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The completion of Three down, five Stadium is yet another milestone to go. We're on as we inch ever closer to the first track: Nasser Al FIFA World Cup in the Middle East Khater, CEO, FIFA and Arab world: Hassan Al Thawadi, World Cup Secretary-General of the SC 2022

TUESDAY 16 JUNE 2020 Education City Stadium ready to host matches

Qatar’s ‘Diamond in the Desert’ shines bright

THE PENINSULA – EDUCATION CITY STADIUM Qatar yesterday announced the TOURNAMENT CAPACITY: 40,000 completion of Education City LEGACY CAPACITY: 20,000 Stadium – the third tournament- Tonight, we pay a very DISTANCE FROM DOHA: 13 km ready venue for the FIFA World special tribute to those who suffered, fought and are still Cup Qatar 2022. COMPLETION SUSTAINABILITY PRECINCT FACILITIES The stadium’s completion fighting against the COVID- Education City Stadium was The stadium is the first Qatar The precinct already features was marked during special pro- 19 pandemic and giving us completed in June 2020. 2022 tournament venue to Education City Golf Club, which grammes on the Supreme Com- a remarkable example of achieve a five-star design and recently hosted the Qatar Masters mittee for Delivery & Legacy’s resilience during such a DESIGN build rating from the Global - a European Tour event - for the (SC) social media platforms. The façade of the stadium Sustainability Assessment System first time. During legacy mode, difficult moment. We must features triangles that form (GSAS). the precinct will feature a retail The highlight of the pro- not forget: health comes complex, diamond-like area, conference centre, health grammes was a speech by the first. In some parts of the geometrical patterns which LEGACY MODE and wellness facility, and two Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin world, it is already possible appear to change colour with The stadium’s modular upper schools. Hamad Al Thani. the sun’s movement across tier will be removed, with the to look ahead to better Launching Education City the sky. Like diamonds, the seats donated to a country which COOLING TECHNOLOGY Stadium took place digitally, and times. In others, we still stadium’s design represents lacks sporting infrastructure. The Education City Stadium will in compliance with the pro- have to be extremely quality, durability and resilience stadium will become a sporting feature state-of-the-art cooling careful, stay strong – and will become something hub for the local community, technology for the benefit of tective measures implemented to be treasured, both for the including students and faculty. fans, players and officials. by the State of Qatar, affirms the and united. In the memories it holds and its future SC’s commitment to deliver its meantime, the new value to the country. TRANSPORT MAIN CONTRACTOR projects on schedule – despite stadium in Education Fans will be able to reach Education City Stadium’s the current circumstances. City reminds us that TOURNAMENT MODE the venue using the main contractor is a joint venture Stadium set to host matches . Education City Station between J&P Qatar WLL, Conspel The stadium’s successful football will return, completion was dedicated to up to and including the quarter- is located just 500m from the Qatar WLL, J&P Avax SA. and with more finals stage during Qatar 2022. stadium. frontline workers who have passion than ever: worked tirelessly during the FIFA President, ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Gianni Infantino Nicknamed the ‘Diamond in the Desert’, the 40,000-capacity venue, located within Qatar Foundation’s Education City, is remarkable example of resil- Qatar in 2022 has an exceptional the first World Cup stadium to ience during such a difficult time.” achieve a five-star sustainability moment. Yasir Al Jamal, Chairman of rating under the Global Sustain- “We must not forget: health the SC’s Operations Office and ability Assessment System. comes first. In some parts of the Vice-Chairman, Technical Hassan Al Thawadi, Sec- world, it is already possible to Delivery Office, said: “We are retary General of the SC, said: look ahead to better times. In very proud to announce the “The completion of Education others, we still have to be completion of our third tour- City Stadium is yet another mile- extremely careful, stay strong nament-ready stadium, fol- people of Qatar for many stone as we inch ever closer to and united. In the meantime, the lowing the successful redevel- decades to come after the the first FIFA World Cup in the new stadium in Education City opment of Khalifa International tournament. Middle East and Arab world. reminds us that football will Stadium in 2017 and the inau- “The legacy of this magnif- “Launching the stadium return, and with more passion guration of icent venue, standing at the Launching the stadium now – while the world is now – while the world is over- than ever.” last year. centre of our Qatar Foundation overcoming the coronavirus pandemic – shows coming the coronavirus pan- Nasser Al Khater, CEO, FIFA “All of our projects remain community, will be reflected by everyone that there is light at the end of the tunnel demic – shows everyone that World Cup Qatar 2022 LLC, said: on track and, as we celebrate its continuing role as a hub of and brighter days ahead. We are proud to pay tribute there is light at the end of the “The atmosphere will be electric this milestone today, we also sporting activity, inspiring to the frontline workers who remain at the forefront tunnel and brighter days at Education City Stadium when look forward to marking many people to embrace healthy life- in the battle against COVID-19 and look forward to ahead. We are proud to pay it hosts matches during the more between now and the big styles; as a space for education bringing the world together – at this stadium and tribute to the frontline workers World Cup. This is a football kick-off on 21 November 2022, and the acquisition of others – using the unifying power of football in 2022: who remain at the forefront in lover’s stadium and one we are including the completion of two knowledge; and as a destination Hassan Al Thawadi, Secretary-General of the SC the battle against COVID-19 certain fans from around the more stadiums before the end for people to gather and interact. and look forward to bringing world will enjoy during Qatar of this year – the In its design, message and the world together – at this 2022. 40,000-capacity purpose, Education City Stadium All of our projects remain on track and, as we stadium and others – using the “Providing unique experi- Stadium and the is a true standard-bearer for celebrate this milestone today, we also look forward unifying power of football in ences for fans and players alike 60,000-capacity Al Bayt sustainability.” to marking many more between now and the big kick- 2022.” in 2022 is central to our Stadium.” In addition to the coverage off on 21 November 2022, including the completion FIFA President, Gianni planning, and we will stage Machaille Hassan Al Naimi, on the SC’s social media plat- of two more stadiums before the end of this year Infantino, said: “Tonight, we pay several events across various President of Community Devel- forms, Education City Stadium’s – the 40,000-capacity Al Rayyan Stadium and the a very special tribute to those venues in the lead-up to the opment, Qatar Foundation, said: completion was marked by 60,000-capacity : Yasir Al Jamal, who suffered, fought and are still tournament to test our readiness “Education City Stadium will be special coverage on beIN Chairman of the SC’s Operations Office and fighting against the COVID-19 and refine our plans to guar- a focal point for the world of SPORTS, Al Kass TV, Al Rayyan Vice-Chairman, Technical Delivery Office pandemic and giving us a antee that everyone visiting football in 2022, and for the TV and Qatar TV last night. 06 SPORT TUESDAY 16 JUNE 2020 QORC: Omanis shine in Chile race at WRC 8 series

THE PENINSULA — DOHA Qatar’s T2 Rally champion champion, was in close as Abdulla finished 21.118 secs win and six podium finishes. RALLY OF CHILE RESULTS Adel Abdulla suffered contention as the Qatari, his slower than him to collect 36 Mansour Dbeissy remained in Qatar’s T2 Rally champion Adel his first loss in the Kuwaiti counterpart Mishari Al points. the third spot. Group A Abdulla suffered his first loss Qatar Online Racing Thefiri and Ahmed El Khouly It was Abdulla’s first loss in The second rally in the 1 Zakariya Al Aufi/Oman 44:21.915 2 Khalid Al Maraghi +22.956 in the Qatar Online Racing Championship (QORC) pushed the eventual winner to four races after staying semi-final stage will take place 3 Mansour Dbeissy +1:17.919 Championship (QORC) WRC 8 WRC 8 series. It was his limits. unbeaten over 22 stages in the in Spain today. After three series as his Omani counter- Al Balushi managed to win first round of the series. semi-final rallies, top three 4 Ahmed Al Kuwari +2:18.626 Abdulla’s first defeat in parts Ammar Al Balushi and four stages with QORC Touring Al Thefiri bagged 33 points from each group will qualify 5 Patrick Roux +4:10.315 Zakariya Al Aufi emerged four races after staying Car Championship winner El after booking the remaining for the final which will take 6 Misfer Al Hajri +4:49.807 victorious in the opening round unbeaten over 22 stages Khouly winning three stages. spot on the podium. place on Saturday. Group B of the semi-finals. in the first round of the Al Thefiri, the MERC 2 In Group A, Al Aufi posted The WRC8 series is the 1 Ammar Balushi/Oman 43:53.455 Omani Rally champion Al series. champion secured the win in five stage wins and three third online event organised by 2 Adel Abdulla +21.118 Aufi won the Group A battle the remaining stage. second-place finishes to lead the Qatar Motor and Motor- 3 Meshari Al Thefiri/Kuwait +39.513 while his regular co-driver Al Al Balushi clocked a time a field of seven drivers. cycle Federation following 4 Ahmed El Khouly +53.252 Balushi clinched the top spot a virtual route in Chile. Abdulla, of 43:53.455 to complete the Qatar’s Khalid Al Maraghi highly successful Touring Car 5 Hamad Al Sulaiti +2:04.438 in Group B after battling a former FIA World Cup of race and bagged 40 points in finished second in the overall Championship and the MotoGP 6 Nasser Al Kuwari +3:09.228 through eight gravel stages on Cross-Country Rallies the three-leg semi-final series Group A standings with one series. US Open will go ahead without fans: Reports

REUTERS — NEW YORK

The United States Tennis Asso- ciation will hold the US Open this year without fans amid the COVID-19 outbreak even though some top players have expressed concerns about attending the tournament due to the virus, according to multiple reports. Forbes, which cited unnamed sources, said the This September men’s ATP Tour and the WTA, 05, 2019 file photo which runs the women’s circuit, shows a general are both expected to approve a view of Arthur Ashe plan for the August 31-Sep- Stadium during the tember 13 event in New York US Open men's and that a formal singles semi-final announcement is due soon. match between The USTA’s agreements Matteo Berrettini with the men’s and women’s of Italy and Rafael tours are “happening or almost Nadal of Spain. there,” one source told Forbes. Daniel Berger of the United States celebrates with the plaid jacket ESPN, which cited a source and trophy after defeating Collin Morikawa of the United States familiar with the plan, said the in a play-off. USTA is waiting for a green light Nadal said earlier this whether to hold the Grand Slam National Tennis Center was from local and state health month he would not travel to this year will be made in June, even turned into temporary officials. the US Open in present circum- and playing it without fans is on hospital to help in the battle Berger wins play-off The USTA did not immedi- stances while Djokovic said the table but highly unlikely. against the virus. ately respond when asked by playing the event this year The US Open is held Last year’s edition drew an Reuters via email to comment would be impossible given annually in New York City, all-time attendance record of at Colonial in US on the plans. “extreme” protocols that would which has been hit hard by the nearly 740,000 fans and the “We’re following each step be in place. In mid-April the pandemic. event is the engine that drives in the (restart) procedure in the USTA said its decision on The USTA Billie Jean King the governing USTA. PGA virus return great hope that we can announce that the 2020 US AFP — WASHINGTON Jude Classics also came on the Open will be played in its reg- second weekend of June. ularly scheduled date,” USTA Australia's Barty joins players Daniel Berger parred the first It was a level the 27-year- spokesman Chris Widmaier play-off hole Sunday to defeat old Floridian feared he might said in the ESPN report. Collin Morikawa and capture not attain again after his injury. “We hope to make an expressing concern over timing the Charles Schwab Challenge, Morikawa, who found the announcement in the very near the first US PGA event in three rough twice in the playoff future.” AP — BRISBANE defend her French Open title awaiting clarity on the US months after a coronavirus before chipping to three feet, No professional tennis tour- because all elite tennis com- Open, which is scheduled to pandemic shutdown. shook his head and said, “Just naments have been held since Ash BartyBarty (pictured) petition is begin August 31. Berger went over the green hit a bad putt.” March due to the COVID-19 has joinedjoined the shuttered.shuttered. Novak Djokovic and with his approach at the par-4 “It’s going to sting for a little pandemic, which has left the rankss ofof hhigh-igh- TheThe AuAussies Rafael Nadal, winners of the 17th in the play-off, chipped bit,” he added. sport’s calendar in tatters, and profilele playersplayers alreadyalready proc-pro last eight men’s major titles, inches from the cup and tapped “But we’ll make it out and the shutdown will extend until concernederned overover essedessed thethe factf have aired reservations about in, then watched Morikawa lip move on to next week.” August. Wimbledon was can- the stagingtaging ofof thethe there’llthere’ll bebe no the potential restrictions on out from three feet on the left Morikawa also missed left celled altogether while the US OOpenpen while WimbledonWimbledon in players, limits on player edge to deliver the emotional on a birdie putt from just inside French Open has been moved there’se’s still so 20202020 bbut entourages and other changes victory at Colonial Country six feet at 18 to settle for a spot to September and is due to start muchh uncer-uncer- is sstill being considered for the US Club. in the playoff. one week after the scheduled taintyy around the Open. Women’s No. 2 Simona It marked the biggest Berger closed with a US Open men’s final. coronaviruso n a virus Halep reportedly is also moment in Berger’s fightback 10-foot birdie putt on the 72nd World number one Novak pandemic.emic. uncertain about playing. from a left wrist injury that hole in regulation to fire a four- Djokovic and reigning US Open Theh e “I have concerns too,” Barty threatened his career. under par 66 in the final round men’s champion Rafa Nadal are women’sen’s NNo.o. said in an e-mail. “I understand “This is one of the greatest at Fort Worth, Texas, to match among the players who have 1 hasn’tn’t hadhad the tournaments are eager to days of my life, from where I’ve Morikawa after 72 holes on expressed concerns about the chancechance run but keeping everyone safe been and where I’ve come 15-under 265. attending the New York yet ttoo has to be the priority.” from,” Berger said. “It has been Britain’s Justin Rose and tournament. a long year and a half. I’m Americans Xander Schauffele, happy to be here.” Jason Kokrak and Bryson The victory, which came DeChambeau shared third on Gabi to leave with no spectators on the 266 with US stars Bubba course, was the third career US Watson and Patrick Reed Cricket Australia boss Roberts PGA title for Berger, whose another shot back. Al Sadd after wins at the 2016 and 2017 St. In the final regulation holes, facing the axe, say reports two 'wonderful' SCORES Morikawa made a stunning birdie putt from just inside 50 265 - Daniel Berger 65-67-67-66, Collin feet at the par-4 14th to match AFP — SYDNEY David Warner and batsman seasons Morikawa 64-67-67-67 Schauffele for the lead at Cameron Bancroft. QNA — DOHA 266 - Jason Kokrak 67-70-65-64, Bryson 15-under. Cricket Australia chief Kevin The pressure has reportedly DeChambeau 65-65-70-66, Justin Rose At 15, Schauffele blasted out Roberts (pictured) looks set to been building on him since he Al Sadd SC yesterday (ENG) 63-69-68-66, Xander Schauffele 65- of a fairway bunker and rolled be axed this week, with stake- shocked staff in April by announced that its captain 66-66-69 into water left of the green, holders and staff disgruntled informing them that the vast Gabi will leave at the end of 267 - Bubba Watson 68-66-68-65, Patrick then made a 31-foot bogey putt over his handling of the coro- majority would be layed off next month after two seasons Reed 68-69-63-67 to fall only one back. navirus shutdown, reports said until at least mid-year due to with the club. Schauffele followed by yesterday. COVID-19’s impact on the “Thank you Gabi for the 268 - Gary Woodland 65-67-66-70 sinking a 25-foot birdie putt at The Australian newspaper game. two wonderful years! We wish 269 - Im Sung-Jae (KOR) 66-69-67-67, JT the par-3 16th but missed the said his fate would be sealed at Morale is said to be low with you and your family the very Poston 68-66-67-68, Jordan Spieth 65-65- playoff by missing a three-foot a board meeting in the next 24 a major round of redundancies best for the future. Youll 68-71, Justin Thomas 64-68-66-71 par putt at 17, the ball rolling hours, while the Sydney imminent. always be a part of the AlSadd 270 - Patrick Rodgers 67-68-70-65, Rory around the edge and out, and Morning Herald reported his Further cost-cutting is family,” the club tweeted Sabbatini (SVK) 68-68-69-65, Peter Uih- coming up just short from 24 departure would be announced expected, which has left some yesterday. lein 69-65-69-67, Cameron Champ 66-71- feet on a birdie putt at 18. tomorrow. state cricket chiefs unimpressed Gabi joined from Atletico 65-68, Abraham Ancer (MEX) 64-70-66-70 The event was the tour’s Cricket Australia had no given the coronavirus pan- Madrid in 2018 and helped the 271 - Joel Dahmen 68-65-70-68, Corey first after a 91-day shutdown immediate comment. demic hit the sport in its club when the league, the cup, Conners (CAN) 66-67-67-71, Harold Varner due to the deadly disease If Roberts, 47, loses his job off-season. and the Super. 63-66-70-72, Branden Grace (RSA) 66-66- outbreak. he will join Rugby Australia and While doubts remain over Al Sadd also reached the 66-73 World number one Rory National Rugby League coun- whether Australia can host the semi-finals of the AFC Cham- 272 - Lucas Glover 67-70-69-66, Viktor McIlroy struggled to a 74 to terparts Raelene Castle and ICC Twenty20 World Cup as pions League in 2019. Hovland (NOR) 70-68-68-66, Rafael Ca- share 32nd on 274. Todd Greenberg as casualties scheduled in October and The star player said on brera Bello (ESP) 68-67-69-68, Brian Har- The tour’s revamped of the COVID-19 crisis. years at the helm following a November, CA chief Roberts has his official Instagram

man 65-69-70-68, Tony Finau 68-69-67- schedule sends players to the Roberts was appointed in damaging ball-tampering locked in dates for India’s account that he will leave 68, Chesson Hadley 70-68-64-70 Heritage tournament in South October 2018, replacing James scandal involving then-national lucrative Test tour later in the after June 30, thanking all Carolina next week. Sutherland who quit after 17 skipper Steve Smith, his deputy year. the fans and staff. TUESDAY 16 JUNE 2020 SPORT 07

Key facts about Qatar's latest FIFA 2022 World Cup venue What makes Education City Stadium unique

THE PENINSULA – DOHA It becomes the third tournament-ready venue for Qatar 2022 following the successful redevelopment of Khalifa International Education City Stadium is the latest FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Stadium in 2017 and the inauguration of Al Janoub Stadium last tournament venue to be completed by the Supreme Committee year. Two more stadiums are expected to open by the end of 2020: for Delivery & Legacy. Al Rayyan Stadium and Al Bayt Stadium.

Qatar’s ‘Diamond in the Desert’ First 2022 World Cup venue to achieve 5* sustainability The façade of the stadium features triangles that form complex, rating diamond-like geometrical patterns which appear to change colour with the sun’s movement across the sky. Like diamonds, The stadium achieved a 5* rating under the Global Sustainability the stadium’s design represents quality, durability and resilience – Assessment System for its design and build. Its range of sustainability and will become something to be treasured, both for the memories features include direct access to public transport, low toxicity indoor it holds and its future value to the country. materials and LED sports lighting. In addition, 85% of building Qatar Foundation’s Education materials were regionally sourced, while 29% were generated City is the first World Cup from recycled materials. The stadium also boasts carbon dioxide stadium to achieve a five-star sensors for high occupant density spaces to ensure ventilation sustainability rating under and indoor air quality, and a water efficient irrigation design to the Global Sustainability minimise landscape water consumption. Assessment System.

Qatar 2022 Quarter-finals venue During Qatar 2022, the stadium is set to host matches up to the quarter-finals stage. The stadium’s seating capacity during Doha Metro offers direct the tournament will be 40,000. After Qatar 2022, the capacity will be reduced to 20,000 following the removal of the modular access for fans upper tier. The excess seats will be donated to countries which Convenient access to the stadium is provided by the Doha lack sporting infrastructure – meaning the legacy of Qatar 2022 Metro. Education City Station – on the Green Line – is will be felt far and wide. located just 500m from the venue. A single ticket on the Doha Metro is QAR 3 ($0.82), while a Set in the heart of Qatar’s day pass costs QAR 9 ($2.47). education and research hub

Education City is the home of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF). Situated within Education City are leading universities, along with research and development institutions. As well as hosting matches during Qatar 2022, the stadium will provide sporting facilities for the entire QF community, including faculty and students. Parts of the stadium will be turned into classrooms and event spaces for QF schools and universities after the tournament.