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Wednesday, February 26, 2020 Rajab 2, 1441 AH Jamieson promises GULF TIMES plenty more aft er dream debut SPORT Page 5 1,000 DAYS TO GO FOR 2022 Qatar’s plans are falling into place, says FIFA World Cup CEO Nasser al-Khater With just 1,000 days to go for the first-ever World Cup in the Arab world, excitement is building up. CEO of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 LLC, Nasser al-Khater, speaks about the progress the country has made in its preparations for the mega event

Q: The Arabian Gulf Cup and sending team members ever FIFA Club World Cup were re- since 2012, the Euros that hap- ‘One thing we want to cently held in Qatar – how im- pened in Poland and Ukraine, make sure is to make portant were these events when it we’ve sent people to the Euros in our fan zones bigger comes to preparing for 2022? 2016, World Cup 2014 in Brazil, for the next events. A: Every football event that we World Cup 2018 in Russia — in host and organise is an important fact we’ve sent over 180 people to We’re going to have a milestone for us to practice, test the World Cup in Russia — which lot of FIFA Fan Fests our plans and that’s not diff erent was a great learning experience during the World for the Arabian Gulf Cup and the for many people that have been FIFA Club World Cup that were able to apply their skills here. So Cup in 2022, we’re played at the end of 2019. They this coming summer 2020, we’ve going to have a lot of were two very invaluable test got the Olympics in Tokyo, we’ve fan activation areas events for us, they were played got Copa America in Argentina back to back, so that was 23 days and Colombia, we’ve also got the in 2022’ of football — which is only fi ve Euros, so we will be sending a big days less than the FIFA World contingent of people to all these handle predominantly by the JV Cup in 2022. We were able to test events to make sure we also capi- that has been set-up between us a lot of the plans that were put talise on all the previous experi- and FIFA. And we believe that it down on paper, all of the opera- ence that we’ve gained. And as is the best model going forward tional plans — whether they’re it has shown us in the past, what for preparations for the World within the venue, outside of the people gain and what they learn Cup in 2022. venue, we were able to test our in these events is something that transportation plans, working will really benefi t us going for- Q: How does it feel for you to be together hand in hand with the ward. 1,000 days away from kick-off ? security. And the lessons learned A: For me, I’ve been on this for us were just immense. Q: It’s been a year since FIFA project for over 10 years now. and the host country started I started in May of 2009 — we Q: What were the main lessons working together as a joint ven- were still in the bidding stages, learned from the Gulf Cup and ture towards 2022 – how has that then we won the bid in December Club World Cup in terms of secu- helped with tournament prepara- of 2010. And I remember feel- rity and fan experience? tion? ing that there is still 12 years to A: Well, luckily, we had a lot of A: I believe that the best go, and to know that we’re 1,000 fans that attended both events, preparation for people work- days to go — there’s a certain we had around 50,000 fans travel ing well together is during the excitement, certain anxiety, we from abroad for the FIFA Club tournaments, and we could see see the plans coming into place. World Cup, we were able to test that slowly we’ve been integrat- We’re very proud of where we’ve our fi rst Fan Zone. There were next events. We’re going to have to getting to these fan activation body, security is very important Copa America, Euro 2020 and ing with members of FIFA. We come in terms of infrastructure. a lot of questions being asked a lot of FIFA Fan Fests during the areas, is it easy? And one thing to make sure everything is safe Tokyo Olympics – how important started off in the Arabian Gulf In terms of stadiums we’re on about the success of fan zones, World Cup in 2022, we’re go- we need to make sure is that and secure for the fans, they need is it for Qatar to continue to learn Cup, furthermore, we cemented track on all of that. But, when it we learned a lot from the Fan ing to have a lot of fan activation they are very accessible to them. to be fully integrated within our from major events like these? that at the FIFA Club World Cup. comes to getting closer and clos- Zone that we put in place. One areas in 2022. So it’s very impor- Working hand in hand with se- operational plans. And it worked A: In terms of gaining expe- And going forward, any major er to the World Cup, its mixed thing we want to make sure is to tant for us to gauge fans — their curity, we don’t see that there is a very well in the past two events. rience from other major events event that happens here in Qatar, emotions — it’s a bag of mixed make our fan zones bigger for the experiences, the transportation diff erence, we’re one organising Q: This summer we have the around the world, we’ve been the football tournament will be emotions. (SC)

FLASHBACK...Fans in Qatar celebrating after the country won the FIFA 2022 World Cup bid in 2010. At right, the Qatar team celebrate after winning the Asian Cup last year, beating Japan in the final. Many of the players from the team are expected to represent Qatar in the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, February 26, 2020 FOOTBALL 1,000 DAYS TO GO FOR QATAR 2022

INTERVIEW/ COLIN SMITH Fans will have a unique experience in Qatar, says FIFA events chief Smith ‘Those of you who know the Middle East, it’s an exciting mix and blend of modern, contemporary but also the traditions and history and Qatar is no exception to that, there’s a very exciting melting pot of diff erent nationalities’ Q: Where does Qatar stand with year, with all our sponsors and part- 1,000 days to go to the FIFA World Cup? ners. And there was the fi rst broad- Q: What do you think fans will be A: All the stadiums will be fi nished caster workshop earlier this year. So most excited about when they touch well in time before the event and this again this allows us to learn from our down in Qatar in 2022? gives us a unique opportunity to test key stakeholders; what do they need? A: Those of you who know the Mid- the stadiums operationally and to use What makes a successful tournament dle East, it’s an exciting mix and blend them much more ahead of time than for them? And that then helps us, to- of modern, contemporary but also the we’ve had the opportunity in the past. gether with the Joint Venture in Qatar, traditions and history and Qatar is no From the infrastructure perspective, deliver according to their expectations. exception to that, there’s a very excit- Qatar has been working now for years ing melting pot of diff erent nationali- preparing for the World Cup so they’ve Q: What did FIFA learn from Qatar’s ties. So fans are going to have a unique brought forward key infrastructure hosting of the FIFA Club World Cup event experience. I mean, the com- projects; metros, road networks, and 2019? What do you want to improve pact nature, having all the stadiums the progress is impressive. So all in for this year’s edition and for the FIFA so close together, fans can visit multi- all we’re very confi dent, we’re work- World Cup? ple matches and many more matches ing very closely with Qatar on the A: It’s always good to have test than they would under a traditional , we’re integrating the diff er- events, no matter how small they are, World Cup. So I think it’s the blend ent planning of host country opera- and obviously the FIFA Club World of hospitality that they will receive as tions and our match operations and Cup, in its current format, is a much soon as they set foot in the country, we’re very confi dent that we’ll deliver smaller event than the FIFA World the compact nature allowing them to a successful World Cup in a thousand Cup. But nevertheless it gives a great see multiple matches and also the cul- days. opportunity for us to work in new sta- tural activities that will go on around diums; we used Khalifa Stadium. It the World Cup, from concerts, fan Q: What is FIFA currently focusing gives us an opportunity to work with fests, visiting museums, the dunes, the on with regard to the 2022 World Cup? the authorities, to integrate the teams desert, there’s a rich fabric of activities A: As we move closer and we count from the host country, the FIFA teams for people to explore and discover if down towards the tournament, plan- and working on the ground in terms of they’re not already familiar with it. ning becomes more operational so operational. So there are always areas we’re moving from working with maps that we can improve on, there are ar- Q: What advice you would give fans and plans to working with physical in- eas that we can observe, areas such as that cannot book their tickets yet, frastructure. The Joint Venture team how’s the spectator fl ow? How many 1,000 days ahead of the event? that we have in Qatar is increasing in people used the metro? It was more A: Keep your eye on Qatar, we’ll be size and they are able then to work than what was expected which is fan- sharing obviously all the information across all these diff erent operational tastic to see, it’s a great network. as we count down from a thousand areas. The teams are becoming more So we’re able to observe these ar- days. Follow your teams in the quali- active as well, the teams who are ob- eas, security checks, can we improve fi ers; we’ve had about 136 matches out viously hoping to qualify, many have the fl ows, can we improve the speed of of 900, in Africa and Asia. We’ve CON- already visited Qatar and looked at these checks? How do people move in MEBOL, CONCACAF and OFC kicking the diff erent facilities that they have and around the venue? So any oppor- off later this year, so follow your team, in terms of team hotels, base camps. tunity to work in the stadiums, to work the excitement will build towards ’22. We’ve published the fi rst round of with infrastructure networks, road And come to Qatar for the Club World team base camps and we’ll continue to networks, metros provides an impor- Cup this year, in December. You can update that over the year ahead. And stakeholders closer to Qatar as well al planning and bringing them closer well. So Commercial Affi liates, we had tant insight to us in our planning for already discover the country and the very importantly, we’re bringing our and sharing with them the operation- to how to improve their planning as the workshop last year, the end of last the World Cup. tournament ahead of 2022. QATAR 2022 IN NUMBERS 5 February 2020 marks the will be played at eight stadiums. Two who have used the Metro since 1,000-day countdown to the stadiums have been completed: Khalifa its launch in 2019. FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. In International Stadium and Al Janoub 2two years, eight months and Stadium. Three more – Education City 76km: The total length of the five days or – if you prefer – just under Stadium, Stadium and Al Doha Metro. 33 months, the first tournament in Bayt Stadium – are set to be inaugu- the Middle East and Arab world will rated during 2020. All the stadiums 60,000: The number of fans be under way. The Supreme Commit- will be delivered well in advance of the that used the new Doha Metro to get to tee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) – the tournament. and from Khalifa International Stadium body responsible for delivering the across three games during the FIFA infrastructure and legacy for the tour- 55km: The longest distance Club World Cup Qatar 2019. nament – has been busy preparing for between Qatar 2022 stadiums (Al Bayt football’s biggest and most prestigious Stadium to Al Janoub Stadium). 1 airport: The vast majority of fans will event since the moment Qatar won the enter Qatar via its single international hosting rights on 2 December 2010 5km: The shortest distance be- airport – Hamad International Airport. (exactly 3,372 days ago). Here we take tween Qatar 2022 stadiums (Al Rayyan The compact nature of the tournament a look at the key numbers associated Stadium to ). means fans will stay in one accommo- with the tournament, which is pro- dation throughout their visit and never posed to kick off at Lusail Stadium on 1 hour: The expected time that visitors be far away from the action. 21 November 2022. will have to spend travelling between venues during Qatar 2022, allowing 53 million: The expected annual 22nd FIFA World Cup: Qatar 2022 fans, media, off icials and delegates to capacity for visitors to Hamad Interna- Qatar 2022 infrastructure projects The number of workers who have 4,300+ beneficiaries: More than will be the 22nd edition of the FIFA watch more than one match in a single tional Airport by 2022 once the expan- – mainly stadium and training site been interviewed in order to ensure 4,300 people have taken part in Josoor World Cup. Qatar will become the 18th day. sion has been completed. Currently, the developments. compliance with the Workers’ Welfare Institute courses and programmes country to host the tournament after airport caters for 30 million passengers Standards. since the project was launched. Josoor Uruguay, Italy, France, Brazil, Switzer- 170,000 seats: The number of per year. 305 million: The number of man Institute aims to train and develop land, Sweden, Chile, England, Mexico, seats Qatar will donate to countries in hours worked to date on Qatar 2022 500,000+ beneficiaries sports and event professionals in Qatar Germany, Argentina, Spain, United need of sporting infrastructure after 4-hour flight: Qatar is just a four-hour infrastructure projects. The number of people who have ben- and the region. States, Korea Republic, Japan, South Af- the tournament. This was a key legacy flight for two billion people, and will efited from the Generation Amazing rica and Russia. This will be the second promise during the bid. be a touchpoint from which visiting QR110.55 million ($30.4 million): football for development programme 52 community grants: Since 2017, the time the tournament has been held in fans can explore other countries in the The amount which will be paid back – in nine countries – since its launch in SC’s Community Engagement Division Asia after Korea Republic and Japan 1.5 million fans: The number of fans region. to workers as part of the SC’s recruit- 2009. has awarded 52 community grants to jointly hosted in 2002. expected to travel to Qatar during the ment fees reimbursement scheme. deserving local projects. tournament. THE SUPREME COMMITTEE FOR The SC has worked with contractors 27 football pitches: Generation Amaz- 32 teams: This will be the final DELIVERY & LEGACY (SC) to ensure that anyone working on a ing has built 27 community football 15 workshops; Community Engage- 32-team FIFA World Cup before the $6.5 billion: The total budget for Qatar 2022 project is reimbursed for an pitches in Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Pa- ment has organised 15 Accessibility tournament expands to 48 teams in the stadiums and training sites Qatar is 600+ people: The number of illegal recruitment fee they paid prior kistan, Nepal, India, Philippines, Qatar Forum workshops with a range of local 2026. Qatar – the reigning AFC Asian constructing. people – from more than 54 countries – to moving to Qatar. The payments will and Oman. The pitches provide a safe stakeholders in order to support Qatar Cup champions – have already quali- currently working for the SC. be processed irrespective of whether space to learn key life skills through 2022’s objective of being the most ac- fied as the host nation. The remaining 70,000 rooms: The number of there is a paper trail or not. football – the bedrock of the Genera- cessible FIFA World Cup in history. 31 qualifiers will be decided over the hotel rooms available to fans in 2022. 15 SC Ambassadors: Including FIFA tion Amazing programme. next two-and-a-half years. World Cup winners Xavi Hernandez 106 forums: The number of Work- 265,000+ registered volun- 37 metro stations: There are currently and Cafu. Our other ambassadors are: ers’ Welfare Forums currently in opera- 1,400+ applications: More than teers: More than 265,000 people have 21 Team Base Camps have been ap- 37 stations on the new Doha Metro, Samuel Eto’o, Tim Cahill, Ali al-Habsi, tion. The forums allow workers to raise 1,400 applications were submitted dur- registered an interest in volunteering proved and included in the first version which fans will use to travel between Mobarak Mostafa, Ibrahim Khalfan, issues and grievances via their peers ing the two cycles of Challenge 22 – the for the SC. To-date, the SC has engaged of the brochure presented to the teams accommodation, stadiums and fan Adel Khamis, Ahmed Khalil, Khalid Sal- – who are elected by the workforce. SC’s innovation award which aims to with more than 16,000 applicants playing the qualifiers. Qatar remains on zones during Qatar 2022. The metro man, Mohamed Aboutrika, Younis Mah- boost entrepreneurs across Qatar and across a range of projects, including track to deliver the remaining number was successfully used by fans during mood, Bader al-Motawaa, Wael Gomaa 1,100+ accommodation in- the region. stadium launches and major football of required training sites well ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup Qatar 2019. and Mohamed Saadon al-Kuwari. spections & 1,813+ construction site matches. the tournament. inspections: The SC and its stakehold- 10 countries: The number of Arab QR2 ($0.55): The cost of a single 4 legacy programmes: The number ers have conducted more than 1,058 countries Challenge 22 participants 160 members: 160 young people 28 days: The tournament will kick off journey on the Doha Metro. of Qatar 2022 legacy programmes: accommodation inspections and 1,783 come from. joined the SC Youth Panel to participate on Monday 21 November. The final will Workers’ Welfare, Generation Amazing, construction site inspections to ensure in a behind-the-scenes look at prepara- be held on Sunday 18 December, which 2 minutes: The average journey time Challenge 22, and Josoor Institute. compliance with the SC’s Workers’ $270,000: The total sum of tions for Qatar 2022. The programme will be the 15th Qatar National Day. between stations on the Doha Metro. Welfare Standards. cash prizes awarded to Challenge 22 included stadium visits, meeting key 24,773 workers: There are cur- winners in both Cycle 1 and 2. personnel at the SC and taking part in 8 stadiums: Qatar 2022 matches 10 million: The number of passengers rently 24,773 workers engaged on 12,021+ worker interviews events such as stadium launches. Gulf Times Wednesday, February 26, 2020 3 FOOTBALL

1,000 DAYS TO GO FOR QATAR 2022

SPOTLIGHT Progress update for Qatar World Cup 2022 stadiums LUSAIL STADIUM he superstructure’s concrete and steel works have been completed, along with the sta- dium’s external primary steel works. Signifi - cant progress has been made in relation to the Tmechanical, electrical and plumbing works inside the structure. Stadium set to be completed in 2021. KEY FACTS:  80,000 capacity  Located in Lusail City, 16km from Doha city centre Qatar’s biggest tournament venue proposed to host the fi nal, along with matches during every stage of Qatar 2022 Design inspired by fanar lantern and intricate de- tailed bowls Concept designed by Foster + Partners Situated in the heart of Qatar’s futuristic Lusail City, which will become home to 250,000 people Legacy post-2022: school, offi ce and community space

AL JANOUB STADIUM he stadium was inaugurated in May 2019 when it became the fi rst Qatar 2022 tournament venue to be built from scratch. KEY FACTS 40,000 capacity TLocated in , 23km from Doha city centre Designed by legendary Iraqi-born British architect Dame Design is inspired by the sails of traditional dhow boats, in tribute to Al Wakrah’s seafaring past KHALIFA INTERNATIONAL STADIUM Illustrious hosting history, including Asian Four-star design and build rating from GSAS ollowing an extensive redevelopment, Games, Arabian Gulf Cup and AFC Asian Cup Proposed to host matches up to and including the quarter-fi nals the stadium was inaugurated in May 2017 Located in Aspire Zone, 13km from Doha city stage during Qatar 2022 ahead of the Amir Cup fi nal. In 2019, the centre Hosted FIFA World Cup qualifi ers and matches during the Arabian stadium hosted the IAAF World Athletics Proposed to host matches up to and including Gulf Cup in 2019 ChampionshipF and matches during the Arabian the quarter-fi nals stage during Qatar 2022 Legacy post 2022: home of Al Wakrah Sports Club Gulf Cup and FIFA Club World Cup. Achieved four-star design and build rating Al Janoub Stadium precinct will contain a public park, along with KEY FACTS from Global Sustainability Assessment System a range of other amenities for the local community, including a hos- 40,000 capacity (GSAS) pital and various sporting facilities First tournament-ready venue for Qatar 2022 Legacy post 2022: Qatar’s national stadium Al Janoub Park opened in February 2020

EDUCATION CITY STADIUM onstruction work was onstruction work has been completed at the stadium, which will open this year. Al Bayt Park, completed in December situated in the stadium precinct, has opened. 2019. The stadium is set KEY FACTS: to open this year. 60,000 capacity CKEY FACTS: CLocated in Al Khor, 43km from 40,000 capacity Doha city centre Stadium is nicknamed the Proposed to host matches up ‘Diamond in the Desert’ to and including the semi-fi nals Located in Education City, stage during Qatar 2022 home of Qatar Foundation (QF), Designed by Dar Al-Handasah 12km from Doha city centre Design resembles a tradition- Proposed to host matches up al Arab tent known as ‘bayt al to and including the quarter-fi - sha’ar’ nals stage during Qatar 2022 28,000 seats from the stadium First Qatar 2022 tournament will be donated to developing venue to achieve fi ve-star design countries after the tournament and build rating from GSAS Al Bayt Stadium precinct will Designed by FIA Fenwick Irib- contain 400,000m² of green arren Architects spaces for the local community  Legacy post 2022: home of The public park, known as Al Qatar’s women’s national team Bayt Park, opened in February and two schools. The stadium 2020 will also provide sporting facili- Legacy post-2022: boutique ties for the QF community hotel and sporting venue

AL RAYYAN STADIUM he concrete frame and roof installation have been completed. Work on the upper-tier stands is ap- Tproaching completion. More than half of the façade columns have been installed. The stadium is set to open this year. KEY FACTS: 40,000 capacity Located in Al Rayyan, 22km from Doha city centre Proposed to host matches up to and including the quarter-fi nals stage during Qatar 2022 Designed by Ramboll Design inspired by Islamic ar- chitecture and Qatar’s rolling sand dunes Legacy post-2022: home of Al Rayyan Sports Club 85% of the old Al Rayyan Sta- dium has been reused in the new development

RAS ABU ABOUD STADIUM 75 containers have been delivered to the site, while 90 have been installed so far. Steel fabrica- tion for the structure is 50% complete. The fabri- STADIUM cation of the bleachers, concourse slabs and roof he stadium’s concrete frame and roof columns have been installed. Work 4steel are progressing. Construction work set to be com- on the upper-tier stands is approaching completion. Construction is due pleted in 2020. to be completed by the end of 2020. KEY FACTS: KEY FACTS: 40,000 capacity T40,000 capacity  Located in Ras Abu Aboud, 10km from Doha city centre  Located in Al Thumama, 13km from Doha city centre  Proposed to host matches up to and including the Proposed to host matches up to and including the quarter-fi nals stage during quarter-fi nals stage during Qatar 2022 Qatar 2022 Stadium will be the fi rst fully demountable tournament Designed by Qatari Architect Ibrahim M. Jaidah venue in FIFA World Cup history Design inspired by the ‘gahfi ya’, a traditional woven cap worn by men across the Structure will be built using modifi ed shipping con- Arab world tainers  Design won MIPIM/The Architectural Review Future Project Award in May 2018 The stadium will be completely demounted after the  Features 50,000m² of green spaces tournament, with its parts used to create a number of Legacy post-2022: A branch of the specialised orthopaedic and sports medicine sporting facilities across Qatar hospital, Aspetar, and a boutique hotel  Designed by Fenwick Iribarren Architects Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, February 26, 2020 FOOTBALL

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Man Utd ‘rebuild’ as Champions Klopp salutes League absence proves costly

Reuters Fernandes, who signed from London Sporting Lisbon for an initial ‘special’ Liverpool fee of 55 million euros ($59.6 million), was United’s only ‘We said it a couple of times, we spoke about wonderful games, brilliant games, we anchester United signing with a transfer fee in are in “rebuild” January and Woodward said spoke about hard games, diff icult games. In the end, that’s what counts’ mode as the Eng- the club would have the same lish soccer club “disciplined approach” in the Mchases a return to the Euro- summer window. AFP Liverpool pean Champions League, Ex- Local rivals Manchester ecutive Vice-Chairman Ed City, who are second in the Woodward said after fi nancial Premier League, have been urgen Klopp admitted he results were dented by the banned from competing in Eu- never expected Liverpool team’s absence from this sea- ropean competitions for two to make such a “special” son’s tournament. seasons by UEFA. charge towards the Pre- Woodward has been backing That has raised the prospect mierJ League title after a record- United manager Ole Gunnar that fi fth place in the Premier equalling 3-2 victory against Solskjaer to forge a team that League might be enough to West Ham left the runaway lead- mixes top talent from around secure Champions League ers four wins from the clinching the world with young players qualifi cation, though City are the trophy. from its academy. expected to appeal against the Klopp’s side were in danger of “We are pushing for a strong ban. dropping Premier League points fi nish in the Premier League, Woodward declined to com- for the fi rst time since their draw the Europa League and the FA ment on the specifi cs of the at Manchester United on Octo- Cup as we enter the fi nal third City case but said he believed ber 20 after falling behind in the of the season,” Woodward said that Financial Fair Play (FFP) second half at Anfi eld on Mon- in a statement. rules were helping to ensure day. Georginio Wijnaldum put “The foundation for deliv- that clubs operate within their Liverpool ahead early on but Issa ering the long-term success means. Diop equalised soon after. that we are all working towards Another Champions League Pablo Fornals gave struggling is in place as we implement our miss for United would be West Ham a stunning lead, but plan and our footballing vision costly for the 20-time English Lukasz Fabianski’s woeful blun- with Ole.” champions. der allowed Mohamed Salah to United sit fi fth in the Pre- They have been eclipsed equalise with his 19th goal of the mier League table, three by neighbours City in recent season. points behind fourth-placed years and now face the pros- Sadio Mane completed the Chelsea after beating Watford pect of bitter rivals Liverpool fi ghtback with nine minutes 3-0 on Sunday with goals from clinching a 19th domestic title. left as Liverpool restored their new signing Bruno Fernandes, Revenue and profi t took a 22-point lead over Manchester academy graduate Mason dive in the second quarter, City. The dramatic escape en- Greenwood and French striker hit by the loss of Champions sured they equalled Manches- Anthony Martial. League broadcasting revenue, ter City’s top-fl ight record of 18 The Premier League’s top with core earnings falling 31% consecutive wins set between four teams qualify for next to 72 million pounds ($93 mil- August and December 2017. season’s Champions League lion) on revenue down 19% at Klopp, usually reluctant to while the fi fth and sixth- 168 million pounds. celebrate milestones, confessed placed teams go into the Eu- United’s fi nancial guidance to being impressed by Liver- ropa League. for 2019-20 was unchanged. pool’s relentless run. “A couple of years ago, three or four maybe, in the beginning, I said we want to write our own UEFA says monitoring coronavirus, not stories, we want to create our yet clear if any impact on Euro 2020 own history,” Klopp said. “Obviously, the boys took re- It is not yet clear whether individual countries,” Italian ally seriously what I said there. Euro 2020 will be aff ected Michele Uva, a member of It’s so special, the numbers are by the coronavirus outbreak the UEFA executive commit- incredible, so diffi cult. We said which has struck Italy, one tee, told state broadcaster it a couple of times, we spoke of the 12 host countries, a Rai. about wonderful games, bril- vice-president of European “The sporting path will only liant games, we spoke about hard soccer body UEFA said yes- be closed if the situation gets games, diffi cult games. In the terday. worse.” end, that’s what counts.” The number of cases in Napoli host Barcelona in a Liverpool’s 21st successive Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp reacts during their match against West Ham United in Liverpool on Monday. (Reuters) Italy – the country in Europe Champions League round of league victory at Anfi eld also worst aff ected by the 16 match on Tuesday. There equalled their own English top- pool would squander their lead should worry, but we still have a vincible just yet as they try to is just a proper member of the outbreak that first emerged has been no suggestion of fl ight record for consecutive now but, publicly at least, Klopp lot of work to do.” Klopp’s men emulate Arsenal’s unbeaten squad,” Klopp said. in China – rose to more than postponing the match or home wins, set by Bill Shankly’s is taking nothing for granted. found themselves in the rare po- 2003-04 top-fl ight campaign. “Everybody has to contribute, 260 overnight from 229 on playing behind closed doors team between January and De- “We all know it’s very special, sition of coming off a defeat, for Another record was equalled everybody has to bring on the Monday, with the northern as Naples is outside the af- cember 1972. but in the moment we are really only the third time in all compe- as Liverpool right-back Trent pitch what he is able to do - and regions of Lombardy and fected region. They need 12 points from just in the situation and want to titions this season, after Tues- Alexander-Arnold matched last the boys do a lot to bring him or Veneto being the most Inter Milan’s Europa League their fi nal 11 games to guarantee recover and prepare for the next day’s 1-0 Champions League season’s Premier League land- (Andy Robertson) in the position aff ected. The number of match at home to Ludog- a fi rst title since 1990. They are one,” he said. last 16 fi rst leg loss at Atletico mark of 12 assists from a defend- and save them there. deaths was unchanged at orets Razgrad on Thursday unbeaten in their last 44 league “The next opponent is really Madrid. er, having supplied the crosses “I don’t want to make the per- seven. will be behind closed doors, matches, just fi ve short of Ar- waiting and wants to fi ght us. I And third from bottom West for Wijnaldum and Mane. formance more than it is, I am Numerous sporting events and the club confirmed senal’s all-time English record saw the boys tonight, they are Ham gave them all they could “I think we passed the mo- completely happy with it but including Serie A matches yesterday that all fans who of 49. ready to fi ght and as long as we handle in a thrilling clash that ment where we treat (Alexan- that’s how football works on the have been called off in Italy, had bought tickets would It is unthinkable that Liver- are really ready to fi ght, nobody suggested Liverpool are not in- der-Arnold) like a young boy, he highest level.” and at least six of next week- get their money back. Rome end’s 10 scheduled Serie will host a Six Nations match A matches will be played between Italy and England behind closed doors. on March 14. Liverpool deserve to win Premier League, says Pogba Rome, which has not been The Times reported yester- aff ected so far, is due to hold day that tournament organis- Liverpool deserve to win the Premier title in 30 years, while United are in fifth draw in 27 league games, and Pogba said chester United player and with the rivalry three group stage matches ers were already concerned League this season and already have one place, 38 points behind the Merseyside Juergen Klopp’s team had improved con- between us, we don’t want them to win and one quarter-final at the about the fixture as well as hand on the trophy, Manchester United club. “They are so way ahead of everyone tinuously over the last few campaigns. the title. “We don’t want anyone else to Euro 2020 tournament in about Italy’s visit to Ireland midfielder Paul Pogba has said, adding else,” France international Pogba told “They have been even better than last win apart from us, but as a football lover June and July. the week before. that it hurts to see his team’s fiercest rivals ESPN. “They have not lost a single game season when they won the Champions and a respectful player to opposition “We are at the waiting stage. The Italian Fencing Federa- doing so well. Liverpool beat West Ham yet this season in the league. They already League and the season before when they teams, I have to say that they deserve to We are monitoring country tion said it has cancelled a United 3-2 on Monday night to move with- have one hand on the Premier League (lost the Champions League final to Real be where they are today,” said the France by country, and football World Cup event due to be in 12 points of winning their first league trophy.” Liverpool have 26 wins and one Madrid),” the 26-year-old said. “As a Man- international. must follow the orders of the held in Padova from March

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Real ponder bluntness in attack as City visit Reuters Celta Vigo and then lost at Le- ond game since returning from many things right and I don’t Madrid vante last Saturday, turning their a three-month layoff from an- think we’re lacking goals, we three-point lead over Barcelona other ankle injury. haven’t all season,” added the in the Spanish standings to a There was also hope that Ka- . “We are looking for- wo seasons after the de- two-point defi cit. rim Benzema might end his role ward to playing and talking less. parture of all-time top “No-one had been talking as a supporting actor in Madrid’s We have an ideal opportunity to scorer Cristiano Ronal- about our lack of goals at any attack and take over from Ron- make a real statement by win- do, Real Madrid are still point this season, so it is oppor- aldo, particularly after he made a ning this match.” Tstruggling in front of goal and tunistic to start talking about it fl ying start to this campaign. City manager Pep Guardiola their lack of fi repower has be- now,” defender Sergio Ramos But the Frenchman’s form has has issued a rallying cry to come a cause for concern ahead told a news conference ahead since nosedived – he has scored his players to show character of today’s Champions League of their last-16 fi rst leg game at only two goals in his last 11 and fi ght to the very end clash with Manchester City. home to City. Real’s problems in matches. Gareth Bale meanwhile against Real. Real have made huge improve- attack are well expressed in their has been in and out of the team “We have to show our per- ments since their disastrous fi rst list of goalscorers. Karim Benze- and not scored since Septem- sonality. I know that my players, campaign without Ronaldo, with ma leads the way with 13 league ber, while Brazilian wingers Ro- myself, all the club want to fi ght Zinedine Zidane solidifying their strikes, with Ramos their second drygo and Vinicius off er plenty until the end for this title,” Guar- defence and creating a highly top scorer with fi ve, followed of promise but little consistency. diola told reporters following functional midfi eld since retak- by holding midfi elder Casemiro The lack of a reliable goalscor- Saturday’s 1-0 Premier League ing the reins last March. who has three. Eden Hazard was er, however, does not worry Ra- win over Leicester City. Zidane’s side have the best seen as the heir to Ronaldo when mos, who has lifted four Cham- “It’s the real test. The kings defence in Spain, conceding 17 he joined from Chelsea last year pions League titles with Real and of this competition against one goals in 25 games, but that gain for 100 million euros, but inju- embodies the club’s expertise in team who aren’t used to playing has been off set by a tame attack ries have limited the Belgian to 15 Europe’s top competition, which these kind of games much, as our which has scored 16 goals fewer appearances with Real, in which they have won a record 13 times. best performance was one semi- than La Liga leaders Barcelona. he has scored one goal. “This season if our attackers fi nal. But if you want to do that This blunt attack has become He is ruled out for the next two haven’t scored then our defend- (win the title) you have to face a big talking point since Real months after fracturing his right ers have, we have been creat- these teams sooner or later... you Real Madrid’s French coach Zinedine Zidane during a press conference on the eve of their UEFA Champions drew 2-2 at home to struggling ankle against Levante, his sec- ing lots of chances. We’re doing have to beat the big, big teams.” League match against Manchester City. (AFP) Gulf Times Wednesday, February 26, 2020 5 CRICKET

DHAKA TEST FOCUS Bangladesh cricket chief urges Mushfi qur Mushfi qur, spinners to tour Pakistan

AFP Bangladesh felt the absence Dhaka of Mushfi qur against Pakistan as they lost the three-match Twen- ty20 series 2-0 with one game angladesh Cricket Board washed out. The tourists then star as Bangladesh president Nazmul Has- went down to an innings defeat san yesterday urged star in the fi rst of the two Tests. batsman Mushfi qur Ra- They will travel to Pakistan himB to change his mind and tour again on April 3 for one 50- Pakistan next month. over match and the second Test Mushfi qur hit an unbeaten scheduled to be held in Karachi. 203 in Bangladesh’s big win over Speculation is rife that Mush- Zimbabwe in the one-off Test in fi qur may reconsider his deci- thrash Zimbabwe Dhaka but had cited safety con- sion, especially after the team’s cerns to skip the fi rst two parts of poor showing. ‘WE TRIED TO PUT UP A BIG SCORE AND WE WERE ABLE TO GET THAT’ a three-leg tour of Pakistan. Hassan said Mushfi qur should Hassan told reporters that take advice from his brother-in- AFP Mushfi qur had not informed the law Mahmudullah Riyad — who Dhaka board of his decision about the led the T20 team in Pakistan and fi nal leg. was part of the Test side as well “But I hope he will go (to Paki- — and other teammates before pinner Nayeem Hasan stan),” Hassan said. making his fi nal decision. claimed a match haul of “Every contracted player Bangladesh are keen to do well nine as Bangla- should go. Family is important against Pakistan in the second desh thrashed Zimbabwe for everybody, but country is Test, which is part of the ICC byS an innings and 106 runs inside more important.” Test Championship. four days in the one-off Test yes- terday. The big victory in Dhaka ended SPOTLIGHT a six-match losing streak for the hosts and handed centurion Mo- minul Haque his fi rst win as Test captain. India want opener Zimbabwe, who trailed by 295 after the fi rst innings, were all out for 189 in the second session Verma to continue with Nayeem returning fi gures of 5-82. Nayeem was supported by fel- mayhem low spinner Taijul Hasan who took four wickets as Zimbabwe Reuters anything. She’s been given free lost batsmen at regular intervals Melbourne licence to play her fearless brand after resuming on nine for two, of cricket,” medium pacer Pan- although skipper Craig Ervine dey said after the victory against (43) and (41) ndia opener Bangladesh in Perth. off ered some resistance. has set alight the Women’s “She’s amazing. At 16 I hadn’t Mushfi qur Rahim set up the World Cup with her even started training to become win with his unbeaten 203 as six-hitting prowess and her a cricketer,” said Pandey who the hosts declared their innings teamI want the 16-year-old to con- has taken fi ve wickets from two on 560 for six on Monday, in re- tinue batting in the same carefree matches. sponse to Zimbabwe’s 265. manner, team mate Nineteen-year-old Jemimah Mominul struck his fi rst cen- said. Rodrigues contributed a breezy 34 tury as Test captain with a 132 Verma smashed four sixes in her at number three, while 16-year- and put on 222 runs with Mush- 17-ball 39 against Bangladesh on old Richa Ghosh made a run-a- fi qur to set the tone for his team’s Monday to set up India’s second ball 14 in her World Cup debut. dominance. Bangladesh players pose with the trophy after winning the one-off Test match against Zimbabwe at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket successive victory in the tourna- “I’m very pleased to have such “Everyone did well, and I am Stadium in Dhaka yesterday. (AFP) ment. young fearless players in our team. happy for the team. We tried to Her fi ve sixes from two matches It’s amazing to see them doing put up a big score and we were SCORECARD is also the highest by any player in what they did for us,” Pandey, 30, able to get that,” said Mominul, the ongoing tournament and she said of her teenaged team mates. who became captain in Novem- ZIMBABWE first innings 265 (C. Ervine 107, P. B. Taylor c Taijul b Nayeem 17 Total (all out, 57.3 overs) 189 has the backing of her team to con- Group A leaders India next play ber. Masvaure 64; Nayeem Hasan 4-70, C. Ervine run out 43 Fall of wickets:1-0 (Masvaure), 2-0 (Tiri- tinue the assault in the powerplay New Zealand, who beat Sri Lanka 4-71) “I don’t think it is a diffi cult S. Raza c Mushfiqur b Taijul 37 pano), 3-15 (Kasuza), 4-44(Taylor), 5-104 (Er- overs and beyond. in their opener, in Melbourne to- start to my captaincy career,” he BANGLADESH first innings 560-6 dec (Mush- vine), 6-121 (Raza), 7-165 (Chakabva), 8-170 “We haven’t asked her to change morrow. T. Maruma c Tamim b Nayeem 41 added. “Yes, we have to win more fiqur Rahim 203 , Mominul Haque 132; (Ndlovu), 9-181 (Maruma), 10-189 (Tshuma) Ndlovu 2-170) R. Chakabva c Tamim b Taijul 18 matches but we will do better.” Bowling: Nayeem 24-6-82-5, Taijul 24.3-7-78-4, Taijul took the fi nal of ZIMBABWE second innings (overnight 9-2) A. Ndlovu lbw b Nayeem 4Jayed 4-3-4-0, Ebadat 5-1-16-0 Charlton Tshuma with his left- P. Masvaure b Nayeem 0C. Tshuma lbw b Taijul 3 arm orthodox as the home side K. Kasuza c Mithun b Taijul 10 V. Nyauchi not out 7 celebrated only their second in- RESULT: Bangladesh won by innings and 106 nings victory. D. Tiripano c Liton b Nayeem 0Extras (b9) 9 runs. Taijul began the victory push for Bangladesh on the fourth day when he sent back Kevin Kasuza Ervine and Raza defi ed the fl ex catch at mid-wicket off Tai- for 152. after winning the toss and batting for 10 in the sixth over of the bowling to put on 60 runs for the jul to end Raza’s innings before Tshuma unsuccessfully re- fi rst. morning session. fi fth wicket, but then Ervine’s Tamim took another spectacular viewed a leg-before decision “It was nice to get some runs in Nayeem, who claimed two run-out dented Zimbabwe’s catch at mid-on to remove Regis against him off Taijul to become the game but it was one of those wickets in the fi rst over of Zimba- hopes. Raza set off for a single Chakabva for 18. the last man dismissed as Bang- disappointing games that we have bwe’s second innings on Monday, off Taijul, but Mominul broke the Nayeem trapped Ainsley Nd- ladesh ended their six-match to put behind us,” said Ervine. took the key scalp of senior bats- stumps at the striker’s end with a lovu leg-before for four before losing streak in Tests. “We probably just did not kick man Brendan Taylor who top- direct hit from cover point to end completing his fi ve-wicket haul Zimbabwe’s Ervine, who on from the start and we defi nite- edged a catch to Taijul at long leg Ervine’s promising innings. with the wicket of Maruma. He scored 107 in his team’s fi rst in- ly needed more than 260 in the Shafali Verma of India plays a shot during the T20 women’s World for 17. Mushfi qur took a brilliant re- ended with match fi gures of nine nings, said they did not capitalise fi rst innings.” Cup match against Bangladesh in Perth on Monday. (AFP)

BOTTOMLINE Jamieson promises plenty more to come aft er dream debut

Reuters Wellington Bowlers need to maintain intensity in second Test: NZ coach ew Zealand’s Kyle Jamieson enjoyed a memorable Test New Zealand coach Gary Stead wicket, Stead admitted he had debut in Monday’s 10-wicket felt his pace bowlers had never been surprised at how easily they win over India at the Basin been more accurate than in their ran through India’s lineup and ReserveN and the towering pace bowler 10-wicket win over India in the first dismissed them for 165 and 191. promises there is much more to come. Test in Wellington but he expected “Yes, that was a surprise,” Stead Jamieson, who stands 2.04 metres tall the visitors would be more said. “But I think that’s testament to and gave up basketball in high school to competitive in the second match in the amount of pressure we put on focus on cricket, took four for 39, in- Christchurch. them for a long period of time. cluding the prized wicket of captain Vi- Pace spearheads Tim Southee “We picked up wickets at times you rat Kohli, in India’s fi rst innings total of and Trent Boult returned to the might consider were critical in the 165 in the opener of the two-Test series. side after missing New Zealand’s match... and I guess that was the Bowling fi rst change behind the ex- last Test against Australia in early catalyst for the win. perienced pair of Trent Boult and Tim January and combined to take 14 of “We got on a roll and I think when Southee, the blond Jamieson made an the 20 Indian wickets to fall at the teams do that they can be hard to immediate impression on batsmen and Basin Reserve. beat.” spectators alike. Southee had match figures of 9-110, Stead said that Neil Wagner, who An easy, balanced run-up followed by while debutant Kyle Jamieson missed the first game to be at the a high, relaxed action prefaced a threat- impressed with 4-39 in India’s birth of his first child, would join the ening line and length which forced the below par first innings total as the team in Christchurch for the second batsmen to cover their off stump with- pace attack put the visitors under Test at Hagley Oval that starts on out being certain how much the ball pressure for long periods and Feb. 29. would move off the seam or leap off the restricted their scoring. The left armer’s return would pitch. “I can’t speak highly enough of provide “a good selection dilemma” He also looked quicker than the the bowling unit and the way they for the side in Christchurch, 130kph which the speed gun routinely went about taking 20 wickets on especially after Jamieson’s reported, and yesterday Jamieson said a pitch that had a little bit in it the “outstanding” debut, Stead added. he believed he was capable of rapid im- whole time,” Stead told reporters “Whoever we go with, we know we provement in both speed and general yetserday, the day after his side will have to put in a performance performance. New Zealand’s Kyle Jamieson bowls during day three of the first Test against India in Wellington on Sunday. (AFP) completed the win early on the that we did in this game, because “I’m still a long way off what I want to fourth day. we know India will get better,” he be as a bowler, with the stuff I’m start- to come.” The 25-year-old also struck contest. His four lofted hits equalled the but his superb display suggests it will “From my perspective I think it was said. ing to work on and in the next year or so four sixes in an innings of 44 from 45 record for the most sixes in a Test debut now be diffi cult to overlook him. our most accurate performance “If we can be as accurate or as I’m going to make massive strides,” he balls which helped New Zealand secure innings. Showing no sign of nerves against with the ball.” clinical as we were in this first game said. an eventually decisive fi rst-innings lead Jamieson was probably not even in India, Jamieson said the quality running While they had the benefit of then we will be in for a cracking “Whilst I am very happy with where after India, the world’s top-ranked Test the running to make his debut before through New Zealand’s ranks allowed first use of a green Basin Reserve Test.” REUTERS I’m at now I think there is still a lot more side, had fought their way back into the Neil Wagner withdrew from the squad him to play freely. Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, February 26, 2020 TENNIS

QATAR TOTAL OPEN Yastremska knocks out Kenin, Barty eases through It is teenager Yastremska’s fourth Top 20 win of the season and she will face Muguruza in the third round

Agencies portant moments,” Kenin said of Yas- Doha tremska, who has already won three World No 1 Ashleigh Barty of WTA titles. “She just played better at Australia plays a forehand en route to important moments and I just made too her win over German Laura Siegemund krainian teenager Dayana Yas- many unforced errors, I just felt pretty at the Qatar Total Open yesterday. tremska caused a major upset fl at-footed the whole match.” PICTURE: Noushad Thekkayil as she knocked out Australian Kenin conceded managing the ex- Open champion Sofi a Kenin pectations that come from winning her Ufrom the Qatar Total Open yesterday. maiden major in Melbourne has been a At the Khalifa International Tennis and challenge. “That’s what I got to fi gure Squash complex, the 19-year-old Yast- out how to manage the expectations remska served 13 aces and saved four of and people talking from the outside. six break points to beat America Kenin But before Australia and everything 6-3, 7-6(4). obviously there was diff erent kind of It is Yastremska’s fourth Top 20 win pressure, but I did have like expecta- of the season and she will face Mugu- tions, I was hard on myself. I want to do ruza in the third round after the Span- well in every tournament, so it’s not a iard made short work of Australian surprise. And nothing’s changed from Ajla Tomljanovic, winning 6-1, 6-2. my side the way I am, because I hate For Kenin, it was her third defeat since losing and, yeah, you know I hate los- winning her maiden Grand Slam title in ing,” she said. Melbourne last month. Meanwhile, world number one Ash- The world number fi ve lost one of her leigh Barty strolled past German Laura two matches in the United States’ Fed Siegemund in her fi rst match since los- Cup qualifying win over Latvia, before ing in the Australian Open semi-fi nals being knocked out by in-form Kazakh to Kenin. The reigning French Open Elena Rybakina in the Dubai opening champion saw off the world No 68, 6-3, round last week. “It’s really frustrat- 6-2. ing,” the 21-year-old said. “Obviously Barty broke serve fi ve times in the coming off of Melbourne where I felt I match, winning in under an hour and was playing the best tennis of my life, a quarter. “Happy overall to be able to coming down to playing, not the worst switch on when I really needed to,” said tennis, but not playing the tennis I want Barty. “Disappointing to have a few to be playing,” he added. lapses in concentration but also a credit “Creds to her, she played well, came to my opponent, she came up with up with some good shots at those im- some really good stuff in runs to be able

to break me a few times.” winner Jelena Ostapenko for a quarter- missing a lot. But she’s maybe loss her mund (GER) 6-3, 6-2; Elena Rybakina The Australian will next face Ry- fi nal spot after the Latvian’s 6-1, 6-2 rhythm a little bit, I thought I was serv- (KAZ x14) bt Alison Van Uytvanck (BEL) bakina, who has already reached four thrashing of Barbora Strycova. ing well, playing quite fast, so that can 5-7, 6-2, 7-6 (10/8); Garbine Muguruza WTA fi nals this season and beat Ali- World number three Karolina Plisk- happen, I think.” (ESP x11) bt Ajla Tomljanovic (AUS) 6-1, son Van Uytvanck 5-7, 6-2, 7-6 (10/8) ova also secured a third-round place Last year’s winner Elise Mertens 6-2; Dayana Yastremska (UKR) bt Sofia yesterday. The 20-year-old Rybakina, with comfort, beating American Ber- saw her title defence come to an early Kenin (USA x6) 6-3, 7-6 (7/4); Karolina who lost to Simona Halep in the Du- narda Pera 6-3, 6-0. Pliskova will end with a 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 loss to Yulia Pliskova (CZE x3) bt Bernarda Pera bai Championships fi nal on Saturday, take on Tunisia’s Ons Jabeur, who beat Putintseva. Kazakhstan’s Putintseva (USA) 6-3, 6-0; Jelena Ostapenko (LAT) needed fi ve match points to get past the American Jennifer Brady next 6-4, 6-3. will next play fourth seed Belinda Ben- bt Barbora Strycova (CZE) 6-1, 6-2; Belgian, and also saved one herself in Pliskova emerged virtually unscathed cic after the Swiss battled past Veronika Petra Kvitova (CZE x8) bt Carla Suarez the marathon third-set tie-break. The from several back-and-forth opening Kudermetova 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 (7/4). Navarro (ESP) 4-6, 6-3, 6-0; Svetlana world number 17, who was ranked 193rd salvos to race through the contest, se- Belarusian ninth seed Aryna Kuznetsova (RUS) bt Iga Swiatek (POL) 12 months ago, has now claimed a tour- curing the win in just under 56 minutes Sabalenka also progressed, beating An- 6-2, 6-2; Yulia Putintseva (KAZ) bt Elise leading 21 wins this year. on Centre Court. “I think the beginning ett Kontaveit 7-5, 2-6, 7-5. Mertens (BEL x16) 4-6, 6-3, 6-2; Belinda Two-time Wimbledon champion was a little bit tough,” she explained Bencic (SUI x4) bt Veronika Kuderme- Petra Kvitova also booked a place in the after the match. “We both played well, 2ND ROUND RESULTS tova (RUS) 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 (7/4); Zheng Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger (left) and Qatar Tennis Federation last 16 with a 4-6, 6-3, 6-0 win over there were a couple tough, long games, (x denotes seeding): Saisai (CHN) bt Vera Zvonareva (RUS) president Nasser al-Khelaifi watch the Qatar Total Open action at the Khalifa Spaniard Carla Suarez Navarro. The but then somehow it turned to be quite Ashleigh Barty (AUS x1) bt Laura Siege- 7-5, 6-1; Aryna Sabalenka (BLR x9) bt International Tennis and Squash complex. Czech will face former Roland Garros easy, especially the second set, she was Anett Kontaveit (EST) 7-5, 2-6, 7-5

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Top seed doubles pair Hsieh and Sakkari, Tomljanovic visit NMoQ reek star Maria Sakka- ri and her Australian Strycova storm into quarter-fi nals counterpart Ajla Tom- ljanovic visited the sisters trouble by mixing up the lob from Hsieh that drew a easy, it was mentally and physi- Giconic National Museum of Qa- By Syed Arhm Ahmad Doha variety of shots on a regular ba- backhand error from Lyudmyla cally a very tough match. The tar (NMoQ). The stars, who are sis. They used numerous deep Kichenhok while she was back- Kichenhok sisters can play featuring at the Qatar Total Open lobs to trouble the Kichenhok pedaling to retrieve the lob from doubles very well and we were 2020, were taken on a private tour op seeds Su-Wei Hsieh sisters when they were both up behind her. This error led to the aware of that so we knew that of the museum where they learnt from the Chinese Tai- at net and it was a strategy that top seeds wrapping up the fi rst we had to bring our A game. All about Qatar’s history, its animals pei and Barbora Stry- proved to be eff ective through- set 6-2. the teams always want to play and heritage among others. cova from the Czech out the match. Hsieh and Stry- The second set followed a the best tennis against us so we “I’m happy to take a tour of TRepublic cruised through to cova also served extremely well, similar pattern with the top have to be very focused from the this iconic museum and I’m de- the quarter-fi nals of the Qatar with a high fi rst serve percent- seeds breaking serve twice, once beginning.” lighted to learn so much about Total Open beating twin sisters age of 80% and were not broken in the 5th game and again in the The second seed pairing of Qatar and its history. The tour Lyudmyla and Nadiia Kichen- once in the match. seventh game. Holding on to all Hungarian Timea Babos and has been an eye opener and it hok 6-2, 6-2 in 59 minutes in The top seeds fi rst broke in of their own service games, they French Kristina Mladenovic also has been a wonderful experience their second round clash at the the third game of the fi rst set, wrapped up the second set 6-2 advanced to the quarter-fi nals for me. It has doubtlessly added Khalifa International Tennis and courtesy of a backhand volley to fi nish the match with a domi- with a 4-6, 6-3, 10-6 victory greatly to my understanding of Squash Complex yesterday. error from Nadiia. Taking care nant performance. over Czech Lucie Hradecka and the country,” Sakkari said of the The top seeds played some of their own service games, they Strycova said: “We are happy Slovenian Andreja Klepac in visit. Giving voice to the nation’s impressive tennis throughout once again broke in the seventh to win 6-2, 6-2 because even a one hour and 28 minute en- rich heritage and culture and the match, causing the twin game with an accurately placed though the score made it look counter. expressing the aspirations of its people, NMoQ serves as a hub for Maria Sakkari (left) and Ajla Tomljanovic pose at the iconic discovery, creativity, and com- National Museum of Qatar. munity engagement, providing diverse educational opportuni- doubles fi nals, winning twice. As Tired Tsitsipas starts Dubai ATP week with a win ties for Qatar and advancing the a doubles player, Kuznetsova has Dubai: Stefanos Tsitsipas certain situations and moments happy about the win.” nation’s cultural vision on the reached the fi nals of each Grand began the Dubai Champion- in the match.” Fourth seeded Italian Fabio global stage. Slam event at least once, winning ships with a 7-6 (7/1), 6-1 vic- Tsitsipas, the losing finalist Fognini, making his Dubai Speaking about her experi- the Australian Open twice. tory over Pablo Carreno Busta here a year ago to Roger Fed- debut, was knocked out after ence, the world No 54 Toml- “I’m delighted to tour this yesterday just two days after erer, will next play Alexander nearly two and three-quarter janovic said, “It is nice to visit amazing facility. I’ve always been winning the Marseille title. The Bublik after the Kazakh beat Po- hours by Dan Evans. The Briton historic spots during a tourna- fascinated by books and to see so Greek cruised to a first-round land’s Hubert Hurkacz 6-2, 7-5. sealed a 3-6, 6-4, 7-5 victory ment like the Qatar Total Open. many precious volumes in this victory in 94 minutes but then In the opening match of a day on his sixth match point after I’m fascinated by what I wit- place gladdens my heart. The complained that the match had played in desert conditions in an eight-minute final game nessed and the amazing things building is iconic, modern and it been more of a struggle than which temperatures reached 29 which ended as a return on the on display. It’s good to know has some of the latest technol- it looked. “I was tired,” said the degrees Celsius (82.4 degrees Fognini baseline was called more about Qatar’s history and I ogy in library. It’s a pleasure to be world number six who beat Fe- fahrenheit), Benoit Paire fought good by the Hawk-Eye system. appreciate the organisers for ar- here,” Kuznetsova said. lix Auger-Aliassime in Marseille off four match points to over- Other winners included ranging it.” Offi cially opened on November on Sunday.”I came into the haul former US Open winner qualifiers Dennis Novak of 2017, the Qatar National Library match tired. I was upset with from my backhand side.” Marin Cilic 2-6, 7-5, 7-6 (7/1). Austria and Japan’s Yasutaka KUZNETSOVA VISITS off ers a wide variety of books and myself a little bit, but I realised Carreno Busta broke early in Eighth seed Paire appeared Uchiyama. QATAR NATIONAL LIBRARY e-books, in English, Arabic, and I have to save that energy. The the first set but Tsitsipas forced all but finished as Croatian Cilic, Filip Krajinovic advanced Two-time Grand Slam winner other languages, including fi c- physical part was diff icult for a tiebreaker which he won leading 5-3 in the second set past Joao Sousa with a 4-6, Svetlana Kuznetsova of Russia tion and non-fi ction, bestsellers me. I tried to stay calm and not comfortably. after taking the first, served 6-3, 6-3 comeback. Japan’s paid a visit to the Qatar National and classics, as well as magazines complain too much because I He rode that momentum to for a straight sets win. But the Yoshihito Nishioka, who lost the Library. The 34-year-old, win- Svetlana Kuznetsova paid a visit and journals, DVDs, CDs, and would definitely need that ener- a blistering second set sweep. Frenchman broke and won the Delray Beach final in Florida on ner of the 2009 French Open and to the Qatar National Library. audiobooks. In 2018, the library’s gy for later on. I think I focused “I’m not pushing myself to set. “Normally when it’s one set, Sunday, rushed to the Gulf only the 2004 US Open, was warmly collection consisted of more than on my breathing, constructing the limits like I did last year,” 5-3, I normally tank,” Paire said. to go down 7-5, 6-2 to France’s received by the staff of the li- The World No 46 Kuznetsova 800,000 books on its shelves and the points, staying in the point, said Tsitsipas. “I’m trying to “This time I tried until the end. Pierre-Hugues Herbert in the brary on arrival and she was later has appeared in four Grand Slam more than 500,000 e-books, pe- trying to make things happen be smarter in the way I handle It was working good. I’m really first round. conducted round the facility and singles fi nals, winning two, and riodicals and newspapers, and parts of the Qatar foundation. she has also appeared in seven special collections. Gulf Times Wednesday, February 26, 2020 7 SPORT

MANATEQ QATAR CROSS-COUNTRY RALLY Qatar’s al-Attiyah delivers another masterclass Al-Mohannadi leads T3 after accident for Jones, Guayasamin’s Polaris destroyed by fire; engine woes sideline Adel Abdulla

Agencies Lusail

asser Saleh al-Attiyah continued his relent- less charge towards a seventh victory in nine Nseasons at the Manateq Qatar Cross-Country Rally (MQCCR) with another dominant per- formance on the 340.28km se- lective section through Qatar’s southern and western deserts yesterday. The Qatari and French navi- gator Matthieu Baumel were like a pair of greyhounds out of the blocks and continued to edge away from their closest rivals, the gap on the day’s stage exac- erbated by the fact that Yazeed al-Rajhi and Michael Orr started the special 15 minutes behind them on the road. Al-Attiyah guided his Toyota Gazoo Hilux to a stage time of 3hr 28min 30sec and that was suffi cient to see his outright ad- Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah in action during the third day of the Manateq Qatar Cross-Country Rally. Qatar’s Khalid al-Mohannadi in action. vantage increase to 1hr 21min 18sec over his team-mate. POSITIONS ON SS3 QATAR NATIONAL BAJA – ROUND 2 Al-Attiyah said: “Jakub (Prz- ygonski) was pushing but he 1. Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah (QAT)/Matthieu Baumel 5. Ahmed al-Kuwari (QAT)/Manuel Lucchese 1. Saleh al-Saif (SAU)/Ali Hassan Obaid (ARE) Can- 8. Hamed bin Eid al-Thani (QAT)/Stéphane Duplé doesn’t have anything to lose. (FRA) Toyota Hilux Overdrive 3hr 28min 30sec (ITA) Can-Am Maverick X3 (T3) 11hr 11min 29sec Am Maverick X3 (T3) 1hr 51min 00sec (FRA) Sierra GMC (T2) 2hr 14min 50sec We did a good job from start-to- 2. Jakub Przygonski (POL)/Timo Gottschalk (DEU) 6. Saleh al-Saif (SAU)/Ali Hassan Obaid (ARE) Can- 2. Ahmed al-Kuwari (QAT)/Manuel Lucchese (ITA) 9. Abdulaziz al-Basheer (KWT)/Abdulaziz fi nish. Some place, we have been Toyota Hilux Overdrive 3hr 31min 41sec Am Maverick X3 (T3) 11hr 28min 43sec Can-Am Maverick X3 (T3) 1hr 54min 20sec al-Mahrouz (KWT) Can-Am Maverick X3 (T3) careful to fi nd the road. Every- 3. Yazeed al-Rajhi (SAU)/Michael Orr (GBR) Toyota 7. Fedor Vorobyev (RUS)/Kirill Shubin (RUS) OT3 by 3. Mubarak al-Hajri (QAT)/Laurent Lichtleuchter 2hr 15min 12sec thing disappears from the wind. Hilux Overdrive 3hr 36min 21sec Overdrive (T3)11hr 36min 05sec (FRA) Can-Am Maverick X3 (T3) 1hr 58min 54sec 10. Rashed al-Mohannadi (QAT)/Pedro Santos We are quite happy. We win 4. Ahmed al-Kuwari (QAT)/Manuel Lucchese (ITA) 8. Kees Koolen (NLD)/Serge Bruynkens (BEL) OT3 4. Khalid al-Mohannadi (QAT)/Sebastien Delaunay (PRT) Can-Am Maverick X3 (T3) 2hr 17min 19sec again today. It was more sandy Can-Am Maverick X3 (T3) 4hr 15min 43sec by Overdrive (T3) 11hr 40min 25sec (FRA) Polaris RZR 1000 Turbo (T3) 1hr 59min 11. Mohamed al-Harqan (QAT)/Vili Oslaj (SLO) Can- today. We will see tomorrow.” 5. Mubarak al-Hajri (QAT)/Laurent Lichtleuchter 9. Balazs Szalay (HUN)/Laszlo Bunnozci (HUN) Opel 58sec Am Maverick X3 (T3) 2hr 40min 47sec Austin Jones started the day (FRA) Can-Am Maverick X3 (T3) 4hr 18min 30sec Grandland X 12ht 12min 15sec 5. Mohamed al-Meer (QAT)/Alexey Kuzmich (RUS) 12. Ahmed Allouh (QAT)/Hector Garcia Chavez with a 19-minute advantage in 6. Fedor Vorobyev (RUS)/Kirill Shubin (RUS) OT3 by 10. Aleksey Shmotov (RUS)/Andrey Rudnitski (RUS) Chevrolet Buggy 2hr 09min 23sec (PER) Can-Am Maverick X3 (T3) 2hr 47min 54sec the T3 category and was running Overdrive (T3) 4hr 27min 05sec Can-Am Maverick (T3) 13hr 33min 51sec 6. Camelia Liparoti (ITA)/Angelo Montico (ITA) 13. Mohamed Amir (KWT)/Yousef al-Refaei (KWT) second on the road in his South OVERALL POSITIONS AFTER SS3 11. Mubarak al-Hajri (QAT)/Laurent Lichtleuchter Yamaha YZX 1000 R (T4) 2hr 10min 20sec Can-Am Maverick X3 (T3) 3hr 03min 22sec Racing Can-Am Maverick X3. 1. Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah (QAT)/Matthieu Baumel (FRA) Can-Am Maverick X3 (T3) 22hr 42min 7. Jarman Jaralla (QAT)/Feras Allouh (QAT) Nissan 14. Mohamed al-Mutairi (KWT)/Talal al-Ali (KWT) But the American ground to a (FRA) Toyota Hilux Overdrive 8hr 27min 46sec 58sec Patrol (T1) 2hr 12min 18sec Can-Am Maverick X3 (T3) 3hr 44min 21sec halt north of the Inland Sea after 2. Yazeed al-Rajhi (SAU)/Michael Orr (GBR) Toyota 12. Mohamed al-Meer (QAT)/Alexey Kuzmich (RUS) an unfortunate collision with the Hilux Overdrive 9hr 49min 04sec Chevrolet Buggy 69hr 57min 33sec rear of al-Rajhi’s Toyota, when 3. Jakub Przygonski (POL)/Timo Gottschalk (DEU) Austin Jones (USA)/Gustavo Gugelmin (BRA) Can- into third and fourth in the T3 stroyed by the fi re. Mohamed ers in a Can-Am 1-2-3. Khalid he tried to reverse after being Toyota Hilux Overdrive 10hr 31min 23sec Am Maverick X3 (T3) TBA rankings, with al-Hajri and al- al-Harqan also lost vital minutes al-Mohannadi was fourth, al- stuck on a dune. 4. Khalid al-Mohannadi (QAT)/Sébastien Delaunay Mohamed al-Harqan (QAT)/Vili Oslaj (SLO) Can-Am Saif both sustaining fl at tyres on before reaching the Inland Sea Meer came home in fi fth and The T3 sustained a broken (FRA) Polaris RZR 1000 Turbo (T3) 11hr 04min 01sec Maverick X3 (T3) TBA the stage. beach area. Liparoti was sixth. There were trailing arm and substantial rear A delighted al-Kuwari said: “A The day’s al-Kharsaah selec- 14 fi nishers on the day. Edith end damage as a result and Jones fantastic stage. I love this stage. tive section was the longest of Weiss’s Nissan suff ered ongoing and Brazilian co-driver Gustavo Jones’s father Jesse, himself an fi nal podium position in the was unable to continue. A fi erce We did well on this day last year. the event at 340.28km. The track electrical issues. Day four is split Gugelmin were forced to make esteemed Baja racer in America, third of the Overdrive Toyotas. battle raged in T3 behind Jones. It was a very similar one to this. headed south towards the Inland into two parts with the opening emergency repairs with ratchet said: “The whole back end of “It was a good stage and we Saleh al-Saif, Ahmed al-Kuwari, The third day has always been Sea, before turning north-west Al Shahaniyah selective section straps with a resultant loss of the car was wrecked. They tried had a good rhythm,” said the Kees Koolen, Mubarak al-Hajri, our best day. We always seem back through the central deserts of 219.79km starting from the around 45 minutes. They even- to make a repair and then the Pole. Fedor Vorobyev and Khalid al- to pick up towards the end. We to fi nish in the north-west of the Dukhan road and heading north, tually stopped again close to the ratchet straps fell apart and it “We went back to our proper Mohannadi were locked in a six- climb and climb and never start country. The fi rst 151.06km also before turning south along the fi nish when the repair unravelled was back to square one again. race. In the beginning, there way tussle for the stage win. al- hot and get hotter…” counted as the second round of west coast to fi nish close to the and were frantically trying to They were second on the road was a lot of sand and some sand Kuwari snatched the stage win Adel Abdulla’s G-Force T3 the 2020 Manateq Qatar National Umm Bab highway. make a second repair to enable this morning and running so dunes with camel grass. It was a from al-Hajri by 2min 47sec and GF suff ered engine issues and Baja and local and Kuwaiti en- A liaison link of 56.37km along them to reach the stage end. well. This is a big disappoint- nice stage and we enjoy. It was moved up to second in the cat- was sidelined and then Gustavo trants were joined by San Marino’s the road then takes “We have two punctures and a ment for everyone.” complicated navigation, like al- egory, 7min 28sec behind Khalid Guayasamin’s Polaris caught fi re Camelia Liparoti on the start line. competitors to the start of the small story with the T3 (Jones),” Poland’s Jakub Przygonski ways, but are getting used to the al-Mohannadi who suff ered a within 70 metres of the stricken The Can-Am crew of Saleh second timed section of the day said al-Rajhi. “He reversed in the and German navigator Timo car. We try and continue like we late belt scare before slowing to G-Force. al-Saif and Ali Hassan Obaid – the 124.84km of the Sealine dunes and he hit my car. It was Gottschalk recovered strongly did today, maybe a little faster.” ensure that he fi nished. Both the Equador driver and managed to eke out a 3min 20sec stage – that heads across the really bad luck. He was stuck and from a miserable second day and Hungarian driver Balazs Sza- Vorobyev, Koolen, al-Saif his Argentinean navigator Ricar- victory over Ahmed al-Kuwari southern deserts to the Inland we went to go round and he de- the second fastest time behind lay guided his powerful Opel and al-Mohannadi were third, do Torlaschi were unharmed in and Manuel Luchesse. al-Hajri Sea before turning north along cided to reverse. Now we try and al-Attiyah enabled the hard- Grandland X to ninth and fourth fourth, fi fth and sixth on the day the incident but the Extreme and Laurent Lichtleuchter the east coast to fi nish near the keep our position.” charging Pole to move up to the in T1 but Mohamed al-Meer and al-Saif and Vorobyev settled Plus Polaris RXR 1000 was de- rounded off the podium fi nish- road.

FOCUS World’s best riders gear up for CHI Al Shaqab By Sports Reporter number six and the winner of last fourth year Al Shaqab will be in- Doha year’s CSI5* Grand Prix in Doha, cluding this important Olympic as well as Olympians Edwina discipline in the event and our Tops-Alexander (Australia), and facilities are geared to meet the total of 88 riders from Scott Brash (Great Britain). needs of the participants. These 23 countries are set to Qatari riders taking part are are great role models who are sizzle during the Com- Bassem Mohamed, who com- sources of great inspiration to mercial Bank CHI Al peted in the 2016 Rio Olympics the physically impaired. We look ShaqabA Presented by Longines and won the 2017 LGCT Doha leg forward to seeing Qatari riders event, which will take place at Grand Prix at Al Shaqab, Faleh participating in this discipline in the Longines Arena at Al Shaqab, Suwead al-Ajami, and Rashid the future.” member of Qatar Foundation, Towaim Ali al-Marri. Al-Mannai said CHI Al from tomorrow till Saturday. At a press conference yester- Shaqab was an event for all, in The world-class international day to offi cially launch the event, keeping with Al Shaqab’s role equestrian competition, which Omar al-Mannai, Commercial within the community of Qatar. Al Shaqab is organizing for the Manager, Al Shaqab, and Event “The event does not cater only seventh time, will see riders Director of CHI Al Shaqab, said: for lovers of equestrian sport. compete in the Olympic disci- “Al Shaqab has achieved its goal We also want to ensure that all plines of showjumping, dres- of developing an equestrian spectators enjoy and experience sage, and para dressage. competition that other organ- the festive atmosphere. Thus, CHI (Concours Hippique Inter- isers aspire to and talk about. It besides cafes and coff ee cor- national – International Eques- underscores Qatar’s ability to ners, we also have a dedicated trian Competition) is the offi cial organise major sports events. entertainment zone off ering fun title awarded by the Fédération This year is the fi rst time we have and educational activities for Equestre Internationale (FEI) to Commercial Bank as the event’s children of all ages.” international equestrian compe- title sponsor and we are hon- For the convenience of spec- titions with three or more eques- oured to have them on board. tators, Al Shaqab is provid- trian disciplines. Commercial “We are also very proud of our ing a shuttle service from the Bank CHI Al Shaqab Presented by association with Longines, who Al Shaqab metro station on Longines is one of only fi ve CHI will be the Presenting Partner. the Green Line to the Longines competitions worldwide and the Our long-term relationship with Arena at Al Shaqab, to facilitate fi rst and only equestrian event of Longines is further cemented by easier access. The service will its kind in the Middle East and the Al Shaqab Arena being re- run at 10-minute intervals over Asia (Mena) region. named as ‘Longines Arena’. And, all three days of the event. German showjumper Daniel of course, once again we have Tickets for Commercial Bank Deusser, currently third on the ExxonMobil on board as Main CHI Al Shaqab Presented by Longines global rankings, head- Sponsor, and we greatly appreci- Longines, including exclusive lines the impressive list of en- ate the support they have shown VIP packages, are now avail- tries. Other showjumpers com- to Al Shaqab over the years.” able online at https://www.q- peting include Sweden’s Peder Commenting on para dres- tickets.com/ or through the Al Fredrickon, ranked number fi ve, sage as a part of CHI Al Shaqab, Shaqab website (www.alshaqab. CHI Al Shaqab Event Director Omar al-Mannai (centre) speaks as Sports Co-ordinator Alejandro Berdegue (right) and Commercial Bank of Belgium’s Pieter Devos, ranked al-Mannai said: “This is the com). Qatar’s Head of Corporate Communications and CSR Abeer Marwan al-Kalla look on during a press conference at Al Shaqab yesterday.