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TENNIS / QATAR TOTAL OPEN In-form Sabalenka bids for rare title double in Doha Only Anastasia Myskina and Victoria Azarenka have managed a successful title defence in the Qatari capital

By Yash Mudgal Doha

orld No 8. Aryna Sabalenka has rea- sons to be quietly confi dent of a rare WDoha double. The Belarusian is the defend- ing champion at the Qatar Total Open at Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex, having beaten former champion Petra Kvitova in the fi nal last year. She then won two more ti- tles last year — Ostrava and Linz — after the Covid-19 pandemic- enforced break on the Tour. Aryna Sabalenka (also left) beat Petra Kvitova in the final last year. When the new season began in January, the Minsk-born player result (4-6, 6-2, 4-6 against Ser- ons like Serena. And going on won the title in Abu Dhabi, her ena Williams at the Australian the court, I was thinking ‘what’s ninth overall. It’s safe to say that Open in the round of 16), cou- going to happen, how she’s play- form is on her side in her bid to pled with her fi rst doubles title ing, what her power is and all win the WTA 500 Premier tour- in Melbourne, Sabalenka rose to this stuff ’. Then I stepped on to nament in the Qatari capital for a new career-high singles rank- the court and I understood, like, the second straight year. ing of World No. 7 and doubles ‘wow, actually I can play her, I Last time there were not many World No.1. can beat her’. Yeah, I would say, expectations from Sabalenka, Looking back at her match I missed my opportunity. Defi - but this time despite being the against Williams at the Austral- nitely, I had it.” defending champions she is not ian Open, where she had not Now she wants to focus more feeling anything diff erent. dropped a set in the fi rst three on singles to take her game to an- “I don’t feel any diff erent. I rounds, Sabalenka feels it was a other level. came here for some great match- missed opportunity. “This is actually what we are es, for the great fi ght. Yeah, I’m “Honestly, I felt like I missed kind of thinking with my team, the defending champion but I my opportunity because I feel and that’s why we are trying to still feel there is nothing to lose, like if you are coming back from stop playing doubles at the Grand and, yeah, I’ll just go for it and 1-4 and you’re kind of feel- Slams and we’re trying to play do everything I can. So it’s not a ing your game and you’re there, less tournaments the week before big diff erence compared to last you’re fi ghting, you just have to the Grand Slam to make sure I can year,” said Sabalenka, who was on take this opportunity. I felt like prepare myself better. And this is a 15-match winning streak be- mentally I was a little bit up and something that we are working fore Estonian Kaia Kanepi halted successfully defend the title in The promising Belarusian, the same. It’s a little bit windy. cally lend themselves to present she was down. Yeah, and also on on, like, trying to bring my level the 22-year-old in an Australian Doha. Azarenka accomplished who is known for her attack- It’s cool weather. Its great courts. success, there should also be the fi rst set I didn’t take my serve. on the Grand Slams,” she said. Open warm-up tournament in the feat in 2012 and 2013, while ing style of tennis, had a couple The conditions are pretty good, I plenty of optimism, given her Same situation in the third set,” Sabalenka will start her cam- Melbourne last month. Russian Anastasia Myskina had of practice sessions here and is would say, like last year. And I’m signifi cant success in both sin- Sabalenka elaborated. paign against two-time Grand Sabalenka is hoping to follow done so back in 2003 and 2004. pretty comfortable with the con- really, really happy to be here and gles as well as doubles in recent “I would say it was like not Slam winner Garbine Muguruza in the footsteps of her compatriot The Golden Falcon trophy has ditions. have this opportunity to compete times. really smart mistakes from me. tomorrow. The Spaniard defeated Victoria Azarenka, who she had also been lifted twice by Rus- “I’m really happy to be here. here again,” the 22-year-old said. With three straight titles, 15 Yeah, but it was a good experi- Russian Veronika Kudermetova beaten for the title in Ostrava, to sia’s Maria Sharapova (2005 and It’s actually my favourite place While past achievements and consecutive match wins and al- ence. Because I never played 6-2, 7-6 in the fi rst round yes- become only the third woman to 2008). to play. The conditions are still experience may not automati- most a Grand Slam breakthrough against these kinds of champi- terday.

SPOTLIGHT Pliskova keen to fi nd rhythm at Qatar Total Open

By Yash Mudgal “Well, I don’t really want to feel I’m maybe missing a little Russian Anna Blinkova. Doha look that much into the future bit more matches and the tour- Jabeur had beaten Pliskova in or in the past right now, because nament mode or the rhythm, so the pre-quarters last time in Doha. anyway there is not much you I don’t feel like I’m playing the “She’s a tough opponent, espe- orld No. 6 Karolina can do about it. So, it’s mostly best. But I hope it’s going to come cially here. I don’t know if there is Pliskova hasn’t real- about being in the present. Then with me playing maybe more going to be some crowd. Last year ly got going this sea- mostly the goal for me now is just weeks, more tournaments, and was quite, you know, tough. The son. She has played to play as many tournaments or having more matches,” said the crowd here was a little bit noisy Wthree tournaments, including the as many matches as I can, be- 28-year-old. (smiling). But other than that, I Australian Open, and has made cause I really feel like I’m missing Talking about the Doha event, think she’s also a great player. She an exit earlier than her ranking that tournament rhythm,” Plisk- she said, “It’s always nice to be gives you a lot of diff erent balls. would suggest. ova said yesterday. back in Doha; of course, still I think it’s never going be easy In her last match, the Czech The former world No. 1, who memories from a couple years with her. We also played in the US player was beaten by compatriot has won 16 singles and fi ve dou- back when I won the title here. Open I think two years ago, so I Karolina Muchova 7-5, 7-5 in bles titles on the WTA, is confi - I think the conditions here are think it was always quite a tricky the third round of the Austral- dent that she is on the right path. a little bit slower. I like that. Of and tough match against her. So ian Open, and is keen to fi nd her “Although I played some course it can be windy, but let’s it’s going to be defi nitely tough,” rhythm in the Qatar Total Open matches, I still don’t think I’m see what it’s going to be on my the 2017 champion said. at the Khalifa Tennis and Squash close to how I want to play. But match day.” Complex in Doha. other than that, I think in the Pliskova awaits the winner of Karolina Pliskova, the 2017 The lanky player is not too practices everything is going today’s match between Tunisia’s champion, arrived in Doha worried, either about her form or quite well. My team is great, so Ons Jabeur, the highest-ranked for the Qatar Total Open on her future. everything is working. But I just Arab player in WTA history, and Saturday. Gulf Times 2 Tuesday, March 2, 2021 TENNIS

QATAR TOTAL OPEN FOCUS Qatar Airways, Qatar Duty Free sponsor Ostapenko, Kerber, Qatar Total Open atar Airways and Qa- Qatari sports calendar, and we tar Duty Free (QDF) look forward with anticipation are proud to sponsor to welcome these world-class the Qatar Total Open players to Doha. Women’s ten- 2021Q Tennis Tournament at the nis is an integral part of Qatar Muguruza advance Khalifa International Tennis and Airways’ extensive sports spon- Squash Complex in Doha. The sorship portfolio with the stated tournament started yesterday aim of making the nation a hub and concludes on Saturday. for sports across the region and Joining the list of women’s worldwide.” tennis stars competing this year Qatar Duty Free Vice Presi- is Ons Jabeur, the Tunisian su- dent Operations, Thabet Mu- perstar and fi rst Arab woman sleh, said: “Despite the chal- in straight sets to reach the quarter-fi nals of a lenges faced by the travel-retail Grand Slam tournament. The industry across the past year, tournament also features the due to the Covid-19 outbreak, it Azarenka beats Kuznetsova; Kontaveit, Sakkari reach second round likes of two-time champion and was more important than ever World Number 14 Victoria Aza- for Qatar Duty Free to extend our By Sports Reporter renka, 2017 winner and World partnership to the 2021 tourna- Doha No. 6 Karolina Pliskova, along ment. We are thrilled to be part with the tournament’s number 1 of this unforgettable and exciting seed and World No. 5 Elina Svi- experience and to welcome some ormer fi nalists Jelena tolina. In total, six of the top ten of the world’s leading female Ostapenko, Garbine Women’s Tennis Association tennis players to Qatar. We wish Muguruza and Angel- (WTA) superstars will be vying them the best of luck.” ique Kerber all prevailed for glory in Doha. Qatar Airways is proud to inF their opening round matches Qatar Airways Senior Vice- sponsor and support top-level at the Qatar Total Open yester- President Marketing and Cor- athletes such as Jabeur, the high- day. At the Khalifa Tennis and porate Communications, Salam est-ranked Arab player in WTA Squash Complex, Ostapenko, Al Shawa, said: “Tennis is one of history and Qatar Total Open who was the runner-up in her the cornerstones of the annual wildcard. tournament debut in 2016, eased past No. 5 seed Kiki Bertens 6-0, 6-2. The 2017 Roland Garros champion Ostapenko put on a commanding performance against Bertens, collecting her 21st career win against a Top 20 opponent. Ostapenko, who had reached her second WTA singles fi nal in Doha fi ve years ago, hit 26 winners to 19 unforced errors, a sturdy ratio for her aggressive style of play. Bertens was playing in her fi rst match since having an Achilles surgery at the end of 2020, a gap of fi ve months in her play. The former World No.4 kept her fi rst-serve percentage solid but her powerful play re- Spain’s Garbine Muguruza hits a return against Russia’s Veronika Kudermetova (not pictured) during their Qatar Total Open match at Khalifa sulted in only six winners on the International Tennis and Squash Complex yesterday. day. Ostapenko zipped through the fi rst set and pulled away in the Mirza makes winning return second thanks to some cracking forehands for a 5-1 lead. India’s Sania Mirza made a the seventh and ninth games Bertens, though, converted winning return as she entered to win the first set 6-4. her fi rst break-point opportu- the quarter-finals of the Qatar Mirza and Klepac took the nity to thwart Ostapenko’s fi rst Total Open 2021 with her Slov- early initiative in the second chance to serve out the match. enian doubles partner Andreja set, but the Ukrainian pair But Ostapenko took control Klepac yesterday. came back strongly. Finding in the next game, slamming a At the Khalifa Tennis and themselves 3-1 down, Mirza- SPOTLIGHT crosscourt backhand winner to Squash Complex, the Indo- Klepac dug deep and staged a complete the match in just 53 Slovenian pair advanced with comeback to make it 6-6 and minutes. a 6-4, 6-7 (5), 10-5 victory over forced a tie-breaker. “I think that the foot was fi ne the Ukrainian team of Lyud- In the tie breaker, the Djoko ties Federer’s today, so I think that didn’t af- myla Kichenok and Nadiia Kichenok twins were in their fect me at all. But I didn’t have Kichenok. elements and despite saving much match rhythm getting into This was Mirza’s first match four set points, Mirza-Klepac record for most this. I think Jelena was playing since Covid-19 halted the ten- lost the tie break 7-5. In the really well today,” Bertens said. nis competitions across the third set Mirza and Klepac “I still have doubles here, so world. didn’t falter and won it 10-5. weeks as world No.1 I’m really happy that at least Mirza and Klepac were trailing Mirza herself had recovered I have another match here in 4-2 in the opening set, but the from Covid-19 in January this Reuters going to focus all my attention on Doha. Then I prepare as good as Indo-Slovanian pair rallied, year and had to shelve the plan Bengaluru, India Slams mostly,” the Serb had said I can and go back to the practice breaking the Ukrainian pair in of playing in Australian Open. after his title triumph at Mel- courts, get the hours in and pre- bourne Park. pare as good as I can for Dubai Latvia’s Jelena Ostapenko in action against Kiki Bertens (not ovak Djokovic “When you are going for next week,” she said. pictured) of the Netherlands. A. Klepac (SLO)/S. Mirza WC-L. Siegemund (GER)/E. equalled Roger Federer’s number one ranking, you kind Former World No.1 Muguruza (IND) bt L. Kichenok (UKR)/N. Vesnina (RUS) vs V. Azarenka all-time record for most of have to be playing the entire also came up with a straight- counted to push her through to these top players.” Kichenok (UKR) 6-4, 6-7 (5), 10-5 (BLR)/E. Svitolina (UKR) weeks as ATP world season and you have to be play- sets win, ousting Veronika Ku- the second round. L. Hradecka (CZE)/Kr. numberN one yesterday, holding ing well, you have to play all the dermetova, 6-2, 7-6 (4). Mugu- “Veronika was a very tough RESULTS ORDER OF PLAY Pliskova (CZE) vs 4-A. Blinkova the top spot for the 310th week. tournaments. ruza, making her sixth straight opponent,” Muguruza said in First Round (Singles) CENTRE COURT starts at 02:30 (RUS)/G. Dabrowski (CAN) Djokovic’s ninth Australian “My goals will adapt and will appearance in the Doha main her post-match press confer- WC-V. Azarenka (BLR) bt S. PM Open title last month guaranteed shift a little bit, which means that draw, had reached the fi nal in ence. “Just happy with this win. Kuznetsova (RUS) 6-2, 6-3 Q. Wang (CHN) vs Q-J. COURT B starts at 02:30 PM that he would surpass Federer’s I will have to adjust also my cal- 2018. We played a year ago, and I re- G. Muguruza (ESP) bt V. Ku- Pegula (USA) 3-S. Aoyama (JPN)/E. record on March 8. endar – not have to, but I will have The Spaniard has been de- member it was a tough match. dermetova (RUS) 6-2, 7-6 (4) O. Jabeur (TUN) vs Q-A. Shibahara (JPN) vs M. Niculescu Having reached another mile- an opportunity to do that which, feated by only Top 30 players Happy to have closed it in two M. Sakkari (GRE) bt WC-M. Blinkova (RUS) (ROU)/J. Ostapenko (LAT) stone in his illustrious career, as a father and a husband, I’m re- thus far in 2021. The two-time sets.” Sherif (EGY) 6-0, 6-3 Not before 6:00 PM A. Guarachi (CHI)/D. Jurak Djokovic had said he would look ally looking forward to that.” major champion kept that streak With her win, Muguruza A. Kontaveit (EST) bt 7-J. M. Keys (USA) vs 6-B. Bencic (CRO) vs 2-N. Melichar (USA)/D. to adjust his calendar and make This is Djokovic’s fi fth stint going with a 1-hour, 45-minute sets up an intriguing second- Brady (USA) 6-1, 6-2 (SUI) Schuurs (NED) overhauling Federer and Rafa atop the world rankings. The win against World No.34 Kuder- round aff air against No.3 seed A. Kerber (GER) bt WC-C. S. Zheng (CHN) vs M. Doi (JPN) After suitable rest Nadal’s joint-record of 20 Grand 33-year-old reclaimed the top metova. and defending champion Aryna Buyukakcay (TUR) 6-4, 6-2 B. Mattek-Sands (USA) / J. Slam titles his top priority. spot from Nadal in February last In the second set, Kuderme- Sabalenka. WC-J. Ostapenko (LAT) bt COURT A starts at 02:30 PM Pegula (USA) vs E. Rybakina “Now, after achieving the his- year and fi nished as the year-end tova prevented Muguruza from “I think (Sabalenka is) playing 5-K. Bertens (NED) 6-0, 62 E. Rybakina (KAZ) vs Q-L. (KAZ)/Y. Shvedova (KAZ) toric number one for the longest number one for the sixth time – serving out the match at both great,” Muguruza said. Round of 16 (Doubles) Siegemund (GER) K. Bertens (NED)/L. Pat- weeks at number one, it’s going tying the record set by American 5-4 and 6-5. Muguruza stayed “Last year and this year I saw 1-B. Krejcikova (CZE)/K. Sini- Q-Kr. Pliskova (CZE) vs A. tinama Kerkhove (NED) vs WC-C. to be a relief for me because I’m great Pete Sampras. steely in the tiebreak, fi nd- she’s winning titles and playing akova (CZE) bt S. Zheng (CHN)/L. Pavlyuchenkova (RUS) Buyukakcay (TUR)/A. Pavly- ing strong drive volleys when it good tennis. I’m excited to face Zhu (CHN) 5-7, 6-3, 10-3 After suitable rest uchenkova (RUS) Barty to skip Dubai event due to leg injury BOTTOMLINE World number one Ashleigh Barty has withdrawn from next week’s Dubai Tennis Championships to continue her recovery from a left leg injury, the Australian said yesterday. The 24-year- old, who also pulled out of this week’s Qatar Open in Doha for the Swiatek builds mental strength with Lego same reason, struggled with a left thigh strain throughout last month’s Australian Open, where she was eliminated in the quarter- Reuters “Daria had this idea to do some “I’m pretty sad that the time is finals. “Unfortunately I have withdrawn from the Dubai Duty Free Mumbai, India models and Legos, and I think it going to end soon, but it’s great, Tennis Championships,” Barty said. “I wish the tournament a safe works perfectly for my mind be- it’s really good fun, so everybody and successful event and hope to play there next year. “Thank cause I’m this kind of person who should try Lego,” she said. you to the event organisers and the WTA for all the work you are onstructing intricate just likes to think logically and Swiatek became the fi rst doing, I look forward to competing again in Miami in a few weeks models on Lego has be- construct,” Swiatek told report- woman to win at Roland Gar- time.” come an important part ers. ros without dropping a set since of preparation for French “I actually did in Melbourne Justine Henin in 2007 and again Argentine Cerundolo wins Cordoba title OpenC champion Iga Swiatek like two wooden models. I trav- did not lose a set in Adelaide and the 19-year-old Pole is con- elled with them from Poland. where she dropped only 22 Argentine teenager Juan Manuel Cerundolo completed a fairytale fi dent her game is shaping up for And it’s weird because when I’m games. run on his ATP Tour main draw debut by bagging the Cordoba success on all kinds of surfaces. at the airport I have like two big She had not reached the quar- Open title on Sunday, becoming the first player in 17 years to win The 19-year-old Pole last year luggage, my tennis bag and two ter-fi nal stage of a hardcourt an ATP title at the first attempt. The 19-year-old qualifier beat became the youngest woman to models in my hands. So it’s kind event before the WTA 500 tour- Spain’s world number 47 Albert Ramos-Vinolas 6-0, 2-6, 6-2 in the win the Roland Garros title since of funny.” nament in Adelaide. final of the claycourt tournament. “It’s kind of incredible. I can’t Monica Seles in 1992 and on Swiatek said she has complet- “I don’t think the surface re- believe it,” Cerundolo said after his victory. “I’m so happy to (win) Saturday picked up the second chologist Daria Abramowicz, Work on her psychology now ed about 70% of the Lego blocks ally has a huge impact,” Swiatek this tournament and (achieve) this goal that I was hoping would trophy of her career at the Ad- who has helped Swiatek improve involves building Lego mod- she had ordered before coming told the WTA Insider podcast. happen sooner or later. But I can’t believe it.” Cerundolo will play elaide International. her mental strength and proc- els, said Swiatek, who rose to a to Australia, where she did a 14- “When I’m feeling good physi- his second ATP tournament on home clay in Buenos Aires next Swiatek has often attributed ess her thoughts during intense career-best ranking of 15th yes- day quarantine before playing cally and mentally, I can win week at the Argentina Open. her success to her sports psy- matches. terday. the year’s fi rst Grand Slam. anywhere.” Gulf Times Tuesday, March 2, 2021 3 FOOTBALL

AMIR CUP SPOTLIGHT ‘Written off ’ Duhail expect Liverpool ‘diffi cult’ match still ready to fi ght, against Al Shamal says Klopp 'We are looking for the best result because in football anything can happen. AFP However, the much-maligned Sheff ield Spaniard made an important We must win against Al Shamal to continue in this prestigious competition' early save to prevent David Mc- Goldrick giving Sheffi eld United urgen Klopp believes a shock lead. Liverpool can prove the Most of the action was taking doubters that have writ- place down the other end as Aar- ten their season off wrong on Ramsdale brilliantly denied afterJ snapping a four-game Pre- Roberto Firmino, who should mier League losing streak to win have teed up Jones for a tap-in. 2-0 at Sheffi eld United on Sun- The former Bournemouth day. stopper also did well to block The English champions’ title from Mohamed Salah, Trent Al- defence has been decimated by exander-Arnold and Georginio injuries and they face a battle Wijnaldum, while Firmino’s lack just to qualify for next season’s of confi dence showed as he tried Champions League via a top- to tee up Sadio Mane rather than four fi nish. go for an open goal from a narrow Klopp’s men remain in sixth, angle. but are now just two points be- Liverpool’s breakthrough fi - hind fourth-placed West Ham nally came three minutes into the and can leapfrog Chelsea in fi fth second period when Alexander- when the Blues visit Anfi eld on Arnold was deemed not to have Thursday. run the ball out of play before his “Plenty of people have written cross was turned by Firmino into us off . That’s fi ne,” said Klopp. the path of Jones to slot home the “With all the problems we have opening goal. had we’re still around the excit- The same two players were ing places.” involved again for the second as Captain Jordan Henderson has this time the Brazilian’s shot took been added to Liverpool’s long- a huge defl ection off Bryan. term injury list, while goalkeeper Firmino was denied his fi rst Alisson Becker was absent after goal in seven games with the goal he lost his father to a swimming credited to the defender. accident in Brazil this week. “He had a goal,” said Klopp. — ‘We’re still there’ -But the “For him it counts, if it’s not in Championship-bound Blades the stats, I don’t care.” proved the perfect opponents Andy Robertson and Salah for Klopp’s men to restore some were guilty of passing up more confi dence as Curtis Jones’s sec- clear-cut chances that could ond-half strike and Kean Bryan’s have given the scoreline the re- own goal got the Reds back to fl ection Liverpool’s dominance winning ways. deserved. “This was about us showing Sheffi eld United are still 15 Al Duhail coach Sabri Lamouchi reacts during last Friday's Qatar Cup final against Al Sadd. we’re still there,” added Klopp. points adrift of safety at the bot- “We play Chelsea on Thurs- tom of the table and manager By Sports Reporter inferiority complex.” day, we have to show it again. We Chris Wilder admitted his side Doha Meanwhile, Marghani Al Zein, assist- have to win football games, we lacked the quality to challenge ant coach of Al Kharaitiyat, said his team is know that. There’s no way into even a depleted Liverpool. ‘honoured’ to face Al Rayyan in their Amir the Champions League without “You have to have your best atar Cup runners-up Al Duhail Cup quarter-fi nal. results.” players available and be at the top are ready for their Amir Cup “It will be a diffi cult match, but rst, fi I With Alisson’s understudy of your form and unfortunately last-8 clash against Al Shamal must say playing in the Amir Cup is a great Caoimhin Kelleher also absent we are not,” said Wilder. today, but coach Sabri Lamouchi honour,” al-Zein said yesterday. due to injury, Liverpool’s third- “We had a right go but lacked Qisn’t expecting an easy match. “We won over Al Wakrah in the previ- choice goalkeeper Adrian started quality and strength in depth. “The match is going to be diffi cult. We ous round, and now we will face Al Rayyan, in the Premier League for the fi rst You need a bit more in this divi- are looking for the best result because in who we lost against in the last game of the time since conceding nine goals sion because it’s brutal and it ex- football anything can happen. We must league. Al Rayyan is a great team and plays in two games in October to Aston poses you.” win against Al Shamal to continue in this for titles, but we will play to win and pro- Villa and Everton. prestigious competition,” Lamouchi said vide a better level than Al Kharaitiyat pre- yesterday. sented in front of Al Rayyan in the league. “I am a coach, and I am not a wizard, and “There is nothing certain in football. Yes, I cannot solve all the problems in this short Al Rayyan is in the best condition, but there period of time (of four months with the is still a football match to be played, and team). Since my arrival, we lost only four everything is possible,” he added. matches and played in a great way until the Laurent Blanc, coach of Al Rayyan, last match against Al Sadd (last week). We added: “We are ready. The preparations lost, but we were the better side,” he said. were adequate. Al Rayyan won over Al “We must have our full opportunity to Kharaitiyat in the previous match. Frankly change the team’s mentality and achieve speaking, I am not satisfi ed with what the the desired results. I hope we do not face players displayed during the game despite surprises in Amir Cup,” Lamouchi said. the victory. Hisham Ghazwani, coach of Al Shamal, “Yes, Al Rayyan has the ability to reach said: “My team is ready for our match Al Duhail fans cheer during the Qatar Cup final last Friday. the fi nal, and this is what motivates us. We against Al Duhail. We are honoured to are working every week to improve per- play the second match in this prestigious titles. cially in the advanced stages of the event. formance, and I spoke with all the players tournament. We know our task is not easy “We did not reach the quarter-fi nals by We know all the teams play to win, we will and asked them to give it all they’ve got,” against a strong team that is competing for chance. The Amir Cup can surprise, espe- try to go toe to toe with them without any Blanc added.

BOTTOMLINE Coach Tuchel urges Abraham

to fi ght for Chelsea place Liverpool’s German manager Jurgen Klopp celebrates with AFP what he does – train well, be in a good Liverpool’s Spanish goalkeeper Adrian after the English Premier London mood.” League football match between Sheff ield United and Liverpool at Abraham, who has scored 12 goals in Bramall Lane in Sheff ield, northern England on Sunday. 30 appearances for Chelsea this season, homas Tuchel has urged Tam- was also substituted at half-time against my Abraham to fight for his Southampton the previous week. Chelsea place after leaving the Former Paris Saint-Germain boss Injured Ibrahimovic could miss England striker out of Sunday’s Tuchel has made no secret of any of his Tsquad to face Manchester United. tough selection decisions in his short United clash: reports New boss Tuchel revealed Abraham, Chelsea tenure. 23, was omitted solely on selection “We have only Thiago Silva injured Rome: AC Milan striker Zlatan and United on March 11. grounds, with the Blues grinding out a so that means we have to take hard de- Ibrahimovic could miss the up- The Swede was substituted goalless draw against the Red Devils at cisions,” he said. “We can nominate 18 coming European showdown during Sunday’s match against Stamford Bridge. players, plus goalkeepers so it is clear. It against his old club Manches- rivals Roma, watching the end The result left Chelsea fifth in the was a hard decision. ter United after a check-up of game with an ice pack on his Premier League table, a point behind “It was about judging the alternatives confirmed he had a groin strain, left thigh. West Ham and six adrift of second- that we have and we opted for Olivier according to reports in Italian Ibrahimovic won the 2017 edi- placed United. Giroud to begin and Timo Werner on the media. tion of the Europa League with Veteran striker Olivier Giroud was bench.” Further tests are due in around Premier League giants United trusted to lead the line against United, Chelsea have been heavily linked with 10 days, the reports said, noting in a two-year spell at the club, with Tuchel calling on Abraham to ac- a move for Dortmund’s prolific forward that this could rule Ibrahimovic and his return to Manchester cept there is fierce competition for “There is no other answer to it other he said. “I am sure he will do it.” Erling Haaland – a signing that would out of the first leg of the Europa with Milan has been hotly places and work to force his way back than to accept it and be there on Mon- “This situation is totally natural,” mean even fiercer competition for plac- League clash between Milan anticipated. into contention. day to fight for your place in the squad,” added Tuchel. “He has to do exactly es. Gulf Times 4 Tuesday, March 2, 2021 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Chinese media urge change aft er Former Barcelona football champions’ fi nancial collapse

AFP ing, including a 100% transfer Shanghai tax and salary caps. president Josep The CFA said yesterday that it was “sorry to hear” about Jiangsu he “shocking” collapse but respected the club’s decision, of champions Jiangsu and vowed to plough on with its FC is a watershed for attempts to make China a leading TChinese football that football power. should prompt a rethink from top However, times are tough for to bottom, state media said. Chinese clubs, where money Bartomeu arrested Jiangsu, who are owned by the began to dry up even before the conglomerate Suning – which coronavirus pandemic. also owns Italy’s Inter Milan – “The most important thing at Catalan police raid off ices of top La Liga club in connection with ‘Barcagate’ said Sunday they will “cease the moment is to... reload and operations”, three months af- start again, rather than being lost Agencies ter winning the Chinese Super in confusion or remorse,” said Barcelona League for the fi rst time. Xinhua. The announcement underlines “To some extent it is a good the fi nancial problems coursing thing that the bubble has burst ormer Barcelona president Josep through the league that could earlier (than expected),” it added. Maria Bartomeu was arrested also see rival side Tianjin Tigers “Chinese professional football yesterday after Catalan police of- fold this week. has ushered in its fi rst ‘water- Ffi cers searched the La Liga club’s It also highlights the declining shed’ after its high-speed, wild offi ces. fortunes of a league that repeat- growth. A regional police spokeswoman con- edly smashed the Asian trans- “Respect the laws of football, fi rmed several arrests had been made fer record just a few years ago, respect the laws of the market, following an investigation by the force’s attracting a number of foreign adhere to youth training and fi nancial crimes unit, without confi rm- stars. Many have since left. work for the long term.” ing the number of arrests made or their “It seems incredible and Beijing Youth Daily said the identities. shocking, but it feels like the dust implosion of Jiangsu, who are Spanish radio station Cadena Ser said has now settled,” state-run Xin- based in the eastern city of Nan- Bartomeu, the club’s president between hua news agency said following jing, was an opportunity for re- 2014 and 2020, was among those ar- the announcement by Jiangsu, newal. rested. who have not yet dissolved and “Where does Chinese football Barca said they were collaborating with are seeking a fi nancial lifeline. go from here?” it asked. the police and legal authorities into the Xinhua said that 16 teams “Experts say that to solve the investigation into the club contracting across three tiers of Chinese pro- predicament of Chinese football monitoring services on social networks. fessional football folded in 2020. it must be overthrown and re- “FC Barcelona expresses its utmost re- The Super League gained a constructed. spect for the judicial process in place and reputation for luring star players “Chinese football, the promo- for the principle of presumed innocence with hefty wages and exorbitant tion of it and youth training all for the people aff ected within the remit of transfer fees – Shanghai SIPG need to be reassessed.” this investigation” added the statement. signed Oscar from Chelsea in The new season, which will al- Bartomeu’s lawyers could not immedi- 2017 for an Asian-record 60mn most certainly be shorn of Jiang- ately be reached for comment. euros. su and Tianjin, is expected to The investigation stems from the ‘Bar- But the Chinese Football As- start in April but there is no defi - cagate’ aff air which was unearthed last sociation has since brought in a nite date because of uncertainty year by Cadena Ser and revealed the club raft of measures to cool spend- surrounding the coronavirus. had contracted marketing consultancy I3 Ventures to monitor social media activity. The revelations led to protests from supporters and to several board members In this file photo taken on August 19, 2020 Barcelona’s president Josep Maria Bartomeu attends the off icial presentation of new resigning while increasing the pressure Dutch coach Ronald Koeman at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona. Moore named Wednesday boss on Bartomeu, who eventually stepped down in October after facing a vote of no- newspaper Mundo Deportivo. said in an interview with RAC1: “If the those who accuse us of that.” aft er leaving Doncaster confi dence. A club statement on Monday read: “Re- auditors tell us the cost of these services Bartomeu resigned in October, avoid- The club’s members will vote to elect a garding the entry and search by the Cata- is 100,000 euros and we have paid one ing a vote of no confi dence triggered after London: Championship strug- from the safety zone. Moore new president in next Sunday’s election, lan Police force this morning at the Camp million, it means someone has had their more than 20,000 club members signed a glers Sheff ield Wednesday said is the club’s third permanent which was postponed from January due Nou offi ces by order of the Instructing hand in the till.” The club took legal ac- petition against him. they had appointed Darren manager this season, following to COVID-19 restrictions in Catalonia. Court number 13 in Barcelona, which is in tion against him. Rousaud was among six His departure came the same month Moore as their new manager the exits of Garry Monk and Presidential candidate Toni Freixa, a charge of the case relating to the contact- Barca executives to leave their posts, with Barcelona announced losses of 97mn eu- yesterday, after the 46-year-old Tony Pulis. former director under Bartomeu, react- ing of monitoring services on social net- a joint letter citing the controversy as a ros ($114mn) for last season and debts that left his previous job at Doncas- Doncaster, who are currently ed to the arrest by saying on his offi cial works, FC Barcelona have off ered up their key issue needing to be resolved. had more than doubled to 488 mn euros. ter Rovers. League One side sixth in the League One table, Twitter account: “Too many people want full collaboration to the legal and police Bartomeu said the company had been As well as a series of political blunders, Doncaster confirmed that Andy eight points behind the auto- to cause damage to Barcelona. We won’t authorities to help make clear facts which hired only to monitor posts on social me- Bartomeu had also overseen a dramatic Butler had replaced Moore as matic promotion places with permit it. You’ll never walk alone.” are subject to investigation. dia and announced an internal audit by decline in performances on the pitch and first-team manager until the two games in hand, expressed Front-runner and former President “The information and documenta- PricewaterhouseCoopers, which cleared a personal falling-out with Messi, who end of the season. disappointment at Moore’s Joan Laporta added: “While he did not tion requested by the judicial police force the club of fi nancial corruption in July. tried to leave for free last summer. “Sheff ield Wednesday are departure. manage Barca well, it doesn’t change the relate strictly to the facts relative to this “Let one thing be clear,” Bartomeu said. Messi accused the club of “always jug- delighted to announce the “We are disappointed that fact he was Barca president and it’s not case.” “To the question: Have we commissioned gling everything and plugging gaps” un- appointment of Darren Moore Darren has chosen to leave the nice news to hear of.” Cadena Ser claimed Barca paid I3 Ven- the monitoring of social networks? The der Bartomeu’s leadership. as our new first team manager,” club part way through what has Part of the campaign included criticis- tures an infl ated fee and put payments answer is yes. Bartomeu’s successor is due to be second-tier Wednesday said in been a season full of promise,” ing current and former players, like Li- through in smaller, separate amounts to “To the question: Have we commis- elected on Sunday, when club members a statement. chairman David Blunt said. onel Messi, Pep Guardiola and Xavi Her- avoid the club’s fi nancial controls. sioned to discredit people or institutions will choose between the fi nal three can- “Moore now joins the Owls with “We have made significant nandez. Messi described the controversy Emili Rousaud, who resigned as Bar- through social networks? The answer didates, Joan Laporta, Toni Freixa and immediate eff ect and will be in eff orts to support Darren over as “strange” in an interview with Catalan celona vice-president in March last year, is no and we will take action against all Victor Font. charge for Wednesday night’s the past 18-months and ensure Championship clash with he was able to build a team Rotherham at Hillsborough.” capable of challenging in the BOTTOMLINE Wednesday are 23rd in the top six. Our ambitions remain Championship table, six points to achieve a top six finish.”

Dejan channels Zlatan as he REACTION Simeone pleased as eyes Asia goalscoring mark benched Joao Felix

Reuters “I told them fi rst that I’m looking for a Hong Kong team that is going to play in the Champi- makes ‘big impact’ ons League,” he said. “That was my prior- ity because this is maybe my last profes- Reuters lips although Simeone would not ejan Damjanovic has been sional year. Madrid be drawn on whether his player banging in goals all over Asia for “I know my job, I’m a striker and my job was trying to send him a message 15 years and, as his playing days is to score goals and to do something in over not starting the game. draw to a close, the 39-year-old this ACL campaign, so I will try to score a tletico Madrid coach “We’ll have to ask him why he hasD his eyes set on becoming the all-time couple of goals. Diego Simeone heaped did that,” said the coach. leading goalscorer in the continent’s most “I need two goals to be number one praised on Joao Felix Defender Stefan Savic added: prestigious club competition. scorer, but I know how hard it is to score after the 21-year-old “Joao hadn’t scored for a very Known simply as Dejan, the Mon- goals and I know how huge it is for me and respondedA to being benched for long time and I’m delighted for tenegrin striker needs just two more goals for Kitchee because if I become the top Sunday’s match at Villarreal by him because he’s a player with in the Asian Champions League to over- scorer I will be doing it with Kitchee this scoring as a substitute to seal a incredible talent. I don’t think take retired South Korean marksman Lee season.” The Asian Champions League badly-needed 2-0 win in La Liga. he was angry with anyone, he Dong-gook at the top of the standings. is scheduled to return in April when the Atletico’s 126-million-euro knows what we need.” Like the similarly well-travelled Swed- group phase of the coronavirus-aff ected ($152mn) forward was excluded Atletico went into the game ish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Dejan turns competition will be played in centralised from the starting lineup for the feeling pressure from title rivals 40 later this year and he is fi rmly of the locations. And while Dejan is focused on second time in three matches and Barcelona and Real Madrid after opinion that advancing years count little the task that lies ahead, the memories of had been largely ineff ective when their lead at the top was reduced when it comes to fi nding the net. past campaigns — and especially the near- he did start in Tuesday’s 1-0 de- to only two points following a “When they are thinking you can’t do misses — remain strong. feat to Chelsea in the Champions run of one victory in their previ- any more and they are just looking at your The 2021 campaign will see him renew League. ous four league games. ID and your age and not your performanc- acquaintances with Guangzhou, who in- He was introduced at the start They were also hurting from a es on the pitch, that motivates me more to fl icted defeat on his FC Seoul side on the of the second half with his side 1-0 defeat to Chelsea in a Cham- show them that age is just a number,” De- away goals rule after the teams were tied a goal up against Villarreal and pions League last-16 fi rst leg jan told Reuters. 3-3 after the two legs of the 2013 fi nal. settled their nerves with an in- but responded with a typically “I’m not the only one showing that. “I can’t understand why the ACL has stinctive volley, scoring for the dogged performance, opening When Ibrahimovic can score 15 plus goals this away goals rule, said Dejan, who fi rst time since late January. the scoring from an Alfonso Pe- in Serie A then I’m sure I can do that in scored in both legs of the fi nal. “He scored a great goal and draza own goal from a corner be- Asia. “I’m not judging anybody, but I can’t made a big impact and that’s fore Joao Felix’s clincher. “That’s an extra motivation for me, to understand this rule. We’re fi ghting for what we need from him. I love “Every time we play here it’s say that they shouldn’t look at age but Guangzhou FC’s Elkeson in second place 2013 before helping Suwon Bluewings to eight months and then in the fi nal we had it when players rebel and try to very diffi cult but we were more they should look at performances on the on 29. the last four two seasons ago. to look for an away goal. prove how strong they are. He’s comfortable in the second half, pitch.” He will make a fresh start in the 2021 Dejan has inked a deal with Hong Kong “A fi nal is a fi nal and somebody must very important to us,” Simeone we grew into the game and went Dejan is peerless as a goalscorer among season having spent the most successful champions Kitchee and said playing in win. Extra time, penalty kicks, something, said. looking for the victory which we players still active in Asian football, years of his career in South Korea, where the Champions League was a key factor in but somebody must win. You cannot use The Portuguese marked the wanted and needed,” Simeone his 36 strikes putting him well clear of he led FC Seoul to the continental fi nal in making the move south. away goals in a fi nal. That’s unbelievable.” goal by putting his fi nger to his said. Gulf Times Tuesday, March 2, 2021 5 SPORT

NBA MOTORSPORT Vettel fully motivated and fi tting in well Lakers blow out at Aston Martin

Reuters London

ston Martin have no Warriors, Giannis doubts about Sebas- tian Vettel’s will to win as the four-times For- mulaA One world champion pre- pares for a fresh start after some tough and error-strewn seasons at Ferrari. Team principal Otmar Szaf- Racing Point last year and have shines in Bucks win nauer told Reuters the 33-year- been renamed Aston Martin in old German, who won his titles the sportscar marque’s return as with Red Bull from 2010-13, had a constructor for the fi rst time ‘When you lose a mega-piece like AD, it’s going to take some time both off ensively, defensively’ already made a strong impres- since 1960. Perez triumphed in sion at the factory. Bahrain last December and Szaf- AFP “He’s working incredibly nauer said Vettel could also be a Los Angeles hard,” said the American. winner this year. “I can attest to the fact that “It’s really, really hard to win he’s really motivated. But I don’t a race if you are the third fast- eBron James scored 19 points and think the motivation is to prove est car but not impossible, as we had plenty of time to sit back and the nay-sayers wrong. I think it’s proved last year,” he said. “Can enjoy the Los Angeles Lakers’ 117- just how he is. I think he’s just Seb do it? For sure.” 91 NBA victory over the Golden driven to do the best he can.” LState Warriors on Sunday. The German has replaced WILLIAMS RETAIN James, playing in his 1,300th regular- Mexican Sergio Perez alongside CHADWICK AS season game, added six rebounds, four Canadian Lance Stroll – son of DEVELOPMENT DRIVER assists, two steals and two blocked shots the team’s billionaire owner Law- Inaugural W Series champion in just 24 minutes on court. rence and 11 years his junior. Szaf- Jamie Chadwick will remain a He sat out all of the fourth quarter nauer said the team, whose new development driver for Wil- along with the rest of the starters from car will be unveiled on Wednes- liams for the 2021 season with both teams as the Lakers closed out what day, would learn from Vettel. an increased simulator pro- had become a tough February with a “The partners, the employees, gramme, the Formula One team dominant victory despite the continuing all of us are going to be lifted by said yesterday. Williams said the absence of star forward Anthony Davis. the fact he’s won four times and 22-year-old, whose success in The NBA champions, who lost fi ve of he knows what it takes,” he said, the all-female series boosted her their fi rst six with Anthony sidelined, adding that Vettel also remained profi le in 2019, would “continue have now won two straight. “When you refreshingly down-to-earth. He to be fully immersed within the lose a mega-piece like AD, it’s going to related how the German brought team both trackside and certain take some time both off ensively and de- a home-baked loaf of bread as a Grands Prix and at the factory”. fensively,” James said of the adjustments gift when he came to stay. “I feel I am improving as a required. James said the Lakers were be- “He can easily go buy a box of driver all the time, and my time coming more comfortable in the roles chocolates or a bunch of fl owers spent in the simulator this com- they’ve had to adopt with Davis sidelined, but that’s not him. He’ll come ing season will prove to be inval- an absence that Lakers coach Frank Vogel with ‘I baked this loaf of bread’,” uable,” Chadwick said in a state- said called on them to develop a “little bit he said. “And he really, really ment. The Briton, who joined of a new identity.” likes British humour. It’s not to the Williams Driver Academy in Six Lakers scored in double fi gures as fi nd a common thread, it’s just 2019, will defend her W series they avenged a narrow loss to the War- who he is. So far he’s fi tted in re- title this season when the cham- riors in January. James capped an over- ally, really well here.” pionship returns in June after whelming fi rst half with a pull-up three- The team, who started as Jor- being cancelled last year due to pointer that put the Lakers up 73-44. dan in 1991, fi nished fourth as the Covid-19 pandemic. Eric Paschall led the Warriors with 18 points off the bench as star Stephen Cur- ry was limited to 16. The end of the Warriors’ three-game NFL veteran and broadcaster winning streak was made more painful with departure of Draymond Green with a Cross dies at 81 sprained left ankle in the second quarter. Irv Cross, a key member of voted to the Pro Bowl before The Lakers’ win wasn’t even the most The NFL Today and CBS Sports spending two seasons as an as- lopsided of the night. That belonged to LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers scores on a layup past Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors during the second for more than two decades sistant coach. the Memphis Grizzlies, who trounced the quarter at Staples Center in Los Angeles. (AFP) following a career as a player In 1971, Cross was hired by CBS slumping Houston Rockets 133-84. and coach, died Sunday near his Sports as a game analyst. Four However, there was plenty of drama was Malik Monk who drove for the game- last four minutes, with Leonard and Paul home in Roseville, Minn. He was years later, CBS took a gamble in Boston, where forward Jayson Tatum tying layup with 1.4 seconds to play, George both coming up empty on multi- 81. Previously diagnosed with putting together Cross, Brent RESULTS drove for two baskets in the fi nal 15 sec- drawing a foul and making the free throw ple possessions. mild cognitive dementia, Cross Musburger, Phyllis George and onds to lead the Celtics to a 111-110 come- Phoenix 118-99 Minnesota to snatch the victory. Two-time reigning NBA Most Valuable told the Philadelphia Inquirer Jimmy “The Greek” Snyder for from-behind victory over the Wash- In Milwaukee, Giannis Antetok- Player Antetokounmpo fi nished with 36 two years ago that he intended what would become a legendary New York 109-90 Detroit ington Wizards. Tatum scored 31 points ounmpo scored 17 of the Bucks’ last 22 points - his fourth straight game of 36 or to donate his brain to Boston pregame show. Cross became and the Celtics withstood a 46-point Miami 109-99 Atlanta points in a 105-100 victory over the Los more. University researchers so they the first Black network sports performance from Washington’s Bradley Charlotte 127-126 Sacramento Angeles Clippers. Down by seven early “I was just trying to be aggressive and I could study it for CTE, the brain show anchor, on what became Beal to complete their fi rst back-to-back in the fourth quarter, the Bucks took a knew it was going to work out,” Antetok- Memphis 133-84 Houston disease that has plagued many the first live pregame show. wins since January. 101-100 lead on two Antetokounmpo free ounmpo said. “(I) tried to fi nd my team- former NFL players. Previous pregame packages The Celtics trailed by fi ve with 46.9 Boston 111-110 Washington throws with 1:57 remaining. mates, just go downhill and create op- It has been linked to concussions were taped. seconds remaining. Tatum cut the defi cit Lakers 117-91 Golden State With 10.3 seconds remaining, Khris portunities so my teammates can have an and repeated blows to the head. His role grew to include cover- with a driving fi nger-roll layup and with Milwaukee 105-100 Clippers Middleton found Antetokounmpo for open shot or I can go all the way to the rim Cross played for Ara Parseghian age of other sports for the 4.7 seconds left spun and drove through a one-handed slam that made it 103- or make something for myself.” at Northwestern from 1958-1960 weekly CBS Sports Spectacular. traffi c for the go-ahead basket. 100 and after Kawhi Leonard’s potential He added 14 rebounds and fi ve assists then was drafted in the seventh He was the first Black recipient “Jayson’s will really shone through,” It came down to the wire in Sacramen- game-tying three-pointer bounced off and Middleton scored 19 points with round by the Philadelphia of the Pete Rozelle Award in Celtics coach Brad Stevens said. “It’s to, where the Charlotte Hornets trailed by the front of the rim Middleton grabbed eight assists for a Bucks team that wel- Eagles. He spent six years with 2009 and was enshrined into the been a tough stretch for (Tatum), but this nine with 2:19 remaining but battled back the rebound and made two free throws to comed back point guard Jrue Holiday the Eagles and three with the Pro Football Hall of Fame. matters to him, he wants to win, and he to beat the Kings 127-126. P.J. Washing- seal the win. after a 10-game absence because of NBA Los Angeles Rams. He was twice (AFP) made big plays.” ton scored 42 points for the Hornets but it The Clippers went scoreless over the coronavirus protocols.

NHL Kane reaches 400 as Blackhawks rout Red Wings the Rangers on Friday and Thursday’s 7-2 loss Reuters RESULTS New York to the New York Islanders. Blackhawks 7-2 Red Wings They beat the Rangers for the third time in four meetings on a day when Rask was seldom atrick Kane reaches 400 as Black- Bruins 4-1 Rangers tested and picked up his 299th career win. hawks rout Red Wings. Predators 3-1 Blue Jackets Coyle opened the scoring in the fi rst period Patrick Kane scored his 400th Capitals 3-2 Devils and added a short-handed empty-net tally. career goal with 10:50 remaining in Trent Frederic also scored in the fi rst, Char- Pthe third period and the host Chicago Black- Flyers 3-0 Sabres lie McAvoy tallied in the second and David hawks pulled away over the fi nal 20 minutes Islanders 2-0 Penguins Pastrnak added two assists as Boston outshot for a 7-2 rout of the Detroit Red Wings on the Rangers by a wide 36-21 margin. Playing Sunday night. goal of the game as Chicago beat Detroit for in front of 1,800 fans for the second time this Kane became the fourth player in team the fi fth time in six meetings and won for the season, the Rangers were unable to follow up history to score 400 goals for Chicago, join- ninth time in its last 12 games overall. Friday’s win as Colin Blackwell scored their ing Hall of Famers Bobby Hull (604) and Stan Chicago rookie goaltender Kevin Lankinen lone goal with 9:13 remaining in the third. Mikita (541) along with Steve Larmer (406). made a career-high 44 saves, including 20 in New York also survived a potential injury He also became the 100th player in NHL the opening period. Sam Gagner and Evgeny scare to goaltender Alexandar Georgiev, who history, 10th active player and ninth Amer- Svechnikov scored for Detroit, which was un- was pulled for the fi nal 13:19 of the fi rst pe- ican-born player to reach the mark. Kane’s able to win a third straight game and allowed riod. Shortly after Boston’s Nick Ritchie fell milestone moment occurred a little over two seven goals for the third time. on Georgiev’s head during a scramble in the minutes after Ryan Carpenter scored his sec- Greiss allowed seven goals on 32 shots en crease, the Rangers sent him back to the lock- ond power-play goal and was part of a fi ve- route to his 12th defeat. After allowing the fi - er room for an examination. goal binge in the third period. nal goal, Greiss fl ung his stick at the crossbar Georgiev returned for the fi nal 40 minutes The milestone occurred when Kane in disgust. and made 31 saves. Igor Shesterkin played the streaked down the left side on a 2-on-1 with Zadorov opened the scoring with 8:19 left rest of the fi rst period and stopped one shot. Alex DeBrincat and waited for defenseman in the fi rst when he was wide-open for a wrist The Bruins went ahead with 13:19 remain- Filip Hronek to fall to the ice near the right shot. A little over fi ve minutes later, Carpenter ing when Coyle went by New York defense- face-off circle. Once Hronek went down, scored his fi rst goal by leaning into a wrist shot. man K’Andre Miller and lifted a shot from the Kane fi red a wrist shot that sailed over the left After a tip-in by Gagner made it 2-1 late in right side over Georgiev. Boston took a 2-0 shoulder of goaltender Thomas Greiss. the fi rst, the Blackhawks began their barrage lead late in the period when Frederic defl ect- Kane also had two assists, including a nifty on Suter’s goal off Kane’s highlight-reel pass. ed Connor Clifton’s shot from the right point drop pass for rookie Pius Suter’s seventh goal past Shesterkin. 92 seconds into the third that started the bar- BRUINS STIFLE RANGERS FOR TUUKKA Boston took a 3-0 midway through the sec- rage. DeBrincat added Chicago’s fi nal goal RASK’S 299TH CAREER WIN ond by simply moving the puck around nu- with just over 4 1/2 minutes remaining, and Charlie Coyle scored twice and Tuukka Rask merous times following a faceoff win. Even- collected three assists, as the Blackhawks made 20 saves as the visiting Boston Bruins tually Brad Marchand whipped a cross-ice reached seven goals for the fi rst time this sea- defeated the New York Rangers 4-1 on Sun- pass to Pastrnak at the left point and his slap son. Dominik Kubalik also scored during the day afternoon. shot through traffi c was tipped over Georgiev Patrick Kane of the Chicago Blackhawks celebrates his 400th career goal in the third period against the third and Nikita Zadorov netted the initial The Bruins bounced back from a 6-2 loss to by McAvoy. Detroit Red Wings at the United Center in Chicago. (Getty Images/AFP) Gulf Times 6 Tuesday, March 2, 2021 SPORT

GOLF SPOTLIGHT Emotional Grace snatches Puerto Morikawa cruises Rico PGA win

AFP Grace’s remarkable fi nish Miami was agonising viewing for Ven- ezuela’s Vegas, who had looked to have done enough for victory outh Africa’s Branden with a seven-under-par 65 that to WGC victory, pays Grace conjured up an ea- included eight birdies and one gle-birdie fi nish to claim bogey. Vegas had led Grace by an emotional one-shot two shots going into the fi nal two victoryS at the PGA Tour’s Puerto holes, only to be denied by the Rico Open on Sunday. South Africa’s superb eagle two The 32-year-old from Pre- and closing birdie. Vegas fi nished toria, whose father died from on 18 under. Covid-19 in January, holed out There was disappointment too tribute to Woods from a bunker for a brilliant eagle for overnight co-leaders Grayson two on the 17th before making a Murray and Rafael Campos. birdie on the last to seal victory Murray looked to have given ‘WHAT A WEEK. MY GAME FELT SO GOOD, I’M JUST SO EXCITED RIGHT NOW’ at Rio Grande’s Grand Reserve himself a chance to challenge for Golf Club. Grace, who carded a a share of the lead after a bird- AFP six-under-par 66 to fi nish on ie on the 17th, but sent his tee Miami 19 under, had glanced skywards shot on the 18th out of bounds after chipping in for his eagle on to eff ectively end his chances the penultimate hole. of forcing a playoff . Murray and ollin Morikawa fi red a He later credited inspiration Campos, who both carded clos- three-under-par 69 from his late father for his ag- ing two-under-par 70s, fi nished to clinch a three-shot gressive approach to the closing three off the lead on 16 under. victory at the World holes, where he needed to pick up GolfC Championships-Workday shots to have any chance of over- LEADING SCORES AFTER Championship in Florida on hauling clubhouse leader Jhon- THE FINAL ROUND Sunday. attan Vegas. “My old man passed (USA unless noted, par-72) The 24-year-old PGA Cham- away not too long ago, and he 269-Branden Grace (RSA) 67-68- pionship winner – who led by always said I’m an aggressive 68-66 two after Saturday’s third round player and I knew he was watch- 270-Jhonattan Vegas (VEN) 68- – relied on accurate iron play and ing over me,” Grace said. 68-69-65 nerveless putting to close out “It was good. I was just able 272-Grayson Murray 71-66-65-70, victory at the Concession Golf to hit the shots that I needed. I Rafael Campos (PUR) 66-69- Club in Bradenton. Morikawa’s just stayed in the moment, in the 67-70 fi nal round saw him fi nish on 18 zone. I played the right shot at 273-Brice Garnett 67-71-70-65, under with a 72-hole aggregate the right time. I got aggressive. Andrew Putnam 67-70-67-69 270, three shots clear of Viktor “I spoke to my my wife today 274-Rob Oppenheim 68-70-69- Hovland, Brooks Koepka and and she said that my dad’s watch- 67, Brandon Wu 66-67-71-70, Ted Billy Horschel on 15 under. ing over me and he’ll give me the Potter Jr. 69-69-67-69, Cameron After an early stumble when guidance I needed, and he did.” Percy (AUS) 67-69-67-71. he bogeyed the par-four second, Morikawa recovered his compo- sure to play fl awlessly thereafter. A 195-yard second shot on the fi fth hole left him with a seven- foot birdie putt which he duly rolled in to return to even for the round. A deft bunker shot on the seventh set up another birdie chance which he converted and he made the turn at two under Collin Morikawa of the United States celebrates with the Gene Sarazen Cup during the trophy ceremony after winning the final round of after making an 11-foot birdie World Golf Championships-Workday Championship at The Concession in Bradenton, Florida. (Getty Images/AFP) putt on the ninth. Another birdie putt on the 12th saw him move to 18 under Recovering Woods ‘touched’ by show of support from fellow golfers overall and he then rattled off six Tiger Woods, recovering in hospital after Champions event were some of the players ”Tiger means everything to me,” Morikawa straight pars down the stretch surgery for serious leg injuries received in a who turned out wearing Woods’s iconic col- said. “Yes, he had the crash and thankfully to bag the fourth PGA Tour win solo car smash, tweeted thanks Sunday for our combo. “I guess for us it’s just a gesture he’s okay and will make a quick recovery. of a professional career that is a show of support from fellow pro golfers. to let him know that we’re thinking about “But I don’t think we say thank you enough, still less than two years old. “It “It is hard to explain how touching today him and we’re rooting for him,” McIlroy so I want to say thank you to Tiger.” shows that I can come out here was when I turned on the tv and saw all the said. “Obviously things are looking a little Woods, 45, underwent hours of emergency and compete,” Morikawa said red shirts,” the 15-time major champion said better today than they were on Tuesday, surgery to repair what doctors called after prevailing against a strong in a tweet. “To every golfer and every fan, but he’s still got aways to go. “significant orthopaedic injuries” to his Branden Grace kisses the trophy after winning the Puerto Rico Open fi eld that included nearly every you are truly helping me get through this “He’s got a huge recovery ahead of him. lower right leg and ankle on Tuesday after in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico. (Getty Images/AFP) player in the world’s top 50. tough time.” But I think (it’s) just for everyone to show his early morning crash on a steep, winding “What a week. I was working A host of golfers at the World Golf Cham- their appreciation for what he means to us road in suburban Los Angeles. on so much these past couple of pionships Workday Championship in out here. “If there was no Tiger Woods, I He was transferred to Cedars-Sinai Medical weeks. My game felt so good, I’m Bradenton, Florida – and quite a few at the just think the tour and the game of golf in Center in Los Angeles for further treatment French rugby chief Laporte confi rms coach just so excited right now.” LPGA Tour event in Orlando, as well – took general would be in a worse place. and recovery on Wednesday night and on Galthie left Six Nations bubble Morikawa is now only the sec- the course for their final rounds wearing “He’s meant a lot to us, he still does mean a Friday was reported in a statement posted ond player after Tiger Woods to Woods’s signature Sunday colours of red lot to us and I think that was just a little way on Twitter to be in good spirits after follow- French rugby chief Bernard match. win both a major and a WGC ti- and black. The PGA Tour tweeted a picture to show that.” up treatment for his injuries. Woods faces Laporte confirmed Sunday that “For me, he has the right to tle before turning 25. of the maintenance staff at its Puerto Rico Collin Morikawa lifted the trophy at Conces- a lengthy recovery from his injuries, which national coach Fabien Galthie leave from the moment he is Woods is currently recovering Open on Sunday all turned out in red and sion Golf Club in Bradenton, becoming include open fractures aff ecting both the had left the Six Nations secure masked. He was outside,” said in hospital in Los Angeles after a black. Former world number one Rory McIl- joining Woods as the only players to win upper and lower portions of his lower right bubble to watch his son play a Laporte, the president of the serious car crash on Tuesday left roy, Tommy Fleetwood and Tony Finau at both a major title and a WGC crown before leg, along with injuries to the bones of the game but that his job was not French rugby Federation. him with serious leg injuries. The the WGC and Phil Mickelson at a PGA Tour turning 25. foot and ankle. in danger. “He watched the match along- Los Angeles-raised Morikawa, Galthie was one of 16 members side Thomas Lombard (the who grew up idolising Woods, of the French squad to have director general of the Stade paid tribute to the stricken Two more birdies on the 12th a two-under-par 70. Scottie 274-Scottie Scheff ler 69-70-67- 69-66, Justin Thomas 73-66- tested positive for Covid-19, Francais team), who himself former world number one. “Ti- and 13th holes put him at six Scheffl er fi nished alone in fi fth 68 70-71, Hideki Matsuyama (JPN) an outbreak which caused is tested every three days and ger means everything to me,” under for the day but his charge on 14 under after a rollercoaster 276-Louis Oosthuizen (RSA) 72-66-68-74 the postponement of Sun- also wore a mask.” Morikawa said. “Yes, he had the stalled with bogeys on the 14th four-under-par 68 which in- 69-68-70-69, Rory McIlroy (NIR) 281-Brendon Todd 74-71-67-69, day’s scheduled clash against “I don’t see where the problem crash and thankfully he’s okay and 16th. Koepka meanwhile cluded eight birdies, two bogeys 69-70-66-71, Webb Simpson Aaron Rai (ENG) 72-70-69-70, Scotland. could be but then again I am and will make a quick recovery. was unable to put pressure on and a double-bogey six. 66-69-69-72 Jason Day (AUS) 71-69-69-72, Laporte told France 3 television not a doctor.” But I don’t think we say thank Morikawa over the closing holes 277-Jason Kokrak 70-69-69-69, Abraham Ancer (MEX) 71-66- that on the day after France Laporte insisted that Galthie you enough, so I want to say when he missed an easy birdie Leading final-round scores Patrick Reed 68-68-69-72 70-74 had defeated Italy 50-10 earlier retains his full support. thank you to Tiger.” Earlier, Nor- putt on the 17th which could USA unless noted, par-72) 278-Cameron Smith (AUS) 282-Bryson DeChambeau 77- this month, Galthie left the bio- “Why wouldn’t I support him? way’s Hovland had looked poised have put him within two of the 270-Collin Morikawa 70-64- 68-66-77-67, Kevin Na 73-69-69- 64-72-69, Tyrrell Hatton (ENG) secure bubble. I am not a prosecutor. And it’s to challenge Morikawa at the top lead with one to play. 67-69 67, Matthew Fitzpatrick (ENG) 70-73-70-69, Lanto Griff in 70-72- He went to the Stade Jean- not because I really like Fabian. of the leaderboard after a wild Koepka, who had been battling 273-Viktor Hovland (NOR) 71-69- 66-69-71-72 71-69, Sebastian Munoz (COL) Bouin in Paris to watch his He knows very well that I don’t round that included fi ve birdies neck pain and stiff ness since Sat- 66-67, Brooks Koepka 67-66-70- 279-Tony Finau 68-67-72-72 69-72-70-71, Max Homa 73-70- 19-year-old son Mathis play a give gifts to people.” and a bogey on the front nine. urday’s third round, closed with 70, Billy Horschel 67-67-69-70 280-Carlos Ortiz (MEX) 73-72- 67-72, Will Zalatoris 72-69-68-73.

LPGA Sister act as Korda romps to Gainbridge win AFP tive pars to remain in control and number one Ko stormed up the propping up the leaderboard on Miami close out the fourth LPGA Tour leaderboard at the start of the 13 over. victory of her career with her back nine with four consecutive parents and sister Jessica rushing birdies starting on the 12th hole, LEADING SCORES elly Korda produced a to congratulate her on the 18th eventually carding a three-un- (USA unless noted, par-72) fl awless fi nal round to green. “Honestly I did not play der-par 69. 272-Nelly Korda 67-68-68-69 claim a three-shot vic- very good golf today,” Korda told World number one Ko Jin- 275-Lexi Thompson 71-68-68-68, tory at the Gainbridge a television interviewer moments young meanwhile fi nished fi ve Lydia Ko (NZL) 65-69-72-69 NLPGA tournament in Florida on after clinching her fi rst career off the lead in fourth place on 11 277-Ko Jin-young (KOR) 68-72- Sunday. win on US soil. under. Ko posted a one-under- 66-71 Korda – whose elder sister Jes- “I just stayed really solid. I par-71 after an erratic fi nal round 278-Sarah Kemp (AUS) 70-69- sica won the LPGA Tour’s previ- honestly don’t know how I did it. that included four birdies and 70-69, Patty Tavatanakit (THA) ous event, the season-opening It was defi nitely very stressful. three bogeys. 69-69-66-74 Tournament of Champions in “Winning in front of my par- There was disappointment for 279-Angel Yin 72-69-65-73 January – fi red a three-under- ents was a fi rst too, so that was Thailand’s Patty Tavatanakit, 280-Jenny Shin (KOR) 71-70-71- par 69 to fi nish on 16 under. really nice.” who had started the day one off 68, Sophia Popov (GER) 70-70- The 22-year-old, whose father Korda’s 72-hole aggregate the lead. The 21-year-old rookie 70-70, Stacy Lewis 71-68-70-71, is former Czech tennis star Petr 272 left her three clear of Lexi faded with a two-over-par 74, Ashleigh Buhai (RSA) 71-67-71-71, Korda, had opened up a one-shot Thompson and Lydia Ko who fi n- with two bogeys and a double Marissa Steen 69-71-68-72, Chun lead on Saturday with a four-un- ished tied for second on 13 under. bogey on the front nine dropping In-gee (KOR) 69-68-71-72, Chella der-par 68. On Sunday at Orlan- Thompson had closed to with- her out of contention. Tavatana- Choi (KOR) 69-69-69-73 do’s Lake Nona Golf and Country in three of Korda with a brilliant kit fi nished on 10 under along- 281-Dani Holmqvist (SWE) 74-67- Club, she picked up where she eagle three at the par-fi ve 11th, side Australia’s Sarah Kemp, who 71-69 left off in the third round. Three but a bogey on the following hole shot a three-under-par 69. 282-Amy Yang (KOR) 72-70-70- birdies in her opening six holes stymied her chances of mount- Meanwhile, LPGA great Anni- 70, Liu Yu (CHN) 73-72-66-71, gave her a healthy cushion at the ing a charge down the stretch. ka Sorenstam, who parred her fi - Lin Xiyu (CHN) 68-71-72-71, top of the leaderboard, leaving Thompson fi nished with a four- nal hole on Friday to make the cut Leona Maguire (IRL) 69-72-69-72, her fi ve shots clear at one stage. under-par 68. in her fi rst tour start since 2008, Brooke Henderson (CAN) 71-69- Nelly Korda of the United States poses with her family and the trophy after winning Gainbridge LPGA at She then reeled off 12 consecu- New Zealand’s former world closed with a four-over-par 76, 68-74. Lake Nona Golf and Country Club in Orlando, Florida. (Getty Images/AFP) Gulf Times Tuesday, March 2, 2021 7 SPORT

SWIMMING CRICKET Zimbabwe Ledecky eyes are up for history at ‘diff erent’ Afghanistan challenge: Tokyo Olympics Madhevere ‘I’m really excited that the 1,500m free is in the Olympics for the first time for women Reuters Top-order linchpins Abu Dhabi Brendan Taylor and Craig and that there’s parity in the schedule between the men’s and women’s schedules’ Ervine, along with seamer Kyle Jarvis, have been left imbabwe will be with- out because of illness – out several senior play- joining injured paceman ers in their away series Tendai Chatara on the against Afghanistan in sidelines Zthe United Arab Emirates, but batsman Wesley Madhevere sees hevere’s standing as his side’s it as an opportunity for young most promising young player. players like him to prove their “I know there’s a lot of expec- credentials. Top-order linchpins tation just from what I’ve done Brendan Taylor and Craig Ervine, in the shorter versions, but I’m along with seamer Kyle Jarvis, going to use that as my motiva- have been left out because of ill- tion to keep on doing well,” the ness – joining injured paceman middle-order batsman said. Tendai Chatara on the sidelines. Zimbabwe have recalled bats- A depleted Zimbabwe will men Ryan Burl and Tarisai Mu- meet Afghanistan today for the sakanda, both 26, who together fi rst match of the two-Test series with fast bowler Blessing Mu- in Abu Dhabi, where they will zarabani, 24, will be hopeful of also play three Twenty20 inter- adding to their solitary Test cap. nationals later this month. All-rounder Sikandar Raza “There are some senior play- and skipper Sean Williams will ers missing (and) it could be a serve as experienced hands, but disadvantage, but it presents an with Zimbabwe’s stalwarts ap- opportunity for the younger lads proaching retirement age this to learn and grow on the inter- tour will off er a glimpse into the national stage,” Madhevere told side’s future.In their favour is Reuters ahead of his likely Test Afghanistan’s own inexperience, debut. “It’s going to take a lot for having only played four tests the younger generation to make a since achieving red-ball status statement... (but) this is a perfect in 2017. opportunity to better your game A fi nger injury on Rashid and showcase your talent.” Khan’s bowling hand puts him in The 20-year-old honed his doubt for his country’s fi rst-ever skills abroad as a high school test against Zimbabwe, but his student in South Africa. After ability to shape the overall series making his one-day internation- remains a threat. al debut in Bangladesh last year, “He’s probably one of the best he became the fi rst Zimbabwean leg-spinners in the world. We’ve teenager since 2006 to score a all seen the impact he’s had over half-century in the format. a couple of years,” Madhevere Subsequent white-ball fi fties said. against Pakistan, struck with the “If we just follow our process I fl uency and composure of a sea- feel we will be able to tackle the AFP awarded at the Games. For three months she made do swim- Ledecky is hoping she and other US soned veteran, reinforced Mad- challenges.” Los Angeles “I’m really excited that the 1,500m ming in a backyard pool and lifting team members will have been vaccinat- free is in the Olympics for the fi rst time weights in her apartment as facilities at ed against Covid by then, but she won’t for women and that there’s parity in the Stanford University were shut down. jump the queue to be vaccinated. VIRUS SCARE ive-time Olympic gold medal- schedule between the men’s and wom- “Since the middle of last June is when “I feel pretty strongly that we all have list Katie Ledecky is powering en’s schedules,” she said. “It’s been a long Stanford opened back up. We have a lot to get it when it’s our turn,” she said. “I through the uncertainties of the time coming. of diff erent protocols, one per lane or one really hope that’s soon for all of us.” Covid-19 pandemic, her sights “I know the history of US women’s per household so I live by myself so I’ve And vaccine status notwithstanding, stillF fi rmly set on making history at the freestyle swimmers and I know there’s been one per lane for the past year,” she “we’re going to have to do the exact same rescheduled Tokyo Games. a lot of women’s freestylers that haven’t said. things, the mask-wearing, the distanc- The US freestyle great, whose 15 world had those opportunities that I’ve had and She and her training partners are tested ing, the testing.” No fans titles are the most of any woman swim- didn’t have the opportunity to swim the three times a week, and Ledecky thinks Ledecky is also trying hard not to get mer, adapted and adjusted along with the 1,500 or even other events in the Olym- she’s well prepared for whatever health caught up in any speculation that the rest of the world in 2020, but she isn’t pics,” said Ledecky, who will also be tar- and safety protocols she’ll have to follow Games might not come off . giving any ground when it comes to her geting the 200m, 400m and 800m free- both at the US trials now scheduled for Coronavirus cases surged in Japan in goals in the pool. style and the 4x200m free relay. June and at the Olympics now scheduled January, when polls showed some 80 % of at NZ T20 “I feel very good about those goals “So I’m going to take up the opportu- to start on July 23. people in the country thought the event and feel like they still are in place for this nity and hopefully get Team USA started “It’ll be a diff erent Olympics,” said should be cancelled or postponed again. year,” Ledecky said in a video conference on the right note for that event moving Ledecky a veteran of the 2012 London “I’m preparing as though the Games as she prepared to tavel to a swim meet forward.” Games and the 2016 Rio Olympics. “It’ll are on and I’m trying not to think about this week in San Antonio, Texas, her fi rst The odds are certainly in the world look and feel diff erent. all the speculation,” Ledecky said. “It’s matches such trip in a year. record-holder’s favor, and Ledecky said “I’m trying to learn as much as I can diffi cult to block everything out, but I’m Reuters New Zealand lead the T20 It’s another step on the road to Tokyo, she feels well-prepared despite the up- bout the protocols that will be in place very focused. Wellington series 2-0 after winning the where Ledecky is eying an ambitious pro- heaval of the early coronavirus lockdown so that nothing will catch me by surprise “I don’t want to get to Tokyo and have opening matches in Christch- gramme that she hopes will see her claim in California last March and the continu- and I can have the best performances that any regrets about my training or prepara- urch and Dunedin. the fi rst women’s 1,500m gold medal ever ing changes to health protocols. I can have.” tion.” he last three matches of The third match is tomorrow. New Zealand’s Twen- Auckland-based New Zea- ty20 series against Aus- land players Martin Guptill, SPOTLIGHT BOTTOMLINE tralia will be played at a James Neesham, Mark Chap- closedT Wellington Regional Sta- man and Glenn Phillips were dium as fans have been barred put into isolation while wait- after a Covid-19 lockdown in ing for COVID-19 test results, CAS cancels Iranian Tiger Roll trainer Elliott Auckland, New Zealand Cricket but had been cleared to return (NZC) said on yesterday to training on Tuesday, an NZC NZC moved Sunday’s fi fth spokesman said. judo fedn suspension sorry for dead horse photo and fi nal match to Wellington With Australia needing to from Tauranga, having already win the last three matches AFP “great victory” and said it hoped AFP without thinking, I sat down moved the fourth to the New to claim the series, Agar said Lausanne the decision would lead to an London to take it,” he said. Zealand capital from Auckland. the lack of fans in Wellington “improvement” in relations with “Hearing a shout from one Australia spinner Ashton could play into the visitors’ the International Judo Federa- of my team, I gestured to Agar said organisers had made hands. port’s top court yesterday tion. hree-time Grand wait until I was finished.” the right call. “A home ground advantage cancelled the suspension Mollaei, a former world National-winning The Irish Horserac- “They’ve made sure that always helps when you’ve got a of the Iranian judo fed- champion who now competes trainer Gordon El- ing Regulatory Board has they’ve looked after the players’ crowd that’s right behind their eration, imposed after it for Mongolia, claimed he was liott has apologised launched an investigation. mental and physical wellbeing home team and that’s how it’s orderedS judoka Saeid Mollaei not ordered by the Iranian federa- afterT a photograph emerged The British Horseracing and come to the right decision,” been so far,” he said. to fi ght against an Israeli. tion to throw a match to avoid of him chatting on the phone Authority said it was aware he told reporters yesterday. “It’s always a fun crowd here The Court of Arbitration for a combat with the Israeli Sagi while sitting on a dead horse. of the “shocking image” and New Zealand’s biggest city in New Zealand, it’s always a Sport (CAS) said it was referring Muki, who then went on to win The 42-year-old Irish- officials were in contact with Auckland went into a seven-day great atmosphere, so for them the case back to the Internation- the 2019 world 81kg title with man, who trains two-time their Irish counterparts. lockdown from Sunday after the to not have that particularly on al Judo Federation which im- the then Iranian taking bronze Aintree winner Tiger Roll, O’Leary issued a state- emergence of a new local case a game that the series hinges on posed the ban in October 2019. without fi ghting him. said he had been waiting to ment on Monday saying it of the coronavirus of unknown could be a massive advantage CAS said the Iranian fed- Israel’s head coach Moshe help with the removal of the was a regrettable incident origin. for us.” eration had “committed severe Fonti delivered a similar version unnamed horse and had act- “At what was a sad time, but that he accepted Elli- violations” of the international to The Times of Israel: “Iranian ed without thinking. which it is when any horse ott’s “sincere and unreserved federation rules and should be intelligence agents went to his Elliott, whose principal under my care passes away, apology”. England appoint Trescothick as batting coach punished accordingly. home in Iran and to the judo owner is Ryanair supremo my initial reaction was to “We accept that the pho- “However, the CAS Panel hall to warn him,” declared the Michael O’Leary, issued a get the body removed from tograph was a grievous but London: Former England open- Former New Zealand off - concluded that the kind of sanc- newspaper. statement late on Sunday af- where it was positioned.” momentary lapse of judge- ing batsman Marcus Tresco- spinner Jeetan Patel has been tion (unlimited suspension) im- The International Judo Feder- ter the photo caused a furore Elliott said he had waved ment from Gordon,” he said. thick has been named batting named England’s spin bowling posed in the challenged decision ation banned Iran indefi nitely in on social media. away a member of his staff “We all make mistakes and coach of the senior men’s team, coach and youth team head of 22 October 2019 had no legal October 2019 even though they “I apologise profoundly when it was pointed out he what is important is that we the England and Wales Cricket coach Jon Lewis has been pro- basis in the IJF regulations,” said denied the claims. for any offence that this was sitting on the horse’s learn from them and ensure Board (ECB) said yesterday. moted to the role of the senior the press statement. “The international federa- photo has caused,” he said. body. we do not repeat them.” Trescothick, who played 76 team’s pace bowling coach. In the meantime, the ruling tion shouldn’t have taken such “The photo in question “I was standing over the Elliott is set to send a Tests for England and helped Former Yorkshire off -spinner leaves Iranian judokas free to a measure against judo in Iran was taken some time ago and horse waiting to help with strong team, including the them win the Ashes in 2005, and Gloucestershire head take part in the rearranged Tokyo merely based on a false claim by occurred after a horse had the removal of the body, in O’Leary-owned Tiger Roll, will step down as assistant coach Richard Dawson will re- Olympics this year. an athlete,” said federation chief died of an apparent heart at- the course of which, to my to the Cheltenham Festival coach of Somerset to take up place Lewis in the reconfigured The Iranian federation hailed a Arash Miresmaeili at the time. tack on the gallops. memory I received a call and, later this month. his new role. elite pathway coach role.

Tuesday, March 2, 2021 GULF TIMES SPORT

FOCUS FOOTBALL European qualifi ers will pose a new 99 athletes for FINA challenge for players, says Qatar marathon swim coach Sanchez

QNA able to participate in it, hoping Doha that they will attend in the fu- ture, especially as it is a distin- guished tournament and is con- ead coach Felix sidered the best preparation for opener in Doha Sanchez is look- upcoming events. ing forward to Qatar’s He pointed out that the players participation in the were looking forward to partici- Event, which will be staged on March 13, will be held under strict Covid-19 protocols EuropeanH qualifi ers for the FIFA pating in the European qualifi ers, World Cup Qatar 2022 later this where Qatar will play matches By Sports Reporter month, considering the match against teams in Group A, com- Doha experience the players will get prising Portugal, Serbia, Luxem- against some of the big teams. bourg, Azerbaijan and Ireland. The 2019 Asian Cup winners He added that he constant- atar Swimming As- are meanwhile awaiting the dates ly follow the domestic league sociation (QSA) will for the two games against In- matches and there are some host long-distance dia and Oman in the joint Asian players who have presented swimmers, who will qualifi ers for the Asian Cup and good levels and demonstrated competeQ over a 10km course the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. their ability to represent the in the FINA/CNSG Marathon Speaking during an open team and provide an addition. Swim World Series 2021 Doha to media day organised by Qatar He pointed out that they have a be staged at the stunning Katara Football Association yesterday, list of 40 players and in the end Beach on March 13. Sanchez said they will then par- the number will be reduced, and A total of 99 swimmers – 66 ticipate in the Gold Cup cham- there is the possibility of some men and 33 women – from 27 pionship, adding that all these new players joining the list, in- countries will participate in the arrangements and changes have dicating that the preparatory season-opening meet, where happened in the current period period is short, but the most im- the athletes will be joined by 65 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. portant thing is to ensure that team offi cials. The circumstances and the the group that will participate is France will send the biggest changes also mean that Qatar ready to honour Qatari football. contingent to the Qatari capital, will not be participating in the Sanchez explained that the including 20 swimmers and 11 Copa America this year after team’s players will be selected on offi cials. Italy will have 13 ath- the Asian qualifi ers were moved March 13, and the list will include letes in both the races along with from March to June. between 25 and 30 players to play fi ve offi cials. He apologised for not being the European qualifi ers. QSA under the guidance of Ministry of Public Health will organise the event by follow- ing strict Covid-19 protocols to ensure health and safety of FINA/CNSG Marathon Swim World Series 2021 Doha will be held at Katara Beach. athletes, offi cials and all other stakeholders. The athletes will remain in bio-secure zones throughout the event. The FINA Marathon Swim World Series races, which Doha hosted for the fi rst time in 2018, is adding valuable experience and expertise as QSA prepares to organise the Doha 2023 FINA World Championships. QSA President Khaleel al- Jabir said, “We are making best preparations for the compet- ing athletes and offi cials like we have done over the years despite facing unprecedented challeng- es due to the ongoing pandemic. This event will be another step for the QSA towards staging successful FINA World Cham- pionships in 2023. “Federations from all over the world have reaffi rmed their con- fi dence in QSA’s organisation of major competitions by confi rm- ing their big contingents for the fi rst meet of FINA/CNSG Mara- thon Swim World Series 2021. are honoured to start the FINA/ fi rst meet includes many top Olympic and World long course who clinched her maiden title in QFA Disciplinary Committee bans Al “The event will be staged CNSG Marathon Swim World ranked athletes for both the and short course champion, and the series. Beck will also return with strict measures in place to Series again. We are confi dent to races. Fares Zitouni (FRA) will be the to Doha – one of her favourite Duhail player for two matches combat the spread of Covid-19. organise it successfully in these Olympic bronze medallist other main contenders in the stops – as she also took second We will provide a safe environ- diffi cult times. Marc-Antoine Olivier (FRA), men’s race. position here in 2018. The Qatar Football Association’s disciplinary committee decided ment for all those involved in the “QSA’s arrangements for who won in Doha last year, will The women’s fi eld is even Other leading athletes con- to ban Al Duhail SC player Sultan al-Buraik for two matches competition. The water tem- hosting the event are on track. defend his men’s title against more star-studded with open fi rmed for women’s race include after he was sent off against Al Sadd in the Qatar Cup 2021 peratures and conditions are ex- Doha will produce another ex- a strong line-up also includ- water marathon maestro Ana Rio Olympics silver medallist final. The committee said that the player will also pay a fine for pected to be perfect for athletes citing action of open water ing Kristof Rasovszky (HUN) Marcela Cunha (BRA), returning Rachele Bruni (ITA), Arianna unprofessional behaviour. This rules out the player from his team’s and we are looking forward to swimming in the presence of – gold medallist at 2019 World to Doha, where she emerged vic- Bridi (ITA) – 25km winner at the match against Al Shamal in HH the Amir Cup quarter-final today. exciting races,” al-Jabir added. champion long-distance swim- Aquatics Championships torious in 2019. 2018 European Aquatics Cham- He will also miss the 18th round of the QNB Stars League against Al QSA Secretary-General Talal mers.” (5km). Last year, Cunha fi nished sec- pionships – and Lara Grangeon Kharaitiyat. Mohamed al-Darwish said: “We The fi eld confi rmed for the Gregorio Paltrinieri (ITA), ond behind Leonie Beck (GER), de Villele (FRA).

HORSE RACING SPOTLIGHT Al Shaqab’s Divertissement QVA holds regular general assembly remains unbeaten in Bordeaux

The General Assembly was chaired by QVA President Ali Ghanim al-Kuwari. Hugo Mouesan (left) rides Al Shaqab Racing’s Divertissement to victory in the Prix des Landes at Bordeaux- le-Bouscat in France on Sunday. (Robert Polin) QNA previous meeting, approval of reports of past Younousse and Ahmed Tijan. Doha activities and future projects, and approval of It praised the performance of all clubs Agencies keen in the early stages, among fair, there wasn’t much pace and the fi nal account of the last fi scal year. and their commitment to the instructions to Bordeaux, France the backmarkers at the entrance we had a bit of luck as the gaps The meeting, which was chaired by Presi- limit the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic of the straight, and in a race in opened up on the inside. She he Qatar Volleyball Association dent of Qatar Volleyball Association Ali and everyone’s keenness to follow the pre- which the lead changed hands, didn’t win by much but did it (QVA) held the Regular General As- bin Ghanim al-Kuwari, praised during the cautionary and preventive instructions is- l Shaqab Racing’s Di- she courageously took the nicely. Given the lack of tempo, sembly at the QVA’s headquarters in meeting the technical levels of sports clubs sued by the Ministry of Public Health and vertissement, a daugh- spoils by a quarter-of-a-length. she raced a bit freely in the initial the presence of all members of the during the current sports season, and the the Olympic Committee in order to ensure ter of the Haras du Trained by Jean-Claude Rouget, stages before showing a neat turn TGeneral Assembly of club representatives. impressive performance of the Qatari teams the safety of everyone. It also noted the con- Bouquetot sire Sha- she had won on her debut in of foot.” The meeting discussed a number of impor- that recently participated in the 2021 FIVB certed eff orts in serving the game, the clubs’ Alaa, maintained her unbeaten good style at Cagnes-sur-Mer Divertissement holds entries tant topics related to the future of volleyball Beach Volleyball World Tour at Al Gharafa. preparations and their interest in develop- record in the Prix des Landes on January 18. in the Poule d’Essai des Pouli- in Qatar. The tournament took place under strict ing teams, despite the current circumstanc- (a class two race), at Bordeaux- Her jockey, Hugo Mouesan, ches, the Prix de Diane and the The agenda of the General Assembly in- precautionary measures at the venue. The es of the Covid-19 pandemic that aff ected le-Bouscat on Sunday. A little said: “It was a bit of a tactical af- Prix Saint-Alary. cluded the approval of the minutes of the event was won by the Qatari duo Cherif the sports season for age groups.