We are excited to win for the sake of the fans. It will be a different match. It’s an amazing stadium and we’re looking forward to playing here. – Al Sadd coach FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2020 Xavi Hernandez

N what will be a momen- the defence at times could be tous occasion at a FIFA leaky for Sadd, they do have World Cup Qatar 2022 strong forward line in Akram venue – the Al Rayyan Afif and Baghdad Bounedjah, StadiumI – on Friday, Al Arabi with the Spaniard Santi Ca- would look to play with all zorla playing the playmaker their might against favourites AMIR CUP 2020 FINAL: role to perfection. Al Sadd to win the HH Amir Despite the heavy favour- Cup 2020 final lay their hands ites tag on his side though, on the prestigious Amir Cup Xavi said he was wary of an trophy. Arabi side, who could be mo- Al Arabi are aiming to tivated playing on a special overcome all odds to erase Al Arabi brace to battle occasion. “We are in great their 27-year-old agony at form and I expect my team the magnificent Al Rayyan to perform well. But everyone stadium which will be in- thinks that we are the favour- augurated by His Highness ites but this is not true. It’ll the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin be a difficult game, a compli- Hamad Al Thani. The occa- Al Sadd for title cated game tomorrow. A final sion, in presence some of can be very different, filled top football dignataries, will with tension,” he said. surely be motivating for ei- “It’s a historic game for ther sides and thereby pro- them (Arabi), and also for us. duce a worthy final. For many years, they have not Backed by their coach won a title and they will have Xavi Hernandez, Al Sadd have that extra motivation to do been reveling in great form. well in the final. So if anyone They have thus far topped the thinks that Al Sadd will win QNB Stars League standings the title easily, they don’t un- having won eight of their nine derstand football. They’ll be matches and drawn one. ready to find and put all hur- Al Arabi in contrast dles in our path,” Xavi added. haven’t been that impressive The former midfielder felt having won only one. In their the huge difference of class recent meetings with Sadd, in the league standings will they lost 0-4 in the Ooredoo have little bearing on today’s Cup final in October, while match. “We are proud to be also being routed 1-4 in the here and compete, and we league last month. will see if we are able to con- Thus it will be a battle of tinue to play like that. We are wits for them. Al Arabi coach excited to win for the sake of Heimir Hallgrimsson called the fans. It will be a differ- on his players to seek inspira- ent match to the league. The tion from the club’s history. positions in the league will Al Arabi’s history is great, but not mean anything tomor- we did not reach the final for row. Tomorrow, it’ll be like a many years. We will not look war. The extra motivation can at the past, the past is over. help the players. Everyone “I am happy to reach the might think we’re favourites final but the job is not over but we’ve to show it on the and we have to give our best pitch. I am happy that we’re in it. The match is important The Al Rayyan Stadium – a FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 venue – will be of cially opened prior to the Amir Cup 2020 nal between Al Sadd and Al Arabi at 7pm on Friday. in a good moment, playing and we are proud of being very good football but we’ve among the first teams to play to show that level tomorrow,” at Al Rayyan Stadium. But, Xavi said. when the referee blows the With so many quality play- start whistle, the stadium will ers in the squad, Xavi said it be like any other, and we have will be hard to pick a playing to present our best in order to eleven. “You can only choose win,” he said. eleven players and it’s really The coach said he has en- difficult to pick the team as sured that his players don’t everybody is training well and feel the pressure of the big fi- playing well. I will feel bad nal. “We know that the match for the players who miss out is of very great importance tomorrow because everyone more than any other match. deserves to play this match,” It is a game of emotions. We he said. have tried to make our prepa- Xavi also said that the rations normal for this final presence of fans at the Al and not to put the players Rayyan Stadium will add to under pressure. The experi- the thrill and excitement. ence will be different for us Al Arabi coach Heimir Hallgrimsson (centre) and player Ahmed Fathy addressing the media ahead of the Former Al Sadd player and now coach Xavi Hernandez speaks to the “Qatar is doing a good job in to play a final match as the Amir Cup 2020 nal on Thursday. media ahead of the Amir Cup 2020 nal on Thursday. order to host the 2022 World players are not used to,” the Cup. It’s an amazing stadium Icelander said. hopefully it will succeed,” and Mehrdad Mohammadi makes us optimistic more Hallgrimsson said. That match was Xavi Her- and we’re looking forward to “We must go to the final he added. holding key to his plans. than ever. In the matches we Meanwhile, Al Sadd are nandez’s final game in an playing here. with a belief of winning. The Arabi have been hard “For the first time this played against Al Sadd, they eyeing a record 17th Amir Cup Al Sadd jersey in Qatar, be- “The presence of fans issue is not just football relat- done by injuries to key play- season, we have nearly all had more possession and title. The Wolves beat Al Du- fore he took over the mantle shows that Qatar has done ed, but it’s also psychological ers in recent times, but ahead players available for the high winning percentage. In hail in the semi-finals, gain- of head coach. The Spanish well to control the Covid situ- and mental aspects. I think of the final Hallgrimsson was match except for the injured any case there are always op- ing a sweet revenge over their midfield great will be keen to ation. It’s an additional moti- that we must play to win. We pleased that everyone was Khalifa Al Maliki. This gives portunities in football. You arch-rivals after having lost to bury those memories and he vation for us to play in front believe in our ability to win fit barring Khalifa Al Maliki, us a chance to give the best cannot expect who will win them in last year’s final at the certainly has the players at of the fans.” and we have a plan for it and, with forwards Mehdi Torabi performance and this is what regardless of anything else,” Al Janoub Stadium. this disposal to do so. While (Tribune News Network)

Brilliant Qatar is all ready for FIFA World Cup 2022: UEFA President

the governments. Ceferin in Doha to attend Amir Cup “We need education of small children to understand what is rac- nal, Al Rayyan Stadium’s opening ism and what is every discrimina- tion. We have to get rid of those TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK brilliant as much as I saw it now, I’m people who use football to express DOHA here since Monday. Except of a few their ideologies. It’s a fight that exceptions in the stadiums that are may last for years but we will win.” “QATAR is impressively ready and getting ready, I think Qatar is ready On the impact of the coronavi- looks set to host the World Cup to host the World Cup tomorrow. I rus pandemic on European foot- like tomorrow”, remarked UEFA think it’s really impressive how it ball, Ceferin said it was substantial President Alexsander Ceferin, who looks and I am looking forward to but was sure of things bouncing is in Doha for the opening of the come to the World Cup in Qatar.” back. “Only the postponement of fourth World Cup 2022 Al Rayyan On the Qatar national team be- Euro 2020 has cost more than Stadium which will be inaugurated ing in mix for European qualifying 100mn euros. European football’s with the Amir Cup 2020 final set for the 2022 World Cup, Ceferin losses due to the coronavirus pan- to be played at 7pm on the Qatar welcomed the move. “I think it’s a demic you could count in billions National Day. very good idea. Our federations were but from the other point of view, On Thursday, Ceferin in an in- very positive about it. I think it is UEFA President Alexsander Ceferin (centre), who is in Doha for the opening of the fourth World Cup 2022 Al Rayyan we’d be the first ones to come back. teraction with journalists said he good for the Qatar national team to Stadium, addresses the media on Thursday. “The moment we will have spec- was quite impressed with Qatar’s compete with the best and with all tators back at the stadiums and preparations for World Cup 2022. our respect, Europeans are the best! of people from outside of Europe. football. It’s the biggest competition ball is reflection of society and the moment we can have a normal A former Football Association “Qatar have a tough group, it It would be a great experience for in the world of sports. Promotion of football fans are a reflection of the match, we will be back. And I am of Slovenia president and vice-pres- will be interesting to play Portugal Qatar and a great message to the the brand outside Europe is also society. I know and I am sure that not afraid for European football. ident FIFA, Ceferin said, “I’ve seen for example. It’s also a message to world that sport is about friend- important bit we will need a very 99.9 of football fans are not rac- We are still in good shape. We had quite a lot of it as FIFA vice-president the world that football is one. Eu- ships,” he said. competitive team to compete in the ist but there’s a small number of quite serious reserves of funds so we as it was presented to us at the FIFA rope is open, we have players from Asked if he sees teams from this UEFA Champions League.” people who use football matches are fine if this does not continue for Council. But now when you come all around the world, we have a region playing in the UEFA Cham- About the issue of racism in to show their idiotic ideology. We a few years which I think is a pessi- here, you are even more impressed. global product. The UEFA Cham- pions League someday, he opined, football, Ceferin said there was no have to fight them and we are fight- mistic view. I am sure 2021 will not “The interest is actually quite pions League is watched by 70% “Everything is possible in European place for racism in football. “Foot- ing them but we need help from be as bad as 2020,” he concluded. 10 Friday, December 18, 2020 Sports Lewandowski crowns perfect 2020 with FIFA world footballer award Klopp named Best Coach; Bronze is Best Woman Player DPA BERLIN

BAYERN Munich and Poland striker Robert Lewandowski was named men’s footballer of the year for 2020 at a ceremo- ny held largely online by global governing body FIFA. But FIFA president Gi- anni Infantino made an ex- ception with Lewandowski’s award as he ‘surprised’ the 32-year-old in person to hand over the trophy. Lewandowski was an out- standing player for Bayern as they claimed the Bundesliga, FIFA President Gianni Infantino (C-L) appears on a screen awarding The Best FIFA Men’s player award to Liverpool’s German headcoach Jurgen Klopp appears on screen to receive The Best FIFA Men’s coach award German Cup and Champions Bayern Munchen’s Polish forward Robert Lewandowski as Dutch manager and former player Ruud Gullit during The Best FIFA Football Awards 2020 ceremony at the FIFA headquarters in Zurich on Thursday. (AFP) League treble last season and (left) and British sports journalist Reshmin Chowdhury (right) looks on as during The Best FIFA Football he ended the calendar year Awards 2020 ceremony at the FIFA headquarters in Zurich on Thursday. (AFP) with 41 goals. The best men’s eleven as voted for through the player union FIFPro was: He did enough to edge out Hansi Flick lost out to Liver- Alisson (Liverpool); Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Virgl van Dijk (Liverpool), Sergio Ramos (Real serial winners Lionel Messi pool manager Juergen Klopp Madrid), Alphonso Davies (Bayern Munich); Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich), Kevin De Bruyne (Man- and Cristiano Ronaldo, who for best coach. chester United), Thiago Alcantara (Liverpool); Messi, Lewandowski, Ronaldo. also made the final three-man Bronze edged out Den- shortlist, in combined votes mark forward Pernille Hard- The best women’s eleven was Christiane Endler (Paris Saint-Germain); Millie Bright (Chelsea), from coaches, captains, jour- er (Wolfsburg/Chelsea) and Bronze, Wendie Renard; Barbara Bonansea (Juventus), Veronica Boquete (AC Milan/Utah Royals), nalists and fans. France defender Wendie Re- Delphine Cascarino (Lyon), Harder, Tobin Heath (Man United/Portland Thorns), Vivianne Miedema Lewandowski wrestled nard (Lyon) after finishing (Arsenal), Megan Rapinoe (OL Reign). the trophy from Barcelona’s third last year. Messi and Ronaldo of Juven- “What a surprise to be tained the honour he won in Vasseur. Award for best goal for his solo tus for just the second time in even nominated alongside two 2019 which he said “meant Sarah Bouhaddi of Lyon effort against Burnley in the 12 seasons after Real Madrid’s players of that stature! I don’t the world,” to him and that he and France was named best Premier League, even though it Luka Modric took the honour really have the words right “couldn’t be prouder.” women’s goalkeeper. was scored in December 2019. in 2018. now to explain how I’m feel- Marcelo Bielsa of Leeds Rapinoe, who was world Marcus Rashford of Man- England defender ing,” the 29-year-old said. United and Hansi Flick of player of 2019, posted on so- chester United was honoured Lucy Bronze, who won the “But if there’s anything treble winners Bayern Mu- cial media she was thankful with the FIFA foundation treble with Olympique Lyon 2020 has taught us it’s to ap- nich were beaten by Klopp for the votes but felt her se- award for his work against before moving to Manchester preciate every moment we’ve from the final shortlist of lection highlighted the lack child poverty. City, took the best women’s got. So winning it this year I FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samba Diouf Samoura stands in front three Sarina Wiegman of of exposure to the women’s And 17-year-old Mattia Ag- player award. appreciate it more than ever of a screen showing Manchester’s British defender Lucy Bronze before the Netherlands won the wom- game given she hadn’t played nese, of Italy’s ASD Ospedal- Lewandowski’s team-mate and I will remember it from awarding the The Best FIFA Women’s player award during The Best en’s coach of the year award, since March. etti, won the fair play award for Manuel Neuer was named best the rest of my life.” FIFA Football Awards 2020 ceremony at the FIFA headquarters in edging out Emma Hayes of Son Heung Min of Totten- helping an opponent who lost men’s goalkeeper but his boss The 53-year-old Klopp re- Zurich on Thursday. (AFP) Chelsea and Lyon’s Jean-Luc ham Hotspur won the Puskas consciousness during a game. Saud Al Athba to PSG cruise to win over 10-man Lorient officiate Amir Cup final AFP Earlier, in-form Yusuf Ya- lon d’Or winner George Weah, PARIS zici scored the winner as Lille grabbed his first Ligue 1 goal TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK during the final. eased to a 2-0 victory at Dijon, since scoring for PSG in Au- DOHA Al Rayyan Venue’s in- KYLIAN Mbappe scored a despite uncertainty behind the gust 2018. auguration follows the suc- penalty as Paris Saint-Ger- scenes at the table-toppers. “We’ll next host PSG in a THE Referees Department of cessful launch of Khalifa main cruised to a 2-0 win over Lille president and owner massive match in an empty the Qatar Football Associa- International, Al Janoub 10-man Lorient on Wednes- Gerard Lopez revealed earlier stadium (on Sunday),” said tion (QFA) has named refer- and Education City. Al Bayt day, keeping the reigning on Wednesday that he could Lille coach Galtier. ee Saud Al Athba to officiate has also been completed and champions just one point be- sell the club to foreign inves- “The two teams will be the Amir Cup final on Friday. will be inaugurated short- hind Lille ahead of their visit tors, against the backdrop of a tired and the Parisians might Al Sadd and Al Arabi will ly. Al Thumama, Ras Abu to the leaders this weekend. difficult financial situation ex- be slightly superior. battle for the Amir Cup ti- Aboud and Lusail are in the Mbappe’s second-half pen- acerbated by the coronavirus “But in one match, there is tle at Al Rayyan Venue, the final stages of construction alty, when Andrew Gravillon pandemic. everything to play for.” fourth 2022 FIFA World and will be delivered well in was sent off, and Moise Kean’s “I’m analysing the takeover Lyon were a goal down at Cup stadium that will be un- advance of the World Cup, strike helped PSG to victory offer I received,” Lopez told half-time against Brest after veiled by Qatar. which kicks off on Novem- after Lille, who host the Cham- AFP, adding that if a sale took goalkeeper Anthony Lopes’s First Assistant will be ber 21, 2022. pions League runners-up on place he would “completely own goal, but Memphis De- Zahi Al Shammari while Ma- The Amir Cup final, Sunday, beat Dijon by the Paris Saint-Germain’s French forward Kylian Mbappe (left) is congratu- withdraw” from the club. pay’s penalty and a goal for jid Haiders will be the Sec- postponed from March due same scoreline. lated by teammates after he scored during the French L1 match against But Lille continued their Maxwel Cornet looked to have ond Assistant. Hadi Rwaili to the ongoing COVID-19 Lyon dropped to third FC Lorient at The Parc des Princes Stadium in Paris on Wednesday, (AFP) serene progress on the pitch seen them keep pace with will be the fourth referee. pandemic situation, is set to place, a point behind PSG, af- this season, as Turkish inter- Lille. VAR will also be used be held at 7 pm. ter a dramatic 2-2 draw with on goal. national Yazici gave them a But Romain Faivre scored Brest. But the match was effec- 19th-minute lead with his fifth a re-taken spot-kick in the Marseille, who have two tively decided less than five league goal of the campaign on 93rd minute after Brendan games in hand on the top minutes after the break, as vis- only his third Ligue 1 start this Chardonnet’s initial effort was three, slipped five points be- iting full-back Gravillon was term. saved by Lopes, who was off hind the leaders after a 2-1 de- harshly sent off for a nudge on The 23-year-old calmly his line. feat at Rennes. Mbappe in the box. slotted home compatriot Zeki Marseille led at Rennes PSG coach Thomas Tuchel The forward, sporting a Celik’s cutback to net for the through Pape Gueye, but the after the game said that Ney- striking new blue hairstyle, 11th time in all competitions in midfielder was sent off in the mar, who sprained his ankle stepped up to power the spot- a breakthrough season. 36th minute and goals from last Sunday against Lyon, kick into the bottom corner. Lille thought they had Hamari Traore and Adrien could return this weekend. PSG’s Kylian Mbappe celebrates It took Tuchel’s men 10 been awarded a late spot-kick Hunou ended the home team’s “For Neymar we will do his goal. (AFP) more minutes to secure vic- for a trip on Burak Yilmaz, but nine-match winless streak. everything -- that is the good tory, with Rafinha setting up the decision was overturned Elsewhere, fifth-placed news,” said the German. “I struggling Lorient without cre- Kean to grab his eighth goal following a VAR review. Montpellier slipped six points can’t say ‘No, he’s not playing ating many clear-cut chances, since joining PSG on loan from Christophe Galtier’s men behind Lille with a 2-0 home against Lille’. It is possible. We with Lorient’s Teremas Moffi Everton in the close season. did double their advantage in defeat by Metz, while Monaco With referee Saud Al Atha, First Assistant will be Zahi Al Sham- can try, we will try everything.” wasting the best opportunity injury time, though, wrapping fell to a third straight league mari while Majid Haiders will be the Second Assistant. Hadi PSG had 81 percent of pos- of the opening period when he Yazici strikes again for up the three points as Timo- loss, beaten 3-0 at home by Rwaili will be the fourth referee for the Amir Cup 2020 nal. session in the first half against fired wide when clean through Lille thy Weah, son of former Bal- Lens.

Firmino’s winner takes Liverpool to top of Premier League Premier League extends broadcast partnership with beIN SPORTS until 2025 LIVERPOOL: Jose Mourinho said Tottenham must learn to kill games off TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK season across all 24 countries tastic partnership with beIN.” & North Africa, and we look if they are to win a rst league title in 60 years after Roberto Firmino’s DOHA in the region. beIN SPORTS Chairman of beIN MEDIA forward to inspiring and ex- late winner earned Liverpool a 2-1 win over his side on Wednesday. The has been the Premier League’s GROUP, Nasser Al Khelaifi, citing the millions of Premier Brazilian’s towering header ended an 11-game unbeaten league run for THE Premier League and broadcast partner since 2013. Middle East and North Af- said, “We are delighted to re- League fans in the region both Mourinho’s men and opened up a three-point lead for the defending beIN MEDIA GROUP on Premier League Chief rica and beIN has played an new our long-established and in the lead-up to the 2022 champions at the top of the Premier League table. Thursday announced a major Executive Richard Masters, important part in promoting trusted partnership with the FIFA World Cup and for many Liverpool enjoyed 76 percent possession and had 11 shots on target new rights deal that will see said: “We are pleased to agree the Premier League and help- Premier League through to years beyond.” to Tottenham’s two, but Mourinho still believed Spurs would have been beIN SPORTS as the Premier a significant deal with beIN ing engage those fans with our 2025. This deal demonstrates Premier League action will deserving winners had they taken their chances early in the second League’s official broadcast SPORTS, who are a long- clubs and players. Dedicated that rights-holders who do the be broadcast live and exclu- half. Steven Bergwijn hit the post and Harry Kane uncharacteristically partner in the Middle East standing and valued partner. coverage of every match in most to protect their intellec- sively by beIN SPORTS in both headed a huge opportunity over at 1-1. and North Africa (MENA) They have an outstanding the Premier League, as well as tual property, also do the most Arabic and English language “We were so close to a win, not so close to a draw,” said Mourinho, until 2025. track record of delivering top comprehensive support pro- to protect the value of their via their dedicated portfolio who had an exchange of words with Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp at full- The deal is for the 2022- quality Premier League con- gramming and digital content, media rights. beIN is proud of 19 sports channels, togeth- time. “A draw would be a bad result in relation to the performance, so 2025 rights cycle and means tent across all its platforms. has helped to further grow in- to be the Premier League’s er with special programming you can imagine how we feel with the defeat. (AFP) beIN SPORTS can broadcast Our clubs have millions of terest in our clubs and we look official partner across all 24 presented by some of the big- all 380 matches live in each passionate fans across the forward to continuing our fan- countries in the Middle East gest names in world football. Sports Friday, December 18, 2020 11 Qatar to host men’s qualifying of Australian Open 2021 Grand Slam start in Melbourne pushed to February 8 TNN/AGENCIES DOHA/MELBOURNE

THE Qatar Tennis Fed- eration (QTF) will host the 2021 Australian Open Grand Slam qualifying for the first time at the Khalifa Tennis and Squash Complex from An overview of the Khalifa International Tennis & Squash Complex in Doha. (PIC: QTF) January 10-13, the QTF an- nounced on Thursday. would stay at designated ho- The qualifying will feature tels but would be allowed to the participation of 128 with practise and exercise for up only 16 players to qualify to Selecting Doha to host the Australian Open qualifying to five hours a day, shuttled The Rod Laver Arena at Melbourne Park which hosts the Australian Open. the main draw. due to coronavirus pandemic re ects the global trust in between their accommodation The tournament has been Qatar’s abilities. It’s our pleasure to welcome all the and Melbourne Park. be played in Melbourne before Austria’s Dominic Thiem in a rescheduled to be held in Mel- players for the qualifying and we promise them an There was no immediate the Open. five-set final earlier this year. bourne from February 8-21. exceptional experience which will live up to the Doha confirmation of the arrange- But there is doubt over The QTF Board Member, ments from Tennis Australia. ‘HEALTH AND SAFETY Swiss great Roger Federer, 39, Karim Alami, said, “It’s our reputation as a major destination for world sports. The ATP said men’s quali- PARAMOUNT’ who revealed this week he was pleasure to welcome all the Karim Alami, former player and QTF Board Member fiers for the Grand Slam “The reconfigured calen- in a “race against time” to be fit players who will participate would be held from January dar for the start of the 2021 as his recovery from two rounds in Australian Open qualifying 10-13 in Doha, before play- season represents a huge col- of knee surgery takes longer to be staged in Doha and we The world’s best players ing its early 2021 schedule. of quarantine. ers and limited support staff laborative effort across tennis, than expected. promise them an exceptional will compete for a record $71 The three-week delay to the Confirmation of the Feb- travel to Australia. under challenging circum- American Sofia Kenin is experience which will live up to million prize money at the season’s opening Grand Slam ruary 8-21 dates follows pro- A slimmed-down, 12-team stances,” said ATP chairman expected to defend her maiden the Doha reputation as a major Australian Open 2021. comes after this year’s Wim- tracted talks between Tennis ATP Cup, the relocated Ad- Andrea Gaudenzi. Grand Slam crown after defeat- destination for world sports. The Australian Open was bledon was cancelled – for the Australia and state authorities elaide International, and an “Health and safety will con- ing Spaniard Garbine Mugu- “Selecting Doha to host the pushed back to February 8 on first time since World War II in Melbourne, which emerged ATP 250 tournament will all tinue to be paramount as we ruza in three sets in this year’s Australian Open qualifying Thursday after weeks of nego- – the French Open was post- from a months-long lockdown be held in Melbourne ahead of navigate the challenges ahead, women’s final. due to coronavirus pandemic tiations as coronavirus disrup- poned and the US Open was in October following a second the Slam which is now sched- and I want to thank everyone Australian Open boss Craig reflects the global trust in Qa- tion hits a second Grand Slam played behind closed doors. wave of COVID-19. uled from February 8-21. involved for their commitment Tiley had been hoping that Mel- tar’s abilities,” he added. tennis season. Fans are expected to be Originally due to start on There was no word on to finding solutions to launch bourne Park crowds would be Alami also stressed that Men’s qualifiers will be held allowed at Melbourne Park, January 18, players will now where the women will play our 2021 season,” he added. between 25 and 50 percent of the federation will do whatev- in Doha but Australia will host a the tournament’s venue, as arrive in Australia from Janu- their qualifiers, with the WTA World number one Novak normal capacity. But with coro- er it takes to ensure the safety series of build-up events includ- the coronavirus is under con- ary 15 to serve two weeks in a yet to announce its early-sea- Djokovic is expected to be back navirus now under control in of the players and to organise a ing the flagship ATP Cup, the trol in Australia, but players bio-secure bubble. son schedule. But WTA tour- and aiming for a ninth Austral- Australia there are hopes that risk-free event. men’s ATP Tour said, announc- will need to undergo 14 days Earlier reports said they naments are also expected to ian Open title after overcoming number could be raised. Kohli’s ‘horror’ run out hands Oz advantage Mohammad Amir AFP but Kohli looked untroubled pink-ball bowler, on only the quits cricket over ADELAIDE until Rahane’s meltdown. second delivery, chopping onto “We were in a very good po- his stumps as he looked to drive. AJINKYA Rahane ran out his sition,” said Pujara. It was a poor shot and will ‘shabby treatment’ captain Virat Kohli after a hor- “But I feel we are just six give Indian selectors plenty ror mix-up, sparking a mini down, Ash can bat, Saha can to ponder after preferring AFP coach Misbah-ul-Haq and bowl- collapse to gift Australia an bat, even our lower order will him to fellow 21-year-old KARACHI ing coach Waqar Younis with his advantage over India after an try and contribute as many Shubman Gill, who has been abrupt decision to retire from intense opening day of the day- runs as possible.” in good touch. CONTROVERSIAL Pakistan Test cricket in July last year. night first Test at the Adelaide “So we still have a very good Starc almost trapped a ten- fast bowler Mohammad Amir Younis accused Amir of Oval on Thursday. chance of getting close to 275, tative Pujara two balls later, on Thursday announced re- “ditching Pakistan” while con- Master batsman Kohli 300 and you never know we can catching an edge that fell just tirement from international tinuing to play league cricket to looked on track for a 28th Test get 350 also,” he added. short of first slip. cricket in protest over the earn money. century after knuckling down to It was slow going as Pujara “shabby” treatment he said he “I know my body better steady the ship when he came in SPECTACULAR START and Agarwal scored just 21 in received from management. than anyone and that decision at 32 for two. Lyon earlier got a big break- the first 10 overs before Cum- The 28-year-old, who had was primarily taken to save my But in the final session of through by removing Pujara, mins broke the second-wicket already retired from Tests, was body,” Amir protested. the day, Rahane pushed at a whose 123 and 71 set up India partnership with a beautiful not selected in a large 35-mem- Amir rose to international Nathan Lyon delivery and made for a 31-run win in Adelaide in delivery that clattered into ber squad for the New Zealand fame in 2010 as a young left- to run, only to bail out, leaving 2018 en route to a maiden se- Agarwal’s middle stump, re- series last month and was also arm paceman. Kohli stranded in the middle of Australian players celebrate the run out of India captain Virat Kohli on ries victory in Australia. moving him for 17. overlooked for the home series Legendary Pakistan pace- the pitch after his battling 74. Day One of their rst Test under lights in Adelaide on Thursday. (AFP) But it took a review, with against Zimbabwe. man Wasim Akram described It spoiled a fighting recov- replays showing he edged the SCOREBOARD “I don’t want to play in- him as “the most talented fast ery from India who lost Prithvi 2-49, with Josh Hazlewood, ball off bat-pad from Cummins’ ball onto his pad, popping it ternational cricket anymore,” bowler”. India first innings Shaw to a fiery Mitchell Starc Cummins and Lyon all get- bowling, with Matthew Wade up to Marnus Labuschagne at P. Shaw b Starc ...... 0 Amir, who has previously been But Amir’s career hit a road- in the first over of the day and ting one each. just failing to get his hands un- leg gully. M. Agarwal b Cummins ...... 17 banned for match fixing, told block when he was banned for were struggling when Pat Cum- “We’re very happy with derneath the ball. It snapped what was shap- C. Pujara c Labuschagne b Lyon ...... 43 AFP. “I was always available five years in a spot-fixing case. mins snared Mayank Agarwal. where we’re at, but still have a He also benefited from ing as a dangerous 68-run part- V. Kohli run out ...... 74 for white ball cricket but I have He was caught, along then A. Rahane lbw Starc ...... 42 To make matters worse, lot of work to do,” said Lyon. what appeared to be a blunder nership with Kohli after India H. Vihari lbw Hazlewood ...... 16 had shabby treatment from the Test captain Salman Butt and Rahane fell for 42 soon af- “Obviously he (Kohli) was by Tim Paine opting not to re- lost two wickets in a difficult W. Saha not out ...... 9 team management who have Mohammad Asif, by a sting op- ter and then Hanuma Vihari batting extremely well so pret- view a catch behind, which re- first session, when they were R. Ashwin not out ...... 15 mentally tortured me, and eration into the orchestration went for 16, leaving the visi- ty happy with that one. Obvi- plays showed may have come pinned down by Starc, Hazle- Extras (b2, lb7, nb7, w1) ...... 17 that’s unacceptable.” deliberate no-balls in return for Total (six wickets, 89 overs) 233 tors on 233 for six at the close ously a wicket like that, or a off his glove. wood and Cummins. To bat: Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Pakistan Cricket Board money in a Lord’s Test against and Australia in charge of the run out especially Virat Kohli, Undeterred, Kohli brought Australia went into the clash Bumrah. (PCB) confirmed Amir’s de- England in 2010. first Test either side has played was massive.” up a stubborn 23rd Test half- with their usual three quicks, Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Shaw), 2-32 (Agarwal), cision. “PCB chief executive Of the three, only Amir re- 3-100 (Pujara), 4-188 (Kohli), 5-196 (Rahane), since early in the year due to A dogged Cheteshwar Puja- century with a single off Cum- but also debutant all-rounder 6-206 (Vihari). Wasim Khan spoke with Amir turned to international cricket the coronavirus pandemic. ra (43 from 160 balls) and Kohli mins in front of a coronavirus- Cameron Green who sent down Bowling: Starc 19-4-49-2, Hazlewood 20-6-47- this afternoon who confirmed in 2016. A year later he helped Wriddhiman Saha was not had led the fightback. limited crowd. a handful of tidy overs, and they 1, Cummins 19-7-42-1, Lyon 21-2-68-1, Green that he has no desires or inten- Pakistan win the Champions out nine and Ravi Ashwin un- Kohli, in his only Test before Twilight is supposed to be got off to a spectacular start. 9-2-15-0, Labuschagne 1-0-3-0. Toss: India. sions of playing international Trophy with three wickets in the Australia: Joe Burns, Matthew Wade, Marnus beaten on 15. heading home for the birth of the toughest time to bat in a Opener Shaw was clean- Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Cameron cricket and, as such, he should final against arch rivals India. Starc was the pick of his first child, was fortunate to day-night Test with the ball zip- bowled for a duck by left-armer Green, Tim Paine (capt), Pat Cummins, Mitchell not be considered for future He was Pakistan’s best the Australian bowlers with survive on five, nudging a short ping around more than normal, Starc, the world’s most potent Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood. international matches,” a PCB bowler with 17 wickets in last release said. year’s World Cup. “This is a personal deci- Amir took 119 wickets in 36 sion of Amir, which the PCB Tests while his tally in 61 ODIs Quick read respects.” Amir angered head is 81 and 59 in 50 T20Is. Lacking sponsor, French Open dropped from European golf tour Injured Mathews out of Sri Lanka tour of SA

PARIS: The French Open, held on the course that hosted the Ryder Cup two years ago, has COLOMBO: Sri Lanka’s former captain Angelo Mathews will miss the been dropped from the 2021 European men’s golf tour. The European schedule, due to start in two-Test tour of South Africa starting this month because of injury but Abu Dhabi on January 21 and end in Dubai on November 21, is made up of 42 tournaments in will feature in next month’s home series against England, the national 24 countries and four continents. It contains 18 events either postponed or cancelled in 2020 board said on Thursday. due to the coronavirus pandemic but the French Open is excluded. The 33-year-old batsman had been included in a 22-member Two years ago, Europe, led by captain Thomas Bjorn, won the Ryder Cup against the United squad for both series, but he will not travel to South Africa for the tour States on the National Golf Course located in Saint Quentin en Yvelines, near Versailles. Yet the starting December 26, Sri Lanka Cricket said. elite golfers are unlikely to tread the course next season. The event was downgraded in 2019 Mathews suffered a hamstring injury during a Twenty20 tourna- after the departure of Chinese investors HNA and cancelled in 2020 due to the virus outbreak. ment on Sunday. England will return to Sri Lanka in January to resume However, there is still an open slot for a ‘European event’ from May 6-9 on the schedule and the a series abandoned in March as the coronavirus spread. French Golf Federation (FFG) have not given up hope of taking it. Both Tests will be played in Galle behind closed doors, the rst “Several possibilities are being studied, concerning the title sponsorship, as well as the starting January 14 and the second January 22. date of the tournament. The health crisis does not facilitate the equation,” the FFG said in a Sri Lanka squad: Dimuth Karunaratne (capt), Kusal Perera, statement. In announcing the European schedule earlier this week tour CEO Keith Pelley said Dinesh Chandimal, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews (only the they had rethought their planning after the problems last season. England series), Oshada Fernando, Dhananjaya de Silva, Niroshan “There is no question that the challenge of reshaping our 2020 season in many ways Dickwella, Minod Bhanuka, Lahiru Thirimanne, Lasith Embuldeniya, informed our approach to 2021,” Pelley said. Wanindu Hasaranga, Dilruwan Perera, Suranga Lakmal, Lahiru “One of the key learnings was to group events together in terms of their geographical loca- Kumara, Vishwa Fernando, Kasun Rajitha, Dushmantha Chameera, Mohammad tion to create a more travel friendly season for our members. That is reected in numerous Dasun Shanaka, Santhush Gunathilake, Asitha Fernando and Amir concentrations of event locations.” (AFP) Dilshan Madushanka. (AFP) 12 Friday, December 18, 2020 The Last Word Q ATAR NATIONAL DAY An opportunity to bolster values of unity and solidarity: Sheikha Hind QNA “It is also an important said that over two decades, imposed unprecedented novative way to test for the DOHA occasion to highlight the role the Father Amir HH Sheikh challenges on QF and the virus, and avoid the global QF is playing in supporting Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani rest of society due to the cor - shortage of traditional test- QATAR National Day rep- the country’s development and QF Chairperson HH onavirus pandemic. She not- ing equipment back in April resents an opportunity to efforts,” Sheikha Hind told Sheikha Moza shared a vi- ed that QF however proved this year. celebrate societal and cul- Qatar News Agency (QNA). sion on the future of devel- once again its resilience in She noted that QF played tural values, and strengthen She expressed her pride opment in the State of Qatar, dealing with crises and re- its part in monitoring COV- solidarity among community at the progress the country which yielded QF. sponded quickly to these ex- ID-19 developments and members to enable them to is making in all fields, which She added that QF, since traordinary conditions. placed comprehensive plans make the desired positive QF contributes to by advanc- its establishment, was one of She highlighted that QF, for the return to activities impact on all levels, espe- ing human, social and eco- the most important anchors Hamad Medical Corpora- that were in line with the cially in the midst of the nomic development. of Qatar’s development ef- tion and the Italian Embassy measures adopted by the unprecedented challenges Sheikha Hind extended forts in all fields. That is in Qatar cooperated to try state. QF also exempted that the world is witnessing her congratulations to the due to its research status as and discover new ways for renters and small and medi- today, said HE Sheikha Hind Amir HH Sheikh Tamim bin well as its educational and treating COVID-19 patients um enterprises it deals with bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice Hamad Al Thani and the academic programmes, she by using plasma of recov- from rent for six months, as Chairperson and CEO of Qa- Qatari people on the advent HE Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice Chairperson and CEO of said. ered patients. Sidra Medi- part of its commitment to tar Foundation (QF). of the National Day. She Qatar Charity. She noted that this year cine also developed an in- economic development.

A day to re ect on values cherished MME DECORATES NATIONAL DAY PARADE VENUE by our ancestors, says Dr Al Attiyah QNA healthcare in many govern- DOHA ments. “Qatar rose to the chal- QATAR National Day is an lenge as the state, represent- opportunity to commemo- ed in the Ministry of Public rate the journey of the an - Health, managed to limit cestors, led by the Founder the losses due to its success- Sheikh Jassim bin Moham- ful policy choices. The state med bin Thani, and their ef- should also be proud for as- forts to ensure the unity and suming its moral responsibil- independence of the coun- ity towards countries in need try, Deputy Prime Minister by providing aid to dozens of and Minister of State for De- countries and societies,” At- fence Affairs HE Dr Khalid tiyah said. bin Mohammed Al Attiyah “The armed forces, like has said. all other state institutions, “It is a day to reflect on played a role in contain- the values cherished by our ing the epidemic by provid- ancestors, that have been ing support to security and The Ministry of Municipality and Environment (MME), represented by the Public Parks Department, upheld since then by gen- health forces, and offered its decorated the Doha Corniche in preparation for the National Day parade on Friday. It included creation erations,” Attiyah told Qa- expertise in sterilising vital of the National Flag of Qatar with owers in front of the main venue of the parade. (TNN) tar News Agency (QNA) in a areas. The pandemic created statement to mark the occa- an incentive for the armed sion. Dr Khalid bin Mohammed Al Attiyah, Deputy Prime Minister and forces to develop its military The minister congratu- Minister of State for Defence Affairs. medical system, and expand lated the Amir HH Sheikh its facilities and their capac- Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, policies, Qatar has become a attracting highly-capable na- ity,” he said, adding that the Hammadi: National Day commemorates the Qatari people and eve- main partner in enhancing tional cadres to work with the armed forces will speed up ryone who lives in Qatar on global peace and security. armed forces, he said, stress- the establishment of environ- establishment of modern state of Qatar National Day. He noted that On the Ministry of De- ing that the ministry will con- mentally-friendly military fa- the values the Qatari people fence’s main achievements of tinue to focus on training its cilities. QNA has always focused on educa- inherited from their ances- the year in the implementa- members. Qatari soldier has On Qatar’s success in DOHA tion, reflected in the establish- tors have become the corner- tion of the National Develop- proved in many occasions meeting different challenges ment of Qatar University in the stone of the Qatar’s national ment Strategy 2018-2022, He that he is highly reliable and and the ability of the leader- QATAR National Day is a belov- seventies.” identity. said the ministry was glad to professional, based on expert ship to turn challenges into ed memory that pays tribute to The minister discussed the Speaking of the chal- announce that it is fully ready opinions and the opinions of opportunities, Attiyah said it the day Sheikh Jassim bin Mo- achievements of his ministry lenges, the minister said they to provide all the support and officials in the armed forces was a result of the state’s in- hammed bin Thani led his peo- and said, “Despite the negative were mainly developmental, the protection to the World of allies, he added. vestment in the citizen, which ple to establish a modern state impact of COVID-19 pandemic, especially during the reigns of Cup 2022. Attiyah noted that the led to a real transformation in in 1878, Minister of Education the ministry moved forward the Father Amir HH Sheikh “The ministry completed Ministry of Defence sought to the quality of life and in sec- and Higher Education HE Dr with its strategy. The year saw Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani all technical and logistical expand its partnerships with tors such as health, education, Mohammed bin Abdulwahed the ministry offer a host of its and the Amir HH Sheikh preparations required to en- strategic allies, led by the US security and basic services. Al Hammadi has said. services digitally. This move Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. sure that the event will run and the UK, adding that the “It was these investments The National Day, he not- helped maintain social distanc- He noted that Qatar aspires smoothly. The ministry is armed forces also sought to that helped Qatar turn chal- ed, is a time to reflect on the HE Dr Mohammed bin Abdulwa- ing at the onset of the pandem- to more achievements despite working on implementing the expand the partnership with lenges into opportunities, values of honesty, justice and hed Al Hammadi ic. Soon the ministry will com- the leaps made in different directives of HH the Amir to regional and international al- and in the bid to make Qatar hard work on which the state plete its digital transformation.” fields in its modern history. ensure that guests and visi- lies, led by NATO. one of the leading advanced was founded. “It is these values cal needs. On the epidemic, Ham- He highlighted that the state tors leave the event with un- On the extraordinary year countries in the post-coro- that the education system looks “Qatar faced difficult chal- madi said the ministry cooper- focused on human capital forgettable memories.” faced by Qatar and the world navirus world. They will help to encourage in their students lenges in the past few years: first ated with the Ministry of Public development, evident in its On achievements in the due to the spread of the coro- Qatar contribute to main- through programmes that cher- it was the unjust the blockade Health to ensure strict adher- investment in health and defence field, Attiyah said the navirus, the minister said taining the safety and stabil- ish tradition and respect the and then it was a pandemic that ence to the containment meas- education. He also noted that ministry was moving forward that the Ministry of Defence’s ity of the Gulf, and help the cultures of other people.” adversely impacted the whole ures adopted by the ministry in the state is now incentivising with implementing HH the efforts was part of the state’s international community In remarks made to Qatar world. However, the solidarity schools and by its employees. the citizens to create wealth Amir’s plans of expanding the wider strategy to contain the advance peace and security News Agency (QNA), he said between Qataris and hard work He highlighted that HH the by encouraging individual infrastructure, improving the virus. by combatting extremism the leadership of HH the Amir helped the country overcome Amir, despite the impact of the initiatives and nurturing an weaponry capabilities of dif- He highlighted that while and violence,” he concluded managed to turn the blockade these challenges,” the minister pandemic globally, issued di- environment that encourages ferent units and developing the pandemic left a painful the statement stressing Qa- from a crisis into an opportuni- said. rectives to continue investing in competition. command and control sys- impact on the world in terms tar is keen on strengthening ty, adding that everyone in the He continued, “Qatar re- education and health to ensure Attiyah highlighted that, tems. of deaths and the economy, it the world’s security and sta- country focused on enhancing mained true to the principles of the prosperity of citizens and thanks to HH the Amir’s wise The ministry succeeded in also revealed the resilience of bility. national capabilities to meet lo- the country’s founder. The state residents.

Despite challenges, Qatar set to continue on its renaissance path: Eng Subaie

QNA Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. sign and construction stages, using In the Shared Services Affairs sec- ing that the first phase of privatising DOHA The minister added that the na- the best technologies to improve air tor of the ministry, Eng Subaie said cleaning services for some sites has tional occasion reminds the people of quality, integrating drainage systems the second phase of the project to es- started. He said the coronavirus pan- MINISTER of Municipality and En- the great efforts and sacrifices made for projects in industrial cities and tablish a database for the real estate demic has forced the entire world to vironment Engineer Abdullah bin by the Founder Sheikh Jassim bin major industrial establishments, ap- sector has been completed and new make difficult choices and imposed Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie has de- Mohammed bin Thani to build the plying the zero discharge policy to amendments have been introduced challenges on everyone, but the stra- scribed the celebration of the National state, unify the people of Qatar, deep- protect marine environment and de- to the electronic system for obtaining tegic plan drawn by the State proved Day as an opportunity to commemo- en national belonging and emphasise veloping early warning systems for building permits, building comple- its effectiveness in dealing with the rate the founding of Qatar by Sheikh the importance of cohesion and har- radioactive pollution in the country. tion certificates and service delivery pandemic and limiting its effects with Jassim bin Mohammed bin Thani, mony between people. Eng Subaie said, in the field of procedures. the least possible economic losses. whose actions had a great impact He pointed out that the Qatari urban planning affairs, the ministry He said the ministry seeks to “Although the pandemic caused through instilling patriotism and ded- people embodied these sublime began establishing a smart and sus- improve the services provided to disruption in supply chains and raised ication in people to serve the country meanings of the National Day in the tainable infrastructure that supports residents, in addition to the elec- concerns about food security in many and work for its development. face of many challenges in recent Eng Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Qatar’s urban and economic devel- tronic transformation of services countries, the development in the ag- In statements to Qatar News years, particularly the unjust block- Subaei, MME Minister. opment through a set of projects and and the development of the moni- ricultural sector in the recent years, Agency (QNA) on the occasion of ade on the country, stressing that all studies, which include the approval toring mechanism in municipalities. thanks to the numerous initiatives Qatar National Day, he said Qatar segments of society united behind its for some other commodities, he stat- of the urban planning draft law, the The establishment of the Industrial launched by the State to increase lo- has embarked on its journey towards wise leadership against the blockade. ed, adding that ministry continues completion of the housing strategy Municipality has been announced to cal production and support it, had a renaissance with steady steps, based Eng Subaie said that the ministry to move towards achieving the goals for Qatar’s projects, the preparation keep pace with urban expansion and positive impact in enabling Qatar to on the firm foundations laid by the made great achievements in various and plans it has set to increase local of the national instructions for urban increase interest in services provided enhance its resilience during the cur- founder, to implement its plans and fields despite the challenges posed by production, which include raising design, the guidance for architecture, to investors, he added. rent pandemic,” he said. development projects in various fields the coronavirus pandemic. the self-sufficiency rate of vegetables, architectural facades for the main and The minister added that the sec- Eng Subaie stressed that the wise and improve people’s well-being and In the agriculture and fisheries fodder, red meat and eggs. commercials streets, in addition to ond phase of the waste sorting pro- vision of the leadership during crises securing their needs and their daily field, production increased signifi- He said the ministry, represented preparing a marketing plan for pro- gramme has been launched and will and challenges was an ambitious ap- life requirements. cantly and the country reached self- by the Environmental Affairs Sector, jects of the Urban Planning Depart- include banks, financial institutions proach and roadmap to transform the He highlighted the tremendous sufficiency in some commodities made many achievements, especially ment. He added that the infrastruc- and malls after the first phase, which challenges into opportunities, suc- achievements made by Qatar over (milk 106 percent and fresh poultry by obliging projects owners to meet ture and the 2022 World Cup projects was implemented last year in public cesses and vital projects that contrib- the past years under the wise leader- 124 percent), in addition to remark- the requirements of environmental are currently being completed in line and private schools, kindergarten, uted to enhancing development and ship of the Amir His Highness Sheikh able increase in self-sufficiency ratios protection during the planning, de- with Qatar National Vision 2030. health centres and hospitals, add- improving the standard of living.