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TENNIS Djokovic downs Thiem for eighth Australian Open title ‘It was a tough match but you were very close to winning it. You have a lot more time and you will get more than one’ Then he lost his fi rst serve to another time violation for 15-40 — and his temper after driving a forehand long. Passing the umpire’s chair on the changeover, he gave Dumusois a tap on his shoe and a wither- ing burst of sarcasm: “Great job man, es- pecially the second one. You’ve made yourself famous. Well done.” Thiem, who had his own anxious mo- ments searching for depth on his ground strokes, served out the set, and cruised through the third. Djokovic seemed to be almost wilfully falling in a heap. Before the start of the fourth, he received a pill from one of the tournament doctors. He was lethargic and sullen, and his head slipped to his chest with each mistake, 44 of them unforced in three sets. After hitting two aces in the fi rst two minutes of the match, he added just three in the next three hours, along with fi ve double faults. Where did that energy go? Serbia’s Novak Djokovic celebrates His long-time confi dant, coach and winning a point during his match against friend, Marian Vajda, leaned forward in his Austria’s Dominic Thiem yesterday. box, twitching nervously. Thiem almost broke again. By Kevin Mitchell Djokovic saved to go ahead for the fi rst Melbourne time since the fi rst set — and he still looked like losing the match. The exchanges were closer now, but ew players in tennis want to love parity was not good enough for Djokovic, and be loved as much as Novak trailing by the odd set in three. Djokovic and, while he lost a few One more slip, and he would be done. Ffriends in one of the most curi- He began to look a little like the Djoko- ous meltdowns of his career, he stilled the vic who had moved so smoothly through boorish hecklers in a remarkable fi ghtback the draw, when he breezed past six op- to win his eighth Australian Open. ponents in 12 hours and 29 minutes — six Beating Dominic Thiem 6-4, 4-6, 2-6, hours fewer than 26-year-old Thiem’s 6-3, 6-4 in a minute under four hours path to the final. Serbia’s Novak Djokovic holds the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup trophy in the Rod Laver Arena on a mild Sunday The younger man will have been hurting as he poses with ballkids after beating Austria’s Dominic Thiem in the final night returned him to No 1 in the world, from a fi ve-setter and three that went four, match of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne yesterday. as well as putting him two majors behind including four hours and 19 minutes spent Rafael Nadal and three behind Roger Fed- beating Nadal in the quarters, followed by erer, whose record 20 slams once looked a three hours and 42 minutes to beat Alex- mountain too high for his peers. ander Zverev. BOTTOMLINE Not now. Perhaps that is why he lost his way, an Djokovic said to Thiem in the immediate errant forehand allowing Djokovic back aftermath of a compelling, fl awed fi nal, “It into the contest. was a tough match but you were very close Invigorated, his step a little lighter, to winning it. You have a lot more time and Djokovic served out the set to love and you will get more than one.” dragged his opponent into a deciding fi fth He paid his usual compliments to the that did not look remotely possible 42 Three-times unlucky but fans, some of whom had been booing him minutes earlier. not long before. The buzz fi lled Djokovic’s tingling soul Thiem said to the crowd, “Huge con- again. He was a transformed beast, hungry grats to Novak. Amazing what you are do- for the kill. ing through all these years. I’m really proud Thiem, whose strength and tenacity are Thiem closer to breakthrough and happy that I can compete in these times. highly respected, strained for consistency. Reuters him to give them a proper contest. I fell a little bit short today. There are way The 18 hours and 24 minutes he spent Melbourne Thiem did not disappoint. more important things in life. It is really getting to the concluding Sunday was “I’m happy I can compete with tough what this beautiful country is going gnawing at his stamina. these guys on the best level,” said through.I hope a disaster like [the continu- Djokovic won a battle of wills in a long ominic Thiem fi nished sec- Thiem, who in the quarter-fi nals had ing bushfi res] never happens again.” rally for a break point that must have felt ond-best for the third time beaten Nadal in a slam for the fi rst For Thiem, who got close to winning his like fresh water in the desert, punching the in a Grand Slam fi nal yes- time after fi ve previous failed at- fi rst slam at the third attempt, the pain will air as he moved to within four games of terday, but the 26-year-old tempts. be deep but temporary. victory. AustrianD will leave Melbourne Park “I really hope also that I win my He did not live up to the Latin-savvy Vajda was up on his feet, alongside confi dent that he is not too far away maiden slam when they’re still urgings of a couple of Austrian fans who Goran Ivanisevic. from becoming a major winner. around because it just counts more, wore shirts spelling out, “Carpe Thiem”, A day earlier, Djokovic was so nervous, Novak Djokovic withstood a fi erce yeah.” Once Djokovic rallied back to but his day will surely come. he told them to cancel a scheduled joint challenge before overhauling Thiem get the match on level terms, Thiem It was not so much Djokovic’s tennis press conference. 6-4 4-6 2-6 6-3 6-4 to clinch an started feeling the strain having en- that went haywire, as his head. In charge of his game and his head now, eighth Australian Open crown. dured a diffi cult campaign in the last From 3-0, 4-1 and 5-2 up in an uneven Djokovic upped the tempo. The Serb’s triumph — which two weeks. start, he was gifted the fi rst set with a dou- As John McEnroe observed, “you gotta took his Grand Slam haul to 17 ti- While Djokovic lost a single set on ble fault, and looked comfortable enough. have patience, then you go big”. Djokovic tles — meant tennis’ Big Three of his way to the fi nal, Thiem had spent Broken early in the second set, he recov- went big. Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafa Winner Novak Djokovic and runner-up Dominic Thiem pose with their a total of eight hours on court in his ered to 4-all and then mysteriously im- So did Thiem. Nadal have now shared the last 13 trophies after the Australian Open final yesterday. last two matches alone. ploded. But he could not convert either of two majors between them. Over the past “I didn’t have easy matches, es- The ninth game of the frame resembled break-back points and fell 1-3 down. 19 months, Thiem has had three two sets, I defi nitely gave everything anything.” Thiem had a slow start as pecially from the quarters on. Beat- a reality show gone wrong, diffi cult to The rallies were closer and longer. As the chances to break that iron grip. He I had. Well, Novak is part of three Djokovic built a 3-0 lead on his way ing Rafa in over four hours, then watch, impossible to understand. drama approached four hours, Djokovic fell in straight sets to ‘King of Clay’ guys who are by far the best players to winning the opening set. two days later going back out again Fighting his own game as much as his served for the title. Thiem resisted as best Nadal in the 2018 French Open fi nal to have ever played tennis. When it seemed like it will be a against Sascha (Zverev),” he said. opponent’s, Djokovic double-faulted to go he could, grabbing a point. Djokovic aced but took the 12-time Roland Garros “If you play a Grand Slam fi nals repeat of last year when Djokovic “Unbelievably intense, close match. 15-30 down. for the ninth time. champion to four sets last June. against him, it’s always going to be thrashed Nadal in a one-sided fi nal, “I’m very aware and sure now that Given a time violation — correctly — for Thiem hit long, then wide — and wide On Sunday, the Austrian appeared a match where very small details are Thiem bounced back. I can play on a very high level for a slow serving, he swore at a small section of again. to be heading towards a four-set deciding. The packed Rod Laver Arena full Grand Slam. Didn’t have any the crowd, “Shut the *#@* up!” The chair They hugged at the net. victory before Djokovic mounted a “Of course, there were some small crowd, who were left gasping dur- drops. That doesn’t make me proud, umpire, Damien Dumusois, might not have Djokovic shook the umpire’s proff ered spectacular comeback to deny him mistakes here and there, but they ing the Serb’s fl awless display in the but it makes me very confi dent for heard that, but everyone saw Djokovic’s hand, all forgiven, all forgotten. again. “I think there’s not much to happen. At the end, (it) was a super opening set, got behind the Austrian the next big tournaments which are ill-judged drop shot. (Guardian News and Media) change,” Thiem said. “Also in the last close fi ve-setter. I don’t really regret challenger in the hope of inspiring coming up.” Gulf Times 2 Monday, February 3, 2020 TENNIS

SPOTLIGHT I came from nothing, says Djokovic aft er Aussie win ‘My upbringing was in Serbia during several wars during the ‘90s, diff icult time, embargo LIST OF AUSTRALIAN OPEN in our country where we had to wait in line for bread, milk, water, some basic things in life’ CHAMPIONS SINCE 2000

2020 Novak Djokovic bt Dominic Thiem 6-4 4-6 2-6 6-3 6-4 2019 Djokovic (Serbia) bt Rafa Nadal (Spain) 6-3 6-2 6-3 2018 Roger Federer (Switzerland) bt Marin Cilic (Croatia) 6-2 6-7(5) 6-3 3-6 6-1 2017 Federer (Switzerland) bt Nadal 6-4 3-6 6-1 3-6 6-3 2016 Djokovic (Serbia) bt Andy Murray (Britain) 6-1 7-5 7-6(3) 2015 Djokovic (Serbia) bt Murray (Britain) 7-6(5) 6-7(4) 6-3 6-0 2014 Stan Wawrinka (Switzerland) bt Nadal (Spain) 6-3 6-2 3-6 6-3 2013 Djokovic (Serbia) bt Murray (Britain) 6-7(2) 7-6(3) 6-3 6-2 2012 Djokovic (Serbia) bt Nadal (Spain) 5-7 6-4 6-2 6-7(5) 7-5 2011 Djokovic (Serbia) bt Murray (Britain) 6-4 6-2 6-3 2010 Federer (Switzerland) bt Murray (Britain) 6-3 6-4 7-6(11) 2009 Nadal (Spain) bt Federer (Switzerland) 7-5 3-6 7-6(3) 3-6 6-2 2008 Djokovic (Serbia) bt Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (France) 4-6 6-4 6-3 7-6(2) 2007 Federer (Switzerland) bt Fernando Gonzalez (Chile) 7-6(2) 6-4 6-4 2006 Federer (Switzerland) bt Marcos Baghdatis (Cyprus) 5-7 7-5 6-0 6-2 2005 Marat Safin (Russia) bt Lleyton Hewitt (Australia) 1-6 6-3 6-4 6-4 2004 Federer (Switzerland) bt Safin (Russia) 7-6(3) 6-4 6-2 2003 Andre Agassi (US) bt Rainer Schuettler (Germany) 6-2 6-2 6-1 2002 Thomas Johansson (Sweden) bt Safin (Russia) 3-6 6-4 6-4 7-6(4) 2001 Agassi (US) bt Arnaud Clement (France) 6-4 6-2 6-2 2000 Agassi (US) bt Yevgeny Kafelnikov (Russia) 3-6 6-3 6-2 6-4

FOCUS The taxi driver who became a Grand Slam-winning coach

AFP sented or even negative, Alex and Melbourne Sofi a, 21, remain close and aff ec- tionate. “I really have him to thank. t wasn’t so long ago that So- We’ve been dreaming about this This combination of file photos shows Serbia’s Novak Djokovic holding the Norman Brookes Trophy after his eight Australian Open victories. (Top L to R) 2008, 2011, 2012, 2013 fi a Kenin’s father was driving — it’s a dream come true for us,” and (bottom L to R) 2015, 2016, 2019 and February 2, 2020. New York taxis and spoke Sofi a said. “He’s told me a lot of English so poorly that he positive things. He knows exactly him a 17th Major to move within gether with my family and with ment brings. I was trying to keep It also moved him alongside Ididn’t know where he was sup- what he’s talking about. AFP Melbourne three of Roger Federer’s all-time my people. myself alive mentally as well, and Nadal (12 at the French Open) posed to be going. These days “Even though I don’t like to 20. “Going back to that, remind- emotionally,” he said. and Federer (eight at Wimble- Alex Kenin, despite starting with admit it sometimes, to tell him Asked how he managed to keep ing myself where I came from “I was a bit shocked that I did don) as only the third man ever close to zero tennis knowledge, he’s right. Yeah, he really works ll-conquering Novak winning in pressure situations, always inspires me, motivates me feel that way because everything to win eight or more titles at the is coaching a Grand Slam cham- hard. Just thank you to him. We Djokovic yesterday said Djokovic said it stemmed from to push even harder. was fi ne before the match. For same Slam. Djokovic said win- pion. Russian-born Alex, an un- can share this forever.” a turbulent childhood his early life. “That’s probably one of the the fi rst two sets, everything was ning Major titles was the reason assuming, grey-haired man with Alex Kenin arrived in New where he had to queue “My upbringing was in Ser- reasons why I managed to fi nd okay. But it’s something that you he kept playing tennis. a receding hairline, introduced York from what was then the So- forA milk and bread in war-torn bia during several wars during that extra gear or necessary men- have to accept that you’re going “Obviously at this stage of my Sofi a to tennis, brought her up viet Union in 1987 with his wife, Serbia made him hungry for suc- the ‘90s, diffi cult time, embargo tal strength to overcome chal- through. career, Grand Slams are the ones around the game and pushed Lena, and a few hundred dollars cess, after he fought back from in our country where we had to lenges when they present them- “Those kind of circumstanc- I value the most. They are the her to achieve the extraordinary in his pocket, searching for the the brink to win his eighth Aus- wait in line for bread, milk, water, selves.” es really kind of force me to let ones I prioritise,” he said. — crowned by her victory at the “American Dream”. tralian Open. some basic things in life,” he said. The match against Thiem was things go and to really try to be “Before the season starts I try Australian Open on Saturday. He drove a taxi by night and The 32-year-old needed to dig “These kind of things make one of those occasions. in the moment and fi ght my way to set my form, shape for these Sofi a said her “crazy smart” went to English and computer deep to rally from two sets to one you stronger and hungrier for He looked in trouble after los- back.” Victory ensured Djokovic events where I can be at my father had no prior experience of school during the day, a period he down for the fi rst time in a Grand success I think in whatever you ing the second and third sets, will once again be world number prime tennis, mental and physi- the game, but simply picked it up describes as “very, very tough”. Slam fi nal and battle past fi fth- choose to do. with his energy levels down and one when the new rankings are cal abilities. by observing those around him. “I had to work at night, go to seeded Austrian Dominic Thiem “That probably has been my a trainer telling him he was de- released today, displacing Nad- “Grand Slams are one of the “He’s seen how all the other school in the morning. Driving 6-4, 4-6, 2-6, 6-3, 6-4. foundation, the very fact that I hydrated. al. Federer remains third with main reasons why I am still com- coaches have been coaching in New York, speaking English His eighth victory in eight fi - came from literally nothing and “I defi nitely did not feel good. Thiem moving up a place to a peting and still playing full sea- their players, but he knows eve- on the (taxi) radio. I had no idea nals at Melbourne Park handed diffi cult life circumstances to- I didn’t know what the next mo- career-high fourth. son.” rything,” Sofi a said, after stun- what they were saying,” he said. ning Garbine Muguruza in her “But it’s amazing the things fi rst Grand Slam fi nal. you do to survive. (Sofi a) knows BOTTOMLINE “He knows what he’s talking about that and I think it made about, he really knows it and he her tough.” Sofi a clearly had tal- comes up with the right plans, ent from a young age, but they the right strategies.” remained outsiders and making If Sofi a’s achievement is re- it on the tennis circuit was never markable, it owes a great deal to easy. her father, who was ever-present “People overlooked me. I Ram, Salisbury clinch men’s courtside during her increasingly wasn’t the tallest kid when I was impressive run through the Mel- little. People said, ‘What are you bourne women’s draw. talking about? She’s so small. Teenage prodigy Coco Gauff , What are you doing? This is a world number one Ashleigh joke,’” Sofi a said. doubles title in Melbourne Barty and, in the fi nal, two-time “We didn’t have the best Reuters Major-winner Muguruza all fell things said about me but my Melbourne victim to tough-as-boots Sofi a, dad’s been there and he believed who was following strategies in me, didn’t listen to that. He drawn up by her wily father. could have easily said, okay, and merican Rajeev Ram picked up He joins a long list of tennis I could have done something his fi rst tennis men’s doubles dads who have produced cham- (else).” title at a Grand Slam yesterday pions, including Richard Wil- Sofi a represented America at Awith partner Joe Salisbury of liams, father of Venus and Sere- the 2014 Youth Olympics, made Britain, taming the local wild card pair- na, Mike Agassi (Andre) and Yuri her Grand Slam debut as a wild- ing of Max Purcell and Luke Saville in Sharapova (Maria). card at the 2015 US Open and straight sets at the Australian Open. But unlike some other fathers, broke into the top 100 in March The hometown pair’s surprise run at whose infl uence has been re- 2018. Melbourne Park came to a screeching halt against the 11th seeds, who strolled to a 6-4, 6-2 victory in 70 minutes on a balmy afternoon at the Rod Laver Arena. Rajeev Ram of the US (R) Such was the domination of Salisbury and Britain’s Joe Salisbury and Ram, who won the Australian Open pose with the winners’ mixed doubles title with Czech Barbora trophy after they beat Krejcikova last year, that they did not face Australia’s Max Purcell and a single break point in the match. Australia’s Luke Saville in The duo converted one of their 10 break their men’s doubles final point chances in the opening set and match on day fourteen marched to a one-sided victory with two of the Australian Open in more breaks in the second. Melbourne yesterday. The 35-year-old Ram, who turned professional in 2004, switched to playing doubles full-time three years back and was making his 58th Grand Slam doubles Ram said. “It feels more like I started my Yesterday’s win was also emotional for it shakes you pretty good. Yes, it’s been appearance. doubles career in 2017 and onward... I’ve the American due to the personal loss he challenging, but sometimes that stuff , “I spent probably until 2016 play- been at it a while for sure. To actually fi - suff ered last year. when it happens, makes these moments a ing prioritising singles. I happened nally get one is great.” “My father passed away in April of last little bit more sweet. to be ranked high enough to get into Ram said he was sick during the off - year with pancreatic cancer,” he said. “He “Obviously I wish all the world that my DADDY’S GIRL: Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin of the US these slams, but it (doubles) wasn’t re- season and took a call to not defend his was the one that started me in tennis. dad could have seen this. I think I’ve done poses with her father Alex Kenin during a photo shoot on the Yarra ally something I worked at, so to speak,” mixed doubles title at Melbourne Park. “When something like that happens, well to make him proud hopefully.” River in Melbourne yesterday. Gulf Times Monday, February 3, 2020 3 SPORT

FOCUS TOKYO 2020 Tokyo to ‘strengthen testing’ for coronavirus Bumrah, Rohit star before Olympics

AFP country as it tries to contain the Tokyo spread of the virulent new coro- navirus. The fl u-like pathogen, which okyo governor Yuriko originated in Hubei’s provincial as India complete Koike promised yes- capital Wuhan, has resulted in terday to implement more than 300 deaths in China. “thorough measures” to No deaths have been reported so Tprotect people from the deadly far in Japan.The health scare has coronavirus in the run-up to this led to the cancellation of Olym- summer’s Olympic Games. pic qualifying events in China At the opening of the $330mn such as boxing and badminton. Ariake Arena, venue for Olym- Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo 5-0 sweep against NZ pic volleyball and Paralympic Abe has said the travel warn- wheelchair basketball, Koike ing for China will be raised to SKIPPER KOHLI SAID INDIA’S PHILOSOPHY WAS TO NEVER GIVE UP said: level two on the country’s four- “I will implement even more point system, advising people to stringent measures to tackle in- “avoid travel that is not urgent or fectious diseases. I am having is not necessary”. discussions this weekend with The ribbon-cutting for Ari- senior offi cials to assure the ake Arena on Tokyo’s waterfront safety and security of people in leaves just the Olympics aquat- Tokyo — specifi cally focusing ics centre as the last of eight per- on ways to prevent the spread of manent venues under construc- the virus and strengthen testing tion, set to be completed later systems.” this month. Koike also urged people to The new national stadium, wash their hands and wear sur- built at a cost of $1.4bn, was un- gical masks to help protect them veiled last December after the from disease. initial blueprints were torn up by Japan has warned citizens Abe following public anger over against non-essential travel to spiralling costs. China, where the outbreak be- The Tokyo Olympics begin gan, and fast-tracked new rules on July 24 with the Paralympics including limits on entering the starting on August 25.

COMMENT Williamson and I have similar mindsets: Kohli

IANS diff erent parts of the world, we Mount Maunganui have similar thinking and we speak the same language,” Kohli said af- ter the game when asked about irat Kohli and Kane their conversation. Williamson have “Despite what the scoreline known each other since suggests, I feel that New Zealand their U-19 days. Lead- cricket is in the best hands and he Ving India and New Zealand re- is the right guy to lead this team. spectively besides being two of He is the perfect, perfect man to the best batters in world cricket lead them. I wish him the best of today, the pair hardly get time luck and power to lead this side in to catch up with so much cricket the future. They are a side everyone going around. loves to watch and play against,” he So when they did on the side- added. lines of the fi fth and fi nal T20I, it Williamson struck a majestic 95 became a cynosure of all eyes and in the third T20I which the Black India’s Jasprit Bumrah (left) celebrates after taking the wicket of New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell during the fifth T20 at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui yesterday. (AFP) social media also went in a tizzy Caps lost in the Super Over, only to with their pictures together. lose in the Super Over again in the AFP “It’s a winning habit that look at fi nding a way to win — the momentum was fi rmly Zealand with Kane Williamson Kohli was rested for the fi nal fourth game. Here, they needed Mount Maunganui we’ve cultivated over the years and that’s something we have in New Zealand’s favour. injured, maintained that the game with India already taking a 66 off 60 balls after Shivam Dube and all of us, when we step on been working on as a team and With 45 balls remaining, margin between the two sides 4-0 unassaible lead in the series went for 34 runs in one over, but the park, we want to win,” said when it comes together nicely New Zealand were three for was not great despite the se- which they eventually swept 5-0, Jasprit Bumrah led the pace battery ndia hailed their “winning KL Rahul who ended up cap- it feels really good,” he said. 116, but when Seifert was dis- ries outcome. and Williamson was recovering expertly as they kept things tight habit” as they rallied to taining India in the fi nal game After India made 163 for missed the innings went into a “I don’t think it’s a massive from a shoulder bug. and did not allow the Kiwis to win. pull off a dramatic seven- after Virat Kohli was rested three batting fi rst, New Zea- tailspin. gap. I know the series score- “Kane and me have similar New Zealand had knocked India run win over New Zealand and the original stand-in skip- land appeared to be cruising By the start of the last over line suggests that but the with mindsets, similar philosophies. It out of the 50-over World Cup last inI the fi fth and fi nal Twenty20 per Rohit Sharma limped from towards victory with senior New Zealand had been re- the games being reasonably is amazing that despite being from year in the semi-fi nals. at Mount Maunganui yester- the fi eld with a calf injury. batsman Ross Taylor, celebrat- duced to nine for 143 and al- close it’s just doing those small day to sweep the series. “It’s good to be standing ing his 100th Twenty20 inter- though Ish Sodhi belted two things a little bit better,” he New Zealand looked on here 5-0. Every time we were national, leading the chase af- sixes India retained control. said. course for a consolation win put under pressure and every ter a disastrous start. After winning the toss and The teams start the fi rst of until India engineered a col- time we felt there were no an- electing to bat, India lost Sanju a three-match one-day inter- lapse that saw six wickets fall swers we came up with the an- TAILSPIN Samson for two in the second national series in Hamilton on for 25 runs with Jasprit Bum- swers and somehow squeezed New Zealand were three for 17 over. Wednesday. rah fi nishing with an impres- the win.” after 20 deliveries before Tay- Sharma put on 88 with Ra- sive three for 12 off his four With teams building to- lor (53) and Tim Seifert (50) hul (45) for the second wicket BRIEF SCORES overs. wards the World Cup later in put on 99 for the fourth wick- and had added 42 with Shreyas India 163 for 3 (Rohit 60 It was the third consecutive the year, Kohli said India’s et. When they smacked 34 off Iyer before he was injured. retired hurt, Rahul 45, Kug- game the tourists had success- philosophy was to never give Shivam Dube in the 10th over Iyer was unbeaten on 33 at geleijn 2-25) beat New Zealand fully fought back when New up. — with two sixes and a four the close with Manish Pandey 156 for 9 (Taylor 53, Seifert 50, Zealand were in a position of “The conversation we had in each, plus a single for Seifert on 11. Bumrah 3-12, Saini 2-23) by Kane Williamson (centre) talks with Virat Kohli (left) during the fifth strength. the changing room was always and an extra run from a no ball Tim Southee, who led New seven runs. T20 at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui yesterday. (AFP)

QCA TWENTY20 Berenger steers Warriors to Premier Division title By Sports Reporter Kamran (15 with a four) two runs later, Doha Rizlan and Mhamedd Tanveer came up with a fi ne 68-run partnership and appeared to be taking the command of ndri Berenger extended his the match. sparkling touch and smashed However, Owais provided the cru- a glorious hundred to power cial breakthrough as he dismissed Tan- Warriors Club to an emphatic veer in the 14th over after he smashed Aseven-wicket triumph in the fi nal four boundaries in 19 off as many balls. of the Premier Division in the QCA Later, Rizlan was the fourth player Twenty20 Cricket Tournament. to be out 22 runs later in the 16th over. The opener hammered 109 not out Khurram Shahzad, who blasted four in just 56 balls to anchor the demand- sixes and two fours in his 39 off 16 ing 185-run chase and closed it out balls, and Mujeeb, with 26 in 13 balls with fi ve balls to go in company of cap- with three sixes, lifted the score with tain Assad Borham, who was not out superb batting. Ikram got two for 51. on 14. QCA Operations Manager Man- Berenger timed his strokes bril- zoor Ahmad was the chief guest at the liantly as his knock contained fi ve huge closing ceremony and presented the sixes and a dozen hits to the rope. He awards. QCA Domestic Cricket Head was also involved in two good partner- Gul Khan Jadoon was among other ships - a 73-run stand for the second QCA offi cials present on the occasion. wicket with Sammy (25 in 21 balls) and a 52-run alliance for the third wicket BRIEF SCORES: with Imraz (21 in 18 balls). Himanshu Premier Division bowled economically and picked two Warriors Club beat Galfar Al Misnad by for 19. seven wickets Berenger was named the Man of the Galfar Al Misnad: 184 for five (Rizlan Final for his impact on the match. 46 in 32 balls, Khurram Shahzad 39 in Earlier, Galfar Al Misnad, electing to 16 balls, Mujeeb 26 in 13 balls; Ikram bat fi rst, put up a challenging 184 for 2/51) fi ve. Rizlan was their top-scorer as he Warriors Club: 187 for three in 19.1 cracked 46 in 32 balls with three sixes overs (Andri Berenger 109 not out in and four boundaries. After they lost 56 balls, Sammy 25 in 21 balls, Imraz 21 opener Faisal (20, two fours) at 37 and in 18 balls; Himanshu 2/19). A group picture of Premier Division winners Warriors Club and runners-up Galfar Al Misnad with QCA off icials after the prize distribution ceremony. Gulf Times 4 Monday, February 3, 2020 SPORT

RUGBY SPOTLIGHT Finau fi res 62 to grab one-shot lead Ollivon double in Phoenix

Reuters win tomorrow, that’s just icing Los Angeles on the cake.” He called the hole-in-one “a perfect seven iron, 180 ony Finau picked up yards” that he didn’t see drop. helps France past fi ve strokes on the Simpson also had a bogey on back nine and grabbed seven to go with seven birdies a one-shot lead over and the ace. ‘They got a foothold, we kind of paused, TWebb Simpson, who celebrat- Second round leader J.B. ed a hole in one, in the third Holmes (70) and fellow Amer- we had a bit more in the second half but round of the Phoenix Open on ican Hudson Swaff ord (66) Saturday. were tied for third at 14-un- that’s not the way we want to defend’ Finau, a big fan of the late der 199 with Xander Schauf- England Kobe Bryant, dropped in three fele (66), Adam Long (66) and birdies and an eagle in fi ve Scott Piercy (68) a stroke back. holes to shoot a sizzling nine- Holmes, who was one stroke under 62 under crystal blue ahead of Wyndham Clark after skies to go to 16-under 197 in Friday’s play, fi nally righted his bid for a second PGA Tour himself after an up-and-down win. round. He skied to one over for “I gave myself a lot of looks the day after his third bogey at and I was able to capitalize on the 12th but collected birdies those looks, “ Finau, who had at the 14th and 15th that left four birdies on the front nine him the hunt. before the key run between the Clark fell seven shots off 12th and 16th holes that in- the pace after a three-over 74 cluded an eagle at the par-fi ve that included four bogeys and 13th, told PGA Tour Radio. a birdie. He also had a birdie at the 16th hole while wearing his LEADING THIRD-ROUND Bryant Lakers jersey and nar- SCORES rowly missed another at the 197 - Tony Finau 69-66-62 17th in a bogey free round. 198 - Webb Simpson 71-63-64 “I had a perfect number for 199 - Hudson Swaff ord 66-67- a sand wedge and go ahead and 66, J.B. Holmes 64-65-70 fi re right at the pin,” Finau told 200 - Xander Schauff ele 67- CBS Television. 67-66, Adam Long 66-68-66, “Damn near made it. That Scott Piercy 67-65-68 would have been pretty sweet 201 - Mark Hubbard 69-68- with the Kobe jersey on. But I 64, An Byeong-hun (KOR) like that shot. That was pretty 65-66-70 nice.” 202 - Nate Lashley 66-67-69 Simpson, whose ace came 203 - John Huh 71-66-66, Max at the 12th, stood deadlocked Homa 72-67-64, Luke List 70- with Finau until a bogey at the 69-64, Tom Hoge 65-71-67, Jon 17th left him at seven-under Rahm (ESP) 67-68-68 64 for the day. 204 - Collin Morikawa 69-67- “Kind of made a disaster of 68, Bubba Watson 69-66-69, it,” Simpson said of his play at Branden Grace (RSA) 67-67-70, 17, “but to shoot even par in Billy Horschel 63-68-73, Wynd- round one and have a chance to ham Clark 61-69-74.

France’s flanker Charles Ollivon (right) dives across the line to score a try during the Six Nations match against England at the stade de France in Paris yesterday. (AFP)

AFP factor behind the defeat. sic handling errors, losing possession bled out of their own half. Paris “They scored tries off a couple of our four times alone when threatening in the Ollivon crossed for his second try, and mistakes, we had the ball in our own half French 22m area. France’s third, in the 55th minute, show- too much, we made too many mistakes Farrell spilled the ball in midfi eld and ing an openside’s fi ne reading of the game aptain Charles Ollivon scored two and they capitalised,” Farrell told the BBC. George Ford’s kicking was consistently to track Dupont’s sharp break and taking tries as France kicked off a new era “They got a foothold, we kind of paused, too long, allowing an easy bedding-in an inside pass to glide over. under recently-appointed coach we had a bit more in the second half but for France’s debutant full-back Anthony Ntamack made no mistake with the ex- Fabien Galthie with a thrilling that’s not the way we want to defend.” Bouthier, who produced one stunning tras, but England hit back straight away, 24-17C victory over England in their open- There was a buzz around Stade de 90-metre kick out of hand. winger May chasing down his own chip ing 2020 Six Nations match yesterday. France not felt for some time and the ex- France’s hard-hitting South African- for a try, Farrell converting. Galthie took over full-time in the wake pectant crowd were soon rewarded after a born lock pairing of Paul Willemse and Drama was guaranteed to the end as of France’s quarter-fi nal exit at last sea- ferocious start as the two sides piled into Bernard Le Roux, and centre Gael Fickou May score a second try, this time a bril- son’s World Cup in Japan and looks to have each other. Livewire winger Teddy Tho- were at the heart of a smothering French liant individual eff ort that saw him skip thoroughly revived the France XV, featur- mas darted in-fi eld, only to be brought defence, now masterminded by Shaun past Rattez, cut back in past Ntamack and ing just one player over the age of 30. down by George Furbank, making his Edwards, the rugby league legend who around Thomas to the line. Two fi rst-half tries by Vincent Rattez England debut at full-back. was right-hand man to Warren Gatland Farrell converted and with the English and Ollivon, along with two conversions The ball was quickly recycled and an during his successful 12-year tenure of set-piece suddenly in the ascendancy, and a penalty from Romain Ntamack inside Ntamack pass found Rattez, the Wales. there was all to play for at 24-14. handed the home side, powered magnifi - late replacement for the injured Damian Almost a year to the day that France But the French held fi rm for a fi ne win, cently around the pitch by scrum-half Penaud easily riding Ben Youngs’ tackle to squandered a 16-0 half-time lead over Farrell hitting an injury-time penalty for Antoine Dupont, a 17-0 half-time lead. score a fi ne team try. Wales in their 2019 Six Nations opener a losing bonus point, and can now look A second converted Ollivon try extend- Ntamack converted, hit a 16th minute (eventually losing 24-19), there were forward to next week hosting Italy, beaten ed France’s lead but World Cup runners- penalty and then another conversion as nerves about how Les Bleus would weath- 42-0 by defending champions Wales on up England hit back with a Jonny May new skipper Ollivon showed a clean pair er a loaded English riposte in the second Saturday. brace of tries both converted by Owen of heels to make the line for France’s sec- period. England won two penalties deep in England, however, will have little time Farrell. ond try after Courtney Lawes failed to French territory, twice opting for a scrum. to lick their wounds, with a tight six-day Farrell acknowledged that France had gather a Dupont box kick, Rattez playing That backfi red as Maro Itoje knocked on, turnaround before going to Edinburgh to been the “more aggressive from the word provider on the tapdown. the crowd breaking into a booming rendi- take on Scotland, defeated 19-12 by Ire- Tony Finau plays his shot on the 14th hole during the third round go”, also dismissing “mental fatigue” as a England were guilty of a raft of ba- tion of La Marseillaise as the French rum- land in their opener. of the Phoenix Open in Scottsdale, Arizona, on Saturday. (AFP)

GOLF Formula E calls off Sanya race due to coronavirus McDowell wins in Saudi to end title drought The all-electric Formula E motor racing series has AFP and an eagle on the fi nal hole — his the way I played, but I would have liked abandoned plans for a race Riyadh second of the day — to fi nish solo sec- to give Graeme a little more pressure in the Chinese city of Sanya ond at 10-under. coming down the stretch,” said John- next month because of the Belgian Thomas Pieters had set the son. coronavirus epidemic. raeme McDowell said he was clubhouse marker for a long time after “The game’s in good form. It’s only The sport will continue to “relieved” after successfully a round of 65 at nine-under par, where my second event since the Tour Cham- work with its regional partner defending his overnight lead he was later joined by Phil Mickelson pionship, so I haven’t played much and local authorities to study on a windy yesterday after- (67) and Gavin Green (70), who were golf. I feel like the game’s starting to the viability of potential noonG to win the Saudi International for eventually tied third. come around a little bit.” alternative dates should his 11th European Tour title but fi rst in McDowell could now be looking World number one Brooks Koepka the situation improve, the nearly fi ve-and-a-half years. forward to a return to the Masters in could not make a move on the fi nal day Formule E and FIA governing It was the 16th international win for April after a three-year absence if he and a two-over par 72 after one double bodies said in statements the 40-year-old, who is expected to can stay in the top 50 until the end of and four bogeys dropped him down to yesterday. rise to inside the top 50 of the world March. tied 17th at four-under. The race had been scheduled rankings from his current 104th place. “My big goal this year was to be back for March 21 in the coastal “I didn’t realise it had been quite in the top 50 in the world, back com- FOURTH-ROUND SCORES resort in Hainan province. that long here in Europe. I’m very ex- peting in the big tournaments,” he said. 268 - Graeme McDowell (NIR) 64-68- The outbreak of the flu-like cited. I’m very relieved,” he said. “I’m very excited that it’s happened 66-70 virus has killed more than “It’s been 10 years since I won a US a little faster than I expected. 270 - Dustin Johnson (USA) 67-68-68- 300 people and infected more Open, 10 years probably since I played “It’s a very important win, and 67 than 14,000 in China after the best golf of my life. I feel like I’m hopefully one that I can really double 271 - Thomas Pieters (BEL) 70-67-69- it first emerged in Wuhan in moving back in the right direction. up on and kick on from here. I’m ex- 65, Phil Mickelson (USA) 66-70-68-67, Hubei province late last year. “I have a solid team, life’s settled cited to see how my schedule is going Gavin Green (MAS) 64-67-70-70 Formula E said the decision down. I’ve got a great wife and great to develop from here. 273 - Sergio Garcia (ESP) 69-68-70-66, was made jointly with family, I’m very happy with what’s go- “Called my kids right off the 18 Abraham Ancer (MEX) 69-70-67-67, the governing FIA and ing on in my life right now. green. They were jumping around the Ross Fisher (ENG) 66-68-71-68, Tho- the Chinese federation of Yesterday at the Royal Greens Golf house. My little boy was shouting, mas Detry (BEL) 73-66-65-69, Victor automobile and motorcycle Club, the Northern Irishman had ‘Daddy, you won’. That’s the kind of Dubuisson (FRA) 69-65-65-74 sports to ensure the health slipped to two-over par for his round stuff I am excited about.” 274 - Dean Burmester (RSA) 71-68-68- and safety of travelling staff , with three bogeys in 13 holes. World number fi ve Johnson was dis- 67, Matthieu Pavon (FRA) 68-71-67-68 participants and spectators. He still had a one-shot lead, but File photo of Graeme McDowell in action. PICTURE: European Tour appointed with his putting but satis- 275 - Pablo Larrazabal (ESP) 69-68-74- The race would have been the things were looking tenuous for the fi ed that he was moving in the right di- 64, Martin Kaymer (GER) 73-64-73-65, sixth of the championship’s 14 Northern Irishman. successive birdie. However, his even-par 70 took him rection after undergoing arthroscopic Shane Lowry (IRL) 69-67-70-69, Wu rounds, with Seoul in May and The 2010 US Open champion then After pars on the next two holes, to 12-under par overall, giving him a surgery on his left knee following the Ashun (CHN) 71-66-68-70 Jakarta in June now the only poured in a putt from over 25 feet on McDowell walked down the 18th with two-shot win over defending cham- PGA Tour Championship in August 276 - Jack Senior (ENG) 71-69-71-65, remaining Asian races. the 14th hole for a birdie, and mus- a two-shot lead. pion Dustin Johnson. last year. Jhonattan Vegas (VEN) 65-71-71-69, Formula E Champions DS cled his iron shot on the next from the He made a nervy par despite hitting The American former world number “It was another day where it could Ian Poulter (ENG) 72-68-65-71, Brooks Techeetah are Chinese owned. rough to tap-in distance for a second a fantastic tee shot. one closed with a three-under par 67 have been a lot better. I’m pleased with Koepka (USA) 70-69-65-72. Gulf Times Monday, February 3, 2020 5 SPORT

NBA NHL Jets end 5-game skid by beating Blues LeBron propels Reuters The Blues fi nally got on Los Angeles the board with a three-on- two rush in the third period, with Schenn converting Jaden ack Roslovic scored Schwartz’s pass to the right twice and added an as- wing. sist as the Winnipeg O’Reilly’s snap shot from Jets beat the visiting St. the inside of the right circle cut Lakers to fi rst win LouisJ Blues 5-2 Saturday night the Winnipeg lead to 3-2 with to snap their fi ve-game losing 4:10 left. After Vince Dunn streak. hit the post with a potential Connor Hellebuyck made game-tying shot, Wheeler and 38 saves for the Jets, who Laine sealed the victory with won for just the second time empty-net goals. in their last nine games. An- With Jets forward Math- drew Copp, Blake Wheeler ieu Perreault sidelined with since Kobe’s death and Patrik Laine also scored an upper-body injury, Lo- for Winnipeg, and Sami Niku and Mark ‘THERE ARE GOING TO BE A LOT OF IMPORTANT STEPS FOR US ALONG THE WAY’ RESULTS Scheifele each had two assists. Buff alo 2-1 Columbus Brayden Schenn Vancouver 4-3 NY Islanders and Ryan O’Reilly scored, and Jordan Montreal 4-0 Florida Binnington stopped NY Rangers 1-0 Detroi 28 of 31 shots for the Dallas 3-2 New Jersey Blues, who are 1-6- 1 in their last eight Philadelphia 6-3 Colorado road games. Toronto 2-1 Ottawa The Jets capital- Winnipeg 5-2 St. Louis ized on a break with 1:16 left in the fi rst Chicago 3-2 Arizona period to take 1-0 Boston 6-1 Minnesota lead. Linesman Greg Las Vegas 3-0 Nashville Devorski inadvert- Edmonton 8-3 Calgary ently blocked a Blues clearing attempt at Anaheim 3-1 Los Angeles their blue line, cre- Tampa Bay 3-0 San Jose ating a two-on-one rush for Winnipeg. gan Shaw replaced him in the Niku slid a cross-ice pass to lineup. Roslovic, who beat Binnington Blues coach Craig Berube from the right wing. made multiple lineup changes. Roslovic put the Jets up 2-0 Winger Troy Brouwer played with 2:55 left in the second pe- for the fi rst time since Dec. 18 riod. He crossed in front of the and started with Schenn and net — accidentally blocking Alexander Steen — who played a shot — and gathered up the in his 1,000th NHL game. rebound to score from a tough Winger Mackenzie right-side angle. MacEachern, who had been Then Copp scored with 15 sidelined by a lower-body in- seconds left in the second pe- jury, and defenceman Robert riod by coming down the mid- Bortuzzo also played for the dle to convert a snap shot from Blues, for Jordan Kyrou and the between the circles. Carl Gunnarsson.

Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James (top left) shoots the ball over Sacramento Kings’ Bogdan Bogdanovic during the third quarter at Golden 1 Center. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports

AFP James said they had to get used to Bryant sweep by Philadelphia. Boston played with- RESULTS Los Angeles tributes whenever they travel to a new NBA out injured leading scorer Kemba Walker, building, noting: “It should be acknowl- who has a sore left knee. Ben Simmons led Boston 116-95 Philadelphia edged because of what he meant to this fran- the 76ers with 23 points, and Joel Embiid was nthony Davis scored a team- San Antonio 114-90 Charlotte chise for 20 years.” held to 11 on a dismal one-of-11 shooting. high 21 points as the Los Angeles Golden State 131-112 Cleveland One of the last people to talk to Bryant Philadelphia was done in by poor shoot- Lakers put the emotions of their before he and eight others died last Sunday, ing. They attempted 33 shots from three- Washington 113-107 Brooklyn Kobe Bryant tribute night be- James said it was a bittersweet recollection. point range but made just seven. hindA them with a 129-113 victory over the Portland 124-107 Utah “It is not a great memory because it is the The 76ers had beaten the Celtics in their Sacramento Kings on Saturday. Dallas 123-100 Atlanta last one (conversation),” he said after Satur- fi rst three meetings this season, including The Lakers won their fi rst game since LA Lakers 129-113 Sacramento day’s game. “I got an opportunity to talk to December 12 at the Boston Garden. Bryant died in a horrifi c helicopter crash af- him. But for me to always think about that is Also, Kawhi Leonard scored at least 30 ter losing 127-119 on Friday to Portland on a New York 92-85 Indiana not a great memory, because it was the last points for the ninth straight contest as the night when they paid tribute to the former Miami 102-89 Orlando one.” Elsewhere, red-hot Damian Lillard Los Angeles Clippers beat the Minnesota NBA legend. LA Clippers 118-106 Minnesota continued blistering pace with 51 points to Timberwolves 118-106. Leonard, who also Davis followed up his 37-point perform- lead the Portland to a 124-107 victory over had six rebounds, needed just 24 minutes of ance against the Trail Blazers with another Bryant’s career high was 81 points in 2006 the Utah Jazz. playing time to score 31 points. team-high total in the second game of a against Toronto second only to Wilt Cham- Lillard connected on 17 of 29 fi eld-goal at- Paul George, playing in his second contest back-to-back set. berlain’s 100-point game in 1962.” tempts and made all eight of his free throws after missing nine games because of a left “We got our fi rst win,” said Lakers coach “I loved the way we came out tonight,” en route to his third 50-point performance hamstring strain, had 21 points and seven Frank Vogel. “It is never going to feel normal. Vogel said. “We knew last night was going over the past six games and fourth of the rebounds in 25 minutes. It is never going to feel the same. to be an emotional game. We got through it. season. He is averaging 48.8 points during In Washington, Brooklyn Nets guard “That is our fi rst win since this happened. Tonight it was get back on track and go out the six-game stretch. Kyrie Irving sprained his right knee in the There are going to be a lot of important steps and get a win no matter what.” In Boston, Jaylen Brown scored 32 points fourth quarter of Saturday’s 113-107 loss to for us along the way.” James’ triple-double was his 11th of the as the Boston Celtics won their sixth game in the Washington Wizards. LeBron James had a triple-double of 15 season, one off Luka Doncic’s league lead, the last seven with a 116-95 victory over the Irving — who will have an MRI on Sunday points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists and Avery and the 92nd of his career. Philadelphia 76ers. to determine the extent of the damage — be- Bradley scored 16 of his 19 points in the fi rst Only Oscar Robertson (181), Russell West- Jayson Tatum tallied 25 points, Marcus came tangled with Bradley Beal in a tussle Winnipeg Jets left wing Nikolaj Ehlers (left) and goaltender Connor 12 minutes as the Lakers racked up 81 points brook (146), Magic Johnson (138) and Jason Smart had 16 points, and Brad Wanamaker for the ball before Beal fell awkwardly on the Hellebuyck celebrate their win over the St. Louis Blues at Bell MTS in the fi rst half. Kidd (107) have more career triple-doubles. chipped in 15 as the Celtics avoided a season outside of his right leg. Place. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports

NFL Ravens’ QB Jackson named unanimous MVP Reuters playoff game against the Tennessee Titans, narrowly clipped Jackson, winning by two Los Angeles cleaned up in other regular-season awards votes to claim the honour. as well. John Harbaugh was named Coach Thomas, who broke Marvin Harrison’s of the Year — making he and Jackson the single-season receptions record with 149, is altimore Ravens quarterback fi rst duo to win MVP and Coach of the Year the second wideout to ever win the award, Lamar Jackson on Saturday night on the same team since quarterback Cam joining two-time winner Jerry Rice (1987- became the second unanimous se- Newton and Ron Rivera of the 2015 Panthers 1993). lection as the NFL’s Most Valuable — and off ensive coordinator Greg Roman Among other awards, Titans quarterback Player.B was named Assistant Coach of the Year. Ryan Tannehill earned one more vote than Jackson swept all 50 votes from the As- History was also made on the defensive San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy sociated Press — as Tom Brady did in 2010 side, where New England Patriots corner- Garoppolo to win Comeback Player of the — to win the award, which was announced back Stephon Gilmore was named Defen- Year. Tannehill emerged from recent inju- during the NFL Honors ceremony in Miami sive Player of the Year, becoming the fi rst ries and a backup job in Tennessee to lead the night before Super Bowl LIV. true cornerback to earn that honour since the Titans to the AFC Championship Game, Jackson, 23, had a historic season in his Deion Sanders in 1994. Charles Woodson while Garoppolo was returning from a torn second year in the NFL, throwing for 3,127 claimed the award in 2009 with the Green ACL. yards, a league-high 36 touchdowns and Bay Packers, but he played primarily as a The 49ers weren’t shut out of the awards, just six interceptions while also break- nickelback and safety that year. however, as No 2 overall pick Nick Bosa ing Michael Vick’s single-season rushing Gilmore is the fi rst Patriots player to win claimed Defensive Rookie of the Year hon- record for a quarterback. Jackson piled up the award, which has been presented annu- ours in a landslide. 1,206 yards and seven touchdowns on the ally since 1971. He tied for the NFL lead with The No 1 overall pick, Arizona Cardinals ground, averaging a league-best 6.9 yards six interceptions, including two he returned quarterback Kyler Murray, won Off ensive per carry. for touchdowns, and also tied for the lead Rookie of the Year, beating out Oakland As a team, the Ravens set an NFL record with 20 passes defensed. He had 53 tackles Raiders running back Josh Jacobs and Ti- for total rushing yards in a season (3,296), and helped New England fi nish No 1 in total tans receiver A J Brown. fi nishing the regular season on a 12-game defence (275.9 yards per game) and scoring According to the Elias Sports Bureau, win streak to earn the AFC’s top seed in the defence (14.1 points per game). it was the fourth time in NFL history the playoff s. For Off ensive Player of the Year, New Or- draft’s top two picks won both rookie Lamar Jackson poses for a photo after receiving the Most Valuable Player award at Adrienne Arsht Center. Baltimore, which went on to lose its fi rst leans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas awards. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Gulf Times 6 Monday, February 3, 2020 FOOTBALL

SERIE A SPOTLIGHT Daniel Maldini continues family Ronaldo penalty dynasty at AC Milan

AFP “This debut was a goal that Milan, Italy I had set myself, now we hope to go on like this. I felt a strong emotion but my father reassures aniel Maldini made me,” he added. double lift s Juve his Serie A debut with His grandfather Cesare, who Italian giants AC Milan died in 2016, played for 12 seasons Lazio move second five points behind reigning champions after 5-1 win over SPAL yesterday to follow in the with the club, winning four league footstepsD of his father, club legend titles and the European Cup. AFP Paolo, and grandfather Cesare. Cesare also coached the team Milan, Italy The 18-year-old Maldini had twice, from 1972-1974 and in already taken part in pre-season 2001. friendlies, but had to wait for his Paolo — considered among ristiano Ronaldo fi rst senior appearance for the the best defenders of all time stretched his scoring seven-time European champions. — holds the record for matches streak to nine consecu- It fi nally came in the 93rd played in Serie A alongside Ju- tive league games with a minute of a 1-1 draw against Hel- ventus goalkeeper Gianluigi penaltyC double yesterday as Se- las Verona at the San Siro. Buffon with 647, all for AC Mi- rie A leaders Juventus bounced “My debut was a dream, shame lan. He won seven Scudetti and back from last weekend’s defeat about the result,” said Maldini. five Champions League tro- to Napoli with a 3-0 win over “We could have done more, but phies. Fiorentina. there was still a lot of emotion. The 51-year-old Paolo Maldini Lazio moved second fi ve “Verona are a tough team, we played his fi nal game on May 31, points behind the reigning deserved the three points but we 2009 and is currently the club’s champions after Serie A top brought home a draw. We hope to technical director. scorer Ciro Immobile and Felipe win the next one.” His older son Christian played Caicedo both scored a brace in a Midfi elder Maldini made his for AC Milan’s youth team 5-1 win over rock bottom SPAL. debut 35 years after his father through to the Under-19 level Inter Milan, one point behind Paolo and 66 after his grandfa- and now plays in the Italian lower in the Romans in third place, were ther Cesare. divisions. scheduled to travel to Udinese later yesterday looking to reclaim second spot. Ronaldo slotted in both his goals from the spot in either half in Turin with Dutch defender Matthijs de Ligt heading in a third in injury time. Juventus had fallen to just their second defeat of the season last weekend at Sarri’s former club Napoli, despite Ronaldo scoring. “Cristiano Ronaldo continues to score repeatedly and for him it’s important psychologically,” said Sarri of the player who turns 35 years old next Wednesday. Juventus’ Cristiano Ronaldo shoots to score his second penalty during the Serie A match against Fiorentina in Turin, Italy, yesterday. (AFP) “Physically he’s good and making a diff erence.” Nedved hit back, declaring he His second came 10 minutes season to Immobile, who has into fourth place and the fi nal Fiorentina, in 14th position, was “a bit fed up of these con- from time for a disputed Federi- scored 25 goals, including two on Champions League ahead of have had a resurgence since troversies”. co Ceccherini foul on Bentancur. Sunday as Lazio kept their push Roma on goal diff erence after Giuseppe Iachini took over on “Juve won with merit. Teams Ronaldo made it 14 goals in for their fi rst Serie A title since the side from the capital fell 4-2 City edge out Arsenal, Chelsea thrash December 24, but suff ered their have to stop trying to look for nine games to bring his tally to 2000 alive. at Sassuolo on Saturday. fi rst league defeat this year. excuses and accept defeat.” 19 this season, including seven Immobile got Lazio off the Swedish star Zlatan Inbrahi- West Ham in Women’s SL Club president Rocco Com- penalties. mark volleying in after just three movic missed AC Milan’s game Defending champions Arsenal suff ered a serious blow to their misso was furious at the penalty LAZIO MAINTAIN TITLE PUSH The former Real Madrid play- minutes, with Caicedo fi nishing because of a bout of fl u with the title hopes as they suff ered a 2-1 defeat at Women’s Super decisions. Fiorentina tested Juventus goal- er has now scored 50 goals in 70 off a rebound less than quarter eighth-placed northerners held League leaders Manchester City, while Chelsea thrashed West “I am disgusted with what keeper Wojciech Szczesny early games since moving to Juventus of an hour later. 1-1 by ten-man Hellas Verona, Ham 8-0 to move second in the table yesterday. Pauline Bremer I saw today,” blasted the Ital- with the Pole getting his hand in 2018. Immobile’s second came be- who are just behind them. and Lauren Hemp scored either side of halftime to put City 2-0 ian-born US businessman who to Federico Chiesa’s back-heel He also becomes the fi rst Ju- fore the half hour with a defl ect- up and although Danielle van de Donk pulled a goal back for Ar- bought the Tuscany club last kick and a Pol Lirola eff ort. ventus player to achieve a run of ed shot and he played a role in RESULTS senal in the 59th minute, City hung for a win that sent them top year. Fellow Pole Bartlomiej Drag- goals in nine consecutive league Caicedo’s second seven minutes Juventus 3 (Ronaldo 40-pen, on 36 points after 14 games. In London, Maren Mjelde and Beth “Juve are very strong, a team owski denied Rodrigo Bentancur games since David Trezeguet in before the break. 80-pen, De Ligt 90+1) Fiorentina 0 England both netted twice as Chelsea smashed eight goals past with a wage bill of 350 mn at the other end before a VAR December 2005. Substitute Bobby Adekanye AC Milan 1 (Calhanoglu 29) hapless West Ham to move second in the table, one point behind doesn’t need help. Referees can- review confi rmed Fiorentina’s De Ligt nodded in a Paulo Dy- came on after the break with the Hellas Verona 1 (Faraoni 13) Manchester City and with a game in hand. Arsenal are third on not decide matches. German Pezzella had handled bala cross in stoppage time for former Liverpool player tap- Atalanta 2 (Toloi 12, Ilicic 33 points. An Aileen Whelan goal gave Brighton & Hove Albion a “Today they gave two penal- the ball in the area. his fi rst goal for Juventus at the ping in his fi rst Serie A goal after 35) Genoa 2 (Criscito 19-pen, narrow 1-0 win over Everton, while Fara Williams scored from the ties against us, maybe the fi rst Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Allianz Stadium, as Iachini fell an hour with Simone Missiroli Sanabria 33) penalty spot 10 minutes from time to earn Reading a 1-1 draw at was there but the second cer- Ronaldo made no mistake, slot- to his fi rst league defeat with the pulling a goal back for SPAL. Lazio 5 (Immobile 3, 29, F. home to Manchester United. The game between Liverpool and tainly wasn’t.” ting in fi ve minutes before the Tuscany side. Atalanta were held 2-2 by Caicedo 16, 38, Adekanye 58) Birmingham City was called off due to a waterlogged pitch as Juventus vice-President Pavel break. Ronaldo is second only this struggling Genoa but moved SPAL 1 (Missiroli 65) was Tottenham Hotspur’s clash with Bristol City. Neymar’s birthday an unwelcome Four-star Cologne edge further from trouble, 10-man Paderborn lose distraction for PSG coach Tuchel

DPA of the drop zone. safe against faltering Freiburg be- to be a blip. two points off Freiburg. Neymar’s birthday celebrations in a Paris club is a ‘distraction’ Berlin, Germany The bottom side lost 4-2 at fore late flourishes from Kingsley They remain 14th but are six two days ahead of a Ligue 1 trip to Nantes, according to Paris home to Wolfsburg after play- Ehizibue and Ismail Jakobs. points ahead of the relegation RESULTS St Germain coach Thomas Tuchel. French sports daily L’Equipe ing almost an hour with 10 men. The Billy Goats have had a ma- play-off spot and seven above Cologne 4 (Bornauw 29, reported that the event would take place in a western Paris club ologne moved further A victory would have cata- jor renaissance since Markus the automatic drop zone. Cordoba 55, Ehizibue 90+1, and that the PSG players and a few members of the staff had away from danger in the pulted them outside of both the Gisdol took over as coach in Freiburg in contrast stay eighth, Jakobs 90+2) Freiburg 0 been invited by the Brazilian, who turns 28 on Wednesday. “The CBundesliga yesterday af- relegation play-off spot and the November and have now won five points adrift of a definite Paderborn 2 (Zolinski 22, substitution of Kylian or Ney’s birthday are distractions, it gives ter hammering Freiburg 4-0 at automatic relegation places. five of their past six games. Europa League qualifying berth, Vasiliadis 72) Wolfsburg 4 the impression that we are not serious,” Tuchel was quoted home, but defeated Paderborn Cologne’s Sebastiaan Bornauw Last weekend’s 5-1 battering at after a second straight defeat. (Knoche 26, Ginczek 40, 60, as saying by L’Equipe yesterday. On Saturday, France striker missed the chance to move out and Jhon Cordoba made the game Borussia Dortmund proved just Wolfsburg moved up to ninth, Arnold 76) Kylian Mbappe showed his frustration when he was replaced in the 70th minute of a 5-0 win against nine-man Montpellier. On Neymar’s birthday, Tuchel added: “It gives the impression that we are not 100% focused and professional. “But things are LA LIGA not either black or white. They become important when we talk about them a lot.” Virus restrictions hit Australia AFC Getafe move third with Bilbao victory Champions League games DPA ahead on goal diff erence. The AFC Champions League was thrown into further chaos Barcelona, Spain Swedish striker Alexander yesterday with Australia advising fixtures due to be held in Perth Isak fi red Real Sociedad ahead and Sydney can no longer take place due to travel restrictions after 20 minutes with a low drive over the deadly coronavirus. It follows the government on Satur- etafe provisionally from the edge of the box. day announcing that non-citizens arriving from mainland China climbed to third with a Kenneth Omeruo levelled for would be barred from entering the country under measures to 2-0 win at Athletic Bil- hosts Leganes at Butarque when combat the spread of the epidemic. Perth Glory were due to host bao in La Liga yester- the ball dropped to him in the Shanghai Shenhua on February 11 and Sydney FC face Shanghai Gday, while relegation-battling box and he drilled an eff ort in off SIPG a day later. Football Federation Australia said it had told the Leganes claimed a crucial 2-1 the post. Asian Football Confederation that “it will now not be possible to win over Real Sociedad. With the spoils set to be shared, play matchday one in Australia as originally scheduled”. Damian Suarez broke the substitute Oscar bent a perfect deadlock for visitors Getafe at free-kick into the top corner to the San Mames with a brilliant earn Leganes a crucial win. FIFA’s African governance goal, playing two one-twos “Oscar has a brilliant shot on assignment over for Samoura and sweeping home in the 36th him, I knew that it would be dan- minute. gerous but it came off in the best Fatma Samoura’s FIFA assignment to lay the groundwork for Jaime Mata doubled Getafe’s way, it was like the ending of a better governance of football on the African continent has come lead from the penalty spot af- fi lm,” said Leganes coach Aguirre. to a close, the game’s world governing body said yesterday. In ter Inigo Lekue handled the ball “The fair result would have a joint deal with the Confederation of African Football (CAF), early in the second half. been a draw, each of us playing Samoura, the FIFA secretary general from Senegal, supervised Inaki Williams had a goal in our style.” a research operation into better practice whose findings were ruled out for off side and Aritz Real Sociedad, who started presented in Rabat at a congress held over the weekend. “FIFA Aduriz missed two big chances the season impressively, sit sev- is satisfied that the joint eff ort made with CAF was done and de- as Athletic tried in vain to battle enth with 34 points. livered,” a statement said yesterday. Samoura held the position their way back. Elsewhere Real Betis drew 1-1 of FIFA General Delegate for Africa from August last year, but Getafe have 39 points from 22 at Eibar in a mid-table battle. will now return to her former role. A reform package for African games, 10 behind leaders Real football was proposed at the congress on Saturday where it was Madrid, but could be overtaken by RESULTS proposed to stage the Africa Cup of Nations every four years, Sevilla, who host Alaves later on. Leganes 2 (Omeruo 49, instead of every two. FIFA chief Gianni Infantino also told African Oscar Rodriguez’s spectacular Rodriguez 90+4) Real Sociedad football’s 54 member associations that he wanted new stadiums stoppage time free-kick sealed 1 (Isak 20) in every member state and had earmarked $1 bn to finance the Leganes’s vital home victory over Eibar 1 (Orellana 15-pen) Real ambitious program. Also agreed was the creation of a group of Real Sociedad which pulled Javier Betis 1 (Fekir 7) professional referees financed and organised by FIFA in partner- Aguirre’s side level on 18 points Athletic Bilbao 0 Getafe 2 Getafe’s Damian Suarez celebrates after scoring a goal during the La Liga match against Athletic Club ship with CAF. with Real Mallorca, 17th, who are (Suarez 36, Mata 50-pen) Bilbao at the San Mames stadium in Bilbao, Spain, yesterday. (AFP) Gulf Times Monday, February 3, 2020 7 FOOTBALL

FOCUS Qatar Stars League holds Ordinary General Assembly meeting he Qatar Stars League’s “As mentioned in the agenda, nary General Assembly was done member of the Executive Com- (QSL) Ordinary Gen- the meeting will witness the in accordance with the Articles mittee as an experienced person, eral Assembly was held election of club representatives of Association of the organisa- according to the statute. yesterday at the Shera- to QSL’s Executive Committee, tion, appointing members to At the end of the meeting, the Tton Doha Hotel, chaired by QSL in addition to presenting the record and review the meeting’s new members of the Executive CEO Hani Taleb Ballan and in the annual report and other regu- proceedings, approving the an- Committee were welcomed and presence of Qatar Football As- lar matters discussed in general nual report on the activities of everyone wished them success in sociation (QFA) representative assemblies. We take this oppor- the organisation, reviewing and their duties. and QSL Executive Committee tunity to thank the brothers in approving its audited fi nancial The members of the QSL’s member Ahmed Abdulaziz al- the Electoral Committee for statements for the year ended and Executive Committee are HE Boenain, football club companies their great eff orts in preparing approving the auditor’s report, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin representatives and QSL Execu- the regulations regarding elec- appointment of independent au- Ahmed al-Thani (QSL Presi- tive Committee members Jassim tions and their management of ditors based on the recommenda- dent), Hani Taleb Ballan (CEO), Sultan al-Rumaihi and Nasser the preparatory procedures for tion of Executive Committee and Ahmed Abdulaziz al-Boenain Mohamed al-Hitmi, as well as the electoral process. I extend my view the budget approved by the (QFA representative), Jassim al- heads and representatives of sincere thanks and gratitude to Executive Committee. Rumaihi (experienced member), clubs. Mr. Jassim al-Rumaihi and Mr. The clubs’ representatives in Salman Ahmad al-Ansari (Qatar The Ordinary General Assembly Nasser al-Hitmi for their valu- the Executive Committee were Players Association representa- procedures started with an address able contributions, eff orts and elected at the meeting. They tive), Abdullah Hamid al-Mulla by Ballan: “On behalf of His Excel- co-operation with us throughout are: Aref Mohamed al-Abdullah (football club companies repre- lency Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa the previous period.” (Al Ahli), Turki Nasser al-Ali al- sentative), Turki Nasser al-Ali bin Ahmed al-Thani, President of Ballan announced the start Maadeed (Al Sadd) and Abdullah (football club companies repre- QSL, and on behalf of Executive of Ordinary General Assembly Hamed Abdullah Ali al-Mulla sentative) and Aref Abdel Rah- (From left) Football club representatives Aref Abdel Rahman, Abdullah Hamid al-Mulla and Turki Nasser Committee members, I welcome in accordance with the agenda, (Qatar SC). man (football club companies al-Ali, QSL CEO Hani Taleb Ballan, QFA representative Ahmed Abdulaziz al-Boenain and experienced all of you to this meeting. where the approval of the Ordi- Al-Rumaihi was chosen as a representative). member Jassim al-Rumaihi are part of the QSL Executive Committee.

ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE QSL announces Ooredoo Cup quarter-fi nals venues and times

QNA quarterfinals after the group Doha stage. Group A comprises Al Ahli, Al Wakrah, Al Sadd, Al Rayyan and Group B includes Tottenham weather he Qatar Stars League Al Khor, Qatar SC, Al Arabi, Al (QSL) announced the Gharafa. Tvenues and kick-off Al Wakrah will play with Al times of 2019-20 Ooredoo Cup Arabi on Thursday at Grand quarter-finals, after consulta- Hamad Stadium, and the same tions and co-ordination with stadium will host Al Gharafa authorities concerned. and Al Ahli. Suheim bin Hamad The matches will be played Stadium in Qatar Club will host Man City storm to on Thursday, February 13, and two confrontations, on Satur- Saturday, February 15. day, where Qatar SC will play Al Eight teams, four from both Sadd, and Al Khor will meet Al Victory over 10-man City lifts groups, had qualified for the Rayyan. Mourinho’s Spurs up to fifth, just snatch win four points off fourth-placed Chelsea SCOTTISH PREMIERSHIP Edouard’s double puts Celtic in control of title race AFP The motivation was clear for Glasgow, Scotland Lennon’s team after Rangers dropped points for the second time in a week, but there was eltic moved seven points a sense of complacency about clear at the top of the Celtic in the opening minutes. Scottish Premiership Kris Ajer got his header all as Odsonne Edouard’s wrong as he went to meet Aaron Cdouble inspired a 4-1 win against McGowan’s cross and the ball fell 10-man Hamilton yesterday. for Ogkmpoe but Fraser Forster Neil Lennon’s side produced beat away his volley. an emphatic display at the Foys Jullien then failed to get a grip Stadium to take advantage of on Ogkmpoe as Blair Alston put second placed Rangers’ draw in the corner, allowing the Greek with Aberdeen on Saturday. to power home with his head af- Marios Ogkmpoe fi red bot- ter 27 minutes. tom of the table Hamilton into a The game swung back in Celt- shock lead midway through the ic’s favour 10 minutes before the fi rst half. break. But Celtic took control after Hamilton got caught the Jamie Hamilton was dismissed wrong side of Leigh Griffi ths as for a foul on Leigh Griffi ths. they chased a Jullien long ball, Edouard fi red home the re- hauling the Hoops frontman sulting set-piece and added a down right on the edge of his late second three minutes after own box. Christopher Jullien had put the Edouard swept the resulting Hoops back in charge. free-kick over the wall into the James Forrest completed the corner of Luke Southwood’s goal. Parkhead side’s late charge to Hamilton’s resistance could leave Celtic back on course to only last so long and Celtic win a ninth successive Scottish pounced for the win with 12 min- league title. utes left. “You want to capitalise and Jonny Hayes slipped fellow make the most of things. When substitute Ryan Christie down the third went in we had three the left and his cross was steered points wrapped up,” Lennon home by Jullien’s expert fi nish. said. And any doubt about the result “Psychologically it’s good. I’m extinguished three minutes later thinking it’s four rather than sev- as Tom Rogic charged forward en as I’m assuming the opposi- before slipping in Edouard for his Tottenham Hotspur’s Steven Bergwijn (centre) celebrates with teammates after scoring against Manchester City during their English Premier League match at Tottenham tion will win their game in hand. 22nd goal of the season. Hotspur Stadium in London, United Kingdom, yesterday. (AFP) It’s the fi rst buff er for a while. Forrest completed the scoring “I’m proud of the players and in stoppage time as he combined AFP fi rst league title for 30 years. waved play on, but with no squared to Gundogan rather clash with Real Madrid. the momentum we’ve built at the with Edouard before rifl ing home London, United Kingdom This was arguably the least break in play for a few minutes than go for goal himself, the And there was more concern start of year has been fantastic.” the fourth. anticipated of Mourinho and Pep he eventually stopped the game German spooned the ball over. for Guardiola ahead of that tie as Guardiola’s 23 meetings as op- after being told to give a penalty However, the game was de- Sterling hobbled off with a muscle teven Bergwijn’s debut posing managers, but it resorted by VAR. cided in three minutes just after injury fi ve minutes from time. goal helped Tottenham to type as the Portuguese set up City’s dreadful run from the the hour mark. Arsenal manager Arteta blames to a remarkable 2-0 win Spurs to defend deep, while City spot continued as Gundogan Zinchenko was shown a sec- BURNLEY RUE MISSED over 10-man Manches- monopolised possession. joined Gabriel Jesus and Sterling ond yellow card for a foul on CHANCES IN ARSENAL pitch aft er Burnley draw terS City yesterday to breathe The visitors could have been in failing to convert in recent Harry Winks as Tottenham STALEMATE new life into their challenge for out of sight by half-time as in a weeks as his low eff ort was par- launched a counter-attack. Arsenal were held to a goal- AFP lost with better finishing from a top-four fi nish in the Premier recurring theme of their season, ried by Lloris. At that point City had had 14 less draw at Burnley but Mikel Burnley, United Kingdom Burnley. League. the champions were wasteful in Sterling then pounced on the shots on goal to Tottenham’s Arteta’s side can count them- Arteta claimed the long grass Jose Mourinho’s men had front of goal. rebound and went down over none, but they only needed one. selves lucky to leave with a and a dry pitch had played been completely outplayed for However, Tottenham also felt Lloris, but no second penalty Bergwijn, signed earlier this point. ikel Arteta blamed a crucial role in preventing the fi rst hour, but were kept in City were lucky not to be down was awarded and Sterling also week from PSV Eindhoven, Jay Rodriguez and Jeff Hen- the Turf Moor pitch Arsenal playing their normal the game by City’s profl igacy to 10 men earlier when Raheem escaped the possibility of a sec- capped a dream debut as he drick missed golden chances Mas Arsenal lost more passing game. and Hugo Lloris’s fi rst-half pen- Sterling caught England inter- ond booking for diving. chested down Lucas Moura’s for Burnley to win a match they ground in the race to finish in Indicating a couple of inches, alty save from Ilkay Gundogan. national teammate Dele Alli The chances continued to pass and volleyed past Ederson. dominated for large stretches. the Premier League’s top four Arteta insisted: “The conditions However, Oleksan- with his studs. come for City as Aguero fi red Eight minutes later, Spurs The result left both sides on after being held to a 0-0 draw were diff icult. The grass was dr Zinchenko’s sending off Lloris was making just his into the side-netting from were out of sight when Son, who 31 points with Arsenal in 10th at Burnley yesterday. this long and they didn’t put any changed the course of the game third appearance since return- point-blank range just before scored three times in a famous place, ahead of Burnley on goal Arteta’s side are trailing 10 water on it, and that’s not a very as Spurs scored with their fi rst ing from a long-term layoff due the break. Champions League quarter- diff erence. The Gunners have points behind fourth placed helpful thing to play football. two shots on goal through Berg- to a dislocated elbow, but the fi nal win over City last season, won one of their seven league Chelsea and look certain to fall “I didn’t water the pitch yes- wijn and Son Heung-min. French number one was back to DREAM DEBUT was the scourge of City again matches since Arteta took well short of the Champions terday at the training ground Victory lifts Spurs up to fi fth, his best to keep his side level at Gundogan was the guilty party with a fi ne low fi nish from Tan- charge following the dismissal League places. because I expected it, but that just four points off fourth- half-time. again minutes into the second guy Ndombele’s pass. of Unai Emery. It was another frustrating doesn’t make it any easier to placed Chelsea. Lloris turned Sergio Aguero’s period after a calamity of errors. City’s failings at both ends of afternoon for Arteta, who saw play. A sixth league defeat of the low shot onto the post before the Lloris collided with Japhet the field leaves Guardiola with RESULTS his team squander several “They do what they do really season for City sees Liverpool re- Argentine was chopped down in Tanganga, Aguero’s eff ort was plenty of problems to solve Burnley 0 Arsenal 0 chances to take the lead in a well and you are allowed to do main 22 points clear at the top and the area by Serge Aurier. cleared off the line by Toby Al- just weeks away from his side’s Tottenham 2 (Bergwijn 63, match they could easily have it so we have to react to that.” within touching distance of their Referee Mike Dean initially derweireld and when Sterling Champions League last-16 Son 71) Manchester City 0

Monday, February 3, 2020 GULF TIMES SPORT

FOCUS QMMF conducts second round of Qatar National Sprint C’ship

By Sports Reporter Doha

he second round of Qatar National Sprint Cham- pionship was held on Saturday, with HE Min- Tister of Culture and Sports Salah bin Ghanem al-Ali attending the event. The championship, which is sponsored by Economic Zones Company (Manateq), was held in O1, O2, O3, P1, P2, P3 categories. Abdulaziz al-Jabri emerged victorious in the O1 category, ahead of Fakhreddein Bejaoui and Eli Daccashi. In the O2 category, Mohamed sour Shebli coming second and Qatar Motor and Motorcycle ship is very important as it plays their own cars,” al-Mannai. al-Khayarin came fi rst, followed Abdulaziz al-Jabri in third place. Federation president Abdul- a major role in attracting young The QMMF chief said the fed- by Mohamed al-Basti and Mohaed The P2 category saw Mohamed rahman al-Mannai praised the amateurs to practice motorsport eration’s strategy is to conduct al-Delaimi. The top three places in al-Jabri, Abdullah al-Muhtaseb strong level of competition in away from the roads and in ac- many diff erent championships the O3 category went to Mohamed and Dennis Nikitopoulous taking the championships and said the cordance with safety guidelines. in order to attract youngsters to Al Khayarin, Yousef al-Jabri and the top three spots. Mahmoud event has attracted 56 number of The Sprint championship repre- take up the sport. He also point- Abdullah al-Khulaifi . al-Mahmoud took the P3 title, participants in six diff erent cat- sents a great value for youth, es- ed out that the last season QMMF Minister of Culture and Sports HE Salah bin Ghanem bin Nasser al-Ali In the P1 category, Henry Kahy ahead of Hussam al-Qatami and egories. pecially since its costs are low as organised 28 events for amateurs with LCSC vice president and general manager Khalid al-Rumaihi. topped the timesheet with Man- Eyad al-Okar. “Organising the champion- contestants can participate with and professionals.

RALLYING EQUESTRIAN QF’s Al Shaqab Qatar’s al-Attiyah to host two world-class heads fi eld for MERC events on opener in Oman the trot By Sports Reporter the Longines Arena at Al Shaqab. Doha The high-profi le event will kick Oman’s return to the series for the first time since 2015 has attracted 18 entrants off the new LGCT season that will take horses, riders and spec- By A Correspondent l Shaqab, member of tators to 18 major cities on 3 con- Muscat, Oman Qatar Foundation, is tinents. gearing up for a feast Al Shaqab will also be provid- of international eques- ing a number of fun-fi lled family efending regional ral- trianA sport, with two world- activities and entertainment at ly champion Nasser class competitions taking place the Festival Area on both week- Saleh al-Attiyah tops on consecutive weekends at the ends to enable the whole family the entry list for this Longines Arena at Al Shaqab. to soak up the festive atmosphere week’sD Oman International Ral- The fi rst, from February 27- surrounding the competitions. ly the opening round of the 2020 29, is the jewel in Qatar and Al Both CHI Al Shaqab and the FIA Middle East Rally Champi- Shaqab’s equestrian crown – LGCT not only enhance Qatar’s onship (MERC). The event takes CHI Al Shaqab Presented by standing on the global equestri- place from February 6-8. Longines. The prestigious com- an stage but also boost the coun- The Qatari is a fi ve-time win- petition, which will be organized try’s position as an international ner of the rally in Oman and will and hosted by Al Shaqab for the sports destination, while show- be keen to start the defence of seventh time since it was fi rst casing Al Shaqab as a premier his title in winning style with created in 2013, has evolved to competition venue bar none. French co-driver Matthieu become one of the highlights on Khalifa al-Attiyah, Vice Chair- Baumel partnering him in a the global equestrian calendar. man, Supreme Organizing Com- Volkswagen Polo GTI R5 run by CHI (Concours Hippique mittee CHI Al Shaqab Presented Autotek Motorsport. International – International by Longines, and Al Shaqab’s Ex- Oman’s return to the regional Equestrian Competition) is the ecutive Director, said: “The Arab series for the fi rst time since offi cial title awarded by the Fed- world has a very rich equestrian 2015 has attracted 18 entrants. eration Equestre Internationale heritage, and through events Al-Attiyah will face a challenge (FEI) to international equestrian such as this, Al Shaqab preserves from two other R5 cars in the competitions with three or more and perpetuates that aspect of hands of Qatar’s Nasser Khalifa equestrian disciplines. Qatari tradition and culture. CHI al-Attiyah and the host nation’s Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah (also inset) and co-driver Mathieu Baumel will partner in a Volkswagen Polo R5 at Oman International Rally. CHI Al Shaqab is one of only Al Shaqab signifi cantly contrib- Abdullah al-Ruwahi. fi ve CHI competitions world- utes to the international eques- Both drivers wheel out Ford sons and the Kuwaiti returns to ture on the upper reaches of the Rony Maroun. Teams will then tackle two wide, and the fi rst and only trian community, highlighting Fiesta R5s, while the event marks defend his title in a Mitsubishi leader board. Running at the rear of the loops of three special stages on equestrian event of its kind in Qatar’s role as a global sporting the regional return to action Lancer Evo X with Irish co-driv- Lebanon’s Henry Kahy has fi eld behind a plethora of local Friday, starting with the fi rst the Middle East and Asia region. destination. of Giovanni Bernacchini, the er Derek O’Brien sitting along- dominated the MERC 3 or two- N4 entrants, there are a pair of pass through the 19.20km of Al- The three-day event will see top- “Al Shaqab is also proud that veteran Italian co-driver who side for the fi rst time. Al-Thefi ri wheel drive category for the last Group A Toyota Yaris rally cars Misfah at 09.59hrs. The 16.1km ranking local and international CHI Al Shaqab has become an amassed 25 regional rally wins faces competition in MERC 2 two seasons in his Skoda Fabia for Omani drivers Mohamed al- of Saal follows at 10.32hrs and riders compete in the Olympic important annual event for the with Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah. from the likes of Kuwait’s Jassim and returns to defend his title. Mazroui and Waheeb al-Kha- precedes Madinat Al-Irfan disciplines of showjumping, local community. The festival He teams up with Nasser Khalifa al-Muqahwi. Usual Jordanian co-driver Musa rusi. (11.6km) from 11.20hrs. dressage, and para dressage. area is extremely popular and on this occasion. Al-Ruwahi will Omani drivers dominate the Djiyerian suff ered a back injury The event starts from the The three specials are repeat- Longines will be the Present- there will be something for eve- be partnered by Jordanian Ata entry in a range of N4 Mit- on a round of the Saudi Desert Oman Automobile Associa- ed in the afternoon and a further ing Partner for CHI Al Shaqab ryone in terms of entertainment al-Hmoud. subishis and Subarus. Zakariya Rally Championship at the end tion at 15.00hrs on Thursday two passes through three more 2020 and will remain so for the and fun activities. I would like to The MERC 2 category for al-Ofi leads the way with the of 2019 and has been forced and then crews head directly to stages brings the action to a next 3 years. ExxonMobil contin- encourage everyone in Qatar to showroom-type Group N ve- likes of Saif al-Harthy, Zakariya to miss the season on medical an opening super special stage close on Saturday afternoon. In ues to be one of the main spon- attend CHI Al Shaqab 2020 and hicles has been dominated by al-Amry, Khalid al-Manji and grounds. His place alongside of four kilometres, starting at a route of 532.50km, 201km will sors for the competition, while the opening leg of the Longines Meshari al-Thefi ri in recent sea- Faisal al-Rashdi likely to fea- Kahy is taken by fellow Lebanese 15.46hrs. be against the clock. the Equine Veterinary Medical Global Champions Tour. I’m Center, member of Qatar Foun- confi dent they will have an en- dation, will be the offi cial veteri- joyable time and will leave Al SPOTLIGHT nary partner. Shaqab with unforgettable CHI Al Shaqab 2020 will be memories.” followed by the opening leg of Tickets for both events, includ- the Longines Global Cham- ing exclusive VIP packages, are Qatar Motorsports Academy hosts QMA Challenge Round 2 pions Tour (LGCT), a premier now available online at Q-Tickets. 5-star showjumping competi- com or through the Al Shaqab By Sports Reporter tion series, from March 5-7 at website (www.AlShaqab.com). Doha

atar Motorsports Academy celebrated the second round of the QMA Challenge on SaturdayQ at Losail Circuit Sports Club in QMA area with 37 chil- dren taking part in this round. All the young riders that have been training during the sea- son competed on the road track (Karting Area) in diff erent cat- egories: 13 riders in Minimotard 70, 10 riders in MiniGP 110 and 6 riders in Supermotard 125. Belgian rider Sami Salvaggio (centre) won the Supermotard 125 race France’s Nolann Macary (centre) won the MiniGP 100 race ahead of There was also the Rookies ahead of Qatar’s Abdullah al-Saey (left) and Italy’s Gino Poggi. Egypt’s Mahmoud Elbanna (left) and Hungary’s Marton Belleli. category with an exhibition for the 8 beginners riders that did emerged victorious, complet- to the fi nal race where Malaysian ian rider Marton Belleli fi nished head Jose Luis Cardoso and two rounds of 10 minutes with ing the 8 laps in a total time of rider Zakirah Bin Zairin and An- second and third respectively. QMA coaches Alberto Moncayo, diff erent technical exercises. 6:24.118. Roda was followed by drea Giacchero from Italy were Belgian rider Sami Salvaggio Ruben Herrera, Andrea Sibaja In this second round, the Su- British riders Jake Franklin and the fastest. topped the Supermotard 125 race, and Mateo Tunez. persport 300 riders didn’t take Bobby A Danvers in second and Nolann Macary of France fi nishing in a time of 8.47:488 The QMA Challenge is a new part as they are now racing at the third respectively. won the MiniGP 100 Final race, ahead of Qatar’s Abdullah al-Saey championship with four races QSTK Championship. In the category of MiniGP 110, completing 12 laps in a time of and Italy’s Gino Poggi. scheduled during the 2019- In the Minimotard 70 Final there was a Last Chance race to 8:16.667, while Egyptian rider Trophies were presented by 2020 season. The next rounds race, Spanish rider Miguel Roda decide the two riders that will go Mahmoud Elbanna and Hungar- LCSC CEO Juan Baquero, QMA are on April 4 and 18.