Serena withdraws from Italian OpenOpen with knee injuryjuryy PAGE 18

WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2019

Pakistan’s Sana Mir becomes women TENNIS ODI’s most successful spinner PAGE 19 ITALIAN OPEN

AMIR CUP , sweat it out before the big clash Qatari referees to officiate final QNA system, which made its debut on the world’s biggest stage for first time in Russia 2018. THE Football Asso- The first assistant will be ciation (QFA) Arbitration Talib Salem, second assistant Department have announced Saud Ahmed, fourth referee that Qatari referees, led by Ab- Khamis al Kuwari, and the dulrahman al Jassim, will offi- video referee Salman Falahi. ciate the Amir Cup final. Al Duhail, the defending Jassim made his FIFA HH the Amir Cup champions, World Cup debut at Rus- will take on Al Sadd, the reign- sia 2018 and has overseen ing QNB Stars League cham- matches in the AFC U-23 pions, on May 16th in HH the Championship in 2016, Amir Cup final. FIFA U-20 World Cup in The final will be played 2017 and the FIFA U-17 on May 16 at the brand new World Cup as a Video Assis- Al Wakrah Stadium, which tant Referee. will be inaugurated on the The Qatari is the only Asian same day and is one of the referee selected to implement eight venues of the 2022 FIFA the newly-introduced VAR World Cup. Xavi Hernandez and other Al Sadd players warm up for a training session (left), and Al Duhail players during training ahead of the Amir Cup 2019 final scheduled for Thursday. Yousef El Arabi returns to training for Red Knights after missing the semis

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK against Al Sailiya. joyed another prolific season Al Duhail coach had earlier Sadd, who played on Satur- The 47th Amir Cup final chequered footballing ca- DOHA In a post on the club’s with the Red Knights, banging lamented the rush of games for day, started their prepara- will be played at the new Al reer as a player. twitter, El Arabi with team- in 26 goals in this campaign his players especially with the tions earlier. Wakrah Stadium on May 16. Tickets for the most pres- MOROCCAN striker Yousef mates during the team’s prac- and will be a much-needed ad- AFC Champions League, do- The players had earlier re- It will also be a swan- tigious football competition El Arabi has returned to Al tice session. dition to the squad against a mestic cup competitions and ceived Sunday off from train- song game for former Bar- in the country are almost Duhail training after miss- The French-bron former strong Al Sadd team firing on various national assignments. ing following the Amir Cup celona legend Xavi, who will sold out but few still available ing the Amir Cup semi-final Granada of Spain player en- all cylinders. Meanwhile opponents Al semi-final win over Al Rayyan. bring down curtians on his according to the organisers. ‘The people of Al Wakrah are joyous’

SC.QA Ali Yousef, affectionately known in the local area as ‘Mr Al Wakrah’, You have a long history with Al Wakrah Sports Club, can has been associated with the neighbourhood and its local football you begin by describing your memories from the early days team across six decades. In an exclusive interview ahead of the Amir and how it compares with to- day? Cup final taking place at Al Wakrah Stadium on Thursday, he speaks When I first started with Al Wakrah of his pride, excitement and aspirations for the future of his city. Sports Club, I was a reserve team player. Then I shifted into the man- agement and administration side of things. During that time, I held a number of positions at the club – most notably as the club’s secretary general for a long period of time. I grew with the club. I remember the days when the club was run from Ali Yousef sharing memories from the past. old villas and mud houses, and how we used to clear rocks and stones to for the tournament? were at the time of the an- make the pitches suitable for play- I can’t begin to explain the hap- nouncement? Were you with ers to play on. piness we felt as a nation. I have your family and friends? To think back to those days and witnessed the World Cup closely in I was at home with the family and look where we are today, it’s almost various countries and this is an oc- tears of joy streamed from our eyes. unbelievable. Today, Al Wakrah casion everyone wants to be part of. We? Qatar? A state of our size and has superb facilities – not just for Qatar has provided all that is nec- our population; but with persever- football, but also athletics, volley- essary to fulfill the successful de- ance, great heart and wisdom – we ball, basketball, handball and even livery of this mega-sporting event. were able to beat a number of lead- table tennis. Qatar is bringing a new meaning ing nations in earning the opportu- to this football event and changing nity to host the World Cup. It was Al Wakrah will become a the face of this globally-loved sport. a very happy moment for all mem- prominent city and a promi- This is something that Qatar has bers of my family and for all those nent part of Qatar 2022. How always aspired to do. This was watching the celebrations. much does it mean to the event that every country in the And what does hosting the also witnessed when we hosted city that in three-and-half world dreams of hosting. Our wise FIFA World Cup mean for the the fourth Gulf Cup – that was On May 16th, the new Al Wak- years’ time the whole leaders hit the bullseye when they wider Arab world? an event that many continue to rah Stadium will host the world will be watch- placed every effort in bidding to- As our Amir, His Highness talk positively about today, from Amir Cup final. Can you pre- ing? wards the opportunity to host the Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al a managerial, planning, technical dict how you will feel? The people of Al Wak- World Cup in 2022. This is an Thani, said: “This is a World Cup and artistic perspective, audience I’m certain I will feel great pride rah are joyous – the accomplishment that we as for the Arab world”. management, and media presence and joy. This is the real launch excitement is un- Qataris wholeheartedly His words are immortal. His words and coverage. and the real face of what Qatar has mistakable. This take pride in. should be noted down in history, Qatar has strained no effort in promised to deliver, with global is the global and should be engraved. We take building the exquisite stadiums standards and features, such as the sporting these words as a cradle to live by. from the ground up. I have no cooling technology, allowing the We welcome everyone, our friends doubt that Qatar will host a suc- country to host any sporting event and brothers from across the cessful tournament in 2022. - or any event for that matter – at world. Qatar is a home to all. The And those watching through their any time of year. World Cup on Al Wakrah’s turf – screens will also be able to witness I believe the mini World Cup - the it’s fantastic. the magnitude of the preparations. Amir Cup final - will witness this Not to boast, but those that host event and know that Qatar has all Can you remember your emo- the next World Cup will have big that it takes to host the FIFA World tions when Qatar won the bid shoes to fill. Cup. The one that Qatar promised. to host the FIFA World Cup in The promise we, as a nation, are 2022 and what are your hopes Do you remember where you now delivering on. Sports Wednesday, May 15, 2019 17

COPA AMERICA Qatar will neutralise Neymar in Qatar’s Brazil friendly, says Sanchez Olympic football team Al Annabi squad to be named at the set for end of the month training in IKOLI VICTOR DOHA France QNA THE Asian Cup champions DOHA Qatar will neutralise Neymar and his talented Brazil team THE Qatar Olympic football when the two sides meet in team is set to launch their a glamorous friendly match training camp in France dur- ahead of the Copa America ing the period from May 20 2019, according to Qatar’s until the end of the month as coach Felix Sanchez. Qatar coach Felix Sanchez during a press conference at the Aspire part of preparations to par- Qatar are to make their Academy in Doha on Tuesday. ticipate in the Toulon Interna- Copa America debut in Brazil tional Tournament in France. as one of two invitee teams to The Qatar team’s partici- the South American tourna- There is no national team in the world that has pation in the Toulon tourna- ment alongside Japan, making played two big continental championships in a season. ment is an important stage for their second appearance. Also, we had a busy club schedule with the players. We will the preparation of the upcom- Brazil will host Qatar in ing Under-23 Asian Cup which the capital Brasilia on June 5 try to limit the weaknesses when we arrive in Brazil but at Brazil and PSG football star Neymar Jr (left) with his mother Nadine Santos at the Spanish Formula One will take place in Thailand in before the World Cup 2022 the same time the motivation is big and we will Grand Prix at Montmelo Circuit in Montmelo, Barcelona, Spain, on Sunday. (EPA-EFE) January 2020. hosts face a Brazilian club side compensate with a good performance. Once the players It is a qualifying tourna- in their second friendly match. arrive on the pitch, I’m sure they will give 100 percent. for 2022. There will be a lot international scouts from Eu- at the end of the month. He ment for the Tokyo 2020 Qatar are in Group B along- of physical demands but the rope, the Spanish tactician hinted that the door is still Olympics. The Toulon Inter- side Argentina, Colombia and Felix Sanchez players are motivated.” said: “We need to go step by open to some youth players national Tournament will run Paraguay. In terms of preparations, step and in three years these who will compete in the FIFA from June 1 to 15. Qatar will open their cam- Sanchez said: “There is no na- players will play in the world U20 World Cup in Poland Qatar Olympic team has paign against Paraguay on relationship with many of the Sanchez added. tional team in the world that cup. It is another step neces- this June. been pooled in group B along- June 16, while Brazil are in current squad members. “We had a great Asian Cup has played two big continen- sary for us to prepare and for Sanchez praised the fa- side France, Brazil and Gua- Group A alongside Bolivia, Speaking at a press confer- and it was a big achievement. tal championships in a sea- the players, it is an opportu- cilities at the Aspire Academy temala. Qatar will open their Venezuela and Peru. ence at the Aspire Academy Hopefully, it will help us to son. Also, we had a busy club nity to showcase themselves to that it has helped develop the campaign against France on Sanchez, who guided Al on Tuesday, Sanchez said: “It compete but this is a differ- schedule with the players. the rest of the world hopefully national team players over the June 2 while the second match Annabi to a historical Asian will be an interesting matchup ent competition and it is our “We will try to limit the in a good way.” years. “I have been here with will be against Guatemala three Cup title in January, signed against Brazil. They have Ney- first time to play against South weaknesses when we arrive in Talking on the expected some of the players for many days later. the final match will an improved contract with the mar but we will try to mini- American teams. Brazil but at the same time the players to make the cut to years, so this, of course, makes against Brazil on June 8. Qatar Football Association un- mise his strength, whether he “We want to perform at motivation is big and we will Brazil, Sanchez said barring me proud and honoured to The Toulon International til 2022. plays or not, Brazil has talent- the highest level and see how compensate with a good per- injuries the changes will be help the national team. We Tournament has been held an- The Spaniard has spent ed players. we can compete against Ar- formance. Once the players very minimal to the side that have made many sacrifices to nually in the city of Toulon in much of his coaching career in “We want to gain more gentina, Brazil, and Uruguay; arrive on the pitch, I’m sure conquered the Asian conti- reach this level, I am happy to southern France since 1967. Qatar, working at the Aspire experience and see how close they are former World Cup they will give 100 percent.” nent in January. He admitted have an institution like Aspire. It is also held in other French Academy before leading the na- we are to the South American champions. It is going to be Responding to a question that there have been some They have the best facilities in cities and witnesses the par- tion to the Asian Under-19 title teams ahead of bigger op- tough but it will be a good if the tournament will further injury problems and that he the world and we must use to ticipation of teams from all in 2014 and has a long-standing ponents and competitions,” test to see how ready we are help to expose his players to will name his 23-man squad the maximum.” continents. Qatar continue preparation for FIFA U-20 World Cup Female referees all set to create AFC history

AFC KUALA LUMPUR

ASIAN football history will be made on Wednesday when Japanese referee Yoshimi Yamashita alongside assistant referees Makoto Bozono and Naomi Teshirogi become the first all-female cast to officiate an AFC Cup match between Myanmar’s Yangon United FC and Naga World of Cambodia at the Thuwunna Stadium. This will be the first time three female referees officiate Yamashita alongside assistant referees Makoto Bozono and Naomi in the Asian Football Confed- Teshirogi become the first all-female cast to officiate an AFC Cup match eration’s (AFC) club compe- between Myanmar’s Yangon United FC and Naga World of Cambodia. titions, marking a new mile- stone in Asian refereeing. The trio had to pass a de- This month Qatar will be making their fourth U-20 World Cup appearance in Poland after making their debut in 1981 when they finished second. manding fitness test, match- ing the requirements for men TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK officials before being selected DOHA and their appointment is a timely boost, as they are also THE Qatar squad is in full part of 12 Asian match officials preparation mode ahead of representing the AFC at the the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2019 FIFA Women’s World Poland, the Qatar Football As- Cup France in June. sociation (QFA) announced. The experienced Yamash- Coached by Portuguese ita was delighted to add an- Bruno Miguel, Qatar have other milestone in her career undergone a preparatory after officiating in the 2016 training camp in Slovakia and 2018 FIFA U-17 Women’s ahead of the May 23-June 15 World Cup and AFC Women’s championship. Asian Cup Jordan 2018. Makoto Bozono in action during a match. Qatar are tagged in Group “This is one of my dreams,” D with Ukraine, Nigeria and said a proud Yamashita. match because the players good warm-up for the FIFA the USA. “We’ve worked very hard and have different personalities Women’s World Cup. It is ex- Al Annabi played a friendly this is the result. I have to and temperament. I worked citing to work with Yoshimi against South Africa on May thank the AFC for giving us really hard with my personal and Naomi. They are very ex- 5 when they lost the encoun- this opportunity to join the trainer and I’m glad I passed perienced and have been very ter 1-0 after a tense battle. On beIN SPORTS to air documentary on U-20 team history books in women’s ref- the fitness test. supportive. I will learn a lot May 8, Qatar beat Honduras ereeing in Asia. “In the future, we hope to from them.” 2-1 producing a quality game BEIN SPORTS, the global sports broadcaster, will premiere an exclusive documentary titled ‘Qatar “It is an important set the example for more fe- Female assistant referees under pressure. U20, the Next Generation’ on Friday, 17th of May at 22:00 Mecca Time (GMT +3) on beIN SPORTS achievement for us because it male referees to take the leap Kim Kyoung-min and Lee Coach Miguel gave most of HD 1. The 56-minute-long documentary takes an in-depth look into the preparations of the Qatar is the first time three women to officiate in men’s football Seul-gi will also officiate in his players a run in the match U20 National Football Team who are set to participate in the upcoming U20 FIFA World Cup in will officiate in an AFC club matches. More women passed the AFC Cup match between ahead of the team’s first match Poland. beIN SPORTS was given exclusive access to the team’s training camp and sat down to competition and it comes be- the men’s fitness test so that Ceres Negros FC and Becamex against Nigeria on May 24. discuss the teams hopes and aspirations going into the tournament. fore the FIFA Women’s World shows how motivated the Binh Duong alongside male Qatar face Ukraine on May The Qatar U20 team have a tough act to follow after the success of the senior team earlier this Cup so we will do our best in women referees are.” referee Kim Dae-yong. 27 followed by a match against year when they won their first ever Asian Federation Cup (AFC) 2019 in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Following every match.” Bozono said the experi- Their selection showcases the US on May 30. on this magnificent achievement, the documentary highlights the evolution of football in Qatar over Assistant referee Teshirogi ence of being an assistant ref- AFC’s commitment to cele- Qatar, currently in the last decade and the importance given to the youth set up. With state-of-the-art facilities, and a (pictured below) believes their eree at the AFC Cup will help brate women’s contribution to France for their second philosophy built on developing young talent, Qatar’s next generation have a bright future ahead. appointment will inspire fe- in her preparations for the Asian football and it fittingly training camp, will take on male referees in Asia to follow 2019 FIFA Women’s World marks the continuation of the Albania on May 15 following be making their fourth FIFA finished second. and they had a similar out- in their footsteps. Cup. AFC’s #ItsMyGame campaign by a match against a Belgian U-20 World Cup appearance They hosted the compe- come 20 years later when they She said: “I’m excited She explained: “I’m very in 2019 where a series of vid- side on May 18. at Poland 2019 after making tition back in 1996 but they finished at the bottom of group and happy for the team but honoured to be selected for eos will be launched in the This month Qatar will their debut in 1981 when they bowed out at the first round C in New Zealand 2015. we know it will be a tough the AFC Cup and sure it is a coming months. 18 Wednesday, May 15, 2019 Sports Manchester City dispute report of possible Champions League ban

“Manchester City’s pub- Financial Fair Play is a The New York Times and BBC reported lished accounts are full and rule designed to make sure that investigators favour the ban should complete and a matter of legal the amount of money spent by and regulatory record. clubs on players and wages are City be proved to have violated football’s “The accusation of financial roughly equal to their commer- irregularities are entirely false, cial revenue and prize money Financial Fair Play rules and comprehensive proof of earned. this fact has been provided to City were fined £49 by DPA false” earlier this year and reit- the CFCB IC.” UEFA told dpa UEFA - £32 million of which LONDON erated that assertion in a state- on Tuesday they don’t com- was suspended - for breach- ment after the Times report - ment on ongoing investiga- ing FFP rules in 2014, while MANCHESTER City on Tues- later followed up by British tions. the club’s Champions League day disputed a media report media - said that Yves Leterme, The investigations are a re- squad was also reduced for the claiming UEFA investigators chairman of the investigatory sult of numerous claims made 2014-15 season. are expected to seek a one- panel of UEFA’s independent by the German magazine Der City won their fourth Pre- season Champions League ban financial control board, is ex- Spiegel, which cited leaked mier League title in eight sea- if the Premier League champi- pected to make a recommenda- documents to suggest that City sons on Sunday but have never ons are found to have breached tion this week. have violated FFP rules. won the Champions League, financial rules. Leterme, the former Bel- Der Spiegel also said City making it the top target of the The New York Times, and gian Prime Minister, has final paid £200,000 to the agent of club’s ownership. later Britain’s BBC, reported say on a submission that will England winger Jadon Sancho, The Times said it was un- that investigators favour the be made to a separate adjudica- now at Borussia Dortmund, clear when any levied ban ban should City be proved to tory board, which is expected Manchester City’s Spanish manager Pep Guardiola and his back-room staff pose with the Premier League when he was 14. would be enforced. have violated football’s Finan- to seek a one-season ban from trophy after their match against Brighton and Hove Albion, recently. (AFP) The club has vigorously Qualification for next sea- cial Fair Play rules. Europe’s top club competition, denied wrongdoing, and its of- son’s competition begins in The European ruling body, the Times said. “The New York Times re- “The implications are that the CFCB IC process is being ficials have warned UEFA that June, putting UEFA in a race as well as the Premier League, City raised questions over port citing “people familiar either Manchester City’s good misrepresented by individuals they would mount an aggres- against time to finalise any are both investigating the club the Times report since UEFA with the case” is therefore ex- faith in the CFCB IC (Club Fi- intent on damaging the Club’s sive response to any effort to sanction, which City would over the allegations. has yet to comment on its in- tremely concerning,” the club’s nancial Control Body Investiga- reputation and its commercial bar the club from Europe’s top have the right to appeal, the City called them “entirely vestigation. statement read. tory Chamber) is misplaced or interests. Or both. club competition. newspaper added. Zverev clay-court horror show Serena withdraws continues with Italian Open exit from Italian Open Zverev has had a with knee problem terrible start to the AFP clay-court season, ROME SERENA Williams withdrew losing in Madrid from the Italian Open on Tues- and Munich day with a recurring left knee injury handing sister Venus a AFP walkover into the third round. A file picture of Nicole Gibbs ROME In Tuesday’s statement the of the US during the Australian 23-time Grand Slam winner Open in Melbourne earlier this GERMANY’S Alexander insisted she would still be com- year. Gibbs tweeted on Monday Zverev crashed out of the Ital- peting in the French Open later that she will miss the French ian Open on Tuesday with a this month. Open because of surgery to treat 7-5, 7-5 loss to Italian wild “I must withdraw from the salivary gland cancer. (AFP) card Matteo Berrettini in the Italian Open due to pain in my second round. left knee,” Serena said in a state- Nicole Gibbs of “The match that I played ment. Serena Williams in action against was horrendous,” said Zverev “I will miss the fans and Rebecca Peterson at the Italian US diagnosed of after the game which took 1hr competition at one of my fa- Open on Monday. (EPA-EFE) 48min on the red clay of the vourite tournaments. cancer, withdraws Foro Italico. “I’ll be concentrating on re- through to a third round meet- Zverev, the 2017 winner hab and look forward to seeing ing with either Johanna Konta from French Open and runner-up in Rome last you all at the French Open and of Britain or American seventh year to Novak Djokovic, has next year in Rome.” seed Sloane Stephens. AGENCIES had a terrible start to the clay- The French Open starts on Serena -- now ranked 11th -- LOS ANGELES court season with the French May 26. has completed just eight match- Open starting on May 26. Serena’s withdrawal comes es this year, also withdrawing AMERICAN Nicole Gibbs has The 22-year-old lost his a day after she beat Sweden’s from Indian Wells in March withdrawn from this month’s Madrid Open title last week, Italy’s Matteo Berrettini returns the ball to Germany’s Alexander Zverev during their ATP Masters match at Rebecca Peterson in straight with illness. French Open after being di- falling in the quarter-finals of the Foro Italico in Rome on Tuesday. (AFP) sets to set up a second round There are now doubts that agnosed with a rare form of both Madrid and Munich to meeting with her older sister the veteran can add to her tally cancer that was found by her Stefanos Tsitsipas and Cris- last month, and reached the sets and advance to the second Kyrios, who next plays Norwe- Venus. of Grand Slams, something dentist, reports BBC.com. tian Garin respectively. final in Munich. round. The 28-year-old Goffin gian qualifier Casper Ruud. She had been returning af- which has so far proved beyond Gibbs, 26, said she was The German has yet to Zverev started with a break won through 4-6, 6-0, 6-2 in Portgual’s Joao Sousa ter more than two months out her since returning last year af- alerted to a growth on the win a trophy this season and in the second set, but lost this 1hr 55min against the three- saved four match points in with a knee problem, in the fi- ter taking time out following the roof of her mouth, with a sub- stands 4-6 on clay this spring. advantage immediately. time Grand Slam winner to set the deciding set to battle past nal warm-up clay-court tourna- birth of her first child. sequent biopsy coming back Zverev had been seeded The 33rd-ranked Italian up a meeting with Argentine American Frances Tiafoe 6-3, ment before the French Open. Her last Grand Slam singles positive for salivary gland fourth in the final clay-court survived four break points, seventh seed Juan Martin Del 6-7 (3/7), 7-6 (7/4). Four-time Rome winner title was won at the Australian cancer. warm-up before Roland Gar- breaking the German in the Potro for a place in the third Sousa, who also trailed 1/4 Serena, 37, had eased through Open in 2017, where she was The world number 117 will ros, and was playing his first twelfth game to close 7-5 to round. in the deciding set tie-break, 6-4, 6-2 her first round match pregnant, breaking a tie with have surgery on Friday and game having received a first- the delight of the home crowd. Ninth seed Marin Cilic will play third seed Roger against Swedish qualifier Pe- Steffi Graf for the most in the said there is a “great progno- round bye. Berrettini will play Argen- beat Italian wild card Andrea Federer in the second round. tersen. professional era. sis” for this type of cancer. Last year, Zverev reached tine Diego Schwartzman, who Basso 6-1, 7-5 as Australian Eight-time Rome win- Serena had also played Pe- Her win in Melbourne She added she hopes to the final in Rome beating eased past Yoshihito Nishioka Nick Kyrgios needed three sets ner Rafael Nadal will start his tersen in the second round at moved her one behind Austral- return for Wimbledon quali- Berrettini there in their only 6-1, 6-4 in 73 minutes. to get past Russian 12th seed tournament against Jeremy the Miami Open in March be- ian Court’s record of 24 major fying in June. previous meeting. But the Belgian David Goffin ral- Daniil Medvedev. Chardy in the second round fore withdrawing with a knee singles titles. “Unfortunately I will be 33rd-ranked Italian has been lied from a set down to beat “I knew it was going to be after the Frenchman beat injury. She is a three-time French withdrawing from the re- on form capturing his second former French Open cham- tough today because I haven’t compatriot Richard Gasquet Her withdrawal sends Ve- Open winner, claiming her last mainder of the clay season ATP title on clay in Budapest pion Stan Wawrinka in three played much on clay,” said 6-1, 4-6, 6-3. nus Williams, the 1999 winner, title in Roland Garros in 2015. and will not be competing at this year’s Roland Garros,” Gibbs said on Monday. “Fortunately this form of cancer has a great prognosis Tiger Woods sets sights Roma’s ‘heart beat’ De Rossi moving on after 18 years and my surgeon is confident that surgery alone will be suf- AFP place with two games to play. whenever he wants.” ficient treatment. on Olympic gold in Tokyo ROME De Rossi has spent his Rossi made 615 appear- “He even okayed me entire senior career with ances and scored 63 goals for to play an extra couple of REUTERS many Olympics. That would be Daniele De Rossi his hometown team coming Roma in all competitions win- tournaments these past few FARMINGDALE, NEW YORK a first for me and something will bring the curtain down on through the club’s academy ning the Coppa Italia in 2007 weeks, which served as a nice I would certainly welcome if I his 18-year career with Roma system. and 2008, and the Supercop- distraction.” TIGER Woods has collected was part of the team.” at the end of the season, the “For 18 years, Daniele has pa in 2007. The 2019 French Open plenty of Green Jackets and Woods was battling a ca- Serie A side announced on been the beating heart of AS He took over the captain’s runs from 26 May to 9 June, Claret Jugs during his decorat- reer-threatening back injury at Tuesday. Roma’s team,” said club pres- armband from club legend while qualifying for Wimble- ed career, but there is one shiny the time and did not qualify for The 35-year-old former ident Jim Pallotta said. Francesco Totti - the one don is set to take place in late thing missing from his collec- the United States team. He is World Cup winning midfield- “We will all shed tears player ahead of him for Roma June before the tournament tion -- an Olympic gold medal. healthy again now after a 2017 er will play his final game at when he pulls on the Gial- appearances - in 2017. starts on 1 July. That is about the only big spinal fusion. home against Parma on May lorossi shirt for the last time He is also the fourth-most Gibbs said she expects a thing worth winning that Woods The 2020 Olympic golf will 26, but will not be retiring against Parma but we respect capped player for the Italian recovery period of four to six does not have, and something be played at the Kasumigaseki from professional football. his desire to prolong his national team with 117 ap- weeks but “will be doing eve- he would like to take care of at course in suburban Tokyo. “(De Rossi) plans to pur- playing career - even if, at al- pearances. rything to shave that down next year’s Tokyo Games. Each country is restricted to sue a new adventure away most 36, it will be away from The 2006 World Cup win- and get back to full health as “Would I like to play in the a maximum of four players. from Rome,” the club said in Rome. ner retired after Italy failed to soon as possible”. Olympics? Yes,” Woods said on “Getting there and making a statement. AS Roma’s Daniele De Rossi “On behalf of everyone at qualify for last year’s World She has four titles on the Tuesday during a news confer- the team is going to be the tough “It will be the end of an during a press conference Roma, I’d like to thank Dan- Cup, missing the tournament second-tier ITF circuit. Her ence at Bethpage Black ahead of part,” he said. era.” disclosing his exit from the club iele for his incredible dedica- for the first time in 60 years. best results at the majors this week’s PGA Championship. “I just know that if I play The game could be a cru- in Rome on Tuesday. (REUTERS) tion to this club and ensure De Rossi will hold a press are third-round berths at the “I’m sure I won’t get many well in the big events like I did cial one for Roma’s Champi- him that our doors will re- conference at the club’s train- 2014 US and 2017 Australian more opportunities going for- this year, things will take care of ons League ambitions next semi-finalists are sixth in Se- main open for him to return ing centre at Trigoria later on Open. ward at 43 years old to play in itself.” season as last year’s European rie A just one point off fourth to the club in a new role Tuesday. Sports Wednesday, May 15, 2019 19 India’s Lakshmi is first woman int’l match referee

women on the panel. Doha-based ICC Shivani “This is good news for lady Sheridan was the reserve umpires. Women umpires umpire for two matches in the welcomes appointment across the cricketing world Men’s Big Bash League 2018- are striving for highest 19 and umpired four matches standards and have in the Women’s Big Bash AGENCIES/TNN just after Australia’s Claire increased there area of League the same year. In Octo- DOHA Polosak became the first ber 2018, she became the first woman umpire in a men’s influence beyond bounda- woman in Australia to umpire THE International Cricket ODI last month. ries of women’s cricket. I a men’s first grade Premier Council on Tuesday named In- “To be selected in the in- congratulate Lakshmi and Cricket final. dia’s G.S. Lakshmi as the first ternational panel by the ICC hope the trend continues.” Shivani Mishra, who is woman on the international is a huge honour for me as it – Shivani Mishra based in Doha, welcomed Lak- panel of match referees, mak- opens up new avenues,” Lak- shmi’s appointment. “This is ing her eligible to take control shmi said in an ICC statement. good news for lady umpires. of men’s games. “I have had a long career as a Polosak on the ICC’s umpires Women umpires across the The 51-year-old Lakshmi, cricketer in India and also as a development panel, taking the cricketing world are striving who first officiated as a match match referee.” number of women on the body for highest standards and have referee in domestic women’s “I hope to put my experi- that provides umpires for all increased there area of influ- cricket in 2008-09, has over- ence both as a player and as a internationals to eight. ence beyond boundaries of seen three women’s One- match official to good use on Lauren Agenbag, Kim Cot- women’s cricket. Day Internationals and three the international circuit.” ton, Shivani Mishra, Sue Red- “I congratulate Lakshmi Twenty20s. Meanwhile, Australia’s GS Lakshmi (2nd left) with India women cricketers Mithali Raj and Harmanpreet Kaur ahead of the fern, Mary Waldron and Jac- and hope the trend continues,” Her appointment came Eloise Sheridan has joined women’s T20 Championship final in India. queline Williams are the other she said.

Imam’s ton Sana – Women ODI’s powers Afridi blasted for Pak to huge sexist comments score at most successful Bristol in autobiography AFP AFP “His daughters, his deci- BRISTOL (UNITED KINGDOM) KARACHI sions? Really?? So the girls’ voices and choices don’t mat- spinner from Pakistan PAKISTAN opener Imam-ul- FORMER Pakistani all- ter? Not even when they’re Haq came into form ahead of rounder Shahid Afridi bat- adults? Because #FatherHas- the World Cup with a century ted away accusations of Spoken,” added Asha Bedar AFP against England in the third misogyny this week as crit- on Twitter. KARACHI “The journey started by one-day international at Bris- ics lashed out at the cricket Pakistani author Bina proving at every street, tol on Tuesday. star’s admission that he Shah also roasted Afridi, PAKISTAN showered praise where I played cricket, The left-hander watched refuses to let his daughters telling the BBC his decision this week on Sana Mir, the that girls could play this wickets fall at the other end play outdoor sports. was an example of “Paki- former women’s cricket team sport. We didn’t have any as Pakistan declined to 95 for The remarks were just the stani macho culture that captain who rose from bowl- three after losing the toss but latest controversy stemming says I am the father, I can ing in the streets to become role models, girls taking kept his composure to com- from Afridi’s tell-all autobi- say what my daughters are the most successful spinner part in cricket was not plete a 97-ball hundred in- ography – “Game Changer” going to do and not do, and in women’s One-day interna- that common.” cluding 11 fours – released in Pakistan and there is not a thing that you tional history. – Sana Mir It was the 23-year-old’s India last week. can do to stop me.” The 33-year-old took her sixth hundred in 27 matches “It’s for social and reli- 147th wicket in her 118th at this level and first against gious reasons that I’ve made game when she dismissed role model for our cricket, in England, the top-ranked side this decision regarding my South Africa’s Sune Luus in fact, world cricket, her hard in ODI cricket. daughters not competing the third One-Day Interna- work, dedication and humil- Imam, the nephew of Pa- in public sporting activities tional (ODI) of the ICC Wom- ity is absolutely admirable,” kistan batting great and selec- and their mother agrees with en’s Championship in Benoni said Mumtaz. tion chief Inzamam-ul-Haq, me,” wrote Afridi. “The femi- on Sunday. SPINNING SUCCESS: Sana Mir has incredibly risen from Pakistan Former Pakistani all- continued to take the attack to nists can say what they want; That took her past Anisa streets to becoming the most successful woman spin bowler in ODIs. rounder Shahid Afridi tweeted England after reaching three as a conservative Pakistani Mohammed of the West Indies his congratulations to Mir, figures, driving David Willey father, I’ve made my deci- and Australia’s Lisa Sthalekar been marginalised. didn’t have any role models, prompting further accusations for a straight six and next ball sion,” he added. – both at 146 wickets – to the “Kudos to you girl!” girls taking part in cricket was of hypocrisy. glancing the left-arm quick for In the book, the cricketer Shahid Afridi pride of Pakistanis, who hailed tweeted the German embassy not that common,” she was Mir took six wickets, in- four. also unleashed withering the achievement with joy on in Islamabad. quoted as saying. cluding a match-winning 4-11, His innings was a boost for criticism against old team- Others pointed to the ex- social media and in proud “Makes us all proud,” add- “From street cricket to in three one-day internation- Pakistan just weeks away from mates – including erstwhile amples set by other athletes newspaper editorials. ed Maleeha Lodhi, Pakistan’s playing on the grounds and als against South Africa to the start of the World Cup in World Cup captain and cur- on the issue, including Egyp- “Congratulations, @mir_ ambassador to the UN. moving to stadia donning the help Pakistan square the series England. rent Prime Minister Imran tian football star at Liverpool sana05!” the ICC tweeted, as Mir recalled the obstacles Pakistan kit were moments of 1-1, with one match tied. Victory in Bristol would Khan – and admitted to be- Mohamed Salah who has Pakistan’s largest English- against her in an interview immense pride.” She is now third on the see Pakistan level this five- ing slightly older than pre- advocated for the equal treat- language newspapers – Dawn published by the Pakistan Former Pakistan captain all-time list of most suc- match series at 1-1 following viously reported, drawing ment of women in the Islamic and the Express Tribune – Cricket Board (PCB). and current chief selector cessful bowlers in women’s England’s 12-run win in the accusations he was not the world. both published editorials on “The journey started by Urooj Mumtaz congratulated cricket, behind fast bowlers second ODI at Southampton youngest player to set the re- Salah made headlines Tuesday celebrating the feat proving at every street, where her former colleague, calling Jhulan Goswami of India on Saturday – the opening fix- cord for scoring 100 runs in over the weekend after a viral in a deeply patriarchal country I played cricket, that girls her an inspiration for women. (218) and Australia’s Cathryn ture was a no-result washout. an international. video showed him proudly where women’s sport has long could play this sport. We “Sana has been a great Fitzpatrick (180). However, his comments celebrating as his four-year- about his four daughters – old daughter scored a goal who are aged between 10 ahead of Liverpool’s last and 20 years old – may have game of the season at Anfield. proven to be the most gall- But back in Pakistan, Af- Quick read ing to the public with social ridi pushed back at the criti- Virus-free Shadab Khan cleared for Pakistan’s World Cup 2019 stint media users labeling the all- cism. “I don’t judge anyone rounder a “misogynist” and or meddle in people’s life,” KARACHI: Fast-rising Shadab Khan was on Tuesday cleared to play the World Cup later this month after latest blood tests showed he was “hypocrite”. Afridi tweeted on Sunday. clear of previously diagnosed hepatitis. The 20-year-old was last month withdrawn from Pakistan’s squad for the one-off T20 “Afridi is no better than a “I expect the same too and five-match one-day series in England after the hepatitis virus was found in his blood, also leaving him doubtful for the typical middle-aged average from others. May Allah bless World Cup. But the Pakistan Cricket Board says he is now clear and will be part of the World Cup starting in UK from May 30. Pakistani guy, who wouldn’t my daughters and daughters/ “The leg-spinner will now leave for London on Thursday (May 16), where he will consult Dr Patrick Kennedy on Friday, before mind hanging out with some- women all over the world! Let joining the team in Bristol on May 20,” said a PCB release. Shadab will join the team but will continued to be monitored for one else’s daughters but would people be. My daughters are team’s World Cup warm-up matches, scheduled for May 24 and 26 against Afghanistan and Bangladesh respectively, are sub- balk if his own did the same,” very precious to me! My life ject to his fitness and the team management’s decision, added the release. The leg-spinner, who is also a handy batsman low down the Pakistan’s Imam-ul-Haq after tweeted Salman Siddiq. revolves around them.” order, is seen as key for Pakistan’s World Cup campaign which starts with a match against the West Indies in Nottingham on May 31. (AFP) making 151 on Tuesday. Ras Abu Aboud Stadium... Revolutionary & Innovative Design

AS Abu Aboud Stadium, Ras Abu Aboud Stadium Doha’s dazzling sky- cilities. The coming period will one of the stadiums of Project Manager, in the Su- FIFA World Cup 2022 Qatar line, Ras Abu Aboud Stadium see a significant increase in Rthe FIFA World Cup preme Committee for Delivery will be a spectacular venue work with installing the steel (Qatar 2022), is a pioneering and Legacy (CS), Mohammed for matches up to the quarter- structure and shipping con- project in the field of building al Mulla stressed that Ras Abu finals of the FIFA World Cup tainers that will form the build- stadiums and hosting major Aboud will be the first in the Qatar 2022. ing blocks of this stadium. sports events, being the first in world that will be completely Mohammed al Mulla said The project manager ex- the history of the World Cup to dismantled, adding that the that works of the stadium offi- plained that the plan for the sta- be entirely dismantled. In addi- Stadium’s parts will be repur- cially began at the end of 2017 dium is to have three roads for tion, it will have a truly unique posed, where they can be used and will be completed by the the spectators to reach the sta- design, featuring shipping con- in building two 20,000-seat end of 2020. dium, two of them are ready and tainers to create an extraordi- stadiums or even in building He revealed that more than building the third is underway. nary building block effect. non-sporting projects, such 2 million labour hours have The Ras Abu Aboud Sta- Constructed using ship- as administrative building or been completed at the stadium dium project achieves the goal ping containers, remov- multi-use hall. so far, and will reach 4.5 million of sustainability and heritage able seats and other modular In an interview with QNA, labour hours by the completion by 100% in terms of stadiums “building blocks”, not only Al Mulla said that studies and of the stadium, pointing out design revolution, the future will this innovative, 40,000- research have led to the use of that the number of workers in project and plan to dismantle seat venue have a remarkable environmentally friendly and that would revolutionise sta- Cup is that Qatar does not Stadium can make by re-pur- the project varies according to it and the area development. design, but it will be entirely at the same time easy and re- dium design for future World need eight 40,000-seat sta- posing it in another country, the construction stages. The About 100 containers and dismantled and repurposed usable components in the con- Cup hosting countries, as it is diums, in addition to the fact there will be an important current plan is based on 1,700 27 thousand tons of steel will after the FIFA World Cup Qa- struction of Ras Abu Aboud based on a new way of think- that the local league does not legacy for Qatar in the infra- workers, he added. be used in the construction of tar 2022. Its parts will be used Stadium, where concrete will ing and creativity in construc- need all these stadiums. So the structure of sewage networks, Al Mulla went on saying the stadium, Al Mulla said. in other sporting or projects in be used only in foundations, tion, that shortens construc- idea was to build the Ras Abu roads, water and power sta- that works of concrete founda- Following the tourna- in poor countries, in coordina- while the outer structure will tion time and lowers cost. Aboud Stadium, which could tion, which will create an in- tions for the stadium has been ment’s conclusion, the sta- tion with FIFA, to set a new be made of iron and shipping Al Mulla explained that the benefit other countries in the frastructure for any future de- completed, while works are dium will be dismantled and standard in sustainability and containers. reason for building a stadium future. velopment in the area. underway on the infrastruc- make way for a waterfront introduce bold new ideas in He said the Ras Abu Aboud with these specifications and He added that alongside Located on the shores of ture, especially with regard to development for local people tournament legacy planning. stadium would be a precedent dismantling it after the World the legacy that Ras Abu Aboud the Gulf, looking across to sewage networks and other fa- to enjoy. (QNA)