SATURDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2020 SPORTSPORT 17

FOOTBALL SWIMMING I can't say 100% right now that he's (Neymar) going to Ooredoo Cup FINA /CNSG play against Dortmund. We won't take any risks against Amiens, that's for sure. We need to be careful, we can't risk Quarter-finals Marathon Swim the player's health. We have a responsibility. It's a medical Qatar SC vs Al Sadd World Series Doha ACTION

decision, the risk is too big: PSG Coach Thomas Tuchel TODAY’S Al Khor vs Al Rayyan 2020 at Katara

Hamilton sees young rivals’ talk as sign of weakness World Champion Lewis REUTERS – LONDON Hamilton driving the new Mercedes W11 during its maiden run at the Lewis Hamilton said he was amused by younger Silverstone Race Track, rivals talking up their chances as his Mercedes yesterday. Formula One team unveiled the new car that could make him a seven-times world champion this season. The 35-year-old Briton pointed to Finnish team mate Valtteri Bottas, handed the first laps in the sleek W11 car at a private shakedown session at Silver- stone circuit yesterday, when asked who would be New car on track as champions his biggest challenger. Red Bull’s Dutch driver Max Verstappen and Fer- rari’s Monegasque Charles Leclerc, both 22 years old, are hungry to seize Hamilton’s crown but the Mercedes warn of tough challenge reigning champion said he was relaxed. “I find it funny seeing that,” he replied when asked about the ‘bit of chat’ from rivals. “I’ve just REUTERS – LONDON always known to do my talking on the track. Often Vandoorne named Mercedes' reserve driver I tend to see that (talk) as a sign of weakness.” Lewis Hamilton did his first laps Verstappen told reporters this month that “Lewis yesterday in the Mercedes that REUTERS – LONDON 2013-16 and also has simulator and development is very good. He is definitely one of the best out there, could take him to a record- duties, on race weekends. but he’s not God. Maybe God is with him, but he is equalling seventh Formula One Former McLaren driver Stoffel Vandoorne will be French driver Esteban Ocon was the Mercedes not God.” title this season, but team bosses an official reserve for Mercedes in Formula One this reserve last season but he is now racing for Renault. Mercedes have won both titles for the past six warned of a tough battle right from season while also competing in the all-electric Formula E has three calendar clashes with seasons, an unprecedented feat, with Hamilton the start. Formula E series, the team announced. Formula One this season. beaten only by now-retired team mate Nico Rosberg The Briton and Finnish team The 27-year-old Belgian, who left McLaren The race in Rome is scheduled for the same in 2016, but this season could be the toughest yet. mate Valtteri Bottas put in the first at the end of 2018 after starting 41 grands prix, weekend as the Vietnamese Grand Prix on April 5, The regulations are essentially the same, allowing laps in a 100km private filming day is leading the Formula E standings after three Seoul coincides with the Dutch GP at Zandvoort on rivals a chance to close the gap further, and Red Bull at Silverstone circuit before official rounds and competing in Mexico City this May 3 and Jakarta’s debut clashes with the Baku and runners-up Ferrari both have a more settled testing starts in Spain next week. weekend. Grand Prix on June 7. driver line-up after making changes in 2019. Technical director James He will share duties with Mexican Esteban Guti- Both series have called off races in China due to Hamilton warned in January that he was going Allison said the team had been errez, who raced for Sauber and Haas between the coronavirus. to be on another level this year and would be “a bold in boosting aerodynamic per- machine” once the season started. formance in several key areas and He also said on Instagram that his winter training improved the cooling package that There will be no room for making put a lot of focus on 2020 and battling an unexpected reliability had been “one of the best” and he had lost five kilos caused problems in hot tempera- mistakes.” there will be teams that will start issue then it will very quickly compared to the same time last year. tures last season. Mercedes won the first eight to shift their resources into 2021. hollow out our programme and The Briton is startingggy his eighth year with the Allison warned, however, that races last year, a devastating blow Getting that balance right will be leave us quite short of experiencexperience MercedesMercedes wworksorks teateamm aandnd he they had to hit the ground running. for Ferrari who had looked the very important, but that’s not an by the time we get ttoo said the buzz around the “We had a very golden start to faster team in testing with better easy thing to do,” he said. Melbourne. factoryfactory was the same as last year where we managed to straight line speed. There is also less pre-season “This has given us increasedncreased ever.ever. secure a lead in the championship The regulations are largely testing, with only six days of track impetus to ensure that wwe’vee’ve hhadad that made it very difficult for our unchanged, with a massive shake- time before the March 15 opener a good off season in the ffactoryactory so opposition to make any inroads in up planned for 2021, which has in Australia, putting a premium on that when we hit the trackck eveevery-ry- the second half of the year,” said given others hope of ending Mer- getting the fundamentals right. thing works, leaving us too focus on Allison. cedes’ run of six successive drivers’ “If we do a good job with our making it fast.” “But in that second half, both and constructors’ titles. designs and if we’ve done a good Allison said upgradeses for Ferrari and Red Bull certainly Team boss Toto Wolff said the job in our bench testing and prep- Melbourne would comee at closed us down in terms of demands of preparing for next aration of the car, then we should the second test in Bar-- Lewis competitiveness. year while developing the 2020 be able to get through our pro- celona but there wouldd Hamilton “We’re expecting 2020 to pick car would be particularly grammes in those six days in an be no significant aerody- up right where 2019 left off with a challenging. organised fashion,” said Allison. namic changes, unlike three-way fight from the outset. “There will be teams that will “But if we find ourselves 2019.

NHL: Lightning Jayson Tatum (right) of the No ‘Plan B’; questions extend win Boston Celtics drives against streak to 9 Landry Shamet over Chinese presence of the LA AGENCIES – TAMPA Clippers during their NBA at Tokyo Olympics Yanni Gourde broke a second- game played period tie with a short- at TD Garden AP – TOKYO Coates was asked by a CNN handed game-winner as in Boston, on reporter if he was 100% confident Tampa Bay beat the visiting Thursday. Tokyo Olympic organizers and the that the Tokyo Olympics would go Edmonton Oilers 3-1 on International Olympic Committee on as scheduled and open on July Thursday night, extending the said yesterday there is no “Plan B” 24. “Yes,” he replied. Lightning’s winning streak to for the 2020 Games, which open in Coates talked positively about an NHL-high nine games. just over five months and have been keeping a close watch on Chinese Goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy jolted by the outbreak of a virus in athletes, and talked optimistically made 29 saves for his league- neighboring China. about their eventual presence in best 31st win and ran his point The coronavirus has infected Tokyo, where they would probably streak to 20 contests (18-0-2) almost 64,000 people globally with field a team of 600 athletes - one of for the Lightning, who won for almost 1,400 deaths in China, but the largest delegations. the 10th consecutive time at only one in Japan where fear is rising “We continue also to monitor, home -- tying the franchise with so much attention focused on particularly the Chinese that will be record. the outbreak. coming here,” Coates said. “You’ll Golden Knights 6, Blues “Certainly the advice we’re find that the Chinese teams are 5 (OT) received externally from the WHO mostly out of China. That’s the ath- Jonathan Marchessault (World Health Organization) is that letes and officials.” scored two goals, including there’s no case for any contingency He didn’t offer any specific the game-winner on a power plans or cancelling the games or numbers. play in overtime, to lead Tatum scores 39 as Celtics stop moving the games,” John Coates, the Others away from the Olympic Vegas past St. Louis in Las head of an IOC inspection team, said circle are uncertain what course the Vegas. to wrap up a two-day visit that was virus outbreak will take. Vegas’ Max Pacioretty also Clippers in double overtime dominated by the virus issue. “Frankly speaking, there is no scored twice, his 49th career Coates and Tokyo Olympic guarantee that the outbreak will two-goal game, and Nate AFP – WASHINGTON Tatum’s hot night came on the last night of contests organisers took 11 questions at a come to an end before the Olympics Schmidt and Alex Tuch also after a 5-for-15 shooting before the NBA All-Star news conference yesterday. All 11 because we have no scientific basis scored for Vegas. Mark Stone Jayson Tatum scored 39 effort and 0-for-7 three- Game break, Italian forward were about the virus, or the presence to be able to say that,” Shigeru Omi, finished with four assists, and points, two off his career point performance earlier in Danilo Gallinari scored 29 of Chinese athletes in 19 remaining a former regional director of the Shea Theodore and William high, and Marcus Smart the week against Houston. points on 12-of-18 shooting test events in Japan, or about WHO and an infectious disease Karlsson each added two added 31 on Thursday to lift Tatum struck for two late to lead the Oklahoma City Chinese fans, or repeated questions expert from Japan, said on Thursday. helpers. Malcolm Subban the Boston Celtics over the hoops in overtime, a layup Thunder to a 123-118 victory seeking reassurance the games will The dynamic growth of the stopped 19 shots. Los Angeles Clippers 141-133 over Leonard with 24.8 at New Orleans. go ahead as planned. Olympics makes any schedule in double overtime. seconds remaining to put German reserve Dennis A Japanese reporter asked change difficult. NHL RESULTS Tatum hit 14-of-23 from Boston ahead 127-124. Schroder added 22, New Tokyo Organising Committee Pres- About 73% of the IOC’s $5.7bn the floor, 5-of-10 from But Landry Shamet’s Zealand center Steven ident Yoshiro Mori if, given the fact revenue in a four-year Olympic Buffalo 4 Columbus 3 three-point range, and three-pointer pulled the Adams contributed 11 points the games are going ahead, would cycle comes from broadcasting Philadelphia 6 Florida 2 grabbed nine rebounds in Clippers level and sent the - including his first NBA there be any “organisational rights from networks like NBC and New Jersey 4 Detroit 1 more than 47 minutes while game into a second extra three-pointer - and 11 changes” in how the games are run. NHK in Japan. Moving the Olympics playing tough defense period, which the Celtics rebounds. “No, at this stage, no. We are not back even two months would clash Tampa Bay 3 Edmonton 1 against Kawhi Leonard to dominated to claim the Chris Paul had 14 points thinking of any such possibility,” in North America with a full plate of Dallas 3 Toronto 2 send the Celtics into the NBA triumph. and 12 assists for the said Mori . sports broadcasts: NFL, NBA, Ottawa 3 Arizona 2 All-Star Game break as Lou Williams came off Thunder. Mori, Coates and CEO Toshiro baseball, and college football. NY Rangers 4 Minnesota 3 winners. the Clippers’ bench to score Pelicans rookie star Zion Muto looked glum sitting at a head There is also the matter of mil- Nashville 5 NY Islanders 0 “This was a tough one,” 35 points while Leonard had Williamson scored a game- table taking essentially the same lions of tickets sold, flights and Washington 3 Colorado 2 Tatum said. “It’s nice to go 28 points and 11 rebounds. high 32 points in his 10th question over and over. hotels booked, and $3bn in local to the All-Star break with a Montrezl Harrell added 24 NBA contest while JJ Redick “We can confirm that Tokyo sponsorship sold in Japan with Calgary 6 Anaheim 0 win and enjoy those points and 13 rebounds. added 24 points off the 2020 remains on track,” Coates said advertisers expecting some results Las Vegas 6 St. Louis 5 moments off.” In the only other game bench for New Orleans. in his opening statement. for their expenditure. 18 SPORT SATURDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2020 Manchester City given two-season ban by UEFA AFP — NYON, SWITZERLAND disappointed but not surprised pursue an impartial judgment European football's gov- 2012 and 2016," European foot- fourth Champions League slot Manchester City have been by today's announcement by as quickly as possible" at CAS. erning body said that City ball's governing body said. available for English teams banned from European compe- the UEFA Adjudicatory Pep Guardiola's City face "failed to cooperate in the City lost a previous appeal would likely go to the fifth- titions for the next two seasons Chamber," the club said. Real Madrid in this season's investigation". to CAS over UEFA's original placed club this term. for "serious financial fair-play "The... flawed and consist- Champions League last 16. "The adjudicatory chamber, decision to refer them to its Sheffield United, promoted breaches", UEFA announced ently leaked UEFA process he Announcing the ban a UEFA having considered all the evi- adjudicatory chamber over the to the top flight last year, sit in yesterday. (the UEFA chief investigator) statement declared: "The Adju- dence, has found that Man- alleged FFP violations. The fifth. It is not the first time that The English champions, oversaw has meant that there dicatory Chamber has imposed chester City Football Club com- investigation into City was Man City have fallen foul of FFP who were also fined 30m, was little doubt in the result disciplinary measures on Man- mitted serious breaches of the based on leaked emails pub- regulations, having been fined immediately announced they that he would deliver... chester City Football Club UEFA Club Licensing and lished last year by German 60m and seeing their Champions were appealing the suspension "Simply put, this is a case directing that it shall be Financial Fair Play Regulations magazine Der Spiegel as part League squad reduced in May to the Court of Arbitration for initiated by UEFA, prosecuted excluded from participation in by overstating its sponsorship of "Football Leaks". 2014. Seven-time European Sport (CAS) "at the earliest by UEFA and judged by UEFA. UEFA club competitions in the revenue in its accounts and in Guardiola's City outfit cur- champions AC Milan were opportunity". "With this prejudicial next two seasons (ie. the the break-even information rently sit second in the Premier banned from this season's "Manchester City is process now over, the club will 2020/21 and 2021/22 seasons)." submitted to UEFA between League table, meaning that the Europa League for FFP breaches.

South Africa England win thriller to level T-20 series cite workload REUTERS — DURBAN Brief Scores to cancel England 204-7 in 20 overs (J. Roy 40, J. Bairstow England levelled the three-game T-20 35, B. Stokes 47 not out, M. Ali 39; L. Ngidi 3-48, Pakistan tour series with South Africa yesterday as a A.Phehlukwayo 2-47). crashing 39 off 11 balls by Moeen Ali South Africa 202-7 in 20 overs (T. Bavuma 31, Q. de DURBAN helped win a thriller as they posted an Kock 65, H. van der Dussen 43 not out; T. Curran 2-45, REUTERS — imposing 204-7 that the hosts fell two C. Jordan 2-30, M. Wood 2-39). runs short of despite 65 off 22 by Quinton Result: England won by 2 runs South Africa will not tour de Kock. Series: The three-match series is tied at 1-1 Pakistan for a three-match England had a great start through Remaining match: Twenty20 international series Jason Roy (40) and Johnny Bairstow (35), Tomorrow at Centurion next month to manage the were then bogged down somewhat before workload of their players, the Ben Stokes, who finished on 47 not out, host nation’s cricket board and Moeen, who played a series of auda- Dussen (43 not out) left the hosts, who (PCB) said yesterday. cious shots, helped them push on to their won the first match by one run, needing The Proteas, who are cur- formidable tally. 15 off the final over. rently playing England in a South Africa looked capable of pulling Dwaine Pretorius smashed 12 from three-match T20 series at off a victory when De Kock smashed eight the first four balls but was then lbw to home, next host Australia in sixes as they reached 92 without loss in Tom Curran, leaving three needed off the three T20s and as many the seventh over but when he was caught last ball. Bjorn Fortuin tried to ramp it for England players celebrate the wicket of South Africa’s Quinton de Kock during one-day internationals by Stokes off Mark Wood, the game four but was caught by Adil Rashid as the second T20 match at the Kingsmead Cricket Ground, Durban, South Africa, before travelling to India for looked to swing England’s way. However, England came through to set up an yesterday. three ODIs between March a spirited late flurry by Rassie van der exciting decider in Pretoria on Sunday. 12-18. “While we were keenly looking forward to hosting South Africa next month, we Ferguson not expecting to make India Test series respect Cricket South Africa’s reason for not sending their REUTERS — WELLINGTON Australia in March was a more then Matt Henry. Boult broke more of a limited overs bowler side next month,” the PCB said realistic target for his interna- his hand in Australia but trained at the international level, he in a statement. Fast bowler Lockie Ferguson tional return. with the national side earlier was still motivated to play the “Managing player (pictured) is not expecting to “Of course the goal is for me this week in Mt. Maunganui longest form of the game. workload is a top priority for be picked in New Zealand’s Test to get back as soon as possible, before they wrapped up a 3-0 “Since I started playing any board and from that per- squad on Monday for the series but there is so much cricket sweep in the one-day series professional cricket, it has spective, their decision is against India as he recovers coming up this year,” he told over India and should play the been my goal to play Test understandable. We’re pleased from a calf injury that ruined Stuff Media in Auckland first Test that starts on February cricket, because personally I CSA remains committed to his debut against Australia late yesterday. 21 in Wellington. feel that’s the biggest chal- rescheduling this short series last year. “We’ve got a lot of white- “It’s not an easy side to lenge,” he said. as soon as practically pos- Ferguson broke down after ball stuff and I head away to the make, the New Zealand Test “I am obviously super sible.” CSA was due to send a bowling just 11 overs in the first IPL as well, so it’s important side,” Ferguson added. stoked to be playing one-dayers security delegation to Pakistan Test in Perth and has been with a calf injury, where there’s “Not that it’s easy to make and T20s for New Zealand, I next month to assess arrange- working his way back to fitness a high percentage chance of re- any of the sides, but they’ve love every moment of it, but ments ahead of the tour, . for Auckland in domestic injury, that we be been exceptional for so long, playing red-ball has been a big “I’d like to stress that cricket. conservative. debut last December, Ferguson and especially the fast-bowling goal of mine. security was not an issue in He expects to play New Zea- “Sunday’s my focus and is realistically fifth in the attack, that’s been very settled “On the day it wasn’t to be asking the PCB for this post- land’s domestic one-day final then I’ll be looking to play some pecking order behind the estab- for a long time.” (in Perth), I only got through 11 ponement,” CSA acting chief on Sunday and indicated the first-class cricket.” lished trio of Trent Boult, Tim He also acknowledged that overs, and it was really executive Jacques Faul added limited overs series against Despite making his Test Southee and Neil Wagner and despite being considered as frustrating." in a statement. French Open to be Federer’s only LPGA Australian Open Leading scores from the second round of the LPGA Tour's Australian Open at the Royal Adelaide claycourt appearance in 2020 golf Club on Friday (USA unless stated, par 73): 136 - Park In-bee (KOR) 67-69, Jodi Ewart Shadoff (ENG) 66-70 REUTERS — MUMBAI Federer, who won the last of his 137 - Jillian Hollis 68-69 20 Grand Slam titles in 2018 at 138 - Ayean Cho (KOR) 69-69, Marina Alex 68-70 Roger Federer (pictured) will Melbourne Park, opted out of 139 - Celine Boutier (FRA) 70-69, Madelene Sagstrom make his only appearance on the inaugural ATP Cup in Aus- (SWE) 69-70 clay this season at Roland tralia to spend more time with 140 - Dottie Ardina (PHI) 70-70, Ashleigh Buhai (RSA) Garros, his agent has said. his family before launching his 71-69, Maria Fassi (MEX) 73-67, Hannah Green (AUS) The Swiss skipped the 22nd season on Tour. 69-71, Lizette Salas 70-70, Ryu So-yeon (KOR) 71-69, entire claycourt season in 2017 He arrived at the Australian Ally McDonald 70-70, Liu Yu (CHN) 73-67, Amy Olson Matt Kuchar of the United and 2018 and last year played Open having not played a com- 68-72, Lee Mi-hyang (KOR) 71-69, Brittany Altomare States plays a shot on the 13th only two tournaments on the petitive match since the ATP 70-70, Yealimi Noh 71-69, Elizabeth Szokol 71-69 hole during the first round of surface before arriving in Paris Finals in November but still 141 - Kristen Gillman 69-72, Lee6 Jeong-eun (KOR), the Genesis Invitational in for the French Open. made it to the semi-finals, An Ho-yu (TPE) Pacific Palisades, California There was speculation that where he fell to eventual on Thursday. Federer would include the Garros,” Godsick said. champion Novak Djokovic. Madrid and Rome Masters in his The 38-year-old has been Federer, who has won the truncated schedule for 2020 cutting down on the number of French Open only once, in but his agent, Tony Godsick, tournaments he plays over the 2009, will arrive well rested Kuchar grabs three-shot said that was not the case. last few years in a bid to for this year’s campaign at “As his schedule states, he prolong his career. Roland Garros, which begins Riviera lead as Woods falters plans on playing just Roland Unlike his main rivals, on May 24.

Australia's Jordan Thompson AFP — LOS ANGELES Genesis Invitational scores his struggles continued on Thompson Thursday. in action at the New York Leading first-round scores on Thursday Open on Thursday. Matt Kuchar fired a sparkling in the US PGA Tour Genesis Invitational “I got off to a nice start on topples top seven-under 64 on Thursday at Riviera Country Club (USA unless the front nine and just didn’t hit to seize a three-shot lead after noted, par-71): many good shots on the back the first round of the Genesis 64 - Matt Kuchar nine,” said Woods, who opened seed Isner Invitational at Riviera Country 67 - Lee Kyoung-hoon (KOR), Russell with an eagle at the first and AFP — NEW YORK Club. Henley, Wyndham Clark, Adam Schenk, added two birdies before the South Korea’s Lee Kyoung- Harold Varner turn but had two bogeys hoon and Americans Russell 68 - Rafa Cabrera Bello (ESP), Carlos Ortiz without a birdie coming in. Australian Jordan Thompson Henley, Wyndham Clark, Adam (MEX), Rory McIlroy (NIR), Patrick Cantlay, “Made a couple loose upset US top seed John Isner Schenk and Harold Varner Jason Day (AUS), Bryson DeChambeau, swings and made a couple good 7-6 (7/2), 6-7 (3/7), 6-3 on shared second on 67 with Rory Andrew Landry, Joel Dahmen, Patrick saves on the back nine for par, Thursday to reach the ATP New McIlroy -- newly returned to Reed, James Hahn but just wasn’t able to get any York Open quarter-finals. world number one -- head- birdies on the back nine,” Thompson, who will face 69 - Scottie Scheffler, Im Sung-jae (KOR), lining a group of 10 on 68 that Woods said. Italy’s Andreas Seppi for a berth managed to hold on somehow.” Opelka beat Japan’s Yoshihito Brooks Koepka, Paul Casey (ENG), Sebastián also included Australia’s Jason Kuchar, meanwhile, started in the semi-finals, avenged a The 25-year-old from Sydney Nishioka 6-4, 6-4, sending the Munoz (COL), J.T. Poston, Michael Thompson, Day and former Masters hot and stayed that way. loss to Isner in last year’s New surged ahead 5-0 in the first US third seed into a quarter- Denny McCarthy, Tiger Woods, Kang Sung champion Patrick Reed. “It was a fun, fun day out York quarter-finals. tie-breaker, then fell behind 4-1 final against Taiwan’s Jason (KOR), J.B. Holmes, Justin Rose (ENG), Kim Tournament host Tiger there playing Riviera,” said the The world number 63 took in dropping the second only to Jung, who upset British seventh Si-woo (KOR), Chez Reavie, Scott Stallings, Woods closed with a bogey to nine-time US PGA Tour winner, his first victory in four meetings take the lone break of the seed Cameron Norrie 6-4, 6-4. Vaughn Taylor fall out of that bunch, cooling who opened with back-to-back with the big-serving American. match in the final set. British eighth seed Kyle off after a hot start to post a birdies at the 10th and 11th. “Pretty stoked with that,” “I just told myself to keep Edmund defeated Germany’s two-under par 69 as he pursues event at Riviera, but he has His seven birdies included Thompson said. going and I would get a look,” Dominik Koepfer 6-2, 6-4 to a record 83rd US PGA Tour title. never won on the classic course a 28-footer at the 18th and a “It was a tough match. Thompson said. book a last-eight date with Woods was still a teenager in the Pacific Palisades west of 33-footer at the eighth -- his Didn’t get much of a look at his “And luckily I pulled it off.” South Korean Kwon when he played his first US tour Los Angeles in 12 prior tries, and penultimate hole of the day. serve. I got one break and Defending champion Reilly Soon-woo. SATURDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2020 SPORT 19 Doha stages blockbuster Open Water Challenge FAWAD HUSSAIN THE PENINSULA

‘Amazing’ was the term used by most of the amateur swimmers when asked to describe their experience at the Doha Open Water Challenge 2020 yesterday. The competition which took place at the stunning Katara Beach featured a total of 162 athletes including the Qatari citizens and expatriates. The event, organised by the Qatar Swimming Association, involved four rounds of 800m races, with swimmers of dif- ferent age categories taking the plunge and showing a lot of passion to win. Doha Open Water Challenge is a subsidiary event that takes place one day earlier from FINA Marathon Swim World Series Doha, to give public a world class experience. This is the The podium winners at the Doha Open Water Challenge 2020 pose for a group picture at Katara third consecutive year when the Beach yesterday. event was staged in the Qatari capital. While the water was a bit cold yesterday, it did not stop the swimming enthusiasts from emerged winner in Men 18-24 good,” said Alvarez. “This is the stars. A total of 136 swimmers DOHA OPEN WATER CHALLENGE 2020 taking part in the eagerly- category said: “It was an third time I am competing in including 82 male and 54 WINNERS awaited event. amazing race, great expe- this challenge and every time female athletes from 34 coun- “It was an amazing event. rience. I would like to thank I see improvement in the tries are taking part in the first Boys 15-17: Moaz Ahmed Saleh Women 30-34: Ana Milena Gomez This was my second time in the organisers and FINA for organisation,” he added. meet, which will be followed by Girls 15-17: Samantha Maries Banas Men 35-39: Vadym Doha, last year it was cloudy but giving us an opportunity to Focus will now shift to the nine more stops. Men 18-24: Michael Berendt Women 35-39: Isora Sosa today it was nice and sunny. The compete.” FINA Marathon Swim World Germany’s Florian Well- water was cold but it was Spaniard Aday Alvarez, who Series Doha (QAT) 2020, which brock and Brazil’s Ana Marcela Women 18-24: Yelyzaveta Men 40-44: Adem Allalou refreshing. Great organisation, participated in men’s 30-34 age will be held at the same venue Cunha will be defending their Shyrydeha Women 40-44: Daniela Sposi beautiful arrangements,” said category, also gave thumbs up today. titles in this meet. Men 25-29: Pavlo Nikonorov Men 45-49: Paul Crooks UK citizen Daniela Sposi, who to QSA’s organisation for the With swimmers gearing up The women’s race will Women 25-29: Shiela Marie Ruiz Women 45-49: Lynn Kelley topped in the Women 40-44 event. for this year’s Tokyo Olympic kick off at 11am while the competition. “It was a good race and the Games, the Doha marathon has men’s marathon will start at Men 30-34: Naoufel Charaf Men 55-59: Dmytro Siversky Michael Berendt, who level of competition was also attracted all the big open water 1pm.

Sociedad edge Al Kass Cup: Inter Milan off to flying start closer to Spanish

THE PENINSULA — DOHA The players of Inter Milan and Mohammed VI Academy the left to fire home a first-time Cup final locked in an aerial battle during their Al Kass Cup football shot from close range. Inter Milan got off to a strong tournament at Aspire Academy Ground yesterday. Almost instantly, the AFP — MADRID start at Al Kass Cup 2020, Moroccans reduced the deficit displaying considerable when a corner from the left was Real Sociedad edged second composure to beat Mohammed met by Yassine Khalifi, whose division Mirandes 2-1 in their VI Academy 3-1 at Aspire powerful header cannoned Copa del Rey semi-final first Academy Ground yesterday. against the crossbar, with leg on Thursday, taking a Both sides settled well, with Mohammed Younes Jazouli tentative step closer to a Milan’s organisational superi- pouncing on the rebound to nod potential all-Basque final ority gradually coming to the home. against Athletic Bilbao. fore. As the second half got Sociedad had knocked out And, on 12 minutes they underway, the Milanese Real Madrid 4-3 in the went ahead with the game’s first began to ramp up the quarter-finals and they were shot on goal. There seemed little pressure, which keeper Hasbi in control early on at home danger when Kifle Gambato – sought to relieve on occasion against Mirandes, the only guilty of a couple of poor with long balls out of second-tier side to make the touches early on – picked the defence, hoping – in vain – last-four. ball up 25 yards out. But rather to find the head of Sadik. Captain Mikel Oyarzabal than shooting, the left winger The Moroccans displayed gave them a ninth-minute lead slipped a deft through ball to some deft touches, with brief from the penalty spot after a Amadou Sarr, who evaded a passages of play characterised foul by Odei Onaindia on static defence to clip the ball by their intricate passing pat- Portu. beyond keeper Walid Hasbi terns. However, an end product Mirandes were on level from eight yards out. was generally lacking as Milan’s terms on 40 minutes thanks The Mohammed VI players, imposing striker slipped his the net five minutes later when doubled their lead when defence remained resolutely to Matheus Aias but Sociedad while working the ball well marker and rose high to latch Inter keeper Paolo Raimondi Gambato crossed low for disciplined. restored their advantage through midfield, were strug- on to a precise cross from could only palm a low drive into Tommaso Clerici, but his first- The third Inter goal arrived through Norwegian prodigy gling to bring their captain Youssef Charouq, planting a the path of Charouq, who time effort lacked accuracy and via the penalty spot after sub- Martin Odegaard just two Omar Sadik into the game, his powerful header just wide of slotted home from close range missed the target. stitute Gabriele Menegatti was minutes later. every move expertly marshalled the upright. only for his effort to be chalked He made amends two upended inside the area, with Mirandes, however, will by the Inter backline. But as the The Moroccans were in the off for offside. minutes later, latching on to Sarr slotting calmly home to not be cowed by the challenge half hour approached, the ascendancy, and had the ball in Inter should then have Simone Bonavita’s low ball from claim his second of the game. in the second leg next month as they bid to become the first second division side to make English Premier the final in 40 years. League They have already Liverpool look Fixtures (all times GMT) knocked out three top flight teams to get to this stage Today having seen off Celta Vigo, Southampton vs Burnley Sevilla and Villarreal. to extend lead (1230), Norwich vs On Wednesday, captain Liverpool (1730) Iker Muniain scored the only AFP — LONDON Alisson has saved 26 of the last Tomorrow goal as Athletic Bilbao 27 shots he has faced, with Liv- Aston Villa vs Tottenham defeated Granada 1-0 in their Liverpool are expected to take erpool racking up an aggregate (1400), Arsenal vs first leg clash. another step towards clinching score of 23-1 in that time. Juventus forward Cristiano Newcastle (1630) Muniain, 27, had been red- a long-awaited Premier League “We want to win the title Ronaldo celebrates after scoring a Monday carded in his team’s 2-1 defeat title at bottom-of-the-table and for winning the title, you penalty past AC Milan goalkeeper Chelsea vs Manchester by Sociedad in La Liga at the Norwich, while behind the need to win everything,” Gianluigi Donnarumma during the United (2000) weekend. runaway leaders the battle for Alisson told Premier League Italian Cup semi-final on Thursday. However, he was the toast Champions League places takes Productions. of the city Wednesday when centre stage this weekend. “The way we play, you need he latched onto a cross from The Reds can extend their to enjoy that because if you Inaki Williams just three mammoth 22-point lead over don’t enjoy that then you Ronaldo penalty earns Juventus minutes before the interval to Manchester City at Carrow cannot play all the games with score the game’s only goal. Road today as they aim to not our intensity.” Athletic coach Gaizka Gar- only win the league for the A massive 55 points sep- draw against 10-man AC Milan itano named the same team first time in 30 years, but arate Norwich from the cham- which shocked Barcelona in smash the record books in the pions-elect with the Canaries AP — MILAN Milan coach Stefano Pioli Real Madrid. Nearly 73,000 the quarter-finals last week process. seven points adrift of safety. said the late penalty shouldn’t spectators were present - a and they will consider them- Jurgen Klopp’s men have Daniel Farke’s men desper- Cristiano Ronaldo scored a late have been given. record for an Italian Cup selves unfortunate not to have dropped just two points all ately need to start turning good penalty on Thursday to help “Just before the penalty semifinal. won by a greater margin after season and are on a run of 16 performances into points to Juventus salvage a 1-1 draw at incident there was a foul on Ronaldo had barely a sight having two strikes ruled out consecutive league wins. beat the drop. 10-man AC Milan in the first leg Ibra that wasn’t given,” Pioli of goal at San Siro before his for offside. That march towards the However, they have shown of their Italian Cup semifinal. said. penalty. I The second, scored off a title began on the opening night an ability to upset the odds with Ronaldo’s stoppage-time “The play wouldn’t have brahimović went close on fine volley in the 61st minute of the season when Norwich one of their four league wins penalty canceled out Ante continued if the referee had several occasions but was by Ander Capa, needed an visited Anfield and were 4-0 this season coming against Rebic’s 62nd-minute opener for intervened then.... I am happy booked in the first half and will intervention by VAR. down inside 42 minutes. Manchester City. Milan, which will be without with the performance but dis- now miss the return match on With 23 titles, Athletic An injury to Alisson Becker For a long time, Leicester Zlatan Ibrahimović for the appointed with the result.” March 4 as he had already Bilbao are second on the all- was the one big concern of that were Liverpool’s closest chal- return fixture because of a There was heightened received a yellow card in the time list to Barcelona who victory for Klopp as the Bra- lengers at the top of the table, suspension. excitement at San Siro as it was competition - in the quarter- have triumphed 30 times. zilian was sidelined for two but the Foxes’ form before a Milan defender Theo the first time Ibrahimović and final against Torino last month. However, their most months. two-week winter break had Hernández was sent off in the Ronaldo had faced off against Milan midfielder Samuel recent success was back in After taking some time to faded with just one win in four 71st following a second yellow each other since 2015, when Castillejo is also suspended for 1984 after a 1-0 win over get back to his best form, league games. card. Paris Saint-Germain played that match as is Hernández. Barca. SPORT SPORT | 17 SPORT | 18 New car on track French Open as Mercedes to be Federer's wwarn of tough only claycourt challenge appearance in 2020

SATURDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2020 Zamalek clinch Super Cup in Doha

THE PENINSULA – DOHA

Achraf Bencharki struck a second-half brace to seal a 3-1 win for Zamalek over Espérance Sportive de Tunis as the Egyptian side clinched the 2020 CAF Super Cup title in Doha yesterday. In front of a full house at the Thani Bin Jassim Stadium, Moroccan forward Bencharki scored in the 58th minute and then completed his double deep into stoppage time to add on to Youssef Obama’s early goal as their side won their first Super Cup title in 17 years and an overall fourth. VAR was used to adjudicate a 47th minute foul by Zamalek’s Mahmoud Attia that saw him shown yellow. A handball on the defender was confirmed by VAR tech- nology as Benguit sent Zamalek’s keeper Mohamed Abu Gabal to the wrong direction. But it was Bencharki who stole the night with a surgical shot in the 57th minute that electrified thousands of fans. The Moroccan waived his way past two defenders to send a low shot inside Moez Ben Chrifia’s net. Esperance substitute Zamalek's players and officials celebrate with the trophy after winning the CAF Super Cup final against Tunisia’s Esperance at Thani Bin Jassim Stadium in Doha, yesterday. Mohamed Ali Ben Hamouda had an 86th minute effort dis- allowed because of a clear foul, Yesterday's fixture helped insisting they had not been told the winner of the CAF Cham- Recent CAF Super Cup Champions all but sealing the result for put to bed the chaotic clash the video ref would be pions League and second-tier Zamalek’s jubilant fans. that saw Esperance qualify, the deployed. CAF Confederation Cup against 2020 Shamalek (Egypt) 2012 Maghreb Fez (Morocco) Esperance threw everyone AFC Champions League at The Court of Arbitration each other. 2019 Raja (Morocco) 2011 TP Mazembe (DR Congo) in attack, and had their which Wydad Casablanca for Sport named Esperance the It was staged in Africa from 2018 Wydad (Morocco) 2010 TP Mazembe (DR Congo) chances. Deep into injury time, abandoned the final in protest winners after a bruising legal its inception in 1993 until last 2017 Mamelodi Sundowns (South 2009 Al Ahly (Egypt) Bencharki sealed victory for at the organisers’ decision not battle that did nothing to year when it moved to Qatar. Africa) 2008 Etoile (Tunisia) Zamalek, when he finished a to use VAR. enhance the image of scandal- Both teams had contested 2016 TP Mazembe (DR Congo) 2007 Al Ahly (Egypt) counter attack receiving Play was stopped for more tainted African football. in the final five times previ- 2015 ES Setif (Algeria) 2006 Al Ahly (Egypt) Ferjani Sassi’s pass to send the than an hour at last year’s clash The Super Cup is an ously, and Zamalek now have 2014 Al Ahly (Egypt) 2005 Enyimba (Nigeria) ball into the net. with the Moroccan side annual one-off match pitting won the second most titles. 2013 Al Ahly (Egypt) 2004 Enyimba (Nigeria) PSG replaces Man City as most financially powerful club

REUTERS – PARIS The study said PSG had half of those clubs are owned by “Despite Europe’s dominance, RK CLUB COUNTRY FFI SCORE reduced their debt by €70m non-European entities, including football is very much a global game 01 PSG FRA 5.318 French champions Paris St Germain ($75.87m) over the last year while organisations and individuals from with investment from football’s 02 Manchester City ENG 5.197 03 Bayern Munich GER 3.888 have overtaken Manchester City as City’s debt levels had increased by the Middle East, North American emerging markets very much 04 Tottenham Hotspur ENG 3.441 the most financially powerful club more than €90m. and Southeast Asia, the report said. underpinning its continued 05 Real Madrid ESP 3.336 in world football, the annual Bayern Munich came third “This year’s report paints a growth.” 06 Arsenal ENG 3.150 Soccerex Football Finance 100 with Tottenham Hotspur and Real positive picture of football’s col- The English Premier League is 07 Chelsea ENG 2.893 report showed. Madrid completing the top five. lective financial health, but it also represented by 18 clubs in the top 08 Liverpool ENG 2.616 PSG topped the 2020 edition Manchester United fell eight highlights the growing imbalance 100, while the US Major League 09 Juventus ITA 2.195 with a football finance index score places from last year to 16th in the between the power of Europe’s Soccer (MLS) was the next best 10 Borussia Dortmund GER 2.154 of 5.318, which is based on the report, mainly due to the depreci- modern elite, with some of the with 17. 11 Atlético Madrid ESP 2.049 value of the current squad, tan- ation in squad value and an game’s heritage brands in danger Los Angeles Football Club were 12 Barcelona ESP 2.036 gible assets, finance available in increase in cash debt. of being left behind,” Philip Gegan, rated highest from the MLS in 18th 13 RB Leipzig GER 1.949 their accounts, potential owner Europe’s elite sides accounted Managing Director of Soccerex, spot ahead of local rivals LA Galaxy 14 Hoffenheim GER 1.922 investment and net debt. for 80% of the top 30 but almost said. at number 22. 15 Guangzhou Evergrande CHN 1.853 Doha will host amazing 2023 FINA Worlds, says Wellbrock

FAWAD HUSSAIN of the best venues in the world “The field is strong in the World Series Doha (QAT) 2020 THE PENINSULA to stage major swimming men’s race and it’s going to be will kick of the 10-meet com- events. Over the years the Qatar a difficult race. Last year we had petition. The men’s marathon Reigning 10km open water capital played host to many water temperatureerature ofof aroundaround willwill see 82 rracersacers iinn actioactionn world champion, Florian Well- world class competitions Competing in Doha 20 degrees and this time we whilewhile 5544 atathleteshletes QatarQatar will host brock rates Doha as a special including eight FINA World have 16 degreesrees or 17 degreesdegrees will makemake a aamazingmazing WorldWorld venue and hopes to compete Cups and the 2014 World always excites me. It so it could bee harderharder to defenddefend splasplashsh in in the Qatari capital when it Swimming Championships is a special venue for the title,” he added.added. womewomen’sn’sns Championships.Champions hosts the FINA World Aquatics (25m) besides staging the Open Wellbrockck sasaidid hheewe wowwouldoululdd race.raceacea . DohaDoha is anan amazingamazing Championships in three years Marathon since 2018. me for a number of give his bestesst to startsstatarrtttt thet hhe time. Wellbrock, who made reasons, the beautiful Olympics yeararonr on aag goodgooodd note.notenot . citycity andand it’sit’s goodgood The German star is here to history at the 2019 World buildings around “It’s an importantmpmportaortorotaantnt yearyearear foror thatthaththaattt thetheh WorldWorW ld defend his title at the FINA / Aquatics Championships in everyone. I havehavaveavee workedworwowororkkedd hardhhaardarardrd CChaChChampionshipsammpmpioonnnsships CNSG Marathon Swim World Gwangju, South Korea by which is rare on the for this race bubbututtnotn nonobodyboboddy kknknoknowsnnoowsw Series Doha (QAT) 2020, which becoming the first swimmer to circuit we compete who will win,”n,”” hehe said.saiiddd.. wilwwilllllb bbeete takingtakakiakkinngg placeplap ce will take place today in tur- win both the 1500m freestyle “It’s the firstffiirstrstt 10km10kkkmm raceraracace ofof herhehhere:ere ee: WellbrockWWeeelllbbrock quoise Katara waters. and the 10 km open water races, in: Wellbrock the Olympicc season.seasseassee onon.n. WeW “I am always happy to come said he would be happy to par- had training aheaheadad ooff here. Last year, I competed in ticipate at the 2023 World the season butut nnotototi i inn the meet at Corniche and won Championships in Doha. will be taking place here,” Well- cold water, wew the race. Katara also looks “Good thing that Qatar is brock added. prepared forr hhthotott beautiful,” Wellbrock told The hosting the World Champion- Speaking about his title water for Tokyokyokyyyo Peninsula. ships. The venues here are very defence in Doha today, the Olympics soo it’sit’itt’s’ss “Competing in Doha always nice and I am really happy German athlete said he faces a going to be a ddidif-if- excites me. It is a special venue about that,” said the tough challenge due to star- ferent racecee for me for a number of reasons, 22-year-old. studded line-up which also year for us,”,” the beautiful buildings around “Qatar will host amazing includes 2019 overall champion he added. which is rare on the circuit we World Championships. Doha is Kristóf Rasovszky of Hungary Today’s compete in,” he added. an amazing city and it’s good and Netherlands’ Olympic FINA Mar- Doha is considered as one that the World Championships champion Ferry Weertman. athon Swim