THURSDAY 5 MARCH 2020 SPORTSPORT 05

SHOW JUMPING FOOTBALL We now have almost 40,000 spectators attending over three days so we have really developed the event in that First Round of FA Cup, Fifth Round: way too. We are looking forward to continue hosting this Longines Global Derby County vs

ACTION Champions Tour Manchester United event: Omar Al Mannai, Event Director LGCT TODAY’S

Klopp says QSL: Struggling Al Gharafa eye win over managers’ opinions on Al Wakrah to keep ACL pursuit on track coronavirus FAWAD HUSSAIN THE PENINSULA Al Gharafa's players during a training session do not matter ahead of their game against Al Wakrah. INSET: Al Gharafa have a dismal run of Coach Slavisa Jokanovic supervising a training REUTERS — LONDON form of late but their coach session. Slavisa Jokanovic is hopeful his Liverpool manager Juergen team can achieve this season’s Klopp bristled at questions target - a berth at the AFC about the coronavirus after his Champions League (ACL). side crashed out of the FA Cup, As they host Al Wakrah saying his opinion on the topic today in their Round 17 clash, does not matter as he was the Cheetahs will have little merely someone with a margin of error with Al Sailiya “baseball cap and a bad keeping close pursuit of their shave.” 4th position at the QNB Stars Klopp was asked following League (QSL). Liverpool’s 2-0 defeat by Al Gharafa, with 25 points Chelsea in the fifth round if the are just two points ahead of Al team was worried about the Sailiya, who will play points spread of the flu-like virus or leaders Al Duhail on Saturday, how it might affect them. and any untoward results can “Look, what I don’t like in cost Jokanovic’s side dearly as life is that (for) a very serious season approaches the end. thing, a football manager’s The Cheetahs last month opinion is important. I don’t suffered early exits from Amir understand it,” Klopp told a Cup and Ooredoo Cup after news conference. shock defeats, before being held The virus has killed over by Al Ahli 1-1 in their last week’s 3,000 people globally and QSL tie. But Jokanovic is not infected almost 91,000, worried about the recent prompting a number of soccer results, saying the main concern clubs in Europe to ask their for him is to see a loss of confi- players, staff and officials not dence in his ranks. to shake hands in an attempt “It is normal for any team to slow its spread. to have a decline in per- “It’s not important what formance, but what worried me that besides improving the remained on track for a top four the match, terming it a crucial must compensate for the famous people say. You have was the loss of confidence by technical level,” Jokanovic said finish but insisted that his team clash. losses,” said Marquez. to speak about things in the the players, as happened in the at a pre-match press conference will have to regain form. “I have told my players “All our players, except right manner. Not people with last game. We should work on yesterday. He said Al Gharafa “We want to put up an about the importance of the injured Osman Coulibaly, are no knowledge, like me, talking improved performance against match with Al Gharafa and that ready for the game. I was sad about something,” Klopp QNB STARS LEAGUE: ROUND 17 FIXTURES Al Wakrah and we are on top it is worth a lot of points. If we and angry that we lost to Umm added. of our readiness. We will fight win it, we will move closer to Salal last week as it was a “People with knowledge Today to achieve our target of playing the top four. If we lose, the sit- crucial game for us. Had we should tell the people to do 4:55pm: Umm Salal vs Al Shahania at Al Gharafa Stadium in next season’s AFC Champions uation will be very difficult,” won, we would have got closer this, do that and everything 7:05pm: Al Gharafa vs Al Wakrah at Al Gharafa Stadium League. We are staying highly said Lopez. to the top four.” will be fine, or not. Not football Tomorrow focused, so we should be able “Al Gharafa were very good Meanwhile, Umm Salal and managers. I don’t understand 4:55pm: Al Ahli vs Qatar SC at Qatar SC Stadium to fulfill our ambition,” said Al at the beginning of the season, Al Shahania will clash in today’s politics, coronavirus... why Gharafa coach. but their performance declined. other match, which will also be me? I wear a baseball cap and 7:05pm: Al Arabi vs Al Khor at Al Arabi Stadium Al Wakrah, who played out Yet, they are a large club with played at Al Gharafa Stadium. have a bad shave.” Saturday a 3-3 against Al Gharafa in the good players and have signed Al Duhail are on top of the Premier League leaders 4:55pm: Al Sailiya vs Al Duhail at Al Ahli Stadium first leg, are placed seventh in a good striker. standings with 39 points fol- Liverpool, who have lost three

7:05pm: Al Rayyan vs Al Sadd at Al Sadd Stadium the points standings with 19 "Al Wakrah are no better lowed by Al Rayyan (35 points) of their last four games in all points. Their coach Marquez than Al Gharafa as we have suf- and defending champions Al competitions, host Bourne- Lopez was confident ahead of fered back-to-back defeats. We Sadd (32 points). mouth on Saturday. NHL: DeBrusk scores winner McEnroe not counting out as Bruins edge Federer after latest surgery

Lightning AP — BOSTON TEAM8 management company helped create the Laver Cup, REUTERS — BOSTON Hall of Famer John McEnroe has played in each of the first doesn’t think tennis has seen three editions of the event, Boston’s Jake DeBrusk scored the last of Roger Federer It’s like asking the which pits a six-man team from the game-winning goal in his playing at an elite level same question on Europe against a team made up 200th NHL game Tuesday following the 38-year-old’s of players from the rest of the night, sending the Bruins to a recent knee surgery. Tom Brady. You know, world. 2-1 win over the host Tampa Federer announced last it’s the exact same McEnroe and his former Bay Lightning in a matchup of month that he will miss the thing. I mean, how rival Bjorn Borg served as cap- the Eastern Conference’s top French Open and at least three tains of Team World and Team two clubs. other tournaments while he they keep doing it Europe, respectively, for the Brad Marchand notched recuperates. Federer indicated would be the first first three events in Prague his 28th marker, and Torey he would return by Wimbledon (2017), Chicago (2018) and Brooklyn Nets guard Caris LeVert (left) drives against Boston Celtics thing at their age. It’s Krug, David Pastrnak and in late June. Geneva (2019) - all won by the point guard Carsen Edwards during their NBA game. Charlie Coyle assisted on goals The Swiss star has spent phenomenal, right? European team. for Boston, which earned its more weeks ranked No. 1 than John McEnroe They will reprise those roles league-best 42nd victory and any player and owns a men’s for the fourth edition in Boston has won 14 of 17, including NBA: LeVert sparks Nets record 20 Grand Slam titles. He from September 25 to 27, which three in a row. currently is ranked No. 4 behind has been added to the official Canadiens 6, Islanders 2 Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal Milos Raonic in 2016 when he ATP calendar. Brendan Gallagher scored win over Boston Celtics and Dominic Thiem. beat Federer at Wimbledon, the McEnroe said his latest to start a first-period flurry for McEnroe was in Boston pro- only time Raonic has beaten meetings with Borg as coaches visiting Montreal, which REUTERS — BOSTON Los Angeles Lakers 120 - moting the fourth edition of the him in a major. have been as intense as they cruised past New York. Philadelphia 76ers 107 Laver Cup, which will be held “Then Roger limped off the were when they were tour Jeff Petry and Charles Caris LeVert scored a career- Anthony Davis had 37 at TD Garden in September. He court and didn’t play for six players. Hudon also scored in the first high 51 points, 37 from the points, 13 rebounds and four said watching Federer com- months.onths. And I thought,thought, you “There’sThere s a lot of a lot off period, and Paul Byron scored fourth quarter on, as the steals as Los Angeles defeated peting at age 38 has parallels to know,ow, that’s pretty much it,” mmoneyoney at stastakeke in the second. Jordan Weal and Brooklyn Nets rallied from 21 Philadelphia, who lost its ninth another dominant athlete in McEnroecEnroe said.said. and ppride,”ride,” Joel Armia added goals late in points down to stun the host consecutive road game. Boston. “That’s“That’s four years ago.ago. McEnroeMcEnroe said.said. the third for the Canadiens, Boston Celtics 129-120 in Davis converted 13 of 19 “It’s like asking the same Andd hehe camecame bacbackk aafterfter who have won two straight overtime. shots from the floor, including question on Tom Brady. You nott having played for six and four of six (4-1-1). LeVert shot 17 of 26 from the 4 of 5 from 3-point range. know, it’s the exact same thing,” monthsonths and managedmanaged to Blues 3, Rangers 1 field and scored all 11 of the Nets’ LeBron James contributed 22 McEnroe said. winn the Australian OOpenpen Brayden Schenn scored the points in the extra period as they points for the Lakers, who have “I mean, how they keep (thee next) year,year, winningwinning tiebreaking goal with 10:04 overcame 21 turnovers to snap won nine of their last 10 games. doing it would be the first thing threeree best-of-fivebest-of-five set Roger remaining in the third period, a four-game losing streak. The 76ers lost their ninth at their age. It’s phenomenal, matches,atches, which is vivir-r- Federer and surging St. Louis extended Jaylen Brown had 22 points, straight road game. right? I mean, how in the world tuallyally unheard of to bebegingin its winning streak to eight and Kemba Walker scored 21 Los Angeles Clippers 109 are these guys still playing at with,th, and to win three games with a win over host in his return from five games - Oklahoma City Thunder 94 such a high level? majorsajors post-surgery.post-surgery. So New York. missed with a knee injury for Kawhi Leonard scored 25 “I’ve admired watching youu never can count him Penguins 7, Senators 3 the Celtics, who have lost back- points to lift Los Angeles to a Tom Brady because he makes out.”t.” Bryan Rust had a hat-trick as to-back games for the first time win at Oklahoma City. players around him better. But Federer,Federer, Pittsburgh topped visiting since January 16-18. The victory was the fifth you’re out there on your own whoseh ose Ottawa to end a six-game The Nets scored a fran- consecutive for the Clippers, and you’re 38 and you could be losing streak. Pittsburgh’s top chise-record 51 points in the their second-longest winning turning 39 on a tennis court line combined for eight points: fourth quarter to overcome a streak of the season. During the with the wear and tear. That’s Sidney Crosby and Jason 71-50 deficit with 6:28 left in streak, Los Angeles has really tough. … It’s already Zucker each had a goal and the third quarter. They entered averaged 120.6 points per amazing he’s made it this far.” two assists. the fourth down 84-67. game. McEnroe was coaching 06 SPORT THURSDAY 5 MARCH 2020 Qatar Open: Jorgic continues fine form in qualifying

THE PENINSULA — DOHA between two experienced ath- entered the final round of qual- letes – where Spain’s Alvaro ification, as she beat India’s Darko Jorgic yesterday Robles’ came out on top against Sreeja Akula in a quick continued his fine form and Hungary’s Bence Majoros in a encounter (11-3, 11-6, 11-7, 11-6). added another promising win brilliant 4-2 (8-11, 11-9, 7-11, There was good news also to his collection, battling past 11-3, 11-6, 11-3) win. I prepared for Portuguese fans, when Shao China’s Zhou Qihao across six Meanwhile, Jon Persson is well, watched Jieni defeated Belgian Nathalie games in second preliminary now a step away from the main Marchetti in straight games, round at the 2020 ITTF World event in as he won his battle some videos using her attack-minded shots Tour Platinum Qatar Open in against Serbia’s Zsolt Peto, with my coach to the maximum (11-9, 11-3, Doha. beating him 4-0 (14-12, 11-5, and started 11-9, 12-10). Margaryta Pesotska After a tough fight, the Slov- 11-3, 12-10). had a swift time this morning enian star won the match 14-12, Joining the Swedish inter- well: Darko against Uzbekistan’s Rimma 7-11, 11-5, 4-11, 11-7, 11-4 at national in the third qualifying Jorgic Gufranova, as the Ukrainian star Aspire Academy yesterday. round will be Slovakian Wang registered a straight games win “I feel really good, it was not Yang who surprised spectators (11-2, 11-4, 11-4, 11-7). easy to beat my opponent. I pre- with a stunning straight games Slovenia's Darko Jorgic Meanwhile, Zhang Rui from pared well, watched some win over China’s Xu Yingbin in action at Aspire China displayed her class videos with my coach and (11-4, 11-4, 11-6, 11-8). Academy yesterday. against tough opposition in Lin started well,” said Jorgic. Anders Lind had a good run Ye from Singapore, as she beat Also in the men’s singles of form this morning starting her Asian colleague 4-0 (11-9, qualifying, Sathiyan Gnan- out, as the Austrian took care of 11-3, 11-7, 11-1) in 24 minutes. asekaran used his experience Brazilian Thiago Monteiro’s “I didn’t expect a 4-0 to the maximum against Japan’s challenge in a powerful win in but it was one that the veteran dictate the outcome of the match. be that he didn’t play as well victory, after all she is one of the latest prodigious Shunsuke under 33 minutes (12-10, 11-7, found a way around. “There are many possible today and I played better. top players from Singapore. Togami, as the Indian won 4-1 12-10, 11-9). In his 4-1 (9-11, 11-7, 11-6, 11-4, reasons I won after today’s Overall it was still not an easy Having been training in Qatar, (11-3, 7-11, 11-9, 11-4, 11-8) in a For the Belarussian Vladimir 11-3) win, Samsonov registered match. Of course after Hungary match,” said Samsonov of course it is an advantage, splendid performance. Samsonov, France’s Alexandre more points on Cassin’s serve and we tried to find out why we lost In women’s singles quali- getting to know the hall and And on table 2 it was a battle Cassin was a tough nut to crack showcased his calmness to and prepared better. Could also fying, Singapore’s Yu Mengyu conditions here,” said Rui. Glitzy IPL Magnificent slashes prize Thomas stars as West Indies Malan guides money in South Africa cost-cutting defeat Sri Lanka in first T20 to series win drive AGENCIES — PALLEKELLE over Australia Kusal Perera and Wanindu Hasaranga threatened to pull REUTERS — BLOEMFONTEIN AFP — NEW DELHI off the impossible but Oshane Thomas’ 5-fer proved to be Opener Janneman Malan India’s board has enough to give West Indies a struck a sparkling unbeaten slashed the prize money 25-run win in the 1st T20I century to guide South Africa by half for the winners between Sri Lanka and West to a six- win over and runners-up of this Indies in Pallekelle yesterday. Australia in the second year’s IPL, the world’s West Indies skipper Kieron one-day international in most popular and Pollard, playing his 500th T20, Bloemfontein yesterday which successful T20 league. won the toss and had no hesi- sealed victory in the series. The Board of Control tation in batting first, given the Australia won the toss and for Cricket in India (BCCI) Windies long batting line-up. chose to bat, posting 271 all out said the move was part of Brandon King and Lendl as South Africa seamer Lungi measures to cut the costs Simmons got them off to exactly Ngidi completed career-best of the glitzy Indian the start they wanted but it was figures of 6-58 on a slow Premier League, starting Andre Russell who really wicket to halt what had been March 29, which attracts stepped on the accelarator, bat- an electric start from the top players from around tering 2 fours and 4 sixes on his visitors. the world. way to a 14-ball 35. Malan, who was out to the Indian media reports Russell was playing his 1st first ball of the match on debut said the board was also international since hobbling off on Saturday, anchored the doing away with the the field during the 50-over South African reply, taming his opening ceremony, World Cup and it took the usual swashbuckling style to West Indies’ Oshane Thomas (centre) celebrates with his team-mates after dismissing Sri Lanka’s usually an extravagant perfect yorker from Lasith score 129 not out from 139 Angelo Mathews during the first T20 yesterday. affair with top Bollywood Malinga to send the right balls and lead the home side celebrities crooning and hander back to the pavilion. smart partnership between to victory with nine balls to dancing before thousands Pollard, who had never Kusal Perera and Wanindu SCOREBOARD spare. of cheering fans. really got going during the tour, Hasaranga brought Sri Lanka West Indies K. Mendis c Pooran b Thomas ...... 0 South Africa lead the series “The financial rewards finally put together an innings right back into the game. L. Simmons not out ...... 67 A. Mathews c Russell b Thomas ...... 10 2-0. have been reworked as a of impact, making 34 in 15 With 54 runs to win in B. King c Hasaranga b Sandakan ...... 33 D. Shanaka b Thomas ...... 2 Earlier, Ngidi took six part of the cost-cutting deliveries and getting to 10,000 nearly 5 overs, the game was N. Pooran c Fernando b Hasaranga ...... 14 W. Hasaranga lbw b Powell ...... 44 as Australia were A. Russell b Malinga ...... 35 T. Perera c Cottrell b Powell ...... 11 measures,” the BCCI said T20 runs along the way as West hanging in the balance but it K. Pollard (c) c Fernando b Udana ...... 34 I. Udana c Pollard b Bravo ...... 3 bowled out for 271. Ngidi had in a circular sent to the Indies posted 196, their highest was Rovman Powell who F. Allen not out ...... 3 L. Malinga b Cottrell ...... 8 career-best figures of six for 58. franchises. T20I score against Sri Lanka. turned things around for the Extras (b2, lb2, w6) ...... 10 L. Sandakan not out ...... 1 He dismissed three of Aus- As a result, the cham- Sri Lanka needed a special Windies, trapping Hasaranga Total (4 wickets, 20 overs) ...... 196 Extras (b0, lb10, w9) ...... 19 tralia's top four in a first spell pions will get $1.36m effort to get to the target but in front for 44 on review. Did not bat: S. Hetmyer, R. Powell, D. Bravo, O. Total (19.1 Ov) ...... 171 of three for 26 and claimed instead of $2.72m. The found a road-block in the form Perera fell soon after to a Thomas, S. Cottrell Fall of Wickets 1-16 (Fernando), 2-16 (Jayas- three more wickets in the prize money for the of Oshane Thomas. perfect yorker from Russell, Fall of wickets: 1-74 (King), 2-106 (Pooran), uriya), 3-17 (Mendis), 4-41 (Mathews), 5-56 closing overs of the innings. 3-145 (Russell), 4-190 (Pollard) (Shanaka), 6-143 (Hasaranga), 7-151 (K. Perera), runners-up has also been Thomas produced some ending Sri Lanka’s hopes of a Bowling: Malinga 4-0-37-1 (w1), T. Perera 3-0- 8-161 (T. Perera), 9-168 (Udana), 10-171 (Mal- Aaron Finch and halved. serious pace to trouble the Sri miraculous recovery. 27-0, Mathews 2-0-16-0, Udana 3-0-41-1 (w1), inga) D'Arcy Short both hit 69 for “The franchises are all Lankans, claiming 3 wickets in Thomas was rightfully Sandakan 4-0-38-1 (w2), Hasaranga 4-0-33-1 Bowling: Cottrell 2.1-0-14-1 (w1), Thomas 3-0- Australia, but largely because in good health. They also his 1st over to break the back of named Player of the Match for Sri Lanka 28-5 (w7), Russell 4-0-33-1, Pollard 2-0-25-0, of Ngidi, they were unable to have multiple ways like the Lankan batting line-up. At his figures of 5/28 in three overs A. Fernando c Pooran b Thomas ...... 7 Bravo 4-0-30-1 (w1), Powell 4-0-31-2 capitalise on a fast start by sponsorships to bolster 56/5 by the end of the pow- – claiming all 5 of his wickets K. Perera b Russell ...... 66 Result: West Indies win by 25 runs, lead two- Finch and David Warner. their income. erplay, Sri Lanka were looking in the powerplay to blow Sri S. Jayasuriya c Cottrell b Thomas ...... 0 match series 1-0 Finch and Warner posted Hence the decision on down and out but a measured, Lanka away. 50 off the first 37 balls of the prize money taken,” the innings before Ngidi had Press Trust of India Warner caught at cover. He fol- quoted a senior BCCI Equal prize money lowed up by dismissing Steve source as saying. PSL: thrash Smith and Marnus Labuschagne Each of the eight fran- for men, women in off successive balls. chises will also have to Labuschagne's wicket was shell out $68,119 to the England’s Hundred Ngidi's 50th in one-day inter- state association for each nationals in his 26th match -- game it hosts, up from AFP — LONDON the fastest South African to the $27,197. landmark. But Short, who The moves have not English cricket’s new Hundred gained a place on the tour when gone down well with competition will feature equal prize Glenn Maxwell was ruled out some of the franchise money for the men’s and women’s because of surgery, made a owners, the Times of India competitions, tournament organ- maiden one-day international said. isers announced yesterday. half-century to enable Australia The IPL has been The England and Wales Cricket to make a competitive total on hailed as a commercial Board said the total prize fund of a pitch which had some uneven success since its debut in £600,000 ($768,000) would be bounce. 2008, and has inspired split 50-50 as part of the governing The third and final match similar Twenty20 leagues body’s “commitment to making is in Potchefstroom on in other countries. cricket a gender-balanced sport”. Saturday. It has also triggered a It follows a similar move by Australia won the toss debate over whether Cricket Australia, which introduced and chose to bat, posting players were giving pref- a policy of equal prize money for erence to clubs ahead of the men’s and women’s editions of 271 all out as South their countries, given the the Big Bash League in 2017. Africa seamer Lungi large paydays on offer. But while the total salary pot on Ngidi completed Australia’s Pat offer for each male franchise in the career-best figures of Cummins went for $2.17m Hundred is around £1m, it is roughly 6-58 on a slow wicket to in this year’s IPL auction. £120,000 per women’s side. halt what had been an Players keep about 75 Men’s contracts range from electric start from the percent of their auction £30,000-£125,000 but the highest price -- effectively their Islamabad United’s (second right) celebrates with team-mates after taking the wicket salary bracket for women is visitors. of Lahore Qalandars’ Chris Lynn during their Pakistan Super League (PSL) match at the Gaddafi salary for the two-month £15,000. All eight franchises will Malan anchored the season. Cricket Stadium in Lahore, yesterday. United, while batting first, made 198 and bowled out feature both men’s and women’s In 2017, Star India paid Qalandars for 127 in 18.5 overs to register a 71-run victory. was the star for teams, with the two competitions South African reply, about $2.5bn for five years United with an unbeaten knock of 87 from 59 deliveries, including 8 fours and three sixes. running side by side. taming his usual of broadcast rights, the For Qalandars, Usman Shinwari was the top scorer with 30 runs as their top batting order “This is a great announcement swashbuckling style to biggest TV deal seen in failed. and Zafar Gohar picked three wickets each for United while captain for women’s sport,” said England score 129 not out from was also impressive, grabbing two wickets for 21 runs from his four overs. cricket. captain Heather Knight, who will 139 balls. skipper the London Spirit. THURSDAY 5 MARCH 2020 SPORT 07

Following a hat-trick of wins last week at In-form Epaillard delighted with Longines Arena at Al Shaqab, the 42-year-old French rider will be looking ‘amazing’ start to 2020 season to stamp his authority in the first RIZWAN REHMAT same horses were here last year. shoes before a Monday when I round of the 2020 THE PENINSULA They had a two-month break have a grass show. I have been before I came here. That’s why I doing it for one year. The results Longines Global Whenever French riding star Julien didn’t ride with him in the Grand are very nice for the moment. Champions Tour - Epaillard arrives in Qatar to take Prix (last Saturday). I want to keep world’s richest show part in a competition held at Al them fit for later. That’s the plan Q: Historically you have jumping Shaqab, you will notice that fans for next week. I want to keep them done well at Al Shaqab. What is expect a quality performance from fresh for more competitions. It is that brings the best out of you at series. the 42-year-old rider. important to arrive at an event in this arena? And rightly so! good form. My horse lacked expe- A: I don’t know. I really like Last week, Epaillard kicked off rience here but it was okay. the space in the ring. This ring is the 2020 season with three wins one of my favourite rings, I have at Longines Arena at Al Shaqab. Q: What do you think about to say. I love big Epaillard, astride 11-year-old the facilities here? rings. I can Virtuose Champeix, last Thursday A: It’s my third time here. I directly go on clinched the battle in the 1.55m really like the show here. I really the gallop class, edging Great Britain’s Scott like the Al Shaqab Arena. It’s a big with my big Brash to the top spot with a flawless arena. I like to gallop with my horses. I think routine in his opening win. horses here. That’s why I really is easier for A couple of hours earlier the like this style of arena. Everything them to jump. same day, he had guided Alibi de around the arena is well organised Sometimes it la Roque to the top spot in the two- for horses. We have a lot of spaces works, some- phased 1.45m class. around the show to work the times it Less than 24 hours later, horses. It’s fantastic because we doesn’t. I love Epaillard relied on his trusted aide can keep the horses in good the stadium. I Virtuose Champeix to seal another training. have to say I classy win under pressure at his have had a favourite hunting ground in the Q: You won the Grand Prix super start to jump-off of the 1.55m last year. What are your the season. competition. thoughts on that? 2020 season Last year, the Frenchman won A: Yes, last year I won the for me at the the first round of the Longines Grand Prix with Usual Suspect moment is Global Champions Tour - world’s d’Auge. The horse got a break after amazing. A lot of vic- richest show jumping series - in that. He had a good season in tories so far. I have to take care Doha by edging out defending 2019. He had break at the end of of my horses. But I am very lucky champion Ben Maher by a whisker. last season. He was a bit tired. as I have five horses who can “I have to say I have had a Then I started with him after a jump five star, I can also come to TIMETABLE super start to the season. The 2020 break. I would like to come back events with fresh horses. season for me at the moment is with same horse but sometimes TODAY amazing. A lot of victories so far,” the horses feel tired and we have Q: Are the Olympics on 15:00 CSI 5* Two phases 1.45m (€25.400) Epaillard said in an interview to give them a break. your radar? ahead of this week’s LGCT season A: The Olympics are a little 17:45 CSI 5* GCL of Doha Round 1 - 1.50/1.55m opener at Al Shaqab. Q: I believe your horses don’t bit far for me. It is in my head (€55,000 to individual class winners) wear shoes? Can you explain (smiles). I am focused on Las Excerpts from the same that? Vegas World Cup final. For the TOMORROW interview: A: Not all my horses. Some don’t moment, I am making special wear shoes and some have it. It’s preparation for Las Vegas. I 09:00 National Accumulative 1.00/1.15m (QR10,000) QUESTION: You won three a different way to see things. It is have to ride a couple of Nations 13:00 National Against-the-clock 1.20/1.30m competitions last week. Tell us better for the blood flow for the Cup. I have to prove my worth (QR20,000 - individual & QR20,000 - teams) how you feel? horses. I think it is better for the in Nations Cup. If I do that, 15:45 CSI 5* Against-the-clock 1.50m (€51,100) ANSWER: Yes, I won three com- horses. It’s also to put shoes again then I may have a chance to go petitions. It was a nice experience. when I go on grass. It’s not all the Games. Q: What is your 19:30 CSI 5* Against-the-clock with jump-off My horses were really good. The something on the foot. I justjusst putput take on the coro- 1.50/1.55m (€148,500) navirus forcing cancellation of SATURDAY, MARCH 7 French riding star Julien Epaillard events around the world? 09:55 National Against-the-clock 1.15/1.25m It’s my third time here. I really like the show here. A: I think not many people (QR15,000) I really like the Al Shaqab Arena. It’s a big arena. took it seriously. We travel a lot 12:15 National Against-the-clock 1.30/1.45m so there is concern. We are trying I like to gallop with my horses here. That’s why I (QR35,000) really like this style of arena. Everything around to take care. I am not afraid at the moment. I want sport events to 14:45 CSI5* GCL of Doha Round 2 - 1.50/1.55m the arena is well organised for horses. We have a continue and that there are not (€95,000) lot of spaces around the show to work the horses. many cancellations in the future. 18:15 CSI 5* Longines Global Champions Tour Grand It’s fantastic because we can keep the horses in I hope Olympics are not cancelled. Prix of Doha - 1.60m (€375,000) good training. We have so may important jumping events to go to. What Qatar is doing for our sport is big: Philippaerts

Belgian RIZWAN REHMAT have a lot to learn but so far, I am very big and hopefully they can rider Nicola THE PENINSULA doing very well. I am very happy do it for many years. These Philippaerts to be here. riders are the future. Hopefully (right) offers Belgian show jumping star Nicola you will see them at big events Q: tips to a young Philippaerts has heaped praised Do you think it is advanta- I trained them (the young in the future. That’s how on Qatar for ‘investing in youth geous to come from a show important it is. rider during the Qatari riders) last year Internations development’, saying the current jumping family? Camp at Al crop of riders in the country are A: For sure, no doubt, it is a big also and to see such Q: Do you think they just ride Shaqab, on improving at a rapid rate. advantage. I have been in show improvement in one year is well or even ask the right Tuesday. Philippaerts, 26, is born into jumping for many years now. I amazing. I think what Qatar questions? a family of show jumpers - his can learn so much for so many A: Yes, for sure. But they also father Ludo Philippaerts is years. But there are so many is doing for our sport is have everything they need right revered in Belgium for his places now because if you are very big and hopefully they here. If you see the infrastructure, services to the game. Nicola has young and talented, you can do can do it for many years. if you see the trainers, the a twin brother Olivier who is also well if you have big stables and These riders are the future. teachers, everything is so great. a rider. learn the same things. The sport Qatar have invested so much into is getting so big. The sport is only Hopefully you will see them this sport, they have become one at the beginning and it will only at big events in the future. of the main countries of our sport. grow in the years to come. That’s how important it is: Hopefully they would want to do Nicola Philippaerts this for many years. Q: What are your plans this “I think what year and in the future beyond Q: How long does it take for a Qatar is doing for our sport is very 2020? things - I played, soccer, I went young kid to become a polished big and hopefully they can do it A: This year is an Olympic year swimming and came back to the rider? for many years,” Philippaerts said so it is an important one. Every- horses. I liked horses. I grew into A: To be honest, it depends on so in an interview. thing is possible. I can be in the the sport. many things. It’s like with soccer “If you see the infrastructure, Belgium team to go there (Tokyo). or tennis players. It takes time to if you see the trainers, the That’s the first goal for this year. Q: Julien Epaillard (three wins develop a good rider. If you start teachers, everything is so great. For next year, I need to develop in Doha) has had a good time at 10 years of age, you can do They have invested so much into myself, be in good health, get here. How much of a compe- well. By 25 or 30, you can do this sport, they have become one better horses and get to ride tition is he in Qatar? really well. It also depends on the of the main countries of our better and be on top of the sport A: I think every rider has good horses. But they get all the facil- sport,” the tall Belgian added. for many years. I have big stables form for a few years. If you have ities here. “Hopefully they would want at home. Buying and selling super nice horses, if you are a to do this for many years,” he horses is also a main goal. I will good rider, things can go your Q: What is the age that a rider said. try to improve and get involved way. He’s one of the best riders gets to his or her peak? in the sport. I have two younger in the world at the moment. You A: It’s a hard question. You can Excerpts from the same brothers. I have to involve them can learn from the way he struc- be the best rider in the world but interview: also. Hopefully we can have a tures himself and the way he if you don’t have the best horse, nice family business together. rides. For sure, we try to learn you can’t get there. It’s to find a QUESTION: You are a young from top riders. good balance with a good horse rider, aged 26. How do you look Q: Was show jumping the only and good rider. If you see, top back at your career? sport you started following Q: What’s your take on Qatar riders are getting younger and ANSWER: I am still very young. when you were younger? trying to invest in young younger. It is because they have I am only 26. I can be very proud A: My parents never pushed me riders? good horses. That’s what makes of things I have achieved so far. into this sport. They only gave me A: To be honest, I taught some our sport special. Somebody 18 I have had many good horses in a couple of very good ponies guys with a lecture yesterday. I can be really good and somebody the past. That’s also very (smiles). At a young age, I started trained them last year also and 45 can also be good. So the important to my successes. well and started winning. I had to see such improvement in one balance would be 60-65 percent Hopefully I still have a long nice ponies. My father gave me year is amazing. I think what goes with getting a good horse. career in front of me. I still the experience but I tried many Qatar is doing for our sport is The rest is the rider. SPORT SPORTS | 05 SPORT | 07 QSL:QSL Struggling In-form Epaillard Al GharafaG eye delighted with win over ‘amazing’ start Al Wakrah to 2020 season

THURSDAY 5 MARCH 2020 Qatar Masters: Confident Kaymer eyes title as Harding threat looms “It was a bad little 45 Eddie Former World No.1 Martin mminute wait but nobody Pepperell Kaymer in action in this file seemeds to really post a score. ARMSTRONG VVASAS photo. I think there were nine guys THETHE PENINSULPENINSULAA tiedti for second so I was quite pleasedp to avoid a play-off! It Former World No.1 Martin wasw cool to have finally crossed Kaymer’s bid to end his title theth line and got a W. It is just a droughtdrought at thethe European Tour matterm of trying to feed on the willwill faceface a serious challengechallenge sames sort of memories this from a host of challengerschallengers at this weekw and see if we can defend year’syear’s CommercialCommercial BankBank Qatar it,”it he said about his last year’s Masters whichwhich tees offoff totoday.day. winw in Qatar. Besides,Besides, ddefendingefending Harding said the wind will champion Justin HardinHarding,g, last beb playing a big part on who week’sweek’s Oman OOpenpen winner Sami finishesfi on the podium. ValimakiValimaki anandd 2018 winner EEddieddie “It’s just one of those where PepperellPepperell are some wwhoho wiwillll bebe you’vey got to go out and play Pepperell back vying fforor tthehe top prize at tthehe withw what you have on the day $1.75m event. anda deal with what happens. It’s ForFor thethe firstfirst timetime in iitsts a good golf course, I’ve played in title hunt 23-year23-year history,history, thethe event hhasas ninen holes and I think the wind’s beenbeen movemovedd ffromrom its longlong time goingg to blow. It’s going to make ARMSTRONG VAS “I’m here to give myself a homehome aatt DoDohaha GGolfolf CClublub ttoo EEdu-du- it challenging for scoring. You’ll THE PENINSULA shot at qualifying for the WGC cation CityCity Golf Club - a probablyp find it’s not going to be Matchplay which will be my landmarklandmark proprojectject fforor Qatar andand 202 under par winning, it’s going Last year Eddie Pepperell could only route into The Masters. It’s thethe worldworld ooff golfgolf - wwhichhich offersoffers to anywhere in between 12 and not defend his Commercial a risk I felt worth taking. I will a revolutionaryrevolutionary and holistic 15,”1 Harding said. Bank Qatar Masters title at the need a good week this week to approachapproach to ggrowingrowing tthehe ggame.ame. “I’m looking forward to Doha Golf Club as he gave the enable me to do that.” The German, who has been ggoing out, seeing if we can European Tour event a miss. Last year, the two-time having a consistent run this execute plans, make some Two seasons on, Pepperell European Tour winner did not season with four consecutive top “You will have some shots challenge for more success in birdies and see what happens,” is back in Qatar, overcoming defend his title but is keen for 20s, is hoping he can turn his where you will get unlucky, it’s Qatar. he added. his worst fears of ‘getting a good showing at the Edu- good run by laying his hands on just a matter of accepting the The South African lifted his Finland’s Valimak having stuck abroad due to corona- cation City Golf Course. The Mother of Pearl trophy at good and the bad breaks and just maiden European Tour title in secured his first European Tour virus’, which forced him to “Landed in Doha. Haven’t the brand new golf course on go with it - there’s not much you dramatic fashion at last year’s title with Oman Open triumph withdraw from last week’s been back here since I won and Sunday. can do. event after some last day heroics three days back will be looking Oman Open. not only do I want another Kaymer said recently that he “It’s always different. In a saw him hold off a big chasing to continue the good run in “My underlying fear of bicep tear, I also want another felt he had maybe been lacking tournament it really matters, to pack at Doha Golf Club. He fired Qatar. coronavirus and being quar- Mini-Me,” he tweeted on arrival focus for the last couple of years really understand and get to five birdies on the back nine - “It’s a very strong field here, antined somewhere for two in Qatar. but after changing his trajectory know the golf course in tour- including at the 15th, 17th and but I hope to match my Oman weeks, that was the reason I Pepperell said the wind will to gain some length off the tee nament mode - the way you play 18th - to earn a two shot victory performance in Doha,” said Val- didn’t travel last week. The pose for a big challenge for him and working hard on his short different holes, you’re going to from a group of nine players imaki, who was in the top ten of outbreak in Italy concerned and the other golfers. game. play a bit more aggressive here who tied for second. the World Amateur Golf me, and whilst it’s now even “The wind looks as if it will “I’ve been playing well. I’m and there. The 34-year-old is hoping Rankings in 2018 and turned more widespread, I would be the main challenge, which working a lot on the short game, Meanwhile, Harding is that he can made a repeat show professional following the com- have a long break if I don’t it often is here in Qatar,” he trying to get that putter in the hoping last year’s memories of of last year at the new golf pletion of his military service in play this week so thought it said. right momentum,” he said. his victory in Doha can fuel his course. Finland. was a risk worth taking,” he “It’s (The Education City “I’m very happy with the said in response to a question. Golf Course) not dissimilar to way I hit fairways, the way I hit “Off to Qatar today. Doha Golf Club albeit there is greens, I’m playing very consist- Straight up, I WD from Oman a bit more definition,” he ently and those top 16 finishes, last week over coronavirus added. it would be nice to make a fears (getting stuck somewhere “My goal in Dubai was to couple more putts to actually abroad...), but yet a week on, make the cut, have missed the have a chance to win,” he added. with even greater risk, I’m off! previous two. I played much The German with 11 (Struggling to justify that kind better there and I feel as if my European Tour wins against his of decision making) Anyway, swing is in a good place which name including two Major will be nice to be back in Doha,” it wasn’t for the first two events Championships has been indif- Pepperell had tweeted, of the season,” he said on his ferent in the last few years with explaining his pull out from the performance on the European his last win coming nearly six Oman Open. Tour. years back at the 2014 US Open For the 29-year-old, the Pepperell has no long terms Championship. 2018 season was his best as he plans in mind. The 35-year-old feels he is picked up his maiden European I don’t really focus on long not far from ending his win Tour title in Qatar and added a term goals and concentrate as drought and feels the wind will second one while playing at much as I can on improving my be the biggest challenge. home in the Sky Sports British skill set and consistency. I “We had it already last week Masters. know if I do that, I should in in Oman when it was really The winning team members at the Pro-Am event of the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters pose Pepperell will be hoping for theory improve my chances of windy. Here it feels like it is for a picture with Hussein Ali Al Abdulla (right), Chief Marketing Officer at Commercial Bank at a good showing in Qatar as he playing well. If I play well, I will more gusty so that will be very the Education City Golf Course yesterday. Forty teams took part in the event. is hoping to qualify for the WGC get back into the top 50,” said difficult. Matchplay. in response to a question. Stage set for Moto2 battle as Qatar hosts first round THE PENINSULA – DOHA Martin (Red Bull KTM Ajo), who class back-to-back race winner Moto3 riders in action in this file photo. PICTURE: MOTOGP claimed the lightweight title the in the desert since Jorge With last year’s World year before, and 125cc World Lorenzo in 2006 and 2007 after Champion Alex Marquez and Champion in 2005 Lüthi taking 2019’s opening round by runners-up Brad Binder grad- (Dynavolt Intact GP), who will just 0.026 of a second. uating to the MotoGP class for also be this year’s oldest rider The MotoGP race may have the 2020 season, the stage is set on the Moto2 grid at 33 years been cancelled in Qatar but for potential world title candi- 184 days old on race day. there’s still plenty of race action dates like Luca Marini, Augusto But that’s not all. Dalla to look forward to this weekend Fernandez, Tom Lüthi and Porta (Italtrans Racing) has also Of the rookies, both Dalla Lorenzo Baldassarri to step up won the 2016 FIM CEV Junior Porta and Aron Canet (Aspar and stake a claim to be the best Moto3 World Championship, Team) were on the podium at in the Moto2 business. Federal Oil Gresini Moto2’s last year’s Moto3 season opener The new season kicks off Nicolo Bulega and Edgar Pons and Dalla Porta could become today at the imposing Losail have an impressive three FIM the first lightweight class World International Circuit where the CEV European Moto2 titles Champion to win on his debut riders - young and old - will between them, whilst Jesko in the intermediate class since compete for the only night race Raffin has claimed the same Dani Pedrosa in 2004. on the 21-stop calendar. crown. The first decade of the The new season will see Then, three riders have a Moto2 World Championship three World Champions in the Rookies Cup title to their name: has offered so many memo- field, including a reigning World Jorge Martin, Baldassarri rable moments and as we Champion in the form of last (FlexBox HP40) and Bo Bend- embark on the second chapter year’s Moto3 title winner, Ital- sneyder (NTS RW Racing GP). When it comes to race vic- Lüthi is the most successful in particular, Lüthi took victory and decade in its history, trans Racing’s Lorenzo Dalla Plus, EG 0,0 Marc VDS’ Sam tories, the Moto2 grid has 14 with 17 and is quite a long way in the 2016 Moto2 Grand Prix, there’s surely going to be many Porta, www.motogp.com said Lowes is a former World riders sharing 67 wins, which clear of his closest rival, Jorge Martin in the 2018 Moto3 Grand stand-out moments, starting in a report yesterday. Supersport Champion from is one more than we had in Martin, with eight. Looking at Prix and Baldassarri is looking this weekend at the QNB Qatar Joining the Italian is Jorge back in 2013. 2019. the Losail International Circuit, to become the first intermediate Grand Prix.