QatarTribune Qatar_Tribune Saeed Al Sulaiti QatarTribuneChannel qatar_tribune wins Qatar Superstock 600 Race 1 of second round page 19

MONday, FEBRUARY 22, 2021

Quick read Qatar’s star striker Almoez Ali appointed UNESCO Ambassador Lahm says ‘no scenario’ of Germany hosting Euro 2020 Berlin: German legend Philipp Lahm has backed the delayed Euro 2020 to go ahead in 12 countries this summer despite the coronavirus pandemic saying “it was and remains a good idea,” and that there is no way Germany will step in to host the whole tournament. “If the plans have to be adjusted because of the coro- navirus pandemic, the decision is no longer with (European football governing body) UEFA, rather a level higher: with the politicians,” Lahm told the RedaktionsNet- zwerks Deutschland corporate newsroom on Saturday. “But currently the Euros will still take place in 12 cities.” Lahm, who lifted the World Cup as German captain in 2014, is chief executive of the firm responsible for hosting the 2024 European Champion- ships in Germany. The delayed 2020 edition should open June The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has chosen Qatar’s National football team player Almoez Ali to be Ambassador for the organization from the State of Qatar to support 11 in Rome with the semis and football as a global heritage of humanity. UNESCO chose Almoez Ali for his distinguished performance and great popularity in Qatar, the Gulf, and Asia. The 2019 AFC Asian Cup top-scorer represents a great aspiration final in London a month later. for the young people and the desire to achieve success. The signing ceremony for the appointment of Almoez Ali as Ambassador to UNESCO took place in , in the presence of the French coach Arsene Wenger, Munich will host three Germany who is one of the organization’s Ambassadors, and Princess Rani Vanouska Modely, the Ambassador delegate for the candidacy of football world heritage of humanity. Almoez Ali played a key part in Qatar’s victory group games against France (June in the 2019 AFC Asian Cup after scoring nine goals and winning the player of the tournament award. In a Tweet, Al Duhail’s star striker Almoez Ali said, “it was an honor to sign the pledge with HH Princess Rani 15), title holders Portugal (June Vanouska T.Modely @VMODELY to support the candidacy of Football as a world heritage for humanity on UNESCO list. I also believe that football can change the world and I’m proud of joining this global movement as 19) and Hungary (June 23) along an ambassador to represent my country Qatar.” In reply, Princess Rani Vanouska Modely tweeted, “Thank you @Moezali_ for your support. We are proud that you have became an ambassador to represent your country with a July 2 quarter-final.(DPA) #qatar to join this global movement of Football World Heritage to call on UNESCO.” (QNA/TNN)

Akram Afif suspended Al Sadd aim to cross Al Arabi for two matches hurdle to be assured of title

Tribune News Network Doha Today’s Matches 4.45pm: Al Gharafa vs QNB Stars League season Al Duhail (At Suhaim 2020-21 leaders Al Sadd need Bin Hamad Stadium) two more wins to emerge as champions but the Wolves are 7.15pm: Al Sadd vs wary of Al Arabi whom they Al Arabi (At Jassim Bin meet in the Week 17 clash of Hamad Stadium) the league at the Jassim Bin 7.15pm: Al Kharaitiyat Hamad Stadium at 7.15pm vs Al Rayyan (At Suhaim on Monday. Bin Hamad Stadium) Al Sadd currently are at the top with 44 points from 16 matches, Al Duhail are second and to present my best levels with 31 points, while Qatar SC to gain a distinguished posi- and Al Gharafa are third and tion in the squad.” fourth at 27 points followed by Tribune News Network Al Rayyan at 25 points. We will fight it out: Al Doha “If we win the next two, Kharaitiyat coach Wesam we will be the champions but Al Kharaitiyat coach We- The Qatar Football Asso- it will be difficult because they sam Rizik said his side was ciation (QFA) on Sunday an- (Al Arabi) have not suffered any ready for a fight against Al nounced QFA Disciplinary defeat in the last seven rounds,” Rayyan. “We will fight it out Committee’s decision to sus- said Al Sadd coach Her- till the last minute of the pend Al Sadd player Akram nandez speaking to the media league to collect the maxi- Afif for two matches. He has on eve of the match. mum number of points in also been fined QR30,000 for “Everyone will remember order to get out of the relega- his statements following the that Al Sadd suffered in the tion zone. We are hopeful of semi-final against 2019-20 season Amir Cup fi- our survival in the top flight Al Rayyan on Friday. nal because Al Arabi defended as we target many points The Qatar Football Asso- well. Plus, they have not con- from the remaining matches,” ciation stated in a tweet on its ceded many goals of late. They said Wesam. official Twitter account that the have improved a lot with the Al Arabi players during a practice session ahead of their QNB Stars League clash against Al Sadd on Monday. two matches are the next match presence of very good players in the QNB League and the final in the defence, such as Marc who is suffering from Corona- Alexanderson said the clash Facing Al Gharafa again a match of the Qatar Cup. Muniesa and Ayoub Azzi. And virus. I had also contracted the against Al Sadd is a good op- new challenge: Lamouchi QFA indicated that the sus- then, they have new players, virus in the summer. This is life portunity for his team to show Ahead of their clash with Al pension and fines came due to like Yousef Mskani, who has and I wish him a speedy recov- their skills. Gharafa, Al Duhail coach Sabri the media statements made by added value to the squad and ery. I will miss him and I wish “We will definitely miss Lamouchi said his team will the player, , based all that will make it difficult for him all success because I respect the presence of coach Hall- have to rise to the challenge. on Articles No. 77/4 and 3-9/1 us,” explained Xavi. him as a coach and as a human grimsson. We have prepared “After our 2021 Qatar Cup of the Discipline Regulations for “We are having good times being,” said Xavi. as usual and this is a good semi-final victory against Al the 2020-2021 sports season. and, God-willing, we can win Meanwhile, Al Sadd player opportunity for the players to Gharafa, our focus has been Article 77/4 of the Disci- the league in the next match Nam Tae-Hee said, “We are show their skills and also to more on the recovery of our pline Regulations for the season if Al Duhail lose against Al close to winning the title and shine and show their love for players and restoring their 2020-2021 stipulates that any Gharafa. Even otherwise, if we want to win this match. We the group and the team. physical readiness in prepara- person may be punished ac- we win the next two matches, will work hard and prepare “We will try to maintain tion for the next match against cording to Article 9 if he makes we will be the champions. Our well for it. It is amazing that the same rhythm as in the Al Gharafa, in which we have public statements that harm focus is now on the Al Arabi nearly 10 years have passed past weeks. Therefore, there to make greater efforts in or- the federation or the manage- match and, as I said, it will since I came to Qatar and this will not be major changes to der to achieve victory. ment of the be difficult because the oppo- is the first time that I may be the team, but it will be evident “Our squad could witness or any club or contradict their nents have not suffered any winning all titles in one season, in the absence of the coach, a number of changes, but we interests through the media or defeat in the last seven rounds. thanks to the great collective whom we will certainly miss must take into account the ele- social media. We are playing at our stadium work that everyone does every and we hope he returns quick- ment of harmony and the need Afif’s statement during an and we want to create oppor- day, especially the administra- ly to the team. to maintain balance within the interview with Al-Kass chan- tunities and play well. tive and technical staff. “Playing against Al Sadd group. For me, I will count nel after the Qatar Cup semi- “Now let us see the play- “Of course, we are happy, will not be easy as they have on the best 11 players to play final match against Al Rayyan ers’ condition to determine the but we must remind ourselves outstanding players. They are this match. Facing Al Gharafa sparked great controversy on squad to play, maybe we will that we have not won anything the best in the league and clos- again is a new challenge. social media. do the rotation because some so far and therefore we will est to winning the title, and we “We will play all matches Afif said that “we were play- players participated in a lot of continue to work. God-willing, know their strengths as well, with full force and will con- ing against 11 and half players,” matches in a short period of we will win more. so it will be a great match. tinue to compete for all titles. referring to the refereeing and time,” he added. “If we continue to believe Al Duhail are used to play for which according to him “did Xavi also expressed a speedy We always try to improve in our strengths and maintain titles,” said Lamouchi. not provide them with protec- recovery to his Al Arabi coun- our performance: Al Arabi our focus, we can defeat any Al Duhail player Ali tion against the rough play by terpart Heimir Hallgrimsson. “I Asst coach Alexanderson team. We need to focus on Malolah Karami said, “I aspire Al Sadd players train on the eve of their QNB Stars League clash Al Rayyan players.” am sad for the Al Arabi coach, Al Arabi assistant coach ourselves,” said Alexanderson. to be in the starting line-up against Al Arabi at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium on Monday. 18 Monday, February 22, 2021 Sports

Serbian dismisses Medvedev to claim Australian Open

Russia’s Daniil Medvedev with his runners-up trophy. (AFP) Medvedev gracious in Djokovic Novak Djokovic signs autographs for fans after winning the defeat Australian Open Grand Slam title in Melbourne on Sunday. (AFP) Melbourne: Daniil Medvedev was gracious in defeat to an inspired Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open final on on cloud nine! Sunday. A contest billed as a potential classic was over in DPA last month or so with tennis palyers “The love af- completed that set with another one hour and 53 minutes as Berlin coming to Australia but I think when fair keeps going.” break and saved two break points Djokovic claimed a ninth title in we draw a line at the end it was a suc- The 25-year- on his own serve to open the third. Melbourne and 18th career ma- Serbia’s Novak Djokovic won a cesful tournament. old Medvedev Medvedev netted straight after to jor. The world number one, who record-extending ninth Australian “It wasn’t easy but I think they was appear- effectively seal his fate though he lost to Medvedev at the ATP Open and 18th Grand Slam with a should be proud of themseves for ing in his battled on, occasionally hitting his Finals last year, triumphed 7-5, ruthless 7-5, 6-2, 6-2 victory over what they have put together and second slam racket or trying to gee up the crowd 6-2, 6-2 to extend his record to Russia’s Daniil Medvedev on Sun- allowed us to come here.” Djoko- finalhaving - limited at 7,500 at Melbourne nine victories and zero defeats day. vic won his first slam in Australia lost an epic Park amid the coronavirus pan- in the final of this tournament His latest triumph in Melbourne in 2008 in what was a rare break 2019 five-setdemic - until finally succumbing. and close to within two Grand brought the 33-year-old world num- of the then Federer-Nadal du- US Open duel to “Never easy to speak when you Slams of Rafael Nadal and ber one Djokovic to within two of the opoly. Since then he has es- Nadal but strug- just lost a grand slam final, butI ’ll do Roger Federer. record mark of 20 major wins shared tablished himself gled to settle and my best,” said Medvedev. “Congrats Medvedev was disap- by Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. as part of that dropped his opening to Novak. Nine Slams in Australia is pointed he could not prolong Djokovic was more aggressive big three with service game. amazing and this won’t be your last the contest but had nothing but throughout but in a first set, which Dominic Thi- He broke back in one.” Djokovic returned the compli- praise for Djokovic on and off had one exchange of breaks, needed em’s US Open the fifth game of the set ment, saying Medvedev was “defi- the court, a player he described until the 12th game to strike deci- win last sea- but Djokovic, who struggled nitely one of the toughest players I as “a god to me”. sively when he took the third of three son - when earlier in the tournament with ever faced in my life. The Russian said: “I first break points to seal the set. Djokovic was what he confirmed was “a tear,of “It’s a matter of time that you practiced with Novak when I Medvedev, who entered on a 20- disqualified the abdominal oblique muscle,” will hold a Grand Slam for sure - if was like 500 or 600 in the game winning streak, threatened to early - the only was succeeding in keeping the you don’t mind waiting a few more world in Monaco and he was come back by breaking at the start of major taken points short. He gradually upped years!” Filip Polasek and Ivan Dodig already number one, he’d just the second set but Djokovic won the out of their the pressure and broke again to earlier won the men’s doubles title won Wimbledon. I thought, next four games to take control of the hands since seal the set. with a 6-3, 6-4 final triumph against ‘There’s no way he’s gonna contest and never looked back. 2016. World number four Med- previous champions Rajeev Ram speak to me.’ The guy was a An early break set the tone in And on the vedev broke at the start of the and Joe Salisbury. god to me. the third set and another in the final blue hard-court second when Djokovic weakly Slovakia’s Polasek and Croatia’s “I was really shy. He was game, taken with an overhead into of Melbourne, found the net but immedi- Dodig claimed their first grand slam talking to me like I was a friend. the corner, secured victory on his Djokovic has se- ately went long to hand it title as a pair against the American- He’s never changed, whether first championship point. cured precisely back and repeated the er- British duo. I’m 600 in the world or four in “It has been a rollercoaster week half his grand slam ror again on his next Ram can console himself with the world, he’s always been a for me,” said Djokovic, who was crit- titles with other service game to the mixed doubles title which he won great sport and a great friend. icized for complaining about corona- wins in 2011, 2012, give Djokovic the Saturday with Barbora Krejcikova of “I really wanted to make virus quarantine conditions players 2013, 2015, 2016 as well as initiative. Djokovic the Czech Republic. this match longer and more had to endure upon arriving in Aus- the two preceding years. entertaining for you. Today was tralia for the tournament. “Rod Laver Arena, I love you Novak Djokovic celebrates with the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup not the day.” “There are a lot of mixed feel- each year more and more,” said trophy after defeating Russia’s Daniil Medvedev to win the Australian ing about what has happened in the Djokovic. Open Grand Slam title in Melbourne on Sunday. (AFP)

Ons Jabeur enters Qatar Total Open 2021 main draw medalist at the 2011 Pan Arab Azarenka joins Games in Doha. Al Nabhani made her WTA Ostapenko as Tour main-draw debut at the 2009 Dubai Tennis Cham- wildcard entrant pionships, having received a wild card with Magali de Lat- tre in the doubles tournament, Tribune News Network but they lost to Chan Yung-jan Doha and Sun Tiantian in the first round. Playing for Oman at Novak Djokovic at a press conference after winning his men’s singles With about two weeks to the the Fed Cup, Al Nabhani has a final against Russia’s Daniil Medvedev at the Australian Open in Qatar Total Open 2021, the Tunisian Ons Jabeur, the first Arab woman win-loss record of 13–7. Melbourne on Sunday. (AFP) numbers of stars confirmed to reach the quarter-finals of a Grand Slam “We are delighted with the for the WTA Tour Premier (left), and World No. 13 Victoria Azarenka increasing numbers of stars event has continued to grow of Belarus have joined 2016 finalist Jelena who have confirmed their par- Novak glad to silence critics, with Tunisia’s Ons Jabeur, the Ostapenko of Latvia, and Egypt’s Mayar ticipation at the Qatar Total firstA rab woman to reach the Sherif as wildcard entrants for Qatar Total Open 2021. confirms torn oblique muscle quarter-finals of a Grand Slam Open 2021 which will be held at the Khalifa “The strength of this year’s tournament, entering into the International Tennis & Squash Complex in field, which includes eight of DPA “Look, at the end of the day main draw. Doha from March 1 to 6. the world’s top-ten, is an indi- Berlin everyone who has the stage has The tournament will be cation of the quality of play to the right to say what they want held from March 1 to 6 at the debut at the 2017 Qatar To- fying rounds are Al Nabhani be expected at the week-long Novak Djokovic believes he to say. It’s a matter on my side Khalifa International Tennis & tal Open in the doubles draw and Algeria’s Ines Ibbou and event. We look forward to silenced his critics by triumph- whether I’m going to react or Squash Complex in Doha. partnering Fatma Al Nabhani Cagla Buyukakcay from Turkey. another exciting time on the ing at the Australian Open after not, in which way I’m going to Aside from the 26-year- of Oman, will be attempting Al Nabhani is one of the courts of the Khalifa Interna- finishing the tournament with a react. I didn’t allow it to hinder old World No. 30 Jabeur, to book her first entry into the most successful players from tional Tennis & Squash Com- torn oblique muscle. my performance. I think win- the highest-ranked Arab ers, including four qualifiers, main draw. the region, having won ten plex in about two weeks,” said Djokovic clinched a record- ning the trophy is in a way my player in WTA history, two- are expected to feature in the The 19-year-old Al Naimi singles titles and 13 doubles Tournament Director Saad Al extending ninth Australian answer.” After taking a two- time champion and World singles event of the $565,530 is Qatar’s highest-ranked play- titles on the ITF Circuit. On Mohannadi. Open title and 18th major over- sets-to-love lead against Fritz, No. 13 Victoria Azarenka of total prize purse tournament, er and an inspiration for many October 4, 2010, she reached The WTA Tour event, held all with a 7-5 6-2 6-2 thrashing Djokovic suffered the oblique Belarus, 2016 finalist Jelena while 16 teams will slug it out upcoming players across the her best singles ranking of since 2001, has grown to be- of Russian fourth seed Daniil injury. He was forced to a de- Ostapenko of Latvia, Egypt’s in the doubles. country. She is the defending world No. 362. On April 28, come one of the signature Medvedev on Sunday. cider by the American before Mayar Sherif are joining as For the qualifiers, Qatar’s champion of the Qatar Rail 2014, she peaked at No. 238 events on the WTA Tour cal- The Serbian faced criticism eventually managing to ad- wildcard entrants. Mubaraka Al Naimi, who Tennis Open Tournament. in the doubles rankings. endar and a most sought-after before the tournament over a vance. Djokovic said afterwards In all, a total of 32 play- made her WTA main draw Also featuring in the quali- She was also the gold tournament in the region. list of requests for players who he had torn a muscle and may were in quarantine due to coro- need to pull out of the tourna- navirus, while also being ques- ment, although was unwilling tioned over the severity of the to give too much away as the oblique injury suffered during event went on. Man City restore 10-point lead; Leicester second a third-round win over Taylor The 33-year-old, though, Fritz. Djokovic felt the backlash said after his win on Sunday DPA Ham are fourth after a 2-1 win Bertrand Traore pulled one “It is a great result for us,” Moura’s goal and then smash- was unfair, but believes he an- that he had torn his abdominal London over Tottenham. back for Villa early in the sec- West Ham manager David ing the crossbar late on. swered in the best way possible oblique muscle. Sterling gave City the lead ond half but Leicester held on Moyes said. “Today we felt it Moyes said he feels there by winning the title in Mel- “It is a tear, a muscle tear, Manchester City restored after just two minutes when he for the win to leave Villa eighth. was a big, big task. Tottenham was more to come from his side. bourne again. of the abdominal oblique mus- their 10-point lead at the top headed Riyad Mahrez’s cross West Ham moved into the are one of the top sides and “I feel as if there is a half- “Of course, it’s not nice to cle. I felt it right away when it of the Premier League after home, and although Arsenal top four after they beat Lon- have fantastic players. For us job done,” he said. “I think we hear that. I mean, it also seems happened against Fritz in the they won 1-0 at Arsenal on improved, they could not find don rivals Tottenham 2-1 in to get a result and keep our mo- can play much better. unfair from some people that third round. Sunday to extend their record the equaliser. the day’s early match. mentum going is really good. “I don’t think we’ve hit kind of criticize and judge with- “That’s what I said in the winning streak to 18 matches. Earlier, James Maddison Michail Antonio put West Antonio capitalised on a top gear yet. The players have out really checking before,” the post-match interview. I was Raheem Sterling headed and Harvey Barnes scored the Ham ahead after five minutes mistake by Hugo Lloris to put been finding ways to wrestle world number one told a news kind of guessing, but I felt just City in front to maintain their goals as Leicester went sec- and Jesse Lingard added a sec- West Ham in front and Lin- points off the opposition. They conference. that it’s a tear because of the advantage over Leicester, who ond, for a few hours at least, ond two minutes into the sec- gard’s goal was allowed to stand have done a brilliant job.” “But as I said, it’s not really snap and the way I felt after had earlier cut the lead to with a 2-1 win at Villa. ond half. Lucas Moura pulled after a consultation with video Spurs manager Jose Mour- the firsttime. I have so much that,” Djokovic said. seven points with a 2-1 win at Maddison opened the one back but though Gareth assistant referee over offside. inho rued his side’s defensive experience with this because it “I know there’s been a lot of Aston Villa. scoring on 19 minutes and Bale and Son Heung Min hit Tottenham brought on errors. “I feel the result should happened so many times in my speculation, people questioning Manchester United can go Barnes added the second five the woodwork, West Ham held Bale at half-time and the have been different from (how) life, in my career, that I experi- whether I’m injured, how can I second if they beat Newcastle minutes later as Leicester took on to go fourth, while Spurs re- Wales forward had an im- we played especially in the sec- ence that. It will probably not recover so quickly, it’s impossi- in Sunday’s late match. West control early on. main ninth. pact, sending in the corner for ond half,” he said. be the last one. ble to do that. Sports Monday, February 22, 2021 19

QATAR SUPERSTOCK 600 ROUND 2 RACE 1 Experienced Saeed Al Sulaiti makes it splendid 3-in-a-row India’s Rohit Sharma (right) with Jasprit Bumrah during practice. Don’t discuss pitches, talk about players and their game: Rohit ANI There are chances you could Ahmedabad fail but it does not matter as long as you learn from that. India batsman Rohit Shar- Our team prides itself on play- ma on Sunday said that there ing in challenging conditions, should not be much discussion we never complain when we about the pitches, rather the play on a challenging wicket people should be talking about outside India. To the experts, the cricketers and how they go talk about the game, do not on about playing their game. discuss pitches.” The four-match series On Saturday, India bats- Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) officials with Qatar Superstock 600 Second Round Race 1 between India and England man Cheteshwar Pujara had podium finishers Saeed Al Sulaiti, Abdullah Al Qubaisi, and Meshaal Al Nuaimi at Losail Circuit on Saturday. currently stands level at 1-1 also defended the Chennai and now both teams will lock wicket and said it was not at Thani, who timed 26.37.337 weekend,” he said. role in his superiority over Ab- horns in a pink-ball Test, be- all “dangerous” and it was just secs. Canadian Stephen Turn- “Certainly, strong winds dullah Al Qubaisi. ginning February 24 at the a matter of the wicket offering bull finished third in a time of do not help riders, but at the However, Al Qubaisi has a Motera Stadium. some turn. 26.53.447 secs. same time they gain more ex- natural talent but he does not In the first innings of the “Sometimes you know Meanwhile, Youssef Al perience that will undoubtedly have the experience of Sulaiti. second Test, Rohit had gone when you are playing on a Darwish also clinched the benefit them in the future, es- There is also Youssef Al Dar- on to play a knock of 161 as turning track, you find it dif- Saeed Al Sulaiti celebrates his Qatar Superstock 600 Second Round QSSP 300 class overall title, pecially since every race has wish, who has a good future, India posted 329 runs on ficult but at the same time, it Race 1 win at the Losail International Circuit on Saturday. after winning the Race 2. Dar- its different circumstances especially as he is a fast rider the board. As a result of this was not a dangerous pitch at wish finished with 50 points, and challenges. It is better for and has high potential.” knock, he also attained 14th all. When the ball spins you Tribune News Network Sulaiti’s hopes of continu- 12 ahead of Hamad Al Sahouti. our young riders to face all cir- position in ICC Test batsmen know people find it difficult Doha ing his dominating form was On Saturday, Darwish cumstances so that they are Results rankings. The second Test to score runs, especially the left disappointed after the sec- won the second race in a time ready for any scenario,” Al Ru- QSTK 600 Race 1 pitch led to some sort of criti- overseas teams. When we go Seasoned Saeed al Sulaiti ond race was postponed due to of 16.21.928 seconds. Saad maihi said. 1. Saeed Al Sulaiti Time: cism from former players like overseas and we play on seam- had to bring in his experience rain and extreme wind at the Al Harqan came second in On the success of the 25.12.849 secs Michael Vaughan and Mark ing tracks, the game finishes to edge Abdullah Al Qubaisi Losail International Circuit. 16.31.575 secs, while Sahouti championship despite the pre- 2. Abdullah Al Qubaisi Waugh and the duo termed in three or four days. We still and win Race 1 of the second The organising committee of was third in 16.37.293 secs. vialing pandemic, the LCSC 25.12.949 secs the pitch as “sub-standard”. have to play on such wickets round in the Qatar Superstock the championship has now de- Khaled Al Rumaihi, Vice official said: “The success is 3. Meshaal Al Nuaimi “Pitch is the same for both where there is a lot of grass or 600 at the Losail International cided to hold the race during President of the Losail Cir- due to the concerted efforts of 25.43.119 secs teams. I do not know why seam movement,” Pujara had Circuit on Saturday. the third round of the cham- cuit Sports Club (LCSC) was state institutions, which have Trophy class there is so much discussion said while replying to an ANI Sulaiti, who had won the pionship. pleased with the performance put precautionary measures 1. Youssef Al Darwish about the pitch. Both teams query during a virtual press opening two races of the sea- After three races, al-Sulaiti of the riders in the second in place, to which we are fully 25.47.350 secs play on the same turf and if conference on Saturday. son, made it three-in-a-row leads championship table with round, despite difficult weath- committed. It is well-known 2. Khalid Al Thani 26.37.337 people start talking about the “In turning tracks, one with another splendid show. a perfect 75 points, 15 ahead of er conditions at the weekend. that Qatar organises events secs pitch, I just want to say pitches cannot define how much the The 35-year-old covered the Qubaisi, while Nuaimi has 48 “The youngsters are very in the most difficult circum- 3. Stephen Turnball 26.53.447 in India have always been like ball can spin. It is a very thin 12-lap race of 64.6 km in a points. keen to participate in the stances.” secs this. I do not think there were line in that way. I do not think time of 25.12.849 seconds, a In the Trophy class catego- championship, which has led Regarding competition in QSSP 300 class any changes, everyone takes it was a bad pitch, it always be- mere 0.100 seconds ahead of ry, rookie Youssef Al Darwish to an increase in the number QSTK, he said: “The compe- 1 Yousif Al Darwish Time: the home advantage, when comes difficult in the second his closest competitor and de- took the top honours. The of contestants, The level of the tition is very good, although 16.21.928 seconds we go outside, nobody thinks innings, this is how it is. When fending champion Qubaisi. youngster clocked 25.47.350 competition has improved sig- Saeed Al Sulaiti has won three 2. Saad Al Harqan 16.31.575 secs about us so why should we we play in Australia, there are Meshaal Al Nuaimi fin- seconds, to comfortably finish nificantly despite the difficult consecutive races thanks to his 3. Hamad Al Sahouti think about others? We should cracks on days four and five, it ished third in 25.43.119. ahead of compatriot Khaled Al weather conditions during the experience, which had a major 16.37.293 secs. do things as per the preference is a little dangerous, the odd- of our team, this is what home ball hits the crack and it might advantage is all about,” said take off. As a team I do not Rohit during a virtual press think we had any issues, once conference on Sunday. opposition teams start playing “If you remove the home more on these pitches, they Shaheen, Hafeez power Qalandars to win and away advantage, tell the will be fine,” he had added. ICC to make rules regarding India had achieved an em- Agencies 26 balls, hitting five fours. four overs, which bagged him what the pitch should be. The phatic 317-run win against Eng- Karachi Rashid Khan, Qalandars’ the player-of-the-match award. same kind of pitch should be land in the second Test of the platinum pick, blasted his way Peshawar were reeling at made in India and outside In- ongoing four-match series. As a Lahore Qalandars, 2020 to 27 off 15 balls as he smashed four for 46 in the eighth over, dia as well. When we go out- result, the series stands level at runners-up, got off to a win- three fours and a six, which before Ravi Bopara and Sher- side, people make life difficult 1-1 and the Virat Kohli-led side ning start with a four-wicket sealed the match. fane Rutherford got together for us as well. I do not think has also reached the second victory against Peshawar Zal- Qalandars were provided and stitched a valuable 64 runs pitches need to be discussed spot in World Test Champion- mi in the second match of HBL an excellent start by Shaheen for the fifth-wicket. Bopara top- this much, talk about the play- ship (WTC) standings. PSL 6 at Karachi’s National Shah Afridi. The left-arm scored with a 44-ball 50. His in- ers and their game. There India remain in conten- Stadium on Sunday. Qaland- quick induced a leading edge nings included six boundaries. should not be much discussion tion to make the final of the ars, who had never won their off Imam-ul-Haq on the first Scores: Peshawar Zalmi 140-6 about the pitch,” he added. ICC World Test Champion- opening match in any of the ball of the match with a deliv- (Ravi Bopara 50, Shoaib Malik Further elaborating on his ship. The victory in Chennai on fiveprevious editions, made ery that shaped away from the 26, Sherfane Rutherford 26; point, Rohit said: “As a bats- Tuesday has lifted India to the history in the 19th over. left-handed batsman to pro- Shaheen Afridi 3-14) lost to man, I try to focus on adapt- second position with 69.7 per- Qalandars chased down vide the first breakthrough. Lahore Qalandars 143-6, 18.3 ing myself to the pitch condi- centage points on the points the 141-run target for the loss Shaheen bowled impecca- overs (Mohd Hafeez 33 not out, tions. This is the reason we table but they cannot afford of six wickets with nine balls ble lengths, denying the oppo- Rashid Khan 27 not out; Saqib all are here, there are many to lose another match as they to spare. Mohammad Hafeez Lahore Qalandars’ Shaheen Shah Afridi celebrates after taking the wick- sition batsman any opportuni- Mahmood 2-22, Wahab Riaz who want to play cricket but need to win 2-1 or 3-1 to qualify anchored the Qalandars in- et of Peshawar Zalmi’s Sherfane Rutherford during their Pakistan Super ties to score against him, and 2-30) by four wickets. MOM: you are here because you un- for the final of the maiden edi- nings with an unbeaten 33 off League match at the National Stadium in Karachi on Sunday. (AFP) finished with three for 14 in Shaheen Shah Afridi. derstand the pitch conditions. tion of the championship.

Leipzig cut Bayern lead to two points Sensei Mirza awards belts to karatekas

DPA “Very important three Berlin points,” Sabtizer told broad- caster Sky. “If we focus on our RB Leipzig secured an impor- game it [title race] will be ex- tant 3-0 win at Hertha Berlin citing until the end. It doesn’t to move within two points of help to talk about it [title], we Bundesliga leaders Bayern have to do something.” Munich on Sunday while an While Leipzig can dream Edmond Tapsoba goal deep with the trophy, Hertha have into stoppage-time secured relegation nightmares. Bayer Leverkusen a point with They stay out of the danger a 1-1 draw at Augsburg. zone but tied on 18 points with In the late Sunday clash, Arminia Bielefeld, who occupy Hoffenheim put up a stunning the relegation play-off spot. performance to beat Werder “We had our goal chanc- Bremen 4-0. Leipzig’s Hungarian defender Willi Orban (left) and Austrian midfielder es to take the lead, to tie. At Leipzig opened the scor- Marcel Sabitzer celebrate their Bundesliga 3-0 win over Hertha Berlin the end you look at the re- ing in the first half just when in Berlin, Germany, on Sunday. (AFP) sult, it doesn’t make us look Hertha seemed quite danger- good,” Hertha coach Pal ous. Sabtizer’s spectacular ef- early in the second half. With six minutes left on Dardai said. fort from outside of the box But Leipzig avoided any the clock Willi Orban headed “It’s psychologically diffi- stunned keeper Rune Jarstein, extra drama as Nordi Mukiele in a third after an assist from cult for the boys, defeat after Sensei Mirza Gazanfar (seen in the pic with partcipants) awarded karate belts to Aman Hadi, Mirza Yousef, who was left helpless. fired the ball into the net. Sabitzer to clinch the three defeat. Saheer K C, Shahabas Shahul, Muhammad A Hakeem, Etakkandy Rafi, Qaiser Ahmad, Shabana Riaz and Hertha had chances equal- There was a video assistant points in Berlin and capitalize “The passion was there, Maryam Baig following a test organised by Shotokan Karate Ryu (SKR) recently. SKR is affiliated with Kiyo ize but keeper Peter Gulacsi referee (VAR) review but the on Bayern’s 2-1 loss at Eintra- but you need to score goals,” Japan Shotokan Karate – do Association. Karate grading for 6th kyu (orange belt), 5th Kyu (Green belt) and saved Matheus Cunha’s shot goal stood. cht Frankfurt on Saturday. he added. 4th Kyu (blue belt) were decided following competitions.