I want to take Syria to FIFA World Cup finals, says coach Maaloul PaGE 12 Monday, March 16, 2020 IOC to hold coronavirus crisis talks with sports bodies

AFP/DPA Olympic torch handover lausaNNe ceremony behind closed doors WITH less than five months to go before the Tokyo Olym- The Olympic flame will be pics, International Olympic handed to Tokyo as hosts of Committee President Thomas the 2020 Games on March 19 Bach plans emergency talks with the stands of the ancient with member organisations, Olympic stadium in Athens sources close to the IOC said empty, organisers have said. on Sunday. The Greek Olympic Com- The IOC plans a confer- mittee said on Sunday that the ence call on Tuesday to “keep step would be taken in order the international federations to prevent the spread of the informed of the situation, as coronavirus. Greece and sev- well as the National Olympic The olympic flame will be handed to Tokyo as hosts of the 2020 eral other countries in Europe Committees and athletes,” one Games on March 19 with the stands of the ancient olympic stadium have restricted public gather- source close to the IOC told AFP. in Athens empty, organisers have said. The Greek olympic Committee ings during the crisis. The IOC “will take stock of said on Sunday that the step would be taken in order to prevent the On Friday the traditional the actions taken” to respond spread of the coronavirus. torch relay carrying the flame to the coronavirus crisis “and from ancient Olympia to Ath- the federations will have the Thursday that his organisation The issue of qualifying will ens was abandoned because opportunity to ask questions” would follow the recommen- be a focus of Tuesday’s tel- spectators ignored orders to added a source close to one in- dations of the World Health ephone meeting. stay away from the event. ternational sports federation Organisation regarding a pos- At the beginning of Sport has been decimated The IOC “conducts a regular on Sunday, the olympic countdown clock in Ginza in Tokyo showed 131 days before the Games are sible postponement. March, Bach said the IOC across the globe due to the vi- dialogue with all the Olympic scheduled to start. He acknowledged, how- would show “flexibility” re- rus but Tokyo organizers and partners and regularly informs ever, that the cancellation of garding the qualifications for the International Olympic them of the situation,” added sporting events have been Abe promised on Friday that and August, despite questions qualifying events due to the the Tokyo and encouraged Committee insist the Games an IOC spokesman. postponed or cancelled, Japa- Tokyo would host the Olym- raised by the pandemic. epidemic was already posing “all athletes to continue to are on course to start as While many international nese Prime Minister Shinzo pic Games as planned in July Thomas Bach said on “serious problems”. prepare” for the Games. planned in July.

Qatar Olympic Committee activates b’day boy Pogba makes “Remote Working” procedures QNA enable employees to com- Doha plete the basic daily duties without having to come to the Qatar olympic Committee work through modern commu- big fund-raising pledge (QoC) has announced that it nication techniques applied in has activated “remote work- the olympic Committee. ing” procedures taking effect QoC pointed out that plans AFP tomorrow (Monday, March and mechanisms had been loNDoN 16th) until further notice. put in place that would make this step is in line with the the “remote working” system MANCHESTER United star protective measures taken successful, and it had been Paul Pogba has promised to by the state of Qatar to limit tested to ensure that it was financially support the fight the spread of Coronavirus working properly and at an to stop the spread of the (CoViD-19). effective level of performance coronavirus. QoC noted that “remote that would ensure the work in Pogba has organised a working” system comes to the best possible way. fundraising page on Facebook and the France midfielder will double the amount raised if the target of £27,000 is reached. World Cup winner Pogba, Valencia confirm five positive who had his 27th birthday on Sunday, wrote: “It’s my birth- tests, among them Garay day and I’m always grateful that me, my family and friends are AFP authorities, at the moment in healthy. Nonetheless, not every- MaDriD isolation.” body is in good health right now. Valencia confirmed more “The Coronavirus pan- VALENCIA confirmed on Sun- cases shortly after Garay’s an- demic is affecting the health day five of the club’s players and nouncement. and lives of many, includ- staff have tested positive for cor- “Valencia CF confirm five ing children. The impact of onavirus, including Argentinian positive cases of the COVID-19 a large-scale outbreak, espe- defender Ezequiel Garay. coronavirus have been detect- cially on poor and vulnerable Valencia said all those af- ed amongst first team staff and children, can be immense. fected were “now at home, in players. “UNICEF is helping pre- good health and obeying self- Valencia played behind vent the spread of Coronavirus isolation measures.” closed doors on Tuesday by supplying vital medical sup- Garay, who was set to miss in the Champions League plies, consulting with communi- the rest of the season with a against Atalanta, the Serie A ties and implementing preven- knee injury, became the first team based in Lombardy, one tion campaigns. It is a priority to player in La Liga to confirm a of Italy’s worst-hit regions by stop the spread of this new virus, World Cup winner pogba, who had his 27th birthday on Sunday, has organised a fundraising page on Facebook and the France midfielder will positive test earlier on Sunday. the virus. and the misinformation that’s double the amount raised if the target of £27,000 is reached. “Clearly I’ve got off on the After playing the first leg spreading alongside it. wrong foot in 2020,” Garay away at Atalanta on Febru- “At times like this we need this war and I will double the vide 333,332 pairs of disposable and 9,615 sets of vented goggles. for all the support. Stay safe.” wrote on social media. ary 19 without restrictions to to come together. With your amount if we reach the goal. gloves for health workers, 2,777 “Any amount will be wel- Pogba’s appeal had raised “I’ve tested positive for the supporters, Valencia was one help, I am hoping today to “If we manage to reach our surgical masks to help prevent come to help fight this war over £2,000 within hours of coronavirus, I’m fine and now of the first Spanish clubs to raise £27,000 to help fight target, it will be enough to pro- the disease spreading further against COVID19. Thank you being launched. just listening to the health take precautions. Players treated like ‘guinea pigs’ over coronavirus: Rooney

AFP for second tier Derby, felt they of my family get infected thing to do with money being loNDoN should have acted quicker and through me because I’ve had involved in this?’” the former England captain to play when it’s not safe, and Once the virus is under con- FORMER Manchester United said he would “never forgive” they get seriously ill, I’d have trol, Rooney wants a radical star Wayne Rooney claims the the authorities if his family fell to think hard about ever play- schedule shake-up which could British government and foot- ill as a result. ing again. I would never for- see the current season being ball authorities have treated “Why did we wait until give the authorities.” concluded as late as September, players like “guinea pigs” dur- Friday? Why did it take Mikel Many matches at non- and the next two kicking off in ing the coronavirus crisis. Arteta to get ill for the game league level were going ahead winter-time as a result. While the rest of European in England to do the right as scheduled in Britain this I know how I feel. If “We’re happy to play until football was shutting down thing?” Rooney wrote in the weekend and Rooney believes any of my family get September if the season ex- due to the growing threat of Sunday Times. Prime Minister Boris Johnson tends to then, if that’s how it has the global pandemic, Rooney “For players, staff and their “dodged” the issue by letting infected through me to be. That’s our job. As long as is angry it took several days for families it has been a worrying football make its own decision because I’ve had to play we know we’re safe to play and the Premier League and Foot- week - one in which you felt about playing on. when it’s not safe, and it’s a safe environment for spec- ball League to postpone their a lack of leadership from the The 34-year-old claimed tators, we’ll play,” Rooney said. matches until April 3. government and from the FA money was key to the author- they get seriously ill, I’d “The next World Cup is It was only when Arsenal and Premier League. ities’ reluctance to cancel have to think hard in November and December manager Mikel Arteta and “After the emergency games. “The rest of sport – ten- about ever playing 2022, so you could actually Chelsea winger Callum Hud- meeting, at last the right deci- nis, Formula One, rugby, golf, use this situation as an oppor- son-Odoi tested positive for the sion was made - until then it football in other countries - was again. I would never tunity and say we’re going to virus on Friday that football’s almost felt like footballers in closing down and we were being forgive the authorities. finish the 2019-20 season lat- UK governing bodies called a England were being treated told to carry on,” Rooney said. er this year, then prepare for temporary halt to the season. like guinea pigs. “I think a lot of footballers – Wayne Rooney 2022 by having the next two Rooney, currently playing “I know how I feel. If any were wondering, ‘Is it some- seasons starting in winter.” 12 Monday, March 16, 2020 Sports Virus is the only enemy, says French football president

AFP Paris

FRENCH Football Federation (FFF) president Noel le Graet on Sunday said a call by Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas to annul the season was “ri- This handout photograph taken and released by the uEFA on March diculous, stupid, clumsy and 11, 2020, shows a banner reading “our only virus is paris SG” inside inappropriate.” an empty stadium prior to the uEFA Champions League round-of-16 He also told Aulas and oth- second leg match between paris Saint-Germain (pSG) and Borussia er club officials to stop bick- Dortmund at the parc des princes stadium in paris. The match was ering during the coronavirus held behind closed doors. (aFP) epidemic which has forced the cancellation of all the competi- tions French clubs are in. PSG put all sporting On Friday, Aulas told Le Monde newspaper: “The most logical thing would be to say: we’ll cancel everything and activity on hold go back to the situation at the AFP sections including football start of the season.” Paris and handball until Sunday On Saturday, he tweeted and will announce a further that “Karren Brady, vice- PARIS Saint-Germain have update on Wednesday. chairman of West Ham, fore- suspended all sporting activi- Elsewhere in France, sees that the Premier League ties until further notice due to which has recorded more than will be cancelled.” the coronavirus pandemic, the 4,500 cases and 91 deaths Le Graet joined the chorus Ligue 1 leaders said on Sunday. from the illness, fellow Ligue of opposition on Sunday on French Football Federation president Noel Le Graet (left) is not happy with Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas (right). The French top-flight has 1 side Nice also stopped their French television. already been put on hold as activities and closed their “I don’t want any contro- another title. They are 12 points After finishing third last ons League”. “I find it quite ridiculous, has the Champions League training centre. versy. It’s the French Football ahead of 2nd-placed Marseille. season, Lyon are struggling in Le Graet said the FFF exec- stupid, clumsy and inappro- since last week due to the Earlier on Sunday, Lyon Federation that will decide if it There would be no relega- seventh place, 10 points off a utive committee would decide. priate to what’s happening,” deadly spread of COVID-19. defended president Jean- continues or not, the only ene- tion, said Aulas, who represents Champions League place. “There’s an executive com- he added, asking the two club “Sporting activities for all Michel Aulas after he had sug- my today is the virus,” he said. Ligue 1 clubs on the French Marseille president mittee at the French Football presidents “to calm down and our professional clubs will re- gested wiping out the French In his Le Monde interview, league (LFP) committee, to Jacques-Henri Eyraud respond- Federation and it’s this ex- be dignified in their statements, main provisionally suspended season. Aulas, a member of the FFF prevent “those at the bottom of ed in a column for the Journal ecutive committee that will which make no sense and don’t for a period starting tomor- On Friday, Aulas told executive committee, called the table” taking legal action. du Dimanche condemning “the decide,” Le Graet said. “So all make them any bigger.” row March 16 until an unde- newspaper Le Monde: “The for a “blank season”, with no Aulas also said the Cham- obscenity (of an) opportunistic the interviews that are done The FFF, he said, was “in termined date,” the Ligue 1 most logical thing would be title at the end. pions League places should be proposal” and “the selfishness of on the left or on the right, the real fight. The other fight champions said. to say: we’ll cancel everything Lyon’s great rivals Paris “allocated to the same clubs as someone whose only compass is where people want to shine – who’s playing in a European PSG had announced the and go back to the situation at Saint-Germain are on course for last season”. his participation in the Champi- or not shine, don’t matter.” Cup – is stupid.” freezing of all their sporting the start of the season.” bundesliga leaders contemplate tough choices with season on line

DPA scenarios, including the pos- berliN sibility of the season having to be cancelled. But Carro Newly-appointed Syria national team head coach Nabil Maaloul. BUNDESLIGA leaders on told dpa: “A cancellation of Sunday were contemplating all competitions is for many tough choices ahead of Mon- reasons not an option.” Such a day’s meeting in Frankfurt scenario could lead to an esti- I want to take Syria to which is expected to confirm a mated loss of around 750 mil- suspension of play until early lion euros (833.4 million dol- next month. lars) for the top two divisions. FIFA World Cup finals, Bayern Munich honorary The loss of television in- president Uli Hoeness said come for the unplayed nine “there is no handbook” on what games would be around 370 says coach Maaloul to do next to deal with the coro- million euros from an original navirus emergency and called pot of 1.4 billion euros. AFC all have good capabilities,” he on football to be patient. Self-interest is also certain DaMasCus said. “We will try our best to “We finally have to face real- to play a part with bottom club introduce young players from ity. We have to wait four weeks, Paderborn already setting out NEWLY-APPOINTED na- the U23 team who are the fu- drive everything down to zero. their red line regarding rel- tional team head coach Nabil ture of Syria national team. Maybe we’ll have to stop play- egation. Maaloul said he is determined “My mission will not be ing football in October,” he said “It’s only unthinkable for to steer Syria to the FIFA easy but I will give all I can to on Sport1 television. us that we end the season now World Cup finals for the first replicate the good results that Hoeness’ comments came and the two last clubs are rel- time ever. I had with the Tunisia national on a weekend which has seen egated,” their three chief ex- The former Tunisia nation- team,” he said. “I want to lead the Bundesliga, like other ecutives Martin Hornberger, al team head coach, who has Syria to the FIFA World Cup major leagues in Europe, sus- Martin Przondziono and Ralf signed two-year contract, said Finals for the first time ever.” pended because of the corona- Huschen told the team home- it will be a big challenge but The Qasioun Eagles are virus pandemic. page in a joint interview. one that he is relishing as Syria currently top of Group A of the Monday’s meeting of the German broadcaster ZDF look to better their 2018 FIFA Asian Qualifiers for the FIFA 36 clubs in the top two divi- said Sunday that European World Cup qualifying cam- World Cup Qatar 2022 and sions (DFL) at a Frankfurt air- Moenchengladbach’s Swiss forward Breel Embolo (centre) celebrates scoring the opening goal with his governing body UEFA would paign where they advanced to AFC Asian Cup China 2023 af- port hotel will be both crucial teammates during the German first division Bundesliga football match between Borussia Moenchenglad- propose delaying the Euros the play-off against Australia. ter claiming five victories from and futile. Matters must be bach and 1 FC Cologne in Moenchengladbach, western Germany on March 11, 2020. (aFP) at a video conference of all 55 “My first task is to bring joy as many games. discussed urgently but deci- members on Tuesday, some- to the Syrian people by steer- Syria have three matches sions, beyond in the shortest- Berlin’s home matches against door games will be possible go against the whole purpose of thing which seems increas- ing the national team to the remaining and should the term, cannot be made. Mainz on April 4 and Schalke should the Bundesliga return the Bundesliga. ingly impossible to avoid. FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022,” 57-year-old Maâloul steer Although the DFL board on April 18, and Hertha Ber- from the enforced break. “At the same time, there That would give leagues said Maâloul, who coached them to two wins, the West has recommended a Bundes- lin’s game against Augsburg “If we play again this sea- can be an emergency solution some room to extend their Tunisia in Russia 2018. Asian side will not only ad- liga suspension until April 2, on April 11. son, it will be closed door for a proper end to the season, seasons with the Euros being “I know very well what to vance to the third round of the Berlin’s Bundesliga clubs are “I think this meeting is im- games,” Watzke told broadcast- which is essential economical- played either later this year or in expect and I will give it my all, FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 facing a longer delay after a portant. But almost nothing er ARD. “No one in the Bundes- ly for many clubs.” Fan groups summer 2021 if world govern- especially as I know the capa- qualifiers but also confirm ban by city authorities. can be decided,” Hoeness said. liga is still assuming that we have already called closed door ing body FIFA agreed to delay bilities of the Syrian players.” their berth in the AFC Asian Berlin is now banning While Hoeness is not rul- will still have games with fans.” games unacceptable but while the revamped Club World Cup. Maâloul said he plans to Cup China 2023. all public and private events ing anything out, options are Bayer Leverkusen chief execu- they would cost clubs millions Decisions will also be tak- make full use of the players They play Maldives away with more than 50 people un- already being narrowed else- tive Fernando Carro agreed it of euros, they at least would en on how to proceed with the available to him. when the Asian Qualifiers til at least April 19 in an at- where. could be the only way to com- enable the valuable television Champions League and Eu- “I know several players resume before facing Guam tempt to stem the spread of Borussia Dortmund chief plete the season. “Nobody contracts to be protected. ropa League, after upcoming who play in Egypt, Turkey, Ku- and China PR to close off the coronavirus. executive Hans-Joachim wants closed door games,” his The league members are matches in both competitions wait and Netherlands and they their campaign. That would affect Union Watzke believes only closed club quoted him saying. “They expected to discuss various this week were postponed. Taiwan’s Tai, Denmark’s Axelsen win All England singles titles England titles came in 2017 and best to make amends. And 26-year- but I wasn’t able to control the rallies Axelsen becomes first 2018 and she clinched a third in im- old Axelsen said it was a day he as well as Viktor was able to,” he said. Dane to win men’s title pressive style. would never forget. “I didn’t play to my 100 per cent, “I’m very excited to have won the “This means a lot to me. It is a and I didn’t expect that, but that’s AFP Yonex All England,” Tai said. big dream come true and it’s up there the way it is.” loNDoN “I’ve very familiar with play- with all my biggest achievements in Japanese duo ing against Chen as I’ve played my career so far,” he said after his and stormed to the TAIWAN’S Tai Tzu-ying beat Chinese against her so many times. I put maiden tournament win in a Super women’s doubles title, beating world number one 21-19, her under pressure today, and I’m 1000 event. China’s and 21- 21-15 to win the All England badmin- very happy that I was able to con- “Obviously right now I’m both 13, 21-15. ton Championship women’s title for trol the rallies well. I really like to Taiwan’s Tai Tzu ying (left) and Denmark’s in action during the women’s happy and really emotional. It’s just Indonesia’s and the third time on Sunday. play this tournament.” and men’s singles finals respectively at the All England Badminton Championships in crazy. It’s a day I’ll remember for the defeated Tai, seeded second, was on a re- In the men’s event, Denmark’s Birmingham on Sunday. (aFP) rest of my life.” Thai third seeds Dechapol Puavara- venge mission in Birmingham after Viktor Axelsen won his first All Pre-tournament favourite Chou nukroh and Sapsiree Taerattanachai losing last year’s final against Chen. England Championship title, Tien-chen 21-13, 21-14. in the final last year, but the world admitted he was below his best. “I 21-15, 17-21, 21-8 in the mixed dou- The 25-year-old’s previous All beating Taiwanese top seed Chou Axelsen lost to number seven was at his powerful tried to put in a better performance bles final. Sports Monday, March 16, 2020 13 Qatar 2022 contractor in focus: QPEc Australian rugby SC.QA Doha league to press on PRIORITISING the induction process and working hard to implement a family atmos- with new season phere have helped Qatar Power Engineering & Contracting AFP “We are going to review (QPEC) earn praise from both sYDNeY all options including isolat- the Supreme Committee for ing players or suspending the Delivery & Legacy (SC) and Im- AUSTRALIA’S new rugby season. We’ve commissioned pactt – the company responsi- league season will continue a pandemic expert and we are ble for inspecting FIFA World for the time being but with going to act on their advice.” Cup Qatar 2022 project sites. games behind closed doors, The Australia-based Since 2016, QPEC has been officials said on Sunday, de- NRL features one team from appointed as a sub-contractor spite the growing coronavirus New Zealand, the Auckland to manage electrical installa- pandemic. Warriors. tions at four Qatar 2022 stadi- There would be massive They have opted to re- ums - Al Bayt, Al Janoub, Edu- financial implications if one main in Australia despite the cation City and Al Rayyan. A of the country’s most popular New Zealand government an- team of 250 QPEC workers are sports was forced to shut down nouncing all arrivals in the engaged at the project sites. a season that only began this country from midnight Sun- The health, safety and weekend. day, will have to self-isolate wellbeing of workers are top Australian Rugby League for 14 days. priorities for QPEC – and it QPEC provides an annual Commission chairman Peter Rugby league’s decision considers the induction pro- flight ticket allowance and V’landys called it “one of the to press on follows rival code, cess as critical to achieving gives employees a 30 percent toughest challenges for us to Super Rugby, on Saturday an- its objectives. QPEC provides pay rise after they complete stay viable in the history of the nouncing the suspension of all new hires with a compre- a year of service. The compa- game”. their season. hensive overview of the com- ny has also adopted the SC’s “It could have catastrophic The sprawling southern pany, each individual’s scope Universal Reimbursement effects on us moving forward. hemisphere rugby union com- of work, safety standards and Scheme and is now reimburs- Our money will only last so petition has much greater relevant legislation. To sup- ing all of its workers QR3,500 long, and once it’s extin- travel complications with port new hires, QPEC has cre- in monthly instalments to guished we are in big trouble,” teams, including five from ated audio files containing all cover any illegal recruitment he said Sunday. New Zealand, spread across the essential information in fees they may have paid prior “An Australia without South Africa, Australia, Ar- Hindi – the main employee to moving to Qatar. rugby league is not Australia,” gentina and Japan. language – and plays them on “We learnt a lot about ethi- added V’landys. New Zealand abandoned the buses shuttling workers cal recruitment upon getting “Rugby league has been a their one-day international between accommodation and involved with Qatar 2022 pro- fabric of our society for hun- cricket series in Australia on construction sites. jects. We realised we had gaps dreds of years. It’s people’s Saturday so they could make it This novel approach was to fill. We are committed to escape, their relaxation and home before the deadline. recently praised by Impactt, working only with registered we need to do everything to Australian Rules Football, the SC’s external monitor, recruitment agencies now, to continue that great tradition.” the country’s most popular during one of its quarterly in- ensure workers are not pay- Fans were allowed into spectator sport, plans to play spections in Qatar. ing any kind of fees. It’s the games this weekend and season-opening games next Ritchie Morcilla, HR Man- employers’ responsibility to round two will go ahead in a week in empty stadiums, while ager at QPEC, who also serves shoulder these payments,” week’s time, but without spec- Football Federation Australia as a Workers’ Welfare Officer, for all SC sites and this train- is homesickness. and get on in life.” says Morcilla. tators, after the government has said it will review the situ- is responsible for ensuring ing has helped us to reinforce “Workers often come to To combat this, QPEC has The HR Manager con- moved to halt events with ation on Monday after top- staff receive in-depth health our commitment towards me saying they miss their created a community with a cludes by saying that despite more than 500 people from flight A-League games went and safety training. safety,” says the Filipino, who families, especially their family atmosphere among its the challenges along the way, Monday to counter the spread ahead this weekend. “We have regular safety joined QPEC six years ago. kids,” adds Morcilla. “I know workforce, with events like a QPEC is hugely proud of the of the virus. This weekend’s season- training with certified institu- Off the construction site, how they feel because I have fun run – where workers are progress they’ve made on “All decisions we make will opening Australian Grand tions to help workers identify QPEC understands the impor- my family back home in the given T-shirts and running workers’ welfare since joining have the safety and health of Prix in Melbourne was called and eliminate potential risks, tance of a stable workforce. Philippines. I miss them too, shoes – a cricket tournament, the SC programme, and to be our players as paramount,” off Friday after a McLaren especially when working at Morcilla said one of the main but it’s a sacrifice we have to blood donation drive and an playing a part in building Qa- said V’landys, with the situa- Formula One team member height. This is a pre-requisite challenges faced by employees make to earn a better salary annual staff dinner. tar’s World Cup stadiums. tion to be reviewed next week. tested positive for the virus.

Gobert pledges more than French Seb ogier clinches $500,000 to arena workers, shortened rally of Mexico health services AFP los aNgeles AFP results Paris UTAH Jazz star Rudy Gobert, Final results from the Rally of Mexico, who apologised for his care- FRENCH driver Sebastien which was shortened by a day when less actions before he was diag- Ogier said the Rally of Mex- sunday’s action was cancelled due to nosed with novel coronavirus, ico should never have taken coronavirus: has pledged to donate more place after powering to a first Results: than half a million dollars to win for his new team Toyota 1. Sebastien Ogier/Julien Ingrassia health services and arena work- in Mexico. (FRA/Toyota) 2hrs 47mins 47.6sec, 2. ers affected by the pandemic. The race was cut short by Ott Tanak/Martin Jarveoja (EST/Hyundai) More than half the money a day due to the coronavirus, at 27.8, 3. Teemu Suninen/Jarmo will go towards COVID-19 but the rally winner himself Lehtinen (FIN/M-Sport Ford) 37.9, 4. related social service pro- said it should never have been Elfyn Evans/Scott Martin (GBR/Toyota) grammes in Utah, Oklahoma raced at all given the circum- 1:13.4, 5. Kalle Rovanpera/Jonne City and the French health care stances. Halttunen (FIN/Toyota) 2:20.5 system, the NBA’s Jazz said in “Of course a win is a win,” selected: a statement on Saturday. said Ogier, who led the cham- 16. Thierry Neuville/Nicolas Gilsoul “These donations are a pionship standings after this (BEL/Hyundai) at 42min 38.1sec small token that reflect my ap- third rally on the circuit. special stage winners: Neuville 8 SS1, preciation and support for all “But respect for human SS2, SS6, SS14, SS16, SS19, SS20, those impacted and are the life should be placed above SS21), aänak 6 (SS3, SS7, SS9, SS15, first of many steps I will take all other things, and if we put SS17, SS18), Ogier 4 (SS4, SS10, to try and make a positive dif- our fans in danger, then a vic- SS11, SS13), Sordo 1 (SS5), Rovanpera ference, while continuing to tory is worthless,” said the 1 (SS12) learn more about COVID-19 36-year-old who is a six-time and educate others,” Gobert world champion. Championship standings: said in prepared remarks re- The racing on Sunday 1. Sebastien Ogier (FRA/Toyota) 62pts, leased by the Jazz. should have comprised three 2. Elfyn Evans (GBR/Toyota) 54, 3. Gobert will donate specials, but the rally was Thierry Neuville (BEL/Hyundai) 42, 4. $200,000 in aid to part-time terminated after the sec- Kalle Rovanpera (FIN/Toyota) 40, 5. Ott employees at the Jazz’s arena ond full day, with Ogier 27 Tanak (EST/Hyundai) 38, 6. Teemu who are unable to work as the seconds ahead of defending Suninen (FIN/M-Sport Ford) 26, 7. NBA is shut down in a bid to world champion Ott Tanak of Esapekka Lappi (FIN/M-Sport Ford) 24, combat the spread of the virus. Hyundai. French rally driver Sebastien ogier and French co-driver Julien Ingrassia of the Toyota yaris WrT drive during the fourth stage of the FIA World 8. Takamoto Katsuta (JPN/Toyota) 8, 9. Another $200,000 will Tanak led the early action rally Championship in Leon, Guanajuato State, Mexico, on Saturday. (aFP) Sebastien Loeb (FRA/Hyundai) 8. assist families affected by the Friday before suffering a bad- outbreak in Utah and Okla- ly damaged suspension when his car’s performance here in Thierry Neuville suffered an homa City. He also promised hitting a rock that saw him the dust and gravel after steer- electrical problem. 100,000 euros ($111,400) for drop from first to fourth in ing it to victory in the snow “This was a tricky rally health care in his native France. one of Saturday’s early runs. and cold at Sweden. whichever way you look at it,” Gobert, who is from Saint- After a bad crash ruined “The Yaris WRC felt good said Hyundai team principal Quentin, tried to make fun of his chances in Monte Carlo for our first rally on gravel,” Andrea Adamo. the NBA’s policy to keep me- Tanak was furious with him- he said. “We should have been up dia members at a safe distance self Sunday. “Not an easy weekend, but there because the car was per- from players in the wake of the “That accident was my fourth place after opening the forming better,” he said. coronavirus outbreak, touch- fault, I take all the blame, road all of yesterday is not so Even though Mexico has ing all the microphones put we had everything in place bad,” said the 31-year-old. been little affected by corona- before him on a table at a press to win before that,” said the Finnish prodigy 19-year- virus, the organisers and local conference last week. Estonian. old Kalle Rovanpera was again government cut the final day’s It was just days later, on Welsh Toyota driver Elfyn in the mix coming fourth in action on Saturday. Wednesday, that his diagno- Evans had a steady weekend his Hyundai after coming fifth “This will allow teams and sis with COVID-19 prompted coming fourth in his Toyota at Monte Carlo and fourth at the media to return to their the NBA to suspend its season and dropping from the top Sweden. countries with the anticipa- indefinintely. Gobert issued of the world championship Otherwise, it was a week- tion of the imminent closure a public apology after Jazz standings to second some end to forget for Hyundai French driver Sebastien ogier (third left) and his co-driver Julien Ingrassia (third right) of the Toyota yaris of their borders because of teammate Donovan Mitchell eight points behind Ogier. as Spain’s Dani Sordo over- WrT with their Sporting Director Kaj Lindstrm (centre) and other podium finishers after the Rally of COVID-19,” said Mexico Rally confirmed on Thursday that he The Toyota man praised heated his engine and Belgian Mexico prize distribution ceremony in Leon, Guanajuato State, Mexico, on Saturday. (aFP) director Patrick Suberville. tested positive for coronavirus. 14 Monday, March 16, 2020 Sports

al Shamal do Qatar proud, win arab clubs handball championship in Tunisia

Al Shamal Club overcame Al Arabi Club 33-31 in an all-Qatar final of the Arab Clubs Handball Championship in Beni Khiar, Tunisia on Saturday. Al Shamal’s Marwan Maqayez was adjudged the best goalkeeper of the championship also. This was the first time that Al Shamal won the honour. They are the third club from Qatar after Al rayyan Club (2000) and Al Gharafa Club (2019) to have won the crown. In the semi-finals earlier, Al Shamal beat Al Khaleej Club (uAE) 32-28 and Al Arabi defeated Club Africain (Tunisia) 25-22. Qatar’s Al Ahli Club also competed in the championship and secured the fifth spot with a 32-30 victory over EBS Beni Khiar (Tunisia). Maadheed, Khelaifi bag titles Thrilling races mark end of QTCC season at Losail

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK championship seemed to be Doha longer than five rounds. We struggled to maintain consist- GHANIM al Maadeed, be- ency throughout the series. hind the wheel of Lotus Elise, I started the championship capped his strong perfor- with a really fast pace but in mance with winning the 2K the third round I slowed down Class title at the Qatar Touring as I had an issue with my car. Car Championship at the Lo- “So I had to borrow a car sail International Circuit after for the fourth round. Despite the fifth and final round. having problems like every- Maadheed has been on the body else in the champion- QMMF president Abdulrahman al Mannai presents the QTCC 2K Class winner’s trophy to Ghanim al Maadheed QTCC M240 Class champion Abdulla al Khelaifi is flanked by podium nine out of 10 races. ship, I’m kind of satisfied with (left) and the QTCC M240 Class winner’s trophy to Abdulla al Khelaifi in Losail. second-placed Hamad al Sulaiti (left) and Nasser Saadon al Kuwari. He was winner on eight occa- my results. Maybe I could have sions, including five first races. done a little better to challenge The only time when he missed the champion. Hopefully I can the podium was in the second compete for the first place in race of the second round due the next season. I want to con- to an engine problem. gratulate both Ghanim and In the first race, Maadheed Nasser for their performanc- finished ahead Ibrahim al Ab- es,” Abdulghani added. dulghani and Hamad al Asam In the QTCC M240 Class, was third. In the second race, Abdulla al Khelaifi, the three the victory was sealed again times QTCC champion, by Maadeed but this time, Ab- bagged the title. He season dulla Abdulaziz grabbed the competing in the 2K class but second spot and Nasser al Ah- switched to the M240 catego- babi completed the podium. ry after the second round. But With a total of 140 points, he still managed to finish on Maadheed emerged as the top with 100 points. new 2K Class champion. Ab- In the first race of M240, dulghani was runner-up with Nasser Saadon al Kuwari won Qtcc fifth round results 111, while Nasser al Ahbabi and he was followed by Ab- Race 1 (5 laps) 5.Abdulla AL ABBASI Honda Integra 25:05.856 gained the third place with 83 dulla al Khelaifi and Hamad al M240 Class points. Sulaiti. In the second race with Rnk driver Car Time standings 1. Nasser SAADON BMW M240 11:20.956 M240 Class “I’m very happy to have a reverse grid, Saadon al Ku- 2. Abdulla AL KHELAIFI BMW M240 11:24.521 driver Pts won the title. Last season, I wari was the winner. Khelaifi 3. Hamad AL SULAITI BMW M240 11:27.462 1.Abdulla AL KHELAIFI 100 finished overall second and finished in second place again 4. Saadon AL KUWARI BMW M240 11:27.546 2.Hamad AL SULAITI 92 this year, I took the champion- and Nasser Saadon al Kuwari 5. Khalid AL KUWARI BMW M240 11:38.719 3.Nasser SAADON 91 4.Saadon AL KUWARI 71 ship title so I couldn’t ask for took the third place. 2K Class 5.Khalid AL KUWARI 41 more. Overall, it was almost M240 Class winner 1.Ghanim AL MAADHEED Lotus Elise 12:28.024 6.Ahmed AL KUWARI 36 a perfect season as we had an Khelaifi said after his victory, QTCC 2K champion Ghanim al Maadheed (centre) with runner-up Ibrahim al Abdulghani (left) and third- 2.Ibrahim AL ABDULGHANI Honda S200 12:31.521 7.Mansoor AL HAJRI 24 issue with the engine in the “I’m very happy to win in the placed Nasser al Ahrabi after the prize distribution ceremony in Losail. 3.Hamad AL ASAM Honda VC5 12:32.035 8.Roger FEGHALI 22 4. Abdulla AL ABBASI Honda Integra 12:36.743 9.Mohammad AL ABDULRAZZAQ 15 Round 2 but thanks to all my QTCC for the fourth consecu- 5.Mohd AL ASEERI Toyota GT86 12:39.561 10.Adel ADULLA 13 team, we managed to fix it and tive time. Hamad was very a miracle to be on top of the happy with his first full season pared and will be able to fight here we are on the top. strong. Since the gap between overall rankings again. The in this championship and said, for the title.” Race 2 (10 laps) 2K Class The competition has been Hamad and me was just six luck was with me and Hamad “I had a good season, getting Only one point behind M240 Class driver Pts 1. Saadon AL KUWARI BMW M240 22:59.555 1.Ghanim AL MAADHEED 140 very tough and strong due to points and to win the title, I had an accident in the first lap experience in the M240 Class. Sulaiti was Nasser Saadon al 2. Abdulla AL KHELAIFI BMW M240 22:59.845 2.Ibrahim AL ABDULGHANI 111 large number of competitors. had to finish first and Hamad of second race. So with one I’m delighted with my results Kuwari in third place in the 3. Nasser SAADON BMW M240 23:04.432 3.Nasser AL AHBABI 83 This is good for the champion- had to finish outside top four. DNF for both of us this season, and the overall second place. championship with 91 points. 4. Khalid AL KUWARI BMW M240 23:08.296 4.Hamad AL ASAM 76 5. Ahmed AL KUWARI BMW M240 23:28.013 5.Abdulla AL ABBASI 74 ship as it became more chal- It seemed like a long shot but points were much closer and I In the first race I was third but Trophies were presented 6.Mohd AL ASEERI 59 lenging for all the participants it was the last race of the sea- went on to win the champion- due to a car accident I couldn’t by Abdulrahman al Man- 2K Class 7.Abdulla ABDULAZIZ 53 to push for the win,” Maad- son and I had to give it all,” ship just barely,” he added. finish the second race and I nai (QMMF President) and 1.Ghanim AL MAADHEED Lotus Elise 24:39.842 8.Abdulaziz AL JABRI 52 heed added. Khelaifi said. Sulaiti finished second in lost all my chances to win the Khalid al Remaihi (LCSC 2. Abdulla ABDULAZIZ Honda Type R 24:49.083 9.Ibrahim AL MANNAI 28 3.Nasser AL AHBABI Toyota GT86 24:53.637 10.Abdulla AL KHELAIFI 12 Abdulghani was pleased “As I said before coming the championship standings championship. Hopefully next Vice-President and General 4.Ibrahim AL ABDULGHANI Honda S200 24:58.471 John RALPH 12 with his results. “Overall the into this round, I would need with 92 points. He was very season, I can be more pre- Manager). Al Shaqab Racing’s Hilal Al Cham wins Van Dijk fears Liverpool will Prix Djouras Tu for Pure Arabians win title in empty stadium Coming off the only turn in the AFP present. Some have suggested the Four-year-old 1,400m race, the field swung loNDoN That is a depressing pros- season should be scrapped for onto the better ground on the pect for Liverpool defender Van safety reason, which would colt wins the race stands’ side in the straight. VIRGIL Van Dijk fears Liver- Dijk. “If we won it in an empty leave Premier League chiefs by two and a half Hilal Al Cham quickly pool will be forced to celebrate stadium and the fans weren’t to decide if Liverpool should found the outside rail and their first English title for 30 there, I’d be gutted for them,” be given the title even though lengths pulled clear with ease. Augé, years in an empty stadium as he told several British newspa- the campaign did not reach its who never had to reach for a result of coronavirus chaos. pers on Sunday. scheduled 38-game conclusion. TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK his stick, let him ease down to All Premier League games “Obviously, if there are no Sport is expected to be sub- Doha finish two and a half lengths have been postponed until at fans at Anfield, then it will be a jected to further restrictions in front of Maleha (Munjiz). least April 3 due to the spread bit of a blow. No one wants to next week, with British Prime TRAINED by Thomas Four- Hilal Al Cham debuted in of the global pandemic. play games without the fans. Minister Boris Johnson report- cy for the partnership of Al July last year as a three-year- Premier League chiefs are “Until a decision is made on edly ready to announce a ban Shaqab Racing and Nada old for a smart second place set to meet on Thursday to dis- how we go on from here, then on major public gatherings. Mousli, Hilal Al Cham (Hilal Al when running against more cuss if it will be possible to con- we just have to deal with it.” The sporting programme Zaman) won the Prix Djouras experienced horses. Then he tinue the season and, if so, in Liverpool could have has once again been decimated Tu impressively at Toulouse, made a notable performance what format. wrapped up the title on Mon- on Sunday, although the Super France, on Saturday. at Toulouse on Saturday to Games could be played be- day with a win at Everton if League match between Castl- Drawn towards the out- mark his first win. He was bred hind closed doors, which would Manchester City were beaten by eford and St Helens, the All side, the four-year-old colt by Hassan Mousli, Faiz al El- mean Liverpool, who are 25 Burnley on Saturday, but both England badminton Champi- broke well under jockey Julien weet, and Nada Mousli. He is points clear of second placed those games were postponed, onship and Olympic boxing Augé to take up the running Jockey Julien Auge rides Hilal Al Cham to the victory in Prix Djouras Tu the first foal of Azadi’s winning Manchester City, winning the along with the rest of the Pre- qualifiers are still going ahead in front of this 10-strong field. for Pure Arabians in Toulouse, France, on Saturday. mare Ya Hala. title without their fans being mier League programme. in Britain.