THURSDAY 20 FEBRUARY 2020 SPORTSPORT 09

FOOTBALL FOOTBALL We speak from time to time the power of Anfield and QNB Stars League QNB Stars League, the power of a stadium and what a stadium can have, Round 15: Al Round 15: tonight we saw it: Jurgen Klopp after Liverpool's loss Shahania vs Al Ahli vs Al Gharafa ACTION

to Atletico Madrid in Champions League last-16 tie. TODAY’S Al Arabi at Al Ahli Stadium

H H The Amir Sword Festival 2020: Sponsorship signing ceremonies James blasts MLB over Astros cheating scandal

REUTERS — LOS ANGELES

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James expressed his outrage over the Astros 2017 sign- stealing scandal, which has rocked the sport and led to calls for Houston’s World Series title from that season to be vacated. Major League Baseball last month said that during the 2017 season the Astros used a monitor near their dugout with a feed from the centre field camera to decode their opponent’s signals. CEO of Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club, Nasser Sherida Al Kaabi (left) presenting a memento to Ahmed Salem Al Ali, Director of Program Daam, following a sponsorship They then banged on signing ceremony for the upcoming H H The Amir Sword Festival 2020. RIGHT: Al Kaabi and Managing Director of Al Hazm and Al Emadi Enterprises, Mohammed Abdul a trash can to alert their Kareem Al Emadi after the sponsorship signing ceremony. hitters as to the type of pitch that was coming next. The Astros fired Alfa Romeo Manager AJ Hinch and General Manager Jeff Unwell Vettel relieved of duties Luhnow after MLB sus- and Haas pended the pair for the 2020 season as well as stripping the Astros of unveil cars four draft picks and on first day of testing in Spain levying a $5m fine, but AP MONTMELÓ — SPAIN many feel the league did REUTERS — BARCELONA team. The test was the first Ferrari-powered Haas and Alfa The test was the first not go far enough. Formula One teams Alfa opportunity to see all the new Romeo teams had earlier opportunity to see all “Listen I know I don’t Romeo and Haas unveiled An unwell Sebastian Vettel cars on track togetherg and pushedp their cars out for a the new cars on track play baseball but I am in their cars for the new season (pictured)(pictured) was relieved of his VVettelettel joinedjoined pitlanepitlane revreveale of their new together and Vettel Sports and I know if yesterday. dutiesduties at Ferrari on FormuFormulala thethe otherother liveries.liveries. joined the other drivers someone cheated me out Former champion Kimi One’sOne’s firstfirst dayday ofof pre-season driversdrivers in a BritishBritish driver George of winning the title and I Raikkonen and team-mate testingtesting in Spain yesterday.yesterday. photo-p hoto- RusseRussell,ll, in ttheh Williams, was in a photograph on the found out about it I would Antonio Giovinazzi pulled the TheThe German,German, a ffour-our- graph on first out in a major pit straight before the be... irate!,” James, a tarp off their Alfa Romeo at the ttimesimes world chamchampion,pion, thethe ppitit improvemeimprovementn from last year session. three-time NBA Barcelona-Catalunya Circuit hhadad been given the straightstraight whenwhen tthehe teteama were unable to champion, wrote on just before preseason testing hhonouronour ooff ddrivingriving tthehe beforebefore the get a car to theth track in time and After an hour and 45 Twitter. began. The new car, called new SF1000 first at sessionsessi o n eventuallyeventually tuturnedr up three days minutes of the opening “I mean like uncon- Alfa Romeo C39, maintains the Barcelona’sBarcelona’s CircuitCircuit de startedstarted at late. session, Mercedes’ trollable about what I team’s white and red livery. Catalunya,Catalunya, with team Poland’sPoland’s Robert Kubica, would/could do!,” he said. Valtteri Bottas was on “We expect to improve on matemate CharlesCharles LLeclerceclerc Russell’sRussell’s departeddep 2019 team “Listen here baseball what we achieved last season, notnot duedue in thethe car untiluntil 0800GMT.0800GMT. mate, returreturnedn to the track as top of the timesheets. commissioner listen to to make a step forward and today.today. FerrariFerrari AlfaAlfa RRomeo’someo reserve driver your players speaking hopefully be able to fight for “Change“Change ofof plan:plan: SebSeb not saidsaid hehe hadhad whilewhile FrFrenchmanen Esteban After an hour and 45 today about how dis- the position at the top of the feelingfeeling greatgreat this mornimorningng thenthen left ththee Ocon,Ocon, who hadh a year out last minutes of the opening session, gusted, mad, hurt, broken, midfield,” technical director so CharlesCharles is takingtaking over circuit.circuit. year,year, was bbackac for Renault. Mercedes’ Valtteri Bottas was etc etc about this. Literally Jan Monchaux said. drivingdriving ddutiesuties forfor thethe TheThe The 2021202 rules are little on top of the timesheets. the ball is in your court (or Haas also presented its day,”day,” said a sspokes-pokes- changedchanged frofromm last year but one Bottas’s world champion should I say field) and you new black-and-white VF-20 womanwoman forfor thethe differencedifference wwas a new decree team mate Lewis Hamilton is need to fix this for the to be driven by veteran pair ItalianI talian barringbarring teamst from hiding hoping to equal Ferrari great sake of Sports!” Romain Grosjean and Kevin theirtheir cars behind Michael Schumacher’s record Astros owner Jim Magnussen. Both teams are screensscre in the garages, seven titles this season. Crane last week apolo- trying to challenge McLaren’s givinggiv fans in the The season starts in Aus- gized for the cheating place as the next-best team sstands a better tralia on March 15, with only six scandal. after front-runners. view.v days of testing before then. NHL: Crosby stars as Pens down I do not feel unloved by Maple Leafs; Blues crush Devils opposition fans: Djokovic REUTERS — BELGRADE Slam finals.” Djokovic won his REUTERS — NEW YORK 17th overall major honour last Novak Djokovic (pictured) month at his favourite hunting Sidney Crosby had a goal and does not feel antagonised by ground in Melbourne, where he three assists, and Bryan Rust lack of fan support when facing I don’t want to stir up captured his eighth Australian added a goal and two assists as his biggest rivals Roger Federer negative emotions. Open title amid vocal support the Pittsburgh Penguins and Rafael Nadal in major finals from local Serb expatriates. downed the visiting Toronto on the ATP Tour, Serbia’s world I have no ill feelings The atmosphere was in Maple Leafs 5-2. number one said. for people who stark contrast to last year’s Pittsburgh won its NHL- Tennis pundits have often don’t support me. Wimbledon final, where best 22nd home game and suggested that Djokovic gets Djokovic forced Federer into moved into first place in the infuriated as well as galvanised Having said that, I submission after five dramatic Metropolitan Division, over- by overwhelming support for am not proud of my sets despite raucous fan support taking an idle Washington Cap- Federer and Nadal when he for the Swiss maestro, who has itals team that had led the locks horns with them, but the occasional reactions won a record 20 Grand Slam division since October 19. 32-year-old from Belgrade on the court as my titles. Blues 3, Devils 0 offered a different view. passion gets the Djokovic revealed how he Ivan Barbashev scored “I’ve read a lot of stuff sug- snatched victory from the jaws Toronto Maple Leafs Pierre Engvall (left) skates with the puck better of my twice, and Jordan Binnington against pressure from Pittsburgh Penguins Sidney Crosby during gesting that I am disliked but I of ddefeatefeat in tthehe ffaceace ooff aadversity.dversity. made 17 saves as St. Louis their NHL game. really don’t have that self-control at titimes:mes:: “When“When they blanked visiting New Jersey. impression, especially off- Novak Djokovicc chantedchanted ‘Roger, It was Binnington’s second Flyers 5, Blue Jackets 1 The victory elevated court,” Djokovic told a news Roger’ I willed shutout of the season and the Travis Konecny collected a Carolina into the second conference at his tennis myselfmyself into seventh of his career. Jaden goal and two assists to propel Eastern Conference wild-card academy in the Serbian capital. there were places believingbelieving theythey Schwartz also scored for the host Philadelphia past slot. “Even if that was true, why where he has less werewere chantingchanting Blues, who snapped their 0-3-2 Columbus in the opener of a The Hurricanes, who are would I want to add fuel to the support than in ‘Novak,‘Novak, Novak’,” winless streak and won for just home-and-home series. 7-3-1 in their last 11 games, sit fire? “I don’t want to stir up others. he said.said. the third time in 13 games. Kevin Hayes, Sean Cou- only one point behind the Phil- negative emotions. I have no ill “It is a fact that Red Wings 4, Canadiens 3 turier, Jakub Voracek and adelphia Flyers for third place feelings for people who don’t most fans supportt Andreas Athanasiou scored defenseman Philippe Myers in the Metropolitan Division. support me. Having said that, I Federer and Nadall two third-period goals as host also tallied for the Flyers, who The loss snapped Nash- am not proud of my occasional against me but that’ss Detroit completed its first four- leapfrogged Columbus and the ville’s three-game winning reactions on the court as my due to what they rep-p- game series sweep of Montreal idle New York Islanders into streak. passion gets the better of my resent in world tennis,”s,” in franchise history. third place in the Metropolitan Jets 6, Kings 3 self-control at times. he added. Mike Green and Robby Division. Jansen Harkins, Mason “I will always admit that I “It doesn’t mean thatthat Fabbri also scored for the Red Hurricanes 4, Predators 1 Appleton and Blake Wheeler do make mistakes and I always fans hate me and it certainlyrtainly Wings, who rallied from a 3-1 Andrei Svechnikov and scored goals in a 5-minute, try to learn from them. You reap doesn’t mean that I needeed to deficit in the third to snap a Sebastian Aho each scored as 20-second stretch of the second what you sow and it is never turn Serbia against thehe four-game losing streak. Carolina moved back over the period, and Winnipeg surged my intention to generate bad rest of the world justst Jonathan Bernier made 19 saves playoff line with a win in to a home victory over Los energy.” because fewer people in the win. Nashville. Angeles. Djokovic conceded that support me in Grand 10 SPORT THURSDAY 20 FEBRUARY 2020 ready to host -studded T20 league AFP – caused most games in previous years cricketing heroes live in action and overseas, must bring their countries so that in the coming years we have to be played in the United Arab reinforce their love for this great game here and play.” Since hosting Zim- more international teams coming.” -crazy fans in Pakistan will be Emirates, with only the final stages of after being left deprived.” babwe in 2015, Pakistan has provided Australia’s limited overs leg-spinner able to enjoy the whole of their the last three editions being held at A generation of Pakistan’s youth teams with security normally reserved Fawad Ahmed was born in Pakistan league on home soil for the home. had not watched top-flight cricket at for visiting heads of state, with hun- but fled to his adopted country in 2010 first time when the star-studded fifth (PCB) home since a deadly attack on the Sri dreds of police guarding stadiums and after Taliban threats. edition begins today in Karachi. Chairman Ehsan Mani believes the Lankan Test team’s bus in 2009 hotels and the PSL is no different. “Hopefully it goes safe and sound The month-long Pakistan Super willingness of overseas stars to sign up prompted international sides to shun Roads to stadiums will be blocked to bring joys for the whole nation, and League (PSL) will see top internationals illustrates how security has improved the country. and fans will have to go through mul- youngsters get inspired,” said Ahmed, such as Dale Steyn of South Africa, in a country where the army has fought Security improved enough by 2015 tiple security cordons. who will play for the Shane Watson and Chris Lynn of Aus- a militant insurgency for years. for limited-overs internationals to be Pakistan hosted only the tour- Six teams -- , Karachi tralia, West Indian “So many players touring Pakistan hosted but returned only nament final in 2017, expanding to four Kings, Qalanders Lutan Sultans, and England’s and Jason shows the confidence they have in in December after a decade’s exile. matches in 2018 and eight a year ago. Zalmi and Quetta Gladiators Roy among 36 overseas players in six playing in Pakistan,” said Mani, who “It’s important that it goes off well, “I am delighted to see the PSL fully -- will play each other twice in a teams. took over last year with the aim of for the future of Pakistan cricket,” said staged in Pakistan,” former Pakistan round-robin phase with the top four Matches will be shared between bringing cricket home. former Australian batsman , told AFP. contesting play-offs beginning on Karachi, Rawalpindi, Multan and “For the fans, this will be a long- who is the coach of . “I welcome all the foreign players March 17. The final will take place in Lahore after security concerns had awaited opportunity to see their “All the big boys, who are here from and hope they take a good message.. Lahore on March 22.

FIXTURES

TODAY: Opening ceremony to be followed by star Quetta Gladiators vss Islamabad United, National Stadium

FEBRUARY 21: Karachi Kings vs , National Stadium; vss , Gaddafi Stadium

FEBRUARY 22: Quetta Gladiators vs Peshawar Zalmi, National Stadium; Islamabad United vs Multan Sultans, Gaddafi Stadium Pakistan’s legendary squash player Jahangir Khan holding the (PSL) trophy as he poses along with captains Darren Sammy (left) of Peshawar Zalmi, (second, left) of Lahore Qalandars, Sarfraz Ahmed (third, right) of Quetta Gladiators, Shadab Khan (second right) of Islamabad United and Imad FEBRUARY 23: Karachi Kings vs Wasim of Karachi Kings during the PSL trophy unveiling ceremony at the Karachi National Stadium in Karachi, yesterday. Quetta Gladiators, National Stadium; Lahore Qalandars vs Islamabad United, Gaddafi Stadium

FEBRUARY 26: Multan Sultans vs Amir and Jordan can lift Karachi Peshawar Zalmi,

FEBRUARY 27: Islamabad United vs Quetta Gladiators, Pindi Cricket Kings in PSL title race, says Akram Stadium

RIZWAN REHMAT the last three or four overs. We style of play. Sometimes we see FEBRUARY 28: Multan Sultans THE PENINSULA have variety for sure,” Akram, players hitting a four and then vs Karachi Kings, Multan Cricket 52, added. going for a single. Now we say Stadium; Peshawar Zalmi vs Lahore Retired pace ace Jordan is England’s go-to go for a six,” Akram, who Qalandars, Pindi Cricket Stadium has said the fast bowlers of man in the shorter formats bagged the Man of the Match Karachi Kings will be key to the while Amir has experience of award in the 1992 World Cup FEBRUARY 29: Multan Sultans vs franchise's bid to win the being in the game since he was final in Melbourne, said. Quetta Gladiators, Multan Cricket Pakistan Super League (PSL) 17. Akram said Karachi Kings Stadium; Islamabad United vs title for the first time. “Obviously every team steps need to improve their fielding. Peshawar Zalmi, Pindi Cricket Stadium The fifth edition of the on the ground to win. We have “Let me be blunt here - our hugely popular T20 league the same ambition this year. fielding last year was below par. MARCH 1: Islamabad United vs starts today and Karachi Kings Our captain is . We We studied the stats from last Karachi Kings, Pindi Cricket Stadium team mentor Akram is feeling have (Pakistan international) year. We were at bottom with confident ahead of the launch Iftikhar Ahmed who can bowl dropped catches and runs saved Karachi Kings' Head MARCH 2: Peshawar Zalmi vs Karachi of the five-team event. couple of overs. Then we also categories,” Akram revealed. Coach Dean Jones Kings, Pindi Cricket Stadium “We have a very good com- have Rizwan as the - “We have to improve in this (left) and President bination of pace bowlers. What keeper,” Akram said. area and I feel the arrival of Wasim Akram. MARCH 3: Quetta Gladiators vs we have seen in world T20 “Rizwan is a safe keeper,” (coach) Dean Jones will help us Lahore Qalandars, Gaddafi Stadium cricket, teams with good he said. tackle this problem. We need to tend to do well in the The former Pakistan Test improve our fielding. Couple of MARCH 4: Islamabad United vs end. We got Mohammed Amir, and ODI skipper said Karachi British players are with us. Lahore Qalandars, Gaddafi Stadium we got , We have Kings are just as impressive Babar and Iftikhar are safe Mitchell McClenaghan and we with their roster. fielders. Amir is good too. Ift- MARCH 5: Peshawar Zalmi vs Quetta have our own boys in Osama “We got Alex Hales, one of ikhar’s a safe fielder - I won’t Gladiators, Pindi Cricket Stadium Mir and Umar Khan,” Akram the top T20 players in the world. say he’s an excellent fielder said in a pre-event interview Then we have , (laughs). Sorry, Iftikhar! But he’s MARCH 6: Karachi Kings vs Multan broadcast on social media. another top player in world a safe fielder,” he added. Sultans, Gaddafi Stadium “We have good variation in T20,” Akram explained. Akram said picking former our bowling. We lacked in death “We picked . Australian cricket star Dean MARCH 7: Peshawar Zalmi vs bowling in previous editions so He is a Karachi lad, he will play Jones as coach was an easy Islamabad United, Pindi Cricket now we have Jordan and Amir in front of his fans. He’s a decision. Stadium; Lahore Qalandars vs Quetta to share that burden of bowling natural stroke-player. He has “Why do I like Deano is impact on Karachi King boys,” Gladiators, Gaddafi Stadium got the instructions to play his because he is always involved he added. natural game. We are not going as a coach. He is always in touch “When I am around my MARCH 8: Multan Sultans vs to interfere with player’s own with the players. He is not young bunch, my job is to talk Being an outsider, or as a Islamabad United, Pindi Cricket somebody who disappears to them, the young fast bowlers. commentator or a retired Stadium; Lahore Qalandars vs Karachi for 11 months after a PSL I don’t believe in helping WhatWhat I want to see isis goodgood player, it is beyond me why Kings, Gaddafi Stadium edition ends,” Akram bowlers change their actions. ppitches.itches. NowNow whatwhat mamakeskes they (the selectors) dropped said. I can’t do all that in just one Amir. Going by what I see MARCH 10: Lahore Qalandars vs for a good pitchpitch?? You can’t “He is into his month (of association with Peshawar Zalmi, Gaddafi Stadium shave off the grass and say Whatsapp a franchise). So mostly I on social media, if Amir is ‘‘thethe pitchpitch isis good’.good’. NNo,o, thethe groups with work on their mental not playing Test cricket then MARCH 11: Quetta Gladiators vs ppitchitch needsneeds to bbee smoothsmooth so players. aspect on how to bowl in he (Amir) shouldn’t play the Multan Sultans, Gaddafi Stadium ththatat thethe ballball comescomes onon toto ththee But here’s different conditions, on shorter formats, then that’s babat.t. WeWe don’tdon’t wantwant thethe ballball the best how to read a batsman’s wrong. If you have demoted MARCH 12: Karachi Kings vs Lahore stoppinstoppingg and coming,coming, as we thing - he mind. I have my pep talks him in his player contract, Qalandars, National Stadium say in cricket. A total of 120 knows Pakistan with them before a game, then that’s fine. According or 125 is not enough. We cricket! If we had during a game etc. And that’s to me, you can’t drop him MARCH 13: Peshawar Zalmi vs sshouldhould havehave 160 oror 170-run170-run gone for a new my job,” Akram said. from the national side. You Multan Sultans, National Stadium pitches so that fans have a coach, he would To a question on why picked Haris Rauf because ggoodood time watchinwatchingg teamsteams have struggled even Babar was not made captain he did well in Big Bash with the names of our of the side, Akram said owners MARCH 14: Karachi Kings vs bat. This also helps bowlers League. Amir also did well in Islamabad United, National Stadium improve their skills undeunderr players. Deano will of Karachi Kings have made Bangladesh Premier League, pressure: Karachi Kings make a major the right decision in asking even taking six in Wasim to lead the side MARCH 15: Multan Sultans vs Lahore PrPresidentesident WWasimasim one match. We have young second year in a row. Qalandars, Gaddafi Stadium; Quetta AAkramkram talented pacers but when “We have gone for con- Gladiators vs Karachi Kings, National you are preparing to go for sistency. Imad Wasim was Stadium World Cup, then you need made captain last year. He learned so much. Babar Azam experience: Wasim Akram MARCH 17: QUALIFIER (1 VS 2), is the vice captain. He is young. National Stadium He is Pakistan captain in T20s. His turn will come eventually,” Everyone is raving about his MARCH 18: ELIMINATOR 1 (3 vs Akram said. technique. He’s elegant. He’s 4), Gaddafi Stadium “Right now he needs to just consistent. The most important assist his captain Imad and thing for me to notice is that he MARCH 20: ELIMINATOR 2 (loser learn in the process. This expe- is hungry for success. He is not Qualifier vs winner Eliminator 1), rience will help in his captaincy satisfied with his performances. Gaddafi Stadium with Pakistan side. That’s a very good sign. The “Babar Azam is coming into moment you are satisfied, then MARCH 22: FINAL, GADDAFI his own. The world knows there that’s when your downfall starts STADIUM is a player called Babar Azam. as a cricketer,” Akram said. THURSDAY 20 FEBRUARY 2020 SPORT 11 Top Qatari driver ready for Manateq Qatar Cross-Country Rally Al Mohannadi aims for ‘memorable’ season RIZWAN REHMAT THE PENINSULA The QMMF is doing great work for the drivers. They give every kind of support and that is very encouraging for drivers. It is an expensive Qatar’s off-road star Khalid Al sports without sponsor sport. I have sponsors. Hopefully I will get major Mohannadi will be aiming to start his breakthrough with good results in the future: Khalid Al Mohannadi T3 season with a positive outing at this week’s Manateq Qatar Cross-Country Rally. Al Mohannadi, who will partner Sebastien Delaunay in their Polaris RZR 1000 Turbo at the February 22-27 off- road spectacle, yesterday said he has lofty ambitions in the 2020 season. “I am ready to start racing in the new season. Physically and mentally, I am raring to go in the first round of Manateq Qatar Cross-Country Rally,” PARTICIPATING DRIVERS (T3) Al Mohannadi said at a media con- TEAM DRIVER/CO-DRIVER CATEGORY ference attended by a representative of Zavidovo Racing Team Fedor Vorobyev, Kirill Shubin T3 his sponsor Universe Sports Adel Abdulla Adel Abdulla, Jean-Michel Polato T3 Marketing. SNAG Racing Aleksey Shmotev, Andrey Rudnitski T3 “I congratulate Qatar Motor and QMMF Team Khalid Al Mohannadi, Sebastien Delaunay T3 Motorcycling Federation (QMMF) for QMMF Team Ahmed Al Kuwari, Manuel Lucchese T3 put things together for what will be a QMMF Team Rashid Al Mohannadi, Pedro Santos T3 great week of racing. I also take this opportunity to thank QMMF President Overdrive SA Kees Koolen, Sege Bruynkens T3 Abdulrahman Al Mannai for supporting Gonzalo S Guayasamin Gonzalo S Guayasamin, R Adrian Torlaschi T3 drivers in Qatar,” Al Mohannadi added. QMMF Team Mohammed Al Harqan, Vili Oslaj T3 Saleh Alsaif Saleh Alsaif, Ali Hassan Obaid T3 “The QMMF President is very sup- Qatar’s Khalid Al Mohannadi driving in this file photo. portive of Qatari drivers and riders taking active part in big events. I feel proud of this support from QMMF,” A for Qatar. Nasser always does well for especially at world championship Mohannadi said. Qatar. He is a superman of the rallying events. That’s where the greatest of “It is essential to have the right world,” Al Mohannadi said. responsibilities become evident in the kind of support and I feel I have that. Regarding his strategy this week, Al mind of a driver. Yes, drivers can be When you have the right kind of Mohannadi said yesterday: “I have nervous but that’s because you want to support and backing, you can go about experience of driving a lot on my home do well for your team and country. It is putting in place a right kind of strategy soil and around the region. I know the the same with me,” he said. to win races. Of course, you learn a course well and let me know tell you “I take this opportunity to thank my lot as you go along. Qatar terrain is difficult to navigate. But sponsors Universe Sports Marketing. I “I also have the support of French I feel I have an expert navigator in can only continue to chase my dreams technical experts who have a lot of Sebastien Delaunay. He too has a lot of with their support,” Al Mohannadi said. experience. My ride is well equipped experience of competing in the rallying Zaid Yaaroub, Marketing Director and well configured. We have fulfilled world. He has previously participated of Universe Sports Marketing, said: “We all FIA requirements to get ready for the in Baja and we achieved third are always keen to support Qatari racing first round,” Al Mohannadi added. place in the category T3.” talent. In our research we found that “This is an important week for me Al Mohannadi said at the start of the Khalid Al Mohannadi is one driver who and my team and my sponsors. Partic- 2019 season, he had spent ‘valuable can do well for his country. We are ipating in the FIA Cross-Country World time’ in training in Las Vegas and this happy that the opening round of the Championship is an important mission year, he went on a longer training drill World Cross-Country Rally Champi- for me. It represents a new challenge in France to prepare for the new season. onship is being held in Qatar. We are for me to compete in 17 rounds this Al Muhannadi revealed that if he honoured to be associated with Khalid season. I will do my best to produce a achieves positive results in Qatar, he Al Mohannadi. We wish him good luck memorable season,” Al Mohannadi said. will continue to participate in the rest here and in the remaining part of the “I know it will be tough but I am of the cross country rounds. season. We are confident he can fly the looking at podium finishes. I want to do “Hope cannot be hidden when you flag of Qatar wherever he goes for Qatari driver Khalid Al Mohannadi (left) with Zaid Yaaroub, Marketing Director what Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah has done want to do well for your country, motor sport events.” of Universe Sports Marketing. Doha to host Strong field set for opening rounds of MQNB preparation THE PENINSULA – LUSAIL Camelia Liparoti in action Economic Zones Company is the title sponsor for the third course for The Qatar Motor and Motor- successive season. Established cycle Federation (QMMF) will in 2011, thethe companycompany is posi-posi- host the opening three rounds tionedtioned as a vitalvital Qatar 2022 of the Manateq Qatar National componentcomponent in Baja (MQNB) in conjunction achievingachieving the referees with the Manateq Qatar Cross- economiceconomi c Country Rally (MQCCR) from developmentdevelopment QNA – DOHA February 22-27. goalsgoals ooff tthehe Qatar Non-FIA homologated cars NationalNational Vision Doha will host a course, will be joined by teams tackling 2030, tthroughhrough propro-- organised by the International the full five-day FIA event and vidingviding premium Football Association (FIFA) will challenge for points on infrastructureinfrastr uctur e during the period from March three days of the international withinwithin strategicstrategic ececo-o- 9 to 13, to prepare referees for cross-country rally, subject to nomicnomic zozonesnes to the 2022 World Cup. all the vehicles passing final FIA promote the logisticslogistics International referees and National Baja scrutineering andand inindustrialdustrial from Asia, Africa and Oceania checks. sectosectorsrs iinn continents will participate in Each of the three days will Qatar.Qatar. the course, which is reserved be a separate counting round for the field referees only. of the Manateq Qatar National International referee Baja series, although the has agreed to use a locally-sup- rally champion Sheikh Hamed Twenty-fiventy-five points wilwilll Abdulrahman Al Jassim from National competitors will only plied Yamaha YXZ 1000R to bin Eid Al Thani and French be awardedded to tthehe winnwinnerer Qatar will participate in the be permitted to take part in the tackle the rally with fellow navigator Stéphane Duplé in a of each daday,y, with 18 for course. entire opening selective section countryman Angelo Montico in Sierra GMC and Jahman Jaralla second, 1515 for third and on Theoretical lectures will of the FIA event on February the National T4 section. and Jamal Fakhroo in T1 and T2 down to a sinsinglegle point for be held during the course at 23rd and the first parts of days She lines up against the Nissan Patrols. Doha-based 10th overall.rall. ThThereere will aalsolso the Intercontinental Hotel, three (February 25) and five Kuwaiti T3 Can-Am quartet of German lady driver Edith Weiss be trophieses and cash pprizesrizes in while practical exercises and (February 27). Mohammed Al Mutairy, rounds off the National entry in three differentferent catecategoriesgories for tests will be held at Qatar Qatari and Kuwaiti drivers Abdulaziz Al Basheer her T1 Nissan. T1, T22 and T3 Club. will be joined by Italian Dakar Mohammed Amir and Abdul- Mohammed Al Meer, Adel competitors.tors. The course will be lec- star Camelia Liparoti on the rahman Ali and Qatar’s Abdulla, Mubarak Al Hajri, The seriesseries tured by Vice Chairman of exclusive Manateq Qatar Mohammed Al Attiyah, Ahmed Abdullah Al Rabban, Khalid and will reachach its FIFA and AFC Referees’ Com- National Baja entry. Liparoti is Al Mohannadi, Ahmed Allouh Rashid Al Mohannadi, conclusionon wiwithth mittees Hani Ballan, Head of a regular competitor in cross- and Ali Saeed Al Kuwari in their Mohammed Al Harqan and rounds fourour andand the Arbitration Department in country rallies and tackled the T3 Maverick X3s. Ahmed Al Kuwari are taking five on OctobeOctoberr the FIFA Massimo Busacca Dakar Rally last month in a Potentially running at the part in the main FIA event and 30-31 aandnd and Chairman of the FIFA Yamaha in the Side-by-Side front of the National Baja field will also be eligible for MQNB Novemberer 27-227-28.8. Qatar's Adel Abdulla Referees Committee Pierluigi (SxS) category. The Italian lady will be the 1993 FIA Middle East points. Manateqateq – Collina. Raikkonen on course to break F1 record for most race starts AP – MONTMELÓ, SPAIN is expected to reach the milestone the preseason of most of its and then returned to Ferrari. Now in July at the Great Britain Grand excitement for him. he is back with Alfa Romeu, the Former champion Kimi Raik- Prix. But for the tight-lipped and “Everyone has built new cars team that gave him his debut 19 konen enters the new season with inscrutable Finnish driver, this and wants to know how they feel, years ago, when it was called a chance to break Formula One’s season appears to be business as but it is very early days and the Sauber. record for most race starts. usual, which means focusing on only time we will see where you Without many hopes of The 40-year-old Raikkonen overtaking rivals and steering are is in the first race,” he said. adding to his 21 career wins given has started 312 races since his clear of the hoopla outside the Raikkonen, who speaks in a Alfa Romeo’s modest car, Raik- debut in 2001, leaving him just 11 cockpit. barely audible monotone that konen will look to improve on his race starts shy of breaking Rubens “For sure I remember, it is not combined with his cool-under- 12th-place finish from last season. Barrichello’s record of 322 that far away,” Raikkonen said pressure driving style has earned Raikkonen did not reveal his between 1993-2011. about his early years behind the him the moniker “The Ice Man,” plans for the future. His contract Alfa Romeo’s Finnish driver Kimi Defending champion Lewis wheel. won the 2007 title for Ferrari by with Alfa Romeo is up at the end Raikkonen (left) and team-mate Antonio Hamilton has the second-most Speaking on Wednesday a one point ahead of Hamilton of season. But baring injury or an Giovinazzi (second right) with the new starts of any driver in the current during the first day of testing in and Fernando Alonso. unlikely driver switch, by that Alfa Romeo Racing C39 Formula One car field with 250. Spain, Raikkonen said the yearly After a stint competing in rally time he will have become the in Montmelo, yesterday. Raikkonen, driving for Alfa routine of churning out laps to races between 2009-11, Raik- driver with the most race starts Romeo for a second straight year, fine tune the new cars has sapped konen got back into F1 with Lotus ever in F1. SPORT SPORT | 10 SPORT | 11 Pakistan ready Strong field set to host for opening star-studded rounds of T20 league MQNB

THURSDAY 20 FEBRUARY 2020 Neymar criticises Bruised Al Gharafa look ‘to turn injury handling after Dortmund defeat a new leaf’ as QSL resumes AFP — DORTMUND, GERMANY Neymar (pictured) has criticised Paris Saint- FAWAD HUSSAIN results in the cup competitions, we Germain’s handling of his recent injury after THE PENINSULA have created a positive atmosphere scoring in the 2-1 defeat at Borussia Dortmund, in the team. Now we have the league which leaves the French club facing the Early exits from the prestigious Amir competition. The most important prospect of another early Champions League Cup and the Ooredoo Cup sum up thing for us in it is the next match exit. Al Gharafa’s nightmarish run in the against Al Gharafa, whom we beat After missing four games in the last fort- last two weeks. in the Ooredoo Cup last week. On night with a rib injury, the Brazilian superstar Now, to console their die-heart fans, our part, we promise to give our best looked short of match fitness in Tuesday’s ‘The Cheetahs’ are not left with many in order to achieve our target of last-16, first-leg, defeat at Dortmund. options, and a better showing at the three points. It will be an interesting Norwegian goal-machine Erling Braut QNB Stars League (QSL) will be their match,” said Jovovic. “For sure, all Haaland scored only chance this season. teams in the league know each twice to make him Coach Slavisa Jokanovic is well other’s strengths and weaknesses the Champions aware of the fact and he wants his well. In the last game, we got to League joint top- ranks to play for a victory when his know more about Al Gharafa, scorer, but Neymar side will visit Al Ahli today for their which is a team with great capa- gave PSG a lifeline Round 15 clash. bilities and can compete for the for the second leg “After exiting from two cup com- first places in the league. At the in Paris on March petitions in successive weeks, I hope same time, we have our quality.,” 11. Players of Al Gharafa there will be a reaction that leads us he added. He tapped and Umm Salal vie for to provide a better level. We regret “If we get victory against Al home for what the recent results, Now what we ball possession in this Gharafa, then we are certain that could prove a think about is the next match. We file picture. we will stay in the competition in crucial away goal will try to turn a new leaf by winning order to reach the top four. I have after being set up it,” Jokanovic said at a pre-event said that this match is very by France striker press conference yesterday. important because its result will Kylian Mbappe in “In football, there is always a largely determine the future of the the second half. next stage for you to think about. two teams in this season’s compe- Neymar, the Now, we have Al Ahli match and we said the Al Gharafa manager. In one the today’s match - which will kick tition,” said Nebojsa. Today’s other world’s most expensive player, was critical of will do our best to get three points,” of the major upsets in Amir Cup, Al off at 6:55pm – with completely a match will be played between Al the French league champions for not letting Gharafa were shocked by second different mood. Shahania and Al Arabi at Al Arabi him play more before Tuesday’s clash. QSL: Round 15 Fixtures division side Al Markhiya in the Apart from advancing to the Stadium. The match will kick off at “It’s hard to go four games without playing,” Today last-16 stage, before going down Ooredoo Cup semi-finals, the Brig- 4:45pm. said Neymar. 4:45pm: Al Shahania vs Al Arabi at against Al Ahli in the Ooredoo Cup adiers had also reached the Amir “Unfortunately it wasn’t my choice, it was Al Arabi Stadium quarter-final last Thursday. Cup quarter-finals by beating Qatar the choice of the club, of the doctors, they made 6:55pm: Al Ahli vs Al Gharafa at Al But, Al Gharafa missed key SC 2-1 two weeks ago. that decision, which I didn’t like. Ahli Stadium players like Hector Moreno, Koo Ja- Coached by Nebojsa Jovovic, Al “We had a lot of discussions about it Tomorrow Cheol, Ahmed Alaaeldin and Sofiane Ahli are currently eighth with 17 In football, there is because I wanted to play, I felt good, but the 4:45pm: Al Khor vs Al Rayyan at Al Hanni due to injuries during the points (five wins, two draws and club was afraid and in the end it was me who Khor Stadium games. seven defeats) while Al Gharafa are always a next stage for suffered.” Big-spending PSG are desperate to 6:55pm: Qatar SC vs Al Sailiya at “Our performance dipped due presently fourth in the QSL points you to think about. Now, avoid exiting the Champions League at the first Qatar SC Stadium to injuries. The solution is to be standings with 24 points (seven vic- knockout round for a fourth season in a row. On Saturday organised and keep working for all tories, three draws and four defeats). we have Al Ahli match “It was a tough game, but we have to do 4:45pm: Umm Salal vs Al Sadd at players. Everyone must be ready to Al Gharafa had beaten Al Ahli 3-1 and we will do our best what we can in the return game,” Neymar, 28, Al Gharafa Stadium take advantage of the opportunity in the first leg and today’s game is a to get three points: told reporters. 6:55pm: Al Duhail vs Al Wakrah at and provide the best,” said good opportunity for Jovovic’s men “Playing now at home is the best thing in Al Duhail Stadium Jokanovic. to break even. Jokanovic the world, we have 90 minutes to do Meanwhile, Al Ahli will come into “Certainly, after the positive something. Wenger wants offside Inter Milan edge out Aspire to law changed but no reach Al Kass Cup semi-final change imminent THE PENINSULA — DOHA Players of Inter Milan and REUTERS — LONDON Inter Milan ended Qatari hopes Aspire Academy vie for ball of a home success in this year’s possession during the Al Kass FIFA’s head of global development Arsene Wenger wants to Al Kass International Cup as Cup International at Aspire see a change in the offside law which could end a run of conten- Amadou Sarr scored the only Academy pitch yesterday. tious decisions in the game since the introduction of the Video goal of the match at Aspire Assistant Referee (VAR) but no decision is imminent. Academy pitch yesterday. Wenger, who was manager of Premier League club Arsenal Sarr, a two-goal hero in for 22 years, wants a player to be deemed onside if any part of their opening match victory their body which can legitimately score a goal is level or behind over Mohammed XI Academy, the last defender. grabbed the only goal of the It will flip the current rule which states the player is in an game to knock out hosts Aspire offside position if any part of their body they can score with is Academy. beyond the line of the last defender. The Italians had reached the However, the Interna- semi-finals on each of their two tional Football Association previous visits to Qatar and they Board (IFAB), football’s maintained that record with a lawmaking body, does not hard-earned victory in a game have any concrete pro- IFAB may discuss ideas of very few chances. posal for a law change on Aspire, who have played in the agenda for their Feb- for changing the offside all nine editions of the tour- ruary 29, Annual General laws at the meeting, in nament, had topped Group A Meeting. on their way to the quarter- IFAB’s general sec- general terms, but no finals, and they were much the retary Lukas Brud said decision on a concrete better team in the first half with that any discussion of proposal will be made: Mohamed Surag a constant changes would be a threat down the left. Katoul could only parry into the but Aspire were comfortably the previous day’s 1-0 defeat by general one and ruled out Lukas Brud Inter raised their game in the path of Kifle Gambato but the better team, enjoying 57% pos- Altinordu, had been nowhere an immediate change. second half although they had to striker failed to take advantage session and having five shots to near as good as when they had “This particular pro- wait until the 81st minute to find and his effort was well off Inter’s two. beaten Mohammed VI Academy posal is not on the agenda for the AGM,” said Brud, adding that the all-important goal, just as the target. The Italians, who made 3-1. This, however, was a full- any changes to the laws need to go through a consultation game seemed to be heading for Surag shot wide as Aspire seven changes from the strength Inter squad as they had process and trials before any concrete change is considered. a penalty shoot-out. continued to push forward and made wholesale changes “We are not going to take a decision on something like this Inter had the better of the the lively striker then went even Al Kass Cup against Altinordu. Inter were in ten days,” he said. early stages but Aspire were the closer on the half-hour mark as much improved after the break "IFAB may discuss ideas for changing the offside laws at first to have a shot in anger, he created space on the edge of Amadou Sarr grabbed the but there were few clear-cut the meeting, in general terms, but no decision on a concrete Chalpan Abdoulnasir sending the box before firing just past only goal of the game to chances and Menegatti shot proposal will be made," Brud added. a fine long-range angle shot the post. knock out hosts Aspire straight at the keeper shortly The use of video review has been a source of constant crit- narrowly wide of the post after Sloppy defending by Inter Academy. -The Italians had after the hour-mark before Sarr icism since its recent introduction, including concern about 12 minutes, with Surag then skipper Andrea Pelamatti saw reached the semi-finals on headed narrowly wide. the time to take decisions and the precision with which off- firing into the arms of Inter him dispossessed by Mobark each of their two previous It was Sarr who finally sides are judged. The system sparked another controversy last keeper Paolo Raimondi. Hamza but he was unable to visits to Qatar and they found the net though with just week in the Premier League when Wolverhampton Wanderers Inter had a glorious oppor- make the Italians pay. maintained that record with nine minutes remaining, when had a goal ruled out against Leicester City after Pedro Neto’s tunity on 17 minutes when Half-time was reached with a hard-earned victory in a he got away from Abdulnasir to heel was adjudged to be fractionally offside in the build-up. Gabriele Menegatti powered in no goals, the first goal-less first game of very few chances. head home Mattia Ortelli’s well- a fine left-foot drive that Amir half of the tournament to date, flighted free-kick.