to 24, holds utter importance successful World Cup this year as Doha will also be hosting also,” added Al Hitmi. FIG’s showpiece event - FIG “We will leave no stone World Championships – this unturned to make it a blockbuster year from October 25 to as it will give us huge confidence November 3. ahead of World Championships,” “This World Cup is very the QGF President said. special for us as it will also serve Like every year, top gymnasts as the test event for 2018 World including World and Olympic Championships,” QGF President champions from around 40 and Chairman of the Organising countries are participating in the Qatar Gymnastics Federation President Ali Al Hitmi (centre), Assistant General Secretary QGF and Competition Manager Abeer Al Bunainain, Committee Ali Al Hitmi told a annual championship. and Deputy Competition Manager Anis Saoud (right) during a press conference in Doha yesterday. PICTURE: ABDUL BASIT/THE PENINSULA press conference yesterday. The must-watch contest “All the preparations for the during four days of action in the event will be a battle between cheers to home fans expected to be held on first two days of the and will strive for medals on the world champion Xiao Ruoteng of turn out in good numbers. championship, with eight best last two days of the China and Japanese legend Kohei The qualification rounds will gymnasts making it to the finals competition. Uchimura, also famous as ‘King Kohei’. With both the top gymnasts Xiao Ruoteng eyeing wins heading into important year of World Cham- pionships, the competition between the two will be treat to watch for fans. In addition, world’s oldest Olympian, Oksana Chusovitina, 43 of Uzbekistan will also be descending to Doha to defend her vault title she won in the last year’s edition. Besides, several other world class gymnasts have also con- firmed their participation in the four-day event. A couple of upcoming gym- nasts will also represent the host country in the World Cup. The Qatari pair includes Jana Kiki and Ahmed Nabil, who will Japanese legend Kohei Uchimura be looking to impress and give Pietersen FIFA lifts ban on Iraq, calls time Kevin Pietersen on playing Basra to host tourney AFP governing bodies for a return career to the international fold. BOGOTA: FIFA has lifted its Friday’s decision followed REUTERS three-decade ban on Iraq an international friendly hosting international football, Iraq will host between Iraq and Saudi DUBAI: Former England batsman a move hailed by the coun- Qatar and Syria Arabia in Basra on February Kevin Pietersen brought the try’s sports authorities 28, their first on Iraqi soil in curtain down on his playing yesterday as a boost for its for a friendly 40 years. career yesterday in a series of most popular game. tournament It was watched by Asian messages on social media after “We are allowing inter- starting on March Football Confederation (AFC) deciding not to travel with Quetta national matches to be head Salman bin Ibrahim Al- Gladiators to Lahore for their staged in the cities of Arbil, 21 in Basra Khalifa who said “the time has Pakistan Super League (PSL) internationals -- scoring almost leave Dubai, going back to Basra and Karbala,” FIFA after FIFA lifted come” to end the three- play-off. 4,500 runs with nine centuries London now. president Gianni Infantino 3-decade ban on decade ban. Pietersen, 37, who briefly and 25 fifties -- as well as 37 “I wish I could travel but told reporters after a The first home competitive captained England in 2008-09, Twenty20 internationals. unfortunately family’s very meeting of the FIFA Council the country. games could come as early as spent the latter part of his career It was in the shortest format important, family decision, and I in Bogota. next month as two Iraqi clubs playing for a number of club that Pietersen delighted fans in hope that you can respect my The three cities had been have fixtures in the AFC Cup teams across the world after con- India, playing for Delhi Daredevils decision and my family’s decision allowed to organise group from 2014 to 2017. which were postponed pending troversially being told in 2014 that and Royal Challengers Bangalore not to travel. “ friendlies in the past year Arbil is the capital of the FIFA’s decision. he was no longer in the national among others in the lucrative The Gladiators tweeted: “You provided the security situ- country’s autonomous Infantino said it would be side’s plans. Indian Premier League. will be missed @KP24 Great ation was “stable”. Kurdish region. for the AFC to decide where A hard-hitting batsman who SORRY HEART “Boots up! career!! Thank you for everything. Iraq will host Qatar and The Iraq Football Associ- they were played. often made playing unorthodox Feet up! Family, animals, golf...! Wish you could (have) stayed with Syria for a friendly tour- ation welcomed FIFA’s “FIFA has given the green shots look easy, Pietersen was H O M E,” the swashbuckling us till PSL final but we respect nament starting on March 21 decision but vowed to “spare light for the resumption but part of England’s 2005 Ashes- batsman tweeted yesterday, your decision.” Pietersen scored in Basra. no effort for games to be the organisers of the champi- winning side and helped them before following it up with seven runs in his last match for FIFA said it could not “yet” played in stadiums in other onship must take the final win the 2010 World T20 title. another message to his 3.65 the Gladiators against Islamabad agree to a request from the provinces, including decision,” he said. His international career million followers. United on Thursday. Iraqi authorities to organise Baghdad”. Iraq has not played full ended in 2014 when the England “Just been told that I scored “Well done @KP24 on an fan- matches in the capital “This decision puts our internationals on home turf and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) 30,000+ runs which included 152 tastic career... Not everyone’s Cup Baghdad, but Infantino sport back on the rails,” it since its 1990 invasion of sacked him, saying that then fifty’s & 68 hundreds in my pro- of Tea but you will do for me... promised that the city’s appli- said. Kuwait. captain Alastair Cook had to be fessional career. Time to move Best Batsman I had the pleasure cation would continue to be Prime Minister Haider al- The ban, covering all but able to trust and rely on the on.” Gladiators are due to face to play with... 1st England batsman studied. Abadi, who declared victory domestic matches, stayed in support of all his players. Peshawar Zalmi in Lahore on that put fear into the Aussies.. The three cities selected over IS in December, said the place after the US-led Pietersen played 104 Tests for Tuesday with the final scheduled #WellDone,” former skipper are among the more secure in lifting of the FIFA ban was the invasion of 2003 toppled dic- England after making his debut for Karachi next Sunday. All pre- Michael Vaughan tweeted. Iraq. “fruit of stability in terms of tator Saddam Hussein. against Australia at Lord’s in vious games in the Twenty20 “Well done Kidda what a Basra and Karbala both lie security and of the successes It was briefly lifted in 2005. He scored 8,181 runs at an league were in Dubai and Sharjah. career,” former England paceman south of Baghdad, far from the achieved by Iraq.” 2012, but a power outage average of 47.28 and struck 23 In a video on the Gladiators’ Darren Gough wrote in tweet, battlefields north and west of For years, Iraq has been during an Iraq-Jordan match centuries and 35 fifties. Twitter feed, Pietersen said: “... it while the England and Wales the capital where the security busily building stadiums and in Arbil led FIFA to promptly The South Africa-born Pie- is with a very hardened heart, a Cricket Board simply tweeted: forces fought the Islamic State lobbying stars and the sport’s reinstate it. tersen also played 136 one-day very sorry heart, that I have to ‘Thank you @KP24!’ SUNDAY 18 MARCH 2018 SPORT 27

Al Emadi shines at 9th Hathab Equestrian Tour

Salman Mohammed Al Emadi riding Zorro Z in action during the 9th Hathab Equestrian Tour at Al Shaqab Arena yesterday. Al Emadi displayed a flawless run to win the 130/140cm event. RIGHT: The winning riders pose on the podium for a group picture along with the officials.

Russia vows to Al Kharaitiyat edge Qatar ‘ensure’ security for Arsenal fans AFP

SC; champs Al Duhail win MOSCOW: Russia has issued a security guarantee to Arsenal fans who will visit RIZWAN REHMAT QSL RESULTS Moscow for a Europa League clash in the THE PENINSULA Action from the match between Al Duhail heat of a diplomatic crisis over an Al Arabi bt Al Gharafa 3-1 ex-double agent’s poisoning. Al Khor bt Al Sadd 1-0 and Al Markhiya at DOHA: A late goal by Saoud Al Gharafa Stadium Moscow yesterday announced the Nasser Mohammed yesterday Al Kharaitiyat bt Qatar SC 3-2 yesterday. expulsion of 23 British diplomats in a tit- helped Al Kharaitiyat snatch AlSailiya bt Al Ahli 3-0 for-tar response to London’s “provoc-

an incredible 3-2 win over Al Duhail bt Al Markhiya 4-2 ative” measures over the nerve agent Qatar SC at Al Khor Stadium. Al Rayyan draw with Umm Salal 2-2 attack on Sergei Skripal and his daughter Mohammed hit the final in England. shot of the intense battle into Britain issued a travel warning to the net (90 + 5) as Al Kharaitiyat Balushi near the Al Kharaitiyat people in or planning to travel to Russia picked up three point from the box. Al Balushi, without after expelling the same number of match. Anuwar Diba (42) and wasting any time, chipped a Moscow diplomats on Wednesday. Rachid Tiberkanine (50) were cross to Omari who caught Al All of which has left Arsenal fans the other goal-scorers for the Kharaitiyat defenders napping. alarmed about the prospects of playing winners. An unmarked Omari charged CSKA in Moscow on April 12 for the For Qatar SC, the two goals ahead with the ball before second leg of their Europe League were scored by Osama Omari slipping a low shot past goal- quarter-final. One Arsenal supporters’ (5) and Ali Awad Bujaloof (90). keeper Saeed Monfared. group called it “a hot potato of a draw in Qatar SC shocked Al Al Kharaitiyat strike force view of the political stand-off”. Kharaitiyat with an early goal stitched a few threatening Russia’s World Cup organising com- in the 5th minute after a quick moves from both flanks in the mittee chief Alexei Sorokin expressed start to the round 21 clash. Luiz next 15 minutes but Qatar SC disappointment about the tensions and Jimenez spotted Fahad Al backline remained alert to said Arsenal fans have nothing to fear. keep the men in blue away edge of the box but his shot high-leaping bicycle kick to “It is a shame that the games will be from scoring the equaliser. was punched away by goal- send the ball into the net in the played in such circumstance,” said In the 26th minute, Al keeper Jassim Adel Hail. 50th minute. It was Tiberka- Sorokin, who is also a senior member of Balushi broke free of his Three minutes later, Al nine’s 13th goal of the season. the Russian Football Union. marker and tapped a volley Kharaitiyat produced the In the final five minutes of “We will ensure security in equal towards the Al Kharaitiyat goal equaliser through Diba - the match, Qatar SC’s Bujaloof measures to all -- from dignitaries to but keeper Monfraed was who after receiving a ball fired a shot towards the Al fans,” Sorokin told TASS. quick to bock the move with from Ibrahim Jamal - fired Kharaitiyat goal but keeper But he also expressed a hint of his right leg as the ball went a swinging shot with his Monfared fumbled with the annoyance at Arsenal’s decision to put Al Sadd away for a corner. left-foot. The ball sailed ball that crashed into the net. up the Foreign Office travel advisory after and Al Khor Three minutes later, Diba past a clutch of Qatar SC However, five minutes later, Friday’s Europa League draw. players - after receiving a cross from defenders and smashed into Mohammed fired one from close “To us, there is no difference which vie for ball Moroccan player Tiberkanine the net. range to help Al Kharaitiyat pick country people come from or what our dip- possession - fired a powerful shot a the Soon after resumption of up three points. lomatic relations with them are,” he said. yesterday. goal but the ball slipped past play, Al Kharaitiyat went ahead Meanwhile, Al Duhail, who “There are absolutely no grounds for the crossbar. In the 39th when Tiberkanine produced secured the QSL title last week such warnings.” Sorokin has been fighting minute, Al Kharaitiyat’s Sanjar the most spectacular goal of thrashed Al Markhiya 4-2 to an uphill battle to clean up Russia’s image Tursunov clipped one from the the season so far, managing a claim another victory. ahead of its first World Cup at home. Eriksen double sends Spurs into semi-finals

AFP back in the Wembley semi-finals fourth official for VAR to Swansea made a change at after losing to Chelsea at that overturn it. the break, replacing Kyle SWANSEA: Christian Eriksen stage of the competition last Carvalhal felt Martin Olsson Naughton with Luciano Narsingh, proved Tottenham can thrive season. had been fouled in the build-up, but the pattern remain without Harry Kane as the Dane’s Swansea never got going on but there was no debate about the unchanged as Spurs pressed for double sent them into the FA Cup a freezing afternoon in south quality of Erikson’s finish as the a third goal. semi-finals with a 3-0 win at Wales and can now concentrate Dane curled the ball past Krist- Tammy Abraham might have Swansea yesterday. on trying to preserve their offer Nordfeldt from the edge of pulled a goal back with a rare With striker Kane sidelined Premier League status. the box after being set up by Swansea opportunity, but when for several weeks due to ankle Swansea’s only chance to Lamela. Vorm parried a shot from Olsson, ligament damage, Mauricio upset the form book came when Tottenham forward Son Abraham’s diving header flew Pochettino’s side received an they had an early appeal for a Heung-Min crashed the ball into straight back to the Spurs keeper. inspirational performance from penalty turned down when Tot- the net off the underside of the Nordfeldt then kept his team Eriksen at the Liberty Stadium. tenham goalkeeper Michel Vorm bar in the 23rd minute only for in the contest with a superb save The midfielder rose to the upended Nathan Dyer. the goal to be ruled out for to turn away Erik Dier’s goal- challenge with a majestic strike But Tottenham were offside, correctly concluded the bound long range effort. to open the scoring early in the unruffled and quickly settled into officials in charge of the VAR Just past the hour, Spurs first half of the quarter-final. a tempo that had the home side technology. sealed the victory. After Erik Lamela increased outnumbered and second best in Eriksen then found himself Tottenham’s Christian Eriksen celebrates after scoring their third The hard-working Lucas Tottenham’s lead before half- midfield. in space again on the edge of the goal yesterday. Moura played the ball back to time, Eriksen struck again after The visitors went ahead in box, but his curling shot was bril- Eriksen, who claimed a deserved the interval to make it seven goals the 11th minute through a won- liantly tipped onto the bar by stroke of half-time. Once again, past Tom Carroll and calmly second goal with a low shot from in 10 matches against Swansea. derful strike by Eriksen, Nordfeldt. Swansea were chasing shadows passed the ball into the corner of the edge of the box that had suf- Tottenham, chasing their first although Swansea manager A second goal for Spurs felt and when Sissoko played in the goal before Nordfeldt had ficient power to go through Nor- silverware under Pochettino, are Carlos Carvalhal appealed to the inevitable and it arrived on the Lamela the Argentinian skipped time to move. dfeldt’s hands. SPORT Sunday 18 March 2018 PAGE | 25 PAGE | 26 PAGE | 27 Hamilton, Vettel Pietersen calls Eriksen double chasing 5th F1 title to time on playing sends Spurs into match Fangio career semi-finals

Zarco beats Losail lap record to grab pole for MotoGP season opener RIZWAN REHMAT Italy’s Danilo Petrucci (0.207 Repsol Honda’s Spanish driver Marc QATAR GP GRID THE PENINSULA seconds behind) who secured the Marquez competes during the MotoGP MotoGP grid positions ahead of today’s third spot on the front row. qualifying session at the Losail Grand Prix of Qatar DOHA: Popular French rider British rider International Circuit yesterday. Johann Zarco last night launched (LCR Honda Castrol, Honda), 1 Johann Zarco, 1’53.680 the new season by grabbing the Italian star 2 Marc Marquez, 1’53.882 for today’s Grand (Ducati Team), and Spain’s Alex 3 Danilo Petrucci, 1’53.887 Prix of Qatar, leaving many of his Rins (Suzuki Ecstar, Suzuki) 4 Cal Crutchlow, 1’54.072 experienced riders stunned with secured the fourth, fifth and sixth 5 Andrea Dovizioso, 1’54.074 his breathtaking speed. positions respectively on the 6 Alex Rins, 1’54.339 The Monster Yamaha Tech 3 second row for tonight’s season- 7 Dani Pedrosa, 1’54.368 rider powered his way to the pole opening race. 8 , 1’54.389 - by beating a lap record that had Dani Pedrosa (Repsol Honda 9 Jorge Lorenzo, 1’54.431 stood for a decade - under lights Team, Honda), Valentino Rossi, 10 Jack Miller, 1’54.449 11 Andrea Iannone, 1’54.619 at Losail International Circuit. (Movistar Yamaha MotoGP, 12 Maverick Viñales1’54.707 Zarco clocked a time of Yamaha), Jorge Lorenzo (Ducati Moto2 grid positions: 1’53.680 to secure the top berth Team, Ducati) and Jack Miller 1 Alex Marquez, 2’00.299 ahead of defending world (Alma , Ducati) 2 Lorenzo Baldassarri, 2’00.607 champion Marc Marquez (0.202 completed the top-10. his third career pole position. “It was very difficult today, very Up Racing, ) grabbed the

3 , 2’00.843 seconds behind) of Spain and Zarco, 27, was thrilled with “I am pretty happy. This is the very difficult. There was a lot of fourth, fifth and sixth spots on the 4 Miguel Oliveira, 2’00.846 best way to start the season. I had wind and then the track was Moto2 grid for the season’s 5 Romano Fenati, 2’00.899 a crash on FP4. I didn’t get doubt really dirty. In the first qualifying opening 20-lap race. 6 Danny Kent, 2’00.965 over that crash, but it’s not funny, (session), I felt not so good, maybe Spain’s 7 Jorge Navarro, 2’01.038 you know, to be down before I didn’t warm up the tyre well, so (Federal Oil Gresini Moto2, 8 Mattia Pasini, 2’01.062 qualifying,” Zarco said I come back, and I said to the ), Italy’s Mattia Pasini (Ital- 9 Marcel Schrotter, 2’01.129 yesterday. mechanics ‘I want to go out trans Racing Team, Kalex), Ger- 10 Sam Lowes, 2’01.167 “But then I knew that with a alone’. They say go now - and many’s Marcel Schrotter Moto3 grid positions: new tyre and light bike I feel immediately there were 11 riders (Dynavolt Intact GP, Kalex) and 1 Niccolò Antonelli, 2’06.364 good. Since this morning, I got with me. I decided I have to do Great Britain’s Sam Lowes (Swiss 2 Jorge Martin, 2’06.365 1 back my feeling that I had during one lap, I push a lot. I saw Zarco Innovative Investors, KTM) com- 3 Gabriel Rodrigo, 2’06.848 the test. And to beat the lap doing a very very good lap. In pleted the top-10 in yesterday’s 4 Ayumu Sasaki, 2’07.043 record, that makes me really front of me was Marc (so) I push qualifying. 5 Kaito Toba, 2’07.048 happy,” he added. very hard - and I didn’t imagine “I am really happy to start the 6 Marco Bezzecchi, 2’07.058 “Tomorrow is the main thing. to score the first row.” season with this pole position, 7 Aron Canet, 2’07.059 Try to win, try to be on the Earlier Spain’s Alex Marquez especially as this was a difficult 8 Philipp Oettl, 2’07.187 podium. It looks the pace is not - clocking a top speed of session with the wind and dust 9 Lorenzo Dalla Porta, 2’07.320 the best one, but at least to start 274.4km/h - yesterday to emerge on the track,” Alex Marquez said 10 Enea Bastianini, 2’07.324 from pole is the best chance to as the clear pole winner in the yesterday. catch a good result,” Zarco said. Moto2 class, finishing ahead of “As the session progressed Marquez, who won 6 races Italian duo Lorenzo Baldassarrita the racing line became cleaner last year, said yesterday: “Hon- and Francesca Bagnaia. and I improved my time at the qualifying, he has been very estly, (I am) really happy. We Marquez, riding for EG 0,0 end. I think we are well prepared impressive, and most importantly worked a lot in the pre-season. Marc VDS, clocked a time of for any conditions tomorrow, he has a really good rhythm for We worked a lot and now was 2’00.299 to claim the front spot with a good rhythm and strong the race.” the first time of real-time attack. on grid one. Tall Italian Baldas- race set-up,” the younger sibling Earlier yesterday, Italian rider And we are on the front row. I am sarrita (Pons HP40) - looking of MotoGP defending champion Niccolo Antonelli powered his happy because here normally I’m very comfortable on his Kalex - Marc said. Honda to the top spot in Moto3 struggling quite a lot. My target was just 0.308 seconds adrift of Team Principal of EG 0,0 qualifying, nailing the front berth was try to be on the front row. I Marquez while Bagnaia (SKY Marc VDS, Michael Bartholemy on the grid with a time of Monster Yamaha Tech 3 rider feel like on pole position because Racing Team VR46) completed said: “Alex has completed two 2’06.364 despite the track being Johann Zarco of France does a today was the main target.” the front row. fantastic days of practice and hit by dust storms. wheelie during the qualifying He added: “Johann was riding In the second row, Portugal’s session of the Qatar Grand FACTBOX ON QATAR GRAND PRIX I am pretty amazing, I followed him (as) he Miguel Oliveira (Red Bull KTM Prix at Losail International was one step in front of us. But Ajo, KTM), Italy’s rookie sensation happy. This is Circuit yesterday. ** This will be the 15th occasion that a Grand Prix event has been held at the Losail lnternationai anyway tomorrow the race is Romano Fenati (Marinelli Snipers Circuit and the 11th under headlights, the best way to long (with) many laps.” Team, Kalex) and Great Britain’s ** This will be the 12th successive year that Losail Circuit has hosted the opening Grand Prix event of start the season. Third-placed Petrucci said: Danny Kent (Beta Tools - Speed theyear. I had a crash ** Yamaha have been the most successful manufacturer in the MotoGP class at the Losail circuit with 8 wins including 6 times in the last 6 years. on FP4. I didn’t ** Honda have had the 3 MotoGP wins in Qatar, the last of which was in 2014 with Marc Marquez. get doubt over ** Ducati won at Losall for 3 consecutive years, 2007 to 2009, all with riding. For the that crash, but last 3 years, Ducati have been an the podium with Andrea Dovizioso (2015-2017) and Andrea lan- it’s not funny, none (2015). ** The best result for a Suzuki rider at the Losail Circuit is the fourth-place finish by John Hopkins in you know, to be 2007. down before ** Aleix Espargaro’s sixth-p|ace finish in Qatar last year equalled the best ever result for in the qualifying. But MotoGP class which was was achieved by Colin Edwards at the opening race of the 2003 season at Suzuka. Espargard equalled this best result later in Aragon. then I knew that ** KTM made their full-time debut at Losail Circuit last year, with Pol Espargaro crossing the finish line with a new tyre in 16th ahead of his teammate Bradley Smith. and light bike I ** Since the MotoGP class was introduced as the premier class of Grand Prix racing in 2002, six dif- ferent riders have won the opening race of the year: Valentino Rossi, Loris Caplrossi. Casey Stoner, feel good. Since Jorge Lorenzo, Marc Marquez and Maverick Whales. this morning, ** Since 2002 there have been only three occasions on which the rider who clinched the title at the I got back my end of the year didn’t stand on the podium on the opening race: 2008 (Rossi) 2015 (Lorenzo) and feeling that I had last year Marquez. ** The only four current riders who have won in the MotoGPT class in Qatar are Valentino Rossi, Jorge during the test. Lorenzo, Marc Marquz and Maverick Vinales. And to beat the ** The rider with most GP victorles at Losail Circuit is Jorge Lorenzo with 6 wins 3 x MotoGP, 2 x 250cc, lap record, that 1 x 125cc. ** At the Qatar Grand Prix, Tom Luthl is scheduled to become the 14th rider in the history of the makes me really Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) President Abdulrahman Al Mannai is seen with FIM President

Vito Ippolito at Losail International Circuit (LIC) yesterday. The QMMF President presented a memento to World Championship to reach the milestone of 250 Grand Prix starts and Bradley Smith is scheduled

happy: Zarco to make his 200th Grand Prix start. the FIM chief who is in the country to watch the Grand Prix of Qatar that takes place at LIC today. Khalid Al Remaihi, Vice President and General Manager of Losail Circuit Sports Club, is also seen.