CCRICKETRICKET | Page 4 FFOOTBALLOOTBALL | Page 2 Taylor has no Spurs holding retirement on for dear life plans ahead of aft er Son’s injury: 100th Test Mourinho

Wednesday, February 19, 2020 AWARDS Jumada II 25, 1441 AH Hamilton, Messi GULF TIMES share ‘sportsman of the year’ honour SPORT Page 7

FOOTBALL / AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Al-Haydos strikes twice as Al Sadd down Sepahan Al Taawoun upset Al Duhail 2-0 in Buraidah

AFC Doha

terrifi c second half dis- play helped Qatar’s Al Sadd SC climb to top spot of Group D with Aa 3-0 victory over Sepahan FC of Iran in the AFC Champions League at Jassim Bin Hamad Sta- Al Sadd coach Xavi Hernandez. dium yesterday. A brace from Hassan al-Hay- dos followed Akram Afi f’s 51st- minute opener, as Sepahan were brought back down to earth after last week’s stunning 4-0 success away to Al Ain. Al Sadd’s handsome win takes them top of table on goal diff er- ence from Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr, while Sepahan slip to third with four group stage matches to play. It was a match full of action from the opening whistle, with both sides producing several clear-cut scoring opportunities in a fi rst half which, against all odds, fi nished without a goal. Boualem Khoukhi’s pass put Afi f through on goal in the open- ing 60 seconds, but goalkeeper Payam Niyazmand produced a Al Sadd’s Hassan al-Haydos (left) celebrates his goal with teammates during the AFC Champions League match against Sepahan at Jassim Bin terrifi c refl ex save to keep out the Hamad Stadium in Doha yesterday. PICTURES: Noushad Thekkayil fi rst of three Al Sadd attempts in the opening six minutes. Hosseini cross, only to send his Bounedjah assist six minutes af- fect square ball from Afi f. in the 34th minute. The early minutes were prom- fi rst-time eff ort narrowly wide of ter the break. Al Sadd will face Al Ain away The former Al Nassr striker ising ones for Xavi’s side, who the net. Al Sadd’s second was a thing on March 3 while Sepahan will showed his poacher instinct regularly tested the visiting de- The pendulum continued to of beauty, with another fl owing look to get back to winning ways to react quickest to Amine Le- fence without managing to fi nd swing, but Al Sadd took control move culminating in a wonder- against Al Nassr on the same day. comte’s spilled ball as the Qatari the back of the net, with Sepahan as the much went on, with the ful exchange between Bounedjah Duhail shocked goalkeeper attempted to save a captain Mehdi Kiani producing visitors fi nding increasingly dif- and al-Haydos; the former drill- Meanwhile, Al Taawoun FC long-range eff ort from Abdul- a terrifi c tackle to stop an Afi f fi cult to contain their pace and ing in an inch perfect low cross, stunned Qatari heavyweights Al majeed al-Swat. Sepahan coach Amir Ghalenoei (left) with Al Sadd’s Akram Afif during breakaway in the 18th minute, movement. and the latter fl icking the ball into Duhail 2-0 in Buraidah in a Group Al-Sahlawi returned the fa- the match yesterday. and Baghdad Bounedjah passing A pair of impressive refl ex the net with the back of his heel C match yesterday. vour for al-Swat in the second when he ought to have tried his saves from Niyazmand had de- Gianfranco Zola-style to double The Saudi side were looking to half providing the assist for Al Lecomte to put the hosts’ win Persepolis are third on one point, luck shortly after. nied Bounedjah just before the the lead in the 72nd minute. build on their opening day win Taawoun’s second of the night. beyond doubt in the 54th minute. ahead of Sharjah courtesy of Sepahan began to create en- interval, but there was little he Al-Haydos found the net again over Sharjah as they hosted 2018 Yaseen Barnawi applied the The result puts Al Taawoun away goals. couraging openings of their own, could do to prevent Al Sadd’s with a much simpler second six quarter-fi nalists Al Duhail who pressure on Ahmed Yassir, re- top of the group with six points, Al Taawoun are away to Perse- and they made the best chance opening goal, with Afi f cleverly minutes later, this time steering had yet to beat a Saudi team in trieved the ball and passed to al- while Sharjah’s 2-2 draw with polis next, while Al Duhail’s of the opening 45 minutes when lifting the ball over the tower- the ball into an open net after the AFC Champions League. Sahlawi, who in turn fed al-Swat Persepolis in the other fi xture Matchday Three fi xture sees Mohamed Mohebbi beat Saad ing shot-stopper after being re- more sparkling football from the Veteran Mohamed al-Sahlawi inside the box and the winger means Al Duhail stay in second them hosting Sharjah in Doha in al-Sheeb to a low Mohamedreza leased by a wonderfully weighted hosts culminated in an inch-per- opened the scoring for the hosts applied a composed fi nish past place with three points, while two weeks’ time.

HORSE RACING Al Hazm to sponsor His Highness The Amir’s Sword feature By Sports Reporter in Qatar. For us as Qataris, every- good results. So we too want to rybody. A horse can speed up at Doha one wants to win the Sword from make sure that we are supporting the end, and has a chance. It does His Highness. I think this shows them.” change the nature of the race,” al- how much Mr al-Emadi wants to The three-day racing ex- Kaabi said. s some top quality sponsor because it is a precious travaganza at QREC’s Al Rayy- “We have good horses from horses from Qatar and prize. He sees there is big value an Park turf attracts some top abroad. This race is going to abroad get ready for in sponsoring the event,” QREC quality horses from across the be tough to win. Especially the the fl agship weekend in CEO Nasser Sherida al-Kaabi world. Amir’s Trophy and the Sword. I AQatar racing — His Highness The said yesterday. The fi nal day of the festival will think there is a big competition Amir’s Sword Festival — Al Hazm Al-Emadi said, “We are with see some of the biggest races, in- for (His Highness Sheikh Mo- and Qatar Racing and Equestrian the QREC for more than 10 years cluding the Al Biddah Mile (QA hamed bin Khalifa al-Thani’s) Club (QREC) announced contin- now. It is our pleasure to be asso- Group 2), Dukhan Sprint (QA Ebraz also to win the (His High- uation of a fruitful partnership at ciated with the race that carries Group 3), Qatar International ness The Amir’s Sword) race third a press conference yesterday. His Highness’ name. We will be Cup (Group 1) for Purebred Ara- time. I think it will be diffi cult for Al Hazm will once again be where His Highness will be there. bians, and the two USD1 million all the horses. a sponsor of His Highness The That’s the main reason why we features — His Highness The “All the owners and trainers Amir’s Sword (Group 1 PA), the are there. For us, it’s not about Amir’s Trophy (QA Group 1) for are very tensed and excited about million-dollar Purebred Arabian the fi nancial benefi ts. Thoroughbreds and His High- what’s going to happen. May the feature on Saturday. “As part of the private sec- ness The Amir’s Sword (Group 1) best horse win.” “We would like to thank (Al tor our duty is more than just to for Purebred Arabians. Emadi Enterprises CEO) Mr make money. We have to be part What will add to the excite- Qatar Racing and Equestrian Mohamed al-Emadi for being a of any successful tournament in ment is a recently-installed far Club CEO Nasser Sherida al-Kaabi sponsor for His Highness The the country. That also means that bend on the track. and Al Emadi Enterprises CEO Amir’s Sword. He has been sup- the private sector believes in the “We have a new quarantine, Mohamed al-Emadi pose during porting horse racing at QREC for economy of the country. Most of and we have a new bend. It is an a press conference at Al Hazm long. His Highness The Amir’s the racing in Europe and other exciting addition, the far bend in Doha yesterday. PICTURE: Sword is the most valuable race places, the club has had very gives more competition to eve- Juhaim Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, February 19, 2020 FOOTBALL

EPL United win 2-0 at Chelsea amid VAR controversy Reuters Chelsea captain Cesar roud’s header in the 77th was London Azpilicueta added: “In two key cancelled out when VAR showed moments we lost the game. We the toe of his boot was off side. created clear chances and were “You want the right decisions eaded goals from An- looking good but we were pun- to be made and we’re happy they thony Martial and ished before halftime.” were made, because they weren’t captain Harry Maguire A fi ne glancing header from being made without that help,” earned Manchester Martial just before halftime from said United manager Ole Gunnar HUnited a hard-fought 2-0 win an Aaron Wan-Bissaka cross put Solskjaer. at toothless Chelsea on Monday the visitors ahead. It was Unit- (Giroud’s eff ort), that’s off - amid more VAR controversy, ed’s fi rst Premier League goal in side. (Zouma’s) I just looked at putting them back in the hunt four games. the screen and it looks like a push for a top-four Premier League Defender Maguire made it in the back. So, for me, that’s not fi nish. two in the 66th minute, losing a goal.” The VAR system made the marker Antonio Rudiger to head Chelsea only had themselves headlines once again after two home from a corner by United’s to blame though for their profl i- Chelsea eff orts were ruled out new Portuguese signing Bruno gacy in front of goal. Until halft- and England international Fernandes. ime they had looked the stronger Maguire escaped sanction for a Chelsea may feel hard done by side, forging a string of good at- kick out at Michy Batshuayi. after Maguire appeared to kick tacking moves but, as has been In a high tempo, if often scrap- Batshuayi in the groin after he their downfall all season, they py, game Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s fell toward him on the sidelines failed to fi nish. United side made the most of after the pair challenged for the “If we’re not fi nishing chances their chances while Chelsea, ball in the fi rst half. it’s diffi cult to win games. We whose form at home has been “I know I caught him and I felt have 20 shots a game and then suspect all season, squandered a he was going to fall on me and my we don’t score. It’s very dif- string of opportunities. natural reaction was to straight- fi cult,” said Chelsea manager Defeat left Chelsea fourth, en my leg to stop him,” Maguire Frank Lampard. Reece James and a point clear of resurgent ri- said. “It wasn’t a kick out and Willian shot just wide and over vals Tottenham Hotspur led by there was no intent.” the bar in the fi rst 10 minutes their ex-coach Jose Mourinho. In the second half Chelsea while Batshuayi, playing instead Chelsea host Spurs on Saturday. netted twice only to be left dis- of the injured Tammy Abraham, United, another of Mourinho’s appointed. Kurt Zouma thought wasted a golden close-range op- old clubs, rose to seventh, three he had scored from a corner in portunity from a neat Mason points behind Chelsea. the 54th minute but VAR ruled Mount pass in the 26th. “It was a solid performance,” that there was a push in the area In the second half Batshuayi, said Maguire. “We knew we had by Azpilicueta on United’s Bran- Pedro and Willian all missed to get the win to close the gap. don Williams. chances while Mount hit the It’s a big three points.” Then substitute Olivier Gi- post as Chelsea toiled in vain. Manchester United’s Harry Maguire celebrates scoring their second goal with teammates against Chelsea in London. (Reuters)

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Wang strikes to earn Beijing victory Spurs holding on for over Thai champs Chiangrai

Reuters early standings in Group E af- Hong Kong ter the South Koreans secured dear life aft er Son’s a 1-0 win over the Austral- ian side courtesy of a solitary eijing Guoan showed strike from veteran forward few signs of rustiness Park Chu-young. Japan’s FC after their Coronavi- Tokyo, meanwhile, picked up rus-aff ected start to their fi rst win in the competi- theB Asian Champions League tion thanks to Leandro’s late yesterday evening, as the goal against Australian debu- injury: Mourinho Chinese Super League side tants Perth Glory in Group F. handed Thailand’s Chiangrai The Brazilian’s curling ef- ‘You know I like analogies. Sometimes I do good ones and sometimes silly ones. United a 1-0 defeat. fort from distance eight min- Wang Ziming scored mid- utes before the end gave Kenta This time I do this. When we arrived we were in minus 12 floor, we got on the stairs way through the fi rst half to Hasegawa’s side three points secure all three points for Bei- to go with the single point and we started climbing. But immediately the stairs broke and trouble’ jing in the Group E meeting as earning in their draw with Ul- Bruno Genesio’s side kicked san Hyundai last week. off their continental campaign In the west of the continent, a week later than scheduled defending champions Al Hilal due to the outbreak that has picked up their second win in a hit mainland China. row as a brace from Bafetimbi Beijing travelled to face the Gomis earned a 2-1 victory Thai champions after spend- over Shabab Al Ahli from the ing much of their pre-season United Arab Emirates. in South Korea. But they will That means the club from not feature again in the Asian Saudi Arabia sit on top of Champions League until April Group B with six points along- due to further postpone- side Uzbekistan’s Pakhtakor, ments linked with the spread who picked up a 3-0 win over of the disease. “It was a really Iranian side Shahr Khodro. tough game. We created a lot Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli had of chances but we only scored two goals from Salman Al once,” said Wang. Moasher to thank for their 2-1 “This is our fi rst game and success against Iranian side we were not in very good con- Esteghlal to move on to four dition, but I think the best points at the top of Group A, thing is that we won.” where they are joined by Al The win means Beijing join Wahda from the UAE after FC Seoul and Melbourne Vic- their 1-0 win over Iraq’s Al tory on three points in the Shorta.

Casillas to end playing career, says Porto president

Porto president Jorge Nuno 700 appearances for Real Pinto da Costa said yes- Madrid, with whom he won terday that Iker Casillas is five La Liga titles and the set to retire, a day after the Champions League three World Cup-winning captain times. announced he would run for Casillas had been linked the presidency of the Spanish with the RFEF presidency Football Federation (RFEF). for several months and is ex- Casillas, 38, had been ex- pected to run against current Tottenham Hotspur’s South Korean striker Son Heung-Min lies injured on the pitch during the English Premier League match against Aston Villa at Villa Park in Birmingham on pected to bring an end to a incumbent Luis Rubiales for February 16, 2020. (AFP) glittering playing career after the post. making the announcement On Monday he said that his AFP is another long-term casualty. rived on the fourth fl oor, where rean international forward suf- expected to be sidelined for a but has never confirmed aim to “put our federation at London Spurs host German side RB Leip- we wanted to arrive, someone fered the injury in the 3-2 Pre- number of weeks.” that he was hanging up his the top of the best football zig in a Champions League Last took the stairs away so we are mier League victory over Aston Mourinho said he would have boots. in the world, the football of 16 fi rst leg match on Wednes- now in trouble. Villa – in which he scored twice phrased the statement diff erent- “Before announcing his candi- Spain”. ottenham Hotspur’s day and play Chelsea in a match “We are holding by our arms including the late winner – on ly. “The club wrote a nice state- dacy, Iker Casillas came to see Rubiales has been in perpet- hopes of obtaining that could prove pivotal in the on the balcony.” Sunday. ment,” he said. me to inform me of his deci- ual conflict with Javier Tebas, something from the sea- dog-fi ght for the fourth and fi nal Mourinho said the club were Son suff ered the injury in a ro- “If I was the one to write the sion to end his career,” Pinto the president of La Liga, and son have been equated to Champions League spot. at a crossroads in their season. bust fi rst-minute challenge from statement I would write diff er- da Costa told Portuguese the pair have clashed over Tsomeone hanging on for dear life “You know I like analogies,” “Now we have two options,” he Villa’s Ezri Konsa. ent. We miss him,” added the media yesterday. numerous issues, including from a balcony in a typically col- said Mourinho, who took over said. “To fall and die because it’s The club did not specify how 57-year-old Portuguese. Casillas, who joined Porto fixture scheduling, matches ourful analogy by their manager after Mauricio Pochettino was the fourth fl oor. long Son would be out – he is With both Kane and Son miss- in 2015 but suff ered a heart abroad and the postpone- Jose Mourinho. sacked in late November last “The other is to climb. We will due to undergo surgery this week ing, Lucas Moura looks like hav- attack in April and hasn’t ment of the Clasico in The 57-year-old Portuguese year. “Sometimes I do good ones be on that balcony fi ghting with – but Mourinho was pessimistic. ing the burden placed on him as played a competitive game October. made the comparison after he and sometimes silly ones. This everything we have.” “I’m not going to count on Mourinho discounted untested since, is considered one of According to the rules, the said he believed Korean star time I do this. When we arrived him again this season,” Mour- Irish youngster Troy Parrott. the greatest goalkeepers of elections should be held in Son Heung-min’s season could we were in minus 12 fl oor, we ‘WE MISS HIM’ inho said. The club said only af- “In some periods I was wor- his generation and led Spain the second half of this year well be over due to a fractured got on the stairs and we started Son’s absence comes as a cruel ter the medical operation would ried about not having attacking to their first World Cup tri- after the Tokyo Olympics but right arm. Mourinho is already climbing. blow to the player and the team they be able to say how long he options on the bench, now it’s umph in South Africa in 2010. Rubiales has requested they without star striker Harry Kane “But immediately the stairs as he had been in a rich vein would be absent. not having attacking options on He played 167 times for Spain, be brought forward, before – side-lined since January with broke and trouble. We were try- of form scoring in the last fi ve “Following surgery, our the pitch,” said Mourinho. also winning two European Euro 2020, which will take a torn hamstring – as the club ing to fi nd a way. Lots of eff ort matches after fi lling in for Kane medical staff shall be reviewing “My thoughts are that Troy Championships in 2008 and place between June 12 and enters a crucial period. but we were going and going. up front. management options for Son’s Parrott is not ready and Ryan 2012, and made more than July 12. Midfi elder Moussa Sissoko Then 11th fl oor and when we ar- The 27-year-old South Ko- rehabilitation with the player Sessegnon is not a striker.” Gulf Times Wednesday, February 19, 2020 3 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Galfar Al Misnad to sponsor Qatar cricket team By Sports Reporter and we’re extremely happy to get Doha the opportunity to sponsor the Qatar national team. The Qa- tar national team has been pro- alfar Al Misnad is the gressing well and we would soon fi rst proud sponsor of like to see the team playing in the the Qatar senior na- World Cups. The sponsorship tional cricket team, right now is for a year but it will Gwhich will compete in various be extended,” Pillai added. upcoming tournaments. Qatar team skipper Iqbal Hus- QCA President Yousef Jeham sain Chaudhry, who also plays al-Kuwari declared at the Qa- for Galfar Al Misnad, said his tar Olympic Committee (QOC) team appreciates the sponsor- headquarters yesterday that ship and would try to do its best QCA has signed the sponsor- in the upcoming tournament ship agreement with the rising in Oman. “We’re lucky to have construction company of Qatar very supportive people in the for one year.Also present on the QCA and Galfar Al Misnad. As occasion were Galfar Al Misnad a result, we get everything that Executive Director Satish G Pil- benefi ts all of us. This is the fi rst lai, QCA Assistant General Sec- time that the Qatar national retary Eissa Ali al-Ghanem, QCA team has got the sponsorship. Public Relations Director Eissa al The boys are feeling quite moti- -Yacoub, QCA Operations Man- vated and we would keep work- ager Manzoor Ahmad, Qatar na- ing hard towards improving our tional team captain Iqbal Hus- rankings through good results.” sain Chaudhry and vice-captain On the occasion, al-Ku- Mohamed Rizlan. QCA President Yousef Jeham al-Kuwari, Galfar Al Misnad Executive Director Satish G Pillai pose with the other off icials at the sponsorship signing ceremony yesterday. wari and Pillai presented both QCA president al-Kuwari ex- Chaudhry and Rizlan the Qa- pressed his delight at the spon- pleased with the rapid rise of the “We’re proud to announce an ideal partnership which will but also the sport in Qatar,” the initiatives. Football and cricket tar national team T-shirts with sorship of the national senior national team. Galfar Al Misnad that Galfar Al Misnad has taken hopefully set a good example. QCA chief added. teams are among those. We Galfar Al Misnad name across team and thanked the Galfar al- has already been supporting the this partnership to another level “We expect more Qatari com- Galfar Al Misnad Executive have developed a good cricket the front. Qatar will soon travel Misnad management for their sport for many years, their team by becoming the sponsor of panies to come forward in sup- Director Satish G Pillai com- team which is fi nishing regularly to Muscat, Oman to play in the support. “Cricket is undoubted- is also very strong and its many the Qatar national senior team. port to cricket. Also this spon- mented: “The human develop- among top two or the best four. eight-team Wester Region T20 ly one of the most popular sports players are playing for the na- We’re really thrilled by this ges- sorship will go a long way in not ment is at the core of our compa- “We decided to strengthen our International qualifi ers for the in Qatar and we’re extremely tional team. ture of Galfar Al Misnad. This is only boosting the national team ny’s strategy so we started many relationship with cricket further 2020 Asia Cup.

FOOTBALL FOCUS Kozlov’s late equaliser breaks No Turkish delight Sporting hearts

By Sports Reporter the outstretched hand of Zenit Doha skipper Moskvichev. The Russians, who gave Real Madrid a tough test before los- enit St Petersburg mid- ing 5-3 in their opener, found a at Al Kass, despite fi elder Igor Kozlov way back into the match on 23 grabbed a dramatic minutes when Evgenii Pshen- equaliser just 90 seconds nikov’s right-wing cross hit the Zfrom the end of normal time to arm of Rui Carreira and Hussein send Sporting Clube de Portu- Sayed pointed to the spot. Nikita gal crashing out of the Al Kass Luzan made no mistake from the International Cup. Skipper Ma- penalty, but Sporting were soon teus Fernandes looked set to be back on the attack when Ch- an Altinordu win a two-goal hero for Sporting but ermiti saw an eff ort blocked by Kozlov had other ideas and he Moskivchev. Inter Milan have a tough semi-final against debutants Mohammed VI Academy struck late to send FC Zenit into At the other end, Ilia Rodionov the quarter-fi nals where they crossed low for Pshennikov who will face Paris Saint-Germain. just failed to get on the end of it. A keenly-contested clash saw Travassos then stung the palms play fl owing from end to end of Moskvichev with a power- throughout the 90 minutes, pro- ful shot on 39 minutes after be- ducing the second 4-4 draw in ing teed up by Tiago Octavio as the space of two days following Sporting looked for a third, but Aspire Academy’s match with instead they found themselves Glasgow Rangers a day earlier. pegged back to 2-2 just a minute Zenit go through as runners- later with a powerful header by up of Group D, which produced Ilia Kirsh. A superb end to the 21 goals in just three matches fi rst half saw Sporting back in with both of these teams having front just a minute later when lost to Real Madrid earlier in the Travassos sent in a perfect cross tournament. Sporting, need- for Chermiti to tap in. ing to win the progress, started Sporting fully deserved their positively and Youssef Chermiti half-time lead and they started saw an early eff ort blocked. The the second half well with Fern- Lisbon side took the lead on 15 andes fi ring just over while Mane minutes though following a fi ne did well to get in a good position move down the left-hand side. but then sent his shot well over. Infl uential striker Diogo Sporting extended their lead Travassos produced an excel- on 58 minutes when Mane nut- lent backheel to send Martim megged Pavel Kulakov before Marques clear down the wing, squaring for Fernandes to side- where he sent an enticing ball foot home for his second of the into the box that was fl icked night. Zenit educed the arrears goalwards by Chermiti. Zenit on 61 minutes when Sergei Mu- goalkeeper Bogdan Moskvichev radian rose well to head pow- blocked the eff ort but Fernandes erfully past Diego Calai, who was following up to score. hit his head against the post in Sporting’s second followed on trying to keep it out. Chermiti 20 minutes and came courtesy of should have restored Sporting’s a fi ne solo goal by Malam Mane, two-goal advantage but he shot who received the ball in his own straight at the keeper’s leg, and half wide on the right. He out- it proved costly as Zenit grabbed paced two Zenit players before a dramatic equaliser when Ko- cutting inside and unleashing a zlov got in behind the Sporting powerful left-foot shot that beat defence and slotted past Calai.

Altinordu and Inter Milan players vying for the ball during their Al Kass International Cup match in Doha yesterday. PICTURE: Jayaram

By Sports Reporter sible number of changes – nine, The striker curled a ball to- went up for off side to save his rently making a name for him- Doha as squads consist of 20 players wards the edge of the box and blushes, although he did appear self in the English Premier – following their 3-1 opening Greco came out to try and claim to be onside. League. match victory over Mohammed it, only to be caught well out of The Italians went close to an This victory over Inter was urkish academy side VI Academy. Altinordu, mean- position and Muhammet Turan equaliser midway through the more like the displays they pro- Action from Zenit St Petersburg-Sporting Clube de Portugal match. Altinordu defeated Ital- while, made just four changes sent a superb chip over the second half as Federico Motti duced at Al Kass last year, where ians Inter Milan in the and they produced a much im- stranded keeper to give Alti- let fl y with a fi ne half-volley but they held German giants Bayern Al Kass International proved display. nordu the lead. player of the match Atahan Ar- Munich to a draw, but that could Qatar Futsal League from today TCup, but it wasn’t enough to They went close after just 45 Most of Inter’s chances were slan pulled off a superb save to in part be down to Inter making prevent them fi nishing bottom seconds, Ernesto Greco throw- falling to Curatolo and he had a keep the Turks ahead. so many changes. The 2019-2020 Qatar Futsal Al Khor and Al Rayyan face of Group C. ing himself at full stretch to couple of eff orts on goal with- Despite Inter’s eff orts, Alti- The Italians have reached the First Division League kicks off Al Markhiya at the Lusail Hall. Altinordu had given them- keep out Hakan Ozturk’s well- out worrying the Turkish keep- nordu held on for the win – a re- semi-fi nals in each of their two today with the participation The futsal first division league selves a huge task to stay in the struck shot. er. Kifl e Gambato and Nicolo sult that saw the Italians fi nish previous visits to Doha and will of nine teams - Al Rayyan, Al matches will be held on Sunday competition after losing 3-0 It was the 20 th minute until Uberti saw eff orts blocked as second in the group while the be hoping to go even better this Arabi, Al Gharafa, Al Wakrah, Al and Wednesday of every week, to Mohammed VI Academy of another good opportunity pre- Inter pushed for a fi rst-half Turkish side fi nished bottom. time. Ahli, Al Khor, Al Kharaitiyat, Al with the first half ending on Morocco in their opener and sented itself, but Inter striker equaliser but Altinordu went in Altinordu, based in the Turk- They will get just 24 hours’ Shahaniya, and Al Markhiya. March 18, while the league they needed to win by three Dennis Curatolo failed to con- at the break with a narrow lead, ish west coast city of Izmir, are rest though and now face a very The league will be held in two competitions conclude on April goals to progress to the quarter- nect with a header following despite having had just 41% of more noted for the youth set-up tough test in the semi-fi nals halves. The first round will 20. Al Rayyan hold the title of fi nals. Given that Italian sides a corner when well placed to the possession. than their senior side. where they take on debutants witness four matches, where Al the last edition of the cham- are notoriously solid defensive- score. Ozturk was the main Seckin Firinci was sent That youth set-up has pro- Mohammed VI Academy. Kharaitiyat take on Al Gharafa, pionship, while the Al Sailiya ly, Altinordu were never likely thrust of Altinordu’s attacks through on goal on the hour- duced talents such as Roma’s Altinordu, meanwhile, will and Al Ahli face Al Wakrah at won the first edition of the first to reach the last eight but their and he fi red wide on 26 minutes mark following a superb pass by speedy winger Cengiz Under face Barcelona to decide their the federation hall in Al Wakrah, division futsal league with its hopes were helped by the fact before setting up the only goal Furkan Yontem but he failed to and Leicester City defender exact position in the competi- while Al Shahaniya play with new system. (QNA) Inter made the maximum pos- of the match one minute later. get his eff ort on target. The flag Caglar Soyuncu, who is cur- tion. Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, February 19, 2020 CRICKET

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Buttler backed to reignite Test career Taylor winds down Reuters come off with a smile on his London face in the way he did was su- perb,” Silverwood told British media. ngland coach Chris “Hopefully he’ll take a lot of Silverwood hopes Jos confi dence from it and bring Buttler’s return to that with him to Sri Lanka.” form in the Twenty20 Silverwood said England retirement plan seriesE decider against South were close to fi nding the right Africa will help revive his Test balance in the squad ahead of career in next month’s tour of the T20 World Cup in Austral- Sri Lanka. ia later this year. The wicketkeeper-bats- “The more they’ve played man’s blistering knock of 57 together, the better they’ve runs off 29 balls helped Eng- got — we’ve seen the improve- land secure a fi ve-wicket win ment throughout the series so ahead of 100th Test and a 2-1 series triumph on I don’t think we’re a mn miles Sunday. away,” Silverwood added. ‘You always want to do well, and first and foremost the game is more important’ Buttler has struggled in “But we’ll obviously refocus the longest format, however, now on the Test series against Reuters managing just 158 runs in his Sri Lanka and look to pick up Wellington last fi ve Tests against South where we left off here.” Africa and New Zealand. Sri Lanka host England in “Runs breed confi dence Galle from March 19 to 23 and ew Zealand’s Ross within a batsman — to see him Colombo from March 27 to 31. Taylor will celebrate his 100th Test in the series-opener against NIndia this week and the veteran batsman says he has no inten- tion of winding down his inter- national career as he nears his 36th birthday. Taylor became New Zealand’s leading run-scorer in Tests when he surpassed Stephen Fleming’s career tally of 7,172 against Australia in Sydney last month. In front of home fans in Wellington on Friday, he will become the nation’s fourth cricketer to play 100 Tests af- ter Fleming, Daniel Vettori and Brendon McCullum. He will also become the fi rst cricketer to reach the milestone England’s Jos Buttler plays a shot during the third and final T20 in all three major formats. against South Africa at the SuperSport Park in Centurion on Far from seeing the fi nish line Sunday. (AFP) for his career, Taylor said he had been urged to reset his goals in a congratulatory call from former New Zealand Test opener and Bavuma ruled out of fi rst Australia T20 coach John Wright. “He said it was a nice time to Batsman Temba Bavuma strike rate of 153.75. relax, but at the same time nice has been ruled out of the He was injured while fielding to rejig those goals,” Taylor said first Twenty20 international in the third match against in comments published by New against Australia at the England. He will stay with the Zealand’s Stuff media yesterday. Wanderers Stadium on Friday South African squad in the “Give yourself something to because of a hamstring strain. hope that he will be fit for the chase... Goals aren’t everything Bavuma opened the batting second and third matches but they’re a nice reminder in three T20 internationals against Australia in Port when your mind is going in dif- against England and scored Elizabeth on Sunday and Cape ferent directions, to bring you 123 runs in three matches at a Town on Wednesday. back on track and give you a fo- In this file photo taken on December 3, 2019, Ross Taylor celebrates his century during the second Test against England in Hamilton. (Reuters) cus.” Taylor said he was keen to be whether I’m fi t enough, and CSK to play Mumbai in IPL opener in the frame for New Zealand’s whether I deserve my spot in the I personally play the game to get guys like Kohli out: Boult bid for a maiden T20 World Cup side. If I can tick all those, then MS Dhoni’s Chennai Super believe the veteran title when the men’s tourna- defi nitely 2023 is an option.” New Zealand pace spearhead in his right hand during last was a good win for Cadets, we’ll Kings will take on defending wicketkeeper-batsman’s ment kicks off in Australia in It will be a party atmosphere Trent Boult is looking forward to year’s Boxing Day Test against take that. “I was pushing in off champions Mumbai Indians performance in the cash- October. for Taylor at the Basin Reserve getting India captain Virat Kohli Australia at the Melbourne the long run. I think a couple of in the opening match of rich IPL could be key if he is He would also not rule out the on Friday, with New Zealand out when the two sides lock Cricket Ground. He was in the clubbies from Taupo really the Indian Premier League eyeing a last hurrah at the next one-day World Cup in In- Cricket off ering dozens of free horns in the first Test starting action for his Tauranga club side enjoyed that. It was a good Twenty20 extravaganza on T20 World Cup in October dia in 2023, having played in the tickets for his extended family from Friday. Cadets against Lake Taupo at the afternoon.” Boult also welcomed March 29, organisers said and November in Australia. heart-breaking defeat to hosts on the weekend of his sister’s “He’s an exceptional player. Tauranga Domain on Saturday his second son into the world yesterday. The Board of Control for England in last year’s title-de- wedding. Everyone knows how great he is. and returned figures of 4/19 from during his injury layoff . The 38-year-old Dhoni, Cricket in India (BCCI) cider. “You always want to do well, That’s personally why I play the eight overs. “Having some time away from Chennai’s captain, has announced the IPL fixtures “First and foremost I want to and fi rst and foremost the game game, to get guys like that out Boult said he enjoyed the much- the game and having my second not appeared for club or yesterday but have yet to get to next year — the Twenty20 is more important,” he said. and test myself against them, needed hitout as he continued son a couple of weeks ago, it (the country since the 50-over reveal the venue of the May World Cup and then the home “At the same time you can put so I can’t wait to get stuck in,” his return from injury. birth) actually came at quite a World Cup last year and 24 final. summer — and then I’ll have a extra pressure on yourself. fit-again Boult was quoted as “It was nice to be back good time, but I’m hungry to be speculation has swirled The popular tournament, good idea on how I’m placed at “You’ve just got to go out and saying by www.stuff .co.nz supporting the club and giving here and can’t wait to get back over his international which began in 2008, will the end of next summer. enjoy it and take it as another Boult continued his return back to them a little bit and to in the white and get the red ball retirement. run for 57 days — six more “Whether there is still a drive, game. Hopefully I can contrib- from suff ering a broken bone get some time in the legs. It moving around,” he said. IANS But cricketers and pundits days than the last edition. whether I’m good enough, ute in any way I can.”

BOTTOMLINE APPOINTMENT Hussey hails ‘focused and driven’ Moeen to captain Birmingham in new Australia ahead of S Africa series Hundred tournament Reuters well and motivated to put in the per- AFP Moeen is currently taking Johannesburg formances that will get them into that London time out from Test cricket, hav- squad.” ing made himself unavailable for Hussey said he had mostly been England’s tour of Sri Lanka next ormer Australia batsman Mike working with the middle order bats- oeen Ali will captain month, with his last appearance Hussey said yesterday he may man and welcomed the return of Mat- Birmingham Phoenix in the format coming in the 2019 not know exactly what his ti- thew Wade, whose form in the domes- in English cricket’s Ashes opener against Australia. tle is but he is delighted to tic Big Bash T20 competition earned new Hundred com- Moeen was also named player Fbe back with the team to help head him the chance for a fi rst international Mpetition, it was announced yes- of the match in Durban on Friday coach Justin Langer build towards the appearance in the format since 2016. terday. after hitting 39 off just 11 balls as Twenty20 World Cup on home soil in “I played with Matty Wade, and I The England all-rounder, who England levelled a three-match October. really like the place he is in right now. grew up near Edgbaston, the ven- Twenty20 series with the Proteas Hussey is in South Africa with the I think he has a great understanding of ue for the Phoenix’ home match- that they eventually went on to touring Australian side as they pre- his game. es, will lead a side that includes win 2-1. pare for the start of the three-match “I am rapped that he has got an op- fellow World Cup winner Chris The Hundred is a new tour- Twenty20 International series in Jo- portunity and I really hope that he Woakes as well as Kane Wil- nament consisting of eight city- hannesburg on Friday. can take it and cement his place in the liamson, the captain of the New based franchise sides, breaking “I’m not really sure what my title is, middle order.” Zealand side beaten in last year’s away from England’s traditional whether it is mentor or batting coach,” He expects the side to hit the ground thrilling global 50-over fi nal. county system. Hussey told reporters yesterday. “But running with the recent completion A dashing left-handed bats- Teams will bat for 100 balls I don’t really mind, I just want to get of the Big Bash, but said South Africa man and off -spin bowler, Moeen each with overs lasting for 10 out there and help as much as I can would also be in form after their tight rose through the ranks at Edg- balls and bowlers either bowling and throw a lot of balls.” 2-1 series loss to England. baston with Warwickshire before fi ve or 10 balls consecutively. Hussey previously worked as a bat- “A lot of the guys are coming off Big establishing himself in county English offi cials are adamant ting consultant for Australia at the Bash, so they have been playing really cricket with Midlands rivals the Hundred will attract a new T20 World Cup in 2016, and Langer good cricket. I think it is going to be a Worcestershire. audience vital to safeguarding has asked him to return ahead of the tough challenge though; South Africa “Every time that I come to cricket’s long-term future. next edition of the tournament. are a really good team and are coming Edgbaston it takes me back to But critics have questioned “I’m hoping to stay involved with off some tough cricket against Eng- some great fi rst memories of the need for a fourth format in the T20 team right through the World land.” coming here at a very young age,” an already crowded schedule fea- Cup,” Hussey says. “It is a fantas- Following the series start in Jo- said Moeen in a statement. turing fi rst-class, one-day and tic environment, I really like that the hannesburg, the teams move to Port Moeen added: “We’re a tight- Twenty20 matches, while con- guys work so hard and there is some Elizabeth on Sunday and fi nally Cape knit city in Birmingham. We have cerns have been voiced over the real excitement about the tournament Town on February 26. They then so much around us that brings Hundred’s potentially damaging that will be on our doorstep. clash in three One-Day International the people together, no matter knock-on eff ects to the existing “They are focused and driven to do matches. File photo of Australia’s Mike Hussey. (Reuters) who you are or your background. county set-up. Gulf Times Wednesday, February 19, 2020 5 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT NBA All-Star weekend was a fi tting tribute to Bryant ‘The entire weekend was honouring his legacy. I think the NBA did a wonderful job in continuing his legacy’

By Tania Ganguli What honored Bryant was that the Los Angeles Times target score would now be 24 points greater than the point total for the team that was winning after three quarters. he purpose of the panel wasn’t Each team wore jerseys honouring Bry- for Kobe Bryant. The gather- ant and his daughter Gianna as well — ing of former President Barack LeBron James picked No. 2, Gianna’s Obama had been organised number, for his team because of his own Tlong before a helicopter crash on Janu- daughter Zhuri. Team Giannis wore No. ary 26 broke the hearts of millions. But, 24. like in every party, every news confer- Friday afternoon, the Basketball Hall ence, every charity event at All-Star of Fame announced that Bryant was weekend this year, for a few moments offi cially a fi nalist for this year’s class. it was. The decor at Michael Jordan’s birthday Obama sat on a stage with Chris party Friday night — an annual All-Star Paul, Giannis Antetokounmpo and tradition — included a fl ower arrange- Kevin Love, and did what so many peo- ment in purple and gold shaped like ple have felt compelled or been com- Bryant’s jersey. pelled by others to do for the past three Commissioner Adam Silver an- weeks. “The last conversation I had nounced on Saturday that the league with him was with him and Vanessa in had renamed the All-Star MVP award LA,” Obama said. “I asked if he missed after Bryant, who is only one of two basketball. He said, ‘I don’t miss it at players to have won the award four all, I don’t touch a basketball, because I times. Dwight Howard produced a am now just as competitive and focused dunk in the fi rst round of the dunk on the second phase.’ We were talking contest that involved his wearing a 24 about how we could work together with on his chest and dunking with a com- the foundation to mentor young men of memorative ball for Bryant. colour who were at risk.” The original version of the dunk had Bryant was on everyone’s mind and involved Bryant himself. Magic John- had been for several days. As All-Star son delivered a eulogy before Sunday’s weekend’s festivities wrapped, the NBA game, Jennifer Hudson sang for him, concluded what had become a three- Chance the Rapper rapped for him. Al- day celebration of Bryant’s life. From len Iverson wore his jersey to the game. the ancillary events where participants There were murals and posters and spoke of his legacy, to the dunk contest, paintings. to the game itself, the weekend off ered A pizza place in the Bronzeville the league as a whole a way to say good- neighbourhood had Bryant’s jersey bye and reset for the fi nal part of the painted in the window with a cursive season. “RIP” above it and a white painting of a “The entire weekend was honouring dove. The players agreed that was only his legacy,” Anthony Davis said. “Ob- fi tting, but throughout the weekend viously, our jerseys. Both teams played there were signs of a weariness to con- hard. I think the NBA did a wonderful tinue the conversation. job in continuing his legacy in the All- All-Star weekend features a gather- Star game.” ing of the league’s best players and a Team LeBron forward Kawhi Leonard (centre) of the LA Clippers holds the Kobe Bryant MVP Award after the NBA All-Star Game in Chicago. (USA TODAY Sports) There were tributes of diff erent gathering of hundreds of people cre- kinds. The planned tributes included a dentialed by the league, many of whom Ron Harper, who played with Bry- too much,” James said during Satur- By Sunday James felt less averse. He court memory...” James jumped in: “I twist in the All-Star game’s new for- do not regularly attend NBA events. ant for two championship seasons, day’s media day, after off ering a few sat at the podium wearing a blue All- don’t mind being Kobe this weekend.” mat. After three quarters, the teams Having discussed their connections to was asked during a charity appearance sentences about Bryant for a question Star jersey and fi elding questions af- “Sorry, I’m so nervous,” the reporter played one untimed quarter which Bryant for weeks, players and former about Bryant. He said he wasn’t in the that wasn’t the fi rst about Bryant. “It’s ter Sunday night’s game. “Hi, Kobe,” said. “It’s fi ne, it’s fi ne,” James said, ended when one team reached a target players were sometimes reluctant to right frame of mind. “I really don’t a very, very sensitive subject, but he’s a reporter sitting in the front row said. smiling politely. “My mom might not score. That part was already planned. continue doing so. want to sit up here and talk about it with us every day.” “Can you share your favourite off -the- like it. But I’m OK with it.”

NHL MLB Lightning extend win streak to 11 Astros pitcher banned 162 games AFP Los Angeles

ouston Astros pitcher Francis Martes was hit with a 162-game sus- pension on Monday af- terH failing a drug test for the sec- ond time in just over a year, Major League Baseball announced. The 24-year-old Dominican pitcher was banned for the entire 2020 regular season after testing posi- tive for the prohibited anabolic steroid Boldenone. The failed drug test comes af- ter Martes was given an 80-game suspension in March 2019 for testing positive for the testoster- one-boosting fertility drug Clo- miphene. scandal that led to the dismissal Treatment Programs,” the Astros Martes was a member of the of manager AJ Hinch and general said in a statement. Astros pre-season training camp manager Jeff Luhnow, expressed “It is disappointing when any but was not expected to make the disappointment at Martes’ con- player is in violation of the poli- team’s opening day roster. duct. “Throughout our system, cies that are in place. We hope The Astros, who have been players are educated through that Francis will learn from this reeling from the sign-stealing MLB’s Drug Prevention and experience moving forward.”

Linesman Bryan Pancich (right) separates Colorado Avalanche left wing JT Compher (centre) and Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Mikhail Sergachev as they fight during the NHL game in Denver on Monday night. (USA TODAY Sports) Cards to re-sign T Humphries to $45mn extension

Reuters third period, and Cam Talbot made 26 saves Los Angeles: DJ Humphries, allowed 50 sacks, which tied Rivera spent the past nine Denver, Colorado NHL RESULTS for Calgary, which is fi ghting for a wild-card one of the top left tackles sched- for the fifth-highest total in the seasons coaching Olsen with spot in the Western Conference. uled to hit the free agent market league. the Panthers. “Jordan Reed is Arizona 2 NY Islanders 1 Jakob Silfverberg had a goal and an assist, next month, reportedly has still going through the concus- ikita Kucherov scored at 3:03 of Calgary 6 Anaheim 4 Adam Henrique, Nicolas Deslauriers and agreed to a three-year, $45mn REDSKINS REED STILL sion protocol,” Rivera said. “He’s overtime, and the Tampa Bay Florida 5 San Jose 3 Devin Shore also scored, and Ryan Miller contract extension with the DEALING WITH CONCUSSION a very veteran guy. We have Lightning beat the Colorado Ava- Las Vegas 3 Washington 2 made 37 saves for Anaheim, which had Arizona Cardinals. NFL Network Washington Redskins tight end an opportunity to bring in a lanche 4-3 for their franchise-best earned points in its previous six road games first reported the news, which Jordan Reed is still in concus- guy like Greg Olsen, so that’s N11th consecutive win in Denver on Mon- Tampa Bay 4 Colorado 3 (4-0-2). Sergei Bobrovsky, who was win- ESPN announced it confirmed. sion protocol six months after one of the positions where we day night. Kucherov stole the puck from less in his previous fi ve starts, made 29 saves Humphries reportedly will receiving a blow to the head, have identified, and said, ‘Hey, Avalanche All-Star Nathan MacKinnon, which won its third straight game and split in leading Florida Panthers to a 5-3 victory earn $30mn over the next two new coach Ron Rivera told re- we do need to have a veteran raced down the ice and beat Pavel Francouz its two-game regular-season series with the at San Jose Sharks. Bobrovsky, who missed seasons with $29mn guaran- porters on Monday. Reed was in- guy at that position one way or through the pads to win it with his 29th goal Capitals. Alex Ovechkin went scoreless for a Florida’s previous game due to the fl u, had teed. Humphries, 26, has started jured on Aug. 22 in Washington’s another.’” of the season. season-long fi fth straight game in his quest been in a 0-4-1 slump. all 43 games he has played in his third preseason game when he Reed has been a solid Alex Killorn and Cameron Gaunce scored to become the eighth player in NHL history The Panthers, who have won eight of their five-year NFL career, but 2019 was involved in a head-to-head player for the Redskins but has goals 16 seconds apart in the second period, to score 700 goals. past nine games in San Jose, got goals from marked the first time he has hit with Atlanta Falcons safety continually been plagued with Steven Stamkos also had a goal, and Curtis Ovechkin sits at 698. TJ. Oshie scored two Evgenii Dadonov (his team-high 24th of the started all 16 games in a season. Keanu Neal. concussion issues. McElhinney made 24 saves for Tampa Bay. goals, his 29th career two-goal game, and season), Mike Hoff man, Colton Sceviour, After the Cardinals picked him He missed the entire 2019 The one last summer was MacKinnon had a goal and an assist, An- Jakub Vrana had two assists for Washington, Anton Stralman and Vincent Trocheck. in the first round (No. 24 overall) season. Neal was fined $28,075 his seventh documented dre Burakovsky and Valeri Nichushkin also which took its second straight loss and sixth San Jose, which got goals from Dylan in the 2015 NFL Draft, the for the hit, which knocked concussion through his college scored, and Gabriel Landeskog had two as- in the past nine games. Gambrell, Kevin Labanc and Timo Meier, Florida product failed to even Reed’s helmet off . Reed, 29, (Florida) and NFL careers. Reed sists for Colorado. Mikko Rantanen added Braden Holtby had 26 saves for the Capi- failed to get the victory for interim coach sniff the field during a game as has two years remaining on was close to returning for Week an assist before leaving with an apparent tals, who lost in regulation on the road for Bob Boughner, who was fi red by Florida on a rookie. He earned the starting his contract but Washington is 2 of the 2019 regular season shoulder injury in the second period. just the eighth time in 30 games (21-8-1). April 7, 2019. The Sharks, who got 23 saves nod in 2016, but injuries forced expected to release him. before the symptoms returned. Marc-Andre Fleury fi nished with 24 saves. Andrew Mangiapane had three goals and from goalie Aaron Dell, have lost four con- him to miss 21 of 48 games from Reed is slated to earn He was placed on injured and Max Pacioretty scored the deciding goal an assist to help Calgary Flames rally from a secutive home games. 2016-18. The Cardinals, with $8.25mn in base salary in 2020. reserve on Oct. 14. Reed’s top as Golden Knights Vegas moved into a tie for two-goal defi cit in the third period and de- Clayton Keller and Conor Garland scored rookie Murray at quarterback, The Redskins recently brought season was in 2015 when he had fi rst place in the Pacifi c Division by beating feat visiting Anaheim Ducks 6-4. Matthew goals for Arizona Coyotes, which held off a finished last season 5-10-1, in in former Carolina Panthers career bests of 87 receptions for Washington Capitals 3-2. Reilly Smith and Tkachuk had a goal and an assist, Sam Ben- third-period rally by New York Islanders to last place in the NFC West. They tight end Greg Olsen for a visit. 952 yards and 11 touchdowns. Nick Holden also scored goals for Vegas, nett and Sean Monahan also scored in the earn a 2-1 win. Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, February 19, 2020 SPORT

GOLF MOTOR SPORT Hamlin wins Daytona 500, Newman Scott sails on, Woods hospitalised aft er crash

Reuters Daytona Beach, Florida woe and McIlroy goal enny Hamlin won his second straight Day- tona 500 in a photo- Scott heads to the WGC Mexico Championship this week looking to make it three wins from three fi nish on Monday but thereD was little celebrating at AFP Daytona International Speedway Hong Kong after a horrifi c last lap crash sent Ryan Newman to hospital. A shocked global motor rac- dam Scott will be gunning for ing community immediately a hat-trick of wins, Rory McIl- took to social media to express roy scents history but Tiger concern for the 42-year-old be- Woods takes a rest as the cir- fore learning the driver’s inju- cuitA heads down to Mexico for the fi rst ries were non-life threatening. World Golf Championships event of “Ryan Newman is being treated 2020. Here are the talking points in golf at Halifax Medical Center. He is this week: in serious condition, but doctors have indicated his injuries are SCOTT KEEPS ROLLING not life threatening,” said New- Revitalised Adam Scott is on a roll. He man’s team Roush Fenway Rac- ended an almost four-year win drought ing in a statement. “We appre- three days before Christmas at the ciate your thoughts and prayers Australian PGA Championship. After and ask that you respect the pri- the long wait, the red-hot Aussie then vacy of Ryan and his family dur- made it back-to-back victories with his ing this time.” triumph at the US PGA Tour’s Genesis Leading with one lap to go Invitational on Sunday — his fi rst out- Newman, the 2008 Daytona ing of 2020. champion, was tapped from It propelled the 39-year-old into the behind by Ryan Blaney as they world’s top 10 for the fi rst time since entered the front straight-away, June 2017 and Scott heads to the WGC sending his Ford careening into Mexico Championship this week look- the wall. The car then fl ipped ing to make it three wins from three. He and was speared in the driver’s has form at the event, which he won in side by a charging Corey Lajoie, March 2016 in its previous incarnation sending Newman’s car skidding as the WGC-Cadillac Championship down the track on its roof with at Doral in Florida which, coinciden- fl ames streaming from the wreck tally, had been his last victory before the as Hamlin took the chequered near-four year barren patch. fl ag for Joe Gibbs Racing. Emergency crews were quickly WOODS FACES WAIT FOR 83 on the scene and removed New- Tiger Woods was back to his best in Adam Scott (right) of Australia man from the mangled wreck. 2019 with a stunning 15th major win poses with tournament host Tiger Black tarps were raised around at the US Masters, a record-equalling Woods and the trophy after winning the crash while he was placed in 82nd PGA Tour victory in Japan and the Genesis Invitational in Pacific an ambulance and transported to then captaining the USA to glory in the Palisades, California. (AFP) a local hospital. Presidents Cup. Fears were eased when an up- It seemed only a question of how date on Newman’s condition ar- quickly the 44-year-old would reach rived nearly two hours later. the magic mark of 83 victories and Hamlin beat Blaney to the eclipse Sam Snead as the golfer with line buy 0.014 seconds, the most PGA Tour wins. But fi tness con- care of his fi tness for his Masters de- a top-fi ve fi nish at Riviera but will rue which begins Thursday. the tables he will equal the American second smallest margin of vic- cerns are again being raised and Woods fence in April. He has time to rest his another tournament that slipped from McIlroy won the WGC-HSBC Cham- big-hitter, having also won the WGC tory at what is known as “The clearly struggled with his troublesome back before his next scheduled outing, his grasp with a fi nal-round blowout as pionship in Shanghai for the fi rst time Match Play in 2015 and the WGC Invi- Great American Race”. It marks back, shooting weekend rounds of 76 at Bay Hill on March 5, which starts a he heads to Mexico. Starting in a share in November and has the added incen- tational in 2014. the third time in fi ve years that and 77 at Riviera to fi nish last. “That’s busy run with the Players Champion- of the lead, McIlroy’s two-over 73 on tive of being able complete a “grand Hamlin put his car on Victory not normal for him,” said his caddie Joe ship at Sawgrass on March 12 and the Sunday was largely down to a shocking slam” of the four WGC titles in the rar- NEW WORLD RANKINGS Lane in Daytona, joining six oth- LaCava. “I’m not really concerned with WGC Match Play in Austin two weeks triple-bogey seven on the fi fth. efi ed air of the high-altitude Chapulte- Scott was the big mover this week, leap- er drivers to win the race at least the score, I just want him to be healthy. before the Masters tees off on April 9. “Apart from that, I played pretty pec course. ing from 14th to seventh with his Gen- three times. He also becomes Because he’s certainly capable.” well,” the Northern Irishman refl ected He was runner-up last year to Dustin esis Invitational victory. the fi rst since Sterling Marlin in Woods will sit out the WGC Mexico MCILROY AIMS FOR WGC ‘SLAM’ wryly before heading off to contest the Johnson — the only player to have won Matt Kuchar rises fi ve spots to 15th 1994 and 1995 to win back-to- Championship this week as he takes World number one Rory McIlroy carded $10.5mn WGC Mexico Championship, all the WGCs — so if McIlroy can turn after sharing second place. back Daytona 500s.

FOCUS Hall of Fame golfer Wright dies aged 85 Los Angeles: Hall of Famer Mickey saddened to learn about the passing of Hulkenberg taking time on future without F1 Wright, the only LPGA golfer to hold all Mickey Wright,” Whan said in a state- major titles at the same time, died on ment. “We lost a legend, but we may also DPA during the course of the year, he would Monday, the Ladies Professional Golf have lost the best swing in golf history Berlin be open to it, otherwise he will consider Association said. today.” “other things.” In 2015 while active in F1 he The American was 85. Wright won 82 Wright, who began playing golf at age won the Le Mans 24-hour race with tournaments, second only to compatriot 12, was inducted into the Hall of Fame of ico Hulkenberg says he will take Porsche, driving alongside Britain’s Kathy Whitworth (88), and claimed 13 Women’s Golf in 1964 and the LPGA Tour his time on deciding on his future Nick Tandy and Earl Bamber of New Zea- majors in a career that stretched from Hall of Fame when it was created in 1967, after fi nding himself without a land. The only German driver remaining in 1955 until retirement in 1969 because She became a member of the World Golf drive this season in Formula One. F1 is four-time world champion Sebastian of foot problems. “She was the best I’ve Hall of Fame in 1976. N“I feel fi ne at the present time not having Vettel, who will go into the 2020 season ever seen, man or woman,” Whitworth She enjoyed 13 victories in 1963, which to follow the calendar, to be able to live my again alongside Charles Leclerc at Ferrari. once told ESPN. “I’ve had the privilege remains the LPGA Tour record, and the own life,” the 32-year-old German said at Vettel had a disappointing 2019 season, of playing with Sam Snead and Jack next season won 11 times, which was tied Laureus sports awards in Berlin. fi nishing fi fth in the standings, a place be- Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer and all of by Swede Annika Sorenstam for second Hulkenberg’s contract with Renault hind Leclerc, and well off the pace of world them. Nobody hit it like Mickey, just most victories in a season. “It was a lot of was not renewed after three years with the champion Lewis Hamilton in a Mercedes. nobody. She had 82 wins, but she would pressure to be in contention week after team. He raced for nine years in Formula But Huelkenberg said it would be a mis- have won over 100 with no trouble if she week for five or six years,” Wright told One but was unable to win a podium place take to underestimate Vettel for the forth- had stayed on tour.” Golf World in 2000.”I guess they call it in 177 Grands Prix. Hulkenberg said he coming season, which begins with the The great Ben Hogan said Wright had burnout now, but it wore me out.” would look towards the middle of the year March 15 Australian Grand Prix in Mel- the finest golf swing he ever saw. LPGA She moved to Florida in 1974 and “on what is possible” but insisted it was “a bourne. “Don’t write Sebastian off , don’t Commissioner Mike Whan echoed that enjoyed gardening, fishing, playing the temporary break” from motorsport. underestimate him, he can always come sentiment on Monday. “We are deeply stock market and crossword puzzles. If an opportunity arose for a F1 seat back strongly,” Huelkenberg said.

SPOTLIGHT Vietnam F1 Grand Prix gets go-ahead despite virus fears AFP Hanoi’s tourism department was quot- about 40 kilometres (25 miles) outside Hanoi ed as saying by state media yesterday Hanoi after six people were detected “Although this is a sports event, it with the virus there. Vietnam, which has a very huge impact on Vietnam and shares a porous border with China, has ietnam’s inaugural Formula Hanoi’s tourism,” he said, adding all 16 confi rmed cases of the coronavirus, One Grand Prix will take place measures will be taken to ensure safe- including those in Son Loi. in Hanoi in April as planned, ty. Workers are building stands at the It banned all fl ights to and from organisers said yesterday, racetrack as construction continued mainland China in a bid to stop the vi- Vavoiding the fate of the Chinese Grand this week. rus from spreading. It also suspended Prix which was postponed over the The go-ahead comes the same day new tourist visas for Chinese nation- deadly coronavirus outbreak. Vietnam’s football federation an- als or foreigners who had been in China The virus, which has killed more nounced that an international friendly over the past two weeks. than 1,800 people in China, has trashed scheduled a week before the F1 race will The communist country will get its Asia’s sporting calendar, forcing the be cancelled. Vietnam and Iraq’s na- fi rst taste of the glitz and glamour of postponement of top events includ- tional teams were supposed to play on Formula One with the Hanoi race, as ing the Hong Kong Sevens rugby. But March 26 as preparation for World Cup the sport attempts to reach new mar- Vietnamese authorities said the coun- qualifi ers kets in Southeast Asia. Hanoi has bet try’s inaugural F1 race would go ahead But the match has been cancelled big on the event’s popularity, signing as “scheduled” on April 5, Le Ngoc Chi, because of the outbreak and at “the a 10-year, multi-million-dollar deal CEO of Vietnam Grand Prix said. request of the Iraq Football Federa- with Formula One last year which state That fl ies in the face of mounting tion”, said a statement from Vietnam’s media said would cost Vietnam $60mn fears over the spread of the virus from Football Federation. Last week, Viet- per year. neighbouring China and the risk of nam became the only country outside The fee has been picked up in full In this file photo taken on February 14, a worker walks past in the under-construction Formula One Vietnam Grand Prix race transmission among the crowds ex- of China to enforce a mass quarantine by the country’s largest private con- track site in Hanoi. Vietnam has bet big on the event’s popularity, signing a 10-year, multi-million-dollar deal with F1. (AFP) pected to make the journey to the Viet- of a community to contain a cluster of glomerate, VinGroup, which is hoping namese capital. “The time for the... F1 virus cases. to dazzle with a night race on a street One chiefs who are scrambling to fi t the The Chinese GP, scheduled for April pean Tour and LPGA golf tournaments race will not be postponed or delayed,” Checkpoints have been set up around track. The commitment to hold the postponed Shanghai race into this sea- 19, last week joined the World Athlet- in being shelved because of the deadly Tran Trung Hieu, deputy director of the six villages that make up Son Loi, race will likely be welcomed by Formula son’s schedule. ics Indoor Championships and Euro- outbreak. Gulf Times Wednesday, February 19, 2020 7 SPORT

TENNIS Pavlyuchenkova stuns defending champion Bencic AFP “It doesn’t matter what the second victory this season over a said that her own attitude as un- Dubai score is, just play. Slowly I started Top 10 opponent after beating derdog may have helped. to turn it around, I started to fi nd Ashleigh Barty in Brisbane. “I’m respecting my opponent, my game.” The Ukrainian’s usually steady but not to the point where I put older Belinda Bencic ran “I honestly wasn’t focusing game was nowhere to be found at her on a pedestal. off the fi rst 19 points on the score. Sometimes you can the Aviation Club as fi rst-round “I was just focused on my game against Anastasia Pav- play amazing tennis and still lose play concluded. plan, myself, I competed well lyuchenkova before 6-1. In the third set, it was a good “It was not a bad start, but then from the very beginning. Hcollapsing to a 1-6, 6-1, 6-1 loss level from both of us.” everything just went downhill,” “From the start, maybe she felt yesterday at the Dubai Champi- Pavlyuchenkova advanced in Svitolina said. my presence. I was happy with onships. 92 minutes. “I wish I could regroup better. the way I performed.” Another former champion, the Bencic, who is Swiss was seed- In the end, I didn’t feel so good Brady’s win paved the way for 2017 and 2018 winner Elina Svi- ed four and Ukrainian Svitolina the ball. Just everything was all fellow American and Australian tolina, also fell, 6-2, 6-1, to US third. That leaves the spotlight to over the place today. Open winner Sofi a Kenin, who qualifi er Jennifer Brady. tournament number one Simona “At this level it’s tough to pick will later begin her campaign Pavlyuchenkova could not have Halep and second-seeded Karo- just one thing: everybody is against Elena Rybakina, winner made a worse start. lina Pliskova, who begin in the putting the ball over the net, and of Hobart in January and runner- “It’s tennis, sometimes it hap- second round after byes. you have to play long rallies, you up at the weekend in St Peters- pens,” the 31st-ranked Russian Weekend ATP Rotterdam win- have to build the points. burg. said “You go out there and you ner Gael Monfi ls watched in pain “Before I was more composed Frenchwoman Kristina Mlade- just don’t feel anything. as girlfriend Svitolina went down with my game. Now it’s little bit novic beat fellow qualifi er Aliak- “I just kept on fi ghting, still to Brady. of a struggle. Maybe mentally sandra Sasnovich 6-4, 6-3 to trying to hit every ball, trying to Svitolina had little to off er as or something.” Brady, a qualifi er set up a second-round date with Russia’s Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova serves the ball to Switzerland’s Belinda Bencic during the WTA be there the 52nd-ranked Brady gained her with three matches already here, Pliskova. Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship in Dubai yesterday. (AFP)

LAUREUS WORLD SPORTS AWARDS RUGBY England’s Vunipola Hamilton, Messi to miss Ireland game share ‘sportsman of the year’ honour ‘I’m honoured to be the first to win this award being a sportsperson coming from a team sport’

AFP read a brief statement from London the RFU after the initial 33- man squad for the game was revealed. ngland powerhouse Centres Manu Tuilagi and prop Mako Vunipola Henry Slade are both included is to miss Sunday’s Six in the training squad after re- Nations match with covering from injury. IrelandE as he has returned to Tuilagi is on track for a re- Tonga for family reasons the turn to the side after a minor Rugby Football Union an- groin niggle, but Slade’s in- nounced yesterday. volvement is in doubt given The 29-year-old Saracens his two-month absence with a star — whose parents are Ton- fractured ankle. gan — played in the 13-6 win Sunday’s match is a high over Scotland having been stakes one. omitted from the opening de- England will hope to keep feat by France. their Triple Crown dreams Bath’s Beno Obano has been alive and at the same time pre- drafted into Eddie Jones’ 33- vent Ireland maintaining their man training squad as cover. push for a second Grand Slam Veteran Joe Marler is set to in three years. return at loosehead prop, with The Irish beat Scotland and Ellis Genge — who scored the Wales both at home but travel lone try in the Scotland game to Twickenham having lost — resuming his role as a re- to England on their last two placement. meetings, a rare home reverse “Mako Vunipola is not in- in last year’s Six Nations and cluded as he has travelled back then a 57-15 whipping before to Tonga for family reasons,” the World Cup.

SELECTION Lewis Hamilton poses on the red carpet prior to the 2020 Laureus World Sports Awards ceremony in Berlin on Monday. (AFP) Wales call up Amos AFP “We gave everything we had to win the Berlin trophy and hopefully inspire kids for gen- Tendulkar wins Sporting Moment erations to come.” for French clash Snowboarding sensation Chloe Kim, 19, Award for 2011 WC triumph ormula One champion Lewis Ham- won the action sportsperson award after Legendary batsman Sachin Tendulkar AFP ready,” said Wales forwards ilton and football superstar Lionel taking gold medals at the world champion- has won the greatest Laureus Sporting London coach Jonathan Humphreys. Messi shared the Laureus sportsman ship halfpipe and X Games super pipe. Moment Award in the last 20 years. Humphreys confi rmed of the year award at Monday’s cer- Oksana Masters, who was born with The moment, titled ‘’Carried on the fl y-half Dan Biggar was tak- emonyF in Berlin. limb impairments caused by radiation from allam Amos has been ing part in full training with shoulders of a nation’’, describing the Hamilton, 35, a six-time world cham- Chernobyl and was later adopted in the moment when Team India members called up to Wales’s Wales, saying the fl y-half has pion and Barcelona star Messi, 32, share the US, won the sportsperson with a disability carried Tendulkar on their shoulders squad for Saturday’s passed all his concussion pro- award for their achievements in 2019. award. across the Wankhede Stadium in Six Nations match tocols. This is the fi rst time a footballer has won The 30-year-old won fi ve gold medals withH France the Welsh Rugby Biggar also left the Ireland Mumbai following their 2011 World Cup the award and also the fi rst occasion in and a silver at the world para nordic skiing victory, received the maximum number Union (WRU) announced yes- game well before the end due the event’s 20-year history when the jury championships and also took the cross- of votes by the fans. terday. to a head clash with Robbie reached a tied decision. country overall world cup title. In his sixth appearance in the showpiece The 25-year-old utility back Henshaw. “I am honoured to be the fi rst to win this She also won silver medals in the road race event, Tendulkar and the Indian team — capped 22 times — replac- It was a third head knock for award being a sportsperson coming from a and time trial H5 at the para cycling road finally tasted success as they defeated es fellow Cardiff Blue Owen Biggar in fi ve months after in- team sport,” Messi said from Barcelona via a world championships. Sri Lanka by six wickets in the final. It Lane, who was released from juries against Australia and Fiji video message. Colombia’s Egan Bernal, 22, who became was watched live by an estimated 135 the Wales squad last month in the World Cup in Japan. US gymnastics superstar Simone Biles, the youngest rider to win the Tour de France million fans across India on April 2, 2011. after suff ering a hamstring Jarrod Evans is the other who won fi ve titles at the 2019 world cham- for 110 years, won the breakthrough award Tendulkar, widely regarded as one of injury. specialist fl y-half in the squad pionships in Stuttgart to leave her with a after winning the world’s top cycling race in the greatest batsmen in the history of Amos himself missed the after Owen Williams suff ered a record 25 world gold medals, took the Lau- what was only his second three-week clas- cricket, was carried on the shoulders by Sachin Tendulkar poses after winning fi rst two matches — victory hamstring injury in the warm- reus sportswoman of the year award for the sic event. the Indian team players. He had made a the Laureus Best Sporting Moment over Italy but defeat to Ireland up before the Ireland game. third time. “I’m really happy, this is a big result for me lap of honour in front of raucous cheers, award in Berlin on Monday. (Reuters) that ended Welsh hopes of Evans, not in the original “It means the world to me, this is my third in my career,” the Colombian said in a video. shedding tears of joy after achieving back-to-back Grand Slams — matchday 23, was promoted to Laureus award and I’m really grateful,” said German F3 driver Sophia Floersch such a momentous victory in his home this is a reminder of how powerful sport because of an ankle injury. the bench in Dublin and then Biles in a video message. scooped the comeback of the year award for city. is and what magic it does to our lives. “Wales have called Cardiff came on for Biggar. Williams South Africa, who won the 2019 World racing once again at the Macau Grand Prix “It’s incredible. The feeling of winning Even now when I watch that (moment), Blues back Hallam Amos into has since been ruled out of the Cup, were named team of the year, beating last November, a year after a crash on the the world cup was beyond what words it has stayed with me. Today, sitting their Six Nations squad,” read rest of the Six Nations. Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool and the US wom- same circuit left her with a spinal fracture. can express. How many times you get in this room with so many athletes, the WRU statement. Wales Under-20s fl y-half en’s football team. Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar won an event happening where there are no some of them did not have everything The Welsh also hope that Sam Costelow has been train- Springboks captain Siya Kolisi was joined the public vote for the top sporting moment mixed opinions. Very rarely the entire but they made the best of everything wing Josh Adams, who failed ing with the senior squad to on stage by six South African team-mates to over the last 20 years for leading his country country celebrates,” the 46-year-old said they had. I thank them for inspiring to fi nish the Ireland game after help make up the numbers. collect the trophy. to victory at the 2011 World Cup at the sixth after receiving the trophy from former youngsters to pick a sport of their a knock to his hip will be fi t for Humphreys also confi rmed “With this group of players, we came to- attempt. Australian skipper Steve Waugh handed choice and chase their dreams. This the home game with the un- forward duo Cory Hill and El- gether for the love of the game with one goal German basketball star Dirk Nowitzki was the trophy to Tendulkar at a glittering trophy belongs to all of us, it’’s not just beaten French. liot Dee were unlikely to be fi t and fought so hard for each other,” Kolisi recognised with the lifetime achievement ceremony on Monday evening. “And about me,” said Tendulkar. IANS “Josh is training fully, so for France after missing the told the audience in Berlin. award. hopefully he’s going to be fi rst two games through injury.

Wednesday, February 19, 2020 GULF TIMES SPORT

MOTORSPORT/ MANATEQ QATAR CROSS-COUNTRY RALLY HORSE RACING Ooredoo announces renewed sponsorship Przygonski joins of Silver Sword race at the Amir Sword al-Attiyah, al-Rajhi Festival 2020 oredoo has announced it is to renew its spon- sorship of the Silver Sword race at the up- comingO Amir Sword Festival. The Championship, set to be held from 20-22 February 2020 at Overdrive Racing at the Racing and Equestrian Club – Al Rayyan, is one of the ‘This is always an important rally for me and a pleasure to compete at home’ most prestigious horse-racing to confi rm the importance of tournaments in the region, at- horse racing in Qatar, with the By Sports reporter tracting the most elite horses presence of international par- Lusail from stables around the world. ticipation from outside Qatar as The Silver Sword race will a result of the reputation of this take place on the third day of the rapidly developing festival. Hav- akub ‘Kuba’ Przygon- tournament. ing Ooredoo among the spon- ski, the winner of the Speaking of the auspicious sors of the festival contributes 2018 FIA World Cup for event, Waleed al-Sayed, CEO – to the success of the event, and Cross-Country Rallies, Ooredoo Qatar – said: “We are we at the Race and Equestrian hasJ reached an agreement with committed to supporting events Club are proud that Ooredoo is Overdrive Racing and will drive and activities that preserve Qa- a partner with us in sponsoring a Toyota Hilux alongside Nasser tari culture and heritage, in line the Silver Sword race. This race Saleh al-Attiyah and Yazeed al- with our corporate social re- – one of the most prominent in Rajhi at next week’s Manateq sponsibility strategy, and we the festival – is dedicated to the Qatar Cross-Country Rally. are proud to sponsor this race purebred Arabian horse, a breed The Polish former motor- to be held on the Silver Sword for which Qatar is well known for cycle enduro racer switched to of His Highness The Amir. This its interest. rallying on four-wheels after a prominent event highlights Qa- Many high-profi le horse- successful career with the Or- tar’s history and identity, and men and trainers participate in len Team on a KTM and victory its well-deserved reputation for the festival, contributing to the at the Qatar event in 2018 was a hosting and we look forward to Club’s vision of positioning the spring board for his FIA World enjoying some amazing horse- country as a global centre for Cup success. Przygonski fi n- manship and some memorable equestrian events. Our partner- ished third in the Lusail-based races.” ship with Ooredoo will create event in 2019. Qatar Race and Equestrian more opportunities for co-oper- He and German navigator Club Chief Executive Offi cer ation and collaboration, with the Timo Gottschalk have been one Nasser bin Sherida al-Kaabi aim of continuing to shine the of the leading pairings at the said: “The Amir Sword Festi- international spotlight on Qatar Dakar and on rounds of the FIA val is a wonderful opportunity and Arabian horses.” World Cup in recent seasons and Przygonski is relishing the challenge of racing with a V8- engined Toyota for the fi rst time. With his switch to a Hilux, Overdrive Racing has a formi- dable line up of three T1 Toyotas set to tackle the opening round Qatar’s Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah. (Below) Poland’s Jakub ‘Kuba’ Przygonski. of the FIA World Cup, which will SPOTLIGHT run over fi ve days and around that the Belgian car prepara- 1,430 competitive kilometres in tions company hopes will chal- a route of 2,200km across the lenge at the top of the leader length and breadth of the State board in the up-and-coming India bars Chinese of Qatar. open and modifi ed all-terrain Al-Attiyah has been a domi- class. nant force in cross-country The car was tested in Moroc- wrestlers because rallying in recent years, but the co in the autumn and driven by Qatari narrowly missed out on fi ve-time Dakar champion Cyril a fourth Dakar Rally victory last Despres and several rookies at of coronavirus month and will be keen to make the Dakar Rally, as part of a new a good start to his FIA World Red Bull Off -Road programme. AFP World Wrestling (UWW) web- Cup campaign after falling short Two cars have been entered New Delhi site: “The wrestlers are disap- to eventual winner Stéphane in the Manateq Qatar Cross- pointed for sure.” Peterhansel in 2019. Country Rally with Dutch busi- Japanese world champions The Qatari has won his home nessman Kees Koolen driving hinese wrestlers will be Kenichiro Fumita and Risako event on seven occasions, be- one for the fi rst time and the unable to take part in Kawai are among top wrestlers ginning with a win on the candi- other being prepared for the the Asian Champion- taking part. date rally in 2011 and following Russian driver Fedor Vorobyev, ships in New Delhi this India’s sports minister Kiren up that success with victories the 2019 FIA World Cup for Cweek after being denied visas Rijiju said the denial of visas in 2012, 2014-2017 and last year. Cross-Country Bajas cham- because of the coronavirus out- would not normally be allowed Two of those wins came with his pion. He fi nished eighth overall break, an offi cial said. but there were exceptions for an regular French navigator Mat- and second in T3 in Qatar last India’s government has sus- extraordinary health crisis. thieu Baumel. season in a Can-Am and again pended e-visas for Chinese “We can’t deny visa to citi- “This is always an important teams up with fellow Russian nationals due to the deadly vi- zens of any country because it rally for me and a pleasure to Kirill Shubin for his debut in an rus that has claimed more than is a part of the Olympic charter. compete at home and to see in- OT3. 1,800 lives since spreading from We try to keep sports away from ternational competitors coming Historic Souq Waqif in down- its epicentre in the central city of politics,” Rijiju told reporters. to Qatar,” said al-Attiyah. “We ner-up to al-Attiyah in Qatar The pair used the recent Ha’il We have seen in recent seasons town Doha will host the cer- Wuhan. “But where there is health narrowly missed out on another last season and arrives in Doha event to test various compo- what a determined competi- emonial start on February 22nd “They are not coming. Of concern or any technical issue, Dakar Rally win, but Matthieu fresh from fi nishing fourth in nents and settings after a wheel tor he can be and know that he and the prize giving ceremony course health concerns remain there are separate provisions for and I returned to action last January’s Dakar Rally and from a failure had cost them a potential will add strength in depth to the on February 27th after fi ve de- a big reason and the coronavirus that.” week and we won the Oman In- recent outing at the Ha’il Inter- win on the second day. Toyota challenge in the 2020 manding days of timed ac- outbreak is deadly,” Wrestling The Asian Championships, ternational Rally. We are look- national Rally. He teams up with Jean-Marc Fortin, CEO of FIA World Cup.” tion through the Qatar deserts, Federation of India assistant which provide UWW ranking ing forward to keeping up that Ulster navigator Michael Orr, Overdrive Racing, said: “We Overdrive Racing teamed up where the emphasis will be as secretary Vinod Tomar told AFP. points that count towards seed- momentum with another win in with whom he claimed four vic- are delighted to welcome Kuba with Red Bull at the end of 2019 much on precise navigation as A Chinese Federation spokes- ings at this year’s Tokyo Olym- Qatar.” tories on rounds of the FIA Mid- and Timo to the team and look to launch the new OT3 by Over- outright speed and perform- person was quoted as saying pics, begin Tuesday and run un- Yazeed al-Rajhi fi nished run- dle East Rally Championship. forward to working with them. drive, a prototype T3 vehicle ance. on the governing body’s United til February 23.

FOCUS Stage set for ‘very strong’ Qatar Open golf By Sports Reporter Qatar Golf Association (QGA) 215, with the next closest player, Doha general secretary Fahad al-Nai- England’s William Shucksmith, mi said at a press conference at at six-over. the Doha Golf Club yesterday. In the professional cat- he stage is all set for the “This is one of the oldest egory, Poland’s Adrian Meronk 34rd edition of the Qa- tournaments in the region and emerged as the winner. tar Open Amateur Golf from last two years, the tourna- This is the third time profes- Championship, which ment has seen the participation sionals are participating in the Twill be held at the Doha Golf of some of the best international tournament with the organising Club from February 20 to 22. professionals. This year’s event committee awarding the best More than 100 players from includes 22 European profes- three results a spot in the Com- 39 countries will take part in sionals and 80 amateurs,” he mercial Bank Qatar Masters, the Championship, which has said. which has moved across the Qa- added importance as its winner, Organised by the Qatar Golf tari capital from Doha Golf Club top three Qatari players and top Association, the Championship for the fi rst time in its 23-year three professionals will get to has come a long way since its in- history to ECGC – a landmark match their skills with some of ception in 1983, when it was con- project for Qatar and the world the best players on the European tested over a sand course in Umm of golf – which off ers a revolu- Tour in the Commercial Bank Said, to become an international tionary and holistic approach to Qatar Masters at the Education tournament qualifying tourna- growing the game. City Golf Club (ECGC) from ment for the Qatar Masters. The winners of both the cat- March 5 to 8. The spotlight will be on eight egories will receive a Royal Air “In my opinion, it will be a Qatari players – Saleh al-Kaabi, Maroc round trip ticket. very strong tournament with Ali al-Shahrani, Abdurahman Tournament director Mo- many professionals with very al-Shahrani, Jaham al-Kuwari, Qatar Golf Association (QGA) general secretary Fahad al-Naimi (centre) and QGA event manager Mohamed Faisal al-Naimi (third from left) hamed Faisal al-Naimi, Royal high rankings taking part. The Fahad Rizwan, Abdelaziz al-Mu- pose with other off icials during a press conference at the Doha Golf Club yesterday. PICTURE: Jayaram Air Maroc Country Manager professional section is grow- hannadi, Abdelaziz al-Boainain, Youssef Berchid, Ali Bin Ali ing every year since the time we Ghanim al-Kuwari and 47 other Some of the Qatari players are in with half the fi eld advancing to Mikkel Mathiesen, who has been markably well as his fi nal round General Manager Said al-Hajri introduced it three years back. Doha-based golfers. good nick and will be hoping for Saturday’s fi nal round play on a junior member at Doha Golf 70 with a birdie and a bogey and Rayyan Water Company’s Many players who cannot make Al-Kaabi’s 2017 runner-up an impressive outing in the event Saturday. The handicap limit for Club (DGC) for ten years, won earned him a seven-shot vic- Trade Marketing Manager Arun it to the Qatar Masters will be position is the best result for which will be a three-day Indi- amateur players is nine. the championship. tory. Sreekumar were also present on trying to qualify for the event,” a Qatari in the championship. vidual Strokeplay tournament Last year, Danish youngster The 18-year-old played re- He aggregated one-under the occasion.