Manchester City win Carabao Cup on penalties PAGE 18

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2019

Al Rayyan spikers win Arab Club Volleyball Championship PAGE 19 ONE-DAY INTERNATIONAL WEST INDIES VS ENGLAND Qatar draw Nigeria in U-20 World Cup

Hosts Poland to play Colombia in the opener in Lodz on May 23 IKOLI VICTOR DOHA

QATAR and Nigeria were drawn together for the 22nd edition of the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Poland along- side Ukraine and the United Poland will welcome all with States in Group D, following the group stage draw held in open arms: Blaszczykowski Gdynia on Sunday. AKUB Blaszczykowski, selves won’t have a great who, with 105 interna- deal of time to get to know Jtional appearances, is our country as all their focus Poland’s most capped player, will be on training sessions on the eve of FIFA U-20 World and matches. We have lots Cup Poland 2019 draw wel- of things to showcase,” The Qatar U-20 football team soon after booking their ticket to the FIFA U-20 World Cup Poland 2019 during the AFC U-19 Championship comed players and fans from he said. against Thailand in Jakarta last October. all around the world to his On his message to your mes- country for the event. sage to the players who will teams in the group. For 2019’s qualification, Speaking to FIFA.com the be taking part in this tourna- FIFA legends Bebeto, who despite losing their opening Polish player said, “We have ment, Blaszczykowski said, won the U-20 World Cup in match in the 2018 AFC U-19 a lot to offer, but first and “Approach it with a smile on Quote Unquote 1983 and the FIFA World Cup Championship against UAE, foremost, we are blessed your face so that you can just Every World Cup, no matter in 1994; and Fernando Qatar still managed to finish with people who are incred- go and enjoy the tournament. Couto, who lifted the top of Group A along with ibly open, friendly and eager Be charged with positive en- if it is at youth or senior U-20 title in 1989, hosts Indonesia thanks to help others. I’m convinced ergy, so you approach every level, gives a player a made the draw in to the head-to-head re- that Poland will welcome our training session and every tremendous opportunity front of numerous sults. A 7-3 win after ex- guests with open arms and match in a positive way. When to face the best possible coaches and icons tra time in the quarter- that they will feel right at you look at life and a match opponents. of Polish football. finals of the competition home here. with optimism, it makes Qatar will be against Thailand meant “That famous Polish hos- things easier. Smile, go out Germany’s football star making their fourth the Qataris reached Po- pitality isn’t just all talk. onto the pitch and give your Lukas Podolski FIFA U-20 World Cup land 2019 before losing However, I know from experi- all. That’s my way of looking appearance at Poland in the semi-finals against ence that the players them- at it.” (TNN) 2019 after making their Korea Republic. Qatar will open their ac- debut in 1981 when they The star player count of the tournament finished second. They for Qatar going into against Nigeria on May 24 and hosted the competition this World Cup is Ab- face Ukraine three days later back in 1996 but bowed dulrasheed Umar. before their final group match out in the first round The striker scored seven against the United States on and they had a simi- goals in the 2018 AFC in that game, which was the giants Benfica. Miguel moved May 30th. lar outcome twenty U-19 Championship, same number of goals, scored to Qatar in 2015, where he May 23 to June 15 The U-20 World Cup 2019 years later when including a brace in in their run to finish second in joined Aspire Academy, The FIFA U-20 World Cup, a tournament that served as a will take place from May 23 to they finished at the quarter-finals the 1981 FIFA World Youth he was then appointed June 15 in Poland. the bottom clash against Championship. as the coach of the Qatar springboard for players like Diego Maradona, Lionel Messi, Hosts Poland will play Co- of Group Thailand. Qatar will be guided by U-19 team in February 2017 Paul Pogba and countless other superstars, will be held in lombia in the opening Group A C in New Qatar hit Coach Bruno Miguel. The Por- before the start of the 2018 Poland in 2019.The U-20 World Cup will be held across six match in Lodz on May 23. Ta- Zealand in seven past tuguese had several coaching AFC U-19 Championship venues between 23 May and 15 June. hiti and Senegal are the other 2015. Thailand stints in his country including qualifiers. No stopping Nasser in QCCR

z Attiyah wins 3rd successive stage TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK Another good day, but it second fastest time in the category behind LUSAIL wasn’t easy at all. We start- Ahmed al Kuwari, holds eighth overall z Rajhi 2nd at the expense of Przygonski ed from the sand dunes and now has a T3 advantage of 1hrs 49min A third successive stage victory for Qatar’s and the navigation was a little bit dif- 15sec over ninth-placed Fedor Yorobeyev. z Brazilian Varela takes commanding lead in T3 Nasser Saleh al Attiyah and French co- ficult. We didn’t make any mistakes. Qatari Khalid al Mohannadi and Italian driver Matthieu Baumel enabled the Toyo- female rider Camelia Liparoti rounded off ta Hilux crew to extend their overall lead in We try to push in some places where I a decimated top 11. 2019 MANATEQ QATAR CROSS-COUNTRY RALLY the Manateq Qatar Cross-Country Rally to felt good, but I also tried to save our Mohammed al Attiyah ground to a POSITIONS ON SS3 (UNOFFICIAL @ 15.00HRS) 9min 52sec on Sunday. car because that is important. We had halt north of the Inland Sea and fell out 1. Nasser Saleh al Attiyah (QAT)/Matthieu Baumel (FRA) Toyota Hilux Overdrive 3hrs 27min 33sec The five-time event winner opened a problem with one tyre (delaminat- of contention for overall T3 honours with 2. Yazeed al Rajhi (SAU)/Dirk von Zitzewitz (DEU) Toyota Hilux Overdrive 3hrs 28min 44sec the road on the longest stage of the en- huge delays, while Omani driver Abdullah 3. Jakub Przygonski (POL)/Timo Gottschalk (DEU) MINI John Cooper Works Rally 3hrs 30min 16sec ing), but we managed. 4. Vladimir Vasilyev (RUS)/Konstantin Zhiltsov (RUS) BMW X3 CC 3hrs 46min 06sec tire event (351.98km) and overcame the al Zubair also ruined his chance of winning 5. Bernhard Ten Brinke (NLD)/Tom Colsoul (BEL) Toyota Hilux Overdrive 4hrs 03min 29sec tricky navigation and a series of unforgiv- Nasser Saleh al Attiyah T3 after turbo-related issues. 6. Miroslav Zapletal (CZE)/Marek Sykora (SVK) Ford F150 Evo 4hrs 09min 06sec ing sand dunes to card the target time of Al Zubair’s Qatari co-driver Nasser Al- 2019 MANATEQ QATAR CROSS-COUNTRY RALLY – POSITIONS AFTER SS3 (UNOFFICIAL @ 15.20HRS) 1. Nasser Saleh al Attiyah (QAT)/Matthieu Baumel (FRA) Toyota Hilux Overdrive 7hrs 12min 42sec 3hrs 27min 33sec. Kuwari explained: “It was around 70km in 2. Yazeed Al-Rajhi (SAU)/Dirk von Zitzewitz (DEU) Toyota Hilux Overdrive 7hrs 22min 34sec Team-mates Yazeed al Rajhi and Dirk and Konstantin Zhiltsov stopped short of the stage and we were leading the T3. We 3. Jakub Przygonski (POL)/Timo Gottschalk (DEU) MINI John Cooper Works Rally 7hrs 23min 28sec von Zitzewitz pushed the Qatari hard the second passage control for a short felt there was no power in the car. We try 4. Vladimir Vasilyev (RUS)/Konstantin Zhiltsov (RUS) BMW X3 CC 7hrs 47min 10sec from the outset and the second fastest time, but finished the stage with the fourth to move again. Varela caught us, but there 5. Yasir Seaidan (SAU)/Laurent Lichtleuchter (FRA) MINI John Cooper Works Rally 8hrs 34min 47sec 6. Miroslav Zapletal (CZE)/Marek Sykora (SVK) Ford F150 Evo 9hrs 00min 34sec time enabled the Toyota driver to edge in fastest time to hold a similar place in the was white smoke. We knew it was the tur- 7. Bernhard Ten Brinke (NLD)/Tom Colsoul (BEL) Toyota Hilux Overdrive 10hrs 02min 17sec front of Polish rival Jakub Przygonski and overall standings. Zhiltsov said, “It was a bo. We called the team and we took the de- 8. Reinaldo Varela (BRA)/Gustavo Gugelmin (BRA) Can-Am Maverick T3 10hrs 21min 56sec his German navigator Timo Gottschalk hard day and we had a small mechanical cision to come back to Lusail.” 9. Fedor Vorobeyev (RUS)/Kirill Shubin (RUS) Can-Am Maverick X3 T3 12hrs 11min 11sec in the overall standings. The two are now problem before PC2 and a puncture. We Russian driver Fedor Vorobeyev lost 10. Khalid Al-Mohannadi (QAT)/Loic Minaudier (FRA) Polaris RZR 1000 T3 12hrs 39min 22sec 11. Camelia Liparoti (ITA)/Max Delfino (FRA) Yamaha YZX 1000 R T3 13hrs 01min 13sec separated by just 54 seconds in the fight are happy to be here and will try to do our considerable time digging his way out of a 12. Mohammed Al-Meer (QAT)/Alexey Kuzmich (RUS) Toyota Land Cruiser T2 13hrs 05min 56sec for second place. best over the last two days.” sandy hole in the dunes and Qatar’s Adel 2019 QATAR MANATEQ BAJA – ROUND 2 (UNOFFICIAL @ 14.40HRS) Attiyah said, “Another good day, but Italian Eugenio Amos felt unwell and Abdulla suffered his own time-consuming 1. Ahmed al Kuwari (QAT)/Manuel Lucchese (ITA) Can-Am Maverick X3 1hr 54min 21sec it was not easy at all. We started from was forced to stop his Ford 2WD Buggy be- delays and was running well behind the 2. Khalid Al-Mohannadi (QAT)/Loic Minaudier (FRA) Polaris RZR 1000 T3 2hrs 04min 49sec 3. Saleh Al-Saif (SAU)/Ziad Al-Arbi (SAU) Can-Am Maverick X3 2hrs 05min 02sec the sand dunes and the navigation was fore the dunes, north of the Inland Sea, and leading group. 4. Adel Abdulla (QAT)/Marc Serra (ESP) Can-Am Maverick T3 2hrs 19min 16sec a little bit difficult. We didn’t make any his demise lifted Yasir Seaidan and French Mohammed al Harqan’s goal of win- 5. Rashed Al-Mohannadi (QAT)/Ahmed Al-Fares (KWT) Polaris RZR 1000 T3 2hrs 22min 34sec mistakes. We try to push in some places navigator Laurent Lichtleuchter to fifth ning the T2 category for series production where I felt good, but I also tried to save overall in the second of the X–raid MINIs. cross-country vehicles was dealt a bitter our car because that is important. We Czech driver Miroslav Zapletal stayed out blow when he suffered technical issues on had a problem with one tyre (delaminat- of serious trouble in his Ford F-150 Evo to the eastern coast, north of the Inland Sea. ing), but we managed.” hold sixth place, despite one puncture and But rival Qatari Mohammed al Meer was Przygonski said, “The stage was good four small navigational errors. also delayed in the sand, as both T2 cars and we enjoyed it. It was hard navigation, Seaidan said, “It was a long stage and struggled to cross the demanding terrain. but we didn’t have any issues. We are push- rough in places and we got lost many times. Meer eventually snatched the T2 advan- ing. The first part was good, for sure, but We also had an electronic problem, but we tage and 12th overall. the last part we lose a bit of rhythm and we got only one puncture.” Qatar’s Ahmed al Kuwari and his Qatar’s ace rallyist Nasser Saleh al don’t know how or why. There were a lot of Bernhard Ten Brinke struggled to Italian navigator Manuel Lucchese Attiyah in action during the longest dunes at the start and the track was really make headway on the third stage in the last claimed victory in the second of the stage of Manateq-Qatar Cross-Country nice to drive today.” of the Overdrive Toyotas. He lost time with Qatar Manateq Bajas with a time of 1hr Rally (351.98km). He overcame the “Everything is okay,” said Al Rajhi. navigational woes before the second pas- 54min 21sec at PC2. On Monday, there tricky navigation and a series of unfor- “We had one puncture about 10km from sage control, although he was able to climb are two selective sections split by a road giving sand dunes to card the target the finish, but it was okay. The dunes and from 11th to 7th in the overall rankings. liaison section of 56.39km where service time of 3hrs 27min 33secs on Sunday. the navigation were okay. We tried to Monster Energy Can-Am driver Re- is not permitted. The first timed section of push as much as we could in the middle inaldo Varela was the main beneficiary 227.99km starts 37.71km from the Lusail of the stage.” of numerous stoppages and issues for ri- Sport Centre and the second of 121.41km The Russian crew of Vladimir Vasilyev val T3 competitors. The Brazilian set the finishes 95.75km from the bivouac. Sports Monday, February 25, 2019 17 Maxwell helps Australia edge out India in 1st T20 AFP VISAKHAPATNAM, INDIA SCOREBOARD INDIA GLENN Maxwell hit a crucial R. Sharma c Zampa b Behrendorff ...... 5 K.L. Rahul c Finch b Coulter-Nile ...... 50 half-century as Australia edged V. kohli c Coulter-Nile b Zampa ...... 24 out India by three wickets in a R. Pant run out (Behrendorff/Handscomb) ...... 3 Afghanistan bowler Rashid Khan thrilling last-ball finish at the M.S. Dhoni not out ...... 29 first Twenty20 international on D. Karthik b Coulter-Nile ...... 1 Sunday. K. Pandya c Maxwell b Coulter-Nile ...... 1 Khan hat-trick seals U. Yadav lbw b Cummins ...... 2 Pat Cummins hit a four Y. Chahal not out ...... 0 and took two runs to complete Extras (lb2, w9) ...... 11 a nervous 127-run chase after Total (7 wickets, 20 overs) ...... 126 Afghanistan T20 Fall of wickets: 1-14 (Sharma), 2-69 (kohli), 3-80 his fellow paceman Nathan (Pant), 4-92 (Rahul), 5-94 (Karthik), 6-100 Coulter-Nile restricted India to (Pandya), 7-109 (Yadav) Did not bat: M. Markande, sweep against Ireland 126-7 in Visakhapatnam. J. Bumrah Bowling: Behrendorff 3-0-16-1, Maxwell, who made 56, put Richardson 4-0-31-0 (w5), Coulter-Nile 4-0-26-3 (w1), Zampa 3-0-22-1 (w2), Cummins 4-0-19-1 AFP together 84 runs with D’Arcy (w1), Short 2-0-10-0 18th over when the world’s Short for the third wicket to put AUSTRALIA (target 127) DEHRADUN, INDIA top T20 bowler became the Australia on course before Jas- D. Short run out (Pandya/Dhoni) ...... 37 first spinner in the format to prit Bumrah hit back with three M. Stoinis run out (Yadav/Chahal) ...... 1 RASHID Khan claimed a hat- take a hat-trick. A. Finch lbw b Bumrah ...... 0 wickets. G. Maxwell c Rahul b Chahal ...... 56 trick to help Afghanistan to a Khan got George Dock- Bumrah got debutant Peter P. Handscomb c Dhoni b Bumrah ...... 13 3-0 series sweep over Ireland rell, Shane Getkate and Simi Handscomb caught behind for A. Turner b Pandya ...... 0 after their convincing 32-run Singh on consecutive deliv- 13 and then bowled Coulter-Nile N. Coulter-Nile b Bumrah ...... 4 victory in the third Twenty20 eries to shut the door on Ire- P. Cummins not out ...... 7 on the final ball of the 19th over J. Richardson not out ...... 7 international on Sunday. land. to keep the game in balance. Extras (w2) ...... 2 Khan returned impres- Earlier Nabi demolished Jhye Richardson and Cummins Total (7 wickets, 20 overs) ...... 127 sive figures of 5-27 to keep the Irish bowling attack as he -- both not out on seven each -- Fall of wickets: 1-5 (Stoinis), 2-5 (Finch), 3-89 Ireland down to 178 for eight smashed 6 fours and 7 sixes, (Maxwell), 4-101 (Short), 5-102 (Turner), 6-113 then kept their cool in the final (Handscomb), 7-113 (Coulter-Nile) Did not bat: J. in their chase of 211 in the hitting the ball to all parts of six balls against Umesh Yadav Behrendorff, A. Zampa Bowling: Bumrah 4-0-16-3, north Indian city of Dehra- the ground. to steer the Aussies home. Australian cricketer Glenn Maxwell (right) plays a shot as India’s wicketkeeper Mahendra Singh Dhoni looks Chahal 4-0-28-1, Yadav 4-0-35-0 (w2), Pandya 4-0- dun. Ireland paceman Boyd “It’s a really strong position on during the first Twenty20 international at the Dr.Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA–VDCA Cricket Stadium in 17-1, Markande 4-0-31-0 Mohammad Nabi hit 81 Rankin took three wickets Visakhapatnam on Sunday. (AFP) Toss: Australia to be in,” Australia skipper Aar- Result: Australia won by 3 wickets off 36 deliveries in Afghani- but gave away 53 runs in his on Finch said after the win. Series: Australia lead two-match series 1-0 stan’s 210 for seven after four overs. “Nathan is a wicket-taker. suspension for sexist comments wicket of Rahul to check India “Australia deserved to win being put into bat first on a The two teams will now He has been very consistent during a controversial TV chat on a tricky pitch. as they played better than us.” ground where they posted a play five one-day interna- in the IPL (Indian Premier show appearance with Hardik Veteran wicketkeeper-bats- The build up to the match Kohli said ahead of the T20 international record of tionals starting Thursday League) as well,” he added. Pandya, hit 50 off 36 balls. man Mahendra Singh Dhoni was dominated by talk of the game that the team will stand 278-3 in the previous match. followed by a one-off Test “Maxi (Maxwell) played His 55-run second wicket made an unbeaten 29. domestic campaign calling by any decision taken by the Kevin O’Brien and Andy at the same venue, which is a hell of an innings on a pitch stand with skipper Virat Kohli, “A low scoring game is on India to boycott its match government and the country’s Balbirnie, who made 47, then Afghanistan’s adopted home which was tough to bat.” who made 24, gave India a brisk always on the cards in T20 against arch-rivals Pakistan in cricket board in response to the put on a threatening 96-run ground. The day belonged to Coul- start but the hosts lost momen- cricket,” said Kohli. “With the the upcoming 50-over World attack. second wicket stand to raise ter-Nile who returned figures of tum after losing three quick bowling effort we were pleased. Cup. Dozens of Indian troops in His side wore black arm- hopes of a successful chase Brief scores: 3-26 in his four overs, receiving wickets. Bumrah can do wonders with Kashmir were killed earlier this bands and both teams stood in but Khan hit back with his Afghanistan 210 for 7 (Nabi 81, the man of the match award. Adam Zampa got Kohli’s the ball when it is reversing and month in a suicide bomb attack silence at the start of the game leg spin. Rankin 3-53) beat Ireland 178 Indian batsman K.L. Rahul, prized scalp with his leg spin did exceptionally well to get us New Delhi has blamed on Paki- for the men who lost their lives He got O’Brien caught for 8 (O’Brien 74, Rashid 5-27) by who returned to the side after a and Coulter-Nile claimed the in the game,” he added. stan. in the February 14 attack. behind for 74 but it was the 32 runs Aspire Academy concludes Qatar lose to Japan in final FIBA qualifier latest tri-series tournament TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK DOHA

ASPIRE Academy recently concluded the second Tri- Series football tournament of the 2018 – 2019 season. The tournament featured under-13 and under-14 year-old players from Aspire Academy, Kuwait’s U-13/14 national team and FC Dynamo Kyiv from Ukraine. The tournament aims to de- velop the professionalism of the young student-athletes at As- pire Academy and helps build the characteristics required of future champions, encouraging players to follow in the foot- steps of the Aspire Academy graduates that triumphed in the 2019 AFC Asian Cup earlier this month. overall player. opportunity to compete against tournament.” Qatar fell 48-96 in the last game of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Qualifiers at the Al Gharafa The tournament saw the Speaking after the tourna- strong opponents and experi- Aspire Academy has in- Sports Club on Sunday. Qatar had earlier lost to the Philippines on Thursday and will hope to build on three teams take part in a num- ment, Aspire U-14 coach, Oscar ence a very high standard of stalled “Football Skills De- the experience gained in the campaign. New coach Panos Yiannaras has stated that the team will be ber of hotly contested games Garro said, “This tournament play. This naturally helps our velopment Centers” (FSDC) better in a few years with more games and competitions under their belt. that featured a range of con- is a good challenge for us to team improve and to step up throughout Doha for boys be- trasting footballing styles. evaluate our performance and our game,” Muhanna said. tween 6 and 11 years of age. In the U-14 category, FC know where we stand because FC Dynamo Kyiv U-13 From the age of 8 years on- Dynamo Kyiv clinched victory we have a set target for players player, Viacheslav Surkis was wards, the most promising Quick read after defeating the teams from and the team in general that we who visited Qatar for the first boys are identified and invited Aspire Academy and Kuwait. wish to fulfil in a few years.” time said, “I enjoyed playing to join “Aspire Feeder Groups” Rockets beat Warriors 118-112 without MVP Harden Dmytro Kosach was crowned Aqeel Muhanna, Kuwait’s in the Tri-Series tournament in which they are prepared to the best goalkeeper while mid- national team coach expressed and the teams from both Ku- join the Academy. LOS ANGELES: Eric Gordon scored a team high 25 points and Chris Paul had 23 as the Houston Rockets, fielder Yevhenii Mykytivk se- his gratitude on behalf of his wait and Aspire Academy were The training philosophy of playing without leading scorer James Harden, used a balanced attack to beat the Golden State Warriors lected the best player of the players and staff for the invita- strong opponents and made us the Academy is tailored to the 118-112 on Saturday. The Rockets won without the reigning NBA most valuable player Harden, who has tournament. tion to take part in the Tri-Se- work hard. From the hotel to goals of Qatar as a footballing been bothered by a sore neck of late and then woke up Saturday morning with flu symptoms, the team said. In the U-13 category, the ries tournament. the playing fields, all the facili- nation and follows a strategy Harden, who was fined $25,000 earlier Saturday for criticizing the referees after a loss to the Los national team from Kuwait “This is not the first time we ties are really impressive. And that is geared towards the de- Angeles Lakers, has missed just four games this season. Saturday’s win showed the team’s depth with- claimed the winner’s tro- take part in this tournament, so too is the city of Doha. I will velopment of individual player, out Harden, who has scored 30 or more points in 32 straight games for the second longest streak in league phy. Abdullah al Ayoub was playing in this competition is take great memories of our visit enabling them to fulfil their history. The two-time defending NBA champion Warriors beat the Rockets in a seven-game series last May crowned the best goalkeeper of tremendous benefit to our back to Ukraine and l’m very sporting potential and make in the Western Conference finals, but this regular season the tables have turned. Houston has now won all and Faisal al Mukahal the best side and gives our players the fortunate to have played in this the most of their talent. three meetings with Golden State this season, including a 107-86 rout in November. (AFP) Tsitsipas claims second Osaka will learn to deal with fame, says Nishikori ATP title in Marseille AFP maybe a year ago she wasn’t terdam, losing to Stan Waw- DUBAI ranked top 10. Suddenly eve- rinka. He said that he is look- AFP rything changes: she’s No. 1, ing forward to a fresh ATP MARSEILLE KEI Nishikori is confident his I’ve (only) been Top 3 before. experience. Japanese compatriot Naomi “There is more pressure, “It was always comfort- RISING Greek star Stefanos Osaka will learn to cope with for sure. Being No.1, winning able to play this week Acapul- Tsitsipas claimed his second pressure as she deals deal Grand Slams, that’s some- co. I used to play Memphis all ATP Tour title on Sunday by with her new elite status in thing I never had before. It’s the time, it was easier for me beating Mikhail Kukushkin in tennis. a bit different. It’s more than to play on the US side. the final of the Marseille event. Nishikori, playing as top me, I think.” “But I always wanted to The 20-year-old continued seed at the Dubai Champi- The 28-year-old said Osa- come here. Schedule-wise it his excellent start to the year, onships starting on Monday ka will eventually find her way wasn’t easy. Something new. which included a run to the ahead of seven-time champi- into a public comfort zone. It’s fun, so I chose to play Australian Open semi-finals on Roger Federer, has been- “I’m sure she’s going to here.” on the back of a fourth round there, done that-in terms of adapt, she just needs the time. Nishikori spent part of defeat of Roger Federer, by bat- national superstardom. She has great mental, very 2018 injured, starting his sea- tling to a 7-5, 7-6 (7/5) victory. But he believes that the strong, very calm. She doesn’t son a month late with a Chal- “Winning titles is the thing painfully shy 21-year-old panic too much. lenger, He started 2019 with that I am working for... It is Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas with ranks ahead of him as a na- “I’m sure in time she will the Brisbane trophy, his 12th the biggest satisfaction and the the trophy after winning the ATP tional sporting hero after get used to it. It’s unfortunate title. biggest joy in tennis,” said Tsit- Open 13 Provence on Sunday. (AFP) winning back-to-back Grand she lost here (first round at Japan’s Naomi Osaka The sixth-ranked Ni- sipas. “There was a lot of stress Slam titles at New York and the women’s event against shikori will begin his Dubai this week because I knew I had than usual. I am happy that Melbourne and igniting fresh Kristina Mladenovic) but I’m The top Asian in the men’s his 21019 schedule a touch. campaign in the first round to face some good opponents. I got through that stress and tennis hysteria across the Pa- sure she’s okay. game, based in the US like Nishikori arrived in the against Benoit Paire; he has “When you care a lot, played the game that I was cific. “She’s going to be winning Osaka, is playing Dubai for emirate after reaching the defeated the Frenchman in you tend to be more stressed supposed to play.” “It’s much more than me, more Grand Slams.” the first time as he shakes up semi-finals this month in Rot- five of seven matches. 18 Monday, February 25, 2019 Sports Tabata, Mohammed Juma return to Al Rayyan fold Boualem back, but Al Sadd sans Tarik and Gabi

DOHA: Captain Rodrigo Tabata and Mohammed Juma will return to the Al Rayyan fold after DOHA: Al Sadd defender Boualem Khoukhi, who sat out suspended during their QNB Stars League Week News their suspensions when they play Al Shahania in Week 18 of the QNB Stars League on 17 match against Al Rayyan last week as he had received a fourth yellow card against Al Khor in the February 27. Midfielder Tabata had missed Al Rayyan’s games against Al Arabi and Al Sadd previous round, will be back in action when they take on Qatar SC on February 28. At the same time, Al in brief in Week 16 and 17 respectively as he was serving the suspension he was handed by the Sadd will be without defender Tarik Salman, who was shown a fourth yellow card against Al Rayyan last Qatar Football Association’s Disciplinary Committee for his behaviour against Al Kharaitiyat week. So is Spanish star Gabi Fernandez, who was sent off during the Al Rayyan game for fouling Khalfan in the QSL Cup. Left-back Mohammed Juma had missed the Qatar Clasico against Al Sadd Ibrahim. Al Sadd won the Qatar Clasico by a 4-0 margin to keep leading the QNB Stars League standings due to suspension for the fourth yellow card he received during the match against Al Arabi. with 44 points, four ahead of champions Al Duhail who were held goalless by Al Gharafa. Morata off the mark as Atletico Madrid sail past Villarreal goal ruled out, Morata teed up challenge in the meantime will the cross and after adjusting The former Chelsea striker celebrates Jose Gimenez’s opener against be at least to stay in touch. his feet, Morata caught his shot Juve and his contribution was Most of Atletico’s victories perfectly off the bounce. The his goal by mocking VAR enough to earn him a start this season have owed some ball crept inside the post. ahead of Diego Costa, who re- debt to their goalkeeper Jan Morata departed to a stand- AFP finger to his ear. placed his fellow Spaniard in Oblak and so it proved again as ing ovation just before the hour, MADRID Saul Niguez added a late the second half. he prevented Karl Toko Ekambi replaced by Costa, who could second for Atletico, whose vic- The pair’s jostle for the po- giving Villarreal an early lead, have made it two but took too ALVARO Morata poked fun at tory means they reduce the gap sition as partner-in-chief to saving from close range with long to finish after a dash in be- VAR after scoring his first goal behind Barca to seven points at Antoine Griezmann looks set to his legs. hind. for Atletico Madrid on Sunday the top of La Liga. Real Madrid, give Diego Simeone a headache Atletico controlled the Villarreal found some mo- as Barcelona’s closest challeng- now five behind their city rivals, in the coming weeks but Atleti’s game, with their opponents mentum in the last 15 minutes ers kept up the chase with a 2-0 play Levante later on Sunday. coach will be relieved that mo- seemingly determined to sit as Mario Gaspar and Gerard win over Villarreal. Morata’s first league goal in mentum has been sustained af- back and frustrate. Morata had Moreno both had shots blocked Since joining Atletico on almost four months was a de- ter such a memorable night in a spring in his step and did well but Saul dashed any hopes of a loan from Chelsea last month, served reward for another lively the Champions League. to execute a difficult volley from comeback. Morata has twice had goals performance, which followed Atletico’s deficit behind Saul’s cross, only for Sergio It was Costa’s ball over the ruled out by VAR so when this up his excellent display off the Barcelona may yet prove im- Asenjo to push it wide. top that did the damage as Saul one finally stood at the Wanda bench in the midweek win over possible to make up but they Atletico Madrid’s Alvaro Morata celebrates with Koke (back) after His opener took a similar won the race with Asenjo, lift- Metropolitano, he celebrated Juventus. still have to play the Catalans at scoring a goal during their Spanish league match at the Wanda route, also down the left, as ing the ball over the goalkeeper by imitating a referee putting a After having one headed the Camp Nou in April and the Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid on Sunday. (AFP) this time Filipe Luis dug out and into the net. Liverpool one MANCHESTER CITY WIN CARABAO CUP point clear at top after draw at Man United Arsenal back into 4th place with a comfortable win over Southampton

DPA the goal was ruled out for off- LONDON side and the two sides eventu- ally settled for a point. LIVERPOOL moved one point James Milner, who played clear at the top of the English at full back for Liverpool as Premier League after a hard- Trent Alexander-Arnold was fought 0-0 draw at an injury- rested, said the draw could yet hit Manchester United on Sun- be crucial. day. “We’re disappointed not Liverpool dominated pos- to win the game because we session but could not break go into every game to win but down a United side that need- hopefully it’s a good point at ed three substitutions in the the end of the season,” he said. first half but which battled well “I’d say a clean sheet is for a point. pleasing. We made all the run- The result moved Liverpool ning, didn’t create as many one point clear of Manchester chances we’d like, but the least City at the top, while United we wanted was a clean sheet dropped to fifth behind Arse- and see what happened.” Mil- nal, who beat Southampton ner said he hoped Liverpool 2-0 in the day’s other match. would play better in the re- “In the situation, for sure maining 10 games, as an at- it was for United a point they tacking threat. “I just don’t won, and for us two points think we were good enough lost,” a frustrated Liverpool with our movement,” he said. manager Juergen Klopp said. “The final ball at times “It was a strange game (wasn’t good enough) and (with all the injuries). We lost around the box we weren’t able the rhythm and we couldn’t get to open them up as much as we it back. I think on days when would like. Manchester City’s defender Vincent Kompany lifts the trophy as teammates celebrate their victory in the English League Cup final match against Chelsea at Wembley Stadium in United is beatable, you have to “(But) United are a confi- London on Sunday. Manchester City beat Chelsea on penalties 4-3 after the match had ended 0-0 after extra time. (AFP) go and beat them. dent team and well-organised. “It doesn’t feel world-class There’s a long way to go. We in the moment but that’s OK, have to look where we can im- we have a point more.” Klopp prove when we have got the might have taken a point be- ball.” Solskjaer said he was fore the match against a United proud of the attitude of his side who had won nine games players after the problems of out of 11 under caretaker man- the first half. Dybala’s goal extends ager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. “Losing three players first But when Solksjaer lost half with hamstring injuries Nemanja Matic before the (was very hard) and probably match and then Ander Herre- we should have taken off Mar- ra, Juan Mata and then Jesse cus (Rashford) off as well be- Juve’s lead at Bologna Lingard, himself a substitute, cause he got injured in the first in the opening 40 minutes, minute. Klopp would have expected to “You come out with so go on to win the match. many positives. The crowd was The Argentinean came off the bench to snatch maximum points for the Serie A leaders But though they bossed the fantastic. I don’t remember game in terms of possession, David (De Gea) making a save, AFP Winning goal they never really threatened so we kept them out of it and MILAN and Torino, who beat Atalanta the United goal, while at the we created one or two massive After a spotty Juventus display 2-0 on Saturday with goals either other end, the hosts threat- moments where we might have PAULO Dybala sent Juventus that saw hosts Bologna on top side of half-time from Armando ened on the counter-attack. scored.” 16 points clear at the top of Serie for long periods, Dybala came Izzo and Iago Falque. Lingard had the best Alexandre Lacazette and A on Sunday with a second-half off the bench to snatch the Fiorentina can join the trio chance of the match when he Henrikh Mkhitaryan scored winner in a 1-0 victory at Bolo- three points. Defender Danilo with a win over third-placed In- latched on to Romelu Lukaku’s inside the first 20 minutes as gna. deflected Blaise Matuidi’s low ter Milan in Florence in Sunday’s fine pass and tried to take the Arsenal moved back into a After a spotty Juventus dis- late game. ball around Alisson but the Champions League place with play that saw hosts Bologna on 67th-minute cross straight to Liverpool goalkeeper stuck a comfortable victory over top for long periods, Dybala the Argentine international in out a big left hand to block the Southampton. The point was came off the bench to snatch the front of a gaping goal, and he RESULTS / TABLE threat. enough to put them above three points. slotted past Lukasz AC Milan 3 Empoli 0 United did have the ball in United in fourth, while South- Defender Danilo deflected Skorupski. Torino 2 Atalanta 0 the net in the second half but ampton remain third-bottom. Blaise Matuidi’s low 67th-minute Frosinone 2 Roma 3 cross straight to the Argentine Sampdoria 1 Cagliari 0 international in front of a gaping dio Benito Stirpe, following a Chievo 0 Genoa 0 Bologna 0 juventus 1 goal, and he slotted past Lukasz fallow few months up front for Sassuolo 1 SPAL Ferrara 1 Skorupski. Eusebio Di Francesco’s incon- Juventus moved further sistent side. P W D L F A Pts ahead of Napoli who play Parma Dzeko’s winner, which came 1 juventus 25 22 3 0 53 15 69 2 Napoli 24 16 5 3 42 18 53 later on Sunday. after he had equalised Camillo 3 Inter Milan 24 14 4 6 34 17 46 Bologna stay third-from-bot- Ciano’s comical fifth-minute 4 AC Milan 25 12 9 4 38 22 45 tom on 18 points and three from Juventus’ Paulo Dybala celebrates after opening the scoring during opener for Frosinone, kept Roma 5 Roma 25 12 8 5 49 33 44 safety, despite pushing Juve, their Italian Serie A match against Bologna at the Renato-Dall’Ara one point behind Milan, who oc- 6 Torino 25 9 11 5 30 22 38 7 Atalanta 25 11 5 9 51 36 38 much-changed from the side Stadium in Bologna on Sunday. (AFP) cupy the final Champions League 8 Lazio 24 11 5 8 33 27 38 that lost 2-0 at Atletico Madrid place, ahead of next week’s Rome 9 Sampdoria 25 10 6 9 41 32 36 midweek, all the way and almost Rock-bottom Chievo held 95th-minute winner complet- derby against Lazio. 10 Fiorentina 24 8 11 5 37 26 35 equalising in the final minute Genoa to a goalless draw. ed Roma’s fightback at lowly Lazio are six points behind 11 Sassuolo 25 7 10 8 35 40 31 12 Parma 24 8 5 11 25 33 29 when Mattia Perin pushed Nico- Sampdoria’s veteran striker Frosinone as they won 3-2 to Roma after their match with 13 Genoa 25 7 8 10 32 41 29 la Sansone’s long-range drive Fabio Quagliarella struck the keep pace with fourth-placed AC Udinese set for Monday night 14 Cagliari 25 5 9 11 21 36 24 onto the post. winner from the spot in the sec- Milan, easy 3-0 winners at home was postponed as it was con- 15 SPAL 25 5 8 12 22 37 23 SPAL picked a point at Sas- ond half against Cagliari to bag to Bologna’s relegation rivals sidered too close to the first leg 16 Udinese 24 5 7 12 19 31 22 17 Empoli 25 5 6 14 30 48 21 suolo and moved five points his 17th goal of the season. Ninth- Empoli on Friday night. of their Italian Cup semi-final 18 Bologna 25 3 9 13 19 38 18 (From left) Liverpool’s James Milner, Man United’s Alexis Sanchez, Paul ahead of Bologna thanks to place Sampdoria remain in touch Rejuvenated Dzeko has against Milan. 19 Frosinone 25 3 7 15 19 49 16 Pogba and Liverpool’s Jordan Henderson go up for a header during Andrea Petagna’s 68th-minute with the European places. four goals in his last four league Simone Inzaghi’s side are 20 Chievo 25 1 10 14 19 48 10 their EPL match in Manchester on Sunday. (AFP) equaliser from the spot. On Saturday, Edin Dzeko’s games after his brace at the Sta- level on 38 points with Atalanta Sports Monday, February 25, 2019 19

Al Rayyan win Arab Clubs V’ball C’ship again; Police third MotoGP: Rins on the top on second day

Al Rayyan Club created history, becoming the first Qatari team to win back-to-back Arab Clubs Volleyball Championship in Tunis sa The Lions Alex Rins of Team Suzuki Ecstar topped the time sheets on the second day of the pre-season MotoGP test came from behind to beat Esperance ST 3-2. Twice the Tunisian club took the lead but Al Rayyan negated it and went to post an exciting 19-25, at the Losail International Circuit on Sunday. He clocked 1:54.593 to edge Maverick Vinales of Monster En- 25-22, 20-25, 25-20, 15-9 in the final on Saturday. Last year also, Al Rayyan had beaten the same rivals to win the title for the first time. Police ergy Yamaha to the second spot, according to the results till 9 pm. Vinales was timed at 1:54.640. In the of Qatar crushed GC Petroilers from Algeria to secure the third place. Al Rayyan and Police clashed in the semi-finals and Al Rayyan required third place was Fabio Quartararo and reigning world champion Marc Marquez was followed Danilo Petrucci five sets to win and move into the final. Al Arabi were the first from Qatar to win the prestigious title in 2003. in the fifth spot. Frasca, Stanco pocket Trap gold medals

QGA President Hassan bin Commercial Bank Group CEO Nasser al Naimi Joseph Abraham QGA steps up preps for CBQM 2019

ners who have played a vital Educational golf role in enhancing the event experience for both play- activities kick off ers and spectators each year. We look forward to welcom- ahead of the ing the players, golf fans and tournament our valued sponsors to Doha Golf Club for another edition TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK of world-class golf in March DOHA 2019,” added Naimi. The Commercial Bank Qa- ORGANISERS of the Commer- tar Masters is one of the most cial Bank Qatar Masters have important international sport- confirmed that the 22nd edi- ing events in Qatar and 2019 tion of the popular European is the 14th consecutive year of Qatar Open in Shotgun Men’s Trap gold medal winner Erminio Frasca with other podium Katara Cultural Village General Manager Dr. Khalid al Sulaiti presents the Women’s Trap Tour golf event will be held at sponsorship of the Commer- finishers, ISSF official Yonia Kok and a QSAA official at the Losail Ranges on Sunday. gold medal winner’s cheque to Silvana Mario Stanco at Losail on Sunday. Doha Golf Club (March 6 to 10). cial Bank of Qatar. This reflects The highly-anticipated the bank’s commitment to the RESULTS event is organised by the Qa- development of sports in the Italians sweep tar Golf Association (QGA), country and the enhancement Men’s Trap 3 COUZY, Melanie (FRA) 24 25 23 25 24 (121 30) the Qatar Olympic Committee of Qatar’s sporting reputation titles at Qatar 1 FRASCA, Erminio (ITA) 25 24 25 24 25 (123+3 45) 4 MAKELA-NUMMELA, Satu (FIN) 23 24 24 25 24 (QOC), Doha Golf Club (DGC) at the international level. 2 GRAZINI, Valerio (ITA) 23 25 24 25 24 (121+3 44) (120+6 25) and long-term title sponsor, In the run up to the tour- Open Shotgun 3 GUERRERO, Sebastien (FRA) 25 25 24 24 25 5 COUET, Adeline (FRA) 24 24 22 24 24 (118+1+1 20) (123+2 35) 6 ROSSI, Jessica 1118 ITA 24 23 25 24 24 120+5 15 Commercial Bank. The tour- nament, Commercial Bank 4 DE FILIPPIS, Mauro (ITA) 25 24 24 25 24 (122+3 30) nament is considered Qatar’s has organised a range of ac- TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK 5 SLAMKA, Michal (SVK) 25 24 24 24 25 (122+4 25) Junior Men’s Trap annual ‘must-attend’ sporting tivities to promote the tourna- DOHA 6 PARVARESH NIA, Mohammad Hossein (IRI) 25 25 25 1 KAPOOR, Vivaan (IND) 22 24 22 25 25 = 118 23 23 (121+2 20) 2 RATHORE, Manavaditaya (IND) 23 22 25 23 22 = 115 and social event, first held in ment and encourage local par- 3 DOPIERALA, Kacper (POL) 22 23 22 21 21 = 109 1998 and widely known for ticipation in golf. WORLD champions Erminio Women’s Trap bringing together the world’s Together with the bank’s Frasca and Silvana Maria 1 STANCO, Silvana Maria (ITA) 25 25 24 24 25 (123 44) Junior Women’s Trap best golf talent; the likes of employees, Commercial Bank 2 REHAK STEFECEKOVA, Zuzana (SVK) 22 23 24 24 25 1 ALMOHANNADI, Noora (QAT) 21 20 20 20 18 = 99 Stanco took contrasting routes (118+2 40) 2 VANDERTUIN, Mackenzie USA (did not start) Branden Grace, Sergio Garcia, Group CEO Joseph Abraham to win Trap titles at the Qatar Rory Mcllroy, Justin Rose, Ra- attended the first pop-up golf Open in Shotgun 2019 at the fael Cabrera-Bello and Henrik event. During the event, he par- Losail Ranges and stamp Ital- the best performers for Qatar, Losail. I felt comfortable and Stenson have all competed in ticipated in golf activities to gen- ian domination on Sunday. getting 22nd and 23rd places, shot well in the second part of past years. erate a buzz around the interna- With conditions being Qatar Open in Shotgun Tournament Director Abdullah Ali al Mutawa with 116 each in the qualifying the final. The conditions were The Commercial Bank Qa- tionally-renowned tournament. near perfect with bright and al Hamadi honours Qatar’s Noora al Mohannadi for winning the Junior rounds. perfect. We’ve come from very tar Masters was attended by The other mini-golf events balmy sun and not much wind, Women’s Trap gold medal on Sunday. The women’s final was cold weather in Italy and I over 20,000 spectators in 2018 took place at Villaggio Mall, Frasca, who won the World dominated by Stanco, the 2018 made the best use of the condi- and broadcast to a global TV au- with fans being encouraged Cup Finals in Belgrade in 2007, in the final five, leaving Frasca last year and collected $6,000 Changwon World Champion- tions to emerge the winners,” dience of over 400 million view- to put their golfing skills to held his nerves to edge com- a thrilling winner. for his second-place finish, ship bronze medallist who commented Stanco. ers. For the 22nd edition of the the test. Volunteers were also patriot Valerio Grazini, also “I’m very happy and satis- said, “It was a very difficult won the 2013 and 2015 World “I’d come here in 2016 event all eyes will be on Doha as present at the booth to pro- as 2009 world champion and fied with my performance. We final. There was a lot of pres- Cups. After French Melanie and got into the final but was the biggest names in the sport vide key tips and information 2013 World Cup winner, 45-44 have all come here to train and sure. The other shooter is very Couzy, the reigning European not able to get to the podium. vie for the Mother of Pearl Tro- about the sport. In addition in a thrilling gold medal match. get ready for the new season in strong. However, I am happy champion, bowed out with the This time, I fought well right phy on one of the most challeng- to the mini-golf event, Com- The 2018 Changwon world the best way. The organisation with my result. Tomorrow, bronze medal, Stanco hit 21 from the qualifying round and ing courses on The Tour. mercial Bank has organised champion Stanco shot bril- is always very good. The range we’ve a big competition in the targets in a row to lead the Slo- bagged the title and a cool QGA President Hassan a series of educational tours liantly in the latter part of the is also fine. The conditions Mixed Team. I hope to do well vakian star Rehak Stefecekova, prize money $7,000. bin Nasser al Naimi said, “The across schools and universities finals, which included 21 hits were optimal. in that too.” the silver medallist in the 2008 “This is the Olympic quali- Commercial Bank Qatar Mas- in Qatar to help students learn without a miss, and claimed “Usually, the competitions French Sebastien Geer- and 2012 Olympic Games, by fying season. Everybody has ters is a leading fixture on Qa- more about golf. the Women’s title and $7,000 are as close and tight as this rero, fourth in the Tucson three targets 35-32. come to test their preparations tar’s sporting calendar. Since Abraham, Group CEO, with a 44-40 over Slovakian one, with one point separat- World Cup last year, took the However, the multiple and I’m glad to have this kind its inception, the event has said: “Commercial Bank is de- star and double Olympic silver ing the winner from the silver third place and $5,000 with medal winners in the World of strong performance,” Stan- complemented the growth of lighted to once again sponsor medallist Zuzana Rehak Ste- medalist. I feel I scored well in 35. Twice World Cup winner Championship, World Cup co added. golf in the country. The tour- this tournament in support of fecekova. the qualification. I did not have Mauri de Filippis, also from and World Cup Finals Rehak Finnish 2008 Beijing nament also continues to con- Qatar’s national vision of be- When the men’s gold med- good first part in the finals but Italy, was fourth with 30, while Stefecekova could not narrow Olympics winner and three- tribute to encouraging young ing a world-class venue for al round started, the 2003 Nic- I came back strongly. I know Slovak Michal Slamka and the gap in the last 10 shots. time world champion Satu Qataris to take up the sport sport, promoting healthy life- osia world champion Frasca I’ve to train hard and hope- Iranian Mohammad Hossein Stanco failed to hit one, but the Makela-Nummela was fourth, and learn from The European styles, and bringing members was two shots behind Grazini fully, I will be in good shape Parvaresh Nia were fifth and Slovak could not hit twice and followed by French Adeline Tour Stars,” of the Qatari community to- (35-37). He struck all the 10 with the time this season,” he sixth, respectively. the Italian came home with a Couet and Italian Jessica Ros- “Preparations for the next gether. The tournament is set targets, while Grazini missed added. Mohammed al Rumaihi four-point difference. si, the 2012 London Olympic tournament are well under- to be a wonderful day out for first two and failed to hit once Grazini, who was 23rd and Masoud al Athba were “I’m thrilled to have won in champion. way, together with our part- sports fans and families alike.” Aussie prodigy Min Woo Lee the one to watch in Qatar

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK Min Woo bucked the trend by Min Woo Lee’s top five come Min Woo Lee to this sixth individually. DOHA waiting until he was aged 20 year’s Commercial Bank Qatar He also played a vital role before signing professional finish earned him a place Masters,” said Tournament in the 2018 Asia-Pacific team AUSTRALIAN star-in-the- terms, making his debut ear- in the field at this week’s Director Gary McGlinchey. that ended their 14-year wait making Min Woo Lee will tee lier this year on the European Oman Open and he will “He has already proven he can for victory in the Bonallack it up in this year’s Commer- Tour in Abu Dhabi. follow that by making his compete at the highest level Trophy against Europe at cial Bank Qatar Masters as he He went on to play in the debut in the Commercial and we’re sure he will be a fac- Doha Golf Club last March, continues to blaze a trail in the inaugural European Tour Bank Qatar Masters, aim- tor at Doha Golf Club.” scoring three points from five early stages of his burgeoning event in Saudi Arabia, finish- As an amateur, Lee ex- matches. professional career. ing fourth. He then finished ing to follow in compatriot celled, becoming the first Aus- Lee closed the book on his Lee’s elder sister, Minjee in a share of fifth place in his Scott’s footsteps, who won tralian to win the US Boys’ amateur career as the fifth- Lee – currently ranked sev- home city of Perth at the ISPS twice in Qatar. Junior Championship in Ten- ranked player in the World enth in the Women’s Rolex Handa World Super 6. nessee in 2016. He was a key Amateur Golf Ranking. Ranking – turned professional His top five finish earned Bank Qatar Masters, aiming member of several Australian The Commercial Bank when she was aged 18, joining him a place in the field at this to follow in compatriot Scott’s and international teams, in- Qatar Masters takes place at Min Woo Lee of Australia in action at Lake Jason Day, Adam Scott and week’s Oman Open and he footsteps, who won twice in cluding at the World Amateur Doha Golf Club from March Karrinyup Country Club in Perth recently. Cameron Smith as Austral- will follow that by making Qatar. Teams Championship last 7-10. Entry for spectators is ian teenagers who turned pro. his debut in the Commercial “We’re delighted to wel- year in Ireland, where he was free of charge.