WEDNESDAY 4 MARCH 2020 SPORTSPORT 07

FOOTBALL FOOTBALL I think Al Shaqab is a unique place in the world, I FA Cup, Round 5: FA Cup, Round don’t think there is a second place like this, they Leicester City vs 5: Sheffield vs really think of everything: Global Champions Tour Birmingham City Manchester City ACTION

Founder and President, Jan Tops TODAY’S

Cycling team F1 cannot race if a team is denied manager threatens entry due to virus, says Brawn hunger strike over quarantine REUTERS — SILVERSTONE everybody is comfortable with the arrangements,” he said. Formula One could not hold a “There’s a lot of things going REUTERS — DUBAI World Championship race in a on at the moment and it country that denies access to If a team is prevented changes on a day-by-day basis. A manager of a French profes- any team due to coronavirus from entering a It’s difficult to be definitive now A file photo sional cycling team, who has restrictions, Motorsport but we’re going to find of Chinese been in quarantine in an Abu Managing Director Ross Brawn country we can’t solutions.” Grand Prix Dhabi hotel due to coronavirus said yesterday. have a race. Not a Brawn said the Australian held last year. concerns, threatened to go on Italy, home to the sport’s authorities were happy to con- hunger strike yesterday if oldest, most glamorous and Formula One World tinue with their race and authorities do not allow his most successful team Ferrari, is Championship race, Formula One was cooperating team to leave the United Arab one of the countries most on checks and measures. Emirates. affected by the epidemic with anyway, because “It’s a very serious situation, Roberto Damiani, sporting more than 50 deaths and over that would be unfair. so I don’t want to underplay it. director of the Cofidis team, 2,000 confirmed cases. Obviously if a team But we’re trying to have races. said that despite testing neg- Some countries, including We’ve got to do them in a ative for the virus about 50 Vietnam which hosts its first makes its own choice responsible way,” he added. guests, including 18 profes- ever Grand Prix on April 5, have not to go to a race, “We’re minimizing the sional cyclists, have been con- imposed quarantine periods on number of people in the fined to the Crowne Plaza anyone who has come from or that’s their decision: paddock, we’re asking the hotel since Thursday. been in Italy during a two-week Motorsport Managing teams to send a minimum Emirati authorities ordered period prior to entry. number of people they need to the lockdown in the luxury That has raised concern in Director Ross Brawn a race,” he explained. Crown Plaza and W hotel in some quarters about Ferrari’s There are also plans for a Yas Island after two Italian ability to participate. charter to take Formula One’s members of the UAE Tour the “If a team is prevented from The Formula One season Italian contingent directly from riders were participating in entering a country we can’t starts in Melbourne on March Melbourne to Bahrain, without were suspected of contracting have a race. Not a Formula One 15, with Bahrain the weekend anyone leaving the plane during the coronavirus. World Championship race, after. any refuelling stopover, and The health department anyway, because that would be The Chinese Grand Prix with screening on arrival. said on Friday that 167 people unfair,” Brawn said at a spon- scheduled for Shanghai on April Apart from Ferrari, the Red isolated on the island had sorship signing with betting 19 has already been called off Bull-owned AlphaTauri team tested negative. Former Tour partner 188BET. as a result of the virus. are Italy-based as is tyre sup- de France winner Chris “Obviously if a team makes Brawn said Formula One plier Pirelli and brake maker Froome and his fellow Team its own choice not to go to a was negotiating with the Viet- Brembo. Ineos riders were among those race, that’s their decision. namese health authorities. The Bahrain International allowed to leave their hotel “But where a team is pre- “They want the race to Circuit said yesterday it was and travel home, the team said vented from going to a race happen but also they’ve got to putting in place “specific on Sunday. because of a decision of the protect their population. So measures” for teams, adminis- flight details of anyone who had Italy, or who was planning to “We have done a second country then it’s difficult to have we’re looking at what solutions trators, broadcasters and media. visited or transited through a arrive via the United Arab test on Sunday and we a fair competition.” we can find to make sure It asked for the names and number of countries, including Emirates. received the results on Monday, they were all neg- ative for the virus,” Damiani said by phone. Draisaitl scores four as Oilers defeat Predators “I hope I won’t have to start it (hunger strike)... We want to respect the country’s REUTERS — NEW YORK versus Nashville. McDavid, who Leon Draisaitl recorded laws, but respect should go had four assists, has 94 points his first career four-goal both ways,” he said. Leon Draisaitl recorded his first this season, second in the game, and he and Connor The UAE government career four-goal game, and he league. McDavid finished with media office did not immedi- and Connor McDavid finished Nashville’s Roman Josi five points each as the ately respond to a request for with five points each as the recorded his career-high 16th visiting Edmonton Oilers comment on the continued visiting Edmonton Oilers broke goal and equaled his all-time quarantine and complaints by broke open a tie game open a tie game with five third- best point total of 61. guests. All guests on the fourth period goals en route to an 8-3 The Predators, who have with five third-period floor of the Crowne Plaza have victory over the Nashville Pred- dropped two in a row, still own goals en route to an 8-3 not been cleared to leave, ators. the final wild-card spot in the victory over the Nashville members of the Cofidis team With the game tied 3-3 early Western Conference, although Predators. told Reuters, adding that the in the third, Edmonton’s two they are one of three teams tied French Groupama-FDJ team, stars took over to help the Oilers with 72 points. Russia’s Gazprom team and win their second straight and Edmonton, looking to catch Edmonton regained the lead other tourists were also sweep the three-game season first-place Vegas in the Pacific with 6:26 left in the second staying on that floor. series from Nashville. McDavid Division, opened the scoring courtesy of Kailer Yamamoto One team member said a finished with a goal and four 6:23 into the game thanks to (goal, assist). The rookie winger note had been slipped under assists. Josh Archibald, who flipped the shuffled in a backhand pass his room door on Saturday McDavid made it 4-3 at 4:42 puck past Rinne. Draisaitl from Ryan Nugent-Hopkins instructing him to stay on the into the third period with a shot scored No. 40 when he struck (three assists) for his 10th goal floor and not visit other parts from the point through traffic a McDavid pass in off the body in 22 games since being called of the hotel. and past Nashville goalie Pekka of Rinne with 29 seconds left in up from Bakersfield of the AHL. “Our rooms have not been Rinne, who later was pulled Leon Draisaitl of the Edmonton Oilers skates against the Nashville the opening period. Just 91 seconds after the cleaned since Thursday, they after allowing all eight goals on Predators during their NHL game. At 2:14 into the second, Josi Oilers went back on top, Nash- leave food outside the door for 31 shots. one-timed a blast from the top ville’s Nick Bonino muscled the us... clean towels and soap Draisaitl, whose 40th goal of the left circle past Edmonton puck past Smith to make it 3-3. have been stacked in the cor- came earlier in the contest, con- it 6-3 at 7:03 into the final period, the NHL and are a career high, goalie Mike Smith (27 saves) to Darnell Nurse also finished ridors next to the lifts,” said the verted 35 seconds later as the and two straight Draisaitl blasts surpassing his 105 from last make it 2-1. Just 14 seconds with three assists for Edmonton, team member, who declined Oilers applied more heat on put the game out of reach. season. He has also recorded 12 later, Calle Jarnkrok equalised and Archibald had a two-point to be named due to fears of Rinne. Zack Kassian’s goal made Draisaitl’s 107 points lead goals in his past five games right in front of Smith. night. retribution. NBA: Crowder stars as Miami Heat overcome Bucks

AFP — MIAMI Jae Crowder scored 18 defensively. Adebayo finished 21 points at one stage. RJ Barrett points off the bench with 14 points, pulled down 12 top-scored with 27 points for Jae Crowder scored 18 points as the Miami Heat rebounds and forced five turn- the Knicks, who had seven off the bench as the Miami Heat locked down Giannis overs. The 22-year-old also players make double figures. locked down Giannis Antetok- Antetokounmpo to hand made four blocks. Barrett sealed the win with ounmpo to hand the Milwaukee the Milwaukee Bucks a Brook Lopez led the Mil- a driving hoop with 7.6 seconds Bucks a 105-89 defeat. waukee scoring with 21 points remaining to mark the era of 105-89 defeat. Crowder led the scoring for but it was a night to forget for new team president Leon Rose the Heat as NBA MVP Antetok- Houston Rockets suffered Antetokounmpo, who made -- who officially joined the ounmpo was held to a season- a shock reverse to the only six of 18 shooting attempts. Knicks earlier Monday -- with low 13 points at Miami’s A subdued Antetokounmpo a victory. American Airlines Arena. lowly New York Knicks, admitted the Bucks had been Power forward Julius The defeat was only Mil- losing 125-123 at Madison outplayed and outfought on the Randle had 16 points -- and 16 waukee’s ninth loss of the Square Garden. night. rebounds -- while Bobby Portis season and helped Miami Elsewhere, the Houston and Wayne Ellington both improve to 39-22 in the Eastern Rockets suffered a shock delivered 15 points each from Conference play-off race. said his team had finally pro- reverse to the lowly New York the bench. The Bucks remain firmly in duced a defensive display he Knicks, losing 125-123 at Rockets coach Mike control of the conference had believed they were capable Madison Square Garden. D’Antoni said his team had not standings, leading with a 52-9 of. James Harden led the been mentally prepared for the Miami Heat guard Goran Dragic (centre) drives to the basket record ahead of second-placed Crowder led the Miami scoring with 35 points -- game following Sunday’s against Milwaukee Bucks during their NBA match. Toronto, who are 42-18. scoring along with Jimmy including 16 free throws -- overtime win over Boston. But the previously all-con- Butler, with both players fin- while Russell Westbrook added “We won a big game against quering Bucks were given ishing on 18 points. 24. Boston and came here and we plenty of food for thought ahead No fewer than six Miami But the Rockets were always weren’t ready to play for the lackadaisical,” D’Antoni said. wins and 42 defeats. The of next month’s playoffs after a players cracked double digits, chasing the game after falling first 20 minutes. They did well, The victory lifted the Knicks Rockets fell to 39-21 in the superb Miami display. including centre Bam Adebayo behind in the first quarter as the played a good game, but our into 13th place in the Eastern Western Conference, where Miami coach Erik Spoelstra who also had a huge night Knicks pulled away to lead by first three quarters were Conference standings with 19 they remain in fourth spot. 08 SPORT WEDNESDAY 4 MARCH 2020

Bangladesh’s South Africa to Tamim Iqbal Bangladesh win thriller to clinch series plays a shot. face Australia

IANS — SYLHET in Cup semis partnership that brought 80 Wesley Madhevere also scored and three sixes. runs in just 7.3 overs. 51 and 52 respectively. The 30-year-old has been Zimbabwe almost pulled off a Tiripano struck five Earlier, Iqbal became the Bangladesh’’s leading run- AFP — SYDNEY stunning win but Bangladesh massive sixes, including two first Bangladesh batsman to getter in one-dayers and this edged past their spirited rivals in the final over, but he needed score 7,000 ODI runs, after he feat adds another feather to his South Africa will face in the end to save the day, to hit another one off the final roared back to form with a cap. defending champions registering a thrilling four-run ball to secure an unlikely win. crackling 158. Bangladesh also improved Australia in the women’s victory here in the second ODI Al-Amin Hossain held his The hosts rode his heroics their highest total against Zim- World Cup semi- yesterday. nerve at the last to seal the to post 322/8 in 50 overs after babwe -- made just two days finals after their match against After Tamim Iqbal’’s series for Bangladesh. electing to bat first. Tamim, ago -- by a run. the West Indies was washed record-breaking 158 which Chasing a stiff 323 for a who played his first ODI in Brief scores: out yesterday, leaving India to propelled Bangladesh to 322/8, win, Zimbabwe never looked nine months in the first match, Bangladesh 322/8 in 50 take on England. Zimbabwe looked to be out of in the chase before Tiripano had taken a break from overs (Tamim Iqbal 158, The Proteas needed to reckoning as they slipped to and Mutombodzi joined hands. in the second half of 2019. Mushfiqur Rahim 55; Carl avoid defeat against the 225/7 in the 42nd over. For the hosts, Taijul Islam The highest Tamim has Mumba 2/64, Donald Tiripano already-eliminated West But Donald Tiripano (55 off picked up three . scored in his last seven innings 2/55; Indies to top Group B and with 28 balls) and Tinotenda For the tourists, Sikandar in ODIs is just 36, but yes- Zimbabwe 318/8 in 50 the match in Sydney aban- Mutombodzi (34 off 21 balls) Raza top-scored with 66 while terday he looked his usual best overs (Sikandar Raza 66, doned without a ball being launched a stirring counter- opener Tinashe Kamunhu- as he took 136 deliveries to get Donald Tiripano 55 ; bowled, they earned a point to attack with an eighth kamwe and 19-year old to 158 with the help of 20 fours Taijul Islam 3/52) ensure that happened. “I couldn’t have asked for better, our first goal coming here was to get to the semi- finals,” said skipper Dane van Niekerk. PSL: Maiden win for Lahore Qalanders “Generally in these tour- naments, we’ve lost at crucial AGENCIES — LAHORE for three after Mohammad times, whereas in this tour- Hafeez’s first-ball duck in the nament, whenever we’ve been A record partnership between eighth over. Their extraordinary down we’ve got up again. It’s and power-hitting set alight the nice that everything is slowly orchestrated ’ crowd filled to the stadium’s but surely coming together.” first PSL 2020 win as they 27,000-capacity. South Africa have never defeated by Both batsmen were dis- beaten four-time champions 37 runs at Lahore’s Gaddafi missed by Ben Cutting, who Australia, who suffered a big Stadium. with two wickets for 36 runs in blow Tuesday with star all- Dunk and Patel crafted an three overs was the most suc- rounder Ellyse Perry ruled out incredible partnership of 155 cessful bowler for Sarfaraz of the tournament with a ham- runs, the highest fourth-wicket Ahmed-led Gladiators. string injury. stand and second highest Mohammad Nawaz, Fawad Group B runners-up overall in PSL history, in 73 balls Ahmed and Mohammad England, the 2009 champions, to help Qalandars to a Hasnain picked a wicket each. play unbeaten Group A mammoth 209 for five. Gladiators faltered right winners India on the same day. Dunk, who batted at one- from the onset of their run- Earlier, qualifiers Thailand drop, smashed 10 sixes, the chase as they lost three wickets ended their inaugural World most in an HBL PSL innings, as in the Powerplay as Patel and Cup on a high, posting their he scored a blistering 93 at a added two and biggest ever T20 international strike-rate of over 216. one scalps to their tally. score before the heavens The Australian wicket- Gladiators spent their opened and their clash with keeper-batsman struck remaining innings looking to was also called off. Mohammad Nawaz, the left- rebuild their innings and a late They had lost all three of arm orthodox, four sixes in an surge by Ben Cutting (53 off 27, their previous games, with a over in his 43-ball knock, which three fours and five sixes) gave highest total of 82. also included three fours. For a ray of hope, but Qalandars’ But, after winning the toss his match-winning innings, bowlers continued to strike at at Sydney Showground, they Dunk was named man of the regular intervals. stunned Pakistan with their match. , who came aggressive approach, Lahore Qalandars’ Ben Dunk plays a shot during the (PSL) T20 match against From the other end, Patel in as a replacement for Haris racing to 150 for three off 20 Quetta Gladiators at the Gaddafi Cricket Stadium in Lahore, yesterday. also scored at a brisk rate which Rauf, was the pick of the overs. amplified the woes for Gladi- bowlers with four wickets for Pakistan, who upset 2016 ators, the defending champions. 29 runs. Patel, Dilbar and for 172 on the last ball of their 20 overs (Ben Dunk 93, Samit Watson 23; Salman Irshad champions West Indies in The all-rounder scored 71 runs Mohammad Faizan were the innings. Today, Lahore Patel 71, 27; Ben 4-29, Dilbar Hussain 2-11, their opening game before from 40 balls, smashing nine other bowlers to have wickets Qalandars play Islamabad Cutting 2-36) Mohammad Faizan 2-29, losing the next two, would fours and two sixes. in their accounts as they picked United at the Gaddafi Stadium. Quetta Gladiators 172 all- Samit Patel 2-31) Result have needed their record run The pair had come together up two scalps each. Brief Scores out, 20 overs (Ben Cutting 53, Lahore Qalandars win by 37 chase to win but didn’t face with Qalandars struggling at 50 Gladiators were bowled out Lahore Qalandars 209-5, Mohammad Nawaz 24, Shane runs a ball.

A general view of the gates to the stadium shut to fans during the Europa League Round of 32 second leg match between Inter Milan and Ludogorets at the San Siro in Milan, Italy, yesterday. ‘No restrictions’ for French football, rugby despite virus fears

AFP — PARIS

Top-flight French football and rugby matches “are not subject to specific restrictions” and will continue to go ahead as planned despite concerns over the coronavirus, Sports Minister Roxana Maracineanu said yesterday. Officials have reported 191 COVID-19 cases in France so far, and three deaths, while authorities are prohibiting any gatherings of more than 5,000 people in enclosed spaces. The largest numbers of coronavirus infections in France have emerged in the Oise department north of Paris. “Today (the matches) are not subject to any specific restric- tions,” said Maracineanu. “The large majority of spectators come from regions where there are no travel restrictions in place.” However, she did concede current arrangements could change as authorities battle to contain the spread of the virus. “This matter is going to be studied on a case by case basis with the prefects,” she said. Last week, French football officials scrapped the traditional Wobbling Juve, Inter aim for Cup pre-match handshakes between players on the advice of the health department. Similar protocol will be in place for this weekend’s Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 games. glory amid coronavirus chaos Maracineanu also insisted Paris Saint-Germain’s second leg at home to Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League will go ahead on March 11 -- even if it is held behind closed AFP — MILAN Their home match against Serie A table into sixth and would be able to travel to Turin doors. The next round of matches in French rugby’s Top 14 are Sampdoria and the weekend’s impressed when they held Bar- (in Piedmont) to watch the not until March 21-22, with the Six Nations set to resume this Juventus and Inter Milan can get schedule title clash with Juve celona to a draw at the Stadio match. weekend. their seasons back on track with were both postponed, pro- San Paolo in midweek. They face a Milan side Organisers said on Monday the remaining fixtures in the Italian Cup semi-final return- voking a furious reaction from The reigning league cham- whose only defeat in 2020 so Six Nations Championship were expected to be played on legs midweek, which take place the club’s CEO Beppe Marotta, pions meanwhile host AC Milan far came against Inter in a schedule, although they did not rule out possible changes. amid Serie A fixture chaos who wanted the match played in the other semi-final on thrilling derby last month and The March 7 match between Ireland and Italy in Dublin caused by the coronavirus. behind closed doors. Wednesday in a match that will who were unlucky to come has already been postponed but other matches will be main- Locked in a battle for the Two Europa League last 32 be open to the public, or at away from the first leg with tained unless governments monitoring the spread of the virus league title the pair have been matches against Ludogorets is least a portion of it. only a 1-1 draw. decide otherwise. overtaken by surprise package all Inter have had for prepa- The Italian government However Maurizio Sarri’s “We’ve just had the information that the Scots are main- Lazio as the city of Rome ration in that time, and their decreed a halt to sports events side will be favourites despite taining the match” against France in Edinburgh on Sunday, remains relatively untouched disrupted schedule comes in in the regions of Lombardy, ropey recent form that has seen but “we have doubts over French fans making the trip,” said by COVID-19, which has the midst of a dip in domestic Veneto, Emilia Romagna and them lose to Napoli and Hellas Maracineanu. caused havoc in the north of form that has left the former provinces in Liguria and Le Verona and scrape past rele- The Paris-Nice multi-stage cycling race, which runs from the country, killing 52 people. league leaders third behind Marche badly hit by the virus gation fodder Brescia and SPAL. March 8-15, also appears set to go ahead. Inter, who travel to Napoli Lazio and traditional rivals until March 8, unless the event Their 1-0 defeat to Lyon in “It’s effectively an international event, but the majority of on Thursday hoping to Juve. is held behind closed doors. the Champions League led to teams have been tested and there are few fans along the course,” overturn a 1-0 deficit from the They face stiff opposition The decree also bans fans questions over Sarri’s future on said Maracineanu, who refused to rule out imposing “stricter first leg at the San Siro, haven’t in Napoli, who look a side from those areas from making the Juve bench, and should measures”. played in Italy since being reborn since Gennaro Gattuso away trips. Milan reach the final with a first The UAE Tour, an early season warm-up that featured four- beaten at Lazio on February 16 replaced Carlo Ancelotti as Juventus announced that ever win at the Allianz Stadium time Tour de France winner Chris Froome, was cut short last as the virus concentrated in the coach in December. only fans from from areas not the calls for his dismissal will week after a coronavirus scare. Lombardy and Veneto regions. They have surged up the named by the government only become louder. WEDNESDAY 4 MARCH 2020 SPORT 09

Paralympics wheelchair Japan Olympic Minister: Games rugby test event called off

could be held any time in 2020 AP — TOKYO

AP — TOKYO A wheelchair rugby test event said: “The prepara- for the Tokyo Paralympics was Japan’s Olympic minister said tions for the Olympic called off yesterday because yesterday the contract to hold Games Tokyo 2020 Thomas Bach, President of of the virus outbreak. the Tokyo Games only specifies are continuing with the International Olympic The Japan wheelchair the event has to be held during a view to having suc- Committee (IOC) opens an rugby championships, which 2020. cessful Olympic Executive Board meeting doubled as the test event, were Seiko Hashimoto’s Games this summer in Lausanne, Switzerland, to take place on March 12-15 response to a question in the in Tokyo.” yesterday. in Tokyo. upper house of parliament Bach declined to But the Japan Para Sports implies the Olympics could be “fuel the flames of Association and the Interna- held later in the year and would speculation” about tional Wheelchair Rugby Fed- not have to start on July 24 as reports of cancel- eration cancelled the event in planned. The Paralympics open lation or line with Japan government on Aug. 25. postponement. policy discouraging large- The Tokyo Olympics are Hashimoto was crowd events this month in a being threatened by a fast- asked if she believed move aimed at stemming the spreading virus that has been the Olympics should spread of the virus. blamed for 12 deaths in Japan be held even if the Tokyo Paralympics organ- and has shut down most coronavirus outbreak isers said in a statement they schools, sports competitions is worse than it is would hold a wheelchair rugby and Olympic-related events in now. test event in April “in some the country. “We are making form” without any overseas The virus that started in the utmost effort so teams. has been detected in at that we don’t have to Tokyo Games organizers least 70 countries, with 90,000 face that situation,” have 17 test events remaining cases and 3,100 deaths she said. on their schedule. The last one reported. Any decision to is on May 8. Most are small “The IOC has the right to move the games back events featuring only local cancel the games only if they would impact inter- athletes. The most significant are not held during 2020,” national broadcasters, who America in the fall is filled with now an honorary IOC member, on May 8. Most are small events is a gymnastics test event on Hashimoto told parliament. would have sway over any the NFL, college football, also said cancellation was featuring only local athletes. April 4-6 that is expected to “This can be interpreted to changes. baseball, basketball and feasible. The most significant is a gym- have non-Japanese mean the games can be post- The International Olympic hockey. Europe is jammed with The Olympics have been nastics test on April 4-6 that is competing. poned as long as they are held Committee gets 73% of its soccer in England, Spain, cancelled only three times, all expected to have non-Japanese Tokyo Games organisers during the calendar year.” $5.7bn income in a four-year Germany, France and Italy, not during wartime. athletes competing. Japan’s and the International Olympic IOC President Thomas Bach Olympic cycle from selling to mention rugby and cricket Tokyo organizers yesterday professional baseball league is Committee say the games will and Tokyo organizers have broadcast rights. About half of where those sports are popular. were forced to call off a Para- playing preseason games in go ahead as planned from July repeatedly said they expect the that TV income is from Former IOC vice president lympic wheelchair rugby test stadiums without fans, and the 24, but each passing day sees Olympics to open on schedule. American network NBC. Dick Pound told The Associated event following suggestions soccer J-League has suspended events cancelled and puts the Others have suggested the The 1964 Tokyo Olympics Press in an interview last week from Prime Minister Shizo Abe play until March 18. The famous Olympics in jeopardy. spreading virus could force were held in October. But the that a decision about the to hold down large crowd Tokyo Marathon was held on Former IOC vice president cancellation, postponement or games have now shifted to Olympics probably has to be events for several weeks. Sunday with only a few Dick Pound told the Associated moving events to other cities. summer, largely because it’s made in the next several Tokyo organizers have 17 hundred elite runners, instead Press in an interview last week In an interview last week the only time slot open for months. Kevan Gosper, another test events remaining on their of a public party for 30,000 that a decision about the with only Japanese media, Bach sports broadcasters. North former IOC vice president and schedule. The last one is to end participants. Olympics probably has to be made by late May. Tokyo could lose Olympics if not held this year

AFP — TOKYO killing 3,116 and causing chaos as governments Tokyo risks losing the Olympics if they’re post- clamp down on travel. A long list of sports events poned later than this year over the new corona- have been cancelled or postponed to avoid virus, a government minister said yesterday, spreading the virus. adding that May looks like the deadline for the Hashimoto added that May looked like an decision. “important benchmark” for deciding whether the The contract for the Games says the Interna- Games go ahead as scheduled. tional Olympic Committee can withdraw hosting “An IOC member has said the end of May is rights if they’re not held in 2020, Olympics Min- the final deadline for making the decision,” she ister Seiko Hashimoto told parliament. said, referring to remarks by senior IOC member Japan’s government, Tokyo organisers and the Dick Pound. IOC have all pledged to hold the Games on “So I think the end of May is an important schedule from July 24, but the fast-spreading virus benchmark,” Hashimoto said. continues to raise concerns. “We’re making utmost efforts so that the IOC “Looking at the contract once again, it says in can be convinced that the Tokyo Games can be Article 66 that the IOC holds the right to cancel held safely.” the Games by deactivating the contract if... the Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has Games are not held in 2020,” Hashimoto said. stepped up national measures to contain the virus, “At this moment, the Tokyo 2020 committee, urging schools nationwide to close for several the IOC and Tokyo (city government) are doing weeks and calling on organisers of large events their best to make sure the Games will be held to consider cancelling or delaying them. from July 24,” she added. Everything from football matches and music This picture taken yesterday shows the statue representing Baron Pierre de Coubertin at the “The government will fully support that.” concerts have been affected, while sumo’s spring entrance of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) headquarters in Lausanne. COVID-19 has been detected in 76 countries, tournament will be held behind closed doors. The best way to win at sport? Buy the tournament!

BLOOMBERG — LONDON Last year it bought a 27% stake in England’s Umbers, who advised CVC on its Premiership They could use the fund’s cash injection Premiership, the top rugby division, for £200m. rugby investment, wrote in the specialist publi- to centralize a lot of functions such as merchan- If you want to make money from professional Now it’s trying to add to that with investments in cation SportsPro Media last year that fragmen- dising. American sports leagues like the NFL sports, trying to win a competition is a real punt. Pro14, a club competition spanning Ireland, Italy, tation of broadcast rights made it harder to engage administer merchandising for all the teams. They Far better to own the competition itself. Even Wales, Scotland and South Africa, and the Six with fans. have licensed all global rights to SoftBank Group better, own several competitions. Nations, the annual round-robin tournament The implication is that selling bundled rights Corp.-backed Fanatics Inc. It’s a similar effect to The surge in online streaming has prompted where the national teams of England, Scotland, for as many rugby competitions as possible would collective bargaining over TV rights: the top teams private equity firms to scramble for ways to get Wales, Ireland, France and Italy compete. be lucrative. And the shift to online viewing might receive less, but the smaller teams receive into the content game. If those deals come off, then it’ll have invested means there are more prospective bidders for more, making a bigger pot for everyone. Costs Many seem to have landed on sport as a good £620m in the gentlemen’s game. The 14% stake rights. The fact that the Six Nations deal might are reduced and revenue increased. opportunity: a quarter of the 20 teams in English that CVC is reportedly seeking in the Six Nations fall apart if the rights are restricted to free-to-air, Dangers do remain for the sport itself. Yes, soccer’s Premier League now have an owner in will value the as the moving more content behind a paywall can result private equity. competition Guardian in more income, but it could come at the cost of If you invest in a studio or production house, at some reported fan exposure and rugby’s long-term health. then you risk having films or shows that aren’t a £2.1m. last month, And the teams must be wary of CVC’s appetite hit. By contrast, sport has a captive audience - a How do hints at the for debt. The reason the fund was able to turn its loyal fan base. Forget Star Wars or Marvel: ath- you make rationale initial $1bn cash outlay on F1 into a profit within letic teams are the original franchises. those behind the two years was by saddling the organization with But picking teams comes with an inherent investments deal. debt and extracting a dividend, Bloomberg News risk. If you underinvest in a club, appoint an inept pay off? “The reported in 2016. coach, or your star players get injured, then your Broadcast scarce When it sold control to Liberty Media Corp. team might not qualify for the premier compe- rights. resource in that year, half of F1’s $8bn enterprise value came titions. Worse, it might get relegated: the lowest- Moving a the media from its debt pile. Fortunately the rugby teams placed teams get shunted into a lower division sport from industry will still have majority control of each tour- where income from broadcast rights, merchan- free-to- used to be nament. As long as they coordinate, they’ll be able dising and ticketing is a lot lower. air tele- Portsmouth’s James Bolton in action with Arsenal’s distri- to fend off CVC’s debtor instincts. While a club in the UEFA Champions League vision to Eddie Nketiah during their FA Cup, Fifth Round, match bution” That could make it harder for CVC to match can expect to make £475m ($609m) a year in pay TV can at Fratton Park, Portsmouth, Britain, on Monday. because its massive F1 returns. It had initially sought a revenue, those in the Championship, England’s triple the there were majority stake in the Premiership, but was second tier, will make just £21m, according to a income a limited rebuffed by the clubs. Doing so would have made 2019 Deloitte study. Ouch. I’ve said it before: from broadcasting rights, according to Boston number of TV stations, said BCG’s Petranca. “Now it easier to load the tournament with debt. There owning a European sports team seems little more Consulting Group partner Jean-Paul Petranca. there are lots of entry points, and the scarce may be the opportunity to do so with the vehicle than a vanity project for the errant super-rich. F1 revenue has almost doubled since 2010 as resource is high quality content.” through which it invests in the sport, but the lack Sports tournaments, however, can be a it has moved the broadcast to pay TV providers Still, it’s not as easy as it seems. CVC has of control makes it a bigger risk. Even so, if CVC lucrative proposition if you get them right. Just like Comcast Corp.’s Sky unit. picked a vulnerable sport. For the same amount can improve merchandising and rake in more ask CVC Capital Partners, which made at least a Terrestrial broadcasters British Broadcasting that CVC currently plans to invest in rugby, it broadcast income, then it should make a success 500% return on its 2006 acquisition of Formula Corp. and ITV Plc between them currently pay would get just 21% of soccer giant Manchester of rugby. One, the world’s most popular motorsport. The the Six Nations £90m a year for the privilege of United Plc. That’s because many of the top rugby In the fight for high-quality content, putting private equity giant has now set its sights else- showing the tournament. teams are loss-making and desperate for a Hail money into a tournament might be the best way where: rugby. Oakwell Sports Advisory partner Andrew Mary. to stay above the scrum. 10 SPORT WEDNESDAY 4 MARCH 2020 WTA Tour continues with 2020 schedule despite virus chaos

REUTERS – MUMBAI spread of the virus since the “We are proceeding with the The top eight women’s event staff, and fans who attend advisers and prepared to take first outbreak in China in remainder of the 2020 WTA singles players and the same WTA events,” the association any necessary measures based The Women’s Tennis Associ- December. Some qualifying Tour season as planned but we number of doubles teams are said. on expert advice. ation (WTA) has said it hopes to events for the Olympic Games will be prepared to make any then scheduled to assemble “We are working closely The men’s ATP Tour also forge ahead with the remainder in Tokyo later this year have changes, if deemed necessary in Shenzen in November to with our tournaments, so they witnessed a number of its Chal- of the 2020 world tour despite also been disrupted. in due time,” the WTA told compete in the season-ending are in the best position to lenger Tour events cancelled in widespread concerns over the For a sport which needs Reuters. WTA Finals - considered only provide for health and safety China in March and April, while coronavirus outbreak that has players to fly around the world The April 27-May 3 below the four Grand Slams precautions in their venues.” the final of a Challenger event seen a host of sports events every week and play in front Kunming Open in China’s in terms of prestige and The inaugural version of the Fed in Bergamo, Italy, was also can- cancelled or postponed around of stadiums filled with people, Anning became the second glamour. Cup Finals will also see the top celled in February. the globe. tennis could be hard hit as tournament to be cancelled The WTA said it is regu- women’s players of the world “We are in regular contact The virus outbreak has countries take measures to after the Xi’an Open which was larly communicating with assemble in for the with our player and tournament killed more than 3,000 people contain the virus. also scheduled for April. health experts, local govern- $18m 12-nation event from members regarding the latest worldwide and infected China is a major location in Zhengzhou, Jiangxi, ments and travel agencies and April 14-19. precautionary health measures almost 89,000, most of them WTA’s calendar and the Tour Guangzhou, Wuhan, Beijing, passing those information to the The International Tennis and guidelines, as well as any in China. has already cancelled two 125K Tianjin and Zhuhai are all set to players. Federation - the custodians of travel advisories, and we con- Almost all sports have been series tournaments in China, host WTA events in September “There isn’t anything more the Fed Cup - said it is in con- tinue to closely monitor the sit- impacted by the escalation in which were scheduled to be and October during the tour’s important than protecting the stant consultation with inde- uation as it evolves,” the ATP precautions taken against the held in April. Asian swing. health of our players, WTA and pendent medical and travel Tour announced.

Alexandre Cassin of France in action against Finland's Benedek Olah during their preliminary round clash of the 25th edition of the Qatar Open at the Aspire Academy yesterday. UEFA ‘confident’ virus outbreak will not derail Euro 2020 plans

AFP – AMSTERDAM

UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin said yesterday he was confident European football’s governing body could deal with any worst-case scenario in relation to the upcoming Euro 2020 as the continent battles to contain the spread of the coro- navirus. COVID-19 has been detected in 76 countries worldwide, killing over 3,000 people with Italy the worst-hit nation in Europe. The Italian capital Rome is one of 12 venues across the continent set to host matches at the European Championship in June and July. A long list of sports events around the 2020 ITTF World Tour Platinum - Qatar Open world have been cancelled or postponed in recent days to avoid spreading the virus, including games in Italy’s Serie A. The top two divisions of Swiss football have been postponed until the end of Cassin books date with 2015 champ March. “You don’t know how many concerns we have when we organise a big com- petition,” Ceferin said at a press con- Samsonov as event kicks off ference in Amsterdam after the Dutch capital hosted the UEFA Congress. THE PENINSULA – DOHA Turkish counterpart Ibrahim This week marks 100 days until the Sweden's Truls Moregard in action Gunduz 4-0 (11-8, 11-9, 15-13, start of the 24-team European Champi- against China's Fang Bo yesterday. Frenchman Alexandre Cassin 14-12) with Spain’s Alvaro onship, and Ceferin called on organisers PICTURES: HUSSEIN SAYED overcame Finland's Benedek Robles, Hungary’s Bence to “not just think about dark scenarios, Olah 4-3 (4-11, 11-7, 12-10, 9-11, Majoros and Serbia’s Ale- there will be time for that later.” His com- 12-14, 11-7, 12-10) in an exhil- ksandar Karakasevic all pre- ments came after FIFA president Gianni arating preliminary round vailing in their respective Infantino, addressing the Congress, urged clash to book a date with 2015 fixtures. authorities “not to panic”. men's singles champion, on the The two Qatari player UEFA General Secretary Theodore opening day of the 25th edition competing in the afternoon Theodoridis said European football’s gov- of the Qatar Open, yesterday. session both tasted defeat and erning body “do not want to overreact” At the Aspire Academy with it an opening stage elim- and was dealing with the situation “case today, Cassin will meet the top ination in Doha. Mohammed by case”. However, Champions League seed, Belarusian Vladimir Abdulwahhab was seen off in fixtures are a more pressing concern. Samsonov who moved into the straight games by Uzbekistan’s While Juventus had their Serie A second round of the ITTF Zokhid Kenjaev on table 1 game called off at the weekend, Inter World Tour Platinum event (11-4, 11-7, 11-5, 11-6) while Milan played a Europa League home with a bye. Fahed Almughanne suffered game behind closed doors last Thursday China’s Zhou Qihao also the same fate in his meeting with northern Italy particularly badly hit moved through to the second with India’s Amalraj Anthony by the outbreak. preliminary round in the men’s (11-5, 11-3, 11-5, 11-7). Juventus are due to host Lyon in Turin singles qualification draw after Only two further and China’s Ng Pak Peng has survived a gruelling seventh game decider. Even- in the second leg of their Champions negotiating a tricky encounter encounters scheduled for the Nam (11-4, 11-6, 11-7, 9-11, 11-9) preliminary round 1 contest tually, Moregard came out on League last-16 tie on March 17 and that against Belarusian opponent session were played out as respectively. against French opponent Can top, winning 4-3 (11-4, 9-11, game could also be played behind closed Aliaksandr Khanin 4-1 (11-9, Russia’s Kirill Skachkov and A tight affair which Akkuzu (11-9, 8-11, 11-5, 7-11, 11-9, 7-11, 10-12, 11-4, 12-10) doors, chiefly because there is little room 11-7, 10-12, 11-7, 13-11). France’s Tristan Flore required the full seven-game 11-3, 13-15, 11-6) to extend his in a 54 minute epic. in a crowded calendar to allow for Elsewhere, Belgium’s accounted for Iraq’s Ameer Al- distance to find a winner, stay in the men’s singles race. Germany’s Ricardo postponements. Martin Allegro outclassed Nuaimi (11-7, 11-7, 11-5, 11-2) China’s Xiang Benedikt Duda was in Walther meanwhile had to Inter are also due to host Spanish side imperious mood against deal with the challenge of Getafe on March 12 in the Europa League. Uzbekistan’s Zokhid Kenjaev in India’s Jeet Chandra, as he beat Chew Zhe Yu Clarence, Theodoridis said: “Inter already action against Qatar's Mohammed the Asian in straight games winning 4-2 (11-4, 8-11, 12-10, have two matches postponed, and they Abdulwahhab yesterday. (11-3, 11-4, 11-5, 11-7) in under 11-13, 11-6, 11-7) after the Sin- still play in the Italian Cup and the 22 minutes. gaporean gave him a serious Europa League, so this makes it almost However, the session was run for his money. impossible to find dates if we don’t marred by a number of with- China’s Yan An and Zhou coordinate between the European drawals due to injury – Czech Yu started the proceedings in leagues.” Republic’s Pavel Sirucek and Doha with major wins against Concerns about the outbreak have Italy’s Leonardo Mutti both India’s Harmeet Desai and impacted on the draw for the next UEFA dropped out giving Belarussian Romania’s Ovidiu Ionescu Nations League tournament in Pavel Platonov and Senegal’s respectively. Amsterdam on Tuesday evening. Ibrahima Diaw default entries Yan An needed no more National team coaches are due to into the next round. than 38 minutes to see off the attend the ceremony, but Scotland Swedish prodigy Truls Indian, winning 4-1 (11-6, manager Steve Clarke will not be present, Moregard was in action 10-12, 13-11, 11-5, 11-9). For the Scottish FA told the BBC. against China’s Fang Bo and Zhou Yu, it was more of a That decision was made in order to it was all about the fiery shots contest as he beat his avoid an “unnecessary risk” with his team here at the Aspire Academy, European opponent 4-2 (8-11, due to play Israel in a key Euro 2020 with the match going to a 8-11, 11-1, 11-6, 11-5, 11-3). qualifying play-off later this month. A hot summer ahead for boxing’s heavyweight division

AP – LONDON more fluid, though promoter Bob Arum Joshua meeting the once-beaten Bul- years ago. It will be the second try at a the contract between the two boxers said he is looking at July 18 at the MGM garian before what is expected to be world title by Pulev, who has won eight to formally ask for a third fight with Boxing’s heavyweight division will be Grand hotel in Las Vegas. That’s where 70,000 fans at the new stadium. straight since being stopped by Fury. Wilder blamed the weight of a heating up even further this summer, Fury stopped Wilder in the seventh "A spectacular stadium has been Klitschko. costume he wore into the ring for highlighted by a third fight between round last month of their title rematch built in north London and I’m honored Arum, who promotes Pulev as well taking away his legs in that fight and Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder and in a dominating performance that to bring the boxing community from all as Fury, said the two fights could lead said his corner should have never Anthony Joshua defending his belts cemented his status on top of the heav- over the world to witness us make to a heavyweight unification fight by thrown in the towel in the seventh against Kubrat Pulev in London. yweight division. history with the stadium’s first heavy- the end of the year. round to end the bout. Joshua and Pulev will go first, "Nothing is set in stone but that’s weight world title fight,"Joshua said. Fury, who is unbeaten in 31 fights, Arum said the economics of a third meeting June 20 in the first boxing bouts certainly the date we’re talking "The belts go back up in the air and staked his claim to being the best heav- fight make sense, even if some in boxing at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Joshua, about,"Arum said Monday. "We have to nothing will stop me from being yweight around when he knocked down believe the second fight under-per- who reclaimed his piece of the heavy- meet with the Wilder camp and eve- victorious." Wilder twice before stopping him in the formed in pay-per-view sales. The fight weight title in December against Andy rybody else and zero in on it, but right Joshua will defend his piece of the seventh round in Las Vegas. The fight drew a record heavyweight title gate of Ruiz Jr., will be fighting at home in now that’s the date we’re looking at." heavyweight title against Pulev, whose was a rematch of their first meeting in $17.9m and Arum said he believes the England for the first time in two years. Promoter Eddie Hearn announced only loss was to former champion December 2018 that ended in a draw. pay-per-view sales will hit 1.1 million The date for Fury and Wilder is the Joshua-Pulev fight on Monday, with Wladimir Klitschko nearly 5 1-2 six Wilder had 30 days under when all are tallied up. WEDNESDAY 4 MARCH 2020 SPORT 11 2020 Longines Global Champions Tour round in Qatar Stage set for ‘spectacular’ season opener RIZWAN REHMAT THE PENINSULA Qatari rider Bassem Fans around the world Mohammed guiding Gunder will be able to watch all over an obstacle during an The first round of the 2020 earlier edition of the Qatar the action live on GCTV Longines Global Champions Round of Longines Global throughout the weekend. Tour (LGCT) - the world’s most Champions Tour at Al Shaqab The first round of the popular show jumping series Arena in this file photo. - opens tomorrow and hosts GCL team competition Qatar are ready to deliver a will begin at 17:45 (local ‘spectacular’ show, top offi- time) tomorrow, with cials associated with the sport home team Doha Falcons said yesterday. looking for a good start “This is the 7th edition of the Longines Global Cham- to their campaign in front pions Tour that we are hosting of a home crowd. Friday in Qatar and this time we are will see two top-level glad to kick off the new competitions, before the season,” Omar Al Mannai, the Event Director, said second round of the GCL yesterday. competition takes place “We are opening the at 14:45 on Saturday. season now. We used to host The LGCT Grand Prix of the last event of the LGCT Doha kicks off at 18:15 on series. We are looking forward to top shows from riders and Saturday, with riders vying horses this week,” Al Mannai for the win as well as the added at a press conference first golden ticket to the attended by popular Belgian LGCT Super Grand Prix at rider Nicola Philippaerts and the GC Prague Play-offs. LGCT and GCL President and Founder, Jan Tops. “What’s so special about this week’s edition is that this The world’s best riders is the first round of 2020. The Omar Al Mannai, Event Director and horses will battle LGCT battles starts right here in Qatar. The entire seasons in testing competitions takes off from here. Starting What’s so special about this week’s in a varied and dynamic from Qatar means a lot to us,” edition is that this is the first round calendar spanning 18 Al Mannai said. events including the Last week, the same venue of 2020. The LGCT battles starts GC Prague Play-offs in hosted the Commercial Bank CHI Al Shaqab, a five-star right here in Qatar. The entire November. Rider and event where World No.3 seasons takes off from here. Starting horse combinations Daniel Duesser bagged the from Qatar means a lot to us. will have to deliver top Grand Prix trophy. performances in multiple More than 40,000 fans turned up to watch the action environments ranging live during the February 26-29 started hosting LGCT here in year in 2019. We had the play- TIMETABLE from small and large event. Al Shaqab. LGCT is a tour that offs, a new concept that had sand and grass arenas to “It is one of the well- takes place all over the world, 250,000 people watching the TOMORROW jumping by day and by 15:00 CSI 5* Two phases 1.45m (€25.400) known events on the LGCT and of course it has boosted riders live (in Prague). Our night. The opening event calendar. We are honoured to the sport all around the globe,” sport had great events in 17:45 CSI 5* GCL of Doha Round 1 - 1.50/1.55m host this in Qatar,” he added. Al Mannai said. and New York (€55,000 to individual class winners) at Al Shaqab in Doha The Qatar leg is one of 18 “For us here in Doha, it’s also. This year we have 18 features an expansive events to be held this year incredible for riders, trainers, stops and 16 teams competing FRIDAY, MARCH 6 sand arena at 120 x 80m 09:00 National Accumulative 1.00/1.15m (QR10,000) including the GC Prague and so on to experience this in the Global Champions and will be followed Playoffs to be staged at the end kind of event. Besides that, the League. They will be battling 13:00 National Against-the-clock 1.20/1.30m of the year. top sport of LGCT continues to for the team title. We have (QR20,000 - individual & QR20,000 - teams) by the vast grass arena What started as a six- attract new partners - local seen riders getting ready. 15:45 CSI 5* Against-the-clock 1.50m (€51,100) in Mexico City and the 19:30 CSI 5* Against-the-clock with jump-off stop series in 2006 now has and international - to be part Every rider has the possibility tighter sand arena on 1.50/1.55m (€148,500) millions of fans around the of this story here in Qatar and to win. They start in Shaqab Miami Beach. Only the best world with LGCT events held this is important for us as this week.” SATURDAY, MARCH 7 will succeed in clinching around iconic locations like organisers and hosts. Belgian rider Philippaerts 09:55 National Against-the-clock 1.15/1.25m podium places and Miami, Madrid, Cannes, “We had a little over echoed Al Mannai’s senti- (QR15,000) Monaco, Paris, London, 40,000 spectators attending ments when he praised the 12:15 National Against-the-clock 1.30/1.45m valuable ranking points Rome and New York. over three days so we have Longines Arena at Al Shaqab. (QR35,000) and prize money on the Al Mannai said Doha takes really developed the event in “For us as riders it’s an 14:45 CSI5* GCL of Doha Round 2 - 1.50/1.55m road to the Finals in New great pride in being part of the that way too. We are looking incredible place, we always (€95,000) York and the GC Prague LGCT series. forward to continue hosting look forward to coming back 18:15 CSI 5* Longines Global Champions Tour Grand “The Longines Global this event in the future,” Al here. I think the best riders in Prix of Doha - 1.60m (€375,000) Play-offs. Champions Tour started in Mannai said. the world have been coming Doha in 2008. In 2013 we LGCT and GCL President already for many years here, and Founder Tops, yesterday the top 30 almost always said at a pre-event press con- come here,” Philippaerts said ference: “I think Al Shaqab is yesterday. a unique place in the world, I “The weather is good, the don’t think there is a second facilities are perfect, all the For us as riders place like this, they really riders come here with their it’s an incredible think of everything. The best horses. The event and public attendance is venue is good preparation for place, we always increasing every year, which this year’s Olympic Games as look forward to is very nice to see. The whole the weather and temperature place is picture perfect. We is good for the horses’ accli- coming back here. are excited to see all the teams matisation, and there is a lot I think the best battle for their places for the of space to work everywhere,” riders in the world title and also the riders to try the 26-year-old added. and qualify all season for the “It is an amazing circuit have been coming LGCT Super Grand Prix in and all the best riders in the already for many Prague which is very pres- world love it. tigious to win.” "Everyone wants to win years here, the top He added: the title in the end. The top 30 almost always “We had an riders in the world are all here incredible and we will see some nice come here: Nicola sport this weekend,” he Philippaerts added. Belgian rider Nicola Philippaerts (centre) offers tips to young riders during the Internations Camp at Al Shaqab, yesterday.

A file picture of last year’s action of the Longines Global Champions Tour at the Longines Arena at Al Shaqab. SPORT SPORTS | 09 SPORT | 11 JapanJap Olympic Longines Global Minister:Minis Games Champions Tour: Stage ccouldould be held any set for ‘spectacular’ timet in 2020 season opener

WEDNESDAY 4 MARCH 2020 Kaymer leads stellar field at Qatar Masters ARMSTRONG VAS more courses being opened. So, THE PENINSULA I think golf is very bright out here. You see more and more Two-time Major winner Martin players and better players Kaymer leads a galaxy of golf coming from this region as stars who will be vying for the well.” top prize at the Commercial Hussein Ali Al Abdulla, Chief Bank Qatar Masters European Marketing Officer at Com- Tour event from March 5 to 8. mercial Bank said they have The former World No.1 along popularising the game among with defending champion Justin young talents. Harding and Paul Lawrie, a two- “Every year, Commercial time Doha winner are some of Bank tirelessly works to deliver the 144 elite golfers who will be the best golf experience for par- competing for The Mother of ticipants and players, as well as Pearl Trophy at Education City spectators and enthusiasts, Golf Club. which is why we have organised For the first time in the tour- and scheduled in cooperation nament’s 23-year history the with the Education City Golf event has been shifted from Club visits to various schools Doha Golf Club to the newly- and universities in Doha to raise built course, designed by two- awareness on this sport time Masters Champion Jose amongst students,” Al Abdulla Maria Olazába, which will be Hassan Nasser Al Naimi (fourth left), Qatar Golf Association President, and Hussein Ali Al Abdulla (fourth right), Chief Marketing Officer said. officially inaugurated on at Commercial Bank posing for a photograph with other top officials during a press conference held at the Education City Golf Club, “The main goal of this cam- Thursday. yesterday. PICTURE: BAHER AMIN / THE PENINSULA paign was to raise awareness The venue comprises 33 about this fascinating game holes split into three courses; 18 and to educate the public in holes, nine holes and six holes. action along with two local CHAMPIONS IN DOHA “Al Kaabi and Al Kuwari Qatar, in particular com- The facility also includes a state- Qatari golfers. Valimaki won his have taken part in three to four munity members aged of-the-art learning and practice first European Tour title 2019 Justin Harding South Africa 2008 Adam Scott Australia Qatar Masters championships between 3 and 25, in order to facility housed in the Centre of defeating Stone in a play-off to 2018 Eddie Pepperell England 2007 Retief Goosen South Africa before this one this year they make them more familiar with Excellence and is at the heart of lift the trophy in Muscat. 2017 Wang Jeung-hun South Korea 2006 Henrik Stenson Sweden participated in the Qatar Open the game, its techniques and Qatar’s vision to grow the game. Addressing a press con- 2016 Branden Grace South Africa 2005 Ernie Els South Africa Amateur Championship and values. We are pleased to Kaymer, a four-time Ryder ference here yesterday Michael both of them finished in the top announce that we have suc- 2015 Branden Grace South Africa 2004 Joakim Haeggman Sweden Cup star, who won the 2010 US Braidwood, General Manager five. So i think, their chances of ceeded in educating around PGA Championship and 2014 US at Education City Golf Club said 2014 Sergio García Spain 2003 Darren Fichardt South Africa probably making the cut are 9,000 students from several Open will be hoping to continue they are ready to host the top 2013 Chris Wood England 2002 Adam Scott Australia high and they playing with pro- schools and universities in the his promising start to the season players. 2012 Paul Lawrie (2) Scotland 2001 Tony Johnstone Zimbabwe fessionals is good enough for country,” he added. with another strong per- “The golf course is spec- 2011 Thomas Bjørn Denmark 2000 Rolf Muntz Netherlands them to gain experience and Since it was first included formance in a bid to bolster his tacular. It’s an amazing con- 2010 Robert Karlsson Sweden 1999 Paul Lawrie Scotland move on in their careers and on the European Tour Inter- position in the 2020 Race to dition. Some of the players 2009 Álvaro Quirós Spain 1998 Andrew Coltart Scotland hopefully someday become national Schedule in 1998, Dubai. taking part got to use it for the professionals.” former winners of the event Besides Kaymer, a number first time on Monday and the European Tour Tournament have included Major cham- of players in the field have Ryder feedback was very, very pos- cope with the challenge.. The said that the two Qatari players Director Mikael Ericsson said pions Ernie Els (2005), Sergio Cup ambitions like Eddie Pep- itive,” Braidwood said. forecast is good for Thursday, in the field Saleh Ali Al Kaabi that the sport is growing in the Garcia (2014), Retief Goosen perell, Alex Levy, Joost Luiten, LIke all golf courses across Friday, Saturday and Sunday. and Jaham Jasim Al Kuwari region in the terms of new (2007), Lawrie (1999, 2012), Thomas Pieters and Thomas the region, Braidwood said So we expect to see low scores, have shown some promising courses and the number of Adam Scott (2002, 2008) and Detry. wind will play a major part once lots of birdies, lots of results against their name in the players taking to the sport. Henrik Stenson (2006) and Winner of last week’s event the action begins on Thursday. excitement,” he added. run up to the championship and “I think the future is very Europe’s victorious 2018 in Oman, Sami Valimaki of “The wind is a major factor, Qatar Golf Association Pres- he was hopeful they will make bright. I think golf is growing Ryder Cup Thomas Finland will also be seen in so we’ll see how the players ident, Hassan Nasser Al Naimi, the cut. out here and we see more and Bjørn (2011). Picturesque Education City Golf Club set to become European Tour venue Expect to see lots of birdies, lots of excitement: Braidwood

FAWAD HUSSAIN introduce the state-of-the-art see when they get on excep- THE PENINSULA venue to the world. Sheikha Moza to grace inauguration tional putting surfaces that we Designed by two-time have here. Expect to see low Braving windy conditions, Masters champion Jose Maria H H Sheikha Moza bint Nasser will officially inaugurate the scores, lots of birdies and lot European Tour stars yesterday Olazabal, the venue at Edu- Education City Golf Club tomorrow, Qatar Golf Association Pres- of excitement and we are tackled bunkers and green-side cation City comprises of 33 ident Hassan Nasser Al Naimi said yesterday. looking forward to seeing water hazards at the Education holes split into three courses; “Her Highness Sheikha Moza will officially inaugurate the what the winning scores City Golf Club as they flexed 18 holes, nine holes and six Education City Golf Club on Thursday,” Al Naimi said at a press would be. It will be a tough, muscles for this week’s holes. conference yesterday. fair and a very good chal- Commercial Bank Qatar It also includes a learning He added the purpose to shift the Commercial Bank Qatar lenge,” Braidwood said. Masters. and practice facility housed in Masters from long time venue Doha Gold Club is to introduce “Golf continues to grow in The top golfers, who tested the Centre of Excellence and is the new course to the world. Qatar and we are excited to the picturesque course having at the heart of Qatar’s vision to “We want to show the world that we have another golf club help shape the golfing land- unique views of the Doha grow the game in the Middle in Qatar and development of the sport will continue, and hope- scape through our principles Skyline and the 2022 Education Eastern country. From fully we will see new courses,” he said. at Education City,” Braidwood City World Cup Stadium yes- tomorrow, as many as 144 pro- added. terday, were left impressed and fessional golfers including two- South Africa’s Justin gave immediate thumbs up to time Major Champion Martin “The golf course is spec- days, with Braidwood saying Harding - the defending the new venue. Kaymer and Paul Lawrie will tacular. It is in amazing con- the golfers will get a fair test champion – was one of the The Commercial Bank Qatar vie at the course for the pres- dition. The players were there during the tournament. golfers who practised yesterday Masters – in its 23rd edition – tigious title - marking a new for the first time and the “We will see how the and he was happy with his first Michael Braidwood, General is taking place for the first time era in history of the sport in feedback was very very pos- players will cope with the experience. Manager of the Education City at the Education City Golf Club, Qatar. itive,” Braidwood said at a press challenge. The wind is a major “It’s a good golf course, I’ve marking a European Tour debut Michael Braidwood, General conference held at the venue factor, very windy today but played nine holes and I think the Golf Club for the world class course. The Manager of the Education City yesterday. the forecast is good for the wind’s going to blow,” Qatar Golf Association has Golf Club said the course pro- While there was a lot of playing days. So we expect low said Harding. “It’s moved the event away from vides a perfect platform for wind yesterday, the forecast scoring. Nowadays the golfers going to make it chal- iconic Doha Golf Club to thrilling action. remains good for the playing hit very far. It is great for us to lenging for scoring.”

Workers giving finishing touches at the Education City Golf Course ahead of the 2020 Commercial Bank Qatar Masters yesterday. PICTURE: BAHER AMIN / THE PENINSULA