Gulf Times 2 Sunday, February 16, 2020 FOOTBALL

OOREDOO CUP PREMIER LEAGUE Mane strikes as Reds overcome Al Sadd, Rayyan Norwich to open up 25-point lead

AFP top. He opted to pass to his London left to Teemu Pukki but Alis- make semis aft er son Becker produced a superb save, clawing the ball away at adio Mane struck as the feet of the Finnish striker. Liverpool overcame Liverpool were quickly on Storm Dennis and top again in the second half, feisty basement club keeping Norwich at arm’s NorwichS to extend their lead at length, but struggled to create the top of the Premier League clear chances until Keita tested shootout wins table to 25 points yesterday. Tim Krul from distance in the Jurgen Klopp’s runaway 58th minute. The change in tournament format this season stipulated that if a match ends in a league leaders were short of The Anfi eld giants laid siege their fl uent best during their to the Norwich goal but frus- tie, penalty shootout would be straightaway enforced to determine the result 1-0 victory but returned im- tration mounted as the home mediately to winning ways af- side somehow kept the score ter their winter break. at 0-0. Moments later Keita They are galloping towards should have done better when their fi rst league title for 30 he reacted quickly to a rebound years and can also dream of a off Krul but the goalkeeper treble to match Manchester dived to his right to deny the United’s achievement in 1999. Guinea international. The result leaves Daniel Alexander Tettey almost Farke’s Norwich rooted to the caught Becker out on a rare bottom of the table, six points Norwich foray into the Liver- behind 19th-placed Watford pool half, thundering a shot and they look set for an im- against the near post as the mediate return to the Cham- home crowd roared their team pionship despite their battling on. But just when it seemed performance. Norwich could become just Klopp brought back mid- the second team this season fi elder Naby Keita for his fi rst after Manchester United to start in a Premier League deny Liverpool all three points, match since December and Mane broke the deadlock. Mane was on the bench as The second-half substitute Liverpool started with confi - controlled a long ball from dence. The champions-elect Henderson with his right foot bossed possession in the early in the 78th minute before lash- stages without creating many ing home with his left. clear-cut openings but Nor- Pukki had a late chance to wich managed some brief equalise but shot straight at spells of attractive passing Alisson as Liverpool held on football themselves. for their 25th win in 26 Premier Liverpool’s silky forward League matches. Roberto Firmino was particu- Defending champions Man- larly impressive, producing an chester City, reeling from a exquisite piece of skill to con- European ban for the next two trol a long Jordan Henderson seasons for breaching fair play pass before the ball was sto- rules, are in second place in len off his toes as he shaped to the table but have no chance of shoot. winning a third straight title. But despite a few hairy mo- European champions Liver- ments, Farke’s men kept Liv- pool, who play Atletico Madrid erpool quiet and came close to in the fi rst leg of their last-16 snatching the lead themselves. tie on Tuesday and are through Lukas Rupp got in behind to the FA Cup fi fth round, now the Liverpool defence and have a chance to win the three controlled a long ball over the biggest trophies on off er.

Al Sadd (L) and Al Rayyan players celebrate after their respective wins in the Ooredoo Cup quarter-finals yesterday.

By Sports Reporter The game’s intensity increased in the for Al Khor. The lead was neutralised by the 25th minute following a brilliant piece Doha second half and Al Sadd surged ahead in Al Rayyan’s Rodrigo Tabata in the 74th of footwork. the 62nd minute through Hamed Ismail, minute through a penalty, awarded when Al Khor’s January signing Lucca Borg- who curled in a direct free-kick past Qatar Atef Mohamed brought down Abdulaziz es, who played for Al Rayyan last season, l Sadd defeated Qatar SC in the SC goalkeeper Mohamed Ghanem. Hazza. missed a sitter by skying the ball with only tie-breaker and stormed into the Al Sadd’s Khalid Mubarak received his Sudden death came into play after the the goalkeeper in front. semi-fi nals of 2019-20 Ooredoo marching orders in the 77th minute for regular time ended 1-1 and tie-breaker Tiago drew a fi ne save from Al Hajri as ACup at the Qatar SC Stadium fouling Kayke and the latter himself con- ended 5-5. the fi rst half, during which only Sultan yesterday. verted the resultant penalty. Both deci- Khaled Muftah, Ibrahim Masoud, al-Kuwari came closest to scoring for Al The tie-breaker was enforced after the sions were taken by VAR. Ahmed Abdelmaqsoud, Lee Jae-Ik and Rayyan, drew to a close. teams were level 1-1 at the end of regular In the tie-breaker, Abdelkarim Hassan, Rodrigo Tabata scored for Al Rayyan in the On to the second session and a goal by time. Hamed Ismail (62nd minute) and Hamed Ismail, Mohamed Waad, Ayoub tie-breaker. Afterwards, Abdulrahman al- Al Khor was in the offi ng. It was scored Kayke Rodriguez (79th-minute penalty) Mashour and Rami Suhail found the tar- Korbi and Mekki Tombari found the target in the 56th minute by none other than scored for Al Sadd and Qatar SC respec- get for Al Sadd. for The Lions in sudden death. Tiago, who gave fi nishing touches to the tively. For Qatar SC, Sardor Rashidov, Elmehdi For Al Khor, Said Brahimi, Musaab Ab- spadework done by fi rst Lucca through The change in tournament format this Barrahma, Ahmed Moein and Kayke were dulmajid, Lucca Borges, Ahmed Salem a through pass and then Hammoudan season stipulated that if a match ends in a on target, while Abdenasser Elkhayati’s and Ahmed Al Mohannadi were on tar- through a cross from the left. tie, penalty shootout would be straighta- shot was blocked by Al Sadd goalkeeper get in the tie-breaker. Mohamed al-Jabri Al Rayyan pressed hard and the equal- way enforced to determine the result. Meshaal Issa Barshim. too was lucky with his kick in sudden iser came in the form of a penalty, award- Al Sadd will play Al Ahli in the semi- Qatar SC had progressed to the quarter- death, but Abdulrahman Rajab’s shot was ed by referee Khamis al-Kuwari after re- fi nal. fi nals as runners-up from Group B, while blocked by Al Rayyan goalkeeper Saoud ferring to VAR. Al Khor’s Atef Mohamed Possession was even in the fi rst half QNB Stars League title holders Al Sadd al-Hajri with his leg. committed the foul on Abdulaziz Hazza. even though Qatar SC forced four cor- reached the Ooredoo Cup quarter-fi nals Earlier, Tiago led the charge as Al Khor Khaled Muftah then had a chance to put ner kicks as against one by Al Sadd, who after fi nishing third in Group A. came hard on Al Rayyan, whose star player Al Rayyan ahead, but he shot over. benched many of their fi rst-team players. Earlier in the day, Al Rayyan edged Al Yohan Boli (new recruit), Yacine Brahimi Al Khor made it to the knockout stage Qatar SC’s Kayke and Al Sadd’s new Khor 7-6 in sudden death to make the last and Franck Kom were missing in action. of Ooredoo Cup in style, topping Group Liverpool’s Sadio Mane celebrates scoring against Norwich in the recruit Marco Fabian shot over as both four where they will take on Al Arabi. Tiago was unlucky to have struck his B with 13 points, whereas Al Rayyan made Premier League yesterday. teams failed to make a breakthrough. Tiago Bezerra scored in the 56th minute powerful shot against the horizontal in the cut after ending up fourth in Group A. Leeds close on leaders West Brom BOTTOMLINE London: Luke Ayling’s goal Midlands rivals Nottingham against his former club was Forest. good enough to give Leeds Matty Cash’s added-time a 1-0 win over Bristol City equaliser saw Forest secure yesterday that saw the fallen a draw at The Hawthorns English giants revive their bid after West Brom had twice Man City face chaos aft er ban, for automatic promotion to led through Callum Robinson the Premier League. and a Tobias Figueiredo This was just Leeds’ second own-goal. win in seven league matches But Kyle Bartley’s own-goal and saw them move to within and Cash’s late eff ort saw says former star Rodney Marsh four points of Championship Forest to a draw. AFP ‘They’ve been honourable how they’ve gone about it, Former Manchester United and Eng- leaders West Bromwich West Brom manager Slaven London land midfi elder Paul Ince disagrees with Albion.Victory was made all Bilic, however, refused to be as usual like Manchester City. This will be a shock for Brown and suggested the ban may con- the better for Leeds by the downhearted after seeing his them but it will be something that they’ll come out fi ghting’ vince Guardiola and his players to look for fact it helped them open up side drop two points. ormer Manchester City star a way out. a three-point lead over third- “I told the guys I’m going to Rodney Marsh fears the Premier But the damage to City on and off the Guardiola and company may not want Guardiola has won two Premier League placed Fulham, who suff ered be disappointed and they’re League champions will be thrown fi eld could be immeasurable if the ban is to stay at City if they are denied Champi- titles, an FA Cup, and twice lifted the a shock 3-0 loss at home to frustrated, but if we continue into disarray by their shock two- upheld. ons League action. League Cup since arriving at the Etihad bottom-of-the-table Barnsley. like this, with the same yearF ban from UEFA competitions. And ex-England forward Marsh, ranked But former City midfi elder Michael Stadium in 2016. Cauley Woodrow opened the patterns, focus, energy and City have been barred from the Cham- as one of City’s greats after his spell there Brown expects Mansour to fi ght to save His current contract runs until 2021 scoring against former club quality, then we really have a pions League and Europa League from the in the 1970s, is concerned the club’s Abu the club’s reputation and preserve their amid reports he has a release clause that Fulham with a 24th-minute good chance to do what we start of next season and fi ned 30mn euros Dhabi-based owner Sheikh Mansour successful squad. can be triggered at the end of this season. penalty before Jacob Brown want to do,” he said. (£24.9mn) after being found to have com- could walk away in that case. “What they’ve done as a football club, “Manchester City are one of the biggest and Woodrow again were on Brentford moved above mitted “serious breaches” of fi nancial “If this decision is upheld it would not what they’ve done on the pitch, the way clubs in the world,” Ince told BT Sport. target at Craven Cottage as Forest into fourth place on regulations. surprise me to see owner Sheikh Mansour they’ve gone about it, I think they’ve been “The best players want to go to the best Barnsley secured a first win goal diff erence a 1-1 draw at The heavy sanctions relate to an alleged sell the club,” he tweeted. fi rst class,” Brown told the BBC. clubs because of the Champions League. in five league matches. Birmingham. overstatement of sponsorship revenue in “He has been superb for City and this is “They’ve been honourable how they’ve If they’re not in it for the next two years, Only the top two at the end Blackburn closed to within the club’s eff orts to get around Financial a huge kick in the balls. I wouldn’t blame gone about it, as usual like Manchester are they going to be able to get the best of the regular season are three points of the play- Fair Play rules. him.” City. This will be a shock for them but it players? guaranteed promotion to off s thanks a 2-0 win over City, currently second behind runaway City face an anxious wait to discover will be something that they’ll come out “For Pep, they’ve got to win it this year. English football’s lucrative Charlton. Premier League leaders Liverpool, have if their appeal is successful and in the fi ghting. If they’re not in it for the next two years, top flight and West Brom saw Elsewhere, Queens Park said they will appeal against the punish- meantime there will be speculation about “The owners aren’t here for the short the question is what Pep’s going to do and their lead trimmed after they Rangers came from 2-0 down ment through the Court of Arbitration for Mansour and the futures of City manager term, they will take it on. If any owners what players they’re going to be able to at- were held to a 2-2 draw by to win 4-2 at home to Stoke. Sport. Pep Guardiola and his star will take this adversity, it will be these.” tract.” Gulf Times Sunday, February 16, 2020 3 FOOTBALL

LA LIGA FOCUS Hazard to make long-awaited Griezmann shines as return for Madrid against Celta Barca edge gritty Getafe Reuters Madrid

'I’ve been here seven months and have started to fit in and build an understanding with Messi' eal Madrid forward Eden Hazard is set to AFP return from a serious Barcelona ankle injury in today’s LaR Liga match at home to Celta Vigo, coach Zinedine Zidane has slick Antoine Griezmann said. Hazard, who Real signed strike set Barcelona on their from English Premier League way against Getafe in La Liga side Chelsea last summer for a yesterday before they survived joint club record fee of 100mn aA late onslaught from the gritty visitors euros, has only made seven to win 2-1. The result leaves Barcelona league starts for the Spanish side trailing on goal-diff erence atop La Liga and has been absent since hurt- before leaders Real Madrid’s home game ing his ankle in a 2-2 draw with with Celta Vigo today. French giants Paris St Germain In a physically engaging game, Barca on Nov. 26. star Jordi Alba limped off in the rstfi The Belgium international half. Alba, the club tweeted after the returned to training two weeks game, “is suff ering from a right adduc- ago but was not deemed match tor muscle injury and will be undergo- fi t for the derby against Atletico ing further tests.” Madrid or last today’s game at The Catalan giants have a Champions Osasuna. “We know what he League last-16 game away to Napoli on brings to the team, that’s why we Tuesday. Barcelona forwards Luis Sua- signed him, and now is the right rez and Ousmane Dembele are both out time for him to return,” Zidane with long-term injuries. Fed by a mas- told a news conference yesterday terful through ball from Lionel Messi, ahead of the match with Celta. Griezmann’s fi nish was perfect as he “I’m very happy that he has clipped the ball over onrushing goal- returned. After three months keeper David Soria on 33 minutes. out it’s like we have signed a new “I’ve been here seven months and player. We had to be careful with have started to fi t in and build an un- him, give him a little more time derstanding (with Messi),” said French and not hurry him back, but he’ll World Cup winner Griezmann. “We are be with us tomorrow. He’s ready getting used to each other and it will to play.” continue to get better with time.” Barcelona beat Getafe leaving Sergi Roberto doubled the scores six them trailing on goal-diff erence minutes after the opener, fi ring into the atop La Liga before leaders Real bottom corner from a cross by Alba’s re- Madrid’s home game with Celta placement Junior Firpo. But a late rally Vigo today. from Getafe, third in La Liga after four Real face Manchester City in straight wins without conceding a goal, a Champions League last-16 gave Barca a scare. fi rst leg at the end of the month, Getafe, playing in their dayglo yellow although Zidane was unsure away strip, often silenced the 80,409 whether Hazard would be able to fans at the Camp Nou. Their direct ap- start against the Premier League proach yielded a goal when Angel Ro- champions. driguez scored with a powerful volley “We have to make sure he is in on 66 minutes. Rodriguez came within Barcelona’s Antoine Griezmann (right) scores past Getafe goalkeeper David Soria during the La Liga match at the Camp Nou in Barcelona yesterday. (Reuters) good shape. He hasn’t played for an inch of pulling Getafe level on 73 three months so it’s a question of minutes sparking a goalmouth scram- Eibar today has been called off because La Liga ahead of Liverpool’s visit next fi elder Thomas Partey had Atletico back Champions League opponents both whether he is up to speed. But at ble. Goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen of poor air quality following a landslide week. Atletico host the runaway Pre- in front only for Geoff rey Kondogbia to playing league matches yesterday. the moment he is fi t enough to be scooped the ball off the line. Barcelona into a nearby rubbish dump, the clubs mier League leaders at the Wanda Met- earn Valencia a share of the points off a in the squad,” added Zidane. clung on before Griezmann and Messi announced yesterday. ropolitano in the Champions League set piece after the restart. SPANISH LA LIGA RESULTS City have been hit with a two- both went close with late eff orts. Allan The Basque regional health depart- last 16 fi rst leg on Tuesday. Twenty four This was Atletico’s 10th stalemate of Mallorca 1 (Cucho 63) Alaves 0; Bar- year ban from European compe- Nyom thought he had put Getafe ahead ment had recommended that sports be hours later Valencia are in Italy to take the season and it left them on 40 points, tition as of next season by UEFA, celona 2 (Griezmann 33, Roberto 39) on 25 minutes when he banged home avoided in the area after the rockslide on Atalanta in Milan. with Valencia in sixth, two points adrift. but Zidane said he did not think Getafe 1 (Rodriguez 66) a rebound. A VAR review, however, on February 6 into the Zaldibar rub- Atletico’s Real Madrid recruit Marcos “We’re on the right path. It was an im- the sanction would aff ect Real’s judged he had fouled Samuel Umtiti. bish dump, about eight kilometres from Llorente right-footed the visitors’ into portant match with lots of goal-scoring Playing today (GMT): Sevilla v Espan- match with them. “They are a Mallorca climbed out of the rel- Eibar’s Ipurua stadium. an early lead before a close range header chances for both sides,” commented yol (1100), Leganes v Real Betis (1300), very competitive team who are egations places as Cucho Hernandez On Friday, Atletico Madrid were twice from Gabriel Paulista got Valencia back Simeone. Eibar v Real Sociedad (1500), Athletic very strong, and that’s not going scored the goal in a 1-0 home victory pegged back in 2-2 draw at Valencia to level fi ve minutes before the break. La Liga conveniently brought the Bilbao v Osasuna (1730), Real Madrid v to change. It’s going to be a very over Alaves. Real Sociedad’s visit to keep Diego Simeone’s side in fourth in Three minutes later Ghanaian mid- game forward to Friday with their Celta Vigo (2000) diffi cult tie,” he said.

LIGUE 1 BUNDESLIGA PSG without Neymar, Mbappe Leipzig beat Bremen to regain top spot AFP held 4-4 by lowly Amiens Berlin

AFP Amiens, France B Leipzig warmed up for their Champions League last 16 tie at Tottenham Hotspur next week with miens’ Serhou Guirassy a 3-0 win over strugglers Werder scored an injury time BremenR to regain top spot in the Bundesliga equaliser yesterday to yesterday. With Bayern Munich playing Co- secure a roller-coaster logne away today, Leipzig took the chance to 4-4A draw with a Paris Saint- usurp the defending champions and estab- Germain side without Neymar lish a two-point lead. and Kylian Mbappe ahead of next Goals by defender Lukas Klostermann, week’s Champions League last 16 forward Patrik Schick and midfi elder Nordi tie at Borussia Dortmund. Mukiele sealed the home win. Klostermann Relegation-haunted Amiens broke the deadlock when he tapped home on had been on course for a shock 18 minutes when Schick had nudged the ball win when they surged into a 3-0 back from the far post after a free-kick. lead after 40 minutes before Schick then grabbed his sixth Bundesliga the French champions clawed goal of the season just before the break when their way back to lead 4-3 on the he headed home a corner by Spain Under-21 back of Tanguy Kouassi becom- playmaker Dani Olmo. Leipzig goalkeeper ing PSG’s youngest scorer in 44 Peter Gulacsi put in a great save to prevent years. Brazil forward Neymar has an own goal just before halftime after de- been sidelined since February fender Dayot Upamecano had stretched to 1 with a rib injury while France block a shot. World Cup winner Mbappe was France Under-21 midfi elder Mukiele put rested ahead of Tuesday’s trip to the matter beyond doubt immediately after Germany. the break when he darted into the box, held PSG move 13 points clear of Amiens’ Fousseni Diabate (centre) celebrates with teammates after off his marker and beat Bremen goalkeeper second-place Marseille while the scoring against Paris Saint-Germain yesterday. (AFP) Jiri Pavlenka. The defeat piles the pressure Leipzig’s Nordi Mukiele (left) and Bremen’s Marco Friedl vie for the ball during the home side remain in the relega- on Bremen coach Florian Kohfeldt after his Bundesliga match in Leipzig, eastern Germany, yesterday. (AFP) tion zone and without a league volley. Tuchel made two changes by winger Quentin Cornette to 10th loss in 12 league games keeps his side win since November 2. at the break with Marco Veratti equalise for his eighth eff ort of second from bottom. Wolfsburg in their 3-2 win over Hoff enheim Borussia Dortmund when he netted his The hosts’ boss Luka Elsner and Marquinhos replacing Id- the campaign. Elsewhere, Hertha Berlin ended a chaotic which left them ninth, four points from the ninth goal in six games in their 4-0 win over made two changes to his side rissa Gueye and Silva. Teenager Today, second-placed Mar- week, following the shock departure of head European places. The goals fl ew in the dy- Eintracht Frankfurt. from last Saturday’s loss to Mo- Tanguy Kouassi scored his fi rst seille head to Lille in fourth. On coach Jurgen Klinsmann, with a 2-1 win at ing stages of Bayer Leverkusen’s stunning naco as Haitam Aleesami and senior goal after an hour from a Friday, attacker Islam Slimani bottom side Paderborn as Brazilian strik- 3-2 win at Union Berlin as Karim Bellarabi GERMAN BUNDESLIGA RESULTS Bongani Zungu started instead of Julian Draxler header to become claimed a 1-0 victory for Monaco er Matheus Cunha, signed from Leipzig, netted the winner four minutes into added RB Leipzig 3 (Klostermann 18, Schick 39, the suspended Thomas Moncon- PSG’s youngest goal scorer since at Montpellier. scored on his debut. Klinsmann dropped a time. Having scored two late goals within 82 Mukiele 46) Werder Bremen 0; Hoff enheim duit and Bakaye Dibassy. Lionel Justier in 1976. bombshell on Tuesday when he quit after seconds of each other in last weekend’s 4-3 2 (Baumgartner 45, Kramaric 60-pen) VfL Former French youth interna- The 17-year-old holding mid- FRENCH LIGUE 1 RESULTS just 10 weeks in charge. home win over Borussia Dortmund, Peter Wolfsburg 3 (Weghorst 18-pen, 52-pen, 71); fi elder, who remains on an acad- Bosz’s Leverkusen again left it late. With the tional Guirassy opened the scor- Amiens 4 (Guirassy 5, 90+1, His assistant Alexander Nouri was in a Augsburg 1 (Max 38) Freiburg 1 (Haberer 51); ing after nine minutes before ex- emy contract with the Parisians, caretaker capacity at Paderborn where de- scores locked at 2-2 after 90 minutes, Bel- Kakuta 29, Diabate 40) PSG 4 Paderborn 1 (Jarstein 51-og) Hertha Berlin Chelsea midfi elder Gael Kakuta equalised fi ve minutes later from fender Dedryck Boyata headed Hertha into larabi fi nished a move he started and beat (Herrera 45, Kouassi 60, 65, 2 (Boyata 10, Cunha 67); Union Berlin 2 doubled the lead 20 minutes an Angel Di Maria as PSG pushed an early lead before Cunha had a goal disal- Union goalkeeper Rafal Gikiewicz to send Icardi 74) (Gentner 7, Buelter 87) Bayer Leverkusen 3 later. Fousseni Diabate, on-loan on. lowed. Hertha goalkeeper Rune Jarstein gave the ball rolling over the line in the 94th (Havertz 22, Diaby 83, Bellarabi 90+4) from Leicester City, made it 3-0 The visitors thought they had Playing today (GMT): Lyon Paderborn brief hope with an own-goal minute. on the 40-minute mark after his completed a huge comeback as v Strasbourg (1400), Reims v early in the second-half, but Cunha grabbed The win leaves Leverkusen fourth be- Playing today (GMT): Cologne v Bayern low eff ort was defl ected by PSG Juan Bernat found Mauro Icardi Rennes (1600), Brest v Saint- the winner with a cheeky backheel on 67 fore last night’s late game when Borus- Munich (1430), Mainz 05 v Schalke 04 captain Thiago Silva. Midfi elder at the back-post and the on- Etienne (1600), Lille v Marseille minutes. The win leaves Hertha 13th, nine sia Moenchengladbach are at relegation- (1700) Ander Herrera cut the league loan forward hit his 19th goal of (2000) points above the relegation places. threatened Fortuna Duesseldorf. On Friday, Played Friday: Borussia Dortmund 4 (Pis- strugglers’ lead seconds before the season. But after one minute Played Friday: Monaco 1 (Sli- Dutch striker Wout Weghorst netted Erling Braut Haaland continued his phe- zczek 33, Sancho 50, Haaland 54, Guerreiro half-time with a side-footed of injury time, Guirassy was fed mani 52) Montpellier 0 a hat-trick, including two penalties, for nomenal scoring record for third-placed 74) Eintracht Frankfurt 0 Gulf Times 4 Sunday, February 16, 2020 SPORT

AL KASS INTERNATIONAL CUP SPOTLIGHT Kashiwa pull off Rangers knock out stunning victory over Barcelona unlucky Suwon By Sports Reporter corner. From the resulting fl ag- Doha kick Marc Jurado got a header on target but the keeper had it cov- Lindsay scores the winner in the 93rd minute for the defending champions ered. arcelona failed to get Jan Coca almost put the Span- By Sports Reporter off to a winning start iards ahead just before half-time Doha on their return to the Al but his eff ort was comfortably Kass International Cup saved by Itoh. There was still asB they lost 1-2 to determined time for Toni to go close be- eigning champions Glasgow Japanese outfi t Kashiwa Reysol fore the break but he didn’t do Rangers grabbed a last-gasp yesterday. enough to worry the keeper and winner to send battling Koreans Former runners-up Kashiwa, the sides remained level. Suwon Samsung out of conten- beaten 3-0 by Paris St Germain Barca started the second half tionR for the Al Kass International Cup. in their opener, were ahead after just as the ended the opening Suwon had led in both of their games, but just 45 seconds as Barca suff ered period, and Toni crashed a volley failed to reach the knock-out stage after a nightmare start with goal- against the post on 49 minutes. defeats to Aspire Academy (3-1) and now keeper Alejandro Pinazo putting Ryunosuke Hanahatsu saw an Rangers (3-2). through his own net. Receiving attempted clearance hit his own The Koreans twice took the lead but af- a back-pass, he went to clear the bar before bouncing onto the line ter grabbing a 77th minute equaliser they ball upfi eld only to slice the ball before going clear. pushed for a winner and it was player of and he looked on with embar- The skillful Jan Coca was caus- the match Charlie Lindsay who snatched rassment as it looped back over ing Kashiwa all kinds of prob- it in the 93rd minute. Suwon had the bet- his head and into the net. lems and Toru Nishimura threw ter of the early exchanges and Cheolgyu After that, it was all Barcelona himself into a challenge to deny Han outpaced Bobby Dean to latch onto a and Jan Coca, whose twin broth- the Spaniard and he almost put long ball but Jack McConnnell in goal for er Jordi was also in the Barca line- through his own goal. Kashiwa Rangers pulled off a fine save. up, went down under a challenge had a great chance on 70 minutes In a game of few chances, Suwon hit from keeper Takuni Itoh outside when substitute Shoma Kurita the post of the half-hour mark when Ji- of the box but referee Saoud al- had too much pace for Gerard hun Yoon sent in a high cross from the Qahthani waved play on. Hernandez and went clear but right and as Han tried to connect with his Had a free-kick been given, Pinazo threw out his left leg to head, the ball deceived him and the keep- Itoh could well have seen red make a fi ne save, atoning for his er before hitting the post. The opening as he was the last man but the fi rst minute mistake. goal came on 34 minutes when Seongjin Japanese side were relieved that At the other end of the pitch Lee, who had just been booked, con- nothing was given. substitute, Iker Bravo tried his nected beautifully with a low drive from Although dominating pos- luck with a spectacular overhead outside of the box. There was no appar- session, Barca were not creat- kick that had the keeper beaten ent danger when he received the ball but ing many chances but Antonio but hit the post. he easily held off Leyton Dunlop and went Comino – better known simply The Spaniards were stunned past Connor Allan before letting fl y to as Toni - did test the keeper with though when Kashiwa took beat McConnell at the near post. a long-range eff ort. Minutes the lead on 86 minutes. Ota Suwong deserved their half-time lead, later, Ryoga Tanaka went close Yamamoto sent in a free-kick having enjoyed 55% possession and had with a free-kick for Kashiwa but and skipper Go Otsuki went fi ve shots to Rangers’ one, but the Scots it came as no surprise when Aleix down in the box under a reck- started the second half much better. They Glasgow Rangers (right) and Suwon Samsung players go for a headers during the Al Kass International Cup. PICTURE: Jayaram Garrido equalised with a well- less challenge by Toni, leaving equalised on 48th minute when Lindsay taken goal on 32 minutes. He sent the referee with no alternative burst into the box and unselfi shly pulled is one of the best young talents at the a harmless high ball into the box and come the youngest professional football- Jordi away down the right and but to point to the spot. Pinazo the ball back for skipper Robbie Ure to fi re club, fi red a powerful shot that was saved the keeper, under no pressure, opted to er in US history. Rangers fi nished strongly the ball was pulled back perfectly threw himself to the right to pull home. Ure has already featured in Rang- with the ball then just deceiving Ure. punch but made a mess of it and Icelan- with Ure seeing a powerful shot saved and for Garrido to fi re home. off a fi ne save from Yamamoto, ers’ reserve team this season, which is not Suwong took the lead again on 65 min- dic youngster Johannes Bjarnason headed Jacobs then setting up Mebude who fi red Jordi almost went from pro- who followed up to score. It was unusual as the Glasgow club tend to play utes with a rather fortuitous goal. Han into an empty net, despite the eff orts of into the side netting. Hyunjin almost paid vider to scorer minutes later a stunning win for Kashiwa and a lot of their youngsters at a higher group had a great chance to score but Kelsey Jongseok Yu to reach it. the price for his tendency to punch when with a low driver that Itoh got his leaves Barca needing to defeat to speed up their development. Ewen lunged to block his eff ort, only for Substitute Francis Jacobs, who only he again opted not to catch and Lindsay hands to and the balled bobbled Paris St Germain tomorrow to Rangers almost added a second when Mohsen Al Sharshani to point to the spot. linked up with the club fi ve days earlier almost caught him out with a lob that towards goal only to go out for a stay in the competition. the infl uential Lindsay held off Jeyi Lee Sangmin Lee took the spot kick but tried after joining on loan from their Ameri- the keeper scrambled back to catch. But but saw his shot saved. As Rangers pushed a Penanka which lacked the height and can partner club Orange County, almost Lindsay made no mistake when gifted a for a second, Scottish youth international McConnell really should have saved it. found Mebude with a wonderful chip as 93rd minute tap-in after Ure’s attempted Dire Mebude – whose elder brother Dapo Rangers levelled when Harkness sent he displayed the ability that saw him be- pass ricocheted into his path.

TENNIS Clijsters faces tough return against Bertens

AFP Clijsters, a four-time Grand Slam sin- Brussels gles champion, has not competed on Tour since the 2012 US Open. She retired for the fi rst time in May 2007 and returned im Clijsters, 36, who is starting in August 2009 after the birth of her fi rst her second comeback to pro- child Jada. She went on to reclaim the fessional tennis in Dubai next number one ranking and win three more week, will not have an easy re- majors. Since retiring for a second time Kturn, as she was handed a fi rst-round tie she has had sons, Jack and Blake. She had against world number eight Kiki Bertens initially scheduled her comeback for Jan- in yesterday’s draw. uary to compete in the Australian Open, Clijsters, a Belgian mother-of-three, the fi rst Grand Slam of the season, which joked in Dubai that she was not receiv- she won in 2011. But a knee injury forced ing the full support of her family. “My her to change plans. She said that her son Jack is hoping I’ll lose early, so I’ll be fi rst tournament would be in Monterrey, home soon,” she told Belgian media. Mexico in March before bringing the date Bertens, 28, said earlier this year in forward to the hard-court tournament in a column for the BBC that “although Dubai. “There have been a few bumps but I never really enjoyed watching tennis looking forward to returning to the match when I was young, Kim Clijsters was my court,” she tweeted. role model. I think it would be nice if I She told Belgian media this week that could play against her one day. I don’t “things were going well in training” but know how I’d feel if that happened, but added “I need matches the most”. The some people are questioning her ability to ness that’s the hardest to catch up with,” of course I’d want to beat her,” the Dutch tennis world in general has welcomed return to the top level. said compatriot Justine Henin, who won Kashiwa Reysol’s Ota Yamamoto celebrates after scoring against player continued. Clijsters’ return, even though in Belgium, “After so many years, it’s the explosive- seven Grand Slam titles. Barcelona during the Al Kass International Cup yesterday.

ROUND-UP Bertens sets up clash with Rybakina in St Petersburg fi nal

Reuters fi nals, was staring at defeat down 5-4 prevailing in the two-and-half-hour she committed more unforced errors St Petersburg in the second set against Sakkari. slugfest, which was halted for nearly to fade away in the contest. “I started But the world number 25 won nine half an hour after the Centre Court a little bit too slow and gave her too of the last 10 games of the match to lights went off . much of the initiative,” Linette said. older Kiki Bertens battled storm into the biggest fi nal of her ca- Losing the fi rst set gave eighth “My coach told me to hit it harder and past Russian Ekaterina Alex- reer as she chases a third title. seed Hibino a jolt, and she raced to a he was right. I started dictating the androva 6-1, 4-6, 6-1 in the Rybakina faces a potentially tricky 3-0 lead in the second and eventu- match, although I made a few more St Petersburg Ladies Trophy test against second seed Bertens, who ally forced the decider. Kung kept her mistakes,” added the 28-year-old. semi-fiH nals yesterday to set up a title easily beat her in their only previ- nerve in the fi nal set and dropped to clash with Elena Rybakina. ous meeting, in the semi-fi nals of the her knees and pumped her fi sts when CANADIAN TEENAGER The world number eight dominated Rosmalen grasscourt event in June last Hibino’s return on match point hit the AUGER-ALIASSIME REACHES the fi rst set before losing the second year. net. “I’m really nervous inside and not ROTTERDAM FINAL to an inspired Alexandrova, but found as composed as it may look,” the teen- Canadian rising star Felix Auger-Ali- her rhythm in the decider where she QUALIFIER KUNG ager said. assime closed to within one match of lost only three points on her serve to CONTINUES DREAM RUN TO Linette remained on course for her ending his wait for a maiden ATP ti- close out the victory. REACH THAILAND OPEN FINAL second WTA title after the fi fth seed tle by beating Pablo Carreno Busta to It was the Dutchwoman’s third Swiss qualifi er Leonie Kung extended beat Patricia Maria Tig 7-5, 6-4. The reach the Rotterdam fi nal yesterday. straight win over a Russian, follow- her dream run in the Thailand Open Pole began with a love hold in the The 19-year-old booked a place in his ing victories over Veronika Kuder- on Saturday, stunning Nao Hibino in opening game and even claimed the fourth Tour fi nal with a 7-6 (7/2), 6-4 metova and Anastasia Potapova, as the semi-fi nal to set up a title clash opening break, but Romanian Tig win over Spain’s Carreno Busta. she reached her fi rst fi nal of the year. with fi fth seed Magda Linette in only staged a comeback to put her two World number 21 Auger-Aliassime Earlier, Hobart International winner her second main-draw appearance at points away from claiming the set. will face either Serbia’s Filip Kraji- Rybakina advanced to her third fi nal a WTA event. Linette, the highest-seeded player in novic or French third seed Gael Mon- Kiki Bertens in action in four events this season with a gritty A day after knocking out world the last four, raised her game just when fi ls today. He lost all three of his pre- during her semi-final match 3-6, 7-5, 6-1 victory over Greek sixth number 27 Wang Qiang, Kung showed she needed to snatch the set in less than vious ATP fi nals last year in Rio de against Russia’s Ekaterina seed Maria Sakkari. character to beat her Japanese oppo- an hour. Tig grew erratic in the second Janeiro, Lyon and Stuttgart, while he Alexandrova. (Reuters) The 20-year-old Kazakh, who saved nent 7-5, 4-6, 6-3. “I’m super tired set, adopting a high-risk approach, was also a member of the Canadian two match points to get past French but also super happy to be able to win while struggling with her serve. side which lost to Spain in the Davis qualifi er Oceane Dodin in the quarter- tonight,” the 19-year-old said after It won her some cheap points, but Cup fi nal. Gulf Times Sunday, February 16, 2020 5 SPORT

BASKETBALL MLB Bellinger blasts off on Houston Astros’ Team USA rally to sign-stealing scandal

Reuters clinching home run against the Los Angeles Yankees last fall, with the As- tros second baseman yelling at his teammates not to rip off his os Angeles Dodgers fi rst jersey as he approached home beat Team World in baseman/outfielder plate. Altuve’s actions have in- Cody Bellinger didn’t creased speculation that the mince words on Friday team’s sign-stealing scandal in- Lwhen commenting about the cluded the use of wiring devices. Houston Astros’ sign-stealing “I don’t know what human scandal and subsequent apolo- hits a walk-off home run against gies. Aroldis Chapman to send your “I thought the apologies were team to the World Series, and 1) Rising Stars contest whatever,” Bellinger said, ref- has the thought to say, ‘Don’t rip erencing the Astros’ press con- my jersey off ,’ but 2) go into the ference on Thursday from their tunnel, change your shirt, and ‘We wanted to come out and play hard and show what Charlotte is about’ spring training site in West Palm then come out and do your in- Beach, Fla. “I thought (owner) terview. That makes no sense to AFP Jim Crane’s was weak. I thought me,” Bellinger said. Los Angeles (commissioner Rob) Manfred’s Altuve and teammate Alex punishment was weak, giving Bregman spoke for a combined (the players) immunity. Those one minute, 24 seconds on eam USA outgunned Team World guys were cheating for three Thursday and did not directly 151-131 in the NBA’s Rising Stars years. I think what people don’t address their role in the scandal. event on Friday in a game that realise is (Jose) Altuve stole an “We had a great team meeting lacked little semblance of de- MVP from (New York Yankees last night. And I want to say the Tfense even before it deteriorated into an slugger Aaron) Judge in ‘17. Eve- whole Astros organization and unoffi cial dunk contest. ryone knows they stole the ring the team feels bad about what As Team USA put the contest out of from us. But it’s over.” happened in 2017,” Altuve said. reach in the fourth quarter, the play- Major League Baseball con- “We especially feel remorse for ers stepped aside to let the impromptu ducted an investigation and de- the impact on our fans and the dunking take place, featuring Team clared that the Astros stole signs game of baseball. Our team is USA’s Zion Williamson. throughout the 2017 season, determined to move forward to The forward even bent the basket with continued to do so for only part play with intensity and bring one of his rim-shaking dunks earlier in of the 2018 campaign and not in back a championship to Houston the game. 2019. Bellinger, however, said he in 2020.” Golden State Warriors player Eric Pas- believes the cheating continued. Crane said he blamed the chall led Team USA with 23 points, and “A hundred percent,” Bell- team’s leadership for failing its Canadian RJ Barrett of the New York inger said. “I don’t know why players. Major League Baseball Knicks had a game-high 27 points for they would stop.” said its investigation showed the Team World at the United Center arena The Dodgers not only lost the scheme was player-driven. in Chicago. 2017 World Series to the Astros, MLB suspended manager AJ Williamson, who plays for the New they also dropped the cham- Hinch and general manager Jeff Orleans Pelicans, fi nished with 14 points. pionship series in 2018 to the Luhnow for the season after the Miles Bridges of Team USA was named Boston Red Sox, who are being investigation, fi ned the team $5 MVP of the game after scoring 20 points. investigated to determine if they million and took away four high “We wanted to come out and play hard stole opponents’ signs elec- draft picks. Hinch and Luhnow in the Rising Stars and show what Char- tronically - a violation of base- subsequently were fi red. Dusty lotte is about – me, Devonte’ (Graham) ball rules. Bellinger also shared Baker has taken over as manager, and PJ (Washington),” Bridges said. “I his thoughts on Altuve’s ALCS- with James Click hired as GM. didn’t have any extra motivation, really, I wouldn’t say that. But MJ (Michael Jor- dan) putting Chicago on the map, it defi - nitely plays a big part, though.” Norman set for fresh start aft er Team USA seized command in the release from Redskins third quarter when they showed their off ensive prowess by outscoring Team The Washington Redskins re- catches for 507 yards and four World 44-24. Bridges connected on leased veteran cornerback Josh touchdowns. three-pointers in back-to-back posses- Norman and three other players The Redskins cleared $2.3 mil- sions to cut a 12-point lead in half with on Friday, the team announced. lion of cap space by releasing fi ve-minutes left in the third quarter. Wide receiver Paul Richardson him, per Spotrac. Three minutes later, Charlotte’s Dev- Jr, defensive back Kenny Ladler Odom played in four games onte’ Graham made a pair of threes to put and defensive end Chris Odom with Washington in 2019, Team USA ahead 104-103. It was their also were released by the recording nine tackles and two fi rst lead since the opening minutes of Redskins. sacks. Ladler played in one the game. Norman told NBC Sports game, making four tackles for Team World led 81-71 at the half after Washington earlier in the day the Redskins last season. Dallas Mavericks’ Luka Doncic sank a that new Redskins coach Ron shot from half-court with two seconds Rivera called him to inform him RAVENS’ HURST DRAWS remaining in the second quarter. of his impending release. Rivera 4-GAME SUSPENSION The game was part of the weekend fes- was Norman’s coach during the The NFL suspended Baltimore tivities leading up to the All-Star Game latter’s time with the Carolina Ravens off ensive tackle James on Sunday night. USA’s Miles Bridges hoists the MVP trophy at the NBA Rising Stars game at the United Center in Chicago. (USA TODAY Sports) Panthers (2012-15). Hurst four games for violating “It’s their choice, not mine,” said the league’s policy on perform- Norman, who played four years ance-enhancing substances, Bryant named Basketball Hall of Fame finalist, three weeks after death with Washington. according to a report from NFL Three weeks after Kobe Bryant, one The three-day event is likely to be mut- First Team honors, four All-Star Game coach Kim Mulkey, five-time Division “Now I can start something new Network’s Ian Rapoport. of the most dominant players in NBA ed as the National Basketball Associa- MVP awards and a Slam Dunk Contest II National Coach of the Year Barbara and fresh.” Hurst, who appeared in every history, was killed with his daughter and tion pays homage to the fallen star. “I’ve title. Bryant also sits as the Lakers’ all- Stevens, four-time National Coach of Norman became the NFL’s game during the 2019 regular seven others in a helicopter crash, the never seen in my long life an athlete time leader in several categories, includ- the Year Eddie Sutton and two-time NBA highest-paid cornerback after season and made two starts, global sports icon was named a finalist passing that had the impact that Kobe’s ing games played and steals. Champion coach Rudy Tomjanovich. signing a five-year contract, $75 reportedly will miss the first four to the Basketball Hall of Fame. passing had on people, people on the Bryant wore the No. 24 and No. 8 during Bryant was on his way with his daughter million prior to the 2016 season. games of next season. Bryant, fourth all time in NBA scoring, street, people that didn’t even know his career. Both numbers are retired and seven others to a youth basketball His departure frees $12.4 million The suspension could prompt played for the Los Angeles Lakers dur- him,” said Jerry Colangelo, chairman of by the Lakers with his jerseys hanging tournament on Jan. 26 when the heli- of cap space for Washington, the Ravens to cut ties with ing an illustrious 20-year career that the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall from the Staples Center rafters. Joining copter they were in crashed in Calabas- according to Spotrac. Hurst, which reportedly would was highlighted by five NBA champion- of Fame, after the announcement was Bryant as finalists were former NBA sas, California. Richardson struggled to stay save $2.75 million against the ships, two NBA Finals MVPs and one made. stars Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett and Class of 2020 inductees will be named healthy after signing a five-year, salary cap. league MVP. The announcement came “In my case it was personal... so much Chris Bosh, along with former Women’s during the NCAA Final Four in Atlanta, $40 million contract in March The 28-year-old Hurst has during the NBA All-Star weekend in Chi- more diff icult for me and family,” said National Basketball Association (WNBA) Georgia in early April. The enshrinement 2018. appeared in 90 games since cago, which culminates on Sunday with Colangelo, a long-time NBA executive stars Swin Cash and Tamika Catchings. ceremony will take place at the Naismith He played in a total of 17 games joining the Ravens in 2014 as an exhibition game featuring the sport’s who was inducted in the Hall of Fame Also named as finalists were three- Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in over the past two seasons with an undrafted free agent out of best players. in 2004. Bryant won nine All-Defensive time NCAA National Championship Springfield, Mass. on August 29. the Redskins, compiling 48 North Carolina.

NHL Kreider’s goal helps Rangers down Blue Jackets Reuters in the second when Bjorkstrand backhand- Columbus RESULTS ed the rebound of defenseman Scott Har- rington’s shot over Georgiev’s glove and off Rangers 3-1 Columbus the crossbar. hris Kreider scored the tiebreaking Pittsburgh 4-1 Montreal goal with 3:11 remaining in the third San Jose 3-2 Winnipeg ZUCKER’S TWO GOALS LEAD period and the New York Rangers PENGUINS TO WIN beat the host Columbus Blue Jackets Carolina 5-2 New Jersey Jason Zucker scored two goals in his second 3-1C on Friday night. game with the Pittsburgh Penguins, leading The Rangers won their season-high fourth 19, tallied for Columbus, which dropped its them to a 4-1 win against the visiting Mon- straight game and won for the fi fth time in six fourth straight game (0-2-2). The Blue Jack- treal Canadiens on Friday night. games thanks to Kreider, who scored his sev- ets also allowed the winning goal shortly af- Zucker, who was acquired from the Min- enth goal in the last nine games. ter Boone Jenner’s shot went off the post on a nesota Wild in a trade on Monday, scored Kreider scored after the Rangers kept the short-handed breakaway. both goals in the fi nal two minutes of the sec- puck in the off ensive zone for most of a power With rookie Igor Shesterkin still nursing ond period to give the Penguins a 3-1 lead. play after the Blue Jackets got called for hav- an ankle injury from a collision in the crease Sidney Crosby had three assists, Kris ing too many men on the ice. Tuesday in Winnipeg, New York goaltender Letang and Zach Aston-Reese also scored, The decisive sequence started when de- Alexandar Georgiev made 36 saves, including and Tristan Jarry made 34 saves for Pitts- fenseman Adam Fox’s shot from the right cir- 21 in the second period. burgh, which moved back within three points cle sailed over the net and banked off the end Blue Jackets rookie goalie Elvis Merzlikins of the Washington Capitals for fi rst place in boards. The puck ricocheted to Mika Zibanejad stopped 25 shots. the Metropolitan Division. at the red line and he backhanded the puck to The Rangers sped out to a 1-0 lead when The Penguins are 10-3-1 in their past 14 Kreider, who encountered little defensive pres- Buchnevich’s defl ection of defenseman Jacob games. Pittsburgh, which lost 2-1 in over- sure and one-timed the pass into the net for his Trouba’s point shot went past Merzlikins’ time to the visiting Tampa Bay Lightning on 23rd goal. glove. Tuesday, hasn’t dropped two in a row since Pavel Buchnevich scored 22 seconds into the Columbus was unable to score during a Nov. 29-30. Zucker made his Penguins de- game and Ryan Strome added an empty-net four-minute power play when Buchnevich but against the Lightning and didn’t record goal as the Rangers also won their fi fth straight was assessed a hooking and an unsportsman- a point. road game. like conduct penalty for arguing the off ensive Brendan Gallagher scored, and Carey Price Oliver Bjorkstrand, who scored twice in zone penalty with 12:36 left in the second. made 24 saves for Montreal, which has lost New York Rangers left wing Chris Kreider celebrates after scoring a goal against the Columbus Blue Jackets the Blue Jackets’ 2-1 win in New York on Jan. The Blue Jackets scored with 68 seconds left three in a row following a 9-3-0 stretch. in the third period at Nationwide Arena in Columbus. (USA TODAY Sports) Gulf Times 6 Sunday, February 16, 2020 SPORT

CYCLING/ TOUR COLOMBIA Local champion Higuita wins stage, takes lead

AFP RESULTS FROM 4TH STAGE Santa Rosa de Viterbo, Colombia 1. Sergio Higuita (COL) EF Pro Chaves (COL) Colombian national Ineos 50, 5. Richard Carapaz (ECU) Cycling 3hrs 58min 47sec, 2. Egan team s.t., 10. Fredy Montana (COL) Team Ineos 1:00, 6. Fredy Montana ising star Sergio Higuita Bernal (COL) Team Ineos same EPM-Scott s.t. (COL) EPM-Scott 1:16, 7. Aldemar beat Tour de France cham- time, 3. Julian Alaphilippe (FRA) Seclected others Reyes (COl) EPM-Scott 1:28, 8. Gavin pion Egan Bernal into sec- Deceuninck-Quick Step at 2sec, 13. Fabio Aru (ITA) UAE Team Emir- Mannion (USA) Rally Cycling 1:30, ond on Friday to claim vic- 4. Daniel Martinez (COL) EF Pro ates 21 9. Sergio Henao (COL) Team Ineos toryR on the fourth stage of the Tour Cycling 3, 5. Torstein Traen (NOR) Overall standings: 1:31, 10. Fabio Aru (ITA) UAE Team Colombia and move into the overall Uno-X Norwegian Dev Team 4, 6. 1. Sergio Higuita (COL) EF Pro Emirates s.t. lead. Richard Carapaz (ECU) Team Ineos Cycling 11hrs 25min 47sec, 2. Daniel The Colombian national road race s.t., 7. Miguel Florez (COL) Androni Martinez (COL) EF Pro Cycling 13, 3. SELECTED OTHERS: champion timed his attack to per- Giocattoli s.t., 8. Jonathan Caicedo Jonathan Caicedo (ECU) EF Pro Cy- 28. Julian Alaphilippe (FRA) Deceun- fection on the third category climb (ECU) EF Pro Cycling 6, 9. Esteban cling 16, 4. Egan Bernal (COL) Team inck-Quick Step 2:30. to the fi nish of the 169km stage from Paipa to Santa Rosa de Viterbo, with Bernal settling for second and the overall contenders a chance to we worked a lot,” said Bernal. As the simply didn’t have the legs to haul French star Julian Alaphilippe third. shine but also pitted pure climb- leading group quickly dwindled on him in and his Colombian compa- It was a repeat of the Colombian ers like Higuita against puncheurs the climb, Martinez hit the deck in a triot even had time to sit up and cel- road race result earlier this month like Alaphilippe in a thrilling bat- moment of inattention with 4km to ebrate his victory as he crossed the when Higuita pipped Bernal. Higu- tle. Bernal’s Ineos team took up the ride, although he rapidly caught the line. Higuita started the day second, ita said he “sprinted with my heart pace leading into the fi nal climb and leaders. Carapaz launched hostili- but on the same time as team-mates to the end”. At just 22, a year young- on its lower slopes as he and Giro ties two kilometres from the line and Daniel Martinez and overnight lead- er than Bernal, Higuita is quickly d’Italia champion Richard Carapaz built up a sizeable advantage. Alap- er Jonathan Caicedo. He now leads making a name for himself and last looked to gain back some of the 46 hilippe closed the gap and went past by 13sec to Martinez and 16sec to year won a stage at the Vuelta a Es- seconds they lost to Higuita’s EF Pro the Ecuadoran but with a few hun- Caicedo with Bernal fourth at 50sec. pana before fi nishing 14th overall. Cycling squad on Tuesday’s open- dred meters left he ran out of steam, “We have a really strong team, Colombia’s Sergio Higuita of EF Pro Cycling team celebrates with the points leader green shirt On the back of two successive sprint ing team time-trial. allowing Higuita to surge past. Ber- today the team controlled the race after winning the fourth stage of the Tour Colombia 2.1, in Santa Rosa de Vitierbo, Boyaca stages, Friday’s fi nishing climb gave “We tried to make the race hard, nal had been on Higuita’s wheel but perfectly,” said Higuita. Department, Colombia, on Friday. (AFP)

GOLF FOCUS Park In-bee zeroes in on 20th career McIlroy closes in win in Australia AFP LEADING SCORES Adelaide FROM 3RD ROUND 204-Park In-bee (KOR) 67- even-time major 69-68 on Kuchar, Woods winner Park In-bee 207-Ayean Cho (KOR) 69- stretched her lead at the 69-69 LPGA Australian Open 208-Marina Alex 68-70-70 yesterdayS to three shots over 209-Perrine Delacour (FRA) exciting South Korean teenager 72-70-67, Celine Boutier (FRA) Ayean Cho as the veteran tar- 70-69-70 gets yet another victory. 210-Elizabeth Szokol 71-69-70, Competing in Australia for Maria Fassi (MEX) 73-67-70, lags at Riviera the fi rst time since 2012, the Liu Yu (CHN) 73-67-70, Made- 31-year-old is gunning for a lene Sagstrom (SWE) 69-70-71 ‘Two-under was an awfully good score for the way I drove it today. I better find more control’ 20th career win and her fi rst 211-Christina Kim 70-73-68, on the LPGA Tour in almost Brittany Altomare 70-70-71, AFP two years. Amy Olson 68-72-71, Ryu So- Los Angeles She jointly held the over- yeon (KOR) 71-69-71 night lead with Jodi Ewart 212-Pornanong Phatlum Shadoff , but the Englishwom- (THA) 72-71-69, Nicole Broch ory McIlroy, making an had a horror day at the Roy- Larsen (DEN) 71-71-70, Steph- his fi rst start as world al Adelaide Golf Club, slump- anie Meadow (NIR) 70-72-70, number one since ing to a four-over-par 77 to be Ashleigh Buhai (RSA) 71-69- 2015, pulled within two nine off the pace. 72, Hannah Green (AUS) 69-71- strokesR of 36-hole leader Matt In contrast, the stoic Park 72, Ally McDonald 70-70-72, Kuchar Friday as Tiger Woods’s kept her momentum going Jillian Hollis 68-69-75, Lee hopes of a landmark Genesis In- with a 68, making four birdies Mi-hyang (KOR) 71-69-72 vitational win dwindled. on the front nine and three on 213-Lin Xiyu (CHN) 73-70-70, Northern Ireland star McIlroy the back to take control, in- Park Hee-young (KOR) 73-70- fi red six birdies in a four-under cluding a 20-footer at the last. 70, Lizette Salas 70-70-73, par 67 at Riviera Country Club, It left her three clear of Ayean Cho (KOR) 71-71-71, Jodi to share second place on sev- emerging star Cho, who is 12 Ewart Shadoff (ENG) 66-70-77. en-under 135 with Americans years younger than her illus- Harold Varner and Wyndham trious countrywoman. Clark, who both signed for 68s. American Marina Alex is a has made. “She’s a very con- Kuchar, who started the day shot further back, with French sistent player, she played well with a three-shot lead, posted pair Perrine Delacour and Ce- last week, except for the fi nal a two-under 69 that put him at line Boutier one behind her. day. I’m really looking forward nine-under par 133. “I don’t think my emo- to playing with her,” she said. Woods was nine shots off Ku- tions show very much but I get While Park has dropped char’s lead, tied for 45th, after nervous as well. And tomor- to 17th in the world, she has a two-over 73 that included a row I will play under a lot of proved during her storied ca- double-bogey and three-bogeys. pressure, just like other fi nal reer to be incredibly consist- “I made some bad mistakes days in contention,” said Park. ent, having clocked exactly out there,” said Woods, who “It’s going to be a fun day. I 100 top-10 fi nishes to date, opened with a birdie at the 10th love the golf course, the way it earning in excess of US$15 mil- but soon found himself in trou- is playing. It think it’s a good lion. ble. “I had a wedge in my hand at competition we are going to A key motivation for return- 15 and made double there, sand have tomorrow.” ing to Australia to play early- wedge on three and made bogey Cho, the KLPGA Tour’s season events is to make the there. Three runaway shots with Rookie of the Year in 2019, is South Korean Olympic team so wedges, something I rarely ever Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland plays his shot from the fifth tee during the second round of the Genesis Invitational at Riviera Country Club in enjoying some sparkling form she can defend her gold medal do,” added Woods, who was in the Pacific Palisades, California, on Friday. (Getty Images/AFP) on her Australia swing. She led in Tokyo later this year. fairway with 144 yards to the hole going into the last day of the Only the top 15 are automat- at 15 but found a greenside bun- Leading second-round scores “Two-under was an awfully LPGA Vic Open last weekend ically eligible for the Games, ker on the way to a double-bogey. good score for the way I drove before the pressure told and with a limit of four from each He clawed back two shots with 133-Matt Kuchar 64-69 137-Chez Reavie 69-68, Rafa Paul Casey (ENG) 69-69, Sebas- it today,” Kuchar said. “I better she struggled to a fi nal round country. As of this week, she birdies at the 17th and fi rst, but 135-Harold Varner 67-68, Rory Cabrera Bello 68-69 tian Munoz (COL) 69-69, Bryson fi nd more control.” 81. Park said she had been im- is sixth in the Korean pecking was in another greenside bunker McIlroy (NIR) 68-67, Wyndham 138-Jon Rahm 70-68, JB Holmes DeChambeau 68-70 Nineteen players were within pressed with the progress Cho order. at the third and couldn’t get his Clark 67-68 69-69, Justin Rose (ENG) 69-69, 139-Joel Dahmen 68-71, Luke fi ve shots of Kuchar’s lead. Aus- seven-footer to save par to drop. 136-Kang Sung (KOR) 69-67, Adam Kim Si-woo (KOR) 69-69, James List 71-68, Scott Piercy 70-69, tralian Adam Scott fi red seven Two more bogeys in the next Scott (AUS) 72-64, Vaughn Taylor Hahn 68-70, Carlos Ortiz (MEX) Scott Brown 71-68, Brian Harman birdies in his seven-under 64 three holes further dimmed his 69-67, Russell Henley 67-69 68-70, Dustin Johnson 72-66, 70-69. to share fi fth place on 136 with chances of breaking Sam Snead’s South Korean Kang Sung and record of 82 PGA Tour victories Americans Vaughn Taylor and this week. Woods matched the make some birdies this weekend,” in and it makes it very diffi cult it nearly as accurate as I did the Russell Henley. record with a win at the Zozo he said. McIlroy, playing Riviera to control your spin and get any fi rst day,” said Kuchar, who made Sung and Taylor posted Championship in Japan in Octo- for just the fourth time, bird- spin onto the ball coming into the fi rst of his two bogeys at the 67s while Henley carded a 69. ber, and fi nished tied for ninth in ied all three par-fi ves and while these greens. par-fi ve fi rst. After an 18-foot Spain’s Rafa Cabrera Bello and his only other start since at Tor- he hit just four of 14 fairways he “But I managed it well, played birdie putt at the third he rolled American Chez Reavie were rey Pines. The record would be avoided major trouble. the angles, got a couple of re- in a 20-footer from the fringe at tied on 137, while world number extra sweet this week at Riviera ally nice up-and-downs towards the fi fth, but a bogey at the sev- three Jon Rahm of Spain headed - the course where Woods made PLAYING THE ANGLES the end – a nice two-putt on 18.” enth saw him make the turn even a group of 10 on 138 that also in- his tour debut as a teenager, but “Most of the day I did the things Kuchar, however, said his lack for the day. Back-to-back bird- cluded defending champion JB where he has come up empty in 12 that I needed to do,” he said. “I of accuracy had him on the de- ies at 10 and 11 proved enough to Holmes, Justin Rose and Dustin prior starts. “I’m going to have to missed a few fairways coming fensive all day.“Wasn’t driving give him a two-shot cushion. Johnson.

Woods to skip Mexico City World Golf Championships event

Tiger Woods will not play next Day are also skipping the event, he focuses more than ever on The Club de Golf Chapultepec never played. week’s World Golf Champion- along with Americans Patrick the four major championships. course is at a high elevation, But the field will still be loaded, ships (WGC) event in Mexico Cantlay and Rickie Fowler and The 44-year-old will defend where shots can be diff icult headed by world number one City. Swede Henrik Stenson. his Masters title in April as he to judge because the ball flies Rory McIlroy and defending His name was the most promi- Woods finished 10th at the chases the all-time record of about 15% further than at sea champion Dustin Johnson. nent of several big names miss- Mexico Championship in his 18 major titles held by Jack level due to lower atmospheric The event will be played for the ing from the field released by debut at Club de Golf Chapulte- Nicklaus. pressure which makes the air fourth time in Mexico, after hav- the PGA Tour on Friday. pec last year. Woods has won 15 - five Mas- less dense. ing been held for the previous World number two Brooks But he has scrapped the event, ters, four PGA Championships, Most of those who declined to decade in Florida. Koepka, and former number which has no cut, from his in- three U.S. Opens and three enter have mundane records There are four WGC events on ones Justin Rose and Jason creasingly sparing schedule as British Opens. there or, in Day’s case, have the 2020 PGA Tour schedule. A file picture of Park In-bee. Gulf Times Sunday, February 16, 2020 7 SPORT

CRICKET SPOTLIGHT South Africa boss asks fans to respect You can’t forget Smith, Warner

Reuters pering incident at Newlands. Johannesburg, South Africa Animosity between opener Warner and South Africa wick- etkeeper-batsman Quinton de outh Africa’s cricket boss Kock spilled over into a heated what Bumrah has has pleaded with fans stairwell confrontation during to treat Steve Smith and the fi rst Test in Durban, with David Warner with re- team mates stepping in to sepa- spectS and not “embarrass” the rate the players. board with poor behaviour when Warner and his wife, Candice, the Australian batsmen tour the were subsequently targeted by country for the fi rst time since a the crowds, and CSA apologised ball-tampering scandal. to the Australian team after two achieved: Shami Smith and Warner, who in- of the board’s offi cials were pho- curred 12-month bans for their tographed wearing Sonny Bill ‘Just because he hasn’t performed in two games, you can’t just ignore his ability’ parts in the tampering plot dur- Williams masks with fans at the ing a Cape Town Test two years ground. Candice Warner had a IANS ago, were jeered relentlessly by tryst with New Zealand rugby Hamilton, New Zealand English crowds during the one- international Williams more day World Cup and the Ashes than 10 years before the incident. series last year. “What happened last time ndia pacer Mohamed Shami Cricket South Africa’s (CSA) (in South Africa), the behaviour was the star of the show on interim chief executive Jacques was unfortunate,” said Faul, who the second day of the warm- Faul said fans who misbehaved stepped in as CEO in December up game between India would be ejected from venues following Thabang Moroe’s sus- Iand New Zealand XI at Seddon during the limited overs series, pension for alleged misconduct. Park yesterday. He picked three which starts with a Twenty20 “It’s embarrassing when it wickets to ensure that the hosts match in Johannesburg on Friday. happens — for the stadium and fell short of India’s score of 263 “I would plead with South the national federations. by 28 runs. Speaking to reporters African fans to respect our op- “If there are best practices that at the end of the day’s play, when ponents and don’t go overboard we can learn from to prevent it India had taken an 87-run lead, with these things,” Faul told Fair- we’re happy to look at it.” Shami said that the conditions fax media. Last month, England all- helped. “It’s competitive on the fi eld, rounder Ben Stokes was fi ned “It was a bit green and the and we don’t need it. Sport in gen- by the International Cricket wicket was damp on the fi rst eral doesn’t need that behaviour. Council after a foul-mouthed day compared to the second day. “We have a very strict policy row with a fan at the Wanderers Yesterday (First Day) morning, it in terms of fan behaviour and ground during the fourth Test in was challenging and we wanted we will evacuate people but the Johannesburg. to take up that challenge. Today damage will have been done.” Stokes said he had been sub- it was drier compared to yester- Australia’s 2018 tour of South jected to repeated abuse from day, with cloud cover, the condi- Africa was tense on and off the the crowd and apologised for his tions became helpful. fi eld, and well before the tam- “unprofessional” reaction. “There was good bounce and carry, so felt good bowling on a track. These kinds of tracks are a rarity and since we have pac- Controversial Folau scores on ers of that calibre, we reaped its Catalans winning debut benefi ts,” he said. An important aspect of his Former Wallaby Israel Folau, years, followed Sam Tomkins’ game in recent times has been his who was sacked last May early try in the south of France. seam position and the pacer says by Rugby Australia over a He almost repeated the feat it is the eff ect of the hardwork he homophobic social media post, half an hour into the proceed- has put in during training. scored on his Catalans Dragons ings after claiming a ball in the “When you start working on debut in yesterday’s 36-18 Su- air but was a yard short of the something, you develop a pas- per League win over Castleford. tryline before he was tackled. sion that you have to achieve. I In this June 26, 2019, picture, India’s Mohamed Shami (left) and Bhuvneshwar Kumar (right) watch teammate Jasprit Bumrah bowl in the nets Folau, 30, who joined the French More than 8,000 fans were never thought that I will start in Manchester, United Kingdom. (AFP) side on January 28, crossed after present as the hosts claimed developing a great seam posi- just six minutes having caught a their maiden win of the cam- tion but when I realised that a high up and under. paign in Folau’s first game since good seam position can help, It was a roller-coaster ride for me: Ishant on injury Folau, who was playing his featuring for Australian rugby un- I just worked on it. By God’s first rugby league match in 10 ion side the Waratahs last April. grace, now I can do whatever I IANS in New Zealand in time for their Grade 3 tear on his right ankle six weeks. want with the seam. If you want Bengaluru, India two-match Test series. while playing for Delhi in their “He has been advised complete to achieve something, passion is “It was a roller coaster ride for me Ranji Trophy encounter against rest for six weeks, so there is pre-requisite. You have to chase after the injury on my ankle on Vidarbha at the Arun Jaitley little chance of him playing the FORMULA 1 that,” he pointed. ast bowler Ishant Sharma 20th January but with the help Stadium in Delhi. Test series against New Zealand He was defended teammate thanked National Cricket of Ashish Kaushik I managed to A day after the reports came in, next month. When he goes to Jasprit Bumrah who has been FAcademy trainer Ash- pull it off ! Scans were a little scary, DDCA director Sanjay Bhardwaj the National Cricket Academy under the scanner post his re- ish Kaushik for helping him but today I am happy that I am fit had said that the pacer was will depend on his getting into Red Bull launch turn from a stress fracture. through a “roller coaster” ride ! Thanks Ashish Kaushik!” Ishant all but out of the Test series a position where he can walk “How can people forget Jas- following confirmation that he tweeted yesterday. against New Zealand as he had properly,” the former cricketer prit Bumrah’s numerous match- will be joining the Indian team The pacer had suff ered a been asked to rest his leg for had said. rebranded winning performances just af- ter a couple of indiff erent ODI “What Bumrah has achieved perception quickly when the go- From defending Bumrah to guide him and take him along games? I can understand we are for India, how can you even for- ing gets tough for a player. “Peo- to praising newcomer Nav- the way. He needs support. He AlphaTauri team discussing on a topic (after a get that or for that matter ignore ple tend to think very diff erently deep Saini, Shami said that the is bowling well but no one pos- certain length of time) not just it? So if you think positively, and when you do not do well for youngster has it in him to rise to sesses experience straightaway. after 2-4 games. Just because he then it’s good for the player and a few games, their view point great heights. It comes with passage of time. hasn’t performed in two games, his confi dence also.” about you changes. So on our “He is young, he has got tal- Hopefully, it will come soon you can’t just ignore his ability Shami also pointed at how part, we shouldn’t over-think,” ent, pace and height. So there are and we seniors are there to help to win matches,” he explained. people seem to change their he said. benefi ts. But yes, someone has him,” he said.

BOTTOMLINE All-rounder Muhumuza helps

Uganda to their fi rst win in Qatar AlphaTauri’s drivers Daniil Kvyat (right) and Pierre Gasly pose in front of the new car in Salzburg, Austria, on Friday. (AFP) By Sports Reporter of 42 runs but President Eleven Doha struggled to get runs after the Reuters Vettel, Australian Daniel Ric- former got run out for 26. Ibra- Salzburg, Austria ciardo and Dutch youngster Max him had a six and two fours in his Verstappen. ganda salvaged some 35-ball knock. “I think Scuderia AlphaTauri of their reputation as Khurram Shahzad got out at the ed Bull presented Al- is a fantastic project, a new ad- they routed President same score for duck and President phaTauri as their re- venture,” said Gasly. Eleven by 138 runs Eleven folded up in 38th over. Ar- branded Toro Rosso “There’s the end of the story Uduring the second 50-over-a- shad (23), Dharmang Patel (27) Formula One team on of Toro Rosso for sure, which is side match at the Asian Town and Imran Ashraf (28 with two Friday,R with a new look but a quite emotional for me because Stadium on Friday. sixes and two fours) were other familiar target for the season they gave me my fi rst opportu- It was all-rounder Deusdedit double-digit scorers. ahead. nity in Formula One. But there’s Muhumuza, who hit a half-cen- Muhumuza and Henry “We must be within the fi rst a new chapter coming with Scu- tury and followed it up with a Ssenyondo shared six wickets, fi ve in the constructors’ cham- deria AlphaTauri.” three-wicket haul to play a stel- while Frank Nsubuga, Richard pionship,” declared team boss Kvyat added: “It’s a big thing lar role in the tourists’ romp. He Agamire and Trever Bukenya got Franz Tost at the launch of the going on here tonight. New was also declared Player of the one each. white and blue AT01 car at Red name for the team, new livery. Of Match and was presented the Bull’s Hangar-7 facility in Salz- course, technically, the team is award by QCA Operations Man- BRIEF SCORES: Uganda 282 for burg. going to continue the evolution ager Manzoor Ahmad. seven in 50 overs (Saud Islam Honda-powered Toro Rosso from last year.” Batting fi rst, Uganda rode 57, Brian Masaba 54, Deusdedit fi nished sixth overall last year, The new car will hit the track for three half-centuries to post a Mumuza 53, Frank Akankwasa equalling their best ever perform- the fi rst time at Misano in Italy on challenging 282 for seven. Saud 37; Himanshu Rathod 2 for 49, ance, and have an unchanged Saturday, with pre-season testing Islam dominated the 65-run Mohamed Azlan 1 for 36, Imran lineup of Russian Daniil Kvyat and starting in Barcelona next week. opening stand with Roger Mu- Ashraf 1 for 36, Owais Ahmed 1 Frenchman Pierre Gasly. The name may give some kasa (14) as he smashed nine for 33, Saqlain Arshad 1 for 45) Both drivers fi nished on the commentators a headache, how- boundaries to get 57. beat President Eleven 144 all podium in 2019. ever, with Alfa Romeo, previous- A 114-run alliance between out in 37.1 overs (Zaheeruddeen AlphaTauri is a Red Bull-owned ly known as Sauber, giving their skipper Brian Masaba and Ibrahim 26, Dharmang Patel 27, fashion brand established in 2016. new car its track debut in Italy on Muhumuza for the fourth wick- Imran Ashraf 28; Frank Nsubuga The team have raced as Toro Rosso Friday. et provided a solid platform for QCA Operations Manager Manzoor Ahmad (third from right) presents the Player of the Match award to 1 for 26, Richard Agamire 1 for since 2006 when Red Bull took The potential for Alpha/Alfa Uganda to build a healthy total. Uganda’s Deusdedit Muhumuza (third from left) at the Asian Town Stadium on Friday. 40, Trevor Bukenya 1 for 23, over struggling Minardi. confusion brings back memo- Masaba made 54 with a six and Henry Ssenyonda 3 for 23, Deus- They have brought through a ries of 2011 when there were two four boundaries, while Muhu- Frank Akankwasa and Fred Se- 45-run sixth-wicket partnership. four, Sehelam added 17. dedit Muhumuza 3 for 31) by 138 succession of hungry young tal- teams known as Lotus on the muza hit 53, which included a six helam used long handle to con- Akankwasa took just 18 balls to Zaheeruddeen Ibrahim and runs. PLAYER OF THE MATCH: ents, including Germany’s four starting grid, each powered by and three fours. solidate Uganda further with a collect 37 with four big sixes and a Saqlain Arshad gave a good start Deusdedit Muhumuza (Uganda) times world champion Sebastian Renault engines.

Sunday, February 16, 2020 GULF TIMES SPORT

FINA /CNSG MARATHON SWIM WORLD SERIES DOHA 2020 Beck and Olivier clinch thrilling victories at Katara Germany’s Beck wins maiden title in women’s race; Frenchman Olivier emerges men’s champion

By Sports Reporter Doha

eonie Beck of Germany and Marc-Antoine Ol- ivier of France won the women and men’s titles Lrespectively after thrilling races in the season-opening FINA / CNSG Marathon Swim World Series Doha 2020 at Katara Beach yesterday. Both the 10km races were ex- citing with Beck clinching her fi rst major gold medal in a time of 1:56’41.1 in the women’s race, which went down to the wire. Olivier clocked an impressive 1:49’46.6 to top the men’s race. “The races were very excit- ing and we are happy to start the FINA Marathon series in a thrill- ing fashion,” said Qatar Swim- ming Association (QSA) Presi- dent Khaleel al-Jabir. “Fields for both the races were very strong in presence of many (From left) Former Qatar Swimming Association (QSA) president Yousuf al-Saai, Qatar Olympic Commit- Olympic and World champions. tee Secretary-General Jassim al-Buenain and QSA President Khalil al-Jabir watch the proceedings at Katara We now wish all the athletes the Beach yesterday. best in this important Olympic year,” he added. Fares Zitouni of France and In the women’s race that Gregorio Paltrinieri got fourth started at 11am, Germany’s Beck and fi fth positions respectively, shocked many top-ranked ath- while Ferry Weertman of the letes to win her fi rst title in FINA Netherlands, who won the 2018 Marathon. meet in the Qatari capital, com- She outpaced last year’s Doha pleted the race in 1:50’02.6 to fi n- winner Ana Marcela Cunha of ish sixth. Brazil – winner of multiple ma- Last year’s overall champion jor FINA events — and reigning Kristóf Rasovszky of Hungary Olympic champion Sharon Van endured a shaky start to the sea- Rouwendaal of the Netherlands son as he took 1:52’08.9 to reach by just 0.2sec. the fi nish line. A total of 75 com- Cunha secured silver after pleted the tiring race. she was shown slightly ahead of This was the third consecutive Sharon – who took bronze – on year when Doha hosted this FINA camera. marathon. The second meet of Beck’s best show came in the 2020 series will be held in the fi nal lap of 2km after Sha- Victoria, Seychelles, on May 3. ron dominated most part of the grueling 5-lap race. MEDALS WINNERS “I am very happy, this is my fi rst WOMEN’S RACE international title,” Beck said af- Gold: Leonie Beck (GER) 1:56’41.1 ter her victory. “My target was to Silver: Ana Marcela Cunha (BRA) fi nish among the top three or four Leonie Beck (centre) of Germany won the women’s race ahead of Ana Marcela Cunha (second from left) 1:56’41.3 swimmers and I am surprised to of Brazil and Sharon Van Rouwendaal (second from right) of the Netherlands in the FINA /CNSG Marathon Marc-Antoine Olivier of France won the men’s title in the FINA /CNSG Bronze: Sharon Van Rouwendaal win the race. In the fi nal lap I didn’t Swim World Series Doha 2020 at Katara Beach yesterday. Marathon Swim World Series Doha 2020 at Katara Beach yesterday. (NED) 1:56’41.3 know what was happening as I was only focusing to fi nish the race pion Arianna Bridi of Italy was FINA series in 2019, Rachele Bruni the Rio Olympics in 2016, was “It was technically a diff erent Rob Muff els of Germany won MEN’S RACE fast,” the 23-year-old added. fourth in the race with a time of Italy 1:56’43.9 fi nished sixth. outstanding as he registered the and diffi cult race for me and win- silver in a time of 1:49’59.2 while Gold: Marc Antoine Olivier (FRA) “The temperature of water was of 1:56’42.4, while Olympic sil- All the 53 swimmers fi nished commending win with a margin ning in it will give me confi dence compatriot and world champion 1:49’46.6 fi ne as the sun was shining. The ver medallist Haley Anderson of the women’s race. of 12.6sec. for the other events especially for Florian Wellbrock, who was also Silver: Rob Muff els (GER) conditions were good to com- the US fi nished fi fth, clocking Meanwhile, in the men’s race “I am very happy to win the the Tokyo Olympics. I will work defending his title in Doha, had 1:49’59.2 pete.” 1:56’42.9. that started at 1:30pm, 24-year- fi rst race of the season like this,” more to give myself a chance to win to be content with a bronze after Bronze: Florian Wellbrock (GER) Former European cham- The overall champion of this old Olivier, who won bronze at said Olivier. gold medal at Olympics,” he added. he fi nished the race in 1:49’59.3. 1:49’59.3

TENNIS FOCUS Alfardan Premier Motors is ‘Offi cial QFA signs agreements with Kosovo, Burundi, Transport’ provider for Qatar Total Open Gabon, South Sudan

By Sports Reporter World No 10 Kiki Bertens. Doha Alfardan Premier Motors associations General Manager Samer Bou Dargham said, “We are delighted QNA The QFA aims, through sign- lfardan Premier Motors to renew our partnership with Doha ing these agreements, to invest Co, the offi cial retailer the Qatar Tennis Federation for the distinguished friendship and of Jaguar Land Rover the tenth consecutive year as the bilateral relations between the in the State of Qatar offi cial transport provider for the atar Football Associa- State of Qatar and the four coun- isA honoured to renew its part- players of Qatar Total Open 2020. tion (QFA) on Friday tries in advancing football and nership as the offi cial transport By providing a fl eet of Jaguar and signed four co-opera- including more fi elds that will provider for the 2020 edition of Land Rover vehicles, we strive to tion agreements with have many fruitful results at all Qatar Total Open for the tenth provide the highest standards of theQ football associations of Ko- levels, while enhancing the con- consecutive year. The premier luxury and excellence in one of sovo, Burundi, Gabon and South tinued success of football in Qa- tennis tournament, which will the most important champion- Sudan. tar, Kosovo, Burundi, Gabon and take place this year from Feb- ships on the agenda of the Wom- The agreements focused on South Sudan. ruary 23-29 at the Khalifa In- en’s Tennis Association.” many aspects related to foot- The delegations of the four as- ternational Tennis and Squash Qatar Total Open Tourna- ball, and other related fi elds in sociation visited the pavilion of Complex, is set to witness the ment Director Saad al-Mohan- the service of football and ways the Supreme Committee for De- participation of top tennis cham- nadi said, “Today we renew our to improve it in all these friendly livery & Legacy (SC) before sign- pions from around the globe. partnership with Alfardan Pre- countries. ing the agreements, where they The partnership stems out of mier Motors which, through its They were signed on behalf of were briefed on Qatar’s latest the company’s eagerness to sup- brands, adds to the excellence the QFA by Vice-President Saud preparations and the impressive port sports tournaments hosted and luxury of this tournament in bin Abdulaziz al-Mohannadi and progress towards hosting Qatar by the State of Qatar and to rein- all its aspects and supports our on behalf of the four association for the FIFA World Cup Qatar force Qatar’s position as a leading continued readiness and aspira- by Kosovo Football Association 2022. The also toured the As- sports hub. For ten consecutive tions to elevate the tournament President Agim Ademi, Burun- pire Academy, where they were years, Alfardan Premier Motors to the highest level. This year’s dian Football Association Presi- briefed on its latest services in has provided a fl eet of luxury tournament is set to witnesses dent Reverien Ndikuriyo, Gabon developing young people in vari- vehicles to enhance the level of the participation of top world Football Association President ous sports disciplines. comfort for the movement of class tennis players, which re- Pierre-Alain Mounguengui, and On this occasion, the heads players and teams to and from fl ects the importance of Qatar South Sudan Football Associa- of the four associations thanked the stadium. For this year’s part- Total Open on the global sports tion President Francis Amin, in QFA President HE Sheikh Ha- nership, Alfardan Premier Mo- map.” the presence of QFA Secretary- mad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed al- tors will be providing a fl eet of 45 Alfardan Premier Motors rep- General Mansour al-Ansari. Thani for the warm reception, luxurious Jaguar and Land Rover resents some of the world’s lead- The signing of these four and thanked al-Mohannadi for vehicles for the championship. and 2019 US Open doubles win- the sought-after title. The Qatar Other players to watch closely ing names in luxury car brands agreements comes as an impor- the great interest in promoting The 2020 Qatar Total Open ner Elise Mertens. Total Open, which brings the best will be 2019 Wimbledon semi- and has been closely associated tant step after the agreements mutual cooperation between the will feature 64 international In addition, eight out of the female tennis players, will also see fi nalist and World No 5 Elina with major happenings in Qatar, signed by the QFA during the parties, while praising the State players vying for the coveted 10 best players will be in Doha in action former world No1 An- Svitolina, World No 6 and 2019 which underscores the com- past period, which are consid- of Qatar and its infl uential role in trophy. This year’s line-up in- including 2017 champion and gelique Kerber, fi nalist in 2014, US Open champion Bianca An- pany’s commitment to be a key ered part of its strategy to de- the sporting level, and expressing cludes World number 1 and 2019 World No 2 Karolina Pliskova, Garbine Muguruza, 2018 fi nalist, dreescu, World No 7 Belinda partner in the important sport- velop football and enhance its their happiness at cooperating French Open champion Ashleigh and 2014 champion and World and Jelena Ostapenko, the 2016 Bencic, 2018 champion and ing, national and international relationship with counterparts with a leading Association in the Barty and defending champion No 4 Simona Halep compete for fi nalist. World No 8 Petra Kvitova and events taking place in town. from all other federations. region and in the Asian continent.