Officials Reiterate Tokyo Olympics Are On

FRIDAY 14 FEBRUARY 2020 SPORTSPORT 17

FOOTBALL FOOTBALL Security is always a major concern everywhere in the world. In Pakistan, I think, the steps that have been taken over the past few ES Tunis vs Zamalek Al Kass International years have instilled great amounts of conﬁdence in the cricketing CAF Super Cup Final Cup at the Aspire nations beyond the shores of Pakistan, and slowly but surely that At the Thani Bin Academy ACTION conﬁdence is building up: Former Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara TODAY’S Jassim Stadium Grounds Officials reiterate Tokyo Olympics are on

AP – TOKYO The Olympics open in just always travel for these The Hong Kong and Sin- matches, and almost all sports clue when this issue will be over five months, and the torch inspection visits. gapore rounds of the World in China, including Olympic resolved. Based on various Tokyo Olympic organisers reit- relay begins next month in Last week Toshiro Muto, the Rugby Sevens Series were qualifying events. It is also pieces of information we erated their message yesterday Japan - a clear signal the games CEO of the Tokyo organising rescheduled from April to keeping Chinese athletes from receive, it seems that this virus at the start of two days of are getting close. committee, said he was “seri- October yesterday, with organ- traveling to qualify, which is not as strong as the influenza meetings with the International Japan reported its first ously worried that the spread isers saying the decision was could put their presence in virus. The virus is susceptible to Olympic Committee: The 2020 death from the coronavirus of the infectious disease could taken “in response to continued Tokyo in jeopardy. humidity and heat. In Japan, we Games will not be waylaid by on Thursday, a development throw cold water on the health concerns relating to” the Saburo Kawabuchi, a have the rainy season which the virus that is spreading from that will add to the jitters momentum toward the games.” outbreak of the virus. Also, t he former Olympian and the so- could defeat the virus.” neighbouring China. among organisers and IOC He backed down a day later SportAccord conference, an called mayor of the Olympic John Coates, an IOC “I would like to make it officials. Japan has confirmed and said he was confident the event with close ties to the Village that will house 11,000 member who heads the regular clear again that we are not con- almost 250 cases, including games would go forward, which Olympic movement, will not athletes and thousands more inspection visits to Tokyo, said sidering a cancellation or post- 218 from a cruse ship quar- is the message this time. take place in Beijing in April as staff members, suggested he expected to receive reports ponement of the games. Let me antined at the port of On Wednesday, the virus scheduled, organisers said Tokyo’s hot and humid summer on the virus from the Japanese make that clear,” Organising Yokohama, near Tokyo. forced the cancellation of a yesterday. would stop the virus. government, the Tokyo city Committee President Yoshiro Sitting among the IOC offi- Formula One race set for April The virus has also wiped “The biggest concern is the government, and local organ- Mori said, speaking through an cials this time was Dr. Richard in Shanghai, which draws more out the indoor world track and coronavirus and the infection,” isers in order to see the “nec- interpreter to dozens of top IOC Budgett, the IOC’s Medical and than 100,000 over a race field championships in Nanjing, he said, speaking in Japanese. essary precautions that are officials gathered in Tokyo. Scientific Director who does not weekend. golf tournaments, soccer “Currently we don’t have any being taken.”

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron SportAccord Coleman looking to James (right) controls the ball against Denver Nuggets guard Monte Morris during their NBA game at the Pepsi meeting post fast time in Center on Wednesday. moved away 60m at US Indoors from Beijing REUTERS – BERLIN REUTERS – NEW MEXICO ran in the championships in the high altitude of Albu- The SportAccord World World 60m record holder querque in 2018. Sport and Business Christian Coleman wants to "He had been undecided Summit has been moved put some excellent training on whether to run indoors away from Beijing due to sessions to good use and go this season but “he has been the coronavirus outbreak for a fast time at this week- having some good training in China, organisers said end’s US Indoor Champion- sessions and he doesn’t want yesterday. ships in New Mexico, his it to go to waste,” manager The international manager said on Wednesday. Emanuel Hudson told conference, which Coleman, who won the Reuters. attracts top sports 100m world title in Doha last “He believes we may be administrators, inter- year and is a big favourite for seeing something (special),” national sports federa- the Olympic crown in Hudson added. tions, Olympic officials, Tokyo, set the indoor The first round of the sponsors and major 60m world record of 60m is today with the sports organisers 6.34 seconds the semi-finals and final among others, was to last time he tomorrow. be held in the Chinese capital from April James’ triple-double helps 19-24. Organisers have yet to decide on a new Lakers edge past Nuggets location for the event. It is the latest in a growing list of sports AGENCIES – DENVER NBA RESULTS of free throws, Murray drained events and meetings that a 3-pointer and Harris sank a have been affected by the LeBron James had 32 points, Denver 116, LA Lakers 120 (OT) shot during a 9-0 run put the spread of the virus. 14 assists and 12 rebounds, Dallas 130, Sacramento 111 Nuggets up 103-97 with 4:16 left “Considering the epi- Anthony Davis finished with Brooklyn 101, Toronto 91 in regulation. demic in China and 33 points and 10 rebounds, and Indiana 118, Milwaukee 111 The Lakers scored six around the world... we the visiting Los Angeles Lakers New York 96, Washington 114 straight to tie it and took a have reached a difficult beat the Denver Nuggets Phoenix 112, Golden State 106 109-105 lead when James fed decision that SportAccord 120-116 in overtime on Utah 116, Miami 101 Caruso for a layup with 1:43 left. 2020 will not take place Wednesday night. Memphis 111, Portland 104 Jokic hit two free throws and in Beijing,” SportAccord It was the 12th triple-double Minnesota 108, Charlotte 115 passed to Grant for a layup to President Raffaele Chiulli of the season for James, tying get Denver within 111-109, and said in a statement. USA’s Christian Cleveland 127, Atlanta 105 him with the Dallas Mavericks’ Orlando 116, Detroit 112 (OT) Harris hit a layup with 23.9 He said efforts were Coleman winning Luka Doncic for the NBA lead. seconds left to tie it again. James being made to move the the Men’s 100m ﬁnal of the 2019 Dwight Howard had 14 missed a jumper in the final event to a different IAAF World Athletics points and 11 rebounds, and Alex Gary Harris scored 13 points seconds to send the game to location on the same Championships at the Caruso and Avery Bradley and Monte Morris added 12 for overtime. dates. Khalifa International scored 10 points each for the Denver, which lost both home The Lakers ended the first The virus, first dis- Stadium in Doha in Lakers, who have won 17 games to Los Angeles this half on a 25-6 run to take a covered in December in this ﬁle photo. straight road games against season. 61-55 lead at the intermission. Wuhan, the capital of Western Conference opponents. Davis scored seven points in Los Angeles then scored the first Hubei province, has Los Angeles is 5-1 in its past six overtime, including a 3-pointer five points of the second half for killed more than 1,300 games overall. to put the Lakers ahead 119-116 its biggest lead of the night. people in the country. Jamal Murray had 32 points with 2:41 left. The Nuggets Denver came right back with Across mainland Singapore, Hong Kong and 10 assists, Nikola Jokic missed their last five shots and 11 straight points, tying it on a China, there were 15,152 scored 22 and added 11 had a turnover in the final three 3-pointer by Jokic. Later in the new confirmed infections rebounds, and Jerami Grant had minutes of the extra period. period, the Nuggets scored on Wednesday, bringing Rugby Sevens postponed 15 points for Denver. The Los Angeles led 97-94 after seven straight to go up 85-80, the total number to Nuggets had their four-game a James dunk, but Grant hit a and the hosts took an 87-84 lead 59,805. REUTERS – SINGAPORE The Hong Kong Sevens, win streak snapped. short jumper, Harris had a pair into the fourth. which arguably popularised The Singapore and Hong Kong and globalised the shortened legs of the World Rugby Sevens version of rugby in the 1990s, Series have been postponed is considered the marquee stop Medvedev crashes due to the coronavirus on the 10-tournament circuit. Svitolina rolls into outbreak, World Rugby The Singapore and Hong out in Rotterdam announced yesterday. Kong rounds were seen as key Thailand quarters The outbreak has killed to teams’ preparations for the REUTERS – ROTTERDAM more than 1,300 people in Tokyo Olympics rugby sevens AP – HUA HIN, THAILAND China and infected tens of competitions, due to run from Top seed Daniil Medvedev crashed out of thousands more, and there are July 27-August 1. Top seed Elina Svitolina (pictured) of Ukraine the Rotterdam Open on Wednesday, losing signs that infection rates are The Hong Kong tour- reached her first quarterfinals of the year to 104th-ranked Canadian Vasek Pospisil, continuing to rise. nament is set to host a joint when she saw off Storm Sanders of Australia who marched into the last 16 with a 6-4, The Singapore tournament, Sevens Series competition for 6-1, 6-2 at the Thailand Open yesterday. 6-3 victory. which was due to take place on both men and women for the The result was no surprise, with Svitolina World number five Medvedev saw his April 11-12, will now take place first time this year as World ranked fourth to Sanders’ 319th. Rotterdam challenge ended in just 68 on October 10-11, and the Hong Rugby expanded the women’s Svitolina’s bid for a 14th WTA singles title minutes by Pospisil. Kong leg has been moved from circuit from six tournaments will go through eighth-seeded Nao Hibino The 29-year-old Canadian, who con- April 3-5 to October 16-18. to eight. of Japan next. tinues a fine run of form having reached “The health and safety of Olympic champions Fiji Svitolina is hoping to emulate boyfriend the final at the Open Sud de France in our players, fans and everyone have won the last five Hong Gael Monfils, who claimed the ATP title in Montpellier last week, managed to save working on the event is always Kong titles, while New Zealand Montpellier last week. five of six break points while converting our highest priority,” World lead the standings of the Also, 2018 US Open junior champion Xiyu three of his own en route to a huge Rugby said in a statement. current series. Wang beat Barbara Haas of Austria 6-3, 6-4 upset. “This prudent decision... The tournaments join a long to join Chinese countrywomen third-seeded France’s Gael Monfils started his Rot- was taken based on the World list of international sports Wang Qiang and fourth-seeded Zheng Saisai terdam title defence with a convincing 6-3, Health Organisation and rel- events in Asia that have been in the quarters. 6-2 victory over Portugal’s Joao Sousa. evant public authority travel cancelled, postponed or moved Patricia Maria Tig of Romania downed Monfils who beat Pospisil in the final and health guidelines. (It)...is because of the virus, most Xiaodi You of China 6-1, 6-3, while Magda to win in Montpellier last week, needed fully supported by stake- notably the indoor world ath- Linette of Poland ousted Shuai Peng of China only 70 minutes to dispatch his Portuguese holders, including unions and letics championships in Nanjing 7-5, 6-1. opponent, firing five aces and converting ommercial partners.” from March 13-15. four break points. 18 SPORT FRIDAY 14 FEBRUARY 2020

Former Sri Lankan cricket great Kumar Sangakkara lauds PCB efforts Australian opener Renshaw to MCC squad arrives in Pakistan, take break from cricket set to play 4 matches on tour REUTERS — MELBOURNE

Former Sri Lankan AGENCIES — LAHORE believed the steps taken by for us to make the first step,” Matt Renshaw, once tipped cricketer Kumar Pakistan over the last few years Pakistan Cricket Board chief as a long-term fix for Sangakkara and A Marylebone Cricket Club have already "instilled great executive Wasim Khan said. Australia’s opening batting Marylebone team led by former Sri Lanka amount of confidence in the Sangakkara said Pakistan, problems, is taking a break Cricket captain Kumar Sangakkara cricket nations." where cricket is the number from cricket after being Club (MCC) arrived in Lahore yesterday to "Rather than a direct one sport, should be dropped by Queensland President support international tours of message by saying something supported. ahead of the resumption of speaks during a Pakistan. to them, the best thing that we "Cricket belongs to eve- the Sheffield Shield season. press conference The London-based MCC can do is send that message by ryone, but for the players to The 23-year-old left- in Lahore ahead will play four limited-overs the way we play in the field," have that platform and display hander has failed to score of a four-match matches against local teams. Sangakkara said at a press con- their skills you need to have a century in Australia’s tour as part of The 12-man squad com- ference in Lahore. that support," Sangakkara said. domestic first-class com- efforts to revive prised players from English "The more times interna- "The fact is that you need to petition since playing the international counties such as allrounder tional sides tour that message have an underpinning of young last of his 11 Tests in 2018. cricket in Pakistan. Ravi Bopara and spinner Samit becomes stronger and becomes to inspire to take up the game. “As part of our usual Patel. Sangakkara is the pres- harder to ignore. "So if there is no home review process of player ident of the club. "I think the MCC is here cricket for a very long period performance, our coaching After the Sri Lanka team because one of the core phi- of time, there is a danger that and support staff spent time was attacked by terrorists in losophy of the MCC is that we sometime that kind of hunger with Matthew this week 2009 in Lahore, Pakistan had are independent, the spirit of might go away. The more and they all came to the to play home matches in the cricket is strong and the spirit cricket that you play here at conclusion that he would United Arab Emirates. of cricket transcends most bar- home, the more times young benefit from some time The first Tests in Pakistan riers, but sometimes keeps children and the fabulous fans away from cricket,” in more than a decade were nation and people apart. And of Pakistan can see their side, Queensland performance recently staged against Sri for us to be part of this tour is their players play in front of boss Bennett King told Lanka and Bangladesh, under to strengthen that message as them, within almost touching News Ltd media. heavy but safe security. well." distance. “We’re confident “The MCC’s world cricket Pakistan has previously "I think that is wonderful for Matthew will benefit from committee... has been one of the hosted limited-overs matches the game, it is wonderful for the a break from the game to strong advocates of cricket against Zimbabwe, the West country and it's great for the freshen up, and look coming back (to Pakistan),” Indies, a World XI and Sri global game. We should not lose forward to working with Sangakkara said. Lanka. South Africa is sight of how important the him once he is ready to “Security is always a major scheduled to play three strength of Pakistan is in that resume playing.” concern everywhere in the Twenty20s in Rawalpindi next big picture of having global Renshaw had been world. In Pakistan, I think, the month. If the tour goes ahead cricket in a very, very healthy expected to be named in a steps that have been taken over and safely, South Africa may and strong state. Cricket Australia (CA) XI to the past few years have instilled return in January for two Tests "The MCC tour is a part of play the England Lions great amounts of confidence in and another three T20s. completing that puzzle, and I development squad in a the cricketing nations beyond “MCC coming to Pakistan is think this is a great step by eve- four-day game in Hobart the shores of Pakistan, and a huge coup for us because until ryone to combine and to be this week but he told slowly but surely that confi- we break that barrier of having here to again try and encourage selectors he had decided to dence is building up,” he added. non-Asian countries coming, sides to come back and play step away from the game, Sangakkara said he it’s always going to be difficult cricket in Pakistan." CA’s website (cricket.com. au) said. Renshaw made his Test REUTERS — MELBOURNE debut at 20 against South Africa in 2016 and scored Smith, Warner must ‘ride Steve Smith and David Warner will be ready for whatever South African 184 against Pakistan in his crowds throw at them when the Australia batsmen return to the nation fourth Test, an Australian two years after the ball-tampering scandal, paceman Josh Hazlewood record for a player of his the storm’ in South Africa, has said. age. The pair will fly out with the Australia squad today for a limited overs Dropped ahead of the tour in the duo’s first visit to the country since serving 12-month bans for 2017-18 home Ashes says pacer Hazlewood their parts in the tampering plot during the Cape Town test. against England, Renshaw The pair were jeered relentlessly by English crowds during last year’s appeared set to reclaim his one-day World Cup and the following Ashes series, and Hazlewood said spot after openers David they would be unfazed by more hostility. Warner and Cameron Ban- “Steve and Dave have ticked off pretty much every box since coming croft were suspended for back,” Hazlewood told reporters in Sydney yesterday. ball-tampering in South “It’s just another one of those and I don’t think it’ll faze them one bit. Africa the following year. They probably play better when it’s like this. It’s nothing we haven’t expe- But after suffering con- rienced before... we’ll be fine.” cussion during a tour Both Smith and Warner have thrived since returning to the national match leading into the 2018 fold after their bans expired last March. series against Pakistan in Smith played a leading role in Australia’s retention of the Ashes while the United Arab Emirates, Warner was awarded the Allan Border Medal for the third time on Monday the Yorkshire-born as the country’s top cricketer in 2019. batsman has been over- Local media have reported that the head of the national players’ union looked by Test selectors will tour with the side in South Africa to offer extra support for the players. since. Hazlewood said Smith and Warner would not need to be shielded. Fellow Queenslander “They’ll probably try to take as much heat as they can actually, try to Joe Burns has partnered keep the young guys out of the spotlight,” added the paceman. Warner at the top of the Hazlewood said engaging positively with fans was the best way to Australia order for the past defuse them. year, though Burns’s spot England’s Jonny Bairstow is seen in the ﬁeld “Join in and try to have a good time with them. Often when you do has also come under during the ﬁrst T20 international between that, they end up being on your side after a couple of overs,” he said. scrutiny after a lean series England and South Africa at Buffalo Park, East “It is when you fight them that it becomes to and fro, and quite abusive. against New Zealand over London, South Africa, on Wednesday. Ride the storm and go along with it.” the home summer. Motor racing: F1 and partners to meet to find Chinese GP solution REUTERS — TORONTO in the Chinese city of Sanya next month. The Meanwhile, two-time Formula One flu-like virus has killed more than 1,100 champion Fernando Alonso has been Formula One, the FIA and promoters will people and infected more than 44,000 in rebuffed by two IndyCar teams in his bid to meet this week in an effort to salvage this China after it first emerged in the central drive a one-off entry for the 104th Indian- year’s Chinese Grand Prix, F1 managing city of Wuhan late last year. apolis 500, NBC Sports reported director Ross Brawn said on Wednesday Even if China can get control of the epi- yesterday. after the race was postponed due to the coro- demic, finding a window in a packed calendar Ed Carpenter says he rejected the Span- navirus outbreak. to get the Chinese Grand Formula One Prix iard’s pitch to add a car because he already Although the April 19 race in Shanghai back onto the schedule is problematic. has one extra entry for the May 24 oval has been put on hold, Brawn said that the “It might need another race to move and classic, according to a report on the net- inaugural Vietnam Grand Prix set for April that’s a major consideration and a major work’s website. 5 in Hanoi is going ahead as planned. concern,” Brawn said. “It would be pretty “We’re not positioned to run more than “We are talking with the FIA, we are stressful for the teams to fit it in but I don’t three. We’re a two-car team,” Carpenter said. talking with the promoters and we’ve got think any of us want to lose the Chinese “If we doubled the size of our team for May, some meetings this week to see if we can Grand Prix. “We are making our best efforts it wouldn’t be good for everybody.” find a solution,” Brawn said on the sidelines but there is no guarantee.” The American will drive one car with of the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame As the epidemic worsened Brawn said Dutchman Rinus VeeKay in another and an inductions. Formula One had simply run out of time to extra entry for Indy-area native Conor Daly, “We are going to try to fit it in but it will make a decision on the race and with who was a career-best 10th last year in his be very tough. equipment about to be loaded onto boats sixth Indy 500 start. “As for Vietnam all the feedback we are was left with no choice but to pull the plug. Alonso, 38, was reportedly poised to getting is rather like the UK, there have been “Because of the logistics of Formula One drive for Honda-powered Andretti Autosport some cases but not a level that would a lot of the sea freight was getting ready to before the enginemaker rejected the plan. concern us. The advice we are getting is that set sail and once it is gone we can’t get it There are other Chevrolet-powered IndyCar it can go ahead there.” back so it was really reaching a crucial point teams but Roger Penske’s top Chevy lineup Brawn did not say when or where the where we had make a decision,” Brawn said. already has an extra fourth car for meeting would take place. “The organising authority in China and the 44-yar-old Brazilian Helio Castroneves, who A host of international sporting events promoters advised they really didn’t see the seeks to match the career Indy 500 win have been cancelled due to coronavirus, situation being resolved by the time the race record with a fourth victory. Cyclists compete during the second stage of the Tour Colombia including the all-electric Formula E motor was held so we’ve agreed to a Alonso won the 2005 and 2006 F1 in Tibasosa, Boyaca Department, Colombia, yesterday. racing series that abandoned plans for a race postponement.” crowns and retired after the 2018 season. FRIDAY 14 FEBRUARY 2020 SPORT 19 ‘Special’ Doha set for FINA Marathon Swim World Series Athletes begin battle with Olympics in sights

FAWAD HUSSAIN THE PENINSULA

The world’s leading long- distance swimmers need formi- dable challenges to begin what is the Olympic year and tomorrow’s FINA Marathon Swim World Series at the stunning Katara Beach is set to provide the top guns with the perfect launching pad. The season-opening meet featuring gruelling 10km men and women’s races offers chal- lenging conditions, and a deep and tough field for swimmers from 34 countries. This is the third time that Doha is hosting the meet, but the previous two editions were held at the waterfront Corniche. QSA President Khaleel Al Jabir said Qatar – home to mul- FROM LEFT: America's Haley Anderson, FINA Technical Delegate John West, QSA President Khaleel Al Jabir and Germany's Florian Wellbrock during tiple major swimming events - a press conference yesterday. would continue to host the competitions at the new venues as it build up for the 2023 FINA World Championships, the pin- Katara has done a great job for “I won the last race here and as we build up to Olympic qual- nacle event of the aquatics us. We are ready to organise the I am very happy to be back here. ifying competition. We have a calendar. event and I wish the best for all Last year we had water temper- large field for this event, 82 men “I would like to thank FINA athletes in the competition,” he ature of around 20 degrees and and 54 women, and this com- for giving us opportunity to host added. this time we have 16 degrees or petition is probably stronger in event like this. We consider it For reigning world 17 degrees so it could be harder depth of the field than the as a test event as we prepare for champion Florian Wellbrock, to defend the title,” said the Olympic Games,” he said. the 2023 World Champion- who will defend his Doha title, German star. “We want to thank from ships,” Al Jabir told a pre-event it’s going to be a tough challenge “Doha is a special venue for FINA’s perspective our col- press conference held yesterday due to a drop in temperature. me because we can see leagues in Qatar Olympic Com- at the Katara Beach. “It’s going to be a difficult buildings around the venue, we mittee and Qatar Swimming “I would also like to thank race,” Wellbrock told a press don’t have something like that Association for their support Katara for giving us this place. conference yesterday. in Germany,” he added. and hosting this event on our The men’s race will also see behalf. Without their support 2019 overall champion Kristóf and consideration we wouldn’t Rasovszky (HUN) vying against be able to run this series. The top-ranked athletes like work, which we have done so Olympic champion Ferry far with the organising com- Weertman (NED), Gregorio Pal- mittee, is very good and we are trinieri (ITA), Simone Ruffini looking forward to a very good (ITA), and veteran swimmer competition on Saturday Igor Chervynskiy (UKR). (tomorrow),” he added. Qatar will be represented by In the women’s race, 2019 Abdelrahman Hesham overall champion Rachele Bruni Katara Beach will begin today Mohamed and Ahmad Tarek A (ITA) will be up against Rio when over 150 swimmers will K Samara in the men’s race. Olympic gold medalist Sharon take the plunge at Doha Open ‘Doha field probably van Rouwendaal (NED) and Water Challenge – a sub- stronger in depth than defending Doha champion Ana sidiary event involving dif- I would like to thank Olympics’ Marcela Cunha (BRA). ferent categories – that takes FINA for giving us The men’s marathon will Former European champion place one day earlier from see 82 racers in action while 54 Arianna Bridi (ITA) will be the FINA Marathon, and features opportunity to host female athletes will also make other main contender for amateur swimmers of the host event like this. We a splash in Katara waters in the women’s crown besides other country. first stop of 10-meet series. star athletes. There will be three cate- consider it as a test FINA Technical Delegate “We have a tough field in gories available for the public event as we prepare John West, who also spoke at women’s race but I am very in the Doha Open Challenge: for the 2023 World the press conference yesterday, excited to start the Olympic year 400m for boys and girls aged said the competition will in Qatar. Venue is different from 11-14, 800m for boys and girls Championships: QSA perhaps be tougher than the last year but it looks really nice aged 15-17, and 1,200m for boys President Khaleel Al Olympics. out there,” Anderson said and girls aged 18 and over. “Big teams from countries yesterday. The races will start at 1pm Jabir Haley Anderson (right) and Florian Wellbrock pose for a picture. such as France are participating Meanwhile, action at the after Friday prayers. Al Kass International Cup: PSG I could be sacked if crush Kashiwa for perfect start Manchester City fail to win CL, says Guardiola THE PENINSULA — DOHA his right wing cross found Ilyes PSG players celebrate REUTERS — MANCHESTER Housni who tried an acrobatic a goal yesterday. games against Madrid... this Paris Saint Germain, the most backheel flick that went wide. process, two weeks before, successful club in the history of PSG went close to scoring Manchester City manager will be the happiest moments the Al Kass International Cup, the tournament’s first goal after Pep Guardiola has said his of my profession, to imagine got the ninth edition of arguably half an hour with a good low job at the Premier League what we can do to beat them. the world’s best Under 17 tour- effort by talented midfielder club may be on the line if “If we don’t beat them, nament off to a fine start with Ismael Gharbi after Lemina had they fail to win the Cham- OK, come the chairman or an impressive 3-0 victory over again caused Kashiwa pions League title this season. the sport director and say, Japanese outfit Kashiwa Reysol. problems, but Takumi Itoh got City have won five major ‘It’s not good enough, we The two clubs had met in down well to save. domestic trophies since want the Champions League, the final of the 2018 edition, Gharbi fared better on 35 Guardiola took over in 2016 I’m going to sack you’. when PSG recorded their third minutes when giving PSG a -- including two Premier “(I would say) ‘OK, thank success in the competition, and deserved lead. Ryoga Tanaka League titles and an historic you, it was a pleasure’. I don’t Herve Guegan’s promising was harshly adjudged to have domestic treble last year -- know (if that would happen). youngsters will now be hoping handled a high ball into the box but have never progressed It has happened many times to add to that trophy haul in the by Housni and Abdulkareem Al past the quarter-final stage and could maybe happen.” first competition since the tour- Anazi pointed to the spot. of the Champions League City’s hopes of winning the nament became an Under 17 Gharbi sent Itoh the wrong way since the Spaniard’s arrival. Premier League title for a event. with a well-taken spot-kick and Former European cham- third consecutive season PSG were better than it was no more than the pions Real Madrid await in have faded in recent weeks Kashiwa in every department, Parisians deserved as they had the last-16 this season, with with league leaders Liverpool displaying great skill to open up dominated the game up to that the first leg to be played later 22 points ahead of them. Kashiwa on numerous occa- point. this month, and Guardiola Guardiola, however, does sions with French Under 16 PSG had a golden chance to said he is keen on getting his not think their season has international Ismael Gharbi double their advantage shortly PSG deservedly doubled a header without troubling the handsds on the trophy he last been a complete failure. scoring twice before substitute after the break but Jouvence their advantage on 63 minutes PSG keeper. won wwithith BBarcelonaarcelona iinn 2012011.1. “You say the Yohan Tade made it 3-0 in the Americo was stretching for the when Lemina found Housni on Lemina limped after 77 “II wwantant to win tthehe seasonseason isis a dis-dis- 92nd minute. ball and couldn’t keep his effort the right and his cross set up minutes after an excellent per- Championsmpions League,” aster but if Al Duhail striker Mario down. player of the match Gharbi for formance and Kashiwa almost Guardiolardiola totoldld SkSkyy you win the Mandzukic, who recently PSG produced the move of his second goal of the match. reduced the arrears two Sportstss. “I dream Champions moved to Qatar from Italian the match on 55 minutes when As PSG turned on the minutes later but Yammamoto (of it)t) and I’ll LLeagueeague it will giants Juventus, was the guest Vimoj Mungu and Americo pressure substitute Wilson was again denied by Maton. enjoyoy pre-pre- be exceexceptional.ptional. of honour and he would have combined down the left and Odobert saw a powerful right- Two PSG substitutes com- paringng for WWhy?hy? It’s dif-dif- been impressed with the tal- Housni’s effort was on target foot shot saved by Itoh, but it bined the PSG’s third in added thee ficulficultt to win ented Parisians. but lacked the power to cross seemed only a matter of time on time when Odobert found itit,”,” he Lively winger Pascal the line and Kashiwa were able before the French side Yohan Tade who produced a added. Lemina had the ball in the net to clear. increased their lead. fine shot into the corner to com- on six minutes with a low right- Lemina then saw an effort Kashiwa forced a good save plete the scoring. foot drive but his effort was blocked after the talented duo by Henri Maton after an The three-goal victory was Pep Guardiola ruled out for offside. of Mungu and Americo again excellent turn by Ota Yam- thoroughly deserved by PSG, Lemina again found himself opened up the Japanese mamoto and the Japanese who will now face Barcelona in space two minutes later and defense. striker then tried his luck with on Monday. SPORT SPORT | 18 SPORT | 19 James' 'Special' Doha triple-doublet set for FINA helps Lakers Marathon Swim edgee Nuggets World Series

FRIDAY 14 FEBRUARY 2020 Recent Zamalek, Esperance eye Super finals 2019 Raja (Morocco) 2-1 Esperance (Tunisia) 2018 Wydad (Morocco) 1-0 TP Mazembe Cup glory in epic Doha final (DR Congo) 2017 Mamelodi THE PENINSULA – DOHA this match is perfect and won- Zamalek's players train ahead of their CAF Super Sundowns (South derful. It is good for everyone to Cup ﬁnal against Esperance Sportive de Tunis in Africa) 1-0 TP Egyptian giants and three-time see the African teams playing Doha yesterday. PICTURE: TWITTER / @ZSCOFFICIAL Mazembe (DR Congo) champions Zamalek feel ‘ready’ here - it is an opportunity to 2016 TP Mazembe (DR to play Esperance Sportive de come here because the match Congo) 2-1 Etoile du Tunis in the CAF Super Cup clash has a great TV interest around Sahel (Tunisia) under lights today at Thani Bin the region. The organisation in 2015 ES Setif 1-1 (5-4 on Jassim Stadium. Qatar is wonderful.” penalties) Al Ahly Zamalek, coached by Patrice “Big teams who look for titles (Egypt) Carteron, have arrived in Doha don’t fear anyone. Esperance is 2014 Al Ahly (Egypt) 3-2 knowing their Tunisian rivals a great team, and they are Sfaxien (Tunisia) Esperance lost last year’s title African champions in the last two 2013 Al Ahly (Egypt) 2-1 clash against Raja Casablanca of years, but Zamalek also is a great AC Leopards (Congo) Morocco at the same venue. club and we fear no one,” 2012 Maghreb Fez Chasing their second CAF Zamalek coach Carteron said (Morocco) 1-1 (4-3 Super Cup title, Esperance are ahead of the final. on penalties) making their second successive “We always look for victory Esperance (Tunisia) appearance on Qatar soil after in every game. We have to dif- 2011 TP Mazembe reaching the event summit clash ferentiate between facing Espe- (DR Congo) 0-0 last year also. rance in the Super Cup, and (9-8 on penalties) “It is difficult to talk about facing them again later in the FUS (Morocco) our readiness for this important Champions League,” Carteron 2010 TP Mazembe (DR match because we play a game said. Congo) 2-0 Stade every three days. We did not “These are two totally dif- Malien (Mali) prepare specifically for this ferent encounters and each game 2009 Al Ahly (Egypt) 2-1 match, but we are ready. The has its special circumstances,” Sfaxien (Tunisia) players are motivated to play the the coach added. only once - way back in 1995. “I warned my players that been missing for Esperance for 2008 Etoile (Tunisia) 2-1 game. We are so happy to be “Zamalek is doing very well “Zamalek is a great team, this is not going to be an easy a long time. So we are fully pre- Sfaxien (Tunisia) here,” Carteron said yesterday. this season. We focus on our- they are five times African cham- game. We have to take the pared to play the game with our 2007 Al Ahly (Egypt) 0-0 “I have a lot of respect for the selves whoever our opponent is. pions. But we are the last two lessons from what happened last full strength and we have great (5-4 on penalties) Esperance team and their coach. We are playing to win and hope- seasons’ champions and a great year when we lost to Raja in desire to win. We are prepared Etoile du Sahel I have seen the coach keep the fully the Super Cup will be our team as well. It’s going to be an Doha,” Chaabani said of last because we are playing a very (Tunisia) Esperance team at a very high gift for our beloved supporters,” interesting duel,” Chaabani said year’s final. respectable team.” 2006 Al Ahly (Egypt) 0-0 level despite the changes at the Carteron said. in an interview posted on “Esperance hasn’t won this Traoui added: “We know this (4-2 on penalties) level of players and this confirms Moine Chaabani, coach of cafonline.com cup since 1995. We will give our Cup has been absent from our FAR (Morocco) the quality of his work ethic. For Esperance, said in an interview “We are not thinking of our best to return home with the grasp for a long time. The 2005 Enyimba (Nigeria) sure this match will be excellent prior to the final that his players CAF Champions League trophy this time,” Chaabani Tunisian fans always support us 2-0 Hearts of Oak and I am happy to face Espe- are keen to add another CAF encounter now, all what’s in our added. in every game even when are (Ghana) rance again,” he added. Super Cup title in the club’s minds is the Super Cup game,” Esperance assistant coach playing outside our country. We 2004 Enyimba (Nigeria) When asked about his trophy cabinet in Tunisia. the coach said. Mejdi Traoui yesterday said: “A love our fans supporting us in 1-0 Etoile du Sahel feelings on playing in Doha, he Esperance have played four Chaabani warned his players 90-minute match with a very large numbers, this is a great (Tunisia) said yesterday: “The hosting of CAF Super Cup finals but won it to be alert for a tough clash. important African title win has honour for us.” 2003 Zamalek (Egypt) 3-1 Wydad (Morocco) Esperance Sportive de Tunis players in action during a training 2002 Al Ahly (Egypt) 4-1 session in Doha yesterday. PICTURE: HUSSEIN SAYED Kaizer Chiefs (South Africa)

Fans posing for photographs with the CAF Super Cup trophy in Doha yesterday, on the eve of the ﬁnal match between Zamalek and Esperance Sportive de Tunis. Al Arabi, Al Ahli reach Ooredoo Cup semi-finals – DOHA THE PENINSULA Al Arabi and Al Wakrah players in action during yesterday's opening Al Arabi had advanced to the quarter-ﬁnal match of the Ooredoo Cup at the Al Arabi Stadium knockout round after finishing third Al Arabi and Al Ahli marched into the yesterday. PICTURE: ANVAR SADATH in Group B with seven points, behind semi-finals of the Ooredoo Cup after Al Khor (13 points) and Qatar SC (10 recording convincing victories points). yesterday. Al Gharafa were the other side Al Arabi reached the last-four stage from Group B to reach the by beating Al Wakrah 1-0 in the first quarter-finals. quarter-final while Al Ahli overcame Al Wakrah had progressed to the a strong resistance from Al Gharafa to knockout quarterfinals after fin- advance with a 1-0 win. ishing runners-up in Group A with Both quarter-finals were played at eight points, four less than toppers the Al Arabi Stadium. Al Ahli. Pierre-Michelle Lasogga scored the Al Sadd and Al Rayyan were the only goal of the match in the fourth other teams from Group A that minute for Al Arabi. advanced to the quarters. If it was Al Wakrah who had more In the second semi-final, captain possession in the first half, it was Al Nabil El-Zahr scored his team's only Arabi who created more chances. goal in the 55th minute. Lasogga, who found the net after The remaining quarter-finals will being set up by Morteza Mohammed take place at the Suheim bin Hamad with a header, led Al Arabi’s charge as attempts besides testing goalkeeper Iliass Bel Hassani pulled the strings exit from the tournament. However, Stadium. Mohammed Salal El Neel, who has not Hassan Idriss with a long-range shot. from the midfield, while Benyettou and that never came as The Dream Team First, it will be hosts Qatar SC and recovered fully from an injury, was Mohamed Benyettou spearheaded Omar Ali made attempts for an hung on to the slender lead, thanks also Al Sadd playing in the third quarter- replaced in the 11th minute by Yousef Al Wakrah’s challenge even as injured equaliser. to their goalkeeper Mahmoud Ibrahim. final at 4.45pm. The final last-eight Abdurizag. forward Christian Ceballos continued In the second half, Al Wakrah Even some last-ditch efforts did not fixture will kick off at 7.45pm between Yousef then made back-to-back to sit in the stands. pressed hard for a goal in the face of help the Blue Wave either. Al Khor and Al Rayyan.