SPORT Monday 17 ApAprilril 2017

PAGE | 27 PAGE | 29 PAGE | 31 Team embarks Messi keeps Ferrari's Sebastian on Thailand journey, Barcelona's VettelV pips Hamilton eyes ICC League crown hopes alive for Bahrain win Emir Cup: Mesaimeer to take on Al Arabi

RizwanRizw Rehmat The draw ceremony of Emir Cup Football Tournament they can to prepare well for this ThThee Peninsula in progress at Shangri-La Hotel in Doha. Emir Cup popular football event," the QFA heads for exciting second round and the The final of President said. ootball minnows the tournament will be played on May 19, the last day "With just one month to go Mesaimeer have a of the ongoing football season. in this season, the public is now date with Doha turning their attention to the giants Al Arabi in Emir Cup," he said. the second round "The teams and their play- Fof the Emir Cup, the most ers will have to up the ante and popular football tourna- deliver strong performances to ment in the country. advance in this event. In another second-round "A couple of games of the clash,c Muaither - who have Emir Cup have already been beenbe relegated from the Qatar played and we know the remain- StarsSta League (QSL) - will take ing matches will also witness oonn Al Khor. intense battles on the pitch," he Newly-promoted Al added. MarkhiyaMar have been drawn to "I am sure fans will get to see playplay Al Ahli while Al Wakrah's surprise results as all teams are matchmat against Al Shahaniya will looking to win the Emir Cup," he windwin up the second-round said. actionactio in the Emir Cup. The second round action InI the third phase of the commences on April 23 while tournament,tour Al Gharafa will play round three matches will be held thethe winner of Mesaimeer-Al on April 27 and 28, organisers ArabiArab clash while Al Sailiyah will 19, the last day of the ongoing Ansari, General Secretary, 45th edition of the tournament said yesterday. May 3, 4 and 5 tackletack the triumphant side from football season. Ahmed Al Buainain, Executive would be a memorable event. are reserved for round four the mmatch between Muaither and Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Committee Member, Hani Bal- The Emir Cup football final action while May 13 and 14 will AlAl KKhor. bin Ahmed Al Thani, President lan, Executive Committee will be played on May 19, the feature round five matches. UmmU Salal will take on the of the Qatar Football Associa- Member, Ibrahim Khalil Al QFA President said during his Al Arabi Stadium, Qatar SC winwinnern from the match involv- tion (QFA), attended the draw Mohannadi, Executive Commit- speech at Shangri-La Hotel. Stadium, Al Sadd Stadium, Al inging Al Wakrah and Al ceremony that was conducted tee Member, also attended the "The fans can expect fierce Ahli Stadium, Al Gharafa Sta- Shahaniya.Sh at Shangri La Hotel, Doha. ceremony. competition from the participat- dium and Lekhwiya Sports Club The final of the tourna- Saoud Al Mohannadi, Vice While talking to the press, ing teams as the club players and will host the Emir's Cup matches mentm will be played on May President, QFA, Mansoor Al QFA President predicted the the coaches are doing everything this year. United rock Chelsea to ignite title race, Liverpool on the rise

London AFP

anchester United blew the Premier League title Mrace wide open with a 2-0 win over lethargic leaders Chelsea, while Liverpool are back in third place after a 1-0 victory at West Bromwich Albion yesterday. Antonio Conte's Chelsea side were rocked by Marcus Rash- ford's early goal and a deflected Ander Herrera strike soon after half-time at Old Trafford deliv- ered a major blow to their title ambitions. The Blues barely managed an attack of note and a second defeat in their last four league Manchester United's Ander Herrera scores their second goal games leaves them clinging to a four-point lead over second against Chelsea during their English Premier League match placed Tottenham, who had played at Old Trafford yesterday. piled on the pressure with a 4-0 rout of Bournemouth on Chelsea's cause wasn't when they struck again in the Saturday. helped by the absence of goal- 49th minute. After appearing set to cruise keeper Thibaut Courtois, who Ashley Young's persistence to the title for most of the sea- was injured earlier in the week, opened space for Herrera and the son, Chelsea now face a and the pre-match withdrawal Spaniard's shot from the edge of nerve-jangling final six matches of left wing-back Marcos Alonso the penalty area deflected off as they try to hold off a strong due to a reported illness. Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma challenge from their London And the Blues looked less before looping over Begovic. rivals. solid than usual at the back as At the Hawthorns, Liverpool It was a sweet moment for United carved them open to take playmaker Roberto Firmino set- United manager Jose Mourinho, the lead in the seventh minute. tled a scrappy game with a who had suffered a 4-0 thrash- It was a goal rooted in con- close-range header in first half ing against Chelsea in October troversy from Chelsea's point of stoppage-time to condemn on his first return to the club view as United midfielder Her- Albion boss Tony Pulis to his first since being sacked last season. rera appeared to handle to win ever home league defeat against United were also knocked back possession. the Reds. out of the FA Cup quarter-finals Even so, Chelsea defender The Brazilian converted a by Chelsea last month and David Luiz was still exposed too flick-on from Lucas Leiva to seal avenging those painful losses easily by Herrera's precise pass, Liverpool's fifth win in their last kept alive their bid to qualify for with Rashford allowed to gallop seven games. the Champions League via a top clear before slotting a cool fin- Liverpool are unbeaten since four finish. ish under Asmir Begovic for his losing at Leicester in late Febru- Mourinho's men, unbeaten ninth goal of the season. ary and now lead City by two in their last 22 league games, are United, whose leading points, although Pep Guardiola's now fifth, four points behind scorer Zlatan Ibrahimovic team have a game in hand in the fourth placed Manchester City started on the bench, were race for an automatic spot in the with a game in hand. rewarded for a vibrant display Champions League group stage. SPORT MONDAY 17 APRIL 2017 27 Team Qatar embarks on Thailand journey, eyes ICC League crown

Fawad Hussain team’s departure to Bangkok. Nitish Rana The Peninsula “ All the teams are tough but we are very optimistic about atar national team yes- winning the tournament after terday embarked on a undergoing strenuous prepara- Rana shines journey to Thailand, tions for the event,” said the seeking a rise in their seasoned cricketer who has as Mumbai Qstatus in international years of experience in playing at cricket with a title-triumph at the domestic levels in Pakistan, Eng- ICC World Cricket League Asia land, Scotland, Bangladesh and overcome Division 1 starting next week in the UAE. Chaing Mai. Haq said his team has all the Gujarat The team left for Bangkok ingredients of winning the after an extensive six-month tournament. preparation for the tournament “ Qatar is one of the best Mumbai dubbed as vital for the compet- competing teams in the tourna- IANS ing teams, as the winning side ment. We have a balanced side will directly get promotion to and most importantly all the xtending their winning Division 5. players are showing hunger to streak to four matches, Apart from Qatar and hosts win the title,” said Haq who has EMumbai Indians Thailand, Kuwait, China, Bhu- also represented Pakistan at the defeated Gujarat Lions by six tan, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia junior level. wickets in an Indian Premier are taking part in the contest, The Qatari captain praised League (IPL) match in Mum- which will conclude on May 1. QCA President Yousef Jeham Al bai yesterday. The Qatar Cricket Associa- Kuwari for his support for the Nitish Rana (53), Rohit tion (QCA), knowing the national team and for promo- Sharma (40 not out) and importance of the event, devised tion of the game in Qatar . Kieron Pollard (39) were the training schedule for the team in “ We have the ability to rise major contributors to Mum- Qatar team's players and officials celebrate after their win over Saudi Arabia in the Twenty20 the last six months accordingly, in international cricket and this bai's cause. ranging from vigorous training is because of all out support from match at the Asian Town Cricket Stadium, in this last year's file photo. Chasing a challenging and matches against teams like the QCA. The president has been total of 177, Mumbai started Saudi Arabia and Kenya. In their very supportive and assisting us a series against them recently participating teams. In order to on all cylinders to win the title,” off on a bad note as the home final phase of preparation, the in every possible manner.” and hold psychological advan- ensure the title we are keen on said the 32-year-old. side lost opener Parthiv Patel team played 50-over matches Qatar will open their cam- tage against them.” winning every single match. Awais Mali, Khadeer (0) on the second ball of the against various local sides. paign against Kuwait on April 22 The top order batsman and “We are desperate to win this Mohammad, Iqbal Choudhary, first over. “ We are well prepared and before taking on Bhutan the fol- wicket-keeper said Qatar will tournament to get promoted to Khurram Shahzad, Qalandar Earlier, put in to bat, ready for the tournament,” Qatar lowing day. take all the matches as final. Division 5. We are aware that Khan, Mohammad Nadeem, Brendon McCullum and team captain Inam Ul Haq told They will face the hosts on “ This is a league event failure to do so will put us five Kamran Khan, Tamoor Sajjad, Dinesh Karthik's crafty The Peninsula on the eve of April 25 and Bahrain the next where we will face all the years back. So, we will be firing Zaheeruddeen Ibrahim, Muham- knocks helped Gujarat Lions day. Qatar’s key matches against mad Tanveer, Noman Sarwar post 176/4. China and Saudi Arabia are and Dharmang Hasmukh are McCullum played 44 balls scheduled on April 28 and May other members of the team. and slammed six boundaries 1. QCA Operations Manager and three sixes to get his 64 Vice-captain Mohammed We are desperate to win this tournament Ahmed who will also accompany runs while Karthik slammed Rizlan rated Kuwait, China and to get promoted to Division 5. We are the team was upbeat about team’s 48 runs off 26 balls that Saudi Arabia as main threats for chances of winning the title. helped Gujarat post a decent Qatar in their title-bid. aware that failure to do so will put us “After a strong build-up of score. “Qatar has some tough five years back. So, we will be firing on the national team, we’re very For Mumbai, McClena- matches lined-up in the event all cylinders to claim the title: Vice much confident of a good dis- ghan scalped two wickets but we are well prepared,” Riz- play,” he said. while Malinga and Harbhajan lan told The Peninsula. captain Mohammed Rizlan Qatar will play two warm- chipped in with a wicket “Kuwait, China and Saudi up matches ahead of the apiece. Arabia are good sides. But we are tournament. They will take on Meanwhile, Rising Pune confident against them specially Bhutan tomorrow before meet- Supergiant (RPS) beat Royal Mohammed Rizlan against Saudis as we have won ing the hosts on Friday. Challengers Bangalore (RCB) by 27 runs in the match 17 of IPL 2017 yesterday. After scoring a modest total of 161, Pune successfully Khetco win Qatar Airways title restricted Bangalore for just 134 runs. Earlier, Royal Challeng- The Peninsula Jameel and Zohaib batted was marred by fall of regular ers Bangalore (RCB) captain magnificently to lay the foun- wickets and they eventually col- Virat Kohli won the toss and hetco XI outplayed Regal dation of their team’s big total. lapsed in the 20th over at 146. decided to field first against Strikers to win the Qatar Jameel struck a match-high Naveed got two scalps for 29 in Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS) KAirways Twenty20 Tour- 44. During his 51-minute occu- four overs. in the match 17 of IPL 2017. nament with a splendid 40-run pation of the crease, he blasted Ajay and Shani survived the Bangalore are currently triumph at the West Bay Ground four boundaries and one six off longest and took the score close struggling at the bottom half recently. 35 balls. Zohaib was also in to 150-run mark. Ajay’s 36 off of the league table at the sixth Qatar Airways is the spon- aggressive mood, putting up 38 26 balls had four boundaries, position with just 1 win in 4 sor of the popular tournament, off just 29 balls. His knock was while Shani slammed a six and matches. The players of Khetco XI and Regal Strikers pose for a group organised by the Qatar Board of studded with four hits to the four boundaries in his 24-ball Their captain Virat Kohli Cricket, Hockey and Rugby to rope and two over it. 35. photo following the final of Qatar Airways Twenty20 Tournament was back in action since the boost the sport in the country. Firoz got two wickets for 30 Kuwari lauded the winners at West Bay Gound recently. previous match against Mum- Khetco XI, batting first after runs to finish as the most suc- Khetco XI for giving a quality bai Indians and looked in winning the toss, ran up a huge cessful Regal Strikers bowler. display in the final. He expressed work hard next season and put enduring impression on the good shape as he scored a 62 186 for seven in 20 overs. The chase of Regal Strikers hopes that other teams would up a better show to leave an tournament. off 47 deliveries. Pune are currently at the rock bottom position in the league table with just 2 points from 4 matches. They have lost consecutive 3 matches in Youngsters, Al Misnad share trophy after tie a row. It was a must win match for both the sides as they are The Peninsula along with Mohammad Ahmad Al Othm- languishing at the bottom of ani and Manzoor Ahmad, QCA Operations the table. he Qatar Cricket Association (QCA) Manager were also present. RCB finally took the big has been diligently nurturing the Ahmad praised QCA President for his decision to drop Chris Gayle Tsport at all levels in the country, with support for the promotion for cricket in bringing in all-rounder Shane an eye on building a strong national sen- the country. Watson. ior team. " It's an honour to have Mr President A total of 64 teams participated in the and other key official during the match," Qatar Airways tournament which includes he said. Brief Scores in Premier and 3 other groups. The QCA President Yousef Jeham The tournament started in January thanked the Qatar Airways representa- Mumbai Indians 177 for and ended on April 14. tive for sponsoring the tournament and 4 (Rana 53, Rohit 40*, Tye As many as 164 matches were played Feroz Youngsters and Galfar Al Misnad appreciated the national team players 2-34) beat Gujarat Lions 176 in the Qatar Airways Tournament. The performance and wish them good luck for 4 (McCullum 64, Karthik along with QCA officials pose for a group final Premier match was played for 50 for ICC tournament to be played in Cha- 48*, McClenaghan 2-24) by photo. overs at Asian Town Cricket Stadium ing Mai from Saturday. six wickets between Feroz Youngsters and Galfar Al The Qatar team will be up against Rising Pune Supergiant Misnad on April 14. therefore both teams were declared join named as best bowler. The QCA President Thailand, Kuwait, China, Bhutan, Bahrain 161/8 (AM Rahane 30, RA Tri- The Feroz Youngsters first batting and winners. Tamoor Sajjad was player of Yousef Jeham Al Kuwari handed the tro- and Saudi Arabia during the tournament pathi 31, MS Dhoni 28) beat made a score of 224. The Galfar Al Misnad final. phies to the players following the match, which will conclude on May 1. RCB 134/9 (V Kohli 28, AB de also made a score of 224. Al Feroz's Faisal was declared best Representative from Qatar Airways Qatar will open their campaign Villiers 29. KM Jadhav 18) by The match was declared as “tied” batsman while his team-mate Mujeeb was Ali Farabi, Manager Ticketing Operations against Kuwait on April 22. 27 runs 28 SPORT MONDAY 17 APRIL 2017 Lekhwiya stars bask in glory This season has been a real The Peninsula to compete in the and Emir Cup along with still being battle with Al ive-time Qatar Stars in the AFC Champions League. Sadd for the League (QSL) cham- We are now looking forward to pions Lekhwiya, lifting more tropies this season” title, and thank celebrated their title added Al Ali on the sides ambi- God we battled coronation on Satur- tions after lifting the QSL falcon to the very end Fday evening with a 2-2 draw shield. with Al Shahania. Reflecting on the season, Al to lift the title: On the sidelines of the cele- Ali talked up the quality of the Lekhwiya’s CEO brations, players of the side were whole Lekhwiya squad who had Adnan Al Ali basking in glory insisting that the to deal with a number of key QSL falcon shield is just the start absentees this season. of the trophy run for the Red “This title win is special Our objective is Knights as they come into the because everyone in the squad to add to the business end of the 2016/ 2017 contributed. It was tough and we season. lost a number of players through trophy that we Edgar Da Silva may have injury, however we battled on have. We have only played a handful of games and deservedly won the title.” chances now in for Lekhwiya, replacing injured The Lekhwiya CEO was also top scorer Yusef El Arabi for the eager to praise the effort of the the Cups and in final games of the campaign. club administration. the AFC However, the Brazilian attacker “The title is not only for the Lekhwiya players celebrate with the Falcon Shield after their last QSL match against Al Shahania was grateful for the chance to players, but also for the admin- Champions play with the side. on Saturday at Lekhwiya Stadium. istration and coaching staff. League: Edgar “I have had a great time at They have worked so hard over Da Silva Lekhwiya, all the players have the very end and did well to win is an important trophy in the his- thank God we battled to the very the season, and this is reflected been joking with me that I play the title despite missing key tory of Lekhwiya club.” end to lift the title,” said the with our fifth ever title. Now we We had a target a few games and I become a players. After the league we have Flores also noted that Lekhwiya chief have to look forward and com- champion. I am trying my best to take on the cups and we are Lekhwiya’s triumph was down “This is just the first trophy pete in the other trophies we are to win the at the club, and added two goals ready for them, this is our plan to winning the big games against for us this season; we still have taking part in," he said. League and we to the championship and I am now. I am now ready for their title rivals. have achieved so happy to be with the team.” everything.” “It’s been a difficult season “Our objective is to add to “I tried to beat Xavi’s assist with Al Sadd, who has a good that. We were the trophy that we have. We record, I am lucky to be battling season. We have only lost one under pressure have chances now in the cups with such a top player for this game and I think in the big and in the AFC Champions honor. I will be targeting to beat matches we proved that we till the very end League and if we work hard we him next season now, god will- deserve to win the title. For me, and did well to will be lifting more trophies this ing” added the winger who I am now recovering from injury win the title season” added the striker. notched up 15 assists over the and I am hoping to take part in Qatari winger Ismael course of the season. the Cup competitions for the despite missing Mohammed has enjoyed another Chico Flores picked up his side.” key players: strong season for the Red second ever QSL falcon shield on Meanwhile, Lekhwiya’s CEO Ismael Knights, suggesting that the Saturday evening. The Spanish Adnan Al Ali has hailed the Red Lekhwiya squad did well to defender suggested that Lekhwi- Knights fifth QSL falcon. Mohammed cover for the absentees of key ya’s fifth ever QSL crown will go “I would like to thank the players over the season. down in the history books as the players and coaching staff on “We had a target to win the finest title win for the Red Knights. this historic achievement. This league and we have achieved “I am happy for all of the season has been a real battle this. We were under pressure till players and staff at the club. This with Al Sadd for the title, and Lekhwiya CEO Adnan Al Ali

Nam Tae Hee Star Nam targets treble for Red Knights

The Peninsula with the Red Knights only losing "It’s a fantastic feeling to lift to look towards the new on one occasion this season. the title again with Lekhwiya,” season.” ekhwiya’s midfield maestro Reflecting on the season, added the seasoned midfielder. However, Nam noted that Nam Tae Hee believes that Lekhwiya’s number ten suggested The 25 year old who is now Lekhwiya’s quest for a domestic Lhis side’s title coronation is it was the best to date during his Lekhwiya’s most successful ever treble will be a challenge with two only the start of a potential time with the club. foreign import also revealed that teams in particular looking to stop domestic treble this season for the “This is my fourth title with he is targeting further glory this the Red Knights in the Qatar & Red Knights. Lekhwiya, and for me it was the season in both domestic and Emir Cup competitions. The South Korean interna- closest title race," said the South regional trophies still to play for “Al Sadd and have tional said his QSL team has the Korean star. as the season near end. played well this season and they potential to complete the treble , "Al Sadd played very well and “I am so happy to be with the will be a challenge for us in the after winning the lucrative league in the end it was only a two point team, we still have important Qatar Cup and Emir Cup," said the following a tough battle with Al gap between the two sides. It’s games in the Qatar Cup, the Emir Lekhwiya star. Sadd. been tough at times this season, Cup and AFC Champions League," "Nothing is easy in Qatar Nam has been one of Lekhwi- but my team-mates have stuck he said. when competing for trophies ya’s consistent performers this together and played well when "The league title is only the because of tough contest, but we season, and has delivered regu- we have been missing some big first title that Lekhwiya can win will continue to fight for what is lar match winning performances players," he said. this season, after this we can start available for the side.” Review: Consistency paid off for champs Lekhwiya

The Peninsula secured Qatar Cup qualification FINAL STANDINGS with two rounds to spare. he 2016/2017 Qatar Stars Al Gharafa enjoyed a strong Position Club Matches Win Lose Draw GF GA GD Points League (QSL) season came season under Portuguese coach 1 Lekhwiya 26 19 1 6 79 33 46 63 Tto a close on Saturday Pedro Caixinia, and ran out of 2 Al Sadd 26 18 1 7 77 23 54 61 evening as Lekhwiya lifted their steam after Caixinia was hired 3 Al Rayyan 26 15 5 6 53 27 26 51 fifth QSL falcon shield in seven by Rangers in Scotland. 4 El Jaish 26 13 7 6 45 40 5 45 seasons. The Cheetahs finished in a 5 Al Gharafa 26 12 10 4 42 43 -1 40 Overall the title race was a creditable fifth place, and picked 6 Umm Salal 26 9 7 10 32 35 -3 37 tight affair between Lekhwiya up 12 wins, 4 draws and 10 7 Al Kharaitiyat 26 10 12 4 27 32 -5 34 and Al Sadd, with the Red defeats over the course of the 8 Al Sailiya 26 8 11 7 32 45 -13 31 Knights beating their fierce rivals season and finshed with a tally 9 Al Arabi 26 8 14 4 39 56 -17 28 to the crown in round 25 after Al of 40 points. 10 Al Ahli 26 7 13 6 33 45 -12 27 Sadd dropping points in a 2-2 Umm Salal ended the season 11 Al Khor 26 6 13 7 27 40 -13 25 with Al Sailiya. strongly to finish in sixth place 12 Al Shahania 26 3 10 13 30 53 -23 22 Lekhwiya enjoyed an Lekhwiya coach Djamel Belmadi in the QSL standings. 13 Muaither SC 26 5 16 5 25 48 -23 20 impressive season, only falling Al Kharaitiyat also enjoyed a 14 Al Wakrah 26 2 15 9 29 50 -21 15 to one defeat at the hands of title rivals Lekhwiya. Jesaldo Fer- Former champions Al late season surge to finish well Umm Salal. Djamel Belmadi’s riera’s side have been playing an Rayyan finished the season in away from the relegation zone. 10 boys won the league with a tally exciting brand of attacking foot- third place. The Lions brought in wins, 4 draws and 11 defeats is the ended up in tenth place with a relegation play-off to determine of 63 points. Along with one ball this season, and pushed Danish coach Michael Laudrup Thunders record this season. tally of 28 points. their fate in the QSL against defeat, Lekhwiya only drew on Lekhwiya all the way to the end just two rounds into the season Al Sailiya endured a scrappy Al Khor battled out of rele- Qatar SC. six occasions along with 19 wins. in the QSL title race. after Jorge Fossati was called up 2016/2017 QSL campaign, only gation trouble again this season, The Oryxes picked up a tally The Red Knights are also the The Wolves picked up 61 to manage the Qatar national confirming safety with two with Jean Fernandez’s side con- of 22 points picking up just 3 wins leading goal scorers this cam- points this term, registering 18 team. rounds to spare. Sami Trabelsi’s firming their safety with a round along with 13 draws (the most in paign finding the back of the net wins 7 draws and just one defeat. El Jaish looked to be title team picked up 28 points in a to spare. The Knights picked up the league) and 10 defeats. In the on 79 occasions. Sadd also have the envious contenders before falling away largely forgettable campaign. 25 points registering 6 wins, 7 relegation zone, Al Wakrah are Only two points behind is Al record of the best defense in the drastically in the second half of Al Arabi had high expecta- draws and 13 defeats this joined by Muather who picked up Sadd, who also lost only once in league conceding only 23 goals the season. Sabri Lamouchi’s side tions for the league this season; season. respective tallies of 20 and 15 the domestic season against their in 26 games this season. picked up 45 points overall, and however 3 coaches later they Al Shahania is set for a points respectively. MONDAY 17 APRIL 2017 SPORT 29 Save the Dream, QSL join forces to promote sport values

The Peninsula societies, Save the Dream is as a powerful and positive force committed to promoting and for good in society.” he Qatar Stars League protecting the core values of Save the Dream Founder took on extra significance sport to help young people and Mohammed Hanzab said: “On Tthis week as the QSL future generations and using behalf of Save the Dream, I joined forces with Save the sport as a vehicle to encourage would like to thank the Qatar Dream to highlight the impor- integrity, respect and inclusion Stars League for the opportu- tance of promoting and within society. nity to bring Save the Dream to protecting the values of sport Since Save the Dream was the stadia across Qatar and for for young people. established in 2012, the QSL embracing our cause. Alongside various inspira- and Qatar football community “Next week, thanks to the tional films of Save the Dream has strongly supported various support of Qatar Airways and projects that were shown social projects run in Qatar by the Italian Serie A, Save the across QSL stadia on final Save the Dream, including Dream will continue our advo- match day of the 2016/17 sea- recently hosting a special blind cacy work in football stadia son, children and young football match on National across Italy as part of Save the athletes from the International Sport Day 2017 which featured Dream Week 2017. School of London and Birla several high-profile players “Building on the successful School, Doha wore special from Al Sadd SC. organisation of the Italian Save the Dream jerseys and Hani Taleb Ballan, CEO, SuperCoppa in Doha in Decem- shared a symbolic moment QSL said: “The QSL is excited ber 2016, Save the Dream Week with players from Lekhwiya to see how organisations like 2017 will be another opportu- Young athletes from the International School of London and Al Shahania as they Save the Dream are proactively nity dedicated to promoting the and Birla Public School, Doha wore special Save the Dream entered the stadium together working to spread the values values of sport and we hope to jerseys and shared a symbolic moment with players from to underline the powerful and of sport in Qatar and around build further bridges between Lekhwiya and Al Shahania as they entered the stadium uniting role of sport. the world and are helping to the two countries and unite together to underline the powerful and uniting role of sports. Following the conclusion of bring sport where it is most more people through the power the match, Lekhwiya lifted the needed. of sport.” QSL Falcon Shield as Champi- “Today’s activities along- During the Italian Super- restore hope and create new Dream concluded: “As an Ital- supporting humanitarian ons of the 2016/2017 season. side Save the Dream have Coppa, which took place in opportunities through sport and ian working for a global causes, in this case through the As a global non-profit highlighted the important and December 2016, Save the its values in countries around organisation based in Doha, I universal language of sport. Movement of organisations, positive role that football can Dream launched a dedicated the world, including those am very proud to see the coun- Save the Dream belongs to eve- people and athletes who play in uniting and inspiring donation page to allow people affected by conflict. try hosting me and my own rybody, it aims at unifying believe in the power of sport to people in Qatar and around the all around the world to support Massimiliano Montanari, nation driven by the same people around shared causes build more fair and inclusive world, as well as how it can act its projects, which aim to Executive Director of Save the motivations and genuinely and it is totally inclusive”.

Kerr credits Messi keeps Barca hopes alive lucky turtle for Lotte triumph Madrid LA LIGA RESULTS effort into his own net. Paco AFP Alcacer, deputising for the sus- Kapolei, United States Madrid; Spanish La Liga result yesterday: pended Neymar, briefly restored Reuters ionel Messi kept Barcelo- Leganes 0 Espanyol 1 (Baptistao 90+2) Barca's two-goal lead with a na's title hopes alive with Playing today composed finish from Messi's ristie Kerr took advan- Ltwo goals and an assist to Alaves vs Villarreal (1845) pass. tage of a meltdown by see off Real Sociedad 3-2 as Played on Saturday Yet, Sociedad scored again South Korean Jang Su- Deportivo la Coruna 2 (Joselu 47, Mosquera 67) C Spain's top two edged five-goal almost straight from kick-off as yeon to win the LPGA's Lotte thrillers ahead of next week- Malaga 0 Xabi Prieto cushioned William Championship by three end's El Clasico. Sporting Gijon 2 (Cop 14, Vesga 50) Real Madrid Jose's cross into the bottom strokes in Hawaii on 3 (Isco 17, 90, Morata 59) Earlier on Saturday, Isco corner. Saturday. Atletico Madrid 3 (Carrasco 30, 47, Filipe Luis 61) struck at the death to keep Real Madrid can all but secure a Kerr, whose previous win Osasuna 0 Madrid three points clear and first league title in five years on the US women's golf tour Barcelona 3 (Messi 17, 37, Alcacer 44) Real Socie- with a game in hand at the top dad 2 (Umtiti 42-og, Xabi Prieto 45+1) with victory when they host came at the CME Group Tour of the table after twice coming Friday Barca next weekend. Championship in 2015, from behind to beat Sporting Athletic Bilbao 5 (San Jose 7, Muniain 9, 58, But not for the first time this carded a bogey-free six-

Gijon 3-2. Aduriz 18, 59) Las Palmas 1 (Bigas Rigo 12) season they needed a late show under-par 66 to finish on a

Barcelona will need Messi after Duje Cop and Mikel Vesga combined 20-under 268 for on this form if they are to pro- put Sporting in front early in the tournament. duce another miracle both halves.Isco's fine individ- She played the last two Champions League fightback ual effort and a towering header rounds without a blemish on against Juventus on Wednesday 25 yards to open the scoring. from Alvaro Morata ensured her scorecard, including a from a 3-0 first leg defeat suf- Messi then took his tally to neither lead lasted more than a 10-under 62 in Friday's third fered in midweek. 45 goals in 44 games this sea- few minutes. round, and delivered 16 bird- "I am more than happy with son with a far less spectacular And Isco sealed the come- ies in her final 36 holes. the performance of the players finish as he bundled home from back when he drilled home from The American, who and their ability to manage the close range after Geronimo Rulli the edge of the box. earned $300,000 for the win, frustration after what we expe- had saved from Luis Suarez. "This is the spirit of Real said her game clicked into rienced in the Champions However, Barca passed up Madrid," said Isco. gear unexpectedly on League this week," Barca boss the chance to enjoy a comfort- "It is in the DNA of this shirt Friday. Luis Enrique told Spanish TV able evening in a three-goal and this badge, we have shown "On Friday morning I Barcelona forward Lionel Messi (right) celebrates with team- station Movistar. spell in as many minutes just it so many times and again wasn't playing too well and mate Luis Suarez after scoring a goal during the Spanish league The Argentine is now just before half-time. today. Until the referee blows then I just found something match against Real Sociedad at the Camp Nou Stadium in two off his 500th Barca goal as Firstly, Samuel Umtiti the full-time whistle it is not and was able to turn it on and Barcelona on Saturday. he smashed home an effort from turned Inigo Martinez's driven over." I just kept it going," she told the LPGA's official website. "I can't remember two and a half days after I strug- gled with my swing feel, and then made so many birdies in Cavaliers edge Pacers as NBA play-offs begin my life. It was an unbelieva- ble run." Cleveland the seventh-seeded Pacers, who only two of 11 field-goal attempts, The 39-year-old credited AP will try to even the series on Mon- missing all six 3-point efforts, and an encounter with a lucky day night. finished with four points. Jonas turtle for turning things eBron James scored 32 George had the ball in his Valanciunas had nine points and around. "I didn't even think points and the defending hands on the final possession, but nine rebounds. about it until after I shot Lchampion Cleveland Cava- the Cavs double-teamed him, Elsewhere, Joe Johnson drove 10-under (on Friday) that tur- liers, looking to flip the switch forcing him to pass to Miles, who the lane and lifted in a shot at the tles are really good luck for after a shaky regular season, has always shot well against his buzzer, and Utah overcame the me. They always have been. began the NBA play-offs by former team. His shot was on line, loss of Rudy Gobert 17 seconds I went swimming with the escaping with a 109-108 victory but short and the Cavs survived into the game to beat Los Ange- turtles on Friday afternoon over the Indiana Pacers on Sat- a disastrous final few minutes. les in their playoff opener. and I inadvertently touched urday in Game 1. Meanwhile, Giannis Antetok- Johnson had 21 points, includ- one," she added. Playing in his 200th playoff ounmpo scored 28 points and ing when he was left isolated "The patrols are out there game, James added 13 assists and rookie Malcolm Brogdon had 16 against Jamal Crawford on the so that you don't harm them, six rebounds while winning his as the Milwaukee Bucks beat the final play. but it kind of swam at me and 18th consecutive first-round Toronto Raptors 97-83 in Game He powered his way inside I touched it, and it was really, game. 1 of the first-round series. and lofted a shot over Crawford really good luck." However, it was anything but Playing in his second career and DeAndre Jordan that bounced Overnight leader Jang easy as the Cavs had to withstand playoff series, Antetekounmpo around the rim before falling in. could have used some of that a strong comeback by the Pacers, made 13 of 18 shots, and added A video review confirmed it was luck. The sponsor's invitee who could have stolen the opener eight rebounds and three assists. good. had gone 59 holes without a but C.J. Miles missed a 14-foot Greg Monroe added 14 points. Gobert sprained his left knee bogey before dropping three jumper in the final second. DeMar DeRozan led Toronto on the game's first play when he strokes just before the turn to Kyrie Irving added 23 points with 27 points, and Serge Ibaka banged knees with Clippers for- open the door for Kerr. LeBron James (23) of the Cleveland Cavaliers tries to drive and Kevin Love had 17 for Cleve- had 19 points and 14 rebounds. ward Luc Mbah a Moute, leaving She finished with an land, which has won 12 straight The Raptors have lost the open- the Jazz without their center who through Paul George of the Indiana Pacers during the second even-par 72 and was one of playoff games at home. ing game in eight consecutive averaged 14.0 points and 12.8 half in Game One of the Eastern Conference quarter-finals only two players in the top 30 Paul George scored 29 points playoff series. rebounds during the regular during the 2017 NBA play-offs at Quicken Loans Arena in not to break par in the final and Lance Stephenson had 16 for Toronto's Kyle Lowry made season. Cleveland, Ohio, on Saturday. round. 30 SPORT MONDAY 17 APRIL 2017 Qatar Cross-Country Rally: Gruelling route to test drivers and riders

Rizwan Rehmat around the world," Al Mannai The Peninsula said. Excerpts from a chat with the he 'tricky' desert terrain QMMF President: at the six-day Qatar Q: Please tell us something Cross-Country Rally about the Qatar Cross-Country will pose difficult ques- Rally. tions for the world's A: It's a major event - Qatar Tbest drivers and riders, a top offi- Cross-Country Rally. It's the sec- cial motor sport official said ond biggest event on our yesterday. calendar. The first was MotoGP The Qatar Motor and Motor- (held last month) in terms of cov- cycle Federation (QMMF) has erage and preparation from our confirmed a strong field for the side. It is a very important race fourth round of the FIA World because it is part of the FIA World Cup for Cross-Country and round Cup for Cross-Country Rallies. 2 of the FIM Cross-Country Ral- Q: We've heard that QMMF lies World Championship that will has added a super special stage take place from April 17-22. this year. The quality field in Qatar A: This year we want to do includes 33 cars, 14 motorcycles things differently. We have and six quads, with competitors planned a super special stage from 26 nations featuring at the which will be held at Losail Cir- high profile event. cuit. We have changed stages to Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation QMMF President Abdulrahman Al Mannai flags off during last year's rally. The defending FIA World Cup accommodate that. It is one of the champion and two-time Dakar toughest races on the (Cross- winner Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah of Country) calendar because of the have straight lines and long dis- Mohannadi, Abdulla Al Rabban, Qatar will lead the show later this terrain. The terrain changes to tances of the same environment. Jamal Fakhroo and Mohammed week. Russian Vladimir Vasilyev, rocky to sandy to dunes. This leg Over here you don't know what's Al Meer. Saudi Arabia’s Yazeed Al Rajhi, is not for everybody. This race is coming. Even in shorter distances, Q: Were you surprised with Poland’s Jakub Przygonski and for the best of the best drivers and it's like that. In many cases, the Nasser's crash last week in Abu Qatar’s Mohammed Abu Issa will riders around the world. This competitors tell me it's more Dhabi? It is one of the toughest races on the be Al Attiyah's main event is for the top difficult. A: More than surprise, I was (Cross-Country) calendar because of challengers. professionals. Q: Is that the feedback you get unhappy with the result. We got Eight of the world’s leading Q: How do you feel about the from competitors racing in Qatar? used to Nasser winning so regu- the tricky terrain. The terrain changes off-road riders will also be field of drivers and riders this A: Yes, that's the feedback I larly. I was there at the podium to rocky to sandy to dunes. This leg is present in Qatar. The year? get. is long and very but he wasn't. It was a strange KTM Factory Team will field A: This year the list (of par- tough, so don't get me wrong. This feeling that Nasser was not there not for everybody. This race is for the Dakar winner and FIM series ticipants) looks very good and I uniqueness about our event (on the podium). Even after the best of the best drivers and riders leader Sam Sunderland, Austria’s am very happy about it. We have makes it more exciting. The ter- event, I was thinking about it. But and French- several big entries and it is the rain in Qatar is interesting knowing Nasser, he is a very thor- around the world: Al Mannai man Antoine Meo, according to same for the bike class. We have because it can change very ough pro. I am sure he can turn the list released by QMMF. more bikes this year. We are quickly for the drivers and the this around and lead the cham- QMMF President Abdulrah- excited about the challenge. Eve- riders. They have to respect the pionship again. man Al Mannai said the drivers rybody is invited to come for the desert. It's not an easy race. Q: Please elaborate on how and riders competing in Qatar will super special stage on day one. Q: What about the home busy you have been this season be thoroughly tested on the route Q: Could we call the route for entries this year? and what's in store for the future? measuring 1,994.17km. the Qatar Cross-Country Rally is A: Nasser will be there. He A: If you ask me if I am happy "It is one of the toughest races what we see at Dakar Rally? was one of the first people who about the season. I would say I on the (Cross-Country) calendar A: I don't want to exaggerate signed up for this event. Adel Hus- am very happy. We launched a because of the tricky terrain. The when I say that the feedback we sain is also there. Hamad is there new series. We unveiled a new terrain changes to rocky to sandy get is pretty interesting - a lot of too. Qatar will also be represented logo. We created a new identity. to dunes. This leg is not for eve- participants who have raced here by Mohammed Al Mannai, We are moving towards Formula rybody. This race is for the best tell us this is tougher. I know that Mohammed Al Harqan, Rashid Al 4 racing and we expanded the of the best drivers and riders sounds odd. At Dakar Rally, they Muhannadi, Khalid Faraj Al Baja series. Defending champion Al Attiyah joined by Aron Domzala and Erik Van Loon

The Peninsula GAZOO Racing South lost once on home sand (Jean- 14th overall in the Dakar Rally Africa in Qatar’s fourth round Louis Schlesser won in 2013) after setting several impressive verdrive Racing will be of the FIA World Cup for Cross- since the Sealine/Qatar event times and will be targeting a hoping to get back to Country Rallies. joined the FIA World Cup in podium finish this week. OVERDRIVE RACING AT FIA WORLD CUP FOR winning ways at this Defending champion Al 2012. Overdrive Racing will also Domzala began his season O CROSS-COUNTRY RALLIES week’s Qatar Cross-Country Attiyah and his French naviga- be hoping that Al Attiyah can well with a win in Baja Russia Rally, after the team’s record of tor Matthieu Baumel will be retain the Qatar crown he won and was leading the champion- Overdrive Racing is running three Toyota seven successive FIA World Cup joined by the Dutch crew of in a Toyota Hilux last year. He ship before the recent round in Hiluxes and a fourth car in conjunction with rally victories ground to a halt Erik Van Loon and Wouter will use the car that won the Abu Dhabi. But the Pole suffered Toyota GAZOO Racing South Africa in Qatar’s with Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah’s Rosegaar and the Polish duo of Dubai International Baja in motion sickness in the heat of fourth round of the FIA World Cup for Cross- last stage accident at the recent Aron Domzala and Szymon March. the Rub Al Khali and was not Country Rallies. Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge. Gospodarczyk, while South Al Attiyah said: “We try to able to finish. Temperatures are The Belgian team is running Africa’s Leeroy Poulter makes win here, of course, but I am a expected to be in the high thir- three Toyota Hiluxes and a his first appearance in Qatar little worried from the crash in ties Centigrade in the Qatar FIA WORLD CUP FOR CROSS-COUNTRY RALLIES fourth car in conjunction with with German navigator Dirk Abu Dhabi because I am still deserts this week, but the dunes Standings after round 3 (unofficial): vonvon ZiZitzewitztzewitz iinn a SSouthouth AAfri- injured and under treatment. I are less pronounced in Qatar cancan cacar.r. damaged some nerves in my and motion sickness should not 1. Khalid Al Qassimi (UAE) 81pts AlAl AttiAttiyahyaah wawass tthehe cclasslass of neck and it was not easy to be a problem for Domzala. tthehe fieldfield in AbuAbu DhabiDhabi untiluntill his move my left hand. Now it’s bet- Poulter was a member of 2. Mohammed Abu Issa (QAT) 48pts uncharacteristicuncharacterristic mistakemistake overo ter, but it’s the reason we did the Toyota team on the Dakar 3. (CZE) 42pts thethe finalfinal kilometreskiloometres damageddamaag not test the car on Sunday." Rally on three occasions along- 4. Aron Domzala (POL) 41pts thethe ToToyotayota aandnd sevseverelyerely dedentedn "Matthieu (Baumel) is okay, side former winner Giniel de 5. Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah (QAT) 30pts hishis cchanceshances oof retretainingaining tthehee FIA but has a little muscle strain. I Villiers. A regular in cross-coun- WorldWorld CupCup crown.crown. TheThe QatariQa used a painkiller and managed try rallies in his native South hashas takentaken a breakbreak fromfromm the to get a good result, second, in Africa, Leeroy started compet- worldworld off hhigh-speedigh-speed mmotoro the shooting yesterday. It was ing in motocross at the age of sportsport inn the llastast fefeww ddays not easy and my coach was not six and switched to karting at andand ffinishedinishedd secondsecond in a skeetsk happy, but I needed to refocus 16. H3e took part in the World shootingshooting ccompetitionoompetition aatt the and prepare myself for this and European karting champi- LoLosailsail ShoShootingooting CompComplexlex on race," Al Attiyah said. onships before moving into the Friday.Friday. “I made a mistake in Abu world of cross-country rallying. ButBut QaQatar’staar’s roroundund of tthehee FIA Dhabi and that has made the Poulter finished 16th at the WorldWorrld CupCup is importantimporrt championship very open. It was Dakar in 2015 and a fine fifth to thethe two-timetwo-tti a straight-line accident. We with Robert Howie in 2016. DakarDakar wiwinner.nnn flipped and we crashed. These “The team had its little set- AlAl AAttiyahttiiy things happen in motor sport.” back in Abu Dhabi and now it’s hashas onlyo Van Loon and Rosegaar are time to refocus and get on with tackling their second event of the job in hand in Qatar,” said the FIA World Cup season with Overdrive Racing’s CEO Jean- Overdrive Racing after finish- Marc Fortin. “This is never an ing 20th at the Dubai easy rally, but we have a strong Qatar’s Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah and his Overdrive Racing International Baja following team and everyone is focused team-mate and navigator Matthieu Baumel driving their Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah transmission delays. The expe- on achieving another win on a Toyota Hilux during the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge. rienced Dutch crew finished round of the FIA World Cup.” MONDAY 17 APRIL 2017 SPORT 31 Vettel pips Hamilton for Bahrain win

Manama F1 BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX RESULTS Reuters 1. Sebastian Vettel (Germany) Ferrari 1:33:53.373 errari's Sebastian Vet- 2. Lewis Hamilton (Britain) Mercedes +00:06.600 tel won the Bahrain 3. Valtteri Bottas (Finland) Mercedes 00:20.397 Grand Prix to go 4. Kimi Raikkonen (Finland) Ferrari 00:22.475 seven points clear at 5. Daniel Ricciardo (Australia) Red Bull - TAG Heuer 00:39.346 the top of the For- Fmula One standings yesterday, 6. Felipe Massa () Williams-Mercedes 00:54.326 with Mercedes rival Lewis 7. Sergio Perez (Mexico) Force India - Mercedes 01:02.606 Hamilton staging a late charge 8. Romain Grosjean () Haas - Ferrari 01:14.865 to finish second after picking 9. Nico Huelkenberg (Germany) Renault 01:20.188 up a time penalty. 10. Esteban Ocon (France) Force India - Mercedes 01:35.711 Hamilton's Finnish team 11. Pascal Wehrlein (Germany) Sauber - Ferrari 1 lap mate Valtteri Bottas started on

pole position for the first time 12. Daniil Kvyat (Russia) Toro Rosso - Renault 1 lap in his career and ended up 13. Jolyon Palmer (Britain) Renault 1 lap third. The victory was Vettel's second of the season after the F1 DRIVER AND CONSTRUCTOR STANDINGS four-times world champion 1. Sebastian Vettel (Germany) Ferrari 68 won the opener in Australia. Hamilton, who won in China 2. Lewis Hamilton (Britain) Mercedes 61 last weekend, crossed the 3. Valtteri Bottas (Finland) Mercedes 38 floodlit finish line 6.6 seconds 4. Kimi Raikkonen (Finland) Ferrari 34 behind. 5. Max Verstappen (Netherlands) Red Bull 25 Vettel's 44th win lifted him 6. Daniel Ricciardo (Australia) Red Bull 22 to 68 points, with Hamilton 7. Felipe Massa (Brazil) Williams 16 second on 61. "Yes guys, that's what I'm 8. Sergio Perez (Mexico) Force India 14 talking about," whooped the 9. Jr (Spain) Toro Rosso 10 German, who was helped by 10. Romain Grosjean (France) Haas 4 the safety car being deployed 11. Kevin Magnussen (Denmark) Haas 4 after his first pitstop with the 12. Esteban Ocon (France) Force India 3 Mercedes duo still out, as he 13. Nico Huelkenberg (Germany) Renault 2 took the chequered flag. Ferrari's German driver Sebastian Vettel drives his car past the chequered flag to win the Bahrain Formula One Grand Prix at the Sakhir Circuit in Manama yesterday. INSET: Vettel celebrates on the podium after winning the Bahrain Formula One 14. Daniil Kvyat (Russia) Toro Rosso 2 Grand Prix yesterday. 15. Pascal Wehrlein (Germany) Sauber 0 16. Antonio Giovinazzi (Italy) Sauber 0 "It was a really great day. It advantage before running out opening laps, with Vettel get- birthday of team founder Frank 17. Jolyon Palmer (Britain) Renault 0 was on the last half of the out of time. ting ahead of Hamilton into the Williams. It was a really 18. Stoffel Vandoorne (Belgium) McLaren 0 lap when all the fireworks were "The pitlane was really my first corner for second and Mexican Sergio Perez fin- 19. Fernando Alonso (Spain) McLaren 0 going off that I was like 'I love fault... I tried really hard to then taking over after the ished seventh for Force India, great day. It was 20. Marcus Ericsson (Sweden) Sauber 0 what I do'," he said. catch up but there was a long pitstops. his 13th successive points fin- on the last half of Hamilton's race was fur- way to go," said the Briton, who "It was a great team effort ish, with Frenchman Romain the out lap when ther compromised by a thanked Bottas for his gentle- today and I felt like we are Grosjean eighth for Haas. CONSTRUCTORS five-second penalty for driv- manly conduct in letting him quick. I tried to put Valtteri Germany's Nico Hulken- 1. Ferrari 102 all the fireworks ing unnecessarily slowly at the through twice. under pressure. But the early berg was ninth for Renault, that 2. Mercedes 99 were going off that pit lane entry when he did Mercedes team boss Toto pit stop worked," said Vettel. team's first points of the year, 3. Red Bull - TAG Heuer 47 I was like 'I love come in, a deliberate move to Wolff said Bottas's hopes had "Lewis obviously was a and French rookie Esteban 4. Force India - Mercedes 17 create a gap with Bottas ahead been hit even before the lights very big threat again towards Ocon bagged the final point for 5. Williams-Mercedes 16 what I do', says in the queue. went out on the grid when a the end... but the car was a Force India. 6. Toro Rosso - Renault 12 The Briton served the pen- problem with a generator left dream today." McLaren's nightmare con- Vettel. 7. Haas - Ferrari 8 alty at his second stop, the Finn starting with the Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen tinued with Belgian Stoffel frustration evident from his wrong tyre pressures. finished fourth with Australian Vandoorne failing to start and 8. Renault 2

shaking helmet, before charg- "From then on we were on Daniel Ricciardo fifth for Red Fernando Alonso retiring on 9. Sauber - Ferrari 0 ing back and taking more than the back foot," he said. Bull and Brazilian Felipe Massa the final laps but classified 10. McLaren 0 one second a lap out of Vettel's Bottas kept the lead for the sixth for Williams on the 75th 14th. Saudi’s Al Rajhi to debut new ride at Qatar Cross-Country Rally

The Peninsula section of the car and this allows Qatar this week. The car is pow- Quandt. “We also placed around Przygonski and Belgian co-driver A back injury sustained at for the repositioning of the cool- ered by a twin-turbo 50kg in the centre of the car, Tom Colsoul. Abu Issa finished the recent Abu Dhabi Desert his week’s Qatar Cross- ing system. six-cylinder diesel engine and around 50cm lower, to improve an excellent third overall in Abu Challenge means that Russian Country Rally, round four The new design spent many delivers around 340hp and a its handling.” Dhabi two weeks ago and is in driver Vladimir Vasilyev will Tof the FIA World Cup for hours in BMW Group’s wind massive 800Nm of torque at low The Saudi and regular Ger- contention for the FIA World Cup miss out on the Qatar event in a Cross-Country Rallies, will see tunnel facility to improve aer- revs. man co-driver heading into his home event. fourth Mini. the first appearance in the FIA odynamics and Al Rajhi hopes “One of the advantages will be supported in Qatar by a ’s Orlando Ter- Meanwhile, former WRC World Cup and the Middle East that these improvements will achieved in the wind tunnel was pair of Mini All4 Racings for the ranova, Przygonski and Abu Issa star Martin Prokop is gaining of X-raid’s new Mini John give him the edge over the Toy- a higher top speed and better local driver Mohammed Abu Issa finished sixth, seventh and 10th attention for his performances Cooper Works Rally in the hands otas and Sheikh Khalid Al acceleration beyond 140km/h,” and his French navigator Xavier overall in their three new Minis in cross-country rallying since of the Saudi Arabian driver Qassimi’s 3008 DKR in said X-raid’s team director Sven Panseri and Pole Jakub at January’s Dakar Rally. switching to the off-road disci- Yazeed Al Rajhi. pline with Toyota at the Dakar The Trebur-based team has Rally two years ago. been at the forefront of this A regular top 10 finisher on sporting discipline for 14 years, rounds of the WRC, Prokop has initially with BMW X5 and X3CC adapted his special stage skills derivatives and then with the superbly and delivered a stun- Mini All4 Racing. But Sven ning performance at the recent Quandt’s team was developing Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge to an upgrade to the Mini behind finish second overall in a Ford the scenes and it made its debut F-150 Evo. at the Dakar Rally this year. Al That result lifted the Czech Rajhi’s car in Qatar features a driver to an unofficial third in the lower centre of gravity and points’ standings in the Drivers’ numerous performance and Championship. driverability improvements. The varied nature of the The Mini John Cooper Works tracks used on the Qatar Cross- Rally is named after the legen- Country Rally may well suit Yazeed Al Rajhi dary John Cooper, who has Prokop’s driving style a lot more behind the British Mini Cooper than the dunes of Abu Dhabi, but S, and has a completely new navigator Jan Tomanek will also design based on the Mini Coun- need to be on top form with page tryman. A revised tubular steel after page of daunting naviga- frame enables a third spare tion in the road books set to wheel to be stored in the lower challenge the entire field once the Qatar desert sections get X-Raid brace for underway on Wednesday desert ride in Qatar morning. Today, the rally offices offi- X-raid also set to field cially open at the Losail Mini All4 Racings for International Circuit and teams Qatar’s Abu Issa and pass their compulsory adminis- Poland’s Przygonski tration and scrutineering checks. The official pre-event press conference takes place at Former WRC star Qatari driver Mohamed Abu Issa in action on his X-Raid Mini Mohamed Abu Issa 11.00hrs on Tuesday morning Martin Prokop aims to during the 2017 Dakar Rally in this file photo. and precedes the ceremonial build upon second start at 15.30hrs and the start of place in Abu Dhabi the super special stage at Losail from 3.40pm.