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Saturday, February 22, 2020 MOTORSPORT Jumada II 28, 1441 AH Qatar Cross-Country GULF TIMES Rally to fl ag off at Souq Waqif today SPORT Page 7

HORSE RACING Stunning Spirit on display as Barzalona completes treble French raider wins ITM Cup; Alban de Mieulle saddles four winners, including Umm Qarn’s Aahil in the Gulf Cup

By Mikhil Bhat Doha

ockey Mickael Barzalona completed a treble with French raider Stunning Spirit putting up a resil- ientJ run in the Irish Thorough- bred Marketing Cup (QA Group 2) on the second day of His High- ness The Amir Sword Festival at Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club’s Al Rayyan Park yesterday. Also on the day, Qatar-based French trainer Alban de Mieulle saddled four winners, including Umm Qarn’s Aahil who topped the Purebred Arabian feature – the Gulf Cup. Frederic Rossi-trained Stun- ning Spirit had fi nished second to last year’s winner Marianafoot in Deauville in December but just about managed to turn the ta- bles in the USD 200,000 feature yesterday, as the latter ran out of real estate under Pierre-Charles Boudot in the miler. “It’s great,” Barzalona, who had earlier ridden Latamah and Luchador to victory, told Gulf Times yesterday. “I am getting to ride good horses as well. I am happy with the way it all went here. Ireland’s ambassador to Qatar Aidan Cronin (fourth from left) and Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club’s deputy chief steward Abdulla al-Kubaisi “He (Stunning Spirit) travelled (second from left) pose with the winners of the Irish Thoroughbred Marketing Cup (QA Group 2) after Frederic Rossi-trained Stunning Spirit won Arqana president Eric Hoyeau (left) presents the trainer’s trophy to in the front, tough horse, got a big the mile-long feature at Al Rayyan Park yesterday. PICTURES: Juhaim Alban de Mieulle after Umm Qarn’s Aahil won the Gulf Cup yesterday. heart. We were lucky to get the line up front.”

Rossi was palpably ecstatic at the victory. “He had shown good form (in France), and so we de- cided to bring him here to Qatar. Very, very satisfi ed with the vic- tory, and I really want to congrat- ulate the jockey for such a great ride,” he said after the win. The penultimate race of the day, carrying a total prize pot of US$100,000, was open to four- year-old and older Arabians bred in the GCC, and Aahil had little trouble bagging the miler. Coming off a big win last month over a mile in the His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Thani Trophy, Aahil partnered Ronan Thomas yet again and they went up front as early as possible and then stayed Mickael Barzalona (left) rides Stunning Spirit to victory ahead of Marianafoot, ridden by Pierre-Charles on before coasting to a two- Boudot in the Irish Thoroughbred Marketing Cup (QA Group 2) yesterday. Ronan Thomas celebrates after guiding Umm Qarn’s Aahil to Gulf Cup victory yesterday. length victory. “We know he is a good horse, Arabians, and Hakida shedding US-bred mare to a fi ne win in the Sheail al-Kuwari’s fi lly up front 100m, a frantic duel ensued, one ardo Pedroza), 4. Chattanooga ley), 2.Barra (Ronan Thomas), 3. he is a good miler. He won but he her maiden status under Thomas Purebred Arabian Sprint Cup. pretty early and the two stayed that Latamah won by a short head. Boy (Ivan Rossi). Won by: 1 ¼, ¾, Al Mustafiz (Theo Bachelot), 4. Al did not win the way I expected over 2,000m. Umm Qarn’s Barra led the six- there, even as Festive, trained by ¾. Time: 1:10.98. Owner: Jamal bin Muntathar (Maxime Guyon). Won him to. It should have been an Saadi was back in the winner’s furlong sprint for the bulk of the Ghazali Senior, breathed down RESULTS Sharida al-Kaabi. Trainer: Alban by: 1, ¼, 10. Time: 1:16.57. Owner: easier win. I think maybe he is circle in the third race, this time race but a late turn of foot from her neck under Oisin Murphy Race 1: 1. Ashoura (Soufiane de Mieulle. Al Shahania Stud. Trainer: Jassim fed up of going in the front all the astride Jamal bin Sharida al- R B Kindle saw the De Mieulle at the business end. Luchador Saadi), 2. Badira (Ronan Thomas), Race 4: 1. Luchador (Mickael Bar- Mohamed Ghazali. time. Next time maybe we will Kaabi’s Fuwayrit. charge fi nish runner-up by a eventually won by a head, her 3. Neearah (Tomas Lukasek), 4. zalona), 2. Festive (Oisin Murphy), Race 7: 1. Aahil (Ronan Thomas), wait with him,” De Mieulle said The Gutaifan colt ran respect- length. second victory this season and Rodina (Theo Bachelot). Won by: 3. Amenable (Luca Maniezzi), 4. 2. AJS Moaddie (Maxime Guyon), after the win. ably in his fi rst three races in Luchador, trained by Ghaza- sixth overall. ¼, ¾, Nk, Time: 1:46.79. Owner: Hillside Dream (Harry Bentley). 3. Zahwa (Theo Bachelot), 4. “Today has been a good day, Qatar since his arrival from the li’s son, Mohamed, had shown Barzalona completed a double Umm Qarn. Trainer: Alban de Won by: Hd, 1, 1. Time: 1:36.13. Hazm Al Sulaimi (Harry Bentley). four wins, and fi nished second UK, but yesterday entered the promise every time she has on the day when he helmed Al Mieulle. Owner: Khalifa bin Sheail al-Kuwari. Won by: 2, 2 ½, 9. Time: 1:43.04. with Barra (in the Purebred Ara- winner’s circle for the fi rst time stepped out at Al Rayyan Park, Jeryan Stud’s Latamah to a thrill- Race 2: 1. Hakida (Ronan Tho- Trainer: Mohamed Jassim Ghazali. Owner: Umm Qarn. Trainer: Alban bian Sprint Cup).” at Al Rayyan Park, winning by a even fi nishing runner-up in the ing victory in the Local Thor- mas), 2. Fahd De Faust (Oisin Race 5: 1. Latamah (Mickael de Mieulle. The second day of the fl agship little more than a length in the Al Biddah Mile last year. Yester- oughbred Trophy for four-year- Murphy), 3. Albasos (Faleh Bugha- Barzalona), 2. Black Pearl Race 8: 1. Stunning Spirit (Mickael racing festival in Qatar began six-furlong Thoroughbred Plate day, with Barzalona in the saddle old and older horses. naim), 4. Muthhil (Theo Bachelot). (Eduardo Pedroza), 3. Qate’e Barzalona), 2. Marianafoot with a hat-trick for De Mieulle. sprint for three-year-olds. for the fi rst time, the fi lly put up a Mohamed Nasser al-Naimi’s Won by: 2 ¼, ¾, 2. Time: 2:14.44. (Theo Bachelot), 4. Ifreet (Luca (Pierre-Charles Boudot), 3. On Two Umm Qarn fi llies opened Al Shahania Stud’s R B Kindle determined run in the Thorough- ward joined Ibrahim al-Malki- Owner: Umm Qarn. Trainer: Alban Maniezzi). Won by: Shd, 2 ½, Shd. The Front Line (Ronan Thomas), the day with fantastic victories was the only winner on the day breds event for fi llies and mares, trained Black Pearl, ridden by de Mieulle. Time: 1:24.62. Owner: Al Jeryan 4. Roncey (Cristian Demuro). with Soufi ane Saadi ensuring for champion trainer Jassim Mo- only the second time in her career Eduardo Pedroza, at the front of Race 3: 1. Fuwayrit (Soufiane Stud. Trainer: Mohamed Nasser Won by: Shd, 2 ½, ¾. Time: 1:34.63. Ashoura remains unbeaten when hamed Ghazali with champion that she has run the distance. the pack on the home straight in Saadi), 2. Skip The Queue (Saleh al-Naimi. Owner: Le Haras De La Gousserie. they won the novice run for local jockey Harry Bentley guiding the Barzalona had the Khalifa bin the seven furlong race. In the fi nal Salem al-Marri), 3. X Force (Edu- Race 6: 1. R B Kindle (Harry Bent- Trainer: Frederic Rossi. Gulf Times 2 Saturday, February 22, 2020

PAKISTAN SUPER LEAGUE Kings beat Zalmi in a thriller; Gladiators start campaign with victory By Sports Reporter and three sixes in his 30-ball 50. The pair the last Powerplay over turned the in- Doha crafted a solid 97-run partnership for the nings on its head as the off -spinner ac- third-. counted for the of both openers. Hasan Ali (two for 52) and Mohamed The wickets sparked a collapse as Qa- arachi Kings opened their HBL Mohsin (one for 35) were the wicket-tak- landars lost their next four wickets for 44 PSL 2020 campaign with a ers for Peshawar Zalmi. runs. Qalandars , Sohail Akhtar, thrilling 10-run win over Pe- staged a recovery to take his side to a de- shawar Zalmi at Karachi’s Na- SULTANS CLAIM cent score. The right-handed batsman Ktional Stadium yesterday. made 34 off 30 balls and struck three six- FIVE-WICKET WIN Right-arm pacer Umaid Asif defended Multan Sultans defeated Lahore Qaland- es and a four during his stay at the crease. 16 runs off the last over as Kings success- ars by fi ve wickets in the third match of For Sultans, Imran Tahir and Moham- fully guarded their 201 for four. the ongoing HBL PSL 2020 at Lahore’s ed Ilyas were the other bowlers with two Liam Livingstone, batting at fi ve, Gaddafi Stadium yesterday. wickets each next to their name. scored 54 from 29 balls, hitting Sultans, led by Shan Masood, chased two fours and three sixes, and crafted a down the 139-run target in 16.1 overs. GLADIATORS VICTORIOUS IN crucial 62-run partnership with Darren Opening the batting, Shan top-scored OPENER Sammy (30 off 20) to keep the chase alive with 38 off 29 balls, with four fours and a Mohammad Hasnain’s maiden four- after Zalmi had lost fi ve wickets for 128 six, in the run chase. wicket haul and Azam Khan’s fi rst-ever runs in 14.3 overs. In the middle order, Rilee Rossouw half-century helped Quetta Gladiators With 43 off 26 balls, Kamran Akmal made 32 off 28 and Shahid Afridi scored a to begin their title defence with a three- was the other notable contributor with quickfi re 12-ball 21. Both batsmen struck wicket win over Islamabad United in the the bat as Zalmi scored 191 for seven in 20 two fours and a six each. opening match of the HBL PSL 2020 at overs. The opener struck fi ve fours and Earlier, Lahore Qalandars scored 138 Karachi’s National Stadium on Thursday. two sixes. runs for the loss of eight wickets after With 64 runs from 40 balls, Dawid Umaid and Chris Jordan equally shared they were asked to bat. Malan, who hit fi ve fours and three six- four wickets between them for 23 and 39 The opening pair of Fakhar Zaman and es, was the top-scorer in Islamabad’s runs. Mohamed Amir and Cameron Del- Chris Lynn provided Qalandars a solid innings. Wicketkeeper-batsman Luke port took a wicket each. start with a 59-run stand in 5.2 overs. Ronchi, who opened the innings, had the Earlier, Babar Azam and Imad Wasim Lynn, who hit four fours and three sixes, second best score of the innings (23 off scored half-centuries after Sammy, the anchored the partnership by scoring 39 13). Zalmi captain, opted to bowl fi rst. from 19 balls, while Fakhar made 19 off Quetta Gladiators chased down the Babar, later named man of the match, 14. target with nine balls spare as Azam, Multan Sultans’ Imran Tahir celebrates after the dismissal of Karachi Kings’s Babar Azam plays a shot during the scored 78 off 56, hitting seven fours and As Qalandars looked to have gained the playing only his second T20, scored 59 off Lahore Qalandars’ Dane Vilas at the Gaddafi Cricket Stadium PSL T20 cricket match against Peshawar Zalmi at The two sixes, and Imad smashed three fours momentum, Moeen Ali’s double-blow in 33, hitting fi ve fours and three sixes. in Lahore yesterday. (AFP) National Cricket Stadium in Karachi yesterday. (AFP)

WELLINGTON TEST ICC WOMEN’S T20 WORLD CUP India stun Australia Jamieson walks tall in opening clash with dream debut as NZ on top on Day 1 ‘HE WAS GETTING A LOT OF BOUNCE, ESPECIALLY SINCE THE WICKET WAS SOFT’

India’s Poonam Yadav (second left) celebrates with teammates after taking the wicket of Australia’s Ellyse Perry during the opening match of the women’s T20 World Cup at the Sydney Showground yesterday. (AFP)

AFP West Indies and a developing Sydney Sri Lanka team in the short format. But they slumped to defeat eg-spinner Poonam against major rivals India and Yadav bowled India to England this month, before an upset 17-run win rallying to win their warm-up over defending cham- tri-series. Lpions Australia in the opening Australia won the toss at game of the women’s Twen- a near-full Sydney Show- ty20 World Cup in Sydney grounds and elected to bowl. yesterday. It looked a dubious decision India were restricted to 132 as exciting 16-year-old opener for four off their 20 overs be- Shafali Verma powered India fore a half-century from Aus- to 40 without loss after four tralian opener Alyssa Healy overs. But the wheels came off appeared to have the home with three quick wickets fall- team on track for victory. ing as the momentum shifted. But then Yadav was brought Verma made batting look into the attack. easy as she plundered four Voted India’s top female fours off the world’s top T20 player last year, she bagged the bowler Megan Schutt in a sin- crucial wickets of Healy, Rach- gle over. ael Haynes and Ellyse Perry, But Jess Jonassen then and was desperately unlucky pounced, nabbing Smriti not to grab a hat-trick in her Mandhana lbw for 10 before match-winning 4-19. Perry tempted Verma into “It is a great relief to win, another big hit and she was I’m really happy for my girls,” caught at midwicket for 29. said Indian skipper Harman- Kaur lasted just fi ve balls preet Kaur. before being as India “We knew this track is lost three wickets for six runs. something where we could do Jemimah Rodrigues and the well. If we could get to 140, we experienced Deepti Sharma thought the bowlers can do the steadied the ship with a 53- job. A bowler like Poonam is run stand but they could only someone who leads from the reach 132. New Zealand’s Kyle Jamieson (centre) appeals for a wicket during day one of the first Test against India at the Basin Reserve in Wellington yesterday. (Reuters) front,” she added. Australia made a steady It was a big win for India, start, putting on 30 runs in AFP was called in to the New Zealand squad one up, wide of off stump, which drew Scorecard with only the top two from the opening fi ve overs before Wellington as cover during Neil Wagner’s paternity Kohli forward and the ball was nicked to each of the two fi ve-team fast bowler Shikha Pandey re- leave. fi rst slip where Ross Taylor clasped the INDIA 1st innings groups making the knockout moved Beth Mooney. While not as quick as Wagner, the catch in his fi ngertips. P. Shaw b Southee 16 phase. A dangerous New Zea- Healy kept the pressure on he towering Kyle Jamieson had a 25-year-old used his height to extract Jamieson added to his wicket tally after land, along with Sri Lanka and with a fl urry of boundaries. M. Agarwal c Jamieson b Boult 34 dream Test debut for New Zea- extra bounce that troubled the Indian top lunch with another fuller that Bangladesh, are also in their She brought up her 10th land with three wickets, includ- order. Hanuma Vihari (seven) edged to wick- C. Pujara c Watling b Jamieson 11 group. half-century with a six off Ya- ing the prized scalp of , “It’s still trying to sink in. The last cou- etkeeper BJ Watling, and he showed his V. Kohli c Taylor b Jamieson 2 “They started off well and dav, who promptly got her out Twinning glowing praise from India on day ple of weeks have been surreal,” Jamieson safe hands to catch Agarwal for 34 after put us under the pump. At the next ball. A. Rahane not out 38 one of the fi rst Test in Wellington yester- said of his sudden rise, which began with the Indian opener top-edged Trent Boult halfway mark, 133 to chase, we Yadav then tempted Hay- day. his maiden appearance for New Zealand to long leg. H. Vihari c Watling b Jamieson 7 thought we were in a pretty nes down the pitch and she India were struggling at 122 for fi ve in a one-dayer against India this month. “My role is to try and make them play R. Pant not out 10 good place to win,” said Aus- was stumped before Perry was when rain swept in at tea to wash out the He described capturing the key wicket and get extra bounce as well, try and tralian captain Meg Lanning. bowled for a golden duck. fi nal session, after the 2.03m (6ft 8in) of Kohli, the world’s top-ranked batsman bring them forward,” Jamieson said. Extras (lb1, w3) 4 “Unfortunately we didn’t Yadav was on a hat-trick Jamieson had taken three for 38. for two as “massive”. “With my height I can aff ord to go a Total (five wickets; 55 overs) 155 quite execute with the bat to- and Jess Jonassen got an edge “The way he used the new ball was It continued a below-par tour of New fraction fuller, especially here as well day. There was a lack of part- only for wicketkeeper Tanya Fall of wickets: 1-16 (Shaw), 2-35 (Pujara), fantastic,” said India opener Mayank Zealand for the Indian captain whose top with the extra bounce. I try and make nerships through the middle Bhatia to fl uff the catch, de- 3-40 (Kohli), 4-88 (Agarwal), 5-101 (Vihari) Agarwal. score was 51 in the fi rst one-day inter- guys commit to play off the front foot and India bowled extremely priving her of glory. “He was getting a lot of bounce, espe- national, and fi ve times he has failed to then if it does swing or seam you’re a : Southee 14-4-27-1, Boult 14-2-44-1, well. We came into this match But she soon struck again to cially since the wicket was soft. He was reach 20. chance of bringing the edge in. de Grandhomme 11-5-12-0, Jamieson 14-2- as ready as we could have been snare Jonassen and Australia getting extra kick as well. “As a tall guy, it (the ball) comes from 38-3 (3w), Patel 2-2-0-0 but India outplayed us a little could fi nd no way back. “Credit to him that he bowled well STEEPER ANGLE a steeper angle. I’m not as quick as some to bowl fi rst with a green wicket and were bit.” with that height on this wicket, and the Jamieson removed Cheteshwar Pujara for of the other guys around the world but I rewarded early when Tim Southee re- Lanning’s team, four-time BRIEF SCORES areas and the consistency he bowled with 11 and then outsmarted Kohli in a nine- think my short ball is a weapon from the moved Prithvi Shaw for 16. World Cup winners, were rare- India 4 for 132 (Sharma 49*, Jo- was terrifi c.” Jamieson, who further re- ball burst before lunch. height I can bowl it. I try and use it as Ajinkya Rahane was unbeaten on 38 ly tested through the second nassen 2-24) beat Australia 115 paid the selectors’ faith with an excel- He kept the Indian skipper on the back much as I can as well as keeping it fuller.” when the rain set in with Rishabh Pant half of 2019 when they white- (Healy 51, Yadav 4-19, Pandey lent catch in the deep to remove Agarwal, foot for a few deliveries before pitching New Zealand won the toss and elected on 10. washed an injury-ravaged 3-14) by 17 runs. Gulf Times Saturday, February 22, 2020 3 FOOTBALL

LA LIGA Hazard return poses conundrum for Real AFP But Hazard’s comeback also thrived for Chelsea. Zidane even Madrid coincided with Madrid conced- tried a back three in pre-season Zidane supports Ramos’ Olympic dream ing twice in a league game for the but with little success. fi rst time since October, even if Zidane’s plans for City and Real Madrid coach Zinedine said he was excited by the pros- den Hazard’s return they did let in three in the Copa Barca will be particularly inter- Zidane has said he will back his pect of playing for Spain at the should prove timely del Rey against Real Sociedad esting given he has previously captain Sergio Ramos if he de- Games in Tokyo. ahead of a crucial week two weeks ago. viewed Gareth Bale as too much cides to represent Spain at the He said: “It’s a lovely idea, an for Real Madrid, but fi t- While he was out, the hope of a liability defensively against Olympic Games later this year, event that no-one could say no tingE him into the team may not was Hazard would add some at- elite opponents. after the defender was chosen to, but we’ll see what happens. be a simple task for Zinedine tacking fl air to Madrid’s steely Barcelona will warm up for in the preliminary squad for the I get emotional every time I put Zidane. Real play at Levante on defence but there are concerns the Clasico at home to Eibar to- tournament. Ramos, who turns on a Spain shirt.” Saturday at the start of an eight- their tightness could be compro- day before facing a trip to Napoli 34 next month, is set to captain Ramos has never been a sub- day period that continues at mised by his inclusion. in the Champions League three Spain at the European Champi- stitute since Zidane has been in home to Manchester City in the Madrid have surged to the days later. onship and has been playing for charge and the coach under- Champions League and fi nishes top of La Liga due to a 15-match Despite a turbulent few weeks Real Madrid at his usual relent- lined the defender’s importance against Barcelona at the Santia- unbeaten run founded on seven on and off the pitch, Quique less pace, starting 30 games to his side, also expressing his go Bernabeu. goals conceded, rather than an Setien’s team have managed to already this season. desire for the captain to renew Hazard made his fi rst appear- abundance of creativity up front. restrict Madrid’s lead at the top But Zidane said he is not his contract, which ends next ance since November 27 versus Hazard is an automatic pick to just one point and have three concerned about the potential year. Celta Vigo last weekend and im- and it is no coincidence his re- consecutive victories in the knock-on eff ects of Ramos play- “Sergio is our captain, our pressed, winning a penalty in the turn to the side comes just before league. Eibar sit 16th, their last ing two major international tour- leader, our reference point and second half and off ering hope the last-16 fi rst leg against City win coming against Atletico Ma- naments after another gruelling he plays better from the start, he can regain sharpness quicker and then the Clasico. drid last month. campaign with Real, who hope it’s not in anyone’s interest for than when he returned from in- Yet Zidane will have to fi nd a to challenge for the Spanish title him to be on the bench,” Zidane jury in September. balance. He appeared to settle Fixtures (times GMT) and the Champions League. added. “He is very important “We’re happy to have him on Hazard’s best position being Today: Celta Vigo v Leganes “Of course he should go if he for every player in the team. It back for what did during his in a front two behind Karim Ben- (1200), Barcelona v Eibar (1500), wants to, I will support him,” should be easy for him to get a 70 minutes - we know what he zema in October but Madrid’s Real Sociedad v Valencia (1730), Zidane told a news conference new contract, I always want him can give us,” said Zidane. “He success in the Belgian’s absence Levante v Real Madrid (2000) ahead of his side’s La Liga match in my team.” played longer than expected be- has been in a 4-3-3 or 4-5-1 for- away to Levante tomorrow. Real lead the standings by one cause after three months out, we mation. Tomorrow: Osasuna v Gra- “It’s very beautiful to play for point over Barcelona after see- didn’t want to go overboard. “We’ve played with three nada (1100), Alaves v Athletic your country and especially for ing their advantage at the top “He brought a lot of attacking up front all our lives, it doesn’t Bilbao (1300), Real Valladolid v a player like him who has done trimmed by last week’s surprise intent, especially for the second weaken us,” said Zidane. Espanyol (1500), Getafe v Sevilla Real Madrid’s Belgian forward Eden Hazard (left) challenges Celta what he has done in his career.” 2-2 draw at home to struggling goal, so we’re delighted to have In that system, Hazard could (1730), Atletico Madrid v Villar- Vigo’s Colombian defender Jeison Murillo during their La Liga match Speaking in October, Ramos Celta Vigo. him with us again.” be played off the left, where he real2000) at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid last Sunday. (AFP)

EUROPA LEAGUE FOCUS Solskjaer puts faith in Martial aft er Hagi stars while Rashford setback

AFP to secure Champions League Bruges, Belgium qualifi cation. “He’s confi dent in front of goal now,” Solskjaer said of Martial, who also scored anchester United a superb header in the 2-0 away Jota and Kamada manager Ole Gunnar defeat of Chelsea in the Premier Solskjaer is backing League on Monday. Anthony Martial to “That was a 1980s centre-for- Mdeliver his most prolifi c season ward goal. I’m encouraged as the French striker takes on the by his attitude this season as role of the club’s primary goal- well, wanting to do those things scorer following a potentially that are not natural for him. season-ending injury to Marcus You’ve got to make him a number hit hat-tricks Rashford. nine again after playing wide Martial scored the equaliser for so many years. Anthony and Lacazette gives Arsenal 1-0 win at Olympiakos, United held at Brugge as United earned a 1-1 draw at Marcus have played wide for a Club Brugge in the fi rst leg of few years until the last 12 months their Europa League last 32 tie really.” on Thursday, upping his goals Martial almost added a second tally for the campaign to 14 in all before half-time in sodden con- competitions. ditions in Bruges with a curling The 24-year-old is three shy 20-yard strike that Simon Mig- of his best return from his debut nolet tipped on to the post, but campaign with United in 2015- it wasn’t until the late introduc- 16, when he became the most tion of January signing Bruno expensive teenager in world Fernandes that United really football after arriving from Mo- took control. “He made a diff er- naco for an initial fee of £36 ence in the 10 or 15 minutes he million ($46.5 million). “I think played,” said Solskjaer. Anthony can step up and get a “I didn’t really want to play few more and get to the 20 mark. him, but we had to settle down Defi nitely,” said Solskjaer. and create chances. We were “He’s got quality of course, close to winning and he’s done he’s a very good fi nisher. He takes something for everyone, com- his chances really well. There’s ing in. good technique in his fi nishing. “It’s important that we give He’s good receiving the ball at him time to settle in, but we times and dropping off . “He can needed to get more on the ball play almost like a false nine as and get more composed and well. Sometimes I’d like him to hopefully get the goal. He cre- be stronger physically.” ated some chances and showed Martial has often struggled to what he can do.” cope with the lofty expectations United again have just two at Old Traff ord, but Solskjaer’s days to recover ahead of the visit admission that Rashford could of Watford tomorrow, but they be sidelined until next season could be boosted by the return of with a back injury leaves the Scott McTominay, the Scottish Frenchman facing increased re- midfi elder out with a knee injury sponsibility as United attempt since late December.

Klopp writes to ‘cheeky’ Man Utd fan Rangers’ Ianis Hagi (centre) celebrates scoring their third goal against SC Braga durng their Europa League round of 32 first leg match in Glasgow. (Reuters) who wants Liverpool to lose AFP Ruben Neves hit a typically for Borussia Dortmund and minutes. “I think we’ve redis- against Belgian league leaders Paris spectacular volley and Wolves Manchester United, and Liver- covered ourselves, certainly Brugge. Jurgen Klopp has sent a letter “cheek” and chose to write crushed the club struggling at pool’s Takumi Minamino who from the second-half perform- Nigerian forward Emmanuel to a “cheeky” young Manches- back. “I cannot answer all the the bottom of La Liga. has so far also scored 11, all for ance,” Rangers manager Steven Dennis lobbed a stranded Sergio ter United fan explaining that letters... I get a lot,” said Klopp. iogo Jota of Wolves “We competed well and we Salzburg. Gerrard told BT Sport. Romero from 30 yards to give he can not grant his request “But it was nice, it was cheeky. and Daichi Kamada were clinical,” said Nuno Es- In Glasgow, Braga dominated “We showed unbeliev- Brugge the lead on 15 minutes at for Liverpool to lose matches We had time that day so I read of Eintracht Frankfurt pirito Santo, the Wolves coach. the fi rst hour and led with goals able character, we ran hard for a chilly, rainswept Jan Breydel- so they do not win the Premier the letter and I replied. hit hat-tricks, but the “For me, the organisation and by captain Fransergio and Abel each other, we were more com- stadion. League. “It’s a private thing, I get a letter, manD at the heart of the most another clean sheet is impor- Ruiz. pact, more organised, we had a Martial though hauled United With his side 22 points clear of I respond and the next day it’s remarkable Europa League dis- tant. You know my view that Hagi started the fi ghtback better shape and we were on the level before half-time with an Manchester City it would take in a newspaper. I don’t like that play on Thursday night had a everything starts from there.” in the 67th minute, cutting in front foot more in the second excellent run and fi nish after more than a few defeats to too much but it’s all fine. familiar name: Ianis Hagi, who In Frankfurt, Kamada, a from the right and shooting in half.” pouncing on a defensive lapse prevent Klopp’s unbeaten side “I have no problems with the inspired an unlikely Rangers 23-year-old Japanese midfi eld- off the post. Arsenal also struck late in from Brandon Mechele. from being crowned English supporters of other clubs. I fi ghtback. er, hit the fi rst after 12 minutes. His father Gheorghe, who Greece. In the 81st minute, “It was a diffi cult game champions for the first time think and hope and know it’s In the fi rst leg of the round- Two minutes before the break won the UEFA Cup, from which Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang against a well-organised team, since 1990. a free world so we can choose of-32, Wolves beat Espanyol he broke from the halfway line the Europa League evolved, chased a long ball and kept it under diffi cult conditions. I Daragh Curley, 10, from North- our club. I don’t think every- 4-0, Eintracht beat Salzburg to score a second. He added a with Galatasaray in 2000, cel- in play before passing inside to don’t think it was one of the ern Ireland, wrote to Klopp body has to be a Liverpool fan.” 4-1 and Rangers beat Braga 3-2 third with a header in the 53rd ebrated in the stands. Bukayo Saka. best games anyone has seen,” saying Liverpool were “winning In his reply to Daragh’s letter, at Ibrox. minute. then scored a re- The youngster hit a hard, low said United boss Ole Gunnar too many games”. Klopp praised the youngster’s Arsenal won 1-0 at Olympia- He then turned provider, markable second, weaving and cross which Alexandre Laca- Solskjaer. “If you win nine more games passion but explained Liverpool kos and, in early games, Man- starting the move which ended barging through the massed zette turned in from close range. “It was a bit sloppy in terms then you have the best un- could not drop points on his chester United drew 1-1 away to with Filip Kostic netting Frank- Braga defence and when he Olympiakos had seven strikes of concentration but conditions beaten run in English football,” behalf. “As much as you want Club Brugge and Celtic’s visit to furt’s fourth. fi nally burst clear, the Nige- on target to six by the Gunners with the pitch and ball makes it he said. “Being a United fan that Liverpool to lose, it is my job to Copenhagen fi nished with the Kamada has not scored in 17 rian international fi nished with but Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd hard. We got an away goal, we is very sad. “So the next time do everything that I can to help same score. Bundesliga games this season, composure. Leno stopped everything. got a draw and we’re at home Liverpool play, please make Liverpool to win as there are In a battle between two Eu- but Thursday’s hat-trick gave With eight minutes left, “It’s my job to make saves,” next week. Hopefully we can them lose. You should just let millions of people around the ropean heavyweights Bayer him six in the Europa League, Rangers won a free-kick. said the German. fi nish the job.” the other team score. I hope I world who want that to happen, Leverkusen held off Porto 2-1. all in his last three games and Hagi stepped up. His shot hit “At the end when you have a Elsewhere, Celtic keeper have convinced you to not win so I really do not want to let Jota, who hit three in the last scored over a span of 178 min- the wall and then arced slowly clean sheet, I’m happy. We won Fraser Forster saved a late Jens the league or any other match them down,” he said. pool game in November and utes. into the corner of the Braga net this game and we have the away Stage penalty in a 1-1 draw ever again.” “Luckily for you, we have lost had not scored since, struck the He becomes the third high- just out of reach of goalkeeper goal so we’re happy.” away to FC Copenhagen after The German boss, speaking at games in the past and we fi rst from close range, the sec- est Japanese scorer in Euro- Matheus. Anthony Martial struck a Odsonne Edouard’s opener was a press conference yesterday, will lose games in the future ond from a narrow angle and pean club competition behind Rangers had saved them- crucial away goal as Manches- negated by an eff ort from Sen- said he appreciated Daragh’s because that is football.” the third from outside the area. Shinji Kagawa, who scored 11 selves with three goals in 15 ter United came from behind egalese striker Dame N’Doye. Gulf Times 4 Saturday, February 22, 2020 SPORT

TENNIS CRICKET Agar hat-trick helps Australia Halep in top form outclass Proteas

Reuters October. Johannesburg Steve Smith top scored for the tourists with 45 from 32 balls on his return to South ustralia off -spinner Africa for the fi rst time since to set up Rybakina Ashton Agar took a the ‘Sandpapergate’ scandal career-best 5-24, in- of March 2018, after which cluding a hat-trick, he was banned for a year by asA they thrashed hosts South Cricket Australia along with Africa by a massive 107 runs David Warner. in the fi rst Interna- Opener Warner’s return was tional at The Wanderers yes- not as triumphant as he was terday. out second ball for four, but fi nal showdown After being sent in to bat, Smith and Finch (42 from 27 Australia amassed 196 for six balls) put on 80 for the second ‘IT’S FUN WHEN YOU FEEL THE BALL AND WHEN YOU CAN DO ANYTHING YOU WANT’ in their 20 overs as South Afri- wicket in only eight overs to ca struggled with their line and lay the platform for the im- length and missed a number of pressive score. catches in the fi eld in what was South Africa were in early a sloppy display. trouble when an excellent The home side were in early swinging delivery from Mitch- trouble in their reply when ell Starc uprooted the middle they lost mainstay Quinton de stump of De Kock, before Agar Kock in the fi rst over and it be- ripped through the home bat- came a precession after that as ting. Agar helped bowl the hosts out He had top-scorer Faf du for 89, a record low for South Plessis (24 from 22) caught on Africa. the boundary, before trapping The second fi xture in the Andile Phehlukwayo leg before three-game series will be wicket with the next delivery. played in Port Elizabeth to- The hat-trick was complete morrow, before the fi nale in when edged his fi rst Cape Town on Wednesday. ball to at slip. “We set the tone in the fi eld, It is the 12th hat-trick in took a couple of sharp chances Twenty20 internationals and and Ashton bowled really well. the second by an Australian It was an all-round good per- after Brett Lee against Bangla- formance,” Australia captain desh in 2007. Aaron Finch said at the post- “I’m not too sure what hap- match presentation. pened there. The energy was “The way we attacked the there but the skills weren’t crease and bowled a good ag- good enough tonight,” De Kock gressive length was really im- said. pressive.” It was a record loss for South BRIEF SCORES Africa in the shortest format Australia 196 for 6 (Smith 45, and comes eight months be- Shamsi 2-31, Steyn 2-31) beat fore the World Cup being be South Africa 89 (du Plessis 24, staged in Australia starting in Agar 5-24) by 108 runs.

Romania’s Simona Halep in action during her semi-final against Jennifer Brady of the US in Dubai Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina in action during her semi-final match against yesterday. (Reuters) Croatia’s Petra Martic in Dubai yesterday. (Reuters)

DPA the court easy,” explained the reached a remarkable fourth fi nal gressive if there is a chance, just last Sunday. Australia’s Ashton Agar celebrates taking the wicket of South Dubai 28-year-old Halep. this year after coming through fi ghting. It’s the best thing to do “I don’t know [how I’m fi nd- Africa’s Dale Steyn during the first T20 match at The Wanderers “I felt like every time I hit the a gruelling clash with number now.” ing the energy], I just want to Stadium in Johannesburg yesterday. (Reuters) ball I feel it. Yeah, it looks really, eight seed Petra Martic earlier. Rybakina fought back from 1-3 win. My coach, he helps me a lot. imona Halep enjoyed a really nice.” The 20-year-old Rybakina down in the opening set, and 1-4 I had nothing to lose this tourna- “fun” day on court yes- Brady was competing in her has made the fi nal in four of the down in the second, to claim a ment but Yeshaneh smashes half marathon world record terday as she produced a seventh match in as many days, fi ve tournaments she contested hard-fought 7-6 (7-5), 7-6 (7-2) today of course it’s tennis and near-fl awless perform- having battled through three so far in 2020 and will be bid- victory over Martic in two hours I wanted to win so much. Even Ethiopia’s Ababel Yeshaneh second, and her time was also Sance against Jennifer Brady to rounds of qualifying before her ding for a second title of the year and 12 minutes. when I was down 3-0, I wanted smashed the half marathon two seconds inside Jepko- reach her fi rst Dubai fi nal since main draw journey to the semi- when she takes on two-time ma- Martic held a set point in each to win this set.” world record by 20 seconds to sgei’s mark. Both Yeshaneh 2015. fi nals. jor champion Halep. set but couldn’t convert as the Rybakina now owns a tour- win the Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) and Kosgei were wearing a The Romanian top seed had to Halep saved the only two “It’s amazing what she’s done Russian-born Kazakh continues leading 19 victories this season, event in the United Arab Emir- version of Nike’s Vaporfly grind through two brutal three- break points she faced during the already this year. I saw her a lit- to prove she is the player to beat against just three losses, and ates yesterday. shoes, which have featured in setters en route to the semi- match and broke the Brady serve tle bit during some matches. But on the women’s tour at the mo- tops the ace leader board with Yeshaneh crossed the finish several other track and road fi nals but enjoyed a routine 6-2, fi ve times. I don’t have the feeling how she’s ment. 132 aces struck in 22 matches. line in one hour, four minutes records in the last three years. 6-0, 62-minute victory over the “I played the best match since playing because I think we never “It’s amazing, I just focused “Of course I didn’t even think and 31 seconds at the World Some earlier models of the 52nd-ranked Brady to set up a fi - I came here,” admitted Halep, played together,” said Halep of on every point because it was a about this. I had an unbelievable Athletics Gold Label road race, shoe were banned by World nal showdown with an in-form who this week is enjoying her Rybakina, who was ranked 192nd really tough match. She played year in 2019 and about this year, eclipsing the previous record Athletics last month, but the Elena Rybakina. 317th consecutive week inside this time last year and is now up really good, I just tried to do I was just trying to do maybe the of 1:04:51 set by Kenyan Joy- latest one launched by Nike “It’s fun when you feel the the top 10 — the 10th-longest to 19 in the world. my best,” said Rybakina, who is same, but I did even better and ciline Jepkosgei in Valencia in complies with the rules to ball and when you can do any- streak in WTA history. “She has a big serve. I have to making her tournament debut hopefully I can keep going like 2017. Marathon world record limit carbon plate usage and thing you want. Today it was Her reward is a fi rst career pay attention on my return and and arrived late in Dubai after this,” she added. holder Brigid Kosgei finished sole thickness for elite races. one of those days, I could open meeting against Rybakina, who to be like today: confi dent, ag- playing the fi nal in St Petersburg

MOTORSPORT Teams ready for testing at Qatar’s Losail circuit By Sports Reporter trol) fl ew the fl ag for at Sepang, ter test rider ’s impres- Doha ending the test less than a tenth off sive performance on Day 2 at Sepang, Quartararo. The Briton also took on a Pol Espargaro (Red Bull KTM Factory huge workload for Honda, on serious Racing) then bettered that laptime fter the Sepang Test and testing duty. With reigning Cham- before the end of the test and there Fabio Quartararo’s (Petro- pion Marc Marquez ( were a good few smiles in the pitbox. nas Yamaha SRT) full house Team) – now signed up with Honda Brad Binder’s (Red Bull KTM Factory of fastest laps across the for another four years – coming back Racing) progress will be something Athree days, it’s time to get suited and from shoulder surgery and his new to look out for too as he adjusts to the booted for another three-day Offi cial teammate a rookie in the form of Alex premier class, likewise Iker Lecuona Test – the second and fi nal, at Losail Marquez, Crutchlow had a long list of (Red Bull KTM Tech 3) as he begins International Circuit in Qatar. Will items to test. And both Repsol Honda his fi rst full season in MotoGP™. And Quartararo strike again? How will ad- Team Manager Alberto Puig and Marc Miguel Oliveira (Red Bull KTM Tech aptation to the tyres for 2020 aff ect Marquez raised a few questions about 3), so often impressive in 2019, is an- the likes of Ducati? Are we likely to how prepared they were – as rumours other coming back from injury – what see some more extreme aero innova- swirled about how ready the reign- does he have in the locker? tions as have often broken cover in the ing Champion himself was – so Qatar Arguably one of the biggest head- desert before? could be interesting. Takaaki Nak- line stealers at Sepang, however, were Yamaha certainly lead the battle agami (LCR Honda Idemitsu) will also . Straight out the box with their on the timesheets as it stands, thanks be keen to test his physical condition new V4 RS-GP, the Noale factory to Quartararo. But teammate Franco further as he comes back from injury. impressed. Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Morbidelli had some solid speed too, Suzuki, meanwhile, seemed posi- Racing Team Gresini) was so positive and Valentino Rossi (Monster En- tively brimming for much of the about it he got emotional. Although it ergy Yamaha MotoGP) was up there Sepang Test. And for good reason, as wasn’t a perfect start free of teething as Sepang came to a close. His team- both Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar) fairly satisfi ed with the improvements Jack Miller (Pramac Racing), mean- ond year, and Johann Zarco (Reale Av- problems, it was a big news within and mate Maverick Viñales, the man who and teammate Joan Mir showed seri- they made. The new tyres were some- while, was less guarded. The Austral- intia Racing) as he adapts to life on a without the garage – as was Espar- won the race in Malaysia last year, was ous speed on longer runs and single thing Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team) ian was fastest Ducati much of the Ducati, in his case a GP19. garo’s long run pace at Sepang. What not in terms of the timesheets – but laps. That caught the attention of and teammate Danilo Petrucci were time in Malaysia and Dovizioso said KTM continued their mammoth will we see from him and test rider he was also pretty positive and didn’t many up and down pitlane too – so focused on for a lot of the time – also both he and Miller ended the test conveyor belt of new things to try. A Bradley Smith in Qatar? Will the posi- go for that all-out time-attack lap. will we see that transfer into more running in tandem to gain more data. without doing a single lap time at- new chassis is one key change, and the tivity that begun at the shakedown Better top speed was something he speed in the desert? Dall’Igna also said there was more to tack on the softer tyre. So that could Austrian factory also brought some test keep that incredible momentum? pointed out, something high on the At Ducati, the feedback was more come from the Borgo Panigale factory be something to watch out for, as is interesting aero to Sepang – “ser- The action gets underway between Iwata marque’s agenda. cautious – as is often the case – but in Qatar, which is certainly something the progress of Francesco Bagnaia rated” edges on the back of the front 13:00-20:00 local time (GMT+3) to- Cal Crutchlow (LCR Honda Cas- Ducati Corse boss Luigi Dall’Igna was we’ve come to expect in recent years. (Pramac Racing) heading into his sec- fairing. Will there be more to see? Af- day, tomorrow and Monday. Gulf Times Saturday, February 22, 2020 5 SPORT

NBA ROUND-UP Irving to miss rest of Milwaukee Bucks NBA season rooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving will have surgery on his right shoulder and miss the remainder ofB the NBA season, the team said Thursday. Point guard Irving tried to play through a shoulder continue dominance impingement fi rst diagnosed in November, but eventually missed 26 games. In hoping to avoid surgery he received a cortisone injection on December 24 that allowed him to return to action on January 12. He played in nine games before of sputtering Pistons spraining his right knee in a game against the Washington Wizards on February 1. Speaking to reporters on Reigning league MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo finishes with 33 points and 16 rebounds February 4 he said he would consider surgery if his shoulder AFP continued to trouble him. Irving Los Angeles NBA RESULTS was averaging 27.4 points, 5.2 rebounds and 6.4 assists per Philadelphia 112 Brooklyn 104 game this season. At 25-28 the he Milwaukee Bucks, who Golden State 105 Houston 135 Nets are seventh in the Eastern have the NBA’s best record, Conference, two games ahead Atlanta 129 Miami 124 continued their drive to of the Orlando Magic occupying clinch home-court advan- Sacramento 129 Memphis 125 the eighth and fi nal playoff spot. Ttage in the playoff s with a 126-106 Chicago 93 Charlotte 103 win over the struggling Detroit Pis- Detroit 106 Milwaukee 126 BAGLEY OUT FOR tons on Thursday. Reigning league THREE MORE WEEKS MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo Sacramento Kings forward Mar- fi nished with 33 points and 16 re- enter free agency following the vin Bagley III will miss at least bounds as the visiting Bucks dis- 2020-21 season. But Antetok- three more weeks due to issues posed of their Central Division ri- ounmpo addressed his future dur- with his sprained left foot, the vals for the 11th straight time. ing the recent all-star break, saying team announced. Khris Middleton tallied 28 points that he plans to remain in Milwau- The Kings said an update and eight rebounds for the Bucks, kee as long as the team is winning. involving Bagley’s progress will who have won 15 of their last 17 The hapless Pistons, who are be released in three weeks. games. “That was a really impres- 29 games behind the Bucks in the Bagley hasn’t played since sive fi rst half and I thought we did standings, were without Blake Jan. 20 due to the injury and he a lot of good things in the second Griffi n, who is out for the season recently aggravated the foot, ac- half, too,” Milwaukee coach Mike after having knee surgery. Detroit cording to NBC Sports Califor- Budenholzer said. “Our energy had is in a rebuilding mode after trad- nia. The Kings’ Thursday night been good the last two days, but ing away centre Andre Drummond home game against the Mem- that doesn’t always equate to good earlier this month and buying out phis Grizzlies marked the 12th play. There were a lot of positives guard Reggie Jackson. straight contest he has missed. for the fi rst game after the (all-star) The Pistons appear to have Bagley, 20, also injured the foot break.” packed it in for this season and are in a Dec. 26 contest against the They have beaten Detroit three doing a lot of experimenting with Minnesota Timberwolves and times this season after sweeping their rotations as they seem to set missed eight games. the Pistons in the opening round their sights on getting a high draft The second-year pro also of last year’s playoff s. Eric Bledsoe pick. “With a young team, it takes was sidelined for 22 games after had 19 points and six assists, and getting smacked upside the head a fracturing his right thumb in the Brook Lopez delivered 18 points few times to wake them up a little season opener. in the win in front of a crowd of bit,” Pistons coach Dwane Casey Bagley is averaging 14.2 points 20,300 at Little Caesars Arena. said. “Tonight showed everyone and 7.5 rebounds in just 13 games The Bucks will conclude the sea- how far we still have to go when it (six starts) this season. The Duke son series against Detroit on March comes to building our roster and product was selected second 23 at Milwaukee. Christian Wood developing our young players.” overall in the 2018 NBA Draft by led Detroit with 18 points and 11 re- Elsewhere, all-star Trae Young the Kings despite Luka Doncic bounds. Bruce Brown had 16 points exploded for a career high 50 points being on the board. and 10 rebounds, Derrick Rose as the Atlanta Hawks closed the and Langston Galloway scored 12 game with a 10-0 run to defeat the CLIPPERS SIGN points apiece for the Pistons, who Miami Heat 129-124. Young’s bril- VETERAN G JACKSON lost their fi fth straight game. liant performance came in his fi rst The Los Angeles Clippers signed The Bucks led 70-41 at halftime game back after making his NBA free agent guard Reggie Jackson, as Antetokounmpo powered the all-star debut in Chicago. the team announced. Terms of off ence with 19 points, 12 rebounds Young made 18 of 19 free throws the deal were not divulged by and three assists. Antetokounmpo and eight of 15 three-pointers to the team. had 10 points and eight rebounds establish the personal best score. Jackson, 29, averaged 14.9 during the fi rst eight minutes, and Bam Adebayo, who won the skills points, 5.1 assists and 2.9 the Bucks led 32-18 at the end of competition at the all-star game, rebounds in 14 games (10 the fi rst quarter. had 28 points and a season-high 19 starts) with the Detroit Pistons Antetokounmpo was back in ac- rebounds for Miami, who lost their this season before agreeing tion against the Pistons after miss- fi fth game in the last six. Kevin to a contract buyout. He was ing the last two Bucks’ games be- Huerter and De’Andre Hunter completing the fi nal season of a cause of the birth of his fi rst child. each scored 17 points for Atlanta. fi ve-year, $80mn contract with The way this season plays out could Young made two free throws late in the Pistons. have long-term implications on the game to help seal the win after Jackson started Detroit’s fi nal the team. teammate Cam Reddish stole the six games before the All-Star He’ll be eligible for a contract ball from Goran Dragic to put At- break and had three 20-point Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks scores against Detroit Pistons during the NBA game in Detroit, Michigan. (AFP) extension this summer and could lanta up 126-124. performances in that span.

NHL NFL OWNERS APPROVE NEW Scheifele’s hat-trick boosts Jets past Senators CBA, AWAIT PLAYERS Los Angeles: After months of have a system in place and Reuters negotiating, representatives know the rules that they will Ottawa, Ontario NHL RESULTS for the NFL owners and players operate under by next week, union appear to have an agree- the membership also approved Philadelphia 4 Columbus 3 ment in place for a new col- moving forward under the ark Scheifele broke a 12-game New Jersey 2 San Jose 1 lective bargaining agreement, final year of the 2011 CBA if the scoring drought with a three- Toronto 4 Pittsburgh 0 with a vote by the players on players decide not to approve goal night, leading the Win- ratification apparently the only the negotiated terms. Out of nipeg Jets to a 5-1 win over Montreal 4 Washington 3 hurdle remaining for the new respect for the process and our Mthe host Ottawa Senators on Thursday. Winnipeg 5 Ottawa 1 CBA to be approved. partners at the NFLPA, we will The Jets got a good start to an Eastern ST. Louis 1 Arizona 0 The NFL on Thursday have no further comment at road swing of four games in six days, afternoon released a statement this time.” stopping the Senators’ mini win streak at Las Vegas 5 Tampa Bay 3 indicating that the owners have The vote among owners was two games. Los Angeles 5 Florida 4 approved the terms of the pro- not unanimous. Three-fourths Winnipeg earned its third consecutive posed CBA, agreed to by nego- of the owners had to approve victory. Kyle Connor had a goal and an two key trades this week. tiators for the NFL and NFLPA. for the CBA to be ratified. Ac- assist for Winnipeg, Nikolaj Ehlers also Aleksander Barkov scored two goals According to multiple reports, cording to reports Wednesday, scored, and Scheifele added an assist. and Jonathan Huberdeau delivered a ca- players and their representa- both sides agreed to expand Laurent Brossoit made 29 saves for reer-best four-point game for the Pan- tives will hold a conference call the playoff s to seven teams the win. Nick Paul scored, and Marcus thers, who are now 2-1 at the start of a key to discuss the agreed-to terms. from each conference, up from Hogberg stopped 29 shots for Ottawa. fi ve-game West Coast trip that has come The call could result in a six, and to give only one team The Senators, having just shipped de- on the heels of a 2-6-1 record immedi- vote on approval among the 32 from each conference a bye in fenseman Dylan DeMelo to the Jets, sat ately after the All-Star break. player representatives, accord- the wild-card round, down from Vladislav Namestnikov, a sure sign the Florida started the trip with victories ing to the reports. According to two teams. 27-year-old forward will be traded in the Winnipeg Jets’ Mark Scheifele (left) skates with the puck in front of Ottawa Senators’ at San Jose and Anaheim, defeating the reports, if a two-thirds majority The biggest question next couple of days. Center Jean-Gabriel Jean-Gabriel Pageau during the NHL game. (USA TODAY Sports) Ducks 4-1 on Wednesday. approves, the proposal would remaining is the potential ad- Pageau is also rumored to be fuel in a po- Vilardi, the 11th overall pick in the then go to all of the players dition of a 17th regular-season tential Senators fi re sale before the NHL fi rst period. A little more than a minute shot through traffi c. The puck bounced 2017 draft by the Kings, scored 6.8 sec- for a final vote. Only a simple game. According to multiple trade deadline on Monday. later, the Jets were back on the power off the leg of Senators defender Andreas onds into his fi rst career shift early in the majority would be required at reports, the proposed CBA After ringing two shots off the post play when Jayce Hawryluk got called for Englund and into the net. opening period. that vote. allows the league the option early in the game, the Senators took a 1-0 high-sticking. Jets blueliner Neal Pionk The quick debut goal was nearly 10 “The membership voted to expand the regular season lead just past the midway point of the took a shot from the point, and Scheifele KINGS HAND PANTHERS seconds faster than Gus Bodnar for the today to accept the negoti- to 17 games at some point in fi rst period. Colin White won a faceoff was waiting in front of the Senators’ net FIRST LOSS OF ROAD TRIP 1943 Toronto Maple Leafs. ated terms on the principal the next four seasons, but no in the Jets’ end and dished the puck over to knock it down and fool Hogberg for a Gabriel Vilardi arrived with some fl air, Vilardi added an assist from behind the elements of a new Collec- sooner than 2021. to Paul, who skated unchecked through 2-1 lead. scoring the fastest goal of a debut in NHL goal on a second-period score from Frk tive Bargaining Agreement,” The proposed changes also the slot and lifted a wrister over Bros- The Jets kept pounding at the Sena- history and adding an assist as the Los that gave the Kings a brief 4-3 lead. read the owners’ statement, include increasing the players’ soit’s trapper. Then the Senators ran into tors in the second period with a goal Angeles Kings earned a 5-4 victory on Los Angeles traded defenseman Alec released following a meeting of share of total revenue, relaxing penalty trouble, and the Jets capitalized. each from Connor (at 4:52) and Ehlers (at Thursday over the visiting Florida Pan- Martinez and forward Tyler Toff oli amid all 32 owners in New York. off season workout rules, bump- Chris Tierney was whistled for hooking 5:54).Connor’s goal was his 30th of the thers. Ben Hutton scored the go-ahead a season when they are 22-34-5 and last “The Players Association ing up the performance-bonus DeMelo, and Scheifele got his fi rst oppor- season, marking the third straight year goal at 12:45 of the third period as the in the Western Conference. would also need to vote to ap- pool, and limiting teams to tunity. Connor’s shot was stick-checked the 23-year-old from Michigan hit the Kings won for the third time in their last Moore, from nearby Thousand Oaks, prove the same terms for there using only one of the franchise by Nikita Zaitsev, and the puck bounced milestone. Scheifele waited until late in four games. Drew Doughty, Trevor Moore became just the second California native to be a new agreement. Since or transition tag on impending onto Scheifele’s stick. the third to bag his hat-trick goal. With and Martin Frk also scored goals for the to score a home goal for the Kings after the clubs and players need to free agents each off season. Scheifele tied the game at 16:35 of the just a minute and a half left, he wired a Kings, whose rebuild is under way after Noah Clarke in 2007. Gulf Times 6 Saturday, February 22, 2020 SPORT

GOLF ROUND-UP Stanley leads at McIlroy grabs lead Puerto Rico Open Emiliano Grillo (ARG), Chris AFP Couch, Henrik Norlander (SWE), Miami Rhein Gibson (AUS) 67 — Martin Laird (SCO), Jay yle Stanley, looking McLuen, Scott Brown, MJ Daff ue for his fi rst PGA Tour (RSA), Wes Roach, Julian Etulain title since 2017, fi red (ARG) at WGC Mexico an eight-under par 64 Kon Thursday to take a two-shot 68 — Robby Shelton, Ted Potter, fi rst-round lead in the Puerto Kiradech Aphibarnrat (THA), Rico Open. Stanley posted a ca- Viktor Hovland (DEN), Jhonattan reer-high nine birdies, hitting all Vegas (VEN), Mark Anderson 18 greens in regulation and drop- ping his only shot of the day at REED DECLINES the eighth. TO RESPOND TO KOEPKA Championship He birdied the fi rst three holes CRITICISM — and four of the fi rst fi ve — on Patrick Reed displayed a single- the par-72 Coco Beach Golf and minded focus, putting a rules Bubba Watson and Justin Thomas were two shots back on four-under 67 Country Cub course. He added controversy that seemingly will another four birdies in a row never die out of his mind long AFP from the ninth through the 12th enough to shoot two-under-par Mexico City and picked up one last birdie at 69 in the opening round at the 15. It was a welcome turnaround WGC-Mexico Championship on for Stanley, winner of the 2012 Thursday. ory McIlroy started strong in his Phoenix Open and 2017 Quicken Reed is still being reminded of bid to complete his WGC trophy Loans National who has made the incident for which he received collection, fi ring a six-under par just four cuts in 11 starts so far in a two-stroke penalty for improv- 65 on Thursday for a two-shot the 2019-2020 season. ing his lie in a sandy waste area at leadR in the Mexico Championship. The “To be honest, I really haven’t December’s World Challenge in Northern Ireland star eagled his second been playing that well the past the Bahamas. World number two hole of the day at Club de Golf Chapulte- month or so,” Stanley said. “I Brooks Koepka weighed in earlier pec, the par-fi ve 11th. really struggled with my ball- this week when asked whether he He closed with back-to-back birdies striking last week in LA, but felt thought Reed had been cheating. to break free atop a crowded leaderboard like I putted pretty well. Just “Yeah, I don’t know what he with two-time Masters champion Bubba tried to clean up a few things was doing, building sand castles Watson and 2017 PGA Championship in my swing and continue with in the sand,” Koepka said. “You winner Justin Thomas two shots back on some good putting prep leading know where your club is. I took four-under 67. into today.” three months off and I can prom- It was a further stroke back to South Af- A victory in Puerto Rico — a ise you I know if I touch sand. If rican Louis Oosthuizen, Canadian Corey tournament played opposite the you look at the video, obviously Conners and Americans Billy Horschel elite World Golf Championships he grazes the sand twice and then and Bryson DeChambeau. “I took advan- Mexico Championship — would he still chops down on it.” tage of how I drove the ball,” McIlroy said. see him secure his US PGA Tour Reed declined to respond to “I made one bogey, I misjudged the lie on card for another two seasons. Koepka’s comments. “I’ve said the fourth hole there, but apart from that Half a dozen players shared sec- what I have to say about what just a really solid round of golf.” ond on 66: Argentina’s Emiliano happened in the Bahamas, and at McIlroy, number one in the world again Grillo, Sweden’s Henrik Nor- the end of the day, all I’m trying for the fi rst time since 2015, is coming off lander, Australian Rhein Gibson to do is go out and play good golf a tie for fi fth at the Genesis Open at Rivi- and Americans Josh Teater and and trying to win a golf champi- era in Los Angeles — where he shared the Peter Uihlein. onship and hopefully run Rory 54-hole lead but couldn’t match eventual down,” said the 2018 Masters winner Adam Scott in the fi nal round. LEADING SCORES champion. He was referring to He said the Chapultepec greens were (USA unless noted, par-72) leader Rory McIlroy, who shot 65 a little softer than those at Riviera, and for the fi rst-round lead in Mexico a return to his old, 34-inch putter had 64 — Kyle Stanley City. Koepka is not playing in the him feeling more comfortable after he 66 — Peter Uihlein, Josh Teater, event. experimented with a 35-inch fl at stick in California. “Sometimes my right arm position could get a little high,” he said, explaining the 35-inch putter let his right elbow “tuck in” better. “But on right to left putts, it just felt as if the putter felt a little too long,” he said. Rory McIlroy plays a shot on the 14th hole during the first round of the WGC Mexico Championship. (USA TODAY Sports) With his “old faithful” back in the bag, McIlroy rolled in a 10-footer at the ninth the lead after 36, didn’t end up winning,” “You can go so low, but, man, if you’re 68 — Louis Oosthuizen (RSA), Billy to cap his round. He’d drained a 27-footer McIlroy said. “Last year, fi nished second. not playing well you can shoot over par Horschel, Corey Conners (CAN), Bryson at the sixth and a 15-footer at the eighth I like the place, like the golf course. I’ve in a heartbeat. It’s pretty tough to manage DeChambeau to move atop the leaderboard. McIlroy always played well at altitude. Hopefully your score.” 69 — Tyrrell Hatton (ENG), Paul Casey won the WGC-HSBC Championship in this year I can go one better.” That was evident in the fi ve-over round (ENG), Patrick Reed, Im Sung-jae (KOR), Lee Shanghai for the fi rst time in November, Watson said that with altitude aff ecting by defending champ Johnson. Scott, Westwood (ENG), Hideki Matsuyama (JPN) and a victory on Sunday would see him ball fl ight, the winds that kicked up in the whose Riviera triumph last week followed 70 — Abraham Ancer (MEX), Tommy complete the “grand slam” of the elite se- afternoon were especially bothersome. his Australian PGA Championship win in Fleetwood (ENG), Gary Woodland, Bernd ries which also includes the WGC Match “The elevation already messes with your December, was three-over after 18 holes. Wiesberger (AUT), Erik van Rooyen (RSA) Play — which he won in 2015 — and the head and what you’re thinking,” he said. WGC Invitational — which he won at “And then you’re talking about the wind, LEADING FIRST-ROUND SCORES 71 — Lucas Glover, Rafa Cabrera Bello (ESP), Pablo Larrazabal (ESP), Branden Firestone in 2014. you’re always second-guessing yourself.” USA unless noted, par-71): The only player to have won all four is Thomas, who like Watson had fi ve Grace (RSA), Chez Reavie, Zach Murray Dustin Johnson, who relegated McIlroy birdies and one bogey in his round, ech- 65 — Rory McIlroy (NIR) (AUS), Justin Harding (RSA), Sebastian to second at Chapultepec last year. “The oed that sentiment. “I’ve never played 67 — Bubba Watson, Justin Thomas Munoz (COL), Kevin Na, Matthias Schwab Kyle Stanley tees off during the first round of the Puerto Rico Open at fi rst year we came here in ’17, I think I had this place with this kind of wind,” he said. (AUT) Coco Beach Golf and Country Club in Rio Grande. (AFP)

Cap-heavy Wales seek to RUGBY derail rejuvenated French Daly at fullback, Joseph on wing for England Cardiff , United Kingdom: And Wales have won eight Wales have opted for experi- of the last nine games between Reuters ence in their bid to derail Six the two sides. But games Bagshot, England England’s head coach Eddie Nations table toppers France between the two nations are Jones smiles during a press and stay alive in the tourna- classically close aff airs: most conference in Bagshot, Britain ment. Wayne Pivac, who took recently, Wales beat France in ngland coach Eddie Jones has yesterday. (Reuters) over from Warren Gatland as the World Cup quarter-finals restored as fullback Wales head coach after the 20-19, helped by the red card- for tomorrow’s Six Nations game Rugby World Cup in Japan, has ing of lock Sebastien Vahaama- against Ireland, when Jonathan JosephE will play on the wing, Ben Youngs picked a team boasting a Six hina. Nations record of 859 caps. “If you look at the fixtures will start at scrumhalf and Manu Tuilagi France counterpart Fabien in last couple of years, they’ve returns at outside centre. Galthie, who was brought in been close aff airs,” Pivac said, George Furbank played his fi rst two as an assistant for the World noting France’s opening two tests against France and Scotland at Cup before taking over from wins. “They come full of confi- fullback but Jones is expected to con- Jacques Brunel full time, has in- dence.” fi rm later on Friday that he is unavailable stead given youth its head in a For Wales, 42-0 winners over through injury. Usually a centre, Joseph team bristling with newcomers Italy but beaten 24-14 by the will be winning his 50th cap but making looking to shed French rugby’s Irish, Pivac said it was a ques- his fi rst test start on the wing. recent woes. tion of “wanting to get back A few months ago Jones was spoilt for That team has so far per- out there and righting some choice with his back three options but formed well, producing one of of the wrongs from the Ireland a succession of injuries, particularly to the best French performances game”. “It’s a very, very big test Anthony Watson, Jack Nowell and now in many a year in a 24-17 open- for both teams,” the Kiwi said. Furbank, means Daly moves back to the ing win over World Cup finalists “For us it’s to keep us alive position he occupied for the previous two England. There followed a in the championships and for years, having established himself on the comprehensive 35-22 victory France it’s their first game wing. over Italy, albeit punctuated by away. Certainly from our point Jonny May, England’s most impressive periods when the French team of view, it’s to keep ourselves receiver of the high kicks Ireland are ex- took their foot off the pedal. alive and we’re looking for a pected to rain down on Sunday, continues One thing is sure: they are very big performance.” on the right wing. Youngs started on the heeding the philosophy of Pivac added: “Hopefully that bench at Murrayfi eld but swaps places rugby league legend Shaun Ed- experience will come through with Willi Heinz. Itoje (Saracens, 36 caps) 5 George Kruis wards, Gatland’s defence guru for us and it’ll test some of the Tuilagi suff ered a groin injury early in Ireland, who have won their opening their emotion on the weekend.” (Saracens, 43 caps) 6 Courtney Lawes in his successful 12-year tenure, inexperienced players in their the defeat to France but has been passed two Six Nations matches, lost their last (Northampton Saints, 83 caps) 7 Sam but now plying his trade for Les side with any luck.” fi t and will start outside captain Owen two games against England — having won ENGLAND TEAM TO FACE IRELAND Underhill (Bath Rugby, 17 caps) 8 Tom Bleus. With Wales looking to France team manager Farrell, with George Ford retaining the the previous two. “Ireland are a very good 15 Elliot Daly (Saracens, 41 caps) 14 Curry (Sale Sharks, 21 caps) fl yhalf shirt. Henry Slade, who has not team, extremely well-coached. They are a incorporate more of a running Raphael Ibanez acknowledged Jonny May (Leicester Tigers, 54 caps) 13 played since December because of an an- team we respect a lot,” Jones said. Replacements: 16 Luke Cowan-Dickie game to better chime in with that there was a yawning Manu Tuilagi (Leicester Tigers, 41 caps) their own Edwards-inspired gap between the two sides in kle injury, is on the bench. “They will bring their usual physicality (Exeter Chiefs, 22 caps) 17 Ellis Genge 12 (Saracens, 81 caps) C 11 defence, it makes for a mouth- experience. “You just have to Courtney Lawes is named at blindside and under Andy Farrell they’ve opened up (Leicester Tigers, 16 caps) 18 Will Stuart Jonathan Joseph (Bath Rugby, 49 caps) watering prospect. find that balance between the fl anker with Sam Underhill at openside their game a little bit. They are a tactically (Bath Rugby, 1 cap) 19 Joe Launchbury 10 George Ford (Leicester Tigers, 67 France have a terrible recent emotional, the strategic, the and Tom Curry continuing at number smart team. (Wasps, 63 caps) 20 Charlie Ewels (Bath record at Cardiff , however, tactical parts to off er the play- eight. With absent for “Murray and Sexton, who have played caps) 9 Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers, 97 Rugby, 13 caps) 21 Ben Earl (Saracens, 1 having last won in the Welsh ers the best conditions,” the family reasons, Joe Marler starts at loose- 170 tests between them, at nine and 10 caps) 1 Joe Marler (Harlequins, 69 caps) 2 cap) 22 Willi Heinz (Gloucester Rugby, 11 capital in 2010. ex-France hooker said. head prop. Jones has again opted for six will manage the game well. We’ve got to (Saracens, 47 caps) 3 Kyle caps) 23 Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs, 27 forwards on the bench. make sure we match their physicality and Sinckler (Harlequins, 33 caps) 4 Maro caps) Gulf Times Saturday, February 22, 2020 7 SPORT

MOTORSPORT AL KASS INTERNATIONAL CUP Skillful Surag stars as Aspire Academy Manateq Qatar hold off Zenit

By Sports Reporter player of the year Akram Afi f, Doha who played for Aspire at the 2013 edition of Al Kass Cup before go- ing on to win the Asian Cup with osts Aspire Acad- Qatar in 2019. Cross-Country Rally emy will face Glasgow Zenit pulled one back on 61 Rangers to decide fi fth minutes when Akim Belokhonov place in the Al Kass In- fi red in a powerful left-foot free- ternationalH Cup after overcom- kick and Igor Kozlov equalised ing a determined challenge from on 10 minutes later when tuck- FC Zenit. ing his shot beyond Amir Katoul. Aspire, beaten by Inter Milan In between the Zenit goals, in the quarter-fi nals, stormed Surag rounded the keeper only to start at Souq Waqif into a 2-0 lead inside 10 min- for Evgenii Tonetvitskii to head utes, but were pegged back to 2-2 his shot off the line. ‘It’s great to be a part of this team for the first time’ before sealing victory with two Aspire went back in front with late goals. Player of the Match a rather fortunate goal on 77 By Sports Reporter Mohamed Surag was heavily minutes when Surag found Mo- Lusail involved for Aspire and crossed bark Hamza and Koledin chal- for Yousef Elkhatib to score after lenged only for the ball to hit just four minutes. Six minutes Hamza’s shin before going in. he Manateq Qatar later, Surag was brought down Jassem Alsharshani sealed Cross-Country Rally by Iuri Koledin and picked him- victory with a superb curling (MQCCR) gets under- self up to score from the spot. shot in the 89th minute. Zenit, way at Souq Waqif in Surag was a constant threat who have conceded at least four Tdowntown Doha today evening. to the Zenit defence and the way goals in every match, will take The opening round of the FIA he frequently ran at players was on Kashiwa Reysol for seventh World Cup for Cross-Country in the mould of current Asian place. Rallies has attracted 33 teams and competitors from 17 na- tions, all preparing to tackle 1,444.99 competitive kilome- tres over fi ve days across the varied terrain of the challenging Qatar desert. A trio of Toyota Hiluxes, run on the event by the Bel- gian Overdrive Racing team, will start as favourites to claim outright victory and their case was strengthened by last week’s announcement that the 2018 event winner Jakub ‘Kuba’ Prz- ygonski had joined the line-up alongside defending champion Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah and Yazeed al-Rajhi. Aspire Academy’s Mohamed Surag was adjudged MVP. Poland’s Przygonski is a former enduro rider who switched to racing on four FOCUS wheels and achieved consider- able success with the X-raid team, culminating in the FIA World Cup title with a MINI in Rangers are spot on 2018. The Orlen Team driver has left nothing to chance in the build up to the event and as they defeat followed up a day of testing on Thursday with a short test ses- Defending champion Qatar’s Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah. sion with his team-mates on Kashiwa on penalties Friday. Al-Attiyah arrived at the Qatari driver Mohamed al- the Qatar National Rally Cham- is making his fi rst appearance in drivers and Italy’s Camelia service park after taking part in Meer is also competing in the pionship with Arif Yousef Mo- Qatar with new navigator Gus- Liparoti will join forces with an By Sports Reporter on his chest before unleashing an international skeet shooting T1 section with his powerful hamed in a Subaru Impreza in tavo Gugelmin in a new South armada of local teams and eight Doha a stunning dipping half-volley competition. Chevrolet Buggy and will now 2012. Racing Can-Am Maverick X3. crews taking part in the FIA from long range. Al-Attiyah said: “This is an be partnered by the experienced After sitting in his Can-Am The 24-year-old said: “Obvi- event that are also eligible for Kashiwa, the 2018 runners- important rally for me in Qatar. Russian co-driver Alexey Kuz- in the service park, the former ously I have not seen too much National Baja points. ack McConnell pulled up, pulled one back on 50 min- It is the fi rst round of the cross- mich. Hungarian driver Balazs winning co-driver in two yet, but I noticed that the stones Manateq – Economic Zones off two dramatic saves as utes when Connor Allan’s poor country after a good result in the Szalay (Opel), Khalid al-Feraihi rounds of the FIA Middle East are the same colour as the piste. Company is the title sponsor for 2019 Al Kass International pass was punished by Shoma Dakar. After this, we will decide (Nissan) and local driver Abdul- Rally Championship, said: “It’s That will be a little bit chal- the third successive season. Es- Cup champions Rangers Kurita who drove into the box our programme. No changes on lah al-Rabban (Jeep) round off great to be back. I chose a T3 lenging. It looks very nice. I’m tablished in 2011, the company edgedJ out Kashiwa Reysol in a and fi red across Jack McConnell the car, but we sent it to South the T1 contenders. because it is a very competi- excited to go driving. The plan is positioned as a vital compo- penalty shootout. into the net. Africa after the Dakar for a full The T3 category has attracted tive category and I will be able is to tackle all fi ve events in the nent in achieving the economic Bidding for a place in the The Japanese side then took rebuild and now we can use it an impressive 12 teams to chal- to judge my pace against a few FIA World Cup, so we need to be development goals of the Qatar fi fth/sixth place play-off , Rang- the match to penalties with a for a complete season. It will be lenge for precious FIA World drivers. It is eight years since I careful here. A win or a top three National Vision 2030, through ers won the penalty shoot-out 94th minute equaliser when interesting and it is also nice to Cup points. FN Speed has competed, so I don’t know what would be nice though. Gustavo providing premium infrastruc- 4-3 but they really should have Takumu Nakamura’s shot was see Kuba in the team.” teamed up with the QMMF to to expect. I will see how I per- and I have never ridden together ture within strategic economic clinched it in normal time. The saved by McConnell but Kurita “It’s great to be a part of this run four Can-Am Maverick X3s form to see whether I carry on before, but we have known each zones to promote the logistics Glasgow side were 2-0 up but pounced to grab his second of team for the fi rst time,” added for Ahmed al-Kuwari, Mubarak in T3 or whether I go back to the other for two years. He’s a good and industrial sectors in Qatar. were stunned when Kashiwa the match. Przygonski, who is partnered al-Hajri, Rashid al-Mohannadi special stages.” guy.” Today morning, cars will levelled with the last kick of the Kurita and Kai Adachi missed by German navigator Timo and Mohammed al-Harqan, Former FIA T2 World Cham- Russian driver Aleksey need to pass rigorous FIA scru- match. Rangers took the lead on during the shoot-out, as did Gottschalk. “I had a good test while Extreme Plus will manage pion Adel Abdulla starts his Shmotov has entered a Snag tineering checks before they are 24 minutes when Zak McKay hit Francis Jacobs for Rangers, but session yesterday and settled in a pair of Polaris RZR 1000Rs for 2020 rallying campaign in a Racing Can-Am and he and permitted to start. Several lead- the post and Leyton Dunlop had Kristian Webster clinched vic- the car well. It felt comfortable, Equador’s Gonzalo Guayasamin G-Force T3GF built by the Rus- Saleh al-Saif round off the im- ing drivers will then attend the the easiest of tap-ins. They dou- tory for the Scots. maybe even a bit lighter than and Qatar’s Khalid al-Mohan- sian team and Overdrive Racing pressive T3 fi eld. offi cial pre-event press confer- bled their advantage on 42 min- Rangers skipper Charlie my former car. But, as for the nadi with his French navigator is running a pair of new proto- A strong line-up will also ence on the podium in Souq utes when McKay netted one of Lindsay, the leading scorer in performance, it is diffi cult to Sébastien Delaunay. type OT3 by Overdrive T3s for tackle three rounds of the Man- Waqif from 19.45hrs, before the most spectacular goals of the the tournament with fi ve goals, tell, especially when you test on Al-Hajri has enjoyed a long Dutchman Kees Koolen and ateq Qatar National Baja, be- the ceremonial start takes cen- competition. failed to add to his tally but did your own and cannot compare career as both a co-driver and a defending FIA World Cup Baja ing held in conjunction with tre stage in front of hundreds Toi Ohashi blocked Adedire win the player of the match with anyone. I guess we will see driver but has not driven com- champion Fedor Vorobyev. days one, three and fi ve of the of spectators and the television Mebude’s shot and the ball came award for the third time in four when the race starts.” petitively since taking part in American racer Austin Jones FIA event. A quartet of Kuwaiti cameras from 20.30hrs. out to McKay, who collected it matches.

FOOTBALL Own goal gives Sailiya 1-0 win over QSC By Sports Reporter Abdenasser Elkhayati. Doha After Mbodji narrowly headed Al Khor and Al Rayyan share points aft er 1-1 draw over the bar in the 74th minute and Qatar SC’s Kayke Rodriguez Al Khor and Al Rayyan were their challenge. At the other l Sailiya defeated Qatar hit his shot against the right up- locked in a 1-1 draw in Week end, Tiago, Ahmed Hammou- SC 1-0, courtesy of an right, the breakthrough came 15 of the 2019-20 QNB Stars dan and January recruit Lucca own goal by Elmehdi for Al Sailiya. Ilyas headed a League at the Al Khor Sta- Borges led Al Khor’s charge. Barrahma in the 84th free-kick by Mbark Boussoufa dium yesterday. Tiago Bezerra After a barren first half, Tiago minute,A as they moved to 20 goalwards and Barrahma acci- scored for Al Khor in the 55th put Al Khor ahead as he cashed points in the QNB Stars League dentally nodded the ball into his minute, while Yohan Boli netted in a faulty clearance by rival yesterday. Qatar SC remained on own net as he attempted to clear Al Rayyan’s goal in the 68th goalkeeper Fahad Younis by 16 points. the ball. The result was a blow minute. shooting into the goal with a It was Al Sailiya’s sixth vic- to Qatar SC, who had remained Al Rayyan moved to 32 points, bicycle kick. tory, whereas Qatar SC crashed unbeaten ever since the start of but they dropped two crucial Al Khor could have doubled the to their seventh defeat. Posses- second leg of the tournament. points that will have a strong lead soon after that, but Ham- sion was almost even in the fi rst Meanwhile, Al Sailiya heaved bearing on their final position moudan hit against the post half, where both teams had their a sigh of relief as they were on a as they are strong title contend- after rounding the goalkeeper. chances. Ali Jasemi sending a losing streak in the second leg. ers along with leaders Al Duhail Boli then pulled one back for Al powerful angular shot against They had also lost their 2020 and reigning champions Al Rayyan with a header. the bar was the closest occasion AFC Champions League play-off Sadd. Al Rayyan’s Dame Traore Al Sailiya came to scoring. to Iran’s Shahr Kodro, thus fail- For Al Khor, it was a valuable received his marching orders Qatar SC’s Eisa Ahmed hit ing to book a berth in the tourna- point in their bid to survive in deep into stoppage time after wide and Sardor Rashidov’s ment proper. Al Sailiya had beat- the top flight. They are now on being booked for a second shot was collected by goalkeeper en Qatar SC by a similar margin 11 points. time. Khalifa Aboobacker before the Al in the fi rst leg of 2019-20 QNB Al Rayyan had 69 per cent pos- It was the second time in suc- Sailiya goal had a close call when Stars League. session of the ball and forced cessive weeks that Al Khor and defender Serigne Mbodji delayed 13 corner kicks as against Al Al Rayyan were facing off as clearing the ball. Action got hot- Khor’s two, to underline their the latter beat the former in the ter as the game wore on. domination. Ooredoo Cup quarterfinals in Al Sailiya striker Abdulqadir Action from the QNB Stars Yacine Brahimi, Rodrigo Tabata sudden death. Ilyas came off the bench after League match between Al and Abdulaziz Hatem pulled the Al Rayyan had beaten Al Khor an injury layoff . The Peregrines Sailiya (in white) and Qatar SC The Lions’ strings from the mid- 2-0 in the first leg of 2019-20 brought in Meshaal Qassim as (in black) yesterday. dle as Yohan Boli spearheaded QNB Stars League. well, while Qatar SC introduced PICTURE: Othman Khalid

Saturday, February 22, 2020 GULF TIMES SPORT

QATAR TOTAL OPEN HH THE AMIR SWORD EQUESTRIAN CHAMPIONSHIP Sabitov trumps Women ready for local aces to win Big Tour title

By Sports Reporter with Special Edition, followed Doha by seasoned Jessica Waldon in Lusso del Castegno Aldon. rocking week of tennis The Dressage Level 2 was yrgyzstan’s Kamil won by Faris Saad al-Qahtani World No 1 Ashleigh Barty leads seven of the top-10 players in Premier 5 event Sabitov spoiled the with Lauries. The duo secured home party as he 70.652 points to fi nish ahead won the Big Tour ti- of Iris Nijober and Rose Alsu- tleK at the HH The Amir Sword laimi. The fi nal podium place in Equestrian championship yes- the event went to Abdulaziz Ali terday. At the Qatar Eques- al-Qahtani and Levante RH II. trian Federation’s outdoor arena, Sabitov and his vet- RESULTS eran 14-year-old grey gelding Big Tour | Table A, One round Quintendro cruised to victory against the clock, Art. 238.2.1 with ease. | 135/145cm The pair stormed to the fi n- 1. Kamil Sabitov. Horse: Quin- ish line in just 71.69 seconds tendro, Time: 71.69 seconds. to top the 145cm class. Sabi- Prize money: QR11,000 tov’s victory, which earned him 2. Mohamed Sultan al-Suwaidi. QR11,000, meant two Qatari Happy Feet, 76.50 secs. riders has to settle for second QR8,000 and third spot. Mohamed Sul- 3. Hamad Nasser al-Qadi. S I E tan al-Suwaidi came second C Lonnie. 80.66 secs. QR6,000 with eight-year-old bay Happy Medium Tour | Table A, One Feet after they took 76.50 secs round against the clock, Art. to complete their round. The 238.2.1 | 120/135cm | Prize experienced Hamad Nasser Money QR30,000 al-Qadi fi nished third with his 1. Ghanim Nasser al-Qadi. trusted veteran bay SIEC Lon- Horse: Dilandra. Time:64.08 nie in 80.66 secs, The marquee secs, Prize money: QR7,500 event of the championship will 2. Mohamed Saeed Haidan. be held today, with the winner Quick Step. 72.66 secs. walking home with the pres- QR6,000 tigious Amir Sword and also a 3. Shiekh Abdulla Bin Nasser luxury Lexus car. al-Thani. Dollar Van de Zuutho- Earlier, the Medium Tour ti- eve. 75.27 secs. QR4,500 tle was won by Ghanim Nasser Small Tour Table A, One al-Qadi astride 12-year-old round against the clock, Art. Dilandra. The pair were in their 238.2.1 | 100/120 cm league of won as they scorched 1. Ali Mohamed al-Maari. (L to R): Tennis players Karolina Muchova and Marketa Vondrousova (both of Czech Republic), Sorana Cirstea (Romania) and Ons Jabeur (Tunisia) pose after the draw ceremony of the 135cm class in just 64.08 Horse: Fernhill Friendly Touch. the Qatar Total Open yesterday. PICTURES: Jayan Orma seconds. The rest of the fi eld Time:57.96 secs. Prize money: had a hard time catching up QR5,000 By Sports Reporter and will face either Caroline with al-Qadi and Dilandra, 2. Mohamed Jabor al-Naimi. Doha Garcia or a qualifi er in her fi rst with the runner-up combina- Born to Joy, 63.61secs. match, while Kvitova, the No 8 tion of Mohamed Saeed Haidan QR4,000 seed and 2018 champion, could and Quick Step fi nishing well 3. Saeed Hamad Jumaa. et ready for a thrill- face either 2016 winner Carla behind in 72.66 secs. Shiekh Jalieny Diamnat Z.65.29secs. ing rollercoaster ride – Suárez Navarro or Zhang Shuai in Abdulla Bin Nasser al-Thani QR3,000 grunts, shrieks and plen- her fi rst match. was a further three second be- Dressage Level 1, Elementary ty of drama thrown in. 2016 runner-up Jelena Ostap- hind for a third place with Dol- | Prize Money QR20,000 GIt’s that time of the year again enko also features in this section, lar Van de Zuuthoeve. 1. Maryam Ahmed Alsemaitt. when the women are ready to and will face a qualifi er in her fi rst Meanwhile, Ali Mohamed Horse: Rhythm. Points: 71.875. rock the Khalifa International match. al-Maari took the Small Tour Prize money: QR5,500 Tennis and Squash Complex. A pair of opening round class with Fernhill Friendly 2. Michelle Grimes. Special Edi- A little over a month after Rus- matches in Doha are rematches Touch in a time of 57.96 secs. tion 19. 71.375. QR4,500 sian Andre Rublev won the Exx- from this week in Dubai, as No.10 It was comfortable win for 3. Jessica Waldon. Lusso onMobil Qatar Open title, the seed Petra Martic faces Barbora the pair as Mohamed Jabor del Castegno Aldon. 68.125. world’s leading women players Strycova and No 16 seed and de- al-Naimi and Born to Joy took QR3,500 have assembled in Doha for the fending champion Elise Mertens 63.61secs fi nish in second Dressage Level 2, Prelim | Qatar Total Open. faces Wang Qiang for the second place. Saeed Hamad Jumaa was Prize Money QR10,000 Boasting a total purse of near- week running. third with Jalieny Diamnat Z in 1. Faris Saad al-Qahtani. Horse: ly $3mn, it’s the fi rst Premier 5 Mertens, who captured her big- 65.29 secs. Lauries. Points: 70.652 secs. event of the season and one of the gest career singles title last year in In the Dressage compe- QR3,300 most prestigious outside the four Qatar, could be slated for a match titions, the level 1 title was 2. Iris Nijober. Rose Alsulaimi. Grand Slams. against No 4 seed Bencic and oth- bagged by Maryam Ahmed 69.783. QR2,650 As many as seven players in the ers against either No 5 seed Svi- Alsemaitt with Rhythm. 3. Abdulaziz Ali al-Qahtani, top-10 have confi rmed their par- tolina or No 9 seed and doubles Michelle Grimes was second Levante RH II, 69.130, QR1,800 ticipation, led by none other than partner Aryna Sabalenka later in Ashleigh Barty, who chose tennis the draw should the seeds hold. over cricket and has not regretted Qatar Tennis, Squash and Badminton Federation General-Secretary Tariq Zainal (left) and Tournament Rounding out the bottom half of it one bit. At 23, she is already the Director Saad al-Mohannadi at the draw yesterday. the draw is the quarter anchored World No 1 with career earnings by No 2 seed Halep, who was run- in the range of $17mn. It’s some- en. Serena Williams is the top semifi nal defeat to Sofi a Kenin on was also named a playing cap- ner-up to Mertens last year. thing she would have perhaps earner among women with al- home soil at the Australian Open. tain for the Kazakh Fed Cup team Into the fi nal this week in Du- not made in a full career playing most $93mn won in prizemoney Having pulled out of the Dubai earlier this month. Also in the top bai against Rybakina, Halep will cricket. alone, but a defeat still hurts her. Duty Free Tennis championships quarter is another Kazakh, the face either Anett Kontaveit or But although money is a great She could easily walk away after this week due to a foot injury, the red-hot No.14 seed Elena Ry- Anastasija Sevastova in her fi rst motivator, it’s not everything, as losing a match smiling, think- Aussie gets a bye in the opening bakina, who will face Sorana Cir- match, while No 7 seed Bertens, most leading tennis players will ing of all the cash she has in the round and could face another stea in her opening match. returning after taking a week off tell you all the time. Beyond a bank. But she doesn’t. For her, player making a diff erent sort of Rybakina reached her fourth following her win in at the St. point, it’s their legacy that mat- the sport is all about winning, all comeback in the second round. fi nal in fi ve tournaments played Petersburg Ladies’ Trophy, will ters. Few would remember how about emotion, sometimes too Barty with face either Alison van by a win over Petra Marticc on face either Karolina Muchova or many millions Nadal and Federer raw for everybody’s comfort. Uytvanck or Yaroslava Shvedova, Friday in Dubai, and could get an recent Hua Hin champion Magda made in the careers, but many Williams is not playing in with the latter playing her fi rst Australian Open rematch against Linette up fi rst. would be able to recall some of Doha, where Barty, the reigning singles event in over two years. Barty in the round of 16. The action in the main draw their most sensational match- French Open champion, is seed- After giving birth to twins in Karolina Pliskova of the Czech gets underway tomorrow. ups, their struggles and the ed fi rst. The top eight seeds have 2018, Shvedova played her fi rst Republic, the No 3 seed, anchors Top 8 seeds: Ashleigh Barty, tears of joy they shed when they been given fi rst round byes in the WTA-level event last week in Du- a quarter of the draw that fea- Simona Halep, Karolina Pliskova, emerged victorious after a gladi- 64-player draw where things bai in doubles with Darija Jurak, tures three former champions at Belinda Bencic, Elina Svitolina, atorial contest. can get tricky. Barty returns to losing to Lyudmyla and Nadiia the event. Sofi a Kenin, Kiki Bertens and The same goes for the wom- the tour for the fi rst time since a Kichenok in the fi rst round, and Pliskova won the event in 2017, Petra Kvitova.

GOLF/ QATAR OPEN AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP Qatar Equestrian Federation (QEF) General-Secretary Badr al-Darwish (front) with Big Tour winner Kamil Sabitov (centre), Mohamed Sultan al-Suwaidi (left) and Hamad Nasser al-Qadi dur- ing the HH The Amir Sword Equestrian championship at the Qatar Thompson in lead aft er 2nd round Equestrian Federation’s outdoor arena yesterday.

By Sport Reporter direction. Same sort of golf but par-fi ve 10th. Doha it was about staying patient, hit- Meanwhile Craig, son of fa- ting good golf shots,” Thompson mous Major winner and two- told Gulf Times. time Commercial Bank Qatar ngland’s Brandon Rob- Talking about the conditions, Masters winner Paul Lawrie, inson Thompson soared the Briton said, “The course played carded a fi ve-over 77 to share the into a two-stroke sec- a little tricky. Me and my caddy 29th spot with Oman’s Azzan al- ond-round lead with a talked about it but in the end it Rumhi and Paul Maisey, who had three-underE par 69 at the Qatar was a great score today on a lot of a 78 each today. Open Amateur Championship holes. We stuck to our gameplan In the amateur section, over- yesterday. and made a lot of good strokes. We night leader Tom Santa of France At Doha Golf Club, Thompson got three birdies on the last three started with a double bogey, but got off to a slow start with a bo- holes, which made it a good day. somehow maintained his posi- gey on the second hole, but fi n- Hopefully it will be much better on tion with three birdies at gross ished in style with three straight the concluding day.” 74. birdies on the 16th, 17th and 18th Thirty two-year-old Easton Qatar’s Saleh al-Kaabi and Ali holes. also posted a fi ne bogey-free al-Shahrani have got the wild- With his fi ne eff orts, the round with a fi ve-under par 137 card for Commercial Bank Qatar 27-year-old moved atop the Pro for the second spot. Masters. Leaderboard, two clear of South Overnight leader Marcel Siem This is the third time profes- African Bryce Easton as 50 play- could not maintain the pace and sionals are participating in the ers made the cut, including two slid down the leaderboard to tournament with the organising Qataris — Ali al-Shahrani and joint fourth. The German, who committee awarding the best 2017 runner-up Saleh al-Kaabi. started the day with a two-shot three results from the profes- “It’s been a wonderful day out lead over Thompson, posted sionals a spot in the Commercial on the course. I played pretty a four-over 76 that put him at Bank Qatar Masters, which has much the same, like day one; four-under par 140. He opened moved across the Qatari capi- England’s Brandon Robinson Thompson in action during second maybe made a couple of more with a bogey on a par fi ve hole tal from Doha Golf Club for the Asian Equestrian Federation and QEF President Hamad round of the Qatar Open at the Doha Golf Club yesterday. putts on the fi rst day but it was and carded four more. He picked fi rst time in its 23-year history to Abdurahman al-Attiyah (front left) with the top three finishers of PICTURE: Jayaram a little bit easier with the wind is lone birdie of the day on the Education City Golf Club. the Dressage Level l Competition.