Sport THURSDAY 1 APRIL 2021 South Africa's Olympic hopeful Van NNiekerk finds form with 200m win This definitely gave me confidence I didn’t have before. It’s one tthing training well, but it’s a different thing executing it against ssuch a quality lineup, guys I have the world of respect for.

Wayde Van Niekerk Sport |08

WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS: Armenia 3-2 Romania, Bermuda 5-0 Aruba INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY MATCH: Sweden 1-0 Estonia Three more state-of-the-art stadiums to be inaugurated this year 600 days to go: Eight stunning venues gearing up for 2022 FIFA spectacle

THE PENINSULA – Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium – Ibrahim M Jaidah. The stadium will host eight matches up to the quarter- March 31, 2021 marks the 600-day finals stage during 2022. countdown to the FIFA World Cup Construction update: Roof and Qatar 2022. façade works have been completed, The first World Cup in the Middle along with the stadium’s bleacher East and Arab world will kick off on installation. Turfing of the field of play November 21 and conclude 28 days and tree plantation in the precinct have later on December 18 – Qatar National also been completed. Seat installation, Day. along with mechanical, electrical and Qatar’s infrastructure plans are plumbing works, plus finishing, are well advanced. Four stadiums have nearing completion. been inaugurated, the new metro system is up and running, and a host RAS ABU ABOUD STADIUM of expressways have been built. Capacity: 40,000 Here, we take a closer look at the Designer: FIA Fenwick Iribarren eight stadiums which will host matches Architects during Qatar 2022. Distance from Doha city Khalifa International, Al Janoub, centre:7km Education City and Ahmad Bin Ali have Ras Abu Aboud will be the first fully all hosted major matches, while the dismountable and re-usable tour- construction of Al Bayt has been com- nament venue in FIFA World Cup pleted. Along with Al Bayt, Al Thumama history, making it a pioneer in sus- and Ras Abu Aboud are set to be inau- tainable stadium development and gurated during 2021, while the venue design. Designed by Fenwick Iribarren for the Qatar 2022 final, Lusail, is set Architects, this 40,000-capacity venue to open early next year. is being built using shipping containers To mark 600 days to go, we take and other modular materials. Over- an in-depth look at the story of each Four stadiums have been inaugurated, looking the stunning Doha Corniche stadium. the new metro system is up and and West Bay skyline, the stadium will running, and a host of expressways host seven matches up to the round of KHALIFA INTERNATIONAL STADIUM have been built as Qatar gears up to 16 stage during Qatar 2022. Capacity: 40,000 Construction update: The stadium is Distance from Doha city centre: host the World Cup next year. being built using 974 modular con- 11km Khalifa International, Al Janoub, tainers, with the delivery and instal- Inaugurated: 2017 Education City and Ahmad Bin Ali lation of all containers now completed. Khalifa International became the stadiums have all hosted major matches, This includes special containers for the first Qatar 2022 venue to open fol- while the construction of Al Bayt has energy substation. lowing a major renovation when it All remaining structural steel members, hosted the Amir Cup final on May 19, been completed. Along with Al Bayt, Al including tension rods, have also been Thumama and Ras Abu Aboud are set to 2017. The stadium is set to host eight Lusail Stadium delivered and installed. Installation of matches up to the third-place play-off be inaugurated during 2021, while the all seats in the stadium is nearing com- during Qatar 2022. venue for the Qatar 2022 final, Lusail, is pletion, as are the mechanical, engi- Khalifa International is located at set to open early next year. neering, plumbing and finishing works. the heart of Qatar’s hub of sporting External works in the precinct are excellence, Aspire Zone, and is sur- underway rounded by Aspire Academy, Aspetar and the 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and LUSAIL STADIUM Sports Museum. Its illustrious hosting Capacity: 80,000 history includes the Asian Games, AFC Designer: Foster + Partners Asian Cup, 2019 IAAF World Athletics Distance from Doha city centre: Championships, the 24th Arabian Gulf 20km Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup The largest Qatar 2022 venue, Qatar 2019. In 2020, the stadium Lusail embodies Qatar’s ambition, hosted matches in the West Zone of Dubbed ‘Qatar’s Diamond in the country’s traditional culture. Delivered along with its passion for sharing Arab the 2020 AFC Champions League and Desert’, Education City was inaugu- by Aspire Zone Foundation, the design culture with the world. The design of was also a venue for the East Zone rated on June 15, 2020 during a special of Al Bayt resembles a traditional Arab this magnificent stadium is inspired by portion of the competition. digital launch which paid tribute to tent known as ‘bayt al sha’ar’ – a the interplay of light and shadow that frontline healthcare workers during symbol of Arab hospitality. This characterises the fanar lantern. Its the COVID-19 pandemic. Located at uniquely Qatari stadium comes com- striking gold façade, along with its Capacity: 40,000 2022 stadium to be inaugurated. The the heart of Qatar Foundation – a plete with a state-of-the-art retractable scale, will impress fans approaching Design inspired by: Dame Zaha venue welcomed fans for the first time vibrant centre for knowledge and inno- roof and is surrounded by 400,000m² the venue from afar. Hadid on 18 December 2020 when it hosted vation – the arena is dotted by leading of green spaces for the local com- The venue is situated in the heart Distance from Doha city centre: the Amir Cup final. Located in Al research and education facilities. The munity. The venue will host nine of Qatar’s futuristic Lusail City – a 23km Rayyan and adjacent to the Mall of stadium will host eight matches up to matches through to the semi-finals newly built, state-of-the-art Inaugurated: 2019 Qatar, Ahmad Bin Ali is built on the site the quarter-finals stage during Qatar stage of Qatar 2022. metropolis, designed specifically with The first Qatar 2022 stadium to be of a de-constructed stadium and is 2022. Construction update: The stadium residents’ needs in mind. The stadium built from scratch, Al Janoub was inau- within walking distance of Al Riffa The stadium became the first Qatar structure has been completed and is will host ten matches up to and gurated on 16 May 2019 ahead of the station on Doha Metro’s Green Line. 2022 tournament venue to receive a ready to host matches. This includes including the final of Qatar 2022. Amir Cup final. Located in Al Wakrah, The stadium’s glowing façade is com- five-star Global Sustainability the laying of the stadium pitch in Construction update: The stadium’s the stadium’s design features elegant prised of patterns that characterise dif- Assessment System(GSAS) rating ahead record time. This year, the venue concrete works, steel superstructure curves and lines inspired by the sails ferent aspects of Qatar: the importance of its inauguration. Last year, Education achieved a high sustainability rating installation and the roof big lift have of traditional dhow boats – in tribute of family, the beauty of the desert, City hosted matches in the West Zone from GSAS. The surrounding Al Bayt been completed. The roof membrane to the city’s seafaring past. Al Janoub native flora and fauna, and local and of the 2020 AFC Champions League Park opened on Qatar National Sports is under fabrication, to be installed will host seven matches up to the round international trade. A fifth shape – a and was also a venue for the East Zone Day in February 2020. after completion of the ongoing sec- of 16 stage during Qatar 2022. An inno- shield – brings together all the others, portion of the competition. This year, ondary steel bracings. vative cooling system and retractable representing the strength and unity Education City hosted matches during AL THUMAMA STADIUM The venue’s turf was planted in the roof mean the stadium can be used that is particularly relevant to the the FIFA Club World Cup 2020, Capacity: 40,000 precinct’s turf farm in August 2020, all-year-round. desert city of Al Rayyan. including the final. Designer: Arab Engineering Bureau with inspections indicating good Last year, Al Janoub hosted the The venue will host seven matches Distance from Doha city centre: growth progress and overall health. 2020 AFC Champions League final. The during Qatar 2022 up to the round of AL BAYT STADIUM 12km Meanwhile, the stadium entrances, surrounding Al Janoub Park opened 16 stage. Earlier this year, the stadium Capacity: 60,000 With a design inspired by the interior finishes and progress in con- on Qatar National Sports Day in Feb- hosted matches during the FIFA Club Designer: Dar Al-Handasah ‘gahfiya’, a traditional woven cap worn courses, skyboxes and lounges are ruary 2020. World Cup. Distance from Doha city centre: for centuries by men across the Arab nearing completion, as are the 46km world, Al Thumama Stadium honours mechanical, engineering, plumbing and AHMAD BIN ALI STADIUM The venue for the opening match the region’s culture and traditions. It finishing works. Capacity: 40,000 Capacity: 40,000 of Qatar 2022, Al Bayt will introduce is the first FIFA World Cup venue to be Additionally, the stadium substa- Designer: Ramboll Designer: FIA Fenwick Iribarren fans from across the world to the designed by a Qatari architect tions, chilled water transfer stations Distance from Doha city centre: Architects and cooling systems are nearing com- 22km Distance from Doha city centre: pletion with preparation for Inaugurated: 2020 13km Qatar Civil Defense Ahmad Bin Ali was the latest Qatar Inaugurated: 2020 inspection.

Ras Abu Aboud Stadium THURSDAY 1 APRIL 2021 SPORT 11 Sanchez proud of players after Qatar maintain unbeaten run

THE PENINSULA players against the highly com- match, maintaining a 55 automatically for the World – DEBRECEN petitive European sides, but percent of ball possession Cup as the host nation, are Spaniard Sanchez seems to be Coming back after a goal against Ireland, who are ranked included as a guest team in the CoachC Felix the happiest and proudest of behind against teams of 42nd in the world. European Qualifiers as they SSanchez them all. “If I try to mention the look to gain match practice (pictured)( p "In the last match we faced this calibre is not an easy players who contributed at a against top teams. yesterdayyeest hailed a very strong Irish team, espe- task. But our players did it. good level, I will remember "We have gained great Qatar'sQatat impressive cially in terms of physical This is precisely what everyone without exception. All experiences and achieved a lot fighfightinght spirit aspects, and we found our- pleased us: Sanchez of them did their best when after playing the three followingffollowwi their one-all selves behind after three needed according to their posi- matches," Sanchez said. drawdrd aw againstagag Ireland in minutes. But it did not affect tions. The team as a whole gave Regarding matters that thetht e 2022022222 WWorlWorldorldl Cup qualifier the determination of the our a performance that makes us need development, Sanchez playedplayed aatt DeDebrecen,bre Hungary, players who were on time as Mohammed Muntari, feel proud and proud," Sanchez said: "I think that the per- onn TTuesday.uesdaya . usual and presented a good assisted by Ahmed Alaa, scored said. formance in the three matches Tuesday'sTuesday'y s drawd helped the level of performance and the equaliser with an angular “They have proven that was very good and the results AsianAsian chchampionshammp Qatar to returned to the match. I can shot in 47th minute after Stoke they have a distinct football achieved were deserved. Of completecompletete anan unbeaten run say we played to win, espe- City midfielder James McClean mentality and culture. Coming course, there are some things in HHungary.ungary. Al Annabi had cially in the second half where gave Ireland the lead in the back after a goal behind against that need work and devel- wonwon ththeireir earlier 'home' we ventured and put pressure fourth minute. teams of this calibre is not an opment. We want to be stronger gamesgamees agagainsta Azerbaijan on the opponents who had It was Muntari's second goal easy task. But our players did in defense and more effective andannd LuxembourgLuL xex at the several players who are in six days and the 10th inter- it. This is precisely what pleased in attack. We could not score NagyerdeiNagyyerdde Stadion. playing in the English Premier national goal of his career. us," Sanchez who took charge many goals, but we always QatarQataa fans were League," Sanchez said during Qatar - ranked 58th on of the Al Annabi outfit in 2017, worked to achieve our target elatedellated byb the brilliant a post-match press FIFA computer - were said. thanks to the performance from effortsefefforrtts of Al Annabi conference. impressive throughout the Qatar, who have qualified the players," Sanchez added,

Qatar players react after drawing their match against Ireland at the Nagyerdei Stadion in Debrecen, Hungary, on Tuesday.

South Africa Clubs make late push for fire coach after Nations greater control over CL Cup failure REUTERS – NYON companies role as: “To advise and make recommendations to UEFA Europe’s leading clubs are making The ECA are already involved in Club Competitions’ Committee on REUTERS – JOHANNESBURG a late push for greater control over UEFA’s club competition strategic business matters and the business and running of the structures, including the opportunities for its consideration South Africa have fired coach Champions League in return for before being referred up to the Premier League Molefi Ntseki after the team’s backing UEFA’s reforms of the second-tier Europa League UEFA Executive Committee for surprise failure to qualify for competition. through a joint company, approval.” the Africa Cup of Nations finals At the heart of the latest talks known as ‘UEFA Club The clubs are pushing for a spending on agent that will take place in is the role of a joint company set Competition SA’ or UCC. role which goes well beyond Cameroon early next year. up between UEFA, European soc- advising UEFA, however. The 1996 champions fin- cer’s governing body, and the On Tuesday evening, the ECA’s fees rises to £272.2m ished third in the qualification clubs to deal with the commercial, deal. The UEFA plan has been pro- executive said that it was not pool behind Ghana and Sudan, broadcasting and marketing rights duced against the backdrop of ready to endorse UEFA’s plans “in REUTERS – LONDON losing 2-0 to the latter on to the competition. reports of a breakaway Super isolation”. Sunday in Khartoum when a There has been a broad con- League, run by the top clubs “The Executive Board Premier League clubs paid a total of £272.2m ($375.1m) to draw would have been enough sensus over UEFA’s plans to without the governing body believes that if European football agents in the year to Feb. 2021, with Chelsea heading the to seal their place in the finals. expand, from 2024, the Cham- involved. is to meet the challenges it cur- list of top-flight spenders, according to data released by Ntseki was elevated from pions League to 36 clubs and to The ECA are already involved rently faces, the foundations for the Football Association (FA) yesterday. the country’s Under-17 side change the group stages with 100 in UEFA’s club competition struc- ECA and UEFA’s future rela- Despite suffering major losses due to the COVID-19 when he took over in August more games and scrapping the tures, including the second-tier tionship also need to be given pandemic, Premier League clubs spent nearly nine million 2019 and won four of his nine current groups of four teams for Europa League through a joint due consideration at the same pounds more on agent fees than in the previous year. games in charge, but had been a single table for qualification for company, known as ‘UEFA Club time,” said the ECA, who said Chelsea invested heavily in the close-season transfer mandated to reach next year’s the knockout stage. Competition SA’ or UCC. their stance was backed by clubs window to bring in Ben Chilwell, Timo Werner, Hakim continental showpiece event. UEFA were hoping to have UCC is a subsidiary company at all levels of their Ziyech, Kai Havertz and Edouard Mendy and spent £35.2m South Africa will begin agreement in principle over the of UEFA where half the members membership. in agent fees. their campaign to qualify for plans at yesterday’s executive of the board are appointed by the Earlier this month, Man- League leaders Manchester City were second on the the 2022 World Cup in June committee meeting ahead of an governing body and the other half chester United executive vice- list, forking out 30.1 million pounds on agent fees as having been drawn in a pre- official vote next month. by the ECA. chairman Ed Woodward, a manager Pep Guardiola added Ruben Dias, Nathan Ake liminary pool with Ghana, But the European Clubs Asso- It was created following the leading figure in the ECA who and Ferran Torres to the squad, while rivals Manchester Zimbabwe and Ethiopia. ciation (ECA), which represents signing of a five year agreement also sits on UEFA’s Club Compe- United spent £29.8m. 246 European clubs and is led by between UEFA and the ECA in titions Committee and is a West Bromwich Albion spent the smallest amount Juventus president Andrea Agnelli, 2018 -- a deal which will run out member of the board of admin- among the top-flight outfits, paying £4.2m to agents. now say they want to address the before the proposed new Cham- istration of the joint company Clubs in the second-tier Championship spent a total of African governance structure for the com- pions League format begins. UCC, told his club’s investors that £40.7m on agent fees, with relegated Norwich City spending qualifier petition before signing off on the Currently UEFA define the change was coming. the most (£6.8m). re-scheduled Wales’ CAIRO AP – Daniel James in action James rises to the occasion as Wales An African Cup of Nations qual- against Czech ifying match between Sierra Republic on Leone and Benin has been post- Tuesday. kick-start qualifying campaign poned until June, the Confeder- ation of African Football said REUTERS – CARDIFF qualification campaign after two Rabbi Matondo and Tyler Roberts yesterday, after it was called off matches. were released from the squad on this week because of a dispute Daniel James can threaten oppo- “I don’t remember another Monday for breaching a curfew at over positive COVID-19 tests. sition defences with his raw electric header I’ve scored,” Manchester the team hotel. The game was meant to be pace and inch-perfect crosses but United forward James said. “I’ve had Meanwhile, Wales were led played Tuesday but the visiting few expected the diminutive Welsh quite a few in the last month at club once again by Page, with manager Benin team refused to take the forward to settle a game with a level that I’ve been disappointed with, Ryan Giggs staying away from the field when five of its players towering header on Tuesday. really. I was due a header. It’s about team due to his arrest on suspicion were barred from playing after Wales captain Gareth Bale getting in the right positions.” of assaulting a woman last year. Sierra Leone authorities exploited the space on the left flank When asked if he expected his Giggs has denied the allegations announced on the day of the before whipping in a floating cross 5ft6-inch forward to pounce on a and has had his bail extended until game that they had tested pos- in the box for James, who rose header, assistant coach Robert Page May 1 - just six weeks before Wales itive for COVID-19. Benin dis- above the Czech Republic replied: “No, not at all! “We didn’t begin their Euro 2020 campaign puted the validity of the tests, defence to bury an 81st minute see DJ attacking it at the back post against Switzerland. claiming it was a ruse to put header past goalkeeper Tomas but what a goal - what a header. He When asked if Page should stay them at a disadvantage for the Vaclik. deserves all the credit he’s going to in charge for the Euros if Giggs decisive qualifier. It was James’s fourth get.” remained absent at the Euros, The team refused to get off international goal - and the The result comes as a much- James said: “Yes, definitely. the bus after arriving at the first headed goal of his pro- needed boost for Wales who have “He has just been doing the job stadium in Freetown and the fessional career - that earned struggled to put a lid on off-field that he was doing before. He gets game was ultimately called off Wales a 1-0 victory and their distractions in recent weeks. the points across to us so well. two hours after the scheduled first points of the 2022 World Cup Wales trio Hal Robson-Kanu, Nothing has changed really.” kickoff time. 10 SPORT THURSDAY 1 APRIL 2021

SCOREBOARD West Indies 1st innings MotoGP: Viñales in the spotlight K. Brathwaite b Chameera ...... 126 J. Campbell c Dickwella b Lakmal ...... 5 N. Bonner b Lakmal ...... 0 K. Mayers c Dickwella b Fernando ...... 49 J. Blackwood c Dickwella b Lakmal ...... 18 J. Holder c Thirimanne b de Silva ...... 30 as action returns at Losail Circuit J. de Silva c Dickwella b Chameera ...... 1 A. Joseph lbw Embuldeniya ...... 29 R. Cornwall c V. Fernando b Lakmal ...... 73 MOTOGP.COM — DOHA K. Roach c Dickwella b Chameera ...... 9 S. Gabriel not out ...... 1 Sparks are sure to fly as TIME SCHEDULE: TISSOT Extras (lb-6, nb-7) ...... 13 MotoGP returns to Losail Inter- Total (111.1 overs, all out) ...... 354 national Circuit, with Maverick GRAND PRIX OF DOHA Fall of wickets: 1-11 (Campbell), 2-15 (Bonner), 3-86 (Mayers), 4-120 (Blackwood), 5-171 (Hold- Viñales in the spotlight after his TODAY er), 6-185 (da Silva), 7-222 (Joseph), 8-325 season-opening victory 17:00-17:45 - MotoGP - PRESS CONFERENCE (Cornwall), 9-351 (Roach), 10-354 (Brathwaite) Expectation was high ahead Tomorrow (GMT+3) Bowling: S. Lakmal 28-11-94-0 (1nb), V. Fern- of the season-opening Qatar 13:50-14:30 - Moto3 - FP1 ando 27-4-71-1, L. Embuldeniya 25-5-88-1 GP and, if anything, it’s even 14:45-15:25 - Moto2 - FP1 (5nb), D. Chameera 21.1-4-69-3, D. de Silva 10- 3-26-1 (1nb) higher as MotoGP returns to 15:40-16:25 - MotoGP - FP1 Sri Lanka 2nd innings Losail International Circuit for 18:10-18:50 - Moto3 - FP2 the Tissot Grand Prix of Doha. D. Karunaratne c Bonner b Joseph ...... 1 19:05-19:45 - Moto2 - FP2 L. Thirimanne b Roach ...... 55 After a barnstormer to 20:00-20:45 - MotoGP - FP2 O. Fernando lbw Mayers ...... 18 welcome back the world’s SATURDAY D. Chandimal not out ...... 34 fastest motorcycle racing 13:25-14:05 - Moto3 - FP3 D. de Silva not out ...... 23 Championship, there’s plenty 14:20-15:00 - Moto2 - FP3 Extras (lb-2, nb-3) ...... 5 to look forward to on a take ...... 15:15-16:00 - MotoGP - FP3 Total (61 overs, 3 wkts) 136 two that sees the grid arrive Fall of wickets: 1-18 (Karunaratne), 2-64 (O. 17:30-17:45 - Moto3 - Q1 with one man in the crosshairs: Fernando), 3-77 (Thirimanne) 17:55-18:10 - Moto3 - Q2 Maverick Viñales (Monster To bat: P. Nissanka, N. Dickwella, S. Lakmal, L. 18:25-18:40 - Moto2 - Q1 Energy Yamaha MotoGP). Embuldeniya, V. Fernando, D. Chameera 18:50-19:05 - Moto2 - Q2 Bowling: K. Roach 12-4-39-1 (1nb), S. Gabriel As wins go, Viñales’ first of 19:20-19:50 - MotoGP - FP4 10-2-28-0, A. Joseph 10-2-31-1, J. Holder 12-2- the year was definitely a hard- 20:00-20:15 - MotoGP - Q1 20-0 (2nb), K. Mayers 7-4-6-1, R. Cornwall 9-5- earned one, as well as his 20:25-20:40 - MotoGP - Q2 8-0, J. Blackwood 1-0-2-0 second at Losail. From lights SUNDAY out it was an all-Ducati affair 14:40-15:00 - Moto3 - WARM UP at the front in the initial stages, 15:10-15:30 - Moto2 - WARM UP leaving the eventual winner SL fight with plenty of work to do. But 15:40-16:00 - MotoGP - WARM UP 17:00 - Moto3 - RACE (18 laps) that he did, slicing his way Maverick Viñales in action back after through to the front and then 18:20 - Moto2 - RACE (20 laps) 20:00 - MotoGP - RACE (22 laps) at Losail International pulling the pin. So can those he Circuit on Sunday. defeated fight back? dismissing With a race of data and a fair few more sessions before the lights go out, the men always key, but maybe even podium, and the Spaniard will orange, and was just 0.056 off premier class race action in WI for 354 closest on the chase – Johann more so in the Doha Grand likely also have taken more seventh place after a drag to 2020 just to add another extra Zarco (Pramac Racing), Prix. than just another glance at his the line. challenge. REUTERS — NORTH SOUND Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati From veterans outfoxed by stunning race start, gaining ten As he’s continuing to adapt, But if we saw one thing Lenovo Team) and reigning teammates to those still places in the blink of an eye. a race under his belt is from the Austrian factory last Lahiru Thirimanne led Sri Champion Joan Mir (Team adapting or just settling into Repeating that but making it welcome – as it is for con- year, aside from pretty con- Lanka’s fight back on the Suzuki Ecstar) will be eager to MotoGP, there’s a lot to learn. stick a little longer is the name tinuing, temporary team-mate tinual excellence, it was an second day of the second Test try and bridge that gap or For the Millers and Alex Rins of the game. Luca Marini (Sky Stefan Bradl. On the other side impressive gain on take two at against the West Indies, leapfrog Viñales, and Mir espe- (Team Suzuki Ecstar) of the VR46 Esponsorama) will want of the coin, Alex Marquez (LCR the same track. That bodes well scoring 55 to help the visitors cially will take heart from an grid it’s about bridging an more too, the Italian’s progress Honda Castrol) and Takaaki for the Doha GP, as does the reach 136-3 at the close on impressive on Sunday despite unexpected gap, for the new- steadier so far. Meanwhile, Nakagami (LCR Honda Ide- ability of Miguel Oliveira to Tuesday. some struggles earlier in the comers it’s a blessing to have Aprilia Racing Team Gresini, mitsu) will be looking for solid continue taking to full factory Sri Lanka trail the West first race weekend of the year. another race at the same track. with a nearly all-new bike, will finishes and points this time life like a duck to water. Indies by 218 runs after dis- What may worry them in Enea Bastianini (Espon- be another outfit making good around, both crashing out in Team-mate Brad Binder missing them for 354 at lunch Viñales’ pace, however, is that sorama Racing) starts the use of more information. the Qatar GP after a difficult most definitely got his elbows and will be expecting to reduce conditions got worse from Sat- second race weekend of the Aleix Espargaro impressed time at Losail so far. out in the first race of the year the deficit further when they urday – Yamaha’s traditional year as top rookie following an once again as he ended the A difficult time at Losail so too, so it’s not all fallen into resume with Dinesh Chan- day of searing pace – but the impressive top ten, and he’ll race in seventh but only 5.934s far is also true for KTM, even place yet but the light at the dimal (34) and Dhananjaya de number 12 was able to drop know what went right and off race winner Viñales, which since they debuted in MotoGP. end of the tunnel likely starts Silva (23) returning to the everyone, including his fellow what could go better. Jorge is the closest gap to the winner Some tracks suit some with more track time to gain crease at the Sir Vivian Iwata marque machines. Martin (Pramac Racing) will of an Aprilia in the MotoGP era. better than others, some tracks more information on a circuit Richards Stadium. That included new Monster also be able to look through the Can they equal or even better are easier to test at and some that has never been KTM’sKTM s best West Indies captain Kraigg Energy Yamaha MotoGP teateam-m numbers from the best result for the Noale tracks saw nono huntinghunting gground.round. Brathwaite completed his mate FaFabiobio QQuartararo,uartararo, anandd tthehe bikesbikes onon factoryfactory in MotoGP ofof sixth?sixth? ThatThat tracktrack time bbeginsegins century and number nine FrenchmanFrenchman willwill bbee hhavingaving a thetht e TheThe man AAleixleix Espargaro againagain tomorrow as thethe grigridsds batsman Rahkeem Cornwall hardhard looklook throughthrough tthehe datadata to duelledduelled fforor tthathat seventseventhh pplacelace headhead bbackack ououtt to bbattleattle LoLosailsail made 73 as the home side see wherewhere ViñalesViñales had the was anotanotherher great storystorylineline too, InternationalInternational Circuit, witwithh added 67 runs to their over- edge,edge, as will Jack Miller (Ducati as itit wwasas nonenone ototherher tthanhan hihiss another 25 points on the night total before being bowled Lenovo Team)Team) as the man youngeryounger brotherbrother PolPol Espargaro.Espargaro. lineline as tthehe llightsights ggoo out fforor out at lunch. fastestfastest in testing endedended tthehe ffirstirst TheThe newly-arrivednewly-arrived RepsoRepsoll thethe seconsecondd stunner ofof thethe Opener Brathwaite had racerace in ninthninth – aandnd nnewew teateam-m- HondaHonda TeamTeam riderrider seasonseason at 20:00 (GMT+3) been patient as he accumu- mate Bagnaia put it on the had a solidsolid firfirstst on Sunday. It’s advantage lated 99 unbeaten runs on podium.podium. outingouting inin a Viñales...Viñales... bbutut fforor hhowow Monday, after the Windies had TheThe wewealthalth ooff ininformationformation differentd ifferent long?long? been put into bat by the is onlyonly a positive though,though, anandd shade of visitors. neitherneither sshouldhould be coucountednted But he did not have to wait out ffromrom a launchlaunch upup thethe Valentino Rossi long, needing just two balls on timesheetstimesheets tthishis time rounroundd day two to bring up his ninth – sometsomethinghing VaVal-l- Test century, tucking a loose entino Rossi (Pet-(Pet- delivery down leg. ronasronas Yamaha SRT)SRT) Giant spinner Cornwall andand teateam-matem-mate then reached his 50 but ran out FrancoFranco MorbidelliMorbidelli of patience when he lofted one will be looking to mid-off to hand Suranga forfor totoo.o. Lakmal a fourth wicket and Infor-Info r - end a 103-run partnership mationmation iiss Fabio Quartararo with his skipper.

Myboyhenry wins top honour at The 43RD RACE MEETING: Late Rashid Mubarak Al Shafi Cup WINNERS (Horse, Trainer, Jockey) THE LATE RASHID MUBARAK AL SHAFI CUP - THE PENINSULA — DOHA Myboyhenry, helmed by Meteb THOROUGHBRED HANDICAP (Class 3) (Far Bend) Ali Al Marri, in action yesterday. Myboyhenry (IRE), Hossin Ashour, Meteb Ali Al Marri (-5kg) Khalid Abdulaziz Al Kuwari’s THOROUGHBRED HANDICAP (Class 5) (Far Bend) Myboyhenry, guided by Meteb (Division 2) Ali Al Marri, clinched The Late Rashid Mubarak Al Shafi Cup Flirty Rascal (GB), Mohammed Hussain Afroz, Marco at Al Rayyan Park, yesterday. Casamento The Hossin Ashour-trained THOROUGHBRED HANDICAP (Class 5) (Far Bend) six-year-old logged a 3¼-length (Division 1) victory in the 1750m Class 3 Vedute (IRE), Deborah Amanda Clare Mountain, Alberto Sanna Handicap feature race, with LOCAL THOROUGHBRED HANDICAP (Far Bend) Balmari, helmed by Ronan Majhool Al Zaeem (QA), Owaida Salem Al Hajri, Ronan Thomas, finishing second. Abdulla Bin Rashid Thomas Mubarak Al Shafi crowned the LOCAL PUREBRED ARABIAN MAIDEN PLATE (Far Bend) winners of The Late Rashid (Division 2) Mubarak Al Shafi Cup, named AJS Sarhan (QA), Rashid Al Ali, Soufiane Saadi in commemoration of his PUREBRED ARABIAN HANDICAP (Far Bend) father. Jefred (FR), Zuhair Mohsen, Soufiane Saadi The winners walked away with a prize purse of QR57,000. THOROUGHBRED MAIDEN PLATE (Class 6) (Far Bend) Also yesterday, Khalifa Bin In The Night (IRE), Ibrahim Saeed Al Malki, Anas Al Seyabi Sheail Al Kuwari’s Flirty Rascal PUREBRED ARABIAN MAIDEN PLATE (3 YEARS OLD) won Thoroughbred Handicap (Far Bend) (0-70) (Division 2), with Marco Al Sij Al Sakab (QA), Ibrahim Saeed Al Malki, Anas Al Seyabi Casamento in the saddle. LOCAL PUREBRED ARABIAN MAIDEN PLATE (Far Bend) Meanwhile, Sharq Stud’s (Division 1) Majhool Al Zaeem, ridden by Ronan Thomas, was victorious Moneeaty (QA), Hamad Al-Jehani, Abdulaziz Jaber Dharman in Local Thoroughbred PUREBRED ARABIAN MAIDEN PLATE (Far Bend) Handicap race, registering a Najia (FR), Majed Seifeddine, Marco Casamento 3-length win. THURSDAY 1 APRIL 2021 SPORT 09 Barty, Medvedev rise to challenge on tough day at Miami Open

AP - MIAMI Aryna Sabalenka clearly laboured in the final set of her match. Frances Tiafoe seemed to barely have the energy needed to reach the post-match handshake. Conditions were tough at the Miami Open. The top seeds, however, were up to the challenge. World No. 1 Ash Barty of Australia won the final nine points to finish off the seventh-seeded Sabalenka in a three-set women’s quarterfinal Tuesday, while men’s top-seeded Daniil Medvedev of Russia reached the quarters with a straight-set win over Tiafoe - part of a day where the American men’s con- tingent was pared from four to one, with Sebastian Korda the lone round-of-16 survivor for the US. The 20-year-old Korda stunned fifth-seeded Diego Schwartzman of Argentina 6-3, 4-6, 7-5 for the biggest win of his career to date. And it’ll make for an interesting day today for the Korda family: he’ll be in the Miami quarterfinals that day while his sisters, Jessica and Nelly, will be playing in the first round of the first women’s golf major of the year, the ANA Inspiration. “Sebi is a guy who is going to be special, man,” Tiafoe said. The celebration cauldron is lit on the first day of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic torch relay in Naraha, Fukushima prefecture, Japan, in this Korda, whose father Petr Korda reached No. 2 in the world March 25, 2021, file photo. during his stellar career, put on a show to delight the evening crowd. He was broken at 5-4 in the third to give Schwartzman hope, then responded by breaking the Argentine right back and finally serving out the match. By then, it was a bit cooler than the brutal conditions that Experts fear Games could trigger players endured in the day session. After some early clouds cleared out and bright sunshine starting pounding down, the mid-afternoon temperature reached the mid-80s Fahrenheit (upper 20s Celsius) at Hard a global super spreader event Rock Stadium and the humidity made it feel even hotter. Barty didn’t wilt, ousting Sabalenka 6-4, 6-7 (5), 6-3 for her BLOOMBERG - TOKYO the final version of the playbooks due in The Olympics will feature 33 sports across third three-set win in four matches at the tournament. June. 42 venues across Japan. Medvedev beat Tiafoe 6-4, 6-3, and has gone 10-1 in sets against The Tokyo Summer Olympics has survived “The situation surrounding the corona- SOCIAL SETTING the American in their past four head-to-head matchups. being postponed, a mountain of scandal virus is constantly changing, and it’s our Further complicating the task is the “Everywhere in the world there are different conditions and bad publicity. Now comes the real chal- hope that the efforts of the government, the social nature of the Olympics. Places such and at times it suits you more than other places,” Barty said. lenge: pulling off the world’s biggest city of Tokyo and other stakeholders will as the Athlete’s Village were designed to “I feel like these are very familiar conditions for me. With the sporting event safely in the middle of a help to mitigate spread of infections,” Tokyo have people meet and socialize. Although heat and humidity, it’s very similar to Brisbane where I grew pandemic. 2020 said in an emailed statement. long conversations and collective meals will up and what I was born and bred and trained in my whole life.” When the games kick off on July 23, BUILDING A BUBBLE be off limits, how those rules will be Barty faced seven break points in the match and saved Covid-19 will still be a global reality. Even Sporting events have gone on around enforced is unclear. Some of the athletes them all. She’ll meet No. 5 seed Elina Svitolina in today’s sem- with the decision to exclude foreign spec- the world this past year - with both success are teenagers and the average age of an ifinals; Svitolina eased past Anastasija Sevastova 6-3, 6-2 to tators, more than 60,000 athletes, coaches, stories and cautionary tales. Olympian is usually in the 20s - groups make the final four in Miami for the first time. national team staff, media and other The Olympic organizers are set to where virus spread has been harder to Barty is now 18-3 in her past 21 three-setters, 10-1 in her essential workers will converge on Tokyo emulate the few sporting events that took control. past 11 quarterfinal matches and 12-3 in her past 15 meetings from more than 200 countries - each with place under bubbles. The National Bas- “While the playbooks are written, it’s against fellow top-10 players. And she ran her winning streak different rates of transmission, vaccination ketball Association saw no infections during not clear how strictly they will be imple- in Miami to 10 matches. and viral variants. its three-month run in the summer and fall mented,” said Alex Cook, an associate pro- “I enjoy these courts,” Barty said. “You know, I enjoy the “Based on the number of people arriving of 2020. But the NBA bubble saw just a few fessor at the National University of Singa- balls and how they are responsive to spin. A lot of different and the prevalence of the disease around hundred athletes cordoned off together at pore’s Saw Swee Hock School of Public elements. But, you know, there are a lot of places around the the globe, the Olympics absolutely could the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Health. world that I enjoy playing, and here is one of them.” become a super-spreading event that leads Florida. Including staff and coaches, there It’s not just the athletes. The Games will Tiafoe was a quarterfinalist at Miami in 2019 and couldn’t to quite a number of infections, as well as were fewer than 1,000 people involved. require thousands of volunteers to help the repeat that feat, nor John Isner. He wasted a match point during spreading internationally as people return As the pandemic grew in the US, the events run smoothly, as well as local staff a third-set tiebreak and fell to seventh-seeded Roberto Bautista home,” said Spencer Fox, a research asso- mixed martial arts organization UFC who will need to go in and out of the Agut of Spain 6-3, 4-6, 7-6 (7). ciate at the University of Texas at Austin decamped to Abu Dhabi, where they held Olympic bubble regularly to do things such Bautista Agut will face Medvedev in the quarterfinals. who specializes in infectious disease a series of events over a number of months. as cook meals, clean facilities and run the Medvedev had 11 aces and showed no signs of wear, two days modeling. Along with 4,000 local staff, nearly 2,000 proceedings. It’s not clear how such staffers after cramping in the heat during a third-round win. “The precautions they have in place are participants from 44 countries entered the - which the Olympic Organizing Committee “I think we were both really tired, but I think we made an great, but you can never completely reduce bubble, including Conor McGregor, one of and Tokyo Metropolitan Government say amazing show.... I was really happy with my performance the probability of infections.” the world’s highest-paid athletes. will probably number more than 150,000 today,” Medvedev said. Organizers are relying on a series of six A quarantine period and a double-neg- - will be handled, and the playbooks don’t It was Isner’s earliest Miami exit since 2017, when he lost “playbooks” of rules that detail how par- ative PCR test were required before offer explicit instructions. in the third round. He won the tournament in 2018 and lost ticipants of the Olympics and Paralympics entering the bubble, and once inside par- Even in normal times, disease outbreaks the final in 2019 to Roger Federer in straight sets. can compete, move around and socialize, ticipants were tested every 72 hours, Ali are common at the Olympics. During the “He makes always difficult matches playing against him,” in order to manage the risks of what will Hassan Al Shaiba of the Abu Dhabi Winter Games in Pyeongchang in 2018, Bautista Agut said. “He has a very big serve and a lot of power be the world’s biggest Covid bubble. While Department of Culture and Tourism told around 200 athletes caught norovirus. Two from baseline with the forehand. It makes it always difficult, those involved in the Games will be Bloomberg News. Anyone who tested pos- years earlier, the Rio Summer Olympics no?” somewhat isolated from the Japanese itive was removed from the bubble and iso- were held amid the specter of Zika. More Tiafoe needed a medical timeout in the second set of his public, Tokyo has ruled out using two core lated, until they tested negative and were than 300 athletes caught respiratory ill- match, the heat and humidity taking its toll. He was up a break tenets of containment: quarantines and then sent home. nesses out of 10,568 competing in the at the time, and the match simply slipped away from there. vaccinations. Officials at the Australian Open earlier London Olympics in 2012. “I felt I couldn’t really breathe,” Tiafoe said. “I felt like my Without those, experts say infections this year took infection control seriously, “It’s a good-sized task, even without heart was beating out of my chest. I was burping a lot, couldn’t could spread. requiring tests for athletes and mandatory coronavirus,” said Jerne Shapiro, a field epi- really settle myself. I burp a lot, haven’t discussed it a lot, during If it does, not only could the Olympics quarantines upon arrival, even for com- demiologist at the University of Florida who these matches, but obviously today it was out of control.” become the site of a sizable outbreak that petitors. Still, some charter flights headed is overseeing the university’s Covid-19 No. 22 seed Taylor Fritz of the US also bowed out, falling spreads into Japan, it could become a for Melbourne saw cases among athletes control measures, including for athletics. to No. 32 Alexander Bublik of Kazakhstan 6-7 (5), 6-3, 6-4. cauldron of novel variants gathered from and support staff. COVID CONTROL Bublik will face No. 21 seed Jannik Sinner of Italy in the quar- around the world. The risk is that athletes While initially open to spectators, fans There are strategies to reduce risk. Those terfinals; Sinner advanced with a 6-3, 6-2 win over Emil Ruu- could bring them home, potentially fuelling were later shut out for a while during an flying into Japan will be required to have a suvuori of Finland. the pandemic. unrelated surge in infections. Injuries negative Covid test and undergo additional “The serve was going well today,” Bublik said. While Japan has seen much lower trans- blamed on limited practice times were testing at least every four days. Increasing No. 26 seed Hubert Hurkacz of Poland pulled off a mild mission rates compared with other rich rampant as well. the frequency of testing is likely the best way upset, beating No. 12 Milos Raonic of Canada 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 (4). nations, its vaccination campaign is only While the event didn’t lead to a local to prevent an outbreak, experts say. Seiko just starting, months behind places like the outbreak or transmissions among players, Hashimoto, Japan’s Olympics chief, has indi- Miami Open Results UK, US and even other parts of Asia. There the challenges show what can happen even cated that more frequent testing for athletes At Tennis Center at Crandon Park, Miami are still many unknowns, including exactly when stringent precautions are in place. is being considered. Purse: $3,343,785, Surface: Hardcourt outdoor how many people will be coming into Japan, The extent of the risk also varies “This has become the go-to methodology Men’s Singles - Round of 16 and organizers haven’t decided yet on how depending on the sport. A study of the in order to have an event stay on schedule Jannik Sinner (21), Italy, def. Emil Ruusuvuori, Finland, 6-3, many domestic spectators will be allowed National Football League’s latest season in despite the fact that we are in a pandemic,” 6-2. into venues. the US found that players didn’t transmit said Amesh Adalja, a senior scholar at the Roberto Bautista Agut (7), Spain, def. John Isner (18), United Depending on how infection rates the virus during game play, while matches Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security States, 6-3, 4-6, 7-6 (7). develop, there’s still a possibility that more for a high school wrestling tournament and an infectious disease physician. “Short Alexander Bublik (32), Kazakhstan, def. Taylor Fritz (22), stringent measures will be adopted, with turned into deadly super-spreading events. of vaccinating everybody, a combination of United States, 6-7 (5), 6-3, 6-4. serial testing and the bubble is Hubert Hurkacz (26), Poland, def. Milos Raonic (12), Canada, Australian Olympians pose in front of the Sydney Opera House at the unveiling of the team the best way.” 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 (4). uniforms for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, in Sydney, Australia, yesterday. Still, several countries Daniil Medvedev (1), Russia, def. Frances Tiafoe, United have already started vacci- States, 6-4, 6-3. nating their athletes and Sebastian Korda, United States, def. Diego Schwartzman (5), others who will travel to the Argentina, 6-3, 4-6, 7-5. games, and some national Andrey Rublev (4), Russia, def. Marin Cilic, Croatia, 6-4, 6-4. teams may have stricter Women’s Singles - Quarter-finals infection control rules than Ashleigh Barty (1), Australia, def. Aryna Sabalenka (7), the Tokyo playbooks. Events Belarus, 6-4, 6-7 (5), 6-3. will be held in large, airy facil- Elina Svitolina (5), Ukraine, def. Anastasija Sevastova, Latvia, ities, with few spectators, 6-3, 6-2. further decreasing the danger. Men’s Doubles -Quarter-finals But not everyone is convinced. Ivan Dodig, Croatia, and Filip Polasek (4), Slovakia, def. “It would be ideal, of course, Oliver Marach, Austria, and Luke Saville, Australia, 7-6 (4), if all participants and staff 6-4. were vaccinated,” said Eric Women’s Doubles - Quarter-finals Topol, director of the Scripps Hayley Carter, United States, and Luisa Stefani (8), Brazil, Research Translational def. Asia Muhammad and Jessica Pegula, United States, 6-4, Science Institute. 6-1. “The bubble model Gabriela Dabrowski, Canada, and Giuliana Olmos, Mexico, worked for the NBA,” Topol def. Caty McNally and Coco Gauff, United States, 6-4, 7-6 (4). said. “It’s not clear if it can be replicated in this scenario.” Sport THURSDAY 1 APRIL 2021 08 Conners flies Magic shock Clippers with late rally under radar

REUTERS — LOS ANGELES straight and six of their past at hotel Orlando Magic forward seven games. The Hawks have The Los Angeles Clippers led Chuma Okeke (left) lost two straight and four of visiting Orlando by as many as in action against the their past five. check-in 16 points and were up by seven Los Angeles Lakers. Devin Booker led Phoenix SAN ANTONIO with 2:39 to play, but the with 21 points, and Dario Saric REUTERS — inspired Magic rallied for a came off the bench to score 20 103-96 win on Tuesday. points. Corey Conners may be the The Magic, who traded Deandre Ayton had 13 defending champion at this away three of their top players points and 14 rebounds. Atlanta week’s Valero Texas Open last week, never led in the game was led by Bogdan Bogdanovic in San Antonio but that did until Wendell Carter Jr.’s tip-in with 22 points and Trae Young not make him any more with 1:10 to play. with 19 points and 13 assists. recognisable when he The put-back was part of an Clint Capela had 16 points and checked into his hotel - 11-0 run that gave Orlando a 16 rebounds. even if his image was on 97-93 lead with 53.7 seconds Charlotte Hornets 114 - every room key. left. Washington Wizards 104 The Canadian, who Chuma Okeke paced the Terry Rozier racked up 27 won the event after Magic with 18 points. Terrence points and Gordon Hayward making the field as a Ross, back from a seven-game poured in 26 points as Charlotte Monday qualifier, said he absence caused by a knee began a stretch of six straight even made a comment to injury, finished with 15 points road games by defeating the woman who handed in 26 minutes. Washington. over the room key that Kawhi Leonard scored 28 Devonte’ Graham added 17 showed him holding the points to lead Los Angeles, points and Cody Zeller, coming trophy from 2019 but she which was without Paul George off the bench, provided 16 never caught on. (foot), Marcus Morris Sr. (calf), points and 13 rebounds as the “Of course she had no Patrick Beverley (knee), Serge Hornets won for the fourth time idea who I was, but I made Ibaka (back) and newly in their last five games. a funny comment about it acquired Rajon Rondo (groin). Wizards guard Russell being embarrassing for the Denver Nuggets 104 - Phil- Westbrook had another triple- guy who’s got to look at adelphia 76ers 95 the Nuggets. Denver scored 44 Howard and Shake Milton fin- remaining helped Phoenix repel double: 22 points, 15 assists and himself on the room key Jamal Murray scored 30 points in the first quarter, a ished with 10 each for Phila- visiting Atlanta’s second-half 15 rebounds. every day for the whole points, Michael Porter Jr. had 27 season high for the period, and delphia. The 76ers have lost two comeback bid. Rui Hachimura poured in week,” said Conners. points and 12 rebounds, and never trailed in winning its third in a row after a 10-1 stretch. Crowder scored 19 points 30 points on 12-for-25 shooting “I obviously had my host Denver beat straight. Phoenix Suns 117 - Atlanta and made five 3-pointers to for Washington, which was mask on and a hat and I Philadelphia. Tyrese Maxey had 13 points, Hawks 110 prevent the Suns from blowing denied its first three-game think a sweatshirt, so she Nikola Jokic finished with Tobias Harris added 12, Ben Jae Crowder’s four-point a 16-point advantage. winning streak in more than a probably didn’t put two and 21 points and 10 rebounds for Simmons scored 11 and Dwight play with 23.4 seconds The Suns have won three month. two together. But it’s pretty cool, a nice touch. Happy it’s me on there and hopefully can be on there again.” The win by Conners in NHL: Rangers top Capitals 2019, which remains his only triumph on the PGA Tour, secured the last with four-goal third period invite to that year’s Masters, where he would REUTERS — NEW YORK RESULTS goal and Luke Schenn and go on to finish in a share of Rangers 5, Capitals 2 Andreas Borgman recorded 46th place. Artemi Panarin posted a goal assists for the Lightning, who Conners already and two assists -- all in the third Bruins 5, Devils 4 (SO) lost their third straight for the secured his spot in next period -- as the New York Panthers 4, Red Wings 1 first time this season. week’s Masters by virtue Rangers rallied to defeat the Canadiens 4, Oilers 0 Meanwhile, Charlie of his top-10 finish at visiting Washington Capitals Blackhawks 2,Hurricanes 1 McAvoy and Matt Grzelcyk Augusta National last year

5-2 on Tuesday night. Predators 3, Stars 2 (OT) scored fewer than six minutes and will be brimming with The Capitals led 2-1 after Blue Jackets 3, Lightning 1 apart to tie the game in the confidence after recent two periods before the Rangers third period, and host Boston top-10s at both the Arnold scored the game’s final four stormed back for a shootout Palmer Invitational and goals. Washington’s three- Capitals goalie Vitek Vanecek win over New Jersey. The Players game winning streak ended stopped 22 shots. Charlie Coyle and David Championship. while New York snapped its David Savard’s first goal in Pastrnak scored on Boston’s “I feel like I have a two-game losing streak. nearly two years proved to be only two shootout attempts. great plan for the golf Filip Chytil, Adam Fox and the winner as Columbus beat Also on Tuesday, Carter course and feel like my Pavel Buchnevich also scored defeated host Tampa Bay. Verhaeghe scored twice, game sets up pretty well,” for the Rangers, and Ryan Nick Foligno provided two leading Florida past Detroit in said world number 41 Lindgren had two assists. Igor assists and Zach Werenski, Jack Sunrise, Fla. Conners. Shesterkin made 30 saves for Roslovic and Texier added After taking their first three- “Work the ball right to the win. helpers for the Blue Jackets. game losing streak of the left off the tee, I think a lot New York Rangers defenceman Adam Fox (left) celebrates his goal TJ Oshie and Nic Dowd Elvis Merzlikins withstood 37 season last week, the Panthers of the holes fit my eye with against the Washington Capitals in the third period at Madison scored in the first five minutes of 38 Lightning shots. have now stacked three straight that shot shape." Square Garden. to give Washington a 2-0 lead. Mathieu Joseph scored a wins. SA's Van Niekerk finds form with 200m victory

REUTERS — JOHANNESBURG best time. “It’s one thing training well, but it’s a different South Africa’s Olympic 400 thing executing it against metres champion Wayde van such a quality lineup, guys I Niekerk stepped up his return have the world of respect from long-term injury with a for.” victory over 200 metres at the Van Niekerk ASA Athletix Invitational on smashed Michael John- Tuesday. son’s 400m world Van Niekerk has barely record at the 2016 competed since being injured Rio de Janeiro in a charity touch rugby game Olympics to claim in October 2017 but declared gold in 43.03. himself fully fit after winning He announced last in a time of 20.10 seconds, month that he will move to the albeit with a +2.1m/s tailwind United States to train under on a wet night on the Highveld. renowned sprint mentor Lance “This definitely gave me Brauman, alongside American confidence I didn’t have 200m world champion Noah before,” he said in a media Lyles and women’s 400m release from Athletics South Olympic champion Shaune Africa after clocking a season’s Miller-Uibo of the Bahamas. NFL: Vikings re-sign Dakota Dozier

REUTERS — NEW YORK career games (27 starts) with Dozier started all 16 games at the Vikings and Jets since being The Minnesota Vikings left guard for the Vikings last selected by New York in the re-signed offensive guard fourth round of the 2014 NFL Dakota Dozier to a contract, the season after signing a Draft. team announced on Tuesday. one-year, $1m contract on Hentges, 24, logged seven Terms of the deal were not March 30, 2020. He played in snaps on special teams in his disclosed by the Vikings, all 16 games (starting four) lone game with the Vikings last however the NFL Network with Minnesota in 2019 after season. reported it was a one-year deal. He had eight receptions for The Vikings also placed spending his first five NFL 103 yards and a touchdown in tight end Hale Hentges on the campaigns with the New York 11 games (four starts) with the reserve/retired list. Minnesota Jets. Washington Football Team in will hold his rights should 2019. Hentges elect to return to the Meanwhile, the Seattle Sea- NFL. (starting four) with Minnesota hawks gave offensive lineman Dozier started all 16 games in 2019 after spending his first Gabe Jackson a three-year, at left guard for the Vikings last five NFL campaigns with the $22.575 extension one week season after signing a one-year, New York Jets. after acquiring the 29-year-old $1m contract on March 30, Dozier, who will turn 30 on in a trade, NFL Network 2020. He played in all 16 games April 30, has appeared in 70 reported on Tuesday.