Al Thumama Racing’s X Force bags Muraikh Cup page 15

THURSday, NOVEMBER 19, 2020 First-half strikes see Shanghai Shenhua make a winning start AFP Doha

Shanghai Shenhua ban- ished their pre-tournament fears with an enterprising 2-1 win over Perth Glory in their opening Group F clash in the Asian Champions League on Wednesday. Peng Xinli put the Chinese giants ahead in the seventh minute and Yu Hanchao con- solidated in the 38th before Jonathan Aspropotamitis pulled one back for the Aus- tralians nine minutes from time at the air-conditioned Education City Stadium. Shenhua’s South Korean coach Choi Kang-hee had voiced pessimism over his team’s chances at his press conference on Tuesday, saying a spate of injuries had left his Shanghai Shenhua’s midfielder Peng Xinli (left) celebrates with teammates after scoring against Australia’s Shenhua’s midfielder Yu Hanchao (#11) is mobbed by teammates after he scored the second goal against side facing a crisis of sorts in the Perth Glory during their AFC Champions League Group F match at the Education City Stadium on Wednesday. Australia’s Perth Glory at the Education City Stadium on Wednesday. (AFP) coronavirus-hit tournament. “We just finished our Chi- nese Super League season and Standings Group F we have some problems with Club P W D l GF GA GD Pts injuries,” said Choi, who guid- ed South Korean side Jeonbuk FC Tokyo (JPN) 2 1 1 0 2 1 1 4 Hyundai Motors to the title in Shanghai Shenhua FC (CHN) 1 1 0 0 2 1 1 3 2006 and 2016. Hyundai FC (KOR) 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 1 “For us, our team selec- Perth Glory (AUS) 2 0 0 2 1 3 -2 0 tion is incomplete. It’s a pity. For this team it is quite diffi- cult because we have so many injuries, especially for the first three matches. It’s going to be a big problem for this team.” But going by their perfor- They took charge of the break with renewed vigour but mance on Wednesday much match early, Zhu Jianrong the Chinese defence managed of his fears seemed exagger- making his way up on the left to keep them at arm’s length for ated as Shenhua dominated flank before passing to Peng a considerable period of time. the exchanges in Doha, where who took advantage of some But they eventually did the matches in AFC’s eastern weak defending by the Aus- find their first ever Champi- zone are also being played in a tralians to fire home past goal- ons League goal with Aspro- bio-secure bubble. keeper Tando Velaphi. potamitis firing home from The west zone matches Perth Glory though got their close after Shenhua goalkeeper concluded in October in Doha act together soon enough and Shuai Li had spilled an earlier with Iran’s Persepolis reach- kept possession most of the time effort from Carlo Armiento. ing the final, which will also be but that didn’t prevent Shenhua For Perth Glory, this was played in the Qatari capital on from finding the net again. their second straight defeat, December 19. Peng this time was the pro- having lost their opening Shenhua were playing vider as the veteran Chinese match to FC Tokyo 1-0 back their first match of the tourna- international Yu latched on to in February and would need ment and the three points they his pass after a quick one-two to reverse the tide if they are to gained saw them jump to the outside the box and cut in from qualify for the knockout phase second spot in their group be- the left before drilling his shot of the tournament. hind FC Tokyo who had already under Velaphi’s arms from Scoreline: Shanghai Shenhua played two matches before the a difficult angle much to the 2 (Peng Xinli 7’, Yu Hanchao pandemic forced a stop to pro- goalkeeper’s embarrassment. 38’) bt Perth Glory 1 (Jonathan Perth Glory players (right) and Shanghai Shenhua (left) sit on the bench during the AFC Champions League Group F match at the Education ceedings in February. Perth returned from the Aspropotamitis 81’). City Stadium in Al Rayyan on Wednesday. (AFP) Corica relishing quality test for Sydney against Shanghai SIPG

Tribune News Network Doha

Sydney FC head coach Steve The weather is fantastic, the Corica is looking forward to hotel is nice and we had a testing his young players as couple of great training they resume their 2020 AFC sessions. The players are Champions League campaign looking forward to playing. with a third encounter in 18 months against -studded Sydney FC head coach Shanghai SIPG at the at Khal- Steve Corica ifa International Stadium at 1pm on Thursday. The reigning A-League said Shanghai SIPG boss Vitor champions picked up just Sydney FC head coach Steve Corica speaks to the media on Wednesday. Perreira. one point from their first two “We face the champions games of the competition back of Australia, Sydney FC, as in February, having kicked-off our next opponents. Then we with a 4-0 defeat at the hands have the champions of Korea of Yokohama F. Marinos be- Republic, Jeonbuk Hyundai fore squandering the lead to Motors and previous cham- draw 2-2 at home to Jeonbuk pions of Japan, Yokohama F. Hyundai Motors. Standings Group H Marinos. That makes it a very “The weather is fantastic, the Club P W D l GF GA GD Pts strong group. hotel is nice and we had a couple Yokohama F. Marinos (JPN) 2 2 0 0 6 1 5 6 “The schedule for us is very of great training sessions,” said FC (KOR) 2 0 1 1 3 4 -1 1 tight because we did not play Corica who has been at Sydney Sydney FC (AUS) 2 0 1 1 2 6 -4 1 yet. We must play every three FC since 2005 as a player then Shanghai SIPG FC (CHN) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 days, but we will try to be at progressing through the ranks our best level and try to get the as a youth coach before taking Sydney FC players at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha during a practice session. three points; that is the most over the first team as head coach Shanghai SIPG coach Vitor Perreira addresses the media at the important thing for tomorrow. in 2018. Khalifa International Stadium on Wednesday. “We played them last for my team.” been able to play in February “I know Sydney FC and “The players are looking for- year and had two draws and Shanghai SIPG, just like due to the earlier outbreak of they play 4-4-2 and have ward to playing; it will be a dif- are still not here and we have us ahead of the new season. were unlucky not to win both fellow Chinese sides Shanghai COVID-19 in PR. good movements. We played ficult match against Shanghai a few injuries, but it gives an The AFC Champions League games, they have big players Shenhua and Ev- “It is a pleasure to be here against them last season so SIPG but it is a good challenge.” opportunity for younger play- is very difficult because you and it is a good opportunity ergrande, will finally be able and play in the AFC Champi- both teams know each other. “One player is arriving ers to show what they can do come up against quality teams for us to play against quality to contest their first match of ons League. This is the first Tough game but we will try to tomorrow, a couple of them and it is good preparation for and foreign players. players and a good challenge the competition having not game for us in a strong group,” play to get three points.” 14 Thursday, November 19, 2020 Sports

FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Qualifiers Playing Australian Open straight after quarantine dangerous, warn tennis stars AFP “If we have to quarantine London for 14 days inside a room and then go play a Grand Slam, I Playing the Australian Open mean, I will do it because it’s with no preparation time my job and I have to find a would be “very dangerous”, way, but I think it’s quite dan- Brazilian doubles special- gerous for the players with no ist Bruno Soares warned on preparation I think to go there Wednesday, after lead-up and compete right away. events to the Grand Slam were “I think it’s physically very thrown into further doubt. dangerous.” The stark message came after Australian tennis chiefs flagged “new challenges” around The stark message came the arrival of players during the after Australian tennis coronavirus pandemic. chiefs flagged “new In correspondence with challenges” around the players the ATP, the men’s arrival of players during tennis tour, said arrivals origi- the coronavirus pandemic. nally planned for December were now uncertain, poten- tially disrupting the packed Alexander Zverev, bidding January schedule. to win a second ATP Finals ti- With players facing a 14- tle, said: “If we can’t even prac- day quarantine, any delay could tise for 14 days and we have to make it difficult to hold the high- go out to play the Australian profile ATP Cup and other tour- Open, it’s a lottery,” he said. “I naments before the scheduled mean, you can basically flip a start of the Australian Open in coin who wins.” Melbourne on January 18. The German world num- Brazil’s Richarlison heads the ball to score against Uruguay during their 2022 FIFA World Cup South American qualifier at the Centenario Stadium in Montevideo on Tuesday.( AFP) “In discussions with Ten- ber seven added: “I hope we nis Australia over the past 24 do find a way to be able to play hours, we have been informed one or two weeks before the there are some new chal- Australian Open. But in gen- lenges around the previously eral, I just hope the Australian Brazil make perfect start; planned arrival dates for play- Open happens, because right ers and team members,” read now everything is so unsure the ATP’s message, which was that we don’t know.” tweeted by world number 193 Tennis Australia on Mon- Lukas Lacko. day flagged plans to move “We understand there is warm-up events from across easy win for Argentina uncertainty about the start of Australia to the state of Vic- the 2021 season, and we are toria, to mitigate against any AFP team never to qualify for a ther end of the half. chester City striker bought a Gimenez, wrongfooting the working as hard as possible to possible state border closures. Montevideo World Cup finals – picked up The win also extended yard of space on the edge of luckless Campana, who could deliver the best possible calen- But Victoria’s state pre- their first points in a 2-1 victory Brazil’s long reign of domi- the six-yard box. only watch it bounce into the dar of events,” the ATP added. mier Dan Andrews said the Brazil continued their per- over Chile in Caracas. nance over the Celeste, who Almost immediately, Uru- net. Two minutes later, a slick International travel to move was “not a done deal”, fect start to the qualifiers for Victory in Montevideo left have not beaten their fierce guay’s 21-year-old Benifica through ball from the Juven- Australia is still tightly con- particularly since Melbourne the 2022 World Cup with a Brazil on top of South Amer- rivals since 2001. star, Darwin Nunez, turned tus forward put Liverpool’s trolled and all overseas arriv- only recently emerged from a 2-0 win over Uruguay while ri- ica’s qualifying standings on Brazil full-back Danilo inside Roberto Firmino in on goal als must quarantine for two month-long lockdown. vals Argentina stayed in touch 12 points with four wins from Cavani misery the area and rattled Ederson’s but his left foot shot lacked the weeks, while individual states Australia has been rela- with an easy win in Peru. four games. Argentina are sec- Cavani’s sending off with bar after a neat pass from Riv- power to beat Campana. also have their own Covid-19 tively successful in containing First-half goals from Arthur ond on 10 points after beating 20 minutes to go capped a mis- er Plate’s Nico De La Cruz. Brazil gradually got on top restrictions. the virus, with just over 27,700 and Richarlison helped Brazil Peru, with surprise team Ec- erable night for his side, despite Uruguay fashioned an- on midfield as the half wore on, It is also unclear whether cases and 907 deaths recorded to a 2-0 win over Uruguay, who uador third on nine points. having the better of things for other gilt-edged chance when and struck a body blow to Uru- players will be allowed to train since the pandemic began. had Manchester United striker Uruguay are fifth onsix much of the first half. Nathan Nandez’s cross from guay’s hopes of a revival when during quarantine. But an outbreak in South Edinson Cavani sent off. points, behind Paraguay on Chilean referee Roberto the right was headed over by Everton striker Richarlison Soares, playing in the dou- Australia, which neighbours Argentina, with Lionel Mes- goal difference after four Tobar showed him a yellow Cavani. Brazil had most of headed in a long cross from bles event at the ATP Finals Victoria, triggered a six-day si pulling the strings, brushed matches. The first four teams in card after his lunge caught the ball, but could find no way Renan Lodi out on the left, to in London this week, said it lockdown Wednesday as offi- aside a limited Peru 2-0 in Lima, South America’s round-robin Richarlison on the ankle. through a well-marshalled score his 8th goal for Brazil. would be tough to play with no cials rush to contain a cluster with goals from Inter Milan’s competition qualify directly for But after a VAR check, that Uruguay midfield. It was a cruel blow just practice. in Adelaide. Lautaro Martinez and Nicholas the World Cup finals in Qatar, changed to red, leaving Cavani They finally broke through before half time, emphasised Gonzalez in a game in which while the 5th placed nation fac- incredulous, and he left the however with their first real when Uruguay skipper Die- they were never troubled. es a playoff against the country pitch reluctantly. chance in half an hour, and go Godin powered a header Ecuador, playing on their qualifying from Oceania. Brazil almost drew first with a large slice of luck. against the Brazil bar from a home turf in high-altitude Qui- Five-time world champi- blood after two minutes of a Feeding on a slick layoff free kick by De La Cruz. to, hammered Colombia 6-1. ons Brazil were fortunate to lively opening, when Uruguay from Gabriel Jesus, Arthur’s Showing slickness on the Paraguay and Bolivia fought be two goals up at half time in keeper Martin Campana par- shot from outside the area ball, Brazil began to cruise in out a 2-2 draw while Venezue- Montevideo after Uruguay had ried a close range shot from took a wicked deflection off the the second half, even without la – the only South American hit the woodwork twice at ei- Gabriel Jesus after the Man- back of Uruguay defender Jose the injured Neymar.

Quick read Mohamed Salah records second positive coronavirus test, to miss Leicester game London: Liverpool striker Mohamed Salah had a second positive coronavirus test, the Egyptian football association said on Wednesday. The Egyptian tested positive for a second time on international duty, having initially returned a positive test last week. The 28-year-old is now self-isolating and is set to miss Liverpool’s home Premier League Brazil’s Bruno Soares (left) and Croatia’s Mate Pavic during their men’s game with Leicester on Sunday and their Champions League clash with Atalanta on November 25. Salah, who is reportedly suffering from mild symptoms, tweeted on doubles round-robin match against Spainiards Horacio Zeballos and Tuesday, saying: “I’m confidentI ’ll be back on the field soon”.( DPA) Marcel Granollerson at the ATP World Tour Finals at the O2 Arena in London on Wednesday. (AFP) Qatar will host ideal version of football World Cup: SC ambassadors Wael Gomaa, Younis Mahmoud

Tribune News Network “Qatar is dedicated to pre- various sports,” he added. Doha sent the most amazing World Mahmoud said the whole Cup ever and they are prepar- world is waiting for an ideal Former Egyptian footballer ing in the best possible way version of the World Cup Qa- and The Supreme Committee and leave a legacy for future tar 2022, especially in light of for Delivery & Legacy (SC) am- generations,” he added. the continuous Qatari prepara- bassador Wael Gomaa believes Gomaa was named the best tions, distinctive infrastructure, Qatar can overcome all the hur- defender in all three Africa Cup sports facilities and advanced dles, including the existing pan- of Nations victories, while at technologies that were praised demic, to host an exceptional club level he claimed 26 major by the FIFA and all the sports FIFA World Cup in 2022. trophies with Al Ahly, including missions that used them. Since 2019, Gomaa has six CAF Champions League ti- Mahmoud, who made 148 been an ambassador for the SC tles. After retiring from playing appearances for Iraq, also had – the organisation responsible in 2014, Gomaa served as man- spells with top Iraqi side Al for delivering the infrastruc- ager of Al Ahly for one season. Talaba and five Qatari teams, ture and legacy for the FIFA The SC’s ambassador including Al Gharafa, where World Cup Qatar 2022. “The wished that a record number he won a host of honours dur- World Cup in Qatar will be an of Arab teams would qualify Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) ambassadors and former football stars Wael Gomaa (left) and Younis Mahmoud during an ing a five-year spell. unforgettable event in light of for the World Cup in Qatar, online roundtable conference in Qatar on Tuesday. On the international front, the large preparations that Qa- while pointing out that four Mahmoud won the AFC Asian tar is doing in terms of stadi- Arab teams had made it to the with the Generation Amazing ambassador Younis Mahmoud Qatar League is one of the few es by creating a bio-secure bub- Cup with Iraq in 2007, scoring ums, facilities and infrastruc- World Cup in Russia in 2018. programme after taking part was also part of the roundtable leagues in the world that are ble and has also been given the the most goals in the tourna- ture to host an ideal version Gomaa said as ambassa- in a football for development discussion, and said that Qatar currently held with fans,” the responsibility to host East Zone ment and picking up the best of the biggest football event in dor of the SC he will have a activity with Doha schoolchil- was 100 percent ready to host former Iraq striker said. matches. Qatar has become the player award. He became the world,” Gomaa said at an huge role to play in the next dren during last year’s Arabian the World Cup despite the “Qatar’s experience in host- sport capital of the world due to an ambassador for the SC in online roundtable conference two years to promote the work Gulf Cup. He also attended the pandemic ravaging the world. ing the most prominent sport- its enormous potential and ca- 2019, which led to him at- to discuss the role of the SC’s done by Qatar 2022 and high- inaugural Generation Amaz- “Qatar is among the first ing events is also an important pabilities in sport facilities and tending a Generation Amazing ambassadors in highlighting light the ongoing preparations ing Festival, which gathered countries that allowed sports factor. The country already infrastructure and has hosted activity with local school chil- Qatar’s ongoing preparations to organise the tournament. 140 youth from 22 countries. activities to resume during hosted a successful AFC Cham- in recent years many promi- dren at one of the Qatar 2022 for the World Cup. Gomaa is also familiar Iraq football legend and SC this pandemic. And also the pions League West zone match- nent events at all levels and in training sites. Sports Thursday, November 19, 2020 15 FIBA 3x3 World Tour Masters all set for return to big action in Qatar this weekend Tribune News Network Doha WHO CAN STILL MAKE THE FIBA 3X3 WORLD TOUR FINAL? After the overwhelming suc- cess of last year’s edition at Katara, the FIBA 3x3 World Tour Masters has returned to Doha once again, thanks to the efforts of Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) and Qatar Basketball Federation (QBF). This year the Al Gharafa Beach Games Area, situated next to QBF headquarters, will be the venue of the event November 20 & 21 (Friday & Saturday). Fourteen teams including here’s plenty at stake at the upcoming Doha Masters two from the of with two tickets still up for grabs for the spectacular FIBA America and one from the host T3x3 World Tour Final in Jeddah next month. This year has country, Qatar will compete obviously been a logistical nightmare due to COVID-19 but, for- for top honors. tunately, this season’s World Tour has been partly salvaged and On Wednesday, the organ- the showpiece finale will at least ensure 2020 ends on a high. isers held an official press con- To ensure there is no confusion, here’s everything you need to ference in the presence of Ali know about qualifying for the World Tour’s biggest prize. Al Malki, Secretary-General, QBF, and Ignacio Soriano, Who’s already qualified? FIBA 3x3 Head of Events & The top 10 teams in the World Tour standings have already Partnership. qualified for the 12-team Jeddah spectacle. Liman SR( B), Riga On the occasion, QBF pre- Ali Al Malki, Secretary-General of Qatar Basketball Federation (QBF), and Ignacio Soriano, FIBA 3x3 Head of Events & Partnership, and others at (LAT), Novi Sad (SRB), NY Harlem (USA), Piran (SLO), Sakiai sented the agreements with the press conference at QBF in Doha on Wednesday. Gulbele (LTU), Lausanne Katapult (SUI), Ub (SRB), Utena Uniclub the official sponsors of the (LTU) and Jeddah (KSA) can breathe easy. But Liman, Riga, NY event: Ultra Sports, McDon- expect a great tournament eral Manager McDonald’s Qa- Harlem, Lausanne, UB, Utena and Jeddah will want to ensure ald’s, Qabayan Radio 94.3. with 105.000 US dollars in tar): “It is our great pleasure to they hit Saudi Arabia confident with a strong showing in Doha. Ali Al Malki, said, “We are prize money divided across be part of this event, another delighted to welcome every- the top five teams. The tourna- step in our partnership with How nervous are Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy and Amsterdam? one today in our home. We ment will be streamed live in Qatar Basketball Federation Very. The Mongolians are ranked 11th on the standings, while the are excited to host FIBA 3x3 100 countries. which we want to improve Dutchmen are one place lower so they are clinging to tickets to World Tour Masters once “We see Qatar as a solid even more. We wish every- Jeddah. They have 53 and 50 points respectively but are not play- again in Doha. We had to wait partner for 3x3, dates back body all the success. Qatar’s ing in Doha and can be leapfrogged if World Tour debutants - for several months for this great to 2013. We have contract for actions to maintain the control this season - make the semis. Ulaanbaatar and Amsterdam have sporting event to return to Qa- one more year with another of this unprecedent situation for some time been highly competitive teams on the World Tour tar, because of the world pan- tournament in 2021. We know have been truly phenomenal. and boast some of 3x3’s most recognizable players but their fate demic. Qatar Basketball Fed- that Qatar Basketball Federa- We are sure that we will have is out of their hands. They will nervously have to hope they don’t eration is a firm supporter of Ali Al Malki, Secretary-General, QBF, and Ignacio Soriano, FIBA 3x3 tion and Qatar Olympic Com- a good tournament. get overtaken. It is going to be an agonising two days for them. 3x3 and with the assistance of Head of Events & Partnership, addressing the media. mittee have great plans for 3x3 Lenelio Morga (Managing Qatar Olympic Committee, we in the country. Let’s not forget Director Qabayan Radio 94.3): What has to happen for teams to overtake them? made all the necessary prepa- Cup qualifying tournament for World Masters following those that Qatar will participate “On behalf of the only Philip- Princeton (USA), Manila Chooks TM (PHI), Kamakura Nature- rations, we respected all the our national team. Qatar Bas- in Hungary. We are happy to in the Olympic Qualification pines Radio Station in Doha Made (JPN), Riyadh (KSA), Bielefeld LFDY (GER), Lusail (QAT) and rules imposed by the Ministry ketball Federation is organis- be here. We complied and we tournament in Austria next we would like to thank Qatar Yoyogi Crayon.EXE (JPN) can dare to dream about Jeddah. of Health and the time has fi- ing two “bubbles” in a short follow all the protocols and year. Qatar has Olympic aspi- Basketball Federation (QBF) But it’s not going to be easy. They have to make at least the nally come. We are now ready amount of time and I want to measures under the instruc- rations for 3x3.” for choosing us to work with semis to have a chance to qualify. The winner in Doha will to host the best teams in the take this opportunity to thank tions of the Ministry of Health. Ali Chakaron (General them on this international receive 100 points, 2nd place (80), 3rd (70) and 4th (60) – world, to enjoy basketball and everyone at QBF for their ef- “We would like to thank Manager of Ultra Sports), event. We hope for more col- enough to overtake Ulaanbaatar and Amste to welcome back the devoted forts. Thank you for your pres- the Secretary General Mr. Ali said, “We are the official part- laborations between the two If three or four new teams reach the semis then the two-best fans of 3x3. ence today and we expect to Al Malki, Qatar Basketball ners of Qatar Basketball Fed- sides in the future”. ranked in Doha make it to Saudi Arabia. Princeton, last year’s “The next coming months welcome you here on Friday”. Federation, the Qatar Olym- eration for the last 5 years. It is The tournament will tip World Tour Final runners-up, will be confident of making the final are very important in Qatar’s Ignacio Soriano, said, “The pic Committee, and all the au- not our first time we organise off on Friday November 20 four and, if this happens, Amsterdam would be knocked out. efforts to qualify a team on 3x3 FIBA 3x3 World Tour Masters thorities for their contribution the 3x3 tournament with QBF. at 3:10pm. The thrilling dunk But Ulaanbaatar shouldn’t be content. 3x3 is made for under- at the Tokyo Olympic Games series was going to start on in hosting this event again. We usually support providing contest will start on Saturday dogs and any one of these other teams can have a magical run and we will do our very best. April here from Doha but we “Fourteen teams from all every equipment. We are so November 21 at 7.50pm. For in the desert. The Filipinos, with stars Joshua Munzon and Alvin Today begins an exciting pe- are now finally here in Novem- over the world, including two delighted that Qatar is doing the first time ever the specta- Pasaol having turned Doha into Manila last year, could well fancy riod for Qatar Basketball start- ber in the middle of the coro- from the United States (New this 3x3 tournament. We wish tors will have an opportunity their chances of a semi-final finish.(FIBA) ing with the 3x3 and we con- navirus crisis. The upcoming York and Princeton) have the organisers best of luck”. to be the fourth judge in the tinue next week with the Asian tournament will be the 4th travelled to compete here. We Mithqual Abunasser (Gen- slam dunk competition.

England decision to tour Pakistan a ‘massive moment’ for X Force of Al Thumama AFP Ali played in Pakistan in would be to ensure the squad London the and operated under the tightest se- he thinks England’s decision to curity possible. “We are work- Racing bags Muraikh Cup England will tour Pakistan play there will have positive, ing closely with the PCB to en- next year for the first time far-reaching consequences for sure all the necessary plans are Tribune News Network since a 2009 attack by gun- the game, not least in Pakistan. in place,” Harrison said. Doha men on the visiting Sri Lankan “It’s a massive moment for “Especially concerning the team in a move hailed by Eng- cricket going forward,” Ali said anticipated levels of security Al Thumama Racing’s X land cricket authorities as “a on a conference call from Cape around the team, the proposed Force (Bungle Inthejungle x significant moment”. Town ahead of a in- travel protocols and of course Nafa) completed a hat-trick England will play two Twen- ternational series against South the situation regarding the of victories this season with ty20 internationals in Karachi Africa. “I think it’s right we go COVID-19 pandemic.” jockey Soufiane Saadi riding on October 14 and 15 in their back after such a long time for Pakistan Cricket Board chief the Ibrahim Saeed Ibrahim Al first visit to Pakistan since 2005. the game itself and for Pakistan executive Wasim Khan said Malki-trained gelding to yet England all-rounder Moe- and cricket in the country. England’s tour was confirma- another feature win in Race en Ali believes Pakistan’s deci- ECB chief executive officer tion of the positive steps Paki- Meeting 11 at Qatar Racing sion to honour their commit- Tom Harrison hailed the move stan had taken in assuring secu- and Equestrian Club (QREC) ment to tour England in the as a “significant moment for rity for visiting teams, which has racecourse at Al Rayyan Park midst of the coronavirus pan- both nations”. encouraged nations to return. on Wednesday. The winning group of X Force with their trophies and prizes at QREC’s Al Rayyan Park on Wednesday. demic this year played a role. Harrison said the priority Zimbabwe toured last month. After bagging the Umm Al Houl Cup earlier this month, Results (Horse, Trainer, Jockey) the 3yo lined up the widest in 1. Muraikh Cup: X Force (IRE), the seven strong Muraikh Cup Ibrahim Saeed Ibrahim Al Malki, (Thoroughbreds Class 2) on dirt. SoufianeS aadi; 2. Thoroughbred US to launch own domestic T20 competition The 1100m sprint saw Handicap (Class 3): Dheban Saadi and X Force take the (IRE), Mohammed Gassim from the City of Grand Prairie, lead in the final 100m and Ghazali, Ali Khalid Al-Mosallam; west of , on a long-term then pulling away for a com- 3. Thoroughbred Handicap lease agreement for AirHogs fortable victory, beating In- (Class 3): Leafy Moss (IRE), Stadium. The 5,445-seat arena is jaaz Stud’s Izzthatright (Moss Mohammed Gassim Ghazali, Ali to be increased to a 8,000-capac- Vale x Miss Adelaide), ridden Khalid Al-Mosallam; 4. Purebred ity ground and repurposed as a by Jason Watson for Zuhair Arabian Handicap: Ennab, Majed dedicated cricket venue and train- Mohsen Zuhair Maki. Mahadi Seifeddine, Alberto ing center. The redevelopment X Force clocked a time of Sanna; 5. Local Thoroughbred will take place throughout 2021, 1:04.19 under lights. Saadi Jocket Soufiane Saadi rides Al Thumama Racing’s X Force to victory Handicap: Wadhah (QA), Mo- before it becomes the home of a won the top prize of QR57,000 under lights at QREC’s Al Rayyan Park on Wednesday. hamed Khaled Elahmed, Luca Texas fran- while Izzthatright saw Watson Maniezzi; 6. Local Thoroughbred chise due to launch in 2022. get richer by QR22,000. marathon as Al Mosallam won to top finish in a time of 1:11.18 Handicap: Sky Blue (QA), Ibrahim “As the first Major League cricket Mohammed Khalifa Al QR34,200. Saadi, who even- in the 1200m race. Saeed Ibrahim Al Malki, Soufiane stadium in the United States, Sowaidi’s Top Face (Tiznow x tually bagged the honours in Trained by Moham- Saadi; 7. Local Thoroughbred Grand Prairie represents a Toppisme) trained by Hamad the feature race of the day, med Gassim Ghazali, Leafy Local Novice Plate: Al Faisaliya seminal moment for the sport in Ahmed Al Malki Al Jehani and finished in second place with Moss’ top finish was worth (QA), Ibrahim Saeed Ibrahim Al A file photo of Sachin’s Blasters as the United States prepares to America,” ACE and Major League ridden by Carlos Henrique Ernest Aldrich. Saadi won QR QR34,200. Malki, Francois Herholdt; 8. batsman Moin Khan during the launch its own domestic Twen- cricket’s co-founders Sameer Me- finished in third spot worth 13,200. Roman Legend, who Zarandi, trained by Hamad Purebred Arabian Novice Plate: first of a three-match T20 series ty20 competition, USA Cricket hta and Vijay Srinivasan said in a QR11,000. had Marco Casamento, in the Ahmed Al Malki Al Jehani and Shaweesh (QA), Hamad Ahmed at the Citi Field in New York on said on Wednesday. American statement. The venue also forms In the day’s seventh run- saddle, finished in the third ridden by Carlos Henrique Al Malki Al Jehani, Rashid Ali Al November 7, 2015. Cricket Enterprises (ACE), the a part of plans to bring the ICC ning, Dheban, ridden by Ali place worth QR 6,600. sealed the second place. Hen- Marri; 9. Thoroughbred Novice A vacant baseball stadium in parent company of Major League T20 World Cup and other events Khalid Al Mosallam, clinched Earlier in race seven which rique won QR13,200. Francois Plate (Class 5): Skip The Queue Texas is set to become a perma- Cricket, a T20 tournament set to the United States by 2031, the top place. Dheban clocked had only seven entries, Al Herholdt, astride Cool Exhib- (IRE), Hamad Ahmed Al Malki Al nent venue for American cricket for 2022, has received approval a statement said. (AFP) a time of 2:02.30 in the 1900m Mosallam guided Leafy Moss it, was third (QR6,600). Jehani, Rashid Ali Al Marri.