Benzema saves Real the blushes with winner PAGE 18

TUESDAY, APRIL 2, 2019

Bernard McCullagh pulls off second victory PREMIER LEAGUE in a row in Qatari Diar Triathlon PAGE 19 W WANDERERS VS MAN UNITED

Qatar to host first round of 2020 Sheikh Joaan crowns Amir Sword Camel Race winners Asian Supersports Championship

hosted by the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF). The meetings included the holding of the first quar- terly meeting at the level of the members of the governing council of the FIM Asia in its new form. The meetings discussed many issues related to various motorcycle races, tournament schedule, and some laws and regulations, as well as work to expand the annual activities The Asian Supersports Championship will be introduced for the first within the various federations time on the agenda of the 2020 season and includes several rounds, belonging to the Asian conti- each held separately in different countries of the continent. nent, whether through tourna- ments or training programs. QNA which will be introduced for Also, the meetings dealt DOHA the first time on the agenda of with the programs of the Asian the 2020 season, and includes talents academy in China, THE Asian Motorcycling Fed- several rounds, each held sep- which attracts riders from the eration (FIM Asia) has an- arately in different countries 13 to 18 age group, as well as nounced Qatar’s hosting of of the continent. the allocation of their own HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al Thani, President of Qatar Olympic Committee, awarded winners of the six main camel races for the age group of the first round of the Asian This came during the three-course tournament in three to four years on the third day of annual Purebred Arabian Camel Festival for the sword of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani Supersports Championship, three-day FIM Asia meetings Taiwan, Thailand, and India. at Al Shahaniya racetrack on Monday. Esperance storm their way

A file pic of All India Football Feder- ation President Praful Patel (right) to Tunisian Super Cup with FIFA chief Gianni Infantino. Praful Patel set to be first Indian in The league FIFA Council champions NEW DELHI: The All India clinch their third Football Federation (AIFF) might be fighting a legal battle in the title in Doha Supreme Court over the validity of its constitution vis-a-vis the AYENI OLUSEGUN National Sports Code (NSC) but DOHA President Praful Patel is set to don the bigger role on the world REIGNING Tunisian league stage this week. Patel is expected champions Esperance Sportive to become the first Indian to de Tunis made amends for their be elected as member of FIFA CAF Super Cup loss against Executive Council for a four-year Raja Casablanca as they beat period when elections are held Club Athletique Bizertin 2-1 in in the Asian Football Confedera- the Tunisian Super Cup at the tion (AFC) headquarters in Kuala Al Duhail Stadium on Monday. Lumpur on Saturday. The match played in front of a The executive council is FIFA’s sell out crowd saw the league highest decision making body champions and the Tunisian and it has never had an Indian Cup winners in action for the member in the past. Former AIFF first time in 16 years. president Priyaranjan Dasmunsi Goals from Anice Badri was once elected to the technical and Yassine Khenissi were committee of FIFA. Patel, who enough for the Tunisian re- is currently the Vice President of cord league winners (28 ti- AFC, has decided not to run for a tles) despite Hallim Darragi’s re-election and instead opted to penalty for Bizertin. fight for the FIFA body. His place Esperance came out blaz- in AFC could be taken by the ing after their stunning loss Pakistan representative. “It is an over the weekend and had the eight-corner contest for five spots first shot on target just over a from Asia in FIFA, but we are minute played as Yousef Belaili confident of Patel’s victory. He is shot wide after showing quick being supported by AFC President feet to dance around his mark- Shaikh Salman and all other er. Esperance continued to pile member countries will surely back on the pressure but the Bizer- him in the elections,” AIFF senior tin backline held their own. Fans of teams Esperance Sportive de Tunis (above) and Club Athletique Bizertin cheer their respective Vice President Subroto Dutta The Tunisian champions sides during the Tunisian Super Cup match at Al Duhail Stadium in Doha on Monday. said on Monday. As per new FIFA were however not to be kept statutes adopted in 2016, the out for long and soon found ball. But The Northern Sharks Thamri kept his team in ed time the stopper pulled off executive council is a 37-member the net in the 13th minute af- soon pulled one back from the game in the 88th minute another stunning save but Es- Esperance captain Chamseddine Dhaouadi receives the Tunisian body with AFC having the rights ter some sublime play by Be- the penalty spot. The referee with a point blank save from perance held on to claim their Super Cup trophy from QFA President Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin to send one Vice President and laili. The skillful number 10 pointed to the spot after Esper- Badri’s fierce shot and in add- third Super Cup title. Ahmed al Thani and FTF President Wadii Jarii. six members, which include one turned his marker in the box ance Aymen Mahmoud’s need- female member. Led by the FIFA before finding Anice Badri lessly fouled Ibrahim Ouattara President, the council has now who made no mistake guiding in the box and Hallim Darragi a wide range of powers and the the ball home. made no mistake from the spot Secretary General will have to Bizertin, who were the first in the 34th minute. report to it regularly. Apart from Tunisian club to win an African Bizertin hope of staging Patel, the seven other candidates trophy in the CAF Cup Win- a comeback when Wissam are from China, Iran, Japan, South ners’ Cup in 1988, soon found Bousnina was shown a straight Korea, the Philippines, Qatar and their task more difficult when red card for a rash challenge. Saudi Arabia. Patel travelled to Taha Yassine Khenissi dou- Esperance dominated play Kyrgyzstan to campaign for his bled Esperance’s lead minutes and Belaili continued to tor- election with the Central Asian later. Belaili was the provider ment the Bizertin defence and Football Association nation. “The again with a perfectly weighted came close to scoring but the campaign in Central Asia was pass which split the defence ball was deflected wide for a smooth and highly encouraging. for Khenissi to latch on to and corner kick. From the ensu- We are confident of their support coolly slot past the hapless ing kick, Esperance missed to Patel. His election to the FIFA Khemais Thamri in goal. another chance for the killer Council will help Indian football Bizertin finally managed a goal when two players went up immensely,” said Dutta. (IANS) shot on target but Moez Ben for the same ball only to head Cherifa easily held on to the wide off the mark. A tense moment of action from the thrilling match played at the Al Duhail Stadium in Doha on Monday. Sports Tuesday, April 2, 2019 17 Leclerc takes positives Al Watan, QBF sign agreement for FIBA 3x3 after F1 GP heartbreak

AFP SAKHIR (BAHRAIN) Victorious CHARLES LECLERC focused Hamilton on the positives on Monday after his heartbreaking bid for a maiden F1 win was foiled by defends engine problems in Sunday’s Bahrain Grand Prix. Vettel The 21-year-old Mon- egasque, who emerged as MANAMA: A victorious Lewis the sport’s rising star as the Hamilton moved to defend his youngest pole-sitter in Ferra- rival Sebastian Vettel as the ri’s history, had victory in his four-time champion’s recent sights with 10 laps remaining form came under scrutiny fol- when he suffered a power loss lowing another costly spin in that saw him drop to third as Sunday’s Bahrain Grand Prix. Mercedes pair Lewis Ham- Hamilton, who was gifted ilton and Valtteri Bottas fin- the 74th win of his career Qatar Basketball Federation (QBF) signed a partnership agreement with Dar Al Watan Publishing for the ished first and second. when Ferrari new boy Charles International Basketball Federation’s (FIBA) 3x3 World Tour opener to be held in Doha from April 25-26 His misfortune was Leclerc’s engine lost power in at the Katara Cultural Village. The agreement was signed by QBF Secretary-General Ali al Malki and Qatar caused by a single cylinder the final 10 laps, said Vettel’s Information and Marketing (QIM) CEO Abdulrahman Majid al Qahtani. failure, Ferrari said, quashing achievements dwarfed his suggestions of a problem with disappointments. As Fer- the turbo-charger. rari packed up to travel home “To be honest, how I felt after a bitter-sweet weekend in the car, I thought that eve- in which they demonstrated Khulaifi wins a gold and bronze in Sarajevo rything would blow up a few dominant pace and the arrival laps later,” said Leclerc. “But, on the grand prix podium of that was not the case and we their new star Leclerc, Vettel still finished third. faced another Italian inquest “From the whole weekend, over his failings. there are a lot of positives to take. After Australia, we were quite far off. Now, I think we Monaco’s Formula One driver Charles Leclerc of Scuderia Ferrari have found some pace. reacts on the podium after the 2019 Bahrain Formula One GP at “We came here with a the Sakhir circuit near Manama, Bahrain, on Sunday. (EPA-EFE) good car, which was very pos- itive for the team and shows they have done an amazing job. To lose the lead this way is always a shame and a dis- appointment.” He said it was not the cruellest setback of his racing German F1 driver Sebastian Vet- career. “No, it was not that tel of Scuderia Ferrari in his car extreme,” he explained. “For- during the 2019 Grand Prix of mula Two, in Monaco, in 2017, Bahrain. (EPA-EFE) was probably the worst me Qatari swimmer Yaqoub Abdulaziz al Khulaifi won gold in the 100m butterfly event for boys under-18 at and the worst I’ve ever had.” Charles Leclerc of Scuderia Ferrari in action during the Bahrain GP His spin at the Bahrain Inter- the Sarajevo International Swimming Championships. Al Khulaifi also claimed the bronze in the men’s In that race, he dominat- at the Sakhir circuit on Sunday. (EPA-EFE) national Circuit, where Hamil- 100m butterfly event at the Bosnia and Herzegovina meet. ed the contest on home soil in ton led his team-mate Valtteri front of his family and friends assess its behaviour, func- a surprise than Bahrain. Bah- Bottas home for a second before safety car confusion tionality and performance.” rain was very strong - the straight season-opening Mer- and a suspension breakage He said it was a single straight-line performance cedes one-two, was his fourth conspired to wreck his hopes. component failure. unbelievable. in 10 races. “I looked at the Quick read “This is not so bad. It’s “We are disappointed, but “I think, on the straights, replay and we didn’t touch,” still a podium and it’s my we are positive,” he added. there was a five-tenths (ad- said five-times champion Ham- Sri Lanka captain apologises for ‘unbecoming’ behaviour first in F1 so I want to enjoy “We know it’s a long season vantage) in qualifying. That is ilton, reflecting on the incident it. It was not the weekend and though there are posi- difficult to compete against. in which Vettel spun while the COLOMBO: Sri Lanka’s Test driver was hospitalised for minor we wanted, but we should be tives from the weekend, we It’s sheer power. If they can pair battled for second place. captain Dimuth Karunaratne injuries after the pre-dawn crash happy with third despite the know that doesn’t mean it maintain it in Shanghai, they “It was really windy there...” apologised Monday for his on Sunday. “My actions were problems.” will be sufficient for the rest are the clear favourites.” Sunday’s incident reminded “unbecoming behaviour” after utterly unbecoming of a Sri Lan- Ferrari team chief Mat- of the season.” And, on Leclerc, the observers of a similar spin at being arrested for drink-driving in kan national cricketer and I do tia Binotto said: “The engine Ferrari’s power and pace Mercedes man was equally last year’s Italian Grand Prix an accident that left a taxi driver apologise to all of you for this will go back to Maranello for in a straight line lifted them impressed. “He’s got a beau- where Hamilton barged past injured. Karunaratne, 30, was incident,” Karunaratne said in a careful checks because when clear of their rivals. tiful, bright future ahead of Vettel on his way to a decisive taken before a magistrate who statement. The incident came something like this happens Mercedes team chief Toto him so this will only make victory that underpinned his suspended his driving licence as Sri Lanka decides who will be Dimuth Karunaratne (left) arrives you need to take your time. Wolff described it as “unbe- him stronger. He is very im- late-season title charge. and fixed a trial for May 2. The captain for the national team at at the court in Colombo with his “But the engine was run- lievable” and explained: “We pressive. Many other drivers “It happens to us all. Just be- cricket star was also asked the World Cup starting in Eng- lawyer on Monday. (AFP) ning at the end of the race so expected them to be strong in would have reacted in a more cause you are a multiple world to take a medical test. Police land on May 30. Karunaratne, it is still able to run. We will Melbourne, after what we’d controversial way, but he has champion doesn’t mean you’re told the court that while driving who led Sri Lanka to a stunning Sri Lanka’s cricket board said in use it certainly in China when seen in terms of pace in testing. a good character and he is not going to have ‘off’ week- under the influence of liquor, Test series victory against South a statement it would investigate we have an entire Friday to “So Melbourne was more humble. He is, also, very fast.” ends,” said Hamilton. (AFP) Karunaratne went through a Africa last month, had been one the incident “in order to take red light and hit a taxi whose of the favourites for the position. necessary action.” (AFP) Marquez cruises to 45th MotoGP win

made his push for victory four laps from the end at Termas de Rio Hondo to deny 21-year-old Gardner of Australia with Alex Marquez of Spain in third. It was a first world champi- onship podium for Gardner. The 22-year-old Baldassarri Sheer delight leads the world championship Kings XI Punjab’s bowler Sam Curran (left) celebrates with his team having also won the open- owner Preity Zinta and teammates after his hat-trick against Delhi “It’s been one of the most ing round in Qatar earlier this Capitals in an IPL match in Mohali on Tuesday. (AFP) solid weekends of my MotoGP month while Gardner is second, career. On the first laps, I 17 points behind the Italian. wanted to make the biggest “It was a good race and im- Curran does the star turn as difference possible, it was portant victory for the team,” strategy, I attacked. It’s a said Baldassarri. Punjab shock Delhi Capitals great day for the team. It’s “I knew that I couldn’t battle been a long time since I was at the start, I had to manage the IANS win (2/31) and Mohammed on the podium.” tyres so I concentrated on the MOHALI Shami 2/27) also played crucial end of the race.” roles as Punjab scripted their Spain’s Jaume Masia, on a SAM Curran bowled a dream third win in four games to move “I waited and I got past him KTM, claimed a maiden Moto3 second spell to snare four second in the points table. on the last lap,” said Rossi, now victory, edging out South Af- wickets as Kings XI Punjab Chasing a modest 167 for Spain’s Marc Marquez crosses the finish line to win the MotoGP Argentina Grand Prix at the Termas de Rio in his 20th season in the elite rica’s Daryn Binder and Tony recorded a 14-run victory over victory, Delhi were in the hunt Hondo circuit in Santiago del Estero, Argentina, on Sunday. (AFP) MotoGP class and who made Arbolino of Italy on the line. Delhi Capitals in their Indian for most parts of the match. the podium for the first time Having started the race on Premier League (IPL) match With 20 runs needed off 15 AFP Qatar, was third on a Ducati. strategy, I attacked and I saw since Germany in July last year. pole, Masia regained the lead here on Monday. balls when Colin Ingram got TERMAS DE RÍO HONDO (ARGENTINA) Marquez, chasing a sixth the gap widen.” “It’s a great day for the team. on the last lap, erasing the mis- Curran (4/11 in 2.2 overs), out, Delhi succumbed to some MotoGP world title, now leads As Marquez was rarely It’s been a long time since I was ery of his first-lap fall in Qatar. who replaced injured Chris brilliant death bowling by WORLD champion Marc Mar- the 2019 championship after threatened in Sunday’s race, the on the podium.” “It’s incredible. I have to thank Gayle, bowled the 18th over to Shami and Curran. In the end, quez stormed to a lights-to-flag two rounds of the 19-race series. wheel-to-wheel action was be- Australia’s Jack Miller my team and my fans,” said the take the wickets of Colin In- Delhi could manage 152. Argentina MotoGP triumph on “Today, it was a perfect day. ing ratcheted up behind him as on a Ducati-Pramac was 4th, Spaniard. gram (38; 29b; 4x4; 1x6) and Earlier, David Miller Sunday ahead of bitter rival Val- I pushed all the time and five Rossi and Dovizioso switched Alex Rins of Spain on a Suzuki Japan’s Kaito Toba keeps Harshal Patel (0), and then (43; 30b, 4x4; 6x2) missed a entino Rossi, describing his per- laps from the end I could ease places 12 times. was 5th ahead of Ducati’s Da- the overall world champion- came back in the last over to half-century as Punjab were formance as “the perfect day”. off to save the engine and the But 40-year-old Rossi had nilo Petrucci. ship lead after a 10th place fin- finish the game by removing restricted to 166/9. Honda rider Marquez tyres,” said Marquez. the last laugh, pouncing on a Earlier, Italy’s Lorenzo Bal- ish on Sunday to follow his vic- Kagiso Rabada and Sandeep SCORES claimed his 45th career vic- “It’s been one of the most Dovizioso error on the last lap to dassarri won the Moto2 race tory in Qatar. He has 31 points Lamichhane in successive de- Kings XI Punjab 166/9 in 20 overs (David tory in the elite class, finishing solid weekends of my Mo- take second place on the same with Remy Gardner, son of 1987 with Italy’s Lorenzo Dalla liveries to complete a hat-trick Miller 43, Sarfaraz Khan 39; Chris Morris 10 seconds ahead of Rossi on toGP career. On the first laps, circuit where 12 months ago he world 500cc champion Wayne Porta in second on 29. Masia as seven wickets fell for just 3/30) beat Delhi Capitals 152 all out a Yamaha. Andrea Dovizioso, I wanted to make the biggest had collided with Marquez and Gardner, taking second place. moves into third spot, a further eight runs in 17 balls. (Rishabh Pant 39; Sam Curran 4/11) who won the season-opener in difference possible, it was crashed out. Baldassarri, on a Kalex, two points back. Skipper Ravichandran Ash- by four runs. 18 Tuesday, April 2, 2019 Sports QSL holds Extraordinary General Assembly QFA, FTF sign cooperation agreement

Club officials and Qatar Football Association members attend the Qatar Stars League (QSL) Extraordinary General Assembly meeting at the St Regis Hotel in Doha on Monday.

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK (QFA) and a member of Execu- tended by the QSL CEO. and members were appointed DOHA tive Committee of QSL. The General Assembly to review the meeting. The Qatar Football Association (QFA) and the Tunisia Football Federation (FTF) signed a cooperation Jassim al Rumaihi, Nasser started with the speech of Boe- The amended regulations agreement at QFA’s headquarters in Doha. The agreement was signed by Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin THE Qatar Stars League’s al Hitmi, representatives of nain who welcomed the attend- were approved by the joint Ahmed al Thani, President of the QFA and by Wadii Jarii, President of the FTF. (QSL) Extraordinary General clubs, Abdulrahman al Kuwari, ees and declared the Extraordi- committee formed with the The agreement is set to establish a framework to strengthen cooperation between the two associa- Assembly meeting was held representative of the Qatar nary General Assembly open, representative of QFA, rep- tions, to encourage knowledge exchange and to enhance football growth in the respective countries. on Monday under the chair- Players Association, and Presi- in accordance with the Articles resentatives of football club The signing took place on the sidelines of the Total CAF Super Cup 2019 final, which was the first time, manship of Ahmed Abdulaziz dents and representatives of of the Association. The minutes companies and QSL after the the competition first held in 1993 and organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has al Boenain, Board Member of the clubs were present at the of the previous meeting held on resolution was passed unani- been played outside Africa. (TNN) the Qatar Football Association assembly, which was also at- June 3, 2018 were approved mously. Benzema saves Real blushes with late Huesca winner Real move to within two points of second-placed Atletico Madrid Paris Saint-Germain’s Kylian Mbappe shoots the ball in front of Tou- but are still 12 louse’s Japanese defender Gen Shoji during their French L1 match at the municipal stadium in Toulouse on Sunday. (AFP) points behind Unstoppable Mbappe kills leaders Barca AFP off Toulouse resistance MADRID

AFP foot off the gas. KARIM Benzema stopped Real PARIS “Many of our players Madrid’s underwhelming La were away in the interna- Liga season going from bad to KYLIAN Mbappe fired Par- tional break and there was worse on Sunday after firing a is Saint-Germain to their a bit of fatigue in some of last-minute winner to hand the eighth straight Ligue 1 win them,” said the German. European champions a barely- with a stunning goal that “It could have been deserved 3-2 winner over bot- earned the champions a 1-0 tempting to relax, especially tom club Huesca. victory at Toulouse on Sun- with the lead we have in the Humbled by Ajax in day and kept them miles league, but nobody does it the Champions League and clear at the top of the league. and I like that.” dumped out of the Copa Del The 20-year-old World Mbappe’s goal was the Rey by deadly rivals Barca, Cup winner crashed home highlight of a dull game third-placed Real showed little his 27th league goal of the which was otherwise lit up signs of improvement in Zin- Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema celebrates with teammates after scoring the winner against SD Huesca during the Spanish League match at the season, his seventh in as by a cheeky PSG fan sneak- edine Zidane’s second game in Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on Sunday. (AFP) many league games, with 16 ing onto the pitch to snap a charge but Benzema, subject to minutes left as he continues selfie with the striker. rumours he may leave Madrid anything fewer people come.” took the Argentine to 31 league dium – who went closer going goal by Benzema. to shine in the absence of the The video assistant ref- in the summer for Manches- Real move to within two goals this season. into the break ahead. Bale then missed a glorious injured duo Neymar and Ed- eree system ruled out Mar- ter United, struck with a fine points of second-placed Zidane’s son Luca was Zidane junior had to be opportunity to put the game inson Cavani. quinhos’ tap-in just before curling finish the to snatch the Atletico Madrid, who ham- given his second ever start be- alert to stop Damian Musto beyond Huesca when he some- “We had to wait, be pa- half-time after Mbappe was three points at a sparsely popu- mered Champions League tween the sticks for Real but got from glancing home a head- how put Alvaro Odriozola’s low tient and in the end we won judged offside, and the runa- lated Santiago Bernabeu. hopefuls Alaves 4-0 on Satur- off to the worst possible start, er nine minutes before the cross over the bar from just with Kylian’s speed,” said way league leaders threat- “We are happy with him day in a match that saw Diego picking the ball out of his own break, while Avila punched yards out. PSG skipper Marquinhos. ened little other than that. and I am going to count on Costa score for the first time net within three minutes after the ground in frustration in Huesca pounced on that “It brought a great deal However they maintain him, now there are nine games since November. Cucho Hernandez lashed home first half stoppage time after awful miss to draw level when of joy to our fans, I’m sure of their huge gap on second- left and then we will see what However Real still lag 12 Ezequiel Avila low cross. flashing a power shot over Xabier Etxeita powered home that.” placed Lille, who earlier on happens. He is a Real Madrid points behind leaders Barcelo- Isco levelled the scores from the edge of the box. Moi Gomez’s cross from a PSG now have 80 points, Sunday scored three quick- player and I don’t think this will na, who are 10 clear of Atletico in the 25th minute when he Real continued to disap- short corner. 20 ahead of second placed fire second-half goals to change,” Zidane said. and heavy favourites to retain tapped home a Brahim Diaz point in the second half but However Benzema was on Lille with a game in hand to comeback from 2-0 and “You have to accept it. If their La Liga after Lionel Messi cross after Benzema’s low shot took the lead just after the hour hand to break Huesca hearts boot. Coach Thomas Tuchel snatch a vital win that kept the people want to come to the fired them to their sixth league was well saved, but it was the mark thanks to Dani Ceballos, with his 14th league goal of the said he was delighted that them firm favourites for di- Bernabeu to see us so much the win on the bounce, 2-0 at away side – playing their first who bundled home the second season, which gives Zidane two the runaway leaders have not rect qualification for the better, but I understand that home to local rivals Espanyol ever La Liga game at the Ma- after Gareth Bale’s beautiful wins from his first two matches been tempted to take their Champions League. since we are not going to win on Saturday, with a brace that drid’s Santiago Bernabeu sta- cross was headed back across back in charge.

Al Duhail beat Al Wakrah to win Asian Handball title Pogba has ‘big part’ to play at Man Utd: Solskjaer

AFP LONDON

MANCHESTER United man- ager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says Paul Pogba has a “big, big part” to play at Old Trafford despite speculation linking the French World Cup winner with a move to Real Madrid. Real boss Zinedine Zidane is expected to be busy in the summer transfer market as he tries to reinvigorate a side that Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer with midfielder crashed out of the Champions Paul Pogba after their match against Watford at Old Trafford. (AFP) League in the last 16 and are lagging 12 points behind lead- building plans and believes polite man and he answered ers Barcelona in La Liga. the midfielder simply gave a a general question. Of course, United midfielder Pogba straight answer to a question. Zidane is an icon in France. Zi- last week described Madrid “I don”t like to talk about dane is a fantastic manager and as a “dream club for every other teams’ players,” the Nor- he used to be a fantastic player player” while on international wegian said ahead of his side’s and I played against him. duty with France and Zidane Premier League match against “So Paul has politely an- on Saturday hailed him as “a Wolves on Tuesday. swered that question. But he is player who knows how to do “That is one of the challeng- happy here. He is going to be a everything”. es of the international break. big, big part of things here. Al Duhail beat fellow Qatar Club Al Wakrah 22-21 to claim the title in the Asian Club League Championship in Kuwait City, Kuwait on Mon- But Solskjaer is determined Players are available all the time “I have always said that you day. This is Duhail’s second triumph in the tournament having won in 2016 as Lekhwiya. In the third and fourth place match, Sharjah beat that Pogba, one of the world’s and it’s a different environment would like to build your team Kuwait 28-27. most marketable players, will and it’s more of a general talk. around him and that has not not be a part of Zidane’s re- “Paul is a very nice and changed at all.” Sports Tuesday, April 2, 2019 19

(From left) Ahmed al Sada (Qatari Diar PR Senior Manager), Thani al Zarra (QCTF Board Member), Youssif al Musleh (Qatari Diar Chief Development Officer), Nasser al Mohannadi (QCTF Board Member) and Jamal al Kuwari (QCTF Secretary-General) with Men’s Open champion Bernard McCullagh and other podium win- Winners of various categories with Qatari Diar and Qatar Cycling and Triathlon Federation officials after the Qatari Diar Triathlon in Lusail City. ners in Lusail City. McCullagh, Caballero win in Qatari Diar Triathlon

Fascinto, Hilda Allin triumph in Veterans’ category

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK DOHA

BERNARD McCullagh pulled off his second victory in a row in the Qatari Diar Triathlon to move to the top of the Men’s Open class standings. The Irish participant took 54 min- utes and 11 seconds to emerge the winner ahead of Aday Alvarez (Spain) and Mouchine Rhaili (Morocco). Lusail City hosted the first edition on Friday with some 250 adults and kids at Marina (Left) Young boys and girls run during the Kids Duathlon at the Qatari Diar Triathlon in Lusail City and participants gather for the swim leg. Promenade, next to the Yacht Club, with the event starting 59:23 to win the men’s race an extreme version of triath- Fahad al Groon was second tition saw a staggering 20 Qatari Diar and Qatar Cycling Melville, Ameer Ihsan, Giulia at 7:15am. ahead of Manuel Miceli (Ita- lon, finished just last week- and Saoud al Marri was third. teams contesting. The fastest and Triathlon Federation. We Miceli, Liam Halleux and Na- Isora Sosa Caballero lia) and Jody Sanderson (Can- end and left many athletes The same order stands also in time of 57:59 was clocked by are extremely happy to have dia Lie won the titles in differ- (Spain) extended her domina- ada). Hilda Allin (South Afri- too tired to take on the Qatari the overall series. Mohannadi Ismail Dergaa, James Moffat found a common interest with ent classes. The fifth and final tion and registered her fourth ca) needed 1:08.55 to bag the Diar Triathlon. leads the overall series with and Adil Adnan Faqruddin. the fellow Qatari Diar organi- event in the Qatar National straight victory in 1:03.02. women’s race, beating Andrea The best Qatari was four victories in four races Thani al Zarra, Qatar sation and are looking for- Triathlon Series, The Pearl The second place went to Stadler (Ecuador) and Anne- Mubarak Alajji who finished and is likely to emerge the Cycling and Triathlon Fed- ward to new events, whether Qatar Triathlon, will take Daniela Sposi (Great Britain) marie Kilshaw (Australia). in 1:05.44, followed by Ab- champion. eration Board Member, was triathlon or cycling related.” place on April 19. For more and Gerda Maria Dumitru Triathlon is fast becoming dulla al Hemaidi and Abdul- Caroline van Aatrijk positive after the event: “Lu- Under the Kids Duathlon, information about the series, (Romania) came third. popular among the Qataris. rahman al Jaber, who is the clinched the Qatari women’s sail City proved to be one of races were also held for boys results and points standing In Veterans’ categories, Some of them couldn’t how- leader in the Series. Nasser veteran race and is also already the best venues for triathlon and girls in various age groups fans and competitors may Enzo Fascinato (Argentina) ever participate in this event, al Mohannadi came on top in the 2018-19 series winner. in Qatar, with prospects of – 7 to 10, 10 to 12 and 13-15 visit https://www.qtriseries. completed the distance in since the Samla race, which is the Qatari veteran category, The Team Relay compe- future cooperation between categories. Anas Korany, Isla com/ for details. Bora stars in Warriors’ big win Hurricanes down Blue over Al Feroz Youngsters Falcons, win title in 128 deliveries went in vain Jassim’s big ton in vain against Galfar; as Fireox Unit could reply Abdul Rahman steers Kingspan to victory with only 270 and got out in Piyar crossed over to seal his 47.5 overs. Mirza was another team’s victory. in Qatar Airways Cricket Tournament player to prolong their battle Speaking after the match, for survival through 54, includ- Hurricanes President Hans TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK ing two sixes and five fours. Thomasz said, “It’s a great day DOHA Iqbal came up with thrilling six for the Hurricanes Storms as we for 43 and Malik picked three managed two out of three. It’s ASAD Bora’s brilliant all- scalps. an unbelievable feeling to be on round performance enabled Abdul Rahman steered top once again.” Warriors Club to keep up their Kingspan Qatar to a three- “Both our teams unselfishly victory march in the Qatar Air- wicket victory against Royal played for each other and they ways Cricket Tournament with Stars. He struck 10 bounda- are deserved winners. We sin- an emphatic 146-run crushing ries to collect 90 and Raheel cerely appreciate the French of Al Feroz Youngsters. Asad Bora (left) and Abdul knocked 66 off 59 balls with boys who always drive us to Qatar Airways is proud to Rahman seven fours as their team se- final minute. They never gave be the official sponsor of the cured the 234-run target in up and always play in the true annual Qatar Cricket Tourna- 46 overs. Half-centuries by spirit of the game.” ment. As the country’s national Asif (74 with 12 fours and a Winning Hurricanes cap- carrier, Qatar Airways contin- six) and Shahid (56 with three tain Andrew Jansen said, “I ues to play a vital role in en- sixes and seven fours) earlier am so proud of the team, we all hancing the already flourishing took Royal Stars to 233 in 42.2 Champions Hurricanes (middle), runners-up Blue Falcons (left) and third-place winners Storms on the played for each other and fol- sports activities in Qatar and is overs. podium after the prize distribution ceremony in Sealine. lowed our game plan. All the a keen supporter for develop- boys had a role and each affect- ing the next generation of local TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK BRIEF SCORES Winning Hurricanes cap- upstream and pressurising their ed it to perfection.” players. Awais Malik (left) and Jassim DOHA undefeated opponents. Meantime, Blue Falcons In the latest round of the Khan Warriors Club beat Al Feroz Youngsters by 146 tain Andrew Jansen said, runs A barrage of clever plays by coach and captain Romain Premier Division matches, Warriors Club: 388 in 50 overs (Asad Bora 92, Imal THE Hurricanes drove a reso- “I am so proud of the the Falcon veterans kept the Quintane said, “It was a very Bora hammered two sixes and out in 42 overs. Tanveer was 87, Andrew 88; Nadeem 2/57) lute and clinical pattern of team, we all played for Hurricanes scoreless, not even tough day at work. We knew the 10 boundaries in his 60-ball the lone batsman to offer re- Al Feroz Youngsters: 242 all out in 42 overs (Tanveer play on the hot sand of Sealine each other and followed a late bundle of penalties could Hurricanes would be difficult to cameo of 92 runs, which lifted sistance in his 57-ball 72, in 72, Asad Bora 4/35) Beach as they beat the Blue our game plan.” help them cross over the line af- beat. They always set the pace Warriors Club to a massive which he blasted five sixes and Man of the match: Asad Bora (Warriors Club) Falcons 2-0 to clinch Qatar ter the break. The French squad for the tournament. They struck 388 in 50 overs. Imal and An- as many fours. Kingspan Qatar beat Royal Stars by three wickets Olympic Committee’s Winter with an average age of 17 domi- us when they had their oppor- drew chipped in with valuable Awais Malik’s superb all- Royal Stars: 233 all out in 42.2 overs (Asif 74, Camp Multi-Games - Touch dummy half connecting out nated territory and possession tunities in the first half and we knocks. round display (90 off 84 balls Shahid 56, Ahsan 26, Mudassar 23; Amjad 3/41, Danish 2/60) Rugby title in front of a packed wide with Sajith Ariyawansa for much of the second half but couldn’t do the same in the sec- Imal took 66 balls to fin- and three for 34) overshad- Kingspan Qatar: 236 for seven in 46 overs (Abdul out crowd. who planted the team’s second were unable to turn that into ond”. ish with 87, including a six and owed Jassim Khan’s blazing Rahman 90, Raheel 66; Khalid 3/49, Basharat Both teams traded posses- try in the corner just before half points. This was the final weekend four hits to the fence, while An- 141 with Galfar Al Misnad ex- 2/23) sion before Hurricanes’ Sashi time. Earlier in the day, the for the QOC Multi-Games Win- drew also clobbered a six and tinguishing Fireox Unit’s chal- Man of the match: Abdul Rahman (Kingspan Qatar) 2/57) Kanth broke the defense line The second half provided a Storm’s long-awaited Touch ti- ter Camp Championships which 10 boundaries to post 88. Spin- lenge by 30 runs. Malik belted through a step and his remark- different outcome for the Hurri- tle dramatically came to an end started back in December 2018. ner Nadeem got two wickets for a six and 11 fours in his 90. Galfar Al Misnad beat Fireox Unit by 30 runs able diving pass gave winger canes who were hit by an attack- when they beat a depleted Doha It was a befitting closing sports 57. Amir’s 48 in 47 balls had two Galfar Al Misnad: 304 (Awais Malik 90, Amir 48, Raushan Razik a spectacular ing Blue Falcons whirlwind. The squad (1- 0) in epic fashion. The day with seven sports on dis- Bora continued to torment sixes and as many fours, while Rizlan 43, Saqlain 3/30, Waqas 2/57) Fireox Unit: 270 all out in 47.5 overs (Jassim Khan first try on Friday. agility and speed of the younger two teams battled each other play in one location - athletics, the rivals and his four for 35 Rizlan hit three fours in 43. 141, Mirza 54; Iqbal 6/43, Awais Malik 3/34) A few minutes later, Shivan French players helped them to a standstill in the Plate final basketball, football, handball, in eight overs sent Al Feroz Jassim’s fiery century with Man of the match: Awais Malik (Galfar Al Misnad) Paithrage cleverly sped from maintain momentum, moving before Storms’ playmaker Jabir hockey, touch and volleyball. Youngsters crashing to 242 all 13 sixes and four boundaries