Dogged Arabi beat Wakrah in Qatar Cup 2019 final PAGE 19

THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 2019

SHEIKH JOAAN MEETS US CHARGE D’AFFAIRES AND BOSNIA & HERZERGOVINA AMBASSADOR

Qatar Olympic Committee President HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al Thani with HE William Grant, US Charge d’Affaires to Qatar and HE Bisera Turkovic, Ambassador of Bosnia & Herzergovina in Qatar, in on Wednesday. During the meeting, Sheikh Joaan praised the bilateral relations between Qatar and the US, Qatar and Bosnia. They also reviewed the ways to develop the ongoing sports cooperation between them. (QNA) Nina returns to Aspire Dome with sterling display Qatar’s Raslen Saoud makes impressive World Cup debut; Filipino Carlos Yulo tops Men’s Exercise VINAY NAYUDU Results DOHA Men Floor Exercise STILL a teen but already a star 1. Carlos Edriel Yulo (PHI) D-Score 6.2; Points: and rising higher, Belgium’s 14.600; 2. Ruoteng Xiao (CHN); 6.2; 14.533; returned to the 3. Jonathan Vrolix (BEL) 5.9; 14.500; Aspire Dome once again only 5. Ahmet Onder (TUR); 5.9; 14.233; to steal the opening day’s qual- 6. Rayderley Zapata (ESP) 6.1; 14.200; ifying rounds show of the 12th 7. Christopher Remkes (AUS); 6.3; 14.133; 8. Emil Soravuo (FIN) 5.5; 14.100; FIG ART Individual Appara- 9. Marian Dragulescu (ROU); 6.2; 14.066; tus World Cup on Wednesday. 10. Jorge Vega Lopez (GUA) 5.9; 14.033. The 2018 World cham- pion and two-time European 1. Chih Kai Lee (TPE) 6.2; 15.166; champion on the 2. Harutyun Merdinyan (ARM) 6.3; 14.966; was once again effortless and 3. Kohei Kameyama (JPN) 6.2; 14.916; flawless in Doha topping the 4. Kaito Imabayashi (JPN) 6.3; 14.900; 5. Saeedreza Keikha (IRI) 6.1; 14.683; qualification scores. 6. Jingyuan Zou (CHN) 6.0; 14.558; The petite 18-year-old 7. Filip Ude (CRO) 5.9; 14.533; logged 15.033 points to beat 8. Stephen Nedoroscik (USA) 6.1; 14.483; China’s Fan Yilin (14.900). 9. Robert Seligman (CRO) 5.8; 14.466; ’s Iliankova Anastasiia 10. Cyril Tommasone (FRA) 6.2; 14.466. ended up third with 14.633 Still points. 1. Xingyu Lan (CHN) 6.4; 15.166; Among the men’s serving 2. Vahagn Davtyan (ARM) 6.1; 14.908; 3. Artur Tovmasyan (ARM) 6.1; 14.866; notice was Carlos Yulo. The 4. Marco Lodadio (ITA) 6.3; 14.800; 19-year-old Filipino, who had 5. Courtney Tulloch (GBR) 6.4; 14.800; made both the floor and all- 6. Samir Ait Said (FRA) 6.1; 14.733; round finals at the 2018 World 7. Ali Zahran (EGY) 6.2; 14.600; 8. Ibrahim Colak (TUR) ...... 6.2; 14.533; Championships at the same 9. Trevor Howard (USA) 6.1; 14.516; venue last October, topped 10. Igor Radivilov (UKR) 6.0; 14.366. the floor exercise qualification ahead of China’s Xiao Ruoteng. Women 1. (RUS) 14.850; Also known as ‘Caloy’, Yulo 2. (USA) 14.833; accumulated 14.600 points 3. (FRA) 14.633; to finish ahead of Ruoteng Belgium’s Nina Derwael during the women’s uneven bars qualification at the 12th FIG ART Individual Apparatus World Cup at the Aspire Dome in Doha on Wednesday. 4. Alexa Moreno (MEX) 14.449; 5. Marcia Vidiaux (CUB) 14.449; (14.533 points). Belgium’s 6. Marina Nekrasova (AZE) 14.216; Vrolix Jonathan was third “My score is better than 7. (UZB) 14.183; with 14.500 points. Turkish the previous World Cup. I am 8. Emily Thomas (GBR) 13.800; star Ahmet Onder also quali- happy that I have showed im- 9. Gabriela Janik (POL) 13.733; fied for the floor final with a provement,” said Al Dayani. 10. PaulaMejias (PUR) 13.700. score of 14.233 points. “My next task is this year’s Uneven Bars Qatar gymnast Ahmed World Championships in 1. Nina Derwael (BEL) 6.5; 15.033; Mosa, who also did well in the and I will start pre- 2. Yilin Fan (CHN) 6.3; 14.900; 3. Anastasiia Iliankova (RUS) 6.3; 14.633; event, claimed a respectable paring for that event after the 4. Diana Varinska (UKR) 5.7; 13.966; tally of 11.133. World Cup,” he added. 5. Kim Bui (GER) 6.0; 13.900; Taepei’s Lee Chih Kai 6. Jonna Adlerteg (SWE) 6.0; 13.366; Raslen raises home (15.166) won the qualification 7. Martina Rizzelli (ITA) 5.4; 13.233; 8. Yumika Nakamura (JPN) 5.1; 13.100; hopes for pommel horse followed by 9. Lisa Katharina Hill (GER) 5.4; 12.833; Among the three Qa- Armenia’s Merdinyan Haru- 10. Emily Thomas (GBR) 4.9; 12.700. tar gymnasts participating, tyun (14.966) and Japan’s 17-year-old Raslen Saoud Kameyama Kohei (14.916). made an impressive World will continue on Thursday Cup debut on the pommel Paseka tops in wom- with men vying for finals of horse with a determined and en’s vault vault, and hori- promising performance. Russia’s Maria Paseka zontal bars. The female gym- Somewhat overawed by Qatar’s Ahmed Mosa during the floor exercise. looked set for a women’s vault Qatar’s 17-year-old World Cup debutant Raslen Saoud performs on nasts will compete in quali- the occasion and home fans, gold after she top the points the pommel horse at the Aspire Dome on Wednesday. fication of and Raslen returned with 11.666 nervous, he was happy with great deal of confidence in the table in qualification with floor finals. points finishing ahead of his his effort. “I have gained a lot future as I am looking forward 14.850 points. She was fol- Uzbekistan who is targeting Lan Xingyu topped qualifica- A total of 128 male and senior and seasoned team- of valuable experience and to continue performing for lowed by USA’s Jade Carey her record eighth appearance tion with 15.166 followed by 60 female gymnasts from 57 mate Ahmed al Dayani, who I am happy with my perfor- Qatar,” he added. (14.833) and Frenchwoman at the , also Armenian duo of Davtyan Va- countries are taking part in the secured 11.600 points. mance ,” he said soon after his Meanwhile, Al Dayani said Coline Devillard (14.633). qualified for the final after hagn (14.908) and Tovmasyan annual contest, which is also Shy and soft-spoken, Ra- event at the Aspire Dome. his performance has improved World’s oldest Olympian scoring 14.183 points. Artur (14.866). a qualification meet for next slen said the though he was “This event will give me a in this year’s edition. Oksana Chusovitina, 43, from In men’s rings, China’s The qualification rounds year’s Olympics. Sports Thursday, March 21, 2019 17 Mesaimeer Cup for Opera Baron; Rider Thomas clinches four races IAAF World Championships Doha launches volunteer programme Over 3,000 volunteers to assist in organising the region’s biggest-ever Opera Baron came up with a strong finish to win the Mesaimeer Cup, the feature event at the 36th Race Meeting at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club Racecourse’s dirt track sporting event on Wednesday. The six-year-old bay gelding of Khalifa bin Sheail al Kuwari, under the tutelage of Jassim Ghazali, clinched the 1,800m race by a slightly less than three lengths, with JP Guillambert astride. Topsy Turvy, ridden by Eduardo Pedroza, was second, slightly less than three lengths, while Shabbab was placed third. This was the second victory for the TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK can play a part in delivering HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Thani Trophy winner in the season and 12th overall in 32 races. Rider Ronan Thomas, who earlier won four races in the day, guided Roman DOHA an unforgettable experience to Legend to fifth place. Thomas clinched wins riding Diese, Almigam, Badda and Sealine. the country, the region and the VOLUNTEERS based in Qatar world. and from all over the world “This is a great opportunity can now be part of an unprec- for growth and development for edented global sporting expe- volunteers and one that will live rience as registration opens with them for the rest of their for the volunteer programme lives thanks to the skills and Masters champ Reed set at the IAAF World Athletics experiences they will gain and Championships Doha 2019. then implement in their profes- Taking place for the first sional and personal lives,” he time in the Middle East, the added. IAAF World Athletics Cham- Dahlan al Hamad, Vice- to defend first Major title pionships Doha 2019 will be Chairman and Director Gen- the biggest sporting event the eral of the Local Organising region has ever hosted. The Committee and Vice-President championships will bring to- of the IAAF, said the recruit- The American insists he is in better mental frame than he was last year at this point gether more than 2,000 ath- ment of volunteers for the letes from 213 world countries, World Championships Doha AFP think it’s going to be a lot of along with 10,000 internation- 2019 aligns with the core mes- WASHINGTON fun. To experience what it’s al guests, spectators and media sage of the championship and going to be like on the first representatives from around the motive behind Qatar’s bid PATRICK Reed says he’s men- tee as defending champion, I the world, making the efforts to stage it. tally stronger with better shot- can’t wait to see what that feels of volunteers even more impor- “The reason we are hosting making entering the Masters like.” tant to the success of the show- this championship is to intro- than he was last year when he The last time Reed was on piece. duce athletics to new audiences won the green jacket, even if that tee, last year’s final round, The Local Organising Com- and inspire a new generation his results don’t show it. he was unsettled. mittee is seeking the help of at of athletes. Doha has become a The 28-year-old American “I felt the butterflies go- least 3,000 volunteers to en- global destination for sport and will defend his first Major ti- ing,” he said. “Once I got up to sure that operations in com- a benchmark for world-class tle at next month’s 83rd Mas- that iron shot, the nerves went petition and non-competition sporting events, and to host the ters tournament, but so far away. I got myself in the right venues are adequately support- world’s third biggest sporting he hasn’t managed a top-10 mind frame after that one ed, by carrying out vital tasks event we need the energy and showing since sharing second shot.” during the event that runs from enthusiasm of volunteers.” in November at Dubai. September 27 to October 6. Those interested in vol- “It definitely would help,” On learning curve Volunteers will be assisting unteering for the IAAF World Reed said of a strong result Reed says his best moment the Local Organising Commit- Athletics Championships Doha during a Monday teleconfer- in the green jacket was being tee in many key areas, including 2019 can complete the applica- ence. “But honestly I feel like hugged by his daughter min- venue management, protocol, tion form available on: http:// the state of mind I’m in right utes after the victory, and his accreditation, marketing, me- volunteer.iaafdoha2019.com. now is better than it was last least favorite will be handing dia operations, transportation, Volunteers must be at least 18 year at this point. it back to Augusta National of- hospitality and translation. years old to register, and those “I’m doing things on the ficials. Nasser al Sulaiti, Director below that age will require a golf course I feel more com- “That’s going to give me of Corporate Support Com- consent from their guardian. fortable doing than last year. I Patrick Reed of the United States plays his shot from the 15th tee during the final round of The Players motivation to try and repeat mittee at the Local Organising Ticket packages for the just need to go out there and Championship on The Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida recently. (AFP) and win multiple,” Reed said. Committee, highlighted the widely-anticipated event went put four rounds together.” “It has just given me motiva- importance of volunteers to on sale for fans and families Reed, now 16th in the on what we’ve been working “I’m doing things on the challenge your golf game, it tion. It kind of picks me up.” the event as he invited them to across the world in September world rankings, reached Au- on. challenges your body physi- Reed says one key he has come forward. “Volunteers are on the official IAAF website gusta National last year after “Just being able to work golf course I feel more cally and tests you mentally.” learned from Augusta Nation- the spirit of any major sporting at https://iaafworldathletics- sharing second at the Valspar the ball both ways, consistent- comfortable doing than Reed yearns for the Mas- al is that even the best players event and a championship of champs.com/doha2019/tickets Championship and seventh at ly hit golf shots and put myself last year. I just need to go ters champion duties, having never stop learning around the such magnitude would never With seat prices starting the Arnold Palmer Invitation- in a mind frame -- that’s what out there and put four had his Champions Dinner famed course, saying he would succeed without their valuable at an affordable QR 58, tick- al plus a share of ninth at the you need to compete at ma- rounds together,” Reed menu set since age 13 -- ribeye tell his younger self to “hit contribution,” he said. ets have been selling well with WGC Match Play. jors.” said steak, macaroni and cheese more fairways and leave the “No matter what your age, some categories selling out six This month, Reed shared Players winner Rory McIl- with creamed corn and spin- ball below the hole.” gender, nationality, skills and months ahead of the opening 50th at the Palmer and 47th roy, top-ranked Dustin John- dueled McIlroy, Jordan Spieth ach. “You just learn new things physical abilities are, there is ceremony at the Khalifa Inter- last week at The Players son, world number two Justin and Rickie Fowler to capture “I can’t wait to get back on about the golf course year in a role for you, and everyone national Stadium. Championship after a final- Rose and 14-time major win- the title. the property, walk around the and year out,” Reed said. “It’s round 78. ner Tiger Woods are betting “One of the greatest tests grounds and go into the cham- like every tournament you “The preparations are go- favorites ahead of the April in the game is playing in the pions locker room and look play but more penalizing times ing really well. I feel like I’m 11-14 showdown at Augusta Masters because you have to at all the names there,” Reed 100. in a better place than I was last National. do everything almost perfect- said. “You just have to make year at this time,” Reed said. But Reed was unfancied ly,” Reed said. “This year, having all the sure you’re really sharp in eve- “The thing is to keep building last year as well when he out- “Augusta doesn’t only extra activities going on, I ry part of your game.” UK-based Qatari students organise SC-sponsored football tournament

SC.DL pants attended an information DOHA session about Qatar 2022 fol- lowed by an opening ceremony FOR the third consecutive attended by Dr. Mohammed al South Africa pip Sri Lanka year, Qatari students in the Kaabi, Cultural Attaché at the UK participated in a popular Embassy of the State of Qatar, in Super Over thriller football tournament spon- Fahad al Kuwari, Assistant sored by the Supreme Com- Cultural Attaché, Mohammed AFP Miller was handed the mittee for Delivery & Legacy. al Jaber, representative of the CAPE TOWN wicketkeeping gloves in prep- The aim of the Qatari UK Stu- Qatari Ambassador to the UK, aration for his likely role as dents’ Cup is not only to bring and Jassim al Muftah and Ab- DAVID Miller shone with gloves Quinton de Kock’s back-up in students together to enjoy dulla al Rumaihi, from the Qa- and bat as South Africa beat Sri the World Cup. playing football, but also to tari Embassy. Lanka on a Super Over in a dra- He caught Niroshan Dick- increase awareness about the For the second year, Hud- matic first Twenty20 interna- wella off Dale Steyn’s bowling FIFA World Cup 2022. dersfield won the tournament, tional at Newlands on Tuesday. off the second ball of the match This year, for the first time, with Bournemouth in second In the unaccustomed role and made a stumping when Ka- the tournament was organised place. Omar al Emadi, from of wicketkeeper, Miller held a mindu Mendis ran past an Im- by the students themselves. Huddersfield, won best goal- catch and made a stumping as ran Tahir googly. Mendis top- Mohammed al Mulla, a stu- keeper, Ahmed al Ghamdi, Sri Lanka were restricted to 134 scored for Sri Lanka with 41. dent at Liverpool John Moores from Bournemouth, won best for seven after being sent in. South Africa looked set for University, is passionate about player, and Khalid al Obaidly, Miller then hit 41 off 23 balls a comfortable win when Miller Qatar’s hosting of the FIFA cousins as super heroes be- in him deciding to join John tournament this year, includ- from Huddersfield, was the but South Africa’s lower order and Rassie van der Dussen (34) World Cup, and was so eager cause they had the chance to Moores. ing organisers, players and top scorer. collapsed as the home side lost put on 66 for the fourth wicket to get involved in running the participate in the event. So if He said: “I am enjoying my spectators from all over the For Mulla, the high partici- eight wickets and could only but both were out within three tournament. there is any opportunity for time in Liverpool; this is my UK. Teams from London, Liv- pation and excitement of par- match Sri Lanka’s total. balls and the rest of the batting Chief organiser Mulla, who me to contribute to making third year in the UK. I’m the erpool, Huddersfield, Notting- ticipants clearly shows that, Miller then hit 13 runs as crumbled. is studying electrical engineer- Qatar’s World Cup a success, I head of the Qatar Society in ham, Birmingham, Swansea, “as Qataris, we are proud to South Africa scored 14 off the ing, said: “I am a football fan will gladly take it.” Liverpool, which aims to help Bristol, Hull and Preston par- be hosting the World Cup in Super Over, bowled by Sri Lan- Brief scores Sri Lanka 134 for 7 (Kamindu 41, Phehlukwayo from childhood. My father Being a Liverpool fan, students in their life outside ticipated in the competition at 2022, and it’s our duty to help kan captain Lasith Malinga. 3-25) tied with South Africa 134 for 8 (Miller 41, used to take me to matches. when the time came to choose their home country.” Powerleague Trafford Sports- our country in its success. It Sri Lanka could only man- Malinga 2-11) When I went to the 2006 a place to study, Mulla’s pas- More than 130 students dome in Manchester. has always been a dream for age five runs off Imran Tahir’s Super Over: South Africa 14 for 0 beat Sri Lanka 5 Asian Games, I looked at my sion for the club played a part participated in the 17-team Before kick-off, partici- us to be a part of it.” over in reply. for 0 18 Thursday, March 21, 2019 Sports Pogba wants ‘happy coach’ Solskjaer to stay at Man United AFP he wants to keep being hap- LONDON py. Solskjaer deserves it. He knows the club, he knows eve- PAUL Pogba hopes Ole Gun- rything about the club. nar Solskjaer is given the Man- “He is a really happy coach chester United manager’s job that gave confidence back to on a permanent basis after the the players. This gave us the Norwegian turned the club’s freedom to play and enjoy fortunes around. football again because maybe The former United striker we lost that with the results has transformed the mood and that we had before.” It is a results at Old Trafford, leading striking contrast to the final the club into the Champions months of Mourinho’s reign, League quarter-finals and lift- with Pogba the player who ing them into contention for a was repeatedly claimed to be top-four finish in the Premier at odds with the Portuguese. League. He declined to elaborate, When Solskjaer was given saying only: “Maybe we lost the role following the depar- confidence, maybe things ture of Jose Mourinho in De- went wrong. A lot of talking cember it was widely assumed outside that we weren’t used he was merely keeping the to. seat warm for a bigger mana- “I don’t like to talk about gerial name but his success the past. I like to talk about has led to a clamour for the the future because that’s what appointment to be made full- matters. We are better now time and midfielder Pogba has and the results have been bril- now added his voice. liant.” Despite their good run, England’s midfielder Dele Alli (fourth left) and striker Harry Kane (centre) at a team training session at St George’s Park in urton-on-TrentB on Wednesday. (AFP) “Of course we want him to United were beaten by Wolves stay,” the France midfielder in the FA Cup quarter-finals told Sky Sports. “The results on Saturday, a week after have been great. I have a great losing to Arsenal in the Pre- relationship with him, he has mier League -- the only two Kane welcomes great a great relationship with the domestic defeats since Sol- players. skjaer replaced Mourinho in expectations on England “When a player is happy, December.

wasn’t just a one-off. That this tering form of late, Kane has like that during the season. The Three Lions open their Euro 2020 team we are really building for scored four times in five games “Since I came back from something special in the fu- since returning from a five- injury, I feel like I’m sharp qualifiers at home to the Czech Rep on Friday ture.” week injury layoff due to ankle with a lot of energy, and that’s England’s chances of win- ligament damage. when I feel I’m at my best.” AFP pectation where people now ning a major tournament for And the World Cup Gold- Kane’s latest goal in a 2-1 BURTON-ON-TRENT, UNITED KINGDOM expect us to do well and I the first time since 1966 next en Boot winner thinks he is defeat at Southampton was think before the World Cup year will also be boosted by “in the zone” in front of goal the 200th of his career, but at ENGLAND should embrace there was no expectation. It is having the majority of their ahead of a massive three just 25, he hopes he can fol- their new-found status as one great that we have turned that games at Wembley. months for club and country low the example of Cristiano of the favourites for a major around,” said Kane on Tues- Both semi-finals and final with Spurs set to face Man- Ronaldo and Lionel Messi by tournament, believes captain day. will be held at the home of chester City in the Champions maturing into an even more Harry Kane. “I think we’ve handled it English football, as well as at League quarter-finals and in a prolific goalscorer late into his The Three Lions open their really well since the World least two of England’s group battle for a top-four Premier twenties. Euro 2020 qualifying cam- Cup. I think we’re the only games should they qualify. League finish. “Nowadays with every- paign at home to the Czech team who got into the semi- “We know the chance to “I never want to be injured, thing, sports science, I feel the Republic on Friday fresh from finals at the World Cup to play a Euros where most of the but I had that break while I prime can be a bit later. a run to the last four of the have got through their Nations games are at home is an amaz- was injured and I’ve used that “Maybe 28 to 30, that’s World Cup last summer and League groups, and we had ing opportunity and you don’t to make sure I’m fresh now,” maybe when you’re going to with another semi-final to probably one of the hardest often get that in your career so he added. be in your prime. If you keep come in the Nations League in groups. we will try and make the most “I feel in that zone, where if yourself in shape -- Ronaldo June. “I think that was big for of it,” added Kane. I get a chance, I’m going to put and Messi have proven that. Manchester United coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer with player Paul “I think we feel that ex- us, to prove to everyone that it Despite Tottenham’s fal- it away. You go through spells I’ve still got a little bit to go.” Pogba during a Premier League match at Old Trafford recently. Klopp urges Salah to FIFA INTERNATIONAL BREAK use Mane as inspiration Five things to look for during international week

AFP December during a spell of 17 LONDON matches in which he scored just Big finale brewing in Africa, Concacaf three times. LIVERPOOL manager Jurgen Having seen Mane work region; European qualifiers set to get rolling Klopp says Mohamed Salah through his drought success- should use Sadio Mane as in- fully, Klopp believes Salah will FIFA.COM New coaches’ tourna- spiration as the Egypt star looks soon see his luck change in ment tune-ups to hit peak form after an incon- front of goal as well. AS stars of the game travel the With the Copa America also sistent season. “Sadio played pretty much world to congregate amongst on the horizon in what is set to Salah scored 44 times in his always like this but now he is their compatriots for another be a packed June and July for debut season with Liverpool, always in the right spot in the week of international football, international football fans, this but his second campaign has right moment. In football it’s this is no time to play catch- is the last chance for African, not been so smooth. sometimes like this,” Klopp told up, with business very much North and South American Although Salah has 20 Liverpool’s website. at hand. With so much football coaches to test their squads be- goals in the current campaign, “He is in a really good mo- across the globe, FIFA.com fore deciding who will be join- his goalless run of seven match- ment, of course. The only thing gives you five things to keep ing them for the tournaments. es is the longest he has experi- he did when he was not always your eyes across in a busy sev- This could be no more enced since a 10-game streak in the right spot was work and en days of action. pressing for those taking the for Roma in 2015-16. work and work. reins for the first time. Carlos That is a concern, with “That’s exactly what Mo Last stands in Africa, Queiroz is at Colombia’s helm, Liverpool chasing their first has to do, exactly the same, just Concacaf region leading them into a 2018 FIFA English title since 1990 and work, do the right things and it Either side of the Atlantic World Cup Russia™ reunion also through to the Champions will come again. there are ten places apiece up against Japan. League quarter-finals. “He’s just rather unlucky, for grabs at the CAF Africa Cup Meanwhile, expect plenty Fortunately for Liverpool, where Sadio is lucky in the mo- of Nations and Concacaf Gold of testing of the water when Senegal winger Mane is in fine ment -- he is in brilliant shape, Cup, with both races almost new arrivals Eduardo Berizzo form and has moved level on 20 that’s true. “But then, he is in impossible to call. and Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino goals with Salah, after netting the right shape and maybe a In Africa, no fewer than sev- meet up as coaches of Paraguay 11 in as many games. yard away from him is Mo, but en of those places are wrapped and Mexico respectively. Argentina’s players take part in a training session at Real Madrid’s training facilities of Valdebebas in Mane had gone goalless in somebody else scored. That’s up in winner-takes-all encoun- Madrid on Wednesday. (AFP) eight outings in November and how it is, all good.” ters across Friday and Satur- World Cup sides meet day, with both of Group G and on EURO path Can Germany bounce defeat and draw with the Oran- Group K’s tickets still on the ta- The race for UEFA EURO back? je in the Nations League sealed ble. There are 21 teams still har- 2020 kicks off on Thursday, When it comes to momen- their slide into League B. bouring dreams of appearing in with the 55 European na- tum, Germany are distinctly Egypt, though the likes of Cam- tions in action. While there lacking that after their worst Big-name returns eroon and South Africa are still are plenty of games that Messi, Ronaldo international year in recent After questions were raised to secure their spots. However, catch the eye, there’s set to memory. Having crashed out over the international futures even more have their heart set be some intriguing encoun- back & ready of Russia 2018 bottom of their of Lionel Messi and Cristiano on a place at the Gold Cup. A ters between sides we saw at After questions were raised group, then suffered relegation Ronaldo, with neither pulling massive 25 sides are all techni- Russia 2018. in the Nations League, they are on their respective Argentina cally in with a shot at snapping While holders France will over the international futures of hoping it will be ‘new year, new and Portugal jerseys since the up the ten vacant spots via the take on Iceland, bronze me- Lionel Messi and Cristiano you’. Joachim Low has opted last 16 of Russia 2018, they’re Concacaf Nations League quali- dalists Belgium and quarter- Ronaldo, with neither pulling on for a mini-revolution to do so, back and ready for action. fication. While the likes of table finalists Russia lock horns their respective Argentina and declaring Brazil 2014 winners Both are of course now into leaders Curacao, Haiti, Canada with hopes of keeping the Portugal jerseys since the last Jerome Boateng, Mats Hum- their 30s, but neither star seems and Cuba having goal differ- good World Cup vibes rolling 16 of Russia 2018, they’re mels and Thomas Muller as to be waning. Messi has clocked ence on their side, should they into 2019. Meanwhile, Por- back and ready for action. surplus to requirements. A up 60 goals and assists so far for slip up, no one is certain of a tugal will host Serbia, with meeting with Ronald Koeman’s Barcelona this season, with Ron- spot at the continental finals both finishing last year on a Netherlands presents a strong aldo bagging 36 since donning a Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah in action during the Premier League amid the 34-strong league. high by topping their UEFA looking to carry that momen- opportunity to show they are Juventus shirt; nice additions to match at Craven Cottage stadium in London recently. (EPA) Nations League groups and tum forward. turning things around, after a recall if you have the option. Sports Thursday, March 21, 2019 19

(Left) Al Arabi Club players celebrate after winning the Qatar Cup Basketball Tournament after defeating Al Wakrah in the finalat Al Gharafa Club Indoor Hall on Wednesday. (Right) Al Wakrah with QBF President Ahmad al Muftah on Wednesday. Dogged Arabi beat Wakrah again This was the third final of the year between the two teams and Al Arabi finished on the top to clinch the Qatar Cup 2019

AYENI OLUSEGUN with a double-double 23 onds as Abdi knocked down DOHA points and 10 rebounds along clutch free throws to lead his with Louis Munk III pushed team to victory. AL Arabi survived a first quar- the team to an early 7-2 lead. “We have the advantage ter onslaught to beat Al Wak- But Al Arabi recovered from over them, I think; we have rah 75-71 and claim the 2019 the early onslaught to wrest beaten them in a few finals. Qatar Cup basketball title at the initiative but Wakrah kept I don’t want to say we played the Al Gharafa Sports Club on their composure to stretch the angry having lost the league Wednesday. This is the third lead to 15-9 and beating Arabi recently, so maybe the motiva- final of the year in which the off defensive rebounds. tion came from that. two teams contested with Al Al Arabi however ended “But we came out to play Arabi completing a hat-trick the quarter on a high as a last- today and you know basket- of wins. second shot by Laron Dendy ball is a game of runs and Ahead of the game, Al brought scores to 19-15 at the they went on a little run in the Wakrah coach Ihab Galal had buzzer. first quarter but we got timely promised to rectify a losing re- Byrd inspired Al Arabi’s Despite Wakrah’s fight- stops and necessary baskets so cord to his rival Hatem Mam- second quarter turn-around back, Arabi still held a tight we did well. We know we are louk but Al Arabi proved to be as the Dream Team led 33-29 grip on the lead with timely good defensive team and we more determined to win hav- forcing Al Wakrah coach to defensive stops and baskets as proved that today,” Abdi said ing lost the League to Al Sha- call a timeout. Out of the time the clock wound down in the after the game. mal just a few weeks back. out, Jasmon Youngblood fi- fourth quarter. With the Emir Cup next William Bryd Jr led the nally scored his first field goal A three-pointer by Al Wak- and Al Arabi the defend- Dream Team with 20 points when his floater found the rah captain Ahmad al Darwish ing champions, Abdi wants a and nine boards while captain basket to cut Arabi lead to two helped bring the scores to 72- sweep of the Cup trophies af- Khalid Suliman Abdi chipped points 33-31. 66 and a timely defensive stop ter a disappointing league loss. in with 18 points, four re- Al Arabi soon surged to a led to another basket by Munk “We have the Emir Cup bounds and three assists. 10-point lead (57-47) at the making it a four-point game next and as champions we The game began at a fran- end of the third quarter with with 26 seconds on the clock. want to defend it, so today we tic pace as Wakrah led by Galal staring at another finals Al Arabi Club captain Ahmad al Darwish, coach Ihab Galal and officials with the cup and gold medals after But the experienced Arabi celebrate this and tomorrow Shawn Taggart who finished defeat to rival Mamlouk. the podium ceremony. did enough in the final sec- we get back to work,” he added. Saud & Salma bag gold beIN Sports to telecast UEFA Euro 2020 medals for Qatar qualifying tournament live TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK for a chance to compete for broadcaster for a number of our efforts to connect our sub- DOHA DOHA Europe’s biggest prize. UEFA competitions including scribers to the biggest and best The UEFA Euro 2020 will the UEFA Champions League, competitions from around the QATAR’S Saud al Sulaiti THE UEFA Euro 2020 quali- be held in 12 cities across 12 UEFA Europa League, UEFA globe.” emerged the champion in bad- fying tournament is set to European countries from June European Championship and Match day 1 and 2 of the minton, while Salma al Hamad kick off on Thursday (March 12 to July 12, 2020. the UEFA Super Cup. UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying bagged the second gold medal 21) live and exclusive on beIN With the UEFA Euro 2020 Commenting on the up- tournament will see the fol- in 100m race at the Special Sports. coming UEFA Euro 2020 lowing teams go head to head Olympics World Games which The prestigious Europe- qualifiers, Jonathan White- live and exclusive on beIN concluded in Abu Dhabi on an qualifiers return on beIN head Sports Advisor at beIN Sports HD 11 for English and Wednesday. Sports as national teams go Media Group said: “We are beIN Sports HD 1 for Arabic. The Qatari team finished head to head to determine extremely excited to be the with an impressive tally of who will feature in the biggest exclusive broadcaster of the Telecast schedule - March 21: eight medals, including two ever UEFA European Champi- qualifiers added to its vast li- UEFA Euro 2020 qualifiers in Belgium vs Russia 22:45 Mecca Time (GMT +3) silver through Mohammad onships in 2020. brary of sport and entertain- MENA. With our wide selec- March 22: Ikhlas in shot put and Nayef al For the first time since ment content, beIN Media tion of sports content serving England vs Czech Republic 22:45 Mecca Time (GMT +3) Jassim in badminton. 1976, no team will automati- Group once again cements its millions of fans in the region, March 23: Mohamed al Dosari, Head cally qualify for the UEFA Eu- place as the leading broadcast- the UEFA Euro 2020 quali- Spain vs Norway 22:45 Mecca Time (GMT +3) of Qatar’s delegation in the ropean Championship, mean- er in MENA. With the return fiers is a valuable addition to Games, expressed delight at his ing all teams will have to go of The UEFA Euro 2020 quali- our ever growing library of March 24: team’s overall performance. through the qualifying rounds fiers beIN is now the exclusive content and is another step in Netherlands vs Germany 22:45 Mecca Time (GMT +3) Federer has mixed feelings about Miami Open venue IANS tournament on the circuit, only sur- WASHINGTON passed by the four Grand Slams.” “I remember when I first arrived Federer recalled that, at the old in 1998, when I won the junior SWISS tennis player Roger Federer, venue,he starred in matches with title after first defeating David who has played four Miami Open five unforgettable sets since he be- Nalbandian in the semifinals finals and won three, all on the old gan to compete there, including and then Guillermo Coria in the Crandon Park courts in Key Bis- his first final in 2002 which he lost final in the fight for number one cayne, said that he has “mixed feel- in four sets to the American Andre in the world,” said Federer ings” with this year’s move to the Agassi. Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gar- “Much time has passed since dens. I arrived at this tournament in In addition, it was the first year For the first time in 31 years, the which I had some epic battles,” said when the tournament took place tournament has another venue built Federer, adding “I remember when at the Crandon Park headquarters, with an investment of $60 million I first arrived in 1998, when I won where he then managed to win the and which already had, on the first the junior title after first defeating tournament three times, the first day of the qualifying phase, about David Nalbandian in the semifinals two consecutively (2005 and 2006) 13,000 spectators inspecting the and then Guillermo Coria in the fi- and 11 years later, in 2017. new facilities, reports Efe news. nal in the fight for number one in “So clearly I have mixed feelings “I understand all that, but I also the world.” about the change, but I hope it’s all recognise that it was a great tourna- The duel against the two Argen- for the better. And I understand the ment, with a lot of history,” Federer tine champions is remembered by logic behind this, it’s about adapt- said on Tuesday. Federer as something very “special” (From left) Novak Djokovic of Serbia, Serena Williams of the United States, Roger Federer of Switzerland, and Miami Dolphins ing to the new times in all aspects, “We must not forget that it was amongst the experiences he had on owner Stephen Ross after the ribbon cutting ceremony on Day 3 of the Miami Open presented by Itau in Miami Gardens, but of course, I’ll miss the place,” considered the fifth most important the courts of Key Biscayne. Florida on Wednesday. (AFP) Federer said.