Sport

THURSDAY 4 MARCH 2021 QatarQ MotoGP rounds to reach an audience ofo over 430 million around the globe These races in – like in previous years - will be held duringd night and this time the live feed will reach homes in morem than 200 countries. Television audience will reach arounda 430 million homes around the world. Abdulrehman Al Mannai, President of Qatar Sport | 11 Motor and Motorcycle Federation BASKETBALL: AMIR CUP 2021 Al Gharafa (Franklin Session Jr. 32) beat Qatar SC 93-69; Al Ahli (M. Darwish 27) beat Al Khor 75-66 Qatar Total Open: Muguruza ousts defending champion Sabalenka in thriller Superb Svitolina storms into quarters WTA QATAR TOTAL OPEN RESULTS TODAY'S ORDER OF PLAY FAWAD HUSSAIN of WOMEN'S SINGLES CENTRE COURT THE PENINSULA Ukraine in action ROUND OF 16 during her Round Starts at 02:30pm Solid serves, powerful winners , Estonia, def. Angelique Kerber, Germany, 6-1, 6-4. of 16 singles match SINGLES QUARTER-FINALS and most importantly the fans (8), , def. , Germany, 6-4, 6-2. against Misaki A. Kontaveit (EST) vs P. Kvitova (CZE) (4) support, top seed Elina Svitolina , United States, def. Jelena Ostapenko, Latvia, 6-2, 7-5. Doi of on Not before 4:00pm had it all as she began quest for Petra Kvitova (4), , def. , Russia, 6-1, 6-3. the third day of J. Pegula (USA) vs K. Pliskova (CZE) her maiden Qatar Total Open Maria Sakkari, Greece, def. Madison Keys, United States, 6-2, 6-2. the Qatar Total Not before 6:00pm title yesterday. Elina Svitolina (1), Ukraine, def. , Japan, 6-1, 6-2. Open at Khalifa E. Svitolina (UKR) (1) vs V. Azarenka During the action-packed Garbine Muguruza, Spain, def. (3), Belarus, 6-2, 6-7 (5), 6-3. International (BLR) (8) third day at the Khalifa Inter- Karolina Pliskova, Czech Republic def. , Tunisia, 6-4, 4-6, 7-5 Tennis and Followed by national Tennis and Squash Squash Complex Garbine Muguruza (ESP) vs M. Sakkari Complex, the World No.5 from WOMEN'S DOUBLES yesterday. (GRE) Ukraine – who received a bye QUARTER-FINALS in the second round – crushed Barbora Krejcikova and Katerina Siniakova (1), Czech Republic, def. and DOUBLES SEMI-FINALS Misaki Doi 6-1, 6-2 to storm into Lesley Pattinama Kerkhove, , 4-6, 6-4, 13-11. COURT A the quarter-finals of the , India, and Andreja Klepac, Slovenia, def. , Canada, Starts at 02:30pm $565,530 tournament. and (4), Russia, 6-2, 6-0. A. Klepac (SLO), S. Mirza (IND) vs N. Svitolina’s ruthless display , United States, and (2), Netherlands, def. Bethanie Melichar (USA), lasted for exactly an hour as the Mattek-Sands and Jessica Pegula, United States, 6-1, 6-1. D. Schuurs (NED) (2) 26-year-old brought an end to , Romania, and Jelena Ostapenko, Latvia, def. , Followed by Japanese lucky loser’s cam- Russia, and Laura Siegemund, Germany, 6-3, 6-4. B. Krejcikova (CZE), K. Siniakova (CZE) paign that included her first (1) vs Jelena Ostapenko (LAT), Monica round win over China’s Saisai performance today, and to be here and to see the crowd Niculescu (ROU) Zheng. here playing is really special for support.” The top seed, who reached me,” Svitolina, who is looking In her third quarter-final of the semi-final of the event in to add golden Falcon Trophy to the season after the Abu Dhabi Karolina Pliskova gets her 2019, fired 26 winners to just 10 her collection, said after the and Gippsland Trophy outings, revenge unforced errors to seal victory. win. Svitolina will meet her doubles “I am really happy with my “It’s amazing to come back partner Victoria Azarenka in the Meanwhile, second seeded last-8 clash, today. Karolina Pliskova avenged her Two-time champion in last year’s defeat to Ons Jabeur, Doha, Azarenka brushed aside defeating the Tunisian 6-4, 4-6, Germany’s Laura Siegemund 7-5 in two hours and 13 minutes. 6-4, 6-2, in her second round Backed by fans, World No.31 match, yesterday. Jabeur – the highest-ranked “It’s going to be an exciting Arab women ever – staged a match. We have been sharing fightback against the World No. the court on the same side but 6 in the second set, but the tomorrow it’s not on the same Czech ensured to avoid her side but another side,” Svitolina Muguruza wins both the stars rallying for points third round defeat last year. said about her duel with blockbuster against – particularly in the last two Pliskova will meet American Azarenka. Sabalenka sets. Jessica Pegula in the last-eight Seeded eighth, Azarenka Spaniard Muguruza, a as the Australian Open quarter- rallied from 1-3 down in the first In a much-hyped match last World No.16, had a solid start finalist continued with her fine set to overcome qualifier night that lived up to the top winning the first set without form, clinching a 6-2, 7-5 Siegemund, who stunned World billing, former World No.1 much resistance, before third victory over 2016 runner-up No.23 in the first Garbine Muguruza dispatched seeded Belarusian – World No.8 Jelena Ostapenko of Latvia. round. The German struck 25 defending champion Aryna – staged a fightback to take the Earlier yesterday, fourth winners compared to Belaru- Sabalenka 6-2, 6-7 (5), 6-3. match to the decisive set. seed Petra Kvitova – the 2018 sian’s 15, but Azarenka was more The match that lasted for 2 Again it was 3-3, before champion – defeated Russia’s consistent, keeping her unforced hours and 26 minutes – the Muguruza ended Sabalenka’s Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 6-1, error count to 15 as compared to longest in the tournament so far hopes of clinching a rare double 6-3 in 1 hour 13 minutes. The Siegemund’s 24. – produced quality stuff with in Doha, also avenging her Czech fired 31 winners and defeat in Beijing when the two recorded a 76% first serve per- met last in 2018 . centage during her win. “We both were playing “I think I played pretty good great, I had my chances in the game today, and I hope it will second set but I couldn’t closed help me in the future,” Kvitova, the match and she (Sabalenka) who will meet Estonia’s Anett came back stronger. I just Kontaveit in the quarter-final, fought and stayed back and kept said after her win. thinking I would win,” said a Ranked 24 in the WTA com- calm-looking Muguruza. puter, Kontaveit put up a dom- The Spaniard will meet inating display to brush aside Greek Maria Sakkari, who Germany’s Angelique Kerber Anett defeated America’s Madison 6-1, 6-4, the 2014 Doha Kontaveit Keys 6-2, 6-2 to advance in one runner-up. of Estonia serves to hour and eight minutes. The Estonian dropped her Angelique “This is a tough tournament serve just once as she took a 4-1 Kerber of Garbine Muguruza of Spain serves and every player is very good. lead over the former World No.1 Germany. against Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus. I am just looking ahead to in head-to-head among the another fight,” said Muguruza. duo.

Juventus great AMIR CUP QUARTER-FINALS Amir Cup: Al Sadd crush Buffon set to Al Duhail beat Al Shamal 2-0 Al Rayyan beat Al Kharitiyat 2-0 Al Gharafa 5-0 to meet retire by 2023 Al Sadd beat Al Gharafa 5-0 Al Arabi beat Al Sailiya 4-1 REUTERS – TURIN Al Arabi in semi-final

Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has revealed THE PENINSULA – DOHA second a minute later. Afif then made it that he plans to retire by June 2023 at the latest 3-0 at the stroke of halftime. but won’t rule out hanging up his boots sooner. Reigning champions Al Sadd rode on a Bounedjah scored his second goal and The 43-year-old’s contract with the Turin club brilliant double by Algerian goal machine Al Sadd’s fourth in the 72nd minute, and expires at the end of the season and a renewal is Baghdad Bounedjah, thrashing Al Gharafa then substitute Abdurisag netted the fifth yet to be agreed with the Italian champions. 5-0 to storm into the semi-finals of Amir in the 80th minute to conclude the “Look, in my head, there truly is a final stop Cup at Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium scoring. sign, a maximum bar, which is June 2023,” Buffon yesterday. Meanwhile, at the Qatar SC Stadium said in an interview with The Guardian. In the semi-final, the Wolves will meet yesterday, Mohanad Ali took lead for Al “That is the maximum, really, really the Al Arabi, who rallied from a goal down to Sailiya with a strike in 12th minute before maximum. But I could also stop playing in four crush Al Sailiya 4-1 in yesterday's other The Dream Team made a strong comeback months.” quarter-final. to book clash with Al Sadd - a rematch of Buffon, a 2006 World Cup champion with Al Sadd's Nam Tae-hee, Akram Afif and Yousuf last December's final. Italy and 10-time Serie A winner with Juventus, Baghdad Abdurisag were also on target for Xavi Mehrdad Mohammadi levelled for Al previously said in 2017 that he would retire in Bounedjah Hernandez-coached Al Sadd, who have Arabi 12 minutes after conceding a goal 2018, but he instead moved to French side Paris celebrates are seeking a record-extending 18th Amir before striker Youssef Msakni grabbed St Germain for a year before returning to Juve. after scoring Cup title. lead with a 62nd minute goal. He has deputised for Wojciech Szczesny at his second The South Korean star, Tae-hee put Al Msakani scored his second goal in 73rd Juve this season, making 10 appearances in all goal yesterday. Sadd in the lead with the first goal in the minute, seven minutes after Mohammed competitions. 25th minute, before Bounedjah added the Salah found target for Al Arabi. THURSDAY 4 MARCH 2021 SPORT 11

Stage set for pre-season testing this month Live broadcast to reach over 200 countries: QMMF

2021 MotoGP: Qatar rounds to draw more than 430 million viewers

RIZWAN REHMAT THE PENINSULA Dates and Venue The opening two rounds of the 2021 First Round: March 26 to 28 MotoGP World Championship will be Second Round: April 2 to 4 watched by more than 430 million racing fans around the globe, a top Venue: Losail International Circuit racing official said yesterday. Time: Both night races Abdulrehman Al Mannai, President of Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Feder- ation (QMMF), yesterday disclosed preparations have been completed to pandemic. Qatar has been hosting top hold the first pre-season testing from sports events in the last few months. March 5. Qatar has staged events like the FIFA Unlike previous years when Qatar Club World Cup and Australian Open hosted the first race of a new MotoGP qualifiers besides matches of the AFC season, this year the Losail Interna- Champions League. This shows the tional Circuit (LIC) will stage the first hosting capacity of Qatar even in two rounds of the much-sought after testing times. two-wheel world championship. “We have adopted the MOPH pro- Last year, just before the start of tocols and we shall will follow all the opening round of the 2020 MotoGP Abdulrehman Al Mannai, President of Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (right) and Khalid Al Remaihi, Vice health and safety measures at our World Championship, the Qatar leg President of Losail Circuit Sports Club, during an online meeting with the press yesterday. venue and places of stay of the visiting was cancelled as the spread of riders and teams. We would like to COVID-19 pandemic took a toll on thank the authorities in Qatar for global sports schedules. A total of eight “We are enthusiastically waiting “Only 20 percent of fan attendance sports held in Qatar since 2004. This helping us get ready for these two MotoGP races were cancelled last year for the start of the new MotoGP will be allowed in the Grand Stand. sports event is exclusively held in Qatar races. while a few had to be rescheduled. season. The two races will be held at There will be no activity in the pad- in the entire Middle East. “The pre-season testing activities With a full calender of Grands Prix the end of this month and in the first docks and no fans allowed inside the “Currently we are preparing the will commence from March 7. We are to be completed in 2021, broadcast sta- week of April. The first race will be paddock. There will be absolutely no first two rounds of MotoGP this year. working hard on a daily basis. We are tistics made public by QMMF show held from March 26 to 28 and the movement of fans or media inside the Qatar hosts the first race of MotGP happy with the progress we have made racing fans can barely wait for the start second will be held from April 2 to 4. paddock area except for teams, their Championship every season in Qatar. at our level. of the new season. Qatar will be in the global spotlight of rider and officials,” the QMMF Pres- The races held in Qatar always attract “We are excited that new flood- “These races in Qatar – like in pre- MotoGP fans for those two rounds,” ident said. a large number of fans every year. lights - that are technically superior vious years - will be held in artificial Al Mannai said. “Once the bubble-to-bubble envi- “Due to the current situation then previous ones – have been light and this time our live broadcast “We would like to inform that the ronment is created, strict rules - under- imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, installed and tested. They old lights will reach homes in more than 200 visiting teams - riders and technical lined by MOPH - will be implemented,” Qatar was selected to two host two were used for more than 10 years and countries. Television audience will staff will stay in a bubble-to-bubble he said. “Even I won’t be able to go near races this year. This will come after technology has changed. We have reach around 430 million fans around environment during their stay in Qatar. the paddock area,” he added. pre-season testing that will take place more control over the system now. the world,” Al Mannai said in an online This experiment was successfully “We have called this press con- at the same venue from next week. They are environmentally better and question- answer session held with implemented in sports events held in ference to announce the start of the “Qatar has proven itself as a sports they consume less energy and so far it local media personnels. Qatar recently,” A Mannai said. new season of one of the most popular hub even in times of COVID-19 is going well,” Al Mannai said. 10 SPORT THURSDAY 4 MARCH 2021 Al Gharafa, Al Ahli win Ronaldo makes history as Juve beat Spezia

REUTERS – TURIN

Cristiano Ronaldo marked his 600th league appearance with his 20th Serie A goal of the season as Juventus beat Spezia 3-0 on Tuesday to move Action during the Amir Cup Basketball Championship at Al Gharafa Sports Club Hall within three points of second- yesterday. Al Gharafa beat Qatar SC 93-69 while Al Ahli overcame Al Khor 75-66 in placed AC Milan. yesterday's matches. The Portuguese guided in his side’s third goal late on after Alvaro Morata and Fed- erico Chiesa struck earlier in the second half to put Andrea Finch back Pirlo’s side in a commanding India vs England to determine position. in form as Ronaldo, who also hit the post with an effort in the first Australia half, becomes the first player World Test Championship final to score at least 20 goals in each of the last 12 seasons in keep T20 Europe’s top five leagues. AP – AHMEDABAD England's Joe Root bats during The win leaves Juve third series alive a net practice session yesterday. with 49 points from 24 games After the contentious two-day PIC: TWITTER/@ENGLANDCRICKET behind Milan on 52 and REUTERS – WELLINGTON Test gave India a 2-1 series lead leaders Inter with 56, both of against England, the series and whom are in action this week Aaron Finch shrugged off a the World Test Championship against Udinese and Parma long slump in form with a equations are simple ahead of respectively. defiant half-century and the fourth cricket Test at The gap still leaves Ashton Agar took six wickets Ahmedabad. Juventus with work to do in as Australia claimed a 64-run A win or a draw for India will their quest for a 10th consec- win over New Zealand in secure the series and a place in utive league title. Wellington yesterday to keep the Test championship final Pirlo’s side slipped up with their Twenty20 series alive. against New Zealand. A win for a draw at mid-table Hellas Indian skipper Virat Kohli. PIC: TWITTER/@IMVKOHLI At a closed Wellington England would seriously com- Verona on Saturday and knew Regional Stadium, Australia plicate matters for the hosts, and they could not afford any more clawed their way back to 2-1 help Australia.. pitch, trying to see things for what they are. mistakes after falling 10 points in the five-match series fol- England opened the four-Test series with You need to be able to put pressure back on behind league leaders Inter. lowing defeats in Christchurch a 227-run victory. India rallied to level it in the bowlers.” But they lost defender Mat- and Dunedin. Chennai with a 317-run victory and won the Root said the decision to go in with four thijs De Ligt to injury in the Fired by 69 from captain third Test by 10 wickets, on a spin-friendly seamers in the day-nighter in the third Test warm-up and struggled in the Finch and a 31-ball 70 from wicket at Ahmedabad where Axar Patel and was an error in judgment. opening period, coming closest Glenn Maxwell, Australia put Ravichandran Ashwin dominated. “You look at the side for the last match when Ronaldo dribbled into an imposing 208 for four on England captain Joe Root is confident and we got that wrong, we read the pitch the box and curled a shot off the board before, led by a his team can level the series. wrong in terms of the way we selected the “So, for us to come away with a drawn the foot of the post. dominant display by left- “We’ve got all the ingredients, all the team,” he said. series would be a really good achievement, The double introduction of arm spinner Agar (6-30), pieces and all the skills to exploit and “We didn’t envisage it would spin as especially off the back of the last two games. Morata and Federico Bernar- bundling New Zealand out succeed in these conditions,” Root said. much. If the pitch is anything like the last It would be a brilliant achievement to leave deschi with half an hour for 144. “It is important we harness that, have it one of course Dom (Bess) would be a fan- here 2-all. It would be a monumental effort remaining proved decisive, as in the front of our mind and be a bit braver tastic option on this surface.” from this group of players. So there’s loads the winger teed up the Spanish SCOREBOARD actually; play with a little bit more freedom. India has not lost two tests in a home to play for.” striker to score his first league AUSTRALIA It’s having that confidence to play the ball series since 2012, when England won. India needs a series win to advance to goal since December within 60 M. Wade c Guptill b Boult ...... 5 in front of you, not having the baggage from “You look at India’s record at home in the final and prevent a final between New seconds of coming on. A. Finch c Jamieson b Sodhi ...... 69 the previous delivery, not over-thinking the recent times and it’s incredible,” Root said. Zealand and Australia. Bernardeschi was J. Philippe c Guptill b Sodhi ...... 43 involved again as he found G. Maxwell c Seifert b Maxwell ...... 70 M. Stoinis not out ...... 9 Chiesa in the box for Juve’s M. Marsh not out ...... 6 Zimbabwe crush second goal, with the latter Extras (b1, lb1, w2, nb2) ...... 6 Quetta notches 1st win in PSL scoring on the rebound after Total (4 wickets; 20 overs)...... 208 his initial effort was parried Fall of wickets: 1-6), 2-89, 3-153, 4-194 Afghanistan by Ivan Provedel. Did not bat: A. Agar, J. Richardson, K. Richardson, as Karachi beats Peshawar Ronaldo then broke A. Zampa, R. Meredith. inside two days upfield and scored with a Bowling: Southee 4-0-37-1 (2w), Boult 4-0-39-1, AP – KARACHI Neesham 4-0-60-0 (1nb), Jamieson 4-0-38-0, So- in a row and posted 176-7 on the back of composed finish in the 89th ABU DHABI dhi 4-0-32-2 (1nb) rookie opening batsman Usman Khan’s REUTERS – minute to seal the win, NEW ZEALAND Quetta Gladiators finally notched their 81 off 50 balls. although Spezia squandered M. Guptill c Agar b Zampa ...... 43 first win in the Pakistan Super League by Multan lost their last six wickets off A century from captain Sean Williams and the chance for a consolation T. Seifert c Stoinis b Meredith ...... 4 beating Multan Sultans by 22 runs 20 deliveries before eventually getting clinical pace bowling from Blessing Muzarabani goal when Wojciech Szczesny K. Williamson lbw b Meredith ...... 9 yesterday. bowled out for 154 in 19.3 overs. and Victor Nyauchi led Zimbabwe to a 10-wicket saved Andrey Galabinov’s D. Conway c Stoinis b Agar ...... 38 G. Phillips c K. Richardson b Agar ...... 13 In the early game, Babar Azam and Multan and Quetta both are lan- win over Afghanistan inside two days in the penalty with the final kick of J. Neesham c Wade b Agar ...... 0 Mohammad Nabi’s century stand lifted guishing at the bottom of the six-team opening Test in Abu Dhabi yesterday. the game. M. Chapman c Zampa b Agar...... 18 defending champion Karachi Kings to a event with two points each after playing After Afghanistan were bowled out for 131 T. Southee c Maxwell b Agar ...... 5 six-wicket victory over Peshawar Zalmi. half of their league games. in the first innings, middle-order batsman Wil- K. Jamieson lbw Agar ...... 11 The win lifted Karachi to the top of Earlier, Babar made an unbeaten 77 liams negotiated seam-friendly conditions to Liverpool may I. Sodhi c&b K. Richardson...... 1 the table with eight points from five and Nabi scored 67 off 35 balls as they score 105 and help Zimbabwe to a solid total of T. Boult not out ...... 0 games. Peshawar are second with six shared a 118-run fourth-wicket stand off 250. Trailing by 119, Afghanistan struggled to Extras (lb1, w1) ...... 2 stop players Total (10 wickets; 17.1 overs) ...... 144 points. 61 balls in Karachi’s strong chase of 191-4 spend time at the crease as eight batsmen were Fall of wickets: 1-20, 2-48, 3-80, 4-109, 5-109, But Quetta’s victory after four straight in 19.3 overs. dismissed for single figures in the second innings, from travelling 6-110, 7-116, 8-138, 9-144, 10-144 losses ended a 13-match streak of teams After being put in to bat, Peshawar five of them for ducks. Bowling: J. Richardson 3-0-34-0, Meredith 4-0-24- successfully chasing down the targets recovered from 3-34 to reach 188-5 with They were bowled out for 135 to set a target for national duty 2, Zampa 2-0-17-1, K. Richardson 2.1-0-17-1(1w), since the tournament began on Feb. 20. Ravi Bopara scoring an unbeaten 58 and of 17, which Zimbabwe reached in 20 deliveries Agar 4-0-30-6, Stoinis 1-0-6-0, Maxwell 1-0-15-0 Quetta lost the toss for the fifth time Amad Butt making a rapid 27. without losing any wickets. REUTERS – LONDON

Liverpool may not allow their players to travel overseas for World Table Tennis Middle East Hub international matches later this month if they are required to quarantine for 10 days on their return to England, the Premier League club’s manager Juergen Klopp said yesterday. Liverpool’s Brazilian players Alisson Becker, Fabinho and Roberto Firmino and Por- tugal forward Diogo Jota could face 10 days in quarantine on their return to the United Kingdom from COVID-19 “red- list” countries. World soccer governing body FIFA has said clubs can refuse to release players if they are required to quarantine for more than five days on their return. “I understand the need of different Football Associations Action during the WTT but it’s a time where you cannot Contender Doha 2021 make everybody happy,” Klopp Main Draw Round of 32 said. matches held at Lusail “The players are paid by the Sports Hall yesterday. A clubs so that means we have to total of 298 players are be the first priority. You cannot taking part at the events, make everyone happy in this representing 66 countries. period of our lives. The singles events of the “I think everybody agrees men's and women's pre- that we cannot let the players quarter-finals will take place go and come back and quar- at the same venue today. antine for 10 days in a hotel - that’s not how we can do it.” Sport THURSDAY 4 MARCH 2021 09 Germany's Ahlmann leads star cast as new LGCT season kicks off in Doha

RIZWAN REHMAT Christian community in Qatar,” Al Mannai THE PENINSULA Ahlmann in action said. Ones to at Al Shaqab last German riding star Christian week. watch at Ahlmann will be looking to add another silverware to his I am proud to be Al Shaqab: bulging trophy cabinet this here. Al Shaqab coming Saturday when he takes part in the opening round of made it happen Doha Falcons massively popular Longines in these difficult Global Champions Tour (LGCT). The 2021 GCL team series The 15-stop LGCT season times. We feel very will be held next weekend in starts on the hallowed turf of good and safe here Doha, with riders and team Longines Arena at Al Shaqab managers chomping at the bit from today but Ahlmann - who in Qatar: Star rider to get started in their bid for clinched the CHI AL Shaqab Christian Ahlmann a successful season trophy last Saturday at the same campaign. venue - won’t be the only one But if you’re not sure who in the running for the pres- you should be supporting tigious title this week. here in Qatar’s capital city, French show jumping giant we have the lowdown on the Julien Epaillard, who had won home city team. the opening event of CHI AL The Doha Falcons will be Shaqab on Thursday, will also soaring into the stunning AL be competing for honours on SHAQAB for their home city the final day along with com- event, kick starting the patriot Oliver Robert, who fin- charge for the ished second behind Ahlmann Championship. (Dominator 2000 Z) last week. This year, each team will Kevin Staut of France, who consist of six formidable also won one of the events with riders, including one U25 star Toleddo de Mescam Harcour in who will be given the oppor- Doha last week, is among the tunity to compete at the title contenders. highest level on a global Popular riders Pieter Devos Shaqab made it happen in these are continuing world-class much and that too is taken care again like last week. It’s a fan- stage. (Belgium), Marcus Ehning difficult times. We feel very sports especially after missing of here. Logistics-wise the place tastic thing what Al Shaqab does In 2021 the Doha Falcons (Germany), Maikel van der good and safe here in Qatar,” out on so much last season,” is nicely situated. This is the best for our sport at the top level. welcome one new face to Vleuten (Netherlands), Penelope Ahlmann said after his win on Topspp said at a pre-event news placepy you can be from Asia and Everyyy year there’s somethingg their stable. Leprevost (France), Peder Fre- Saturday. conference.onference. “I think last year Europe. It’sIt’s winter in newnew forfor thethe riders.riders. TheThe ridersriders Joining team favourites dricson (Sweden), Edwina Tops- Staut, who won one of the was unusualunusual wiwithth the EuroEuropepe andand to bbee are very happy to come here.” Bassem MohammedMo (QAT), Alexander (Australia), Gregory premier show jumping events of COVID-19OVID-19 (situation). Hope-Hope- racingracing herehere is so Besides the main eventsevents Mike KawaiKawa (JPN), Titouan Wathelet (Belgium) and Eric the CHI Al Shaqab last week, also fullyully it will be a little bit better nice,”nice,” TopsTops saidsaid.. involving international entries, SchumacherSchumach (FRA), Yuri Lamaze (Canada) will join the praised Qatar’s initiative to bring now.ow. It is a bit unusual times QatariQatari riders will also be seenseen MansurMansur ((BRA),BR and U25 rider list of riders at the premier back sports delight for fans. andnd hopefully we will return inin action during competitionscompetitions PhilipPhilip HousHouston (GER) is Con- LGCT event that offers a stag- “I want to thank the organ- too the new normal,” TopsTops of the national Hathab Series,Series,, stantsts ant van PaesschenPa (BEL). gering €375,000 in prize isers here because it’s so dif- said.aid. according to Omar Al BeBe ssureure to keep an eye on money. Scott Brash of Great ficult (to host events) right now. “First of all it takes a thisththiiss tteameeam anda their tactics Britain will be keen leave a To organise this event at the lott ofof couragecourage anandd skillsskills fromffrroom oneone event to the next mark early in the new season highest level it’s fantastic,” Staut too havehave aann eeventvent llikeike inin tthehe 20212 race to the while Qatari rider Salmen said last week. finalsffiinan ls and to the GCL Sultan A M Al Suwaidi will be Beyond the results, Jan SuperSuuper Cup Final at the looking for strong results in Tops, President and Founder, GCG Prague Playoffs! front of his home crowd. LGCT and GCL, said riders Mike Kawai (JPN) With limited fan attendance getting back for a full season - willwiw l return as a U25 allowed inside Longines Arena after numerous cancellations riderririded for the team, at Al Shaqab and strict safety last year - is a major plus for the thetthhe young talent and health protocols in play, LGCT family. aalreadyl r well Ahlmann said the event was “It is important for us the embeddedeemmb with the well managed by Al Shaqab. organisers, the riders and the team’stteea anchor “I am proud to be here. Al fans around the world that we ridersririd as he trains at TopsTToo International COMPETITION SCHEDULE ArenaAAr alongside TODAY BaBassem and the TIME CATEGORY EVENT HEIGHT PRIZE QatariQatari ririders.der 3:00pm CSI5* 2 phases 1.45m €25,400 He willw be joined by 5:45pm CSI5* 1st GCL Team Competition 1.50/1.55m €55,000 U25U2U 5 riderride Philip Houston (Teams - Individuals) Against the (GER)(GER),, aass the team makes clock - No jump off thethe most ofof young talent in Mannai,Mannai, Event Director, anandd this new seseasona once again. TOMORROW thishis and Al Shaqab CommercialCommercial Manager, Al But whwhichi of the riders 9:00am NAT* Against the Clock no jump off 1.00/1.15m QR20,000 deserveseserves praise in Shaqab.Shaqab. willwill tthehe tteameam choose to field 1:00pm NAT* Two Phase Special Individuals 1.20/1.35m QR70,000 hostingosting two big MarcoMarco “We“We have 48 internationainternationall forfor this event,eve knowing that - Teams events,”vents,” ToTopsps DDanese,anese, the riders.riders. WeWe havehave in excessexcess ofof 100100 a strongstrong reresults on home turf 3:45pm CSI5* Against the clock - NO jump off 1.50m €51,100 added.dded. SpSportsorts Director, ridersriders competincompetingg in the HathHathabab could helphelp lay down the 6:00pm CSI5* Against the clock - With jump off 1.55m €148,500 “Like I always LGCT, said:said: ““We saw legleg ofof thethe series. I havehave to saysay gauntletgauntlet forfo the rest of the sayay thatthat tthishis pplacelace thethe ridersriders competincompetingg thethe technicaltechnical levellevel sshownhown by seasonseason toto cocome? SATURDAY, MARCH 6, 2021 All ShaShaqab,qab, notnot lastlast week. I have to say ridersriders was excellent duringduring CHICHI Will competingcom on home 9:00am NAT* Against the Clock - No jump off 1.15/ 1.25m QR25,000 onlynly is it beau-beau- we were surprised by Al ShaShaqab.qab. I believe it will be the turf be an advantage,a or will 12:15pm NAT* Against the Clock with jump off 1.30/1.45m QR45,000 tiful,ful, but it’s a quality of riding and the samesame whenwhen itit comescomes to LGCTLGCT it add extrextraa pressure in an 2:45pm CSI5* 2nd GCL Team Competition 1.55/1.60m €95.000 friendlyiendly placeplace.. horseshorses were more fresh. TheyThey events,”events,” Al Mannai informed. already high octane (Individuals - Teams) Against the Everythingverything is wellwell areare used to competingcompeting more ““WeWe are hostinhostingg bibigg eveneventsts competition?competition clock - No jump off qualification LGCT GP placed.aced. The staff is frequentlyfrequently and thetheyy couldn’t ddoo and that serves as an inspirationinspiration OneOne tthingh is for sure 6:00pm CSI5* Longines Global Champions Tour 1.60m €375,000 greatreat when youyou that last yyear.”ear.” andand we see ggoodood talent comincomingg however,however, theth Doha Falcons Grand Prix Against the clock seeee hhowow ttheyhey He added: “T“Thehe lelevelvel of the through.through. But besides this evenevent,t, will be lookingloo to you for with jump off operate.Theperate.The riders is veryvery hihighgh and that we alsoalso hosthost thethe nationalnational youryour support,suppor so make some horsesorses ttravelravel so shows the toptop of our ssport.port. We LonginesLongines Hathab tour. We areare noise as ththeye enter the arena National Competition Longines Hathab havehave Olympic champions and intointo tthehe fourthfourth seasonseason andand itit is and get behindbeh your home GCL Competition French show jumping LGCTLGCT champions here. I thinthinkk growinggrowing very fast. There is a lolott city team thisth weekend! LGCT Competition giant Julien Epaillard wewe will havehave a fantasticfantastic showshow ofof interest from horse lovinlovingg Late Abdul Aziz Al Fuhaid Cup: Lukasek guides Al Shaman to thrilling win

Members of team Al Shaman celebrate after H H Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani’s horse won The THE LATE ABDUL AZIZ AL FUHAID CUP THOROUGHBRED HANDICAP (Class 5) Late Abdul Aziz Al Fuhaid Cup (Thoroughbreds (Class 2) in scintillating fashion at the Al Uqda Complex Horse: Al Shaman (USA), Trainer: Julian Colin Smart, Jockey: Myboyhenry (IRE), Hossin Ashour, Meteb Ali Al-Marri* (-5kg) yesterday. The Julian Smart-trained horse, ridden by Tomas Lukasek, is considered to be the classy sort Tomas Lukasek LOCAL THOROUGHBRED HANDICAP who ran rather well over the Gr2 Irish Thoroughbred Marketing Cup two weeks ago at the Amir Sword Festival weekend. The 7yo only built up on that to win the 2000m feature to edge out Al Shaqab Racing’s PUREBRED ARABIAN HANDICAP Rosasa (QA), Mohamed Khaled Elahmed, Soufiane Saadi Almufti, ridden by Faleh Bughanaim for trainer Gassim Ghazali, by a quarter of a length. Ghazali’s other Maruf (FR), Alban Elie De Mieulle, Soufiane Saadi THOROUGHBRED MAIDEN PLATE ward in the field, H E Sheikha Reem bint Mohammed bin THOROUGHBRED HANDICAP (Class 3) US Cliff (IRE), Gassim Ghazali, Marco Casamento Khalifa Al Thani’s Pedro Cara completed the top three Khafooq (GB), Gassim Ghazali, Marco Casamento PUREBRED ARABIAN MAIDEN PLATE under Ivan Rossi in the feature race of the day. THOROUGHBRED HANDICAP (Class 3) Rafeeat Al Shan (QA), Ibrahim Saeed Al Malki, Anas Al Seyabi Luneray (FR), Mohammed Hussain Afroz, LOCAL PUREBRED ARABIAN NOVICE PLATE Marco Casamento Al Addaaj (QA), Mansoor Mesfer Al Hajri, Alberto Sanna