QatarTribune Qatar_Tribune QatarTribuneChannel qatar_tribune Teenaged Swedes make it to main draw of 4-star Katara Beach Volleyball Cup TUESday, MARCH 9, 2021 page 14 Bautista Agut withstands barrage of aces to overpower Opelka Karatsev sweeps . into 2nd round I still really to meet Thiem Agencies love to watch Doha Federer play, won the Doha title in 2019, and says Thiem the World No. 13 showed a champion’s mettle on Mon- Tribune News Network day evening at the Khalifa In- Doha ternational & Squash Complex. World No. 4 Dominic Thiem The fifth seed rallied past is looking forward to welcom- American Reilly Opelka 4-6, ing back to the 6-3, 6-4 in two hours and four ATP Tour this week at the Qa- minutes to reach the second tar ExxonMobil Open. round of the Qatar ExxonMo- “We are rivals, and of course bil Open 2021. we want to beat each other in the The Spaniard withstood 22 tournament, (but) I still really aces to take a 2-1 ATP Head- love to watch him play tennis,” 2Head series lead against the said Thiem, who is the top seed big-serving 23-year-old. in Doha. “(He) looks so nice, “I feel very good on this the way he plays, the way he ap- court. I have a lot of good proaches the game of tennis. memories from 2019. I’m just “On the one hand, I’m happy to be here again in Qa- also a big fan of his still, and tar and more happy because that’s why I really love that I played a really good match he’s back and that I can watch and I beat a really, really good him again. That’s what pretty opponent,” Bautista Agut said much everybody is thinking, in an on-court interview. “I’m Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut lets off a cry after defeating American Reilly Opelka in the opening round of the Qatar ExxonMobil Open 2021 at the Khalifa International tennis & and I hope that he’s coming really happy that I won today, Squash Complex on Monday. Bautista Agut won 4-6, 6-3, 6-4. back strong, as well.” now I want to recover well for The Austrian headlines the next match.” the ATP 250 field in Doha. Bautista Agut’s ninth and Order of Play Tuesday Federer, who is competing for most recent ATP Tour title CENTRE COURT start 2:30pm D. Lajovic (SRB) vs M. Fucsovics (HUN) the first time in more than 13 came in Doha two years ago. J. Chardy (FRA) vs D. Evans (GBR) M. Arevalo (ESA) / M. Middelkoop (NED) months after two right knee The 32-year-old will next [LL] N. Gombos (SVK) vs [WC] M. Jaziri vs [2] N. Mektic (CRO) / M. Pavic (CRO) surgeries, and last week’s ABN play Kazakhstani wild card Al- (TUN) COURT B start Not Before 3:30pm AMRO World Tennis Tour- exander Bublik, who knocked N. Basilashvili (GEO) / A. Bublik (KAZ) nament champion Andrey out Indian qualifierRamku - Not Before 6pm vs F. Nielsen (DEN) / T. Puetz (GER) Rublev also feature. mar Ramanathan 6-4, 6-2 in [Q] L. Harris (RSA) vs [7] S. Wawrinka (SUI) Not Before 5pm Thiem is competing for the 73 minutes. [6] D. Goffin (BEL) vs F. Krajinovic (SRB) K. Krawietz (GER) / R. Opelka (USA) vs [4] first time since a fourth-round Bublik has already M. Melo (BRA) / J. Rojer (NED) exit to at the reached two ATP Tour finals COURT A start 2:30pm A. Karatsev (RUS) / A. Rublev (RUS) vs L. on 14 Febru- this year at the Antalya Open [Q] C. O’Connell (AUS) vs V. Pospisil (CAN) Sonego (ITA) / A. Vavassori (ITA) ary. The 27-year-old will play (lost to De Minaur) and the J. Millman (AUS) / D. Vega Hernandez COURT 1 start Not Before 5pm Russia’s in the Singapore Tennis Open (lost (ESP) vs [WC] B. Rola (SLO) / M. Zayed After Suitable Rest - J. Chardy (FRA) / F. Doha second round. to Popyrin). (QAT) Martin (FRA) vs J. Erlich (ISR) / A. Vasilevski “The (Doha) draw is un- Aslan Karatsev returned Not Before 5pm (BLR) believably strong, so (you) to his winning ways at the never know what’s (going to) Khalifa International Tennis & Ramkumar Ramanathan (IND) happen, but I just try to have Squash Complex in Doha. tralia 2-6, 6-4, 6-2 in one 6-4, 6-2 a good start and to be there on Two months on from win- hour and 52 minutes. (USA) bt Lorenzo a good level from the very first ning three matches at the Basilashvili will next face Sonego (ITA) 7-6 (50, 6-4 point,” said Thiem, the 2018 venue to qualify for the Aus- wild card Malek Jaziri of Tu- (FRA) (Q)- Doha semi-finalist. tralian Open in Melbourne, nisia or Slovakian lucky loser Blaz Rola (SLO) 6-4, 6-4 “It’s going to be my first where he reached the semi- Norbert Gombos. (WC)-Aslan Karatsev (RUS) bt tournament and (my) first finals (lost to Djokovic), the Russian Aslan Karatsev returned to his winning ways at the Khalifa International Tennis & Squash Complex Gombos replaced Borna (WC)- Mubarak Shannan Zayid match (in almost) a month, Russian swept past fellow on Monday sweeping past fellow wild card Mubarak Shannan Zayid 6-4, 6-0. Coric, who pulled out due to a (QAT) 6-4, 6-0. since (a) pretty devastating wild card Mubarak Shannan shoulder injury. (atptour.com) loss at the Australian Open… I Zayid 6-4, 6-0 in 65 minutes. to Dimitrov. great memories playing here. best to win.” Doubles needed some time to digest eve- Karatsev won 24 of 27 first- Richard Gasquet, the 2013 It’s one of the best tourna- Earlier, American Taylor Results Round of 16 rything, to analyse everything service points and now plays champion, eased past qualifier ments in the world, so of Fritz took a 2-1 lead in his ATP Round Of 32 (1)- Juan Sebastian Cabal & (and) to settle down a little bit. top-seeded Austrian Dominic Blaz Rola 6-4, 6-4 for his first course it’s great for me to Head2Head series with Lor- 5-Roberto Bautista Agut Robert Farah (COL) bt (WC)- “Now it’s time to focus on Thiem in the second round at victory of the season. come back and I hope to play enzo Sonego by beating the (ESP) beat Reilly Opelka (USA) Malek Jaziri (TUN) & Mubarak new things. The tournament the ATP 250 event. The Frenchman will next good,” Gasquet said in an on- Italian 7-6(5), 6-4. 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 Shannan Zayid (QAT) 6-3, 6-2 in Doha is the first chance to Thiem is competing in play red-hot Russian Andrey court interview. Elsewhere, Georgia’s Nikoloz Basilashvili (GEO) bt Marcus Daniell (NZ) & Philipp play better again, to get good his first tournament since a Rublev. “I know the next oppo- Nikoloz Basilashvili snapped John Millman (AUS) 2-6, 6-4, Oswald (AUS) bt (3)-Ivan Dodig results, to get confidence and fourth-round exit at the Aus- “Of course it’s great for nent will be tough, but I have a five-match losing streak by 6-2 (CRO) & Filip Polasek (SLO) to forget (a) pretty tough start tralian Open where he had lost me to come here... I have nothing to lose and I’ll try my beating John Millman of Aus- Alexander Bublik (KAZ) bt (Q)- 6-3, 6-7 (2), 11-9. of the season.” (atptour.com) Ooredoo announces Silver Sponsorship Djokovic eclipses Federer’s all-time for Qatar ExxonMobil Open 2021 Tribune News Network off on Monday at the Khalifa In- ner Roger Federer has con- record for most weeks as world No. 1 Doha, Qatar ternational Tennis and Squash firmed he will challenge for Complex in Doha, and is ongo- the trophy this year, joined by DPA/ATP my childhood dream is a beautiful confir- Ooredoo has announced it ing until 13 March 2021. two-time winner Berlin mation that when you do things out of love is to reprise its role as Silver The event attracts a large and Dominic and passion, everything is possible.” Sponsor of the Qatar Exx- number of the world’s top Thiem, the 2020 Australian Novak Djokovic made history after break- ATP Chairman Andrea Gaudenzi said: onMobil Open at this year’s players, who are keen to use Open finalist. ing Roger Federer’s record for most weeks “Novak’s many achievements in tennis are event. the opportunity to warm up Sabah Rabiah Al Kuwari, as world number one on the ATP Tour. nothing short of extraordinary. Among The Qatar ExxonMobil for Grand Slam events later in Director PR at Ooredoo, said: Djokovic surpassed Federer after begin- them this record may stand as his single Open 2021, the 29th edition of the year. “We’re delighted to have our ning his 311th week as the number one most impressive. Reaching No. 1 is some- the ATP 250 tournament, kicked Multiple Grand Slam win- name linked with the ATP player in the men’s rankings on Monday. thing many players dream of and very few Tour again in 2021 at this Serbian star Djokovic reclaimed the ever accomplish, and to have held the top prestigious event. top ranking from fellow superstar Rafael make his long-awaited ATP comeback in spot for longer than anyone is testament Supporting events that Nadal in February 2020 and finished as Qatar this week - and Nadal. to the levels of sustained excellence that promote a healthy, active life- year-ending number one for the sixth Nadal remains second, though he is Novak has redefined in our sport.” style is a key focus for us at time - tying the mark set by . set to be leapfrogged by Australian Open Djokovic, who captured his 9th Aus- Ooredoo, as is helping to bring Djokovic, who first topped the men’s runner-up in the next tralian Open trophy and 18th Grand Slam as many high-profile interna- rankings in July 2011, went on to cele- rankings release on March 15. title last month, also holds a record 36 tional sporting events to Qatar brate a record-extending ninth Australian Russian Medvedev will be the first ATP Masters 1000 trophies and first at- as possible. Open title at Melbourne Park in February. player, other than Djokovic, Nadal, Federer tained the No. 1 ranking on 4 July 2011. We look forward to wel- With Federer turning 40 in August and , ranked in the top two He has since held the top spot in the rank- coming some of the world’s and Nadal a year older, the 33-year-old since July 2005. “It really excites me to ings across five different stints for a record greatest tennis stars to Doha, Djokovic has time on his side in pursuit of walk the path of legends and giants of this 311 weeks, one week longer than Federer, and to seeing some awesome more history. Djokovic has won 18 Grand sport,” said Djokovic. “To know that I have who broke Pete Sampras’ record of 286 tennis!” Slams, two adrift of Federer - who is set to earned my place among them by following weeks at No. 1 on 16 July 2012. Sports Tuesday, March 9, 2021 13 Qatar Olympic Committee marks International Women’s Day with inspiring video series Tribune News Network Doha

The Qatar Olympic Com- mittee on Monday marked Women have, and continue to play, a central International Women’s Day with the launch of a week-long role in the development of sport and society campaign dedicated to cham- in Qatar. It is important that we champion pioning women in sport in Qa- the role they play and promote their stories tar and sharing their inspiring stories and experiences. to inspire others. The QOC is committed to The video series, which ensuring equal opportunities for women and will be broadcast on Al Kass channels and on the QOC’s so- men and to promoting greater women’s cial media channels, will fea- participation in sport. Women in Qatari sport ture influential women from Qatar. It is important that we Al Bader and will run every day have achieved at many levels in recent the world of sport including: champion the role they play with a different personality un- Hannah Al Bader, Team Qa- and promote their stories to til Monday 15th of March. decades. Continuing development, starting tar Handball player; Reem inspire others. While great Hannah Albadr: (West with grassroots all the way up to elite, is an Al Sharshani; Team Qatar’s progress has been made, we Asian handball gold medal, Skeet Shooter; Maryam Al must always be looking to do several GCC gold medals, important factor that will ensure a bright Thani, Qatar Museum’s Cura- more and analyse where we 2014 YOG young ambassa- future for all women athletes in Qatar. tor, a mountain climber, and can improve. dor), said, “Women’s sport in a triathlon athlete; Al Anood “The QOC is committed Qatar has come a long way in HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, Al misnad, Head of Events at to ensuring equal opportuni- recent decades. The develop- President, Qatar Olympic Committee Aspire Logistics; Fatima Al ties for women and men and ment of world class facilities Ghanim Director of Market- to promoting greater women’s and the plethora of top inter- ing and Communications at participation in sport. Women national events taking place in ally you will be rewarded.” at Aspire logistics. I would like the norms. I invite all women in added “ Sports made me curi- Doha Film Institute, and Fa- in Qatari sport have achieved the country, has opened a lot The Head of Events at As- to encourage all women in the Qatar to step out of their com- ous about challenging myself tima Al Naimi, Communica- at many levels in recent dec- of opportunities for me and pire Logistics, Al Anood Al Mis- sport sector to believe in your- fort zone and challenge them- and to follow my passion spe- tions Director at the Supreme ades. Continuing develop- my fellow women athletes to nad added on her behalf “I grew self, be confident, and maxi- selves in a new activity. If you cially in Triathlon and moun- Committee of Delivery and ment, starting with grassroots thrive and progress. My mes- up in a sporting family and I mize all the opportunities that put your mind on what your tain climbing. Legacy 2022. all the way up to elite, is an im- sage to all women participat- had the chance to participate are provided to you. love and dedicate your energy “On women’s day I encour- QOC President HE Sheikh portant factor that will ensure ing in sport is to continue what in multiple sports like foot- Team Qatar Skeet Shooter, towards it you will pave the age all the women in Qatar to Joaan Al Thani, said: “Women a bright future for all women you’re doing, keep putting in ball, volleyball, and padel. My Reem Al Sharshani said: “As path for the future generations” follow your dreams and get in have, and continue to play, a athletes in Qatar” the effort, and keep being op- passion for sport pushed me a shooter competing in a male Mariam Al Thani, who is touch with like-minded people central role in the develop- The series began today timistic. As long as you’re put- to pursue a career in sport ad- dominant sport, I knew that I a curator of photography and who want to push themselves ment of sport and society in with an interview with Hannah ting in the hard work eventu- ministration as head of events had to be fierce and challenge exhibitions at Qatar Museum and conquer goals”

Supreme Committee’s social media platforms deliver FIFA 2022 Euro Qualifiers exponential growth as Qatar 2022 edges closer Hungary to host Qatari national football team’s first three matches

QNA It was also agreed that Ire- Doha lands third match would be in the same stadium and that Qa- The Qatar Football Associa- tar would be the host. tion has selected Nagyerdei The European Football Stadion in the Hungarian city Association (UEFA) invited of Debrecen as alternative to QFA to participate in the first Generali Arena Stadium to be European qualifiers for the the venue for the first three FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 , matches involving Qatar this in a move that reflects Dohas Fatma Al Nuaimi: Executive Director, Communications, Supreme month in the European Quali- position on the international Committee for Delivery & Legacy. fiers for the 2022 FIFA World sporting scene. Cup which will be held this It is to be mentioned that nticipation is build- engagement on dedicated Ara- month. the Qatari national team will ing across the globe as bic and English platforms. The The change came due Qatar will start its European AQatar ramps up prepara- SC’s Chinese channels have also to the strict procedures for campaign against Luxem- tions for the first FIFA World grown massively over the past movement between Euro- bourg on March. 24, the sec- Cup™ in the Middle East and year, with the total followers pean countries because of the ond meeting will bring it and Arab world. currently in excess of 1.3 mil- COVID-19 pandemic, which the Azerbaijani national team Qatar will host the 22nd lion. necessitated the national team on March.27, and concludes edition of football’s premier Fatma Al Nuaimi, the SC’s to make changes to the venues the first round matches by international tournament in Communications Executive after an agreement with UEFA meeting his Irish counterpart under two years’ time. Eight Director, is proud of the expo- pose and long-term resource and their member federations. in March. 30, 2021. stadiums will host 64 matches nential growth the channels to cater for it.” over 28 days, with more than have delivered in recent years. The SC also works with so- a million fans expected to de- Across all channels, the SC now cial media influencers across scend on Qatar from all corners has more than 4.5 million fans. the globe in order to reach as of the globe. The final will take “Our objective is to engage many people as possible. India’s Manika books clash place at Lusail Stadium on 18 with as many football fans as “We have a growing selec- December 2022 – Qatar’s Na- possible in the lead-up to 2022 tion of local, regional and global tional Day. It promises to be an – and that is why we are cur- influencers, who help us to tell against Japan’s Ito unmissable event. rently operating platforms in our story and show off Qatar in The World Cup is more four languages. We are always an authentic way to their en- Tribune News Network than a decade in the making, keen to use social media to gaged audiences,” said Al Nu- Doha following Qatar’s successful showcase all our communica- aimi. “We know that however bid in 2010 – and excitement tion activities,” said Al Nuami. big our channels grow, the ex- India’s Manika Batra entered is already reaching fever pitch “We know that everything panded social universe of part- the Round of 32 at the World levels across the region. And we post on our fan-facing chan- ner channels will always be even Table Tennis Star Contender while football fans look forward nels needs to drive interest and bigger, so digital collaboration tournament on Monday with a to cheering on their heroes in excitement in the tournament. is the key to success.” 3-0 win over Chinese Taipei’s Qatar, the Supreme Commit- Our amazing stadiums, human As the tournament ap- Hsien-Tzu Cheng. tee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) interest stories, behind-the- proaches, Al Nuaimi is acutely At the Losail Sports Are- has been telling the story of the scenes content and fan experi- aware that every World Cup na, Batra beat Cheng 11-5, 11- host country’s journey. From ences all help to showcase what fosters innovation in how fans 9, 11-9. The world No. 63, who the state-of-the-art stadiums, visitors can expect when they engage with the games. During had faltered in the qualifying major infrastructure projects, arrive in Qatar in 2022. the early years of the tourna- stages of the WTT Contender tourist attractions and legacy “It is also imperative we ment, radio and TV allowed last week, will take on Japa- programmes, the SC’s social answer the key questions millions of fans direct access nese world No.3 Mima Ito media channels offer a behind- that fans have – in relation to to the matches, while in recent today. Ito, the top-seed, had the-scenes glimpse of prepara- things like local culture, Qatari years the social media boom has won the singles title at the Egypt’s Dina Meshref in action tions while looking forward to cuisine, safety and security, generated huge engagement WTT Contender. during the World Table Tennis what fans can expect from Qa- accommodation, affordability across the globe. Other Indian paddlers too Star Contender tournament at the tar in 2022. and many others.” “Thanks to social media, won their matches. Losail Sports Arena on Monday. The SC has launched a In addition to fan-facing the World Cup has touched Sathiyan Gnanasekaran range of social media platforms channels, the SC also prioritises the lives of more and more came back from two games Choi to move into the next in recent years and is currently communicating with the media The SC now has more than 4.5 million fans on its social media platforms. people in recent years – and down to beat Frenchman Em- round. Chinese Taipei’s Kim prominent on Facebook, Twit- and stakeholders thanks to ded- we have no doubt that trend manuel Lebesson 9-11, 7-11, Ha-young, ranked No. 122 in ter, Instagram, LinkedIn and icated accounts on LinkedIn, about our legacy programmes, jor organisations in Qatar to use will continue during Qatar 11-7, 11-4, 11-4. the world, defeated Hungary’s YouTube. It is also one of the Twitter and Instagram. such as Generation Amazing, TikTok. We’ve also been an ear- 2022,” said Al Nuaimi. “The The World No. 37 Sathiyan 66th-ranked Dora Madarasz first major Qatariorganisations “Our local audiences, in- Challenge 22 and the Josoor ly adapter of Kuaishao, a short- established social media will face world No. 5 Japanese 11-6, 4-11, 11-6, 12-10. to have a presence on TikTok, cluding the media and strategic Institute, which have already form video platform which is channels will continue to play prodigy Harimoto Tomokazu In the men’s singles, along with dedicated Chinese stakeholders, are incredibly im- positively touched the lives of popular in China. We also uti- a huge role in showcasing this in the Round of 32. Egypt’s, Ahmed Ali Saleh, platforms, including Weibo, portant, so we created channels millions of people around the lise new features on existing massive event to huge num- Later in the day, Achanta ranked number 50 in the Douyin, Kuaishao and Toutiao. to tell the stories which matter world. As an organisation, we platforms, such as Instagram bers of people – but there is Sharath Kamal also came back world, beat Japanese Yukiya Both fan-facing and corporate most to them,” said Al Nuaimi. know that the benefits of Qatar Reels and Twitter Fleets. always the possibility that from a game down to beat Oda 12-10, 8-11, 11-6, 8-11 to channels tell the inside story of “These channels also help us to 2022 will be felt for years to “With social media, we a new platform could come Puerto Rico’s Brian Afanador set up a clash against Ger- Qatar 2022 to global audiences, explain to local people the in- come – not just in our coun- constantly need to keep our along and dominate the atten- 8-11, 11-8, 11-7, 11-1 and will many’s Dimitrij Ovtcharov, with platforms dedicated to credible amount of work which try but across the region and finger on the pulse. Innovation tion of fans by the time 2022 now play Germany’s Patrick who won the contender Arabic, English, Mandarin and goes into delivering a tourna- around the world.” is at the centre of everything comes around. That is what is Franziska for a place in the event last week. Spanish speakers. ment of this scale. It is not sim- Constant innovation is we do and we strive to con- so exciting about this sector pre-quarterfinals. Meanwhile, Qatar’s The SC’s Facebook account ply about eight stadiums and 28 one of the hallmarks of the stantly expand – albeit strate- and is something that keeps Meanwhile, Egypt’s Dina Ahmed Khalil Al Mohannadi currently boasts more than 1.9 days of football.” SC’s social channels, as Al gically because we know that us committed to innovation Meshref scored a compre- lost his Round of 64 match to million followers, while Insta- Al Nuaimi continued: “It Nuami explained. every new platform or feature during the lead-up to the tour- hensive 11-6, 11-8, 11-8 win Slovakia’s Wang Yang 8-11, gram and Twitter deliver strong is also vital we inform people “We are one of the first ma- needs to have a specific pur- nament and beyond.” over South Korea’s Hyojoo 3-11, 4-11. 14 Tuesday, March 9, 2021 Sports Katara Beach Volleyball Cup Barwa named title sponsor for Grand Prix of Qatar Tribune News Network Doha

Dorna Sports on Monday announced Barwa as the title sponsor for the 2021 Grand Prix of Qatar. The event takes place at Losail International Circuit from the 26th to the 28th of March and will be officially named the Barwa Grand Prix of Qatar. Founded in 2005, Barwa is the largest listed real estate company in Qatar in terms of development and has become a key con- tributor to the stratospheric growth of the country. Yamaha STR’s Franco Morbidelli. Dorna said Barwa’s com- mitment to the development There was still a little bit of of Qatar makes the company wind swirling across the track a perfect partner for one of but nowhere near as bad as the country’s best established the Shakedown and Satur- international sporting events. day’s first OfficialT est Day Pau Serracanta, Managing Di- – great news for the runners. rector of Dorna Sports: “I’m Midway through Sunday’s ac- very happy to announce that tion, HRC test rider Stefan Barwa will take top billing Bradl had beaten Aleix Espar- at the first Grand Prix of the garo’s Day 1 pace – albeit by Action from the opening day of FIVB Katara Beach Volleyball Cup 4-star tournament which began at the Katara Beach courts on Monday. season. Qatar is a spectacular mere thousandths – and the place to race and welcoming pace would get quicker as the a new title partner is great day passed by. news for both parties, further Quartararo didn’t enjoy cementing MotoGP as a key the best return to track on Teen Swedes reach main international sporting event in Saturday as he finished out- the country and region.” side the top ten and struggled readjusting to his M1, but the Quartararo quickest on 21 year-old was much more Day 2 as the pace hots comfortable from the begin- up in Doha ning on day two. Asked about draw at first 4-star event Yamaha’s Fabio Quartararo his feelings and trying out the was the fastest rider on day new chassis package, Quar- letov and Ruslan Bykanov also 2 of the official MotoGP test- tararo said: “Well yes, today Eight teams from had to work hard for their spot ing at the Losail International the feeling was much better. It in Tuesday’s main draw. They Circuit on Sunday night. The is still difficult to evaluate be- seven countries won their first match of the Frenchman becomes the first cause we didn’t stay with the progress from qualifiers in straight sets, but and so far only rider to dip into same package as yesterday. So only after taking the upper hand the 1:53 seconds. it was not easy to make clear Doha men’s in the longest set of the day. Ducati’s Jack Miller was comments about the 2021 In an all-Russian clash with less than a tenth off his Yama- chassis. We also tried a new qualifications Petr Bakhnar and Valeriy Samo- ha rival and once again, Aleix swing arm, but the feeling was day, Likholetov and Bykanov Espargaro (Aprilia Racing not the best, so we need to try Agencies won by 2-0 (21-15, 34-32). Then, Team) was up the sharp end it better and in all conditions.” Doha they went to three sets against on the brand-new RS-GP – a Maverick Vinales ended Czechia’s Patrik Manas and Jiri 1:54.152 saw the Spaniard the day two Day 2 in P7, 0.455s Two rounds of tough qualifica- Sedlak to take a 2-1 (21-15, 21- place 0.212 off Quartararo. from his teammate Quartara- tions for the men’s main draw 23, 15-12) victory and advance Day 2 brought the best ro. It wasn’t a totally slick day at the Katara Beach Volleyball in the tournament. conditions the riders have for Vinales, both he and test Cup 4-star stop on the 2021 Austria was the only coun- faced since pitlane opened rider Cal Crutchlow crashed FIVB Beach Volleyball World try to push two duos through at the Losail International at Qatar’s notorious Turn 2 – Tour saw eight duos from seven Monday’s qualifications in Qa- Circuit on Friday afternoon. both were perfectly ok. different countries snatch the tar, as Alexander Huber and available spots to complete the Christoph Dressler won both 32-team line-up in Doha. their matches in straight sets, At their first ever 4-star while their compatriots Robin tournament, 19-year-old Seidl and Philipp Waller shut Swedish sensations David Ah- out Brazil’s Saymon Barbosa man and Jonatan Hellvig won Santos and Fabio Rodrigo two hard-fought three-setters Castro Bastos in their only to progress in the tournament. qualification fixture. The 2018 Youth Olym- pair Stefan Boermans and It was an amazing comeback about how we played in the Top-seeded Quincy Aye pic champions, seeded 24th Yorick de Groot to claim an- in the second match. We had it first game. We started the sec- and Arnaud Gauthier-Rat of in the qualification bracket, other tie-breaker victory – 2-1 very tough in the first set and ond match pretty badly actu- France, second-seeded Jose started off with a 2-1 (21-18, (16-21, 21-19, 15-8). the beginning of the second ally, but we made a really good Luis Rubio Camargo and Jos- 28-30, 15-9) win over Bel- “It feels amazing to make set. We hope to make it even comeback to win that match,” ue Gaston Gaxiola Leyva of gium’s Dries Koekelkoren it to the main draw at our first further in the tournament, but, Hellvig added. “We really look Mexico, Murat Giginoglu and and Tom van Walle. 4-star tournament ever,” Ah- as I said, it’s our first 4-star forward to a tough challenge Volkan Gogtepe of Turkey and In the second round, the man exclaimed. event...” of playing against some of the Jasper Bouter and Ruben Pen- Swedish wild cards came back “It’s unbelievable, after “We had two really tough best teams in the world.” ninga of the Netherlands were from a set down against Dutch these two very tough games... matches. We’re really happy Russia’s Alexander Likho- the other four teams to qualify. Yamaha’s Fabio Quartararo. We created new history Qatar Airways congratulates Al Sadd on for Al Sadd: Coach winning 2020-21 QNB Stars League title

Tribune News Network DOHA

Qatar Airways, the Official Partner, has congratulated Al Sadd Sports Club who claimed their 15th QNB Stars League title after a thrilling 3-0 vic- tory against Um Salal. Coached by Xavi Hernan- dez, Qatar’s most successful club claimed the Falcon Shield with four games to spare, while maintaining their un- beaten league run. Goals from , Yusuf Abdurisag Al Sadd coach Xavi Hernandez. and clinched the win for the Wolves, sweep- Tribune News Network He added: “I am happy ing the domestic double on Doha to be in this group of play- their home turf. Al Sadd SC’s ers, officials, technical and 15th league title is all the more Al Sadd head coach Xavi Her- medical staff. Our goal is to praiseworthy after emerging nandez expressed his happi- win all the tournaments we winners with most goals scored, ness after winning the 2020- participate in.” least goals conceded and exhib- tional style. The club continues UEFA EURO 2020™, Qatar the national vision of Qatar. Asia to be awarded a Skyt- 2021 QNB Stars League title, Finally, the coach thanked iting outstanding performances to set high standards in region- Airways continues to strength- Qatar Airways recently be- rax 5-Star COVID-19 Airport following the 3-0 win over all the fans. throughout the season. al and international competi- en its presence in the world of came the first global airline in Safety Rating. Umm Salal in Round 18. “Special thanks to the fans Qatar Airways Group Chief tions and we are proud to have sport; with the likes of FIFA, the world to achieve the pres- These recognitions pro- Speaking to media after of Al Sadd who supported the Executive, Akbar Al Baker, them as part of our diverse CONMEBOL, Paris Saint-Ger- tigious 5-Star COVID-19 Airline vide assurance to passengers the match, Xavi said: “We cre- team with full force through- said: “The QNB Stars League sporting sponsorship portfolio. main, AS Roma, Boca Juniors, Safety Rating by international across the world that airline ated a new history for Al Sadd. out the season, and we prom- holds a special pride of place We look forward to witnessing FC Bayern Munchen, K.A.S. Eu- air transport rating organisa- health and safety standards I am happy to win the league ise them to continue working in the annual Qatari football their continued success in fu- pen and Al Sadd SC well placed tion, Skytrax. are subject to the highest title for the first time as a to make them happy and win calendar, and we are delighted ture competitions.” in the carrier’s global football This follows HIA’s recent possible standards of profes- coach with Al Sadd, after win- more championships for the to witness Al Sadd SC win their With the recent announce- sponsorship portfolio, further success as the first and only sional, independent scrutiny ning it as a player.” club,” said Xavi. 15th league title in such excep- ment as the Official Airline for representing its alignment with airport in the Middle East and and assessment.