TUESDAY 18 FEBRUARY 2020 SPORTSPORT 07

FOOTBALL FOOTBALL Look, whatever league we are in, I will still be AFC Champions Atlético Madrid here. Even if they put us in League Two, I will League: Al Sadd vs vs Liverpool still be here: Guardiola says he will stick to Sepahan; Al Taawon Borussia Dortmund ACTION

Manchester City despite ban. TODAY’S vs Al Duhail vs PSG Beaulieu’s 1st Kawhi Leonard wins goal of season lifts Jets over first Kobe Bryant Blackhawks All-Star MVP award AP — MANITOBA AP — CHICAGO Nathan Beaulieu’s first goal of the season early in the third Kawhi Leonard made it look period sent the Winnipeg Jets effortless, nailing one 3-pointer past the Chicago Blackhawks after another and nearly My mindset is always 3-2 on Sunday. matching an All-Star Game just to try to make Playing in his 27th game of record. my team the best an injury-riddled season, the The tough part came defenseman fired a one-timer afterward. Finding the right team at the end of from the point that hit a words to express how he felt the regular season: Chicago player and got by after becoming the first Kobe goalie Corey Crawford to give Bryant MVP award winner Kawhi Leonard the Jets a 3-2 lead. Beaulieu wasn’t so easy. also had an assist. Leonard scored 30 points Emeritus David Stern. But once Mason Appleton had a goal and hit eight 3-pointers to lead the game started, it didn’t take and an assist and Jack Roslovic Team LeBron to a 157-155 long for Leonard to make his Team LeBron reacts afterwinning during the 2020 NBA All-Star Game at United Center on Sunday. also scored for Winnipeg, victory over Team Giannis on presence felt. which was coming off two Sunday night. Leonard hit one just straight losses. Dmitry Kulikov He was presented the MVP seconds into the game. He added a pair of assists. trophy that the league renamed made all four 3s in the first Connor Hellebuyck made after Bryant on Saturday, three quarter - the only shots he took 31 saves for the Jets (30-25-5), Team LeBron tops weeks after the Lakers great while scoring 12 points. who were playing the fifth and his 13-year-old daughter Leonard was 7 of 10 in the game of a six-game homestand Gianna were among the nine first half, only to cool off a bit (3-2-0). people killed when their heli- after that. He missed a step- Patrick Kane had a goal copter crashed near Los back 3 that could have won it and an assist and Ryan Car- in All-Star Game Angeles. with his team up 154-153, but penter also scored for Chicago, “It’s very special,” Leonard was the runaway winner for which was coming off an 8-4 REUTERS — CHICAGO All-Star Game Giannis led 133-124 after three said. the game’s MVP honors with win in Calgary on Saturday quarters, starting the unusual “Like I said, I had a rela- seven votes. night. Crawford stopped 35 Anthony Davis made a walk-off Davis, the Los Angeles Lakers’ untimed final quarter. The tionship with him. Words can’t LeBron James got three and shots for Chicago (26-25-8), free throw and Team LeBron big man and first pick in the target final score of 157 was cal- explain how happy I am for it. Chicago product Anthony Davis which completed a 1-4-0 road defeated Team Giannis in the All-Star draft, missed badly off culated using Team Giannis’ Able to put that trophy in my and Chris Paul received one trip. The Blackhawks led 1-0 69th NBA All-Star Game on the back iron before sinking score total after three quarters room, in my trophy room, and apiece. after the first period. Sunday. the second for a 157-155 and adding 24 points. just be able to see Kobe’s name All that’s missing for Carpenter scored his third Davis, the Los Angeles victory in the unique, hotly A tightly contested third on there, it just means a lot to Leonard now is the league’s goal of the season after Kane Lakers’ big man and first pick contested showcase. quarter tilted to Team LeBron me. He’s a big inspiration in my regular season MVP award. sent a sharp-angled backhand in the All-Star draft, missed with a Nikola Jokic 3-pointer. life. He did a lot for me.” “My mindset is always just pass to the front of the net and badly off the back iron before The Nuggets’ 7-footer There were all sorts of to try to make my team the best Carpenter redirected the puck sinking the second for a 157-155 knocked down his shot with tributes to Bryant, his daughter team at the end of the regular past Hellebuyck at 15:44. victory in the unique, hotly con- basket that would have made 22.2 seconds left and, after a and late NBA Commissioner season,” Leonard said. Jets forward Andrew Copp tested showcase. the score 156-153 after a review turnover, applied a full-court went in alone on Crawford Kawhi Leonard earned the showed Antetokounmpo press resulting in a foul and a about a minute later, but his Kobe Bryant MVP Award after cleanly blocked James’ layup pair of free throws for Russell shot missed the net. recording 30 points to lead initially called goaltending. Westbrook (Houston Rockets). Winnipeg outshot the Team LeBron, while Giannis James Harden (Houston He made 1 of 2. Blackhawks 14-10 in the Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Rockets) made up for a missed Trae Young (Atlanta Hawks) opening period. Appleton tied Bucks) had 25 in a losing effort. set of free throws by making connected on a cross court lob it when he tipped in Beaulieu’s Neither team used a sub in two and putting Team LeBron with Rudy Gilbert (Utah Jazz), point shot at 6:38 of the the final quarter. up 154-152. tying the quarter 41-all with 2.2 second. Winnipeg appeared to With the winner being the Team LeBron mounted a seconds left. Westbrook missed go ahead at 9:05 on a goal by first team to 157, LeBron James comeback in the fiery final a shot at the buzzer. Kyle Connor, but it was (Los Angeles Lakers) gave Team quarter that included Team Team Giannis led 92-83 at reviewed and waved off LeBron a 156-153 lead. Giannis’ Kyle Lowry taking two halftime, with Young splashing because the puck went in off But on the ensuing Team charges and an official chal- a half-court shot at the buzzer. his arm. LeBron possession, Chris Paul lenge -- overturning a foul call Antetokounmpo lit up the Roslovic gave the Jets a 2-1 (Oklahoma City Thunder) opted to a jump ball and change of second quarter and brought lead at 15:37 when he tipped for a 3 and missed. At the other possession -- with the game hustle at both ends -- not Kulikov’s point shot, but end, Team Giannis closed the tied at 152. Harden made a 3 to exactly an All-Star Game staple Chicago tied it when Kane gap to 156-155 on two Joel tie the game at 146 and Davis -- putting up 14 points and five Team LeBron forward Kawhi Leonard of the LA Clippers is presented scored his 27th of the season Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers) brought it back to all square boards in the period. Team with the Kobe Bryant MVP trophy after the 2020 NBA All-Star with 53 seconds left in the free throws. after Team Giannis got two free Giannis won the second quarter period. James was denied an earlier throws from Embiid.Team 51-30. Game at United Center on Sunday. 'United by Emotion’ chosen as Tokyo 2020 motto

REUTERS — TOKYO narrated the motto’s pro- Japan, which has long Games we want the Tokyo motional video. prided itself on being 2020 Games to be.” ‘United by Emotion’ was “We are each different, homogeneous, is becoming The motto will be dis- revealed as the motto for and all so much the same,” more ethnically diverse played on the iconic Tokyo the Tokyo 2020 Olympics Osaka says in the video, and Osaka, currently 10th Skytree, the Japanese cap- and Paralympics yesterday which showed her entering in the world rankings, is ital’s tallest landmark, from as organisers look to the newly-built National often held up as the face of Monday until March 25, the hammer home the Stadium surrounded by a these changing times. day before the torch relay message of diversity and diverse group of “Diverse groups of begins. inclusion. supporters. people, by sharing their Some 10,000 athletes People pose for photographs with the Olympic rings Tennis player Naomi “And in these moments emotions, will become from over 200 countries in front of the Japan Olympic Museum in Tokyo, Japan, Osaka, who was born in we experience and these one,” Tokyo 2020 CEO will gather in Tokyo for the Japan to a Haitian father emotions we share, we Toshiro Muto said during Olympics, which run from yesterday. and Japanese mother but change what we can the announcement. July 24 to August 9. raised in the United States, imagine together.” “That is the kind of Tokyo Marathon limited to elite runners because of virus

AP — TOKYO The Tokyo Marathon 2020 world indoor track and field Olympics and the Interna- will be held only for the mar- championships and a tional Olympic Committee Tokyo Marathon organizers athon elites and the wheel- Formula One race in April. have said repeatedly they drastically reduced the chair elites,” organizers said. The cancellations in will not cancel or postpone number of participants for The Tokyo Marathon is China have a domino effect the games and are following this year’s race yesterday out the city’s annual race and on Olympic qualifying, both the advice of the World of fear of the spread of the not to be confused with the in China and elsewhere, and Health Organization. virus coming from China. Olympic marathon that will muddle the picture for thou- “Certainly the advice The general public is take place during the 2020 sands of hopeful Olympians, we’re receiving externally being barred from the race Tokyo Games. Those races families, and their travel from the WHO is that there’s on March 1. It will now be are to be held in the northern plans. no case for any contingency limited to a few hundred city of Sapporo. The Tokyo Marathon plans or cancelling the elite participants, organizers The marathon is the was expected to attract games or moving the said in a brief statement. latest large sports event to about 38,000 participants. games,” John Coates, the “We cannot continue to be impacted by the virus. Only one death in Japan has head of an IOC inspection launch the event within the Almost all sports events in been attributed to the virus. team, said Friday in Tokyo. Japan’s Honami Maeda approaches the finish line to win the women’s race of scale we originally antici- China over the next few The latest death toll in The Olympics open on the Marathon Grand Championship, a marathon test event for the upcoming pated and we regret to months have been called off, mainland China is 1,770. July 24 with about 11,000 Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, in Tokyo in this September 15, 2019 file picture. inform you the following: including next month’s Organizers of the Tokyo athletes participating. 08 SPORT TUESDAY 18 FEBRUARY 2020 Al Shaqab to host second Internations Camp for young riders

THE PENINSULA – DOHA Commercial Bank CHI Al cooperation of the Al Shaqab Shaqab Presented by Longines Commercial Department, Al Shaqab, member of Qatar from 27 to 29 February and the some of the top riders taking Foundation, is gearing up to Longines Global Championship part in Chi Al Shaqab and welcome talented young riders Tour (LGCT) first leg the fol- LGCT will provide a clinic for from around the world to the lowing weekend, from 5 to 7 the camp participants,” second edition of the Al Shaqab March. explained Al Suwaidi. Internations Camp. Mohammed Sultan Al “Similarly, the qualifying Scheduled to run from 21 Suwaidi, Manager, Equine Edu- competitions of our camp will February to 8 March at the cation Department at Al Shaqab, be held alongside these events. Longines Arena at Al Shaqab, came up with the concept of the These prestigious equestrian the camp will be conducted in camp. competitions offer our young two stages. It will offer partici- A rider himself, with riders an unparalleled oppor- pants an opportunity to refine several triumphs to his credit, tunity to measure themselves their riding skills, while Al Suwaidi said: “Al Shaqab is against the best, and to enjoying an enriching expe- dedicated to providing the increase their levels of confi- rience in a multicultural, moti- highest level of equestrian dence and self-esteem. vating, and challenging envi- education programs and “Also, importantly, at the ronment. The program has been services. Participants in the Al same time that Al Shaqab’s pro- designed to include two high- Shaqab Internations Camp will the experience. We hope for Besides regular lessons and Camp participants will grams provide the platform to profile qualifying competitions receive the best of our similar positive results this training sessions, we have benefit from the opportunity foster and nurture the next gen- that will be held on the opening resources. We had a fantastic year. lined up several unique activ- to learn from the experienced eration of riders, they also days of the upcoming interna- response from the young “The focus of this camp is ities to help them acquire world-class riders partici- promote Qatar’s reputation as tional equestrian events at the riders who attended last year’s not merely on improving the important leadership and pating in and the LGCT. a premier sporting Longines Arena at Al Shaqab, camp, who thoroughly enjoyed height a rider can clear. communication skills.” “Thanks to the destination.” LATEST RANKINGS Clijsters comeback, ATP Edmund surges to 1. Novak Djokovic (SRB) 9,720 pts sons and fathers: 2. Rafael Nadal (ESP) 9,395 3. Roger Federer (SUI) 7,130 Talking points in tennis 4. Dominic Thiem (AUT) 7,045 victory in New York 5. Daniil Medvedev (RUS) 5,890 AFP – PARIS 6. Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE) 4,745 REUTERS – LONG ISLAND 7. Alexander Zverev (GER) 3,885 Kyle Edmund of Great Britain Four-time major winner Kim Clijsters makes a second 8. Matteo Berrettini (ITA) 2,860 Briton Kyle Edmund swept past serves the career comeback in Dubai this week where the WTA will 9. Gael Monfils (FRA) 2,860 Italy’s Andreas Seppi with a ball against also experiment with coaching from the stands. 10. David Goffin (BEL) 2,600 strong second set to win the New Andreas Seppi Not to be outdone, the ATP trials electronic line calling York Open and a second ATP of Italy during on clay courts for the first time. WTA Tour career title on Long Island their 2020 NY AFP Sport looks at five talking points in tennis this 1. Ashleigh Barty (AUS) 8,367 pts on Sunday. Open Men’s week: 2. Simona Halep (ROU) 5,796 After breaking a 5-5 first-set Singles final at 3. Karolina Pliskova (CZE) 5,290 deadlock, Edmund lost only one Nassau Veterans Clijsters ready for second comeback 4. Belinda Bencic (SUI) 4,720 (+1) game in the second for a 7-5 6-1 Memorial Four-time Grand Slam champion Kim Clijsters revealed victory at Nassau Coliseum. that a persistent inner feeling and advice from her husband 5. Bianca Andreescu (CAN) 4,665 (+1) Coliseum in The title was the first for the Uniondale, New served as the key to her WTA return at the Dubai 6. Elina Svitolina (UKR) 4,650 (-2) 25-year-old since Antwerp in York, on Monday. Championships. 7. Sofia Kenin (USA) 4,495 2018 and he defeated Seppi for “It was a feeling that I had inside for a little while,” the 8. Kiki Bertens (NED) 4,335 the second time in the space of 36-year-old mother-of-three said. 9. Serena Williams (USA) 3,915 a month, having won in straight “Once in a while that feeling would go away when I 10. Naomi Osaka (JPN) 3,626 sets in Auckland in January. was home with the (three) kids. A couple times it would “There’s a lot of hard work come back. It got stronger and stronger.” throughout the year, a lot of ups The Belgian has been handed a tough first round and downs that you don’t see assignment against last month’s Australian Open finalist ATP ARGENTINA OPEN RESULTS behind the scenes. To win this Garbine Muguruza for her first match since the 2012 US title means a lot to me,” Edmund Open on Monday. MEN'S SINGLES told ATPTour.com. Clijsters retired initially in 2007 to marry and have her Casper Ruud (8), Norway, def. Pedro He backed up clinching the first child, returned in 2009 winning three of her four Sousa, Portugal, 6-1, 6-4. final two games of the first set majors. MEN'S DOUBLES by taking the first three of the Marcel Granollers, Spain, and Horacio second on his way to victory. Electronic reviews make a mark in Rio Zeballos (1), Argentina, vs. Guillermo Both players traded service let out a roar after converting a slice backhand long and Fourteen years after the electronic review challenge Duran and Juan Ignacio Londero, holds throughout most of the his first chance with a down- Edmund went on to close out the was introduced, the system debuts on clay for the first Argentina, 6-4, 5-7, 18-16. opening set. But with Seppi the-line backhand winner. match. time in Rio from yesterday. serving at 5-6, Edmund raised The baseline rallies took “He played a good match The challenge system was first introduced on the ATP WTA DUBAI RESULTS his level and added even more their toll on Seppi in the second today and he deserved to win,” Tour in 2006 on the hard courts of Miami and has since velocity to his groundstrokes. set and Edmund capitalised, Seppi said. “I played some good been used on all surfaces with the exception of clay where Using his forehand to push grabbing 12 of the first 15 points matches this week. I’ll take the the protocol of allowing players to ask chair umpires to WOMEN'S SINGLES Seppi around the baseline, he for a 3-0 lead. With Seppi positives from here and move check ball marks has been maintained. Only show courts QUALIFICATION earned a pair of set points and serving at 1-4, the Italian pushed forward.” in Rio will have the system therefore there will be no limit Veronika Kudermetova (5), Russia, to the number of challenges players are able to make to def. Bethanie Mattek-Sands, United maintain consistency for those on outside courts where States, 6-4, 6-2. standard ball mark inspection will still apply. Kristina Mladenovic (4), France, def. Ruud claims maiden ATP Tour title Polona Hercog (7), Slovenia, 6-3, 6-1. Sending the right signals Aliaksandra Sasnovich, Belarus, def. REUTERS – SALVO coach Christian Ruud who was set on a Sousa forehand down It famously got Serena Williams into hot water at the Ana Bogdan, Romania, 6-4, 7-6. a former player on the tour and the middle which went long. 2018 US Open final, but now the WTA will sanction a trial Jennifer Brady (9), United States, def. Casper Ruud put Portugal’s previous highest ranked Nor- The second set was much of allowing coaches to signal to players at the Dubai Hsieh Su-wei (6), Taiwan, 6-2, 6-2. Pedro Sousa on the defence wegian (39). closer as crowd favourite Sousa tournament. Sorana Cirstea, Romania, def. Carla early and became the first “I feel a great sensation pulled within 4-5 before Ruud At the moment, WTA tour players can summon their Suarez Navarro (11), Spain, 6-2, 1-6, 6-4. Norwegian to win an ATP Tour now,” the 21-year-old Ruud said. wrapped up the match on a coaches into court during changeovers and only once in Katerina Siniakova, Czech Republic, title at the Argentina Open on “It is what all players look for forehand from well off the court a set. However, it’s not allowed at the four Grand Slams def. Alison van Uytvanck (8), Belgium, Sunday. and dream. I am very happy by the Portuguese. or at all on the ATP Tour. 5-7, 6-2, 7-5. Ruud appeared on his way with my career, although I know Despite the loss Sousa was to an easy victory with his first- that I am still young.” The eighth pleased with his play in the Borg begins new family era set domination but lucky loser seed won all nine of his service tournament. Leo Borg, the 16-year-old son of Swedish legend and WOMEN'S SINGLES Sousa made it a lot tougher in the games without facing a break “It’s the best week of my life, 11-time Grand Slam champion Bjorn, makes his pro debut ROUND OF 32 second before falling 6-1, 6-4. point, He broke three times and my first final and maybe the last this week at the second-tier Challenger event in Bergamo, Elise Mertens, Belgium, def. Wang The win propelled the 45th won 43% of his return points. one,” he said. “I came to play Italy. Qiang, China, 6-3, 6-0. ranked Ruud to world number Ruud broke in his first return qualies (qualifiers) about two Borg, who is ranked 98 in the world junior rankings, Barbora Strycova, Czech Republic, 34 yesterday, the highest game as Sousa, who had his left weeks ago and I am sitting here begins against a qualifier in the 46,000-euro Bergamo def. Amanda Anisimova, United States, ranking ever by a Norwegian. leg heavily wrapped, was wide on Sunday. I cannot be more event. If he gets through that, he’d come up against grizzled 7-6 (3), 2-6, 6-4. In doing so, Ruud will on a cross-court forehand. happy. Ruud played very firm 30-year-old Argentine Marco Trungelliti. surpass his father and now The Norwegian claimed the and is the deserved champion.” Thousands attend NSD celebrations at Losail International Circuit

THE PENINSULA – DOHA that added to the overall success of this special day," Al Remaihi said. For the fourth consecutive year, Losail Apart from cycling, running or Circuit Sports Club (LCSC) celebrated walking around the 5.3 km track, ladies National Sports Day (NSD) with ladies were able to take part in a variety of and children; giving them the oppor- activities at no cost. tunity to exercise and enjoy this day in Activities such as spinning sessions, an outdoor facility in full privacy. pound fitness, zumba, Bollywood Windy and chilly conditions did not dancing, body weight and workshops stop 3,667 ladies and children from par- on prenatal basics and the ABCs of ticipating in the variety of fitness- running were scheduled throughout the focused activities that started at 9 day. For those who wanted to have a o’clock in the morning and continuously more relaxed day, there were express run until 7 in the evening, under flood- sport massages, yoga sessions and lights at the Circuit. pilates available as well. This year, the attendance was Children also enjoyed this day with slightly higher than previous editions a lot of fun activities planned with Participants during the National Sports Day celebrations at the Losail Circuit Sports Club. and it shows an increase of 6% of the pound generation, hip hop, zumba, kids participants compared to last year, with boot camp, face painting, pedal cars and 80% being Qataris. we are very pleased to see that the available so everybody can enjoy this ‘’I would like to extend my gratitude a skate park located at the Paddock. Khalid Al Remaihi, LCSC Vice Pres- number of participants has increased family day. Losail International Circuit to the Ministry of Culture and Sport, Overall, it was a great day filled with ident and General Manager, was very compared to last year. is the perfect facility where all the ladies Qatar Sports for All Federation and loads of sporting activities and edu- happy with the lady’s attendance and This is the fourth year we have can enjoy and practice sport with a total Qatar Cyclists for their continued cation. We hope that all ladies and kids their participation on NSD. organized this event for ladies and privacy and freedom as all the volun- support in making this a successful enjoyed the day and we encourage them “Even though the weather has not children and we try each year to teers, security and staff is female’ said event. I would also like to thank all the to keep practicing a healthy, active and been perfect as it was windy and cold, improve the services and activities Al Remaihi. suppliers, professionals and volunteers balanced lifestyle. TUESDAY 18 FEBRUARY 2020 SPORT 09 Hales must wait for England recall, says captain Morgan

REUTERS — JOHANNESBURG England’s limited overs captain Eoin Morgan (pictured below) has said that batsman Alex Hales must rebuild trust with the national team set-up before he is considered for selection again. Hales has not played for England since being withdrawn last year from the preliminary 50-overs World Cup squad after The Guardian newspaper reported he was serving a three- week ban for recreational drug use. “There was a breakdown in trust between Alex and the team,” Morgan told the BBC after England secured a T20 series win over South Africa on Sunday. “When he was deselected, it was never down to performance. He is one of the best players in the world. Moving forward, to regain that trust there needs to be a considerable amount of time.” Hales impressed in the recent Big Bash Twenty20 League in Australia, finishing as the tournament’s second-highest run- scorer with 576 runs for Sydney Thunder. The 31-year-old is also set to play for Karachi Kings in this year’s Pakistan Super League before gearing up for Trent Rockets in The Hundred - England’s inaugural 100-ball franchise competition. On Sunday, Morgan hit 57 not out off just 22 The captains of the competing teams in the Twenty20 women’s World Cup in Australia (front row, left to right) India’s Harmanpreet balls to lead England to Kaur, West Indies’s Stafanie Taylor, Australia’s Meg Lanning, Sri Lanka’s Chamari Atapattu, Pakistan’s Bismah Maroof and (back ow,r a Twenty20 series left to right) Thailand’s Sornnarin Tippoch, New Zealand’s Sophie Devine, South Africa’s Dane van Niekerk, England’s Heather Knight, victory over South Bangladesh’s Salma Khatun pose during a photoshoot at Taronga Zoo in Sydney, a few days ahead of the start of the competition. Africa and a highly sat- isfying end to its three- month tour. England chased down a challenging target of 223 in the Du Plessis steps down third and final T20 to come from 1-0 down to take the series 2-1. Morgan dealt exclusively in sixes for as South Africa captain his boundaries, clubbing seven of them AP – JOHANNESBURG Du Plessis is the only South away from the game have given country in the three formats of as England finished on Africa Test captain to win Test me a lot of perspective on the this wonderful game,” he said. 226-5 with five balls to Faf du Plessis (pictured) seriese es home o e and a d away against aga st great privilege and honor I have “ItIt has been a rewarding, sosome-me spare for a five-wicket stepped down as captain of AustraliaAustralia andand wwasas oonene of tthehe hhadad in representingrepresenting anandd lleadingeading timestimes toutoughgh andand ototherher times a win. South Africa’s Test team Proteas’roteas’ bbestest leaders.leaders. mmyy lonelylonely roaroad,d, bbutut I wouwouldld nnoto South Africa made yesterday ahead of an expected Between 2016 and earlyearly replace the experience for aany-ny 222-6 at SuperSport retirement from international 2018,018, SoutSouthh AAfricafrica won eieightght ooff thingthing bbecauseecause it hhasas mamadede mme Park after choosing to cricket later this year. nineine Test series homehome andand thethe man tthathat I am prouproudd to bbe bat first. Du Plessis quit as Test and away,way, beatingbeating AustraliaAustralia twicetwice today.”today.” Twenty20 captain. He had andnd IndiaIndia dduringuring tthathat perioperiod.d. DuDu PPlessislessis waswas selected lalaterte already recently been replaced Butut the last yearyear had been dif-dif- yesterdayyesterday to plaplayy as a batsmbatsmana as one-day captain by Quinton ficultcult withwith SoutSouthh Africa’sAfrica’s llossoss in thethe three-gamethree-game homehome T20T2 Australia ready for de Kock. off fformorm on tthehe ffieldield exaceexacer-r- series againstagainst AustraAustralia,lia, wwhichhic De Kock, a wicketkeeper- batedated by ooff-fieldff-field issues at tthehe startsstarts ththisis wweek.eek. DeDe KKockock wawas batsman, is the front-runner to nationalational board, which has sussus-- named captaincaptain for the seriesseries.. also replace du Plessis perma- pendedended its CEO amidamid allegationsallegations FastFast bbowlersowlers KaKagisogiso RabadaRabad frosty reception on nently as captain in Tests and off mismanagement. andand AnricAnrichh Nortje were aalsols T20s. He led South Africa in this DuDu PPlessislessis lost hhisis last ththreeree recalled.recalled. LikeLike dudu Plessis,Plessis, theythe month’s T20 series against Testest series in charcharge,ge, at homehome werewere rrestedested forfo South Africa return England while du Plessis was too Sri Lanka,Lanka, away to IndiaIndia andand ththee ODIsODI rested. att hhomeome to EnEnglandgland lastlast anandd T2T20s0 AFP — JOHANNESBURG The 35-year-old du Plessis month.month. During thatthat aagainstg a i ns had led the Test team as per- Englandngland series, hhee England.England Australian coach Justin Langer and limited-overs captain Aaron manent captain since late 2016 saidaid thethe lastlast yearyearr Finch said yesterday they were looking forward to playing in front and was captain in all three hadad proprobablybably of South African crowds on their first tour since the sandpaper formats since 2017. He had beene en thethe scandal of 2018. stepped in as captain in a T20 toughestoughest he Former captain Steve Smith and batsman David Warner, who series as early as 2012. hadad expeexperi-ri- were both banned for a year for their role in ball-tampering during Du Plessis’ decision was not encednced as the third Test in Cape Town, are both in the team that will play a surprise. He had indicated captain.aptain. three Twenty20 internationals and three one-day internationals during the recent home Test “The“The against South Africa, starting with the first T20 game at the Wan- series against England that his lastast fefeww derers Stadium on Friday. time in charge was coming to weeweeksk s “We love coming to South Africa,” said Langer at the team’s an end. He said he’d committed off restrest arrival press conference. “We’ve got so many good memories for to playing for South Africa until so long. It was obviously a very hard tour last time but the way the World Twenty20 in Aus- our guys have moved on, it gave us a great opportunity to reassess tralia in October and November where we’re at in Australian cricket.” and that’s now likely to be his Langer said last year’s tour of England was “a great dress swansong with the Proteas. rehearsal” for the likely reception Smith and Warner will face, In Tests, du Plessis will especially from an expected capacity crowd at the Wanderers. likely play one more series, “It was a tough (England) tour for those two guys,” said Langer. when South Africa goes to the “I was really proud of the way they let their bat do the talking West Indies for a two-match and were great ambassadors off the field, so hopefully they’ll be series in July. looking forward to getting back into it and playing good cricket Du Plessis said it was the here.” right time for him to step down Finch said his team knew what to expect when they stepped and allow a new generation of on to South African grounds. leaders to emerge. He wanted “South African crowds are very passionate and very vocal. to still play in all three formats We’re expecting that. David loves that banter coming from the for now, he said, and contribute crowd. It gets him into the game. I don’t think it’s going to make as a batsman and senior player. much difference to our group. We’re going to play cricket with a smile on our face,” he said. Langer said there had been plenty of talk about the culture of the Australian team following the 2018 tour. “We’ve talked about making Australians proud of us again, earning that respect, not only from the Australian public and our past players but also across the world,” he said. “Changing cultures is purely about behaviour,” he said. “We’re playing really good cricket, the numbers will tell you that, we’re also playing it in great spirit. “I’m very hopeful we can continue to do that because that’s how we all want to see cricket played. We’ve done it for 18 months now, there’s absolutely no reason why that can’t continue.” Finch said the Australians were confident they could do well on their tour but said he had been impressed by the way South Africa played in a high-scoring T20 series against England. “I followed that really closely. It was a great series to watch. Obviously the bat dominated more than the ball. For South Africa to having a changing side and play so well was impressive. All the guys in their side had an impact on the game at various times.” Pakistan international and Islamabad United's all-rounder Faheem Ashraf (with microphone) takes questions from journalists during a media day in Karachi yesterday. RIGHT: Players of Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Quetta Gladiators during a separate media Australian conference ahead of the start of the six-team T20 competition that begins on Thursday. player Matthew Wade is seen during a team Schedule of first 10 matches in PSL: 4th Match at Karachi on 22 Feb: Quetta Qalandars vs Islamabad United training session 1st Match at Karachi on 20 Feb: Quetta Gladiators vs Peshawar Zalmi 8th Match at Multan on 26 Feb: Multan in Johannesburg Gladiators vs Islamabad United 5th Match at Lahore on 22 Feb: Sultans vs Peshawar Zalmi yesterday. 2nd Match at Karachi on 21 Feb: Islamabad United vs Multan Sultans 9th Match at Rawalpindi on 27 Feb: Picture Karachi Kings vs Peshawar Zalmi 6th Match at Karachi on 23 Feb: Islamabad United vs Quetta Gladiators released by 3rd Match at Lahore on 21 Feb: Lahore Karachi Kings vs Quetta Gladiators 10th Match at Multan on 28 Feb: Multan @cricket.com.au. Qalandars vs Multan Sultans 7th Match at Lahore on 23 Feb: Lahore Sultans vs Karachi Kings 10 SPORT TUESDAY 18 FEBRUARY 2020

Celta strike late Dortmund face tough PSG test to put brakes on Real Madrid AFP — DORTMUND, GERMANY Borussia Dortmund players training ahead of their Champions League match against PSG at the Borussia Dortmund Training Center in Dortmund, Germany, yesterday At just 21, Kylian Mbappe is AFP — MADRID, already a World Cup winner while at only 19, Erling Braut Real Madrid’s winning streak Haaland has emerged as a fast- ended when they conceded a rising star this season. late goal to draw 2-2 at home As Cristiano Ronaldo and to Celta Vigo and finish the Lionel Messi approach the end weekend with their lead over of their careers, could Mbappe Barcelona down to one point. and Haaland be the next duo to Real manager Zinedine dominate football? Zidane was philosophical. Here is a look at the star for- “There’s nothing to wards who meet when Haa- explain, it’s just the way things land’s Borussia Dortmund host are, it’s football,” he said. Mbappe’s Paris Saint-Germain “I’m not worried about it, in the Champions League last but I’m disappointed, as 16, first leg, today. always when you drop two Haaland had barely arrived becoming the first player to including eight in this season’s German Cup defeat at Werder Ligue 1 goals, so you can always points at home.” last month in Dortmund when score a hat-trick as a substitute Champions League group Bremen. reach a higher level,” Haaland Barcelona beat third place the records started tumbling. on his Bundesliga debut. stage, Haaland picked up in Haaland netted again in Fri- told Bundesliga.com. Getafe on Saturday to open a He justified the $22m Having scored 28 goals in Germany where he left off in day’s 4-0 thumping of Eintracht Kylian Mbappe For a player 10-point gap on the chasing Dortmund paid Salzburg by 22 games for Salzburg, Austria. Frankfurt to extend his record who turned 21 in December, pack. Sevilla could have He made his debut coming to nine goals in six games for Mbappe’s achievements are climbed to third on Sunday but PSG forward off the bench with his new team Dortmund. astonishing. The World Cup were held, 2-2, at home by Kylian Mbappe 3-1 down at Augsburg in mid His attitude also impresses winner is also France’s reigning rock-bottom Espanyol. celebrates January. He scored three goals his new team-mates. player of the year and has won Real had won five straight after an own in just 20 minutes to seal a 5-3 “When a young player has three Ligue 1 titles with two dif- in La Liga to accelerate past goal by a Dijon victory. been so hyped, with everyone ferent clubs. Barcelona. On Sunday they player during The teenager was praised by saying how good he is, then he welcomed back Eden Hazard, the French Cup Dortmund sporting director can be a difficult person,” said who had been out since quarter final on Michael Zorc, yet calmly goalkeeper Roman Buerki. Champions League November. February 12. replied: “You signed me to score “But he is a really cool guy, Champions League fixtures Coach Zinedine Zidane goals.” very professional. I’m one of the for this week also recalled his other 100 Another two followed in a first at training -- but he’s Today million euro player Gareth 5-1 rout of Cologne, then always there earlier.” Borussia Dortmund vs PSG Bale to complete an all-star Haaland grabbed two more Haaland sees Mbappe as a Atlético Madrid vs Liverpool attack with Karim Benzema. goals when Union Berlin were role model. Tomorrow Yet Celta leapt into the lead crushed 5-0. “When I was in Salzburg, I Atalanta vs Valencia after seven minutes. A pass He claimed his eighth goal started scoring goals, but I look Tottenham Hotspur vs RB from Iago Aspas sent Fedor Leipzig in four games in Dortmund’s at Kylian Mbappe banging in Smolov galloping clear up the middle and he shot low past Thibaut Courtois. “There were mistakes, Atlético’s season on the line against Liverpool especially for the first goal,” said Zidane. “We were not well positioned, it happens, and it’ll AP — MADRID “Certainly it will be a very happen to us again.” difficult match, but all Cham- Celta had only climbed out Liverpool and Atlético Madrid pions League matches are dif- of the relegation places the appear to be heading in ficult,” Atlético forward Yannick weekend before and looked opposite directions entering Carrasco said. anxious and overawed on the their last 16 meeting in the “If we do what we have to ball. Champions League today. do and what (coach Diego) Real dominated the rest of While defending European Simeone wants us to do, we can the first half and their starry champion Liverpool has every- get through. The most important attacking lineup produced thing going its way, Atlético’s thing will be to play with heart pacy, intricate and imaginative season will be on the line when and to give everything we have. attacking interchanges but a the teams meet in Madrid in the The fans will be behind us, combination of good first leg. helping us give our best.” defending and bad finishing Liverpool has already won Liverpool will be returning kept Real out for the rest of the the UEFA Super Cup and the to Wanda Metropolitano first half. Club World Cup this season, and Stadium for the first time since Real again dominated the it’s increasingly just a formality it beat Tottenham to win the start of the first half. before it wins its first English Champions League title in June. Sergio Ramos, already league title in 30 years. Atlético, The second leg will be on March playing as an extra striker, meanwhile, lost the Spanish 11 at Anfield. Liverpool has Liverpool midfielder Mohamed Salah (right) jokes with team- slammed the ball into the net Super Cup and was eliminated dropped only two points in the mate Takumi Minamino during a training session at Melwood but had been standing offside. by a third-division club in the Premier League all season, in Liverpool, north-west England, yesterday. In the 52nd minute, Copa del Rey. while Atlético has won only one Marcelo, not for the first time, The team is already 13 of its last five matches in the found space on the left. His low points off the lead in the Spanish Spanish league. Liverpool is hold on to fourth place and the to two Champions League finals Griezmann and other veterans, cross deflected to Toni Kroos league. coming off a win at Norwich final Champions League spot for with him in charge, but things such as Diego Godín and Filipe following the attack. The Atlético will have little to that gave the team a 25-point next season. changed after the Argentine Luís. The team has struggled in German drilled in the play for if it is eliminated by Liv- lead over Manchester City. Atlético has never struggled coach was forced to revamp the attack and is not as solid defen- equaliser. It was the sixth erpool in the Champions Atlético drew 2-2 at so much since Simeone’s arrival squad last season following the sively, which used to be the straight season Kroos had League. Valencia on Friday to barely as coach in late 2011. It made it departure of Antoine team’s biggest weapon. scored against Celta.

An official of Qatar Football Aspire Academy, Rangers share Association conducting the draw proceedings of the Amir Cup on Sunday. points in eight-goal thriller

THE PENINSULA — DOHA

Hosts Aspire Academy and reigning champions Glasgow Rangers played out the first draw of this year’s Al Kass International Cup, sharing the points after an eight-goal thriller. Both sides were already assured of qualification so made plenty of changes from their respective victories over The players of Aspire Academy Suwon Samsung. and Glasgow Rangers in action Rangers needed to win to during the Al Kass International top the group but they got off Cup at Aspire Academy yesterday. to a nightmare start, going QFA announces venues and dates behind after just two minutes. Abdulrahman Al Dosari swung in a cross from the left but the minutes as Rangers reduced the club, totally miskicked in his of Amir Cup quarter-finals Rangers defence dithered, arrears with a well-taken effort own area but Al-Dosari failed allowing the alert Mobark by powerful striker Adedire to take advantage. THE PENINSULA — DOHA Hamad Stadium. Seven first silverware of the season have Hamza to open the scoring. Mebude. Zak McKay sent a fine Within seconds, Rangers division teams and one second got a favourable draw avoiding It was 2-0 on eight minutes cross in from the right and broke up the other end and Qatar Football Association division side will be contesting Al Sadd and Al Duhail in the as Rangers’ defence was again London-born Mebude held off Robbie Ure, who netted against (QFA) yesterday announced the the quarter-finals.Second initial stages. sloppy and Mohammed Al- two challenges before scoring Suwon in the opener, fired over. quarter-finals dates of the Amir division outfit Al Markhiya On the other hand a Quraishi showed fine control with an angled drive. Kyle Semple also went close for Cup after conducting a draw pulled off the biggest upset of potential blockbuster semi- before firing a left-foot shot Cowie gifted Aspire their Rangers as they chased an ceremony on Sunday. this year’s Amir Cup when they final clash between defending past Scott Cowie. fourth goal on 38th minutes equalizer, although they needed The matches will be held on defeated Al Gharafa 1-0 to champion Al Duhail and Al Charlie Lindsay, named as when he parried Al Quraishi’s to win to top the group. four consecutive days. Al Arabi make it to the last eight stage Sadd is also on the cards. Rangers’ captain pulled the cross straight into the path of Rangers finally grabbed an will face Al Ahli on March 11 at of the tournament, the only Al Sadd thrashed Al Glasgow side back into the Abdulaziz Al Naimi who made equalizer in the 88th minute as Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium, second division side to come Kharaitiyat 3-1 to advance to match with a perfectly-flighted no mistake. Lindsay’s flick sent through Ure home of Al Duhail Club. that far. the elite tournament while Al free-kick after 13 minutes to Rangers reduced the arrears and his shot was parried to Rory On March 12, Al Rayyan will On the other hand, a brace Wakrah edged Al Shahania give Amir Katoul no chance. to 4-3 on 41 minutes, Lindsay Wilson to score. Wilson had take on Al Markhiya at Jassim from Yohan Boli and goals from 10-9 in sudden death to move A high-scoring start to the tucking the ball under the only come on two minutes bin Hamad Stadium home Khaled Muftah and Rodrigo ahead. Al Duhail on the other match saw Aspire restore their keeper after Mebude had earlier but there was a hint of ground of Al Sadd Club. On Tabata helped Al Rayyan coast hand defeated second division two-goal lead on 17 minutes flicked it into his path. offside about his goal. March 13, Al Sadd will play Al to an emphatic 4-0 win over side Muaither SC 4-0 to make when Talal Al-Raeesi was given Rangers attacking play was Lindsay picked up his Wakrah at Abdullah bin Khalifa second division side Mesaimeer it to the next stage and Al plenty of space and he let fly impressive but they were second Most Valuable Player Stadium. in the pre-quarter-finals. Sailiya defeated Umm Salal 2-1 from long range, sending the sloppy at the back and on-loan (MVP) award of the tournament On March 14, Al Duhail will Former champions Al to book a place in the ball just out of Cowie’s reach. American professional Francis and is already established as take on Al Sailiyah at Jassim Bin Rayyan looking for their first quarter-finals. A fifth goal followed on 29 Jacobs, on his first start for the one of the class acts this year. TUESDAY 18 FEBRUARY 2020 SPORT 11 The Amir Sword Festival 2020: Sponsorship signing ceremonies

The President of Asian and Qatar Equestrian Federations, Hamad Abdurahman Al Attiyah (right) and Mubarak Rashid Sahouti from Hassad Foods exchange documents yesterday during a sponsorship signing ceremony for the upcoming The Amir Sword Festival 2020. CENTRE: The CEO of Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club, Nasser Sherida Al Kaabi (right) with the CEO of Ooredoo Qatar, Waleed Al Sayed, during the sponsorship signing ceremony yesterday. RIGHT: QEF's General-Secretary Badr Al Darwish (right) shakes hands with the Deputy CEO of Al Emadi Enterprises, Jassim Mohamed Al Emadi, during the ceremony.

Casillas to run ACL: Al Sadd target place in final as for Spanish FA President

Al Duhail eye full points in away clash REUTERS – MADRID

CHINTHANA WASALA Al Sadd's players in action during a practice session on the eve of Spain’s World Cup winning THE PENINSULA their AFC Champions League match against Iran's Sepahan which captain Iker Casillas will take place at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, in Doha, today. announced on Monday he will Coach Xavi Hernandez run for President of the yesterday said that Al Sadd are Spanish Football Federation targeting a place in the AFC (RFEF) when elections are Champions League (ACL) final called later this year. and are ready for the tough Casillas, who led Spain to challenges which lie ahead for unprecedented success as them. they won Euro 2008 and The former champions will 2012 as well as the 2010 take on Iranian side Sepahan in World Cup, suffered a heart their second Group D match at attack in May while training the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium with current club Porto, and in Doha today. has not played since. He The match kicks off at returned to training in 6.35pm. November. During a pre-match press “Yes, I’ll be running for conference, Xavi said: "I hope Al Sadd's coach Xavi Hernandez RFEF President when elec- we can reach the final and win tions are called,” the goal- the title." keeper wrote on Twitter. Al Sadd, also known as The minutes to snatch a 2-2 draw competition 11 times, reaching that we have, unfortunately, we by Walid Regragui, presented He has not played for Wolves, became the first Qatari from a difficult Al Nassr side, the final in 2007 - the first will be without few influential their credentials with a solid Porto this season and the side to win the AFC Champions with Hassan Al Haydos scoring Iranian side to achieve this feat, players, but we still have got a 2-0 home win against Perse- announcement all but con- League in 2011. Since then, they early in the second half after an which has since been replicated bunch of talented players who polis FC last week and will be firms his retirement from pro- have reached the semi-finals own goal had helped Xavis team by Zobahan in 2010 and Perse- are able to provide a good per- looking for a repeat of success fessional football. twice - in the last two equalise. polis in 2018. formance. These kinds of to stay on top. Current incumbent Luis editions. Al Sadd are currently placed "The level of the Iranian pressure makes us stronger," The Saudis also had a Rubiales, who took over from "This time the AFC Cham- in the second spot in Group D team is very high it is difficult Xavi added. perfect start to their continental Angel Maria Villar in May pions League is a very chal- behind Sepahan who defeated to beat them. They have high Meanwhile, QNB Stars campaign with a 1-0 victory 2018 after the former Athletic lenging affair, but our team has Al Ain 4-0 on matchday 1. capabilities, so playing against League's table-toppers Al over Sharjah last week. Bilbao player had spent three all the capabilities to win the The Isfahan-based side them is a challenge," the Barca Duhail will face hosts Al During a press conference decades at the helm, has a title. We are very excited might not boast the history or legend added. Taawoun FC at the King yesterday, Regragui said that his mandate that runs through despite being pitting in a dif- the popularity of Esteghlal and "We saw the Iranian team Abdullah Sport City Stadium in team is ready for the important until after Euro 2020. ficult group, but we are ready." Persepolis, but Sepahan are in played and it was a surprise to Buraidah, Saudi Arabia. confrontation in front of the Rubiales’s tenure has been Last week, Al Sadd showed fact IR Iran’s most successful me that they won by four goals. The Group C encounter will home crowd. notable for ups and downs. resilience to come back from a side in the AFC Champions We will do our best," Xavi said. kick off at 6.35pm Qatar time. "They (Taawoun FC) also Spain won last year’s goal down inside the first seven League, having appeared in the "I am happy with the squad The Qatari giants, coached won their first match in the Under-21 European Champi- group and are equal on number onship, but he has had Al Duhai's players in action during a practice session yesterday. of points. We saw how they numerous public disagree- played in the first match. It also ments with the head of Spain’s shows how strong the group is," La Liga, Javier Tebas. Regragui said. Rubiales was criticised by "But at the same time we La Liga’s chief and local came here to come up with a media for his refusal to allow positive result and I have full the Spanish League to play a confidence in the capabilities game in Miami, despite refor- of the Al Duhail players. We matting the Spanish Super hope to reach the next round. Cup and moving it to Saudi However, the competition is still Arabia. in its early stage and our initial He also took the decision target is to earn full points from to sack Spain head coach Julen this match. In fact, we can Lopetegui on the eve of the achieve the three points and 2018 World Cup after it why not? Certainly we will do emerged he had agreed a deal our best," the Moroccan tac- to join Real Madrid after the Al Duhail's coach Walid Regragui tician said. tournament. Hosting CAF Super Cup in Doha beneficial for all: Eto’o

THE PENINSULA – DOHA On the night it was Egypt’s Zamalek SC who triumphed with a comfortable Samuel Eto’o has described the 3-1 victory against Tunisia’s Espérance decision to host the CAF Super Cup in Sportive de Tunis. It was Zamalek’s Qatar for a second successive year as fourth win in the cup’s 28 editions, with beneficial for fans, organisers and the Cairo side now having won the players. second most titles in the competition’s The four-time African Player of history. the Year and Supreme Committee for The match was attended by a sell- Delivery & Legacy ambassador out crowd in excess of 19,000. It was attended the match as a guest of the Everyone is aware of Qatar’s preparations for the second successive time the show- Confederation for African Football the World Cup and to be able to host events piece event has taken place in Doha – (CAF). He said the sold-out event at and following an agreement between Thani Bin Jassim Stadium offered like this can only help that process continue CAF and the Qatar Football Association, Qatar’s football-mad community at pace. It also gives local people the chance it will also return in 2021 and 2022. another opportunity to embrace the to see teams from other countries playing Eto’o said: “You can see from the beautiful game as the country gears ticket sales, this year and last year, and up to host the FIFA World Cup in here – it’s a perfect solution: Samuel Eto'o the excitement on the faces of the fans, 2022. that the decision to bring this game “It was a magnificent idea to bring here was a good one. Both times it has the game to Qatar,” said Eto’o, who sold out and both times it has been a played for Barcelona, Inter Milan and see teams from other countries playing Africans, Europeans – it’s exactly how large African community here, so to wonderful atmosphere and provides Chelsea as well as Qatar SC during here – it’s a perfect solution.” the World Cup will be in 2022. I think have one team from Egypt and people living here with the oppor- his 22-year career. Eto’o, twice a winner of the CAF it’s going to be a magnificent another from Tunisia competing tunity to see something they might not “Everyone is aware of Qatar’s Africa Cup of Nations, continued: experience. made it even better. It is not always otherwise have been able to watch. preparations for the World Cup and to “What was particularly pleasing to see “I have a close connection with easy for these fans to travel so far to It’s good for the fans, it’s good for the be able to host events like this can only when arriving at the stadium was that Qatar, from playing here, to my work watch their teams, so it’s wonderful organisers and I’m sure the players help that process continue at pace. It there were people from all over the as an SC ambassador, so I spend a lot that once a year their teams can come love coming here too. It’s beneficial also gives local people the chance to world at this game. Qatari nationals, of time here. I know there is a very to them.” to all.” SPORT SPORT | 08 SPORT | 09 Kyle Edmund Du Plessis surges to steps down as victory in South Africa New York captain

TUESDAY 18 FEBRUARY 2020 Road to Tokyo: Qatar plans strong contingent

FAWAD HUSSAIN fying) competitions are under THE PENINSULA way and many of our federa- tions are taking part in these With many of their athletes events. We are hoping to send already qualified, regional a strong contingent to Tokyo,” sports powerhouse Qatar are Khaleel Al Jabir, Director of the hoping to send a strong QOC Sport Affairs, told The contingent for this summer’s Peninsula in an interview. Olympic Games in Tokyo. “The qualifications to reach Qatar will go to the Japanese the Tokyo Olympics are tough. capital, boosted by its track and But Thank God, we already have field stars like reigning high our (track and field) athletes jump world champion Mutaz qualified. Our weightlifter Essa Barshim – a two-time (Fares Ibrahim) has also qual- Olympic medallist, and expert ified and we have also con- hurdler Abderrahman Samba firmed places in equestrian and for the July 24 – August 9 event. shooting. The Qatar Olympic Com- “More of our federations are mittee (QOC) is hoping more also going to compete in qual- federations, which are involved ifying events in the coming in many ongoing qualifying months. We are also hoping to competitions for Olympics, will get berths for two of our join the bodies who have swimmers for Olympics,” Al already won the quotas for Jabir, who also heads the Qatar sports biggest spectacle. Swimming Association, said. Qatar sent their biggest “We are looking to have Olympic contingent for 2016 Rio more athletes but the number Games when 34 athletes from we already have are very strong six federations participated in and they are looking forward the Brazilian city. to getting good results in This year too, QOC is tar- Tokyo,” he added. geting a good number of Al Qatar handball team missed Annabi athletes to represent the ticket to Tokyo after finishing Qatar's reigning high jump world champion Mutaz Essa Barshim. country in Olympics. third in a qualifying tournament “OurOur athletics stars havehave in Doha last year as the event alreadyalready quaqualifiedlified guaranteedguaranteed placeplace fforor onlyonly thethe QatarQata became the first country hostedosted IAAF World Athletics apart from athath-- winners.winners. inin ttheh Middle East to host the ChampionshipsChampionships and this year letesletes in ootherther “It was a toughtough competitioncompetition IAAFIAAF World Athletics Cham- wewe willwililll hhostost MasterMaster JJudo.udo. AfAftAfterter disciplines. A andand it was allall aboutabout lluck.uck. We are pionshipspion dubbed the third 2022022 FIFAFIFA WorldWoorlrld Cup,Cuup,p wewe lotlot of (quali-(quali- happyhappy with the handball team biggestbigg event after Olympics haveavee twotwo majormajjor WorldWororld asas theythey won thethe Asian Champi-Champi- andand FIFA World Cup. ChampionshipsChhaammpionnshhipips in 202320223 Our athletics stars have onshipsonships afterafter an outstandingoutstanding ForF this calendar year also, includingncclluuddinng jujudodod andandnd already qualified apart from performanceperformance to qualifyqualify forfor QOCQOC announced a hectic aquaticsquuaaticsc events,”evveenttss,” hee athletes in other disciplines. WorldWorld Championships,”Championships,” saidsaid AlAl schedulesched that includes 65 cham- added.ddeedd.. A lot of (qualifying) Jabir. pionshipspions including world, con- tinentaltinen and regional events. competitions are under way QatarQatar to host more TheThe llist also comprises the FIVB and many of our federations World Championshipsp BeachBeac Volleyball World Tour are taking part in these inin ffuture:uture: AAll JaJabirbir (March(Mar 9 to 13) and 2020 FIFA ClubClub World Cup (December 9 events. We are hoping to Qatar has been hostinghosting dif-dif- to 119)9 to be held for the second send a strong contingent to ferentferent WorldWorld CChampionshipshampionships consecutivecons year in Doha. Tokyo. The qualifications to over the years and Al Jabir said ““Doha is the hub of sports. reach the Tokyo Olympics QOCQOC will be organisingorganising WeWe wwant to host more World many more suchsuch events ChampionshipsCham apart from are tough. But, Thanks God, in tthehe ffuture.uture. hostinghost other international Qatari shooter we already have our (track LastLast yyear,ear, competitions.com Last year, we Mohamed Al Rumaihi and field) athletes qualified. Our weightlifter (Fares Ibrahim) has also qualified and we have also confirmed places in equestrian and shooting: Khaleel Al Jabir, DirectorDirector of QQOCOC Sport AffairsAffairrs

Hurdler Abderrahman Samba Fares Ibrahim Home hero Al Attiyah leads quality field for MQCCR

THE PENINSULA – LUSAIL Al Rabban also features in T1 in a Santos team up with Al Kuwari and The sole entrants in the T4 Jeep with Russian co-driver Igor Rashid Al Mohannadi and Slov- section are the American duo of Defending champion Nasser Saleh Chudaykin. enian Vili Oslaj partners Al Harqan Austin Jones and Kellon Walch in a Al Attiyah tops the entry for next A new QMMF Team has entered and will be using hard signals to Can-Am Maverick X3 entered by week’s Manateq Qatar Cross- a quartet of Can-Am Maverick X3s guide his driver. South Racing. Country Rally (MQCCR) on a quality and a Polaris RZR 1000 Turbo in Former FIA T2 World Champion Manateq – Economic Zones list announced by the Qatar Motor the hotly-contested T3 category Adel Abdulla also makes a welcome Company is the title sponsor for the and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) that has attracted 11 teams. Khalid return to the championship after third successive season. Established yesterday. Al Mohannadi drives the Polaris missing the latter part of the 2019 in 2011, the company is positioned Competitors from 17 nations alongside the experienced French season. He teams up with as a vital component in achieving will tackle five demanding selective navigator Sebastien Delaunay, Frenchman Jean-Michel Polato in the economic development goals sections across the Qatar deserts while Mubarak Al Hajri, Ahmed Al the T3 category. of the Qatar National Vision 2030, on February 23-27. Al Attiyah heads Kuwari, Rashid Al Mohannadi and Other competitors are taking through providing premium infra- a three-car Toyota team that should Mohammed Harqan drive the part from as far afield as the USA, structure within strategic economic be challenging for overall T1 Can-Ams. Hungary, Poland the Netherlands zones to promote the logistics and honours at the top of the leader Al Hajri is a veteran of and Belgium, but the duo of Gonzalo industrial sectors in Qatar. board. numerous rounds of the FIA Middle Guayasamin and Ricardo Torlaschi Further information about the Qatari drivers feature in both East Rally Championship and have travelled the furthest to take rally can be obtained at QMMF, the T1 and T3 categories, with cross-country rallies, both as a co- part in the T3 section in a Polaris Losail Sports Arena, PO Box 8708, Mohammed Al Meer seeded at four driver and a driver, and returns to RZR 1000. The driver hails from Doha, Qatar, or via +974 443 79885, in his powerful Chevrolet Buggy action with Frenchman Laurent Equador and his navigator has trav- (Fax) +974 443 79732, E-mail: info@ Nasser Saleh and teaming up with Ukrainian Lichtleuchter. Qatar-based Manuel elled from Argentina to cross the qmmf.com.qa and website: www. Al Attiyah navigator Dmitry Tsyro. Abdullah Luchesse and Portugal’s Pedro Qatar deserts for the first time. qatarcrosscountry.com.