MONDAY 2 MARCH 2020 SPORTSPORT 07

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NBA: Westbrook sizzles as Rockets Davis-Gaither to have foot edge Celtics; Grizzlies shock Lakers surgery REUTERS — NEW YORK AFP — LOS ANGELES out and played with a sense of desperation,” Lakers star Appalachian State line- Russell Westbrook delivered a Russell Westbrook (left) of the Houston Anthony Davis said. “They backer Akeem Davis- game-high 41 points as the Rockets takes a shot against Marcus Smart wanted it more than us tonight, Gaither will have surgery Houston Rockets defeated (centre) of the Boston Celtics during their and it showed.” to repair a stress fracture Boston 111-110 in overtime to NBA game. Dillon Brooks scored 24 in his right foot, according cap a season sweep of the points and Jonas Valanciunas to multiple reports Celtics. added 22 points and 20 Saturday from the NFL James Harden, who made rebounds for the Grizzlies. Scouting Combine. just seven of 31 baskets and had LeBron James scored 19 He posted 21 reps in five turnovers, gained a small points and Davis added 15 with the 225-pound bench measure of redemption from his nine rebounds. press in Indianapolis, but poor shooting night by making The Lakers sliced the deficit he will not participate in two late free throws in the win. to nine points with less than any more workouts Harden’s free throws gave seven minutes remaining, but before the NFL draft in Houston the lead and then the Grizzlies pushed the lead April. Rockets defence took over back to 18 and Lakers coach CBS Sports rated him forcing Boston’s Jaylen Brown Frank Vogel emptied his bench as the No. 5 linebacker in to miss his late shot to clinch for the waning minutes. the draft pool before the the victory. “We knew they were going combine but said he had Harden finished with 21 to play with desperation,” Vogel improved his draft stock points after being double said. “They’re currently the after measuring “a little teamed most of the night. eighth seed in the playoffs and taller and heavier than Robert Covington had a double- they lost five straight. expected.” Davis-Gaither double with 16 points and 16 “Our guys have done a will have surgery Tuesday rebounds for Houston, who won great job throughout most of the with Dr. Robert Anderson their sixth straight. year playing with energy and in Green Bay, Wis., and “We had a lot of attention matching the energy of the faces a recovery time of on James Harden,” Celtics guard home team -- we just fell short 6-8 weeks, NFL Network’s Brown said. with that tonight.” Tom Pelissero reported. “We forgot about the other The Grizzlies went into the “It was a hard decision MVP over there.” night two games ahead of the whether to have the Jayson Tatum finished with 32 points and 13 rebounds, and “I thought the right team points and tied his season high New Orleans Pelicans for the surgery at the end of the Brown added 22 points for the won,” Celtics coach Brad with 14 assists for the Grizzlies, eighth and final playoff spot in season or not,” Davis- NBA RESULTS Celtics. Marcus Smart scored 26 Stevens said. “I thought they who led by as many as 22 points the West. Gaither said according to points and Daniel Theis tallied were better than us -- not by in the third quarter. Davis said the Lakers’ road SI.com. Boston 110, Houston 111 (OT) 15 rebounds and three blocks much, but at least by one.” The victory in Memphis trip won’t get any easier when The Senior Bowl par- Cleveland 104, Indiana 113 in the loss. Elsewhere, the Memphis snapped the West-leading they arrive at New Orleans on ticipant played with the San Antonio 114, Orlando 113 Brown hit the buzzer- Grizzlies, clinging to the eighth Lakers’ seven-game winning Sunday. injury during the 2019 Atlanta 129, Portland 117 beating three-pointer that and final playoff spot in the NBA streak. “Tomorrow we’re going season, when he tallied 104 Miami 116, Brooklyn 113 forced overtime. He grabbed a Western Conference, snapped The Grizzlies out- into another arena where a tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss Phoenix 99, Golden State 115 loose ball after Tatum missed a five-game skid with a 105-88 rebounded the Lakers 51-45 and team is fighting for the same and five sacks and was

Memphis 105, LA Lakers 88 two free throws with five victory over the Los Angeles harried Los Angeles into 16 (eighth) spot, so it’s a precursor named Sun Belt Defensive New York 125, Chicago 115 seconds left and Boston trailing Lakers on Saturday. turnovers leading to 22 of what we’re going to see Player of the Year. 104-101. Rookie Ja Morant scored 27 Memphis points. “They came tomorrow,” he said. NHL: Blues stay hot with win over Dallas Stars REUTERS — ST. LOUIS

Ryan O’Reilly scored the winning shootout goal to lead the St. Louis Blues past the visiting Dallas Stars 4-3 for their seventh consecutive victory. The Stars rallied from a 3-1 deficit to force overtime -- with John Klingberg scoring the tying goal with 19 seconds left in regulation. But O’Reilly scored the only goal in the shootout. The Central Division-leading Blues have had three winning streaks of at least seven games this season, a franchise first. Bruins 4, Islanders 0 David Pastrnak scored his 47th goal, defenseman Charlie McAvoy had one goal with two assists and Tuukka Rask needed just 25 saves for his 49th career shutout as Boston extended its Ondrej Kase road winning streak over New (foreground) York to 10 games with a shutout of the Boston in Uniondale, N.Y. Bruins is checked Brad Marchand recorded a by Matt Martin goal with an assist, and Matt (right) of the New Grzelcyk scored for the first York Islanders time since November as the during their NHL Bruins won for the 13th time in game. their last 16 games. Lightning 4, Flames 3 Tampa Bay’s special teams Martin Kaut also had goals for goals and had an assist, and scored three times against vis- Colorado, which has won a Ryan Nugent-Hopkins tallied iting Calgary just after it was franchise-best eight straight three points, including the announced that Steven road games and six in a row game-winning goal with 5:16 Stamkos (lingering core muscle overall. remaining, to lead Edmonton injury) would miss the Sharks 5, Penguins 0 over visiting Winnipeg. remainder of the Lightning’s Evander Kane and Timo It was the fourth game- regular season. Meier each had a goal and an winning goal of the season for Tyler Johnson and Ondrej assist, and goaltender Martin Nugent-Hopkins, who took a Palat netted power-play goals, Jones posted his second feed from Draisaitl in the right Yanni Gourde had a short- shutout of the season as host circle and fired a shot inside the handed tally, and Alex Killorn San Jose blanked Pittsburgh left post past Connor Helle- added a marker. Nikita to spoil the return of Patrick buyck for his 19th goal of the Kucherov and Mikhail Ser- Marleau. season. gachev each contributed two Joel Kellman, Logan Maple Leafs 4, Canucks 2 assists. Couture and Joe Thornton also Defenceman Martin Mar- Avalanche 3, Predators 2 scored for San Jose, which won incin scored his first goal of the Erik Johnson had a goal and its second in a row after season 18 seconds into the third an assist, Pavel Francouz snapping a five-game losing period to break a tie and stopped 30 shots, and visiting streak. Jones made 30 saves for Toronto went on to defeat vis- Colorado beat Nashville as the 24th shutout of his seven- iting Vancouver. Johnson’s two points gave him year career. Frederik Gauthier, Auston 300 for his career. Oilers 3, Jets 2 Matthews and Zach Hyman also Gabriel Landeskog and Leon Draisaitl scored two scored for the Maple Leafs. 08 SPORT MONDAY 2 MARCH 2020

List of sports events affected by virus from China ARCHERY ISSF International Solidarity Championships in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on Feb. 22-28 postponed. World Cup in Shanghai from May 4-10 cancelled. ATHLETICS World indoor championships in Nanjing from March 13-15 postponed to March 2021. Marathon on Feb. 9 cancelled. Asian indoor championships in Hangzhou from Feb. 12-13 canceled. Asian cross-country championships in Hong Kong on March 29 postponed. Tokyo Marathon on March 1: Restricted to elite runners. Nagoya Women’s Marathon on March 8: Restricted to elite runners. Pyongyang Marathon in North Korea on April 12 cancelled. AUTO RACING Formula One’s Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai on April 19 postponed. Formula E’s Sanya E-Prix in Sanya on March 21 cancelled. China Masters in Hainan from Feb. 25-March 1 postponed. Asian team championships in Manila from Feb. 11-16: China and Hong Kong withdrew. German Open in Mulheim from March 3-8 cancelled. Polish Open in Krakow from March 26-29 postponed. Vietnam International Challenge in Hanoi postponed from March 24-29 to June 2-7. BASEBALL Nippon Professional Baseball: All preseason games from Feb. 26-March 15, no spectators. BASKETBALL Women’s Olympic qualifying tournament moved from Foshan, China, to Belgrade, Serbia, from Feb. 6-9. Asia Cup qualifiers postponed: Philippines vs. on Feb. 20; Japan vs. China on Feb. 21; China vs. on Feb. 24. Matches scheduled for Hong Kong moved to opponents’ homes. South Korean Basketball League: All games from Feb. 25-March 31 no spectators. Women’s Chinese Basketball Association League: All games postponed. BOXING Asia-Oceania Olympic qualifier moved from Wuhan, China, to , , from March 3-11. CYCLING UAE Tour cancelled on Feb. 27 after 5 of 7 stages. This collage show runners fill the street at the start of the Tokyo Marathon 2019 in Tokyo, Japan in EQUESTRIAN this March 3, 2019 (right) and runners start at the Tokyo Marathon 2020 in Tokyo, Japan yesterday. HK showjumping leg of Longines Masters Series from Feb. 14-16 cancelled. The 2020 Tokyo Marathon was limited to elite runners marking the latest sports events to be affected FIELD HOCKEY Hockey Pro League matches between China and Belgium on Feb. 8-9 and Australia on March 14-15 postponed. by fears over the new coronavirus. India women’s tour of China from March 14-25 cancelled. Ireland women’s tour of Malaysia in March-April cancelled. GOLF LPGA Tour Ethiopia's Birhanu wins Honda LPGA Thailand in Pattaya from Feb. 20-23 cancelled. HSBC Women’s World Championship in Singapore from Feb. 27-March 1 cancelled. Blue Bay LPGA on Hainan Island from March 5-8 cancelled. virus-hit Tokyo Marathon European Tour Maybank Championship in , Malaysia, from April 16-19 postponed. China Open in Shenzhen from April 23-26 postponed. AFP — TOKYO sporting events to be affected by the coronavirus Japan LPGA Tour in Japan, with the Olympic Games opening cer- Daikin Orchid Ladies in Okinawa from March 5-8: Spectators banned. Birhanu Legese of Ethiopia won the virus-hit emony less than five months away. GYMNASTICS Tokyo Marathon reduced from a mass partici- Last week, the International Tennis Feder- Artistic World Cup in Melbourne, Australia, from Feb. 20-23: China team withdrew. pation event of 38,000 runners to just elite ation said Japan’s home Davis Cup tie against American Cup in Milwaukee on March 7: Russia team withdrew. athletes yesterday because of the COVID-19 Ecuador in Miki next weekend will be played HANDBALL outbreak. behind closed doors. Olympic women’s qualifying tournament in Montenegro from March 20-22: China withdrew. Hong Kong declined The race, which doubled up as an trial for The Japanese Football Association has post- invitation to attend. Japanese athletes hoping to in their home poned all top-flight J-League matches until March HORSE RACING Tokyo Olympics later this year, was limited to 15. Japan Racing Association: All races from Feb. 27 to have no spectators, indefinitely. 200 participants including wheelchair racers. The International Olympic Committee said ICE HOCKEY Legese won his second successive Tokyo mar- last week it was “fully committed” to holding the Chinese clubs in Supreme Hockey League playing home games in Russia. athon in 2hr 4min 15sec with Bashir Abdi of 2020 Games in Tokyo as planned, despite the Women’s Challenge Cup of Asia in Manila, Philippines, from Feb. 23-28 cancelled. Belgium second in 2:04.49 followed by Sisay widening new coronavirus outbreak. US-Based Professional Women’s Hockey Players Association tour of Japan from March 4-7 cancelled. Lemma of Ethiopia 2:04:51. The viral outbreak across Japan and dozens JUDO “I’m very happy,” said Legese, who crossed of other countries has fuelled concerns about the Paris Grand Slam on Feb. 8-9: China team withdrew. the line 33 seconds quicker than when winning Summer Games, which open on July 24. Dusseldorf Grand Slam on Feb. 21-23: China team withdrew. last year. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe stepped MODERN PENTATHLON “The time is good, although I’d thought I up national measures to contain the virus, calling World championships moved from Xiamen to Cancun, , from May 25-31. would be able to run faster. on organisers of large events to consider can- World laser run championships moved from Xiamen in May to Weiden, Germany, in August. “But today was a bit windy and my pace in celling or delaying them. ROWING the early stage of the race was not very good, so Disruption caused by the virus has affected Asia and Oceania Olympic qualifying regatta in Chungju, South Korea from April 27-30 cancelled. I accept it,” he said. Olympic qualifying in several sports, including RUGBY Lonah Chemtai Salpeter of Israel won the football, boxing, badminton, handball and wres- Six Nations: Ireland vs. Italy in Dublin on March 7 postponed. women’s race in 2:17.45 ahead of Ethiopian tling and sailing. Women’s Six Nations: Italy vs. in Legnano on Feb. 23, Ireland vs. Italy in Dublin on March 8 postponed. runners Birhane Dibaba and Sutume Asefa Tokyo’s Olympic organisers have repeatedly Pro14 in Italy: Zebre vs. Ospreys, Treviso vs. Ulster on Feb. 29 postponed. Kebede in 2:18:35 and 2:20:30 respectively. said they are focused on holding a safe Olympics Super Rugby: Sunwolves vs. ACT Brumbies in Osaka on March 8 to be relocated. The Tokyo marathon is one of the biggest and Paralympics with the IOC’s full backing. Japan’s Top League: Round 7 on Feb. 29-March 1 and Round 8 on March 7-8 postponed. Hong Kong Sevens moved from April 3-5 to Oct. 16-18. Singapore Sevens moved from April 11-12 to Oct. 10-11. Asia women’s championship in Hong Kong moved from March 14-22 to May 8-16. SAILING Asian Nacra 17 Championship in Shanghai from March 1-6 moved to Genoa, Italy, from April 12-19. Asian 49erFX Championship in Hainan, China from March 20-29 moved to Genoa, Italy, from April 12-19. SKIING Alpine World Cup in Yanqing, China from Feb. 15-16 cancelled. Engadin Skimarathon in Switzerland on March 8 canceled. SOCCER Asian Champions League: Matches involving Chinese clubs Guangzhou Evergrande, Shanghai Shenhua and Shanghai SIPG postponed to April-May. Beijing FC allowed to play from Feb. 18. Matches involving South Korean clubs Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, Suwon Samsung Bluewings and FC Seoul to be played with no spectators from March 3. Matches involving Iranian clubs Esteghlal, Persepolis, Shahr Khodro, Sepahan on March 2-3 postponed. Europa League: Inter Milan vs. Ludogorets on Feb. 27 behind closed doors. Asian women’s Olympic qualifying Group B tournament relocated from Wuhan to Sydney from Feb. 3-13. China vs. South Korea playoff on March 11 moved from China to Sydney. 2022 World Cup qualifying: China vs. Maldives on March 26 and vs. Guam on March 31 moved to Buriram, Thailand. Spectators banned. AFC Cup: All group stage and playoff matches in east zone delayed to April 7. Chinese Super League, due to start on Feb. 22, delayed. Serie A, B, C, D and Women’s Serie A matches in Lombardy and Veneto regions postponed from Feb. 22. Serie A: 5 matches on Feb. 29-March 1 postponed to May 13. Iran Pro League: Spectators banned from all matches from Feb. 24. K League in South Korea, due to start on Feb. 29, delayed. J League in Japan: All matches from Feb. 25-March 15 postponed. Swiss Super League and Challenge League from Feb. 28-March 15 postponed. Asian men’s futsal championship in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, from Feb. 26-March 8 postponed. Record entries to take part in Japan vs. South Africa men’s friendly on March 27 cancelled. FIFA Council meeting in Asuncion, Paraguay, on March 20 changed to video conference. SPEED SKATING Ooredoo Ride of Champions Short track world championships in Seoul from March 13-15 postponed until at least October. SUMO WRESTLING THE PENINSULA — DOHA Ooredoo Ride of Champions on Spaces are still available for Spring grand sumo tournament in Osaka, Japan from March 8-22 to have no spectators. 13th March. this year’s event, in all age SWIMMING The 2020 Ooredoo Ride of The Principal of Newton classes, with registration open Asian water polo championships in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, from Feb. 12-16 cancelled. Champions is set to enjoy International School Lagoon, at www.rocdoha.qa. First 2,000 Diving Grand Prix in Madrid from Feb. 14-16: China team withdrew. record participation from Ms Trudie Masterson said: “We participants will receive limited Diving world series event in Beijing from March 7-9 cancelled. Qatar’s youth thanks to high are really happy to support the edition bike jerseys (for age 9+) China Olympic trials in Qingdao from March 28-April 4 moved to May 10-16. levels of participation from Ooredoo Ride of Champions. and event bike bottles. TABLE TENNIS schools in the country. We have more than 2,000 stu- Official Partners and Sup- World team championships in Busan, South Korea, postponed from May 22-29 to June 21-28. With just 10 days to go until dents at our school and nine porters of the Ooredoo Ride of South Korea Open in Busan on June 16-21 suspended. the close of registration of the schools in our group, and we Champions include Ooredoo Australian Open in Geelong on June 23-28 suspended. event (which will be held on have informed principals Qatar, Qatar National Tourism TAEKWONDO March 13), schools are showing around the country to Council, Dolphin Energy, Qatar Asian Olympic qualifying tournament on April 10-11 moved from Wuxi, China to Amman, Jordan. their support by registering stu- encourage their children to Stock Exchange (presenting TENNIS dents to the Ooredoo Ride of ride.” partner of the QSE Corporate Fed Cup Asia-Oceania Group I tournament moved from Dongguan, China to Dubai, United Arab Emirates from March Champions. Ms. Masterson added: “I Challenge), Turkish Airlines, 3-7. In appreciation, event know for sure that Lagoon will Qatar Foundation, Ministry of Davis Cup: China forfeited World Group I playoff vs. Romania in Piatra Neamt on March 6-7. organisers are providing exhi- have the biggest student body Culture and Sports of Qatar, WTA: Xi’an Open from April 13-19 cancelled. bition space at the event for going because we are pro- Qatar Cycling Federation, Rasen VOLLEYBALL schools, with more than 50 reg- moting this with a passion. We Sports, Garmin Lingawi and Beach volleyball World Cup in Yangzhou, China from April 22-26 postponed. istrations, to exhibit their feel, as a school, it is extremely Rayyan Water, Best Buddies WEIGHTLIFTING learning programs to pro- important for children to get Qatar and Accessible Qatar. Asian Championships from April 18-25 moved from Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, to Tashkent, Uzbekistan. spective parents. involved in activities in the To learn more about WRESTLING Students from Newton community, particularly those Ooredoo Ride of Champions, Asian Championships in New Delhi from Feb. 20-23: China, North Korea, Turkmenistan teams withdrew. International School Lagoon are involving sport. We are fans can visit www.rocdoha.qa Asian Olympic qualifying event from March 27-29 moved from Xi’an, China to , . also coming together to show delighted to launch this or follow @rocdoha on Twitter, their excitement for the programme.” Instagram and Facebook. MONDAY 2 MARCH 2020 SPORT 09

Spain’s Rafael Nadal Nadal crushes Fritz to celebrates after winning the Mexican Open final against USA’s Taylor Fritz. Rafael Nadal win Mexican Open title earned 500 ATP REUTERS — ACAPULCO and the right passion, and my Fritz, playing his first final Rankings points forehand worked well. at an ATP 500 event, became and $372,785 Rafael Nadal captured his third “This title doesn’t mean that the only American besides Sam Mexican Open title on Saturday, I will have a great season. It Querrey in 2017 to reach the in prize money. continuing his good form with means another good start of the Acapulco final. Fritz picked up a 6-3 6-2 triumph in the final season for me. It gives me con- ”He’s one of the best players over Taylor Fritz. fidence, allows me to be in a to ever play the game and he 300 points and Nadal now has 85 career privileged position in the ATP showed me why that is tonight,” $187,110. singles title wins and his first of Race (To London). At the end of Fritz said. the season. the day, I’m still competing for “This is one of my favourite Nadal survived 10 aces from these feelings that I am having tournaments to come to every Fritz and broke his service three right now. Regardless of the year. I’m just glad that I could times to outperform the result, I am always happy after have a good week at one of my 22-year-old American. playing here. Now imagine how favourite events. I felt a lot of “I couldn’t be happier. I I am after getting the title!” love all week. played a great event from the The Spanish world No. 2, "You always wish you could beginning to the end,” Nadal who first won the title in 2005 win, but I still have to take pos- told reporters. and took it again in 2013, itives out of this week. It was an “Acapulco was the first big stormed through the draw honour to step on the court with title that I won in my career, so without dropping a set. Rafa. I've played Roger and to be able to stay here after 15 Nadal moved to 20-2 in Novak, the other two people I Leylah Fernandez 6-4 6-7(8) her fourth overall, and she will quarter-final, semi-final, and years is amazing. I can’t thank Acapulco, joining David Ferrer watched when I was a kid. To 6-1 in the women’s final. re-enter the top 50 of the WTA final after starting as a enough the people who make and Thomas Muster as the only play with Rafa, who I've Watson saw her first five rankings today. qualifier. me feel at home every single players to win at least three watched since I was a kid, it's championship points slip away “It’s been a few years, so I’m “I think it’s her mental time.” singles titles at this event. pretty crazy when you step back in the second-set tiebreak just really, really happy I came toughness that really stands ”After not competing since Fritz had reached the final to think about it." before regaining her composure through that match,” said out,” Watson said. “I think she’s Australia, it’s an important week by rallying from a set and 2-4 Britain’s seventh seed to lose just one game in the final Watson. going to have a great career for me and an important behind against John Isner but Heather Watson needed 10 set. Victory ensured Watson’s It was a breakthrough week ahead of her and rise up the moment,” Nadal said. “I played he could mount no such championship points to first WTA title since she won the for the 17-year-old Fernandez, rankings very quickly if she solid, with the right intensity comeback against Nadal. overcome Canadian teenager Monterrey Open in 2016, and who reached her first WTA keeps playing like this.” Imperious Djokovic marks Players with most singles titles

Player Era Titles Tsitsipas as future World No.1 Jimmy Connors † 1972–96 109 Roger Federer * 1998– 103 Ivan Lendl † 1978–94 94 REUTERS — DUBAI Rafael Nadal * 2001– 85 Novak Djokovic * 2003– 79 Stefanos Tsitsipas has what it takes to Rod Laver † 1968–76 74 win Grand Slam titles and become a Pete Sampras † 1988–02 64 future world number one, top-ranked Björn Borg † 1973–83 64 Novak Djokovic said after downing the Guillermo Vilas † 1968–92 62 Greek to win the Dubai Tennis Cham- Andre Agassi † 1986–06 60 pionships title on Saturday. Djokovic, Rafa Nadal and Roger † denotes tennis Hall of Fame member Federer have shared all Grand Slams * denotes player is currently active between them since Stan Wawrinka won at the 2016 US Open and Tsitsipas has been marked as one of the few players Players ranked No.1 since 1973 capable of breaking that stranglehold in 2020. 1 Ilie Nastase August 23, 1973 The 21-year-old Greek has climbed 2 John Newcombe June 3, 1974 to number six in world rankings and 3 Jimmy Connors July 29, 1974 ended the 2019 season by winning the 4 Björn Borg August 23, 1977 ATP Finals crown. 5 John McEnroe March 3, 1980 Tsitsipas fell in the Dubai final for 6 Ivan Lendl February 28, 1983 the second straight time, having lost to 7 Mats Wilander September 12, 1988 Federer in the title clash last year. 8 Stefan Edberg August 13, 1990 “I love the fact that he is more than Serbia’s Novak Djokovic and Greece’s 9 Boris Becker January 28, 1991 just a tennis player and he’s always Stefanos Tsitsipas shaking hands after 10 Jim Courier February 10, 1992 looking to learn from the experience and their final match in Dubai on Saturday. 11 Pete Sampras April 12, 1993 to understand something new about 12 Andre Agassi April 10, 1995 himself so he can improve, get better,” 13 Thomas Muster February 12, 1996 Djokovic said after his 6-3 6-4 victory. extended his unbeaten run to 21. He has laughter. “No, I’m kidding. I’m not 14 Marcelo Ríos March 30, 1998 “That for me is a trait of a champion, won 18 matches this season, lifting the kidding, actually.” 15 Carlos Moya March 15, 1999 of someone that for sure has a great ATP Cup with Serbia before a record- His streak came tantalisingly close 16 Yevgeny Kafelnikov May 3, 1999 potential to be No. 1 of the world and extending eighth Australian Open title to an end when he fought off three 17 Patrick Rafter July 26, 1999 win Grand Slams and be a great ambas- in Melbourne. match points to overcome Frenchman 18 Marat Safin November 20, 2000 sador of our sport. He already is, but he Djokovic has earned a winning Gael Monfils in the semi-finals in Dubai. 19 Gustavo Kuerten December 4, 2000 has a great future ahead of him, I’m sure. streak of at least 20 matches for the “I’m trying to embrace the moment 20 Lleyton Hewitt November 19, 2001 “You go through the process of self- seventh time in his career and in the 2011 and appreciate where I am,” he later told 21 Juan Carlos Ferrero September 8, 2003 realisation and learning, maturing, then season he went 41-0 during a 43-match reporters, clarifying he was not serious 22 Andy Roddick November 3, 2003 understanding what’s good for you in winning streak before losing in the about going unbeaten. “I think this has 23 Roger Federer February 2, 2004 life, in your career. He’s a mature man Roland Garros semi-finals. been one of the best starts of all seasons 24 Rafael Nadal August 18, 2008 already. He’s very smart, very wise.” “One of the targets is to go unbeaten I had in my career. I feel great on the 25 Novak Djokovic July 4, 2011 Djokovic’s triumph was his fifth at the whole season,” Djokovic said in an court. I’ve won many matches now in a 26 Andy Murray November 7, 2016 the Dubai Tennis Championships and on-court interview before bursting into row. I’ll try to keep that run going.” ** Active players in bold Bottas puts Mercedes on top but Hamilton still ‘not perfect’

AFP — MONTMELÓ, breakdowns. “We will see how days of testing: Valtteri long it will take to resolve them, Bottas (FIN/Mercedes) Valterri Bottas took his but it is better to discover these 1:15.732 (437 laps), Max Ver- Mercedes to the top of the time things in tests.” stappen (NED/Red Bull) charts once again on Friday’s Mercedes put in most laps 1:16.269 (414), Daniel Ric- final day of pre-season Formula in Barcelona with 903 ahead of ciardo (AUS/Renault) One testing but team-mate and Ferrari (844) and McLaren 1:16.276 (368), Charles world champion Lewis (802). Leclerc (MON/Ferrari) Hamilton warned performances They also introduced the 1:16.360 (442), Lewis Ham- were “not perfect”. revolutionary DAS (Dual Axis ilton (GBR/Mercedes) Two weeks out from the Steering) system last week 1:16.410 (466), Esteban Ocon season-opener in Melbourne, which had rivals scratching (FRA/Renault) 1:16.433 (376), Bottas, runner-up to Hamilton their heads over its potential Sergio Perez (MEX/Racing in the world championship in impact in the forthcoming Point) 1:16.634 (441), Carlos 2019, clocked a best run of 1min championship. Sainz Jr (ESP/McLaren) 16.196sec off a total of 79 laps. “Their form is good and it’s 1:16.820 (446), Sebastian The Finn also finished the better to have concerns during Vettel (GER/Ferrari) 1:16.841 two sessions of winter testing the tests than in the race,” said (402), George Russell (GBR/ with the fastest overall time of Christian Horner, the boss of Williams) 1:16.871 (394), 1:15.732, the only driver to dip Red Bull. Daniil Kvyat (RUS/Alpha- below the 1min 16sec mark. Horner had the satisfaction Tauri) 1:16.914 (399), Robert Red Bull’s Max Verstappen of seeing Verstappen, who was Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton poses with a Kubica (POL/Alfa Romeo) and Renault’s Daniel Ricciardo third in the 2019 standings and fan during a launch of the TommyXLewis SP20 collection in 1:16.942 (112), Romain filled out the top three on Friday is widely-viewed as a world Bijenkorf, Amsterdam. Grosjean (FRA/Haas) with Hamilton in fifth. champion-in-waiting, second 1:17.037 (399), Pierre Gasly “On the whole, these tests fastest Friday and second (FRA/AlphaTauri) 1:17.066 were good but not perfect,” overall. (370), Kimi Raikkonen (FIN/ admitted Hamilton, who this Ferrari, the only team not to September, the 13th race of the (FIN/Mercedes) 1:16.196 (79 (ESP/McLaren) 1:16.820 (163), Alfa Romeo) 1:17.091 (300), season eyes equalling the have beaten their times of 2019 2019 campaign, to win a race laps), Max Verstappen (NED/Red George Russell (GBR/Williams) Lance Stroll (CAN/Racing Point) record of seven world titles held on the same circuit, were left in courtesy of Charles Leclerc. Bull) 1:16.269 (45), Daniel Ric- 1:16.871 (146), Daniil Kvyat (RUS/ 1:17.118 (341), Nicholas Latifi by German legend Michael cautious mood. “We are not hiding,” said ciardo (AUS/Renault) 1:16.276 AlphaTauri) 1:16.914 (160), (CAN/Williams) 1:17.313 (343), Schumacher. They dominated testing 12 Ferrari team chief Mattia (65), Charles Leclerc (MON/ Romain Grosjean (FRA/Haas) Antonio Giovinazzi (ITA/Alfa “We have had a lot of months ago but once they got Binotto. “We are not yet fast Ferrari) 1:16.360 (181), Lewis 1:17.037 (86), Kimi Raikkonen Romeo) 1:17.469 (323), Kevin problems that we are trying to to Australia, reality hit them enough to hope to win in Aus- Hamilton (GBR/Mercedes) (FIN/Alfa Romeo) 1:17.415 (115), Magnussen (DEN/Haas) 1:17.495 solve,” he added in reference to hard when Bottas swept to tralia. But the season is long -- 1:16.410 (90), Esteban Ocon Kevin Magnussen (DEN/Haas) (250), Alexander Albon (THA/ the need for the team and victory, the first of eight wins we will have the opportunity to (FRA/Renault) 1:16.433 (75), 1:17.495 (29), Alexander Albon Red Bull) 1:17.550 (366), Lando clients Williams having to for Mercedes. improve and be ready to win.” Sergio Perez (MEX/Racing Point) (THA/Red Bull) 1:17.803 (59) Norris (GBR/McLaren) 1:17.573 change power units after Ferrari had to wait until Test times: Valtteri Bottas 1:16.634 (154), Carlos Sainz Jr Best driver times from six (356) 10 SPORT MONDAY 2 MARCH 2020

SA, Kiwis bowling ‘pack’ leaves India join India in reeling at 90-6 in second innings women’s World Cup AFP — CHRISTCHURCH the bowling unit is very clear about how we’re trying to target semi-finals New Zealand fast bowler Trent the opposition.” Boult said his side’s “pack” The tourists were left to rue mentality had left India reeling their inability to remove REUTERS — SYDNEY on day two of the second Test tailenders when New Zealand’s on which 16 fell last three wickets put on 82, led South Africa and England including another cheap by a polished 49 from Kyle registered comfortable dismissal for Virat Kohli in Jamieson. victories against Pakistan Christchurch yesterday. With a small first-innings and West Indies respec- At stumps India led by just advantage India needed to build tively in their Group B 97 lead with only four wickets a substantial total for New matches yesterday to seal remaining and three days to Zealand to chase but they went their spots in the semi- play. off script from the start with finals of the Women’s Kohli’s side dismissed New Mayank Agarwal out for three World Cup. Zealand for 235 to take a seven- in the second over. Group A leaders India run first innings lead, but they Prithvi Shaw followed for were the first to reach the stuttered to 90 for six at stumps 14 and at 26 for two, with India last four and the final with Boult taking three for 12 needing a win to square the place will go to the winner off nine overs. series, the opportunity was ripe of today’s clash between “The bowlers obviously for a captain’s knock from hosts Australia and their pitched the ball up nicely and Kohli. trans-Tasman rivals New got rewards seeing the ball But on 14, a full Zealand. move around like it did. I feel from Colin de Grandhomme cut New Zealand’s appeals After South Africa reg- we’re in a decent position,” back into his pads and he was for the of India’s Mayank istered a 17-run win Boult said. gone. Agarwal yesterday. against Pakistan, England “We’re all enjoying hunting “It was a good feeling to see thumped West Indies by out there as a pack, getting the the back of him,” Boult said of 46 runs to claim their ball to move around, and I think Kohli’s dismissal. third win and climb to the “Obviously he’s a big player Jamieson, in his second Test, stump put pressure on the New top of Group B on net run SCOREBOARD for them and we were just try underscored his allround cre- Zealand batsmen and quickly rate. South Africa, India 1st innings 242 Bowling: Bumrah 22-5-62-3, Yadav 18-2-46-1, to put enough pressure on him, dentials having taken five picked off the top five before however, have a game in New Zealand 1st innings Shami 23.1-3-81-4, Jadeja 10-2-22-2 keep him quiet and it was nice wickets in India’s first innings. lunch. hand against the Car- T. Latham b Shami ...... 52 India 2nd innings to see him make a few errors.” Colin de Grandhomme with Tom, added one to his over- ibbean side. T. Blundell lbw Yadav ...... 30 P. Shaw c Latham b Southee ...... 14 The 31-year-old, who came 26 and Neil Wagner’s 21 were night 29 before he was removed Laura Wolvaardt did K. Williamson c Pant b Bumrah ...... 3 M. Agarwal lbw Boult ...... 3 to New Zealand as the world’s the other key contributors in the and Kane Williamson (three), not get a chance to bat in R. Taylor c Yadav b Jadeja ...... 15 C. Pujara b Boult ...... 24 top-ranked batsman, has scored late run spree with Wagner’s Ross Taylor (15), Henry Nicholls the previous two matches H. Nicholls c Kohli b Shami ...... 14 V. Kohli lbw de Grandhomme ...... 14 only 2, 19, 3 and 14 in the Series. dismissal the result of an excep- (14) quickly followed. but made a brisk, B. Watling c Jadeja b Bumrah ...... 0 A. Rahane b Wagner ...... 9 Ajinkya Rahane was bowled tional one-handed catch by a Tom Latham, who top- unbeaten half-century to C. de Grandhomme b Jadeja ...... 26 U. Yadav b Boult ...... 1 T. Southee c Pant b Bumrah ...... 0 H. Vihari ...... 5 for nine, Cheteshwar Pujara leaping Jadeja at square leg. scored with 52, miscalculated help South Africa to a win K. Jamieson c Pant b Shami ...... 49 R. Pant not out ...... 1 went for 24 and Umesh Yadav The India pace bowlers, a Shami delivery and did not over Pakistan for their N. Wagner c Jadeja b Shami ...... 21 Extras: (b9, lb10) ...... 19 for one in the last six overs of who struggled in the first Test play a shot only to watch the third victory from as T. Boult not out ...... 1 Total: (6 wickets; 36 overs) ...... 90 the day. and at the start of the second, ball angle into the stumps. many matches. Extras (b20, lb4) ...... 24 Fall of wickets: 1-8 (Agarwal), 2-26 (Shaw), After New Zealand resumed finally got to grips with the Shami finished with figures Pakistan’s Total (all out, 73.1 overs) ...... 235 3-51 (Kohli), 4-72 (Rahane), 5-84 (Pujara), 6-89 the day at 63 without loss the stock New Zealand conditions of four for 81, Bumrah, who dismissed and Fall of wickets: 1-66 (Blundell), 2-69 (Williamson), (Yadav) combined efforts of Mohammed of a green-tinged pitch and a removed New Zealand tal- with 3-109 (Taylor), 4-130 (Latham), 5-133 (Nicholls), Bowling: Southee 6-2-20-1, Boult 9-3-12-3, 6-153 (Watling), 7-153 (Southee), 8-177 (de Grand- Jamieson 8-4-18-0, de Grandhomme 5-3-3-1, Shami, and moderate breeze. isman Williamson, took three the new ball to peg back homme), 9-228 (Wagner), 10-235 (Jamieson) Wagner 8-1-18-1 Ravindra Jadeja has seen them They found that anything for 52 while Jadeja had two for South Africa before the slump to 153 for seven, before pitched up and close to the off 22. experienced pair of Mar- izanne Kapp, who made 31, and propped up the innings. Wolvaardt produced Karachi down Mathews stars as Sri Lanka the late fireworks during her knock of 53 off 36 balls that helped South Islamabad by whitewash West Indies 3-0 Africa to post 136-6 after opting to bat first. The 20-year-old hit five wickets AFP — PALLEKELE SCOREBOARD for 12, but the rest of the five boundaries from the Sri Lanka West Indies batsmen kept up the last six deliveries she faced Angelo Mathews held his A. Fernando c Hope b Joseph ...... 29 S. Hope c Mendis b Udana ...... 72 charge. to provide momentum to D. Karunaratne c & b Chase ...... 44 S. Ambris b Hasaranga ...... 60 AGENCIES — RAWALPINDI nerve with the ball to help K. Perera c Hope b Pollard ...... 44 N. Pooran c sub (Shanaka) b Mathews ...... 50 Dhananjaya De Silva, South Africa’s innings, Sri Lanka clinch a tense K. Mendis c Pollard b Joseph ...... 55 K. Pollard c Udana b Mathews ...... 49 who completed his fifty in which proved beyond kept their nerves in check to six-run win over West A. Mathews b Cottrell ...... 12 D. Bravo run out (K Perera/Karunaratne) ...... 8 just 45 balls with a Pakistan’s reach as they D. de Silva c Pollard b Joseph ...... 51 J. Holder c Mendis b Mathews ...... 8 defeat by five wickets at the Indies in the third one-day T. Perera c sub (R Powell) b Joseph ...... 38 F. Allen c Mendis b Mathews ...... 37 boundary off Jason Holder, finished on 119-5. (PSL) in Rawalpindi, international and sweep the W. Hasaranga b Holder ...... 16 H. Walsh run out (sub-Shanaka/T Perera) .....2 and put on Pakistan got off to a yesterday. series 3-0 yesterday. I. Udana c Pollard b Holder ...... 2 R. Chase run out (Hasaranga/T Perera) ...... 0 64 runs for the sixth wicket. poor start in their chase Chasing 184, the Kings reached the target Mathews claimed four L. Sandakan run out (Hope/Holder) ...... 0 A. Joseph not out ...... 0 Joseph broke the stand and were reduced to 26-3 N. Pradeep not out ...... 0 S. Cottrell not out ...... 1 with eight balls to spare. (52 off 30) wickets and denied West Extras (lb9, w7) ...... 16 Extras (b3, lb2, w9) 14 with the wicket of De Silva inside the seventh over was star for the winning side while Sharjeel Indies 13 runs in the last Total (all out, 50 overs) ...... 307 Total (9 wickets, 50 overs) ...... 301 and sent Perera back to the before , Khan also added a valuable contribution of 38. over, restricting the tourists Fall of wickets: 1-60 (Fernando), 2-88 (Karu- Fall of wickets: 1-111 (Ambris), 2-171 (Hope), pavilion for 38, but the leading the side instead of naratne), 3-177 (K. Perera), 4-185 (Mendis), 3-218 (Pooran), 4-240 (Bravo), 5-253 (Pollard), Earlier, Kings opted to field first after to 301 for nine in their 5-214 (Mathews), 6-278 (De Silva), 7-293 (T. 6-275 (Holder), 7-287 (Walsh), 8-294 (Chase), damage had already been injured captain Bismah winning the toss. United were well served by chase of 308 in Pallekele. Perera), 8-306 (Hasaranga), 9-306 (Sandakan), 9-299 (Allen) done. The two teams will Maroof, started Pakistan’s opener who remained unbeaten smashed 10-307 (Udana) Bowling: Pradeep 4.3-1-22-0, T. Perera 7.3-0-54- now play two Twenty20 recovery with a knock of with 85 off 58 balls. The wicketkeeper batsman 37 off 15 balls to close in on Bowling: Cottrell 10-1-58-1, Holder 10-0-68-2 0, Udana 10-0-76-1 (2w), Mathews 10-0-59-4 internationals on 31. Pakistan eventually fell (3w), Jospeh 10-0-65-4 (4w), Chase 10-0-51-1, (1w), Sandakan 3-0-31-0 (1w), Hasaranga 10-0- struck nine fours and two sixes in his innings. the West Indies target but Walsh 3-0-20-0, Pollard 7-0-36-1 41-1 (5w), De Silva 5-0-13-0 Wednesday and Friday in short despite an unbeaten Ronchi added 106 runs for the unbroken fell to Mathews while going Pallekele. 47-run sixth-wicket stand fourth wicket partnership with Shadab who for a six in the second ball between Aliya Riaz, who hit Mathews claimed stroked 54 off 31 balls with the help of four of the 50th over. figures of 4-59 in his 10 spinner Roston Chase 39 from 32, and Iram Javed. sixes and three fours. For Kings left-arm- Kusal Mendis top- overs of medium-pace caught and bowled Karu- four wickets and Natalie Sciver played spinner who dismissed Rizwan scored with 55 in Sri bowling. naratne for 44. denied West Indies 13 Wolvaardt’s role for Hussain (22) was the pick of the bowlers with Lanka’s 307 all out after Earlier, West Indies Kusal Perera, who runs in the last over, England, anchoring the figures of one for 24 in four overs. electing to bat first and then paceman Alzarri Joseph made 44, and Mendis then restricting the tourists innings for the 2018 took a crucial catch at deep claimed four wickets as Sri rebuilt the innings during to 301 for nine in finalists with a 56-ball 57 PSL: BRIEF SCORES mid-wicket to send back Lanka were bowled out in their 89-run stand to take their chase of 308 in to help them to post 143-5. Allen. 50 overs. the attack to the opposition. West Indies struggled Islamabad United 183 for 3, 20 overs (Luke Ronchi 85 Valiant knocks from Avishka Fernando and The in-form Mendis, who Pallekele. in their chase and were not out, Shadab Khan 54 not out; Umer Khan 1-24, (72), Sunil skipper Dimuth Karu- hit a century in his team’s The two teams will dealt a huge blow when 1-31) Ambris (60), Nicholas naratne gave the hosts a 161-run thrashing of West captain Stafanie Taylor had Karachi Kings 187 for 5, 18.4 overs (Alex Hales 52, Pooran (50) and skipper brisk start with a 60-run Indies on Wednesday, com- now play two Twenty20 to be carried off on a 38, 38; Ahmed Safi (49) also opening stand before the pleted his 17th ODI fifty internationals on stretcher after she suffered

1-21, Rumman Raees 1-27) kept West Indies in the hunt West Indies struck. before falling to Joseph. Wednesday and Friday a leg injury while . Result: Karachi Kings win by five wickets till the last over. Joseph got Fernando Fast bowler Sheldon in Pallekele. on 15. Mathews returned caught behind for 29, and Cottrell bowled Mathews Liton stars in record Bangladesh win

AFP — , BANGLADESH BRIEF SCORES wicket in six matches to reduce before all-rounder Madhevere the side to 23-3. trapped Tamim in front for 24 struck his second Bangladesh 321 for 6 (Das 126, Mit- Teenage debutant Wesley for Zimbabwe’s first one-day international century hun 50, Mpofu 2-68) v Zimbabwe Madhevere made 35 runs while breakthrough. to set up a crushing 169-run win 152 all out in 39.1 overs (W Madhe- Tinotenda Mutombodzi made 24 Najmul Hossain along with

for Bangladesh in the first ODI vere 35, M. Saifuddin 3-22) before he became the last man Liton then added 80 runs for the against Zimbabwe in Sylhet Result: Bangladesh won by 169 runs dismissed. second, but several dismissals yesterday. earlier slowed their innings as Najmul Liton hit 126 off 105 balls hit 50 off 41 balls and Saifuddin fell for 29 and with 13 fours and two sixes as remained unbeaten on 28 off 16 departed for 19. Bangladesh posted 321-6, their starred for Bangladesh, playing balls to provide a late impetus Liton brought his first highest score against Zimbabwe, his first match since the World in Bangladesh’s innings after hundred since the Asia Cup before they bowled out the vis- Cup last year, and managed Liton’s blazing hundred. final in 2018 before he limped itors for 152 runs in 39.1 overs 3-22, while skipper Mashrafe “It’s not been going well the off the ground with a muscle for their biggest ever ODI win. Mortaza and spinner Mehidy last 3-4 matches for us in this cramp. The feat surpasses Bangla- Hasan chipped in with 2-35 and format. We hadn’t been up to the Mithun and desh’s 163-run victory over Sri 2-33 respectively. mark in those games, but today Riyad added 68 runs for the Bangladesh’s Liton Das Lanka in 2018 and is also their Chasing a mammoth target, we were up for it,” Mashrafe said fourth wicket to set-up the base celebrates after scoring a 14th consecutive win against Zimbabwe’s innings never got in the post-match for a late onslaught. century, yesterday. familiar foes Zimbabwe, giving going after Saifuddin took two presentation. The second match of the them a 1-0 lead in the three- wickets in his opening spell Liton and put series will be held at the same match series. before Mashrafe took his first on 60 runs in the opening stand venue tomorrow. SPORT SPORT | 09 SPORT | 10

In-form Nadal Kiwis bowling beats Fritz to ‘pack’ leaves India win title in reeling at 90-6 in Acapulco second innings MONDAY 2 MARCH 2020 Bekele breaks 2020 Copa America: Qatar eye Farah’s London half-marathon improved show in second stint record THE PENINSULA — DOHA QATAR'S FIXTURES 23), Venezuelanezuela (June 28) and 3838 matchesmatches withinwithin thethe twotwo Columbiaia ((JulyJuly 11).). hosthost countries, ColombiaColombia After impressing on their debut June 14: Qatar vs Accordingording to the new andand ArArgentina.gentina. AFP — LONDON last year, Qatar will be hoping June 18: Qatar vs Ecuador system of tthehe tournament, tthehe TheThe oobjectivebjective is to for an improved performance June 23: Qatar vs first fourur teams from each brinbringg South American Ethiopia’s Kenenisa Bekele

at the 2020 Copa America in June 28: Qatar vs Venezuela group willwill qualifyqualify forfor ssocceroccer to allall thethe fansfans in broke Mo Farah’s course which the Asian champions are July 01: Qatar vs Columbia thee thethe continent. record as he won the London set to play five matches in the quarter-e r- EachEach ooff tthehe hhostost half-marathon yesterday in a group phase. finals. countriescountries will time of one hour and 22 Qatar - the 2022 World won the final against Peru. The tour-tour- holdhold seconds. Cup hosts - appearing as a Qatar will open their campaign nament,n t , Bekele took 1min 18sec off guest side along with Japan in against Peru on June 14, fol- which foror the the record set in 2019 by the 2019 edition, lost to lowed by matches against first timee in hhistoryistory hashas two British distance great Farah, Argentina (2-0) but drew 2-2 Ecuador (June 18), Brazil (June host countries,untries, willwill distributedistribute who missed this year’s edition against Paraguay before being with an achilles injury. edged out by Colombia (1-0). The CONMEBOL Copa America 2020 is in a calendar ttheh e Britain’s Christopher According to details, the approved by FIFA. The new edition of the tournament matchesmatches ooff Thompson finished second, 2020 Copa America will be will start on June 12, 2020 in Argentina, and the final thethe NortNorthh Zone or with Jake Smith third. held from June 12 to July 12, match will be held in Colombia. SouthSouth Zone groups, as Yesterday’s event served as with Qatar and Australia also wellwell as, two quarter- a warm-up event for the full being invited as guests team. For the first time the tournament will have two host finalfinal matchesmatches andand a London Marathon on April 26. While Qatar featured in semifinalsemifinal match,match, That race is set to see Bekele countries. The objective is to bring South American three matches last year, the respectively.respectively. go up against Eliud Kipchoge, Felix Sanchez’s side will have soccer to all the fans in the continent. Each of the host the reigning Olympic five confirmed fixtures this countries will have group phase matches, two quarter champion from Kenya, as the summer. final matches and a semi-final match respectively. Qatar coach Felix two fastest marathon runners They have been tagged Sanchez of all time meet in the British with Colombia, reigning With this new format a total of 38 matches will be capital. champion Brazil, Venezuela, held, and each team will play at least 5 matches in “The new course record is Ecuador and Peru in Group B. the nearest host country. Australia and Qatar, two a great bonus. I wasn’t focused Argentina, Colombia, Bolivia, on time today, I just wanted to last Asian Cup champions, will participate as guest Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay win,” Bekele, three times an will battle in Group A. countries and will be placed by lottery in each of the Olympic gold medallist on the Last year, five-time FIFA groups formed in the North Zone and South Zone. track, told the BBC. World Cup champions Brazil “I’m on schedule in my preparation for the London Marathon in April. Manchester City’s players pose with “There’s no question about the trophy. QSL: Al Duhail keep the crowds in London being great. They were cheering all around the course and it felt four-point lead on like a great place to be.” Farah decided to concen- trate on the marathon having top of the standings won gold in the 5,000 metres and 10,000 metres at both the THE PENINSULA —DOHA Week 16 Review London and Rio Games, but a relative lack of success on the The 2019-20 QNB Stars road has seen him turn his League’s Week 16 action seventh victory of The Per- attention back to the track which concluded on egrines, who had finished a ahead of this year’s Olympics Saturday was also full of creditable third last season. in Tokyo. excitement. Al Sailiya had beaten Al Only one of the five Gharafa (3-1) in the first leg matches ended in a draw and as well. Al Gharafa stood on a total of 14 goals were 25 points despite the setback. scored. Al Duhail kept their four- Virus forces The much-anticipated point lead on top of the Qatar Derby between standings following their 3-1 Japan Sumo reigning champions Al Sadd victory over Al Shahania. and Al Arabi ended in a 1-1 Han Kwang-Song, Karim draw. Boudiaf and Paulo Edmilson event behind While Al Arabi earned a scored for Al Duhail, and crucial point in their bid to Ahmed Akaichi for Al Sha- finish among the top four and hania. Al Duhail thus further closed doors thus stand a chance for an enhanced their QNB Stars Man City hold off Aston AFP — TOKYO AFC Champions League League credentials as they berth, Al Sadd dropped two moved on to 39 points, while valuable points in successive Al Shahania stayed rooted to Sumo’s spring tournament will be Villa to retain League Cup weeks even though they the bottom with nine points. held behind closed doors, the sport’s stayed third in the standings. Second-placed Al Rayyan governing body said yesterday, the They were held 2-2 by Umm moved to 35 points after their latest big event in Japan to be hit by AFP — LONDON out Foden to head back into the England selection became clear Salal in the previous week. 1-0 victory over Al Ahli, who the coronavirus less than five path of Aguero and the Argen- as the City defender inexpli- The standings remained stayed eighth in the table months before the Tokyo Olympics. Manchester City claimed the tine’s deflected effort beat cably fell to the floor to give unchanged except for one with 18 points. Algerian The Japan Sumo Association League Cup for the fourth time Orjan Nyland in the Villa goal Villa a lifeline. position, just like in the pre- attacking midfielder Yacine said spectators would be barred the in five seasons by beating Aston to open the scoring on 20 A long ball forward even- vious week. Al Sailiya dis- Brahimi scored the winner tournament in Osaka scheduled for Villa 2-1 at Wembley yesterday minutes. tually came to Anwar El Ghazi placed Al Arabi from the fifth from the penalty spot. March 8-22. thanks to goals from Sergio Foden was then inches and from his cross Samatta position with 23 points fol- Al Khor, placed 10th, and “We made this decision to help Aguero and Rodrigo. away from a goal himself with headed low past Claudio Bravo lowing their impressive 2-0 Umm Salal, placed 11th, both end the spread of the infection,” it Mbwana Samatta pulled a a deflected shot that flew inches to the delight of the travelling victory Al Gharafa. collected three crucial points said on its website. goal back for Villa, but their wide. thousands from Birmingham Nadir Belhadj and to move further from the The virus has infected at least wait for the club’s first sil- Villa felt aggrieved when and Villa fan Prince William in Mohammed Mudather scored danger zone to be on 14 and 230 people across Japan and been verware since 1996 goes on as City were awarded another the stands. Al Sailiya’s goals and it was the 13 points respectively. linked to five deaths. The sumo Pep Guardiola’s men have now corner moments later after Jack The difference in the des- decision comes after the Interna- won six of the last seven major Grealish fired the ball off Ilkay peration for success between tional Tennis Federation said trophies in English football. Gundogan for what should have the supports was obvious as Japan’s home Davis Cup tie against Guardiola made eight been a goal kick. Villa were roared on vocifer- Ecuador on March 6-7 would also changes from the side that won Instead, City doubled their ously throughout, while City be played behind closed doors. 2-1 at Real Madrid in the Cham- lead as Gundogan’s corner was failed to sell out their Football’s top-flight J-League, pions League on Wednesday met with a powerful downward allocation. meanwhile, has postponed all with Kevin De Bruyne among header from Rodrigo. That did not compensate for matches until March 15. All tickets those left on the bench. Villa could barely even get the difference in quality on the for the spring sumo tournament However, it mattered little a touch for the next 10 minutes field as City quickly settled back were sold out with some 7,000 as City had the luxury of as the holders threatened to run into their rhythm and could spectators a day expected to visit recalling Aguero, Raheem riot in a repeat of the 6-1 then introduce De Bruyne for the venue in the western city. Sterling and David Silva to the thrashing they handed the hosts the final half hour. The viral outbreak across Japan starting XI, and the gulf in class at Villa Park last month. However, City failed to turn and dozens of other countries has showed. Sterling had a glorious their dominance into more fuelled concerns about the Summer Guardiola’s raft of changes chance for his first goal of 2020 goals as Rodrigo was denied by Olympics, which open on July 24. also handed a rare start to Phil deflected behind by a brave a fine save by Nyland from The International Olympic Foden and the 19-year-old block from Tyrone Mings. another corner before Aguero Committee said last week, however, more than justified his But moments later the then fired into the side-netting it was “fully committed” to holding selection. reason Mings is ahead of John to give Villa hope for the last 10 Al Duhail's Ali Afif (left) in action against Al Shahania's player the 2020 Games in Tokyo as Rodrigo’s fine pass picked Stones in the pecking order for minutes. during their Round of 16 match. planned despite the outbreak. 12 SPORT MONDAY 2 MARCH 2020