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SUNDAY 28 FEBRUARY 2021 SwiatekS beats Bencic to win Adelaide title ItI wasn’t like one time during the French Open. It gives me mmore confidence that I’m (a) more developed player and I ccan play good more often. It just gives me motivation. I feel llike sometimes I have weeks when everything clicks, and tthat’s just the effect of the work we’re doing.

Iga Swiatek Sport |06

PAKISTAN SUPER LEAGUE T20: beat Islamabad United by 6 ; Karachi Kings beat by 7 wickets Defending champ Sabalenka gets tough draw FAWAD HUSSAIN memories here,” Jabeur, THE PENINSULA considered as the most suc- cessful female Arab tennis Since Qatar Total Open player, told a video con- began in 2001, only three ference yesterday. players have captured the “I am practising here Falcon Trophy twice and OFFICIAL DRAW and It feels great,” the defending champion Aryna Tunisian – one of the Sabalenka faces a difficult players affected by Aus- challenge to emulate the tralian Open lockdown, elite group. said. The third seeded Bela- Meanwhile, fifth seed rusian, who won the title Kiki Bertens faces former after defeating two-time World No.5 Jelena Grand Slam winner Petra Ostapenko, a wild card Kvitova in last year’s final, entrant in her opening yesterday got a tough draw round match. for the prestigious tour- “It’s my first tour- nament, which started with nament in a long time, so qualifying matches at the for me it’s just to be able to Khalifa International compete again, see where Tennis & Squash Complex. my level is, get the rhythm The main round begins again and try to and tomorrow and will continue enjoying my time on the till March 6. The 32-player court again. So that’s my list of the 19th edition of the first goal,” Bertens, a tournament, carrying a total former French Open semi- prize purse of $565,530, finalist said yesterday. includes four of the World’s Also in the first round top-10 players. Belarus' Aryna Sabalenka celebrates with the trophy after winning tomorrow, seventh seed The top four seeds, led the Qatar Total Open in this February 29, 2020 file photo. Jennifer Brady, a World by 2019 Wimbledon Open No.13 will take on Estonian semi-finalist Elina Svitolina, Anett Kontaveit with eye 2017 champion Karolina Pliskova (2), winner – who was drawn against Rus- or two-time champion Victoria Aza- expected to produce thrilling matches on a possible second round clash Sabalenka and former champion sia’s World No.34 Veronika Kuder- renka, eighth seed, in the semi-final. with Czech Pliskova likely to face against Germany’s Angelique Kerber, Kvitova will start their campaigns in metova in the first round. Anastasia Myskina (2003, 2004), Tunisian star Ons Jabeur, who will who will meet Turkey’s Cagla Buyu- the second round after each of them The 22-year-old may face sixth Maria Sharapova (2005, 2008) and face a qualifier in the first round kakcay, wild card entrant in the first got a bye in yesterday’s draw. seeded Swiss Belinda Bencic, a World Azarenka (2012, 2013) are the only tomorrow. round. World No.8 Sabalenka, is expected No.11 or America’s World No.19 players who have clinched the pres- “Doha is a special venue for me. The two-day qualifying round will to open her title defence against Spain’s Madison Keys in the last 8, and pos- tigious title in Doha twice. This tournament gives me extra moti- conclude today, setting the stage for Garbine Muguruza – a two-time major sibly, Ukraine’s Svitolina, a World No.5 The other half of the draw is also vation because I have lot of good main round action. SUNDAY 28 FEBRUARY 2021 SPORT 07 CHI Al Shaqab: Ahlmann, Dominator 2000 Z steal the show on final day RIZWAN REHMAT THE PENINSULA This is a prestigious tournament Germany’s Christian Ahlmann organised and hosted by Al is considered a calm rider with Shaqab for the eighth year in a soft hands. row since 2013. It is one of the That very combination was most important tournaments on witnessed in ample proportion the international equestrian yesterday when the 47-year-old Germany’s Christian calendar. It is our right to guided Dominator 2000 Z to CHI commend the current edition of Al Shaqab Grand Prix win. Ahlmann, the CHI Al Dominator is a fantastic horse and very Shaqab Grand Prix the Commercial Bank CHI Al Producing a clean routine, Shaqab - presented by Longines - Dominator 2000 Z clocked a intelligent. I was the first to go and it wasn’t winner who captured since its inception as one of five time of 36.17 seconds in the the best position to be in. But I tried as hard as major honours on annual CHI events. It is also a jump-off of the 1.60m I could. I got good turns and everything worked the final day of the competition. like I wanted it to. But with opponents like this, Commercial Bank CHI unique event in the region as this Ahlmann’s reward for a you can never be sure. In the end, it worked out Al Shaqab Presented tournament attracts the best spectacular performance with well. The ride was brilliant. Dominator did a by Longines, receiving riders and horses in addition to the 11-year-old stallion was the great job from the beginning. We felt safe and his trophy from entries in dressage and para top prize of €135,300. good from the beginning and it was a great day Event Director and dressage competitions. This event The tall German, who won for us: Christer Ahlmann, winner Organising Committee is well recognised right around the FEI Show Jumping World Member Omar Al the equestrian world: Hamad bin Cup with Taloubet Z in 2011, yes- I’m very happy with my second place finish Mannai. Ahlmann Abdulrahman Al Attiya, guided Dominator terday remained flawless in the today. When I walked into the second round, I Organising Committee Member, 2000 Z to a first two rounds also before felt as if we had so many fantastic horses. I Commercial Bank CHI Al Shaqab memorable victory at clinching the issue in the jump- think this is going to be a fantastic year of Presented by Longines the Longines Arena at off scoring the fastest time under competitions: Olivier Robert Competition lights with his trademark Al Shaqab yesterday. calmness at the magnificent Longines Arena at Al Shaqab. FEI TEST GRAND PRIX FREESTYLE - CDI5* French rider Olivier Robert, Al Qadi had 4 faults in the first third place with 13-year-old astride Vivaldi des Meneaux, run that ended with a time of Faustus (81.865 %) to claim the RANK, HORSE, COMPETITOR, NATION E H C M B TOTAL PRIZE grabbed the second spot in a 71.70 seconds. But the young prize of €15,000. 1. Zaire-E, Jessica von Bredow-Werndl (GER) Tech.: 78.750 79.000 79.250 80.000 78.000 84.780 % €26,000 time of 36.27 seconds. Robert got Qatari - who won the prestigious Finland’s Henri Ruoste (Kon- Art.: 90.200 90.400 91.200 91.600 89.400 richer by €82.000 after the Amir Sword last week at QEF’s testro DB, 81.265 %, €10,000) Total 84.475 84.700 85.225 85.800 83.700 jump-off that featured six riders. Outdoor Arena - yesterday made and French rider Morgan Bar- 2. Damsey FRH, Helen Langehanenberg (GER) Tech.: 71.000 78.500 79.250 79.250 77.500 82.050 % €21,000 Belgium’s Niels Bruynseels, up for the faults with a flawless bancon (Sir Donnerhall II Old, Art.: 80.800 89.000 87.800 89.600 87.800 in the saddle with Delux van T routine in the jump-off. 78.655 %, €7,000) completed the Total 75.900 83.750 83.525 84.425 82.650 & L, posted a time of 36.82 “It was a hard class from the top five. 3. Faustus, Dorothee Schneider (GER) Tech.: 75.500 76.000 77.500 77.750 75.500 81.865 % €15,000 seconds to seal the third spot. beginning. When I entered the Art.: 85.800 89.400 86.400 87.600 87.200 Bruynseels won €43.050. last phase, my idea was to do a Total 80.650 82.700 81.950 82.675 81.350 The top five was completed clear, safe round with rea- FEI TEST GRAND PRIX SPECIAL - CDI5* RANK, HORSE, COMPETITOR, NATION E H C M B TOTAL PRIZE by Germany’s Maurice Tebbel sonable speed. Thankfully, my I thank all those who contributed to the (Don Diarado, 37.81 seconds, plan worked, and I’m delighted 1. Quater Back Junior FRH, Nicolas Wagner Ehlinger (LUX) 73.085 74.681 73.830 73.723 75.319 74.128% €6,400 success of the Commercial Bank CHI Al 32,800) and Sweden’s Evelina with my performance,” Al Qadi 2. Delatio, Dennis Fisker (DEN) 70.426 72.234 71.170 71.383 67.553 70.553% €5,000 Shaqab. We get great support for this Tovek (Winnetou de la Hamente said yesterday. 3. Diavolessa VA, Tatyana Kosterina (RUS) 69.894 67.979 66.915 70.745 67.340 68.574% €3,800 Z, 38.33 seconds, €24,600). Faleh Suwead Al Ajami, who championship. We have achieved high Earlier in the day, French won the Amir Sword in 2019, standards that are well appreciated by INT. JUMPING SPEED AND HANDINESS COMPETITION (1.45 M) rider Julien Epaillard posted his yesterday grabbed the second all those who participate in our events. TABLE C, FEI ART. 263 / 239 - CSI5* second win of the event when spot with Ulano who finished Achieving high hosting standards make RANK, HORSE, COMPETITOR, NATION RESULT PRIZE MONEY he guided Safari d’Auge to a with a time of 37.10 seconds. Al this championship a distinct event on 1. Safari d'Auge, Julien Epaillard (FRA) 67.99 seconds €6,350 commanding victory in the Ajami won QR9,000. the international stage. We have seen 2. Legend, Eduardo Alvarez Aznar (ESP) 70.53 seconds €5,080 1.45m class. Fifteen-year-old Saeed Nasser Al Qadi, astride many surprises in the competitions held 3. Kamara van't Heike, Maikel van der Vleuten (NED) 72.25 seconds €3,810 Safari d’Auge clocked a time of Andreas SPB Z, secured third here. The skill set of riders has been of COMMERCIAL BANK CHI AL SHAQAB GRAND PRIX PRESENTED BY LONGINES 67.99 seconds as Epaillard won spot worth QR 6,750. Andreas the highest order: Khalifa Al Attiya, TWO ROUNDS AND JUMP-OFF (1.60M) TABLE A, FEI ART. 273.2.2, 3.4.1, 4.4 - CSI5* the top prize of €6,350. SPB Z clocked 31.71 seconds but Vice-Chairman, Supreme Organising RANK, HORSE, COMPETITOR, NATION 1ST ROUND 2ND ROUND JUMP-OFF Spain’s Eduardo Alvarez suffered because of 4 faults in Committee Commercial Bank CHI Al FAULTS TIME FAULTS TIME FAULTS TIME PRIZE Aznar, astride Legend, secured the jump-off. Shaqab Presented by Longines 1. Dominator 2000 Z, Christian Ahlmann (GER) 0 75.75 sec 0 74.25 sec 0 36.17 sec €135,300 the second spot worth €5,080. Khalid Sanad A S Al Nuaimi 2. Vivaldi des Meneaux, Olivier Robert (FRA) 0 72.35 sec 0 69.76 sec 0 36.27 sec €82,000 Legend, aged 10 years, clocked (Gop Stop, 4 faults, 32.88 3. Delux van T & L, Niels Bruynseels (BEL) 0 75.34 sec 0 73.31 sec 0 36.82 sec €43,050 70.53 seconds. seconds, QR 4,500) and Kyr- Dutch rider Maikel van der gyzstan’s Kamil Sabitov Vleuten also looked impressive (Carmen, 4 faults, 33.79 seconds, with Kamara van’t Heike to QR 3,150) completed the top five. We witnessed great battles among top riders of the world. We had riders from 23 finish third best. Kamara van’t In the Open Class countries present this week. Their presence adds value to our championship in so Heike clocked 72.25 seconds as (1.15/1.20m), Qatari rider many different ways. The fan turnout - though restricted currently - was very Van der Vleuten won €3,810. Mohammed Saeed Haidan, encouraging. We are happy with what we have achieved over the course of this Frenchman Robert (Elea astride Quick Step, sealed the week. Also, our young riders got more experience while competing in front of big Blue, 74.39 seconds, €2,540) and deal in a time of 58.12 seconds. names. This is a massive plus for us: Ali Al Rumaihi, Sport Director, Commercial Bank Norway’s Geir Gulliksen (VDL Haidan won QR6,250. CHI Al Shaqab Presented by Longines and Organising Committee Member Groep Quatro, 74.45 seconds, Qatari rider Salmen Sultan €1,778) completed the top five A M Al Suwaidi, who was with from 12 riders. Guilder’S Empire of the Sun, secured the second spot (59.06 Amir Sword star Al Qadi seconds, QR5,000) while Ali wins Big Tour Mohammed Al Marri, astride Last week’s Amir Sword Apollon du Banney (59.86 winner Hamad Nasser Al Qadi seconds, QR3,750) finished third yesterday exhibited brilliant in run against the clock. riding form to win the Big Tour Ghanim Nasser Al Qadi event on day three of Com- (Cobold, 60.11 seconds, QR2,500) mercial Bank CHI Al Shaqab. and Ghanim Nasser Al Qadi Al Qadi, this time astride (Happy Tina, 60.74 seconds, QR Gibria-B, produced narrow lines 1,750) completed the top five. to win the top prize of QR 11,250. Ten-year-old Gibria-B produced Germany's Jessica a calm but flawless ride in a time sparkles again of 33.96 seconds in the jump-off. Olympics star Jessica von Bredow-Werndl posted her second successive win by guiding 17-year-old bay Zaire-E I thank more than 400 volunteers who to clinch the Grand Prix title as have been associated with this event. German riders dominated the Their hard work is what makes this day’s proceedings in dressage. event successful. It was a fascinating Producing a near-perfect week of exciting battles from the routine, the 35-year-old German world's best riders. We thank H E Sheikh posted a score of 84.780 % to Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, the Qatar collect her second big paycheck French rider Julien Epaillard, winner of the CSI5* 1.45m class yesterday, receiving his award from Hussein Ali Al Abdulla, EGM & Olympic Committee Chairman, for his of the three-day event. Jessica Chief Marketing Officer, Commercial Bank at the Longines Arena support to equestrian. The support we won €26,000. On Friday the at Al Shaqab. get translates into creating more quality German was named winner by riders from Qatar. Every year this event three of the five judges to win gets better and better and the success the dressage Grand Prix. Germany’s Helen Lange- is there for everyone to see: Omar Al Germany’s Christian hanenberg, who was in the Ahlmann celebrates Mannai, Event Director, Commercial saddle with Damsey FRH, his victory astride Bank CHI Al Shaqab Presented by secured the second spot (82.050 Dominator 2000 Z at Longines and Organising Committee %). Langehanenberg won the Longines Arena at Member €21,000. Dorothee Schneider, Al Shaqab yesterday. also of Germany, grabbed the

LONGINES HATHAB OPEN CLASS (1.15/1.20M) - AGAINST THE CLOCK TABLE A, FEI ART. 238.2.1 The podium winners of the 10th RANK, HORSE, RIDER, NATION FAULTS TIME PRIZE round of the Longines Hathab 1. Quick Step, Mohammed Saeed Haidan (QAT) 0.00 58.12 sec QR6,250 Qatar Equestrian Tour's Big Tour, 2. Guilder'S Empire of the Sun, Salmen Sultan A M Al Suwaidi (QAT) 0.00 59.06 sec QR5,000 Hamad Nasser Al Qadi, Faleh 3. Apollon du Banney, Ali Mohammed Al Marri (QAT) 0.00 59.86 sec QR3,750 Suwead Al Ajami and Saeed Nasser Al Qadi posing for a LONGINES HATHAB BIG TOUR (1.30/1.45M) - WITH JUMP-OFF, TABLE A, FEI ART. 238.2.2 photograph with Ali Al Rumaihi, RANK, HORSE, RIDER, NATION ROUND JUMP OFF PRIZE Sport Director, Commercial Faults Time Faults Time Bank CHI Al Shaqab Presented 1. Gibria-B, Hamad Nasser Al Qadi (QAT) 4.00 71.70 sec 0.00 33.96 sec QR11,250 by Longines and Organising 2. Ulano, Faleh Suwead Al Ajami (QAT) 4.00 77.29 sec 0.00 37.10 sec QR9,000 Committee Member, and an 3. Andreas SPB Z, Saeed Nasser Al Qadi (QAT) 4.00 70.16 sec 4.00 31.71 sec QR6,750 official yesterday. Sport SUNDAY 28 FEBRUARY 2021 06 Al Shahrani wins historic Qatar Open Amateur Championship title

Qatar’s Ali Al Shahrani poses with the trophy after winning the Qatar Open Amateur Golf Championship at Doha Golf Club, yesterday. RIGHT: Al Shahrani poses with Qatar Golf Association (QGA) Secretary General Fahad Al Naimi and other officials. After clinchinghe t title, Al Shahrani became only the second Qatari golfer to win the event in its 37-year-old history. He kept the momentum going in the third round as he carded a score of 3-over par to win the title. EPL: City go 13 points clear at the top with 20th straight win AP – MANCHESTER goal in the 68th minute from Riyad attained by City under Guardiola He was partially to blame for Mahrez’s pass. since his arrival in 2016. West Ham’s 43rd-minute goal, too, Manchester City won its 20th straight Dias, Stones’ partner in central Manchester United and Leicester after losing possession cheaply game in all competitions and opened defense, put City in front off a header are tied for points as City’s nearest inside City’s half before the visitors up a 13-point lead in the Premier from a deep cross by Kevin De rivals, and both play today. broke forward quickly. League by beating West Ham 2-1 Bruyne in the 30th only for Pep Guardiola rotated his team, as West Ham, in the unusually ele- Swiatek beats thanks to goals from center backs Guardiola’s team to concede its first he promised he would, and included vated position of fourth, allowed City Ruben Dias and John Stones home goal in 2½ months when record scorer Sergio Aguero in the few clear-cut opportunities at an Bencic to win yesterday. Michail Antonio equalized just before starting lineup for the first time in empty Etihad Stadium and posed Playing less than 72 hours after halftime. the league since Oct. 24 - coinciden- quite a threat at the other end. a Champions League match in It was City’s 14th win in a row in tally against West Ham, too. Antonio struck the post before Adelaide title Budapest, City produced one of its the league - only the sixth time that The injury-plagued Argentina his goal, while center back Issa sloppiest displays in recent months has been achieved in English top- striker lasted only 60 minutes before Diop headed narrowly wide in the AP – ADELAIDE but emerged with its winning run flight history. being taken off and he looked off the third and final minute of stoppage intact as Stones swept in the decisive Three of those have been pace. time. French Open champion Iga Swiatek beat Belinda Bencic 6-2, 6-2 yesterday to win the Adelaide International at Memorial Drive. The 19-year-old Polish player did not drop a set in five matches and lost just 22 games all week. Swiatek seized momentum midway through the first set. Leading 3-2, she broke Bencic’s serve when the Swiss player double- faulted three times. Swiatek had 22 winners and just six unforced errors in a dominant performance, showing that her success at Roland Garros was no fluke. “It wasn’t like one time during the French Open,” she said. “It gives me more confidence that I’m (a) more developed player and I can play good more often. It just gives me motivation. “I feel like sometimes I have weeks when everything clicks, and that’s just the effect of Manchester City’s John Stones scores their second goal against West Ham United yesterday. the work we’re doing.”

PSL: Babar leads Jasprit Bumrah India’s Bumrah to miss T20 shifted Karachi to big final Test against England to Wellington win over Multan REUTERS – WELLINGTON REUTERS – NEW DELHI has been released and he will not be New Zealand’s fourth AP – KARACHI available for selection for the fourth International India will be without pace spearhead Test.” against Australia has been Jasprit Bumrah in the final Test against India have decided not to add any shifted to Wellington where Babar Azam hit his second successive half England after the 27-year-old was player to cover for his absence for the it will be played behind century in the and released from the squad for personal final Test, also in Ahmedabad from closed doors on Friday as anchored Karachi Kings to a seven- reasons, the Indian board (BCCI) Thursday. Auckland enters a seven-day win over Multan Sultans yesterday. said yesterday. Bumrah had a limited role in the COVID-19 lockdown today, Babar’s unbeaten 90 off 60 balls - The right-arm seamer took four third test, where spinners Axar Patel the country’s cricket board including 13 fours and a six - led Karachi to wickets in the opening Test in Chennai and Ravichandran Ashwin wreaked has said. 198-3 with seven balls to spare in yet another but was rested for the second match, havoc with the pink ball and India did Prime Minister Jacinda successful chase in Pakistan’s premier which India won to level the series. not feel the need to bowl any of their Ardern announced the Twenty20 league. Bumrah returned to play his first seamers in England’s second innings. lockdown in the country’s Multan had earlier spoiled a blistering start test at his home ground in Ahmedabad, In his absence, Mohammed Siraj biggest city after a new local and were restricted to 195-6 as Karachi where India triumphed inside two days will hope to be Ishant Sharma’s new- case of the coronavirus of skipper Imad Wasim followed a familiar script to go 2-1 up in the four-match series. ball partner in the final match. unknown origin emerged. of captains putting the opposition into bat “Jasprit Bumrah made a request to A draw in Ahmedabad will be NZC will wait for gov- after winning the toss. BCCI to be released from India’s squad enough for India to win the series and ernment advice regarding Englishman Joe Clarke (54 off 26 balls) ahead of the fourth Test owing to per- book their place in the final of the inau- fans in the stadium for the took the game away from Multan by com- sonal reasons,” the board said in a gural World Test Championship against March 7 double-headers bining in an electrifying stand of 97 runs with statement. “Accordingly, the fast bowler New Zealand in June. scheduled in Tauranga. Babar. Clarke smashed four sixes against spinners and Khushdil Shah and also hit three boundaries in his robust half century West Indies recall Gayle, Edwards for Sri Lanka T20s before he was caught at short fine leg while attempting to ramp a slow bouncer from REUTERS – ST. JOHN'S in Twenty20 leagues across Ground will make its interna- WEST INDIES T20 SQUAD: Kieron Shanawaz Dhani (2-28). the world and played two tional debut hosting the three Pollard (), , Babar led Karachi to its second win in Opener is set to matches for Quetta Gladiator Twenty20 matches between Fabien Allen, , Fidel three games with a six and two fours in suc- play his first match for West in the ongoing Pakistan Super March 3 and 7. Edwards, Andre Fletcher, Chris Gayle, cession against fast bowler Sohail Khan in the Indies in two years after he League before returning to The teams will also play , Akeal Hosein, , penultimate over. and veteran fast bowler Fidel Antigua. three one-dayers and two Obed McCoy, Rovman Powell, Lendl After its third loss, Multan slipped to fifth Edwards were recalled for the “Chris Gayle has per- Tests later in the series. Simmons, Kevin Sinclair. in six-team event. three-match home Twenty20 formed very well in recent Test captain Jason Holders Brief scores: series against Sri Lanka next tournaments and the selection has been included in both the ODI SQUAD: Multan Sultans (195/6) lost to Karachi week. panel thinks that he can still white-ball teams, but all- (captain), Shai Kings (198/3 in 18.5 overs) by 7 wickets with Former captain Gayle last add great value to our team,” rounder has Hope, , Darren 7 balls remaining. played for West Indies in a chief selector Roger Harper been left out as he recovers Bravo, Jason Holder, Akeal one-day international against said in a statement. from catching COVID-19 this Hosein, , Later, Peshawar Zalmi, chasing 119 runs India in 2019 in what the Fast bowler Edwards, 39, month. Evin Lewis, Kyle Mayers, for victory, beat Islamabad United by six 41-year-old then described as has been recalled for poten- Jamaican Russell has Jason Mohammed, wickets at Karachi's National Stadium. his last international tially his first match for West tested negative but must com- Nicholas Pooran, Brief scores: appearance. Indies in more than eight plete the board’s return-to- Islamabad United (118) lost to Peshawar The swashbuckling years. play protocols before he can Romario Shepherd, Zalmi (122/4 in 17.1 overs) by 6 wickets. batsman has kept himself busy Antigua’s Coolidge Cricket be considered for selection. Kevin Sinclair. Chris Gayle