TTENNISENNIS | Page 2 NNBABA | Page 5 Tunisa’s Jabeur LeBron sends Pliskova outguns Zion crashing out of as Lakers Qatar Total Open clip Pelicans

Thursday, February 27, 2020 Rajab 3, 1441 AH Russian star GULF TIMES Sharapova says goodbye to game SPORT Page 3

MOTORSPORT Al-Attiyah stays in control aft er wind and dust-hit day KHALID AL-MOHANNADI LEADS T3 AS JONES TOPS ON THE DAY; AL-RAJHI CLAIMS STAGE WIN

By Sports Reporter Doha RESULTS AND STANDINGS

2020 Manateq Qatar Cross- 2. Yazeed al-Rajhi (SAU)/Michael Orr asser Saleh al-Attiyah Country Rally – positions on (GBR) Toyota Hilux Overdrive 10hr will take an outright SS4 (SS5 cancelled): 52min 12sec lead of 1hr 16min 06sec 1. Yazeed al-Rajhi (SAU)/Michael Orr 3. Jakub Przygonski (POL)/Timo into the fi nal stage of (GBR) Toyota Hilux Overdrive 1hr Gottschalk (DEU) Toyota Hilux theN Manateq Qatar Cross-Coun- 03min 08sec Overdrive 11hr 37min 05sec try Rally (MQCCR) today. 2. Jakub Przygonski (POL)/Timo 4. Khalid al-Mohannadi (QAT)/Sé- The Qatari and French co- Gottschalk (DEU) Toyota Hilux bastien Delaunay (FRA) Polaris RZR driver Matthieu Baumel erred Overdrive 1hr 05min 42sec 1000 Turbo (T3) 12hr 22min on the side of caution through 3. Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah (QAT)/ 50sec yesterday’s shortened selective Matthieu Baumel (FRA) Toyota Hilux 5. Ahmed al-Kuwari (QAT)/Manuel section and Yazeed al-Rajhi and Overdrive 1hr 08min 20sec Lucchese (ITA) Can-Am Maverick X3 Michael Orr took advantage to 4. Austin Jones (USA)/Gustavo (T3) 12hr 33min 57sec snatch the stage win in the sec- Gugelmin (BRA) Can-Am Maverick 6. Saleh al-Saif (SAU)/Ali Hassan ond of three Toyota Hiluxes. X3 (T3) 1hr 14min 25sec Obaid (ARE) Can-Am Maverick X3 The day’s action was initially 5. Balazs Szalay (HUN)/Laszlo Bun- (T3) 12hr 47min 16sec delayed by one hour on safety nozci (HUN) Opel Grandland X1hr 7. Fedor Vorobyev (RUS)/Kirill grounds. Strong north-westerly 14min 46sec Shubin (RUS) OT3 by Overdrive (T3) winds had caused dust and fi ne 6. Mubarak Al-Hajri (QAT)/Laurent Li- 12hr 59min 35sec sand to drift and even the neigh- chtleuchter (FRA) Can-Am Maverick 8. Kees Koolen (NLD)/Serge Bruynk- bouring highways had severely X3 (T3) 1hr 16min 26sec ens (BEL) OT3 by Overdrive (T3) reduced visibility. Standings 13hr 01min 54sec A second delay was con- 1. Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah (QAT)/ 9. Balazs Szalay (HUN)/Laszlo Bun- fi rmed before clerk of the course Matthieu Baumel (FRA) Toyota Hilux nozci (HUN) Opel Grandland X 3hr Pedro Almeida held a meet- Overdrive 9hr 36min 06sec 27min 01sec ing with competitors at Lusail Sports Arena. The decision was taken to cancel the second of the day’s shorter special stages, Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah (also inset) near Sealine, and run only the waits for the start of the penultimate fi rst 119.39km of the opening Al stage of the Manateq Qatar Shahaniya selective section. This Cross-Country Rally yesterday. guaranteed that the competitive stage distance was long enough (75%) to be eligible for maximum FIA championship points, even if the weather disrupts today’s fi nal stage. Conditions improved as the age. I think the weather will be side wind, you could also feel the tacked and was fastest through bastien Delaunay maintained stage progressed, despite the clearer tomorrow, so they should car moving to the right and to the the fi rst timing point. He went on their T3 lead with the fourth fi erce wind, and al-Rajhi clocked be able to run the whole stage. left.” to claim the day’s victory by 2min quickest time in a Polaris, the a stage time of 1hr 03min 08sec Early morning, there was dust Despite the strong winds, the 01sec from Mubarak al-Hajri. Qatari fi nishing the special 4min and managed to beat Poland’s Ja- but, after 10.30, it was clearer revised timetable laid on by the T3 stage winner Jones said: “I 24sec behind Jones and 16 sec- kub Przygonski and German nav- sky with the strong wind. Sealine Qatar Motor and Motorcycle am really happy with that. That is onds adrift of third-placed Saleh igator Timo Gottschalk by 2min may have been a problem if we Federation (QMMF) ran accord- defi nitely what we wanted to do. al-Saif. Al-Mohannadi will now 34sec in the third of the Toyotas. had gone to the other stage.” ing to plan. Hungarian driver Obviously we don’t have much take a T3 lead of 11min 07sec into “It was good, everything okay, “It was a short stage but it had Balazs Szalay came home in fi fth to lose, so I was not going to lift the last day. nothing special,” said al-Rajhi. to be like this,” said Przygonski. place on the day and held ninth in my foot off the throttle the entire The fi nal selective section of “We held our position. That was “We enjoyed it. We catch Nasser the general classifi cation in his T1 time and that’s what happens. 254.58km starts on the Zekret the most important. We open the and then we get puncture and we Opel Grandland X. The wind actually aff ects the T3 road and heads up the western road tomorrow and take more ex- had to stop and change the wheel. South Racing mechanics re- quite a bit. It shakes it around, shoreline before turning south perience.” No problems though and a good paired Austin Jones’s damaged more so on the highway on the li- at a passage control near Al Zu- Leader al-Attiyah said: “We rhythm. You can feel the diff er- Can-Am overnight and the aisons. It is actually pretty gnarly barah, after 150.17km. The fi - Mubarak had one fl at tyre and we stopped ence upwind and downwind. American restarted at the rear of in the stage and you can feel it nal timed section then heads al-Mohannadi and changed. Third on the road Sometimes, upwind you could the fi eld. With nothing to lose, shaking back and forth.” through the central deserts to in action. tomorrow so that we can man- feel there was no power. With the other than a stage win, Jones at- Khalid al-Mohannadi and Sé- fi nish at Ash Shafallahiyah.

TOKYO OLYMPICS Japan continues plans despite virus scare DPA table tennis championships in Busan ing havoc with the international sports The Paralympics kick off on August Berlin/Tokyo from March 22-29 to the provisional calendar. 25. Japanese government spokesman dates of June 21-28. Many sports have now cancelled, Yoshihide Suga told a news confer- The Chinese Under-18 basketball suspended or postponed events, lead- ence, “I have not heard anything about apan yesterday vowed to con- team meanwhile called off its partici- ing to questions on the viability of the changes in schedules from the organis- tinue preparing to host this year’s pation in a tournament in Germany Tokyo Olympics. ers. Olympics as the outbreak of the in April and its place will be taken by The IOC’s longest-serving member, We would like to steadily prepare to Jcoronavirus caused further dis- Slovenia. Dick Pound, said in an interview with host the Games.” ruption to international sport. The German Open international the Associated Press that was pub- The coronavirus outbreak that In Tokyo, Olympics Minister Seiko tournament next week in lished on Tuesday the outbreak could originated in the central Chinese city Hashimoto dismissed comments by Muelheim an der Ruhr was also called lead to the cancellation of the Olym- of Wuhan has killed more than 2,700 an International Olympic Committee off . pics. people and infected more than 80,000 (IOC) member suggesting the outbreak Alpine ski World Cup races are, The IOC has a three-month window worldwide. could lead to the Games being can- however, to go ahead in northern Italy to decide the fate of the 2020 Games, On Wednesday, Japan reported more celled. at the weekend despite the outbreak of he said. Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike confi rmed cases of the infection, “All we can do is to prepare to host the coronavirus in northern regions of said Pound’s comments were “person- raising the total to 891, including 705 the Games with peace of mind and to the country, the international ski fed- al views.” on the Diamond Princess cruise ship. be recognised by the IOC,” she said. eration FIS. “I have emails from IOC members in Prime Minister Shinzo Abe asked The latest international sports A women’s super-g race is sched- charge of the Tokyo Olympics telling organisers of big sports and cultural event to be scrapped is the short-track uled Saturday and an alpine combined me to work hard in preparing for the events to cancel or postpone them for speedskating world championships in event on Sunday at La Thuile in the event,” she told reporters. the next two weeks. Seoul, South Korea from March 13-15. Alps in the extreme north-west close About 11,000 athletes are expected “The next two weeks is crucial for It comes a day after South Korea saw to the border with France. People wearing protective face masks, following an outbreak of the to participate in the Olympics from Japan to prevent the spread of the out- the postponement of the world team The coronavirus outbreak is play- coronavirus, are seen at The Japan Olympics museum in Tokyo yesterday. July 24 to August 9. break,” the premier said. Gulf Times 2 Thursday, February 27, 2020 SPORT

TENNIS/ QATAR TOTAL OPEN Jabeur ousts former champ Pliskova, Kvitova advances Jabeur had lost to reigning Wimbledon winner Simona Halep just last week at the Dubai WTA tournament

WTA/Agencies Doha Belinda Bencic of Switzerland belts a forehand to Kazakhstan’s Yulia Putintseva. ising Tunisian star Ons Jabeur scored the big- gest win of her break- Rthrough 2020 season at the Qatar Total Open, knocking out former World No 1 and 2017 champion Karolina Pliskova in three gruelling sets at the Kha- lifa Tennis and Squash Complex yesterday. Jabeur won 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 to book her spot in the quarter- fi nals. Jabeur narrowly lost to reign- ing Wimbledon winner Simona Halep just last week at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Champion- ships, but held fi rm even as she appeared to struggle physically at the fi nish line, serving out the Ostapenko and Dabrowski Centre Court upset — her big- gest win by ranking — after one advance to doubles semis hour and 47 minutes. The Tunisian was already in the midst of a breakthrough year after reaching her fi rst Grand By Syed Arhm Ahmad of play completely shifted the Slam quarterfi nal at the Aus- Doha momentum of the set and Os- tralian Open — where she fell to Ons Jabeur of Tunisia, watched tapenko and Davrowski quickly eventual champion Sofi a Kenin by her fans (below), in action atvian Jelena Ostap- reeled off the next 2 games to — and is backing that result up against Karolina Pliskova of the enko and Canadian win the second set 6-1. with some style in Doha, making Czech Republic. Gabriela Dabrowski The match featured a number it into the third round without PICTURE: Noushad Thekkayil Lbeat third seeds Elise of long, entertaining exchang- dropping a set. Mertens from Belgium and es. Mertens and Sabalenka hit Still, she hadn’t beaten a Aryna Sabalenka from Belarus a number of powerful passing Top 10 player since 2018, when 4-6, 6-1, 10-4 and made their shots from the baseline and she shocked Sloane Stephens back then made a similarly quick way to the semi-finals of the also kept their first serve per- in straight sets en route to the start to the second set to ensure Qatar Total Open 2020 at the centage high throughout the Kremlin Cup fi nal. her passage through. Bencic had Khalifa International Tennis first set. In the second set, Os- Seeded No 3 in Doha, Pliskova spent more than two and a half and Squash Complex yester- tapenko and Dabrowski played was aiming to recalibrate after hours on court dismissing Ve- day evening. a more aggressive brand of suff ering a third round defeat ronika Kudermetova in a lengthy Mertens and Sabalenka started tennis featuring a number of ac- in Melbourne. She appeared three set duel in the previous the match strong and set the curately placed service returns in fi ne form on Tuesday when round but showed few signs of tone very early, breaking Ostap- that led to multiple breaks and she breezed past Bernarda Pera. rust as she moved confi dently enko in the very first game of this led to their comeback to With her unique style and au- into a 5-2 lead. the match, courtesy of a smash win the second set. This set the dacious shotmaking, Jabeur was An early break aided her cause, from Sabalenka. Ostapenko match up nicely for a match going to always pose a threat to while Putintseva, who gifted and Dabrowski broke back tiebreak. In the match tiebreak, the 2016 US Open fi nalist, who that advantage to her opponent in the very next game when both teams started by serving won their last meeting in three courtesy of a , failed Dabrowski hit a backhand drop well and kept their unforced sets last summer in Flushing to reprise the form that she volley winner. The Latvian and error count low. Most of the Meadows. had shown in overcoming Elise Canadian duo got broken again points were very hard-fought Earlier, Former champion Pet- Mertens, the No 16 seed. in the 7th game courtesy of a and of high quality. Sabalenka ra Kvitova needed all her consid- The WTA World No 32 is noted forehand unforced error from however served a double fault erable experience to beat Latvian for her fi ghting spirit, which was Dabrowski. at 3-4 down and this gave Jelena Ostapenko 6-2 5-7 6-1 evident as she set about closing This break would prove to be Ostapenko and Dabrowski the and reach the quarter-fi nals on a the defi cit, but after getting the the diff erence and Mertens slight opening they needed. windy day. set back on serve, the constant and Sabalenka held their own They played the big points with The Czech number eight seed, would have hoped that after taking chance to have tactics in this wind. “I needed to be more patient, pressure emanating from Ben- service games to close out the a lot of aggression and closed who won the Qatar title in 2018, the fi rst set courtesy of winning I lost to her in our last match, so I for sure. It’s about taking time. cic’s racquet proved too much as first set 6-4. out the tiebreak 10-4 to close looked on course for a routine six successive games she would knew what to expect,” she said. It’s really diffi cult.” the 22-year-old broke to seal the In the second set, Ostapenko the match and seal their place victory after running away with not be so extended once more. “The wind changes everything. Meanwhile, Belinda Bencic set after an engrossing game. and Dabrowski broke Mertens in the semi-finals. the fi rst set, but former French Ostapenko, though, found her It’s diffi cult to put the serve in has qualifi ed for the quarterfi - A similarly strong start to in the second game courtesy In other doubles quarter-finals Open champion Ostapenko range to force a decider, which was and she returned the second serve nals of the Qatar Total Open for the second put Bencic firmly of some aggressive play from of the day, second seeds Timea clawed her way back into the comprehensively claimed by the well. It was diffi cult from the first the fi rst time, with the No.4 seed in command of the match, both the baseline and the Babos from Hungary and Kris- contest with some gutsy hitting higher-ranked player. “There’s no point. overcoming Yulia Putintseva, breaking courtesy of some neat net. Mertens and Sabalenka tina Mladenovic from France from behind the baseline. 6-4, 6-3. The Swiss came into courtcraft that saw her work however broke back in the very progressed to the semi-finals, The 22-year-old, who rivals RESULTS CHECK this match trailing her Kazak op- the 25-year-old smartly around next game after Sabalenka hit a beating Nicole Melichar from twice-Wimbledon champion ponent 3-1 in terms of their ca- the court.Russia’s Svetlana powerful forehand that forced the United States and Yifan Xu Kvitova in terms of sheer power, THIRD ROUND Amanda Anisimova (USA) — reer head-to-head but was the Kuznetsova also advanced via a forehand volley error from from China 6-3, 6-3. improved her fi rst serve percent- Ashleigh Barty (AUS x1) bt Elena walkover dominant force throughout this a walkover after her Ameri- Ostapenko. The fourth seeded pairing of age from 52% to 73% in the sec- Rybakina (KAZ x14) — walkover Belinda Bencic (SUI x4) bt Yulia match, leading from the start can opponent Amanda Anisi- The Canadian and Latvian pair Czech team Barbora Krejcikova ond set and converted four of her Petra Kvitova (CZE x8) bt Jelena Putintseva (KAZ) 6-4, 6-3 and reaching her third quarter- mova withdrew due to illness. however broke once again in and Katerina Sinakova also six break point chances to level Ostapenko (LAT) 6-2, 5-7, 6-1 Zheng Saisai (CHN) bt Kiki fi nal of the year after Adelaide Kuznetsova will next face Swiss the 4th game when Sabalenka advanced to the semifinals, the match. Ons Jabeur (TUN) bt Karolina Bertens (NED x7) 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 and St Petersburg in one hour world number nine Bencic, the hit a forehand long and consoli- beating Cagla Buyukakcay from Kvitova had been taken the dis- Pliskova (CZE x3) 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 Aryna Sabalenka (BLR x9) bt 30 minutes. She struck out into fourth seed, who beat Kaza- dated their own serve to open Turkey and Laura Siegemund tance in her second-round outing Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS) bt Maria Sakkari (GRE x15) 6-3, 6-0 a healthy early advantage and khstan’s Putintseva 6-4 6-3 up a 4-1 lead. This sequence from Germany 6-1, 6-2. with Carla Suárez Navarro and saw off the Putintseva come- earlier in the day.

SPOTLIGHT CYCLING set team pursuit Workers’ Cup to be held at record as Aussies, Brits trail

Reuters Britain will have new aerodynamic bikes Berlin and kit in Tokyo, they now know exactly how high the bar has been raised. World Cup training sites Australia were missing injured Kelland atar is set to welcome Executive Director of Marketing, eigning champions Australia and O’Brien who was part of their 2019 world the fi rst Workers’ Cup Sales and Communications at the Britain were given a rude awaken- record-breaking team. of the new decade, with QSL, said: “It is with great pride ing at the UCI track world cham- Denmark, , France and Italy Qthe eighth edition of the that we announce the eighth edition pionships as Denmark left them were the fastest qualifiers and will go into competition – organised by the of the Workers’ Cup. We know what trailingR in the men’s team pursuit qualify- the first round later on Wednesday as the Qatar Stars League (QSL) and spon- this tournament means to everyone ing round to shatter the world record. only nations chasing gold and silver. sored by the Supreme Committee who takes part. As well as off ering The blue-riband event has traditionally Australia and Britain, who have won the for & Legacy (SC) – kicking our valued workers an opportunity been a battle between Britain and Australia last four men’s team pursuit world titles, off tomorrow. to keep fi t and showcase their skills at both world championships and Olym- will be left scrapping for bronze. The draw for the 2020 edition to a wide audience, the Workers’ pics, but neither can now challenge for gold Australia’s women’s team were also fifth was conducted on Tuesday at the Al Cup is also helping to further grow in Berlin. fastest in qualification, meaning they too Aziziyah Boutique Hotel in Aspire grassroots football in our country. I Denmark’s powerhouse quartet of Lasse cannot go for gold. Zone. Coaches and captains of all look forward to another successful Norman Hansen, Julius Johansen, Frederik Britain, missing Laura Kenny, were sec- the teams were in attendance. edition this year, and beyond.” Madsen and Rasmus Pedersen scorched ond-quickest behind the United States Twenty teams will compete for Fatma al-Nuaimi, the SC’s Com- around the wooden boards, completing the whose road time-trial world champion the chance to be crowned 2020 munications Director, said: “We are 4,000m distance in 3:46.579. Chloe Dygert powered her team around the champions, with tournament fa- delighted to once again be spon- Australia, who had held the world record Berlin velodrome. vourites Nakheel Landscapes aim- soring the Workers’ Cup and are with 3:48.012, could manage only fifth fast- The American time of 4:11.2 and Britain’s ing to win the title for the fourth pleased that the tournament has est with 3:50.015. 4:11.8 were the second and third fastest year in a row. Nakheel, who are the become a fi rm fi xture in the Qatari Britain, with veteran Ed Clancy going for times ever ridden. SC’s main contractor for the devel- football calendar. Its growth, year a sixth world title in the discipline, were The first medal of the championships, opment of Qatar 2022 training sites, after year, has been a source of great seventh in 3:50.341, fractionally slower a dress rehearsal for the Tokyo Olympics, claimed last year’s title after defeat- pride for the SC, as we aim to off er than the time they rode to break the world takes place later with Britain’s four-times ing Taleb Group 4-0 in the fi nal at stages and knockout rounds of this ous international teams, including opportunities to provide our work- record en route to gold at the Rio Olympics Olympic champion Kenny taking part in the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in front year’s tournament will be held at Algeria, Iran, Oman and , who ers with health and wellness activi- in 2016. scratch race. of 10,000 passionate fans. This the Qatar 2022 training sites cluster have used the facility as a training ties. I wish all the participants the It backed up Clancy’s pre-event claim Her husband Jason will lead Britain in the year, 18 of the 20 participants have at Qatar University. The players will base in the last year. Speaking after best of luck in this year’s tourna- that the team pursuit has evolved into a men’s team sprint which will also be de- an affi liation to the SC. The group follow in the footsteps of numer- the draw, Hassan Rabiah al-Kuwari, ment.” more speed-heavy discipline and while cided later. Gulf Times Thursday, February 27, 2020 3 TENNIS

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Nadal off the Goodbye: Sharapova mark in Acapulco

Agencies Kecmanovic in second round. Acapulco, Kecmanovic defeated Austral- ia’s Alex de Minaur in Monday’s announces retirement opening round. afael Nadal marked his Nadal could regain his world return to action with number one ranking this week ‘One of the keys to my success was that I never looked back and never looked forward’ a straight-sets victory with a victory in Acapulco if ri- over Pablo Andujar on val Novak Djokovic fails to reach TuesdayR as he launched his bid the semi-fi nals of the Dubai Duty AFP Paris, France to reclaim the world number one Free Tennis Championships. ranking at the Mexico Open in The Spanish star ceded the Acapulco. global top spot to Djokovic after ive-time Grand Slam The 33-year-old Spaniard, the , where the winner Maria Shara- playing for the fi rst time since Serb won a record eighth title. pova, one of the world’s his quarter-fi nal exit to Dominic most recognisable and Thiem at the Australian Open Kyrgios accuses Acapulco highest-paidF sportswomen, last month, claimed a 6-3, 6-2 crowd of ‘disrespect’ after retir- yesterday announced her retire- victory over compatriot Andujar ing hurt ment at the age of 32. in 1hr 30min. Nick Kyrgios has accused the “Tennis — I’m saying good- “The most important thing Mexican Open crowd of “dis- bye,” Sharapova said in an article when you have not competed respect” after being jeered fol- for Vogue and Vanity Fair maga- for a while is to win, I needed a lowing his retirement against zines. match like today to get in rhythm Frenchman Ugo Humbert due to “After 28 years and fi ve Grand and gain some confi dence,” Nad- a left wrist injury. Slam titles, though, I’m ready al said after the victory. The Australian had delighted to scale another mountain — to Nadal suff ered an early stum- fans with some superb tennis en compete on a diff erent type of ble, with Andujar grabbing a route to the title in Mexico last terrain.” break of serve in the opening year but it was a diff erent story Men’s number one Novak game as the 19-time Grand Slam on Tuesday when he was forced Djokovic dubbed Sharapova a winner took time to fi nd his to quit the fi rst-round clash after “legend” of the sport, hailing rhythm. losing the opening set 6-3. her “great impact”. However, Nadal broke back The 24-year-old, who was on “It’s going to keep on be- quickly and then opened up a court for only 32 minutes, later ing present because her brand 5-2 lead. Andujar saved three set vented his anger in an expletive- I think exceeds her tennis points to hold serve but Nadal laden news conference. achievements,” Djokovic said. easily held to take the fi rst set. “I’m not healthy, I tried to “She’s a very smart girl. Andujar never looked like come here, I tried to play,” Kyr- “She has the mind of a cham- fi nding a way back into the match gios told reporters. pion, someone that never gives in the second set as a dominant “I’ve been doing media for the up.” Nadal broke in the fi rst game and tournament, been helping out. Sharapova burst onto the kept up the momentum, to close I tried to give the fans a little bit scene as a supremely gifted out the win emphatically. of tennis. And their disrespect?” teenager and won her Grand The top-seeded Nadal admit- Kyrgios, placed on probation Slams before serving a 15-month ted afterwards he was still ad- by the governing body of men’s ban for failing a drugs test at the justing to the heat and humidity tennis over his behaviour last 2016 Australian Open. of conditions in Acapulco. year, had shown a diff erent side The Russian former world “It was an awkward fi rst round to his character in the lead up to number one’s ranking is cur- game,” Nadal said. “I had not this year’s Australian Open. rently 373rd. competed for a while and the He had called on the tennis Sharapova has hardly played Sharapova fi les Australian Open (2008); temperature change is drastic world to help the victims of Aus- in the past year because of long- (2012, 2014); enough... but I am happy with tralia’s bushfi re crisis and trig- standing shoulder problems. Name: Wimbledon (2004); US Open the victory.” gered an appeal that raised mil- When she did feature she lost Residence: Bradenton, (2006) Nadal faces Serbia’s Miomir lions of dollars. as many matches as she won Florida, USA WTA Championships: 2004 and was dumped out in the fi rst Date of Birth: April 19, 1987 Fed Cup: 2008 rounds at Wimbledon, the US (age 32) Olympics: Silver medal, Lon- Open and, most recently, the Birthplace: Nyagan, Russia don 2012 Australian Open in Melbourne. Height: 6’ 2” (1.88m) Highest ranking: 1 (spent 21 Siberia-born Sharapova fi rst Weight: 130 lbs. (59kg) weeks as world number one) picked up a racquet at the age of Plays: Right-handed (two- Current ranking: 373 four in Sochi, where her Bela- handed backhand) Win/Loss: Singles 645/171 rus-born parents had settled af- Turned pro: April 19, 2001 Coaches: Yuri Sharapov (early ter escaping the deadly clutches Career earnings: $38,777,962 career); Michael Joyce (2008- of the 1986 Chernobyl disaster. 10), Thomas Hogstedt (2010-13 She shot to fame as a giggly CAREER DETAILS and 2018-2019), Jimmy Con- 17-year-old Wimbledon win- WTA singles titles: 36 nors (2013), Sven Groeneveld ner in 2004, the third-young- In this January 26, 2008, picture, Russia’s Maria Sharapova (also WTA doubles titles: 3 (2013-2018), Riccardo Piatti est player to conquer the All above) celebrates winning the Australian Open in Melbourne, Grand Slam singles titles: (2019-2020) Club’s hallowed grass Australia. (Reuters) courts. missing the US Open and Beijing year-old Maria and father Yuri whether they knew it or not, $300m from prize money, ap- ‘TENNIS GAVE ME LIFE’ Olympics. left for the US in 1994 with just a who pushed me to be my best. pearances and endorsements She became world number one In 2012, the Siberian-born borrowed $700 to their names — “Looking back now, I realise since she turned professional in in 2005, at the age of 18, and won Sharapova captured the French Sharapova returned to the sport that tennis has been my moun- 2001. the US Open the next year. Open to become the 10th wom- in 2017. tain. My path has been fi lled She has also established her- “One of the keys to my suc- an to complete a career Grand “In giving my life to tennis, with valleys and detours, but the self as an entrepreneur, launch- cess was that I never looked back Slam. She added Olympic silver tennis gave me a life,” Sharapova views from its peak were incred- ing her own line of candy, ‘Sug- and I never looked forward,” to her resume that year. said in her retirement missive. ible.” arpova’, and warned yesterday Sharapova said yesterday. Her 2014 French Open title “I’ll miss it everyday. I’ll miss Sharapova had been the high- her “relentless chase for victo- “I believed that if I kept grind- was another high after a dispir- the training and my daily rou- est-paid female athlete in the ries... won’t ever diminish”. ing and grinding, I could push iting injury low. tine: Waking up at dawn, lacing world in the 11 years up to 2016, “No matter what lies ahead, myself to an incredible place.” More fi tness troubles fol- my left shoe before my right, according to Forbes business I will apply the same focus, the But in 2007 Sharapova be- lowed before the bombshell an- and closing the court’s gate be- magazine. same work ethic, and all of the gan her long on-off battle with nouncement of her positive test fore I hit my fi rst ball of the day. She netted prize money alone lessons I’ve learned along the way. shoulder trouble. for the banned heart drug mel- “I’ll miss my team, my coach- of $38.8mn (35.7mn euros) in a “In whatever I might choose She would win the 2008 Aus- donium. es. I’ll miss the moments sitting career during which she won 36 for my next chapter, my next tralian Open before a second with my father on the practice singles titles. Forbes, in its 2016 mountain, I’ll still be pushing. shoulder injury kept her off tour ALWAYS A FIGHTER court bench. The handshakes — article, said the Florida-based I’ll still be climbing. I’ll still be for the second half of the season, Always a fi ghter — the seven- win or lose — and the athletes, Russian had banked nearly growing.” ’s Rafael Nadal returns the ball to Spain’s Pablo Andujar (not pictured) during their Mexico ATP Open in Acapulco, Mexico, on BOTTOMLINE Tuesday. (AFP)

Murray admits he may need further Djokovic, Tsitsipas power into quarter-fi nals operation AFP balanced,” he said. “I don’t want Dubai, UAE to give too much out there, I Britain’s former world number one Andy Murray faces a crucial want to compromise. few weeks to find out if he requires another operation in order to “It’s great being in a position return to top-level tennis. The 32-year-old three-time Grand Slam ovak Djokovic and where I am right now, number winner has only just returned to training after being out of action Stefanos Tsitsipas six in the world, trying to get since November due to bruising on his pelvic bone. He capped a powered into the Du- better every single day.” remarkable comeback from a hip-resurfacing operation he under- bai Championships Russian sixth seed Andrey went in January 2019 by winning the European Open in October. Nquarter-fi nals with runaway Rublev raced away with the sec- But Murray may need an operation to remove bone growth associ- victories yesterday. ond set to score a 7-6 (3), 6-0 ated with the surgery though he could be back in action at the end World number one Djokovic win over Filip Krajinovic, exact- of March in Miami. The Scot believes his lack of progress is caused eased to his 15th straight win of ing revenge for his defeat by the by a common side-eff ect of his operation. “I have not had lots of the season with a 6-3, 6-1 dem- Serbian two weeks ago in Rot- clarity as to what the issue actually is, because it is diff icult to tell,” olition of Philipp Kohlschreiber terdam. he told the British media. “What I need to do just now is build up in in only 61 minutes. The 14th-ranked Rublev lifted these next couple of weeks to really test it. Hopefully it responds Greek star Tsitsipas, who won the Doha and Adelaide titles fine. I should know by the end of next month whether I’m good to the Marseille title last weekend, back-to-back earlier this year play or not with it.” dispatched Alexander Bublik before his 11-match winning 7-6 (1), 6-4. streak ended with a loss in the Djokovic, aiming for a fi fth Australian Open fourth round to Virus forces Japan Davis Cup tie Dubai title, reached the last Alexander Zverev. behind closed doors eight with his 12th win over the Rublev, who was ranked 112th 36-year-old Kohlschreiber in 14 a year ago, improved his win- Japan’s home Davis Cup tie against Ecuador next week will be meetings. loss record this season to 15-2. played behind closed doors, organisers said yesterday, the latest “I was very sharp from the “The fi rst set I think was the sporting event in the country to be aff ected by coronavirus fears, beginning, mentally,” the Ser- experience of playing on a big qualifi er Dennis Novak 6-3, 6-4. playing pretty relaxed. I feel my main one. I saw after the fi rst five months before the Tokyo Olympics. And Japan’s sumo gov- bian said. “It took me a fi rst few stage. He actually likes this kind Tsitsipas next takes on Ger- body (is) fl exible. that he was really tired,” said erning body announced yesterday it would hold an emergency games to get used to the tricky of challenge. man Jan-Lennard Struff , a 6-1, “I feel my mobility is good. I’m Rublev. “That gave me even meeting to decide whether to go ahead with a major tournament conditions. “I knew I’d have to be sharp, 6-0 winner against Nikoloz not really tight, which is good.” more confi dence, the second set in Osaka scheduled to begin on March 8. The Davis Cup deci- “It was pretty windy on the stay focused all the way till the Basilashvili. was easier.” sion comes a day after football’s top-flight J-League postponed court, changing directions all end, not allow him to feel like he Tsitsipas, still recovering af- ‘WELL-BALANCED’ TSITSIPAS He next faces Dan Evans in all matches until March 15. “The International Tennis Federation the time. It was not really easy to has a chance to come back to the ter his fl ight from France, said: Victory backed up the second the last eight. The Briton saved made the decision to play the tie behind closed doors in consul- get the rhythm. match — that’s what happened.” “Right now I feel a bit sleepy. It’s seed’s defeat of Bublik last Sat- three match points as he defeat- tation with the Japan Tennis Association, following advice from “You have to take Philipp se- Djokovic will play seventh because I sleep late every day. urday in the Marseille semi- ed Pierre-Hugues Herbert 7-5, Japan Sports Agency and the Ministry of Health, Labour and riously regardless of his rank- seed Karen Khachanov today “It’s diffi cult for me with the fi nals. 3-6, 7-6 (7) after nearly three Welfare,” a statement said. ing (80th). He has tremendous after the Russian beat Austrian jetlag. On the other hand, I’m “I’m trying to keep it well- hours of play. Gulf Times 4 Thursday, February 27, 2020

FOCUS Finch, Warner lead Australia to big win Fernando, Mendis Shamsi, dropping to one knee Reuters Cape Town to try and hit the ball over short fi ne leg but struck on the thigh. 120-run opening The stemmed partnership between the run fl ow as South Africa looked to get themselves into and David Warner the match, their bowlers con- tons help Sri Lanka laidA the platform for an em- ceding only 31 between overs phatic 97-run victory for Aus- 11-15 and helped by Australia tralia over South Africa yester- experimenting with Steve day to win the Twenty20 series Smith dropping down the bat- 2-1. ting order. Australia were put into bat When he eventually came in and made the most of a dry at number fi ve near, he scored surface as they scored 193 for 30 runs off 15 balls, although he clinch ODI series fi ve before out their was bowled by Kagiso Rabada hosts for 96. when on six but called back to ‘The way Kusal and Avishka batted. The intensity is what I’m expecting from the boys’ It secured a 2-1 series tri- the crease when it proved to be umph for the touring side who a no-ball. will host the T20 World Cup Home skipper Quinton de later this year. Kock, so often the talisman Australia spinner Adam for his team, was bowled by Zampa took two wickets and Mitchell Starc (3-22) in the two diffi cult catches as South fi rst over of the reply and the Africa faltered early in their home side lost a steady pro- run chase and were bowled out cession of batsmen. in the 16th over. Zampa’s catches to see off Australia raced to 75 off the and Rassie van fi rst six overs and reached a der Dussen proved crucial and 100 inside the opening nine he bowled Heinrich Klaasen to overs. Finch took 28 balls to get fi nish with 2-10. his 50 and Warner only 30 balls When the hard-hitting for his half-century. Miller fell with the score on They continued to 120 off 69 87-6, the contest was eff ec- balls before Warner holed out tively over. to David Miller at mid-wick- Ashton Agar, who took a et off the bowling of Anrich hat-trick in the fi rst match of Nortje. Warner’s 57 runs came the series in Johannesburg, off 37 balls. came close again with succes- Finch (55 runs off 37) was sive wickets but Shamsi kept trapped lbw by spinner Tabraiz the next ball out.

Sri Lanka’s Kusal Mendis (right) is congratulated by teammate Avishka Fernando after he scored a century during the second ODI match against West Indies at the Suriyawewa Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium in Hambantota yesterday. (AFP)

AFP Scorecard middle-order with the wickets Hambantota of Thisara Perera, for 36, and SRI LANKA S. Hope c Karunaratne b Mathews 51 Dhananjaya de Silva, for 12, to A. Fernando c Paul b Joseph 37 S. Ambris run out (Mathews/Udana) 17 end with fi gures of 4-67. vishka Fernando and D. Karunaratne c Allen b Cottrell 14 D. Bravo c Dhananjaya b Hasaranga 16 But Hasaranga, 17 off 10, Kusal Mendis hit cen- and Isuru Udana, unbeaten 17 Australia’s David Warner plays a shot during the third and final turies as Sri Lank TK. Perera c Hope b Cottrell 0 R. Chase b Sandakan 20 off nine, put on 29 runs for the T20 match against South Africa at Newlands Cricket Stadium in thrashed the West In- K. Mendis c Hope b Joseph 119 N. Pooran c Mathews b Sandakan 31 eighth to make Sri Lanka Cape Town yesterday. (AFP) diesA by 161 runs in the second fi nish with a fl ourish. T. Perera b Cottrell 36 K. Pollard b Hasaranga 0 one-day international to clinch West Indies were never in the the series yesterday. A. Mathews b Joseph 1 J. Holder b Hasaranga 3chase despite a 64-run open- Fernando, who blasted 127, and D. de Silva b Cottrell 12 K. Paul b Pradeep 21 ing stand between , Du Plessis out of South Africa ODI squad Mendis, who made 119, put on W. Hasaranga run out (Hope/Cottrell) 17 F. Allen c T. Perera b Sandakan 17 who top-scored with 51, and 239 runs in Sri Lanka’s highest Sunil Ambris. Ambris, who was Former captain Faf du Plessis an eye to the future with the I. Udana not out 17 A. Joseph b Pradeep 0 third-wicket stand as the hosts dropped by Sandakan on seven will not play for South Africa next World Cup still three years amassed 345 for eight after being Extras (lb3, w10, nb2) 15 S. Cottrell not out 0 off paceman Nuwan Pradeep, in a three-match one-day away. “We always saw the series put into bat in Hambantota. Wrist Total (8 wickets, 50 overs) 345 Extras (lb1, w6, nb1) 8 was the fi rst to depart after being international series against against England and Australia run out for 17. Hope completed spinners Wanindu Hasaranga Fall of wickets: 1-9 (Karunaratne), 2-9 (K. Perera), Total (all out, 39.1 overs) 184 Australia but remains part of the as an opportunity to play some his 16th ODI half-century but and Lakshan Sandakan took 3-248 (K. Perera), 4-271 (Fernando), 5-274 (Math- country’s future plans, Cricket fresh talent,” said Boucher. Fall of wickets: 1-64 (Ambris), 2-83 (Hope), 3-93 soon fell to Mathews. three wickets each as Sri Lanka ews), 6-303 (De Silva), 7-316 (T. Perera), 8-345 South Africa (CSA) announced “If we feel that we need to rest (Bravo), 4-130 (Chase), 5-131 (Pollard), 6-137 (Hold- Hasaranga was spot on with bowled out the visitors for 184 (Hasaranga) yesterday. players, we will, as we have in 39.1 overs and take an unbeat- er), 7-158 (Pooran), 8-184 (Paul), 9-184 (Pradeep), his leg spin googly as he bowled Du Plessis, who stepped down done in the recent past. Faf able 2-0 lead in the three-match Bowling: Cottrell 10-0-67-4 (w4), Holder 8-0-59-0 10-184 (Joseph) Pollard for a fi rst ball duck and from the captaincy in all forms (du Plessis) has been fantastic series after edging the fi rst game (w2, nb1), Jospeh 10-0-57-3 (w3), Allen 6-0-37-0, Bowling: Pradeep 6-0-37-2 (w1), T. Perera 5-0-18-0, castled Jason Holder for three. of the game earlier this month, for us in white-ball cricket and by one wicket. Paul 7-0-62-0 (w1), Chase 6-0-31-0, Pollard 3-0-29- Udana 4-0-21-0 (w1), Mathews 5-0-20-1, Hasaranga A fl oodlight failure delayed Sri is being rested along with recent remains very much in our ODI But it was Fernando and 0 (nb1) 10-0-30-3, Sandakan 9.1-0-57-3 (nb1, w4). Lanka’s victory march by 15 min- regular players in Rassie van der plans and we will manage his Mendis who made Sri Lanka WEST INDIES (target 346) utes as Pradeep, who took two Dussen and Dwaine Pretorius, workload for the near future bounce back from nine for two wickets, and Sandakan com- according to a CSA statement. diligently.” The squad includes to record their highest ODI total Karunaratne said after the win. Karunaratne, for one, and Kusal Mendis and Fernando, who hit bined to wipe off the tail. The first match in the series will batsman Janneman Malan and against the West Indies. The is- “(Wristspinners) are the wicket- Perera, for nought in his 100th his career-best ODI score in 123 “Disappointing for us to lose be in Paarl on Saturday. wicketkeeper-batsman Kyle land nation also recorded their taking bowlers. Last few years ODI, before Mendis denied the balls, smashed 22 fours between in this manner and we can pin- Test left-arm spinner Keshav Verreynne, who were both biggest win in terms of runs we didn’t have that in one-day bowler his hat-trick. them. point on a lot of things, but over- Maharaj has been rewarded for included in the squad for a against the West Indies. matches, so hopefully they’ll Mendis got one reprieve on Fast bowler Alzarri Joseph fi - all as a team we are disappointed good form in a domestic one- recent series against England “The way Kusal and Avishka continue in the next matches as two when West Indies skipper nally claimed the centurions in with how it went,” said Pollard. day tournament with his first but did not play. Malan has batted. The intensity is what well.” Kieron Pollard dropped a sim- the space of 14 deliveries, and “Hopefully come back strong in one-day international call-up previously been capped at I’m expecting from the boys. Sheldon Cottrell struck twice ple chance at fi rst slip off Ja- then bowled former captain An- the next game.” since 2018. Coach Mark Boucher T20 level while Verreynne is Be confi dent and play their on successive bals in the fourth son Holder. He went on to score gelo Mathews for one. The fi nal match is in Kandy on said the squad was picked with uncapped. – AFP natural game,” skipper Dimuth over of the match to send back his second one-day hundred. Cottrell dented Sri Lanka’s Sunday.

PAKISTAN SUPER LEAGUE ICC WOMEN’S T20 WORLD CUP Tanvir and Rossouw shine in stun WI with ’s victory over Peshawar eight-wicket victory Agencies off Wahab Riaz’s bowling, hunt- Reuters ENGLAND SEAL Lahore ing down the total with 31 balls to Sydney EMPHATIC WIN spare. In the other match, England cap- Earlier, Tom Banton, Kamran tain Heather Knight smashed ohail Tanvir, Rilee Ros- Akmal, and Liam akistan upset West the fi rst hundred of the ongoing souw and Livingstone were nipped out in Indies by eight wick- World Cup to fashion their com- powered the powerplay overs. Malik and ets, completing a prehensive 98-run win against to a comprehensive six- Livingstone were dismissed by Il- chase with 10 balls in a Group B match. wicketS win over . yas in one over – both batters fall- toP spare after restricting the Knight smashed 108 not out With 124 to win, Multan went ing in the corridor of uncertainty. former champions to 124-7 at and forged a 169-run stand with through early hiccups but the Haider Ali impressed with a the Women’s T20 World Cup Natalie Sciver to help England duo of Rossouw and Shah tore quickfi re 47 off 27 balls and was in Canberra yesterday. overcome a horror start and post apart Peshawar’s bowling to chase ultimately caught at deep mid- Electing to bat, West Indies 176-2, the highest total in this down the total in 14.5 overs. wicket off his productive pull managed 44-3 in the fi rst 10 year’s tournament so far, at Can- Multan’s run-chase started shot. was the sec- overs but milked 81 off the berra’s Manuka Oval. England with quick wickets of ond highest run-getter in the line- last 10 with skipper Stafanie then returned to restrict Thailand and . First change bowl- up with 22 off 23 balls. Taylor and Shemaine Camp- to 78-7 and bounce back from er Wahab Riaz then struck twice Darren Sammy was squeezed bell chipping in with 43 each. Sunday’s loss to South Africa with to get rid of skipper Multan Sultans’s Moeen Ali (right) and Shan Masood run between the by the Multan spinners and he was Javeria Khan (35) and the biggest victory, in terms of and Zeeshan Ashraf. wicket during the T20 match against Pesha- forced to take on Mohamed Irfan’s Muneeba Ali (25) gave Paki- runs, in the tournament’s history. Ashraf was caught superbly by war Zalmi at the Multan Cricket Stadium in Multan yesterday. (AFP) short-of-a-length ball, which stan a strong start and cap- Put into bat, England had a Javeria Khan (left) of Pakistan Tom Banton at point, restrict- was top-edged. tain Bismah Maroof (39 not horrifying start to the contest plays a shot during the T20 ing Sultans to four for 47. How- picking up gaps at regular inter- – scoring 22 runs to reduce the , player of the out) anchored the chase for which pitted the tournament’s women’s World Cup cricket ever, the pair of Rilee Rossouw and vals. The pair took young Aamir equation to 11 off 36 balls. Ros- match, took four for 13 in his 3.3 a winning start to their cam- inaugural 2009 champions and match against West Indies in Khushdil Shah started off well, Khan to cleaners in the 14th over souw struck the winning runs overs. paign. its Asian debutantes. Canberra yesterday. (AFP) Gulf Times Thursday, February 27, 2020 5 SPORT

NBA NFL Rams to meet with Gurley, no timeline LeBron outguns on Ramsey deal

Reuters Indianapolis

n order to get cornerback Zion as Lakers clip Jalen Ramsey what he wants, the Los Angeles Rams might have to dig into the ‘Every game is going to be an Ipockets of Todd Gurley. General manager Les Snead opportunity for him to get better didn’t directly make that con- nection on Tuesday at the NFL and a learning experience for him’ Scouting Combine, but the ac- Pelicans counting is clear for a team with Ramsey negotiations. Further four players scheduled to count spreading Goff ’s new deal and AFP more than $15 million against the juggling bonus structures could Los Angeles 2020 salary cap. Quarterback create more than $15 million in Jared Goff checks in at a whop- cap space for next season. ping $36 million. “We’d defi nitely like to have eBron James outgunned Zion The Rams are “working Jalen helping the Rams for more Williamson as the Los Angeles through” what a plan for Gur- than just the 2020 season,” Lakers returned to action just 24 ley could look like next season, Snead said. Gurley has a cap hit hours after the searing emotion of coach Sean McVay said Tuesday. of $17.25 million in 2020, the fi rst LKobe Bryant’s memorial service. “You want to be consistent, season of a four-year, $57 million James, who earlier Tuesday said he but I think certain guys, just un- extension signed in July 2018. was “emotionally a wreck” following derstanding the workload that Gurley is scheduled to meet with Bryant’s death last month in a helicopter their specifi c position entails the Rams before the two sides crash, scored a season-high 40 points in or what is the best way to have decide what’s next. Trading a 118-109 win over the New Orleans Peli- a long-term solution for get- Gurley would create a $12.6 mil- cans at the Staples Center. ting through the entire season,” lion salary-cap hit while saving On Monday, the venue had hosted a McVay said. “We’ve been con- the team $4.65 million overall. star-studded memorial to Bryant as the sistent with that with Todd Gur- Meanwhile Head coach Frank Lakers and Los Angeles bade a wrenching ley from when I fi rst got here. I Reich endorsed Jacoby Brissett farewell to one of the city’s most beloved think it was just something that days after owner Jim Irsay and sporting fi gures. was talked about more because general manager Chris Ballard However, James and the Lakers swift- he missed a couple games to- openly contemplated upgrading ly got back into the winning groove on ward the latter half of the ‘18 at quarterback. Tuesday in a free-fl owing contest against season, but those are things that “He’s our guy,” Reich said. a Pelicans side led by number-one draft you want to be able to be specifi c “Jacoby knows he has to earn pick Williamson. with each player while still being everything. Chris and I are talk- The hulking 19-year-old New Orle- consistent in the big picture, and ing all the time, how do we im- ans star once again served notice of his those are things that as we get prove the team. Every player on talents with a 29-point display as the closer to those dates, we’ll dis- the team is evaluated. Every per- Pelicans pushed the Lakers all the way. cuss a little bit more.” son on the team is evaluated. ... James admitted afterwards he had been The Rams have already paid Like Mr. Irsay said the other day, impressed by Williamson’s performance a steep price for Ramsey. They with the quarterback, if there is a after a Lakers win which extended their landed the 25-year-old All-Pro road to travel down that decision lead at the top of the Western Confer- cornerback in October via trade will involve (all three) of us.” ence. with the Jaguars. Jacksonville Brissett is entering the fi nal received two fi rst-round picks year of a two-year, $30 million and a 2021 fourth-round pick. deal he signed when Andrew RESULTS Snead said there is no hard Luck abruptly retired in August Indiana 119-80 Charlotte timeline or deadline on the 2019. Milwaukee 108-97 Toronto Oklahoma City 124-122 Chicago Chiefs fi ghting to keep defensive tackle Jones Denver 115-98 Detroit Defensive tackle Chris Jones Chiefs president Clark Hunt Lakers 118-109 New Orleans might be the best defensive said in February a deal with Boston 118-106 Portland player available in free agency Mahomes would be an eventual Sacramento 112-94 Golden State in March. The Chiefs are fight- priority, but it could come after ing desperately to prevent the 2020 season. The other the 25-year-old menace from pressing deals for the current “Every game is going to be an oppor- leaving Kansas City. Jones was off season include wide receiver tunity for him to get better and a learning Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James dunks the ball during the first-half of their NBA game against the New Orleans Pelicans. a 2016 second-round pick and Sammy Watkins, who will bring experience for him,” James said of Wil- in Los Angele. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports had 20 quarterback hits and a $21 million cap hit this season. liamson. 9.0 sacks in 13 games this past The Chiefs haven’t decided on “But the kid is special man. They got a bagged their 50th win of the season with but Milwaukee took a grip on the contest Khris Middleton led the scoring for season. “It’s certainly a priority whether to pick up options on good one in him,” added James, who also a 108-97 defeat of the Toronto Raptors. with a superb third-quarter perform- the Bucks with 22 points, eight rebounds for us,” Chiefs general manager running back Damien Williams had eight rebounds, six assists and seven In a potential preview of the Eastern ance to open up a double-digit lead. The and three assists. Eric Bledsoe (17 points) Brett Veach said at the NFL and linebacker Damien Wilson. turnovers in his 34 minutes on court. Conference Finals, the Bucks laid down Bucks outscored the hosts 34-19 in the and Brook Lopez (15) also cracked dou- Scouting Combine. “I think the The queue begins with Jones. Anthony Davis added 21 points for a marker with a dominant second-half third, and although the Raptors closed ble fi gures for Milwaukee. The Bucks tandem of Chris Jones and “I understand the business the Lakers with Danny Green (17 points) display to claim victory at Toronto’s Sco- to within seven points with two min- are already assured of their playoff berth Frank Clark is something any and how it goes,” Chiefs head and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (15) also tiabank Arena. utes remaining, a superb three-pointer after building the best record in the NBA team would want. We’re going coach Andy Reid said of keep- reaching double fi gures. Victory was sweet for the Bucks, who from Antetokounmpo to make it 104-94 at 50-8 to lead the Eastern Conference to work hard to see if we can ing Jones. “I’d like to keep Former Lakers power forward Bran- lost to the Raptors in last season’s East- helped the visitors close out the win. ahead of second-placed Toronto. get that done.” everybody together. That’s not don Ingram led the Pelicans scoring with ern Conference fi nals at the same venue “We just come out and try to do our The Raptors meanwhile fell to 42-16 Today isn’t necessarily the issue always possible. But sure, if 34 points. The Denver Nuggets are fi ve despite being the top seeds heading into job,” Antetokounmpo said. “We have but remain fi rmly on track for a posts- for the Chiefs. But in the big he’s here, he’s a good football games behind the Lakers in second place the playoff s. Antetokounmpo later ad- a winning culture. It doesn’t matter if eason spot. Cameroonian international picture, planning for tomorrow player. Why wouldn’t I want him in the Western standings after cruising mitted last season’s game-six defeat at you are hurt, or tired - the next guy up Pascal Siakam led the scoring for Toronto includes a new contract for here?” Using the franchise tag past the Detroit Pistons 115-98 on Tues- the venue had preoccupied him. is ready to go. Everybody wants to play, with 22 points while Fred VanVleet had quarterback Patrick Mahomes. to keep Jones while listening day. “You always remember the last time everybody wants to win, and that’s why 14 points. The Boston Celtics remain in Speculation about Mahomes’ to off ers – as the Seahawks did you play here, the problems you had,” we win games.” third place in the Eastern Conference af- value includes estimates for a with Clark in 2019 – could also 50TH WIN FOR BUCKS Antetokounmpo said. “It was defi nitely Reigning NBA MVP Antetokounmpo ter a 118-106 defeat of the Portland Trail record-shattering deal worth help Kansas City’s current and Elsewhere, Giannis Antetokounmpo on my mind.” fi nished with 19 points, 19 rebounds and Blazers. Jayson Tatum scored 36 points more than $40 million per year. future outlook. scored 19 points as the Milwaukee Bucks The Raptors had led 52-50 at halftime, eight assists with four turnovers. for the Celtics in the win.

NHL Rangers score 28 seconds into OT to topple Islanders Reuters tacker, the Islanders peppered Georgiev be- RESULTS New York fore Nelson tied the game with 17.9 seconds remaining. Calgary 5-2 Boston ika Zibanejad scored 28 seconds Dallas 4-1 Carolina HINTZ, STARS BLOW PAST HURRICANES into overtime Tuesday night for Vancouver 4-3 Montreal Roope Hintz had a goal and two assists as the visiting New York Rangers, Rangers 4-3 Islanders the Dallas Stars defeated Carolina 4-1, ruin- who remained red hot with a ing the celebratory mood for the Hurricanes Mspirited 4-3 win over the New York Islanders Philadelphia 4-2 San Jose on Tuesday night in Raleigh, N.C. Dallas in Uniondale, N.Y. Toronto 4-3 Tampa Bay goalie Anton Khudobin made 40 saves with Zibanejad intercepted a clearing pass and Washington 4-3 Winnipeg a splendid performance. Tyler Seguin, Jason fi red a shot past Semyon Varlamov to give the Dickinson and Denis Gurianov also scored for Rangers their 11th win in 14 games and pull New Jersey 4-1 Detroit Dallas, which is 7-1-1 in its past nine games. them within fi ve points of the Islanders in the Minnesota 5-4 Columbus Dickinson and Gurianov each added an as- Eastern Conference standings. Nashville 3-2 Ottawa sist. Sebastian Aho had Carolina’s goal, his Artemi Panarin, Greg McKegg and Brett team-leading 36th of the season. The Hurri- Howden also scored for the Rangers. Goalie St. Louis 6-5 Chicago canes have lost two of their past three games. Alexandar Georgiev made 42 saves. Florida 2-1 Arizona It was Carolina’s fi rst game since David Jean-Gabriel Pageau, who was acquired Anaheim 4-3 Edmonton Ayres, a Zamboni driver, was summoned as from the Ottawa Senators on Monday, Jor- the emergency goalie in Toronto and ended dan Eberle and Brock Nelson scored for the the puck was to his left when it bounced to up with the victory. Ayres was in attendance Islanders, who had their two-game winning his right and directly to Pageau, who back- for Tuesday night’s game, receiving numer- streak snapped. Varlamov recorded 24 saves. handed the rebound into the net with Geor- ous recognitions and honours. The Rangers were outshot 15-7 in the fi rst giev still gazing in the other direction.Pageau The Hurricanes lost two goalies to inju- period but scored fi rst when Panarin took a fought the Rangers’ Jacob Trouba early in the ries in the Toronto game, so Alex Nedeljkovic cross-ice pass from Ryan Lindgren and fi red third after Trouba leveled Michael Dal Colle was in net Tuesday in his NHL season debut. the shot past the sprawling Varlamov, who in the open ice. Pageau received a game mis- Carolina is without Petr Mrazek and James was stuck leaning to his right with 2:58 left. conduct as well as a pat on the backside from Reimer for undetermined periods of time. The Rangers doubled their lead 7:48 into teammate Johnny Boychuk as he headed off Nedeljkovic fi nished with 12 saves. Mika Zibanejad (right) of the the second, when McKegg, battling for posi- the ice. Khudobin has won back-to-back games New York Rangers celebrates tion in front of Varlamov with the Islanders’ The Rangers extended their lead to two for the Stars, who began a three-game road aft er scoring a game winning Nelson and Ryan Pulock, got a stick on a shot goals again at the 9:34 mark, when Howden trip, and he had to really work for this one. overtime goal against the New from just in front of the blue line by Brendan scored in front. The Islanders appeared to get Seguin scored 51 seconds into the game, York Islanders with teammate Lemieux. Pageau began to make his Islanders within a goal with 7:44 left, but Lee’s tally and that seemed to help set the tone. Artemi Panarin in New York. debut a memorable one by scoring with 2:56 was waved off because he interfered with Carolina held a 19-1 advantage in third- (Getty Images/AFP) left in the second. Georgiev. Eberle scored on the backhand to period shots but couldn’t come up with goals Pulock’s shot sailed over the net and offi cially close the gap to 3-2 with 5:37 left. after a six-goal outburst in its previous game. bounced off the boards, but Georgiev thought With Varlamov pulled for the extra at- The fi nal shot total was 41-16. Gulf Times 6 Thursday, February 27, 2020 SPORT

MOTORSPORT FOCUS QAF Ordinary General Assembly Aft er Asian success Meeting held

By Sports Reporter The meeting also witnessed Doha the presence of the HE Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad bin Nasser al-Thani, Chairman of Qa- he Qatar Athletics tar Club, along with the rest Chadwick on right Federation (QAF) held of the representatives of the its annual Ordinary clubs and a group of repre- General Assembly sentatives from media. Tmeeting at the Qatar Olympic General Secretary al-Fad- Committee (QOC) Lusail Hall hala presented the agenda of on Tuesday. the meeting and a general re- The meeting was chaired view of Qatar’ achievements by Dr Thani bin Abdulrahman at both local and interna- track to F1 driving al-Kuwari, President of the tional levels were discussed Qatar Athletics Federation, through a video presentation. ‘It’d be an amazing thing to be able to tick that off this year rather than having to wait another year’ and was attended by Moham- The attendees also unani- ed Issa al-Fadhala, General mously approved the time Reuters Secretary, Talal Mansour, As- schedule of the local champi- London sistant Secretary, along with onships prepared for the 2020 rest of the members of the sport season. The committee General Assembly, and Issa also unanimously decided to Series champion al-Ghanim, representative of withdraw the membership of Jamie Chadwick is the Qatar Olympic Commit- Abdul Rahman Kitami for his setting her sights on tee. absence since 2017. a dream scenario of drivingW a Formula One car before the end of the year now she has se- cured precious superlicence points in Asia. The 21-year-old Briton, win- ner of the inaugural all-female series last year, fi nished fourth in the Asian F3 championship at the weekend to bank 10 points towards the 40 needed to race in F1. With 15 more up for grabs in W Series this year, Chadwick could reach the 25 needed to take part in tomorrow’s practice before For- mula One’s Abu Dhabi season- ender. Already a development driver for the Williams team, with simu- lator duties, Chadwick feels she is getting closer to track action. QAF committee members during the ordinary general assembly “Hopefully if I can get the su- meeting on Tuesday. perlicence (points) then FP1 (fi rst practice) or a test drive isn’t some- thing too much to ask for,” she told SPOTLIGHT Reuters. “If it all goes perfectly. I don’t want to jinx it yet. “I think that would be the ulti- mate goal. It would be an amazing Lindberg to become thing to be able to tick that off this year rather than having to wait an- other year.” Chadwick will be driv- fi rst female golfer at ing a Jaguar all-electric Formula E car at a test in Marrakesh on Sun- day, the day after that series races New Zealand Open in Morocco, and that could also lead to future opportunities. AFP and combine it with a profes- She also tested with the NIO Wellington sional golf event was just too team last year. good to miss,” the 33-year- “I’m really excited about For- old said. mula E,” she said. “There’s world ajor winner Per- Tournament director class drivers in it, world class File photo of Jamie Chadwick of Great Britain celebrates after winning the W Series championship at Brands Hatch in West Kingsdown, Britain. (Reuters) nilla Lindberg Michael Glading said Lind- teams and I think it’s an opportu- will become berg’s presence was a bid to nity to get myself exposed on that Asian F3 had redrawn the bounda- the fi rst woman introduce “new ideas” to the level and hopefully showcase what ries. Kubica quickest as testing resumes in Spain golferM to compete at the New event. I’m capable of doing in something “Sometimes you need those lit- Zealand Open today, ensur- “The fact that Pernilla is like that.” tle golden carrots to make it seem Alfa Romeo reserve Robert powered former Toro Rosso 84 laps and was sixth on the ing her place in the 101-year- happy to come and compete Chadwick said the Asian F3 achievable and give you the incen- Kubica lapped fastest as team took their time to get C3 compound, the German old tournament’s history re- in what is traditionally a success had been “a massive bo- tive to know you’re not as far away Formula One resumed pre- out of the garage. also bringing out the red flags gardless of results. men’s event makes this a very nus”, with a race win and podiums as maybe I might think. That’s the season testing at Barcelona’s Red Bull’s Alexander Albon, with a spin halfway through The Swede, who won the special addition to the tour- good for confi dence and also prov- fi rst one,” she said. “The next one Circuit de Catalunya third fastest for the Honda- the session that left gravel 2018 ANA Inspiration, was nament,” he said. The NZ ing, to anyone who doubted, that will be the (2020) W Series cham- yesterday. powered sister team, also across the track. invited to compete with the Open, co-sanctioned by the she could mix it with the men. “I pionship and the superlicence The Pole, who raced for spent the first three hours His time of 1:18.113 was men after organisers learned PGA Tour of Australasia and did feel like I represented the W points that come with that.” Williams last year, completed in the garage with an Ferrari’s fastest so far in she already had plans to visit the Asian Tour, will be held Series and gave them justice,” she If expectations are rising that 53 laps and topped the unspecified problem. testing. Queenstown. at Millbrook Resort and The said. “By the end I felt like I was Chadwick could ultimately be the morning timesheets with Six times world champion Williams rookie Nicholas Lindberg, ranked 178th in Hills from today to Sunday. racing as well as in the W Series fi rst woman since 1976 to race in a lap of one minute 16.942 Lewis Hamilton had a busy Latifi also halted the session the women’s game, jumped The fi rst two days of the and if any of the other girls were Formula One, she said that was seconds in the Ferrari- morning in his Mercedes, when he stopped on track. at the chance to play in the event are staged as a pro-am in that championship they would also a good thing. powered car and on the completing more laps than The Canadian was ninth and picturesque South Island re- and will see Lindberg paired have been up there as well.” Last “The sport is keen for a women softest C5 tyres. any driver (89) with the still quicker than Romain sort town where she married with All Blacks rugby star year, commenting on the Williams to succeed and, when one does, AlphaTauri’s Pierre Gasly fourth fastest time on the Grosjean’s Haas. husband Daniel 12 months Beauden Barrett. role, she had said Formula One felt it is quite nice that I feel I get that was second, 0.598 slower harder C2 tyres. The season starts in Australia ago. Female golfers have strug- further away the more she realised support from the wider network,” than Kubica, but the Honda- Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel did on March 15. REUTERS “The opportunity to cel- gled playing against men at how much she had to learn but she said. ebrate our fi rst anniversary professional level.

GOLF RUGBY/SIX NATIONS GAME Woods to follow familiar ‘blueprint’ for Ireland’s match with Italy postponed Masters title defence over coronavirus Reuters a playing captain for the victorious US Reuters advisers that we’re fully sup- New York squad in the Presidents Cup in Australia Dublin portive of whatever steps they came to a close. feel are necessary to safeguard “Once that was done, my prep has been public health in the light of the iger Woods said on Tuesday just like it usually is — (that) is ‘what do I he Irish Rugby Football coronavirus.” The correspond- that he will prepare for this year’s need to do to get ready for the Masters?’,” Union said yesterday ing Ireland versus Italy women’s Masters in much the same way as said the fi ve-times Masters champion. it has postponed the and under-20s Six Nations in 2019 when he ended an 11-year “I’ve been fortunate to have done this country’s Six Nations games, scheduled to be played in Twait for a major title with a remarkable tri- now fi ve times, and to try and have every- fiT xture against Italy due to the Ireland that weekend, were also umph at Augusta National. thing peak together for just an incredible coronavirus outbreak in north- postponed. Woods completed an extraordinary re- week, it’s hard to do.” ern Italy, following a recom- “The IRFU made it very clear turn from spinal fusion surgery he under- Woods said his latest triumph was all mendation from Irish health from the outset that they shared went in 2017, producing one of the most the more special because his two children authorities. the viewpoint that public health emotional fi nishes in tournament history were there to witness the moment after The game was scheduled to is obviously the most important as he came from behind to win by one shot being on hand for his close call at the pre- take place in Dublin on March 7 factor for any government or last April. vious year’s British Open. with thousands of Italian sup- public health expert to consider,” “The plan is to prepare the same way,” After sealing his triumph, Woods en- porters, many from the regions health minister Simon Harris Woods said on a Masters champion con- joyed an emotional embrace with the most aff ected by the outbreak, said after the meeting. ference call. “It worked last year, so yeah, youngsters, who later had their own battle expected to make the trip. After the fi rst three rounds I’ve got a blueprint for what I need to do for his coveted victor’s Green Jacket. There have been no confi rmed of the Six Nations, Ireland and and hopefully I can have the same feel- “To have them experience what it feels reports of coronavirus in Ireland. England both have nine points, ings.” like to be part of a major championship “We will immediately begin four behind leaders France. Woods, who has competed in three of- and watch their dad fail and not get it to work with our Six Nations At an earlier media briefi ng on fi cial PGA Tour events this season, did done, and now to be a part of it when I did partners to look to reschedule. I Ireland’s preparedness for coro- not reveal his playing schedule ahead of get it done, I think it’s two memories that would hope to have an update on navirus, Ireland’s Chief Medical the April 9-12 Masters but did say that he they will never forget,” said Woods. that in the coming days,” IRFU Offi cer Doctor Tony Holohan is doing everything he can to peak at the “Just watching them fi ght over the chief executive Philip Browne said it was too soon to discuss the year’s fi rst major. Green Jacket on the airplane was pretty told reporters after a meeting risks around the Saint Patrick’s The former world number one said he funny. ‘I want to wear it! no, I want to wear with the health minister. Day celebrations that draw tens turned his focus to his Masters title de- it!’ — and that’s something I certainly will “At the very outset we made of thousands of visitors to Ire- fence last December, when his duties as never forget.” it clear to the minister and his land every March 17. Gulf Times Thursday, February 27, 2020 7 FOOTBALL

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Griezmann rescues Barca fi rst-leg draw at Napoli AFP tickled us,” said Gattuso. “It otr Zielinski breaking free down Naples, Italy went wrong in one moment and the right before fi nding Mertens, they punished us.” who curled a magnifi cent fi nish Napoli captain Lorenzo In- past Marc-Andre ter Stegen. ntoine Griezmann res- signe added: “We could have He equalled Hamsik’s record cued a 1-1 draw for Bar- won, so we’re a bit disappointed. and is now six goals clear of Ma- celona at Napoli in the It was emotional to face players radona, but was forced off early fi rst leg of their Champi- like (Lionel) Messi.” in the second half after a Sergio onsA League last-16 tie on Tuesday. Messi failed to score on his Busquets tackle for which the Frenchman Griezmann struck fi rst appearance at the Stadio Spaniard will be suspended for just before the hour mark in San Paolo, where Napoli legend the second leg. Barcelona did Naples after Dries Mertens had Diego Maradona reigned su- not waste much time in get- put the hosts ahead in the 30th preme three decades ago. ting on level terms, as Messi minute with his 121st Napoli The 32-year-old Messi scored and Busquets combined to send goal, drawing level with Marek four goals at the weekend in Bar- Semedo into the box in the 57th Hamsik as the club’s all-time top celona’s 5-0 win over Eibar that minute. The Portuguese full- scorer. Barcelona ended the game put the Spaniards back top of La back crossed low for Griezmann with 10 men after Arturo Vidal Liga, but could not add to his 114 to power home right-footed. was sent off with two minutes Champions League goals. “If Bar- “At fi rst we found it hard to to go after picking up two yellow ca didn’t do today what they did fi nd space, or create space or get cards, following an angry clash three days ago (against Eibar) it’s shots on goal,” said Griezmann. with Napoli defender Mario Rui. to Napoli’s credit,” said Gattuso. “But the more we saw that “In the end it’s a draw that is “I hope that no one thinks they were tiring, the more we a good result considering that we it’s over. We know it will be very were able to push forward and have another home game,” said hard but nothing is fi nished yet. make chances.” Ter Stegen de- Barcelona coach Quique Setien, “But when on your back you nied Insigne with Jose Calle- with his side in a strong position have Messi or Griezmann, you jon also missing a chance for a ahead of the second leg at the want to play with a little secu- second, as did Messi with eight Camp Nou on March 18. rity. This is where we can try to minutes to go. Vidal was sent The clash was the fi rst be- do better on the way back.” off after a sliding tackle on Rui tween the two teams and also Messi fi red over on nine min- before appearing to headbutt a Champions League debut for utes after combining well with the Napoli defender. The Chil- both Setien and Napoli counter- Frenkie de Jong but Gattuso’s ean will also miss the return leg part Gennaro Gattuso, who took side piled the pressure on the in Spain, with defender Gerard over after the group stage. Catalans. Their pressing paid off Pique a doubt after going off late Barcelona’s French forward Antoine Griezmann celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal during the UEFA Champions League round of “They didn’t hurt us, they on the half-hour mark, with Pi- on with an ankle injury. 16 first-leg match against Napoli at the San Paolo Stadium in Naples. (AFP)

FOCUS COMMENT Liverpool can remain unbeaten in title Chelsea’s problems run, says Shearer

Reuters Juergen Klopp’s Liverpool side Mumbai have only failed to win in one league match this season - at Manchester United in October. iverpool, who equalled laid bare by Bayern the English top-fl ight LIVERPOOL’S STRENGTH record of 18 straight Shearer, who was in Mumbai victories this week, are for the third edition of the Next Lhaving a freak season and could Generation Cup – a grassroots remain unbeaten en route to development initiative hosted by winning the Premier League the Premier League and Reliance title, ex-England striker Alan Foundation – feels the Mersey- Shearer said yesterday. side club are strong all over the Munich humbling Runaway leaders Liverpool pitch. “They have been relent- have an incredible 22-point lead less in every position. Even when ‘This was a clear show that there is a lot of work to be done’ at the top of the table and need they haven’t played particularly 12 points from 11 games to make well in games (they have) just AFP sure of their fi rst league crown in found a way to win,” Shearer London 30 years. said. “The vast majority of time “I know it’s the end of Feb- defensively they have been solid. ruary, mathematically it hasn’t “At the end of the year we have rank Lampard faces the been decided yet but, yes, Liver- the player of the season awards fi rst major test of his nas- pool are going to win it,” Shearer, and there are always six nomi- cent managerial career the Premier League’s record nations. My guess is four, possi- after Chelsea were given scorer with 260 goals for South- bly fi ve, of the nominations will aF chastening Champions League ampton, Blackburn Rovers and come from Liverpool’s team. So lesson by Bayern Munich. Newcastle United, told Reuters. that tells you how well Liverpool Lampard’s side are on the “In terms of competition, Liv- are doing.” verge of crashing out of Europe’s erpool have had a freak season. Liverpool trail 1-0 to Atletico elite club competition follow- It would not surprise me at all Madrid after their Champi- ing Tuesday’s 3-0 home defeat if they went through the season ons League last-16, fi rst leg but against the German champions undefeated just like Arsenal did Shearer expects the holders to in the last-16 fi rst leg. (in 2003-04). overturn the defi cit at home. Serge Gnabry’s second-half “Other clubs are in transi- They would need to produce brace and Robert Lewand- tion in terms of Man City, Tot- some of the magic they showed owski’s late strike underlined tenham, Chelsea. Leicester have during their 4-0 comeback win the gulf in class between a Chel- had a brilliant, brilliant season in over Barcelona in last year’s sea team experiencing growing terms of where they were. semi-fi nal but it won’t be easy, pains in Lampard’s fi rst season “But I don’t think it’s a nega- he added. “I was at Anfi eld last and a Bayern side packed with tive on the standard of the Pre- season when they needed to put Champions League experience. mier League at all. It’s just Liv- four past Barcelona and they did. Four of the Bayern team that erpool have been that good the It was one of the best games outplayed Chelsea at Stamford others have found it diffi cult to that I have ever been to,” said Bridge were members of the keep up with them.” Shearer. German club’s 2013 Champions Trailing 2-1 late in the second “If they can do that to Barce- League fi nal-winning team. half, Liverpool rallied to beat lona they can defi nitely score a That wealth of knowledge West Ham United 3-2 in a thrill- couple of goals against Atletico was clear to see as Thomas ing game on Monday to equal the Madrid. But it will be very, very Muller ran the show in mid- record of 18 consecutive top- diffi cult because Atletico are re- fi eld, while Lewandowski, who fl ight wins set by Manchester ally well organised in terms of played in that fi nal for Bayern’s City in 2017. defending.” opponents Borussia Dortmund, was a constant menace. For Chelsea to reach the levels set by Bayern, Lampard knows Inter match to be played without fans, he needs to oversee a lengthy re- other UEFA games unaff ected build that will require patience – a quality not usually shown Bayern Munich’s striker Robert Lewandowski (left) celebrates with David Alaba (centre) and Alphonso Davies after scoring their third goal Inter Milan’s Europa League ment. Inter said it would close by the club’s notoriously fi ckle during the UEFA Champion’s League round of 16 first leg match against Chelsea at the Stamford Bridge in London. (AFP) match at home to Ludogorets the hospitality areas and media owner Roman Abramovich and Razgrad will be played behind areas and there would be no his advisors in the boardroom. tian Pulisic and Callum Hud- closed doors today because of news conferences for the last “This is Champions League Lewandowski out for a month son-Odoi have put further strain the coronavirus outbreak but 32, second leg tie against the football. We as a club haven’t Bayern Munich’s prolific striker Robert Lewand- “After 10 days of immobilisation in a cast, he will on Lampard’s squad. Chelsea all other European competition Bulgarian side. Inter lead 2-0. been fi ghting to get to the latter owski was ruled out for around four weeks with start rehab. The striker will be out for around are desperately short of guile matches across the continent “The club has shown its full stages for a number of years and a fracture yesterday in a blow to their Bundes- four weeks,” Bayern said. and pace in the fi nal third, while will be unaff ected, UEFA said commitment in taking appropri- that’s the level we have to get liga title defence. Lewandowski has scored 39 goals in 33 games their central midfi elders are far yesterday. One more death and ate action, such as closing the to,” Lampard said. Bayern said in a statement on their website that in all competitions for his club this season, too predictable. 52 new cases of the virus in hospitality areas and cancelling “This was a clear show that the Poland international had fractured his tibia including 11 goals in six games in the Champions Lampard tried to plug the Italy were reported on Wednes- all activities that would have there is a lot of work to be done. near his left knee joint during the 3-0 win at League and 25 goals in 23 Bundesliga appear- holes in a leaky defence by de- day, all in the north, while na- meant the gathering of people, I felt that when I took the job. I Chelsea in the Champions League on Tuesday. ances. Bayern currently have a one point lead at ploying Antonio Rudiger, An- tions around Europe reported in order to ensure that the will keep working.” The 31-year-old, who scored at Stamford Bridge, the top of the Bundesliga over RB Leipzig with dreas Christensen and Cesar additional infections linked to match can take place safely,” Lampard is only just fi nding was examined by Bayern’s chief medical off icer third-placed Borussia Dortmund trailing them by Azpilicueta as a back three. The the Italian flare-up. The death Inter said. Inter coach Antonio his feet as a manager and de- yesterday. four points. experiment had worked against toll in Italy now stands at 12. Conte said it would be diff icult serves time to put his stamp on toothless, injury-hit Totten- The Italian government has to play without spectators. a Chelsea team that has shown ham, but Bayern posed a more banned all sports events in six “Football needs the public, to fl ashes of excellence this sea- youngsters. Tammy Abraham, backfi red. Against Tottenham Alonso, lost their heads. formidable threat. With their regions up to and including feel the atmosphere,” he said. son. They have impressed in Mason Mount, Fikayo Tomori on Saturday, the average of Alonso was sent off for lashing Champions League campaign Sunday, although top-flight “That is the nicest thing. We ac- wins against Tottenham, Arse- and Reece James have all shone Chelsea’s starting line-up was out at Lewandowski and Jorgin- in tatters, Chelsea must regroup Serie A soccer matches can be cept these decisions are made nal and Ajax, but have fl opped at times. But Chelsea’s kids re- 28 years and 171 days, the oldest ho earned a needless booking for for a fi nal push to qualify for played behind close doors. for health reasons but we hope in a succession of uninspired main far too raw to be expected team Lampard has selected in arguing with the referee, which next season’s tournament. “Following the decisions of the we can get back to normality home defeats. to be thrive against teams of the Premier League. In their 1-0 rules him out of the second leg. Sitting in fourth place in the Italian authorities, the UEFA as soon as possible.” Six Serie A His hand forced by Chelsea’s Bayern’s calibre. Lampard ac- win at Ajax in October, the aver- Lampard was not helped by Premier League, Chelsea’s des- Europa League match between matches will be played without transfer ban last summer, Lam- knowledged that fact by start- age age of his team was 25 years Chelsea’s failure to make any tiny is in their own hands. Inter Milan and Ludogorets spectators at the weekend, pard’s fi rst major decision after ing with Abraham on the bench and 71 days. After turning to his signings in the January transfer “It was a harsh lesson. I Razgrad will be played behind including third-placed Inter’s arriving from Derby, where he on Tuesday and leaving Tomori old guard when it came to the window, although Hakim Ziyech learned about my players. We closed doors at the Stadio San game at leaders Juventus in started his managerial career out of the squad, instead using crunch, Lampard will have been agreed a deal that will bring him have to show character. They Siro,” Euriopan soccer govern- Turin on Sunday, one of the top last term, was to put his faith immobile veteran Olivier Gir- frustrated that two of his senior from Ajax in the close-season. need to use it to positive eff ect,” ing body UEFA said in a state- fixtures of the season. in the club’s cadre of talented oud up front in a gamble that players, Jorginho and Marcos Injuries to N’Golo Kante, Chris- Lampard said. Thursday, February 27, 2020 GULF TIMES SPORT

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By Sahan Bidappa 11 European nations as well as , Doha Palestine and Qatar, in it. It’s designed to help young riders polish their skills. Not only will they watch international he Commercial Bank CHI Al show jumpers from close quarters, but Shaqab Presented by Longines they’ll also attend interactive sessions will begin from today with with them,” said the offi cial. the world’s leading riders and Al-Mannai said the high quality Thorses set to enthral the crowd at the event will once again provide valuable magnifi cent Longines Arena at Al experience to the Qatari riders. “A lot Shaqab. In its’ seventh year, the current more Qatari riders will be taking part edition of the CHI Al Shaqab will lead a in the eighth round of the Longines stellar cast led by German showjumper Hathab – Qatar Equestrian Tour, which Daniel Deusser, who is currently third will be held alongside CHI Al Shaqab. on the Longines global rankings. It’ll be a great opportunity for our ath- The impressive entry list also in- letes to see and learn from some of the cludes ’s double Olympic sil- best in the business,” said the former ver medallist Peder Fredrickon (ranked rider. number fi ve), Belgium’s Pieter Devos Alejandro Berdegue, Sport Coordi- (No 6 and winner of last year’s CSI5* nator, Commercial Bank CHI Al Shaqab Grand Prix in Doha), Olympians Ed- Presented by Longines, informed that wina Tops-Alexander (Australia), and moving horses from overseas to Qatar Scott Brash (Great Britain). has been a huge operation. “We had CHI (Concours Hippique Interna- three diff erent cargos on three flights tional – International Equestrian Com- within six hours of diff erence of Qatar petition) is the offi cial title awarded by Airways to transport the horses and it the Fédération Equestre Internationale Omar al-Mannai, Commercial Manager, was all smooth and safe. The organisers (FEI) to international equestrian com- Al Shaqab, and Event Director, here have a great team and vets for the petitions with three or more equestrian Commercial Bank CHI Al Shaqab horses. The venue of Al Shaqab is also disciplines. CHI Al Shaqab is one of Presented by Longines. the very best.” only fi ve CHI competitions worldwide A large turn-out of people is ex- and the fi rst and only equestrian event looked at what needs to be catered to a pected on the three days of competition of its kind in the Middle East and Asia German showjumper Daniel Deusser, currently third on the Longines global rankings, tops the impressive list of entries. rider’s needs. From the turf of compe- and various provisions have been made (Mena) region. tition to accommodation, the knowl- including free shuttle service at ten- The three-day world-class interna- Shaqab. Faleh Suwead al-Ajami, Sal- “The competition is bigger and bet- with individual Olympic ranking points edge and experience has been put to minute intervals from Al Shaqab Metro tional equestrian competition will see man Sultan al-Marri and Rashid Tow- ter than ever before, with riders from at stake. “Since CHI is for Olympic use to ensure the championship runs Station to Longines Arena Al Shaqab riders compete in the Olympic disci- aim Ali al-Marri are the other home fi ve continents taking part. The world’s events of equestrian, it gives our riders smoothly and effi ciently. We also have for all fans and families. plines of showjumping, dressage, and hopefuls. top 51 athletes in show jumping, 19 in the chance to compete and excel along- great support from Qatar Foundation. “The entire championship will also para dressage. A total of 88 riders from The Longines Hathab National se- dressage and 17 in para dressage will side the world’s best and gain experi- This year we are also using facilities of have family-oriented entertainment 23 countries have arrived in Doha, with ries will also form part of the three-day make the event more appealing to the ence and learning. We have some of our Qatar Foundation for accommodation.” including cultural shows and perform- some edge-of-the-seat action set un- show including Small Tour, Open and fans,” said Omar al-Mannai, Com- top riders from Qatar participating and Al-Mannai also spoke about the in- ances. Cafes and restaurants around fold over three days. Big Tour class. There will also be a com- mercial Manager, Al Shaqab, and Event we wish them the very best and hope ternational youth camp, which kicked the periphery of the competition arena There will be plenty of Qatari fl avour petition for children and an Arabian Director, Commercial Bank CHI Al that they would be successful. We also off last week and will continue until the have also been put up. Our reliance on too as three home riders also will be in Horse Show on the fi nal day, Saturday. Shaqab Presented by Longines. have riders from Kuwait and wish them completion of the Global Champions a large area for spectators will encour- action. Leading the home challenge is Also featuring during the champion- Al-Mannai said this year’s competi- all the success too,” he added. Tour on March 7. “We fi rst launched age them to come and enjoy. There will Bassem Mohammed, who competed ship will be a competition for riders at tion will be important one for the rid- On the preparation front, al-Mannai the global youth camp last year. This be raffl e draws, prizes, coupons and in in the 2016 Rio Olympics and won the the International Youth Camp from all ers as they look to seal their sport at the said: “We have ensured all needed ar- year’s camp, which started a few days kind gifts from Al Shaqab,” informed 2017 LGCT Doha leg Grand Prix at Al over the world. Tokyo Olympic Games later this year rangements. As a former rider I have ago, has more than 50 children, from al-Mannai.

QNB STARS LEAGUE Al Sadd take on Al Arabi in high-voltage Qatar Derby By Sports Reporter a fi nal, there are still seven games ahead at the helm happened, with Moroccan Doha of us, which we consider as fi nals. We Walid Regragui replacing Portuguese cannot lose any points. A huge match is Rui Faria. in front of us against a physically strong However, they bounced back by de- he Qatar Derby between Al team, whose level has improved a lot feating Al Wakrah last week to increase Sadd and Al Arabi will high- recently. We are ready and we will fi ght their gap on top of the table to four light the QNB Stars League’s until the end of the season to win the points with second-placed Al Rayyan Week 16 action, with the mar- league title,” the Spanish coach said. and fi ve points with holders Al Sadd. Tquee class taking place today. Mean- Sadd will continue to miss the in- Jose Murcia-coached Al Shahania are while, league leaders Al Duhail will take jured trio of Hassan al-Haydos, Salem last in the standings with nine points on Al Shahania, while second placed Al al-Hajri and Ali Asad, while Al Arabi and it is time they lifted their game in Rayyan take on Al Ahli. will be without their top scorer Hamdi order to stay in the top fl ight. They did But the focus will be on Sadd-Arabi Harbaoui, also due to injury. well last week by holding Al Arabi to a encounter at the Al Sadd Stadium. “We have injuries and suspensions, goalless draw but a big challenge awaits Reigning champions Al Sadd, who but that is not an excuse. We will make them today. have won both titles so far on off er this the best eff orts in all local and inter- The Al Sadd Stadium will also wit- season (Sheikh Jassim Cup and Qatar national tournaments that we play in, ness Al Rayyan (second with 32 points) Cup), are third in the standings with 31 especially because we compete for all versus Al Ahli (eighth with 18 points) points, fi ve behind Duhail. titles,” Xavi said. encounter. They dropped two crucial points Al Arabi, under Heimir Hall- Tomorrow, Al Sailiya (sixth with 20 last week after being held 2-2 by lowly grimsson, are fi fth with 20 points. Sadd points) will lock horns with Al Gharafa Umm Salal and will be keen to bounce had beaten Arabi 6-1 in the fi rst leg and Al Sadd head coach Xavi Hernandez (right) and defender Abdelkarim Hassan at a press conference yesterday. (fourth with 25 points). It will be fol- back to title contention. Hallgrimsson was confi dent that his lowed by the game between Al Wakrah Al Sadd coach Xavi Hernandez said side is better prepared to take on the it by a big margin, so we have to learn I am looking forward to see a strong on top with 36 points, will face Al Sha- (seventh with 19 points) and Umm Salal the match against Arabi is ‘not a fi nal’ reigning champions. from mistakes in order not to repeat reaction from our players,” said Hall- hania, who are lying bottom of the ta- (11th with 10 points). Al Khor (10th with but they cannot aff ord to lose points. “Our fi rst-leg match with Al Sadd them and come up with a positive re- grimsson. ble with nine points. Al Duhail’s form 11 points) will host Qatar SC (ninth with “We do not consider Al Arabi match as is not a good memory for us, as we lost sult. I think that my team is ready and Al Duhail, who increased their lead had dipped a bit recently and a change 16 points) in Saturday’s only fi xture.