SPORT SPORT | 15 SPORT | 15

Brilliant Billings PSG target steers England to domestic treble comfortable ODI while hoping for win over Ireland Mbappe ‘miracle’

FRIDAY 31 JULY 2020

Qatar Goodwood Festival: Supremacy claims victory Fancy Blue wins G1 Qatar Nassau Stakes THE PENINSULA — WEST SUSSEX third for trainer Tom Das- a five-furlong contest for combe and jockey Richard three-year-olds. It was a first The third day of the 2020 Qatar Kingscote. This clear-cut Qatar Goodwood Festival win Goodwood Festival had an victory reflects the high class for both Chepstow-based eight-race card, including the the progeny of Mehmas’s who trainer Chris Mason and jockey Gr1 Qatar Nassau Stakes for will certainly be in high William Cox. three-year-old and older fillies demand soon. The winner saw off all chal- and mares over 2,000 metres Glamorous Girl makes all lengers to score by a length and and the Gr2 Qatar Richmond in opener to hand Mason and a half from Newyorkstateofmind, Stakes for two-year-old colts Cox first Goodwood success who is trained by William Muir and geldings over 1,200 metres. Glamorous Girl made every and was ridden by David Egan. The day also saw various yard a winning one when Show Me Show Me, trained by Qatari-owned runners in landing the opening Mirabeau Richard Fahey, finished third several races. En Provence Handicap, under Paddy Mathers. Fancy Blue lands G1 Qatar Nassau Stakes to give trainer Donnacha O’Brien first winner in the UK. Fancy Blue was Donnacha O’Brien’s first runner as a trainer in the UK and gave the Irish handler reason to cele- brate as she became his first UK winner in the G1 Qatar Fancy Blue (left) lands G1 Qatar Nassau Stakes to give Nassau Stakes. trainer Donnacha O’Brien first winner in the UK. It was a second success at the top level for the daughter of Deep Impact, following her Fancy Blue held on by a neck race fitted in well after her win Stallion Mehmas, winner of this win in the G1 Prix de Diane in front of One Voice, who is in the French Oaks." race in 2016, Supremacy broke (French Oaks) on July 5. trained by Jessica Harrington Repeat Qatar Richmond well from stall two and soon It was Magic Wand, trained and was ridden Tom Mar- Stakes success for Cox and went into the lead. by Aidan, who took the lead, quand. John Gosden’s trainee Kirby as Supremacy comes out He continued at the head with Frankie Dettori astride, Nazeef finished third under Jim on top Trainer Clive Cox and of affairs and saw off all comers early in the seven runners. She Crowley. jockey Adam Kirby landed the before going away again in the Supremacy continued to lead until facing O’Brien said: “That was a G2 Qatar Richmond Stakes a final furlong to score by four on its way to a strong challenge from Fancy lovely performance from Fancy year ago with subsequent G1 lengths from Yazaman, who is victory. Blue two furlongs out. Blue. She is unbelievable, and Commonwealth Cup hero trained by William Haggas and Ridden by Ryan Moore, it is massive. It is unbelievable Golden Horde and the duo was ridden by Tom Fancy Blue took the lead that I get a filly like her in my were on the mark again with Marquand. entering the final furlong and first year. I was hopeful of a Supremacy in the six-furlong Al Shaqab Racing’s Lauded then had to see off the strong good performance due to the contest for two-year-olds. made a strong challenge at the late challenge of One Voice. weight she was getting, and this A son of Al Shaqab Racing final stages of the race to finish

Xavi Hernandez (centre) during Al Sadd's training session on Wednesday. QSL: Al Rayyan target full points against Al Arabi in crucial game

THE PENINSULA — DOHA

Al Rayyan will be eyeing to top the QNB Stars League (QSL) points standings when they face Al Arabi in a much-awaited encounter in Week 19 at the Al Janoub Stadium tomorrow. Al Rayyan are second in the table with 41 points, two less than leaders Al Duhail. The victory will take Al Rayyan to top spot in the points table, at least until Al Duhail Xavi recovers from meet Al Gharafa in their Round 19 clash on Sunday. Al Rayyan, under Uruguayan virus; Tabata begins Diego Aguirre, are on a high after scoring a come-from- behind 2-1 win over Qatar SC in Week 18, when the tournament training at Al Sadd resumed after a long break forced by the coronavirus DOHA QNA — coach to prepare himself to (COVID-19) pandemic. join group training. As far as Al Arabi are con- Al Rayyan players during Al Sadd’s training session on “I am happy to join Al cerned, their four-match a training session ahead Wednesday witnessed the Sadd, and I promise eve- unbeaten run ended last week of match against Al Arabi. return of head coach Xavi ryone that I will give all that when they lost 0-1 to Al Gharafa. Hernandez, after his I have, and always my best, Despite the defeat, The Dream recovery from COVID-19, so that I will be up to the Team, coached by Icelander in Week 18. The Peregrines have Shahania, coached by Nabil which he had contracted expectations of the man- Heimir Hallgrimsson, are fifth seven wins, three draws and Anwar who recently replaced FIXTURES around 14 days ago. agement of the club and its in the table with 24 points. eight defeats, and their goal dif- Spaniard Jose Murcia, punched Tomorrow Al Sadd are preparing for fans, who are awaiting a lot They have six wins, draws ference is -3, having scored 19 above their weight last week by Al Rayyan vs Al Arabi the upcoming QNB Stars from me,” Tabata said. and defeats each against their goals and conceded 22. defeating Al Ahli 3-1. They are 16:30 - At Al Janoub Stadium League Round 19 clash “I played with most of the name. Their goal difference is +2 Al Sailiya have same number still at the bottom of the table Al Sailiya vs Al Shahania against Al Ahli on Monday at players in the Al Sadd team (27 goals for and 25 against). of points as fifth-placed Al Arabi, with 13 points (two victories, 18:45 - At Al Sadd Stadium Al Janoub Stadium. during my time with the club Al Arabi had lost 1-2 to Al but are placed behind as the seven draws and nine defeats) Sunday Also, Al Sadd’s new in 2014 and I know them well Rayyan in the first leg of latter have a goal difference of with a goal difference of -18 (20 Al Khor vs Al Wakrah player Rodrigo Tabata was and they also know my style, 2019-20 QNB Stars League. +2. Al Sailiya will be keen to goals for and 38 against). 16:30 - At Al Janoub Stadium warmly welcomed for his and therefore we will not Meanwhile, Al Sailiya face Al finish among the top four and Al Shahania will be eager to Al Gharafa vs Al Duhail first training session, after need time to adapt, espe- Shahania in Week 19 the same thus qualify for the Qatar Cup keep collecting as many points 18:45 - At Al Sadd Stadium signing a one-season deal cially in this period when the day. The kick-off will be at 18:45 and AFC Champions League, like as possible, so they can avoid the Monday with the club. team is up against some dif- at the Al Sadd Stadium. they did last season when they ignominy of relegation. Al Sha- Al Ahli vs Al Sadd Tabata underwent ficult challenges which Al Sailiya, under Tunisian secured a third-place finish, hania and Al Sailiya had played 16:30 - At Al Janoub Stadium special training with the require the combined effort Sami Trabelsi, stood sixth in the their best-ever performance in out a goalless draw in the first Qatar SC vs Umm Salal supervision of the fitness of everyone,” Tabata added. table with 24 points despite the league. leg of 2019-20 QNB Stars being held goalless by Al Wakrah On the other hand, Al League. 18:45 - At Al Sadd Stadium FRIDAY 31 JULY 2020 SPORT 15

2019 and 2017 winners to compete in Gr1 P/A Qatar International Stakes 2020 Ebraz, Tayf set for battle at Goodwood THE PENINSULA – WEST SUSSEX preparatory outing and with prize money down to sixth, the For a fourth consecutive year, competition for the lower places two of the world’s leading will be strong. Arabian racehorses, Ebraz and QREC CEO Nasser bin Tayf will go head to head in the Sherida Al Kaabi commented: Qatar International Stakes. They “We have all been impacted by complete a field of nine declared this pandemic, but this year’s runners for the £200,000 Group edition of the race reflects our 1PA contest, to be run over a mile passion to support Arabian on the final day of the Qatar racing under any circumstances. Goodwood Festival. I also would like to thank both The race will be the first to ARO and Goodwood for their be held in front of UK spectators commitment and hard work.” since the onset of Covid19 and Commenting on the event promises to be a thrilling contest. ARO Finance and Commercial The Arabian Racing Organ- Director Genny Haynes said: isation (ARO) was delighted “We are honoured that a contest when Qatar Racing and Eques- of this quality will be our trian Club (QREC) confirmed that opening race of the season. That the race, the most valuable race two of the leading contenders in their calendar, would go are renewing their rivalries in ahead. It forms the first stage of this race for a fourth time and the Doha Triple Crown, com- are previous winners, underlines prising of three Group 1PA con- Ebraz (left) and Tayf in action during last year's Qatar International Stakes in this file photo. the appeal and durability of the tests over a mile, a mile and a breed. quarter and a mile and a half. “Though our season has The Qatar Arabian World historic achievement, following Also opposing from France highest level, also at this trip. could be Shaheer, making his UK been delayed, we are very Cup at ParisLongchamp on Arc his Goodwood success last year, are two progressive five-year- This month he denied Ebraz a debut for new connections. grateful for the continued weekend is the second stage and he put up a strong performance olds, Deryan and Bel’izam. win on his European reap- He was Group 1PA placed in support of Qatar Racing and The Amir Sword, highlight of to win in Paris and then claimed Deryan comes here on the back pearance, so is clearly going the France as a juvenile and in Equestrian Club and Goodwood Qatar’s annual February Fes- a third victory in The Amir of a recent Group 1PA success right way. another similar event in 2018. racecourse of UK Arabian racing tival, concludes the challenge, Sword this February. over further, and has three The remaining five runners The sporting connections of at this most challenging time. making it a true test across three Dual Group 1PA winner Tayf further pattern wins to his are all UK trained, the largest Tijaary and Abiyah Athbah both Though our season has been countries. is a worthy opponent, having name, including one at this number of domestic challengers admit that career bests are pushed back in the calendar due To date, Ebraz, the world’s beaten Ebraz here in 2017 in an distance. since the race began in 2015. required, however they are the to the current circumstances, we highest rated Arabian, is the only epic dual throughout the final Bel’izam has scored three Whilst Storm Troupour and youngest and least exposed of are all delighted to have the horse to win the Doha Triple furlong and finished runner-up pattern successes so far and was Zayin Angkor Centurion have the UK runners. opportunity to showcase our Crown which carries a $1m to him here last year, and in this beaten half a length in November been found wanting in this All will be coming here sport on the world’s stage once bonus. In what was a truly years’ Amir Sword. on only his second attempt at the before, the most interesting without the benefit of a more.” PCB expects PSG target domestic England to ‘do treble while hoping for the right thing’ REUTERS – LAHORE

Pakistan’s decision to tour Mbappe ‘miracle’ England despite the risks of travelling during the COVID-19 AFP – PARIS For both teams, it is a last chance to pandemic was not part of a prepare in a competitive environment reciprocal agreement but the Paris Saint-Germain can belatedly wrap before resuming their Champions League Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) up another domestic treble on Friday when campaigns. expects its English counterpart they face Lyon in the final of the French PSG head to Lisbon for the final stages England batsman to “do the right thing” in 2022. League Cup, but their build-up to the game after their win over Borussia Dortmund in Sam Billings plays a Pakistan are the second test has been overshadowed by Kylian the last 16 in March. Meanwhile, Lyon have shot during the first team, after West Indies, to tour Mbappe’s ankle injury. to go to Italy on August 7 to face Juventus ODI against Ireland England this summer. They will The World Cup-winning superstar defending a 1-0 lead from the first leg of at the Ageas Bowl play three tests, the first was crocked in last Friday’s French Cup their last-16 tie played in February. in Southampton, beginning on Wednesday, and final against Saint-Etienne in the first Both clubs fear being at a disadvantage yesterday. three Twenty20 Internationals competitive game on French soil since given all their Champions League rivals in bio-secure venues in Man- the coronavirus-imposed shutdown in returned to complete their domestic chester and Southampton. March. seasons while France opted not to. Juventus England last visited Mbappe was left with a sprained right and Atalanta play their final games in Serie Brilliant Billings steers Pakistan in 2005 and are slated ankle after a crunching challenge from A this weekend. to return in 2022, but the top Saint-Etienne’s Loic Perrin and looks However, Tuchel said the final cannot teams have so far declined to certain to miss the game that really counts be used to prepare his team to face England to comfortable tour since a 2009 attack on Sri for the Qatar-owned club, the Champions Atalanta. Lanka’s team bus in Lahore. League quarter-final against Atalanta on “It is not possible to prepare tactically PCB Chief Executive Wasim August 12. for Atalanta because I don’t know any team ODI win over Ireland Khan said yesterday that the On Thursday, PSG coach Thomas that plays the way they do,” said the tour of England would stand Tuchel admitted it would take “a miracle” German. REUTERS – SOUTHAMPTON seamer David Willey had Ireland them in good stead. for the 21-year-old to recover in time for “The only thing we can prepare is our in early trouble as he picked up “Will that benefit Pakistan that game in Lisbon. own mindset.” Sam Billings struck a career-best career-best figures of 5-30 in a cricket in future? Of course it Angel Di Maria has already been ruled “Being without Kylian has a big unbeaten 67 as England overcame fine display of swing bowling. will,” he told a PCB podcast. out of that match because of suspension, influence, that’s clear. I hope we can find a mini-wobble to claim an The visitors’ innings was After years of staging and asked if there was any hope for the solution.” emphatic six-wicket victory over rescued by South African-born all- ‘home’ tests in neutral venues Mbappe, Tuchel said: “Yes, always, but it’s The game will be played in searing heat, Ireland in a Cricket World Cup rounder Curtis Campher, 21, who due to security concerns, going to be tight. Every day counts for us with temperatures in the French capital Super League One-Day Interna- was unbeaten on 59 on debut to Pakistan played their first test to produce a miracle.” forecast to reach 40 degrees Celsius on tional yesterday. go with 1-26 with the ball. on home soil since 2009 PSG were handed a third straight Ligue Friday. After being sent into bat, He put on 66 for the eighth against Sri Lanka in December 1 title by virtue of being top of the table Lyon are chasing a first piece of sil- Ireland slipped to 28 for five in a wicket with Andy McBrine (40) to last year and have hosted when the season was ended in April with verware in eight years and have extra moti- horror start, but recovered to post give Ireland something to defend. Bangladesh this year. 10 rounds of matches unplayed because of vation to win the trophy. 172 all out in a first competitive Jason Roy (24) and James Vince Khan said the PCB had put the health crisis. Having failed to qualify for Europe next game for four months for many (25) both got starts for England in the game’s interests ahead of They came out of the long shutdown to season via the league, Rudi Garcia’s team players in their side. their reply and there was a its own. win their fifth French Cup in six years by have to beat PSG to secure a place in the World champions England murmur of excitement in the vis- “We are making decisions beating Saint-Etienne 1-0 thanks to an qualifying rounds of the Europa League. scored at a good rate in reply but iting camp when they had their not just for what’s good for early Neymar goal. If they fall short, they will need to win lost four wickets inside the hosts 78 for four. Pakistan, but what’s right for That game was played in front of just the Champions League in Lisbon on August opening 14 overs to give the vis- But the experience of Morgan global cricket. Showing solidarity 2,800 spectators inside the 80,000-seat 23 to feature in continental competition itors a sniff of victory. and clean-hitting of Billings, who is absolutely the right thing for Stade de France due to restrictions on gath- again next season. But Billings and captain Eoin struck 11 fours, took the game us to be doing. West Indies are erings. Friday’s game against Lyon will “This is a terrific opportunity to win Morgan (36 not out), a former away from the Irish, who will look doing it, we’ve done it.” go ahead in front of a similarly a trophy,” said Garcia. Ireland international, put on 96 for for improvement in the second limited number of fans. “PSG might be a level above the fifth wicket to secure victory match of three at the same venue Postponed in early April, it will us but we have a top-class team with 22.1 overs to spare. tomorrow. Haris cleared for be the last ever final of an unloved too and one that is also in a England were without a The Super League will be used competition, albeit one which PSG position to qualify for the number of regulars who are pre- to determine the eight qualified England tour have also dominated, with five suc- Champions League quarter- paring for the test series against teams for the next World Cup in cessive victories -- and eight overall finals. There is only pos- Pakistan next week, but returning India in 2023. AFP – KARACHI -- before Strasbourg won it last year. itive pressure on us.” SCOREBOARD Twenty20 pace sensation Haris Rauf has been cleared to IRELAND 36-2 (1w); Rashid 10-3-26-1; Curran 7-0-37-1 (1w); P. Stirling c Morgan b Willey ...... 2 Moeen 10-0-37-0 join Pakistan’s cricket squad Paris Saint-Germain’s G. Delany c Banton b Willey ...... 22 ENGLAND (Target: 173) in England after twice testing Brazilian forward A. Balbirnie c Bairstow b Willey ...... 3 J. Roy lbw b Young ...... 24 negative for coronavirus, offi- Neymar (left) with H. Tector b Mahmood ...... 0 J. Bairstow lbw b McBrine ...... 2 cials said yesterday. Argentinian forward K. O'Brien c Willey b Rashid ...... 22 J. Vince c Tucker b Young ...... 25 Rauf was ordered into L. Tucker lbw b Willey ...... 0 T. Banton c Tucker b Campher ...... 11 Leandro Paredes quarantine on June 22 after C. Campher not out ...... 59 S. Billings not out ...... 67 testing positive for the virus, during a training Simi Singh run out (Banton/Bairstow) ...... 0 E. Morgan not out ...... 36 session yesterday, A. McBrine c Billings b Curran ...... 40 Extras (lb6, nb1, w2) ...... 9 and despite never showing any ahead of their B. McCarthy c Vince b Mahmood ...... 3 Total (4 wkts, 27.5 overs) ...... 174 symptoms failed four more French League C. Young c Roy b Willey ...... 11 Did not bat: Moeen Ali, D Willey, T Curran, A Rashid, tests before finally being Cup final against Extras (b4, lb2, w4) ...... 10 Mahmood cleared. Olympique Total (all out, 44.4 overs) ...... 172 Fall of wickets: 1-12 (Bairstow), 2-34 (Roy), 3-59 The Pakistan Cricket Board Fall of wickets: 1-2 (Stirling), 2-7 (Balbirnie), 3-28 (Vince), 4-78 (Banton) Lyonnais. (PCB) said the 26-year-old will (Tector), 4-28 (Delany), 5-28 (Tucker), 6-79 Bowling: McCarthy 0.5-0-3-0 (1nb); Stirling 0.1-0- join the squad over the (O'Brien), 7-79 (Simi Singh), 8-145 (McBrine), 9-156 1-0; Young 8-0-56-2; McBrine 8-0-47-1 (1w); Cam- weekend. Pakistan start a (McCarthy), 10-172 (Young) pher 5-0-26-1 (1w); Simi Singh 3.5-0-23-0; Delany Bowling: Willey 8.4-2-30-5 (2w); Mahmood 9-1- 2-0-12-0 three-match Test series in Manchester from August 5.