New Zealand sweep West Indies to top Test cricket rankings page 14

TUESday, DECEMBER 15, 2020

Sheikh Ahmad Al Fahad Al Sabah, President, Olympic Council of Asia, visits Majlis in Muscat

His Excellency Sheikh Ahmad Al Fahad Al Sabah, President of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), visited the Doha Majlis, after it was opened by HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, Chairman of Doha 2030 Bid Committee and President of the Olympic Committee, in Muscat, Oman, on Monday. Doha Majlis situated at the JW Marriott Hotel in the Omani capital is ready to welcome all members of the OCA family and showcases special features of the Doha 2030 bid for the . Sheikh Joaan was accompanied at the opening by HE Sheikh Saud bin Ali Al Thani, First Vice-President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, Dr. Thani Al Kuwari, Second Vice-President of QOC, and Jassim Al Buenain, Doha 2030 Asian Games Bid Committee CEO and Secretary-General of QOC, besides heads of various Qatari sports federations and members of the Qatari delegation in the Sultanate of Oman. The Doha Majlis includes “Doha2030 Model” which shows what all Doha would offer at the 2030 Asian Games including the Doha experience of hosting the 15th Asian Games in 2006. The OCA General Meeting would choose the host city for the 2030 Asian Games on Wednesday (December 16th). (TNN) Doha 2030 promises extraordinary Asian Games experience for all Tribune News Network Doha 2030 Asian Games Bid Com- Doha mittee CEO and the secretary general of Qatar Olympic Committee HE Jassim Al The Doha 2030 Asian Games Bid Com- Buenain, said, “Doha has the experience Doha 2030 guarantees mittee has pledged to provide all mem- and expertise to deliver Games services bers of the OCA family with an experience to the very highest standards. We can of a lifetime should Doha be awarded the guarantee world-class venues and train- unprecedented Asian Games in 2030. ing facilities, 5-star accommodation and Doha is a truly multicultural city – a seamless modern transport network, all home to people from nearly 100 different of which combine to ensure Asia’s ath- legacy starting in 2021 countries – and an established interna- letes will be the stars of our show. But tional destination which attracts millions Doha also offers so much more. It is a city of tourists each year. Doha 2030 will where different cultures live side by side Tribune News Network draw from the city’s wealth of history, in harmony and friendship; where tradi- Doha culture and entertainment, to ensure that tion meets modernity and where nature every Games participant is made to feel meets human innovation. Doha 2030 The Doha 2030 Asian Games Bid Commit- welcome in 2030 and that their needs are would ensure that the special moments tee today released further details of Project catered for. the OCA family enjoy in 2030 would go Legacy 21 – a series of programmes that The city’s beautiful, family-friendly beyond competitions and would be part will begin from 2021 to meet the immedi- beach resorts and luxury spas will pro- of the everyday experiences of living in ate and long-term needs of Asia’s National vide the perfect place to relax and unwind our magical and inclusive city.” Olympic Committees (NOCs). away from competition. Doha’s multi- Qatar National Tourism Council Sec- Project Legacy 21 takes advantage of overcome and build for a brighter future.” tude of world-class shopping malls offer retary-General and Qatar Airways Group the unique opportunity Doha has to share Project Legacy 21 also comprises a visitors an array of high street and luxury Chief Executive Akbar Al Baker, said, “The with Asia its significant experience and number of activation programmes including: brands as well as a range of recreational Asian Games is about more than sport. It expertise, developed over the past two facilities; while those looking to experi- is an opportunity to bring Asia together in decades. With virtually all the necessary Training Camps in all the Olympic sports ence the heritage of traditional Arab mar- friendship and celebration of our cultural infrastructure to host the Asian Games al- on the Doha 2030 programme giving kets can visit Doha’s spellbinding Souqs. diversity. We have no doubt that Doha is ready in place, Doha 2030 is able to focus athletes the opportunities and facilities Doha also boasts a thriving arts and the perfect city to do that because it already its energy on guaranteeing Asia’s NOCs an they need to perform at their best. culture scene with countless museums, makes these kind of connections every day. unprecedented Asian Games legacy that galleries and public art installations that It is a melting pot of different cultures and lasts until 2030 and beyond. a Cultural Programme three years prior showcase traditional and contemporary nationalities and attracts millions of in- Project Legacy 21 will use investment to the Games which would combine Qatari and Asian culture. This fusion of The Doha2030 model at the ‘Doha Majlis’ ternational visitors every year. Doha has legacy savings to create a programme, sport and culture and showcase the cultures and the old and new is a hallmark which opened in Muscat, Oman, on Monday. something to offer everyone, whatever managed by the OCA and independently friendship, unity, and harmony in the of Doha. It is reflected in the tradition of your age, background or interests. It is a audited, that provides financial investment region. its harbours set against a backdrop of Doha’s thousands of restaurants and ca- city where everyone is welcome and where and knowledge transfer for NOC develop- stunning modern skyscrapers and in the fes serve local and international cuisines we all belong. And it is a city that is ready ment programmes. It will also facilitate a Youth Camp open to young people rich diversity of its restaurants and night- that will cater for the tastes of the whole to provide the OCA family with the experi- knowledge sharing focused on elite sport from each NOC featuring a combi- life. From fine-dining to family-style, OCA family. ence of a lifetime in 2030.” development for NOCs and create tailored nation of sport, cultural and social programmes for athletes to travel to and activities. Participants will have a role train at the multi-sport, state-of-the-art As- in the Athletes’ Village during the pire Academy. As part of Project Legacy 21, Games helping to provide a home- Doha 2030 will explore the opportunities of away-from-home feel creating sub-regional training hubs across Asia that draw from the proven experience A Stars of Asia Programme designed of Aspire and best practice in those regions to develop future ambassadors for to aid the development of elite sport. sport in Asia by collaborating with Doha 2030 Bid Committee Chairman HE all Asian NOCs to invite 90 bright Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, said, “The individuals of diverse Asian cultures role that the Asian Games can play in inspir- to take up a full scholarship in Qatar. ing hope and celebrating our continent’s diversity is more important now than ever NOC Lectures and Workshops by the than ever before. Through Project Legacy 21, Aspetar Center of Excellence in all ar- we aim to leverage Doha’s unique position eas of sport development and science. and deliver meaningful legacy benefits to all of Asia, starting from 2021. Education and Training through part- “All Asian NOCs are facing challenges in nership with the Josoor Institute, the our countries and as an OCA family we have Qatar Olympic Academy and Qatar a responsibility to offer help and support to Foundation, offering education, training one another. Our bid’s message is We All Be- and professional certification in sport long and we believe strongly that when one and event management to NOCs. NOC succeeds, we all succeed. That is why we are ready to share all our time, knowl- athlete and Team subsidies to sup- edge and infrastructure, with our Asian broth- port athletes by subsidising accom- ers and sisters to help them prepare their modation and airline travel for eligible The Doha 2006 Asian Games mascot “Orry” representing Qatari Oryx A view of an Doha Asian Games 2006 ceremony at the Khalifa International strongest ever teams for an Asian Games, athletes, as approved by the OCA. at the Corniche in Doha, Qatar. Stadium. Sports Tuesday, December 15, 2020 13 Amir Cup final will be a great experience for fans and families: Fatma Al Nuaimi Vinay Nayudu scribe the feeling being Doha inside the stadium? Seeing the stadium fully he prestigious Amir Cup dressed and ready to be hosting a 2020 final between Al Sadd football match, I feel really proud Tand Al Arabi on the National because we do have been here Day (December 18) will also see since like winning the bid, sketch- the inauguration of the state-of- ing and approving the design of the-art Stadium – one the stadium. of the venues for the FIFA World And since it was a construction Cup Qatar 2022. With prepara- site we have been doing all of these tions in place and plans on like visits and since it became full- precise clockwork, Fatma Al Nu- fledged ready we are getting the aimi, Communications Executive chance to actually celebrate it with Director, Supreme Committee for an actual tournament. And my feel- Delivery & Legacy (SC), interacted ing is indescribable. I always feel with the media virtually on Monday like, how then would be the feeling revealing the excitement, fans’ en- would be during 2022! I usually get gagement, health safety measures emotional because seeing things and generational change of football happen from scratch until now, be- lovers in Qatar along with the old ing ready and completed, it’s really Al Rayyan stadium over the years. an indescribable feeling. Excerpts: I feel everybody, even people passing by in the streets and look- Q. Qatar has already been host- Fatma Al Nuaimi, Communications Executive Director, Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC), during an interaction with the media on Monday. ing and seeing the stadium take ing the AFC Champions League shape, and everyone living in this matches overcoming the coro- ficially has been opened. If we look families and be closer with them. country and seeing the develop- navirus (COVID-19) challeng- at it from a very holistic point of It is better if they all go together. ment feels the same. And now es. Now we will have more fans view, it has developed and the area So the seating assignments can we’re getting closer, closer by the at the Al Rayyan Stadium for has helped in accelerating the plans happen easily and they all cane be minute to the milestone where we the Amir Cup final. How have of the Qatar National Vision 2030 around the same area. The ticket can welcome millions of fans to you coped with this? from a transport perspective, from sales are actually up. We have, I see our Arabic hospitality, see the A. Looking at the procedure a venue perspective, from actually think, around above 80 to 85 per- country and enjoy the different cul- of the medical and the safe health making it accessible to the people. cent of ticket sales. So we can see tural elements. I think this is what environment that we have to con- So it will enhance the fan experi- that people are encouraged. And actually gets me excited. struct for the teams and for the ence during the Amir Cup final and that is, I think, a lot of different different federations, there has ball dignitaries and officials whether to reconstruct the existing during 2022 World Cup and leave factors. Like two top Qatar clubs How much have things been a lot of learning curve with from overseas? stadium or actually to take it down a legacy for the community. meeting in the Amir Cup final at a changed in perspective of the each tournament putting differ- We do have guests invited. and build it from scratch. And new World Cup stadium. stadium and for Al Rayyan ent health and safety procedures Hopefully, the FIFA president, from a value engineering perspec- How has been the fans’ re- football fans? where we could refine more. From the UEFA president, and also tive, we realised the unsustainabil- sponse so far and how simple Have any activities been I think the change you can see previous tournaments, it shows the AFC president since we also ity. It’s better to actually build the are the virus check tests? planned for the fan zones? the excitement with the Al Rayyan that this mechanism that we have are having the AFC Champions stadium on a sustainable model The response, right from the Yes, there will be like cultural club itself, because the stadium put into place is actually helping us League final being played in Doha from scratch, which is more effi- beginning, has been really very activities three hours prior to the will be the home to them. Some of to welcome fans back. on December 19th. cient, cost effective and thinking positive. We can see there is a lot final, community activities for Qatar’s top footballers have come also when we build the require- of appetite and know even when people to enjoy. We would like from Al Rayyan and now their kids The opening of the Al Rayyan This means there will be a lot ments later on, would be consid- we simplified the procedure for people to actually come ahead of are the new generation. For exam- Stadium means Qatar is well of excitement for the fans be- ered unacceptable by the commu- people to purchase tickets. It’s time to the stadium and enjoy the ple, the former goalkeeper of Al ahead of schedule in its prepa- ing at the stadium which has nity. As much as 90 percent of very three simple steps: You need festivities around the match. And Rayyan and his kid now he is play- ration for the 2022 World Cup? been a home to Al Rayyan? skilled material from the old sta- to get to the website, get a voucher with that, they should also follow ing for Al Rayyan. So, we’re actual- We have 90 percent of World They will have a completely dium has actually put into the ex- and then go to the ticketing center health and safety procedures for ly seeing it change from generation Cup projects completed. We are new experience? isting stadium. We also asked the and get the test which take a few the benefit of all. It will also be to generation. That’s how former ready with the fourth stadium, The fan experience to be really communities of region as to how seconds. It’s a very simple thing. enjoyable for families and people players are for real and how that which is half the number of sta- enhanced and you can see what they would want to see the devel- The tests now are much easy un- coming to the stadium. It will be kids now playing in the region will diums we will have for the World these stadiums have giving back opment to happen in the area. like earlier where the swab would a memorable occasion since it is be enjoying the facilities that was Cup. So we have five actually com- to the community. If we go back to In four days’ time at the final, be inserted quite deep. We have the Qatar National Day on Friday, not available earlier. At the end of pleted. And hopefully by the end of how we started, we promised that you can see the development of this even created videos to explain which I think will engage a lot of the day, we’re not only celebrating 2021, all of them will be actually the legacy of the World Cup and area. Apart from the stadium, a to the people how this happens. people with the pre-match activi- this infrastructure, but also cel- ready, completed and tested. the community will be the part park area surrounding it, the metro And in less than 15 minutes you ties and shows for everyone. ebrating human stories that a real of all of this. So when it comes to is fully operational which will help get the results, then you can book club is bringing to communities, to Given that it is the Amir Cup the stadium, we looked at a study accessing the stadium and get to your tickets. We would like peo- You have seen stadium take the footballers, and to the fans of final will we be expecting foot- from an engineering perspective, the roads and the expressway of- ple to attend the final with their shape. How would you de- Al Rayyan.

Al Rayyan Venue: 2015 A stadium that tells the story of Qatar

isually stunning and Arabi in this year’s Amir Cup have their origin in the inter- culturally important, final on 18 December. The ven- As one of Qatar’s most his- national trade that lies be- VAl Rayyan Venue is the ue will become the fourth Qa- toric cities, Al Rayyan is hind Qatar’s economic suc- latest tournament venue to be tar 2022 stadium to open fol- known for its love of tradi- cess over the centuries. The unveiled for the FIFA World lowing Khalifa International, tion and culture. And it is shield pattern, associated Cup Qatar 2022™ and one Al Janoub and Education City. those inspirations that with Al Rayyan itself, weaves which symbolises the dawn of As one of Qatar’s most have been used in the together all of the other pat- a new era for a proud, football- historic cities, Al Rayyan is design of the stadium. It terns and represents loyalty, loving community. known for its love of tradition unity and perseverance.” Built on the site where and culture. And it was those tells the story of Qatar in To fully incorporate the inspirations that Ramboll a spectacular way. history and traditions of the once stood, this spectacular used in their design process community in the project, 40,000-capacity venue will for the stadium. The result is design was in the end a mix of Ramboll also developed a rela- welcome the world in less than a venue that tells the story of many attractive options within tionship with Al Rayyan Sports two years’ time, with the stadi- Qatar in a spectacular way. each of the distinct proposals.” Club – which will occupy the um slated to host seven match- “Respecting the history Tweedie added: “One of venue in future – to ensure the Al Rayyan Stadium construction site in November 2015. es during Qatar 2022 up to the of both Al Rayyan and Qatar the key features of the final legacy aspect of the new stadi- round of 16 stage. It will be a was an important design ob- design is the five decorative um was properly planned. particularly proud moment for jective,” said Ramboll Project patterns and shapes that “We spent time with Al before the old stadium was The sense of achievement and experience the reaction of supporters of Al Rayyan Sports Director, Alan Tweedie. are found within the sta- Rayyan SC in order to un- decommissioned – a game we in bringing Al Rayyan Venue the end users, who are in this Club, as they will have the op- “Our stadium architect, dium façade and around the derstand how they operated, are glad to report Al Rayyan to reality is a milestone that case, the fans,” Tweedie said. portunity to witness football’s Pattern Design, spent consid- precinct. These patterns ac- what worked well for them won. This created a bond will be shared proudly by all “If they attend an event showpiece event take place on erable time at the conceptual knowledge the importance of and where they would like to between the club and the of the project’s stakeholders, and are enthusiastic about the their home turf. stage researching the history family in Qatari culture, they see improvements reflected designers, which reminded including Ramboll, who are event and the project, then Before the World Cup and culture. This included in- reflect patterns associated within the stadium’s legacy,” us during the various design celebrating their 75th anniver- this is something to be excited rolls into town, the Al Rayyan vestigating the history of the with the desert and wild- said Tweedie. stages that we were in fact de- sary as a company this year. about. This means you have community will get their first Al Rayyan region itself. We life that thrives there, and “We had the privilege of signing the club’s new home, “One of the most exciting succeeded in one of your pri- glimpse of the stadium when ended up presenting four con- they also reflect historical attending the last Al Rayyan not just a venue for a four- aspects of a project like this is mary objectives.” it plays host to Al Sadd and Al ceptual options and the chosen patterns seen in Qatar that home game, as VIP guests, week long tournament.” the ability to attend an event (SC.qa) 2020

An aerial view of the new Al Rayyan Stadium. A night view of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Al Rayyan Stadium. The old Al Rayyan Stadium. 14 Tuesday, December 15, 2020 Sports Demanding Baqqa loop stage to kick-start Hail Baja II Tribune News Network pointed out: “We needed to do to drive the Yamaha. This is a to resume their duel in the Hail (Saudi Arabia) something. The car just wasn’t chance here in Hail for me to quad category. feeling right. We watched prepare for the big challenge, ‘Hail Rally Toyota 2020’ Action resumes at ‘Hail some video footage of the first the Dakar. This is the first time is taking place under the su- Rally Toyota 2020’ with the Baja and we could see it didn’t the prototype Yamaha will do pervision of the Hail Regional first selective section of Hail seem to be handling properly. a race, so it will be a first for Development Authority in co- Baja 2 in the deserts around So the team made some big both of us in the desert.” operation with the General Baqqa on Tuesday morning. changes to the suspension.” X-raid team director Sven Authority for Tourism and Na- The event is the fifth and final The plan was to carry out a Quandt added: “This is a new tional Heritage and the Gen- round of the 2020 FIA World short test today (Monday). project for us. It is aimed at eral Authority for Sport. Cup for Cross-Country Bajas. Meanwhile, the Red Bull beginners and gentleman The opening selective sec- The two days between the crews of Al Attiyah and Mat- drivers who love to go to the tion of 311.57 km takes place Bajas marked a perfect oppor- thieu Baumel and Carlos Sainz Dakar as well in the future. We to the north-east of Hail and tunity for some teams to carry , Lucas Cruz, Stephane Pe- are running the cars here for starts and finishes near the out testing and for others to terhansel and Edouard Bou- the first time. No testing, noth- town of Baqqa (one of the change settings and make re- langer spent an enjoyable few ing. This, for us, is a pure test smallest governorates by visions to the cars before the hours on Sunday afternoon and we see what we have to population in the Hail region) resumption of competitive ac- working on a Red Bull promo- cure until Dakar. We hope not after looping through the An tion. tion with esteemed motion too much. This is an afford- Nafud desert. With Bernhard Ten Brinke picture helicopter pilot Fred able side-by-side. Hopefully The first FIA vehicle is due and Vladimir Vasilyev both North. if everything works out then, on stage from 09.07hrs, but needing to be as competi- The California-based leg- maybe, next summer, you can the motorcycles and quads will tive as possible to fend off a end of the skies was respon- Stephane Peterhansel and Edouard Boulanger during the Hail Baja 1 in Saudi Arabia. (Red Bull Content Pool) buy a machine like this.” leave Hail for the stage start late Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah sible for some spectacular Local driver Al Mashna Al around daybreak with French- challenge for the FIA Baja ti- television coverage and pho- ment in numerous blockbust- Twice former DTM cham- 1000R Rally prototypes en- Shammeri triumphed in the man Adrien van Beveren look- tle, strategies were assessed tography on Hail Baja 1, with er movies, North set the world pion and triple Race of Cham- tered in the T3 class. first of the National rallies and ing for a second successive win for the coming days and Ten his low-flying antics enabling record for the highest altitude pions winner Mattias Ekstrom The Swede said: “This is the Nissan Pick-Up driver will on two wheels with his factory Brinke’s engineers have made the on-event television crew to ever achieved in a helicopter will get his first taste of cross- my first time in Saudi Arabia be aiming to fend off a large Yamaha WRF 450. There will some radical changes to his get up close and very personal – a staggering 12,954 metres country competition at Hail and my first time to do a race Saudi challenge, while Riyadh be a liaison of 99.10km to the Toyota’s suspension. with the action. above sea level set in South Af- Baja 2 in one of two new X- in a side-by-side (T3). I’m re- Al Shammeri and Abdulma- stage start and a return trip of As co-driver Tom Colsoul Away from his involve- rica in March 2002. raid-developed Yamaha YXZ ally excited to be with X-raid jeed Al Khulaifi are expected 97.08km to the service park.

News in brief Kiwis sweep West Indies to Australia call up Henriques for India Test

Sydney: All-rounder Moises Henriques was on Monday called up to Australia’s injury-hit Test squad to face India after pace- man Sean Abbott was ruled out with a calf strain. top Test cricket rankings With the first Test in Adelaide beginning Thursday, the Portugal-born all-rounder’s call-up is the latest of a number of enforced changes to the squad to play the day-night match AFP against Virat Kohli’s men. Australia will have to cope without Wellington talismanic opening batsman David Warner, who suffered a groin tear. New Zealand shot to the top His likely replacement, rookie Will Pucovski, was ruled out with of the world Test rankings concussion after being struck on the helmet by a bouncer in a Monday when they thrashed warm-up match last week. the West Indies by an innings There had been speculation that Australia could call up red- and 12 runs to wrap up an em- hot young all-rounder Cameron Green, but he too looks to have phatic series win. missed out after also suffering a concussion when hit on the It lifted the Black Caps to head by a powerful straight drive while bowling last week. 116 points, equal with Aus- Abbott, who has a “mild calf strain”, was expected to be fit for tralia at the head of the rank- the second Test said Cricket Australia. (afp) ings table, and also extended their unbeaten home run to 15 Tests. New Zealand also stayed WI skipper Holder wants end to having in the hunt for the inaugural only home umpires World Test Championship final as they overtookE ng- Wellington: West Indies captain Jason Holder pressed on land to move into third in the Monday for an end to cricket’s insistence on home umpires standings behind Australia because of the coronavirus pandemic, although he had no seri- and India, who start a four- ous complaints about the officiating inN ew Zealand. Test series this week. Speaking after the West Indies suffered back-to-back heavy “It does sound pretty cool,” losses to the Black Caps when only New Zealand officials erew said Tom Latham, New Zea- in charge, Holder said a fairer system would be to have an land’s stand-in captain while umpire from both countries on duty. The International Cricket Kane Williamson is on pater- Council (ICC) introduced neutral umpires 26 years ago to end nity leave. accusations of home-team bias. “I didn’t realise that until But with the Covid-19 disruption to international sport and this morning,” he said of the the “logistical challenges with international travel” the ICC rankings boost. rescinded the rule this year to again allow for home umpires “We have been playing and match referees. Holder said in any Test series there would some good cricket as of late in New Zealand team poses for a photo as they celebrate their series win on the fourth day of the second Test against West Indies at the Basin be questionable decisions and he thought the New Zealand our conditions, and away for Reserve in Wellington on Tuesday. (AFP) umpires “did a reasonable job” as the Black Caps coasted that matter, and it’s a pretty to a first Test victory by an innings and 134 runs and won the cool thing.” ‘Not good enough’ son Holder on 60 and Joshua just 16 more than New Zealand West Indies 2nd innings (Over- second by an innings and 12 runs. “But, I don’t understand After Williamson pulled Captain Jason Holder said da Silva on 25. maestro Williamson scored on night 244-6) a situation where we’re having home umpires,” he said. “If out on the eve of the sec- they only had themselves to Holder added one to his his own in the first Test. K. Brathwaite c Young b Boult we can travel and do a quarantine, I don’t see why an opposing ond Test, Latham said the blame. overnight 60 before he was Even with Williamson out 24, J. Campbell b Jamieson 68 (team) umpire can’t do the travel and quarantine. If players are team stepped up with Hen- “It’s just tough when we bowled by Tim Southee, who for the second Test, New Zea- D. Bravo c Nicholls b Boult 4, S. making the sacrifice and go on the road and continue cricket ry Nicholls overcoming a didn’t take our opportunities also had Alzarri Joseph caught land were still able to post 460 Brooks c Watling b Wagner 36, then I feel as though the umpires should do the same. (afp) form slump to score 174 and when they came. We were behind after an entertaining as Nicholls shrugged off a bat- R. Chase c Latham b Jamieson lay the foundations of the good in patches but still not 24 – all from boundaries. ting slump to contribute his 174, 0, J. Blackwood b Boult 20, J. victory. good enough,” he said. Da Silva marked his maiden aided by five dropped catches. Holder b Southee 61, J. da Silva Kyle Jamieson, in only his “I don’t think conditions Test with a half-century but on John Campbell’s 68 in the lbw Wagner 57, A. Joseph c fourth Test, took five wickets were that tough in order to get 57 he fell lbw to Neil Wagner, second innings of the final Watling b Southee 24, C. Holder Shotokan Karate Ryu awards in the first innings and two in runs. The wicket was a really who also bowled Shannon Ga- Test was the best contribution not out 13, S. Gabriel b Wagner 6th Kyu to participants the second to be man of the good wicket. We’ve just not briel without scoring to leave by the West Indies’ top order. 0; Extras: (b1, lb7, w1, nb1) 10 series. been consistent over a period Chemar Holder not out 13. Their highest scores of the Total: (All Out, 79.1 overs) 317 Tim Southee took seven of time. We haven’t been able For New Zealand, Wagner series came from Jermaine Fall of wickets: 1-37 (Brath- in the Test. New Zealand also to string it together, more of- took three for 54 and Trent Blackwood (104) and Alzarri waite), 2-41 (Bravo), 3-130 won the first Test in Hamilton ten than not.” Boult finished with three for 96. Joseph (89) batting at six and (Brooks), 4-131 (Chase), 5-134 by an innings. After losing the first Test Despite winning the toss eight in a lost-cause second in- (Campbell), 6-170 (Blackwood), “It was great for our squad in New Zealand by an innings and having the advantage of nings of the first Test. 7-252 (Holder), 8-282 (Jo- that we do have depth where and 134 runs, and being rolled bowling first on green wickets New Zealand start a two- seph), 9-307 (da Silva), 10-317 guys can come in and perform for 131 in the first innings of in both Tests, the West Indies Test series against Pakistan (Gabriel). straight away,” Latham said. the second Test, they saved bowlers struggled for consist- on December 26 and will need Bowling: Southee 22-4-96-2, But it was a disappoint- their best for their final bat ency and their batsmen lacked another series sweep to be in Boult 21-3-96-3, Jamieson 15-4- ing tour for the West Indies, on tour, scoring 317 all out in the variety of shot selection to with a chance of reaching the 43-2 (1w), Wagner 17.1-4-54-3 with both Tests ending on the their second innings. handle New Zealand’s swing Test championship final. (1nb), Mitchell 4-0-20-0. fourth morning. The tourists resumed the and seam attack. Toss: West Indies They have now lost four in day at 244 for six, needing a The top fiveW est Indies Scoreboard Result: New Zealand won by an a row since beating England in further 85 runs to make New batsmen totalled only 267 New Zealand 1st innings 460 innings and 12 runs. Southampton in July. Zealand bat again and with Ja- across their four Test innings, West Indies 1st innings 131 Series: New Zealand 2-0.

Shotokan Karate Ryu recently awarded 6th Kyu (orange belt) to 8 male and females par- ticipants of the training course All Blacks face France in ‘special’ 2023 Rugby World Cup pool stages spanning over months. The grading test took place on De- AFP will organise a superb World beat Foster’s men for the first both, it’s going to be a tough ers Australia as well as Fiji, a cember 12 and Mirza Gazanfar Paris Cup,” Foster told a press con- time in their history in No- pool.” European team and the win- Ali Baig (4th Dan Black Belt) ference. vember. Champions South Africa ner of the final qualifying tour- was examiner. The partici- New Zealand head coach “We’ve watched with ad- A qualifier each from Oce- will face Ireland as well as nament. pants were Mohammed Abdul Ian Foster said facing hosts miration the way they’re re- ania and the Americas round Scotland and a nation from Italy and two qualifiers, Hakeem, Basheer Kuruvakun- France in a mouthwatering building their team and are out a competitive-looking Pool Asia/Pacific and a furtherE u- one from the Americas and nen, Saheer K C, Shabana Riaz, 2023 Rugby World Cup pool really building something spe- D. ropean nation in Pool B. another from Africa, make up Maryam Baig, Mirza Yousef game will be “special”, after cial for 2023. “It’s a great pool to be “It’s exciting, really, to the rest of Pool A alongside the M Baig, Shaista Hussain and Monday’s draw in Paris. “For us to know the size a part of,” England captain know who your RWC pool op- All Blacks and the French. Kunh Ali Kutty. “ I would like to The sides met in the 1987 of the challenge has given us Owen Farrell said. ponents will be,” Springboks The draw was held days congratulate all the participants and 2011 finals, with the All a clear focus and one we can’t “Obviously with the way skipper Siya Kolisi said. after a host of former inter- and wish them good luck for Blacks winning on both occa- wait for,” he added. that Japan and Argentina are Wales, who lost to the nationals said they were plan- their future endeavours. They sions. England take on Japan, going at the minute, some of Springboks in the 2019 semi- ning legal action against the really put in lot of efforts to “It’s going to be very spe- who hosted the last World Cup the rugby that has been played finals, are in Pool C with two- sport’s authorities over the obtain 6th Kyu,” remarked Baig. cial. I have no doubt they in 2019, and Argentina, who over the last few years by them time Webb Ellis trophy hold- result of concussion. Sports Tuesday, December 15, 2020 15

QNB STARS LEAGUE

HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Kingdom of Malaysia Fahd bin Mohammed Kafoud hands over the fourth and final part of AFC Asian Cup 2027 bid file to the AFC. QFA hands over

Results fourth and final Al Ahli 2 (Hernan Perez 34’, 38’) bt Al Kharaitiyat 0 Al Rayyan 1 (Yacine Brahimi part of AFC Asian 32’ (P)) drew with Umm Salal 1 (Kayke Rodrigues 50’) Al Khor 1 (Giannis Fetfazidis Cup 2027 bid file 30’) bt Al Wakrah 0.

Hernan Perez of Al Ahli (right) is congratulated by teammates after he scored one of his two goals against Al Kharaitiyat in the QNB Stars League at the Al Ahli Stadium on Monday. Qatar determined to stage Asian Cup 2027 in memorable fashion: QFA President Tribune News Network delivering a memorable AFC Doha Asian Cup in 2027. Creating a sports legacy that benefits fu- Perez strikes a brace as The Qatar Football Associa- ture generations is part of the tion (QFA) has handed over 2030 Qatar National Vision.” the fourth and final part of the He added: “Qatar is cur- AFC Asian Cup 2027 bid file. rently working on prepara- The 20 original bid book tions for the FIFA World Cup Ahli back to second with documents were handed over Qatar 2022™ by developing by HE Ambassador of the state-of-the-art infrastruc- State of Qatar to the Kingdom ture, including a major-road of Malaysia Fahd bin Moham- network to connect the entire med Kafoud. country and a significant ex- win over Al Kharaitiyat This concluding part of the pansion in the number of hotel file– handed over according to rooms. The Metro service is al- the schedule approved by the ready in use, helping hundreds Tribune News Network In injury time, Kharaitiyat Al Khore score first win AFC – includes all obligations of thousands of professionals Doha QNB Stars League Standings striker Osman fired a bullet Al Khor registered their sought by the Asian football commute between their home Club MP W l D GF GA GD Pts from the edge of the box that first victory of the when they body. The last step is a con- and workplace. The final part Al Ahli bounced back into was palmed away Ahli keeper beat Al Wakrah 1-0. Giannis firmation from the QFA of its of our bid file shows that Qatar second place on the points Al Sadd 9 8 0 1 35 8 27 25 Rodrigues. The ball hit Rodri- Fetfatzidid scored the all-im- commitment to fulfilling all is determined to stage the AFC table after a 2-0 win over Al Al Ahli 9 6 2 1 13 13 0 19 gues’ right hand and bounced portant goal in the 31st min- hosting requirements, follow- Asian Cup 2027 in a manner Kharaitiyat in the QNB Stars Al Gharafa 9 6 3 0 23 15 8 18 off the right goalpost, much to ute. The Knights climbed 10th ing the schedule approved by that reflects the high standards League at the Al Ahli Stadium Qatar SC 9 5 4 0 13 8 5 15 the dismay of tireless Osman. in the table with seven points. the AFC. we uphold when staging top on Monday. Al Duhail 9 5 4 0 15 12 3 15 A minute before the hour- Wakrah remained eighth QFA remains confident that international sports events on Ahli were powered by a Al Rayyan 9 3 2 4 11 8 3 13 mark, Sako produced a header with 10 points after their fifth – in line with its endeavour to our soil. The AFC Asian Cup double from Hernan Perez Al Sailiya 9 3 4 2 12 17 -5 11 from close range off a corner kick, defeat, as they once again paid organise the tournament ac- 2027 will be no exception.” (34th and 38th minutes) as Al Wakrah 9 3 5 1 10 12 -2 10 but the deflection was picked up the price for inconsistency in cording to the highest inter- “We have worked tirelessly they scripted their sixth win of Umm Salal 9 2 5 2 5 13 -8 8 by Al Ahli’s tall keeper. performance. The Blue Wave, national standards – the AFC to prepare a comprehensive the season to be on 19 points, Al Khor 9 1 4 4 7 14 -7 7 In the 90th minute, Osman who had lost to Al Sadd in the Asian Cup 2027 will become bid file that meets all host- one ahead of Al Gharafa. Al Arabi 9 1 5 3 9 19 -10 6 fired a spectacular free-kick, previous round, had beaten one of the many top sports ing criteria through coordi- Sadd have an seven-point Al Kharaitiyat 9 2 7 0 6 20 -14 6 but the Ahli keeper dived full champions Al Duhail earlier in events the country has staged, nation with all authorities in lead at the top after they length to his right to parry the the tournament. should hosting rights be award- the country. We extend our trounced Gharafa 4-1 on Mon- ball away. Rachid Tiberkanine Al Wakrah had 61 per cent ed to the QFA. Major AFC tour- sincere thanks and apprecia- day. Al Kharaitiyat, mean- crossbar. Eleven minutes lat- produced a sliding flick to picked up the lose ball, but his possession at the final whistle, naments already held in Qatar tion to the authorities for the while, are bottom of the table er, Hazem Shehata of Al Ahli send the ball into the net. The shot from close range was once but they failed to find the tar- include the AFC Asian Cup efforts they have made in pre- with six points. fired a bullet, but his pacy shot referee sought the assistance again blocked by Rodrigues. get. Al Khor took advantage 1988 and 2011 editions, as well paring this bid file. We look The match got off a slow was blocked by keeper Shehab of VAR before deciding to re- of the opportunity to take the as the AFC Champions League forward to working with them start, but soon picked up Mamdouh. Perez then pro- tain the goal. Al Rayyan held to 1-1 draw lead even though possession matches of the West Zone and as we look to secure the rights pace. Kharaitiyat’s Mohamed duced a left-footed drive from Four minutes later, a by Umm Salal was almost equal in the first the East Zone in 2020. to host the AFC Asian Cup Osman fired two long-range inside the box, but the ball lapse on the part of two de- Meanwhile, Al Rayyan half. Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa 2027, God willing.” shots from outside the box missed the far goalpost to the fenders near the halfline saw were held to a 1-1 draw by Giannis linked up well bin Ahmed Al Thani, President It is worth noting that the and on both occasions Ahli right of keeper Mamdouh. Perez latch on to a long cross Umm Salal at the Abdullah bin with Leonardo De Souza in of Qatar Football Association, QFA handed over the first part goalkeeper Ivanildo Rodri- Ahli scored their first goal and charge solo towards Khalifa Stadium. taking advantage of a mis-pass said, “Qatar will be ready to of its bid file on 26 August, gues dived – first to his left in the 34th minute. After re- the Kharaitiyat box. Keeper Yassim Brahimi scored a on the part of Al Wakrah and host the nineteenth edition underlining its desire to host and then to his right – to kill ceiving a cross from Shane Mamdouh stepped out of the penalty in the 32nd minute to grabbing the ball from near of the Asian Cup for national Asia’s biggest national team the dangerous moves from the Lowry, Abdulrasheed Ibra- box to kill the move, but got put Rayyan ahead, while Kayke the centre circle. The Greek at- teams, taking advantage of the event, followed by the second visitors in the fifth minute. him, under pressure from Ou- beaten by an awkward bounce Rodrigues scored the equal- tacking midfielder then quick- modern sports facilities that part covering legal require- In the 15th minute, Perez, mar Sako, back-heeled the ball as Perez, with ample space to iser for Umm Salal in the 50th ly made his way into the box will stage the FIFA World Cup ments on 29 October, and the with a defender in tow, took towards Perez. The 31-year- move freely, calmly ran to- minute. Rayyan are sixth with and unleashed a rising shot Qatar 2022 matches. Qatar is third part showcasing the gov- aim with a long-range shot old Peruvian winger, stationed wards the goalline before slot- 13 points, while Umm Salal are past Al Wakrah goalkeeper keen to leave a lasting legacy ernment guarantee require- that went narrowly over the unguarded near a goalpost, ting the ball into an empty net. ninth with eight points. Mohamed Saeed. for the Asian football family by ments on 26 November. PSG face Barca in Champions League knockout phase

AFP injury which forced him to be “I want to arrive in the best Paris stretchered off the pitch in condition when we play them. his side’s 1-0 Ligue 1 defeat to We want to compete as best as Paris Saint-Germain, last Lyon on Sunday. possible and go through.” season’s beaten finalists, will On Monday PSG said Frank Lampard said that face Barcelona in the last 16 of Neymar’s prognosis was “re- Chelsea, winners in 2012, the Champions League while assuring” while the 28-year- have been handed the hard- Liverpool were paired with RB old said on Instagram that est possible draw with their tie Leipzig in Monday’s draw. his injury “could have been against Atletico Madrid. French champions PSG worse” following a rough “I think most people will Neymar reacts after getting injured during the French L1 match will relish another chance to tackle from Lyon midfielder say it’s the toughest draw that between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Lyon at the Parc des Princes avenge their soul-destroying Thiago Mendes which left him we could have had,” the Blues stadium in Paris on Sunday. (AFP) ‘Remontada’ defeat to the Cat- screaming in agony. boss said. alan giants in 2017. Barca may not be as in- “We have to have belief in Having beaten Barca 4-0 timidating opponents as in ourselves and, when that game Injury ‘could’ve been in the French capital, PSG the past after a troubled start comes around, you’re going crashed to a 6-1 defeat at the to the season influenced by to have to beat these sort of Camp Nou orchestrated by boardroom chaos and Lionel teams if you’re going to win worse’, says Neymar Neymar. Messi’s attempt to leave the the Champions League.” The Brazilian, who won the club in the summer. Cristiano Ronaldo and Ju- AFP “These tears, it’s the pain, 2015 Champions League with Messi saved Barca’s blush- ventus will play Portuguese Rio de Janeiro the fear, the worry, the surger- Barca, then joined PSG in a es on Sunday with the only side Porto, winners in 2004, ies, the crutches and other bad world record move weeks later goal in a home win over lowly while Real Madrid take on Brazilian star Neymar gave memories,” Neymar wrote on but has yet to taste similar Eu- Levante, but they are nine last season’s surprise quarter- fans a reassuring message on his Instagram story alongside a ropean success with Ligue 1’s points behind La Liga leaders finalists Atalanta. Monday after undergoing tests picture of him in tears clutching dominant force. Real Sociedad. “We want to face them on the ankle he injured in Par- his ankle. They came closest last sea- Hasan Salihamidzic. “It is al- investment from Gulf state in the same manner we took is Saint-Germain’s 1-0 Ligue 1 It was a reference to pre- son when they were beaten 1-0 Holders Bayern face Lazio ways difficult against the Ital- owners, must get past Borus- on Barcelona,” said Juve vice defeat to Lyon at the weekend. vious injuries he has suffered in the final by Bayern Munich, Reigning champions Bay- ian teams. But it is always nice sia Moenchengladbach, Euro- president Pavel Nedved, re- Neymar left the field on a – notably twice breaking his who claimed a sixth European ern play Italian side Lazio, to go to Rome.” pean Cup finalists way back in ferring to the 3-0 win at the stretcher in apparent agony on foot – since joining the French crown thanks to a goal from who are in the knockout phase Lazio’s Spanish midfielder 1977. Camp Nou which allowed the Sunday but on Instagram he champions in 2017. PSG youth product Kingsley for the first time in over two Luis Alberto described the “I learned when I was in Italians to top their group. said: “It could have been worse.” “It could have been worse, Coman. decades. draw as “complicated”. Germany how big and im- Liverpool will be wary of PSG had earlier said “the but once again, God saved me With the first legs due to be “They are a very difficult Pep Guardiola’s Manches- portant and historical a team an attack-minded RB Leip- clinical opinion following a from something serious,” added played in February, PSG seem opponent, we saw them in ter City team, who like PSG are Gladbach are. I respect the zig side who ended the hopes left ankle sprain sustained last Neymar. “I’m going to recover hopeful Neymar will have re- the group against Dortmund,” still seeking a first Champions beauty of their football,” said of Manchester United in the night, is reassuring.” and return as soon as possible.” covered in time from an ankle said Bayern’s sports director League title despite serious former Bayern boss Guardiola. group phase.