THURSDAY 27 FEBRUARY 2020 SPORTSPORT 07

TENNIS Of course I know Lewis’s weaknesses inside out. Better than anybody else in the world. Every human has strengths and WTA Qatar Total WOMEN'S T20 WORLD weaknesses. His strength is an unbelievable talent, his work ethic Open at Khalifa CUP IN AUSTRALIA and all that: Lewis Hamilton's former Mercedes team-mate Nico International Tennis India vs New Zealand

ACTION And Squash Complex Australia vs Bangladesh

Rosberg reckons the Briton still has weaknesses. TODAY’S 2020 Ooredoo Ride of Champions expecting 2000 entries

THE PENINSULA – DOHA of Qatar Cyclists, said: “In 2020, we Ahmed Al Shahrani, the accom- have strived to be even more inclusive. plished Qatari athlete, competing in The Qatar Cyclists organised Ooredoo We have worked with our venue and wheelchair division events and Ambas- Ride of Champions will take place at community partner, Qatar Founda- sador of Accessible Qatar, a Sasol ini- the Ceremonial Court at Qatar Foun- tion’s Community Development team tiative, commented: “I’m excited about dation on March 13 from 6:30am to and Accessible Qatar to add Wheel- this year’s Ride of Champions it’s 12:30pm. chair and Handcycle categories to the Qatar’s most inclusive event. No matter The first ‘Ride of Champions’ event event, as well as ability friendly wave, your physical ability, it has a category was hosted during the UCI Road World open to all ages.” for you from a 5.8 km lap inside Edu- Championship in October 2016 and has He said:“Qatar Cyclist Center will cation City where wheelchair users can grown with each following edition with continually strive to make its events, use their everyday chair to longer 1100 cyclists participating in 2017 and such as Ooredoo Ride of Champions, routes up to 137 km designed for 1500 in 2019 event. rides for all!” cyclists and hand-cyclists. For 2020, the organisers are Hamad Al Jaaidi, Co-Managing "I love such events because they expecting over 2000 participants, with Director Ooredoo Ride of Champions, bring all walks of life in the community over 1000 spots already allocated. said: “The Ooredoo Ride of Champions together. Can’t wait for #ROC2020 The event has always welcomed is the biggest mass-participation hope to see you there.” cyclists of all ages and levels of expe- cycling event in Qatar and the pinnacle To reflect this wider community rience from beginners to the experi- of the community events organized by involvement, the event will also be enced amateurs by creating a safe, well Qatar Cyclists, as it offers rides that suit updating their event logo to better rep- structured, and friendly environment all ages and experience levels, with resent the full participating for all participants. ability friendly categories added in community. In 2019, the event started to move 2020. We hope all members of Qatar’s Spaces are still available for this beyond just youth and adult, including communities come out and enjoy the year’s event, with registration open at include Ooredoo Qatar, Dolphin Best Buddies Qatar and Accessible young members of the IDD (intellectual day.” www.rocdoha.qa. First 2000 partici- Energy, Qatar Stock Exchange, Turkish Qatar. and developmental disabilities com- Beyond the cycling on the day, pants receive limited edition bike Airlines, Qatar Foundation, Ministry of To learn more about Ooredoo Ride munity) working with Best Buddies there will be activities for kids and jerseys (9+) and event bike bottles. Culture and Sports of Qatar, Qatar of Champions please visit www. Qatar. youth available on the day thanks to Official Partners and Supporters of Cycling Federation, Rasen Sports, rocdoha.qa or follow @rocdoha on Dr. Abulazziz Al Kuwari, President various event partners. the Ooredoo Ride of Champions Garmin Lingawi and Rayyan Water, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Spain’s Rafael Nadal Murray returns the ball to Spain’s Pablo Andujar during admits he their Mexico ATP Open 500 men’s singles match in Acapulco, Guerrero may need State, Mexico on Tuesday. further operation

AFP – LONDON

Qatar’s Olympic-bound Mohammed Al Rumaihi (left) Britain’s former world number in action during the Men’s Trap event of the Qatar Open one Andy Murray faces a Shotgun Championship at the Losail Shooting Range, crucial few weeks to find out yesterday. PICTURES: SYED OMAR if he requires another oper- ation in order to return to top- level tennis. The 32-year-old three- Al Rumaihi impresses time Grand Slam winner has only just returned to training after being out of action since November due to bruising on on day one of Trap event his pelvic bone. He capped a remarkable ARMSTRONG VAS comeback from a hip-resur- THE PENINSULA facing operation he underwent in January 2019 by Jacopo Cipriani of Italy and Jiri winning the European Open Liptak of Czech Republic are tied in October. in the first place while Qatar’s But Murray may need an Olympic-bound Mohammed Al operation to remove bone Rumaihi is in the joint third growth associated with the position at the end of the three surgery though he could be rounds of the Men’s Trap event at back in action at the end of the Qatar Open Shotgun Cham- March in Miami. pionship. The Scot believes his lack Nadal off the mark Yesterday at the Losail of progress is caused by a Shooting Range, Cipriani and common side-effect of his Liptak, both shots down 71 targets operation. with win in Acapulco Qatar's Rashid Hamad in three rounds of 25 each to head “I have not had lots of Al Athba in action. into the second and final day. clarity as to what the issue AFP – ACAPULCO, MEXICO 2008 Olympic Games gold actually is, because it is dif- medallist David Kostelecky of respectively. The final rounds of yesterday at the shooting range. ficult to tell,” he told the Rafael Nadal marked his return to action with a Czech Republic, a five-time qualifying will be played today Fatima Galvez Marin of Spain is British media. straight-sets victory over Pablo Andujar on Tuesday Olympic veteran, was in the joint followed by the medal rounds. 15 in the second spot while Ales- “What I need to do just as he launched his bid to reclaim the world number third place with Al Rumaihi, while Qatari shooters are taking part in sandra Perilli of Sammarinese is now is build up in these next one ranking at the Mexico Open in Acapulco. Erik Varga of Slovakia, Alessandro the event in which several the third place. couple of weeks to really test The 33-year-old Spaniard, playing for the first time Chianese of Italy, Aaron Heading Olympic and world champions are Mopsi Veromaa of Finland, it. Hopefully it responds fine. since his quarter-final exit to Dominic Thiem at the of Great Britain and Marian seen in action. Erica Sessa of Italy and Kirsty I should know by the end of Australian Open last month, claimed a 6-3, 6-2 victory Kovacocy of Slovakia are in the Several Tokyo bound Hegarty of Great Britain are all in next month whether I’m good over compatriot Andujar in 1hr 30min. fourth place. shooters are taking part in the the race to qualify for today final to play or not with it.” An “The most important thing when you have not com- Besides Al Rumaihi, other event having the Olympics in round. Today two rounds of qual- operation would likely see peted for a while is to win, I needed a match like today Qatari shooters who did well on mind. Over 200 shooters from 39 ifying will be followed by the him miss Wimbledon and also to get in rhythm and gain some confidence,” Nadal said the first day, include Rashid countries are taking part in the medal rounds. potentially scupper his bid for after the victory. Hamad Al Athba, Mohammed eight day event. Kholoud Al Khalaf of Qatar is a third successive Olympics Nadal suffered an early stumble, with Andujar Kheijam and Saeed Abusharib. Meanwhile in the women’s in the 17th place and is vying along singles title. grabbing a break of serve in the opening game as the Rashid shot down 66 clay section, Zuzana Rehak Ste- with 28 shooters to make it to the Murray has slipped to 19-time Grand Slam winner took time to find his pigeons to be in the 12th spot fecekova of Slovkia emerged as final rounds. Six top shooters from 130th in the world after rhythm. while Mohammed and Saeed the leader after day one action both the men’s and women’s missing a succession of Grand However, Nadal broke back quickly and then were in the 22nd 24th spot, having having missed just three targets section make it to the medal Slams in recent years. opened up a 5-2 lead. Andujar saved three set points brought down 65 and 64 targets out of the 75 she aimed at rounds. “I want to play in the to hold serve but Nadal easily held to take the first set. Slams again,” he said. “That Andujar never looked like finding a way back into is the thing that I have missed the match in the second set as a dominant Nadal broke over these last few years. in the first game and kept up the momentum, to close Organisers say Tokyo Olympics Missing the Australian Open out the win emphatically. for me this year was rough.” The top-seeded Nadal admitted afterwards he was He said the operation would still adjusting to the heat and humidity of conditions be difficult for him due to the in Acapulco. on as virus hits events in Japan timing. “It was an awkward first round game,” Nadal said. “The thing for me that “I had not competed for a while and the temperature AFP – TOKYO in Japan of everything from Tokyo 2020 CEO Toshiro Muto would be tough is if I would change is drastic enough... but I am happy with the football matches to the rituals told reporters. have to go ahead and have victory.” The Tokyo 2020 Olympics are that mark the opening of the “Our basic thinking is to something done about this,” Nadal faces Serbia’s Miomir Kecmanovic in Wednes- going ahead, organisers said yes- March sumo tournament. conduct the Olympics and Paral- he said. day’s second round. Kecmanovic defeated Australia’s terday, even as the government But organisers have been at ympics as planned. That’s our “It’s not that long an oper- Alex de Minaur in Monday’s opening round. called for major events in coming pains to insist that Olympics and assumption.” Muto said organisers ation really in terms of the Nadal could regain his world number one ranking weeks to be postponed, cancelled Paralympics scheduled for the would consider how to respond to rehab and stuff. this week with a victory in Acapulco if rival Novak or scaled back over the new summer are not in danger of the call from Prime Minister Shinzo “But it’s just if I wasn’t able Djokovic fails to reach the semi-finals of the Dubai coronavirus. being scrapped. Abe yesterday for organisers of to have it until May or Duty Free Tennis Championships. The fate of the Summer “We have not thought about major events in the next two weeks whatever, with six to eight The Spanish star ceded the global top spot to Games has been in the spotlight it. We have not heard about it. We to cancel, postpone or downsize weeks’ rehab, then that would Djokovic after the Australian Open, where the Serb as the outbreak of COVID-19 have made inquiries, and we the gatherings to prevent the mean missing that period (the won a record eighth title. forces the cancellation and delays were told there is no such plan,” spread of COVID-19. grass-court season).” 08 SPORT THURSDAY 27 FEBRUARY 2020

Australia's McGrath backs day-night Tests to revive popularity

REUTERS — MUMBAI

Five-day cricket remains the ultimate format for Australia fast bowling great Glenn McGrath, who believes day- night Tests are the way forward for the format to survive in the age of the shorter version. Prime Minister of Imran Khan (second left) during a meeting with West Indian legend Sir Vivian Richards (third left), former Australian players Greg Chappell The future of the longest (third right) and Shane Watson (second right) at the PM House in Islamabad yesterday, on the sidelines of the ongoing (PSL). Sir Richards is hailed format has been the subject of as one of the greatest batsmen of all times, while Chappell, who played 87 Tests and 74 ODIs, was the pre-eminent Australian batsman of his time. Both were Khan's debate since the rise of popular contemporaries during their cricket careers. Former Australia all-rounder Watson is a World Cup winner and he is currently playing for Quetta Gladiators at the PSL. T20 leagues over the last decade coincided with dwin- dling crowds at Test matches outside cricket hotbeds Aus- tralia and England. Officials view day-night Tests as having the potential Sri Lanka crush WI to clinch series to reverse the trend. “I am a big fan of Test SCOREBOARD AFP — HAMBANTOTA cricket, to me is Sri Lanka S. Ambris run out (Mathews/Udana) ...... 17 terms of runs against the West end with figures of 4-67. But still the ultimate and we’ve got A. Fernando c Paul b Joseph ...... 127 D. Bravo c Dhananjaya b Hasaranga ...... 16 Indies. Sheldon Cottrell struck Hasaranga, 17 off 10, and Isuru to keep the game fresh, people Avishka Fernando and Kusal D. Karunaratne c Allen b Cottrell ...... 1 R. Chase b Sandakan ...... 20 twice on successive balls in the Udana, unbeaten 17 off nine, enjoying it,” McGrath told Mendis hit centuries as Sri K. Perera c Hope b Cottrell ...... 0 N. Pooran c Mathews b Sandakan ...... 31 fourth over of the match to put on 29 runs for the eighth reporters after a Tourism Aus- Lanka thrashed West Indies by K. Mendis c Hope b Joseph ...... 119 K. Pollard b Hasaranga ...... 0 send back skipper Dimuth Kar- to make Sri Lanka finish tralia event to attract more 161 runs in the second one-day T. Perera b Cottrell ...... 36 J. Holder b Hasaranga ...... 3 unaratne, for one, and Kusal with a flourish. A. Mathews b Joseph ...... 1 K. Paul b Pradeep ...... 21 Indian visitors. international to clinch the D. de Silva b Cottrell ...... 12 F. Allen c T. Perera b Sandakan ...... 17 Perera, for nought in his 100th West Indies were never in “T20 has taken the world series yesterday. W. Hasaranga run out (Hope/Cottrell) ...... 17 A. Joseph b Pradeep ...... 0 ODI, before Mendis denied the the chase despite a 64-run by storm, it is bringing a lot Fernando, who blasted 127, I. Udana ...... 17 S. Cottrell not out ...... 0 bowler his hat-trick. opening stand between Shai more people to cricket and and Mendis, who made 119, put Extras (lb3, w10, nb2) ...... 15 Extras (lb1, w6, nb1) ...... 8 Mendis got one reprieve on Hope, who top-scored with 51, that is brilliant and hopefully on 239 runs in Sri Lanka’s Total (8 , 50 overs) ...... 345 Total (all out, 39.1 overs) ...... 184 two when West Indies skipper and Sunil Ambris. that will filter into Test highest third-wicket stand as Did not bat: L. Sandakan, N. Pradeep Fall of wickets: 1-64 (Ambris), 2-83 (Hope), dropped a Ambris, who was dropped cricket.” the hosts amassed 345 for eight Fall of wickets: 1-9 (Karunaratne), 2-9 (K. 3-93 (Bravo), 4-130 (Chase), 5-131 (Pollard), simple chance at first slip off by Sandakan on seven off The International Cricket after being put into bat in Perera), 3-248 (K. Perera), 4-271 (Fernando), 6-137 (Holder), 7-158 (Pooran), 8-184 (Paul), Jason Holder. He went on to paceman Nuwan Pradeep, was 5-274 (Mathews), 6-303 (De Silva), 7-316 (T. 9-184 (Pradeep), 10-184 (Joseph) Council (ICC), the sport’s world Hambantota. Perera), 8-345 (Hasaranga) Bowling: Pradeep 6-0-37-2 (w1), T. Perera score his second one-day the first to depart after being governing body, is also set to Wrist spinners Wanindu Bowling: Cottrell 10-0-67-4 (w4), Holder 8-0- 5-0-18-0, Udana 4-0-21-0 (w1), Mathews 5-0- hundred. run out for 17. Hope completed discuss the idea of reducing Hasaranga and Lakshan 59-0 (w2, nb1), Jospeh 10-0-57-3 (w3), Allen 20-1, Hasaranga 10-0-30-3, Sandakan 9.1-0- Mendis and Fernando, who his 16th ODI half-century but Test matches by a day to free Sandakan took three wickets 6-0-37-0, Paul 7-0-62-0 (w1), Chase 6-0-31-0, 57-3 (nb1, w4) hit his career-best ODI score soon fell to Mathews. up a crowded international each as Sri Lanka bowled out Pollard 3-0-29-0 (nb1) Toss: West Indies in 123 balls, smashed 22 fours Hasaranga was spot on calendar. the visitors for 184 in 39.1 overs West Indies Result: Sri Lanka won by 161 runs between them. Fast bowler with his leg spin googly as he “We have got to keep Test and take an unbeatable 2-0 S. Hope c Karunaratne b Mathews ...... 51 Series: SL lead the three-match series 2-0 Alzarri Joseph finally claimed bowled Pollard for a first ball cricket alive and moving lead in the three-match series the centurions in the space of duck and castled Jason forward and positive and people after edging the first game by "The way Kusal and the wicket-taking bowlers. Last 14 deliveries, and then bowled Holder for three. coming to the game. And, to me, one wicket. Avishka batted. The intensity few years we didn't have that in former Angelo A floodlight failure delayed the way to do that is day-night But it was Fernando and is what I'm expecting from the one-day matches, so hopefully Mathews for one. Cottrell Sri Lanka’s victory march by Test cricket. I’m big fan of it. I’m Mendis who made Sri Lanka boys. Be confident and play they'll continue in the next dented Sri Lanka’s middle- 15 minutes as Nuwan Pradeep, not a big fan of four-day Test bounce back from nine for two their natural game," skipper matches as well." order with the wickets of who took two wickets, and cricket,” he said. to record their highest ODI Dimuth Karunaratne said after The island nation also , for 36, and Sandakan combined to wipe India have traditionally total against the West Indies. the win. "(Wristspinners) are recorded their biggest win in Dhananjaya de Silva, for 12, to off the tail. been reluctant to embrace innovation in cricket but after much heel-dragging they finally experienced a day- night test when they faced Smith to lead neighbours Bangladesh in PSL: Sultans down Peshawar Kolkata last year. Virat Kohli’s men won the Welsh Fire in Test series 2-1 on their last visit Zalmi by six wickets for second win but McGrath said Australia will Hundred be a different opposition with AGENCIES — MULTAN the return of aces Steve AFP — LONDON Smith and David Warner, who continued their were serving bans due to ball good start as they outclassed will skipper Welsh tampering last time. former champions Peshawar Fire in English cricket’s new “Australia are playing a Zalmi by six wickets to register Hundred competition two years pretty good brand of cricket. their second victory at Pakistan after being stripped of the They’ve got Steve Smith back Super League (PSL) in Multan Australia captaincy for his role and David Warner back and yesterday. in a ball-tampering scandal. both playing well,” said the Multan, led by Pakistan Test Smith will lead a side that 50-year-old McGrath. opener , first dis- includes Australia fast bowler “Having back a batsman played a discipline bowling to Mitchell Starc as well as like Dave Warner and a quality restrict Peshawar to 123 and England World Cup-winners batsman like Steve Smith, it’s later achieved the target and Liam a totally different game." without much trouble to gain Plunkett, together with rising maximum points. star and West Multan Sultans’ (second right) celebrates While chasing the target, Indies paceman Ravi Rampaul. with team-mates after taking the wicket of Peshawar Sultans reached home in 15th Yesterday’s announcement Zalmi’s Liam Dawson during their PSL match at the over of the innings courtesy a came with Smith and David Multan Cricket Stadium in Multan yesterday. sensible unbeaten knock of 49 Warner, his then vice-captain We have got to keep runs from 42 balls, by South who was also banned for 12 Test cricket alive African batsman . months for his part in the He was ably supported by Earlier, Young pacer Mohammad was only Liam Dawson’s 22 incident, back at the Newlands and moving forward Pakistan cricketer Khushdil were dismissed for only 123 in Ilyas took the wickets of runs off 23 balls which added ground in Cape Town for a and positive and Shah, who remained not out on 18.3 overs after a superb middle-order batsman Shoaib some respectability to the series-deciding third people coming to 43 runs off 29 balls. bowling display by the home Malik (2) and team’s total. The Sultans had lost four side. (o) to further dent Zalmi. For Sultans, Tanvir was the against South Africa. the game. And, to wickets with just 47 runs on the Despite being dropped on Rookie batsman pick of the bowlers with figures “It’s an honour to be asked me, the way to do board but Rossouw and Shah the very first ball of the innings, was the only Zalmi batsman of 4/13 in 3.3 overs. to captain Welsh Fire in the ensured that there were no Tom Banton failed to make the who impressed in the middle, His fellow pacers Irfan and first year of The Hundred,” that is further jitters as their side most of the reprieve as pacer scoring a brisk 47 off just 27 Ilyas claimed two wickets each, said Smith. day-night Test cruised to victory. Mohammad Irfan got the better balls. He was eventually dis- while leg-spinners Afridi and Smith will lead the Welsh cricket: Australia's For Zalmi, pacer Wahab of him on the fifth ball of the missed, trying to clear the Imran Tahir bagged one wicket Fire, whose side currently does Riaz claimed two wickets while same over, courtesy a brilliant boundary, by Tanvir. each. not include any Welsh players, Glenn McGrath fellow fast-bowlers catch by veteran all-rounder Peshawar’s lower-order For his brilliant bowling in the competition’s opening and claimed one Shahid Afridi. He could only also seemed out of sorts, during performance, Sohail Tanvir was fixture away to Oval Invin- wicket each. score four runs. their turn with the bat, and it declared player of the match. cibles in London on July 17. Former skipper Du Plessis out of South Africa's ODI squad AFP — JOHANNESBURG The first match in the “We alwaysways saw the TheThe squad includes “I would like too SOUTH AFRICA SQUAD series will be in Paarl on series againstnst England babatsmantsman Janneman strengthen oourur Former captain Faf du Quinton de Kock (captain, wkt), Tem- Saturday, following the and Australiaralia as an Malan and wicketkeeper-wicketkeeper- dedepthpth popoolol Plessis will not play for conclusion of a Twenty20 opportunityy to play some batsmanbatsman Kyle VerreVerreynne,ynne, right nonoww ba Bavuma, Beuran Hendricks, Hein- Faf du Plessis South Africa in a three- rich Klaasen (wkt), Keshav Maharaj, series in Cape Town on fresh talent,”ent,” said whowho were both includedincluded and see whatwhat match one-day interna- Janneman Malan, David Miller, Lungi Wednesday. Boucher. in the squad for a recent playersplayers we havhavee tional series against Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Andile Phehluk- Test left-arm spinner “If we ffeeleel that wewe series against England out there. I feelfeel Australia but remains Keshav Maharaj has been need to restt players,players, we butbut did not play. thatthat this is thethe wayo, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Sham- part of the country’s rewarded for good form will, as we hahaveve done in Malan has previouslypreviously time and opportunityopportunityy si, Lutho Sipamla, Jon-Jon Smuts, future plans, Cricket in a domestic one-day the recent ppast.ast. Faf (du beenbeen capped at T20 level to do so,” saidsaid South Africa (CSA) Kyle Verreynne (wkt). tournament with his first Plessis) has beenbeen fantastic whilewhile Verreynne is Boucher. announced yesterday. Fixtures one-day international for us in white-ballwhite-ball uncapped.uncapped. Du Plessis, who February 29, Paarl call-up since 2018. cricket and

stepped down from the March 4, Bloemfontein Coach Mark Boucher remains veveryry captaincy in all forms of March 7, Potchefstroom said the squad was much in ourur ODIODI the game earlier this picked with an eye to the plans and we will month, is being rested Dussen and Dwaine Pre- future with the next manage hiss workloadworkload along with recent regular torius, according to a CSA World Cup still three for the nearear future players in Rassie van der statement. years away. diligently.” THURSDAY 27 FEBRUARY 2020 SPORT 09

Rampant Bayern gave Chelsea CAS confirms Manchester City a ‘reality check’, says Lampard appeal against AFP — LONDON Bayern Munich’s German striker Serge Gnabry celebrates Frank Lampard admitted Chelsea after scoring their second goal during the UEFA Champions European ban were given a “reality check” by League round of 16 first leg against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in London on Tuesday. Bayern Munich as the Germans AFP — LAUSANNE pushed his team to the brink of Champions League elimination Manchester City’s appeal against their two-year with a 3-0 victory in the last 16 European ban for breaches of financial regulations first leg on Tuesday. has been officially registered by the Court of Arbi- Serge Gnabry scored twice in tration for Sport, CAS announced yesterday. three minutes early in the second The Premier League club, who were also fined half and Robert Lewandowski €30m ($32.5m) by European football’s governing bagged Bayern’s third goal to body UEFA earlier this month, had immediately con- complete a masterful display from tested the “flawed” process and stated their intention Hansi Flick’s side at Stamford to appeal. Bridge. CAS said in a statement yesterday: “The Court Bayern are odds-on to finish of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has registered an off Chelsea in the second leg in appeal filed by Manchester City football club against Munich on March 18 after inflicting the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA). the Blues’ heaviest European “The appeal is directed against the decision of home defeat. the adjudicatory chamber of the UEFA Club Financial Lampard conceded Chelsea Control Body (CFCB) dated 14 February 2020 in had been outclassed from start to which Manchester City was deemed to have con- finish and urged his players to travened UEFA’s Club Licensing and Financial Fair learn from the chastening Play Regulations.” experience. CAS said it was not possible to say when the “That’s football at this level, Chelsea were toothless up of his players came out of the their most in a single campaign matter would be resolved but it is expected to take the levels of Bayern were fantastic. front with Lampard’s decision to match with any credit. since 1985-86. several months. It was a harsh lesson for the start Olivier Giroud instead of “I learned about the players. They have often been better The adjudicatory chamber said on February 14 players. It’s the reality of the Tammy Abraham backfiring. We have to show character. They away from home, but it would City had broken the rules by “overstating its spon- Champions League,” Lampard They lacked organisation at need to use it to positive effect,” take a miracle, at the venue where sorship revenue in its accounts and in the break- said. the back and drive and creativity Lampard said. they beat Bayern in the 2012 even information submitted to UEFA between 2012 “If you give people of that in midfield, with a lack of lead- “When you have an eye- Champions League final, to make and 2016.” quality enough chances they will ership also notable as they lost opener like tonight, the only the quarter-finals now. Pep Guardiola’s City face losing hundreds of mil- score goals. their heads with the tie slipping answer is to say ‘I’m not going to “We have to go and play with lions of pounds in prize money, TV revenue, gate “There is a lot to their team, away. look at anyone else in the team pride and not consider the receipts and sponsorship income should their appeal players that have been there a Jorginho will miss the second but myself. Who was my direct scoreline too much. It’s pretty fail. long time. We have to respect that. leg after earning a needless opponent and how did I do?’ clear we are in a very bad position Last week, City Football Group CEO Ferran “But we weren’t confident on booking for arguing with the “I thought the only player who going into the second leg,” Soriano said the club hoped to have their appeal the ball, that was my biggest dis- referee, while Marcos Alonso will showed that personality who Lampard said. heard by CAS before the start of next season’s Cham- appointment, from start to finish.” also be suspended following his looked like he could play in any “I’m more concerned about pions League. It was a night when all of the late red card for whacking team was (Mateo) Kovacic.” the big picture and how quickly If the ban stands, it could raise questions about problems that have dogged Lewandowski. Lampard’s side have now lost we can recover in the Premier the future of Guardiola and key players. Chelsea at times during Lampard’s Lampard could not hide his eight matches at Stamford Bridge League.” But Guardiola said on Tuesday he was confident first season were on display. frustration and made it clear few in all competitions this season, Bayern are the third team in the club had a strong case. Champions League history to win “We were under suspicion for a long time but their first seven games. we have the right to appeal,”Guardiola said at a press Frank Lampard By their high standards, this conference before the first leg of his team’s Cham- group had endured a troubled pions League last-16 tie against Real Madrid. season domestically, but they have “I trust the people in my club. They have rounded into form since Flick explained to me the reasons why we are under sus- replaced Niko Kovac as manager. picion. They showed me the arguments and the Gnabry’s second superb per- proof. formance in London this season, “If it doesn’t happen we have to accept it and That’s football at this following his four-goal haul in the move forward with the people who want to stay but thrashing of Tottenham, show- I trust the club, I know them. level, the levels of cased the poise and precision “We appeal as a club and we will see what Bayern were fantastic. flowing through Bayern’s play at happens with CAS.” It was a harsh lesson present. The two-time defending Premier League cham- Asked if he was surprised pions are currently second in the table but have a for the players. It’s Gnabry hadn’t made the grade at minimal chance of catching runaway leaders Liv- the reality of the Arsenal at the start of his career, erpool, who are 22 points clear. Flick said: “I’m happy about this! Since the Sheikh Mansour takeover in 2008, City Champions League. “I’ve known Gnabry quite a have won 10 major trophies -- four Premier League If you give people of long time. I saw how he played at titles, two FA Cups and four League Cups. that quality enough Arsenal and you could just tell Yet the prize that has eluded them is the one the what he could do. Abu Dhabi owners most desire -- the Champions chances they will score “Playing in Germany he’s now League. goals: Frank Lampard just doing fantastically well and City have previously fallen foul of FFP with Bayern he’s really developing regulations. well. They were fined €60m and saw their Cham- “It was a really good result for pions League squad reduced in 2014. Qatari-owned us. The team performed exactly Paris Saint-Germain were also fined that year. as we had planned.” AFC issues life bans Napoli will use 'helmets and to two Laos players for match-fixing armour' at Barcelona: Gattuso REUTERS —NAPLES REUTERS — KUALA LUMPUR Napoli coach Gennaro Gattuso was The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has handed in typically combative mood after life bans to Laos internationals Khampheng Saya- his side were held 1-1 at home by vutthi and Lembo Saysana for conspiring to fix a Barcelona in the Champions match, Asian soccer’s governing body said League, saying they would use yesterday. “helmets and armour” to defend The duo were found to have committed offences themselves in the return. under Article 66.1 of the AFC Disciplinary and Ethics Tuesday’s result left the Serie A Code when they attempted to manipulate the result side with a huge task in the return of a game between Hong Kong and Laos on October at Camp Nou on March 18 but the 5, 2017. famously fiery coach refused to Both players will not be able to take part in any accept his side were out of the soccer-related activities for life, the AFC said. running in the round of 16 tie. “The Lao Football Federation has been informed “I’d like to answer that question of the decisions and the AFC will request FIFA to in my style but I can’t,” he said extend the bans worldwide in due course,” the AFC when asked if Napoli still had hope said in a statement. of reaching the quarter-finals for “The latest sanction demonstrates the AFC is the first time. fully committed to its zero-tolerance policy on “Of course nothing is finished, Barcelona’s Argentine forward Lionel Messi match-fixing and its regulations provide for tough we know there will be difficulties (left) vies for the ball possession with Napoli’s sanctions for match manipulation.” It added that but we’ll buy the helmets, the Portuguese defender Mario Rui during their UEFA no further details would be disclosed with an inves- armour and we’ll go and play at Champions League round of 16 first-leg match. tigation ongoing. Camp Nou.” Meanwhile, Asian Soccer leaders yesterday Dries Mertens gave Napoli the postponed two key meetings because of the spread lead before Antoine Griezmann we drew but, really, not much with 10 men after Arturo Vidal was then struck with their first mean- of a virus. equalised in the second half. changes between 1-0 and 1-1 -- we sent off late on for picking up two ingful attack of the game. Junior The Asian Football Confederation was due to Gennaro took over at Napoli in know that whatever happens we yellow cards in quick succession. Firpo lost the ball to Piotr Zielinski hold an executive committee meeting in Bahrain December, his second job in charge have to put in a great performance The two sides, who were and the midfielder pulled a pass on March 14 ahead of a congress of member nations of a Serie A side after AC Milan, and there.” A superb curling strike from facing each other for the first time, across to the waiting Mertens, who on April 16 in Kuala Lumpur. The AFC said that has managed to revive the team Dries Mertens put the home side in will meet again at the Camp Nou took a touch just outside the box both gatherings had been postponed, with no new after a shaky start. front after half an hour and saw the for the second leg on March 18 before curling in a landmark goal, dates for the meetings given. “At least this match gave us the Belgian draw level with Marek with Barca now firm favourites to his sixth in seven Champions Governments have announced more than 20 awareness that if we play as a team, Hamsik as Napoli’s all-time top progress despite having Vidal and League games this season. cases of the virus in both Malaysia and Bahrain. we can give great performances,” scorer with 121 goals. Sergio Busquets suspended for the With Sunday’s La Liga Clasico The virus has already impacted Soccer matches he said. But Barca breached a well- return. against Real Madrid looming, Barca on the continent with Asian Champions League He was pleased by the side’s drilled Napoli defence in the 57th Barcelona dominated pos- were also left with concerns over games involving Chinese clubs Guangzhou Ever- “willingness to suffer” as well as minute when Griezmann fired in a session from the first whistle but defender Gerard Pique, who limped grande, Shanghai Shenhua and Shanghai SIPG post- their quality against Barcelona. Nelson Semedo cross. struggled to find their way through off with an injury after falling poned to April-May. He added: “There is regret that The visitors ended the game the well-organised Italians, who heavily on his ankle. 10 SPORT THURSDAY 27 FEBRUARY 2020 Longines Arena at Al Shaqab set to host a series of events World No.3 Deusser leads star cast in Doha

RIZWAN REHMAT Daniel Deusser rides Kiana van het Herdershof during a Pieter Devos on Claire THE PENINSULA warm-up session at the Longines Arena at Al Shaqab, Z during yesterday's ahead of the Commercial Bank CHI Al Shaqab presented warm-up. World number three Daniel by Longines which kicks off today. Deusser will be in the spotlight at this week’s Commercial Bank CHI Al Shaqab but the German show jumping star knows he won’t be the only one aiming for the Grand Prix glory on Saturday. Deusser, 38, last week guided Calisto Blue to Gothenburg Trophy win after a start with 32 entries in the Swedish city. This week Deusser will be joined by Peder Fredricson of Sweden, currently ranked 5, Bel- gium’s Pieter Devos (No.6), Ger- many’s Christian Ahlmann (No.10), Great Britain’s Scott Brash and popular Australian Edwina Tops-Alexander. A total of 88 riders from 23 countries will feature in show jumping, dressage and para- dressage events starting today. Qatar will be represented by Bassem Mohammed, Faleh Suwead Al Ajami, Salmen Sultan Al Suwaidi and Rashid Towaim Ali Al Marri. Omar Al Mannai, Commercial Manager, Al Shaqab, and Event Director, Commercial Bank CHI Al facility. PROGRAMME Shaqab, presented by Longines, “Regarding the participation, said: “We will have riders from 23 we have riders from 23 nations. We DAY 1 - TODAY countries representing five conti- have all the continents represented TIME CATEGORY EVENT VENUE HEIGHT nents. The participating riders total at this week’s event. All riders mark 12:00 - 15:45 CPEDI3* Para Dressage - Team Test Indoor Arena more than 190. There were will be their calendars with Al Shaqab on 13:30 - 14:15 Al Shaqab Internations Camp Outdoor Arena dressage and para-dressage events it. This is the seventh edition. We 15:00 - 17:00 CSI5* 2 Phases Outdoor Arena Outdoor Arena 1.45m also.” will have a rider from Uruguay 17:45 - 20:40 CSI5* Against the clock Outdoor Arena 1.55m When asked about the para- also. There will be jumping, 18:00 - 20:40 HATHAB Longines Hathab - Dressage L1 & L2 Indoor Arena dressage event, Al Mannai said: dressage and para-dressage events. DAY 2 - TOMORROW “This is the fourth year Al Shaqab All events will consist of riders with TIME CATEGORY EVENT VENUE HEIGHT will be including this important rankings. There is more prize 09:00 - 11:00 HATHAB Longines Hathab - Small Tour Outdoor Arena 1.00/1.15m We started on a small platform but we Olympic discipline in the event and money,” Berdegue said. 09:15 - 12:45 CPEDI3* Para Dressage - Individual Test Indoor Arena our facilities are geared to meet “First of all, the horses have 13:00 - 15:00 HATHAB Longines Hathab - Medium Tour Outdoor Arena 1.20/1.30m always had plans to give our events a the needs of the participants. These arrived safe and sound. They trav- 15:00 - 18:00 CDI5* Dressage - Grand Prix Test Indoor Arena distinctive look. We are confident that are great role models who are elled in three cargo planes of Qatar 15:45 - 17:15 CSI5* Against the clock Outdoor Arena 1.50m this would be the biggest event. We have sources of great inspiration to the Airways. They landed only six 18:00 - 18:45 CHILDREN Al Shaqab Children's Competition Outdoor Arena 1.00m participants from five continents. There physically impaired. We look hours apart. It’s not an easy oper- 19:30 - 21:30 CSI5* Jump off Outdoor Arena 1.60m is an overwhelming increase forward to seeing Qatari riders ation but everything went smooth,” in the numberumber of ridersriders wiwithth participating in this discipline in Berdegue said. DAY 3 - SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 29 the future.” “They are in stable they are TIME CATEGORY EVENT VENUE HEIGHT top ratings.ngs. There are 19 08:30 09:15 CDI5* Dressage - Grand Prix - Special Test Indoor Arena With a string of events planned looked at by Shaqab vets. They are riders inn the para-para- 10:25 12:15 HATHAB Longines Hathab - Open Class Outdoor Arena 1.15/1.25m dressagege class and on the sidelines, Al Mannai said well looked after. They will 10:00 13:30 CPEDI3* Para Dressage - Freestyle Test Indoor Arena Longines Arena at Al Shaqab is undergo vet check tomorrow. 13:30 14:45 HATHAB Longines Hathab - Big Tour Outdoor Arena 1.30/1.45m 17 in dressageressage: aiming to host its biggest event in Regarding the riders, they are still 14:15 16:45 CDI5* Dressage - Commercial Bank Indoor Arena Omar All Mannai,Mannai, recent history. arriving. We are expecting the rest CHI AL SHAQAB Free Style Commercialercial Manager,Manager, “We started on a small platform to join us soon. Presented by LONGINES Al Shaqab,qab, and 15:30 16:30 CSI5* Table C Outdoor Arena 1.45m but we had plans to give our events "This impressive venue is a Event Director,Director, a distinctive look. We are confident perfect model for this competition. 17:10 17:25 ARABIAN Arabian Horse Show Outdoor Arena that this would be the biggest The ground is perfect. We have to 17:30 20:00 CSI5* Commercial Bank CHI AL SHAQAB Outdoor Arena 1.60m Commercialercial event. We have participants from know the footing has to be firm. It Grand Prix presented by LONGINES Bank CHIHI five continents. There is an over- has to be a little more firm. We are Al Shaqab,qab, whelming increase in the number ready to host the event,” Berdegue presentedted by of riders with top ratings. There are added. participant riders a pleasant time event promotes authenticity in this Longineses 19 riders in the para-dressage class Meanwhile title sponsors Com- this week. Commercial Bank has sport. The vision of the Amir H H and 17 in dressage,” Al Mannai said. mercial Bank are thrilled to support accustomed itself by backing top Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani Alejandro Berdegue, Sport CHI Al Shaqab, a top official of the sports events held in Qatar. We are helps us make this country an oasis Coordinator, Commercial Bank CHI bank said yesterday. thrilled to support CHI Al Shaqab. of sporting success. Al Shaqab, said yesterday: “We Abeer Marwan Al Kalla, Head We want to promote sports in the "The Commercial Bank is thank our sponsors for helping us of Corporate Communications and country.”y tryingy g to be ppresent in all such set this event. This is an amazing CSR, yesterday said: “I wish all Al Kalla added: “Thi“Thiss events.events. We consider our- We have riders from 23 nations. We have all selves real partners. the continents represented at this week’s Qatari rider Bassem Mohammed (left) “We tatakek pride in spon- event. All riders mark their calendars and British star Scott Brash soringsoring thithiss event. It is an with Al Shaqab on it. This is the seventh honourhonour to hhave this event edition. We will have a rider from Uruguay withwith us. CommercialCom Bank is the sponsorspons for the next also. There will be jumping, dressage three yeyears. I extend our and para-dressage events. All events will bestbest wishesw to eve- consist of riders with rankings. There is ryryoneon associated more prize money: Alejandro Berdegue, wiwitht this great Sport Coordinator, Commercial Bank CHI ininternational Al Shaqab event,”e Al Kalla said. “This is the first time Com- mercial Bank is sponsorings this event.ev We know This event promotes authenticity in this ththee ddetails of the sport. The vision of the Amir H H Sheikh event.event. WWe have a wide- Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani helps us rangingranging interest in the make this country an oasis of sporting competition.competitio This event and people at Al Shaqa promote success. The Commercial Bank is trying our heritage insidein Qatar and to be present in all such events. We worldwide.worldw We will consider ourselves real partners: Abeer havehave a large number Marwan Al Kalla, Head of Corporate of staff attending Communications and CSR at CBQ thet event,” she added.

Qatari riders warm up ahead of the eighth round of the Longines Hathab Qatar Equestrian Tour at the Longines Arena at Al Shaqab, yesterday. RIGHT: It is shower time for a horse following yesterday's vet check. THURSDAY 27 FEBRUARY 2020 SPORT 11

TODAY'S STAGE

The final selective section of 254.58km starts on the Zekret road and heads up the western shoreline before turning south at a passage control near Al-Zubara, after 150.17km. The final timed section then heads through the central deserts to finish at Ash Qatar's rallying star Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah is seen at the start of the fourth stage at the Manateq Qatar Cross-Country Rallyyesterday. RIGHT: Al Atiyah at the end of yesterday's Shafallahiyah. stage. The six-day rally ends today with the prize distribution ceremony taking place at Souq Waqif, organizers confirmed yesterday. Khalid Al Mohannadi shows top form in T3 battle as entries eye the final stage Al Attiyah retains comfortable lead “We had one flat tyre and we as another home trophy beckons stopped and changed. Third THE PENINSULA — DOHA This guaranteed that the may have been a problem if we With nothing to lose, other Al Kuwari had hoped to chal- on the road competitive stage distance was had gone to the other stage.” than a stage win, Jones attacked lenge for the T3 lead, but the tomorrow so that Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah will take long enough (75%) to be eligible “It was a short stage but it and was fastest through the first Qatari suffered a time loss early we can manage. I an outright lead of 1hr 16min for maximum FIA championship had to be like this,” said timing point. in the stage and slipped further 06sec into the final stage of the points, even if the weather dis- Przygonski. He went on to claim the behind Al Mohannadi, but still think the weather Manateq Qatar Cross-Country rupts Thursday’s final stage. “We enjoyed it. We catch day’s victory by 2min 01sec from maintains second in T3. Al Saif, will be clearer Rally (MQCCR) today. Conditions improved as the Nasser and then we get puncture Mubarak Al Hajri. Fedor Vorobyev and Kees tomorrow, so The Qatari and French co- stage progressed, despite the and we had to stop and change T3 stage winner Jones told Koolen complete the top five. driver Matthieu Baumel erred fierce wind, and Al-Rajhi the wheel. reporters yesterday: “I am really Al Kuwari said yesterday: “I they should be on the side of caution through clocked a stage time of 1hr "No problems though and a happy with that. That is defi- have no-one but myself to able to run the yesterday’s shortened selective 03min 08sec and managed to good rhythm. nitely what we wanted to do. blame. We decided to push all whole stage. Early section and Yazeed Al-Rajhi and beat Poland’s Jakub Przygonski "You can feel the difference Obviously we don’t have much out today to see if we could Michael Orr took advantage to and German navigator Timo upwind and downwind. Some- to lose, so I was not going to lift make up seven minutes because, morning, there snatch the stage win in the Gottschalk by 2min 34sec in the times, upwind you could feel my foot off the throttle the entire with these weather conditions, was dust but second of three Toyota Hiluxes. third of the Toyotas. there was no power. With the time and that’s what happens. you never know if you have a after 10.30 it was The day’s action was initially “It was good, everything side wind, you could also feel the The wind actually affects the T3 stage tomorrow. We pushed a delayed by one hour on safety okay, nothing special,” said Al car moving to the right and to quite a bit. It shakes it around, bit too hard and we got a clearer sky with grounds. Strong north-westerly Rajhi. the left.” more so on the highway on the puncture. Once you are in the the strong wind. winds had caused dust and fine “We held our position. That Despite the strong winds, the liaisons. It is actually pretty race, you don’t think about the sand to drift and even the neigh- was the most important. We revised timetable laid on by the gnarly in the stage and you can weather conditions. The car Sealine may have bouring highways had severely open the road tomorrow and Qatar Motor and Motorcycle feel it shaking back and forth.” veers to the left or the right a been a problem reduced visibility. take more experience.” Federation (QMMF) ran Khalid Al Mohannadi and little, but the positive thing is you if we had gone A second delay was con- Leader Al Attiyah said yes- according to plan. Hungarian Sebastien Delaunay maintained can follow the car in front a bit firmed before Clerk of the terday: “We had one flat tyre and driver Balazs Szalay came home their T3 lead with the fourth closer, because the wind blows to the Course Pedro Almeida held a we stopped and changed. Third in fifth place on the day and held quickest time in a Polaris, the the dust away.” other meeting with competitors at on the road tomorrow so that ninth in the general classifi- Qatari finishing the special 4min Russian driver Aleksey stage.” Lusail Sports Arena. we can manage. I think the cation in his T1 Opel Grandland 24sec behind Jones and 16 Shmotov rounded off the top 10 The decision was taken to weather will be clearer X. seconds adrift of third-placed in his Can-Am and Rashid Al cancel the second of the day’s tomorrow, so they should be South Racing mechanics Saleh Al Saif. Mohannadi, Mohammed Al shorter special stages, near able to run the whole stage. repaired Austin Jones’s damaged Al Mohannadi will now take Harqan and Mohammed Al Meer Nasser Saleh Sealine, and run only the first Early morning, there was dust Can-Am overnight and the a T3 lead of 11min 07sec into the are still running alongside Al 119.39km of the opening Al-Sha- but after 10.30 it was clearer sky American restarted at the rear last day today. Hajri and Jones at the rear of the Al Attiyah haniya selective section. with the strong wind. Sealine of the field. Stege three winner Ahmed field.

2020 Manateq Qatar Cross-Country Rally Positions on SS4 (SS5 cancelled):

1. Yazeed Al-Rajhi (SAU)/Michael Orr (GBR) Toyota Hilux Overdrive 1hr 03min 08sec 2. Jakub Przygonski (POL)/Timo Gottschalk (DEU) Toyota Hilux Overdrive 1hr 05min 42sec 3. Nasser Saleh Al-Attiyah (QAT)/M Baumel (FRA) Toyota Hilux Overdrive 1hr 08min 20sec 4. Austin Jones (USA)/Gustavo Gugelmin (BRA) Can-Am Maverick X3 (T3) 1hr 14min 25sec 5. Balazs Szalay (HUN)/Laszlo Bunnozci (HUN) Opel Grandland X 1hr 14min 46sec 6. Mubarak Al-Hajri (QAT)/L Lichtleuchter (FRA) Can-Am Maverick X3 (T3) 1hr 16min 26sec

Overall positions after leg 4:

1. Nasser Saleh Al-Attiyah (QAT)/M Baumel (FRA) Toyota Hilux Overdrive 9hr 36min 06sec 2. Yazeed Al-Rajhi (SAU)/Michael Orr (GBR) Toyota Hilux Overdrive 10hr 52min 12sec 3. Jakub Przygonski (POL)/Timo Gottschalk (DEU) Toyota Hilux Overdrive 11hr 37min 05sec 4. Khalid Al-Mohannadi (QAT)/S Delaunay (FRA) Polaris RZR 1000 Turbo (T3) 12hr 22min 50sec 5. Ahmed Al-Kuwari (QAT)/Manuel Lucchese (ITA) Can-Am Maverick X3 (T3) 12hr 33min 57sec 6. Saleh Al-Saif (SAU)/Ali Hassan Obaid (ARE) Can-Am Maverick X3 (T3) 12hr 47min 16sec Qatra's Khalid Al Mohannadi (above 7. Fedor Vorobyev (RUS)/Kirill Shubin (RUS) OT3 by Overdrive (T3) 12hr 59min 35sec and top right), who is leading the 8. Kees Koolen (NLD)/Serge Bruynkens (BEL) OT3 by Overdrive (T3) 13hr 01min 54sec T3 class. RIGHT: Qatar's Mubarak Al 9. Balazs Szalay (HUN)/Laszlo Bunnozci (HUN) Opel Grandland X 13hr 27min 01sec Hajri in action during yesterday's 10. Aleksey Shmotov (RUS)/Andrey Rudnitski (RUS) Can-Am Maverick (T3) 15hr 16min 22sec round of the Manateq Qatar Cross- 11. R Al-Mohannadi (QAT)/Pedro Santos (PRT) Can-Am Maverick X3 (T3)* 16hr 24min 06sec Country Rally. 12. Mohammed Al-Harqan (QAT)/Vili Oslaj (SLO) Can-Am Maverick X3 (T3) 16hr 26min 30sec 13. Mubarak Al-Hajri (QAT)/L Lichtleuchter (FRA) Can-Am Maverick X3 (T3) 23hr 59min 24sec Follow the race live on this link: 14. Austin Jones (USA)/Gustavo Gugelmin (BRA) Can-Am Maverick X3 (T3) 30hr 20min 30sec http://timing.sporttraxx.com/races/ 15. Mohammed Al-Meer (QAT)/Alexey Kuzmich (RUS) Chevrolet Buggy 92hr 57min 39sec qccr-2020/#itinerary Button urges Hamilton to extend Mercedes contract

AP — LONDON Rosberg was victorious before immediately After winning his only title in 2009, Button in coverage aired in the United States on ESPN. retiring. raced alongside Hamilton for the next three The season that begins in Melbourne on March Lewis Hamilton’s delay in committing his future As a fellow Briton, Button is rooting for Ham- seasons at McLaren in a trophyless period for the 15 is the last before new regulations are enforced to Mercedes is perplexing to former Formula One ilton get that seventh title - but he’s also hoping team. from 2021 intended to provide a more level champion Jenson Button. to see more of a challenge from the other teams. Winning hasn’t been a problem for Hamilton playing field. Hamilton, the reigning F1 champion, has yet “The whole of the UK hopes that (Hamilton) since the move to Mercedes in 2013. While technical regulations will create more to decide where he’s racing after this season does achieve that (record), but I think everyone “Lewis has achieved more than any British standard parts and make the cars slightly heavier despite being a favourite to clinch his seventh hopes that it’s not just to walk in the park,” Button driver and soon is going to achieve more than and slower, the biggest change is likely to be the title this season and equal the record held by said. any driver worldwide,” Button said. “You’ll still new limit on what teams can spend. Michael Schumacher. “You can’t just give it to Lewis. We need keep racing until he’s not able to win anymore.” “The richer teams are always going to have But according to Button, a former team-mate Ferrari, we need Red Bull to challenge him. One, Hamilton turned 35 last month - a year an advantage because they’re able to pour more to Hamilton, there shouldn’t be much to think because it’s a sport. We want to see excitement, younger than when Button chose to retire in 2016. money into it,” Button said. about and the contract talks are becoming a we want to see challenge, and we want to get Even if Hamilton signs a new deal with Mer- “But that is also getting limited, which is good. needless distraction. people interested in this sport that maybe haven’t cedes, a decision will have to be made at some It’s still a quite high limit for the smaller teams. “It’s just talked up more than it should be been interested in the past.” point when to stop racing. They’re never going to be out of reach that budget, because they’re both in a great situation,” Button Hamilton finished 87 points ahead of second- “If he’s still in a Mercedes, it’s very difficult to but it will be a lot closer.” said in an interview. place team-mate Valtteri Bottas last season. turn away,” Button said. While the budgets of the biggest teams can “It should be the easiest contract to talk about “We all love watching an in-house fight "Because you’re still winning and you’ve been push close to $500m, from 2021 and on teams because (of what) they’ve both achieved. So just between team-mates, but I think if you can get a given a car that can win races. How do you walk will be limited to $175m spent for on-track make it happen... and we can focus on the actual fight between manufacturers as well, that really away from that? That’s a situation that not many performance. racing.” adds to the excitement,” Button said. “We need people find themselves in. A lot of us are in cars Those figures won’t include expenses for Mercedes has collected the last six con- a good fight and that’s what Formula One should that don’t have that opportunity when we’re at things such as marketing, driver contracts and structors’ titles, with Hamilton winning the be. It should be competitive, not just one team the end of our careers.” the three highest salaries on the team. But teams drivers’ trophy in five of those seasons. The fighting at the front. We need two or three teams Now Button is a viewer, watching from the that violate the racing budget cap could face pen- exception was 2016 when team-mate Nico that are really getting in there for every race win.” paddock as a pundit for British channel Sky Sports alties, including losing a championship. SPORT SPORT | 08 SPORT | 10 Ex-skipper Du World No.3 Plessis out of Deusser leads South Africa's star cast in ODI squad Doha

THURSDAY 27 FEBRUARY 2020 Sharapova announces retirement AP – PARIS MARIA SHARAPOVA The latest came last month at the Date of Birth: April 19, 1987 (age 32) Australian Open,p , where she was Maria Sharapova is retiring from Turned pro on April 19, 2001 beaten 6-3,3, 6-6-44 byb DDonnaonnnaa VVekic.ekkici . ThTThathata professional tennis at the age of 32 Career earnings: $38,777,962 sent her rankingana kiing ttumblingummblb inng ououtsideutsidi e off after five Grand Slam titles and time WTA singles titles: 36 the top 35050 - she is 3373rd733rdd thisthiis wewweekekk ranked No. 1. WTA doubles titles: 3 - and Sharapovarapova hahass nonott playedplaayedd aany-nyy- She has been dealing with Grand Slam singles titles: Australian Open where since.nce.e shoulder problems for years. (2008); French Open (2012, 2014); Wimbledon She waswaas asaskedked afteraftet r thtthatat Sharapova played only two (2004); US Open (2006) defeat wwhetherheethere iitt mimmightghg t matches this season and lost both. WTA Championships title: 2004 have beeneee n heherr lallaststt In an essay written for Vanity Fair Fed Cup: 2008 appearancencec atat MelbourneMeM lbbourne and Vogue about her decision to walk Olympics: Silver medal, London 2012 Park, whereere e shshehe wowonn thtthee away from the sport, posted online Highest ranking: 1 (spent 21 weeks as world trophy inn 202008,080 , anaandd shsshee yesterday, Sharapova asks: "How do number one) repeatedlylyy rrepliedeppliiede wwithitith "II you leave behind the only life you’ve Current ranking: 373 don't know."w."" ever known?” Win/Loss: Singles 645/171 But herer rightririghht shouldershhouulddere hhasasa She burst onto the tennis scene at been a problemrobllemm off-and-onofff-and-oon 17 when she won Wimbledon in 2004 Since that suspension, Sharapova for more thanthan a deddecade.ecac de. and would go on to complete a career managed to reach only one major She playedlayyedd a ttotalotala Grand Slam with two titles at the quarterfinal. of 15 matchesatcheh s lalastastt French Open and one each at After so much success on the season, goinggog ing the US Open and Australian Open. tennis court and off, so much time in 8-7. The Russian, who moved to the spotlight, Sharapova walks away Florida as a child, served a 15-month having lost four consecutive matches Maria Sharapova poses with her trophy after winning the Qatar ban after failing a doping test in 2016. at Grand Slam tournaments. Open WTA in Doha in this file photo taken on February 24, 2008. Zheng stuns Bertens in Doha thriller ARMSTRONG VAS 1st set, but it didn’t work from WTA QATAR TOTAL OPEN 6-1 win over Jelena Ostapenko THE PENINSULA the beginning. But gradually into ROUND OF 16 in an encounter that lasted the match and more pressure, Svetlana Kuznetsova, Russia, def. Amanda Anisimova, United States, walkover. exactly two hours. Unseeded Chinese Zheng pressure, pressure then suddenly Petra Kvitova (8), Czech Republic, def. Jelena Ostapenko, Latvia, 6-2, 5-7, 6-1. “The wind was very, very stunned seventh seed Kiki you can see my game start to Aryna Sabalenka (9), Belarus, def. Maria Sakkari (15), Greece, 6-3, 6-0. difficult today and it was irri- Bertens of The Netherlands to work. So I have to be more Saisai Zheng, China, def. Kiki Bertens (7), Netherlands, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4. tating all around the court. So it make it to quarter-final of the patient. 3rd set I think she felt Belinda Bencic (4), Switzerland, def. Yulia Putintseva, was tough to serve as well, but Qatar Total Open on a windy day that pressure,” Zheng said. Kazakhstan, 6-4, 6-3. luckily I made some good things in Doha. For the Chinese, it was her Ons Jabeur, Tunisia, def. Karolina Pliskova (3), Czech in the beginning of the third set Also making it to the last second Premier 5 quarter-final Republic, 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 and found a way in the first one eight were World No. 1 Ashleigh and her first one was inciden- as well,” Kvitova said. Barty, Petra Kvitová and tour tally also in Doha four years China's Saisai Zheng Kvitova had been taken the veteran Svetlana Kuznetsova, back. returns the ball to distance in her second-round who took contrasting routes to “Feels great,” she said when Kiki Bertens of The outing with Carla Suárez advance at the Premier 5 event. reminded that it was in Doha she Netherlands at the Navarro and would have Yesterday at the Khalifa made her maiden Premier 5 Khalifa International hoped that after taking the International Tennis Complex, event quarter-final. Tennis Complex, first set courtesy of winning Zheng showed tremendous “The last time it was like, I yesterday. six successive games she court-coverage and smart wind- don’t know, a long time ago and would not be so extended once tennis in the final set to notch a I remember last time I also more. Ostapenko, though, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 win. played some amazing tennis quarter-finals with a 6-3, 6-0 Elena Rybakina, who was to withdrawing from Doha, I did found her range to force a Zheng was too hot for here. It’s just, I don’t know, just win over Greece’s Maria Sakkari. be Barty’s opponent, withdrew everything I could to be ready to decider, which was compre- Bertens to handle and with to come back you have the right An impressive score line given with an abductor injury while play but I’m really not feeling well. hensively claimed by the tricky windy conditions, Bertens feelings and you just go for your her opponent and the swirling Kuznetsova of Russia walked her I hope I can come back stronger higher-ranked player. found it tough to find space to heart,” she added. conditions prevalent on court. way into the last eight as next year,” Anisimova said. Kvitova’s next match will be hit through her. Bertens was It was also Zheng’s first top Belinda Bencic also qualified Amanda Anisimova of USA Barty takes on the winner of against in-form Ons Jabeur. struggling with her serve, 10 win since defeating Aryna for the quarter-finals with the pulled out. the match between Garbiñe The rising Tunisian star, winning just 46% of her 1st serve Sabalenka to win San Jose last No.4 seed overcoming Yulia Anisimova withdrew due to Muguruza and Dayana Jabeur scored the biggest win points. Although she won the summer. Zheng and Sabalenka Putintseva, 6-4, 6-3. illness as a result Kuznetsova got Yastremska. of her breakthrough 2020 sea- first set, an aggressive Zheng will face off today for a spot in Meanwhile, Barty and the walkover win and will face Two-time Wimbledon son knocking out former World took matters into her hand to the Doha semi-finals. Kuznetsova walked their way either Belinda Bencic of Swit- champion Kvitova also struggled No.1 and 2017 champion Karolina carve out an impressive win in Earlier, Sabalenka, reunited into the last eight as their oppo- erland or Yulia Putintseva of to gain mastery over the windy Pliskova in three gruelling sets two hours twenty minutes. with coach Dmitry Tursunov nents pulled out on account of Kazakhstan. conditions and she was stretched 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 to book her spot in “I have same tactic from the here in Doha, also made it to the sickness. “I’m really upset to be to the limit in a fighting 6-2, 4-6, the quarter-finals. Retiring Suarez Navarro has ‘beautiful memories’ in Qatar

ARMSTRONG VAS last time’. The only thing that her favourite tournaments. THE PENINSULA sometimes I worry about it “It was a decision that I leaving too early from tourna- gradually began speaking with Former World No.6 Carla Suárez ments. I would like to enjoy the my team about, and in every Navarro of Spain has fond tournaments a bit more, play lots moment they’ve respected me. memories of Qatar for more than of matches, but well, at the But I didn’t want to just say, one reason as she bid goodbye moment I think I’m handling ‘Okay, I’m done playing, to Doha for the last time in her everything well.” goodbye’. I wanted to have one career spanning 17 long years. It Last season she reached only last year and go to tourna- was in Doha she picked one of two quarter-finals - in Dubai and ments that I really enjoyed, the two singles titles. San Jose - and her ranking slid I do have beautiful memories, where I’ve played good tennis The Spaniard, who down by 20 spots to finish the and where they’ve been announced her retirement at the year outside the top 50 for the great feelings about this treating us well for many end of the 2020 season, lost her first time since 2011. tournament (Qatar Open). years.” second round tie to Petra But it was not for the And of course, every year is Suárez Navarro still has no Kvitova of Czech Republic in rankings but more of a personal different, and knowing that I set plans for life after tennis. three sets at the Qatar Total decision as the 31-year-old and “I hope people remember Open on Tuesday. having played tennis nearly non- was playing here for the last me for being someone that In 2016, Suárez Navarro held stop since the age of nine and time makes it really special: always treated others well and aloft the famous Falcon trophy now simply wants some rest. Suarez Navarro had respect for everyone,” at the Khalifa International “Honestly, it’s been a lot of Suárez Navarro said. Tennis Complex with the years in tennis, lots of travel. And “That’s the most important Premier 5 Doha title remaining you know, when you’re young, thing.” as her biggest career title. you don’t value certain things “As a player, I hope people “I do have beautiful mem- that, as you get older, become remember me for being a ories, great feelings about this more important to you,” Suárez fighter. And for my one-handed tournament. And of course, Navarro said. getting older and sometimes I’m away by the reaction of her WTA “It’s a normal thing, backhand,” she added with a every year is different, and “So, I really wanted to spend feeling that the day-to-day grind peers, who bombarded her with someone retiring, but to be grin. “That’s probably what knowing that I was playing here more time with my family: the is getting more difficult, I feel it texts and messages during the honest it makes me a bit proud people will remember most for the last time makes it really only way to do that would be to more now,” she added. off-season, when she made her that they all have this affection about my game, right? special,” Suarez Navarro. play less, or to stop playing com- “But again, it was totally per- retirement plans public and con- for me, that they’re going to be “It makes me proud too, “Well, I’m just eager to try to pletely. But tennis isn’t a sport sonal. I just want to be with my tinue to pull her aside at tourna- sad to not see me around. because to have such a sig- keep playing at my highest level that allows you to play less family, and it was finally time to ments to lament her departure. In her farewell season, nature shot that people knowing that each match will because then you lose your say, ‘Okay, we’re done, we’ve “Some of them start to get a Suárez Navarro continues to remember you for it and think be… a little complicated,” she ranking, you miss big tourna- still got 2020 and we’re going to little sad, but when I explain think tournament by tour- it’s beautiful, for me that’s added. ments, lose your fitness.” make the best of it.’” things to them they all under- nament, match by match special and I’m so proud of “I know it’ll always be ‘the “Although obviously, I am Suárez Navarro was blown stand,” she said. making sure to stop at all of that.”