Halep, Osaka to lead Total Open 2019 cast PAGE 18 WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2019

Frenchman Loeb gets into Dakar desert swing, ASIAN CUP 2019 PAGE 18 takes edge in tricky second stage QATAR VS LEBANON (7 PM) Youthful Qatar ready for hopeful Lebanon

Qatar players with coach Felix Sanchez warm up for a training session ahead of their Asian Cup 2019 group opener at the in , , on Tuesday. Twice AFC Asian Cup quarter-finalists, the maroons set to kick off 2019 campaign AFC football has been dreaming AL AIN about this competition for 20 years and we’re proud that QATAR coach Felix Sanchez is we’re in this company,” he confident his young squad can said. “We’re living the dreams match the best in the continent of the players and the football as they kick off their AFC Asian fans of Lebanon. Cup UAE 2019 campaign “We’re in a strong group, against Lebanon in Group E at but my players are ready to Al Ain’s Hazza bin Zayed Sta- give a good performance and dium on Wednesday. we will be fighting for each Sanchez’s squad is one of point and each goal. Our focus the most youthful among the is on the first game. It’s a very 24 nations represented at the important game. Not decisive, tournament, with seven of the Living a dream Staying focused but important. I know very players who have travelled to well what to expect from such the United Arab Emirates hav- Everybody in Lebanese Everyone is fine and ready a level but I’m sure my players ing graduated from the side football has been dreaming to play. We know Lebanon. will have the possibility and that won the 2014 AFC U19 about this competition for We saw them playing, we the quality to make a perfor- Championship in Myanmar. 20 years. We’re living the know their strengths and mance and we are ready for to- And with the country con- dreams of the players and we know it will be a hard morrow’s (Wednesday) game. tinuing to build towards their “Qatar is really a very good hosting of the FIFA World the football fans of Lebanon. Lebanon players at the Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain on Tuesday. game and we’re only team, I made a good analy- Cup in 2022, Sanchez believes Lebanon coach focused on that. sis of them. They have built a the AFC Asian Cup will be the and we can’t look further than declared his squad fully fit for we’re going to face in the com- team for the world champion- perfect proving ground for his Miodrag Radulovic the game against Lebanon be- the Finals. petition, to compete and com- Qatar coach Felix Sanchez ship, they have very good bal- players. cause this competition is a few “Everyone is fine and ready pete well and get results. ance in the team, they have the “There is a group of play- “Now they’re in the first games and you need to be OK to play,” he said. “We know “How far we will reach is the first time since hosting best player of Asia in the team ers that played in (AFC U-19 team and it’s a group of – in in all of them.” Lebanon. We saw them play- difficult to say, but I’m quite the tournament in 2000 and, and the Spanish coach is a Championship) some years my point of view – very tal- Qatar have twice reached ing, we know their strengths sure that this group of players while coach Miodrag Radu- long time with the players. ago and had a good achieve- ented players with the quali- the quarter-finals of the AFC and we know it will be a hard are able to compete against all lovic is delighted to be leading “But also we are together ment,” said the Spaniard, who ties to compete and play in Asian Cup – in 2000 and game and we’re only focused teams in Asia and it is time to the country to the Finals, he almost four years and we built coached the U-19 team and Asia, and of course we want on home soil in 2011 – but on that. show they have the quality and stressed his team would not be a good team. We have our sys- also worked with the country’s to be here to try to compete Sanchez refused to be drawn “We’re going to try to show ability to do well.” overawed by the occasion or tem and we have tactical disci- U-23 squad before taking over against everyone. on his side’s expectations at that we’re able to compete Lebanon will be appear- the Qataris. pline and I’m optimistic about the helm of the senior side. “But we’re going to focus this year’s tournament as he against all the Asian teams ing at the AFC Asian Cup for “Everybody in Lebanese tomorrow’s game.” Heartbreak for as edge past 3-2

AFP from close range after Nguyen Trong Huang’s shot had been parried by Hachim. IRAQ’S Ali Adnan swept home But Tareq lashed home a brilliant, last-minute free-kick a second equaliser following as the former champions twice more horrific defending from hit back to beat Vietnam 3-2 the Vietnamese, who by that at the Asian Cup on Tuesday, point looked to be running out while Saudi Arabia dismissed of steam. 10-man North Korea 4-0. A lazy foul on the edge of In a game of emotions, it the penalty area subsequently was a heart-breaking way for presented Adnan with the Vietnam to lose in , chance to take all three points but no more than Iraq deserved and he did not disappoint, for going for the jugular af- curling a left-foot shot into the ter Humam Tareq had hauled top corner, prompting several them level on the hour-mark. Vietnamese players to slump “The first half was horri- to the turf in despair. ble,” said Iraq coach Srecko Iraq join Iran on three points Results Katanec. “We showed nothing after their bitter rivals thrashed Group D: Iraq 3 that we did in training – no Yemen 5-0 on Monday. ( 35, Faraj power, no personality at all. In a later match, the Sau- Maybe it was first-game emo- dis, humbled at last year’s 60, Adnan 90) bt tions, the players felt the pres- World Cup in Russia, looked Vietnam 2 ( sure a little bit.” far more at home as they tore 24-og, Cong Phuong 42) “I knew it would be a tough Iraq’s defender Ali Adnan (1st-R) kicks a corner kick and scores during the 2019 AFC Asian Cup Group D North Korea apart 4-0 in their Group E: S Arabia 4 game,” added the Slovenian. match against Vietnam at Zayed Sports City Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday. (AFP) opening Group E game. (Bahbri 28, Fatil 37, “But the most important thing It was a performance that was the three points.” er Ali Faez panicking under Iraq, who defied the odds a defensive error to rifle home tagged Saudi Arabia as one of Dawsari 69, Muwallad Vietnam’s Golden Drag- pressure from Nguyen Cong to win an emotional Asian Cup from the edge of the box. the teams to beat at the con- 87) bt North Korea 0 ons took a shock lead after Phuong and clumsily back- title in 2007, levelled 10 min- Cong Phuong restored Vi- tinental showpiece along with 24 minutes in the Group D heeling the ball past goalkeep- utes later through striker Mo- etnam’s lead three minutes Iran, who thrashed Yemen 5-0 Players of Iraq celebrate during the 2019 AFC Asian Cup group D clash in Abu Dhabi, defend- er Hachim. hanad Ali, who profited from before the break, stabbing in on Monday. match between Iraq and Vietnam in Abu Dhabi, on Tuesday. (EPA) Sports Wednesday, January 9, 2019 17 German FA delegates discuss cooperation with Aspire Zone TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK guided tour by Dr. Abdulaziz DOHA al Kuwari, Acting CEO, As- petar; and Dr. Hakim Chalabi, ASPIRE Zone Foundation Assistant Director General for (AZF) welcomed a senior International Medical Affairs. delegation from the German The delegation also had Football Association (DFB) on the opportunity to visit the Tuesday to discuss areas of co- various departments of As- operation between the two gi- petar, the accredited FIFA ant sporting organisations. Medical Centre of Excellence, The visiting delegation including: Sports Medicine, comprised various senior Sports Science, Orthopaedic members of the DFB includ- Surgery, Medical Imaging, ing: Oliver Bierhof, General Rehabilitation and Dentistry Manager of Germany’s na- departments. tional team and member of Their third stop was a visit the Presidential Board of to and Profes- DFB; Nicklas Dietrich, Fit- sor Valter Di Salvo, Director of ness Coach of Germany’s na- Football Performance and Sci- tional team; Thomas Beheshti, ence, who gave the delegation Head of Team Management a sneak peek at the Academy’s DIE MANNSCHAFT; and Carl new Football Performance Monteiro, Head of Sales and Centre that centralises foot- Digital Marketing. ball performance, science and Ahead of the DFB estab- training methodology to sup- lishing a new sports academy port the development of elite in Frankfurt, they visited Qa- . tar to explore cooperation op- The beneficiaries of the portunities with AZF. centre include athletes at Bayern Munich’s Franck Ribery (centre) and Arjen Robben (right) take part in the winter training camp at the Aspire Academy in Doha on Sunday (EPA) The German sports delega- Aspire Academy, as well as tion met with senior AZF offi- those playing in the Qatar cials Abdulla Nasser al Naemi Stars League and the Qatar Director General, Aspire Lo- National Team. gistics – Member AZF Organi- sation; Mohammed Mubarak Visit to the first stadium Robben backs Qatar to al Kuwari, Chief Marketing ready to host the 2022 Officer at AZF; and represent- FIFA World Cup Qatar atives of AZF’s Business De- The delegation ended the velopment Department. tour by visiting Khalifa In- The German and Qa- ternational Stadium, the first deliver a great mundial tari parties also discussed 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar steps to further develop their ready venue. cooperation and will hold Abdullah Aman al Khater, ready for that moment too.” last year, and they are still for young players in terms of another round of meetings Director of Events and Ven- Thiago Alcantara praises Aspire Meanwhile, the flying performing well this season. It what you can achieve in your on Wednesday. ues at AZF gave the visitors Dutchman revealed that will be a tough challenge. So, career if you believe in your- The distinguished guests an overview of the innova- Academy’s world class facilities some clubs have shown in- we must concentrate on our self and you are prepared to also received a detailed brief- tive and advanced systems terest in signing him follow- own game, work hard and try work hard.” ing at Aspetar, the orthopae- and technologies being im- TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK ous World Cup tournaments ing confirmation that he will to improve as much as possi- Alcantara shared his dic and sports medicine hos- plemented there to ensure an DOHA were a big success. And in this depart Bayern at the end of ble. If we have a good day and thoughts on his team’s train- pital. They were then given a amazing tournament in 2022. way, I am confident that the the season: “It’s nice to hear we play the way we want to ing camp at Aspire Zone and VETERAN Dutch winger Ar- 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar that clubs are interested. My play, I think we can make it a said: “Three things attracted jen Robben believes Qatar will be the same as the others.” future is still open, and I can very difficult game for them.” our team to Doha. The first would deliver a great World Spanish player Thiago Al- go in a number of directions. Robben had some very is the facilities at Aspire. Sec- Cup in 2022 while following in cantara says he’s impressed But I’d like to wait to make nice words for his former na- ondly, the weather here is the steps of previous success- with the facilities on ground a decision. I want to focus tional teammate Wesley Snei- ideal. And thirdly the people ful hosts. The Bayern Munich towards Qatar’s preparations on the here and now, on jder, who plays for Al Gharafa: are so hospitable – they wel- player spoke with the media at for 2022 FIFA World Cup, “It getting fully fit and playing “He is one of the best players comed us from the very first the team’s winter tour camp at will be awesome. Although we football. I will wait until the I’ve ever played with. We have moment we arrived. We are the Aspire Zone on Monday. are a little bit away from the end of the season to make a lot of great memories of very happy to be here.” The 2010 World Cup final- world cup itself, you can see a decision. I am privileged playing together since we were “We have a great time ists who is in the last year of all the facilities taking shape and grateful that teams are in the U-16 national team. He here. The facilities are fan- his contract with Bayern, said: around the city. The pitches showing their interest.” is a good friend on and off the tastic, and we have every- “It will be a great tournament that we are training on [at On the encounter with pitch and I think very highly thing we need for training, hopefully. When a tournament Aspire Zone] are amongst the Liverpool in the UEFA Cham- of him. He has great experi- getting plenty of rest, eating is assigned to a country, every- best I think I’ve ever trained pions League, the 34-year-old ence and can bring something healthy food and following a body is hoping that it is going on. I think Qatar will be ready said: “They are doing a great special to a game. He has this really healthy lifestyle to pre- to be a great tournament. I be- for the World Cup. And I know job this season. They reached amazing quality in his feet. He pare us for the (second half) German Football Association delegation with Aspire Zone Foundation lieve that in the end, all previ- that my own country will be the Champions League final also sets a really good example of the season.” officials at Aspetar.

AFC ASIAN CUP 2019 Yoshida wants Japan to avoid tournament pressure coach promises Blue Samurai tough encounter today

AFP will rely instead on the mer- ABU DHABI curial and Ritsu Doan. JAPAN captain “We’ve brought in some has called on his side to cope fresh blood since the World with pressure to perform at Cup but we have a nice mix of the Asian Cup as they look to youth and experience,” insist- make up for their flop four ed Moriyasu. years ago. “It’s a chance for the The Southampton de- young players to forge their Bayern Munich’s Sporting Director Salihamidzic with an official fender admitted on Tuesday own paths as Japan interna- from Qatar in Doha on Monday. that several of the Japan team tionals.” were still smarting from their Japan will expect to eas- shock penalty shootout loss to ily advance from a group also QSL holds joint session with United Arab Emirates in the including Uzbekistan and quarter-finals last time out in , but the Asian Cup has Bayern’s director Salihamidzic Australia. already thrown up its share of “That was a huge disap- upsets, with holders Australia TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK livery & Legacy and Aspire pointment but this is a new stunned 1-0 by Jordan in their DOHA Academy representatives. team with a new manager,” opening game. Japan’s national team head coach (left) and team captain Maya Yoshida at a press The purpose of the ses- Yoshida told reporters before “Australia got beaten, conference in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday. (AFP) IN line with the Qatar Stars sion was to learn from the the Blue Samurai’s opening Thailand lost to India and League’s (QSL) keenness to best practices related to roles Group F game against Turk- South Korea struggled to win further develop the profes- and responsibilities, innova- menistan in Abu Dhabi. their first game so the first sional football system and tion, leadership, scouting, re- “After the World Cup game is hugely important for benefit from the experience cruitment, football manage- last year expectation is really us,” said Yoshida. as well as expertise of inter- ment and strategic planning, high,” he added, pointing to “The first order of business national sports institutions among other matters, and to Japan’s surprise run to the will be to make sure we get and clubs, its Competitions apply the knowledge, in or- last 16 in Russia, where only out of our group. We have to & Football Development de- der to achieve excellence. a remarkable comeback by grow into the tournament step partment organised a Ques- Sporting Directors took Belgium from two goals down by step. tions & Answers session with the opportunity to ask rel- prevented them reaching the “The new players have top German Bundesliga club evant and pragmatic ques- quarter-finals. a responsibility to build on FC Bayern Munich’s Sporting tions to a highly recognized “But unlike the World what previous Japan teams Director Hasan Salihamidzic and successful leader in the Cup the expectation on Japan have done and fight with pride and team manager Kathleen football business. is different at an Asian Cup, to add a new chapter in our Kruger in Doha on Monday. Salihamidzic thanked where we are expected to win. history. It’s a big tournament Bayern are having their Qatar for hosting Bayern’s That brings its own pressure for us.” winter camp in Doha for the camp year after year in Doha, obviously and we need to be South Korea, who will be ninth year in a row at the As- where all members of the able to cope with that and not boosted by the arrival of Tot- pire Zone, as they prepare for squad are working hard while freeze up.” tenham forward Son Heung- the tough times ahead. enjoying the excellent facili- Japan captured the last of min after their second game, The interactive session ties and conditions. their record four Asian Cups in and Iran -- 5-0 winners over was held in the presence The 42-year-old himself 2011, but coach Hajime Mori- Yemen on Monday -- are the of QSL’s Acting Executive is an iconic figure in world yasu has brought a new-look favourites to lift Asian foot- Director of Competitions football, especially Bayern, team to this year’s tourna- ball’s most coveted trophy. & Football Development where he played for nine ment, leaving out the likes of “Every opponent will be Yazguly Hojageldiyev (left), head coach of Turkmenistan, and his player Ruslan Mingazov at a press conference Ahmed Khellil Abbassi, with seasons and won the Bun- Dortmund playmaker Shinji tough and deserve our utmost in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday. (EPA) the participation of a number desliga six times besides one Kagawa and Leicester striker respect,” said Moriyasu. “We of Sporting Directors of QNB Champions League trophy, Shinji Okazaki. need to be firing at 100 per- Yazguly Hojageldiyew prom- “We know how good Japan are more than motivated to do Stars League clubs, QSL, before playing for Juventus Unbeaten in five matches cent if we want to progress.” ised Japan would not have it are,” he said. “We watched well and I trust my players to Supreme Committee for De- for four seasons. under Moriyasu, the Japanese Turkmenistan coach all their own way. them at the World Cup but we give Japan a close game.” 18 Wednesday, January 9, 2019 Sports World No. 1 Halep, Osaka to lead Qatar Total Open 2019 star cast

QNA Other players to watch “This year’s edition prom- DOHA out for will be 2016 cham- ises to be greater and better pion Carla Suarez Navarro of than the previous and fans WORLD No. 1 and 2014 Spain, World No. 11 Anasta- are assured of having the best champion Simona Halep will sija Sevastova, 2017 US Open of fun as they watch their fa- lead a star-studded cast at the finalist Madison Keys and vourite stars play,” said Tour- Qatar Total Open 2019 in- Latvia’s Jelena Ostapenko, nament Director Saad Saleh cluding 2018 US Open cham- the 2016 finalist. al Mohannadi. pion Naomi Osaka of Japan at A total of $851,031 in “In continuation of our the Khalifa International Ten- prize-money would be up for tradition as a family-oriented nis & Squash Complex from grabs in the 32-competiton event, Qatar Total Open 2019 February 11 to 16. singles draw and 16-pair dou- brings a week-long incompa- Now in its 17th edition, bles draw. rable level of sports entertain- this year’s WTA Tour event “We are happy to host the ment activities for families at will parade five of the world’s Qatar Total Open once again. the home of tennis in Qatar - top ten players including It has always been a pleasure the Khalifa International Ten- World No. 2 Angelique Ker- to bring the world’s best play- nis & Squash Complex. No ber, a three-time Grand Slam ers to Doha, the hub of global one can afford to miss this,” champion and 2014 finalist, sports, every year. Qatar To- he added. World No. 5 Naomi Osaka, tal Open has grown to become Being held since 2001, the World No. 5 Naomi Osaka of Japan. World No. 8 and 2017 cham- one of the most sought-after Qatar Total Open has grown pion Karolina Pliskova of event in Qatar’s sporting cal- to become one of the biggest ers on a regular basis. 13th consecutive victory beat- Czech Republic and World endar and we are really proud WTA Tour events in the re- The last edition was won ing Garbine Muguruza of No. 9 Kiki Bertens of the of what we’ve been able to gion and has consistently fea- by Czech Republic’s Petra Spain 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 in a highly World No. 1 Simona Halep of Romania. Netherlands. achieve over the years. tured the world’s top ten play- Kvitova, who recorded her entertaining final. The greatest? Serena can end Court debate at Aussie Open The American’s singles Grand Slam tally stands at 23, one behind Margaret Court’s record AFP pointing out that in 1988 the out her career extended well MELBOURNE German won all four Slams and into the Open era. Olympic gold in a calendar year. “It’s a little bit sad that SERENA Williams hopes to “Not to take anything away amateur tennis of those years match Margaret Court’s record from Margaret Court, but Steffi is a little bit underestimated,” of 24 singles majors at next Graf was the big record she she said. “They can’t forget Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic hits a return against Aryna Sa- week’s Australian Open but beat... In amounts Serena is that I won 11 Slam titles in the balenka of Belarus during their women’s second round match at the many already regard her as the better, but in that one special Open era. Sydney International tennis tournament on Tuesday. (AFP) greatest women’s player of all year Graf has something maybe “I see that there are many time – though Court herself is more special, but both are great awards for Rod Laver and Ken not necessarily among them. champions,” he said. Rosewall, while for the wom- Kvitova beats in-form Over the years, Court has en’s tennis they want to speak expressed admiration for Ser- only about the players who ena’s achievements but the Still relevant? played in the Open era.” Sabalenka in Sydney Australian also bristles when She also contends that Ser- her own record is dismissed as O Over the years, Court has ena’s serve would not have been AFP her) at the US Open but I’m largely irrelevant in the world expressed admiration for as powerful using the wooden SYDNEY happy with my performance of modern tennis. Serena’s achievements but rackets of her era, saying the here in the first round.” The 76-year-old won 13 the Australian also bristles American can look “a little wob- TWO-TIME Wimbledon Kvitova belted 28 winners of her 24 Grand Slams before when her own record is bly” without her major weapon. champion Petra Kvitova to Sabalenka’s 11 and won an 1968, when the women’s game dismissed as largely “It’s not easy to win Grand avenged her US Open defeat incredible 85 percent of her entered the Open era and be- irrelevant in the world of Slams, it’s probably easier today to in-form Aryna Sabalenka on first-serve points during the came fully professional. than when we were playing,” Tuesday to move into round 79-minute contest. Court won 24 singles Grand modern tennis. she told the BBC. two of the Sydney Interna- She is aiming for her sec- Slams from 1960-73 – 11 Aus- “We had wooden rackets, tional. ond Sydney title after lifting tralian Opens, five French “Margaret Court is nice but we had to travel 10 months of But less than a week before the trophy in 2015. Opens, three Wimbledons and for me... it’s Steffi. I don’t know the year, we played every week, the Australian Open – the sea- “I just hope that I can con- five US Opens. who’s one or two, but those two we couldn’t take family with us, son’s first Grand Slam – there tinue and enjoy tennis in this Serena’s tally stands at 23 are the two big legends for me.” we couldn’t take any masseurs, was more misery for 2017 season,” said the Czech, who since 1998 – seven Australian Court won all four Grand we didn’t know any of that, we French Open winner Jelena won five WTA titles to return Opens, three French Opens, Slams in a calendar year played with injuries.” Ostapenko, who crashed out to the top 10 in 2018. seven Wimbledons and six in 1970 but it was still not Court’s haul of 24 titles has early to Australia’s Ash Barty. There was no such joy for US Opens. enough for Krajicek to rank been in Serena’s sights since the Kvitova, who slumped to Latvia’s Jelena Ostapenko, Chris Evert, who won 18 her alongside the greats of the American’s last victory at Mel- 29 in the world after being at- whose poor form continued singles Slams, believes the modern era. bourne Park in 2017 – when tacked in her home by a knife- in a 6-3, 6-3 defeat to Ashley standard of today’s game is so The Dutchman pointed she was eight weeks pregnant wielding man in 2016, has bat- Barty. far above previous eras that out that 11 of Court’s titles – and it appears inevitable the tled her way back to number After picking up a thigh in- comparisons are meaningless. were earned in Australia at a 37-year-old will reach the mile- eight and was encouraged by jury at the Hopman Cup, Gar- “Of course Serena is the best time when the journey Down stone at some point. her 6-1, 7-5 win over the Bela- bine Muguruza -- another ma- ever,” she told CBS last year. “A Under involved an arduous Court says she doesn’t wor- rusian. jor winner -- safely negotiated case can be made (for others), boat trip that many top play- ry about the prospect and can Sabalenka is a form play- her first-round encounter with but it’s really ridiculous. We ers declined to make. always take comfort from the er, racing to number 11 in the fellow Spaniard Carla Suarez were the best in our era. Serena Other detractors point out fact that she has 40 Grand Slam world after a stellar 2018 and Navarro 6-3 6-4. is the best in her era.” that some of the Slams Court doubles titles to go with her sin- starting the year by winning In the men’s draw Austral- For former Wimbledon won involved only 32 competi- gles crowns. the Shenzhen Open. ian teenager Alex De Minaur, a champion Richard Krajicek, tors, rather than the 128-play- “I think that no player will “She was definitely (finish- finalist last year, continued his Court isn’t even in the conver- er draws Serena has faced be able to beat my record of ing strongly). She came from preparations for the Australian sation when it comes to the throughout her career. 64 Grand Slam titles in total,” Shenzhen (last week) where Open with a 6-4 6-3 win over greatest of all time. Court vigorously defends she said. she won the tournament so Dusan Lajovic. He regards Steffi Graf, with her record, disputing the argu- “But if someone will win I knew it would be a tough Towering Americans Sam 22 Open-era singles majors, Serena Williams of the US in action during the Hopman Cup tennis ment that the best players never more than 24 in singles, well, match,” said Kvitova. Querrey and Reilly Opelka are as Serena’s only serious rival, tournament in Perth, recently. (AFP) came to Australia and pointing she’ll deserve it.” “Unfortunately I lost (to also through to the next round. Loeb gets into Dakar desert swing Late surge lifts Lakers over Mavs; to edge tricky second stage Antetokounmpo, Bucks down Jazz AFP rallied from a 62-58 halftime LOS ANGELES deficit to beat the Utah Jazz Qatar’s Nasser al 114-102. Giannis Antetok- Attiyah finishes YOUNG stars Brandon Ingram ounmpo scored 30 points, Mal- and Lonzo Ball answered Los colm Brogdon added 21 and 11th despite Angeles coach Luke Walton’s the Bucks clamped down de- call for more fire on Monday, fensively in the second half to winning Stage 1 leading the Lakers to a 107-97 bounce back from a loss to the NBA victory over the Maver- Toronto Raptors on Saturday. AFP icks in Dallas. “The big thing that stands SAN JUAN DE MARCONA, PERU Ingram scored 29 points, out to me is after (allowing) 62 Ball added 21 and the Lakers points in the first half to hold FRENCHMAN Sebastien Loeb erased a 13-point halftime def- them to 40 in the second,” claimed victory in the second icit to halt a three-game skid Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer stage of the Dakar Rally raced and post just their second vic- said. “We weren’t very happy at across challenging desert tory in seven games since su- halftime with our defense. The dunes Tuesday, as main rivals perstar LeBron James suffered way we improved and got bet- Stephane Peterhansel and a groin injury. ter in the second half gave us a Qatar’s Nasser al Attiyah had Walton had called out In- chance to find a way offensively days to forget. gram and Ball after a disap- in the fourth quarter.” Nine-time world rally pointing 108-86 loss to the Kyrie Irving returned from champion Loeb, driving a pri- Minnesota Timberwolves on injury to lead the Boston Celtics vate Peugeot entry after the Sunday. Although the Lakers with 17 points in a 116-95 victory French car manufacturer’s again found themselves in an over the Brooklyn Nets. decision to withdraw from Peugeot’s French driver Sebastien Loeb and co-driver Daniel Elena compete during Stage 2 of the Dakar early hole in Dallas, Walton Irving, who missed two the race, held off the Mini of Rally 2019 between Pisco and San Juan de Marcona. (AFP) said he saw more energy from Lakers forward Brandon Ingram games with an eye injury, led Nani Roma over the last kilo- the opening tip off, and when (right) shoots over Mavericks eight Celtics players in double metres of the second of ten cal hic-cups. Frenchman Peterhansel, terhansel joked afterwards.” his team played smarter in the forward Luka Doncic during the sec- figures with Jayson Tatum add- stages between Pisco and San “I needed to get into the who has won the Dakar six Peterhansel’s teammate second half they were able to ond half of their NBA game at the ing 16 points and Al Horford, Juan de Marcona to win by swing because I have done al- times on the motorbike and Attiyah, a double Dakar win- turn things around. American Airlines Center in Dallas Gordon Hayward, Marcus Mor- eight seconds. most no test drives here, less seven times in a car, paid the ner in 2011 and 2015, saw his “I was actually very pleased on Monday. (USA TODAY SPORTS) ris and Marcus Smart all chip- “Today it all came right and than 100km since the last edi- price after running his Mini overnight lead disappear as with our competitive spirit in ping in 12 as Boston notched a we feel really good about it,” tion,” he said. aground in the dunes, even- he could only finish 11th, 7:37 that first half,” Walton said. “We had a couple of offen- third straight win. said Loeb who climbs to fifth Dutchman Bernhard ten tually finishing 15 minutes off the pace. “I thought guys were giving it sive rebounds that we gave up San Antonio’s longtime overall at 1min 56sec. Brinke, driving a Toyota, was behind Loeb. On Wednesday the route their all.” that should have had, a couple of coach Gregg Popovich tied “We got the right strategy. third at 1min 20sec, while “I got stuck in a dune and takes the drivers through a Walton said he urged his miscommunications in the first Jerry Sloan for third place on We raced a great special and South African Giniel de Vil- if it hadn’t been for Cyril (De- further 331km of specials, players to “mentally turn it up” half that we cleaned up in the the NBA’s all-time coaching made no mistakes,” said the liers finished fourth to take spres, a fellow Frenchman and mainly in dunes again, be- in the second half, and they re- second half. It was a good men- wins list with the Spurs’ 119- 44-year-old, who saw multiple over as race leader with eight Mini driver) pulling us with a tween San Juan de Marcona sponded by outscoring the Mav- tal game for us,” Josh Hart said. 107 victory over the Pistons rivals suffer technical or tacti- stages remaining. rope I’d still be stuck there,” Pe- and Arequipa. ericks 32-13 in the third quarter. In Milwaukee, the Bucks in Detroit. Sports Wednesday, January 9, 2019 19 QMMF declares Manateq QCCR route details

Prize money for the top five finishers in all categories

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK rally on February 26. tion and a lot can happen. We DOHA In a provisional route of know there are tough penalties 2,059kms, competitors will for missing waypoints. You OFFICIALS at the Qatar Mo- tackle 1,367kms of timed com- have to be really focused. One tor and Motorcycle Federation petition. The finishers will small mistake in navigation (QMMF) have announced fur- then be convoyed to the Pearl and you can lose all the time.” ther details of the challenging for the prize giving ceremony. Further entry information route that competitors will Rally officials have also an- and details are available from face at the Manateq Qatar nounced a generous prize fund Davy Patterson, the QMMFs Cross-Country Rally (QCCR), for winners in all categories. official co-ordinator, Email: the opening round of the FIA The top five in the T1 catego- davypatterson777@gmail. World Cup for Cross-Country ry will receive generous cash com. Entries close on Febru- Rallies, on February 21 to 26. awards, with $10,000 for the ary 5 and at reduced rates on The event gets underway winner, down to $4,000 for January 22. with a ceremonial start at the fifth place. Regulations are avail- Pearl on February 21t. Timed The winner of the T2 cat- able for download from www. action fires into life on Feb- egory for series production qatarcrosscountry.com and ruary 22 with a short desert cross-country vehicles will www.qmmf.com. stage of 102kms and this will receive $8,000 - with prize Entries for rounds of the define the starting order for money paid down to fifth place 2019 FIA World Cup for Cross- the first of the longer selective - and the T3 winner will earn Country Rallies must be done sections. $6,000 down to a prize of online on the FIA website. All 10m Air Pistol Mixed gold medal winner Ahmed Zayed al Shammari with other podium finishers and officials after the prize distribution at the The following two days of $3,000 for third place. competitors must complete National Shooting and Archery Team Cup at the Losail Ranges on Tuesday. competition across the length The event has built a rep- the online entry form at htt- and breadth of the deserts of utation as being one of the ps://registrations.fia.com to Qatar will run for 313kms and most demanding in the FIA be eligible to score points in 338kms, respectively, with fi- calendar for both drivers and the World Cup and associated nal stage distances subject to co-drivers. Last year’s rally competitions. forthcoming route checks. was won by Poland’s Jakub For further information Shammari edges The fourth stage on Feb- Przygonski and his Belgian co- about the 2019 Qatar Cross- ruary 24 will offer almost driver Tom Colsoul and they Country Rally, interested 350kms of timed competition went on to win the FIA World drivers may contact the Qatar but this will be divided into Cup for the first time. Motor and Motor Cycle Feder- two stages by a road liaison The duo are currently ation (QMMF), Losail Sports section of 56kms. The FIA rec- competing at the Dakar Rally Arena, Al-Wusail, North Re- Shaiba for title ommends that the last timed in Peru, but Przygonski fondly lief Road, PO Box 8708, Doha, test is shorter than the rest recalls the challenges that he Qatar, Tel: + 974 443 79885, and the QMMF have duly ar- and Colsoul faced in Qatar Fax: + 974 443 79732, E-mail: Al Dana impressive in third-place finish in 10m Air Pistol Mixed event ranged 270kms of competition last April. The Pole said: “It is [email protected] and web- to decide the outcome of the a tough race with the naviga- site: www.qmmf.com TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK eighth spots, respectively. DOHA Mohammed Abu Taima bagged the 10m Air Pistol AHMED Zayed al Shammari Running Target (fast and and Osama Nasser al Shaiba slow), while Mohammed had an exciting battle for the Subei was runner-up to him. 10m Air Pistol Mixed gold In the Mixed category, Amal medal and it was the former Mohammed emerged the who eventually got the honour winner. of claiming the title at the Na- Simsim Saleh claimed the tional Shooting and Archery silver medal, while Saeeda Team Cup at the Losail Ranges Hamed took home the bronze on Tuesday. medal. The finals some twists and In the Junior Men’s 10m turns and Shammari (232.9) Air Pistol class, the gold medal held his nerves to edge Shaiba was won by Abdul Razzaq al by 0.9 to win the crown. Mohannadi. Talal al Ali land- Al Dana al Mubarak also Junior Women’s 10m Air Pistol medal winners with QSAA officials in ed the silver medal and the impressed a great deal and Losail on Tuesday. bronze medal was pocketed clinched the bronze medal. by Ali al Nahdi. Zainab Tayeb She topped the qualify- med Mahmoud in fourth and finish as strongly and was Buftaim beat Sanya Kenha to ing round with 560 (13x), Shaiba was fifth best quali- overcome by Shaiba, having to win the Junior Women’s gold shooting four more than fier, managing 543. content with 210.6 score. medal. Fatima grabbed the Shammari. Souad Waleed al Mubarak (97.9) was close Zainab Tayeb Buftaim was bronze medal. Khater was third with a tal- on the heels of Shammari sixth with 145, while Abdul QSAA officials Shaker Ab- ly of 549 (11x). Three shots (98.5) after the first competi- Razak al Mohannadi and San- dullah and Al Anoud al Naimi behind was Nasra Moham- tion stage. But she could not ya Kinha got the seventh and gave away the prizes. Qatar’s Adel Abdulla in action during the 2018 Manateq Qatar Cross-Country Rally.

Bumrah gets ODI, T20 break ‘King Kohli’ better than Tendulkar? India debates AFP worthy” by users in a and Kohli is the new generation The Times of India news- AFP NEW DELHI mass tirade. star. So they are all champions paper headlined its report “The NEW DELHI While Tendulkar has in their own place.” Reign Men”, while the Hindu- WHILE Virat Kohli’s historic maintained a god-like sta- Pandya and Rahul set off stan Times said “This win will FAST bowler Jasprit Bumrah success in Australia has been tus in the Indian public’s eye hostilities with Tendulkar fans make India invincible”, head- was on Tuesday rested for the greeted with jubilation in In- since his retirement in 2013, in their off-the-cuff comments lining the opinion of their col- upcoming one-day series in dia, it has also sparked a fever- he never managed to guide on Indian television aired umnist Ian Chappell. Australia and tour of New Zea- ish debate: Is he even better India to a Test series win in Sunday. Even Pakistan’s Prime land after playing a key role in than the nation’s cricket god Australia. Tendulkar had been Minister Imran Khan congrat- India’s historic Test triumph Sachin Tendulkar? Kohli, 30, was born a year named as the best batsmen ulated India on their historic Down Under. Kohli, the world’s top- before Tendulkar made his by a string of luminaries in- achievement. Virat Kohli’s team will now ranked batsman in all three India debut in 1989. He is the cluding Don Bradman, Viv “Congratulations to Virat take on the hosts in three one- formats of the game, on Mon- run machine of modern cricket Richards and Sunil Gavaskar, Kohli and the Indian cricket day internationals starting day led India to their first-ever with more 19,000 runs in Test, one Twitter user noted in re- team for the first ever win by Saturday in Sydney, and then Test series win in Australia, af- one-day and T20 games. He sponse. “Every true cricket fan a subcontinent team in a Test travel to New Zealand for a ter seven decades of trying. last year became the fastest to knows who is best!” series in Australia,” the former limited-overs series later this Already known as “King reach 10,000 runs in 50-over cricketer wrote on his party’s month. Kohli” before the tour, there internationals - beating Ten- Praise from Pakistan Twitter account. are those who say the Indian dulkar’s record. In this file photo of last year, Royal Challengers Bangalore captain Few doubt however that India coach Ravi Shastri India squad for the ODIs against Australia and New Virat Kohli (right) speaks with Mumbai Indians team mentor Sachin Zealand: Virat Kohli (Capt), Rohit Sharma, Lokesh Rahul, captain deserves promotion. Kohli’s biographer Vijay Kohli has given the world’s said Kohli’s leadership skills Shikhar Dhawan, Ambati Rayudu, Dinesh Karthik, Kedar But his Test teammates Lokapally said there should not Tendulkar before the start of the Indian (IPL) number one Test nation an had “made all the difference” Jadhav, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Hardik Pandya, Kuldeep Hardik Pandya and Lokesh be a comparison between play- Twenty20 cricket match at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. (AFP) even stronger dominance by but sought to shoot down all Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Ravindra Jadeja, Bhuvneshwar Rahul were mercilessly trolled ers of different generations, but completing the 2-1 series win references to deities. Kumar, Mohammed Siraj, Khaleel Ahmed, Mohammed Shami. on Indian social media after hailed Kohli’s achievements. top class. He doesn’t need a to disregard the efforts of for- in Australia. “This is not a team of gods India squad for T20I series against New Zealand: Virat saying on a TV chat show that “As a captain he sets an ex- certificate from anyone. And mer players like Vijay Hazare World Cup-winning Kohli and demigods, seniors or jun- Kohli (Capt), Rohit Sharma, Lokesh Rahul, Shikhar Kohli was a better batsman ample with his fitness, his bat- there is no better person to lead or Sunil Gavaskar and compare rated the triumph his “best iors. This is an Indian cricket Dhawan, Rishabh Pant, Dinesh Karthik, Kedar Jadhav, than Tendulkar. ting and his leadership,” Loka- the Indian team in any format.” eras. achievement” so far, and Indi- team that will readily jump off Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, The pair were blasted for pally told AFP. He added: “As far as com- “Gavaskar was a star of his an papers hailed the captain for a cliff to win a match for the Siddarth Kaul, Khaleel Ahmed. being “pathetic” and “cringe- “His batting is absolutely parisons go, I think it’s unfair times, Tendulkar ruled his era his “Thunder Down Under”. country,” said Shastri. First phase of National Officials Certification Course ends at QEF

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK the tests on the closing day DOHA of the practical lectures. The Secretary-General of Qatari THE Qatar Equestrian Fed- and Asian Equestrian Fed- eration (QEF) organised a eration and Ali bin Yousef al four-day National Officials’ Rumaihi expressed their ad- Certification Course – NOCC, miration for the enthusiasm Phase 1 for Showjumping of- shown by the participants. ficials (judges and stewards) They said, the participants and course designers from will gain a lot from these lec- January 5 to 8. tures delivered by those who The course was conducted have international expertise by FEI certified judges and in this specialised field of course designers and includ- theirs. ed John Vallance, FEI Level 4 Many of these stewards, - Course Designer & TD from judges and course designers Australia, Ahmed Bedoui, FEI will now try and achieve actual Level 3 – Judge from Qatar experience at the international and Gerald Kuh, FEI Level equestrian championship to 3 – Judge & Steward from be held in Doha in March. Hong Kong. said the course achieved its tar and Hong Kong. federation, Hamad bin Abdul- They will also be part of lo- Hamad al Nakhba, Head objectives thanks to the effi- The NOCC was conducted rahman al Attiyah. cal championships including of the Media Department, ciency and knowledge of the in accordance with the direc- The session saw 28 judg- the national equestrian series who attended all the sessions, lecturers from Australia, Qa- tives of the president of the es and course designers pass Hathab. 20 Wednesday, January 9, 2019 The Last Word Sheikha Hind meets senior officials from QF’s partner universities in US The trip aims to strengthen relations and open up new opportunities in higher education TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK DOHA

HER EXCELLENCY Sheikha Hind bint Hamad al Thani, Vice-Chairperson and CEO of Qatar Foundation (QF), met with senior officials from the home campuses of QF’s inter- national partner universities in Washington, DC, on Tuesday. The President’s Coun- cil meeting, held as part of Sheikha Hind’s four-day trip to the US, brought together rep- resentatives from QF’s home- grown university, Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), as well as Cornell University, at QF’s Education City. and become global citizens who ing, media, international affairs, landscape of Qatar, while serv- ing policy-makers in education event, which will address top- Texas A&M University, Vir- Sheikha Hind said: “Today’s are ready to meet the challenges computer science and business ing as an exemplar of academic and research during her visit ics such as education, women’s ginia Commonwealth Univer- young people are the future, and of the future. management – in a single lo- excellence for the wider world.” to strengthen relations and fos- rights and the blockade of Qa- sity, Northwestern University, Qatar Foundation has created a “Through our hand-picked cation, and act as a catalyst In addition to attending the ter new opportunities in higher tar, takes place on January Carnegie Mellon University, unique learning environment academic offerings, we provide for creativity and innovation. President’s Council meeting, education. 10 and will be moderated by Georgetown University and that enables these young people the highest quality of education Together with HBKU and our Sheikha Hind will meet with She will also take part in the journalist Magalie Laguerre- HEC Paris, all of which have to realise their potential, excel across specific key disciplines – partner universities, we are re- influential thought leaders, in- women’s foreign policy lecture Wilkinson from US news pro- established branch campuses in their careers and their lives, including medicine, engineer- imagining the higher education novative think tanks, and lead- forum, ‘Off the Record’. The gramme ‘60 Minutes’. FTA puts spotlight on wealth of design talent in Arab world Inaugural Fashion Trust Arabia event in March to bring big names in international fashion to Doha

AILYN AGONIA to international recognition the Arab world, because we “Following which, fashion designer Reem Acra. DOHA and the FTA Prize. are very international and around four or five winners The inaugural Shop Qa- FTA is chaired by Her diverse. It is high time the will be selected by FTA judg- tar Design District is the first FASHION Trust Arabia Highness Sheikha Moza designers in the Arab region es’ panel for the grant, men- collaboration of FTA with (FTA), the first Qatar-led ini- bint Nasser and co-chaired received such opportunities. torship and other opportuni- the Qatar National Tourism tiative of its kind in the Arab by Sheikha al Mayassa bint With the launch of FTA, the ties. The impressive roster of Council. world, is putting the spot- Hamad bin Khalifa al Tani, designers feel like they have judges includes a number of Taha lauded the initiative light on the wealth of talent together with Fashion Trust a dream come true; we are heavyweights in the interna- to help them discover tal- in the fashion industry in the founder Tania Fares. so happy that we can provide tional fashion industry such ent in Qatar. “We wanted to and North Af- The initiative will culmi- such a platform for them as as Zuhair Murad, Balmain’s collaborate with Shop Qatar rica region. nate in major fashion events well,” said Taha. Olivier Rousteing, Valen- because there is a lot of tal- Speaking to the local me- honouring the recipients of Taha said submission tino’s Pierpaolo Piccioli, Na- ent in Qatar that we wanted dia during the Shop Qatar the FTA Prize, slated to take of applications for the FTA talia Vodianova, Diane von to tap into. We wanted to see Design District event at the place in Doha on March 27 Prize was opened in Sep- Furstenberg, Carla Bruni how these designers were Doha Exhibition and Con- and 28. tember 2018 and will nomi- and supermodel Imaan diverse and special in their vention Centre on Tuesday, “I think, right now there nations will continue to be Hammam,” Taha said. own way. I am very happy FTA Curator Danya Taha is a light directed at the fash- received until January 24. Taha also underlined the I met a number of great de- said the unique non-profit ion scene in the Arab world. In February, 20 finalists will important role of the mem- signers here who have the initiative offers appropriate The West and the Europe be selected from among the bers of the Executive Com- potential to become winners mentorship, funding and are looking at and tapping applicants and invited to the mittee of FTA, including of the FTA Prize,” Taha con- great opportunities leading into design and fashion in inaugural FTA event in Doha. director Nadine Labaki and cluded. FTA Curator Danya Taha. (PHOTOGRAPH BY JALAL PATHIYOOR) Baris Bespoke to showcase Shop Qatar Design District collections at Design District offers customised products TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK DOHA TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK DOHA BARIS Bespoke, one of the only 10 designers exclusively RESIDENTS and visitors showcasing their spring/sum- looking to shop for the sea- mer collections at this year’s son’s latest must-have items Shop Qatar Design District, will can now have them custom- display its elegant designs on made and personalised ex- the runway at the Doha Exhi- clusively at the Shop Qatar bition and Convention Centre Design District this week. (DECC) on January 9. French fashion label Baris Bespoke uses only the Faith Connexion has brought French fashion label Faith finest fabrics and leathers to its Brooklyn-based graf- Connexion has brought its create handmade clothes and fiti artist to add his special Brooklyn-based graffiti artist accessories, including custom- touches to shoppers’ casual to add his special touches to made suits. wear while men looking to shoppers’ casual wear Usually located in the heart suit up in style can head to of The Pearl-Qatar, among the Turkey’s Baris Bespoke pop- ite pieces by renowned local choose from. makeup. world’s most high-end brands, Usually located in the heart of The Pearl-Qatar, among the world’s up shop where they can se- artists, including Yasser al The activities at the Dis- For every QR200 spent the company now has a booth most high-end brands, the company now has a booth at the DECC. lect the fabric, cut and style Mulla who is known for his trict include 12 beauty mas- at the Design District, shop- at the DECC. to perfect their desired look. sketch drawings, Muna al terclasses and workshops pers can enter one of the fes- This year’s Shop Qatar has The Design District brings runway shows until January 12. Shoppers can head to lo- Badr known for her canvas by online-famous make-up tival’s three remaining raffle already been a colourful cel- the latest fashion and lifestyle Visitors to the shows will cal pop-up shops Fonto and paintings and abstract artist artists and more than 60 draws, with two cars and sev- ebration of the country’s retail trends to Doha via pop-up bou- experience style as never before Noor Stationary or add per- Mariam al Mulla. pop-up shops which will en cash prizes ranging from and entertainment offerings, tiques, fashion shows, master- and explore a world of fashion sonalised touches to make for Open every day between be showcasing unique and QR10,000 to QR100,000 to and fashion lovers still have classes and entertainment. as Shop Qatar brings together the perfect gift. 3pm and 10pm at the Doha varied offerings ranging be won each week. until January 20 to enjoy the Visitors will be able to see the biggest names from the re- Art lovers are also in for a Exhibition and Convention from professional tailoring Next week’s Shop Qa- array of discounts, offers, en- the latest couture and ready- gion and beyond with the aim treat at the Art Avenue where Center (DECC), the District to customised casual wear, tar Raffle Draw will be held tertainment and competitions to-wear fashion from around to cement Qatar’s position as an they can commission and offers visitors a wide vari- from handcrafted clothing on Thursday, January 10 at available. the world through a series of emerging fashion and style hub. buy on-the-spot their favour- ety of artistic expressions to and home accessories to 7:30pm at the Mall of Qatar. Katara hosts photo expo depicting horses’ beauty

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK some spectacular moments DOHA and moods of specific types of horses. The pictures depict GENERAL Manager of the the beauty of different breeds Culturtal Village Foundation – of horses. Katara Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim According to Hammadi, al Sulaiti inaugurated a pho- the photographs were taken tography exhibition titled ‘Al in a number of places includ- Adiyat’ at Building 18. ing Sweden, Poland, Ireland, The exhibition featuring Germany and Qatar to search pictures of horses taken by for the best and most beautiful photographer Omar al Ham- breeds of horses. madi has been organised by According to Hammadi, the Youth Hobby Centre. he has a passion for photog- Nearly 40 photographs are raphy and horses are his most The exhibition featuring on display at the exhibition in- favourite subject. “I started pictures of horses taken cluding some captivating ones taking pictures of horses way by photographer Omar al from Qatar and Europe. back in 2009. I travelled to The title of the exhibition different parts of the world Hammadi has been organ- is derived from an archaic to conduct research on hors- ised by the Youth Hobby Arabic word ‘Al Adiyat’ which es and learn about them.” Centre. Nearly 40 photo- means horses storming a bat- Hammadi praised Katara for graphs are on display at tlefield. its support and for hosting Horses are a significant his photography exhibition, the exhibition including symbol of the Arabian and as well as the YHC for their some captivating ones Qatari culture and Ham- constant support for the from Qatar and Europe madi’s photographs capture young talents.