SUNDAY 8 MARCH 2020 SPORTSPORT 21

FOOTBALL CRICKET If I show up to the arena and there ain't no fans in the Premier League: PSL: Multan Sultans crowd, then I ain't playing: LeBron James says he won't Chelsea vs vs Islamabad United; play if his Los Angeles Lakers have to hold games behind Everton; Man Lahore Qalandars vs ACTION closed doors due to the coronavirus outbreak. TODAY’S United vs Man City Karachi Kings

Labuschagne Celebrating 20 years of excellence: ton in vain as QGF gears up to host FIG South Africa sweep series FAWAD HUSSAIN More than 250 THE PENINSULA gymnasts will be in REUTERS — POTCHEFSTROOM

Established in 2001, the Qatar action during the FIG Australia’s Marnus Gymnastics Federation (QGF) World Cup, one of the Labuschagne scored his first has come a long way in highly-anticipated one-day international century making the gulf state a hub of We are looking forward to host a successful but it was in a losing cause as the gymnastics world. events in Qatar’s South Africa breezed to a six- From hosting gymnastics event. Many countries have already confirmed vibrant sports wicket victory in Potchef- events at the 2006 Asian their participation and we are expecting a stroom yesterday and a clean calendar, at the Aspire Games to staging numerous big number of gymnasts in action at Aspire sweep of the three-match FIG World Cup editions and Dome from March 18 series. the blockbuster 2018 FIG Dome: QGF President Ali Al Hitmi After being sent into bat, World Gymnastics Champi- to 21. Australia posted a below-par onships – the first in the 254 for seven in their 50 overs, Middle East – QGF has played 20 years since the Qatar Gym- QGF has a vast experience of priority and we will make all Star athletes like World’s with South African-born a leading role in promotion of nastics Federation was organising top-notch events the possible arrangements to oldest Olympian Oksana Chus- Labuschagne hitting a run-a- the sport in the region. formed,” QGF President Ali Al and we are confident to host ensure safety of the gymnasts. ovitina of Uzbekistan, Olympic ball 108 to bolster an oth- This year, the QGF is Hitmi told reporters at Al this event in a befitting way,” We are in constant touch with star Epke Zonderland of the erwise mediocre effort from marking it’s 20th anniversary Bidda Tower. he said before predicting a our Health Ministry for Netherlands and Belgium’s the visitors. and will host the FIG Artistic “We are looking forward tough competition among the guidance. We will do our best reigning world champion Nina The home side always Gymnastics World Cup to cel- to host a successful event. athletes. to provide such an envi- Derwael are the regular vis- looked in control of their ebrate the milestone later this Many countries have already “The FIG World Cup in ronment for the athletes that itors to the Qatari capital. chase, JJ Smuts playing the month. confirmed their participation Doha will carry points for they will only have to focus The 2018 FIG World Gym- anchor role with a career-best The FIG World Cup is one and we are expecting a big Tokyo Olympics qualification on their performance and nastics Championships in 84 and ably supported by of the highly-anticipated number of gymnasts in action and we can expect thrilling nothing else,” the QGF Pres- Doha, which saw participation other new faces Kyle Ver- events in Qatar’s vibrant at Aspire Dome,” said the QGF performance from gymnasts ident said. of gymnasts from 78 countries, reynne (50) and Heinrich sports calendar with this president. during the event,” he said. After the qualification was rated as one of the best in Klaasen (68 not out) as they year’s event set to take place While the entries are still Speaking on the corona- rounds, the finals will be held history of the competition. romped to victory with 27 balls at state-of-the-art Aspire open, Al Hitmi informed the virus outbreak which is on the last two days of the During the event, remaining. Dome from March 18 to 21. QGF has received confir- affecting sports competitions competition – March 20 and American prodigy Simone South Africa continued It will be the 13th consec- mation from around 250 gym- worldwide, Al Hitmi said the 21. Biles became the first gym- their recent dominance of utive year when Doha will nasts, who will represent 44 organising committee will All the top gymnasts, who nasts from the US to win Australia in this format having play host to the gymnastics countries. take maximum precautions rate Doha as one of their medal in every event at a won 11 of their last 12 ODI spectacle. “We have received confir- for safety of all the favourites venues, are single World Championships meetings dating back to 2016. “This year’s event will be mation from 156 male and 91 participants. expected to feature in the and the first woman to do so Australia struggled to get especial as we are celebrating female gymnasts so far. Team “Health safety is our upcoming event. in 31 years. going in their innings, man- aging just 39 in the first 10 overs for the loss of David This picture taken on October 25, 2018 Warner (4), and were three shows a view of contestants competing down for the addition of in the men's parallel bars qualification another 16 runs as South Africa during the first day of the 2018 FIG Artistic picked up the key wickets of Gymnastics Championships at Aspire Steve Smith (20) and captain Dome in Doha. Aaron Finch (22). South Africa now embark on a three-game ODI tour of India starting on Thursday, while Australia return home to host New Zealand in a limited- overs tour beginning on Friday. BRIEF SCORES Australia 254-7 in 50 overs (M. La- buschagne 108, D. Short 36, M. Marsh 32; A. Nortje 2-35, J. Smuts 2-42). South Africa 258-4 in 45.3 overs (J. Smuts 84, K. Verreynne 50, H. Klaasen 68 not out; J. Hazlewood 2-37). Result: South Africa won by six wickets.

Series: South Africa won the three-match series 3-0.

Peshawar beat Qatar Open: Xin, Zhendong enter semis Islamabad on CHINTHANA WASALA 11-4) win, Meng will meet DLS; Lahore THE PENINSULA Japan’s Ito Mima in today’s final. Ito Mima clinched a com- World number one Xu Xin and fortable 4-0 (11-6, 14-12, 11-0, thrash Quetta top seed Fan Zhendong 11-5) win over Ding Ning to yesterday made it to the singles carry Japan’s only hope for gold AGENCIES — RAWALPINDI semi-finals of the 2020 ITTF medal s at the Doha event. World Tour Platinum Qatar Earlier, yesterday, despite a Peshawar Zalmi beat Open with commendable wins strong resistance from Pitchford Islamabad United by seven as Chinese men continued to and Paul Drinkhall, Long and runs on Duckworth-Lewis- stamp their dominance Doha. Xin secured the gold medal in Stern method at the Pakistan China booked three out of the men’s doubles final. Super League (PSL) yesterday. four spots as Great Britain’s The final score read 3-1 Zalmi were 85 for two in Liam Pitchford became the only (11-8, 8-11, 11-1, 11-6) after 29 nine overs – seven runs ahead non-Chinese player to play in minutes of exciting action of the par score – in their today’s men’s singles where the Chinese pair proved chase of 196 when rain semi-finals. to be too good for the brought the match to a halt at The third Chinese joining Great Britain's Liam Pitchford Englishmen. the Pindi Cricket Stadium. them in the semis today is Wang in action at Aspire Academy Women’s doubles title was United put an impressive Chuqin who eliminated fellow Hall yesterday. also won by China with Manyu 195 for five as Colin Munro and countryman Liang Jingkun. and Zhu Yuling emerging cham- Shadab Khan scored half-cen- Top seeded Zhendong pions in Doha. turies. The pair crafted a booked a place in the semis They defeated top seeds 67-run partnership after Luke with a 4-1 (11-9, 11-9, 11-7, 6-11, Gauzy in a seventh game last eight was a crowd favourite Manyu in an all-Chinese duel Miyuu Kihara and Miyu Ronchi (six) and Rizwan 12-10) win that ended the decider. but the Briton was a step ahead yesterday. After yesterday’s 4-2 Nagasaki of Japan 3-1 (11-4, 7-11, Hussain (five) were dismissed impressive run of Swede Jon A great all-round display in his game this time. (10-12, 11-7, 11-9, 11-13, 11-5, 11-8, 11-9). by Rahat Ali (one for 41) and Persson at the Aspire Academy from the Frenchman and a Wang Chuqin, who surpris- Hasan Ali (two for 36). Hall while Xin beat Simon world class performance by the ingly outplayed defending Both batsmen registered best in the game provided singles champion Ma Long, their third fifties of the season. China's Wang Despite a strong maximum thrills to spectators emerged victorious after Munro made 52 off 35, in Chuqin plays resistance from Pitchford in Doha. another thrilling contest. Wang which he hit four fours and Xu eventually earned the took an early lead, but was then a return shot two sixes, while Shadab and Paul Drinkhall, Long yesterday. and Xin secured the ticket to the semis by sealing the challenged by Jingkun who smashed five fours and four win in 4-3 (6-11, 11-6, 8-11, 11-8, leveled the scores at 2-2. sixes in his 42-ball 77. Shadab gold medal in the men’s 11-6, 8-11, 11-7). However, the giantkiller was later named man of the doubles final. Pitchford beat Chinese Tai- Wang eventually came out on match. pei’s Chuang Chih-Yuan, in four top 4-2 (11-5, 11-8, 7-11, 9-11, In Lahore, hosts Lahore Women’s doubles straight games (14-12, 11-8, 11-5, 11-5, 11-7) to move on through Qalandars thrashed Quetta title was also won by 11-7). to the last four. Gladiators by 8 wickets. China with Manyu and Qualifier Chih-Yuan, who In the women’s singles After restricting Quetta to Zhu Yuling emerging beat Japanese teenager semi-finals, the world No.1 98-9, Lahore reached the target champions in Doha. Tokomazu Harimoto and Chen Meng knocked out in only 11.5 overs to claim huge Yukiya Uda on his way to the defending champion Wang victory. 22 SPORT SUNDAY 8 MARCH 2020 QSL: Points leaders Al Duhail claim 2-1 victory over Al Sailiya Al Rayyan edge Al Sadd in 'Qatar Clasico'

FAWAD HUSSAIN Al Rayyan's Action from match between Al Duhail THE PENINSULA players celebrate and Al Sailiya, yesterday. a goal against Former champions Al Rayyan Al Sadd yesterday edged defending yesterday. champions Al Sadd 1-0 in a thrilling Qatar Clasico clash to consolidate their second spot at the QNB Stars League (QSL). Watched by a near-packed house at Al Sadd Stadium, Al Rayyan did well to keep the hosts in control after firing an early goal. As expected, there was a lot of aggressive display of football in the highly-anticipated contest, thrilling fans of both the teams. Cameroonian midfielder Franck Kom scored the only Kom making no mistake to give Sadd being more aggressive in Al Rayyan walked away with 3 for Al Duhail in the 12th banging home the rebound after goal of the match in the 9th Al Rayyan the lead. Al Sadd search of a leveler. valuable points, which will keep minute while Karim Boudiaf Edmilson’s angular shot hit the minute. stepped up efforts to score their They again came close to their title pursuit on track. netted the second goal for Al right upright and came back With the win, Al Rayyan first goal and came close in the scoring in a 62nd minute corner Earlier at Ahli Stadium, Duhail, four minutes before into play. now have 38 points while Al 23rd minute when Nam Tae- when Abdelkarem Hassan points leaders Al Duhail yes- regulation time. Boudiaf scored the second Sadd remain on 32 after the Hee’s cross fell inside the circle headed the ball right on target terday posted a 2-1 victory over Mbarak Boussoufa scored goal for Walid Regragui’s wards loss, which is a huge setback in near striker Akram Afif, who but Al Rayyan goalkeeper Fahad Al Sailiya to comfortably sit on the consolation goal on a off Edmilson’s free-kick. their title defence. was in a good position but he Younis avoided the damage top of the standings with 42 penalty kick for Al Sailiya in the In between the goals, Al Midfielder Kom scored with fell short off the pace. with a superb dive on his left. points. 90th minute. Duhail came close to scoring, an angular shot past Al Sadd Exchange of attacks con- Both the teams created Yesterday’s result also took Al Duhail dominated the with Edmilson, Almoez orches- goalkeeper Saad Al Dosari after tinued till the halftime but no more chances with Al Rayyan Al Duhail’s wins tally to 13, most proceedings throughout and trating threatening moves. a brilliant long ball from Khalid more goal was scored as Al also coming close to scoring by any team this season. wing play as they forced seven Al Sailiya were awarded a Muftah. Rayyan walked away with an their second goal on a few North Korea’s Han Kwang- corners as against Al Sailiya’s penalty after Ali Afif handled The Qatari left-back picked advantage. occasions. Song, who moved to Qatar in three. Paulo Edmilson had a role Karim Ansari’s header in the last a ball from half-line which The second session also The top-notch action con- January transfer window from in Al Duhail’s both goals. minute of regular time and landed inside the circle with started with a fast pace, with Al tinued but without any goal as Juventus, scored the first goal Han opened the scoring by Boussoufa was spot-on. Kang and Hatton Davis Cup: Ecuador upset Japan as share halfway lead Australia down Brazil to reach finals AFP — TOKYO

at windy Bay Hill Underdogs Ecuador swept their Davis Cup qualifier against AFP — MIAMI generally been in an all right Japan yesterday in a match place.” played behind closed doors due Tyrrell Hatton kept his return Hatton fired five birdies to the coronavirus outbreak, from wrist surgery right on in his three-under round, while elsewhere Australia beat course, firing a three-under hitting seven of 14 fairways Brazil and Kazakhstan elimi- par 69 to share the halfway and 13 of 18 greens in nated the Dutch. lead in the Arnold Palmer regulation. The hosts took to the court Invitational with South “I hit it in some inter- in Japan’s western Miki city Korea’s Kang Sung. esting spots,” he said. “It’s not without two star players -- England’s Hatton, playing easy with how strong the injury-hit Kei Nishikori and just his second tournament wind is.” world number 48 Yoshihito since right wrist surgery in Hatton, who teed off on Nishioka, who decided not to November, notched his sixth 10, was two-under through join his team to avoid a possible straight round in the 60s and his first nine after three virus quarantine on his return was tied with Kang on seven- birdies and a bogey, but said to the United States. under par 137. he “lost” his swing coming in. Gonzalo Escobar and Diego Kang, who relished the “I just didn’t have a clue Hidalgo outplayed home duo chilly winds whipping across where it was going,” Ben McLachlan and Yasutaka the Bay Hill course in admitted Hatton, “I was Uchiyama 7-6 (7-3), 6-3 in the Orlando, Florida, fired a struggling with hitting it quite decider to give 27th-ranked FROM LEFT: Australian team's players John Millman, James Duckworth, Alex Bolt, Lleyton Hewitt, Jordan four-under par 68. far left. Ecuador a 3-0 victory. Thompson and John Peers pose for a photo after defeating Brazil in the Davis Cup qualifying tie. The leading duo were “I’m just happy to get in Uchiyama said it was hard one stroke in front of New the clubhouse with kind of to concentrate while playing in minutes to give the home side one of the great weekends in Haase had won the opening Zealand’s Danny Lee, whose no damage done,” added a nearly empty arena, “but I a winning 3-1 lead. his career.” singles on Friday and stepped four-under 67 was the round Hatton, who bounced back don’t want to use it as an The victory echoed his Marcelo Demoliner and back on court in Nur-Sultan to of the day. from a bogey at the third excuse.” earlier come-from-behind Felipe Meligeni Alves earlier face Alexander Bublik, ranked World number one Rory with a birdie from off the A limited number of jour- three-set win over Thiago kept Brazil alive in the tie with 69 places higher at 100th. McIlroy settled for a one- green at the fourth and a nalists and other spectators Seyboth Wild in Friday’s singles. a gripping three-set win in the The Dutchman battled hard over 73 and headed a trio of 13-foot birdie at the eighth, were permitted to enter the Team skipper Lleyton doubles. in the first set but subsided after players on 139 along with his penultimate hole. arena once they had their body Hewitt said it would be a The pair fought back to beat losing the tiebreak, with Bublik South Korean Im Sung-jae Kang had six birdies and temperature checked, with weekend for Millman to John Peers and James Duck- winning 7-6 (7/4), 6-1. (69) and Harris English (70). two bogeys in his four-under some organisers wearing remember. worth 5-7, 7-5, 7-6 (8/6) in The 12 winners from this Hatton said his return effort. facemasks. “What a performance. almost three hours to pull Brazil weekend’s qualifiers will join tournament, the WGC Mexico McIlroy, who was one off John Millman was Aus- That’s what Davis Cup tennis is back to trail 2-1. the 2019 semi-finalists -- Championship, was an ideal the first-round lead of Matt tralia’s hero in Adelaide with a all about,” Hewitt said. In Kazakhstan, Andrey Canada, Britain, Russia and comeback event since it Every, was atop the leader- second fighting win in the “Johnny had to come out Golubev and Aleksandr Spain -- as well as wildcards guaranteed him four rounds. board by the time he teed off singles, wearing down Thiago and back up what he did on Nedovyesov crushed Dutch duo France and Serbia for Novem- “That was interesting to thanks to the erratic Ameri- Monteiro 6-7 (6/8), 7-6 (7/3), 7-6 Friday.” Robin Haase and Jean-Julien ber’s Davis Cup finals in see how my wrist kind of can’s second-round 83. (7-3) in three hours and five “That’s going to go down as Rojer in the doubles 6-3, 6-3. Madrid. reacted to a full week’s tour- “It was a grind,” McIlroy nament , and it was abso- said of a round that included lutely fine,” said Hatton, who three bogeys and a double tied for sixth at Chapultepec. bogey as well as four birdies. “No pain out on the golf “I made it more of a grind Injured Halep, Kerber pull out of Indian Wells course, which is important. than I needed to.” And I’ve been able to practice McIlroy balanced an how I want to practice before early bogey with a four-foot REUTERS — LONDON “I was hoping to be ready matches. Ball kids won't be coming here, and my swing’s birdie at the par-five sixth. in time for the upcoming tour- allowed to touch or move Former world number ones naments in Indian Wells and player towels. Simona Halep and Angelique Miami, but my medical team Organised player and fan Tyrrell Hatton of England plays I was hoping to be Kerber (pictured) have pulled advised me to give it a little bit interaction will also be limited his shot from the second tee ready in time for the out of next week’s BNP Paribas more rest.” at the tournament, which is during the second round of upcoming tournaments Open in Indian Wells after Tennis players at the BNP informally referred to as the the Arnold Palmer Invitational. failing to recover from injuries. in Indian Wells and Paribas Open that starts next fifth Grand Slam because of its The tournament is the sea- Miami, but my medical week will have to manage popularity with players and son’s first Premier Mandatory team advised me to their own towelswels on court and fansfans,, mamanyny of whom come from event and Romanian Halep, give it a little bit more ball kids will wwearear gloves while ooverseas.verseas. the reigning Wimbledon rest: Angelique Kerber working matchestches at the com-com- champion, has not shaken off bined men'ss andand women'swomen's a foot problem. tournament in the Southern “I’m incredibly disap- California desert.esert. pointed to have to withdraw at Indian Wells in 2015. The measureseasures wwereere from the 2020 BNP Paribas Three-times Grand Slam announced by tournament Open,” Halep, the world champion Kerber has not organisers, whowho are offering number two, said in a recovered from a leg injury fans uneasy aboutabout the corona-corona- statement. and the 32-year-old is also set virus a refundnd for this year's “Unfortunately, the foot to miss this month’s Miami event or a creditedit for next year. injury that I picked up before Open. The event runsns MarchMarch 11-22.11-22. Dubai is still causing me “My patience is being A chair willwill be placedplaced trouble and I will be unable to tested these days as I’m still at the backk ooff thethe recover in time to travel to recovering from a left leg court for Indian Wells.” injury,” the German, last year’s players to Halep, who won the Dubai runner-up at Indian Wells, place their title last month, was champion wrote on Instagram. towels for usee during SUNDAY 8 MARCH 2020 SPORT 23 Liverpool Campillo leads at return to ARMSTRONG VAS THE PENINSULA winning Jorge Campillo carded a third round 67 to take a one-shot lead into the final day of the ways 2020 Commercial Bank Qatar Masters. REUTERS – LIVERPOOL Yesterday at the Education City Golf Club course, the Runaway Premier League Spaniard began by picking up leaders Liverpool resumed five shots in six holes around normal service with an uncon- the turn to move three ahead. vincing 2-1 victory over rele- However, a pair of bogeys gation-threatened Bourne- on the back nine in the mouth yesterday but they had increasing wind meant he to recover from an early jolt at came home in level par for a Anfield. 14-under total, just one clear Goals in quick succession of Scot and by Mohamed Salah and Sadio Dane . Mane before halftime calmed “It was tough, especially the the jitters after Callum Wilson last four holes into the wind, had given Bournemouth a sur- so it wasn’t playing easy at all. prise ninth-minute lead. The front nine wasn’t windy, it After Liverpool’s 44-match was playing easy, and the back unbeaten league run ended in nine was tough. I missed a few shocking fashion at Watford short putts but overall a good last week, victory restored Jorge Campillo of Spain in action during the third day of the 2020 Commercial Bank Qatar Masters at the Education City Golf Club last three holes,” Campillo said. their 25-point lead over Man- course yesterday. PICTURES: SYED OMAR “I am in a good position for chester City who have two tomorrow but still 18 holes to COMMERCIAL BANK QATAR games in hand. go. It is going to be a tough day most guys would hit three Three defeats in their last India’s SSP Chawrasia in MASTERS SCORES tomorrow, but I am glad with wood off there. Got it down on action at the Commercial four matches in all competi- the position I am in right now a good number, 160 into the Bank Qatar Masters at the Leading third round scores tions had given Liverpool a because I wasn’t playing good, breeze, and it was perfect - Education City Golf Club in the European Tour's Qatar reality check, even if only so being leader after three days four inches short. That’s the course yesterday. Masters yesterday (GBR/IRL serial pessimists among their after the last few weeks is sort of birdie putt you like,” unless stated; par 71): fans truly believed they might nice,” the 33-year-old said. Drysdale said. blow their first title for 30 “If I had not won a golf Drysdale and wife Vicky 199 Jorge Campillo (ESP) years. tournament already I would have formed one of the 66, 66, 67 It is still a matter of when, have been a little bit nervous European Tour’s most famous 200 David Drysdale 67, 69, not if, Juergen Klopp’s men coming into tomorrow, but teams and they will head into 64, Jeff Winther (DEN) seal the deal and yesterday’s since I have won, it is a little bit the final round looking for 66, 69, 65 win, their 22nd in succession more familiar, so I will still be victory at the 498th attempt. 201 Benjamin Poke (DEN) 68, at home in the Premier a little nervous but hopefully “I started quite well, I was 67, 66 League, restored their 25-point tomorrow I can play as good four under through six holes 202 Alexander Bjork (SWE) lead. as today and win,” added the and I just holed a couple of nice 70, 63, 69, Pablo Three more wins and they Real Madrid fan. putts. In the middle of the Larrazabal (ESP) 72, 67, will be crowned champions. Drysdale was bogey free in round I struggled a wee bit and 63 They want to finish in style, a 64, while Winther also made hit a lot to 40 or 50 feet but 203 Kalle Samooja (FIN) though, and that was missing seven birdies with a single managed to two putt them and 70, 67, 66, Jack Senior initially against a Bourne- dropped shot in a 65. move on and capitalise on my 69, 66, 68 mouth side who are scrapping “I was pretty aggressive off good shots,” added the “It was good fun, it’s my aiming to seek out local waters 204 Marcus Armitage 67, 71, for their top-flight survival. the tee (at the 17th), I hit driver, 44-year-old. birthday in a couple of weeks was happy with the scores. 66, Andy Sullivan 66, 66, Bournemouth’s goal left so we’re (him and Vicky) “We had good fun, good 72, S S P Chawrasia (IND) Klopp apoplectic. Wilson 67, 69, 68, Thomas Detry getting older together but we’re playing partners are always appeared to nudge Joe Gomez David Drysdale of (BEL) 72, 66, 66, Scott enjoying each other’s company good to have and you can lean off the ball before passing to Scotland tees off during Jamieson 67, 68, 69 the Commercial Bank on the golf course,” he said. on your caddie as well. We just 205 Lorenzo Gagli (ITA) 66, Philip Billing whose well- Qatar Masters at the Drysdale played his first enjoyed it and played very well. 70, 69 timed pass released Jefferson Education City Golf Club European Tour event in 1999 I putted very well as well and Lerma. course yesterday. and while Vicky may have only that’s a big factor,” the 31-year- Wilson, who had con- been on the bag for the past old said. Pablo Larrazabal. Larrazabal tinued his run, met Lerma’s few seasons, they have formed “It’s wide and I like it. I made two eagles and six birdies low cross with a simple tap-in. a formidable pairing and need a bit of help off the tee at as he matched the lowest Liverpool were clearly achieved him a third runner up the moment but otherwise than round of the week -- and the rattled and Nathan Ake almost finish at the 2019 Alfred that I really like it. The green- fledgling course record -- with made it 2-0 with a thumping Dunhill Championship. keepers have done very well a 63, while Bjork made three header from a corner that was “The first couple of seasons this week, it’s phenomenal to birdies and a bogey in a 69. well saved by keeper Adrian, worked very well. I haven’t putt on,” he added. Finn Kalle Samooja and in for the injured Alisson. played the best the last 14 “I’ll keep doing the same. England’s Jack Senior were at Bournemouth’s problem months or so, I’ve been I’m going to try not to think ten under a shot clear of all season has been an inability grinding away, but we haven’t about it and it’ll be exciting. I India’s SSP Chawrasia, Eng- to avoid conceding needless fallen out yet,” Drysdale said. look forward to it,” he said. lishmen Marcus Armitage and goals and it was from a Winther, an avid fisherman, Dane Benjamin Poke was Andy Sullivan, Belgian dreadful mistake that Liv- who takes his rod in his golf 12-under, a shot clear of Swede Thomas Detry and Scotland’s erpool equalised in the 25th bag to every tournament Alexander Bjork and Spaniard Scott Jamieson. minute. Chawrasia added a three- Youngster Jack Simpson Spectators enjoy action yesterday. under 69 to the 67 and 69 he had only been on the pitch a had shot on the first two days. few minutes to replace injured He had four birdies on the skipper Steve Cook when he front and one more on the back took a heavy touch and was and a bogey on either side. robbed by Mane. The four-time European Mane’s ball to Salah was Tour winner had carded a 67 not the best but the Egyptian at last week’’s final round at cut inside Lerma and drove and he has now home a low left-foot shot that shot four successive rounds in beat Aaron Ramsdale at his 60s and another good one near post. A wild-eyed Klopp could see him have a solid celebrated like a man pos- finish, a best finish for an sessed, still seething at what Indian golfer at the Qatar he felt was a poor decision to tournament. allow Bournemouth’s goal. “It was a good day. I was Mini-crisis over, Liverpool looking for more birdies but went ahead eight minutes later did not come, overall it was a when Bournemouth again lost good score today. Hope to con- possession and Virgil van Dijk tinue in the same vein on the released Mane who ran last day,” said the 41 through unopposed to score year-old. with ease. Roberts takes historic American Moto2 pole at Losail Circuit THE PENINSULA – DOHA Friday lap record and at the then Marini launched an attack, Arenas completing the front row. beginning of Q2, fellow Q1 the Italian setting a new lap There was plenty of late Joe Roberts (American Racing) graduate Jorge Navarro (Beta record to go P1 with seven drama in the closing moments of slammed in a stunning 1:58.136 in Tools Speed Up) set a 1:58.396 to minutes remaining. Then, Roberts the first qualifying session of Moto2 Q2 at the QNB Grand Prix set the scene for a cracking first flashed across the finish line and 2020, all starting when Suzuki of Qatar to earn his maiden Grand Moto2 qualifying of 2020. Tucked set the exact same time as his was unable to get in one final Prix pole position, with America in behind teammate Marco Bez- counterpart – the American going flying lap due to an issue with seat also seeing their first intermediate zecchi, Marini then went P2 as the to P1 because of his previous lap unit. The Japanese rider got back class pole in almost a decade. SKY Racing Team VR46 duo sat time being better than Marini’s. out on track but was unable to get Yesterday at Losail Interna- P2 and P3 in the early stages, but ‘The Beast’ turned up the wick across the line before the cheq- tional Circuit, the Free Practice it was an ever-changing affair on in the east to propel himself into uered flag came out, meaning he pacesetter’s qualifying time was the timing screens. P3. Bastianini going just over a had to sit, wait and pray. exactly the same as second place After impressing in Free tenth shy of Roberts and Marini It didn’t look like anybody was Luca Marini’s (SKY Racing Team Practice, Bo Bendsneyder (NTS to secure his first Moto2 front row. going to threaten his 2:04.815, VR46), but Roberts’ second best RW Racing GP) then went just Meanwhile, in the lower class, with Fernandez the only rider in time was faster than the Italian’s. 0.014 off Navarro’s time to launch SIC58 Squadra Corse’s Tatsuki touching distance. The former Enea Bastianini (Italtrans Racing him into a provisional front row Suzuki survived two late scares Junior World Champion exited the Team) completes the first Moto2 start, but Roberts was setting red to bag only a second career final corner in the perfect slip- front row of the season. sectors. On his opening flyer, Moto3 pole position after pro- stream of teammate Kaito Toba From the off under the Losail lapping by himself, the number gressing through from Q1. The but he came across the line just lights, the Moto2 pace was elec- 16 went to P3 as 0.051 split the Japanese rider ended just 0.008 shy of Suzuki’s time and had to Joe Roberts in trifying. In Q1 Marcel Schrötter leading trio halfway through the of a second clear of Red Bull KTM settle for second place, matching action during (Liqui Moly Intact GP) went just a session. It was anybody’s guess as Ajo’s Raul Fernandez in second, his career-best qualifying yesterday's Moto2 thousandth of a second of Roberts’ to who was going to grab pole but with Aspar Team Gaviota’s Albert performance. Qualifying round. SPORT

SUNDAY 8 MARCH 2020

H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, presenting medals to winning riders following the Al Shaqab Internations Camp at the Longines Arena at Al Shaqab. LEFT: Sheikh Joaan posing for a photograph with the winners.

The German show jumping star guides Killer Queen VDM to spectacular LGCT Grand Prix win Deusser is unstoppable in Doha RIZWAN REHMAT LONGINES GLOBAL CHAMPIONS TOUR GRAND PRIX OF DOHA THE PENINSULA Daniel Deusser in action astride Killer INT. JUMPING COMPETITION WITH JUMP-OFF (1.60 M) Queen VDM. Table A, FEI Art. 238.2.2 - CSI5* A little over 10 days ago, RANK HORSE / COMPETITOR NATION (ROUND)TIME (J.O)TIME (SECS) PRIZE MONEY Germany’s world No.3 Daniel 1. Killer Queen VDM / Daniel Deusser GER 74.41 sec 42.54 €123,750 Deusser arrived in the Qatari 2. Katanga v.h Dingeshof / Nicola Philippaerts BEL 75.59 sec 44.08 €75,000 capital as the man to beat. 3. Quel Homme de Hus / Jérôme Guery BEL 76.99 sec 46.27 €56,250 The meticulous German 4. Funky Fred / Marcus Ehning GER 74.46 sec (4)42.79 €37,500 lived up to his top billing yes- 5. Delux van T & L / Niels Bruynseels BEL 76.67 sec (4)44.31 €22,500 terday also as he won the LGCT Grand Prix of Doha - the new GLOBAL CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - INDIVIDUAL CLASSIFICATION season’s opening round - for his INT. JUMPING COMPETITION AGAINST THE CLOCK (1.55 M) third victory on the Qatar trip. Table A, FEI Art. 238.2.1 - CSI5* The 38-year-old show RANK HORSE / RIDER NATION TIME PRIZE MONEY jumping star guided Killer Queen 1. Coby / Philipp Weishaupt GER 74.52 sec €23,750 VDM to a flawless routine to nail 2. Chalou / Emanuele Gaudiano ITA 76.68 sec €19,000 his second major win of the 3. Killer Queen VDM / Daniel Deusser GER 77.76 sec €14,250 week. 4. Prinz / Hans-Dieter Dreher GER 78.31 sec €9,500 Last week, the same combi- 5. Katanga v.h Dingeshof / Nicola Philippaerts BEL 80.12 sec €6,650 nation clinched the CHI Al Shaqab Grand Prix worth GLOBAL CHAMPIONS LEAGUE €135,300 to Deusser. CURRENT OVERALL STANDINGS 2020 Yesterday, the 10-year-old AFTER LEG 1 IN DOHA mare clocked a time of 42.54 RANK TEAM POINTS seconds in the jump-off at 1 London Knights 30 Longines Arena at Al Shaqab 2 Paris Panthers 25 where Deusser was the last rider 3 Berlin Eagles 21 to go into the imposing ring. 4 Miami Celtics 19 Deusser, who won the 1.55m 5 St Tropez Pirates 17 battle on Friday also, yesterday 6 Monaco Aces 16 picked up the top prize of 7 New York Empire 15 €123,750. 8 Valkenswaard United 14 “The winner of each Grand 9 Prague Lions 13 Prix qualifies for the season- 10 Shanghai Swans 12 ending Super GP. So being able to qualify for that in the first Philippaerts, astride Katanga v.h (Funky Fred, 4 faults, 42.79 GLOBAL CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - DOHA ROUND event of the season really takes Dingeshof, finished on the seconds, €37,500), Belgium’s TABLE A, FEI ART. 238.1.2.1 - AGAINST THE CLOCK (1.55/1.60M) a lot of pressure off me going podium in second place. Niels Bruynseels (Delux van T & 1. LONDON KNIGHTS forward. But that doesn’t mean Katanga V H Dingeshof clocked L, 4 faults, 44.31 seconds, Olivier Philippaerts (H&M Extra) Pen: 0; Time: 82.33secs I don’t want to win again,” 44.08 seconds as 26-year-old €22,500), Austria’s Max Kühner The winner of each Nicola Philippaerts (Katanga V.H. Dingeshof) 0; 67.45; 0; 80.12 Deusser said yesterday. Philippaerts won €75,000 (Elektric Blue P, 4 faults, 44.52 Grand Prix qualifies for Olivier Philippaerts (Zayado) 0; 74.43secs “I haven’t decided which In-form Jerome Guery of seconds, €16,875) and France’s the season-ending Super Team Total: 162.45; Prize: €30,042 events to take part in next, but I Belgium produced another Titouan Schumacher (Atome Z, GP. So being able to 2. PARIS PANTHERS want to be competitive and win quality show as he guided Quel 8 faults, 42.98 seconds, €11.250) qualify for that in the first more Grand Prix events this Homme de Hus to third spot in completed the top-seven in the Penelope Leprevost (GFE Excalibur De La Tour Vidal) 0; 73.04; 0; 82.82 season. The crowd was fantastic a time of 46.27 seconds. Guery jump -off event of the season really Gregory Wathelet (Indago) 0; 70.57; 0; 84.45 and fully behind us. It was a won €56,250. In the Big Tour battle of the takes a lot of pressure Team Total: 167.27; €25,185 great experience and even more Only the top three in the popular Longines Hathab Series off me going forward. special to win it front of them,” Grand Prix managed clear yesterday, Kyrgyzstan’s top rider But that doesn’t mean I 3. BERLIN EAGLES Marco Kutscher (Chaccorina) 0; 72.30; 4; 83.31 he added. rounds. Kamil Sabitov rider wrapped a don’t want to win again: Belgium’s Nicola Germany’s Marcus Ehning quality week of jumping by Philipp Weishaupt (Coby) 0; 74.52 guiding Quintendro to the top Daniel Deusser Philipp Weishaupt (Che Fantastica) 0; 72.41secs LONGINES HATHAB EQUESTRIAN TOUR spot in the 1.45m competition. Team Total: 4; 157.83; €21,300 CLASS C: DOHAN OPEN CLASS 1.15/1,25M Sabitov, 21, and his trusted Table A: Against the Clock 14-year-old gelding won the 58.35 seconds in the QR35,000 spot in a time of 66.88 seconds. seconds, QR2.450) completed RANK RIDER/HORSE PRIZE MONEY TIME (SECS) same title during last month’s event that featured 21 riders. Al Qadi won QR5,250 for his the top five. 1 Nasser Al Ghazali / What a Pleasure QR 3,750 53.92 Amir Sword Festival. Sabitov Qatar’s Mohammed Saeed third-place finish. Earlier in the Open Class, 2 Mohammad Hazim Abara / Ambre de Beaufour QR3,000 56.05 also topped a couple of events Haidan, astride Miss Chili, Seasoned Qatari show Qatar’s Nasser Al Ghazali yes- 3 Ghanim Nasser Al Qadi / Numero Uno - T QR2,250 57.23 in Qatar in January. clinched the second spot in a jumping riders Salman terday sealed the top spot and CLASS D: DOHAN BIG TOUR 1.30/1.45M At the Longines Arena at Al time of 60.28 seconds. Haidan Mohammed Al Emadi (The headed a group of four home Table A: Against the Clock Shaqab, Sabitov yesterday pro- won QR7,000. Toymaker, 67.18 seconds, riders in the 1.25m competition. 1 Kamil Sabitov / Quintendro QR8,750 58.35 duced another memorable ride Qatari rider Hamad Nasser QR3.500) and last year’s Amir Al Ghazali, astride What a 2 Hussain Said A M Haidan / Miss Chili QR7,000 60.28 to win the top prize of QR8,750 Al Qadi relied on 15-year-old S Sword winner Faleh Suwead Pleasure, grabbed the top spot 3 Hamad Nasser Al Qadi / S I E C Lonnie QR5,250 66.88 as Quintendro clocked a time of I E C Lonnie to claim the third Al Ajami (Ulano, 68.75 in a time of 53.92 seconds. Al Ghazali won QR 3,750. The riders posing for Mohammad Hazim Abara, a group photo after in the saddle with 10-year-old the Doha Round of Ambre de Beaufour, secured the the Longines Global second place on the podium. champions League. Ambre de Beaufour clocked a time of 56.05 seconds as Al Ghazali won QR3,000. Ghanim Nasser Al Qadi, astride Numero Uno - T, was third in a time of 57.23 seconds. Al Qadi won QR2,250. The fourth-fastest time was also sealed by Al Wadi with Dark Dalida (57.61 seconds). Al Al Qadi picked up QR1,500. The fifth place went to Kuwait’s Dhari Motlaq Almutairi (Naville Z, 58.41 seconds, QR1.050). A total of 54 riders entered the Open class with 12 of them getting eliminated early.