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TUESDAY 2 FEBRUARY 2021 SerenaS Williams cruises past Gavrilova in YarraY Valley Classic opener ItI feels good to be back here. I felt I was definitely composed and in a zone and trying to do the things I’ve been working on.: Williams sayss after defeating Daria Gavrilova in Melbourne yesterday.

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QVA SENIOR LEAGUE: Al Arabi beat SC 3-2 (23-25, 25-18, 25-23, 23-25, 15-13); Police beat Al Gharafa 3-1 (25-19, 22-15, 25-16, 25-16)

Qatar’s Al Duhail eye special show in maiden Club World Cup appearance

FAWAD HUSSAIN THE PENINSULA There are always surprises in football. We mustst Reigning QNB Stars League (QSL) play as a team, respect our opponent and do ourur champions Al Duhail will enter the field as the underdogs when they face best. The team knows the value of the Club ’s Al Ahly – regarded as the World Cup. One thing I am sure of is that the world’s most decorated club - on their players will not give up and will do their best too FIFA Club World Cup debut on leave a mark (on their debut): Al Duhail Thursday. The second round clash at the Edu- coach cation City Stadium will be the toughest test yet for Sabri Lamouchi-coached Red Knights, who are representing training camp, is realistic in his hosts Qatar, just like Al Sadd did in the approach and aware of the big task for last edition. his side on Thursday. Our preparations are good and the Al Duhail – formed in 2017 with “We are not Bayern Munich, Al Ahly team has shown excellent performance the merger of Qatar football giants or Tigres UANL. They are big teams Lekhwiya and El Jaish – have accom- who have many continental titles to in the last match. We hope to continue plished much in country’s football their name, so it is definitely going to the same momentum. Competing in the circuit, collectively winning seven QSL, be a difficult test for us,” the event is an honour and all the players three Amir Cup, three and Frenchman said in an interview. are looking to give all-out effort: two Sheikh Jassim Cup titles since “Al Ahly are the best side of Africa Lekhwiya was founded in 2009. where the standard of football is very Al Duhail forward Ismail Mohamed But, they are still aspiring to high. They are definitely the favourites achieve success at the continental or against us,” Al Duhail coach added. the global stage. Lamouchi, however, did not rule out his team’s chances, saying his which have high standards. We will players have ability to pull off a have to give special performance. We shocker. will give everything in the match “There are always surprises in (against Al Ahly) and we hope we will We are ready to face Al Ahly. Everyone football. We must play as a team, give surprise to the fans and reach the in the team is excited and looking to respect our opponent and do our best. semi-final,” the striker added. give a very good performance at the The team knows the value of the Club Almoez said the team is also Club WWorldorld Cup.Cup. WeWe are lookinglooking toto bebe atat World Cup. One thing I am sure of is banking on the support of home fans that the players will not give up and in the elite tournament. the sameame level of other teams,teams, which will do their best to leave a mark (on “When Al Sadd represented Qatar have highhigh standards. We will havehave their debut),” he added in his interview (in the last edition) they got huge to giveve special performance. with Stadium magazine. support from the fans. Now, we are We willwill give everything in representing Qatar and we are hoping We are ready to face Al Ahly: for the same support that will be a huge the matchmatch (against(against Al Ahly)Ahly) Almoez motivating factor for us,” he said. and wwee hopehope we will givegive Al Duhail - with the likes of Qatar “The fans support can get the best surpriserise to the fans and However,However Egypt’s Al Ahly – the Egyptian Cup crowns and 11 Egyptian national players centre back Bassam out us and help us leave a clear imprint reachh thethe semi-final:semi-finall: reigningreign African champions Super Cups. The Red Devils are also Al Rawi, and Assim on this tournament.” haveha a glorious history the most successful club in Africa, Madibo, who played key role in Al Another Al Duhail forward Ismail Almoezoez Ali sinces it was established winning a total of 20 continental tiles Annabi’s AFC Asian Cup glory in 2019 Mohamed said the team was in good in 1907. They have won including nine CAF Champions League - have the potential to stun top sides. shape for the event. a staggering 139 titles crowns. , who finished as the top “Our preparations are good and the iincluding 42 Egyptian Lamouchi, as he prepares his side scorer for Qatar in Asian Cup title-win team has shown excellent performance PremierP League titles, 37 for the Club World Cup in a closed can also be a dangerous player against in the last match. We hope to continue any opposition, and the 24-year-old is the same momentum. Competing in Al Duhail Suqad eyeing an outstanding show. the event is an honour and all the “We are ready to face Al Ahly. Eve- players are looking to give all-out Coach: Sabri Lamouchi ryone in the team is excited and effort,” he said. (France) looking to give a very good per- Al Duhail, in their last compet- Mohammed Al Bakri (Qatar), formance at the Club World Cup,” he itive match before the Club World (Qatar), Ali said yesterday. Cup, thrashed QSL rivals Al Ahli 6-0 Malolah (Qatar), “We are looking to be at the same in the Amir Cup Round of 16 on (Morocco), Bassam Al-Rawi level off otherotthher teateams,ms, January 25. (Qatar), Ahmed Yasser (Qatar), (Qatar), Luiz Júnior (captain) (Qatar), DefinitelyDefinitely it (Club World Cup) is a good chance (Belgium), (Qatar), Mubarak fforor me anandd my team-mates and it is a challenge Shanan Hamza (Qatar), fforor eveveryone,eryo and we are ready for the matches Abdullah Al-Ahrak (Qatar), anandd rereadyady to face the challenges that are in our (Qatar), Sultan papath.athh. EvEveryoneer here trust in my abilities to Al-Brake (Qatar), Almoez Ali (Qatar), Ali Afif (Qatar), Salah contributecoc nttrrib to the attack line, and inside the Zakaria (Qatar), Khaled stadiumstad we all support each other. This Mohammed (Qatar), Assim cchampionshipha will be a good chance for all Madibo (Qatar), (Iran), ofof us and from my side I will do my best: (Kenya), (Qatar) and Al Duhail's Michael Olunga Dudu (Brazil)

Al Duhail's players taking part in a training session at the Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium yesterday. TUESDAY 2 FEBRUARY 2021 SPORT 11

FIFA pledges taking no Fans urged to plan ahead before health risks in Qatar 2022 attending Club World Cup matches qualifiers THE PENINSULA – DOHA Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium Fans planning to attend FIFA Club World AP – GENEVA Cup Qatar 2020 matches are being advised to take the and With 3,000 soccer players arrive at least one hour before kick-off. due to travel internationally Qatar will host the 17th edition of the for World Cup qualifying tournament from 4-11 February. The games next month, FIFA Pres- tournament was due to be played in ident Gianni Infantino said December but was delayed due to the yesterday all will conform to COVID-19 pandemic. Matches will take health rules in the corona- place at two FIFA World Cup 2022 sta- virus pandemic. diums: Ahmad Bin Ali and , “We will certainly not take with a maximum capacity of 30% at each any risk for the health of venue due to COVID-19 precautions. anyone when we play In order to help fans to plan their football,” Infantino said in a journeys, the FIFA Club World Cup Qatar World Health Organization 2020 Local Organising Committee (LOC) news conference. has announced a range of key advice – Delays in the 2022 World including to arrive early, respect social Cup qualifying program in distancing and be aware of temporary most continents led FIFA last road restrictions in the vicinity of tour- year to create new games nament venues. dates next January. They will Abdulaziz Al Mawlawi, the LOC’s help make up the backlog in Host Country Operations Director, said: an increasingly tight schedule “Our main message to fans is to plan with broadcasting rights ahead before you travel. Check the already sold. official channels and social media for AHMAD BIN ALI STADIUM of () TRAVEL ADVICE FOR THOSE In Asia, 40 national teams any updates in relation to road closures, Distance from central Doha: 22km FCWC 2020 matches: NOT ATTENDING MATCHES are due on March 25 to public transport and COVID-19 Doha Metro: Within walking distance February 4 – Al Duhail SC vs Al Ahly Doha Metro and local roads are resume qualifying groups that protocols.” of (Green Line) SC (kick-off 20:30) expected to be busier than usual imme- last played in November 2019. Fans will be able to travel to all FCWC 2020 matches: February 7– Match 5 (kick-off 21:00) diately before and after each match, A total of 135 teams are matches by the Doha Metro, car or taxi. February 4 – Tigres UANL vs Ulsan February 11– Third-place play-off while temporary road restrictions will due to play World Cup qual- Each stadium will open three hours Hyundai FC (kick-off 17:00) (kick-off 18:00) also be in place near each stadium. It is ifiers next month, and 48 before kick-off. Parking and taxi areas February 7– Match 4 (kick-off 18:00) February 11– Final (kick-off 21:00) recommended to avoid travelling at the more have preliminary games will be available from three hours before February 8 – Match 6 – qualifier vs FC Metro: Later metro services will be busiest times. for the 2022 African Cup of kick-off and the Doha Metro will be Bayern Munich (kick-off 21:00) organised to allow fans to return home. Roads: Expected to be busier than Nations. running a full service each day. Metro: Later metro services will be Please listen for announcements. usual around each stadium for about two “We will see where we can Al Mawlawi continued: “We organised after Match 6 to allow fans to Parking: Parking is available to the hours before and two hours after each play, in what conditions,” the encourage all spectators to arrive at least return home. Please listen for south and east of the stadium. From the match. FIFA leader said, pledging to one hour before kick-off. Be prepared announcements Southern Car Park, it is a 5-10-minute Metro: Green Line is expected to be “do it by adhering to a clear to follow any social distancing measures Parking: Parking will be available a bus journey to/from the stadium. From busier than usual at the following times. health protocol.” – wear a mask, show your EHTERAZ app short walk from the stadium. Please be the Eastern Car Park, it is a 10-15-minute February 4 “We can see and we have when prompted and don’t get too close aware temporary local road restrictions bus journey or a 40-45 minute walk. Services toward Al Riffa station from been hearing earlier today to anyone who is not from the same will be in place near the stadium and Please consider walking, particularly 14:00 to 16:00 and services from Al Riffa from Dr. Tedros again that the household. may not be picked up by your in-car nav- after the match, as buses are expected station after 19:00. situation is evolving week by “We are also advising people not to igation. Please refer to our access maps to be busy. Also, please be aware, tem- Services towards Education City week, day by day,” Infantino be in a rush to leave the stadium after for your best route. porary local road restrictions will be in station from 17:30 to 19:30 and services said, sitting beside WHO the match ends. Traffic is likely to be Accessible parking: Accessible place near the stadium and may not be from Education City station after 22:30. director-general Tedros heavy and people may need to wait to parking is available but must be arranged picked up by your in-car navigation. February 7 Adhanom Ghebreyesus. board the Doha Metro due to social dis- in advance by those that qualify. When Please refer to our access maps for your Services towards Al Riffa station from Many of the players who tancing measures. Metro services will be you collect your match ticket from QNCC best route. 15:00 to 17:00 and services from Al Riffa return home for national duty running much later than usual to help please ask about accessible parking and Accessible parking: Accessible station after 20:00. play for clubs in Europe, ensure fans have a smooth journey back you will be provided with the necessary parking is available but must be arranged Services towards Education City including in England which is home.” permit. in advance by those that qualify. When station from 18:00 to 20:00 and services experiencing an aggressive Al Mawlawi also advised anyone not Taxi: Kareem, Karwa and Uber collecting the match ticket from QNCC from Education City station after 23:00. new variant of COVID-19. attending matches to allow extra time services will be able to access the dedi- ask about accessible parking and you February 8 FIFA eased its rules last for their journey by road or metro. He cated taxi area near the stadium. will be provided with the necessary Services towards Al Riffa station from year that require clubs to also pointed out that temporary road Storage: Limited storage facilities – permit. 18:00 to 20:00 and services from Al Riffa release players to national restrictions would be in place around click here for details of prohibited items. Taxi: Kareem, Karwa and Uber station after 23:00. teams. Exemptions were each stadium on match days. services able to access dedicated taxi February 11 offered if players had to travel Follow @roadto2022 and @road- EDUCATION CITY STADIUM area near the stadium. Services towards Education City to countries imposing man- to2022news on Twitter and Instagram Distance from central Doha: 13km Storage: Limited storage facilities – station from around 15:00 and services datory quarantine or self-iso- for the latest travel advice. Doha Metro: Within walking distance click here for details of prohibited items. from Education City station after 23:00. lation for at least five days upon arrival or their return. Asked if FIFA expected stadiums to be full when the World Cup opens in Qatar in November 2022, Infantino said: “Yes. We must have this.” “COVID will be defeated by then,” he said, at a briefing on FIFA’s latest work with WHO. FIFA will use the six-team Club World Cup starting on Thursday in Qatar to promote messages on health safety and fair distribution of vaccines. Infantino, who is a member of the International Olympic Committee, repeated the Olympic body’s view ahead of the Tokyo Games opening in July that athletes should not get inoculations before key workers. “We don’t consider football players as a priority Education City Stadium group in this respect,” he said.

Palmeiras players taking part in a gym session yesterday prior to their departure to Doha. Pic: Twitter/ @Palmeiras Playing for my country at the World Cup and then taking part at the Club World Cup is a major achievement for me. They’re two competitions that every player dreams of taking part in. It’s an added responsibility for me. Playing at an international tournament like the Club World Cup takes a lot of determination and hard work. Al Ahly, the players, and the coaching staff have all made a huge effort to be at this competition: Al Ahly SC goalkeeper Al Ahly players in action during a training session in Doha. Pic: Twitter/@AlAhly 10 SPORT TUESDAY 2 FEBRUARY 2021

Club World Cup next big title: Neuer Head coach : “We’re looking forward to the tournament. We want to FCBAYERN.COM players pick up on your emotions, we fans feel, how much they miss the earned us the chance to make history compete at the Club World Cup, and we want experience them with you: You carry stadium experience: “If I were a fan with this title. We want to seize this to win it.” To set the mood for the new year, us over the line when it really today, I would watch every game on opportunity. For the club, for our- (pictured) has written matters.” TV - just like when I was a kid. Back selves - and last but not least for our Manuel Neuer: “We won the Club World Cup to the fans and members of the record then,en, we would certainly have created fans!” champions in the foreword of the Incomparable team spirit ann aalternativelternative to tthehe stadstadiumium to comcom-- in 2013. It’s a special title that you can only latest edition of the FCB members’ He recently spoke at length with pensateensate at hhome;ome; witwithh my parents anandd win if you’ve already won the Champions magazine ‘51’. , and they both my bbrother,rother, everyevery gamegame wouldwould havehave League. We’ll do everything we can to “On behalf of the team, I wish you agreed: “If you look closely now, you becomeecome a mini event,event, a fixed date triumph again. I’d be delighted with a repeat all the best for 2021, with happiness can see how we players have whenhen everyone got together. Eve-Eve- of 2013.” and joy, not least regarding your FC changed. We push each other more ryoneyone would have taken the time to Bayern - and, most importantly, good than we used to, because we have to makemake thethe mostmost ofof it.”it.” Thomas Müller: “We want to complete the health,” said The Best FIFA Men’s release these forces more from sextuple and we’re looking forward to EyesEyes on the next titletitle Goalkeeper 2020. within. After making a save I would competing for this sixth title after the “We’re looking ahead to 2021 with rarely, or really never, cheer - today ManuelManuel NNeuereuer wwonon the Club Champions League, the championship, the optimism. Our greatest wish for the I make a fist as a sign for all of us, for WWorldorld CuCupp in Morocco in 2013. He new year, I think everyone is united me: Yes, we’re here, we’re strong!” aimsms to repeat that triumph in Qatar DFB Cup and the German and UEFA Super on this, is that this pandemic will soon Neuer is happy “that we currently in February.February. Cups.” be overcome.” have such a great team, which has With regardregard to his ssportingporting gogoals,als, The players, the FCB captain formed a unit with the coaching staff, Neuereuer says: “The next big title for our CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge: “We qualified relates, are tremendously affected by in which we can compensate for the teamam is comicomingng up soon in for the Club World Cup as Champions League the fact that the usual closeness to empty stands as best we can, because 2021.021. WinningWinning thethe ClubClub winners and will give everything to win the the fans in the stadium is not possible unfortunately you’re not there at the WorldWorld Cup in 2013 tournament. The team want to keep making at the moment because of the coro- moment. We can be proud of this wasas a great expe-expe- historyhistory.. I would like to thank FIFA and navirus. “Those of you who play sport team - I personally have never expe- rience.ence. WinningWinning PPresidentresident GianniGianni Infantino for makingmaking it know for sure that success in training rienced team spirit like it, and I’ve thehe ChaCham-m- and success in competition feels dif- been in football for quite a while.” pionsions ppossibleossible to competecompete forfor this title even in the ferent,” he explains. Leagueeague time of coronavirus.” “The passion you ignite in the Making the best of the situation againgain hashas stands makes a big difference. We Neuer also understands how the nowow Who will vie for honours in Qatar: FIFA Club World Cup 2020 squads

Mohsen (Egypt), JuanJuan SánchezSánchez Purata Mohamed Sherif (Egypt), (Mexico),(Mexico), (Egypt), Leonardo FernándezFernándezz (Morocco), (Uruguay),(Uruguay), Aldo Cruz Hussein El Shahat (Mexico),(Mexico), Guido PizarroPizarro (Egypt), (captain)(captain) (Argentina),(Argentinana),), (Mali), (Egypt), JavierJavier AquinoAquino (Mexico),(MMexico), Amr El Solia (Egypt), FranciscoFrancisco MezaMeMezaza (Egypt), (Colombia),(Colombia), RaymundoRaR ymy undod Show more respect Mohamed Magdy FulgencioFulgencio (Mexico),(MMeexico)o , LuisLuL is (Egypt), Saad Samir Quiñones (Colombia),(CoColol mbiaa)), to Messi, says (Egypt), Ali Maâloul Palmeiras Luis RodríguezRodríígugueze (Tunisia), Akram Tawfik Coach: Abel Fer-r- (Mexico),(Mexico), JesúsJesús DueñasDueññass Koeman after Al Duhail (Egypt), Walter Bwalya reira (Portugal) (Mexico),(Mexiccoo)), CarlosCCarloso Coach: Sabri Lam- (Congo), Taher Weverton (Brazil),l), GonzálezGonzálezz (Paraguay),(Paraguay), contract leak ouchi (France) Mohamed (Egypt), Junior Marcos Rocha (Brazil),il), JuliánJulián QuiñonesQuiñones Mohammed Al Bakri Ajayi (Nigeria), Emerson Santos (Brazil),zil), (Colombia),(C( olombiaa)), JuanJuan PabloPablo REUTERS – (Qatar), Mohammed (Egypt) Benjamín Kuscevicc ChávezCChávez (Mexico),(Meexix co),) ÉrickÉrickk Musa (Qatar), Ali and Mostafa Shobeir (Chile), Patrick de Paulaula ÁvalosÁvvala os (Mexico),(Mexxiicoo)), ArturoArtturu o Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman Malolah (Qatar), Medhi (Egypt) (Brazil), Alan Empereureur DelgadoDDelgado (M(Mexico)Meexico) andandd rallied behind Lionel Messi after the Benatia (Morocco), (Brazil), Zé Rafael PatrickPPatrick OgamaOggama a (Mexico)(Mexico) Argentine delivered a vintage Bassam Al-Rawi (Qatar), (Brazil), Luiz Adrianono performance in Sunday’s 2-1 home win Ahmed Yasser (Qatar), (Brazil), Rony (Brazil),l), over , hours after full Al Ahly President Mahmoud Al Khatib posing Ismaeel Mohammad Mayke (Brazil), Luann details of Messi’s lucrative contract for a photograph with the FIFA certificate (Qatar), Luiz Júnior (Brazil), Gustavo Scarparpa were published in the Spanish media. presented for their participation in the Club (captain) (Qatar), (Brazil), Gustavo Gómezmez Messi scored his 650th goal for the World Cup. Edmilson Junior (Paraguay), Matías Viñaiña Catalans with a sumptuous free kick to (Belgium), Karim (Uruguay), Lucas Limama put Barca in front against Athletic while Boudiaf (Qatar), (Brazil), Jailson (Brazil),zil), struck the winner Mubarak Shanan Hamza Raphael Veiga (Brazil),il), after Jordi Alba had scored an own goal Neymar wants (Qatar), Abdullah Al- Vinicius Silvestre to pull the visitors level. Ahrak (Qatar), Khalifa (Brazil), Gabriel Meninoino The day had begun with newspaper Ababacar (Qatar), Sultan Bayern Munich (Brazil), Gabriel Veronon El Mundo revealing the total amount to stay at PSG, Al-Brake (Qatar), Coach: Hans-Dieter (Brazil), Danilo (Brazil),il), Barca had spent on Messi’s last con- Almoez Ali (Qatar), Ali Flick (Germany) Willian (Brazil), andd tract with the club, also declaring the Afif (Qatar), Salah Manuel Neuer Felipe Melo (captain)n) cost of the deal had “ruined” Barca by hopes Mbappe Zakaria (Qatar), Khaled (captain) (Germany), (Brazil) UlsanUlsan HyundaiHyundai causing their current financial crisis. Mohammed (Qatar), Niklas Süle (Germany), Coach:Coach: HonHongg “I don’t understand how anyone (Qatar), MyMyung-boung-bo ((SouthSoSoututh could link Messi to Barca’s ruin. He has remains too Ali Karimi (Iran), (France), Joshua KoreaKorea)) spent years proving his quality and Michael Olunga (Kenya), Kimmich (Germany), Jo Su-huk (South(Souuthth doing great things for this club, helping REUTERS – PARIS Mohammed Muntari (Germany), Korea),Korea), Bae Jae-woJae-wooo it win many important trophies,” (Qatar) and Dudu Javi Martínez (Spain), (South(South Korea), Jason Koeman told a news conference. Paris St Germain forward Neymar said he (Brazil) DDavidsonavidson ((Australia),Australia), “Whoever published this had bad wants to remain at the champions (Poland), Leroy Sané Dave Bulthuis ((Nether-Nether- intentions and wanted to cause Barca and hopes Kylian Mbappe will also pledge (Germany), Douglas landslands),), Kim Tae-hyeon damage. But we have to be united and his future to the club. Costa (Brazil), Eric ((SouthSouth KoreaKorea),), Shin focused, we have to forget about Neymar joined PSG from Barcelona in Maxim Choupo-Moting Hyung-minHyung-min ((SouthSouth whatever has been published. Without 2017 for a world record fee of €222m (Cameroon), Jérôme Korea),Korea), Kim In-sung Leo we couldn’t aspire to win very ($269.26m) but Spanish media have fre- Boateng (Germany), (South Korea), Kim Ji-Ji- much. quently linked the 28-year-old with a switch hhyeonyeon ((SouthSouth Korea),Korea), “We have known for a very long back to the Catalan side. Mbappe has 18 (Germany), Alphonso YBi(ShYoon Bit-garam (South time that he is the best player in the months remaining on his contract in Paris Davies (Canada), Bouna Korea), Lee Dong-jun world, he has done so much for this and new manager Mauricio Pochettino has Sarr (France), Lucas (South Korea), Kim club and is decisive. We have to respect played down reports the French forward Hernandez (France), Min-jun (South Korea), everything Messi has done.” Barca have could be on the move to Real Madrid. (Spain), Won Du-jae (South threatened to sue El Mundo for pub- “I’m very happy today. Things have Korea), Kim Sung-joon lishing confidential information and changed a lot, I can’t exactly explain why - (France), Thomas Müller UANL (South Korea), Kang said they were not responsible for if it’s just me, or something else has (Germany), David Coach: Ricardo Dong-hyeok (South leaking the contract to the newspaper, changed,” Neymar, whose contract expires Alaba (Austria), Ferretti (Brazil) Korea), Jo Hyeon-woo although Koeman said the club needed in June 2022, told French television channel Kingsley Nahuel (South Korea), Kim Tae- to get to the bottom of the issue. TF1. Al Ahly Coman Guzmán hwan (South Korea), “If this was someone from the club “I have adapted. I feel calmer and I’m Coach: Pitso (France), (Argentina), Kang Yun-gu (South they cannot have a future here,” he very happy here. I want to stay at PSG and Mosimane (South Africa) Alexander Korea), Seo Ju-hwan added. I hopehope KylianKylia will stay too. Of Mohamed El Nübel (Mexico), Hugo (South Korea), Lee Ho Also on Sunday, President course,course, tthat’sh the wish of Shenawy (captain) (Germany), Ayala (Mexico), (South Korea), Lee Javier Tebas described the publication everyevery PSPSGG supporter... With (Egypt), Ahmed Ramdan Ron-Thorben Hyeong-kyeong (South of the contract as sensationalist jour- Kylian,Kylian, wwe have a rela- Beckham (Egypt), Yasser Hoffmann (Brazil), Korea), Kim Kee-hee nalism,alism, adding that Barca ttionshipionship oof brothers ... We Ibrahim (Egypt), (Germany) and (Ecuador), André- (South Korea), Seol wereere experiencing reallyreally likelike to play together. (Egypt), Hamdy Pierre Gignac (France), Young-woo and Lukas financialn a n c i a l “We“We wwant PSG to be a Fathy (Egypt), Marwan (England) (Mexico), Hinterseer (Austria). problemsoblems due to greatgr team and I thee cocoronavirusronavirus wwant to continue pandemicndemic and doingd what I’ve nott because of done every day in Messi’sessi ’s Paris -- play contract.ntract. football and be happy. That’s the mostm important tthing.”h PSG are thirdth in Ligue 1, three pointspoi behind leaders Neymar Ronald Koeman Lille.Lille TUESDAY 2 FEBRUARY 2021 SPORT 09 Pakistan coach warns against complacency in second Test AP — RAWALPINDI, PAKISTAN Middle-order batsman Fawad Alam’s dream return to Test cricket played a key Pakistan head coach Misbah-ul-Haq My focus is on this series. We will put all our role in Pakistan putting up a formidable doesn’t want his team to get complacent energies in this Test match and see how we total of 378 in the first innings after South ahead of this week’s second Test match can win. Other things are uncontrollable and Africa was bowled out for 220 inside two against South Africa. there is no point in thinking about it. sessions on the first day. The home side fought back from 27-4 Left-handed Alam, playing in only his in its first innings at Karachi to beat the eighth Test match in 11 years, made a gritty Proteas by seven wickets and take a 1-0 Misbah-ul-Haq 109 and revived Pakistan after a top-order lead the two-match series. The second Test Pakistan head coach collapse with Faheem Ashraf and Azhar starts at Pindi Cricket Stadium on Ali also scoring useful half centuries. Thursday. But the conditions in Rawalpindi will Yasir Shah and 34-year-old left-arm be much cooler than they were in Karachi spinner Nauman Ali, playing in his first less formidable teams like Sri Lanka and and Misbah said the team may change its Test match, shared 14 wickets between Bangladesh at home. Misbah and bowling bowling lineup to include four fast bowlers them against a struggling South Africa coach Waqar Younis were summoned by and only one spinner. batting line-up. the Pakistan Cricket Board after the team The dry pitch in Karachi gave the two “It was a much-needed victory,” lost a Test series 2-0 in New Zealand last Pakistan spinners plenty of assistance, but Misbah said. month. Both coaches were given another Misbah was not sure if he could get a “The team came back from a difficult chance, but their longer-term futures were similar type of wicket and conditions in position, but we don’t want to be com- tied to the outcome of the current home Rawalpindi. placent. South Africa is a tough team and series against South Africa. If Pakistan opts for a fourth fast bowler, we know they will come back hard at us.” “My focus is on this series,” Misbah Haris Rauf is a possible option to make his Pakistan's Fawad Alam during Since taking over as head coach in said. “We will put all our energies in this Test debut in his hometown. nets at the Pindi Cricket Stadium, 2019, Misbah has lost three away Test Test match and see how we can win. Other “Haris is bowling well with the old yesterday. series - against Australia, England and New things are uncontrollable and there is no ball,” Misbah said. “If the need arise we Zealand - but his Pakistan side has beaten point in thinking about it.” will see him.”

Patrick Reed poses with the New Rugby Correa to return to winner’s trophy following the final round of the Farmers Australia boss racing after Hubert’s Insurance Open golf tournament at Torrey Pines. demands fatal accident success from REUTERS — LONDON crashed and his stationary car was then hit by Correa’s during Wallabies Ecuadorian-American Juan the Belgian Grand Prix support Manuel Correa announced his race at Spa-Francorchamps. REUTERS — MELBOURNE return to racing yesterday after The FIA said in a subse- recovering from the severe leg quent report that Correa hit Reviving the Wallabies’ injuries he suffered in a 2019 Hubert’s virtually stationary car fortunes is the biggest Formula Two crash in which at 218 kph. challenge for Rugby Frenchman Anthoine Hubert Hubert was the first driver Australia as it looks to died. to die at a Formula One race survive in the nation’s The 21-year-old said he weekend since Brazilian cut-throat sports market, would drive for the ART triple champion Ayrton Senna new RA chief executive Formula Three team. and Austrian Roland Ratzen- Andy Marinos said. “Announcing my return to berger at Imola in Italy in Marinos took over the race tracks is one of the 1994. yesterday from interim proudest moments in my pro- Correa suffered 20 frac- CEO Rob Clarke, who fessional career,” Correa said tures to his legs and feet, leaves after negotiating a in a statement, promising to spending two weeks in an new broadcast deal and honour Hubert’s memory. induced coma and wearing a overseeing deep cuts to “My dream is still to reach leg brace for more than a year. player salaries and staff in F1 and this is the first step in my He underwent 25 bouts of Patrick Reed prevails at Torrey a bid to keep the game comeback.” surgery to his legs but avoided afloat as the COVID-19 Hubert, 22, died after he amputation. pandemic hammered Pines for ninth career victory finances. In coach Dave Ren- REUTERS — SAN DIEGO right thing), the rules officials nie’s first year in charge, Gasly becomes sixth Reed finished the tournament felt like they did that at the the Wallabies lost an 18th Patrick Reed pushed aside a at 14-under 274, well ahead of same time so with that being successive Bledisloe Cup Formula One driver to weekend of controversy to said I felt fine, I felt great series to New Zealand in shoot a steady 4-under-par 68 a group of five that included throughout the day. And at the 2020 and finished bottom on Sunday and cruise to a five- Tony Finau, Ryan Palmer, end of the day, I wouldn’t have of a Tri-Nations tour- test positive for virus shot victory at the Farmers Xander Schauffele, Norway’s felt any other way. I was able nament behind the All Insurance Open on the South Viktor Hovland and Sweden’s to shoot a low number (Sunday) Blacks and Argentina. REUTERS — LONDON Course at Torrey Pines Golf Henrik Norlander. and get the job done.” Former Wales inter- Pierre Gasly Course outside San Diego. Hovland was within a shot national Marinos said the AlphaTauri’s Pierre Gasly said Reed finished the tour- of Reed on Sunday before con- Wallabies and Australia’s he had tested positive for nament at 14-under 274, well The victory sets up Reed to be secutive bogeys at 14 and 15, other national teams had COVID-19, meaning six of ahead of a group of five that and another at 17 to finish at 71. to deliver better results if Formula One’s 20 race drivers included Tony Finau, Ryan among the favorites for the US Finau tried to make a late RA was to achieve success have now contracted the virus. Palmer, Xander Schauffele, Open in June, which will also charge before finding water at away from the field. The 24-year-old Norway’s Viktor Hovland and take place on Torrey Pines’ 18 for a bogey. “You can’t be suc- Frenchman, who recently Sweden’s Henrik Norlander. South Course. Schauffele and Norlander cessful off the field if posted pictures on Instagram The victory sets up Reed to carded final-round 69s while you’re not successful on of training in Dubai, made the be among the favorites for the Palmer shot 70. the field,” Zimbabwe- announcement on Twitter. US Open in June, which will A three-way tie for seventh born Marinos told “I wanted to let you know also take place on Torrey Pines’ Reed struggled on Saturday place at 8 under included Will reporters yesterday in his that I tested positive for South Course. after his 10th-hole controversy, Zalatoris (71 on Sunday), Lanto first media conference as COVID-19. I have told everyone Reed was the talk of golf watching a four-stroke lead Griffin (72) and Spain’s Jon CEO. I’ve been in contact with during Saturday and into Sunday turn into a tie after three rounds Rahm, who shot consecutive “So that’s our biggest these last days,” he said on morning after he picked up his with Mexico’s Carlos Ortiz at even-par 72s on Saturday and challenge. To improve our Twitter. ball on the 10th hole during Sat- 10-under par. Sunday after a 67 on Friday. high performance and get “I’m currently self-isolating urday’s third round before Like Saturday, Reed made a Ortiz stumbled to a 6-over a more competitive and and following the protocol set spending time in Dubai calling over a rules official to move on the front nine when he 78 Sunday while playing in the winning team. by the local health authorities. post-season. confirm the ball was embedded shot a 3-under 33 that included final group and finished in a tie “That makes the rest I’m feeling OK, and will con- Mercedes team boss Toto in soggy ground. The ball an eagle on the par-5, sixth hole for 29th place at 4 under. of the business a lot easier tinue to follow my training plan Wolff, Williams principal actually bounced before and a bogey on the par-3 eighth. It was the first victory for to manage and drive com- from home while I remain in Simon Roberts and Aston coming to rest, but he still was From there, he avoided trouble Reed, who also won the 2018 mercial value. isolation.” Martin team owner Lawrence awarded a free drop and sal- by shooting a 1-under on the back Masters, since he won the “We’re wanting to get Mexican Sergio Perez, Stroll as well as Pirelli tyre boss vaged par. nine while the competition fell WGC-Mexico Championship in out and grow the game in Canadian Lance Stroll, seven Mario Isola have also had the The move ultimately was by the wayside. Reed was 8 under February of last year. He has the community. Well, times world champion Lewis virus. The season starts in considered within the rules, on the front nine in the final two now won one tournament in people need heroes.” Hamilton, McLaren’s Lando Bahrain on March 28. although ethical questions rounds. each of the last four years. Marinos also backed Norris and Ferrari’s Charles Last year’s championship remained. Fueling the scrutiny “My biggest takeaway was Australia’s Marc Leishman, RA Chairman Hamish Leclerc have all tested pos- was hit by the pandemic, with was an episode in 2019 where mentally, I hung in there and the tournament winner in McLennan’s “extension of itive since the start of the the planned opener in Australia Reed appeared to ground his stayed the course,” Reed said 2020, shot a 2-under 70 to the rugby friendship” to pandemic.Norris and Leclerc cancelled after a McLaren team club in a bunker before playing after his ninth career victory. finish at 5-under 283 and in a the Lions and South Africa. tested positive after also member tested positive. a shot. “... We felt like we did (the tie for 18th place.

Nicol David David shines even if Olympics remain elusive

REUTERS — LONDON said she hoped the award campaign to admit squash to The now-retired David, place every four years -- a She was never given the would help to boost the the Olympics, but has instead ranked world number one year after the Summer chance to shine on an profile of a sport seemingly had to watch sports including for a record 108 consecutive Olympic Games -- and Olympic stage, but squash unloved in key quarters. rugby sevens, climbing, months, beat Irish tug-of- feature athletes, sports and superstar Nicol David may “Hopefully it can elevate karate, surfing and skate- war titan James Kehoe into disciplines that are not part derive some compensation attention for the future of boarding gain the stamp of second place, with third of the Olympics. from being named the World squash,” David said as the approval ahead of it. going to Ukrainian power- Founded in 1980, the 11th Games Greatest Athlete of All sport -- already part of the While tennis players, lifter Larysa Soloviova. edition will be held in Bir- Time. Commonwealth Games and badminton players and table Athletes on the shortlist mingham, Alabama, in July Winning the accolade Asian Games -- now eyes tennis players all enjoy their came from sports including 2022, when some 3,600 ath- yesterday with almost three inclusion in the Paris spell in the Olympic sun lifesaving, sumo, dancesport letes from more than 30 times as many votes as the Olympics in 2024. For years every four years, squash still and racquetball. sports and 100 countries will runner-up, the Malaysian David has been the face of a peers in from the outside. The World Games take take part. Sport TUESDAY 2 FEBRUARY 2021 08 QMMF chief Al Mannai wins FIM membership

QNA — GENEVA Qatari candidate’s winning was as a result of his excellent electoral Abdulrahman bin Abdullatif Al President of Qatar Motor and programme, which focused mainly Mannai was elected during Dr. Mohamed Awada Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) on the talented youth, through the Abdulrahman bin Abdullatif Al Qatar Mechanical Sports Academy, by-elections for three seats held Mannai (pictured) yesterday won which was officially launched in during the first online edition of the the membership of the Board of October 2018 and has a great FIM’s General Assembly that took Frankis Carol Marzo Football family, Directors of the International number of young talents from place over two days in Geneva, Motorcycling Federation (FIM) for around the world, in addition to the Switzerland. Al Mannai won 51 votes, the next four years. leading role of the State of Qatar in media mourn He was elected during by-elec- motorcycle sport, as it hosted the while President of the Argentine Qatar’s Marzo tions for three seats held during the inaugural round of the MotoGP Federation Ignacio Fernandez first online edition of the FIM’s World Championship for 13 con- received 56 votes and President of Dr. Awada finishes as top General Assembly that took plaplacece secutive timestimes,, and 17 times ssince it the Swedish Federation Hakan overver two ddaysays in Geneva, firstfirst hhostedosted it in 20042004.. Lyman got 50 votes. THE PENINSULA – DOHA Switzerland.witzerland. In a statement, Al MMannai scorer in Egypt AlAl MannaiMannai wonwon expressed his prideprid as a The Qatar Football Association (QFA) has 511 votes,votes, wwhilehile QQatariatari anandd AraArabb ccitizen joined the country’s football family at large QNA — PresidentPresident of the forfor thethe achievementachievem of winning this position was not a and the media industry in offering condo- ArgentineArgentine FedeFeder-r- winningwinning memmembershipbers of coincidence, but rather it was a lences after the passing away of Dr. Qatari handball team player Frankis ationtion IgnacioIgnacio Fern-Fern- thethe InInternationalternational MMotor- result of tireless work and effort Mohamed Awada, advisor to the President Carol Marzo won the top scorer title andezndez rreceivedeceived 56 cyclecycle Federation, popointing throughout the past period since of QFA. in the 27th World Men’s handball votesotes andand Pres-Pres- out that obtainingobtainin this assuming the task of the president “The Qatar Football Association offers Championship, which concluded in identdent ooff thethe ggreatreat internainternationalt of the QMMF, stressing that during its sincere condolences and sympathy to Egypt on Sunday . Swedishwedish Feder-Feder- position confirmsconfirm the his term in the FIM, he will try to the family and relatives of the late Dr. Marzo scored 58 goals in 7 ationtion HakanHakan iimportancemportance and build bridges of trust and cooper- Muhammad Awada,” the QFA tweeted. matches for the Qatari national team, Lymanyman weight oof the ation with all federations in various Dr Awada died after contracting the which made exit in the quarter-finals. gotot 50 StateState ofof Qatar continents of the world. coronavirus during a family trip to Beirut, The Norwegian top goal scorer Sander votes.otes. at tthehe inter- Al Mannai considered his new details showed across social media plat- Sagosen came second with 54 goals. Theh e natnationali position as a great challenge, while forms. Dr Awada was transferred to Marzo is the second Arab player level.leve affirming at the same time his ability Turkey to complete his treatment, which to win the World handball Champi- He to take responsibility. He added that lasted about two weeks, it was reported. onship top scorer title after Tunisian statedst development and progress achieved CEO of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Wissam Hammam, who won the title tthat in various fields of sport in the past Nasser Al Khater also tweeted: “Dr in the 2005 edition. few years prove the Qatari capabil- Muhammad Awada gave us from his big The Denmark national team won ities on the ground. heart. He was a brother, a friend and a the World Championship for the teacher before he was a classmate.” second time in a row after winning The Supreme Committee for Delivery the final match against Swedish coun- & Legacy (SC) also offered condolences to terpart (26-24). Injured Johnson-Thompson out until March Dr Awada’s family through their Twitter The Spanish national team took handle. Dr Awada was also a senior advisor third place after winning against at the SC. French counterpart (35-29) . REUTERS — LONDON “With his death, the sports media com- Meanwhile, Denmark’s legendary munity has lost one of its true figures. He player Mikkel Hansen was named the Heptathlon world champion always devoted his life to serving sports MVP, Most Valuable Player Award, Katarina Johnson-Thompson will and the media locally and in the Arab after leading his country to a second be out of action until March after world. He continued his successful career world title in a row. sustaining an Achilles tendon injury by handling assignments in the Qatar 2022 Hansen, who had claimed the in training at the end of the year but World Cup file. With his passing, a rich same award in 2011 2015 and 2018, she says the issue has not affected sports history will remain in our minds has displayed a remarkable and bril- her plans for the Tokyo Olympics. forever,” President of the Lebanese liant performances throughout the The 28-year-old emerged as one Football Association Hashem Haider said championship, despite missing the of Britain’s top gold medal prospects Britain’s Katarina Johnson- in a statement. Doha games against Qatar and Japan in the for Tokyo after winning the world title Thompson celebrates after A former Editor-In-Chief at Stadium Main Round. in Doha in 2019 ahead of Rio Olympics winning gold at IAAF World magazine, Dr Awada, 59, was However, he was a great influ- champion Nafi Thiam of Belgium. Championships in Doha, in this mourned by the popular publication. encer to his team in leading them in Johnson-Thompson said she October 3, 2019 file photo. “The Doha Stadium family mourns Dr. decisive games in the knock-out was recovering back home in Liv- Muhammad Awada, former Editor-In- stage. erpool and that her protective boot Chief of Doha Stadium. May God have The 33 year-old scored 48 goals was due to come off on Monday. She be able to share this off the back of Johnson-Thompson finished 14th mercy on Dr Awada’s soul. We offer our in seven games and assisted in 26 would then head to her training base a positive few weeks... This news at the 2012 London Olympics and sincere condolences to his family, rela- more goals, with a total of 74 goals in Montpellier, France. doesn’t impact my plans for 2021, was sixth in Rio four years later. The tives and friends in the sports and media in the event. “This is not the start to the year Tokyo is still very much the focus,” Tokyo Games are due to begin on family inside and outside Qatar,” the mag- I was hoping for but I’m pleased to she wrote in an Instagram post. July 23. azine said in a post on its website. Serena cruises past Gavrilova in Yarra Valley Classic opener

REUTERS — MELBOURNE

Serena Williams showed no signs of rust as she began her season with a comfortable 6-1, 6-4 win over Daria Gavrilova It feels good to be in Melbourne yesterday to back here. I felt I was reach the Yarra Valley Classic definitely composed round of 16. and in a zone and The 23-time Grand Slam champion, who is warming up trying to do the things for the Australian Open, was at I’ve been working on. her dominant best after a slow start in which she saved four break points in the opening game of the contest at Margaret Court Arena. Serena Williams of the US Former world number one celebrates after winning her Williams has not played since match against Australia’s withdrawing from last year’s Daria Gavrilova, yesterday. French open second round in September with an Achilles injury, but made quick work of She’s a good person,” Williams coaches and officials have been Gavrilova, striking 27 winners added. cleared from quarantine in Mel- including 16 in the opening set. Another former world bourne ahead of the Grand “It feels good to be back number one, Karolina Pliskova, Slam, health officials said on here,” the 39-year-old Wil- also advanced to the next round Monday. liams, who is chasing a record- in style, firing seven aces and COVID-19 Quarantine Vic- equalling 24th major, said in an 30 winners in her 6-3 6-2 toria said 12 people linked to the on-court interview. victory over Italian Elisabetta tournament exited isolation on “I felt I was definitely com- Cocciaretto. Sunday, leaving three active posed and in a zone and trying The 30-year-old Czech next cases still to be cleared. to do the things I’ve been meets former Australian Open The vast majority of the working on.” semi-finalist Danielle Collins, players and their entourages Up next for Williams is Bul- who beat Nina Stojanovic 6-1, undergoing 14 days of isolation garian Tsvetana Pironkova, 6-2. in Melbourne and Adelaide who she was due to face at Also advancing were Anas- were released by midnight on Roland Garros before her tasia Pavlyuchenkova, who Saturday and have started pre- injury. beat Misaki Doi 6-1 6-4, and paring for the Grand Slam. The American said she was Petra Martic, who downed Vera Spain's Paula Badosa was looking forward to the meeting Lapko 4-6, 6-3, 6-2. the only player to have con- with fellow mother Pironkova, The tournament is one of six firmed that she tested positive who spent three years away arranged by Tennis Australia for COVID-19, restarting the from the sport raising her son before the Australian Open, clock on her mandatory period before returning in 2020. which begins on February 8. of isolation. “It’s important for me just Three people left in Aus- Victoria state, of which Mel- to see what she did and what I tralian Open quarantine bourne is the capital, recorded did and what we can both do Meanwhile, all but three of its 26th successive day of zero better. I’m always rooting for the Australian Open cohort of community transmissions her, she’s such a great story. more than 1,000 players, yesterday.