Verdasco Sets up 3Rd Round Clash with Zverev Spaniard Knocks Off 26Th Seed Basilashvili in Four Sets

Jonathan Kodjia scores hat-trick on debut as Al Gharafa drub Rayyan in QSL PAGE 12

FRIDAY, JANUARY 24, 2020

Qatar meet Bahrain in Asian h’ball semis Qatar beat Kuwait to set up clash with Bahrain for a place in QNB STARS LEAGUE final of the Asian Men’s Handball ChampionshipPAGE 13 AL ARABI VS AL DUHAIL (6.40pm) ‘Car-pulling’ Verdasco sets up 3rd round clash with Zverev Spaniard knocks off 26th seed Basilashvili in four sets

TNN/ATP DOHA/MELBOURNE

DOHA-RESIDENT Fernando Verdasco was his vintage self at the Australian Open on Thursday as he knocked out I’m gradually doing things better to try and be 26th seeded Nikoloz Basilas- among the elite for as long as possible with hvili in four sets to move into the third round of the Grand the best in the world. At the moment, I believe Slam tournament. my body is responding. I don’t know how long The 36-year-old Verdasco for, but I will try to fight as hard as possible. bounced back after being a set down to get the better of his Doha-resident Fernando Verdasco Georgian opponent 4-6, 7-6 (7/5), 6-4, 6-4 in two hours and 49 minutes. Spain’s Fernando Verdasco hits a return against Georgia’s Nikoloz Basilashvili during their men’s singles Verdasco amazed everyone with a strength training exercise in which he dragged a two-tonne car during Spaniard Verdasco hit as match on Day Four of the Australian Open in Melbourne on Thursday. (AFP) his pre-season training in Miami, United States, under the watch of his fitness coach Javier Bustos. many as 13 aces on way to setting up a third round clash everyone with a strength train- “I had to do five repetitions helps me mentally and in terms moment, I believe my body is don and the surrounding areas motivate me. I’ve been lucky to with 7th seeded German ing exercise in which he dragged of squats and I did 10,” said of my game,” said Verdasco. responding. I don’t know how became inflamed. It could have play more than 60 consecutive Alexander Zverev. a two-tonne car during his pre- Verdasco. “I need to feel that I’m strong, long for, but I will try to fight as been a few weeks’ pain, but in Grand Slams, fit, always com- The fact that Verdasco is still season training in Miami under “They thought that I had resistant, then my mind is at hard as possible.” the end it was several months.” petitive. I’ve never had a seri- among the elite of the ATP Tour the watch of his fitness coach plenty left in me... and then peace because I know that my Among the knocks that his Early this season in Doha ous injury in the 16 or 17 years at this age is no coincidence. Javier Bustos. they told me we were going body is ready. In these 6 or 7 physique has suffered during at the Qatar ExxonMobil Open, of my career. A look behind the scenes “It was a seven-seat mini- outside. When I got there, they weeks of pre-season, I focused his career, the most recent came he also picked up a hamstring “I try to think that the pain reveals his meticulous attention van,” said Verdasco. “I didn’t said to me ‘Let’s see if you can on fitness training. last season with a knee effusion injury in his first match of 2020 will pass, sending positive to and hard work on what he know we were going to do that, move this car’. They hooked “At the end of the day I’m that affected his performances against Pablo Andujar, which messages to my mind that it considers his most prized asset; but we were doing weights and me up and we did quite a few 36, not 20. My body has al- between June and October. ended in victory. will be soon and I always try his fitness. it was the last day of strength repetitions… pulling the car ready suffered for all these “My knee didn’t feel right “After that match I did to train, even if it is with some The result is that after so training after two weeks.” from a standstill.” seasons and little-by-little from Queens to Vienna. I had some tests and they told me low-level pain.” many seasons on the ATP Tour, On that day, the squats It is a mere anecdote, but it I have to take care of it by an oedema in the kneecap that that I had a bone oedema and So far in Melbourne, his fit- he is still among the Top 50 in session was going better than provides an example of the fact stretching, resting, eating bet- I picked up in a match against we did everything possible in ness is holding up. “I’ve been the FedEx ATP Rankings and expected and there were that fitness is the cornerstone ter... As I want to keep playing. Medvedev,” said Verdasco. “I Doha and I withdrew from Ad- doing a lot of treatment, trying winning Grand Slam matches. no weights left. So his team of the Spaniard’s preparation. ”I’m gradually doing things knocked it when I slipped. I elaide,” said Verdasco. to recover for the Australian The Madrid native, who prepared a surprise for him, Why? The player himself ex- better to try and be among the didn’t know it came from that, “We’re not machines, so Open,” said Verdasco. has competed at 67 consecu- a challenge from Dinomo plains: “I’m a player who, if I elite for as long as possible with I didn’t realise until weeks later. it’s normal. It happens to eve- Verdasco, after a day’s rest, tive Grand Slam events, amazed and Bustos. have confidence in my fitness it the best in the world. At the Because I didn’t stop, the ten- ryone. I try to think of things to plays Zverev on Saturday. Young guns have more pressure than Federer did: Zverev

AFP on the laptop and search for it. mind, they’re aware of it,” he MELBOURNE “Now you open up Insta- said. “So I think that is a mas- I think with the social gram, there’s five million peo- sive difference.” ALEXANDER Zverev said ple that have an opinion about Despite the perceived extra Thursday the pressures of so- media, with the mobile you all of a sudden. pressure, Zverev is confident cial media made it harder for phones that we have, the “It’s maybe more difficult it is only a matter of time be- the new generation of players pressure the media puts for us now. fore one of the up-and-coming compared to when the likes of on us, other people put “On the other hand, with players takes the next step and Roger Federer were trying to on us, we are more aware the guys like Novak, Rafa, and wins a Major tournament. break through. of it than 20 years ago. Roger, simply they’re better “Even though maybe some The German is among a than us because they’re win- of us don’t want to admit it be- clutch of players in their early – Alexander Zverev ning,” he added. cause we have all kind of per- twenties who are seen as the Zverev said he was trying to sonal relationships that we have Ticket sales counter at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash new guard to take over from stay in a tennis bubble and cut with each other, but once one of Complex. Qatar Total Open 2020 will be held from February 23-29. Federer, Rafael Nadal and No- it was 20 years ago,” said the phones that we have, the pres- out checking social media dur- us wins it, it’s going to be good vak Djokovic. Australian Open seventh seed sure the media puts on us, other ing Grand Slams, but admitted for the others, as well,” he said. But the 22-year-old said the after he beat 98th-ranked people put on us, we are more it was easier said than done Zverev will next play Fer- Qatar Total Open 2020 constant news cycle and social Egor Gerasimov in three tough aware of it than 20 years ago. and negative opinion hurt. nando Verdasco as he attempts media made it tough to keep fo- sets in the second round. “To read what’s going on, “Even though when people to match his best Australian cus and ignore negativity. “I think with the social me- to read the press, you (used to) say they don’t care, they still Open result after reaching the tickets go on sale “I think it’s different than dia, I think with the mobile have to buy a newspaper, go read it. In the back of their round of 16 last year. TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK mona Halep, 2019 Wimbledon DOHA semi-finalist & World No.5 Eli- na Svitolina, and World No. 6 Bayern Munich women’s team visits National Museum of Qatar WITH less than a month to go & 2019 US Open champion Bi- for the Qatar Total Open 2020, anca Andreescu among others. tennis fans can now purchase In all, a total of 64 players, their tickets as sales began at including four qualifiers, will the City Center and Doha Fes- feature in the singles event of tival City malls on Friday. the WTA Premier 5 tourna- Ticket sales at the Villa- ment while 32 teams will slug gio Mall will start on Sunday it out in the doubles. (January 26). Tickets can also Tournament Director Saad be purchased at the Khalifa al Mohannadi said, “We are de- International Tennis & Squash lighted to commence the sales Complex, the venue of the tour- of tickets for Qatar Total Open nament, as well as online by 2020 as early as possible. Con- visiting www.qatartennis.org. sidering the caliber of stars on The Qatar Total Open 2020, parade at the tournament, we the 18th edition of the annual believe that it is going to be one tournament in Qatar, will be of the best ever. We’ll like to held from February 23 to 29. encourage everyone to get their It features eight of the top- tickets as soon as possible in or- ten players, and four former der to enjoy the exciting array champions, with world No.1 of activities lined up for them at The Bayern Munich women’s team, which is currently based in Doha Ashleigh Barty topping the the tournament.” for their winter training camp, took time off to tour the magnificent list which also has World No. For tickets and to find all National Museum of Qatar. The team, which arrived in Doha on Janu- 2 Karolina Pliskova and 2014 tournament information, visit ary 20th, is scheduled to practice at the Aspire Academy for a week. champion and World No. 4 Si- www.qatartennis.org Sports Friday, January 24, 2020 11 Future of women’s tennis on display in Coco v Osaka part II

AFP Osaka, number one in the MELBOURNE world at the time, consoled an emotional Gauff with a hug TWO of the most exciting afterwards. young talents in tennis take That was followed by tear- centre stage at the Australian ful on-court interviews, Osaka Open on Friday when 15-year- asking the teenager to join her old American Coco Gauff with the microphone. takes on reigning champion Gauff has not forgotten Naomi Osaka. those gestures and hopes it It will be just the second can inspire the generation instalment of a budding rival- even younger than her. ry that could light up tennis for “It was definitely a good the next decade or more, hav- moment I think for both of us, ing met for the first time at the especially me,” she said. US Open last year. “But I think more just for the people watching, the lit- Osaka vs Gauff tle girls watching and little boys who can kind of see what 11am Doha Time sportsmanship is really. “I think that’s something Fifteen-year-old Coco Gauff of the US hits a return against Romania’s Sorana Cirstea during their women’s if I had a child or something, The 38-year-old Serena singles match at the Australian Open in Melbourne on Wednesday. (AFP) that’s something I would want Williams still reigns over the my child to see. It just shows women’s game but Osaka, 22, pressed by what she saw in Slam champion Osaka, the “I think I’ll be less nervous what being a competitor really has been touted as a possible Gauff at a pre-season train- third seed, will be expected this time,” she told the world’s is,” said Gauff. successor in the short term, ing camp, saying that she was to win because she taught the media, displaying remarkable Justine Henin, the for- and Gauff as the longer-term “nowhere near her level at 15 teenager a harsh lesson nearly poise for one so young. mer world number one and heir apparent. either on the court or off the five months ago in New York. “She plays really aggres- a seven-time Grand Slam They have a long way to court, not even close”. On that occasion, the Jap- sive. This time coming in I’m champion, says that Osaka is go to get anywhere near Wil- Gauff stunned Williams’s anese crushed a tearful and going to be more aggressive. the favourite because of her liams’s success and stature, older sister Venus in the first overawed Gauff 6-3, 6-0 in a “I think I’m more confident form and experience on the but can press their claims round on her Grand Slam de- little over an hour, also in the this time around,” Gauff added. biggest stage. when they meet in the third but at Wimbledon last year, third round. But the retired Belgian also round in Melbourne. then pulled off the same trick But after coming back ‘Gauff will be No.1’ told Eurosport: “Coco Gauff is Williams, chasing a re- earlier this week in Melbourne. from a set and 3-0 down to Despite that meek defeat last one of the players we are going cord-equalling 24th Grand She is making her debut at defeat Romania’s Sorana Cir- time Gauff still has good mem- to talk a lot about in the future. Slam title, could await in the the Australian Open and is the stea on Wednesday, Gauff ories of playing Osaka, who “She has the potential to quarter-finals. Naomi Osaka of Japan goes through her stretching exercises during a youngest player in the draw. vowed things would be differ- was defending champion at be world number one, that’s Williams was hugely im- practice session ahead of the Australia Open in Melbourne. (AFP) Japan’s two-time Grand ent this time. Flushing Meadows. for sure.” Sweet Gesture Nadal, Kyrgios through as freak weather hits Open

AFP ular with home fans after his the Aussie hit back at criticism form as he downed Egor Ger- Daniil Medvedev’s biggest MELBOURNE fundraising efforts for Aus- from the “super salty” Span- asimov 7-6 (7/5), 6-4, 7-5. challenges in his win over tralia’s bushfire crisis, was iard last year. The German seventh seed Spanish qualifier Pedro Mar- RAFAEL Nadal and Nick Kyr- cruising at two sets up when Their victories followed a has been practising up to sev- tinez, while Gael Monfils, gios reached the Australian he dropped the third set and day of upheaval caused by the en hours a day after a winless who injured his racquet hand Open third round on Thursday with it, his composure. dirty rain, the latest weather ATP Cup and the hard work playing computer games be- after the weather-disrupted But just when it looked problem at a tournament paid off as he safely reached fore the tournament, downed tournament faced a new chal- like he would suffer one of which has contended with the third round. Ivo Karlovic. lenge: dirty rain which left his trademark implosions, he bushfire smoke, heavy down- However, fifth seed Domi- In the women’s draw Halep Spain’s Rafael Nadal offers a ball girl his headband after she was courts muddy and unplayable. rallied for a 6-2, 6-4, 4-6, 7-5 pours and strong wind. nic Thiem had a scare as he beat Dart 6-2, 6-4, while Belin- hit by the ball during the men’s singles match against Argentina’s After a day of clean-up victory. Rain mixed with a dust was taken to five sets by Aus- da Bencic knocked out former Federico Delbonis at the Australian Open on Thursday. (AFP) operations and delays, Aus- “I definitely lost my way storm coated the Melbourne tralia’s 140th-ranked Alex Bolt French Open champion Jelena tralia’s Kyrgios fought his way a little bit... but I decided to Park facilities in a fine layer of before recovering his compo- Ostapenko – she was playing past Frenchman Gilles Simon refocus,” Kyrgios said of his mud which took hours to clean sure to win 6-2, 5-7, 6-7 (5/7), despite the sudden death of Rafa seals it with a kiss in four sets and Wimbledon mini-meltdown in the third and made many outside courts 6-1, 6-2. her father this month. champion Simona Halep set. “I could have gone to a temporarily unusable. “It was all of a sudden Two-time Major win- after hitting ballgirl on head stamped her class with a win very dark place in the fourth a really tight third set that ner Garbine Muguruza, who over Britain’s Harriet Dart. set but I put it away.” ‘I was freaking out’ shouldn’t happen. That’s why scaled Mount Kilimanjaro in DPA “For her probably it was Nada beat Argentina’s Kyrgios and Nadal stay As action resumed Alexander I was freaking out inside and the off-season as she search- MELBOURNE not a good moment. I was Federico Delbonis 6-3, 7-6 on course for a fourth-round Zverev, another man who has also outside today,” said the es for a return to form, dis- so scared for her honestly,” (7/4), 6-1. clash and the next instalment a running feud with Kyrgios, two-time French Open finalist. patched home hope Ajla Tom- WORLD number one Rafael he said during his on-court Kyrgios, increasingly pop- in their grudge match after showed signs of a return to A nosebleed was one of ljanovic 6-3, 3-6, 6-3. Nadal had a scary moment interview. during his second round win Later the star told journal- Results over Argentina’s Federico Del- ists that he was very worried bonis on Thursday, as hit hit a for the girl, because the ball MEN’S SINGLES (2nd Round): Rafael Nadal 6-4; Alexander Zverev (GER x7) bt Egor ballgirl in the head with one of was hit hard and had extra (ESP x1) bt Federico Del Bonis (ARG) 6-3, 7-6 Gerasimov (BLR) 7-6 (7/5), 6-4, 7-5 his high-speed forehands. pace as it was a return of serve. (7/4), 6-1; Pablo Carreno-Busta (ESP x27) bt WOMEN’S SINGLES (2nd Round): Belinda Peter Gojowczyk (GER) 6-4, 6-1, 1-6, 6-4; Nick Bencic (SUI x6) bt Jelena Ostapenko (LAT) 7-5, In the late stages of the “I hit her square (in the Kyrgios (AUS x23) bt Gilles Simon (FRA) 6-2, 7-5; Anett Kontaveit (EST x28) bt Sara Sorribes match, Nadal’s forehand re- head) ... you don’t know what 6-4, 4-6, 7-5; Karen Khachanov (RUS x16) bt (ESP) 6-2, 4-6, 6-1; Donna Vekic (CRO x19) bt turn of a Delbonis serve hit can happen. Mikael Ymer (SWE) 6-2, 2-6, 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 Alize Cornet (FRA) 6-4, 6-2; Iga Swiatek (POL) the young ballgirl, who was But the girl is fantastic ... (10/8); Gael Monfils (FRA x10) bt Ivo Karlovic bt Carla Suarez (ESP) 6-3, 7-5; Elise Mertens standing next to the chair I went to check if she was al- (CRO) 4-6, 7-6 (10/8), 6-4, 7-5; Ernests (BEL x16) bt Heather Watson (GBR) 6-3, 6-0; umpire, straight in the right and I saw that she had a Gulbis (LAT) bt Aljaz Bedene (SLO) 7-5, 6-3, Catherine Bellis (USA) bt Karolina Muchova head bouncing off her and little tear coming down from 6-2; Taylor Fritz (USA x29) bt Kevin Anderson (CZE x20) 6-4, 6-4; Yulia Putintseva (KAZ) bt back on the court. her eye, which is natural,” he (RSA) 4-6, 6-7 (5/7), 7-6 (7/4), 6-2, 6-2; Danielle Collins (USA x26) 6-4, 2-6, 7-5; Dominic Thiem (AUT x5) bt Alex Bolt (AUS) 6-2, Simona Halep (ROU x4) bt Harriet Dart (GBR) The Spanish champion said in Spanish. 5-7, 6-7 (5/7), 6-1, 6-2; Daniil Medvedev 6-2, 6-4; Garbine Muguruza (ESP) bt Ajla immediately went to check “I was surprised because (RUS x4) bt Pedro Martinez (ESP) 7-5, 6-1, Tomljanovic (AUS) 6-3, 3-6, 6-3; Zarina Diyas up on her and gave her a kiss the hit was hard and she took 6-3; Alexei Popyrin (AUS) bt Jaume Munar (KAZ) bt Anna Blinkova (RUS) 4-6, 6-3, 6-4; when he saw she had “had a it fantastically,” the cham- (ESP) 6-2, 7-6 (7/5), 6-2; John Isner (USA Kiki Bertens (NED x9) bt Arina Rodionova little tear coming down from pion added. x19) bt Alejandro Tabilo (CHI) 6-4, 6-3, 6-3; (AUS) 6-3, 7-5; Camila Giorgi (ITA) bt Svetlana her eye.” For the record, Nadal was Stan Wawrinka (SUI x15) bt Andreas Seppi Kuznetsova (RUS) 6-3, 6-1; Angelique Kerber After the contest was presented with the Stefan Ed- (ITA) 4-6, 7-5, 6-3, 3-6, 6-4; David Goffin (BEL (GER x17) bt Priscilla Hon (AUS) 6-3, 6-2; over, Nadal checked on her berg Sportsmanship Award x11) bt Pierre-Hugues Herbert (FRA) 6-1, 6-4, Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (RUS x30) bt Taylor again and gave her his head- for the third time (also 2010 4-6, 1-6, 6-3; Andrey Rublev (RUS x17) bt Townsend (USA) 7-5, 7-6 (7/1); Karolina Yuichi Sugita (JPN) 6-2, 6-3, 7-6 (7/5); Pliskova (CZE x2) bt Laura Siegemund (GER) band as she appeared to and 2018) during the ATP Fernando Verdasco (ESP) bt Nikoloz 6-3, 6-3; Elina Svitolina (UKR x5) bt Lauren beam with joy. Cup in Perth two weeks ago. Australia’s Nick Kyrgios celebrates win against France’s Basilashvili (GEO x26) 4-6, 7-6 (7/5), 6-4, Davis (USA) 6-2, 7-6 (8/6). Spain’s Rafael Nadal in action against Argentina’s Gilles Simon at the Australian Open on Thursday. (AFP) Federico Delbonis on Thursday. (AFP)

NBA Paris Game 2020 on beIN Sports today Doctors broke my arm in half: Cici Bellis TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK ference with 39 wins and 6 allow sports and entertain- AFP cant scar running up the lower telling us that we are going to DOHA losses, currently feature play- ment fans to follow the best MELBOURNE part of her arm, the San Fran- break your arm in half, short- ers such as three-time NBA of American basketball every cisco native was the focus of in- en it, then put a plate in, then BEIN SPORTS, the global All-Star and 2019 Most Valu- day on our channels. CICI Bellis was terrified. Sur- tense media interest following we are going to need to remove sports channel and the official able Player Giannis Antetok- “We are delighted to present geons told her that to save her her surprise victory. the plate.” broadcaster of the National ounmpo and 2019 NBA All- this exceptional event alongside highly promising tennis career Bellis has been through in- Bellis had been rehabilitat- Basketball Association (NBA) Star Khris Middleton. the NBA and welcome the pres- they had to break her jury hell with tears ing for 18 months when in Oc- in the Middle East & North In addition to the on-court tigious competition to France, arm in half. Then, just in her right wrist tober she was told she would Africa (MENA), will broadcast action, The NBA Paris Game and so the historic fixture will three months ago, the and fractures to her never play again because of a the NBA Paris Game 2020 this 2020 Presented by beIN be on our Free to Air channel as 20-year-old Ameri- elbow. The first low new injury. This time it was a Friday between the Charlotte SPORTS will feature a vari- well as beIN SPORTS HD8 and can was told her ca- point arrived when problem with her elbow. Hornets and the Milwaukee ety of interactive fan activities, HD13 so that fans across the reer was over because she was told of the “It was just horrible because Bucks live from the AccorHo- NBA Cares community out- Middle East & North Africa can of a new injury. daunting surgery. we had already been through so tels Arena on its Free to Air reach initiatives and Jr. NBA enjoy it too.” But on Thursday She has had four op- much together – my family has channel for millions of fans in Milwaukee Bucks star and reign- basketball programming that The NBA Paris Game 2020 the world number erations in all. been going through all the emo- the region. ing NBA MVP Giannis Antetok- will bring the NBA experience Presented by beIN SPORTS 600, once a teenage “My mum and tions with me.” The NBA Paris Game will ounmpo visits the PSG Stadium to fans in Paris. begins on Friday January 24, prodigy, shocked the Catherine Bellis I had never heard The despair was deep, but mark the Milwaukee Bucks’ on Wednesday. (NBA) CEO of beIN MEDIA 2020 at 23:00 Mecca Time 20th-seeded Karolina of the US. of anything so bar- thankfully short-lived. She first ever game in France, GROUP, Yousef al Obaidly, (GMT +3) on beIN SPORTS’ Muchova of the Czech baric in our entire was referred to another doctor while the Hornets will be tal in 1994 against the Golden said: “beIN SPORTS is a pas- Free to Air channel and beIN Republic to reach the Austral- lives,” Bellis said of the mo- in the same building the same playing their second game in State Warriors. sionate partner of the NBA SPORTS HD13 for English as ian Open third round. ment surgeons told her what day. This one had better news. Paris, having played a presea- The Bucks, who hold the around the world, produc- well as beIN SPORTS HD8 Wearing a bandage on her they needed to do to save her She had been misdiagnosed son game in the French capi- best record in the Eastern con- ing exceptional coverage to for Arabic. right wrist and with a signifi- career. “He was on the phone and her career was not over. 12 Friday, January 24, 2020 Sports Kodjia scores hat-trick on QSL debut as Al Gharafa drub Rayyan

turned his marker in and out Cheetahs remain before sending a lovely side- footed cross for Soria to guide fourth despite home in the 63rd minute. The Lions were however win; Al Ahli pip made to pay for their defensive lapses, conceding two goals in Paris Saint-Germain’s Tanguy Sailiya to move two minutes. Kouassi (right) celebrates with Firstly, a clumsy challenge Neymar during the French League up to seventh by Lee Jae-Ik brought down Cup semi-final against Stade de Ahmed Alaaeldin in the box Reims on Wednesday. (AFP) AYENI OLUSEGUN and Kodjia stepped up to con- DOHA vert for his first QSL goal. Neymar sets The Cheetahs soon took JONATHAN Kodjia made a the lead again through Kodjia. up two goals as telling debut with a hat-trick The 30-year-old proved just a few days after joining Al his worth again when he beat PSG cruise into Gharafa from Aston Villa as the offside trap to latch on the Cheetahs handed Al Rayy- to Adlene Guedioura’s pass League Cup final an their first QNB Stars League which caught the Al Rayyan loss of the season. defence napping as Kodjia AFP Slavisa Jokanovic’s side slotted under the legs of the REIMS, FRANCE held off Al Rayyan to win 4-2 hapless Fahad Younis in goal. at the Al Gharafa Stadium on The Ivorian completed his NEYMAR set up the first two Thursday – ending a two-game hat-trick four minutes from goals with curling set pieces as winless run. time when Alaaeldin floated a Paris Saint-Germain won their In the other match on pass for Kodjia who took one French League Cup semi-final Thursday, Abel Mathias scored touch before sending a spec- 3-0 away to Reims on a chilly the only goal of the match as Al tacular strike past Younis. Wednesday night. Ahli beat Al Sailiya 1-0. Meanwhile, Al Ahli’s first PSG will face Lyon, who A win for Al Rayyan would win in four matches ensured beat Lille on penalties on Tues- have moved them top of the Al Gharafa striker Jonathan Kodjia celebrates after scoring against Al Rayyan during their QNB Stars League match at the Al Gharafa Stadium they moved up to seventh on day, in the final at the Stade de league but Diego Aguirre’s side on Thursday. The Ivorian bagged a hat-trick on his debut as Al Gharafa won 4-2. the table. Montenegrin Nebo- France on April 4. despite leading 2-1, crumbled jsa Jovovic would be glad to This was PSG’s second cup in the latter stages as Kodjia from the spot after Al Rayyan Al Rayyan’s latest recruit the lead when Brahimi set up headed for half time. have his team back to winning match in three days and coach put to bed any doubts over his goalkeeper brought down Yohan Boli soon pulled his team Frank Kom but Gharafa goalie Just past the hour mark, ways but Al Sailiya’s inconsist- Thomas Tuchel continued to adaptability to the QSL. Moayed Hassan. Sofianne level when he slotted home from Qasem Burhan pushed his ef- Al Rayyan finally got a much ency would give Sami Trabelsi shuffle his squad. The thrilling match saw Hanni made no mistake from Moufak Awad’s cross. fort away from goal and Ab- deserved second through sub- something to worry about as Neymar and Kylian Mbap- both teams create chances and the spot to give Al Gharafa the Al Rayyan enjoyed more dulaziz Hatem made a mess stitute Sebastian Soria. they head into the AFC Cham- pe, who were unused substi- Al Gharafa were soon ahead lead in the 24th minute. possession and almost took of the rebound as the game The impressive Brahimi pions League playoffs. tutes as PSG won in the French Cup at Lorient on Sunday, started while Mauro Icardi and Angel di Maria, shivered on the bench on a below-freezing League leaders Al Duhail evening in Champagne country. League leaders Al Duhail begin Neymar set up the first goal appoint Regragui as coach for his fellow Brazilian Mar- quinhos, another star brought back after a coach-enforced life without Faria at Al Arabi rest, after nine minutes. Marquinhos, playing in TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK “It will be difficult for both central defence and as captain, DOHA teams. We are able to make raced in to meet an outswinging things difficult for Al Duhail. Neymar corner. AL Duhail’s caretaker coach At the same time, our oppo- He outleaped the static Bruno Oliveira said the team nents have not lost a game so Reims defenders and his pow- will not accept another loss in far in the league and have out- erful downward header had the wake of Rui Faria’s depar- standing players in their ranks. rebounded into the roof of the ture earlier this week. “In Al Duhail, there are net before goalkeeper Predrag The Red Knights lost the big changes and they want to Rajkovic could get close to it. Qatar Cup final last Friday make a strong comeback, es- After 31 minutes, Neymar against Al Sadd which led to pecially after their loss to Al again aimed for Marquinhos the resignation of the Portu- Sadd in the Qatar Cup. We are with an in swinging free kick. guese coach. mindful of all these matters When the centre-back However against Al Arabi and are ready for them,” Hall- missed the ball it caught the on Friday, the league leaders grimsson said. man marking him, Alaixys Ro- know a win will furhter extend Al Arabi will be without mao, by surprise and he nodded their grip on the league title, Morteza Pouraliganji and Ab- it toward goal where fullback heading into the business end dulrahman Anad through in- Ghislain Konan sliced the ball of the season. jury while Michelle Lasogga is into his own net. “I have had the privilege to Al Duhail players during a training session on Thursday, ahead of their also a doubt. Al Duhail have appointed French-born Moroccan coach Walid Neymar, who produced a work with departed coach Rui QNB Stars League match against Al Arabi. “We may miss some play- Regragui as head coach of the team, replacing Rui Faria, the club combative display, and Mbap- Faria. He is a distinguished ers for this match, but it is announced on its website. “The club administration contracted with pe, booked for a late handball, person, as a coach and as a hu- Oliveira said. against Al Arabi.” good that the Qatar Olympic the Moroccan coach Walid Regragui coach to train the first team played the full 90 minutes even man being. I wish him success On the mentality of the However, Al Arabi coach team players have returned to instead of the Portuguese Rui Faria. The club management thank though the game was settled by in his future career. players, he said, “When you Heimir Hallgrimsson said the team’s fold.” the chairman and members of the board directors of Al Duhail and the 77th minute. “The Al Arabi game will achieve many victories, it Al Duhail will want to make Qatar Sports Club take Al Rabati club for their cooperation and facilitation of the contract- After 73 minutes, Reims be difficult, especially because means that you have a strong a statement win which will on Al Wakrah at the Qatar ing procedure with the coach,” the statement read. Regragui was midfielder Marshall Munetsi they have been doing well this will. If you lose, you must make the match more difficult. SC Stadium also on Friday in manager of Rabat-based club Fath Union Sport before his appoint- received a straight red card for season. We will not accept recover quickly in order to Al Arabi have struggled what promises to be a thrilling ment. He inherits an Al Duhail side still reeling from their Qatar scything down Marco Verratti. another loss. Any defeat will get the players out of the sad with form and consistency this match between the eighth and Cup loss against Al Sadd. The Red Knights are top of the QNB Four minutes later, substi- leave everyone with a feeling situation. I am confident that season – having picked up five ninth-placed teams. Stars League with 30 points and are unbeaten in the league so far. tute Nianzou Kouassi forced a of shock and sadness as we are our players have the ability points from a possible 15 in Both teams can jump into (PIC: AL DUHAIL SC TWITTER) rebound over the line to book used to achieving victories,” to take the team to victory their last five league matches. the top six with a win. PSG a place in the final. Solskjaer begs for time after Man Utd hit new low German football mulls AFP the world. Some of them have know it wasn’t good enough to- lowering minimum age MANCHESTER played 10, 12, 15 games and it’s night,” Solskjaer said. not easy for them.” “The boys looked mentally DPA Germany a player must either OLE Gunnar Solskjaer pleaded United trail six points be- tired towards the end, we didn’t BERLIN be 18 or already play for the for time to get Manchester Unit- hind fourth placed Chelsea but, find that creativity. We can’t feel younger age category of the ed back on track after the be- given how they have struggled sorry for ourselves. GERMAN football authorities Under-19s. leaguered boss and his under- so often this season, the only “When you are at Man Unit- are considering lowering the The Bundesliga’s youngest performing stars were booed surprise is that the gap isn’t big- ed you are privileged because age threshold for young foot- debutant remains Nuri Sahin off and labelled an “embarrass- ger. you are playing for the best club ballers to play professionally who was 16 years and 335 days ment” following Wednesday’s United’s tally of 34 points is in the world. Sometimes you go in the Bundesliga. when he played his first game 2-0 defeat against Burnley. their lowest after 24 matches of through periods like that and it The Bild and Welt dailies for Borussia Dortmund in Au- Solskjaer’s side were rocked a top-flight season since 1989- is a test I am sure they are going said the plan by the German gust 2005. He was able to play by Chris Wood’s first half open- 90 and the majority of Old Traf- to come through.” Football League DFL would al- as a younger Under-19 squad er before Jay Rodriguez scored ford was on its feet when chants United must regroup to low clubs in the country’s top member. with a superb strike after the of “stand up if you hate Glazers” avoid more misery in the FA two divisions to field 16-year- Dortmund, who have an break at Old Trafford. echoed around the ground. Cup fourth round against Wat- olds from next season. emerging young talent in It was a woeful display from Executive vice-chairman Ed ford or Tranmere on Sunday The German football 15-year-old Youssoufa Mouk- fifth placed United, who are in Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (3rd left) leaves Woodward was also subjected before they head to Manchester federation DFB believes oko, are to submit the age such poor form that there will the pitch with the players after their English Premier League match to abusive chants in a toxic at- City looking to overturn a 3-1 lowering the age is “justifi- proposal to a DFL assembly in be fresh questions about Solsk- against Burnley at Old Trafford in Manchester on Wednesday. (AFP) mosphere, while those few fans first leg deficit in the League able,” Joti Chatzialexiou, its March, it was reported. jaer’s job security in the coming who remained in the stadium Cup semi-finals next Wednes- sporting director of national Former Dortmund young days. changes,” Ferdinand told BT hands up and say it wasn’t good booed Solskjaer and his players day. teams, said on Thursday. star Lars Ricken said the Bun- Former United defender Sport. “The downward spiral in enough. In the first half we cre- at full-time. If United are knocked out of “Basically, we think it is ex- desliga currently had “a major Rio Ferdinand, a Premier this short space of time, it’s only ated some half openings but we But Solskjaer is still ada- both cup competitions, Solsk- pedient to give young players competitive disadvantage” be- League and Champions League seven years, has been remark- were not sharp enough to take mant he can turn the tide if he jaer is likely to find the patience as much time as possible for cause it was not allowed to use winner with the club, slammed able.” our chances,” Solskjaer said. is given time to develop United of supporters who idolised him their individual development,” exceptionally talented young the performance and called for Solskjaer had no complaints “The boys have given every- youngsters like Mason Green- during his playing days will he said. players. owners Glazer family to take ac- about a result that laid bare eve- thing they have got but they are wood and Brandon Williams. dwindle even further. However, in exceptional However RB Leipzig coach tion to stop the rot. rything wrong with a rudderless experiencing this period for the “I’m going to back them and “We are looking to improve, cases “it can make sense to Julian Nagelsmann cautioned “Fans are walking out after team lacking steel in defence, first time in their lives. help them get through this. The we have got our targets. This is bring top talents to the highest that young players would be 84 minutes! It’s an embarrass- creativity in midfield and a cut- “When you are at Man- players are giving everything, our second defeat at home and level earlier, as is also shown exposed “to even more pres- ment. People at the top need ting edge up front. chester United you are playing they have done absolutely fan- first since August. I thought we by examples from abroad.” sure” if they were promoted to to look and see this and make “We have got to hold our at the biggest and best club in tastic so far this season but they had turned that corner,” he said. To play professionally in senior football too early. Sports Friday, January 24, 2020 13

Unbeaten Qatar to meet Bahrain in semis of Asian Men’s Handball C’ship Lakmal sets up Lanka win in ﬁrst Test against Zimbabwe

AFP runs in three overs. HARARE Angelo Mathews was named man of the match for SURANGA Lakmal took four his 200 not out in Sri Lanka’s for 27 to set up Sri Lanka for a first innings of 515 for nine de- 10-wicket win over Zimbabwe clared. in the first Test in Harare on “I wanted to go for a big- Thursday. gy,” said Mathews after the Resuming on 30 without game. “It was very slow going loss and needing 157 to make and they gave nothing away Sri Lanka bat again, Zimba- with their umbrella field. bwe recovered from the loss of “We didn’t want to bat in three early wickets to Lakmal the fourth innings. There was to reach lunch at 120 for three. some variable bounce and The tall pace bowler struck turn. We wanted a lead of 160 Triple defending champions Qatar will clash with Bahrain for a place in again immediately after, re- so I had to make sure we got the final of the Asian Men’s Handball Championship on Saturday. The moving Brendan Taylor for there.” other semis pits Japan against South Korea. Qatar, who had already 38, and Zimbabwe slumped The second Test starts in topped Group 2 in the Main Round, posted a 29-23 victory over hosts to 170 all out, losing their last Harare on Monday Kuwait in their last match in Kuwait City on Thursday. Korea and Iran seven wickets for 50. Scores drew their match 24-24 and the former advanced to the last four stage Sri Lanka needed just 14 Zimbabwe: 358 and 170 (S. Williams 39, due to their better goal difference. In Group 1, Japan and Bahrain quali- to win and the openers Os- B. Taylor 38; S. Lakmal 4-27, L. Kumara 3-32, fied after taking the top two spots. All the semi-finalists booked their hada Fernando and Dimuth L. Embuldeniya 2-74) tickets for the 2021 World Championship, to be staged in Cairo, Egypt. Karunaratne knocked off the Sri Lanka: 515-9 declared & 14-0. Al Shaman, Off He Goes record superb wins in Cup races Grand treble for HH Sheikh Mohammed, trainer Smart & rider Lukasek; Seeyoubyme, Ex Miss bag Classic & Pearl races

26th Race Meeting Results (Turf)

THOROUGHBRED HANDICAP (Class 3) 2,000m Trainer: Julian Smart Prize Money: QR60,000 (1st 34,200 2nd 13,200 3rd 6,600) AL AREEQ CUP 1,600m 1.Daneyan (Theo Bachelot), 2.Finding Nero (Ivan Prize Money: QR100,000 (1st 57,000 2nd 22,000 Rossi), 3. Hajaj (Alexander Reznikov) 3rd 11,000 4th 6,000 5th 4,0000 Won by 1.25, head. Time 2:04.82 1.Al Shaman (Tomas Lukasek), 2. Veranda (Ronan Owner: Khalifa bin Sheail al Kuwari. Trainer: Jassim Thomas), 3.Qatari Gold (Luca Maniezzi), 4.Al Adaid Ghazali (Faleh Bughanaim), 5. Pazeer (Eduardo Pedroza) Won by 0.75, 1, neck, 1.5. Time 1:35.99 LOCAL THOROUGHBRED PLATE (4 Year Olds) 1,200m Owner: HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa al Thani. Prize Money: QR75,000 (1st 42,750 2nd 16,500 3rd Trainer: Julian Smart 8,250) 1.Black Pearl (Eduardo Pedroza), 2.Ifreet (Luca KHOR AL ADAID CUP (QA Gr3) 2,800m Maniezzi), 3.Rosasa (Ryan Curatolo) Prize Money: QR100,000 (1st 57,000 2nd 22,000 Won by 1.5, 4. Time 1:13.03 3rd 11,000 4th 6,000 5th 4,000) Owner: Abdulatif al Emadi. Trainer: Ibrahim al Malki 1.Off He Goes (Tomas Lukasek), 2.Duke of Dundee (Ronan Thomas), 3. Masterpiece (Theo Bachelot), LOCAL PUREBRED ARABIAN HANDICAP 1,600m 4.Otwo (Luca Maniezzi), 5. Quelindo (Ivan Rossi) Seeyoubyme, ridden by Ryan Curatolo, on way to winning the Prize Money: QR55,000 (1st 31,350 2nd 12,100 3rd Won by nose, 0.75, 2.75, 1. Time 3:06.42 Thoroughbred Classic on Thursday. 6,050) Owner: HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa al Thani. 1.Ennab (Ronan Thomas), 2. Muthhil (Theo Bachelot), Trainer: Julian Smart 3.Al Wannah (Tomas Lukasek) Won by 0.25, 1.5. Time 1:46.25 T/B CLASSIC RACE 2,000m Owner: Rakan Khames Abuzulf. Trainer: Majed Prize Money: QR100,000 (1st 57,000 2nd 22,000 Seifeddine 3rd 11,000 4th 6,000 5th 4,000) 1.Seeyoubyme (Ryan Curatolo), 2.Sam Langford (JP Tomas Lukasek rides HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa al Thani-owned Al Shaman to victory in the LOCAL PUREBRED ARABIAN CONDITIONS 1,200m Guillambert), 3. Zamharer (Theo Bachelot), 4.Markhor Prize Money: QR75,000 (1st 42,750 2nd 16,500 3rd (Luca Maniezzi), 5.Muraikh (Faleh Bughanaim) Al Areeq Cup at the 26th Race Meeting at the QREC Racecourse in New Al Rayyan on Thursday. 8,250) Won by 1.25, head, neck, 0.75. Time 2:04.65 1.Kasser (Meteb Ali al Marri -5kg), 2.Al Mustafiz (Theo Owner: Engineer Hassan Alabdulmalik. Trainer: Deborah TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK gelding, followed the stable- fa Al Thani Cup earlier this Bachelot), 3. Hazm Al Sulaimi (JP Guillambert) Mountain DOHA Won by neck, 1.25. Time 1:18.28 mate in the next race and held month, the seven-year-old Owner & Trainer: Engineer Mohammed al Sheeb T/B PEARL 2,000m off defending champion Duke grey horse beat Chamekh to Prize Money: QR100,000 (1st 57,000 2nd 22,000 HH Sheikh Mohammed bin of Dundee by a nose to emerge record his second victory in PUREBRED ARABIAN CONDITIONS 1,850m 3rd 11,000 4th 6,000 5th 4,000) Khalifa al Thani-owned Al the champion in the Khor Al three outings. With this result, Prize Money: QR75,000 (1st 42,750 2nd 16,500 3rd 1.Ex Miss (Ryan Curatolo), 2.Star Of War (Adrie de 8,250) Vries), 3. Romantic Heart (JP Guillambert), 4. Mahaarat Shaman and Off He Goes Adaid Cup (QA Gr 3) 2,800m. the double HH The Amir’s 1.Ebraz (Tomas Lukasek), 2.Chamekh (Ronan Thomas), (Alexander Reznikov), 5.Festive (Theo Bachelot) clinched two out of four fea- Masterpiece was third by a Sword winner took his win- Winning connections of Ex Miss, the winner of the Thoroughbred Pearl 3. She’ris (Eduardo Pedroza) Won by neck, 2.5, 1.75, 3.50. Time 2:05.66 ture races to dominate the little less than a length. Otwo ners to 13 in 28 races. race, pose for a group picture after the prize distribution. Won by 1, 2.75. Time 2:01.65 Owner: Engineer Hassan Alabdulmalik. Trainer: Ahmed 26th Race Meeting at the Qa- was fourth, beating Quelindo Engineer Hassan Alabdul- Owner: HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa al Thani. Kobeissi tar Racing & Equestrian Club by a length. Barring the win- malik’s Seeyoubyme and Ex Markhor and Muraikh com- as well. Racecourse in New Al Rayyan ner and Masterpiece, rest of Miss extended their sparkling pleted the top five. Romantic Heart, with JP hind. 1,200m victory by Meteb Ali on Thursday. the top five were all higher- runs in the season and com- This was the third win in Guillambert astride, was third Enab, owned by Rakan al Marri. Trained and owned Despite cold and dank rated runners. pleted a splendid double for four races for Seeyoubyme, by two lengths and a half, while Khames Abuzulf and trained by Engineer Mohammed al conditions, the Julian Smart- Both Al Shaman and Off him by winning the Thorough- who was sixth in the Qatar Mahaarat was fourth and Fes- by Majed Seifeddine, was rid- Sheeb, the nine-year-old bay schooled Al Shaman and Off He Goes posted their first bred Classic Race 2,000m Derby (Gr 2) in his debut year tive, who finished fourth last den to the second victory on horse defeated Al Mustafiz by He Goes were ridden superbly wins of the season, helping (Class 2) and Thoroughbred here. season, grabbed the fifth spot. the trot by Ronan Thomas in a neck for his second win in by Tomas Lukasek. The six- the owner, the trainer and Pearl 2,000m (Class 2). With Curatolo astride, Black Pearl, owned by Ab- the Local Purebred Arabian eight runs in the season. year-old bay horse Al Sha- the rider wrap up a delightful Trained by Deborah Ex Miss edged Star Of War, dulatif al Emadi, has been on Handicap 1,600m. The seven- Theo Bachelot steered man bagged the Al Areeq Cup treble. Lukasek helmed Ebraz Mountain, Seeyoubyme, a ridden by Adrie de Vries, by a hot run in the season. The year-old bay gelding, the win- Daneyan to a second triumph 1,600m for Thoroughbreds to a one-length victory in the four-year-old grey gelding, a neck to post her third tri- four-year-old black gelding ner of the Purebred Arabian in six races in the season as (Class 2) with a three-quarter Purebred Arabian Conditions produced a fine finishing dash umph in four runs in the sea- recorded his fourth winner in Claiming Race last month, got the Khalifa bin Sheail al Ku- win over Veranda. Holder 1,850m. under Ryan Curatolo to beat son. Overall, it was her fifth as many races to win the Local the better of Muthhil by quar- wari’s five-year-old grey horse Qatari Gold came third with Rebounding from his Khalifa bin Sheail al Kuwari’s start for the Ahmed Kobeissi Thoroughbred Plate for four ter of a length and Al Wannah outsprinted Finding Nero by a neck difference against Al runner-up finish to Al Shaqab Sam Langford by one length trainee who had beaten Star years olds, beating Ifreet by came third. one and a quarter lengths in Adaid and Pazeer was fifth. Racing’s Al Naama in the HH and a quarter. Zamharer was Of War to win the Qatar Oaks one and a half lengths. Rosasa Kasser was led to the Local the Thoroughbred Handicap Off He Goes, a six-year-old Sheikh Abdullah Bin Khali- third, being a neck ahead of for fillies (Gr 3 QA) last month was third by four lengths be- Purebred Arabian Conditions 2,000m (Class 3). Al Shamal down QSC, stay on top in QBF League Results minutes, Al Arabi managed to clinch their 11th victory from Al Arabi edge Al Rayyan Al Shamal beat Qatar Sports Club Al Arabi beat Al Rayyan 81-72 (half-time 13 games to take the second 88-82 (Half-time 44-49) 38-38) spot with 24 points. to move to second spot Main performers – Al Shamal: Aaron Main performers – Al Arabi: Miroslav Todic With this loss, Al Rayyan Mitchell 25 pts, George Tsintsadze 21 pts, 28 pts & 10 rebounds, Mohammed Harat now have 22 points from six TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK mal vital push and a five-point Omar Abdelkader Salem 17 pts, Mikheil 15 pts & 10 rebounds, Khalid Suliman defeats in 14 matches. Al Wak- DOHA advantage (63-58). Berishvili 15 pts Abdi 12 pts, Kevin Galloway 12 pts, Khalid rah and Al Gharafa also have Guards Kevin Bracy and Qatar SC: Jonathan Lee 22 pts, Ahmed Abdelbaset 10 pts the same points but they have DEFENDING champions Al Jonathan Lee struck and put Abdalla 17 pts, Kevin Bracy 16 pts, Al Rayyan: Eric Lockett 24 pts & 12 rebounds, played one game less than Al Shamal Club held on to their QSC one point ahead and then Mohamed Fakhirah 14 pts, Keanau Post Tanguy Ngombo 21 pts & 10 rebounds, Rayyan. leading position as shoot- forward Mohamed Fakhirah 10 pts & 16 rebounds Mohamed Hassan Mohamed 10 pts. Miroslav Todic led the ing guard Aaron Mitchell and responded to Al Shamal guard winners with 28 points and point guard George Tsintsadze Aaron Mitchell’s layup with a 10 rebounds. Mohammed combined for 46 points lift- brilliant trey to close out the point cushion, which became Abdalla earned 17. He was Harat contributed 15 points ed them past Qatar Sports quarter with a slender advan- too hard for QSC to erase. followed by Bracy (16), Fakhi- and 10 rebounds, while Club 88-82 during their 14th tage for his team (69-67). Mitchell had a game- rah (14) and Post, who had 10 Khalid Suliman Abdi added QBF League round match on Al Shamal began exerting high 25 points for Al Shamal. points and 16 rebounds. The 12 pts, Kevin Galloway also Thursday. pressure right from the start Tsintsadze added 21, while ninth defeat in 14 matches secured 12 and Khalid Abdel- At the Al Gharafa Club In- of the fourth quarter and a centre Omar Salem’s 17 had kept QSC in the seventh spot baset managed 10. door Hall, the holders faced downtown by guard Abdul three treys and small forward with 18 points. For Al Rayyan, Eric Lock- a stiff and spirited resistance Qadir Kosar put them ahead Mikheil Berishvili collected 15. In another match, Al Arabi ett (24 points and 12 re- from Qatar Sports Club. Soon by a point. QSC regained the The 11th triumph in 14 games Club wore down Al Rayyan bounds) and veteran Tanguy after QSC had a six-point lead lead through centre Keanau took Al Shamal to the top of Club 81-72, shaking off the Ngombo (21 points and 10 re- Al Shamal point guard George Tsintsadze looks to pass the ball in the third quarter (54-48) Post’s layup (71-70). But a the table with 25 points. rivals with a nine-point clos- bounds) impressed the most. against Qatar Sports Club during their 88-82 victory in the QBF – their biggest in the game, a five-point run shook QSC and For QSC, Lee had the best ing lead. The game was up Mohamed Hassan Mohamed League in Al Gharafa on Thursday. 10-point run provided Al Sha- it later developed into a seven- effort of 22 points. Ahmed and down and in the final five had 10. 14 Friday, January 24, 2020 FEATURES reasons why the 2020 Oscar nominations 9were not completely dispiriting

MARRIAGE STORY THE IRISHMAN ONCE UPON A TIME... JOJO RABIT 1917 LITTLE WOMEN JOKER IN HOLLYWOOD

JUSTIN CHANG warm-spirited Won’t You Be My Neighbor? in danger of being underrated. His nomi- TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE The nonfiction branch is clearly in a more nation may have everything to do with the pessimistic mood these days: Taken togeth- synergy of a beloved American actor playing S a friend wisely reminded me ear- er, its final five nominees — American Fac- a beloved American icon (Fred Rogers), but lier this awards season: Never as- tory, The Cave, The Edge of Democracy, it’s a relief to see his 19-year Oscar drought sume that just because someone or For Sama, Honeyland — add up to a stun- come to an end, and for a movie that, as di- something didn’t win an award, earn ning global panorama of social, political and rected with sly intelligence by Marielle Hel- Aa nomination or land on a year-end environmental unrest. It’s hard to imagine a ler, deserved recognition beyond its biggest list, the person or organization didn’t see grimmer slate of nominees, or a better one. marquee name. the work in question. Having been on the receiving end of such assumptions myself — Antonio Banderas, an actor Rian Johnson, an original why yes, indignant Twitter user, I did in fact 4 nominee for Pain and Glory 7 screenplay nominee for Knives see Jojo Rabbit (twice!) — I know the folly Out of questioning other people’s expertise, let THIS year’s lead actor race was so ridicu- alone expecting them to share or reflect my lously competitive, you could have filled out THE year’s most ingeniously plotted own unimpeachable taste. an excellent list of nominees with the pre- movie was also the first Hollywood re- And yet early on Oscar nominations sumed also-rans alone (Sandler, Murphy, lease in years to pay homage to Agatha morning, my judgment clearly impaired Robert De Niro for The Irishman, Taron Christie while actually understanding the by a mix of reflexive anger and insuffi- PARASITE Egerton for Rocketman and Christian Bale honest-to-God pleasures of Agatha Chris- cient caffeine, I couldn’t help but ask the for Ford v Ferrari, to name a few). In a field tie. And it was a trenchant rebuke of rac- forbidden questions: Did enough mem- this crowded, a first-ever nomination for ism and classism to boot; more cinematic bers of the motion picture academy actu- and Wesley Snipes in Dolemite Is My terms of members overseas, surely help. Banderas was far from assured, even after bonbons should be laced with this much ally see Us? Or Hustlers? Or The Fare- Name — would have certainly improved he handily won best actor from the New sociopolitical acid. well? Or Uncut Gems? a slate of acting nominees that, Cynthia THAT South Korea finally scored its first York Film Critics Circle, the Los Angeles The lack of recognition for four of the Erivo’s lead actress nomination for Har- nomination in the international feature Film Critics Assn. and the National Society The Lighthouse scored a smartest American movies released last riet aside, is rightly being taken to task for category (formerly foreign-language film) of Film Critics. It’s a pleasure too, to see the 8 cinematography nomination year — all of them well reviewed by crit- its dearth of diversity. And if you consider would already be cause for celebration; academy recognise a Spanish-language per- ics and well attended by audiences — may diversity to be the cause of the politically that Parasite also cracked the picture, formance directed by the great Pedro Almo- AS past mentions in this category for not answer that question definitively, but correct scold, I can only respond that it is, director, original screenplay, editing and dóvar, whose Pain and Glory also landed a Roma, Cold War, Ida and The White it doesn’t exactly inspire confidence. At the in fact, the perfectly natural outcome of any production design categories is nothing nomination for international feature. Ribbon have reminded us, the cinema- very least, some of us were hoping for act- broad, intelligent survey of the year’s most short of marvellous. It would have been tography branch loves to recognise ing nominations for Lupita Nyong’o’s stag- notable achievements in filmmaking. Any even more marvellous had it also earned Florence Pugh, a supporting black-and-white imagery when it can. gering dual turn in Us, or Awkwafina and organization that didn’t short-list at least nominations for supporting actor (Song 5 actress nominee for Little Of course it recognised Jarin Blaschke’s Zhao Shuzhen’s touching granddaughter- three or four (or eight or nine) actors of col- Kang Ho), supporting actress (Cho Yeo Women stunning 35-millimeter photography in grandmother act in The Farewell or Adam our this year is either not watching enough Jeong) and cinematography (Hong Kyung Robert Eggers’ cabin-fever horror Sandler’s thrilling psychological implosion movies or watching them with an awfully Pyo), but you can’t have everything. THE 24-year-old English actress picture, which brilliantly deployed in Uncut Gems. As for Jennifer Lopez in selective filter. had a remarkable breakthrough antiquarian camera lenses and a Hustlers, most of us assumed she was not Which is not to suggest that there were Honeyland made Oscar year with not only Little Women square aspect ratio to salute a by- just a shoo-in but, in a sane world, a legiti- no happy or heartening surprises. While 2 history but also Midsommar and Fight- gone era of Hollywood filmmak- mate threat to win. disappointment with the academy has being With My Family. She was ing. A nomination for Willem Dafoe But as this year’s overall roster attests, come an annual headache, I have always BELIEVE the buzz (sorry): No movie until excellent in all three — her physi- from the actors branch would have it can be hard if not impossible for a po- found consolation in those occasional Os- now has ever managed to score nominations cally and emotionally robust work in been no less welcome. litically charged horror movie with black car-morning silver linings, those nomina- for both documentary feature and interna- Fighting With My Family might be actors — or an independent drama whose tions that, for whatever reason, couldn’t tional feature, and it would be hard to think the best of the lot — but since WWE A Hidden Life pedigree doesn’t scream capital- “P” pres- help but bring a smile to my face. Finding of a worthier exception than Tamara Kotevs- fisticuffs and Scandinavian death 9 is still in theatres tige — to be taken seriously. That’s espe- them took a bit more strain this year, but ka and Ljubomir Stefanov’s luminous por- cults are clearly not the academy’s cially true in a field dominated by noisy if anything that makes them all the more trait of a Macedonian beekeeper struggling cup of hallucinogen-spiked tea, I’m NO, Terrence Malick’s stunningly zeitgeist favourites like Joker, a movie I worth celebrating. to preserve her traditional way of life. As the more than pleased to see Pugh ac- beautiful, politically and spiritually admired more than most of my colleagues, winner of three prizes in the 2019 Sundance knowledged for giving us, among galvanizing drama didn’t get a single and auteur-driven magnum opuses like Parasite earned six nominations, Film Festival’s world cinema competition, many other things, an Amy March nomination. But in a year when the The Irishman and Once Upon a Time … 1 including picture and director it’s one of the few Sundance titles to score for the ages. academy saw fit to nominate the wrong in Hollywood, neither of which I begrudge Oscar attention this year. Also nice to see a Fox Searchlight release about reject- their outsized acclaim. But standout indi- It was hardly a shock to see the academy documentary that doesn’t overdo the drone Tom Hanks, a supporting ing Nazism (Jojo Rabbit) — as well as vidual achievements in underhyped titles follow critics, audiences and industry guilds shots (sorry again). 6 actor nominee for A a toothless crowd-pleaser about require a level of patience and discernment in showering love on Bong Joon Ho’s dark- Beautiful Day in the Catholicism at an ideological generally lost on the academy, which most- ly comic domestic thriller, but that doesn’t And speaking of Neighborhood impasse (The Two Popes) — I ly likes to nominate movies the way you or make it any less gratifying. It just goes to 3 documentaries … am choosing to view the mere I might buy toilet paper: in bulk. show that breathless hype, placed in service IT was around the time he was existence of A Hidden Life as its Including Nyong’o, Awkwafina, Zhao of a genuinely great movie, really can move THAT the stirring Apollo 11 didn’t score a overlooked for his revelatory own hard-won triumph. Did the and/or Lopez — or, for that matter, Alfre a hidebound organisation in the direction nomination for documentary feature was work in 2013’s Captain academy see it? Maybe not Woodard and Aldis Hodge in Clemency or of progress. The academy’s ongoing efforts a sad surprise, one that oddly echoed last Phillips that I realized — but that’s no reason for Eddie Murphy and Da’Vine Joy Randolph to diversify its voting body, especially in year’s omission of the similarly nostalgic, that Hanks was actually you to follow suit.

MOIRA MACDONALD Name, Christian Bale in Ford formances of actors of colour.) TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE v Ferrari and Taron Egerton in The Best Picture roster had Rocketman (the latter, a Golden nine films on it (out of a possible WHILE we’ll be spending Globe winner, campaigned heav- 10). What film was on the cusp plenty of time in the next ily for a nomination — which ap- and missed making the list? May- few weeks talking about parently doesn’t always work). be Pedro Almodóvar’s Pain & Glo- Oscar nominations 2020 the big winners — wow, Don’t look for Jennifer Lopez to ry, maybe Rian Johnson’s Knives those voters really make a fashion statement on Os- Out, maybe Terrence Malick’s A liked Joker, which car night; she wasn’t nominated Hidden Life, maybe Lulu Wang’s Who got led the pack with for supporting actress, despite The Farewell (for my money, the 11 nominations — strong reviews for her work in year’s most enchanting journey). let’s devote a bit Hustlers. Also missing from that Other miscellaneous snubs: of time to that list: Meryl Streep in Little Wom- Where was Anna Robbins’ most delightful (From left); Movie stills of Little Women and Us en, Nicole Kidman in Bombshell nomination for the glorious Oscars tradi- (despite her two co-stars, Charlize costumes of Downton Abbey? snubbed? tion: complain- nize women in this category; only able performances of the year: Theron and Margot Robbie, being Or Jess Gonchor’s, for the gor- ing about the five women directors have been Lupita Nyong’o in Us, which nominated), and Zhao Shuzhen geous production design of Lit- snubs. nominated in its history). Like- opened back in March. Also in The Farewell. And despite a tle Women? Or Jorg Wilmer, for Awkwafina, And let’s wise, Noah Baumbach wasn’t disappointed, surely, was Awk- strong showing for Parasite (six the breathtaking cinematogra- start right off nominated for Marriage Story, wafina (who won a Golden Globe nominations, including best pic- phy of A Hidden Life? with the direct- despite a strong showing for for her work in The Farewell, a ture and director), none of its cast The Academy Award ceremo- ing category, the film. The Gerwig-Baumbach film entirely snubbed this morn- were nominated — a particularly ny will place — host-less, as it was women directors, where Greta Ger- household (they’re partners off- ing). In lead actor was a surpris- egregious snub in the supporting last year — on Sunday, February wig was not nomi- screen) must be a place of mixed ing snub for a veteran: Robert actor category, where Song Kang 9, by which time we’ll all have nated — despite her emotions this morning. DeNiro wasn’t nominated in Ho, who played the inventive moved on to talking about who film, Little Women, In the lead acting categories, The Irishman, despite seven working-class father in the film, will win, not who wasn’t nominat- actors of color getting nods for writ- apparently the Academy mem- previous nominations. Other ac- was left off. (If you’re seeing a bit ed. But for now, let’s raise a glass ing, acting and best pic- bers have short memories. In claimed work that wasn’t recog- of a pattern here, yes: The Acad- (or, considering the hour, a coffee ture. (The Academy has Best Actress, not enough of them nized in that category included emy needs to continue to make cup), for those who didn’t hear long been reluctant to recog- recalled one of the most remark- Eddie Murphy in Dolomite Is My progress in recognizing the per- their names called. Friday, January 24, 2020 15 KIDS CORNER

Bound & Gagged By Dana Summers

Half Full By Maria Scrivan

YASSHSMITA MAHADEVAN Class VII-D Birla Public School Doha, Qatar

Do you have a poem, short story, painting or a kid’s birthday that you want to share? If YES, 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

NAGIT @PlayJumble

LENKT DSS)ROORZXVRQ7ZLWWHU INIOCC JUST JUMBLE BBRASO Get the free

Now arrange the circled letters ©2018 Tribune Content Agency, LLC to form the surprise answer, as All Rights Reserved. suggested by the above cartoon. Complete the grid so each row, column and 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 Paul Coulter Level: 1 3 4

are — BANKING ON IT ON BANKING — are

Answer: Answer:

ACROSS 45 Hawaiian dish 13 Swiss peaks and business your need institutions Financial

Jumbles: 1 Deep opera voices 46 “Chestnuts roasting __ open fire” 18 Irritate but good ABSORB ICONIC KNELT GIANT 6 Quaint “you” 47 Online craft store 22 90° from sur 10 “SOS” pop group 49 Rap sheet abbr. 25 How food may be seasoned 14 From square one 52 Elks, in Canada 27 Trojans’ sch. 15 Pair on a Disney World hat 55 __ Kodak 29 Male sheep 16 Little brook 57 Top poker cards 30 Thrilla in Manila boxer 17 *Sore loser’s reaction 58 *Valentine recipient 31 “My bad!” 19 Live __: party hearty 60 Ready for harvesting 32 Revealing skirt 20 Temporary period 61 Half of Mork’s sign-off 33 Protein building block 21 Clytemnestra’s son 62 Novelist Joyce Carol __ 34 *Hip-hop trio with a condimental 23 Soap-making chemical 63 Smartphone ancestors, briefly name 24 Often 64 Cookbook amt. 35 “Peter Pan” pirate 26 Road’s end? 65 “Elder” Roman scholar 38 Reception server 27 Versatile vehicle, for short 39 Three, on a sundial 28 Handel’s “Messiah” is one DOWN 41 Breathe heavily 32 Vertical billiards stroke 1 Fragrant herb 42 Kid’s favorite store, often 35 Not fresh 2 Ecstasy’s opposite 44 Elevates 36 Ambient music pioneer Brian 3 Fry 45 10th-grader’s exam, for short 37 Apple computer 4 “Your Highness” 48 Start a golf hole Complete the grid so each row, column and 38 Fifth and newest member of the 5 Unappreciative one 49 Vintage violin 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit, set that includes the starts of the 6 Pedro’s “I love you” 50 Megan’s “Will & Grace” role 1 to 9. For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, answers to starred clues 7 WWII General __ Arnold 51 Anxious visit www.sudoku.org.uk 39 NYPD rank 8 Crumbled sundae-topping cookie 52 __ speed: “Star Trek” rate 40 Zero, like chances 9 Cold War power: Abbr. 53 Fails to be © 2018 The Mepham Group. Distributed by

41 “Full court” NBA defense 10 Noble Brit 54 Q-tip Tribune Content Agency. All rights reserved. 42 Pat Conroy’s “The Prince of __” 11 *Finale to fight to, with “the” 56 Greenish-blue ANSWERS 43 Corporate info-sharing system 12 Treatment for gray hair 59 Nav. rank 16 Friday, January 24, 2020 The Last Word Amir patronises graduation ceremony of 2nd batch of Police College candidates

MoI officials praise quality of training at Police College

MINISTRY of Interior (MoI) officials on carrying out their duties. Thursday praised the achievements of the He added that the college continues to Police College in a short time as the college develop its educational programmes through witnessed the graduation of its second batch specialised courses. of 110 officers. The Director of the International Coopera- The officials said the college has estab- tion Department Major General Abdulaziz al lished itself internationally for the quality of Ansari said the Police College has become a training provided by it, and the high perfor- beacon of knowledge in the security field. mance of its earlier graduates. Meanwhile, the Assistant of Director Police College signs two letters of intent Director General of Public Security Staff of Public Security Major General Abdullah Major General HE Saad bin Jassim al Khu- Mohammed al Suwaidi said the MoI spares THE Police College of the Ministry of Inte- Brigadier Muhana said the letter of intent The Police College also signed a letter laifi described Police College as one of the no effort to develop security operations and rior on Thursday signed a letter of intent for aims to enhance cooperation between the of intent with the International Society for ministry’s biggest achievements in the past build capabilities, noting that the Police Col- academic and training cooperation with the two sides in various academic and training Criminology, which is registered in the Com- few years, pointing out that it trains capable lege was an important component of develop- Stefan cel Mare Academy of the Ministry of fields, especially the exchange of experiences, monwealth of Virginia, USA. The letter was police officers in line with the highest region- ing human capital in line with Qatar National Internal Affairs of Moldova, on the sidelines research activities, lecturers and mutual sci- signed by Brigadier Dr Muhana and Presi- al and international standards. Khulaifi said Vision 2030. of the graduation ceremony of the second entific visits. dent of the Society Dr Emilio Viano. there were high expectations from this year’s Director of National Command Centre batch of graduates of the Police College. Lt Col Ostavciuc said the signing of the The letter aims to build bridges of coop- graduates. (NCC) Major General Khalifa Abdullah al The letter of intent was signed by Direc- letter of intent is the result of cooperation eration, enhance joint work, exchange expe- For his part, Advisor to the Minister of In- Nuaimi and Head of Human Resources Ma- tor-General of the Police College Brigadier between the two countries, reflecting posi- riences in all fields, support efforts of mutual terior HE Major General Dr Abdullah Yousef jor General Khalifa Nasr al Nasr also praised Dr Mohammed Abdullah al Muhana and tively on the outputs of both the Academy interest and exchange information and opin- al Mal, who is also deputy chairman of the the regional position of Police College. The Stefan cel Mare Academy President Lt Col and the College in graduating highly quali- ions on issues related to academic and train- Supreme Council of Police College, said the officials then congratulated the graduates for Dr Dinu Ostavciuc. fied police cadres. ing activities. (QNA) training would help this year’s graduates in their efforts over the past four years. (QNA)

AMIR MEETS VISITING MINISTERS, MILITARY LEADERS

The Amir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani met interior ministers of a number of countries on the sidelines of the graduation ceremony of the second batch of Police College at its headquarters in Al Sailiya on Thursday. They included: Minister of Interior of Jordan Salameh Hammad, Minister of Internal Affairs of Moldova Pavel Voicu, Minister of Internal Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic Colonel Kashkar Junushaliev and Deputy Minister of Interior of Turkey Prof Tayyip Sabri Erdil. The ministers as well as leaders of security and military colleges of some brotherly and friendly countries called on HH the Amir to greet him on the occasion of their visit to the country to attend the graduation ceremony. The meeting was attended by Prime Minister and Minister of Interior HE Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al Thani. (QNA) Shop Qatar 2020’s runway events kick off with showcase of bespoke regional fashion AILYN AGONIA Hasan. It also includes creations by DOHA Turkish label Baris. Shop Qatar 2020 fashion events THE latest in haute couture, bridal will also feature the first-ever Kids gowns, ready-to-wear evening- Fashion Show to be held at Al Mirqab wear and bespoke menswear and Mall on January 24. Also on the same accessories were showcased dur- date, renowned Lebanese designer ing the inaugural show of Shop Nicolas Jebran will make his Qatar Qatar 2020’s runway events held debut in a solo show at Al Hazm. at Al Hazm on Thursday. Other fashion events to watch The event, which kicked off the out for are Designed by Qatar on series of runway shows for the 4th January 25 and Haute and Couture edition of Shop Qatar, featured the sidelines of the event, Saade ex- tar and Qatari women know about & Evening Wear on January 26. original creations from top regional pressed delight in showcasing his fashion and what suits them. That is Collections from leading brands designers. collection in Qatar which, he said, why there is a lot of competition here The Row, Avaro Figlio, Alexander The exciting showcase of region- were inspired mainly by the spirit and we, as designers, have to do a lot Terekhov, Racheal Gilbert, Dice al talents started with a parade of and beauty of a woman. The show of new things to improve ourselves Kayek, Blumarine, Loriz Azzaro, THOUSANDS GATHER TO ENJOY SONU NIGAM PERFORMANCE: Thousands of fabulous creations of celebrated Leb- was his second event in Qatar. Simi- in this market,” Saade said. Hrabal Gurong will be modelled on Doha residents braved the rain on Thursday to witness the magical performance anese designer Naja Saade. He is as- larly, he lauded the thriving fashion The runway show also featured January 26. The runway events will of legendary Indian singer Sonu Nigam at the Asian Town Amphitheatre in Doha. sociated with a number of stars who scene in the country. the equally-impeccable creations of wrap up with a show of China’s most The singer was in top form as he regaled Doha fans with a selection of his hit wore his designs at different events. “I am seeing a lot of improve- Ahmed Talfeet, Laith Maalof, Amgad influential fashion innovators on numbers at the concert. (SATYENDRA PATHAK) Speaking to the local media on ments in the fashion industry in Qa- al Adab, Saeed Malass and Toufic al January 29.