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WEDNESDAY 31 MARCH 2021 NewN Zealand seal home summer sweeps with T20 win over Bangladesh It'sI nice to have another series in the bag. It's been a very good summer, anda been great to be part of. We're very privileged here in New Zealand tot have teams come in here and help make a great summer.

New Zealand captain Tim Southee Sport |09

NBA RESULTS: Washington 132, Indiana 124; Miami 98, New York 88; New Orleans 115, Boston 109; Dallas 127, Oklahoma City 106 Qatar maintain fine run in Europe with 1-1 draw against Ireland

THE PENINSULA/AGENCIES – Vanaken (2), Leandro Trossard (2), Qatar’s Mohammed Muntari Jeremy Doku, Denis Praet and Christian UEFA to lift celebrates with team-mate Qatar produced another fine Benteke all scored as the likes of Kevin after scoring performance at the European Qualifiers De Bruyne, and Dries their first goal against Ireland at as they played out a 1-1 draw against Mertens were given the night off. 30% COVID in Debrecen, Ireland in their third match at Nagyerdei It lifted Belgium to seven points from Hungary, yesterday. Stadion in Debrecen, Hungary yesterday. their opening trio of matches in Group limit on Mohammed Muntari, assisted by E, while Belarus suffered their first defeat Ahmed Alaa, scored the equaliser with after opening their qualifying bid with a an angular shot in 47th minute after 4-2 win over Estonia at the weekend. crowds James McClean gave Ireland lead in the Belgium, top of the FIFA rankings, fourth minute. were 4-0 up at halftime at Den Dreef as REUTERS – MANCHESTER It was Muntari's, who also scored a they inflicted Belarus' heaviest ever winner against Luxembourg, 10th inter- defeat. UEFA are set to remove their national goal of his career. Meanwhile, in Cardiff, Daniel James maximum spectator limit, Qatar - ranked 58th on FIFA com- headed a late winner as Wales claimed currently set at 30% of a puter - were impressive throughout the their first victory in their qualifying venue capacity due to the match, maintaining a 55 percent of ball campaign by beating the Czech Republic COVID-19 pandemic, in order possession against Ireland, who are 1-0. to allow bigger crowds at Euro ranked 42nd in the world. The Czechs had enjoyed the better 2020 matches in June. Qatar's top goalkeeper of the Group E clash but with both teams Russian and English also showed good form blocking several having been reduced to 10 men it was authorities have indicated attacks by the Irishmen, including a Wales who struck in the 81st minute as they could allow larger superb save in the final moments of the James met Gareth Bale's cross. crowds into venues for the match. Forward Patrik Schick was sent off tournament games in St The Felix Sanchez-coached side shortly after halftime for the Czechs after Petersburg and London’s defeated Luxembourg 1-0 before over- grappling with Connor Roberts when a Wembley stadium. UEFA are coming Azerbaijan 2-1, following a brace free kick was swung in to the Wales area. keen to make sure the rules by captain Hassan Al Haydos. But Roberts was later dismissed for are in place to allow for larger catching Tomas Soucek with his arm in capacities elsewhere, should Ronaldo leads Portugal; Mitrovic the 77th minute. they be possible. nets double for Serbia The slick Czechs threatened on It is likely that instead of numerous occasions in the first half with a new maximum capacity, Elsewhere, in Luxembourg City, Cris- Jakub Jankto going close and even after UEFA will leave decisions on tiano Ronaldo scored as Portugal came they lost Schick they were the better side. increased crowd size to local from behind to defeat the hosts 3-1 in But after an opening loss to Belgium, authorities. another Group A clash yesterday. Wales were delighted to get their cam- British Prime Minister Luxembourg, which opened with a paign up and running. Boris Johnson’s roadmap surprise win over Ireland, looked on its They are in third place with three would allow for limited way to another shock result after Gerson points from two games, with the Czechs crowds of 10,000 in the early Rodrigues put the hosts ahead in the 30th on four from three games and Belgium stages of the delayed tour- minute. But Diogo Jota equalized in the leading on seven points after thrashing nament but opens the possi- second minute of stoppage time and Belarus. bility of full-houses after the Ronaldo and João Palhinha added country enters stage four of second-half goals. Dutch thump Gibraltar 7-0 the roadmap on June 21. After being held scoreless in the first As well as hosting some two qualifiers this year, Ronaldo scored Netherlands' winger Steven Ber- group games, Wembley is also his 31st goal in World Cup qualifying in ghuis scored one goal and set up the venue for the semi-finals the 51st with a touch from close range another as they overcame a wasteful and final of the tournament. after a low cross by João Cancelo. first half to thump minnows Gibraltar Host venues have a He has now scored for Portugal in 7-0 in their World Cup qualifier at the deadline of April 7 to inform every calendar year since his first inter- Victoria Stadium on Tuesday. UEFA of their planned national goal in 2004, and moved six Luuk de Jong, Memphis Depay, stadium capacities. away from tying the all-time scoring Georginio Wijnaldum and Donyell Any hosts that cannot record for a men’s national team. The Malen all also scored as the visitors guarantee there will be fans record of 109 goals is held by former Iran netted four goals in nine second-half in the stadium risk losing their striker Ali Daei, the only other male minutes to give an emphatic look to hosting rights. soccer player to surpass the 100-goal the score after a stuttering opening Most football authorities milestone. period frustrated manager Frank de are relying on their govern- Ronaldo had been furious after Boer. ments to give them per- having a goal disallowed in the 2-2 draw being shown a second yellow card for a Belgium's 8-0 rout of Belarus puts Substitute Donny van de Beek mission to open up stadiums against Serbia on Saturday even though hard foul. reserves in the spotlight added a sixth late on and Depay got his to fans and the issue is it appeared that the ball crossed the line. Portugal forward João Félix had to second as the Netherlands recorded whether they will be able to Jota equalized with a header for his leave the field in the first half because Belgium's second-string used the their biggest away win since a 7-0 predict the situation in June third goal in these qualifiers, and Pal- of an injury. opportunity of a rare start to impress success over San Marino in 1993. ahead of next week’s hinha came off the bench to score his Earlier, Aleksandar Mitrovic scored coach Roberto Martinez as they thumped The Dutch moved into second place deadline. first goal in three international appear- a goal in each half as Serbia defeated Belarus 8-0. in Group G with six points from three It is likely that most ances in the 80th. Azerbaijan 2-1 to stay tied with Portugal With Martinez warning players were games, one point behind leaders venues in Western Europe Luxembourg defender Maxime at the top of Group A with seven points under scrutiny for places in the Euro Turkey who were surprisingly held to will not be able to get more Chanot was sent off in the 86th after from three matches. 2020 squad, , Hans a 3-3 draw at home by Latvia. than 25-50% capacity. Loew focused on qualifier Lewandowski out REUTERS – DUESSELDORF for four weeks Germany coach Joachim Loew (pictured) said he was in no mood for melancholy and was REUTERS – MUNICH fully focused on his team’s World Cup qualifier at home to North Macedonia today, ahead of this summer’s Euros - set Bayern Munich’s Poland striker Robert Lewandowski to be his last tournament after 15 years in charge. has been ruled out for four weeks after suffering a The 61-year-old, who will step down after the Euro tour- sprained ligament in his right knee, the German cham- nament this summer, wants to make it three wins out of three pions said yesterday. qualifiers and put his team firmly on track for a spot at next Lewandowski sustained the injury in Poland’s year’syea s WoWorld d Cup in QataQatar.r. World Cup qualifying win over Andorra on Sunday, “I feel absoluteabsolutelyly no melanchomelancholyly ahaheade of this game at the ruling him out of their match against England on moment,”moment,” Loew told a virtual news con- Wednesday, and had scans on Monday. ference ahead of today’s qualifier in His injury is a big blow to Bundesliga leaders Duisburg.Duisburg. Bayern who travel to second-placed RB Leipzig on “I am not eveneve thinking about the Saturday. whole situatiosituationn that I will stop after Portugal’s The injury will also rule him out of the reigning the Euro. "All thethe focus is on the game Cristiano European champions’ two Champions League quarter- tomorrowtomorrow and tthenh looking ahead to Ronaldo scores final legs against last year’s runners-up Paris St the tournament thist summer,” Loew their second Germain, scheduled for April 7 and April 13. said.said. goal against Bayern also look set to miss his services when they TheThe GeGermansrmans hhave beaten Iceland Luxembourg play third-placed VfL Wolfsburg in the league (April and Romania to top Group J on six during the 17) and top-four chasing Bayer Leverkusen (April 20). pointspoints aheadah of Armenia on Group A Lewandowski has been in sparkling form this goal difference. Only the European season with 42 goals in all competitions, which includes groupgr winner earns Qualifiers 35 league goals. The 32-year-old was on track to break aautomatic yesterday. Gerd Mueller’s 1971-72 Bundesliga season record of qualification. 40 league goals in one campaign with eight games left. WEDNESDAY 31 MARCH 2021 SPORT 11

FIA President meets beIN Chairman, visits Golf World Rankings 1. Dustin Johnson (USA) 11.26 MIA and Qatar Motorsports Academy 2. Justin Thomas (USA) 9.26 3. Jon Rahm (ESP) 8.68 4. Collin Morikawa (USA) 7.47 5. Bryson DeChambeau (USA) 7.26 6. Xander Schauffele (USA) 6.81 7. Patrick Reed (USA) 6.21 8. Tyrrell Hatton (ENG) 6.00 9. Webb Simpson (USA) 5.94 10. Patrick Cantlay (USA) 5.84 11. Rory McIlroy (NIR) 5.82 12. Brooks Koepka (USA) 5.82 13. Tony Finau (USA) 5.35 14. Viktor Hovland (NOR) 5.19 15. Daniel Berger (USA) 4.70 PGA Tour Schedule April 1-4: Valero Texas Open, San Antonio April 8-11: Masters, Augusta, Ga. April 15-18: RBC Heritage, Hilton Head, S.C. FIA President Todt, Secretary-General Bayer, QMMF President Al Mannai and April 22-25: Zurich Classic, New Orleans Executive Director at QMMF, Amro Al Hamad, posing for a photograph during April 29-May 2: Valspar Championship their visit to the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) yesterday. May 6-9: Wells Fargo Championship May 13-16: AT&T Byron Nelson, McKinney Jean Todt, President of the International Automobile Federation (FIA), and May 20-23: PGA Championship, Kiawah Abdulrahman Abdullatif Al Mannai, President of the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Island, S.C. Federation (QMMF) posing for a photograph with Nasser Ghanem Al Khelaifi, May 27-30: Charles Schwab Challenge Chairman of the beIN Media Group and Paris Saint-Germain Club, following June 3-6: the Memorial Tournament a meeting which took place in Doha yesterday. The top officials discussed a presented by Nationwide, Dublin, Ohio number of issues of common interest during the meeting. BOTTOM: FIA and June 17-20: US Open , La Jolla, Calif. QMMF Presidents and Peter Bayer, FIA Secretary-General attending the FIA June 24-27: Travelers Championship MENA Sport Regional eCongress. July 1-4: Rocket Mortgage Classic, Detroit July 8-11: John Deere Classic, Silvis, Ill. July 15-18: The Open Championship, Sandwich, United Kingdom July 15-18: Barbasol Championship, Nicholasville, Ky. July 22-25: 3M Open, Blaine, Minn. Aug. 5-8: World Golf Championships- FedEx St. Jude Invitational, Memphis, Tenn. Aug. 5-8: Barracuda Championship Aug. 12-15: Wyndham Championship, FIA President Todt, Secretary-General Bayer and QMMF President Al Mannai with officials Greensboro, N.C. during a visit to the Qatar Motorsports Academy, Digital Motorsport Centre and Karting Aug. 19-22: THE NORTHERN TRUST School yesterday. Aug. 26-29: BMW Championship Sept. 2-5: TOUR Championship, Atlanta

Cristiano Reactions to Ronaldo Aguero's Aguero’s City exit kick-starts departure United's race to sign Haaland REUTERS – MANCHESTER Argentine striker Sergio REUTERS – MANCHESTER Trafford hierarchy, whom Aguero will leave Manchester he has publicly criticised. City when his contract expires Sergio Aguero’s departure from The forward opted to at the end of the season, the Manchester City looks set to kick-start a join Dortmund, but Raiola Ronaldo’s club “derby” between City and Manchester suggested on Tuesday that announced on Monday. United for the signature of Europe’s hottest may have been a mistake. Following are some reac- striking talent - Borussia Dortmund’s “With Haaland, eve- armband up tions to the news: Erling Haaland (pictured). rybody was wrong. He did City announced on Monday that their things much quicker than On and off the pitch, all-time top scorer Aguero would leave everybody imagined,” the for auction always a class act. I wish you the club at the end of the season, leaving Dutch-Italian agent told nothing but the very best for manager Pep Guardiola, who has only one The Athletic website. AP – BELGRADE the future. Really sad to see other central striker in Gabriel Jesus, badly “Haaland is in front of you leave like this but we still in need of a top-quality striker. his own development. He The Portugal captain’s armband which have a lot to accomplish with The 20-year-old Haaland, widely is ahead of his own Cristiano Ronaldo slammed into the you: Manchester City reported to be City’s number one choice, schedule. Maybe I was too ground after his apparent winning goal defender Aymeric Laporte was close to joining local rivals Manchester careful when I said, ‘Oh no, was disallowed in a World Cup qual- United last January before moving to let’s move to Dortmund ifier against Serbia was put up for A City legend for ever: Dortmund. instead of I-don’t-know- auction yesterday. Manchester City midfielfer UnitedU n ited where’,” he said. A charity group which is trying to remainremai n “I’m 100% convinced collect money for the surgery of a firmlyfirmly inteinter-r- and everybody’s convinced 6-month-old boy from Serbia with I’m devastated, it’s devas- estedested in lific forward who worked under their Nor- - (he) can move to any club, wherever he spinal muscular atrophy got the tating news. He’s arguably the sigsigningn i n g wegian manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as wants, already on this level. And he could armband from a stadium worker who best ever striker to grace the thethe prpro-o- an emerging talent with Molde. have done that last year,” he said. United picked it up after the match ended in Premier League. I think him, Haaland’s goalscoring record is recently promoted John Murtough to be a 2-2 draw on Saturday in Belgrade. Alan Shearer and Thierry extraordinary: Since joining Dortmund their Football Director, effectively heading The group said the blue armband Henry would be my top three: from RB Salzburg he has scored 49 goals the club’s transfer strategy, and he will with the letter C will be in an online Former Manchester City in 49 games in all competitions. At the quickly be under pressure to deliver some auction for three days. defender Micah Richards highest level, in the Champions League, major upgrades for Solskjaer ahead of next Ronaldo walked off the field Haaland has scored 12 goals in eight season. moments before the final whistle after Some player... deserves games. United have struggled to land high- his injury-time goal was not allowed every accolade he’ll get, will The blond-haired striker made his profile targets in recent years, and as well by officials. The Juventus player miss watching this legend in mark with eight goals in six Champions as missing out on Haaland, failed to reach dinked the ball over the Serbia goal- the Premier League: Former League games with Salzburg along with agreement with Dortmund on England keeper and it apparently crossed the Liverpool and England 29 in 27 appearances in the Austrian winger Jadon Sancho last year. line before being cleared by an striker Robbie Fowler league. City have a much better record in opposing defender. Last year he was available for just 20 signing their top targets, and adding to the While heading straight into the You have given football million euros based on a buyout clause in mix, Haaland’s father Alf-Inge also played dressing room before the final whistle, fans in this country so much his deal with Salzburg, and given Solsk- for the club. Ronaldo angrily threw down his to remember: goals, guile and jaer’s relationship with Haaland, United United and City each have the captain armband near the touchline. the greatest Premier League were confident of signing the continent’s resources to make the right offer to both Ronaldo was publicly criticized for moment of them all. Well most exciting goalscorer at a bargain price. Dortmund and the player, but it would be the action and some believe his angry played and good wishes for But Haaland’s agent Mino Raiola, who no surprise if other top European clubs display could lead to FIFA sanctions if whatever comes next: Former Sergio is also Paul Pogba’s representative, has were to join the race in what could become the governing body deems his reaction England striker Gary Lineker Aguero had a turbulent relationship with the Old a record-breaking deal. to be offensive or violent conduct. Japan thrash Mongolia Agreement on new CL format delayed

14-0 in World Cup qualifier AP – NYON confidential talks. UEFA wants a minimum guarantee of revenue to REUTERS – CHIBA, JAPAN minutes before Osako claimed his first A decision on the new Champions protect its financial position, while also 10 minutes later, slotting home after League format has been delayed until taking a 6.5% cut of the cash generated Japan thrashed Mongolia 14-0 neatly turning the Mongolian defence. next month after hitting a late stum- by the joint venture that would replace yesterday to move closer to the third Daichi Kamada made it 3-0 in the bling block over how the commercial Switzerland-based agency TEAM Mar- round of Asia’s qualifying tournament 26th minute when he steered in Junya and broadcasting rights will be sold to keting, which has had exclusive rights for the 2022 World Cup finals in Qatar. Ito’s cross, and Hidemasa Morita scored European football’s elite competition. from UEFA to sell the Champions Yuya Osako scored a hat trick, the fourth seven minutes later. UEFA hoped to use an executive League since 1992. while Southampton’s on-loan play- An own goal from Khash Erdene committee meeting today to ratify the The Champions League currently maker Takumi Minamino was also Tuyaa five minutes before the break expansion of the group stage from 32 shares almost €2bn ($2.4bn) each among the scorers as Hajime Mori- capped a challenging first half for the to 36 teams, jumping from six to 10 season among 32 clubs, who are split yasu’s side made short work of the Mongolians, and there was no letup in rounds of matches from 2024. into eight groups of four to start with. Mongolian minnows. the second period. There is broad agreement between League, a person with knowledge of The new format will add 100 games Playing in an empty Fukuda Denshi Osako scored his second 10 minutes European clubs and domestic leagues the situation told AP yesterday. as a 36-team single-standings league Arena in Chiba after the Mongolians after the restart with another composed on the new format after years of Clubs will gain a say only in the is created, adding in four more clubs were forced to relinquish hosting rights finish, and substitute Sho Inagaki hit wrangling. marketing and television rights sales from the current format. due to quarantine regulations at home, Japan’s seventh with 22 minutes But UEFA has to resolve the broad of the competition, leaving UEFA to That would guarantee 10 games the game often felt like little more than remaining. Junya Ito, Furuhashi and details with the European Club Asso- still control the sporting and gov- for each of the 36 teams, against 10 a training exercise for the Japanese. Ito all scored before a flurry of late ciation over the creation of a joint ernance aspects, the person said on different opponents with balanced Minamino put Japan ahead after 13 goals to end the rout. venture to sell rights to the Champions condition of anonymity to discuss schedules based on seedings. 10 SPORT WEDNESDAY 31 MARCH 2021 Barty tops Azarenka to reach quarters

AP — MIAMI a set or you get a break, Nishikori of Japan 6-3, 3-6, 6-1. whatever it might be. I think it’s Tsitsipas meets No. 24 Lorenzo Ash Barty is tough to beat under just about trying to hang around Sonnego of Italy, a 7-6 (6), 6-3 any circumstances, especially and I’ve worked my backside winner over Daniel Elahi Galan when she’s on the ropes. off off the court to make sure of Colombia. She proved that again that I feel like I’m good physical In other third-round men’s Monday. condition to play .” matchups, Schwartzman The world’s top-ranked No. 5 seed of defeated 25th-seeded Adrian player has reached the Miami Ukraine needed nearly 2½ Mannarino of France 6-1, 6-4; Open quarter-finals, getting hours to beat ninth-seeded 12th-seeded of there by holding off 14th-seeded Petra Kvitova of the Czech Canada topped 20th-seeded Victoria Azarenka of Belarus Republic 2-6, 7-5, 7-5 and earn of France 6-4, 6-1, 1-6, 6-2. It was Barty’s 17th her ticket to the 7-5; and 2014 US Open win in her last 20 three-set quarter-finals. champion Marin Cilic of Croatia matches, two of those victories “It was not easy conditions,” defeated Italy’s for the Australian coming so far said Svitolina, who has already 6-3, 6-4. in this tournament. matched her best Miami finish by Cilic will meet fourth- “That’s a cool stat,” Barty making the quarters. seeded of Russia said. “I was trying to fight, trying to next. Rublev rolled past Hun- This, too, was cool: The match find a way, one extra ball over the gary’s Marton Fucsovics 6-2, 6-1 lived up to its showdown net.” - beating him head-to-head for potential, with the reigning Miami Barty will next face No. 7 the third time in the last 22 days, Open champion and current seed , a 6-1, and that doesn’t even include a world No. 1 in Barty facing 6-2 winner over No. 19 seed of Australia reacts after walkover victory over Fucsovics someone who has won the Miami Marketa Vondrousova. Svitolina winning the first set against Victoria in Qatar in that span. title three times and a previous will play unseeded Anastasija Azarenka of Belarus (not pictured). “Marton (told) me, ‘I don’t world No. 1 in Azarenka. Sevastova of Latvia in the want to see you. I don’t want to Barty rolled in the first set, quarters; Sevastova was a 6-1, see you,’” Rublev said. Azarenka in the second. But the 7-5 winner over wild-card Ana third - as they tend to be - was Konjuh of Croatia. Osaka wasted six set points “I’m playing the best tennis RESULTS all Barty, who was never in No. 2 women’s seed Naomi before finally finishing off of my life, this is for sure,” trouble in the deciding set. Osaka of Japan ran her winning Mertens to win the opening set; Tormo said after her shortest Men’s Singles (Round of 32) “It’s just about staying in the streak to 23 matches and moved she needed five break points match of the tournament - a Marin Cilic, Croatia, def. Lorenzo Musetti, Italy, 6-3, 6-4. fight,” Barty said. “It’s about not into the quarters by topping No. before cashing in to go up 2-1 mere 2 hours. Milos Raonic (12), Canada, def. Ugo Humbert (20), France, relenting, not giving up 16 seed of in the second. Mertens later On the men’s side, Sebastian 6-4, 7-5. regardless of whether you lose Belgium, 6-3, 6-3. needed a medical timeout that Korda of the U.S. got his second Andrey Rublev (4), Russia, def. Marton Fucsovics (29), lasted about 10 minutes while consecutive win over a seeded Hungary, 6-2, 6-1. she left the court to get foe, this one a 6-3, 6-0 romp Andrey Rublev (26), Poland, def. (6), treatment on the area below her past No. 17 of right shoulder. Russia. Korda’s reward is a Canada, 6-3, 7-6 (6). She didn’t win another matchup with No. 5 seed Diego (5), Argentina, def. game; Osaka casually munched Schwartzman of Argentina in (25), France, 6-1, 6-4. on a banana and took a few the round of 16. Sebastian Korda, United States, def. Aslan Karatsev (17), serves while waiting for Korda is one of four US men Russia, 6-3, 6-0. Mertens to return, then cruised in the round of 16 at Miami. His (24), Italy, def. Daniel Elahi Galan, Colombia, the rest of the way. father, , played in the 7-6 (6), 6-3. Osaka next meets No. 23 event 10 times at its former Key Stefanos Tsitsipas (2), , def. (28), Japan, of Greece, who Biscayne home and made the 6-3, 3-6, 6-1. won a 2-hour, 38-minute mar- round of 16 on four occasions. Women’s Singles (Round of 16) athon over No. 29 Jessica Pegula No. 26-seeded Hubert Ashleigh Barty (1), Australia, def. Victoria Azarenka (14), of the US. Hurkacz of Poland upset sixth- Belarus, 6-1, 1-6, 6-2. Sakkari fended off six match seeded Denis Shapovalov of Elina Svitolina (5), Ukraine, def. Petra Kvitova (9), Czech points and won 6-4, 2-6, 7-6 (6). Canada 6-3, 7-6 (6). Republic, 2-6, 7-5, 7-5. Unseeded Sara Sorribes Shapovalov was clearly Aryna Sabalenka (7), Belarus, def. Marketa Vondrousova Tormo of Spain got her fourth frustrated with some calls that (19), Czech Republic, 6-1, 6-2. win of the tournament, all of the Hawk-Eye Live technology (2), Japan, def. Elise Mertens (16), Belgium, them three-setters. She topped - the system that replaces live 6-3, 6-3. No. 27 seed Ons Jabeur of lines judges with cameras - saw Tunisia 6-4, 0-6, 6-1. one way and he saw another Anastasija Sevastova, Latvia, def. Ana Konjuh, Croatia, 6-1, Next up for Tormo: either way. 7-5. No. 8 seed of “We’re getting used to that, Maria Sakkari (23), Greece, def. Jessica Pegula (29), United Canada or No. 12 seed Garbine that Hawk-Eye life,” Hurkacz States, 6-4, 2-6, 7-6 (6). Muguruza of Spain, who were said. “It’s a little bit different.” Sara Sorribes Tormo, Spain, def. Ons Jabeur (27), Tunisia, playing the last women’s round- No. 2 seed Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-4, 0-6, 6-1. of-16 match late Monday night. of Greece topped No. 28 Kei Kervren, Elkhatib victorious at Seib Al Massiya Golf Tournament

THE PENINSULA – DOHA

Arnaud Kervren and Scott John emerged winners in their respective divisions at the Seib Al Massiya Golf Tournament, organised by Seib Insurance & Reinsurance and Education City Golf Club. The tournament, which took place at the Education City Golf Club, gathered the club’s members and golfers from around Doha in an engaging tournament to learn about Seib Insurance & Reinsurance’s advanced healthcare coverage plan –Massiya. Prizes were given out by esteemed guests attending the tournament including Sheikh Dr. Mohamed Bin Hamad Al Thani, Director of The Public Health Department at the Ministry of Sheikh Dr. Mohamed Bin Hamad Al Thani, Director of The Public Health Department at the Ministry of Public Health, Mohammed Noor A. Al Obaidli, Board Member Public Health (MoPH), Mohammed at Seib Insurance & Reinsurance Company, and Mohammed Al Naimi, Deputy General Manager at Education City Golf Club, presenting awards to winners of the Noor A. Al Obaidli, Board Member at Seib Al Massiya Golf Tournament. Seib Insurance & Reinsurance Company, and Mohammed Al Naimi, player in the course of the Commenting on the event, Elias possible without our partners at the Seib Insurance, one of Qatar’s Deputy General Manager at Education tournament. Chedid, Deputy Chief Executive Officer Education City Golf Club, who premium insurance and reinsurance City Golf Club. The winners walked away with at Seib Insurance, stated: “I am pleased organised the event and Alfardan providers, offers a range of products Division A winners included exciting prizes alongside trophies to congratulate the winners of the first Medical with Northwestern Medicine and services to its clients. Arnaud Kervren in first place, Chris De including exclusive vouchers to Massiya, edition of Seib Al Massiya Golf Tour- whose support was instrumental in As a renowned health insurance Kock in second place, and Mark Cooke Seib Insurance and Reinsurance’s nament whose skills and passion made bringing this event to life. With the con- provider in Qatar, the company is in third place. Division B winners were advanced healthcare plan which brings the event a truly remarkable expe- clusion of this tournament, we look established on the values of well-being, announced as Scott John in first place, to the forefront a new experience rience. I would also like to thank the forward to more editions in the coming integrity, and service excellence, which Omar Elkhatib in second place and premium medical insurance for the first golfers in our community who partic- years and to partnering with more key continuously seeks ways to engage its Simon Cockbill in third place. The tour- time in Qatar. The plan includes global ipated making it lively with their local entities as a part of Seib’s clients and the wider community nament also awarded Mohamed Al coverage, premium benefits, a dedicated enthusiasm and high spirits. relentless commitment to the well- through activities that are beneficial Mansour the title of the best Qatari concierge desk and service flexibility. "All of this could not have been being of the society,” Chedid said. for the entire community. Naser gets court date for doping rules case

AP — LAUSANNE hear the case involving the women’s 400 race is on May “whereabouts” failures - Naser was found by a tri- 400-meter runner over two 23 in Rabat, Morocco. missed tests and incorrect bunal in London to have three World champion sprinter days on April 22-23. The The women’s 400 event updates on a database whereabouts failures from Salwa Eid Naser (pictured) World Anti-Doping Agency at the Tokyo Olympics is detailing where athletes can March 2019-January 2020, will have a two-day appeal and World Athletics both filed scheduled from Aug. 3-6. be found each day by sample but they technically counted hearing next month that appeals at CAS to challenge an Naser ran the fastest collection officials. as spanning more than one could lead to a ban from independent tribunal ruling women’s 400 since 1985 to Athletes can be banned for year according to anti-doping the Tokyo Olympics for last year that cleared Naser on win the world title 18 months two years if they have three rules. breaking anti-doping a technicality for doping tests ago in Doha, Qatar, while she failures within one year. The ruling also swung on rules. she missed. was under investigation. Naser denied wrongdoing a fourth possible violation for The Court of A verdict could be The 22-year-old Bahraini last year when the investi- a sample that could not be Arbitration for announced urgently with the was allowed to keep the title gation was revealed and said taken in April 2019 when offi- Sport said yes- Diamond League track series despite being charged by the missed tests could happen to cials went to her apartment terday it will set to start in May. The first Athletics Integrity Unit with any athlete. building in Riffa, Bahrain. WEDNESDAY 31 MARCH 2021 SPORT 09

Ricciardo Some medical experts unconvinced raced with damaged about holding the Tokyo Olympics car on team AP — TOKYO several government audits say Japanese torchbearer Azusa Iwashimizu, it might be twice that much. All debut, says a member of the Japan women’s national The Tokyo Olympics open in but $6.7bn is public money. under four months, and the football team, arrives at a torch “kiss The chief driver of the McLaren torch relay has begun to criss- point” to pass on the torch during the Olympics is the IOC, which cross Japan with 10,000 torch relay grand start at the J-Village derives almost 75% of its runners. Organisers say they are National Training Centre in Naraha town, income from broadcast rights REUTERS — LONDON mitigating the risks, but some Fukushima Prefecture, Japan on March and needs to get the games on medical experts aren’t 25, 2021. television. Daniel Ricciardo raced with a convinced. Organizers say they will significantly damaged car on “It is best to not hold the hold a “safe and secure” his McLaren debut in Bahrain Olympics given the consid- Olympics by keeping athletes last weekend, the Formula erable risks,” Dr. Norio Sugaya, and officials in a “bubble,” One team said yesterday. an infectious diseases expert at administering periodic tests, The Australian, who Keiyu Hospital in Yokohama, and then getting everyone to moved from Renault at the end said. leave Japan as soon as of last season, finished seventh “The risks are high in Japan. possible. at the Sakhir circuit after qual- Japan is dangerous, not a safe Last week the IOC said it ifying sixth. place at all.” would cut back on the number “Post-race we found Sugaya believes vaccinating of accredited participants damage to Daniel’s floor from 50-70% of the general public entering Japan, providing cre- the impact of Pierre (Gasly) should be “a prerequisite” to dentials only to those who running into the back of his car safely hold the Olympics, a “have essential and operational at the beginning of the race,” highly unlikely scenario given responsibilities.” said team principal Andreas the slow vaccine rollout in Japanese news agency Seidl. Japan. Kyodo has reported, citing uni- “The level of damage cost Fewer than 1% of the popu- dentified sources, that 90,000 a considerable amount of lation has been vaccinated so people are expected to enter downforce. Despite the per- far, and all are medical profes- Japan from abroad. About formance loss Daniel used his sionals. Most of the general 30,000 of those are Olympic experience to cope with the public is not expected to be vac- The Japanese government home and restaurants to close 1,000 people by May, peaking and Paralympic athletes, issues and score important cinated by the time the and local Olympic organisers early. in July, right about the time the coaches, staff and officials. points for the team.” Olympics open July 23. have said vaccination is not a Dr. Toshio Nakagawa, who Olympics are on. Daily cases That leaves 60,000, and British team mate Lando “Tens of thousands of for- prerequisite for the Olympics, heads the Japan Medical Asso- have hovered at about 300 Kyodo said the plan is to cut that Norris finished fourth in the eigners are going to be entering although the International ciation, expressed serious people for Tokyo lately. to about 30,000, many of race with McLaren third in the the country, including mass Olympic Committee is encour- concern about what he called They say that’s an “opti- whom would be news media. constructors’ standings. media, in a short period of aging the 15,400 Olympic and “a rebound” of coronavirus mistic” scenario that assumes In addition, organizers said time,” Sugaya said, “the chal- Paralympic athletes to be vac- cases. He called for preventive vaccines will be gradually all ticket holders from abroad lenges are going to be cinated when they enter Japan. measures. rolling out by then. would be banned from entering. enormous.” The number of COVID-19- “To prevent a fourth wave, The other possible scenario Public opinion surveys related deaths in Japan is about we have to act forcefully and has the government declaring show most Japanese want the 9,000 - far fewer than many extremely quickly,” he told a state of emergency as daily Tokyo Games canceled or post- countries - but Sugaya stressed reporters earlier this month. cases climb. That could mean poned again. It is best to not hold the the number is among the Taisuke Nakata and Daisuke the Olympics will be held in the Taro Yamamoto, a former Olympics given the highest in Asia. Fujii, professors of economics middle of an “emergency.” lawmaker, said Japan is not pre- considerable risks. The Hospital systems are at the University of Tokyo, have The professors declined to pared to deal with an influx of risks are high in Japan. stretched, especially in hardest been carrying out projections comment directly on the travelers from abroad. hit areas such as Tokyo. for the spread of the corona- wisdom of holding the “If Japan has not been able Japan is dangerous, not a Japan never pushed PCR virus, adapting a standard epi- Olympics. to protect its own people, it safe place at all. testing, meaning few mecha- demiological model but taking Despite the warnings, the cannot claim to be able to nisms are in place to prevent into account economic activity Japanese government and protect people from all over the McLaren’s Daniel Ricciardo infection clusters. There hasn’t as measured by GDP and Tokyo Olympics organisers world,” during the Olympics, he Dr. Norio Sugaya before practice ahead of Bahrain Infectious Diseases Expert been a national lockdown, but mobility data. remain determined to go ahead said. the government has periodically According to their projec- with the Games. Tokyo is offi- “To keep insisting the Grand Prix on Saturday. issued a “state of emergency,” tions, daily infection cases in cially spending $15.4bn to Games will go on is just urging people to work from Tokyo will total more than prepare the Olympics, but madness.” Tsunoda best Kiwis seal home Getting ready for Indian Premier League F1 rookie in years, says summer sweep Ross Brawn with T20 victory REUTERS — LONDON over Bangladesh Formula One’s motorsport managing director Ross Brawn REUTERS — NAPIER has hailed Yuki Tsunoda as the best rookie in years after the New Zealand wrapped up a seventh series win of their home Japanese scored points on his summer with a 28-run victory over Bangladesh under the debut in Bahrain last Sunday. Duckworth-Lewis method in the second Twenty20 in Napier The former Ferrari tech- yesterday. nical director who also ran the A downpour at McLean Park brought a premature end Honda, Brawn and Mercedes to New Zealand’s innings on 173 for five and Bangladesh teams, said he had been were placed in the unusual position of starting their chase impressed by the 20-year-old without knowing what tally they needed to win. AlphaTauri driver’s “brilliant They were finally apprised of their victory target -- 170 spells” in the season-opener. Kolkata Knight Riders players in action runs in 16 overs -- in the second over of the innings but fell “He is the best rookie F1 during nets as they prepare for the Indian well short of the tally they needed to keep the three-match has had for years, having been series alive with 142-7. Premier League, which starts on April 9. fairly stunning in whatever Soumya Sarkar scored a bright 51 off 27 balls and opener series he has competed in,” Mohammad Naim chipped in with 38 but once their 81-run said the Briton in a column for partnership was broken, the writing was on the wall. the formula1.com website. Paceman Adam Milne (2-34) bowled Bangladesh skipper Injured Iyer out of IPL, Pant to captain Capitals “His promotion by Red Bull Mahmudullah and Afif Hossain in the space of three deliv- looks like a brilliant move. We eries to drive home the advantage and help ensure the Black can all remember the glorious Caps would win all of their series in all formats over the REUTERS — NEW DELHI England opener Jonny Bairstow recent months with match- days of full grandstands at home summer. and India’s cricket board BCCI winning knocks in test series wins Suzuka and the passion of the “It’s nice to have another series in the bag,” said New Indian batsman Shreyas Iyer has said he had partially dislocated in Australia and against England Japanese fans. Zealand captain Tim Southee, who took 2-21. been ruled out of the Indian his shoulder. at home before sealing his spot “I think we are going to “It’s been a very, very good summer, and been great to Premier League (IPL) season after “Shreyas Iyer has been ruled in the limited-overs side. have that again, which is be part of. We’re very privileged here in New Zealand to injuring his left shoulder during out of the upcoming season fol- The 23-year-old middle order incredibly exciting.” have teams come in here and help make a great summer.” India’s one-day international lowing his injury,” the Capitals batsman also smashed 77 and 78 Formula One has three Earlier, Glenn Phillips hit 58 not out from 31 balls to series with England, his franchise said in a statement. in the last two ODIs against rookies this season, one of breathe life into New Zealand’s innings after the visiting the Delhi Capitals announced “Rishabh Pant will lead the England as India won the series them last year’s Formula Two bowlers had taken wickets with enough regularity to peg yesterday. team in his absence. 2-1 in Pune. winner Mick Schumacher -- back the hosts early on. Wicketkeeper-batsman “Shreyas will be missed The IPL begins on April 9, the son of seven-times world His unbeaten 62-run partnership with Daryl Mitchell Rishabh Pant will captain the side immensely, and we can’t wait to with the Capitals playing their champion and Ferrari great (34 not out) looked like it would take New Zealand past the in Iyer’s absence, the Capitals see him in DC colours once again. first game the following day Michael -- and the other his 200-run mark but the rain intensified to send them off the added. Iyer sustained the injury We wish him a speedy recovery.” against the Chennai Super Kings Haas team mate Nikita pitch after 17.5 overs. while diving to stop a shot by Pant has seen his stock rise in in Mumbai. Mazepin. Schumacher finished 16th, lapped and last on track on Sunday while Russian Mazepin Archer undergoes surgery after freak fish tank accident spun off at the third corner -- the shortest F1 debut since 2002. REUTERS — LONDON was managed by England He was cleaning at home. He’s Canadian Nicholas Latifi Jofra during their test and T20 series been in surgery today and he’s Jofra Archer underwent was the sole rookie last year, Archer Jofra Archer underwent surgery in India. come out of it well. They’ve failing to score a point with to remove a glass fragment from “He’s got a fish tank, operated and actually I think surgery to remove a glass Williams, but the sport had a a tendon on his right hand on dropped the fish tank and cut they found a small fragment of fragment from a tendon on his strong injection of talent in Monday after an attempt to his hand,” Giles told BBC Radio glass still in the tendon.” right hand on Monday after an 2019 when Britons George clean his fish tank went 5 Live. The 25-year-old featured in attempt to clean his fish tank Russell and Lando Norris wrong, England’s director “This is going to sound like two of England’s four tests and moved up from F2. of cricket Ashley Giles an awful conspiracy and I know all five T20 matches during went wrong. Russell shone last year said. what’s going to happen on their series in India. when he replaced seven-times Archer sustained the Twitter straight away when I Archer, who was due to play champion Lewis Hamilton at injury at his home in say this. But it’s true, it’s not a for the Rajashthan Royals, will Premier League season, which Mercedes for a race in Bahrain January and the injury conspiracy, it was a fish tank. miss the start of the Indian starts on April 9. after his compatriot contracted COVID-19. Sport WEDNESDAY 31 MARCH 2021 08

Washington Wizards guard Russell Westbrook reacts after Westbrook logs historic triple-double scoring a three point NBA RESULTS basket against the AGENCIES – WASHINGTON Beal (right hip contusion). Wash- the bench as Miami ended its longest Indiana Pacers. ington won its second in a row after Washington 132, Indiana 124 losing skid since the 2016-17 season. Brooklyn 112, Minnesota 107 Russell Westbrook made NBA history losing eight of its previous nine. Elsewhere, Marcus Morris Sr. Miami 98, New York 88 by recording 35 points, a season-high Domantas Sabonis recorded 35 scored 25 points and Kawhi Leonard New Orleans 115, Boston 109 21 assists and 14 rebounds as the host points and 11 rebounds and Malcolm Dallas 127, Oklahoma City 106 added 23 points, nine rebounds and Washington Wizards earned a Brogdon added 26 points for the Memphis 120, Houston 110 eight assists as host Los Angeles dom- 132-124 victory over the Indiana Pacers. Detroit 118, Toronto 104 inated the second half and beat Mil- Pacers on Monday. Meanwhile, Jimmy Butler scored Sacramento 132, San Antonio 115 waukee for its sixth straight win. It was the NBA’s first-ever 15 of his game-high 27 points during Utah 114, Cleveland 75 Luke Kennard scored a season- 35-point, 20-point triple-double. a decisive third quarter as Miami L.A. Clippers 129, Milwaukee 105 high 21 points while starting for Rui Hachimura had 26 points and snapped a six-game losing streak by Golden State 116, Chicago 102 injured Paul George (foot). He was 8 eight rebounds and Chandler beating host New York. of 11 from the field and 5 of 6 from Hutchison added 18 points off the Bam Adebayo had 20 points and acquisition Victor Oladipo, whose 3-point range, with four of his treys bench for the Wizards, who played 17 rebounds for the Heat, who won debut was delayed because of a head coming in rapid succession in the without NBA leading scorer Bradley despite the absence of trade-deadline cold. Tyler Herro scored 18 points off final quarter.