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Friday, April 2, 2021 FOOTBALL Sha’aban 20, 1442 AH North Macedonia shock GULF TIMES Germany as France, England grind out wins SPORT Page 2 HORSE RACING / QATAR GOLD SWORD & TROPHY DAY Tayf leads Umm Qarn, De Mieulle charge on big day Trainer saddles five winners, while Ronan Thomas wins four; Mountain-trained Seeyoubyme wins Thoroughbred feature

By Mikhil Bhat Doha

lban de Mieulle strengthened his grip on the trainer’s cham- pionship after the vet- Aeran trainer celebrated fi ve win- ners yesterday, including the Qatar Gold Sword (Group 1 PA) winner Tayf, even as the Debo- rah Mountain-saddled Seeyou- byme won his fi rst Group 1 when he topped the Qatar Gold Trophy for Thoroughbreds at Al Rayyan Park yesterday. Qatari jockey Faleh Bugha- naim’s 12th winner this season, Seeyoubyme, comfortably built a gap on the competition to win the 2,200m USD250,000 Thor- oughbred feature by almost three lengths, even as JP Guillambert guided Jassim Ghazali-schooled Pedro Cara to second place fi nish. Abdulla Rashid al-Kubaisi (left) accepts the Qatar Gold Sword on behalf of Umm Qarn from HE Sheikh Thani HE Sheikh Thani bin Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani applauds as Hassan Ali al-Abdulmalik lifts the Qatar Gold The USD250,000 Arabian bin Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani after Tayf won the Arabian feature at Al Rayyan Park yesterday. Trophy after Seeyoubyme won the Thoroughbred feature yesterday. feature, however, was the per- fect fi nale to an action packed Bu Thaila (Anas al-Seyabi). Won evening as old rivals converged by: 2 ½, 2 ¾, 2 ¼. Time: 1:52.04. on the turf track at Al Rayyan Owner: Umm Qarn. Trainer: Alban Park once again. The current de Mieulle. His Highness The Amir Sword Race 3: SEALINE SPRINT champion Mon’nia and the Doha TROPHY (T/B three-year-old & Triple Crown winner Ebraz, both older) (1,200m) charges of Julian Smart, were in 1. Taxiwala (Ronan Thomas), 2. the company of a huge De Mieulle Gangland (Carlos Henrique), contingent in the mile-and-a- 3. Zyzzyva (Anas al-Seyabi), 4. quarter (2,000m) aff air. Izzthatright (Marco Casamento). A little more than two minutes Won by: 5 ½, ½, 2. Time: 1:08.46. later, Ronan Thomas and Umm Owner: Osama Omer al-Dafea. Qarn’s Tayf held an advantage on Trainer: Osama Omer al-Dafea. Tomas Lukasek-ridden Mon’nia Race 4: AL WAJBA TROPHY and Alberto Sanna-helmed Ebraz (Three-year-old T/B owned on the home straight, and while by local individual Qataris) the duo closed the gap it wasn’t (1,850m) enough as the Qatar Arabian World 1. Pom Malpic (Tomas Lukasek), Cup champion won by a length. 2. Devious Company (Soufiane For Thomas, the win was his Saadi), 3. Saqr (Marco fourth of the day, having opened Casamento), 4. US Cliff (Adrie de the card with two winners for the Vries). Won by: ½, Nk, No. Time: colours and De Mieulle, before 1:52.79. Owner: Khalifa bin Sheail guiding a sprint winner for Osa- al-Kuwari. Trainer: Ali Yousuf ma Omer al-Dafea. HE Sheikh Thani bin Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani presents the trainer’s al-Kubaisi. In the opener, it was the chest- trophy to Alban de Mieulle after Umm Qarn’s Tayf won the Qatar Gold Race 5: QATAR SILVER TROPHY nut fi lly Al Arabie that showed Sword (Group 1 PA) at Al Rayyan Park yesterday. Ronan Thomas rides Tayf to Qatar Gold Sword (Group 1 PA) victory yesterday. PICTURES: Juhaim (Local PA four-year-old & older) her comfort with shorter dis- (1,600m) tances compared to her last two 1. Sealine (Carlos Henrique), 2,000m-plus starts when Tho- 2. Aahil (Ronan Thomas), 3. mas guided the four-year-old to Lekhraib (Marco Casamento), more than three lengths victory 4. Ghannam (Alberto Sanna). in a seven-furlong Purebred Ara- Won by: Nk, 4 ¾, ½. Time: 1:42.24. bian maiden. Owner: Umm Qarn. Trainer: Alban Half an hour later, the in-form de Mieulle. Equinoxe improved his strike Race 6: QATAR SILVER SWORD rate, registering his fourth win (Four-year-old PA) (1,850m) from eight races when he landed 1. Sir Monlau (Soufiane Saadi), the 1,850m Local Thoroughbreds 2. Tarek Du Soleil (Faleh aff air. Bughanaim), 3. Djafar (JP Thomas completed a hat-trick Guillambert), 4. First Classs in the very next race when al- (Alberto Sanna). Won by: 1 ¼, Dafea’s Taxiwala put up a spec- 1 ¾, No. Time: 2:00.67. Owner: tacular run on the home straight Mohamed bin Hamad Khalifa al- to top the Sealine Sprint Trophy, Attiyah. Trainer: Alban de Mieulle. adding to the Group 3 Dukhan Race 7: QATAR GOLD TROPHY Sprint and Al Shaqab Racing (QA Gr1) (Far Bend) (Four-year- Trophy in February. old & older T/B) (2,200m) The two other winners for De 1. Seeyoubyme (Faleh Bughanaim), Mieulle were Umm Qarn’s Sea- 2. Pedro Cara (JP Guillambert), 3. line, who led a sweep of the top two Pazeer (Alberto Sanna), 4. Aspetar spots in the Qatar Silver Trophy for (Tomas Lukasek). Won by: 2 ¾, ¼, four-year-old and older local Ara- ½. Time: 2:15.57. Owner: Hassan Ali bians, and Mohamed bin Hamad al-Abdulmalik. Trainer: Deborah Khalifa al-Attiyah’s Sir Monlau in Mountain. the Qatar Silver Sword. HE Sheikh Thani bin Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani presents the trainer’s Race 8: QATAR GOLD SWORD Carlos Henrique was astride trophy to Deborah Mountain after Hassan Ali al-Abdulmalik’s (Gr1 PA) (Far Bend) (Four-year- Sealine in the mile-long Qatar Seeyoubyme won the Qatar Gold Trophy (QA Group 1) yesterday. Faleh Bughanaim rides Seeyoubyme to Qatar Gold Trophy (QA Group 1) yesterday. old & older PA) (2,000m) Silver Trophy and they edged out 1. Tayf (Ronan Thomas), 2. Thomas and his partner Aahil by a leil by a little more than a length 1,850m run for three-year-old ahead of Mohamed Ghazali- 1. Al Arabie (Ronan Thomas), Trainer: Alban de Mieulle. Mon’nia (Tomas Lukasek), 3. mere neck to win a fantastic duel. for his fi rst victory in Qatar. Thoroughbreds owned by local schooled Devious Company. 2. Rammah (Soufiane Saadi), 3. Race 2: LOCAL Ebraz (Alberto Sanna), 4. Al Sir Monlau was under Soufi ane Khalifa bin Sheail al-Kuwari’s Individual Qataris. Tamih (Rashid Ali al-Marri), 4. THOROUGHBREDS (1,850m) Naama (Soufiane Saadi). Won by: Saadi in the 1,850m run for four- Pom Malpic landed the Al Wa- Tomas Lukasek rode the Ali RESULTS Guyloud De Carrere (Meteb Ali 1. Equinoxe (Ronan Thomas), 2. 1, Nk, 4 ¾. Time: 2:08.57. Owner: year-old Arabians when he beat jba Trophy leading a one-two for Yousuf al-Kubaisi trained fi lly Race 1: PUREBRED ARABIAN al-Marri). Won by: 3 ¼, 2 ½, 2. Al Lusail (Alberto Sanna), 3. Black Umm Qarn. Trainer: Alban de Bughanaim-ridden Tarek Du So- the colours in the process in the to a fantastic half-a-length win MAIDEN PLATE (1,400m) Time: 1:29.62. Owner: Umm Qarn. Pearl (Soufiane Saadi), 4. Shaman Mieulle. Gulf Times 2 Friday, April 2, 2021 FOOTBALL

WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS FOCUS Africa Cup of Nations North Macedonia shock to kick off on Jan 9 in Germany as France, Cameroon AFP Johannesburg

he Africa Cup of Na- tions tournament will be staged in Cameroon England grind out wins from January 9 to Febru- Tary 6 next year, a Confederation of African Football (CAF) offi cial Germany are level alongside North Macedonia in a section led surprisingly by Armenia confi rmed yesterday. A virtual executive commit- AFP tee meeting chaired by recently Paris elected president Patrice Mot- sepe from South Africa also de- cided that a draw to divide the 24 ermany suff ered a stunning 2-1 qualifi ers into six groups will be home loss to North Macedonia held on June 25. in World Cup qualifying on Algeria, Burkina Faso, Cam- Wednesday night, while de- eroon, Cape Verde, Comoros, Gfending champions France edged Bosnia Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Ethi- and Herzegovina 1-0 and England beat a opia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Poland side missing the injured Robert Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Lewandowski. Coast, Malawi, Mali, Maurita- Napoli midfi elder Eljif Elmas secured nia, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, a famous victory for North Macedonia Sudan, Tunisia and Zimbabwe in Duisburg, scoring fi ve minutes from have qualifi ed. time to give his country a second win The remaining place rests be- from three Group J matches. Veteran tween Benin and Sierra Leone, striker Goran Pandev, 37, put the visi- whose fi xture in Freetown this tors in front just before half-time but week did not take place because Ilkay Gundogan levelled from the spot the visitors challenged Covid-19 after Leroy Sane was fouled in the area. results after fi ve of their key Timo Werner missed a glorious players tested positive. chance after coming off the bench, and A CAF statement said the Elmas condemned the four-time world match had been rearranged for champions to a fi rst defeat in qualify- the May 31-June 15 international ing for the global showpiece since 2001 window, following which Si- when he steered in a cut-back from Ari- erra Leone launched an appeal jan Ademi. “I don’t know how to explain against that decision. it. It’s not easy to do. We knew that we Sierra Leone trail Benin by couldn’t underestimate the opponent three points in Group L and must and I don’t think we did that. We just win to replace them in the sec- weren’t good enough,” said Gundogan. ond qualifying place and go to “It’s not quite sunk in yet. This is the Cup of Nations for the fi rst a victory for the whole nation,” said time since 1996. North Macedonia coach Igor An- Pre-match Covid-19 tests gelovski, whose side will make their Eu- are currently performed in CAF ropean Championship debut this sum- competitions by the host na- mer. Germany are level alongside North tional team or club and there Macedonia in a section led surprisingly have been numerous allegations by Armenia, who won for the third time of false positive results depriving in as many games thanks to two late opponents of stars. goals in a 3-2 victory over Romania. The CAF meeting acknowl- Antoine Griezmann scored the only edged that having hosts in charge goal of the game in Sarajevo as France of testing was problematic and recorded a second away win in four days is planning, with World Health over Bosnia following their 2-0 success Organization (WHO) assistance, in Kazakhstan at the weekend. After be- to use independent medical staff ing held 1-1 at home by Ukraine in their instead. opening game on the road to the 2022 fi - North Macedonia players celebrate after their win over Germany in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 qualification match in Duisburg, western Germany. (AFP) nals in Qatar, France are now in a strong MOZAMBIQUE SACK position at the top of Group D. back post.” The nervy win means Eng- with Ciro Immobile adding a stoppage- WORLD CUP 2022 EUROPEAN ZONE Adams 60, Fraser 70) Faroe Islands 0; GONCALVES Manchester United defender Harry land top Group I with nine points after time penalty for the Azzurri. QUALIFYING RESULTS At Vienna: Austria 0 Denmark 4 (Skov Mozambique coach Luis Gon- Maguire struck a late winner for Eng- wins earlier in the international window Andreas Olsen netted twice as Den- Group B: At Salonika, Greece: Greece 1 Olsen 58, 74, Maehle 63, Hojbjerg 67) calves has become the latest land as the 2018 World Cup semi-fi nal- against San Marino and Albania. mark thrashed Austria 4-0 to take (Kakabadze 76-og) Georgia 1 (Kvar- Group I: At Serravalle, San Marino: San casualty since 2021 Africa Cup ists overcame Poland 2-1 at Wembley. Goals from Dani Olmo, Ferran Torres charge of Group F, with Joakim Maehle atskhelia 78); At Seville, Spain: Spain Marino 0 Albania 2 (Manaj 63, Uzuni of Nations qualifying concluded Harry Kane put England ahead with a and second-half substitute Gerard and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg also on tar- 3 (Olmo 34, Torres 36, Moreno 75) 85); At Andorra la Vella: Andorra 1 (Pujol this week, losing his job after fi rst-half penalty after a foul on Raheem Moreno lifted Spain to a 3-1 victory over get in Vienna. Scotland are second in Kosovo 1 (Halimi 70) 90+3-pen) Hungary 4 (Fiola 45+2, failing to reach the fi nals. the group after easing to a 4-0 win over A national football federation Sterling, but a mistake by John Stones Kosovo and top of Group B. However the Gazdag 51, Laszlo 58, Nego 90); At Lon- allowed Poland to level through Jakub qualifi er in Seville was overshadowed by the Faroe Islands. Group C: At Vilnius: Lithuania 0 Italy statement confi rmed the Mapu- don: England 2 (Kane 19-pen, Maguire Moder. a pre-match diplomatic dispute, stem- John McGinn bagged two goals while 2 (Sensi 48, Immobile 90+4-pen); At to-born handler had been sacked 85) Poland 1 (Moder 58) England regained the lead with fi ve ming from the description of Kosovo Che Adams and Ryan Fraser completed Belfast: Northern Ireland 0 Bulgaria 0 after the Mambas (Snakes) lost minutes left when Maguire smashed as a “territory” by the Spanish Football the scoring. Iceland, in the same group Group D: At Sarajevo: Bosnia and Group J: At Duisburg, Germany: 1-0 at home to Cape Verde and home after central defensive partner Federation when it published Spain’s as Germany, picked up their fi rst quali- Herzegovina 0 France 1 (Griezmann Germany 1 (Gundogan 63-pen) North fi nished last in a group including Stones headed a corner back across group fi xtures. fying points with a 4-1 win away to 60); At Kiev: Ukraine 1 (Yaremchuk 20) Macedonia 2 (Pandev 45+2, Elmas Cameroon and Rwanda. goal. “It is a big win. We are playing Stefano Sensi scored just after his in- Liechtenstein. Kazakhstan 1 (Muzhikov 59) 85); At Yerevan: Armenia 3 (Spertsyan Having won at home to Rwan- to play at a World Cup,” Maguire said. troduction as a half-time substitute to Northern Ireland drew 0-0 at home 56, Haroyan 87, Barseghyan 89-pen) da and drawn away against Cape “John (Stones) has been brilliant this help Italy, who failed to qualify for the to Bulgaria while Ukraine were held 1-1 Group F: At Chisinau: Moldova 1 (Carp Romania 2 (Cicaldau 62, 72); At Vaduz: Verde, Mozambique lost four year. Defenders make mistakes and 2018 World Cup, register a third succes- by Kazakhstan in Kiev, a third consecu- 29) Israel 4 (Zehavi 45+2, Solomon 57, Liechtenstein 1 (Frick 79) Iceland 4 consecutive matches to derail when we do we get scrutinised. He sive win in Group C. Roberto Mancini’s tive draw for the side coached by former Dabbur 64, Natcho 66); At Glasgow, (Saevarsson 12, Bjarnason 45+1, Palsson hopes of a fi rst Cup of Nations made up for it with a great header at the team defeated Lithuania 2-0 in Vilnius national team star Andriy Shevchenko. Scotland: Scotland 4 (McGinn 7, 53, 77, Sigurjonsson 90+4-pen) appearance since 2010.

SPOTLIGHT BOTTOMLINE Germany’s Loew faces calls to go now Real Madrid’s Ramos suff ers calf AFP Berlin injury ahead of Liverpool tie

AFP our-time World Cup winners Ger- Madrid many’s defeat to North Macedonia sparked calls yesterday for coach Joachim Loew to stand down instead ergio Ramos suff ered a ofF waiting till after this summer’s European calf injury while on inter- Championship. national duty with Spain, Goran Pandev had put North Macedo- just fi ve days before Real nia ahead in Wednesday’s 2022 World Cup Madrid’sS Champions League qualifi er just before half-time and although quarter-fi nal fi rst leg against Ilkay Gundogan equalised from the penalty Liverpool, the La Liga champions spot early in the second half, the minnows announced yesterday. snatched victory when Eljif Elmas scored a The veteran centre-back made late winner in Duisburg. his 180th international appear- Loew, who led Germany to glory at the ance in Spain’s World Cup quali- 2014 World Cup but has suff ered a string fying win over Kosovo as a late the team said in a statement. best known for ushering in the of poor results almost ever since, had an- substitute, but said he felt the Zinedine Zidane’s men host ‘Galacticos’ era. nounced last month that he will stand down problem after the match. Real Liverpool in the last-eight fi rst “Following on from today’s after Euro 2020. Bild, Germany’s most-read also play Barcelona in a league leg next Tuesday, with the return board meeting... the president newspaper, said that decision should be Germany’s coach Joachim Loew reacts from the sidelines during the FIFA World Cup 2022 Clasico meeting on April 10. game at Anfi eld on Wednesday, has requested that the electoral reversed after the loss to the world’s 65th- qualification football match against North Macedonia in Duisburg, western Germany. (AFP) “After the game, I was train- April 14. Real also face Eibar on board issue the call for elections ranked team. “It’s over Jogi,” it said in its ing on the pitch and I noticed a Saturday, looking to cut the gap for the president and board of di- headline. “The magic that Loew conjured up both in the players’ legs and heads,” it said. fi nals this summer when Germany face a pain in my left calf,” the 35-year- to La Liga leaders Atletico Ma- rectors,” the club said in a state- during the World Cup (in 2014) has unfor- Kicker said Loew’s explanation that his tough fi rst-round group of reigning cham- old Ramos said on Instagram. drid to three points. ment. tunately disappeared. His achievements for players were “tired” simply “does not stand pions Portugal, World Cup holders France “If there is something that hurts Perez was last re-elected in German football cannot be questioned but up... against opponents of that level”. And and Hungary. me, it is not being able to help the REAL MADRID PRESIDENT 2017, when he was unopposed. his time has gone,” the paper said. Sport1 website said the team had “dishon- The loudest calls came from Uli Hoe- team in these highly demand- PEREZ CALLS FOR NEW His detractors criticise a reform Loew has tried to forge a young new team oured itself”, and was particularly critical of ness, Bayern’s honorary president. “Mueller ing matches we have to play this CLUB ELECTIONS in the club’s statutes from 2012, without veteran stars such as Thomas Mu- Chelsea forward Timo Werner who missed should be in the team, he can still score goals season.” Real Madrid president Floren- which makes it harder to run for eller and Jerome Boateng that he discarded an open goal. “Some players are not reach- and he can help any team in the world to get Real confi rmed Ramos had tino Perez has called for new club president. after early Germany’s early elimination from ing their usual level,” the website said. out of diffi cult situations,” Hoeness said. suff ered a muscle injury, but did elections to be held, the La Liga Since then, any candidate the 2018 World Cup in Russia. The performance will only add fuel to the Loew insisted he had not lost faith in his not say how long he would be out giants announced yesterday. The must have been a Real Madrid Kicker magazine said the rebuild- argument that 31-year-old Mueller, who is team for the Euro – and he urged Germans of action for. “He has been di- 74-year-old has been in charge member for at least 20 years and ing project was not working. “This newly again in good form this season after lead- not to either. “We must not lose belief,” agnosed with a muscular injury at the Santiago Bernabeu since be able to guarantee a part of the formed German national team is still look- ing Bayern Munich to victory in the 2020 Loew said. “In the coming days and weeks to the internal calf in his left leg. 2009 and was also president team’s budget with their person- ing for direction and trying to fi nd its way... Champions League, be recalled for the Euro we will check over everything once again.” His recovery will be monitored,” from 2000-2006, when he was al assets. Gulf Times Friday, April 2, 2021 3 FOOTBALL

SERIE A TRANSFER Haaland’s agent and Bennacer credits father hold Barca Ibra for bringing talks: Reports winning mentality Ibra, who returned to Milan in January 2020, is the club’s top scorer this season

Reuters Rome

AFP was received with satisfaction by he youngest squad in Serie A has Barcelona Raiola and Haaland’s father, who propelled AC Milan to a surprise are clear that Barca are not the title challenge this season but only big club to have shown in- according to midfi elder Ismael he agent and father of terest,” wrote Mundo Deportivo. Bennacer,T the Rossoneri’s oldest player Borussia Dortmund “What Barcelona need is for Zlatan Ibrahimovic is largely to thank for striker Erling Braut the player to choose the club to their transformation. Haaland visited Bar- precisely avoid an auction for The Swede returned to his former club Tcelona yesterday to meet with him that in no case would benefi t in January 2020 aged 38 and sparked a the Spanish club’s newly elected Barcelona, who don’t have much turnaround in form for the seven-time president Joan Laporta, local money lying around.” European champions, who have not won media reported. “Barca’s interest Haaland, 20, is the Champions Serie A since 2011. Milan lost two league in the player has been confi rmed League’s leading scorer this sea- matches in 2020 and enjoyed a 27-match in this meeting and they will en- son with 10 goals. He has netted unbeaten run. ter the bidding,” wrote Catalan 49 goals in as many games for They bore little resemblance to the in- daily Sport, alongside pictures of Dortmund since joining from consistent side that suff ered a 5-0 defeat Haaland’s agent Mino Raiola and Salzburg in January of last year. at Atalanta in their fi nal game of 2019. his father Alf-Inge Haaland ar- According to Cadena Cope Ibrahimovic, now 39, is Milan’s top scor- riving in the city. radio and Madrid sports daily er this season with 15 goals in 15 league According to the paper Raiola, As, Raiola and Haaland’s father games but Bennacer, 16 years his junior, who is also the agent of Paul Pog- will also travel to the capital to believes the striker’s infl uence off the ba and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and meet with Real Madrid presi- pitch has been pivotal. Haaland senior held discussions dent Florentino Perez. This is a “Everyone knows him, his mentality with Laporta and Barca’s direc- “merely informative” meeting, — he’s a winner,” Bennacer said. “Maybe tor of football Mateu Alemany. “ Cope reports, adding that Real we didn’t have this experience that he Both Raiola and the father have “want to know the situation the brought with him. It’s good for us young seemed open to signing for Barca Norwegian star is going through players because we improved in this. Now although all will depend on the at Borussia Dortmund”. we want to win like he wants to win. Our fi nal price Borussia Dortmund The radio station said Raiola level is better even at training. In training put on Haaland,” Sport added. and Haaland senior also want to we want to win, and he brought that.” “This confi rmation of Barca’s gauge the club’s interest in sign- Milan have suff ered a dip in form re- interest passed on by Laporta ing the Norway star. cently, winning three of their last 11 games in all competitions, but they are not yet out of a title race they led for much of the season. Stefano Pioli’s sec- ond-placed side welcome Sampdoria UEFA ‘considering’ allowing to San Siro tomorrow, six points behind expanded squads for Euro 2020 leaders Inter Milan, although their city rivals have a game in hand. Lausanne: UEFA is weighing prepare for teams being hit by “We have to be proud of what we are AC Milan’s midfielder Ismael Bennacer (left) recently returned from a lengthy battle with a muscle injury that restricted him to up the possibility of allowing a raft of positive coronavirus doing,” said Algeria international Ben- three league games in almost four months. (Reuters) teams at this year’s European tests which could force play- nacer. “But there are still 10 games until Championship to name larger ers into isolation during the the end of May and if we don’t do well during a season with an unusually packed Bennacer has become a linchpin in the “I still had three more years on my con- squads following calls by sev- tournament. Euro 2020 was everyone will forget everything we did schedule, the result of a late start caused Milan midfi eld since his 2019 move from tract when I left, but I needed to play. It eral coaches who are afraid of postponed last year because before. Every game has to be like the last by the Covid-19 pandemic, and Bennacer Empoli, continuing an impressive career was a big risk for me. But in your career, losing players to Covid-19, a of the pandemic but is due to for us.” acknowledged that the relentless run trajectory. The playmaker was on Arse- you have to take risks. I knew if I played, spokesperson said yesterday take place this year at venues Bennacer recently returned from a of fi xtures had required a diff erent ap- nal’s books from 2015-2017 and spent I was going to show my quality and im- “UEFA is considering the all across the continent, from lengthy battle with a muscle injury that proach. half a season on loan in the French second prove. That’s why I did it. That’s why to- issue. No decision has been June 11 to July 11. UEFA has restricted him to three league games in “Even if we played every day I would tier with Tours, but opted to leave London day I’m at Milan. made yet,” a spokesperson for already decided that teams will almost four months. “It was hard because want to play. But it’s true, I’ve never for Serie B due to limited opportunities. “I love Italian football, I love how they European football’s governing be allowed to make up to five it was the fi rst big injury of my career. I played every three days in my career,” he “I went to France for six months, I did play and I’ve improved a lot here. “I’m a body told AFP. The option has substitutions in games at the didn’t know what to do, how to think. But said. “To play two or three times a week well. Then I came back, and I saw that challenger, so maybe I’ll have to try an- been prompted by calls from Euro instead of the usual three, everything that happens in life, I will stay is a little bit diff erent for me and my body. (then-Arsenal manager Arsene) Wenger other championship. But for now, I’m several coaches, notably those in line with current rules across positive,” he said. You must recover better, eat better, sleep didn’t think about me, he didn’t come to good at Milan, we have a good project and of Italy, Belgium and France, to many club competitions. Fitness problems have plagued Milan better. You have to do everything better.” me to play with the fi rst team,” he said. I’m happy to be here.”

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Qatar squad to feature in fi rst Pakistan players fear PFF suspension West Asian e-soccer tournament by FIFA would destroy careers Reuters governing body, which condemned the Pakistan women’s team midfi elder Abiha Karachi incident and said the federation could be Haider echoed Kaleemullah’s comments. “I banned “should the illegitimate occupation am very sad and disappointed,” Abiha said. of the headquarters not be lifted” by 8pm “The football fi eld has been made a politi- akistan’s men’s and women’s na- Wednesday. The PFF did not immediately cal hub, no one actually cares about players tional team players fear their ca- respond to a Reuters request for comment. and their hard work. This is shameful that reers could be jeopardised with the Pakistan forward Kaleemullah Khan, who we are on the verge of getting banned. We country’s football federation (PFF) made his international debut in 2011, called have so much uncertainty, I request you all staringP at a FIFA ban after a forced takeover on Ashfaq to hand control back to the nor- kindly have mercy on us, let us play, please of its national headquarters in Lahore. malisation committee and said the political save football.” A group of football offi cials led by Ashfaq turmoil could spell the end of many careers. Hajra Khan, captain of the Pakistan wom- Hussain, which was elected by the Supreme “This will damage the image of Pakistan en’s team, voiced her concern over the dam- Court in 2018 to run the PFF but was not football in the world,” Kaleemullah told Geo age caused to the sport in the country. “We recognised by FIFA, took over the headquar- News. “The only losing party is Pakistani are on the verge of getting banned which ters on Saturday and seized control from the footballers. There are thousands of players means we will not be able to represent Pa- FIFA Normalisation Committee headed by who have their bread and butter attached kistan internationally,” she said in a video Haroon Malik, local media reported. to this game; a ban would mean that these statement. “We have worked hard for years, Ashfaq refused to relinquish control de- players will become jobless and their careers we are disappointed. I want to tell them that Youssef Darwish, Rashid Ahmed, Youssef Hani and Jasim Rashid will represent Qatar. spite a warning from FIFA, football’s world destroyed.” please respect the game and the players.”

he Qatar Football Asso- is considered the second best in more than 10 local, regional ciation (QFA) will par- Playstation player in Qatar and and international competitions, ROUND-UP ticipate in the fi rst West among the top 50 players from reaching the semi-fi nals of the Asian e-soccer tourna- West Asia (according to the FIFA FIFA 20 World Cup Middle East Tment from today till Sunday. rankings). He has competed in Qualifi ers. Teams of Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi more than 30 local, regional and Ali Salat, Head of Communi- Arsenal to discuss Lacazette future at end of season Arabia and the United Arab international competitions in- cations at Qatar Football Associ- rsenal boss Mikel Arteta says Al- JUVE DEFENDER BONUCCI POSITIVE during the team’s World Cup qualifi ers, Emirates (UAE) – who are mem- cluding the quarter-fi nals of the ation, said: “The QFA thanks the exandre Lacazette’s future will be FOR COVID AFTER ITALY RETURN the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) had bers of the International Federa- West Zone Regional Qualifi ers. West Asian Football Federation addressed at the end of the season, Juventus centre-back Leonardo Bonucci announced Wednesday after a 2-0 win in tion of Electronic Games – will Rashid Ahmed is the fourth for organising the fi rst electronic with reports of interest in the for- has tested positive for Covid-19 after Lithuania. take part in the event. best PlayStation player in Qatar football tournament. This event wardA from a number of European clubs. The returning from Italy duty along with several Youssef Darwish, Rashid and among the top 100 players has received great interest from 29-year-old Frenchman has scored in each members of the national team’s staff , the NBA SUPERSTAR JAMES JOINS Ahmed, Youssef Hani and Jasim from West Asia. He has compet- fans around the region.” of his past two Premier League outings, Serie A club announced. LIVERPOOL OWNERSHIP GROUP Rashid will represent Qatar. The ed in more than 20 local, regional He added: “There is tremen- including the winner in the north London Turkey defender Merih Demiral also NBA superstar LeBron James has increased West Asian event is a preparatory and international competitions. dous demand for this kind of derby against Tottenham. tested positive while with his national side his ownership stake in English Premier- tournament for member associa- Jassim Rashid is the best Xbox event and the youth in Qatar are He is on course for his most prolifi c top- and returned to Turin on a medical fl ight, ship club Liverpool via a deal confi rmed tions and players before they can player in Qatar and among the active participants in e-gaming. fl ight campaign since arriving from Lyon the team said. The 23-year-old is isolating on Wednesday that makes him a partner in participate in the Asian Nations top 200 Xbox players in the QFA intends to organise many in 2017, having struck 11 times in the league in the Juventus team’s J-Hotel. Both players Fenway Sports Group. Championship to be organised world, according to the FIFA tournaments, regional or at the ahead of tomorrow’s clash with Liverpool. will miss tomorrow’s Turin derby against FSG announced that James and longtime by FIFA later this year. classifi cation. He has competed Arab level. This tournament Lacazette’s contract is up next year and Torino. business associates Maverick Carter and All e-matches are scheduled to in more than 20 local, regional comes as a great opportunity several clubs including Roma and Atletico Meanwhile Juventus trio Weston McKen- Paul Wachter had become partners in the be broadcast live on the YouTube and international competitions. to emphasise the importance Madrid have been linked with moves for nie, Arthur and Paulo Dybala were reported Boston-based global sports, entertainment channel of the West Asian Foot- Youssef Hani is the fi fth best of linking football in a way that him. Arsenal are ninth, nine points adrift to have been fi ned by police for violating and real estate platform, along with RedBird ball Federation (WAFF) and on Playstation player in Qatar in the suits the needs and preferences of the top four. Winning the Europa League coronavirus rules by attending a party Capital. James, 36, previously held a 2% various other social media ac- top 150 players from West Asia of our youth and to promote appears to be their best chance of securing a in the American midfi elder’s home. Four stake in Liverpool, but now will have a big- counts. Qatar’s Youssef Darwish (FIFA ranking). He has competed public participation.” Champions League return. members of Italy’s staff contracted the virus ger share in the Premier League team. Gulf Times 4 Friday, April 2, 2021 CRICKET

FOCUS DECISION ICC makes changes to LBW reviews, umpire’s Ring-rusty Proteas call to remain

IANS height of the stumps will be in- Dubai creased from 28 inches to 28 1/2 inches for LBW decisions. The change could see an in- espite criticism from crease in LBW decisions. begin march on cricket stalwarts like Su- In the fi nal ODI between Eng- nil Gavaskar and current land and India recently, England India captain Virat Koh- pace bowler Mark Wood was li,D the International Cricket Coun- given out LBW but on review, cil (ICC) has decided to retain the showed replays, the ball was Umpire’s Call but has made sig- missing the stumps by a whisker. nifi cant changes to the Leg Before Although it seemed to touch the Wickets (LBW) reviews. top of the bail, it was given not 2023 World Cup Now, the ICC has extended the out on review as it was going be- height of the stumps to include top yond 28 inches. half of the bails and allowed the The ICC further stated: “A Bavuma will be hosts’ first black African skipper when they face Pakistan today fi elding side to fi rst ask an umpire player will be able to ask the if the batsman has off ered a shot umpire whether a genuine at- AFP pitches. before going for the review. tempt has been made to play the Johannesburg, South Africa Bavuma said his only experi- “The Cricket Committee had ball before deciding to review an ence of playing in April was in a an excellent discussion around LBW decision.” domestic T20 competition. Umpire’s Call and analysed its During the second Test of the outh Africa return to “It seemed to suit seam bowl- use extensively. The principle recent series between India and one-day international ing a bit more, with the ball underpinning DRS (Decision Re- England, visiting captain Joe cricket for the fi rst time swinging,” said Bavuma, his view System) was to correct clear Root lost a review after the on- in a year against Paki- country’s fi rst black African errors in the game whilst ensur- fi eld umpire deemed that Rohit stanS from today with a history- skipper. ing the role of the umpire as the Sharma was playing a shot off making new captain at the helm “But the wickets still become decision-maker on the fi eld of Moeen Ali and declared him ‘not and their sights set on the 2023 favourable for batting, even play was preserved, bearing in out’. The English players had ap- World Cup. though the challenge is a bit mind the element of prediction pealed thinking that Rohit had The Proteas have not played more with the seam.” involved with the technology. not off ered a shot as he hid the an ODI since completing a 3-0 Pakistan coach Misbah-ul- Umpire’s Call allows that to hap- bat behind his pads. home series win against Aus- Haq said on arrival that he be- pen, which is why it is important The committee also decided tralia in March 2020. lieved the conditions at both it remains,” the Cricket Commit- that the third umpire will check a Following that series, South venues would suit his fast bowl- tee chairman Anil Kumble was replay of any short run. Africa went to India but the tour ers and stroke-playing batsmen. quoted as saying in an ICC state- The ICC also said that the was aborted because of the Cov- The series will be played ment on Thursday. regulations, like ban on use id-19 pandemic. against the backdrop of contin- As per changes made to the of saliva and home umpires, A planned series against Eng- ued uncertainty over the admin- umpire’s DRS, the ICC Cricket brought into effect due to Cov- land last December was then istration of the game in South Committee decided that the id-19, will continue. postponed after two members of Africa. the touring party tested positive Sports minister Nathi for coronavirus — results which Mthethwa issued an ultimatum later were declared as false posi- on Tuesday to Cricket South ICC holds talks with India to resolve tives. Africa’s members council, con- Pakistan visa ‘guarantee’ for T20 As a result, South Africa have sisting of provincial presidents, yet to secure their fi rst points to accept the principle of a new World Cup in the World Cup Super League board containing a majority of which decides which seven independent directors. Cricket’s world governing 2013 due to political tensions. teams join hosts India as au- Mthethwa gave the council body has held encourag- The ICC has also held talks tomatic qualifi ers for the 2023 until April 6 to reach an agree- ing talks with India’s cricket with the BCCI over secur- World Cup. ment with an interim board, board (BCCI) over visa and tax ing tax exemptions for the The Proteas and the Neth- which is charged with establish- arrangements as the country tournament from the Indian erlands are the only teams who ing a new structure. prepares to host the Twenty20 government. have yet to play a match in the He threatened government World Cup in October, the “The Board received an update 13-team league. intervention unless an agree- International Cricket Council on the ongoing preparations Seven teams already have ment was reached, which could (ICC) said yesterday. around the ICC Men’s T20 three or more wins, so South Af- jeopardise Cricket South Af- Pakistan Cricket Board chair- World Cup 2021 in India,” the rica, under new captain Temba In this February 12, 2020, picture, South Africa’s Temba Bavuma plays a shot during the first T20 against rica’s standing with the Interna- man Ehsan Mani has asked ICC said in a statement. Bavuma, will be seeking to make England at Buff alo Park in East London, South Africa. (Reuters) tional Cricket Council. the ICC to guarantee visas for “This included an update from up ground when they they play South African batsman Aiden its players and support staff the BCCI on positive discus- Pakistan at SuperSport Park in Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, follow the one-day series. April is unusually late for Markram said on Wednesday ahead of the tournament, as sions with the Indian govern- Centurion today in the fi rst of David Miller and Anrich Nortje The one-day and T20 match- cricket matches to be played in that the players tried to stay relations between the two ment around tax arrange- three one-day internationals. — for the third match because of es will be split between Centu- South Africa. away from administrative mat- neighbours have been frosty. ments and visa guarantees. South Africa will be at full Indian Premier League commit- rion and Johannesburg, with the Shorter days and autumnal ters but added: “We trust that India and Pakistan have not “It is anticipated that both strength for the fi rst two match- ments. teams staying in a bio-secure weather could aff ect conditions the people who are making the hosted a cricket series be- issues will be resolved over the es but will be without fi ve lead- The quintet will also miss four location convenient to both at two grounds where bats- decisions will do so for the bet- tween the two countries since next month.” (Reuters) ing players — Quinton de Kock, Twenty20 internationals which venues. men usually thrive on hard, true terment of the game.”

2ND TEST SPOTLIGHT Nissanka, rain hold up WI in second Test New Zealand beat Bangladesh

AFP North Sound, Antigua and Barbuda Scorecard in rain-hit third T20

WEST INDIES 1st innings 354 AFP “It’s been a great summer and 44 trying to clear the rope. athum Nissanka kept the West In- we’ve played some good cricket Allen brought up his maiden SRI LANKA 1st innings (o/n 136-3) Auckland, New Zealand dies at bay, with Sri Lanka limping and seen a lot of guys come into half century off 18 balls and was to the close at 250 for eight in re- D. Karunaratne c Bonner b Joseph 1 the environment and do well,” he gifted another life when Soumya ply to the home side’s fi rst-innings L. Thirimanne b Roach 55 ew Zealand beat Bang- said. Sarkar dropped a straightforward Ptotal of 354 on a rain-aff ected third day ladesh by 65 runs in a Bangladesh captain Liton chance. O. Fernando lbw b Mayers 18 of the second and fi nal Test in Antigua on rain-shortened third Das said mistakes cost his side, He fi nally fell in the fi nal over, Wednesday. D. Chandimal c sub (H. Walsh Jr) b Gabriel 44 Twenty20 Internation- including a series of dropped scooping a Taskin Ahmed deliv- Bursting with confi dence following a D. de Silva lbw b Blackwood 39 Nal in Auckland yesterday to claim catches that allowed Allen to run ery over his head to the fi elder, debut hundred in the fi rst Test at the same P. Nissanka not out 49 a series clean sweep. away with the match. but by then the damage had been venue just a week earlier, the 22-year-old With their innings reduced “We’re not playing good done. right-hander defi ed the Caribbean pacers in N. Dickwella c da Silva b Holder 21 to 10 overs due to bad weather, cricket in batting and fi elding,” Bangladesh made a disastrous compiling an unbeaten 49. S. Lakmal c Brathwaite b Joseph 6Bangladesh were all out for 76 he said. start, losing two wickets to pace- It gave visitors some hope of continuing D. Chameera c da Silva b Holder 2with three balls to spare, well “We’ve been very good bowl- man Southee in the opening over. to whittle away at what is potentially a criti- short of the 142 target set by New ing but that’s cost us. We’re a They were starting to rebuild L. Embuldeniya not out 0 cal fi rst-innings lead for the West Indies go- Zealand. young team and we’re learning.” when Astle also claimed a brace, ing into day four. Extras (lb4, lb4, nb6, w1) 15 The Black Caps made 141 for New Zealand made a blister- leaving Bangladesh teetering on Nissanka’s determination for almost Total (103.1 overs, 8 wkts) 250 four after losing the toss and be- ing start, with Martin Guptill 37 for four. smashing three sixes in the fi rst Astle’s second over proved three hours, in which he faced 119 deliveries Fall of wickets: 1-18 (Karunaratne), 2-64 ing asked to bat, with Finn Allen two overs. just as destructive and the tour- and stroked four boundaries, could yet prove (O. Fernando), 3-77 (Thirimanne) 4-152 hitting 71 from 29 balls. Allen was also fi nding the ists had no answer as the run rate benefi cial for Sri Lanka should the other (Chandimal), 5-177 (de Silva), 6-203 (Dick- Spinner Todd Astle was the boundary but rode his luck with climbed to an insurmountable overnight batsman, Lasith Embuldeniya, wella), 7-214 (Lakmal), 8-231 (Chameera) standout bowler, taking four and last man Vishwa Fernando replicate the wickets for 13 runs in his two over two dropped catches as the Black level. resistance shown by the West Indian lower Bowling: K. Roach 16-4-54-1 (4nb), S. spell. Caps raced to 69 without loss af- order in their fi rst innings. Gabriel 14.1-3-33-1, A. Joseph 22-4-64-2 Captain Tim Southee said it ter fi ve overs. BRIEF SCORES: New Zealand Before the showers rolled in though, fast (1w), J. Holder 21-3-40-2 (2nb), K. Mayers was satisfying for the New Zea- Guptill smashed 16 off the fi rst 141 for 4 in 10 overs (Finn Allen bowler Shannon Gabriel produced the most 11-7-10-1, R. Cornwall 15-5-25-0, J. Black- landers to notch their seventh three balls from Mahedi Hasan 71; Shoriful Islam 1-21) beat Bang- impressive eff ort of the day, generating the wood 4-0-16-1 home series win of the season on but the spinner had his revenge ladesh 76 (Todd Astle 4-13, Tim raw, sustained speed which rattled the Sri all formats. when the batsman was caught on Southee 3-15) by 65 runs Lankans on more than one occasion on their tion when De Silva was adjudged leg-before last tour of the region in 2018. for 39 to the fi rst delivery of the morning Wicketless and out of sorts in the fi rst bowled by Blackwood. Test, Gabriel fi nally claimed his fi rst wicket Although the batsman trudged off the Hazlewood opts out of IPL to rest up for Ashes of the series in the morning session, fi ring fi eld dejectedly, television replays of the up disconcerting pace to account for Dinesh dismissal confi rmed that the decision would Australia paceman Josh Hazle- and in Australia in the next all-rounder Mitchell Marsh, Chandimal while Dhananjaya de Silva fell to have been overturned had he opted for a wood has decided to opt out two months,” Hazlewood told have also pulled out of this the occasional off -spin of Jermaine Black- DRS referral. of the Indian Premier League cricket.com.au. year’s IPL, both citing personal wood. Holder removed Niroshan Dickwella to a (IPL) and rest up for a crowded “We’ve got a big winter ahead reasons for their decisions. Resuming at the overnight position of 136 catch behind while Suranga Lakmal gave Al- schedule of international too. The West Indies is going to Australia are scheduled to for three, Chandimal and Dhananjaya were zarri Joseph his second wicket of the innings cricket culminating with the be a long tour, with Bangladesh play three one-day interna- immediately challenged by the consistent via a simple catch to West Indies skipper Ashes at the end of the year. (T20 tour) potentially thrown tionals and three Twenty20 hostility of Gabriel. Kraigg Brathwaite at mid-on in a truncated The 30-year-old fast bowler on the end of that. matches in the West Indies in Chandimal was lucky to escape when a afternoon period. was scheduled to play a second “Then potentially the T20 June and July before heading diving Rahkeem Cornwall could not hold When Holder claimed his second wicket season for the Chennai Super World Cup leading into the to Bangladesh in October on to catch at fi rst slip but the former cap- by extracting Dushmantha Chameera, the Kings in the IPL, which is being Ashes, so it’s a big 12 months... for three warm-up matches tain’s luck ran out when, unsettled by a West Indies were doubly keen to push on played across six venues, ini- and I want to give myself the ahead of the Twenty20 World blow on the hand earlier in the over, he Pathum Nissanka of Sri Lanka in action on from that position of 231 for eight to wrap up tially without spectators, from best chance to be mentally and Cup in India. could not control a hook shot to a lifting the third day of the second Test against the innings before the end of play. April 9-May 30. physically ready for that. Afghanistan will play a one-off delivery on the body and substitute fi elder West Indies in North Sound, Antigua and However Nissanka’s calm assurance, Em- “It’s been a long 10 months “That’s the decision I’ve made, test in Australia, postponed Hayden Walsh Jr completed the comfort- Barbuda, on Wednesday. (AFP) buldeniya’s resistance and, most impor- in bubbles and quarantine at and it sits pretty well with me.” from last year, in November able catch at deep square-leg to remove tantly, the return of the rains, which resulted diff erent times, so I decided to Hazlewood’s international before the five-test Ashes Chandimal for 44. RARE WICKET FOR BLACKWOOD in only 42 overs being bowled in the day, left have a rest from cricket and teammates, wicketkeeper- series against England around His fi fth-wicket partnership with De Sil- With the lunch interval beckoning West the West Indies with a job to fi nish on the spend some time at home batsman Josh Philippe and the New Year. (Reuters) va was worth 75 runs. Indies had even greater cause for celebra- penultimate morning. Gulf Times Friday, April 2, 2021 5 SPORT

NBA NFL Fournette: ‘Perfect sense’ to re-sign with Bucs Bucks beat Lakers in Reuters led the team in rushing yards Los Angeles (300), rushing touchdowns (three), scrimmage touchdowns (four) and receptions (18). unning back Leonard “Leonard’s playoff perform- Fournette said money ance was nothing short of spec- wasn’t the only signifi - tacular and was the fruition of him cant factor in his deci- really buying into what we were Drummond’s debut sionR to re-sign with the Tampa trying to accomplish as a team Bay Buccaneers on Wednesday. last year,” general manager Jason The Buccaneers did not di- Licht said. “Lenny’s versatility ‘ANY TIME SOMEONE GOES DOWN IT’S VERY CONCERNING’ vulge the terms of the contract and toughness make him a very for Fournette, however multiple dynamic player in our off ense and media outlets previously report- bringing him back adds another ed that it was a one-year deal valuable asset at the running back worth $3.25 million. Incentives position to help in our pursuit of could push that total to $4 mil- another championship.” lion, per reports. Fournette signed a one-year, “It was a diffi cult proc- $2 million deal with the Bucca- ess. I knew what I deserved,” neers on Sept. 2, 2020, just days Fournette said Wednesday. “I after he was waived by the Jack- believed in myself, and I just sonville Jaguars. wanted to come back and enjoy He had a career-worst regular myself. Instead of me coming season in 2020, fi nishing with and being the new face on the just 600 yards from scrimmage block, I came back to the team and six touchdowns in 13 games that I enjoyed my process with. before his sterling playoff run. I think me coming to this team “It made perfect sense to kind of humbled me a lot, be- come back,” Fournette said. ing around so much talent, and “Despite whatever the money you’re so used to being that guy was, I feel great. I’m happy to be on the team. I think it just helped back. They’re happy I’m back. I develop me as a better man, too. love this organisation, I love the “I could’ve went somewhere players, the coaches, and we’re and got more money, but I think just trying to run it back.” this is just the place right now.” The Jaguars selected Four- Fournette, 26, totalled four nette with the No. 4 overall pick touchdowns in four postseason in the 2017 NFL Draft. In 49 ca- games, including one in Tampa reer games (39 starts), he has run Bay’s 31-9 win over the Kansas for 2,998 yards with 23 touch- City Chiefs in Super Bowl LV. He downs. He also has caught 170 had a franchise-best 448 scrim- passes for 1,242 yards and two mage yards in the playoff s and touchdowns.

Cleveland Indians ban fans from wearing headdresses and face paint Cleveland Indians fans will be over racial inequality in the banned from wearing native United States that prompted American headdresses and face the National Football League’s paint in the new Major League (NFL) Washington franchise to Baseball (MLB) season, the club drop its “Redskins” team name said on Wednesday. last July after 87 years. “Inappropriate or off ensive The Washington NFL team im- Markieff Morris (left) and Montrezl Harrell of the Los Angeles Lakers defend against Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks during the second half at Staples Center in images, words, dress or face mediately discontinued the use Los Angeles. (Getty Images/AFP) paint must be covered or re- of its old name and adopted the moved, and failure to do so may temporary moniker “Wash- AFP test after being down by 23 points in the to respond better in the middle of a game. constitute grounds for ejection ington Football Team” while it Los Angeles RESULTS third quarter. They trailed 90-73 at the And we just haven’t,” Celtics coach Brad or refusal of admission,” said develops a new brand. end of the third before cutting the defi cit Stevens said. the team, which is looking for a Meanwhile Francisco Lindor Suns 121-116 Bulls to single digits in the fourth quarter. Elsewhere, Kyrie Irving scored 31 new name. has reportedly agreed to a 10- iannis Antetokounmpo made Nets 120-108 Rockets “I thought when things got a little points and fi nished with a season-high 12 The policy, which comes into year, $341 million contract with it a family aff air on Wednes- hairy down the stretch, the great thing we assists as the Brooklyn Nets stormed back eff ect starting with Cleveland’s the New York Mets, making the Timberwolves 102-101 Knicks day night by scoring 25 points did was keep our poise,” Mavs coach Rick in the fi nal quarter to beat the Houston regular-season home opener shortstop the third highest paid and joining his two brothers on Bucks 112-97 Lakers Carlisle said. “We were able to get fouled, Rockets 120-108 despite losing James against the Kansas City Royals player in Major League Baseball Gthe court as the Milwaukee Bucks beat make free throws and get a key basket Harden to an injury in the third quarter. on Monday, means anyone with history, US media reported on Jazz 111-1-7 Grizzlies the Los Angeles Lakers 112-97 at Staples when we needed.” Joe Harris added 14 of his 28 points in the their faces painted “in a way Wednesday night. Heat 92-87 Pacers Center arena. Doncic shot 11-of-15 from the fi eld fourth and nailed seven three-pointers that references or appropriates The 27-year-old Lindor›s deal Giannis joined forces with Bucks team- Blazers 124-101 Pistons while Jalen Brunson fi nished with 21 as the Nets moved into fi rst place in the American Indian cultures and trails only those of the Los mate Thanasis Antetokounmpo against the Mavericks 113-108 Celtics points for the Mavs, who won for the Eastern Conference. traditions” could be refused Angeles Angels› Mike Trout Harden was forced to leave the contest Lakers Kostas Antetokounmpo to become Spurs 120-106 Kings fourth time in their past six games. entry, the team said. ($426.5 million) and Los An- just the second brother trio in NBA his- Kristaps Porzingis had 19 points, and with just under fi ve minutes left in the In December, the club said it geles Dodgers› Mookie Betts tory to play in the same game. Jrue Holi- Thunder 113-103 Raptors Dorian Finney-Smith scored 11 with nine third with tightness in his right ham- would drop its “Indians” name, ($365 million), American sports day scored a game-high 28 points for the The Bucks also spoiled the Lakers de- rebounds in the win. Jayson Tatum had string. He scored 17 points before exiting following persistent criticism broadcaster ESPN reported. Bucks who snapped a three game losing but of Andre Drummond as the American 25 points, Jaylen Brown 24 and Kemba with the Nets well behind at that point. that it was off ensive to Native Trout signed his deal in March skid. Khris Middleton added 17 points and centre fi nished with just four points. Walker 22 for Boston, who have lost sev- Nets coach Steve Nash said doctors will Americans but would continue 2019 and Betts inked his with eight assists, and Holiday also added eight He started in place of Marc Gasol but en of their last 10 games. Marcus Smart see how Harden feels Thursday before to use it during the 2021 season, the Dodgers in July. rebounds and six assists for the Bucks. did not start the second half, and he re- chipped in 17 points in the loss. their game against Charlotte. Brooklyn until a new name was chosen. Lindor, who set a deadline of Montrezl Harrell led four Lakers play- entered the game briefl y in the second Doncic and Brown traded threes point- can’t aff ord another injury to a starter. The team, which has won only MLB›s opening day Thursday ers in double-fi gures scoring with 19 half before pulling himself. The Lakers ers as Dallas led by eight with 36 seconds They have already been without Kevin two World Series champion- to reach a deal, said he was points, followed by Dennis Schroder (17), said that Drummond suff ered a right big left in the fourth. Walker sank a three and Durant since mid-February because of a ships, removed its “Chief Wa- prepared to become a free Kyle Kuzma (16) and Markieff Morris (15). toe contusion. In Boston, Luka Doncic Tatum fi nished off a tip in to make it a two strained hamstring. “Any time someone hoo” logo from uniforms in the agent next winter. The Mets Milwaukee was down 30-24 heading scored 36 points, including seven three point game with under 10 seconds left. goes down it’s very concerning,” Irving 2019 season. Cleveland’s deci- face the Washington Nationals into the second quarter but turned that pointers, as the Dallas Mavericks held on But a badly missed free-throw at- said. “We defi nitely have to have that sion to change its name comes in the first game of the season around to lead 57-49 at halftime. They for a 113-108 win over the Celtics. The tempt by Smart thwarted any chance of mentality that we’re still going to play at amid a nationwide reckoning on Thursday. cruised to victory from there. Celtics clawed their way back in the con- the Celtics forcing overtime. “We’ve got a very high level.”

NHL Sabres end skid at 18 games with rout of Flyers Reuters dreas Athanasiou had a goal and an as- Buff alo RESULTS sist as the Los Angeles Kings snapped a three-game losing streak with a 4-2 Sabres 6-1 Flyers victory over the Vegas Golden Knights teven Fogarty recorded his fi rst Avalanche 9-3 Coyotes on Wednesday night in Las Vegas. NHL goal and added an assist It was Petersen’s second victory in and Brandon Montour scored Kings 4-2 Golden Knights 10 days over Vegas, which had a six- two late short-handed goals as Sharks 4-2 Wild game home winning streak snapped. theS Buff alo Sabres snapped their fran- On March 21 in Los Angeles, Petersen Maple Leafs 3-1 Jets chise-record 18-game losing streak had 41 saves, including 23 in the third with a 6-1 victory over the visiting Phil- Reinhart ripped a shot toward the net period, in a 3-1 victory over the Golden adelphia Flyers on Wednesday night. that caromed in off the inner thigh of Knights. After blowing a 3-0, third-period Flyers defenseman Justin Braun at the He is now 4-1-0 in his career against lead Monday in a 4-3 overtime loss to 9:32 mark of the fi rst period. Vegas. the Flyers, Buff alo had no such con- The Sabres made it 2-0 nearly 2 1/2 Lias Andersson, Jaret Anderson- cerns this time, building a 4-1 lead after minutes later. Riley Sheahan blocked a Dolan and Alex Iafallo also scored goals two periods and pulling away. Philadelphia shot at the point, corralled for the Kings, who moved within four The Sabres ended an 0-15-3 skid that the puck, then broke in before stopping, points of fourth-place St. Louis for the began after a 4-1 win at New Jersey on spinning and putting a pass on the stick fi nal playoff spot in the West Division. February 23. of a trailing Lazar, who blasted the one- Shea Theodore had a goal and an as- Playing his 22nd NHL game, Fogarty timer past Elliott. sist and William Karlsson also scored padded the Sabres’ lead to 3-1 with his Philadelphia, got on the board 3:50 for Vegas, which dropped out of fi rst second-period goal, then assisted on into the second period when Provorov, place in the West. Casey Mittelstadt’s score later in the the overtime hero on Monday, drove a Marc-Andre Fleury fi nished with 26 frame. Sam Reinhart and Curtis Lazar laser from the point to make it 2-1. saves for the Golden Knights, who fell a also scored, Jacob Bryson, Rasmus Ris- Buff alo, however, answered when an point behind the Colorado Avalanche, tolainen and Kyle Okposo each posted unchecked Fogarty easily put in the re- a 9-3 winner over the Arizona Coyotes two assists, and Linus Ullmark made 31 bound of Ristolainen’s shot with 10:18 to earlier Wednesday night. Buff alo Sabres center Steven Fogarty (right) reacts after scoring a goal against the Philadelphia Flyers during the second saves for Buff alo, which also snapped go in the middle frame. Fogarty then de- Los Angeles jumped out to a 1-0 period at KeyBank Center in Buff alo, New York. (USA TODAY Sports) an 0-9-2 home skid. livered a cross-slot pass to Mittelstadt, lead at the 1:58 mark of the fi rst period. Ivan Provorov scored and Brian El- who went fi ve-hole on Elliott with 4:21 Athanasiou raced past William Carrier crease. It was his second goal of the of an Athanasiou shot that Fleury lost the 3:36 mark of the third period. The- liott allowed four goals on 16 shots left in the second to increase the margin and Zach Whitecloud for Sean Walker’s season. Karlsson cut it to 2-1 midway track of in the crease. Iafallo made it odore fi red a shot from the left point before being pulled for Philadelphia, to 4-1. Montour added his late goals, one bank pass off the glass and then back- in the second period with his ninth goal 4-1 when he eluded Fleury’s poke- through traffi c past a screened Petersen which had won two straight overall and an empty-netter, 37 seconds apart on handed a shot past Fleury for his sev- of the season, banking in a sharp-angle check try and fi red a wrist shot into the for his sixth goal of the season. fi ve straight against the Sabres. the same Philadelphia power play. enth goal of the season. rebound from the right goal line off Pe- far corner at 16:12 of the second. He tal- Vegas pulled Fleury for an extra at- After Sean Couturier hit the goal post Andersson made it 2-0 near the end tersen’s leg. lied his ninth goal of the season. tacker with 1:50 remaining, and Pe- in the opening seconds, it seemed as if CALVIN PETERSEN, KINGS END of the period when he reached over Anderson-Dolan answered less than Vegas, after killing a fi ve-minute ma- tersen sealed the win with a pair of big Philadelphia would be the early aggres- KNIGHTS’ HOME WIN STREAK Fleury to tap in a rebound of Tobias three minutes later with his fourth goal jor on Chandler Stephenson for elbow- saves on shots by Theodore and Alec sor. However, Buff alo scored fi rst when Calvin Petersen made 40 saves and An- Bjornfot’s shot that had settled in the of the season, knocking in a rebound ing Bjornfot in the head, cut it to 4-2 at Martinez. Gulf Times 6 Friday, April 2, 2021 SPORT

AMIR CUP VOLLEYBALL SEMI-FINALS: AL ARABI, Al RAYYAN SCORE WINS

Al Arabi (in white) defeated Qatar league champions Police (In blue) 3-0 (25-22, 25-16, 25-18) in the first tie of the best-of-three Amir Cup volleyball semi-final at the QVA Hall yesterday. (Right) In the first tie of the second semi-final, Al Rayyan (in black and red) defeated Al Ahli (in green and white) 3-1 (25-17, 27-29, 25-19, 28-25). The second leg of the semi-finals will be played on April 4 and if the teams are tied, the third leg will be played on April 7 to decide the finalists.

FOCUS RUGBY All Blacks skipper Cane sidelined for Biden: Teams should up to six months with pectoral injury

Reuters “We are all disappointed for Wellington Sam, but we have full faith in the follow science and medical team around him and we wish him well for his surgery and ll Blacks captain Sam rehabilitation,” said All Blacks Cane will be sidelined coach Ian Foster. for up to six months “As All Blacks captain, he will after suff ering a pecto- still play a key role in our plan- ralA injury, his Super rugby team ning for the 2021 season, and we Waikato Chiefs said yesterday. look forward to him returning to ‘beat this’ pandemic Cane would miss the remain- the footy fi eld once his rehab is der of New Zealand’s Super rug- complete.” by Aotearoa season and undergo US PRESIDENT SAYS RANGERS MAKING MISTAKE BY ALLOWING FULL CAPACITY surgery next week after suff er- WELSH UNION BACKS PIVAC ing the injury in the win over TO LEAD SIDE THROUGH the Auckland Blues on Saturday, 2023 WORLD CUP AFP they said in a statement. The Welsh rugby Union (WRU) Los Angeles “I’m obviously disappointed has backed Wayne Pivac to re- but also really positive that it’s main as coach until at least the an easy fi x,” said Chiefs co- 2023 World Cup following last S President Joe Biden captain Cane. “I’m looking for- month’s Six Nations triumph. says sports teams are ward to getting into some rehab Pivac, who succeeded War- making a mistake if post-surgery and doing that re- ren Gatland in 2019, was heavily they ignore the science ally well, so I am coming back criticised last year after a miser- Uand allow fans back into stadi- in good shape for the end of the able run saw Wales fi nish fi fth in ums at full capacity and without rugby season, whatever rugby the Six Nations. aggressive Covid-19 restric- that maybe.” However, the 58-year-old has tions. Scans and specialist exami- turned their fortunes around and Biden said the Texas Rang- nation revealed a tear in Cane’s guided Wales to their second Six ers are not being “responsible” right pectoral tendon, with a Nations title in three years, win- by allowing 100 percent capac- recovery time of four-to-six ning four of fi ve games to fi nish ity at Globe Life Field on Major months post-surgery, the Chiefs four points clear of second- League Baseball’s opening day said. That will rule Cane out of placed France. “Wayne and his on Thursday, following a deci- the All Blacks’ tests against Italy management team and players sion by the National Football and Fiji slated for July, pending have delivered,” WRU Chief Ex- League earlier this week to play World rugby sign-off . ecutive Steve Phillips said. games beginning in early Sep- A full six-month recovery “I know I speak on behalf of tember at full capacity. would also mean Cane missing the board and everyone at the out on at least part of the four- WRU in congratulating them on nation rugby Championship, their achievements and we look which is expected to be held in a forward to following their con- September-October window. tinued progress on the road to All Blacks lock Sam White- France 2023. lock, who has led the side on sev- “Wayne has the 2023 World eral occasions, will be among the Cup fi rmly in his sights and a top candidates to replace Cane as comprehensive plan for Wales skipper, while loose forward Ar- to arrive there at the peak of our die Savea could take the number powers with the full backing of seven shirt in his absence. the WRU to achieve that aim.”

SPOTLIGHT

US President Joe Biden Baseball fans watch as the New York Yankees and Toronto Blue Jays warm up before Opening Day at Yankee Stadium in Bronx, NY, USA, yesterday. (USA TODAY Sports) Cause of Woods “Well, that’s a decision they made. I think it’s a mistake,” than Canada and Sweden com- tive. The Nationals plan to open ‘JIM CROW ON STEROIDS’ ing you cannot provide water Biden said of the Rangers fi lling bined. “In terms of it being re- their stadium to 5,000 fans, at 12 Tennis players Elina Svitolina or food for someone standing crash found, offi cials their 40,300 seat stadium. sponsible (for stadiums to open percent capacity. and Aryna Sabalenka, who are in line to vote. Can’t do that? “They should listen to Dr at full capacity) – you see what’s When asked what he would in Florida this week compet- Come on,” he said. (Anthony) Fauci, the scientists happening in Europe now when tell athletes who are reluctant to ing in a WTA tournament, have Biden went on to note profes- won’t reveal it and the experts. But I think it’s they lifted the mandates. I don’t get the vaccine, Biden remarked, said they are reluctant to get the sional athletes immense poten- not responsible.” know why we don’t just follow “I’m president of the United vaccine because of various con- tial for social change, referring AFP “There’s some privacy issues Biden made his comments the science and beat this,” Biden States and I got vaccinated. cerns, including how fast it was to the civil movement within the Los Angeles on releasing information on the as part of an interview with US said. I don’t have an unimportant rolled out. NBA that established a coalition investigation, and we’re going to sports broadcaster ESPN which Europe has seen rising infec- job. Would I take the vaccine if Biden also said he is in favour to advance equality and social ask them if they waive the pri- aired Wednesday night. tions, with leaders discussing I thought it was going to hurt of moving the July 13 MLB all- justice. olice in Los Angeles vacy. Then we’ll be able to do a He also emphasised the im- reimposing virus restrictions. me?” star game out of Georgia, de- “People look to them. They’re said Wednesday inves- full release on all the information portance of wearing masks and The Washington Nationals He said vaccine research scribing the newly passed voting leaders,” he said. tigators have identifi ed regarding the accident.” continuing to follow restrictions said this week that fi ve players had been conducted that dem- law in the southern state as “Jim And addressed the anti-mask the cause of the crash Woods suff ered serious inju- to prevent the spread of the would miss Thursday’s season onstrated their eff ectiveness, Crow on steroids.” contingent, he said: “Some peo- whichP left Tiger Woods seri- ries when his SUV fl ew off the coronavirus, which has killed opener against the New York adding that the United States He said Georgia’s new elec- ple think they are being tough ously injured last month but did road and fl ipped several times over 550,000 Americans so far. Mets because of Covid-19 pro- needed to get enough people tion law restricts access to vot- guys by not wearing masks, but not release further details, cit- during last month’s accident in The state of Texas has seen al- tocols, including one undis- inoculated to diminish the pos- ing for Americans. guess what, they are just hurting ing concerns about the golf star’s Ranchos Palos Verdes. most 50,000 people die – more closed player who tested posi- sibility for the virus to spread. “Imagine passing a law say- themselves and other people.” privacy. The 45-year-old, 15-time ma- Los Angeles County Sheriff jor champion later underwent Alex Villanueva said the probe hours of surgery to repair his into the one-vehicle accident on shattered lower right leg and an- Paris-Roubaix race postponed until October due to Covid-19 February 23, which left Woods kle, which included the insertion with a shattered right leg, was of a rod into his tibia and screws holders of men’s and women’s ternational road calendar in the on Oct. 3 with the inaugural David Lappartient said. now complete. However, Vil- and pins to stabilise the joint. The Paris-Roubaix one-day road cycling after a consultation context of the current health women’s edition taking place a Paris-Roubaix is the third lanueva said no information Woods left hospital earlier this cycling race has been moved process involving the organis- situation,” the sport’s governing day earlier. ‘Monument’ classic of the sea- about the cause of the accident month and is now recovering at from April to October due to the ers. body said in a statement. “For the UCI and the cycling son after Milan-Sanremo, which would be released unless Woods his home in Florida. Covid-19 situation, the Union Cy- “This decision follows the deci- The 2020 edition of the ‘Queen community, it was important took place last month, this waived his right to privacy. Investigators had earlier said cliste Internationale (UCI) said sion of the competent French of the Classics’ race was post- that both races could take place Sunday’s Tour of Flanders and “A cause has been determined, Woods does not face charges of yesterday. authorities to prohibit the hold- poned before being cancelled in 2021, and I’m delighted that before Liege-Bastogne-Liege the investigation has concluded,” reckless driving over the crash, The UCI said the new dates ing of the 2021 edition... on the due to the Covid-19 outbreak. new dates suitable for all parties and the Giro di Lombardia. Villanueva said. “However, we describing it as “purely an ac- were approved by the stake- dates scheduled in the UCI In- The 2021 men’s race will be held have been found,” UCI President (AFP) have reached out to Tiger Woods cident” and adding there was no and his personnel. evidence of impairment. Gulf Times Friday, April 2, 2021 7 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT INITIATIVE Seoul proposes Osaka wants joint Olympic bid its torch relay with Pyongyang Reuters But relations have soured and the Unifi cation Ministry in Seoul since a summit between Kim charge of inter-Korean aff airs and then US president Donald would seek discussions with the Trump in 2019 failed to reach North. A Unifi cation Ministry outh Korean capital agreement on North Korea’s de- offi cial said the proposal was a Seoul said yesterday it nuclearisation, in which Moon move by the city to highlight the cancelled has sent a proposal for had off ered to play a mediating signifi cance of the two Koreas in Sco-hosting the 2032 role. hosting the event. Olympics with the North’s Seoul city said the host has The Moon administra- Sharp rise in coronavirus cases a worry for organisers Pyongyang to the International not been fi nalised and it sub- tion is seeking to build on the Olympic Committee (IOC) in a mitted the proposal with a vi- Pyeongchang Winter Olympics bid to keep its hopes alive de- sion titled “Beyond the Line, it hosted in 2018, during which spite Brisbane being the front- Toward the Future.” athletes from both Koreas runner. “The city government con- marched under a unifi ed fl ag The IOC has already picked veyed its legitimacy and need to at the opening ceremony and the Australian city as the pre- co-host the Olympics, stress- fi elded a combined women’s ice ferred partner for hosting the ing that it will realise the IOC’s hockey team. Games. vision of world peace through South Korea has expressed South Korean President sports,” it said in a statement. hopes of reviving the momen- Moon Jae-in and North Korean When asked about wheth- tum for ties at this year’s Tokyo leader Kim Jong-un agreed to er the idea was shared with Olympics. But Pyongyang has pursue the joint Olympics bid Pyongyang, a city offi cial told been deriding Moon in recent at their summit in Pyongyang in Reuters the proposal was the weeks, dismissing the possibil- late 2018. result of intra-agency meetings ity of a restart of talks.

TENNIS Bautista Agut ousts Medvedev in Miami quarters Reuters THIEM NOT FULLY FIT Miami World number four Dominic Thiem said he is not yet fully fi t and is skipping this month’s oberto Bautista Agut ATP Masters 1000 event in Mo- maintained his spot- naco. less record against The US Open champion RDaniil Medvedev with opted out of the ongoing Mi- a 6-4 6-2 quarter-fi nal victory ami Masters and has not played over the world number two at since making an early exit at the Miami Open, ensuring there the ATP 500 event in Dubai last will be a new ATP Masters 1000 month. winner on Sunday. The 27-year-old had targeted Tokyo 2020 President Seiko Hashimoto looks on as actor Satomi Ishihara and Paralympian Aki Taguchi light the celebration cauldron on Four of the top six on the the European claycourt season the first day of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic torch relay in Naraha, Fukushima prefecture, on March 25. men’s tour have skipped Mi- to return after struggling with ami, and with the exit of the a foot problem recently. “Af- Reuters and the torch relay committee in and not cheer out loud to prevent decided to bar spectators from Russian top seed on Wednes- ter Doha and Dubai I needed a Tokyo Osaka,” Suga told reporters. the spread of the novel coronavi- parts of the torch relay as it day there are no players with break,” Thiem said on his web- But the Tokyo organising com- rus, and there have been no re- passed through their prefecture a Masters 1000 title left in the site http://www.dominicthiem. mittee denied there had been ports so far of infections arising yesterday. draw. Medvedev, who replaced at “I’m not at 100% yet. I’m so he governor of Japan’s such a decision. from the relay. Osaka, however, Although Japan has been af- Rafa Nadal as No. 2 last month, sorry, I would have loved to play Osaka prefecture has “We will continue to hold close is battling a resurgence in infec- fected by the pandemic less se- went into the quarter-fi nal with in Monte Carlo, but it won’t called for the cancel- discussions with the Osaka pre- tions. Japan’s government said it verely than the United States and a 17-2 win-loss record for the work out.” Tlation of the Olympic fectural authorities regarding the would impose emergency meas- Europe, its vaccination campaign season but had lost to the ex- Thiem, who won his maiden torch relay in its largest city amid implementation of the Olympic ures such as shorter business is off to a slow start while some perienced Spaniard in their two Grand Slam title at Flushing a sharp rise in Covid-19 cases, Torch Relay, and strive to an- hours and asking people to work prefectures are seeing an uptick previous career meetings. Meadows last year, began the presenting an early test to organ- nounce the outcome as soon as from home in the western Japan in new infections. And there was no third time 2021 season with one win in two isers as they plan for the Games possible,” Tokyo organisers said prefecture and two other areas to Most Japanese oppose hold- lucky for the Russian, with sev- break for 5-4, leaving Medvedev matches at the ATP Cup before during the pandemic. in an e-mailed comment. halt the rise in cases. ing the Games this summer dur- enth seed Bautista Agut sealing to smash his racquet in frustra- exiting the Australian Open in Osaka Governor Hirofumi The relay began last week in Those measures are scheduled ing the pandemic, surveys have the win in 92 minutes. tion. the fourth round. Yoshimura said yesterday the Fukushima and is being seen as to last for a month, until May 5, shown. “To beat Daniil in two sets, The Spaniard, who will face After Melbourne, his desert torch relay in the city should be the fi rst major test of the Games coinciding with the relay which Olympic organisers last month it’s because I played great ten- 19-year-old Jannik Sinner for a swing also ended in disappoint- cancelled and he wanted to have in holding a large-scale event is scheduled to go through Osaka decided to bar international nis,” the 32-year-old Spaniard place in Sunday’s fi nal, did not ment with defeat to South Afri- discussions with the Tokyo or- while implementing stringent on April 13-14. spectators from the Games, and told reporters. “I was very solid look back from there. can qualifi er Lloyd Harris in his ganising committee on the mat- health protocols. “I think we need to have talks this month are due to decide on and I could play with a lot of “I was very focused on me, opening match in Dubai, which ter. Around 10,000 runners will with the city of Osaka, but per- the maximum capacity for spec- rhythm, make him work a lot. on the things I had to do on the came after a quarter-fi nal exit Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga carry the torch through the sonally I think the torch relay in tators in venues. “Physically I felt well on the next game,” he said. “Of course in Doha last week. told reporters he thought the de- country’s 47 prefectures over 121 Osaka city should be cancelled,” The Olympics, postponed by court. It was a very tight fi rst if he broke the racquet, it’s be- Thiem said he will be practis- cision had already been made. days. Osaka Governor Yoshimura told a year because of the pandemic, set. Well, it was a great match cause he lost his patience. ing on clay at home in Austria “I understand Osaka has been Tokyo Olympics organisers re- reporters. are scheduled to take place from from my side.” “I think I did some great during the Monte Carlo event. cancelled as a result of talks be- quire roadside spectators to wear Offi cials in Nagano, also wor- July 23 to Aug. 8 and the Para- After eight tight games in things to put him under pres- “I’m having tough weeks tween Tokyo Olympic organisers masks, practise social distancing ried about a rise in infections, lympics from Aug. 24 to Sept. 5. the opening set, Bautista Agut sure and to (make him) feel like ahead of me, I have a lot of work nudged ahead with a service this.” to do,” he added.

BOTTOMLINE OPINION Bublik convinced teenager China defi es boycott calls Sinner is not ‘human’

Reuters fact,” world No.44 Bublik later Miami told reporters. “For me it’s very with Beijing 2022 tests surprising that the guy at his AFP 2022, comes after IOC president age has this mental toughness Beijing Thomas Bach said in mid-March lexander Bublik tried that many, many other players that a “boycott of the Olympic everything to unset- don’t have. Games has never achieved any- tle Jannik Sinner at “I called him a robot couple he Beijing 2022 Winter thing”. Campaigners have urged the Miami Open on of times during the match, but Olympics launched a countries to skip the Games and WednesdayA but with the Italian I do it in a very sincere way be- series of test events yes- on Thursday a coalition of 200 teenager keeping his compo- cause he’s really, really a great terday as China ploughs rights organisations called on sure to win 7-6(5) 6-4 the Ka- player.” onT with preparations despite confectionery giant Mars Wrig- zakh was left convinced he had Sinner had to be focused calls for a boycott over its treat- ley to pull Snickers — the offi cial been beaten by a robot. against Bublik, who has already ment of the Uyghur minority. Olympic chocolate — from Bei- Bublik used underarm 2019 Next Gen ATP Finals reached two fi nals this season. There are also doubts about jing 2022 “or risk being tainted serves, drop shots and a sneak- winner Sinner has made rapid Rallying from a break down how the Games in February next by association”. attack serve return against Sin- progress over the last two years, in each set, the Italian was year will deal with the coronavi- China has come under in- ner during the quarter-fi nal of reaching his maiden Grand not only on the receiving end rus — a top Beijing 2022 offi cial creasing fi re from rights groups the ATP Masters 1000 event Slam quarter-fi nal at last year’s of a sneak-attack return and recently admitted that the pan- and some governments amid but fell to his second straight French Open and now sits at a the underarm serves but also demic makes it “a big challenge Security-check personnel are seen at an entrance of the National claims that actions towards Uy- defeat to the 19-year-old fol- career-high 31st in the world. watched on helplessly as Bublik to host a smooth Winter Olym- Aquatics Center, known colloquially as the “Ice Cube”, a competition ghur and other minority groups lowing a loss in Dubai in mid- In February he became the hit a 105mph forehand return pics”. venue for the 2022 Olympic Winter Games, in Beijing, China. in the northwestern region of March. youngest player since No- against his serve. Organisers plan to run 10 days Xinjiang amount to genocide. “You are not a human,” Bub- vak Djokovic in 2006 to win The Kazakh was also im- of testing at fi ve locations in Ol- of virus-related travel curbs. “mixed zone” where interviews Campaigners say that at least lik told Sinner at the net after two ATP titles by claiming the pressed with the shot and ympic and Paralympic sports in- Among measures at venues are usually done at close quar- one million Uyghurs and other the Italian had wrapped up the Great Ocean Road Open after asked the chair umpire for the cluding ice hockey, speed skat- to thwart the coronavirus were ters. Turkic-speaking, mostly Mus- match. “You are 15-years-old his Sofi a Open title at the end speed of his rocket return, add- ing, fi gure skating and curling. plastic screens sealing competi- The testing, seen as an im- lim minorities are incarcerated and you play like this. Good of 2020. ing that it was “the best fore- All athletes are Chinese because tors off from the media in the portant step in getting ready for in camps in Xinjiang. job.” “He’s not (human). That’s a hand I’ve ever hit in my life”.

Friday, April 2, 2021 GULF TIMES SPORT

MOTORCYCLING Expectations high as stage is set for MotoGP second round Vinales’ first win of the year was definitely a hard-earned one as he overcame a tough fight from the Ducatis xpectation was high ahead of the season-opening Qatar GP Information is always key, but and, if anything, it’s even high- maybe even more so in the er as MotoGP returns to Losail Doha Grand Prix. From veterans InternationalE Circuit for the TISSOT outfoxed by teammates to those Grand Prix of Doha. After a barnstorm- still adapting or just settling into er to welcome back the world’s fast- MotoGP, there’s a lot to learn est motorcycle racing Championship, there’s plenty to look forward to on a more than just another glance at his take two that sees the grid arrive with stunning race start, gaining ten places one man in the crosshairs: Maverick in the blink of an eye. Repeating that Vinales (Monster Energy Yamaha Mo- but making it stick a little longer is the toGP). name of the game. Luca Marini (Sky As wins go, Vinales’ fi rst of the year VR46 Esponsorama) will want more was defi nitely a hard-earned one. From too, the Italian’s progress steadier so lights out it was an all-Ducati aff air far. at the front in the initial stages, leav- Meanwhile Aprilia Racing Team ing the eventual winner with plenty of Gresini, with a nearly all-new bike, will work to do. But that he did, slicing his be another outfi t making good use of way through to the front and then pull- more information. Aleix Espargaro im- ing the pin. So can those he defeated pressed once again as he ended the race fi ght back? in seventh but only 5.934s off race win- With a race of data and a fair few ner Vinales, which is the closest gap to more sessions before the lights go out, the winner of an Aprilia in the MotoGP the men closest on the chase – Johann era. Can they equal or even better the Zarco (Pramac Racing), Francesco Bag- best result for the Noale factory in Mo- naia (Ducati Lenovo Team) and reigning toGP of sixth? Champion Joan Mir (Team Suzuki Ecs- The man Aleix Espargaro duelled for tar) will be eager to try and bridge that that seventh place was another great gap or leapfrog Viñales, and Mir espe- storyline too, as it was none other than cially will take heart from an impressive his younger brother Pol Espargaro. The Sunday despite some struggles earlier newly-arrived Repsol Honda Team rid- in the fi rst race weekend of the year. er had a solid fi rst outing in a diff erent What may worry them in Vinales’ pace, shade of orange, and was just 0.056 off however, is that conditions got worse seventh place after a drag to the line. As from Saturday – Yamaha’s traditional he’s continuing to adapt, a race under day of searing pace – but the number his belt is welcome – as it is for con- 12 was able to drop everyone, including tinuing, temporary teammate Stefan his fellow Iwata marque machines. Bradl. On the other side of the coin, That included new Monster En- Alex Marquez (LCR Honda Castrol) and ergy Yamaha MotoGP teammate Fabio Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemit- Quartararo, and the Frenchman will su) will be looking for solid fi nishes and be having a hard look through the data points this time around, both crashing to see where Vinales had the edge, as out in the Qatar GP after a diffi cult time will Jack Miller (Ducati Lenovo Team) at Losail so far. as the man fastest in testing ended the A diffi cult time at Losail so far is also fi rst race in ninth – and new team- true for KTM, even since they debuted mate Bagnaia put it on the podium. The Maverick Vinales will be hoping to make it two-in-two at the Losail International Circuit on Sunday as Qatar hosts the second round of the competition, a week after the first. in MotoGP. Some tracks suit some bet- wealth of information is only a positive ter than others, some tracks are easier though, and neither should be counted to test at and some tracks saw no pre- out from a launch up the timesheets mier class race action in 2020 just to this time round – something Valen- add another extra challenge. But if we tino Rossi (Petronas Yamaha SRT) and saw one thing from the Austrian facto- teammate Franco Morbidelli will be ry last year, aside from pretty continual looking for too. excellence, it was an impressive gain on Information is always key, but maybe take two at the same track. That bodes even more so in the Doha Grand Prix. well for the Doha GP, as does the abil- From veterans outfoxed by teammates ity of Miguel Oliveira to continue taking to those still adapting or just settling to full factory life like a duck to water. into MotoGP, there’s a lot to learn. For Teammate Brad Binder most defi nitely the Millers and Alex Rins (Team Suzuki got his elbows out in the fi rst race of the Ecstar) of the grid it’s about bridging an year too, so it’s not all fallen into place unexpected gap, for the newcomers it’s yet but the light at the end of the tun- a blessing to have another race at the nel likely starts with more track time same track. to gain more information on a circuit Enea Bastianini (Esponsorama Rac- that has never been KTM’s best hunt- ing) starts the second race weekend of ing ground. the year as top rookie following an im- That track time begins again on Fri- pressive top ten, and he’ll know what day as the grids head back out to battle went right and what could go better. Losail International Circuit, with an- Jorge Martin (Pramac Racing) will also other 25 points on the line as the lights be able to look through the numbers go out for the second stunner of the from bikes on the podium, and the season at 8pm on Sunday. It’s advan- Spaniard will likely also have taken tage Vinales... but for how long?

FOCUS Al-Mannai pleased with Qatar’s Vinales eager for repeat show at Doha Grand Prix safe hosting of MotoGP

By Sports Reporter state institutions and agen- AFP His garage has had four days to Doha cies in preparing for the event, Doha analyse this tyre problem and the especially the Ministry of data from Vinales’ victory. Health, the Ministry of Interi- “It’s a good thing,” Quartararo bdulrahman al- or, in addition to Hamad Inter- week after the inau- remarked after the fi rst race. Mannai, President national Airport, the General gural Grand Prix of the “It will be good to see them of the Qatar Mo- Authority of Customs, the Su- 2021 season, won by and try to get a clear idea of what Ator and Motorcycle preme Committee for Projects an impressive Maver- we have done.” Federation (QMMF) and Lo- and Legacy and the Ministry of ickA Vinales, the teams and riders Defending world champion sail Circuit Sports Club, said Culture and Sports. gather again this weekend for Joan Mir, who came fourth on his he was pleased and proud that Meanwhile, due to restric- what is virtually a replay. Suzuki, will be another looking to Qatar is hosting the two rounds tions imposed to combat the The name has changed from use the lessons of the fi rst race to of the MotoGP championship. spread of Covid-19 and to en- the Qatar MotoGP of last week to bounce back as well as Alex Rins, Last weekend the new Mo- sure the safety of everyone, the the Doha GP but the rest remains the Australian Jack Miller and toGP season opened at the Lo- QMMF has decided to post- the same. the Italian Franco Morbidelli, so sail International Circuit with pone the third round of the The stage and setting are the impressive at the end of 2020, the Barwa Grand Prix of Qa- Baja FIM World Cup 2021 until same Losail International Circuit who fi nished down in 18th on his tar, which was won by Yamaha further notice. used last weekend, it will again Yamaha. All are among favour- rider Maverick Viniales. From be a night race and the actors in ites this year. today, the Tissot Grand Prix of the drama are all back for a sec- Mir’s Suzuki showed its race Doha will be held. ond bite of the apple. potential as the Spaniard climbed Al-Mannai said: “It’s ex- Another similarity is that from 10th in qualifying almost to ceptional and evidence of and there will again be no Marc Mar- make the podium while Miller Losail Circuit Sports Club’s quez who is still recovering from was the fastest in Qatar pre-sea- readiness to successfully host a broken right arm that wrote son testing. the MotoGP championship in off his 2020 season. There is a In Moto2, Briton Sam Lowes the current climate. We saw chance he may be back for the Riders attend the customary pre-event press conference at the Losail International Circuit yesterday. will be looking to pick up where very impressive racing in the third round in Portugal on April he left off last week when he won fi rst round, where new circuit 18. “That’s what I’m most satis- man whose bike set a new out- turns, that could help us take a in style although he is sure to face record was broken. We expect A number of contenders will fi ed with.” right top speed record for Mo- big step.” increased pressure from Remy the same in the next round, have learned valuable lessons “We have to make sure that we toGP of 362.4km/h in practice As effi cient as his teammate Gardner and Fabio Di Giannan- given the experience gained by from last weekend’s race not least keep these feelings and improve last week. Vinales in the fi rst laps, the other tonio who also made it on to the the teams in the fi rst round, Vinales who powered home on further, especially our starts.” “In the last six laps, when Frenchman Fabio Quartararo podium as well as Spaniard Raul which gives them the ability to his Yamaha ahead of the Ducati The rest of the fi eld is going to Vinales pushed even more, I then struggled, the fault of a Fernandez who made an im- make the necessary changes to pair, Johann Zarco and Francesco have to step up a level although needed to be to be able to re- sudden and unexpected deterio- pressive debut at this level after provide better performance on “Pecco” Bagnaia. Zarco insists his bike is well spond. ration of his rear tyre. coming up from Moto3, fi nish- Sunday. “Winning the fi rst race was enough prepared in spite of not “I think I was down on 4/10ths “Quarta” saved the day to fi n- ing fi fth. All eyes in the Moto3 Al-Mannai praised the co- great but my impressions of being able to catch Vinales at the (of the lap). ish fi fth but for someone who race will be on the Spanish rookie operation and co-ordination the bike are even more impor- end of the race. “We know why. We will try to holds genuine title aspirations, Pedro Acosta – the 16-year-old between the QMMF, and Losail tant,” said 26-year-old Spaniard “I don’t need more power, I have a better connection with that was a minimum during a fi nished second last week behind Circuit Sports Club and all Vinales. have enough!” joked the French- the rear tyre when entering the “complicated weekend”. countryman Jaume Masia.