TUESDAY 3 MARCH 2020 SPORTSPORT 07

CRICKET The MotoGP class cancellation for Qatar is difficult news to Bangladesh vs PAKISTAN SUPER take, because now we do not know how long we will have to Zimbabwe LEAGUE wait before we can start racing, considering the next GP in 2nd ODI, (D/N) Lahore Qalandars vs

Thailand has been postponed for all classes: Valentino Rossi ACTION

TODAY’S TODAY’S In Sylhet Quetta Gladiators

Baseball: NBA RESULTS NHL: Flyers beat New Orleans 114, LA Lakers 122 Final Olympic Golden State 110, Washington 124 Denver 133, Toronto 118 Rangers for 6th qualifying Sacramento 106, Detroit 100 tournament Minnesota 91, Dallas 111 straight win Charlotte 85, Milwaukee 93 NEW YORK postponed LA Clippers 136, Philadelphia 130 AGENCIES – Travis Konecny and Derek Grant each recorded a REUTERS – TAIPEI goal and an assist as the Philadelphia Flyers extended their winning streak to a season-high The World Baseball six games with a 5-3 victory over the host New Softball Confederation York Rangers on Sunday afternoon. (WBSC) said yesterday The Flyers tied a season high with three power- it has postponed its final play goals and added a short-handed tally en route qualification tour- to their ninth win in the past 10 meetings with the nament for the Tokyo Rangers. Philadelphia also improved to 16-5-1 in Olympics to June its last 22 games and remained three points behind because of the corona- Washington for the lead in the Metropolitan virus epidemic. Division. The six-team event, Los Angeles Lakers forward Philadelphia’s Matt Niskanen and Sean Cou- originally scheduled for LeBron James (right) drives turier scored power-play goals in the first period, April 1-5 in Taiwan, will past New Orleans Pelicans while Michael Raffl scored a short-handed marker. now take place June forward Brandon Ingram Grant scored the Flyers’ only even-strength goal, 17-21 to safeguard the during their NBA game at and Konecny added the third power-play goal. health of players, per- the Smoothie King Center sonnel and spectators. on Sunday. Capitals 4, Wild 3 The flu-like virus Alex Ovechkin tallied twice in a three-point that originated in outing to carry Washington to a win over Min- late last year has killed nesota in St. Paul, Minn. nearly 3,000 people, Ovechkin, who scored twice in Washington’s infected over 86,500 Lebron's triple-double three-goal first period, raised his season total to globally and is forcing 45, tying him with the Toronto Maple Leafs’ Auston the cancellation or post- Matthews for the NHL’s second-most. Richard ponement of numerous Panik and Tom Wilson netted goals, and Evgeny sporting and other Kuznetsov had two assists for Washington, which events. leads Lakers to victory has won three of four and snapped a four-game “After consulting road losing streak (0-4-0). with medical and gov- AFP – LOS ANGELES helped the Hornets keep it close and 118-109 home victory against the Pel- ernmental authorities, Charlotte trailed by just two entering icans on Tuesday, is the clear MVP Blue Jackets 5, Canucks 3 a joint decision by the LeBron James and Giannis Antetok- the final quarter. Charlotte is in 10th winner in some people’s eyes. Emil Bemstrom scored the go-ahead goal on WBSC and the local ounmpo stepped up their MVP place in the Eastern Conference two Williamson scored a career-high the power play with 1:37 remaining in regulation organising committee campaigns with dominant perform- spots back of a playoff position. 35 points, marking his 11th consec- as Columbus rallied to defeat visiting was taken to postpone ances on Sunday over a couple of Antetokounmpo seized control in utive game with 20-plus points for Vancouver. the event,” WBSC said teams battling for playoff spots. the waning minutes, putting the Bucks the Pelicans, who are in nine place Riley Nash, Zach Werenski and Kevin Stenlund in a statement. Reigning league MVP Antetok- up 88-83 with a turnaround jump in the Western Conference one spot each had a goal and an assist for the Blue Jackets, Hosts Taiwan, Aus- ounmpo poured in 41 points and shot. He then pulled down an offensive out of a playoff spot. who scored four times in the final 7:21 to overcome tralia, China, the Neth- grabbed 20 rebounds as Milwaukee rebound, drew a foul and made two James had 11 of his 19 first-half a 3-1 deficit. Gustav Nyquist added an empty-netter erlands and the teams notched another one-sided NBA free throws drove for another layup points in the second quarter, making with 11 seconds to go, and Ryan Murray had two that finish second and victory, a 93-85 triumph over the and added another free throw as he all five of his shots, including one assists. third in the March 22-26 Hornets in Charlotte. scored the Bucks’ last seven points to three-pointer, as the Lakers led 63-61 WBSC Americas qual- James had a triple-double of 34 seal the game. at halftime. Kings 4, Golden Knights 1 ifier in the United States points, 13 assists and 12 rebounds as Antetokounmpo, who handed out The Los Angeles Clippers, locked Rookie goaltender Cal Petersen made 42 saves will compete. the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the six assists, became the first Bucks in battle with Denver for second place and Anze Kopitar scored two goals as Los Angeles Four countries have New Orleans Pelicans 122-114. player with a 40-20-5 stat line since in the West, rallied in the third snapped the franchise-record-tying eight-game qualified for the Tokyo The Bucks pushed their league- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in 1974. quarter for a 111-91 victory over the winning streak of Vegas in . Games due to begin on leading record to 52-8 with their sixth Remarkably, Antetokounmpo short-handed Philadelphia 76ers. Alex Iafallo had a goal and an assist and Trevor July 24 - Japan, Israel, straight win since the all-star break. amassed the numbers in just 35 The Sixers got off to a hot start Lewis scored a goal for Los Angeles, which won South Korea and Antetokounmpo said that was all minutes on the court. despite the injury absences of stars its third consecutive game. Drew Doughty and Ben Mexico. The winner of that mattered as the team’s streak of Elsewhere, the Western Con- Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid, Hutton each added two assists for the Kings, who the Americas qualifer 100-point regular-season games ference leading Lakers bounced back leading by as many as 14 points on improved to 6-2-1 in their past nine games. will take the fifth berth ended at 83. from a loss to the Memphis Grizzlies the way to a 39-34 first-quarter lead. while the Taiwan event “I don’t think anybody cares about by beating rising star Zion Williamson They were up by two at halftime, Flames 3, Panthers 0 will decide the final that,” he said of the triple-digit scoring and the Pelicans in New Orleans. and it was knotted at 89-89 with 4:39 Cam Talbot made 38 saves, and Mark place. streak that stretched back to February James carried the team on his left in the third when the Clippers Giordano had three assists in his third game back Baseball is returning 23, 2019. “We as players just come in back as the Lakers overcame the produced an 18-5 scoring run to take from an injury absence, leading Calgary to a to the Games for the here and try to get a win.” In this “old- absence of forward Anthony Davis, control. Kawhi Leonard scored 30 shutout win over Florida at Sunrise, Fla. first time since Beijing school” victory, the Bucks never trailed who missed out on facing his former points and Paul George added 24 as The loss was the seventh in a row at home for 2008. in the second half, although their 15 team because of a sore knee. the Clippers notched their fourth Florida, tying a franchise record previously set in turnovers in the first three quarters James, who had 40 points in a straight win. 2003. Boks clinch LA Sevens in extra-time thriller Six Nations AFP – LOS ANGELES

Sakoyisa Makata scored in extra- to go ahead time as South Africa fought back from 19-0 down to defeat Fiji 29-24 and claim victory in the Los as planned Angeles leg of the Sevens Series on Sunday. AFP – PARIS Makata’s sudden-death winner completed an extraordinary Remaining fixtures in the Six Nations Championships comeback for the Blitzboks, who were expected to go ahead as planned, although also trailed 24-12 with just over a changes could not be ruled out amid efforts to contain minute to go against the Fijians. the coronavirus, organisers said yesterday. Fiji, chasing back-to-back The March 7 match between Ireland and Italy in tournament wins following their Dublin has already been postponed but other matches victory at the Sydney Sevens last will be maintained unless governments monitoring the month, looked to be on course for spread of the virus decide otherwise, a spokeswoman the title after storming into an early for the organisers said. lead at the Dignity Health Sports Rugby officials were meeting in Paris yesterday to Park. consider whether more changes to the Six Nations cal- The South Pacific islanders endar were needed as the number of infections and the powered into the lead with death toll from the virus mounts. Vilimoni Botitu scoring the opening "This meeting is about taking stock and assessing try in the first minute. rescheduling options," the spokeswoman said. Sevuloni Mocenacagi extended "So far, apart from the Ireland v Italy match for our Fiji’s lead before Napolioni Bolaca senior men's event, all matches are OK to take place made it 19-0 with South Africa but governments might decide otherwise and we need South Africa's captain holds up the trophy after defeatingFiji 29-24 in the final of the Los looking ragged. to be prepared for any eventuality." Angeles leg of the World Rugby Sevens Series on Sunday. But Stedman Gans pulled a try The Irish Rugby Football Union postponed their back for South Africa on the stroke match against Italy following consultations with Simon of half-time to make it 19-7 at the South Africa then waived the con- “But they were unbelievable produced a sublime no-look Harris, Ireland's health minister. break. version attempt in order to take a after halftime. The guys just offload to set up a superb try for The spokeswoman did not rule out further changes then scored soon quick restart and the decision paid focused and kept believing in the Jerry Tuwai as the Australians to the schedule. after the restart to cut the Fiji lead off when they regained possession system. were swatted aside. "There are important government meetings in var- to 19-12. from the kick-off. “The guys know exactly what South Africa had advanced to ious countries in the next couple of days and we will However a sweeping length- Branco DuPreez scored wide to do. We said just believe in the the final after a clinical 17-0 need to see what guidance comes out of these meetings." of-the-field attack from Fiji which out on the left and then nervelessly system and the system will help victory over 2018 World Cup ended with Jerry Tuwai dotting banged over the drop-kick con- you out.” The Fijians, who had champions New Zealand in the REMAINING SIX NATIONS FIXTURES (times GMT): down in the corner restored the version to make it 24-24 to set up thumped England 26-5 in the semi-finals. islanders’ 12-point cushion at 24-12 sudden-death and Makata’s quarter-finals, had swept into the Flying wing Angelo Davids set Mar 7: England v Wales (Twickenham, 1645) with just over a minute remaining. moment of glory. final with a dazzling semi-final the Blitzboks on the way to victory Mar 8: Scotland v France (Murrayfield, 1500) South Africa rallied again “The guys just made so many display against Australia, turning with two first half tries before a Mar 14: Wales v Scotland (Principality Stadium, though and Chris Day’s try made basic errors in the first half and we on the style in a 43-7 rout. well-worked effort from Werner 1415) it 24-17. paid for it,” South Africa coach Neil Aminiasi Tuimaba scored a Kok extended the South African Mar 14: Italy v England (Stadio Olimpico, 1645) With the seconds ticking down, Powell said. brace while Sevuloni Mocenacagi lead just after half-time. Mar 14: France v Ireland (Stade de France, 2000) 08 SPORT TUESDAY 3 MARCH 2020

Wongharuthai of Thailand wins 2020 Women's 6 Red World Cup

Nutcharut Wongharuthai of Thailand, winner of the 2020 Women's 6 Red World Cup and Diana Stateczny of Germany, the runner-up at the event, pose for a group picture with officials during the awards ceremony at the Qatar Billiards and Snooker Federation Hall in . The three-day event concluded with Wongharuthai defeating Stateczny 5 - 3 in the final. RIGHT: Wongharuthai (left) and Stateczny with their trophies Im wins maiden US PGA title Joshua to fight in Honda Classic thriller Pulev in London AFP — LONDON world title in 2014 when he was AFP — MIAMI two back. Fleetwood and Steele stopped in five rounds by both plunked their second shots Anthony Joshua (pictured) Wladimir Klitschko. The pros- South Korea’s Im Sung-jae into the water at 18 to doom confirmed yesterday that he pects for a much-anticipated captured his first US PGA Tour their title hopes while Hughes will defend his world heavy- all-British “superfight” between title on Sunday in a dramatic pulled his approach left into the weight titles against Kubrat Joshua and Tyson Fury suffered four-man Honda Classic grandstand, recovering for a par Pulev in London on June 20. a setback when American shootout, then shared his but settling for second place. The British boxer posted a Deontay Wilder said he would worries about the coronavirus - Cup success boosted Im - picture of himself wearing his trigger a clause in his contract outbreak striking his homeland. Im made aggressive shots on belts on his Twitter feed with for a third meeting with Fury, The 21-year-old Asian the closing holes to set up his the words “June 20th”. the new WBC champion. prodigy, last year’s US PGA birdies, knowing the event was Joshua, 30, regained the Wilder has officially exer- Rookie of the Year, birdied four up for grabs. WBA, IBF and WBO titles with cised his right to another fight of the first five holes and sank “I knew I was one back a unanimous points win over against Fury and the plan is to tension-packed birdie putts at going into the last four,” Im Andy Ruiz Jr in Saudi Arabia in stage the bout on July 18 at the the par-3 15th and 17th to help said. December. MGM Grand Hotel and Casino secure the victory at Palm “I wanted to get a little more That victory saw the Briton in Las Vegas, US media Beach Gardens, Florida. aggressive than I had been avenge the first defeat of his reported on Sunday. Im fired a four-under par 66 playing on the final holes. I felt professional career, in New “We received a letter Im Sung-Jae holds up the champions trophy after winning the final round to become the pretty good after the birdie.” York last June. from Wilder’s team on Friday 2020 Honda Classic golf tournament at PGA National on Sunday. youngest winner in tournament Im said his performance for Joshua is set to face Bul- night, and we agreed with history with a breakthrough the Internationals in last garia’s Pulev, 38, at the new the networks and the hotel triumph at PGA National in his Westwood, American Daniel eight feet to reclaim the solo December’s Presidents Cup, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in that July 18 was the optimal 50th US PGA start. Berger and South Korean An lead for good. when he went 3-1-1, helped him north London for what will be date,” promoter Bob Arum “After so many chances so Byeong-hun. England’s Fleetwood, handle the intense pressure he the 62,000 capacity football told the Los Angeles Times many weeks and having a After the breakthrough title, runner-up at the 2018 US Open faced in the final round. ground’s first boxingg bout. newspaper.pp bunch of top 10s, using that Im expressed his concern over and 2019 British Open and “I felt a little less pressure Pulev, who is thethe FuryFury stopped experience this week was big,” the coronavirus and its impact seeking his first US PGA victory, than I did at the Presidents mandatory challengerenger WilderWilder in the seventh Im said through a translator. in South Korea. sank a 24-foot birdie putt at 17 Cup,” Im said. for Joshua’s IBF title, roundround of their heav- “I hope to really work hard “There have been to pull within one of Im heading “Hopefully that can help me pulled out of a yweightywei title and move forward and become reportedly over 2,000 cases of to the par-5 18th with Steele going forward.” scheduled meetingeting rerematchma in Las a winner again soon.” the coronavirus in South Korea with the Briton in VegasVega last week -- Im finished 72 holes on six- and I’m a little concerned and 2017 due to injury.ry. thethe American’sA first under 274 for a one-stroke worried about how fast this Honda Classic But in a defeatdefea of his career victory over Canada’s Mac- virus is spreading,” Im said Leading scores after Sunday's final round of the US PGA Tour Facebook post yes-yes- -- afteraf a draw kenzie Hughes. through a translator. Honda Classic at PGA National in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida terday, Pulev’s’s betweenbetwe the two Britain’s Tommy Fleetwood “All I can do is pray for the (USA unless noted, par-70): camp said: “The boxersbox in 2018. was third on 276 and American best and hope moving forward 274 - Im Sung-Jae (KOR) 72-66-70-66 contract Fury’s Brendan Steele shared fourth that not many more people get 275 - Mackenzie Hughes (CAN) 71-72-66-66 between the promoter on 277 with England’s Lee infected and hopefully this virus 276 - Tommy Fleetwood (ENG) 70-68-67-71 two countries Frank can be calmed down and sort 277 - An Byeong-Hun (KOR) 76-66-68-67, Daniel Berger 69-70- is already offi- Warren had itself out.” 69-69, Lee Westwood (ENG) 67-69-71-70, Brendan Steele cially signed urged Im made a huge drive over 68-67-71-71 and the battle Wilder to water to eight feet at the par-3 278 - Gary Woodland 70-67-74-67, Cameron Davis (AUS) 70-67- between the ditch his re- 15th and sank the putt to create 73-68, Russell Henley 70-69-70-69 Bulgarian match rights After so many a four-man logjam atop the lea- 279 - Brice Garnett 72-69-72-66, Wyndham Clark 68-74-71-66, boxer, who is a mandatory con- in return for a payment in order chances so many derboard with Fleetwood, Maverick McNealy 70-69-71-69, Robby Shelton 70-69-70-70, tender for the belt of the Inter- to pave the way for a lucrative weeks and having Hughes and Steele. Mark Hubbard 69-71-69-70, Luke Donald (ENG) 70-66-71-72 national Boxing Federation unification bout between the Hughes sank a stunning 280 - Harris English 66-74-72-68, Richy Werenski 70-68-73-69, (IBF)... is guaranteed!” Pulev self-styled “Gypsy King” and a bunch of top 10s, 53-foot birdie putt at the 17th Ryan Palmer 70-72-68-70, Charl Schwartzel (RSA) 69-69-70-72 added: “I am happy that I will Joshua later this year. using that experience to briefly match Im for the lead, 281 - Hudson Swafford 70-69-73-69, Patrick Rodgers 69-71-72- be able to show the world how Joshua’s promoter Eddie but the South Korean calmly strong I really am.” Hearn said last week they this week was big: Im 69, Kramer Hickok 73-70-69-69, Shane Lowry (IRL) 69-69-73-70, answered moments later with Jimmy Walker 72-69-70-70, Brandon Hagy 70-71-69-71 A seasoned campaigner, would do “everything we can” a birdie putt from just inside Pulev last challenged for a to bring about a fight with Fury. Wild outlasts Ruud Dolphin Energy staff getting ready for Chile Open title for Ooredoo Ride of Champions REUTERS — Santiago THE PENINSULA —DOHA Brazilian teenager Thiago Seyboth Wild (pictured) Dolphin Energy’s staff riders got became the youngest player to some training and encourage win on Latin America’s ‘Golden the local business community Swing’ since Rafael Nadal in to get involved in Qatar Cyclists 2005 when he outlasted organised 2020 Ooredoo Ride Norwegian second seed Casper of Champions. Ruud 7-5 4-6 6-3 at the Chile With only two weeks to go Open on Sunday. to the 4th of edition of the event, The 19-year-old wildcard the riders burnt some calories collapsed to the ground in and released some energy delight after Ruud sent a ahead of the event. backhand wide on match point. March 13 will see 2000 par- Seyboth Wild fired down 17 ticipants cover around aces en route to his maiden 80,225km the equivalent of tour-level title. Ignacio Londero in the second riding around the circum- Ruud was full of praise for round before advancing past ference of the world twice. The Hassan Al Emadi (centre), General Manager of Dolphin Energy Qatar is seen along with other officials Seyboth Wild, who is two years top seeded Cristian Garin when riders will burn 2.4M calories, and staff ahead of the2020 Ooredoo Ride of Champions. Ali Al Rahbi, Chief Operating Officer - younger than the Norwegian. the Chilean retired due to a left the equivalent of energy from Upstream, Rasheed Al Rasheed, Director Risk and Quality Upstream, Saadi Al Said, Director Operations “He played amazing tennis leg injury. 8500 pizza slices. Planning & Performance Upstream and Yousif Al Jaber, Director Corporate IT are also seen. all week. I can’t be too upset The 182nd-ranked Seyboth Dolphin Energy’s General about my loss,” Ruud said. “He Wild, who had started the week Manager – Qatar, Hassan Al Dolphin Energy employees and jerseys (9+) and event bike Ministry of Culture and Sports proved that he deserved his with just two tour-level wins Emadi, who was out riding, their families enjoy the fun and bottles. of Qatar, Qatar Cycling Feder- wildcard and took very good to his name, became the commented on Dolphin compete in the corporate chal- Official Partners and Sup- ation, Rasen Sports, Garmin care of his opportunity. Even youngest Brazilian to win an Energy’s sponsorship: “We are lenge awards. Congratulations porters of the Ooredoo Ride of Lingawi and Rayyan Water, though I’m not that experi- ATP title. delighted to support the Ride of to the winners and to everyone Champions include Ooredoo Best Buddies Qatar and Acces- enced myself, I can see that He is expected to shoot up Champions and help bring local who participated.” Qatar, Qatar National Tourism sible Qatar. he’ll be around for many more to a career-high 113th in the communities together for this Spaces are still available for Council, Dolphin Energy To learn more about years.” The road to the title was world when the new rankings unique community cycling this year’s event, with regis- Limited, Qatar Stock Exchange Ooredoo Ride of Champions not an easy one for Seyboth are released on Monday. event. As it is open to everyone tration open at www.rocdoha. (presenting partner of the QSE visit www.rocdoha.qa or follow Wild as he had to overcome Nadal, then 18, prevailed at from 3 to 83 years of age, I am qa. First 2000 participants Corporate Challenge), Turkish @rocdoha on Twitter, fifth-seeded Argentine Juan Acapulco in 2005. looking forward to seeing receive limited edition bike Airlines, Qatar Foundation, Instagram and Facebook. TUESDAY 3 MARCH 2020 SPORT 09

Amir and Babar India humbled in three days as fashion Karachi's big New Zealand sweep Test series PSL victory AP – RAWALPINDI, PAKISTAN AFP — CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand team pose with NEW ZEALAND the trophy at the end of the Mohammad Amir grabbed Second Test at the Hagley 4-25 and Babar Azam notched India captain Virat Kohli was Oval in Christchurch, New a brilliant unbeaten 70 as the left frustrated and deflated as Zealand, yesterday. Karachi Kings jumped to third New Zealand won the second in the Pakistan Super League Test inside three days in after beating the Peshawar Christchurch yesterday to Zalmi by six yesterday. sweep the series. After Amir’s impressive India started the day at 90 bowling restricted Peshawar for six and were all out for 124, to 151-8, Babar and Alex Hales before New Zealand chased eased Karachi to 152-4 in 18.1 down the required 132 to win overs with a 101-run, second- for the loss of three wickets in stand off 65 balls. 36 overs. Pakistan’s It ended a disappointing skipper, Babar, who was run tour for India and Kohli as New out for 0 on Sunday in Kara- Zealand, who won the first Test chi’s win over Islamabad, hit by 10 wickets early on day four, 10 fours in his 59-ball knock wrapped up the series with to earn their third win and ease. second against Peshawar. New Zealand are now Hales missed a second suc- unbeaten in their last 13 home cessive half-century; he was Tests, winning nine of them, dismissed for 49 off 27 balls and in the past decade their that featured six fours and two record as hosts is played 39, sixes. won 20, drawn 13 and lost five. Amir had Tom Banton of In the latest series, on tra- caught on camera yelling an Mohammed Shami was SCOREBOARD England lbw off the very first ditional New Zealand green obscenity at a group of New caught for five by Tom Blundell India (I innings) ...... 242 Bowling: Southee 11-2-36-3, Boult 14-4-28-4, ball via television referral. The wickets, India managed scores Zealand supporters on Sunday. at deep mid-wicket and Jasprit New Zealand (I innings) ...... 235 Jamieson 8-4-18-0, de Grandhomme 5-3-3-1, left-arm fast bowler, in front of 165, 191, 242 and 124, The end came quickly for Bumrah was run out when India (II innings) Wagner 8-1-18-1 of his hometown supporters reflecting the low contributions India on day three as Tim trying to give the strike to P Shaw c Latham b Southee ...... 14 New Zealand (II innings) at Pindi Cricket Stadium, also from Kohli of 2, 19, 3 and 14. Southee and Trent Boult tor- Ravindra Jadeja, who was M Agarwal lbw Boult ...... 3 T Latham c Pant b Yadav ...... 52 uprooted the off stump of Kohli came to New Zealand mented the batsmen with their unbeaten on 16. C Pujara b Boult ...... 24 T Blundell b Bumrah ...... 55 Haider Ali off his third V Kohli lbw de Grandhomme ...... 14 K Williamson c Rahane b Bumrah ...... 5 as the world’s top Test batsman variety of inswing and outswing Boult and Southee signed A Rahane b Wagner ...... 9 R Taylor () ...... 5 as Peshawar slumped to 4-2 and oozing charm as he deliveries targeting both sides for most of the dismissals with U Yadav b Boult ...... 1 H Nicholls (not out) ...... 5 within the first three balls of described New Zealand as the of the stumps. Boult taking four for 28 and H Vihari c Watling b Southee ...... 9 Extras (B1, LB8, NB1) ...... 10 the game. Amir’s second spell “nice guys” of cricket. Hanuma Vihari was the first Southee three for 36. R Pant c Watling b Boult ...... 4 Total (3 wkts, 36 overs) ...... 132 claimed Lewis Gregory caught But during the series he lost to fall, in Southee’s second over, The swing pair accounted R Jadeja (not out) ...... 16 Fall of wicket: 1-103, 2-112, 3-121 off a slower ball, and Carlos his top ranking to Australian when he turned a legside for 25 of the 40 Indian wickets M Shami c Blundell b Southee ...... 5 Bowling: Bumrah 13-2-39-2, Yadav 14-3-45-1, Brathwaite - playing his first Steve Smith and when Kane delivery too fine and was caught in the series. J Bumrah run out (Boult/Williamson) ...... 4 Shami 3-1-11-0, Jadeja 5-0-24-0 (1nb), Kohli game for Peshawar - top- Williamson went for three in the by BJ Watling diving to his left. There was enough seam and Extras (B9, LB12) ...... 21 1-0-4-0 edging a pull to West Indies Total (all out, 46 overs) ...... 124 Result: New Zealand won by seven wickets first innings of the second Test Five balls later and with no swing available for India to Fall of wickets: 1-8, 2-26, 3-51, 4-72, 5-84, Series: New Zealand won two-match series countryman Chadwick Walton the pressure showed when he addition to the score, India’s keep the New Zealand batsmen 6-89, 7-97, 8-97, 9-108, 10-124 2-0 behind the wickets. gave the New Zealand skipper other overnight batsman guessing but Bumrah and Veteran Shoaib Malik a very animated send-off. Rishabh Pant was caught Umesh Yadav were unable to troubled by a sore shoulder. stand by Tom Latham and labored through 55 balls in There was further evidence behind off a Boult delivery that apply consistent pressure and New Zealand coasted Blundell before losing three scoring 68 runs to give of frustration when he was swung away. Mohammed Shami was through a century opening quick wickets. Peshawar a respectable total. Du Plessis back Australia’s for South Africa’s Australia edge NZ in nail-biter Maxwell joins tour to India Lancashire AFP — JOHANNESBURG to make T20 World Cup semis for T20 Blast Former captain Faf du Plessis AFP — MELBOURNE will return to South Africa’s AFP — LONDON one-day international squad A stylish 60 from for a three-match tour of India and controlled bowling Australia all-rounder Glenn later this month. yesterday kept intact Australia’s Maxwell has agreed to rejoin Du Plessis and fellow record of making at least the Lancashire for this season’s batsman Rassie van der semi-finals of every Twenty20 T20 Blast, the English county Dussen were rested for a World Cup in a nail-biting side announced yesterday. current series against Australia four-run win over New Maxwell played for Lanca- but both were named in a Zealand. shire in last season’s compe- 15-man squad announced by The defending champions tition and was voted as the Cricket South Africa and four-time winners join club’s T20 Player of the Year yesterday. India, England and South Africa as they reached the Orthodox left-arm spinner in the last four, with the games quarter-finals. George Linde, who made his played in Sydney on Thursday. Maxwell hit 305 runs and Test debut against India in Australia have been dom- took six wickets, as well as Australia’s players celebrates defeating New Zealand in their Twenty20 Ranchi last October, is in line inant since the World Cup was eight catches in the for his first white-ball cap in introduced 11 years ago, but women’s World Cup cricket match in Melbourne, yesterday. tournament. place of left-arm wrist spinner were upset by India in the “Last season was one of the Tabraiz Shamsi, who is una- opening game of the best summers of cricket I have vailable because his wife is tournament. ever experienced and I cannot soon to give birth to the cou- Rattled, they bounced back “I think we showed that we Moody finally departed for 60, attack in a lightning 28 but wait to return to Emirates Old ple’s first child. emphatically against Sri Lanka are able to be calm under the but it needed a spectacular Wareham again pounced, with Trafford in 2020,” Maxwell Fast bowler Kagiso and Bangladesh before nar- pump, we have done the basics catch on the boundary from her wickets proving vital as told Lancashire’s website Rabada was unavailable rowly accounting for their right which gives us confidence to remove her. New Zealand fell short. yesterday. because of a groin injury. trans-Tasman rivals, who leave going into the semi-finals.” Perry (21) and Rachael Earlier, Sri Lanka ended “We were very unfor- Kyle Verreynne, who the World Cup One worry for Australia is Haynes (19) added crucial late their tournament on a high with tunate not to progress made an impressive interna- empty-handed. the fitness of the world’s top runs to power the score past a crushing victory over Bang- further after dominating the tional debut by scoring 48 and The White Ferns won the T20 all rounder , 150. looked dan- ladesh in a fitting farewell to North Group and I was so taking three catches in the first toss and bowled at Junction who limped off while fielding, gerous as New Zealand set retiring veteran Shashikala Siri- impressed with the talent match against Australia on Oval in Melbourne, snaring an seemingly with a hamstring about the chase, hitting quick wardena, who bagged a tour- inside the changing room. Saturday, has been retained early breakthrough. But Aus- problem. New Zealand removed three fours, but she was undone nament-best 4-16. I’m very confident we can but Janneman Malan, who tralia has incredible depth in its the dangerous by . The clinical nine-wicket improve on the quarter- failed to score on debut in the and Mooney led them cheaply with Lanning joining Australia piled pressure on win was their first of the event final finish of 2019. same match, was left out. to a competitive 155 for five. Mooney, but after an attacking when Wareham snared the to leave them fourth in Group “I have been keeping in A statement from Cricket Skipper (31) 21 she was caught off Anna world’s number one T20 bats- A, with Bangladesh beaten in touch with the lads ever since South Africa said the selections and (37) led the Peterson’s bowling. woman Bates for 14, leaving all four games to prop up the I departed in September and were a continuation of a chase, but Australia’s bowlers (20) them in trouble on 55 for two table. While neither team could I’m already excited to catch up search for the next generation were up to the task, with shared in a quickfire 52-run at the halfway mark. reach the knockouts, there was with everyone when I arrive of players who will potentially spinner Georgia Wareham stand with Mooney, who Devine knew she had to plenty at stake with the winner in May.” represent the country in the taking three crucial wickets. brought up her fifth half- take risks and after reaching 31 avoiding having to qualify for Maxwell will play in at 2023 Cricket World Cup in “It was a crunch game and century in nine innings off 42 charged down the wicket to the 2022 tournament in South least the first eight fixtures of India. I thought we handled it really balls. Wareham and was . Africa by virtue of finishing as Lancashire’s campaign, before The South African squad well,” said skipper . Playing in her 50th T20, took on the one of the top eight sides. resuming international duty. will leave for India following the third and final one-day international against Australia in Potchefstroom on Saturday. The first match in India will be Jamieson confirms immense potential against India played in Dharamsala on March 12. REUTERS — CHRISTCHURCH wickets victory with 2 1/2 days who took 4-39 followed by a 44 one-ranked side after a 3-0 The second and third to spare in a match which moved with four sixes on debut in the series loss in Australia earlier in matches will be in Lucknow New Zealand’s towering new all- at breakneck speed. opening Test in Wellington last the year. The 2.04-metres tall on March 15 and Kolkata on rounder Kyle Jamieson But he had already done week. Jamieson, who abandoned bas- March 18. (pictured) provided a second enough to win Player of the “Having had this little taste of ketball as a youngster in favour South Africa squad: consecutive match-winning Series honours after taking 5-45 it, this is where I want to be.” New of cricket, was selected for the Quinton de Kock (captain, performance in the second Test in India’s first innings followed Zealand captain Kane Williamson New Zealand under-19s side as wkt), Temba Bavuma, Faf du against India at Hagley Oval by 49 batting at number nine as said Jamieson’s interventions with a specialist batsman. Plessis, Beuran Hendricks, yesterday as the home side India’s pace bowlers fought back the bat had been particularly His potential as a bowler was Heinrich Klaasen, George clinched a 2-0 series win. on a green pitch offering extrav- important in the series. spotted in Christchurch by the Linde, Keshav Maharaj, David Jamieson, who polished his agant movement off the seam. “Those runs he scored at the current New Zealand coach Gary Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich craft as a youngster in “It’s been a pretty surreal back of the innings in both games Stead and former New Zealand Nortje, Andile Phehlukwayo, Christchurch, did not take the couple of weeks to be part of this were of incredible value,” he said pace bowler Dayle Hadlee, the Lutho Sipamla, Jon-Jon Smuts, field on the final day as the New group and to win a couple of Test as he savoured his team’s series elder brother of New Zealand’s Rassie van der Dussen, Kyle Zealanders completed a seven matches as well,” said Jamieson, victory over the world’s number greatest cricketer Richard. Verreynne 10 SPORT TUESDAY 3 MARCH 2020

Moto3 riders in action at the Losail International Circuit Milan residents banned from semi-final match at Juventus

AP – ROME

Residents of Milan will not be allowed to attend the Italian Cup semi-final match between Juventus and AC Milan at Allianz Stadium in Turin tomorrow as part of anti-virus precautions being taken. The second leg of the sem- ifinals will be off limits to res- idents of the regions of Lom- bardy, which contains Milan, Grand Prix of Qatar: Moto2, and Emilia Romagna and Veneto, plus the provinces of Pesaro, Urbino and Savona - the areas hardest hit by the COVID-19 virus. Moto3 set for season opener Juventus made the announcement Monday, asking fans to show up early THE PENINSULA – DOHA The ongoing coronavirus have to wait before we can REVISED TIME SCHEDULE so their identification cards outbreak has resulted in Qatar start racing, considering the can be checked carefully. Losail Circuit Sports Club travel restrictions while all next GP in Thailand has been FRIDAY, MARCH 6 The first leg ended 1-1. (LCSC) yesterday announced passengers arriving at Doha postponed for all classes," 12:30-13:10 Idemitsu Asla Talent Cup Free Practice 1 No such ban has yet been that the Moto2 and Moto3 on direct flights from Italy, or seven-time MotoGP world 13:25-14:05 Moto3 Free Practice 1 put in place for the other sem- 14:20-15:00 Moto2 Free Practice 1 races of the Grand Prix of having been in Italy in the past Champion Valentino Rossi has ifinal match between Napoli 16:10-16:50 Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup Free Practice 2 Qatar will go ahead despite the two weeks, will be taken said yesterday. 17:05-17:45 Moto3 Free Practice 2 and Inter Milan at San Paolo cancellation of the MotoGP straight to quarantine for a LCSC yesterday 18:00-18:40 Moto2 Free Practice 2 Stadium in southern Italy. race due to travel restrictions minimum of 14 days. announced that all the tickets A total of 10 Serie A brought into force affecting Italy plays a vital role in which have already been sold, SATURDAY, MARCH 7 matches in Italy have been riders mainly from Italy. the Championship and in the will still be valid for the three 12:00-12:40 Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup Qualifying postponed over the past two The season opening races MotoGP class - both on track day event with the initial set 12:55-13:35 Moto3 Free Practice 3 weekends because of the of the Moto2 and Moto3 and off - and therefore the up for all the different areas 13:50-14:30 Moto2 Free Practice 3 virus. classes will run at the Losail decision has been taken to such as grandstand, Losail 16:10 Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup Race 1 (14 laps) Lombardy has been the International Circuit from cancel premier class Club and VIP Village 17:05-17:20 Moto3 Qualifying 1 epicenter of Italy’s outbreak, March 6-8. The Idemitsu Asia competition. remaining the same. 17:30-17:45 Moto3 Qualifying 2 registering the first positive Talent Cup will also have their The decision to go ahead At the grandstand area 18:00-18:15 Moto2 Qualifying 1 test of the northern cluster two races during the Grand with the event has come after fans can still enjoy all the 18:25-18:40 Moto2 Qualifying 2 and now counting 984 of Prix of Qatar. LCSC took into account all the activities scheduled (kids Italy’s 1,694 cases. FIM, IRTA and Dorna yes- recommendations by the Min- karting, kids quad bikes, skate SUNDAY, MARCH 8 Meanwhile, German terday announced the cancel- istry of Public Health. park and a variety of food 13:10-13:30 Moto3 media reported that a local lation of all MotoGP class ses- "The MotoGP class cancel- vendors) and at the Losail Club 13:40-14:00 Moto2 soccer fan is suspected of sions in Qatar, including the lation for Qatar is difficult there will be live commentary 15:00 Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup Race 2 (14 laps) infecting people in Salzburg first MotoGP race of the news to take, because now we of all the sessions with a live 16:20 Moto3 Race (18laps) with the virus while traveling season. do not know how long we will band. 18:00 Moto2 Race (20 laps) there for last week’s Salzburg- Eintracht Frankfurt game in the Europa League. It was unclear if the person actually Thailand MotoGP postponed as virus wrecks season’s start attended the game, which was postponed 24 hours because AFP – BANGKOK The Chinese F1 Grand Prix Repsol Honda Team's Spanish rider Marc Marquez celebrating on of bad weather. has already been postponed, the podium after winning the MotoGP race at the Thailand Grand Also, the International Thailand’s MotoGP was post- and Vietnam is due to host its Prix in this file photo taken on October 6, 2019. Biathlon Union announced poned over the new corona- inaugural race in Hanoi on April that a World Cup event in the virus yesterday as motorcy- 5. Czech Republic will take place cling’s premier championship However, Hanoi’s mayor without spectators. The IBU took its second hit in two days said last week that the city was said the races in Nove Mesto, from the deadly outbreak. “ready to cancel it in case of the due to run from Thursday A day after the season- epidemic’s progression”. through Sunday, would likely opening Qatar MotoGP was The virus originating from have attracted 100,000 cancelled, Thailand organisers China, which has killed more people. postponed the March 20-22 than 3,000 people worldwide, Five-time Olympic gold race in Buriram without setting has had a heavy impact on medalist Martin Fourcade a new date. sports events, forcing a long list questioned why spectators “I don’t say it’s cancelled, I of postponements and were banned without similar just say it is postponed until cancellations. restrictions for athletes and time allows us to do (the event),” “The committee decided to teams, “in spite of the fact we Anutin Charnvirakul, chairman postpone the race due to the were all in Italy less than 14 of the Thailand MotoGP Organ- wide spread of COVID-19 days ago” at the world ising Committee, said yesterday. around the world,” Anutin said “no cancellation” on Friday. event -- tweeted: “I hope to see including seven-time world championships. “It’s because of the corona- in an organising committee “FIM (the International all the Thai fans soon!” As the champion Valentino Rossi as In Switzerland, where the virus,” added Anutin, who is statement. Motorcycling Federation), IRTA coronavirus has spread, Italy well as 2019 runner-up Andrea federal government has pro- also Thailand’s Deputy Prime “People who attend, racers (International Road-Racing has become the hardest-hit Dovizioso, while Ducati and hibited events of more than Minister and Health Minister. and teams could come from Teams Association) and Dorna European country with 34 Aprilia are leading Italian 1,000 people, the hockey “We need to postpone it at-risk countries. Thailand has (the commercial rights holder to deaths and more than 1,600 manufacturers. league decided Monday to today until further notice.” The to postpone for the safety of MotoGP) are currently evalu- confirmed cases. Thailand currently has 43 suspend play for two weeks. move means both of the season’s Thai people until the situation ating if an alternative date is Italian drivers play a “vital confirmed cases of COVID-19. Playoffs were to begin in the first two races have been is better.” Even last week Thai possible for the event later this role in the championship”, said Much of Thailand’s tourism top two divisions this shelved. The next race on the MotoGP organisers were season,” MotoGP said in a the international motorcycling sector is reliant on Chinese hol- weekend. schedule is in Austin, Texas on upbeat, pledging extra health statement. federation on Sunday following idaymakers, and the country The 24 clubs agreed at an April 5. It could also put renewed measures such as temperature World motorcycling the cancellation of the race in anticipates shedding five emergency meeting to focus on Formula One, whose checks, face masks and hand champion Marc Marquez -- Qatar, which is restricting million visitors this year due to suspend all games until the season starts with the Australian sanitisers. who last year won his sixth arrivals from Italy. Six riders in the virus -- a revenue hit of current federal order expires Grand Prix on March 15. Anutin himself had vowed MotoGP world title in Buriram’s the elite class are Italian, more than $8bn. on March 15. Olympic events with no fans possible, says British official

REUTERS – LONDON fears, especially in Asia with this “whole world was waiting” to month’s Thai Moto GP race the see what happens. “Big things British Cycling’s Performance latest to be cancelled. could be cancelled, but it’s out Director Stephen Park has The Tokyo Marathon held of everybody’s hands,” the raised the possibility of some at the weekend had a much- 34-year-old said. Olympic events taking place reduced field and few fans Norwegian rider Anita without spectators if the coro- showed up to watch. Stenberg, winner of the bronze navirus crisis does not subside. Cycling was also effected medal in the points race in Park, who joined British last week when the UAE Tour Berlin, said, given the choice, Cycling in 2016, remains con- was cancelled with two stages she would go to Tokyo irre- fident that the Games will go remaining after two Italian spective of the coronavirus ahead, but says it could be team members were suspected outbreak. ‘different’. of having tested positive for “So many riders have been “You would struggle to find coronavirus. fighting to qualify for years. If a day when the Olympics didn’t Denmark’s Michael People, wearing it would be cancelled it would take part for any reason. But Morkov was forced to self- protective face be a shame. If they say it’s my will it mean that they might be isolate when he arrived at the masks, are seen in responsibility I would go different? Possibly,” he told Berlin world track champion- front of the Giant anyway. I would take the risk.” reporters. ships last week, having taken Olympic rings at the Malaysia’s Azizulhasni Awang, “Look, at the World Cup part in the UAE race. Morkov waterfront area at who won bronze in the men’s (Finals) skiing in two weeks was eventually cleared to race, Odaiba Marine Park sprint and keirin, said he was time in Cortina, they are doing winning a gold medal in the in Tokyo, Japan. concerned. it on a closed circuit with no madison. “It’s spreading into more fans. And that’s going to an area Park said British Cycling and more countries and getting that doesn’t currently have were well-equipped to avoid Olympics) are going to happen,” everything we can to look after might not happen’ what are you worse in Japan and Korea,” he infections. any possible coronavirus he said. “That’s all we can do. out athletes. preparing for? We are full steam said. “I believe the government “So might there be some of infections with the national No point wasting our energy “We are making sure that ahead and expecting to be there of Japan will do something and those things that happen (at the velodrome’s changing rooms worrying about it, but equally we don’t let it become a dis- in July, in Tokyo, having fun.” the Games will have no Olympics)? Possibly.” Sporting in Manchester getting a deep we will take the right advice traction or overtake the prep- Morkov, who spent 34 hours in problem. events have been hit hard clean last week. from the NHS and WHO in aration. As soon as you start his hotel room before being “I hope there’s a Plan B, but across the globe by coronavirus “We are preparing as if (the terms of making sure we can do doing that, start thinking ‘it given the all-clear, said the I’m not sure.” TUESDAY 3 MARCH 2020 SPORT 11 Virus-hit Nations League draw interrupts ACL delays knockout countdown to Euro 2020 rounds AFP — AMSTERDAM grips with the format, but ultimately the inaugural competition proved a breath of AFP — KUALA LUMPUR The start of Euro 2020 is just over 100 days fresh air and concluded with Cristiano Ron- away, but this week Europe’s leading aldo’s Portugal hosting and winning the finals The Asian Champions League national teams will take some time out from in June 2019, beating the Netherlands 1-0 in pushed back the start of its their tournament preparations as the draw the decider. Eastern zone knock-out for the next UEFA Nations League takes place “The intensity in the groups was really rounds yesterday after the in Amsterdam. high and the idea to organise the Nations competition was severely England’s Gareth Southgate and France’s League was a perfect one,” said Dutch coach disrupted by the novel coro- Didier Deschamps will be among the coaches Ronald Koeman after that game. “We are navirus. from around the continent descending on looking forward to the next one.” This Extra dates for group the Dutch capital despite the growing con- summer will see Portugal defend the games were scheduled for cerns about the spread of the coronavirus, European Championship trophy they won May and June, shunting the with the Netherlands among the many in France four years ago, although they have round of 16, which usually European countries to have reported cases. been drawn in an extremely difficult group takes place in May, to European football’s governing body has along with the French, the World Cup August. said that “it is not necessary to modify any- holders, and Germany. It is just the latest reshuffle thing in the planned calendar” ahead of the Those three nations will all be in Nations for Asia’s premier club football start of the Euro in Italy -- the continent’s League A but are all in separate pots, so they competition as it struggles to worst affected country -- on June 12, and its could again come out in the same group, with accommodate a raft of Executive Committee is set to meet in matches to be played between September and postponements. Amsterdam before a Congress today and the November before the finals next year. After Chinese teams have been Nations League draw from 6pm (1700 GMT) finishing third last time around, England are mostly sidelined until April, the same day. among the top seeds for the draw in and games involving two The show goes on, for now anyway, even Amsterdam. Southgate’s side -- who are deter- South Korean clubs have also as top-tier games in Italy were postponed mined to make a big impression at the Euro been delayed. over the weekend and France said it would with the semi-finals and final being played at “These are challenging ban gatherings of 5,000 people or more in Wembley -- will definitely come up against and unprecedented times,” an attempt to contain the spread. one of Belgium, Spain, France or Italy, while Asian Football Confederation The introduction of the Nations League Germany are potential opponents too. (AFC) general Windsor John after the last World Cup in 2018 was initially Southgate will be at the ceremony after said in a statement, after met with some scepticism, with many won- attending Everton’s Premier League draw emergency talks in Kuala dering how exactly it was possible to with Manchester United on Sunday to Lumpur. shoehorn yet another competition into an monitor the performance of, amongst others, “The AFC will not put already crowded calendar. Jordan Pickford. The Toffees goalkeeper’s anyone at risk during these However, the tournament essentially form has dipped recently and his place in times of heightened health replaced meaningless friendlies with com- the England team could come under threat concerns and so we have petitive games between national teams of a ahead of the Euro, with friendly matches England coach Gareth Southgate taken some sensible decisions comparable level. scheduled to come at home to Italy and to postpone both matches and Time may have been required to get to Denmark later this month. events.” The competition’s Eastern zone started last month but only nine games have been FA Cup played so far as countries Liverpool will not play weakened FA Cup fixtures (all time clamp down on travel to curb ain GMT) the spread of COVID-19. Today (GMT) Chelsea vs Any outstanding group Liverpool (1945) Reading matches can be played in July, team in FA Cup tie at Chelsea: Klopp vs Sheffield United (2000) outside the official match West Bromwich Albion vs dates. But they must be fin- Newcastle United (2000) ished before August, when the REUTERS — LONDON young side in the League Cup be boys in the squad, but if they Lovren for our defeat, I can’t Tomorrow two-legged round of 16 will against Aston Villa -- a game start we will see. The team that help these people,” Klopp said. Sheffield Wednesday vs take place. Liverpool’s regulars are set to they lost -- due to a fixture played at Shrewsbury was an “It was a massive challenge for Manchester City (1945) There could be further dis- return to the starting line-up for crunch while the senior side FA Cup team at that moment. Dejan to play against Troy Leicester City vs Birmingham ruption as games must be today’s FA Cup clash at Chelsea won the Club World Cup in “If Chelsea make changes, I Deeney. Joe Gomez has had City (1945) Tottenham agreed by both teams and after the Anfield club fielded Qatar and Klopp said he would don’t know if they will, it will similar problems. Hotspur vs Norwich City “other stakeholders” before their Under-23 players in the take no chances as they looked still be a very experienced “Both Dejan and Joe have (1945) they can go ahead. previous round, manager to progress. team... It’s the last-16 of the FA played sensational games for us On Thursday Delegates for the West Asia Juergen Klopp said yesterday. “It’s a different situation to Cup and we want to go in this position. Fitness and clubs will hold talks this Derby County vs Manchester Liverpool’s under-23 side, the last round. The team that through.” rhythm is the most difficult to United (1945) weekend in the United Arab led by their former coach Neil played at Shrewsbury was a A 3-0 loss at Watford over get in professional football. Emirates. The West and East Critchley, beat third-tier side team that made sense for us at the weekend ended Liverpool’s Dejan is an outstanding competitions are separate until Shrewsbury Town in a fourth that moment. We didn’t get the unbeaten Premier League run centre-half. bearing on team selection for the final. round replay after Klopp result we wanted, so we had to and many criticised centre back “If you can tell me one the trip to Stamford Bridge. Also this week, the AFC refused to field senior players play a different team in the Dejan Lovren for giving their player from Saturday that “The defeat has nothing to will meet with world body since the match was played replay,” Klopp told reporters. strikers opportunities to score played at his normal level, I do with lineup tomorrow night,” FIFA to discuss this month’s during the Premier League’s “It won’t be the team that but Klopp was quick to jump to would be surprised.” However, he added. “We always play with 2022 World Cup qualifiers, winter break. played Aston Villa and the centre back’s defence. Klopp said the performance at a team which gives us the best which are facing similar Liverpool also fielded a Shrewsbury, for sure. There will “If anyone blames Dejan Vicarage Road would have no chance to reach the next round.” problems. La Liga: Real Madrid defeat Barca in Clasico to regain top spot

AFP — Madrid of confidence with the ball,” to tie his bootlaces and re- said Setien. “We entered a La Liga spotted the ball before taking a Real Madrid won the Clasico nervous spell and that’s when La Liga results corner. But the visitors also and might have saved their the goal came.” Lionel Messi’s On Sunday created chances as Antoine season as they ended their rasping shot was saved by Real Sevilla 3 (En-Nesyri 13, 90+3, Griezmann drove over from slump in the best way possible goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois in Ocampos 45+1) Osasuna 2 (Aridane Alba’s cutback and then Madrid on Sunday by beating Barcelona the first half but it was the 64, Torres 74-pen) had Courtois to thank for two 2-0 and returning to the top of Argentine’s opposing captain, Athletic Bilbao 1 (Raul Garcia excellent saves. La Liga. Sergio Ramos, who was 56-pen) Villarreal 0 First, Arthur held off Toni Vinicius Junior’s deflected thrashing his arms in cele- Espanyol 1 (Savic 24-og) Atletico Kroos to go clear but his finish finish and a stoppage-time goal bration after the final whistle. Madrid 1 (Niguez 47) was blocked by teh foot of Real Mallorca 0 Getafe 1 from Mariano Diaz decided a His reaction was an indi- Courtois and then the Belgian (Maksimovic 67) frenzied contest at the Santiago cation of the importance of this palmed away Messi’s shot after Real Madrid 2 (Vinicius 71, Mariano Bernabeu, where Madrid found victory, not only for the effect 90+2) Barcelona 0 he had skipped in behind new life after a Champions it has on the standings but on Played on Saturday Madrid’s defence. League defeat by Manchester City the dynamic of the title race, Eibar 3 (Charles 27, 48, Orellana Ramos was lucky to get had left them on the brink of which had seemed to be 84) Levante 0 away with an error that allowed crisis. switching firmly in favour of Valencia 2 (Gameiro 60, Parejo Nelson Semedo to break past “It’s been a tough week,” said Barca. 89) Real Betis 1 (Moron 90+3) him while Alba risked a second Real Madrid manager Zinedine Cristiano Ronaldo, now of Leganes 1 (Carrillo 59) Alaves 1 yellow when he checked Val- Zidane. Juventus, was watching from an (Lucas 47) verde but referee Mateu Lahoz “We talked about how we executive box and Madrid could Granada 0 Celta Vigo 0 was unmoved. had an opportunity this weekend have done with him during a Played on Friday Barcelona were sloppy after and we took it.” period in which they had won Real Sociedad 1 (Januzaj 60) Real half-time and Madrid should Victory put them one point only one of their last five games. Valladolid 0 have capitalised. Instead, Isco’s clear at the top of the table and Zidane said on Saturday this header beat Marc-Andre ter shifts focus back to Quique Set- match would not decide who There was more tension than Stegen but not Pique on the line ien’s Barcelona, who were out- lifted the trophy in May but a creativity in the early stages as and Karim Benzema volleyed fought and, at times, outplayed. Barca win and a five-point gap Fede Valverde crashed into over after a sloppy pass from “The reality is we lost a lot might well have been difficult Arthur Melo before fellow Spain Arturo Vidal. Vidal was replaced to close. Yet from the start Bar- full-backs Dani Carvajal and by Martin Braithwaite, Barca’s celona seemed keener to kill the Jordi Alba were both booked emergency signing, and he game than win it, playing for after a disagreement. sprinted in behind Marcelo time in the hope of keeping the Madrid had the better of the twice in his first minute. contest tight, when they might play and regularly broke at But Madrid remained in the It’s been a tough have been better off attacking speed through Vinicius down ascendancy and in the 71st week. We talked their opponents’ fragility. the left but constantly they minute they took the lead. “The Madrid we faced in the failed to make the final pass, Benzema came short and about how we had first half was one of the worst with Isco once left with his head pointed right to encourage Vin- Madrids I have faced at the in his hands after Marcelo opted icius to run in behind. Kroos an opportunity this Real Madrid forward Mariano Diaz celebrates after scoring a Bernabeu,” said Gerard Pique. not to pull the ball back. found him and Vinicius’s shot weekend and we took goal during the Spanish League match against Barcelona at “I don’t say it as a criticism, Barcelona’s passing was deflected off the sliding Pique it: Zidane we also have our problems, but slow and their lack of urgency to beat Ter Stegen at his near the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid on Sunday. we’ve missed an opportunity.” obvious. At one point Messi bent post. SPORT SPORTSPO | 07 SPORT | 08 Lebron's Heavyweight triple-doubletriple champion Joshua leads LakersL to to fight Pulev in victory London

TUESDAY 3 MARCH 2020 silver jubilee: Stage set for historic Qatar Open A star cast ready for Doha challenge RIZWAN REHMAT 25TH QATAR OPEN THE PENINSULA PRIZE MONEY Table tennis giants and , the top Men’s Singles and two seeds, will lead a star cast Women’s singles: at the 25th edition of the Qatar Winner: US$ 44,000 Open this week, organisers Runner-up: US$ 22,000 announced yesterday. Semi finalist: US$ 10,600 China’s and Lin Quarter finalist: US$ 5,900 Gaoyuan will also be part of the men’s field at the March 5-8 Round of 16: US$ 3,300 event that offers a staggering Round of 32: US$ 2,050 $400,000 in prize money in five categories. Men’s, Women’s & Mixed The women’s line-up is Doubles: headed by , no.1 Winner: US$ 10,000 seed, , Runner-up: US$ 5,000 and . Khaleel Al Muhannadi (fourth left), President of the Qatar and Arab Table Tennis Federations and the Chairman of the Local Semi finalist: US$ 2,500 Khaleel Al Muhannadi, First Organising Committe for 25th Qatar Open,Ali Sultan Al Muftah, the Tournament Director, Qatari players and officials posing for a Vice-President of the Asian and photograph following a press conference held in Doha, yesterday. Total: US$ 400,000 International Table Tennis Federations (ITTF), said around 300 players representing PAST FINALS China, Japan, Germany, MEN'S SINGLES Taiwan, France, Italy, Austria, Year Winner Runner-up Portugal and Brazil will feature We, as the LOC, 2019 Ma Long (CHN) (CHN) at the 2020 ITTF World Tour 2018 Fan Zhendong (CHN) Calderano Hugo (BRA) Platinum, Qatar Open. have finished all 2017 Ma Long (CHN) Fan Zhendong (CHN) Al Mohannadi, who is the preparations and 2016 Ma Long (CHN) Fan Zhendong (CHN) President of the Qatar and Arab arrangements to host 2015 Samsonov Vladimir (BLR) Ovtcharov Dimitrij (GER) 2014 Xu Xin (CHN) Chuang Chih-Yuan (TPE) Federations and the Chairman the event. We are of the Local Organising Com- 2013 Ma Long (CHN) Yan An (CHN) mitte (LOC), said the event will expecting another 2012 Xu Xin (CHN) Wand Hao (CHN) be held at Aspire Academy great edition of the 2011 Xu Xin (CHN) Boll Timo (GER) starting with two days of qual- Qatar Open: Khaleel Al 2010 Wand Liqin (CHN) Zhanf Jike (CHN) ifying on March 3 and 4. The Qatari official said the Muhannadi, First Vice- WOMEN’S SINGLES championship prize money has President of the Asian Year Winner Runner-up been increased from $300,000 and International Table 2019 Wand Manyu (CHN) (CHN) to $400,000 and that the Mixed Tennis Federations 2018 Liu Shiwen (CHN) Wang Manyu (CHN) Doubles segment of the Qatar 2017 Chen Meng (CHN) Wang Manyu (CHN) Open tournament is an official 2016 Liu Shiwen (CHN) (CHN) qualifying competition for the 2015 Samara Elizabeta (ROU) Han Ying (GER) 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. participating in 2020 Qatar 2014 Hu Limei (CHN) Liu Jia (AUT) The winner of the men’s Open is 53. The players have 2013 Ding Ning (CHN) Liu Shiwen (CHN) and women’s singles competi- arrived and we are set to stage 2012 Chen Meng (CHN) Seok Hajung (KOR) tions will take home $44,000 six days of non-stop table tennis 2011 Liu Shiwen (CHN) Ding Ning (CHN) QTF President Al Muhannadi and an official holding a Qatar team jersey. each while the beaten finalist matches,” Al Mohannadi added. 2010 Guo Yue (CHN) Liu Shiwen (CHN) in each class gets richer by Al Muhannadi said Qatar $22,000. Table Tennis Association “We are expecting a group Committee of the world body,” When asked about the par- The championship “We wish everyone on this (QTTA) is ready to host a series of around 80 officials present Al Mohannadi said. ticipation of Qatar players, prize money has been occasion in which we celebrate of meetings with ITTF officials in Qatar, including the ITTF Regarding the final arrange- Thani Al Zarraa, the Director increased from $300,000 the silver jubilee of the Qatar and top representatives of President Thomas Weikert and ments for the hugely popular of the National Teams, con- to $400,000 and that the Open. The number of countries regional federations. 44 officials of the Executive tournament, Al Mohannadi said: firmed that a large group of Mixed Doubles segment “We, as the LOC, have finished players - in various categories of the Qatar Open all preparations and arrange- - will lead the home charge. ments to host the event. We are “Our players are ready to tournament is an official expecting another great edition participate in the tournament qualifying competition for of the Qatar Open.” and we hope that they will the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Al Mohannadi said that the represent Qatar in the best tournament will be managed by manner possible,” Thani Al Qatari referees along side with Zarraa said. The winner of the men’s ITTF-accredited officials. Ali Sultan Al Muftah, the and women’s singles Al Mohannadi informed that Tournament Director, was also competitions will take a few countries had pulled out present at the press home $44,000 each while of the main draw citing coro- conference. the beaten finalist in each navirus concerns. “Every year, the champi- class gets richer “We, as the Local Organising onship committees play their by $22,000. Committee, are following up full role to ensure the success with Qatar’s Ministry of Health of this important sporting and other top officials first- event,” Al Muftah said. hand on the matter. We were “The most prominent com- Ministry of Health, and also the fortunate that the first Chinese mittees handle matters relating formation of a committee for squad including the world’s top to transportation, ceremonies, initial picks-ups from the seed were in Qatar for a month stadium committees, the airport of the players partici- ago to set up their preparatory security and health committee pating in the championship,” camp,” Al Mohannadi said. in cooperation with the Al Muftah added.

Xavi, Afif best in December and January

THE PENINSULA – DOHA In the process, he scored nine goals and played a crucial role in Al Sadd’s impressive run during the Al Sadd's coach Xavi Hernandez and star striker period. The Wolves registered five victories and Akram Afif were adjudged the QNB Stars League’s suffered one defeat to collect 15 points. (QSL) best coach and player for December and Afif had four assists to his credit as January, yesterday. well. Under Spaniard Xavi, Al Sadd played six matches The technical analysis of Afif during the period. The Wolves registered five victories released by STATS showed he made (against Al Gharafa 5-1, Al Shahania 4-2, Al Sailiya an average of 52.0 passes, of which 40.3 3-0, Al Arabi 6-1 and Al Khor 2-1) and suffered one were successful. He scored all his goals defeat (Al Wakrah 1-2) to collect 15 points. from inside the box. According to STATS, the official statistics and Afif, who was figures provider for the Qatar Stars League, adjudged Asia’s best the average number of passes per game player for 2019, was during the period reached 568, of also an important which 480 were successful. part of the trium- Afif, played a vital role in all of phant Qatar national their vistories and spent a total of team at the Asian Cup Al Sadd's 571.0 minutes on the pitch. early last year. coach Xavi Akram Afif Hernandez