Toyota’s Attiyah fends off fierce Mini challenge to win Hail Baja I SUNday, DECEMBER 13, 2020 page 14 Doha bolstered by world-class partners for 2030 Asian Games bid

Tribune News Network Doha

Doha’s bid for the 2030 Asian Games has been boosted by support from world- leading international partners including: Qatar Airways, beIN, Qatar Foundation, Aspire Academy, and Ooredoo each of which have fully committed to help Doha 2030 deliver the most spectacular and engaging Asian Games. The globally-recognised organiza- tions bring decades of specialised, best- in-class experience and expertise to Doha 2030 and reinforce the certainty Qatar’s state-of-the-art Aspire Dome multipurpose sports complex. the bid is ready to offer Asia. As a result, Doha 2030 will be able to focus on pro- viding a Games legacy that starts imme- ‘All of Asia will belong diately and benefits all Asian National Olympic Committees (NOCs). Qatar Foundation, which is home to at Doha 2030’ some of the world’s leading educational institutes as well as world-class sporting Tribune News Network we also value and recognize facilities, will play a central role in ensur- Doha all that we can learn from our ing that Doha 2030 pushes boundaries brothers and sisters in the and focuses on bringing benefits to the HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad OCA family. We will take all Asian Olympic family. Al Thani, the Qatar Olympic that on board so that we deliv- Machaille Hassan Al Naimi, Presi- Committee president and er a truly Asian, Asian Games, dent of Community Development, Chairman Doha 2030 Bid where every NOC benefits and Qatar Foundation, said: “Qatar Foun- Committee, has reached Mus- where we all belong.” dation and Doha 2030 share a com- cat, Sultanate of Oman, ahead Meanwhile, Iran’s canoe- mitment to providing opportunities for of the General Assembly of ing athlete Shahoo Nasseri people within Qatar, across the region, to Aspire from next year onwards so we staging world-class international sports the Olympic Council of Asia and Lebanon’s high jump and beyond to fulfil their potential, and can provide them with the best environ- events to the highest standards and I (OCA). He was received upon athlete Jean-Claude Rabbath a belief in the power of sport to em- ment to train ahead of the Asian Games have no doubt it would host an unforget- arrival by Sayyed Khalid bin have expressed their support power, inspire, and unify. 2030”. table Asian Games in 2030. At beIN we Hamad Al Busaidi, President for Doha 2030 Asian Games “Our support for Doha 2030 – in Qatar Airways Group Chief Execu- are fully prepared to share our expertise of Oman Olympic Committee. bid sharing their fond memo- the form of our knowledge, experience, tive, Akbar Al Baker, said, “Qatar Air- and help Doha 2030 provide an inter- Also arriving in Muscat ries from victorirs at the Doha infrastructure, and ethos as an organi- ways will ensure all of Asia can easily national platform that showcases Asia’s on Saturday was Ahmed Al Asian Games 2006. zation – reflects Qatar Foundation’s travel to Doha 2030. The national car- best athletes to a global audience.” Fahad Al Ahmed Al Sabah, Set to host the FIFA World role in driving innovation and foster- letes. The Aspire Zone Foundation a rier of the State of Qatar is committed Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulla bin President of Olympic Council Cup 2022, Doha and Qatar ing social development through sport tangible legacy product of the Doha to partnering with Doha 2030 to help Mohammed Al Thani, Deputy Group of Asia, for the OCA Execu- has hosted many interna- and education. We are proud to play 2006 Asian Games. deliver one of the most easily accessi- Chief Executive Officerand Chief Ex- tive meetings. tional and world meets since our part in Doha’s bid to host a 2030 Mohammed Khalifa Al Suwaidi, ble Asian Games ever hosted. Prior to ecutive Officer of Ooredoo Qatar at The OCA will announce 2006 including the 2019 FIFA Asian Games that celebrates Asia’s CEO of Aspire Zone Foundation, said: COVID-19, we connected more than 165 leading telecommunications opera- the winning city to host the Club World Cup, the IAAF cultural diversity and leaves a true hu- “At Aspire Zone Foundation we have destinations via our award winning hub, tor Ooredoo, said: “Ooredoo is excited Asian Games in 2030 on De- World Championships, the man and social legacy. Doha 2030 will some of the best venues and sports train- Hamad International Airport. Every by the prospect of working with Doha cember 16. 2015 Men’s Handball World also partner with Qatar Museums to ing and medical facilities in the world year we serve millions of tourists who 2030 to deliver the most technologi- The Doha 2030 Asian Championship, the 2015 AIBA highlight the importance of sport and and we are ready to partner with Doha come to visit Doha for its beautiful beach cally advanced Asian Games in his- Games Bid Committee’s World Boxing Championship, culture and organise associated events 2030 to put these facilities to the ben- resorts, cultural attractions and world- tory. Given the heart of Doha 2030’s twitter handle said, “Every- the 48th Artistic Gymnastics and activations that showcase the cul- efit of Asia’s athletes. Our commitment class sports, business and leisure facili- bid is the desire to connect Asia and one is very excited to have World Championships, the In- ture and traditions of Asia. to developing young athletes is fully ties. For 2030 we are ready to provide bring the continent together through the final chance to explain ternational Handball Federa- The internationally-known Aspire aligned with Doha 2030’s ambition to convenient and high-quality travel for sport, Ooredoo is an ideal partner; we how all of Asia will belong at tion Super Globe and the 2019 Zone Foundation, has state-of-the- help Asia’s NOCs prepare their strong- the OCA family so they can experience are committed to promoting a healthy, Doha 2030.” ANOC World Beach Games. art sports venues and through Aspire est ever Asian Games teams. As part of the magic of an Asian Games in one of active lifestyle for all as part of our Having hosted a highly Doha 2030 CEO and Academy is dedicated to the develop- the Doha 2030’s legacy programme we the world’s most welcoming cities.” corporate social responsibility strat- successful 15th Asian Games Qatar Olympic Committee ment of youth athletes. It is also home hope to have the opportunity to wel- Yousef Al Obaidly, beIN media group egy. Ooredoo’s contribution will be the in 2006, Doha as a Candidate Secretary-General Jassim Al to the world-leading sports medicine come Asian NOCs and their teams CEO added: “Doha provision of high- quality, reliable and City is keen and hopeful of Buenain has said: “Providing hospital Aspetar which provides has vast expe- secure telecommunications so that ath- playing host a second time to athletes with a safe and world- specialised, best-in- rience in letes, fans and all of the OCA family can the continental sporting ex- class environment to compete class support share in the joy of the Games.” travaganza. is always our first priority.” for ath- Recently sharing expertise Al Buenain has also said with the National Olympic recently that if Doha is elect- Committees (NOC’s), Doha ed to host in 2030, high level 2030 Chairman HE Sheikh safety protocols and state-of Joaan, said: “As we have al- the-art sporting facilities will ways made clear, our ambi- be offered to the participat- tion is for Doha 2030 to unite ing countries. “If Doha has Asian NOCs and celebrate our the honour of hosting the continent’s wonderful diver- 2030 Asian Games, our state- sity. We are stronger when we of- the-art venues will provide are together and when we sup- a gateway to certainty for the port and respect each other. In OCA family and for Asia’s ath- Doha, we have a lot of experi- letes that they can expect the Al Shaqab equestrian centre, one of the world’s finest facilities. ence we are ready to share but very best conditions.”

Unbeaten Hyundai look to continue dream run against

AFC Ulsan will enter Sunday’s semi- the team to top Group G with Doha final as strong favourites to beat two matches to spare. Vissel Kobe. All of 120 minutes were not With seven wins from seven “Nobody knows if this is our enough to separate the sides but in Qatar, Ulsan Hyundai FC last game, but we have to leave Vissel Kobe players kept their know more of the same will help everything on the pitch and composure, scoring all their ef- them advance to the 2020 AFC show our quality on the pitch,” forts from the spot to seal a 7-6 Champions League final at the said Ulsan head coach Kim Do- penalty shootout win and book expense of Vissel Kobe at the hoon. “We will do our best to a date with Ulsan Hyundai. Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium at put in a great performance to- “Tomorrow we play against 1pm on Sunday. morrow.” an Ulsan Hyundai team whom The runners- Ulsan are in fine form and we know is a strong team with up have brushed off domestic have been able to carefully ro- quality players. Our prepara- heartbreak to emerge as the tate their squad throughout the tions for tomorrow’s match did form team of the AFC Champi- tournament, while Vissel Kobe Ulsan Hyundai (left) and Vissel Kobe teams after their respective AFC Champions League quarter-final wins in Doha on Thursday. not start after the quarter-final, ons League (East), scoring mul- have reached the final four de- we have been preparing for eve- tiple goals in all seven of their spite a relatively patchy record “We need to take control in at their best. We need to avoid 35-year-old veteran will be ary, defeating F. Ma- ry step of this competition since Doha fixtures. of two wins, one draw and two midfield and be extra focused mistakes and be confident play- toasting a second AFC Champi- rinos on a penalty shootout, but we were in Japan, so we want Every challenge thrown losses since they arrived in Qa- in the box so we can take our ing our own football.” ons League title. ended the season in a to show our quality and play a their way has been navigated, tar last month. chances,” said Kim. While Vissel are appearing disappointing 12th place. good game,” said Miura. the most recent being the 2-0 The Japanese side also come “I hope our players will on the top Asian stage for the Vissel seek semis joy The league results contrib- Should Vissel Kobe reach win which eliminated the pre- into the clash less than 72 hours show their maximum energy on first time, this is Ulsan’s eighth After winning their first-ev- uted to the departure of German the final, they would become viously unbeaten Beijing FC in after an arduous 120-minute the pitch tomorrow. AFC Champions League cam- er Emperor’s Cup title in 2019 boss , who was the first debutants to achieve Thursday’s quarter-final, with battle against Suwon Samsung “We played in this stadium paign in 15 years, and they fa- to earn their AFC Champions replaced by former sporting di- that feat since Western Sydney Brazilian striker Júnior Negrão Bluewings, with a heavy injury before, so we know it. Regard- mously won the title in 2012. League debut, Vissel Kobe had rector Atsuhiro Miura just two Wanderers in 2014. They would scoring both goals. cloud hanging over FIFA World less of the dimensions, we have Lee Keun-ho remains from a 2020 domestic season full of months before the restart of the also extend a proud record for While that match was con- Cup winner Andres Iniesta of to show our game. It is a semi- that triumphant side and, ups and downs. continental campaign in Doha. Japanese clubs who have been sidered by many to be some- further concern for Atsuhiro final but the players also need should their seven-match win- The port city club added the A two-time AFC Asian Cup involved in every AFC Champi- thing of a 50-50 proposition, Miura’s side. to enjoy their game and play ning streak become nine, the Japanese in Febru- winner with Japan, Miura led ons League final since 2017. 14 Sunday, December 13, 2020 Sports Attiyah in Toyota Hilux fends off fierce Co-driver Frenchman Mathieu Baumel with Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah during the Hail Baja I in Saudi Arabia.

Tribune News Network and relying heavily on Matthieu Baumel’s precise Hail (Saudi Arabia) navigation. He gradually extended that advantage as Mini challenge to the stage progressed to seal the win. Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah held his nerve to set a Russian Vladimir Vasilyev moved ahead of Dutch- second successive fastest time and seal victory in man Bernhard Ten Brinke in the battle for the FIA Hail Baja 1, round four of the FIA World Cup for Baja Drivers’ titie. The duo finished Hail Baja 1 in fifth Cross-Country Bajas, on Saturday. and sixth positions and the outcome of the title race Despite opening the road on the 275.54lkm stage will now be decided at the final round onD ecember and having the extra burden of navigation, the Toy- 14-16. win Hail Baja I ota Hilux driver and his French navigator Matthieu Saleh Al Saif may have slipped behind Russia’s Baumel stayed ahead of closest rivals Carlos Sainz Denis Krotov (Mini) and into eighth in the overall and Stephane Peterhansel to win the stage by 3min standings, but the Saudi driver had the superb con- 20sec and seal a winning margin of 6min 10sec. solation of a useful victory in the FIA T3 category in Al Attiyah, said, “It was a good day for us. We be- his Can-Am. lieved in our speed. We opened the road but we only Erik van Loon (Toyota) and Miroslav Zapletal had one way and that was to push. We make incred- (Ford) rounded off the top 10, with Guillaume de Me- ible stage without mistake, no problems and no punc- vius finishing 1 th and second in T3 and Saudi driver tures. I am happy to win Baja 1. Now we have two Khalid Al Jafla taking 12th spot. days of rest. Baja 2 will be different but we try to do Poland’s Jakub Przygonski was fifthfastest on the our best. Third win in Hail and hopefully the fourth day and finished 14th after first day fuel issues. one is coming very soon.” Dutchman Kees Koolen finished in 13th place and Sainz and Peterhansel were closely matched first in the FIA T4 section in his South Racing Can- throughout the challenging stage in the two Am Maverick X3. new Mini John Cooper He was second best on the Works Buggies and reached day’s stage to a resurgent Aron the finish in second and third Domzala, but the Pole’s first overall. day woes had given Koolen a Double Dakar and WRC massive cushion and he duly series winner Sainz, said, “All closed the gap on his rival for is okay, no problem. We keep the FIA T4 title. planning and we will try a Khalifa Al Attiyah, the couple more things a day after brother of overall event win- tomorrow.” third-placed Pe- ner Nasser, was third in the terhansel, said, “Today was an category but technical issues interesting stage, a mix of fast thwarted Lorenco Rosa. tracks, sandy tracks and dunes Qatar’s Khalifa Al Attiyah in the T4 category. Czech driver Martop with a very beautiful landscape. He finished third. Prokop had been unable to “This two days of racing was start Hail Baja 1, but the for- interesting with a good level of organisation, good mer WRC was permitted to take part in the road book and this is a great opportunity just before second leg of the National Rally for testing pur- the Dakar to do it.” poses. Yamaha’s Adrien van Beveren delivered an- Five-time Hail Rally winner Yazeed Al Rajhi had other polished performance on his pre-Dakar test to to settle for fourth place on the first of the Bajas, the crush his amateur rivals in the motorcycle category. Saudi driver finishing 14min 48sec behind his win- The Frenchman won the stage by 23min 16sec from Results ning Toyota team-mate. Konrad Dabrowski to record a winning margin over “I enjoyed this rally as preparation for Dakar and the Pole of 48min 25sec. Saudi rider Mishal Al-Ghu- Hail Baja 1 – FIA (SS2 - unofficial): 13. Kees Koolen (NLD)/Jurgen van den Goorbergh (NLD) Can-Am Maverick X3 7hr 41min everything went well,” said Al Rajhi. neim finished a distant third. 1. Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah (QAT)/Matthieu Baumel (FRA) Toyota Hilux 6hr 14min 27sec 43sec “First day we had a small issue and we didn’t take Riyadh Saud Al Shammeri won his second succes- 2. Carlos Sainz (ESP)/Lucas Cruz (ESP) MINI JCW Buggy 6hr 20min 37sec 14. Jakub Przygonski (POL)/Timo Gottschalk (DEU) Toyota Hilux Overdrive 7hr 48min 04sec 3. Stephane Peterhansel (FRA)/Edouard Boulanger (FRA) MINI JCW Buggy 6hr 23min 15. Khalifa Al Attiyah (QAT)/Paulo Ceci (ITA) Can-Am Maverick X3 7hr 49min 05sec too much risk today. I think the next race, we need to sive stage to confirm victory in the quad category on 26sec Hail Baja 1 – Bikes (SS2 - unofficial): improve a little bit in the soft and slow dunes because his Yamaha. Former Hail Rally winner Absulmajeed 4. Yazeed Al Rajhi (SAU)/Ditk von Zitzewitz (DEU) Toyota Hilux Overdrive 6hr 29min 15sec 1. Adrien van Beveren (FRA) Yamaha 450 WRF 5hr 38min 22sec you do not need to push more. When you push more, Al-Khulaifi was second, 3min 52sec adrift, and Wali- 5. Vladimir Vasilyev (RUS)/Dmitro Tsyro (UKR) MINI JCW Rally 6hr 43min 02sec 2. Konrad Dabrowski (POL) KTM 450 Rally Replica 6hr 26min 47sec you lose time.” ad Al-Nahath came home in third place. 6. Bernhard Ten Brinke (NLD)/Tom Colsoul (BEL) Toyota Hilux Overdrive 6hr 49min 56sec 3. Mishal Al-Ghuneim (SAU) KTM 450 Rally 6hr 57min 33sec 7. Denis Krotov (RUS)/Konstantin Zhiltsov (RUS) Mini All4 Racing 7hr 07min 55sec 4. Anass Al Reheyani (SAU) KTM 450 7hr 22min 16sec The second stage began close to Jubbah and head- Al Mashna Al Shammeri won the National Rally 8. Saleh Al-Saif (SAU)/Laurent Lichtleuchter (FRA) Can-Am Maverick X3 7hr 10min 19sec 5. Abdulhalem Al Mogeera (SAU) KTM EXC 450 7hr 40min 27sec, etc ed west of Hail before looping through the desert to by 28min 25sec from Mater Abdullah Al Shammeri. 9. Erik van Loon (NLD)/Sebastien Delaunay (FRA) Toyota Hilux Overdrive 7hr 12min 07sec Hail Baja 1 – Quads (SS2 - unofficial): finish close to the village of Q’na. There were two pas- Hail Rally Toyota 2020 is taking place under the 10. Miroslav Zapletal (CZE)/Marek Sykora (SVK) Ford F-150 Evo 7hr 13min 45sec 1. Riyadh Saud Al Shammeri (SAU) Yamaha YFZ 450 7hr 08min 14sec 11. Guillaume de Mevius (BEL)/Martijn Wydaeghe (BEL) Can-Am Maverick X3 7hr 19min 2. Abdulmajeed Al Khulaifi (SAU) Yamaha 700 7hr 12min 06sec sage controls after 147.29km and 261.46km. supervision of the Hail Regional Development Au- 08sec 3. Waliad Al Nahath (SAU) Yamaha Raptor 700 7hr 52min 08sec The leading quartet were closely matched through thority in co-operation with the General Authority 12. Khaled Al Jafla (SAU)/Ali Mirza (UAE) Toyota Hilux 7hr 24min 57sec 4. Faisal Al Shammeri (SAU) Yamaha Raptor 700 8hr 01min 33sec, etc. the opening checkpoints with Al Attiyah holding a for Tourism and National Heritage and the General slight advantage over Sainz, despite opening the road Authority for Sport.

Manchester derby fires Verstappen claims first pole blanks, Newcastle’s of season at Abu Dhabi Almiron scores in 20 secs AFP Quick-fire Almiron AFP most probably, on the Dane’s London At St James’ Park, New- Yas Marina (UAE) F1 career in the American castle were playing for the first team’s 100th Grand Prix. Manchester United failed to time since their match against Red Bull’s Max Verstappen Hamilton had his early ease the pressure on Ole Gun- Aston Villa was postponed due clinched his maiden pole posi- best lap deleted for exceed- nar Solskjaer after a limp dis- to a COVID-19 outbreak in tion of the campaign on Satur- ing track limits with a bumpy play in their 0-0 draw against their squad. day for the season-ending Abu ride over the kerbs. “Check the Manchester City, while Miguel Newcastle took less than a Dhabi Grand Prix. floor. I might have some dam- Almiron scored in 20 seconds as minute to grab the lead when The Dutch driver edged age,” he told Mercedes. Newcastle beat West Bromwich Almiron swept his shot past Valterri Bottas in second and After another run, the Albion 2-1 on Saturday. West Brom keeper Sam John- the Finn’s Mercedes team- champion was seventh and in Solskjaer faced calls for his stone. West Brom drew level mate Lewis Hamilton, who is the comfort zone to proceed to sacking after United crashed out five minutes into the second racing for the first time since Q2 as Verstappen, fastest in a of the Champions League with a half at St James’ Park. winning the championship af- Red Bull 1-2 in FP3, rose to sec- midweek defeat at Leipzig. Matt Phillips delivered a ter contracting coronavirus, in ond, three-tenths off Bottas. The beleaguered United low cross which was met by third for Sunday’s Grand Prix. As Q3 began, under full manager desperately needed defender Darnell Furlong, It was Verstappen’s firstpole floodlights around the track, an uplifting result in the Man- who lashed an unstoppable since the 2019 Brazilian Grand Red Bull’s Dutch driver Max Verstappen celebrates with his team after the qualifying session on the eve of Stroll went first, but Norris set chester derby to win back low shot past Karl Darlow. Prix and the third of his career the Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi on Saturday. (AFP) the early pace before being de- some support. But, with Paul Newcastle clinched the after clocking his best lap in one posed by Sainz. Pogba restored to the starting points in the 82nd minute minute and 35.246 seconds to Having said on Thursday Christian Horner whooped his best, following his illness. The Mercedes men, back line-up, United laboured to when Dwight Gayle met a su- beat Bottas by 0.025 seconds. he expected to claim ‘his seat’ with delight and described “Honestly, I am really to full power, re-joined the a drab draw that left them in perb cross by fellow substitute The top three were sepa- for third place again, Verstap- Verstappen’s lap as awesome. grateful to be back with the fray with Bottas shading Ham- seventh place. Jacob Murphy to head past rated by only 0.086sec, but pen was delighted. “Very well deserved for team – it’s been a difficult ilton for provisional pole, Ver- United have won just one of Johnstone. it was a disappointment for “I am very happy with that. Max,” said Horner. “He’s weekend getting back in the stappen splitting them for Red their last four games in all com- Newcastle’s second suc- Mercedes who missed out on Luckily, for me, everything threaded it together and rhythm,” the Briton said. Bull and Albon taking fourth. petitions and have only one win cessive victory lifted the gloom pole for only the second time came together in that final lap. nailed an amazing lap at the “I gave it my all. Congratula- Only 0.156 seconds cov- at Old Trafford in six Premier from their virus issues, but this year. Lance Stroll of the It seems like we have a decent end. He’s just made it happen tions to Max. It’s a great way for ered the top after their first League games this term. struggling West Brom stay Mercedes-powered Racing top speed this weekend so, himself. him to seal a year of great per- runs, during which Hamilton “In my time against Man- second bottom. Point team claimed the other. hopefully, this will work out “It’s been a long season on formances. We will give them a made a small error. chester City that’s the best Anwar El Ghazi’s last-gasp Lando Norris, equalling for tomorrow,” he said. Saturday afternoons, but to good run for their money.” It set up a classic finale performance we have had. penalty fired 10-man Aston his previous best, was fourth “It’s a long season for eve- finish the season on pole, we’ve Kevin Magnussen was the in which Hamilton went top, Not the best result but the best Villa to a dramatic 1-0 win for McLaren ahead of Alex ryone with a lot of races in a just got to convert it now.” first man out, followed by his only to be beaten by Bottas performance,” Solskjaer said. against Wolves. After two suc- Albon in the second Red Bull row so this was good for the Haas team-mate Pietro Fitti- and then a breathless Ver- “Its a mental challenge cessive defeats, Villa will hope and Carlos Sainz in the second whole team.” ‘Grateful’ Hamilton paldi, as the sun began to fall stappen with only seconds when that happens to you (go- they are back on track with just McLaren. His Red Bull team chief Hamilton said he gave it at the Yas Marina Circuit and, remaining. ing out of Champions League).” their second win in six games. Sports Sunday, December 13, 2020 15

HE Salah bin Ghanem Al Ali, Minister of Culture and Sports, and Qatar Equestrian Federation President Hamad Abdulrahman Injaaz Stud’s Al Mustafiz team with HE Salah bin Ghanem Al Ali, Minister of Culture and Sports, and Qatar Equestrian Federa- Al Attiyah with Al Shaqab Racing’s Al Naama group after they received the Sheikh Jassim Bin Mohammed Al Thani Trophy. tion President Hamad Abdulrahman Al Attiyah which won the National Day Cup at the QREC’s Al Rayyan Park on Saturday. Al Shaqab Racing’s Al Naama, Injaaz Stud’s Al Mustafiz win Late Sheikh Jassim Trophy and National Day Cup Tribune News Network Doha

HE Salah bin Ghanem Al Ali, Minister of Culture and Sports, crowned the winners of the Late Sheikh Jassim Bin Mohammed Al Thani Trophy and Qatar Na- tional Day Cup at Al Rayyan Park on Saturday. While Al Shaqab Racing’s Al Namaa won the Late Sheikh Jassim Bin Mohammed Al Thani Trophy, Injaaz Stud’s Al Mustafiz won in the National Day Cup. Al Shaqab Racing mares and trainer Alban Elie Marie De Mieulle celebrated a one- two in the The Late Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani Trophy (Gr2 PA) (Far Bend) (3yo & older) as Soufi- ane Saadi guided Al Nasma to Al Mustafiz on way to winning the Qatar National Cup at QREC’s Al Rayyan Park on Saturday. a fantastic victory. Al Naama, who had lined the Thoroughbred Plate (3 Ahmed Hassan Al Malki Al Arabian Handicap (Far Bend) up for her longest distance Jockey Soufiane Saadi is ecstatic as Al Naama crosses the winning post to claim The Late Sheikh Jassim Year Olds) (Class 3) (Far Jehani’s More Than A Dream (95 & below), when Qatari in over a year at 2000m, and Bin Mohammed Al Thani Cup at Qatar Equestrian & Racing Club’s (QREC) Al Rayyan Park on Saturday. Bend) in thrilling fashion. brushed aside a forgettable last jockey Saleh Salem Al Marri stablemate Gtnah, ridden by Tomas Lukasek, who had season and a few lesser efforts guided the Mohammed Gas- Qatari rider Faleh Bughanaim, ward was up for the task as andre Nicolet), finished third. brushed aside a string of for- ridden the colt to a C&D victory early on this term to register his sim Ghazali trained colt to a were the only ladies in a high the 7yo landed the National Abdulhadi Mana Al Hajri’s gettable finishes to win for the in the season opener in Octo- first win since January 2019. fine victory with a length and quality field. Day Cup Local Purebred Ara- Dark Pursuit (Pastoral Pur- first time in Qatar. ber, was in saddle again as the With Qatari rider Faleh a quarter to spare. Closer home, Al Naama had bian Conditions (Far Bend) in suits x Ogre) was well held on In the Thoroughbred duo went past the post three Bughanaim in the saddle in In the process, not only did a healthy gap on the other con- a thrilling finish. his last outing in November Handicap (Class 3) (Far Bend) quarters of a length in front of the Thoroughbred Handicap the bay horse lead a one-two tenders and she had little trou- Soufiane Saadi had his but a C&D return and a step (75-95), the Majed Mahadi Mickael Berto ridden Taxiwala. (Class 3) (Far Bend) (70-90), for the trainer, with Al Junood ble winning by a length and a mount midfield early on in the up in class turned out to be ex- Seifeddine trained gelding had Al Thumama Racing’s Life the Hamad Ahmed Al Malki in second spot, but also com- quarter, as Gtnah finished run- race, before picking up the pace actly opposite for the gelding. Alberto Sanna for company Of Riley went one better than Al Jehani-trained 7yo was im- pleted a hat-trick this season. ner up for the second straight on the home stretch and staying In the Thoroughbred Con- and the duo did enough in the his last outing to win for the pressive at the business end Al Shaqab Racing’s Al time behind her stablemate. on the heels of Alban Elie Marie ditions (Far Bend), the Stefa- miler to edge out Ivan Rossi first time in Qatar. of the 2000m run as he led a Efreeta (Dahess x Dormadora) Julian Colin Smart-trained De Mieulle’s wards, Barra and no Ibido trained 4yo was rid- ridden Monsieur Noir by three The Mohammed Hussain one-two for the trainer with made a spectacular debut in Ebraz (Amer x Massamarie) Aahil, who had taken a slight den by JP Guillambert for the quarters of a length at the post. Afroz trained colt had finished JP Guillambert ridden Supre- Qatar with a dominant win in rounded up the top three under advantage between themselves. first time. The sprinter started It was Al Mohalhal’s second runner up on many occasions matism in second place by a a miler. Tomas Lukasek, riding in the In the final 50m, dipping the six furlong run the widest victory overall from 30 starts. in the past even as a win elud- length and a quarter. The Alban Elie Marie De colours of HH Sheikh Moham- into his reserves, Al Mustafiz in Gate 10 but a minute and Al Wasmiyah Farm’s ed the colt. With Killian Leon- Salman Mohammned Ale- Mieulle trained filly was un- med bin Khalifa Al Thani. edged out Umm Qarn’s Aahil ten seconds later Guillambert Think Big (Night Of Thunder ard in the saddle for the first madi’s Djalnor stepped down stoppable in the Purebred Injaaz Stud’s Al Mustafiz (Munjiz x Daniah), ridden by and his partner had edged out x Avenue Montaigne) has only time, the bay horse managed to a mile for the first time in Arabian Maiden Plate (4 Year (AF AlBahar x Djimana) was Ronan Thomas, to win the lo- Alberto Sanna ridden Arabic finished in the top two since to produce a timely lunge at Qatar, but the result was still Olds) (Far Bend) as she surged running seven furlongs for cal Arabian feature by a neck, Channel by a neck for the bay his arrival in Qatar and the the post in a blanket finish to the same. The 4yo colt opened forward and was up and away the first time since a C&D win while Barra (Munjiz x Dani- horse’s sixth career win. Georges Mikhalides trained win the five furlong Thorough- his time in Qatar with wins on the home straight to go past almost two years ago. But the ah), helmed by Michael Forest Rashid Bin Mubarak Al- colt only improved his strike bred Handicap (Class 3) (Far over 2000m, and that run the post five lengths in front of Zuhair Mohsen Zuhair Maki’s in the colours of Patrice Alex- jafali Al Naimi’s Al Mohalhal rate further when he landed Bend) (75-95) sprint by a nose. continued in the Purebred her rivals.

Longines Hathab Round Six Fit-again Rohit Sharma to Haidan excels on Miss Chili to win Big Tour join India tour in Australia AFP his participation in the Bor- Tribune News Network New Delhi der-Gavaskar Trophy. Doha Key batsman Rohit Sharma Pucovski ruled out, Harris Top Hathab Big Tour riders has recovered from a hamstring called up to Oz Test squad showed great form as Moham- injury and been cleared to join Will Pucovski was on Sat- med Saeed Haidan topped the India’s tour in Australia, the na- urday ruled out of Australia’s charts this time with his trusted tional board said on Saturday. first Test against India after mount Miss Chili in the sixth Media reports said the failing to sufficientlyrecover round of the Longines Qatar 33-year-old will fly to Aus- from a concussion, with Mar- Equestrian Tour Hathab sup- tralia on Sunday to start the cus Harris called up as his re- ported by The Social & Sport two weeks of quarantine that placement. Contribution Fund on Saturday. will see him miss the first two Pucovski had been expect- The close and absorbing of the four Tests that start De- ed to make his debut and open contest at Qatar Equestrian cember 17 in Adelaide. the innings in Adelaide from Federation’s Indoor Arena Sharma “completed his re- December 17 alongside the with a start list of 18 riders Amer Mohamad Al Hamidi, President, Qatar Endurance Committee, habilitation process at the Na- out-of-form Joe Burns after became close in the Big Tour awards Open Class winner Rashid Towain Al Marri. tional Cricket Academy in Ban- David Warner was ruled out | Table A, One round against galore and is now clinically fit,” with an injured adductor mus- the clock with jump off, Art. Mohammed Saeed Haidan astride Miss Chili during the Big Tour Results off, Art. 238.2.2 | 130/140cm the Board of Control for Cricket cle. But the 22-year-old, who 238.2.2 | 130/140cm class. action in round six of Longines Hathab Qatar Equestrian Tour at the Open Class | Accumulator with | Prize-Money: QR45,000 in India said in a statement. whacked back-to-back dou- But it was Haidan who rode Qatar Equestrian Federation’s Indoor Arena on Saturday. Joker, Art. 269.5 | 115/120cm 1. Rider: Mohammed Saeed The Mumbai Indians cap- ble centuries in the Sheffield with aplomb on his grey mare | Prize-Money QR25,000 Haidan; Horse: Miss Chili; tain has been at the national Shield this season, was struck going faultless in both the first a shade slower in the jump off Marri, who had finished second 1. Rider: Rashid Towaim Al Faults: 0; Time: 69.52secs; centre since November 19 af- on the helmet during a warm- round and the jump off with at 33.33secs to claim the third in the Medium Tour on Friday Marri; Horse: Lamm Addiction J.Off: Faults:0; Time: ter suffering a left hamstring up match between India A and win with a time of 69.52secs position. riding Lamm Addiction, topped Z; Points: 65; Time: 44.98secs; 31.89secs; Prize: QR11,250 injury during the Indian Pre- Australia A during the week. and 31.89secs respectively. Another seasoned rider Sal- the Open Class on the same Prize: QR6,250 2. Nasser Al Ghazali; Quel mier League. Due to his history of con- Nasser Al Ghazali on his man Mohammed Al Emadi on mount in the Accumulator with 2. Mohammed Sultan Al Suwai- Homme: 0; 68.87secs; 0; He had been given a de- cussion injuries, selectors are bay gelding Quel Homme too his well-known bay gelding The Joker, Art. 269.5 | 115/120cm di; Guilder’s Empire of The Sun; 32.44secs; QR9,000 tailed programme to follow taking no chances. was equally challenging but Toymaker erred in the jump off class. Mohammed Sultan Al 65 45.14secs; QR5,000 3. Salmeen Sultan Al Suwaidi; during the two weeks he will “Given the spate of inju- needed 32.44 secs in the jump getting a fault. While he still Suwaidi on Guilder’s Empire of 3. Saoud Mohammed Al Kuwari; Aslan 69; 0; 71.71secs; 0; be quarantined for in Austral- ries in recent weeks, we’re off and had to settle with sec- was the fatest in 29.83secs, The Sun finished second. Goedele VDV Z; 65; 48.75secs; 33.33secs; QR6,750 ia, the statement said. fortunate to be able to bring a ond place on the podium. the fault pushed him down to The Dressage leg of Lon- QR3,750. 4. Salman Mohammed Al Ema- Doctors will check Shar- player of Marcus’ calibre into Salmeen Sultan Al Suwai fourth in this round. gines Hathab round six will Big Tour | Table A, One round di; The Toymaker; 0; 68.90secs; ma’s fitness again after the the Test squad,” said National on bay gelding Aslan 69 was Earlier, Rashid Towain Al take place on December 26th. against the clock with jump 4; 29.83secs; QR4,500. quarantine and make a call on Selector Trevor Hohns.