Qatar swimmer Tamim Mohammed scoops gold, silver at Arab C’ship THURSDAY, AUGUST 8, 2019 PAGE 19

Kyrgios back to old self with towel ATP & WTA TOUR tantrum in Montreal PAGE 18 ROGERS CUP Amid global outcry over piracy and human rights, F1 mulls Saudi GP

ORMULA 1 motor-rac- ing has refused to dis- Liberty Media, Formula Ftance itself from reports 1’s owner, sees Saudi it is planning to race in as a key market in Arabia, despite the country’s harbouring of a pirate network trying to grow its Middle that has cost the series one East audience, and could of its most prominent broad- command a lucrative cast partners and the ongoing fall-out from the alleged state- hosting fee by staging a sponsored killing last year Grand Prix in the country. of dissident journalist Jamal It did not respond to Khashoggi in the Saudi consu- late in Istanbul. questions regarding Discussions between Saudi Saudi Arabia’s suitability authorities and Liberty Me- as a host, considering its dia, Formula 1’s owner, have been taking place recently, widely-reported links to and teams have been asked for beoutQ, the pirate net- their thoughts on competing work that regularly steals in the country, potentially as early as 2021, the UK’s Times coverage of Formula 1 newspaper reported. races from Liberty’s allo- Liberty sees Saudi Arabia cated broadcast partners. as a key market in trying to grow its audience, and could command a lucra- of a Saudi race being disturbed tive hosting fee by staging a by anti-government protests, in Grand Prix in the country. recent months there has been Formula 1 told Sportcal more concerted opposition to – a world-leading provider sporting events taking place in of sports market intelligence A TV grab of illegal beoutQ broadcast of F1 Grand Prix from Austin, US. the Kingdom, after details re- – that “discussions regarding garding the disappearance of potential future races remain Khashoggi became known. private, and we are not going In January, the Super- to elaborate further on the copa de Italia, Italian soccer’s subject.” annual contest between the It did not respond to ques- winners of the league and the tions regarding Saudi Arabia’s Coppa Italia, took place in the suitability as a host, consider- Illegal broadcast piracy is the biggest threat to the sports and entertainment industry and Saudi Arabia’s beoutQ is pouring petrol on country, with the decision to ing its widely-reported links the problem. Most sports organisations are trying to do something about this epidemic; Formula 1 is only encouraging it. BeIN’s deal to stage the game there provok- to beoutQ, the pirate network ing widespread criticism of that regularly steals cover- cover Formula 1 in the MENA region, worth an estimated $30 million to $40 million, expired at the end of the 2018 season, and the the Italian football authori- age of Formula 1 races from broadcaster did not renew it, noting that every one of the races it showed that year had been pirated by beoutQ. ties, coming roughly three Liberty’s allocated broadcast months after Khashoggi was partners. – beIN Sports murdered after entering the BeoutQ has been regularly Saudi consulate in Istanbul in condemned by multiple sport- free on beoutQ’s IPTV func- that appeared to imply criti- turned to a 2018 statement caster across the region, in a the region, Bahrain and Abu October 2018. ing bodies, including Formula tion; but it is also remarkably cism of Formula 1, Tom Keav- on beoutQ: “It has come to five-year deal. Dhabi, routinely meet with At the time, Gaetano Mic- 1, and broadcasters, but law short-sighted given every day eny, BeIN’s managing direc- our attention that certain Last week, seven of the criticism and attract local anti- ciche, president of Serie A, told firms in Saudi, when asked, that beoutQ exists, Formula tor of MENA, said: “A rights Formula 1 content from the most powerful soccer bodies government protests. Indeed, media: “When we made this have repeatedly declined to 1’s rights are worth less. holder’s stance on beoutQ’s pi- 2018 FIA F1 World Cham- in the world, led by FIFA, is- in 2011, the Bahrain GP was decision, the Khashoggi affair represent claimants in law- “Illegal broadcast piracy is racy – in other words whether pionship has been illegally sued a joint statement calling cancelled when the protests had not happened. If it had, I suits against the broadcaster. the biggest threat to the sports they’re taking legal action, transmitted by the channel for beoutQ, the Saudi Arabia- threatened to interfere with probably would not have made BeIN Sports, the interna- and entertainment industry making a public stand, and known as beoutQ, operating backed rampant pirate net- preparations for the race itself. this choice.... Saudi Arabia is tional pay-television network and Saudi Arabia’s beoutQ is doing everything within their primarily within the MENA work, to finally be brought to Although Saudi is looking a very important country for based in Qatar, and one of the pouring petrol on the problem. power to combat the industri- region. beoutQ has not ac- justice. However, this came six to reform in an effort to en- Italy at the level of trade.” broadcasters most affected by Most sports organisations are al-scale theft of their rights – is quired any rights from For- months on from a similar col- courage more western firms to Golf’s European Tour and beoutQ – at the start of the trying to do something about a critical factor that we’re now mula 1 to transmit coverage lective rallying call that seem- invest and do business in the USA’s World Wrestling Enter- year, announced it would not this epidemic; Formula 1 is considering when bidding.” of the World Championship. ingly had little impact. country, controversy still re- tainment have also received be renewing its Formula 1 con- only encouraging it.” This is despite Formula Formula 1 takes intellectual There are also concerns mains over treatment handed criticism for their decisions to tract because of piracy – told BeIN’s deal to cover For- 1 having issued a statement property infringement of about the potential for Saudi out to anyone who opposes the stage events in Saudi Arabia. Sportcal: “Formula 1 contin- mula 1 in the MENA region, ahead of last June’s French this nature extremely seri- Arabia to use a Formula 1 kingdom’s ruling family. Any Formula 1 race would ues to turn a blind eye (to the worth an estimated $30 mil- Grand Prix accusing beoutQ of ously, we are looking into race to engage in ‘sportswash- The teams will apparently most likely take place in Ad theft of sports rights). This is lion to $40 million, expired broadcasting the series with- the issue and those that are ing’, and to attempt to cover ask for a “significant” number Diriyah on the outskirts of not only commercially self- at the end of the 2018 season, out rights. involved and will take appro- its chequered human rights of promises before they com- , the country’s capital. harming given the broadcast and the broadcaster did not According to BeIN, beoutQ priate action.” reputation by putting on a mit to any race in the country, Ad Diriyah’s racetrack has al- feeds of Formula 1’s global renew it, noting that every one is still stealing race coverage MENA rights to live cov- grand prix that would show such as human rights, wom- ready hosted Formula E, the broadcast partners – includ- of the races it showed that year from around 17 Formula 1 erage of Formula 1 have now the country in a more favour- en’s rights, and freedom for electric series which made ing Sky, ESPN, Fox and Chan- had been pirated by beoutQ. rights-holders. been secured by MBC Group, able light. travelling press. its debut in the country last nel 4 – are widely available for In a statement at the time Formula 1 on Tuesday re- a free-to-air satellite broad- The two other races held in In addition to the possibility December. (Sportcal) PSG look set to extend Ligue 1 dominance, with or without Neymar

REUTERS sure to do better this time. The Brazilian will have to “Players will have to be lan and then with the Bra- PARIS Although they officially serve a three-match Champi- more responsible than be- zilian national side. kick off their season at home ons League ban this season fore,” Khelaifi told ‘France They visit Monaco – who WITH or without Neymar, to Nimes on Sunday, PSG’s after insulting match offi- Football’ in June. “It must be must improve on a dismal last Paris St Germain look set to season does not start in ear- cials during their elimination completely different. They season – in the league’s open- continue their Ligue 1 domi- nest until February when the against Manchester United. will have to do more and work ing match on Friday. nance for another season with Champions League knockout He was also banned for harder. They are not there for Meanwhile, former Porto, other clubs simply unable to stages get under way. Every- three domestic matches at the their own amusement. Chelsea and Tottenham Hot- match them. thing that comes before that is end of last season following “I do not want star behav- spur coach Andre Villas-Boas The Qatari-owned club regarded as a formality. an altercation with a spectator iour any more,” he said, add- has taken over at Marseille, his have won the league for six of So far, it has been a quiet following their French Cup fi- ing that Leonardo would enjoy first job after nearly two years on the last seven seasons, with transfer window by their stand- nal loss to Stade Rennes. his “total confidence.” the sidelines. His side kick off at only AS Monaco interrupt- ards although they have still PSG’s new sporting direc- and home to Reims on Saturday. ing the run in 2016-17, and spent around 80 million euros tor Leonardo Araujo, back for Olympique de Marseille, who Lille, a surprise second finished 13 points clear of the on Abdou Diallo from Borussia a second stint in the role, has along with AS Monaco are seen last season, are not seen as field last season and 16 points Dortmund, Idrissa Gana Gueye said that Neymar can leave if as the only teams capable of serious contenders after sell- ahead the season before that. from Everton and Pablo Sarabia a buyer is found. “But to date, capitalising on any PSG slipups, ing Nicolas Pepe, scorer of 22 Their dominance so com- from Sevilla, while Ander Her- we do not know if anyone are among seven teams starting goals last term, to Arsenal for plete that last season was rera has joined from Manches- wants to buy him or at what the league under new coaches. 80 million euros ($89.53 mil- largely regarded as a failure ter United on a free transfer. price,” he told Le Parisien. Olympique Lyonnais, in a lion), and forward Rafael Leao after they missed out on the The big question concerns Previously sporting direc- bold move, have given former to AC Milan for 32 million. two domestic cup competi- unsettled forward Neymar who Paris Saint-Germain’s French forward Kylian Mbappe (left), Brazilian tor at AC Milan, Leonardo will Brazil international Sylvinho Nantes have named Pat- tions and were knocked out the club would be sanctioned forward Neymar (centre) and Italian Marco Verratti cel- be tasked with implementing a has first senior coaching role, rick Collot as interim coach of the Champions League in for missing the start of pre-sea- ebrate after winning the French Trophy of Champions match against tougher disciplinary approach the 45-year-old having pre- after Vahid Halilhodzic the round of 16, placing coach son training last month amid Rennes (SRFC) at the Shenzhen Universiade Stadium in Shenzhen, demanded by club chairman vious worked as assistant to stepped down on Friday after Thomas Tuchel under pres- talk of a return to Barcelona. China, on August 3, 2019. (AFP) Nasser al Khelaifi. at Inter Mi- 10 months in charge. Sports Thursday, August 8, 2019 17

‘Disappointed AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE and hurt’ – Arthur hits out after Pakistan axe

Mickey Arthur attends an indoor nets training session of Pakistan team in Taunton, England, during the 2019 World Cup. (AFP) AFP KARACHI

MICKEY Arthur said he was “disappointed and hurt” on Wednesday as he was axed as Pakistan coach following an underwhelming World Cup. Arthur, who has been linked with a move to England, said he had done his best with Pakistan who narrowly failed to reach the World Cup semi-finals. “I am extremely disap- pointed and hurt,” the South African told AFP shortly after Al Sadd coach Xavi Hernandez (centre) argues with referees during the AFC Champions League match against Al Duhail at the Al Janoub Stadium in Al Wakrah on Tuesday. (AFP) the Pakistan Cricket Board an- nounced his departure. “I did my wholehearted effort to lift Pakistan cricket,” he added. Arthur’s contract expired after last month’s World Cup, Coach Xavi disappointed with a won by hosts England, and he had asked for a two-year ex- tension. But Pakistan Cricket Board chief Ehsan Mani said Arthur and his coaching staff, draw, rues missed penalty call including assistants Grant Flower and Azhar Mahmood, were all out. TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK today is that we didn’t win. It’s centre of a transfer dilemma tough for the referee, but in Muntari. The Iraqi, however, DOHA not a bad result as we scored with Al Gharafa, but Xavi my opinion, it was a penalty.” needs time to adapt to the an away goal but we deserve said the 29-year-old didn’t Meanwhile Al Duhail team according to his Portu- Mickey Arthur’s contract AL Sadd’s head coach Xavi more than that. What makes participate because he hadn’t coach Rui Faria said his team guese coach. expired after last month’s praised his side’s performance me happy is how the players trained enough. will not approach the second “Mohanad is a new player World Cup and he had while expressing his disap- performed on the pitch,” the Spot kick “Khoukhi is an important leg feeling any pressure de- and he is new to the team, so asked for a two-year exten- pointment after the Wolves Spaniard said after the match player foe the team and he is spite giving away a vital goal including him from the be- were held to a 1-1 draw by Al on Tuesday. Coach Xavi Hernandez, one of the best players in Qa- to Al Sadd. ginning of the match was not sion. But Pakistan Cricket Duhail in the first leg of their “I have been working wih making his transition into tar. But he arrived late at the “The performance at any the right decision. He does Board chief Ehsan Mani said AFC Champions League Round the players for three weeks coaching with just three camp and did not train much, stadium inside Doha does not not know the strategy of the Arthur and his coaching of 16 at the Al Janoub Stadium. and I am happy with their weeks in the new role, said so he sat on the bench today. make any difference to us. We team and Muntari was the Xavi, making his transi- performance. We were better Al Sadd deserved more than We didn’t need him today be- know that Al Sadd have an ad- best choice for me. Mohanad staff, including assistants tion into coaching with just than Al Duhail but this is foot- a draw. He felt there was a cause of the good performanc- vantage due to the away goal, needs more time to adapt Grant Flower and Azhar three weeks in the new role, ball; if you don’t make use of penalty which should have es of the other players. He will but we have to work hard to and know how the team Mahmood, were all out. said Al Sadd deserved more the chances, then you won’t been given in the last minute have a crucial role to play in qualify to the next round. I’m plays,” said Faria. than a draw. win. I am satisfied with the but said mistakes are a part the upcoming matches.” sure the players will put on a The winner between both “It feels really good to coach performance. We could have of the game. As for the penalty which good performance in the away the teams will either play Al “PCB will be immediately this team. Our players were won but now there’s another was not given for Al Sadd, Xavi leg,” Faria said. Ahli or Al Hilal in the quarter undertaking a robust recruit- the best and had a great desire game remaining, which will said: “Mistakes are part of the New signing Mohanad Ali -final. Al Hilal beat Al Ahli 2-4 ment process after it decided to win. The AFC Champions be played at our home and we Al Sadd were without in- game. I don’t like to talk about made his debut but had lit- in their first leg match, go- not to renew the contracts of League is a tough tournament. are thinking about that game fluential defender Boualem refereeing. A penalty call in tle or no impact on the game ing into the second leg with head coach Arthur, bowling “My only disappointment now,” he added. Khoukhi who has been at the the last minute of the game is after replacing Mohammed the advantage. coach Azhar Mahmood, bat- ting coach Grant Flower and trainer Grant Luden,” the board said in a statement. Pakistan’s new coaching Lanka suspend coach ahead of NZ series staff will be appointed after a Chahar’s new ball skills on four-member committee as- AFP because this might end up be- sistants were expected to be sesses the team’s performance COLOMBO ing a legal issue.” shown the door. at the World Cup, it said. par with Kumar, says Kohli Sports Minister Harin Fer- There was no immediate Reports say Arthur is on SRI Lankan cricket authori- nando said this month that comment from Hathurusingha the shortlist of names for the REUTERS ties on Wednesday suspended Hathurusingha would be giv- who had earlier said he wanted next England coach after Tre- head coach Chandika Ha- en until the start of Sri Lanka’s to continue in the post till his vor Bayliss departs following DEEPAK Chahar’s new ball thurusingha and appointed a home Test series against New contract runs out in 16 months. the ongoing Ashes Test series. skills are comparable to that temporary replacement for the Zealand, which begins on Au- Fernando was critical of Pakistan lost heavily to of an experienced Bhuvnesh- upcoming New Zealand series. gust 14, to quit and make way a reported $40,000 monthly arch-rivals India at the World war Kumar, India captain Vi- Cricket board chairman for a new coach. salary paid to Hathurusingha Cup but finished with a record rat Kohli said after the rookie Shammi Silva said former Sri “If Hathurusingha does and said Sri Lanka could have of five wins from nine match- seamer’s match-winning Lanka fast bowler Rumesh Rat- not leave, we may have to con- hired a foreign coach at half es, including one game that opening spell against West In- nayake was made interim coach sider legal action or offer him the price. was rained off. dies on Tuesday. pending a final decision on the a different job at the board,” Fernando said there were They scored 11 points and Playing only his second status of Hathurusingha. Fernando said at the time. three international candidates were unlucky to be pipped to Twenty20 international, Cha- “Hathurusingha will not be Following Sri Lanka’s dis- hoping to replace Hathurus- the semi-finals by New Zea- har posted figures of 3-1-4-3 involved in this (New Zealand) appointing World Cup, where ingha and they were asking land – who also had 11 points to leave West Indies reeling series,” Silva told reporters. they finished in sixth-place, for lower salaries of between – on net run-rate. in the third and final match “We can’t tell you details Hathurusingha and his as- $17,500 to $25,000 a month. The PCB committee, which of the series in Guyana which includes former captains Wasim India won by seven wickets to Akram and Misbah-ul-Haq and complete a 3-0 sweep. Deepak Chahar (L) of India celebrates the dismissal of Sunil Narine which met on Friday, was unan- Kumar, 29, is renowned of West Indies during the 3rd T20I at the Guyana National Stadium in imous in calling for new coach- for his ability to swing the new Providence, Guyana, on Tuesday. (AFP) Anderson vows to return before Ashes end es. “The committee comprised ball in both directions and has of individuals who possess tre- played 21 Tests, 111 One-dayers the new ball in any conditions, in the Territorial Army. AFP Stone absence adds to mendous acumen, experience and 40 T20 matches for India. and that has been his USP Pant has used his chances LONDON England’s injury woes and knowledge,” Mani said. Chahar has played a lone in the IPL as well.” Chahar’s well in the test format and hit “The unanimous recommen- ODI and made the Indian strikes reduced the hosts to a century in an Oval Test last ENGLAND’S record wicket LONDON: England fast bowler Olly Stone will miss the second dation of the committee was squad on the back of a strong 14-3 inside the first four overs year while also smashing an taker James Anderson is de- Ashes Test against Australia after being ruled out for at least that it was time for new lead- 2019 season in the Indian Pre- and West Indies could never unbeaten 159 against Aus- termined to return to the team two weeks with a back injury. Stone, who suffered the injury in ership and a fresh approach.” mier League T20 tournament recover sufficiently and man- tralia in Sydney in January but before the Ashes series with training on Tuesday, joins fellow pacemen James Anderson and The PCB said it would ad- during which he finished third aged 146-6 in their 20 overs. scored nought and four in the Australia ends in September he Mark Wood in being ruled out of the Lord’s Test, which starts vertise the posts soon. on the list of wicket-takers India then rode on an un- first two T20s. told The Sun on Wednesday. on August 14. “It’s really disappointing for Olly that he’s been Arthur joined Pakistan in with 22 wickets. beaten 42-ball 65 from wicket- “He’s got a lot of skill and tal- The 37-year-old has been ruled out of action for such an important two weeks of cricket May 2016, leading them to a “He was really lethal with keeper-batsman Rishabh Pant ent,” Kohli said. “It’s about win- ruled out of the second Ash- because of a reoccurrence of his back injury,” said Warwickshire drawn Test series with Eng- the new ball,” Kohli said at the and captain Kohli’s 59 to reach ning and finishing games like es Test, which starts next sport director Paul Farbrace. Jofra Archer, who has also suffered land that lifted them to the top post-match presentation. “The their target with ease. these and gaining confidence, Wednesday at Lord’s, after with a side strain in recent weeks, is expected to replace Ander- of the rankings. Pakistan also way he swings it and the areas Pant, 21, has been long ear- which he wants to do as well. injuring his right calf having son for the second Test. (AFP) won the Champions Trophy he bowls in, he puts the bats- marked as the successor to long- “It’s about giving him a bowled just four overs in the in England in June 2017. “We man in a lot of trouble. serving wicketkeeper Mahendra bit more space to ease himself series opener at Edgbaston also became world number “With the new ball, his Singh Dhoni. The 38-year-old into international cricket. If he as Australia romped to a 251- played competitive cricket Lancashire. one in Twenty20 cricket in this skills are right up there (with Dhoni is sitting out India’s plays like this more regularly, run victory. for a month leading into “I’m pretty confident I can period, which was an achieve- Kumar’s), swinging it both tour to discharge his responsi- we will see his potential shine Anderson, who has taken the match after injuring get over this, I want to keep ment,” he said. ways and getting a lot with bilities as an honorary colonel for India.” 575 Test wickets, had not the same calf playing for going,” said Anderson. 18 Thursday, August 8, 2019 Sports

Serena again Kyrgios back to old self with tops Forbes list of highest-paid sports women towel tantrum in Montreal AFP WASHINGTON

US tennis superstar Serena Wil- The Australian falls to Britain’s Kyle Edmund in straight sets at Rogers Cup liams topped Forbes magazine’s list of the highest paid women REUTERS Canadian teenager Felix in sports for the fourth straight MONTREAL Auger-Aliassime also secured year on Tuesday. a spot in the second round of The business publication NICK Kyrgios looked to have the U.S. Open tune-up with calculated that the 23-time turned over a new leaf in re- a 6-2 6-7(3) 7-6(3) win over Grand Slam singles champion cent weeks, his playful banter compatriot Vasek Pospisil. earned $29.2 million in the with fans and improved focus Awaiting 18-year-old Au- 12-month period ending June helping him produce some of ger-Aliassime is 17th-seeded 1 – with just $4.2 million of that his best tennis, but his dark fellow Canadian Milos Raonic, coming from prize money. side returned in Montreal on the latter having won their Japan’s Naomi Osaka, who Tuesday thanks to a row over only career meeting last year burst to international stardom a white towel. in Indian Wells. with a stunning upset of Wil- The volatile Austral- Third seeded German Al- liams in the 2018 US Open ian, who won the Citi Open in exander Zverev won 80 per- final and went on to win the Washington on Sunday, was cent of his first serve points Australian Open in January, dumped out of the opening to dispatch Cameron Norrie became just the fourth woman round of the Rogers Cup by 7-6(4) 6-4 and set up a second- to earn more than $20 million Britain’s Kyle Edmund 6-3 6-4 round meeting with Nikoloz in a year – after Williams and after an angry exchange with Basilashvili, who took out Jan- tennis stars Maria Sharapova the umpire saw him collect a John Isner of the hits a return against Jordan Thompson Lennard Struff to advance. and Li Na. code violation for an obscen- of Australia during Day 5 of the Rogers Cup. (AFP) British qualifier Dan Evans Forbes pegged Osaka’s ity. faces a tough second-round earnings at $24.3 million, put- Kyrgios had asked the Kyrgios a white towel, but it should serve. clash against top seed and de- ting her second on a list domi- umpire before the match if he did little to help the Austral- Next up for Edmund is a fending champion Rafa Nadal nated by tennis players. could be given a white towel ian’s cause with Edmund put- second-round meeting with after beating Australian Alex Former Wimbledon cham- instead of the tournament’s ting on a serving masterclass eighth-seeded Russian Daniil de Minaur 6-4 7-6(6). pion Angelique Kerber was branded one and the 24-year- to advance. Medvedev on Wednesday. Croatia’s Marin Cilic, the third on the list with earnings old threw a tantrum when he Kyrgios’ outburst comes Big-serving American 14th seed, got past Ameri- of $11.8 million followed by this realised five games into the after the Australian seemed John Isner fired down 26 aces can qualifier Bradley Klahn year’s Wimbledon champion Si- match his request had not to be reinventing himself as a to help secure a 6-3 3-6 7-6(6) 6-3 7-6(7) to advance, while mona Halep. been met. crowd favourite in the weeks win over Australian Jordan Argentine Guido Pella upset Forbes included prize mon- “I’m not allowed to leave following his Wimbledon de- Thompson. Belgian 15th seed David Goffin ey, salaries, bonuses, endorse- the chair,” the umpire said af- feat by Rafa Nadal. The 12th seed, who had lost 6-4 7-6(4). ments and appearance fees be- ter the angry Australian had The superb tennis Kyrgios three of his four tiebreaks in In other first-round tween June 1, 2018, and June 1, asked him to get the towel. played in that match won him the two weeks leading into the matches, Moldova’s Radu Al- 2019 in the figures. “You’re telling me that new admirers and the Aus- event, put an end to the tense bot beat Frenchman Gilles Si- The highest placed athlete you can’t radio in just for one tralian has fed off the crowd battle when he fired down an mon while Argentina’s Diego from a different sport was US Nick Kyrgios of Australia during his match against Kyle Edmund of white towel?” a seething Kyr- at subsequent tournaments, ace on his third match point Schwartzman and Australian footballer Alex Morgan, who Britain on Day 5 of the Rogers Cup at IGA Stadium Montreal, Quebec, gios replied. sharing jokes with fans and to set up a clash with Chilean lucky loser John Millman also clocked in at 12th. Morgan Canada on Tuesday. (AFP) A ball boy finally handed even asking them where he Cristian Garin. advanced. earned $5.8 million.

Private donors revive F1 race in Al Rayyan fall in AFC Futsal Mexico after government cut funds Club Championship opener PSG’s Jordan-designed

REUTERS of business people would 2019/20 away jersey MEXICO CITY help cover the costs, which local authorities have said are FORMULA One drivers will about $45 million a year. rev up their race cars again “I want to give you all the available at Villagio Mall for the annual Mexican Grand good news. ... Formula One Prix, Mexico City’s mayor is staying in Mexico,” Shein- TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK said on Wednesday, after a baum said in a video posted DOHA cut in government funding on Twitter, adding that the put the future of the widely head of the governing body THE new Paris Saint-Germain attended race in question. FIA would sign a new con- away jersey for the 2019/2020 Mexico had signed a tract on Thursday. season co-signed with the brand five-year contract for annual “The city isn’t investing Jordan will be first available Grand Prix races in 2014. a single public resource,” exclusively at the official Club But after President Andres Sheinbaum said. “It’s good store located in the renowned Manuel Lopez Obrador took news for the city, it brings Villagio mall located in Doha. office in December, he said tourism, it brings income.” A year on from the suc- the deal would not be re- Formula One has held the Al Rayyan began their AFC Futsal Club Championship Thailand cessful start of their collabora- newed because public funds Mexican Grand Prix every 2019 campaign with a 4-9 loss to Naft Al Wasat of Iraq at the tion and a few weeks after the were needed for other tour- year since 2015, drawing a Bangkok Arena on Wednesday. Though Al Rayyan started well, the high-profile launch of the third ism booster projects such as total of 1 million people. The Iraqi team overwhelmed the Lions in their opening Group B clash. Paris Saint-Germain x Jordan building the “Mayan Train” competition previously ran In the other match in the group, Thai Son Nam FC of Vietnam beat lifestyle collection, the Parisian The jersey, which will be worn by leading players such as Kylian on the Yucatan Peninsula. in Mexico between 1963 to AGMK FF of Uzbekistan 4-1. Al Rayyan will face the Vitnamese club has once again teamed up Mbappe, Marco Verratti and Marie-Antoinette Katoto, is framed Mexico City Mayor Clau- 1970, and again from 1986 team next on Friday. with the Jumpman logo for its by black trim on the collar and sleeves. dia Sheinbaum said a group to 1992. official shirt. Presented by the Rouge & The shirt also bears the logo red glow in 2019-20. Bleu players before a crowd of of All – Accor Live Limitless, Fabien Dilem, Head of over 200 local fans at the Jor- the new main partner of Paris Paris Saint-Germain’s MEA/ dan store in Shenzhen as part of Saint-Germain’s men’s and India office said: “Paris Saint- start date still unknown as court delays decision the club summer tour of China, women’s football teams. Germain is very committed the 2019/20 away shirt boasts The jersey, which will be to developing its presence AFP on Friday and Monday nights as announced by La Liga at the La Liga argues it has the the iconic infrared colour so worn by leading players such in Qatar and to strengthen MADRID this term. start of last month. authority to set the dates and well known to fans of Jordan as Kylian Mbappe, Marco Ver- its relationship with its local A commercial court in Ma- The opening round of times of the calendar and that sneakers. ratti and Marie-Antoinette supporters with whom it is THE time and date of La Liga’s drid heard the case for over games also included two removing Friday and Monday For the second season run- Katoto, is framed by black already closely linked. Our opening games of the season four hours on Wednesday but a matches on Monday, August 19 matches would put existing tel- ning, Paris Saint-Germain is the trim on the collar and sleeves. official shop at Villagio Mall may not be decided until days decision may not be made un- when Mallorca were down to evision deals in jeopardy. only football club in the world to The same black also features is one of the three main meet- before the first match kicks off, til Friday or even Monday, four host Eibar, and Real Betis ex- “Broadcasters would begin unveil sports and lifestyle pieces on the shorts and appears on ing points between our Qatari after a court postponed its deci- days before the league had been pected to play at home to Real to negotiate 30 percent down- co-designed with the Jordan the socks in the shape of a fans and Paris Saint-Germain sion on Wednesday. due to begin. Valladolid. wards,” warned Jaume Roures, brand. The club from Paris, double horizontal hoop just in Doha, therefore it will be La Liga and the Spanish The division’s curtain-rais- But RFEF president Luis the president of Mediapro, who the capital of fashion, has con- below the knee. the first to unveil the new Football Federation (RFEF) er was due to take place be- Rubiales has claimed fixtures was presented as a witness by solidated its position as a brand On the reverse of the collar Away jersey in the city. We are locked in another bitter tween Athletic Bilbao and Bar- can only be played this season La Liga. “It would have very that combines sport and style, there is an ode to Paris, a city hope that our local fans will dispute, with the RFEF trying celona at Bilbao’s San Mames on Fridays and Mondays with significant economic conse- which brought it unprecedent- now synonymous with Jordan appreciate it and put on our to ban fixtures taking place stadium on Friday, August 16, the approval of the RFEF. quences,” Roures added. ed popular success last season. and set to be lit up by an infra- colors in the Qatari capital!” Esperance declared African Champions League winners

decision by the CAF executive $50,000 fine for use of flares and officials for some two hours ate CAF body – the discipli- Wydad Casablanca committee to order a replay and the throwing of projectiles before the game was called off nary committee. deemed to have of the second leg, in which the by their supporters during the and Esperance were awarded Wednesday’s decision is Moroccan side refused to play game in Tunis on May 31. the trophy. Five days later, an embarrassing outcome for abandoned game on after a VAR controversy. The teams had drawn 1-1 CAF’s executive committee said the beleaguered CAF executive after VAR controversy Both clubs had appealed in the first leg of the final in the second leg must be replayed committee, which was unani- to the Court of Arbitration for Casablanca and Esperance on neutral territory. mous in ordering a replay in REUTERS Sport, which last week found were 1-0 up in the return Esperance appealed to what critics said was pandering CAIRO that the CAF executive commit- match when Wydad netted CAS to be reinstated as cham- to the strong Moroccan influ- tee’s decision was wrong and what they thought was a 59th- pions after Wydad’s walk-off, ence on the organisation. TUNISIAN club Esperance ordered the case to be heard by minute equaliser. while the Moroccans argued The running of CAF was tak- have been declared African CAF’s disciplinary committee. The referee ruled it out for they should be declared win- en over last week by FIFA gen- Champions League winners Both clubs were also fined offside, however, and turned ners or that both legs of the eral secretary Fatma Samoura after the Confederation of Af- after a hearing in Cairo on down animated appeals from final be annulled and a single amid allegations of corruption. rican Football’s disciplinary Wednesday. the Wydad players to consult replay ordered. Esperance will now play in committee on Wednesday Wydad received a $20,000 the VAR because the system CAS rejected Wydad’s ar- the Club World Cup in Qatar found opponents Wydad Casa- fine for abandoning the match was not working. gument, but said the question at the end of the year. They are blanca guilty of abandoning the and a further $15,000 for Wydad refused to play on A file picture shows Esperance de Tunis team captain Moez Ben Cheri- of whether the match would also only the third club to retain second leg of the final in May. the use of flares by support- and the argument continued fia lifting the CAF Champions League trophy after their victory over be replayed would need to be the continent’s top club prize, This reverses an earlier ers. Esperance were handed a on the pitch between the teams Morocco’s Wydad Athletic Club. (AFP) considered by the appropri- having won it in 2018. Sports Thursday, August 8, 2019 19 Qatar Airways extends sponsorship for QREC’s major events

addition, Qatar Airways will Agreement be playing a remarkable role in the HH The Amir Sword signed for Festival, especially in terms of horse shipping, which helps European races, facilitate the participation of horses from outside Qatar in HH The Amir the prestigious races run at the QREC Al-Rayyan Park Sword Festival every year.” Qatar Airways Group Chief QREC Chairman Issa bin TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK Executive Officer Akbar al Baker Mohammed al Mohannadi Support continues DOHA Qatar Airways Group ing every year. The three-day sport and bringing people to- Chief Executive Akbar al THE Qatar Racing & Eques- mega event is renowned as gether. Baker said: “Qatar Airways trian Club (QREC) and Qatar an integrated racing festival, Under the recently-signed is proud to renew its partner- Airways signed a three-year involving both pure Arabians agreement, Qatar Airways will ship with the Qatar Racing partnership agreement cover- and thoroughbreds. In ad- be the Official Carrier of the and Equestrian Club for a ing the most prestigious three dition, the Qatar Goodwood 2019, 2020 and 2021 renewals further three years. This part- racing events organised and/ Festival and the Qatar Prix de of the QREC-sponsored Qatar nership will enable Qatar Air- or sponsored by QREC every l’Arc de Triomphe are two of Goodwood Festival and the ways to continue to support year. These three top events the highlights of the world’s Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triom- some of the most significant are the HH The Amir Sword flat-racing season. phe. The 2019 edition of the global events on the horse Festival in Doha, the Qatar The three-year agreement Qatar Goodwood Festival was racing calendar. Goodwood Festival in the reflects the solid and strategic held at the Goodwood race- Qatar Airways Cargo United Kingdom and the Qa- relations between the QREC course, the UK, from July 30 Qatar Airways at the just-concluded Qatar Goodwood Festival. has a long history of provid- tar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe and Qatar Airways and their to August 3. This year’s renew- ing world-class service when in France. quest for enhancing their al of the Qatar Prix de l’Arc ficial Carrier of the HH The pure Arabians and thorough- leader in air transport as Qa- transporting horses around The national carrier con- renewed collaboration. The de Triomphe will be staged in Amir Sword Festival in 2020 breds. tar Airways. We have already the world through our state- tinues its sponsorship of QREC aims to produce these its home at ParisLongchamp and 2021. The three-day had remarkable experiences of-the-art live animal cargo three prestigious horseracing events at the highest level, racecourse and its events will mega event is the pinnacle A remarkable with Qatar Airways through terminal at the Hamad In- events, including the HH The which maintains the stand- culminate with the Qatar Prix of horseracing in Qatar and experience our partnership, which was ternational Airport. Through Amir Sword Festival, which ing of Qatar’s equestrian de l’Arc de Triomphe and the the region with a large scale Commenting on the agree- key to QREC’s sponsorship of this partnership we are ex- is the pinnacle of horseracing sports, while Qatar Airways Qatar Arabian World Cup rac- of runners both from Qatar ment, QREC Chairman Issa the Qatar Goodwood Festival, cited to continue showcasing in Qatar and the region with continues its long tradition of es on October 6. and overseas every year. It is bin Mohammed al Mohan- the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Tri- our award winning products a wide range of runners from supporting top sports events Qatar Airways will also renowned as an integrated nadi said “We are pleased to omphe and the Salon du Che- in both passenger and cargo Qatar and overseas compet- demonstrate excellence in maintain its role as the Of- racing festival, involving both renew this partnership with a val in Morocco last year. In services.” Tamim Mohammed hauls Barty crashes out 2nd gold in Arab swimming TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK of Toronto tennis DOHA QATARI swimmer Tamim Mohammed grabbed his sec- Naomi Osaka wins her second- a lot of great points but just ond gold medal at the Arab The Australian World No. 1 faces risk round match on Wednesday didn’t put enough in a row.” Age Group Swimming Cham- or if Czech Karolina Pliskova Indian Wells champion pionships, which concluded of losing world number one ranking reaches the semi-finals. Bianca Andreescu beat former in Casablanca, Morocco on Marie Bouzkova claimed Wimbledon finalist Eugenie Wednesday. REUTERS “And Sofia served today in the biggest win of her young Bouchard 4-6 6-1 6-4 in an Using his leg and hand TORONTO the big moments. She served career with a 6-2 7-5 upset of all-Canadian first-round clash combination powerfully, Mo- particularly well and got a lot seventh seeded Sloane Ste- while fifth-seeded Dutchwom- hammed emerged the winner WORLD number one Ash of free points.” phens to close out the action an Kiki Bertens reached the in the 100 metres butterfly to Barty’s preparations for the World number 29 Kenin on Tuesday. last 16 with a 6-2 6-1 win over have a three-medal haul. Ear- U.S. Open got off to a rocky failed to serve out the opening The 21-year-old Czech will Francesca Di Lorenzo. lier in the championships, he start as the Australian suffered set at 5-4 but did not let that next face either 2017 French Croatia’s Donna Vekic beat bagged 50m butterfly on Sun- a shock 6-7(5) 6-3 6-4 loss to setback derail her, remaining Open champion Jelena Osta- American 14th seed Madison day and followed it up with a American Sofia Kenin in the poised the rest of the way even penko or hard-hitting Russian keys 3-6 7-6(5) 7-6(5) in the silver medal in the 50m free- second round of the Rogers as Barty nearly rallied back Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova. first round while Wimbledon style on Tuesday. Cup on Tuesday. from big deficits in the second In other matches, seven- quarter-finalist Zhang Shuai About 250 boys and girls French Open champion and third sets. times Grand Slam champion beat Latvia’s Anastasija Sev- are participating in the cham- Barty, playing for the first time “I am just really tired to be Venus Williams was elimi- astova 7-6(5) 6-2 and will next pionship. since falling in the last 16 at honest,” Kenin said. “Such a nated in the first round with a face Russian qualifier Ekat- Wimbledon, was far from her tough player and it was a tough 6-4 6-2 loss to Spaniard Carla erina Alexandrova, who beat Ashraf, Salah to swim Qatar Tamim Mohammed on the podium during the Arab Age Group best and Kenin took full ad- match and I am just so happy Suarez-Navarro. Japan’s Misaki Doi 6-2 6-2. in WC second round Swimming Championships in Casablance, Morocco. vantage, recording her first to have pulled through.” Williams, who has now lost Among the other players Qatari swimmers Omar victory in four meetings with Next up for Kenin will be four consecutive matches, was to reach the Round of 32 in Ashraf and Karim Salah will Swimming World Cup, which fifth round in Berlin (October the Australian. either former world number ultimately undone by a slew Toronto, which is part of the compete in the second round took place in Tokyo. 11-13), the sixth round in Ka- “I wasn’t able to adapt one Victoria Azarenka, who of unforced errors and double U.S. Open Series leading up of the FINA Swimming World This year’s World Cup zan (November 1-3), and the quickly enough, or well earlier beat hard-hitting Ital- faults that allowed Suarez-Na- to the year’s final Grand Slam, Cup 2019, which kicks off on consists of seven rounds with seventh and final round in enough, to play a match of the ian Camila Giorgi 6-2 6-2, or varro to reel off the final four were Czech Katerina Siniako- Thursday in Jinan, China. the third round scheduled in Doha (November 7-9). standard that I expect myself Ukraine’s Dayana Yastremska. games. va, German qualifier Tatjana Abdulaziz al Obaidly and Singapore (August 15-17). The The seven-round WC se- to play and I want myself to With the loss, Barty could “She was just extra sharp,” Maria and Polish qualifier Iga Firas al Saidi participated in fourth round is to be contested ries also qualifies for the 2020 play,” said Barty. lose her number one ranking if said Williams. “And I played Swiatek. the first round of the FINA in Budapest (October 4-6), the Olympic Games in Tokyo.

Golfer Olesen charged with sexual assault

AFP said. “As this remains an ongoing legal matter, LONDON we are unable to make any further comment at this time.” DANISH golf star Thorbjorn Olesen has been The alleged incidents took place last week suspended from the European Tour after being when Olesen was returning on a British Airways charged with sexual assault, being drunk on an flight from Memphis after competing in the St aircraft and common assault. Jude Invitational. The 29-year-old -- a member of the victori- Police arrested him when the plane landed at ous 2019 European Ryder Cup team and a five- Heathrow and subsequently released him under time champion on the European Tour -- is to ap- investigation. pear in court in London on August 21. “A man has been charged in connection with “Thorbjorn Olesen has been suspended from an incident on an inbound flight to Heathrow Ashleigh Barty of Australia misses a shot against American Sofia Kenin (right) during the Rogers Cup tennis tournament second round at Aviva the European Tour pending the outcome of legal Airport on Monday, July 29,” said a Metropoli- Centre in Toronto, Canada on Wednesday. (USA TODAY SPORTS) proceedings,” a European Tour spokesperson tan Police spokesperson. Lotto Soudal riders Successful end to QSAA’s talent hunt programme resume Tour of Poland TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK in the country so that a talent pool can DOHA be created and these shooters can be AFP from the Wieliczka Salt Mine. groomed for future. WARSAW Team members and staff THREE promising young rifle shooters Kuwari expressed his delight at held discussions late into were honoured by the Qatar Shooting the big success of the talent hunt pro- LOTTO Soudal riders lined up Tuesday night over whether and Archery Association for their pro- gramme, launched by the QSAA. “I’m for Wednesday’s fifth stage of the riders would continue in gress during the training camp from very happy to see the rapid progress of the Tour of Poland despite the the race, according to Polish July to August. the participating shooters in the training death of Belgian cyclist Bjorg agency PAP. Thamer al Suwaidi topped the per- camp which lasted over a month. We’re Lambrecht. The fifth stage was won by formers, while Faisal al Yahri grabbed quite excited to see the big turnout at the Lambrecht, 22, tragically Slovenia’s Luka Mezgec in a the second spot and Al-Harid Fahad al trials. This is the just a start of our plan died following a crash on sprint to the finish at Bielsko- Ibrahim was third. to unearth the talented boys and girls Monday’s third stage after los- Biala, with Germany’s Pas- More than 200 shooters had ap- of various age groups. We’ll continue to ing control of his bike and col- cal Ackermann retaining the peared at the trials, which were followed hold the training camps. liding with a concrete bridge overall leader’s yellow jersey. by the training camp organised by the as- “Enthusiasm and will to do hard over a ditch. The race was resuming af- sociation from July 1 till today to assess work shown by the shooters in the camp “It has been decided that ter organisers neutralised and the potential of the participants, aged up were quite commendable. The asso- all our Lotto Soudal riders shortened Tuesday’s fourth to 15 years. ciation is thrilled by the encouraging re- will start in stage five of the @ stage as Lambrecht’s fellow QSAA President Ali Mohammed al sponse from the shooters. We’ll see how Tour_de_Pologne today and Lotto Soudal riders wore black Kuwari was present at the closing cer- to polish the talent further. We’ll also will ride for Bjorg,” the team armbands and took part in a emony and presented the medals to en- QSAA President Ali Mohammed al Kuwari and young shooters after the podium ceremo- hold competitions regularly for them for tweeted ahead of the start minute’s silence. courage the new generation of shooters ny at the Losail Range on Wednesday. the growth of the sport,” he added.