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Monday, February 17, 2020 FOOTBALL Jumada II 23, 1441 AH Arsenal roar back GULF TIMES into Champions League contention SPORT Page 3

GOLF Commercial Bank Qatar Masters heads to Education City By Sports Reporter which off ers a revolutionary and crown next month and is relish- ment was one of the fi rst on my help shape the golfi ng landscape Doha holistic approach to growing the ing the opportunity to tackle the schedule.” through our principles at Educa- game. Education City layout. Education City Golf Club gen- tion City.” Designed by two-time Mas- “Qatar will always be a special eral manager Michael Braidwood Harding joined a who’s who he Commercial Bank ters champion Jose Maria tournament for me as I won my said, “It is an honour to welcome of world golf when he lifted the Qatar Masters will Olazábal, the venue comprises fi rst European Tour title there the Commercial Bank Qatar Commercial Bank Qatar Mas- move to Education 33 holes split into three cours- and I am excited to return to de- Masters to Education City next ters last season. Since it was fi rst City Golf Club in 2020, es; 18 holes, nine holes and six fend it,” he said. month. included on the European Tour markingT the beginning of an holes. The facility also includes “I obviously enjoyed the event “The tournament is one of International Schedule in 1998, exciting new era for the tourna- a state-of-the-art learning and last year and I’m looking forward the country’s premier sporting former winners of the event have ment, which takes place from practice facility housed in the to seeing Education City next events which attracts a global TV included Major champions Ernie March 5-8, 2020. Centre of Excellence and is at month. The golf course looks audience and international visi- Els (2005), Sergio Garcia (2014), The event has moved across the heart of Qatar’s vision to amazing and I am sure we will be tors to Qatar and we are incred- Retief Goosen (2007), Paul the Qatari capital from Doha Golf grow the game in the Middle well looked after. ibly excited to play a part in its Lawrie (1999, 2012), Adam Scott Club for the fi rst time in its 23- Eastern country. “My victory last year was future. (2002, 2008) and Henrik Stenson year history to Education City Justin Harding, who won his life-changing because it meant “Golf is a growing game in (2006) and Europe’s victorious Golf Club — a landmark project fi rst European Tour title at last I could choose which events I Qatar and we want to be at the 2018 Ryder Cup Captain Thomas Commercial Bank Qatar Masters defending champion Justin Harding. for Qatar and the world of golf — year’s event, will defend his wanted to play and this tourna- forefront of that growth and Bjorn (2011).

CRICKET FOCUS Qatari boxer Magnifi cent Morgan Sheikh Fahad prepares for guides England to his 14th bout T20 series victory Captain ties own England record for fastest fifty as visitors chase down South Africa’s 222

Reuters Pretoria, South Africa

aptain Eoin Morgan scored a brilliant unbeaten 57 from 22 balls as England chasedC down a massive vic- tory target of 223 to win the fi nal Twenty20 International against South Africa yester- day and secure a 2-1 series triumph. South Africa won the toss and posted 222 for six in their 20 overs, but man of the match Morgan crashed seven sixes in a 21-ball half-century to equal Qatari professional boxer Sheikh Fahad bin his own England record for Khalid al-Thani during a training session. the fastest fi fty in Twenty20 cricket. QNA The visitors reached 226 Doha for fi ve with fi ve deliveries to spare, the ball sailing through the Highveld air as 28 sixes atari professional boxer Sheikh Fahad were hit in the match, 15 by bin Khalid bin Jassim al-Thani has England, as they completed completed his intensive preparations the fourth highest successful for his upcoming 14th match, which Twenty20 International run willQ be held under the umbrella of the Profes- chase. sional Boxers Association in Spain on February South Africa won the fi rst 29. match by one run and England Sheikh Fahad was all set to take on Marius claimed the second by two Petre Sorin on Friday, but the bout was can- runs in a tight series ahead of celled due to a sudden injury to the Romanian the World Cup in Australia in boxer 24 hours before the scheduled date. October. The Qatari boxer’s support team and trainer “It was a hell of a game, Franck Bohec tried bringing in a last-minute you have to commend both substitute in consultation with the Spain’s pro sides’ bowlers as it is not easy boxing body but it was not to be since most to bowl on a wicket like that,” boxers were engaged with other previously- Morgan said at the post- scheduled matches. match presentation. Bohec reckons that the cancellation of the “When any side posts 222 bout may work in Sheikh Fahad’s favours since it is a tough ask, but going it will give the 32-year-old an opportunity to back to the 2016 World Cup focus, as it is quite hard for any boxer to have with this group of players, England’s captain Eoin Morgan (centre) and teammates pose with the series winners’ trophy after the third T20 International match against South Africa at SuperSport three strong matches in a three-to-four-week we chased down 230 against Stadium in Pretoria, South Africa, yesterday. (AFP) period, which could lead to exhaustion and lack South Africa in Mumbai, so of focus. there was always that belief. 66 from 33 balls by Heinrich England lost Jason Roy in dealing only in sixes in a bril- ond highest Twenty20 chase. putting up their hands.” Sheikh Fahad has continued his training pro- “It’s a nice note to leave this Klaasen, before he picked out the second over of their reply, liant display of skill and power “When we got here and saw gramme in Doha under the watchful eye of Bo- tour on, we have loved every Ben Stokes at mid-off from but Jos Buttler (57 from 29) hitting, and making up for not the wicket we knew it would be BRIEF SCORES: South Af- hec, with Puerto Rican boxer Carlos De Leon for minute of it. The cricket we the bowling of the impressive and Jonny Bairstow (64 from seeing his side home in the fi rst high-scoring, we are just dis- rica 222 for 6 in 20 overs (H company inside the training ring. have played has been so close Tom Curran (2-33). 34) put on 91 in 49 balls as the match in east London. appointed we didn’t get over Klaasen 66, T Bavuma 49; Cur- The welter-weight boxer, who has gone un- between the sides and it has Opener Temba Bavuma, tourists kept up with the re- He was supported by Stokes the line. We felt our score was ran 2 for 33, Stokes 2 for 35) beaten his fi rst 13 bouts of his career so far, is been hugely productive for with 49 from 24 balls, gave quired rate. (22 from 12) in adding 61 from just over par,” De Kock said. lost to England 226 for 5 in hoping to rake up 20 bouts by the end of this us.” the home side a fast start and Once they fell, Morgan, who 27 balls before the all-rounder “As we get closer to the 19.1 overs (Bairstow 64, Buttler year 2020 to improve his ranking. Starting this South Africa’s innings David Miller (35 from 20) pro- also earned the man of the se- was out with victory in sight as World Cup we are clearer in 57, Morgan 57 not out; Ngidi 2 year, Sheikh Fahad will also be moving up to was boosted by a powerful vided a strong fi nish. ries award, took up the mantle, England completed their sec- our plans and about who is for 55) by five wickets. six-round bouts. Gulf Times 2 Monday, February 17, 2020 FOOTBALL

FOCUS Sadik’s hat-trick in Mohammed VI Academy win By Sports Reporter left and he drove in a cross towards Sadik the Turks had no answer to the power of Doha but Oztasdelen came off his line to reach Sadik, who doubled the advantage on 55 the ball before the striker. minutes when turning Arda Kirgil and Mohammed VI Academy were very letting fl y from the edge of the box. Aq- kipper Omar Sadik was the much on top and they took a deserved boub also tested the keeper as the Moroc- three-goal hero as Mohammed lead on 20 minutes with a superb strike cans looked for further goals in the most VI Academy boosted their hopes by Sadik. He tried to fi nd Abdellah Baal- dominant performance of the tourna- of reaching the quarter-fi nals of lal but the ball hit a defender and bounced ment to date. Sthe Al Kass International Cup with a con- up at a perfect height for Sadik to hit it It took Altinordu 71 minutes to have vincing 3-0 victory over Turkish outfi t fi rst time on the half volley. their fi rst shot at goal when Hakan Oz- Altinordu. Yassine Khalifi then sent a shot wide as turk curled his free-kick into the side Powerful striker Sadik was outstand- Mohammed turned on the pressure and netting after Ayoub El Hammami had ing throughout the 90 minutes for the the Moroccans felt Altinordu should have brought down Seckin Firinci. Sadic com- Moroccans, who are making their debut been down to 10 men when Mouad Dahak pleted his treble with a dubious penalty at the tournament this year. was pulled back by Mustafa Kocabas, who on 84 minutes. Souhail Boudanane went Mohammed VI Academy had given was the last man. The Altinordu skipper down while challenging Melih Istar and a a good account of themselves in their escaped with a yellow card. Sadik’s free- spot-kick was harshly awarded. opening match defeat by Italians In- kick hit the wall and another chance was The penalty may have been open to ter Milan, but they bounced back from gone, but Mohammed VI Academy con- debate, there was no doubting Sadik de- that 3-1 reverse to totally dominate this tinued to press and Ilker Akar needed to served his hat-trick and he found the net match. Mohammed VI Academy do not produce a fi ne challenge to deny Aqboub. with a minimum of fuss. have a side playing in any adult leagues Oztasdelen was again tested in the Last year there were three hat-tricks but focus on youngsters aged 12-21, with last 10 minutes of the fi rst half as Dahak at Al Kass (Carles Moscardo for Real Ma- a focus on underprivileged youngsters sent in a powerful drive from the corner drid against Spartak Moscow, Chris Mc- from Moroccan capital Rabat. of the penalty area. It was Mohammed Kee for Rangers against Etoile Sportive du They dominated from the start and VI Academy’s eighth shot of a fi rst half Sahel, and Nathan Young-Coombes for Hassan Aqboub had the fi rst shot on that saw then enjoy 65% possession with Rangers in the same match), but we have target but it was easily handled by Ser- Altinordu failing to test the keeper at all already seen enough attacking ability at hat Oztasdelen. Aqboub was involved in during the fi rst half. Academy contin- this year’s tournament to believe that fi g- Mohammed VI Academy skipper Omar Sadik (centre) celebrates with his teammates after scoring a goal against much of Academy’s early play down the ued their domination after the break and ure could be beaten. |Altinordu at the Al Kass International Cup. PICTURE: Jayaram

AL KASS INTERNATIONAL CUP SCOTTISH PREMIERSHIP Celtic manager Lennon hails win Spaniards look the over Aberdeen

AFP Glasgow

eltic manager Neil Real deal as they Lennon praised his side’s character fol- lowing a battling 2-1 winC away to Aberdeen at a windswept Pittodrie yesterday that saw his reigning champi- ons close in on a ninth succes- sive Scottish title. outclass Sporting The Hoops took an early lead through Callum McGre- Sporting will battle it out with Zenit for the right to join Real in the quarter-finals gor’s 10th-minute goal but the Dons were level well before By Sports Reporter a 35th minute equalizer. Diogo half-time thanks to an equal- Celtic manager Neil Lennon. Doha Travassos played a neat one-two iser from Ash Taylor. down the left with skipper David Victory left runaway Scot- 20-year-old had made three Moreira before crossing for Luis tish Premiership leaders Celtic good saves. eal Madrid secured top Gomes to score with a well-tak- 10 points ahead of Rangers, It was a much needed win spot in Group D of the en diving header. who have a game in hand, after for Steven Gerrard’s side fol- Al Kass International Sporting were level for just their arch Glasgow rivals won lowing their 2-1 loss away to Cup with an impressive two minutes before classy mid- 1-0 at home to Livingston later Kilmarnock in midweek. 4-1R victory over Sporting Clube fi elder Paz sent in a perfectly on Sunday in a match delayed But afterwards the Rang- de Portugal at Aspire. executed dipping free-kick to 24 hours by a waterlogged ers manager criticised referee The Spaniards had begun the restore Real’s lead on 37 minutes. pitch. Euan Anderson and his offi - competition with a 5-3 victory The Spaniards could have Celtic did not have things cials for off side decisions that over Russian side FC Zenit in one added a third when Abraham all in their own way in a match denied his side further goals of the best games the event has found Garcia but he couldn’t played in the fall-out from from Alfredo Morelos and witnessed in recent years and keep his eff ort down, although Storm Dennis and they had to substitute Florian Kamberi. they again turned on the style Tristan Celador’s side didn’t wait until nine minutes from Liverpool great Gerrard also against tournament debutants have to wait long to fi nd the net time for Kristoff Ajer’s win- said the Light Blues should Sporting. again. ning goal. have been awarded a penalty Sporting are hugely successful Paz once again showed his “I’m thrilled,” said North- when Livingston defender Ci- at youth level in Portugal but the passing quality on 42 minutes ern Irishman Lennon. “It’s a aron Brown appeared to han- Lisbon club were no match for when threading the ball inside massive win in treacherously dle the ball on the line. the 2017 champions. David Montero and Pece burst diffi cult conditions to play “We aren’t fi ring on all cyl- Real’s Under 16 squad, as with through to fi re home his second football. All credit to the play- inders at the minute so it is their senior side, possess superb of the match. ers who dug out a marvellous important that you get over passing quality and the likes of Sporting should have pulled result for us. the line and we did that today Nico Paz and David Pecellin – one back midway through the The former Celtic midfi eld- but we could have done it more better known as Pece – stood out second half as Mateus Fernandes er added: “You can’t always convincingly,” said Gerrard. as the Spaniards took their goals sent in a fi ne cross and Samuel play slick, quick football and “Disappointed in the offi cials tally to nine in two matches. Justo leapt well but failed to get we had to grind it out today. today, I must say. Gonzalo Garcia showed his his header on target. “We’ve a bit of character “I think he (Anderson) got aerial ability early on with a great Real made him pay just two and resilience. We’re not get- the second one just right, we leap but his header was tipped minutes later as Garcia found ting ahead of ourselves, there’s accept that one but Morelos’ over the bar by Sporting keeper substitute Ekaitz Redondo Bor- a lot of football yet to play but one is onside and there is a Diego Calai, but Real didn’t have rajo who took a good fi rst touch in the context of the run that stonewall penalty. It is a bla- to wait long for the opener as before fi ring home on 69 min- we’re on it’s a big win.” tant handball.” they went ahead on eight min- utes. Rangers, who have a game The other match in Scot- utes. The young striker showed the in hand over Celtic, kept their land’s top fl ight saw Hibernian Spanish youth international form that saw Barcelona and fl agging title bid alive after the move to within fi ve points of Abraham Nobrega got clear Atletico Madrid trying to sign weather relented suffi ciently third place with a 2-1 win at down the right and pulled the him before he joined Real from at a windswept Ibrox for their Kilmarnock. ball back for Pece, who steered Bilbao club Danok Bat, for whom game with Livingston to go Hibs midfi elder Greg Do- it goalwards. The ball hit Ricardo he had scored 40 goals in a sea- ahead. cherty’s fi ne fi rst-half strike Piedade’s arm, which took the Real Madrid and Sporting Clube de Portugal players vying for the ball during their in Group D match at the son. Scott Arfi eld scored the only gave the visitors the lead at pace off the shot, but it just had Al Kass International Cup at the Aspire Academy yesterday. PICTURE: Jayaram Real will now feel confi dent of goal of a match where Living- Rugby Park and, after Chris enough momentum to cross the challenging for Al Kass honours, ston hit the post just shy of Burke had equalised, Adam line. the Sporting defence soon after- Pece, a former star of the Real off his fourth save if the match. while Sporting will battle it out the hour mark when he shot Jackson put the Edinburgh Yeray Lancha displayed great wards but his shot was blocked Betis academy, had a fi ne eff ort Real had been very much the with Zenit for the right to join between the legs of goalkeep- club in front again on the skill to weave his way through by the feet of Calai. on 25 minutes but Calai pulled better team but were rocked by them in the quarter-fi nals. er Ryan Schofi eld after the stroke of half-time.

LIGUE 1 Lyon’s slump continues with Strasbourg draw AFP We didn’t do enough as the fi nish in off the post. day’s French Cup exit at the Lyon home side.” The hosts struggled to break hands of Lyon by strengthening Burkino Faso international down Strasbourg in the second their grip on second place with Bertrand Traore gave the hosts half. The visitors came within a win at Lille without star man yon’s poor form in Ligue 1 the lead in the 21st minute when inches of snatching the win in Dimitri Payet. continued yesterday with he stooped to head home Max- the dying moments. Andre Villas Boas’ side are a 1-1 home draw against wel Cornet’s brilliant swinging With three minutes left Kenny eight points ahead of third- Strasbourg at a blustery cross. Lala curled a shot off the post. placed Rennes, who suff ered a LGroupama Stadium that leaves Strasbourg, who sit seventh, Then Strasbourg somehow shock 1-0 home defeat to Reims them languishing in mid-table. three points away from the Eu- failed to grab the winner in stop- yesterday, while Lille will take Rudi Garcia’s side are 10th on ropean places, were level just page time. third and the last Champions 34 points after a fourth match before the break. Dimitri Lienard’s free kick league spot should they end without a win, one in which the Kevin Zohi latched onto Ma- from the touchline slapped the Marseille’s 13-match unbeaten away side struck the post twice jeed Arsis’s through ball and base of the post and sprung out run in Ligue 1. late on. slotted home as the Lyon de- to Alexander Djiku, who from Brest moved seven points “There wasn’t enough going fence and the linesman had their centimetres out knocked the ball clear of the relegation zone after forward,” said Garcia. arms aloft for off side. wide of the other upright as his a 3-2 win against Saint-Etienne “We didn’t create enough The goal was initially ruled teammates looked on in horror. that plunges the 10-time French goal-scoring opportunities and out but a VAR check showed that Later, Marseille will be looking champions to within just two we didn’t shoot enough at goal. Zohi was onside before he fed his to to bounce back from Wednes- points of the drop. Lyon’s coach Rudi Garcia gestures during the Ligue 1 match against Strasbourg in Lyon yesterday. (AFP) Gulf Times Monday, February 17, 2020 3 FOOTBALL

EPL BUNDESLIGA Gnabry nets twice as Bayern Munich Arsenal roar back regain top spot

AFP home crowd stunned. With 15 Berlin minutes gone, Horn was the only Cologne player in double fi gures for touches of the ball - ermany winger Serge three of his 10 were picking the into Champions Gnabry netted twice ball out of his net. as Bayern Munich Gnabry then fi red wide, swept back to the top midfi elder Joshua Kimmich Gof the Bundesliga yesterday hit the post and Mueller went with a 4-1 away win at Co- close as Bayern kept up the logne. After RB Leipzig had pressure as it stayed 3-0 at claimed top spot in Germany’s half-time. top fl ight for 24 hours with a However, Cologne went for League contention 3-0 home win against Werder broke in the second-half. Bremen on Saturday, Bayern Home striker Jhon Cordoba Man City ban opens the door for Spurs as Son strikes late winner at Villa wasted no time in regaining could have claimed a hat-trick fi rst place in Cologne. in what could easily have been AFP Bayern have won seven of a 4-4 draw. London their last eight league games, The Colombian forward had which includes last Sunday’s the ball in Bayern’s net on 47 goalless draw with Leipzig. minutes, but the VAR ruled rsenal hauled them- Robert Lewandowski and the eff ort off side. Cordoba selves back into con- Kingsley Coman netted for again beat Bayern goalkeeper tention to qualify for Bayern to add to Gnabry’s Manuel Neuer on 55 minutes, next season’s Champi- brace while Mark Uth, on loan but the off side fl ag went up. onsA League with a 4-0 win over from Schalke, scored Co- Gnabry grabbed his sec- Newcastle thanks to second half logne’s consolation goal. ond goal – his 12th for Bayern goals from Pierre-Emerick Au- Bayern were 3-0 up after this season – with a stunning bameyang, Nicolas Pepe, Mesut 12 minutes as they blitzed the eff ort. The former Arsenal Ozil and Alexandre Lacazette. Cologne defence. winger beat three defenders Just a second league win for The Bundesliga’s top scorer and curled his shot into the top the Gunners under Mikel Arteta Robert Lewandowski claimed corner on 66 minutes with a lifts Arsenal into 10th in the Pre- his 23rd league goal with clini- superb fi nish. mier League, but just six points cal fi nishing after Thomas Mu- Uth pulled a goal back for adrift of Tottenham in fi fth. eller’s pass put him in behind Cologne on 70 minutes as the Manchester City’s two-sea- the defence on three minutes. hosts fi nished strong. son ban from European compe- Lewandowski then moved Cordoba slammed his fi st tition means fi fth will be enough the ball in the box to Mueller, into the turf in frustration af- to secure a Champions League whose pass found Coman to ter holding off defender David place unless the English cham- beat Cologne goalkeeper Timo Alaba only for Neuer to save his pions succeed in appealing that Horn, making it 2-0 after only shot in 78 minutes. sanction to the Court of Arbitra- fi ve minutes. Burly French striker Antho- tion for Sport. It was Mueller’s 14th assist ny Modeste replaced Cordoba, Arteta, who left City to take this season, leaving him sec- but he squandered two late his fi rst senior managerial role at ond only to Manchester City’s chances as Cologne kept ham- the Emirates in December, could Kevin de Bruyne, on 16, for mering away at the Bayern de- be the benefi ciary of his former chances created in Europe’s fence. The result leaves Bayern employers’ punishment. top fi ve leagues. a point ahead of second-placed And there was plenty of en- Gnabry then made it 3-0 Leipzig, while Dortmund, who couragement for the Spaniard in when his shot gave Horn no thrashed Frankfurt 4-0 on Fri- Arsenal’s second half perform- chance on it’s way into the day, sit third and four points ance after an all too familiar sub- bottom corner to leave the back. dued fi rst 45 minutes. Both sides started the day in the bottom half of the table on 31 points and it showed before the break. The visitors had the better chances as Joelinton screwed wide before Bernd Leno turned Sean Longstaff ’s defl ected shot to safety. Arteta handed Eddie Nketiah his fi rst Premier League start up front at the expense of the out-of-form Lacazette. However, it took over half an hour for the 20-year-old to get a sight of goal when he fi red too Arsenal’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in action during their game against Newcastle United in London yesterday. (Reuters) close to Martin Dubravka. Bayern Munich’s midfielder Serge Gnabry (right) and Cologne’s Nketiah should have scored post. Lacazette replaced Nketiah Spurs are also now just one point best performance. It was a beau- it took a VAR review to award defender Ismail Jakobs vie for the ball during their Bundesliga when he hit the bar from Pepe’s fi ve minutes from time and made behind Mourinho’s old club tiful week for me with the birth a penalty. Son’s spot-kick was match in Cologne yesterday. (AFP) cut-back in an explosive start to a huge impact to give his confi - Chelsea, who they face at Stam- of my son but yesterday I had to saved by Reina, but the South the second period from Arsenal. dence a much-needed boost. ford Bridge next weekend. travel eight hours so it was dif- Korean followed up to prod home But Aubameyang showed his Firstly, the Frenchman crossed However, all of the top 10 are fi cult,” said Alderweireld. “My and become the fi rst Asian player Sevilla held by rock bottom young apprentice how to pounce for Ozil, whose tame shot now within six points of what legs were not sharp. But I’m to score 50 Premier League goals. in front of goal as he rose high- squirmed through Dubravka’s could be a Champions League happy to help the team with the Engels also made amends as Espanyol to stay out of top four est to power home Pepe’s fl oated grasp. Luck then shone on Laca- place. “A window opens for many goal, the lads helped me today.” an attacking force as he rose Sevilla missed the chance to China winger Wu Lei put the cross on 54 minutes. zette to end a nine-game goal teams,” said Mourinho. “What Villa could have been two in highest to head home Jack Gre- move in to the La Liga top four away side ahead when he slot- One of the revelations of drought as his right-footed shot seemed far, now the fi fth place is front before Tottenham levelled alish’s corner eight minutes into yesterday as they drew 2-2 ted home Espanyol’s second Arteta’s early days in charge has fl icked off his left foot and fl ew not far. Arsenal, Everton, Shef- as only a goal-line block from the second half, but Mourinho with rock-bottom Espanyol. five minutes after the break. been Bukayo Saka’s perform- into the top corner in the fi fth fi eld United, Wolves. Everyone Ben Davies denied Douglas Luiz. was furious at Alderweireld’s The Andalusian outfit failed However Victor Sanchez was ances as a makeshift left-back. minute of stoppage time. will feel they have the chance.” However, Dean Smith’s side defending. “I’d say he’s scored to take advantage of fourth- sent off for a second book- No Arsenal player has created Tottenham had to bounce fi nd themselves in a relegation three goals: the own goal, his placed Atletico Madrid’s own able off ence when he clipped more goals than the 18-year-old SPURS PAST VILLA IN back from a nightmare start at battle as they have now con- goal and then when he loses the 2-2 draw at Valencia on Friday. over Youssef En-Nesyri as the this season and Saka nutmegged FIVE-GOAL THRILLER Villa Park when Toby Alder- ceded more goals than any other duel with Engels,” added the Sevilla stay fifth, level on 40 Moroccan forward surged Valentino Lazaro before teeing Tottenham manager Jose Mour- weireld sliced into his own goal. team in the league. Portuguese. Tottenham took points with Diego Simeone’s towards goal. up Pepe to fi re home the hosts’ inho believes Manchester Alderweireld had not travelled “They have a front four that the game to the hosts in the fi nal side who occupy the final Suso exploited Sevilla’s man second from close range. City’s two-season ban from the with his teammates to Birming- can hurt anyone, that’s why we quarter, but struggled to fi nd a Champions League place. advantage to score his first Newcastle have scored just Champions League has opened ham after attending the birth of had to get forward and defend on way past the inspired Reina. Espanyol remain last, three goal for the club since arriving 24 goals in 26 league games the door for a host of teams to his son this week and admitted the front foot,” said Smith, with The on-loan AC Milan goal- points from safety alongside on loan from AC Milan last this season and their lack of a qualify for next season’s compe- to feeling heavy legged after he Villa still just one point above keeper saved three eff orts from Leganes, who earlier played month, cutting inside before goal threat was obvious as they tition. Mourinho’s men moved turned Anwar El Ghazi’s defl ect- the bottom three. “On the whole Son and denied Dele Alli when out a goalless draw with Real firing inside Diego Lopez’s chased the game in the fi nal half up to fi fth in the Premier League ed cross into his own net after I thought we dealt with them re- one-on-one. However, Son had Betis. Lucas Ocampos headed near post. hour. Ciaran Clark spurned a – which could be enough to se- just nine minutes. ally well but we’re disappointed the fi nal say by composing him- Sevilla in front after 14 min- The Basque derby between great chance to bring the Mag- cure Champions League football But the Belgian quickly made with the goals we conceded.” self to slot just beyond Reina’s utes before Adrian Embarba Eibar and Real Sociedad is pies back into the game by fi ring should City’s appeal against the amends at the other end by A rash challenge by Bjorn En- reach with virtually the last ac- levelled the scores with a awaiting a new date after be- wide with just Leno to beat be- ban fail – thanks to Son Heung- smashing a loose ball from a cor- gels on Steven Bergwijn handed tion of the game and send Spurs free-kick that crashed through ing called off on Saturday due fore the mercurial Allan Saint- min’s stoppage time winner to ner high past the helpless Pepe the visitors the chance to go in closer to a fi fth straight season of a poor wall. to poor air quality. Maximin curled a shot off the beat Aston Villa 3-2 yesterday. Reina to equalise. “It wasn’t my front just before the break, albeit Champions League football.

SERIE A Juventus ease to win over 10-man Brescia AFP Cristiano Ronaldo, who has lose the Serie A lead to Inter, but Elsewhere, Dusan Vlahovic Turin scored in 10 consecutive Serie A they were rarely tested by relega- and Federico Chiesa scored two matches, and his gamble paid off tion-battling Brescia at the Alli- goals apiece as Fiorentina ham- as Juve eased to a win that moved anz Stadium. mered Sampdoria 5-1, both sides oals from Paulo Dybala them up to 57 points. The visitors lost goalkeeper fi nishing the fi rst half with 10 and Juan Cuadrado sent “The worst is over but now the Enrico Alfonso to a head injury men after Sampdoria defender Juventus back to the top toughest part begins,” Chiellini early on, meaning Lorenzo An- Nicola Murru and Fiorentina of the Serie A table with said about his eff orts to regain drenacci was called on to make midfi elder Milan Badelj picked Ga comfortable 2-0 win over 10- top form as Juve battle in the do- his Serie A debut, and their up second yellow cards. man Brescia yesterday. mestic league and cup, and with hopes of recording their fi rst win Gervinho scored for Parma Brescia striker Florian Aye the Champions League resuming at Juventus in Serie A took a blow in a 1-0 victory at Sassuolo and picked up two yellow cards in next week. when Aye was shown a second Hellas Verona extended their three minutes near the end of “I needed this boost of energy yellow for barging over Aaron unbeaten run to nine games with the fi rst half and Juventus im- in the last quarter of an hour. Ramsey. Dybala stroked the re- a 0-0 draw at Udinese. mediately capitalised as Dybala Now I have to work hard and I sulting free kick into the corner Scoring chances were scarce whipped in the opener from a want to help my teammates to of the net, and Juve almost made at Udine’s Friuli stadium where free kick. win all we can. I hope I can lend it two when Andrenacci palmed strikers from both sides had Cuadrado doubled their ad- a hand and give my contribution a Daniele Rugani header onto the trouble against tight defences. vantage with a neat fi nish after now that crunch time is here.” crossbar. Verona, who held Lazio 0-0 in 75 minutes, and the home crowd However, Inter Milan will There were concerns for Sarri early February and beat Juventus were given more reason to cheer push Juve into second place on when substitute Miralem Pjan- 2-1 last weekend, are sixth and when captain Giorgio Chiellini goal diff erence if they beat third- ic limped off with a muscular in the Europa League zone. But came off the bench to make his placed Lazio later. problem, but Cuadrado put the they could be leapfrogged by AC fi rst appearance since rupturing Sarri came in for criticism af- result beyond doubt, exchanging Milan if the Rossoneri beat Tori- Juventus’ goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny (centre), midfielder Blaise Matuidi (right), defender Giorgio his cruciate ligament in August. ter a shock 2-1 defeat by Hellas passes with Blaise Matuidi be- no today. Udinese sit 14th, four Chiellini (second right) and other teammates acknowledge the fans at the end of their Serie A match Maurizio Sarri rested forward Verona last weekend saw his side fore dinking home a neat fi nish. points above the drop zone. against Brescia at the Juventus stadium in Turin. (AFP) Gulf Times 4 Monday, February 17, 2020 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Vodafone Qatar, Lexus sign sponsorship agreements for 2020 His Highness The Amir’s Sword Showjumping Muhumuza takes fi ve wickets as Uganda upset Qatar in fi nal T20

By Sports Reporter 44 runs in a mere 3.4 overs. Khan Doha was the fi rst to go, being caught off Charles Waiswa by Akank- wasa for 23 with two sixes and fi ve-wicket haul Deus- two fours. dedit Muhumuza de- Ibrahim, in the company of stroyed Qatar’s middle- Imal Liyanage, maintained a order as touring Uganda good run-rate and carried the pulledA off a surprise 18-run vic- score to 74 when the latter was tory in the third Twenty20 In- sent back by Frank Nsubuga for ternational match at the Asian seven. But Qatar’s slump really Town Stadium on Saturday. started at 83 with the departure After being contained for of Ibrahim, who off ered a catch to a modest 134 for six, Uganda Akankwasa off Trevor Bukenya. struck midway when the hosts The opener hammered one six Asian and Qatar Equestrian Federations President Hamad Abdulrahman al-Attiyah appeared to be cruising towards and seven boundaries to compile (right) and Vodafone Qatar CEO Sheikh Hamad bin Abdullah al-Thani signed the Qatar Equestrian Federation General Secretary Badr bin Mohamed al-Darwish a 3-0 romp. Muhumuza’s fi ve 44 in just 33 balls. sponsorship agreement for 2020 His Highness The Amir’s Sword Showjumping (right) and Abdullah Abdulghani & Bros Co (sole distributor of Lexus in Qatar) for 13 turned around the game Bukenya delivered another competition yesterday. The competition will be held from February 20-22, 2020, at the Acting CEO R K Murugan signed the sponsorship agreement for 2020 His as Qatar lost eight wickets for 33 blow after 14 runs, dismissing Qatar Equestrian Federation Arena. PICTURES: Juhaim Highness The Amir’s Sword Showjumping competition yesterday. runs. Mohamed Tanveer for 13 and The victory helped Uganda then Muhumuza grabbed fi ve of end the short trip to Qatar on a the next six scalps to disman- winning note, though they had tle Qatar for only 116, complet- CRICKET already lost the series earlier ing the big upset. Bukenya and courtesy defeats in the fi rst two Waiswa picked two wickets each, games. while Nsubuga got one. Using conditions and the Muhumuza, who had won wicket well, Qatar bowlers the Player of the Match award a pegged down the rival batsmen. day before in the match against With regular strikes, they lim- President Elevel, won the honour ited Uganda to fi ve down for 83. once again. Muhumuza and Frank Akank- Mushfi qur back wasa, however, had other ideas. BRIEF SCORES: Uganda 134 The sixth-wicket pair smashed for six (Arnold Otwani 27 in 28 51 runs off just 28 balls to take balls, Brian Masaba 29 in 25 balls, the score to 134 before Mohamed Deusdedit Muhumuza 19 not out Awais Malik got Akankwasa out in 15 balls, Frank Akankwasa 28 in off the fi nal delivery. Akankwasa 17 balls; Iqbal Chaudhry 2 for 41, hit two sixes and two fours to score Gayan Budhika 1 for 21, Mohamed 28 off 17 balls, while Muhumuza’s Awais Malik 1 for 19, Musawar for Zimbabwe Test 19 not out had a six and a four. Shah 1 for 20) beat Qatar 118 all Skipper Iqbal Hussain Chaud- out in 18.4 overs (Zaheeruddeen Bangladesh drop Mahmudullah, Soumya Sarkar, Rubel Hossain and Al Amin Hossain hry was the most successful Qa- Ibrahim 44 in 33 balls, Kamran tar bowler with two for 41, while Khan 23 in 13 balls; Deusdedit Reuters Gayan Budhika, Awais and Mu- Muhumuza 5 for 13, Charles Dhaka, Bangladesh sawar Shah shared three scalps. Waiswa 2 for 21, Trevor Bukenya Qatar were off to a yingfl start 2 for 19, Frank Nsubuga 1 for 28) through Zaheeruddeen Ibrahim by 18 runs. Player of the Match: angladesh have dropped and Kamran Khan. They blasted Deusdedit Muhumuza (Uganda) Mahmudullah while senior batsman Mush- fi qur Rahim, who opt- Bed out of the tour of Pakistan this month, returned to the side for the one-off Test against Zimba- bwe beginning on Saturday. Batsman Soumya Sarkar and fast bowlers Rubel Hossain and Al Amin Hossain have also been axed from the side who suf- fered an innings defeat in the Rawalpindi Test. Fit-again spinner Mehidy Hasan and pace duo Mustafi zur Rahman and Taskin Ahmed re- turned to the 16-man squad. “We felt that Mahmudullah needed a break from red ball (cricket),” selection panel chair- man Minhajul Abedin said in a statement. “Al Amin has niggles and that’s why we thought he should be given the time to be fully ready for the limited overs matches where he is more im- Zimbabwe looking forward to Bangladesh challenge: Taylor portant. Rubel is not part of our red-ball plans for the moment. AFP home matches in January be- Zimbabwe will play their Test “I think they always play well Dhaka hosts the fi rst Test and Dhaka, Bangladesh fore narrowly going down 0-1. against Bangladesh at Dhaka’s at home. That’s their comfort Zimbabwe will also play three They lost the first Test, and Sher-e-Bangla National Sta- zone, where they thrive... and one-day and two Twenty20 In- then an unbeaten second- dium from February 22. always have a good record,” ternationals. imbabwe batsman innings century from Kusal “Bangladesh have always been he said. Brendan Taylor has said Mendis denied them a series very diff icult to... (beat) here. We Batsman Craig Ervine will lead Bangladesh Test squad: Zhis side’s performance levelling-win in the second Test. know what we are up against... Zimbabwe in the Bangladesh Mominul Haque (Captain), in the recent series against Sri “We have had two good Test But we look forward to it,” said Test, with regular skipper Sean Tamim Iqbal, Saif Hassan, Najmul Lanka would motivate them matches that went five days the 34-year-old Taylor. Williams missing the game to Hossain, Mushfiqur Rahim, to do well against Bangladesh against Sri Lanka. We took a lot Bangladesh are currently in a be with his family for the birth Mohamed Mithun, Liton Das, in the one-off Test later this of positives from that. Hope- bad run of form in Tests, losing of his child. Taijul Islam, Abu Jayed, Nayeem month. fully, we can carry that on to their last six matches - three Zimbabwe will also play three Hasan, Ebadat Hossain, Taskin Zimbabwe, playing their first the first Test (against Bangla- of them by an innings margin one-day internationals and two Ahmed, Mehidy Hasan, Mustafi- Test series in more than a year, desh),” Taylor told reporters at - but Taylor warned that would Twenty20s during the Bangla- zur Rahman, Hasan Mahmud, pushed Sri Lanka hard in two Dhaka airport on Saturday. not give his side any leverage. desh tour in March. Uganda’s Deusdedit Muhumuza took five wickets and scored an Yasir Ali. unbeaten 19 to be adjudged Player of the Match.

INDIA’S TOUR OF NEW ZEALAND WOMEN’S T20 WORLD CUP Have worked on the areas to England beat NZ as improve: India’s Agarwal rain hits warm-ups

IANS might have cropped into his it and move ahead,” he added. AFP World Cup debutants Thailand was Hamilton, New Zealand batting. “There’s no point think- Adelaide, Australia also called off . “Vikram sir and me, we ing about what’s happened. But England managed some much- have sat down and spoken Obviously, I can’t bring that needed match practice with a comfort- ndia’s Mayank Agarwal about the areas where we back. The last thing I can tell ngland beat New Zealand by able win over New Zealand in Adelaide, is all confi dent of taking need to improve. Yes, we have myself is yes, I have got 81 six wickets yesterday in their restricting them to just 134 for nine. his good form in the Tests worked on it. After I got out in not out here and I can carry fi rst offi cial warm-up for the Chasing 135 to win, Amy Jones and against New Zealand and the fi rst innings, I went back that into the Test match. I got women’s Twenty20 World Danni Wyatt put on 41 before Jones Isaid that he has worked on the behind the nets, did a lot of a couple of on-drives in this Cup,E but India’s preparations were was unlucky to bottom-edge an at- areas he needs to improve. drills. I am happy, whatever innings and as a batsman, hit with their clash against Pakistan tempted pull on to her stumps. “It’s been a little diff er- I have worked on is coming you know that you have to be washed out. Wyatt and captain Heather Knight ent playing here but I want to good now.” doing a lot of things correct The World Cup gets underway on added 40 to take England most of the leave all that behind whatever “Just being a little too to hit an on-drive. When I Friday in Sydney when defending way to victory, with Knight hitting the has happened. Yes, I got an 81 closed. That’s just one part got a couple of those, it gave champions Australia face India, but winning runs with two overs to spare. in the second innings of this of it. But it is what it is and me the assurance that was both teams have been disrupted by the “It was a good pitch so it was a really practice game and I want to I don’t want to discuss required,” Agarwal further weather. good performance by our bowlers,” take this confi dence forward too much about it. Yes, we explained. Australia were unable to play their said Knight. “It’s nice for the confi - into the Test match,” Agarwal worked on and we’ve moved Agarwal and Prithvi Shaw match against the West Indies in Bris- dence to get over the line with just four told reporters. forward and I would leave all are likely to be the new open- bane on Saturday due to a wet outfi eld wickets down.” Agarwal did say that he had that behind. It’s just one of ing pair in Wellington and the at Allan Border Field, and India’s game Meanwhile, South Africa beat Sri sessions with batting coach those things that has hap- latter is confi dent that com- at the same venue met a similar fate Lanka by 41 runs in Adelaide to ensure Vikram Rathore to sort out pened while batting and I am munication between them yesterday. they got their build-up off to a win- the technical glitches that glad that we are able to rectify will work wonders for him. Bangladesh’s showdown against ning start. Gulf Times Monday, February 17, 2020 5 BASKETBALL

ALL-STAR GAME SPOTLIGHT All-Star MVP Award named in Jones works OT to honour of Kobe

AFP the last few years of my career, Los Angeles a guy that was always there for me,” Antetokounmpo said. “In the regular season, the play- BA commissioner off s, a guy that told me that out-dunk Gordon in Adam Silver an- whenever I need something, nounced that the I could just reach out to him, All-Star Game MVP and he was literally always Naward will now be called the there. If I needed something, Kobe Bryant Award as players he would text me back, call me. lined up to pay tribute to the “Growing up, he was my late NBA icon on Saturday. idol. He was one of those guys “Kobe Bryant is synony- that gave back to the game so Saturday’s thriller mous with NBA All-Star much, gave back to the players. and embodies the spirit of A lot of people when they’re so this global celebration of our great, they don’t do that.” Jones followed up a miss and a birthday serenade from the crowd to score 46 points for his 1st dunk game,” Silver said. “He always Boston Celtics guard Kemba relished the opportunity to Walker said this is an emo- Reuters compete with the best of the tional time for the NBA family Chicago best and perform at the high- not only because of the death est level for millions of fans of Bryant, but also former around the world.” commissioner David Stern, iami Heat forward Derrick Bryant and his daughter, who died on New Year’s Day. Jones Jr won a Slam Dunk Gigi, were buried in a private “With the tragic death of Contest that required over- funeral service in southern Kobe and Gigi and the rest of time with two extra rounds, California last week after they the families on the plane and Medging Orlando Magic big man Aaron were among nine people who David Stern, it’s defi nitely Gordon in a six-dunk display. perished in a horrifi c helicop- going to be a very emotional Jones won by a single point on his birth- ter crash on January 26. weekend, and we’re going to day on Saturday night. The uniforms for all-star celebrate those guys and eve- “It was great, a great competition,” Jones game in Chicago will also hon- ryone else as best as we can,” said. our Bryant and his 13-year-old Walker said. Using 7-foot-5 Celtics centre Tacko Fall daughter with LeBron James’ “They meant so much to our as a prop just in front of the rim, Gordon team wearing the No 2 for the game. They grew the game so bounced off of two feet and over Fall for a basketball-playing Gigi and much. We all just have a lot of two-handed walkoff slam. It was good for Giannis Antetokounmpo’s respect for them.” only a 47, the fi rst non-perfect mark for team wearing No 24 in a trib- Gordon. ute to Bryant. MEMORIAL SERVICE Jones ran from the opposite 3-point line Antetokounmpo was one A public memorial service for and jumped from 13 feet and banged in a lefty of several all-stars who also Bryant will be held on Febru- dunk for his one-point win. spoke Saturday about their ary 24 at Staples Center arena To start the fi rst dunk off , Jones caught the memories and the legacy that in downtown Los Angeles. ball off the side of the backboard and moved Bryant left behind. Also, Miami Heat forward the ball from his right hand to his left and “The format is amazing,” Derrick Jones captured the under his left leg before throwing it in. Antetokounmpo said. “It Slam Dunk Contest by beating Gordon followed with another 50, his fi fth makes you want to play hard out Orlando Magic big man of the night, with his own rendition of the and compete against one an- Aaron Gordon in a six-dunk around-the-leg windmill. other. Each quarter you have display. “It was great, a great Gordon’s fourth dunk of the night was the opportunity to win, and it competition,” said Jones, who a perfect score and brought the stadium to makes it way more competi- won by one point. a fever pitch. He received a 50 for a wicked tive. Jones ran from the opposite power dunk grabbing an assist from team- “But wearing 24 and LeBron three-point line and jumped mate Markelle Fultz off the side of the back- wearing number two, it’s a big from 13 feet and slammed in a board. Jones scored 50, taking the ball from a honour. I wouldn’t want it any left handed dunk for his nar- helper on a bounce off the backboard, under other way representing Kobe row victory. his leg and through. and Gigi in tomorrow night’s Sacramento Kings guard Jones cleared two men who were facing game.” Buddy Hield won the Three- the basket, took the ball back while elevat- Antetokounmpo described Point Contest and Miami Heat ing, put it under his left leg and crammed it the four-time All-Star Game forward Bam Adebayo de- in with an authoritative left hand. MVP Bryant as the “Michael feated Indiana Pacers forward Gordon, using Chance The Rapper to hold Jordan of our generation.” Domantas Sabonis in the Skills the ball, pulled the ball from his helper’s “A guy that mentored me in Challenge. hands and locked down his third perfect 50 in three tries. Gordon nailed a perfect 50 — 10s from all Miami Heat player Derrick Jones Jr holds the trophy after winning the slam dunk contest during NBA All Star on Saturday Night at fi ve judges — with the fourth and fi nal dunk United Center. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports of the fi rst round. He matched it with his second slam — plucking the ball from the and grabbed the ball from Antetokounmpo, Hield scored 27 total points, and Washing- “The sky is the limit for players the way hands of Chance The Rapper while jumping tapped the backboard and crammed home a ton Wizards forward Davis Bertans had 26 the game is going,” Adebayo said of winning over him and moving from one sideline to- two-handed fl ush for a perfect 50. in Round 1. the competition against a fellow big man and ward the other, spinning his body back to the Dwight Howard of the Los Angeles Lakers Bertans shot fi rst in the fi nal round and over a fi eld of multiple guards. Adebayo and basket in midair to fi nish the slam. went fi rst and received 41 thanks to eights by made 4 of 5 moneyball attempts, tally- Toronto Raptors forward Pascal Siakam met Jones followed up a miss and a birthday four judges and a nine from Scottie Pippen. ing 22 points. The rules of the contest were in the semifi nals before Sabonis and Bucks serenade from the United Center crowd to Howard recreated his 2008 Superman dunk changed this year. Each made 3-pointer was All-Star forward Khris Middleton squared score 46 points for his fi rst dunk. Jones po- with a red cape and blue undershirt with worth one point with a few exceptions. off . Players dribble from one 3-point line sitioned teammate Bam Adebayo inside the the superhero logo covered by number 24. Two stations and 10 seconds were added to the other winding between four verti- elbow and leapt over him for a slam. He took a lob from Jameer Nelson, who was to the traditional fi ve-rack setup, with the cal NBA logo obstacles, stopping to fi re a His second dunk appeared to defy grav- standing out of bounds behind the back- extra shots worth three points and 6 feet chest pass through a station with a round ity and brought all of the judges to their feet. board, for a 49. behind the NBA 3-point line on the fl oor at opening just large enough to fi t a basketball. Jones scored 50 with a looping 360-degree 29 feet, 9 inches. Contestants also have one Once the pass is successful, players dribble dunk, passing the ball under his leg before HIELD BEATS BOOKER rack of fi ve basketballs that count double back to the end they started from, make a whipping it through with his left hand. Sacramento Kings guard Buddy Hield won the (two points) — moneyballs — they can set layup and return to the opposite end of the The Milwaukee Bucks’ Pat Connaughton, 3-Point Contest at NBA All-Star on Saturday either in the corner, wing or top of the key. court where the one-on-one contest ends — not in uniform but outfi tted to resemble night by making his 54th try of the night. The fi ve players eliminated in the fi rst when one player makes a three from the top the Woody Harrelson character in the fi lm Hield splashed a “moneyball” for a one- round of shooting were defending champion of key placards set on the fl oor and marked “White Men Can’t Jump,” brought Milwau- point win over Phoenix Suns guard Devin Joe Harris (22) of the Brooklyn Nets, home- SHOOT. Sabonis made his fourth 3-point kee Brewers outfi elder Christian Yelich on Booker, who won the event in 2018. town rep Zach LaVine (23) of the Bulls, Heat try to make the fi nals. Middleton lost the ball the court. Connaughton scored 45 for grab- Booker had 20 points in the fi nals when he forward Duncan Robinson (19), Charlotte attempting his layup but recovered in time to bing the ball from Yelich’s shoulder blades reached his fi nal rack — two-point money- Hornets guard Devonte’ Graham (18) and have a shot at the win. while bounding over Yelich and emphati- balls in the corner — and canned three of his Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (15). The fi rst players eliminated were 2018 cally fi nishing the dunk. The crowd erupted fi ve tries to get to 26 points. Skills champ Spencer Dinwiddie (Brooklyn in boos at the resulting score of 45. Hield and Booker tied in the fi rst round. ADEBAYO TOPS SABONIS Nets), Patrick Beverley (LA Clippers), Shai On his second try, Connaughton posi- The top three scorers in the eight-man Adebayo defeated Indiana Pacers forward Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City Thun- NBA Commissioner Adam Silver speaks during a press con- tioned Giannis Antetokounmpo at the cargo fi eld advanced: Booker, a late sub for Dam- Domantas Sabonis in the 2020 All-Star der) and reigning champion Jayson Tatum ference at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, on Saturday. circle in the lane. Connaughton ran full speed ian Lillard of the Portland Trail Blazers, and Skills Challenge. (Boston Celtics). PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports

BOTTOMLINE Will Heat prioritise their own impending free agents? DPA own free agents. Because of Bird While there could be enough 2. Goran Dragic: The irony component, and with his 8-of-20 Miami Rights, the Heat would be able to Heat 2021 cap space for a top-tier is that Dragic essentially was 3-point shooting, Crowder may File photo of Goran Dragic spend above the cap to keep the free agent and another contract dealt to the Dallas Mavericks come to be viewed as something of the Miami Heat. (AFP) likes of Crowder, Goran Dragic, to be added to that mix, it would in last summer’s Jimmy Butler potentially more permanent. he Miami Heat reset Derrick Jones Jr and Meyers Le- take a precise threading of that machinations, before a Mav- Crowder’s role in a healthy Heat this season’s table at the onard. In that respect, needle. ericks misunderstanding nixed rotation (once Tyler Herro and February 6 NBA trad- there would be more than the At the moment, with Jones that agreement. Instead, Dragic Meyers Leonard return) may off er ing deadline, while also $27mn (or 40mn) available for setting up as, at best, an eighth has emerged as the leader of the insight into the team’s approach Tkeeping their 2021 off season Micky Arison, Nick Arison, Pat man or so in the Heat rotation, second unit. This is where that this summer. Still, with Crow- table clear about for a major — Riley and Andy Elisburg to dole it would be interesting to see if implied no-trade clause on a der turning 30 on July 6, it could Giannis Antetokounmpo-level? out. the Heat would be willing to go one-year deal could come into come down to whether the goal is — free-agent signing. That, of course, likely is con- beyond mid-level type money. play, with Dragic possibly ame- one, fi nal long-term deal, which But it is the interim approach tingent on the Heat’s impending Another option is a one-year nable to another year in the range almost assuredly would have to that could be most compelling, free agents being amenable to the contract of signifi cant heft. The of his current 19mn salary. It come from elsewhere. when it comes to how the Heat overall goal of retaining 2021 sal- important factor there — and would be a way of assuring South 4. Solomon Hill: Perhaps the handle this coming off season, ary-cap fl exibility, or the alter- this goes for the players listed Florida stability for his family. By most stunning revelation of the with ample in-house decisions to native of putting all the available below, as well — is that if any of contrast, in any multi-year deal, Heat at the trade deadline was make with their own free agents, cap space in front of an external the Heat’s incumbent free agents Dragic, who turns 34 on May 6, that Hill earns 12.8mn. For the decisions made more complex, in option such as Anthony Davis. take a one-year deal, they would would be trade-eligible come De- moment, he merely is a fi gure on an encouraging way, by the play have the right to veto any trade in cember 15 of next season. the Heat’s salary ledger, sort of of deadline acquisition Jae Crow- So who should be prioritised if 2020-21, eff ectively locking in a this year’s Ryan Anderson. der. the Heat keep the cash in house? roster spot in Miami for the entire 3. Jae Crowder: The thought Keep in mind, as mentioned Here’s one subjective order: season. at the trading deadline was that 5. Udonis Haslem: The goal, in this space last week, that the 1. Derrick Jones Jr: This is As this point in his career, con- it would be a three-month rental upon returning at 39, was to leave $27mn in cap space created for going to be the most interesting sidering his injury past, that like- with Crowder, part of the attrac- the Heat in a better place than this summer (which could rise to of the Heat’s negotiations, con- ly would be trumped for Jones by tion in the deal with the Memphis where they fi nished last season. 40mn if Kelly Olynyk opts out) sidering Jones’ age (with Satur- long-term security, even with his Grizzlies being that Crowder is in Mission accomplished. Figure on will not come into play if the day his 23rd birthday) and likely stated preference to remain. the fi nal year of his contract. But a No 40 jersey retirement some Heat instead elect to re-sign their desire for a long-term contract. now, after emerging as rotation time next season. Gulf Times 6 Monday, February 17, 2020 SPORT

NHL CYCLING Molano secures third stage victory Blackhawks rack in Zipaquira

AFP very good legs and I’m taking Zipaquirá, Colombia advantage of the opportuni- ties that the team gives me.” Tour de France winner Ber- ome hope Juan Se- nal, of Team Ineos and riding up 8 goals to sink bastian Molano, on home soil, is fourth overall riding for UAE Team with a 50-sec defi cit. Emirates, claimed hisH third stage win on the 5TH STAGE RESULTS TIED AT 2-2, THE BLACKHAWKS CAME OUT Tour Colombia on Saturday, 1. Sebastian Molano (COL/ just edging out Alvaro Hodeg UAE) 4h06:00, 2. Alvaro FOR THE SECOND PERIOD ON FIRE and Jhonatan Restrepo. Hodeg (COL/DEC) s.t., 3. With just sixth and fi nal Jonathan Restrepo (COL/ Flames stage to race up to El Verjon, AND) s.t., 4. Travis MacCabe Sergio Higuita of EF Pro Cy- (USA/Israel Start-up) s.t., cling still leads the overall 5. Colin Joyce (USA/Rally standings. Cycling) s.t. He has a 12-second advan- Selected: 13. Egan Bernal tage over teammates Daniel (COL/INE) s.t. Martinez and with Jhonatan Caicedo a further two sec- Overall: onds off the pace. 1. Sergio Higuita (COL/EF1) “The last kilometre was 15h31:47, 2. Daniel Mar- complicated, it was a bit tinez (COL/EF1) at 12 secs, 3. technical,” Molano admitted Jonathan Caicedo (ECU/EF1) to ESPN. 14, 4. Egan Bernal (COL/INE) “Alvaro is very strong, he 50, 5. Richard Carapaz (EQU/ came out very hard, but I have INE) 58.

Chicago Blackhawks’ Patrick Kane (right) and Calgary Flames’ Zac Rinaldo (left) battle for the puck during the first period at Scotiabank Saddledome. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports

Reuters of the third on the power play, when Johnny lower-body injury, recorded two assists. Juan Sebastian Molano (centre) competes to win the third stage of RESULTS Los Angeles Gaudreau dished the puck over to Lindholm Ivan Provorov, James van Riemsdyk and the Tour Colombia 2.1, in Sogamoso, Colombia, on Saturday. (AFP) in the high slot. Lindholm ripped it past Claude Giroux scored for the Flyers. Goalie Chicago 8-4 Calgary Lehner for his second of the night. Carter Hart made 19 saves. Philadelphia lost onathan Toews and Patrick Kane Boston 4-1 Detroit Calgary took a big chance on a 4-on-4, its seventh straight (0-4-3) against Tampa, each scored once and had two assists Nashville 4-3 St. Louis pulling Talbot for an extra skater. Kane loft- dating back to January 2018. Early in the Quintana wins race and fi nds lost pooch for the visiting Chicago Blackhawks, Edmonton 4-1 Florida ed the puck down the ice and scored on the fi rst, Killorn attempted a shot from a bad who lit up the Calgary Flames for an empty net. Kirby Dach added one more for angle to Hart’s left, but the puck bounced Colombian climber Nairo beginning of a golden era at J8-4 victory Saturday night. Tampa Bay 5-3 Philadelphia the Blackhawks to fi nish the night off . off defenseman Provorov’s skate and right Quintana won the Tour of Arkea Samsic. Toews made quite the statement for the San Jose 2-0 Minnesota back to Killorn. The Lightning wing then Provence yesterday, his “This win is a gift for my boss Blackhawks, who were shut out despite fi r- Dallas 4-3 Montreal LIGHTNING TOP FLYERS popped in his 22nd goal of the season at 3:17. first major win since joining and for all our new French ing 49 shots at Vancouver on Wednesday. Nikita Kucherov notched a goal and an as- The home side’s third line made it 2-0 at French outfit Arkea-Samsic. fans,” Quintana said. He kicked off the scoring with just 30 sec- Toronto 4-2 Ottawa sist, Tampa Bay won its 11th consecutive 14:55 when Pat Maroon stole the puck be- Quintana has had much to Quintana won the Giro d’Italia onds gone, skating in off the faceoff and fir- Los Angeles 3-1 Colorado home game and the Lightning beat the vis- hind the Flyers’ goal and dished it over to celebrate this week after an and the Vuelta a Espana with ing a wrister high over David Rittich’s glove. Arizona 3-1 Washington iting Philadelphia Flyers 5-3 on Saturday Tyler Johnson, who found Paquette alone in impassioned plea on Twitter the Spanish Movistar team, The Flames, who fi red 42 shots at Chi- to push the NHL’s longest active winning front of Hart for his sixth goal. helped find his lost dog and raised eyebrows with his Las Vegas 1-0 NY Islanders cago goalie Robin Lehner, evened the score streak to 10 straight. Victor Hedman led a 4-on-2 rush early Rocky. switch to the much smaller midway through the period when Dillon the second period on fi re. Brandon Saad put Brayden Point scored a third-period goal in the second and slid a pass to Verhaeghe, “A thousand thanks for French outfit in December. Dube threw the puck toward the Black- them ahead at the 4:24 mark, and 64 sec- to stretch his point streak to 10 games (three who netted his eighth goal at 2:35 to give everyone who helped find But the 30-year-old, two-time hawks’ net. Sam Bennett was waiting on onds later, the Flames coughed the puck up goals, 11 assists). The home victory by the Tampa Bay a three-goal edge. Provorov’s him. He’s back and were really Tour de France runner-up the doorstep to slam it in past Lehner. to Alex Nylander, who made it 4-2. Lightning broke the team record of 10 wins marker on the man advantage at 8:57 cut happy,” Quintana wrote. pulverised the opposition Dominik Kubalik continued his torrid That goal chased Rittich from the set in the 2014-15 campaign and improved into the lead, and Giroux’s assist – his 234th The schnauzer is not the only Saturday when he climbed to scoring pace to put the Blackhawks ahead Flames’ net for Cam Talbot. Rittich, who them to 22-2-1 in their last 25 contests. power-play helper – tied Bobby Clarke for thing Quintana has found a solo victory on the revered at the 9:17 mark. Kubalik is at the top of made 11 saves, has been pulled twice in his Goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy recorded his the franchise record. however as he said after his Mont Ventoux climb to take a rookie scoring in the NHL with 23 goals. last three home starts. Although Elias Lind- NHL-best 32nd win – and eighth straight Vasilevskiy stopped Sean Couturier’s win yesterday he had found a large overall lead. The Flames got it back, though, less than holm scored to extend his point streak to 10 – by stopping 30 shots. Alex Killorn, Cedric short-handed try at 1:51 of the third and new family in his new team. Yesterday’s stage was won by four minutes later when Dube and Bennett games, the Blackhawks were relentless with Paquette and Carter Verhaeghe also tal- denied him again in close at 5:08 on Phila- “This is more than a team, it’s Ineos rider Owain Doull who connected once again, with Dube making a their aggressive forecheck. Alex DeBrincat lied for Tampa Bay. Kucherov returned for delphia’s fourth power play. Point appeared like I’ve found a family here,” had sneaked into an early great lead pass to Bennett for his second of and Nylander scored within 27 seconds of the Lightning after missing a game with a to seal the win at 12:34, but van Riemsdyk he told the Arkea Samsic site. break and then closed out the the night. each other to take a 6-3 lead into the third. lower-body injury. Steven Stamkos, who and Giroux both scored in the fi nal fi ve “I hope this victory is the win from a reduced sprint. Tied at 2-2, the Blackhawks came out for The Flames cut the defi cit to two at 14:06 missed the previous three games with a minutes.

MLB Verdugo embracing the pressure of being with Red Sox By Mike DiGiovanna trade for Betts, the 2018 American League was continuing to heal. gations, it hurts,” Verdugo said. “I don’t Los Angeles Times most valuable player. “I know there are a lot of expectations, want Boston fans to judge me for some- “I know who I am and what I can do on but at the end of the day, missing the fi rst thing they’ve read or seen posted. I know the baseball fi eld,” Verdugo said as he sat part of the season is nothing when you who I am, what I believe in, my family val- lex Verdugo left a mark in his on a bench outside the team’s JetBlue Park think about the longevity of this year and ues.” Verdugo said he was “cleared of any fi rst visit to Fenway Park, and clubhouse on Saturday. “I’m extremely years to come,” said Verdugo, who hit .294 wrongdoing” in the incident. Although he not just with the four hits, in- confi dent in my abilities on defense, in the with an .817 on-base-plus-slugging per- was not accused of perpetrating an assault, cluding a homer, two RBIs and batter’s box and with my baserunning. I centage, 12 homers, 22 doubles and 44 RBIs he did not deny being linked in some way strongA throw to gun down a runner at the know I can be a game-changer, and I plan in 106 games last season. to the incident. plate in two games there for the Los Ange- on being an All-Star, winning Gold Gloves “There’s no reason to try to rush back “If I was around for anything that hap- les Dodgers last July. and Silver Sluggers.” First things fi rst. To and make it for opening day if I’m not fully pened, I would have put a stop to it, helped “A lot of people wouldn’t know this, but win awards and win over Boston fans, Ver- back, because then you’re going to start out, I would have done something,” Ver- growing up, my favourite team was the dugo has to get back on the fi eld. messing around with getting re-injured. dugo said. “I have fi ve sisters, two brothers. Boston Red Sox — I was a huge David Ortiz Verdugo is still rehabilitating from a I’ve been out this long, I might as well make I’m from a big family and was raised the fan,” Verdugo said. “Seeing the park for the stress fracture in his lower back, an injury it a little longer and make sure it’s 100%.” right way. I’m very close to my sisters, and I fi rst time, the Green Monster, I wrote my that sidelined him for the fi nal two months Verdugo also did a little rehab work on have the utmost respect for women.” name (inside the left-fi eld wall) in three of last season and the playoff s and will his image Saturday, addressing allegations Verdugo felt it was important to discuss diff erent spots.” likely force him to open 2020 on the in- that he was linked to a possible physical the allegations with his new team because Verdugo plans to make a more indelible jured list. and sexual assault of a 17-year-old girl in “I didn’t want to be a distraction,” he said. mark on the quirky 108-year-old stadium The stress fracture was not revealed an Arizona hotel room in 2015, when Ver- “I wanted to let everyone know what hap- and the rabid fans who inhabit it this season publicly by the Dodgers last season. Ver- dugo was an 18-year-old Dodgers pros- pened so it doesn’t catch any of the play- after the 23-year-old outfi elder was traded dugo felt discomfort in his lower back after pect. A police report was fi led at the time, ers by surprise. It’s out there. Everybody to the Red Sox with two minor leaguers for a series on Tampa Bay’s artifi cial surface in according to a Sports Illustrated investiga- knows it, and now you can start the heal- star outfi elder Mookie Betts and veteran late May, went on the IL because of a right tion of the incident last February, but there ing.” pitcher David Price last weekend. oblique strain on Aug. 6 and suff ered a set- were no arrests or charges, in part because What lessons did Verdugo learn from the Known for his vicious left-handed back on a swing in a minor league game on the alleged victim did not wish to co-op- incident? swing, fearless defensive play and a swag- Sept. 2. erate. The magazine did not name Verdugo “That you have to be smarter with the ger accentuated by his dreadlocks, tattoos But Boston manager Ron Roenicke said or the other player allegedly involved, but positions you put yourself in,” he said. “It and gold chains around his neck, Verdugo the Dodgers informed the Red Sox of the Verdugo was mentioned in a separate blog was a terrible thing that happened, but is embracing the pressure that comes with stress fracture before the trade, that sur- post about the incident last February. it was in my past. It was something I’ve Alex Verdugo speaks to the media at spring training about being being the key player going to Boston in a gery was not required and that Verdugo “My name being mentioned in alle- learned from and grown from.” traded to the Boston Red Sox on Saturday. (TNS) Gulf Times Monday, February 17, 2020 7 SPORT

FOCUS Pakistan beat India to win Kabaddi World Cup AFP “We should not let sports tennis tie between the two na- Lahore and culture become a victim of tions was shifted out of Paki- politics.” stan to Kazakhstan. Last week, Indian sports Few international sports akistan became kabad- minister Kiren Rijiju said no events are held in Pakistan due di world champions kabaddi player had been given to safety concerns, though in yesterday after nar- permission to participate. recent years cricket has made a rowly beating arch “Playing in the name of the comeback amid improving se- rivalsP India who played even country with India’s fl ag being curity. though authorities at home used are matters to be investi- Kabaddi originated in the vowed to investigate why a gated,” Rijiju said. sub-continent and later spread team competed despite a ban on Apart from India, teams from to other Asian countries. sporting ties. Iran, England, Germany, Sierra Each team starts with In fi nal, Pakistan fought back Leone, Australia, Canada and seven players. During the in the second half to secure a Azerbaijan participated in the 40-minute game, lone play- 43-41 win over the defend- event. ers will cross the centre line ing champions in the popular India cut bilateral cricket ties and attempt to tag opponents South Asian sport in front of with Pakistan after attacks in before racing back to their thousands of spectators. Mumbai in 2008 that authori- half and safety. The defend- “We are grateful to all the na- ties blamed on Pakistani mili- ing team will try to grab and tions which made this event col- tants. stop the raider. ourful,” Rana Mohamed Sarwar, India has since ordered a Whoever succeeds in the the secretary general of the Paki- general freeze on sporting con- wrestling match that ensues stan kabaddi federation, told AFP. tacts, and last year a Davis Cup scores. Pakistan players pose with the trophy after beating India in the Kabbadi World Cup 2020 final in Lahore yesterday. (AFP)

TENNIS/ ROTTERDAM OPEN GOLF South Korea’s Park wins in Australia to Monfi ls eases past boost Olympic hopes

AFP The 31-year-old has en- Adelaide dured injuries and travel fa- tigue in recent times and it was her fi rst win since the outh Korean great Park Bank of Hope Founders Cup in Auger-Aliassime to In-bee joined an il- mid-March 2018. lustrious group as a But she is now back in the 20-time LPGA Tour winners’ circle as she chases winnerS yesterday with a com- a spot on the Korean team ‘I’M SUPER HAPPY... IT’S BEEN AN manding victory at the Aus- for the Tokyo Olympics this tralian Open — her fi rst title in year so she can defend the AMAZING WEEK FOR ME’ almost two years. gold medal she won at the Rio The seven-time major Games four years ago. retain title champion took a three-stroke Only the world’s top 15 are lead into the fi nal day at the automatically eligible for To- Royal Adelaide Golf Club over kyo, with a limit of four from Korean teenager Ayean Cho each country. As of this week, and despite a late wobble was she was sixth in the Korean never seriously threatened. pecking order. She stroked a one-over- Usually inscrutable, the par 74 in diffi cult, windy former world number one, conditions to claim her fi rst now ranked 17, couldn’t stop Australian Open by three grinning and wiped a tear shots from American Amy away as she walked to the Olsen (70), and four ahead of scorer’s tent and the feat sunk France’s Perrine Delacour (73). in. Making it extra special Cho shot a 77 to end six off was having long-time caddie, the lead. “It was a tough day Australian Brad Beecher, on out there today, really diff er- her bag. ent from the last days,” she “I’ve been working with said after throwing her arms him for 14 years... being able in the air and being showered to present him with the trophy with champagne by fellow (in his home country) is a great Korean players on the 18th. present for him,” she said. “It has been a thrill to play At one point on the front this week. The moment I came nine, Park’s lead was fi ve shots here and saw this golf course I but bogeys at the ninth, 14th fell in love with it. and 16th brought her back to “Whether I played good or the fi eld, and Liu Yu made a not I knew I was going to have run that narrowed the margin a fantastic time,” she added. to three. “I really enjoyed myself out But as the young Chinese there.” It was Park’s 20th ca- attacked the fi nal holes, she reer title, joining an exclusive stumbled with bogeys at the club to achieve the feat in- last three while Park steadied, cluding Annika Sorenstam, making a birdie on the 17th Karrie Webb and South Ko- and a par on the 18th to ensure rean trailblazer Pak Se-ri. victory.

Park In-bee of South Korea kisses the trophy after winning on France’s Gael Monfils (right) holds his plate as he celebrates winning the final alongside Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime (left) who was runner-up in the ABN AMRO World Tennis the final day of the Australian Open at the Royal Adelaide Golf Tournament in Rotterdam, Netherlands, yesterday. (Reuters) Club in Adelaide yesterday. (AFP)

the fi nal four years ago. head record over the Russian-born Reuters Linette ends Kung’s dream run Rotterdam It was a disappointing day for Au- Rybakina to 2-0, having beaten the ger-Aliassime, who had made history world number 25 in the Rosmalen to win Thailand Open McIlroy, Scott, Kuchar share by becoming the youngest fi nalist in grasscourt tournament semi-fi nals slim lead at Riviera ael Monfi ls won his second the event, dropping only one set en last year. After easing through the Fifth seed Magda Linette had to keep it together title in the space of seven route to the title clash. opening set by winning six straight ended Swiss qualifier to the very end,” Linette, Rory McIlroy, looking Harold Varner on a jam- days yesterday as he swat- He made 12 unforced forehand er- games, Bertens had to stave off a Leonie Kung’s dream run who won her first WTA to cement his return to packed leaderboard. ted aside Canadian teenager rors as Monfi ls broke early to race to spirited Rybakina early in the second, with a 6-3 6-2 victory in title last year at the Bronx number one in the world, Tiger Woods, who came FelixG Auger-Aliassime 6-2 6-4 in a a 4-2 lead before easing through the saving four break points in the fi rst the Thailand Open final Open, said in a courtside fired a three-under par 68 into the week gunning for a lopsided Rotterdam Open fi nal to re- opening set. game. in Hua Hin yesterday to interview. on Saturday to join Matt record-setting 83rd US PGA tain the trophy. Monfi ls overcame a minor blip She broke for a decisive 3-1 lead claim her second WTA “I knew I need to be the Kuchar and Adam Scott in a Tour title, was nowhere near The 33-year-old Frenchman, who when he was broken while ahead 5-2 and dropped only two more games Tour title. one leading the game. I three-way tie for the third- the top, however, after a came into the tournament on the in the second, but Auger-Aliassime to clinch victory in style. The Dutch- Linette, a semi-finalist in knew I have to be really round lead at the Genesis five-over par 76 that left him back of a record-equalling third tri- was unable to stage a late comeback woman was scheduled to take on Thailand last year, had aggressive and I had Invitational. languishing 15 off the pace. umph in Montpellier the previous and force a decider as the Frenchman 36-year-old former world number dropped just one set that confidence from the Kuchar was atop the Kuchar started the day Sunday, converted four out of 11 break held fi rm to seal the contest on his one Kim Clijsters in the opening heading into the final and matches before and I’m leaderboard for a third with a two-shot lead and points as he denied his 19-year-old fi fth championship point. round of the Dubai Duty Free Ten- she produced another really glad that I managed straight day after a one- maintained his cushion with opponent a maiden ATP title. nis Championships on Monday, but dominant display to reach to do what we planned under par 70 at Riviera three birdies through 11 holes. “You’re young, you’ll improve fast BERTENS DOWNS RYBAKINA pulled out of the tournament after the top 40 in the WTA with my coach.” Country Club. But three bogeys in four and you’ll win this tournament and Kiki Bertens powered past Kazakh reaching the fi nal in St Petersburg. rankings for the first time. It was still a good week for Playing partner McIlroy holes from the 13th through other tournaments, so keep going,” Elena Rybakina 6-1 6-3 in the St Pe- Clijsters, making a return to pro- The Pole pounced on Kung in her only second carded a three-under 68 the 16th opened the door for Monfi ls told Auger-Aliassime. tersburg Ladies Trophy fi nal yester- fessional Tennis for the fi rst time Kung’s second serve main-draw appearance at while Australia’s Scott McIlroy, who tied the lead “I’m super happy... it’s been an day to successfully defend her crown. in seven years, will play Australian and used her variety to a WTA event. grabbed his share of the lead with his fourth birdie of the amazing week for me.” The world number eight from the Open runner-up Garbine Muguruza dominate the 19-yer-old “I’m just trying to build with a birdie at 18 to cap a day at 13 and despite a bogey It was a 10th career title for world Netherlands converted four out of instead, organisers said in a state- whose inexperience up my ranking even more four-under 67. at 14 was one shot ahead number nine Monfi ls, who improved eight breakpoints and saved all fi ve ment. showed in her maiden and play day by day and They were all tied on until Kuchar got up and down his win-loss record in the tourna- on her serve to seal a 10th WTA sin- Elina Svitolina, Dubai champion in WTA final. just have fun and enjoy on 10-under par 203 — one shot for birdie from a greenside ment to 14-1 with his only defeat gles title in 74 minutes. 2017 and 2018, will now face a qualifi - “It was so tough today, I court,” the teenager said. ahead of Russell Henley and bunker on the 17th. – AFP coming to Slovakia’s Martin Klizan in Bertens improved her head-to- er or lucky loser instead of Muguruza.

Monday, February 17, 2020 GULF TIMES SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Athletes praise CHI Al Shaqab preparations By Sports Reporter of showjumping, dressage, Qatar — a partner university Doha and para dressage. of QF — said: “CHI Al Shaqab CHI (Concours Hippique will see male and female rid- International – International ers riding against each other l Shaqab, member Equestrian Competition) is in the same competitions, of Qatar Founda- the offi cial title awarded by the which will deliver exciting and tion, has received Fédération Equestre Interna- unique action for spectators. Aglowing praise from tionale (FEI) to international Sports fans in Qatar are get- leading Qatari athletes for equestrian competitions with ting the very best, with CHI Al the outstanding preparations three or more equestrian dis- Shaqab being yet another ex- of its signature equestrian ciplines. Commercial Bank ample of world-class sporting event — the Commercial Bank CHI Al Shaqab Presented by events held in Qatar, after the CHI Al Shaqab Presented by Longines is one of only fi ve 2019 World Athletics Cham- Longines. CHI competitions worldwide pionship and FIFA Club World High jump Olympic gold and the fi rst and only eques- Cup.” Olympic rider al-Atti- medallist and world champion trian event of its kind in the yah said: “The event provides Mutaz Barshim, hurdler Mari- Middle East and Asia region. wonderful opportunities for am Farid, who ran in the 2019 Barshim said: “In Qa- local and international riders World Athletics Champion- tar, athletes are encouraged to perform in a fantastic arena. ship in Doha, and showjumper and inspired in every sport. As a Qatari rider, I’m proud Hamad Ali al-Attiyah, who Equestrian sports hold a spe- that Qatar, and Al Shaqab, is competed in the Rio Olympics, cial place in Qatar’s history, organising one of the biggest visited Al Shaqab yesterday which adds to the signifi cance and most prestigious eques- and expressed their excite- of an amazing event such as trian competitions in the ment at the arrangements that CHI Al Shaqab. The facilities world.” are being made for the event. at Al Shaqab are truly world Tickets for Commercial The 7th edition of the pres- class, which makes it easier Bank CHI Al Shaqab Presented tigious competition, will take for the riders and the horses to by Longines, including exclu- place from Feb 27-29 at the perform their best when com- sive VIP hospitality packages, Longines Arena at Al Shaqab. peting. We’re all looking for- are available online at ht- It will see top-ranking local ward to some spectacular per- tps://www.q-tickets.com/ or and international riders com- formances.” Farid, a student through the Al Shaqab website pete in the Olympic disciplines at Northwestern University in (www.alshaqab.com). Champion high-jumper Mutaz Barshim (second from right) clicks a photo during his visit to Al Shaqab yesterday.

FOOTBALL TENNIS Markhiya to face Clijsters motivated strong Rayyan in and ready Amir Cup quarters to rock Al Markhiya, who have been the standout team of the second division, are the only club from outside the top flight who have qualified for the quarter-finals

By Sports Reporter Doha

gala atmosphere marked the draw for the quarter-fi nals and Asemi-fi nals of the Amir Cup football tournament held at the JW Marriott Marquis City Center Doha yesterday. The draw was conducted in the presence of offi cials of the Qatar Football Association as well as of the eight clubs who qualifi ed for the business end of Qatar’s richest football tourna- ment. Al Rayyan seem to have been given the easiest path to the semi-fi nals after they were DPA the past that doesn’t change. drawn to play second division Dubai “The experiences that I had outfi t Al Markhiya in the last from the past, knowing what eight. you have to do to prepare, I Al Markhiya, who have been im Clijsters is ready think somehow there’s stuff the standout team of the second to play her fi rst pro- that stays in your brain. division, are the only club from fessional match in “I had a little moment like outside the top fl ight who have Kseven and a half years that when I played Venus [Wil- qualifi ed for the quarter-fi nals and says she has full “belief” liams] at Wimbledon, [last of the Amir Cup after defeat- in her comeback ahead of an year in an exhibition match ing Al Gharafa in the round of 16 opening round against Gar- for] the opening of Court 1. earlier this month. bine Muguruza in Dubai. “Like there I was scared. However they face a daunting The 36-year-old Belgian, Stepping out on court I was task in the quarter-fi nals as Al who retired from tennis for like, ‘Why did I say yes to do Rayyan are not only six-times the winners of the Al Sadd vs cessful team in Qatar’s history nament. “They played with a ent tournament because it’s a a second time in September this?’ Amir Cup champions but have Al Wakrah clash in the semi- in the Amir Cup (15 titles) and strong strategy and it paid off knockout, but we will wee,” he 2012, made a surprise an- “From the moment I stepped also been in excellent form in fi nals, while the winners of the we would surely like to add one as they managed to defeat Al added. nouncement six months ago, out on court, it was like some- the ongoing QNB Stars League Al Ahli vs Al Arabi tie will match more piece of silverware to our Gharafa in the round of 16. They Al Sailiya manager Mohamed revealing her intention to thing popped. I was focused. I where they are in second posi- wits with the winners of the Al trophy cabinet,” he added. are capable of further surpris- Qambar also said his team will make a competitive return to had my routines... tion on the table with 31 points, Rayyan vs Al Markhiya. Ali Hamoud al-Nuaimi , the es,” he added. face a tough time against Al Du- professional sport. “Obviously it’s been a long two behind leaders Al Duhail Al Sadd manager Abdulla al- QFA’s Head of Competitions, Adib al-Awadi of Al Wakrah hail. The four-time Grand Slam time. But the belief is there, so and one above Al Sadd. Breik said his team will go all out said the draw is fair to everyone. said his team will have it tough “A draw is like a lottery. No- champion has chosen the Du- that’s the start.” Defending champions Al Du- to once against stamp their au- “It’s a balanced draw and against top side Al Sadd in the body wishes to face sides like Al bai Duty Free Tennis Cham- Clijsters retired from tennis hail will face Al Sailiya, Al Sadd thority on the tournament. could lead to two strong semi- last eight. Sadd and Al Duhail in a knockout pionships as her fi rst tourna- for a fi rst time in 2007 then re- will take on Al Wakrah and Al “The Emir Cup is a strong fi nal matches if Al Duhail, Al “Al Sadd are tough opponents competition but we will do our ment in her comeback and turned two years later after the Arabi will clash with neighbours tournament and obviously you Sadd, Al Rayyan and Al Arabi as everybody knows but we best and try to make the last 4. told reporters she is “excited to birth of her fi rst child, Jada, Al Ahli in the remaining three have to be at your best to win it. win their quarter-fi nal encoun- are confi dent. After all we beat “We have the players of the start the journey”. and won three more majors. quarter-fi nal matches. You should be ready to take on ters,” said al-Nuaimi. them in the league 2-1,” said al- highest quality, however and The mother of three prac- The ex-world number one The winners of the Al Duhail every team,” said al-Breik. He praised Al Markhiya for Awadi. they will be keen to make a good tised with Romanian world is no not burdening herself by vs Al Sailiya match will take on “Al Sadd are the most suc- making it this far in the tour- “But the Amir Cup is a diff er- impression.” number two Simona Halep in setting results-related targets the morning and feels good for her second comeback, but about her game as she em- feels she can perform at a high barks on this challenging en- level. deavour.Asked if she had any “I have expectations.I don’t fears about her comeback, think they’re the expectations Clijsters said: “I don’t know. you would like to hear from I haven’t had that feeling of me. being scared. So far it’s still a “They’re not result-related motivation. or ranking-related. They’re “Even doubt...There have more individually for myself. been moments where I feel like “It’s getting a feeling of how I need to do this better, but it’s I want to play out there. That’s never a doubt that I can’t do it the expectation or the goal I’m anymore. trying to get to. “That’s one of the reasons “I have moments now where why I also decided to come in practice I feel, ‘This is it, this back, it’s because that belief is how I want to play’. somewhat was still there. “I just have to be able to do “I knew there was a long way it in matches now. We’ll see if Football off icials watch the Amir Cup draw at the JW Marriott Marquis City Center Doha yesterday. to go, but that belief is there. In I’m capable of doing that.”