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Friday, March 5, 2021 Rajab 21, 1442 AH Patel, Ashwin spin GULF TIMES England out for 205 in fi nal Test SPORT Page 7

TENNIS / QATAR TOTAL OPEN Azarenka, Muguruza set up exciting semi clash Belarusian beats top seed Svitolina in straight sets, while former World No. 1 Spaniard downs Greek Sakkari

By Yash Mudgal

wo-time champion Vic- toria Azarenka main- tained a clean slate over top seed and her doubles partnerT this week Elina Svitolina to enter her 60th career WTA semi-fi nal at the Qatar Total Open yesterday. With the victory she also set up a faceoff with the 2018 Doha runner-up Garbine Muguruza, who defeated Maria Sakkari 6-3, 6-1 in yesterday’s last match to complete the semifi nal lineup. In her fi rst match against a Top 20 opponent this season, Aza- renka played through persistent pain and medical attention to fi re 25 winners, more than double the amount from Svitolina. “In the warm-up, I just felt a Spain’s Garbine Muguruza prepares to serve during the Qatar Total Open quarter-final against Maria Sakkari very sharp pain and I was very (not pictured) of Greece at Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex yesterday. Victoria Azarenka of Belarus in action during the Qatar Total Open quarter-final against Elina Svitolina (not worried. I tried my best. I really pictured) of Ukraine yesterday. tried to just focus on what I could up dropping that game, but still on Svitolina’s serve at 5-3. Never- ners, double the amount of her do, and not think about anything had enough zip on her returns to theless, serving for the match for unforced errors. more to sweep to victory. a tough match and then the next Doubles (Semi-finals) else, and try to fi nd solutions and break Svitolina in the top seed’s a second time at 5-4, Azarenka got An early break by Muguruza All told, Muguruza was stu- day be able to play another tough M. Niculescu (ROU) / J. Ostap- use every opportunity I had to next two service games and build it done on her third match point was nullifi ed when Sakkari broke pendous on serve, getting 79 per- match. I am happy that today enko (LAT) d. 1-B. Krejcikova (CZE) play,” Azarenka said. a 4-1 lead. with a backhand winner. back to level the opening set cent of her fi rst serves into play, I was a little bit more effi cient / K. Siniakova (CZE) 2-6, 6-3, 10-8 “I just tried to play point by Additional treatment from the Muguruza avenged a loss to at 3-3, but that would prove to and winning 80 percent of the in the important moments and 2-N. Melichar (USA) / D. Schu- point and not think about the trainer followed after that game, Sakkari in their only previous be the only break point Sakkari points when she did so. I could close the match in two urs (NED) d. A. Klepac (SLO) / S. score, how long it’s going to take but Azarenka still maintained meeting, which came earlier would generate all day. Muguruza, who had less sets,” the former World No. 1 said. Mirza (IND) 7-5, 2-6, 10-5 to play, if it’s going to be two sets her solid form, holding her serve this season in Abu Dhabi. There, Strong depth of return by Mu- than 24-hour to recover af- or three sets,” Azarenka added. twice more to pick up the one- Sakkari emerged winner in guruza helped her immediately ter last night’s three-set match RESULTS TODAY’S ORDER OF PLAY “I’m really proud of the way I set lead. Azarenka won three- straight sets, but former No. 1 re- reclaim her break at 4-3, and the against the defending champion Singles (Quarter-finals) CENTRE COURT starts at 4pm handled it mentally and how I quarters of points off of Svitoli- quired just over an hour to reach former World No.1 repeated the Sabalenka, was happy to close V. Azarenka (BLR) d. 1-E. M. Niculescu (ROU)/J. Os- approached this match.” na’s second serve in the opening the semi-fi nals for the second feat as she broke the Greek once the match in two sets. Svitolina (UKR) 6-2, 6-4 tapenko (LAT) vs 2-N. Melichar Azarenka broke Svitolina in frame. time in her six successive appear- more to take the one-set lead. “It’s true that we had a tough G. Muguruza (ESP) d. M. (USA)/D. Schuurs (NED) the fi rst game of the match but Azarenka broke Svitolina three ances at the event. Muguruza started the second match and I had less time to re- Sakkari (GRE) 6-3, 6-1 Not before 6pm took her fi rst medical time-out times en route to a 5-2 lead in the The highest-ranked unseed- set thunderously, holding serve cover, but, you know, this is also 4-P. Kvitova (CZE) d. A. Kon- 4-P. Kvitova (CZE) vs Q-J. to have her back evaluated dur- second set, but she did not serve ed player in the fi eld this week, easily with an ace, then charged what we try to work on. There taveit (EST) 6-3, 3-6, 6-2 Pegula (USA) ing the second game. The two- out the match in that game, and Muguruza converted fi ve of her through the remainder of the is never really an easy match. So Q-J. Pegula (USA) d. 2-Ka. V. Azarenka (BLR) vs G. Mugu- time major champion would end failed to convert two match points 12 breakpoints and fi red 14 win- match, breaking Sakkari twice you have to be prepared to have Pliskova (CZE) 6-3, 6-1 ruza (ESP)

SPOTLIGHT Pegula’s giant-killing act continues with win over Pliskova

By Yash Mudgal ever encounter and for her sixth qualifying. On the brink of elimi- champion Petra Kvitova, who Doha straight win, including the quali- nation, Pegula battled 19-year- survived Estonia’s Anett Kon- fi ers here. old Russian Anastasia Potapova taveit 6-3, 3-6, 6-2 in the fi rst Pegula, who conquered fi fth- 6-2, 6-7(3), 7-6(6). Since that match of the day. ualifi er Jessica Pegula ranked Elina Svitolina en route tough test in qualifying, Pegula Both players have been in top continued her giant- to her fi rst Grand Slam quarter- has unleashed her aggression form this week, reaching the killing act by beat- fi nal at the Australian Open, has roaring through eight straight quarter-fi nals without drop- ing the second top-10 momentum in her favour and she sets into a showdown against ping more than fi ve games in any playerQ in a fortnight to earn her is ready to carry it forward. Pliskova. match, and were able to bring biggest semi-fi nal of her career “I would defi nitely say my “Defi nitely a confi dence builder. that level against each other. But in Doha yesterday. fi tness, staying healthy, has re- I had a really tough match in my overall, it was Kvitova who land- At the Khalifa International ally helped me mentally knowing second-round quallies against ed the most lethal blows at the Tennis and Squash Complex, the that I feel good pretty much every Potapova, and honestly, I probably right times, tallying 31 winners to American needed just 57 min- match, knowing that I don’t have should have lost,” she said. 24 unforced errors. utes to upset No. 2 seed Karolina to be too concerned about in- “I think after that match I de- The Czech raced out of the Pliskova 6-3, 6-1 to reach the last juries or anything like that. So I cided to just use that confi dence blocks, taking a 5-1 lead in just four stage at Qatar Total Open. think that has defi nitely been the to scrape out that match to play 19 minutes after a brilliant pur- Pegula, a quarter-fi nalist at biggest factor, you know, to start really aggressive and step in and ple patch of play. Kontaveit never the Western & Southern Open the year,” Pegula said after the just go for my shots. So I actu- backed down, even if too late to last year and the Australian Open win yesterday. Czech Republic’s Petra Kvitova ally think that match, second- save the fi rst set, but was useful a month ago, now has a 20-7 Pegula took control of the Jessica Pegula of the US returns a shot against Karolina Pliskova (not celebrates her win over Estonia’s round quallies, really helped me in terms of fl ipping the dynamic record since the Tour resump- match from world go, aiming her pictured) of Czech Republic during their Qatar Total Open quarter-final. Anett Kontaveit (not pictured). to this point and why I’m play- to dominate the second set. tion. returns deep and at Pliskova’s ing pretty well right now,” added Two-time Wimbledon cham- Striking 20 winners to just feet. Pegula took full advantage movement and intensity. court effi ciently, Pegula saved the Pliskova briefl y rejuvenated Pegula, who defeated former pion Kvitova, a winner here in seven unforced errors, the of the Czech, who had battled The American has dropped only break point she faced in the her tennis to break Pegula at the French Open champion Jelena 2018 and runner-up to Aryna 27-year-old showcased a fi ne past midnight the previous day just one set this week, and rarely fi rst set and sealed her second start of the second set, but it was Ostapenko 6-2, 7-5 in the previ- Sabalenka last year, displayed all-court game to take down 2017 to edge Tunisia’s Ons Jabeur in looked like doing so again yester- set point with another baseline short-lived. ous round. real grit to seize hold of the de- champion Pliskova in their fi rst- three sets as she lacked sharp day. Finishing points in the fore- return. Pegula nearly slumped in Doha Pegula will take on former ciding set. Gulf Times 2 Friday, March 5, 2021 SPORT

MOTORSPORT Aston Martin begins new era with return to F1 By Sports Reporter Formula 1 car to carry the famous F1 M12 E Performance engine men and women who conceive, Doha wings since Maurice Trintig- with hybrid energy recovery, was manufacture, build and prepare nant’s DBR5 crossed the fi nish scheduled to run for the fi rst time our cars so that we can go racing line at Silverstone in 1960. at Silverstone during a promo- at the pinnacle of global mot- ston Martin is back at The AMR21, to be raced this tional day yesterday. orsport – has always punched the pinnacle of global season by four-time champion Executive Chairman Stroll above its weight. Now, as the As- motorsport after the Sebastian Vettel and rising star said: “I’ve dreamed about this ton Martin Cognizant Formula Aston Martin Cogni- Lance Stroll, carries a striking day for a very long time. I’ve al- One Team, it has the power with zantA Formula 1 Team proudly re- Aston Martin Racing Green liv- ways been a car guy and I’ve al- which to punch even harder.” vealed its 2021 world champion- ery in recognition of Aston Mar- ways loved racing, too. My fi rst Aston Martin Lagonda CEO ship contender on Wednesday. tin’s traditional racing colours dream was to own a Formula One Tobias Moers said: “Today is a The stunning new AMR21 her- and glorious sporting legacy. It is team. My second dream was to truly historic moment for Aston alds the beginning of a truly sig- also bedecked by a host of global acquire a signifi cant sharehold- Martin, as we return to the pin- nifi cant chapter in the 108-year partners, led by American IT gi- ing in Aston Martin Lagonda. nacle of motorsport for the fi rst history of the brand, and carries ant Cognizant, while the chassis Today is about the merging of time in more than 60 years. The the hopes of racing fans around features a magenta stripe down Aston Martin Cognizant those two dreams. So, as I say, Aston Martin Cognizant Formula the globe. the side in reference to the team’s F1 Team’s 2021 contender today is all about dreams, and One Team will have far-reaching The new team car returns the longstanding partner BWT. AMR21 was unveiled on it shows that dreams really can positive eff ects on the Aston British ultra-luxury marque to A new 200,000 square-foot Wednesday. come true, in the shape of our Martin brand, our culture, and the pinnacle of world motorsport facility will complement the ex- new AMR21. the design and technology of As- for the fi rst time in more than 60 isting factory at Silverstone when are fi rmly intact – the company racing, including overall victory has won fi ve Grands Prix, and “Aston Martin returning to ton Martin road cars. Our return years. It was unveiled in a much completed in the second half of was formed by Lionel Martin in the 1959 24 Hours of Le Mans. is coming off the back of a race- Formula One after an absence of to Formula One will positively anticipated immersive virtual 2022, and the team is well posi- and Robert Bamford in 1913 with Most recently Aston Martin be- winning campaign as Racing 61 years will have a powerful ef- and profoundly aff ect every em- launch in front of a global audi- tioned to become an innovation motorsport at the heart of its en- came a double class winner with Point, having been revitalised fect on the sport, the media and ployee and foremost our cus- ence. Described by Aston Martin lab to drive forward the brand’s deavour. Next year will mark a the Vantage GTE in last year’s under the leadership of Stroll, the fans, commanding global at- tomer journey all over the world; Executive Chairman Lawrence future road car technologies. century since Aston Martin made race at La Sarthe and is the reign- and Team Principal and CEO Ot- tention. and will help us bring a focused, Stroll as an “important event It may have been absent from its grand prix debut (in France ing GT FIA World Endurance mar Szafnauer. “The team who designed and agile Formula One way of think- in automotive history”, the new F1 for 61 years, but Aston Mar- 1922), and the brand has enjoyed Manufacturers’ champion. The new AMR21, powered by a built our new Aston Martin Cog- ing to the whole Aston Martin contender will be the fi rst works tin’s competitive credentials sustained success in sportscar The team, in its various guises turbo-charged Mercedes-AMG nizant Formula One car – the 500 business.”

HORSE RACING FOCUS Al Shaqab’s Calgary stays unbeaten

Agencies Burano Boy wins Marseille, France he colours of Al Shaqab Racing were once again in the winners’ enclosure on Wednesday when their homebredT Calgary won the Prix Daniel Vergez, a Class 2 race over feature to cap 2,000m on the all-weather track at Marseille Pont de Vivaux in France. Trained by Frédéric Rossi, who is based in Marseille, the three- year-old gelding is now two from two, having won his only start as a Sylvain Ruis (right) rides Calgary to victory in the Prix Daniel Vergez at two-year-old on the neighbouring Marseille Pont de Vivaux in France on Wednesday. (jmtempier) treble for Saadi track of Marseille-Borely. Ridden by jockey Sylvain Ruis third position and up into second lead, and pulled clear in the fi nal Trainer al-Malki and jockey al-Seyabi combine for a double in this fi ve-runner contest, Cal- at the half-way point. They be- 100 meters to keep his unbeaten gary settled in fourth position gan racing in the fi nal turn on this status, winning by a length and By Sports Reporter initially with a smart pace set sharp track, with Calgary com- a half in front of Lepti Prinsadi, Doha by Paco. As the pace steadied in ing to join Paco, still in the lead. who just snatched second place the fi rst bend, Calgary moved in Once in the straight, he took the from long-time leader Paco.

oufi ane Saadi continued his winning partner- TENNIS / ROTTERDAM ATP ship with Jassim Ghaz- ali-trained Burano Boy inS Qatar after the duo landed the Loyalty Cup at the Al Uqda Murray positive despite exit Equestrian Complex yesterday. The Thoroughbred Handicap AFP ing lost in the fi rst round of his to set up a quarter-fi nal against feature on turf saw the Mansoor Rotterdam, Netherlands fi rst ATP event since October in Karen Khachanov in Rotterdam. Ebrahim al-Mahmoud owned Montpellier last week. The Greek second seed gelding winning for the fourth “I want to be playing at this dropped the second set but won straight time since his arrival ndy Murray said he level because I learn a lot from a in a tight decider on his third from the UK, beating Ivan Rossi- would draw on “good, match like tonight,” Murray told match point, securing a 6-4, ridden Shes Our Queen by two- positive signs” despite atptour.com. 4-6, 7-5 victory. and-a-half lengths in the 2,100m suff ering a second- “The issues and the mistakes The world number six is the run for horses rated 75-95. Around defeat in Rotterdam this that you make get amplifi ed more favourite for the title, after the In the process, the French week as the former world number at this level... early exits of top seed Medvedev jockey completed a treble of one continues his bid to get back “I do feel tonight there were and Alexander Zverev in the wins yesterday, having guided to the top of tennis. some good, positive signs there. Netherlands. two other winners, one each for The 33-year-old, now ranked Just when it mattered, I wasn’t Earlier yesterday, Zverev’s Alban de Mieulle and Bader al- 123rd after a series of hip and good enough. I will need to im- conqueror Alexander Bublik lost Balushi. groin injuries, lost 7-5, 6-2 to in- prove.” 6-7 (5), 6-3, 6-1 to American Al Shaqab Racing’s Mwarid QREC Racing manager Abdulla Rashid al-Kubaisi with the winners of the Loyalty Cup after Burano Boy form Russian Andrey Rublev on Tommy Paul. was the fi rst winner of the day won the 2,100m feature at Al Uqda Equestrian Complex yesterday. PICTURES: Juhaim Wednesday. TSITSIPAS IN QUARTERS Frenchman Jeremy Chardy for Saadi as De Mieulle’s ward It was always going to be a Stefanos Tsitsipas had to dig ended David Goffi n’s hopes of landed the 2,100m Purebred Race 5: THOROUGHBRED tough ask against the world deep to edge out Poland’s Hubert back-to-back ATP titles with a Arabian Maiden Plate for four- HANDICAP (CLASS 4) (80 & number eight, with Murray hav- Hurkacz yesterday in three sets 7-6 (3), 7-6 (5) win. six-year-old horses by a length. below) (Distance: 1,400m) An-hour-and-a-half later, it 1. Balmari (Anas al-Seyabi), 2. was Abdulatif Hussain al-Ema- Amenable (Ronan Thomas), 3. di’s Bab Al Rayyan who entered Alrahaal (Soufiane Saadi), 4. Hope Halep pulls out of Dubai Tennis F1 race debut with Haas in Bahrain on March the winner’s enclosure for the Cove (Ivan Rossi). Won by: 1 ¾, 1 ¼, Championships with back issue 28. “I’m very happy to carry that surname, and fi rst time in almost two years, Nk. Time: 1:25.14. Owner: Al Bida I’m very happy to carry that name back into having topped the Local Thor- Racing. Trainer: Ibrahim al-Malki. Defending champion Simona Halep has with- Formula One, and I’m very proud of it,” he told oughbred Handicap over six Race 6: LOCAL drawn from next week’s Dubai Tennis Champion- reporters on a video call as Haas unveiled their furlongs. THOROUGHBRED HANDICAP ships with a lower back complaint, organisers of new Ferrari-powered car. “It’s like a boost for me In the penultimate race of the (70-90) (Distance: 1,200m) the WTA 1000 tournament said yesterday. World and it gives me motivation every single day.” day, and 2,100m race for four- 1. Bab Al Rayyan (Soufiane Saadi), number three Halep, who also pulled out of this Schumacher’s teammate is Russian rookie Nikita year-old Arabians, Ragdan led 2. Sarmad Bu Thaila (Anas al-Sey- week’s Qatar Open in Doha, has not played a com- Mazepin, son of a fertiliser billionaire whose com- a sweep of top two spots for the abi), 3. Wadhah (Alberto Sanna), petitive match since losing in straight sets to Ser- pany Uralkali has become the team’s new title famous royal blue and white star 4. Rodeyna (Khalid al-Balushi). ena Williams in the Australian Open quarter-finals sponsor. Haas scored only three points last year silks of His Highness Sheikh Soufiane Saadi rides Burano Boy to Loyalty Cup victory. Won by: 1 ¼, 1 ½, 3 ¾. Time: 1:14.02. last month. Halep, who also won the Dubai event and finished ninth of 10 teams. Mohamed bin Khalifa al-Thani Owner: Abdulatif Hussain al- in 2015, follows world number one Ash Barty, who and trainer Julian Smart. Fourth duo go past the post a little more PLATE (Distance: 1,200m) Emadi. Trainer: Bader al-Balushi. is recovering from a leg injury, in skipping the Savadori saddles up for Aprilia in in the His Highness Sheikh than a length in front of the 1. Irtiqaa (Khalid al-Balushi), 2. Race 7: THOROUGHBRED Dubai event, which runs from March 7-13. place of banned Iannone Abdullah Bin Khalifa Al Thani competition in a 2,200m Thor- Madarek (Alberto Sanna), 3. HANDICAP (Class 4) (85 & Silver Cup in January, the four- oughbred Handicap. Dreem Of Doha (Ivan Rossi), 4. below) (Distance: 1,200m) Clijsters accepts wildcard into MotoGP’s Aprilia Racing Team Gresini named year-old son of Amer, helmed Earlier in the day, Injaaz Stud’s War Man (Rashid Ali al-Marri). 1. Lightning Boltz (Anas al- WTA Miami Open Lorenzo Savadori yesterday as the replacement by Tomas Lukasek, edged out Fakhir won for the fi rst time Won by: ¼, 1 3 ¾. Time: 1:13.96. Seyabi), 2. Rex Place (Ronan for Andrea Iannone, who has been suspended stablemate Asiak, ridden by since his maiden victory in HH Owner: Noor Khalid al-Ahmed. Thomas), 3. The Singer (Carlos Former world number one Kim Clijsters, twice re- four years for doping. The 27-year-old Italian will Francois Herholdt on the colt’s The Amir Silver Sword two years Trainer: Khaled Mohamed Henrique), 4. Cool Exhibit (Qais tired and now the mother of three, has accepted line up alongside Spaniard Aleix Espargaro on Qatar debut, by half-a-length. ago, when Marco Casamento Alahmad. al-Busaidi). Won by: ½, Shd, ½. a wild card to play in the Miami Open tennis tour- the revamped RS-GP which bears a tribute on The trainer-jockey duo of guided Mohamed Ghazali’s ward Race 3: PUREBRED ARABIAN Time: 1:12.04. Owner: Al Sraiya nament. The 37-year-old Belgian returned to the the front to former team boss Fausto Gresini who Ibrahim al-Malki and Anas al- to a novice victory over six fur- MAIDEN PLATE (4-6-year-olds) Stud. Trainer: Ibrahim al-Malki. WTA tour last year after a seven-year absence. died aged 60 from Covid-19 last month. Savadori, Seyabi notched a double, win- longs. (Distance: 2,100m) Race 8: PUREBRED ARABIANS Miami will mark her first event since her first- who was managed by Gresini, is best known for ning two Class 4 Thoroughbred Apprentice rider Khalid al- 1. Mwarid (Soufiane Saadi), (4 Year Olds) (Distance: 2,100m) round loss in the US Open in September. Clijsters his time in World Superbikes and being Italian Handicap events. Balushi guided his sixth winner 2. Cocktail Du Loup (Tomas 1. Ragdan (Tomas Lukasek), 2. won the prestigious Miami title in 2005 and Superbike champion last year. He made his de- First up was Al Bida Racing’s this season when Khaled Mo- Lukasek), 3. Nachmi Al Cham Asiak (Francois Herholdt), 3. Bin 2010, making her most recent appearance there but for the team when he took over form British Balmari, whose pace on the hamed Alahmad-trained Irtiqaa (Faleh Bughanaim), 4. Mosko Al Tair (Soufiane Saadi), 4. Muqla in 2012. Clijsters won the US Open in 2005, 2009 rider Bradley Smith who had initially stepped in home straight ensured a com- shed her maiden status in a (Ronan Thomas). Won by: 1, 5 (Ronan Thomas). Won by: ½, 1 ¼, 2 and 2010, lifting the trophy in Flushing Meadows as Iannone’s replacement. fortable victory by almost two six-furlong local Thoroughbred ½, 2. Time: 2:22.15. Owner: Al ¼. Time: 2:23.13. Owner: His High- in 2009 as a wild card after returning from her lengths in the seven-furlong sprint. Shaqab Racing. Trainer: Alban ness Sheikh Mohamed bin Khalifa first retirement. She also won the Australian Prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans run. An hour later, it was Al de Mieulle. al-Thani. Trainer: Julian Smart. Open in 2011. Clijsters has also accepted a wild postponed until August Sraiya Stud’s Lightning Boltz, RESULTS Race 4: THOROUGHBRED Race 9: LOYALTY CUP card to compete in Charleston April 5-11. who won for the fi rst time in Race 1: PUREBRED ARABIAN HANDICAP (Class 4) (4-year- (THOROUGHBRED HANDICAP The 24 Hours of Le Mans has been postponed Qatar, having shed his maiden NOVICE PLATE (Distance: 1,200m) old and older, 85 & below) (Class 3) 75-95) (Distance: Schumacher name gives me from its original dates in June until August in status in Ireland in October. 1. Fakhir (Marco Casamento), 2. (Distance: 2,200m) 2,100m) motivation every day, says Mick the hope fans will be able to attend, organisers Qatari jockey Faleh Bugha- Daloob (Ronan Thomas), 3. Fahd 1. Perfect Storm (Faleh Bugha- 1. Burano Boy (Soufiane Saadi), announced yesterday. The race, which was held naim registered his ninth win De Faust (Alberto Sanna), 4. Fajr naim), 2. Roman Melody (Sou- 2. Shes Our Queen (Ivan Rossi), Taking the Schumacher surname back into behind closed doors due to the coronavirus this season, one better than his (Khalid al-Balushi). Won by: Shd, fiane Saadi), 3. Thierry (Marco 3. Bottom Bay (Marco Casa- Formula One this season will be more a source pandemic last year, was scheduled for June 12-13, tally last season but still some 2, 1. Time: 1:19.00. Owner: Injaaz Casamento), 4. What A Surprise mento), 4. Hessdalen (Anas of pride than pressure, Michael’s son Mick said but has been pushed back until August 21-22. distance away from his best Stud. Trainer: Mohamed Jassim (Meteb Ali al-Marri). Won by: 1 ¼, al-Seyabi). Won by: 2 ½, 1 ¼, ½. yesterday. The 21-year-old German, whose Ferrari Former Formula One drivers Sebastien Buemi, season of 20 wins. A fantastic Ghazali. ¾, ½. Time: 2:17.05. Owner: Mo- Time:. Owner: Mansoor Ebrahim great father won seven world championships Kazuki Nakajima and Brendon Hartley won the ride astride Hadi al-Ramzani- Race 2: LOCAL hamed Nasser al-Naimi. Trainer: al-Mahmoud. Trainer: Jassim including five with the Italian team, makes his 2020 edition for Toyota. saddled Perfect Storm saw the THOROUGHBRED MAIDEN Hadi al-Ramzani Mohamed Ghazali. Gulf Times Friday, March 5, 2021 3 FOOTBALL

FOCUS Late David double keeps Lille top of PSG in Ligue 1 Mauricio Pochettino’s depleted reigning champions stayed second with a 1-0 victory at Bordeaux

AFP Lyon a home win over Rennes. Paris Lyon, who were held by Marseille at the weekend, edged a game of few chances thanks to substitute Aouar’s anadian forward Jonathan fi fth league goal of the season. David’s late double helped “Our goal is reached for tonight. In Lille edge out Marseille 2-0 the second half, the victory was de- on Wednesday to remain two served but our goalkeeper was never pointsC clear of Paris Saint-Germain at under real pressure,” said Lyon coach the top of Ligue 1. Rudi Garcia. Mauricio Pochettino’s depleted Memphis Depay wasted the best op- reigning champions stayed second with portunity of the opening 45 minutes a 1-0 victory at Bordeaux, with Lyon when his eff ort on the stroke of half- one point further back after beating time was saved by Rennes goalkeeper Rennes by the same scoreline. Alfred Gomis. Fourth-placed Monaco slipped to But Lyon started to look more dan- seven points off the pace as the Princi- gerous after the 58th-minute introduc- pality club lost 1-0 at Strasbourg. tions of Aouar and Tino Kadewere off Christophe Galtier’s Lille extended the bench, with the latter seeing a goal their unbeaten run to 10 league match- ruled out for off side. es but were frustrated by eighth-placed The winner arrived 16 minutes from Marseille at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy time when Depay teed up Aouar to for almost 90 minutes. score, with Rennes left appealing in David and Timothy Weah both saw vain for an apparent foul by the Dutch- second-half attempts saved by Steve man in the build-up. Mandanda. A fourth straight league defeat for But when the Marseille goalkeeper Rennes, who played in this season’s kept out Jonathan Ikone’s eff ort in the Champions League, leaves them 10th 90th minute, David was on hand to tap in the table and six points off the Euro- in. pean places. The 21-year-old put the result be- Monaco’s title aspirations suff ered yond doubt in the third minute of a blow as their 12-match unbeaten run added time, diverting home Ikone’s in Ligue 1 came to an abrupt end with a cross to score his ninth league goal surprise loss at Strasbourg. this term. Niko Kovac’s men dominated pos- “We went looking for it (the win) un- Lille’s Jonathan David (C) celebrates with teammates after scoring against Paris Saint-Germain’s Argentinian forward Mauro Icardi (R) fights for the ball with session but mustered only one shot til the end, the players showed courage Marseille on Wednesday night. Bordeaux’s French defender Laurent Koscielny during their Ligue 1 match at the on target in the game, and Strasbourg and self-sacrifi ce,” said Galtier. “The Matmut Atlantique Stadium on March 3. defender Frederic Guilbert snatched a title? We are here.” Angel Di Maria to keep up the pressure. PSG were relatively comfortable for dramatic winner in the 91st minute to Lille visit Monaco in their next Ligue With in-form striker Moise Kean also the remainder of the game, although matches, we will be champions. In “The recovery (of ) is going pull his side eight points clear of the 1 match in 11 days’ time as they con- out after testing positive for coronavi- Bordeaux winger Hatem Ben Arfa did football, you have to work match by well. We are happy with the progress bottom three. tinue their bid for a fi rst major trophy rus, it was left to Pablo Sarabia to score fi re narrowly wide midway through the match and be patient to win titles.” of all injured players,” added the PSG Elsewhere, Lens took fi fth place from since winning the league and French the winning goal. second half. PSG will be hoping to have their coach. Metz, who lost 1-0 to Angers, with a 3-2 Cup double in 2011. The Spaniard, making his fi rst league “We are working with a squad of 25, injured players back for next week’s — Aouar fi res Lyon past Rennes win at struggling Saint-Etienne. PSG brushed off the absences of Ney- start in a month, grabbed the break- 30 players,” said Pochettino. Champions League last-16 second leg — Earlier on Wednesday, Houssem Nantes’ miserable season continued mar, the suspended Kylian Mbappe and through in the 20th minute. “We know that if we win all our against . Aouar’s second-half strike clinched with a 2-1 loss at home to Reims.

PREMIER LEAGUE SCOTTISH SCENE Gerrard sent off as United lose ground on leaders Rangers move to brink of title City with Crystal Palace draw Morelos had the last laugh AFP AFP they are in action on Thursday. Glasgow on his manager’s behalf when London Matej Vydra smashed home his fi rst the Colombian fired home an league goal in nearly 12 months to give 87th-minute winner to extend Burnley the lead after just four minutes. teven Gerrard may have Rangers’ lead over Celtic to 18 anchester United were left a However, Kelechi Iheanacho’s splen- to watch his side’s coro- points. huge 14 points behind Pre- did volley drew Leicester level in the nation as Scottish cham- It had been a rather uneventful mier League leaders Man- 34th minute. pions from the stands af- contest until Beaton intervened chester City as Crystal Palace Schmeichel then produced two fi ne terS being sent off for a half-time eight minutes before the break. Mheld them to yet another goalless draw on saves to deny Chris Wood early in the rant at referee John Beaton dur- Morelos hit the deck as he Wednesday. second half, parrying the New Zealand- ing Rangers’ 1-0 win at Living- went past Max Stryjek while The stalemate at a foggy Selhurst Park er’s powerful header before getting down ston on Wednesday. chasing down Steven Davis’ was United’s third successive goalless low to his right to turn a shot wide. The Glasgow giants could end sublime ball over the top. draw in all competitions ahead of Sun- Ashley Westwood then rattled the their 10-year wait for a league Beaton looked for a moment day’s Manchester derby against City, who post for Burnley, but Leicester fi nished title as early as this weekend if set to point to the spot before are on a record-breaking 21-game win- the stronger. they beat St Mirren on Saturday changing his mind and reaching ning streak. Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers and Celtic fail to win at Dundee for the top pocket to book More- Elsewhere, third-placed Leicester had lauded Schmeichel, saying: “He’s been United on Sunday. los. Kasper Schmeichel to thank for a brilliant for me in my time here, there’s However, if Celtic keep them- Gerrard exploded on the point in a 1-1 draw at Burnley. moments where it looks like it’s going to selves alive at Tannadice, Rang- touchline and had every right Aston Villa missed the chance to move be a goal and he pulls off a save.” ers will have the chance to seal as replays showed Livi’s Polish to within two points of the top four as Sheffi eld United secured just their the championship on their rivals’ keeper had made clear contact as they suff ered a shock 1-0 loss to bottom- fourth league win of the season as David own turf in the third Old Firm he clipped Morelos’ heel. of-the-table Sheffi eld United, who held McGoldrick scored the only goal against derby of the season on March 21. Gerrard’s mood would not on for the fi nal half an hour with 10 men. Crystal Palace’s a Villa side desperately missing the in- Gerrard faces an anxious wait have been helped by the sight of A point in south London left second- Zaire-born Belgian striker spiration of injured captain Jack Greal- to see if he will be able to take his an off side fl ag going up just as placed Man United just one ahead of Christian Benteke (L) vies ish. place in the dugout for that match Connor Goldson headed home Leicester, with the main aim now for Ole for the ball with Man- Although the Blades had Phil Jagielka after marching onto the pitch at from Borna Barisic’s free-kick Gunnar Solskjaer’s side to cling on to a chester United’s English sent off for denying a clear goalscoring the Tony Macaroni Arena to com- four minutes after the restart. top-four place that will secure Champi- defender Harry Maguire opportunity when hacking down An- plain after seeing Alfredo Morelos If the half-time bust-up had ons League football next season. (R) during their English war El Ghazi, ninth-placed Villa failed to booked for diving, despite having not been explosive enough, Bea- “We have to do much better, we have match make their advantage count. clearly been fouled in the box just ton was then forced to momen- to risk more in attack to create more on Wednesday. The Blades are still 12 points from before the break. tarily call a halt to the action as a chances,” United midfi elder Nemanja safety despite this win but manager Chris Gerrard’s temper earned him barrage of fi reworks were let off Matic, who almost broke the deadlock Wilder said: “Any result in this division is two yellow cards as he shouted outside the ground in the 55th with a defl ected shot, told Sky Sports. a huge result for Sheffi eld United. at the offi cial: “You’re bang out minute by Rangers fans hailing “We are Manchester United, we have “Obviously it was made a little more of order.” what they expect to be the im- to win this kind of game. On Sunday we Leicester’s challenge for a return to with Chelsea, Liverpool and Everton all diffi cult going down to 10 men, but we The matter does not fall un- minent arrival of the club’s 55th have a big game against Manchester City. the Champions League next season has able to close in on the Foxes — who have showed good character — as I’ve spoken der the Scottish Football Asso- league crown. We have to refocus for that.” been badly hit by injuries to key players, not won in their last three games — when about all season regarding my team.” ciation’s fast-track procedures Morelos then provided the so there is no set deadline for fi reworks on the fi eld as he bun- Hampden disciplinary chiefs to dled home his 14th goal of the BOTTOMLINE decide how long a punishment to season after Stryjek spilled a hand out. Davis shot at his feet.

Norwich extend Championship lead to 10 points gets go ahead aft er virus break AFP Only the top two in the second tier at “We didn’t allow them many proper come to Buendia, with the Argentine Glasgow: The Scottish Cup will executive Ian Maxwell said with London the end of the regular season are guaran- chances and we had many good situa- playmaker going past two defenders on resume on March 23 and bring the the vaccination programme going teed a place in English football’s lucrative tions and should really have scored more the edge of the box before his low shot curtain down on the season on so smoothly and infections on the top fl ight. goals.” into the bottom corner beat . May 22, the Scottish Football As- decline they felt it was timely to orwich City extended their Norwich’s sixth successive league win Brentford boss Thomas Frank said the Brentford top-scorer shot sociation said on Wednesday, after resume the competition. “The Scot- lead at the top of the English put them 10 points clear a the top with Canaries were certainties to go up. narrowly wide in stoppage time and the lower leagues got the all-clear from tish Cup is our flagship competi- Championship to 10 points just 12 matches left to play. “Congratulations to Norwich, I think visitors then had a penalty appeal re- government to resume playing. tion and we are pleased that the Nwith a 1-0 win at home to sec- By contrast, a fourth defeat in six they are 100% certain to be promoted,” jected when went down The second round was left incom- temporary suspension of the lower ond-placed Brentford on Wednesday as games for Brentford left the west London he insisted. in the box under challenge from Grant plete when the SFA and Scottish leagues has now been lifted to the Canaries maintained their bid for an side in a contest with the likes of Watford “That is not mind games or anything Hanley, although Frank said it was a “fi f- sports minister agreed on January allow the matches to resume,” he immediate return to the Premier League. and Swansea for second place. like that, it’s based on the quality of their ty-fi fty” decision. 11 to suspend play outside of the said in an SFA statement. Once the Emi Buendia scored the only goal of “It was a spotlight game between two performances this season.” Watford joined the second-placed top two tiers due to the worsening remaining second round ties are the game at Carrow Road, the midfi elder of the best teams in the league and I The decisive moment of the match Bees on 63 points after a 2-0 win over state of the coronavirus pandemic completed the third round will be on target with a fi ne solo eff ort midway thought it was a well deserved win,” said came in the 26th minute when a swift bottom-placed Wycombe at Vicarage at the time. However SFA chief played on the weekend of April 3. through the fi rst half. Norwich manager Daniel Farke. Norwich counter-attack saw the ball Road, with Andre Gray bagging a brace. Gulf Times 4 Friday, March 5, 2021 FOOTBALL

SPANISH CUP FOCUS S American Extra-time winner qualifi ers in lightens mood as doubt as Barca reach fi nal clubs take ‘This is a very important result for the club, for the players, and for me a hard line Reuters ‘I think everybody agrees of course as well. This is an important step in earning a title’ Manchester – we can’t let the players go and play for their country and then quarantine for 10 his month’s World days in a hotel. That’s not Cup qualifi ers in South how we can do it’ America are in serious doubt, with European CONMEBOL is reluctant to clubsT unlikely to release their play the games without Euro- players to travel amid concern pean-based players and has not over the Covid-19 pandemic considered moving the fi xtures and quarantine restrictions. to “bubbles” in Europe. It faces World soccer’s governing a scheduling problem, however body FIFA has relaxed its nor- as their continental champion- mal rules about player-release ship, Copa America, is set for for internationals because of the June in Argentina and Colom- pandemic and worries about the bia. impact of long-distance travel With 14 rounds of matches to areas with high case-rates. still to be completed in the Clubs are expected to keep their World Cup qualifying process, players at home. which is due to end in March All 10 South American coun- 2022, there is limited space for tries feature on the UK govern- the games. ment’s “red list” travel ban, “It is diffi cult to postpone the which does not include exemp- FIFA dates, there is no space, tions for athletes and sports you cannot tighten the qualifi - people. Any UK-based players ers,” Ecuador FA president Fran- who played in the games would cisco Egas told his local station face 10 days in hotel quarantine Radio La Red. on return. “There is strong pressure That in itself makes it diffi cult from European clubs not to give Barcelona players celebrate for clubs to consider agreeing to up their players for the qualifi - their third goal scored by CONMEBOL’s requests. ers. FIFA must be in the middle Barcelona’s Danish forward “I think everybody agrees – to help get an understanding,” Martin Braithwaite during the we can’t let the players go and he added. However, FIFA has Spanish Copa del Rey (King’s play for their country and then limited infl uence. Quarantine Cup) semi-final second leg quarantine for 10 days in a ho- rules are set by national govern- match against Sevilla FC at tel. That’s not how we can do it,” ments. the Camp Nou stadium in said Liverpool manager Juergen Manchester United manager Barcelona on March 3. Klopp, whose team includes Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has struck Brazilian trio Alisson Becker, a similar tone to Klopp. Fabinho and Roberto Firmino. “We’ve not sat down and AFP 12th-minute lead in the second Barcelona confi rm Pique knee injury that Barca covered up infl ated South American confedera- made a proper call on that one, Madrid leg with a right-foot drive from payments to a company called tion CONMEBOL, which organ- but it doesn’t make sense if you outside the area. Barcelona defender Gerard tests performed this morning I3 Ventures which it had hired ises the qualifi ers in the region lose your player for 10 days of Sevilla could have killed the Pique has suff ered a knee liga- have shown that first team to boost the image of the club on for the 2022 World Cup, wants isolation, of course it doesn’t,” arcelona needed ex- game off in the 73rd minute to ment sprain, the club player Gerard Pique has a social media. clubs to release their players for Solskjaer said on Wednesday. tra-time to reach the deny Barca their place in the fi - announced yesterday. sprain in the internal lateral Part of the social media cam- the March 25 and 30 games, but Solskjaer’s squad includes Copa del Rey fi nal on nal for a 42nd time. The centre back, who scored a ligament of his right knee. He paign included criticising cur- it is running out of options. Brazilians Fred and Alex Telles Wednesday, with a 3-2 They were awarded a pen- last-minute equaliser to send is therefore unavailable and rent and former players like Li- CONMEBOL said its council along with Uruguayan forward aggregateB win over Sevilla com- alty when Lucas Ocampos was Barca’s Copa del Rey semi-final the evolution of the injury will onel Messi and Xavi Hernandez, will meet on Friday to discuss Edinson Cavani. ing just two days after a police brought down by Oscar Mingu- with Sevilla to extra time on determine when he returns,” a and iconic coach Pep Guardiola. the situation and added that “We’re the ones paying the raid on the club and the arrest of eza. Wednesday, missed almost club statement read. Barcelona will face either it is in contact with FIFA as it players, and from what I un- their former president. However, Ocampos saw his three months earlier this Injuries have restricted the Athletic Bilbao or Levante, who searches for a solution. derstand FIFA have given the Having trailed 2-0 from the tame right-foot eff ort from the season with a knee problem. 34-year-old to just 15 appear- are 1-1 in their semi-fi nal, in the FIFA said it has yet to make rules that they don’t have to be fi rst leg, Danish international spot saved by Marc-Andre ter Barcelona won the tie 3-0 after ances this season and local fi nal on April 17 in Seville. any demands on CONMEBOL. released. So I would think that’s Martin Braithwaite hit the cru- Stegen. extra time, overturning a 2-0 media have reported that Pique Before that, however, Bar- “FIFA is in ongoing contact going to be a hard call to make to cial goal in the fi fth minute of Flagging Sevilla were then re- first-leg deficit. faces a further three weeks on celona will attempt another with all the confederations and let them go and play in red-list extra-time with a diving header duced to 10 men in injury time “The medical assessment and the sidelines. comeback eff ort when they take the Member Associations on countries, yeah.” off a Jordi Alba cross. when Brazilian Fernando was on Paris Saint-Germain in the this matter. We are working One option could be to play Gerard Pique had equalised in red-carded for a foul on Fran- second leg of their Champions and monitoring the situation the games just before the June 11 the fourth minute of stoppage cisco Trincao. earning a title.” relation to last year’s “Barca- League last 16 tie next week. together and FIFA hasn’t made start to the Copa America. One time with virtually the last play “The team deserved to qual- It was a much-needed win for gate” scandal. Barca trail 4-1 from the fi rst any specifi c request at this source indicated CONMEBOL of the game to save Barca. ify,” said Barca coach Ronald Barcelona after former president The club holds its presidential leg. stage. Further information will may ask FIFA to create a special The veteran international Koeman. Josep Maria Bartomeu, current elections later this week. Sevilla coach Julen Lopetegui be provided in due course,” said extra “window” for rearranged headed in at the near post after “For their work and honesty. chief executive Oscar Grau, head The search of Barcelona’s sta- admitted Wednesday’s defeat the Zurich based body. games. a fi ne cross from Antoine Griez- We are more aggressive, we’ve of legal services Roma Gomez dium was part of a probe into was a “bitter pill to swallow”. mann. always created chances, the Ponti and Bartomeu’s adviser allegations the club carried out “We are disappointed and sad That was after Ousmane team has improved enormously. Jaume Masferrer were arrested a defamation campaign against to be deprived of a fi nal. Liverpool v Leipzig Champions League Dembele, who scored in the “This is a very important re- by Catalan police, who searched current and former players who “We experienced the most 2-0 win at Sevilla in La Liga at sult for the club, for the play- the club’s offi ces on Monday were critical of Bartomeu. crushing feeling in football, game moved to again the weekend, had given the 30- ers, and for me of course as well. morning. Spanish radio station Cadena conceding with the last kick of time Spanish Cup winners a This is an important step in They were all questioned in Ser claimed in February 2020 the game (in normal time).” London: Liverpool will re- thorities denied Liverpool entry turn to Budapest to play RB into the country due to Covid-19 Leipzig in the their Champions protocols. The second leg will BOTTOMLINE League last-16 second leg match now be held at the Puskas Arena due to Covid-19 travel restric- on March 10. tions, European soccer’s govern- “UEFA is able to offi cially con- ing body UEFA said yesterday. fi rm that the UEFA Champions Barca presidential election holds key to club’s future Liverpool, who beat Leipzig League Round of 16 second leg 2-0 in the fi rst leg on Feb. 16 in match between Liverpool FC and Reuters hands of Liverpool, Bayern Mu- the Hungarian capital, cannot RB Leipzig will now be played at Barcelona nich and Paris St Germain. WHO IS THE FAVOURITE? host Leipzig at Anfi eld because the Puskas Arena in Budapest,” Laporta’s appeal to nostal- the Bundesliga team would have UEFA said in a statement. WHY DOES THE ELECTION The elections will gia and pledge to return Barca to undergo 10 days of isolation “UEFA would like to express ive months after Josep MATTER? have an impact on to past glories looks to have upon returning from the United its gratitude to Liverpool FC and Maria Bartomeu re- Since Bartomeu resigned, Messi’s future at worked. He gathered over 10,257 Kingdom. RB Leipzig for their support and signed, FC Barcelona the club has been run by acting Barcelona. signatures compared to Font’s The fi rst leg, originally sched- close co-operation, as well as the will fi nally elect a new President Carles Tusquets and 4,710 and Freixa’s 2,821. uled to be held at the Red Bull Hungarian Football Federation presidentF on Sunday, with more a management committee with Opinion polls also make him Arena in Germany, was shifted for their assistance and agreeing than 110,000 of the Liga club’s limited powers. the overwhelming favourite: to Budapest after German au- to stage the match.” members expected to vote in A new president and board is 73% of respondents to a survey polling stations in , needed to set the club’s budget by radio station Cadena Ser said across Spain and via post. and make major decisions such they would vote for Laporta. The election has taken on new as which players they want to Freixa was second with 19% and Chisnall, last United-Liverpool signifi cance since Bartomeu, sign, their strategy for the youth Font third with 8%. who resigned in October to academy and to agree a plan to transfer, dies at 78 avoid a vote of no-confi dence, renovate the iconic yet outdated WHAT DOES THE was arrested on Monday while Camp Nou stadium. POLL MEAN FOR MESSI? Manchester: Former Man- “Phil can do unusual things with the club’s offi ces were raided in Most of all, the new board Argentina international Mes- chester United and Liverpool the ball, he might be something a probe into allegations of im- will have to tackle the club’s si’s shock bid to leave the club forward Phil Chisnall, the last special.” Chisnall made his proper management and cor- fi nancial woes. Their last ac- as far back as 2013 and brought ant poster of himself next to last year was the catalyst behind player to be transferred directly Liverpool debut in the Charity ruption. counts showed a gross debt of the club’s former midfi eld great arch rivals Real Madrid’s San- the vote for a censure movement between the bitter English Shield four months after joining Barca stunned Sevilla on more than 1.4bn euros ($1.68bn) Xavi Hernandez plus Toni Nadal tiago Bernabeu stadium read- which led to Bartomeu resign- rivals, has died aged 78, both the Anfield side and opened Wednesday to reach the Copa del while net debt more than dou- on board to position himself as ing: ‘Looking forward to seeing ing. teams said yesterday. his account in a European Cup Rey fi nal with a thrilling come- bled to 488mn euros by June 30 the candidate to take Barca into you again’. He bragged of his The 33-year-old forward Mancunian Chisnall graduated victory at KR Reykjavik. back win but the club are in one last year. the future. record as a former president in has under four months left on from United’s youth academy However, his time at the club of the most diffi cult periods in But Xavi recently declaring a recent debate, telling Font: his contract, the most lucra- and represented the Old Traf- was short-lived as he scored their history and whoever wins WHO IS RUNNING? he did not formally support any “While you were making Power- tive in world sport, but has said ford club’s senior team between only two goals in nine appear- Sunday’s election faces a huge Nine candidates announced of the candidates has harmed points, I was winning Champi- he wants to speak with the new 1961 and 1964, scoring 10 goals ances. His final game was the task to revive their fortunes. their intention to stand last year Font’s campaign and the char- ons Leagues.” president before making his in 47 games, before joining first leg of the 1965-66 Cup Talisman ’s fu- but only three gathered enough ismatic Laporta, who presided Freixa, a former Barca direc- mind up about his future at the Liverpool for a fee of 25,000 Winners’ Cup semi-final against ture is uncertain, Barca are in signatures to make it to the fi nal over Barca’s golden age between tor under Bartomeu, is the least end of the season. pounds ($34,840) in April 1964. Celtic. the midst of a crippling fi nan- round: , Victor Font 2003 and 2010, has taken cen- known fi gure but has caused a All three candidates want Former Liverpool manager Bill Chsinall then joined Southend cial crisis and they are falling and Toni Freixa. tre stage. Laporta launched his stir by making lofty promises to Messi to stay, with Font talking Shankly had hailed the forward United before ending his play- behind the top sides in Europe, Font, a technology entrepre- campaign with an audacious sign young stars like Erling Haa- of the need to off er him a role on his arrival at the club, saying: ing career at Stockport County. highlighted by thrashings at the neur, began planning for the race publicity act, unveiling a gi- land and Kylian Mbappe. when he hangs up his boots. Gulf Times Friday, March 5, 2021 5 SPORT

NBA NFL Vikings GM: Cousins is our quarterback Nets’ Harden stars Reuters MARSHALL HOSTING Los Angeles ALTERNATIVE ‘COMBINE’ Former NFL wide receiver Bran- don Marshall found a hole in ick Spielman has not coverage and decided to fi ll it been living in a vacuum. himself. Marshall, a retired re- With the early NFL ceiver who played for the Denver off season buzz all about Broncos, Chicago Bears, Miami in return to Houston, quarterbacksR either changing Dolphins, Seattle Seahawks and teams or wanting a new home New York Jets and Giants, felt address, the Minnesota Vi- the need to step into the vacancy kings general manager insisted for draft prospects created when Wednesday that his franchise the annual Scouting Combine would not be one to hunt for a was cancelled due to Covid-19. new signal-caller in 2021. While Marshall isn’t hosting “Kirk Cousins is our quarter- 300-plus players as would be 76ers silence Jazz back,” Spielman said bluntly on a the case in Indianapolis, he has video call with reporters. “I know commitments from several rec- there’s a lot of rumours fl oating ognisable names for the event ‘I’m never, ever one to blame a ref, blame an off icial, but this is getting out of hand’ around out there, but Kirk Cous- Friday, which will be streamed ins is our quarterback. We felt on FoxSports.com. that he played very well, prob- Marshall is training prospects ably the best that he’s ever played – more than 20 hopefuls for the down that stretch last year.” 2021 draft – at House of Athlete Cousins, 32, just fi nished his in Weston, Fla. “I wanted those third season with the Vikings af- guys to be able to experience this ter signing a two-year, $66 mil- ... to show the scouts and the lion free-agent deal in 2019 after NFL what they have,” Marshall six seasons with Washington. He said in a USA Today interview. led Minnesota to the playoff s in “This is the biggest stage, and his second season, going 10-5 if you take that away, what op- as a starter while throwing for portunity do they have?” 3,603 yards with 26 touchdown Clemson running back Travis passes and just six interceptions. Etienne, Texas A&M quarter- Cousins put up arguably bet- back Kellen Mond and Georgia ter numbers in 2020, with 4,265 defensive back Eric Stokes are passing yards, a career-high 35 among the prospects who will be touchdowns and 13 intercep- weighed, measured and run the tions. But the Vikings went just 40-yard dash on Friday morn- 7-9 in their fi rst losing season ing. Marshall partnered with Zy- since 2014. bek, the offi cial timing company Despite the Vikings sporting of the NFL Scouting Combine, to the NFL’s fourth-rated off ense perform all testing and validate last season, their highest NFL the workouts for scouts. ranking since 2004, Cousins “It makes no sense for us to go has endured plenty of criticism through this whole live stream by those who believe he has not and big production to help these lived up to franchise quarterback guys get to the next level,” Mar- money in Minnesota. shall said, “and then for the “Kirk is our quarterback go- scouts and general managers and ing forward, and I look forward owners be like, ‘What the hell? to him with another year in this This is not what you sold us.’ system,” Spielman said. “I’m ex- “We’re trying to continue cited for him and what he’s going this thing for years to come, to bring to our team next year.” and we went over it and want to Cousins carries a $31 million make sure that when the scouts James Harden of the Brooklyn Nets loses the ball as he is pressured by PJ Tucker (left) of the Houston Rockets and Victor Oladipo during the second quarter at Toyota Center in salary-cap fi gure next season, and general managers tune in, Houston. (Right) Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers dunks against the Utah Jazz at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia. PICTURES: USA TODAY Sports, Getty Images/AFP and his $35 million salary for they’re getting the real, real.” 2022 will be fully guaranteed In addition to results con- victory over the Utah Jazz in a clash of the Indiana point guard TJ McConnell if he remains on the roster on fi rmed by Zybek, Marshall hired AFP RESULTS Los Angeles top teams in the East and West. was the star in the Pacers’ 114-111 vic- March 19. That would increase a professional fi lm crew to cap- Atlanta 115-112 Orlando The Cameroonian center drained a tory over the Cavaliers in Cleveland, his cap hit to the Vikings to $45 ture all workouts, which will be three-pointer to knot the score at 118-118 putting up an unconventional triple- million in 2022. sent to every NFL team. ames Harden returned to Hou- Oklahoma City 78-87 Dallas with 6.5 seconds left in regulation and double comprising 16 points, 13 re- ston for the fi rst time since his Portland 108-106 Golden State Tobias Harris scored 11 of his 22 points in bounds and 10 steals. tumultuous departure from the Sacramento 123-120 Lakers overtime to lift the Sixers to victory over McConnell broke the NBA record for Rockets on Wednesday, posting a the league-leading Jazz. steals in a fi rst half with nine and just one Charlotte 135-102 Minnesota triple-doubleJ to lead the Brooklyn Nets Utah star Donovan Mitchell fi nished shy of the best mark in a game, which to a 132-114 victory over his former NBA New Orleans 124-126 Chicago with 33 points, eight rebounds and six stands at 11. team. Detroit 129-105 Toronto assists but was ejected after receiving his It was the 11th triple-double includ- Harden, greeted by a fi rst-quarter Indiana 114-111 Cleveland second technical in the extra period. ing steals since steals were recognized video tribute, cheers and a smattering of A frustrated Mitchell lashed out at as a statistical category in the 1973-74 boos, delivered 29 points, 10 rebounds Philadelphia 131-123 Utah game offi cials. season. and 14 assists to fuel Brooklyn, where he Brooklyn 132-114 Houston “I’m never, ever one to blame a ref, “I was just playing with our defen- fi nally landed in January after demanding blame an offi cial, but this is getting out of sive principles and trying to help run the a trade. He became just the sixth player in NBA hand,” Mitchell said of calls he felt should team, I wasn’t going out of my way to “A lot of mixed emotions,” Harden said history to record a triple-double in his have gone Utah’s way but didn’t. make steals,” McConnell said. of returning to the Toyota Center court. fi rst game against his former team, ably “There have been games like this we’ve “We kind of dug ourselves a hole, so “My teammates did an unbelievable helping the Nets overcome the continued won, games we’ve lost. We’re nice, we I’m happiest about the win.” job that allowed me to come out there and absence of Kevin Durant. don’t complain, we don’t get frustrated, A pair of more familiar triple-doubles, have the team get this win,” said Harden, John Wall led the Rockets with 36 we fi ght through things. from Mason Plumlee and Dennis Smith who was one of seven Nets players to points. Victor Oladipo, who arrived in “But the fact that we continuously get Jr, powered the Detroit Pistons past the score in double fi gures. Houston in the blockbuster multi-team screwed in a way by this... it’s getting ri- Toronto Raptors 129-105. He was grateful for the tribute video trade that sent Harden to Brooklyn, add- diculous,” added Donovan, who stormed Plumlee had 14 points, 11 rebounds and that showcased his accomplishments in ed 33. off the court after his second technical 10 assists and Smith added 10 points, 12 Houston, including the 2018 NBA Most Joel Embiid scored 40 points and for arguing with offi cials, kicking a water rebounds and 11 assists – the fi rst time Valuable Player award and the league pulled down 19 rebounds to lead the cooler toward a security guard as he de- since 1964 that two Pistons notched tri- scoring title the past three seasons. Philadelphia 76ers to a 131-123 overtime parted. ple-doubles in the same game.

NHL Vrana’s shootout goal lift s Capitals over Bruins Reuters leading 2-0 in the third period when San Jose’s RESULTS Boston Joachim Blichfeld, playing in his fi rst game of the season and the fourth of his NHL career, Capitals 2-1 Bruins was assessed a match penalty for a hit to the akub Vrana scored in the fi rst round of Maple Leafs 6-1 Oilers head of Colorado’s Nathan MacKinnon with the shootout, and Vitek Vanecek held Avalanche 4-0 Sharks 11:52 remaining. on in net, leading the Washington Cap- Blues 3-2 Ducks Blichfeld’s shoulder nailed MacKinnon in the itals past the host Boston Bruins 2-1 chin as the Avalanche forward was trying to dig WednesdayJ night. Golden Knights 5-1 Wild the puck out of his skates in front of the benches. Vrana skated out wide and beat Tuukka Coyotes 3-2 Kings MacKinnon was helped off the ice by one of Rask on a deke before Vanecek (18 saves) the team’s trainers, went straight to the locker turned away all three attempts he faced as the The tables turned in the second, as it room and didn’t return. Capitals won their fourth straight. Lars Eller wasn’t until nearly eight minutes remained A video review confi rmed the major pen- scored in regulation. Rask had 27 saves, in- that Washington registered a shot on net. By alty, and Landeskog scored on a rebound 15 cluding standout stops on Dmitry Orlov and period’s end, the shot total was 11-9 in favour seconds into the fi ve-minute major to help Nicklas Backstrom in overtime, for the Bru- of the Capitals, and the combined hit total in- clinch the victory. ins, who have dropped three of four (1-2-1). creased to 46. Rantanen capped the scoring at 14:34, cor- David Pastrnak scored. Boston played without Charlie Coyle ralling the puck behind the net following a Pastrnak snapped a scoreless tie at 1:19 of the (Covid-19 protocol), while David Krejci (four missed shot and tallying on a wraparound. third period on a play created by Brad March- games missed) and Matt Grzelcyk (seven) Samuel Girard also scored for Colorado, which and’s steal against John Carlson. Marchand returned from lower-body injuries. Evgeny rebounded from a 6-2 loss to the Sharks on found Pastrnak streaking up ice, and the winger Kuznetsov (upper body) returned from two Monday. San Jose goalie Martin Jones stopped went fi ve-hole for his 10th goal of the season. games missed for Washington. 34 of 38 shots. The Capitals answered nearly fi ve minutes Capitals defenseman Zdeno Chara received Rantanen broke a scoreless tie at 14:24 of later off a rebound created by Nick Jensen’s a video tribute during the fi rst period in his the second period with a slap shot from the initial shot. Rask couldn’t fi nd the puck before fi rst game back in Boston after 14 years with top of the right faceoff circle. The Sharks’ Eller stuff ed it in at 6:14. the Bruins. The video featured praise from Evander Kane nearly tied the score on the The game was short on off ense – but not fans, who aren’t allowed in attendance at TD power play late in the second period, but his action – through the fi rst two periods. Wash- Garden until the end of the month. shot from close range went off the right post. ington had an apparent TJ Oshie goal with Girard made it 2-0 at 5:29 of the third on a about nine minutes remaining in the fi rst GRUBAUER, AVALANCHE SHUT OUT blast from the blue line that went just inside overturned by a Boston challenge for off sides SHARKS the right post. on the puck entering the zone in midair. Mikko Rantanen had two goals and two as- The goal was set up when Landeskog won a Meanwhile, the Bruins went without a sists, Gabriel Landeskog added a goal and faceoff and Rantanen shoveled the puck back shot on net until 4:33 was left in the period. three assists and Philipp Grubauer made 26 to Girard for a one-timer. Pastrnak had an opportunity on a breakaway saves as the Colorado Avalanche defeated the Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar, the early, but the winger rang the right post. The host San Jose Sharks 4-0 Wednesday night to reigning Calder Trophy winner as the NHL’s Capitals outshot the Bruins 7-2 in the fi rst. earn a split of their two-game series. rookie of the year, missed his third straight Washington Capitals left wing Jakub Vrana (left) hooks Boston Bruins centre Brad Marchand during over- The two teams combined for 25 hits. The game took an ugly turn with Colorado game with an upper-body injury. time at TD Garden in Bostan. (USA TODAY Sports) Gulf Times 6 Friday, March 5, 2021 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Overseas fans likely to be barred from How ’s women Tokyo Games

AFP Reports said Japanese organis- Tokyo ers will soon make their position offi cial and convey it to IOC and IPC chiefs. verseas spectators are Bach said last week that a de- volleyball players likely to be shut out cision on overseas fans would be from the Tokyo Olym- taken in late April or early May, pics, Japanese media but Hashimoto said Wednesday reportedO yesterday, after or- that fans, hotels and travel op- ganisers said that public safety erators needed to know sooner. would be the “top priority” at the Around 900,000 tickets have coronavirus-delayed Games. reportedly already been sold out- The Japanese government, side Japan. ‘inspired a billion’ Tokyo metropolitan government Organisers also said Wednes- and Tokyo 2020 organising com- day that they will take a decision mittee are leaning towards hold- on the number of spectators al- ‘WHEN I THINK OF IT NOW I STILL FEEL VERY EMOTIONAL’ ing the massive event in front of a lowed in venues in April. domestic audience only, the Yo- Hashimoto said “scientifi c miuri Shimbun and other outlets insight” would be used to deter- said. Offi cials fear that an infl ux mine venue capacities, and that of visitors from abroad will en- the ruling would be in line with danger the Japanese public. government policies on attend- “As the spread of coronavi- ance. Tokyo is currently under a rus continues in every country, Covid-19 state of emergency that they have decided that allowing limits capacity at sporting events visitors from overseas on a large to 5,000. scale will only make people anx- The state of emergency is due ious,” the Yomiuri report said. to expire on Sunday, but Prime The three parties met with Minister Yoshihide Suga has International Olympic and Par- said an extension of around two alympic Committee heads on weeks is necessary amid concern Wednesday and agreed to take a over the slowing decline of infec- decision on spectators by the end tions in the capital. of the month, ideally before the “I will let the government nationwide torch relay begins on make a decision on that. I think March 25. they’ll talk about foreign spec- But comments made by organ- tators later this month,” John isers before and after the talks Coates, head of the IOC’s co- hinted that overseas fans will be ordination committee for the locked out, with games president Games, told Japanese broadcast- Seiko Hashimoto saying public er TBS. safety is the “top priority”. Opinion polls have shown most IOC chief Thomas Bach said Japanese oppose holding the organisers will “focus on the es- Games this year during the pan- sentials of the Games”, while Ja- demic. The Olympics are sched- pan’s Olympic Minister Tamayo uled for July 23 to August 8 and Marukawa said “a cautious deci- the Paralympics from August 24 sion is necessary”. to September 5.

Olympic marathon champion Takahashi among 12 women added to Tokyo organisers’ board Sydney Olympics marathon gold medallist Naoko Takahashi This photo taken on November 16, 1981, shows Chinese volleyball players celebrating their victory at the end of the final match against Japan at the women’s volleyball World and former Paralympic alpine skier Kuniko Obinata were among Cup in Osaka. (AFP) 12 women added to the Tokyo Olympics organising committee board on Wednesday, more than doubling the ratio of women on AFP embarking on the ‘opening-up’ “When I think of it now I still Wang Zhe, who was eight in The team today, led by cap- it to 42%. Shanghai reforms of Deng Xiaoping that feel very emotional,” said Bai, 1981, recalls a patriotic fervour tain and star player Zhu Ting, The organising committee said on Tuesday it would increase would ultimately usher in a pe- who is now curator of Tianjin and an air of optimism. are feted as a symbol of Chinese female representation on its board after its former president, riod of unprecedented economic Sports Museum. A front-page editorial in the sporting prowess. Defending Yoshiro Mori, stepped down last month over sexist remarks he n November 16, 1981, growth. Bai Guosheng, who was “At that time we didn’t want China Daily urged people to “use their gold medal at this sum- made. millions of people 19 and had just entered a sports to be seen crying but I think I the spirit of the women’s volley- mer’s Tokyo Olympics is a must. Mori, a former Japanese prime minister, resigned as Tokyo Games across China crowded institute in the northeastern city might have wiped away some ball team to carry out moderni- A fi lm, Leap, was released to president after sparking a furore when he said during a Japanese around radios and tel- of Tianjin, remembers 60 or 70 tears.” sation”. acclaim in China last year chart- Olympic Committee meeting in February that women talk too evisionsO with fl ickering signals others squeezed around a colour Bai said that most in his col- “China had emerged from the ing the fortunes of the team over much. for a women’s volleyball match television, then a rare object in lege dormitory were so excited disaster caused by those cata- three decades. Those not born at Among others joining the organising committee board were whose signifi cance went far be- China. Bai remembers the pas- they could not sleep. strophic 10 years and embarked the time sometimes watch foot- Japan Rugby Football Union executive board member Naoko yond sport. sion, the exuberant television on the road of reform and open- age of the 1981 game, highlight- Saiki, Chukyo University sports science professor Kyoko Raita Firecrackers echoed into the commentary and how the view- AIR OF OPTIMISM ing-up for the development of ing its enduring resonance. and Tokyo Metropolitan Sports Association for the Disabled chair night and many were left teary- ers cheered every point. China in 1981 was still recover- the country and society,” said Bai and Wang said the 1981 Yaeko Shiraishi. eyed with joy as China beat Ja- The television feed would ing from Mao Zedong’s chaotic Wang. team provided a benchmark that The 12 new members bring the number of women on the 45-mem- pan over fi ve thrilling sets in often cut out, presenting the Cultural Revolution of 1966- “The volleyball team winning set China on a path to greater ber board to 19. Osaka to become World Cup words, “Faulty signal, back in a 1976. the World Cup coincided with sporting success, culminating in “We selected people in order to get opinions from diff erent angles champions for the fi rst time. moment”. But after his death in 1976 that time and greatly inspired them topping the medals table through diversity, harmony and gender equality,” Seiko Hashi- The victory, over their hated But the students and bud- the ruling Communist Party one billion people.” at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. moto, who replaced Mori, told reporters. wartime rivals and at a time ding athletes could see enough had launched the economic re- The women’s volleyball team “That team played a leading “What should we do to best tackle staging these Games amid the when China rarely enjoyed to know that China, inspired by forms that would propel China tracked a similar upwards tra- role in the development, re- coronavirus concerns? I want to organise our response making sporting success outside of table players Sun Jinfang and “Iron to where it is now – the world’s jectory to China’s economy, as form and opening-up of China’s use of the perspectives from various fields.” tennis, made the women’s vol- Hammer” Lang Ping – now second-biggest economy and the victory in Japan was the fi rst sports industry,” said Bai. The Tokyo Games, originally scheduled for 2020 but postponed leyball team the pride of the na- coach of China’s team – had increasingly infl uential in inter- of fi ve World Cup titles, along “We have been in love with for a year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, will be held from July 23 tion. It was also painted as sym- made history. That they beat national aff airs. with two World Championships volleyball and the women’s vol- to Aug. 8 and the Paralympics from August 24 to September 5. bolic at a time when China was Japan made it all the sweeter. Volleyball commentator and three Olympic golds. leyball team ever since.”

GOLF DEVELOPMENT Kang chases LPGA win at Ocala with eye on Olympics Investigators probe

AFP be an Olympian and contend in Miami the Olympics. That’s something ‘black box’ in car that has been on my calendar for a long time, so really excited.” orld number fi ve Kang’s fi rst LPGA title was a crashed by Woods Danielle Kang major at the 2017 Women’s PGA was dreaming of Championship and she has won Reuters said was notoriously danger- being an Olympian four since then, back-to-back at Los Angeles ous when the luxury SUV veered Wsince childhood, long before be- Shanghai in 2018 and 2019 and across the opposite lanes, collided coming an LPGA player, so she’s in back-to-back weeks last Au- with a road sign and rolled several keeping an eye on plans for the gust in the LPGA’s return from a he Los Angeles Sheriff ’s times. Los Angeles County Sher- Tokyo Games. Covid-19 pandemic layoff . Department is examin- iff Alex Villanueva said last week Kang will be among the fa- “It was cool to see that the ing data from the “black that he did not anticipate fi ling vourites at this week’s Drive On time I put in paid off ,” Kang said. box” recorder of the car any criminal charges in connec- Championship at Golden Ocala “I was ready to go when the sea- Tdriven by Tiger Woods last week tion with the accident. in central Florida, which last son started.” when the champion golfer lost Sheriff ’s deputies responding hosted a tour event in 2016 when control of the vehicle and seri- to the wreck found no indica- South Korean Jang Ha-na won CUT STREAK SNAPPED ously injured his leg and ankle in tion that Woods had been under the Coates Championship. Kang, who won the 2020 Vare a one-car crash. the infl uence of alcohol or drugs Third-ranked American Nel- Trophy for the LPGA’s lowest Investigators would not say and said he was “lucid” follow- ly Korda, who won last week’s scoring average, was a runner- what they were looking for, but in ing the accident. “This remains Gainbridge LPGA, and top- up last October at Lake Oconee the days after the crash have been an accident and an accident is ranked Ko Jin-young of South and in January’s LPGA Tourna- trying to determine what caused not a crime,” Villanueva said at a Korea, are also in the 120-player ment of Champions. Woods, 45, to lose control of the news briefi ng. “They do happen, fi eld and fi gure to be Olympic ri- Kang had a streak of 17 con- gray Genesis sport utility vehicle. unfortunately.” vals of Kang in Tokyo on August secutive cuts made ended last “Traffi c collision investigators Woods, celebrated as one of 4-7. week. are continuing the investigation golf’s all-time greats, had to be That’s only fi ve months away, “I wasn’t really ready men- into the cause of the collision pried from the crumpled SUV but it has already been a dream to whenever we restarted until Olympic glory, but found suc- something that I wanted to do tally to play,” Kang said. “It’s involving Mr. Woods,” Deputy through the shattered windshield. delayed for Kang after Covid-19 this year. cess in golf and then saw it re- all my life, wanted to compete in not just about making a cut or Trina Schrader said in a statement Woods is the only modern profes- caused a one-year Olympics “I actually cried for one turn to the Olympic lineup at all my life. So it is really high on missing a cut. It’s about being emailed to Reuters on Wednesday. sional to win all four major golf postponement. minute and I stopped and I said, Rio in 2016. my priority list.” in the right state, being able to “On March 1, 2021, they exe- titles in succession, taking the “I even cried last year when it ‘OK, we’re going to be OK, just “The Olympics has been my Some worried it meant too compete, being able to go up the cuted a search warrant to retrieve US Open, British Open and PGA got delayed and I don’t cry very keep playing good golf. It’ll take dream ever since I was a toddler,” much to her. next shot. data from the vehicles ‘black box.’ Championship in 2000 and the often on those things,” Kang said care of everything.’ That’s how Kang said. “A diff erent dream “People have said, ‘Don’t “Even if I made the cut I prob- At this time, there is no additional Masters title in 2001, a feat that Wednesday. “I automatically much I wanted to go.” on how I wanted to get there. I make it too exciting or too im- ably wasn’t prepared to play information regarding the recov- became known as the “Tiger Slam.” cried when the qualifying ex- Kang, the US daughter of wanted to get there with martial portant. What happens if you Saturday, Sunday. So I some- ered data.” Woods was negotiat- His 15 major titles stand sec- tended, because should’ve been South Korean parents, was look- arts, but golf wasn’t available fail?’ But that’s how important times tell people, ‘Don’t get so ing a curved, downhill stretch of ond only to the record 18 won by cut off in June but then extended ing to martial arts as a path to for years. “Olympics has been it is to me,” Kang said. “I want to caught up in cuts. You still lost.’” highway that authorities have Jack Nicklaus. Gulf Times Friday, March 5, 2021 7 CRICKET

SPOTLIGHT Patel, Ashwin spin England out for 205 in fi nal Test India, leading the series 2-1, reached 24 for one after Anderson trapped Gill lbw for nought on the third ball of the innings

AFP Jonny Bairstow, who made 28, and Ollie Pope (29). Ahmedabad Bairstow was trapped lbw by a rising Siraj and failed in a review that showed the ball would have clipped the top of middle stump. ndian spinners Axar Patel and Ravichandran Ashwin tested Pope with his off -spin after tea and Ashwin took seven between them as the batsman was unlucky to get an inside edge off England’s batting failed again on the fi rst day of his back pad that went to short leg, and Gill took a the fourth and fi nal Test yesterday. simple catch. Stokes reached his 24th Test fi fty with IEngland managed only 205 and India, leading the a off a reverse sweep, but the left-hander series 2-1, reached 24 for one after fast bowler James fell to a straight delivery from Sundar, bowled from Anderson trapped Shubman Gill lbw for nought on around the . Patel, who has claimed 22 wick- the third ball of the innings. Rohit Sharma (8) and ets in three Tests and took 11 in the previous match, Cheteshwar Pujara (15) were batting. got Dan Lawrence four short of his fi fty. Joe Root won the toss for the third time in the se- Earlier, spin was introduced in the sixth over and ries and chose to bat at the world’s biggest cricket Patel soon removed openers Dom Sibley for two and venue in Ahmedabad, where India won the spin- Zak Crawley for nine. Bairstow, who failed to score dominated third Test inside two days. Wickets in either innings of the third Test, tried to steady the again fell thick and fast and Ben Stokes’ 55 held innings along with his captain. England’s score together. “We will look back on that But Siraj broke through after the fi rst drinks be disappointed by some of the batting, we’re more interval to trap Root on the back foot with an in- than capable of scoring more than 300 on a wicket swinging delivery. But Siraj broke through after the like that,” said Stokes. fi rst drinks interval to trap Root on the back foot Fast bowler Mohamed Siraj claimed two wickets with an in-swinging delivery. including Root’s prized scalp and spinner Washing- Siraj and Stokes were involved in a verbal duel, ton Sundar took one to cut short Stokes’ stay. “It’s joined by India captain Virat Kohli, until the um- not like the ball is turning or something,” said Siraj. pires intervened. Stokes then hit back with three “It’s a good batting wicket and we would like to bat boundaries off the quick bowler. Siraj said he was for as many sessions as possible.” “abused” by the England all-rounder and told Kohli The spin, introduced in the sixth over, was again about it, but the matter ended there. devastating and Patel removed openers Dom Sib- Stokes brushed aside the incident, saying “it was ley for two and Zak Crawley for nine to set off his two professionals showing that they care about the haul of four for the day. Root went for fi ve to an sport they love”. England fast bowler Jofra Archer in-swinging Siraj delivery as his side slumped to was left out of the game with a “right elbow issue” 30-3 before Stokes put on key partnerships with that made him miss the second Test. Scoreboard ENGLAND 1ST INNINGS J. Anderson 10 INDIA 1ST INNINGS Z. Crawley c Siraj b Patel 9 Extras (b3, lb5, nb1, w1) 10 S. Gill lbw b Anderson 0 D. Sibley b Patel 2 Total (75.5 overs, all out) 205 R. Sharma not out 8 J. Bairstow lbw b Siraj 28 Fall of wickets: 1-10 (Sibley), C. Pujara not out 15 J. Root lbw b Siraj 5 2-15 (Crawley), 3-30 (Root), 4-78 Extras (nb1) 1 (Bairstow), 5-121 (Stokes), 6-166 B. Stokes lbw b Sundar 55 Total (12 overs, 1 wicket) 24 (Pope), 7-170 (Foakes), 8-188 Fall of wicket: 1-0 (Gill) O. Pope c Gill b Ashwin 29 (Lawrence), 9-189 (Bess), 10-205 To bat: Kohli, Rahane, Pant, W. D. Lawrence st Pant b Patel 46 (Leach) Sundar, A. Patel, R. Ashwin, I. B. Foakes c Rahane b Ashwin 1 Bowling: Sharma 9-2-23-0, Siraj Sharma, M. Siraj 14-2-45-2 (nb1, w1), Patel 26-7- D. Bess lbw b Patel 3 Bowling: Anderson 5-5-0-1, 68-4, Ashwin 19.5-4-47-3, Sundar J. Leach lbw b Ashwin 7 Stokes 2-1-4-0, Leach 4-0-16-0, 7-1-14-1 Bess 1-0-4-0 (nb1) From left: India’s spinners Washington Sundar, Ravichandran Ashwin and Axar Patel walk off the field after the end of England’s first innings on the first day of the fourth Test in Ahmedabad yesterday. (AFP)

FOCUS T20 LEAGUE ‘Nothing untoward’, says Stokes PSL suspended over coronavirus cases AFP secure passage of all participants, and ar- before the end of the year.” on showdown with Kohli Karachi range repeat PCR tests, vaccines and isola- The coronavirus has proved yet another tion facilities to the six participating sides”, hurdle for the Pakistan Super League, which AFP it added. is now in its sixth edition but was held en- Ahmedabad, India he Pakistan Super League was sus- The seven players included Austral- tirely in Pakistan for just the fi rst time last pended yesterday after seven play- ian spinner Fawad Ahmed, England’s Tom year. Previous editions were hosted wholly ers tested positive for coronavirus, Banton and Mohamed Faizan, who repre- or partially by the United Arab Emirates over ngland’s Ben Stokes yes- the country’s cricket board said. sents Lahore. Australian all-rounder Daniel security fears following the deadly 2009 at- terday said his verbal duel TThe Twenty20 competition, which started Christian withdrew from the competition tack on the Sri Lanka team bus in Lahore. with India skipper Virat on February 20, was put on hold “with im- over fears of catching the virus and planned Last year, three play-off s and the fi nal Kohli highlighted that mediate eff ect”, a Pakistan Cricket Board to fl y out last night. were cancelled after England’s Alex Hales twoE professionals “care about (PCB) statement said. “It’s a tough day for Pakistan cricket,” showed symptoms of Covid-19. The games the sport” in what he called the “The decision was made after seven cases the PCB’s chief executive Wasim Khan told were rescheduled to November and held be- toughest batting conditions. were reported in the competition,” the PCB a press conference. “We will try to fi nd a hind closed doors, when Karachi Kings won Stokes made 55 in England’s 205 said. The PCB “will focus on the safe and window to complete the remaining matches the title. all out on the opening day of the fourth and fi nal Test after the tourists won the toss and elected FIRST T20 to bat in Ahmedabad. India’s captain Virat Kohli (left) and England’s Ben Stokes were His 121-ball knock, laced with involved in a verbal duel during the fourth Test yesterday. (Reuters) four boundaries and two sixes, raised hopes of a big England pires intervened. England, who are looking to total as he engaged in some mid- Siraj said after the end of the bounce back after two successive Pollard hits 6 sixes in an over as pitch banter. “It’s two profes- day’s play that it was “not a big losses including a two-day ham- sionals showing they care about issue as all these things keep mering in the third Test, were the sport that they love,” Stokes, happening on a fi eld of play”. all out in 75.5 overs as their in- Dananjaya goes from hero to zero who played despite a stomach Indian spinners dominated nings ended in the fi nal session. Reuters bug, said. “A lot gets said these the contest with wickets falling “I’ve played 70 odd games and Antigua days when two guys seem to come quickly but Stokes held the in- I’ve told others in the team that to words out in the middle. There nings together with his 24th Test these are the hardest conditions was completely nothing unto- fi fty and second in the series, I’ve faced as a batsman, and I’ve kila Dananjaya went from hero ward, just two blokes who care led by India 2-1. He fi nally fell played all around the world,” the to zero in the space of two overs, about what they do and two guys to a straight delivery from spin- left-hander said. claiming a hat-trick before being who defi nitely don’t back down.” ner Washington Sundar, bowled Stokes added: “We sit down as smashed for six sixes in a over by Stokes apparently reacted to from around the wicket and said a group and say we’ll try to put KieronA Pollard as West Indies beat Sri Lanka a bouncer from fast bowler Mo- he was “frustrated”. it behind us but it is easier said by four wickets in their fi rst Twenty20 in- hamed Siraj, who later said the “Very frustrated that I spent than done. I know, overall, it’s a ternational at Antigua on Wednesday. batsman “abused” him. Kohli two-and-a-half-hours trying much better wicket than the last Pollard strode out to the crease in the stepped in for his quick bowler to avoid getting out to a straight one we played on so we’re just fourth over after Dananjaya had dismissed and had an animated conversa- ball then I ended up getting out disappointed not to still be bat- Evin Lewis, Chris Gayle and Nicholas tion with Stokes until the um- to a straight ball,” he said. ting.” Pooran off consecutive deliveries to leave West Indies reeling at 52-3 in pursuit of 132. But the West Indies skipper tore into un- BOTTOMLINE conventional off -spinner Dananjaya in his next over, taking 36 runs and becoming only the third man to hit six sixes in an interna- Bavuma, Elgar to captain South African teams tional match, emulating Herschelle Gibbs and Yuvraj Singh. AFP national and Twenty20 teams 2020 and led South Africa in Test “I felt after hitting a couple of sixes, I of West Indies celebrates after hitting six sixes off of Johannesburg through to the 2023 Cricket cricket during the current season understood how the pitch plays, it was im- Sri Lanka during a T20 match in Osbourn, Antigua and Barbuda. (AFP) World Cup, while Elgar, 33, will on what was described as a tem- portant to be positive and play your shots,” lead the Test side into the next porary basis. But De Kock strug- Pollard said. “Back yourselves to clear the lowing over by Wanindu Hasaranga but Ja- the second T20 today. emba Bavuma made his- cycle of the world Test champi- gled in the Test leadership role boundary. “A couple of things went through son Holder and Dwayne Bravo completed tory yesterday after be- onship. Bavuma was also named and was granted a “mental health my mind before the sixth ball, I thought the chase with more than six overs to spare. Brief scores ing named as the fi rst vice-captain of the Test team. break” last month following a should I go for the six or take the 30 runs The other players to achieve the feat include Sri Lanka 131-9 in 20 overs (N. Dickwella black African captain of The pair took over from wicket- Test tour of Pakistan. in the over, he went around the wicket Garry Sobers (1968) and Ravi Shastri (1985) 33, P. Nissanka 39; McCoy 2-25) lost to West Ta South African cricket side, ap- keeper Quinton de Kock, who led Bavuma has been part of South and bowled it onto my pads, I told myself doing so in fi rst-class games, Gibbs (2007) pointed skipper of the limited- South Africa in all formats dur- Africa’s Test team since 2014/15 ‘Wait Polly, take a chance’. That’s how I in a one-dayer, Yuvraj (2007) in a T20, and Indies 134-6 in 13.1 overs (L. Simmons 26, overs side while Dean Elgar will ing the 2020/21 season. De Kock but has only been a regular mem- have played my cricket all along, especially Ross Whiteley (2017) and Hazratullah Zazai E. Lewis 28, K. Pollard 38, J. Holder not out lead the Test team. Bavuma, 30, was named long-term captain ber of the limited-overs teams against the spinners.” (2018) in domestic T20 games. 29; Dananjaya 3-62, Hasaranga 3-12) by four will captain the one-day inter- in white-ball cricket in January since 2019/20. Pollard was dismissed for 38 in the fol- Sri Lanka will look to level the series in wickets Friday, March 5, 2021 GULF TIMES SPORT

LONGINES GLOBAL CHAMPIONS TOUR Staut leads Visconti du Telman to splendid win at Al Shaqab ‘I knew I had to go fast in the end at this course. I had a good rhythm and I tried to keep it going till the last hurdle’

By Sahan Bidappa Doha RESULTS CSI5* 2 phases 1.45m €25,400 or the second time in a week, 1. Max Kuhner (AUT); Horse: Frenchman Kevin Staut pipped Vancouver Dreams, Time: 25.15 compatriot Simon Delestre to secs; Prize money: €6,350 victory at the Longines Arena 2. Marcus Ehning (GER); Funky atF Al Shaqab. Staut, who had got the Fred; 25.36 secs; €5,080 better of Delestre during the CHI Al Shaqab last week, once again overcame 3. Maurice Tebbel (GER); Chaccos’ his countryman at the Longines Global Son; 25.47 secs; €3,810 Champions Tour (LGCT), which kicked off yesterday. In against the clock 1.55m class, Global Champions League – Staut astride 12-year-old mare Vis- Individual classification against conti du Telman clocked 61.73 seconds the clock (1.50/1.55m) to emerge as the fastest pair among 1. Kevin Staut (FRA); Horse: Visconti 40 combinations. Delestre was little du Telman; Time; 61.73 sec; Prize less than two seconds behind Staut as money: €13,750 he completed his round in 63.44 with 10-year-old gelding Berlux Z. Philipp 2. Simon Delestre (FRA); Berlux Z; Weishaupt completed the top three as 63.44 secs; €11,000 the German fi nished the course in 63.74 3. Philipp Weishaupt; Coby; 63.74 seconds with 11-year-old gelding Coby. secs; €8,250 A modest Staut downplayed his vic- tory, preferring to call his dominance over Delestre as ‘lucky’. “I was lucky Global Champions League – first because I know it is two diff erent com- team competition (1.50/1.55m) petitions. I knew that my mare jumped 1. Valkenswaard United – Riders: really well last week, she is really in Peder Fredricson (Hansson WL) good shape. Even at the practice are- 67.06 secs, Marcus Ehning na, she was relaxed and focused at the (Stargold) 65.35 secs. Total time: same time,” said Staut, who took home 132.41 secs. €13,750 in prize money. “When I had seen the riders rid- 2. Berlin Eagles – Riders: Christian ing for the team competition, I knew I Kukuk (Checker) 69.59 secs, Philipp had to go fast in the end. I had a good Weishaupt (Coby) 63.74 secs. Total rhythm and I tried to keep it going till time: 133.33 secs. the last hurdle,” he added. 3. New York Empire – Riders: Denis Staut was glad to be competing again Kevin Staut astride Visconti du Telman clears a hurdle during the opening day of the Longines Global Champions Tour at the Longines Arena at Al Shaqab yesterday. Lynch (Cristello) 68.59 secs, Scott in the LGCT after the coronavirus pan- Brash (Hello Jeff erson) 65.80 secs. demic had forced the cancellation of egy (for Saturday) is to go clear again. I Total time: 134.29 secs. the season last year and praised the think we had a couple of missed clear organisation at Al Shaqab. “Everybody rounds. This is halftime. We need two is happy to be back competing in the double clears and need to be fast on TODAY’S SCHEDULE sport. This is a really high level of sport. Saturday. It will be a new day and we 9am: Hathab Against the Clock no I have to say here the people, the in- will try to do well. It’s a new horse at frastructure and organisation is amaz- this level. He is 10 years old. I am very jump off 1.00/1.15m, Prize money ing and really effi cient. It’s not easy to happy with him and he makes things QR20,000 organise the show in this situation. For easy for us.” 1pm: Hathab Phase Special sure, the quality of everything is there Earlier, Max Kuhner won the season Individuals 1.20/1.35m, Prize for everyone to see,” he said. opening CSI5* 1.45m class. The Aus- money QR70,000 Meanwhile, Valkenswaard United trian rider put on a sublime round in 3:45pm CSI5* Against the the saddle of 11-year-old Vancouver consisting of Peder Fredricson and clock – NO jump off 1.50m, Prize Marcus Ehning took the top honours Dreams in 25.15 seconds. Marcus Ehn- money €51,100 in the fi rst round of the Global Cham- ing came closest to beat Kuhner’s time pions League (GCL) yesterday. Fifteen but fell short by 0.21 seconds astride 6:00pm CSI5* Against the teams went head to head in the fi rst Funky Fred. Maurice Tebbel and Chac- clock – With jump off 1.55m, Prize GCL competition of the 2021 season to co’s Son completed the podium after a money €148,500 battle it out for their starting position clear round in 25.47 seconds. in Round 2. It was clear from the start that the infl uential fi rst leg was being tackled with strong determination from all the teams. The high calibre combinations proved there was no room for error as every fence was crucial in a sign of an incredibly exciting team championship race. With fi ve of the teams jumping double clears around Uliano Vezzani’s Asian and Qatar Equestrian Federation president Hamad bin Abdulrahman al-Attiyah (second left) and LGCT Event Director 1.50/1.55m track, team riders, owners and Commercial Manager at Al Shaqab Omar al-Mannai (second right) pose with the podium finishers of the CSI5* 1.45m and managers tried out tactics in the class at the Longines Arena at Al Shaqab yesterday. opening round to see how best to play today’s showdown. enced pair threw down the gauntlet to (Checker) and Philipp Weishaupt “It’s a good performance from us. My Previous overall GCL season cham- the other teams in the opening leg with (Coby) were second with a total time horse jumped really well. Marcus Ehn- pions Valkenswaard United were under the fastest double clear in a combined of 133.33 seconds, while New York Em- ing’s horse jumped very well. We will the spotlight with high expectations as time of 132.41 with Hansson WL and pire’s Denis Lynch (Cristello) and Scott try to go really well on Saturday. We are they put forward big names Peder Fre- Stargold. Brash (Hello Jeff erson) jumped clear for happy today,” said Fredricson. Team Valkenswaard United’s Marcus Ehning astride Stargold jumps clear during ricson and Marcus Ehning. The experi- The Berlin Eagles’ Christian Kukuk a combined total of 134.29 seconds. Meanwhile, Ehning said: “The strat- the Global Champions League Round one yesterday.

TABLE TENNIS Top seeds Harimoto, Mima sail into quarter-fi nals By Sports Reporter In the men’s doubles competi- Doha tion, the Korean duo Xu Dasiong and Li Sangshu qualified for the semi- finals after defeating Spain’s Roblas apan’s teen sensation Tomoka- Alvaro and Romanian Ionasco Ovie- zu Harimoto cruised into the do. The Koreans will meet Chinese quarter-fi nals of the World Table Taipei’s Shan Xian’an and Shang Tennis (WTT) Contender series Xian Yuan in the semis. The Iranian atJ the Lusail Sports Arena yesterday. doubles pair Noushad al-Amin and The 17-year-old Harimoto, the top Nima al-Amin also qualified for the seed in the tournament, beat Sangsu semi-finals after defeating the Bel- Lee of South Korea 11-9, 10-12, 11- gian duo Martin Allegro and Florent 4, 11-9 in the last 16. On Wednesday, Lambette. World No. 5 Harimoto had breezed past International Federa- Chinese Taipei’s Chuang Chih-Yuan tion chief executive and WTT director 11-9, 11-5, 11-6, avenging the loss that Steve Dainton said this event – WTT’s he suff ered a year ago to the 40-year- fi rst offi cial tournament, following a old at the 2020 ITTF World Tour Pre- showcase in Macau last year – marks mium Qatar Open. “the beginning of a very exciting jour- In the last eight, Harimoto will take ney for WTT”. on another South Korean Daeseong Cho, The tournament is one of many be- who edged out fellow qualifi er Andreas ing played in a Middle East hub, as or- Levenko of Austria in a tight contest 11- ganisers look to reduce travel during the 6, 13-11, 9-11, 4-11, 11-8. Brazil’s second pandemic. It will be followed by a WTT seed Hugo Calderano, one of the chal- Star Contender contest from Saturday, lengers for the title, beat South Korea’s Germany’s Dimitrij Ovtcharov plays a shot en route to his win over France’s while the World Singles Qualifi cation Jaehyun An 9-11, 11-7, 11-5, 11-4. Emmanuel Lebesson during the last 16 match of the World Table Tennis (WTT) Japan’s Miyuu Kihara and Hina Hayata in action during their women’s doubles Tournament for Olympics is also being In other last 16 matches, France’s Contender series at the Lusail Sports Arena yesterday. quarter-finals at the Lusail Sports Arena yesterday. played in Doha this month. Simon Gauzy beat Tomislav Pucar of The Contender series of events aims Serbia 11-9, 5-11, 11-9, 2-11, 11-6; while 12-10, 4-11, 11-6. Germany’s Dimitrij Ito Mima booked her placed in the 8-11, 11-8, 11-9, 10-12, 11-4. Thailand’s Suthasini Sawettabut to provide opportunities for future and Chinese Taipei’s Yun-Ju Lin sailed past Ovtcharov’s got past Frenchman Em- quarter-finals with a routine win over Miyuu Kihara joined compatriot reached the quarter-fi nals after over- emerging players on the professional India’s Sharath Kamal Achanta 11-6, manuel Lebesson 9-11, 11-9, 15-14, 11- Nina Mittelham of Germany 11-7, 11- Mima in the quarters, with a 11-8, 8-11, coming the Ukraine’s Gamma Gapono- tour. Players can earn ranking points 11-4, 11-8. 4, while Sweden’s Matthias Flack had it 4, 11-9. On Thursday, Mima was taken 11-1, 11-9 win over Romania’s Berna- va 9-11, 11-8, 13-11, 11-9, while Singa- which will allow them to feature in the Lin will face Quadri Aruna next, after easy against compatriot Kristian Karls- to five games by Britt Eerland of the dette Szocs. In the battle of South Ko- pore’s Menguy Yu scored a narrow win top tier WTT Champion Series, an ex- the Nigeria’s overcame Portugal’s Joao son 11-6, 11-7, 11-9. Netherlands, the ninth seed before reans, Haeun Yang brushed past Hy- over Japan’s 11-4, 6-11, 11- clusive series for the top 32 men’s and Geraldo in a fi ve-setter 10-12, 12-10, Meanwhile, the women’s top seed the Japanese eventually prevailed owon Suh 11-4, 11-5, 11-2. 6, 7-11, 12-10. women’s players.