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FRIDAY 5 FEBRUARY 2021 BayernB Munich target big Bundesliga llead before trip to WeW want to win the next title. We know there are dangers theret but it would be the sixth title for the club within a year anda the team would go down in history.

BayernB Munich coach Sport | 19

TEST : Bangladesh vs West Indies: Bangladesh: 1st Inn. 430, West Indies: 1st inn: 75/2; vs South Africa: Pakistan 1st inn. 145/3

Al Ahly set up Bayern Munich clash

FAWAD HUSSAIN after the break as Al Duhail - THE PENINSULA Al Duhail’s Michael Olunga and Al Ahly’s Hamdy Fathy vying seeking an equaliser - begun for ball possession during their second half as a better side. African champions Al Ahly 2020 FIFA Club World Cup In first of his substitutions for scored a goal in the first half and second round match played at Al Ahly, coach Mosimane sent defended it well in the second in to replace Fathy but for a 1-0 victory over spirited Al , yesterday. Al Duhail continued to push for Duhail to cruise into the semi- a goal with attacks against the final of FIFA Club World Cup Egyptian side. Qatar 2020, yesterday. Edmilson snatched the ball With a narrow win in the from Mohammed Hani and went second-round game at the Edu- into the area but his shot was cation City Stadium watched by blocked by Dieng. Al Ahly sur- socially-distanced fans, the Red vived another scare at one-hour Devils set up a semi-final clash mark when substitute Almoez against European champions fired ball on target from a good Bayern Munich at Ahmad Bin Ali distance with goalkeeper Stadium on February 8. punching Al Duhail, who looked the ball away to concede a impressive on their debut par- corner. ticularly in the second half, will The Red Knights were play against Ulsan Hyundai FC coming close to scoring with El for the 5th position at Ahmad Bin Shenawy denying another Ali Stadium on February 7. The attempt from Mohamed Moussa. Asian champions lost 2-1 to With 20 minutes left, CONCACAF champions Tigres Mosimane sent fresh legs in UANL in tournament’s opening and Akram game earlier yesterday. Tawfik to replace Mohamed Yesterday, attacking mid- Taher and Bwalya, while Lam- fielder Hussein El Shahat fired ouchi called back Yasser to pave the all-important goal for Al Ahly way for Mohamed Ismail. in the 30th minute before the The stoppages didn’t affect nine-time African champions Al Duhail’s momentum as they resisted Al Duhail’s aggressive continued to be aggressive by display to ensure victory. creating more chances. Muntari “It was a tough match as Al made El Shenawy to dive again Duhail played really well,” El with a header from centre of the Shahat said after the match. box after receiving a lob from “This victory will surely give us Karim Boudiaf. He confidence for the next match missed target in another attempt against Bayern Munich,” the Mahmoud , Al Duhail minutes later following a off a header from a close range Egyptian added. coach Sabri Lamouchi left out corner. With a narrow win in the second-round game at the Education City with seven minutes left after Al Al Ahly coach Pitso Almoez Ali in the starting XI as There were few more Stadium watched by socially-distanced fans, African champions Duhail coach sent Luiz Junior in Mosimane, who kept his usual he returned to a 4-3-3 for- exchanges with Al Ahly’s El Al Ahly set up a semi-final clash against European champions place of Karimi. Mosimane made formation with a lone striker mation, though the Frenchman Shahat and Al Duhail’s Ahmed his fourth substitution by calling upfront with three in the mid- started with all his five foreign Yasser hitting shots on target, but Bayern Munich at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium on February 8. back goal scorer El Shahat to field, was delighted with the players including latest signing overall it was a cautious start send Marwan Mohsen in. victory. Michael Olunga. from both the sides with no real There were several more “Congratulations to the boys. It was a slow start to the threat coming for goalkeepers Bwalya’s assist. Bwalya took after VAR declared the Con- attacks by the Red Knights deep It was a tough game,” Mosimane match as just a single exchange in the first 20 minutes. advantage of a slight error in golese star was offside. into the match but the QSL said after the win. of attacks was witnessed in first After Kenyan striker, Olunga defense to set up the Egyptian Al Ahly were in good control champions didn’t find the “Our next game is against 10 minutes, with Al Ahly keeping – assisted by Dudu - missed striker, whose right-footed shot but Al Duhail also got a chance equaliser as Al Ahly, seeking Bayern Munich, the best club in most of the ball possession. target off a header from a dif- from the edge of the box landed through Olunga, whose header their maiden title advanced to the world. We have nothing to Al Duhail’s free kick - taken ficult angle, referee Mario in the bottom left corner, with from the centre of the box was the semis. Lamouchi, after the lose and we will go out there and by Brazilian Dudu - created Escobar showed the first yellow goalkeeper Salah Zakaria diving saved before referee blew the defeat, said his team is focusing will do our best,” the South first opportunity for The Red card of the match in 27th minute in vain. halftime whistle. on the next match against Ulsan African added. Knights but Edmilson Junior’s with Egypt’s Hamdy Fathy on the Al Ahly gained momentum With five substitutions Hyundai FC. While Mosimane benched right footed shot from outside receiving end. after the opener and created allowed, Lamouchi brought in “We are looking forward to some of the key players the box was high and wide. Al Al Ahly, however, struck dangerous attacks, which strikers Almoez and Mohammed the next match and we hope to including Mohamed Sherif, ver- Ahly’s Walter Bwalya also back, breaking the deadlock include a goal by Bwalya in the Muntari off the bench to replace win that for home fans,” he satile midfielder Aliou Dieng and missed target on header two with El Shahat’s strike from 38th minute, later disallowed Bassam Al Rawi and Olunga said.

Tigres UANL's French striker Andre-Pierre Gignac Gignac double sends celebrates after scoring his team's second goal against Ulsan Hyundai FC during their match Tigres UANL into semis yesterday. Pic: Reuters CHINTHANA WASALA international struck a leveler in “They are matches with THE PENINSULA the 38th minute, followed by a details. Goals from set pieces. spot kick just a moment before It’s a World Cup (and it) is not Andre-Pierre Gignac struck twice the half time break (45+5). easy. as CONCACAF Champions Tigres With his brace yesterday, the "It is important that we win UANL staged a strong comeback French veteran who is the club’s because we want to make history to down Ulsan Hyundai FC 2-1 all-time leading goalscorer with and we are going to try to achieve and book a semi-final clash 146 goals, made history by it on Sunday against Palmeiras,” against SC Palmeiras in the FIFA scoring the 400th goal in the said Gignac, who is often Club World Cup Qatar 2020 history of the Club World Cup. described as a powerful and dan- which kicked off yesterday. Gignac, the driving force gerous striker well-known for his The Monterrey-based Tigres behind the Mexican club’s success aerial presence. will now face in recent years, was elated with Gignac and the Tigres UANL champions from Brazil on Sunday joy after yesterday’s victory and will now face Palmeiras who Tigres UANL players for a place in the final of the gave credit to their opponents for themselves will be riding high fol- celebrate their victory inter-continental tournament. good ball handling. lowing a brilliant title win in the over Ulsan Hyundai SC in At the shining new FIFA “The Koreans played a great Copa Libertadores final against World Cup Qatar 2022 venue game, I thought we were going Santos just five days ago. If they the FIFA Club World Cup Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, the Asian to play against little guys but they succeed, the Mexican giants will Qatar 2020 second round champions Ulsan took the lead are big and strong. They have be able to create history by match played at Ahmad PICTURE: through Kim Kee-hee who good ball handling, but the game becoming the first CONCACAF Bin Ali Stadium. SALIM MATRAMKOT/ headed from a corner in the 24th was played with a standing ball,” team to reach a final of the FIFA THE PENINSULA minute before the former French he said with a smile. Club World Cup. FRIDAY 5 FEBRUARY 2021 SPORT 19

Bayern target big Bundesliga lead before trip to Qatar REUTERS – BERLIN “Qatar obviously is a strain. We of second-placed RB Leipzig, who play or if it is not going their way and we within a year and the team would go have the flight, matches on Monday tomorrow. Hertha, who appointed Pal are 1-0 up,” Bayern midfielder Thomas down in history,” Flick said. Bayern Munich will not be distracted and Thursday and almost no time to Dardai last week to replaced sacked Mueller said. While he is expected to rotate in by a busy 11-day schedule, including train,” coach Hansi Flick told coach Bruno Labbadia, are 15th, level “We hope that this will be an Doha, ensuring all players get time on the Club World Cup, and a possible reporters. with Arminia Bielefeld who occupy the advantage for us.” A 10-point gap the pitch, Flick is not expected to hold total of four games, when they visit “But Hertha are more important relegation playoff spot. would allow Bayern to play more freely the team back at Hertha. Hertha Berlin in the Bundesliga today initially. The team is motivated and I The Berliners, who have received at the Club World Cup where they will “In Berlin we want to get our fifth looking to capitalise on their oppo- like that.” more than €200m ($239.86m) from look to earn their sixth trophy since win in a row and send a message in nents’ struggles. Bayern, who have won their last major investor Lars Windhorst in the June. They face the winners of the the Bundesliga that we are fully on The Bavarians can cap a memo- four league games going into Friday’s past year, are hoping Dardai can pull match between Qatar’s Al Duhail and course again, on a winning run,” Flick rable run next week by winning their match, hope that when they board the them out of their current situation. Egypt’s Al Ahly in the semi-final on said. sixth trophy in less than nine months flight to Doha after the match they will “Hertha are under great pressure Monday. The Club World Cup final is on when they travel to Qatar but they must be provisionally 10 points clear in the at the moment and obviously we want “We want to win the next title. We Thursday. Bayern host Arminia first focus on relegation-threatened Bundesliga standings. to take advantage of that if they are know there are dangers there but it Bielefeld in the Bundesliga on Feb. 15 Hertha. They have 45 points, seven ahead shaky in some situations in the game would be the sixth title for the club when they return. Portugal’s Hosting CWC will be the next big star-studded training complex step in Qatar’s journey to 2022 turns COVID-19

SAMUEL ETO’O hospital REUTERS – LISBON This week, the eyes of the world will be on Qatar, as it takes another big step on Last year, I had the A few months ago, Cristiano Ronaldo its journey to the FIFA World Cup in privilege of attending the had to self-isolate at the Portuguese 2022 by hosting the FIFA Club World soccer squad’s training complex near Cup 2020 from 4-11 February. 2019 FIFA Club World Cup Lisbon after a positive COVID-19 test. During my playing career, I was very as a Supreme Committee Now, the same hotel-like facility lucky to have had the opportunity not for & Legacy has joined the fight against a devas- only to compete in this great compe- Ambassador. The tating surge in infection as a make- tition, but to win it with . My shift hospital. memories of the Club World Cup could atmosphere in Qatar About 20 COVID-19 patients are not be better, as for the first time, I had during the tournament receiving care in the same bedrooms the pleasure of playing in a final against was incredible and the where players like Ronaldo stay as a very beautiful African team, TP they prepare for matches. Mazembe. games being played in When patients arrive at the I had a lot of emotions for this match some of the FIFA World Football City complex, a goody bag for both my home continent, Africa, and Cup stadiums really added awaits them with books about my duty to ensure victory for Inter. It football and a national team scarf. was an honour to win the competition to the sense of occasion When discharged, they get to take with Inter for the first time in the club’s for both the players and home a jersey with their names history and to share this victory with the fans: Samuel Eto'o printed on the back. my brothers from TP Mazembe. “When people get here they After the game, I went to the think they are on vacation and not Mazembe dressing room, I stayed a in a situation of recovery....it is a while, and I shared the moment with great place,” doctor Radic Nordin their players. These are great memories countries like Brazil, Mexico and In recent years, the tournament has the big European and South American said as he stood near one of the for me, especially as I also won the England – all famous for their passion been dominated by the UEFA Cham- clubs, but it will be a great opportunity football pitches that can be seen Golden Ball as the best player of the and love of football – to enjoy this pions League winners and I think for the players from Al Duhail, Al Ahly, from the balconies of the patient’s tournament. Winning this honour was special tournament and the many Bayern Munich will be going into the Tigres UANL and Ulsan Hyundai to show rooms. a surprise for me, but made me very amazing experiences Qatar has to offer tournament full of confidence that they their ability and compete with some of The training ground, owned by happy. It was the first time an African was incredible and a first look at what can take home the trophy. the best players in the world. the Portuguese Football Federation, player won this distinction at the com- people can expect when the FIFA World The Bayern squad is full of quality, I know Qatar is ready and very decided to temporarily turn into a petition, so it was a great honour for me. Cup comes to the country in 2022. and with one of the world’s best strikers excited to host the FIFA Club World Cup. hospital a few weeks ago, when During interviews, I would often get While it’s a pity that the number of in Robert Lewandowski leading the line, Tournaments like this are really health units across the nation of a asked about the celebration after my international fans attending this year’s they will be difficult to stop. If Bayern important for Qatar on its journey to little more than 10 million people goal in the final with my team-mate tournament will be extremely limited win the tournament, they will become hosting the World Cup in 2022, as it started to reach their limits. Marco Materazzi. due to the pandemic, I’m sure the local only the second team after Barcelona allows the country to not only get some Portugal, which has so far For me, every goal celebration with football fans will create a great atmos- in 2009 to win all six domestic and invaluable experience of hosting a major reported a total of 13,017 COVID-19 my brother Marco was special phere in the stadiums. international titles up for grabs in one event, but to learn from it and make the deaths and 731,861 cases, has the throughout my stay at Inter, but the sig- The news that the two venues season, which would be an amazing necessary improvements to ensure the world’s second highest seven-day nificance of my celebration during this hosting the tournament – Ahmad Bin achievement. 1.5 million fans expected to travel to the rolling average of deaths per capita, game is still a secret, and something that Ali Stadium and Education City Stadium While Bayern will be favourites, the country in 2022 for the World Cup have according to data tracker our- will always remain that way. – will be operating at a reduced capacity last non-European club to win the tour- an incredible experience. worldindata.org. Last year, I had the privilege of for all the matches is great for the nament was Corinthians of Brazil in Based on my experience as a player, Hospitals have been on the verge attending the 2019 FIFA Club World Cup players, as most will have been playing 2012. I believe the opportunity to play at this of collapse over the past weeks, with as a Supreme Committee for Delivery in empty stadiums for almost a full With Brazilian club Palmeiras to tournament will be a special moment ambulances sometimes queuing for & Legacy Ambassador. The atmosphere season now. A huge amount of work has represent South America after winning for the players involved and will leave hours because of a lack of beds. in Qatar during the tournament was been done by the Local Organising Com- the Copa Libertadores, I’m sure they will behind many happy memories for them “We had one week to get every- incredible and the games being played mittee to put strict protocols in place – travel to Qatar with a winning mentality to look back on in the future. thing ready to receive patients,” said in some of the FIFA World Cup stadiums such as mass testing and a socially dis- and the belief that they can challenge Cláudia Poças, Football City’s really added to the sense of occasion for tanced seating plan – to allow this to Bayern for the title. Samuel Eto’o is an ambassador for director, describing the move as a both the players and the fans. happen and make sure it is safe for fans It is always a challenge for the clubs Supreme Committee for “civic duty to help the country”. To meet fans that had travelled from to attend and enjoy games. from the other regions to compete with Delivery & Legacy “It was a huge transformation.” Europe’s leagues Liverpool stunned by Brighton on night of away wins REUTERS – LONDON Liverpool’s in action with Brighton & bounced back from defeat by set to meet Hove Albion’s . Liverpool to move into fifth In keeping with a bizarre spot, one place behind Liv- over CL plan season erpool, with Jesse Lingard lacking the usual home scoring twice on his debut in REUTERS – MANCHESTER comforts Liverpool’s grip on a 3-1 win at Aston Villa. their title was loosened Everton are sixth after an Europe’s leading leagues will hold an further as they were beaten entertaining 2-1 victory away online meeting today to discuss UEFA’s 1-0 at by Brighton to Leeds United -- Gylfi Sig- plans to change the Champions League and Hove Albion on urdsson and Dominic Calvert- format, with a major reshaping of the Wednesday. Lewin on target for Carlo group stage on the agenda. ’s scruffy Ancelotti’s side. UEFA has been consulting with clubs 56th-minute goal was It was only the second day and leagues about how to liven up the enough for Brighton to in English top-flight history in group stage and a switch to a new format record a deserved first which a programme of at least with more games is the preferred option league win over Liverpool four fixtures produced a clean of European soccer’s governing body. since 1982 and leave Juergen sweep of away wins -- the The discussions have focused on Klopp’s champions trailing other occurring in 1991. scrapping the round-robin stage, where Manchester City by seven Less than 40% of Premier there are currently eight groups of four points having played a game League matches have been clubs with each team playing three oppo- more. won by home teams this nents at home and away. City won 2-0 earlier at season with away wins now UEFA is considering replacing it with Burnley to make it 13 straight more common. a format in which the 32 clubs would play victories in all competitions And while there are all 10 different opponents and qualification and ’s side will sorts of theories for what is would come from one league table. head into Sunday’s clash at going on, Klopp said the main That would allow for more games and Liverpool in confident mood. reason for Liverpool’s latest -- UEFA hopes -- more games that matter, Goals by Gabriel Jesus flop was fatigue. generating higher revenues and greater and Raheem Sterling secured ’s Brighton fan interest. a routine three points for City are now 10 points above the The plan, dubbed the ‘Swiss model’, who moved on to 47 points games, statistics. It’s always Wednesday’s fixtures ended above Liverpool into third relegation zone in 15th place has yet to meet any major resistance and from 21 games, three ahead the next game, next game. as away wins, continuing one place with a 2-0 win at after he got the better of Jose was backed by European Club Associ- of Manchester United who For now we enjoy this game, of the main themes of Eng- struggling Fulham with Mourinho in a 1-0 win over ation chief Andrea Agnelli although he had joined them at the top and tomorrow we will start land’s top flight being played James Maddison creating the Tottenham Hotspur on indicated he may push for a broader with a 9-0 hammering of to think about the next in empty stadiums during the goals for Kelechi Iheanacho Sunday and now proved more expansion. Southampton on Tuesday. game,” Guardiola said. COVID-19 pandemic. and James Justin. than a match for the cele- “It’s not about runs of Incredibly all five of Leicester City climbed West Ham United brated Klopp. Sport FRIDAY 5 FEBRUARY 2021 17 England Tests mark India’s first big home sports in pandemic

AP — CHENNAI from the second Test starting Indian players during a training session on February 15, also in Chennai. ahead of first Test against England. The India-England cricket This tour by England, also If it happens, it will be the first series starting today in Chennai including three one-day instance of England playing in also marks the first interna- front of fans after nearly seven tional sport in India since the internationals and five months of cricket in closed onset of the coronavirus , is a precursor to stadiums. pandemic. the Indian Premier League Of more concern for The country went into coming home in April-May, England is stopping India on the lockdown in March 2020, and and India staging the field. India is coming off a in recent months life has remarkable comeback series returned to a small degree of World Cup in win in Australia with a depleted normalcy. October-November. squad, and will have back This tour by England, also captain Virat Kohli after a six- including three one-day inter- week paternity leave. nationals and five Twenty20s, daily active COVID-19 cases Kohli amassed 655 runs in is a precursor to the Indian across India - from nearly five Tests against England when Premier League coming home 100,000 per day in August-Sep- it last visited in 2016-17, leading in April-May, and India staging tember to about 10,000 this India to a 4-0 win. A similar the Twenty20 World Cup in past week - and a mass vacci- result - or 2-1 win or better - October-November. nation programme has would put India in the inaugural The money-spinning IPL encouraged Indian cricket world Test championship final was postponed for months last bosses to consider allowing against New Zealand in England year and moved to the United spectators at stadiums. in June. England needs a 3-0 Arab Emirates without spec- The BCCI is reportedly pre- win to stand a chance of making tators. A drastic decrease in paring for up to 50% capacity the final.

Rishabh Pant Azam and Alam rescue Pakistan on rain-hit opening day in Rawalpindi AP — RAWALPINDI he was subject to further Testing. Earlier, Proteas’ skipper Captain Babar Azam and Fawad Quinton de Kock read the dry Alam revived Pakistan with a pitch well as the visitors century stand to be 145-3 snapped up three for against South Africa on a one run within four overs after rain-hit first day of the second Babar won the toss and elected Test in Rawalpindi, yesterday. to bat. Babar raised his 16th Test Maharaj could have dis- half-century and was unbeaten missed Imran Butt off his first on 77 with a dozen boundaries ball only to see Temba Bavuma while left-handed Alam con- miss a regulation slip catch. But Pant to keep tinued his rich form to Maharaj, who got plenty of spin be 42 off 138 balls at tea. They and awkward bounce off the for did not resume as rain washed pitch with the new ball, struck out the last session. in his third over and the eighth Pakistan was in trouble of the day when Butt, on 15, got India against early after left-arm spinner a thin edge and de Kock hold Keshav Maharaj took two onto a sharp catch behind the England in wickets in 10 balls and fast wickets. bowler Andrich Nortje had Azhar Ali struggled for nine Chennai Abid Ali caught at forward deliveries and fell for a short leg. when Maharaj trapped the REUTERS — NEW DELHI But Babar and Alam put the former Pakistan skipper off a innings back on track with an full-pitched delivery that Rishabh Pant’s batting heroics unbroken 123-run stand as the skidded through the in Australia were rewarded ball got older in the middle right-hander. yesterday when skipper Virat session on a dry pitch which Aiden Markram then Kohli confirmed the eased out for batting. snapped up a sharp reflex catch 23-year-old will keep wicket of Abid Ali on 6 at forward short in the opening Test against SCOREBOARD leg off Nortje’s short-pitched England in Chennai, beginning Pakistan 1st innings delivery to have Pakistan 22-3. today. Imran Butt c de Kock b Maharaj ...... 15 Pakistan captain Babar Azam and middle-order batsman But Babar and Alam then India have been torn Abid Ali c Markram b Nortje ...... 6 Fawad Alam gesture on the opening day of second Test. combined in a century stand between Pant and Wrid- Azhar Ali lbw b Maharaj ...... 0 and took the home team to 63-3 dhiman Saha, who is widely Babar Azam ...... 77 by lunch. They added 82 runs considered the better keeper Fawad Alam not out ...... 42 Babar caressed the offside turn was minimized in the first Test and continued in the middle session. but was dropped after man- Extras (b2, nb3) ...... 5 field through some crisp cover substantially.” to frustrate South Africa with Pakistan retained the aging only 13 runs in the Total: (58 overs, for three wkts) ...... 145 drives, and was equally good off The Pakistan skipper com- his open chested batting stance. playing XI which won the first opening Test against Australia To bat: Mohammad Rizwan, , his back foot against the three pleted his fifty with a flicked South Africa had an injury Test. Left-arm spinner Nauman in Adelaide in December. Yasir Shah, Hasan Ali, Nauman Ali, Shaheen fast bowlers. boundary off Wiaan Mulder -- scare when spinner George Ali, who became the oldest Test Replacing him behind the Shah Afridi Maharaj bowled the bulk of the only change the Proteas Linde left the field in the first cricketer in 72 years to take a stumps, Pant produced spec- Fall of wickets: 1-21 (Butt), 2-21 (Azhar), the overs, his 25 conceding 51 made from the team which lost session after the left-arm 5-for in an innings on debut, got tacular fourth innings knocks 3-22 (Abid) runs for two wickets. the first Test by seven wickets spinner tried to stop a hard another chance on a dry pitch of 97 and 89 not out in Sydney Bowling: Rabada 13-1-36-0, Nortje 11-3-30-1, “With the newish ball and at last week. drive off Babar off his own similar to Karachi. Nauman, 34, and Brisbane to help India pull Maharaj 25-7-51-2, Linde 2.5-1-2-0, Elgar 1.1-0- the moisture, the ball sort of “Credit to Babar and Fawad bowling. and legspinner Yasir Shah off an epic 2-1 series triumph 6-0, Mulder 5-1-18-0 sticks in the wicket a little bit Alam, they absorbed the Linde didn’t sustain a shared 14 wickets. last month. South Africa: Quinton de Kock (captain), Aiden more,” Maharaj said of his early pressure nicely,” Maharaj said. fracture but required stitches South Africa brought in fast Markram, Faf du Plessis, Dean Elgar, Temba Ba- Pant “has had impact per- strikes. “Äfter lunch it seems to be on his little finger. bowling allrounder Mulder, who vuma, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Wiaan formances in Australia Mulder, Rassie van der Dussen, Anrich Nortje, “As the day went on and the easier to bat on the wicket, so Linde didn’t return to the played two home Tests against recently, and he’s in a good George Linde moisture sort of seeped away fair play to them.” field in the middle session and Sri Lanka. Mulder replaced space”, Kohli told a video con- from the surplus surface, the Alam scored a gritty century South Africa management said Lungi Ngidi. ference ahead of the series- opener at the M A Chidambaram Stadium. “We want him to build on Pakistan Super League Mehidy's maiden century puts this, along with him improving all aspects of his game, which will happen with more game- allowed 20 per cent time and more confidence he Bangladesh on top against WI gains playing those games,” he capacity crowds said. AP — CHATTOGRAM and brought up his 25th half- SCOREBOARD India had preferred Saha AP — RAWALPINDI century, dealing with the West Bangladesh first innings (Overnight 242-5) at home, where his neat Mehidy Hasan’s maiden hundred Indies’ disciplined spinners patiently. Shadman Islam lbw b Warrican 59 glovework has been particu- Spectators will be allowed inside cricket stadiums lifted Bangladesh to 430 and on top Shakib, playing his first Test in 17 Tamim Iqbal b Roach ...... 9 Najmul Hossain Shanto run out ...... 25 larly effective while keeping in Pakistan this month for the first time in the coro- of the West Indies after two days months after being suspended for not Mominul Haque c Campbell b ...... 26 to spinners. navirus pandemic. of the first cricket Test yesterday. reporting approaches from a book- Mushfiqur Rahim c Cornwall b Warrican ...... 38 Pant did spill some catches The Pakistan Cricket Board said yesterday it The West Indies was 75-2 in maker, scored 68 off 150 balls with c Brathwaite b Cornwall .... 68 in Australia, but Kohli said he received permission from the government to allow reply, captain Kraigg Brathwaite five fours. Liton Das b Warrican ...... 38 “brings in a lot of value to this 20% capacity crowds at Pakistan Super League on 49 at stumps and newcomer Offspinner Rakheem Cornwall Mehidy Hasan Miraz c Sub b Cornwall ...... 103 team, and he will continue to games. Nkrumah Bonner on 17 in an was rewarded for his consistency Taijul Islam c Da Silva b Gabriel ...... 18 Nayeem Hasan b Bonner ...... 24 be backed because he’s an “The decision means around 7,500 ticketed unbroken 51-run partnership. with the wicket of Shakib, who was Mustafizur Rahman not out ...... 3 impact player”. spectators will be allowed access inside the Batting at No. 8, the allrounder baffled by extra bounce. Extras (b2, lb7, w5, nb5) ...... 19 “He can definitely be a National Stadium (in Karachi) per match day, while Mehidy scored 103 off 168 balls, and Mehidy reached his fifty off 99 Total (all out; 150.2 overs) ...... 430 very consistent match-winner around 5,500 will be able to attend each match included 13 boundaries. balls. He grew in confidence, with Fall of wickets: 1-23 (Tamim), 2-66 (Najmul), 3-119 (Mo- for India and someone that the day at the Gaddafi Stadium (in Lahore),” the Mehidy formed three important support from Taijul and Nayeem, minul), 4-134 (Shadman), 5-193 (Mushfiqur), 6-248(Liton), opposition will definitely be Pakistan Cricket Board said in a statement. partnerships to help Bangladesh and brought up the second fifty off 7-315 (Shakib), 8-359 (Taijul), 9-416 (Nayeem), 10-430 (Me- hidy) wary of every time they play Last March, when the pandemic was shutting establish full control on a slow 69 balls. Soon after reaching his Bowling: Roach 20-5-60-1 (nb1), Gabriel 26-4-69-1, Corn- against India.” down global sports, four PSL matches were held pitch. He shared a 67-run stand first ton, he holed to long on off wall 42.2-5-114-2, Mayers 7-2-16-0, Warrican 48-8-133- Kohli missed the last three in closed stadiums and the playoffs in Lahore post- with Shakib Al Hasan for the Cornwall’s bowling and was the last 4(nb3), Brathwaite 4-0-13-0 , Bonner 3-0-16-1 (nb1) Tests in Australia to attend the poned to November in an empty National Stadium seventh wicket, 45 runs with Taijul batsman out. Left-arm spinner West Indies first innings birth of his daughter, but was in Karachi. Islam (18) for the eighth wicket, and Jomel Warrican was the most suc- Kraigg Brathwaite not out ...... 49 John Campbell lbw b Mustafizur ...... 3 pleased to see how, under The sixth PSL begins on Feb. 20 with Karachi 67 with Nayeem Hasan (24) for the cessful bowler for West Indies with Shayne Moseley lbw Mustafizur ...... 2 Ajinkya Rahane, India com- hosting the first 20 games before the Twenty20 ninth wicket. 4-133, and Cornwall returned 2-114. Nkrumah Bonner not out ...... 17 pleted a stunning competition moves to Lahore, which hosts the His partnership with Shakib Fast bowler Mustafizur Extras (lb 1, nb3) ...... 4 turnaround. remaining 14 matches, including the final on March was the most important after Bang- Rahman, 2-18, then put West Indies Total (two wickets; 29 overs) ...... 75 “We’ve been working for 22. ladesh resumed the day on 242-5. in further trouble with two lbw deci- To bat: Jermaine Blackwood, Joshua Da Silva , Rahkeem a long time to create a team “These are baby steps and, considering that Bangladesh lost Liton Das early in sions against John Campbell for 3 in Cornwall, Kemar Roach, Shannon Gabriel, Jomel Warrican, Kyle Mayers identity,” said Kohli, hoping to most sport events are being played in empty sta- the morning after he added just the fifth over after a video review, and Fall of wickets: 1-11 (Campbell), 2-24 (Moseley) lead India to a 13th successive diums, this is a positive achievement,” PCB four runs to his overnight 34. debutant Shayne Moseley for 2 with Bowling: Mustafizur 8-2-18-2 (nb1), Shakib 6-1-16-0, Me- Test series victory on home chairman Ehsan Mani said. At 248-6, Bangladesh could a yorker. Moselye reviewed the hidy 7-2-24-0(nb1), Taijul 5-2-9-0 (nb1), Nayeem 3-0-7-0 soil. have slumped, but Shakib resisted decision in vain. 18 SPORT FRIDAY 5 FEBRUARY 2021 Olympics: Katara International Arabian Horse Festival: 'Spectacular' Beijing 2022 Mares, fillies, stallions and colts wow fans Games will THE PENINSULA — DOHA applauded H E Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti, General Manager, Katara, The third day of the Katara Inter- and Chairman of the Organizing transform national Arabian Horse Festival Committee, Katara International (KIAHF), held under the patronage Arabian Horse Festival, his team, winter sport, of Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin and the partnering organizations Hamad Al Thani, presented by for the noteworthy preparation says Bach Cultural Village Foundation, that went into the Festival. Katara, witnessed more action and Commenting on the success REUTERS - BERLIN excitement. achieved by the many Arabians Gorgeous mares, fillies, stal- owned by Al Shaqab and other The Beijing winter lions, and colts strutted their stuff, Qatari-owned studs in KIAHF 2021, Olympics next year will be trying to impress the judges from Al Sulaiti noted that horses bred spectacular and will by European Conference of Arab and raised in Qatar were indeed transform winter sports Horse Organizations (ECAHO). world-class. “for ever” by introducing A number of Their Excellencies The Title Show features a total some 300 million Chinese and dignitaries graced the Festival. prize money of QR13m one of the people to them, Interna- They included the ambassadors highest in the world for an event tional Olympic Committee and heads of diplomatic missions of this order. Special awards will President Thomas Bach from Hungary, Austria, Poland, be awarded to horses achieving said yesterday. Italy, Ukraine, and Romania. high performances over the years. In a video address to Manager of Breeding and Besides the Title Show, equine China, Bach said Beijing, Show, Al Shaqab, H E Sheikh enthusiasts and visitors can look which will become the first forward to will see the culmi- city ever to have staged various fun and nation of the Festival both summer and winter activities. In as the finalists of the Games after also staging the addition to fam- various classes Beijing 2008 Olympics, was ilies looking for compete. A special ready to deliver ‘spec- entertainment, ‘surprise’ show also tacular Games’. the Festival is awaits visitors as part “Our Chinese partners also attracting of the grand closing and friends will deliver equine and art ceremony. spectacular Olympic winter enthusiasts In keeping with Games that will change the Several the directions laid landscape of winter sport equine-related down by the Ministry for ever,” Bach said. exhibitions and of Public Health and Organisers, who have kiosks are also to ensure the safety already completed the featured as part of all concerned, vis- majority of venues, have Hamad bin Ali Al Thani, expressed of the Festival. The qualifying itors are advised to promised a “joyful ren- much appreciation of the support rounds for mares and stallions (7 strictly comply with dezvous upon pure ice and given by H H the Amir for the Fes- years and older) will be held yes- all the COVID-19 snow” that will kick off on tival. Sheikh Hamad also terday. The final day (February 6) protocols. Feb 4, 2022. Artificial powder will likely be needed to help cover the slopes carved out on the brown, arid moun- Australian Open to go ahead despite tains northwest of Beijing but the IOC is confident the introduction of millions of Chinese to winter sports will help open up a huge, COVID-19 case, say event organisers untapped market. “Every time I have REUTERS - MELBOURNE postponed from Thursday to visited China I am Friday. A staff member wearing impressed by the enthu- The Australian Open will begin Earlier, Victoria state health a protective face mask siasm and support for the as scheduled on Monday even officials said the testing of the and visor is seen in Olympic Games,” Bach said though a worker at one of the tennis cohort was Melbourne Park. Play after signing the invitations Melbourne hotels used to quar- precautionary. yesterday was cancelled for the athletes of the 206 antine players and their entou- “We think the risk to other after a hotel quarantine Olympic committees to rages tested positive for guests in the hotel - tennis worker in Melbourne attend the Games. COVID-19, tournament director players and their accompanying returned a positive “You can already feel Craig Tiley said yesterday. staff - is relatively low,” Allen result for the coronavirus this passion for winter sport The day’s warm-up matches Cheng told reporters. disease (COVID-19) Up to with the excellent prepara- at Melbourne Park were called Victoria endured one of the 600 players and support tions for the Games. We can off after the case was longest and toughest lockdowns staff connected to the say already now with great announced late on Wednesday, in the world to contain the new Australian Open will have confidence China is ready and those who underwent coronavirus, and Wednesday’s to isolate until they have to welcome the world’s best quarantine at the Grand Hyatt case was the first to be locally been tested athletes for unforgettable hotel were instructed to get acquired in the state for almost Olympic Games Beijing tested and isolate until they had a month. 2022.” a result. NO GUARANTEES “We’re absolutely confident State Premier Dan Andrews IOC’s Coates the Australian Open will go has made it clear the safety of ahead,” Tiley told reporters. the community is paramount says Tokyo “We are starting on and said there were “no guar- Monday.” antees” the Australian Open Olympics He said the 507 people would go ahead. turned away,” he told Mel- Park. Tiley rejected the scheduled across the six affected, 160 of them players, “At this stage, the tennis bourne’s Herald Sun comparison. tune-up events. “With the rain, '100%' likely would have their tests com- shouldn’t be impacted by this,” newspaper. “The probability is very low we do have the luxury of having pleted by yesterday afternoon. he told reporters. “These things “I think people are entitled that there’ll be an issue. We three stadium courts and eight to go ahead If the results were negative, can change (but) this has been to know what’s happening, and expect them all to test negative,” indoor courts,” he said. REUTERS - TOKYO the players would be free to a textbook response to this.” the government should be he said. “ “That will enable us to not participate in the six warm-up Michael O’Brien, the leader making their minds up in the The plan is to continue to get ahead but at least to be able A senior official of the events at the Grand Slam venue of the opposition in Victoria’s next 24 to 48 hours.” play tomorrow as planned,” he to finish by Sunday.” International Olympic to allow them to get match state parliament, called on the The Australian Grand Prix, said. Faced with a scheduling Committee (IOC), John practice after 14 days in government to make a call by the traditional season opener Tiley is experienced in logjam for the tune-up events, Coates, said it was '100%' quarantine. Saturday on whether the tour- of the Formula One champi- rescheduling matches because women’s singles matches from likely that the Games would “This does give us three nament would take place. onship, was cancelled because of rain, hot weather and Friday will be shortened to two go ahead in Tokyo this days for the lead-in events to “We don’t want to see a sit- of the COVID-19 pandemic last bushfire smoke and organisers regular tiebreak sets with a summer, Nikkei Asia be completed,” he said, adding uation as we did with the Grand March a few hours before the released the orders of play for 10-point match tiebreak if reported yesterday. that the draw for the Grand Prix, where crowds were lit- cars were due to take to the Friday, when wet weather is required for a final set, organ- Coates also told Nikkei Slam tournament had been erally turning up, only to be track at Melbourne’s Albert forecast, with 67 matches isers said. Asia in an interview that the decision on whether spec- tators will be allowed to Spain’s Rafael Nadal watches the attend the July 23 - Aug 8 Star Nadal continues to match between Spain’s Pablo Carreno Games will be made as soon Busta and Australia’s John Millman at as March or April. Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia, “It’s difficult. It’s dif- in this February 2, 2021, file photo. ficult but the Games will struggle with his back take place,” he was quoted as saying. “The IOC and the Tokyo Organising Com- problem ahead of Open mittee, the Japan gov- ernment, the Tokyo municipal government REUTERS - MELBOURNE Arena with Roberto Bautista Agut and have been determined to Pablo Carreno Busta to lead the chal- host these Games since the World number two Rafa Nadal yesterday lenge in the singles matches for last pandemic broke in Feb- said doubts remain over his fitness ahead year’s finalists. ruary last year. We’ve of next week’s Australian Open. The 34-year-old practised for an maintained our resolve.” Nadal pulled out of Spain’s ATP Cup hour yesterday evening at the Rod Coates, an Australian, tie against Australia on Tuesday with a Laver Arena and his fitness was is vice president of the IOC lower back problem and, despite some improving “little by little, step by step”, and chairs Tokyo 2020’s improvement, said he was still far away sources close to Nadal said yeserday. Swiss not taking part in Melbourne after competitive matches ahead of the Grand coordination commission. from the level required to play at the The Spaniard was one of the top knee surgery, the Spaniard would have Slam could prove problematic for Nadal, Support for the Games year’s first Grand Slam. players who quarantined in Adelaide for the chance to become the all-time major feels Mats Wilander, who won three out has evaporated in Japan as “It’s not that I’m in a really bad way, 14 days after their arrival Down Under record holder in the men’s game for the of his seven major titles at Melbourne the coronavirus crisis has but I’m also not alright in the sense that and were allowed five hours a day to first time. Park. worsened. I can’t play either,” Nadal told Spanish train during the mandatory isolation. He insisted, however, that that was “That’s a worry for sure, he would Nearly 80% of the Jap- television channel Movistar+. He then defeated Dominic Thiem 7-5 not something he was focused on. “First want to play maybe a couple of matches. anese public are now “I’ve improved a little but I’m not in 6-4 on Friday in an exhibition match things first, and that’s to play the Aus- That’s kind of scary I think for him,” opposed to holding the a position where I can go and play a between the men’s world number two tralian Open, and if that doesn’t go well, Eurosport expert Wilander said this Summer Games as game at full intensity.” and three at Adelaide’s Memorial Drive the season goes on,” he said. week. scheduled this year, recent Nadal’s name was also absent from Tennis Club. “I’ve never been obsessed with Grand “I don’t remember him having back polls show. Spain’s ATP Cup tie tomorrow against Nadal sits level with Roger Federer Slams, truth be told.” problems before. He’s not young any Greece at Melbourne Park’s John Cain on 20 Grand Slam titles and, with the The 14-day quarantine and lack of more.”