FOOTBALL | Page 2 TENNIS | Page 6 Draw was a Defending fair result, says champ Monfi ls Al Sadd head advances in coach Xavi Rotterdam

Thursday, February 13, 2020 CRICKET Jumada II 19, 1441 AH Bangladesh U-19 GULF TIMES world champs return to a hero’s welcome SPORT Page 7

SPOTLIGHT Commercial Bank signs on as title sponsor of 7th CHI Al Shaqab By Sports Reporter Arena at Al Shaqab. The three- Abdulla, EGM and Chief Mar- tar. On the occasion of National achievements in the banking and Doha day event will see top-ranking keting Offi cer at Commercial Sport Day, this sponsorship fi nancial industry but also for local and international riders Bank, said, “I’m delighted and demonstrates our support of the their strong support of sport in compete in the Olympic disci- proud to announce that Com- country’s endeavour to promote Qatar, can only enhance the sta- ommercial Bank and plines of showjumping, dressage, mercial Bank will be the title a healthy lifestyle among the tus of Commercial Bank CHI Al Al Shaqab, member of and para dressage. sponsor of Commercial Bank population.” Shaqab Presented by Longines Qatar Foundation, have CHI (Concours Hippique CHI Al Shaqab Presented by Omar al-Mannai, Commercial in the global equestrian commu- entered into a three-year International – International Longines. We’re looking forward Manager, Al Shaqab, and Event nity. Cpartnership that will see the larg- Equestrian Competition) is the to being a part of a truly excep- Director, Commercial Bank “The event underscores Al est private bank in Qatar become offi cial title awarded by the Fed- tional world-class equestrian CHI Al Shaqab Presented by Shaqab’s standing as a centre the title sponsor of the country’s eration Equestre Internationale competition. Longines, was similarly pleased of equestrian excellence, while premier equestrian competition (FEI) to international equestrian “It always attracts the best about the new partnership be- playing a key role in Qatar’s on- – CHI Al Shaqab. The partner- competitions with three or more riders and horses, and provides tween Al Shaqab and Commer- going development in equestrian ship starts with the 7th edition of equestrian disciplines. thrilling performances and en- cial Bank. sports. It also supports Qatar’s the event this year. Commercial Bank CHI Al tertainment. Commercial Bank “Al Shaqab is honoured to wel- National Vision 2030, and re- First held in 2013, CHI Al Shaqab Presented by Longines is proud to support and be asso- come Commercial Bank on board affi rms the country’s ability to Shaqab is the signature event of is one of only fi ve CHI competi- ciated with an event of such cul- as title sponsor of Commercial host and organise major sports Al Shaqab and has evolved to be- tions worldwide, and the fi rst tural and traditional signifi cance Bank CHI Al Shaqab Presented events.” come one of the highlights on the and only equestrian event of its in the State of Qatar, which pro- by Longines, and we look for- Tickets for Commercial Bank global equestrian calendar. kind in the Middle East and Asia motes the country’s rich eques- ward to a very collaborative and CHI Al Shaqab Presented by Commercial Bank CHI Al region. trian heritage. rewarding partnership,” said al- Longines, including exclusive Commercial Bank EGM and Chief Marketing Off icer Hussein Ali Shaqab Presented by Longines, At a press conference held to “More importantly, Commer- Mannai. VIP packages, are now available al-Abdulla (right) and Commercial Bank CHI Al Shaqab Presented by as the world-class event will now announce the new partnership cial Bank appreciates the impor- “Entering into a partnership online at https://www.q-tickets. Longines event director and Al Shaqab Commercial Manager Omar be known, will take place from between Al Shaqab and Com- tance of sports in the social and with Commercial Bank, who com/ or through the Al Shaqab al-Mannai signed the agreement. February 27-29 at the Longines mercial Bank, Hussein Ali al- economic development of Qa- are renowned not only for their website (www.alshaqab.com).

FOOTBALL African club giants set for Super Cup title clash in Doha ES Tunis are aiming to win the tournament for the second time, while Zamalek hope to lift the trophy for the fourth time

Zamalek players take part in a training session. (Twitter/ZSCOff icial)

Tunisian School students in Doha pose with the CAF Super Cup Trophy during the trophy tour.

By Sports Reporter one-off match pitting the winner of Zamalek are among the giants over the way Esperance qualifi ed. open at 4pm. The Fan Zone will Doha of the CAF Champions League of African football. The Tuni- Esperance won the AFC Champi- feature food trucks, entertain- and second-tier CAF Confedera- sian side have won the Super Cup ons League after opponents Wy- ment and various football-relat- tion Cup against each other. ES once and the Egyptian outfi t on dad Casablanca abandoned the ed activities. There will be two ans have been advised to Tunis will be playing competitive three occasions. fi nal in protest at the organisers’ Fan Zone locations outside the arrive early for tomor- football in Doha for the fourth Esperance often start as many decision not to use VAR. stadium – one for ES Tunis fans; row’s CAF Super Cup time in the last year. They fi n- as seven non-Tunisians, includ- Play was stopped for more the other for Zamalek support- match between Espe- ished as runners-up in last sea- ing four Algerians, although star than an hour with the Moroccan ers. Each Fan Zone will feature ranceF Sportive de Tunis and son’s CAF Super Cup following a defender Abdelkader Bedrane is side insisting they had not been food and entertainment which Zamalek SC, which will kick-off narrow defeat to Morocco’s Raja reportedly injured and will not told the video referee would not refl ects the culture of the diff er- at 7pm at the Al Gharafa stadium. Casablanca, before winning the play in Doha. Zamalek rely heav- be deployed. The Court of Arbi- ent countries. Fans are also re- Excitement has been building all Tunisian Super Cup thanks to a ily on Egyptians including star tration for Sport named Esper- minded about prohibited items. week for the sell-out match be- 2-1 victory over Club Athletique forward Mostafa Mohamed. ance the winners after a bruising Items which are commonly con- tween the Tunisian and Egyptian Bizertin. In December, ES Tunis Zamalek, meanwhile, are aim- legal battle that did nothing to fi scated include lighters, water giants. fi nished fi fth in the FIFA Club ing to lift the trophy for the fourth enhance the image of scandal- bottles and perfume. This is the second time the World Cup after beating Qatari time after previous victories in tainted African football. The match and associated ac- CAF Super Cup will take place in side Al Sadd SC at the Khalifa In- 1994, 1997 and 2003. The Egyp- tivities will be supported by more Doha following an agreement be- ternational Stadium. tians have been training at the FAN ZONE TO OPEN AT 4PM than 230 volunteers, aged 18-40, tween the Confederation of Afri- ES Tunis are aiming to win the Qatar University stadium under The trophy tour kicked off last from the Supreme Committee for can Football (CAF) and the Qatar CAF Super Cup for the second coach Patrice Carteron, who di- week and has visited a number Delivery & Legacy’s Volunteer Football Association. The match time in their history after previ- vided the players into three groups. of public places, including malls, Programme, which was launched will also take place in the Qatari ously winning the event in 1995. Meanwhile, African football schools and businesses. Support- to train volunteers who may sup- capital in 2021 and 2022. Esperance, known as “Blood and bosses will hope the Super Cup ers are encouraged to arrive early port the organisation of the FIFA Esperance Sportive de Tunis players take part in a training session The Super Cup is an annual Gold” and “the White Knights” clash overshadows the fi asco to enjoy the Fan Zone, which will World Cup Qatar 2022. yesterday. (Twitter/ESTuniscom) Gulf Times 2 Thursday, February 13, 2020 FOOTBALL

AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SPOTLIGHT Iniesta sorcery sparks Japan’s Draw was a fair Kobe to easy win AFP He was substituted to a stand- Kobe, Japan ing ovation two minutes from time, turning to bow to the pitch as is the Japanese custom, before arcelona legend Andres taking his place on the bench. result, says Sadd Iniesta produced a mag- Iniesta, who captured 32 major ical display on his Asian trophies with Barcelona, is chas- Champions League de- ing a third title with Kobe after Bbut yesterday to inspire Japan’s helping them to their maiden Vissel Kobe to a 5-1 thrashing of Emperor’s Cup triumph in Janu- Malaysia’s Johor Darul Ta’zim. ary and a fi rst Japanese Super The 35-year-old, who won Cup last weekend. four European Cups in a glit- Elsewhere, in Group H, Ange head coach Xavi tering career with the Spanish Postecoglou’s Yokohama F Ma- giants, set up the home side’s rinos won 2-1 in an entertain- opening goal after 13 minutes, ing clash with Jeonbuk Hyundai ‘We were close to winning and also, we could have lost the match’ threading a defence-splitting Motors, who fi nished with nine pass for hat-trick hero Keijiro men. Teruhito Nakagawa twice By Sports Reporter Ogawa to lob over goalkeeper went close for Yokohama before Doha Farizal Marlias. he set up the opener, crossing to A handball by Iniesta’s former Keita Endo who half-volleyed the Barca teammate Thomas Ver- visitors ahead just after the half- l Sadd head coach Xavi Hern- Al Sadd head coach maelen allowed the visitors to hour. andez said the 2-2 draw against Xavi Hernandez. equalise from the spot through Endo also had a hand in Yoko- Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr in Safawi Rasid on 27 minutes. But hama’s second, when his cross their opening AFC Champions parity vanished less than 60 sec- was intercepted by unfortunate LeagueA Group D match was a fair result onds later when Kyogo Furuhashi Jeonbuk defender Kim Jin-su for the two teams. slammed in a shot from the edge who prodded the ball into his The hosts romped to a quick start, tak- of the box to restore Kobe’s ad- own net. In a chance-fi lled fi rst ing the lead inside seven minutes through vantage, before Brazilian striker half, Jeonbuk also had their mo- Abderazzaq Hamdallah. The home fans’ Douglas forced a sharp save from ments but Yokohama could have joy lasted just two minutes as Baghdad Marlias. gone further ahead when Ado Bounedjah struck the equaliser for Al With Iniesta spraying passes Onaiwu had a shot cleared off the Sadd in the ninth minute. Captain Has- from deep, Vissel could have line and Nakagawa fi red narrowly san al-Haydos put Sadd ahead in the been out of sight by half-time in wide. 48th minute, but fi ve minutes later Al their Group G opener, especially Jeonbuk’s chances of a come- Nassr left-back Abdulrahman al-Obeid if their players had been on Ini- back sank when Son Jun-ho re- pounced on a poor defensive clearance to esta’s wavelength. ceived his second yellow card, unleash a powerful drive into the top cor- World Cup winner Iniesta, but a moment of madness from ner, bringing the game level again. who joined the J-League club on Yokohama goalkeeper Yuji Ka- Speaking after the match, Xavi said: a monster, three-year deal al- jikawa gave the hosts hope with “The draw was a fair result for the two most two years ago, played a key 10 minutes left. Kajikawa need- teams. We were close to winning and also, part in Kobe’s third goal 13 min- lessly charged out to intercept we could have lost. I enjoyed my team’s utes into the second half. a long ball and missed it com- performance and we now have to work for The little sorcerer conjured a pletely, gifting substitute Jo Kyu- the remaining matches in the Champions fi lthy no-look pass for Gotoku seong an empty net. League which will defi nitely be diffi cult.” Sakai, who teed up Ogawa for the However, Jeonbuk soon lost He added: “It was a very diffi cult bleach-blond striker’s second of their second player when Lee match. Al Nassr is a good team and has the night, before Douglas added Yong was carded twice in two excellent players such as Amrabat and a brilliant solo goal seven min- minutes. Only two games were Hamdallah, and the last quarter-fi nal utes later. played on Tuesday as ties involv- match against them was the same level. As the fl oodgates threatened ing Chinese teams — Guangzhou I hope that everyone enjoyed the match, to open, Iniesta dinked an inch- Evergrande in Group G, and both the fans of Nassr and Sadd. I am perfect cross onto the head of Shanghai SIPG in Group H — happy with the mentality of Sadd players Ogawa to complete his hat-trick have been postponed until April in the game. I was hoping to win, but we after 72 minutes. over the deadly coronavirus. got a good point.” Xavi said the absence of key players like Salem al-Hajri, Ali Asad and Abdulkarim Hassan had impact on the result. While al-Hajri and Ali Asad are injured, Hassan is serving a suspension. “Losing Salem al-Hajri, Ali Asad and Abdulkarim Has- san at the same time due to injury and suspension is not an easy thing, but this is not an excuse and we must work with the rest of the players. Our group is diffi - cult, as it includes the Iranian team Sepa- han who won away at Al Ain. Also, the strength of Nassr was visible today, so we must give our best to qualify for the sec- ond round,” he said. The result means Sepahan top the Group D, following their emphatic 4-0 day. Regragui’s men settled the tie inside In the 13th minute, Al Duhail were two spots respectively. away victory against Al Ain who fi nd the fi rst 15 minutes with a quick double- again the more alert of the two sides, cap- “I want to congratulate our players themselves bottom, while Al Sadd take salvo. Almoez Ali’s persistence coupled italising on another defensive mistake as for the way they played especially in the second place ahead of Al Nassr with both with a lack of discipline from Persepolis Han Kwang-song collected the loose ball fi rst half. I wasn’t too happy with second teams collecting a point from their fi rst defender allowed Mario Mandzukic to get at the edge of the area and set up Edmil- half performance. We took advantage of match. Al Sadd host Sepahan next week, his fi rst goal in Asia’s prime club compe- son with a deft through pass. The Brazil- the opportunities that we got in the fi rst while Al Nassr travel to Al Ain. tition in the fi fth minute. The Iranian de- ian fi red low with his left to put the game half, which proved crucial in the end,” fenders stopped playing and protested an beyond doubt with less than a quarter Regragui said. REGRAGUI PLEASED alleged shove by the Croatian as the ball of an hour played. The result means Al “But overall we can be better but I am WITH DUHAIL’S WIN fell to Ali who caught it before it went out Duhail top Group C after all teams had happy with this result against Persepolis. Vissel Kobe midfielders Andres Iniesta (left) vies for the ball with Al Duhail’s coach Walid Regragui was de- of play, then crossed for Mandzukic who played their fi rst match, with Al Taawoun Edmilson was the star of the match and Johor Darul Ta’zim defender Kunanlan Subramaniam during the AFC lighted with his team’s 2-0 win over Iran’s was left with a simple header from close second with three points. Meanwhile, Ahmed Yasser, Mehdi Benatia and Mand- Champions League Group G match at the Misaki Park Stadium in Persepolis in the opening match on Tues- range to open the scoring. Sharjah and Persepolis occupy the last zukic also played well,” he added. Kobe, Hyogo prefecture, yesterday. (AFP)

PREMIER LEAGUE FOCUS Ceballos wants to Are Leeds’ Premier League dreams falling apart again?

AFP Villa to score in a 1-1 draw in April after prove himself to London Leeds took the lead when Villa had a play- er down injured. In recent weeks, Bielsa has been more Arteta at Arsenal eeds United fans can be forgiven belligerent, insisting that Leeds are hold- for feeling a horrible sense of deja ing up physically and mentally. “The Reuters the winter break I will be impor- vu as another season that prom- team are not playing worse than before,” Barcelona tant,” the 23-year-old added. ised much under the mercurial insisted the former Argentina coach. Emery was sacked at the end of LMarcelo Bielsa has come off the rails in “The team are not running less than be- November after 18 months at the the new year. The visiting thousands fore. They are running even more. And rsenal midfi elder Dani helm with Arsenal eighth in the crammed into one end of Brentford’s they are as confi dent as they were before.” Ceballos felt angry at Premier League, having endured rickety Griffi n Park on Tuesday night Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds have That confi dence will be thoroughly not being able to help a seven-game winless run, their were serenaded with a familiar refrain af- taken just 10 points from tested on and off the fi eld in the remain- former coach Unai Em- longest since 1992. “I feel angry ter falling behind: “Leeds are falling apart their last 11 games. (Reuters) ing 14 games of the campaign and poten- ery,A but is determined to prove at not having been able to help again.” tially three more in the playoff s if they fail himself to new boss Mikel Arteta the coach (Emery) to help return Bielsa’s men fought back to salvage a to secure a place in the top two. and pay back fans for their sup- everything he had done for me,” point and prevent the Bees usurping them Like so many other Championship port. The playmaker, on loan Ceballos said. in the Championship table, but a 1-1 draw clubs, Leeds have gambled on getting up from Real Madrid, missed over He played in Arsenal’s fi rst 11 meant Leeds have taken just 10 points to the riches of the Premier League and two months with a hamstring league matches but suff ered his from their last 11 games. An 11-point lead risk falling foul of the English Football injury and has been on the bench hamstring injury early in No- over the chasing pack for two automatic League’s fi nancial fair play rules should of late but not yet played under vember and has not appeared promotion places has been frittered away they be mired in the second tier for an- Arteta, who took over in De- since. There were rumours and Fulham can push Leeds out of the top other season. cember after leaving his job as he could leave in the January two with victory at Millwall last night. “Bielsa and his staff cost £6mn Manchester City’s assistant head transfer window with Valencia, It is a familiar tale for those that have ($7.79mn) (a year),” Leeds owner And- coach. “Mikel will be a brilliant among others. lived through 16 years of purgatory wait- pionship, a 46-game division that re- fell behind Norwich and Sheffi eld United rea Radrizzani told The Times earlier this coach. He has learned from Pep “No, when you look at it cold- ing for one of England’s biggest clubs to quires immense stamina as much as skill. through the spring and crumbled against season. “It’s fi nancially not sustainable to (Guardiola, Manchester City ly,” said Ceballos when asked make it back to the top fl ight. “Fear and “It’s the toughest league in the world Derby in the pressure-cooker of the play- keep this level of salary which is now over coach), he has a philosophy of if he came close to leaving the loathing is what Leeds associate with the in terms of the physicality and inten- off s. Bielsa’s debut season in England was £30mn, probably £33mn with Marcelo play which I think I fi t perfectly. Emirates. “It seems like some- turn of the year,” said long-time Leeds sity,” said Brentford boss Thomas Frank. an explosive one. and closer to £40mn with the coaches.” It’s true he arrived in a diffi cult thing silly but Arsenal fans had a correspondent Phil Hay, now working for Unfortunately for Leeds and their huge Derby’s 4-2 playoff win at Elland Road Leeds are more aware than most clubs situation of the club, but mental- song for me, there are only three The Athletic. fi nancial commitment for the Bielsa was revenge for the Rams after Bielsa of the perils of overspending. Their de- ly he’s exactly the kind of coach or four players in the team who Relegated from the Premier League in project, the much-heralded Argentine admitted to sending one of his assist- scent down the leagues began with the Arsenal need right now,” Cebal- have their own song and they 2004, just three years on from reaching also has a reputation for seeing his sides ants to spy on their training ground huge debts amassed during Peter Rids- los told Marca newspaper. have been here for years. I feel a Champions League semi-fi nal, worse fade physically in the second half of the ahead of a league meeting last January. dale’s time as chairman, “chasing the “I’ve been working with him loved here, each time I play at was to come as Leeds went down again in season as they struggle to maintain the The 64-year-old paid the £200,000 dream” of winning the Premier League at for around two weeks and now the Emirates or go out to warm 2007 and spent three seasons in the third intensity he demands. ($259,000) fi ne the club received for the the turn of the century. Betting on Bielsa I have to show him I’m good up, the fans are always support- tier. However, for most of the intervening Last season Leeds also topped the “spygate” scandal and was then awarded is also a risky business, but one Leeds enough to play for Arsenal. After ing me.” time they have been rooted in the Cham- Championship at the turn of the year, but FIFA’s fair play award for allowing Aston now must have faith in to come good. Gulf Times Thursday, February 13, 2020 3 FOOTBALL

AL KASS INTERNATIONAL CUP Barca, Real, PSG among the big guns aiming for glory The competition, which takes place at Aspire’s state-of-the-art facility, will see 12 under 16 teams bidding for the title

By Sports Reporter Doha

12-day football extravaganza featuring some of the world’s most famous clubs gets un- der way at Aspire Zone today asA the ninth Al Kass International Cup begins. Team offi cials and tournament organisers convened at the Torch Doha Hotel yesterday, where the Cup’s for- mat, rules and regulations were out- lined. The competition, which takes place on pitches four and fi ve at As- pire’s state-of-the-art facility, will see 12 under 16 teams bidding for glory, with Scottish outfi t Glasgow Rangers seeking to retain the trophy they won in impressive style last year. The Scots, inspired by youth inter- nationals Kai Kennedy and Nathan Young-Coombes, edged out Roma on penalties to lift the trophy 12 months ago, but they will have to be at their best to repeat that success. Three-time winners Paris Saint- Germain return to Doha in determined mood, after failing to perform to their usual standards last year, but much in- terest will focus on Spanish giants Real Madrid and FC Barcelona. Real won this trophy in 2017, while Barcelona make their third appearance in the competi- Al Kass International Cup organisers and team off icials pose after the meeting at the Torch Doha hotel yesterday. tion and will look to add their name to FIXTURES v Position 12; an impressive roll of honour. The com- national Cup, and General Manager get nearer to the 2022 FIFA World Cup.” nese outfi t Kashiwa Reysol. The second Group stages: Today: 4.45pm: Paris Quarter-finals: Feb 19: 4.45pm: Group petition provides a perfect opportunity of Al Kass Sports Channels, is thrilled Nasser al-Khater, CEO of FIFA World game of the day sees Aspire Academy St-Germain v Kashiwa Reysol; 7pm: A winners v Group C runner-up; Group to see some of the world’s best young with the success of the tournament. Cup Qatar 2022, said: “We are proud to taking on Suwon Samsung of South Aspire Academy v Suwon Samsung C winners v Group A runner-up talent in action, whether in person (en- “We are again delighted to attract be strategic partners of this year’s Al Korea. The Al Kass International Cup try is free of charge), on TV or online. young players from some of the world’s Kass International Cup and once again has established itself as a key interna- Tomorrow: 4.45pm: Inter Milan v Feb 20: Group B winner v Group D Offi cial tournament sponsors Al Kass leading clubs to Qatar,” he said. “We support this fantastic tournament. As- tional football event that supports the Mohammed VI Academy; FC Zenit v runner-up (game 17); 7pm: Group D TV will broadcast all matches live, with have seen players like Kingsley Coman, pire Zone boasts world-class sporting Qatar National Vision 2030 and con- Real Madrid winner v Group B runner-up both Arabic and English commentary. Moussa Dembele and of course Akram facilities so it’s one of the best places tributes to building on the foundations Feb 15: 4.45pm: Suwon Samsung v Positions 5-8: Feb 21: 4.45pm: Game Live streaming of all the matches will Afi f go on to great things after playing for these young talented footballers of a proud footballing nation, up to the Glasgow Rangers; 7pm: Kashiwa Rey- 16 loser v game 18 loser; 7.15pm: Game also be available on http://internation- in the Al Kass International Cup earlier to train, compete, and develop their 2022 FIFA World Cup and beyond. sol v FC Barcelona 15 loser v game 17 loser alcup.alkass.net. in their careers, and maybe we will see a skills. This year’s tournament features Hopes of a local victory rest with future Leo Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo some of the world’s biggest teams and PREVIOUS WINNERS Feb 16: 4.45pm: Altinordu v Moham- Semi-Finals: Feb 22: 4.45pm: Game med VI Academy; 7pm: Real Madrid v 16 winner v Game 18 winner; 7.15pm: hosts Aspire Academy, and the home playing here over the next 12 days.” most promising players so we’re excit- 2012: Paris St-Germain youngsters will be aiming to follow in Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin ed to see who will take home the cup. I Sporting Lisbon Game 15 winner v Game 17 winner the footsteps of Akram Afi f, who ap- Ahmed al-Thani, President of Qatar am sure we will welcome many of this 2013: Fluminense Feb 17: 4.45pm: Aspire Academy v Positions 5-8: Feb 23: 4.45pm: Game peared in this tournament earlier in his Football Association, said: “We are year’s players back here as part of their 2014: Aspire Football Dreams Glasgow Rangers; 7pm: Paris St-Ger- 19 loser v game 20 loser; 7.15pm: Game career before going on to taste success delighted to support this tournament national teams in 2022 for the FIFA 2015: Paris St-Germain main v FC Barcelona 19 winner v Game 20 winner with Al Sadd, as well as playing a star- once again. Football is popular in Qatar, World Cup Qatar. Best of luck to all of 2016: Aspire Football Dreams Feb 18: 4.45pm: Inter Milan v Altinordu; Third-fourth place play-off : Feb 24: ring role as Qatar lifted the Asian Cup as witnessed by the euphoria shown the players involved.” for the fi rst time in 2019. by the entire country when our nation Tonight’s opening match of the tour- 2017: Real Madrid 7pm: Sporting Lisbon v FC Zenit 3.30pm: Game 21 loser v Game 22 loser Essa al-Hitmi, Chairman of the Or- won the Asian Cup last year, and inter- nament is a repeat of the 2018 fi nal, as 2018: Paris St-Germain Positions 9-12: Feb 19: 4.45pm: Posi- Final: Feb 24: 6pm: Game 21 winner v tion 9 v Position 10; 7.15pm: Position 11 Game 22 winner ganising Committee of Al Kass Inter- est in football will only increase as we PSG line up against consistent Japa- 2019: Glasgow Rangers

TRANSFER OOREDOO CUP QUARTER-FINALS FROM TODAY Doha: Al Ahli will face Al they beat Al Sailiya 2-1. Guedioura and Sofiane Hanni. Cup quarters last week. Wakrah Gharafa, while Al Wakrah take Ahli are on a high, having On the other hand, Al Ahli are progressed to the quarterfinals Ajax attacker Ziyech set on Al Arabi in the quarter-finals reached the quarter-final of the better off in terms of players’ after finishing runners-up in of the Ooredoo Cup at the Al Amir Cup last week by beating readiness. Injured Uruguayan Group A, which also had Al Arabi Stadium today. Qatar SC, whereas Gharafa striker Abel Mathias is expected Sadd and Al Rayyan. for Chelsea move: report Ahli progressed to the knock- bowed out of the competition to be in action. Al Gharafa are Arabi advanced to the knock- out stage in style by topping after losing to Al Markhiya. the reigning champions of out round after finishing third Group A with 12 points, while Gharafa may miss the Ooredoo Cup. They beat Al in Group B with seven points, Gharafa sealed their berth in services of Hector Moreno, Koo Duhail 1-0 in last edition’s final. behind Al Khor (13 points) and the quarters by virtue of having Ja-Cheol and Ahmed Alaaeldin They had triumphed in the Qatar SC (10 points). Arabi had finished fourth in Group B with due to injuries, but they will previous season as well. only one victory to show for five points. mainly have Jonathan Kodjia, Meanwhile, it will be interest- their eff orts, but they had an The Cheetahs’ only victory Othman Al Yahri, Yossef Muftah, ing tussle between Wakrah and unbeaten record having drawn came in the last round when and the Algerian duo of Adlene Arabi, who both reached Amir the other four matches.

ROUND-UP Former goalkeeper Casillas weighing run for Spanish football presidency Ajax’s midfielder ormer Spain goalkeeper Iker federation and local police have opened Hakim Ziyech. (AFP) Casillas plans to run for the investigations into the incident. presidency of the Spanish Foot- “It happened from time to time to me in ball Federation (RFEF), Spanish the Bundesliga too,” added Boateng, whose mediaF reported yesterday. Casillas told the father is Ghanaian and whose half-brother, national sports council (CSD) of his inten- Kevin-Prince, plays internationally for tion to run in the upcoming RFEF elections, Ghana. “In these cases, we need the help of reported the Cadena Ser radio station. the fans who are nearby, so they can iden- AFP tions to have a deal done before of the competition last year, but According to this media, Casillas “has tify the perpetrators. It’s a very unpleasant The Hague the summer,” De Telegraaf said. this season they were eliminated made the decision to run” for the elections feeling. We’re thinking about the future, I Clubs can agree and sign in the group stage, in part be- and has informed Irene Lozano, who as have children in Germany. I thought we had transfers outside the English cause they lost at home to Chel- secretary of state for sport is president of passed this stage, and that was the case. But jax attacking midfi elder Premier League’s January trans- sea and later threw away a three- the CSD. The date of the election has not unfortunately we have taken a step back, Hakim Ziyech is set to fer window, but players may not goal lead at Stamford Bridge. The been decided. which is sad and hurtful for many people.” move to Chelsea in the be registered with new clubs un- top two fi nishers in the Dutch The AS newspaper, citing CSD sources, summer after the clubs til it opens again in the summer. league qualify each year and Casillas met Lozano and expressed an ‘GERMANY HAS TAKEN STEP UEFA AND CONMEBOL SEND agreedA a deal in principal, a Dutch Ajax declined to comment on the Ajax are top, 10 points clear of interest in running. Casillas, 38, played 167 BACK’: BOATENG BLASTS RACIST MESSAGE WITH CO-OPERATION newspaper reported yesterday. report. “As always we can’t com- third-place Willem II. Chelsea times for Spain, winning two Euros and one ABUSE OF TORUNARIGHA AGREEMENT The daily tabloid De Telegraaf ment on rumours. Any news will are fourth in the Premier League, World Cup, and more than 700 games for Bayern Munich centre-back Jerome The governing bodies of European and said the Amsterdam powerhouse be reported through the offi cial which would earn a Champions Real Madrid, with whom he won the Cham- Boateng said that Germany has “taken a South American football yesterday signed and the London club had agreed Ajax channels,” an Ajax spokes- League spot, but their poor form pions League three times. step back” after being left “shocked” by an agreement that not only promised co- a fee believed to be around 45mn man told AFP. Ajax is known for has allowed a chasing pack of fi ve He joined Porto in 2015. Last April he suf- the racist abuse of Hertha Berlin defender operation in a host of areas but also sent a euros ($50mn) for the 26-year- selling home-grown talent to clubs to close in. They are still in fered a heart attack during training and has Jordan Torunarigha during a game earlier signal to FIFA. The South American body, old Dutch-born Moroccan. richer European clubs. this season’s Champions League not played since. His name has been linked this month. CONMEBOL, and host UEFA, representing “Ajax’s management reached After last season, they sold and could qualify for next season with the RFEF presidency for some months. The 22-year-old Torunarigha was sent Europe, signed a memorandum of un- an oral agreement over the past Matthijs de Ligt to Juventus and by winning it. The Catalan newspaper Mundo Deportivo off during extra time of his club’s German derstanding in Nyon, in Switzerland, that 24 hours with the top London Frenkie de Jong to Barcelona. Until Ziyech formally signs said that “it was Casillas who requested the Cup defeat by Schalke on February 4 after replaces a 2012 agreement. club for the Moroccan attacker to De Telegraaf said the chance to a contract “the door was still meeting” with Lozano. allegedly hearing monkey chants and other A UEFA statement said that the memo- make the switch in the summer,” play Champions League football slightly ajar for other top clubs”, Current RFEF president Luis Rubiales is racist abuse in Gelsenkirchen. randum covers a wide range of topics, in- the newspaper said. Chelsea at Chelsea was “an important but Ajax did not want a deal with in perpetual confl ict with Javier Tebas, the “It shocked me and it hurts. To see a cluding education and training, promotion manager Frank Lampard believed condition” for Ziyech, who has any other club, De Telegraaf said. president of the Spanish league. According young person in Germany crying on the and development, competition organisa- Ziyech “is a top player and such scored a total of 47 goals in 157 Ziyech joined Ajax in 2016 from to the rules, the elections should be held in pitch because he has suff ered racist abuse, tion, safety and good governance. The two an essential reinforcement to his appearances for Ajax. fellow Eredivisie club FC Twente the second half of the year after the Tokyo it’s very sad,” German 2014 World Cup- bodies talked about exchanging referees, 11 that he gave the club instruc- Ajax reached the semi-fi nal for a fee of 11mn euros. Olympics. . winner Boateng said. The German football co-ordinating policy on coaching licences. Gulf Times 4 Thursday, February 13, 2020 SPORT

QATAR NATIONAL SPORT DAY CELEBRATIONS

On the occasion of Qatar National Sport Day, Cric Qatar conducted a cricket tournament with 16 teams participating in it. All the matches Qatar Premier League (QPL) conducted a cricket tournament to mark Qatar National Sport Day. A total of were played in Doha on a knock-out basis. In a nail-biting final, Red Bulls beat Allrounders to lift the title. six matches were played and Senior Alliance emerged as winners.

FOOTBALL SPOTLIGHT Fourth edition of Katara Aquathlon Inaugural Gleeds held on National Sport Day

By Sports Reporter out onto their leg through the Doha newly opened and most scenic Cup held at Doha run through the Katara North Hill running tracks. he fourth edition of The competition saw par- THE EVENT WAS HELD AS PART OF the Katara Aquath- ticipants categorised as na- lon, a swim-run mul- tionals, open male, open fe- A 3-DAY VISIT BY FOOTBALLING Ttisport activity, was male and team relays. organised by Mad Triathlon Facing a chilly early morn- LEGEND SIR GEOFF HURST TO QATAR and held at the Katara Cultural ing start, the athletes braved College Village on the National Sport the cold swim, with all man- Day on Tuesday. The event, aging to fi nish safely under the which was organised with the watchful eye of trained team of support of Qatar Cycling and safety lifeguards made up of Triathlon Federation, took members of Sharq Village and place at the Beach Area of Ka- Spa swim safety team, and the tara Cultural Village. Katara lifeguards. Aquathlon forms a part The run off ered a bit of a of the growing multi-sports challenge with most of it in the family of events in Qatar, and undulating north hills. Those this year’s event consisted of who completed the event re- a continuous two-stage race, ceived fi nisher medals and re- which was made up of a 750m freshments. The top fi nisher open water swim, followed by were awarded which trophies. a 5km run. The organisers thanked The fourth edition of the their volunteers and sponsors, event allowed athletes to ac- including Sharq Village & Spa, cess a new swim location. McDonald’s, Haidari Trading, Starting from the stunning Oriental Trading Company private Katara Beach 1, par- (OTC), Rayyan Water, Prolines ticipants took to the ocean Qatar, Never Wasted, for their completing a triangular ocean contribution to the success of swim course before heading the Aquathlon.

Cundall players pose with Sir Geoff Hurst (back row centre) after the awards ceremony at Doha College on Tuesday. PICTURE: Ram Chand

By Sports Reporter the two teams played another Doha entertaining game with scores level at the end of the match. The stalemate continued into he inaugural Gleeds the penalty shoot-out without Cup 2020 football tour- a team being able to break the nament offi cially kicked deadlock. Finally, in sudden off with four matches death penalty, Action IS was Tplayed on Tuesday. Held at able to take third place. Doha College to mark Qatar At the end everyone was a National Sport Day, the tourna- winner and each player received ment saw the participation of a medal, while each company local teams from the engineer- bagged a trophy handed out by ing and construction service Hurst. industry, represented by Gleeds The day-long event, organ- (as host of the event), Cundall, Teams pose with Sir Geoff Hurst (back row centre) after the tournament. ised by Gleeds and supported Action IS and GHD. by Doha College, Al Waab and The tournament was held as In 1966, he scored the fi rst Hurst. The first two games to pip Action IS in the last few Evolution Sports Qatar, proved part of a 3-day visit by foot- ever and the only hat-trick so were between Gleeds vs Cun- minutes of their game. That left to be a great success, showing balling legend Sir Geoff Hurst far in a World Cup fi nal as Eng- dall and GHD vs Action IS. The a play-off game between Cun- unity, collaboration and how to Qatar as Ambassador for land won the title at Wembley. strong line-up and crisp foot- dall and GHD for the title with sport helps bring people and Gleeds. Since then, the British icon has work from Cundall saw them Cundall again showing their business together. It was day 2 of Hurst’s trip to been an ambassador for football take out the opening game superior teamwork, fi tness and Gleeds will be hosting the Qatar and he managed to charm across the globe. against Gleeds. goal-scoring ability to win it. Gleeds Cup again next year and the crowd with stories of his The event started off with In another match, GHD, after In the third-place play-off is planning another sporting World Cup triumph for England. a welcome speech given by a see-sawing battle, were able between Gleeds and Action IS, event with Sir Steven Redgrave The winners of the Katara Aquathlon during the awards ceremony. Gulf Times Thursday, February 13, 2020 5 SPORT

NBA NHL Rangers open road swing with 4-1 Zion’s career-high 31 victory over Jets

Reuters chipped the puck out of the Los Angeles defensive zone to Pavel Buch- nevich, who absorbed a hit near centre ice but was able hris Kreider contin- to fi nd Kreider. Kreider made sparks Pelicans to big ued his surge with two a slick move through the slot, goals, Igor Shesterkin warded off a check by defence- survived an injury man Sami Niku and slid the Cscare to make 42 saves and the puck inside the right post. New York Rangers opened a Kreider got his second goal three-game road trip with an with 12 1/2 minutes left in the impressive 4-1 victory over second period when he swept the Winnipeg Jets on Tuesday the rebound of a Strome shot win against Blazers night. into the vacated left side of the Kreider recorded his second two-goal ‘Someone who is as powerful as that, who jumps like that. You can tell he’s getting better’ RESULTS game of the season and 17th of his career, Buff alo 3-2 Detroit giving him 10 goals Florida 5-3 New Jersey in his last 13 games as the Rangers weigh NY Islanders 5-3 Philadelphia whether to trade the Tampa Bay 2-1 Pittsburgh unrestricted free Toronto 3-2 Arizona agent before the Feb. 24 trade deadline. Minnesota 4-0 Las Vegas He scored in the fi - NY Rangers 4-1 Winnipeg nal minute of the fi rst Dallas 4-1 Carolina period and then got his second goal on a Colorado 3-0 Ottawa power play 7:30 into the sec- net. Strome upped the lead to ond. 3-0 when he made a spin move Shesterkin survived a scare to sweep a rebound into the in his road debut when he left net and Zibanejad made it 4-0 the game for the fi nal 6:04 of by capitalizing on a turnover the opening period. With 11:48 behind the net by Hellebuyck. to go, he was knocked over when New York defenceman BLUES’ GAME POSTPONED Tony DeAngelo pushed An- St. Louis defenceman Jay Bou- drew Copp into the crease but wmeester suff ered a “cardiac stayed in the game for the next episode” on the team bench fi ve-plus minutes. Tuesday causing the league to Henrik Lundqvist replaced postpone the NHL game be- Shesterkin and made one save. tween the Blues and the Ana- Shesterkin came back for the heim Ducks. fi nal 40 minutes and made 30 The game was tied 1-1 with more saves to improve to 6-1 7:50 left in the fi rst period since making his NHL debut when the former Canadian Jan 7. Olympian slumped down and Ryan Strome and Mika Zi- collapsed to the fl oor. banejad each collected a goal His teammates were the and an assist as the Rangers fi rst to alert medical staff who won for the ninth time in 14 rushed to assist. The team said games. Strome and Zibanejad Bouwmeester regained con- set up Kreider’s second goal sciousness and was taken by and then scored 35 seconds ambulance to a Los Angeles apart early in the third. area hospital. Nikolaj Ehlers scored the “With 7:50 remaining in lone goal for Winnipeg, which the fi rst period of our game was unable to get a point for tonight, Jay Bouwmeester suf- a season-high sixth straight fered a cardiac episode and game. collapsed on our bench after Winnipeg goaltender Con- completing his shift,” Blues nor Hellebuyck made 28 saves. GM Doug Armstrong said in a The Rangers took a 1-0 lead statement. New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (left) in action against the Portland Trail Blazers during the second quarter at the Smoothie King Center.PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports with 34.1 seconds remaining in The game was halted and is the fi rst period. expected to be completed at a AFP tests. He missed all four of his three point fourth quarter. Leonard led all scorers Defenseman Adam Fox later date. RESULTS Los Angeles attempts. CJ McCollum also had 20 points in the fi rst half with 17 points. Simmons and Anthony had 18 points in the loss. powered the Sixers with 16. Philadelphia 110-103 LA Clippers With just over fi ve minutes to go, Leon- ookie Zion Williamson, who Washington 126-114 Chicago SIXERS PAST CLIPPERS ard scored a basket to cut the defi cit to 99- missed the last game with a sore New Orleans 138-117 Portland Elsewhere, Australia’s Ben Simmons de- 94. Philadelphia immediately answered ankle, scored a career-high 31 San Antonio 114-106 Oklahoma livered his sixth triple double of the sea- with a three-pointer from Richardson to points as the New Orleans Peli- son as the Philadelphia 76ers won their push the lead back to eight points. cansR defeated the Portland Trail Blazers Houston 116-105 Boston 25th home game with a 110-103 victory Richardson then completed a three- 138-117 on Tuesday. over the Los Angeles Clippers. point play, and the Philadelphia lead was The 19-year-old Williamson also had jumps like that. You can tell he’s getting Simmons, of Melbourne, fi nished with 11 points with 3:37 remaining. nine rebounds and fi ve assists, while Josh better.” 26 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists and “I itch for moments like that. In close Hart took advantage of a rare start by New Orleans trailed by as many as 16 Cameroonian centre Joel Embiid had 26 games, we all want to be part of that posi- scoring 12 of his 17 points in the crucial points in the fi rst half before pulling to points and nine rebounds for the Sixers, tive eff ort and I had a part of it,” Richard- third quarter. within two at halftime. They outscored who extended their win streak to three son said. The Clippers got within 109-100 “I hold myself to high expectations, but the Blazers 41-21 in the third quarter to straight. Josh Richardson scored 21 points, with 81 seconds left after a three-point I think it’s just fi nding the line between re- improve to 23-31 on the season. and Tobias Harris added 17 points and 12 play by Leonard. ality and dreams,” Williamson said. “If my Hart started in place of all-star forward rebounds for the Sixers, who improved to “We didn’t make shots (in the fourth teammates fi nd me, they fi nd me. If not, I Brandon Ingram, who missed his second a league-best 25-2 at home. quarter),” Leonard said. (Richardson) got just got to make another play, get the re- straight game because of a sprained ankle. Kawhi Leonard tallied 30 points and to the paint, made some big 3s for them. bound and just play defence.” JJ Redick had 20 points off the bench, nine assists while Landry Shamet added He made shots.” Williamson, the fi rst pick in the 2019 Jrue Holiday had 16 points and 10 assists, 19 points and Marcus Morris and Lou Wil- Embiid and Morris received a double NBA entry draft, missed the fi rst three Frank Jackson scored 13 and Nicolo Melli liams had 13 apiece for the visiting Clip- technical after a scuffl e under the basket months of the season after suff ering a had 10 in the win. pers, who fell to 1-2 on their four-game with 2:48 left. knee injury in the off season. Damian Lillard has been the hottest road trip. Also, James Harden and Russell West- “I don’t really think he’s comparable to player in the NBA but he was held to 20 Paul George fi nished with 11 points and brook combined for 78 points, and the anyone that I have seen,” Portland forward points on Tuesday. 12 rebounds. Houston Rockets snapped the Boston New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin (left) and defence- Carmelo Anthony said of Williamson. Heading into the game, Lillard was av- The contest was tied 54-54 at halftime Celtics’ seven-game win streak with a man Brady Skjei celebrate their win over the Winnipeg Jets at “Someone who is as powerful as that, who eraging 40 points over his last dozen con- and the Sixers led 81-77 heading into the 116-105 victory. Bell MTS Place. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports

NFL Newton’s future hinges on health, says Tepper Reuters 2020. Tepper and Rhule skirted questions about Los Angeles Newton at the coach’s introductory press confer- Jaguars hire Ben ence in early January. Tepper had previously indi- as QBs coach cated Newton’s health must be determined before arolina Panthers owner David Tepper reit- any decisions are made. The Jacksonville Jaguars are erated on Tuesday that the future of Cam Newton, 30, initially hurt his foot in the presea- hiring former New York Giants Newton won’t be decided until the quar- son. He returned to play the fi rst two weeks of the head coach Ben McAdoo as terback’s health is known. regular season but aggravated the injury in Week their quarterbacks coach, C“It’s a question of how healthy he is, foot and 2. He landed on injured reserve in November, and ESPN reported on Tuesday. otherwise,” Tepper told a group of reporters in after progress in his rehab was limited, Newton McAdoo, 42, has spent the Charlotte. “That’s still the No. 1 overwhelming decided in early December to have surgery. last two years out of the NFL thing.... And everything comes from that.” The nine-year veteran has also had a pair of sur- since being fired by the Giants Asked about Newton’s assertion during Super geries on his throwing shoulder in recent years, in- before the end of his second Bowl week that he would be back with the Pan- cluding last year after playing through the issue for season. He was let go after a thers, Tepper replied, “I’m not a doctor. I’ve said much of the 2018 campaign. 2-10 start in 2017, less than a it a mn times — is he healthy? He’s not a doctor. Newton has one year remaining on his contract, year after helping New York So there’s a lot of diff erent things that can hap- worth $19.1mn in 2020, but none of the fi gure is go 11-5 and reach the playoff s. pen, but fi rst, is he healthy? Tell me that and we guaranteed, and the Panthers could release him or A 14-year veteran NFL coach, can talk.” trade him to save $17.1mn against the cap. McAdoo spent two years Tepper sidestepped a question about whether He passed for 572 yards, no touchdowns and one as the Giants’ off ensive other teams have called to gauge Newton’s avail- interception in 2019. Overall, he has thrown for coordinator (2014-15) after ability in a trade. 29,041 yards, 182 touchdowns and 108 intercep- eight years with the Green Newton, who is recovering from December sur- tions in 125 games (124 starts). He also has rushed Bay Packers (2006-13), gery for a Lisfranc injury in his left foot, said two for 4,806 yards and 58 scores. including the final two as weeks ago in Miami that he “had an unbelievable Newton was the NFL MVP in 2015 when he quarterbacks coach. He also conversation” with general manager Marty Hur- passed for 3,837 yards and a career-best 35 touch- spent time previously with ney, Tepper, and new head coach Matt Rhule, say- downs while leading Carolina to the Super Bowl. New Orleans (2004) and San ing he “left that meeting inspired.” He added that He was intercepted 10 times and also rushed for Francisco (2005). Reuters he will “absolutely” be back with the Panthers in 636 yards and 10 touchdowns. File photo of Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (left) in action. PICTURE: TNS Gulf Times 6 Thursday, February 13, 2020 SPORT

Mountaser Laffan and Shehana Al Shaqab are Champion Stallion and Mare

Al Shaqab’s Shehana Al Shaqab was adjudged winner in the Senior Mares Championship yesterday. Al Rayyan Farm’s Marmar Al Rayyan and Magidaa Al Rayyan won the Yearling Fillies and the Junior Fillies championships Jassim Kayed al-Muhannadi’s Mountaser Laff an won gold in the Senior Stallions Championship in the 10th Qatar International Arabian respectively. Fahad Mohamed Rashid al-Mannai’s Rabih Al Fahed topped the Yearling Colts Championship, while Peninsula Horse Show at Longines Arena at Al Shaqab yesterday. PICTURES: Juhaim Al Nasser Stud’s Shaman Al Nasser bagged gold in the Junior Colts Championship.

TENNIS/ROTTERDAM OPEN NATIONAL SPORT DAY President Eleven’s Baig stars in win Defending champ over Uganda

By Sports Reporter for 60 in 83 balls after slam- Doha ming a six and half a dozen fours. Mirza Baig, Imran Ashraf and Mohamed Rizlan resident Eleven de- stepped up the pace and the Monfi ls advances feated Uganda by two middle order made up for the wickets in a 50-over- lost time, enabling President ‘It’s never easy to come back after a win. But I have great memories from last year’ a-side match organ- Eleven regain the initiative. Pised at the Asian Town Sta- Baig held on to one end and Reuters dium, despite an inspiring went on to hit an electrifying Rotterdam century by Saud Islam for the 63 not out. His 48-ball knock visitors. contained fi ve sixes and one The Qatar Cricket Associa- four. After Ashraf got out at rance’s Gael Monfi ls tion (QCA) hosted the match 144, Baig and Rizlan added started his Rotterdam to mark the National Sport Day 58 runs for the fi fth wicket in Open title defence with a celebration. Uganda, batting about eight overs. convincing 6-3 6-2 vic- fi rst, scored 265 runs for the Towards the end, President toryF over Portugal’s Joao Sousa loss of four wickets. Two good Eleven lost two quick wick- yesterday to move into the last 16. partnerships, involving Islam, ets, including that of Murad Having won the Open Sud de who smashed 100 off 116 balls Khan for 23, but Baig saw them France in Montpellier last week, with three sixes and seven through and was declared the Monfi ls needed only 70 minutes boundaries, laid the basis of man-of-the-match. He also to dispatch his Portuguese op- the Uganda total. bowled well to give away only ponent, fi ring fi ve aces and con- Islam and Roger Mukasa 24 runs in his six-over spell. verting four break points. fi rst collected 125 runs for the The 33-year-old Frenchman, opening wicket, with the latter BRIEF RESULTS who is looking to become the hitting seven fours in his 76- President Eleven beat fi rst player to win back-to-back ball 49. After that Islam and Uganda by two wickets Rotterdam titles since Sweden’s Arnold Otwani helped Uganda Uganda: 265 for4 in 50 overs Robin Soderling in 2011, next get 80 runs for the second (Roger Mukasa 49, Saud Islam faces compatriot Gilles Simon wicket before Islam was dis- 100, Arnold Otwani 50 not who beat Mikhail Kukushkin missed for 100 by Mussawar out, Frank Akankwasa 26; 7-6(3) 3-6 6-3. Khan. Otwani carried his bat Iqbal Hussain Chaudhry 2/63, “It’s never easy to come back through and hit an unbeaten 50 Mussawar Khan 1/33) after a win,” Monfi ls said. “But in 80 balls with four bounda- President Eleven: 266 for 8 I have great memories from last ries and raise the total as big as in 49 overs (Imal Liyanage year.” possible. 60, Imran Ashraf 41, Mohamed In an all-Spanish showdown, Uganda bowlers bowled Rizlan 26, Mirza Baig 63 not Pablo Carreno Busta beat sixth steady as President Eleven out, Murad Khan 23; Charles seed Roberto Bautista Agut moved slowly to 50 runs in the Waiswa 2/46, Richard Agamire 6-4 2-6 7-6(4) to qualify for 15 overs and 100 in the 28th. 1/74, Deusdedit Muhumuza the quarter-fi nals after a battle Opener Imal Linayage led 1/48, Henry Ssenyondo 1/48) lasting nearly two-and-a-half the reply and was the third Player-of-the-Match: Mirza hours. man out at 138. He got run out Baig (President Eleven). Carreno Busta fi red 11 aces and saved seven break points to advance at his higher-ranked compatriot’s expense. Belgian fourth seed David Goffi n battled back from a set down and saved two break points in the decider to beat local hope Robin Haase 3-6 7-6(5) 6-4. Gael Monfils of France during his Rotterdam Open match against Joao Sousa from Portugal yesterday. (AFP) Goffi n will face Italian Jan- nik Sinner, who was awarded well to going 2-0 down in the the second set before Tsitsipas through my head,” Auger-Ali- Dimitrov, who eliminated Denis a walkover after his opponent second set, fi ghting back strong- launched his comeback. assime, now ranked 21, told the Shapovalov on Monday. Radu Albot withdrew. ly to beat Hurkacz, who was cel- The world number six broke to ATP website. On the other side of the draw On Tuesday, second seed Ste- ebrating his 23rd birthday. go 3-2 up and went on to take the “I felt I had chances in the fi rst Fognini was ousted by Khach- fanos Tsitsipas clawed his way The Greek big-hitter, who was set in 46 minutes, before domi- game of the second set... and so anov. back from a set and a break down knocked out in the third round nating in the decisive third. many chances to make the break. Fognini lost his focus follow- to beat Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz of the Australian Open, has now Auger-Aliassime, 19, who had “It was really frustrating. It ing an argument with the um- 6-7(2) 6-3 6-1 and reach the beaten Hurkacz fi ve times out of his breakthrough season last led me to lose focus in the second pire over a call in the second set last-16. six, although this was another year when he climbed up to 17th set and get broken twice, which and the Italian also asked for the Canadian teenager Felix Au- close encounter between the in the rankings, nearly threw it isn’t ideal for me or normal. In trainer’s help in strapping up his President Eleven’s Mirza Baig (left) receives the man-of-the-match ger-Aliassime outlasted Ger- pair. away in the second set against the third set, it was about forget- leg below the knee. award from QCA Operations Manager Manzoor Ahmad. many’s Jan-Lennard Struff to Tsitsipas needed a medical Struff when he lost fi ve games ting and moving forward.” Khachanov sailed through the win 6-3 1-6 6-3 and advance, timeout to deal with a shoulder in a row before he regained his The Canadian served seven second set with two breaks of while Italy’s Fabio Fognini was problem after making unforced composure in the fi nal set. double faults but also fi red 16 serve and Fognini’s unforced er- upset 6-3 6-3 by Russia’s Karen errors in a poor tiebreak, and “It was really tough, there aces in the contest and set up ror count of 36 only made things Australian Sakakibara in induced Khachanov. Tsitsipas reacted Hurkacz quickly stole a march in was so many emotions running a match with Bulgaria’s Grigor easier for the Russian. coma aft er BMX accident Australia’s Olympic BMX hour monitoring,” it said. hopeful Kai Sakakibara has “We understand the road Holders France grouped with Russia for Fed Cup Finals been placed in a medically-in- ahead will be a long and duced coma after sustaining diff icult one, we are staying Holders France will face a were the other three. Tuesday’s The Fed Cup’s new format, $6 million going to federations. new Fed Cup format has been head injuries in a race at the positive and taking things strong Russia side and hosts draw held in Budapest’s majes- which saw eight nations qualify “Women’s tennis has always greeted in generally positive weekend, his family said in a day by day. For now, we are Hungary in the group stage of tic Museum of Fine Arts paired through playoff s last weekend, been the leader in women’s fashion. The April slot is a much statement yesterday. waiting to see how things the inaugural version of the record 18-times Fed Cup cham- is something of a throwback to sport,” American King, the trail- better fit than the men’s Davis Sakakibara fell during his progress and our focus is on $18 million Fed Cup Finals to pions United States with Slova- the first edition in 1963 when blazer and inspiration behind Cup which was played with 18 opening-round heat at a his long-term rehabilitation. be held in Budapest from April kia and five-times winners Spain 16 nations played over a week the formation of the WTA Tour, nations and crammed into a World Cup event in Bathurst Kai’s BMX career will be put 14-19. who will fancy their chances at London’s Queen’s Club with said at the draw ceremony. week in November, including on Saturday and was treated on hold for now.” France, who beat Australia in on their favoured red dust. Last United States, featuring Billie “This sends a very strong mes- gruelling late-night finishes. by paramedics and a doctor Gold Coast-born Sakakibara the last final of the 57-year-old year’s runners-up Australia face Jean King, beating Australia in sage. I’m very excited and really before being airlifted to Can- and his younger sister Saya team event’s previous format Belgium and surprise finalists the final. King was present at want to thank Hungary and Group A berra Hospital. had been tipped as medal in November, are one of four Belarus in Group B. the draw ceremony and praised everyone involved. This is an France, Hungary, Russia He underwent surgery on contenders at this summer’s nations who qualified automati- Czech Republic face Germany the International Tennis Federa- amazing opportunity.” Group B Sunday and was likely to Olympics in Japan, where he cally for the 12-nation event to and Switzerland in Group D. tion’s elevation of the women’s While the change of the men’s Australia, Belgium, Belarus remain in a medical coma for spent part of his childhood. be staged on clay at the Laszlo The four group winners will team event which now shares Davis Cup from a year-long Group C the next two weeks, the state- Kai is ranked 10th in the UCI Papp Sports Arena. go through to the semi-finals equal prize money with the ‘home-away’ World Group United States, Slovakia, Spain ment added. elite men’s BMX racing cat- Hungary, as hosts, Australia as followed by a final. Individual Davis Cup. The competing play- knockout draw to a one-week Group D “Kai’s condition is described egory, with Saya occupying runners-up and 11-times winners ties will consist of two singles ers at the week-long event will showdown in Madrid suff ered Czech Rep, Germany, as critical but stable, he is in fifth spot in the elite women’s Czech Republic, as a wild card, matches followed by a doubles. split $12 million with the other some teething problems, the Switzerland. good hands and under 24- division. Gulf Times Thursday, February 13, 2020 7 CRICKET

SPOTLIGHT SETBACK Maxwell’s return to Australia side cut Bangladesh under-19 short due to surgery

Reuters Melbourne

lenn Maxwell’s re- world champs return turn to Australia’s na- tional side has been short lived with the all- Grounder ruled out of their lim- ited overs tour of South Africa to have elbow surgery. Maxwell, who was replaced by top-order batsman D’Arcy to heroes’ welcome Short, was only recalled to the Australian team earlier this he will have surgery immediately ‘We knew something would happen, but we did not expect it would be this big’ month after taking a break last to rectify the situation.” October to deal with mental Maxwell said he was disap- health issues. He will have sur- pointed to withdraw from the gery on Thursday and be out of squad but having surgery was action for between six and eight the right decision. weeks, Cricket Australia said in a “I was not confi dent that I statement yesterday. could perform at international “We are disappointed to lose level with my elbow in its cur- Glenn this close to the tour as rent state and have decided to we were looking forward to wel- undergo surgery straight away to coming him back to the national fi x the issue,” he said. side in both the 20- and 50-over Australia start the tour of formats after his break during South Africa on Feb 21 with the the summer,” national selector fi rst Twenty20 in Johannesburg Trevor Hohns said. before the one-day series starts “Unfortunately, the pain he in Paarl on Feb 29 and concludes has experienced in the elbow in with further matches in Bloem- the latter stages of the (Big Bash) fontein and Potchefstroom in increased over the weekend and early March.

FOCUS Boult and Ferguson ‘tracking nicely’ as NZ build pace depth

uters into the test squad in Australia as Wellington cover but did not play, made his debut in the one-day series. Bennett took the most wick- njured New Zealand pace ets for New Zealand in the one- Bangladesh’s Under-19 captain Akbar Ali poses with his teammates, ICC Under-19 World Cup trophy and Bangladeh’s Cricket Board president Nazmul Hasan Papon (centre bowlers Trent Boult and dayers and was joint top wicket right) during a reception ceremony at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium yesterday. (AFP) Lockie Ferguson are “track- taker in the Twenty20 matches ing nicely” as the side begin with legspinner Ish Sodhi. While Itheir preparations for the Test expensive in his opening spells, AFP ‘UNBELIEVABLE’ WELCOME Dhaka Victorious captain Akbar Ali cut a huge series against India, according to Bennett proved to be a solid cake before the festivities ended with 19 captain Kane Williamson. death bowler with his ability to fi reworks. Ali said they were surprised by Bowling spearhead Boult mix his pace and length, some- housands of ecstatic fans cel- the reception. broke his hand in the second thing noted by Williamson. ebrated on the streets and a sta- “We knew something would happen, game against Australia in “We were put under pressure dium crowd screamed “we are but we did not expect it would be this Melbourne while Ferguson by India, but we were able to the champions” as Bangladesh big. It is unbelievable. I cannot express bowled just 11 overs in his test have a really good death phase, Treturned home to a hero’s welcome yes- in words how I am feeling now,” Ali told debut in the fi rst match in Perth which helped us keep India to terday after winning the ICC Under-19 a crowded press conference at the sta- before breaking down with a calf about a par total,” he said. Cricket World Cup. dium. Ali, who scored an unbeaten 43 in strain. Both missed the Twen- “A lot of positives in diff er- They stunned four-time winners India the tense fi nal to become player of the ty20 and one-day international ent areas, so it’s an opportunity in the fi nal late on Sunday in South Af- match, hoped the win would help the series against India but William- to build on this series and keep rica’s Potchefstroom to record a three- sport in the country move forward. son said there were hopes they moving forward as an ODI side.” wicket victory over the favourites. “Everything needs a start. I hope our could be available for the fi rst The 2.03m-tall Jamieson, A fl ight carrying the victors landed win will work as a stepping stone to take match against the world’s top however, could have been the at Dhaka’s main airport at 4:55pm (1055 our cricket forward,” Ali said. ranked test team that starts on best fi nd for the hosts after he GMT) local time where they were greeted BCB chief Hassan hailed the triumph Feb 21 in Wellington. was the most economical New by offi cials and thousands of jersey wear- as Bangladesh’s biggest ever sporting “They’re tracking nicely,” Zealand bowler in the ODIs and ing and fl ag waving fans. success. Williamson said after his side presented some diffi culties with The country’s sports minister Za- “We have had many achievements in sealed a fi ve-wicket win and 3-0 his ability to get the ball to move hid Ahsan and the Bangladesh Cricket the past, but nothing can be comparable series sweep of the one-dayers and lift off a length. Board’s (BCB) president Nazmul Hassan to what this team has achieved. A World against India at Bay Oval in Mt. He also showed he was a more received the players and support staff Cup is a World Cup. They won it. It was Maunganui.“It’s an exciting op- than capable lower-order bats- with fl ower garlands at the airport as fans our dream,” Hassan said. portunity... against one of the man when he scored 25 not out roared “Bangladesh, Bangladesh. We are “We will create an Under-21 unit (with best sides in the world.” and shared a 76-run stand with the World Champions.” this team) and give specialised train- The injuries to Boult and Fer- Ross Taylor that helped New The players boarded a specially de- ing to upgrade their skill. During this guson and regular squad mem- Zealand post a winning total in signed bus painted in national colours period each player will receive ber Matt Henry, who broke his the second match in Auckland. and had ‘World Champions’ written in Fans welcome Bangladesh’s Under-19 team as they arrive on bus for a reception Tk100,000 ($1,175 approximately) every thumb in the third test in Syd- “An outstanding start from front as they travelled to Dhaka’s main ceremony at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium yesterday. (AFP) month. This is our reward for them,” she ney, forced New Zealand to test Kyle,” Williamson said. “To get the cricket stadium. Hundreds of people added. the depth of their pace bowling opportunity to bowl with the new stood on both sides of the streets to cheer made us proud,” said an ecstatic fan Ari- also known as the home of Bangldeshi Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh stocks against India. ball and bowl really nicely... he’s the victorious team. A procession of mo- ful Islam. Islam was one of an estimated cricket. Hasina will also hold a public recep- Hamish Bennett was recalled an exciting prospect.“Coming tor bikes with many waving national 5,000 fans, according to police, who Fans waiting outside quickly fi lled up tion for the players in Dhaka’s sprawling after almost three years in the in with that height does bring a fl ags followed the team. welcomed the junior Tigers at the Mir- parts of the stands as the BCB rolled out a Suhrawardi Udyan park in next week, the international wilderness, while point of diff erence, a great at- “We are champions. These boys really pur Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, red carpet for the players. BCB chief said. Kyle Jamieson, who was brought tacking weapon.”

TWENTY20 US equal record lowest ODI total of 35 The United States were bowled out for 35 by Nepal Ngidi bowls South Africa to a thrilling win yesterday and joined Zimba- bwe in making the lowest total Reuters slow a South African batting assault. in a 50 over international. East London South Africa made a competitive Nepal leg spinner Sandeep 177 for eight after being sent in but Lamichhane was wrecker-in- looked set for a much bigger total be- chief, taking six for 16 as the eamer Lungi Ngidi defended fore Stokes dismissed Rassie van der American side were finished seven runs in the fi nal over Dussen for 31 after South Africa had off in 12 overs in the World Cup to bowl South Africa to an raced to 111 for one in the 11th over. league two match in Kathman- unlikely one-run victory Leg-spinner Adil Rashid took the du. West Indies-born opener asS England folded at the death in wicket of top-scorer Temba Bavuma Xavier Marshall was the only the fi rst Twenty20 international for 43 in the next over and the in- US batsman to get into double yesterday. nings lost momentum. figures, making 16. Spinner England needed seven from their Bavuma and captain Quinton de Sushan Bhari took the other fi nal seven balls with fi ve wickets re- Kock (31) had got South Africa off to four wickets for just five runs. maining, but collapsed in the face of a fast start with an opening stand of Nepal, playing their first inter- Ngidi’s off -cutters on a slow wicket 48 off 26 balls and Van der Dussen national series on home soil, to add fi ve runs for the loss of four joined Bavuma in a second wicket reached the target in just 5.2 wickets. stand of 63 off 41 balls before Stokes overs after losing both their South Africa had posted 177 for had Van der Dussen caught at square openers in the second over. eight in their 20 overs, a record score leg. Mark Wood and Chris Jordan Timil Patel hit a four, a six and in East London, but England were bowled the last two overs and con- a four of straight balls to com- cruising when opener Jason Roy ceded only a combined eight runs plete the rout by eight wickets. blasted 70 from 38 balls with superb while four wickets fell. Jordan fi n- Zimbabwe were also bowled straight hitting that included seven ished with two for 28. out for 35 by Sri Lanka in 2004 fours and three sixes. and captain at Harare. The US were awarded Eoin Morgan an excellent 52 from 34. BRIEFS CORES ODI status last year after taking The visitors lost their nerve at South Africa 177-8 (T. Bavuma 43, part in a World Cricket League the fi nish, though, in what will be a Q. de Kock 31, H. van der Dussen 31; Division Two event in Namibia. tough lesson at the start of the build- C. Jordan 2-28) bt England 176-9 (J. Nepal, the United States and up to the Twenty20 World Cup to be Roy 70, E. Morgan 52; L. Ngidi 3-30, Oman are taking part in the played in Australia in October. A.Phehlukwayo 2-32, B. Hendricks South Africa’s Lungi Ngidi (left) celebrates taking the wicket of England’s Ben Stokes with teammate Dwaine Pretorius during their Twenty20 series in Kathmandu. Ben Stokes made a crucial strike to 2-33). match at the Buff alo Park in East London, South Africa, yesterday. (Reuters)

Thursday, February 13, 2020 GULF TIMES SPORT

BOXING FORMULA 1 Chinese GP Sheikh Fahad all set postponed due to to extend win streak coronavirus Reuters After going unbeaten in 13 bouts, Qatari pro boxer is getting ready for six-round contests Baku, Azerbaijan

ormula One’s Chinese Grand Prix has been postponed due to the recent outbreak of coro- navirus in the country, organisers said yester- day. FThe race, in what is an important market for Formula One, was originally set to be held in Shanghai on April 19, but the governing body FIA and Formula One said in a statement that they had jointly decided to postpone it. “As a result of continued health concerns and with the World Health Organisation declaring the coronavi- rus as a global health emergency, the FIA and Formula 1 have taken these measures,” the two bodies said. “The FIA and Formula 1 continue to work closely with the teams, race promoter, CAMF and the local authori- ties to monitor the situation as it develops. “All parties will take the appropriate amount of time to study the viability of potential alternative dates for the Grand Prix later in the year should the situation improve.” Sheikh Fahad and his longtime trainer Franck Bohec (right). The fl u-like virus has killed more than 1,100 people and infected more than 44,000 in China after it fi rst emerged in the central city of Wuhan late last year. A host of international sporting events have been cancelled due to coronavirus, including the all-electric Formula E motor racing series that abandoned plans for a race in the Chinese city of Sanya next month. Speaking to reporters last week, Formula One’s mo- torsport managing director Ross Brawn had said the sport would look to reschedule the Chinese race rather than cancel it altogether. The sport’s Chief Executive Chase Carey said fi tting the race back into an already packed calendar with few spare weekends would pose a challenge. “At this point it’s tough to make too many specifi c plans when there are so many unknowns around it,” Carey told Reuters in an interview at a conference in the Azeri capital and Formula One host Baku.

SPREAD OUTSIDE CHINA Qatar’s Sheikh Fahad bin Khalid al-Thani (left) takes part in a sparring session with Puerto Rico’s Carlos de Leon Jr. Sheikh Fahad’s sparring partner Carlos de Leon Jr. Carey also said the sport was keeping an eye on the spread of the virus outside China to other countries in By Mikhil Bhat country since his pro debut in 2016. saw that with Mike Tyson, we saw “He wants to show me all dif- be much higher, and I would con- the region such as Vietnam, which is set to host its fi rst Doha “I am going to fi ght three-to- that with Joe Calzaghe. So I am men- ferent techniques. He used some tinue to develop to the next level. race on April 5. four bouts this year. Certain op- tally prepared for anything. It’s all diff erent tactics that I can’t talk Left to me it would be my next fi ght “The reality of today, in most other countries, the ponents I might fi ght again, and about adjusting as a professional. about. But we also have fun. You but there are many other factors number of people aff ected is a handful,” he said. “But t’s going to be a huge step for- there may be some new opponents. “If at this level, I do not learn don’t really be grumpy all the time. and decision makers.” we don’t know what it will be in a week or two.” ward for Sheikh Fahad bin While most bouts are pencilled in, how to adjust I will struggle later. Boxing anyway is pressure, but I Bohec has been with Sheikh Fa- The Chinese Grand Prix, which debuted in 2004, is an Khalid al-Thani this year. things have not been fi nalised yet,” It is the key now. When I face a guy also want to have fun. They say a had for years together, even through important event for Formula One, with the sport keen Qatar’s fi rst and only profes- Sheikh Fahad says. now, who I don’t know well and happy fi ghter is a dangerous fi ghter. the time when Cuban coach Ismael to tap into the opportunity presented by the country’s Isional boxer so far has gone 13 and But what’s in place for the former don’t have a footage of, it is about So it’s about fun as well,” the wel- Salas worked with the Qatari. “We vast population and growing middle class. ‘O’, and has decided to move up to Qatar national team boxer is his going in and just box. This will terweight boxer says. have gone through stages, and Fa- Hosting fees also make up a signifi cant portion of six rounds-a-bout starting this physical conditioning to last longer serve me when I face a world level “Carlos has come just two weeks had is now moving to a high stand- Formula One’s revenues, with some races paying as year in addition to throwing his hat in the ring. opponent. My adjustments would ago this time round. Last year he ard. We moved into amateur levels, much as $40mn a year. in the ring for World Boxing Coun- “Off season was really great. I be there, and rapid. All the best worked with me for a couple of my and now we are in pro, you know A cancellation as a result could mean a fi nancial hit cil’s Middle East title. worked a lot with (trainer) Franck (boxers) adjust to anything. There fi ghts. He is great. (His physicality) after the pro we have to get to semi- for the sport’s US owners Liberty Media. These exciting times have given (Bohec) on great combinations, are some world champions I know helps my legs, helps my physical elite. And that’s where I believe we The last race to be cancelled was the 2011 Bahrain a sense of anticipation to Sheikh technical stuff , kept repeating it. who don’t like seeing an oppo- strength. He comes from a boxing are almost reaching, and then we Grand Prix, due to social unrest in the island Kingdom. Fahad. There is a spring in his step. We did good strength and condi- nent’s fi lm because they are ready family; has sparred with the likes have to get to elite. That’s the plan,” But the country still paid the hosting fee despite the “I am excited about this, because tioning sessions. My body is get- to adjust and focus on themselves of (Floyd) Mayweather, and other Bohec says. cancellation of the race. I have been training as a profes- ting stronger than before. I am going into a bout.” world champions. So working with But as a trainer focussed on get- If it cannot be rescheduled, the cancellation of the Chi- sional for a while now,” Sheikh Fa- pushing,” he says. At the gym, Sheikh Fahad goes him really teaches me a lot about ting his ward in top shape for the nese race will pare the calendar back to 21 races from the had tells Gulf Times at his gym in “The conditioning has always straight into a sparring session being a professional boxer. There next challenge, he continues, “I record 22 Formula One was set for this year. It would also Umm Salal Mohamed. been there. But it’s the experience with Carlos de Leon Jr, son of Puer- are not many professionals around know today he is feeling great, leave a four-week gap between new addition Vietnam and “Fighting six rounds will serve is what makes a diff erence. Some- to Rican legend Carlos de Leon, un- here, so I have to get professionals and his brain was sharp. But there the returning Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort on May 3. that professional style more and times your body is well conditioned der the watchful eye of long-time from around the world.” are days when he is not that sharp. Asked about the possibility of reviving races that will show more of my abilities in and is fi t for six rounds, but men- trainer Bohec. Talking about the Middle East What I would like to see is him have fallen off the calendar as one-off events to take the ring. It will give me more time tally you have never been to six His much larger sparring oppo- title, one that he recently spoke show me his worth when he is not China’s place, Carey said Formula One was evaluating to set up my opponents, instead of rounds, in front of crowds, in front nent goes from attacking occasion- about, he says, “Many people were sharp. That’s when you have really all contingencies. rushing in. When you rush in, you of cameras. So when you have nev- ally to putting up a strong defence, asking me about what’s my next progressed. Today is beauty, but I The time available is short, however, and organisers tend to make mistakes.” er done that, you will always feel sometimes not giving Sheikh Fahad step forward. So this is the next like to see him on his bad days.” of any such one-off race would also likely expect their Sheikh Fahad’s fi rst six-round tired,” he continues. any physical space. And he then goal of mine. It could be after three Sheikh Fahad quips, “Transla- hosting costs to be underwritten. test is this weekend in Spain, where “Like many world champions, breaks into a rhythmic dancing fi ghts, four fi ghts, a year, a year- tion of all that he said: basically he “We’re not going to do something that isn’t good for the 32-year-old has been fi ghting when they fi rst went to 12 rounds, move, perhaps to rile Sheikh Fahad and-a-half. It’s not fi nalised yet is never happy.” us or the teams,” said Carey. “We like the 22-race calen- under a license from the European there were a few questions fi rst. We up. though. After that my ranking will And they both laugh. dar (but) we’re fi ne with a 21-race calendar.”

SPOTLIGHT Woods mulling approach from proposed Premier Golf League

AFP this are going to happen, ideas Los Angeles, United States like this are going to happen go- ing forward.” Woods would be 46 if the iger Woods said Tues- league meets its aim of starting day he’s been ap- in 2022, but there’s no doubt he proached by organisers would be a top draw on any star- of a proposed Premier driven circuit. TGolf League and said he has But the ties of players like “delved into the details” trying to Woods to the established tours understand how the new circuit and their sponsors — he serves as would work. host of this week’s event at Rivi- “My team’s been aware of it era which benefi ts his charitable and we’ve delved into the details foundation — make the matter of it and trying to fi gure it out just complicated. like everyone else,” Woods said of Five-time major winner Phil the proposed 18-event tour. Mickelson said last month that Its events would run from Jan- he found the proposal “intrigu- uary to September with 48-play- ing”. er fi elds in a four-man, 12-team In releasing plans for the format battling for $10mn purses league, the World Golf Group at 54-hole events. said it was their intention “to There would be an individual work with, rather than challenge, $2mn top prize at each event, as existing tours”. well as team prize money. But Golf Channel reported “There’s a lot of information that PGA Tour commissioner that we’re still looking at and Jay Monahan had sent a letter to whether it’s reality or not, but Tour’s Genesis Invitational. players saying in the tour’s opin- just like everybody else, we’re He cited the World Golf Cham- ion the proposed league schedule looking into it,” Woods said. pionships as an elite series cre- is in confl ict with the PGA Tour. Organisers are aiming to draw ated to bring together the world’s He noted that PGA Tour mem- the top players from the US and best golfers at events outside the bers are restricted to a limited European PGA Tours, but it’s four major championships and number of non-tour “confl icting not yet clear how players could the US tour’s Players Champion- events” per season. compete on the new circuit and ship — which consistently draws PGA Tour regulations also maintain their ties with the tours a strong international fi eld. state that a member “cannot have that made them stars. “So this is a natural evolution,” a fi nancial interest in another “We’ve been down this road be- he said, while remaining non-co- player,” a rule that could scupper fore,” Woods noted as he spoke to mittal on what the venture’s actual Premier Golf League team own- reporters at Riviera Country Club chances for success might be. ership by any player that wants prior to teeing it up today in the US “Whether or not things like to maintain US tour membership.