Sport

WEDNESDAY 3 MARCH 2021 AlA Shaqab teams go the extra mile tto keep premier events safe The only real challenge was battling the pandemic threat. Our ridersr and fans are safe and that’s what matters. There are other technicalt logistics challenges but we have gotten used to tackling them.t All the riders arrived last week. Omar Al Mannai, Event Director, and Commercial Sport | 11 Manager, Al Shaqab AMIR CUP BASKETBALL: Al Arabi SC (O. Seck 26) beat Al Shamal 86-76; Al Sadd SC (K. Vasileiadis 30) beat Al Rayyan 98-85 Qatar Total Open: Qualifiers Siegemund and Pegula pull off upsets

WTA Qatar Total Open Results Women's Singles Jabeur sets up Pliskova clash Round of 32 , United States, def. , China, 6-3, 6-1. , Germany, def. Elena as Keys makes winning return Rybakina, Kazakhstan, 7-6 (7), 7-6 (5). , Tunisia, def. , Russia, 6-2, 6-2. FAWAD HUSSAIN Ons Jabeur of Tunisia returns the Laura Siegemund of Germany in THE PENINSULA ball to Russia's Anna Blinkova action against of , Russia, def. during their singles match on the Kazakhstan yesterday. Kristyna Pliskova, Czech Republic, 6-2, Doha fans love Ons Jabeur and second day of the WTA Qatar Total 6-3. the Tunisian star doesn’t let Open at Khalifa International , United States, def. them down. Yesterday also the and Squash Complex yesterday. (6), Switzerland, 6-4, World No.31 brought her 6-1. A-game to the Khalifa Interna- tional Tennis and Squash , Japan, def. , Complex and produced a China, 6-4, 6-3. quality win. Jabeur – the highest-ranked Today's Order of Play Arab women ever – showed Centre Court dominating performance to Starts at 02:30 PM stop the qualifier juggernaut on Round of 16 second day of the Qatar Total L. Siegemund (GER) vs V. Azarenka Open, which saw qualifiers (BLR) (8) Laura Siegemund and Jessica FOLLOWED BY Pegula pulling off upsets in first A. Pavlyuchenkova (RUS) vs P. Kvitova round. (CZE) (4) Backed by powerful serves FOLLOWED BY and deadly dropshots, Jabeur E. Svitolina (UKR) (1) vs M. Doi (JPN) thrashed Russian qualifier Anna NOT BEFORE 6:00 PM Blinkova 6-2, 6-2 in 1 hour 8 stop Rybakina from making a Meanwhile, the top four A. Sabalenka (BLR) (3) vs minutes to set up a rematch comeback in the match. seeds – who got a bye into G. Muguruza (ESP) with second seed Karolina In the second set, the second round – will be seen FOLLOWED BY Pliskova – the 2017 champion 32-year-old missed a match in action from today with – whom the Tunisian shocked point serving at 5-3, and mouth-watering second round O. Jabeur (TUN) vs K. Pliskova (CZE) (2) in the third round last year. another at 5-4, but sealed clashes on the roster. Court A Jabeur, after drawing huge victory with a service winner. will begin Starts at 02:30 PM crowd support last year, American qualifier Pegula her title defense against Round of 16 reached to the quarter-finals – a World No. 44 – relatively former World No.1 Garbine A. Kontaveit (EST) vs A. Kerber (GER) but this time, the 26-year-old had a comfortable victory as she Muguruza, who defeated FOLLOWED BY is eyeing a title. knocked out China’s Wang in J. Ostapenko (LAT) vs J. Pegula (USA) “Now, I feel like I have the Qiang 6-2, 6-1. The 27-year-old, straight sets. FOLLOWED BY level to compete in quarters, who reached Top seed M. Sakkari (GER) vs M. Keys (USA) semi-finals. I know I can go as quarter-final last month, will also start her campaign Doubles Quarter-final far as I can in this tournament,” needed just just one hour and for maiden title in Doha today B. Mattek-Sands (USA), J. Pegula Jabeur told reporters yesterday US Open finalist Madison Keys “I was able to dictate with 15 minutes to beat the World with a game against Misaki (USA) vs N. Melichar (USA), after beating Blinkova, who she made a strong return to the my a little bit better No.35 and advanced into the Doi, lucky loser from the qual- D. Schuurs (NED) (2) regarded as ‘ very good’ player. Tour, dispatching sixth-seeded today, so I think that was second round. ifying stage. Japan’s Doi Court B “Anna was playing really Swiss Belinda Bencic 6-4, 6-1 probably why (I won). I think I Also yesterday, Anastasia recorded her first main round Starts at 02:30 PM good. She qualified. She had in one hour and seven minutes. just served really well and kept Pavlyuchenkova defeated qual- win in Doha, beating China’s Quarter-final more matches than me, so it The World No.19 playing her the pressure on her on the ifier Kristyna Pliskova 6-2, 6-3 Saisai Zheng 6-4, 6-3 in yes- B. Krejcikova (CZE), K. Siniakova (CZE) (1) was a tricky match. I’m glad that first match since September, hit return games,” she added. in 75 minutes. terday’s last match. vs K. Bertens (NED), L. Pattinama I handled it really well today.” 24 winners against 13 for World Keys will meet Greek Maria The Tunisian said she was No.12 Bencic, who lost to Iga Sakkari in her second round Jessica Pegula of the United Kerkhove (NED) eyeing a repeat show against Swiatek in the final of the match today. States in action during her NOT BEFORE 4:00 PM Pliskova, who she said will be Adelaide International on match against China's Wang Quarter-final looking to avenge her last year’s Saturday. Siegemund and Pegula Qiang yesterday. A. Klepac (SLO), IND S. Mirza (IND) defeat. Keys was playing for the dazzle vs TBD “All players are tough. It’s a first time after her early exit at Quarter-final small draw, so everyone is the . The 26-year- Earlier yesterday, World M. Niculescu (ROU), J. Ostapenko playing really good. I want to old missed the Australian Open No.56 Siegemund displayed one (LAT) vs L. Siegemund (GER), E. win again here like last year. after testing positive for the of her best performances, Vesnina (RUS) You know, it’s going to be like coronavirus shortly before she stunning World No.23 Elena a very tricky match. I’m sure was due to fly to Melbourne on Rybakina - 7-6 (7), 7-6 (5) – she’s (Pliskova) gonna come on a charter flight. after two action packed sets court really hungry to win, “I’m really happy with how which lasted for two hours and wants her revenge. But I will be I came out and played today. 29 minutes. ready for that,” she added. I’m a little bit surprised with Kazakhstan’s Rybakina myself but hoping to keep the went into the match confident, Keys wins on return to Tour momentum going tomorrow. leading the German 2-0 in their It’s amazing to be back. I’m previous matches. But, After Jabeur advanced to the smiling under my mask,” Keys Siegemund was ahead in both second round, America’s former told reporters yesterday. the games and fought hard to

Amir Cup: Al Duhail, Al Rayyan enter semis Al Rayyan's Yohan Boli celebrates his double. THE PENINSULA – DOHA “We have to change our mentality after winning the Qatar’s football giants Al Qatar Cup, we are living Duhail and Al Rayyan through moments of cele- advanced to the semi-finals bration and we have to of Amir Cup after winning move from this stage. In my their respective quarter- view Al Gharafa is one of finals yesterday. the best teams currently in Al Duhail blanked Al Qatar and they have Shamal 2-0 at the Suhaim become a lot better with bin Hamad Stadium, while their coach Slavisa Al Rayyan progressed after Jokanovic,” said Xavi. identical win over Al The coach added: “Our Kharaitiyat at Abdullah Bin clash with Al Gharafa is a Khalifa Stadium. final, and we have to focus AMIR CUP Kenyan striker Michael more and continue on our QUARTER-FINALS Olunga (45+3) and Abdulla path.” YESTERDAY'S RESULTS Al Ahraq (89) were the Al Duhail's Michael Olunga vies for the ball against Al Shamal players yesterday. “My message to the Al Duhail beat Al Shamal 2-0 scorers for QNB Stars players now is that we Al Rayyan beat Al Kharitiyat 2-0 League champions Al should not be inactive or TODAY'S FIXTURES Duhail last evening. strike in first half stoppage time silverware of the ongoing football lazy. An important match awaits Al Gharafa vs Al Sadd Star-studded Al Duhail failed to put Al Duhail ahead before Al season after an impressive win. us, we have to come out of this At Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium to assert their supremacy over Ahraq put the result beyond doubt Defending champions Al Sadd, atmosphere. It is good that the Kick off at 4:50pm their rivals, more so in the first in the closing stages of the game. who defeated Al Arabi in the final victories continue, but we have Al Sailiya vs Al Arabi half where the Al Shamal pro- Meanwhile, Yohan Boli (45+1 last December will face Al Gharafa to be aware of the importance At Suheim Bin Hamad Stadium duced a solid show in defence. and 83) scored two goals as Al today, with coach Xavi Hernandez of the next match,” Xavi also Kick off at 7:15pm Eventually, it took an Olunga Rayyan stayed in hunt for their first terming it ‘final’. said. WEDNESDAY 3 MARCH 2021 SPORT 11

Al Shaqab teams go the LGCT family delighted to see extra mile to riders back for new season keep premier

RIZWAN REHMAT events safe THE PENINSULA

The new Longines Global Cham- RIZWAN REHMAT pions Tour (LGCT) season kicks THE PENINSULA off at Al Shaqab tomorrow and the series founder Jan Tops is The organisers are going the extra mile to keep popular pleased that the premier five-star show jumping events taking place at Al Shaqab safe as the event is starting in Doha. sports world battles to control the spread of COVID-19 A number of event cancella- pandemic. This was said by Omar Al Mannai, Event Director, tions last year around the world and Commercial Manager, Al Shaqab. soured the mood of show jumping Arguably the world’s most popular show jumping venue, lovers but after a rough 2020, Longines Arena at Al Shaqab will host the new LGCT sea- things seem to be looking up for son’s first event from March 4 to 6. Last week, the same Tops. venue threw its gates open to fans and riders for the CHI Doha will launch the 15-stop Al Shaqab, a five-star event that was by watched millions series that ends in New York in of TV fans around the world. September with play-offs “The approval we received (from the Ministry of Public scheduled for November in Health) is that only 10 percent of fan attendance will be Prague. allowed during this week as well,” Al Mannai said yes- “It is important for us the terday. “We are strictly implementing the MOPH protocols. organisers, the riders and the fans The nature of our event is that ours is a sport that lasts all around the world that we are day. We start in the morning and end in the night. So we continuing world-class sports can only accommodate 10 percent right now. It is a huge especially after missing out on so event and we are doing everything to keep riders, fans, much last season,” Tops, Pres- staff safe during the event,” he added. ident and Founder, LGCT and “The only real challenge was battling the pandemic GCL, said yesterday. threat. Our riders and fans are safe and that’s what matters. Omar Al Mannai, Event Director, and Commercial Manager, Al Shaqab, Jan Tops, President and Founder, “I think last year was unusual There are other technical logistics challenges but we have LGCT and GCL and Marco Danese, Sports Director, are seen after a press conference inside Longines Arena with the COVID-19 (situation). gotten used to tackling them. All the riders arrived safely at Al Shaqab yesterday. Hopefully it will be a little bit last week,” Al Mannai said. better now. It is a bit unusual “This is the eighth consecutive year that we are hosting times and hopefully we will is a huge place and people can be two back-to-back events. Global events were badly return to the new normal,” Tops spread around. Some event impacted last year. Even the participation or riders was said. venues don’t have that kind of First of all it takes a lot of courage and impacted. So many events were cancelled. We have a huge “First of all it takes a lot of luxury.” skills to have an event like this and challenge in front of us as we have to make sure safety of courage and skills to have an Tops, who also provides men- Al Shaqab deserves praise in hosting riders and fans remains paramount. We have to guarantee event like this and Al Shaqab toring to the senior Qatar riding fans are safe. We cooperate with stakeholders and we had deserves praise in hosting two big squad, said he expects to see the two big events. Like I always say that to implement procedures at our events. We are working events,” Tops added. new season play out nicely. this place Al Shaqab, not only is it with international federation to ensure events are com- “Like I always say that this “I think we are in the process beautiful, but it’s a friendly place. pleted with success until riders and their horses leave place Al Shaqab, not only is it to see our season run smoothly. Everything is well placed. The staff is (Qatar) safely,” Al Mannai said. beautiful, but it’s a friendly place. Everything will go normal. I don’t great when you see how they operate. Al Mannai said Al Shaqab relishes its partnership with Everything is well placed. The see our sport will go less. If you LGCT. staff is great when you see how see events in Spain and Qatar, The horses travel so much and that tooo “It is a long-term relationship between us and Mr Jan they operate. The horses travel there are so many smaller events is taken care of here: Jan Tops, Tops. From organising events to him overseeing the first so much and that too is taken care also. The number of riders and President and Founder, LGCT and GCL team in Qatar, we continue to improve each and every of here. horses is growing in our sport. part of the this relationship,” Al Mannai said yesterday. “Logistics-wise the place is Our sport is growing tremen- “We have 48 international riders. We have in excess nicely situated. This is the best dously,” Tops said. “We saw the riders competing “Every detail of our sport is of 100 riders competing in the Hathab leg of the series. I place you can be from Asia and Marco Danese, the Sports last week. I have to say we were looked after well - the main have to say the technical level shown by riders was excellent Europe. It’s winter in Europe and Director, LGCT, said yesterday surprised by quality of riding and arena, the stables, the clinics are during CHI Al Shaqab. I believe it will be the same when to be racing here is so nice,” Tops riders could barely wait to start the horses were more fresh. They all fantastic. I don’t think there is it comes to LGCT events. said. “Advantage of Shaqab is it the season at Al Shaqab. are used to competing more fre- a better place than Al Shaqab. The “The kick off in Doha is a continuous development of quently and they couldn’t do that teams of Al Shaqab have become our sport worldwide. There are 15 international tours and last year,” Danese said experts and take care of other we are proud Doha starts the season this week,” he said. yesterday. details like travelling, accommo- “We are hosting big events and that serves as an inspi- “The level of the riders is very dation. It’s really good here. ration and we see good talent coming through. But besides high and that shows the top of our “That’s very important since this event, we also host the national Longines Hathab tour. sport. We have Olympic Games last season was very difficult for We are into the fourth season and it is growing very fast. champions and LGCT champions the entire industry. We had a five- There is a lot of interest from horse loving community in here. I think we will have a fan- star show here last year and Qatar,” Al Mannai said. tastic show again like last week,” immediately after the Doha Jan Tops, President and Founder, LGCT and GCL, echoed he added. round, we had cancellations and Al Mannai’s sentiments when he said yesterday: “Our “It’s a fantastic thing what Al it was a strange season - not only history goes back many years. We have a magnificent place Shaqab does for our sport at the for riders but for horses also as like Al Shaqab to host our events. It is important that this top level. Every year there’s some- they could not do training and part of the region is connected with the rest of the world. thing new for the riders. The riders preparation as usual. Qatar wants to develop this sport. This is a country of are very happy to come here. “We have to thank Al Shaqab excellence.” for their important role and great effort to do five-star events. We hope this season gives us the possibility of doing a regular season with a This is the eighth consecutive year that we are hosting two lot of five-star back-to-back events. Global events were badly impacted last shows,” Danese year. Even the participation or riders was impacted. So many said. events were cancelled. We have a huge challenge in front of us as we have to make sure safety of riders and fans remains paramount. We have to guarantee fans are safe. We cooperate with stakeholders and we had to implement procedures at our events. We are working with international federation to ensure events are completed with success until riders and their horses leave (Qatar) safely: Omar Al Mannai, Event Director, and Commercial Manager, Al Shaqab 10 SPORT WEDNESDAY 3 MARCH 2021

Action during the Amir Cup Basketball Championship at Al Gharafa Sports Club Hall yesterday. Al Arabi and Al Sadd recorded wins in their respective matches yesterday. Al Arabi beat Al Shamal 86-76 before Al Sadd beat Al Rayyan with a 98-85 margin. La Liga orders Barcelona, Atletico to further tighten belts

REUTERS – BARCELONA They are calculated in line with revenues, budget of €217.3m. Champions Real Madrid have “COVID-19 put Spanish football to the test but which have been obliterated by coronavirus the largest salary limit of all 20 league sides with the end is in sight and we can make some pos- FC Barcelona and Atletico Madrid will have to restrictions preventing fans from attending €473.3m to spend, and are one of only four clubs itive conclusions,” he said. cut down the costs of their squads by more than matches for 12 months while depressing the allowed to increase their costs ahead of the next “Despite earning €2bn less, clubs, especially €35m ($42.14m) following new salary limits transfer market and reducing income from campaign, along with Granada, Huesca and Celta the big ones, have managed to cope with the crisis imposed by La Liga yesterday to cope with the merchandising. Vigo. by reducing costs. This shows Spanish football is financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Barcelona are the club most acutely affected La Liga president Javier Tebas praised clubs solvent.” He predicted Spanish clubs would see The figures, published twice annually fol- by the new limits and will be forced to reduce for adapting to the challenges of the pandemic, revenues return to pre-pandemic levels in two lowing each transfer window, dictate how much their costs by an additional €35.7m , to €347m. including not having fans in stadiums for almost years and said he hoped fans could return to sta- teams can spend on players, coaches, support League leaders Atletico Madrid, meanwhile, a year and a reduced transfer market, which he diums before the end of the season, but said it staff and their youth teams. must make savings of €35.4m to meet a new said had cost clubs an estimated €2bn. was unlikely until late April at the earliest. Former Top-four finish would be a Barca chief dream for Everton: Ancelotti Bartomeu

REUTERS – LONDON Everton’s Mason Holgate in action with Southampton’s Che Adams during their Premier League released day match on Monday. Securing a top-four finish in the Premier League this after arrest Cavani in season would be a dream for Everton, the Merseyside club’s REUTERS – BARCELONA manager Carlo Ancelotti said. line for Utd Everton are seventh on the Former FC Barcelona president table with 43 points after 25 Josep Maria Bartomeu was released return at games, two points below yesterday, a Barcelona court said, fourth-placed West Ham a day after he was arrested in a United who have played a probe related to allegations of Palace game more, after Monday’s improper management and 1-0 home win against business corruption. REUTERS – LONDON Southampton. The statement said Bartomeu, A win over second-from- president between 2014 and 2020, Manchester United striker bottom West Bromwich Albion and his former adviser Jaume Mas- Edinson Cavani is expected to on Thursday would move ferrer, had made use of their right return from injury against Everton into fourth ahead of not to give a statement in court and Crystal Palace in the Premier Liverpool and Chelsea, who the judge had agreed to their pro- League today, manager Ole play each other later the same visional release. Gunnar Solskjaer said. evening. Bartomeu was among four Uruguay international “It will be a dream to be in people connected with the club Cavani has missed United’s last the top four at the end of the arrested on Monday in what four games in all competitions season,” Ancelotti said after Catalan police called “an investi- with a muscle injury but trained Richarlison’s goal secured gation into alleged crimes related on Tuesday ahead of the trip to their first league victory at “But it doesn’t change our competitions and sit 12 points do better,” Guardiola said. to property and the socio-eco- Selhurst Park. home since Dec. 19. target, which is to be in Europe clear at the top of the table, “If I feel that everyone is nomic order”. “We’re looking OK. There’s “We have to put all our next season.” with 62 points after 26 games. thinking the job is done, or Barcelona CEO Oscar Grau a couple of doubts for effort into the game on Meanwhile, Manchester The Etihad club’s unbeaten how good it is, this guy is not and legal services director Roman tomorrow that we have to give Thursday to try to be there, it City manager Pep Guardiola record now stretches to 27 going to play. Gomez Ponti were detained and as much time as possible,” Sol- is a real possibility. It doesn’t warned his players against games. “I’m so intuitive to know later released on Monday while skjaer told a news conference matter how long we can be complacency, saying they will Despite the team’s stellar exactly the guys who are not Bartomeu and Masferrer spent the yesterday. there, but just to see how we be dropped from the squad if form, the Spaniard said they ready to continue what we night in a Barcelona police “Edinson trained, he joined feel if we are there. they believe the Premier have room for improvement. have to do. The champion is station. in so that’s good. Let’s hope “There will be a big fight League title has already been “We are winning and Liverpool, we are not. To do it The club’s offices at their Camp there’s no reaction after the until the end of the season and won. getting results, but we have to we still have to win eight, nine Nou stadium were one of five prop- session. Hopefully he will travel we have to be pleased we can City are on a 20-match be demanding and be over the or 10 games and it’s a lot of erties searched by police during the with the squad.” fight for that position. winning streak in all players, telling them we can games.” operation. World Table Tennis Middle East Hub action continues at Lusail

Players in action during the WTT Contender Doha 2021 at Lusail Sports Hall yesterday. A total of 298 players are taking part at the events, representing 66 countries, as table tennis makes its return in style on the international stage.

Qatar's Mohammed Abdulwahhab and Belgium's Florent Lambiet in action during Round 1 qualifying round match. The Belgian won 3-1 (11-13, 11-6, 11-5, 11-6). WEDNESDAY 3 MARCH 2021 SPORT 09

PSL: Stirling, Faheem India target spot in WTC final lift Islamabad United with series win over England to six-wicket victory

REUTERS – MUMBAI about the pitch, I think we got outplayed India skipper Virat Kohli bats during a practice session AGENCIES — KARACHI in those conditions and for me I am ahead of the fourth and final Test agains England which India will go into the fourth and final always looking to learn and get better begins in Ahmedabad tomorrow. Pic: Twitter/@BCCI A belligerent batting Test against a spin-scarred England and see every challenge as a way of display from opening tomorrow needing only a draw to win improving,” Leach told reporters. batsman Paul Stirling the series, which will also seal their spot The visiting side can still spoil the and an economical in the June final of the inaugural World party for India with a win in Ahmedabad bowling spell from Test Championship against New and pave the way for Australia to join Faheem Ashraf Zealand. trans-Tasman rivals New Zealand in the (pictured) guided England made a bright start to the WTC final at Lord’s in June. Islamabad United to a four-Test series, stunning India with a But for that to happen England comprehensive six- 227-run victory in the opener in Chennai would first need to pick the right team wicket win over but then faltered as the hosts regrouped on Thursday and not repeat their Quetta Gladiators and took a 2-1 lead with comprehensive mistake of fielding a pace-heavy attack yesterday. wins in the second and third matches. on a spinners’ paradise. Chasing 157 to Virat Kohli’s men completed an Joe Root was the only part-time spin win, United were pro- extraordinary 10-wicket win against option alongside Leach during the pink vided a perfect start to England inside two days in the day-night ball contest with England fielding three the run chase by the third Test in Ahmedabad with spinners frontline pacemen along with seam- 30-year-old as he from both sides running riot on a helpful bowling all-rounder Ben Stokes for the slogged Mohammad surface at the world’s largest match. Nawaz for a six and stadium. Off-spinner Dom Bess, who took dispatched him over for two fours in the first over and Ahmedabad will also host the final five wickets in England’s win in smoked Dale Steyn for four fours in the third. test, though with the traditional red ball, Chennai, is likely to be recalled with Stirling brought up his half-century in just fifth and the pitch is unlikely to be vastly dif- one from the veteran seam-bowling over off 21 balls as his exploits with the bat saw United ferent from the one that saw 30 wickets duo of James Anderson and Stuart gather runs at a staggering 13 an over. fall in five sessions in the shorTest com- Broad making way. He laid the perfect foundation for the run chase pleted Test match since 1935. India will also be forced to change with a 76-run opening stand with Alex Hales (23 off England’s leading spinner Jack their winning combination with pace 13) as United chased down the target with three overs Leach said the England dressing room spearhead Jasprit Bumrah making spare. are not spending too much time himself unavailable from the match due Hales was the first batsman to depart and Stirling debating the state of the pitches and are to personal reasons. followed him to the pavilion after scoring 56 off 33, more focussed on their preparations for Either Mohammed Siraj or fellow in a knock embellished with eight fours and two sixes. the last test. quick Umesh Yadav could replace Both openers were clean bowled by leg-spinner “I don’t really have too much to say Bumrah. Zahid Mahmood – the most successful bowler for Glad- iators with two for 29 in four overs. India vice-captain Rohail Nazir, playing his first match in the HBL Ajinkya Rahane. INDIA VS ENGLAND, FOURTH TEST PSL 6, showed glimpse of class, as the wicketkeeper- Pic: Twitter/ batsman made 34 off 28, laced with four fours and a @ajinkyarahane88 Factbox on the fourth Test between India and England, six. He knitted a 37-run partnership for the third wicket which begins tomorrow: with captain Shadab Khan (21 off 17, two fours). WHEN? Faheem bowled impeccable lengths after Shadab March 4-8 (0930 local/0400 GMT) opted to field after winning the toss. The all-rounder WHERE? returned a magnificent three for 11 from his four overs Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad (55,000 restricted to compound Gladiators’ worries. The Sarfaraz Ahmed- capacity) led side had a terrible start with their top four batsmen MATCH OFFICIALS (all Indian) back in the hut inside the batting powerplay with 41 Umpires: Nitin Menon, Virender Sharma; Third : runs on the board. ; Match referee: Javagal Srinath Right-arm fast Hasan Ali accounted for Saim Ayub INDIA (five off three) and Faf du Plessis (17 off 11, three fours), World ranking: 2; Coach: Ravi Shastri Captain: Virat Kohli while Faheem accounted for Cameron Delport (one Team (likely): Shubhman Gill, Rohit Sharma, Cheteshwar off three) and Azam Khan (four off nine). Pujara, Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant, Washington Another captain’s innings from Sarfaraz, however, Sundar, Axar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ishant Sharma, rescued the sinking ship and helped Gladiators to a Mohammed Siraj/Umesh Yadav respectable total as he stroked his fifth HBL PSL fifty. ENGLAND Sarfaraz with Ben Cutting (23 off 17, two fours and World ranking: 4 one six) knitted a 30-run partnership for the fifth Coach: Chris Silverwood; wicket and contributed 63 runs for the sixth wicket Captain: Joe Root with Mohammad Nawaz (31 not out off 29). England can expect trial Team (likely): Zak Crawley, Dom Sibley, Jonny Bairstow, During the course of his innings, the wicketkeeper- Root, Ben Stokes, Ollie Pope, Ben Foakes, Dominic Bess, batsman smashed four sixes - all in the 13th over of Jofra Archer, Jack Leach, James Anderson/Stuart Broad the innings off Iftikhar Ahmed. An over ago, he struck by spin as Rahane PREVIOUS AHMEDABAD TESTS three fours off his counterpart’s leg-spin. He reached 2021 India won by 10 wickets the half-century milestone in 31 balls. 2012 India won by nine wickets Scores in brief predicts another turner 2001 Match drawn Quetta Gladiators 156-7, 20 overs (Sarfaraz Ahmed SERIES RESULTS 54, Mohammad Nawaz 31, Ben Cutting 23; Faheem REUTERS – MUMBAI Rahane, 32, felt it was the pink ball, First Test (Chennai): England won by 227 runs Ashraf 3-11, Hasan Ali 2-23) rather than the pitch, that made it dif- Second Test (Chennai): India won by 317 runs Islamabad United 157-4, 17 overs (Paul Stirling 56, England should brace themselves for ficult for batsmen to score runs during Third Test (Ahmedabad): India won by 10 wickets Rohail Nazir 34, Alex Hales 23, Shadab Khan 21; another trial by spin in the fourth and the third test. Zahid Mahmood 2-29) final Test against India from today, with “Pink ball made the difference, it was the home side’s vice-captain Ajinkya coming much quicker off the wicket Rahane expecting a similar pitch to those compared to the red ball. That’s the in the previous two matches. adjustment we had to make,” the middle- Australia right behind Ashes foes England made a bright start to the order batsman said. four-match series, defeating India by 227 The Ahmedabad pitch has been runs in the opening test, but the hosts heavily criticised by a section of former England ahead of final India Test rallied strongly with comprehensive wins England cricketers and pundits, but in the second and third matches for a 2-1 Rahane said the Indian team is not REUTERS – MELBOURNE preparing for matches against the Both teams face a challenge man- lead. bothered by the comments. Black Caps. aging their squads due to the India defeated England by 317 runs A draw in the fourth Test will be Cheering on England is generally a low “Bit of self-interest there, isn’t it, World Cup in India, which is slated for in the second Test in Chennai and then enough for the hosts to seal their spot priority for Australia’s cricketers but for us following England for the first October and November in the leadup completed an extraordinary 10-wicket against New Zealand in the June final of Joe Root’s team can count on warm time in a long time,” Australia coach to the Test series. win inside two days in the day-night Test the inaugural World Test Championship, support from their Ashes foes during Andrew McDonald told reporters in Some of Australia’s Test players, in Ahmedabad, with spinners from both but Rahane said India are thinking only the fourth and final Test against India Wellington yesterday. including Steve Smith and Josh sides running riot on a helpful surface. about a win. this week. England’s hopes of playing the Hazlewood, missed the T20 tour of The world’s largest cricket stadium “We respect the England team. They An England win in Ahmedabad WTC final were crushed with their New Zealand because they were in Ahmedabad will also host the final Test are a very good, balanced team,” he said. would put Australia in the final of the 10-wicket defeat inside two days in an picked for a Test tour of South Africa from Thursday, played this time with the “We played good cricket in the last two inaugural World Test Championship extraordinary third Test in Ahmedabad. that was later aborted due to traditional red ball. Test matches, England played really well (WTC) against New Zealand, knocking They trail the series 2-1. COVID-19. “I think the wicket will be similar to in the first test. India out of the running. Australia’s fierce cricketing rivalry In their absence, an under-strength the last two Test matches. It will be a “We are not taking them lightly. It’s Australia’s Twenty20 squad in New with England will resume later this Australia has fallen 2-0 behind in the spinning track,” Rahane told reporters another match. We just want to go out Zealand will be keeping tabs on the year when Tim Paine’s team bids to five-match series in New Zealand. The on a video conference on Tuesday. there and give our best.” action in the subcontinent while retain the Ashes in the home summer. third match starts in Wellington today. Murray feels like playing for Federer to miss his career in every match REUTERS – MIAMI Roger Federer will not compete at this month’s Miami REUTERSREUTERS – LONDONLONDO ATP event in Rotterdam but rallied from 0-3 Open as the Swiss maestro continues to work his way down in the deciding set to beat 193rd back to fitness after two knee operations in the past 12 AndyAndy MurrayMurray (pictures) feels like he’s ranked Robin Haase 2-6, 7-6(2), 6-3 in a months, the Miami Herald reported on Monday. playing for his career every time he match lasting over two-and-half-hours. Federer will miss out on defending his Miami Open takestakes tthehe cocourt after recent losses to It was the first Tour-level win since title at the March 22-April 4 Masters 1000 event, lowlylowly ranrankedk opponents, but the August for Murray, who is currently ranked although Australian Open champions Novak Djokovic injury-ravagedinjury-ravag former world number 123rd after sliding down the rankings due and are expected to take part along with sayssays he plaplansn to meet the challenge to two hip operations. and Rafa Nadal. oon.n. “It’s not easy,” Murray told reporters. The 20-time winner Federer will make TheThe tthree-timehree-t Grand Slam winner “Every time I lose a match, I’m getting told his long-awaited return to the court at the Qatar Exx- waswas forced to mmiss this year’s Australian to retire, that I should stop playing, that I’m onMobil Open in OpenOpen after contractingcontr the novel corona- finished, I’ve got nothing left and whatever Doha next virusvirus and instead headed to Italy last month and it’s sad and all of these things. week and the toto compete in a challenger tournament in “I feel like I’m playing for my career just 39-year-old Biella. He lostlos the challenger final to now each time I step on the court, which is may play an Ukraine’s IllIllyay Marchenko, who was a motivation in some ways but it also adds event in Dubai rankedranked 212th at the time, and then went a bit of extra stress. after that his down to 83rd-ranked83rd Belarussian Egor “There’s a bit of extra doubt there. And agent, Tony Godsick, GerasimovGerasimov on his return to the ATP on top of that I’m playing with a metal hip, confirmed to the Miami Herald. TourTour in MMontpellier. which is hard. Trust me, it’s not easy. It’s a But after those events, Federer will MurrayMurra was on the verge of big challenge for me just now and one that take a training break, the paper reported. anotheranother earlyea exit on Monday in the I’ll meet head on.” Murray said. Sport WEDNESDAY 3 MARCH 2021 08 Hamilton makes diversity a priority as Mercedes show off his new car

REUTERS — LONDON

Lewis Hamilton (pictured) made delivering on diversity a priority, and was guarded about his future beyond 2021, as Mercedes showed off the car that could power him to a record eighth Formula One title this season. The 36-year-old Briton has a contract only to the end of 2021, raising speculation about what happens after that. Cavendish “I’m kind of in the fortunate position where I’ve achieved most of the stuff that I have backs wanted to achieve up until this point,” he said at the factory Jakobsen to launch with Finnish team-mate ValtteriValtteri Bottas. return to form “So“So there’s no real I think we’re living in quite an unusual needneed necessarilynecessarily period of time and life and I just after crash to plan too far ahead.ahead. wanted one year. Then we can talk “I think about if we do more and keep adding REUTERS — LONDON we’rewe’re livingliving PHOTO COURTESY: inin qquiteuite an it one if we have to: Lewis Hamilton MERCEDES TWITTER HANDLE Briton Mark Cavendish unusualunusual (pictured) praised Deceu- periodperiod ofof ninck-Quick Step team-mate timetime aandnd TheThe W12 car commcommitmentitm to improving and inclusion in the sport. towards and so my goal is to Fabio Jakobsen’s recovery lifelife andand I rretainsetains tthehe blblackack ddiversity,iversity, with elements of Hamilton said the previous pri- deliver that for them.” efforts following a horrific justjust wantedwanted one lliveryivery introducedintroduced silver,silver, burgundyburg and green. ority was always “about just Team boss Toto Wolff said crash in last year’s Tour of year. Then we can lastlast yyearear to reinreinforceforce Hamilton,Hamilt the sport’s only winning championships” but there was no complacency at a Poland and backed the Dutch talk about iiff wwee do the teateam’sm’s Black ddriverriv and most suc- that had changed. team who have won the last rider to return to his best form. more andand kkeepeep cessfulcessful ooff aall time, took a knee “Last year there was a lot of seven drivers’ and constructors’ Jakobsen was put in a addingadding it one iiff beforebefore eveeveryr race last year and discussion about equality and championships. medically induced coma last wewe havehave usedused hhisis platformpl to speak out inclusion and I think there was “We can’t take any comfort August after a collision with to.” on issues oof racial justice. a lot of talk,” he said. from our good results in 2020. Dylan Groenewegen as they He alsoals set up a com- “This year it’s all about Every winter, there are always sprinted to the finish on the mission tto help increase the pushing for diversity and really indications that someone else first stage of the race. representationreprese of Black making sure that action is taken. might have done a better job, The 24-year-old crashed peoplepeople in British motor- So that’s kind of at the core of so we must keep pushing,” said into the barriers and collided sportsport and he and Mer- the drive for me. the Austrian. with a race official. He was cedesced have announced “But of course we exist to “I enjoy this time of year as taken to hospital and a foundation dedi- win so that’s what all these guys we drive into the unknown,” he underwent facial surgery but ccated to diversity and girls here are working said. is now back on his bike. “He’s going to come back at a very high level,” former world champion Cavendish Mercedes face difficult balancing act this season: Allison said. “Judging by how he’s been REUTERS — LONDON record eighth crown. “We will will be a challenge like no part of measures to cut costs and under new Aerodynamic going over the winter, and the walk a tightrope all year other.” help teams weather the Testing Restrictions (ATR) that work he’s been putting, in I’m Formula One champions between doing enough to be Allison said the ideal situ- COVID-19 pandemic. serve as an effective handicap pretty confident. Mercedes will tread a fine line competitive in 2021 and ation would be a car so fast from The cars are allowed to be for the most successful teams. “To see the commitment this season between defending putting as much as we dare the outset that the focus could 6kg heavier but Mercedes have “There’s nothing like he’s putting in, I’m proud of their titles and planning for into 2022,” said Allison at the be on next year’s almost imme- weight in hand as a result of having a new constraint him.” next year’s ‘seismic’ rule launch of the new W12 car. diately. Mercedes have had to their DAS steering system imposed to renew the spur to Cavendish, 35, who has changes, technical director “Managing the bird in the make significant aerodynamic being banned. become more productive and won 30 stages on the Tour de James Allison said yesterday. hand and the one in the bush changes this year under rules Mercedes must make do efficient,” said Allison. France and is considered one The team have won the is the eternal challenge of F1 designed to slow the cars down with 22% less access to the “We are determined to find of the best sprinters in the past seven drivers’ and con- and doing so in the face of both for safety reasons. wind tunnel and computa- better ways of working so that event’s history, has not won a structors’ championships and the cost cap and the completely Much of the car remains the tional fluid dynamics (CFD) we can mitigate the effect of race since Feb. 2018 when he Lewis Hamilton is chasing a new 2022 technical regulations same as last year’s, however, as than last-placed Williams this handicapping.” prevailed in the third stage of the Dubai Tour. NHL: Hutchinson stars as NBA: James Harden lifts Brooklyn Toronto Maple Leafs beat Edmonton Oilers 3-0 Nets to win over San Antonio Spurs

REUTERS — NEW YORK Brooklyn Nets guard James AP — EDMONTON, ALBERTA pass on Hyman’s tape and the Harden (centre) goes in for a forward sent a nifty back- James Harden scored 30 points, shot in front of San Antonio Michael Hutchinson stopped 31 handed shot past Koskinen to dished out 15 assists and pulled Spurs in the second half at for his sixth career shutout, and give the Leafs a 1-0 lead. down 14 rebounds as the the AT&T Center. the Toronto Maple Leafs beat Three minutes later, Brooklyn Nets earned a 124-113 the Edmonton Oilers 3-0 on Nylander got the puck off a overtime win over the host San Monday night. faceoff and streaked deep into Antonio Spurs on Monday. Morgan Rielly and WIlliam the Edmonton zone. He sailed Brooklyn scored the first Nylander each had a goal and a backhander over Koskinen’s eight points of the extra period an assist, and Zach Hyman also glove and into the top-left and never looked back, winning scored for Toronto. The Maple corner of the net. its ninth game in its past 10 con- Leafs blanked Edmonton for A power-play strike rounded tests. The Nets won in San the second straight game, fol- out the first-period scoring after Antonio for the first time since lowing a 4-0 win Saturday. Edmonton’s Adam Larsson was Jan. 22, 2002, ending a 17-game Mikko Koskinen started in called for hooking. Rielly fired a skid. goal for the Oilers and allowed shot from near the blue line and, Kyrie Irving added 27 points three goals on 10 shots before while Koskinen got a piece of it, for the Nets with Bruce Brown being replaced by Mike Smith he couldn’t control the puck and scoring 23 and Nicolas Claxton to start the second period. it dribbled through his legs and hitting a season-best 17 points Smith had 13 saves in relief. over the goal line, giving Toronto off the bench. Brooklyn’s Kevin The teams meet again a 3-0 lead heading into the first Durant (hamstring) missed his Wednesday night in Edmonton intermission. eighth straight game. to finish a three-game series. The Oilers had ample New Orleans Pelicans Damian Lillard also had six and sparked a critical fourth- on Saturday. Malcolm Brogdon Toronto’s first shot of the opportunities to claw out a goal 129 - Utah Jazz 124 3-pointers and recorded 23 quarter run to lead visiting led the Pacers with 20 points night didn’t come until 7:19 into in the third period, outshooting Zion Williamson and points and 10 assists for the Cleveland over Houston. while Edmond Sumner added the first period, but it was the Leafs 13-8 across the frame, Brandon Ingram scored 26 Trail Blazers, who set a fran- The Rockets took their 12th 18. Domantas Sabonis con- worth the wait as Rielly put a but couldn’t beat Hutchinson. points each as host New Orleans chise record with 24 3-pointers consecutive defeat, their longest tributed 15 points, nine held on to defeat Utah. (on 46 attempts). Robert Cov- losing streak since a 15-game rebounds and seven assists. Lonzo Ball added 23 points ington scored a season-best 21 skid in 2001-02. Denver Nuggets 118 - as the Pelicans cooled off the points, matched his season high Houston guard John Wall, Chicago Bulls 114 team with the NBA’s best of five 3-pointers and collected who played in both games of a Nikola Jokic scored 17 of his record. New Orleans had a 10 rebounds. back-to-back for the first time 39 points in the fourth quarter 53-39 rebounding advantage, Dallas Mavericks 130 - this season, finished with a to fuel visiting Denver over led by Steven Adams’ 11 boards. Orlando Magic 124 season-high 32 points. Chicago. Bojan Bogdanovic scored 31, Luka Doncic flirted with a Philadelphia 76ers 130 - Jokic also had 14 rebounds Rudy Gobert had 22, Donovan triple-double, posting 33 points, Indiana Pacers 114 and nine assists to fall just shy Mitchell added 21 and Jordan 10 rebounds and nine assists, Shake Milton scored 26 of his ninth triple-double of the Clarkson had 20 for the Jazz. and Dallas weathered a late points off the bench, Joel Embiid season and second in as many Portland Trail Blazers surge to beat host Orlando. added 24 points and grabbed games. He had 19 points, 13 123 - Charlotte Hornets 111 Jalen Brunson scored 24 13 rebounds and host Phila- assists and 11 rebounds in Den- Carmelo Anthony estab- points off the Dallas bench, and delphia cruised past Indiana. ver’s 126-96 romp over the lished season highs of 29 points, Kristaps Porzingis had 17 points Furkan Korkmaz hit six Oklahoma City Thunder. Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Michael six 3-pointers and five steals and 10 boards. 3-pointers and added 19 points Zach LaVine had 23 points Hutchinson (right) makes a save against and Portland halted a season- Cleveland Cavaliers 101 and Ben Simmons contributed and Coby White collected 20 Edmonton Oilers forward Kailer Yamamoto worst, four-game losing streak - Houston Rockets 90 18 points for the Sixers, who points and 10 rebounds for the (left) during the first period. with a victory over visiting Collin Sexton scored 39 rebounded after a three-point Bulls, who have lost back-to- Charlotte. points, handed out eight assists overtime loss to the Cavaliers back contests.