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TENNIS Halep faces tricky path to second Qatar Total Open title Romanian World No. 3 could well face 2018 Australian Open champion Caroline Wozniacki in the semi-finals

By Sports Reporter Doha

orld No. 3 Simona Halep was handed a tricky draw as she chases her second Wtitle in the Qatar Total Open which gets underway at the Kha- lifa International Tennis and Squash Complex tomorrow. The 27-year-old Romanian is already a 12-year veteran on the highly competitive WTA circuit, boasting 18 titles and nearly 30 million dollars in prize money since turning pro in 2006. Romanian Halep, the 2014 winner in Doha and the top seed, has got a bye into the second round where she will play either World No. 19 Caroline Garcia of France or the 24th-ranked Lesia Tsurenko of Ukraine before likely running into Australian crick- eter-turned-tennis player Ash- Germany’s Julia Goerges (centre), the Czech Republic’s Barbora Strycova and Oman’s Fatma al-Nabhani leigh Barty in the quarter-fi nals. (right) at the draw ceremony yesterday. Barty, the World No. 13 and eighth seed in Qatar, had reached champion and World No. 1 Nao- semi-finals in Doha. been drawn again so we’ll see the quarter-fi nals of the Austral- mi Osaka has withdrawn due to Halep, however, is represent- how it goes,” she said. ian Open last month where she an injury, this year’s edition still ing her country in the Fed Cup in Al-Nabhani, whose best sin- lost to Petra Kvitova. boasts an impressive fi eld with Ostrava is yet to arrive in Doha. gles ranking globally was 362 in In the event of Halep winning fi ve of the world’s top 10 and 12 of Germany’s Julia Goerges, the 2010, nevertheless cherishes her her last-eight clash, she could the top 20 battling it out for the Czech Republic’s Barbora Stry- long association with the Qatar run into 2018 Australian Open top prize. cova and Oman’s Fatma al-Nab- tournament. champion Caroline Wozniacki But the aggressive baseliner hani were the only three players “It’s been a nice journey. Each of Denmark in the semi-fi nals. Halep is undoubtedly the fa- who attended the draw. edition has been special for me. Wozniacki, the sixth seed, has vourite, with an aggressive game Al-Nabhani was surprised to Thanks to Qatar and the Qatar (From left) Qatar Tennis, Squash and Badminton Federation (QTSBF) Board member Karim Alami, Total E&P been given a wildcard for the reminiscent of the Belgian great hear she is making her 11th ap- Tennis Federation for wholly Qatar managing director Laurent Wolff sheim, QTSBF secretary-general Tareq Zainal and Qatar Total Open tournament, where she lost to Justine Henin. pearance in Doha. supporting me throughout and tournament director Saad al-Mohannadi attend the draw ceremony yesterday. Petra Kvitova in the semi-fi nals In fact Henin herself said of “I’m surprised to hear that it’s facilitating for players like me to last year. Halep: “She has an intelligent been eleven years since I have participate in tournaments like had some good practice so I can’t was ready to host another great ing two have gone to Fatma al- World No. 5 and sec- game. There is a little something been playing at the Qatar Total this. It’s a huge experience to be wait to step on the court and play tournament. “The Qatar Total Nabhani of Oman and Ons Jabeur ond seeded Karolina Plisko- that reminds me of myself…it is Open. The time seems to have playing with the top players and the match already,” she said Open is one of the best tourna- of Tunisia as part of our policy to va of the Czech Republic has off ensive and aggressive.” passed just like that,” said the competing against them.” “I like it here. It’s nice to come ments in the world. Everybody encourage budding Arab players,” also received a tricky draw. Last year, Halep was chosen 27-year-old who has won ten Her fi rst-round rival Strycova here. All the facilities are good loves coming to Doha and we Zainal added She will take on either Elise by ESPN as the “most domi- singles titles on the ITF Tour. was also looking forward to the and it’s very convenient, the stay hope they have a great time here,” Managing Director of Total Mertens of Belgium or Katerina nant” tennis player of the year. She has been once again drawn meeting. “We played against and the stadium. I fi nd it to be a Zainal said after the draw yester- E&P Qatar Laurent Wolff sheim, Siniakova of the Czech Republic The Romanian also won the to face her good friend Strycova each other two years ago and very nice tournament for us.” day at the Four Seasons Hotel. Tournament Director Saad al- in the second round before a pos- WTA’s Fan Favorite Singles in the fi rst round. I’m really looking forward to this Meanwhile, Qatar Tennis, “We have four wildcards, two Mohannadi and QTSBF Board sible meeting with former cham- player in 2017 and 2018, when “We were like, we going to match. I’ve been here already a Squash and Badminton Fed- of which are given to top-20 Member Karim Alami were pion Carla Suarez Navarro. she was beaten by Petra Kvito- play each other again! We played couple of days and getting ready eration Secretary-General Tareq players Caroline Wozniacki and among those present at the draw Although Australian Open va of the Czech Republic in the three years ago and now we’ve and preparing myself good. I have Zainal said the Khalifa Complex Elina Svitolina and the remain- ceremony.

28th Qatar International Arabian Horse Show

Sheikh Nawaf bin Nasser al-Thani (right) with the trophy after Al Nasser Stud’s Badi Athbah won the Junior Colts Championship. Al Safwa Stud’s Aria Dinara won the Junior Fillies Championship.

Connections pose with the trophy after Wortex Kalliste, owned by Kaheel Stud-Kalliste Arabians, won gold in the Stallions Championship at the 28th Qatar International Arabian Horse Show at Souq Waqif on Friday. PICTURES: Juhaim Al Sraiya Stud’s Sefora PL won gold in the Mares Championship. Gulf Times 2 Sunday, February 10, 2019 FOOTBALL

LIGUE 1 PSG win but Cavani injured ahead of Man United game AFP was in attendance at Saturday’s game, of the squad completely. Paris which saw Marco Verratti make his Meanwhile, Verratti lasted just under return to action after three weeks out an hour before making way for recent with an ankle injury. signing Leandro Paredes, and Tuchel n injury to Edinson Cavani “I don’t have good news. We have must now decide whether to start the gave Paris Saint-Germain to wait,” said coach Thomas Tuchel. Italian playmaker in England. Cavani fresh cause for concern yester- “I honestly don’t know if Cavani will and Moussa Diaby came close for the day as the French club’s huge play. Yes it is worrying. We don’t have home side in the fi rst half-hour, either ChampionsA League showdown with another Edi like we don’t have another side of Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting Manchester United approaches. Cavani Neymar,” Tuchel added. being denied by a terrifi c save from appeared to hurt his leg while taking the The win allowed PSG — whose shirts Bordeaux ‘keeper Benoit Costil. penalty three minutes before half-time carried the players’ names in Mandarin Bordeaux had held PSG at home that gave PSG a 1-0 win over Bordeaux in a nod to the Chinese New Year — to when the teams met in December, at the Parc des Princes in Ligue 1. get back on track after last week’s 2-1 but they were undone late in the fi rst Television replays showed the Uru- loss at Lyon, their fi rst Ligue 1 defeat half here as Nicolas de Preville fouled guayan grimacing and asking to be sub- this season. The reigning champions Thomas Meunier in the box, and Cav- stituted. He left the pitch moments lat- are 13 points clear at the top with a ani netted from 12 yards. Mid-table er and was replaced by Kylian Mbappe game in hand on second-placed Lille, Bordeaux slumped to a fourth straight at half-time. An injury to Cavani, who who visit bottom side Guingamp on loss between league and cup, although is PSG’s all-time leading scorer and Sunday. they nearly equalised on the hour mark has netted 22 times this season in all Such is their margin for error domes- when Francois Kamano’s fi rst-time competitions, would be another huge tically that coach Thomas Tuchel could shot from 20 yards was superbly saved blow to the French champions ahead of aff ord to wrap a host of key players in by Gianluigi Buff on. Tuesday’s game at Old Traff ord. cotton wool with one eye on the Cham- Elsewhere in France, on a weekend They are already missing Neymar pions League. As a result, Mbappe when a minute’s applause was held be- for the Champions League last-16 tie started on the bench while Angel di fore all games as a tribute to Emiliano against a resurgent United, with the Maria, Marquinhos, Juan Bernat, Thilo Sala, Mario Balotelli and Lucas Ocam- Brazilian not expected back from a Kehrer and Julian Draxler — all prob- pos scored to give Marseille a 2-1 win at metatarsal injury until early April. He able starters in midweek — were left out struggling Dijon on Friday. Paris Saint-Germain’s Edinson Cavani reacts after he getting injured during the Ligue 1 match against Bordeaux in Paris. (AFP)

LA LIGA Family tries to revive search for Sala Real Madrid jump above plane pilot London: The family of the pilot of the small plane that crashed over the Channel while flying Argentine foot- baller Emiliano Sala to Britain has launched a fundraising campaign to find his remains. Atletico aft er derby win British rescuers on Thursday formally identified the one body pulled from the sub- Barcelona will restore the lead to eight points if they beat Athletic Bilbao today merged wreckage as that of the 28-year-old striker. AFP But strong currents and Madrid winter weather forced them to call off the search before locat- ing 59-year-old pilot David hibaut Courtois overcame the Ibbotson — the only other jeers and Gareth Bale delivered person on the Piper Malibu a timely reminder of his talents propeller aircraft. “As a family as Real Madrid beat Atletico we are relying on the kindness TMadrid 3-1 in a feisty city derby yes- of the good hearted people to terday. Real’s fi fth league win in a row help us raise the much needed means they sit second for the fi rst time funds to help us find our be- since September, above Atletico, and loved Dad, Husband and Son,” just fi ve points behind Barcelona. the GoFundMe page said. “To Barca could restore that gap to eight be told the search has now by overcoming Athletic Bilbao today but been called off for the foresee- another impressive performance at the able future has only made this Wanda Metropolitano, aided by some tragic time more diff icult.” fortunate decisions, puts Real back in The campaign had raised the thick of the title race. around £25,000 by yester- Bale had been left out of the start- day morning — a fraction of ing line-up for the second time in four its stated goal of £300,000 days, after he was also a substitute ($390,000). The plane carry- against Barca in the Copa del Rey on ing Sala from the French city Wednesday. The Welshman’s goal, his of Nantes to his new English 100th for Real Madrid, will not have Premier League club Cardiff been lost on coach Santiago Solari and City disappeared near the ended Atletico’s hopes of a comeback British island of Guernsey on after Sergio Ramos’ penalty put Real in January 21. front at half-time, with Antoine Griez- The Welsh club hoped Sala mann earlier cancelling out Casemiro’s would would help them avoid acrobatic opener. By the time Thomas relegation from the world’s Partey was sent off with 10 minutes left, most lucrative league this the game was up, and Courtois could season after signing him from have been forgiven for breathing a sigh Nantes for a club record fee. of relief at the fi nal whistle. The Bel- The city of 335,000 has been gian, who spent three years at Atletico, in mourning for more than was playing in the white of Real for the two weeks. fi rst time at the home of his former club. Fans transformed the He was whistled when he came out grounds around the sta- alone to warm-up, when he emerged dium on Friday into a sea of again with his teammates and then be- Real Madrid’s Gareth Bale (right) scores during the La Liga match against Atletico Madrid at Wanda Metropolitano stadium in Madrid yesterday. (Reuters) bouquets and yellow-and-blue fore kick-off too, as the Atletico ultras team scarves and jerseys in behind the goal hurled dozens of toy rats Rodrigo. His team were fi red up and fi rst Jose Gimenez clashed with Vinicius, and Ramos whipped the penalty into left. His driven shot fl ashed across Jan tribute to their fallen star. towards his head. A sign read, ‘Thibaut to everything early on, as Griezmann a scuffl e that would resurface again the corner. Morata had barely featured Oblak and nestled in the bottom corner. Cardiff City owner Vincent — Rata’, just to underline the point. Al- and Thomas unleashed shots while soon after. First, though, Griezmann in the fi rst half but he was celebrating a Atletico’s misery was compounded late Tan said on Friday that the varo Morata had gone the opposite way, Dani Carvajal and Sergio Reguilon were equalised, sent through by Angel Cor- goal early in the second, only for his su- on as Thomas earned a second yellow club have off ered to pay to also via Chelsea, now for Atleti after rushed into panicked clearances. rea, who was fortunate not to be penal- perb lob over Courtois to be ruled out by for a nasty challenge on Toni Kroos. Bale take Sala “back to rest” in his starting out at Real Madrid. But Real survived and, with virtually ised for a robust challenge on Vinicius. VAR for off side. Bale came on for Vini- could have added a fourth but headed hometown of Progreso in rural He was cheered and, despite a quiet their fi rst attack, scored. Ramos rose Griezmann, just onside, poked the ball cius but Atletico were on top and again, over. Argentina. game, would have scored but for VAR high at a corner and the ball was fl icked through Courtois’ legs. Vinicius’ pace felt aggrieved, after Morata fell over a “We’ve off ered to arrange to ruling out an impressive lob in the sec- to the back post where the unmarked had been a constant thorn in Atleti’s clumsy Casemiro challenge in the box. LA LIGA RESULTS take Emiliano back to rest with ond half. Isco was left out completely Casemiro threw himself into the air, and side but Gimenez refused to be beaten, Referee Estrada Fernandez gave Real a Getafe 3 (Mata 39-pen, 81, Jorge Molina his family in Argentina,” Tan after pulling up with a back complaint bicycle kicked it in from six yards. diving in from behind when he had little free-kick. The push subsided and Bale 62) Celta Vigo 1 (Araujo 2); Atletico said. “Even though he will be in training on Friday. Atleti were still snarling as Karim chance of getting the ball. delivered a sucker-punch. Benzema there, his soul will always be in Madrid 1 (Griezmann 25) Real Madrid 3 Diego Simeone picked Saul Niguez Benzema was shoved into the hoardings The foul might have been commit- made the space and Modric the pass but our hearts.” (Casemiro 16, Ramos 42-pen, Bale 74) in midfi eld ahead of the more defensive and Reguilon tumbled into the cameras. ted outside the box but VAR disagreed, Bale had a lot to do from the angle on the

FOCUS QFA president receives dignitaries aft er Qatar’s Asian Cup victory

heikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Hani Taleb Ballan, Ali Daoud, and tion on Friday’s devastating fi re which Ahmed al-Thani, president of Mushtaq al-Waeli. The delegation of killed ten members and injured three the Qatar Football Association well-wishers included Rashid Issa al- others of Flamengo’s youth team at the (QFA) yesterday received at his Dosari, CEO of Al Gharafa Club, Man- Brazilian football club’s training centre offiS ce several sports fi gures who con- sour Mousa, Head of the football at Al in Rio de Janeiro. gratulated him on Al Anabi’s success in Kharaitiyat Club, Jassim Mohammed Sheikh Hamad off ered his heartfelt winning the 2018 Asian Cup. al-Hardan, General Commissioner of condolences over the loss of the young Last Friday, Qatar beat Japan 3-1 to the Scout and Guide Association of players who pursued dreams of becom- win the continent’s top event to com- Qatar, and Brgadier General Ahmed ing footballers and to all those aff ected plete a sensational run of form that Khamis al-Yousuf. by this enormous tragedy. saw the team remain unbeaten in seven A consultant for the Scout and Guide Firefi ghters were called at 5:17am lo- matches. Association of Qatar, Hamad al-Omari, cal time to control the blaze that started Sheikh Jassim bin Thamer al-Tha- the Scout Adviser to the Society, Mu- at the sleeping quarters of Flamengo’s ni, president of Al Gharafa Club, and barak Ali al-Marri, Secretary of Man- youth centre that had been expanded Sheikh Khalifa bin Thamer al-Thani, agement, Captain Ali al-Nunu, former only two months ago. president of Al Kharaitiyat Club, con- Yemen captain and former Qatar coach Flamengo is one of the best-sup- gratulated the QFA President on the Jamal Mosovic were also present. ported clubs in Brazil and known team’s ‘fantastic run of form’. Meanwhile, Sheikh Hamad sent his around the world. Known by fans as the The meeting was attended by top condolences on behalf of the Qatari Red-and-Black, the club won the Copa football offi cials in the country includ- football family to Rogerio Caboclo, Libertadores, in 1981 and lifted the In- QFA president Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed al-Thani meets off icials from football clubs. ing Ahmed Abdul Aziz al-Buainain, president of Brazilian Football Federa- tercontinental Cup in that same year. Gulf Times Sunday, February 10, 2019 3 FOOTBALL

PREMIER LEAGUE BUNDESLIGA Bayern beat Liverpool back on Schalke to cut Dortmund lead Reuters in the fi rst half, fi ring in to give Berlin them the lead and slicing through top as Manchester the hapless Hoff enheim defence at will. The England internation- hampions Bayern Mu- al then set up Mario Goetze for nich beat Schalke 04 Dortmund’s second goal before 3-1 yesterday to climb combining with Goetze to set back into second place up Raphael Guerreiro for an easy Cand cut the gap on Bundesliga tap-in in the 66th. leaders Borussia Dortmund to Sancho almost got a second United go fourth fi ve points. Goals from Robert goal in the 75th but his low shot Lewandowski and Serge Gnabry hit the post and bounced clear after a Schalke own goal lifted before the hosts stepped off the the Bavarians, who bounced back gas, allowing Ishak Belfodil to cut Arsenal inflict more misery on bottom-side Huddersfield with a 2-1 win from last week’s loss to Bayer the defi cit in the 75th. Pavel Kad- Leverkusen and face Liverpool in erabek then rose above his mark- the Champions League round of er to head in with seven minutes 16 later this month, to 45. left and set up a nervous fi nale. Dortmund are on 50 points af- The visitors’ memorable ter wasting a three-goal lead to comeback was completed when draw 3-3 with Hoff enheim earlier Belfodil headed in a free kick in yesterday. Borussia Moencheng- the 87th. “It was very bitter af- ladbach dropped to third on 42 ter a very good fi rst half with after losing 3-0 to visiting Her- Sancho playing an outstanding tha Berlin. game,” said Dortmund assist- Jeff rey Bruma’s own goal on ant Edin Terzic, standing in for his Schalke debut put the hosts head coach Lucien Favre at the ahead before Ahmed Kutucu, news conference after the Swiss making his fi rst Bundesliga start missed the game with the fl u. for Schalke after scoring in the “We lost possession far too often German Cup in midweek, lev- in the second half.” elled in the 25th. Dortmund scorer Goetze said But the 18-year-old’s joy was they made far too many mis- cut short when forward Lewand- takes, especially after such a owski struck two minutes later to dominant fi rst hour. “When you Bayern ahead once more. Schal- lead 3-0 at home and then you ke, last season’s runners-up, play a 3-3 then it obviously is came close to another equaliser extremely bitter,” Goetze told re- early in the second half but Serge porters. “That should never have Gnabry killed off their hopes happened. Especially after such when he wrong-footed keeper a performance for large parts of Ralf Faehrmann with a clever the game and after a strong fi rst header from a Lewandowski bi- half.” cycle kick. Schalke dropped to 13th on 22 points, seven above BUNDESLIGA RESULTS the relegation zone. Borussia Dortmund 3 (Sancho 32, Earlier, Dortmund inexplica- Goetze 43, Guerreiro 66) Hoff en- bly surrendered a three-goal lead heim 3 (Belfodil 75, 87, Kaderabek in the second half to draw 3-3 83); RB Leipzig 0 Eintracht Frank- against Hoff enheim after com- pletely dominating for more than furt 0; Borussia Moenchengla- an hour. The league leaders have dbach 0 Hertha Berlin 3 (Kalou only themselves to blame for the 30, Duda 56, Selke 76); Hanover 2 draw that comes just days before (N. Mueller 45+5, 77) Nuremberg Wednesday’s Champions League 0; Freiburg 3 (Grifo 37, Petersen last-16, fi rst leg against Totten- 70, Waldschmidt 88) Wolfsburg 3 ham Hotspur in London. (Roussillon 11, Weghorst 63, Stef- Jadon Sancho, in the absence fen 75); Bayern Munich 3 (Bruma of Dortmund captain Marco 12-og, Lewandowski 27, Gnabry Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah (second right) celebrates with teammates after scoring against Bournemouth during the Premier League match at Anfield. (AFP) Reus, took control for the hosts 57) Schalke 1 (Kutucu 25)

AFP before Egypt striker Salah sealed victory defeat. Watford striker Troy Deeney had Zohore to score a 93rd-minute winner for London with a curling shot. “The crowd was im- scorned Silva in the build-up by saying Cardiff at St Mary’s Stadium. “It’s been a mense,” said Liverpool’s James Milner. “the people at Everton are fantastic, not tough couple of weeks,” said Bamba. “It “It’s been a tough few weeks with players the manager” and Andre Gray’s fi rst goal can’t get better, scoring the fi rst goal in iverpool returned to winning injured and ill. Georginio Wijnaldum was since September meant Deeney did not front of our fans. A lot goes through your ways and the top of the Premier nowhere to be seen yesterday and then he have to eat his words. mind. I know Emiliano Sala was looking League table while Manchester produces a performance like that.” An emotional week for Cardiff ended from up there so it’s good to get the three United climbed into fourth place In London, Paul Pogba scored two with a dramatic 2-1 win away to South- points.” Lyesterday as English football paid tribute goals — including a second-half penalty ampton that saw them climb out of the Meanwhile London rivals Crystal Pal- to the late Emiliano Sala. First-half goals — either side of an emphatic Anthony relegation zone just days after the death ace and West Ham drew 1-1. Hammers from Sadio Mane and Georginio Wijnal- Martial strike, as United made it 10 wins of transfer-window signing Sala was captain Mark Noble’s fi rst-half pen- dum and Mohamed Salah’s 48th-minute in 11 game since former striker Solskjaer confi rmed without him having played a alty gave the visitors the lead at Selhurst eff ort gave Liverpool a 3-0 win over was put in temporary command. game for the Welsh club. Park before Palace striker Wilfried Zaha Bournemouth at Anfi eld. Chelsea could regain a spot among The Argentinian’s body was formally marked his return from suspension with Victory meant Liverpool, who had the Champions League qualifying places identifi ed by a coroner in Dorset, south- an equaliser 14 minutes from time. been second on goal diff erence, leapfrog against Manchester City today. west England, on Thursday, a day after it Third-placed Tottenham welcome Manchester City by three points ahead of But United, 11 points adrift of the top was recovered from underwater wreckage Leicester to Wembley today, with in-form the reigning champions’ match at home four when Jose Mourinho was sacked in in the English Channel. The plane carry- Wolves at home to Newcastle tomorrow. to Chelsea today. Meanwhile United’s re- December, are back in the hunt now. “The ing Sala from the French city of Nantes to vival under caretaker manager Ole Gun- top four is a big thing. There are so many Cardiff , his new club, disappeared near PREMIER LEAGUE RESULTS nar Solskjaer continued with an equally games left, but we hope to stay in the top the British island of Guernsey on Janu- Crystal Palace 1 (Zaha 76) West Ham 1 four,” said Solskjaer. ary 21. comfortable 3-0 win away to Fulham. (Noble 27-pen); Fulham 0 Manchester Liverpool had dropped points in suc- Arsenal infl icted more misery on Cardiff had been given permission by United 3 (Pogba 14, 65-pen, Martial cessive 1-1 draws against Leicester and Huddersfi eld with a 2-1 win away to the the Premier League to wear shirts em- 23); Huddersfield 1 (Kolasinac (90+3- West Ham, amid suggestions that Jurgen bottom-of-the-table club. Alex Iwobi broidered with a yellow daff odil, the Klopp’s men were losing their nerve in a volleyed the Gunners into an early lead national emblem of Wales and the team og) Arsenal 2 (Iwobi 16, Lacazette 44); quest to end the club’s 29-year wait to and Alexandre Lacazette made it 2-0 colour of Nantes, with a minute’s si- Liverpool 3 (Mane 24, Wijnaldum 34, be crowned champions of England once before half-time, with Sead Kolasi- lence observed prior to kick-off . Cardiff Salah 48) Bournemouth 0; Southampton again. Mane, however, eased the pres- nac’s late own-goal no consolation for captain Sol Bamba’s second-half volley 1 (Stephens 90+1) Cardiff 2 (Bamba 69, sure with an early headed goal at Anfi eld. Huddersfi eld. gave the Bluebirds the lead only for Jack Zohore 90+3); Watford 1 (Gray 65) Everton Liverpool doubled their lead through Elsewhere Everton manager Marco Stephens to equalise in stoppage-time. 0; Brighton 1 (Duff y 76) Burnley 3 (Wood Bayern Munich’s Serge Gnabry celebrates with teammates after scor- Wijnaldum’s delightful 34th-minute lob Silva’s return to Watford ended in a 1-0 But there was still time for Kenneth 26, 62, Barnes 74-pen) ing against Schalke in Munich yesterday. (AFP)

Can Sarri take solace in SERIE A Guardiola’s slow start at City? Wasteful Napoli held to goalless draw by Fiorentina Manchester: Pep Guardiola and points with Arsenal. Maurizio Sarri share a mutual Yet, hope does exist for Chel- Reuters ing Alex Meret save. admiration and style of play, sea should Sarri learn the same Milan On Friday, Stephan El Shaarawy and but as Chelsea visit Manchester lessons Guardiola did after his Edin Dzeko scored early with Aleksandar City today, Sarri is also follow- first experience of the harsh Kolarov adding a third after the break as ing Guardiola’s experience of a winter months in English foot- econd-placed Napoli wasted half Roma eased past basement club Chievo diff icult first year in England. ball. Sarri did not suff er defeat a dozen clearcut chances as they 3-0 to get back to winning ways and move Long forgotten now after for his first 18 games in charge were held 0-0 at Fiorentina in Se- up to fourth. romping to the Premier League until late November. rie A yesterday, their fourth suc- Eusebio Di Francesco’s side had been cessiveS away game in all competitions coming off two league draws and a humil- with a record 100 points last A run of five losses in 12 season, City suff ered some Premier League matches, most without scoring. Napoli, whose hopes of iating 7-1 Coppa Italia exit to Fiorentina. serious growing pains in notably a 4-0 thrashing at the winning the title last season eff ectively Roma now occupy the fi nal Champions Guardiola’s debut campaign. hands of Bournemouth last ended with a 3-0 defeat in the same fi x- League berth, a welcome boost ahead of Despite preparing for the month, has since taken the ture, were left eight points behind leaders their last 16, fi rst leg tie against Porto next Catalan’s arrival for years with shine off the Italian’s reputa- Juventus who visit Sassuolo today. week in this season’s elite European com- the hire of his former Barcelona tion. Guardiola won his first 10 Lorenzo Insigne was the fi rst Napoli petition. “We could have scored a few colleagues Ferran Soriano and games in all competitions as player to squander an opening when he more goals, but I hope we held them back Txiki Begiristain, City scraped City boss before things started fi red the ball over the bar after Alban for Porto,” said Di Francesco. into the top four in 2016/17 to unravel. A 2-0 win at Everton Lafont parried Piotr Zielinski’s shot. Chievo had held the Romans in their by just three points thanks to on Wednesday night that took Jose Callejon also shot over from a Dries two previous meetings, battling back winning their final four league City back to the top of the table Mertens cross, then Mertens himself from two goals down to draw 2-2 in the games. Sarri acknowledged on on goal diff erence came almost missed the target from a good position Stadio Olimpico earlier this season. This Friday a return to Champions two years to the day since and volleyed straight at Lafont from time Roma did not let their lead slip, after League football next season is his side were thrashed 4-0 at point-blank range as more chances went also throwing away a three-goal lead to be Chelsea’s target with a 12-point Goodison Park. “People believe begging. Fiorentina’s Federico Ceccherini (left) and Napoli’s Lorenzo Insigne vie for the ball held by Atalanta two weeks ago. gap to City and Liverpool too we arrive with good players, The opportunities continued to fl ow during the Serie A match in Florence, Italy, yesterday. (Reuters) Roma took control early with teenage big to bridge for the title. The good clubs and everything after halftime as Lafont made a brilliant striker Nicolo Zaniolo forcing goalkeeper Blues enter the weekend fifth immediately must work,” said save from Zielinski and Fabian Ruiz went jured with all the substitutions made and stung Lafont’s hands with a long-range Stefano Sorrentino to pull off a diving after Manchester United won Guardiola on Friday of Sarri’s close with a long-range shot. Fiorentina Napoli twice went close in stoppage time. drive. Ninth-placed Fiorentina also had save. El Shaarawy lobbed in the fi rst after yesterday and are level on current predicament. had to play the last few minutes with 10 Arkadiusz Milik was too late getting to their chances, the best falling to Jordan nine minutes with Dzeko adding the sec- men after German Pezzella went off in- Callejon’s cross at the far post before he Veretout who was denied by an outstand- ond goal ten minutes later. Gulf Times 4 Sunday, February 10, 2019 SPORT

THIRD TEST FOCUS Guptill set to return for NZ, Bangladesh Paul piles on misery to miss Shakib

Reuters dhury, the Bangladesh Cricket Wellington Board’s chief physician. New Zealand squad: Kane ew Zealand opener Williamson (captain), Todd for Jennings as Martin Guptill is set Astle, Trent Boult, Colin de to return from a back Grandhomme, Lockie Fer- injury for the up- guson, Martin Guptill, Matt Ncoming one-day international Henry, Tom Latham, Co- series against Bangladesh, se- lin Munro, Jimmy Neesham, lectors said yesterday. Henry Nicholls, Ross Taylor, Guptill was ruled out of Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee. the ongoing Twenty20 series England rebuild against India after aggravat- ing a disc in his lower back, BRISBANE HEAT PART WAYS England lose one wicket in first session against West Indies on Day 1 but was named for the three- WITH COACH VETTORI game series against Bangla- The Big Bash League’s Bris- desh, which starts in Napier bane Heat were on the lookout on Wednesday. for a new coach yesterday after “We’re delighted to have former New Zealand captain Martin back on the park for Daniel Vettori opted not to re- this series. He’s a world-class new his contract. player and an integral part of His decision came soon our one-day side,” selector after fellow ex-Black Caps Gavin Larsen said in a state- skipper Brendon McCullum ment. confi rmed that this would be Guptill will undergo a fi t- his last season playing for the ness test on Sunday after Heat in the Australian Twen- which a fi nal decision will be ty20 tournament. taken on whether he can part- Vettori has been coach since ner Henry Nicholls at the top 2015 and will end his tenure of New Zealand’s order. when the season fi nishes. The “He and Henry did a good Heat have won their last three job opening up in Hamilton games and remain in conten- against India and they’re a tion for the semi-fi nals. combination we want to see “I have loved my time at some more of in this series,” Brisbane, fi rstly as a player Larsen added. and then as coach, and the ex- Mitchell Santner and Todd perience of being part of the Astle are the specialist spin- growth of the BBL has been ners in the squad, with Co- personally rewarding,” said lin de Grandhomme and Vettori. Jimmy Neesham taking the “I would like to thank the pace-bowling all-rounder players for their eff orts and spots. wish them all the best in their Skipper Kane Williamson is respective careers.” to be rested for the fi nal ODI Heat general manager An- with Colin Munro standing in drew McShea thanked both as captain. Vettori and McCullum for Bangladesh will be without their time with the club. all-rounder Shakib al-Hasan, “It’s an end of an era for the who has been ruled out of the Heat with both Brendon Mc- series after fracturing a fi nger Cullum and now Dan leaving during the Bangladesh Pre- our club and we can only ex- mier League fi nal on Friday. press our deepest gratitude to “An X-ray was done after both men for their passion and the match and the results have dedication to the Heat during confi rmed a fracture on the their time with us,” he said. left ring fi nger. The aff ected “We will take this oppor- area will now have to be im- tunity to review our planning mobilised for around three and our structures and look to weeks,” said Debashis Chow- make a fresh start.”

Coulter-Nile suff ers vertigo bout Keemo Paul (second left) and Roston Chase (centre) of West Indies celebrate the dismissal of Keaton Jennings of England during Day 1 of the 3rd and final Test at Darren Sammy during BBL game Cricket Ground, Gros Islet, Saint Lucia, yesterday. (AFP) Nathan Coulter-Nile, who was picked this week for Australia’s AFP Jennings’ tortuous occupation drove loosely at the seam bowl- He is one of two changes to the over the course of the match. one-day and Twenty20 tour of India, was taken to hospital yes- Gros-Islet, Saint Lucia of the crease when the opening ing all-rounder’s opening deliv- tourists’ eleven as left-handed all- Given previous infractions under terday after a bout of vertigo during a Big Bash League game. batsman fell for the third time ery midway through the session rounder Sam Curran was omitted Holder’s captaincy over the past The Perth Scorchers fast bowler had delivered the fifth ball of his in three innings in the series to to depart for eight off 43 balls via in preference for fast bowler Mark 12 months, this latest situation final over late in the Twenty20 match against the Adelaide Strik- eemo Paul struck with catches in the slip cordon. Eng- a straightforward catch to Dar- Wood. West Indies’ only change took him past the penalty points ers when he signalled that all was not well. his fi rst delivery of land will resume in the afternoon ren Bravo at fi rst slip. to the victorious team from the threshold with necessitated the After consulting with Perth captain Mitchell Marsh, he bowled the series as England with Rory Burns (27 not out) Jennings, who failed in both fi rst two matches was forced by sanction which has become the the sixth ball, which was hit for six, before sinking to his haunch- reached lunch at 46 having been joined in the middle innings of the fi rst Test in Barba- the International Cricket Coun- main West Indian talking point es and sitting on the ground. Kfor one after being put in to bat by Joe Denly, who made his de- dos, which the West Indies won cil’s ruling which holds the cap- in between the second and third Scorchers physio Chris Quinnell said Coulter-Nile had suff ered a by stand-in West Indies captain but in the second Test as Burns’ by 381 runs, was then dropped tain primarily accountable when Tests. Following the conclusion of “bad bout of vertigo”. Kraigg Brathwaite on the fi rst opening partner. for the second match in Antigua, his team falls short of the required the second Test, Holder acknowl- “He was taken to hospital after the game as a precaution and will morning of the third and fi nal Dropped earlier by Roston where the home side romped over-rate of 15 per hour. edged his guilt and did not chal- be monitored over the next few hours,” Quinnell said on the BBL Test at the Darren Sammy Sta- Chase at third slip off Kemar to victory by ten wickets inside Despite winning the match lenge Crowe’s ruling. website. dium in St Lucia yesterday. Roach, the leading wicket-taker three days to take an unbeatable with two days in hand, it was Coulter-Nile’s inclusion in Australia’s squad for the India tour Drafted into the fi nal eleven as in the series with 13 victims, Jen- 2-0 lead in the series and reclaim determined by match referee Brief scores at lunch came after he was left out of recent home limited overs interna- replacement for regular skipper nings failed to make the most of the Wisden Trophy after ten Jeff Crowe that the West Indies England 46-1 (R. Burns 27 not tionals with back issues. Jason Holder, Paul ended Keaton the reprieve as the left-hander years in English possession. were two overs short, on average, out; K. Paul 1-7) v West Indies

GOLF Mickelson, Spieth among leaders at Pebble Beach Reuters Los Angeles Ormsby and Kaufman take charge at Vic Open Veteran Wade Ormsby took a Hong Kong Open, which he leaving her three off the pace. hil Mickelson’s seven two-shot lead at the Vic Open achieved at 264th attempt. France’s Celine Boutier shot a 69 birdies more than made on Saturday as he searches for “We got hammered with the rain to put herself in contention, two up for three bogeys as a second European Tour win, for about three or four holes behind Kaufman and alongside the veteran American while American Kim Kaufman there, so it was really good to Australian Su Oh in second Pfi nished atop the leaderboard leads the women in a concurrent get through that stretch,” said place. with four other players at the LPGA Tour event. Asian Tour regular Stieger after Pebble Beach Pro-Am in North- The pioneering tournament, sinking seven birdies to stay in LEADING SCORES ern California on Friday. south of Melbourne, is the only the hunt. Men Weather conditions deterio- one in the world with male and “No bogeys today, which is really 201 - Wade Ormsby 65-66-70 rated throughout the day as rain female fields, playing in alter- nice. Just stuck to my game plan 203 - Callum Shinkwin (ENG) and wind set in and play was nate groups on the same course out there.” 64-73-66, Matt Stieger 71-67-65 suspended before a handful of and for equal prize money. Overnight leaders Jason 204 - Justin Harding (RSA) 67- players could fi nish their rounds, It has been co-sanctioned this Scrivener and Nick Flanagan 71-66, Brad Kennedy 67-65-72, which had begun an hour ear- year by the European Tour and didn’t fare as well, both strug- David Law (SCO) 67-66-71 lier than scheduled to avoid the US LPGA Tour for the first time. gling to 76s, leaving them five 205 - David Bransdon 69-69-67, worst of the storm. After some low scoring during adrift. Kaufman, who is targeting Nicolas Colsaerts (BEL) 66-71- Mickelson, Lucas Glover, the first two days, the players her first LPGA Tour win, had 68, Paul Dunne (IRL) 69-66-70 Scott Langley and Paul Casey were met with brutal winds and a two-shot lead overnight 206 - David Drysdale (SCO) all sat 10-under par along- a fierce band of early rain Satur- but by the sixth hole she had 66-69-71, Grant Forrest (SCO) side Jordan Spieth, who was on day, making life diff icult around been reeled in by Japan’s Haru 65-69-72, Jazz Janewattana- 16 when play was called for the Phil Mickelson of the United States plays his shot from the 13th tee during the second round of the AT&T the 13th Beach Links course. Nomura. The American then nond (THA) 68-70-68, Aaron day. Pebble Beach Pro-Am at Spyglass Hill Golf Course in Pebble Beach, California. (Getty Images/AFP) England’s Callum Shinkwin and holed a diff icult birdie from the Townsend 69-69-68, Blake After an opening round where South Africa’s Justin Harding front bunker at the short par- Winddred 70-67-69, Jason he did not miss a fairway for the off on a couple of holes. Both par “I grew up in California and best round of the leaders on were undeterred, shooting three seventh - known locally Scrivener 64-66-76, Nick Flana- fi rst time in two decades, Mick- fi ves in the front and that ended I’m used to the poa greens,” he Friday, fi ring fi ve birdies and an impressive 66s, but the round of as ‘the postage stamp’ after the gan 62-66-76 elson struggled with his accu- up costing me probably three said. eagle en route to a bogey-free the day went to Australia’s Matt famous par-three at Royal Troon racy off the tee on Friday and had shots if I hit those fairways.” “I think that’s a big adjust- round of 64 at Monterey Pe- Stieger who overcame the ele- in Scotland - to regain control. Women consecutive bogeys on holes six, But Mickelson’s solid putting ment for a lot of guys, seeing ninsula, the easiest of the three ments with a 65. It left him tied She holed further birdies at the 207 - Kim Kaufman (USA) 66- seven and eight. bailed him out and he credited how the ball rolls on that par- courses used during the tourna- for second with Shinkwin - two ninth and 13th before a double 66-75 “I didn’t drive it like I did yes- his familiarity with the course’s ticular grass and adjusting to the ment. behind Australia’s 38-year-old bogey at the 14th tarnished her 209 - Celine Boutier (FRA) 69- terday,” the 48-year-old lefty tricky poa annua greens for soft conditions. Wet and chilly conditions are Ormsby, who carded a 70 as he scorecard. After a solid start 71-69, Su Oh 67-68-74 said. his success at the tournament, “But growing up here you get expected to return on Saturday, aims to add to his first European Nomura’s touch deserted her on 210 - Haru Nomura (JPN) 67- “Here you’ve got to be in the where he is a four-time cham- used to it and fi gure it out.” when the fi rst players will go out Tour success at last season’s the back nine, with three bogeys 67-76. fairway and I was fractionally pion. Englishman Casey had the at 0710 local time. Gulf Times Sunday, February 10, 2019 5 SPORT

NBA SPOTLIGHT Twins didn’t make any major deals Warriors rally to month, referencing the Mari- By Phil Miller Star Tribune (Minneapolis) ners’ trade-heavy teardown. “We explored the market. We made a lot of inquiries, and we he Twins were the just didn’t fi nd fi ts. There were most active team in prices to be paid for players – baseball at last year’s painful prices. And we chose trade deadline, pulling not to” pay them. hand Suns 13th Toff fi ve swaps in the fi nal days That’s partly because they of July and another in early Au- fi lled a pair of infi eld vacan- gust. And that was just a pre- cies with veteran players they cursor, the team’s front offi ce hadn’t expected to be availa- hinted and the MLB commu- ble. First baseman CJ Cron, off nity assumed, to a winter spent a 30-homer, 2.0 WAR season, bartering for major league up- was unexpectedly designated grades in Minnesota. for assignment by the Rays, the consecutive loss “We may actually shift our veteran falling into the Twins’ attention to the trade market,” laps for the price of a $20,000 ‘It just feels good to be back on the floor playing the game that I love’ Twins general manager Thad Le- waiver claim. vine said, when asked at a public Four days later, the Brewers Agencies forum in August about the team’s decided not to off er Jonathan Los Angeles plans for pursuing free agents. Schoop a contract, and the “This might not be the perfect Twins swooped in to sign the time for us to invest in a guy who’s 2017 All-Star to play second tephen Curry saved 10 of his 20 30 years old and would need to base. points for a fourth-quarter rally perform today in order for us to But the Twins had hoped to that enabled the Golden State realise his true potential.” upgrade the pitching staff with Warriors to overtake the host It hasn’t happened. The a trade or two, too, only to dis- PhoenixS Suns 117-107 Friday night for Twins fi lled their most gaping cover themselves blocked by a their 11th consecutive road win. holes through a waiver claim longtime baseball truism: Eve- Phoenix lost its 13th straight despite and by signing four reduced- rybody needs pitching. leading by as many as 17 points in the fi rst price free agents. They haven’t quarter and 94-88 after a hoop by Kelly dealt or acquired a major We explored the Oubre Jr. with 8:35 left in the game. league player in a trade since market. We made a lot The Warriors scored the next 13 points, fl ipping Bobby Wilson to the of inquiries, and we with DeMarcus Cousins contributing two Cubs in August. just didn’t fi nd fi ts. dunks to a fl urry that produced a 101-94 That the Twins, like about ‘ lead with 5:46 to go. 20 other teams, sat out the — Derek Falvey The Suns got as close as 101-98 on retail-priced free-agent mar- Twins Chief Baseball Off icer a Richaun Holmes tip-in with 4:58 to ket is not a surprise. That they play, but Curry countered with a 3-point- never shook up their roster “There’s been a lot of tire- er, and Phoenix never got closer than four with a trade ranks as a shock kicking,” Levine said about the again. – and that rummage sale they Twins’ fruitless search for a After shooting just 2-for-10 in the fi rst conducted last summer is part trading partner. three quarters, Curry fi nished 6-for-17. of the reason. “It becomes a yo-yo act be- The Warriors won for the 14th time in As one scout mused in Sep- tween free agency and trades. their past 15 games despite losing Dray- tember about the Twins’ off - And this year, the reality is mond Green at the start of the fourth season plans, the team had that there are still so many free period after he drew his second technical acquired an extraordinary agents out there, teams have foul. number of “packing peanuts” not had to necessarily ... resort – intriguing but embryonic to trades. Even when we have RESULTS prospects, the sort of lottery gotten relatively serious about tickets that can turn “maybe” a deal, there still is always the New Orleans 122-117 Minnesota into “yes” during trade nego- caveat of, ‘Hey, if I can still get Milwaukee 122-107 Dallas tiations – during their deadline that calibre of player on the spree. The Twins received 13 free agent market ...’ And in Chicago 125-106 Brooklyn players in their various deals, a lot of cases, that’s what has Sacramento 102-96 Miami 10 of them minor leaguers happened.” Golden State 117-107 Phoenix and six who have never played It’s not just the Twins, Falvey above Class A, arming them added. Trade activity has been Detroit 120-103 New York with unusual depth to off er unusually slow throughout Philadelphia 117-110 Denver trading partners. And they the industry this off season. Washington 119-106 Cleveland tried, Chief Baseball Offi cer Aside from a Carlos Santana- Derek Falvey said. for-Edwin Encarnacion swap “It’s been a little bit hard on the fi nal day, MLB’s winter Green fi nished with 13 points in 26 to fi nd matches, Seattle not- meetings produced only minor, minutes. withstanding,” Falvey said last salary-dump deals. Klay Thompson led Golden State with 25 points, almost half of them coming on 4-of-5 shooting from 3-point range. Stephen Curry (right) of the Golden State Warriors handles the ball against Deandre Ayton (left) and Tyler Johnson (centre) of the $5.2mn guarantee kicks in for Chancellor Kevin Durant added 21 points to go with Phoenix Suns during the first half of the NBA game at Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. (Getty Images/AFP) a team-high eight rebounds, while Cous- Seattle Seahawks safety Kam Chancellor hasn’t played an NFL ins fi nished with 18 points. left in the second quarter. Golden State The Pelicans didn’t ship out their su- He sat out the entire fourth quarter game since November 2017, but he got a big win Friday. Curry also found time for a team-high went on to lead 60-53 by half’s end. perstar by Thursday’s trade deadline, and as the Timberwolves made a late push, Chancellor saw $5.2 million of his $10 million salary for 2019 seven assists for Golden State, which shot The Suns did the rallying in the third with the fi nger injury that had sidelined closing the gap to 114-112 on a dunk from become guaranteed, according to multiple media reports. He 50.6 percent from the fl oor. quarter, drawing even at 64-all on a free him healed he was back in the Pelicans Karl-Anthony Towns with 39 seconds missed all of the just-concluded season due to a neck injury that Oubre (25 points, 12 rebounds) and throw by Ayton with 7:49 left in the period. starting lineup. left. has been described as career-ending, but he has yet to announce Deandre Ayton (23 points, 12 rebounds) Phoenix led 85-82 after the third, then Boos from the home fans greeted his Towns fi nished with 32 points for Min- his retirement off icially. Per the terms of his contract, in case recorded double-doubles for Phoenix, began the fourth quarter with a Bridges pre-game introduction, and continued nesota, but Jrue Holiday, Kenrich Wil- of a long-term injury such as the one he ultimately sustained, which lost its fi fth straight home game. free throw after Green drew his game- whenever he touched the ball in the early liams and Julius Randle got the job done in Chancellor was assured of $6.8 million for the 2018 season and Mikal Bridges (19 points), Josh Jackson ending second technical between periods. going. Davis shook off the awkwardness, the waning seconds. $5.2 million for the 2019 season. (19) and Holmes (10) also scored in double Green also got whistled for a technical scoring 10 quick points and fi nishing the Pelicans head coach Alvin Gentry Chancellor, 30, will carry a $13 million salary-cap hit for the Sea- fi gures for the Suns, who shot 38.6 per- in the fi rst quarter. fi rst half with 24. said the decision not to send Davis hawks this season. cent on fi eld-goal attempts. He grabbed nine rebounds and blocked back into the game when things got The team could save $4.8 million against the cap by cutting him The Suns stunned the two-time de- DAVIS WINS OVER PELICANS FANS three shots in 25 minutes on the court. close was to do with his lack of recent after June 1, or Seattle could save $2.3 million against the cap by fending champs with a 26-9, game-open- Anthony Davis scored 32 points to turn “It just feels good to be back on the fl oor playing time. turning him loose before June 1, per multiple media outlets. A ing fl urry that featured three dunks by jeers to cheers on Friday, leading the New playing the game that I love,” Davis said. “I was not going have him, fi rst game four-time Pro Bowl performer, Chancellor was a key member of Ayton. Orleans Pelicans to a 122-117 NBA vic- “I’m going to be here the rest of the back, play 38-40 minutes,” Gentry said. the Seattle teams that won the Super Bowl in 2013-14 and lost the The Warriors clawed back to go ahead tory over Minnesota in his fi rst game since year. My job is to play basketball and that’s “That’s why he didn’t go back in the Super Bowl in 2014-15. 41-39 on a Thompson 3-pointer with 6:33 asking to be traded. all I want to do.” game.”

NHL Hurricanes’ big third period ices Rangers 3-0 Reuters Hayes fi red the puck past Mrazek New York before Carolina defenseman Jac- cob Slavin swept it out with his stick just before the puck would arren Foegele snapped have crossed the goal line. a scoreless tie early in The Hurricanes dominated the the third period Fri- fi rst few minutes of the third before day night and goalie Foegele fi nally scored. Carolina WPetr Mrazek stopped all 27 shots recorded the fi rst fi ve shots of the he faced for the red-hot Carolina period before scoring on an end- Hurricanes, who went on to beat to-end rush. the host New York Rangers, 3-0. Greg McKegg passed around The shutout was the second of center ice to Saku Maenalanen, the season for Mrazek, who also who backhanded the puck to Foe- blanked the Arizona Coyotes on gele as he neared the crease. With December. 16, and the 16th of his Rangers defenseman Brady Skjei career. Andrei Svechnikov and bending to try to block Foegele’s Brock McGinn scored empty-net- path and fellow defenseman Adam ters in the fi nal 75 seconds for the McQuaid trying to cut in, Foegele Hurricanes, who swept a back-to- fi red a shot that clipped off Lun- back set of road games against the dqvist’s glove and into the net. Rangers and Buff alo Sabres. The Rangers buzzed over the Carolina has won three straight next several minutes but missed and fi ve of six to move within one their best chance to tie the score point of the Pittsburgh Penguins for when Hayes’ shot caromed off the the fi nal wild-card spot in the East- left post with 5:45 left. ern Conference. Five seconds later, Slavin was Henrik Lundqvist made 30 saves whistled for holding, but New York for the Rangers, who have lost three failed to record a shot during the of four. Prior to the game New York power play. honoured its 1994 Stanley Cup- The Rangers pulled Lundqvist winning team – the franchise’s with 1:35 left, but the Hurricanes only Cup since 1940. The Rangers put the game away with the two outshot the Hurricanes 20-18 in empty-netters – Svechnikov’s goal the fi rst two periods and had the with 1:15 remaining and McGinn’s best scoring chance early in the length-of-the-ice goal with 28.8 Carolina Hurricanes left wing Warren Foegele (centre) celebrates with teammates after scoring the game-winning goal against the New York Rangers during the third period of second, when New York’s Kevin seconds to go. their NHL game at Madison Square Garden. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Gulf Times 6 Sunday, February 10, 2019 SPORT

RUGBY TENNIS Medvedev steals Stockdale inspires spotlight in Sofi a Reuters Sofia/Paris

ig-hitting Daniil Medvedev stole the show at the Sofi a Open yesterday as he Irish to end Scots Six punchedB his way to an em- phatic 6-2 6-4 victory over former world number six Gael Monfi ls to set up a fi nal clash against Hungarian Marton Fucsovics. The Russian delighted the crowd in Arena Armeets with Nations home run a barrage of sizzling winners as he broke twice in the fi rst ‘Joey is a quality player, you don’t want to see anyone go off injured, but it’s great to fi ve games and never took his foot off the pedal to clinch the see everyone coming off the bench and stepping up’ opening set. The Frenchman put up more of a fi ght in the second and France’s Pierre Hugues Herbert even managed to break to love reacts after winning against in the eighth game. But the Czech Republic’s Tomas Ber- 22-year-old Medvedev, haul- dych during their semi-finals ing his giant 1.96 metre frame at the Open Sud de France in around the court, kept his Montpellier yesterday. (AFP) composure to seal the win on his fi rst match point. Czech Tomas Berdych 6-2 “It was diffi cult at the end 7-5 to set up an all-French fi - as Gael never stopped fi ghting. nal with Jo-Wilfried Tsonga I’m glad that things didn’t get at the Open Sud de France in complicated and I made it to Montpellier yesterday. the fi nal,” said Medvedev. Herbert breezed through World number 47 Fucso- the opening set but Berdych vics battled past Italian giant- off ered more resistance in the killer Matteo Berrettini 5-7 7-5 second, only for the former 6-3 to progress to his second world number four to crack at ATP fi nal. a key moment. The Italian outclassed top A Berdych double fault at 5-5 seed Karen Khachanov and in the second set earned Her- Fernando Verdasco in a spar- bert a break and the French- kling week in the Bulgar- man then served it out to claim ian capital but his energy went his fi rst win against the Czech. down in the third set. Wildcard Tsonga beat The 27-year-old Hungarian, Moldova’s Radu Albot 6-1 who won his maiden ATP title 6-3 after overcoming an early in Geneva last year, recovered break in the second set. well after surrendering the Doubles specialist Herbert, gruelling fi rst set to secure his who won the Australian Open place in the fi nal. title with Nicolas Mahut last month, will be looking to claim HERBERT TO MEET his fi rst singles title today. TSONGA IN FINAL Tsonga will be bidding for French seventh seed Pierre- his 17th singles title but his Hugues Herbert downed fi rst since 2017.

FOCUS Ireland’s Jacob Stockdale runs in to score their second try in their Six nations match against Scotland yesterday. (Reuters) Wales see off Italy, AFP who lost key player Stuart Hogg them in front with a penalty Prior to that counter attack, 10 and Scotland might have gone Edinburgh to injury also in the fi rst-half – from in front of the posts. Hogg had damaged his shoulder into the half-time break with a are away in Paris against France. The lead lasted just four min- and when the Scotland full-back lead had Ireland not absorbed 25 equal century-old Murray and Stockdale struck utes. Ireland’s captain Rory made way for Blair Kinghorn phases of pressure with a reso- acob Stockdale created in the opening 16 minutes of a Best hailed a strong perform- Ireland struck again. lute green wall of defence just one and scored a try of his breathless fi rst-half in which ance from Sexton’s replacement Stockdale took a feed from before the interval. record win streak own to inspire Six Nations both teams lost their star men to Carbery, who recovered from Sexton just inside the Scotland The Scottish defence pro- champions Ireland to a injury, Hogg departing after 16 throwing an intercepted pass for half and the 22-year-old Ulster duced something similar to repel Reuters winger Josh Adams touched 22-13J victory over Scotland at minutes and a battered Sexton the only Scottish try to enjoy an fl yer motored 50m to the line. Ireland early in the second half, down, having shown a little too Rome Murrayfi eld yesterday to bounce with an accumulation of wounds infl uential second half. Murray assumed kicking du- a prolonged multi-phase attack much respect to the home side back from an opening loss to seven minutes later. “Joey is a quality player, you ties from Sexton and made no coming to an end with a thump- in the fi rst half when starting England. A 28th minute try by Austral- don’t want to see anyone go off mistake with the conversion, ing tackle on Earls by hooker ales overpowered fl yhalf Dan Biggar kicked four The Irish ran in three tries ian-born centre Sam Johnson injured, but it’s great to see eve- stretching Ireland’s lead to 12-3. Stuart McInally. Italy 26-15 in the penalties. through Conor Murray, Stock- helped Scotland narrow the gap ryone coming off the bench and Sexton left the fi eld with a Ironically, it was some slack Six Nations yes- It was Italy who scored the dale – the prolifi c winger’s 13th to 12-10 by half-time – only for stepping up,” he said. head injury after 23 minutes and Scottish defending that allowed terday, notch- fi rst try when South African- try in 16 Tests – and Keith Earls. Earls’ 55th minute score to nudge Stockdale chipped the ball fi ve minutes later his replace- Carbery to burst over the half- Wing up a record-equalling 11th born fl anker Brahm Steyn Their joy at the win may be Ireland towards a victory that up the left wing and Tommy ment, Joey Carbery, threw Scot- way line before shipping out a straight victory, the fi rst such barged across the line, breath- tempered by how serious an will lift their morale following Seymour’s sloppy pass to Sean land a chance to let Scotland long, looping pass for Earls to Welsh winning streak in a ing hope into the perennial injury world player of the year their 32-20 loss to England in Maitland hit the deck, allowing back into contention. score Ireland’s third try after 55 century. wooden-spooners who have Johnny Sexton suff ered in the Dublin. Murray to collect the loose ball In attempting to fi nd centre minutes. Wales, who beat France in now lost 19 straight Six Na- fi rst-half. In ending a run of Ireland also gained a psy- and bag the opening try after ten Bundee Aki, the Munster fl y-half Carbery nailed the conversion their opening match, domi- tions matches stretching back seven Scotland home wins in the chological boost ahead of their minutes. only succeeded in feeding Finn to stretch the lead to nine points. nated possession but scored to 2015. Six Nations, Joe Schmidt’s side opening World Cup pool match Sexton was injured in the Russell. The charging Scotland Laidlaw narrowed the advan- only two tries in a performance But it was not to be for the became the fi rst visiting side to against the Scots in Yokohama in move and, after receiving treat- outside-half was stopped shy of tage to 19-13 with a second pen- that is unlikely to have caused long-suff ering Rome crowd, record a championship victory September. ment, the Leinster fl y-half the line by Earls but popped up a alty success but Carbery made it too many concerns for their despite each side scoring an- since England in 2016. Scotland were on the front pushed his conversion attempt pass for Johnson to score his fi rst 22-13 with a 68th minute penalty next opponents England. other try through Wales centre Ireland next play Italy in Rome foot from the off and after six wide of the posts, leaving Ireland international try. Laidlaw’s con- with what proved to be the fi nal The visitors took 54 minutes Owen Watkin and Italy winger in a fortnight while the Scots – minutes Greig Laidlaw kicked in front 5-3. version narrowed the gap to 12- scoring action of the match. to score their fi rst try, when Edoardo Padovani.

PREVIEW England wary of French beauty and beasts AFP playing them with ball in hand. points out of the Wales total and Bastareaud’s return: “Against London But for missed goal-kicks France are the clear winners.” the power they have in midfi eld France might even have had an Jones has made just the two which has been strengthened by even bigger lead, before self-in- changes to England’s XV, re- Manu Tuilagi he can have an in- ngland coach Eddie fl icted wounds in the second half calling wing Chris Ashton and teresting impact.” Jones summed up the – Yoann Huget’s failure to touch bringing in Courtney Lawes for France haven’t won a Six Na- dilemma facing his side down behind his own line and injured second row Maro Itoje, tions match at Twickenham ahead of yesterday’s Six Sebastien Vahaamahina’s reck- but there are six alterations to since 2005 but the experienced NationsE clash at Twickenham by less intercepted cut-out pass – France counterpart Jacques Bastareaud, adamant he was too insisting there was still a place gifted Wales two tries. Brunel’s run-on team. old to be bitter at missing out for “beautiful” French rugby in Powerhouse centre Mathieu against Wales, said they could the modern game even if that ‘SPRING IN THEIR STEP’ Bastareaud returns to form a cause an upset. meant a change to their tradi- Jones, asked if French unpredict- new centre partnership with La “I’m 30, I’ve learnt to be above tional fl air play. ability was now a myth, replied: Rochelle’s Geoff rey Doumayrou, the idea of being vengeful,” he According to rugby cliché, “I think the way the game’s gone, with Wesley Fofana sidelined explained. England are solid if unspectacu- it’s become a lot more patterned. by a thigh injury and teenager “We’re going to England lar while France are brilliant but You look at the most fl uid at- Romain Ntamack dropped to without much to lose because unpredictable. tacking sides in the world, they the bench. South Africa-born everyone thinks we’re going to France did their best to live still play with a certain amount lock Paul Willemse, who made get thrashed. We have to go there up – or down – to the stereotype of pattern now and that’s been his France debut against Wales, and try things. It’s up to us to go by squandering a 16-0 half-time the case with French rugby, but is also now among the replace- there and cause problems,” he lead in a remarkable 24-19 fi rst- then they get one offl oad and it ments, with the 24-year-old Fe- added. round defeat by Wales in Paris goes back to old-style rugby. lix Lambey now set to make his England and France may be last week. “Players who looked tired fi rst Test start. in the same pool at this year’s England, by contrast, ran in suddenly have a spring in their Demba Bamba comes in at World Cup, but Jones said to- four tries – including one as step and there’s offl oads and tighthead prop instead of the day’s match was no dress re- early as the second minute – in a there’s continuity and there’s injured Uini Atonio, fl anker Ya- hearsal for that clash in Japan. 32-20 victory away to Ireland in players coming from depth and couba Camara replaces Wenc- “It’s got no World Cup con- Dublin that scuppered the reign- it’s beautiful rugby,” the Austral- eslas Lauret and Gael Fickou re- notations. It’s a one-off game,” ing Six Nations champions’ bid ian added. “So it’s still there but turns on the left wing of a back he said. “It’s like boxing a bloke for back-to-back Grand Slams. just in a diff erent way. three revamped because of Max- twice; the only time it counts And yet for the opening 40 “France are a diffi cult team,” ime Medard’s thigh problem. is when you’re in the ring that minutes, France were tactically insisted Jones. “If you look back England, with centre Manu time. We’re in the ring this time superior to Wales, out-thinking at the Wales game, they gifted Tuilagi prominent, outmus- and this is the only game that England’s coach Eddie Jones gestures as players huddle during a captain’s run training session at Pen- their opponents while also out- Wales 14 points, so you take 14 cled Ireland and Brunel said of counts.” nyhill Park in Bagshot, west of London, yesterday. (AFP) Gulf Times Sunday, February 10, 2019 7 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Doha Triathlon sees huge success in third edition

By Sports Reporter volves 1500m swimming, 40km would like to thank Qatar National Doha cycling and 10km running. Tourism Council and Qatar Muse- The overall men’s winner was ums for their support to the event Seyed Hassan Babaei, an interna- which will in turn support Qatar’s ore than 400 ath- tional participant from Iran, with tourism and economy. We also, of letes from Qatar and a time of 2:04:52, while in the la- course, would like to thank all the around the world dies’ section, Toni Snoxell from participants, our sponsors and our took part in the third TriClub Doha won the fi rst place partners, without them it would Medition of Doha Triathlon which in 2:23:59. have not been possible to organize took place at MIA Park on Friday. In the team relays, Police Sport such a wonderful event.” The event, which is support- teams put up an outstanding per- “The sport of triathlon has ed by Qatar National Tourism formance with the teams of Is- seen rapid growth in Qatar dur- Council, Qatar Triathlon Federa- mail Dergaa, Thomas Whateley ing the past few years, thanks tion, Qatar Olympic Committee and Ahmed Sebbar in fi rst place to the great support of Qatar and Qatar Museums, featured (1:51:19), and Aziz Moullah, Fad- Olympic Committee, headed diff erent races for men and wom- hel Elhativ, Mohamed Mehdi in by HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad en including Olympic-distance third (2:01:38). al-Thani. The number of Qatari triathlon, sprint, super sprint for Next was the sprint distance participants at this year’s Doha youth and adults, in addition to a (open category), where last year’s Triathlon increased by 20 per- kids duathlon. champion Bernard McCullagh cent compared to last year. It is The excellent Doha weather kept his title as best overall male an indication that we are head- helped greatly in the success of reducing his time from 1:06:14 to ing in the right way. I was keen the event that included swim- 1:02:32. on participating in the event to- ming in the bay next to the Mu- He was followed by Ethan Ben- day as a triathlete to encourage seum of Islamic Art, cycling at nett, who also was second last the younger generation, and we Doha Corniche and running at year, and veteran international were also honoured by the par- the scenic MIA Park. participant from Spain, Ruben ticipation of the Qatar Cycling The event kicked off with the Hernando Ferrero, with 1:03:34. and Triathlon Federation Presi- sprint race of national champi- Aday Alvarez was third in the dent, Dr. Mohamed Jaham al- onship series, which included open category with 1:04:03. Kuwari and the Qatar National 750m swimming, 20km cycling In the ladies’ section, Isora Team members. The future of and 5km running. Sosa Caballero took the top spot triathlon in Qatar looks bright,” Saad al-Mejali from Q-Tri in a time of 1:12:19, beating last Qatar Cycling and Triathlon Federation president Dr Mohamed Jaham al-Kuwari (right) and secretary-general Jamal al-Kuwari with the winners he added. emerged as the new Qatar cham- year’s champion Carla Pegigue- of the third edition of Doha Triathlon on Friday. Doha Triathlon partners in- pion with 1:11:52h, while Abdul- iro, who was second in 1:16:20, clude Al Tawfeeq Travel, Royal rahman al-Jaber was second. and international participant More than 50 participants took of the sponsors and partners lon 2019 came as no surprise, as are proud of the success achieved Air Maroc, Movenpick Hotel, Al-Mejali beat last year’s mark, Mary Shepro from the US, who part in the Super Sprint distance. took part in the medal ceremony, the number of triathlon events in by the third edition of Doha Tria- LES Luxury Equipment Solu- which was set by Ebrahim al-Ro- fi nished third with 1:17:23. All the participants received where top three fi nishers received Qatar have nearly tripled over the thlon. It is great to see more than tions, Qatar Living, Red Bull, Qa- maihi, by 51 seconds. Al-Romaihi In the team relays, Police Sport, a commemorative medal after special medals and prizes from Al past few years. 400 participants, coming not only tar Airways, Royal Riviera, Aqua was third in this year’s edition. comprising Adam Ayari, Alvin crossing the fi nish line. Tawfeeq Travels and Royal Air Qatar Cycling and Triathlon from Qatar, but also from around Carpatica, Vita Coco, Almond It was followed by the Olym- Quimzon and Houssine Lahdou, Later, Qatar Triathlon Federa- Maroc. vice-president and Triathlon head the world. MIA Park provided the Breeze, Eat Natural, Carbon pic-distance triathlon that in- took the fi rst place with 1:04:44. tion offi cials and representatives The success of Doha Triath- Dr Nasser al-Mohannadi said, “We perfect setting for the event. We Wheels and Padel Qatar.

MOTORSPORT Double for al-Qubaisi; Sheikh Jassim secures QSTK Trophy Al-Qubaisi cuts Qatar Superstock 600 championship leader al-Sulaiti’s lead to four points with one round to go

By Sports Reporter Doha

oung Qatari rider Abdulla al-Qubaisi broke the lap time record of the Qatar Superstock 600 Cham- pionshipY and clinched another double in the fourth round, even as Sheikh Jassim al-Thani secured the QSTK Trophy title with a dou- ble of his own at the Losail Inter- national Circuit yesterday. In the fi rst race, al-Qubaisi crossed the checkered fl ag in fi rst place with an advantage of 8.846 over Mashel al-Naimi. Hungar- ian rider Balint Kovacs was back on the podium, with a third place. In the second lap of fi rst race, championship leader Saeed al- Sulaiti had a problem with the gear and he went off on to the gravel. He rejoined the race and fi nished in sixth place overall. Al-Sulaiti had to settle for the second spot in the second race after al-Qubaisi kept the lead Race winner Sheikh Jassim al-Thani (left) and second-placed Mohamed al-Zaidan pose after the QSTK right till the end. Al-Naimi fi n- Trophy race. Sheikh Jassim has secured the title after winning both the races of the round. ished third.

I am still leading the championship but, unfortunately, by only ‘ four points. It is going to be a really tough last round between me and Abdulla — Saeed al-Sulaiti, Qatar Superstock 600 leader

“I am very happy with another double win. In the fi rst race, I pushed from the beginning, with Mashel behind me, very close. The he overtook me but I man- aged to pass him after one lap. I tried to create a gap and I did,” al- Qubaisi said. “In the second race, it was harder to create the gap as Saeed was there in the fi rst laps. But I managed to take the lead until the end of the race and score impor- tant points for the standings. The fi nal round will be very intense and I expect a thrilling battle Winner Abdulla al-Qubaisi poses with second-placed Saeed al-Sulaiti and third-placed Mashel al-Naimi with Saeed for the title.” on the podium for the second race of the fourth round of Qatar Superstock 600 Championship at Losail The results meant that al- International Circuit yesterday. Qubaisi, at 169, is only four points behind al-Sulaiti at 173. In the QSTK Trophy, Sheikh lead and I pushed hard to fi nish in this season with a good timing.” Al-Sulaiti said, “I did my best Jassim fi nished ahead of second- good place,” Sheikh Jassim said. Trophies were presented by to keep the championship lead, placed Mohamed al-Zaidan and “I have already secured the Losail Circuit Sports Club (LCSC) and I did it. I am still leading the third-placed Mohamed al-Eidi in championship, so my target for general manager and vice-pres- championship but, unfortunate- both the races. the last round will be to break my ident Khalid al-Remaihi, LCSC ly, by only four points. It is going “Today I struggled a bit with lap timing for this season. The CEO Juan Baquero. to be a really tough last round be- the timing and the setting of the next round will be a challenge for The fi fth and fi nal round will Abdulla al-Qubaisi leads Saeed al-Sulaiti and Mashel al-Naimi during the fourth round of the Qatar tween me and Abdulla.” bike but I managed to take the me to push harder and wrap up held be on March 29-30. Superstock 600 Championship yesterday.

Sunday, February 10, 2019 GULF TIMES SPORT

HATHAB EQUESTRIAN TOUR SPOTLIGHT QOC announces 2019 sport calendar Al-Qadi rides November 7-15, FINA Swim- By Sports Reporter Doha ming World Cup Doha 2019 at Hamad Aquatics Center from November 7-9, Al Rayyan In- he Qatar Olympic ternational Show Jumping from Committee (QOC) an- November 14-16, Qatar Interna- nounced yesterday the tional Show Jumping Champi- list of sporting events onships from November 28-30, Daydreamer EC to andT competitions that State of Qatar International Weightlift- Qatar will host in 2019. ing Championship December Qatar will host 58 sporting 5-10 at Rotana hotel, fi fth Qatar events this year including FIVB International Tennis Champi- Beach Volleyball World Tour- onship December 9-14 at Ha- Qatar Open organized by the mad International Comple , Qatar Volleyball Association at sixth Qatar International Tennis Katara and the 2019 IAAF World Championship December 16-21 thrilling victory Athletics Championship to be at Khalifa International Com- held in September. plex, Qatar International Ka- By Sports Reporter Qatar will also organise 31 rate Championship (age groups) Doha international championships from December 27-28 and Davis including the Qatar Fencing Cup at Khalifa International Grand Prix, which was held in Complex in April. aeed Nasser al-Qadi and January at Aspire Academy, and The calendar also features Daydreamer EC powered Qatar Total Open, which begins 13 Asian sport events, includ- to Big Tour victory dur- tomorrow at Khalifa Interna- ing Doha Junior Squash Open ing the seventh leg of the tional Tennis and Squash Com- Championship from March HathabS Equestrian Tour yester- plex. 16-18 at Khalifa International day. Qatar Open Amateur Golf Complex for Tennis and Squash, It was battle between last Championships will run from Qatar Junior Squash Open year’s overall runner-up al-Qadi February 14 -16 at Doha Golf Championship March 19-21, and champion Nasser al-Ghazali Club, FINA Marathon Swim West Asia Rugby Championship for the feature event at the Qatar World Series on February 16 at (Men and Women) April 2-5 at Equestrian Federation’s outdoor Doha Corniche, HH the Amir Aspire Dome, Inaugural Qatar arena. And al-Qadi managed to Show Jumping Cup at the QEF Asia Junior Tennis Champion- fi nish ahead of his main rival by Arena from February 21-23, Qa- ship April 8-12 at Khalifa Inter- just 0.17 seconds for a winner’s tar Men’s Squash Tournament national Complex and second purse of QR8,750. at Khalifa International Ten- Qatar Asia Junior Tennis Cham- Al-Qadi set a blistering pace nis and Squash Complex from pionship at Khalifa international on Daydreamer EC coming February 24-27, Qatar Interna- Complex from April15-19. home in 28.32 seconds on the tional Endurance Cup at Mara- Asian Athletics Championship big-striding bay gelding. Nasser thon Village from February will be held from April 21-24 at al-Ghazali was astride seven- 28 to March 2, 1st Qatar men’s Khalifa International Stadium, year-old bay gelding Aslan and ITF World Tennis Tour at Kha- 2020 Olympics handball quali- the pair nearly toppled al-Qadi lifa International Tennis and fi ers at Duhail sport arena from but agonisingly fell short and Squash Complex from March October 17-27, 14th Asian Shoot- fi nished in 28.49 secs. Salmeen 4-9, Commercial Bank Qa- ing Championship at Lusail Sultan al-Suwaidi and Cantaro tar Masters at Doha Golf Club shooting complex from Novem- 32 put in a clear round to fi nish from March 7-10 and 2nd Qatar ber 3-11, Asian Indoor Tennis in 29.11 seconds to take the third men’s ITF World Tennis Tour Championship (Under-19) from spot on the podium. at Khalifa International Ten- November 11-16 at Khalifa Inter- In the Open Class, Mohamed nis and Squash Complex from national Complex, Asian Beach Khalifa Albaker on Arselina March 11-16. Volleyball Champiohship at No- claimed the top spot, ahead of The list of events also in- vember 27-December 1 at Aspire Salman Mohamed al-Emadi cludes 1st Qatar ITF World Ten- playgrounds and Qatar Asian (Best of Des Forets) and Mo- nis Tour Junior Open at Kha- Tennis Championship (teams) hamed Saeed Haidan (ZIEZO) Saeed Nasser al-Qadi and his gelding Daydreamer EC clear a hurdle en route to winning the Big Tour Class during the seventh leg of the lifa International Tennis and from December 23-28 at Khalifa The Future Riders 85/100 Hathab Equestrian Tour at the Qatar Equestrian Federation’s outdoor arena yesterday. PICTURES: Lotfi Garsi Squash Complex from March International Complex. class was won by Tamim Nasser 18-23, FIG Artistic Gymnastics Doha is scheduled to host three al-Qadi, who galloped to fastest secs. QR 7,000 World Cup at Aspire Academy sport events at the GCC level, time with GK Aqueena in 62.54 3. Salmeen Sultan al-Suwaidi. from March 20-23, 2nd Qatar including the 10th GCC Junior secs. Kian Monti was second on Cantaro 32. 29.11 secs. QR5,250 ITF World Tennis Tour Junior Athletics Championship for boys Macando in 62.66 secs, followed Open Class, Table A, Knock- Open at Khalifa International and 7th for Girls from February by Kanz Azzam Abdulla Saleh on Out Comp., Art. 272, 115/125, Tennis and Squash Complex 20-22 at Qatar SC, GCC U-16 Limoncello in 63.09 secs. Prize Money: QR 15,000 from March 25-30, Seamaster and U-12 Tennis Championship Fahad Abdulkarim Abed and 1. Mohamed Khalifa Albaker. Horse: 2019 ITTF World Tour Platinum at Khalifa international complex Kashmir continued their win- Arselina. Prize money: QR3,750 Qatar Open at Ali bin Hamad Al and the 24th Gulf Football Cup ning run in the Future Riders 2. Salman Mohammed al-Emadi. Attiyah Arena from March 26- from December 2019 to January 70/85 class. The pair was clearly Best of Des Forets. QR3,000 31, FIBA 3×3 Basketball World 2020 at Doha playgrounds. well ahead of the fi eld, complet- 3. Mohamed Saeed Haidan. Tour at Katara from April 18-19, The most prominent sport ing their round in 31.86 secs. ZIEZO. QR1,875 IAAF Diamond League on May events at the local level are Qatar Abdulhadi Salah Alyafei and Future Riders, Optimum Time, 3, 2nd Qatar Closed Satellite National Sport Day, which will Friedrichshof Dark Dream fi n- 85/100 cm Squash Tournament at Khalifa take place on February 12, HH ished second, while Jassim Adel 1. Tamim Nasser al-Qadi. Horse: International Tennis and Squash The Amir’s Basketball Cup fi nal al-Saegh on Joly’s Arno took the GK aqueena. Time: 62.54 secs. Complex from June 23-26, 3rd on April 30 at Al Gharafa, HH fi nal podium place. 2. Kian Monti. Macando. 62.66 Qatar Closed Satellite Squash The Amir’s Handball Cup fi nal A brainchild of HE Sheikh secs Tournament at Khalifa Interna- on May 1 at Duhail Sport Arena, Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani, 3. Kanz Azzam Abdulla Saleh. tional Tennis and Squash Com- HH The Amir’s Football Cup fi nal President of the Qatar Olym- Limoncello. 63.09 secs plex from September 22-25, 3rd on May 11 at Khalifa stadium, HH pic Committee, Hathab was a Future Riders, Table A, One Qatar men’s ITF World Tennis The Amir’s Volleyball Cup fi nal runaway success in its inaugural round against the clock Art. Tour at Khalifa International on May 17 at Federation indoor, season. The Qatar Equestrian Podium winners in the Future Riders Class pose with the Qatar Equestrian Federation off icials. 238.2.1, 70/85 Tennis and Squash Complex Qatar Basketball Cup fi nal on Federation (QEF) and Al Shaqab 1. Fahad Abdulkarim Abed. from October 21 to 26, 4th Qa- March 30 at Al Gharafa SC, Qa- equestrian centre has joined an opportunity for young rid- spread over six months. Prize Money: QR35,000 Horse: Kashmir. Time: 31.86 secs. tar men’s ITF World Tennis Tour tar Volleyball Cup fi nal on April hands to organise the champi- ers from Qatar to gain experi- 1. Saeed Nasser al-Qadi. Horse: 2. Abdulhadi Salah Alyafei. Frie- at Khalifa International Tennis 5, Qatar Football Cup fi nal on onship. ence and test themselves against RESULTS Daydreamer EC. Time: 28.32 drichshof Dark Dream. 33.20 secs and Squash Complex from Oc- April 17 at Al Sadd SC and Qatar The series – worth QR1mn in other best talents in the country Big Tour - Table A, Special Two secs. Prize money: QR8,750 3. Jassim Adel al-Saegh. Joly’s tober 28 to November 2, World handball Cup fi nal on April 22 at overall prize money – provides over a gruelling 12 legs, which is Phases , Art. 274.5.6, 130/145. 2. Nasser al-Ghazali. Aslan. 28.49 Arno. 35.00 secs Squash Championships from Duhail Arena.

AL KASS INTERNATIONAL CUP 2019 Bayern stumble out aft er draw with Altinordu

By Sports Reporter Bayern went straight down the other utes before the break when Kozhedub Doha end and also went close, with Yusuf sent over an inviting right-wing cross Kabadayi dragging his shot just wide of for Golyatov who headed his third goal the far post. of the competition so far. The goal makes ayern Munich crashed out of Al With time running out and tension Golyatov the leading scorer during the Kass 2019 after drawing 1-1 with rising, Bayern desperately needed a group stages. surprise package Altinordu in a goal. They went close when a goalmouth The second half saw Spartak continue dramatic fi nale to Group C. scramble followed a lofted free kick, but to impress and the infl uential Kozhedub BBayern came into the game knowing Altinordu keeper Emirhan Emir even- went close with a superb left-foot free- that only a win would ensure progress tually managed to pluck the ball out of kick from outside the penalty area but to the knockout stage, having lost their the air. Despite the pressure, the Izmir the keeper tipped it onto the woodwork. opening game 2-3 to ESS. youngsters looked well in control. Just before the hour-mark Spartak Munich had made fi ve changes this Aspire Academy will provide the op- grabbed a third and it was another excel- time round, including Nemanja Motika, position for the Turks in the second of lent fi nish. Magomedemin Rabadanov’s who was elevated to the starting 11 after today’s quarter-fi nals. With both sides free-kick was blocked but it fell nicely coming off the bench to score last time in fi ne form, a winner is diffi cult to pre- for Grigorev, who cut onto his left foot out. dict. and fi red past the goalkeeper. Bayern went close early on when Suwon had hardly been in the match Thorben Rhein swung a corner in from SPARTAK REACH QUARTERS but they were gifted a goal on 67 min- the left that Gabriel Marusic rose highest Spartak Moscow were impressive all- utes when Seungwan Ryu’s shot found to meet, but his header went wide when round to see off Suwon Samsung 3-1 and its way into the net following a mistake he may have expected to hit the target. qualify for the quarter-fi nals. by the keeper. Ryu’s eff ort went straight The Germans took the lead, with VAR Spartak knew that anything other through keeper Pavel Boriskin’s legs and playing a decisive role as referee Kulcsar than a victory would see them go out; so despite his eff orts to chase the ball, it reviewed the tape and adjudged that an they went at the Koreans from the start trickled over the line. arm had been used to block a goal-bound and they were ahead after just four min- Despite pulling one back, Suwon shot. Moritz Mosandl made no mistake utes. struggled to contain the Russians and from the spot – his second penalty con- Sviatoslav Kozhedub had already gone the impressive Kozhedub shot into the version in as many games. close by the time Daniil Grigorev found side netting before Nikolay Genchi sent The goal appeared to wake the Turks up. Aslan Mutaliev and he cut inside before a curling eff ort narrowly wide. Salih Kavrazli took a ball on the left wing, sending in a superb shot that gave the Hojun Son did have a decent eff ort for and powered all the way to the byline be- keeper no chance. Suwon with 10 minutes to go but Spartak fore cutting back to Enis Destan, who Skipper Ilya Golyatov, who scored substitute Yadim Zhikhartsev also had made no mistake from 10 yards. twice in a narrow defeat by Real Ma- two opportunities to score in the closing Soon after the restart, Kavrazli should drid in their opener, went close midway stages. have given his side the lead, when he was through the fi rst half but he couldn’t Spartak will now come up against im- fi rst onto a low ball from the left, but he keep his shot down. pressive Italian outfi t Roma in the quar- miskicked from six yards out. Spartak doubled their lead two min- ter-fi nals. Action from the match between Bayern Munich (in red) and Altinordu (in white) at Al Kass 2019 yesterday.