QatarTribune Qatar_Tribune Tim Southee QatarTribuneChannel qatar_tribune scalps six at Lord’s as New Zealand extend lead page 14 SUNday, JUNE 6, 2021

Sheikh Joaan attends FINA General Congress 2021

HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President, Olympic Committee, makes his official address at the International Federation’s – FINA General Congress 2021 held in Doha on Saturday. (Right) HE Sheikh Joaan with HE Sheikh Ah- mad Fahad Al Sabah, President, Olympic Council of . HE President of the (OCA) Sheikh Ahmad Al Fahad Al Ahmad Al Sabah, HE Second Vice-President of QOC Dr. Thani bin Abdulrahman Al Kuwari, HE QOC Secretary-General Jassim bin Rashid Al Buainain, FINA President , President of the International Federation Dr. Hassan Mustafa, President of the Qatar Swimming Association Khalil Al Jaber, FINA members, and representatives of the swimming continental and national federations were also in attendance at the General Congress. Qatar as a country is very passionate about aquatics: Sheikh Joaan QNA Doha

HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC), attended the Interna- tional Swimming Federation’s Husain Al Musallam of does a thumbs up after being elected (FINA) General Congress at as President of the International Swimming Federation (FINA) at the the Sheraton Hotel Doha on governing body’s Congress in Doha on Saturday. Saturday. HE President of the Olym- pic Council of Asia (OCA) Sheikh Ahmad Al Fahad Al Ah- Al Musallam mad Al Sabah, HE Second Vice- President of QOC Dr. Thani bin Abdulrahman Al Kuwari, HE elected FINA QOC Secretary-General Jas- sim bin Rashid Al Buainain, FINA President Julio Maglione, President of the International President Handball Federation Dr. Has- san Mustafa, President of the Agencies honour of being elected your Qatar Swimming Association Doha President,” he sressed. Khalil Al Jaber, FINA mem- Al Musallam also paid trib- bers, and representatives of Husain Al Musallam was ute outgoing Maglione at the the swimming continental and elected as president of the In- Congress. A video message was national federations were also ternational Swimming Feder- also shown from International in attendance at the General ation (FINA) at the governing Olympic Committee President Congress. body’s Congress in Doha on Thomas Bach praising Magli- Sheikh Joaan welcomed Saturday. one’s contribution to the sport the attendees, expressing his HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President, Qatar Olympic Committee, welcomed the attendees and expressed his thanks and gratitude to The election of the Kuwaiti and the Olympic Movement. thanks and gratitude to FINA FINA for granting Qatar the right to host the General Congress. official was a formality, after Sheikh Ahmad Al Fahad for granting Qatar the right to Al Musallam was confirmed Al Sabah, President, Olympic host the General Congress. with distinction over the last 12 Maglione honored HE QOC Hussein Al Muslim for his meeting as chair of FINA for as the only candidate for the Council of Asia, was also in at- “This is the world we are years. He leaves FINA in a very President Sheikh Joaan bin election as the new FINA his efforts and work to add position. tendance at the Congress. He all living in at the moment strong position...And he has Hamad Al-Thani in apprecia- President. He thanked all the value to the game. Al Musallam moves into presented Maglione with the and we must continue to take given the future leadership an tion of the support and efforts national federations for par- OCA President Sheikh the top job after serving as the organisation’s Order of Merit every precaution to protect our excellent foundation to build of His Excellency and the State ticipating in the General Con- Ahmad Al Fahad stressed the FINA first vice-president un- award during the Congress. health and the health of those from,” His Excellency added. of Qatar hosting many FINA gress, whether by attendance importance of Qatar hosting der Julio Maglione, who has The Congress elected 16 around us. But as you, at FINA, HE President of QOC events and tournaments. or via videoconferencing. the FINA General Congress, stepped down as FINA Presi- FINA Bureau members from are showing, this does not pointed out, “Qatar is a coun- Also, FINA President hon- President of the Interna- noting that it represents an dent after 12 years in the role. continental organisations en mean we have to stand still,” try that is very passionate oured HE QOC Secretary- tional Olympic Committee important step for the future The election of Al Musal- bloc. South Africa’s Sam Ram- HE President of QOC said. about aquatics. We had the General Jassim bin Rashid Al Thomas Bach said that this of aquatics. lam, who was nominated by samy, Morocco’s Zouheir El “There is still a lot of excel- honor of hosting the FINA Buainain and President of the meeting comes about 48 days The General Congress rati- the Asia Swimming Federation, Moufti, Uganda’s Ronald Ru- lent work we can do and I am World Swimming Champion- Qatar Swimming Association before the Olympic Games, fied the President’s report and was confirmed by the Congress. kare and Senegal’s Mohamed sure the decisions you take to- ships (25m) in 2014. And of Khalil Al Jaber. which are being prepared to be the decisions issued by the The Congress was held in a hy- Diop were elected from Africa. day will contribute to the future course, we are preparing to In the opening speech of held safely for all participants, FINA Council and approved brid format to allow members Paraguay’s Juan Carlos development of your sport.” host the FINA World Aquatics the General Congress, FINA explaining that holding of the the agenda for the meeting to attend either in person in Orihuela, Barbados’ Errol “Of course, this is a par- Championships & World Mas- President Julio Maglione ex- Olympics under the current and the financial report. Qatari capital Doha or connect Clarke, Canada’s Cheryl Gib- ticularly important meeting as ters Championships in 2023.” pressed his happiness to be in circumstances is a message to It was also agreed to add virtually. A total of 319 votes son and United States’ Dale you elect your new President, “We have no doubt host- Doha, which always hosts the the world to deal with these four members representing were cast by FINA members in Neuburger were the Ameri- Vice Presidents, and Bureau ing these events will only FINA family with great hospi- unprecedented circumstances. the hosting countries for the the Presidential election. cas representatives. ’s members. We wish all those strengthen our love of your tality, noting that despite the The President of the Inter- upcoming world champion- Al Musallam received 302 Zhou Jihong, ’s Taha standing the very best of luck.” sport and inspire the next gen- COVID-19 challenges, every- national Olympic Committee ships, including the President votes in favour, with seven Al Kishry and ’s “Current President Julio eration.” one is happy to be there. valued the efforts of the FINA, of the Qatar Swimming Asso- candidates voting against his Andrey Kryukov were elected Maglione who has served FINA FINA President Dr. Julio Maglione congratulated thanking Maglione in his last ciation Khalil Al Jaber. election and 10 abstentions. from Asia, with Italy’s Paolo “You are looking at the Barelli, Spain’s Fernando proudest and most humble man Carpena, Greece’s Dimitrios in Doha,” Al Musallam said. Diathesopoulos and Britain’s “Thank you for putting David Sparkes securing Euro- Doha to hosts gymnastics FIG Apparatus World Cup later this month your trust in me. I will not let pean spots. you down. Today is the start of Matthew Dunn of Australia Doha: The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) has announced that the FIG Apparatus World Cup 2020-21 in Doha will be held from June 23 to 26. The tournament new journey for the aquatics was the sole Oceania represent- was scheduled for March 2020, but was postponed to March 2021, and was postponed again due to the continuing outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. The tournament is family together. ative. A total of 316 votes ap- part of the World Cup series and will be the last leg of qualification for theO lympic Games in Tokyo. The Qatar Gymnastics Federation will hold a technical meeting on Sunday “It is the culmination of a proved the candidates, with one to discuss the latest preparations to host the tournament on the new dates. (QNA) lifetime voyage for me and the no vote and two abstentions. Sports Sunday, June 6, 2021 13 Jabeur zooms into French Open Round 4,

Poland’d Iga Swiatek returns the ball to Estonia’s Anett Kontaveit to meet Gauff next during their women’s singles third round of The Roland Garros 2021 French Open in Paris on Saturday. (AFP) TNN/WTA Swiatek, Kenin win Paris The pride of Arab world, and someone who has been grow- ing in stature in the tennis to keep favourites’ world, Tunisian Ons Jabeur on Saturday moved into the fourth round of the French I’m very proud of myself that flag flying Open bouncing back in great style after big set down against at 5-3, I tried to come back. I DPA wasn’t maybe the best form. Magda Linette of Poland. wasn’t playing amazing, so in Paris But of course I worked hard The No.25 seed Jabeur the second set, I changed the over the past few weeks and shook off a rough first set to Iga Swiatek and Sofia Kenin everything is clicking together, eventually storm past Linette way I was thinking. I was like, kept the favourites’ flag fly- which I’m really happy about. 3-6, 6-0, 6-1. ‘Okay, I’m just going to play ing with victories in the third I feel like my game is not, for Jabeur and Linette had my game. I’m just going to round at Roland Garros. example, how it was in the split their two previous meet- The pair are two of only Australian Open 2020 when ings, and after the first set, release a little bit of tension three top-10 seeds left in the I won. But, in terms of how Linette was primed for an up- and just be myself on the women’s draw along with Ser- I’m playing now, compared to set to take the lead in their ri- ena Williams, and they could this whole year and since last valry. But Jabeur executed the court.’ And that’s what I did, stage a repeat of last year’s fi- year’s French Open, I feel like comeback win after an hour and it helped pretty well. nal in the last eight. it’s some good tennis.” and a half, picking up her 23rd Swiatek made it 10 straight “I’m happy with the way match-win of the season. Ons Jabeur victories and 20 consecutive I’m playing. Of course it gives “I think I was kind of tight sets won with a 7-6 (4) 6-0 me confidence. I’m finally a little bit at the beginning, success against Estonia’s An- not on a one-match winning so I wasn’t actually playing ett Kontaveit. streak. We’re getting there,” my game,” Jabeur said in her Kontaveit came closer than she added. post-match press conference. Tunisian Ons Jabeur during his women’s singles third round match against Poland’s Magda Linette at the French Open in Paris on Saturday. anyone this year or last to tak- Coco Gauff has been in tre- “But I’m very proud of Jabeur won 3-6, 6-0, 6-1. ing a set from the young Pole, mendous form on the clay and myself that at 5-3, I tried to hitting 23 winners and only 11 the 17-year-old, who has now come back, and I accepted next game with ease, mov- “I actually was considering unforced errors in the opener, reached the last 16 at three the way she was playing good. ing into the fourth round of not even playing here,” Brady yet still it was not enough. of the four slams, was out on Actually, she was playing very Roland Garros for the second said, explaining that she had Swiatek recovered from a court for just 23 minutes, win- correctly and she was putting straight season. been struggling with plantar break down to win it on a tie- ning the first set against Jen- pressure on me. fasciitis and a bone bruise break and swept through the nifer Brady 6-1 before the Aus- “I wasn’t playing amazing, Gauff to face Jabeur since Rome last month. “I second set to set up a clash tralian Open finalist retired so in the second set, I changed No.24 seed Coco Gauff of the wasn’t going to step out there with Ukrainian teenager Mar- with a foot injury. the way I was thinking. I was United States also made it into unless I could finish the match ta Kostyuk. Fifth seed Elina Svitolina like, ‘Okay, I’m just going to the fourth round at Roland in the first round. Happy that The eighth seed was happy was the latest big name to fall, play my game. I’m just going Garros for the very first time, I was able to get a couple of to be given a challenge, saying: the Ukrainian going down 6-3 to release a little bit of ten- after her compatriot, No.13 matches in. “For sure when you’re winning 6-2 to Czech Barbora Krejcik- sion and just be myself on the seed Jennifer Brady, had to “Then today, I woke up and too easily sometimes you have ova, who won a WTA title in court.’ And that’s what I did, retire due to a foot injury af- it was, you know, just worse. I thoughts that, ‘hey, if I’m lead- Strasbourg last weekend. and it helped pretty well.” ter losing the first set of their couldn’t really play my game. I ing 3-0 I’m going to win this Sloane Stephens reached Linette, who advanced clash 6-1. was about 20 percent moving. set easily,’ and you kind of take the final in Paris in 2018 and when World No.1 Ashleigh “It’s unfortunate because I So unfortunate.” everything for granted.” the American is looking strong Barty retired from their match have known Jenny very well, Despite the injury re- “It’s good to have matches again on the red stuff, beating in the second round, out-win- and she’s such a nice person,” tirement, it counts as a like that because it keeps you 18th seed Karolina Muchova nered Jabeur by ten to eight in Gauff told the press. “If you ask 24th match-win in 2021 for down to earth and you have to 6-3 7-5. the opening set. However, the every player on tour, no one Gauff, who has the fourth- just be careful on every point Stephens, who lost an Tunisian completely turned is going to say anything bad Coco Gauff of the US returns the ball to Jennifer Brady of the US during most match-wins on tour and on every game. I’m just aunt and two grandparents to that around in the second set, about her because she’s always their women’s singles third round match at the French Open in Paris (surpassed only by Ashleigh happy that I’m able to play re- coronavirus, said: “I took the firing ten winners of her own laughing and joking around. on Saturday. Gauff got a walk over after her compatriot, Jennifer Brady, Barty, Aryna Sabalenka, and ally solid deciding balls and time to get myself together, while allowing Linette none So I just hope that by the time had to retire due to a foot injury after losing the first set 1-6.( AFP) Veronika Kudermetova). really solid in really important find what makes me happy during that time frame. Wimbledon comes she’ll be One more win will pro- moments. That’s the most im- on court, and kind of find my Jabeur continued her healed up and ready to com- came into Paris following a opening stages of her match pel Gauff into her first-ever portant thing for me,” she said. groove back. dominance in the third set, pete at 100 percent again.” superb clay-court season, win- against Brady, as she won all Grand Slam quarter-final. Kenin, who recently decid- Obviously results didn’t sweeping to a 5-0 lead before Reigning Australian Open ning her second career WTA 12 of her first-service points To do that, Gauff will ed to split from her father Alex happen right away, but I knew Linette fended off four match finalist Brady had won their singles title (as well as the dou- and never faced a break point next have to defeat the player as her coach, arrived in Paris eventually things would con- points in that game to get on previous clash in last year’s bles title) in Parma and mak- in the first set. Brady, though, seeded one spot behind her, on a run of four straight de- nect.” Ons Jabeur responded the scoreboard for the first Lexington semifinals, buting the semifinals in Rome. was struggling with discom- and someone who has nearly feats but has hit form again at emphatically to losing the first time since the first set. Jabeur Gauff had been on an extreme Gauff’s run was con- fort, retiring directly after the as many victories as she does Roland Garros. The 22-year- set against Magda Linette, the was unfazed and held in the rise on clay. 17-year-old Gauff tinuing with aplomb in the 23-minute stanza. in 2021. old recovered from a set down Tunisian winning 3-6 6-0 6-1, against compatriot Jessica while 17th seed Maria Sakkari Pegula, who is having a terrific won a closely fought battle season, to win 4-6 6-1 6-4. 7-5 6-7 (2) 6-2 against Elise Kenin said: “Leading up it Mertens. Nadal, Djokovic continue to steam ahead Results LeBron James rules himself Men’s Singles (Second Round) Women’s Singles (Second Round) Matteo Berrettini (9), Italy, def. Federico Coria, Elena Vesnina, Russia, def. Petra Kvitova (11), Czech Argentina, 6-3, 6-3, 6-2. Republic, walkover. out of Tokyo Olympics Kwon Soon Woo, , def. Andreas Seppi, Italy, Ons Jabeur (25), Tunisia, def. Astra Sharma, Australia, 6-4, 7-5, 7-5. 6-2, 6-4. DPA the Goon Squad here in July, Diego Schwartzman (10), Argentina, def. Aljaz Bedene, Elina Svitolina (5), Ukraine, def. Ann Li, United States, in mid-July. Slovenia, 6-4, 6-2, 6-4. 6-0, 6-4. Lorenzo Musetti, Italy, def. Yoshihito Nishioka, , Jessica Pegula (28), United States, def. Tereza LeBron James has ruled “So I’m going to let the 7-5, 6-3, 6-2. Martincova, Czech Republic, 6-3, 6-3. himself out of competing for ankle rest for about a month Mikael Ymer, Sweden, def. Gael Monfils (14), France, Sofia Kenin (4), US, def. Hailey Baptiste, US, 7-5, 6-3. the United States at the up- and then I’m going to gear up 6-0, 2-6, 6-4, 6-3. Karolina Muchova (18), Czech Republic, def. Varvara coming Olympic Games in with Lola, Taz, Granny, Bugs Philipp Kohlschreiber, Germany, def. Aslan Karatsev Lepchenko, United States, 6-3, 6-4. (24), Russia, 6-3, 7-6 (4), 4-6, 6-1. Marta Kostyuk, Ukraine, def. Zheng Saisai, China, 6-3, Tokyo. The 36-year-old Los and the rest of the crew. So, Dominik Koepfer, Germany, def. Taylor Fritz (30), United 6-4. Angeles Lakers star has rep- hopefully I’ll see you all at the States, 6-3, 6-2, 3-6, 6-4. Magda Linette, Poland, def. Ashleigh Barty (1), Australia, resented his country at three match.” Jannik Sinner (18), Italy, def. Gianluca Mager, Italy, 6-1, 6-1, 2-2, ret. Olympics, but he did not fea- Asked how the Lakers’ ear- 7-5, 3-6, 6-3. Barbora Krejcikova, Czech Republic, def. Ekaterina Cameron Norrie, Britain, def. Lloyd Harris, South Africa, Alexandrova (32), Russia, 6-2, 6-3. ture at Rio 2016. Earlier this ly exit - the first timeJames 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, 6-2. Varvara Gracheva, Russia, def. Camila Giorgi, Italy, 7-5, year James had suggested he has been on a losing side in a Ricardas Berankis, Lithuania, def. James Duckworth, 1-6, 6-2. was considering playing for first-round playoff series in Australia, 7-5, 2-6, 7-6 (4), 6-0. Sloane Stephens, US, def. Karolina Pliskova (9), Czech Spain’s Rafael Nadal during his match against Britain’s Cameron Norrie during the men’s singles third Novak Djokovic (1), Serbia, def. Pablo Cuevas, Uruguay, Republic, 7-5, 6-1. the US in Tokyo. his NBA career - would benefit 6-3, 6-2, 6-4. Maria Sakkari (17), Greece, def. Jasmine Paolini, Italy, However, following the his body, he said: “It’s going to round at the French Open in Paris on Saturday. Nadal won 6-3, 6-3, 6-3. (AFP) Marco Cecchinato, Italy, def. Alex de Minaur (21), 6-2, 6-3. Lakers’ first-round playoff work wonders for me. Australia, 6-4, 6-1, 3-6, 6-1. Coco Gauff (24), US, def. Wang Qiang, China, 6-3, 7-6 (1). series defeat to the Phoenix Obviously during the season DPA Briton comfortably enough. towards his watching team. Roger Federer (8), Switzerland, def. Marin Cilic, Croatia, Elise Mertens (14), Belgium, def. Zarina Diyas, Paris 6-2, 2-6, 7-6 (4), 6-2. Kazakhstan, 4-6, 6-2, 6-4. Suns on Thursday, he said he I don’t talk about rest, I don’t A solitary break was enough With his forehand now in Jan-Lennard Struff, Germany, def. Facundo Bagnis, Jennifer Brady (13), US , def. Fiona Ferro, France, 6-4, would instead spend the next even like to put my mind in that to take the opening set, but the full flow, Nadal motored to- Argentina, 7-5, 7-6 (1), 6-4. 2-6, 7-5; Anett Kontaveit (30), Estonia, def. Kristina few months promoting his frame, it makes me weak. Rafael Nadal eased into the third seed was made to work wards the finishing line in the Carlos Alcaraz, Spain, def. Nikoloz Basilashvili (28), Mladenovic, France, 6-2, 6-0; Iga Swiatek (8), Poland, new movie ‘Space Jam: A New “But in the off-season I’ve second week of the French hard in the next - at one stage third and final set. Georgia, 6-4, 6-2, 6-4. def. Rebecca Peterson, Sweden, 6-1, 6-1. Legacy’, which is scheduled to got an opportunity to rest. Open with a 6-3 6-3 6-3 tri- even finding himself 3-1 down. A break in the fourth game open in July. I’ve got like three months to umph over Cameron Norrie After a backhand winner edged him in front and while is unbeaten in his previous 33 6-1, 6-4, 6-1 victory. Asked if the Olympics were recalibrate, get my ankle back on Saturday. put him up 40-30 in the fourth unable to seal the result at outings. Italian teenager Lorenzo a possibility for him, James to 100 per cent, where it was The defending champion is game, Norrie flashed a fabulous the first attempt when hav- Such is his dominance, the Musetti stands in the way of said: “Nah, I think I’m gon- before that Atlanta game. still yet to drop a set while sail- forehand past his opponent to ing a match point on his op- left-hander has secured 32 Djokovic and a place in the na play for the Tune Squad “That’s the most impor- ing through to the last 16, where register a second successive ponent’s serve, the king of clay sets in a row since he lost quarter-finals at Roland Garros [the name of the team in the tant thing for me. Everything he will take on Jannik Sinner in break. Crucially, though, he fashioned yet another straight- the second in the 2019 final after a masterful display from film] this summer instead of else feels extremely well. My a repeat of last year’s quarter- could not consolidate on each sets win in the French capital. against Dominic Thiem. the world number one. the Olympics. ankle was the only thing that final clash between the pair. occasion. Norrie made him work to Meanwhile, Novak Djoko- Djokovic served superbly, “I think that’s what my fo- was bothering me in the latter Nadal was not at his abso- Indeed, Nadal claimed the the very end, at one point sit- vic breezed into the fourth winning 88 per cent of points cus is on, on trying to beat the stages of the season. lute peak against Norrie - he next five games as he seized ting at 30-30 in the ninth game, round of the French Open with on his first serve and not facing Monstars - or the Goon Squad “It never fully got back to committed 29 unforced errors control in imperious fashion, but the relentless pursuit of a an emphatic straight-sets de- a single break point, while also we call them now. before the injury. But I’m hap- and had problems holding his wrapping up the second set record-extending 14th French feat of Ricardas Berankis. producing another exhibition “I didn’t have much suc- py I was able to go out there serve in the second set, though after 42 minutes courtesy of a title continues for Nadal. The top seed was a cut of returning as he wrapped up cess versus the Suns, so now and at least try to help our the Spaniard still produced stunning passing shot that was Nadal is now 103-2 for his above the Lithuanian on Court a clinical victory in only an hour I am gearing my attention to team win.” when it mattered to beat the followed by a roar of approval career at the French Open and Philippe-Chatrier, cruising to a and 32 minutes. 14 Sunday, June 6, 2021 Sports

FORMULA ONE: BAKU GRAND PRIX

Action from round four of Qatar Digital Motosports Championship organised by Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation. Elkhoully edges Al Maraghi to clinch Round 4 of Qatar Digital Motorsports C’ship Tribune News Network QDMC Round 4: Nurburgring Doha GP Circuit (5.148 km) - Final Race Egypt’s Ahmed Elkhoully 1. Ahmed Elkhoully (Egypt) edged out Qatar’s Khalid Al Time: 23:47.884; Points: 25 Maraghi to win the fourth 2. Khalid Al Maraghi (Qatar ) + round of the Qatar Digital 01.354 ; 18 Motorsports Championship 3. Sheikh Soud Jassim Al Thani to top the overall standings (Qatar) + 05.233; 15 as he clinched the top prize 4. Khalid Al Abdulla (Qatar ) + yesterday. The virtual series 09.284; 12 played on Gran Turismo Sport 5. Faesal Alyafei (Qatar) + game on PlayStation 4 was 10.723; 10 organised by the Qatar Motor Standings After Round 4 and Motorcycle Federation 1. Ahmed Elkhoully (Egypt) 25; (QMMF). Elkhoully has won 18; 25; 25; Total: 93 three out of four rounds while 2. Khalid Al Maraghi (Qatar) 4; Al Maraghi won the second 25; 8; 18; 55 Ferrari’s Monegasque driver Charles Leclerc celebrates after claiming pole position in the qualifying session for the Formula One Azerbaijan Grand Prix at the Baku City Circuit in round of the series. 3. Sheikh Soud Jassim Al Thani Baku on Saturday. (AFP) Qatar’s Sheikh Soud Jas- (Qatar) 18; 15; 4; 15; 52 sim Al Thani finished third in 4. Faesal Alyafei (Qatar) 2; 12; Saturday’s round. 15; 10; 39 The championship will see 5. Khalid Al Abdulla (Qatar) 1; a total of six rounds. 6; 18; 12; 37. Leclerc takes pole ahead of players refuse to sign contracts, England Hamilton in turbulent qualifying tour in jeopardy DPA Starting Grid day. I did not expect to be as barriers at a different section. Berlin competitive as we were today. Margins were close in Q2 ANI SLC, the players will not sign First row 6th row I was improving again [before] with Verstappen, team-mate Colombo the tour contract,” the release Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc Charles Leclerc (MON/Ferrari) Sebastian Vettel (GER/Aston Martin-Mercedes) the red flag but it’s like this, Sergio Perez and Hamilton sep- Lewis Hamilton (GBR/Mercedes) Esteban Ocon (FRA/Alpine-Renault) signed by 38 top players said. claimed pole position for 2nd row 7th row another pole, and I’m happy arated at the top by less than Sri Lanka players have refused “The tour contract also re- the Azerbaijan Formula One Max Verstappen (NED/Red Bull-Honda) Daniel Ricciardo (AUS/McLaren-Mercedes) anyway.” one-hundredths of a second. to sign their tour contracts and fers to matters of the annual Grand Prix ahead of world Pierre Gasly (FRA/AlphaTauri-Honda) Kimi Räikkönen (FIN/Alfa Romeo-Ferrari) Verstappen moved four Leclerc then set his time as a result, the side’s upcoming main contract for 2021, which champion Lewis Hamilton of 3rd row 8th row points ahead of seven-time early in the deciding Q3 be- Carlos Sainz (ESP/Ferrari) George Russell (GBR/Williams-Mercedes) series against England is now is yet unsigned. Mercedes in a turbulent quali- Sergio Pérez (MEX/Red Bull-Honda) Nicholas Latifi (CAN/Williams-Mercedes) champion Hamilton with his fore Tsunoda went off in turn under severe threat. “In the event, the annual fying session on Saturday. 4th row 9th row Monaco win, and Red Bull are 15 as well, and Sainz, seem- The players have already contract is not settled and a A fourth red flag on the af- Yuki Tsunoda (JPN/AlphaTauri-Honda) Mick Schumacher (GER/Haas-Ferrari) also one clear of Mercedes in ingly trying to avoid him, been showing resistance to- dispute is pending, the valid- ternoon, after crashes from Al- Fernando Alonso (ESP/Alpine-Renault) Nikita Mazepin (RUS/Haas-Ferrari) the constructors’ list. also crashed there. 5th row 10th row wards the contracts scheme, ity of the tour contract refer- pha Tauri’s Uki Tsunoda and Lando Norris (GBR/McLaren-Mercedes) Lance Stroll (CAN/Aston Martin-Mercedes) Verstappen hit the barriers Hamilton was meanwhile which they believe lacks ring to an unsigned contract Leclerc’s team-mate Carlos Valtteri Bottas (FIN/Mercedes) Antonio Giovinazzi (ITA/Alfa Romeo-Ferrari). in tricky turn 15 on the turny more than happy with sec- transparency and does not is also an issue,” ESPNcricinfo Sainz, ended the session just course in final practice earlier ond ahead of his title rival adequately compensate sen- quoted the players’ lawyer as as Hamilton, championship Hamilton was a surprise again – with a little help in the day, just as Leclerc the Verstappen. ior players, reported ESPN- saying. leader Max Verstappen and second, .232 of a second back, from Hamilton. previous day. “We definitely weren’t ex- cricinfo. There is now a serious con- others had started their final after Mercedes struggled for “It was quite a shit lap I And the section proved pecting that and this is such Thirty-eight Sri Lanka frontation expected between fast lap. pace in Monaco and Baku thought!” Leclerc said. tricky again in the first round a monumental result for us cricketers have signed a state- and players and Sri Lanka As a result, Leclerc led the practice. “There were two or three of qualifying when first Lance because we’ve been struggling ment refusing to sign the tour Cricket (SLC). way in 1 minute 41.218 sec- Verstappen of Red Bull corners where I did mistakes, Stroll of Aston Martin and like you couldn’t believe all contracts and it is an increase Sri Lanka men’s team is ex- onds on the 6.003-kilometre starts Sunday’s race from but of course I had the big tow then Alfa Romeo’s Antonio weekend,” he said. from 24 players who had pre- pected to leave for England on Baku City street circuit. third on the grid, .345 off the from Lewis in the last sector Govinazzi also crashed there, “We kept our composure,” viously made their resistance Wednesday, June 9. It was the ninth career pole pace and clearly not amused which helped me a little bit. and will start from the back of he added. “The work overnight to the new scheme. Sri Lanka and England for Leclerc who also topped after what he named “a stupid “But overall I think we the grid. and particularly between the “Because of the problems are scheduled to square off in qualifying two weeks ago in his qualifying.” would have been there or A third red flag followed in sessions was amazing from the with the transparency of the three T20Is and three ODIs, native Monaco but then could Leclerc admitted to big thereabouts for pole without Q2 when Daniel Ricciardo also team and really proud of eve- ratings system devised by beginning June 23. not race owing a car problem. surprise that he was top the slipstream, so it’s a good smashed his McLaren into the ryone for keeping positive.” Southee scalps six as NZ extend lead to 165 after Burns show ANI London Scoreboard Pacer Tim Southee scalped New Zealand (1st Innings): 378 (Broad), 10-275 (Burns). six wickets in the first innings England (1st Innings; Overnight: 111-2) Bowling: Southee 25.1-8-43-6; Jamieson 26-8-85-3 R. Burns c Watling b Southee 132 (2nb); De Grandhomme 15-5-24-0 (2nb); Wagner while Rory Burns registered a D. Sibley lbw b Jamieson 0 24-3-83-1 (3nb); Santner 10-4-30-0 (1nb); ton for England as New Zea- Z. Crawley c Watling b Southee 2 Williamson 1-0-2-0 (1w). land extended their lead to 165 J. Root c Taylor b Jamieson 42 New Zealand (2nd Innings) runs on Day Four of the ongo- O. Pope lbw b Southee 22 T. Latham not out 30 D. Lawrence c De Grandhomme b Southee 0 D. Conway b Robinson 23 ing first Test here at the Lord’s J. Bracey b Southee 0 K. Williamson lbw b Robinson 1 Cricket Ground on Saturday. O. Robinson c Jamieson b Southee 42 N. Wagner not out 2 At stumps on Day Four, M. Wood c Watling b Jamieson 0 Extras: (lb6) 6 New Zealand’s second innings S. Broad b Wagner 10 Total: (For 2 wkts, 30 overs, 145 mins) 62 J. Anderson not out 8 To bat: R Taylor, H Nicholls, BJ Watling, C de score read 62/2 and the visi- Extras: (b4, lb4, nb8, w1) 17 Grandhomme, M Santner, K Jamieson, T Southee. tors have extended their lead Total: (All out, 101.1 overs, 473 mins) 275 Fall of wickets: 1-39 (Conway), 2-57 (Williamson) to 165 runs. Fall of wickets: 1-4 (Sibley), 2-18 (Crawley), 3-111 Bowling: Anderson 11-3-22-0; Broad 6-1-9-0; For the Kiwis, Tom Latham (Root), 4-140 (Pope), 5-140 (Lawrence), 6-140 Robinson 9-4-8-2; Wood 4-0-17-0. (Bracey), 7-203 (Robinson), 8-207 (Wood), 9-223 Toss: New Zealand. (30*) and Neil Wagner (2*) are unbeaten at the crease. Af- ter gaining a lead of 103 runs, Burns in the middle and both Stuart Broad (10) also failed New Zealand openers batsmen ensured that the side to stay at the crease for a long Latham and Devon Conway does not lose more wickets be- time as he was clean bowled by saw out the new ball. While fore the lunch interval, taking Neil Wagner and this brought the run-scoring was slow, the team score to 164/6 with number eleven, James Ander- both players kept the England the hosts still trailing by 214 son, to the crease. bowlers at bay. runs. After the lunch break, Burns who continued to The openers put on 39 both Robinson and Burns play a lone hand for the hosts, runs for the first wicket and fought it out and they saw off brought up his third century in England finally got the break- the first hour pretty easily af- Test cricket in the 94th over of through in the 19th over of the ter the interval. the innings. After reaching the second innings as Ollie Rob- New Zealand’s Tim Southee (2L) celebrates taking the wicket of England’s Ollie Robinson on the fourth day of the first Test against England at The 63-run stand for the landmark, Burns increased inson clean bowled Conway the Lord’s Cricket Ground in London on Saturday. Southee returned figures of 25.1-8-43-6.(AFP) seventh wicket was finally end- the pace of his run-scoring and (23). ed in the 85th over by Southee he started scoring boundaries Skipper Kane Williamson ner next came out to the mid- Four at 111/2, Ollie Pope then joined 53rd over. Soon after, Dan as he had Robinson (42) caught at his own will. Burns (132) (1) failed to leave the mark dle and along with Latham, England were dealt a ma- Burns in the middle and the Lawrence (0) and James Brac- at the hands of Jamieson at was finally sent back to the pa- with the bat as he was ad- he ensured that New Zealand jor blow at the start of the duo put on 29 runs for the ey were also sent back to the fine-leg. In the very next over, vilion by Southee and England judged leg-before wicket on a reach stumps with eight wick- day as overnight batsman Joe fourth wicket, but the stand pavilion by Southee, reducing Mark Wood was dismissed for was bowled out for 275 and ball bowled by Robinson. ets in hand. Root (42) was sent back to the was cut short by Southee, as England to 140/6. a duck by Jamieson, and Eng- New Zealand gained a lead of Nightwatchman Neil Wag- Earlier, resuming Day pavilion by Kyle Jamieson. he dismissed Pope (22) in the Robinson then joined land was reduced to 207/8. 103 runs. Sports Sunday, June 6, 2021 15

Qatar’s Reem wins skeet gold, Rashid silver; men’s team takes bronze at Arab Shooting

Qatar shooters continued their good show at the ongoing Arab Shoot- ing Championships in Cairo. On Saturday, Qatar men’s Qatar men’s skeet team comprising Rashid Saleh Al Atbah (left), Masoud Saleh Al Athba and Ali Ishag (right) won the bronze medal. Kuwait team won the gold, while clinched the silver. Earlier on Friday, Qatar’s Reem Al Sharshani had claimed the the women’s skeet gold while Qatar’s Rashid Saleh Al Athba had won silver in the men’s event. Rashid Al Athba praised the efforts of all the shooters who ended up fetching medals adding that the aim is always to win medals and to raise the flag of Qatar high at such large meets. Carlsen confirms participation as stage set for 2nd edition of Katara online chess 2021 QCF to conduct worldwide event from June 20-23

Tribune News Network Doha Al Shaqab Racing’s Shershab won the Prix d’Arles on Saturday. (Pic: Jmtempier) Qatar Chess Federation (QCF) in cooperation with the Cultural Village Foundation – Katara will hold the second Al Shaqab Racing’s edition of the $12,800 Katara International Chess Tourna- Shershab is back ment 2021 (Online Bullet Tour- nament) from June 20 to 23. World champion Norwe- in the groove gian Magnus Carlsen, who won the 2020 tournament defeating American Grand- Tribune News Network in fourth and third positions master Daniel Naroditsky, has Doha throughout. confirmed his participation final stages. Once in the straight, he ac- once again along with many The match will be won as Shershab (FR), the Al celerated well to take the lead, other stars. soon as a player scores 6.5 Shaqab Racing’s representative keeping any challenge at bay Speaking of the widely points. In the event of a tie and a son of Shalaa out of Gher- and scoring a cosy one-length gaining event, HE Dr. Khalid 6-6, the players must play un- daiya, had been starved of suc- win. Hallowed Time (IRE) bin Ibrahim Al-Sulaiti, Gen- Grandmaster Magnus Carlsen of Norway had also won the opening edition of the event in 2020. til the first win. cess since 23 November 2020. (Hallowed Crown x Groupe- eral Manager of the Cultural The tournament manage- However, a visit to Salon- time) finished runner-up for Village Foundation -- Katara, Federation, stressed that the enjoy important participation Committee. ment has also decided to hold de-Provence on Saturday ena- trainer E. O’neill and jockey said: “Through this tourna- Katara International Chess from the world’s top ranked The Katara International qualifying stages On June 20, bled the Frédéric Rossi flyer Christopher Grosbois, two ment Katara as a cultural insti- Tournament is of great impor- players, as evidenced by the 2021 Online Bullet Tourna- independent qualifying ses- to regain the winning feeling more lengths in front of the tution, confirms its keenness tance to all participants, and participation of GM Magnus ment will start at 1600hrs sions will be held each last- in the Prix d’Arles – a sprint third TessS (FR) (Elusive City to support sports activities it also emphasizes the great Carlsen (the current World Doha Time on June 20 and ing 90 minutes with the best 7 handicap run over 1,100 metres x LA Contessa), who is trained and local and international cooperation between QCF and Chess Champion, World will continue until June 23 players from each session qual- (5 1/2f) for three-year-olds. by CE. Rossi and was ridden championships which reflect Katara Cultural Village Foun- Rapid Chess Champion, and in accordance with the re- ifying for the final rounds with He was ridden by Sylvain by Marvin Grandin. our country’s interest in sport. dation. Appreciating its efforts World Blitz Chess Champion) mote playing system via the two players joining based on Ruis, who also guided him Shershab was bred by “The organization of this to sponsor the activities of for the second time in a row, lichess.org website with the qualification cards from FIDE to his first win, when both of Al Shaqab Racing. His dam, tournament online emerged QCF, Al-Mudahka pointed out in addition to the confirma- “Bullet” chess system where to the organizing country. them took the the Prix des Cr- Gherdaiya (Shamardal), who following the state’s precau- that the federation looks for- tion of many International players are free to join and In the event that a player iques, a 1,500-metre race for was bred by Al Shaqab Rac- tionary measures to prevent ward to this type of partner- Grandmasters. participate in any time zone reaches the top seven in two or two-year-olds, at Marseille ing as well, carried the famous the spread of the coronavirus ship with national institutions Aziz indicated that all par- they prefer. more qualifying sessions, the Pont de Vivaux. silver and gold colours of the (COVID-19). We are confident to contribute to the spread of ticipants must abide by all The points are calculated session in which he reached Despite his 60.5 kilo im- latter concern to finish third that this edition too will see a the culture of chess in Qatar. rules, policies and rules of fair in the classic way so that the the highest final ranking will post, the bay gelding managed in the Prix d’Aumale (Gr3). world-class tournament wor- Husain Aziz, the Tour- play, and the final list of quali- winner gets a point, while a be retained and his other re- to prove the best in the field. Shershab is her first foal. thy of its success as in the last nament Director, said that fied players for the finals shall draw gets half a point while sults will be disregarded. He broke well from the stalls The mare has also a a two- year,” he added. the competitions organized be announced after the issu- the loser gets nothing. Tournament rules require and settled at the rear of pack, year-old filly, Subaiyah, by Le Mohammed Al-Madhah- in cooperation with Katara ance of the final report of the The tournament will be a player to have played at least but soon he made the move Havre and yearling by Invinci- ka, President of Qatar Chess Cultural Village Foundation Anti-cheating and Fair Play played in two preliminary and 30 ranked roles on lichess.org near the leaders and remained ble Spirit. Global Chess League: FIDE & Tech Mahindra announce new partnership Tribune News Network In principle, it will have sev- league. community across the world.” of the same ‘game’, which hold New Delhi eral franchise-owned teams from Anand Mahindra, Chairman, The collaboration will support people, strategy and adaptations across the globe, which will com- Mahindra Group, said, “From several of FIDE’s grassroots initia- at their core. The international chess federa- prise a mix of titled players along tweeting about the game to form- tives and make chess an attractive “The partnership with FIDE tion (FIDA) has announced a new with juniors and wildcard entrants career choice and game of global marks the coming together of two partnership with Tech Mahindra playing each other in an exciting reckoning. organizations to promote, revolu- Ltd., a leading provider of digital format. Arkady Dvorkovich, FIDE tionize and drive fan engagement transformation, consulting and FIDE and Tech Mahindra will The Global Chess League will President, said, “The motto of of a historical game, like Chess. business re-engineering services join their forces and expertise to have several franchise-owned Chess is ‘Gens una sumus,’ mean- “We see great potential in this and solutions. ensure that the spirit of the game teams from across the globe, ing “We are one people”, and we partnership which aims to raise The Memorandum of Under- and the highest sporting and or- which will comprise a mix of at FIDE take this unique oppor- the profile of the game, discover standing signed between the par- ganization standards are main- titled players along with jun- tunity to popularize the game next generations of Chess cham- ties focuses on creating together tained. FIDE will help structure iors and wildcard entrants which bears the motto of uniting pions –including women and chil- the Global Chess League, a project the technical regulations, and pro- playing each other in an excit- the world. We are endeavouring dren, enhance the fan base across first proposed by Tech Mahindra mote the league through its media to dramatically enhance its vis- the globe and take it to new com- Ltd. earlier this year. channels, providing the global au- ing format. ibility through a global league mercial heights.” Now, with the support of dience with an engaging platform. game through interactive technol- powered by technology and are Viswanathan Anand, five-time FIDE, the Global Chess League The collaboration between ogy-enabled platforms. honoured to have partnered with World Chess Champion and the will be provided with an accredit- Tech Mahindra and FIDE will also A new holding company will be ing a league under Viswanathan Tech Mahindra. I am certain that mentor and partner of the Global ed and exclusive status as the only promote playing of chess in new created to operate the function- Anand’s mentorship, and now Tech Mahindra’s expertise will Chess League, said, “With FIDE world league officially recognised and innovative formats, create op- ing of the Global Chess League, on-boarding FIDE – the entire further aid in elevating The Global coming on board along with Tech by the governing body of the sport portunities for youth, and foster in which the FIDE president will journey has been very gratifying. Chess League to the next level, ac- Mahindra, I am sure the Global of chess. many champions globally. be part of the board of Directors. With the coming together of all celerate its popularity and lay out Chess League will help in cata- The competition will be estab- The partnership aims to lever- The project will also count on the the forces in the field of chess and the most riveting tournament for lyzing the popularity of the game lished as a first-of-its-kind “phygi- age new-age technologies like 5G, five-time world chess champion technology, we hope the ‘Global chess fans.” while keeping the spirit of the tal” (physical and digital) league, artificial intelligence, virtual re- Viswanathan Anand as mentor Chess League’ will take the game CP Gurnani, MD & CEO, Tech game intact, and create opportu- engaging players from all levels – ality, among others, and explore and partner, who will not just ad- to new heights and create vibrant Mahindra, said, “Chess and the nities for young talent across the professional or otherwise. innovative ways of promoting the vise but will also help shape the opportunities for the entire chess business ecosystem are reflections world.”