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MONDAY 1 MARCH 2021 Australian spinner Lyon joins Ashwin in solidarity over Ahmedabad track “We play on seaming around the world and get bowled out for 47, 60. Nobody ever says a thing (about the pitch). But as soon as it starts spinning, everyone in the world seems to start crying about it. I don’t get it. I’m all for it, it was entertaining. Nathan Lyon Australia off-spinner Sport |10 NBA RESULTS: Jazz 124 - Magic 109; Spurs 117 - Pelicans 114; Wizards 128 - Timberwolves 112; Nuggets 126 - Oklahoma 96 Stage set for Qatar Total Open

FAWAD HUSSAIN World No.5 Elina Svitolina is the Also in fray is Spain’s Garbiñe other three players are 2016 finalist Tunisia’s – the most THE PENINSULA top seed followed by the trio of No.6 Muguruza – a Yarra Valley Classic Jelena Ostapenko, Egypt’s Mayar successful female Arab player – and Karolina Pliskova, defending champion finalist, who was the only player to Sherif and Turkey’s Cagla Buyu- Egypt’s Sherif are also looking to excel stars including four recent and No.8 Aryna Sabalenka, and No.10 win set against Osaka in Melbourne kakcay. Azarenka is last of the only in a familiar environment. finalists are ready to battle for the Petra Kvitova, who have won titles in last month. The former World No.1’s three players, who captured the Jabeur, who lost in the third round golden Falcon Trophy as the Qatar three of the last four years in Doha. coach Conchita Martinez was tested Falcon Trophy twice after triumphs of , may face a second Total Open begins today, with thrilling positive after his arrival in Doha. of Anastasia Myskina (2003, 2004) round clash with second seed Pliskova first round games on the cards. In-form players out to challenge However, Muguruza will take on and Maria Sharapova (2005, 2008). in the second round. Top-notch action is guaranteed at favourites Abu Dhabi runner-up Veronika Dutch star Kiki Bertens – seeded “Honestly, I want to aim big in the Khalifa International Tennis & But, it will not be easy sailing for Kudermetova in first round, and a win fifth - is also ready to start her year these two tournaments,” Jabeur told Squash Complex in the next six days, the top seeded players as many in-form will set up her mouth-watering clash after a layoff as she takes on a video conference. with 10 players of the Top 20 - players have come to this first leg in with defending champion Sabalenka Ostapenko in her first round clash “I love it here. It doesn’t stress me including four from Top 10 – eyeing the Middle East after an eventful stay in the second round. Belinda Bencic, today. to play in Arab countries. I want to see top prize in the $565,530 competition in Australia. These players include four who rushed to Doha after featuring “We got here early because I have more tournaments in the Middle East and maximum points to boost their players, who featured in the recent in the Adelaide International final on to play outdoors again, which is a huge and maybe North Africa.” rankings. finals. Saturday, faces Madison Keys in her difference. I practised only indoors Sherif, after becoming the first The winner of the event will be America’s Jennifer Brady – con- opener. the last few weeks,” World No.11 Egyptian to qualify for a , awarded 470 points besides getting sidered among the most dangerous Victoria Azarenka – Qatar Open Bertens told media. reached the second round of Aus- richer by $68,570. WTA players – is coming fresh from winner in 2012 and 2013 – is one of “I’m hungry to play again some tralian Open. She will face Maria The qualifying rounds concluded her impressive Australian Open cam- the four players, who were awarded matches. Let’s see what this week is Sakkari of Greece in her first round yesterday to complete the 28-player paign that ended with a loss to Naomi wildcards for the tournament. The going to bring.” match. list for the first round with top four Osaka in the final. She will meet Anett seeded players getting bye into the Kontaveit in her first round match second round. today.

Players in action during a qualifying round match at the Khalifa International Tennis & Squash Complex, yesterday.

Goffin ends title Qatar Total Open 2021 drought with TODAY'S ORDER OF Montpellier crown PLAY CENTRE COURT REUTERS — MONTPELLIER Starting at : 2:30PM Belgian David Goffin fought back from a set Jennifer Brady (USA) [7] vs down to beat Roberto Bautista Agut 5-7, 6-4, Anett Kontaveit (EST) 6-2 in the final of the Open Sud de in Followed by Montpellier for his first ATP title in more than Veronika Kudermetova (RUS) three years. vs Garbiñe Muguruza (ESP) It was the fifth singles ATP crown for the Not Before 6:00PM world number 15 and follows his success on the Kiki Bertens (NED) [5] vs hardcourts of Tokyo in 2017. The 30-year-old got off to a poor start [WC] Jelena Ostapenko against Spaniard Bautista Agut in yesterday’s (LAT) match at Court Patrice Dominguez when he lost Followed by a tight opening set to the top seed. Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS) Goffin regained focus to dominate the vs [WC] Victoria Azarenka contest thereafter and came away with a victory (BLR) [8] in which he fired 13 aces COURT A and converted Starting at : 2:30PM four out of Jessica Pegula (USA) [1] vs seven Mirjam Bjorklund (SWE) Or breakpoints. Misaki Doi (JPN) [8] “It’s never Not Before 5:00PM easy to win Angelique Kerber (GER) vs tournaments. This is my fifth [WC] Cagla Buyukakcay and every (TUR) tournament Followed by I’ve won was Maria Sakkari (GRE) vs [WC] special,” Mayar Sherif (EGY) Goffin, only COURT B the third non- Frenchman to Starting at : 2:30PM lift the trophy (GER) [2] at the ATP 250 vs Lesia Tsurenko (UKR) event, said in Not Before 5:00PM an on-court Barbora Krejcikova (CZE) [1], interview. Katerina Siniakova (CZE) vs A file photo of Tomas Saisai Zheng (CHN), Lin Zhu David Goffin Berdych (2012) and Alexander (CHN) Zverev (2017) Followed by are the others Andreja Klepac (SLO), Sania who have won the tournament in which Mirza (IND) vs Lyudmyla Frenchmen have prevailed in eight of the pre- Kichenok (UKR), Nadiia vious 10 editions. Kichenok (UKR) Goffin said he was delighted to end his title drought and credited the work he put in after COURT 1 “tough weeks” last season. Starting at: 2:30PM “I had some opportunities... matches where Cristina Bucsa (ESP) vs I had zero chance to win the final. Sometimes Kristyna Pliskova (CZE) [7] you take it, sometimes not... you need to con- Followed by tinue, you need to improve your game, you need Bethanie Mattek-Sands to fight... I’m happy it paid off,” Goffin said. (USA) or Yaroslava Shvedova “A final is always different. You have to just go for it... I’m really happy at the end because (KAZ) it was a tough moment. I had tough weeks last Vs Ena Shibahara (JPN) or season. I’m happy that I’m back with a level like Anna Blinkova (RUS) [6] this.” MONDAY 1 MARCH 2021 SPORT 11 WTT Middle East Hub action begins in Doha

THE PENINSULA – DOHA A total of 298 players are taking part at the Qatar, Iran sign The much-awaited World Table Tennis events, representing 66 countries, as the sport (WTT) Middle East Hub began yesterday at the Lusail Multipurpose returns in style on the international stage. cooperation Hall yesterday with a three-day qual- ifying draw for the Contender series. Ninety one players start their journey in the agreement on A total of 298 players are taking men’s singles draw at the Lusail Multipurpose part at the events, representing 66 Hall, with a further 76 in the women’s singles. countries, as the sport returns in style table tennis on the international stage. They will battle it out to be amongst the 8 players to progress to the main draw. The Hub features two tiersiers ofof ththee THE PENINSULA – DOHA new WTT event structure, withith players competing in a WTT Contendernder event The Qatar Table Tennis Association before moving on to a WTT Star ConCon-- (QTTA) yesterday signed a cooper- tender event the following week. ation agreement with Iran’s national Ninety one players startedarted their table tennis body. journey in the men’s singles draw, with The agreement was formalised a further 76 in the women’sn’s singles.singles. on the sidelines of the WTT Middle They will battle it out to bee amongst East Hub currently on at Lusail the 8 players to progress to the main Sports Hall. draw. QTTA President Khalil Al Adding spice to the proceedings,eedings, Mohannadi joined Mehrdad Ali Qatar Table Tennis Federation president these eight players will be selectedelected Gardashi, President of the Iranian Khalil Al Mohannadi and Mehrdad Ali at random into the main drawraw ooff Table Tennis Federation, at the the Contender series, that iss held Gardashi, President of the Iranian signing ceremony attended by other between March 3-6, starting wiwithth Table Tennis Federation during the officials of the two bodies. a round of 32 in both men’s and cooperation agreement signing Al Mohannadi expressed his hap- women’s singles events. ceremony in Doha yesterday. piness at the presence of Gardashi The qualifying draw also ffea-ea- and the Iran team for the WTT tures 32 mixed doubles pairs, who are Middle East Hub and the Olympic vying for 8 spots in the main draw, second-roundsecond- matches scheduled in qualifiers. which will be contested from the round the men’smen and women’s singles and “I think that the Iranian team of 16 across mixed doubles, men’s mixed ddoubles. has a high level in table tennis at doubles and women’s doubles formats. The Qatar Table Tennis Federation the Asian level, and this agreement The Middle East Hub features two has impimplemented strict precautionary includes many points that will tiers of the new WTT event structure, measuresmeasure in the tournament to limit benefit the game of table tennis in with players competing in a WTT Con- the spreadsprea of the coronavirus. The fans' Qatar and Iran. We have a very tender event before moving on to a Qatar’s Mohamed Abdelwahab in action. presencepresenc at the venue will not be good relations with the Iranian WTT Star Contender event, which will allowedallowed since it’s an indoor Table Tennis Federation for a long be held from March 6 to 13. tournament. time,” Al Mohannadi said. The WTT Contender Series has went to Cheng Ting Liao of Chinese his compatriot Mohamed Al Bayli was Meanwhile, 13-year-old Hana Goda For his part, Gardashi expressed been designed to provide the perfect Taipei in the same score. Abdel Wahab beaten by Belarusian Pavel Platonov 0-3 of Egypt stole the spotlight yesterday his happiness at signing the coop- setting for some of the world’s leading won a game against Belgian Florent Saudi’s Ali Al Khadrawi narrowly despite narrowly losing her match to eration agreement with the QTTA. stars to be challenged by the best up- Lampet but lost 1-3. lost to Russian Vladimir Sidorin 3-2. Belgium’s Lisa Leung 2-3. Hana is one “We have friendly relations with and-coming athletes in table tennis. A The Qatari women paddlers Maha As for his compatriot Abdulaziz of Egypt’s youngest stars, a fast-rising the State of Qatar and the Qatar total of 298 players are taking part at Flamerzi, Maryam Ali, Aya Majdi and Bochlibi, he lost to Singapore’s Xiao talent with many tipping her as the next Table Tennis Federation,” Gardashi the events, representing 66 Maha also exited the competition. Ziyu Clarence 3-0, and Algerian Arab big thing in African table tennis. The said. countries. Maryam Ali lost to Anastasia Lafar of Buryah lost to Russian Alexander teen sensation made her senior inter- Gardashi praised the efforts Yesterday, Qatar’s challenge came Uzbekisnan 0-3, while Maha lost to Shebaev 3-0. national debut yesterday. made by Al Mohannadi to develop to an end in the qualifying rounds itself. Belgium’s Daniela Monterrey by the In the women’s singles competi- Hana lost the opening game 8-11, Asian and international table tennis. Qatari men’s trio – Ahmed Khalil Al same score. Maha Framerzi lost to tions, German Chantal Mantz defeated but she bounced back quickly to take “Khalil Al Mohannadi has pro- Mohannadi, Ahmed Muthanna and India’s Archana Girish 0-3 as well, the Slovak Emma Labusova 3-0 in the the next one 11-7. The Egyptian could vided great services for Asian and Mohamed Abdel Wahab – put on a while Aya Majdi lost to France’s Bre- round of 36 match. Russian Olga Fora not carry the momentum to the third international table tennis for 25 tough fight but eventually succumbed chika Pavadi by the same score. Piva defeated Mexican Yadrera Silva game as Leung took a 2-1 lead before years, and we aspire to further to higher rated opponents. The other Arab players too bowed 3-1, and Korean Kim Haoyoung beat Hana made it 2-2 by pocketing the develop Qatari and Asian table Al Mohannadi lost to Canadian out of the competition. Egyptian Omar Slovak Tatiana 3-1 as well. The com- fourth game. In the decisive fifth game, tennis,” the Iranian official said. Jeremy Hazen 0-3, while Muthanna Asr lost Germany Walter Ricardo, while petition continues today, with 81 Hana heartbreakingly went down 6-11. Tottenham Lukaku scores need Bale's within seconds as talent, says Mourinho Inter thump Genoa

REUTERS – LONDON to extend lead

Jose Mourinho sang the praises REUTERS – MILAN of Gareth Bale after the Welsh- man's two-goal show in Inter Milan moved seven points clear at the top of Tottenham Hotspur's 4-0 Serie A yesterday as Romelu Lukaku scored after 32 drubbing of Burnley in the seconds and bagged an assist in a 3-0 win over Premier League yesterday. midtable Genoa. The Tottenham manager The Belgian striker drove through the heart of the gave Bale only his third league visiting defence and fired in his 18th league goal of the start since he returned on loan season to register his club’s second fastest Serie A strike Tottenham Hotspur’s Gareth Bale vies in September, and was since Opta started taking records in 2004. for the ball with Burnley’s Nick Pope. rewarded with a dazzling Lukaku teed up Matteo Darmian for Inter’s second display. after 69 minutes and was again involved for their third, Mourinho has seemed when his shot was saved but headed in on the rebound reluctant to trust Bale in the Bale brace as Spurs crush Burnley by substitute Alexis Sanchez. league, citing his lack of “We’re top of the table and that’s a good feeling for match fitness and injury REUTERS – LONDON having lost five of their previous after two minutes ended with Bale us,” Lukaku told Sky Italia. problems. six games. ghosting on to Son’s astute pass to “We mustn’t give up, last year we lost some of these But after his second-half Gareth Bale produced his most The impressive win left Tot- touch past Nick Pope. games but this year we’re growing. impact off the bench against impressive performance since tenham in eighth spot with 39 Bale then spotted the run of “These matches are a chance for us to send a message West Ham United last week, his returning on loan to Tottenham points from 25 games and revived Kane with a sublime diagonal ball to the other teams, but the season is long.” midweek showing against Hotspur with two goals in his their hopes of finishing in the top and the England ’s shot The result leaves league leaders Inter seven points Wolfsberger and yesterday's side’s 4-0 win over Burnley in the four. Burnley are 15th with 28 deflected past Pope for his 14th ahead of second-placed AC Milan. two goals, Bale is beginning to Premier League yesterday. points. Premier League goal of the season. Genoa, whose seven-match unbeaten league run blossom again. The Welshman continued his Bale has now scored four It was all too easy for Tot- came to an end, are 13th with 26 points. "I am very happy for him, recent resurgence by marking only times in his last four appearances tenham and Moura made it 3-0 With Milan facing a tricky trip to the capital and very happy for the team his third league start of the season in all competitions and although when Sergio Reguilon’s ball into Hellas Verona holding Juve to a draw on Saturday, this because the team needs his with the opening goal after only he did not register in the loss by the box was only half cleared and was a big chance for Inter to pull away from their main talent," Mourinho said. two minutes, prodding in from West Ham United last week he the Brazilian fired past Pope. rivals for the league title. Bale has now scored four close range. was eye-catching as a second-half Tottenham’s tempo dropped Lukaku powered through to score inside the opening goals in his last four appear- He then set up Harry Kane for substitute. a little after the break but Bale minute and the hosts never looked like relinquishing ances in all competitions and Tottenham’s second after 15 Looking fit and sharp, Bale capped a fine display with a cul- their lead. his revival augurs well for the minutes before Lucas Moura made linked up superbly with Kane and tured left-foot finish into the Nicolo Barella’s curling strike hit the bar and Lukaku rest of Tottenham's campaign it 3-0 before halftime. Son Heung-min as manager Jose bottom corner from Son’s feed. had a powerful effort saved by Mattia Perin, before as they have a League Cup final, Bale then claimed his second Mourinho unleashed the trio It was Tottenham’s biggest Darmian broke Genoa’s resistance with a drilled effort. a Europa League last 16 and a of the game with a clinical finish together, albeit against a Burnley home league win since they Sanchez’s header wrapped up the points moments Premier League top-four battle after 55 minutes as Tottenham side who were there for the taking. thrashed Burnley 5-0 last after the Chilean came on, but he had to wait for VAR to play for. returned to form in the league A flowing Tottenham move season. to overturn an incorrect offside call. Arsenal come from behind to beat Leicester 3-1

AP – LEICESTER right flank as Arsenal failed to close midfielder tried to block with his leg. him down, and then shot low past Alexandre Lacazette stepped up to Arsenal turned around its recent poor Bernd Leno. power the penalty in. form to beat Leicester 3-1 yesterday David Luiz levelled for Arsenal Pepe made it 3-1 in the 52nd as the home side was left to deal with with his first league goal since when he started a move down the an injury to on-form midfielder October 2019, heading in Willian's right flank and then ran through the Harvey Barnes. free kick when he was left Leicester defense to apply a simple Arsenal started the day in 11th unmarked. finish off Willian's low cross. and returned to the top half with the Pepe had earlier been denied a Barnes was carried off early in win, while Leicester missed a chance penalty when a video review showed the second half with an apparent to challenge Manchester United for he was tripped just outside the area knee injury, and defender Jonny second. by Wilfred Ndidi, but was key to Evans was also hurt later in the game. Youri Tielemans gave Leicester winning a spot-kick just before half Leicester was already without the lead in the sixth minute when the time when he struck a shot that hit attacking midfielder James Mad- Arsenal’s David Luiz scoring their first goal yesterday. Belgian midfielder surged down the Ndidi's arm as the Nigerian dison, who has a hip injury. 10 SPORT MONDAY 1 MARCH 2021 Auckland COVID-19 outbreak hits , sailing, rugby

AP – WELLINGTON of the five-match series will also be The Australia cricket team will apply for an exemption to race run, which attracts tens of thousands played in that city on Friday, both reportedly had already been reluctant under Level 3 restrictions so as to keep of participants, was cancelled The fourth cricket interna- without crowds. to travel to Auckland because doing so as many options open as possible. yesterday. tional between New Zealand and While Auckland is at alert level 3, likely would have required players to “However, racing will not occur “We respect the need to keep eve- Australia has been shifted and the first the rest of New Zealand is at level 2 quarantine on their return home. before at least Wednesday, March 10. ryone safe and contain the spread of weekend of racing in the America’s Cup which has fewer restrictions but limits The 36th match for the America’s We need to understand all likely sce- COVID-19,” organizers said. sailing match has been postponed after public gatherings to 100 people. Cup between Team New Zealand and narios so that an updated racing In Super Rugby, the Auckland- new COVID-19 cases were reported in The last T20 of the series is due to Italy’s Luna Rossa was due to begin on schedule can be put in place whilst also based Blues beat the Hurricanes in Auckland on Saturday. be at Tauranga on March 7 and might March 6 but the first weekend of racing ensuring the regulatory requirements Wellington on Saturday and will base Auckland was placed in limited be able to be played with crowds if New now has been postponed. America’s are met.” themselves outside of their home city lockdown for seven days from 6 a.m. Zealand moves back to level 1. Cup Events chairwoman Tina Races in the America’s Cup chal- until the alert level changes. The team yesterday with travel restrictions into The alert level changes were Symmans said the decision had been lenger series took place this month is unable to train at level 3. and out of New Zealand’s largest city, announced late Saturday after two new made early to give participants “some without crowds when Auckland was Coach Leon Macdonald said the strict limits on public gatherings, and coronavirus cases were located in the certainty in planning. at level 2. A government exemption Blues would “look at all options” on a a ban on sports events. community which could not directly “ACE has always said that it wishes would be needed and strict protocols base for at least the next seven days. The third Australia-New Zealand be linked to earlier cases. Auckland to hold as much of the racing under would have to be in place for racing to Other matches in the New Zealand T20 is due to be played in Wellington recently returned to level 1 after a small level 1 restrictions as possible,” take place at level 3. competition will be played without on Wednesday and the fourth match community cluster of infections. Symmans said. “But to be prudent, ACE Auckland’s popular Round the Bays crowds at level 2. Popyrin fights Australia’s Lyon joins Ashwin in back to win maiden ATP title solidarity over Ahmedabad track REUTERS – SYDNEY “But as soon as it starts spinning, everyone in the world in Singapore Australia off-spinner Nathan Lyon seems to start crying about it. has joined India counterpart Ravi- “I don’t get it. I’m all for it, it REUTERS – SINGAPORE Alexei Popyrin. PIC:Twitter/ chandran Ashwin in defending was entertaining.” The 33-year- @AlexeiPopyrin99 Ahmedabad’s spin-friendly pitch old, a former pitch curator Australia’s Alexei where India thumped England himself, said he was up all night Popyrin stormed back inside two days of the day-night watching the match. from a set down to third Test on Thursday. “It was absolutely brilliant. I’m beat Alexander Bublik Several former England thinking about bringing that of Kazakhstan 4-6,6- players questioned the suitability curator out to the SCG (Sydney 0,6-2 and clinch his of the pitch after 30 wickets fell Cricket Ground).” He was also first ATP Tour title at in five sessions in what was the amused by England’s decision to the Singapore Open shortest completed Test match field a pace-heavy attack on a yesterday. since 1935. spinners’ paradise with Jack Popyrin fired 11 Ashwin launched an angry Leach as their only specialist aces and broke serve defence of the track on Saturdayy spinner. five times to hand citing simisimilarlar bbattingatting cocollapsesllapses in The selection blunder was all fourth seed Bublik -- recent dday-nightay-night the more evident as part-time who is still searching Tests, sayingsaying spinner and skipper Joe Root went for his first title -- a batsmenbatsmen on to claim his maiden five- fourth defeat in a final. werewere ststillill haul. A fish-eye view of “We put in a lot of “The best thing about this Test the Narendra Modi hard work in pre-season and it’s paying off,” Popyrin said match that just passed is that Stadium in Ahmedabad. in an on-court interview. Pic: Twitter/@BCCI England went in with four “Also my family behind the scenes ... they’ve sacri- seamers,” Lyon said. ficed so much for me and to finally win a tournament just “That will do me. I don’t need shows how much hard work they put in with me also and not used to the pink-ball novelty. to say any more.” Lyon’s views this is for them, this is for them 100 per cent.” The spinner in Lyon was echoed Ashwin, who hit back at The 21-year-old made a slow start and dropped the thrilled with the turn and irked claims that the Ahmedabad pitch opening set but produced an instant response, breaking by the criticism of the pitch that was not a good surface as it Bublik’s serve three times in the second to hand out a offered it. assisted the spinners. rare bagel. “We play on seaming wickets “What makes a good surface? The former junior champion did not around the world and get bowled Who defines this? Seam on the let up in the third, surging to a 4-2 lead before closing out for 47, 60. Nobody ever says first day, then bat well, then spin out the victory when Bublik double faulted. He becomes a thing (about the pitch),” Lyon on the last two days? Come on, the second player to win a maiden title this year after was quoted as saying by the Aus- who makes all these rules? We Nathan Lyon Briton Dan Evans triumphed at the Murray River Open. tralian Associated Press. need to get over it,” Ashwin said. Refereeing decisions Mathews to captain spark furious debate Sri Lanka in T20s as visa after Wales win REUTERS – CARDIFF issue grounds Shanaka

England’s coach and captain remained tight-lipped over REUTERS – COLOMBO passport, which had a valid visa for the the controversial decisions that gave Wales two early USA stamped on it. tries in Saturday’s 40-24 Six Nations victory in Cardiff Sri Lanka’s former skipper Angelo “He is expected to join the team once on Saturday but there was no shortage of debate among Mathews (pictured) will be the cricket the issue is resolved.” Beginning on pundits and fans. team’s stand-in captain for the three- Thursday, Sri Lanka will play three Wales scored four tries against England for the first match Twenty20 series inn West Indies Twenty20 matchesmatches,, an equal time in 23 years and ran out deserved winners after after Dasun Shanaka was left stranded nnumberu m ber of cashing in on the visitors’ indiscipline but it was the by a visa issue, the country’sntry’s cricket one-day interinter-- scores by Josh Adams and Liam Williams that have got board said. nationals, ppluslus everyone talking. Shanaka was named Srii Lanka’sLanka’s newnew twotwo TTestsests - aallll French referee Pascal Gauzere instructed England Twenty20 captain last wweekeek but the behindbehind cclosedlosed captain Owen Farrell to speak to his players after a spate 29-year-old could not boardard the flight doorsdoors in of early penalties. that left with his team-mateses after failing Antigua.Antigua. They were just emerging from that huddle under the to arrange a new transitt visa to the posts, some still taking on drinks, when the referee sig- ' Mohammad United States. nalled for the game to restart. Amir (left) celebrates after “Mathews was appointedinted by the Wales flyhalf Dan Biggar immediately sent a high taking a wicket yesterday. national selectors as Dasunun Shanaka,Shanaka, kick into the unguarded corner for Adams to catch and who was appointed as thee T20 cacaptainptain score. for the tour of West Indies,, is yeyett to jjoinoin A furious Farrell remonstrated with the referee, the team owing to a delayy in obtaining saying “you have to give us time to reset”, but was PSL: Qalandars beat a US transit visa,” the Sri LLankaanka Cricket brushed aside. said in a statement. Not long after, Wales wing Louis Rees-Zammit “Shanaka confrontedd tthishis issueissue dropped the ball in flight, throwing his head back in Kings by six wickets pursuant to the loss of hisis previousprevious dismay, and though Williams scooped it up to score, everyone on the pitch appeared to assume play would in last over thriller be called back for a knock-on. However, the TMO ruled that Rees-Zammit had Sri Lanka appoint Australian dropped it on to his leg and so, even though it travelled AGENCIES — KARACHI forwards, it did not count as a knock on. Farrell might have fumed at the referee on the pitch, Late onslaught from David Wiese and half-centuries Moody as director of cricket but held his tongue in a tetchy post-match interview from and Ben Dunk guided last year’s with the BBC. runners-up Lahore Qalandars to an emphatic six-wicket REUTERS – COLOMBO past and has shown results, and I am “There is no point in talking about it now,” he said. win over defending champions Karachi Kings in the 11th sure with his working knowledge of the “That is for everyone else to talk about. Maybe there fixture of PSL 6 at Karachi’s National Stadium, yesterday. Sri Lanka have appointed their former system, Tom will add greater value to were tough calls but we’ve got to be good enough to Chasing 187 to win, Qalandars found themselves in national coach Tom Moody as director our game,” SLC CEO Ashley De Silva said overcome that.” a spot of bother losing two wickets for no run in the first of cricket effective today as part of a in a statement. Coach Eddie Jones took a similar approach. over. They reached target with four balls to spare. Fakhar revamp of cricket operations, the Moody will be tasked with analysing “They’re huge decisions, we can’t debate it - we are and Dunk contributed a 119-run partnership for the governing body of the sport in the the Future Tour Program, Sri Lanka’s not allowed to debate it. All I will end up with is a fine fourth wicket. Fakhar top-scored with a 54-ball 83. He country said yesterday. domestic tournament structure, player and that won’t help anyone,” he said. smoked eight fours and four sixes. Former Australia all-rounder Moody welfare and education and skill devel- Former England captain and coach Martin Johnson Earlier, half-centuries from Sharjeel Khan and guided Sri Lanka to the 2007 World Cup opment. He will also look after the took a different tack. helped Kings post 186 for the loss of final and Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) said coaching and support staff structure as “I’m speechless, that is appalling refereeing,” he said nine wickets. the 55-year-old’s knowledge of the well as high performance and data of the first try in his role as a TV analyst. system prompted their technical analytics. “His wingers have come in 30 yards to be part of the SCORES IN BRIEF advisory committee to recommend his Moody has previously served as conversation and he’s given them two seconds to get Karachi Kings 186-9, 20 overs (Sharjeel Khan 64, Mohammad Nabi 57, Daniel name. SLC added that Moody will be a director of cricket of the Caribbean back.” Christian 27; Shaheen Shah Afridi 3-27) consultant and must fulfil 300 days of Premier League and Worcestershire and

Former Wales captain Sam Warburton agreed: “I Lahore Qalandars 189-4, 19.2 overs (Fakhar Zaman 83, Ben Dunk 57 not out, ‘mandatory assignment’ in his three- currently holds a similar position with would be fuming if I was Owen Farrell - you cannot David Wiese 31 not out) year deal. Indian Premier League side Sunrisers respond in half a second,” he said. “Tom has worked with SLC in the Hyderabad. Sport MONDAY 1 MARCH 2021 09 Alvarez stops Yildirim to retain super-middleweight belts

AP – MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA In a methodical first round, elite,, Alvarez also is gaining addi- Alvarez set the pace early with lead tional ground for inclusion on the Saul “Canelo” Alvarez outclassed Avni left jabs to the head and lefts and right short list of best fighters in boxing rich Yildirim and retained his world super- to the body. Mexico’s history. middleweight titles with a technical Alvarez landed uppercuts and con- “I respect history but I also want knockout after Yildirim failed to tinued to score with combinations to to make my history,” Alvarez said. answer the bell for the fourth round the body in the second. Yildirim (21-3) “Those that came before me will Saturday night. rarely threw punches and the few he always have my respect.” Inactive Alvarez, of Mexico, dropped the did, Alvarez blocked or slipped his since February 2019, YIildirim landed Turkish challenger with a left right shots. Alvarez stayed within punching the match against Alvarez after the combination to the head midway range and increased his output but WBC designated him mandatory chal- through the third round. Alvarez fol- also was effective from distance and lenger. In the lead-up to the fight, lowed with additional combinations, connected with a flush counter right Yildirim said having previously pinning Yildirim on the ropes. Yildirim to the head. sparred with Alvarez would help him survived the round but absorbed suf- “It doesn’t matter if he is stronger pull the upset. ficient punishment that forced his or taller,” Alvarez said about Yildirim, Alvarez and Yildirim both weighed trainer Joel Diaz to stop the fight. who began his career at light-heavy- 167 pounds, a pound under the super- With the victory, Alvarez (55-1-2, weight before moving down to the middleweight limit. 37 KOs) successfully defended his 168-pound class. Earlier, Puerto Rico’s McWilliams Canelo Alvarez and his support staff celebrate after the Mexican defeated Avni World Boxing Council and World “It doesn’t matter if he has a good Arroyo won a second-tier world fly- Yildirim to retain his world super-middleweight title with a technical knockout Boxing Association belts. trainer. I came to do my job.” weight title with a fifth-round tech- “I came and did what I had to do,” Saturday’s bout was the first of on Saturday night. nical knockout over late replacement Alvarez said. “I had to win by knockout what Alvarez hopes will be a busy year Abraham Rodriguez. Arroyo originally and I accomplished it.” The fight head- seeking unification fights. Organization titleholder, in May. Caleb Canelo but I am not going to let them was scheduled to challenge WBC fly- lined the first boxing event at 34-year- Alvarez said there have been pre- Plant holds the fourth sanctioning take anything,” Alvarez said. weight champion Julio Cesar Martinez old Hard Rock Stadium, home of the liminary conversations for a bout with body belt. As he continues to solidify his spot but Martinez withdrew from the bout Miami Dolphins.p Billy Joe Saunders, the World Boxing “Everybody wants a piece of among the sport’s pound-for-pound Thursday because of a hand injury. NHL: Vasilevskiy’s Mavericks snap Nets’ latest shutout lifts eight-game win streak Lightning over Stars AGENCIES - TAMPA

AGENCIES – NEW YORK Dallas Mavericks guard Jalen Andrei Vasilevskiy produced his second consecutive Brunson shoots against Brooklyn shutout by stopping 20 shots as the Tampa Bay Tiger Woods Luka Doncic scored 27 points and Nets in the second quarter at Lightning walloped the visiting Dallas Stars 5-0 in the visiting Dallas Mavericks pulled Barclays Center on Saturday. the first meeting between last season’s Stanley Cup away in the second half for a 115-98 finalists. Top golfers victory on Saturday night over the Vasilevskiy, who blanked Carolina on Wednesday, Brooklyn Nets, who saw their recorded the 23rd shutout of his career, saving all 45 dress in red season-high winning streak snapped shots in the two whitewashings. at eight games. Steven Stamkos and Anthony Cirelli each pro- The Mavericks won for the duced a goal and an assist, and Ondrej Palat, Pat and black eighth time in 11 games and bounced Maroon and Brayden Point scored. Tyler Johnson back nicely from Thursday’s 111-97 and Mikhail Sergachev recorded two helpers each in honour loss in Philadelphia. Dallas held for the Lightning, who won their fourth straight. Brooklyn to 34 points after halftime. By going 2-for-2 on the power play and also tal- of Woods Doncic shot 11 of 21 from the lying short-handed, Tampa Bay completely domi- floor, added seven assists and six nated special teams play to improve to 9-1-0 at home REUTERS – FLORIDA rebounds and had plenty of help. and finish February with a 10-3-0 record. Kristaps Porzingis returned from Rory McIlroy and Justin missing three games with a back Blues 7, Sharks 6 Thomas are among the golfers injury and added 18 points. Marco Scandella scored twice as St. Louis out- set to don Tiger Woods’ Jalen Brunson contributed 14, lasted San Jose, snapping its three-game losing streak, signature Sunday red and black Tim Hardaway Jr. chipped in 13 and while the hosts lost for the fifth time in seven games. during the final round of the Dorian Finney-Smith finished with Ryan O’Reilly, Mackenzie MacEachern, Zach World Golf Championships 12 as the Mavericks shot 52.3 percent Sanford, Brayden Schenn and Sammy Blais also (WGC) event in Florida to and hit 14 3-pointers. The Nets were scored for the Blues. Blues goaltender Jordan Bin- honour the 15-time major without Kyrie Irving (right shoulder) nington allowed four goals on 19 shots. Ville Husso winner, who suffered a car and Kevin Durant (left hamstring). replaced him and made 19 saves to earn the victory. accident. Timo Meier and Evander Kane scored twice for Woods, considered one of Washington Wizards 128 - the Sharks. Kevin Labanc and Logan Couture also the greatest golfers of his gen- Minnesota Timberwolves 112 scored, and Devan Dubnyk made 24 saves. eration, was being treated at Backcourt mates Bradley Beal back after a rare loss to beat Orlando. which has won three of its past four Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in and Russell Westbrook continued to Jordan Clarkson continued his games and won its first game since Hurricanes 4, Panthers 3 (SO) Los Angeles after Tuesday’s terrorize opponents, combining for Sixth Man of the Year quest with 18 it had four games postponed because Martin Necas’ goal in the fourth round of a crash left him with a fractured 53 points, 22 rebounds and 18 assists points off the bench. All-Star center of COVID. Dejounte Murray scored shootout led Carolina past host Florida in Sunrise, right leg and shattered ankle. in Washington’s win over visiting Rudy Gobert contributed 12 points, 18, Lonnie Walker IV had 17, and Fla. The 45-year-old is recov- Minnesota. 16 rebounds, three assists and two Patty Mills added 13 for the Spurs. Florida’s Sergei Bobrovsky made 30 saves ering and in “good spirits”. Beal finished with a game-high blocks, Joe Ingles added 17 points San Antonio’s Keldon Johnson, through overtime and had two more in the shootout An 82-time PGA Tour 34 points while Westbrook recorded and seven assists, and Georges Niang Derrick White, Rudy Gay, Devin before Necas beat him between his pads. Vincent winner, Woods famously wears a second straight triple-double with fired in 13 points. Vassell, and Quinndary Witherspoon Trocheck and Dougie Hamilton also scored for a red shirt and black trousers 19 points, a game-high 14 rebounds All-Star Nikola Vucevic was a were held out because of health and Carolina in the shootout, and Alexander Barkov and on Sundays. and a game-high 12 assists as the one-man wrecking crew for safety protocols. Brandon Ingram Patric Hornqvist found the net for the Panthers. James Collin Morikawa, who leads Wizards won for the seventh time Orlando, scoring 34 points with eight led the Pelicans with 29 points, and Reimer made 28 saves for Florida. by two shots over Brooks in their last eight games. rebounds and four assists. Evan Zion Williamson added 23 points Koepka at the Concession Golf Karl-Anthony Towns had a Fournier chipped in 16 points. and 14 rebounds. Penguins 4, Islanders 3 (OT) Club, will wear the same colour team-high 23 points, with 11 Kris Letang’s second goal of the game came with combination, along with rebounds and a team-high five San Antonio Spurs 117 - Cleveland Cavaliers 112 - 26 seconds left in overtime, giving Pittsburgh the win Patrick Reed, according to Golf assists to lead Minnesota, which lost New Orleans Pelicans 114 Philadelphia 76ers 109 over New York. Channel. American Max Homa its seventh straight. DeMar DeRozan had 32 points Collin Sexton scored 28 points, Letang, off the rush, used New York’s J.G. Pageau endorsed the idea but said he and 11 assists to lead a balanced Darius Garland added 25 points and as a screen, and his shot from the slot sailed past the would be unable to participate Utah Jazz 124 - Orlando Magic attack as short-handed San Antonio, nine assists and depleted Cleveland blocker of goaltender Semyon Varlamov for the as he did not pack the colours 109 playing its first home game in 18 defeated host Philadelphia in winner. Letang also had an assist for a three-point required. Donovan Mitchell led seven Utah days, held off visiting New Orleans. overtime. night for the Penguins. players in double figures with 31 LaMarcus Aldridge added 21 Isaac Okoro had 15 points and Sidney Crosby had a goal and an assist, and Jared points as the visiting Jazz bounced points off the bench for San Antonio, eight rebounds, Jarrett Allen con- McCann also scored for Pittsburgh. Goaltender Tristan Rugby: French tributed 14 points and 10 rebounds Jarry, in his seventh straight start, stopped 24 of 27 and Damyean Dotson had 10 points Islanders shots. Brock Nelson had a goal and an assist, for the Cavaliers, who only had nine and Mathew Barzal and Josh Bailey also scored for official calls for players available. New York, which is 6-0-2 at home. Joel Embiid led the Sixers with investigation 42 points and 13 rebounds. Ben OTHER NHL RESULTS Simmons added 24 points, eight into virus fiasco assists and seven rebounds, and Golden Knights 3, Ducks 2 (OT) Shake Milton had 11 points. Wild 4, Kings 3 (OT) REUETRS – PARIS Washington Predators 2, Blue Jackets 1 Wizards guard New York Knicks 110 - Maple Leafs 4, Oilers 0 French rugby federation board Raul Neto shoots Indiana Pacers 107 Avalanche 6, Coyotes 2 of directors member Florian as Minnesota Julius Randle collected 28 points Flames 6, Senators 3 Grill yesterday called for an Timberwolves guard and 10 rebounds to lift host New Red Wings 5, Blackhawks 3 independent investigation into Ricky Rubio tries York over Indiana for its sixth win Jets 2, Canadiens 1 (OT) the COVID-19 outbreak within to defend during in eight games. Flyers 3, Sabres 0 the Six Nations squad that the first quarter at RJ Barrett scored 24 points and Capitals 5, Devils 2 forced the postponement of Capital One Arena Derrick Rose had 17 points and a their game against Scotland. on Saturday. season-high 11 assists for the Knicks, French sports minister who overcame an early 16-point Roxana Maracineanu asked deficit to snap a four-game home FFR president Bernard Laporte losing skid to Indiana. to launch an internal investi- gation but for Grill, who was Denver Nuggets 126 - Oklahoma beaten by Laporte in the fed- City Thunder 96 eration elections last year, it is Nikola Jokic had 19 points, 11 not enough. “The governance rebounds and 13 assists to lead of French rugby had signed a Denver to a blowout of host protocol with the government, Oklahoma City. which is no small responsi- Jamal Murray led the Nuggets bility. We need to get to the with 26 points, going 9 of 15 from truth of this, we need precision the field. Tampa Bay Lightning and transparency,” Grill, who Denver poured it on from the goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy is also the President of the Paris start and didn’t look back, scoring (left) makes a save against the region league, told French the game’s first 13 points en route to Dallas Stars on Saturday. radio Europe 1. sweeping the season series.