It’s a huge honour to coach Al Sadd, says Xavi PAGE 12 FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2019

Yates puts Giro disappointment AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS (FINAL) behind with Tour stage win PAGE 13 ALGERIA VS SENEGAL

Friends collide as Cisse and Belmadi target African crown

AFP ‘Great message’ for Africa has come at the helm of Sen- CAIRO “To play this final against my egal. Belmadi, on the other friend, it’s amazing. I think hand, spent eight years in THEY were born a day apart, it’s a great message we’re Qatar, including a stint with raised in the same city and sending to football officials in the national team in 2014- enjoyed prosperous playing Africa,” added Belmadi. 15, before landing with the careers, and while both Aliou Cisse has carefully con- Desert Foxes. Cisse and Djamel Belmadi are structed his Senegal team “Cisse is the same as a now experiencing similar suc- since taking over in 2015, coach as he was in his playing cess as coaches, only one can making steady progress that career. lift the Africa Cup of Nations included an appearance at the “He’s someone very dis- in Cairo on Friday. 2018 World Cup following a ciplined. Despite his lack of Cisse was born March 24, 16-year absence, and reaching coaching experience, he’s 1976 in Senegal, with his Al- just the country’s second Cup quickly got results and has gerian counterpart arriving in of Nations final. consistency in his work, the world the following day, As for Belmadi, appointed which is also down to his bril- in Champigny-sur-Marne. It last year, he inherited a side liant career,” said Belmadi. was in this Parisian suburb, in turmoil, undermined by “Djamel is a great tacti- where Cisse moved to at the Senegal coach Aliou Cisse (right) with midfielder Krepin Diatta arrive Algeria coach Djamel Belmadi (left) and midfielder Adlene Guedioura a revolving-door policy that cian, a very good coach. He’s age of nine, that the pair’s for a press conference at the International Cairo Stadium in Egypt address the media at the International Cairo Stadium in Egypt saw five coaches come and go able to get his team to play destiny would be shaped. on Thursday on the eve of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations final.(AFP) on Thursday. (AFP) in just two years. like he wants them to play,” “He’s an old acquaint- They may be on the Cisse replied. ance. I say that with great in France for nearly a decade. egal team beaten in the 2002 Friday’s decider. 2-0 in Ouagadougou. same path now, possibly 90 While Algeria have im- fondness,” said Belmadi, who The duo made close to Cup of Nations final, got the The occasion will pit local “It’s much more compli- minutes from a continental pressed with their style of broke through into the pro- 180 Ligue 1 appearances be- better of Belmadi’s Algeria coaches against each other in cated when you’re local than crown, but the routes taken to play in Egypt and Senegal fessional ranks at Paris Saint- tween them across spells at in qualifying for that year’s a Cup of Nations final for the when you’re an expat. It’s up this point vary considerably. have looked more robust in Germain while Cisse started six different clubs, but it’s in World Cup, but the latter first time in 21 years since to us (Africans) to have confi- Spurred on by a desire defence, only one country will out with Lille. Despite never Africa where their legacy has gained revenge in the dugout Egypt, under the tutelage of dence in ourselves, in our boys, to atone for the agony of the achieve its goal on Friday. playing on the same team, assumed a greater dimension. here, claiming a 1-0 victory Mahmoud El Gohary, defeat- in our coaches. Bit by bit the 2002 final defeat, Cisse’s they graced the same pitches Cisse, captain of the Sen- in the group stage, setting up ed Jomo Sono’s South Africa order is changing,” said Cisse. only managerial experience See also page 12 Ô Holmes sets pace, McIlroy makes disastrous start

REUTERS Holmes. A large group two shot 76 and Masters champion PORTRUSH (NORTHERN IRELAND) back included world number Tiger Woods, among the late one Brooks Koepka, who made starters, was six over par after RORY McIlroy’s British Open an ominously good start with a 16 holes. hopes were in tatters after a tidy performance that was bo- first-round horror show at gey-free until a wayward drive Local cheers Royal Portrush on Thursday at the 17th. McIlroy once scored 61 ended with the home favourite Koepka, seeking to com- around Portrush as a teenager carding an eight-over-par 79. plete one of the greatest major but began his challenge for the All eyes were on McIl- championship years after go- Claret Jug he won in 2014 like roy as the Open returned to ing second, first and second at a Sunday morning amateur. I would like to punch myself. Northern Ireland for the first the Masters, PGA Champion- He was cheered to the first time in 68 years, but his hopes ship and US Open, was guided tee but those cheers quickly I made a couple of stupid all but disappeared with a around Portrush by caddie turned to groans. Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy mistakes. I wish I could sickening quadruple bogey at Ricky Elliott, who hails from McIlroy’s opening tee shot reacts during the first round of have given the crowd the first hole. the area. went out of bounds, break- The 148th Open Championship something to cheer about. The four-times major ing a spectator’s phone in the at the Royal Portrush Golf Club champion ended his day not process. His follow-up found in Portrush, Northern Ireland, on Home favourite Rory McIlroy only looking up at a leader- heavy rough and from there he Thursday. (REUTERS) board headed by American struck his next shot into an un- J.B. Holmes, but knowing playable lie in a bramble bush. he will need a stellar second After taking a penalty round merely to make the “He just tells me where drop, McIlroy chipped on to patriot Darren Clarke striking halfway cut. to hit it and I go from there,” the green and two-putted. He the first tee shot on an historic Ireland’s Shane Lowry Koepka said of Elliott. picked his ball out of the hole, morning on the Antrim coast. was the clubhouse leader for “The game plan’s pretty to sympathetic applause, with Clarke made three birdies in a couple of hours after a four- concrete. It’s actually quite an ugly eight on his card. his first five holes before card- under-par 67 on a day of wind easy. I really don’t have to do The 30-year-old bogeyed ing level-par 71 One of the big- and squally showers, mixed much thinking. the par-three third and although gest roars greeted Emiliano with dazzling sunshine. “I just go out there and he repaired some of the damage Grillo’s hole-in-one on the “I took my chances when I play.” Other leading names with birdies at seven and nine, par-three 13th. The 26-year- got them early on,” said Lowry. did not enjoy their opening the gremlins returned. He dou- old Argentine’s ace was the “At the start of my back rounds at the last major of ble-bogeyed the par-three 16th first at the Open since Louis nine, I missed a few chances. the year. and triple-bogeyed the last be- Oosthuizen in 2016. But look, I think four-under Defending champion fore trudging off. Despite damp weather, fans is a great score on that course Francesco Molinari of Italy Earlier, Graeme McDow- arrived early and in number for and I’ll take it any day.” His struggled to a three-over 74, ell drew loud cheers from the the sold-out tournament, with score was later overtaken by former winner Phil Mickelson packed galleries as he got to the expected total attendance of three under after 14 holes on his 237,750 making it the best at- hometown course but he leaked tended British Open outside of Organisers are anticipating the second-biggest ever five shots in the last four holes. St Andrews in Scotland. British Open attendance, with 237,750 people expected The 148th Open began to come through the gates this week in Northern Ireland. with McDowell’s com-

J B Holmes of the US with his caddie after his first round. (REUTERS)

LEADERBOARD (Top Scores) 1. J.B. Holmes (USA) Total: -5 Round 1: 66 3. Lee Westwood (ENG)-3 68 3. Webb Simpson (USA) -3 68 2. Shane Lowry (IRE) -4 67 3. Dylan Frittelli (SA) -3 68 3. Brooks Koepka (USA) -3 68 3. Tony Finau (USA) -3 68 3. Tyrrell Hatton (SWE) -3 68 3. Jon Rahm (ESP)-3 68 3. Kiradech Aphibarnrat (THA) -3 68 3. Alexander Noren (ESP) -3 68 3. Robert Maclntyre (SCO) -3 68 Spectators follow the action on the first day of the British Open Golf Championship at Royal Portrush, Northern Ireland, on Thursday. (EPA-EFE) 3. Ryan Fox (SCO)-3 68 3. Sergio Garcia (ESP) -3 68 3. Tommy Fleetwood (SWE)-3 68 12 Friday, July 19, 2019 Sports A huge honour to coach Al Sadd: Xavi TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK ball; doing that from the start DOHA will be a great feeling. “Everything is excellent NEW Al Sadd coach Xavi here at the camp, in my coun- Hernandez says the oppor- try and in Catalonia specifi- tunity to manage the Qatari cally.” league champions is a huge Al Sadd are currently on honour and has expressed his a pre-season camp ahead of thanks for being appointed to their title defence the position. this season. On Speaking exclusively to finally speaking the club website during the to the players as pre-season camp in Spain, coach, Xavi said, Xavi said: “I am very grate- “My first discus- ful to the president of the sion with the club, the management players was very and the players for interest- ing their trust in me. It is true that this is the first coaching job for me but it is a superb feeling, be- cause I know all the and players. fruit- “Also, the staff ful. I who are with me have made it a lot of experience on clear to them on the pitch in many the first day that I I am very grateful to the president of the countries, and am very happy to club, the management and the players for therefore will be of be with them and their trust in me. It is true that this is the great help to me.” grateful for the first coaching job for me but it is a superb Xavi who joined opportunity that I the Wolves in 2015 have got. I started feeling, because I know all the players. announced his re- by explaining to Xavi Hernandez tirement at the end of them the way I want last season, winning the to play and the ideas QNB Stars League, The that I will implement Al Sadd players participate in a training session during their pre-season camp in Spain. Amir Cup and Qatar on the pitch. I also Cup with Al Sadd. told them that we are now I want to keep winning as from me and I am used to play under pressure but we Asked about Al Sadd’s lenge ahead of us, in the AFC “I think it’s an add- here to create happi- a coach. I told them that I am it, playing under pressure. I are the best team,” the former AFC Champions League Champions League and in ed advantage that ness together, to enjoy here to help them as individu- played for many years at Bar- Barcelona legend added. and the Sheikh Jassim Cup the Super Cup. We will be I know the play- and to win. als and also as players. Our celona under this kind of pres- against Al Duhail, Xavi said, ready to compete. We don’t ers, the club and “Throughout my duty as a group is to win and sure; it’s a normal thing for Upcoming AFC Champi- “Al Duhail are one of the know what will happen but the country and I sporting career as a enjoy on and off the pitch. It me. This is the life that I am ons League and Sheikh best teams, not just in Doha, we will compete. will start applying player, I have been is a big honour that I get to be used to; having to compete. If Jassim Cup clash against but in the Middle East. We “With regards to the fans, my ideas. Every- used to winning and the coach of this great group of I had not lived this kind of life, Al Duhail know them well and my last I want to promise them that one knows that I players, because I know that I would have been missing Al Sadd have a tough AFC game against them was in we will give our best. I can- love attacking Al Sadd new they have great respect and something important. I am Champions League round of 16 the Amir Cup final. In foot- not promise results but we football and coach Xavi character and they will do all very happy, here at Al Sadd; match against rivals Al Duhail ball, there are always op- will compete for all the titles to keep pos- Hernandez that I ask of them on the pitch.” we are the best in Qatar and in a repeat of the Amir Cup fi- portunities to make amends and give our best, because we ssession of the “Everyone expects a lot we are here to win. We may nal which Al Duhail won. and we now have a big chal- are the best team in Qatar.”

Guedioura says Algeria ready for QSC unveil new signings Galvez and Berrahma ‘match of a lifetime’ in AFCON final AFP game in the group stage wasn’t CAIRO decisive but now it is and that’s the difference.” ALGERIA midfielder Adlene He added: “The most im- Guedioura says Friday’s Africa portant is to stay concentrated Cup of Nations final against and determined yet calm at the Senegal represents the “match same time.” of a lifetime” as his country bids Algeria will have the back- to capture the title for a second ing of an additional 4,800 fans time. for the final. The Desert Foxes lifted Some of them will arrive in their lone trophy on home soil Cairo on military planes organ- in 1990 but coach Djamel Bel- ised by Prime Minister Noured- madi has reinvigorated a team dine Bedoui. that crashed out in the group The Cup of Nations show- stage two years ago and then piece marks the climax not Qatar Sports Club presented new signings Alejandro Galvez and Mehdi Berrahma. Spaniard Galvez joins flopped in World Cup qualify- only of Algeria’s campaign on from Rayo Vallecano where he made 17 appearances last season. The 30-year-old has had stints with ing. the field, but of their fans’ re- Sporting Gijon and German top flight side Werder Bremen. Meanwhile, Morrocan Berrahma joins from “I think it’s the match of a Algeria’s midfielder Adlene Guedioura during a a press conference cent political campaign in the The Association Sportive des Forces Armées Royales, also known as the Royal Army Club. The 26-year- lifetime for a lot of players in at the International Cairo Stadium on Thursday ahead of their 2019 stands. old defensive midfielder would be a much needed addition to a QSC team in dire need of stability after the team and for Algeria,” said Africa Cup of Nations final against Senegal.(AFP) In April, long-standing surviving a below par 2018/19 season. Guedioura, who at 33 is the old- president Abdelaziz Bouteflika est member of the squad. international. egal in the group stage, but Bel- resigned after weekly Friday The Nottingham Forest “If you don’t have a good madi was quick to point out the protests against his expected Quick read journeyman has started five of cook you can’t have a good statistics were heavily weighted candidacy for elections, and six games in Egypt and insisted recipe. With that we realise we in their opponents’ favour. football fans have been heavily much of the credit for Algeria’s can be all together and it’s im- “Of course we can lose this involved in demonstrations. Pacquiao camp denies Khan claims over November 8 fight eye-catching performances portant to be a team. match. We have an opponent “We know what’s happen- must go to former national “It’s important for Algeria that is number one in the FIFA ing. The people we represent MANNY Pacquiao has not signed a contract to take on Amir Khan in Saudi Arabia later this year despite team midfielder Belmadi. because we used to have good rankings for Africa. They were have been wonderful,” said claims that a deal has been agreed for the bout, the Filipino’s publicist has said. Khan said on Tuesday that “He really knows the play- individuals and now we feel at the World Cup. We were Guedioura he had agreed a deal to fight Pacquiao in Riyadh on November 8. “Manny has not signed any contract. As ers and what he wants. The very strong as a team and we eliminated in the first round in “It’s magnificent what is far as I know it has not even been discussed,” Pacquiao’s publicist Fred Sternberg told the BBC. “He has good thing is he knows how to want to achieve as a team.” 2017,” said Belmadi. happening. We’re focused on been in training camp for the past eight weeks, four in the Philippines and four in the United States, and he get through to the players and A Youcef Belaili goal earned “If you get to the final, the football but we want to win the hasn’t met with Amir Khan during that time.” Sternberg said he did not know what prompted Khan to make how to listen,” said the 48-time Algeria a 1-0 victory over Sen- aim is obviously to win it. The final for the people,” he added. the claims. “That’s a question you need to ask Amir Khan,” he said. (REUTERS)

Hatem joins Al Rayyan on Infantino rejects Blatter’s ‘colonialism’ claim three-year deal REUTERS Infantino said that it was CAIRO CAF President Ahmad sacks important that African foot- deputy as purge continues ball had competitions where FIFA president Gianni Infan- “people trust the organisation, tino has rejected comments that CONFEDERATION of African Football (CAF) President Ahmad Ahmad where the stadium is secure the global soccer body has taken fired his deputy Amaju Pinnick on Thursday just as global governing and it is safe, where matches are a “colonialist” attitude towards body FIFA was releasing details of a road map to put the crisis-hit not manipulated, where people African football and its govern- organisation back on its feet. Ahmad, who is being investigated by trust the referees – these are ing organisation CAF (Confed- FIFA’s ethics committee for alleged corruption, sacked Pinnick, the some of the issues that African eration of African Football). president of the Nigerian Football Federation, at a hastily-assem- football is facing.” FIFA last month took the Gianni Infantino bled meeting of the CAF executive committee. Infantino added that CAF unprecedented move of an- “I’ve changed my cabinet,” Ahmad told a news conference. needed to think about growing nouncing it would jointly ad- colonialism”. Pinnick released a statement saying his term was up and the sport in the region without minister African football with Blatter has been banned he agreed with the CAF president not to renew it. But senior CAF depending on FIFA handouts. CAF and would send it its Sen- from football for six years for sources told Reuters: “Pinnick was standing up to Ahmad and tak- “The point is to generate egalese secretary general Fatma ethics violations during his ing him on in many issues and Ahmad felt it right to get rid of him.” revenues for African football Samoura on a ninth-month presidency. He denies wrong- Ahmad appointed Constant Omari of the Democratic Re- from Africa,” he said. secondment to overhaul the Af- doing. public of Congo in Pinnick’s place as first vice president, which Ahmad was reported in rican body. The move followed “I have heard about coloni- means that if Ahmad is removed as CAF president once FIFA March to FIFA’s ethics com- corruption allegations against alism, that FIFA is colonising has completed its probe, one of his supporters will step up to mittee by CAF general sec- CAF president Ahmad Ahmad Africa again,” Infantino told replace him at the helm of African football. (REUTERS) retary Amr Fahmy, who was Al Rayyan have signed AFC Asian Cup winner Abdulaziz Hatem on which he has denied. CAF’s general assembly on then fired. a three-year deal, the club announced on its Twitter handle. Hatem Some African officials have Thursday, adding that he was Further allegations of fraud joins from Al Gharafa and is an integral member of the Qatar na- opposed the move while former “puzzled” by the remarks. it means to work, to team up, to “(Samoura’s) heart is have recently been made against tional team, scoring vital goals as Al Annabi marched to the Asian FIFA president Sepp Blatter, in “What does it mean, coloni- roll up your sleeves, to go on the beating for Africa and we all Ahmad, who was detained and Cup title in February. a recent interview with the BBC, alism? I don’t know. It’s not part pitch and help and that is what suffer when we see what is questioned by French authori- described it as a “new aspect of of my vocabulary. I know what we are doing,” he added. going on here.” ties in June. Sports Friday, July 19, 2019 13 Yates puts Giro disappointment US swim stars behind with Tour stage win

REUTERS ute advantage over defending first position and I’m glad it BAGNERES-DE-BIGORRE (FRANCE) champion Geraint Thomas. worked out well,” the 26-year- Tim Wellens, part of the old Yates told reporters. aim to lay down SIMON Yates put a disap- breakaway, consolidated his “To have won a stage at all pointing Giro d’Italia cam- lead in the mountains classi- three Grand Tours makes me paign behind him when he fication by reaching the top of very proud. This was probably won the 12th stage of the Tour the Col de Peyresourde (13km a unique opportunity for me to de France on Thursday, as the at 7%) first. achieve it this year. main title contenders stayed Yates, Austrian Gregor “My main goal is to help marker for Tokyo quiet in the first Pyrenean Muehlberger and Spain’s Pel- Adam in the mountains and climbs of this year’s race. lo Bilbao were alone in front we thought that wouldn’t be With an individual time at the top of the last ascent needed today, that’s why I AFP trial scheduled for Friday, of the day, the Hourquette took the breakaway. After LOS ANGELES none of the top guns attacked, d’Ancizan (10km at 7.5%), and (team mate) Daryl Impey’s and 40 riders broke away from they stayed ahead in the final win the other day, we’re hav- CAELEB Dressel and Ka- the peloton in the 209.5-km descent into Bagneres-de-Big- ing a fantastic Tour and hope- tie Ledecky will spearhead ride from Toulouse. orre. fully it will continue.” a powerful US assault when Australian Rohan Dennis Yates took the final bend The spotlight will switch the swimming world cham- abandoned the race on Thurs- first and, with only 100 metres back to the overall contenders pionships begin on Sunday, day, with his Bahrain Merida left, held a decisive advantage for Friday’s 13th stage, when with the Americans looking to team unable to explain the in a three-man sprint with Bil- Thomas will look to gain more make a big statement before reasons of his withdrawal after bao finishing second and Mue- time over his main rivals in the next year’s Tokyo Olympics. he went off the radar for over hlberger third. 27.2-km time trial in Pau. The event in Gwangju, an hour. In contrast to his twin Adam Yates will be one of South Korea, is the biggest Vuelta champion Yates brother and Mitchelton-Scott the riders to watch after he meeting on the 2019 calen- was arguably the strongest team mate Adam, Yates has no flew off the radar in the open- dar, but for team USA it rep- climber of the group and he ambitions in the general clas- ing block of racing. resents a stepping stone on also proved the fastest in a sification this year after fin- He lies seventh overall, the road to Tokyo -- and one small-committee sprint to ishing eighth in the Giro after 1:47 behind Alaphilippe, and they expect to negotiate in complete his set of grand tour starting the Italian race target- his sports director Matt White characteristically confident stage wins after winning three ing the overall victory. believes the climber can limit fashion. times in the Giro d’Italia and “I wasn’t very confident in the damage in the time trial. “While we understand twice at the Vuelta a Espana. beating them. I didn’t know “Ending up within 30 that the worlds is an impor- France’s Julian Alaphilippe how fast these two riders were seconds of Thomas would tant competition, the most retained the overall leader’s but my sports director told be a good result I think,” important competition for yellow jersey with a 1:12-min- me to take the last corner in White said. us is the Olympic Games,” said national team managing director Lindsay Mintenko. A file photo of Katie Ledecky of the US before the women’s 200m freestyle in Budapest. (REUTERS) There have been no cut- throat trials to produce the swimmer to win seven titles dapest, and Simone Manuel, US squad, which was select- at a single world champion- That allows top swimmers who stormed to the women’s ed based on performances in ships, tops the 100m but- to keep their training 100m freestyle title. the 2018 national champion- terfly rankings at 50.36sec geared toward Tokyo and, “I do believe that I’m set ships and 2018 Pan Pacific -- faster than Singapore’s as a result, few Americans up well for worlds,” Manuel Championships. Joseph Schooling clocked to feature at the top of the told SwimSwam after clock- That allows top swim- win gold at the Rio Olympics. 2019 rankings. ing 53.65sec in June. mers to keep their training Dressel’s performance “I’ve been faster in- geared toward Tokyo and, in Mission Viejo, California, season in my events than I as a result, few Americans last month fired a warning to have to stay focused. I’ve got was last year and training’s feature at the top of the 2019 rivals that by the time they to get better. We’ll go home, been going really well, so rankings. complete their training camp make adjustments, so we’ll I’m pretty confident with Those that do include in Shanghai the Americans be ready.” how I’ll swim at worlds,” superstar Ledecky, who will be a force to be reckoned Five-time Olympic cham- added the two-time Olympic boasts leading times this with in South Korea. pion Ledecky’s gold medal champion. year in the 400m, 800m “It’s just really showing haul from the last worlds in “But also just looking and 1,500m freestyle and where we’re at,” said the Hungary included the 400m, forward to swimming well in Lilly King, who is fastest in 22-year-old, whose seven 800m and 1,500m free and 2020 at Olympic trials and the 50m and 100m breast- golds in Budapest included two relays. Tokyo. stroke as she prepares to individual titles in the 50m Other returning champi- “Obviously I want to renew her rivalry with Rus- and 100m freestyle and ons from 2017 -- when the US swim really well at the world sian Yuliya Efimova. 100m butterfly along with topped the medals table with championships, but it’s kind Dressel, who two years four relay titles. 18 golds and 38 in total -- in- of also a stepping stone to Great Britain’s Simon Yates (left), flanked by Spain’s Peio Bilbao, celebrates as he wins on the finish line of ago in Budapest joined Mi- “I think I’m just in kind clude Chase Kalisz, who won see where I need to be in the 12th stage of the 106th edition of the Tour de France cycling race between Toulouse and Bagneres-de- chael Phelps as the only of a weird spot right now. I both men’s medleys in Bu- 2020.” Bigorre, in Bagneres-de-Bigorre on Thursday. (AFP)

CRICKET NEWS IN BRIEF WC win will inspire England Ashes team: Curran

ICC suspends Zimbabwe for government AFP under way on August 1 at Cup final was incredible,” said England cricketer, that’s what former against an Australian interference LONDON Edgbaston. the 21-year-old all-rounder. I’ve always felt. Hopefully we XI earlier this week, taking Curran feels the Ashes “That will provide a buzz for can be lifting the urn at the six for 95 and contributing LONDON: International cricket chiefs on Thursday suspended SAM Curran believes Eng- remains the pinnacle of the everyone across English crick- Oval in September.” a pair of half-centuries in a Zimbabwe over a failure to keep the sport free from govern- land’s historic World Cup tri- cricketing calendar but said et going into the Ashes. Curran, whose older drawn first-class match at ment interference. umph will inspire the Ashes the Test team would be gal- “Days like Sunday get brother Tom was an unused Canterbury. “As a consequence of suspension, ICC funding to Zim- team as attention turns to- vanised by the World Cup, everyone, whether they were squad member during the Curran enjoyed a break- babwe Cricket will be frozen and representative teams from wards their attempt to regain irrespective of whether they involved or not, more excit- World Cup, has been drafted through summer last year, be- Zimbabwe will not be allowed to participate in any ICC events,” the urn. featured or not in the one- ed and desperate to do well into England’s groups for the ing named England player of the International Cricket Council said in a statement. Sunday’s dramatic end to day triumph. so I’m sure it will rub off as one-off Test against Ireland the Test series against India ICC chairman Shashank Manohar said: “We do not take the 50-over tournament has “I don’t think I’m alone in we head into the Test part of next week and a pre-Ashes after star contributions with the decision to suspend a member lightly but we must keep overshadowed the build-up saying that it’s probably the the summer. training camp. both bat and ball, leading to a our sport free from political interference. to the five-Test showdown greatest cricket match ever “The Ashes are the biggest The left armer was Eng- bumper pay day in the Indian “What has happened in Zimbabwe is a serious breach against Australia, which gets and for that to be the World thing you can play in as an land Lions’ standout per- Premier League. of the ICC constitution and we cannot allow it to continue unchecked. The ICC wants cricket to continue in Zimbabwe in accordance with the ICC constitution.” (AFP)

WC champion Bayliss to coach Sunrisers Sajjad named skipper of Qatar T20 team Hyderabad after Ashes BENGALURU: Sunrisers Hyderabad have hired England’s National side to leave for ICC WC World Cup-winning coach Trevor Bayliss ahead of the 2020 season, the Indian Premier League franchise (IPL) said on Asia finals in Singapore today Thursday. Bayliss, 56, whose national team contract ends in Septem- ber, had been linked with multiple IPL franchises by the Indian TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK media since overseeing England’s successful 2019 World Cup DOHA QATAR T20 SQUAD campaign. QATAR T20 TEAM: “Trevor Bayliss... has been appointed head coach of Sun- TAMOOR Sajjad has been Tamoor Sajjad (captain), Muhammad Tanveer, risers Hyderabad,” the IPL team said in a statement. named to lead the 14-player Mohammed Rizlan, Kamran Khan (W-K), Noman “Trevor has already won two IPL trophies with KKR (Kolkata Qatar team for ICC World Sarwar, Faisal Javed Khan, Inam-Ul-Haq, Muhammad Awais Malik, Zaheeruddeen Ibrahim, Iqbal Hussain Knight Riders) and has also won the Big Bash League and Cup Twenty20 Asia Finals to Chaudhry, Mohammad Nadeem, Qalandar Khan, Champions League with Sydney Sixers.” (Reuters) be hosted by Singapore from Gayan Buddikha and Musawar Shah. July 22. QCA President Yousef Jeham al Kuwari and other officials with national T20 team players pose for a group Qatar, who recently edged OFFICIALS: photograph at the Asia Town Stadium, Industrial Area. Sombre homecoming by New Zealand Eisa al Yaqoub (Head of Delegation) Kuwait 2-1 in a friendly but Gul Khan Jadoon (Team Manager) after WC blow fierce home series to assess Shahid Mahboob (Coach) December 31. The UAE have their caliber, will take on Sin- Mohammad Jahangir (Physio/Trainer) also confirmed their spot in WELLINGTON: A group of rueful New Zealand players touched gapore in opening match on the ICC Men’s T20 World down on home soil on Thursday, still coming to terms with the July 22. Praising the team further, Cup Qualifier by as hosts of gut-wrenching defeat to England in the World Cup final. In a simple ceremony, he added, “The most impor- the event. Pace bowler Trent Boult was among six Black Caps players Qatar Cricket Association tant thing during the Kuwait Six qualifiers from the making a low-key homecoming at Auckland airport, soaking up President Yousef Jeham Al- series was the tough cricket UAE event will join Afghani- commiserations from a few fans and well-wishers. Kuwari and other officials our players played. We expect stan, Australia, Bangladesh, The left-armer was still haunted by the deflection off Ben were present and wished them to go out in each match pore and Nepal. Qatar’s other November 3. Seven qualifiers England, India, New Zealand, Stokes’s bat in the 50th over that raced to the boundary and good luck to the team. “We and play the same way. Inshal- three matches are as below: from regional finals will join Pakistan, South Africa, Sri helped send the final into a Super Over before England claimed extend our heartiest wishes lah, Qatar will advance to the July 23: Vs Nepal Hong Kong, Ireland, Nether- Lanka and West Indies who the win on the total boundaries scored. of good luck to Qatar who next stage.” July 26: Vs Kuwait lands, Oman, Scotland and have qualified already directly “It’s natural to nitpick, to wonder about all those little are taking part in a signifi- Besides Qatar and Singa- July 27: Vs Malaysia Zimbabwe who missed out for the Men’s T20 World Cup things and how it could have been a totally different game,” cant qualifying tournament pore, Kuwait, Malaysia and Only the winners will on qualifying for the event in Australia after finishing in he told reporters at the airport. “To see the scores level in Singapore. Qatar showed Nepal are other three con- make it to the ICC T20 World proper after finishing outside the top ten of the MRF Tyres (after the Super Over) and still lose, yeah, that was a pretty their strong character against testants during the qualifiers, Cup Qualifier, which are the top ten of the MRF Tyres ICC Men’s T20I Team Rank- unique situation.” (AFP) Kuwait during a warm-up se- which will conclude on July 28 slated in the United Arab ICC Men’s T20I Team Rank- ings as on the cut-off date of ries and won it 2-1.” with a match between Singa- Emirates from October 11 to ings as on the cut-off date of December 31, 2018. 14 Friday, July 19, 2019 FEATURES

Malicious apps infect 25 million Android devices with ‘Agent Smith’ malware CAT FERGUSON devices when prompted, and TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE only download apps from the Google Play Store. ALICIOUS apps from a “The app developer can campaign called “Agent do nothing to prevent this,” MSmith” have been down- said Hazum. “The fix has to This handout picture shows a reconstruction and computer model of part of a skull The skull, named Apidima 1, was discovered in a Greek cave, and was determined to loaded to 25 million Android come from the operating named Apidima 2, discovered in a Greek cave. (AFP) belong to a Homo Sapien. (AFP) devices, according to new re- system.” search by cyber-security firm Google already fixed at Check Point. least one of the Android ex- The apps, most of them ploits used by ‘Agent Smith,’ games, were distributed nicknamed Janus, in 2017 – through third-party app but the fix hasn’t made its way 210,000-year-old skull stores by a Chinese group onto every Android phone. with a legitimate business It’s a potent reminder that helping Chinese developers millions of phones around the promote their apps on outside world are being used without platforms. Check Point is not the latest security measures. identifying the company, be- “The sheer numbers in Greece is earliest sign of modern cause they are working with infected by this campaign local law enforcement. About shows how many devices are 300,000 devices were infect- not updated,” Hazum said. “It ed in the US. takes quite a lot of time for an The malware was able update to reach every phone.” humans in Europe or Asia to copy popular apps on the A big part of the problem phone, including WhatsApp is how fragmented the An- and the web browser Opera, droid ecosystem is, especially STEPHANIE DEMARCO and used the images to generate a 3-D inject its own malicious code compared to the iPhone eco- TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE virtual reconstruction of each one. Then and replace the original app system, Childs said. they compared the virtual skulls with a with the weaponized version, “Google is very good about ROUND 210,000 years ago, variety of other skulls of known species. using a vulnerability in the releasing fixes for the vulner- an early human died in south- Apidima 2’s features were well with- way Google apps are updated. abilities they know about, but ern Greece — leaving scientists in the range of Neanderthal specimens. The hijacked apps would still getting it to all the devices is a with the earliest evidence of hu- The skull had a prominent brow ridge, a work just fine, which hid the very difficult problem.” Aman migration out of Africa and larger area below the eye sockets, and — malware from users. Whenever Google issues prompting them to reconsider the story most distinctively — a bulge at the back Armed with all the per- a new security fix, or “patch,” of how our species spread throughout that resembles hair tied in a bun. missions users had granted every device maker – such as the planet. While only the back portion of the to the real apps, “Agent Samsung or LG – has make A new analysis of that ancient per- skull of Apidima 1 remained, it was Smith” was able to hijack sure all their own apps still son’s skull suggests Homo sapiens left enough for the researchers to make a other apps on the phone to work with the new system, their birthplace in Africa about 16,000 positive identification. That’s because it display unwanted ads to us- which can take time. Manu- years earlier than previously thought, was rounded in a way that’s unique to ers. That mightt facturersf usually according to a report published Wednes- modern humans, Harvati said. not seem like a stop offering se- day in the journal Nature. Apidima 1 also lacked any features significant prob- Technology curity updates “We are seeing evidence of human that were typical of Neanderthals or oth- lem, but the to phone models dispersals that are not just limited to one er archaic human species, she said. same security after a few years, major exodus out of Africa, as perhaps The incomplete nature of the Api- flaws could be or even a few we have thought in the past, but multi- dima 1 skull may leave some experts un- used to hijack months,m a signifi- ple dispersals,” said study leader Kat- certain about its true origin, wrote Eric banking, shop- cant problem given erina Harvati, a paleoanthropologist at Delson, a paleoanthropologist from City ping and other sen- how long people tend to the University of Tubingen in Germany. University of New York, in a commen- sitive apps, according to Avi- keep smartphones. The skull was found about 40 years tary that accompanied the study. If DNA ran Hazum, head of Check If manufacturers push out ago in Greece’s Apidima Cave. The spec- or proteins could be extracted from the Point’s analysis and response an update for the device, all imen, dubbed Apidima 1, was situated Katerina Harvati, a paleoanthropologist at the University of Tubingen, Germany fossil, it could lead to a more convincing team for mobile devices. the carriers – such as Verizon nose to nose just 30 centimeters (about (WWW.UNI-TUEBINGEN.DE) identification, he wrote. “Hypothetically, nothing and AT&T – then have to au- 12 inches) away from a second human- But Mirjana Roksandic, a paleoan- is stopping them from tar- thorize the update. like skull known as Apidima 2. ing a chisel and hammer, tiny bone frag- When bone is buried in the ground, thropologist from the University of Win- geting bank apps, changing The final step, of course, is The two partial skulls were not near ments became dislodged as well. it can absorb U-238 from the environ- nipeg, said the skull will help scientists the functionality to send your getting people to actually up- anything that offered archaeologists Instead of throwing these price- ment. So by determining the relative in their continuing quest to fit together bank credentials” to a third date their phones. useful clues about their origin: no stone less fragments away, they kept them to amounts of U-238 and U-234, scien- the puzzle pieces of human evolution. party, Hazum said. “The user “People see they have an tools, no animal remains, nothing. determine the age of the skulls using a tists can determine the minimum age “Now we have fossil evidence that wouldn’t be able to see any update and know it will take In time, researchers determined that high-tech version of mass spectrometry. of bones. we might have had African-style mod- difference, but the attacker their phone 30 minutes to Apidima 2, the more complete of the two This technique involves The results indicated that ern humans in Europe much earlier could connect to your bank download it, apply it, and re- skulls, belonged to a Neanderthal. shooting a laser at the skull although the two skulls than thought previously,” said Roksan- account remotely.” start the device,” Hazum said. But Apidima 1 did not get its due un- fragments to generate tiny were found so close to dic, who was not involved in the study. “I The group also had 11 “A lot of people ignore it.” til the Museum of Anthropology at the particles that can be ion- each other, they were from was just waiting for it to happen!” apps in the official Google Play Whether or not users University of Athens invited Harvati to ized. By examining the Discovery vastly different time peri- Harvati said she’s already contem- store with a ‘dormant’ version have updated security on use her expertise in imaging and 3-D mass and charge of those ods. plating a brand new set of questions. of “Agent Smith,” which could their phones, one of the big- virtual reconstruction to bring both of ions, scientists can identify The rock surrounding “What caused this early disper- have been triggered into ac- gest risks to Android devices the skulls to life. the elements their sample Apidima 1 was estimated sal?” she said. “Were there any tech- tion by a banner ad contain- comes from third-party app The results confirmed that Apidima is made of. to be b about 210,000 years old, nological advances that enabled ing the keyword “infect.” The stores, which aren’t well-vet- 2 belonged to a Neanderthal who lived When it comes to figur- while the rock around Apidima 2 such a far geographic intrusion into apps, which have been re- ted, said Daniel Thomas, a re- about 170,000 years ago. ing out how old something is, archae- was only 170,000 years old. Europe?” moved from the Google Play search associate and lecturer Apidima 1, however, has features ologists are interested in one element in The best explanation, said study co- The fact that these skulls were found store, had been downloaded at University of Cambridge. that distinguish it as a modern hu- particular: uranium. author Rainer Grun, a geochemist at in Greece could turn out to be an impor- over 10 million times. Thomas was part of a re- man. Its owner lived some 40,000 Most of the uranium atoms found Griffith University in Australia, is that tant clue, Roksandic said. It’s important for users search team that found 87% years before its Neanderthal neigh- in nature are U-238, an isotope with 92 “Apidima 1 must come from quite a dif- “The eastern Mediterranean is to understand that ads aren’t of Android devices in 2015 bor, making it the oldest human skull protons and 146 neutrons. Over time, ferent environment originally, before it where the three continents actually always just ads, according to were using out-of-date ver- found outside of Africa. U-238 atoms lose four of their neu- was deposited at the site.” meet,” she said. That means it’s where Dustin Childs, the communi- sions of the operating system. When the researchers removed the trons and decay into another isotope To determine the species of the “three continental populations meet cations manager for cyberse- The team’s Android Vulner- skulls from their surrounding rock us- known as U-234. skulls, the researchers took CT scans and interact.” curity company Trend Micro’s abilities program distributes Zero Day Initiative, a so-called data about historical and cur- ‘bug bounty’ program that rent risks for the devices. pays rewards to hackers and But iPhone users KATIE WALSH voice come out of a panther. the vocal performances of Billy Eichner researchers who tip them off shouldn’t get comfortable. TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE In The Lion King, all we have are the and Seth Rogen as Simba’s famously about software security flaws. Even though the Apple eco- animals, and a bunch of big cats just laid-back pals Timon and Pumba. They “We’ve seen malicious ads system is more controlled ‘Lion King’ is HE Lion King is the latest victim in aren’t cut out to carry Hamlet, as insane gallop in just in time to pick up the pace that can install apps when you than Android, hackers have the Disney remake parade, in which as it is to have to state that. There’s a of this depressingly draggy display (the browse to a webpage from found plenty of ways to ex- Tdirector Jon Favreau dons his best reason animators usually have to add new version adds a whopping 32 min- your Android device. They ploit devices using iOS – not more tragedy Dr. Moreau cosplay and imagines a Planet large eyes, eyebrows and toothy smiles utes onto the exact same story), and could be installing ransom- to mention Apple is set to stop Earth where animals spout Shakespear- to animal characters, as the real thing Eichner’s neurotic meerkat is the true ware, they could be copying offering security updates to ean soliloquies. The result of this hor- just can’t express the human emotions breakout star. Speaking of stars, Beyon- your contacts,” he said, refer- many iPhone models that are than triumph rific experiment, combining photorealistic required of this tragic tale. cé’s highly anticipated performance as ring to prior research. “Ad still widely used. animal simulations with celebrity voices, The hyperreality throws every aspect the adult Nala is sensitive and nuanced, blockers aren’t just to block “In any large body of code, is a bizarre Frankenstein’s monster of a of this fantastical world into stark relief. but far too scanty. She couldn’t have ads.” Childs recommends there will always be vulnera- film that is so distressingly unpleasant Even the celebratory opening spent more than a day in the Android users use ad blocker bilities we haven’t found yet,” it somehow manages to even ruin the sequence takes on a morbid recording booth for the 15 software, always update their Thomas said. original, much beloved 1994 hand-drawn tone, as primates and prey Movie Review minutes of screen time adult cartoon version. gather to celebrate the birth Nala is afforded. French philosopher Jean Baudrillard of a new young predator king, It’s fascinating how this would chuckle at the spectacle of sim- the lion cub Simba, who will be version inadvertently lays ulacra on display in the The Lion King, hunting them in short order. bareba so many of the shortcom- which combines the hyperreal with high This literal animal kingdom ings of our hero Simba. As a kid drama, but he wouldn’t be surprised. is a trip, as Favreau and writer Jeff Na- (JD McCrary), he’s insouciant and im- Disneyland was Baudrillard’s original thanson offer up a near line-for-line, pulsive. As the fully grown prodigal son, simulacrum, a place where reality and note-for-note imitation of the animated Donald Glover’s smooth vocal stylings the simulation of reality bleed into one film populated with these wildlife holo- show Simba to be the teen stoner dil- Film: THE LION KING another indistinguishably. It’s a Disney grams. James Earl Jones even returns ettante he is, chowing on grubs all day Rating:  tradition by now, following Favreau’s to offer his famously gravelly pipes to before Nala’s disdain forces him to step (PG-13 for sci-fi action violence, some 2016 remake of The Jungle Book. Mufasa again. But every beat and char- into his royal birthright. language and brief suggestive comments) But in that film, there was Mow- acter pales in comparison to the expres- If anything, Favreau’s take on the Malicious apps from a campaign called ‘Agent Smith’ have been

Director: Jon Favreau gli, a human anchor to con- sive animated film. Even the villains, story draws out its dark, traumatizing downloaded to 25 million Android devices. The apps, most of Cast: Donald Glover, Beyoncé, Seth Rogen, Billy Eichner, James Earl Jones, JD McCrary, Shahadi Wright nect to emotionally, Scar (Chiwetel Ejiofor) and his pack of elements in new, disturbing ways: scar’s them games, were distributed through third-party app stores by a Joseph, John Oliver, Chiwetel Ejiofor even though it was hyenas, are toothless. manipulations, the violence of Mufasa’s Chinese group with a legitimate business helping Chinese develop- bizarre to hear Sir The only bright spots in this gro- death, Simba’s cowardice. This new Lion ers promote their apps on outside platforms. (DREAMSTIME/TNS) NOW SHOWING IN QATAR Ben Kingsley’s tesque pageant of ones and zeroes are King is no triumph, but a real tragedy. Friday, July 19, 2019 15 KIDS CORNER

Bound & Gagged By Dana Summers

Half Full By Maria Scrivan

ICE CREAM FUN FACTS! OTHE AVERAGE AMERICAN EATS ALMOST 22 POUNDS OF ICE CREAM PER YEAR. OIN THE ·S MDUFR PROR %ROUGHT AN EARLY VERSION OF ICE CREAM TO EUROPE. OAMERICA·S FIRST ICE CREAM PARLOUR OPENED ITS DOOR IN . O IN THE ·S THE ICE CREAM SUNDAE IS INVENTED. YUM

Do you have a poem, short story, painting or a kid’s birthday that you want to share? If YES, we would like to hear from you. And don’t forget to mention your name, your school and class and include a passport size photograph of yours, along with your contact number. Email to us at [email protected]

THAT SCRAMBLED WORD GAME Los Angeles Times Crossword Puzzle By David L. Hoyt and Jeff Knurek Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Lewis Unscramble these Jumbles, one letter to each square, to form four ordinary words. Level: 1 2 3 4

AGTYN @PlayJumble

IMTLI DSS‡)ROORZXVRQ7ZLWWHU SORKEH JUST JUMBLE NRAYCN Get the free

Now arrange the circled letters ©2018 Tribune Content Agency, LLC to form the surprise answer, as Complete the grid so each row, column and All Rights Reserved. suggested by the above cartoon. 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit, 1 to 9. For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, visit www.sudoku.org.uk

By Andy Kravis and Erik Agard ©2019 Tribune Content Agency, LLC

Level: 1 2 3 4 ACROSS 46 Record no. 10 Old-style dope? AGAIN STRIKE — might thief the worried

1 Selection process including 47 Tablets brand ... or, cutely, 11 In contrast with

Answer: Answer:

the Sky and the Sun what they treat 12 Narrow-bladed swords and alley bowling the at thefts some had They’d

Jumbles: 10 Anna of “The Emoji Movie” 49 Saves for the future 13 Do in a bit CRANNY KOSHER LIMIT TANGY

51 Hardly taciturn :LQWHU3DUDO\PSLDQV· 15 Lip-syncing () accompaniment? 52 Whack equipment 16 “Me too” 53 Andalusian city on the 21 Legal pros 17 Bingo center square Costa del Sol 24 Jersey Shore rockers 18 Hasbro game that requires 55 One in a conflict, maybe since twisting and pulling 56 Utter WKH·V 19 Spacewalk initials 58 2017 hit comedy about a 26 Visored military cap 20 Ready for fumigation ZRPHQ·VZHHNHQGJHWDZD\ 28 Companion of A-Rod 22 Metaphorical low area, with 4%·VSURWHFWLRQLQIRRWEDOO 31 Works on programs “the” lingo 32 Where some subs are 23 Gathering tools 61 Type of gland fixed 25 Film dialect that uses 62 Hangs 36 Belief subject-object inversion 63 Where I-35 and I-80 37 No-parking area 27 1990s gaming release, intersect 38 Literary France initially 39 Lang. test for top students 28 “LOTR” initials DOWN 41 Cajun confection 29 Visitor center 1 Symbols of thinness 42 Skincare brand from the 30 Course with fruit, perhaps 2 End point of the Noble Greek for “beautiful wax” Complete the grid so each row, column and 33 Sure-footed critters Eightfold Path 43 Envision 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit, 34 Licorice, e.g. &%HU·VRSHQLQJZRUG 45 Fast flight 1 to 9. For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, 35 Increase 4 Golden __ 48 Inclines visit www.sudoku.org.uk 37 Commented on EweTube? 5 Decisively outraces 50 Engaged in 40 Ironically, designation for 6 Begging to be picked 51 Explorer da Gama © 2018 The Mepham Group. Distributed by

the fourth film release in a 7 Nonetheless 54 Latch (onto) Tribune Content Agency. All rights reserved. classic sequence 8 Two and one, for two 57 Arles article ANSWERS 44 Remove the zest from 9 Trapped, in a way 59 Piece of TNT? 16 Friday, July 19, 2019 The Last Word SC celebrates completion of 200 million work hours at WC Qatar 2022 projects

Al Rayyan and Al Bayt stadiums in Al Khor City are scheduled to be opened in the second half of this year

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK significant accomplishments World Cup leaves a sustain- The years leading up to the including nationals and resi- host international teams in works at Al Thumama Sta- DOHA and milestones. These in- able human, economic and 200 million work hour dents. These new facilities 2022 to test their readiness. dium and work is progressing clude the renovation and re- social legacy. This legacy, we mark have included a num- will become new attractions We’re very proud of the ef- rapidly at the remaining sta- THE Supreme Committee opening of Khalifa Interna- hope, will serve as a model and destinations for visitors. forts of everyone involved, diums. This event celebrates for Delivery & Legacy (SC) tional Stadium, the launch of that’s admired and adopted ber of significant accom- One example is the 880,000 and we’ll continue our hard this progression, and recog- has announced the comple- the iconic Al Janoub Stadium by future host countries.” plishments and milestones, m2 park that surrounds Al work until the first World nises the workers’ tremen- tion of 200 million work in Al Wakrah City, and the He continued, “The suc- including the renovation Bayt Stadium.” Cup whistle blows.” dous effort, dedication and hours since preparations be- construction of three train- cess we’re celebrating today and re-opening of Khalifa Meanwhile, Eng Tamim Abdullah al Bishri, man- commitment to the health gan on the FIFA World Cup ing clusters to bring the total is a key moment of this jour- International Stadium, the El-Abed, project manager ager of health and safety of and safety standards imposed Qatar 2022 projects. number of sites to 40. The SC ney. Achieving our vision and launch of the iconic Al of Lusail Stadium, added, the TDO at the SC, said, “Five by the SC.” To mark this milestone, has also announced its readi- successfully hosting the Arab “We’ve come a long way years ago, this achievement To guarantee compliance, the SC organised a ceremony ness to launch Al Rayyan Sta- world’s first FIFA World Cup Janoub Stadium in Al on the road to 2022. We seemed far-fetched. Today, the SC organises a series of to recognise the efforts of the dium and Al Bayt Stadium, tournament is not a stan- Wakrah City, and the con- look forward to achieving we’re very proud with what lectures and workshops for FIFA World Cup workers located in Al Khor City, in the dalone effort. We continu- struction of three training more accomplishments in we’ve accomplished. Khal- all FIFA World Cup Qatar who made this achievement second half of 2019. ously collaborate with the clusters to bring the total the coming years when we ifa International Stadium 2022 workers to educate possible. Speaking about this relevant local and interna- number of sites to 40 launch the rest of the World has been renovated and re- them about health and safe- With the 200 million achievement, Eng Yasir al Ja- tional stakeholders to help Cup stadiums. As part of our opened. Al Janoub Stadium ty standards across all its work hour mark, the SC has mal, chairman of the Opera- along the way. progress, we have complet- was launched. Al Bayt Sta- projects. The SC also works completed around 75 per- tions Office and vice-chair- “This is no doubt one the establishment of the fa- ed the concrete works, steel, dium in Al Khor is now in its closely with a number of local cent of its preparations for man of the Technical Delivery of the biggest and most im- cilities that is ultimately there precast and interior works final stages. Works have been and international partners the tournament. The years Office at the SC, said, “We’ve portant events in the world. to leave a legacy beyond the at Lusail Stadium and we completed at Ras Abu Aboud to organise site visits and in- leading up to this moment always reiterated our com- Such an event requires us to tournament and benefit com- also organised trial matches Stadium, and we’ve lifted the spections, hosting more than have included a number of mitment to ensuring the invest the time and effort in munity members in Qatar, at the training sites due to roofs and commenced facade 2,000 site visits so far.

‘A Toastmaster’s journey comprises life-long learning’

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK Kavalappara invited dignitaries DOHA and newsletter editor Shameer P Hassan extended the vote of A Toastmaster’s journey is like thanks. life-long learning itself, former Pominent among those president of Toastmasters Inter- who attended the event were national Balaraj Arunaselvam Rajeswar Sundareshan DTM DTM has said. (district 116P director); Man- “If you are patient enough in zoor Moideen DTM (district the journey, you will reach the CGD elect); Rajesh VC DTM right destination,” he said. (district logistic officer); Su- Arunaselvam made the state- nita Saini DTM (Division B di- ment while releasing the Toast- rector); Juttas Paul (Division masters International Area 5 D director-elect); Nufaiza MR (Division B, District 116P) news- (Area 8 director-elect); Zubair letter ‘Connect’ recently. The Pandavath, DTM (Qatar Malay- event took place during his short alam TM Club president); Sa- visit to Qatar. reena Razak (FCC Vanitha Club Area 5 Director VC Mashood president); and Noufal Mur- presided over the function, while chandi (Mindtune Waves Club Area 22 Director (Elect) Basheer president). Former president of Toastmasters International Balaraj Arunaselvam releases Toastmasters International Area 5’s (Division B, District 116P) newsletter ‘Connect’.