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Djokovic and La Liga says con- Williams chase tract is valid as history at Messi skips US Open medical

MONDAY 31 AUGUST 2020

QFA Award: Afif, Aguirre claim top honours THE PENINSULA – AWARD WINNERS Meanwhile, Tarekk SalmanSalman won thethe FOOTBALL FOR ALL AWARD Best U-23 Player award,ward, receivingreceivingg Al Sadd’s feared striker yesterday Ministry of Public Health, Ministry of Interior, 53.9% of the votes, aheadhead ooff KKhaledhaled was named as the winner of the Best Player Aspetar Hospital and Red Crescent Muneer of Al Wakrahh anddH HomamHomam BEST REFEREES AWARD award for the 2019-20 season after receiving El Amin of Al Gharafa.a. Abdulrahman Al Jassim, Taleb Salem (first the highest number of votes over the other The quartet of Abdulrahmanbdulrahman AAll assistant), Faisal Eid (second assistant) and contenders of Al Rayyan, Jassim, Taleb Salem (firstfirst assistantassistant),), Abdullah Al Athba (Video Assistant Referee). and Al Duhail’s Edmilson. MANSOUR MUFTAH AWARD FOR TOP Faisal Eid (second assistant)assistant) and The Board of Trustees of Qatar Football SCORER Abdullah Al Athba (VideoVideo Assistant Association (QFA) Award announced the Akram Afif and Yacine Brahimi Referee) claimed thehe best referees winners of 2019-20 season after completing Best Under-23 Player award. the screening process of final voting, where Tarek Salman of Al Sadd The QFA Award BoardBoard of Trustees Trustees 50 out of 52 forms sent to the participants BEST COACH also gave awards to organorganisations,itiisations, groupgroupss for voting were approved. The final results Diego Aguirre of Al Rayyan or individuals makingng a significantsignificant in each category (Best Player Award, Best BEST PLAYER contribution towardss football in Coach Award and Best Under-23 Player Akram Afif of Al Sadd the local community.tyty. The Award), where voting happened, was also winners are: Ministrytry of approved. Afif, as he lifted the Sheikh Jassim Cup and Public Health, Ministryry ooff Winners of other categories (Football with Al Sadd, while also finishing Interior, Aspetar Hospitalpital for All Award, Best Referees Award and with 15 goals in the QNB Stars League to be and Qatar Red Crescentent Mansour Muftah Award for the Top Scorer), named as joint top scorer with Brahimi. for their great effortsrts where voting was not held, were also Al Rayyan’s coach Diego Aguirre was and contributionon announced. Afif received 60.91% of the votes named the best coach after receiving the highest towards resumption ofof to win the award for the second season in percentage (64.6%) in the final voting process. football activity thishis a row. It’s been an impressive season for Al Rayyan finished runner-up in the QSL. season. Akram Afif Diego Aguirre

Mercedes’ British driver Lewis Hamilton gestures British world champion closes in on Schumacher's record tally on the podium after winning the Belgian Formula One Grand Prix yesterday. Dominant Hamilton cruises to Belgian GP win

REUTERS - SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS which left him two short of Michael BELGIAN GRAND PRIX RESULTS straights, with rivals picking them Schumacher's record tally of 91 vic- off with ease. Sebastian Vettel, once Lewis Hamilton extended tories, was his fifth in seven races. 1. Lewis hamilton (GBR/Mercedes) 1 h 24:08.761 again questioning the team's his lead at the top of the It lifted him 47 points clear of 2. Valtteri Bottas (FIN/Mercedes) at 8.448 strategy, was 13th. Charles Leclerc, overall Formula standings Verstappen in the overall standings 3. Max Verstappen (NED/Red Bull-Honda) 15.455 winner last year from pole position, with an unchallenged after 10 of this season's 17 races. 4. Daniel Ricciardo (AUS/Renault) 18.877 could do no better than 14th. drive to victory in yester- Bottas closed the gap to Verstappen 5. Esteban Ocon (FRA/Renault) 40.650 The Italian team's form even day's Belgian Grand Prix. but remained third. 6. Alexander Albon (THA/Red Bull-Honda) 42.712 drew a shake of the head from Sainz, The Briton, who Daniel Ricciardo, who took the 7. Lando Norris (GBR/McLaren-Renault) 43.774 who is set to replace Vettel at the started from pole and extra point for fastest lap, finished 8. Pierre Gasly (FRA/AlphaTauri-Honda) 47.371 Maranello-based squad next season. led every lap, crossed fourth ahead of team mate Esteban 9. Lance Stroll (CAN/Racing Point-Mercedes) 52.603 The race was largely incident- the line 8.4 seconds Ocon who snatched fifth from Red 10. Sergio Perez (MEX/Racing Point-Mercedes) 53.179 free with the exception of an early ahead of team mate Bull's Alexander Albon on the final safety car sent out after a crash Valtteri Bottas who lap. involving Alfa Romeo's Antonio Gio- gave Mercedes a Lando Norris, the sole McLaren Stroll and Sergio Perez rounded out vinazzi and George Russell in a one-two finish. in the race after team mate Carlos the top 10. Williams. Max Verstappen, Sainz failed to make the start due to Ferrari, winners in Belgium for The Italian lost control of his car taking his sixth consecutive an exhaust issue, was seventh ahead the last two years, finished out of the at the exit of the fast Fagnes chicane. podium finish in his Red Bull, was of Pierre Gasly who scythed through points. Russell, running behind Gio- third. the field in his Toro Rosso on his hard Already enduring a miserable vinazzi, collected a loose wheel that Hamilton's win at a sunny Spa- compound tyres in the early laps. weekend, their lack of speed was laid came off the Alfa Romeo, leaving Francorchamps circuit yesterday, The Racing Point pair of Lance bare down the Spa track's long debris strewn across the track. Longines Hathab gearing up for next season after grand success

THE PENINSULA – DOHA "I also thank the official sponsors of the Longines Hathab series, Exx- The Organising Committee of the onMobil Qatar and Al Salam Interna- Logines Hathab Qatar Equestrian tional for their generous support and Tour, consisting of the representatives added that without their contributions, from Qatar Equestrian Federation the Tour would not have been suc- (QEF) and Al Shaqab, will meet this cessful. I hope, with their continuous week to discuss the development of support, the championship will grow a strategic plan for the next season. into a more successful regional and The third season of the Champi- international competition. After three onship concluded on Saturday with seasons, the young riders have popular rider Hamad Nasser Al Qadi achieved a remarkable development winning the overall Big Tour title at in terms of performance," Al Mannai the QEF Indoor Arena. said. The meeting will discuss a stra- Ali Al Rumaihi, Tournament tegic plan which will be aimed at Director, said that although the tour- Bader Al Darwish - Organising Committee Member and Secretary-General of QEF, presenting mementos to Saleh Al Mana achieving further success during the nament witnessed the absence of - Vice President - Government and Public Affairs at ExxonMobil Qatar Limited, and Abdulsalam Abu-Issa - Chief Executive fourth edition of the series, which will spectators due to the COVID-19 pan- Officer, Salam International for their contributions as main partners of the Longines Hathab Tour. start in October. demic, the riders and their family The popular series was started members formed a presence that sup- three years ago under the guidance ported the riders throughout the last of H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al three rounds. Thani, Chairman of the Qatar Olympic "The championship has benefited Committee, with the aim of promoting a lot from the main sponsors, Longines equestrian sport among Qatari riders and Salam International two of the and forming a wider base of trained leading companies. The increased horses and preparing local riders for contribution of sponsors have played international competitions, a big part in increasing the base of The organising committee will riders. We no longer rely on the Fed- work on setting up a competition cal- eration alone to bring in riders and endar while requests submitted by horses. This championship differs The overall champions of the Longines Hathab Qatar Equestrian Tour 2019-2020, Hamad Nasser Al Qadi (Big Tour), several friendly Federations to par- from all previous tournaments, as it Mohamed Khalifa Al Baker (Medium Tour), Mohammed Al Ghazali (Small Tour), Jessica Walden ( Dressage 1), Ghanim Al ticipate in some of the upcoming tour- develops annually and is open to all Qadi (Dressage 2), Fahed Abdelkareem (Future Riders 1) and Lolwa Ali (Future Rider 2) posing for a photograph with nament rounds will also be taken into Qatari and resident riders," Al Rumaihi their trophies at the end of the 12th round at the Qatar Equestrian Federation's Indoor Arena, on Saturday. consideration. said. Omar bin Khalid Al Mannai, Vice- Bader Al Darwish, Secretary- international equestrian map and has "We organised the three decisive were held at the QEF Indoor Arena Chairman of the Supreme Organising General of the Qatar and Asian Eques- been highlighted thanks to the facil- rounds within a very short period fol- according to the precautionary measures Committee, thanked H E Sheikh Joaan trian Federations and member of the ities at Al Shaqab and the QEF Arena lowing the break due to the COVID-19 with the support of Red Crescent volun- for his support for sport and eques- Organising Committee, said that the which played a huge role in increasing pandemic and managed to host very suc- teers and we were successful in trian sport. championship has put Qatar in the physical fitness of riders and horses. cessful championship. All three rounds achieving out goals," Al Darwish said. 18 SPORT MONDAY 31 AUGUST 2020 First Grand Slam of the COVID-19 era kicks off in a fan-free bubble Djokovic, Serena chase history at US Open

AFP — NEW YORK empty to mitigate the risk of Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams headline a overwhelming favourite to positive.“The circumstances are infection from the deadly pan- tournament that will be unrecognisable from previous capture a fourth US Open title very unusual but we have to The US Open becomes the first demic that has wiped out much Slams due to strict safety protocols that were still not in September 13’s final. A win deal with it and try to embrace Grand Slam of the COVID-19 era of the tennis season, including enough to convince some of tennis’s biggest names to on the hard courts would take it,” he said. when it starts today in a spec- Wimbledon. travel to New York. the 33-year-old to 18 Grand A depleted women’s field tator-free bubble at Flushing Most competitors are Slam titles, behind Nadal on 19 hands Williams a gilt-edged Meadows following a troubled staying at one of two hotels Defending champion Rafael Nadal and women’s number and Federer on 20. opportunity for a 24th career build-up that saw several top where they will be shuttled the one Ashleigh Barty are among high-profile absentees The Serbian, who overcame Grand Slam title to match Mar- stars withdraw over corona- 30 minutes to and from the at the US National Tennis Center, which just months ago a neck injury to lift the ATP garet Court’s all-time record. virus fears. tennis center. Western & Southern Open Sat- World number two Simona Novak Djokovic and Serena A few, including Djokovic was transformed into an emergency coronavirus field urday, begins his quest against Halep is missing, as is reigning Williams headline a tournament and Williams, have chosen to hospital. Bosnia and Herzegovina’s US Open champion Bianca that will be unrecognisable from stay in private homes where 107th-ranked Damir Dzumhur Andreescu of Canada and top previous Slams due to strict they must pay for 24-hour organisers will be thrown out praised the precautionary today. ten players Elina Svitolina, Kiki safety protocols that were still security approved by the United of the tournament. Temperature measures. Djokovic said it will be Bertens and Belinda Bencic. not enough to convince some States Tennis Association checks are mandatory for eve- “It feels safe and I’m happy strange without the “explosive” Williams, 38, has a tricky of tennis’s biggestest names to (USTA).(USTA). The security teams ryone ententering the US Open site, I decided to come,” he told energygy of 22,000 fans ppacked draw though.g She could meet travel to New YYork.ork. are obligedobliged to proviprovidede which is dottedd with hand san- reporterseporters in an online press intointo ArthurArthur AsheAshe StadiumStadium but 2017 US OpenOpen champion Sloane Defendingding thethe USTA with infoinfor-r- itizeritizer mmachines and signs conference.onference. that more downtime was a StephensStephens in tthe third round, champion Rafaelafael mation regardingregarding warningwarning everyone to keep six TheThe aabsencebsence ooff AustralianAustralian OpOpene champion Sofia Nadal and women’smen’s when the player feetfee from each other. wworldorld number two KeninKenin inin the semi-finals number one AshAsh-- leavesleaves andand arrivesarrives There will be no Nadaladal due to coro-coro- anda potentiallyp Czech leigh Barty are at the house.house. lines officials on the navirusavirus coconcernsncerns toptop seed Karolina among high-profileprofile No pplayerlayer is outer courts, where andnd Swiss PliskovaPlis in the final. absentees at tthehe US aallowedllowed to travel Hawk-EyeH technology legendegend Roger ForF Williams, who National Tenniss Center, anywhereanywhere ototherher tthanhan willw make line calls. Federer,ederer, wwhoho lostlost in the US Open and which just monthsnths ago betweenbetween tthehe tennis Organisers are lim- iss rerecov-cov- WimbledonWimbled finals each of was transformeded into center anandd ttheirheir itingit the locker rooms eringring ffromrom thethe paspastt two years, a an emergency corocoro-- accommodation. Any toto 30 players at one kneenee diminisheddimini field doesn’t navirus fieldield pplayerlayer wwhoho lleaveseaves tthehe time,ti with competitors surgery,urgery, devaluedev the title. hospital. bubbbubblele wiwithoutthout tthehe encouragede to shower handsands “It still has to Raucouss writtenwritten consent andan then head outside DjokovicDjokovic beb tennis that’s crowds are a of asas quickly as possible a goldengolden played, asterisks hallmark of wherew activities chancehance to or not. I think this the US Open, includingin basketball closelose thethe gapgap whole year but this the hoopsho have been put up. onn his fierce rivals in deserves an cavernous Briton Andy Murray, thehe recordsrecords race.race. asterisk because Arthur Ashe Novak Djokovic the 2012 US Open DDjokovicjokovic has captured five Serena Williams it’si such a special Stadium will champion,cham said the atmos- off the past seven men’s singlessingles year,”y Williams be eerily pherephere fefelt “pretty sad,” but he Slamlam crownscrowns and is said.sa World No.1 Johnson and Matsuyama share The yellow jersey has to be respected. I will defend it with honour: Julian Alaphilippe lead at Olympia Fields REUTERS — NEW YORK

World number one Dustin Johnson and Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama will share a two-stroke lead going into the final round of the BMW Championship after shooting Alaphilippe takes one-under-par 69s. The Olympia Fields Country Club, where 69 players are battling it out for 30 spots in next week’s Tour Championship, continued to torment the world’s best emotional win at golfers and the leading pair were alone in having tour- Julian nament totals under par. Alaphilippe Their tally of one-under 209 gave them a bit of Tour de France breathing space at the top of a crowded leaderboard celebrates as he ahead of Australia’s Adam Scott (70), Canadian Mac- crosses the finish kenzie Hughes (69) and Chilean Joaquin Niemann (68), line, yesterday. who shared third place. Johnson tore up the TPC Boston for an 11-shot AP — NICE status as a darling of French whose tongue was hanging victory in last week’s Northern Trust Open -- the first cycling fans, conquered by from his mouth as he pushed of three FedExCup playoff events -- and the American France’s fastest showman on his thrilling riding at last hard on the final straight. thought he had hit upon the right strategy for success two wheels is back making year’s edition, when he held "It's a great pride and at the trickier Illinois course. a splash at the Tour de the race lead for 14 days. responsibility and I will “Felt like I hit a lot of fairways, a lot of greens, and France and once again He is now back in defend this honour day by it really doesn’t matter how far away you are, you’ve wearing the iconic yellow yellow, thanks to time day, I won't be giving it up just got to be in the fairway,” he told reporters. jersey. bonuses picked up for tomorrow that's for sure," he “That’s the only way to control the ball and control Julian Alaphilippe, the winning the stage and on the promised. the spin, and even then it’s still difficult to get it close rider who more than any final climb of the arduous "I'm happy now," he to the hole.” other helped turn the 2019 day of riding through moun- concluded when stepping Johnson, who will extend his lead at the top of the edition into a thriller, again tains north of Nice. from the podium. FedExCup standings if he can snare a third BMW Cham- showered the Tour with his And while Alaphilippe is Jumbo-Visma may pionship title on Sunday, mixed three birdies with two class and guile yesterday, playing down any hope of however be furious at the bogeys. poaching victory on Stage 2 winning the overall title in circumstances accompa- Matsuyama made the perfect start with an eagle at in the picture-postcard Med- Paris in three weeks, he nying the win. Shortly after the par-five first but two birdies against three bogeys iterranean city of Nice and intends to cling onto the Alaphilippe's attack Team over the rest of the round deprived him of the outright taking the overall race lead. coveted jersey for as long as Ineos' Michal Kwiatkowski lead. A final burst of acceler- he can. somehow backed into Rory McIlroy, who shared the overnight lead, fell ation timed with precision “The yellow jersey has to Jumbo co-captain Tom off the pace and into a share of sixth with five others enabled Alaphilippe to shake be respected,” he said. “I will Dumoulin and knocked him on two-over after shooting a 73, later explaining that two pursuers and hold off defend it with honour.” to the floor. the imminent arrival of his first child had been a the main pack of riders furi- No Frenchman has won The Dutch outfit had been distraction. ously gaining ground on the the Tour de France since leading the head of the Spain’s Jon Rahm also shared sixth after carding finishing straight. 1985. peloton all day, but suddenly the joint lowest round of the day with a five-birdie 66 Alaphilippe kissed his "I really wanted to try they had to slow down and that would have been better had he not forgotten to finger and raised it to the sky something and I had nothing abandon their pursuit of put a marker on the fifth green before picking up his as he crossed the line, an to lose," said Deceuninck- Alaphilippe, who had the ball. He was docked a stroke. apparent tribute to his Quick Step's leader. Swiss Marc Hirschi and “I was holding my marker in my pocket, just went recently deceased father. "It really hurt me, I was British rider Adam Yates for at it, and for some reason I just picked up the ball The stage win, his fifth in digging deep at the end company on the dash to the thinking I marked it already,” said Rahm. four Tours, will anchor his there," said Alaphilippe, line. Tiger Woods sits in a share of 55th heading into the final round after a 72 on Saturday.

Dustin NBA: Bucks advance in play-offs Johnson of the United States in action MIAMI AFP — RESULTS playoff record alive as the Los during the Angeles Lakers beat Portland Eastern Conference third round The Milwaukee Bucks 131-122 to clinch their series Milwaukee 118 Orlando 104 of the BMW powered into the second in five games. Championship. round of the NBA play-offs, (Milwaukee win series 4-1) James won all 14 play-off three days after their refusal Western Conference first-round series in which he to take the court in the wake Houston 114 Oklahoma City 80 has played. of a police shooting in (Houston lead series 3-2) Just days earlier there was

Wisconsin brought the post- Los Angeles Lakers 131 Portland 122 a real chance that players season to a halt. (Los Angeles wins series 4-1) would opt out of the Reigning NBA Most Val- remainder of the post-season uable Player Giannis Antetok- series 4-1 to line up a second- in the NBA’s coronavirus ounmpo scored 28 points and round clash with the Miami quarantine bubble in Orlando, grabbed 17 rebounds and the Heat, who swept the Indiana Florida. Bucks led by as many as 21 on Pacers 4-0. The Bucks were prepared the way to a 118-104 victory In the Western Con- to forfeit game five against the over the Orlando Magic. ference, Anthony Davis scored Magic on Wednesday after the Milwaukee won the best- 43 points and LeBron James shooting of Jacob Blake in of-seven Eastern Conference kept his perfect first-round Kenosha, Wisconsin. MONDAY 31 AUGUST 2020 SPORT 19 Veteran Qatari driver set to be joined by Bernacchini Giovanni at the WRC battle Al Atya ready to rumble in Turkey THE PENINSULA – ISTANBUL Nasser bin Khalifa The Ford Fiesta R5 which Al Atya will Al Atya be driving during the WRC. Qatar’s veteran rally driver Nasser bin Khalifa Al Atya is getting ready to feature in next month’s Turkey Rally, It was my dream which is part of the World Rally Championship (WRC). to race in Turkey, Al Atya, 55, will have the services especially since Qatar of Bernacchini Giovanni in a Ford and Turkey have good Fiesta R5 for the September 18-20 relationship at all battle across Turkey. levels. I need to put “I am going to participate in WRC a message out that World Championship in Turkey. I will both countries enjoy do the rally myself. I have already reg- great relationship. istered to take part in the Turkey Rally. Also, at the same time I will be driving a Ford Fiesta R5 with I want to put Qatar on my co-driver Giovanni,” Al Atya said the map with another from Istanbul where he is camped driver competing at ahead of the three-day rally. “I am getting stronger with my top races: Al Atya practice with the car and with my physical fitness. I am training in the gym. I go for swimming. I have been this year so that I gather enough data relationship. Also, at the same time I here in Turkey for a month and I will for next season. Next year I will do full want to put Qatar on the map with continue here until the rally,” Al Atya championship,” Al Atya said. another driver competing at top added. Only three races remain in the races,” Al Atya said. “The rally will be starting on 18th season with Rally Turkey (September “I want to do some records. I did of September until the 20th. That will 18-20), Rally Italia Sardegna (Oct many things for Qatar by building be a three-day event on the world 8-10) and Renties Ypres Rally Belgium a racing circuit, by promoting many driver,” the former QMMF President is my first time in Turkey. I will never championship calendar,” Al Atya said. (November 19-22). drivers and riders to compete said. give up my passion,” he added. Al Atya said he is competing to Al Atya said he had been planning worldwide. (Qatar’s Dakar Rlly star) “I want to be strong at my age. My “I will be getting services by clock rally hours as he launches in a to compete in Turkey for a long time. Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah achieved age is only a number for me. I need to Motortune Racing garage in Lebanon. major way next year. “It was my dream to race in many sterling performances during show the veteran motorsport enthu- They are providing the mechanics and “My future plans is that I am Turkey, especially since Qatar and that time. I was with FIA and FIM siasts that you can enjoy your life and engineers. Roger Feghali, the Leb- willing to compete in Europe next Turkey have good relationship at all in high positions. Now I just want compete well too. Most of the partic- anese rallying hero, I will be supported year. Maybe I do a round in Cyprus or levels. I need to put a message out that to show that I am following my ipants have good data on every race, by his services like mechanics and in other countries like Italy or Belgium both countries enjoy great passion and that I am also a rally they have more mileage than me. This engineers,” Al Atya said. La Liga says contract is valid as Messi skips medical Morgan leads England to REUTERS – BARCELONA disputed by Barcelona and now City are the favourites which Messi'sMessi's lawyerslawyers planplan to by La Liga. would allow Messi to link up with invokenvoke a clause in his four-four- victory in La Liga yesterday released a The ruling body said the only his former Barcelona coach Pep yearear contract, sisignedgned in statement saying Lionel Messi’s way a club can sign the Argentine Guardiola but even the Abu 2017,017, which would havehave record chase Barcelona contract was still valid, forward is if he triggers a release Dhabi-owned club might find a allowedllowed the forward to days after his shock clause of €700m ($833m). 700 million-euro fee, plus Messi's leaveeave the club forfor freefree ifif AP – MANCHESTER announcement that he wants to Reuters footage showed huge salary, a deal-breaker. hee had requested it by leave the club and hours after he players arriving for coronavirus Messi, who has won more Juneune 1010.. England captain Eoin Morgan failed to attend a pre-season tests on Sunday morning and than 30 major trophies with the TheyThey wiwillll argue smashed 66 runs off 33 balls to medical. Messi did not appear. Spanish club and scored more thathat that date -- help his side to a five-wicket Messi's failure to show for his He had been due at Barce- than 600 goals, earns around one nominallyominally the end win over Pakistan in the second medical underlined the 33-year- lona's training ground at 10.15am million euros per week. off tthehe seasonseason -- isis Twenty20 international old's determination to leave the local time but a club source con- He informed Barca on nowow irrirrelevantelevant after yesterday. club he has been with throughout firmed to Reuters he had not Tuesday he wished to leave thehe coronavirus papan-n- Pakistan scored a chal- his career. arrived. La Liga's stance is a blow immediately, plunging the club demicemic forcforceded an lenging 195-4 after losing the The six-times world player of to Messi's hopes of a quick into new turmoil less than two extensionxtension of ththee toss at Old Trafford before the year insists he has a clause in departure and to those clubs weeks after their humiliating 8-2 Laa LigaLiga season England finished on 199-5 in his contract that allows him to wishing to sign him. Champions League quarter-final deepeep into 19.1 overs. England openers leave on a free transfer -- a claim Premier League Manchester defeat by Bayern Munich. August.August. Jonny Bairstow (44) and Tom Banton (20) shared a 66-run partnership. When they departed in the space of two balls, Morgan came in to hit six QGL bids farewell to Founder President Mathew fours and four sixes to keep the momentum going. THE PENINSULA – DOHA membership of over 100 golfers He was dismissed with 18 belonging to over a dozen nationalities. required in the last three overs Qatar Golf Lovers (QGL) recently bid Mathew has been the chief organiser of but Dawid Malan, the junior farewell to PK Mathew who has been golf tournaments every month under partner in a match-changing it’s President since inception in 2001. the QGL banner and has organized 194 112-run stand with Morgan, QGL organised a farewell golf tour- tournaments during the past 20 years. went to another fifty to help nament in his honour over the QGL founder member Megchiani, England over the line with five weekend at the Doha Golf Club. Thirty who is taking over as President, was balls to spare. Malan’s unbeaten six golfers participated in the event all praise for Mathew’s leadership, 54 in 36 balls - his seventh which was played on a strokeplay organizational skills and commitment 50-plus score in only 12 T20 format. in making QGL the largest and most innings - helped England move Jasjit Butalia emerged victorious in active golf society in Qatar. into a 1-0 series lead on a day the competition while Navid Bukhari He also acknowledged Mathew’s when the BBC screened live and Arnav Jain were declared 1st & 2nd contribution to golf in Qatar by way of coverage of a cricket match for runner up respectively. Manoj Meg- arranging golf coaching for beginners the first time in 21 years. chiani won the ‘longest putt’ award, by PGA professionals, organizing on- Pakistan’s innings, bol- Saad Kazi won the ‘closest to pin’ the-course training to new golfers and stered by 56 from 44 balls from award, Serge Guevel won the ‘closest assisting in organizing major events captain Babar Azam and a to rope’ award and Ravi Shankar won like Qatar Senior Open, Ryder Cup and more belligerent 69 from 36 the ‘longest drive’ award. India Cup tournaments. Fazal Kazi. deliveries by Mohammad Mathew, a longtime resident of who sponsored the farewell tour- Prize winners of the tournament, (from left) Sanjay Jain, Saad Kazi, Manoj Megchiani, Hafeez, was in vain and it now Qatar founded QGL in 2001 with 8 nament presented a memento to Arnav Jain, PK Mathew, Ravi Shankar, Jasjit Butalia, Navid Bukhari and Serge Guevel. must win the third and final members, which currently boasts of a Mathew during the occasion. T20 on Tuesday to avoid a series defeat. Shuttlers back in action at Doha’s NVBS SCOREBOARD PAKISTAN Babar Azam c Billings b Rashid ...... 56 Fakhar Zaman c Banton b Rashid ...... 36 THE PENINSULA – DOHA “My children were eager to Mohammad Hafeez c Morgan b Curran ...... 69 be back on court so when the Shoaib Malik c Morgan b Jordan ...... 14 New Vision Badminton Sport badminton training sessions Iftikhar Ahmed not out ...... 8 (NVBS) which had to close their started, we encouraged them to Shadab Khan not out ...... 0 Extras (lb6, nb2, w4) ...... 12 badminton coaching facilities return to coaching,” said Shyja Total (4 wkts, 20 overs) ...... 195 and outdoor sports activities on Sudhir, whose daughter and son, Did not bat: Mohammad Rizwan, Imad Wasim, account of Coronavirus are training under NVBS Mohammad Amir, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf Pandemic is back in action after coaches. Fall of wickets: 1-72 (Zaman), 2-112 (Babar), a five-month long break. The former Qatar Bad- 3-162 (Malik), 4-194 (Hafeez) The badminton sessions and minton Association coach, Manoj Bowling: Mahmood 4-0-38-0 (1w); Moeen 1-0- the outdoor training facilities at has been into coaching for the 10-0; Jordan 4-0-41-1 (1w); Curran 4-0-46-1 (2nb); Rashid 4-0-32-2; Gregory 3-0-22-0 (1w); the NVBS twin training venues last 25 years, having coached have commenced operations several players in India, Mal- ENGLAND (target: 196) with certain regulations in dives and in Qatar. T. Banton lbw b Shadab ...... 20 place. “The New Vision Badminton J. Bairstow c Imad b Shadab ...... 44 D. Malan not out ...... 54 Training sessions for both Young shuttlers with their coaches at the New Vision Badminton Sport academy in Doha. Sport have been following all the boys and girls have started at regulations and effective guide- E. Morgan c sub (Khushdil) b Rauf ...... 66 Moeen Ali c Babar b Shadab ...... 1 Cambridge School in Abu lines have been issued to parents S. Billings c Zaman b Rauf ...... 10 Hamour and American life. After almost five and half used to train for two sessions, dedicated coaches,” said Rajat, and children. As parents, we are L. Gregory not out ...... 0 Academy in Al Thumama this month gap we are back for in the morning and in the eve- who is looking forward to take making sure our children follow Extras (lb1, nb1, w2) ...... 4 week. training under our coaches. It nings, but during the lockdown part in international competi- and practice was is need from Total (5 wkts, 19.1 overs) ...... 199 A host of children who were feels nice to be on the courts we had to train on our own at tions once travel restrictions them at the training venue, both Did not bat: T Curran, A Rashid, C Jordan, S attending classes before the and carrying out the drills under home,” said the class-IX ease and the situation improves on and off the badminton courts,” Mahmood Coronavirus pandemic the expertise of our trainers,” student. on a world wide scale. added the Mumbai-born Shyja. Fall of wickets: 1-66 (Bairstow), 2-66 (Banton), 3-178 (Morgan), 4-182 (Moeen), 5-195 (Billings) lockdown are excited to be back said 14-year-old Rajat Raj “I am happy to train again The parents too are happy For any clarification and Bowling: Imad 3-0-30-0; Afridi 3.1-0-44-0 (1nb, for training. Ramesan, a student of DPS-MIS at New Vision Badminton Sport to see their children get back to booking, interested can contact 1w); Amir 2-0-25-0; Shadab 4-0-34-3 (1w); Ift- “The lockdown period was Doha school. under Chief Coach Manoj their training schedule and Ashif Ameerjan - 33591024 or ikhar 3-0-31-0; Rauf 4-0-34-2; one of the difficult phase of our “Before the lockdown we Sahibjan and his group of maintain an active lifestyle. 70704534.