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January 24, 2021

January 24, 2021

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SUNDAY 24 JANUARY 2021 BartyB itching to get started at Australian Open They can think whatever they like. If they expect me to win the ttournament, then that’s their expectations. But mine certainly aaren’t that for now. It’s about doing the right things right from tthe start, from the very first match. If it’s good enough, it is. AAnd if it’s not, it’s not. But that’s OK.

World number one Ash Barty Sport |09

QATAR SENIOR MEN'S VOLLEYBALL LEAGUE: Police SC beat Al Khor SC 3-0 (25-16, 25-14, 25-13) - Police emerge League champions With COVID-19 prevention code in place, fan attendance allowed at venues set to host FIFA Club RIZWAN REHMAT championship. Around 80 to 90 THE PENINSULA percent of the preparations will be the same during the World Hosts Qatar will allow fan Cup in 2022.” attendance at both of their FIFA He added: “The teams com- Club World Cup Qatar 2020 peting in Qatar are big with top- venues, top officials confirmed class players. This is an oppor- yesterday. tunity for the players to test the The Feb 4-11 football event facilities in Qatar and see the was initially scheduled to be 2022 FIFA World Cup infra- held in December last year but structure. During the Amir Cup delayed by two months after final, there was a FIFA dele- COVID-19 pandemic disrupted gation that expressed its satis- sports events around the world. faction that Ahmed bin Ali Qatar’s brand new 2022 Stadium can host matches at 30 FIFA World Cup venues Ahmad percent capacity now and 100 Bin Ali Stadium and Education Dr Abdulwahab Al Musleh, Senior Consultant to the Minister of Public Health (MOPH); Jassim Al Jassim, Director of Venue Operations percent when the pandemic sit- City Stadium will host the and Overlays, LOC and Fatma Al Nuaimi, the Communications Executive Director, LOC, addressingdressing the media at a press conference uations improves.”improves.p matches involving six teams held in Doha, yesterday. FFatmaatma AAll Nuaimi, tthehe CoCom-m- including European giants munications Executive Director,Director, Bayern Munich and Qatari side LOC,LOC, saisaidd yesterday:yesterday: “This“This is tthehe Al Duhail. second category, fans who con- system so that they can take success during those eventsvents and helpedhelped us stay away from secondsecond edition of the “This competition will allow tracted the virus after October part in training and matches,” that encouraged FIFA too resume the secosecondnd wwave.ave. TThosehose FIFA CClublub WorWorldld 30 percent fan attendance at 1, 2020, but are free after recov- he said. “And yes, there will be its delayed activities,” DrDr Abdul-Abdul- measures andand tthehe CupCup to bebe heldheld in each of the two venues,” Dr ering from the virus can also swab tests for everyone wahab said. “It (resumptionmption of publicpublic com-com- Qatar.Q atar. Abdulwahab Al Musleh, Senior purchase tickets without having including the international football) allowed Qatarar to host pliance,pliance, liklikee Remember,Remember, Consultant to the Minister of to be tested. media,” he added. another edition of thehe ClubClub socialsocial ddis-is- wew areare Public Health (MOPH), con- “The third group is for those When asked about the pos- World Cup. We have to adopt tancingtancing hostinghhosting this firmed yesterday. who will have to undergo tests sibility of raising the attendance certain preventive mmeasureseasures andand eventevent duringduring “We have to maintain social at QNCC 48 or 72 hours prior to from 30 percent to 50 percent that will guarantee thee success otheroth e r COVIDCOVID times. distancing that reduces the risk a match. Once they clear the like it was done for the Amir of this event. We are takingaking all measures,measures, TicketTicket salessales (at the venues),” Dr Abdul- test, then they can purchase the Cup final held on Dec 18, Dr necessary precautionsons withwith helpedhelped uuss havehave sstarted.tarted. wahab said at a press con- ticket,” he said. Abdulwahab said: “The MOPH health protocols providedvided by immensely,”immensely,” Public can startstar ference arranged to announce The senior MOPH official laid down safety protocols in top-class medical teamseams 24 hehe ssaid.aid. buyingbuying tickets fromfrom the arrangements being carried said the LOC has completed a September last year to allow 30 hours a day around the bubble,”bubble,” JassimJassim AAll Sunday.Sunday. TicTicketskets can out by the Local Organising comprehensive safety template percent fans for local and inter- he added. JJassim,assim, DirectorDirector be bouboughtght from FIFFIFAA Committee (LOC). to welcome the visiting teams. national sports events. We “Of course the experienceperience ooff VenueVenue OOpera-pera- website.website. AllAll ticketticket “There will be temperature “The LOC and other state would be examining the of hosting the Asian Championshhampioi ns tionstions anandd OvOOverlays,erlays, detailsddetaails areaare availableavvaiilaablle on checks at entry points of the authorities have put in place potential raise in capacity if the League (ACL) matches hashas beenbeen LOC,LOC,C ssaidaid yeyyesterday:sterrday:y thethe FIFIFAFAA wwebsite.ebbsite. EvEvenven two venues,” he said. comprehensive health and rate of positive cases drops. very useful along withwith thethe “We“We areare happyhappy to ththee memediadia wiwillll hhaveave to Dr Abdulwahab said fans safety protocols which will be Recently the positive rate has staging of the Amir Cup.p. We had hosthostt thethe 17th17th editionedition followfollow health and safetysafety wanting to purchase match implemented strictly. We have increased slightly so we cannot other international eventsentst aalso.lso.. of tthehe FIFAFIFA ClClublubu protocols.protocols. TheThe presspress con-con- tickets will have to pass strict adopted the bubble-to-bubble go beyond 30 per cent.” We gained huge experiencepere ience WorldWoW rlr d Cup.Cup.p AsAs youyoou ferencesfeereenccese willwill bee conductedconductted qualification process. system for this tournament The MOPH official said pre- managing and conductingcttini g ttotopp know,know, it wwillill beb hheldeld virtually.vivirtuaallly.y TheThhe vvisitingisiiting “Fans wanting to purchase also,” Dr Abdulwahab said. ventive measures would help events. We learned aboutbout thetheh in ttwowwo vvenuesennueu s frffromromm mediamem dia willwill havehavve tot aabidebided tickets will fall into three cate- “All the participants will Qatar deliver a successful safety margin. FebFeFeb 4 to 11.111. ItIt willwill bbyy tthehe ppandemicandeemic lalawswsw iinn gories: First, fans who have have to show they are not car- edition of the FIFA Club World “That is evidencedd bbyy ththee beginbegig n wiwithithh a ggameame thethe country.ccountrryy. TThehe interna-interna- received the second dose of rying the virus. Swab tests will Cup. positive rates in the bubblebblel tthathaat betweenbeb tweeen QaQataritat rir aandnd tionaltional mediamediaa willwill be ffol-oll- vaccine, a week after their be conducted at the airport “In the last three months, was much lower than inn restrese t of AfricanAfA riricac n chcchampions.ammpipionons.s lowingloowiw ngg thethehe bubblebubbble rules.rruules.s second shot, can purchase when the teams arrive. Once Qatar has hosted international the country. We have thehhee llowestowowesest TheThThe twtwowo vvevenuesennuueess WeWe willwilill nonnotot bebe hhavingava ing tickets without any tests,” Dr they are tested, the teams will sports events during COVID-19 positive rate in the worldorrldld ccur-urur- willwiwillll bbee tettestedesstteded anyanany publicpupubbllicc eventsevevenntts ata thethehe Abdulwahab said. “In the go straight into the bubble times. Qatar achieved great rently. The measures wewe tooktotookok duringduduriringng tthishihis venues.”vevennuueses.””

Spanish federation Capote shines as Qatar beat Bahrain 28-23 THE PENINSULA – DOHA YESTERDAY'S RESULTS "Bahrain are a big team, but apologises we did what the coach asked us Asian champions Qatar Group I to do." yesterday staged a fierce Uruguay 23-38 Spain Bahrain coach Halldur Sig- to Tennis comeback to overturn a fusson lamented the lack of one-goal deficit in the first Group II focus his team showed in the Australia period to defeat Bahrain 28-23 Qatar 28-23 Bahrain final 10 minutes. REUTERS – MELBOURNE in their IHF Handball World "This match is obviously Championship Main Round - important for special reasons Spain’s tennis federation Group II match. to both sides," said Sigfusson. (RFET) on Saturday apologised At the Cairo Stadium Sports "We controlled the first to Tennis Australia (TA) after Hall in Cairo, Egypt, the first period and got in front, but we complaining about the period ended with Bahrain lost it in the second period and treatment of two Spanish holding a narrow 14-13 lead. made several mistakes. We players in quarantine before Qatari Rafael Capote tried to make the comeback but next month’s Australian Open. and Bahrain's Mohamed Ahmed it was too late." More than 70 players have both managed to score five goals Qatar face Argentina been confined to their rooms each in the first 30 minutes. tomorrow, while already-elimi- after some passengers on three Qatar turned the one goal nated Bahrain and meet in charter flights that brought deficit into a 5-goal win, thanks an all Asian clash on the same day. them to Australia tested pos- to Capote forking out another Also yesterday, Spain itive for the new coronavirus. four goals and a number of sus- smashed Uruguay 38-23 in their Other players are able to train pensions hitting the Bahrain second match of Group I. for up to five hours a day. team. Danijel Saric made an Qatar’s Frankis Marzo prepares to score against Bahrain The La Roja Furia snatched The federation had said on extraordinary number of saves during their IHF Handball Main Round the upper hand of the game Thursday said two players - to further his side’s cause too. Group 2 match, yesterday. against Uruguay from the Mario Vilella and Carlos Capote recorded a 90% beginning as they finished the Alcaraz - had not been success in scoring as he went against the West Asian opponent, but fatigue settled in Qatari player Ali Anad was first period with a 24-12 lead. informed they would be on to earned the Player of the neighbours. as we saw in the first period. bullish about his side's Spain continued their strictly confined if they were Match award. "We did really well defen- There were many fast breaks. comeback. superb show in the second on a flight with someone who Qatar coach Valero Rivera sively and offensively too as well "Argentina will be tough oppo- "We made the comeback period and finished the game tested positive “regardless of was happy with how his side as in goalkeeping," said Rivera. nents too, so we will have to do even though we're missing with a 38-23 victory over La the physical proximity”. performed in their 28-23 win "Bahrain were a strong our best in the next match." seven players," said Anad. Celeste. SUNDAY 24 JANUARY 2021 SPORT 11 Police SC emerge QVA League champions Swimming Australia Players and eyes Plan B in case of officials celebrate as Police SC cancellation captain Sadikh Nadir Abubacke REUTERS – SYDNEY receives the Championship Swimming Australia has started discussions trophy following about a replacement domestic or virtual their win over Al international competition for its athletes in Khor in the Qatar case the Tokyo Olympics are cancelled, pres- Men’s Volleyball ident Kieren Perkins said. League. Police Organisers were forced to reiterate their SC emerged commitment to holding the Games in July champions after and August after a report on Friday said defeating Al Khor Japan’s government had privately concluded 3-0 (25-16, 25-14, the Games would have to be cancelled 25-13) at the because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Qatar Volleyball “If the worst happens and Tokyo is can- Association (QVA) celled, for our athletes who have had the hall. This is the opportunity to prepare and work so hard for second consecutive so long to get to this moment, I think it title for Police SC, behoves us to give them the best chance to who gained an at least test themselves and see what that unassailable lead work has created,” Perkins, who won gold over their rivals in medals at the 1992 and 1996 Games, told the the points table. Australian . QSTK 600: Al Sulaiti shines in first round THE PENINSULA – DOHA

Experienced rider Saeed Al Sulaiti yesterday powered to impressive wins in the first round of the Qatar Super- stock 600 at the Losail International Circuit. The six-leg series kicked off in spectacular fashion as last year’s runner-up Al Sulaiti – who grabbed the pole position on Friday - proved too strong for defending champion Abdulla Al Qubaisi and seasoned rider Mashel Al Naimi. Riding is ‘much improved’ Yamaha YZF-R6, Al Sulaiti, 35, left his rivals in awe of his superb start to the new The participating riders, drivers and officials posing for a photograph before the opening round of the races at the Losail International Circuit yesterday. season. In the first race, Al Sulaiti’s winning QSTK 600 - RACE 1 Abdullah Al Qubaisi margin was +7.014 seconds, while in Alexian Macary secured the third spot. 1- Saeed Al Sulaiti, 2- Abdullah Al Qubaisi, the second it was +6.548. Al Qubaisi Al Darwish had finished second in (left), Saeed Al 3- Meshaal Al Nuaimi and Al Nuaimi finished second and the Race 1 on Friday, while Al Harqan Sulaiti (centre), and Race 2 third respectively in both races topped was placed third in the season’s first Meshaal Al Nuaimi, 1- Saeed Al Sulaiti , 2- Abdullah Al Qubaisi, by Al Sulaiti. round. Race 1 winner Hamad Al Sahouti the podium winners 3- Meshaal Al Nuaimi “I am very happy to win both races. had to be content with fourth spot of QSTK 600 Race I really worked hard with the team and yesterday. 1 celebrate on the QSSP 300 - RACE 2 we were able to work on a good bike. In the Qatar Touring Car Champi- podium. 1- Yousif Al Darwish, 2- Saad Al Harqan, In the first race, I managed to make a onship (QTCC), the unbeatable 3- Alexian Macary good gap from the beginning. It was Abdullah Al Khelaifi and Ghanim Al nice to win the race like this,” said Al Maadeed won a race each (10 laps, 53.8 QTCC 2 K RACE 1 Sulaiti. km). 1- Abdullah Al Khulaifi, 2- Ahmed Al “In the second race, Abdulla was Al Khelaifi, a three-time champion, difficult to keep pace with in the first was in a class of his own in Race 1 as Muhannadi, 3- Hamad Al Asam few laps but I managed to keep my he romped to victory with ease. His Race 2 rhythm and then was consistent. In the winning margin over second-placed 1- Ghanim Al Maadeed, 2- Abdullah Al middle of the race I kept the gap. Hope- Ahmed Al Muhannadi was +14.945 Khulaifi, 3- Ahmed Al Mohannadi fully I can keep such performances and seconds. Hamad Al Asam finished in keep improving with the bike,” he third place. “It feels very nice to be on the the first race but won the second. We QMMF President Abdulrahman Al added. Al Maadeed, who had retired from podium after such a long break,” Al had some issues. Hopefully the next Mannai, LCSC Vice President and In the QSSP 300 class, Yousif Al Race 1 after four laps, won the second Maadeed said. round we will be targeting the podiums General Manager Khalid Al Remaihi Darwish edged out Saad Al Harqan race, with Al Khelaifi finishing runner- “Last year, I had nine podiums out in both races. For next round, we will and QMMF Executive Director Amro for victory by just +0.470 seconds. up. Al Muhannadi was third. of 10. This year we couldn’t complete work harder,” he added. Al Hamad presented the trophies.

Longines Hathab Round 8: Dressage competition winners Hind Al Rayyan, Emarella win titles at Arabian Horse Championship

THE PENINSULA – DOHA

Hind Al Rayyan, owned by Al Rayyan Farm emerged victorious in the Yearling Fillies Class 3A for one-year-old foals as the 23rd Qatar Arabian Horse Champi- onship continued at the Longines Indoor Arena At Al Shaqab yesterday. The podium winners of the Level 1 Dressage event during eighth Organised by the Qatar Racing round of the Longines Hathab Qatar Equestrian Tour posing for a and Equestrian Club, the premier photograph with officials at the presentation ceremony yesterday. Arabian Horse show kicked off on Monopoly, ridden by Jassim Al Jaham Al Kuwari won the Level 1 Thursday with more than 450 horses vying for honours. competition. BOTTOM: Al Kuwari and Monopoly in action. Al Shaqab's Ijlal Al Shaqab won the silver trophy in the Class 3A event while Jazi Al Ashwa, owned by Ghanem Muhammad Al Khayarin secured the third place. At the fourth place was The representative of Al Rayyan Farm receiving the Gold Trophy after Hind Al Rayyan won the Faisal Muhammad Fattis-owned Yearling Fillies Class 3A event during the 23rd Qatar Arabian Horse Championship at the Longines Shaden FT while Al Kaida Al Saree, owned by Al Saree Stud, Indoor Arena At Al Shaqab yesterday. BOTTOM: Class 4A winner Emarella's representative receiving was placed fifth. the Gold Trophy. Al Jassimiya Farm's Emarella emerged victorious in the 2-year- Old Fillies Class 4A while Reem Al Sraiya - owned by Al Sraiya Stud, won the silver trophy. Al Shaqab's Duja Al Shaqab finished third. Al Sraiya Stud-owned Temooh Al Shahania and Heboob Al Sha- hania, owned by Khalid Salem Al Hajri, rounded up the top five. In the Yearling Fillies Class 3D, Asayel AlAthba, owned by Al Athba Stud, won the gold trophy. IS Shireen, owned by Ibrahim bin Yusef Al Rumaihi won the first place in the Yearling Fillies Class 3A while Al Nasser Stud's Shee- hanah Al Nasser. Al Shaqab-owned Wod Al Shaqab was placed third. The tournament continues The podium winners of the Level 2 competition. today. 10 SPORT SUNDAY 24 JANUARY 2021 FIVB World Tour to make Al Shamal, Al Gharafa set for Qatar League final Doha return in March

THE PENINSULA — DOHA

The FIVB yesterday announced that international beach volleyball action will return with the World Tour 4-star Katara Beach Volleyball Cup double The event will also serve as gender event in Doha. an Olympic Games Tokyo The event to be held in a bio-secure 2020 qualification bubble will run from March 8 to 12, Al Shamal coach Hassan Hashad and Al Gharafa coach Qusay Hatem pose with 2021. tournament with 400 Olympic ranking points on the Qatar Basketball League trophy after a pre-final press conference at the The 4-star event will mark the start Al Gharafa Indoor Hall, yesterday. Both the coaches predicted an exciting title of the 2021 FIVB Beach Volleyball offer for the eventual clash, which will be played today. World Tour and feature some of the champions of the Katara world’s top-ranked beach volleyball Cup. players competing for a total prize money of 300,000 USD. The event will also serve as an Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 qualifi- cation tournament with 400 Olympic ranking points on offer for the eventual champions of the Katara Cup. It will be the first top-tier beach vol- leyball event to return to the calendar after the outbreak of the global health crisis. held in a bio-secure bubble. Athletes a World Tour 1-star men’s event on The FIVB and Qatar Volleyball will also have to be tested both prior to 22-26 February at the Qatar Beach Vol- Association (QVA) have worked in close travelling and upon arrival, before leyball Academy in Al Gharafa Sports cooperation to develop strict health being escorted to the tournament Club, Doha, where the planned health protocols that will be implemented at bubble. Hosts Qatar already have a protocols will be tested further. the competition to ensure the health proven track record when it comes to Last year’s edition of the 4-star and wellbeing of everyone involved. staging safe and secure international Katara Cup men’s event held in Doha QBF Secretary General Ali Saeed Al Malki (centre) along with other officials In particular, the entire compe- sports events during the COVID-19 was the final big beach volleyball com- attends the Qatar Cup draw yesterday. As many nine teams are participating tition, including all competition venues, pandemic. petition before the calendar was dis- in this year’s edition. training facilities and the hotel, will be In addition, the QVA will organise rupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. FA Cup: Southampton knock holders Arsenal out

REUTERS — SOUTHAMPTON Wolverhampton Wanderers. It Southampton’s Theo Southampton’s pressing game was Southampton’s first FA Cup Walcott in action with proved too much for the vis- Holders Arsenal bowed out of win over Arsenal, and the first Arsenal’s itors. Southampton’s goal was the FA Cup in the fourth round time they had beaten Cup during their FA Cup a case in point. Arsenal’s in disappointing fashion as holders since 1902. match, yesterday. was hounded Gabriel’s first-half own goal “We had in the first half into conceding possession, condemned them to a 1-0 more punch and more power,” Southampton then switched defeat by Southampton Southampton manager Ralph play to the right with James yesterday. Hasenhuttl said. Ward-Prowse feeding Walker- The Gunners’ defence of the “In the second half it’s Peters whose cross was diverted trophy they won by beating normal they have a lift. We must in by a sliding Gabriel. Chelsea last August ended with make the second goal. We made It was the first goal Arsenal something of a whimper as one or two chances -- Shane had conceded since Boxing Day. ’s side struggled Long should have got a penalty. Ings hit the woodwork with repeatedly sloppy “It was a good team per- shortly after the break, although defending. formance today.” his effort would have been Southampton deservedly Southampton were joined offside, before Arsenal finally took the lead in the 24th minute in the last 16 by top-flight rivals began to offer some attacking Juventus when Kyle Walker-Peters West Ham United who crushed threat. coach drilled a low cross into the area third-tier Doncaster Rovers Arteta sent on Partey, Saka Andrea and Gabriel inadvertently 4-0, Brighton & Hove Albion and Lacazette and shortly after- Pirlo touched it past keeper Bernd who beat Blackpool 2-1 and wards side-footed Leno. Sheffield United who edged Ply- their best chance over the bar Arsenal could have fallen mouth Argyle 2-1. when a cross from Hector Bel- further behind with home Championship high-flyers lerin fell kindly for him. striker Danny Ings going close Swansea City thrashed Not- blazed a late for the hosts on several tingham Forest 5-1 and could chance wide for Arsenal to euphoria can occasions. face Manchester City next if Pep spell coming up, including those on the bench. Pierre- leave Arteta frustrated at a first The visitors did apply some Guardiola’s side beat fourth-tier another trip to Southampton in Emerick Aubameyang was also loss in seven games. help Juve find second-half pressure but South- Cheltenham Town later. midweek, Arteta made some missing from the squad for per- “Really sad to be out of the ampton were comfortable as Norwich City lost 1-0 at changes with the likes of Alex- sonal reasons. competition. Disappointed to be they held on to set up a fifth- Barnsley. andre Lacazette, But that was no excuse for out and the way we conceded,” form: Pirlo round clash with With a busy and amongst a lacklustre first half in which the Spaniard said. REUTERS —

Andrea Pirlo believes that the euphoria of Juventus’ Italian AFC to hold Champions League Super Cup triumph over Napoli can help his side revive and Cup Draws on January 27 their flagging Serie A title defence. QNA — KUALA LUMPUR newly-crowned Jordanian Pro League The Turin club won 2-0 in champions Al Wehdat, India’s FC Goa the annual showdown The Asian Football Confederation and two-time AFC Cup runners-up between the league and cup (AFC) announced that the draws for FC Istiklol from Tajikistan from the holders on Wednesday to 2021 AFC Cup and AFC Champions West Region as well as United City FC clinch the first trophy of Pirlo’s League will take place in a virtual from the Philippines, Tampines coaching career. ceremony on January 27, 2021 in Rovers from Singapore and Vietnam’s It eased the pressure on the Malaysia. Viettel FC from the East Region. 41-year-old after a 2-0 “Derby Both club competitions will see a Inspired by their AFC Champions of Italy” defeat to last record number of clubs compete in League 2020 triumph last month, Korea weekend that left his side 10 2021, with two additional groups one Republic’s Ulsan Hyundai, who will be points behind league leaders AC each for the East and West Regions aiming to become the first side in the Milan in the Serie A standings. included in this season’s AFC Cham- modern era to defend their crown since The coach was hopeful pions League Group Stage, which has Saudi Arabia’s Al Ittihad, have been that the Napoli result will help expanded from 32 to 40 clubs. drawn in Pot 2 while their opponents his side build momentum Similarly, the number of clubs in in the 2020 Final and reigning Iranian ahead of their league game the 2021 Group Stage of the ever- Pro League champions Persepolis FC against Bologna today. growing AFC Cup may rise to 39 clubs have been drawn in Pot 1. “It left us with great enthu- from 36 in the last edition in 2019, Meanwhile, the stakes for the siasm because winning helps with a newly-introduced Group for upcoming AFC Cup have been raised you to keep winning,” he said the Central Zone. even higher with this season’s at a media conference. Tunisian international Youssef Msakni poses with the Al Arabi Sports Club officials after Among the clubs poised to make winners guaranteed an opportunity “There has been a real he joined the QSL side following an 18-month loan deal from Al Duhail. It will be a new their Group Stage debut in the AFC to qualify for the preliminary stage of euphoria and enthusiasm over chapter for the Tunisian star, who joined Duhail (then Lekhwiya) in 2012. Champions League are the 2022 AFC Champions League. the last few days, and we’ve managed to train well despite the tiredness, with our minds on future objectives.” Guardiola calls for fewer teams in Premier Leagueague and EFEFLL Pirlo’s side has struggled for consistency lately, losing REUTERS — MANCHESTER increased in the past two years. cannot lose what local leagues Premier League... for that you two of their last five league The Times newspaper said mean - what it means to play have to reduceeduce teateams.ms. BuButt wwee games and failing to keep a Manchester City boss Pep Guar- it had seen a proposal for the the FA Cup... what it means to can’t kill llowerower ddivisionsivisions oorr clean sheet in that time, diola (pictured) has called for Super League that outlined play in the leagues,” Spaniard the Premiermier League.League. despite winning the other a reduction in the number of plans for a competition with 15 Guardiola said ahead of yester- “That’st’s something that three matches. clubs in the Premier League and founding members and five day’s FA Cup clash with fourth- is so important.ortant. It’s not “We’ve had a lot of highs English Football League to other clubs qualifying annually. tier Cheltenham Town. about otherher benefits, and lows, like other teams. improve the quality of compe- The plan envisages the 20 “What we should do is make it’s aboutt hhowow This is down to having so tition amid talk of a breakaway clubs being split into two groups every league in Europe stronger importantt sesen-n- many games, from not having . of 10 and playing between 18 and than what it is, less teams, better timentallyy it is enough preparation time. The concept of a European 23 European matches a season. championships, better League having yyourour “Every team has mental Super League, as an alternative But Guardiola declined to be One, better League Two, better own leaguegue fatigue, it’s not easy to stay to European soccer governing drawn into a discussion about Premier League with less teams for everyry focused for 90 minutes every body UEFA’s flagship Cham- it and said it was important to in every competition. Go to country,”,” three days. We’re working on pions League, has been floated strengthen domestic leagues. quality over quantity. the coachh it.” for years but speculation has “I have the feeling that we “You have to make a super added. Sport SUNDAY 24 JANUARY 2021 09 India have lose openers after Anderson finally created takes six Sri Lanka wickets in Galle

pace pool, REUTERS — GALLE quickly bagged the wickets of England openers Dom Sibley (0) James Anderson took six and Zak Crawley (5), main- says Arun wickets to help bowl Sri Lanka taining his dominance over the out for 381, but England’s pair having also dismissed them REUTERS — NEW DELHI openers failed again as the in both innings in the first Test. tourists closed the second day Sibley was trapped leg India have finally created a of the second and final Test on before wicket and Crawley pace pool that will allow them 98 for two in reply at Galle edged to first slip. to rotate the quicks and sustain International Stadium The two have managed just the kind of performance they yesterday. 28 runs in six innings between pulled off in Australia, bowling Joe Root scored a breezy, them this series, a worry for the coach Bharat Arun has said. unbeaten 67 and will resume tourists as they head to India for India had their entire on the third morning with Jonny four Tests on completion of this frontline attack wiped out Bairstow, who has 24. match. before the Brisbane decider, The pair have put on 93 for Bairstow and Root but the injury-ravaged tourists the third wicket at a rate of employed the sweep to still pulled off an epic 2-1 more than four runs per over to excellent effect as a counter- series victory in Australia after dig the tourists out of some attack measure, the latter a lion-hearted effort by their early strife. having also punished Sri Lanka replacement bowlers. Sri Lanka left-arm spinner with the stroke in his 228 in the Playing only his third Test, Lasith Embuldeniya (2-33) first Test. Mohammed Siraj led their pace attack, which included SCOREBOARD James Anderson (centre) takes a wicket of Niroshan Shardul Thakur and Navdeep SRI LANKA, 1st innings (overnight 229-4, Math- 9-364 (Embuldeniya), 10-381 (Perera) Dickwella to complete his 30th five-wicket haul, yesterday. Saini, both had played one Test ews 107, Dickwella 19) Bowling: Anderson 29-13-40-6, Curran 18.3-3-60- each, as well as debutant T. L. Thirimanne c Buttler b Anderson ...... 43 1, Leach, 38-5-119-0, Wood 28-4-84-3 (nb1,w1), Natarajan. K. Perera c Root b Anderson ...... 6 Bess 26-2-76-0 It took England 139.3 overs But any thoughts that it wickets as he ensured a Test “We have been planning O. Fernando b Anderson ...... 0 to finally dismiss the home side would precipitate a Sri Lanka debut duck for Ramesh Mendis this over the last three years,” A. Mathews c Buttler B Anderson ...... 110 ENGLAND, 1st innings after they elected to bat, with collapse were ended by strong and induced an edge from former Test player Arun told D. Chandimal lbw b Wood ...... 52 Z. Crawley c Thirimanne b Embuldeniya ...... 5 Anderson the chief wicket- innings from Niroshan Dick- Lasith Embuldeniya to Root at N. Dickwella c Leach b Anderson ...... 92 D. Sibley lbw b Embuldeniya ...... 0 a video conference on Friday. R. Mendis c Buttler b Wood ...... 0 J. Bairstow not out ...... 24 taker with 6-40 in 29 overs. wella (92) and Dilruwan Perera first slip. “If you need India to be D. Perera c Leach b Curran ...... 67 J. Root not out ...... 67 Sri Lanka had frustrated the (67). Perera was the last man sustain ably doing well at the S. Lakmal c Crawley b Anderson ...... 0 Extras (b2) ...... 2 tourists with their tail, the final Left-hander Dickwella was out, caught in the deep by international level, you need L. Embuldeniya c Root b Wood ...... 7 Total (30 overs, 2 wickets) ...... 98 four wickets adding 138. denied a first Test century when Leach off Sam Curran. It was a pool of bowlers who would A. Fernando not out ...... 0 Fall of wickets: 1-4 (Sibley), 2-5 (Crawley) Anderson removed cen- he tried to launch a wider the first time that all 10 be rotated time and again so Extras (lb2, nb1, w1) ...... 4 To bat: D. Lawrence, J. Buttler, S. Curran, D. Bess, J. turion Angelo Mathews (110) Anderson delivery over mid-off wickets in an innings have that they stay fresh. Total (139.3 overs, all out) ...... 381 Leach, M. Wood, J. Anderson early in the day after a review but was caught in that position fallen to seamers in Galle. Fall of wickets: 1-7 (Perera), 2-7 (Fernando), 3-76 Bowling: Lakmal 5-2-10-0, Embuldeniya 11-4-33-2, “Now we are blessed with (Thirimanne), 4-193 (Chandimal), 5-232 (Mathews), Fernando 5-2-12-0, Perera 7-1-22-0, Mendis 2-0- by Root for a caught behind that by a diving Jack Leach. England won the first Test a great bench strength. So it’s 6-243 (Mendis), 7-332 (Dickwella), 8-332 (Lakmal), 19-0 nobody else seemed particu- Fast bowler Mark Wood at the same venue by seven very heartening how these larly interested in. (3-84) was also among the wickets. guys have come to the party.” Pacers Ishant Sharma and Bhuvneshwar Kumar missed the tour with injuries, which South Africa gear up for first Test Azhar tells youngsters to continued to bedevil India’s bid to retain the Border- overcome fear of failure Gavaskar trophy. Net bowlers REUTERS — LAHORE advice to them is to trust their Sundar and Natarajan were skills and stick with that to do handed Test debuts in Senior Pakistan batsman Azhar well because that is what is Brisbane after Mohammed Ali has advised his younger going to give them the best Shami, Umesh Yadav and team mates to overcome any chance to perform. Jasprit Bumrah had their tour fear of failure and do their best “If you think too much that cut short by injuries. “I think in the two-Test home series will bring negativity and hold it’s a very healthy trend. It’s an against South Africa beginning you back from doing well. So embarrassment of riches,” the in Karachi on Tuesday. be positive and grab the 58-year-old said. Smarting from their 2-0 opportunity.” “Now we have seven fast whitewash in New Zealand, Azhar was confident bowlers willing to play for the Pakistan have included nine Pakistan would return to country,” he said. “If we need uncapped players in their winning form on home soil to give our best performance, 20-member squad for the against the Proteas. it will be extremely handy.” matches in Karachi and “Home conditions bring Arun praised the young Rawalpindi. confidence in players,” said quicks but felt the likes of “Obviously for a new Azhar, whose 83 Tests make Shami and Ishant still had player, it’s a challenge to him the senior-most player in plenty to offer. handle pressure and then there the squad. “I think they have enough are insecurities in our culture “If you remember, our cricket left in them. Their around what if they are batsmen in previous two home experience is outstanding, and dropped,” former captain Azhar series did really well. But on South African players during a training session at the National Stadium in Karachi yesterday. The first they are still good enough to told local media. away tours, it’s always tough Test between Pakistan and South Africa will start on Tuesday. perform for India." “As a senior player, my for Asian teams.” Barty itching to get started at Australian Open Ferrari sign first female REUTERS — SYDNEY they like. If they expect me to now so it’s going to be a chal- perfect start,” she added. win the tournament, then that’sat s lenge but we also know that “We’llWe ll just try and go out driver to World number one Ash Barty Obviously I haven’t played their expectations,” Barty saidaid hopefully again it therethere aandnd do tthehe best tthat (pictured) is itching to get back competition tennis for a year yesterday. will bebe wewe cacann aandnd whwhateveratev academy to competitive tennis at the now so it’s going to be a “But mine certainly aren’tn’t a lolongng happens will haphappen.p Australian Open but has poured that for now. It’s about doingng season I feel readreadyy to ggoo aand cold water on the idea that she challenge but we also know the right things right from thehe andand we I’mI’m justjust itchingitching to get REUTERS — MILAN might be set to end the 43-year that hopefully again it will start, from the very first match.ch. don’tdon’t started.”started.” wait for a homegrown women’s be a long season and we If it’s good enough, it is. Andd if haveh a v e tto o BartyBarty diddid not neeneedd to Ferrari announced 16-year-old champion. don’t have to panic if we it’s not, it’s not. But that’s OK.”K.” panic ifif quarantineq uaranti Dutch go-karter Maya Weug Barty reached the semi- don’t get the perfect start. Barty last played a tour-ur- wew e beforebefore tthehe AAus- as the first female member of finals at Melbourne Park for the nament match at the Qatartar don’tdon’t traliantralian OOpenp the team’s driver first time last year before sitting Open last February, deciding to get thethe andand will playplay an academy. out most of the rest of the Ash Barty remain at home in the relativeve exhibitionexhibition evevent Weug, the winner of a five- season at home because of the World No.1 safety of Queensland ratherher inin AAdelaidedelaide on day scouting camp at the COVID-19 pandemic. than travel to New York for thehe Friday beforebef Italian team’s Maranello head- The 24-year-old remains US Open or to for herher returnreturninging to quarters and Fiorano test Australia’s best hope of singles 8 but Barty urged her compa- French Open title defence. MMelbourneelbourne for track, will be given a season in success when the year’s first triots not to get their hopes up. “Obviously I haven’t playeded the GrGranda the FIA-sanctioned Formula Grand Slam starts on February “They can think whatever competition tennis for a yearear Slam. Four championship. “This is a key moment in the history of Scuderia Ferrari and its academy,” said McIlroy regains lead from Hatton in Abu Dhabi Formula One team boss Mattia Binotto in a statement. “Maya’s arrival is a clear REUTERSREUT — ABU DHABI lead in the third. putts. So I thought I did birdies in the round. indication of the Scuderia’s The Northern well today. Obviously “It was a difficult day. commitment to making mot- RoryRor McIlroy (pictured) Irishman had five birdies had that big stroke of The conditions were orsport increasingly leapfroggedlea Tyyrell and a stunning eagle on luck on 10, the ball really tough for the inclusive.” HattonHa to reclaim a the 10th when his shot hitting the pin and going whole day,” he said. The academy has so far one-shoton lead after from 73 yards landed on in. “I just felt like I had helped five members graduate theth third round of the the green and rolled “Apart from that, I nothing really go my to Formula One through the Abu Dhabi HSBC Cham- straight into the cup. played well. I drove it way. Hit a couple decent junior series, four of them on pionship,pion carding 67 to “It’s so blustery and much better on the back shots and ran into a the grid this season including gogo 13-under overall it’s a different type of nine, and I hit it much bunker with a terrible lie current Ferrari driver Charles yesterday.yest golf than we’re used to better on the back nine, and had quite a few putts Leclerc and debutant Mick McIlroy,M the world playing here in Abu so I was really burning the edge or Schumacher, son of Ferrari nnumberum six, was five Dhabi, where there’s encouraged with that.” lipping out,” he added. great Michael. shoshots off overnight usually not much wind. Hatton, who carded Hatton’s compatriot Academy manager Marco lealeaderd Hatton and fin- You feel like you have a three eagles in the first Tommy Fleetwood is Matassa said one of the four iishedshe his incomplete chance on every hole,” two rounds, was let also in contention, with female finalists had, in one secsecondo round on par McIlroy said. down on the front nine the Englishman moving specific discipline, scored the earearlyl yesterday before “There’s like a little with two bogeys, on the up eight positions to overall highest ranking of the 31-year-old clawed more scrambling fifth and seventh, and he third, two strokes behind anyone in the scouting camp’s hishis way back into the involved and longer managed only three McIlroy. history.

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