Afif rejoins QatarTribune Qatar_Tribune team for QatarTribuneChannel qatar_tribune training as QFA completes all arrangements to host Asian

TUESday, JUNE 1, 2021 qualifiers page 14 Osaka withdraws from

DPA/PA-Media rules are quite outdated in parts she has also struggled. London and I wanted to highlight that. “I wrote privately to the Billie Jean King ‘torn’ Naomi Osaka has announced This isn’t a situation I ever imagined or intended. I think tournament apologising and Earlier, Osaka’s decision that she will be withdrawing saying that I would be more to boycott mandatory media from the French Open because now the best thing for the tournament, the other players and than happy to speak with them interviews at the French Open of the furore caused by her my well-being is that I withdraw so that everyone can get back after the tournament as the had left legend Billie boycott of media duties. to focusing on the tennis going on in . slams are intense. Jean King “torn”. The world number two “I’m gonna take some time King, a 12-time Grand won her opening match I would never trivialise mental health or use the term lightly. away from the court now, but Slam singles champion, took against Patricia Maria Tig on The truth is that I have suffered long bouts of depression since when the time is right I really to Twitter to outline her stance Sunday but her decision not to want to work with the Tour on what is proving to be a con- take part in press conferences the US Open in 2018 and I have had a really hard time to discuss ways we can make tentious issue. or interviews has been the big- coping with that. things better for the players, “I fully admire and respect gest talking point of the tour- press and fans.” what Naomi is doing with her nament. Naomi Osaka on Twitter American re- platform, so I am a little torn The Grand Slams reacted plied to Osaka’s tweet to express as I try to learn from both sides strongly to Osaka’s move, re- her support and admiration. of the situation,” wrote King, a leasing a joint statement on The world number 25 co-founder of the WTA. Sunday that threatened her with wrote: “Stay strong. I admire “While it’s important that potential disqualificationand a your vulnerability.” everyone has the right to speak ban from future tournaments Martina Navratilova tweet- their truth, I have always be- should she not reconsider. ed her best wishes, saying: “I lieved that as professional ath- Osaka, who cited mental am so sad about Naomi Osaka. letes we have a responsibility health reasons, wrote on Twit- I truly hope she will be OK. to make ourselves available to ter: “Hey everyone, this isn’t As athletes we are taught to the media. a situation I ever imagined or take care of our body, and per- “In our day, without the intended when I posted a few haps the mental and emotional press, nobody would have days ago. aspect gets short shrift. This known who we are or what we “I think now the best thing is about more than doing or thought. There is no question for the tournament, the other not doing a press conference. they helped build and grow players and my well-being is Good luck Naomi – we are all our sport to what it is today. that I withdraw so that every- pulling for you! “And kudos “I acknowledge things are one can get back to focusing on to Naomi Osaka for caring so very different now with social the tennis going on in Paris.” much about the other players. media and everyone having Osaka said she had suf- Naomi Osaka of Japan eyes the ball as she serves to Romania’s Patricia Maria Tig during their women’s singles first round match of The Ro- “While she tried to make an immediate ability to speak fered bouts of depression land Garros 2021 French Open tennis tournament in Paris on Sunday. (AFP) a situation better for herself their truth. since winning her first slam and others, she inadvertently “The media still play an title at the US Open in 2018 health or use the term lightly. I’m often wearing headphones of anxiety before I speak to apology, saying she felt she made it worse. Hope this solu- important role in telling our and that talking to the media “The truth is that I have as that helps dull my social the world’s media.” had made things worse. tion, pulling out, as brutal as it story. There is no question that triggered anxiety. suffered long bouts of depres- anxiety. Osaka’s sister Mari at- Osaka’s Twitter post con- is will allow her to start heal- the media needs to respect “I never wanted to be be a sion since the US Open in “Though the tennis press tempted to explain more tinued: “So here in Paris I was ing and take care of her SELF.” certain boundaries. But at the distraction and I accept that my 2018 and I have had a really has always been kind to me about her sibling’s stance already feeling vulnerable and Wimbledon starts in four end of the day it is important timing was not ideal and my hard time coping with that. (and I wanna apologise espe- with a post on the website anxious so I thought it was bet- weeks and it remains to be that we respect each other and message could have been clear- “Anyone that knows me cially to all the cool journal- Reddit, highlighting her feel- ter to exercise self-care and skip seen whether Osaka, whose we are in this together.” er,” she continued on Twitter. knows I’m introverted, and ists who I may have hurt), ings of vulnerability on clay, the press conferences. next tournament is scheduled Osaka was to play Ana “More importantly, I anyone that has seen me at the I am not a natural public but then deleted her words “I announced it pre-emp- to be in Berlin in two weeks’ Bogdan in round two on would never trivialise mental tournaments will notice that speaker and get huge waves and replaced them with an tively because I do feel like the time, will play on grass, where Wednesday. Federer dares to dream as he cruises into 2nd round DPA/PA-Media like I didn’t find the rhythm.” London Federer will next face anoth- er familiar foe in former US Roger Federer allowed Open champion Marin Cilic, himself to imagine he might who has slipped to 47 in the have something to offer at rankings. Federer has beaten this year’s French Open after the Croatian in two Serena Williams of the US returns the ball to Romanian Irina Begu returning to the grand slam finals but a place in the third during their women’s singles first round match at the court Philippe stage with a swagger. round will be the reward for Chatrier on Day 2 of French Open in Paris on Monday. (AFP) The 20-time Grand Slam the winner this time. champion, who turns 40 in World number two Da- August, is playing in his first niil Medvedev claimed his first Holder Swiatek, major tournament since last ever victory at Roland Garros, year’s after beating Alexander Bublik 6-3 two knee operations. 6-3 7-5. Neither man is a fan Serena advance He rated his expectations of clay and there were plenty extremely low after losing of crowd-pleasing shots from DPA feat at the French Open. his opening match to Pablo both players, but it was Med- London The British number one Andujar at the Geneva Open vedev who proved the more was defending ranking points earlier this month, with his consistent, with Bublik serv- Title holder Iga Swiatek and from her brilliant run to the only victory since the quarter- ing eight double faults. record-chasing Serena Wil- semi-finals at Roland Garros in finals in Melbourne in 2020 Medvedev is seeded ahead liams advanced into the sec- 2019 but has not won a match coming over Dan Evans in of 13-time champion Rafael ond round of the on any other occasion she has Doha in March. Nadal because of his higher French Open in straight played on the Parisian clay. But the picture looks differ- ranking and had joked that sets on Monday. Konta led early in the first ent now after a 6-2 6-4 6-3 tri- Switzerland’s Roger Federer serves the ball to Uzbekistan’s Denis Istomin during their men’s singles first winning a match in Paris was Swiatek celebrated her set against Romanian Sorana umph over fellow veteran Denis round match at the Philippe Chatrier court on Day 2 of the French Open in Paris on Monday. (AFP) his biggest goal of the season. 20th birthday with a 6-0, 7-5 Cirstea, who beat her at the US Istomin that, if not peak Feder- The Russian said: “It feels victory over best friend Kaja Open last summer, but made er, was not a bad impression. great. But the most important is Juvan, while Williams later far too many errors thereafter “In a way I like this situa- Results (First Round) the level of tennis. I managed to beat Irina-Camelia Begu of and fell to a 7-6 (5) 6-2 defeat. tion, that I don’t know what’s Men’s Singles Women’s Singles play consistent today. I actually Romania 7-6 (8-6), 6-2. It continued a poor season next, how my next match will John Isner (31), United States, def. Sam Querrey, United States, 7-6 (2), 6-3, 6-4. Serena Willaims (7), US, def. Irina-Camelia Begu, Romania, 7-6 (8-6), 6-2. played much better in practices Juvan made a fight of things so far for the 30-year-old, who Thiago Monteiro, Brazil, def. Francisco Cerundolo, Argentina, 6-3, 6-4, 6-3. Madison Brengle, United States, def. Maria Camila Osorio Serrano, Colombia, 7-5, 6-4. be,” he said. “I’m very happy Filip Krajinovic, Serbia, def. , Germany, 6-4, 6-1, 7-6 (3). Marketa Vondrousova (20), Czech Republic, def. , Estonia, 4-6, 6-3, 6-0. still than today, so there is room in the second set but it was has only won three matches I won today. It gives me a Gianluca Mager, Italy, def. Peter Gojowczyk, Germany, 6-2, 3-6, 6-4, 7-5. Harmony Tan, , def. Alize Cornet, France, 6-4, 6-4. for improvement.” Swiatek who claimed an eighth in 2021. The 19th seed looked chance again to test myself Steve Johnson, US , def. Frances Tiafoe, United States, 6-7 (5), 3-6, 6-4, 6-2, 6-1. , Slovenia, def. (16), Netherlands, 6-1, 3-6, 6-4. Italian Jannik Sinner had successive win at Roland Gar- comfortable initially and on Thursday. To be truthful, I Jannik Sinner (18), Italy, def. Pierre-Hugues Herbert, France, 6-1, 4-6, 6-7 (4), 7-5, 6-4. Iga Swiatek (8), Poland, def. Kaja Juvan, Slovenia, 6-0, 7-5. to fight back from two sets to ros, followed by a rendition of moved into a 4-2 lead but the Federico Delbonis, Argentina, def. Radu Albot, Moldova, 6-1, 2-6, 6-0, 6-1. Rebecca Peterson, Sweden, def. Shelby Rogers, United States, 6-7 (3), 7-6 (8), 6-2. don’t know where I stand. Cameron Norrie, Britain, def. Bjorn Fratangelo, United States, 7-5, 7-6 (5), 6-2. Hailey Baptiste, United States, def. , Russia, 6-1, 6-4. one down and save a match Happy Birthday from the fans errors began to mount - she “For me, coming back after Daniil Medvedev (2), Russia, def. Alexander Bublik, Kazakhstan, 6-3, 6-3, 7-5. Zarina Diyas, Kazakhstan, def. Heather Watson, Britain, 6-4, 7-5. point in a 6-1 4-6 6-7 (4) 7-5 and a bunch of flowers. made 30 unforced in total - and many months or over a year of Casper Ruud (15), Norway, def. Benoit Paire, France, 5-7, 6-2, 6-1, 7-6 (4). Elise Mertens (14), Belgium, def. , Australia, 6-4, 6-1. 6-4 victory over France’s “You never know what’s Cirstea clawed her way back. rehab, the light at the end of the Reilly Opelka (32), United States, def. Andrej Martin, Slovakia, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4. , France, def. Laura Siegemund, Germany, 6-3, 6-1. Pierre-Hugues Herbert. going to happen when you’re Several costly errors came Nikoloz Basilashvili (28), Georgia, def. Dusan Lajovic, Serbia, 6-4, 6-3, 0-6, 6-2. Tamara Zidansek, Slovenia, def. Bianca Andreescu (6), Canada, 6-7 (1), 7-6 (2), 9-7. tunnel or the measuring stick Tommy Paul, US, def. Christopher O’Connell, Australia, 6-2, 6-4, 4-6, 4-6, 10-8. Sorana Cirstea, Romania, def. Johanna Konta (19), Britain, 7-6 (5), 6-2. Fifteenth seed Casper coming out on a court as a de- in the tie-break, and Cirstea was always can I come back to a Pedro Martinez, Spain, def. Sebastian Korda, United States, 6-4, 6-2, 6-2. Belinda Bencic (10), Switzerland, def. , Argentina, 6-0, 6-3. Ruud, who has had a stellar fending champion,” Swiatek was much the better player in good level against good players. Roger Federer (8), Switzerland, def. Denis Istomin, Uzbekistan, 6-2, 6-4, 6-3. Varvara Gracheva, Russia, def. Lara Arruabarrena, Spain, 6-2, 6-3. clay season, defeated unpre- said. “I’ve never been in a situ- the second set, the world num- Carlos Alcaraz, Spain, def. Bernabe Zapata Miralles, Spain, 6-3, 2-6, 6-1, 7-6 (4). (4), United States, def. Jelena Ostapenko, Latvia, 6-4, 4-6, 6-3. I hope Wimbledon is going to Jaume Munar, Spain, def. , Australia, 6-7 (6), 6-1, 7-6 (5), 6-4. Mihaela Buzarnescu, Romania, def. , Netherlands, 7-5, 7-5. dictable Frenchman Benoit ation like that. I’m really glad ber 54 easing to victory in an be that place. Maybe there’s go- Lloyd Harris, South Africa, def. Lorenzo Sonego (26), Italy, 7-5, 6-4, 6-4. Martina Trevisan, Italy, def. Alison van Uytvanck, Belgium, 7-5, 4-6, 6-4. Paire 5-7 6-2 6-1 7-6 (4), while I could handle that pretty well hour and 30 minutes against ing to be even something here Marin Cilic, Croatia, def. Arthur Rinderknech, France, 7-6 (6), 6-1, 6-2. , Ukraine, def. Garbine Muguruza (12), Spain, 6-1, 6-4. John Isner won the battle of and just play tennis, play a her frustrated opponent. in Paris. We’ll see.” Taylor Fritz (30), United States, def. Joao Sousa, Portugal, 6-4, 6-2, 6-4. , Russia, def. Misaki Doi, Japan, 6-3, 5-7, 6-3. the veteran Americans against normal match without having Konta’s defeat means , Poland, def. Arthur Cazaux, France, 6-4, 2-6, 6-4, 6-4. Jessica Pegula (28), United States, def. Zhu Lin, China, 6-4, 4-6, 6-4. Federer swept through the Dominik Koepfer, Germany, def. Mathias Bourgue, France, 6-3, 6-3, 6-4. , China, def. Sara Sorribes Tormo, Spain, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4. Sam Querrey. in the back of my mind that Cameron Norrie is the only opening set in just over 20 min- Lorenzo Musetti, Italy, def. David Goffin (13), Belgium, 6-0, 7-5, 7-6 (3). Tereza Martincova, Czech Republic, def. Ivana Jorovic, Serbia, 6-3, 7-6 (6). There was disappointment I’m defending the title.” British singles player through utes and wrapped up victory in for young American Sebastian to the second round, while her a swift hour and 33 minutes, on his performance in Ge- to have many different ways to to tournament and match Korda as he fell to a 6-4 6-2 No repeat of 2019 as slide down the rankings could hitting 48 winners compared to neva, and he said: “I just felt win the point. rhythm again, the whole thing 6-2 loss against Pedro Martin- Konta loses yet get significantly worse, just 20 unforced errors and not overall much clearer, much “I always struggle early on with the towels there, the ez, but 18-year-old Spaniard Johanna Konta, who will now with the British number one facing a break point. better. Clearly also maybe the with my returning a little bit shot clock there, everything Carlos Alcaraz claimed his first tumble out of the top 30, suf- defending a lot of points at It was a huge improvement type of opponent allowed me on clay. I think getting used that goes with it. I really felt victory at Roland Garros. fered another first-round de- Wimbledon and the US Open. Sports Tuesday, June 1, 2021 13

EURO 2020 Mueller, Hummels to return but 7 missing in German Euro tune-up

Mats Hummels, defender of Germany’s national football team, arrives on a bike to attend a training session on Monday in Seefeld, Austria, Germany’s defender Robin Koch, defender Mats Hummels, midfielder Thomas Mueller and defender Marcel where the team stays for a training camp ahead of the European championship 2020-2021. The European championship, which was delayed Halstenberg attend a training session in Seefeld, Austria, where the German national football team pre- from last year due to the coronavirus pandemic, is set to take place across the continent between June 11 and July 11, 2021. (AFP) pares ahead of the European championship 2020-2021. (AFP)

DPA And with the quartet from that Werner, Ruediger and also want to show it,” Sane said. Berlin Saturday’s Champions League Germany coach Joachim Loew doesn’t have a full squad at his disposal Havertz will add to this win- Denmark, who beat Ger- final - Ilkay Guendogan,A nto- against Denmark in what is a Euro warm-up for both teams. But all ning mentality having lifted the many in the Euro 1992 final, Thomas Mueller and Mats nio Ruediger, Kai Havertz and Champions League trophy with are also fine-tuning ahead Hummels are to play for Ger- Timo Werner – not due to arrive eyes will be on recalled Thomas Mueller and Mats Hummels. Chelsea. Also out to do well is of their Copenhagen group many for the first time in until Thursday, Loew has only Munich winger Leroy Sane who games against Finland, world more than two years but coach 19 of his 26 players available. as team leaders who are to world champions France on Mueller said “the coach anticipates his first big event rankings leaders Belgium and Joachim Loew will be without Apart from fielding his make their presence felt right June 15, title holders Portugal knows what kind of package after controversially being Russia from June 12 onwards. seven players in Wednesday’s 2014 World Cup winners Mu- away after being dropped by and Hungary in a tough group he has recalled” and is ready dropped at the last instance by “Germany are a top oppo- Euro 2020 tune-up against eller and Hummels the coach the coach in 2019. in Munich. to give it his all. Loew ahead of the 2018 World nent, and to play against such a Denmark. could also give surprise nomi- Germany aim to rebound “Thomas and Mats know “I have experience. I want Cup, which he has named “the top nation is an ideal prepara- Playmaker Toni Kroos has nees Kevin Volland and Chris- from a 2-1 home defeat against from me that they play an im- to lead the way. I want to be a biggest setback” and “toughest tion for us,” Denmark forward only just arrived after over- tian Guenter an opportunity to North Macedonia in March - portant role when you recall catalyst that the team can ig- moment” of his career. Yussuf Poulsen told Monday’s coming a coronavirus infec- play in Innsbruck. and set the stage against Den- them. They can help the team nite the turbo charger. I feel “It is the dream of every Kicker sports magazine. tion, and Leon Goretzka and Loew sees Bayern Munich mark and June 7 against Lat- with their experience and their that this team will go to the player to win the title. We will “We need more of these youngster Jamal Musiala are forward Mueller and Borussia via for successful Euros where skill. But they must perform,” limit,” Mueller said. do our best. We have it all when games to take the next step not fully fit. Dortmund defender Hummels the three-time champions face Loew said. The Munich talisman said it comes to quality but we must with the national team.” Super League Southgate using data rebels have Bale says Wales realistic ‘paralysed to help whittle down themselves’, says Ceferin but full of confidence England squad DPA - Bale, Aaron Ramsey, Ben DPA with the players’ clubs to get DPA London Davies, Chris Gunter, Danny London data on each individual before Berlin Ward, Joe Allen, Jonny Wil- they come through the door, Gareth Bale admits Wales liams and Wayne Hennessey Gareth Southgate and his so that they get a good pic- UEFA president Aleksander will carry a dose of realism as - with 19 of the 26 players hav- coaching staff are drilling into ture, a good understanding, of Ceferin says Juventus, Real the Dragons seek to replicate ing 25 caps or fewer. data as England whittle their where the players arrived and Madrid and Barcelona have their Euro 2016 success this Seven of the squad are in expanded group down to a fi- help them then. “paralysed themselves” with summer. single figures and uncapped nal Euro 2020 squad. “It’s in the interest of both their commitment to Europe- Bale and company lit up midfielder Rubin Colwill has A truncated, challenging the club and the federation an Super League plans. the European Championship played just 191 minutes of sen- campaign was compounded that they fully understand the Nine of the 12 rebel clubs in France five years ago as ior football since making his by a large number of English position of the player at any who signed up to the breaka- Wales became the smallest Cardiff debut in February. players being involved in the given time to be able to make way competition, announced nation by population to reach Bale said: “They (younger continental finals, leading the sure they cross the white line in April, have withdrawn from the semi-finals before losing to players) know if they want any Three Lions boss to put off on game day in the best pos- the proposals amid a huge ex- eventual winners Portugal. advice, experience from us, or naming his 26-man selection. sible shape.” As well as your ternal backlash. Chris Coleman’s side re- questions we need to answer Southgate last week instead typical player distance and Juve, Madrid and Barca turned as national heroes with we’re here. named a 33-strong provisional speed measurements, national alone continue to pursue the thousands of people lining the “But come the tournament group to deal with those com- teams are leaning more on idea, insisting football is fac- streets of Cardiff to greet them obviously there’ll be stages plications, but he has plenty of metrics like stress scores and ing an “inevitable downfall” after the nation’s first appear- where we’ll give some advice tough calls to make before sub- load scores to establish pro- without reform. ance at a major tournament and basically use our experi- mitting his squad to UEFA by files of players. UEFA launched disci- for 58 years. ence. When those times come Tuesday’s deadline. “Our clients do help us plinary proceedings against “We’d love to replicate it I’m sure we’ll all be ready to do With so many issues to drive the future of the prod- those three clubs last week af- but we’re realistic,” said skip- that.” The Wales squad spent consider and absent stars, the ucts from metrics to where ter previously agreeing “rein- per Bale. last week at a warm-weather Football Association is using they want it to go and this is an tegration measures” with the “We know it’s a different training camp in the Algarve data to inform its decisions example of it,” said O’Connor, other nine, who apologised for tournament playing differ- in Portugal. and assess where players’ fit- with Germany, Scotland, Bel- their part in the plot. ent teams and we also have They will now head to Nice ness stands after such a stren- gium and Portugal among the Refuting the suggestion a very different team to what to play France on Wednes- uous season. 11 teams using STATSports at that the ongoing power strug- we did have. day before a final Euro 2020 GPS provider STATSports the Euros. gle could cripple the Euro- “It’s going to be difficult warm-up friendly against Al- have had an employee embed- “As a company, we’re em- pean game, Ceferin told Sky going in against all these top bania at the Cardiff City Sta- ded with England ahead of the bedded within the FA in that Sport Italia: “They [the three nations. But we’re confident in dium on Saturday. rearranged Euros and are pro- we have one of our staff as rebel clubs] paralysed them- our own ability what we can do “It was important to get viding analysts with data on all part of a contract that does at selves with the approach they on the pitch, and we’ll be doing Gareth Bale (above) and company lit up the European Championship in some warm-weather training,” 33 players. least two days a week within took. everything to make it as much France five years ago as Wales became the smallest nation by popula- Bale said. “It’s going to be “I think really savvy, good St George Park, to help them “It’s strange to read press of a success as we can.” Wales tion to reach the semi-finals before losing to eventual winners Portugal. warm in Azerbaijan and it was teams are using data to really with the data.” Fellow com- releases that the three clubs line up in Group A alongside great to put some hard work in understand what the players pany co-founder Alan Clarke out of thousands of clubs think Italy, Switzerland and Turkey. before playing Turkey in the Italy in Rome on June 20. and get the boys together. are capable of, the thresholds worked as GPS analyst during their idea will save football Robert Page’s side start Azerbaijani capital four days There are eight survivors “We had a bit of fun, but it that those players will have, Fabio Capello’s reign of Eng- and nobody else likes it.” their campaign against Swit- later, and then completing from the squad which reached was down to serious business and then how to use that,” land, whose current national Ceferin also questioned zerland in Baku on June 12 their group fixtures against the Euro 2016 semi-finals at the same time.” chief operating officerS ean Harry Kane has now why Juve, Madrid and Barca O’Connor told PA. invested in STATSports. would commit to next season’s “England are a great exam- Raheem Sterling and Alex Champions League even while ple with a fantastic backroom Oxlade-Chamberlain were persisting with plans for an al- Quick read team using bespoke metrics and initial backers in the compa- ternative competition. analysis, which the coaching ny, with Kane, Harry Magu- “For me what is strange is Barcelona sign Manchester City legend Sergio Aguero on free transfer staff and players all understand. ire, Phil Foden and Steph that you publish you are still “England, like a lot of our Houghton joining as the latest part of the Super League and Berlin: Barcelona have completed the signing of Manchester City legend Sergio Aguero on a free transfer. The 32-year-old striker underwent teams, will use the live data investors. then you send a letter apply- medical tests in Spain on Monday, just two days after his last match for City ended in a 1-0 Champions League final defeat to Chelsea. “FC to be able to see on the spot if “The England players are ing to play in the Champions Barcelona and Sergio ‘Kun’ Aguero have reached an agreement for the player to join the Club from 1 July when his contract with Manchester they’re hitting those markers using the technology every League. So you are in Super City expires,” Barca said on Monday. “The player will sign a contract until the end of the 2022/23 season and his buyout clause is set at 100 or if they’re not, so they don’t day to achieve their maximum League but play Champions million euros.” The Argentina international will link up with friend and international team-mate Lionel Messi at Camp Nou on July 1 after his in most cases overdo it as op- and so they know the value in League. It’s quite hard to under- City contract expires. “Everyone at Manchester City would like to take this opportunity to thank Sergio for his incredible contribution to our posed to undercook it. it and the importance of feed- stand what they mean,” he said. success over the last decade and wish him well on the remainder of his career,” the English champions said in a statement. (DPA) “The FA will work closely back,” O’Connor said. 14 Tuesday, June 1, 2021 Sports

QFA president meets Ambassador of Iraq, The Netherlands Brazil named Copa America host as Argentina and Colombia dropped DPA Rio de Janeiro

The upcoming Copa America tournament will be played in Brazil, the South American football confederation CON- MEBOL said on Monday after original hosts Argentina and Colombia were dropped. CONMEBOL tweeted that the dates are confirmed and venues to be named later in the day. “The oldest national team tournament in the world will thrill the entire continent!” the tweet said. “CONMEBOL thanks the President Jair Bolsonaro and QFA President HE Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmad Al Thani received HE Omar Al Barzanji, Ambassador of the Republic of Iraq to the State of Qatar, in a meeting to strengthen the distinguished relations between his team, as well as the Bra- the two countries. The QFA president also received HE Marjan Kamstra, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Qatar, in his office at Al Bidda Tower, in the presence of QFA Vice-President Saud Al Muhan- zilian Football Confederation nadi, and General-Secretary Mansour Al Ansari. CBF for opening the doors of that country to what is today the safest sporting event in the world.” Brazil also hosted the last edition of the oldest con- tinental tournament in 2019. The Copa was originally due to be played in Argentina QFA completes all arrangements and Colombia between June 13 and July 10. But Colombia was stripped of the hosting rights earlier in May over political unrest and Argentina was sus- pended as host Sunday over rising coronavirus infections. to host joint 2023 Asian qualifers “In view of the current circumstances CONMEBOL QFA informs that it has decided to DOHA suspend Argentina’s hosting of the Copa America. The Qatar Football Associa- The CONMEBOL is analys- tion (QFA) has completed all ing the offer of other countries the necessary arrangements which have shown interest in to host the Group E matches hosting the tournament,” the in the joint Asian qualifiers confederation said on Sunday. for the 2023 AFC Asian Cup Just before the surprise in China, and the 2022 FIFA announcement, Interior Min- World Cup in Qatar. ister Wado de Pedro had said All of the remaining games that, due the health situation in the group will be played in in the country, it would be Doha from 3-15 June 2021 at “very hard for the Copa Amer- the Jassim Bin Hamad Sta- ica to be played.” dium in Al Sadd Sports Club, So far some 3.7 million peo- with the participation of five ple have been infected and more teams: Qatar, Oman, India, than 77,000 people have died, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan. according to official figures. The internal committees The Copa was initially and departments under the scheduled for 2020, but like umbrella of the Local Organis- other continental tourna- ing Committee (LOC) and the ments pushed back owing Asian Football Confederation to the pandemic. The invited (AFC) continue to hold meet- India players gesture after a session at the gymnasium in Doha on Monday. teams of Australia and Qatar ings to prepare for the start withdrew earlier in the year of the matches, discussing all The Fixtures only one match. All games will due to the virus, with the Copa organisational and logistical be held at Jassim Bin Hamad to consist of only the 10 South matters related to the arrival Thursday, June 3 Friday, June 11 Stadium at Al Sadd Sports American teams. and accommodation of the Afghanistan x Bangladesh 17:00hrs Oman x Afghanistan 20:00hrs Club, and the matches will teams, their training grounds Qatar x India 20:00hrs kick off at one of two fixed tim- and other aspects related to Monday, 7 June Tuesday, 15 June ings, 5 PM or 8 PM. The full the matches. Qatar’s forward Akram Afif after his return to the team’s training on India x Bangladesh 17:00hrs Afghanistan x India 17:00hrs match schedule is as follows: No Asian World Despite the exceptional Monday. Qatar x Oman 20:00hrs Oman x Bangladesh 20:00hrs circumstances caused by the Group standings Cup qualifiers coronavirus pandemic, the known as the “bio-bubble”, ‘Stadium of Trophies’ participating teams are sched- which Doha will host. The remaining Group E fix- QFA has been able to gener- in which the movement of all ready for the matches uled to enter the bio-bubble Head coach Felix Sanchez tures are to be played in four in China ate a great footballing atmos- participants, including play- All the remaining seven system, starting tomorrow, had chosen 27 players in the rounds, with seven matches phere through its hosting of ers, officials and organis- matches in Group E will be the 30th of this month, ac- squad list of our national team across the 3rd, 7th, 11th and DPA many events, the last of which ers, is restricted to places of played at Jassim bin Hamad cording to their arrival dates, for the matches against India 15th of June. Qatar are cur- Berlin was the Total CAF Super Cup residence, training grounds, Stadium in Al Sadd Sports and in accordance with the and Oman. The list was then rently on top of the Group E 2020, which was played a few and the venue that will host Club, which recently hosted established procedures that increased with the addition of rankings with 16 points from Asian zone World Cup 2022 days ago. Likewise, amidst the qualifiers, the Jassim Bin the Total CAF Super Cup requires everyone to stay at Abdullah Marafie, Abdurashid six games, compared to 12 qualifying matches scheduled similar precautionary meas- Hamad Stadium in Al-Sadd 2020. It is one of the most their residence and not travel Umaru, Hashim Ali, Muham- points from five matches for to be played at a centralised ures, Qatar hosted the last edi- Sports Club. As part of these famous stadiums in Asia, hav- except to perform training and mad Ayyash, and Yousef Has- Oman, 4 for Afghanistan, 3 for Chinese venue will be moved tion of the FIFA Club World strict measures, players and ing successfully played host to play matches while undergo- san, taking the squad strength India and one point for Bang- elsewhere owing to coronavi- Cup and also the AFC Champi- officials will undergo COV- many tournaments and finals, ing periodic COVID-19 tests. to 32 players. ladesh. Qatar have already rus-related travel restrictions. ons League games for the West ID-19 tests to check for infec- such as the 2011 AFC Asian In addition to the previous qualified for the 2022 World The Asian Football Confed- and East regions, all the way to tion. This is in addition to us- Cup, 2016 AFC U-23 Champi- Torch and Ezdan Palace to five, the squad includes the fol- Cup finals as the host country, eration (AFC) said on Monday its title decider, in addition to ing safe transportation, and onship, the Italian Super Cup, host teams; training to take lowing players: Saad Al-Sheeb, but participate in these qualifi- the Group A matches would be the 48th Amir Cup final. the continuous sterilisation of the 2020 AFC Champions place at Qatar University, Meshaal Barsham, Pedro ers in order to reach the 2023 reloctated to “a neutral venue, accommodation facilities and League, qualifying matches of Al Markhiya and Aspire Miguel, Salem Al-Hajri, Tarek AFC Asian Cup in China, look- which will be decided and an- Precautionary measures training sites. our national team and other The Qatar national team and Salman, Abdelkarim Hassan, ing to defend the title they won nounced in the coming days. and medical services All the precautionary important official and interna- their Omani counterpart will Boualem Khoukhi, Hassan in UAE in 2019. “The decision was made As for the precautionary and measures followed by the LOC tional friendly matches. be staying at the Torch Hotel, Al-Haydos, Akram Afif, You- In the event that Qatar wins due to the mounting chal- preventive measures, the health are being implemented in full Arrangements for prepar- while the Ezdan Palace Hotel suf Abdurisag, Ahmed Suhail, the group, the number of Asian lenges faced by several partici- protocol prepared by the Minis- coordination with the Ministry ing the stadium for the joint will host the teams of India, Musab Khidir, Muhammad Cup qualifying spots allocated pating teams in travelling to try of Public Health will be im- of Public Health to limit the Asian qualifiers have been Bangladesh and Afghani- Waad, Salah Zakaria, Bas- to the top runners-up teams China,” a statement said. plemented during the qualifi- spread of COVID-19. A quar- completed, and the venue will stan. Training sessions will sam Al-Rawi, Asim Madibo, will increase from four to five. GRoup A consists of Chi- ers, including teams, organisers antine will be applicable for all be subject to supervision by the take place at Qatar University Almoez Ali, Karim Boudiaf, Qatar started their journey na, Syria, the Maldives, Phil- and media alike. This follows the participating teams (Qa- LOC and the AFC. The stadium pitches 2-3, Aspire Academy Muhammed Muntari, Ismaeel with a 6-0 win over Afghani- ippines and Guam and the the successful application of tar, Oman, India, Afghanistan has a capacity of 13,000 spec- pitches 2-3, and Al Markhiya Mohammad, Abdullah Abdul stan, before drawing 0-0 with remaining matches were to the protocol in previous events and Bangladesh). The teams tators, and it is one of the first club secondary pitches. Salam, Sultan Al-Braik, Ahmed India in the second round. be played in between such as the AFC Champions will be asked to prove they are to use the cooling technology Alaaeldin, Humam Al-Amin, After that, they returned to June 3 and June 15. League, the Amir Cup and the not infected with COVID-19, system that was later applied in Qatar national team’s Mahmoud Abunada, Abdulaziz winning ways and registered Due to coronavirus out- FIFA Club World Cup, which before being tested upon ar- all stadiums hosting the 2022 preparations continue Hatem, and Khaled Muneer. four consecutive victories, de- breaks in Syria and the Mal- attracted praise from everyone rival at Doha. Later, everyone FIFA World Cup in Qatar. The Qatar national team is cur- Qatar registered a big 5-0 feating Bangladesh 2-0, Oman dives their teams would have involved. will enter the bio-bubble. rently working hard in their win over Bangladesh in their 2-1, Afghanistan 1-0 and Bang- to go into strict quarantine in The LOC will provide medi- The AFC has informed the India and Bangladesh in preparations for the qualifiers, last Group E game on Decem- ladesh 5-0. The team’s last two China, making games at the cal services 24 hours a day, officials of the participating Doha, Afghanistan and and its first match against India. ber 4, after the AFC’s decision matches are against India on scheduled dates impossible. with an exclusive and round- teams of the various measures Oman to reach soon The team has been at their to resume the joint Asian qual- June 3, and then Oman on the The AFC said it remained the-clock clinic and ambulance that must be taken in the bio- India was the first team to preparatory camp at the As- ifiers for the 2022 World Cup 7th of the same month. committed to complete the services in all the team hotels, bubble system as soon as they reach Doha, on May 21, with pire Academy, which started in Qatar and the Asian Cup As for Oman, they con- group games by June 15. The while the stadiums too will reach Doha, where the players the team intending to reach on May 16th, with the players 2023 in China. It was the first tinue to hold on to hope, es- United Arab Emirates are re- have complete medical cover- move from the airport directly early in order to adapt to the fully committed to the training official international match in pecially as they’ve played a portedly a possible new host. age. There will also be mobile to the hotel and from there to precautionary atmosphere programme put in place by the Asia in 2020, since the start of match less than Qatar, and will Syria lead the group with teams to serve other people on the training grounds that have and to benefit from the readi- coaching staff, who are look- the new COVID-19 pandemic, play Qatar, Afghanistan and a maximum 15 points, five the pitch, including referees been designated for them. ness of the stadiums to train ing to raise the team’s techni- and it was the first official con- Bangladesh in their remaining ahead of China. and technical staff, in addition They will switch to Jassim and prepare for their first cal and physical fitness levels tinental match in which fans fixtures on June 7, 11 and 15. Only the first-ranked team to the provision of doping lab bin Hamad Stadium on the game against our national ahead of the two remaining were allowed to attend since The team beat India 2-1 and from the eight groups reach services. days of the matches. team. Bangladesh was the games on the path towards the return of the competitions. Afghanistan 3-0 and then lost the final qualifying stage. It is also categorically for- next team to arrive, with their successfully qualifying for the to Qatar 1-2, but came back All groups in the Asian Strict health protocol and bidden for any of the team delegation landing in Doha on AFC Asian Cup China 2023. Seven matches remain and defeated Bangladesh 4-1 zone are completing the second application of bio-bubble members to mix with anyone the 28th. The other teams are This is especially impor- in the qualifiers and India 1-0. The remaining qualifying stage at centralised system from outside the delegation. also scheduled to reach Qatar tant, considering the upcoming The qualifiers will resume teams in the group – Afghani- venues. The preventive health meas- Whoever violates the strict in the coming days, with Af- period which will witness the on the third of June with two stan, India and Bangladesh – North Korea pulled out of ures approved by the LOC health requirements will be ghanistan and Oman set to ar- national team’s participation in matches on every day of the are competing with each other their campaign ahead of final include the application of penalised by having to leave rive on the 30th and the 31st the CONCACAF Gold Cup, and schedule except on Friday, to qualify for the final round of games in South Korea, citing the medical isolation system the bio-bubble. of this month respectively. The then the FIFA Arab Cup 2021, June 11, which will witness the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers. coronavirus concerns. Sports Tuesday, June 1, 2021 15 Minister of Culture and Sports holds online meeting with Tunisia Big jump in world rankings Acting Minister of Youth & Sport for Younousse and Tijan Tribune News Network Doha

The International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) announced on Monday that the Qatari beach volleyball team com- prising Cherif Younousse and Ahmed Tijan, has made a big leap in the international stand- ings being placed fourth over- all with 5520 points behind Norway, Russia, and Brazil. The Qatari duo on Sunday had claimed the silver medal in the 4-star Sochi World Tour Championship which conclud- ed in Russia with the participa- tion of 62 teams from 27 coun- Qatar’s beach volleyball stars Cherif Younousse and Ahmed Tijan. tries. Qatar lost the final 1-2 to HE Minister of Culture and Sports Salah bin Ghanem Al Ali met with Acting Minister of Youth, Sport and Poland. The Qatari pair quali- will be ranked third. the third round of the Cancun beginning of this month. The Professional Integration of Tunisia, via video conference. They discussed aspects of joint cooperation fied for the upcoming Olympic The Qatari team had al- World Championship, which team also won the silver in the between the two countries and ways to support and develop them in the sports and youth fields. Games in Tokyo, where they ready won the gold medal for concluded in Mexico at the first and second rounds of it. Hashmatullah Shahidi ‘It would be special’ to become named Afghanistan’s Test, ODI skipper ANI “Furthermore, it was de- inaugural WTC winners: Southee Kabul cided that all-rounder will remain the vice-cap- ICC/ANI has gone away from New Zea- Afghanistan Board tain of the T20I team while the London/Mumbai land. Every ICC tournament (ACB) members on Monday decision to appoint the new you look at – okay, this is the approved the proposition to captain will be taken soon,” it New Zealand’s second- first of its kind, Test champi- go ahead with split-captaincy added. highest -taker in Tests onship – every ICC tourna- for the national team. The official release of ACB among fast bowlers, Tim ment, whether it’s the T20 The board has also effec- further states that the decision Southee believes the Blackcaps World Cup, the Champions tively removed to remove Asghar Afghan from pace attack can trouble India Trophy, the World Cup; they as skipper of the men’s nation- captaincy was taken based on in the upcoming inaugural ICC always turn up, they’re always al team. an investigation conducted by World Test Championship fi- there in the thereabout,” said “As per the decision, left- ACB’s investigative committee. nal. Agarkar on Star Sports’ show hander Hashmatullah Shahidi The investigation con- New Zealand’s under- ‘Cricket Connected’. is appointed the new ODI and cluded that some of Afghan’s stated bowling phenomenon, “If not the finals, then in the Test captain of the national decisions as the captain of the Tim Southee, reached the quarterfinals or the semi-finals. team while will team resulted in Afghanistan’s milestone of 300 Test And that’s a testament to their serve as the vice-captain for loss to Zimbabwe in the first against Pakistan in December consistency. So, the underdog both formats,” the ACB said in Test of the series between both last year – he was only the sec- tag should go. Yes, there are, an official release. sides in Abu Dhabi in March. ond Blackcaps pacer to achieve perhaps bigger names in some this feat after the legendary of the other teams and that’s Richard Hadlee. why you count them as fa- Southee, the kingpin of the vorites. So, I don’t think India New Zealand attack, leads the will be underestimating them. charts for most wickets in the They beat India comprehen- ICC World Test Championship sively well when India toured as well, with 51 scalps. New Zealand paceman Tim Southee (centre) is the second-highest wicket-taker in . New Zealand and the condi- In conditions expected to tions are likely to be very similar aid seam bowling in England, have on your side.” ited him for where he is today. Don’t think India would to what India got in New Zea- Tim Southee believes New Southee was also effusive “When you take someone out underestimate NZ: Agarkar land. So, India will have to play Zealand have enough variety in his praise for Jamieson, who like that – a familiar face – it Meanwhile, former India pacer well to beat New Zealand in this in their attack to trouble India has had a sensational start to feels different [Boult will miss Ajit Agarkar has said that the contest,” he added. in the marquee event. his Test career, with 36 wickets the two-Test England series -led side would not The Indian Men’s team “I suppose we have four in six Tests. “A guy who bowls with injury],” said Southee. underestimate New Zealand will arrive in the UK on June guys offering different things,” from 6ft 8in will only enhance “But guys will step up. Trent in the finals of the World Test 3, 2021 via a charter flight and Southee told The Guardian. any attack like ours,” said is one of my best mates and if Championship. carrying evidence of a negative “Trent Boult and I with left- Southee. “He’s a great kid and it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t be India and New Zealand will PCR Test, ICC said in an offi- arm/right-arm swing, Neil driven to improve. He swings where I am today. And I would lock horns in the finals of WTC cial release. Prior to travelling, Wagner’s madness, and Kyle the ball and always asks ques- like to think he would say the at the Ageas Bowl, Southamp- the party will have spent 14 [Jamieson] coming in at 6ft tions, bowling a full length. same.” ton, beginning June 18. days in a bio-secure environ- 8in adding a new dimension. He’s invaluable with the bat On New Zealand stand- Before that, New Zealand ment in India during which We just enjoy each other’s suc- too – a massive asset for the ing on the cusp of World Test will also play two-match Test regular testing is being done. cess and try to push for wins. side.” Championship glory, Southee series against England, begin- Upon landing, they will “I just think it helps that As for his long-time bowl- remarked: “We’ve come close ning June 2 at Lord’s. proceed directly to the on-site Neil is half-mad. He’ll send ing attack partner – Boult and in a few one-day finals and “I hope not. I don’t think hotel at the Hampshire Bowl down 10 overs of bouncers and Southee have been team-mates yeah, for a country of just five the Indian team would be where they will be tested again Hashmatullah Shahidi is appointed the new ODI and Test captain of he just keeps coming; a relent- since the ICC Under-19 World million people, it would be guilty to underestimate the Ki- before commencing a period of the national team while Rahmat Shah will serve as the vice-captain less workhorse who you love to Cup in 2008 – Southee cred- pretty special.” wis. I think the underdog tag managed isolation. for both formats, the Afghanistan Cricket Board said on Monday. Chess players are fairly intelligent, but their career spans getting shortened: V Anand

ANI about how the sport was not Carlsen, and then he lost a New Delhi looked like a career option rematch to Carlsen in 2014 back in the 70s and 80s, but after winning the 2014 Can- Five-time world chess The physicality of your life he added that it has gradually didates Tournament. champion Viswanathan is coming into the sport. started to change. The 51-year-old was the Anand has said that the career “In the 70s and 80s, prob- first recipient of the Rajiv spans of the players are now In the 70s, chess players ably like many sports, chess Gandhi Khel Ratna Award in getting shortened because of thought nothing about was just starting to become 1991-92. In 2007, he was then the intense competition within going out every night. But like a career. The main reason awarded India’s second-high- the sport. was Bobby Fischer. est civilian award, the Padma He also said that physical now, fitness, fitness, and “You could join a PSU and Vibhushan, making him the fitness is now a key factor in fitness. The level of maybe find a niche or a pub- first sportsperson to receive life and it adds more pressure lic sector bank so that you get the award. on each and every individual. physical tension and some support in that sense. Talking further about “The physicality of your life is physical level is much You have a stable job and you chess, Anand said: “I’m sure coming into the sport. In the higher now. This hard could play chess. But it was there’s a generation in cricket 70s, chess players thought quite limited and the second that still looks down on ODIs nothing about going out for a work is very energy- thing is, of course, computeri- and says it’s not the real thing. drink every night. But now, fit- intense and therefore, sation, telecommunications all Equally, there’s a genera- ness, fitness, and fitness. The that also changed chess,” said tion now in chess which just level of physical tension and career spans are Anand. doesn’t understand, even that physical level is much higher shortening. This is Anand is a five-time world there was once a question.” now. This hard work is very unquestionable. chess champion. He also went “So, the generation after energy-intense and therefore, on to become the undisputed that is quite hard to compete career spans are shorten- Viswanathan Anand Viswanathan Anand (right) plys against Magnus Carlsen of Norway during the World Chess Championship world champion in 2007, and with. I’ve had one or two glo- ing. This is unquestionable,” in India in 2013. he successfully defended his ti- rious moments like the World Anand told Ravichandran players, even if they quit chess tle against Vladimir Kramnik in Rapid Championship in 2017 Ashwin on the latter’s You- and go and do something else they’ll go to some finance or added. intelligence. Chess players 2008, Veselin Topalov in 2010, which I won. When I won that Tube show ‘DRS with Ash’. also, they do it quite well and they will go into research, you Further talking about are really good at playing the and Boris Gelfand in 2012. nobody could expect it and “Chess players are fairly you can see there is a tenden- can see the parallels between chess, Anand said: “At the sport.” In 2013, he lost the ti- least of all, I didn’t expect it,” intelligent. You can see these cy they’ll go to university or chess and the new thing,” he same time, it is a specialised The 51-year-old also talked tle to challenger Magnus he added.