Sport

FRIDAYF 18 JUNE 2021

NadalN pulls out of Wimbledon, Olympics TheT goal is to prolong my career and continue to do what mmakes me happy, that is to compete at the highest level and kkeep fighting for those professional and personal goals at the mmaximum level of competition.

RafaelR Nadal Sport |11 EURO 2020 - GROUP STAGE Ukraine 2, North Macedonia 1 (Group C); Belgium 2, Denmark 1 (Group B); Netherlands 2, Austria 0 (Group C) FIFA Arab Cup: 14 teams eye berths in group stage of inaugural edition Doha set to stage thrilling qualifying games

THE PENINSULA — DOHA COVID-19 in the last nine QUALIFIERS SCHEDULE another crack at Qatar after fin- months. 19 June: Libya v Sudan – Khalifa International ishing behind the Maroons in Qualifying for the FIFA Arab Qatar’s iconic Khalifa Inter- Stadium their World Cup qualifying Cup Qatar 2021 will be the focus national Stadium will raise the 20 June: Oman v Somalia – Jassim Bin Hamad group. The Reds’ recent record of 14 nations when they take curtain on the qualifiers on June has been impressive, having Stadium part in single play-off matches 19 when African rivals Libya appeared in four of the last five 21 June: Jordan v South Sudan – Khalifa in Doha from 19-25 June. and Sudan clash for a spot in AFC Asian Cups, with their best Seven spots in the group Group D alongside Algeria, International Stadium performance coming in 2019 stage are at stake, as partici- Egypt and the winner of 22 June: Mauritania v Yemen – Jassim Bin when they reached the round pants from across the Arab Lebanon versus Djibouti. Hamad Stadium of 16. Prior to that, Oman won world look to secure their place Led by Spaniard Javier Cle- 23 June: Lebanon v Djibouti – Khalifa two Arabian Gulf Cup titles in the tournament, which will mente, Libya will be looking to International Stadium (2009, 2017). Their hopes of take place in Qatar from 30 make the group stage after 24 June: Palestine v Comoros – Jassim Bin featuring at Qatar 2022 remain November to 18 December. missing out on qualification for Hamad Stadium alive after they advanced to the The showpiece event will next January’s CAF Africa Cup 25 June: Bahrain v Kuwait – Khalifa third group stage of Asian zone

support Qatar’s preparations for of Nations – a competition they International Stadium qualifying earlier this month. the FIFA World Cup™ and finished as runners-up in back All matches will kick off at 8pm Somalia will see this match Libyan squad arrives in Doha to take showcase the region’s passion in 1982. The Mediterranean as a huge opportunity to on Sudan in the first qualifying match for the beautiful game. Knights’ only international history, having hosted the first showcase themselves on a big to be played on June 19. As per the FIFA Rankings, honour was winning the African edition of Africa’s top compe- stage. The Ocean Stars’ hopes the following nine teams have Nations Championship in 2014. tition in 1957 before winning the of qualifying for Qatar 2022 already qualified for the tour- spot in the tournament. Two kick off at 8pm local time. One of the pioneers in title on home soil in 1970. ended in the first round of nament: Qatar (hosts), Tunisia, venues will host the qualifiers: Tickets for the matches are establishing the Africa Cup of A place in Group A alongside African qualifying after defeat Algeria, Morocco, Egypt, Saudi Khalifa International Stadium available from the Qatar Nations, Sudan are looking to Qatar, Iraq and the winner of to Zimbabwe in September Arabia, Iraq, United Arab – which is also one of eight Football Association website: revive past glories by securing Bahrain versus Kuwait will be 2019. They have appeared in Emirates and Syria. The 14 Qatar 2022 tournament venues tickets.qfa.qa. Fans who attend their spot in Qatar later this the prize for Oman or Somalia regional competitions such as lower-ranked teams will – and Jassim Bin Hamad the matches must be fully vac- year. The Falcons of Jediane at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium. the CECAFA Cup and featured contest play-offs to earn their Stadium. All the matches will cinated or have recovered from have a proud footballing Oman will be keen for at the Pan Arab Games in 1985.

UAFA General Road to Qatar 2022: Assembly: De Bruyne leads Belgium to 2-1 VAR set for AFC Al Mohannadi comeback win over Denmark Asian Qualifiers elected as in September Vice-President REUTERS — COPENHAGEN AFC — KUALA LUMPUR THE PENINSULA — JEDDAH Denmark scored the Belgium’s Kevin De second-fastest goal in Bruyne celebrates after European Championship scoring their second The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system will Saoud bin Abdulaziz history but Belgium goal against Denmark. be implemented when the Continent’s top Al-Mohannadi was elected to the advanced to the knockout teams go head-to-head in the final round of Union of Arab Football Associa- stages after Kevin de the AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to Qatar 2022 tions (UAFA) Council as Vice- Bruyne orchestrated a 2-1 in September. President for the new term 2021- comeback victory in their The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) 2025, at the conclusion of the Group B match yesterday. continues to set new benchmarks in Asian ref- General Assembly of the Union, Denmark had the ereeing as it will be one of the first Confeder- which was followed by a meeting perfect start when mid- ations to utilise the VAR in the Asian Qualifiers. of the newly-elected Council. fielder Pierre-Emile The VAR was first adopted in Asia from the Al Mohannadi, who won the Hojbjerg intercepted the Quarter-final stage of the AFC Asian Cup UAE council membership after ball to feed an unmarked 2019 before it was implemented across 32 receiving 20 votes, was later Yussuf Poulsen, who matches at the AFC U23 Championship Thailand named Vice-President -for the 2020. Asian continent – by virtue of Last season, the VAR was also used from recommendation. arrowed a right-footed goalkeeper Kasper last five internationals the Quarter-final stage of the AFC Champions Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin shot into the bottom Schmeichel. with a crisply-struck League, the first time in AFC club competition Ahmed Al Thani, President of the corner with 99 seconds on Belgium have a penalty after Austria history, and it will make a return from the same Qatar Football Association (QFA), the clock. maximum six points from captain David Alaba stage in 2021. Additionally, the VAR system will headed the Qatari delegation par- Belgium were poor in two games, while stepped on the foot of also be used for the first-time ever in the 2021 ticipating in the meetings of the the first half but equalised Denmark are bottom of Dumfries and referee Orel AFC Cup final. UAFA General Assembly, which nine minutes into the the group after two losses. Grinfeld pointed to the Through various initiatives and workshops, was hosted in Jeddah. second from a counter- Russia and Finland have spot following the inter- the AFC has been recognised for its implemen- The QFA President also par- attack when Romelu three points each after two vention of the Video tation of the VAR system which has been ticipated in the meeting of the Lukaku used his power to games. Assistant Referee. endorsed by FIFA and the IFAB. UAFA Council, headed by His drive the ball forward and Dutch delight as The home side added To ensure a seamless integration of VAR in Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz Today's found De Bruyne, who victory over Austria seals a second when Dumfries AFC competitions, numerous VAR courses and bin Turki Al Faisal, President of squared the ball for top spot in Group C scored his second goal in seminars have been organised since March 2017 the Union. Fixtures Thorgan Hazard to score Wing back Denzel as many games in the while AFC VAR Information Officer (VIO) Work- The QFA delegation included with a tap-in. Dumfries had a hand in tournament after being shops have also been organised to ensure VIOs Saoud bin Abdulaziz Al- 4pm: Sweden vs De Bruyne then broke both goals as the Nether- teed up by substitute are kept up to date on the latest VAR Mohannadi, (Vice-President), Slovakia Danish hearts when he lands eased to a 2-0 Donyell Malen. developments. Mansour Mohammed Al Ansari 7pm: Croatia vs gave Belgium the lead in victory over uninspiring The Dutch, on six The VAR system, which aims to provide (General Secretary), and the 70th minute, receiving Austria yesterday and points, cannot be over- minimum interference with maximum benefit, Mohammad Khalifa Al Suwaidi Czech Republic the ball at the edge of the ensured they will win taken at the top of the is limited to four game-changing decisions or (Chief Executive Officer, Aspire 10pm: England vs box from a slick passing Euro 2020 Group C. group going into their final incidents, specifically - goal or no goal, pen- Zone Foundation). Scotland move and firing a left- Memphis Depay game against North Mace- alty-kicks, direct red cards and mistaken footed shot that beat scored a sixth goal in his donia on Monday. identity decisions. Parmenion wins on debut in France

THE PENINSULA — DOHA lengths ahead of the FH. Graffard- what to do next, but we’ll likely step trained and Theo Bachelot-ridden up in category with him.” Parmenion (GB) (Soldier Hollow x Laishann (Footstepsinthesand) (FR), Al Shahania Stud, Parmenion is a Pearls Or Passion), who is bred and who, in turn, was a short head in front son of Soldier Hollow (In the Wings), owned by H H Sheikh Mohammed of Ker Welen (FR) (Dariyan), who is stationed at Gestüt Auenquelle, and Bin Khalifa Al Thani, opened his trained by N. Leenders and was is out of Pearls Or Passion (Monsun), scorecard on his debut in the Prix ridden by Maximilien Justum. winner of three races over 2,400m Radio Kazak (Prix Charles Giraudon) His trainer, Édouard de Montfort from 3 to 4 years old including the in Craon, France yesterday. - author of a hat-trick in Craon yes- Panacea Prize (L). Trained by Edouard Monfort, the terday with Sébastien Martino - told She also finished second in the bay gelding was ridden to victory by us: “He arrived in my stable just a Prix Joubert (L). Parmenion is the Sébastien Martino in the 2,200-metre month and a half or two months ago. third winning for his dam following maiden race for 3-year-olds. He took a long time to come into Podemos (Shamardal), a dual winner Taking up position on the outside, himself and is just now starting to as a 3-year-old over 2,200m in Parmenion quickly settled into the mature. I was aiming for this race to Kempton and third in the Floodlit leading group. Progressing to fifth get him started," he said. Stakes (L) and Pelligrina (Soldier Sébastien Martino guides Parmenion to Prix Radio coming off the final turn, he easily "He has room for improvement Hollow), winner of two races at 3, Kazak win in Craon, France yesterday. took the advantage 200 metres from and won today on his class. We’ll see including the Prix de Royaumont the post and reached the post three how he recovers before we decide (Gr3, 2,400m) from just three outings. Sport FRIDAY 18 JUNE 2021 11

Nadal pulls Mercedes out of modify Wimbledon Hamilton’s and Tokyo ‘magic’ Olympics button

AP — MADRID REUTERS — PARIS

Rafael Nadal will not play Mercedes have modified a at Wimbledon or at the ‘magic button’ on Lewis Tokyo Olympics, saying Hamilton’s steering wheel to yesterday he has decided prevent a repeat of the to skip the two tourna- Azerbaijan Grand Prix error ments after “listening” to that cost the seven times world his body. Al Duhail player celebrates during a Group B match against Iran’s champion the Formula One Nadal, who reached Mes Kerman at the Asian Club Handball Championship in Jeddah championship lead. the French Open semi- yesterday. Al Duhail defeated their opponents 33-29 to cruise Hamilton revealed after finals last week but lost to into the semi-finals. In other match, Al Arabi, who already booked Qatar’s Hamdi Al Amin (left, back) poses on the podium with the June 6 race in Baku that he Novak Djokovic, has won their berth in the semis, defeated Iran’s Shahid Kazeroon 30-25 other athletes and officials after winning a silver medal at the had accidentally hit the button the title at Wimbledon for their fourth win in a row. Arab Athletics Championships at Rades Stadium in Tunis, Tunisia. at the re-start, leaving him twice, in 2008 and 2010. without rear brakes into the He also won the Olympic first corner and sending him gold medal in singles at off track and from second to the 2008 Beijing Games 15th. and in doubles at the 2016 Red Bull’s championship Rio de Janeiro Games. WTC: India, New Zealand eye leader Max Verstappen had “The goal is to prolong already crashed out and Ham- my career and continue ilton, attempting to pass the to do what makes me Dutch driver’s team mate happy, that is to compete glory in Southampton final Sergio Perez for the race win, at the highest level and had been set to regain the keep fighting for those overall lead. professional and personal AP — SOUTHAMPTON weeks of dry conditions, “We’ve just put a shroud goals at the maximum New Zealand captain showers are in the forecast, around it to make sure that I level of competition,” Shaded here by the rising Kane Williamson (left) including the reserve sixth day. can’t accidentally touch it in Nadal said. hubbub of European Champi- during practice on the Continuous cloud cover will suit future,” the Briton told The 35-year-old onship soccer is a cricket final eve of final, yesterday. New Zealand swing bowlers reporters at the French Grand Spaniard said the fact that that will be followed by many Southee, Boult, Kyle Jamieson, Prix. there are only two weeks millions of fans, most of them and de Grandhomme. “That’s for the short term. between Roland Garros far from its England stage. But Southampton Test Obviously the wheel’s not so and Wimbledon “didn’t The inaugural World Test pitches are inclined to spin, and easy to change or to move make it easier” on his Championship (WTC) will be dry quickly, and India would buttons. We’ll look for a longer body to recover from “the decided from today between prefer to play Ravichandran term solution.” always demanding” clay- favoured India and No. Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja. Hamilton said after the court season. 1-ranked New Zealand in Without a warmup match, race in Baku that what hap- “Sport prevention of Southampton. though, India may decide that pened had been a stroke of bad any kind of excess in my There’s been very little local runs are premium, and pick luck. body is a very important hype, to no surprise. Hanuma Vihari at No. 6. Then “It definitely wasn’t any factor at this stage of my England’s sporting focus is one fast bowler may miss out pressure from Max and I don’t career in order to try to on Euro 2020, made easier by from a group including Ishant even count it as a mistake,” he keep fighting for the the dire displays of its national Sharma, Mohammed Shami and said yesterday. “I don’t feel any highest level of compe- men’s cricket team which was Mohammed Siraj, who starred pressure, I feel pretty relaxed. tition and titles,” Nadal humbled by New Zealand in in India’s unprecedented Test “You can’t always be wrote on Twitter. two Tests this month. series triumph in Australia at perfect. A mistake is when you Nadal is a 20-time Also, the two-year WTC has simulation exercises to try and is ending his 12-year interna- the start of the year. often drive off the track Grand Slam champion been disrupted and disjointed compensate for the lack of a tional career after the final. Despite featuring adven- through missing your braking with a record 13 titles at during the COVID-19 pandemic. proper warm-up match. “Hopefully, I’ll leave New turous captains Williamson and point or hitting the wall. the French Open. But, suitably, the two form Little “preparation time is a Zealand cricket in a good Kohli, and an extra reserve day, “It was kind of an unforced His loss at Roland teams have reached the final, bit of a disadvantage maybe, but space,” Watling said. the final is at the mercy of the error, really just something Garros last Friday was which was moved from Lord’s if you’re ready for the challenge, Together with Ross Taylor weather, and the forecast is that we had that was sitting only his third in 108 because Southampton’s Rose even if circumstances aren’t and Trent Boult, the five players challenging. If the outcome is a there that could have hap- matches at a tournament Bowl facility has hotel accom- favourable, you’d do well,” have been the spine of New draw, the trophy will be shared. pened at any point. It unfortu- he won each of the last modation to guarantee a India batsman Cheteshwar Zealand’s greatest Test era. The nately bit us pretty hard but four years, including by bio-bubble. Pujara said. team at Edgbaston had six you learn from the beating Djokovic in the India start as favourites “We’re confident as a team. changes, and such is New Zea- experience.” 2020 final. because of the greater options Maybe a few extra days of prep- land’s depth that player of the Hamilton is four points Nadal sent a “special at its disposal, but will go in aration would’ve helped, but we match Matt Henry is likely to We’re confident as a team. behind Verstappen after six message” to fans in Britain under prepared. Because India can’t complain. We’re ready.” miss out on the final. Maybe a few extra days of races, despite having won and Japan in particular. is reeling from COVID-19, Virat New Zealand warmed up The 11th spot seems to be a preparation would’ve three of them. “The Olympic Games Kohli’s squad had to spend 14 well in the Tests against toss between spinner Ajaz Patel helped, but we can’t Baku was the champion’s always meant a lot and days in quarantine in Mumbai, England and dominated both, and seam bowling allrounder second big mistake of the they were always a pri- then another 10 in winning the second match at Colin de Grandhomme, who complain. We’re ready. season after sliding off track ority as a Sports person, I Southampton. Edgbaston inside four days was rested at Edgbaston. and nudging the barriers in found the spirit that every Only since Sunday has the without captain Kane Wil- England played without a Cheteshwar Pujara Imola in April before the race sports person in the world team been allowed to practice liamson, Tim Southee and spinner and paid for it. The was stopped, throwing him a wants to live,” he wrote. together, undertaking match wicketkeeper BJ Watling, who weather may decide. After four lifeline. He ended up second. “I personally had the The most successful chance to live 3 of them Formula One driver of all time and had the honor to be has taken just seven points the flag bearer for my Khawaja’s ton scripts United’s win over Zalmi from the last two street races country.” in Monaco and Baku but Nadal hadn’t played ABU DHABI — AGENCIES SCORES IN BRIEF should be on happier territory much amid the corona- at Le Castellet this weekend. virus pandemic and had Usman Khawaja’s first century in Match 26 – Islamabad United beat Peshawar a slow start to his season. the PSL guided Islamabad United Zalmi by 15 runs Lewis He won two titles, in Bar- to a thrilling 15-run win over Islamabad United 247-2, 20 overs (Usman Hamilton celona and in Rome, and Peshawar Zalmi at Sheikh Zayed Khawaja 105 not out, Colin Munro 48, Brandon had a 23-4 record so far Stadium yesterday. King 46 not out, Asif Ali 43) this year.year. After being asked to bat first, Peshawar Zalmi 232-6, 20 overs (Shoaib Malik United posted 247 for two – the 68, Kamran Akmal 53, Sherfane Rutherford 29; highest T20 score at the venue and Akif Javed 3-43, Hussain Talat 2-37)

in the HBL PSL history. It is also Player of the match – Usman Khawaja (Islama-

Rafael the highest score in any domestic bad United) Nadal Pakistan T20 tournament beating 243 set by Karachi Dolphins against Lahore Eagles in 2010. three sixes. Kamran (53 off 32, Usman In reply, half centuries from seven fours, two sixes) put up a Khawaja Kamran Akmal and Shoaib Malik 53-run stand for the third-wicket celebrates went in vain as Zalmi fell short by with Shoaib. his century 15 runs. This match produced the yesterday. Shoaib top-scored with a highest aggregate score in HBL PSL 36-ball 68, hitting six fours and history. Campbell set for fourth Olympics as Australia name swimming team REUTERS — ADELAIDE relay swimmer. Former breast- knowing he had missed it four 29, whose younger sister Bronte Australia’s medal prospects in weather training before meeting stroke world record holder Matt years ago was heartbreaking,” makes the team as a relay Japan after American breast- up in Cairns on July 3 and taking Thirty-five athletes, including Wilson, who just missed his Larkin said. swimmer,swimmer, strokerstroker LillyL King this week sug- a chartered flight to Japan along veterans Cate Campbell qualifying time, was also “I think every athlete onn the wwasas gestedgested thet US swimming team with Australia’s rowers, hockey (pictured) and Emily Seebohm included as a relay option after pool deck felt it and tonightt was bullishbullish couldcould swsweep the board in Tokyo. players and water polo teams who will take part in their he suffered a family a surprise to me, I didn’t kknownow about ““No-oneNo on this team is two weeks later. fourth Olympics, have been bereavement this week. he was selected. Seeingg his herehere to mmake up the numbers,” Swimming Australia has named in a powerful Australian “We got informed yesterday smile and the tears that ffol-ol- CampbellCampbe retorted. been brutal in its athlete swimming team bound for that there was some extenu- lowed shortly afterwards,s, it’s “Every“Eve single person on the selection this week. The Tokyo next month. ating circumstances we needed pretty raw emotion.” team isis a legitimate medal decision to hold the trials six There had been speculation to look at,” said Swimming Aus- Sixteen-year-old Mollieollie chance.chanc That is why the (Aus- weeks out from the Olympics, whether the list of 17 men would tralia head coach Rohan Taylor. O’Callaghan and 17-year-oldr-old tralian)tra qualification rather than the traditional include Mack Horton, who fell Backstroker Mitch Larkin all-rounder Isaac Cooperper standardsst are so high, several months, added to raising short in his individual events at said Wilson’s inclusion would make a team that has threeee theyt are the toughest in Australia’s qualifying times the Olympic swimming trials in further unite the team. athletes heading to theirir thet world.” above the Olympic minimum. Adelaide this week. But the “It was a rollercoaster this third Olympics, nine boundd On Monday all 35 Up to 480 Australian ath- popular 400m Olympic free- week, pretty emotional and for their second Games swimmersswim will head to dif- letes across all sports are style champion and anti doping then watching Matt swim and and 21 debutants. ferentferen locations across expected to make the trip to campaigner makes the cut as a just miss the qualifying time Sprinter Campbell, QueenslandQuee for warm Tokyo.