Former world number one Muguruza survives Kasatkina scare as Qatar Total Open begins Page 19

Monday, February 24, 2020 attiyah layS doWn Marker The Qatar’s ace rallyist wins first stage, opens a comfortable lead in Toyota Hilux; Khalid al Mohannadi impresses in T3 action

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK two Polaris RZRs battling it out for times. We thought it was fixed but, from LUSAIL stage honours. the start, it was misfiring all the time in Khalid al Mohannadi and Sébastien first, second and third gear. It was like LOCAL star Nasser bin Saleh al At- Delaunay clocked the fastest time of 2hr no fuel going to the engine. I just drive tiyah and French navigator Matthieu 01min 39sec to claim the early T3 brag- one kilometre and the engine went off. Baumel opened up a comfortable lead ging rights and win the opening round We stopped for half an hour, then the of five minutes and 50 seconds after the of the Manateq Qatar National Baja. The engine started and we drove back to the opening 171.25km selective section of Can-Am crew finished 35 seconds ahead stage start.” the Manateq Qatar Cross-Country Rally of American racer Austin Jones and his Day one also included the first of (MQCCR) on Sunday. Brazilian teammate Gustavo Gugelmin. three rounds of the Manateq Qatar Na- Attiyah led the day’s stage from Defending FIA Baja world champions, tional Baja with the entire day’s route start-to-finish in his Toyota Hilux. He Fedor Vovobyev and Kirill Shubin, were counting as a scoring round of the five- had edged 27.2 seconds in front of Ya- third, 10min 52sec behind the Qatari, event series. Twenty-one vehicles were zeed al Rajhi by the first checkpoint and after a rear puncture and a minor trans- eligible for championship points and gradually pulled away from his rival to mission issue. Saleh al Saif and Ahmed victory on the day fell easily to Khalid al reach the finish of the stage, south of al Kuwari were fourth and fifth. Mohannadi. Doha, with an impressive advantage. Overnight T3 leader Mohannadi He guided his Extreme Plus Po- The six-time event winner Attiyah said: “Today, the strategy was not too laris RXR 1000 to a 15min 50sec vic- said: “It’s never easy because the road is much speed. No damage to the tyres tory over the Can-Am of Saleh al Saif. Khalid al Mohannadi of Qatar during the first stage action on Sunday. really difficult from the beginning. We and we finished. Sébastien is a very good Ahmed al Kuwari, Mohammed al Har- didn’t make any mistakes, except one co-driver, so no mistakes today. We will qan and Rashid al Mohannadi rounded flat tyre, and then we need to manage check our strategy in the morning when off the top five. without any mistakes and without get- Nasser bin Saleh al Attiyah we see the road book and the route.” The 1993 regional rally champion ting lost. We have a good pace. Tomor- Runner-up Jones added: “I drove at Sheikh Hamed bin Eid al Thani retired row is a long stage. Always in Qatar we “It was hard to get a rhythm to- 50 percent all day. I just wanted to get a his GMC after a fuel leak and a small have flat tyres but we try to manage with day for us with the navigation and good groove with my new navigator. We fire. Retirements also affected Adel a good speed.” with the car, to go like we used to do,” rode about four kilometres together the Abdulla and Hajri’s local champion- Saudi Arabian Rajhi and Ulster said Przygonski. “We will try and fix other day. That is all. I drove slow, we ship aspirations. co-driver Michael Orr finished the some navigation problems between took our time and wanted to see what The day’s stage features two pas- day in a solid second place in the us and the cooperation tomorrow will the rest of the competition was about. sage controls on the Umm Bab High- second of the Toyotas, despite losing be good. We changed a back tyre near Now we know where we are at, second way and on the Al Khararra road after their way for a short time between the finish.” place is good and we are excited to get it 54.07km and 93.61km, respectively, 98km and 101km of the stage. Rajhi The Toyota trio were the class of the going for the longer stages. It’s hard to before finishing on the Sealine road to said: “We have one puncture today, T1 field – Abdullah al Rabban led rivals read the terrain. It’s all the same colour the south of Doha. after 120km, and we had no brakes Mohammed al Meer and Balazs Szalay and very challenging. It’s hard to drive. I Monday’s second leg is more de- before the finish for 40km.” early in the special, before stopping after cannot imagine trying to navigate.” manding and includes a competitive Poland’s Jakub Przygonski marked PC1 with broken suspension after an ac- Qatar’s Adel Abdulla was debuting section of 334.25km. The timed action his first competitive appearance with cident. Szalay went on to finish the spe- his new G-Force T3 GF but stopped starts off the Al Shamal highway and the Overdrive Racing team with a third cial in 14th place, over an hour behind early in the stage with electrical issues. winds its way along the north-eastern Jakub Przygonski of Poland and co-driver Timo Gottschalk of the quickest time alongside German team- the leading Toyota trio after losing his Veteran Mubarak alHajri also stopped coast and across the northern deserts Netherlands had their first competitive drive in Toyota Hilux mate Timo Gottschalk. Jakub stopped way for a time after 65km of the stage. before PC1. to finish off the Al Kharsaah road. The overdrive on Sunday. for a short time on the run in to the fin- Meer came home in 15th. Adel Abdulla said: “Before the race day’s stage includes three passages con- ish and reached Lusail 10min, 47sec be- A fascinating tussle was seen in we had an electrical problem. The car trols on the Al Zubara and Al Jumailah hind the leader, but well clear of fourth- the T3 category with seven Can-Ams, did North Forest (Baja ). They roads and the Dukhan highway and fin- placed Khalid al Mohannadi. a pair of OT3s, a G-Force T3 GF and tried to fix it. It was misfiring some- ishes 92.44km from Lusail.

MANATEQ QCCR 2020 STAGE 1 RESULTS

2020 Manateq QCCR – positions after SS1 (unofficial): 1. nasser bin Saleh al attiyah (Qat)/matthieu Baumel (fra) toyota hilux overdrive 1hr 32min 28sec 2. Yazeed al rajhi (SaU)/michael orr (gBr) toyota hilux overdrive 1hr 38min 18sec 3. Jakub Przygonski (PoL)/timo gottschalk (deU) toyota hilux overdrive 1hr 43min 15sec 4. Khalid al mohannadi (Qat)/Sébastien delaunay (fra) Polaris rZr 1000 turbo (t3) 2hr 01min 39sec 5. austin Jones (USa)/gustavo gugelmin (Bra) can-am maverick X3 (t3) 2hr 02min 14sec 6. fedor Vorobyev (rUS)/Kirill Shubin (rUS) ot3 by overdrive (t3) 2hr 12min 31sec 7. Saleh al Saif (SaU)/ali hassan obaid (are) can-am maverick X3 (t3) 2hr 17min 29sec 8. ahmed al Kuwari (Qat)/manuel Lucchese (ita) can-am maverick X3 (t3) 2hr 23min 43sec 9. mohammed al harqan (Qat)/Vili oslaj (SLo) can-am maverick X3 (t3) 2hr 26min 32sec 10. aleksey Shmotov (rUS)/andrey rudnitski (rUS) can-am maverick (t3) 2hr 28min 12sec 11. gonzalo guayasamin (ecU)/ricardo torlaschi (arg) Polaris rZr 1000 turbo (t3) 2hr 30min 38sec 12. Kees Koolen (nLd)/Serge Bruynkens (BeL) ot3 by overdrive (t3) 2hr 32min 09sec 13. rashed al mohannadi (Qat)/Pedro Santos (Prt) can-am maverick X3 (t3) 2hr 35min 24sec 14. Balazs Szalay (hUn)/Laszlo Bunnozci (hUn) opel grandland X 2ht 36min 48sec 15. mohammed al meer (Qat)/alexey Kuzmich (rUS) chevrolet Buggy 3hr 57min 33sec

2020 Manateq Qatar National Baja – round 1 positions (unofficial): 1. Khalid al mohannadi (Qat)/Sébastien delaunay (fra) Polaris rZr 1000 turbo (t3) 2hr 01min 39sec 2. Saleh al Saif (SaU)/ali hassan obaid (are) can-am maverick X3 (t3) 2hr 17min 29sec 3. ahmed al Kuwari (Qat)/manuel Lucchese (ita) can-am maverick X3 (t3) 2hr 23min 43sec 4. mohammed al harqan (Qat)/Vili oslaj (SLo) can-am maverick X3 (t3) 2hr 26min 32sec 5. rashed al mohannadi (Qat)/Pedro Santos (Prt) can-am maverick X3 (t3) 2hr 35min 24sec 6. ahmed al muhannadi (Qat)/igor okhotnikov (rUS) can-am maverick X3 (t3) 2hr 54min 07sec 7. Jamal fakhroo (Qat)/Saeed Shwareb (Qat) nissan Patrol (t2) 3hr 02min 36sec 8. mohammed al meer (Qat)/alexey Kuzmich (rUS) chevrolet Buggy 3hr 57min 33sec, etc Six-time winner Nasser bin Saleh al Attiyah (also in inset picture) drives Toyota Hilux on the way to winning the first stage in the Manateq Qatar cross-country rally 2020 on Sunday.

Kiwis have India on the ropes SA bowlers rally to level T20 series after spirited tail-end resistance AFP Australia on target before PoRT ELIzABETh Smith was caught by a diving AFP Jamieson and Tim Southee wicket generally and day three Faf du Plessis at mid-on for wELLIngTon took four wickets apiece to roll and four is the best time to SOUTH Africa’s bowlers 29 with the total on 98 in the the tourists for 165. bat. If I do my job, we won’t be held their nerve as the hosts 13th over. NEW Zealand quick Trent But he came to the fore on chasing too much.” bounced back from a record Fast bowlers Lungi Ngidi, Boult declared himself “happy day three, first with the bat and India lost Prithvi Shaw defeat to win the second Twen- Kagiso Rabada and Anrich to be back” as he bagged three then with figures of three for early in their second innings to ty20 international against Nortje each took a wicket and wickets to leave India strug- 27 as India, the world’s top- give Boult his first wicket and Australia at St George’s Park bowled tight last overs in a gling for survival at stumps on ranked side, looked lost in New he claimed Cheteshwar Pujara on Sunday. tense finish, with Warner un- day three of the first Test in Zealand conditions. with the last ball before tea. Opening batsman David able to get enough of the strike Wellington on Sunday. Mayank Agarwal went for Warner hit an unbeaten 67 for to get his team across the line. India, faced with a 183-run 58 soon after the resumption Australia but it wasn’t enough “I thought we were on track first-innings deficit, were 144 Brief scores and Boult removed Virat Kohli as South Africa defended a for most of the chase but we for four at the close, still 39 in India 165 and 144 for 4 (agarwal 58, to have India at 113 for four. modest total of 158 for four to didn’t get that kick at the end arrears after rollicking innings Boult 3-27) trail New Zealand 348 India had their opportu- win by 12 runs and level the South Africa’s lungi Ngidi bowled which we needed,” said Aus- by Boult and Kyle Jamieson (Williamson 89, taylor 44, Jamieson 44, nities to clip New Zealand’s three-match series. well at the end on Sunday. (AFP) tralian captain Finch. pushed New Zealand to 348. Sharma 5-68, ashwin 3-99) by 39 runs wings. They opened the day Australia lost three wick- “South Africa bowled beau- Ajinkya Rahane was un- with two wickets in the first ets for eight runs in the last 2.1 tifully and they executed bril- beaten on 25 with Hanuma three overs to have New Zea- overs to finish on 146 for six. second over, bowled by Pat were trying to capitalise on liantly under pressure.” Vihari on 15, and spinner Ravi- “I’m just happy to be back land 225 for seven, just 60 It was their first T20 defeat Cummins, and raced to 50 off the powerplay. The series decider takes chandran Ashwin said India out there, it’s been a little frus- runs ahead. in nine matches going back to 31 balls. “We thought 160 was par place on Wednesday at New- were far from raising the white trating on the sidelines,” the But lusty hitting from November 2018. Warner, Aaron Finch and because we know this wicket. lands in Cape Town, the scene flag, although with only six left-armer said. Jamieson with an entertaining South Africa captain Steve Smith got Australia off to It was always going to be more of the ball-tampering scandal wickets remaining, he saw a “If we can get a couple 44 off 45 balls and Boult add- Quinton de Kock was named a similarly fast start but both difficult towards the end.” which led to bans for Smith score around 350 as necessary more early in the first hour (on ing 38 off 24, along with a more man of the match after he teams found scoring increas- South Africa scored 59 runs and Warner. to save the Test. Monday) or so, we should be in sedate 43 from Colin de Grand- slammed 70 off 47 balls to get ingly difficult on a slow pitch for no wicket in the six-over Boult, back in Test cricket a good position.” homme saw New Zealand’s last the home team off to a blaz- with low bounce as the ball lost power play and Australia re- after breaking a hand during Boult credited changing three wickets add 123 runs. ing start as they set out to re- its shine and hardness. sponded with 54 for one. Brief scores the Boxing Day Test in a dis- the angle of delivery as a key Ishant Sharma was the cover from a record 107-run “We realised the new ball Warner and Smith, both South Africa 158 for 4 (de Kock 70, astrous series for New Zealand weapon to upset the Indian most successful of the Indian defeat in the first match in is really key with the bat,” said on their first tour of South Af- richardson 2-21) beat Australia 146 for in Australia, took a back seat batsmen. bowlers with five for 68 while Johannesburg on Friday. De Kock. “It gets more dif- rica since serving a one-year 6 (Warner 67*, ngidi 3-41) by 12 runs in India’s first innings when “We know it’s a very good Ashwin took three for 99. He hit two sixes in the ficult towards the end so we ban for ball-tampering, kept Sports Monday, February 24, 2020 17 Sensational Fury crushes Wilder in heavyweight title rematch

AFP third leaving him on wobbly heavier than the first encoun- LAS vEgAS legs and although he went Fourteen months after their ter at 273 pounds, Fury was down again moments later it dramatic split-decision on the attack early, backing TYSON Fury reigns again as a was ruled a slip. draw, Britain’s Fury domi- Wilder up with his jab and heavyweight world champion A huge left to the body had nated the American cham- landing several hard shots in after battering Deontay Wilder Wilder down again in the fifth, pion – who had blood drip- the opening round. to a stunning seventh-round and Fury was raining blows Fury failed to produce stoppage in their World Box- on Wilder when Bayless called ping from his left ear and the second-round knockout ing Council title rematch. a halt at 1:39 of the seventh leaking from his mouth he had predicted, but he was Fourteen months after round after one of Wilder’s when referee Kenny Bayless clearly in control. The fight, their dramatic split-decision corner team hurled a white called a halt as Wilder’s arguably the biggest heavy- draw, Britain’s Fury dominat- towel into the ring to save him corner threw in the towel. weight collision since Len- ed the American champion – from further punishment. nox Lewis bludgeoned Mike who had blood dripping from A point deduction in the Tyson into submission on his left ear and leaking from fifth round for holding was tled on into round seven. He is the banks of the Mississippi his mouth when referee Kenny barely a blip for a dominant a warrior, he will be back, he River in 2002, drew a star- Bayless called a halt as Wild- Fury. Two of the judges had will be champion again.” studded crowd. er’s corner threw in the towel. the Briton winning every As the pro-Fury crowd Super Bowl Most Valuable “The king has returned to round, while the third judge of 15,816 at the MGM Grand Player Patrick Mahomes was the top of the throne,” said gave one round to Wilder. cheered, Wilder briefly pro- ringside, so were Mark Davis, Fury, who had dropped Wild- The 34-year-old American tested the stoppage. owner of the NFL’s Las Vegas er in the third and fifth rounds suffered his first defeat in 44 “I just wish that my cor- Raiders and Raiders coach as he remained unbeaten fights, falling to 42-1 with 1 ner would have let me went John Gruden. while handing Wilder the first drawn and 41 knockouts. out on my shield,” he said. Retired NBA greats Magic defeat of his career. The “Bronze Bomber” was “I’m a warrior.” Johnson and Jerry West were The self-styled “Gypsy unable to surpass Muhammad Wilder’s fierce punching on hand, as was current Gold- King” from northern England Ali’s record of 10 successful power had been on full display en State Warriors star Dray- – who was carried to the Las heavyweight title defenses. British boxer Tyson Fury celebrates after defeating US boxer Deontay Wilder in the seventh round during when he knocked Fury down mond Green. Vegas ring on a golden throne “Even the greatest have their World Boxing Council (WBC) Heavyweight Championship Title match at the MGM Grand Garden Arena twice in their first fight in Los Former heavyweight – had put on a boxing mas- lost and come back,” Wilder in Las Vegas on Saturday. (AFP) Angeles – the Briton miracu- world champions Mike Tyson, terclass in their first fight on said. “I make no excuses. This lously climbing off the canvas Lennox Lewis and Evander December 1, 2018, but he was is what big-time boxing is all Wladimir Klitschko for the “I just want to say a big outs. “He manned up. he really in the 12th round to hang on Holyfield were acknowledged clearly ready to brawl from the about.” WBA, IBF and WBO belts – shout out to Deontay Wilder,” did show heart of a champion. for a share of the spoils. in the ring before the bout – opening bell on Saturday. Fury regained a piece of and after depression, drink said Fury, who improved his “I hit him with a clean With new trainer Javan a nod to the fact that boxing’s A massive right from Fury the heavyweight title more and drug problems had threat- own unbeaten record to 30-0 right hand and dropped him, “Sugarhill” Steward in his cor- one-time glamour division knocked down Wilder in the than four years after beating ened to end his career. with one drawn and 21 knock- and he got back up and bat- ner, and more than 16 pounds was back in the spotlight. Fernandes lifts Man utd as Wolves, arsenal win

AFP When asked about challeng- LonDon ing for a Champions League spot, he said: “We’re going to MANCHESTER United moved stay focused because the diffi- onto the shoulder of fourth- culty is to sustain your perfor- placed Chelsea on Sunday after mances through the season. brushing aside lowly Watford as “After that, we’ll see, but it’s Wolves and Arsenal also staked about building your team and their claims for Champions getting them ready to compete Glasgow Rangers players celebrate scoring against Aspire Academy League football next season. whenever, wherever.” during their playoff match of the Al Kass International Cup at the With runaway leaders Liv- In the day’s late kick-off, Ar- Aspire Zone on Sunday. erpool looking certain to win senal recovered from a terrible the Premier League, attention start to hand Carlo Ancelotti’s has switched to the race for Everton their first Premier European places, with just 10 League defeat since New Year’s Lindsay stars for points separating fourth-placed Day. Chelsea from Southampton, in Dominic Calvert-Lewin fin- 12th spot. ished acrobatically after Arsenal Rangers; Kozlov New signing Bruno Fer- failed to deal with a free-kick in nandes opened his goalscor- the first minute. ing account for United at Old Arsenal were level in the Trafford from the penalty spot 27th minute when Eddie Nketi- bags hat-trick before impressive second-half ah finished expertly past Jordan goals from Anthony Martial and Pickford from Bukayo Saka’s TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK Mason Greenwood sealed a 3-0 cross and six minutes later they DohA win. were ahead when Pierre-Em- It means United, who have erick Aubameyang raced clear GLASGOW Rangers secured struggled to find consistency all and finished coolly. fifth place in the Al Kass In- season, are now in fifth place Everton equalised in first- ternational Cup with a hard- on 41 points, just three adrift of half stoppage time when Rich- earned victory over hosts Aspire Chelsea. arlison got the faintest of touch- Academy. United paid tribute to the es to a header from Yerry Mina Rangers went ahead on late Harry Gregg, hero of the Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes celebrates scoring the opening goal from the penalty spot during to poke past Bernd Leno but the half-hour mark when Jack 1958 Munich air disaster, be- their English Premier League match against Watford at Old Trafford in Manchester on Sunday. (AFP) Arsenal retook the lead when Harkness did well to win a fore kick-off at Old Trafford, Aubameyang scored his second header on the halfway line where Fernandes calmed the wants the ball all the time, he return to the lucrative Champi- against bottom-club Norwich at moments after the re-start. and found Robbie Ure, who FC Zenit striker Igor Kozlov reacts nerves in a superb individual wants to conduct the play. ons League after a season away. Molineux. Arsenal survived a late scare fired home. after scoring against Kashiwa display. “I am very pleased for him. “Everyone knows we want Diogo Jota scored twice and to climb to ninth in the table, The Rangers skipper Reysol on Sunday. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer He has done something to the to get into the Champions Raul Jimenez poached his 21st two points behind Wolves. grabbed his second on 36 praised his new signing, who crowd. He shows the attributes League places. I am here to help of the campaign early in the As it stands, fifth place could minutes when getting on the Kashiwa Reysol with a 7-1 win picked up the man-of-the- of a Manchester United player. the team conquer this place and second period to leave Norwich be enough to earn a Champions end of Leyton Dunlop’s qual- thanks to a hat-trick by Igor match award for his display He is a great addition to the keep winning games,” he told seven points adrift of safety and League spot because second- ity pass and he should have Kozlov who moved to the top against Watford. squad.” the BBC. looking doomed. placed Manchester City have completed his hat-trick in the of the Al Kass International “He has done fantastic,” Portugal midfielder Fer- Wolves, in eighth place, are Wolves boss Nuno Espirito been banned from Europe’s final minute of the half. Hark- Cup goalscoring charts. said the Norwegian boss. “He nandes is under no illusions just two points behind United Santo said his side had man- elite competition for two sea- ness broke down the right and Kozlov took his tally to six has given everyone a boost. He over his task as United look to after a convincing 3-0 win aged the game well. sons, pending an appeal. set up Ure who hit the bar goals as Zenit won this seventh/ from close range. eighth place play-off at Aspire, Aspire reduced the arrears his first coming inside two min- on 50 minutes when Al-Qurai- utes when sidefooting home shi won and converted a pen- Kirill Stolbov’s cross. alty. The striker was clipped on Zenit doubled their ad- Quartararo tops Qatar test timesheets the ankle by Kelsey Ewen and vantage on seven minutes and fired home the penalty, and again it was Kozlov who found TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK Qatar Test Day 2 results just six minutes later Aspire the net. Zenit added a third DohA were level when Abdulaziz Al- in the final minute of the half Day 2 results Naimi tapped home from close when Kozlov beat Isshin Taki- FABIO Quartararo (Petronas 1.fabio Quartararo fra Petronas Yamaha (YZr-m1) 1m 54.038s 52/65 range after a fine cross from zawa and crossed for Evgenii 2.alex rins SPa Suzuki ecstar (gSX-rr) +0.162s 52/53 Yamaha SRT) set the fastest 3. maverick Viñales SPa monster Yamaha (YZr-m1) +0.226s 53/68 Talal Al Shaaibi. Tonevitskii to send a perfectly lap of the Qatar Test to top 4. franco morbidelli ita Petronas Yamaha (YZr-m1) +0.443s 55/70 Rangers went back in front placed header inside the post. the timesheets on Day 2 with 5. francesco Bagnaia ita Pramac ducati (gP20) +0.482s 37/52 on 61 minutes when Icelandic Kovlov completed his hat- a 1:54.038, the Frenchman, 6.Johann Zarco fra reale avintia (gP19) +0.527s 55/56 youngster Johannes Bjarnason, trick and became the leading 7. Joan mir SPa Suzuki ecstar (gSX-rr) +0.574s 23/52 beating Day 1 pacesetter Alex 8. andrea dovizioso ita ducati team (gP20) +0.624s 36/60 back following suspension, fin- scorer in the tournament on Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar) by 9. Valentino rossi ita monster Yamaha (YZr-m1) +0.702s 22/52 ished off a great team move in- 53 minutes. 0.162 as Yamaha and Suzuki 10. takaaki nakagami JPn Lcr honda (rc213V) +0.721s 30/43 volving Francis Jacobs, Ure and The Japanese side did grab continue to look very strong. 14. Marc Marquez SPA Repsol Honda (RC213V) +1.055s 26/46 Charlie Lindsay. a consolation goal on 72 min- Third fastest went to Maver- Aspire skipper Mohamed utes when skillful midfielder ick Viñales (Monster Energy Fabio Quartararo of Petronas Yamaha SRT in action on the second adjuster, with Jack Miller Thankfully he was unhurt but Surag showed great skill before Takamu Nakamura found Ota Yamaha MotoGP) as the top day of the Qatar MotoGP Test in Losail on Sunday. (Pramac Racing) admitting at the end of Day 1, the num- hitting the bar in the final 10 Yamamoto whose shot went in trio were split by 0.226. that he’d been using the device ber 93 admitted he’s suffering minutes but Rangers made sure off the post. In the Yamaha camp, P9. Quartararo commented lights go out for Round 1 in a for a number of races – and more here with his shoulder of victory on 89 minutes when Zenit responded by scor- things are looking pretty good that he has a better day than he couple of weeks’ times. that it’s a big help. It’s also than he was at the Sepang Lindsay got on the end of a great ing twice in the space of five if the timesheets is any indica- did on Saturday, however the One team who won’t be worth noting the GP20’s su- Test. Honda, in general, seem pass by Connor Allan. minutes, Nikita Vershinin fir- tor. Quartararo shot to the top Iwata factory are having some benefiting from a holeshot de- perior top speed, with Miller to be struggling slightly in The goal makes him the ing in off the bar on 75 min- with just over an hour and a troubles with engine braking, vice at the opening Grand Prix describing it as a “rocketship” Qatar, Cal Crutchlow (LCR joint top scorer with Igor Kozlov utes and Pshennikov making half of Day 2 remaining with but things don’t seem too bad is Team Suzuki Ecstar. Alex – the Ducatis topping the Honda Castrol) also crashed, of FC Zenit with six goals and it 6-1 two minutes later. the best time of the test, with with all the Yamahas inside Rins and Joan Mir were the timesheets with relative ease. Turn 2 the corner with the also helped to earn his fourth There was still time for Franco Morbidelli (Petronas the top 10 and their holeshot men to beat on Day 1 here but Over at Honda, reigning British rider heading to the man of the match award of the a last-minute goal from Be- Yamaha SRT) claiming P4 and device seems to be a final ver- both had crashes on Day 2. world champion Marc Mar- medical centre afterwards. tournament. lokhonov who netted from Valentino Rossi (Monster En- sion. It remains to be seen Ducati were again using quez (Repsol Honda Team) This ultimately ended Crutch- In the other match, FC close range after a fine cross ergy Yamaha MotoGP) sitting how they utilise that when the their revolutionary ride height suffered a crash at Turn 9. low’s day. Zenit made light work of by Luzan. 18 Monday, February 24, 2020 Sports South Africa battle record entries in al adaid hard to upset desert Challenge 2020 England at TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK Women’s T20 WC DohA AFP cial moments and to do that is ORGANISERS of the Al Adaid PERTh (AUSTRALIA) special,” said Du Preez, who Desert Challenge announced a was playing in her 100th T20 strong growth in participation SOUTH Africa’s batters held international. in this year’s event, with the their nerve to deliver a surprise South Africa’s triumph was number of runners reaching six-wicket victory over England just their fourth victory over 625 for the first time in its five- at the women’s T20 World Cup England from 19 T20Is and has year history. in Perth on Sunday. given them a perfect start to The addition of an ‘MTB + The Proteas are making the contend for a first title. Run’ format for 2020 has fur- early running in Group B along South Africa’s impressive ther boosted interest, attract- with the West Indies, who beat performance started as Van ing 50 competitors seeking to newcomers Thailand on Satur- Niekerk’s decision to bowl was add greater challenge to what day. Only the top two from each vindicated when her accurate is already known as ‘the Gulf of the two five-team groups attack restricted England to region’s toughest one-day of- qualify for the knockout phase. 123 for eight off their 20 overs. froad cycling and running Chasing a modest 124, England had started posi- competition’. The event is South Africa appeared in con- tively through opener Amy slated for February 28. trol at 90 for 1 in the 16th over Jones, who hit four boundaries Organisers also face their before the match turned with in her first 13 balls faced before own challenges in making the the wickets of captain Dane van holing out in the fourth over. race ever more appealing. The Niekerk (46) and Marizanne They were then shackled destination this year is the Kapp (38) in quick succession. by disciplined bowling until recently-opened desert resort Needing nine runs off the Natalie Sciver (50) upped the at Al Majles which is has ca- final over, Mignon du Preez ante in the backend of the in- pacity to offer a luxury expe- was the hero with a six off nings, but their total ultimately rience to the expanded field. the third ball of the final over proved not enough. Reaching the new finish line from Katherine Brunt before England will be hot favour- had already required a two- then hitting the winning runs ites in their next game against kilometre course extension (From left) Moza al Muhannadi, Dr. Abdulaziz al Kuwari, Dr. Jamal al Khanji, Dr. Mohammed Jaham al Kuwari and Hassan Ali al Maslamani with a boundary. Thailand in Canberra on and the addition of an eighth during a press conference of the Al Adaid Desert Challenge in Doha on Sunday. The event will take place on February 28. “There was a lot of nerves, Wednesday, while South Africa dune, however with the shift- but I’ve played enough games play the southeast Asian debu- ing sands allowing the sea to extremely friendly and very and this year we have had a cord entry – more than 600 some of Qatar’s most iconic in my career to step up in cru- tants on Friday. inundate the planned route, welcoming.” huge increase in participa- riders for the first time - with cultural and tourism assets in the Challenge will now feature Pilley’s sentiments were tion, created in part by the a rising number of Qatari par- the context of sport.” ten dune crossings along the echoed by favourite for the addition of a new off-road du- ticipants.” Speaking about the event, 40-kilometre cycling route, ladies’ title, Pia Sundstedt, athlon competition. Dr. Mohammed Jaham al Moza al Muhannadi, Director with a strength-sapping seven “For me, as a Qatar resident, “We are looking for a great Kuwari, President of Qatar CSR, Sponsorship and Media Firox, Royal Stars win dunes over 28.5 kilometres this is the highlight of the event, a challenging course, Cycling and Triathlon Federa- at Ooredoo, said: “We’re de- for runners. year. The atmosphere, the de- with more dunes, which we tion said: “It has been amaz- lighted to be sponsoring the The Al Adaid Desert Chal- sert, arriving at the finish in a believe our participants are ing to witness the Al Adaid 2020 edition of the Al Adaid in Qatar Airways cricket lenge is designated as UCI desert camp, the Arabic flair, going to enjoy. We would also Desert Challenge grow from Desert Challenge. Supporting category 3 mountain bike the Arabic hospitality is pre- like to invite spectators, to a small amateur race to its events such as these, which TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK race - the only Qatari event sent and almost touchable in follow the race - which will be current form, hosting elite cy- encourage a healthy, active DohA currently to feature on the this race.” a fun day in the desert. clists from all over the world. lifestyle, is a key part of our International Cycling Union’s As many as 20 athletes “The event will conclude It has been one of the major corporate social responsibil- FIROX Unit and Royal Stars calendar – bringing an inter- will form the elite field, in- with a youth race at the finish achievements to create this ity strategy. We look forward proved too strong for their ri- national field and contribut- cluding last year’s winner line, where future stars will race, the most important for to an exciting race and some vals in the Premier Division ing to the region’s developing Frédéric Gombert (France) get a feel of what their own the cycling community in Qa- impressive performances matches at the prestigious Waqas Bhatti Inam-ul-Haq prominence as a sport tour- and second-placed Faraz Al Adaid Desert Challenge is tar. We thank Qatar Cyclists from all the participants.” annual Qatar Airways Cricket ism destination. Professional Shokri (Iran). Representing going to be like. We would for organising it and we wish Hassan Ali al Maslamani, Tournament. and former professional elite Qatar, National Champion- like to thank all our partners a great 2020 race for all par- Senior Administration Man- Firox Unit crushed Tusker Results athletes seeking racing oppor- ship title holder, Marwan al and sponsors; Qatar National ticipants.” ager and Souq Waqif Branch Club by 110 runs with Waqas Premier Division tunities during the European Jalham, who placed 4th in Tourism Council, Ooredoo, Representing Qatar Na- Manager at Doha Insurance Bhatti having a good all-round Firox Unit beat Tusker Club by 110 runs Firox Unit: 231 in 43.3 overs (Qalandar Khan 54, winter come in pursuit of a the open race last year, will Doha Insurance Group, Doha tional Tourism Council, a Group, said: “We are glad to performance and former Qa- Waqas Bhatti 38, raja asif 32; Validh 3/24, Bipin prize purse which this year be joined by Fadhel al Khater Takaful, Qatar Cycling and partner and leading sponsor be the Gold Sponsor of this tar skipper Inam-Ul-Haq 3/52) will be QR215,000 but they and Abdulla al Khater in lead- Triathlon Federation, Rayyan of the Challenge, Rashed al special event and to further grabbed five wickets to spark Tusker Club: 121 in 26.1 overs (akash 27, Shaqir are also attracted by the ex- ing a local challenge against Water, Garmin, Doha Bus, Qurese, Chief Marketing Of- develop our successful part- Royal Stars to beat Doha Fal- 24; ahsan 3/9, Waqas Bhatti 2/37) otic character of the event. the visitors. Rasen Adventure Shop, GMC ficer said: “Qatar has estab- nership with Qatar Cyclists cons by 34 runs. Player of the Match: Waqas Bhatti (firox Unit) Morgan Pilley, an Aus- Local businesses have to name the main ones,” he lished itself as a major player Center by organising anoth- Qalandar Khan’s 54 with Royal Stars beat Doha Falcons by 34 runs tralian national team mem- come to the support of Qatar added. in the sports tourism industry er memorable edition of Al five boundaries in 53 balls laid Royal Stars: 192 in 36.4 overs (mudassar Qayyum ber resident in Italy, and Cyclists and Qatar Cycling Dr. Abdulaziz al Kuwari, during the past decade and Adaid Desert Challenge. It is a the base of Firox Unit’s 231 in 55, hamad 30; ismail 4/37, mughees 2/32) Doha Falcons: 158 in 36.5 overs (Basit 24, inam- making his third attempt to Federation in cementing the President of Qatar Cyclists the Al Adaid Desert Challenge third year of our partnership 43.3 overs. Bhatti followed his Ul-haq 5/21, Shahrukh 3/39) reach the podium, explained, Al Adaid Desert Challenge’s Center said: “Qatar Cyclists plays a huge role in strength- with Al Adaid Desert Chal- 38 with two wickets to win the Player of the Match: inam-Ul-haq (royal Stars) “It’s a great event that is very international appeal. Al Adaid take joy and pride in im- ening the country’s reputation lenge. We are proud support- Player of the Match award. well organised and is set in Desert Challenge Managing proving the Al Adaid Chal- as a main destination for ad- ers of an event, which pro- Mudassar Qayyum removed half the Doha Falcons an amazing, unique envi- Director Dr Jamal al Khanji lenge every year and in this venture sport enthusiasts. We motes sports and encourages smashed two sixes and three side for 21 runs to complete a ronment. I love coming to said: “Every year the Al Adaid fifth edition we are especially are proud to play our part in members of our community boundaries in 55 to guide Royal splendid show. Shahrukh also Qatar where the people are Desert Challenge has grown pleased to achieve another re- that success and to showcase to lead healthy lifestyles.” Stars to 192. Haq, who made 20, picked three for 39. Crovetto, Pacheco bag Kamran, Tanveer star for Qatar TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK Brief scores Mixed Skeet gold medal DohA Results (Group A) KAMRAN Khan’s scintillating Qatar beat Maldives by 106 runs TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK Qatar (toss): 196 for 4 off 20 overs (Kamran Khan Jafarova and Emin Jafarov Yechshenko had seven hits on 88 and Muhammad Tanveer’s 88, muhammadtanveer 64, mohammed rizlan 31 DohA struck 37 and won the bronze the target to finish as the num- hurricane 64 not only enter- not out, mauroof 1 wkt, adam 1 wkt, tharaka 2 wkts) medal with a comfortable ber one qualifying duo. tained the small crowd present Maldives: 90 for 9 off 20 overs (mututanthrige 26, FRANCISCA Crovetto and 10-target win over Kazakh- Earlier, all the three medal- in Amerat but also highlighted hassan 16, ibrahim 18; muhammad awais malik 2 wkts, muhammad nadeem 2 wkts, tamoor Sajjad 2 Nicolas Pacheco became the stan’s Assem Orynbay and Da- winning pairs were locked at Qatar’s six-hitting prowess in wkts, iqbal hussain chaudhry 2 wkts) proud winners of the first vid Pochivalov. 140 after the qualifying rounds their 106-run victory against Man of the Match: Kamran Khan (Qatar) Mixed Skeet gold medal at the This is the first time that and in the resultant shoot- Maldives in ACC Western Re- Qatar Open for Shotgun at the the Qatar Open included off, the eventual third-placed gion T20 Tournament game Oman beat Bahrain by eight wickets Bahrain (toss): 83 all out off 17.1 overs (B.Khan Lusail Ranges on Sunday. the Mixed Skeet event and it Jafarova and Jafarov could get on Sunday. 3-8, K.ali 4-16) Chilean Crovetto, the 2012 turned out to be quite excit- only three, while the other two In the day’s second lop- Oman: 84 for 2 off 13.2 overs (K.ali 38*, J.Singh 35) Lonato World Cup bronze ing with top three pairs being teams shot four each. sided match, Qatar kept Mal- Man of the Match: Khawar ali (oman) medallist, and 2013 Junior involved in a tight shootoff for Qatar’s Abdulaziz al At- dives on a leather hunt for Group B World Cup Trap champion the medal matchups. tiyah and Reem al Sharshani much of their 20 overs and Kuwait beat Saudi Arabia by nine wickets Peruvian Pacheco held their The champions had lost to combined to post 135 and then bowled exceptionally well Saudi Arabia: 113 all out off 17.5 overs (a.nawfer nerves to beat Kazakhs Ana- Molchanova and Yechshenko missed out on the medal round to restrict them to just 90 for 9 4-9) stassiya Molchanova and Al- by a target after they got six. by finishing fifth. Qatar’s sec- to complete a comfortable win. Kuwait (toss): 114 for 1 off 10.3 overs (r.deSilva 84*) exandr Yechshenko 32-31 in a But they did well in the finals ond team of Sheikh Moham- Opener Kamran and one Man of the Match: ravija Sandaruwan de Silva gripping finale. to take the revenge and bag the med al Thani and Hanan Haji drop Tanveer were involved in (Kuwait) Azerbaijan’s Nurlana top honours. Molchanova and shot 120 to get the ninth place. an entertaining 109-run part- UAE beat Iran by 10 wickets nership for the second wicket Iran: 61 for 8 off 20 overs that came to an end after the UAE (toss): 62 for 0 off 5.3 overs (r.mustafa 41*) latter got out in the 13th over. Man of the Match: rohan mustafa (Uae) His 31-ball knock included seven fours and three sixes. Kamran continued his six-hit- slumped to 57 for 5 and then ting spree and by the time he to 69 for 8. Qatar bowlers was dismissed by Tharaka Ru- knew the best way to win a wan Kumara for 88 in the 18th Kamran Khan of Qatar receives the Man of the Match award after his T20 game is by taking wickets over he had already slammed 88 against Maldives in the ACC Western Region T20 Tournament in and they executed the formula seven sixes and six boundaries Muscat, Oman on Sunday. to perfection. in an innings that fetched him Muhammad Awais Ma- player of the match award. here are for batting. I took some derful preparation playing lik, Tamoor Sajjad, skipper Mohammed Rizlan later time to settle down and once I against Uganda and the boys Iqbal Hussain Chaudhry and joined the party with his own got my eye in I was able to play are in great shape. We know Muhammad Nadeem were little show, smacking 31 not my strokes freely,” he added. how good Oman team is. For all economical and menac- out off 18, including three The Qatar opener said us, they are a big team to beat ing at the same time, taking huge sixes, taking Qatar’s sixes Oman was the team to beat but we are very keen to do well two wickets each as Maldives tally to 16 for the game. in the tournament and was here and expect to cause some could manage a mere 90 in its Kamran said he was confi- looking forward to his team upsets in the coming days,” 20 overs. dent of doing well on Oman’s springing a few surprises. said Kamran. Qatar will next take on batting-friendly pitches. “We “The team has been prac- Maldives’ hopes of giving Oman on Monday while Mal- Mixed Skeet gold medallists Francisca Crovetto and Nicolas Pacheco (centre) with other podium-finishing had played here last year and ticing hard before the tour- Qatar a good chase evaporat- dives face Bahrain later in teams after the finals at the Qatar open in Shotgun in lusail on Sunday. we know how good pitches over nament. We have had a won- ed in thin air as they quickly the day. Sports Monday, February 24, 2020 19

Djoko urges Flying high and dealing with expectations, Davis and ATP Cups to Kenin aims for more success on Doha debut merge or die VINAY NAYUDU Ukrainian Dayana Yastremska she was really nice about it, DohA or Belgian . she congratulated me, just AFP Kenin, who lost to Latvian asked me how I’m feeling I DUBAI FOR someone who took to Jelena Ostapenko in the Fed I just feel like a lot of told her, obviously, I have at the tender age of five Cup, and to the fast-rising people are watching and more expectations, more pres- NOVAK Djokovic on Sunday moving from Moscow in Rus- Russian in the talking from the outside. sure. And she just said just try called on the rival ATP and Da- sia to Florida in the US, Sofia round of 32 in Dubai, is aiming The racket doesn’t feel that to figure out how to manage it. vis Cups to combine in order to Kenin was already hailed as a for a fresh start at the Premier heavy, it’s still the same, Obviously it’s not easy, but it’s survive as he prepared for the star at seven when she played 5 tournament which has six of super exciting. She was really Dubai Championships. in a mixed doubles match with the world’s top ten playing. but, I feel like I really want happy for me and, because we Djokovic, who recently won Jim Courier against Venus “I had the Fed Cup, and to start off well and keep talked, I know her, she toured his eighth title Williams and Todd Martin. last week it was a tough match my momentum going me around in Miami so I was and led Serbia to the ATP Cup Less than a month ago, and for me. She (Rybakina) played forward. So hopefully I can really happy. And we talked a trophy last month, made his at 21, Kenin joined the band a really good match, she’s on a do that this week and more little bit about the video and plea prior to starting this week of , Jennifer hot streak. I just feel like I need weeks to come. the one that came out on WTA as top seed at the Aviation Club. Capriati, to get more matches in. Obvi- and she was saying she got “In my opinion, they have to and Venus and Serena Wil- ously, a bit more pressure com- – Sofia Kenin chills seeing that. I almost had merge,” the world number one liams as the only American ing from the outside. A lot more tears, so I just watched it once, said of the two competitions, women to win a expectations, but I got to figure I was done.” which are held less than two title in the past two decades. out how to manage it,” she said. getting overwhelmed? Kenin will have a lot more months apart at the end of one The Australian Open win- When asked how was she “Prior to Australia every- eyes watching her in this part season and the start of the next ner is now in Qatar for her first is figuring it out, Kenin said, thing obviously there was dif- of the world when she soon and he believes should become tournament in Doha carrying a “I’m just talking to my dad (Al- ferent kind of pressure, but I takes to the court at the Khal- “one super cup”. baggage of expectations. Hav- exander, also her coach), my did have like expectations, I ifa International Stadium. Also “That’s necessary because ing played the Fed Cup and agent and just trying to figure was hard on myself. I want to what would be noticed is her for me personally it will be very in Dubai recently, the results out what’s the best way I can do well in every tournament, so unique style of serving with a difficult to play every single year haven’t been as encouraging handle it. It’s been only a week it’s not a surprise. And nothing’s high ball toss. both competitions, so I’m go- and the pressure of being a since I had like a little drop, so Sofia Kenin during a press conference at the Khalifa International Ten- changed from my side the way I “It just happened like that ing to have to choose,” said the Grand Slam champion seems – because Fed Cup was fine, nis and Squash complex on Sunday. (MAHMOUD HEFNAWY) am, because I hate losing.” when I was little. And we tried 32-year-old. to be weighing heavy on the I played well, I was actually Maybe Kenin could use to change it, it didn’t work, I “I don’t think this is (a) sus- player’s shoulders. proud with the way I came back people are watching and talk- keep my momentum going some of the advice she received have done it like that, I won a tainable model for our tennis.” Confident though, a beam- but last week was a bit tough.” ing from the outside. The rack- forward. So hopefully I can do from six-time Grand Slam Grand Slam, so I think I can “What I don’t like with ing Kenin opened up to a flurry On the expectations and et doesn’t feel that heavy, it’s that this week and more weeks champion whom live with that and I think I can Davis Cup is you don’t have a of questions even as she awaits how it is different now, Kenin still the same, but, I feel like I to come.” she met recently. do the same thing,” she ex- possibility to play at home any her second round opponent in said, “I just feel like a lot of really want to start off well and As a champion is Kenin “I talked to her in Dubai, plained with a smile. more,” he said. Muguruza survives marathon opener as Jabeur dazzles

VINAY NAYUDU DohA Qatar Total Open 2020 RESULTS SINGLES AUSTRALIAN Open 2020 fi- Garbine Muguruza of (BeL) bt Polona hercog (SLo) 6-2, 6-2 nalist and also in Doha in 2018, Spain in action against Q-Bernarda Pera (USa) bt (fra) Garbine Muguruza survived Daria Kasatkina of russia 6-3, 6-1 Goerges visits German 11-garbine muguruza (eSP) bt daria Kasakina a scare after missing a match during the round of 64 of (rUS) 7-5, 5-7, 6-3 point in a marathon while Ons the Qatar Total open at Q-Priscilla hon (aUS) bt ajla tomljanovic (aUS) 6-2, 6-4 Int’l School in Doha Jabeur, the pride of Arab world, the Khalifa International Karolina muchova (cZe) bt (PoL) made a whirlwind start in con- Tennis & Squash complex 6-3, 6-1 Svetlana Kuznetsova (rUS) bt Wc-cagla Buyukakcay vincing manner on the opening on Sunday. (tUr) 6-2, 6-2 TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK to receive her. and relatively warmer day of (MAHMOUD HEFNAWY) Q- bt (KaZ) DohA HE Ambassador Hans- Qatar Total Open at the Khalifa 6-3, 6-2 Udo Muzel said, “The German Veronika Kudermetova (rUS) bt International Tennis & Squash (fra) 7-6 (8-6), 0-6, 6-3 JULIA Goerges, the World Embassy is proud to join QTF Complex on Sunday. 16- (BeL) bt Qiang Wang (chn) 6-1, No. 36 and Germany’s second and the German International 6-2 The WTA Premier 5 $3.2mn amanda anisimova (USa) bt highest-ranked player, paid a School in welcoming German tournament threw up the first (rUS) 6-3, 7-6 (7-4) courtesy visit to the German female tennis star Julia Go- Wc- (tUn) bt Q-Katerina Siniakova (cZe) of thrillers as two former World 6-3, 6-2 International School in Doha erges. Thank you, QTF for this No. 10 players – Muguruza on Sunday. great initiative! The German and Daria Kasatkina of Russia DOUBLES The 31-year-old, who is Embassy is always committed 5-Yifan Xu (chn) & (USa) bt alex locked horns. While Spaniard guarachi (chi) & (PoL) 6-3, 7-6 featuring at the Qatar Total to promoting women empow- Muguruza is currently ranked 16 (7-2) Open 2020, was received on erment through sports with its hayley carter (USa) & Luisa Stefani (Bra) bt makoto and Kasatkina 71 didn’t matter nimomiya (JPn) & Zhaoxuan Yang (chn) 6-2, 3-6, her arrival by HE Ambassador Qatari partners.” on court as the Russian refused 10-7 Hans-Udo Muzel, the Ambas- Goerges has won seven sin- Lyudmila Kichenok & (UKr) bt Kiki to give away perhaps deriving Bertens & Julia georges (ger) 7-5, 1-6, 10-3 sador of Germany to Qatar. gles and five doubles titles on strength from their two previous that we have played has been like both very motivated to get pushed to make it 5-5 and even- 7-hao-ching chan & (tPe) bt Shuko Several embassy offi- the WTA Tour, as well as six and recent three-sets meetings long and three sets and tough the win and with the history of tually force a tie-break. aoyama & (JPn) 6-3, 6-3 cials, as well as members of singles and six doubles titles where she had won. matches. I had a lot of opportu- the matches we know that it’s a In the second set, Muguruza the board, staff and students on the ITF Women’s Circuit. It wasn’t to be this time as nities maybe to step it up earlier, battle.” missed out on making the most in the second round. There of the German International Principal of the German Muguruza held her own in the in the first set, in the second set, And a battle it indeed was. of a match point as Kasatkina were, however, no hiccups for School in Doha including International School of Doha see-saw battle to emerge a re- but, I think I could have played Muguruza saved a break point showed great recovery skills. Tunisian wild card Ons Jabeur, Rawda al Zaidan Director of Dirk Dillschneider said, “The lieved victor at 7-5, 3-6, 7-6 (7) better at certain moments. In in the first game of the opening The third set seemed to go who made the quarter-final of Private Schools Affairs at the whole school community was after two hours and 49 minutes. the end it’s a victory and I’m set and broke Kasatkina in the Muguruza’s way with much the Australian Open. Ministry of Education and excited about the visit of Ju- It was this year’s fourth longest happy for it.” next for a 3-0 lead. Kasatkina ease as she led 4-2 but Kasat- Hailed for her Grand Slam Higher Education and Lolwah lia Gorges. The students wel- match that featured seven con- On what makes Kasatkina then took three games in a row kina broke back to make it 3-4. show and brimming with con- al Marri President of Women’s comed her with full enthusi- secutive breaks of serve, even- push her each time they meet, (including a 10-minute service Another fight back seemed on fidence, she sailed past qualifier Sport Committee were also in asm. I am thanking you, that tually tallying 50 winners to 69 Muguruza said, “I feel like she game) for a 3-2 lead. cards but an alert Muguruza Czech Katerina Siniakova 6-3, attendance at the event. Julia took the time to show unforced errors. always brings a very good level Muguruza then powered to quelled the challenge well in 6-2 and awaits the winner of all- The player was conducted our students a short view on Delighted at her win, Mu- of tennis when she has to at least a 5-3 lead and this is where the time to ensure advance. American clash between Jen- round the school and she had the life of a tennis professional guruza said, “I was expecting a play me. Maybe she likes my 16th-seeded Spaniard failed to Up next for the Spaniard will nifer Brady and 13th seed Alison an interactive session with the female player. Good luck Julia tough match. All the matches game, I don’t know, but we feel close things out as Kasatkina be Australian Ajla Tomljanovic Riske. students who were very happy Gorges!” Qatar experience delights Barty, says she’s keen on Olympics too

VINAY NAYUDU other favourite sport cricket something fresh and really ex- tour, so it’s been fantastic.” cle. I’m really excited and it’s a DohA (where too she had excelled) citing,” she said. About the switch from week that I really, really want to for tennis, she has been excel- Given her great run in ten- cricket to tennis, Barty said, “I prioritise this year and try and THIS is the first time that Ash- ling by leaps and bounds. Her nis, does being the No. 1 add to think every sport is different do the best that I can, not just leigh Barty is playing in the Qa- presence at the Qatar Total the expectations? and obviously when I had my to be playing at the Olympics tar Total Open and the amiable Open 2020 has provided for “First and foremost there’s break I wasn’t sure whether I but to really go there and to try World No.1 says she’s already the added excitement and Bar- no pressure for me to stay as would play tennis again or not. and win a medal for myself and loving being in Doha. ty is only keen to get going. No. 1. I think obviously all of But, yeah, obviously cricket is my country and I think that’s “Its beautiful conditions Since the opening Grand the girls that are pushing me, a massive part of Australian a week of the year that we’re here and I really like it,” said Slam of the year, Barty didn’t challenging me, we’re making culture, it’s an incredible sport really looking forward to and the 23-year-old while address- play in any of the tournaments each other better tennis players and I think there were bits and definitely prioritising.” ing the media on Sunday, and flew straight from Austral- and I think that’s the best thing pieces that helped each other. Meanwhile, it’s Qatar for ahead of her opening match ia to Doha after a break. is we all challenge each other I think my tennis helped my the Australian and she is in- against ‘lucky loser’ qualifier “I feel good. I needed to every single day. All I’m trying cricket and my cricket helped deed enjoying her experience Laura Siegemund of Germany have an extra few days off just to do is improve every single my tennis in a way, in a bizarre though she hasn’t seen any of who beat Kazakh Yaroslava Sh- to let my body settle. We had day and regardless of whether way.” the FIFA World Cup 2022 sta- vedova in the first round. a couple little niggles going on I stay at that No. 1 ranking or Despite the coronavirus diums as yet. Barty, who won the French after the Australian Open. I’ve I don’t, I try and do the right scare and worries, Barty is also “I haven’t seen any of the Open last year and also made never played here so it’s kind of things every single day and keen on making it to the 2020 World Cup facilities, but we did the semi-final of the Australian a new thing for me – but, yeah, it’s been an incredible ride for Olympics in Tokyo and feels go through the town yesterday Open last month, has been on it was nice to spend some time me since I came back into the nothing can dampen the spirit. and rode on the tram, which I a break since a ‘heartbreak’ loss at home with my family. Obvi- World number one Ashley Barty of Australia, speaks to the media in sport. Obviously I had a differ- “In my opinion noth- know is a new and exciting part to American Sofia Kenin given ously parts of my family were Doha on Sunday. (MAHMOUD HEFNAWY) ent phase during my journey ing can dampen the Olympic of this city. And I think what the huge home expectations. with me at the Australian Open and through my life of playing game spirit. Personally, I’m they have done with the infra- Barty is the only second and my other sister wasn’t, so But it was nice. that we kind of get that, we play different sports and different extremely excited for my first structure is incredible. But like WTA No. 1 player after indige- it was nice to catch up with my “And then to get into a bit the same tournaments and the things like that, but it’s been Olympics. For me represent- I said, for me this is a new place nous Australian player Evonne niece and nephew at home who of training angle then to come same kind of calendar through- amazing coming back into the ing your country is the best to visit, a new experience, a Goolagong Cawley. had been watching and kind of here and experience something out the year, so it’s a nice to sport. I’ve had a great three thing that you can do and at new culture and, yeah, I’m lov- For someone who quit her enjoyed that month with me. new for the first time, it’s rare experience something new, years almost now fully back on an Olympic level it’s the pinna- ing it.”