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Home , Alessio Foconi, Alice Volpi, Davy Klaassen, Donyell Malen, Luuk de Jong, Matthijs de Ligt

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THURSDAY 25 MARCH 2021 MaxM Verstappen seeks early win aas Lewis Hamilton starts record bid NowN I have to deliver and the team have to deliver so we can tryt and mount a title fight. I like the track and it will be exciting tot see our performance. It’s time to see who has got what.

Max Verstappen Sport | 08

NBA RESULTS: Denver 110-99 Orlando, New York 131-113 Washington, New Orleans 128-111 LA Lakers, Phoenix 110-100 Miami

Qatar’s Mohammed Muntari scores against Luxembourg during the opening European Qualifier played at Nagyerdei Stadion in Debrecen, yesterday. Muntari scores winner as Qatar beat Luxembourg; Turkey stun Netherlands

AGENCIES – DEBRECEN YESTERDAY'S RESULTS Qatar 1-0 Luxembourg Mancini expects Qatar striker Mohammed Turkey 4-2 Netherlands Muntari's first-half goal N Ireland to helped the 2022 World Cup hosts beat 10-man Luxem- TODAY'S FIXTURES bourg 1-0 in an international Qualifying round provide ’s friendly at the Nagyerdei Bulgaria vs Switzerland Stadium in Hungary Israel vs Denmark biggest test yesterday. Sweden vs Felix Sanchez's side went ahead in the 12th minute Spain vs Greece REUTERS – PARMA through Muntari's side-footed Italy vs Northern Ireland shot. Luxembourg's Aldin Moldova vs Faroe Islands Italy manager Roberto Mancini expects Skenderovic was dismissed Scotland vs Austria a “typically British” Northern Ireland following a second yellow team to cause his side problems when Andorra vs Albania card in the 87th minute. they kick off their World Cup qualifying Qatar, who have qualified Hungary vs campaign today, four months after their automatically for the World England vs San Marino last game. Cup and must rely on friendly Qatar coach Felix The Azzurri begin their bid to reach Sanchez shakes hands Liechtenstein vs Armenia games to prepare for the Romania vs North Macedonia Qatar 2022 on a 22-match unbeaten run, tournament, have been with Moayad Hassan after but they haven’t played a match since a included as a guest team in yesterday's victory. vs Iceland 2-0 win over Bosnia in November 2020. European World Cup quali- “It will be our first and most difficult fying Group A. , , , Turkey has not qualified Yilmaz opened the scoring in Ligt’s header had not fully game, coming after so many months,” The move mirrors the Luxembourg and Ireland. for a World Cup since fin- the 15th minute with a shot crossed the line before Mancini told a news conference ahead of approach taken by for Elsewhere, in Istanbul, ishing third in 2002, while the from outside the penalty area Yokuslu headed it clear. the match at Parma’s Ennio Tardini the 2016 European Champi- veteran striker Burak Yilmaz Dutch failed to reach the last that deflected off defender There was no video referee stadium. onship that they hosted. scored a hat trick as Turkey tournament in Russia after ’s hand to beat on hand to check. “We will have to be very careful and Qatar's matches will not stunned the Netherlands 4-2 also finishing third in Brazil goalkeeper . He AC Milan focused as it’s always better to start off count towards the qualifi- yesterday in their opening in 2014. The Netherlands, doubled the lead from the Hakan Calhanoglu made it on the right foot. cation process and will be game. The 35-year-old Lille which has finished runner- penalty spot in the 34th 3-0 in the first minute of he “Northern Ireland are a typically categorised as friendly forward struck twice before up three times at the World minute after second half, turning in space British team, strong on the counter-attack. internationals. the break and again late in Cup, also missed the 2016 fouled Okay Yokuslu. outside the penalty area and We must not take risks as there will be They will play against the second half to secure the European Championship and The Netherlands looked firing a low shot into the far limited spaces. whichever team has a free win in the Group G opener their recent struggles in qual- to have cut the lead in the corner. Trailing by three “Physically they are Anglo-Saxons, but date on a given matchday in just as the Netherlands was ifiers reared up again at 45th minute, but referee goals, Netherlands coach their game is a little different. They are a Group A - which includes threatening a comeback. Ataturk Olympic Stadium. Michael Oliver ruled that De made three team that always defends very well and attacking subsitutions and doesn’t give away much space and they’re they paid dividends. good at counter attacking.” One of the replacements, Juventus and Italy captain Giorgio , controlled a Chiellini was also wary of the threat cross from posed by Ian Baraclough’s men, despite and turned in the same their failure to win a competitive game movement before firing past in regulation time since a 1-0 Euro 2020 goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir to qualifying victory over Belarus in June make it 3-1 in the 75th 2019. minute. And another sub- “It won’t be an easy game for many stitute, , made it reasons. We’re facing a team diametri- 3-2 a minute later, bundling cally opposed to us in terms of our char- another cross from the left acteristics. If they manage to block us off, over the line. they will be dangerous,” Chiellini said. But Yilmaz scored his Mancini’s ability to keep his players third with a curling free kick fresh will be put to the test, as his team is in the 81st to seal the win for in the unusual position of playing three Turkey. Depay missed a games in a week. penalty deep in stoppage time After facing Northern Ireland, the to compound the Dutch four-time World Cup winners travel to disappointment. Bulgaria and Lithuania for their final The Netherlands was games before this summer’s European without captain and center Championships. back , who is “It’s a bit of a problem, playing three Turkey’s Burak Yilmaz celebrates with team-mates after scoring their first goal against the Netherlands yesterday. still recovering from a serious intense qualifying games for Qatar 2022,” injury to his right knee. Mancini said. THURSDAY 25 MARCH 2021 SPORT 11 Ambassador receives Qatari shooters in New Delhi H E Mohammed bin Khater Al Khater, Qatar's ambassador to India, posing for a photograph with the Qatari shooters who are currently taking part in the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup in New Delhi. At a meeting held at the Embassy of Qatar yesterday, the Ambassador praised the efforts made by the Qatari shooters and said that he is proud of their achievements. Qatar have so far won three medals at the World Cup in India. Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah won the bronze in the men's individual skeet before bagging a silver along with Rashid Hamad in the team event. Hamad and Reem Al Sharshani secured Qatar's third medal in the mixed skeet.

Ducati rider Jack Miller Star-studded in action during pre-season test at the fields announced 2021 tech: What can Losail International Circuit. PIC: MOTOGP for Istanbul Half Marathon fans expect to WORLD ATHLETICS – ISTANBUL Organisers of the N Kolay Istanbul Half Marathon have announced the most remarkable line-up in the see at Round 1? history of this World Athletics Elite Label road race on April 4. Having staged a successful edition under intense measures against COVID-19 in September last year, the event is now set to host a limited number of 4000 participants. MOTOGP.COM – DOHA creations, the most notable being their manufacturer that don’t have this rider Sylvain Guintoli, Joan Mir and The race will see the long- new front aero. This is quite a signif- feature. Alex Rins gave a 2022 engine a run awaited clash of the reigning and Plenty of new and updated innova- icant change and something we’ve KTM: out. Guintoli and Rins both said that former world record-holders over tions were tested in Doha at the Official never seen before, it seems like it’s The Austrian manufacturer’s it’s a marked improvement. A new the distance. Kibiwott Kandie of Test, now we will see what has been more than just a ‘winglet’. biggest visual change is the new seat chassis was being used too as well as Kenya, now the world’s fastest half- kept when racing begins We don’t know for sure, but Ducati unit. Dani Pedrosa tested it thoroughly a new swingarm, with Mir’s crew chief marathon runner, improved the One of the most interesting aspects could possibly be looking at tidying up in Qatar, while the other riders tried Frankie Carchedi explaining on Twitter time set by his compatriot Geoffrey of pre-season testing is seeing what the airflow to increase top speed and out a new fairing. It’s slimmer at the that they’ve had “many more new and Kamworor in Valencia in the different manufacturers have been create more grip in the corners. It’s a top with – seemingly – a few more exciting” parts to try. December, bringing down the working hard on during the winter. very interesting update and what we ‘shark teeth’ carved in. YAMAHA: world record to 57:32 from 58:01. New technology is being rolled out all do know for sure is that Gigi Dall’Igna HONDA: The Yamaha riders have been Kamworor, who has three World the time in MotoGP and 2021 is no and Ducati are continuing to flex their The Japanese giants brought three testing a new chassis, with Franco Athletics Half Marathon Champi- exception, as we saw plenty of new muscles in the aero department. different chassis to the Qatar Test: one Morbidelli (Petronas Yamaha SRT) onships gold medals under his belt, parts being put through their paces at Elsewhere, the famous ‘salad box’ ‘standard 2020’, one with carbon saying that he’s found a little bit more will be back on the roads following the Official Qatar Test. is a different shape. Then, as we’ve bonded onto the frame and a com- top speed with “many small parts” his recovery from a surgery in June Here is a look at the significant seen with Aprilia, Honda, KTM and pletely new one – the one seen in Jerez being tried. All four riders confirmed last year. parts each manufacturer brought to Suzuki, a front holeshot device was with Stefan Bradl at the start of 2021. they’ve tried that new chassis, and by The women’s field is equally as the table ahead of Round 1 under the heavily testing in Qatar. New aero – first seen at the Misano the sounds of it, it will be used – at strong. Kenya’s marathon world lights. APRILIA: Test last year – was tested by Bradl least to begin with – in 2021. In record-holder Brigid Kosgei and DUCATI: Long story short, the 2021 RS-GP and Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda addition, a new mudguard was tested. the women-only half-marathon The innovation kings of MotoGP, is completely new. The engine, chassis, Idemitsu) in the first couple of days This should help when racing in a world record-holder Peres Jep- Ducati have led the way in recent two aero designs, exhausts and ‘salad too. pack, something Yamaha struggled to chirchir, plus the second fastest years, bringing new and before unseen box’ have changed, and Aprilia also SUZUKI: do in 2020, so we will see if this has female half-marathon runner of all additions to the track. 2021 has seen have their first carbon swingarm – One of the main talking points any effect over the race weekend in time Yalemzerf Yehualaw of the Bologna factory unveil some more which means Suzuki are the only from the World Champions is that test Qatar. Ethiopia, will head the line-up. US star Pirlo, Ronaldo certain to Rapinoe renews call stay at Juventus, says for gender club chief Nedved pay equity REUTERS – Sunday that left them 10 points Germany coach behind leaders . WASHINGTON REUTERS – Joachim Low with Juventus coach and “Pirlo is and will be the coach of his players during a striker will not Juventus, that’s 100% certain,” US women’s national soccer team star training session at leave Turin despite a disappointing Nedved told DAZN. Megan Rapinoe renewed her call for the Reisen-Arena in season, the Serie A champions’ vice- “We committed to a project with gender pay equity yesterday, appearing Duisburg, Germany, president Pavel Nedved said Andrea, knowing that there would before a congressional panel and yesterday on the yesterday. be difficulties. We wanted to do better pledging to “carry this torch” alongside eve of their Qatar Pirlo was surprisingly named as than this and haven’t managed to, but her team-mates. 2022 World Cup ’s successor last August difficulties were predicted. Rapinoe told the House Committee Qualifier against despite having no previous man- “We are very calm. We’re on the on Oversight and Reform, the World Cup Iceland. agement experience. path that we wanted, which we will winners had exceeded the accomplish- The 41-year-old, who won the stay on. He has everything to become ments of their male counterparts but World Cup, two Champions Leagues a great coach.” Ronaldo was also crit- received inadequate compensation and and six Serie A titles before retiring icised following Juve’s European exit playing conditions, two years after she Loew demands Germany as a player in 2017, has come in for and has been the subject of specu- and her team-mates filed a landmark fierce criticism recently as Juve’s lation that he could depart at the end gender discrimination lawsuit against hopes of landing a 10th consecutive of the season. US Soccer. response to recurring slump league title dwindle. “For me, Cristiano can’t be “There is no level of status, accom- Juventus suffered a Champions touched. He has a contract until June plishments, or power that will protect REUTERS – DUSIBURG, GERMANY good results and performances, League last-16 elimination against 30 2022 and he will stay. We’ll see you from the clutches of inequity,” throwing in everything that’s necessary Porto on March 9, before falling to a what happens after that,” Nedved Rapinoe said in her written testimony Germany must bounce back from last to make an impression after last shock defeat to lowly Benevento on said. in honour of Equal Pay Day. year’s disappointing Nations League November’s disappointment.” “The women’s national team has campaign with a firm start in their Loew will miss Toni Kroos after the won four World Cup championships and opening 2022 World Cup qualifiers, Real Madrid playmaker was forced to four Olympic gold medals on behalf of coach Joachim Loew said ahead of pull out with a muscle injury but was our country. We have filled stadiums, Thursday’s home game against Iceland confident that a plethora of options in broken viewing records, and sold out in Europe’s Group J. midfield would compensate for his jerseys, all popular metrics by which we A 6-0 drubbing by Spain in their absence. are judged.” US Soccer, which argued final Nations League match in He particularly singled out Man- in 2019 that the women’s team had been November meant early elimination for chester City’s attacking midfielder Ilkay compensated more than the men’s over the 2014 world champions and left a Gundogan, who has been in superb the last decade, said it applauded Rap- bitter taste after Germany also made a form for the leaders inoe’s position as a “champion for equal group stage exit in the 2018 World Cup. this season. pay.” Loew, who said earlier in March he “Leon Goretzka, Gundogan and The US women’s national team would quit after the June 11- July 11 Joshua Kimmich are in very good form players sued their governing body in European championship, asked his so we are very well stocked in midfield. 2019, alleging gender discrimination in players to prove their worth as Kroos always wants to play of course a lawsuit that contained complaints over Germany visit Romania on Sunday and but the medical staff said it wasn’t pos- wages and playing conditions. host North Macedonia next Wednesday. sible this time,” he said. Rapinoe won the Golden Boot and “I expect a response and we also “Ilkay is an exceptionally good Golden Ball at the US team’s successful have to show that we have made strategist, he always was but he was 2019 World Cup, en route to claiming progress, demonstrating the kind of injured in the past ahead of major tour- the Ballon d’Or and Sports Illustrated running and fighting spirit that makes naments. He has not had any injuries Sportsperson of the Year honours, in a us a passionate team,” the 61-year old for two or three years now and has defining year in which she harnessed told a news conference on Wednesday. played regularly, showing a lot more Spain’s Jose Luis Gaya with team-mates during a training session yesterday her celebrity to tackle political issues. “We have to start with a string of goal threat.” ahead of their World Cup Qualifier against Greece. 10 SPORT THURSDAY 25 MARCH 2021 : QWFF and Aspire Academy sign agreement Stage set for FIE Grand Prix Doha 2021

THE PENINSULA — DOHA of the best globally, and we are happy to partner with the fed- Doha is once again set to be the eration in training and devel- centre of focus for global sports oping the athletes and staff. We as the world top fencers want to thank Mr Mohammed descend on the sport-loving Yousef Al-Mana, the federation city for the FIE Grand Prix Doha president, for his immeasurable 2021, a Olympics qual- support. We look forward to a ifying event, from March 26 to great and very successful 28. tournament.” The expanded FOIL-only Afifa noted that Qatar’s competition, the first of its kind impressive performance in suc- to be hosted in Qatar, is set to cessfully hosting several high- attract about 500 delegations profile tournaments amid the from 51 countries. pandemic had endeared it to Included are 296 male and everyone, and everybody is female players, who would be looking forward to coming to competing for points that help Qatar. towards qualification for the “Since many athletes have Tokyo Olympics at the ultra- not been able to compete for a modern Aspire Dome in Doha. long time due to the pandemic, The competition is one of all of them are looking forward the surest ways for fencers to to coming to Qatar to compete secure their tickets for Tokyo and boost their chances of qual- as the top-16 athletes auto- ifying for Tokyo,” he said. matically get a berth at the Officials of theQatar Top stars expected in Doha end of the three-day event. Weightlifting & Fencing include the world’s top-three Qualification for the Federation (QWFF) and in the women category - Inna remaining athletes will then the Aspire Academy pose Deriglazova of Russia, Italy’s have to depend on the results for a group photo after Alice Volpi and her compatriot the agreement signing from the subsequent regional . For the men, ceremony, yesterday. competitions. Italy’s Alessio Foconi, Enzo RIGHT: A file photo of a Participants will earn Lefort from France and USA’s fencing event at Aspire double points for their per- Gerek Meinhardt will be head- Academy. formance, which adds to their lining the star casts, including rankings, while a maximum of the world’s top-14. 64-points is on the cards for the like to appreciate the Aspire Meanwhile, Khalid Suwied, winners. Academy for their continuous the competition’s head of the In line with the measures support to the federation and venues committee, has reit- put in place to ensure all par- the annual Qatar Grand Prix in erated his committee’s read- ticipants’ health and safety, the particular. Aspire is our main iness for the competition. mega-event will be held with and strategic partner for this “I can confirm that we are strict adherence to the Qatari tournament. We are working ready for the tournament. The health authorities’ protocols and together to build a formidable venues and equipment are the guideline from FIE. The team that will proudly rep- ready, and all is set to host the competition is closed to the resent Qatar at the Asian Games world. In total, 16 competition fans. in 2030, and this competition halls are ready at the main Ahead of the competition, will further help in this regard. venue aside from 10 training an agreement signing ceremony We are partners in progress SCHEDULE number of delegations from the Academy, namely - Ali Turki, halls in addition to a special hall was held yesterday between the towards the development of Day 1: March 26 (Friday) – Full Day Men participating countries. The Abdullah Ismail, Khaled Aref, for the final and the coronation Qatar Weightlifting & Fencing fencing in Qatar, and we look Poules, T128 to T64 USA, and Russia are Hussein Al-Mutawa, and Faisal ceremonies,” he said. Federation (QWFF) and the forward to a continued fruitful Day 2: March 27 (Saturday) – Full Day Women leading the contingents with 35 Al-Suwaidi (men). Amira Bou- He added that the rooms for Aspire Academy. relationship.” Poules, T128 to T64 representatives each. At the jbara, Lina Al Buainain, Ghraiba the referees, volunteers and the In attendance at the event The QWFF secretary- same time, from the Arab world, Dhahi, and Rana Ibrahim are rep- media committee are also well Day 3: March 28 (Sunday) – T64 to were QWFF General Secretary general noted that the compe- we have a ten-member dele- resenting the women. equipped. Quarter-final Khalid Issa Al-Hamadi, the titions would be broadcasted on gation from , three from Afifa said, “The cooperation “We have the VIP section

Deputy Director General at Al Kass Channel, Olympic 6 PM onwards- Men & Women Semi-finals & Tunisia and one each from between QWFF and Aspire and a fully equipped studio for Aspire Academy Ali Salem Afifa, Channel and Eurosport on all Finals Morocco and ,” Al Academy has been on for a very live commentary, which have Khaled Sweid, and other offi- three days, with the grand finale Hamadi added. long time, and we count it a all been made ready in line with cials from the federations and aired live on Al Kass Channel generating huge interests from Qatar is being represented by privilege to be associated with the health and safety guidelines the Aspire Academy. from 8 am to 6 pm on the day. around the world, and we are eight athletes (four male and four the development of fencing in stipulated by the authorities,” Al Hamadi said, “We would “The competition is having a large females), mainly from the Aspire Qatar. Aspire Academy is one Suwied said. ‘Security Guidance in Sports Events’ Olympic snowboarder Julie Pomagalski dies in avalanche at 40 AP —

Julie Pomagalski, a former Olympic snowboarder from France, has died in an avalanche in the Swiss Alps. She was 40. Pomagalski competed in the parallel giant slalom at the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics and the 2006 Turin Games. She won gold in the snowboard cross at the world championships in 1999. The French ski federation said yesterday that Pomagalski died on Tuesday but did not specify the location. French and Swiss media widely reported that the avalanche took place on Gemsstock mountain in the Swiss canton of Uri. The federation said a guide, Bruno Cutelli, also died in the avalanche. The French Olympic team offered its condolences on Twitter. Participants attend an awareness lecture entitled 'Security Guidance in Sports Events', organised by the Qatar Women’s Sports Committee, in “The tragic death of Julie, an Olympian and world cooperation with the # You_Mom initiative, yesterday. A limited number of members were invited for the lecture, following the COVID-19 protocols. champion snowboarder, leaves the French Olympic team in mourning for one of its own,” the team said.

WINNERS Horse, Trainer, Jockey Sanna guides Lekhraib to Fuweiret Cup win FUWEIRET CUP Lekhraib, Mohammed Ghazali, Alberto Sanna THOROUGHBRED CONDITIONS (Class 2) Bint Saffian, Bader Al Balushi, Ronan Thomas THOROUGHBRED HANDICAP (Class 3) Khafooq, Gassim Ghazali, JP Guillambert THOROUGHBRED HANDICAP (Class 4) Immoral, Mohammed Ghazali, Ronan Thomas LOCAL THOROUGHBRED HANDICAP Numuthej, Owaida Salem Al Hajri, Ali Khalid Al-Mosallam PUREBRED ARABIAN HANDICAP Stilvio, Mohammed Ghazali, Meteb Ali Al-Marri THOROUGHBRED NOVICE PLATE (Class 5) Mount Fuji, Deborah Amanda Clare Mountain, Faleh Bughanaim PUREBRED ARABIAN MAIDEN PLATE QREC Acting CEO Bader Bin Mohammed Al Dariwsh handing the Fuweiret Cup to winning team's representative. RIGHT: Alberto Sanna riding Mohammed Ghazali- Suka’ar, Khaled Mohamad Alahmad, trained 7YO horse Lekhraib (left) during Fuweiret Cup race at QREC Al Rayyan Park, yesterday. Lekhraib secured a nose win over Fakhir, which was guided by JP Soufiane Saadi Guillambert to win the feature event at the 41st Race Meeting. THURSDAY 25 MARCH 2021 SPORT 09

New Zealand ‘Once in a lifetime’: Olympic torch Olympians to get early bearers look forward to relay start access to REUTERS — IWAKI, JAPAN vaccine The four-month relay involves Masao Hashimoto has dreamed of holding an Olympic torch 10,000 runners and takes the REUTERS — WELLINGTON since 1964, the first time Tokyo torch across Japan’s 47 hosted the Olympics, when he prefectures. It kicks off from Athletes representing New ran behind the torch bearers. Fukushima prefecture, where the Zealand at the Tokyo Olympics Rena Arakawa wants to say tsunami 10 years ago crippled a later this year will be able to thanks for help after the 2011 apply to be vaccinated against nuclear disaster forced her from nuclear plant and forced COVID-19 before they depart, her home. thousands to flee, including both the government said Today, their dreams will Hashimoto, 71, and Arakawa, 17. yesterday. come true. Many have yet to return. Chris Hipkins, the minister They will be runners on the responsible for New Zealand’s first day of the Olympic Torch response to the global health relay, postponed for a year crisis, said people would be along with the Summer Games eligible to jump the queue for - a delay unprecedented in High school student Rena Arakawa, who the vaccine on compassionate Olympic history forced on is going to run as a torch bearer on the grounds or to compete in organisers by the global first day of the torch relay at the Tokyo events of “national pandemic. 2020 Olympic Games runs past flags significance”. The four-month relay promoting the torch relay in Hirono, The latter category would involves 10,000 runners and Fukushima prefecture, yesterday. include Olympians, Paralym- takes the torch across Japan’s pians and the national cricket 47 prefectures. It kicks off from team, who will be travelling to Fukushima prefecture, where Masao Britain to play India in the final the tsunami 10 years ago “Truth be told, I wanted to five years to the distant islands Hashimoto, of the ICC World Test Cham- crippled a nuclear plant and hold that torch. But only six of Okinawa and the capital, who is going pionship in June. forced thousands to flee, people from our school were Tokyo. to run as a “The key yardstick here is including both Hashimoto, 71, even chosen to run, so I was “I have been hoping to do torch bearer people travelling in an official and Arakawa, 17. Many have yet delighted and it gave me a good this as it’s a once-in-a-lifetime on the first capacity and ensuring their to return. memory to cherish,” he said. opportunity,” Arakawa said at day of the participation is in our national “’I did it!’ That’s what I felt,” A marathon runner who her high school. torch relay interest,” Hipkins told Hashimoto said, describing his began at 61, Hashimoto looks “Also, I want to convey my at the Tokyo reporters in Wellington. feelings when chosen more than younger than his age. appreciation to people who 2020 Olympic “They will have to make an a year ago to bear the torch in He has run about 200 km a supported me in Okinawa and Games, poses application and it will depend the city of Iwaki. month in preparation for the Tokyo when I was evacuating for a photo. on what sort of events they are “’Am I really worthy of relay, even though - like other and moving around after the participating in, to whether doing it?’ That’s what I felt as runners - his stint is only 200 earthquake.” they fit the national interest well.” metres long. As with many in Fukushima, criteria. In 1964, when Japan became Arakawa is also a runner, the nuclear accident remains on Shimbun daily showed that one “But still, I wanted to do “But certainly, your expec- the first Asian nation to host the competing in the 3,000-metre her mind. She hopes to become third of those polled believed this,” she added, admitting that tation is that the Olympians Olympics, Hashimoto was a race for her high school in a teacher outside of the pre- the Olympics should be can- she was tense on the eve of the would be eligible under the baseball playing junior high Hirono, one of the towns worst fecture, so she can convey to celled, and Arakawa said she big day. Hashimoto said he national interest criteria and school student and one of a affected by the nuclear accident. children what happened after had worried about the torch would take special care. a national sports team partic- select few chosen to run with It forced Arakawa, who was the disaster. But ultimately, she relay - particularly in “I’ll go easy on my drinking ipating in a significant event the torch bearers, holding the 7 when the disaster struck, to will come home. December, when COVID-19 tonight,” he said, with a broad would also meet those Olympic flag. evacuate with her family for A recent survey by the Asahi cases in Japan surged. grin. criteria.”

SCOREBOARD 6-52-2, Chameera 22-1-71-2 (1w,2nb), Embuldeniya Depth of talent on WTA Tour no SRI LANKA 1st Innings - 169 WEST INDIES 1st Innings 28-6-64-1 (4nb), D de Silva 11-2-30-0 K. Brathwaite c de Silva b Lakmal ...... 3 J. Campbell c wkpr Dickwella b Chameera ...... 42 SRI LANKA 2nd innings N. Bonner lbw Embuldeniya ...... 31 L. Thirimanne b Roach ...... 76 surprise for top-ranked players K. Mayers c de Silva b Lakmal ...... 45 D. Karunaratne c J Campbell b Roach ...... 3 J. Blackwood b Lakmal ...... 2 O. Fernando c Da Silva b Mayers ...... 91 J. Holder b Lakmal ...... 19 D. Chandimal c Da Silva b Mayers ...... 4 REUTERS — LONDON surprised there had been so strong, so everyone has a healthy competition knowing J. da Silva c wkpr Dickwella b Chameera ...... 46 D. de Silva Not Out ...... 46 many different winners in 2021. chance to win.” every single match you have A. Joseph c Chandimal b Lakmal ...... 0 P. Nissanka Not Out ...... 21 The WTA circuit has seen only “I feel like the level of Two-time major winner to be near your best level to R. Cornwall b V Fernando ...... 61 Extras (10b, 4nb) ...... 14 one repeat winner in 13 tour- women’s tennis has really Simona Halep said the compete,” Barty added. K. Roach Not Out ...... 5 Total (4 wickets, 86.0 overs) ...... 255 naments this year and for risen,” she told reporters at the COVID-19 pandemic had made “That brings out the best in S. Gabriel lbw V. Fernando ...... 0 Fall of Wickets: 1-8 Karunaratne, 2-170 Fernando, Extras (1b, 6lb, 9nb, 1w ...... 17 3-178 Chandimal, 4-189 Thirimanne Japan’s Naomi Osaka, who is Miami Open. it difficult for the top athletes to everyone. It’s pushing everyone Total (All out in 103.0 overs) ...... 271 To Bat : Dickwella, Lakmal, Fernando, Embuldeniya, fast emerging as the next “Everyone is really strong. perform at their best, contrib- to continue to drive to be Fall of Wickets : 1-13 Brathwaite, 2-69 Bonner, Chameera dominant force in women’s Everyone has the capability of uting to a more level playing better.” 3-95 Campbell, 4-120 Blackwood, 5-133 Mayers, Bowling: K. Roach 13-3-28-2 (2nb), S. Gabriel 11-2- tennis, the results underline winning matches. field, while world No.1 Ash Victoria Azarenka, a two- 6-169 Holder, 7-171 Joseph, 8-261 Da Silva, 9-271 30-0, J. Holder 14-4-22-0 (1nb), A Joseph 12-2-46-0, the depth of talent on the “Outside people might say Barty said the depth of talent time Australian Open winner, Cornwall, 10-271 Gabriel R Cornwall 25-3-85-0, K. Brathwaite 7-1-24-0, K Tour. it’s really random and whatever. was testament to how hard said there were no easy Lakmal 25-9-47-5 (3nb), V Fernando 17- Mayers 4-0-10-2 (1nb) Bowling: Russian Daria Kasatkina, But I think jjust everyoneveryoney is so playersp were working. matches any more, nnot even in who bagged the Phillip IIslandsland “It“It makesmakes forfor a tthehe early ststagesa of Trophy in Melbournee lalastst reallyreally ttournaments.ournaments. month, became the firstt twtwo-o- “It’s very visivisibleble because Fernando leads SL's time winner on the Tourr ththisis rirightght ffromrom tthehe ffirstirst mmatches on, year on Sunday after the yoyouu have to be 100% rready,” the 23-year-old’s triumph in the BeBelarusianlarusian ssaid.aid. fightback against St. Petersburg Ladies Trophyphy “There“There are a llotot ooff girls who final. are able to produce ssuch a high While Roger Federer,, lelevelvel of tetennis.nnis. I tthinkhi some- WI in opening Test Rafa Nadal and Novakk times for some youngyoun players Djokovic have dominatedd itit’s’s a bbitit mmoreore didifficultfficu to have the men’s game, women’sn’s tthehe consistency. AP — NORTH POINT, ANTIGUA of play. tennis has been searchingg for “But“But on ananyy given day Sri Lanka is working a successor to Serena Williamsilliams youyou knoknoww it can be Sri Lanka led the West Indies toward a strong position since the 23-times mmajorajor dangerous,danger and by 153 runs with six second because the West Indies, who winner became a motherher in the level is innings wickets in hand by won the toss and bowled, face 2017. goinggoin to be stumps on Tuesday on the third the task of batting last on a World number two Osaka,saka, high.”hig day of the first cricket Test. wearing pitch at the Sir Vivian who has won four of the lalastst Simona On a day of changing for- Richards Stadium. six Grand Slams held oonn Naomi Osaka Halep tunes, Sri Lanka first wrapped “I think the wicket is a good hardcourts, was notot up the West Indies first innings one. It’s flattened out nicely,” for 271 - a lead of 102 over its Mayers said. own first innings of 169. Sri “Obviously they had the Lanka then reached stumps at upper hand today but the game Daniil World No.2 Medvedev eyes improvement 255-4. is still evenly poised." Medvedev Lahiru Thirimanne and Sri Lanka began the day by REUTERS — LONDON “It’s been already one with defeat to Djokovic in Oshada Fernando kept up Sri swiftly wrapping up the West week precisely. I’m the final at Melbourne Lanka’s concerted fight back, Indies first innings, dismissing New world number two enjoying the moment,” Park. batting the tourists into a strong top-scorer Rahkeem Cornwall Daniil Medvedev said he Medvedev told reporters. Medvedev then suf- position at 170-1. Thirimanne for 61. is feeling no extra “I could maybe feel fered a shock loss at Rot- made 76 to follow his 70 in Sri The West Indies had early pressure after rising to his pressure, (but) no, I feel terdam before returning Lanka’s first innings and success with the new ball, career-best ranking last like it just gives me some to winnings ways in Mar- Fernando made 91 in a part- removing Sri Lanka captain week but the Russian energy boost. I just want seille where he picked up nership of 162 for the second Dimuth Karunaratne (3) when wants to prove to himself to try to play better and his 10th Tour title -- all on wicket from 301 balls. Sri Lanka was 8 in the fifth that he deserves the lofty better, to prove even just hardcourts. Kyle Mayers then struck over. slot by playing well in for myself that I deserve “I don’t really think back for the West Indies, dis- Thirimanne and Fernando Miami. this. Hopefully I can show about points too much missing Fernando for his first then stuck together for almost The 25-year-old some great tennis here in because I always said that wicket in Tests, then adding the 51 overs to erase the first replaced Rafa Nadal as Miami.” I feel ranking reflects on wicket of the out-of-form innings deficit and to bat Sri No. 2 last week, becoming Last month your results that you had,” Dinesh Chandimal (4), both Lanka into a strong position. the first player outside the Medvedev reached the Medvedev said. caught by wicketkeeper Joshua Fernando reached his second Spaniard, Roger Federer, Australian Open final, “So the more big titles Da Silva. Test half century from 84 balls Novak Djokovic and Andy his second title match at you win, the further you When Kemar Roach bowled and Thirimanne his seventh Murray to be ranked in a major after the 2019 go in Grand Slam, the Thirimanne, Sri Lanka was from 123 balls. the top two since Lleyton US Open, on the back of better your ranking will 189-4, 87 ahead, after having Mayers began his first class Hewitt in July 2005. a 20-match winning run be. lost three quick wickets for 19 career as a bowling allrounder Medvedev is leading that saw him pick up “I don’t feel the runs. but has bowled less often the men’s draw at the trophies at the Paris pressure except for the Dhananjaya de Silva and recently after an ankle injury. ongoing Masters 1000 Masters, ATP Finals and pressure that I like to win Pathum Nissanka then rallied He had bowled only 16 overs event in Miami after world team-based ATP Cup. matches and I want to win Sri Lanka again, putting on 66 in two Tests before Tuesday number one Djokovic His run included 12 every tournament I play. in an unbroken fifth wicket when his four overs returned pulled out to spend more straight wins over top-10 “This pressure always partnership by stumps. De Silva 2-10. time with his family. opponents and ended stays with me.” was 46 and Nissanka 21 at close Kemar Roach has 2-28. Sport THURSDAY 25 MARCH 2021 08

Statistics for the Bahrain Verstappen seeks early win Formula One Grand Prix REUTERS – SAKHIR Statistics for Sunday’s season-opening Bahrain Formula One Grand Prix at the as Hamilton starts record bid Sakhir circuit: Lap distance: 5.412km. Total distance: REUTERS – SAKHIR runs, but as always with appearance for Red Bull- 308.238km (57 laps) testing, it’s difficult to be owned AlphaTauri. 2020 winner: Lewis Hamilton (Britain) Lewis Hamilton kicks off his certain of true performance. Four-times world Mercedes bid for a record eighth “The only thing we know champion Sebastian Vettel 2020 pole: Hamilton, one minute 27.264 Formula One championship for sure is that we must prove will be racing for Aston seconds. in Bahrain on Sunday but Red our ability to react.” Bahrain Martin, making a return as a 2020 fastest race lap: Max Verstappen Bull rival Max Verstappen can will give some early indica- constructor for the first time (Netherlands) Red Bull 1:32.014 strike an early blow at the tions of any change in the since 1960 as the rebranded Lap record: One minute 31.447 seconds, floodlit Sakhir circuit. pecking order, with Mercedes Racing Point, after leaving Pedro de la Rosa (Spain), McLaren 2005. The 23-year-old Dutch winning five of the last seven Ferrari. Start time: 1600 GMT (1800 local) driver was the last winner of races there on the regular Australian Daniel Ric- BAHRAIN 2020 in Abu Dhabi, ending six grand prix circuit and Ham- ciardo has switched from Bahrain, which made its debut on the cal- years of Mercedes success at ilton the last two. Renault to McLaren in place endar in 2004, hosts the season-opening race Yas Marina, and has a good Verstappen’s new of Spaniard Carlos Sainz who for the first time since 2010 after also doing chance of kicking off the new Mexican team Sergio Perez has joined Ferrari as Charles so in 2006. season where he left off. won the most recent race at Leclerc’s team mate. Hamilton has won the last two Bahrain “Now I have to deliver Sakhir, however, on the outer “This season looks like it’s Grands Prix. The Briton and Sebastian Vettel, and the team have to deliver layout used for the first time going to be a competitive one, now with Aston Martin, are both four times so we can try and mount a in December -- meaning Red but I’m looking to hit the winners in Bahrain. title fight,” said Verstappen. Bull’s latest lineup have won Red Bull’s Dutch driver Max Verstappen celebrates with ground running, leave Ferrari have won the Bahrain GP six “I like the Bahrain track and the last two races. his team after winning the Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand nothing on the table,” said times, more than any other team. it will be exciting to see our The last time Mercedes Prix in this December 13, 2020 file photo. Ricciardo. The Sakhir Grand Prix in December used performance. It’s time to see lost three races in a row was Renault have morphed the outer circuit for the first time and was who has got what.” in 2019, when Ferrari were others are Williams and Alfa the first time since Ferrari into Alpine, with double won by Mexican Sergio Perez for Racing Verstappen was quickest their closest rivals. Romeo -- and Sunday will see great Michael’s farewell in world champion Fernando Point (now Aston Martin). on two of three daysyg of testing Hamilton’s Finnish team a stringg of firsts. 2012 as his 22-year-oldy son Alonso returningg after a two- atat Bahrain’sBahrain’s SakhirSakhir circuit matemate ValtteriValtteri Bottas hhasas won TheThe ScSchumacherhumacher name, MickMick ddebutsebuts fforor Haas. yearyear absenceabsence ffromrom tthehe RACE WINS whilewhile MercedesMercedes lookedlooked thethe lastlast two season-openers, andand the screenscreen abbreviationabbreviation RussianRussian rrookieookie NikitaNikita starting gridgrid to mamakeke hhisis 312t312thh Hamilton has a record 95 career victories, strangelystrangely off-form.off-form. in Australia and Austria,Austria, anandd MSC,MSC, will be bac backk f foror MMazepinazepin also lines up for start.start. of which 74 have been with Mercedes, from WhileWhile RedRed BullBull are will be eagereager for a hat-trick. Haas wwhilehile Japan’s YukiYuki BahrainBahrain wiwillll bbee tthehe ffirstirst 266 starts. adamantadamant thatthat MerceMercedesdes ThisThis year’s AustraliaAustralia racerace TsunodaTsunoda mamakeskes hishis firstfirst race ssteptep ooff a maratmarathon,hon, recorrecordd Ferrari have won 238 races since 1950, remain the favourites,favourites, Mer-Mer- has been postponedpostponed to 23-race season -- ppandemicandemic McLaren 182, Mercedes 115, Williams 114 and cedescedes saysay theirtheir rivalsrivals are now NovemberNovember becausebecause ppermittingermitting -- after 17 Red Bull 64. Former champions McLaren and aheadahead on pperformance.erformance. of the COCOVID-19VID-19 roundsrounds lastlast year Williams have not won since 2012. “The W12 wasn’t as stable,stable, pandemic.pandemic. confinedconfined to Mercedes have been beaten in their last predictablepredictable or pplantedlanted as MercedesMercedes are EuropeEurope and the two races. They have not lost three in a row somesome ofof our rivals,”rivals,” saisaidd MerMer-- one ofof onlyonly threethree MiddleMiddle EEast.ast. since 2019. cedes teamteam boss TotoToto WWolff.olff. teams withwith an “Red Bull looked stronstrongg on unchangedu nch anged POLE POSITION bothboth thethe llongong anandd tthehe sshorthort line-upline-up -- tthehe Hamilton has a record 98 career poles. OPENER Hamilton’s team mate Valtteri Bottas has won the season-opening race for the past two years. DEBUTS Mercedes' British driver Lewis Hamilton Mick Schumacher, son of Michael and celebrates after winning a race in this nephew of Ralf, will be the third member of file photo. his family to race in Formula One when he debuts on Sunday with Haas. Russian Nikita Mazepin and Japan’s Yuki Tsunoda are also newcomers. Haas are the only team with an all-rookie line-up. MILESTONE Ferrari have their youngest lineup since 1968, with Charles Leclerc (23) and Carlos Sainz (26) Aston Martin returns as a constructor for the first time since 1960. Alpine, the renamed Renault team, debuts as a marque. Spieth rounding into form for fickle week of Match Play

AP – AUSTIN golf course.’ He was in golf course Jordan Spieth started out his quarantine. As much golf as Jordan Spieth “It probably felt to him like a likes to play, it took as much disci- 2021 campaign at Torrey Pines year.” pline as he could muster to not where he missed the cut and Missing the cut led to a play at all. fell to No. 92 in the world, his weekend of very constructive When he left the Masters on lowest position since he work, and Spieth quickly turned Nov. 15, the only two rounds of headed to the John Deere the corner. He had a share of the golf he played were of the recre- 54-hole lead in Phoenix and a ational variety. One was a trip Classic at age 19 and won for two-shot lead going into the last with friends to Whispering Pines the first time on the PGA Tour. day at Pebble Beach. He has in southeast Texas, which was played consistently better every more about having a few beers step of the way and made the Brooklyn Nets guard and swinging the club. The other Match Play field with room to James Harden drives was his annual December trip to Augusta National spare. with sponsors from AT&T. He is the No. 49 seed this week, meaning he to the basket. “I didn’t play a serious round from Sunday of came out of the “D” group of golfers. That means Augusta until the Wednesday before I left for San he faces one of the top 16 seeds - Matt Fitzpatrick, Diego,” Spieth said, a span of 65 days before he in his case - when this unique World Golf Cham- Harden guides Nets past Blazers started out his 2021 campaign at Torrey Pines. pionship begins Wednesday. He missed the cut and fell to No. 92 in the Spieth wasn’t in the last WGC a month ago at AGENCIES – NEW YORK NBA RESULTS games and nine straight against world, his lowest position sinceince he headed to the Concession - he had never been ineligible for Denver 110, Orlando 99 Orlando. P.J. Dozier had 14 John Deere Classic at age 199 and won for the first oneone sincesince hhee becamebecame a ffullull PPGAGA TourTour mmemberember - James HardeHardenn scored 25 points New York 131, Washington 113 points off the bench to help time on the PGA Tour. andand tthathat alsoalso motivatemotivatedd hhim.im. and matched his career high of New Orleans 128, L.A. Lakers 111 Denver extend its road winning In that respect, Spieth is happyhappy to be at his “That hit me prettypretty hard,” he sasaid.id. 17 assists to leadle the Brooklyn Phoenix 110, Miami 100 streak to six games by taking the second home - he spent threehree semesters at the “Missing a World Golf Cham-Cham- pionshippionship NetsNets to a 116-112116- victory over Brooklyn 116, Portland 112 opener of the three-game trek. University of Texas - for thehe DeDellll TechnologiesTechnologies viavia not qualifying for it waswas thethe firstfirst thethe hosthost PortlandPortl Trail Blazers Philadelphia 108, Golden State 98 Evan Fournier sank five Match Play. All any of the 64 playersplayers at Austin oone,ne, and I didn’t like thatthat atat all. ... I’m on TuesdTuesdayay night.n 3-pointers to highlight his Country Club need is a tee ttime,ime, and then there’s gladglad to be here withwith a cchance.”hance.” Jeff GreeGreenn scored 20 points scoring at least 30 points this season-high-tying, 31-point no telling how the most ficklekle week in golf willwill TheThe fformatormat isis 1166 ffour-manour-man andand JoeJoe HarrisHarri added 17 as the season, and his big per- performance for the Magic, who pan out. groupsg roups playingplaying each NetsNets wonwon forfor the 16th time in formance helped the Knicks have dropped 11 of their last 12 The plan endorsed byy swinswingg coach otherother overover three days,days, thethe past 18 games. Nicolas bounce back from an overtime games. Cameron McCormick was to staystay awayaway withwith thethe ClaxtonClaxton recorecordedr 16 points and loss to the Philadelphia 76ers New Orleans Pelicans 128 - from the golf Spieth loves to plaplayy and stick winnerwinner ofof ninenine rreboundseboun and fellow on Sunday. Randle made 13 of Los Angeles Lakers 111 to work on the range as he tried to redisredis-- each groupgroup reservereserve TiTimothem Luwawu- 24 shots and tied a career with Brandon Ingram scored 36 cover the blueprint that madeade him so suc-suc- advancing to Cabarrot addedadd 11 points as seven 3-pointers. points and Zion Williamson cessful in the first place. EvenEven recreational thethe knockoutknockout Brooklyn prevailedpr in the Bradley Beal scored 22 added 27 as host New Orleans golf is reactionary, and therere was no popointint in stagestage on the openeropener of a three-gamet road points for the Wizards, who got routed depleted Los Angeles, falling into bad habits untill they were broken. weekend.weekend. trip.trip. 14 points and 12 assists from which played again without McCormick believes 80% ooff PPGAGA TTourour TheThe NNetsets were without Russell Westbrook. injured All-Stars LeBron James members love to play andd 20% - Vijay Singh KKyrieyrie Irving, who is skipping Denver Nuggets 110 - Orlando and Anthony Davis. comes to mind - prefer to spendspend long hours oonn the trip due toto a family matter. Magic 99 Nickeil Alexander-Walker the range. Spieth was part ofof the majority. KevinKevin DDuranturant remains sidelined Nikola Jokic collected his scored 18 points, Kira Lewis Jr. “But when you’re tryingg to revisit withwith a hamstringhamstr injury. second triple-double in as had 16, Jaxson Hayes had 15 and and re-engineer a formerer self, NewNew YoYorkrk Knicks 131 - many games with 28 points, 15 Steven Adams scored 12 as the there’s some constructivee workwork WashingtonWashingto Wizards 113 rebounds and 10 assists as vis- Pelicans ended a seven-game that needs to go on,” McCormickrmick JuliusJulius RRandlea scored 37 iting Denver beat Orlando. losing streak against the Lakers. said. “That constructive wworkork pointspoints as hoshostt New York rolled Jamal Murray had 21 points, New Orleans won its second required him to turn himselfelf into pastpast strugglstrugglingi Washington, Will Barton added 17 and straight game despite the a ‘practicer’ for a period ofof timetime handinghanding thethe Wizards their Michael Porter Jr. chipped in absence of Lonzo Ball (hip and exercise some self-disciplinescipline seventh lossloss in eight games. with 18 for the Nuggets, who flexor strain) for both that, ‘I need to stay away fromfrom thethe Jordan Spieth It wwasas RRandle’s fifth time have won nine of their past 11 contests.