QatarTribune Qatar_Tribune QatarTribuneChannel qatar_tribune ‘Perfect’ Djokovic steers to winning start in ATP Cup WEDNESday, FEBRUARY 3, 2021 page 14 Federer to return to action at 2021 ExxonMobil Open

Tribune News Network events to accommodate local ExxonMobil and all our ex- COVID-19 measures. clusive sponsors, to the Qatar Karim Alami, Qatar Exx- Federation, and to all Roger Federer will return to We are delighted to have onMobil Open Tournament relevant government entities big tennis action at the Khalifa the great Roger Federer Director, said, “As Tourna- for their continuous support International Tennis & Squash back in Doha for this year’s ment Director for the Qatar during these difficult times Complex this year’s Qatar Exx- tournament. It is always a ExxonMobil Open 2021, I am and for making sure the Qatar onMobil Open in the first week pleasure to have a player of very happy to announce that ExxonMobil Open tradition of March. Roger Federer has chosen our keeps going on,” he added. The Qatar Tennis Federa- Federer’s calibre at a event, which will take place The 2021 Qatar Exxon- tion (QTF) confirmed on Tues- prestigious tournament like from March 8 till March 13, Mobil Open promises to be day that the Swiss sensation this. Doha is home of great as his first stop in his return to a star-studded event with and 20-time win- tennis, and it is not competitive action.” two-time Grand Slam winner ner would headline the March surprising that the “It makes us proud to have Stan Wawrinka, a finalist at 8 to 13 event in Doha. tournament has continued Roger back in Doha, a tour- the 2008 event, and Dominic The Swiss maestro, who nament he honored with his Thiem, the 2020 Australian will be starting his 2021 sea- to attract big names since it presence and won multiple Open finalist, among the stars son in Qatar after opting out of first started in 1993. times in the past, and where he confirmed for the tournament this year’s Australian Open, is has a huge following; I am sure and other names will be an- a three-time former champion Tariq Zainal, Secretary-General, all his fans will be delighted to nounced sson. in Doha, triumphing in 2005, Qatar Tennis Federation have once again the chance to It is worth noting that 2006 and 2011 - where he beat experience his magic!” Qatar Tennis Federation is Russia’s Nikolay Davydenko year’s tournament. It is always “I would like to welcome preparing for Qatar Total in straight sets. a pleasure to have a player of Roger back to action after Open 2021 in which it will be His last appearance was at Federer’s calibre at a pres- a year away from competi- held days before Qatar Exxon- the 2012 tournament where he tigious tournament like this. tion, and I am certain he will mobil 2021. withdrew ahead of his semi- Doha is home of great tennis, provide many more unforget- The Qatar Tennis Federa- final with Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and it is not surprising that the table moments to all Qatar tion will release the list of the due to a back injury. tournament has continued to ExxonMobil Open guests and players competing in Qatar Tariq Zainal, QTF Secre- attract big names since it first audience, and to all the tennis total open 2021 in the coming tary-General, said, “We are de- started in 1993. we look forward to welcoming he added. traditional January window world. days, with a promise of splen- lighted to have the great Roger “This year’s event promis- all the players to this annual The ATP 250 tournament this year due to Tennis Austral- “Finally, I would also like did list headed by number one Federer back in Doha for this es to be greater than ever, and feast of tennis come March,” was moved to March from its ia needing to delay its swing of to thank our title sponsors Ashleigh Barty. Winning a sixth CWC title is an extra motivation, says Bayern star Neuer

ayern Munich first (Qatar) or Al Ahly (Egypt)… won the FIFA Club Right now we’re still focus- World Cup™ in De- I’m really looking forward to FIFA Club ing on the Bundesliga, but we’ll Team spirit is our cember 2013 as goals World Cup Qatar 2020 because we got a taste prepare ourselves for that in fromB Dante and Thiago, neither good time. We already know of it the first time and won it. Now, we’ve got of whom are still at the club, Al Ahly. They’re the African gave the Reds a 2-0 win over the chance to play two games in Qatar. Champions League winners, so big strength, says Raja Casablanca in the final. We’re determined to win our sixth title. it wouldn’t be an easy game at Now, just over seven all. The same was true in 2013. years later, the record Ger- Manuel Neur, Bayern Munich goalkeeper It’s not very easy to play against Al Duhail’s Olunga man champions are bidding sides you don’t know very well. to claim the crown once again. The matches will be held in Tribune News Network With The Best FIFA Men’s stadiums that will be used at Doha Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, as Qatar 2022. Is there a special well as David Alaba, Jerome kind of excitement in that? Al Duhail’s team’s new strik- Boateng and Thomas Mul- It’s definitely a first experi- er Michael Olunga has de- ler, Bayern still have four key ence as far as the World Cup scribed the Qatar team’s par- players in their side from that is concerned. We can get to ticipation in the FIFA Club triumphant 2013 squad. know the stadiums in advance World Cup 2020 as a chal- Neuer recently spoke about and share that knowledge with lenge which will be met with the tournament in the host our respective national teams. the team’s collective spirit as country of the FIFA World Cup I hope we’ll be able to report their strength. Qatar 2022™. mal. Generally speaking, as a back positively. “Al Duhail is a special Excerpts: goalkeeper you depend on your team and is one of the big- team-mates and the coaching What do you know about gest clubs in Qatar and it is Manuel Neuer, are you al- staff so that we play well and Qatar in general? Bayern wonderful being here. Since ready looking forward to successfully together. There- have held several training I’ve come to Qatar, I have participating in the tour- fore I’m very grateful to my camps there in the past. found a great welcome ei- Al Duhail striker Michael nament in Qatar? team-mates that I was crowned The conditions and the ther from the club’s manage- Olunga. I’m really looking forward the world’s best goalkeeper. pitches are good, and the dis- ment or my teammates play- to it because we got a taste tances are short between the ers and the technical staff nity in Doha , Olunga said, of it the first time and won it. In the semi-finals of the hotel and the training complex. who showed their complete “Let me thank all Kenyans in That was just before Christ- Club World Cup you will That puts the focus on football. support to me and also my Doha who have supported me mas and it was a great way to play either Al Duhail (Fifa.com) teammates. We are working since my arrival and made me end the year. Now, we’ve got within one team as brothers feel that I am in my country. the chance to play two games We grew closer together as a to win more championships This will give me the motiva- in Qatar. We’re determined to team. It was a fantastic feeling, and titles for this great club,” tion to work strongly in or- win our sixth title. including for the players who Olunga was quoted as saying der to achieve victory in all were part of the side that beat by the club website. the matches we play. I invite What memories do you Borussia Dortmund at Wemb- About the team’s par- them to come to the stadium have of the 2013 edition? ley (in 2013). It was a dream to ticipation at the FIFA Club and support the team.” Very positive ones, because be able to repeat that. World Cup, Olunga said, And about the open- we won. They weren’t easy That Champions League ti- “Definitely it is a good chance ing clash against Egypt’s Al games, they were relatively tle was ‘only’ one of five Bayern for me and my teammates Ahly , he said, “We know the tight. We had to work hard to won last season. And now you and it is a challenge for eve- strength of Al Ahly and it is a win them, especially in the final. could pick up a historic sixth… ryone. We are ready for the good team. They have played It was a big relief afterwards. We That’s obviously an extra matches and facing the chal- in this championship many had a lot of fun after that game. motivation. We’re looking for- lenges that await us. times and everyone in our ward to the Club World Cup. “Everyone here trust in club knows that. We have to You won the UEFA Cham- We’ve got a clear objective in my abilities to contribute work hard to achieve the re- pions League title for a mind and we want to achieve it to the attack line beside my quired result. The match will second time with Bayern in a positive way. teammates. We all support not be easy but we will put in 2020, following your each other and this champi- up our best and hope for a first in 2013. Was that In mid-December you onship will be a good chance good result.” something special? were named The Best for all of us. As far as I am The Kenyan striker will It was a dream. We expe- FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper. concerned, I will play and surely look to form a winning rienced wonderful moments What does the award present to the best of my combo alongside the much together as a team and as a mean to you? abilities.” experienced Almoez Ali and club in Lisbon. The format was It’s something very special On the support he expects the others, and hope to deliv- different due to the corona- for me personally, especially Football fans head for their train at a station of the Doha Metro while on the way to attend a club fan from the Kenyan Commu- er good results for Al Duhail. virus, so it was quite special. at my age at 34. It’s not nor- event outside Education City Stadium ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup 2020 which starts Thursday. (AFP) 14 Wednesday, February 3, 2021 Sports QOC, Msheireb Properties sign partnership agreement

Tribune News Network Doha

The Qatar Olympic Commit- tee (QOC) and Qatar’s leading sustainable properties devel- oper Msheireb Properties have signed a partnership agreement to boost the mutual coopera- tion between the two parties. The QOC Secretary-Gen- eral HE Jassim bin Rashid Al Buenain and Msheireb Prop- erties Acting CEO Ali Al Ku- wari signed the agreement. The agreement will strengthen the cooperation between the QOC and Msheir- eb Properties in several areas including sports, institutional and community fields. It will also promote the culture of practicing sports in Qatar. After signing the agree- ment, the QOC Secretary Gen- The agreement will strengthen the cooperation between the QOC and Msheireb Properties in several areas in- Secretary-General HE Jassim bin Rashid Al Buenain and Msheireb Properties eral HE Jassim bin Rashid Al cluding sports, institutional and community fields. It will also promote the culture of practicing sports in Qatar. Acting CEO Ali Al Kuwari signed the agreement. Buenain, said, “Msheireb is a modern, smart and sustain- to Msheireb Downtown Doha eb Properties as the QOC held HE Jassim bin Rashid Al ing CEO, Msheireb Properties We thank our partners for the It will offer spacious space for able model that combines the by holding sports activities some important events at Buenain thanked the officials of stated: “Msheireb Properties is big effort and programs that hosting Qatar Olympic Com- Qatari urban identity with and events that suit different Barahat Msheireb including Msheireb Properties and wished proud of the partnership with aim to serve our people and mittee’s events. This partner- modern technology and pre- community groups.” 2019 Sports Excellence Day, the newly signed partnership Qatar Olympic Committee. We enhance the position of Qatar ship is a good opportunity to sents them in a way that lives He also added that the 2020 National Sport Day and agreement widen the horizons are confident that this mutual as a global sports destination”. enhance tourist and social as- up to needs of current era. agreement reflects the close honoring the ceremony of of cooperation between the QOC collaboration will have a posi- “Msheireb Downtown pects in the city and will add In the QOC, we aim to give and continuous cooperation 2030 Asian Games bid com- and Msheireb Properties. tive impact on the two parties Doha is a distinctive urban exciting ambience along with Msheireb a sporting character between the QOC and Msheir- mittee members. Eng. Ali Al Kuwari, Act- and our community in Qatar. landmark in the heart of Doha. cultural and art events.”

ATP CUP: Serbia make winning start Liverpool sign two defenders as Djokovic now a ‘Perfect 10’ transfer window closes with whimper

DPA London

Premier League champions Liverpool signed two defend- ers on transfer deadline day but most clubs kept their money in their pockets as the financial impact of the coronavirus pan- demic hit hard. Preston centre back Ben Davies signed a “long-term contract” with Liverpool in a deal reportedly worth up to 1.6 million pounds (£2.2million). Juergen Klopp’s side also signed 20-year-old Turkey de- Liverpool signed centre-back Ben fender Ozan Kabak on loan Davies from Preston for £2.2mn from Schalke to the end of the on a long-term contract. Serbia’s Novak Djokovic (left) celebrates with teammate Filip Krajinovic after winning against Canada’s Milos Raonic and Denis Shapovalov during their Group A men’s doubles on season, with an option to buy day one of the 2021 ATP Cup in Melbourne on Tuesday. (On right) Djokovic gives autographs to his fans after hs match in Melbourne. (AFP) him in the summer. Brighton secured 19-year-old Liverpool also sent Japa- midfielder Caicedo on a four- Agencies 6-5 after a Shapovalov double of those was a highly-enter- will come down to a deciding A with Serbia and Germany. nese midfielder Takumi Mi- year deal that runs until 2025. Melbourne fault to take the opening set, taining battle against 21-year- doubles match as Canada and The 29-year-old was in namino to Southampton for the The deal remains subject to and edged through a second- old Shapovalov, who pushed Serbia sit at one win apiece. command against Serbian No. remainder of the season. The international clearance but World No. 1 Novak Djoko- set tie-break to claim the vic- Djokovic to the limit in the After the match, Djokovic 2 Lajovic, who won four of his 26-year-old, who joined Liver- boss Graham Potter sees a lot vic won two rubbers on Tues- tory, 7-5, 7-6(4). quarter-finals before falling in thanked fans for the atmos- six singles matches en route pool from RB Salzburg in Janu- of potential in Caicedo, who day as the defending cham- “Filip Krajinovic was the a third set tie-break. phere they helped to create. to the trophy last year. Raonic ary 2020, scored four goals in made his international debut pion Serbia edged past Canada key,” said Djokovic. “The way Djokovic was in for another “We don’t get to see crowds dropped only three points on 31 appearances with the side. for Ecuador last October. “He to make a winning start in he played today is phenom- stern test against Shapovalov in the tennis stadiums these serve in the first set and five in Brighton and West Brom has done very well in Ecua- Group A at the ATP Cup. enal. He came out [with] very inside Rod Laver Arena, taking days so much, so it’s definitely the second, keeping Lajovic in also dipped their toes in the dor and made his debut for Djokovic won all eight solid returning. He found his the court after Milos Raonic a blessing. I’m really grate- check as the Serbian tried to jam transfer market, securing deals his country at just 18,” Potter matches he contested across serve, great rhythm. [He] just put Canada ahead with a vic- ful to see you guys here in the him with body serves of his own. for Moises Caicedo from In- said. “He’s an exciting signing, singles and doubles in last played some really key shots in tory over Dusan Lajovic in the stands,” Djokovic said. Raonic grew in confidence dependiente del Valle of Ec- but it is important we give him year’s run to the title, and ex- the second set when we need- No. 2 singles players’ match. “It was a very close match. as the match unfolded, convert- uador’s top-flight and Turkey time to adjust.” According to tended his streak to a ‘Per- ed it the most.” He narrowly kept Playing Shapo is always a great ing the lone break opportunity midfielder Okay Yokuslu re- Brighton’s technical director fect 10’ as he paired up with The victory sends Serbia to Shapovalov at bay in a blister- challenge on hard courts. He’s to finally pull away at 5-3 before spectively. Dan Ashworth, the club have Filip Krajinovic for his second the top of Group A, which in- ing all-court battle, targeting such a dynamic, explosive play- sealing the set with an ace. He But the overall spending on been working on Caicedo’s match of the day. Both of Team cludes Germany. Canada will the lines to force his opponent er; very talented. I thought we continued to apply the pressure transfer deadline day was vastly transfer for a “few weeks.” “It Canada’s top singles players, be back in action on Wednes- to go for bigger shots. The tac- played on a very high level, so against Lajovic in the second reduced from normal. has been a complicated trans- Denis Shapovalov and Milos day against Germany, with tic paid off as Shapovalov’s un- I’m really pleased with how I’ve set, and claimed the victory af- Davies and Kabak will of- fer,” Ashworth said. “Due to Raonic, were also back in ac- Serbia hitting the court against forced error count grew, rack- started the season. This is the ter an hour and 20 minutes. fer Liverpool back-up for a de- the current restrictions, there tion in the deciding rubber. the Alexander Zverev-led Ger- ing up 21 in the first set alone. best way to kickstart the sea- “I think I was sharp. I was fensive line-up missing Virgil has been a lot of hard work The Serbians found their mans on Thursday. Djokovic’s serve was firing on son, playing for your country.” there in a lot of return games. I van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel across several of the club’s de- rhythm after a sluggish start Djokovic’s undefeated all cylinders as he won 80% of Earlier in the day, former kept putting pressure,” Raonic Matip, who was ruled out for partments to get the transfer against Raonic and Shapoval- streak continued at the ATP points behind his first serve World No. 3 Raonic served up said. “I missed a few break the rest of the season Monday completed.” Brighton also said ov, who powered an early Cup as he started his cam- and didn’t face a break point a 6-3, 6-3 victory over Lajovic point opportunities, but I kept with an ankle injury. goodbye to striker Glenn Mur- break opportunity in the first paign with a 7-5, 7-5 victory against Shapovalov. to earn Canada a crucial first sticking around and took care Klopp said Davies was “a ray who dropped down to join set. But Djokovic and Kra- against Shapovalov earlier in The Serbian needed one point over defending champi- of my serve, which is always really good footballer.” “He second-tier Championship side jinovic stayed solid to save the day to keep Serbia alive break of serve in each set to on Serbia at the ATP Cup. important. looks like a proper leader in this Nottingham Forest on Monday. the only deciding point they against Canada. keep Shapovalov contained Raonic, Canada’s No. 2 “This is the first time play- Preston team, good in challeng- Murray, 37, was previously faced in the match, keeping Serbia’s top player won and seal his first match win singles player, had to hit the ing in this event for Canada... es, looks football smart, can on loan at Watford for the start the pressure on the Canadi- eight matches en route to of 2020 after an hour and 53 ground running in his tourna- It’s a lot of fun to be here. It’s play different positions because of the 2020-21 campaign and ans. They were rewarded with the trophy last year, includ- minutes. With his victory, ment debut as Canada was dealt a great honor as well to repre- he played in a back three and a joined Forest on a free trans- the first break of the match at ing six singles matches. One Djokovic ensures that the tie a tough draw, landing in Group sent Canada.” (ATP) back four and all these things. fer, where he will be reunited “That makes him really in- with former Brighton manager teresting so I’m really looking Chris Hughton. forward to working with him. West Brom took their I know for him it’s an oppor- January signings to four Villas-Boas suspended by Marseille for comments on Ntcham signing tunity and I see it exactly the with Yokuslu joining Robert same for us, that it’s a really Snodgrass, Mbaye Diagne and (STATS Perform/dpa) don’t want anything from OM. become unavoidable given the Andre Villas-Boas following good thing to do.” And Klopp Arsenal defender Ainsley Mait- Berlin I don’t want money,” he told a recent and repetitive actions disciplinary proceedings.” said Kabak would be an excel- land-Niles, who signed on loan news conference. and attitudes that have seri- Marseille, who are ninth lent addition to the champions’ until the end of the season, with Andre Villas-Boas has been “I’m waiting for an answer, ously harmed Olympique de in , have won just squad. “He came very young to minutes to spare. suspended by Marseille af- it could be no and then we Marseille and its employees one of their past eight top- Germany and everybody was Another Arsenal player, Joe ter the club accused the head would continue. I don’t want who devote themselves to it on flight matches and lost each clear he was a massive talent,” Willock, moved to Newcastle on coach of remarks that “serious- any money, I just want to leave.” a daily basis. of their previous three, a run Klopp said of a move which was loan while Gedson Fernandes, ly harmed” their reputation. Villas-Boas said he learned “The remarks made today that prompted angry fans to enabled by the departure of Jose Mourinho’s first signing On Tuesday, the former of the deal to sign midfielder Marseille’s Portuguese head during a press conference in re- stage an attack on the training Shkodran Mustafi from Arsenal as Tottenham manager, ended Chelsea and Tottenham boss Ntcham from Celtic “this morn- coach Andre Villas Boas. (AFP) gard to Pablo Longoria, general ground last weekend in protest to Schalke. his loan spell in London to join claimed he had offered to re- ing from the press”, adding: manager in charge of football, against the club’s running. “He is only 20 now. I think Galatasaray, also on loan. sign due to his frustrations with “He is a player that I had said stated he would not extend his are unacceptable. His excep- They were also knocked it’s a really good moment to Everton forward Cenk To- the running of the club, which no to. He was not on our list.” contract, which expires at the tional achievements should out of the Champions League make the move because, like sun moved to Turkey, rejoining came to a head with the signing Those comments appear to end of the season. not be questioned and, on the group stage with just three each player in the world, you former club Besiktas, the Liv- of Olivier Ntcham, a player he have incensed Marseille bosses, “ contrary, were welcomed by all points from their six games. need a stable team around you erpool side also loaning Jonjoe did not ask to be brought in. who are now pursuing discipli- announces the pending disci- during this winter transfer win- Villas-Boas had previous- and that’s what we can deliver. Kenny to Scottish champions. “I submitted my resigna- nary action, which is likely to plinary proceedings of Andre dow which was affected by an ly stated he would prepare “He’s really a big, big tal- Everton also completed the sign- tion saying that I did not agree lead to Villas-Boas’ dismissal. Villas-Boas,” the club said in a unprecedented crisis. Possible the team for Wednesday’s ent and we are really looking ing of Norwegian striker Joshua with the sporting policy. I The Portuguese had previously statement. “This decision has sanctions may be taken against trip to Lens. forward to working with him.” King from Bournemouth. Sports Wednesday, February 3, 2021 15

Australia postpone First Test at Chittagong from today SA tour due to Covid situation

Agencies Kiwis qualify for World Melbourne Test Championship final The postponement of the Test The proposed three-match series between Test series between South and means New Zea- Africa and Australia, part of land have become the first the ICC World Test Champi- team to qualify for the inaugu- onship, has been postponed, ral ICC World Test Champion- with Cricket Australia citing ship final to be held inE ngland the COVID-19 situation in from June 18 to 22, with June South Africa as a deterrent. 23 as the reserve day. In a statement, Nick New Zealand are current- Hockley, the CA interim CEO, ly ranked second on the ICC said the three-match tour had WTC table with a points per- been postponed due to the centage of 70 per cent, which “unacceptable level of health has secured them a place in and safety risk” in South Af- the final. They will be joined rica, which is battling a sec- by either India, England, or ond wave of the coronavirus Australia with the second spot pandemic. being determined by the out- “Due to the public health come of the India v England situation in South Africa, four-match Test series due to which includes a second start on Friday. wave and new variant of the After 2-0 home series wins virus, and following exten- over West Indies and Pakistan, sive due diligence with medi- New Zealand moved to 70 per cal experts, it has become cent of total points contested clear that traveling from under the revised scoring sys- Australia to South Africa at tem amid the pandemic. this current time poses an After their loss to India in West Indies’ cricketers stretch during a training session at the Zohur Ahmed Chowdhury Cricket Stadium in Chittagong on Tuesday on the eve of their first Test against Bangladesh. (AFP) unacceptable level of health Brisbane, Australia sit third and safety risk to our play- on 69.2 per cent while India ers, support staff and the lead on 71.7. community,” he said in a New Zealand are sched- statement on Tuesday. uled to play two tests in Eng- Windies chase redemption “We acknowledge the sig- land before the WTC final, at nificant amount of work by Lord’s and Edgbaston in the CSA in planning for the tour, first fortnight of June. during which we made it clear To book their place, In- that CA was prepared to take dia will have to win the series against red-hot Bangladesh on additional cost and effort to against England by 2-1, 2-0, 3-1, make the series happen. 3-0 or 4-0, margin. For England Agencies at home, with two of those Roston Chase, Darren Bravo also posted scores of note in before they bowled the West “This decision has not to qualify and join New Zealand, Chittagong victories coming against the and Shamarh Brooks due to both innings. Indies out for 246 in reply. been made lightly and we are they will have to win the series West Indies in 2018. concerns over the coronavi- Wicket-keeper Joshua Da Things happened quickly extremely disappointed, es- against India by 3-1, 3-0 or 4-0 Whitewashed 3-0 in the In a major boost to their rus pandemic. Silva (20 and 46) impressed from there as Bangladesh pecially given the importance margin. Australia can still quali- ODI series, the West In- hopes, Bangladesh look set Holder’s sizable presence in the second innings, while were bowled out for 125 in of continuing international fy for the much-anticipated ICC dies are looking to bounce to have the services of Shak- will be missed by the tour- all-rounder Raymon Reifer their second innings and had cricket at this time, our valued WTC finalif the series between back in this month’s two- ib Al Hasan. The all-rounder ists. Sitting second on the bolstered his hopes of selec- the West Indies teetering at relationship with CSA, and India and England ends up as a Test campaign against suffered a groin injury in the Test all-rounder rankings, tion with contributions of 49 75/8 in a chase of 204 on day our aspirations to compete in drawn series, or if India win the Bangladesh with the first final ODI against the West he has averaged 37.37 with not out with the bat and 2/7 three. A 63-run ninth-wicket the inaugural ICC World Test series 1-0 or England win it by Test starting at the Za- Indies but was still named the bat and 19.04 with the with the ball. stand gave the tourists hopes Championship. 1-0, 2-1 or a 2-1 margin. hur Ahmed Chowdhury in their 18-man Test squad. ball since the start of 2018. Crucially, spinners Rah- of a miracle victory but ulti- Stadium from Wednesday. If he plays, it will be his first Suffice to say, stand-in keem Cornwall (5/47) and mately Sunil Ambris’ 43 and With the pandemic forc- Test since September 2019. captain Kraigg Brathwaite Jomel Warrican (3/25) were No.10 Warrican’s 41 went ing fixtures across all sports Among the game’s finest has big shoes to fill. both in the thick of the action, in vain as the West Indies to be shuffled last year, all-rounders, Shakib aver- The good news for the sharing eight wickets to helps crumbled to a 64-run loss. Wednesday’s series opener ages 39.40 with the bat and West Indies is that Brath- the West Indians bowl BCB XI The second Test was a far will be the first Test Bangla- 31.12 with the ball. waite was among several out for 160 in their first innings. more comprehensive victory for desh have played since Feb- He goes into this series in key men to impress in a Bangladesh hosted the Bangladesh, with a Mahmudul- ruary 2020 – a match they strong form as well, having warm-up match against the West Indies in a two-Test lah ton (136) taking them to a won by an innings and 106 taken out Player-of-the-Series Bangladesh Cricket Board series in late 2018 and won first-innings total of 508. They runs against Zimbabwe. honours in the ODI campaign XI (BCB XI) that finished on both matches. would only need to bat once as Despite the lack of match against the West Indies. Sunday (31 January). The hosts were in the as- the West Indies were knocked practice, as the home side, The touring side is with- Brathwaite scored a first- cendancy early in the first over for 111 in their first innings they have reason to be confi- out regular captain Jason innings 85 in a total of 257 match at Chattogram, as a and 213 in their second, with dent going into the first Test Holder, with the all-round- before sitting out the second dashing century from Momi- Mehidy Hasan taking match in Chittagong. They have won er opting out of the series innings. Opening partner nul Haque (120) took them figures of 12/117. four of their past five Tests alongside Test incumbents John Campbell (44 and 68) to a first-innings total of 324 (ICC-cricket.com) ICSS and EU partner to launch ‘BITEFIX’

Academy (IACA) to ensure the Project to build highest possible impact of the envisaged activities and dis- and support semination of outcomes. During the launch meet- innovative actions ing, Diogo Guia, Director, to counter Sports Public Policy & Chief Operating Officer,I CSS IN- match-fixing SIGHT said: “The exchange of informa- and corruption tion to combat the manipula- tion of sport is a systematic in sport problem for sporting governing bodies, regulators, law enforce- Tribune News Network ment authorities, as to other Doha key-actors of civil society. “While the Council of Recognising the need for Europe’s Macolin Conven- enhanced cooperation be- tion offers a concrete legal tween stakeholders and inno- framework to combat match- vative practical tools to com- fixing, there is a pressing bat corruption in sport and need to enhanced coopera- Aspire Speakers Series: AZF tackle match-fixing and bet- BITEFIX Project’s virtual kick-off meeting. tion, promote the exchange ting fraud, the ICSS, through of best practices and set up and QF invite community to its ICSS INSIGHT, and 7 or- The transnational multisector partnership initiative was launched in January 2021 comprehensive practical in- ganisations from 6 EU coun- to assist key-stakeholders in tackling match-fixing and strengthening their capacity struments and training and focus on sport & mental health tries, joined forces in a col- through sharing of best practices and implementation of comprehensive and education programs to en- laborative partnership under sure greater awareness by Tribune News Network sport and mental wellbeing. the EU ERASMUS+ sport pro- innovative tools and capacity building programmes. all stakeholders and overall Doha The first episode of theA s- gram to launch ‘Building inno- resilience of the system.” pire Speakers Series, entitled vative tools for the exchange strengthening the resilience Therefore, continuous de- from different sectors which In accordance, the pro- The Aspire Zone Foundation ‘Be Part of the Conversation’, of information and awareness of the system in countering velopment and improvement includes: International Cen- ject’s main deliverables (AZF) is to host a series of lec- will be held in collaboration raising against match-fixing in match-fixing and encouraging of innovative tools are critical tre for Sport Security – ICSS marked as milestones during tures that focus the relation- with Qatar Foundation (QF) sport’ (BITEFIX) project. capacity building. to enabling key-stakeholders INSIGHT (UK); 1 Pan- the 30 months’ implementa- ship between sport and health and screened live at aspir- Led by ICSS INSIGHT and During the kick-off meet- (law enforcement authorities, théon-Sorbonne University tion of BITEFIX are: Guide and promote a healthy lifestyle ezone.qa/series on Monday, made possible by the financial ing, the transnational multi- betting regulators, betting op- (); Associaçao ISCTE on best practices in the fight among individuals, provid- February 8, 2021 at 11am support of the European Un- sector partnership addressed erators, government agencies, Conhecimento e Inovação against match-fixing anding a platform for ideas and Doha time. ion, the BITEFIX project aims the pressing issue of how and sport governing bodies) to (Portugal); Sevilla Futbol Club betting-fraud; Educational discussions that will attract The speaker will be in- to create and offer tools to en- match-fixing has become work together against match- Foundation (Spain); Calcio package on the exchange of sports experts from around ternationally renowned able committed stakeholders more prevalent today than fixing and betting-fraud in Servizi Lega Pro Srl / Lega information and data protec- the world. neuropsychiatrist Dr. John to work together, contribut- ever and, how due to the sport through the exchange Italiana Calcio Professionisti- tion to fight against match- Against the backdrop of J. Ratey, author of Spark – ing to greater efficiency of the lack of quality information of timely, secure, and reliable co (); Starlizard Integrity fixing and betting-fraud in COVID-19 , the impact of which examines the links be- existing exchange of informa- exchange systems, proper information, while raising Services (UK); haŠK Mla- sport; BITEFIX e-Community, the pandemic on the mental tween sport and physical exer- tion mechanisms, particularly awareness of key-stakehold- awareness to the importance dost (); Grupo Despor- an international network of health of people around the cise, and our brains – with the in support of the national ers, and shortage of efficient of safeguarding the integrity of tivo Estoril Praia (Portugal). experts on match-fixing and world has been placed in the event being hosted by beIN platforms under the Council capacity building programs to sport and its irreplaceable role The project will be devel- betting-fraud in sport’; spotlight. The Aspire Speakers Sports presenter Andy Kerr. of Europe Convention on the sport organisations and other across society. oped and executed in coordina- Policy recommendations on Series has been launched to Viewers are invited to par- Manipulation of Sports Com- stakeholders, enables an in- The BITEFIX project is tion with other relevant ICSS’ the exchange of information bring together thought leaders ticipate by asking questions petitions, also known as the creasingly damaging criminal designed and implemented strategic partners, such as the to combat the manipulation of and promote social awareness directly to the speaker via Macolin Convention, while infiltration in sports. by a coalition of organizations International Anti-Corruption sports competitions. of the connection between AZF’s social media platforms.