FFOOTBALLOOTBALL | Page 3 CCYCLINGYCLING | Page 7 Mendy’s late Pogacar strike puts Real holds lead, in sight of CL Vingegaard quarters wins fi ft h stage

Friday, February 26, 2021 CRICKET Rajab 14, 1442 AH India crush England GULF TIMES inside two days in pink-ball Test SPORT Page 2 FOOTBALL / QATAR CUP SHOOTING / ISSF WORLD CUP Qatar’s Rashid Red-hot Al Sadd wins bronze favourites against in Cairo Al Duhail in fi nal ‘Al Sadd players have a winning mentality. This is an important feature of my team’

By Yash Mudgal in Rabat Grand Prix early this Doha month, had been in good form in the local competitions and won a gold and silver besides a fourth- Al Sadd (left) and Al Duhail players train yesterday on the eve of the Qatar Cup final. atar’s Rashid Hamad place fi nish in the Amir Cup and clinched the skeet Qatar Shooting Association Cup By Sports Reporter feating Al Gharafa (2-1) and Al think the Al Arabi match in the Duhail are one of the best teams to prepare in the best way to go bronze medal at the recently. Doha Rayyan (1-0) respectively in the league last week was a great ex- in Qatar. Both teams have very into the match with the aim of ISSF Egypt World Cup Talking about his Olympic semi-fi nals of the tournament, perience before facing Al Duhail, high-level players and from my achieving victory. Qfor shotgun yesterday. chances, Rashid was very opti- which features the top four clubs as we performed very well in it,” point of view, Al Sadd are bet- “We are trying hard despite Rashid fi nished with a score mistic. l Sadd and Al Duhail in the league championship. the Spaniard said yesterday. ter than Al Duhail. We are also the pressure of playing many of 41 in the fi nal round, behind “I have a very good chance, but will clash in a block- Al Sadd had beaten Al Duhail “Al Sadd players have a win- stronger even though Al Du- matches and the lack of time for fi rst-placed Ukraine’s Mikola I have to wait till the next World buster Qatar Cup fi nal in last year’s Qatar Cup fi nal and ning mentality. This is an im- hail are one of the best teams in players to recover from injuries. Milchev with 53 and second- Cup in India (March 18-29) for at the Abdullah Bin it would be hard to bet against portant feature of my team as Asia and recently signed quality The two teams are undoubtedly placed Denmark’s Jesper Hansen my Olympic quota chances. I AKhalifa Stadium today. Both the them not retaining the title. we go into a match with a strong overseas players,” said Xavi. looking forward to winning the with 52. am going to India directly from teams have fi erce rivalry, but Al Having said that, Duhail have desire to win, regardless of the Meanwhile, Duhail coach Sabri title. Both teams are among the “I am very satisfi ed with here,” Rashid said. Sadd have had the better of their settled down nicely under their strength of our opponent. We Lamouchi admitted Al Sadd are in best in Qatar. We must work to my performance here as it was The 2012 London Olympic rivals in the recent past. French coach Sabri Lamouchi are happy to play the fi nal for a good form but urged his players avoid mistakes and pay atten- a tough fi nal against veteran Games bronze medal winner The Wolves have beaten Al and can make it hard for their second year in a row. We want to focus on winning game. “The tion to details to achieve the de- Milchev and a very good shooter Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah of Qa- Duhail six consecutive times, Al Sadd, who are unbeaten this to add this title to our trophy strength of Al Sadd in the recent sired goal, which is winning the Hansen,” Rashid, who represent- tar missed the fi nal round by a dating back to January last year. season. cabinet. The good thing for matches cannot be denied. But I Qatar Cup,” Lamouchi added. ed Qatar at the 2008 and 2016 whisker as he was seventh at the And their red-hot form in QNB Al Sadd coach Xavi Hernan- me is that since I started train- have told the team’s players to fo- Duhail will be without expe- Olympic Games, said. end of the qualifi cation rounds. Stars League, where they hold dez was happy for his team to ing with Al Sadd, the team is cus more in order to achieve vic- rienced midfi elder Luiz Martin The 53-year-old former Ol- In the women’s section, Slova- a massive 13-point lead over carry the favourites tag into the present in all fi nals and we hope tory,” he said yesterday Junior, who is sidelined for a ympic champion Milchev and kia’s London 2012 bronze medal- second-placed Al Duhail and are fi nal and warned his team was to bag another trophy. The title “My team is ready to face Al month following surgery in the Hansen fi nished with 45 and 43 list Danka Bartekova won the one win away from winning the at its best. “We are at our best. is won, the fi nals are won and Sadd. Duhail will continue to play lower abdomen. Lamouchi said hits respectively after 50 shots to gold and Russia’s Alina Fazylzy- title, makes them overwhelming We are at the top of our physi- not played,” Xavi added. good football and remain strong he was yet to decide whether to take proceedings to a shoot-off anova, who won ISSF Grand Prix favourites for today’s cup fi nal. cal conditioning. We have not The Al Sadd coach, however, on the pitch like we did against Al play Mohamed Muntari, who in which the former won. in Rabat, claimed silver. Cyprus’ Al Duhail and Al Sadd quali- lost for a long time and the team warned his players on being Gharafa in the semi-fi nal. Given had suff ered injury in the last The 24-year-old Rashid, who Konstantia Nikolaou clinched fi ed for the title clash by de- is presenting very good levels. I complacent against Duhail. “Al the circumstances, we have tried league game. won gold in the shotgun event bronze.

Al Gharafa win their opening Amir’s Cup basketball game

Action from the opening Group B match between defending Qatar League and Qatar Cup champions Al Gharafa (in blue and yellow) and Al Khor (in white) in HH The Amir’s Cup 2020-2021 basketball tournament at Al Gharafa Indoor Hall yesterday. Al Gharafa won the match 96-69. Gulf Times 2 Friday, February 26, 2021 CRICKET

FOCUS India crush England inside two days in pink-ball Test ‘I HAVE NEVER BEEN PART OF A TEST MATCH WHERE THINGS HAVE MOVED SO QUICKLY’ AFP Shortest Test matches Ahmedabad by days since 1900 ndia crushed England by 10 wick- All 13 matches were completed in ets yesterday in a rare two day Test two days. triumph that winning captain Virat 1912- Australia beat South Africa by Kohli said had been “bizarre”. an innings and 88 runs in Manches- ISpinner Axar Patel took 11 wickets ter over two innings as India outplayed 1912-England beat South Africa by 10 their rivals in all departments in the wickets in London day-night game to take a 2-1 lead in the 1921-Australia beat England by 10 four match series. wickets in Nottingham Rohit Sharma hit a six to see India 1931-Australia beat West Indies by an to their meagre second innings tar- innings and 122 runs in Melbourne get of 49 without losing a wicket in 1936-Australia beat South Africa by the world’s biggest cricket stadium in an innings and 184 runs in Johan- Ahmedabad. nesburg “I have never been part of a Test 1946-Australia beat New Zealand by match where things have moved so an innings and 103 runs in Wellington quickly,” said Kohli. 2000-England beat West Indies by “It was bizarre that out of the 30 an innings and 39 runs in Leeds wickets, 21 were off straight balls,” he 2002-Australia beat Pakistan by an said praising his spin bowlers but hit- innings and 198 runs in Sharjah ting out at the batsmen on both sides. 2005-South Africa beat Zimbabwe “The result went our way but the by an innings and 21 runs in Cape quality of batting was not at all up to Town standard from both teams to be very 2005-New Zealand beat Zimbabwe honest,” said Kohli, who has now beat- by an innings and 294 runs in Harare en M.S. Dhoni’s Indian record of 21 Test 2017-South Africa beat Zimbabwe wins at home as captain. by an innings and 120 runs in Port England captain Joe Root, who won Elizabeth the toss, chose to bat and then saw two 2018-India beat Afghanistan by an dramatic collapses, was shocked by the innings and 262 runs in Bengaluru defeat but insisted it would not “de- 2021-India beat England by 10 wick- fi ne” his side that won the fi rst Test so ets in Ahmedabad convincingly. “We will use the hurt from this week India spinners Axar Patel (left) and Ashwin celebrate after taking England wickets on the second day of the third Test in Ahmedabad yesterday. (BCCI) as motivation going into that last game. We will come back stronger for it,” he wickets. Patel struck with the fi rst ball insisted. Spinners ruled the contest SCORECARD of the innings to send back Zak Crawley claiming 28 of the 30 wickets that fell ENGLAND 1st innings 338 I. Sharma not out 10 D. Sibley c Pant b Patel 7 (Bairstow), 3-19 (Sibley), 4-60 (Stokes), and got Jonny Bairstow for his second on the viciously turning track. INDIA 1st innings J. Bumrah lbw b Root 1 J. Bairstow b Patel 0 5-56 (Root), 6-66 (Pope), 7-68 (Archer), straight zero on the third delivery. It was only the second Test in India’s (overnight 99-3, R. Sharma 57, A. Rahane 1) 9-80 (Leach), 10-81 (Anderson) Root, who took fi ve wickets earlier, cricket history to end in two days. The Extras (b2, lb2, w1) 5 J. Root lbw b Patel 19 put on 31 runs for the fourth wicket R. Sharma lbw b Leach 66 Bowling: Patel 15-0-32-5, Ashwin 15-3- last was their thrashing of Afghanistan Total (53.2 overs, all out) 145 B. Stokes lbw b Ashwin 25 48-4, Sundar 0.4-0-1-1 with Ben Stokes who top-scored with on their Test debut in Bangalore in 2018 S. Gill C Crawley b Archer 11 25. Ashwin trapped Stokes lbw to end Fall of wickets: 1-33 (Gill), 2-34 (Pujara), O. Pope b Ashwin 12 INDIA 2nd innings (target 49) and there have been less than 25 in Test C. Pujara lbw b Leach 0 3-98 (Kohli), 4-114 (Rahane), 5-115 (R. the stand and Patel claimed Root for 19. history. B. Foakes lbw b Patel 8 R. Sharma not out 25 Earlier India were bowled out for 145 V. Kohli b Leach 27 Sharma), 6-117 (Pant), 7-125 (Sundar), England’s last two-day Test was 8-125 (Patel), 9-134 (Ashwin), 10-145 J. Archer lbw b Ashwin 0 S. Gill not out 15 in their fi rst innings after resuming the when they beat West Indies at Head- A. Rahane lbw b Leach 7(Bumrah) J. Leach c Rahane b Ashwin 9 day on 99-3. ingly in 2000. The result rules England Extras (b8, lb1) 9 Root returned career-best fi gures of R. Pant c Foakes b Root 1 S. Broad not out 1 out of contention for the World Test Bowlers: Anderson 13-8-20-0, Broad 6-1- Total (7.4 overs) 49 5-8 in 6.2 overs of off spin in support of R. Ashwin c Crawley b Root 17 16-0, Archer 5-2-24-1, Leach 20-2-54-4, Championship fi nal. India need a win J. Anderson c Pant b Sundar 0 Bowling: Leach 4-1-15-0, Root 3.4 0 25-0 Leach, who took four wickets. The fi nal or draw in the fourth and fi nal Test to W. Sundar b Root 0 Stokes 3-0-19-0 (w1), Root 6.2-3-8-5. match starts on March 4 in the same Total (30.4 overs, all out) 81 Result: India won by 10 wickets book their meeting with New Zealand ENGLAND 2nd innings stadium giving England little time to A. Patel c Sibley b Root 0 Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Crawley), 2-0 Series: India lead the four-Test series 2-1 at Lord’s in June. Z. Crawley b Patel 0 boost morale. “I think, more than anything, we ASHWIN 400 of the series. India scored 145 in their “Strangle their runs and then get Patel was brilliantly supported by Archer lbw for nought. shouldn’t have any baggage going into England were skittled out for 112 and fi rst innings. them to make mistakes. Bowling more Ravichandran Ashwin who took seven He is the fourth Indian bowler af- the last game. We have some fi ne play- 81 and Patel has now taken at least fi ve Patel said he thrives on the mind and more dot balls is my strength,” said wickets in the match and went past ter Anil Kumble (619), Kapil Dev (434) ers and batsmen who are more than ca- wickets in three of the last four innings games with opposing batsmen. the new spin hero. 400 Test scalps when he trapped Jofra and Harbhajan Singh (417) to pass 400 pable of making big scores,” said Root.

TWENTY20 SPOTLIGHT Multi-millionaire Morris wants Guptill returns to form as NZ to follow in dad’s footsteps

IANS edge Australia in Dunedin Durban ricket multi-millionaire Chris Mor- Reuters ris said yesterday he wants to follow in Wellington his father’s footsteps by playing for the South African province that dad Willie representedC for 12 seasons. artin Guptill fell Morris, 33, will play for the Rajasthan Roy- short of a third als in the 2021 Indian Premier League after the Twenty20 interna- franchise bought him for US$2.2-million, an IPL tional century but his auction record. His projected fee will take him Bangalore last year, he wasn’t even sure that an- Mstrong return to form helped New past $8mn in earnings from the IPL alone. It is other franchise would want his brand of aggres- Zealand to a four-run win over a diff erent cricketing world from that in which sive batting, fast bowling and agile fi elding. Australia in the second match in Willie Morris played for what was then known “I don’t think anyone in the cricket fraternity Dunedin yesterday. as Northern Transvaal between 1979/80 and thought cricket would ever pay this well. In the New Zealand extended their 1991/92. Willie played in an era when cricket in past cricket couldn’t set you up for the rest of lead to 2-0 in the fi ve-match South Africa was taking its fi rst tentative steps your life. It’s the way business is going, the way series after their 53-run win in towards professionalism. sport is going, especially in the pandemic. Christchurch. “Cricketers still needed to have full-time jobs “I think a lot of people are looking for sport as Opener Guptill smashed 97 off and would go to net practice after a long day in a way to escape. Sportsmen have a responsibil- 50 balls and shared in a 131-run the offi ce,” said Chris. ity to provide as much entertainment as we can.” partnership with captain Kane Northern Transvaal had an unusual payment Morris said he looked forward to returning to Williamson (53) as New Zealand scheme, according to Lee Barnard, who cap- the Royals, a team he played for 2015. He said put 219 for seven on the board tained Willie Morris for part of his career. earning a big fee would not change his approach and set an imposing chase in “Batsmen only got paid if they scored at least to playing. “The auction is out of our control,” he front of a sell-out crowd at Uni- 25 runs. More guys got out between 21 and 24 said. “It’s an absolute lottery. At the end of the versity Oval. than in the whole history of cricket. Bowlers had day I’ve got to do what I have been doing over the “Outstanding knock from to meet targets. One player had such a poor sea- last couple of years. Martin,” Williamson said. “The son that he couldn’t even pay his laundry bills.” “There will be a little bit of added pressure, presence he brings at the top of Chris Morris said that cricket had been his life that’s natural. But I’m fortunate enough to have the order along with that power New Zealand’s Martin Guptill hits a six during the second T20 match against Australia at University Oval in because of his father. been part of this franchise before and I know game that he has, it was great to Dunedin yesterday. (AFP) “I always say I was born with a bat in my hand. what I’m getting into.” see that today.” He would come back from a long day at work and The tall all-rounder has also played T20 crick- Guptill’s knock ended a run of missal for 12 by legspinner Ish consecutive balls. eight. “I thought we didn’t bowl still have the energy to throw balls at me.” et in Australia’s Big Bash League, South Africa’s low scores after he was out for a Sodhi. But Marcus Stoinis (78) and too badly today,” said Finch. “But South Africa will be scrapping its current Mzansi Super League and for two English coun- duck in Christchurch and made Finch scored one run in Daniel Sams (41) threatened to Guptill played a brilliant innings franchise system next season and will return to ties. Surprisingly, though, his appearances for a total of 46 runs in three T20I’s Christchurch and was passed steal the match as they attacked in that partnership with Kane, an interprovincial set-up similar to that in which South Africa in international cricket have been against Pakistan in December. over in the Indian Premier the short boundaries with gusto built a lot of momentum.” Willie Morris played. The only big diff erence is sporadic. “I’m a little bit cooked at the League auction after managing in a quickfi re 92-run partner- The series continues in Wel- that the province is now known as Northerns, He said during a press conference in Durban, moment but it’s nice to get some just 179 runs at 13.76 from 13 in- ship. Australia needed 15 runs off lington on March 3. with the name Transvaal having been dropped where he is playing in a domestic T20 tourna- runs and another win,” said the nings in a poor Big Bash League the last over but James Neesham after the end of apartheid in South Africa. “I’m ment, that there had been no contact with his 34-year-old. campaign for the Melbourne had Sams caught in front of the BRIEF SCORES quite excited for the new 15-province thing,” said home country’s selectors since he was picked as a “My mind has been clear. Renegades. New Zealand’s bowl- deep midwicket boundary with New Zealand 219 for 7 (Guptill Chris. “If I get the opportunity to play at Centu- late replacement for the 2019 Cricket World Cup. Things just haven’t gone my ers looked set to wrap the match the fi rst ball. 97, Williamson 53, Neesham rion for Northerns and follow in Willie’s foot- And he remains reticent about whether he way.” up quickly when Mitch Santner Stoinis needed a six and a four 45*, Kane Richardson 3-43) beat steps that will be quite cool.” would be available to play for South Africa in the While Guptill was relieved, (4-31) reduced Australia to 113 for in two balls to win the game but Australia 215 for 8 (Stoinis 78, Morris said his IPL record signing “came as a T20 World Cup in India later this year. Australia captain Aaron Finch’s six, having both Ashton Agar and was caught slogging to long- Philippe 45, Sams 41, Santner very big surprise”. “That’s a diffi cult question,” he said. “If that struggles continued with his dis- Mitchell Marsh out for ducks in on as Australia fi nished 215 for 4-31) by four runs. After being released by Royal Challengers conversation comes, it comes.” Gulf Times Friday, February 26, 2021 3 FOOTBALL

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SPOTLIGHT Guardiola demands more aft er Man City Mendy’s late strike cruise past Gladbach

AFP A sublime inch-perfect cross Budapest by Portuguese defender Joao Cancelo curled over the defence from the left to reach his compa- puts Real Madrid anchester City triot Silva who fl icked his close- moved to the verge range header past Yann Sommer. of the Champions “We tried to play simple and not League quarter-fi - make mistakes. It’s a good win Mnals with a 2-0 win over Borussia for us, but it’s not over yet,” Silva Moenchengladbach on Wednes- said. “Every time when he plays day night but coach Pep Guar- (Silva) is an exceptional player, in sight of quarters diola insisted his team still need he’s really good in the air, the goal to “be more clinical up front”. was fantastic how he fi nished it,” A fi rst half header from Ber- said Guardiola. ‘We didn’t have a great game tonight, but the most important thing was the result’ nardo Silva and a Gabriel Jesus The 26-year-old Cancelo, im- strike in the second period of pressive throughout, nearly dou- AFP the last 16 fi rst leg tie extended bled the lead fi ve minutes from Bergamo, Italy a winning streak by Guardiola’s the break but his shot from just high-fl ying side to 19 games in outside the box pinged over the all competitions. bar. Then early in the second half erland Mendy put Real Madrid Premier League leaders City Jesus should have converted af- within touching distance of the camped inside the Gladbach ter latching on to a poorly judged Champions League quarter-fi nals half for most of the game, which backpass by Bensebaini but saw on Wednesday night with the late was moved to Hungary due to his shot blocked by Swiss de- strikeF that sank 10-man Atalanta 1-0 in Germany’s Covid-19 travel re- fender Nico Elvedi. Bergamo. The French left-back’s curling strictions. Although dominant, Apart from a lunging backheel eff ort came four minutes from time in a City took time to break down a from Plea that fl ashed just wide last 16, fi rst leg clash in which the hosts stubborn German defence, often of Ederson’s far post on the hour had to play a man down for over 70 min- foiled by the interceptions of Al- mark, City comfortably con- utes, giving Zinedine Zidane’s side the geria left-back Ramy Bensebaini. tained the Germans, and went advantage heading into the second leg in While Guardiola said after- two up in the 65th minute. An- Madrid on March 16. wards he was “pleased” with the other majestic cross-fi eld pass “We didn’t have a great game tonight, result, he added City “have to by Cancelo again found Silva at but the most important thing was the re- improve” to challenge for Cham- Sommer’s far post who this time sult, scoring away was important for us,” pions League honours. “We con- headed back across the goal- said Zidane. “It’s a very good result against trolled the game. Unfortunately mouth for Jesus to fi re home and an Atalanta team even at ten, because they we were not clinical up front, it seal City’s 19th successive victo- defended very well. The tie is open. We are is something we have to improve ry and sixth Champions League going to have a great return match.” in this competition, we were not clean sheet in a row. Atalanta had attacked early but the good enough in the box, we didn’t Gladbach, who managed just game was transformed when Swiss mid- dribble and shoot enough,” said one shot on target throughout fi elder Remo Freuler was harshly sent off Guardiola. “In this competition the game, an eff ort by substitute in the 17th minutes for tripping Mendy at you have to be perfect to be sure Hannes Wolf saved by Ederson the edge of the penalty area. Gian Piero you can go through,” he said. in the last moments, now face a Gasperini’s woes continued with for- Debutants in the Champions formidable task to turn around ward Duvan Zapata limping off after half League knockout stages, Glad- the tie in the return leg sched- an hour with a muscular problem with bach had been urged by coach uled for March 16 in Manches- midfi elder Mario Pasalic coming off the Marco Rose to be brave against ter. “We deservedly lost today bench. Guardiola’s side. France’s Alas- against a very strong team, you “The game was ruined,” said Gasperini. sane Plea was almost through on don’t get many chances against “I don’t know what would have happened goal on 20 minutes after a rare such an opponent, we simply 11 against 11. I just got banned for saying counterattack, but a nervy and couldn’t attack more,” said Rose. something in Serie A, if I say something deep-lying Gladbach eventually “It would have been good to now then UEFA will ban me. But this is succumbed to mounting pres- score at the end to be in a better football suicide. Enough of these referees sure in the 29th minute. position.” who’ve never played a game and don’t know the diff erence between a challenge and a foul.” Spanish midfi elder Isco got a rare start up front for injury-hit Real Madrid play- ing alongside Marco Asensio and Vini- Real Madrid’s French defender Ferland Mendy (left) celebrates with teammates Lucas Vazquez (right) and Casemiro after scoring cius. The 13-time European champions against Atalanta during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg match in Bergamo, Italy. (AFP) were without striker Karim Benzema due to an ankle problem with an injury list Muriel missing a chance to give the hosts thanks to Mendy, who beat Gollini with a Valencia 4-1 a year ago in front of 45,000 also including Sergio Ramos, Eden Haz- the lead four minutes before the break stylish, curling eff ort into the top corner. spectators in Milan’s San Siro. ard and Dani Carvajal. with a long-range strike that went just Madrid have the advantage going into That match was considered to have “It’s true that there are many casual- wide. Atalanta goalkeeper Pierluigi Gol- the second leg having missed out on the been one of the reasons behind the ac- ties, but the players who are here are do- lini then kept the scores level when he quarter-fi nals for the last two seasons. celeration of coronavirus in Italy with ing well, committed, every time there is a stopped a Casemiro header on a free kick “Normally there are a lot of goals in games Bergamo at the epicentre of the country’s change we adapt,” added Zidane. But Zi- before the half-time whistle. against Atalanta, we were expecting a dif- outbreak. The are in their second Cham- dane’s side failed to truly make the most Josip Ilicic came on in place of Muriel fi cult game but after the red it was normal pions League campaign, but Wednesday’s of the extra man despite coming closest after 56 minutes. The Slovenian scored they would defend deep,” said Real goal- match was the fi rst knock-out fi xture in to breaking through in the fi rst half with fi ve goals against Valencia at this stage keeper Thibaut Courtois. their home stadium which underwent a Casemiro header, with Nacho, Isco and of the competition last season, but was Atalanta need a historic eff ort in the renovations last season. And thousands Vinícius Junior also threatening and Luka substituted four minutes from time after away leg to reach the last eight for a sec- of fans ignored the Italian team’s plea to Manchester City’s Phil Foden (left) and Moenchengladbach’s Nico Modric fi ring over. a poor display. ond successive year. The Bergamo side stay away with a party atmosphere out- Elvedi vie for the ball during the UEFA Champions League last 16 first Atalanta continued to attack, with Luis Soon afterwards Madrid broke through won their last 16, fi rst leg clash against side the stadium with a fi reworks display. leg match in Budapest on Wednesday. (AFP)

FOCUS ROUND-UP Henry steps down as Montreal Title out of reach for Liverpool, says Mane iverpool’s Premier League title Southgate and previous boss Sam Allardyce coach due to family reasons hopes are over and the main target but did not make an appearance for his now is to win the Champions country of birth. AFP League, forward Sadio Mane said. The London-born striker, who has scored LLiverpool ripped up the record books last six Premier League goals this season as Montreal season on the way to their fi rst English top- West Ham have risen to fourth place in the fl ight title in 30 years, but a season marred table, qualifi es for Jamaica through his par- hierry Henry has by injuries and poor form has left the club ents. Dalton Wint, General Secretary of the stepped down from his sixth and trailing leaders Manchester City Jamaican Football Federation, said that they role as coach of CF Mon- by 19 points. “Our target from the begin- had been in talks with the player aimed at treal for family reasons, ning was the Champions League, the Pre- bringing him into the Reggae Boyz squad for Tthe Major League Soccer outfi t mier League and also Cup games. And now, their 2022 World Cup, CONCACAF region, announced yesterday. “It is with I can say it’s over for the Premier League... qualifying campaign which is due to begin a heavy heart that I’ve decided it’s too much,” Mane said. “In our head, it’s in September. “He is a very good player that to take this decision,” said the always ‘never give up’ and we won’t give could add quality,” said Wint. former Arsenal and France strik- up, but for sure, City are a good team and A report had earlier reported that er in a statement released by the they’re fl ying.” Antonio, who had turned down a similar club and posted on his own Twit- Mane said Liverpool will shift focus to chance in 2016, was set to accept an off er ter feed. Europe. The Anfi eld club defeated RB Leip- this time. Jamaica, who last qualifi ed for a “The last year has been an ex- zig 2-0 in the round of 16 fi rst leg last week. World Cup in 1998, are attracting interest tremely diffi cult one for me per- “The Champions League, that is our main from a number of players who could qualify sonally. Due to the worldwide target,” he said. “To win it, not be second, to play for the country, said Wint. “There pandemic, I was unable to see but it won’t be easy. You’re going to face the Liverpool tweeted a picture of their is interest from a few players in Europe my children. Unfortunately due best teams in Europe, but we’re here to beat goalkeeper accompanied by the title of the with immense talent,” he said, declining to to the ongoing restrictions and the best in the world.” club’s anthem – “You’ll Never Walk Alone”. identify the players. the fact that we will have to re- Meanwhile, Liverpool forward Diogo Jota Alisson’s teammates Adrian and Virgil van locate to the US again for several resumed full training on Wednesday after Dijk both took to Instagram to express their TORINO GAME AGAINST SASSUOLO months, the situation will be no by pandemic travel restrictions and January 2019. being out for more than two months with a support. POSTPONED AFTER diff erent. The separation is too which forced the team to relo- Before that he worked as a knee injury, the Premier League club said. David de Gea, goalkeeper with arch- CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK much of a strain for me and my cate to the United States to play youth coach at Arsenal and then Jota scored nine goals in 17 games since rivals Manchester United, posted a picture Italian club Torino’s league game today kids. Therefore, it is with much games. They played just three as assistant coach to Roberto arriving from Wolverhampton Wanderers on Twitter of the two of them embracing against Sassuolo has been postponed be- sadness that I must take the de- fi xtures at their own Stade Sapu- Martinez with the Belgian na- in September. He sustained the injury in a after a game with the words: “We are all cause of a coronavirus outbreak in the club, cision to return to London and to as a result. tional team as they fi nished third Champions League match against Midtjyl- with you.” Brazilian club Fluminense, where the Lega Serie A confi rmed. The match will leave CF Montreal.” “Thierry’s departure is unfor- at the 2018 World Cup in Russia. land on Dec. 9. The club also said centre Alisson’s brother Muriel currently plays, take place on Wednesday, March 17 at 1500 Henry, 43, had only recently tunate and premature because His Montreal side last sea- back Virgil van Dijk, who has been out since said on Twitter: “Fluminense Football Club local time (1400 GMT).At the insistence of been linked with the manager’s this was very promising, but he son featured the likes of Kenyan October following knee surgery, continued deeply regret the passing of Jose Agostinho local health authorities, the team have been job at English Championship informed me of his desire to be former Tottenham Hotspur mid- his rehabilitation with an individual out- Becker, father of goalkeepers Muriel and in isolation, with training suspended since club Bournemouth. He was ap- back with his family because fi elder Victor Wanyama and ex- door session on Wednesday. Alisson. We wish all strength to his friends Tuesday. pointed by Montreal in Novem- the situation was and remains Barcelona striker Bojan Krkic. and family.” Their fi xture against Lazio next Tuesday ber 2019 and signed a two-year very diffi cult for both him and Earlier this month it was re- LIVERPOOL ‘DEEPLY SADDENED’ BY is also in doubt. Seven players and two staff deal. His fi rst season saw the his family,” said CF Montreal’s ported that Bournemouth were DEATH OF ALISSON’S FATHER JAMAICA TALKING TO WEST HAM’S members tested positive, with some cases Canadians fi nish ninth in the sporting director, Olivier Renard. keen to appoint Henry as they Premier League champions Liverpool said ANTONIO OVER CALL-UP of the UK variant of the virus, according Eastern Conference of the MLS Henry, who is Arsenal’s all- seek to make an immediate re- yesterday they were “deeply saddened” by West Ham United forward Michail Antonio to Italian media reports. Torino’s league before losing at the fi rst hurdle time record goal-scorer and turn to the English Premier the death of goalkeeper Alisson Becker’s fa- has been approached by Jamaica about match at Genoa in October was also post- in the play-off s, while they lost also the all-time top scorer for League. However last weekend ther in Brazil. It is understood 57-year-old switching his national team allegiance to poned after an outbreak at the home club. in the quarter-fi nals of the CON- France, previously spent three they named Jonathan Woodgate Jose Agostinho Becker drowned after going the Caribbean nation, its football federa- UEFA rules state that a match can take place CACAF Champions League. troubled months in charge at as their head coach until the end for a swim on his property in Lavras do Sul tion said. Antonio, 30, had been called into as long as a team can count on 13 healthy The season was complicated Monaco between October 2018 of this season. on Wednesday. England squads by current manager Gareth players, including a goalkeeper. Gulf Times 4 Friday, February 26, 2021 FOOTBALL

LA LIGA Brentford, Watford step up promotion push

London: Brentford and Messi scores twice as Watford stepped up their bids for promotion to the Premier League with vital Champion- ship victories on Wednesday. Second placed Brentford ended a run of three suc- cessive defeats as they beat struggling Sheff ield Wednes- Barcelona beat Elche day 3-0. Thomas Frank’s side took the lead in the 23rd minute Barcelona are back in third, five points off the top, having played a game more than Atletico Madrid when Bryan Mbeumo headed home from Sergi Canos’ AFP shot. In the 74th minute, Madrid Saman Ghoddos netted from Mbeumo’s pass. Mads Bech Sorensen ionel Messi soared past Luis bagged Brentford’s third from Suarez to become La Liga’s top a free-kick with six minutes scorer on Wednesday night by left as they moved within adding his 17th and 18th goals of seven points of leaders Nor- Lthe season in a much-needed 3-0 vic- wich. Third placed Watford tory for Barcelona over Elche. are level with Brentford on 60 Barca had followed up last week’s points after they won 3-2 at crushing Champions League loss to Blackburn to record a fourth Paris Saint-Germain by drawing at consecutive victory. home to Cadiz on Sunday but eased the The Hornets took lead in strain with a comfortable win at the the 25th minute through Joao Camp Nou. Messi’s double owed much Pedro’s lob, with Ismaila Sarr to a pair of superb assists, with a su- knocking in a second from preme dribble by Frenkie de Jong com- close range shortly before ing after a sublime fl ick from Martin half-time. Rovers pulled a goal Braithwaite, who also set up Jordi Alba back ahead of the break when to score a third. on-loan Liverpool teenager After failing to take full advantage Harvey Elliott lashed home of league leaders Atletico Madrid’s de- an angled eff ort in the 43rd feat by Levante on Saturday, this vic- minute. tory puts Barcelona back in third, fi ve Ken Sema drilled in a third points off the top, having played a game for Watford just after the more than Atletico. “We cannot lose hour. Although Blackburn any more,” said Ronald Koeman. “The substitute Ben Brereton set problem was we were not good enough up a tense final eight minutes at the start and we have to win all the when he pulled another goal games now if we want to do something back from a corner, Tony in the league.” Mowbray’s men slipped to a Even if Atletico prove too far ahead fifth straight league defeat. to catch, a positive performance was Swansea remain in the au- important, especially with a semi-fi nal tomatic promotion shake-up second leg to come next week against after a 1-0 win over Coventry Sevilla in the Copa del Rey, which may at the Liberty Stadium. be their only chance of winning a trophy They broke the deadlock this term. Messi’s return to top form when Ben Cabango headed comes as a huge boost too. The 33-year- in from a corner in the 54th old came off unfavourably in compari- minute. Steve Cooper’s men sons made with Kylian Mbappe last sit fourth, a point behind Wat- week but these kinds of performances Barcelona’s Lionel Messi (centre) vies for the ball with Elche’s Raul Guti (left) and Omenuke Mfulu during the La Liga match at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona. (AFP) ford and Brentford and with show he is far from fi nished yet. two games in hand. Cardiff This was Messi’s fi fth and sixth goal his game is still impressive. There are cas Boye blazed over. Yet a frantic open- ing off Braithwaite, whose sweeping Elche defenders, before cutting back for won 2-1 at Bournemouth to in his last four games while no player old players and then there are players ing gave way to a disjointed fi rst half fl ick behind his standing leg gave the Messi. move into the play-off places from the top fi ve European leagues has that have to make the diff erence. He has and Koeman reacted by bringing off the scuttling Argentinian a simple fi nish. He glided past two more and prod- with a sixth successive victory scored more than his 13 this year in all shown again today that he is a very, very ineff ective Miralem Pjanic at half-time Elche’s early threat had dissipated ded in. Messi started the move for the under new boss Mick McCa- competitions. Bayern Munich’s Robert important player for this team.” and replacing him with Ousmane Dem- and Barca added two more in fi ve min- third, with a familiar, curving pass to rthy. Barnsley beat Stoke 2-0, Lewandowski is closest on 12. “When Francisco Trincao and Frenkie de bele. Barcelona scored within two min- utes. The fi rst came from a breathtaking Braithwaite at the back post, whose while Preston and QPR shared we talk about old players, that’s not Jong had early chances for Barcelona utes of the restart, Messi driving from run from De Jong, who dribbled for- cushioned header across found Alba a goalless draw. Leo,” said Koeman. “His quality and while Elche should have scored but Lu- midfi eld towards the area and rebound- ward from the halfway line, past three unmarked in the middle.

EUROPA LEAGUE PREMIER LEAGUE Aubameyang heads Arsenal into last 16 Ancelotti keen to extend contract and lead Everton into new stadium By Andy Hunter ment for me. To fi nish the con- The Guardian tract here in 2024 means that you did a good job and when you do a good job the contract will not be arlo Ancelotti has said stopped in 2024. It will continue. he hopes to extend his The time I spent here is one year Everton contract beyond and I have felt really good so I 2024 and lead the club would like to stay as long as pos- intoC its planned new stadium at sible.” Bramley-Moore Dock. Last Saturday, Ancelotti be- Everton received planning came the fi rst Everton manager to permission from Liverpool win at Liverpool in 22 years and, city council on Tuesday for a despite lockdown restrictions, 52,888-capacity stadium on Liv- Ancelotti’s contract ends in he is well aware of what the re- erpool’s waterfront and, subject 2024 but he wants to be the man- sult meant to the club’s fans and to fi nal approval from the govern- ager who leads Everton into their how highly he is regarded among ment, could start the 150-week new home and, as such, would be them. “They didn’t talk to me, construction project this spring happy to extend his stay. just did this [gives a thumbs up] or summer. That would enable “I would like to be there when because unfortunately we don’t Everton to relocate for the 2024- the new stadium is opened,” he have the possibility to talk at the 25 season. said. “It will be a good achieve- moment,” he said.

ROUND-UP Contract talks with Neymar

Arsenal’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (left) celebrates with Bukayo Saka after scoring against Benfica during the Europa League round of ‘on track’, says PSG’s Leonardo 32 second leg match at the Karaiskakis Stadium in Piraeus, Greece, yesterday. (Reuters) Reuters Mbappe),” said Brazilian Leon- son of his former Norway inter- Reuters der manager Jose Mourinho, not starting a of motivation,” Mourinho said of Alli’s vir- Paris ardo. “We’ve been talking for a national team-mate Alf-Inge, at Athens Premier League game since the opening day tuoso display. “It’s coming and that’s what long time. It’s always (getting) Molde and had hoped to persuade of the season, but was clearly in the mood we need. He is playing very well. Of course, clearer. We’re going to arrive at the frontman to link up with him to impress. The midfi elder produced a sen- the goal was beautiful but the assists and the alks with Neymar over the moment when we have to take again at Old Traff ord last season. ierre-Emerick Aubameyang struck sational overhead kick in the 10th minute to hard work means more for me.” a new contract are “on a position, a decision. I think that But the striker opted for a move to a late winner as Arsenal dug deep give his side the lead on the night, after they Tottenham have lost fi ve of their last six track”, while discussions we are getting closer and closer to Dortmund in December 2019. to beat Benfi ca 3-2 on the night and won the fi rst leg 4-1 in Budapest. Premier League games but enjoyed much- with Kylian Mbappe are that moment each time.” Haaland’s agent, Mino Raiola, 4-3 on aggregate to reach the last 16 Alli then provided a pinpoint cross for needed European respite to progress in a Tstill ongoing, Paris Saint-Ger- Leonardo also confi rmed that has said only 10 clubs in the world Pof the Europa League yesterday. Carlos Vinicius to make it 2-0 fi ve minutes competition which looks like their most real- main sporting director Leon- PSG want to extend the deals of can aff ord him, with four of those When a dreadful mistake by Dani Cebal- after halftime and was again the provider as istic route back into the Champions League. ardo said yesterday. The French Angel Di Maria and Juan Bernat, teams in England. Asked if the los just past the hour mark allowed Rafa Silva Bale, on as a substitute, smashed in a ma- Alli was twice involved in the move that champions’ two star forwards — whose contracts expire at the end forward was somebody he would to put Benfi ca 2-1 ahead in Athens it meant jestic third goal with his left foot. Vinicius, led to Tottenham’s fi rst goal and when the the world’s two most expensive of this season. like to see one day at Old Traf- Arsenal required two goals to avoid a disap- another Spurs player who has found Premier ball was played into the area he executed the players — are both out of con- ford, Solskjaer replied: “I think pointing exit. But Kieran Tierney’s goal gave League appearances hard to come by, scored perfect scissor kick to send a bouncing ball tract in June 2022. SOLSKJAER ‘KEEPS IN when you have had kids and play- Arsenal hope and Aubameyang, who had put his second goal late on as Tottenham waltzed beyond Wolfsberg keeper Manuel Kuttin. Several media reports have TOUCH’ WITH HAALAND ers through as a coach, you fol- the English side ahead in the fi rst half, was into the last 16 with an 8-1 aggregate victory. Wolfsberg avoided any further damage in suggested that an agreement Manchester United manager Ole low them, of course, and I keep in in the right place to head home in the 86th While Bale’s lack of minutes since his re- the fi rst half but were undone again when with Neymar has already been Gunnar Solskjaer has said he is touch with Erling. minute. There was still a nervous moment in turn on loan from Real Madrid has been Alli put a cross on a plate for Vinicius to head reached. “It is on the right track,” still in contact with former charge “So it’s great to see him become stoppage time as Benfi ca hit the woodwork largely down to fi tness issues, according to home. Leonardo told France Bleu Paris Erling Braut Haaland and has not the player he has become and I but Arsenal hung on to complete a notable Mourinho, Alli’s fall from grace has been The fact that Bale, superb against West radio station. “But at the end of ruled out a future move for the know he’ll work to improve all the win in Athens. harder to explain. But on Wednesday he of- Ham as a substitute on Sunday, was left on the day, a contract is signed when Borussia Dortmund star. time. He’s a Dortmund player. We On Wednesday, Dele Alli and Gareth Bale fered a reminder of the ability that catapulted the bench suggests he might be in line for a it’s signed, and that’s not yet the The 20-year-old striker has just wish him well there and then staked their claims for places in Tottenham him into Tottenham’s fi rst team as a teenager start at the weekend against Burnley. When case.” established himself as one of the let’s see what life will bring later Hotspur’s fi rst team with superbly-taken in 2015 and made him an England regular. he was introduced he looked sharp, sweeping Mbappe, who like Neymar hottest prospects in world foot- on. Who wasn’t interested in him goals in a 4-0 victory over Austrian club “Dele had a diffi cult period, he had an in- Alli’s pass into the top corner without break- joined PSG in 2017, has been ball during goal-laden stints with a year ago?” he added. “Because Wolfsberg in the Europa League last 32 sec- jury, at the same time was the talk about him ing stride. Sixteen-year-old substitute Dane heavily linked with a future move Austrian side Salzburg and Dort- everyone would say you’d take the ond leg. staying or leaving, the market closed, the Scarlett rounded off a good night for Totten- to Real Madrid. mund. best players in the world and Er- Alli has fallen down the pecking order un- injury’s gone and he starts working with lots ham with an assist for Vinicius. “We’ve been talking (with Solskjaer coached Haaland, the ling is a top player.” Gulf Times Friday, February 26, 2021 5 SPORT

NBA SPOTLIGHT NBA unveils schedule for second half of season Jazz thump Lakers, AFP Dallas Mavericks. The second- New York half schedule concludes on May 16, to be followed by a play-in tournament from May 18-21. he NBA released its That will feature four teams in schedule for the second each conference battling for the half of the regular season fi nal two playoff spots in the East on Wednesday, a jam- and West. The playoff s proper Dort spurs Thunder Tpacked programme designed begin on May 22 with the cham- to have all 30 teams complete pionship series set to end before 72 games despite coronavirus the Tokyo Olympics open on July ‘WE’RE PLAYING CONSISTENT BASKETBALL RIGHT NOW’ disruptions. When the 2020-21 23. Among the notable fi xtures campaign got underway in De- in the second half of the season, AFP cember, the NBA divided the the Los Angeles Clippers host Los Angeles season into two segments to al- the reigning champion Lakers at low fl exibility in the face of the Staples Center on April 4. ongoing pandemic. LeBron James and the Lakers he Utah Jazz manhandled the With 29 games postponed so take on Kevin Durant and the NBA champion Los Angeles Lak- far, the handful of teams most Nets in Brooklyn on April 10. ers on Wednesday, improving on aff ected face a tough race to As in the fi rst half of the sea- their league-leading record with the fi nish when the second half son, the NBA will minimize trav- Ta pitiless 114-89 victory. of the season begins after the el by scheduling teams to play Donovan Mitchell, headed for his sec- March 5-10 All-Star Break. two road games in the same city. ond straight All-Star Game, scored a Those teams include the The Utah Jazz, currently lead- modest 13 points but added 10 rebounds four in action on March 10: the ing the league, are slated to host and eight assists. Washington Wizards, Memphis the Lakers on April 17 and 19 in All-Star French center Rudy Gobert Grizzlies, San Antonio Spurs and Salt Lake City. and Jordan Clarkson scored 18 points apiece as six Jazz players scored in dou- ble fi gures in the dominant performance Watt reportedly has $15mn-$16mn off er against the injury-depleted Lakers. “We’re playing consistent basketball Free agent J.J. Watt received at least one off er for $15 million to $16 right now,” Mitchell said after the Jazz million annually, ESPN reported yesterday. Watt was released by the notched their 22nd win in 24 games. Houston Texans at his request and the three-time NFL Defensive “That’s the biggest thing, to continue Player of the Year has described his first foray into the open market to play consistently for each other and do as “wild.” Several teams have been connected to Watt, who was a the little things. We got away from that first-round pick out of Wisconsin and spent his entire career to this in the playoff s and (now) we’re doing it point with the Texans. The home-state Green Bay Packers, Cleveland every night.” Browns, Tennessee Titans, Indianapolis Colts, Las Vegas Raiders, Pitts- The Western Conference-leading Jazz burgh Steelers and Buff alo Bills are rumoured to be contenders. made 22 three-pointers to the Lakers’ Watt might not be basing his decision entirely on money, considering eight, pulling away in the second quarter his contract with the Texans would have paid him $17.5 million in 2021. as they improved to 26-6. Los Angeles, without injured star Anthony Davis and guard Dennis Schroder – fell to 22-11 with their fourth straight defeat. LeBron James FOCUS scored 19 points and sat out the fourth quarter with the game out of hand. Canadiens fi re RESULTS Utah 114-89 Lakers head coach Julien Miami 116-108 Toronto shootouts to the last-place Sen- Golden State 111-107 Indiana AFP Montreal ators. They are fourth in the Sco- Atlanta 127-112 Boston tia North Division, three points Cleveland 112-96 Houston ahead of the Calgary Flames, he reeling Montreal after adding forwards Tyler Tof- Charlotte 124-121 Phoenix Canadiens fi red head foli and Josh Anderson, goalie Chicago 133-126 Minnesota coach Claude Julien on Jake Allen, and defensemen Joel New Orleans 128-118 Detroit Wednesday after back- Edmundson and Alexander Ro- Tto-back NHL losses to the lowly manov during the off season. Oklahoma 102-99 San Antonio Ottawa Senators. The top four teams in each di- Assistant Dominique Duc- vision will qualify for the Stanley Montrezl Harrell with 16 and Markieff harme was named interim coach Cup Playoff s. Morris with 12 were the only other Lakers and former NHL winter Alex Bur- Julien, 60, signed on for a players to score in double fi gures. rows was added to the coaching second stint coaching the Ca- Lakers coach Frank Vogel was happy to staff in a shakeup that also saw nadiens in 2017, when he agreed call the Jazz the hottest team in the NBA assistant coach Kirk Muller fi red. to a fi ve-year contract that ran “right now”, and James said the Lakers “I would like to sincerely thank through this season. were confi dent of better things to come. Claude and Kirk for their con- Last August he was hospital- “It’s a tough stretch for us, but this Donovan Mitchell (right) of the Utah Jazz drives into Alex Caruso of the Los Angeles Lakers during their game at Vivint Smart tributions to our team over the ised with chest pains during the won’t defi ne what we will be for the rest Home Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Getty Images/AFP) past fi ve years during which we fi rst round of the Eastern Con- of the season and for the long haul, that’s worked together,” Canadiens ference playoff s. for sure,” James said. after the shot fell. “When it dropped in, I Gallinari broke the club record of nine over the Detroit Pistons. general manager Marc Bergevin Muller took the helm as Julien Lu Dort was the hero in Oklahoma City, just dropped too.” three-pointers set by Steve Smith in 1997 Williamson connected on 13 of 18 shots said. underwent a cardiac procedure, draining a game-winning three-pointer It went to overtime in Chicago, where and the Hawks surpassed the franchise from the fi eld, driving relentlessly to the “I have great respect for these but Julien said in November he at the buzzer in the Thunder’s 102-99 Zach LaVine scored 35 points to help the record with 23 three-pointers. basket to help the Pelicans erase an early two men whom I hold in high re- was “100 percent” as the team victory over the San Antonio Spurs. Bulls overcome the Minnesota Timber- Star point guard Trae Young scored 33 double-digit defi cit for the win. gard. In Dominique Ducharme, geared up for the new campaign. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored a ca- wolves 133-126. points in a game Atlanta led by as much as Golden State Warriors survived a lack- we see a very promising coach In 18 NHL seasons coaching reer-high 42 points for the Thunder, who LaVine made 14 of his 21 shots and the 27 in the fi rst half. The Hawks were never lustre shooting night to notch a gritty 111- who will bring new life and new Julien has a record of 667-445- had 16 each from Al Horford and Dort. Bulls connected on 59% of their shots threatened in the second as they handed 107 victory over the Indiana Pacers. energy to our group. 152 with 10 ties with the Cana- San Antonio had tied it up at 99-99 on from the fi eld as they won their third the Celtics a third straight defeat. Stephen Curry scored 24 points, con- “We feel that our team can diens, Boston Bruins and New Lonnie Walker’s layup with 29.9 seconds straight game. Jaylen Brown led the Celtics with 17 necting on just one of 11 from three-point achieve high standards and the Jersey Devils. left. But the Spurs turned the ball over In Atlanta, Italian veteran Danilo Galli- points. Jeff Teague added 14 and Jayson range. But Draymond Green came up just time had come for a change.” He was voted the Jack Adams with 3.9 to play to set the stage for Dort. nari set a Hawks record with 10 three- Tatum had 13. short of a triple-double with 12 points, The Canadiens got off to a hot Award winner as NHL coach of “It felt good when it left my hand, and pointers, delivering 38 points off the New Orleans star Zion Williamson 11 rebounds and nine assists and added start in the NHL season, but they the year in 2008-09 and won the I was just staring at the ball the whole bench to help the hosts to a 127-112 vic- celebrated his fi rst All-Star nod with 32 three steals as the Warriors dug deep for have won just one of their past Stanley Cup with the Bruins in time,” said Dort, who fl opped on his back tory over the struggling Boston Celtics. points in the Pelicans’ 128-118 victory their second straight win. six games and dropped two in 2011.

NHL Vasilevskiy, Lightning shut out Hurricanes

Reuters RESULTS AGAIN DOWN 3-0 TO DUCKS, Stateline, Navada COYOTES AGAIN RALLY FOR WIN Coyotes 4-3 Ducks The Arizona Coyotes rallied from a Lightning 3-0 Hurricanes three-goal defi cit to beat the Anaheim ndrei Vasilevskiy stopped 25 Ducks 4-3 in a shootout on Wednesday Maple Leafs 2-1 Flames shots for his fi rst shutout of night in Glendale, Ariz. Conor Gar- the season and Ross Colton Flyers 4-3 Rangers land and Christian Dvorak scored in scored a goal in his NHL de- Kings 2-1 Blues the shootout for the Coyotes, who also butA to lead the Tampa Bay Lightning to came back from a 3-0 defi cit to beat the Wild 6-2 Avalanche a 3-0 victory over the visiting Carolina Ducks 4-3 in regulation on Monday. Hurricanes on Wednesday afternoon. Stars 3-0 Panthers Phil Kessel had a goal and an assist, It was the 22nd career shutout for Syracuse of the AHL, alone in front of and Tyler Pitlick and Jakob Chychrun Vasilevskiy, who improved to 11-3-1 for the net. also scored for Arizona. Oliver Ekman- the season, tied for fi rst in the NHL for Colton then fi red a wrist shot under Larsson and Conor Garland notched wins along with Toronto’s Frederik An- Nedeljkovic to give Tampa Bay a quick two assists apiece. dersen. lead. Coleman made it 2-0 late in the Darcy Kuemper made 18 saves for the Blake Coleman and Barclay Goodrow fi rst period with a power-play goal. Coyotes before leaving early in the third also scored goals for the Lightning, who The score was set up by Yanni period with an apparent injury. He was won for the 10th time in their past 11 Gourde, who sped down the right wing replaced by Adin Hill, who stopped home games against the Hurricanes. and found Coleman alone in the slot all 14 shots he faced in regulation and Tampa Bay also improved to 7-1 at with a pass that Coleman redirected overtime after entering the game with Amalie Arena this season and moved past Nedeljkovic’s blocker side for his the Coyotes trailing 3-0. into a tie for second place in the Central fourth goal of the season. Max Comtois had a goal and an as- Division with Carolina. The Lightning, who held Carolina sist, Josh Mahura and Max Jones also Alex Nedeljkovic, who registered without a shot on goal for nine minutes scored and Ryan Miller made 25 saves to his fi rst career shutout on Saturday in in the second period and just 16 total lead the Ducks, who are winless in their a 4-0 win over the Lightning, fi nished over the fi rst two periods, missed two past fi ve games (0-4-1). Trevor Zegras Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy (left) makes a save against the Carolina Hurricanes during the second with 25 saves. chances to blow the game open in the was the only Anaheim player to score in period of their NHL game at Amalie Arena. (USA TODAY Sports) Colton, a fourth-round pick out of middle period when Gourde’s breaka- the shootout. Kessel tied it at 3-3 with the University of Vermont in 2016, way try was turned away by Nedeljko- 3:21 remaining in the third period off a bounced in a defl ection at 10:05, and next closest Anaheim player. Comtois Anaheim’s top defenseman, Hampus needed just two shifts to become the vic and Hedman missed the net on a feed from Garland. Chychrun’s shot went off two Anaheim was hit in the midsection with a point Lindholm (lower-body injury), made it ninth player in Lightning history to 2-on-1 rush with Gourde. Miller was on track for his fi rst shut- players and into the net to cut it to 3-2 shot as he tried to screen Kuemper. The 2-0 at 7:58 of the second. score a goal in his debut. Carolina pulled Nedeljkovic for an out in just over two years, but Arizona at 11:49. The Ducks took a 1-0 lead with puck fell at Comtois’ skates, and he Jones scored a power-play goal on Victor Hedman circled behind the extra attacker with 3:07 remaining and scored twice in just under two min- 12 seconds left in the fi rst period on the quickly backhanded it through his legs a loose puck in close for the second net on a rush and found the 24-year- Goodrow sealed the win with an emp- utes midway through the third period team-leading eighth goal of the sea- and past Kuemper. Mahura, playing his straight game to extend the lead to 3-0 old center, who was called up from ty-net goal with 35 seconds to go. to make it a one-goal game. Pitlick son by Comtois, twice as many as the third straight game in place of one of at 15:46 of the second period. Gulf Times 6 Friday, February 26, 2021 SPORT

TENNIS FOCUS Bencic eases past Pandemic helped Sanders to set up Gauff semi-fi nal

AFP ers 2-6, 6-4, 6-4. Adelaide Rogers raced through the fi rst set before Gauff came back to level the match. Swiatek deal with econd seeded Belinda Rogers then opened a 4-2 lead Bencic saw off Austral- in the deciding set, however, ian Storm Sanders to set Gauff again came back, winning up a semi-fi nal against the next four games to close out 16-year-oldS American Coco the quarter-fi nal. Gauff at the Adelaide Interna- The second semi-fi nal features tional yesterday. Poland’s reigning French Open French Open success Bencic reached her fi rst semi- champion Iga Swiatek against fi nal since the WTA Finals in No- Switzerland’s Jil Teichmann. vember 2019 when she defeated Swiatek progressed when her The Polish 19-year-old has reached the semi-finals in Adelaide the tricky left-handed Austral- opponent, American Danielle ian 6-2, 6-4. Collins, retired injured with a Reuters Despite winning in straight lower back problem when trail- Paris, France sets, Sanders pushed the Swiss ing 6-2, 3-0. world number 12 all the way, In contrast, Teichmann Bencic eventually winning in one claimed her spot in the semi- rench Open champion and a half hours. fi nals after a marathon win over Iga Swiatek says the “I knew she was going to be a Latvia’s Anastasija Sevastova. Covid-19 pandemic has really uncomfortable opponent,” Teichmann was on court for al- been benefi cial for her Bencic said of Sanders, who was most three hours before seeing off Fas the restrictions allowed the ranked 292 before the tourna- Sevastova 6-4, 6-7 (8/10), 7-5. 19-year-old from Poland to set- ment. The 23-year-old had fi ve tle into her life as a fi rst-time “I had a hard time getting used match points in the second set, Grand Slam winner. to how she plays because I have which she couldn’t convert, and Swiatek went from being a never played her before and she’s was forced to save two in the largely unknown teenager to still kind of unknown.” third before defeating Sevastova acquiring celebrity status when Bencic said she was looking in a titanic struggle. she became the youngest wom- forward to taking on Gauff , who “It was a rollercoaster and an to win the French Open since had to win through qualifying what I felt was nerves,” Teich- Monica Seles in 1992 and the just to make the main draw. mann said. fi rst to do so without dropping a “She’s a great player,” Bencic “It was a very tense match, set since Justine Henin in 2007. said of the American. very long rallies every time. “I didn’t see like a lot of peo- “She has had amazing results “Anastasija is a tough player ple around, because at that time for how young she is.” and you have to play every point we had many restrictions and Gauff came from a set down to and every game, doesn’t matter if it was impossible to get like big beat countrywoman Shelby Rog- you’re serving or returning.” gatherings,” Swiatek told re- porters yesterday after reaching the semi-fi nal at the Adelaide International. “But I can see like a lot of sup- port, like by media and TV and I feel like people really saw me for the fi rst time and I gained popu- larity. “So it was actually good that the pandemic is here, because it was really good for me and I could try to learn how to deal with it step by step. It’s going to be probably diff erent when the pandemic is over, but I have this experience now.” Swiatek, who is ranked 18th, In this October 10, 2020, picture, Poland’s Iga Swiatek kisses the trophy as she celebrates winning the French Open at Roland Garros in Paris, had earlier said she was fi nding France. (Reuters) it tough to deal with the weight of expectation at the Australian antine upon arrival in Mel- antine in Australia was the fi rst French Open,” said Swiatek after “So I think I needed that time Open following her Roland Gar- bourne ahead of the year’s fi rst time I could like probably chill her opponent Danielle Collins and I’m really happy that I won ros triumph. Grand Slam also helped her. out and not worry about every- retired with a lower back injury such a tournament actually at The 14-day mandatory quar- “Actually, I feel like the quar- thing that’s been going on after while trailing 6-2, 3-0. the end of the season.”

Switzerland’s Belinda Bencic. (AFP) Nadal pulls out of Rotterdam event with back problem SPOTLIGHT AFP him in Australia. Nadal said in a statement from week of the tournament. Once ian Open runner-up Daniil Rotterdam, Netherlands The world number two the tournament organisers. I got back to Spain I visited my Medvedev as the top seed, withdrew from the ATP Cup in “As most of the fans know, I doctor and together with my with Tsitsipas, Alexander Adelaide before the Australian suff ered some back problems team they’ve advised not to Zverev and Andrey Rublev Hewitt named to afael Nadal announced Open, in which he struggled in Australia that started in play this upcoming week.” also in the draw. yesterday that he was with back pain before losing to Adelaide and continued during The 20-time Grand Slam cham- “I was really looking forward to Rpulling out of next Stefanos Tsitsipas in the quar- Melbourne. pion was due to be playing in coming back to Rotterdam and Tennis Hall of Fame week’s ATP tournament in ter-finals earlier this month. “We found a temporary solu- Rotterdam for the first time the Netherlands,” added Nadal. Rotterdam to recover from the “It is with great sadness that I tion that allowed me to play since 2009. “I hope to come back and play AFP back problems that hampered have to forfeit from Rotterdam,” without pain in the second His absence leaves Austral- there soon.” New York

wo-time Grand Slam RUGBY ATHLETICS winner Lleyton Hewitt was named to the Inter- national Tennis Hall of TFame class of 2021 on Wednes- France v Scotland Semenya fi les suit in European day, along with the Original 9 of the women’s professional tour. The honour for former world postponed aft er Court against testosterone rule number one Hewitt came on the Aussie’s 40th birthday. AFP Hewitt, who amassed 30 tour- new Covid-19 case Johannesburg level singles titles in his 18-year career, will be inducted in the Reuters origin (of the outbreak),” FFR Player Category. Paris president Bernard Laporte told outh Africa’s two-time Not only was he elected by France Info radio yesterday, before Olympic champion the Hall of Fame’s offi cial voting the latest case was announced. Caster Semenya has group of media, historians and ing disparity in prize money and rance’s Six Nations game “I would like to know. Of fi led a lawsuit in the Hall of Famers, he came fi rst in playing opportunities between against Scotland was course it is something that wor- EuropeanS Court of Human a global fan vote that took place women and men in tennis. postponed after another ries me. I would like to know if Rights challenging restric- last year. On September 23, 1970 the player tested positive someone is at fault, or not. We tions of testosterone in female Hewitt beat Pete Sampras in Original 9 signed what would forF Covid-19, bringing the total are going to investigate this our- athletes, her lawyers said yes- the fi nal of the US Open in 2001 become iconic $1 contracts un- number infected to 11, organisers selves to see how we got there.” terday. and ascended to No. 1 in the der the leadership of tennis pro- said yesterday. Scotland coach Gregor The World Athletics gov- ATP rankings. Hewitt captured moter and World Tennis Maga- The Six Nations said in a state- Townsend said the postpone- erning body in 2018 banned the Wimbledon title the follow- zine publisher Gladys Heldman ment that its Testing Oversight ment was a disappointment. Semenya and other female ing year and was a fi nalist at the in order to compete on their own Group had met yesterday to re- “We have had a good week athletes with diff erences of Australian Open in 2005. terms, even though competing in view the situation in the French with our players who were fo- sexual development (DSD) “I am hugely honoured to their own non-sanctioned event camp and unanimously recom- cussed and ready to represent from races between 400 me- be inducted into the Interna- threatened their careers. mended the postponement of their country in Paris and con- tres and a mile unless they take tional Tennis Hall of Fame,” said Their fi rst event led to the cre- Sunday’s match. tinue our progress in this year’s hormone-suppressing drugs. Hewitt. ation of the Virginia Slims Cir- The statement added that the Six Nations,” he said. Semenya, 30, unsuccessful- “When you are competing, cuit and set the stage for today’s Six Nations would look to re- “Throughout this tourna- ly challenged those rules at the you’re so focused on training and WTA Tour. schedule the fi xture and would ment, and the previous Autumn Court of Arbitration for Sport your results that week or that King welcomed the decision communicate the date in due Nations Cup, we have worked (CAS) and the Swiss Federal year, you don’t really look ahead for the Original 9 to serve as the course. hard to maintain strict Covid Supreme Court. to something like this,” he added. fi rst group to be inducted into the The French federation (FFR) protocols which have enabled us On February 19, she made Switzerland to have “failed in “All we ask is to be allowed “But when that is all compiled Hall of Fame. had said earlier yesterday that to select our strongest possible another fresh attempt – tak- its positive obligations to pro- to run free, for once and for up and deemed deserving of be- “This is one of the biggest the entire French squad was in teams for these important inter- ing the matter to the European tect her against the violation all, as the strong and fearless coming a Hall of Famer, well, it’s honors we’ve ever had,” she said. isolation and training had been national fi xtures. Court of Human Rights in of her rights under the Euro- women we are and have always just the ultimate recognition for “We’re all so excited because of suspended ahead of the game. “We will wait to see what op- Strasbourg. pean Convention on Human been,” she is quoted as saying a player, and I’m so honoured,” what we went through together. France had resumed contact tions are available to play this “Semenya’s ongoing fi ght Rights”. in the statement. Hewitt said. The nine of us were willing to training on Wednesday but the match against France, but it re- for dignity, equality, and the In its judgement last year, No dates have been set yet The Original 9 of women’s give up our careers for the rest of FFR had said it would conduct mains our position that we want human rights of women in the Swiss court concluded for the hearing of the case. professional tennis – Ameri- our lives and never play again for daily Covid-19 testing until Sun- to have all our eligible players sport took a crucial step for- that the CAS decision “cannot Meantime, the athlete is yet cans Peaches Bartkowicz, Ro- this opportunity to start some- day, and one player returned a available to us for that fi xture, so ward with the fi ling of an ap- be challenged”. to qualify for the Tokyo Olym- sie Casals, Julie Heldman, Billie thing.” positive test on Wednesday night. we can compete to the level we plication” to the ECHR, her But Semenya hopes her pics. Jean King, Kristy Pigeon, Nancy King also paid tribute to in- Several members of staff , would have done this weekend,” lawyers Norton Rose Ful- latest bid will see the Euro- She had already decided to Richey and Valerie Ziegenfuss as novative coach Dennis Van der including head coach Fabien he added. bright, announced in a state- pean court “put an end to the compete in the 200m even be- well as Australians Judy Tegart Meer, who rounds out the class Galthie, also returned positive France lead the standings with ment. longstanding human rights fore the Olympics were post- Dalton and Kerry Melville Reid of 2021, calling him “a brilliant tests last week. two wins from two games, ahead According to the lawyers, violations by World Athletics poned to 2021 due to the coro- – took action 50 years ago when tennis mind and instrumental in “It’s always hard to know the of Wales on points diff erence. she is asking the court to fi nd against women athletes”. navirus pandemic. they refused to accept the grow- our sport’s growth.” Gulf Times Friday, February 26, 2021 7 SPORT

FOCUS Alfardan Premier Motors is Offi cial Transport provider for Qatar Total Open

By Sports Reporter the company’s eagerness to sup- to renew our partnership with all its aspects and supports our Doha port sports tournaments hosted the Qatar Tennis Federation for continued readiness and aspira- by Qatar and to reinforce Qatar’s the eleventh consecutive year tions to elevate the tournament position as a leading sports hub. as the offi cial transport provider to the highest level. This year’s lfardan Premier Motors Alfardan Premier Motors has for the players of Qatar Total tournament is set to witnesses Co, the offi cial retailer provided a fl eet of luxury vehi- Open 2021. By providing a fl eet the participation of top world of Jaguar Land Rover in cles to enhance the level of com- of Jaguar and Land Rover ve- class tennis players, which re- Qatar, renewed its part- fort for the movement of players, hicles, we strive to provide the fl ects the importance of Qatar nershipA as the offi cial transport and teams to and from the sta- highest standards of luxury and Total Open on the global sports provider for the 2021 edition of dium. For this year’s partnership, excellence in one of the most map.” Qatar Total Open for the tenth Alfardan Premier Motors will be important championships on Alfardan Premier Motors rep- consecutive year. The premier providing a fl eet of 45 luxurious the agenda of the Women’s Ten- resents some of the world’s lead- tennis tournament, which will Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles nis Association.” ing names in luxury car brands take place this year from March for the championship. Qatar Total Open Tourna- and has been closely associated 1-6 at the Khalifa International The 2021 Qatar Total Open will ment Director Saad al-Mohan- with major happenings in Qa- Tennis and Squash Complex, is be featuring six of the world’s nadi said, “Today we renew our tar, which underscores the com- set to witness the participation top-ten players. partnership with Alfardan Pre- pany’s commitment to be a key of the top tennis champions from Samer Bou Dargham, General mier Motors which, through its partner in the important sport- around the globe. Manager for Alfardan Premier brands, adds to the excellence ing, national and international Qatar Total Open Tournament Director Saad al-Mohannadi (left) and Alfardan Premier Motors General The partnership stems out of Motors, said: “We are delighted and luxury of this tournament in events taking place in town. Manager Samer Bou Dargham.

CYCLING / UAE TOUR Qatar’s Cherif-Tijan reach Doha Cup Pogacar holds Beach Volleyball semis lead, Vingegaard wins fi ft h stage ‘There are no more mountains, but I haven’t won the UAE Tour yet’

AFP Paris, France

adej Pogacar main- tained his lead in the UAE Tour by keep- ing closest challenger TAdam Yates at bay in yesterday’s fi fth stage, won by Denmark’s Jonas Vingegaard. Reigning Tour de France champion Pogacar fi nished three seconds behind Vinge- gaard and just ahead of Briton Action from the quarter-final match between Qatar’s Cherif Younousse and Ahmed Tijan, and Russia’s Yates, who now sits 45 seconds Daniil Kuvichka and Anton Kislytsyn during the Doha Cup Beach Volleyball tournament at Al Gharafa behind the Slovene in the gen- Beach Complex yesterday. The Qatari duo won the game 2-0 (22-20, 21-13) to reach the last-four stage eral classifi cation. of the competition, where they will meet yet another Russian pair – Pavel Shustrov and Alexey Gusev The road now seems clear for – today. Shustrov and Gusev booked their place in the semis with 2-1 (18-21, 21-15, 15-12) win over Travis the UAE Emirates rider to claim Mewhirter and Adam Roberts of the United States. the overall title on Saturday. “I’m glad I’ve retained the lead but I’ll stay focused in the next two days,” said Pogacar. “There are no more mountains, but I haven’t won the UAE Tour yet.” To take the fi fth stage, Vinge- gaard imitated his usual Jum- Jonas Vingegaard of Jumbo-Visma team wins the fifth stage of the UAE Tour from Fujairah Marine Club bo-Visma team leader Primoz to Jebel Jais yesterday. (AFP) Roglic, who lost last year’s Tour de France to countryman Pogacar fi nish to deny Kazakh Alexey to the border with Oman. as I’m usually in the service of on the penultimate stage. Lutsenko. It was Vingegaard’s second Primoz,” said the 24-year-old. Vingegaard attacked at the Lutsenko’s dream of victory success on the World Tour cir- Today’s penultimate stage is highest point of the week-long vanished 250 metres from the cuit after a stage of the 2019 a 168-kilometre charge from race, at an altitude of 1,489 me- fi nish line in the rocky setting of Tour of Poland. Dubai to the artifi cial island of tres, just one kilometre from the the Hajar Mountains, very close “It’s a very big victory for me, Palm Jumeirah.

Giro d’Italia route should favour specialist climbers

Reuters full details of the route for the bian Egan Bernal, the 2019 Tour The race will leave Italy twice, Rome, Italy May 8-30 race. de France champion, and home moving into Slovenia and The world’s second biggest hope Vincenzo Nibali. Switzerland, and will cover 14 stage race after the Tour de There will be two time trials, of Italy’s 20 regions. his year’s Giro d’Italia France will this year have a one to start the race in Turin Briton Tao Geoghegan Hart, includes six mountain record overall diff erence in and the second to end it in Mi- last year’s Giro winner, will Tfinishes and seven other height of 46,900 metres. lan, six stages for sprinters and not be defending his title as hilly stages, organisers said on That should favour the special- seven high-mountain stages he is focusing on the Tour de Wednesday as they announced ist climbers including Colom- including six uphill finishes. France.

FORMULA 1 ‘Low key’ Verstappen keeps a lid on the pre-season hype Reuters year and hoped that had been re- London, United Kingdom solved although the new car had Formula One says racing in Africa is a priority so far run on demonstration tyres Reuters only Black driver, said last year reporters last month that there only. ax Verstappen London, United Kingdom it was important for the sport was interest from North and “We knew we had a few issues could be the big- to race in Africa. South Africa. with that car and we wanted to gest threat to Lewis “I completely agree with Targett-Adams said the sport still improve it... for us it was im- Hamilton’s hopes of ormula One needs to Lewis,” Targett-Adams told the hoped Vietnam, whose inaugural portant to just get on top of that. Ma record eighth Formula One title have a grand prix in Africa Black Book Motorsport virtual race has been put on hold, might Let’s see this year if we improved this season but the Dutch driver Fand the absence of one is summit. “Africa is a continent make its debut eventually. it even more,” added the Dutch- was determined to keep a lid on wrong, according to the sport’s that we don’t race in and that is She expected Saudi Arabia, man. any hype yesterday. global director of race promo- just wrong. It’s somewhere that making its first appearance this “We worked a lot with Honda Asked whether Red Bull could tion Chloe Targett-Adams. we very much want to (race in). year with a night race in Jed- also throughout the winter and truly challenge for the champi- The continent has not featured It’s a priority. dah, to become a fixture for at its all looking promising but it onship, Verstappen said it was on the calendar since the last “We’ve been in talks with possi- least a decade. doesn’t make sense now to hype too early for such a discussion. South African Grand Prix at ble options for a few years and A partnership with the all-female everything up.” “I don’t know yet,” he told Kyalami in 1993. Morocco also we’re hoping that ultimately we W Series, which is supporting Mexican Perez said in a state- reporters. “I just don’t want to hosted a round of the world will be able to achieve a race eight grands prix this season and ment, “Driving a new car is always hype things up at the moment. championship at the Casablan- there in the near to mid-term,” has the ultimate aim of getting special, for the driver and also for “I just want to stay low key and ca circuit in 1958. she added. a woman driver onto the F1 the team. They have been work- focus on our job. We should do Seven times world champion Formula One’s new chief execu- grid for the first time since 1976, ing so hard through the winter, so the talking on the track, not next Lewis Hamilton, the sport’s tive Stefano Domenicali told could be expanded. to fi nally take the car on track, it’s to the track. That’s what I prefer.” quite an emotional day. The 23-year-old won two races “I can say I think there is a lot in 2020 and ended the campaign ments, compared to only one for four seasons, experienced Mexi- Mercedes must still start as fa- images online. lation about what they might be of potential. The conditions were third overall and the driver clos- Hamilton’s teammate Valtteri can Sergio Perez having replaced vourites, he and Perez hoped to Photos sent out after a private hiding. not great but it was nice to get a est to the dominant Mercedes Bottas, in a season of 11 podium Thai racer Alexander Albon who make it more diffi cult for them. test at Silverstone on Wednesday Verstappen, who won the sea- feeling for the car. It’s pretty ex- duo. fi nishes from 17 races. followed Pierre Gasly and Daniel Red Bull have also stayed low featured last year’s car, which son-ending race in Abu Dhabi citing.” He would doubtless have been Verstappen starts 2021 with Ricciardo. key with their new car – releas- also ran, with the new one miss- from pole position, said he had The season starts in Bahrain on runner-up but for fi ve retire- his fourth diff erent team mate in The Dutchman said that while ing only carefully-edited studio ing in action amid media specu- wanted more grip and power last March 28.

Friday, February 26, 2021 GULF TIMES SPORT

GOLF / QATAR OPEN AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP Jordaan leads fi rst day, Qatar’s al-Shahrani one shot behind By Sports Reporter Elliott said the conditions were The others players who will Doha very tough but was happy with be determined to move to the his scores. top today include, Tom Swei- “It was very windy out there, gart, Pratyush Jain, Iain Stew- outh African Ruan Jor- tough to play, happy with my art, David Moreland, Jordan daan played brilliantly on score, I was playing after a long Massey, Kohei Noguchi, Sam a windy day to emerge as time, so what I achieved was Wall, Kittisak Sang-Orn, Si- the fi rst round leader with good,” Elliott said. mon Nsubuga, Christian aS one-under-par 74 in the Qatar “Looking forward to the sec- Prambs JR, Saleh Ali Mus- Open Amateur Championship ond day,” the American said. bah al-Kaabi, Abdulrahman yesterday. The three-day championship al-Shahrani, Chris Corcelles, At the Doha Golf Club, Jordaan is being played on individual Jack McGuire, Anwar Ali, Saad overcame the tough windy condi- stroke play format and the fi eld Kazi and Arnav Jain. tions to fi nish on top among the will be reduced to just 60 players 108 golfers taking part in the event. at end of today’s play. LEADING ROUND I SCORES Qatar national team member The winner of the champion- 73: Ruan Jordaan Ali al-Shahrani was in second ship will qualify for the Com- 74: Ali al-Shahrani place heading into the second day mercial Bank Qatar Masters golf 75: Mike Elliott, Tom Sweigart while Mike Elliott, based in Qatar championship, a European Tour 77: Pratyush Jain, Iain Stewart for the last ten years and a coach event which will be held from 78: David Moreland at Qatar Golf Academy, is in the March 11 to 14 at the Education 79: Jordan Massey, Kohei Qatar’s Saleh al-Kaabi in action yesterday. third spot. City Golf Club. Noguchi, Sam Wall Qatar’s Ali al-Shahrani in action on the first day of the Qatar Open Amateur Championship yesterday. PICTURES: Jayaram

EQUESTRIAN Philippaerts stars on the fi rst day of CHI Al Shaqab ‘It’s super that we can start again at the highest level here in Al Shaqab. So I didn’t want to come here unprepared’

By Sahan Bidappa Doha

livier Philippaerts clinched the feature class on the opening day of the Commercial BankO CHI Al Shaqab Presented by Longines. At the Longines Arena at Al Shaqab yesterday, the Belgian rider galloped to victory in the saddle of the 15-year-old H&M Legend of Love. The pair produced a scorch- ing 60.61-second round under the fl oodlights at the magnifi cent arena. Britan’s former World No. 1 Scott Brash fi nished in second place with Hello Vincent after clocking 60.85 seconds, while Germany’s Philipp Weishaupt and Coby 8 took home third place after a clear round in 61.07 sec- onds. The 27-year-old Philippaerts was delighted with his victory but Frenchman Julien Epaillard won the 1.45m class with Safari d’Auge. at the same time was relieved to compete at the highest level de- 4. Pieter Devos (BEL); Jade v FEI Team Test - Grade III - spite the prevailing pandemic. “If Bisschop; 0; 61.58secs; €9.490. CPEDI3* you look at the start list, you know 1. Rixt van der Horst (NED); that you have to ride fast if you Belgium’s Olivier Philippaerts astride H&M Legend of Love clears a hurdle during the Commercial Bank CHI Al Shaqab Presented by Longines at CSI5* 1.45m/Special Two-Phase Findsley N.O.P.; 76.176%; want have a chance to win. I didn’t the Longines Arena at Al Shaqab yesterday. Table A, FEI Art. 274.2.5 76.471%; 72.353%; 75.000%; let that distract me and wanted to 1. Julien Epaillard (FRA); Safari €330 ride my own round,” he said. No. 1 Peder Fredricson of Sweden d’Auge; 0; 32.19secs; €6.350 2. Maud de Reu (NED); Webron “It’s super that we can start and Hansson came third after a 2. Henrik von Eckermann (SWE); N.O.P.; 74.559%; 71.618%; 75.882%; again at the highest level here in clear round in 33.34 seconds. Carlotta; 0; 33.06secs; €5.080 74.020%; €250. Al Shaqab. So I didn’t want to Meanwhile, Omar al-Mannai, 3. Peder Fredricson (SWE); Hans- come to the championship here Event Director, Commercial son WL; 0; 33.34secs; €3.810. FEI Team Test - Grade IV - unprepared. In January, I rode Bank CHI Al Shaqab Presented 4. Penelope Leprevost (FRA); CPEDI3* in Oliva, Spain, to get my horses by Longines and Organising Verite Une Prince; 0; 33.40secs; 1. Rodolpho Riskalla (BRA); Don ready for the outdoor season and Committee member, was pleased €2.540. Henrico; 75.500%; 77.875%; I seem to have succeeded pretty with safe start of the prestigious 76.000%; 76.458%; €300 well. My horses already have championship. Para Dressage 2. Lotte Krijnsen (NED); Rosens- some competitions in their legs CHI Al Shaqab is being held FEI Team Test - Grade I - tolz; 74.625%; 70.750%; 72.250%; and are in the rhythm. That cer- for the eighth time, with 85 rid- CPEDI3* 72.542%; €250 tainly made a diff erence today,” ers from 27 countries and 138 1. Ana Isabel Mota Veiga (POR); 3. Tessa Baaijens-Van-De Vrie Philippaerts added. horses from overseas participat- Convicto; 70.714%; 65.714%; (NED); Happy Grace; 68.375%; Earlier, Frenchman Julien ing in the Olympic disciplines of 66.071%; Total Score: 67.500%; 70.375%; 68.500%; 69.083%; Epaillard won the opening class showjumping, dressage, and para €330 €200. of the CSI5* competition. Epail- dressage. 2. Magdalena Cycak (POL); Sy- lard topped the 39-combination Despite the challenges posed billa; 67.857%; 62.857%; 66.429%; FEI Team Test - Grade V - fi eld in the 1.45m class astride by the Covid-19 pandemic, the 65.714%; €250 CPEDI3* Safari d’Auge in 32.19 seconds. organisers have able to success- Khalifa al-Attiya (second left), Vice-Chairman, Supreme Organising Committee Commercial Bank CHI Al 1. Valentina Strobl (AUT); Bequia Epaillard, who has been riding fully host the annual event. In Shaqab and Omar al-Mannai (second right), Event Director and Organising Committee Member pose with FEI Team Test - Grade II - Simba; 72.907%; 69.419%; stallion Safari d’Auge at interna- line with the Ministry of Public the top three finishers of the yesterday’s 1.55m class. CPEDI3* 71.977%; 71.434%; €330. tional competitions since Feb- Health’s Covid-19 health and 1. Pepo Puch (AUT); Sailor’s Blue; 2. Amelia White (AUS); Genius; ruary 2013, put on an impressive safety guidelines, the venue ca- der exceptional circumstances. RESULTS Faults: 0; Time: 60.61 secs; Prize: 76.515%; 74.394%; 77.424%; Total 68.023%; 67.442%; 68.256%; round. pacity is restricted to 10 percent. With 10 percent of crowd al- Showjumping CSI5* 1.55m/ Euros 23,725 Score: 76.111%; Prize: €330 67.907%; €250. In second place was Henrik “Everyone is working hard lowed, we are taking extra pre- against the clock Table A, FEI 2. Scott Brash (GBR); Hello Vin- 2. Annemarieke Nobel (NED); 3. Tamsin Addison (IRL); Donna Si- Von Eckermann with Carlotta towards making the champion- cautions to ensure the safety of Art. 238.2.1 cent; 0; 60.85secs; €18,980 Doo Schufro; 65.758%; 67.727%; esta; 67.674%; 66.279%; 68.023%; 276, as the pair left the wood un- ship a safe and successful one, everyone involved in the event,” 1. Olivier Philippaerts (BEL); 3. Philipp Weishaupt (GER); Coby; 72.121%; 68.535%; €250 67.326%; €200. touched in 33.06 seconds. World especially it is being held un- al-Mannai said. Horse: H&M Legend of Love; 0; 61.07secs; €14,235

HORSE RACING Al Shaqab Racing’s Tawfan wins at Cagnes-sur-Mer in style Agencies in the mornings. He showed that he also ran fourth in the Critérium de Cagnes-sur-Mer, France was taking a keen interest on what Saint-Cloud (Group 1). She’s the was happening around him, but he dam of the smart stayer Brigantin won in the style of a nice colt. I think (Cozzene), the winner of the Prix awfan started favourite that he’s immature and that he will Vicomtesse Vigier (Group 2) and the for the Prix de la Prom- progress further still. Tawfan will Prix de Barbeville (Group 3), who enade de la Plage (maiden) never win by far and he refl ects what was also second in the Prix Kergor- on Wednesday, and the he does in the morning during train- lay (Group 2), and third in the Gold TAl Shaqab Racing runner took the ing. He has been very backward and Cup at Royal Ascot and the Prix du spoils on the Cagnes-sur-Mer turf the colt is starting to progress which Cadran (Group 1). after showing his fi ghting qualities augurs well for the future. He should and exhibiting that he has scope for improve a lot for the race.” progress. Tawfan was bred by Al Shaqab Hugo Journiac (right) rides Talking about Jean-Claude Racing. He’s a grandson of Banyu Tawfan to victory in the Prix de la Rouget’s ward, jockey Hugo Jour- Dewi (Poliglote) – a listed winner Promenade de la Plage in Cagnes- niac said: “I found him to be a bit on over 1,500m and second at Group 3 sur-Mer, France, on Wednesday. his toes as he tends to be very calm level over 1,600m in Germany. She (Scoopdyga)