brace for tough Al Wakrah in Amir Cup PaGE 12

Friday, March 13, 2020

Australian F1 GP reportedly cancelled as virus hits McLaren

a quick list of global sporting events cancelled due to coronavirus outbreak

ArCHerY Mountain Bike World Cup in Lousa, Portugal on March Meiji Yasuda Life Women’s Yokohama Tire Tournament in South America championships in Buenos Aires, Argentina World Cup in Shanghai from May 4-10. 21-22. Konan from March 13-15. from March 25-29. ATHleTICS Tour de Normandie in France from March 23-27. GYMnASTICS Nordic Tour: Bergen Festival in Norway from March Hong Kong on Feb. 9. Giro di Sicilia in Italy from April 1-4. All-Around World Cup in Stuttgart, Germany on March 28-30. Asian indoor championships in Hangzhou from Feb. eQueSTrIAn 20-22. TennIS 12-13. Hong Kong showjumping leg of Longines Masters Series Artistic Jesolo Cup in Italy on April 4-5. WTA: Xi’an Open in China from April 13-19. on March 29. from Feb. 14-16. SHooTInG WTA: Kunming Open in Anning, China from April 27-May Daegu International Marathon in South Korea on April 5. FIeld HoCKeY Olympic test event in Tokyo from April 16-26. 3. Wuhan Marathon in China on April 12. India women’s tour of China from March 14-25. SKATInG ATP Challenger Tour Marathon in on April 12. Ireland women’s tour of Malaysia in March-April. Figure skating world championships in Montreal from Bergamo Challenger final in Italy on Feb. 23. on April 19. GolF March 16-22. Qujing Challenger in China from March 2-8. Dongying International Marathon in China on April 26. uS lPGA Tour FooTBAll Zhuhai Challenger in China from March 9-15. BASKeTBAll Honda LPGA Thailand in Pattaya from Feb. 20-23. Algarve Cup final in Portugal on March 11: Italy vs. Shenzhen Challenger in China from March 16-22. NBA from March 11 suspended. HSBC Women’s World Championship in Singapore from Germany canceled. Zhangjiagang Challenger in China from March 23-29. FIBA competitions from March 13 suspended. Feb. 27-March 1. Airways International in with Belgium, Nanchang Challenger in China from April 6-12. CYClInG Blue Bay LPGA on Hainan Island from March 5-8. Croatia, Portugal, Switzerland from March 26-30. Changsha Challenger in China from April 13-19. Strade Bianche in Siena, Italy on March 7. european Tour SWIMMInG Anning Challenger in China from April 20-26. GP Larciano in Pistoia, Italy on March 8. Kenya Open in Nairobi from March 12-15. Asian water polo championships in Nur-Sultan, Samarkand Challenger in Uzbekistan from May 11-17. Tirreno-Adriatico in Italy from March 11-17. Czech Masters in Prague on Aug. 20-23. Kazakhstan, from Feb. 12-16. WeIGHTlIFTInG Volta ao Alentejo in Portugal from March 18-22. Japan lPGA Tour Diving world series event in Beijing from March 7-9. International Weightlifting Federation Congress in Milan-San Remo on March 21. Daikin Orchid Ladies in Okinawa from March 5-8. Italy Olympic trials in Riccione from March 17-21. Bucharest, Romania on March 13.

“Following the outcome F1, the FIA & the Department ing positive. A ninth person, sporting events around the of the test on a member the of Health and Human Services who is “not associated with world were being cancelled or McLaren team, Formula 1 and in relation to the broader im- any F1 team, the FIA or asso- closing doors to fans. the FIA have been in close plications of this test result.” ciated suppliers,” was waiting Local organisers consist- contact with them on their McLaren said the team mem- on the outcome of a test. ently said the race weekend World champion Lewis Hamilton said he was concerned about the potential spread of coronavirus at the decision and have been coor- ber tested positive for the cor- McLaren team chiefs in- would go ahead as planned Australian Formula One Grand Prix. (aFP) dinating with all the relevant onavirus self-isolated as soon formed the governing FIA of the with fans in attendance even authorities on the next steps,” as they started to show symp- decision to withdraw from Sun- while other sporting events DPA McLaren, the BBC and Ger- the governing body FIA. a statement said. toms and will now be treated day’s race a day before practice around the world were can- MelBourne many’s Bild paper reported. F1 organisers and the mo- “Our priority is the safety by local healthcare authorities is due to start at Albert Park. celled or imposed restrictions. The BBC said it had been torsport governing body FIA of the fans, the teams and all in Melbourne. Mercedes driver and reign- The Chinese Grand Prix in THE season-opening Formula told by two senior Formula 1 were considering the next steps personnel at the race.” The The AGPC said on Twitter ing F1 world champion Lewis April has already been post- One Australian Grand Prix sources on Thursday that the after McLaren withdrew from Australian Grand Prix Cor- that eight people had complet- Hamilton had earlier ques- poned and fans will not be on Sunday will be postponed race is off, but there was no of- the race due to a team member poration (AGPC) said it was ed tests for the virus with only tioned why the race was going allowed to attend next week’s after the coronavirus struck ficial confirmation from F1 or contracting the coronavirus. “currently in discussions with the McLaren staff member be- ahead when so many other Bahrain Grand Prix. al Markhiya shock rayyan to make their first amir cup semis

AYENI OLUSEGUN Doha Mexico’s Josue Gaxiola and Jose Rubio in action at the Katara Beach Volleyball Cup 2020 being held at GIANTKILLERS Al Markh- Katara Cultural Village’s Amphitheatre on Thursday. iya caused another upset on Thursday as they knocked out six-time winners Al Rayyan Mexican wave hits Katara Cup 1-0 at the Al Stadium to book their first-ever Amir Cup semi- Gstaad Major, clinched the berth in the Olympic Games. I final berth. Gaxiola, Rubio four clashes in a row. never thought that these play- The second division side Gaxiola and Rubio had ers would turn in such kind of had caused a major upset scalp world an incredible nine-point run, amazing performances in Qa- in the last round when they champions to which helped them seal a tar. Ruben is an aggressive net knocked out seven-time win- crucial 1-0 lead and then put player and he proved it in this ners Al Gharafa by a soli- move into final them 7-0 ahead in the second. tournament. tary strike and will now face However, the experienced “Gaxiola is a bit cool and Al Arabi in a dream semi-final. RAAJIV TRIPATHI Brazilians clawed their way he likes to control the match Al Markhiya’s assistant Doha back into the set and negated from behind. My players have coach Yasin Sharaf had said the advantage, besides getting fire and ambition and they can before the match that the club THE Mexican wave literally one set point (20-19), with become champions tomorrow. can spring a surprise while Al hit the Katara Beach Volley- Schmidt taking a touch- out. But to be honest, they have Rayyan coach Diego Aguirre ball Cup as young players nothing to lose now and I will said the Lions will not under- Josue Gaxiola and Jose Rubio also not put any pressure on estimate Al Markhiya. scalped a host of world cham- results them to win,” added the coach. Al Rayyan though failed to pions and qualified for the gold round 3: Daniele Lupo / Paolo Nicolai Italy (4) def. Mexicans dazzle Earlier in create any clear cut chances medal match on Thursday. Taylor Crabb / Jake Gibb United States (5) 21-15, the day, Gaxiola and Rubio cre- 21-18 (0:30); Michal Bryl / Grzegorz Fijalek Poland but began on the front-foot Al Markhiya’s Ahmad Mubarak celebrates scoring from the spot against Al Rayyan at the Al Sadd Stadium At the Katara Cultural Vil- (7) def. Nils Ehlers / Lars Fluggen Germany ated sensation by knocking out as expected. The Lions had on Thursday. lage’s Amphitheatre, Gaxiola (13) 21-13, 21-14 (0:34); Evandro Goncalves / No. 1 seed Russians Krasilnikov chances as early as the second and Rubio, playing their first Bruno Oscar Schmidt Brazil (6) def. Phil Dalhausser and Stoyanovskiy 21-17, 21-15. minute but a cross into the box Boli was held in the box but the were awarded a penalty kick. game to game, we don’t know overseas FIVB World Beach / Nick; Lucena United States (3) 21-10, 21-12 The former FIVB World Un- (0:31); Josue Gaxiola / Jose Rubio Mexico (28, Q8) failed to pick out anyone in the referee changed his decision to Abdelaziz Hatem could and I am very sure we will Tour event, first disposed of def. Viacheslav Krasilnikov / Oleg Stoyanovskiy der-21 runners-up Gaxiola and Markhiya danger area – a sign offside after VAR review. not pull his hand away from fight more in the next game,” current world champions and Russia (1) 21-17, 21-15 (0:38). Rubio took 38 minutes to de- of more near-misses to come. In the second half, Al a floated cross into the box Al Markiya striker Luciano top seeds Viacheslav Kra- Semi-finals: Michal Bryl / Grzegorz Fijalek Poland liver the major shock. Besides, Rodrigo Tabata soon had a Markhiya, having weathered and the referee Meshari Ali al Vazquez said after the match. silnikov and Oleg Stoyanovs- (7) def. Daniele Lupo / Paolo Nicolai Italy (4) 28-26, the world title, the Russians 21-18 (0:43); Josue Gaxiola / Jose Rubio Mexico chance from a free-kick but the the storm ealier, showed more Shamari after consulting the The defeat means Al Rayy- kiy in straight sets in the (28, Q8) def. Evandro Goncalves / Bruno Oscar had bagged the World Tour veteran’s effort was easily gath- composure and defensive dis- VAR awarded the spot kick an’s only hope of securing a quarter-finals. Schmidt Brazil (6) 22-20, 22-20 (0:39). Finals in Rome last season. Sty- ered by Mohamed Said in goal. cipline as Al Rayyan huffed to Al Markhiya. silverware this season lies in Then they went on to hand Friday’s fixtures: 5.45pm: Bronze medal match: anovskiy was second in Qatar Tabata again could have and puffed to no avail. Ahmad Mubarak stepped the QNB Stars League where a 22-20, 22-20 defeat to sixth Daniele Lupo / Paolo Nicolai Italy (4) vs Evandro in 2018 when he and Igor Veli- Goncalves / Bruno Oscar Schmidt Brazil (6) put his side ahead but his shot Yaccine Brahimi was kept up and made no mistake from they trail leaders Al by seeds Evandro Goncalves and 7:00 pm: Gold medal match: Michal Bryl / Grzegorz chiko had lost the final to Dutch was turned onto the the cross quiet and was enable to pen- the spot as the minnows held four points with five matches Bruno Oscar Schmidt in 39 Fijalek Poland (7) vs Josue Gaxiola / Jose Rubio Alexander Brouwer and Robert bar after Said got fingertips to etrate the defence as much on for the most famous win left in the season. minutes in the semi-finals. Gon- Mexico (28, Q8). Meeuwsen. the goal-bound effort. as he had done so far this in the club’s history. “It is difficult to speak after calves won the 2017 Schmidt The young Mexicans set up Yohan Boli should have season. The introduction of “We feel very happy and we this loss, we wanted to qualify and Allison Cerutti were 2015 Gaxiola produced a late the semi-final clash with Bra- done better from the resulting Sebastian Soria did little to did our best. We know that be- for the final and I am disap- World and 2016 Olympic cham- drop to draw level and then Ru- zilian giants and sixth seeds corner but the Ivorian missed impact the game. fore the game nobody thought pointed. The result surprised pions, while Goncalves bagged bio blocked Goncalves to give Goncalves and Schmidt who from close range. In the 80th minute, we could win this but we be- everyone. The responsibility the World crown with Andre his team the first match-point. eliminated Phil Dalhausser Al Rayyan were awarded a Younes Ali’s side finally got lieve in us and you can see how for this loss is for everyone,” Stein two years later. He foiled 210-cm tall Goncalves and Nick Lucena from the penalty late in the first half after the breakthrough when they we gave everything. We go Aguirre lamented. With two victories in a day, again at the net to pull off the United States 21-10, 21-12. The the Mexicans have put them- set and the match. Schmidt Americans have been the run- selves on a course to emulate vented his frustration by throw- ners-up here twice. Dalhausser Chilean Grimalt cousins Este- ing his cap into the court. has also been the world and OLYMPIC FLAME LIT IN GREECE ban and Marco. Last year, the Mexican team coach Sal- 2008 Beijing Olympic cham- Chileans had also started their vador Gonzalez was delighted pion along side Todd Roger. campaign in Qatar as qualifiers with the sublime performance Lupo and Nicolai and Bryl aTheNS: The olympic flame for the 2020 tokyo Games was lit in Greece on thursday in front of a and went home with the title. of his players and commented: and Fijalek made it to the crowd restricted to 100 because of the coronavirus. only 100 accredited guests from the International On Friday, they will take “This tournament is a very semi-finals with straight for- olympic Committee (IoC) and the tokyo 2020 organizing committee attended the ceremony, which was on seventh seeds Michal Bryl high level event and it is the ward wins. The Italians ousted televised in Greece, in ancient olympia. “the olympic Games are a strong picture of the worldwide and Grzegorz Fijalek, the first event on the Tour outside fifth-seeds and 2019 Chetumal unity of people,” said IoC president thomas Bach. the olympic flame is due to arrive in Japan on Poles, who upset Daniele Lupo Mexico for his players. Just 4-Star winners Taylor Crabb March 20 after a Greek relay leg and a handover ceremony in athens on March 19. (DPA) and Paolo Nicolai, the fourth- like other, we’re also targeting and Jake Gibb from United seeded Italians, by 28-26, 21- the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. States 21-15, 21-18, the Polish Greece’s Anna Korakaki, Rio 2016 gold medallist in the 25m pistol shooting, runs with the olympic flame 18. This was the fifth meeting “After seeing Gaxiola and pair put it across Nils Ehlers and an olive branch during the olympic flame lighting ceremony in ancient olympia on Thursday.(aFP) between the two teams and the Rubio play like this, I feel we and Lars Fluggen from Germa- Poles, after losing in the 2018 have high hopes of getting a ny 21-13, 21-14. 12 Friday, March 13, 2020 Sports

Taxiwala triumphs in ain Khaled cup al Sadd brace for Wakrah challenge in amir cup The Wolves have seen their form deep in the last month with disappointing draws against Umm Salal and Al Arabi, and a loss to Al Rayyan

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK Doha

AL Sadd will head into their Amir Cup quarter-final against Al Wakrah at the Al Duhail Stadium on Friday knowing they have to improve their goalscoring record es- pecially against a team whom they have lost to in the league this season. Al Sadd coach Xavi Hernandez (right) and player Hussam Kamal speak to the media during a press conference ahead of their Amir Cup The Wolves have seen quarter-final against Al Wakrah. Faleh Bughanaim had a superb ride on Taxiwala as the two bagged their form deep in the last the Ain Khaled Cup – feature event of the 36th Race Meeting, month with disappointing in the league and they have lona, with Manchester City is no sense now to play with- coach Marquez Lopez said held at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club Racecourse in New draws against Umm Salal and an excellent coach and great and last night in the Cham- out fans. It will be difficult, the Waves will hope to take Al Rayyan on Thursday. In the 1,200m sprint, the three-year-old Al Arabi before losing by a players. We are trying to reach pions League with Liverpool there is no sense. My opinion advntage of Al Sadd’s current bay gelding, owned and trained by Engineer Osama al Dafea, lone goal last weekend at the the final and to give our best and Atletico Madrid. We are is that everywhere is closed, struggles. beat Dominus, with Luca Maniezzi astride, by three quarters of a hands of rivals Al Rayyan. performance. playing really well but we schools and all, so I think “It will be a difficlut match length to emerge the champion. This was the first victory of the However, the record Amir “If I imagine a team play- have to improve our finish- everything should be stopped for us because we have some season for him in six starts. Izzthatright was third by two and a half Cup champions are still one of ing the style I want, that’s ing,” he added. also. It’s a matter of health important players out injured. lengths under rider Ronan Thomas. X Force was fourth and Black the favourites alongside hold- what we are doing but we have The Spaniard also gave his and I think there is no sense Al Sadd are also without some Granite completed the top five. Ibrahim al Malki’s three trainees – ers Al Duhail, Xavi Hernandez to keep improving,” Xavi said. take on the COVID-19 out- for us to play football. This is players due to injury but for us Hessdalen, Pazeer and Black Pearl - won their respective races and says his side have been train- “We have had more shots break. just my opinion,” the Span- it is an important competition Jassim Ghazali also had two winners through Luchador and Rajeh. ing well to restore confidence. on target but we are not scor- “It’s a pity because we play iard added. and we will try our best to win “Al Wakrah defeated us ing. It happened in Barce- football for the fans but there Meanwhile Al Wakrah the match,” NBA suspends season, faces many unknowns Real in quarantine DPA “The NBA will use this hia- Wednesday’s Jazz-Thunder “It’s a scary situation,” Den- players are not as susceptible AFP France’s Ligue 1 will continue its WaShINGToN tus to determine next steps for contest at Chesapeake Energy ver Nuggets forward Paul Mill- to the coronavirus as the elderly ParIS season but without fans. moving forward in regard to the sap said. or those with existing ailments. Cristiano Ronaldo has been HAVING taken the unprec- coronavirus pandemic.” “It’s a time where everyone Many who show mild symp- REAL Madrid’s players and staff in quarantine in Madeira for edented, dramatic step of sus- The next steps are any- is in shock and we really don’t toms recover in as little as two went into quarantine on Thurs- several days but is not showing pending its season in response body’s guess. Will the season know what to think right now.” weeks. day, Spain’s La Liga and the ATP any symptoms of the corona- to the coronavirus, the NBA resume? If so, when? Will fans The coronavirus has an in- An ideal scenario would tennis tour paused their seasons virus contracted by a Juventus now faces a handful of un- be allowed to attend games? cubation period of two to 14 have the NBA resuming play and the NBA halted games indef- team-mate, local authorities in knowns. Will playoff games and the NBA days. Over the last two weeks, sometime in late March, with initely as the coronavirus pan- Portugal said Thursday. Just hours after the World Finals take place in empty are- the Jazz have been in six arenas teams having missing between demic rocked world sport. “Ronaldo left Italy a few Health Organization on nas? What will the impact of to face seven teams. six and eight games each. La Liga authorities took the days ago and his isolation hasn’t Wednesday declared a pan- lost revenue be upon the salary Those teams have gone on However, with about a decision to suspend matches in just started now,” said Pedro Ra- demic, the NBA announced cap, which impacts free agency? to play other teams in other month before the scheduled the top two divisions for at least mos, a member of the Madeira the suspension and postponed “This isn’t about basket- Utah Jazz duo Rudy Gobert arenas while moving through start of the playoffs, there are two weeks after Real Madrid regional government in charge two games that were minutes ball, this isn’t about the Mav- and Donovan Mitchell airports and staying in hotels, limited off days on which to re- confirmed its senior football of health. “Both the athlete and from tipoff when learning that ericks, this isn’t about when do reportedly test positive which means countless people schedule those games. team was in quarantine follow- his family are symptomless,” he a member of the Utah Jazz - re- we start, or do we start or how in and out of the NBA may have There are about three weeks ing a positive test for one of the added. portedly French All-Star centre do we start,” Dallas Mavericks to COVID-19 been exposed. between the projected last game club’s basketball players. The Juventus and Italy defender Rudy Gobert - had tested posi- owner Mark Cuban said. “The players are in a unique of the NBA Finals and the end teams share facilities. Daniele Rugani tested posi- tive for the virus. “This is a pandemic, a global Arena in Oklahoma City was position because wherever they of the league’s fiscal year June Real Madrid said “it has tive for the COVID-19 virus on The Jazz announced on pandemic, where people’s lives postponed, and Jazz players are, people want to come up to 30, which could provide a win- been decided to close the facili- Wednesday, although the club Thursday that another uniden- are at stake.” and employees were tested for them,” Cuban said. dow. But it is possible that those ties at our training ground and said he was not exhibiting any tified player - reportedly All- Gobert reportedly tested the virus, leading to Thursday’s The Washington Wizards games are not replayed, which it is also recommended that all symptoms. Star guard Donovan Mitchell positive Wednesday after show- announcement. said on Thursday that all play- would impact team revenue. Real Madrid personnel who “The players, members of - also tested positive. ing flu-like symptoms. Video The New Orleans Pelicans- ers and team personnel would Resumption also assumes work there remain in quaran- staff and all those who came “The NBA is suspending surfaced of Gobert meeting Sacramento Kings contest in self-quarantine for three to four the United States government tine.” into contact (with Rugani) are in game play following the con- with the media Monday and California also was postponed days, with those showing symp- does not institute national trav- Serie A in Italy, the Euro- voluntary isolation. Ronaldo... is clusion of tonight’s schedule of inexplicably touching reporters’ when it was learned that referee toms to be tested for the virus. el restrictions, as it did Wednes- pean country worst hit by the in Madeira and is staying there games until further notice,” the recording devices at the conclu- Courtney Kirkland had worked The WHO has said younger, day for those coming from 26 virus, has already suspended until further notice,” the Serie A league said in a statement. sion of his session. Monday’s Toronto-Utah game. healthier adults such as NBA European countries. its matches until April 3 while club told AFP. Atletico defeat casts shadow over Liverpool’s historic season

AFP the best way. The boys deliv- already effectively gone at half- lIVerPool ered a super game, fought hard, time in extra time did Klopp played well, and scored won- turn to last season’s Champions LIVERPOOL’S Champions derful goals. But we lost.” League hero, Divock Origi. League defence is over after Atletico’s 3-2 win in extra Liverpool’s exceptional Atletico Madrid played the role time on Wednesday completed recruitment has lifted them of party poopers at Anfield and a 4-2 aggregate victory and in- under Klopp from battling paved the way for a strangely flicted Klopp’s first home de- to qualify for the Champions anti-climactic end to the season feat in Europe in five years as League to being expected to for Jurgen Klopp’s Reds. Liverpool boss, even though defend their trophy. Barring an unprecedented the Spanish side were pinned But Adrian, on a free trans- collapse, Klopp will deliver a against the ropes by the holders fer, was the only senior player first league title in 30 years, for 94 minutes. added to their squad last sum- though there is some doubt That was how long it took Good run! mer and back-up for the front over whether the season can the hosts to score their sec- For two and a half years we three must now be a priority, even be completed due to the ond goal to move 2-0 in front with Mane and Salah expected coronavirus outbreak. on the night as a combina- had an exceptional ride in to depart for another Africa Cup Liverpool, after a record- tion of wayward finishing and the Champions League, we of Nations in the middle of next breaking start to the Premier some brilliant goalkeeping had party after party after season. Liverpool’s exit was also League campaign, had the title from Jan Oblak forced the tie party in the Champions another blow to the Premier effectively sewn up by Christ- into extra time. League pretty much. The League’s prestige. mas but failure to add more The post-mortem following Last season Premier League silverware during a historic sea- Liverpool’s exit points to a tale boys delivered a super clubs made up half of the last son now feels like a let-down. of two goalkeepers. game, fought hard, played eight and Liverpool won an all- “For two and a half years Atletico coach Diego Atletico Madrid striker Alvaro Morata celebrates with teammates after scoring his team’s third goal during well, and scored wonderful English final against Tottenham we had an exceptional ride in Simeone hailed Oblak as the their UEFA Champions league Round of 16 second leg match against Liverpool at Anfield on Wednesday.(aFP) goals. But we lost. Hotspur at Atletico’s Wanda the Champions League, we had best in the world. Metropolitano home. party after party after party in Liverpool’s Alisson Becker lix to set up Marcos Llorente Klopp admitted he sounded also reflect on the use of his for- – Jurgen Klopp After Tottenham’s 4-0 ag- the Champions League pretty is another contender for that to curl home the away goal like a sore loser as he bemoaned ward options and focus on how gregate thrashing at the hands much,” said Klopp, whose side crown but, with the Brazilian Atletico craved. Simeone’s smash-and-grab Liverpool can improve. All three have already of RB Leipzig and with Chelsea were also finalists in 2018. sidelined by a hip injury, one Llorente then scored again style despite managing a side Roberto Firmino’s strike played well over 3,000 minutes trailing 3-0 from the home leg “Tonight was a party, eve- error from his stand-in Adrian before half-time in extra time boasting “world-class” talents was his first goal at Anfield all this season after featuring in of their last-16 tie against Bay- rything was set, it was great changed the course of the tie. and Alvaro Morata rubbed such as Joao Felix, Saul Niguez season and the normally pro- international tournaments for ern Munich, Manchester City -- crowd exceptional, the sta- A poor clearance from the salt in Liverpool wounds with and Koke. lific Sadio Mane and Mohamed their countries last summer. represent the only realistic hope dium, everything showed up in Spaniard allowed Joao Fe- the last kick of the game. However, the German must Salah were wasteful. Only when the game was of English representation. Sports Friday, March 13, 2020 13

QaTar SUPErSTOcK 600, QaTar TOUriNG car chaMPiONShiP Thrilling battles expected in the last round this weekend Amr al Hamad appointed QMMF CEO QNA Doha

THE Qatar Motor and Motor- cycle Federation (QMMF) has announced the appointment of Amr al Hamad as CEO of the federation. He succeeds Sultan al Muraikhi who contributed to the development of motor sport and motorcycles in Qatar over the past years. The Federation, in a state- ment, said that Amr al Ham- ad, who held many positions The fifth and final round of Qatar Touring Car Championship (QTCC) and Qatar Superstock 600 will take place this weekend, on Friday and Saturday (March 13th & 14th) sans spectators at the Losail International Circuit. in the federation, including Events Director, was officially assumed as the Executive Di- Saeed al Sulaiti leads QSTK 600 championship by six points, ahead of Abdulla al Qubaisi rector of the Federation after the efforts he had made during TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK for this weekend. “I am very the schedule car was very good and didn’t will push very hard this week- the last period at all levels. Doha excited for the last round, for have any issue so hopefully, all end and do my best,” com- The statement added that sure it is going to be full of ac- Friday 600 Race 1 (12 laps) remains the same and I can get mented Al Sulaiti. the federation thanked Sultan al 10.50-11.05am: Grid THE fifth and last round tion as always. Again, this sea- 10:15-11am: QSTK 600 Free Practice 1 good results in both races and Al Khelaifi is very excited to Muraikhi, the former CEO of the 11.05am: QSTK 600 Race 1 Start of Qatar Superstock 600 son, the championship will be 12.30-1.15pm: QTCC Free Practice take the QTCC 2K champion- be back racing after the break. federation for what he provided 12.10-12.15pm: Pitlane Open-Close QTCC (QSTK600) and Qatar Tour- decided in the last round and 1.30-2.15pm: QSTK 600 Free Practice 2 ship title,” said Al Maadheed. “Technical issues and race re- for motorsport in the past years Race 1 (10 laps) ing Car Championship (QTCC) I am sure that everybody will 2.30-2.55pm: QTCC 2k Qualifying Practice For the QTCC M240 cat- tirements costed me a lot this in which he assumed responsi- will take place this week- push and give a great show 12.25pm: QTCC Race 1 Start egory, three drivers are fighting season and to come back on bility. He contributed to devel- 3.10-3.35pm: QTCC M 240 Qualifying end, on Friday and Saturday for everyone. At the end of the Practice 1.30pm-1.35pm: Pitlane Open-Close QSTK for the title, Hamad al Sulaiti, top, a miracle has to happen oping the sport through super- (March 13th and 14th) at the day, everybody is a winner, 3.50-4.05pm: QSTK 600 Superpole 1 600 Race 2 (12 laps) Abdulla al Khelaifi and Nasser since winning both races will vision of many events organised Losail International Circuit. this championship is great and 4.15-4.30pm: QSTK 600 Superpole 2 1.35-1.50pm: Grid Saadon al Kuwari. Al Sulaiti is not be enough if Hamad still by the federation in addition to The championship title for we can see that all the riders 1.50pm: QSTK 600 Race 2 Start leading with 82 points, followed finishes behind me. At the end his contribution to the success of are improving and pushing a Saturday by Al Khelaifi with 74 points and this is racing and everything the QSTK600 will be decided 2.55-3pm: Pitlane Open-Close QTCC many championships. this weekend between Saeed al lot,” said Al Sulaiti. 9.30-9.50am: QSTK 600 Warm-up Al Kuwari with 64 points. can happen. Important thing The Federation indicated Sulaiti, Abdulla al Qubaisi and “Last round was not as I Race 2 (10 laps) The leader of the cham- is to stay focused and to give it that Al Hamad has a great ex- 10.05-10.25am: QTCC Warm-up 3-3.10pm: Grid Mishal al Naimi. expected and I lost valuable 10.45-10.50am: Pitlane Open-Close QSTK pionship, Al Sulaiti knows all. In general, very happy with perience as a former driver, in Al Sulaiti is leading the points for the championship. 3.10pm: QTCC Race 2 Start that this weekend will be very the close competition and the addition to holding many posi- championship with 169 points, From the last round, I have tough. “This round will be increased cars on grid this sea- tions in Shell Qatar Company only six points ahead of Al trained hard to reach this last rola and Rayad Al Emadi as 2K category, Ghanim al Maad- the hardest one of the whole son,” he said. for 13 years, where he worked Qubaisi, who has 163 points. Al round well prepared and fight the French rider is 30 points heed is leading with 108 points championships because three Qatar Superstock 600 and as an ambassador for internal Naimi has less chances to get for the title,” said Al Qubaisi. ahead of Al Emad, so Parola in front of Ibrahim al Abdul- of us are very close with the Qatar Touring Car Champion- road safety in the company, a the title as he has 142 points. In the Trophy category, has high chances to clinch the ghani who is second with 89 points. I am leading the cham- ship are organised by Losail technical consultant for Qatar Al Sulaiti, the defendant although the title is also not championship. points. Nasser Al Ahbabi is pionship only by 8 points and Circuit Sports Club (LCSC) University and the University and three times QSTK600 decided, there is an impor- For the Qatar Touring Car third with 67 points. if I don’t get good results I can and Qatar Motor and Motor- of Texas, as well as several oth- Champion is looking forward tant gap between Jeremy Pa- Championship, in the QTCC “In the last two rounds, the lose the championship but I cycle Federation (QMMF). er important positions.

Pakistan to close T20 league to 1st india-South africa Odi washed out QGF postpones FIG World public in Karachi over virus fears Cup Qatar 2020 to June AFP the upcoming matches,” said KaraChI the governing body’s chief ex- TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK postponement of the champion- ecutive Wasim Khan. Doha ship, which is to have a partici- PAKISTAN cricket authorities Officials have yet to an- pation of over 250 athletes from announced plans on Thursday nounce if several games in- THE 13th FIG Artistic Gym- 59 countries, on Thursday. to close public access to a series cluding the league final set to nastics Individual Apparatus “The decision is in line with of upcoming domestic league be hosted in the eastern city World Cup which was sched- the recommendations of the matches in Karachi, making of Lahore later this month will uled to be held in Doha from Ministry of Public Health to an abrupt u-turn as criticism also be closed to the public. March 18 to 21 has now been avoid gatherings in public places mounted online of the country’s Karachi was set to host five postponed to June 3 to 6, and to implement the decisions handling of the coronavirus. Twenty20 league games over 2020, according to the Qatar issued by the National Commit- The announcement came the next six days at the nation- Gymnastics Federation (QGF). tee for the coronavirus,” a state- as a match had already started al stadium, which can hold up The QGF announced the ment from QGF said. in the bustling commercial hub to 30,000 spectators. of 15 million, marking what The decision comes as anx- would be the last Pakistan Su- iety escalates globally about per League (PSL) match held the potential for unchecked in front of a live audience this transmission of the virus at big Qatar airways cricket season in Karachi. sporting occasions. Rain washed out the first One-Day International between India and South Africa without a ball being bowled “Following developments This year’s PSL tourna- at Dharamsala in north India on Thursday -- and the next two games could be held in empty stadiums be- in the past 24 hours, the (Paki- ment is the first in the league’s cause of the coronavirus pandemic. Morning rain over the Himalayan hill town forced a delay of the toss, and Warriors Club rout Doha stan Cricket Board) has decid- five-year history to be played returned in the afternoon leaving umpires with no choice but to call the game off. It is the second successive ed to take a proactive approach in its entirety on home soil. ODI to have been washed out at Dharamsala after a Twenty20 match between the same opponents was and put in place precautionary Previous seasons saw a abandoned without a ball being bowled in September. This three-match series has gone ahead despite the Falcons by record margin measures to better safeguard portion of matches held in the coronavirus outbreak that has prompted the cancellation of top sporting events across the globe. But the next the health and safety of all United Arab Emirates over two matches in Lucknow on Sunday and Kolkata on March 18 could be played behind closed doors after the TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK those who will be involved in security fears. Indian government advised sports bodies to hold events in empty stadiums because of the pandemic. (aFP) Doha

IMAL Liyanage, Raja Amir and Murad Khan were in the eye of thrilling action as War- riors Club hammered Doha Qatar’s academy ties up with Rohit Sharma’s CricKingdom Falcons by a record 293 runs in a Premier Division match TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK Doha on March 18 along with their arm over. at the Qatar Airways Cricket Doha Parag Dahiwal and Chetan “We have some flexible Tournament, shooting out the Suryawanshi, CEO, CricKing- timing. We operate in two opponents for just 17 runs. Man of the match Imal Liyanage. QATAR’S Bravo Cricket Acad- dom, to officially announce shifts. From morning 6 to 10 Last year Warriors Club emy (BCA) and India cricket their first tie-up in the Middle and from 5 to 11 in the even- had thrashed Al Feroz Young- made 33. Besides Mughees, Is- star Rohit Sharma’s CricKing- East region. ing session. So anyone who sters by 256 runs in a same mail got two wickets for 67 runs. dom Cricket Academy will be “Our main aim is to make wants to play or train of all division match with Adnan The chase for Doha Falcons working together in spotting cricket available for everyone. ages are welcomed to enroll Mirza cracking a sizzling 93. turned out to be quite tragic. and nurturing talent, officials We are fully focused on cricket and carry forward their pas- Batting first, Warriors Club Amir and Khan ripped apart of BCA said here. and we are a full time cricket sion for the game in Qatar. were lifted by Imal Liyanage their batting with nine wickets The BCA, started in June academy which aims on the We have a platform which and skipper Assad Borham, between them, sending them 2017, is based in Ezdan Oasis development of players,” said they can use to either get fit racing to 310 for six in 50 overs. crashing to 17 all out in 9.1 and children from the age of 5 Christopher. or continue with their fa- Liyanage slammed 138 not out overs. Raja snared five wick- to 16 train at the centre for all Bravo cricket Academy vourite game,” added Chris- and Borham hit 71. Linage fac- ets for four runs in five overs, days of the week under quali- was founded with the aim topher, who played first class es 148 balls, cracking two sixes whIle Khan bagged four for 12 fied coaches. of creating opportunities for cricket in India. and a dozen boundaries. Bor- in 4.1 overs to lead Warriors “We are proud and privi- Trainees of Qatar’s Bravo Cricket Academy during a coaching session. young talents, identifying “We also have two senior ham stayed st the wicket for Club to the incredible triumph. leged to announce our acad- their talent and nurturing teams which play in the Qa- 82 balls and rifled nine fours Linage was adjudged as emy’s association with the Hit playing domestic cricket in In- centres in India and one over- them with all their coaching tar Cricket Association league. before becoming one of four the Man of the Match. Man of world cricket Rohit dia, Oman, and Qatar, Chris- seas venture in Singapore. needs and transforming them One team in B Division while victims of Mughees. SCORES: Warriors Club: 310 for sharma. Our academy will be topher’s passion and love for With the tie up in Qatar, it to be better cricket players. the second one is in C Divi- Warriors Club lost opener six in 50 overs (Imal liyanage joining hands with the best in the game, lead to the birth of will be CricKingdom’s second Christopher said the facil- sion,” added Christopher. Andri Berenger for duck but 138 not out, assad Borham 71; cricket to bring about the best Bravo Cricket Club. centre outside India and a third ity at the Bravo Cricket Acad- BCA will be the first full counter-attacked the rivals to Mughees 4/34, Ismail 2/67) cricket development in Qatar,” The move to tie up with overseas centre is to come up in emy is not restricted to chil- time cricket academy in Qatar. collect 155 runs for the second beat Doha Falcons: 17 all out in said Christopher, a qualified CricKingdom has been a shot Frankfurt, Germany. dren training but for cricket The facility includes four spa- wicket, shared by Liyanage and 9.1 overs (raja amir 5/4, Murad Level 1 cricket coach. in the arm for the trainees. Rohit Sharma’s brother lovers of all ages to come to cious nets and fielding area, Borham. As Liyanage went on Khan 4/12) by 293 runs. MoM: With over two decades of CricKingdom operates in six Vishal is scheduled to be in have a knock at the nets or roll and an open gym. to carry his bat through, Ikram Imal (Warriors Club). 14 Friday, March 13, 2020 FEATURES

Why you should stop What’s the risk of obsessing about coronavirus news, and how COVID-19 for a to do it healthy young person?

SOUMYA KARLAMANGLA of breath, chest pain, you name TrIBuNe NeWS SerVICe COVID-19 mOrtalIty rates it. High fever,” he told the CBS DEBORAH NETBURN useful. Trusted sources can station. “Every day is getting TrIBuNe NeWS SerVICe help you make informed deci- HE first person diagnosed by age CalCulateD by the worse … it happened so quick.” sions to protect your health. with COVID-19 in New Jer- Cai isn’t the first person IT’S 1 in the morning and you They can also counteract sey was a 32-year-old man ChInese CDC: to raise concerns about how can’t stop reading about the harmful rumours and alleviate Twho had been admitted to quickly people become severely coronavirus. distress by providing accurate the hospital. ill. The average time it takes for Maybe you want to know information that puts the In a video posted to Twit- ages 10-19: 0.2% people to start showing symp- if you should cancel your trip threat in context, Silver said. ter over the weekend, the pa- toms after infection is about to hawaii over spring break (For example, it’s helpful to be tient explained that he’d had ages 20-29: 0.2% five days, according to a new or whether your kid’s school reminded that about 80% of no underlying medical condi- study by Johns Hopkins Uni- will be closed, or how many those infected with the new tions that would make him ages 30-39: 0.2% versity, but there have been people are likely to die. coronavirus have symptoms susceptible to severe illness, reports of rapid decline once you look for answers on that are mild at worst.) yet the new coronavirus was ages 40-49: 0.4% illness sets in. websites you trust, along however, Silver’s research making him sicker and sicker. At a news conference with some you’re not so sure over the last two decades He spoke from a hospital bed ages 50-59: 1.3% Sunday, Timothy Killian, about. and when you can’t has also shown that in times where he had been hooked up spokesman for nursing home find conclusive information, of collective trauma like to tubes helping him breathe. ages 60-69: 3.6% Life Care Center in Kirkland, you keep searching, clicking natural disasters and mass The video, which has Wash., said it had been “sur- and reading. shootings, the nonstop media been viewed more than ages 70-79: 8% prising and shocking” to see If you have descended cycle can also cause people 440,000 times, raised con- patients become deathly ill so into a coronavirus rabbit hole, to overestimate the sever- cerns that young people may 80 anD OVer: 14.8% quickly. At least 19 people who you are not alone. ity of the threat to their own be more vulnerable to COV- were linked to the nursing It’s only natural to feel community — and that leads ID-19 than health experts A woman wearing a protective mask walks near the Columbia University campus in New York City, home have died, most of them anxious about the evolving to psychological and even had been letting on. recently. The university is canceling classes for two days after a faculty member was quarantined for in their 70s and 80s. coronavirus situation. It is a physical distress. So is that really true? exposure to the novel coronavirus. (TNS) “We have found this to be novel threat that has caused In the aftermath of the According to medical ex- troubling and volatile and un- more than 4,200 deaths Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, perts, no. The risk of serious patients here. So experts have become very sick. right now we have patients in predictable,” Killian said. “We worldwide. Silver and her collaborators illness due to COVID-19 is far relied on the analysis of nearly These are the COVID-19 the hospital with severe in- have seen as little as one hour, But experts say there is found that increased televi- higher for people who are older 45,000 COVID-19 patients in mortality rates by age calcu- fluenza that were otherwise somebody getting no symp- something else that is add- sion exposure to the horrific and have underlying medi- China that was conducted by lated by the Chinese CDC: healthy people in their 40s toms to going to symptoms ing to our collective anxiety events was associated with cal conditions. People 60 and the country’s Center for Dis- Ages 10-19: 0.2% and 50s. … It’s rare as well, that were severe enough that around the potential pandem- post-traumatic stress and older accounted for more than ease Control and Prevention. Ages 20-29: 0.2% but it occurs.” they needed to be transferred ic: fear of the unknown. cardiovascular problems 80% of the deaths in China, ac- The study accounts for Ages 30-39: 0.2% Indeed, in the 2018-19 flu to the hospital, and then within “our brains are wired three years later. cording to a major study in the more than a third of all re- Ages 40-49: 0.4% season, 2,450 people between a short amount of time, that to pay additional attention “These were people who Journal of the American Medi- ported cases of the disease. Ages 50-59: 1.3% the ages of 18 and 49 died in patient died.” to uncertainty,” said David only learned about the at- cal Association. Worldwide, 118,000 people Ages 60-69: 3.6% the United States, according Scientists are still learning rock, co-founder of the tacks on television, and who But rare exceptions have have been diagnosed with the Ages 70-79: 8% to the CDC. The mortality rate more about how the virus kills Neuroleadership Institute were really stressed about it,” popped up in the scientific disease so far and 4,200 have 80 and over: 14.8% from the flu is lower than from its victims. But it’s possible the and author of “your Brain she said. “you didn’t have to literature, said Dr. Anthony died from it. The overall mortality rate COVID-19, but far more people older patients did not show the at Work.” “It is something know someone who died that Fauci, director of the National The study identified very estimated by researchers was caught the flu last season — telltale signs of the virus, in- we all have an issue with, day, or know someone who Institute of Allergy and Infec- few deaths among people under 2.3%, but experts caution that more than 35 million — than cluding a fever, that could have although it affects some was there to be impacted.” tious Diseases. 40. More than 12,000 people in it is likely exaggerated due to have gotten COVID-19 so far clued people into the illness people more than others.” In another study, the “There will be, as we’ve seen that age group were infected, milder cases that have gone this year. earlier, Klausner said. researchers are still same team found that after in influenza, an occasional per- but only 26 died. It is unclear uncounted. In an interview with a local Elderly people don’t mount learning how the virus the bomb- son, who’s young and healthy, if those people had other medi- As for the younger deaths, CBS station in New York, the a fever the same way that older spreads, its fatality rate ings in 2013, people who who winds up getting COV- cal conditions, such as asthma they represent what you would New Jersey COVID-19 patient people do, because their im- and how best to treat it. at reported the highest media ID-19, seriously ill and dies,” or cancer, that may have made see if you pored over any dis- identified himself as James mune systems begin to react the same time, information exposure also reported Fauci said in an interview with them more vulnerable. ease data with a magnifying Cai, who works as a physician differently to viruses as they about new cases and deaths higher levels of acute stress Dr. Howard Bauchner, the edi- The study found that the glass, experts say. assistant. Cai said he believes age, he said. Nursing home come in on a daily, if not than those who were actu- tor of JAMA. “But if you look at chance of dying from COVID-19 “It is possible, but appar- he contracted the virus at a staff should be on the look- hourly, basis. ally there. the weight of the data, the risk clearly increases with age. ently very rare that otherwise conference in New York and out for not just fever but also Things are changing so “The media is a double- group is very, very clear.” There were no reported healthy people can get se- within three days was hospital- cough, fatigue and headaches, quickly that it can be hard edged sword,” she said. “It With the US outbreak in deaths from COVID-19 in chil- vere disease,” said Dr. Jeffrey ized because it had spread to he said. to know how best to re- is the mechanism by which its early stages, there isn’t yet dren under 10, and other stud- Klausner, an infectious dis- his lungs. “While they are brewing in- spond to keep yourself and we get important, validated good data on the ages and oth- ies have suggested that chil- ease expert at UCLA’s Fielding “The virus is everything. Di- fection, it may go unnoticed,” others safe. information. But at the same er characteristics of infected dren who are infected do not School of Public Health. “But arrhea, watery eyes, shortness Klausner said. and for some, the advice time, we need to protect coming from public health ourselves from the onslaught organizations like the Cent- of the 24/7 news cycle.” ers for Disease Control and So, what’s a healthy dose Prevention — to wash your of media that will keep you hands, cover your cough and informed without needlessly stay home if you’re sick — stressing you out? may not feel sufficient in the Baruch Fischhoff, a face of what they perceive to psychologist and decision be an overwhelming threat. scientist at Carnegie Mel- “That information is not lon university, recommends very satisfying to people,” choosing three print media said Paul Slovic, a psycholo- sources and one local public gist at the university of or- health agency to follow. Then egon who studies risk percep- check in on their coronavirus tion. “People want a pill, they coverage once a day. want a vaccine, they want to “remember that the feel a sense of control.” expertise of TV and radio is rock said that in the face to keep you listening and to of an ambiguous situation — engage you,” he said. maybe fine, maybe bad — our rock’s advice is to an old man in hongkong wearing mask for protection of brains automatically bet on it limit your coronavirus media corona virus spread in the fear society. (ShuTTerSToCK) being very bad, just in case. consumption to 10 minutes a “It’s an insurance policy,” day, not 10 minutes an hour. he said. “If you think you “The more we can feel hear a bear in the woods, it’s like we are in control, the better to be safe and start calmer we’ll be,” he said. running than wait until you “and one thing you can con- see one running at you.” trol is your media intake.” one way people try to Silver said she reminds exert control during times her own friends and family of uncertainty is to increase to stay informed but to avoid their media consumption, repetitive stories with little or said roxane Cohen Silver, no new information, because a professor of psychological they can amplify one’s sense science and public health at of stress and doom. uC Irvine. “Things are very different “When there is a lot of this week than they were last ambiguity and a lot of uncer- week, and we don’t really tainty, people are drawn to know where things will be the media,” she said. “It’s next week,” she said. “It is a cycle that is very hard to challenging and stressful to break out of.” cope with all this uncertainty, a Chinese doctor views an X-ray picture of a patient infect- a student wears a face mask to protect against the CoVID-19 looking to the media in but overexposure to media is a kid wears a protective mask as a preventive measure ed with the new coronavirus and pneumonia in the isolation (Coronavirus) as he leaves the campus of the uCla college a time of public crisis can be not likely to help.” against the spread of Coronavirus in Dhaka. (TNS) ward at a hospital in Wuhan City, in February. (TNS) in Westwood, California. (aFP VIa GeTTy IMaGeS) Friday, March 13, 2020 15 KIDS CORNER bound & Gagged By Dana Summers Do you have a poem, short story, painting or a kid’s birthday that you want to share? If YES, we would like to hear from you. And don’t forget to mention your name, your school and class and include a passport size photograph of yours, along with your contact half Full By Maria Scrivan number. Email to us at kids@qatar-tribune. com

AfrienA Class 9 M Birla Public School, Doha, Qatar

MOVIES FUN FACTS

Mary PICKForD

• The first movie star was arguably Mary Pickford (1892-1979) who also co-founded United Artists Studios

• The first movie to be filmed in Technicolor was Becky Sharp (1934)

• The first movie shot in Cinemascope was The Robe (1953)

• The first Hollywood stunt woman was Helen Gibson who doubled for Helen Holmes.

THAT SCRAMBLED WORD GAME Los Angeles Times Crossword Puzzle By David L. Hoyt and Jeff Knurek Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Lewis Unscramble these Jumbles, one letter to each square, to form four ordinary words. Level: 1 2 3 4

CNAIP @PlayJumble

NTTEH app • Follow us on Twitter LBPBEE JUST JUMBLE RULLAP Get the free Get

Now arrange the circled letters ©2018 Tribune Content Agency, LLC to form the surprise answer, as All Rights Reserved. suggested by the above cartoon. Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit, 1 to 9. For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, visit www.sudoku.org.uk (Answers tomorrow)

By Bryant Shain Level: 1 2 3 4

©2019 Tribune Content Agency, LLC

enemies would have an — UPHILL BATTLE UPHILL — an have would enemies

Answer: Answer: They built the castle on the highest point so their their so point highest the on castle the built They

ACROSS 51 Small lizard 21 Giggle esterday’s

Jumbles:

1 Old Russian ruler 54 Game played on a floor or table, 22 Sun Devils’ sch. PLURAL PEBBLE TENTH PANIC 5 Landlocked African nation and a hint to this puzzle’s 25 Passover feast tomorrow) (Answers 9 Wedding registry category circled letters 26 Self-assurance 14 Famous final question 57 Fluffy-eared “bear” 27 On pins and needles 15 “Ducky” Mallard’s alma mater, 60 Hair-removal brand 29 Curvy letter on “NCIS” 61 Vintage ski lift 30 Berlin’s home: Abbr. 16 Support people 62 Arouse, as wrath 31 Showing mastery 17 Prefix in juice names 63 Basic French verb 32 Prefix with brewery 18 Tends to the lawn 64 Theta follower 33 Rocker Frampton 19 ’50s four-wheeled failure 65 Tank fish 37 Scrubbing brand 20 Particular 66 “Keep it __” 38 Unlike this ans. 23 Kitchen counter? 67 Provide job support for? 39 Technically flawed comic poetry 24 “__ thought” 40 Nerdy sort 25 Place to unwind DOWN 42 Tragic end 28 Hospital bigwig 1 __ support 45 Much of North Africa 31 Gig gear 2 Classic Fender guitar, for short 46 PC brain 34 Lessen 3 Arcade pioneer 47 Noted bunny lover 35 Tweak, as text 4 “Walk This Way” rap trio 48 Nova __ 36 Some trucks 5 Many a D.C. landmark 52 Skewered meat Complete the grid so each row, column and 38 The North Pole, for Santa 6 Perched on 53 Give a political speech 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit, 41 Opposite of endo- 7 Good-for-nothing 54 Put-down 1 to 9. For strategies on how to solve Sudoku,

42 Flat-bottomed vessel 8 Mini-maps 55 Turkey bacon? visit www.sudoku.org.uk Twitteron us Follow • app 43 Daisy Ridley’s “The Last Jedi” 9 14-Across speaker 56 “Well, shoot” role 10 Go underground 57 Modeling convenience © 2018 The Mepham Group. Distributed by

44 Formally accuse of wrongdoing 11 Cards checked at the door 58 Tip jar bill Tribune Content Agency. All rights reserved. 49 Blue Jays’ home: Abbr. 12 French word in bios 59 Perform ANSWERS 50 Mimicked 13 Syst. for the hearing-impaired 16 Friday, March 13, 2020 The Last Word

cOMMaNdEr-iN-chiEF’S ShOOTiNG cOMPETiTiON cONcLUdES

A large number of defence personnel took part in the Commander-in-Chief’s Shooting Competition 2019-2020. Chief of Staff of the Qatari Armed Forces HE Major General (Pilot) Ghanem bin Shaheen al Ghanem took part in the closing ceremony. (TNN) ‘Malware attacks are Qa Privilege club offers members tier biggest cyber security status extension of up to six months threat in GCC region’ The offer ensures the members will not lose their tier status if their travel plans change in light of CoVId-19 Trend Micro blocked more than 61mn ransomware attacks last year TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK days prior to departure. This are awarded based on the book- Doha policy includes award flights. ing class purchased, and can be TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK says the report. For full details of all the steps redeemed for a range of exciting Doha Overall, Trend Micro also QATAR Airways’ (QA) loyalty that QA is taking in response to benefits and rewards including found a 57 percent decrease programme, Privilege Club, is coronavirus, visit its dedicated award flights, upgrades or extra TREND Micro Incorporated, a in the number of new ransom- offering its members the op- new microsite: qatarairways. baggage on QA. global leader in cybersecurity ware families. portunity to extend or reclaim com/travelwithconfidence. A multiple award-winning solutions, discovered a 10 per- “Despite the prevalent their tier status for member- QA’s Privilege Club recently airline, QA was named ‘World’s cent increase in the ransom- ideals of digital transforma- ships due to end before January announced even more benefits Best Airline’ by the 2019 World ware attacks worldwide last tion, lack of basic security 31, 2021. Members will be able for Silver, Gold and Platinum Airline Awards, managed by year, according to the security hygiene, legacy systems with to retain their current tier ben- members, with preferred seat- Skytrax. It was also named roundup report 2019 released outdated operating systems efits such as upgrades, Shop & ing guaranteed for free for Gold ‘Best Airline in the Middle East’, by the company recently. and unpatched vulnerabilities Pay with Qmiles, extra baggage, or Platinum members and at a ‘World’s Best Business Class’, In the Gulf Cooperation are still a reality,” said Assad lounge access, and more, for 25 percent discount for Silver and ‘Best Business Class Seat’, in Council (GCC) countries, mal- Arabi, country manager – Qa- up to six months, with person- members. recognition of its ground-break- ware attacks were one of the tar, Trend Micro. “As long as alised offers. This is one of the Privilege Club was launched ing Business Class experience, biggest cyber threats, accord- the ransom scheme continues many steps that QA is taking to tions and flight reductions “We want to assure our in 2000 as a form of apprecia- Qsuite. It is the only airline to ing to the report. to be profitable, criminals will ensure its customers can travel worldwide, many of our Privi- members that when they do tion to QA’s loyal passengers, have been awarded the coveted Trend Micro detected a continue to leverage it.” with confidence. lege Club members have not travel with Qatar Airways, they offering them the opportunity ‘Skytrax Airline of the Year’ title, total of 5,544,299 malware at- In 2019, Trend Micro’s QA’s Privilege Club has in- travelled as frequently as they can travel with confidence. Our to earn Qmiles when travel- which is recognised as the pin- tacks in GCC, making the re- Zero Day Initiative (ZDI) dis- troduced the offers in recogni- usually would. fleet is one of the cleanest in the ling on QA, oneworld airlines, nacle of excellence in the airline gion the fifth most-hit by mal- closed 171 percent more high tion that some of its members “Such restrictions are out- skies, and we have introduced or any of the airlines’ partners. industry, five times. ware in Asia, and 14th in the severity vulnerabilities than will be impacted by travel side of our control as an airline, new policies to provide all cus- Qmiles has since served as an- QA currently operates a world. Qatar endured 439,638 in 2018. The criticality score restrictions and flight reduc- but we do not want our mem- tomers with maximum flexibil- other convenient means of pay- modern fleet of more than 250 attacks. reflects the likelihood of these tions resulting from COVID-19 bers to lose their hard-earned ity to suit their travel plans.” ment at the award-winning Qa- aircraft via its hub, HIA, to more GCC was also home to flaws being leveraged by at- (coronavirus). Members can membership tier status as a QA recently launched a new tar Duty Free outlets, located in than 170 destinations world- 9,047 banking malware at- tackers, so high severity bugs view their personalised offer result. That is why we are hon- commercial policy to allow all both the departure and arrival wide. The world’s fastest-grow- tacks in 2019, coming in are more likely to be weapon- at qmiles.com and must login ouring the loyalty our members passengers who have booked halls of Hamad International ing airline added several exciting eighth in Asia and ninth in the ised and the patches should be and register to claim it by have shown us by offering to ex- or will book flights to travel up Airport (HIA), and at Oryx Gal- new destinations to its growing world for such attacks. prioritised. March 24, 2020. tend their tier membership and to June 30, 2020 the flexibility leria in Doha. network last year, including Ra- Ransomware continued to To protect against today’s QA Chief Commercial Of- retain their current benefits. Of- to change their travel plans free Privilege Club offers four bat, Morocco; Izmir, Turkey; be a mainstay cyber threat last threat landscape, Trend Mi- ficer Simon Talling-Smith said: fers will be personalised to each of charge by altering the dates membership tiers – Burgundy, Malta; Davao, Philippines; Lis- year. The healthcare sector cro recommends a connected “As a result of the current situ- member to ensure that they re- of their booking or exchanging Silver, Gold and Platinum - each bon, Portugal; Mogadishu, So- remained the most targeted threat defence across gate- ation regarding coronavirus, ceive the benefit options most their ticket for a travel voucher with their own exclusive benefits malia; Langkawi, Malaysia and industry, with more than 700 ways, networks, servers and which has led to travel restric- relevant to them. valid for one year, up to three for members to enjoy. Qmiles Gaborone, Botswana. providers affected in 2019, endpoints.

Al Nakheel Agriculture and Trading Co, AG Middle East hold fifth workers elections

Some 4,000 workers participated in the elections held at Asian Town Cricket Stadium to select their desired candidates for a period of two years.

AL Nakheel Agriculture and representatives of the compa- Town Cricket Stadium, were at- senting different nationalities of representative from the Board in the efforts made by the State labour elections once every two Trading Company and AG Mid- ny’s Board of Directors with the tended by the representatives of the workers. of Directors from the two com- of Qatar in promoting and en- years to improve the conditions dle East conducted their fifth objectives addressing worker is- the Ministry of Administrative About 4,000 workers par- panies. This is in implementa- suring workers’ rights, and its of workers. The companies im- workers elections by inviting the sues, providing adequate train- Development, Labor and So- ticipated in the elections to se- tion of the provisions of Chapter endeavours to provide oppor- plement strategies and policies workers of both companies to ing, developing their perfor- cial Affairs, the Supreme Com- lect their desired candidates for 13 of Labor Law No. 14 of 2004, tunities for workers and to pro- that highlight the security and choose their representatives. mance, nurturing their cultures mittee for Delivery and Legacy a period of two years. The elect- the Decision No. 21 of 2019 of mote a culture of respecting the safety of the work environment The elected candidates will and improving compliance with and the International Labour ed representatives will work to the Minister of Administrative rights of workers who contrib- in a realistic and practical way represent them in a Joint Com- occupational safety and health Organization, in addition to rep- discuss and resolve various is- Development and Labor and ute to the growth of economy, that transmit worker’s griev- mittee, which is legally entrust- regulations and the means of resentatives from the Human sues related to them and their Social Affairs, and the systems said a joint press statement ances or issues via representa- ed to discuss all issues related preventing risks. Rights Commission and ambas- rights through the Joint Com- of local and international rules. from the companies. tives to the higher management, to workers and their rights with The elections, held at Asian sadors from countries repre- mittee meetings alongside the The two companies believe The two companies hold added the statement. (TNN)