NNBABA | Page 5 TTENNISENNIS | Page 7 Team LeBron Tunisian Jabeur edge Team upsets Riske Giannis to win in opening All-Star thriller round

Tuesday, February 18, 2020 CRICKET Jumada II 24, 1441 AH Faf du Plessis GULF TIMES quits as South Africa skipper SPORT Page 2

FOOTBALL / AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Sadd face high-fl ying Sepahan, Duhail take on Taawoun ‘I saw Sepahan’s last match, and it was a surprise to me that they won by 4-0. There is no doubt it will be a tough match’

By Sports Reporter Doha

l Sadd will aim to get the fi rst win of their cam- paign, while Al Duhail will look to keep the Awinning momentum going as the Qatari giants return to AFC Champions League action today. Sadd will have the advantage of playing at home as they play Iran’s Sepahan at the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium at 6:35pm. For Duhail, though, it’s an away game against Saudi side Al Taawoun at the King Abdullah Sport City Stadium in Buraidah. Sadd, the 2011 AFC Champions League winners came away from Riyadh with a 2-2 draw against Al Nassr in their fi rst match, while Sepahan stunned Al Ain 4-0 in their opening match. On the match eve, Sadd’s head coach Xavi Hernandez said he expected a diffi cult match against Sepahan and was surprised by Iranian side’s one-sided win against Al Ain. “I saw Sepahan’s last match, and it was a surprise to me that they won by 4-0. There is no doubt tomorrow it will be a tough His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Khalifa al-Thani speaks to Al Sadd head coach Xavi Hernandez during a match against them, but will do practice session in Doha yesterday. our best and we are very excited to play in the Asian Champions Al Sadd players in action during a practice session on the eve of their AFC Champions League match against League,” Xavi said yesterday. Iranian club Sepahan. PICTURES: Noushad Thekkayil Last week, Sadd showed resil- ience to come back from a goal but we are ready for all matches Champions League football for League campaign with a goal and down inside the fi rst seven min- and are excited what is in store the fi rst time in three years as Han contributed an assist against utes to snatch a 2-2 draw from a for us,” he added. home side Al Taawoun welcome Persepolis last week. diffi cult Al Nassr side, with Has- For Sepahan, today’s encoun- Qatari powerhouse Al Duhail, The Saudis had the perfect san al-Haydos scoring early in ter off ers an opportunity to ce- who Al Duhail presented their start to their continental cam- the second half after an own goal ment their early lead in the group credentials with a solid 2-0 home paign with Faisal Darwish’s had helped the Qataris equalise. and put themselves in a comfort- win against Persepolis FC. free-kick earning them a 1-0 vic- Since becoming the fi rst Qatari able position, knowing they play Walid Regragui’s Al Duhail will tory over Sharjah last week. Taa- side to win the AFC Champions their last two games of the group be mindful of a repeat of the 2019 woun’s fi rst and only previous League in 2011, Al Sadd reached stage on home soil. scenario, when they travelled to appearance in the AFC Cham- the semi-fi nals twice – in the last The Isfahan-based side might Saudi off the back of a convinc- pions League came in 2017 after two editions. For coach Xavi, the not boast the history or the pop- ing home win against Iranian op- they had fi nished fourth in the 2020 campaign might fi nally be ularity of Esteghlal and Persepo- ponents, but were battered by Al Saudi Pro League and benefi ted the year they go all the way to the lis, but Sepahan are in fact Iran’s Hilal 3-1 in Riyadh. from the ineligibility of third- fi nal, but for now the next chal- most successful side in the AFC The Qatari’s have continued placed Ittihad at the time. lenge is to overcome the high- Champions League, having ap- their Juventus link with their This time around, the Burai- fl ying visitors. peared in the competition 11 January business, adding at- dah side earned their place in the “I hope we can reach the fi - times, reaching the fi nal in 2007 tacking duo Mario Mandzukic group stage after stunning heav- nal and win the title,” said Xavi. – the fi rst Iranian side to achieve and Han Kwang-song from the yweights Al Hilal in the semi- “The AFC Champions League is this feat, which has since been Italian club, a year after they fi nals and Ittihad in the fi nal to a very diffi cult tournament, but replicated by Zobahan in 2010 had acquired Moroccan centre- snatch the 2019 King’s Cup, the my team has capability to win the and Persepolis in 2018. back Medhi Benatia. Mandzukic fi rst major trophy in the club’s title. We are in a diffi cult group Meanwhile, Buraidah hosts started his fi rst AFC Champions history. Players of Iranian club Sepahan take part in a practice session yesterday.

RALLYING Al-Attiyah tops quality Qatar Cross-Country Rally fi eld from 17 nations

By Sports Reporter Mohamed al-Meer seeded at four as a co-driver and a driver, and the furthest to take part in the Lusail, Qatar in his powerful Chevrolet Buggy returns to action with French- T3 section in a Polaris RZR 1000. and teaming up with Ukrainian man Laurent Lichtleuchter. Qa- The driver hails from Equador navigator Dmitry Tsyro. Abdul- tar-based Manuel Luchesse and and his navigator has travelled efending champion lah al-Rabban also features in T1 Portugal’s Pedro Santos team up from Argentina to cross the Qatar Nasser Saleh al-At- in a Jeep with Russian co-driver with al-Kuwari and Rashid al- deserts for the fi rst time. tiyah tops the entry Igor Chudaykin. Mohannadi and Slovenian Vili The sole entrants in the T4 for next week’s Man- A new QMMF Team has entered Oslaj partners al-Harqan and will section are the American duo of ateqD Qatar Cross-Country Rally a quartet of Can-Am Maverick X3s be using hard signals to guide his Austin Jones and Kellon Walch in (MQCCR) on a quality list an- and a Polaris RZR 1000 Turbo in driver. a Can-Am Maverick X3 entered nounced by the Qatar Motor and the hotly-contested T3 category Former FIA T2 World Cham- by South Racing. Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) that has attracted 11 teams. Khalid pion Adel Abdulla also makes a Manateq – Economic Zones yesterday. al-Mohannadi drives the Polaris welcome return to the champi- Company is the title sponsor for Competitors from 17 nations alongside the experienced French onship after missing the latter the third successive season. Es- will tackle fi ve demanding se- navigator Sebastien Delaunay, part of the 2019 season. He teams tablished in 2011, the company is lective sections across the Qatar while Mubarak al-Hajri, Ahmed up with Frenchman Jean-Michel positioned as a vital component deserts on February 23-27. Al- al-Kuwari, Rashid al-Mohannadi Polato in the T3 category. in achieving the economic de- Attiyah heads a three-car Toyota and Mohamed Harqan drive the Other competitors are tak- velopment goals of the Qatar Na- team that should be challenging Can-Ams. ing part from as far afi eld as the tional Vision 2030, through pro- for overall T1 honours at the top Al-Hajri is a veteran of nu- USA, Hungary, Poland the Neth- viding premium infrastructure of the leader board. merous rounds of the FIA Mid- erlands and Belgium, but the within strategic economic zones Qatari drivers feature in both dle East Rally Championship duo of Gonzalo Guayasamin and to promote the logistics and in- the T1 and T3 categories, with and cross-country rallies, both Ricardo Torlaschi have travelled dustrial sectors in Qatar. Gulf Times 2 Tuesday, February 18, 2020 CRICKET

SPOTLIGHT

Du Plessis, Rabada back in Du Plessis quits as South Africa skipper South African squad AFP my energy towards.” Former captain Faf du Ples- Johannesburg Du Plessis took over as limited sis and fast bowler Kagiso overs captain in 2012 and became Rabada will return to the Test captain in 2016. He built up South African squad for a af du Plessis announced a reputation as one of the coun- three-match Twenty20 series yesterday that he was try’s outstanding leaders with his against Australia, starting stepping down as South achievements including home- at the Wanderers Stadium Africa’s cricket captain and-away series wins against on Friday. Du Plessis, who withF immediate eff ect. Australia in both Tests and one- announced earlier yesterday Du Plessis, 35, said he needed to day internationals. But South Af- that he was stepping down take “a step back” from the cap- rica lost eight of their most recent from the captaincy, is part of a taincy in order to help the emer- nine Tests under his leadership 16-man squad to be captained gence of the next generation of and had a poor World Cup. This by Quinton de Kock. leaders under Quinton de Kock. period coincided with upheavals Both Du Plessis and Rabada De Kock led the team in recent in administration and the fi ring were rested from one-day and one-day and Twenty20 interna- of coach Ottis Gibson and most of T20 series against England tionals against England while Du his backroom staff , as well as the following a Test series be- Plessis was being rested. retirement of key players. tween the sides which ended It was announced last month “I have strived to lead the last month. Fast bowler Anrich that De Kock would be South Af- team with dignity and authentic- Nortje, one of South Africa’s rica’s long-term one-day captain ity during exhilarating highs and successes in a losing Test but in yesterday’s statement, Du devastating lows,” said Du Plessis. series, has also been included Plessis said he was also relin- “In a perfect world I would have in the squad named by Cricket quishing the Test and T20 cap- loved to lead the team in the Tests South Africa on Monday. taincy. The announcement clears for the rest of the season as well Independent selector Linda the way for De Kock to lead South as the T20 World Cup, but some- Zondi said the inclusion of Ra- Africa at the T20 World Cup in times the most important at- bada and Nortje would boost Australia in October and Novem- tribute of a leader is to be selfl ess. the team’s bowling following a ber and possibly to lead the Test “I am healthy, fi t, energised 2-1 defeat by England in a se- team in a two-match series in the and motivated and certainly see ries which ended on Sunday. West Indies in July and August. myself playing an important role In a statement issued by Crick- in the squad for as long as I con- Squad: Quinton de Kock (capt, et South Africa, Du Plessis said tinue putting in winning per- wkt), Temba Bavuma, Faf du he wanted to concentrate on con- formances for the team.” Plessis, Bjorn Fortuin, Heinrich tributing to the team as a bats- Jacques Faul, acting chief ex- Klaasen, David Miller, Lungi man and senior player. Du Ples- ecutive of CSA, paid tribute to Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Andile sis captained South Africa in 112 Du Plessis. “He has always put Phehlukwayo, Dwaine Preto- matches across all formats, in- the team fi rst,” said Faul. rius, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz cluding 36 Tests. He said his time “Following the retirement of Shamsi, Jon-Jon Smuts, Dale away from cricket since the end Vernon Philander he and Dale Steyn, Pite van Biljon, Rassie of the Test series against England perience for anything, because it porting De Kock, coach Mark retirement of some key senior while assisting in identifying Steyn are the last survivors of van der Dussen. last month had given him “a lot of has made me the man that I am Boucher and the rest of his players and a complete overhaul the next generation of leaders the golden generation that took perspective”. proud to be today.” team-mates. “After the 2019 ICC of the coaching staff that we had during a time of turbulence in the Proteas to the top of the Test Twenty20I series fixtures: Du Plessis added, “It has been He said the decision to step World Cup, I made the decision worked with until then,” he said. SA cricket. The last season of rankings and he still has a vital February 21, Johannesburg a rewarding, sometimes tough down was one of the toughest to continue in my role as captain “It was important to me that my captaincy has been the most role to play as we bridge the gap February 23, Port Elizabeth and other times a lonely road, decisions he had made but he while the team went through a I stayed to help the team fi nd its challenging to date as I had a lot between one generation and the February 26, Cape Town. but I would not replace the ex- said he was committed to sup- rebuilding phase following the feet and plot a new way forward of off -fi eld issues that I devoted next.”

FOCUS QATAR AIRWAYS CRICKET TOURNAMENT Mirza fi res superb 134 in Warriors win Langer backs Warner, By Sports Reporter Doha

dnan Mirza smashed a fi ne century to power Warriors Club to a huge 102-run Smith to cope with winA against Royal Stars dur- ing a Premier Division match in the Qatar Airways Cricket Tournament. Mirza slammed a six and Adnan Mirza 15 boundaries to get 134 off 142 deliveries, which propped 12 overs to go. Yusuf hit a pa- Warriors Club to an imposing tient 69 with fi ve fours in Doha South Africa fans 364 for eight. Skipper Assad Falcons’ 201 all out in 50 overs. Borham and Amir Raja also Ahsan added a quick-fi re 30- ‘There was a brilliant reintegration before they came back into the team’ struck fi ne half-centuries to ball 26, which also included fi ve play their roles nicely. Borham’s hits to the rope. Awais (3 for 44) Reuters they let their bat do the talking. 68 in 56 balls had two sixes and and Tahir Akram (2 for 19), who Johannesburg We are excited to be back here.” four boundaries, while Raja hit grabbed fi ve wickets between As disastrous as the scandal two sixes and fi ve fours to com- them, caused the collapse. was for the image of Austral- pile 59. Khalid Khatib got three ustralia coach Justin ian cricket, Langer believes they wickets for 90 and Shahrukh BRIEF SCORES Langer believes dis- have come out of it in a healthier picked two for 65. Premier Division graced David Warner space after there had been heavy Royal Stars struggled with Warriors Club beat Royal and Steve Smith are criticism of the team’s on-fi eld the demanding run-rate and Stars by 102 runs readyA for a hostile reception from behaviour for a number of years began losing the wickets one Warriors Club: 364 for 8 (Ad- South African supporters when before the incident. after other. Mohamed Ikram nan Mirza 134, Assad Borham they play in a three-match Twen- “It gave us a chance to regain (three for 48) and Borham col- 68, Amir Raja 59; Khalid ty20 International series starting respect, not only from Austral- lected fi ve wickets between Khatib 3/90, Shahrukh 2/65) in Johannesburg on Friday. ian cricket fans but also from them to shoot out the rivals for Royal Stars: 262 all out in The duo were central to the across the world and hopefully just 262 in 44 overs. 44 overs (Usman 48, Bilal 42; ‘Sandpapergate’ scandal where, we have shown that over the last Usman (48 with four bound- Mohammed Ikram 3/48, Assad along with batsman Cameron 18 months,” Langer said. aries) and Bilal (42 with three Borham 2/44) Bancroft, they were found guilty “The guys are in a really good sixes and two fours) turned Player of the Match: Adnan of conspiring to cheat by altering place. We are playing some great out to be the chief contribu- Mirza (Warriors Club) the state of the ball in a Test match cricket and in the right spirit. tors. Borham’s two wicket cost Asian Club beat Doha in Cape Town in March 2018. The boys know I want to keep him 44 runs. In another match, Falcons by five wickets Cricket Australia banned that up. We have done it for 18 Asian Club easily chased the Doha Falcons: 201 all out in Warner and former captain months now and there is abso- 202-run target at the expense 50 overs (Yusuf 69, Ahsan 26; Smith from taking part in do- lutely no reason why that won’t of fi ve wickets against Doha Awais 3/44, Tahir Akram 2/19) mestic and international match- continue (in South Africa).” Falcons as Shahid Saad blast- Asian Club: 202 for 5 in 38 es for a year, though they have Captain Aaron Finch echoed ed eight fours in 66 and Hafi z overs (Shahid Saad 66, Hafiz since made a successful return to those sentiments and said that Tanveer also fi red eight fours Tanveer 64; Mughees 3/38) the team and remain key fi gures if anything, a hostile crowd will to reach 64, which helped their Player of the Match: Shahid in the batting line-up. Langer bring out the best in the players. team overhaul the target with Saad (Asian Club). says the players, and the team, “South African fans are very have “moved on” from the scan- passionate, they are very vocal,” dal, but acknowledges that South he said. “Our guys are expecting ‘India to play day-night Test in Australia’ African fans might have not. that. David especially loves that “There was a brilliant reinte- banter coming from the crowd India have agreed to play a CA had originally suggested gration before they came back and it gets him into the game.” day-night Test in Australia playing two day-night tests into the team,” Langer told re- The Twenty20 series against during the team’s 2020-21 during the tour but Ganguly porters yesterday. South Africa starts in Johan- tour, board president Sourav had rejected that idea in De- “We have had a great dress re- nesburg, before moving to Port Ganguly has said. India de- cember. hearsal for South Africa when we Elizabeth on Sunday and fi nally clined Australia’s off er to play Ganguly, who took the reins toured England (last year). It was Cape Town on February 26. The a day-night test during their of the Board of Control for a tough tour for those two guys, sides will then clash in three ODI Australia coach Justin Langer. most recent tour Down Under Cricket in India (BCCI) last but we are really proud of the way matches. in 2018/19 and were the last October, has said he wanted major cricket-playing country India to play at least one day- to play a pink-ball match night test in every series. Patel makes Black Caps squad for India Tests when they hosted Bangladesh Off icials view day-night tests in Kolkata in November. as having the potential to Mumbai-born Ajaz Patel is in New Zealand against Pakistan prospects of bowling to Kohli, tors believed to be considering Tom Blundell during the recent “A formal announcement reverse the dwindling attend- line for a dream appearance in 2018 but has only earned he said: “If that (chance) comes a four-pronged pace attack for series against Australia. will come soon but we have ances seen in some venues as against India after the left-arm seven caps, with Black Caps’ I will cherish it and give it the the first Test in Wellington. That Meanwhile, batsman Ross decided to play a day-night Twenty20 cricket continues spinner was named yesterday selectors preferring all-rounder best crack.” would give Kyle Jamieson a de- Taylor is set to become the first Test in Australia,” former cap- to grow in popularity around in the Black Caps’ 13-man squad Mitchell Santner. Even after his Patel’s domestic form his but alongside Tim Southee, Neil cricketer to play 100 interna- tain Ganguly told yesterday’s the world. for the two-Test series begin- debut two years ago, Patel’s season has seen him dislodge Wagner and Trent Boult, who tionals in all three forms of the edition of the Times of India CA is expected to announce ning on Friday. thoughts were focused on one Santner from the Test squad. returns from the hand injury game, Tests, ODIs and T20s. newspaper. the series schedule next Patel’s family moved to New day playing India. Growing “We’re excited to welcome that kept him out of the one-day New Zealand: Kane William- “We will also play one against month but media reports Zealand when he was a child up in an Indian family, “you’re back Ajaz who has done a great and Twenty20 series against son (capt), Tom Blundell, Trent England at home next Febru- both in India and Australia but the 31-year-old has always always passionate about cricket job for us overseas and has a India. Daryl Mitchell comes in Boult, Colin de Grandhomme, ary. Day-night Tests will be a point to Brisbane or Adelaide, followed Indian cricket closely, and you watch a lot of great proven domestic record in New as an all-rounder, while open- Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham, regular feature from now on.” which hosted the first pink- rating visiting skipper Virat Indian players just like I have Zealand conditions,” coach ing batsman Jeet Raval was Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Ganguly and Cricket Australia ball Test in 2015, as being the Kohli “the best in the world”. watched New Zealand players”, Gary Stead said. Patel is not dropped from the squad after Ajaz Patel, Tim Southee, Ross (CA) were not immediately venue for the day-night Test He played his first Test for he told AFP at the time. On the guaranteed a start, with selec- being demoted in favour of Taylor, Neil Wagner, BJ Watling. available for comment. against India. Gulf Times Tuesday, February 18, 2020 3 FOOTBALL

AL KASS INTERNATIONAL CUP LA LIGA Celta strike late to hold Aspire top group aft er Real Madrid AFP Madrid

eal Madrid’s winning streak ended when they conceded a late goal to draw 2-2 at home to draw against Rangers CeltaR Vigo and fi nish the week- end with their lead over Barce- lona down to one point. Barce- Both sides were assured of qualification to knock out stage after victories over Suwon Samsung lona beat third place Getafe on Saturday to open a 10-point gap By Sports Reporter on the chasing pack. Doha Aspire Academy players celebrate after scoring Sevilla could have climbed to a goal against Glasgow Rangers during the Al Kass third on Sunday but were held, International Cup yesterday. PICTURE: Jayaram 2-2, at home by rock-bottom Es- osts Aspire Academy and panyol. Real had won fi ve straight reigning champions Glasgow in La Liga to accelerate past Bar- Rangers yesterday played out celona. On Sunday they wel- the fi rst draw of this year’s comed back Eden Hazard, who HAl Kass International Cup, sharing the had been out since November. points after an eight-goal thriller. Coach Zinedine Zidane also Both sides were already assured of recalled his other 100mn euro qualifi cation so made plenty of changes player Gareth Bale to complete from their respective victories over Su- an all-star attack with Karim won Samsung, Aspire fi elding just four Benzema. Yet Celta leapt into the of the players who started the opener lead after seven minutes. and Rangers selecting fi ve of their fi rst A pass from Iago Aspas sent choice XI. Fedor Smolov galloping clear up Rangers needed to win to top the the middle and he shot low past group but they got off to a nightmare Thibaut Courtois. start, going behind after just two min- Celta had only climbed out of utes. Abdulrahman al-Dosari swung in the relegation places the week- a cross from the left but the Rangers de- end before and looked anxious fence dithered, allowing the alert Mo- and overawed on the ball. Real bark Hamza to open the scoring. dominated the rest of the fi rst It was 2-0 on eight minutes as Rang- half and their starry attacking ers’ defence was again sloppy and Mo- lineup produced pacy, intricate hamed al-Quraishi showed fi ne con- and imaginative attacking in- trol before fi ring a left-foot shot past terchanges but a combination of Scott Cowie. Charlie Lindsay, named good defending and bad fi nish- as Rangers’ captain after an immense ing kept Real out for the rest of match-winning performance against the fi rst half. Real again domi- Suwon, pulled the Glasgow side back nated the start of the fi rst half. into the match with a perfectly-fl ighted Sergio Ramos, already playing as free-kick after 13 minutes to give Amir an extra striker, slammed the ball Katoul no chance. into the net but had been stand- A high-scoring start to the match ing off side. In the 52nd minute, saw Aspire restore their two-goal lead Marcelo, not for the fi rst time, on 17 minutes when Talal al-Raeesi was found space on the left. given plenty of space and he let fl y from His low cross defl ected to Toni long range, sending the ball just out of Kroos following the attack. The Cowie’s reach. German drilled in the equaliser. A fi fth goal followed on 29 minutes It was the sixth straight season as Rangers reduced the arrears with a Kroos had scored against Celta. well-taken eff ort by powerful striker In the 65th minute, goalkeeper Adedire Mebude. Zak McKay sent a fi ne Ruben Blanco pulled down the cross in from the right and London- impressive Hazard. born Mebude, whose brother Dapo re- Ramos slammed the penalty cently made his Rangers debut at the into the bottom corner of the age of just 17, held off two challenges net. Celta responded by redis- before scoring with an angled drive. Cowie was replaced by Jack McCo- then denied a hat-trick by the keeper’s but al-Dosari failed to take advantage. sent through Ure and his shot was par- covering their attacking nerve. Cowie gifted Aspire their fourth goal nnell at half-time and he should have legs. Rangers appealed for a penalty as Within seconds, Rangers broke up the ried to Rory Wilson to score. With four minutes left, a sharp on 38th minutes when he parried al- been picking the ball out of the net the ball hit skipper Mohamed Ali’s hand other end and Robbie Ure, who netted Wilson had only come on two min- pass from Denis Suarez, who Quraishi’s cross straight into the path within two minutes. Al-Naimi crossed before reaching Lindsay. against Suwon in the opener, fi red over. utes earlier but there was a hint of off - had come on in the 71st minute, of Abdulaziz al-Naimi who made no and found Hamza in plenty of space but Rangers attacking play was impres- Kyle Semple also went close for Rangers side about his goal. caught the Real back four rigid on mistake. Rangers reduced the arrears to he fi red over. sive but they were sloppy at the back as they chased an equaliser, although Lindsay picked up his second Most the edge of their own area. Santi 4-3 on 41 minutes, Lindsay tucking the Rangers twice went close to equal- and on-loan American professional they needed to win to top the group. Valuable Player (MVP) award of the Mina, who had been on for just ball under the keeper after Mebude had ising just after the hour-mark, Zak Francis Jacobs, on his fi rst start for the Rangers fi nally grabbed an equaliser tournament and is already established two minutes, raced onto the ball fl icked it into his path. McKay fi ring just over and Lindsay was club, totally miskicked in his own area in the 88th minute as Lindsay’s fl ick as one of the class acts this year. and drilled a shot past Courtois.

SPOTLIGHT Munich air crash hero and goalkeeping great Gregg dies PSG draw knocks out Barcelona London: Harry Gregg — hailed said he was deeply saddened. in the foreword to Gregg’s as a hero for saving lives in the “Harry was a man of great char- autobiography in 2002. “It was By Sports Reporter air crash which killed eight of acter and a true legend at our about goodness.” Doha Manchester United’s “Busby club,” said Ferguson. “I loved The disaster, after a refuel- Babes” in Munich — has died at his company and the many ling stop, killed eight of the the age of 87. Gregg, who was pieces of advice he gave me.” young side dubbed “the Busby hree-time champions United’s goalkeeper, rescued a Gregg was humble about Babes” who had won succes- Paris St Germain sent mother and her baby daughter, his bravery in Munich. “I would sive league titles. The crash left Spanish giants Barce- teammates Bobby Charlton be telling lies if I said that I Busby fighting for his life. The lona crashing out of the and Jackie Blanchflower and thought about it all the time. In ill-fated aircraft was bringing TAl Kass International Cup with a manager Matt Busby from fact I would go insane,” he said the team back via Munich battling 2-2 draw at Aspire yes- the wreckage of the plane on in 2018 before a service mark- from Belgrade after they had terday. Barca, making their third February 6, 1958. ing 60 years since the disaster. reached the European Cup appearance at the world-class He was back playing for Man- “I know the media would like semi-finals. youth tournament, have failed chester United just 13 days later to talk about what happened The plane crashed on its to reach the semi-fi nals in any of against Sheff ield Wednesday. on a runway. I don’t blame peo- third take-off attempt in terrible their visits to Doha. Gregg became the world’s most ple for that, but if all I was ever weather conditions killing 23 The Spaniards have a great expensive goalkeeper when he part of, or all I ever achieved people, including three of the pedigree for producing world- joined United in December 1957 on its Facebook page yester- was to do with what happened club’s backroom staff , two crew, class home-grown talent and for £23,500 and went on to be day. Charlton, who is the last in Germany, in Munich, if that eight journalists and two oth- their approach play was impres- voted the best at the following survivor from the United group, was what my life was all about, ers. The club recovered to be- sive against both Kashiwa Rey- year’s World Cup in Sweden. He paid a handsome tribute. “He it didn’t come to very much.” come the first English team to sol and PSG but they ended up was capped 25 times by North- will always be remembered as It was left to others such as lift the European Cup 10 years bottom of Group B with just one ern Ireland and played 247 a heroic figure,” said Charlton. fellow Northern Ireland great later on a deeply emotional point. times for United from 1957-66. “A shining light both on and off George Best — who cleaned night at Wembley. With Gregg’s Ilyes Housni had the fi rst eff ort “Harry passed away peace- the pitch.” Gregg’s boots — to sum up his passing, Charlton is the only on goal after 12 minutes but goal- fully in hospital surrounded Legendary United manager courage. “Bravery is one thing member of the United group keeper Ander Astralaga, brought by his loving family,” the Harry Alex Ferguson, who remarked but what Harry did was about who were on the plane who is into the side after spending the Gregg Foundation announced in the past Gregg was his hero, more than bravery,” Best wrote still alive. opener on the Barcelona bench, was untroubled. Barca skipper Action from the match between Paris St Germain and Barcelona at Alex Garrido then tried his luck the Al Kass International Cup yesterday. PICTURE: Jayaram with a low drive but couldn’t get FOCUS it on target. sent a sublime lob into the net. goal would have left Barca need- His eff ort came during a good It was harsh on Barca, who had ing to score at least three goals to spell, who had worked their way enjoyed 58% of the possession qualify but they did grab a well- into the match after a positive in the fi rst half and had also had worked equaliser on 74 minutes. start by the Parisians. As Barca more shots than the French side. Pol Munoz sent a superb ball Porto’s Marega suff ers racist abuse pressed for the opener Jan Coca Substitute Pascal Lemina inside PSG left-back Vimoj AFP On the other hand the only far-right hit the post with a low right-foot made a great burst into the box Mungu and Jordi raced onto it to Lisbon member of parliament Andre Ventura drive but PSG quickly broke up at the start of the second half, beat the keeper to send it into the claimed Marega was in part to blame for the other end and thought they showing great skill but not man- net. PSG went back in front when the incident. “Whether there were racist should have had a penalty when aging to fi nd the fi nish that his Tayamoutou scored on 81 min- ortuguese football and the coun- attitudes towards Marega or if Marega had Housni went down, but Mohsen build-up play deserved. Enzo utes following a fi ne dummy by try’s politicians were divided yes- provoked the Vitoria supporters, you have to Yaqoub Darwish ruled that con- Tayamoutou also went agonis- Gharbi but Barca levelled again terday after Porto forward Moussa condemn the two,” Ventura said. tact was minimal. ingly close when bursting into four minutes later when 13-year- Marega was targeted with racist Vitoria’s leading fans organisation alleged Jordi Coca, twin brother of Jan, the box and sending a curling old Warren Zaire Emery brought chantsP during his side’s weekend win at Vi- they had suff ered abuse from Marega. “We was fi nding room down the right shot just wide of the post. down the impressive Jordi and toria Guimaraes. Mali international Marega, celebrate the media machine which only saw and he sent one shot across goal Barca then found the net on the referee pointed to the spot. 28, walked off the pitch in disgust after be- ‘racism’ against a player but not the ‘racism’ and then fi red into the side net- 70 minutes but it was ruled out Alexei coolly sent Louis Mou- ing subjected to a torrent of monkey chants from the same player,” the White Angels said ting just minutes later. Barca en- for off side. Jordi, who had earlier quet the wrong way from the after scoring the winner in the 2-1 victory on Facebook. joyed a strong fi nish to the half seen an eff ort well saved, ickedfl spot to set up a dramatic last fi ve against his former club on Sunday. “We will be black and white (a reference but were stunned by a PSG coun- a superb ball between two French minutes. In the 71st minute, Marega signalled to to their kit colour), always! We will never be ter attack that saw them take the defenders and skipper Aleix fi n- Lemina should have given PSG his bench he was leaving the fi eld in protest, Marega and Conceicao,” the group added. lead in the fi rst of two minutes ished well only to see his eff ort victory with the fi nal touch of the as his coach Sergio Conceicao, teammates Portuguese newspapers supported Mar- added on. correctly ruled out. match when bursting clear, but and some Vitoria players tried to make him ister Antonio Costa said. Portugal’s football ega in yesterday’s editions. Marega is ex- Housni burst through the Cat- Housni went close to his sec- his failure to hit the target mat- stay on the pitch. “We should all express our federation said in a statement: “Moussa pected to feature for his side in Thursday’s alan defence to get on the end of ond two minutes later but Astra- tered little as the Parisians still solidarity with him and a total refusal of this Marega was the target of racist insults which Europa League last 32 fi rst leg tie at Bayer Ismael Garbi’s through ball and laga saved well with his legs. A topped the group. type of behaviour,” Portuguese Prime Min- need to be severely punished.” Leverkusen. Gulf Times 4 Tuesday, February 18, 2020 FOOTBALL

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SPOTLIGHT Atletico seek old Dortmund’s Haaland habits to upset red-hot Liverpool AFP have to extract a throwback dis- Madrid play from a new group of play- ers and against the fi nest team in goes head-to-head Europe, both in terms of current tletico Madrid might form and the last name written once have relished the on the cup. challenge of resisting Atletico might take heart from an opponent like Liver- their record at home, where pool,A but reaching the Champi- they must surely avoid defeat ons League’s quarter-fi nals will today to keep the tie alive ahead with PSG star Mbappe require a performance not yet of a daunting second leg at An- seen from them this season. fi eld. They have lost only once Diego Simeone’s side are no in 21 Champions League games Could Mbappe and Haaland be the next duo to dominate football? longer the same Atletico famed in front of their own fans, even for their inch-perfect defence, if Liverpool will hardly feel un- relentless work ethic and a knack comfortable at the Wanda Met- for grinding down even the most ropolitano, where they were assured, attacking teams. In- celebrating last June after lift- stead, they are 12 points adrift ing their sixth European Cup. of leaders Real Madrid in La Liga And a sense of inferiority might and last week sat sixth, a refl ec- also appeal to Simeone, whose tion of a defl ating few months Atletico have often appeared to during which their old identity excel when the chance of victory has blurred and their esteemed seemed lowest. coach been questioned. In recent years, they have pre- When it was pointed out to vailed against Barcelona, Bayern Simeone on Friday that both of Munich, Juventus and Real Ma- Valencia’s goals in their 2-2 draw drid. Yet all logic points to a Liv- at Mestalla had come from set- erpool victory, particularly given pieces, he said: “We don’t have Atletico are likely to be without the same characteristics now. Diego Costa and Joao Felix, the Just like we attack diff erently, we 120mn Portugese forward who also defend diff erently.” has so far struggled to live up to Out of the title race before the hype. Alvaro Morata’s fi tness March and knocked out of the is also in doubt after he played Copa del Rey before the last 16, only 24 minutes off the bench many in Spain believe Atletico’s against Valencia. When Atletico season is in tatters, with the as- thrashed Real Madrid 7-3 in pre- sumption they will soon depart season, many wondered if they the Champions League too. The could repeat their remarkable debate has inevitably turned to title-winning feat of 2014, re- Paris Saint-Germain’s Kylian Mbappe recently reached a century of club goals, and his Simeone and whether he remains invigorated by new signings and 19 in the Champions League is a record for a player before his 21st birthday. (AFP) the man to better those high fresh belief. standards he himself has set. But a promising start quickly tor Michael Zorc, yet calmly replied: “You to score in a World Cup fi nal after Pele, “In the eight years I’ve been fi zzled and Simeone raised eye- signed me to score goals.” Mbappe hit double fi gures for Cham- here, every year it’s been said brows in December by insisting Another two followed in a 5-1 rout of pions League goals before he had even the squad isn’t with me,” Sime- this was always a “transition sea- Cologne, then Haaland grabbed two more turned 19. By that time he had already be- one said in December. “There is son” for his team, despite close to goals when Union Berlin were crushed come the second most expensive player always a rocky patch but I have 250mn euros spent last summer. 5-0. He claimed his eighth goal in four in football history when PSG signed him always had patience, energy and Those arrivals had big shoes to games in Dortmund’s German Cup defeat from Monaco for a total reported fee of confi dence in what I believe. We fi ll, after Antoine Griezmann at Werder Bremen. 180mn euros ($215mn). Mbappe has been can win or lose but I am con- left for Barcelona and the drain Haaland netted again in Friday’s 4-0 to Dortmund’s Signal Iduna Park before. vinced of what I want because I of leadership continued with the thumping of Eintracht Frankfurt to ex- He scored twice when Monaco drew know my players.” departures of Diego Godin, Lu- tend his record to nine goals in six games 3-3 there in the 2017 Champions League To prove the doubters wrong cas Hernandez, Filipe Luis and for Dortmund. His attitude also impress- quarter-fi nals, a match postponed by 24 against Liverpool, Simeone will Juanfran. es his new teammates. “When a young hours after a bomb attack on the Dort- player has been so hyped, with everyone mund team bus. He scored another in the Norwegian forward Erling Braut Haaland has justified the 20mn euros Dortmund saying how good he is, then he can be a return leg as Monaco advanced to the last paid Salzburg by becoming the first player to score a hat-trick as a substitute on his diffi cult person,” said goalkeeper Roman four. Bundesliga debut. (AFP) Buerki. “But he is a really cool guy, very At that time, he was the teenage sensa- professional. I’m one of the fi rst at train- tion. Now, he is a World Cup winner and AFP ERLING BRAUT HAALAND ing — but he’s always there earlier.” is PSG’s top scorer this season with 24 Dortmund, Germany Haaland had barely arrived last month Haaland sees Mbappe as a role model. goals. Maybe he is beginning to develop a in Dortmund when the records started “When I was in Salzburg, I started scor- star’s ego. He showed his dismay at coach tumbling. He justifi ed the 20mn euros ing goals, but I look at Kylian Mbappe Thomas Tuchel when substituted in a re- t just 21, Kylian Mbappe is al- ($22mn) Dortmund paid Salzburg by be- banging in Ligue 1 goals, so you can al- cent 5-0 win over Montpellier. ready a World Cup winner while coming the fi rst player to score a hat-trick ways reach a higher level,” Haaland said. “If a player goes off and is angry with at only 19, Erling Braut Haaland as a substitute on his Bundesliga debut. the coach, it’s a fault on his part,” said has emerged as a fast-rising star Having scored 28 goals in 22 games for KYLIAN MBAPPE PSG sporting director Leonardo, also a thisA season. As Cristiano Ronaldo and Li- Salzburg, including eight in this season’s For a player who turned 21 in December, World Cup winner as a player. “But to onel Messi approach the end of their ca- Champions League group stage, Haaland Mbappe’s achievements are astonishing. then say he is a spoilt child, I don’t accept reers, could Mbappe and Haaland be the picked up in Germany where he left off in The World Cup winner is also France’s that, because he is an adorable person, next duo to dominate football? Austria. He made his debut coming off reigning player of the year and has won very committed too, a fantastic player.” Here is a look at the star forwards who the bench with his new team 3-1 down at three Ligue 1 titles with two diff erent However, after three successive years meet when Haaland’s Borussia Dortmund Augsburg in mid January. clubs. Mbappe recently reached a century of failing to win a Champions League host Mbappe’s Paris Saint-Germain in He scored three goals in just 20 min- of club goals, and his 19 in the Champions knockout tie, PSG want a return on their the Champions League last 16, fi rst leg, utes to seal a 5-3 victory. The teenager League is a record for a player before his investment in Neymar and Mbappe today. was praised by Dortmund sporting direc- 21st birthday. The second youngest player where it matters — in Europe. Liverpool’s Naby Keita (right) and Sadio Mane train on the eve of their Champions League match against Atletico Madrid. (Reuters)

BOTTOMLINE FOCUS Moroccan Football Qatar Airways celebrates partnership with Federation chief the All Nepal Football Association League visits Aspetar atar Airways ‘A’ Division Mar- tyr’s Memorial League 2019- resident of Morocco’s where he received a detailed in- 2020 season concluded on Royal Football Federa- formation about Aspetar’s fa- Saturday with the fi nal taking tion, Fouzi Lekjaa ex- cilities and scope of services, Qplace at the Dashrath Rangasala Stadium pressed his admiration with relation to Sports Medicine, in Kathmandu, Nepal. Attended by the Pfor Aspetar, Orthopaedic and physiotherapy and rehabilitation Honourable Deputy Prime Minister of sports medicine hospital, during and the latest technologies used. Nepal, Ishwor Pokhrel as chief guest, the his visit yesterday. During the visit, the two sides fi nale saw San Miguel Machhindra Club Lekjaa was welcomed by As- discussed the opportunities for emerge victorious against Tribhuvan petar top’s management includ- future co-operation, and ways of Army Club in a match attended by thou- ing Director General Mohammed enhancing relationship between sands of spectators. Khalifa al-Suwaidi. They attend- both parties. Lekjaa’s visit to Qa- The Qatar Airways ‘A’ Division Mar- ed a detailed presentation on As- tar comes on the sidelines of the tyr’s Memorial League, the biggest an- petar and were introduced to the African Football Confederation nual football event in Nepal kicked off on unique services Aspetar off ers to delegation visiting Qatar on oc- 14 December 2019. elite athletes around the world. casion of the African Super Cup, The partnership featured Qatar Air- Lekjaa toured the hospital, which was held last Friday. ways’ logo on all 14 League football club shirts. Prior to the fi nal, Qatar Airways hosted a week-long fan zone where fans enjoyed entertainment at the Sherpa Mall including green screen photography, face painting and goalscoring games against a digital net. Qatar Airways Senior Vice President of Marketing and Corporate Communica- tions, Salam al-Shawa, said: “We are de- lighted to be the partner of the All Nepal Football Association League 2019-2020 season, which has come to a successful end. At Qatar Airways, we are strong ad- vocates of sport, aiming to bring commu- nities together and promoting the values of sport at all levels. As an award-winning airline, this partnership is another exam- ple of our commitment towards building San Miguel Machhindra Club players celebrate after winning the Qatar Airways ‘A’ Division Martyr’s Memorial League in a diverse sporting sponsorship portfolio Kathmandu, Nepal, on Saturday. and our dedication towards the develop- ment of football in Nepal.” some of the world’s biggest football clubs recently sponsored the FIFA Club World 2020 edition ahead of the FIFA World Qatar Airways has developed a wide such as Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Cup Qatar 2019, which was won by Eng- Cup Qatar 2022. Qatar Airways is also President of Morocco’s Royal Football Federation Fouzi Lekjaa (left) range of global sports sponsorships, sup- Munich, AS Roma and Boca Juniors. lish Premier League side Liverpool, and partner of CONMEBOL, the governing with Director General of Aspetar Mohammed Khalifa al-Suwaidi. porting top-level sporting events and As offi cial FIFA partner, Qatar Airways will sponsor the FIFA Club World Cup body for football in South America. Gulf Times Tuesday, February 18, 2020 5 SPORT

NBA NHL Devils outlast Jackets 4-3 in shootout Team LeBron edges Reuters win on March 10, 1984. An- Los Angeles drew Peeke and Zach Werenski scored in the fi rst period for the Blue Jackets. Kevin Sten- esper Bratt scored in the lund tied the game in the third seventh round of the period for Columbus, which shootout Sunday night suff ered its fi fth straight loss for the host New Jersey (0-2-3) but moved into a tie Team Giannis to win Devils,J who capped a hectic with the Islanders for third day by coming back from a place in the Metropolitan Di- two-goal defi cit to outlast the vision. Goalie Elvis Merzlikins Columbus Blue Jackets, 4-3. recorded 23 saves. The Devils, who entered Peeke scored his fi rst NHL Sunday with the fourth- goal 2:28 after faceoff for the fewest points in the NHL, Blue Jackets, who doubled traded captain Andy Greene the lead on Werenski’s goal at All-Star thriller to the New York Islanders a 6:19 before the Devils took the couple of hours be- fore faceoff and dealt ‘WE ALL COMPETE AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL. GUYS DEFINITELY HAD THAT SENSE OF PRIDE’ RESULTS center Blake Cole- Reuters man to the Tampa Pittsburgh 5-1 Detroit Bay Lightning during Chicago Boston 3-1 NY Rangers the game. New Jersey ac- Edmonton 4-3 Carolina eam LeBron called Kawhi Leon- quired minor league Anaheim 5-1 Vancouver ard’s number on the fi rst posses- defenseman David Nashville 2-1 St. Louis sion of the game, a 3-pointer that Quenneville and a touched only net. 2021 second-round New Jersey 4-3 Columbus TThe Los Angeles Clippers All-Star pick from the Island- Ottawa 4-3 Dallas made his fi rst four 3s, scored a game-high ers in exchange for Buff alo 5-2 Toronto 30 points and took home the Kobe Bryant Greene, who spent MVP Award on Sunday. his fi rst 14 NHL sea- Winnipeg 3-2 Chicago “It’s very special,” Leonard said. “I had sons with the Devils. Cole- lead by scoring three times in a relationship with (Bryant). Words can’t man, whose 21 goals entering a span of a little more than 10 explain how happy I am for it.... He means Sunday tied him for the team minutes in the second period. a lot to me. He’s a big inspiration in my lead with Kyle Palmieri, was Anderson made it 2-1 at life.” dealt in exchange for minor 1:20, when he capped an end- Anthony Davis made a walk-off free league left wing Nolan Foote to-end rush by fi ring a shot throw and Team LeBron defeated Team and a provisional 2020 fi rst- into the far right corner of Giannis in the 69th NBA All-Star Game round pick. the net. Merkley then scored on Sunday. Joey Anderson, Nicho- his fi rst career goal by putting Davis, the Los Angeles Lakers’ big man las Merkley and Palmieri all back the rebound of a shot by and fi rst pick in the All-Star draft, missed scored in the second period Kevin Rooney at the 3:51 mark. badly off the back iron before sinking the for the Devils, while goalie Palmieri’s 22nd goal of the second for a 157-155 victory in the unique, Mackenzie Blackwood made season put New Jersey ahead hotly contested showcase. a career-high 52 saves. The 55 with 8:05 left in the second. Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee shots against were the most Stenlund evened the score Bucks) had 25 in a losing eff ort for Team surrendered by New Jersey by beating Blackwood from Giannis. since the St. Louis Blues racked point-blank range 8:45 into When the dust settled, Antetokounmpo up 57 shots in a 6-5 overtime the third. said it was important to acknowledge what other players had said after the game: that they felt Bryant’s presence in the building. “We defi nitely felt his presence. Grow- ing up, watching Kobe in those games, I felt like he was always competitive, and he was kind of the one who got the game going,” Antetokounmpo said. “I think we kept that going tonight. I think he defi - nitely would have loved to watch the way we went out there and competed tonight. “Over the years, the All-Star Game has been a game where it just hasn’t been as competitive as probably the fans would like, but tonight it defi nitely was, and we got to keep that going.” Neither team used a sub in the fi nal quarter. “We wouldn’t be All-Stars if we weren’t Jesper Bratt (front) of the New Jersey Devils tries to keep the competitors,” LeBron James said. “We all puck as MacKenzie Weegar of the Florida Panthers defends at compete at the highest level. Guys defi - Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, on Sunday. (AFP) nitely had that sense of pride.” LeBron James of Team LeBron dunks the ball in the third quarter against Team Giannis during the All-Star Game at the United Center Team Giannis coach Nick Nurse stuck in Chicago, Illinois, on Sunday. (AFP) with a lineup that included point guard Kyle Lowry in favour of Atlanta’s Trae a review showed Antetokounmpo cleanly Young connected on a cross court on the back, and Team Giannis wore red Blues’ postponed game Young, who had 10 assists in 15 minutes blocked James’ layup initially called goal- lob with Rudy Gilbert (Utah Jazz), tying No. 24 jerseys. The one-time gesture was rescheduled for March 11 and might have helped penetrate what be- tending. the quarter 41-all with 2.2 seconds left. a nod to Bryant, who wore No. 24, and his came a lockdown defense late in the game. James Harden (Houston Rockets) made Westbrook missed a shot at the buzzer. daughter Gianna, who preferred No. 2. The St. Louis Blues game tough, but it was good news “Even fi rst pass to start the off ense was up for a missed set of free throws by making Team Giannis led 92-83 at halftime, It was the first time since 2013 the that was postponed once he pulled through and being denied,” Nurse said citing the el- two and putting Team LeBron up 154-152. with Young splashing a half-court shot at All-Star Game was played without after defenceman Jay was OK,” said Ducks forward evated game intensity the closer teams Team LeBron mounted a comeback in the buzzer. Warriors guard Stephen Curry, who is Bouwmeester collapsed Ryan Getzlaf. got to 157. the fi ery fi nal quarter that included Team Antetokounmpo lit up the second sidelined with a broken finger. Nets for- on the bench has been The NHL also moved the The untimed fourth quarter was a race Giannis’ Kyle Lowry taking two charges quarter and brought hustle at both ends ward Kevin Durant, the 2019 All-Star rescheduled to March 11, the Blues’ home game against to a target fi nal score — determined by and an offi cial challenge — overturning a — not exactly an All-Star Game staple Game MVP, was named an All-Star eve- National Hockey League the Florida Panthers from adding 24 points to the score of the team foul call to a jump ball and change of pos- — putting up 14 points and fi ve boards in ry year since 2010 before Sunday. He is announced Sunday. March 10 to the previous day. leading after three quarters — as part of a session — with the game tied at 152. the period. Team Giannis won the second sitting out the season recovering from a The game in Anaheim will be The schedule change will see tribute to Bryant. Team Giannis led 133- Harden made a 3 to tie the game at 146 quarter 51-30. torn Achilles. restarted with the score tied Anaheim playing back-to- 124 after three quarters, thus setting the and Davis brought it back to all square Leonard had 12 points on 4-of-4 Each team represented a Chicagoland but it will be played for a full back home games on March target score at 157. after Team Giannis got two free throws 3-point shooting when the fi rst subs were youth charity with the winning team 60 minutes. 10-11. They will host the James gave Team LeBron a 156-153 from Embiid. made 6 minutes, eight seconds into the netting $200,000 for their chosen or- The drama began when Ottawa Senators on March 10. lead. But on the ensuing Team LeBron A tightly contested third quarter tilt- game. He had 25 points in the fi rst half ganisation, plus an extra $100,000 car- Bouwmeester returned to Bouwmeester had an possession, Chris Paul (Oklahoma City ed to Team LeBron with a Nikola Jokic — seven 3s — to lead all scorers. Team Le- ried over from the third-quarter tie. The the bench after a shift and implantable cardioverter Thunder) opted for a 3 and missed. At the 3-pointer. The Nuggets’ 7-footer knocked Bron dominated the fi rst quarter, 53-41, top-scoring team in each of the fi rst three slumped to the floor with defibrillator procedure on other end, Team Giannis closed the gap to down his shot with 22.2 seconds left and, thanks to 9-of-18 shooting from 3-point quarters was pegged to earn $100,000 for the scored tied 1-1 in the first Friday to restore his heart’s 156-155 on two Joel Embiid (Philadelphia after a turnover, applied a full-court press range. its charity. period of Tuesday’s regular normal rhythm and was 76ers) free throws. resulting in a foul and a pair of free throws James, making his 16th All-Star Game Team Giannis represented After School season game. placed on the Blues injured James was denied an earlier basket that for Russell Westbrook (Houston Rockets). appearance, and every member of Team Matters and Team LeBron played for Chi- “The initial shock was pretty list. AFP would have made the score 156-153 after He made 1 of 2. LeBron wore blue jerseys all with No. 2 cago Scholars.

MLB Manfred defends punishments in Astros’ scandal Reuters erated — whether it’s at Houston or to what happened in the 2017 season sition to be as transparent with our Los Angeles anybody else. I think it’s dangerous and the 2017 World Series. If noth- fans and the other clubs as possible,” and it is not helpful to the current ing else, I think we can all agree that Manfred said. “Our desire to fi nd the situation.” we’ve gotten enough facts out there, facts, to fi gure out what really went ajor League Baseball Perhaps the most stunning admis- and plenty of people have made their on, drove a lot of the decisions we commissioner Rob Man- sion was that the league did indeed judgments as to what went on.” made in the investigation process.” fred on Sunday spoke take a look at stripping the Astros of That is very much why Manfred MLB last month did suspend As- with reporters at Grape- their 2017 World Series champion- contends any penalties incurred by tros GM Jeff Luhnow and manager Mfruit League media day in Florida ship, something many critics of the players who took part in the cheating A.J. Hinch for one year each fol- and, not surprisingly, much of his league’s punishment — particularly are suffi cient. lowing its investigation, but Astros time was spent talking about the as it pertains to the Astros players — According to multiple reports, owner Jim Crane fi red both only Houston Astros and the contin- have called for. the Astros players were granted im- hours after the announcement of the ued fallout from their sign-stealing “We thought about it,” he said of munity from punishment from the suspensions. The club was also fi ned scandal. stripping the club of its title. “It was league in exchange for their honesty $5mn and docked multiple high draft One issue Manfred made em- high in terms of the minutes that we in divulging the details of the sign- picks. But the players getting noth- phatically clear was that MLB has spent talking about it. My thinking stealing system, which involved the ing has drawn the ire of many, both put managers on notice that on-fi eld involves several points. First of all, catcher’s signs being caught on vid- inside professional baseball and out- retaliation against the Astros — par- it had never happened in baseball. eo real-time, then the signs decoded side of it. ticularly by way of beanballs — will And I’m a precedent guy. I’m not and the upcoming pitch relayed to “I understand people’s desire to not be tolerated. saying you always follow precedent, the batter by way of banging on a have the players pay a price for what “This is another topic on which but I think you ought to start by trash can. went on here,” Manfred told ESPN we’re trying to be proactive,” Man- looking back at the way things have “When we began the investiga- in a diff erent interview Sunday. “I fred told reporters. “I met with half been done and you have to have a re- tion after we became aware of the think if you watch the players, watch the managers here in Florida before ally good reason to depart from that Houston situation, we started with their faces when they have to deal I came out here, and I’ll meet the precedent. an important and fundamental goal with this issue publicly, they have other half in Arizona. I hope that I “I believed that the most fun- and that goal was to make sure that paid a price. To think that they’re made it extremely clear to them that damental obligation was to get the we found the facts, completed the skipping down the road into spring retaliation in-game by throwing at a facts, put them out there, and let investigation, fi gured out what was training happy, that’s just a mischar- MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred speaks during his press conference at the Atlanta Braves batter intentionally will not be tol- people make their own judgment as going on and put ourselves in a po- acterisation of where we are.” CoolToday Park in North Port, Florida, on Sunday. (TNS) Gulf Times 6 Tuesday, February 18, 2020 SPORT

GOLF/ GENESIS INVITATIONAL SPOTLIGHT 97-year-old Judo master puts ‘spirit’ Scott wins by two above medals

AFP ture when Tokyo last hosted Tokyo the Games in 1964. He is a legend in Japan who promoted sport far beyond roudly sporting the judo. He established the na- strokes at Riviera; red belt marking him tion’s fi rst physical education out as one of the 15 course at a Tokyo University, highest-ranked Japa- and founded the forerunner to Pnese judo masters in history, the Japan Sports Association. 97-year-old Ichiro Abe hopes the sport’s homecoming at the ‘BEST AND STRONGEST’ Tokyo 2020 Olympics will be AFP was given rare access to more than a quest for gold. the hallowed Kodokan dojo for Woods stumbles Just three years shy of his Winter Training, attended by 100th birthday and with the judoka ranging in age from Abe ‘THIS IS AN IMPORTANT STEP FOR WHATEVER THIS NEXT FEW YEARS IS IN MY CAREER’ clock ticking towards the down to pre-school children. Games, Abe is training with Everyone sits barefoot and AFP a younger disciple during the bows to Kano’s portrait before Los Angeles famous Winter Training at undergoing a rigorous warm- the Tokyo Kodokan, where the up routine led traditionally sport began nearly 140 years by one of the youngest par- dam Scott fi red a one-under- ago. ticipants — in this case a boy par 70 on Sunday to win the Despite Japanese fans and around 12 years old. Genesis Invitational, and this media pinning their hopes on It is an emotional experi- time the Australian’s victory at a rich haul of judo medals, Abe ence for many of the fi rst-time ARiviera Country Club is offi cial. said the Olympics are a chance foreigners, some of whom On a challenging day that saw world to show the world the real sig- have travelled large distances number one Rory McIlroy card a two- nifi cance of the home-grown at great expense to fulfi l their over-par 73 and tournament host Tiger sport, which prizes discipline dream of taking part in Winter Woods stumble to a six-over 77, Scott over competition. Training at the Kodokan. countered two bogeys and a double-bo- “All in all, we should not As he marshalled the par- gey with fi ve birdies to build an 11-under forget the original spirit of ticipants in the traditional total of 273. judo,” Abe told AFP as he lim- roll-call, training supervi- He fi nished two strokes in front of bered up in the Kodokan’s sev- sor Motonari Sameshima also South Korea’s Kang Sung (69) and Amer- enth-fl oor dojo for the session stressed the spirit of the sport icans Scott Brown (68) and Matt Kuchar that starts at 5:30am sharp and over the competitive aspect. (72). attracts pilgrims from around Participants were taking “It’s incredibly satisfying to win a tour- the world. the message to heart. Fabiana nament of this stature on a golf course of Abe points to the teachings Morita, a 23-year-old Japa- this stature — even better to come out on of judo founder Jigoro Kano, nese-Brazilian, said she could top and have your game really tested. It who stares down benevolently not imagine her life without was not easy,” Scott said. from a black-and-white por- judo. He said the key with Riviera playing trait at the front of the dojo. But despite the emphasis fi rm and fast was to “take away the big “Now winning medals on the spirit of judo, there are mistakes” and while he didn’t manage to comes ahead of everything. I high hopes Japanese judoka do that completely, he did it better than hope that will be reviewed a will make a sizeable contri- most. bit,” said Abe, who describes bution to the home nation’s Scott’s big miscue came at the par-four Kano as a “god”. target of 30 golds, set by judo fi fth, where his fl op shot from behind the Judo is likely to be one of the great and IOC member Yas- green rolled back to his feet and he wound hottest tickets in Tokyo as it uhiro Yamashita. up with a double-bogey. returns to the country where Yamashita, who won gold at McIlroy, who started the day tied for Kano established it in 1882, the 1984 Los Angeles Olym- the lead with Scott and Kuchar, fared even combining diff erent forms of pics, is the second judoka with worse at the fi fth, where he also needed jujitsu with his own ideas, in- IOC membership after Kano two fl op shots to reach the green but then cluding spiritual discipline. himself. took three putts for a triple-bogey. Kano believed judo’s ulti- At the last Olympics in Rio, While Scott bounced right back with mate goal was to “strive for Japanese judoka took home a an 18-foot birdie putt at the sixth, McIl- personal perfection” through record 12 medals in all classes, roy made a bogey and never really recov- discipline and training, in turn including three golds. ered. contributing to society. Wataru Naito, a 20-year-old “Defi nitely the toughest day of the The sport’s founder is in- university student taking part week,” said McIlroy, who regained the extricably linked to the Ol- in the Winter Training, said world number one ranking last Monday ympics. He was the fi rst Asian he wanted his compatriots to for the fi rst time since 2015. “The wind member of the International showcase their talents on the was up, hole locations were sort of tricky Olympic Committee in 1909 biggest stage. spots, the course was fi rming up again. Adam Scott of Australia poses with the trophy after winning the Genesis Invitational in Pacific Palisades, California, on Sunday. (AFP) and travelled abroad to dem- “I want them to show what Everyone was fi nding it tough out there.” onstrate judo, helping it to fea- Japanese judo is.” Scott gave himself a bit of breathing goes in the books as the 2013 Masters worse. Already 15 off the pace to start PGA Tour event as a 16-year-old. room with a 12-foot birdie at the 13th, champion’s 14th US tour title. the day, the 15-time major champion but for him the shot of the day was a fl op dropped fi ve shots in his last six holes as LEADING FINAL-ROUND SCORES shot at 15, where he limited the damage to ‘IMPORTANT STEP’ he stumbled home with a six-over-par 273 - Adam Scott (AUS) 72-64-67-70 a bogey after his approach was plugged That goes along with 14 international 77. 275 - Kang Sung (KOR) 69-67-70-69, Scott in a greenside bunker and he blasted out victories — most recently at the Austral- Overall Woods had seven bogeys and a Brown 71-68-68-68, Matt Kuchar 64-69- through the green. ian PGA Championship in December, double-bogey with one birdie and an ea- 70-72 “I was in a horrible position then,” where Scott ended a near four-year title gle on the way to an 11-over par total of 276 - Hideki Matsuyama (JPN) 71-72-64- Scott said. “I stood there and I wanted drought. 295 — 68th and last of the 68 players to 69, Bryson DeChambeau 68-70-69-69, to maybe bump it into the fringe, but re- “This is an important step for what- make the cut. Max Homa 72-69-65-70, Joel Dahmen 68- alistically it was going to be 45 feet past ever this next few years is in my career,” “I did not do much well today,” said 71-66-71, Rory McIlroy (NIR) 68-67-68-73 probably. the 39-year-old said. “It can defi nitely be Woods, whose lone birdie of the day at 17 277 - Chez Reavie 69-68-71-69, Dustin “I thought, well, you can maybe win used for momentum.” came when he holed out from a bunker — Johnson 72-66-67-72, Talor Gooch 70-72- the tournament if you hit a great fl op shot McIlroy said that apart from his lapse after failing to get out of the same bunker 64-71 here, so I thought I might as well just go on the fi fth he played “pretty well. on his fi rst attempt. 278 - Vaughn Taylor 69-67-74-68, Lee for it.” Scott rolled in an 11-foot birdie “Played the other holes in one-under,” “Good news, I hit every ball forward, Kyoung-hoon (KOR) 67-73-69-69, James putt at 17 to push his lead back to two noted the Northern Ireland star, who not backwards — a couple sideways.” Hahn 68-70-70-70, Harold Varner 67-68- strokes, and he closed with a par to hoist headlined a group of fi ve players sharing Woods went into the week gunning for 69-74 the trophy at Riviera for a second time. fi fth place on eight-under 276, where he a record-setting 83rd US PGA Tour title, 279 - Patrick Cantlay 68-72-71-68, Scott He came out on top in a playoff in 2005, was joined by Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama having matched Sam Snead’s record of 82 Piercy 70-69-70-70, Rafa Cabrera Bello but since the rain-soaked event was and Americans Bryson DeChambeau, at the Zozo Championship in October. (ESP) 68-69-72-70, Jon Rahm (ESP) 70- shortened to 36 holes he wasn’t credited Max Homa and Joel Dahmen. But he came up empty for the 13th time 68-69-72, Wyndham Clark 67-68-72-72, with a US PGA Tour victory. But this “W” Woods’s day could hardly have gone on the course where he played his fi rst Russell Henley 67-69-68-75.

FOCUS F1 Thousands enjoy Qatar National Williams declare fresh start aft er Sport Day activities at Losail dismal 2019 season By Sports Reporter services and activities available so every- Reuters fi ghting spirit is still very much Doha body can enjoy this family day. Losail In- London alive.” Once-dominant Williams ternational Circuit is the perfect facility have not won a grand prix since where all the ladies can enjoy and prac- Venezuelan Pastor Maldonado’s or the fourth consecutive year, tice sport with a total privacy and free- illiams showed off triumph in Spain in 2012. Before Losail Circuit Sports Club or- dom as all the volunteers, security and their new Formula that they last won in 2004. ganised Qatar National Sport Day staff is female’ said Khalid al-Remaihi, One car with fi ght- The team’s last world cham- activities for ladies and children LCSC Vice President and General Man- ing talk yesterday pionship success came with only,F giving them the opportunity to ex- ager. asW the former champions seek Canadian Jacques Villeneuve in ercise and enjoy this day in an outdoor ‘’I would like to extend my gratitude to to revive their fortunes after fi n- 1997. facility in full privacy. the Ministry of Culture and Sport, Qa- ishing last with just one point in They have scored only eight Windy and chilly conditions did not tar Sports for All Federation and Qatar a dismal 2019 campaign. points, the equivalent of one stop the 3, 667 ladies and children from Cyclists for their continued support in The British-based team pre- sixth place, in the last two years. participating in the variety of fi tness-fo- making this a successful event. I would sented the FW43 as an evolution The speed of the decline has cused activities that started at 9 o’clock also like to thank all the suppliers, pro- of last year’s Mercedes-powered been shocking, with Williams in the morning and run until 7pm, under fessionals and volunteers that added to car, for a season with no major third in the championship in the fl oodlights of the circuit. the overall success of this special day “ changes before a rules revolu- 2014 and 2015. Design director This year, the attendance was slightly added al-Remaihi. tion in 2021, but with problem Doug McKiernan said the new higher than previous editions and it Apart from cycling, running or walk- areas addressed. car, with a revised livery, had no shows an increase of 6% of the partici- ing around the 5.3km track, participants “This year marks a fresh start fundamental concept changes. pants compared to last year, with 80% were able to take part any of the activities for the team,” said deputy prin- The team have a changed being Qataris. such as spinning sessions, pound fi tness, cipal Claire Williams in a state- line-up this year with 22-year- “Even though the weather has not zumba, Bollywood dancing, sport mas- ment after images of the car old Briton George Russell the been perfect as it was windy and cold, we sages, yoga sessions and pilates. were released online. more experienced driver along- are very pleased to see that the number of Children also enjoyed this day with a “We are all committed to re- side Canadian rookie Nicholas participants has increased compared to lot of fun activities planned with pound building Williams and return- Latifi , who replaces departed last year. This is the fourth year we have generation, hip hop, zumba, kids boot ing the team to competitiveness. Pole Robert Kubica. organised this event for ladies and chil- camp, face painting, pedal cars and a As such, our 2020 campaign The season starts in Australia dren and we try each year to improve the skate park located at the Paddock. Women and children at the Losail International Circuit during the Qatar National Sport Day. is about making progress. The on March 15. Gulf Times Tuesday, February 18, 2020 7 SPORT

TENNIS QREC, Ooredoo sign sponsorship agreement Tunisian Jabeur for His Highness The Amir’s Silver Sword upsets Riske in opening round Belgian Clijsters loses first match on return to Muguruza

Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club CEO Nasser Sherida al-Kaabi (right) and Ooredoo Qatar CEO Waleed al-Sayed pose during the signing ceremony for the sponsorship of His Highness The Amir’s Silver Sword race yesterday. The 1,750m race for four-year-old Arabians will be held on Saturday during His Highness The Amir’s Sword Festival at Al Rayyan Park. PICTURE: Juhaim

RUGBY Springboks star Kolbe in talks for Tokyo Olympics

AFP Paris, France

pringboks’ World Cup winner Cheslin Kolbe Ons Jabeur of Tunisia gestures after defeating Alison Riske (not pictured) of the US during the WTA Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship said on Sunday he was in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, yesterday. (AFP) holding discussions with theS South African Rugby Union AFP went into a tie-breaker. ond round,” the 2016 fi nalist EDMUND DOWNS SEPPI TO to play at this year’s Tokyo Ol- Dubai, UAE She led 5-0 in the decider and said of a contest played in the CLAIM NEW YORK CROWN ympics. took the set on her fourth op- heat of a desert day. Britain’s Kyle Edmund defeated Kolbe, 26, who won a bronze portunity. “I like to compete and have Italy’s Andreas Seppi in straight medal at Rio 2016, said in Novem- ns Jabeur beat Alison But the momentum shifted in the feeling of winning match- sets to clinch the ATP Tour’s New ber he was eyeing winning gold but Riske 7-6 (3), 1-6, 6-3 the second set, with Riske taking es,” added the 2019 Wimbledon York Open crown on Sunday. had yet to speak to the governing yesterday at the Du- a 5-0 lead before a Jabeur took a semi-fi nalist. Edmund, whose only previ- body about featuring in Japan be- bai Championships to medical time out for blisters. Strycova ended with 23 win- ous singles title came at the tween July 27-August 1. earnO a second-round date with Barbora Strycova turned a ners and 43 unforced errors and European Open at Antwerp in “I am in talks with them but top seed Simona Halep. corner after a poor start this swept fi ve of the last six games 2018, cruised to a 7-5, 6-1 vic- there has to be decisions made The Tunisian who trains in season as she defeated US teen- to advance. tory at the Nassau Veterans Me- whether I can go or if I have to Dubai was encouraged by foot- ager Amanda Anisimova 7-6 (3), Belgian Kim Clijsters lost her morial Coliseum in Uniondale, stay. We still have to wait on ball-level support from fl ag- 2-6, 6-4, winning only her sec- fi rst match in her second tennis Long Island. that decision,” he said after Tou- waving Tunisian fans. ond match of 2020. comeback following a 6-2, 7-6 The eighth-seeded 25-year- louse’s late 30-27 defeat at Rac- “I’m so grateful for the crowd, The 18-year-old Anisimova (6) defeat to Garbine Muguruza old right-hander wrapped up ing 92 in the French Top 14 on they really gave me energy. managed 43 winners but was in the fi rst round yesterday. victory in 1hr 21min, convert- Sunday. It feels like home here,” said weighed down by 67 unforced Four-time Grand Slam ing the second of three match “Playing in the Olympics, rep- Jabeur. errors in a struggle lasting champion Clijsters, 36, had points. resenting your country at one of “Alison is tough, she made me just over two-and-a-half been out for seven years before World number 62 Edmund the biggest stages of the world is run everywhere, I was down in hours. the clash with world number overwhelmed Seppi with a vast- a big opportunity. If I can go it will the second set but got it back in “It wasn’t really a great match 16 Muguruza, who reached the ly superior service game, pep- be a blessing. I also don’t want to the third,” added the fi rst Arab from both sides, the balls were final of the Australian Open pering his Italian opponent with get ahead of myself,” he added. Toulouse’s South African wing Cheslin Kolbe (right) in action during woman to reach a Grand Slam fl ying everywhere, it was a last month. 11 aces to Seppi’s four with no Kolbe said at the end of last the French Top 14 rugby union match against Racing 92 at Paris La quarter-fi nal last month at the struggle to keep them on the Spain’s Muguruza, herself a double faults. year he wanted to add Olympic Defense Arena, on the outskirts of Paris, France, on Sunday. (AFP) Australian Open. court,” the 33-year-old Dubai- two-time Grand Slam winner, Edmund also put Seppi’s er- success to his trophy-laden 2019 Jabeur lost the fi rst eight based Strycova said. will play one of Veronika Kuder- ratic serve under pressure, carv- where he won the World Cup, “There are two more things I ropean Champions Cup and points and missed a pair of set “But I got through the match metova and Dayana Yastremska ing out seven break points to The Rugby Championship and would still love to achieve and hopefully the Olympics with points in the 10th game before it and I’m happy to be in the sec- in the next round. take a grip on the match. the French Top 14 title. that’s probably winning the Eu- South Africa,” he said.

BOTTOMLINE Only elite runners allowed into Tokyo marathon due to coronavirus

DPA Tokyo, Japan ‘United by Emotion’ chosen

he Tokyo marathon set as Tokyo 2020 motto for March 1 will only be Reuters can imagine together.” held for elite runners and Tokyo, Japan Japan, which has long prided wheelchair elite after itself on being homogeneous, Tnew cases of coronavirus were is becoming more ethnically confi rmed in the 2020 Olympics United by Emotion’ was diverse and Osaka, currently host city, organisers said yester- revealed as the motto for 10th in the world rankings, is day. ‘the Tokyo 2020 Olympics often held up as the face of “It was a tough decision,” To- and Paralympics yesterday as these changing times. kyo Governor Yuriko Koike told organisers look to hammer “Diverse groups of people, by reporters. “I believe many peo- home the message of diversity sharing their emotions, will ple were looking forward to the and inclusion. become one,” Tokyo 2020 CEO marathon.” Tennis player Naomi Osaka, Toshiro Muto said during the The move means that from the who was born in Japan to a announcement. originally 38,000 entered only Haitian father and Japanese “That is the kind of Games we 176 runners and 30 wheelchair mother but raised in the United want the Tokyo 2020 Games athletes can participate in a fort- States, narrated the motto’s to be.” night. promotional video. The motto will be displayed “We apologize to all the gen- “We are each different, on the iconic Tokyo Skytree, eral entry runners who felt joy at and all so much the same,” the Japanese capital’s tallest being selected, but these restric- Osaka says in the video, which landmark, from Monday until tions are unavoidable,” Koike showed her entering the March 25, the day before the said. newly-built National Stadium torch relay begins. All those in the “general entry” surrounded by a diverse Some 10,000 athletes from category that can no longer par- group of supporters. over 200 countries will gather ticipate could defer their entry to “And in these moments we in Tokyo for the Olympics, the 2021 race, a statement from experience and these emotions which run from July 24-August organisers said. we share, we change what we 9. “Now that case of COVID-19 (coronavirus) has been confi rmed within Tokyo, we cannot contin- Japan is the worst-aff ected been postponed, relocated or ue to launch the event within the country outside China where the cancelled in and outside China scale we originally anticipated,” virus originated in December, because of the outbreak which the statement said. with 517 confi rmed cases, includ- has been declared an emergency “The Tokyo Marathon 2020 ing one death and 454 on a cruise by the World Health Organisa- will be held only for the marathon A child poses for photographs with the Olympic rings in front of the Japan Olympic Museum in Tokyo, Japan, yesterday. (Reuters) ship docked in Yokohama and in tion. elites and the wheelchair elites.” quarantine. China says more than 70,000 Tokyo’s city government of- number of confi rmed cases in the in 2013, the fi rst in Asia and the The March 1 race is also a as planned despite the out- Also yesterday, Japan can- people have been infected so far fi cials said on Sunday fi ve more capital to 19. world’s sixth race, joining Ber- qualifier for the July 24-Au- break, according to organis- celled celebrations for the em- with the virus, while the death people were infected with the The Tokyo race made its de- lin, London, Boston, Chicago and gust 9 Olympics in Tokyo for ers and Olympic officials last peror’s birthday. toll has risen to 1,770 in that coronavirus, bringing the total but as a World Marathon Major New York. which preparations continue week. Various sports events have country.

Tuesday, February 18, 2020 GULF TIMES SPORT

FOOTBALL QFA’s General Assembly Meeting held By Sports Reporter Doha

he General Assembly Meeting of the Qatar Football Association (QFA) was held yester- Tday under the chairmanship of Saoud al-Mohannadi, Vice President of QFA. Ahmed al-Buainain, Hani Bal- lan, Sheikh Ahmed bin Hamad al-Thani and Abdul Rahman al-Qahtani, members of QFA’s Executive Committee, Mansoor al-Ansari, Secretary-General of the QFA, and the directors of departments of the Federation as well club members also attended the AGM. At the beginning of the AGM, Al-Mohannadi conveyed the greetings of QFA President Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Football off icials take part in the General Assembly Meeting Ahmed al-Thani and his apology yesterday. for not attending the meeting due to his presence on an offi cial said. Al-Mohannadi applauded of the country’s successes in or- mission outside the country. Akram Afi f winning the AFC ganizing top football events. Al-Mohannadi also delivered Player of the Year award at the “There is no doubt that the a speech at the beginning of the end of last year. 24th edition of the Gulf Cup, meeting on behalf the QFA Pres- “Last year, FIFA gave hosting which was also held in Qatar, was ident saying all key matters were QFA Vice President Saoud al-Mohannadi (C), Secretary-General Mansour al-Ansari (L) and other off icials at the meeting yesterday. rights of the FIFA World Club also a huge success,” he said. to be tabled and discussed. Cup for two years. We saw the Al-Mohannadi said QFA con- “Qatar football has achieved di said yesterday. “Our fi rst team to coming,” he added. “Our team history in football. Our youth of our clubs was not lost, in ad- fi rst edition held in December tinues to forge football relations distinguished successes in the won the 2019 Asian Cup last year also presented honourable levels footballs teams also did well and dition to the progress made by last year. We will host the second with countries in Asia and other past year due to the eff orts of after high levels presented by the in its fi rst historic participation we are happy with our overall our Qatari teams in the Asian edition this year,” he added. continents. all parties in our football system players and the technical and in the Copa America last year outlook,” he said. rankings, by restoring all the “This week Qatar hosted the He lauded the presence of Qa- and we seek your eff orts to go for administrative bodies. Qatar will and achieved satisfactory results “As for the clubs, the distin- seats in the next edition of the second fi nal of the African Super tari administrators at the AFC higher successes,” Al-Mohanna- continue to aim higher in years in front of teams that have a long guished continental attendance AFC Champions League,” he Cup, which is further evidence level.

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT QF’s Al Shaqab to host Second Hosting Super Cup Internations Camp for young riders

By Sports Reporter sessions, we have lined up sev- Doha eral unique activities to help in Doha benefi cial them acquire important lead- ership and communication l Shaqab, member of skills.” Qatar Foundation, Camp participants will ben- is gearing up to wel- efi t from the opportunity to come talented young learn from the experienced ridersA from around the world world-class riders participat- to the second edition of the Al ing in and the LGCT. for all, says Eto’o Shaqab Internations Camp. “Thanks to the co-opera- Scheduled to run from 21 tion of the Al Shaqab Com- ‘It’s good for the fans, it’s good for the organisers and I’m sure the players love coming here too’ February to 8 March at the mercial Department, some of Longines Arena at Al Shaqab, the top riders taking part in amuel Eto’o has described the camp will be conducted in CHI Al SHAQAB and LGCT the decision to host the two stages. will provide a clinic for the CAF Super Cup in Qatar It will off er participants an camp participants,” explained for a second successive opportunity to refi ne their al-Suwaidi. yearS as benefi cial for fans, organ- riding skills, while enjoying “Similarly, the qualifying isers and players. an enriching experience in a competitions of our camp will The four-time African Player multicultural, motivating, and be held alongside these events. of the Year and Supreme Com- challenging environment. The These prestigious equestrian mittee for Delivery & Legacy programme has been designed competitions off er our young ambassador attended the match to include two high-profi le riders an unparalleled oppor- as a guest of the Confederation qualifying competitions that tunity to measure themselves for African Football (CAF). He will be held on the opening against the best, and to in- said the sold-out event at Thani days of the upcoming inter- crease their levels of confi - Bin Jassim Stadium off ered Qa- national equestrian events dence and self-esteem. tar’s football-mad community at the Longines Arena at Al “Also, importantly, at the another opportunity to embrace Shaqab, Commercial Bank same time that Al Shaqab’s the beautiful game as the country CHI AL SHAQAB Presented programmes provide the plat- gears up to host the FIFA World by Longines from February 27 form to foster and nurture the Cup in 2022. to 29 and the Longines Global next generation of riders, they “It was a magnifi cent idea to Championship Tour (LGCT) also promote Qatar’s reputa- bring the game to Qatar,” said fi rst leg the following weekend, tion as a premier sporting des- Eto’o, who played for Barcelona, from March 5 to 7. Mohamed tination.” Inter Milan and Chelsea during his Sultan al-Suwaidi, Manager, Since its establishment in 22-year career. “Everyone is aware Equine Education Department 1992, Al Shaqab’s vision has of Qatar’s preparations for the at Al Shaqab, came up with the been to build on Qatar’s Ara- World Cup and to be able to host concept of the camp. bian horse heritage and be events like this can only help that A rider himself, with several a leading global centre for process continue at pace. It also triumphs to his credit, al-Su- equine professionals, while gives local people the chance to see waidi said: “Al Shaqab is dedi- providing an engaging experi- teams from other countries play- cated to providing the highest ence for the community. ing here – it’s a perfect solution.” Samuel Eto’o at the CAF Super Cup in Doha on Friday. level of equestrian education Today, Al Shaqab’s im- Eto’o, twice a winner of the programs and services. pressive facilities, which are CAF Africa Cup of Nations, con- “Participants in the Al distinctively designed in the tinued: “What was particularly Shaqab Internations Camp shape of a horseshoe, cover pleasing to see when arriving at will receive the best of our re- 980,000 square metres. With the stadium was that there were sources. We had a fantastic re- a state-of-the-art Main Arena people from all over the world sponse from the young riders comprising both an indoor at this game. Qatari nationals, who attended last year’s camp, and outdoor venue capable of Africans, Europeans – it’s ex- who thoroughly enjoyed the holding over 5,000 specta- actly how the World Cup will be experience. We hope for simi- tors. Al Shaqab is part of Qa- in 2022. I think it’s going to be a lar positive results this year. tar’s growing reputation on the magnifi cent experience. “The focus of this camp is world stage that showcases its “I have a close connection with not merely on improving the ability to host major interna- Qatar, from playing here, to my height a rider can clear. Besides tional sports event at the high- work as an SC ambassador, so I regular lessons and training est level. spend a lot of time here. I know there is a very large African com- munity here, so to have one team from Egypt and another from Tu- nisia competing made it even bet- ter. It is not always easy for these fans to travel so far to watch their teams, so it’s wonderful that once a year their teams can come to them.” On the night it was Egypt’s Zamalek SC who triumphed with a comfortable 3-1 victory against Tunisia’s Espérance Sportive de Tunis. It was Zamalek’s fourth win in the cup’s 28 editions, with the Cairo side now having won Fans enjoying during the CAF Super Cup. the second most titles in the competition’s history. has taken place in Doha – and can see from the ticket sales, this it has sold out and both times it erwise have been able to watch. The match was attended by following an agreement between year and last year, and the excite- has been a wonderful atmos- It’s good for the fans, it’s good for a sell-out crowd in excess of CAF and the Qatar Football As- ment on the faces of the fans, that phere and provides people living the organisers and I’m sure the 19,000. It was the second suc- sociation, it will also return in the decision to bring this game here with the opportunity to see players love coming here too. It’s cessive time the showpiece event 2021 and 2022. Eto’o said: “You here was a good one. Both times something they might not oth- benefi cial to all.” qatar2022.qa