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Wednesday, February 5, 2020 CRICKET Jumada II 11, 1441 AH Dazzling De Kock GULF TIMES powers S Africa to win over England SPORT Page 2

FOOTBALL/ AMIR CUP Memory of past glory fi res up Al Rayyan coach Aguirre It was Aguirre who coached Al Rayyan to the title seven years ago against Jorge Fossati’s Al Sadd

By Sports Reporter Doha

l Rayyan won the last of their six Amir Cup titles in 2013 but since have been upstaged Aby Al Sadd, Lekhwiya and Al Duhail which was formed by merging El Jaish and Lekwhiya. Seven years ago The Lions captained by Fabio Cesar pipped Al Sadd 2-1 in the fi nal, and as the last-16 stage of this season’s edition tournament kicks off today, their coach Diego Aguirre is looking ahead with anticipation. It was Aguirre who coached Al Rayy- an to the title seven years ago against Jorge Fossati’s Al Sadd. It’s obvious that the memories are fresh in his mind and he made no secret about his fondness for the event. “The Amir Cup is a unique tourna- ment which I personally love to be as- sociated with. Al Rayyan have a great history in the event but Al Sadd have been the most dominant team (16 ti- tles),” Aguirre told reporters ahead of his team’s match against second division side Mesaimeer today. This is Aguirre’s second stint with Al Rayyan and obviously he has great hopes. Al Rayyan coach Diego Aguirre speaks to the media ahead of his team’s match Al Sailiya coach Saami Trablesi interacts with the press ahead of his team’s match against Umm Salal. “We have a great opportunity to against Mesaimeer in the Amir Cup. progress in the tournament but fi rst we have to see off Mesaimeer on Wednes- “We achieved a very important win Mesaimeer’s Iraqi coach Raad Abdul fact that we are not under any pres- it,” said Al Sailiya’s Tunisian coach Sami the Amir Cup have been good we are day. I respect all competitors and we will in the QNB Stare League but regret- Latif couldn’t contain his excitement at sure is our psychological weapon,” he Trablesi. hoping to spring a surprise,” he said. go all out for victory. We are fully fo- tably suff ered a big defeat in the AFC the prospect of facing Al Rayyan, claim- claimed. “We know Umm Salal are a very good Trablesi’s counterpart at Umm Salal cused on the fi rst game. We do not want Champions League playoff . Against ing his side has nothing to lose Meanwhile, QNB Stars League sides team and we cannot aff ord to take them Aziz Ben Askar acknowledged that his any surprises.” Mesaimeer we need to play as well as we “There is no doubt that Al Rayyan Al Sailya and Umm Salal will clash in lightly. We cannot aff ord to make any team face a tough task in today’s match. Al Rayyan are coming off a 5-0 drub- did against Duhail.” are superior in all aspects. Therefore we another last-16 match today with the mistakes,” Trablesi added. “Everyone knows Sailiya can be a bing by Iran’s Estheghlal which ended Al Rayyan’s charge will be led by the have nothing to fear or lose,” said Abdul coaches of both teams expressing con- Trablesi rued the fact that Al Sailiya stubborn opposition. We really have their hopes of qualifying for the AFC prolifi c Yacine Brahimi and new recruit Latif. fi dence about progressing to the next haven’t been at their best in the QNB to be positive against them,” said Ben Champions League, but regained their Yohan Boli, the scorer against Al Rayyan, “We will attack with all our might stage. Stars League, having lost seven of their Askar whose team are in the relegation confi dence by handing previously un- although they have a host of other capable and defend stoutly and despite the “The Amir Cup is the richest tourna- 14 matches to languish in seventh spot. zone of the QNB Stars League. beaten Al Duhail a shock 1-0 defeat in players in their ranks too, including the enormity of the task I am optimistic. ment in Qatar. It has a special character “Our players seem to have lost their “We are looking for a morale boost. the QNB Stars League. talismanic veteran Rodrigo Tabata. The players also are confi dent. The and therefore every team wants to win scoring touch but our preparations for Hope the team is up to the challenge.”

SPOTLIGHT CRICKET/ U-19 WORLD CUP Baladna announced as sponsor Jaiswal hits ton as India ease into fi nal

AFP Jaiswal earlier picked up the key of Al Rayyan football team Potchefstroom, South Africa wicket of Pakistan opener Haider Ali (56) with his part-time legspin as Pa- kistan collapsed from 96 for two in an efending champions India innings where just three players made cruised to a 10-wicket win double digits. HE Sheikh Ali bin Saud over neighbours and arch- Ali and captain Rohail Nazir (62) al-Thani, president of rivals Pakistan in Potchef- helped Pakistan recover after losing stroomD yesterday to reach the Under-19 Mohamed Huraira and Fahad Munir Al Rayyan Sports Club and Moutaz al-Khayyat, Cricket World Cup fi nal for the seventh cheaply, but only Mohamed Haris, who chairman of Baladna time. hit a brisk 21 off 15 balls, provided any Food Industries seal the India, the record four-time winners additional contribution. sponsorship agreement. of the competition, dismissed Pakistan Left-arm seamer Sushant Mishra for 172 in 43.1 overs before comfortably took 3-28 while right-arm quick Kartik knocking off the runs with 88 balls to Tyagi and legspinner Ravi Bishnoi col- spare. lected two wickets apiece. India will play either New Zealand “The pitch was good, and we didn’t or Bangladesh, who meet in the sec- put enough runs on the board,” said Pa- ond semi-fi nal, for the title at the same kistan skipper Nazir. venue on Sunday. Pakistan will contest “I think Haider and I had a great the third-place play-off in Benoni on partnership, we were at a good position Saturday. at the 25-over mark, but Haider got out By Sports Reporter tiative to sponsor the Al Rayyan success.” He went on to add: “We Yashasvi Jaiswal struck an unbeaten at a crucial point, and the rest of the Doha team, hoping that this co-operation are proud to associate the name of 105 off 113 balls, completing his century batsmen weren’t able to take enough will continue in the future. Baladna with this distinguished and sealing the victory in style with a responsibility.” Baladna chairman al-Khayyat team and the Qatar Football Asso- six over deep mid-wicket. He added: “We learn from all our aladna will be the offi - said: “This sponsorship of Al Rayy- ciation, especially as we realise that “It’s a dream come true for me. To be mistakes, and the boys are confi dent cial sponsor of QNB Stars an Sports Club football team comes Qatar will be the host country of able to do this for my country is a great India’s batsman Yashasvi Jaiswal and happy that we played some good League side Al Rayyan for as a part of our Corporate Social Re- the 2022 FIFA World Cup, with the feeling. To score a hundred against celebrates after reaching his cricket in the tournament.” Bthe next two seasons, it was sponsibility policy we have adopted preparations assuring that it will be Pakistan in a World cup semi-fi nal is half-century against Pakistan at the Pakistan, who were back-to-back announced yesterday. in Baladna and all of our companies, the greatest sports event ever under something I can’t put into words,” said Senwes Park in Potchefstroom. champions in 2004 and 2006, haven’t The sponsorship agreement was to take part in serving the Qatari the guidance and leadership of His Jaiswal. beaten India at the U19 World Cup since signed by HE Sheikh Ali bin Saud society and its advancement know- Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim “They bowled well initially and we fours and four sixes as he took over as 2010. al-Thani, the president of Al Rayyan ing that sports is one of the prime bin Hamad al-Thani. wanted to ride that out and we knew we the tournament’s leading runscorer. With political relations on a knife- Sports Club and Moutaz al-Khay- activities our government supports. “This will add another glorious could dominate them after that.” He was ably supported in a leisurely edge, there has been no Test series be- yat, chairman of Baladna Food In- “We consider the success of the chapter to Qatar’s other achieve- Left-hander Jaiswal, who was chase by Divyaansh Saxena who fi n- tween the two countries at senior level dustries. QNB Stars League, with the cali- ments in the fi elds of education, snapped up by the Rajasthan Royals in ished 59 not out, his second fi fty of the since 2007-08 and no white ball series Sheikh Ali praised Baladna’s ini- bre of the players in it, to be our industry, economy, and social life.” the 2020 IPL auction, smacked eight competition. since 2012-13. Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, February 5, 2020 CRICKET

FOCUS SELECTION Maxwell earns recall in Australia’s De Kock helps SA T20I, ODI squads ease to victory against England Reuters makeup of the current top or- ‘IT WAS A GOOD NIGHT. IT FEELS GOOD TO GET BACK TO WINNING WAYS’ Sydney der,” Hohns said. “It is terrifi c to have a back- up player of his calibre in such lenn Maxwell was good form.” recalled to the Aus- All-rounder Mitchell Marsh tralia one-day and was handed another chance to Twenty20 squads steady his stop-start limited- Gfor the tour of South Africa overs career after he impressed yesterday, returning to the in- with the Perth Scorchers. ternational setup for the fi rst “I haven’t played a one-day time since taking a break to game for two years and a T20 deal with mental health issues for a year so it’s certainly nice in October. to be back playing for Australia The explosive all-rounder in white ball cricket,” Marsh was not picked for the January told reporters in Perth. series in India but returns for Batsman Marnus La- the three one-dayers and three buschagne retains his place in Twenty20s in South Africa on the one-day squad after scor- the back of 389 runs at 43.22 in ing 54 and 46 in his fi rst two the domestic Big Bash series. ODI innings on the tour of In- “It is fantastic to have Glenn dia. back in both squads given his Australia start the tour of brilliant form in the middle or- South Africa on February 21 der for the Stars along with his with the fi rst Twenty20 in Jo- results with the ball,” national hannesburg before the one- selector Trevor Hohns said in a day series starts in Paarl on statement. February 29 and concludes Maxwell, 31, told reporters with further matches in Blo- in Melbourne the break did emfontein and Potchefstroom him a world of good. in early March. “I think I’ve come back a fresher player,” he said. ODI SQUAD: Aaron Finch “I think I’ve been able to (captain), Ashton Agar, Alex work out a few things off the Carey, Pat Cummins, Josh fi eld and get mentally right to Hazlewood, Marnus La- perform and play well without buschagne, Mitchell Marsh, any mental scars or anything Glenn Maxwell, Kane Rich- like that going on behind.” ardson, Steve Smith, Mitchell There was no place for the Starc, Matthew Wade, David leading run scorer in the Big Warner, Adam Zampa. Bash, however, with Marcus TWENTY20 SQUAD: Aaron Stoinis’s 612 runs at 55.63 and Finch (captain), Sean Abbott, Player of the tournament hon- Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Pat ours not enough to end his six- Cummins, Mitchell Marsh, month exile from international Glenn Maxwell, Jhye Richard- South Africa’s Quinton de Kock (left) plays a shot as England’s wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow looks on during the first ODI at The Newlands Cricket Stadium in Cape Town yesterday. (AFP) cricket. son, Kane Richardson, Steve “Marcus Stoinis is a standby Smith, Mitchell Starc, Matthew AFP captain Eoin Morgan. “South Africa completely out- player for each squad and was Wade, David Warner, Adam Cape Town played us in every department.” Scorecard unlucky to miss out due to the Zampa. Bavuma made a strong case for a long-term place in South Africa’s one-day team. A veteran of ENGLAND 43-1, Phehlukwayo 8-0-47-1 (3w), uinton de Kock made an ideal start to 40 Tests, he had only played in two previous ODIs, J. Roy c R. Hendricks b Smuts 32 Shamsi 10-0-38-3 (2w), Sipamla his full-time captaincy of South Af- both relatively low-key games in which he made 113 7-0-40-1 (3w) Will use IPL to prepare for rica’s one-day international team yes- against Ireland in 2016/17 and 48 against Bangladesh J. Bairstow c Sipamla b Phehlukwayo World T20: Kohli terday when he hit a century as his side the following season. 19 beatQ England by seven wickets in the fi rst ODI at Batting at number three, Bavuma was largely un- SOUTH AFRICA J. Root run out (Van der Dussen) 17 This is the year of the World IPL as well which is going to Newlands. troubled, hitting the ball crisply, while he and De Q. de Kock b Root 107 T20 and while every team is be a month and a half of T20 E. Morgan c Bavuma b Shamsi 11 De Kock made 107 and Temba Bavuma hit 98 as Kock seemed to have an almost telepathic under- R. Hendricks c Bairstow b Woakes 6 keeping an eye on preparing cricket. So we will probably South Africa chased down an England total of 258 for standing in their rapid running between wickets. Ba- J. Denly c R. Hendricks b B. Hendricks 87 for the showpiece event utilise that, I think, because T. Bavuma lbw b Jordan 98 eight with 14 balls to spare. vuma seemed set for a century until he went back to T. Banton lbw b Shamsi 18 whenever they take the field last year you did not have De Kock and Bavuma shared a second wicket part- Chris Jordan and was trapped in front of his stumps H. van der Dussen not out 38 S. Curran b Shamsi 7 in limited-overs cricket, India much opportunity to prepare nership of 173 off 170 balls, dominating an England by a ball which kept low. “We understood it was pret- J. Smuts not out 7 skipper Virat Kohli has made yourselves apart from the team which included only fi ve of the side that won ty diffi cult to hit boundaries,” said De Kock. “It was C. Woakes c Miller b Sipamla 40 Extras (lb2, w1) 3 it clear that it is also important games that were in front of the World Cup last year. a matter of fi nding a way to get momentum and we T. Curran not out 15 to respect the format and you, but T20s is very diff erent, Total (3 wkts, 47.4 overs) 259 De Kock made his 107 off 113 balls with 11 fours and understood that running hard between the wickets C. Jordan not out 1 there will be enough time to as I said. “IPL is probably the a six, while Bavuma faced 103 deliveries, hitting fi ve was the way to go about it.” Fall of wicket: 1-25 (R. Hendricks), focus on the event that will most competitive tournament fours and two sixes. Joe Denly was largely responsible for England Extras (lb2, nb1, w8) 11 2-198 (De Kock), 3-234 (Bavuma) be played in Australia at the you can ask for as a collective “It was a good night. It feels good to get back to reaching what appeared to be a reasonable total on Total (8 wkts, 50 overs) 258 Bowling: Woakes 9-0-36-1, S. end of the year. “You have and guys will look to get into winning ways,” said De Kock. a slow pitch. Denly made his highest one-day inter- Fall of wickets: 1-51 (Roy), 2-53 Curran 5-0-28-0, Root 7-0-35-1, T. to respect the format, you that frame of mind in that “We had one or two chats about how we want to national score of 87 and helped rescue England from (Bairstow), 3-83 (Root), 4-83 (Mor- Curran 7-0-38-0 (1w), Parkinson have to play according to the tournament and not this take this ODI team forward. Today was a good start — a precarious 131 for six. He and Chris Woakes, who gan), 5-108 (Banton), 6-131 (S. Cur- 8.4-0-48-0, Jordan 5-0-31-1, Denly pace of the 50-over game. We early in a 50-over format but it’s only one game.” South Africa’s team also had made 40 in his 100th one-day international, put on ran), 7-222 (Woakes), 8-254 (Denly) 6-0-41-0 have had five T20s already, because you don’t want to an experimental feel, featuring only six of the squad 91 for the seventh wicket. it’s not that we don’t have a play in a diff erent manner,” he Bowling: who had a dismal World Cup. Left-arm wrist spinner Tabraiz Shamsi did the B. Hendricks 8-0-46-1 Result: South Africa won by seven lot of T20 cricket. We have explained. IANS “We were way off the mark,” admitted England major damage for South Africa, taking three for 38. (1nb), Ngidi 7-0-42-0, Smuts 10-0- wickets

SPOTLIGHT Injured Rohit out of India’s New Zealand tour AFP ODI matches starting today. days,” he said. Wellington For the Test series starting Selectors named Tom Latham February 21, Prithvi Shaw, Agar- as stand-in captain, and to rein- wal and Shubman Gill will be In- force the batting called up Mark dia’s opening options. Chapman, who scored back-to- enior batsman Rohit Prithvi Shaw, 20, returned back centuries against India A Sharma was ruled out of from a doping ban in November last week. India are second in the the rest of India’s tour of last year after playing two Tests ODI rankings, with New Zealand New Zealand with a calf for India against the West Indies third. Sstrain yesterday, while the hosts in 2018. The match in Hamilton will said skipper Kane Williamson Paceman Ishant Sharma also be New Zealand’s fi rst ODI since was also sidelined by injury. returns to the Test team, but will the World Cup fi nal in July last Sharma retired hurt Sunday be subject to fi tness clearance year, which ended with identical after blasting 60 from 41 balls in following an ankle injury during scores and England winning be- India’s seven-run win over the a domestic game in January. cause they hit more boundaries Black Caps in Mount Maunganui New Zealand said Williamson in a tied deciding “super over”. as the tourists swept to a 5-0 win would miss the opening two one- The Black Caps eliminated the in the Twenty20 series. dayers after struggling to shrug heavily favoured Indians in the The Board of Control for off a shoulder injury that kept tournament semi-fi nal, and the Cricket in India (BCCI) said him out of the fi nal two T20 fi x- tourists will be keen to avenge Sharma “sustained a left calf tures. His absence will be a ma- the loss. muscle strain” and would take jor blow to the Black Caps, who no part in the three ODIs and go into the fi rst ODI in Hamilton INDIA TEST SQUAD two Tests yet to be played in New on Wednesday low on confi dence Virat Kohli (captain), Mayank Zealand. after the T20 whitewash. Agarwal, Prithvi Shaw, Shub- “He underwent an MRI scan Team physio Vijay Vallabh said man Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, in Hamilton on Monday... and Williamson hoped to return for Ajinkya Rahane (vice-captain), will be referred to the National the fi nal match of the series in Hanuma Vihari, Wriddhiman Cricket Academy (in Bangalore) Mount Maunganui next week. Saha, Rishabh Pant, Ravichan- for further management of his “Kane has had an X-ray scan dran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, injury,” a BCCI statement said. which cleared him of anything Jasprit Bumrah, Umesh Yadav, The Indian selectors have serious, but it’s best for his re- Mohamed Shami, Navdeep Saini, named Mayank Agarwal as Shar- covery that he avoids aggravat- Ishant Sharma (subject to fitness ma’s replacement in the three ing the joint for the next few clearance). India’s Rohit Sharma (right) retires with an injury during the fifth T20 against New Zealand at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui on Sunday. (AFP) Gulf Times Wednesday, February 5, 2020 3 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT LA LIGA Dembele out with badly torn hamstring I went viral for the to him to be aware of all the de- AFP Madrid mands of top-level football,” De- schamps said. “I don’t think he’s fully aware of them.” rench international for- The latest injury is similar to ward Ousmane Dembele one Dembele suff ered in 2017, wrong reasons, has suff ered a badly torn in his fi rst league start for Bar- hamstring, his club Bar- celona. Then he was out for fi ve celonaF announced yesterday. months with a ruptured tendon “Tests carried out on Tuesday on in his left thigh. There was in- Ousmane Dembele have shown stant sympathy from another that the player has a complete young French striking star. proximal hamstring tear in his “My brother, I know for you right thigh,” the club announced. this must be too much and this says Mourinho “In the next few hours a decision is becoming unbearable, but will be made on the treatment to you have to stay strong in spite be followed for his recovery.” of everything,” tweeted Kylian ‘I was immediately very upset that Sterling didn’t get the red card’ The 22-year-old has struggled Mbappe of France and Paris with hamstring problems. He Saint-Germain. Reuters had only just returned to train- “Of course it’s easier said than London ing from an injury to the right done but I’ll always be there to thigh he suff ered in November support you and I know you’ll before suff ering a fresh problem come back to amaze us.” ottenham Hotspur coach Jose in training on Monday. Barcelona play Napoli in the Mourinho wants Premier League Dembele joined Barcelona Champions League round of referees to use pitchside moni- from Borussia Dortmund in Au- 16 on February 25. France kick tors to make more key decisions, gust 2017 in a deal worth up to off their Euro 2020 campaign Tbut conceded yesterday that watching the 147mn euros. He has played 21 against Germany in Munich on same replays himself can push him over times for France and was part of June 16. Injuries and poor form the edge. the squad that won the World have recently reduced Des- A clip of Mourinho and his assistant Cup in 2018. champs’ attacking options on Joao Sacramento running to confront That year he was also criti- the fl anks and he has used Blaise the fourth offi cial after a video assistant cised for his lifestyle by France Matuidi, a central midfi elder, referee (VAR) decision in Spurs’ 2-0 win coach Didier Deschamps. “It’s up and Mbappe in wide positions. over Manchester City on Sunday has gone viral on social media, and the Portuguese said emotion got the best of him. “I think the fact that now it is allowed to have the screen in front of us is not good for our emotions,” Mourinho told a news conference ahead of today’s FA Cup fourth-round replay against Southamp- ton. “We watch exactly the same (thing) as the VAR and... the referees don’t see it as well as we can. My reaction was just based on being able to watch everything on the screen... but okay, I went viral for the wrong reasons.” Mourinho was unhappy when Raheem Sterling was shown a yellow card instead of red for a foul on Dele Alli and was fur- ther frustrated when the City forward escaped a second booking for simulation after City had missed a VAR-awarded Barcelona’s Ousmane Dembele. (Reuters) penalty. “I was immediately very upset that Sterling didn’t get the red card and then that situation happened again and SERIE A in one minute I was laughing and the next minute fuming,” he said. Mourinho said on-fi eld referee Mike Dean should have taken the call on the Resurgent Napoli penalty himself and that Sterling escap- ing the second booking after going down under slight contact from goalkeeper A clip of Jose Mourinho (right) and his assistant Joao Sacramento running to confront the fourth off icial after a VAR decision in beat Sampdoria Hugo Lloris was another unacceptable Spurs’ 2-0 win over Manchester City on Sunday has gone viral on social media (Reuters) VAR ‘mistake’. “In this moment, the ref- AFP to move 10th, two points off the erees that are in the pitch are not mak- referees have been advised not to use the game, they have to change the name League One Shrewsbury at Anfi eld, Milan Europa League berths. ing the most important decisions of the pitchside monitors to review their own of the VAR and call it VR — video ref- preferring instead to give his full sen- But a return to the Champions game,” he added. “I don’t accept the mis- decisions and are instead overruled by an eree,” said Mourinho. “Give the referee ior squad an extended rest during their League remains a distant hope as takes by the video referee. When I play offi cial watching the game at the league’s the command and give him the possibility two-week winter break from the Premier iego Demme and Eljif Napoli, who also dumped hold- PlayStation I don’t make mistakes, I only VAR hub in London. of going to the screen for the big decisions League. Spurs are also on their winter Elmas scored their fi rst ers Lazio out of the Italian Cup make mistakes when I’m on the touch- A survey released by YouGov yesterday or change the name to VR. I don’t accept break but Mourinho is seeking to win the Serie A goals as Na- last month, remain nine points line. The referee... can make mistakes and showed that 67% of Premier League fans the mistakes by the video referee.” club’s fi rst silverware since 2008. poli followed up last behind fourth-placed Atalanta I have full respect for them because it is believe VAR has made football less enjoy- Mourinho is hopeful Alli can shrug off “I prefer to play tomorrow because to Dweekend’s win over champions and Roma. very, very diffi cult. When they have time able, while supporters are also in favour the ankle injury he suff ered from Ster- have them on holidays would mean we Juventus with a 4-2 victory at Claudio Ranieri’s Sampdo- on the VAR it is more diffi cult to accept of the referee using the pitchside moni- ling’s challenge to face Southampton in were knocked out,” said Mourinho. “It’s Sampdoria on Monday night. ria sit four points above the rel- and we are being punished, very punished tors. an FA Cup fourth-round replay today. another extra eff ort for the boys, but I Gennaro Gattuso’s side claimed egation zone. “We must con- by decisions of the VAR.” “If the referees are not allowed to go to Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is not prefer (to play). We are in the competition back-to-back league wins for tinue to believe,” said Ranieri. In contrast to other European leagues, the screen and take the big decisions of taking charge of his side’s replay against so until we are, we are going to fi ght.” just the second time this season “Quagliarella is playing well.”

AFC matches involving ROUND-UP Chinese teams postponed to April, Two men threatened to ‘kill’ Arsenal midfi elder Ozil wo men threatened to “kill” Mesut Liga matches in which the club picked up just May due to virus scare Ozil when they confronted the Ar- one point. senal midfi elder’s security guards, a Kuala Lumpur: AFC Champions League football London court heard yesterday. The al- TORINO DISMISS COACH MAZZARRI Tleged incident happened outside Ozil’s north AFTER HUMILIATING DEFEATS fixtures featuring Chinese clubs will be delayed to April and May, off icials said yesterday, after London home just weeks after the former Torino parted ways with experienced coach Australia imposed travel restrictions over the World Cup winner was targeted by moped at- Walter Mazzarri after three successive deadly coronavirus outbreak. tackers while driving in the area. defeats, the last two of which saw them con- The games featuring Chinese clubs had been Security guard Kemil Sezer told the court cede a combined 11 goals. The 58-year-old scheduled to be played in Perth and Sydney in that he and a colleague had been protecting Mazzarri will be replaced by Moreno Longo, February and March but were thrown into tur- Ozil, who was inside the house at the time, a former coach of the club’s youth side, and moil following the new curbs. After an emergen- for several weeks. Salaman Ekinci and Ferhat leaves with Torino 12th in Serie A. cy meeting yesterday in the Malaysian capital Ercun deny behaving in a threatening or Torino suff ered their heaviest ever home Kuala Lumpur, the Asian Football Confederation abusive manner outside the house. defeat last month when they were beaten said the games will now be played in April and Assisted by a Turkish interpreter, Sezer 7-0 by Atalanta. The fi nal straw for Mazzarri May. told the Magistrates Court he fi rst saw two came with Sunday’s 4-0 loss at strugglers “We came together in diff icult circumstances men on the evening of August 8 last year Lecce. Mazzarri, who has had spells as to find solutions to allow us to play football while before they returned around three hours coach of Sampdoria, Napoli, Inter Milan and ensuring we protect the safety and security of all later when it was dark. Sezer said the men Premier League side Watford, took charge of players, off icials, stakeholders and fans,” AFC sec- told him: “We’re going to come back in fi ve Torino in January 2018. retary-general Windsor John said in a statement. minutes and if security don’t go from here, Longo, 43, began his playing career at John said representatives of the six member we’re going to kill Mesut Ozil and kill you’. Torino, his hometown club, and returned in a associations involved — Australia, China, Japan, We started chasing them... we got angry coaching capacity in 2009. He took charge of South Korea, Malaysia and Thailand — agreed to because Mesut Ozil, about two to three weeks dan player George Mandela has been banned Perisic, a 2018 World Cup fi nalist, joined Pro Vercelli in Serie B in 2016 and then guided postpone matches involving Chinese clubs that prior, was attacked and we feared that the for life from all football-related activity Bayern in August from Inter Milan to provide Frosinone to promotion to the top tier in the will take place in the first three match days. same thing would happen.” Ozil, who played “given his central role in the conspiracy”, attacking options. He has scored four goals 2017-18 season. Among the matches to be re-arranged Japan’s international football for Germany but is of FIFA said in a statement. so far in the Bundesliga. Bayern are already Vissel Kobe, the club of former Barcelona great Turkish heritage, did not appear at the hear- Kenyan trio Moses Chikati, Festus Okiring struggling with a string of injuries to key COURT ORDERS COMPENSATION FOR Andres Iniesta, will play China’s Guangzhou ing. Ekinci and Ercun, both 27, were present. and Festo Omukoto were all banned for four players. But they have also reclaimed the RONALDO NO-SHOW IN SOUTH KOREA Evergrande on May 26. In selected other games, Asked by prosecutor Sarah Gabay how he felt, years. The bans come after an investigation Bundesliga lead last week and take on Hof- A South Korean court ordered a local promot- Perth Glory will now face Shanghai Shenhua on Sezer said: “Stressed. Mesut Ozil is loved by by FIFA’s Integrity Department into vari- fenheim in the German Cup third round er to compensate fans for Cristiano Ronaldo’s April 28, Sydney FC will play Shanghai SIPG on the Turkish people. “We have that responsi- ous matches played in the Kenyan Premier today. no-show at a friendly match in Seoul last April 29 while Melbourne Victory will play Beijing bility on us to protect him.” League in 2019. year. The Juventus star stayed on the bench FC on May 26. The threats came around two weeks after Mandela was sacked because of the al- ATLETICO DEFENDER TRIPPIER throughout a 3-3 draw with a K-League all- However, Thai side Chiangrai United’s match Ozil and Arsenal teammate Sead Kolasinac legations in February last year by Kakamega UNDERGOES HERNIA OPERATION stars team at the Seoul World Cup Stadium in with Beijing will go ahead as originally planned were ambushed by moped muggers who Homeboyz, who also sacked Ugandan coach England fullback Kieran Trippier has under- July, despite rounds of appeals from a sell-out on February 18 since Beijing are currently in a tried unsuccessfully to steal their £200,000 Paul Nkata. The club from the west of the gone a hernia operation, Atletico Madrid said crowd of 65,000. training camp in South Korea and may not to watches in an unrelated incident. Gabay said country fi nished seventh in last season’s Ken- and so is unlikely to play in the fi rst leg of the Match promoter The Fasta had run adverts be put in quarantine. The East Zone Round of 16 the pair were detained by the guards, who yan Premier League and are currently second Champions League tie against Liverpool. The heavily featuring the Portuguese striker. matches are scheduled for June 16-17 with the also had protection dogs, after they returned this season behind leaders Gor Mahia. English player had initially tried to overcome Tickets — priced from 30,000 won ($25) to return leg on June 23-24. for a third time shortly after midnight before the problem without surgical intervention, 400,000 won — sold out in less than three Australian off icials have confirmed 12 cases of police were called. BAYERN FORWARD PERISIC OUT FOR which did not work. According to the Spanish minutes, with many eager to see the 34-year- coronavirus in the country so far and last week WEEKS AFTER TRAINING INJURY press, the right-back could be out for nearly a old superstar in action. barred the entry of non-Australian citizens arriv- FIFA BAN KENYAN TRIO AND UGANDAN Bayern Munich striker Ivan Perisic will be month. Atletico face holders Liverpool in the Two fans sued The Fasta, accusing it of ing from China. The virus has infected more than PLAYER FOR MATCH-FIXING sidelined for several weeks after fracturing an Champions League round of 16 on February false advertising, and the Incheon District 20,000 people and killed some 425 in China, the Four players found guilty of involvement in ankle bone training, coach Hansi Flick said. 18 in Madrid with the return leg at Anfi eld on Court ruled the promoter should pay them epicentre of the outbreak. It has spread to more match-fi xing in the Kenyan top fl ight have The Croatian 31-year-old was injured during March 11. Trippier has been a regular starter 371,000 won each, the South’s Yonhap news than 24 countries. been given bans by FIFA, one of them for life, a challenge with team mate Alvaro Odriozola at Atletico since arriving from Tottenham in agency reported. No order was made against football’s world governing body said. Ugan- and had to be taken off the pitch in a golf cart. the summer. He missed Atletico’s last three Ronaldo or his club. Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, February 5, 2020 SPORT

FORMULA 1 TENNIS Serena needs fresh approach to surpass I can beat Hamilton Court, says coach

Reuters make it, otherwise she probably London wouldn’t be on a tennis court anymore. She believes she can and I believe it too. She’s not that ormer world number one far, but we have to change a few to title, says Red Serena Williams must things. rethink her approach “Maybe come back with a dif- Fto Grand Slams after ferent angle, strategy and goals her latest bid to win a record- so she can make it. She does feel equalling 24th major prize came positive, she feels negative too unstuck at Melbourne Park, because it’s a failure when she her coach Patrick Mouratoglou doesn’t win a Grand Slam.” has said. The 38-year-old who Mouratoglou said time was not Bull’s Verstappen is looking to match Australian on Williams’ side in the pursuit great Margaret Court’s record, of the record. has reached four Grand Slam fi - “She had everything to retire, ‘I’m very much looking forward to it, everybody’s fired up and everybody’s motivated’ nals since giving birth to daugh- 23 Grand Slam titles... it’s diffi - ter Olympia in 2017 but failed to cult to know how many chances Reuters win any of them. she’ll have, I don’t know how London She arrived at this year’s Aus- long she’s going to be able to tralian Open having won the play, but being able to reach four Auckland Classic title but was Grand Slam fi nals says a lot about ax Verstappen be- beaten by China’s Wang Qiang in her level. lieves he can thwart the third round. “Her level is good enough but Lewis Hamilton’s “We have to accept the fact we have to understand what’s bid for a seventh that it’s not working,” Moura- going on, why she’s not able to MFormula One title this season if toglou told the BBC. win. There’s a big diff erence be- Red Bull give him the tools to do “We have to face reality, tween reaching a fi nal and win- the job. but she’s positive that she can ning one.” The 22-year-old Dutch driv- er won three races last year, fi nishing third overall in the championship, and is not about to be awed by anyone’s repu- tation — even if that person is possibly the greatest driver of all time. “It’s very car-dependent of course in Formula One,” Ver- stappen told reporters at a Red Bull team media event. “Lewis is very good. He is defi nitely one of the best out there, but he’s not God. Maybe God is with him, but he is not God.” Hamilton, 35, is chasing several records this season in- cluding Michael Schumacher’s 91 race wins and seven titles, and has won fi ve of the last six championships with dominant Mercedes. “We really want to mount a challenge to especially Mer- cedes and I think we can do that,” said Verstappen, who last month signed a contract exten- sion to the end of 2023 and has a new English trainer and physio for 2020. He said the new contract had File photo of Red Bull’s Max Verstappen with Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes. Serena Williams has not won a Grand Slam title despite reaching four taken away the hassle of being finals since becoming a mother. asked all the time about his fu- because of his aggressive repu- said Red Bull, who use Honda with Verstappen and Thai team close now to Mercedes,” said ture, removing another poten- tation. engines, would be helped by mate Alexander Albon starting Horner, whose team were third tial distraction. “I’m very much looking for- stable regulations and were pre-season testing in Barcelona overall in 2019. OPINION Verstappen suggested Ham- ward to it, everybody’s fi red up looking to apply the lessons on Feb. 19. “That therefore puts the em- ilton could be vulnerable if put and everybody’s very motivat- learned from 2019 to take the “Honda did such a great job, phasis on the chassis side of under sustained pressure, with ed. Coming off last year, at the fi ght to Mercedes and Ferrari. each introduction of an engine the team... going into this year the Briton having singled out end, we were very competitive,” The new car will have its fi rst last year brought more per- we feel better prepared, earlier, ‘Clay season can Verstappen already last year as said the Dutch driver. track shakedown behind closed formance and more power and than we have certainly in the someone he gave more space to Team boss Christian Horner doors at Silverstone on Feb 12, it feels we’re getting very, very last fi ve years.” help Murray get China virus situation being monitored, says Red Bull boss Horner fi t for Wimbledon’

The Chinese Grand Prix is set FIA and commercial rights “We keep a very close eye on Sanya on March 21. about it now,” said the 22-year- Reuters enough matches to be ready for to be discussed by Formula holder Liberty Media. the situation. I’m sure it will be old. “We just wait for the deci- London grass,” Corretja, now an analyst One this week amid specula- “They are responsible for the on the agenda of Wednesday’s “At the moment we couldn’t sion and see what happens. I for Eurosport, was quoted as tion the April 19 Shanghai health and well-being of not strategy meeting where we’ll send anyone because they don’t worry too much in life.” saying by British media. race could join a growing list just the drivers in Formula One, get the next update,” he added. couldn’t get there,” said Some media reports have sug- ormer world number “If he skips the claycourt sea- of sporting events hit by the but all the staff , all the travel- The Strategy Group is part of Horner. gested also that China could one Andy Murray must son, there’s going to be such a coronavirus. ling members of the media,” the governance of the sport Red Bull’s race-winning Dutch swap dates with Russia, whose build up his fi tness dur- long gap before the grass. I be- The Grand Prix is scheduled as he said. and comprises FIA and For- driver Max Verstappen, ex- race is scheduled for Septem- ing the European clay- lieve he should use clay, not for courtF season but should con- practice, but to get in shape.” the fourth round of what would “I’m sure they’ll take the neces- mula representatives as well as pected to be a title contender ber, but that looks unlikely. be a record 22 race season. sary due diligence before mak- six of the 10 teams. this year, said he was not A spokesman for Sochi Auto- sider skipping the French Open Corretja, who worked with Red Bull team boss Christian ing any commitment about Motor sport has already been concerned about the situation drom and Russian promoter to be fresh for Wimbledon, his Murray in spells between 2008- Horner told reporters that the either delaying or postponing aff ected by the virus, with the as things stood. ROSGONKI told Reuters there former coach Alex Corretja has 11, said skipping the French situation was being carefully or cancelling the race. So we all-electric Formula E series “At the moment it doesn’t look had been no approach of any said. The 32-year-old Briton Open in May would not be a bad monitored and he trusted the have to trust their judgement, at the weekend calling off its too good, but it’s still a long sort and the dates remained as missed the Australian Open due idea if his body was not ready to judgement of the governing their knowledge. Chinese round scheduled for way so I’m not too worried set in the calendar. to a pelvic injury sustained at the play fi ve-set contests. Davis Cup Finals in November “If he feels it can be a little bit and then pulled out of tourna- risky, maybe he should sacrifi ce ments at Montpellier and Rot- the French Open, because it’s BOTTOMLINE terdam. Spaniard Corretja said very demanding,” Corretja said. Murray, who recovered from hip “He should aim for the grass resurfacing surgery to win the season and why not the Olym- Antwerp title in October, should pics again? It’s very special, he prioritise Wimbledon for his loves the feeling there and it’s Grand Slam singles comeback a competition he knows he can having won the title in 2013 and win.” Astana team deny links to 2016. Murray won Olympic singles banned doctor Ferrari “Andy should use clay to get gold at London and Rio. Reuters scribed any diet or treatment, related to in accordance with anti-doping regula- London their performance.” tions and the World Anti-doping Code.” According to Danish publication Poli- Ferrari, 66, on Monday denied the re- tiken, the CADF report states that Ferra- port, calling it a “media hoax” and said he Astana cycling team has de- ri, banned for life in 2012 after failing to he had not been present at a bike race nied any of its riders having any contest a charge from the United States since 1994. “Once again I unfortunately dealings with banned doctor Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) accus- fi nd myself compelled to deny the latest TMichele Ferrari after a leaked ing him of administering and traffi cking media hoax that concerns me,” he said report allegedly linked him to Denmark’s prohibited substances, was at the 2019 on his website. Jakob Fuglsang. Vuelta a Catalunya with Astana. He then went on to make a series of A Cycling Anti-Doping Foundation Astana said it was in touch with CADF statements that contradict what was (CADF) report, leaked to Danish media, and cycling’s governing body the UCI to written in Politiken, one of which was accuses Fuglsang of training with Italian fi nd out more, but said the renewal of its that he used a scooter to accompany Ferrari last year, claims the Kazakhstan license for 2020 means it is in full com- Fuglsang on a training ride. team strongly refute. pliance with its anti-doping obligations. “I have not had any relationship with Fuglsang, one of the team’s highest- “(The team) will collaborate with any athletes from Team Astana for over 10 profi le riders, won the Criterium du “The team requires from all its af- inquiry that could be opened by CADF or years,” he said. “I have never been on a Dauphine and Liege-Bastogne-Liege fi liated riders that they comply all time the UCI,” Astana said. scooter/motorbike in my entire life, let last season. The Kazakhstan-based with all obligations under anti-doping “However, for the time being, no pro- alone motorpacing a cyclist.” team, managed by Alexandre Vinok- regulations, including the prohibition to cedure has been initiated against any The UCI acknowledged it had seen ourov, one of Ferrari’s most high-pro- be associated with banned individuals or rider affi liated to the team. The Astana the media reports before adding: “As of fi le former clients and who was banned doctors,” Astana’s statement said. Pro Team trusts that if the CADF had today, the UCI has not received a report for blood doping in 2007, said it does “Riders are not authorised to consult any evidence of wrongdoing by any rider from the CADF in order to initiate pro- not deal with “suspicious doctors” and any doctors external to the team in order of the team, disciplinary proceedings ceedings against the individuals and the committed to the fi ght against doping. to perform any activity, or to be pre- would have been immediately initiated team mentioned.” Gulf Times Wednesday, February 5, 2020 5 SPORT

NBA NHL Pavelski scores two power-play goals as Leonard, George Stars top Rangers

Reuters turning it to the ice. Referees Los Angeles reviewed the play and deter- mined it was a good goal. Just 16 seconds later, with oe Pavelski had two the Rangers tagged with an- lead Clippers’ rally power-play goals on other penalty for losing the Monday to push the review decision, Jamie Benn Dallas Stars past the dished the puck from behind hostJ New York Rangers 5-3. the net to Pavelski in the high Pavelski, a free-agent slot. Pavelski made no mis- signing for the Stars last take. summer, had been strug- Before the end of the fi rst gling with the puck, scoring period, the Stars were on a to beat Spurs 108-105 his fi rst goal in nine games penalty kill, and Brett How- on Saturday against the New den scored but the referees ‘We don’t care if it’s a blowout or it’s a close one — we need to learn how to do both’ Jersey Devils. waved it off , saying he put Against the Rangers, he the puck in the net with his scored both goals in the fi rst hand. period as the Stars and Rang- The slow-motion replay ers fought to a 2-2 tie heading showed the puck going in into the intermission. off the stick and the call was The fi rst 20 minutes did overturned. not go without controversy. Stephen Johns and Blake The Rangers started the Comeau scored unanswered night with just 2:29 ticked off goals for the Stars in second, the clock when Pavel Buch- chasing Henrik Lundqvist nevich took a sharp-angle from the Rangers net. The shot from the sideboards Stars didn’t let up on Al- and fooled Stars goalie Anton exander Georgiev as Corey Khudobin. Perry fi red a shot past the Pavelski got the Stars on netminder for the fi fth Dal- the board less than six min- las goal. utes later at the 8:08 mark. Brendan Lemieux got one Tyler Seguin rang the puck back for the Rangers but it off the post with a big shot was all they could muster. and John Klingberg got it Khudobin made 33 saves back to Pavelski at the point. for the Stars, who fi red 21 The Rangers disputed the shots at the Lundqvist- goal, claiming Seguin’s shot Georgiev tandem. caromed off the goal cage The Rangers host the To- and hit the netting before re- ronto Maple Leafs today.

Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (right) drives to the basket against San Antonio Spurs forward LaMarcus Aldridge in the first half at Staples Center. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports

AFP go down... that’s all it took.” In Atlanta, the Hawks rallied to pressure RESULTS Los Angeles LaMarcus Aldridge scored 13 of his 27 the Celtics late, but rookie Grant Williams points in the fourth quarter for the Spurs, came up with a couple of big baskets down LA Clippers 108-105 San Antonio but DeRozan, who scored 26, came up the stretch — including a driving layup aul George found his groove just Boston 123-115 Atlanta empty in the fi nal period. with 37.6sec remaining that pushed Bos- in time to help the Los Angeles Brooklyn 119-97 Phoenix ton’s lead to six points. Clippers pull off a 108-105 NBA BUTLER SHINES Jayson Tatum scored 28 points for Bos- Miami 137-106 Philadelphia victory over the San Antonio In Miami, Jimmy Butler exploded for a ton, connecting on 10 of 20 shots from the SpursP on Monday. Sacramento 113-109 Minnesota season-high 38 points against his former fi eld including fi ve of nine from three- George, who made just two of his fi rst Memphis 96-82 Detroit team, doing enough damage to sit out all point range. seven shots, drained four of his last six as Orlando 112-100 Charlotte of the fourth quarter of the Heat’s 137-106 Gordon Hayward added 24 points and the Clippers rallied from a 15-point sec- victory over the Philadelphia 76ers. Jaylen Brown had 21 for the Celtics, who ond-quarter defi cit to snatch the win. New York 139-134 Cleveland Butler’s aggressive game helped the led by as many as 13 before the Hawks Toronto Maple Leafs centre John Tavares (left) in action during Trailing by nine points at halftime, the Dallas 112-103 Indiana Heat overcome the early departures of in- — led by 34 points from Trae Young — their match against the Maple Leafs at the American Airlines Clippers out-scored the Spurs 31-19 in the Golden State 125-117 Washington jured Tyler Herro and Meyers Leonard — slashed the defi cit to three points with Center. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports third period to take an 85-82 lead. who had to be helped from the fl oor with less than four minutes to play. After a back-and-forth battle in the seconds left to give Los Angeles a 106-102 sprained left ankle. The Golden State Warriors, coming off fourth the Clippers emerged with the win lead, the Spurs responding with a three- With Boston’s 123-115 victory over the a 131-112 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers, MLB by three. pointer from Patty Mills before Lou Wil- Hawks in Atlanta, Miami and the Celtics kept things rolling with a 125-117 victory “We don’t care if it’s a blowout or it’s liams made two free throws for the Clip- both fi nished the night with records of over the Wizards in Washington. a close one — we need to learn how to do pers to seal it. 34-15 — eight games behind Eastern Con- Alec Burks came off the bench to score both,” said George, who also pulled down “Defense is key,” said George, who left ference leaders Milwaukee and 1.5 behind 30 points for Golden State, who had six Astros hire Click 12 rebounds and handed out eight assists the game with his nose bleeding in the second-placed Toronto. players score in double fi gures to with- as the Clippers, second in the Western third after taking an elbow from DeMar “I felt great,” Butler said. “More than stand a 43-point performance from Conference, improved to 35-15. DeRozan but returned in the fi nal period. anything I’m super-happy that we got the Washington’s Bradley Beal. Davis Bertans as new GM Kawhi Leonard led the Clippers with 22 “I think defensively we got in a nice lit- Dub (W).” added 19 points for Washington while points and his one-handed dunk — off a tle zone and off ensively it comes down to Bam Adebayo added 18 points, eight Thomas Bryant and Japan’s Rui Hachimu- Reuters Yale with a degree in history, pass from George — put Los Angeles up by us making good shots. rebounds and 11 assists for the Heat, who ra — back in the starting lineup after miss- Los Angeles said in a statement: “I am ex- two with 1:35 to play. “I just found a rhythm,” he said of his scored 41 points in the third quarter to ing 22 games with a groin injury — scored cited to join the Astros family. George drained a jump shot with 13.7 own late surge. “I was able to see the ball blow open the game. 11 points apiece. The Astros are a progressive he Houston Astros and innovative organization hired James Click as with a deeply talented group SPOTLIGHT the club’s new gen- in the front offi ce. I am grate- eral manager, team ful to Jim Crane and the Astros Towner Jim Crane announced for giving me this opportunity on Monday. to help lead this team to more A press conference to in- championships.” LeBron picks Gianna’s number for All-Star Game troduce the 13th general man- Last Wednesday, the Astros ager in franchise history was hired Dusty Baker as manager Reuters James told reporters that he thought of his scheduled for 11:30am ET yes- to replace A J Hinch, who was Los Angeles daughter, Zhuri, as he chose No. 2. terday at Minute Maid Park. fi red on Jan. 13 in the wake of Monday was another day of tributes to Click, 42, most recently was the team’s sign-stealing scan- Kobe Bryant, who died with Gianna and seven the vice president of opera- dal, along with previous gen- os Angeles Lakers forward LeBron others in the crash in the hills of Calabasas, tions for the Rays from 2017- eral manager Jeff Luhnow. James had a choice for the NBA All- Calif. University of Connecticut women’s 19, but he was with the Tampa On the day he was fi red, Star Game later this month in Chi- basketball coach Geno Auriemma wore Bry- Bay organisation for 14 years. Luhnow released a state- cago. ant’s Lakers jersey under his jacket and over He joined the Rays in 2006 ment saying that he accepted LHe could choose to have his team wear his shirt and tie during his team’s home game as co-ordinator of baseball responsibility for the rules No.24 to honour Kobe Bryant, who died Jan- against Oregon. operations, and other roles violations on his watch and uary 26 in a helicopter crash. Or he could opt The Huskies honoured Gianna last week by included director of baseball issued an apology to the or- for his team to wear No 2 to honour Bryant’s placing a No 2 jersey on its bench. Gianna had research and development, ganisation and its fans, al- daughter, Gianna, a budding basketball star said she wanted to one day play at UConn. then director of baseball op- though he denied knowing who died with her famous father and seven Also on Monday, the Lakers took down a erations. rules were being broken at others on a foggy morning in Southern Cali- large public memorial to Bryant across from “James has had an impres- the time. “I am not a cheater,” fornia. the Staples Center on Monday. The team will sive career,” Crane said in a Luhnow said. “Anybody who James, who has a 5-year-old daughter of store the donated items and may relocate the statement. “He is a respected has worked closely with me his own, quickly chose No 2 to honour Gi- memorial or donate it to the Bryant family leader who has progressed in during my 32-year career in- anna. depending on the family’s wishes. this game across all aspects side and outside baseball can “It felt like these last three years were the James said Bryant remains at the top of of Baseball Operations and attest to my integrity.... happiest I’ve ever seen him,” James told re- mind for players on the Lakers, who pulled he has built great relation- “I did not personally direct, porters of his mentor and Lakers predecessor. away for a 129-113 win over the Sacramento ships with both front offi ce oversee or engage in any mis- “I think we all can say that. It was the hap- Kings on Saturday after scoring 81 points in and clubhouse personnel. I conduct. The sign-stealing piest I’ve ever seen him, being able to just be the fi rst half. am thrilled to introduce him initiative was not planned or with his daughters, be with his family.... “The fact that we scored 81 points... in the as our new General Manager directed by baseball manage- “To see him these last three years just be- fi rst 24 minutes, how eerie that was, and then — he is a great addition to the ment.... I am deeply upset ing... y’all see ‘GirlDad,’ the hashtag. I’m both teams’ combined points were 242, (like Astros.” that I wasn’t informed of any a girl dad. My brother right here (Anthony 24 for Kobe and 2 for Gianna), there was some Click, a native of Durham, misconduct because I would Davis) is a girl dad.” weird stuff going on,” James said. N.C., who graduated from have stopped it.” Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, February 5, 2020 SPORT

FOCUS Mahomes takes Kansas ‘WE’VE GOT GUYS THAT TRUST EACH OTHER, THAT’S THE BIGGEST THING. WHERE YOU’RE DOWN BY 24 POINTS City by storm AND YOU DON’T COLLAPSE AS A TEAM, MENTALLY’

DPA Miami

eattle had the Beast Quake, and now Kansas City can claim the Ma- homes Monsoon. SKansas City sent so many fi reworks into the sky when the Chiefs were on their way to win- ning Super Bowl LIV that the pyrotechnics simulated a storm. The National Weather Service tweeted radar images captured when the NFL franchise won its fi rst Super Bowl in 50 years. Thousands of bright green pin- pricks lit the otherwise black im- ages. For the Chiefs themselves, the party raged through the night. At the traditional Super Bowl most- valuable-player news conference on Monday, Kansas City coach Andy Reid wore a Hawaiian shirt and a wry smile. He didn’t do what some winning coaches and players had done in years past, taking the Lombardi Trophy back to their hotel room. “I didn’t re- ally sleep last night,” he said, “but I didn’t spend it with the trophy...” He quickly caught himself. “Well, I did. I spent it with my trophy wife, how’s that?” he said, drawing laughter and ap- plause from the bleary-eyed me- dia, NFL personnel and guests assembled in a ballroom of the league hotel. Then, a peek at the team’s postgame party. “I lis- tened to Pitbull is what I did. He was unbelievable. He’s got great endurance, man, I’ll tell ya.” The true entertainer Sunday night was Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, named Super Bowl MVP even though his per- formance was far from fl awless. He had the steady hand down the stretch to lead the Chiefs to Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (centre) celebrates after beating the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LIV at Hard Rock Stadium. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports victory, orchestrating the team’s third consecutive postseason never out of it.” Said Mahomes, ball, do what I do,” Mahomes comeback. who at 24 years and 138 days is said. “And then going to Texas In the AFC divisional round the youngest quarterback to be Tech and coach Kingsbury same against Houston, the Chiefs ral- named Super Bowl MVP: “We’ve way. Obviously working on the lied from a 24-0 defi cit against built a brotherhood with this fundamentals and everything the Houston Texans. Then, in team, I think that’s the biggest like that, but still letting me be the conference championship thing. You can see it in how we who I am. game against Tennessee, Kansas play, and how we support each “Now with coach Reid, know- City dug its way out of a 10-point other.” ing the right time to kind of rein hole. And again, on the biggest That extends beyond the team. me in, but (at) the same time let- stage against San Francisco, the At least three teammates from ting me be who I am. I think that Chiefs fell behind by 10 before his high school in Whitehouse, having all those coaches that outscoring the 49ers, 21-0, in the Texas, attended the Super Bowl, supported me and let me be who fi nal 6:13 minutes. as did Adam Cook, his former I am has helped me get to where “We have explosive players,” coach at Whitehouse High. Last I’m at today.” Reid said. “We’ve got guys that week, after a reporter informed Cook, who attended the morn- trust each other, that’s the big- Arizona Cardinals coach Kliff ing news conference with his gest thing. Where you’re down Kingsbury that Cook did not wife, Julie, downplayed his role by 24 points and you don’t col- have a ticket to the game, he in the development of the star lapse as a team, mentally. They bought one for Cook. Kings- quarterback. “People say, ‘Man, keep fi ring. And then the defence bury recruited Mahomes out of you did a good job. You helped rallies. Then special teams rally. Whitehouse and coached him at him get here,’” Cook said. “I say, Somewhere along the line, each Texas Tech. ‘Nah, I didn’t do any of that. I group has had that opportunity “I’ve been blessed, from high just got to stand on the sideline to change a game... school with coach Cook let- and watch him do this stuff a lit- “With Pat and the receivers, ting me be who I am, letting me tle bit earlier than y’all did. I’ve his guys, you know that you’re scramble around and throw the been watching this for a while.’” Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid (centre) celebrates after winning the Super Bowl LIV. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports

SPOTLIGHT REPORT Chiefs’ Nnadi pays dog adoption Super Bowl TV audience rises slightly to 99.9mn viewers fees to mark Super Bowl win Reuters Los Angeles AFP Los Angeles unday’s Super Bowl broadcast on Fox at- tracted an average TV audience of 99.9mn ansas City defensive lineman Derrick Nnadi hopes to people, a 1.7% increase from last year’s US spread the joy of the Chiefs’ Super Bowl win by pick- football championship, according to pre- ing up the adoption fees for dogs at a Kansas City res- liminaryS Nielsen data released on Monday. cue group. Fox, owned by Fox Corp, said the average view- K“We’re so honored to partner with @DerrickNnadi who is ership reached 102mn when the network added sponsoring the adoption fees of all of our adoptables dogs at people watching a Spanish-language simulcast and our locations!” the Kansas City Pet Project posted on its web- streaming the game on Fox, NFL and Verizon plat- site. “What an incredibly generous gesture and we want to forms. An overall view of the stadium during the thank Derrick for his support all season long.” Although the TV ratings rebounded from the opening kick of Super Bowl LIV: PICTURE: USA CNN reported the gesture — announced after the Chiefs beat 98.4mn Super Bowl viewers in 2019, the audience TODAY Sports the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday in the NFL championship ranked as one of the lowest in a decade, the Nielsen game in Miami — would cover the adoption fees of more than data showed. TV viewership for the game peaked at in any society want to be part of what’s happening.” 100 dogs. 114.4mn in 2015. Ads during the Super Bowl featured another na- The group’s adoption fee normally runs about $150, and In Miami on Sunday the Kansas City Chiefs’ tional rivalry: that between two competing presi- a spokesperson told ESPN that 20 dogs had been adopted 24-year-old quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, led dential candidates. Republican President Don- through the program as of Monday afternoon — about double his team to a stunning 31-20 win over the San Fran- ald Trump and Democratic presidential hopeful the number that might usually be adopted on an average work cisco 49ers — the Chiefs’ fi rst championship since Michael Bloomberg spent up to $11mn each to ap- day. the 1969 season. Mahomes was one of the draws for peal directly to voters, which was unprecedented in “All my life, I always wanted a dog,” Nnadi, an American of this year’s viewers, as were the commercials and a Super Bowl history. Nigerian descent, told CNN. “Growing up, I didn’t have a pet; halftime show featuring performances by Shakira Other notable ads — which averaged up $5.6mn my parents didn’t really allow pets.” and Jennifer Lopez. for a 30-second slot this year, according to Fox Corp He fi nally got a dog, Rocky, in his fi nal year of college. “The viewership of the Super Bowl averages — included Planters’ mascot Mr. Peanut, who died “When I fi rst got him, he was very timid,” Nnadi said. “It about 53% male and 47% female — this year it might and was reborn, and football star Tom Brady’s ap- made me think of how other animals, whether they’re owned have even been closer,” said Dennis Deninger, a pro- pearance in an ad for streaming service Hulu. or in a shelter, are feeling scared and alone.” fessor who teaches sports communication at Syra- “The Super Bowl is a cultural event more so than During the NFL regular season, he partnered with the shel- cuse University. “During the regular season those it is a sporting event,” said Brandon Brown, a clini- ter to pay for the adoption fee for one hard-to-adopt dog after Kansas City Chiefs’ Derrick Nnadi celebrates after winning the Super percentages are a bit off . For the Super Bowl there cal assistant professor of sport management at New each Chiefs victory. Bowl LIV. (Reuters) are so many other reasons to tune in. Most people York University’s School of Professional Studies. Gulf Times Wednesday, February 5, 2020 7 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT FOUCS Russian athletics federation Doha to kick off FINA board resigns

AFP Moscow

he entire board of Rus- sia’s athletics federa- CNSG Marathon Swim tion has resigned as the government attempts to Tfi nd a way out of the country’s deepening doping crisis before this year’s Olympic Games. The federation (RUSAF) and the Rus- sian sports ministry announced late Monday that the board was World Series 2020 handing over its powers to a working group within the Rus- sian Olympic Committee as all Doha will host the elite-level 10km men and women races for the third consecutive year of its members resign. The decision has been made atar Swimming Association “as RUSAF activities have not (QSA) will organise the fi rst led to the reinstatement of the meet of the FINA /CNSG federation in World Athletics”, Marathon Swim World Series and to “ensure participation of 2020,Q which will see participation of clean Russian athletes in inter- world’s best long-distance swimmers national and Russian competi- at Doha’s stunning Katara Beach on tion”, the joint statement said. February 15. “It’s clear that the crisis in It will be the third consecutive year Russian athletics has gone on when the elite-level 10km men and for fi ve years and it has gone on women races will be held in the Qatari too long,” Sports Minister Oleg capital, which is also home to multiple Matytsin, who was appointed FINA Swimming World Cups and the last month, was quoted as say- 2014 FINA World Swimming Champi- ing. Russia has been suspended onships. since 2015 over a doping scandal QSA, with the hosting of the major and was fi ghting for readmission swimming events, is preparing to de- to the global athletics body. liver the successful 2023 FINA World But the readmission process Aquatics Championships. “The FINA was suspended last year as Rus- Marathon Swim World Series is another sia was accused of obstructing major event which the QSA is organising a probe into high jumper Danil on annual basis as we are getting ready Lysenko. World Athletics also to stage the World Aquatics Champion- stopped reviewing which Rus- ships in 2023,” QSA President Khaleel sians can compete as neutrals al-Jabir said in a statement. with less than six months to go “We have an experienced team which before Tokyo 2020. works tirelessly to deliver successful Both RUSAF and the former competitions. Like last two meets in sports minister denied any Corniche waters, I am confi dent this wrongdoing. Frustration with year’s marathon at the spectacular Ka- RUSAF reached boiling point af- tara Beach will also be an experience to ter the Athletics Integrity Union remember for the swimmers, offi cials last week accused Russia of seri- and the spectators,” he added. ous violations and recommend- “Our main goal is to promote swim- ed “severest possible conse- ming in the entire region and I am hope- quence” but the federation once ful that the QSA will organise the World again protested total innocence. Aquatics Championships 2023 in a way Under new minister Matytsin, that it will leave a lasting legacy,” said Russia has to provide World al-Jabir. The FINA /CNSG Marathon Athletics with an answer on the Swim World Series 2020 includes 10 Leading marathon swimmers, including many Olympic and World champions will compete in the FINA /CNSG Marathon Swim World Series in Doha. Lysenko probe by February 10. stops and the Doha event will be fol- Yesterday a commission of lowed by races in Victoria (SEY), Bu- women races will complete four laps of 2012, 2014 and 2018 won the women’s ready registered for the Doha Open ruary 14, will consist of three age group athletes in RUSAF, including dapest (HUN), Setubal (POR), Lac St. 2.5km each to cover a distance of 10km. race while Florian Wellbrock (GER) was Water Challenge, which will take place categories and diff erent distances: 400m world champions high jumper Jean (CAN), Lac Megantic (CAN), Ohrid Kristof Rasovszky (HUN) and Rachele victorious in the thrilling men’s race. a day before the marathon. QSA in col- for boys and girls aged 11-14, 800m for Maria Lasitskene and hurdler (MKD), Nantou (TPE), Chun’An (CHN) Bruni (ITA), who will defend their over- Both the swimmers will take part in the laboration with the FINA holds this boys and girls aged 15-17, and 1,200m for Sergei Shubenkov, said disband- and Hong Kong (HKG). all men and women titles respectively fi rst meet to defend their Doha titles. event – open to everyone over the age of boys and girls aged 18 and over. The en- ing the board was “the only right Almost all the leading marathon this year, have confi rmed their partici- The fi nal list of participants for Feb- 11 years old – to give unique experience tries and registration are accepted either decision and crucial to return swimmers including many Olympic pation for the FINA /CNSG Marathon ruary 15 races will be announced soon. to the home swimmers. During this through e-mail to: swimming@olympic. Russian athletics into the global and World champions will compete in Swim World Series Doha (QAT) 2020. competition, the participating athletes qa or at the Qatar Swimming Association sports community”. Time is run- the season-opening meet, with around Last year in Doha, Ana Marcela Cun- DOHA OPEN WATER CHALLENGE get the same facility and full services as offi ces on the 7th fl oor (Olympic Tower ning out for Russia’s athletes, 200 athletes from 28 countries already ha (BRA) - the overall winner of FINA TO ATTRACT HUGE PARTICIPATION elite athletes receive. in West Bay) from 9am-12pm or 5pm- who risk missing their second signed up. Swimmers in both men and Marathon Swim World Series in 2010, Over one hundred swimmers have al- The event, which will be held on Feb- 7pm till February 10, 2020. Olympic Games since 2016.

RUGBY SIX NATIONS Ireland ‘brimming with confi dence’ England’s Tuilagi ruled out of Scotland clash

AFP ahead of Wales clash, says Farrell London

AFP Dublin anu Tuilagi will miss England’s Six Nations clash with Scotland because of a groin strain but is reland coach Andy Farrell expected to be fi t to face Ireland says his side are brimming Mlater this month, head coach Eddie Jones with confi dence ahead of said yesterday. The Leicester centre, who their match with Grand Slam has been bedevilled by injury problems dur- Iholders Wales after launching ing his career, limped off just 16 minutes into their Six Nations campaign with Sunday’s 24-17 loss to France. victory against Scotland. The But while Jones confi rmed that the centre 44-year-old Englishman over- will miss Saturday’s clash at Murrayfi eld, saw an edgy 19-12 win in his fi rst the coach is optimistic the 28-year-old match in charge since replacing will return for the rest of the tournament. Joe Schmidt at the weekend. “Manu had his MRI scan last night and he “They can’t wait to get back on has a slight, low-grade adductor strain. “Scotland are a niggly side. Our historical son targeting George Ford, prompting Owen the pitch,” Farrell said at Ireland’s We’re hopeful he’ll be fi t for Ireland (on Feb- record against Scotland is interesting — over Farrell to defend his team-mate. training base. “We are in a good ruary 23). It’s very good news, outstanding 80 per cent wins in England but only 50 per Asked for an example of “niggly” con- place. We are brimming with news,” Jones said. cent at Murrayfi eld,” he said. duct, Jones replied: “The dressing-room confi dence for what we know will Tuilagi’s absence robs England of their “It’s about having good focus, good at- scene two years ago when they tried to be a really tough game. We know most powerful player behind the scrum and tention to the moment, good clarity about goad a couple of our players. And they were they are Grand Slam champions his exit against the French resulted in a lack your game-plan, being well prepared. And successful. Historically they’ve done that and World Cup semi-fi nalists. of fi repower, with Billy and Mako Vunipola we’ll start with that today (Tuesday).” through the ages. That’s the way they stay We know what is coming but we already missing. Jonathan Joseph came on as Two years ago England were thumped 25- in the game and they’re good at it. The Mur- are excited for what is coming.” Coach Andy Farrell included Peter O’Mahony for Ireland’s Six Nations his replacement at the Stade de France and is 13 at Edinburgh in a defeat that exposed glar- rayfi eld environment helps them but you’ve The former England rugby clash with reigning Grand Slam champions Wales. competing with Ollie Devoto to deputise at ing breakdown defi ciencies and launched a got to be good enough to stay focused, be on league and union international outside centre. fi ve-Test losing run that placed Jones’ future task, do what you need to do.” said Ireland could be more clini- when he came off the bench,” he ness coming onto ball, nice soft England boss Jones branded Scotland in doubt. When the teams walked through Anthony Watson was a late withdrawal cal in attack and improve their said. “I thought he had been out- hands.” “niggly” ahead of the Calcutta Cup show- the tunnel to the changing rooms after their from the team for the Six Nations opener decision-making as he prepares standing all week in training and With Doris unavailable for down, undeterred by how his threat of “bru- warm-up, a brawl erupted that was pro- because of a calf issue but he was due to them to face Wales, who began it rolled over into his perform- Saturday’s match in Dublin, CJ tal physicality” against the French backfi red. voked by Scotland number eight Ryan Wil- resume full training yesterday. their campaign under new boss ance.” Stander switches to replace him Wayne Pivac with a 42-0 thump- Farrell’s other change to his in the number-eight position, ing of Italy. starting XV for the visit of Pivac’s with the experienced O’Mahony Farrell said he did not believe men is to bring in Robbie Hen- coming in to win his 66th cap at Williams set to miss most of Wales’ Six Nations campaign Scotland had been given the shaw at outside centre in place blindside fl anker. credit they deserved. “I have not of the injured Garry Ringrose. London: Wales back Liam Dublin on Saturday. considered for the match start. The 24-year-old excelled seen them play as well for a long Ringrose was taken off at half- IRELAND SQUAD (15-1) Williams is set to miss the Six They have not tasted victory against England on March 7 and as a second-half replacement time, they were ferocious,” he time against the Scots with a Jordan Larmour; Andrew Con- Nations games against Ireland there in the Six Nations since the final game against Scotland against Italy, scoring a brilliant said. “We have to manage that hand problem and has also been way, Robbie Henshaw, Bundee and France this month after 2012. “Liam’s struggling a bit at the following week. While Wil- solo try as Wales crushed the type of situation this weekend.” ruled out of Ireland’s trip to face Aki, Jacob Stockdale; Johnny struggling to recover from an the moment,” said Hayward. “It liams remains sidelined, Wales Azzurri. Farrell has kept changes to a England at Twickenham later Sexton (capt), Conor Murray; CJ ankle injury, defence coach (Saturday’s game) is a little bit centre Owen Watkin, scrum-half If Tompkins is promoted off minimum. Caelan Doris will miss this month. Stander, Josh van der Flier, Peter Byron Hayward said yesterday. early for Liam. We are possibly Gareth Davies and hooker Elliot the bench, it would seem likely the game because of a head inju- Leinster back-row Max O’Mahony, James Ryan, Iain The Saracens star has not looking at the fourth or fifth Dee are all back in training fol- that George North would revert ry, with Peter O’Mahony recalled Deegan could make his debut Henderson; Tadhg Furlong, Rob played since suff ering the prob- games in the championship. lowing recent injuries. to his familiar wing position to the starting line-up. The Ire- from the bench, while wing Keith Herring, Cian Healy lem during training before the Leigh Halfpenny had a great Wales head coach Wayne from outside centre. “Nick land boss said the performance Earls is also included among World Cup semi-final against game last weekend at full-back, Pivac is due to name his start- made an impact and certainly of veteran O’Mahony, who came the replacements. “We think he Replacements: Ronan Kelleher, South Africa last year. Wales, though it would be nice to get ing line-up tomorrow for the put his hand up for selection,” on early for Doris against Scot- (Deegan) has all the attributes Dave Kilcoyne, Andrew Porter, who started their Six Nations Liam back.” Ireland game, with reports that Hayward said. “He took to the land, meant he had few qualms of a great back rower,” said Far- Devin Toner, Max Deegan, John defence with a 42-0 victory According to Hayward’s Saracens centre Nick Tomp- international stage like he had about starting the 30-year-old. rell. “We feel he is ready. He has Cooney, Ross Byrne, Keith Earls against Italy, face Ireland in timescale, Williams could be kins will be handed a first Test been there for many years.” “I thought he did really well ball-playing abilities, his aware- Coach: Andy Farrell (ENG) Wednesday, February 5, 2020 GULF TIMES SPORT

SCHOOL OLYMPIC PROGRAM ORGANISES PARALYMPIC DAY

he organising commit- (SOP), off ers the students an on the occasion. tee of the 13th edition opportunity to take part in vari- The SOP is held annually as a of the School Olympic ous sporting events. Al Shafal- collaborative eff ort to encourage Program (SOP) con- lah Centre, Qatar Paralympics hundreds of student athletes Tducted the Paralympic Day for Committee and number of competing from all over Qatar. children with special needs at schools took part in the event. It aims to spread a culture of the Qatar Sport Club yesterday. Dr Thani bin Abdulra- sports through Qatar’s schools The event, which is jointly hamn al-Kuwari, the Second and to engage the entire com- organised by the Qatar Olympic Vice-President of the QOC, munity in active and healthy Committee (QOC) and the Jassim bin Rashid al-Buenain, lifestyles, while retaining local organising committee of the Secretary-General of the QOC values and traditions. Schools Olympic Program and other offi cials were present PICTURES: Jayan Orma

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Qatar Pro Wrestling Superslam II to be held Qatar organised at Lusail Sports Arena on February 21 exceptional World atar Pro Wrestling (QPW) is Championships: bringing back the second edi- tion of the highly sought-after pro-wrestling championship, IAAF chief Coe SuperslamQ II, to be held at Lusail Sports Arena on February 21. Super Slam II in- QNA cludes a lineup of World Wrestling leg- Budapest ends including The Great Khali, Kevin Nash, Mark Henry, and ‘Road Warrior’ Animal. nternational Association of This pro wrestling extravaganza will Athletics Federation (IAAF) see fans witness their favourite wrestling president Sebastian Coe superstars live in action including Alber- praised Qatar’s hosting of to del Rio, Rob Van Dam, PJ Black, Brian Ithe World Athletics Champion- Cage, Nzo, Matt Sydal, Rich Swann, Chris ship last year, calling it ‘excep- Raaber, Alofa, Caprice Coleman, Brian tional’ Pillman Jr, Apolo, Carlito, Chris Masters, Coe was speaking at the In- Matt Cross, Johnny Storm, Jody Fleisch, ternational Federation of Sports Apolo Jr, Dos Caras, White Eagle, Tristan Journalism Awards ceremony Archer and Mil Muertes. held at the Hungarian capital Fans from across the Middle East and Budapest, where he received the North Africa can expect the most thrill- Best Press Facilities award on ing and adrenaline-pumping show to ever behalf of the a World Athletics take place in Qatar this year, as wrestlers Championship Doha. compete over four championship title Coe expressed his gratitude matches; The QPW Tag Team, QPW King for the role of the IAAF and the of Ladder, the QPW Middle East, and the Supreme Organising Committee QPW World Titles. of the World Championships in The current QPW World Title Cham- Doha, in facilitating the task of pionship holder is the Mexican Ameri- media people to cover the event. can professional wrestler Alberto del Rio. Coe said: “Qatar’s edition of IAAF President Sebastian Coe Tickets are available online on the QPW- the World Athletics Champion- received the Best Press Facility wrestling.com website for QR 70-Bronze ships was an exceptional one by of the Year award on behalf of ticket, QR150-Silver, QR250-Gold, all standards in terms of organi- IAAF World Championships QR500-Platinum and a VVIP pass for sation, technical level and high Doha organising committee at QR1,000. Fans can also buy their tickets quality. I think the tournament the International Federation from the dedicated ticket booth at Doha has crossed the time barrier it of Sports Journalism Awards Festival City. ever to take place outside the US. We are host to the Exclusive Meet and Greet for WhatsUpDoha, and Marhaba. was held in, as it had another di- ceremony in Budapest. The fi rst edition of Superslam was a currently expecting an attendance of over fans to meet the wrestlers fi rst hand. Qatar Pro Wrestling is the fi rst and only mension in the fi eld of sustain- sold-out event, and tickets for the Su- 10,000 fans; and we look forward to wel- Dusit Doha Hotel, the 5-start luxury professional wrestling association in the ability, which made it a unique we achieved together during the perslam II are selling fast. This family coming everyone at Lusail Sports Arena property located in West Bay Doha is the Middle East. edition throughout the history of organisation of this tournament. event is promising to be even bigger, get- for a sporting experience like no other. ” Hospitality Partner for the event along Founded in 2013, QPW brings super- all the world championships.” We are proud of this great suc- ting organisers to shift the venue to the The event will also be playing live on with supporting media partners: News- star wrestlers from around the world to He added: “I receive the cess and thank everyone who Lusail Sports Arena due to high demand. Fite TV for a subscription fee for those paper Partner Gulf Times, exclusive Fili- premiere in incredible wrestling shows award on behalf of the Organis- contributed to it with work and Ali Ahmad al-Marafi , Chairman of who would like to watch it from home. pino Radio Partner Qabayan Radio, Of- with large scale productions throughout ing Committee in Qatar and the eff ort, from the work team, and QPW, said: “This is going to be the biggest Qatar Pro Wrestling has partnered Doha fi cial Digital Partner ILoveQatar, Digital the Arab World. Tickets can be bought at IAAF, and I believe it refl ects we thank Qatar for providing us gathering of world professional wrestlers Festival City as Platinum Partner and Media Partners Qatar Living, QL Lifestyle www.qpw-wrestling.com the scale of achievement that with all facilities.”