Sport TUESDAY 23 MARCH 2021 MotoGP:M Spain's Maverick Vinales readyr to impress fans in Qatar We already know that we can be very fast on one lap and have a goodg rhythm. That’s very positive, but there are other points that wew can further improve, and we are working really hard on that.

Spanish MotoGP star Maverick Vinales Sport | 11

PREMIER LEAGUE: West Ham 3-3 Arsenal, Aston Villa 0-2 Tottenham FA CUP: Chelsea 2-0 Sheffield, Leicester 3-1 Manchester United

European qualifiers: Qatar to take on Luxembourg tomorrow The players are in the best technical readiness through Qatar national team players taking part in a training session in Debrecen, continuous participation in Hungary, ahead of their Group A clash of the European qualifiers for the Qatar Stars League as well FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. The Felix Sanchez-coached Asian champions will take on Luxembourg in their first match tomorrow at the Nagyerdei as the Qatar Cup and the Stadion in Hungary. Their second match will be against Azerbaijan on March Amir Cup. And everyone 27. They will face Ireland on March 30. wishes to be in the playing XI team in the European qualifiers and to provide the best level in the matches. We are on track in our preparations for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Playing against different teams in different conditions such as European qualifiers, as well as participating in the Gold Cup in America, is very important for Qatar. Qatari midfielder Mohamed Waad

EXCITING SPORTS ACTION Recovering Marquez to miss It's all happening here March 28 Barwa Grand Prix of Qatar Barwa Grand Prix of Qatar at Losail International Circuit. AGENCIES - DOHA Competitive MotoGP action returns to Qatar this weekend Six-times world champion Marc when the 2021 World Championships flag off along with the Marquez will not race in the Moto2 and Moto3 series at the flood-lit Losail International season-opening Qatar Grand Prix as he continues to recover Circuit. from an arm injury sustained last season, his team Repsol Honda said yesterday. Marquez fractured his humerus in the 2020 season- opening Spanish Grand Prix in Jerez last July, after the COVID-19 pandemic had dis- rupted the original calendar, and did not race again all year. The 28-year-old Spaniard has since undergone three sur- geries, with Honda saying the doctors advised against has- March tening his return to the track and 26-27 will conduct another medical The 12th and check on April 12. “After the last review with final round of the the medical team, the doctors Longines Hathab have advised me that the most Qatar Equestrian prudent thing was not to take Marc Marquez prepares to ride an RC213V-S Honda track bike as he steps up Tour will see part in the Qatar Grand Prix and his training at the Algarve Circuit in Portugal, following a long injury lay-off. young riders to continue with the recovery plan that we have followed in competing for title recent weeks,” Marquez said. FRIDAY, MARCH 26 17:55-18:10 Moto3 Q2 honours at the 13:50-14:30 Moto3 FP1 18:25-18:40 Moto2 Q1 “I would have loved to be state-of-the-art able to participate in the opening 14:45-15:25 Moto2 FP1 18:50-19:05 Moto2 Q2 I would have loved to be 15:40-16:25 MotoGP FP1 19:20-19:50 MotoGP FP4 Longines Indoor race of the world championship, able to participate in the but we will have to continue 20:00-20:15 MotoGP Q1 Arena at Al working to be able to recover opening race of the world 18:10-18:50 Moto3 FP2 20:25-20:40 MotoGP Q2 Shaqab. the optimal conditions that championship, but we will 19:05-19:45 Moto2 FP2 allow us to return to have to continue working to 20:00-20:45 MotoGP FP2 SUNDAY, MARCH 28 14:40-15:00 Moto3 WARM-UP competition.” be able to recover the MotoGP.com said that in the SATURDAY, MARCH 27 15:10-15:30 Moto2 WARM-UP review carried out on the optimal conditions that allow 13:25-14:05 Moto3 FP3 15:40-16:00 MotoGP WARM-UP Spanish rider by the medical us to return to competition: 14:20-15:00 Moto2 FP3 March team led by Doctors Samuel Marc Marquez 15:15-16:00 MotoGP FP3 17:00 Moto3 RACE (18 laps) Antuña and Ignacio Roger de 18:20 Moto2 RACE (20 laps) 26 Oña, and made up of Doctors De 17:30-17:45 Moto3 Q1 20:00 MotoGP RACE (22 laps) Ooredoo Cup Miguel, Ibarzabal and García finalfi between Villanueva, 15 weeks after time period and the current state humerus at risk in intense Mir's comments that he is always AlA Sailiya and surgery for an infected pseu- of the bone consolidation competition. a favourite. doarthrosis of the right humerus, process, doctors consider it Marquez, who handed over Qatar, which will host the Al Rayyan at a good clinical response has prudent and necessary not to the MotoGP crown last season opening two races of the 2021 Al Sadd been found after the intensifi- accelerate Marquez’s return to to his compatriot Joan Mir, has MotoGP season, has offered the Stadium. cation of his training. the track after such an inactive practically ruled himself out of Covid-19 vaccine to the sport's However, considering the time, and to avoid putting the the title fight this year, despite entire paddock. QWFF set to host 2021 Qatar Fencing Grand Prix - Foil

QNA – DOHA Regarding the latest prepara- a number of fencers from 39 fencer Ines Boubakri, Rio tions, QWFF Secretary-General countries with a total of 380 par- Olympics winners. Qatar Weightlifting and Fencing and director of the championship ticipants including players, The tournament is of great Federation (QWFF) has completed Khalid Al Hammadi renewed the coaches, and technical and importance as it will be the last the preparations for the 2021 Federation’s welcome of the administrative teams, he said, before the Tokyo Olympics 2021, March Qatar Fencing Grand Prix in Foil, international fencing family to adding among them are the top and the top fencers are looking to 24-25 which will run over three days Doha, looking forward to pre- 14 ranked fluorescent weapons get points in Doha that help from March 26 at the Aspire senting a successful edition that in the world. towards qualification for Tokyo 41st and 42nd Dome. adds to their previous successes In addition to the participants Olympic Games, he said, pointing Race meetings The event will be held under which won praise from all par- from all countries of the world, out that despite the great diffi- for Fuweiret Cup strict precautionary measures, ticipants in any tournament he said, there will be participants culties facing the world due to the and Al Britha and all participants will be subject hosted by Doha. from Arab countries, as fencers COVID-19 pandemic, the Feder- to a health bubble throughout the Al Hammadi unveiled the from Egypt, Tunisia, Algeria and ation has made tremendous Cup will see top competition period. details of the 2021 Qatar Fencing Morocco will participate, efforts to hold that tournament horses and riders Doha is set to host as a record Grand Prix in FOIL, organized by including the Egyptian fencer under the full supervision of the in action at number of top world fencers QWFF in Aspire Dome. Alaa Abul Qasim, who won the Ministry of Public Health and in Al Rayyan Park descend on Qatar for The tournament enjoys great silver medal at the London accordance with the precau- this week. competition. interest, as it will be attended by Olympics, and the Tunisian tionary measures. TUESDAY 23 MARCH 2021 SPORT 11 ISSF World Cup: Qatari shooters win silver in New Delhi

Qatar’s men’s skeet team members, Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah, Rashid Hamad and Ali Ahmed Al Ishaq posing for a photograph after winning the silver medal in the men's team skeet at the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup in New Delhi yesterday. In yesterday’s gold medal match, Qatar lost to India which had the services of Mairaj Ahmad Khan, Angad Vir Singh Bajwa and Gurjoat Khangura. Yesterday's medal was Al Attiyah's second during this year's World Cup, having bagged bronze in the men's individual skeet event on Sunday. Stage set as Spain’s Vinales ready MotoGP revs to impress fans in Qatar back into life

RIZWAN REHMAT better your 6th-place finish from MOTOGP.COM – DOHA THE PENINSULA last year? A: For sure I can better (my At the floodlit oasis of Losail International Circuit, Spanish MotoGP star Maverick results). For the last 4 years, I’ve it’s time to get suited and booted for another Vinales said he ‘feels’ ready for the been mostly in the podium posi- season of stunning competition. Rarely is anything start of the new season, which will tions. We need to switch on predictable in this era of MotoGP, but there is at kick off with the Barwa Grand Prix properly and go for the goal. least one certainty everyone can agree on: we’re of Qatar at the iconic Losail Inter- most definitely ready to go racing. national Circuit (LIC) on Sunday. Q: Tell us something about This season, the headlines are overflowing Vinales and his Monster Energy your bike for the new season. before a lap has even been ticked off in anger. A Yamaha stablemate Fabio Quar- A: We will try to give the new reigning Champion begins the year on the tararo enjoyed their time during maximum power to perform throne, Joan Mir (Team Suzuki Ecstar), and the the pre-season testing on their better and be more strong. world waits with bated breath to find out when bikes for four days before the last we will get to see the return of eight-time World session was spiked because of a Q: How do you look back at Champion Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team), dust storm at LIC two weeks ago. your time at QMA since you although we know it won’t be to race in Qatar. After the fourth day of testing, joined them in 2019? Rider and team musical chairs leaves us with a Vinales, 26, said: “After this test my A: In 2019 I joined the QMA different grid and new colours for many, as well feelings are very positive. We are before Jerez Grand Prix and I got as a few new faces as we welcome four rookies. calm. We understand the situation, to spend valuable time on the But it’s the same incredible level of competition: we know which direction we need track to prepare myself to be thousandths are the new hundredths in MotoGP. to follow and we have been better. Also, I enjoyed so much Doha hosts the first and second Grands Prix working very hard on being as fast with the kids and playing around of the season and Losail also opened its doors for as we can, especially at the with the bike. all the official winter test days this year, so we’re beginning of the race.” not heading in blind but we are heading in primed. He added: “The behaviour of Q: Do you believe your role Jack Miller (Ducati Lenovo Team) arrives with the the bike is nice, it’s handling well. at QMA has helped the young biggest target on his back, flanked by a flotilla of This is important with a full fuel riding enthusiasts to improve Yamahas as the testing timesheets saw the Aussie tank. Right now, we are on a good Q: How difficult was it to Q: Do you like racing at their skill set on a bike? and his team-mate Francesco Bagnaia bookend level. We got done what I wanted adjust to a stalled season because Losail Circuit and why? A: QMA is doing a great job. a top five reigned by Ducati and Yamaha. But to accomplish during this test. I feel of the pandemic situation? A: I like the circuit because it I’ve seen some kids very fast and there’s more to racing than one lap speed… ready for the start of the season. A: It was very difficult. But is very cool to race at night. also some girls. The way they train Miller will definitely be one to watch as the “We already know that we can DORNA did a perfect job to bring Also after you finish the is more than lights go out, however, as will Bagnaia. Both are be very fast on one lap and have a all of us to the tracks and to create day, hotels are very efficient to full factory this season and the pressure is cer- good rhythm. That’s very positive, a parallel world to keep us clean nice, always good have a future tainly greater, but so too are the performances but there are other points that we from COVID-19. food, and the people talent in we’ve seen so far. Losail has also seen the Borgo can further improve, and we are are very friendly so we MotoGP. Panigale factory enjoy some serious success of working really hard on that. I’m Q: What are your expecta- can enjoy also late, and the stage is set for the Bologna bullets to concentrating on my race starts. tions in the new season? outside the track. Q: How start the season where they will wish to go on: "We are also concentrating on A: In this season I want to do you rate the front. That’s not forgetting the likes of Johann the first laps with a new tyre and enjoy, to have fun, to have the eyes Q: Do you the riding Zarco either as the Frenchman moves to Pramac a full fuel tank, which is important. on the prize, be a man on a mission. think you skills of Racing and has ever more experience with the We are making a lot of progress can in 2021 young Italian machine, also proving his mettle in testing. and this is making us very happy. Q: What’s your take on the Qataris The holeshot heroes have some serious top speed We are really motivated,” Vinales two races in Qatar at the start of that you and three experienced riders who look ready, on said when reviewing the testing the new season? have seen paper, to get straight in the mix. under lights at LIC. A: I love Qatar. I love in action? The timesheets in testing were far from a one- Here are excerpts from a Q&A Losail track. We will A: Long trick pony though. Three Yamahas ended the test session with the MotoGP star who enjoy a lot and we time ago I within less than a tenth and a half of Miller at the also spoke about his association will try to build was also a top: Maverick Viñales (Monster Energy Yamaha with Qatar Motor Academyy (QMA).(Q ) a ggood bike kid who MotoGP), Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Q: How do you lookk back at forfor thethe restreests ofof MAVERICK VIÑALES was Yamaha MotoGP) and last year’s Championship the 2020 season? theththe season.seeasson. MONSTER ENERGY looking at his runner up Franco Morbidelli (Petronas Yamaha A: 2020 season wasas YAMAHA MOTOGP heroes. I think SRT). Viñales starts the year settled in, Morbidelli difficult. We had an issueueu when I go likewise. Quartararo switches to the factory with the engine so wewe there for Yamaha squad, but seems to have immediately struggled during all of ththehe Bike: Yamaha training they found his footing. So too has nine-time World season. Anyway we managedageed GRAND PRIX DEBUT Date of Birth: 12-1-1995 can learn and Champion Valentino Rossi (Petronas Yamaha SRT) to have good results and ffororo MotoGP - 2015 (Grand Prix Of Qatar) Place of Birth: Figueres get enthusiastic about as the legendary Italian – never one to push for sure (we got something)) Moto2 - 2014 (Grand Prix Of Qatar) riding with me. a stunner in testing but still near the top ten – was to build positive for the Moto3 - 2012 (Grand Prix Of Qatar) WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP TITLES: full of enthusiasm after the five days on track that future. 125cc - 2011 (Grand Prix Of Qatar) 1 (Moto3) Q: How do you rate prefaced the season. the bike or motor sport Just behind them, sixth in testing saw Aprilia FIRST VICTORY GRAND PRIX VICTORIES: passion that is there in come to the fore. Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing MotoGP - 2016 (British Grand Prix) Qatar? Team Gresini) put the Noale factory’s nearly 8 - MotoGP A: Moto2 - 2014 (Grand Prix Of The Americas) 4 - Moto2 Since the first year I all-new bike right up there every time he went landed in Doha in 2011, I can feel out on track, and increasing expectation has so Moto3 - 2012 (Grand Prix Of Qatar) 8 - Moto3 the passion, I feel that Qatar is far been backed up by ever-increasing pace. With 125cc - 2011 (Grand Prix De France) 4 - 125cc doing a great job for their riders. team-mate Lorenzo Savadori coming back from I have many Qatari friends. injury and also a rookie, Espargaro is the man in the spotlight for the new bike as racing gets underway in earnest. We’ve seen flashes of bril- liance, but the 2021 aim for Aprilia will be to sustain that. And then there’s Suzuki. Seventh and eighth Savic, Majstorovic to face former 3x3 team-mates in Doha was where reigning Champion Joan Mir and Suzuki Ecstar team-mate Alex Rins ended the FIBA – DOHA be an emotionally charged contest. In Pool A, No.1 seed Liman will have their full-strength lineup, will Qatar Test, and the feedback was positive. Con- Savic and Majstorovic had been be on a mission like Tom Cruise as be hot favorite in Pool B which also sistently fast and consistently threatening in 2020, 3x3 superstars Marko Savic and core pieces with powerhouse Novi they aim for redemption after ago- features new-look No.7 seed nothing in testing said Suzuki won’t be out the Dejan Majstorovic will be pitted Sad, who had long dominated the nizing defeats last year to Riga in Amsterdam Talent&Pro (NED) and blocks to defend both the riders title and the against former team-mates Dusan circuit until falling behind rivals Riga Doha and the Jeddah Final. No.10 Edmonton (CAN). teams’ Championship. Bulut and Tamas Ivosev for the first and Liman on last season’s shortened Liman face tricky No.8 seed Pool D will be a battle of red, As race weekend arrives, meanwhile, the fans time since a shock breakup when World Tour. Their disappointing Piran (SLO) and No.9 Sakiai Gulbele white and blue with NY Harlem and will be left waiting for the answer to one of the Serbian teams Ub and Novi Sad clash campaign triggered the most (LTU) on Day 1. Led by legendary duo Princeton playing for American biggest questions: when will Marc Marquez return? on Day 1 of the Doha Masters on stunning breakup since Brangelina Simon Finzgar and Gasper Ovnik, the bragging rights. Sidelined by injury after Jerez last year, it’s been a March 26-27. split. Without their two guns, No.6 Slovenians are always formidable No.4 seed NY Harlem have ter- long road of surgery and recovery for the eight- The world’s 10 highest ranked seed Novi Sad have been written off opposition while Montreal Masters rible memories of Doha having failed time World Champion but the signs are looking teams will launch the World Tour’s but it would be foolish to write off 2019 winners Sakiai can mix it with to get out of Day 1 last year, but they good. Recently on track on a Honda RC213V-S in season opener in an absolutely any team with Dusan Bulut aka ‘Mr the best. have a stronger squad this time Catalunya and Portimão and looking ever more loaded field in Doha - the site of Bullutproof’. But No.3 seed Ub, who No.2 seed Riga return to the site around led by highlight reel Domi- ready to race, there was certainly more than several famous 3x3 moments, made the final of the Hungary of very happy memories having won nique Jones aka ‘Disco Domo’ and enough to make a good few rumours. His return including the jaw-dropping decider Masters last year, loom as a formi- the last two Doha Masters. Just four Joey King, who was regal last year won’t be in Qatar, however, so the foreboding between Riga (LAT) and Liman (SRB) dable opponent as they hunt for a months ago, Karlis Lasmanis aka on the World Tour. music for his rivals remains on low for now. last November. title. ‘Batman’ hit the shot of his life to No.5 seed Princeton were The stage is set, the floodlights are primed and The Day 1 highlight will be the Locals Lusail (QAT) will be power the Latvians past Liman in a runners-up in the World Tour Final the grid is ready to start another rollercoaster clash between new-look Novi Sad hoping to make it more than a two- Masters triumph for the ages. 2019 but only played once last year season of incredible racing with the Barwa Grand and beefed-up Ub in what will surely horse race in Pool C. Consistent Riga, who once again - a quarter-finals finish in Doha. Prix of Qatar. 10 SPORT TUESDAY 23 MARCH 2021 Europe kicks off Qatar 2022 qualifying

AP — GENEVA qualifier against Azerbaijan tomorrow. While Olivier Giroud struggles for “I don’t want to be considered and Marcus Rashford, Raheem Sterling, Erling Haaland will also play on playing time at Chelsea, he is a favorite called up for what I did before but for Phil Foden, emerging youngster The 55 national soccer teams in Europe neutral ground.ou d. Norway o way cosetchose thehe ofo coaccoach Didier d e Deschamps esc a ps to papartner t e whatwatca I can ggiveve now,” ow, said sa d Ibrahimovic, b a ov c, BukayoBu Saka and Jesse Lingard - one will start FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Spanish cityy of MalaMalagaga for its “home”“home” withwith MbappéMbappé in attack. France starts whowho will tuturnrn 41 oonene mmonthonth of the form players in the Premier qualifying this week even as South game againstnst Turkey on Saturday. againstagainst UkraineUkraine tomorrow. before next year’s World LeagueLe - are options for games against America and Asia pause amid the coro- Estoniaa will hhostost tthehe CCzechzech The five-team group includesincludess CupCuC p in Qatar.Qatar. SanSa Marino, Albania and Poland. Jack navirus pandemic. Republic inn the Polish city LublLublinin a thirdthird Euro 2020 quaqualifierlifier in WithWith Spain in tthehe GrealishGr and Jadon Sancho are out The 10 Europeanpean qualifying groupgroupss tomorrow. Finland.Finland same group,group, Sweden injuredin this time. kick off tomorrowrow anandd wiwillll playplay 75 MBAPPE’SMBAPPE’S FFORMORM ZLATAN’SZLATAN’S BACBACKK willwill llikelyikely bbee pplayinglaying fforor The six-team group also includes games in eight days.days. Some teams will DefendingDefending World Cup Sweden’s match against a spot in the playoffs. Hungary.Hu play triple-headersaders in a scschedulehedule championchampion FranceFrance beginsbegins its GeorgiaGeorgia on ThursdayThursday lookedlooked SOUTHGATE’SSOUTHG ATE’S GERMANY’S FUTURE squeezed by thee loss of dates in June qualifying campaigncampaign with toto be a low-key game beforbeforee DILEMMADID LEMMA Germany starts its qualifying because of thehe thethe team’steam’s breakoutbreakout starstar ZlatanZlatan IIbrahimovicbrahimovic cacameme out England’sEngland’s compe-compe- programpr under Joachim Löw and will postponedd fromfrom thethe 20182018 tour-tour- of iinternationalnternational rretirement.etirement. TThehe titiontit tion fforor pplaceslaces in attacattackk continueco in September with a new Europeana n nament,nament, KylianKylian Mbappé, charismatic 39-year-old hashas rarely been so fierce.fierce. coach.co Championship. hittinghitting hhisis bbestest fformorm ooff tthehe strikerstriker shouldshould makemake hishis firstfirst HarryHarry Kane is a ddef-ef- Löw’s 15-year tenure, which No World Cup season.season. TheThe Paris SaintSaint-- appearanceappearance for Sweden since initeinite starter at center includesin the 2014 World Cup title, qualifying gameme in GermainGermain ststrikerriiker reachedreached 100100 Euro 2016, lookinglooking to aadddd to fforwardorward butbut coaccoachh willw end after Euro 2020. Europe has beenn lolostst careercareer goalsgoals in the hishis national-record 622 GaretGarethh SoutSouthgatehgate hhasas For home games against Iceland to travel and qquar-uar- FrenchFrench goals.goals. plentyplenty ooff options to support andan North Macedonia, with a trip to antine restrictions.ns. FFearsears hishis captain.captain. RomaniaRo in between, Löw has called that players basedbased in up teenagers Jamal Musiala and Florian Germany wouldould be Wirtz.W denied travel diddid nonott A recall for Bayern Munich veteran materialise, soo RobertRobert ThomasTh Müller, who will be only 33 at Lewandowski canan play for whatw would be his fourth World Cup, Poland in Englandnd anandd DaviDavidd leagueleague - at iiss a question for the next coach. Alaba will joinin Austria in only 22 yearsyears old HOW TO QUALIFY Scotland. - by scorinscoringg twitwicece The 10 group winners will qualify The pandemicmic was ffeltelt in threethree against LyonLyon on directlydi for the final tournament in teams losing whathat hhomeome aadvantagedvantage Sunday.Sunday. A burstburst ofof Qatar.Q exists when mostt games are stistillll pplayedlayed 10 goalsgoals in The 10 runners-up will advance without fans. sevenseven gamesgammes tot the play-offs next March, joined Cristiano Ronaldonaldo willwill not playplay forfor startedstarted wiwiththh a byb two teams from the Nations Portugal at home,me, though he will be hathat trick iinn a League.L on familiar groundnd in Turin, ItaItaly.ly. PorPor-- ChampionsC h amp i ons A 12-team knockout bracket of Cristiano tugal chose the stadium of JuventuJuventuss LeagueLeague winwin at single-legsin games will decide the final Ronaldo as the neutral host for its opening opening Barcelona. Kylian Mbappé threeth European teams going to Qatar. United's Solskjaer now banking on Tearful Zlatan makes emotional return to Europa League to end title drought Sweden squad REUTERS — LONDON skjaer needed to win a trophy. United face Granada in the last eight but could then come up against “Of course, finishing second REUTERS — STOCKHOLM Having been part of Alex Fergu- either Ajax Amsterdam or AS Roma in the semis so there are no would be the priority at the start son’s Manchester United guarantees of success. The only reason United are in the Europa of the season, but winning a AC Milan’s Zlatan Ibrahi- trophy-winning machine, Ole trophy with that would be a real movic (pictured) shed a few Gunnar Solskjaer knows exactly League is because they bowed out of the Champions League in the priority and now they only have tears of pride as he returned what is expected from the man group phase after a shambolic defeat by RB Leipzig. the Europa League left,” he said. to Sweden’s national team in the Old Trafford managerial “I genuinely believe that after a four-year absence for hot seat. group of players need to win a their World Cup qualifiers Battling for the Premier While Solskjaer can rightly after a shambolic defeat by RB trophy under Ole. Also, there and recounted how his son League runners-up spot and point to signs of progression, Leipzig. comes a point when if you are did not want him to leave reaching the latter stages of the fact the trophy cabinet is Solskjaer insists he had no going to catch Manchester City, home to join up with Janne cups does not really cut the gathering dust does not sit well regrets about rotating his team you have to beat them in a big Andersson’s squad. mustard. Which is why United’s with the fans and presumably at Leicester, where Paul Pogba game in a big competition.” The 39-year-old, who feeble FA Cup quarter-final the hierarchy who last cele- and Donny van der Beek quit international football defeat at Leicesterr City oonn brated a trophytrophy when Jose bothboth startestarted,d, saying tthehe after Euro 2016, choked up Sunday was so surprising.rising. MourinhoMourinho landedlanded tthehe Europa likeslikes ofof FernandesFernandes hadhad Ole Gunnar Solskjaer when he was asked what his There were mitigatinggating cicir-r- LeagueLeague in 2017.2017. toto bebe rested.rested. boys, Maximilian, 14, and cumstances in Solskjaer’sjaer’s teteamam “I am demoralised a little bit “Every team 12-year-old Vincent, thought Sweden’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic selection, chiefly a toutoughgh as a ManchesterManchester UUnitednited fafann as seselectionlection hhasas reasons of his decision to answer his reacts during a press Europa League last-1last-166 I thoughtthought (the bbehindehind it, Bruno hhasas country’s call again and conference at Friends Arena assignment three daysays earlierearlier FAFA Cup)Cup) was playedplayed llotsots ooff ffootballootball -- return to the world stage. in Stockholm, yesterday. in Milan which they successfullyuccessfully a reallyreally he brokebroke aallll hishis recordsrecords “Vincent cried when I left navigated, but it stilll felt like a physicallyphysically on ThursdaThursday.y. him,” Ibra told a news con- deferential towards coach massive opportunityy wasted. goodg ood He is a hhumanuman bbeing,eing, ference before shedding a Andersson, who he has Solskjaer left the likeslikes of tal-tal- one to hhe’se’s playedplayed a few tears himself as he felt clashed with in the past isman Bruno Fernandes,ernandes, gogo ffor,”or,” SSol-ol- the emotion of returning to through the media. in-form Luke Shaww andand ththee skjaer’sskjaer’s formerformer the national team set-up in “Obviously it’s not up to reliable Scott McTominayminay outout UnitedUnited team mate GarGaryy his first meeting with the me, what a player wants and of his starting lineupup and hhisis NevilleNeville told SSkyky SportsSports.. media since his recall what a coach wants, it has to side were outplayeded in a 3-13-1 EUROPAEUROPA BASKETBASKET alongside coach Andersson. go together,” he said. loss. VictoryVictory wouldwould hhaveave set up Sweden’s all-time top “I’ve got the opportunity Had Solskjaerr alreadalreadyy a semi-final aagainstgainst a woefullwoefullyy gagameme scorer, with 62 goals in 116 now to play for my country gathered some silverwarerware sincesince out-of-form SouthamSouthamptonpton side everyevery three or four games, said in in a news- and I do it with honour, but taking charge on a full-tifull-timeme andand a chance to go head-tohead-to-- days,” Solskjaer said. paper interview in late 2020 it’s not only about that - it basis two years ago,o, or had a head with either Chelsea or TopTop playersplayers love that he wanted to end his sounds like I’m only happy chance of catchingg runawrunawayay ManchesterManchester City in the final -- nothingnothing more than international exile and to be here... but I’m here to Premier League leadersders MaMan-n- the sort of high-profilehigh-profile gamegame winning silverwaresilverware Andersson quickly flew to get results, to bring results for chester City, he couldld perhapsperhaps UnitedUnited crave.crave. thoughthough and Ferguson Milan to sort out the terms the coach and my team be excused for gamblingmbling at Instead, all their eggseggs are was prepared to flogflog for the former captain’s mates and the whole country. Leicester. nnowow in the Europa League his top performingperforming return. As much as I talk here, if I But the defeat meanseans UUnitednited bbasket.asket. They face Granada in pplayerslayers weeweekk afterafter “To play in the national don’t bring results, here it are gaining an unwantedanted rep-rep- tthehe last eeightight but could then weekweek whenwhen UnitedUnited team is the biggest thing you means nothing,” Ibrahimovic utation as a team thathat failsfails toto come up aagainstgainst either AjaxAjax wonwon thethe ttreblereble in 11999.999. can do as a football player, added. deliver. AmsterdamAmsterdam oorr AASS RRomaoma in tthehe Likewise,Likewise, JoseJose and as I was following them Sweden host Georgia in Last season theyy lost in thethe semissemis so there are no guar-guar- Mourinho rarely left (Sweden), inside me I was their first 2022 World Cup semi-finals of thee FA CuCup,p, anteesantees ooff success. out his keykey Chelsea men feeling I think I can help qualifier on Thursday before League Cup and Europaopa League,League, The ononlyly reason United are while collecticollectingng trotrophyphy them, I think I can do some- visiting Kosovo three days while the season beforeefore ththeyey in the Europa LeaLeaguegue is because after trophytrophy at Stamford thing,” Ibra told reporters. later and rounding off with a went out in the Championshampions they bowed out of the ChaCham-m- Bridge.Bridge. The striker was friendly against Estonia. League quarter-finals.als. pionspions LeLeagueague inin ththee grgroupoup phasephase NevilleNeville sasaidid SSol-ol- Poland forward Lewandowski receives honour from President REUTERS — WARSAW military personnel and civilians Angela Merkel to ask that for outstanding achievements Lewandowski and a Poland Soccer player Robert Lewand- in their fields. Lewandowski team mate be exempt from owski received an honour from joins the first democratically quarantine rules when re- the Polish president yesterday, elected president of Poland entering Germany after a World giving the striker named Best Lech Walesa and American Cup qualifier against England FIFA Men’s Player in 2020 President Dwight D. Eisen- scheduled for March 31 at another award for a trophy hower as a recipient. Wembley Stadium. cabinet already containing “No matter how many tro- Lewandowski and Hertha Polish national soccer Champions League and phies I have already won... right Berlin’s Krzysztof Piatek play team captain Robert Bundesliga winner’s medals. now my ambition is high and I for German clubs, who could Lewandowski kicks ball as Lewandowski, who last don’t want to rest on my have stopped them going to Poland’s President Andrzej season won the German league success,” Lewandowski said, England for the match as that Duda with first lady Agata and cup double plus the Cham- after accepting the award. The may have meant they would Kornhauser-Duda watch pions League with Bayern 32-year-old led Poland to Euro miss games with the Bundesliga after ceremony of awarding Munich, received the Com- 2020 qualification and was also teams when they returned due Lewandowski with the mander’s Cross of the Order of named the 2019-20 UEFA to quarantine rules. Commander’s Cross of the Polonia Restituta from his Men’s Player of the Year. The Polish Football Associ- Order of Polonia Restituta country’s President Andrzej Last week Poland’s Prime ation later confirmed that both at the Presidential Palace in Duda. Minister Mateusz Morawiecki players will be allowed to go to Warsaw, Poland, yesterday. The honour is conferred on called German Chancellor England. TUESDAY 23 MARCH 2021 SPORT 09

India’s KL Rahul and Shardul Thakur during nets in Pune, India, yesterday.

England’s Reece Topley, Chris Jordan and Jos Buttler during nets in Pune, India, yesterday. India’s Dhawan to partner Rohit Moeen remains vital for England despite T20 in England ODIs, says Kohli snub: Captain Morgan REUTERS - PUNE final Twenty20, told a video conference on successfully in the past in T20 cricket, so Monday. that I provide an option to open up a slot REUTERS - PUNE India’s Shikhar Dhawan will be Rohit “When it comes to one-day cricket, I for someone like Surya who’s playing the Sharma’s opening partner in the three- don’t think there’s any issues or doubts over way he is at the moment...” he said. Moeen Ali warming the bench during the Twenty20 series against match one-day series against England, Rohit and Shikhar opening together. Kohli did not confirm if stylish batsman India was “circumstantial” and the all-rounder remains a vital captain Virat Kohli said on the eve of the “They’ve been amazing for us in the past Rahul would get to start in the Indian XI or white-ball player for the team, captain Eoin Morgan said yesterday. opener in Pune. few years, so we’re going to start with that.” not, but said the management would back Moeen tested positive for COVID-19 on arrival in Sri Lanka in Having rested Rohit for the first two All eyes will be on top order batsman such players and give them a good mental January. Twenty20 Internationals, India used four Suryakumar Yadav, who smashed a blis- space. The 33-year-old played one Test in India, before flying home different opening combinations in the five- tering fifty in his first international knock “When an individual is going through for a pre-arranged rest. match series against Eoin Morgan’s men. against England and earned a maiden ODI a tough phase - it's not like he forgets how On his return, Moeen watched from the sidelines as India beat Dhawan managed four runs in the first call-up. to play, it's just that mental clarity isn't as England 3-2 in the five-match Twenty20 series. match and did not get another chance in “It will be interesting because there are good at the time - at that time if you know Morgan hinted Moeen would get his chance in the three-match the series, which India won 3-2. a few younger players who are getting an what things are being said and you're being ODI series beginning today when asked if he still regarded him Fellow opener KL Rahul could not grab opportunity in the one-day set-up for the told you're out of form, then you're bringing as a vital member of the side. the opportunity either and managed 15 runs first time,” Kohli said. in another external factor into your system,” “Yes, I do,” Morgan told a video conference. “Anybody who’s in four matches before bring dropped for Kohli will open for Royal Challengers Kohli said yesterday when asked about an all-rounder within the side and makes our squad is extremely Saturday’s decider. Bangalore in this year’s Indian Premier Rahul's ongoing lean patch. valuable to our side. Ishan Kishan, who smashed a fiery fifty League (IPL) and wants to continue in that “It's a simple game: you have to watch “I know he’s not played but that’s been circumstantial. The on his debut in the second match, is not role in the Twenty20 World Cup at home the ball and react and hit the ball. You have pitches that we’ve played on just have not turned, and that obvi- part of the ODI squad. later this year. to be in the moment and all this outside ously limits the amount of a finger-spinner’s contribution.” “Shikhar and Rohit will definitely start,” “I want to go back into understanding talk, to be very honest, is completely non- Morgan said Moeen, known for his nagging off-spin and fluent Kohli, who opened with deputy Rohit in the my role as an opener, which I’ve done sense,” the Indian captain said. batting, was considered for each of the five games though Adil Rashid played as the lone spinner. The England captain said Moeen had returned rejuvenated and coped well with his T20 exclusion. Holder takes 5-27 on day 1 against SL “He certainly takes them all in his stride. And I think the little period that Mo spentp at home before this series has done a world of good.” AP - NORTH POINT The West Indies bowlers didn’t enjoy which lifted the tourists to 150-6. Dickwella Englandd hhaveave resterestedd Test ccaptainaptain immediate success with the new ball and was out at that total for 32 and Thirimanne Joe Root fromom tthehe ODI series aafterfter Freed from the responsibilities of captaincy, 10 overs had elapsed before the first wicket followed at 160-7, bowled by Holder for their 3-1 seriesries defeatdefeat tthishis montmonth.h. Jason Holder took 5-27 as West Indies fell. 70. Morgan saisaidd thethe team wouwouldld bowled out Sri Lanka for 169 on Sunday on Rahkeem Cornwall removed Sri Lanka Thirimanne’s battling innings gave some miss Root butut stressed thetheyy were the first day of the first cricket Test. captain Dimuth Karunaratne for 12 and that strength to Sri Lanka’s struggling top and “spoilt for choice”choice” withwith bbatsmenatsmen Holder was replaced earlier this month began the unraveling of the Sri Lanka top middle order. who could ffillill tthehe voivoidd at numnumberber as captain by Kraigg Brathwaite, who chose order. He wasn’t commanding and he hit only three. to bowl after winning the toss at the Sir Brathwaite brilliantly ran out Oshada four boundaries in an innings of almost five “Obviously,usly, llosingosing Joe Root is Vivian Richards Stadium. Fernando for 4 and Holder claimed his first hours. But he was resilient, standing against a massive hole,hole, fforor a guy whowho Holder backed up that decision with his wicket when he dismissed Dinesh Chan- the complete collapse of the Sri Lanka scores at a rrun-a-ballun-a-ball aandnd eighth five-wicket bag in tests, completed dimal (4) to leave Sri Lanka 54-3 at lunch. innings. averages fifty.fty. in 17.4 overs. He was supported by Kemar Roach was particularly effective Thirimanne scored mostly by working “He’s ann exceptional playerplayer Roach who started slowly but found his between lunch and tea, dismissing the ball into the leg side, behind square or and has beenen fforor a llongong time. length in the second session and took 3-47. Dhananjaya de Silva (13) and Pathum Nis- through mid-wicket. He reached his So we’ll mississ him.him. But it’s West Indies batted cautiously through sanka (9), caught by Holder, to leave Sri seventh test half century in 129 minutes. just going too bbee a matter the final hour to reach 13-0 at stumps. Lanka 92-5. The Sri Lanka innings contained only of somebodyy sslottinglotting Brathwaite, batting in sunglasses, was 3 not Opener Lahiru Thirimanne and wick- 11 fours and no sixes, a mark of the accuracy in at threee anandd out from 36 balls and John Campbell was etkeeper Niroshan Dickwella combined in of the bowling and the testing nature of the going about ttheirheir on 7 from 44. a partnership of 58 for the sixth wicket pitch. own business.”ess.” Tennis: Barty and Osaka back in action at Miami Open

WWW.WTATENNIS.COM Serena Williams of the US in action during her semi-final match against Japan’s Serena pulls out of Miami The draw is out at the Miami Open, Naomi Osaka at the Australian Open in where World No.1 Ashleigh Barty Melbourne Australia, in this February 18, returns to defend her title, while Naomi 2021, file photo. Osaka and Garbiñe Muguruza look to Open following oral surgery break new ground at the second WTA 1000 event of the season, where 19 of REUTERS - MIAMI the Top 20 are in action. The main draw of the Miami Open, Serena Williams said yesterday she will not compete at this week’s Miami Open a WTA 1000 event, features 19 of the as the 23-times Grand Slam champion is recovering from oral surgery. WTA’s Top 20, with reigning champion The 39-year-old Florida resident has won the Miami Open a record eight and World No.1 Ashleigh Barty, Aus- times and joins several other big names in missing the event including Novak tralian Open champion and World No.2 Djokovic, Rafa Nadal and Roger Federer. Naomi Osaka, No.3 Simona Halep, No.4 “I am disappointed to withdraw from the Miami Open because of recent oral Sofia Kenin, and No.9 Bianca surgery,” Williams said in a statement. “Miami is a special tournament for me Andreescu returning to action for the because it’s my home and I am sad I won’t be able to see the incredible fans this first time since Australia. year, but I look forward to coming back soon.” Williams fell to eventual champion The Top 32 seeds receive a first- Naomi Osaka in the semi-finals of the Australian Open last month. round bye. Main draw play begins today. The champion in Miami in 2019, The young American has found The American superstar is playing her tour-leading 18-4 record into Miami, Middle East swing to manage her load. Barty is set to play her first tournament good form since the Australian Open, first tournament since injuring her where she has yet to make it past the The Canadian is seeded No.8 and away from Australia since the 2020 making the semi-finals at the Adelaide ankle in the second round of the Aus- Round of 16. Seeded No.12 after will face either Yaroslava Shvedova or Qatar Total Open. International and the quarterfinals at tralian Open against Sara Errani. Wil- winning her first WTA 1000 title since a qualifier in her opening round. The She will open her tournament the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Champi- liams will face Zarina Diyas in the first 2017 in Dubai, the Spaniard is first seed she could face is 28th seed against a qualifier in the second round. onships. It would be the second round. undoubtedly one of the favourites for Anisimova, who will play either Sloane The first seeded player Barty could face meeting between the two, with Halep Osaka, Muguruza, Brady could the title. The first seed she could face Stephens or a qualifier in her opener. is No.25 seed Alison Riske. The having won their first meeting at 2019 mix things in bottom half is No.20 Petra Martic, and the seeded World No.4 Sofia Kenin is set to American, who is looking to win her Wimbledon, 6-3, 6-3. Australian Open champion Osaka player she could face in the Round of play her first tournament since under- first match since the US Open last year, Miami could also see the third takes her 21-match winning streak into 16 are either No.8 seed Bianca going appendicitis surgery after the will face either 2017 Roland Garros meeting in six months between Halep Miami, where she will open her tour- Andreescu or Amanda Anisimova. Australian Open. champion Jelena Ostapenko or Wang and Roland Garros champion Iga nament against either Russian teenager Should Muguruza and Andreescu Playing in her third Miami main Xiyu. Swiatek. Anastasia Potapova or Ajla meet, it will be their first meeting since draw, Kenin will open against either Three-time Miami champion Vic- The two could face each other in Tomljanovic. Andreescu won 12 of 13 games to defeat Andrea Petkovic or Zhang Shuai and toria Azarenka is seeded at No.14 and the Round of 16 in what would be their The top seeded player Osaka could the Spaniard during her electric run to could face a familiar opponent in 27th is a potential Round of 16 opponent for first meeting outside of a Slam. Swiatek face is No.26 seed Yulia Putintseva, the 2019 Indian Wells title. seed Ons Jabeur in the third round. The Barty. Azarenka will face either Laura will make her Miami Open debut who leads their head-to-head 3-1. The Andreescu played her first tour- Tunisian has yet to tally a win over Siegemund or Christina McHale in the against either Dubai finalist Barbora two faced each other three times in nament in 13 months at the Australian Kenin in their five previous matches. second round and could face No.24 Krejcikova or Croatian wildcard Ana 2019, with Putintseva handing Osaka Open where she lost in the second Also in Kenin’s section of the draw seed Angelique Kerber in the third Konjuh. The first seeded player the back-to-back losses on grass in Bir- round to Hsieh Su-Wei. The 20-year- are Australian Open finalist Jennifer round. Polish teenager could face is No.18 seed mingham and Wimbledon, and Osaka old bounced back immediately, making Brady and Elena Rybakina. A two-time semifinalist, Halep will Madison Keys. getting her revenge on hard court at the semi-finals of the Phillip Island Brady is still looking for her first face either Caroline Garcia or a qual- Adelaide finalist and No.11 seed the Japan Women’s Open later that Trophy the following week in just her match win in Miami, having fallen in ifier in the second round and could face Belinda Bencic could open her tour- year. second tournament since the 2019 the first round of main draw or quali- teen phenom Coco Gauff in the third nament against three-time champion Fresh off her strong Middle East WTA Finals. fying in her previous three round. Venus Williams in the second round. swing, Garbiñe Muguruza takes her She then withdrew from the appearances. Sport TUESDAY 23 MARCH 2021 08 TEAM PROSPECTS MERCEDES 44-Lewis Hamilton (Britain), 77-Valtteri Bottas (Finland) Driving diversity: Hamilton Mercedes are chasing an unprecedented eighth successive title double but testing did not go to plan. The champions completed the least laps of any team, with both drivers finding the car skittish. While there is al- ways scepticism about testing times, Mercedes are not where they wanted to be and no longer have the now-banned DAS steering system. ready to chase 8th F1 title Both drivers are out of contract at the end of the year, their futures un- certain. AP — PARIS Hamilton, compared with 87 the Prediction: Still the favourites but for how long? RED BULL The season starts on Sunday in Bahrain after the traditional season-opening GP in season before. The margin of defeat If Lewis Hamilton (pictured) wins an last season was even more emphatic 33-Max Verstappen (Netherlands), 11-Sergio Perez (Mexico) Melbourne, Australia was postponed until November because of the coronavirus Red Bull had an impressive test, with Verstappen fastest overall. The car eighth Formula One title, he will stand pandemic. As brilliant as Hamilton was last year, he ended the season feeling considering there were four fewer alone among the sport’s greats. And races than in 2019. looked quick, stable and reliable while Honda reckon their engine could that might be the perfect time to walk drained after contracting the virus and expending huge energy in the fight against The 31-year-old Finn also has a be ahead of the one Mercedes had last year. Perez will take time to bed away from the track for good. racism, his push for greater diversity in motorsport, and his call for better human one-year deal. in after moving from Racing Point but the team now have a lineup of Hamilton’s decision to pen a one- rights in some countries where F1 goes. It may prove to be his last chance race winners. Mercedes say Red Bull are ahead on performance. year contract with Mercedes sparked to topple Hamilton, with Verstappen Title contenders. Verstappen is Hamilton's biggest threat speculation he may call it quits when waiting in the wings for a possible MCLAREN the sun sets on the F1 season at the Red Bull star Max Verstappen picked up where he left off after winning last year’s future move to Mercedes. 3-Daniel Ricciardo (Australia), 4-Lando Norris (Britain) Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in December. final race in Abu Dhabi in style and appeared very confident in testing. Verstappen OLD AND NEW FACES Ricciardo has moved from Renault in a line-up blending experience with Hamilton will be nearly 37 by then was Hamilton’s main threat on race days last season, despite having a slower car. Two-time world champion youth but the Australian may take a while to get up to speed. McLaren and, if he does successfully defend his The early signs are that the 23-year-old Verstappen will add to his 10 GP wins. Fernando Alonso has come out of F1 have switched from Renault power to Mercedes and looked solid in F1 crown, the British driver will move retirement after missing the past two testing with plenty of laps and a car whose novel diffuser design at- one ahead of fellow great Michael seasons and returns at the age of 39 tracted plenty of attention. Schumacher. - which is still two years younger Fighting again to be best of the rest behind Mercedes and Red Bull but Hamilton would have nothing left the time to sit with us all and be open.” Verstappen was Hamilton’s main than Alfa Romeo driver Kimi it will be tight. to prove, with the most titles, wins (95 On the track, preseason did not go threat on race days last season, despite Raikkonen. ASTON MARTIN (Previously RACING POINT) so far)r) and popolele ppositionsositions (98) all hishis.. well for Mercedes. having a slower car.car. Alonso won titles with Renault in 5-Sebastian5 Sebastian Vettel (Germany),(Germany), 18-Lance1 Stroll (Canada) “OfOf course,course, it is the ultimate dream,dream, It gave rivals hope that a dominant The early signs are that the 2005 and ‘06. He will be driving for FourFour times world champion Vettel startsstar over after six years at Ferrari, but I ddon’ton’t think necessarilnecessarilyy it will be seriesseries of seven straightstraight drivers’ and 23-year-old23-year-old Verstappen will add to Alpine,Alpine, which is Renault’s rebranded the last two eclipsed byby Leclerc. The GGermane seems more relaxed and the decidingeciding ffactoractor fforor iiff I stay on anandd constructors’constructors’ cchampionshipshampionships may at hishis 10 GP wins. name.name. the team and Stroll should benefit fromfro his experience as the Aston keep ggoing,”oing,” HamiHamiltonlton saisaid.d. lastlast bebe underunder ggenuineenuine tthreat.hreat. “It hhasas ddefinitelyefinitely bbeeneen tthehe bbestest prpre-e- ThreeThree ddriversrivers wiwillll bbee mamakingking ttheirheir MartinMartin name returns as a constructor forfo the first time in 60 years. Test- “I think it is more when I put that Red Bull star Max Verstappen season.season. The car felt nice to drive, F1 debuts, includingincluding Michael SchSchu-u- inging was troubled and Vettel, who needsneed time in the car, did fewer laps helmetet onon,, I still have that smile when ppickedicked upup wherewhere hehe leftleft offoff aafterfter whichwhich I thinkthink isis always macher’s 22-year-old, son Mick, who than anyone.anyone. I leavee thethe garage. WillWill thatthat bebe thethe case winningwinning lastlast year’s ffinalinal race in AbuAbu veryvery poppos-s - won thethe F2 tittitlele llastast season. ShouldShould have been third last year but cloclosests rivals McLaren now have the this yyear?ear? We shallshall see. WiWillll I DhabiDhabi in ststyleyle andand itive,”itive,” VeV er - He willwill bbee jjoinedoined at Haas by newnew-- samesame engine, making the task harderharder.. enjoyy it as much?much? 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TheyThey are thethe PPerezerez llostost hihiss seat to ffour-timeour-time F1 on his firstfirst podium last yearyear fforor ththee Renault-owned team now re- Novembermber becausebecause ofof thethe coronavirus classclass act. Are wwee championchampion SebastianSebastian VettelVettel at Racing branded Alpine. The car looked quick andan reliable. pandemic.emic. goinggoing to have a Point, which became Aston Martin fol-fol- FightingFighting hard in midfield,midfield, some podiumspodium again. Ass bbrilliantrilliant as HHamiltonamilton wwasas llastast closeclose seasoseason?n? I lowing a takeover. FERRARIFERRAR year, hehe endedended thethe season ffeelingeeling wouldwould sasayy Vettel’sVettel’s Ferrari spot hashas gonegone to 116-Charles6-Charles Leclerc (Monaco),(Monaco), 55-Carlos5 Sainz (Spain) draineded aafterfter contractincontractingg tthehe virus so,”so,” CarlosCarlos Sainz Jr. aafterfter hhee llefteft FerrariFerrari are coming off the back of theirtheir worst season in 40 years, with and eexpendingxpending huge energy in tthehe McMMcLaren.Laren. SaSainzinz wwasas SSainzainz replacingreplacing Vettel in their younyoungestges lineup since 1968 and with a fight againstagainst racism, his push for replaced byby Daniel RiRic-c- nnewew enenginegine offerinofferingg more straistraight-lineght-line speed.s The focus will soon switch greaterer diversity in motorsport, aandndd ciardo,cic ardo, who ququitit ttoo the 2022 car,car, however. his callall forfor betterbetter hhumanuman rightsrights in Renault.ReR nault. 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F1’s1’s ‘We Race As One’ campaigncampaign RedRed BullBull hashas a stronstrongerger lineup,lineup, too, reliabilityreliability issues lastlast year.year. his potential. Haas look likely to be the tail-enders, ffocusingo already mostly on 2022. was amongamong the themes of 2020, he withwith SergioSergio Perez replacingreplacing Alex Albon “But“But it doesn’t ggiveive yyouou TheThe 23-23-year-year- WILLIAMSWILLIAM said, ““ButBut ((more)more) action is needed this and bringingbringing with him nearlynearly 200 GPs anyany guarantees.guarantees. We’ll find out ololdd BritishBritish driverdriver isis 63-George63-George Russell ((Britain),Britain), 6-6-Nicholas Latifi (Canada) year. We’ve got to make sure that we and 10 podiums, including a second through the first race in hishis finfinalal seasoseasonn wiwithth WiWil-l- ThThee team havehave scorescoredd one point in two seasons and none last year, but continuenue to have that conversation.” placeplace in TurkeyTurkey followedfollowed bbyy a supersuperbb weekendweekend wwherehere we are.”are.” liamsliams anandd hhasas bbeeneen titippedpped fforor a ththingsings are lookinglooking up underunder new ownership.own The pace in testing was Hamiltonamilton saisaidd ttherehere were ppositiveositive winwin at thethe SaSakhirkhir GP llastast yyear.ear. ValtteriValtteri Bottas ffin-in- MercedesMercedes seat in 2022, possiblypossibly solid. 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Matt Jones celebrates with the trophy. NBA: Chris Paul collects 10,000th career assist in win for the Suns

REUTERS — LOS ANGELES matched his career best of eight Phoenix Suns guard Chris 3-pointers and scored 37 points Paul in action against the Chris Paul recorded a triple- in just three quarters as Dallas double en route to his 10,000th Los Angeles Lakers. steamrolled host Portland. career assist and the Phoenix Josh Richardson scored 21 Suns took advantage of the points and Dorian-Finney absence of LeBron James to Smith added 13 for Dallas, record a front-running 111-94 which made 19 of 37 from victory over the visiting Los 3-point range and shot 55.8 Angeles Lakers on Sunday percent overall. Kristaps Por- night. zingis had 12 points, while Tim Jones ends title The win not only pushed Hardaway Jr. and Dwight the Suns one game ahead of the Powell tallied 11 apiece. defending NBA champions in Damian Lillard scored 19 drought with win the Pacific Division, but also points and Gary Trent Jr. added clinched the three-game season 16 for Portland, which had a NEW YORK REUTERS — Seven years. I just worked series. Phoenix had won at Los three-game winning streak hard. I worked hard with my Angeles 114-104 earlier this halted. Nassir Little scored 14 Australian Matt Jones won the coach back in Australia Gary month. points and CJ McCollum added Honda Classic to end a seven- and it has finally paid off.” Devin Booker and Deandre 13 for the Trail Blazers. year drought on the PGA Tour Sunday’s win guarantees Ayton shared game-high Also on Sunday, Justin and turn the page on what he Jones entry into next month’s scoring honors with 26 points Holiday made the go-ahead said was at times a chal- Masters, the first major of the apiece for the Suns, who won 3-pointer with 2:32 left in lenging stretch in his career. year. their second straight on the eve overtime, leading Indiana past The Sydney-born golfer’s He should arrive in of a four-game Southeastern host Miami. last tour victory came at the Augusta brimming with con- swing. Indiana made three 2014 Houston Open, when he fidence after the superb ball- Paul finished with 11 points, a game-high-tying 10 rebounds session and lift visiting Phila- 3-pointers in overtime, edged Matt Kuchar in the first striking display he put on and a game-high 13 assists, delphia to a win over New York. including two by Holiday and hole of a playoff with a over the last four days. NBA RESULTS the ninth of which made Shake Milton finished with one by Malcolm Brogdon. Caris 42-yard chip in for birdie. “To be honest, I struck it him the sixth player in NBA a team-high 21 points off the LeVert added a mid-range He did not allow it to be amazing,” he said. Phoenix Suns 111 - Los Angeles Lakers 94 history to reach the 10,000 bench while Harris had 20 jumper with 48 seconds left to as close at PGA National in “I have a funny text that I Philadelphia 76ers 101 - New York Knicks 100 (OT) milestone. He joins John points for the Eastern Con- give Indiana a 109-106 lead. Florida on Sunday, firing a sent someone. Because I was Dallas Mavericks 132 - Portland Trail Blazers 92 Stockton, Jason Kidd, Steve ference-leading 76ers, who For Miami, Tyler Herro final round two-under-par hitting it pretty good on Indiana Pacers 109 - Miami Heat 106 (OT) Nash, Mark Jackson and won for the eighth time in nine. missed a 3-pointer that could 68 to win by five strokes. Tuesday, Wednesday, I said Oklahoma City Thunder 114 - Houston Rockets 112 Magic Johnson in the Julius Randle had 24 points have tied the score with 30 “I’ve had some tough that if someone beats me this Brooklyn Nets 113 - Washington Wizards 106 exclusive club. and Alec Burks scored 16 of his seconds left, and Jimmy Butler times between then and week, they have cheated," he New Orleans Pelicans 113 - Denver Nuggets 108 Meanwhile, Tobias 20 points in the fourth quarter was off on a 3-pointer at the now,” he said while fighting said. Cleveland Cavaliers 116 - Toronto Raptors 105 Harris hit two free throws and overtime for the Knicks, buzzer.

back tears. The Masters begins on Boston Celtics 112 - Orlando Magic 96 with 5.3 seconds left in who lost for the third time in The Heat lost their third “Sorry, pretty emotional. April 8. Chicago Bulls 100 - Detroit Pistons 86 overtime to cap a wild four games. straight game, including two in fourth quarter and extra In Portland, Luka Doncic three days to the Pacers.