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Wednesday, March 4, 2020 CRICKET Rajab 9, 1441 AH Tamim shines as GULF TIMES Bangladesh edge past Zimbabwe SPORT Page 3

European Tour tournament director Mikael Ericsson (second from left), Commercial Bank’s EGM, Chief Marketing Off icer Hussein al-Abdulla (fifth from left) and off icials of the Qatar Golf Association pose after the off icial Commercial Bank Qatar Masters press conference at the Education City Golf Club yesterday. At bottom, a view of the Education City Golf Club course with the Education City World Cup 2022 stadium in the background. PICTURE: Jayaram

GOLF Strong fi eld sets the stage for thrilling action at ECGC ‘It’s a great course, but it will be a tough task for the players this week as it will be pretty windy on the first day and we will make it more challenging with tough pin placements and faster greens’ Valimaki eager to match

By Yash Mudgal his Oman performance Doha By Yash Mudgal Doha he 2020 Commercial Bank Qatar Masters has ami Valimaki is hop- an “exciting” fi eld in its ing to replicate his 23nd edition, with sev- Oman Open heroics in eralT past champions and many SQatar. upcoming stars lining up at the The 21-year-old Finn secured newest golf course on the Euro- his first European Tour title pean Tour, the Education City with his Oman Open triumph Golf Club (ECGC). on Sunday, coming out on top clubhouse target at 12-under. The 144-player fi eld at the in a three-hole play-off against Stone holed a 20-footer on the popular European Tour tour- South Africa’s Brandon Stone. last to get to 13 under but there nament is headed by two-time After his maiden title in Muscat, was more drama to come as major winner Martin Kaymer, Valimaki was busy with his pre- Valimaki holed from similar former Open champion and two- tournament routine at Doha’s range for his own closing gain time champion in Doha Paul brand new Education City Golf and a round of 70 to take the Lawrie, defending champion course yesterday. contest to extra holes. The duo Justin Harding from South Africa “It’s a very strong field here, halved the 18th in pars twice along with former champions Je- but I hope to match my Oman but when Stone sent his second unghun Wang from South Korea, performance in Doha,” said shot crashing into the stand on Spain’s Alvaro Quiros and South Valimaki, who was in the top the third trip and failed to get Korean Darren Fichardt. ten of the World Amateur Golf up and down, a par was enough “It’s a very exciting fi eld this for Qatar — which off ers a revo- Chief Marketing Offi cer, Hus- and universities in Doha to raise title sponsor is a solid indication Rankings in 2018 and turned to hand Valimaki victory. week. It’s a strong fi eld having a lutionary and holistic approach sein al-Abdulla said they have awareness on this sport amongst of the success of this event over professional following the com- Valimaki had a stunning 2019 lot of past winners with upcom- to growing the game. been supporting the tournament students. the years, and it is something we pletion of his military service in on the Pro Golf Tour, winning ing stars,” European Tour tour- Designed by two-time Mas- keeping Qatar National Vision “The main goal of this cam- are proud of,” said al-Abdulla. Finland. four times including three con- nament director Mikael Ericsson ters Champion Jose Maria Olaza- 2030 in mind. paign was to raise awareness Speaking on the occasion, Qa- Talking about winning his first secutive starts at the end of the said at a pre-event press confer- bal, the venue at Education City “We have been reaching out about this fascinating game and tar Golf Association president title, he said he had to brave season. The Oman Open win is ence yesterday. comprises of 33 holes split into to school students through our to educate the public in Qatar, in Hassan Nasser al-Naimi said it tough conditions and a strong Valimaki’s biggest in his young The $1.75mn event is being three courses; 18 holes, nine campaign. We have been sup- particular community members is a proud moment for Qatar that field. career; he was making just his held from March 5-8 for the fa- holes and six holes. The exciting porting Qatar National Vision aged between three and 25, in the event is being held at a new “It’s always hard to play and win sixth European Tour start. The mous Mother of Pearl Trophy at new venue expects to not only 2030, which basically aims to order to make them more famil- venue. on the European Tour. It was win jumps him to No 155 in the the new venue where the condi- challenge the European Tour spread sport and education. We iar with the game, its techniques “Qatar Golf Association and also a bit windy on the first day world. tions will be challenging. stars but to entertain local and have done a lot of education and values. We are pleased to an- Doha Golf Club are proud to host and Sunday afternoon,” he said. Talking about challenges in |“It’s a great course, but it international spectators with its awareness among the schools, nounce that we have succeeded the 2020 Commercial Bank Qatar The Finn was outside the top Doha, he said: “It’s windy here will be a tough task for the play- unique views of the Doha sky- malls, social media,” said al-Ab- in educating around 9,000 stu- Masters at Education City Golf 100 after day one at Al Mouj as well, but it’s expected to ers this week as it will be pretty line and the 2022 Education City dulla. dents from several schools and Course. I would like to thank out Golf, but a stunning 64 in round get better on Saturday and windy on the fi rst day and we will World Cup Stadium. “Every year, Commercial universities in the country,” he title sponsors Commercial Bank three put him alongside Stone Sunday.” make it more challenging with The highly-anticipated event Bank tirelessly works to deliver said. for their continued sponsorship. in a six-way tie for the lead with “I have not seen any holes yet. tough pin placements and fi rmer, is organised by Qatar Golf As- the best golf experience for par- “This year marks the forty- Hope we will continue it here for 18 holes to play. In diff icult, I was around here and it looks faster greens,” Ericsson said. sociation (QGA), the Qatar ticipants and players, as well fi fth anniversary of the Com- the coming few years,” he said. breezy conditions, both Stone awesome. I’m eager to going The event has moved across Olympic Committee (QOC), as spectators and enthusiasts, mercial Bank, in addition to be- Two of Qatar’s most promis- and Valimaki had held the lead out and play,” Valimaki, who got the Qatari capital from Doha Golf Education City Golf Club and which is why we have organised ing the fi fteenth year of the bank ing players – Saleh al-Kaabi and on their own during the final his European Tour card after Club for the fi rst time in its 23- long-term title sponsor, Com- and scheduled in cooperation organising the Qatar Masters Ali al-Shehrani – will also rub day but it was Frenchman Adr- finishing tied eighth at Qualify- year history to Education City mercial Bank. with the Education City Golf tournament. The bank’s organi- shoulders with the elite of the ien Saddier who set the ing School last year, said. Golf Club — a landmark project Commercial Bank’s EGM, Club visits to various schools sation of this tournament as the European Tour during the event. Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, March 4, 2020 GOLF

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT German ace Kaymer the Wind could prove big one to watch factor in Commercial in Qatar Bank Qatar Masters The Education City Golf Club sits in the noticeable shadow of Education City Stadium, one of the host venues of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar

artin Kaymer continued an impres- sive run in the desert with a top ten at last week’s Oman Open, and returns Mto Qatar for the fi rst time since 2014. The two-time major winners and former World No 1 is still without a victory worldwide since his triumph at the 2014 US Open Champi- onship, but he has now fi nished inside the top 20 in all four events in 2020 and has high expecta- tions for this year. “I was just going with the fl ow the last two or three years and took my game for granted a little bit,” he said in Oman last week. “I worked a lot on the short game over the winter and I also wanted to drive the ball further without screwing up my natural shot and that takes some planning and communicating with the coach. “I know I’m doing the right thing but I’ve just got be patient and let it happen. The expectations are quite high because you’re doing everything right and hitting 63 in a practice round but you still need to do that in a tournament so it’s just a matter of time.” Kaymer recorded a hole-in-one on the 13th hole during the second round at Al Mouj Golf, and ranked third in Strokes Gained: Approach for the week. Kaymer had two excellent seasons – in 2010 and 2011 – during which he became the world’s top-ranked golfer, only the second German to achieve the feat after Bernhard Langer. He won his fi rst major, the PGA Champi- Golfers get a feel of the Education City Golf Club course ahead of the Commercial Bank onship, in 2010 and entering the 2011 season, Qatar Masters beginning tomorrow. PICTURES: Jayaram Kaymer turned down a chance to become a full PGA Tour member. He had gained exempt status with his win in the PGA Championship. He stated he 2020 Commercial Bank “It was cool to have fi nally crossed he would concentrate on the European Tour for Qatar Masters has moved the line and got a W,” Harding said as 2011, but would play several US events as well. across from Doha Golf Club he refl ected on last year’s victory. In January 2011, Kaymer claimed his third Abu for the fi rst time in its 23- “It is just a matter of trying to feed Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship title in four Tyear history to Education City Golf on the same sort of memories this years and displaced Tiger Woods as number two Club. week and see if we can defend it.” in the world rankings. Designed by two-time Masters Harding won’t have the defending After his runner-up fi nish at the 2011 WGC- Champion Jose Maria Olazábal, the champion’s advantage of returning Accenture Match Play Championship, Kaymer venue comprises 33 holes split into to the same course, but the 34-year- overtook Lee Westwood as the number one three courses; 18 holes, nine holes old is relishing the opportunity. golfer in the world. At the time he was the sec- and six holes. “It’s a nice little challenge,” he ond youngest to reach world number one behind The Championship Course, which said. “It means everyone is pretty Tiger Woods, soon surpassed by Rory McIlroy in plays 7,307 yards, opened in 2018 much in the same boat. It’s not like March 2012, who gained the top ranking at age 22. and is set up to be a terrifi c test for you’re playing against a bunch of In April, he relinquished his number one ranking the players with sizeable bunkers guys that have a world of good mem- after eight weeks to Westwood, who won the In- and green-side water hazards on ories and good things to bring out on donesian Masters.[26] more than half of the holes. their play.” After reaching the number one ranking, According to defending champion The Qatar Masters has a long- Kaymer decided to undergo a swing change to Justin Harding, wind will be a big standing list of accomplished win- be able to move the ball both ways. Frustrated factor this week. ners, including Major Champions with his disappointing results at the Masters, “It’s a good golf course, I’ve Ernie Els, Adam Scott, Paul Lawrie, Kaymer looked to better shape a draw, a shot he played nine holes and I think the Sergio Garcia, Retief Goosen, Henrik thought he needed to be able to contend at Au- wind’s going to blow,” said Harding. Stenson and 2018 Ryder Cup Cap- gusta.[27] Kaymer missed the cut at the Masters “It’s going to make it challenging for tain Thomas Bjorn. for the fourth time in 2011 and later admitted that scoring.” Both Lawrie and Scott have mul- changing his swing for Augusta was a “big mis- The facility at Education City in- tiple victories in Qatar, but none take.” cludes a state-of-the-art learning were more impressive than Scott’s In November 2011, Kaymer won his fi rst WGC and practice facility housed in the 2008 triumph, when he broke the title at the WGC-HSBC Champions event in Centre of Excellence and is at the course record at Doha GC with a fi - Shanghai. He entered the fi nal round trailing heart of Qatar’s vision to grow the ters holds the European Tour record on to set the record at 82 consecutive HARDING’S NEW TEST nal round 11 under par 61. Fredrik Jacobson by fi ve strokes, then shot a fi - game in the Middle Eastern country. for the fewest number of shots be- cuts, which still stands. Harding joined a prestigious list Only four players have gone lower nal round 9-under 63 to take the title by three The golf club also sits in the no- tween the halfway leaders and the Steve Webster then made Euro- of former champions when he lifted than 61 in the fi nal round of a Euro- strokes from Jacobson. After parring his opening ticeable shadow of Education City cut mark – just fi ve. The 36-hole pean Tour history in 2014 by becom- the famous Mother of Pearl Trophy pean Tour tournament – Ian Woo- six holes, Kaymer birdied nine of the remaining Stadium, one of the host venues of leaders were on 138 (-6), while the ing the fi rst player to begin a tourna- last season. snam (60 at the 1990 Torras Monte twelve, with four straight birdies at the start of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. cut fell at 143 (-1) ment with an albatross, holing out The South African birdied his fi nal Carlo Open), Jamie Spence (60 at the back nine. This was the biggest comeback The Qatar Masters has a history of Two years after that tournament, for a two on the par fi ve tenth hole at two holes to set the clubhouse target the 1992 Canon European Masters), win ever in the history of the WGC events, and record making that began in 2000, Ernie Els became the next man to Doha GC. at 13 under par during a dramatic fi - Rafa Cabrera Bello (60 at the 2009 the lowest fi nal round by a WGC winner, topping when Rolf Muntz became the fi rst play his way in to the record books in Last year, a total of nine players nal day at Doha GC, ultimately fi n- Austrian Golf Open) and Brandon a 64 set by Hunter Mahan in 2010. Kaymer be- Dutch Player to win a European Tour Qatar by tying Bernhard Langer’s to- shared the lead after two rounds of ishing two strokes clear of a group Stone (60 at the 2018 Aberdeen came the tenth player to have won both a major title. tal of most consecutive cuts in Euro- the event - a fi rst on the European of nine players that tied for second Standard Investments Scottish and a WGC event, and the win took him back to As an event, the 2004 Qatar Mas- pean Tour history at 69. Els would go Tour. place. Open). (European Tour) world number four.

TEE TIMES FOR TOMORROW AND FRIDAY: (SURNAMES FIRST)

FIRST TEE KEYSER, Mathiam ROZNER, Antoine KARLBERG, Rikard 07:35 FIRST TEE MIGLIOZZI, Guido BURMESTER, Dean COETZEE, George 12:10 06:25 07:15 08:05 FORREST, Grant LAWRIE, Paul 11:00 LEE, Min Woo HILL, Calum RAI, Aaron DRYSDALE, David HEND, Scott FICHARDT, Darren ROCK, Robert ARNAUS, Adri ZANOTTI, Fabrizio KJELDSEN, Søren 11:50 12:40 TOUHAMI, Yassine KIEFFER, Maximilian DETRY, Thomas GAGLI, Lorenzo DUBUISSON, Victor 06:55 PAISLEY, Chris HORSEY, David LARRAZÁBAL, Pablo DONALDSON, Jamie 11:30 WHITNELL, Dale CANTER, Laurie ARMITAGE, Marcus GARCIA RODRIGUEZ, LUITEN, Joost 07:45 YOUNG, Michael SCHWAB, Matthias FARR, Oliver COLSAERTS, Nicolas 12:20 06:35 07:25 Sebastian SCRIVENER, Jason CAMPILLO, Jorge 11:10 KINHULT, Marcus PARATORE, Renato WILSON, Oliver PULKKANEN, Tapio STORM, Graeme SAMOOJA, Kalle 08:15 LAGERGREN, Joakim BROWN, Steven WARING, Paul 12:00 12:50 BJÖRK, Alexander KIM, Sihwan WALTERS, Justin SHARMA, Shub- PORTEOUS, Haydn 07:05 DU PLESSIS, Hennie DANTORP, Jens STONE, Brandon MERONK, Adrian 11:40 SORDET, Clément COUPLAND, Dave hankar AL-SHAHRANI, Ali HARDING, Justin 07:55 KAWAMURA, Masa- LI, Haotong PAVON, Matthieu OTAEGUI, Adrian 12:30 06:45 HØJGAARD, Nicolai VAN MEIJEL, Lars PAVAN, Andrea MOON, Kyongjun hiro HØJGAARD, Rasmus ROUSSEL, Robin SMITH, Jordan DREDGE, Bradley QUIROS, Alvaro 07:35 VÄLIMÄKI, Sami HEISELE, Sebastian 11:20 12:10 ROBINSON THOMP- SANTOS, Ricardo WU, Ashun MCEVOY, Richard 10TH TEE 07:15 MCLEOD, Jake BROBERG, Kristoff er KORHONEN, Mikko 10TH TEE SON, Brandon SADDIER, Adrien HORSFIELD, Sam RAMSAY, Richie 06:25 LORENZO-VERA, 08:05 LEVY, Alexander FISHER, Ross 11:00 11:50 12:40 06:55 CROCKER, Sean TREE, Toby Mike FISHER, Oliver SODERBERG, Sebas- GREEN, Gavin LEMKE, Niklas CHESTERS, Ashley MORRISON, James BERTASIO, Nino 07:45 AL KURDI, Shergo HEBERT, Benjamin VAN DRIEL, Darius tian 12:20 SHARVIN, Cormac POKE, Benjamin PIGEM, Carlos ELVIRA, Nacho LEE, Taehee JORDAN, Matthew PEPPERELL, Eddie CALDWELL, Jonathan 11:30 BLAND, Richard SYME, Connor COCKERILL, Aaron SENIOR, Jack NIENABER, Wilco PORTEOUS, Garrick 06:35 07:25 08:15 JAMIESON, Scott FIGUEIREDO, Pedro 11:10 12:00 12:50 07:05 SHINKWIN, Callum HANSON, Peter PIETERS, Thomas CHAWRASIA, S.S.P. SULLIVAN, Andy SINGH BRAR, Jack CHOI, Jinho SIEM, Marcel HOWELL, David MOLINARI, Edoardo 07:55 LAW, David LANGASQUE, Ro- AL KAABI, Saleh LOMBARD, Zander 12:30 WINTHER, Jeff GALLACHER, JACQUELIN, Rap- SOUTHGATE, Mat- HAVRET, Grégory SCIOT-SIEGRIST, Robin main ANTCLIFF, Maverick 11:40 CAÑIZARES, Alejan- VEERMAN, Johannes Stephen haël thew GUERRIER, Julien 06:45 MACINTYRE, Robert KAYMER, Martin dro 11:20 HANSEN, Joachim B. WANG, Jeunghun Gulf Times Wednesday, March 4, 2020 3 CRICKET

REPORT SPOTLIGHT Blow for Australia as injured Perry out Tamim slams 158 of T20 World Cup

Reuters that is expected to keep her out Sydney of the game for a signifi cant pe- riod of time,” team doctor Pip Inge said in a media statement. efending champions “We are currently explor- as Bangladesh Australia suff ered a ing management options and major blow ahead of will continue to support Ellyse the knockout stage of through her recovery.” theD Women’s Twenty20 World The team said Perry would Cup when all-rounder Ellyse not be replaced in the squad. Perry was ruled out of the re- “Ellyse is a key member of mainder of the tournament our squad and has been for yesterday. a long period of time and on clinch ODI series The twice ICC women’s a personal level we’re disap- cricketer of the year hobbled off pointed that she won’t have the TAMIM BECAME THE FIRST BANGLADESH BATSMAN TO SCORE 7,000 ODI RUNS the fi eld in tears after suff ering opportunity to fi nish the tour- a right hamstring injury dur- nament,” coach Matthew Mott IANS ing Monday’s four-run victory said. Sylhet over New Zealand that sealed “We’re confi dent that we their place in Thursday’s sec- have enough depth in the squad ond semi-fi nals against South to cover her batting and bowl- imbabwe almost pulled Africa. ing and know whoever gets an off a stunning win but “Ellyse sustained a high- opportunity will make a strong Bangladesh edged past grade right hamstring injury contribution.” their spirited rivals in the endZ to save the day, registering a thrilling four-run victory in the second ODI yesterday. After Tamim Iqbal’s record- breaking 158 which propelled Bangladesh to 322/8, Zimbabwe looked to be out of reckoning as they slipped to 225/7 in the 42nd over. But Donald Tiripano (55 off 28 balls) and Tinotenda Mutom- bodzi (34 off 21 balls) launched a stirring counter-attack with an eighth wicket partnership that brought 80 runs in just 7.3 overs. Tiripano struck fi ve massive six- es, including two in the fi nal over, but he needed to hit another one off the fi nal ball to secure an un- likely win. Al-Amin Hossain held his nerve at the last to seal the se- ries for Bangladesh. Chasing a stiff 323 for a win, Zimbabwe never looked in the chase before Tiripano and Mu- tombodzi joined hands. For the hosts, Taijul Islam picked up three wickets. For the tourists, Sikandar Raza top-scored with 66 while opener Tinashe Kamunhukamwe and 19-year old Wesley Madhevere also scored 51 and 52 respectively. Earlier, Iqbal became the fi rst Bangladesh batsman to score Ellyse Perry in action during their T20 women’s World Cup 7,000 ODI runs, after he roared match against New Zealand in Melbourne on Monday. (AFP) back to form with a crackling 158. Tamim, who played his fi rst ODI in nine months in the fi rst match, had taken a break from cricket in England replace handshakes with fi st the second half of 2019. bumps over coronavirus fears The highest Tamim has scored in his last seven innings in ODIs England players will not be sound and sensible advice is just 36, but on Tuesday he shaking hands on their tour from our medical team to help looked his usual best as he took of Sri Lanka and will use fist prevent spreading germs and 136 deliveries to get to 158 with Bangladesh’s Tamim Iqbal plays a shot during the second ODI match against Zimbabwe in Sylhet International Cricket Stadium yesterday. (AFP) bumps instead to greet each bacteria.” the help of 20 fours and three other following the coronavirus “We are not shaking hands with sixes. The 30-year-old has been outbreak, skipper Joe Root each other — using instead Bangladesh’’s leading run-getter Scorecard said. the well-established fist bump in one-dayers and this feat adds BANGLADESH 1st innings Fall of wickets: 1-38 (Liton), 2-65 (Najmul), S Raza c Mahmudullah b Mashrafe Mortaza 66 Root’s team were laid low — and we are washing hands another feather to his cap. Tamim Iqbal c Mutombodzi b Mumba 158 3-152 (Mushfiqur), 4-258 (Mahmudullah), Richmond Mutumbami lbw Taijul Islam 19 by flu and gastroenteritis in regularly and wiping down Tamim has looked in fi ne touch 5-292 (Tamim), 6-307 (Mehidy), 7-310 South Africa and are cautious surfaces using the antibacterial Liton Das run out 9 T Mutombodzi c Liton Das b Al-Amin Hossain 34 with the bat in 2020. Playing (Mashrafe), 8-311 (Taijul) following the coronavirus wipes and gels we’ve been T20Is after over a year, he posted Najmul Hossain run out 6 Bowling: Mumba 10-0-62-2 (nb1, w1), Tshu- Donald Tiripano Not Out 55 outbreak that has killed over given in our immunity packs.” scores of 39 and 65 against Pa- M Rahim c Mutombodzi b Madhevere 55 ma 5-0-35-1, Tiripano 8-0-55-2 (w1), Madhe- Extras (6lb, 8w) 14 3,000 people and infected England will play the first of kistan in January. He followed it Mahmudullah Riyad c Madhevere b Tshuma 41 vere 7-0-38-1, Raza 10-0-59-0 (w3), Williams Total (eight wickets, 50 overs) 318 more than 89,000 globally. their two practice matches by blasting an unbeaten 334 in a 7-0-35-0, Mutombodzi 3-0-34-0 (w2) “After the illnesses that swept from Saturday before the fi rst-class game, the best score Mohammad Mithun not out 32 Fall of wickets: 1-15 Chakabva, 2-44 Taylor, through the squad in South first Test in Galle from March ZIMBABWE 1st nnings by a Bangladesh batsman in the Mehidy Hasan b Mumba 5 3-67 Williams, 4-102 Kamunhukamwe, 5-183 Africa, we are well aware of 19 while Colombo hosts the Tinashe Kamunhukamwe b Taijul Islam 51 Madhevere, 6-213 Mutumbami, 7-225 Butt, format. Mashrafe Mortaza c Raza b Tiripano 1 the importance of keeping second Test from March 27. Tamim has scored the most Regis Chakabva c Liton Das b Shafiul Islam 2 8-305 Mutombodzi contact to a minimum,” Root Sri Lanka confirmed the first centuries by a Bangladesh bats- Taijul Islam c Mutombodzi b Tiripano 0 Brendan Taylor Run Out Mehidy Hasan 11 Bowling: Mashrafe Mortaza 10 0 52 1, told reporters before flying to case of coronavirus in the man in ODIs but failed to hit Shafiul Islam not out 5 Mehidy Hasan 7 0 25 1, Al-Amin Hossain 10 Sri Lanka on Monday night for country in January but Root Sean Williams lbw Mehidy Hasan 14 the three-fi gure mark since July Extras (b2, w7, nb1) 10 0 85 1, Taijul Islam 10 0 52 3, Mahmudullah a two-Test series. expected the tour to go on as 2018 before ending the drought Wesley Madhevere lbw Taijul Islam 52 4 0 22 0. “We’ve been given some really planned. Reuters yesterday. Total (eight wickets, 50 overs) 322

ICC WOMEN’S T20 WORLD CUP SA to face Australia in semis; Rain denies Thailand’s fi rst win AFP with star allrounder Ellyse Perry run chase to win but didn’t face a Sydney ruled out of the tournament with a ball.“The openers were positive hamstring injury. and aggressive and they did very “What better way to do it (beat well,” said Thai captain Sornnarin outh Africa will face de- Australia) than in a World Cup Tippoch. fending champions Aus- semi-fi nal. We’re not used to the “We had an opportunity to tralia in the women’s bigger-stage games, but hopefully come here and play against the big Twenty20 World Cup everything comes together for us,” teams. I think it is good for us. We Ssemi-fi nals after their match she added ahead of the match in want to keep doing well. People at against the West Indies was Sydney on Thursday. home will be happy, same as us. washed out yesterday, leaving In- Group B runners-up England, They will be cheering.” dia to take on England. the 2009 champions, play unbeat- Natthakan Chantam and Nat- The Proteas needed to avoid de- en Group A winners India on the taya Boochatham posted the sec- feat against the already-eliminat- same day. ond highest opening partnership ed West Indies to top Group B and of the tournament, 93, before Boo- with the match in Sydney aban- THAILAND LEAVE WITH SMILE chatham fell for 44. doned without a ball being bowled, Earlier, qualifi ers Thailand ended Chantam made 56 with some they earned a point to ensure that their inaugural World Cup on a late big-hitting from Nannapat happened. high, posting their biggest ever Khoncharoenkai and Chanida Sut- “I couldn’t have asked for better, T20 international score before the thiruang ensuring Thailand passed our fi rst goal coming here was to heavens opened and their clash their previous record of 133 for get to the semi-fi nals,” said skip- with Pakistan was also called off . eight recorded against the Nether- per Dane van Niekerk. They had lost all three of their lands last year. “Generally in these tourna- previous games, with a highest “It gave us the lesson that dur- ments, we’ve lost at crucial times, total of 82. But, after winning the ing cricket no team is bigger or whereas in this tournament, toss at Sydney Showground, they smaller, you have to be on your toes whenever we’ve been down we’ve stunned Pakistan with their ag- every time,” said Pakistan skipper got up again. It’s nice that every- gressive batting approach, racing Javeria Khan, adding that overall thing is slowly but surely coming to 150 for three off 20 overs. the tournament had been positive together.” Pakistan, who upset 2016 cham- for her team. South Africa have never beaten pions West Indies in their opening “We’ll walk away with our heads four-time champions Australia, game before losing the next two, held high and our girls played some who suff ered a big blow yesterday would have needed their record good cricket.” Thailand’s Natthakan Chantam plays a shot during the T20 women’s World Cup match against Pakistan in Sydney yesterday. (AFP) Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, March 4, 2020 SPORT

FOCUS TENNIS WTA Tour continues with 2020 schedule IOC stands fi rm on Reuters The top eight women’s Mumbai singles players and the same number of doubles teams are then scheduled to assemble he Women’s Tennis in Shenzen in November to Association (WTA) compete in the season-ending has said it hopes to WTA Finals — considered only forge ahead with the below the four Grand Slams in Tokyo Games despite Tremainder of the 2020 world terms of prestige and glamour. tour despite widespread con- The WTA said it is regularly cerns over the coronavirus communicating with health outbreak that has seen a host experts, local governments of sports events cancelled or and travel agencies and pass- postponed around the globe. ing those information to the The virus outbreak has players. killed more than 3,000 people “There isn’t anything more coronavirus concerns worldwide and infected almost important than protecting the 89,000, most of them in Chi- health of our players, WTA and na. Almost all sports have been event staff , and fans who at- TOKYO HAS PUMPED IN MORE THAN $12BN TO ORGANISE THE EVENT impacted by the escalation tend WTA events,” the asso- in precautions taken against ciation said. the spread of the virus since “We are working closely the fi rst outbreak in China in with our tournaments, so they December. Some qualifying are in the best position to pro- events for the Olympic Games vide for health and safety pre- in Tokyo later this year have cautions in their venues.” also been disrupted. The inaugural version of the For a sport which needs Fed Cup Finals will also see players to fl y around the world the top women’s players of the every week and play in front world assemble in Budapest of stadiums fi lled with peo- for the $18mn 12-nation event ple, tennis could be hard hit from April 14-19. as countries take measures to The International Tennis contain the virus. China is a Federation — the custodians major location in WTA’s cal- of the Fed Cup — said it is in endar and the Tour has already constant consultation with in- cancelled two 125K series tour- dependent medical and travel naments in China, which were advisers and prepared to take scheduled to be held in April. any necessary measures based “We are proceeding with the on expert advice. remainder of the 2020 WTA The men’s ATP Tour also Tour season as planned but we witnessed a number of its will be prepared to make any Challenger Tour events can- changes, if deemed necessary celled in China in March and in due time,” the WTA told April, while the fi nal of a Chal- Reuters. The April 27-May 3 lenger event in Bergamo, Italy, Kunming Open in China’s An- was also cancelled in February. ning became the second tour- “We are in regular contact nament to be cancelled after with our player and tourna- the Xi’an Open which was also ment members regarding the scheduled for April. latest precautionary health Zhengzhou, Jiangxi, measures and guidelines, as Guangzhou, Wuhan, Beijing, well as any travel advisories, Tianjin and Zhuhai are all set and we continue to closely to host WTA events in Sep- monitor the situation as it tember and October during the evolves,” the ATP Tour told tour’s Asian swing. Reuters.

India, Kohli retain spots despite NZ drubbing IOC President Thomas Bach delivers a statement on the Covid-19 situation during a meeting of the executive board at the IOC headquarters in Lausanne yesterday. (AFP) India remain top of the Inter- and his New Zealand counter- national Cricket Council’s Test part Trent Boult returned to Reuters which would allow the IOC to would be extremely diffi cult, if not SMALLER CROWDS said. “At this precise time we are rankings despite the 2-0 drub- the top 10 while Boult’’s new Lausanne withdraw the Games from Tokyo impossible, for the 33 sports fed- Crowds will be smaller and re- expecting the Games to begin on bing they received in New ball partner Tim Southee, who would be if “the Games are not erations present in Tokyo. Bach, ceptions have been scrapped at the 24th of July.” Zealand. India have 116 rating was declared player of the se- celebrated during the year 2020”. a 66-year-old lawyer and former the Tokyo 2020 torch lighting The IOC board said a joint task points and lead second- ries, has jumped two places to he International Olym- Hashimoto said, however, that Olympic fencing champion, has an ceremony in ancient Olym- force had been created two weeks placed New Zealand by six no.4 on the bowlers’ rankings. pic Committee (IOC) Japan’s government and To- iron grip on IOC decision-making pia, Greece, next week as the ago, involving the IOC, the To- points. Third-placed Australia Kyle Jamieson rose to 43 on yesterday gave further kyo were still committed to the and is known for sticking to his Hellenic Olympic Committee kyo Games organisers, the city, are on 108 points. the bowlers’ rankings. Jamie- unequivocal backing to Games beginning on July 24, and guns in adversity. (HOC) introduced measures to the government, and the World Indian captain Virat Kohli son had made his Test debut Tthis summer’s Tokyo Olympics, the IOC has repeatedly swatted “I would like to encourage all protect against the coronavi- Health Organisation to help deal remains second on the bats- in the series and took nine urging athletes to prepare “full aside any suggestions of a post- the athletes to continue their rus, it said on yesterday. Despite with the coronavirus ahead of the men’s rankings on 886 rating wickets and scored 93 runs as steam” despite the coronavirus ponement. preparation for the Olympic concerns over possible health Olympics. points. Top ranked Steve he repeatedly led lower order threat. The Olympic body said again Games, Tokyo 2020 with great risks to spectators and partici- “The IOC EB appreciates and Smith is on 911 points. Kohli fightbacks from New Zealand “We are preparing for a suc- yesterday there was no Plan B, confi dence and full steam,” pants at the Games, the Olym- supports the measures being had a dismal series in New to frustrate India. This meant cessful Olympic Games, Tokyo and that the Games would take the German told reporters in pic body is unwilling to publicly taken, which constitute an im- Zealand, scoring 38 runs in that he jumped 26 places to 2020,” IOC head Thomas Bach place in their allotted time slot. Lausanne. “From our side, we discuss any other option, such portant part of Tokyo’s plans four innings as India lost the no.22 on the all-rounders’ list. said at an executive board meet- will continue to support the ath- as cancellation or postpone- to host safe and secure Games,” two matches by 10 wickets Tom Blundell scored 117 runs ing to discuss the July 24-Aug. 9 WREAK HAVOC letes and the National Olympic ment. the task force said in a state- and seven wickets respec- in the series with one half sporting extravaganza. Any change to dates would in- Committees.” “No,” IOC spokesman Mark ment. tively. New Zealand skipper century and the performance Earlier yesterday, Japan’s Ol- stantly wreak havoc on most Multiple sports events around Adams said when asked if the Ol- Tokyo has pumped in more Kane Williamson lost his third helped him jump 27 places to ympics minister Seiko Hashi- sports programmes, with com- the world have been cancelled ympic body had discussed pos- than $12bn to organise the event, place to Australia’s Marnus no. 46. Prithvi Shaw, playing moto had said that details within petition calendars planned sev- during the epidemic, which has sible options if the situation de- while billions more were spent on Labuschagne. Mayank his first series since he made Tokyo’s contract with the IOC eral years ago to accommodate killed more than 3,000 people in teriorates. related projects. Agarwal fell out of the top 10, his debut in 2018, scored 98 “could be interpreted as allowing the Tokyo timings. China and spread to more than “There is no international Tokyo Games organisers are being replaced by England all runs including 54 in the first a postponement” until the end of Finding a new date in 2020 at 60 nations including Japan where travel ban and all the advice that due to deliver a report via video rounder Ben Stokes. innings of the second Test the year. That host city contract this stage, which would fi rstly infections are near 1,000 and 12 we are getting is that the Games conference to the executive board Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah and rose 17 places to 76. states that one of several triggers need the green light from the IOC, people have died. can and will go ahead,” Adams today.

PAKISTAN SUPER LEAGUE Dunk, Patel shine in Qalandars fi rst win of season Agencies Cutting, who with two wickets for 36 Lahore runs in three overs was the most success- Lahore Qalandars’ Ben Dunk plays a shot during ful bowler for Sarfaraz Ahmed-led Gladi- their PSL match against Quetta Gladiators at the ators. Mohamed Nawaz, Fawad Ahmed Gaddafi Cricket Stadium in Lahore yesterday. (AFP) record partnership between and Mohamed Hasnain picked a wicket Ben Dunk and Samit Patel or- each. chestrated Lahore Qalandars’ Gladiators faltered right from the on- fi rst HBL PSL 2020 win as they set of their run-chase as they lost three defeatedA Quetta Gladiators by 37 runs at wickets in the Powerplay as Patel and Dil- Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. bar Hussain added two and one scalps to Dunk and Patel crafted an incred- their tally. ible partnership of 155 runs, the highest Gladiators spent their remaining in- fourth-wicket stand and second highest nings looking to rebuild their innings and overall in HBL PSL history, in 73 balls to a late surge by Ben Cutting (53 off 27, three help Qalandars to a mammoth 209 for fours and fi ve sixes) gave a ray of hope, but fi ve. Qalandars’ bowlers continued to strike on Dunk, who batted at one-drop, regular intervals. smashed 10 sixes, the most in an HBL PSL Salman Irshad, who came in as a re- innings, as he scored a blistering 93 at a placement for Haris Rauf, was the pick of strike-rate of over 216. the bowlers with four wickets for 29 runs. The Australian wicketkeeper-batsman Patel, Dilbar and Mohamed Faizan were struck Mohamed Nawaz, the left-arm or- the other bowlers to have wickets in their thodox, four sixes in an over in his 43-ball accounts as they picked up two scalps knock, which also included three fours. each. From the other end, Patel also scored Gladiators were bowled out for 172 on at a brisk rate which amplifi ed the woes the last ball of their innings. for Gladiators, the defending champions. The all-rounder scored 71 runs from 40 BRIEF SCORES balls, smashing nine fours and two sixes. Lahore Qalandars 209-5, 20 overs (Ben The pair had come together with the Dunk 93, Samit Patel 71, Chris Lynn 27; Qalandars struggling at 50 for three after Ben Cutting 2-36) Mohamed Hafeez’s fi rst-ball duck in the Quetta Gladiators 172 all-out, 20 overs eighth over. Their extraordinary power- (Ben Cutting 53, Mohamed Nawaz 24, hitting set alight the crowd fi lled to the Shane Watson 23; Salman Irshad 4-29, stadium’s 27,000-capacity. Dilbar Hussain 2-11, Mohamed Faizan Both batsmen were dismissed by Ben 2-29, Samit Patel 2-31). Gulf Times Wednesday, March 4, 2020 5 SPORT

NBA MLB ROUND-UP Giles would return World Series ring Crowder sparks Reuters Houston

elief pitcher Ken Giles is prepared to return his World Series ring from the 2017 season with Miami as Giannis, theR Astros, saying he wasn’t aware of the sign-stealing plot while with Houston. “It crushed me to learn about the stuff that went on when I was there,” Giles, now a member of the Toronto Blue Jays, said. a dugout step, then slammed “I had no idea. I had no clue into Whitley’s face. Whitley Bucks downed whatsoever. I was blindsided was immediately taken from the by the commissioner’s report. dugout for treatment. Up until then, I honestly didn’t Miami improve to 39-22 in the Eastern Conference playoff race believe it. Just crazy.” RANGERS’ KLUBER Giles is the latest member RETURNS FROM INJURY of the pitching staff to claim Texas Rangers right-hander no knowledge of the cheating Corey Kluber returned to the scandal. Giles, like most reliev- mound for the fi rst time since ers, spent the entirety of most he sustained a broken arm in games in the outfi eld bullpen. May 2019. Kluber pitched three He was traded to the Blue Jays in innings against the Los Angeles July 2018. Dodgers, his fi rst start since Giles said the ring the team he was hit by a line drive on won in 2017 brings a lot of mixed the mound against the Miami emotions, but mostly hurt. Marlins. “Whatever they ask, I would Then with the Cleveland oblige. Because what was going Indians, Kluber was ready to on at the time was not OK,” Giles return after a rehab assignment said. “It just hurts. If they want last season, but he sustained an it back, I’ll be true to whatever oblique injury. He was traded to needs to be done.” the Rangers in the off season. Kluber struck out four and WHITLEY STRUCK IN THE allowed two runs in his spring FACE BY A FOUL BALL debut. He is in the fi nal season Tampa Bay Rays minor league of his contract, but the Rangers outfi elder Garrett Whitley was have a $14mn option for 2021 on struck in the face by a foul ball the 33-year-old. that fl ew into the dugout during the team’s spring training game BRAULT SUFFERS against the Baltimore Orioles. SHOULDER INJURY The Rays said Whitley sustained Pittsburgh Pirates left-hander a right facial injury, and he was Steven Brault has a strained transported to a nearby hospital muscle in his throwing shoulder, to undergo X-rays and other and he will be evaluated in two testing. weeks, the team announced. Rays manager Kevin Cash told Brault split last season between reporters that Whitley never the rotation and the bullpen. lost consciousness. Whitley, He posted a 4-6 record with 23, was seated inside the third a 5.16 ERA and 1.50 WHIP in 113 base dugout in the fourth inning 1/3 innings over 25 appearances when right-handed-hitting (19 starts). The 27-year-old has Renato Nunez of the Orioles hit allowed two runs on four hits in a scorcher toward Whitley. The 2 1/3 innings in two appearances ball cleared the grass and struck this spring.

Miami Heat forward Jae Crowder (right) defends against Milwaukee Bucks centre Brook Lopez (centre) as Miami Heat forward Bam Adebayo (13) looks on during the NBA game in Miami on Monday night. (USA TODAY Sports) NBA to players: Limit contact AFP cluding centre Bam Adebayo who also had seven players make double fi gures. Miami NBA RESULTS had a huge night defensively. Barrett sealed the win with a driving with fans amid coronavirus Adebayo fi nished with 14 points, pulled hoop with 7.6 seconds remaining to mark Utah 126 Cleveland 113 down 12 rebounds and forced fi ve turno- the era of new team president Leon Rose Los Angeles: The NBA has Guard CJ McCollum of the — who offi cially joined the Knicks earlier ae Crowder scored 18 points off the New York 125 Houston 123 vers. The 22-year-old also made four advised players to limit contact Portland Trail Blazers already bench as the Miami Heat locked blocks. Brook Lopez led the Milwaukee on Monday — with a victory. Power for- with fans as a precaution as tweeted that he was suspend- down Giannis Antetokounmpo to Portland 130 Orlando 107 scoring with 21 points but it was a night ward Julius Randle had 16 points — and cases of the coronavirus are ing signing autographs. He hand the Milwaukee Bucks a 105- Memphis 127 Atlanta 88 to forget for Antetokounmpo, who made 16 rebounds — while Bobby Portis and appearing in the United States. made his announcement on 89J defeat on Monday. Crowder led the only six of 18 shooting attempts. Wayne Ellington both delivered 15 points Miami 105 Milwaukee 89 The league is recommending Saturday after a coronavirus scoring for the Heat as NBA MVP An- A subdued Antetokounmpo admit- each from the bench. players “utilize fist-bumps over case had been confirmed in Or- tetokounmpo was held to a season-low Chicago 109 Dallas 107 ted the Bucks had been outplayed and Rockets coach Mike D’Antoni said his high-fives with fans,” ESPN egon. ESPN also reported that 13 points at Miami’s American Airlines Indiana 116 San Antonio 111 outfought on the night. “They’re a team team had not been mentally prepared for reported. team front off ices are worried Arena. that play hard and that’s what they did the game following Sunday’s overtime The league also advised about the eff ect the virus will The defeat was only Milwaukee’s ninth tonight,” Antetokounmpo told reporters. win over Boston. “We won a big game players not to touch anything have on workouts and scouting loss of the season and helped Miami im- and that’s what we’ve been trying to work “It wasn’t just tough for me, it was tough against Boston and came here and we passed by fans for autographs, before June’s draft, adding that prove to 39-22 in the Eastern Conference on,” Spoelstra said. “I’m not saying we for everybody.” weren’t ready to play for the fi rst 20 min- such as pens and jerseys, the eff orts to scout players based playoff race. The Bucks remain fi rmly can hold great off ensive teams like this Elsewhere on Monday, the Houston utes. They did well, played a good game, report added. overseas could be “limited in in control of the conference standings, under 90 points regularly. That’s not re- Rockets suff ered a shock reverse to the but our fi rst three quarters were lackadai- “The health and safety of our scope.” leading with a 52-9 record ahead of sec- alistic. But we’ve got this version of us in lowly New York Knicks, losing 125-123 at sical,” D’Antoni said. employees, teams, players and The Chinese Basketball As- ond-placed Toronto, who are 42-18. us. Tonight there was a lot more focus, Madison Square Garden. James Harden “When you don’t have the appropri- fans is paramount,” the NBA sociation suspended play Feb. But the previously all-conquering commitment and urgency, because of the led the scoring with 35 points — including ate fear or force, stuff happens, and they said in a statement issued Mon- 1 over fears over the corona- Bucks were given plenty of food for respect level for who we were playing. It 16 free throws — while Russell Westbrook started hitting shots. Give them credit, day. “We are coordinating with virus. The outbreak started in thought ahead of next month’s play- was one of our better performances this added 24. they played well.” our teams and consulting with China in December and 3,100 off s after a superb Miami display. Miami season.” But the Rockets were always chasing The victory lifted the Knicks into 13th the CDC and infectious disease people have died — more coach Erik Spoelstra said his team had fi - Crowder led the Miami scoring along the game after falling behind in the fi rst place in the Eastern Conference standings specialists on the coronavirus than 2,900 in China. Globally, nally produced a defensive display he had with Jimmy Butler, with both players quarter as the Knicks pulled away to lead with 19 wins and 42 defeats. The Rockets and continue to monitor the more than 90,000 have been believed they were capable of. fi nishing on 18 points. No fewer than six by 21 points at one stage. RJ Barrett top- fell to 39-21 in the Western Conference, situation closely.” infected. “We’ve had moments like this in us Miami players cracked double digits, in- scored with 27 points for the Knicks, who where they remain in fourth spot.

NHL Draisaitl scores four as Oilers defeat Predators Reuters He has also recorded 12 goals in from Bakersfi eld of the AHL. Nashville, US his past fi ve games versus Nashville. Just 91 seconds after the Oilers McDavid, who had four assists, has went back on top, Nashville’s Nick 94 points this season, second in the Bonino muscled the puck past Smith eon Draisaitl recorded his fi rst league. Nashville’s Roman Josi re- to make it 3-3. Darnell Nurse also fi n- career four-goal game, and corded his career-high 16th goal and ished with three assists for Edmon- he and Connor McDavid fi n- equalled his all-time best point total ton, and Archibald had a two-point ished with fi ve points each as of 61. night. Lthe visiting Edmonton Oilers broke The Predators, who have dropped open a tie game with fi ve third-period two in a row, still own the fi nal wild- AVS EDGE WINGS FOR goals en route to an 8-3 victory over card spot in the Western Conference, SEVENTH STRAIGHT WIN the Nashville Predators on Monday although they are one of three teams Logan O’Connor scored the go-ahead night. tied with 72 points. Edmonton, look- goal in the second period, and the With the game tied 3-3 early in the ing to catch fi rst-place Vegas in the streaking Colorado Avalanche held on third, Edmonton’s two stars took over Pacifi c Division, opened the scor- for a 2-1 victory over the host Detroit to help the Oilers win their second ing 6:23 into the game thanks to Josh Red Wings on Monday night. The straight and sweep the three-game Archibald, who fl ipped the puck past Avalanche have won seven straight season series from Nashville. Mc- Rinne. and a franchise-record nine in a row David fi nished with a goal and four Draisaitl scored No 40 when he on the road. assists. struck a McDavid pass in off the body They trail St. Louis by just a McDavid made it 4-3 at 4:42 into of Rinne with 29 seconds left in the point in the Central Division stand- the third period with a shot from the opening period. At 2:14 into the sec- ings. Michael Hutchinson made 17 point through traffi c and past Nash- ond, Josi one-timed a blast from the saves for Colorado, while Vladislav ville goalie Pekka Rinne, who later top of the left circle past Edmonton Namestnikov scored the team’s other was pulled after allowing all eight goalie Mike Smith (27 saves) to make goal. The Avs used the same formula goals on 31 shots. Draisaitl, whose it 2-1. to continue their hot streaks, winning 40th goal came earlier in the contest, Just 14 seconds later, Calle Jarnk- a defensive struggle. converted 35 seconds later as the Oil- rok equalized right in front of Smith. They haven’t scored more than ers applied more heat on Rinne. Edmonton regained the lead with three goals during the past seven Zack Kassian’s goal made it 6-3 at 6:26 left in the second courtesy of games, and their past six triumphs 7:03 into the fi nal period, and two Kailer Yamamoto (goal, assist). have come by one goal. Anthony straight Draisaitl blasts put the game The rookie winger shuffl ed in a Mantha scored the only goal for the out of reach. Draisaitl’s 107 points backhand pass from Ryan Nugent- Red Wings, who are winless in their lead the NHL and are a career high, Hopkins (three assists) for his 10th past six games (0-5-1). Jonathan Leon Draisaitl (left) of the Edmonton Oilers is congratulated by teammates after scoring his fourth goal against the Nashville surpassing his 105 from last season. goal in 22 games since being called up Bernier made 25 saves. Predators during the third period of the NHL game in Nashville, Tennessee. (AFP) Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, March 4, 2020 SPORT

MOTORSPORT CYCLING Team chief threatens hunger strike over Navarro in focus quarantine in UAE

Reuters it (hunger strike)... We want to Dubai respect the country’s laws, but respect should go both ways,” he said. manager of a French The UAE government me- in Moto2 class at professional cycling dia offi ce did not immediately team, who has been respond to a Reuters request in quarantine in an for comment on the continued AbuA Dhabi hotel due to coro- quarantine and complaints by navirus concerns, threatened guests. All guests on the fourth to go on hunger strike yester- fl oor of the Crowne Plaza have day if authorities do not allow not been cleared to leave, his team to leave the United members of the Cofi dis team Grand Prix of Qatar Arab Emirates. told Reuters, adding that the Roberto Damiani, sporting French Groupama-FDJ team, The opening round of the Premier Class MotoGP season in Qatar has been cancellled director of the Cofi dis team, Russia’s Gazprom team and told Reuters that despite test- other tourists were also stay- ing negative for the virus about ing on that fl oor. 50 guests, including 18 profes- One team member said a sional cyclists, have been con- note had been slipped under fi ned to the Crowne Plaza hotel his room door on Saturday since Thursday. Emirati au- instructing him to stay on the thorities ordered the lockdown fl oor and not visit other parts in the luxury Crown Plaza and of the hotel. W hotel in Yas Island after two “Our rooms have not been Italian members of the UAE cleaned since Thursday, they Tour the riders were partici- leave food outside the door pating in were suspected of for us... clean towels and soap contracting the coronavirus. have been stacked in the corri- The health department said dors next to the lifts,” said the on Friday that 167 people iso- team member, who declined to lated on the island had tested be named due to fears of retri- negative. Former Tour de bution. France winner Chris Froome The guests at the two hotels and his fellow Team Ineos rid- in the UAE capital had includ- ers were among those allowed ed 140 professional cyclists to leave their hotel and travel participating in the UAE Tour, home, the team said on Sun- the fi nal two stages of which day. were cancelled after the tests. “We have done a second test The UAE, a regional busi- on Sunday and we received ness hub and major transit the results on Monday, they point for passengers travelling were all negative for the vi- to China and other destina- rus,” Damiani told Reuters by tions in Asia, has reported 21 phone. cases of the coronavirus but no “I hope I won’t have to start fatalities.

Tokyo 2020 wheelchair rugby test event cancelled

The Japan Para Sports cancelled,” read a statement Association and Tokyo 2020 from Tokyo 2020 organisers. Olympic and Paralympic “Tokyo 2020 nevertheless organisers moved to cancel will carry out the wheelchair this month’s wheelchair rugby test event in rugby test event yesterday some form in April, after due to the coronavirus ensuring a safe and secure Jorge Navarro of Beta Tools Speed Up set the fastest time in Moto2 during the pre-season testing at the Losail International Circuit last week. outbreak. environment.” The wheelchair rugby test Both Tokyo 2020 organisers hile the premier class – Mo- Baldassarri (Flexbox HP 40) and Tom Lüthi event, scheduled for March and the International toGP – will not go ahead at (Liqui Moly Intact GP), were 12th and 13th. 12-15, is the latest sporting Olympic Committee have the Grand Prix of Qatar, there With that amount of experience and suc- event to be cancelled in stressed that the Olympics, Wis much to look forward this cess all a little further down the timesheets, Japan as concerns mount due to run July 24 — August weekend with Moto2 and Moto3 classes to it seems likely we’ve not seen everyone’s full over Tokyo’s ability to 9, are scheduled to go ahead be held at the Losail International Circuit. hand – but now we will. host the 2020 Olympics as planned despite the The opening race of the MotoGP season scheduled to begin in July. coronavirus outbreak. in Qatar on March 8 has been cancelled be- for that fi rst Moto2 win, his consistency momentum he’d been gaining throughout MOTO3: PREDICTING A boccia competition which “We will continue to stay in cause of travel restrictions imposed on pas- has been impressive. His teammate Fabio Di the latter half of 2019 despite the change in THE UNPREDICTABLE was to double as a test close collaboration with all sengers from Italy due to the coronavirus Giannantonio was also a pretty consistent machinery; something that bodes well for The lightweight class of Grand Prix racing event for this year’s Tokyo relevant organisations as we epidemic. But the Moto2 and Moto3 cat- performer last year as he found his feet as a him. Fellow sophomores Enea Bastianini can usually be described in one word: close. Paralympic Games was prepare to deliver a safe and egories will still race due to those teams and rookie as well, and testing showed another (Italtrans Racing Team) and Nicolo Bulega And after six days of offi cial preseason test- postponed last month, whilst secure Tokyo 2020 Games,” riders already being in Qatar for testing there step for him so they’ll be coming out swing- (Federal Oil Gresini Moto2) were also inside ing at Jerez and Losail, 2020 looks likely to the Tokyo marathon on concluded the statement. last week. ing. the top ten after they impressed, and the be no diff erent. There were a few standout Sunday was closed to general Tokyo 2020’s sports climbing And after a few days on track at Jerez and Speed Up in general were impressively interesting mix of veterans and newer faces performers who pulled a gap on the rest at participation with only elite test event, scheduled to then again Qatar, it’s safe to say we have a quick in preseason, which now includes the continued in ninth as American Joe Roberts times, but in a race scenario? We’ve seen be- athletes allowed to take part. begin on Friday, has not been number of names who look like they’ll be Aspar Team as they make to switch to the put in a stunner at Losail. Like Martin, he’s fore how hard it really is to break away – and The J.League also announced cancelled. challenging at the front in Moto2 this year. chassis, so it could be an interesting bat- switched chassis – can that form continue that’s just how we like it. that all domestic soccer Over 3,000 people have But testing never tells the whole story as tle of the manufacturers. The headlines in into the race weekend? On the combined timesheets heading into matches have been died from the virus, which some focus one way and others the other, the team were stolen by Aron Canet as the Experience was scattered throughout the the fi rst race of the season, it’s Czech rider postponed until March 15, has spread to more than and the fi rst race of the season has plenty in rookie Spaniard proved a revelation and timesheets, however, with some fast after Filip Sala (Rivacold Snipers Team) who can whilst Japanese pre-season 60 countries. In Japan, the store. was often up inside the top fi ve or six, but time attacks and others we expect to burst arrive with a little swagger, having ended baseball matches are also number of infections has The man who was fastest by the end of Hafi zh Syahrin had also started to re-adjust out the gates higher up once the fl ag drops the test half a second clear of his nearest being played behind closed almost reached 1,000 and 12 testing at Losail International Circuit was to Moto2™ by the end of testing as the Ma- and the talking stops. Remy Gardner (ON- competitor. That nearest competitor was doors. “The Japan Para people have died. Jorge Navarro (Beta Tools Speed Up), and laysian moves back into the class. Two more EXOX TKKR SAG Team) led the charge in a very consistent frontrunner throughout Sports Association (JPSA) The World Health the Spaniard is certainly on that list of those contenders? It seems so. third, Marcel Schrötter (Liqui Moly Intact preseason, however: Ai Ogura (Honda Team informed us the 2020 Japan Organisation has listed Japan we expect to be fast. With a good number of Jorge Martin (Red Bull TM Ajo), mean- GP) was fi fth, Luca Marini (Sky Racing Team Asia). A rookie podium fi nisher, the Japanese Para Wheelchair Rugby as one of the countries with intermediate class podiums to his name in while, was the fastest Kalex runner overall – VR46) tenth, Xavi Vierge (Petronas Sprinta rider has kicked it up a notch for season two Championships, scheduled the greatest coronavirus 2019, Navarro already had some momen- and another to switch chassis. The Spaniard Racing) 11th… and the two men who duelled and was on the pace in both Jerez and Qatar. for 12 to 15 March, has been concerns. Reuters tum too – and although he’s still looking was second to Navarro and showed off that for the win in the desert last year, Lorenzo (Motogp.com)

RUGBY Vunipola out of Wales clash as coronavirus precaution AFP Slam champions Wales. London “We were excited to have him Wales’ Amos out of Six Nations back, he is a great presence and a very experienced player, but due to knee surgery ako Vunipola has we have great depth in our loose- AFP England at Twickenham given been ruled out of heads and they have been play- Cardiff Wales have concerns over England’s Six Na- ing well,” said England forwards powerhouse wing George tions international coach Matt Proudfoot earlier North, currently undergoing Magainst Wales this weekend af- yesterday. ales international concussion protocols. ter going into self-isolation as a “We will give the guys a Hallam Amos will Wales also have worries precaution against the spread of go who were there. Mako is a miss the rest of the regarding the fitness of fly-half the coronavirus. world-class player, but the guys Six Nations with a Dan Biggar, who suff ered a knee England’s governing Rugby have been doing a great job.” kneeW injury that is set to side- injury during Northampton’s Football Union stressed that the Both Jones and Wales coun- line him from the rest of the loss to Saracens in the English Saracens prop was “not sick”, terpart Wayne Pivac are due to season, the Welsh Rugby Union Premiership on Saturday. with the 29-year-old Vunipola name their teams for the latest announced yesterday. Biggar is a key figure for Wales understood to have fl own back Anglo-Welsh clash tomorrow. Amos, who can play on the and his health has been made from Tonga via Hong Kong. France are the only team left wing or at full-back, suff ered the all the important given the lack Vunipola was included in a in the 2020 Six Nations that can injury during Cardiff Blues’ win of stand-off cover, with Gareth 34-man training squad named complete a Grand Slam. over Benetton in the Pro14 on Anscombe, Rhys Patchell and by England coach Eddie Jones But World Cup fi nalists Eng- February 23. Owen Williams all injured on Monday for Saturday’s match land haven’t lost since being “He (Amos) will have surgery previously. Cardiff ’s Jarrod against Wales at Twickenham beaten by the French in their and it is expected that he will Evans has won six caps but has after recently travelling to Tonga tournament opener and remain also miss the remainder of the yet to start a Six Nations game. for unspecifi ed personal reasons. in title contention. season,” the WRU said. Wales coach Wayne Pivac is But a RFU spokesperson said Wales, in their fi rst season Amos won the last of his 22 caps due to name his team to play yesterday: “Mako is not in camp under Pivac after he succeeded in Wales’ World Cup bronze England on Thursday, with the on medical grounds. He is not fellow New Zealander War- final loss to New Zealand in reigning Grand Slam champions sick, but it is a precaution.” ren Gatland as coach following Tokyo on November 1. But the looking to avoid a third straight Vunipola’s absence means Joe the World Cup, head to London 25-year-old could have come loss this Six Nations following Marler and Ellis Genge will com- looking to avoid a third straight into contention for Saturday’s defeats by Ireland (24-14) and pete to be the starting loosehead loss having been defeated by Ire- Six Nations match away to France (27-23). prop against reigning Grand land and France. File photo of England’s Mako Vunipola during a training session. (Reuters) Gulf Times Wednesday, March 4, 2020 7 FOOTBALL

REPORT SPOTLIGHT France and Portugal to meet again in Arteta gamble pays Nations League

DPA for the Nations League fi nals Amsterdam in June 2021 that feature semi- fi nals, a third-place match and the fi nal. orld champions The group winners in Leagues off as Arsenal FA Cup France and Euro- B, C and D gain promotion and pean title holders those who fi nish bottom of the Portugal are again groups in Leagues A and B will Wup against each other in the draw be relegated. for Football’s 2020-21 Nations As League C has four groups League yesterday. while League D has only two, the The teams, who meet in a two League C teams to be rele- group at Euro 2020 this summer, gated will be determined by two- win eases Euro woe face off again in one of the four leg play-off s in March 2022. League A groups. If a team due to participate in ‘The energy, the focus and the willingness and desire to play is really important’ Holders Portugal won the in- the play-off s qualifi es for the augural Nations League fi nal in 2022 World Cup play-off s, the AFP June, France also face Croatia, League C teams ranked 47th Portsmouth, United Kingdom the team they beat in the 2018 and 48th in the overall Nations World Cup fi nal, while Sweden League rankings are automati- are the fourth team in the group cally relegated. ikel Arteta admit- drawn in Amsterdam. Belgium, The six matchdays of the ted he took a risk by number one in the rankings of league phase run from Septem- making nine chang- world governing body FIFA, are ber 3 to November 17. es for Arsenal’s 2-0 up against England, Iceland and Mwin over Portsmouth in the FA Denmark. SCHEDULE Cup fi fth round but insisted he The Netherlands, who lost to Matchday 1: September 3-5, had no choice because some of Portugal in the Nations League 2020 his stars were still shell-shocked inaugural fi nal, face Italy, Matchday 2: September 6-8, after their Europa League exit. Bosnia-Herzegovina and Po- 2020 Arteta’s side reached the FA land, while 2014 World Cup Matchday 3: October 8-10, 2020 Cup quarter-fi nals thanks to winners Germany are in a group Matchday 4: October 11-13, 2020 goals from Sokratis Papastath- with Spain, Switzerland and Matchday 5: November 12-14, opoulos in fi rst-half injury time Ukraine. 2020 and Eddie Nketiah six minutes Teams play each other home Matchday 6: November 15-17, after the break at Fratton Park and away, with the four group 2020 on Monday. winners of League A qualifying Finals: June 2, 3, 6, 2021 It was a much-needed boost for Arsenal, who crashed out of the Europe League in a painful COMMENT last-gasp defeat against Olym- piakos on Thursday. Arteta con- ceded that fi elding such an inex- perienced line-up - only David Inter president calls Luiz and Bukayo Saka retained their places - could have put Ar- senal’s only chance of silverware Serie A chief a clown this season in jeopardy. “They fully deserve the chance and I know it is risky as tensions arise to play them in this competi- tion but they are worth a risk,” Reuters the public health as secondary Arteta said of his young side. Arsenal’s Sokratis Papastathopoulos celebrates scoring their first goal against Portsmouth in their FA Cup match at the Fratton Park Milan consideration,” said Zhang, 28, Pierre-Emerick Aubam- Stadium in Portsmouth. (Reuters) in a post on Instagram aimed eyang, who was in tears after at Serie A president Paolo Dal missing a costly late chance team knowing how they were jured on a stretcher just 15 min- thy of their place in the next with the fi rst goal and the tim- nter Milan chief Steven Pino. against Olympiakos, and Mesut and I made the most of it. If you utes into the game and left Frat- round after surviving an early ing of it, we really needed to go Zhang labelled the president “24 hours 48 hours, seven Ozil were both absent, while Al- win, it is okay but if we had lost ton Park on crutches. “He was in barrage from the third-tier pro- in at half-time 0-0 and build it of Serie A a “clown” on so- days? And what else? What’s exandre Lacazette and Nicolas obviously it would have been a lot of pain, he is in a brace at motion chasers. up for the second half,” he said cial media due to the last- your next step? And now you Pepe were on the bench. the wrong decision. the moment,” said Arteta. “I felt that we put quite a lot of conceding deep into fi rst- Iminute decisions made by league speak about sportsmanship and “I assessed the team and “The energy, the focus and “He will be assessed in the of pressure on them in the fi rst half stoppage time. “Fair play to offi cials about whether or not fair competition? physically some of them were the willingness and desire to next few days and we will know half,” he said. my players, they never gave up matches should be played amid “Shame on you. It’s time to knackered, some of them had play in this competition is really more. I don’t know if it’s the “We needed one of those mo- and didn’t buckle - Arsenal have the coronavirus outbreak. stand up and take your respon- issues, some of them mentally important.” bone or ligaments, we don’t ments to go for us but fair play deserved to win the game but we The Italian government has sibility! This is what we do in were hanging on what hap- One sour note for Arsenal know yet.” to them, they got the blocks and are proud of what we have done banned sporting events in the 2020!” pened that day. came when Uruguay midfi elder Portsmouth manager Kenny we couldn’t make those mo- in the competition and are still country’s most aff ected regions, Neither Dal Pino nor Serie A “So I tried to pick the right Lucas Torreira was taken off in- Jackett said Arsenal were wor- ments tell.“I’m disappointed doing well in the league.” which include Milan, and so far have so far replied to his com- 10 Serie A matches have been ments. postponed. The ANSA news agency said FA charges Everton boss Ancelotti with misconduct Although the government that the Italian football federa- has given Serie A the option of tion (FIGC) had opened an in- Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti has EUROPEAN CLUBS BAN HANDSHAKES RONALDO DASHES TO MADEIRA Bilbao team mates will walk off the field staging matches behind closed quiry into Zhang’s remarks. been charged with misconduct by the Football clubs in Europe have begun TO SEE STROKE-VICTIM MOTHER if he is racially abused from the stands doors, clubs cannot agree on The FIGC did not immediately Football Association (FA) for behaviour asking players, staff and off icials not Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo again. The Spain international, born whether that choice is preferable reply to a request for comment. that led to a red card after a 1-1 Premier to shake hands in an attempt to slow skipped training with his Italian club Ju- in Bilbao to a Ghanaian father and a to postponing games altogether. Some clubs such as third- League draw with Manchester United the spread of the coronavirus. English ventus yesterday to dash to the Madeira Liberian mother, was the subject of racist The death toll in Italy has placed Inter, who have had two on Sunday. Ancelotti was left infuriated top-flight side Newcastle United banned home of his mother, victim of a stroke, chants in January when Athletic drew jumped to 52 and the total games postponed, feel that they after a decision by the Video Assistant handshakes at training sessions last local press reported. “All we can say is 1-1 at Espanyol in La Liga after he was number of confi rmed cases in are at a sporting disadvantage Referee to disallow a late Everton winner week, a move that has since been mir- that he’s not at training for personal rea- substituted. Europe’s worst-aff ected coun- to those who have not had any and received his marching orders from rored by fellow Premier League clubs sons,” Juventus told AFP, without giving The Catalan club identified 12 fans who try has climbed past the 2,000 games called off . referee Chris Kavanagh for protesting Southampton, West Ham United and further details. According to the Diario had been involved in the abuse. Williams mark. Inter have dropped eight after the final whistle. Wolverhampton Wanderers. de Noticias da Madeira, Ronaldo was told Movistar programme ‘Universo Serie A said last Thursday that points behind leaders Lazio, who Having calmed down later, the 60-year- “Wolves players and staff have been expected to make a whistlestop return to Valdano’ on Monday that Athletic will fi ve matches in aff ected regions have played twice and won both old told reporters it was a “diff icult” asked to avoid any unnecessary Funchal, capital of the Portuguese island stop playing even if they are automati- would be played behind closed games in the same period, and decision for the referee, before joking meetings, lunches or other public lying in the Atlantic, arriving Tuesday cally handed a defeat. doors at the weekend, then are six adrift of Juventus, who that it was not the first time he had been engagements, and temporarily avoid afternoon but departing Wednesday in “If it happens again I will count on the changed its mind on Saturday have played once since the re- sent off and would not be the last. “Carlo casual fan interaction such as selfies or good enough time to be available for support of a lot of people,” said Williams. and postponed them until May strictions were introduced. Ancelotti has been charged with miscon- autographs,” Wolves said in a statement the Italian Cup semi-final between Juve “I know that my team mates would have 13. The head of Italy’s Olympic duct for a breach of FA Rule E3,” the FA yesterday. and AC Milan. Ronaldo’s mother Dolores left the pitch with me (at Espanyol). I These included Inter Milan’s committee (CONI) Giovanni said in a statement. German side Borussia Dortmund have Aveiro suff ered the stroke early Tuesday. have spoken to them and the next time visit to Juventus which would Malago called for the arguing to “It is alleged that the Everton manager’s also told players and staff not to sign The 65-year-old is now reportedly we will leave the field, even if they give have been on Sunday night. stop. language and/or behaviour on the field autographs or pose for selfies and will no conscious and in a stable condition in a us a defeat. The league subsequently also “This does Italy no honour,” of play... amounts to improper conduct.” longer allow members of the public at Funchal hospital. “In the 21st century it is something we postponed the Serie A game be- he told La Republicca newspaper Ancelotti, who has until tomorrow to re- training sessions. cannot allow. Your skin colour, face or tween Sampdoria and Verona in an interview. spond to the charges, faces a fine and a “This measure is being taken to protect PLAYERS WILL WALK OFF PITCH IF I sex doesn’t matter. We cannot allow that had been scheduled for “We have to tackle this in an potential touchline ban for Sunday’s trip all those in attendance at training ses- SUFFER RACIST ABUSE: WILLIAMS anything like this.” The club could not im- Monday. adult way because we are facing to former club Chelsea if found guilty. sions,” Dortmund said on their website. Striker Inaki Williams said his Athletic mediately be reached for comment. “Playing around the calendar an event that is not just rare, it’s (fi xture list) and always putting unique.”

FOCUS City must maintain ‘big club’ mentality: Guardiola AFP “It is so nice what we have done in that fi cult one and Roberto Mancini and his London competition in the last three years but people and players did it, then other Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola poses in this game we have another fi nal. people came after them and continued with the Carabao Cup aft er their League Cup win “Away in the FA Cup is always dif- the process.” in London on Sunday. (Reuters) ep Guardiola urged his Man- fi cult because of how important this Injuries have helped halt City’s at- chester City squad to maintain competition is for the clubs in this tempt at a third straight Premier League their hunger for more trophies country. We can go through to the title as they trail runaway leaders Liver- after picking up the eighth of quarter-fi nals and that is what we have pool by 22 points. Phis four-season reign with a third con- to do.” Leroy Sane has missed most of the secutive League Cup. The appointment of Guardiola has season due to a cruciate ligament in- City have more cup success in sight accelerated City’s rise to the top of the jury suff ered in the Community Shield as they travel to Sheffi eld today in the English game after Roberto Mancini in August. FA Cup fi fth round and lead Real Madrid and Manuel Pellegrini also won Premier The German winger is now back in 2-1 after the fi rst leg of their Champions League titles backed by the billions training, but Guardiola will not rush League last 16 tie. spent by the club’s Abu Dhabi-based him back to feature in midweek. Guardiola has now won 29 trophies owners. “He is not ready. (After) six months, in his managerial career after similarly Sunday’s success was City’s 11th ma- (it) needs a process. When you start successful spells at Barcelona and Bay- jor trophy since ending a 35-year wait (back training) you feel good but still ern Munich and he wants City to match for silverware by winning the 2011 FA it is not (right), especially confi dence,” the demands of those European giants Cup under Mancini. said Guardiola. going forward. “There is a lot of eff ort behind this,” “He is doing the normal steps to “I learnt in the big clubs I was at be- added Guardiola. “The most impor- come back but maybe it will be easier fore, and in their history, when they win tant thing was the league when Roberto to play in the Premier League, which we a trophy they go and take a shower, and Mancini was here. It changed the men- don’t have chance to win, than in this they are thinking in that moment about tality of the club. cup competition. We need to be incred- the next one,” said Guardiola yesterday. “The fi rst one is always the most dif- ibly focused all the way through.” Wednesday, March 4, 2020 GULF TIMES SPORT

SHOWJUMPING Global Champions Tour at Shaqab from tomorrow The best riders in the world are in attendance, including 9 of the top 10 riders from the LGCT overall season ranking Finals

By Sports Reporter Doha

he 2020 Longines Global Champions Tour and GCL were offi cially declared open yester- day in Doha as top rider Nicola TPhilippaerts and local organisers hailed the ‘amazing, prestigious’ circuit and predicted an epic battle for the indi- vidual and team titles. Al Shaqab is the launchpad for the new season with 50 riders from 15 dif- ferent countries heading to Qatar’s capital city from tomorrow till Satur- day to take part in these high-stakes competitions under the stunning soar- ing architecture of the Longines Arena at Al Shaqab. The best riders in the world are in attendance, including 9 of the top 10 riders from the LGCT over- all season ranking at the Finals in 2019, setting the scene for an electrifying weekend of sport. Last season saw a stunning fi nish as French rider Julien Epaillard snatched the win from 2019 LGCT Champion and LGCT Super Grand Prix winner Ben Maher of Britain. Epaillard, who won three events at the CHI Al Shaqab last weekend, returns to defend his title this year, and will compete against stars including Scott Brash (Britain), Pieter Devos (Belgium), Maikel van der Vleu- ten (the Netherlands), Simon Delestre (France), Daniel Deusser (Germany), Hans-Dieter Dreher (Germany) and Peder Fredricson (Sweden) in a bid for glory at this early stage of the season. Seven Qatari showjumpers – Faleh Commercial Manager of Al Shaqab and Doha Event Director Omar al-Mannai (centre), Global Champions Tour president Jan Tops (left) and Belgian rider Nicola Philippaerts during the Press conference Suwead al-Ajami, Salman Mohamed at the Al Shaqab yesterday. al-Emadi, Rashid Towaim Ali al-Mar- ri, Sultan Rashid al-Marri, Mohamed riders who are inspired by watching and Nasser al-Qadi, Saeed Nasser al-Qadi learning from the top riders in action at and Mubarak Yousuf al-Rumaihi – will the event. also be in action. Nicola Philippaerts of Belgium, one Omar al-Mannai, Commercial Man- of the world’s top riders and a member ager of AL Shaqab and Event Director, of the London Knights GCL team, said: spoke of the importance of hosting this “It is an amazing circuit and all the best opening leg. “Longines Global Cham- riders in the world do it. Everyone wants pions Tour started in Doha in 2008, to win the title in the end. The top riders then in 2013 we started hosting LGCT in the world are all here and we will see here in Al Shaqab. LGCT is a tour that some nice sport this weekend”. takes place all over the world, and Philippaerts will be one to watch this of course it has boosted the sport all season, and he brings some talented around the world. For us here in Doha, horses to the competition this weekend it’s incredible for riders, trainers, and including Katanga, who placed fi fth in so on to experience this kind of event. the Grand Prix at last week’s CHI event Besides that, the top sport of LGCT at Al Shaqab. The Belgian rider was im- continues to attract new partners - lo- pressed with the facilities for horses, cal and international - to be part of this riders, grooms, owners and spectators story here in Qatar and this is impor- at Shaqab. “For us as riders it’s an in- tant for us as organisers and hosts. We credible place, we always look forward now have almost 40,000 spectators to coming back here. I think the best Belgian rider Nicola Philippaerts (centre) with the young riders at Al Shaqab’s academy. attending over three days so we have riders in the world have been coming really developed the event in that way already for many years here, the top 30 where,” Philippaerts said. ally think of everything. The public at- The tour has grown from strength looking for a good start. Friday will see too. We are looking forward to continue almost always come here. The weather LGCT and GCL President and Found- tendance is increasing every year, which to strength since its inception in 2006, two top-level competitions, before the hosting this event in the future,” al- is good, the facilities are perfect, all the er, Jan Tops spoke of the huge anticipa- is very nice to see. The whole place is increasing from 6 events to this year’s second round of the GCL competition Mannai said. riders come here with their best horses. tion among fans around the world for picture perfect. We are excited to see all calendar of 18 events including the GC takes place at 2:45pm on Saturday. The He also spoke of the objective to The event and venue is good prepara- the kick-off event of the season, and of the teams battle for their places for the Prague Playoff s, spanning 3 continents LGCT Grand Prix of Doha kicks off at encourage a new generation in show tion for this year’s Olympic Games as the ever-increasing following that the title and also the riders to try and qual- and 18 iconic locations around the 6:15pm on Saturday, with riders vying jumping at the Kids’ Academy at Al the weather and temperature is good tour has amassed. “I think Al Shaqab is ify all season for the LGCT Super Grand world. The fi rst round of the GCL team for the win as well as the fi rst golden Shaqab, building on the sport’s growing for the horses’ acclimatisation, and a unique place in the world, I don’t think Prix in Prague which is very prestigious competition will begin at 5:45pm to- ticket to the LGCT Super Grand Prix at popularity in Qatar, and praised young there is a lot of space to work every- there is a second place like this, they re- to win,” Tops said. morrow, with home team Doha Falcons the GC Prague Playoff s.

QATAR OPEN TABLE TENNIS Moregard upsets Fang Bo, world junior champ Peng wins

By Sports Reporter Doha Action from the Qatar Open table tennis men’s singles Preliminary first round match between Sweden’s Truls Moregard (right) and China’s Fang Bo at the Aspire he 25th edition of the Qatar Dome yesterday. PICTURES: Noushad Thekkayil Open table tennis began yes- terday at the Aspire Dome with qualifi cation matches, as the Tplayers battled it out for a place in the World Tour Platinum event. It was Swedish prodigy Truls More- gard who grabbed the spotlight on the opening day as he stunned China’s Fang Bo in the men’s singles Preliminary fi rst round match. It was all about the fi ery shots, with the match going to a sev- enth game decider. Eventually, More- gard came out on top, winning 4-3 (11- 4, 9-11, 11-9, 7-11, 10-12, 11-4, 12-10) in Qatar’s Maha Ali and Mohamed Hungary’s Bence Majoros and Serbia’s a 54 minutes. Abdulwahhab (right) in action. Aleksandar Karakasevic all prevailing “I feel amazing, it was really nice in their respective fi xtures. to win this match. We both won some opening round meeting. Meanwhile, Russia’s Kirill Skachkov tough game but in the end when I man- Behind by 0-2 on the scoreboard and France’s Tristan Flore accounted age to stay calm and make some really Gerassimenko showed great courage to for Iraq’s Ameer Al-Nuaimi (11-7, 11- good points I won, I’m really happy. It’s mount a fantastic comeback, beating 7, 11-5, 11-2) and Hong Kong China’s one of the best win of my career so far,” Croatia’s Wei Shihao 4-3 (9-11, 3-11, Ng Pak Nam (11-4, 11-6, 11-7, 9-11, Moregard said. 11-7, 11-7, 11-9, 6-11, 11-8). 11-9) respectively. Benedikt Duda was “He is still unbelievably good even China’s Xu Chenhao accounted in imperious mood against India’s though his World Ranking has dropped. for Austria’s Stefan Fegerl across fi ve Jeet Chandra, as he beat the Asian in I’m just really happy. Before playing in games (11-6, 11-7, 9-11, 11-7, 11-7), while straight games (11-3, 11-4, 11-5, 11-7) in the Japanese league, you have a lot of against France’s Can Akkuzu, before knocked out Romania’s Ovidiu Ionescu for the host nation, going down to In- his countryman Zhou Qihao negotiated under 22 minutes. respect for these players but practising coming through 11-9, 8-11, 11-5, 7-11, after recovering from 2-0 down, 8-11, dia’s Amalraj Anthony 11-5, 11-3, 11-5, a tricky encounter against Belarusian However, the session was marred by with these top players it helps to make 11-3, 13-15, 11-6. Other Chinese win- 8-11, 11-1, 11-6, 11-5, 11-3. 11-7. opponent Aliaksandr Khanin 4-1 (11-9, a number of withdrawals due to injury lower that feeling and can play more ners included Yan An and Zhou Yu who Qatar suff ered disappointment on Kirill Gerassimenko, who won Kaza- 11-7, 10-12, 11-7, 13-11). – Czech Republic’s Pavel Sirucek and freely,” he added, both moved a step closer towards the home soil as Mohamed Abdulwahhab khstan’s fi rst-ever international men’s Elsewhere, Belgium’s Martin Al- Italy’s Leonardo Mutti both dropped China’s world junior champion main draw. was seen off in straight games by Uz- singles title last month at the ITTF legro outclassed Turkish counterpart out giving Belarussian Pavel Platonov Xiang Peng was among the winners Yan beat Indian’s Harmeet Desai bekistan’s Zokhid Kenjaev, 11-4, 11-7, Challenge Spanish Open, needed the Ibrahim Gunduz 4-0 (11-8, 11-9, 15- and Senegal’s Ibrahima Diaw default yesterday. He was taken the distance 11-6, 10-12, 13-11, 11-5, 11-9 and Yu 11-5, 11-6. Fahed Almughanne also lost full seven games to pull through his 13, 14-12) with Spain’s Alvaro Robles, entries into the next round.