Abdulla al Qubaisi emerges Qatar Superstock 600 champion at Losail International Circuit PAGE 14

SUNDAY, MARCH 15, 2020 Duhail drub Al Sailiya 4-0 to set up Amir Cup semis clash with Al Sadd

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK Doha QFA puts off all matches AL Duhail came up with a rol- licking performance on Satur- till March 29 day as they handed Al Sailiya a 4-0 defeat to ensure a semi-final The Qatar Football associa- clash with arch-rivals Al Sadd. tion (QFa) announced that The Red Knights dominat- based on the circular issued ed from the word go to hum- by the Qatar olympic Com- ble Al Sailiya, for whom it was mittee No. 6 for the year one of their worst match of 2020, it will suspend all the season, at the Jassim Bin local sporting activities until Hamad Stadium. March 29, 2020. The Qatar Edmilson Junior, who be- Football association has gan the scoring with a penalty decided to stop all football strike in the first half, Abdulla matches, which includes al Ahrak (49’), Moez Abdalla the amir Cup, QNB Stars (52’) and Abdulrahman Mo- League, Second Division hamed (65’) were among the League, QatarGas League goal-scorers for Al Duhail. and ooredoo Cup for the The win paved way for an season 2019-2020 in addi- exciting Al Duhail-Al Sadd tion to other local football semis clash. The Red Knights competitions that are organ- had prevailed over Al Sadd to ised by the Qatar Football claim the Amir Cup the last association until March 29. season. The Wolves avenged This decision comes within the bitter loss during the Qatar the framework of the efforts Cup earlier this season. and measures taken by the Duhail are currently the state to limit the spread of QNB Stars League leaders and the coronavirus (Covid-19) in will aim to get the better of Al order to ensure the safety of Sadd once again. players, fans and administra- The Xavi Hernandez- tive staff. (QFA) coached Al Sadd in contrast needed a spot kick to get past Al Wakrah for their captain Boudiaf was pleased semis berth. Al Duhail players celebrate with star of the match Edmilson Junior (No. 10) after he scored the opening goal from the spot against Al Sailiya during their Amir cup quarter-final his team’s show and said he The other last four encoun- match at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium on Saturday. was looking forward to the ter pits Al Arabi against sec- semi-final against Sadd. ond division side Al Markhiya, Scoreline “We are very happy to play who stunned Al Rayyan. Al Duhail 4 (Edmilson in the semis against Al Sadd. Of all the four sides, Al Du- We are very happy to play in We have taken another step hail seem to be in fine fettle Al Sailiya’s Ahmed the semis against Al Sadd. Junior (pen) 24’, Abdulla closer to winning the Amir given their show on Saturday. al Minhali tries to We have taken another step al Ahrak 49’, Moez Cup again and I hope we play Led by Edmilson Junior, who stop Al Duhail’s closer to winning the Amir Abdalla 52’, well against Sadd. We have a toppled Sailiya defence time Almoez Ali during their Cup again and I hope we Abdulrahman Mohamed good team and are playing at and again, the Red Knights match on Saturday. 65’) bt Al Sailiya 0 good level. The last time (at clearly on top of their game. play well against Sadd. We Qatar Cup) Al Sadd played They should have been 2-0 have a good team and are better than us but hopefully up inside the first 10 minutes playing at good level. The by Sailiya defenders. this time we will come out as but Mohammed Muntari and last time (at Qatar Cup) Al The second goal eventually winners,” said Boudiaf. Almoez Ali were poor in front Sadd played better than us came in the 49th minute when Sailiya’s Serigne Mbodji of goal, failing to take advan- but hopefully this time we Abdulla al Ahrak sent in a stun- said his team didn’t deserve tage of Edmilson’s pin point ner from just outside the box. to win and lamented the sec- cross from the left side. will come out as winners. Whatever little hopes Sail- ond half performance. Edmilson put Duhail Al Duhail midfielder and iya may have had of making “It’s was a very difficult ahead in the 24th minute as captain Karim Boudiaf a comeback were dismissed match for us. The way we the Belgian forward converted when when Almoez found the played in the second half a penalty after Sailiya’s Mosta- net in the 52nd minute. was bad. If you are playing fa Mohamed Abdelha handled time with one-goal lead. Soon, Abdulrahman Mo- the leaders of the league you the ball in the box. Karim Bou- Immediately after the half hamed piled on the misery need to try and not give any diaf and Muntari spurned easy time break, Edmilson had a for Peregrines with a 66th chance, and but we were very opportunities to increase the chance to score again but he minute strike. poor in the second half,” the lead as Duhail went into half shot too long and was crowded Al Duhail midfielder and Senegalese defender said. I’m supernatural, says Semenya, Japan’s PM Abe pledges pursues Olympics 200m slot Olympics to go ahead

AFP “With what I have already done – I have AFP JohaNNeSBurG run three 200m races – it is doable,” said Se- ToKYo menya as she eyes making the Tokyo quali- DOUBLE Olympics 800-metre champion fying time before the June 29 deadline. JAPANESE Prime Minister Caster Semenya called herself “supernat- The athlete born in northern region Shinzo Abe on Saturday resist- ural” this weekend after saying she hoped capital Polokwane holds the South Afri- ed pressure for changes to the to compete in the 200m at the 2020 To- can records at 300, 400, 600, 800, 1000 Tokyo Olympics schedule even kyo Games. and 1500m. as sporting events worldwide The 29-year-old South African can- Semenya took the athletics world by fall victim to the coronavirus not defend her 800m title as she refuses storm 11 years ago when becoming the pandemic. to abide by World Athletics testoster- world 800m champion in Berlin at the Abe pledged Japan would one-reducing regulations covering races age of 19. But as her list of successes grew, host the Games as planned in between 400m and the mile. rival female athletes began to question July and said he had no im- “I call myself supernatural,” said the how the South African could leave them mediate intention to declare three-time world 800m champion after trailing in her wake. a state of emergency over the clocking 23.49 seconds to win a provincial Semenya is among a minority of fe- virus outbreak, which has now championships 200m final in Pretoria. male athletes who have an unusually high seen more than 140,000 peo- Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe talks to the media during a The time she set here leaves her 0.69 level of testosterone, which gives added ple infected across the globe press conference in tokyo on Saturday. (aFP) sec outside the time needed to qualify for strength. and over 5,400 killed. the July 24-August 9 Tokyo Olympics. The media-shy South African has faced His comments come two any trouble by overcoming the outbreak and Olympics after Semenya will have at least four chanc- South African 800-metre olympic champion constant legal battles during her career, days after US President Don- spread of infections,” he said. Trump proposed a delay. es during April to lower her time to at least caster Semenya reacts after winning the leading to temporary bans from compet- ald Trump suggested the Organisers, Japanese gov- “We agreed that Japan 22.80 sec and secure a place in the South women’s 200m final during the Athletics Gaut- ing in her favourite middle-distance event. Japanese capital postpone the ernment officials and the IOC and the US will cooperate and African Olympics team. eng North championships at the lc de Villiers The latest testosterone regulations left her Games for a year as the spread have insisted preparations are closely coordinate for success She can compete in three Athletics Athletics Stadium in Pretoria on Friday. (aFP) with a choice of competing in the 200m or of the virus wreaks havoc on on track and there will be no in the Olympics,” Abe said, South Africa Grand Prix meetings and at a distance longer than the mile. the sporting calendar. postponement or cancellation. adding they had not discussed the national championships. “You now me – I always challenge my- She has not clocked impressive times “We will respond by closely England’s football Premier any postponement. The champion was thrilled at her lat- self. This (switching from 800m to 200m) over longer distances, prompting her to coordinating with officials con- League, America’s NBA bas- The Japanese parliament est 200m time, having slashed 0.77 sec off was not an easy decision to make. seek the 200m route to Tokyo. cerned, including the IOC (In- ketball season and the Augusta on Friday approved legisla- her 2019 personal best in two races span- Away from the athletics track, Se- ternational Olympic Commit- Masters golf major are just some tion that gives Abe the power ning seven days. ‘Anything is possible’ menya joined a Johannesburg-based tee). There is no change in this,” of the competitions suspended to declare a state of emergency “We are chopping the times and I call ”I am used to running two laps and then you football club last year but was unable to Abe told a news conference. because of the pandemic. to combat COVID-19 but Abe myself supernatural. I can do anything I come and run half a lap. You have to adjust, play immediately because she missed the “We want to hold the On Friday, Abe and Trump insisted such a declaration was want,” she told reporters. which is not easy, but anything is possible. registration deadline. Olympics as planned without spoke on the phone about the not yet necessary. 12 Sunday, March 15, 2020 Sports Football takes stock after virus brings global sport to a halt

DPA which normally oblige clubs races of the 2020 season have BerLIN to release players for national now been called off. team matches will not apply The Australian Grand FOOTBALL in Europe’s major for the international windows Prix was cancelled on Friday leagues was coming to terms in March and April. morning after a member of the this weekend with all matches “FIFA understands that to McLaren team in Melbourne suspended as the coronavirus hold the matches under cur- tested positive for coronavi- pandemic laid waste to the rent circumstances might not rus. Later the Bahrain GP and sporting calendar on Saturday. only present potential health the Vietnam’s inaugural grand Few events were left af- risks to players (and to the prix were postponed, while the ter a week which saw most general public) but would Chinese Grand Prix had al- sports cancel or postpone also, most likely, compromise ready been postponed. competitions, with golf’s pres- the sporting integrity of such The next two races on the tigious Masters tournament matches insofar as certain calendar are the May 3 Dutch set for next month and For- teams may be deprived of their Grand Prix and the Spanish mula One’s four opening races best squads whilst others may Grand Prix a week later. among events now off. not,” a statement said. Dutch race officials said The coronavirus outbreak All internationals in March they were in consultations has left football in crisis, with and April should now be post- with F1 and motorsport fed- the major leagues and Euro- poned, it recommended, but eration FIA “about the pos- pean competitions in abeyance indicated it would be up to sible consequences” for the ahead of this summer pan-Eu- UEFA to decide on the Euro race in Zandvoort. ropean Euro 2020 tournament. 2020 play-offs. Spanish Grand Prix officials World governing body “The final decision on this announced all events at the Cir- FIFA’s executive has now rec- issue rests with the respective cuit de Barcelona-Catalunya ommended all international competition organizers or rel- scheduled to take place up to matches in March and April be evant member association in mid-April would be postponed. postponed. case of friendlies,” the state- That does not cover the Several internationals ment said. planned grand prix weekend including play-offs for Euro Qualifying matches for the but the organizers said the 2020 had already been called World Cup in Asia and South were “already analyzing the off or were to take place be- America have already been different available options hind closed doors as a result of postponed. with Formula 1.” The Spanish the coronavirus pandemic. Among the latest match- Grand Prix would be followed European body UEFA is es called off was Germany’s A photograph taken on Saturday shows the headquarters of the French Football Federation in Paris. the French football season has been sus- by the Monaco Grand Prix on meeting on Tuesday to dis- friendly international against pended “until further notice” because of the coronavirus outbreak, the lFP, which runs the elite ligue 1 and ligue 2, announced on Friday. (aFP) May 24, with the Azerbaijan cuss the June 12-July 12 Eu- Italy on March 26 in Nurem- GP set to follow on June 7. F1 ropean Championship, set to berg following an order by the Liverpool manager Juer- positive for the virus, while programme. Monday off before resuming and FIA were quoted on the F1 be played across 12 European city government. gen Klopp said the decision Everton, Watford and Leicester The club said part of the individual training on Tuesday. website as saying they expect- countries, as well as the status UEFA already effectively was a simple one. all had players in self-isolation. squad had been placed in “From Friday we will train ed the 2020 season to begin at of the Champions League and suspended its Champions “If it’s a choice between Nine Serie players have quarantine for 14 days at normally again and start perpar- the end of May. Europa League competitions. League and Europa League football and the good of the also tested positive for the home. The team doctor car- ing for the game against Hertha Elsewhere, the Interna- It is thought Euro 2020 competitions indefinitely by wider society, it’s no contest, virus, with Fiorentina’s Pat- ried out 45 tests on players (Berlin),” sport director Markus tional Triathlon Union has could be postponed for a year, postponing all last 16 second really, it isn’t,” Klopp said on rick Cutrone and German and staff. Kroesche said of the next sched- suspended all activities until which would also allow the leg ties scheduled for next week. Liverpool’s website. Pezzella the latest along with Some Bundesliga clubs uled match on April 4. April 30, including all com- possibility of leagues being Quarter-final draws for Arsenal manager Mikel club physiotherapist Stefano continued to train on Saturday However, the German Foot- petitions in the World Triath- able to end their seasons later both competitions have also Arteta meanwhile said he was Dainelli. and were then planning to give ball League is holding a meet- lon calendar and qualification than planned. been postponed. “feeling better already,” less Paderborn defender players some days off. ing of members on Monday to races for the Tokyo Olympics. In a statement late Friday Premier League clubs have than 24 hours after announc- Luca Kilian became the first RB Leipzig and Borus- discuss the rest of the season. Upcoming ironman FIFA said the bureau of the been united in their backing to ing he had tested positive for Bundesliga player reported sia Moenchengladbach were In motorsport, Formula events in South Africa, Texas FIFA Council – the body’s suspend all fixtures in the top the new coronavirus. with an infection following among clubs to hold training One is in talks with the Dutch and Taiwan and nine half executive committee – has flight English league until at Chelsea winger Callum the league’s decision to sus- sessions. Leipzig said the play- and Spanish Grands Prix or- ironman races have also been decided that the general rules least April 3. Hudson-Odoi had also tested pend this weekend’s match ers would have Sunday and ganizers after the first four postponed. All Badminton World Federation tournaments suspended

AFP KuaLa LuMPur

THE Badminton World Fed- eration is to suspend all tour- naments from Monday until Malaysia’s lee Zii Jia April 12 due to the coronavirus during his All England epidemic. open Badminton “The suspension of the championships’ men’s circuit will come into effect singles semi-final following the completion of match in Birmingham the Yonex All England Open on Saturday. (aFP) in Birmingham on Sunday,” it said in a statement. The tournaments affected include the Swiss Open, India Open, Orleans Masters, Malay- liverpool’s Egyptian midfielder Mohamed Salah in action during the uEFA champions league round of 16 sia Open, and Singapore Open. second leg match between liverpool and Atletico Madrid at Anfield in England last Wednesday.(aFP) The decision comes after top shuttlers hit out at the world body, accusing it of not taking the epidemic seriously Premier League ‘may and putting them in danger by going ahead with international tournaments. Dozens of major sporting not finish’, says FA chief events have been cancelled Lee stunned the Chinese over the epidemic, from For- two-time champion 21-12, 21- AFP to peak in Britain for many maining, chasing their first Eng- mula One motor racing to 18 to end the number three LoNDoN weeks, raising doubts over an lish top-flight title for 30 years. England’s Premier League and seed’s hopes of a memorable early April re-start for the Pre- If results had gone their the Masters golf major. third title in Birmingham. FOOTBALL Association chair- mier League. way this weekend they could BWF also warned that Chen, the champion in man Greg Clarke has report- The Times said it is under- have wrapped up the title at the cancellations could hurt 2013 and 2015, had previously edly told the Premier League stood that Brighton and Hove Everton on Monday but man- Olympic qualifying, which beaten six-time All England he does not believe the domes- Albion chief executive Paul ager Jurgen Klopp said he closes on April 30. champion Lin Dan 21-17, 21-8 tic football season will be com- Barber also questioned the supported the move to sus- In February, BWF said it to progress into the quarter- pleted because of the corona- brevity of the suspension. pend football. would not make any adjust- finals. But he was no match virus pandemic. Richard Masters, the Pre- He said in a club state- ments to the Olympic qualifi- for Lee who was motivated to The Premier League sus- mier League chief executive, is ment: “If it’s a choice between cation period despite a string avenge the result the last time pended all fixtures at an emer- reported to have said it would football and the good of the of events being impacted by the two met at the Denmark gency meeting on Friday. at least allow time to consider wider society, it’s no contest. the virus in the lead-up to the Open in October. Matches in the English Football the potential consequences and Really, it isn’t.” Tokyo Games, which are due The unseeded Malaysian League, FA Women’s Super debate the possible solutions. West Ham vice-chairman to open in July. But in the lat- needed only 49 minutes to League and Women’s Champi- The decision was taken Karren Brady said if the Pre- est statement, the world body breeze past Chen and keep Spectators wear protective masks as they watch the All England open onship are also on hold. after Arsenal manager Mikel mier League fixtures could not signalled it may reconsider, alive his hopes of lifting the Badminton championships action in Birmingham on Saturday. (aFP) “It was unanimously de- Arteta and Chelsea winger be completed, the only fair so- saying “BWF will make a fur- trophy for the first time. cided to suspend the Premier Callum Hudson-Odoi tested lution would be to declare the ther announcement on regula- “Last time I played against Open in 2018. Ratchanok Intanon 17-21, 21- League with the intention of positive for COVID-19. season “null and void”. tions related to Olympic quali- Chen I lost to him, so it felt In the other men’s quar- 15, 21-17. returning on 4 April, subject Arteta welcomed the move Writing in The Sun, Brady, fication points at a later date”. like a case of revenge for me ter-finals, Viktor Axelsen bt The 22-year-old has al- to medical advice and condi- to put the season on hold. whose club are just two places today,” Lee said. “So far I’ve China’s Yu Qi Shi 21-15, 21-7. ready won titles in Switzer- tions at the time,” the Premier “Feeling better already,” above the relegation zone, Lee stuns Chen been able to pick up a couple Top seed Tien Chen Chou land, Thailand and Australia, League said in a statement. he tweeted. “We’re all facing said: “Who knows who would Meanwhile in London, Ma- of upsets, and I don’t really defeated Tzu Wei Wang 21-11, as well as her All England tri- Clarke said at the meeting a huge & unprecedented chal- have gone down or come up laysia’s Lee Zii Jia savoured think too much about winning 21-12, while Anders Antonsen umph last year. that he did not think it was lenge. Everyone’s health is all if the games have not actually a “revenge” victory over Chen the match tomorrow. I’ll just beat Rasmus Gemke 21-10 21-13. “I have the confidence to feasible for the season to be that matters right now.” been played in full? Long as the world number 13 go in there and play my best.” China’s Chen Yufei, the go all the way this week. I’ve completed, according to a re- Liverpool are 25 points “A huge blow to Liverpool, moved into the All England Lee, 21, is bidding for his reigning women’s singles been preparing very well for port in the Times. clear at the top of the Premier who might be robbed of their badminton Championship first BWF World Tour event champion, came from behind the competition so hopefully I The virus is not expected League with nine games re- first title in 30 years.” semi-finals on Friday. title since the Chinese Taipei to beat world number five can go on to win,” she said. Sports Sunday, March 15, 2020 13 Shamal retain QBF League crown

Al Shamal club catain omar Abdelqader Salem celebrates the QBF league victory with teammates and QBF President Ahmed al Muftah presents the QBF league winner’s trophy to Al Shamal club players after they won the final against Al Gharafa officials in Al Gharafa on Saturday. club on Saturday. An 18-0 run lifts RESULT holders past QBF League final Al Shamal Club beat Al Gharafa Club Al Gharafa in a 81-70 (half-time 32-35) Main performers – Al Shamal: Michael thrilling final Efevberha 30 pts & 10 rebounds, Emir Mujic 19 pts & 11 rebounds, Wael Arkaji TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK 17 pts, Michael Harris 11 pts & 17 Doha rebounds Al Gharafa Club: Ali Haider 20 pts & 11 DEFENDING champions rebounds, Mohd Yousuf Mohammed 15 Al Shamal Club stunned Al pts, Abdulrahman Saad 14 pts, Shane Gharafa Club with an 18-0 Rector 12 pts streak at the end the third quarter and extended their reign over the QBF League close of the third quarter, for- crown for another year, win- ward Sammy Monroe dunked ning by 81-70 on Saturday. the ball to put Al Gharafa four At the Al Gharafa Club points clear. Al Shamal then Al Shamal’s Wael Arkaji dribbles the ball through Al Gharafa defend- Indoor Hall court, Al Shamal responded with what tourned ers during the final. and Al Gharafa were chasing out to be a game-changing Al Shamal top-scorer Michael Efevberha scores against Al Gharafa in the QBF league final on Saturday. each other and neither was sequence. Centre Emir Mu- power forward Ali Haider had QBF President Ahmed al able to get a breathing space jic was fouled and he could ahead of the rivals (68-53). was. chael Harris (11 ponts and 17 the maximum points – 20 and Muftah was the chief guest at in the final. Both had already just utilise one of the two free Then it was no point of re- Forward Michael Efe- rebounds) all had a memora- 11 rebounds. Mohd Yousuf the closing ceremony and pre- been tied for seven times and throws. But that point set up a turn for fighting Al Gharafa vberha (30 points and 10 re- ble double-double each for the Mohammed netted 15, Abdul- sented the winner’s trophy to exchanged the lead nine times. massive run and when it end- and Al Shamal tightened their bounds), Mujic (19 points and winners. Arkaji added 17. rahman Saad added 14 and Al Shamal captain Omar Ab- However, towards the ed, Al Shamal were 15 points defence to make sure it indeed 11 rebounds) and centre Mi- For Al Gharafa, Lebanese Shane Rector got 12. delqader Salem. Al Rayyan Club upset Root backs England decision to scrap Lanka tour over fears AFP “You could see looking at Al Arabi in QVA League LoNDoN the players that their minds were elsewhere thinking about TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK ENGLAND Test captain Joe people back home. Now that Doha Root has backed the decision we can go and look after fami- Standings (Top 5) to abandon the Test tour of lies and be with loved ones, AL Rayyan Club spoilt early Teams MP W L Pts Sri Lanka over the coronavirus that’s put a lot of guys at ease.” party plans of Al Arabi Club as 1. Al Arabi 17 15 2 44 pandemic, saying the players’ The skipper said there had The Lions beat the former 25 2. Police 17 15 2 42 minds were “elsewhere”. been a lot of talk about the vi- times champions 25-22, 25- A practice match in Colom- rus in the dressing room and 3. Al Ahli 18 13 5 37 23, 26-28, 25-19 in the QVA bo was halted on Friday and the it had started to overshadow League at the QVA Indoor Hall 4. Al Rayyan 17 12 5 39 team announced they would be the cricket. in Doha on Saturday. 5. Al Wakrah 18 11 7 31 flying back to London. “Looking at how quick- Earlier in the season, Al The two-Test series, which ly things have happened at Arabi were seemingly cruising was due to start in Galle on home, you’re thinking about England’s captain Joe root is to the title with only one loss March 19, has been postponed. family and friends who might seen inside a bus before leaving in 16 matches. But the second The England and Wales be a bit more vulnerable and for the airport in colombo on loss for them in 17 matches Cricket Board said the physi- that’s hard when you’re a long Saturday. (aFP) means they are just two points cal and mental well-being of way away. ahead of hotly-chasing holders the players and support staff “It was clear it was getting their one-day tour of Austral- Police. The two will clash in was paramount. in the way of performance and ia on Saturday after Welling- the final round of the second “There was an element of affecting the mental well-be- ton tightened border restric- phase when the Qatar Olympic relief. The right decision has ing of the guys.” tions to combat the spread of Committee permits the local been made,” Root told the BBC. New Zealand abandoned coronavirus. sporting activities to resume. If Police manage to win in straight sets or 3-1, they will be able to retain the crown. If Police win in five sets, Al IPL will be shortened, says Ganguly Arabi can still claim the title due to having one point and AFP remaining domestic matches,” most successful India captains taking their tally to 45, while Marko Vukasinovic beats Al Arabi blockers with a smash during a QVA league match in Doha on Saturday. MuMBaI Ganguly told reporters. who became BCCI president Police will have only 44. If Al Al rayyan won 3-1. “If it (IPL) is (postponed last year, said everyone was Arabi win that match, they INDIA’S cricket board chief till) April 15, then, in any case forced to wait and see. will be champions for having are two points behind them in Sourav Ganguly said on Sat- 15 days are gone, it has to be a “We met with the owners, more wins. the second spot. Al Ahil have urday the Indian Premier truncated one. How truncated, to tell them how it can happen Al Rayyan, who are lying 37 points from 13 wins in 18 League will be truncated with how many games, I can’t say at and where do we stand at the in the fourth spot with 12 wins matches. Al Wakrah are fol- the Twenty20 tournament the moment.” moment. At the moment, it is and five losses to take their lowing fourth-placed Al Rayy- pushed back due to the coro- While the country of 1.3 just postponed. We will assess tally to 39 points, will take on an in the fifth spot with 11 wins navirus pandemic. billion has reported just two the situation,” said Ganguly. Qatar Sports Club. in 18 matches. The world’s richest cricket deaths from coronavirus and “It will be re-assessed eve- The first three sets be- Al Gharafa resisted Police league was postponed Friday, more than 80 confirmed cas- ry week. I can’t say at the mo- tween Al Rayyan and Al Arabi strongly in the opening set but meaning instead of starting es, all sporting activities have ment (about any deadline). It were quite close. But in the after losing it in extra points, on March 29, it will begin on been suspended. has to be worked around. As fourth, Al Rayyan managed to they were not able to match April 15 at the earliest after the India has stopped all do- much as we want to host the pull 21-15 clear and went on the holders and suffered a Indian government ordered mestic soccer and cricket IPL, we also need to be careful to seal a morale-boosting win. tame defeat in 66 minutes. measures against travel and events after two remaining about the security.” Marco Evan Ferreira, Marko Willner Rivas was the lead- public gatherings. one-day cricket internationals IPL is estimated to gen- Vukasinovic and Marcus de ing scorer for Police with 21, Top officials of the Board against a visiting South Africa erate more than $11 billion Souza were outstanding for Al including six aces. Dimitry got of Control for Cricket in India side were called off on Friday. for the Indian economy and Rayyan and collected the bulk 12. Osneil was the lone battler (BCCI) met franchise owners But postponing the cash- involves cricket’s top in- of points as well. for Al Gharafa with 19 points. of the eight IPL teams in Mum- rich IPL, which draws the ternational stars including Ferreira led with 22 points, Guilherme earned 10. bai to assess the situation. world’s top players from Aus- England’s Ben Stokes, David including 19 from attack, while Marcus de Souza of Al rayyan jumps for a kill against Al Arabi at the “Safety is most important for tralia, England and South Af- Warner of Australia and In- Vukasinovic had 17 and de QVA Indoor Hall in Doha on Saturday. the players and at the moment rica, and generates hundreds dian captain Virat Kohli. Souza netted 13. Results (with) what’s going around in of millions of dollars in reve- Chinese mobile-maker For Al Arabi, Geraldo was Rebeiro added 15 and 12, re- table with 44 and Police, who Police beat Al Gharafa Club 28-26, 25-18, 25-20 in the world and India with the nues each year, has dominated Vivo paid $330 million to be the chief contributor with 17. spectively. also have the same number of 66 minutes; Al Rayyan Club beat Al Arabi Club government directives this is all Indian headlines. the league’s top sponsor for Valentin Bratoev and Renan Al Arabi are leading the wins – 15 from 17 matches - 25-22, 25-23, 26-28, 25-19 in 102 minutes. we can do. We have postponed Ganguly, one of India’s 2018-2022. 14 Sunday, March 15, 2020 Sports Qubaisi is new QSTK600 champion French Parola bags QSTK Trophy

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK Doha

ABDULLA al Qubaisi is the new winner of Qatar Su- perstock 600 title when the young rider clinched both the races in the final round at the Losail International Circuit on Saturday. Defending QSTK600 champion Saeed al Sulaiti and Qubaisi both had an opportuni- ty to become the series champi- on as they were separated only by six points while entering into the final round. Qubaisi put up a splendid display of pace and Abdulla al Qubaisi (centre) won both the races in the fifth and final round of the QStK600 and emerged as Jeremy Parola (centre) won the QStK trophy after clinching the first race in the category at the losail guts, winning both the races the new champion at the losail International circuit on Saturday. International circuit. and giving no chance to his rival and mentor Sulaiti. to win,” Abdulla commented. In the first race, Qubaisi “In the Race 2, I pushed Fifth Round Results and Sulaiti were exchanged very hard and I didn’t know if QSTK600 first race (12 laps) the lead but in the final three I was going to win the cham- 1.Abdulla AL QUBAISI (QAT) KAWASAKI ZX-600 25:10.492 laps, the latter had gear pad- pionship until the last lap. I 2.Mashel AL NAIMI (QAT) KAWASAKI ZX-600 25:15.552 dle problem and slowed overtook Saeed in the last lap 3.Saeed AL SULAITI (QAT) KAWASAKI ZX-600 25:22.421 down. Mashel al Naimi took and tried to create a bit of gap QSTK Trophy (12 laps) advantage of it and replaced and I won,” he added 1.Jeremy PAROLA (FRA) KAWASAKI ZX-600 25:52.947 him in the second spot be- “I also want to thank 2.Rayad AL EMADI (QAT) KAWASAKI ZX-600 26:06.676 hind winner Qubaisi. QMMF President Abdulrah- 3.Hassan Ali AL MANSOORI (QAT) KAWASAKI ZX-600 26:34.990 Still there was a great deal man al Mannai and LCSC QSTK600 second race (12 laps) of pressure on Qubaisi, who was General Manager and Vice- 1.Abdulla AL QUBAISI (QAT) KAWASAKI ZX-600 25:10.559 just three points ahead of Sulaiti President Khalid al Remaihi 2.Saeed AL SULAITI (QAT) KAWASAKI ZX-600 25:12.214 before the second race. Sulaiti for this amazing champion- 3.Mashel AL NAIMI (QAT) KAWASAKI ZX-600 25:36.887 led most of the race but Qubaisi ship,” he added. QSTK Trophy (12 laps) made a big move with a lap to Sulaiti battled until the last 1.Rayad AL EMADI (QAT) KAWASAKI ZX-600 26:02.751 go. He overtook him and held race of the season to get his Abdulla al Qubaisi leads in the race in the fifth and final round of the Qatar Superstock 600 on Saturday. 2.Hassan Ali AL-MANSOORI (QAT) KAWASAKI ZX-600 26:38.567 on to the advantage till the cheq- fourth title but couldn’t get it, 3.Lambros KOURIS (GRE) KAWASAKI ZX-600 26:51.460 uered flag. Naimi finished third. finishing with 205 points in the the line that altered our race. won the last three years and thanks to QMMF and Losail Qubaisi collected 213 classification. “Unfortunately, in But at the end of the day, Ab- now I lost but this is a motiva- Circuit Sports Club for or- getting the title in his first points,” Parola said. points and won the QSTK600 the first race I lost the gear pad- dulla deserved to be the cham- tion for me to work harder for ganising this championship,” championship. “It was very Rayad al Emadi finished championship by eight points. dle midway and I just tried to pionship. I worked really hard next season and be back on the Naimi said. nice to ride here in Qatar and second behind Parola with 210 “I’m really happy for the whole minimise the loss and I finished and had been coaching him top,” said Sulaiti. In the QSTK Trophy, everything was very well or- points and Hassan al Mansoori season. Everybody was working in third place,” Sulaiti said. for the last three years. It is Naimi finished in third French rider Jeremy Parola ganised. It was my first time rounded the QSTK Trophy with me very hard, the mechan- “The second race was one an honour to see him winning place with 178 points. “It was got the title with a fine perfor- in the championship and it championship in third place. ics, family and Saeed - my sup- of the strongest ones in the now,” Sulaiti said. a very good season. In the last mance during all the rounds. was amazing, I enjoyed a lot. Abdulrahman al Man- porter number one. The whole championship. Until the last “I am very proud of him two rounds, I struggled with Parola was on the podium in In the last race, I was fighting nai, QMMF President, and championship was really hard lap, I was fighting with Abdul- and I feel like his win is a the bike and at the end, the all the races until the last one, with Mihail but I pushed too Khalid al Remaihi, LCSC for me as I had to fight with la. In the last lap, heading to double win for me. I was wait- championship was decided but he had already got the title. much in turn 7. I lost the front Vice-President and General Saeed. He is working really hard corner one we overtook three ing for this moment since we between Saeed and Abdulla. Parola, who scored 233 and crashed but I was able to Manager, presented the tro- and strong so it was very difficult slow riders but one stayed in started training together. I Overall it was a good season, points, was very happy about rejoin the race to get some phies and prizes.

(Far left) Katara Beach Volleyball cup winners with officials of Katara cultural Foundation, the Qatar Volleyball Association and the FIVB after the prize distribution ceremony. (centre) Grzegorz Fijalek of Poland smashes the ball during the gold medal match. (Above) Jose rubio goes for a smash against Poland at the Katara cultural Village’s Amphitheatre on Saturday. Bryl-Fijalek team bag maiden gold medal Bryl and Fijalek, after los- Results Lupo, Nicolai ing the opening set, fell behind the Mexican youngsters early Katara Cup Gold Medal finish third in in the second. However, Bryl Michal Bryl / Grzegorz Fijalek (Poland, 7) and Fijalek combined their def. Josue Gaxiola / Jose Rubio (Mexico, Katara Beach abilities to force the Mexican 28, Q8) 16-21, 21-19, 15-11 (1:03) Volleyball Cup duo to make mistakes, before winning it and drawing level. Bronze Medal In the tie-break, the Poles Daniele Lupo / Paolo Nicolai (Italy, 4) TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK were in good flow and went on def. Evandro Goncalves / Bruno Oscar Doha to clinch it and seal the victory Schmidt (Brazil, 6) 21-19, 21-17 (0:34) after finishing fifth in the 2018 Doha. Now we want to carry Lucena and had shown some THE final day of the Four-Star and fourth last year. on in the next tournaments,” of their best beach volleyball Katara Beach Volleyball Cup For Bryl and Fijalek, this joyed this tournament. It is the Rubio said. until their defeat to Bryl and saw the order being restored was their second win over best feeling in the world to win The Mexicans enjoyed a Fijalek in the semi-finals. as Grzegorz Fijalek and Michal Gaxiola and Rubio, having a tournament,” said a smil- stellar run in Doha. After they “Bruno and Evandro are Bryl eventually tasted the beaten them in straight sets in ing Bryl, who played once in made it through pool play and among the best players in the maiden FIVB Beach Volley- a pool match in the Four-Star Doha before alongwith Maciej the first two knockout rounds, world, but we played very well. ball World Tour success as a Chetumal last year. Kosiak and twice with Kacper they defeated reigning world So, I’m happy,” Lupo said. team by beating Josue Gaxiola Fijalek commented after Kujawiak. champions Oleg Stoyanovskiy Four years ago, Lupo and and Jose Rubio Four-Star Ka- the 63-minute final, “For us, Gaxiola and Rubio, the for- and Viacheslav Krasilnikov Nicolai won silver at the Rio de tara Beach Volleyball Cup gold it wasn’t the best game of this mer World Beach Volleyball of Russia before going on to Janeiro 2016 Olympic Games medal match. tournament, but we are very Under-21 Championship run- knock out Brazil’s Schmidt and they have already quali- At the Katara Cultural happy (to have won). We start- ners-up, were playing a Tour and Goncalves who have two fied for Tokyo 2020 via the Village’s Amphitheatre, the ed very nervously, but we ex- event outsisde Mexico for a World Championships and FIVB World Olympic Qualifi- seventh-seeded Polish pair got pected that as they are young QVA President Ali Ghanim al Kuwari presents the winner’s cheque to first time and this silver-medal one Olympic gold between cation Tournament. the better of the Mexican duo boys and have great rhythm Poland’s Michal Bryl (left) and Grzegorz Fijalek after the Katara Beach finish would be quite special them. Their bronze ends a barren 16-21, 21-19, 15-11 to emerge and played well this week. Volleyball cup final. for the Mexican qualifiers. “It was a very intense run for the pair that stretched the champions. Fourth-seed- “It is our first tournament “Poland are a very good week,” Gaxiola said. “It has back to the 2018 Gstaad 5-Star ed Italians Daniele Lupo and win as a team and I hope we finals. They had four silvers and Mariusz Prudel played in team and very experienced. been a very tiring week, but we where they finished third. Paolo Nicolai grabbed the keep our shape in the next in 2018, while one silver and the 2012 London Games and There is only one winner in a will continue to work and push “It is great because it is a bronze medal with a 21-19, 21- tournament,” added the Polish two bronze medals in 2019. 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games, final, but we kept fighting to on in our next tournaments.” good start, a good first step. 17 triumph over Brazil’s world defender. With this win, they cemented but for Bryl, it may well be his the end. It has gone well for Lupo and Nicolai travelled We are trying to grow our champions Evandro Gon- Bryl and Fijalek teamed their fifth position in the FIVB first Olympic appearance. our first World Tour outside to Doha from a training camp game and I think in this tour- calves and Bruno Schmidt, the up at the start of 2017 and Olympic Rankings for the “We didn’t know how the Mexico. We are very pleased in Fort Lauderdale with Amer- nament we made a good step sixth seeds. since then they figured in six 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Fijalek season will turn out. We en- with how it all went here in icans Phil Dalhausser and Nick forward,” said Nicolai. Sunday, March 15, 2020 15 Reports by Ailyn Agonia For events and press releases email [email protected] or Ailyn Agonia Kabayan Corner Ailyn Agonia call (974) 4000 2222 Ailyn Agonia Seminar to help senior school students decide courses they’d choose in college

Filipino professional lecturers

PICPA Doha participates in Philippine School Doha’s third Career Simulation Seminar Workshop held in the school premises recently HE Philippine In- stitute of Certified Public Account- ant (PICPA) Doha took part in the Tculminating activity of Philip- pine School Doha’s (PSD) 3rd Career Simulation Seminar Workshop (CSSW) held in the school premises recently. Since 2018, PSD has been conducting its annual CSSW as part of its Senior High School curriculum. The sem- inar-workshop aims to assist all Senior High Students in deciding what courses they the awarding of certificate of completion to SHS students are going to take in college. It also aims to impart some basic knowledge to all stu- my and individual’s life was PSD-Principal Dr. Alex- was also part of the program. dents related to their cho- also tackled. ander S. Acosta delivered the To add on the excitement of sen courses through the ses- As Bea Hubalde, a Senior opening remarks of the recent- everyone in the venue, some sions conducted by Filipino High School Student, said ly conducted culmination and of the Senior High School Professionals here in Qatar during the testimonial part followed by testimonies of se- students showcased their tal- under the mother organisa- of the culminating activ- lected students for each course ents through singing, danc- tion, Philippine Professional the awarding of certificate of recognition to PIcPA DoHA llcG ity, “This CSSW course has on how CSSW helped them a ing and acting. It only means Organization (PPO). taught us a lot when it comes lot on choosing the right course that PSD’s Senior High School Various course choices tionist and Dieticians, AFE- of 31 Senior High School counting and its history, ac- to accountancy, but ultimate- for them. Subsequently, Labor students are not just good aca- were conducted by PICE- Q for Education, FDOQ for Students. Representatives counting equation, account ly brought out the friendship Attache David Des Dicang as a demically but also for some Qatar, IIEE-SQC, PSME and Dentistry, FilRAQ for Radio from PICPA Doha LLC(G)’s cycle of business, financial and camaraderie among us. keynote speaker delivered his extra-curricular activities. IECEP-Q for Engineering Technology and PICPA Doha Council Officers served as statements preparation and It taught us not only every- inspirational message. Award- For more information courses, UAP for Architecture, LLC(G) for Accountancy. their lecturers discussing analysis. Aside from these, thing that is accounting re- ing of certificates of completion about PICPA Doha LLC(G) and PNAQ for Nursing, IPAO for This year’s Account- the basics of accounting the essence of accounting for lated but also to look as life and recognition to all students its upcoming events, please Optometry, NDAP for Nutri- ancy class was composed such introduction of ac- every business, in the econo- in different angles.” and lecturers, respectively, visit www.picpadoha.org.

Intentional Investing Conference

hilippine International School Qatar (PISQ) hosted an event titled Intentional Investing conference recently. the event was held in collaboration with overseas Filipino Investor and Entrepreneur PMovement (oFIE-M) and PISQ BoDs HrPtA officers. the invited speakers were Japet Bernardino lindo, Engr. rommel Marcaida, Engr. Edgar Boyano, Earvin Mondidu and event coordinator Eduard chavarria. the conference tackled the right mindset that leads to right result and a comprehensive look into the motivation of most Filipinos to work abroad, growing hard-earned money through paper assets, investing in real estate, among others. 16 Sunday, March 15, 2020 The Last Word Coronavirus can be tackled through collective action and responsible behaviour: QF’s expert Dr Laith Abu-Raddad of Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar says knowledge of the disease and risk levels in Qatar offer public reassurance TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK to disturbances to daily routine – on average infect 1.3 other persons, “Social distancing – that is, Doha are all to ensure containment of while each person infected with the avoiding close contact with oth- the virus, a strategy that has been new coronavirus will on average in- ers by keeping a one-metre dis- USING face masks may not neces- working in Qatar where the out- fect 2.2 other persons. tance, avoiding large gatherings sarily offer full protection against break remains under control.” However, around 80 percent and crowded places – and regu- coronavirus and is not recom- Dr Abu-Raddad emphasised of those who contract the corona- lar hand and face washing, are mended for people with no symp- that containing the virus is a col- virus will only suffer from a mild measures proven to be far more toms of a flu like-illness, according lective responsibility of people and infection similar to a usual cold effective in reducing the risk of to Dr Laith Abu-Raddad, professor governments. “We will not be able infection, 14 percent will show acquiring the virus than face of Healthcare Policy and Research to control the coronavirus spread severe symptoms and may re- masks,” he said, adding that peo- at Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar unless every person becomes en- quire hospitalisation, and only six ple showing flu-like symptoms (WCM-Q), a Qatar Foundation gaged and follows the preven- percent will develop critical, life- should isolate themselves imme- (QF) partner university. tion recommendations,” he said. threatening symptoms. Currently, diately and seek healthcare assis- “Of particular concern is the “This is an unusual epidemic that the death rate from coronavirus, tance by contacting the toll-free mishandling of face masks and the requires every person to act with using data obtained from China, is national hotline at 16000. resulting frequent face touching responsibility and cooperate with about 2-4 percent. Many research centres across which could increase the risk for the other people and the public “It is more dangerous than the the world are currently working an uninfected person to contract health authorities.” usual seasonal flu, which causes on developing a vaccine against the virus,” he said. According to Dr Abu-Raddad, death in only 0.1 percent of cases,” this coronavirus. Dr Abu-Raddad “The use of masks is therefore there is “a lot of misinformation” said Dr Abu-Raddad. “However, said: “Several candidates for vac- not recommended unless the per- surrounding coronavirus, which Dr laith Abu-raddad most deaths are occurring among cine and antiviral drugs are al- son is showing flu-like symptoms is “feeding a culture of fear, if the elderly population and persons ready available, but these will such as coughing and sneezing. not panic”. coronavirus. With this in mind, if Qatar are being constantly updated already suffering from health com- require extensive testing prior “It is reassuring that despite “We know what the coronavi- anyone does show symptoms, it is and made available to the public as plications.” to their approval for wide-scale thousands of tests on people with rus is, how it is transmitted, and unlikely that they are infected with they occur, and this should be reas- While the level of risk in Qatar use in a population, and this is a flu-like or respiratory illnesses in what the level of risk is in Qatar. the coronavirus, but rather with suring for everyone.” remains on the low side, and the lengthy process that may extend Qatar, very few turned out to be So there is no need to panic as other common cold viruses.” Dr Abu-Raddad explained that government is making every effort over more than a year. infected with the coronavirus. The transmission between members of He also emphasised that people the danger posed by the coronavi- to rapidly contain the infection, “We need time to reach fun- rapid governmental response in the community remains limited. should only refer to credible news rus lies in it being more infectious the need remains for people need damental solutions. In the mean- finding cases, isolating them, iden- “It is also the flu season, and sources and official social media than a typical cold virus, and that it to act responsibly. time, we need to take measures tifying their contacts and testing there are other cold viruses circu- accounts for reliable information, can lead to serious disease in some Dr Abu-Raddad says that, rath- that can contain the virus and re- them, and the precautionary meas- lating, which can cause symptoms saying: “The statistics and num- people. For example, for seasonal er than using masks, there are bet- duce its chances for further spread ures undertaken – even if they led similar to those caused by the bers related to the coronavirus in influenza, each infected person will ter ways of avoiding the infection. as much as possible.” QntC holds workshop on coronavirus Vodafone makes staff work from prevention for hospitality sector firms home to curb COVID-19 spread

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK so in-person at retail stores. Customers can simply re- Doha Doha The company is also quest this service at the com- closely monitoring data usage pany’s website www.voda- QATAR National Tourism AS part of measures to safe- on its network to stay ahead fone.qa/delivery. Council (QNTC) held an guard the health and well- of any demand as more busi- Commenting on the awareness workshop in co- being of its employees and nesses require employees to measures, Sheikh Hamad operation with the Ministry community, and to minimise work remotely. If needed, Abdulla al Thani, Vodafone of Public Health (MoPH) on the spread of COVID-19 Qatar’s CEO, said: “These the measures to prevent the in Qatar, Vodafone Qa- are unprecedented times spread of the coronavirus in tar activated its business but the transparency hospitality establishments continuity plans that, and rapid response by throughout Qatar. The work- among others, allow its all the relevant authori- shop was attended by senior employees to work re- ties in the country has representatives from across motely, with only a lim- been truly exemplary. As the hospitality sector. ited number of personnel a company, we felt it was The session was led by staffing Vodafone’s retail our responsibility to take Dr Salam Sharrab from the stores. proactive measures to MoPH who explained the This comes in light support the country’s ef- core measures hospitality em- of Qatar’s government and Vodafone Qatar stands ready forts in combating this novel ployees should take to protect the importance of using their interactions outside the cleanliness of facilities like World Health Organisation’s to expand network capabili- virus, while protecting our themselves and their guests, alcohol-based antiseptics workplace, checking employ- spas or pools. (WHO) advice to practice ties for critical entities and workforce. the most important of which with 70 percent concentra- ees for fever on a daily basis QNTC has launched a social distancing and avoid adjust network resources for “As a provider of essential is washing hands thoroughly tion to clean toilets, sur- before they enter the hotel, task force that has been as- crowds. any shifts in demand. communications products with any type of soap. faces and public places like using sanitiser in accord- signed to work around the Vodafone Qatar is also To support consumers and services, we have the in- He also stated that any gyms, restaurants, lobbies ance with the MoPH stand- clock in coordination with encouraging all its customers, and businesses with all their frastructure and technology staff member or guest exhib- and guest rooms. ards and sterilising all tables, the MoPH and other entities for their safety and the safety remote work needs, Vodafone in place that allows us to ef- iting symptoms of the virus Several of the hotel man- chairs and gym equipment concerned to make sure that of others, to use the compa- Qatar will be offering free fectively respond and react should be quarantined as a agers who took part in the after every use. a steady flow of informa- ny’s digital channels acces- door-to-door delivery of any to such situations. We are precautionary measure, and workshop stated that they Some hotels are offering tion and directives is com- sible 24/7, including its web- Vodafone product and service confident of our robust busi- that the MoPH can be reached have already taken a num- their guests sanitiser upon municated to all hospitality site and My Vodafone App, such as its unlimited local ness continuity plans and are any time by calling 16000. ber of precautionary steps arrival, and taking addi- establishments and attrac- for all payments, recharges data and calls plans plusmo- committed to ensuring our The workshop addressed such as asking staff to limit tional steps to ensure to the tions in Qatar. and support, instead of doing bile Wi-Fi devices. customers’ needs are met.” 50 divers take part in MME campaign to clean up coral reefs along Sealine Beach

he Ministry of Municipality and Environ- ment, represented by the Nature Reserves Tand Wildlife Department, recently organised a campaign to clean up the coral reefs along the Sealine Beach. The campaign, titled ‘Together we care for our coral reefs’, saw the participation of some 50 divers from a number of agencies and institutions in the country, including the Lekhwiya Force, Alghais Div- ing and the Rural Tech, as well as a host of volunteer divers. The MME’s campaign for cleaning the coral reefs at the Sealine Beach started in 2009. The pro- cess helps rapid growth of the coral reefs, accord- ing to an official from the MME. He added that the ministry is making every effort to preserve coral reefs as part of its initiative to protect the seabed of Qatar from pollutants that lead to the de- terioration of marine life, including coral reefs. (TNN)