CCRICKETRICKET | Page 7 South Africa seek to bounce back aft er Perera heroics

Wednesday, February 20, 2019 FOOTBALL Jumada II 15, 1440 AH Atletico Madrid GULF TIMES meet Juventus in a clash of high stakes SPORT Page 2

FOOTBALL Al Rayyan seal Champions Rayyan’s newly-signed striker Rivas scores a brace in The Lions’ 3-1 victory over Saipa; three second half goals League spot by Zobahan halt Al Gharafa’s progress

Al Rayyan players celebrate their victory over Iran’s Saipa during their AFC Champions League group stage match yesterday.

from the home side, Ali Daei’s selves as some shocking defend- downfall as Amir Motahari rose men defended well and relied on ing allowed Zobahan to complete above Lucas Mendes to head counter-attacks and set-pieces a historic comeback win. Ghara- home Zobahan’s equaliser from as they looked to upset Rayyan. fa broke the deadlock halfway Mohamed Reza Hosseini’s pin- Samuel Sarfo came close for through the opening period after point cross in the 63rd minute. Saipa with a header nine minutes midfi elder Abdelaziz Hatim chest- The Iranian side completed their into the second half and Moein ed down a long pass and set up miraculous comeback in the 79th Abbasian wasn’t any luckier, fellow Qatar international Ahmed minute through Mohammed Ne- fl uffi ng his lines from close range Alaaeldin, who fi red fi rst time with jad Mehdi. in the 64th minute. his left into the top corner for the Al Gharafa’s defence failed The Iranian defence fi nally hosts’ fi rst of the game. to deal with the aerial chal- Al Rayyan’s Gelmin Rivas (left) in action against Saipa during their AFC Champions League group stage match at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium in broke under the pressure, and it Alaaeldin turned from scorer lenge once more and Osaguona’s Doha yesterday. PICTURES: Noushad Thekkayil was again Tabata’s magical touch to provider in the 36th minute, headed pass found its way to Me- that created the opportunity for laying off the ball to Mehdi hdi who drilled on the half-volley By Sports Reporter before Gharafa shockingly let his football journey in Qatar so tested goalkeeper Hossein Ak- Al Rayyan. The former Qatari in- Taremi, who slid home from the to round off a famous victory. Doha Zobahan off the hook as the Ira- far for Rivas, who in his debut barmonadi from distance, but the ternational sent a long ball from edge of the penalty box to double Zobahan retreated for the fi nal nian side scored three times in match for his new club scored Saipa custodian was alert to the a set-piece that was guided ex- the Qatari side’s lead before the 10 minutes and formed a com- the second half. two goals and set up another danger. Borges then nearly found pertly by Sebastian Soria’s head- break. pact unit, denying Al Gharafa any l Rayyan joined Al Du- Rayyan, however, fi nished against Al Arabi in the QNB Stars the back of the net, but his header er to turn the table in favour of Whatever it was that coach clear opportunities. hail and Al Sadd as strongly against Iran’s Saipa as two League last week, from Rodrigo Tabata’s set-piece the home team with one minute Alireza Mansourian said at The hosts resorted to long- the third Qatari team last-minute goals gave them a 3-1 It wasn’t a bright start for cannoned off the crossbar and to go. the break, it worked wonders range shots, but in the absence in the AFC Champi- victory at Jassim bin Hamad Stadi- Rayyan though, as the home fans into the hands of Akbarmonadi. Saipa threw bodies forward as as Zobahan returned from the of the injured Wesley Sneijder Aons League group stage, but Al um. In the group stage, Al Rayyan were left stunned after Saipa Rivas marked his continental they looked to grab a late equal- dressing room a completely dif- it was down to Hatim to try to Gharafa threw away two-goal are drawn with two-time cham- took lead inside four minutes. debut for Rayyan with a goal. The iser, but spaces opened at the ferent side. rescue his side, but the Qatari advantage in the play-off tie to pions Al Ittihad of Saudi as well as Mohamedreza Soleiman nodded Venezuelan, formerly of Al Hilal back allowing Al Rayyan to strike Within two minutes of the re- international was unable to rep- bow out of the competition with UAE’s Al Wahda and Uzbekistan’s the ball on to the path of Arman and Al Ittihad, received Tabata’s again. Rivas doubled his tally and start, the visitors had pulled one licate his 2019 AFC Asian Cup a 2-3 loss yesterday. PFC Lokomotiv in Group B. Ramezani, who capitalised on a pass inside the box and stuck on confi rmed his side’s progress into back. Nigerian striker Christian heroics which saw him score two For a large part, it looked like Rayyan’s newly-signed striker defensive mix-up to stab home the half-volley. His 27th minute the group stage after curling in Osaguona powered in a header long-range drives. Zobahan join all the four giants of Qatar foot- Gelmin Rivas was the standout the opener. shot hit the upright on its way from Koh Myong-jin’s intelligent past the helpless Youssef Has- Al Wasl from the UAE, Al Zawraa ball would play in the continen- player as the Venezuelan struck Rayyan attempted to bounce into the back of the net. pass. san to half the defi cit. Aerial from Iraq as well as Saudi Ara- tal club championship this year, twice. It’s been a dream start to back quickly, but Lucca Borges Despite sustained pressure Gharafa will be blaming them- balls proved to be Al Gharafa’s bia’s Al Nassr.

MOTORCYCLING Tests at Losail circuit up next for MotoGP caravan fter three days of test- as well as comparing new data in acceleration. and past Ducati, traditionally the ing at Sepang, it’s over with their fi ndings from the very Aerodynamics, formerly win- masters of aero innovation, we to Losail International diff erent venue of Sepang. glets, now ‘aero fairings’, is an- saw plenty of diff erent options Circuit for those last Among the things to look out other key component that teams up and down pitlane. Achanges before the season begins for are engines. must make a fi nal decision on “There are always positives at the Qatar circuit from March Teams without concessions during the Qatar Test. and negatives,” said Vinales of 8-10, 2019. now include Team Suzuki Ecstar This year it’s a simple choice aero, and the Qatar Test is the From the February 23-25, Mo- after their stellar 2018. of two fairings for the year, one last chance for teams to decide toGP will make its fi rst visit of From the start of the season, of which must be decided upon which positives outweigh which the year to Losail International factories aren’t able to make before the season begins, the negatives. Circuit for the second and fi nal changes and the very same Su- other mid-way through, and Another man who will fi nally preseason test of 2019, two weeks zuki showed in 2017 how a slight neither of which can be changed be able to continue his own adap- before the season-opener. misstep can wreak havoc on the once homologated. And this time tation in Qatar is Jorge Lorenzo. Track activity for the Qatar season as a whole. around, they also have to fi t in a After breaking his scaphoid and Test will be from 4pm to 10pm Ducati and Honda also seem specially designed homologa- being forced to miss the Sepang with free entrance to the Grand- happy after Sepang, the latter tion unit that judges the legality Test, the fi ve-time world cham- stand for all the spectators, while trying two specs. Yamaha, after a of the fairing – if it doesn’t fi t, it pion will be able to get back on fans with Grand Prix of Qatar more diffi cult couple of seasons, doesn’t race. his new Repsol Honda machine tickets will also have the chance also saw plenty of positive com- At Sepang, Danilo Petrucci at Losail, and continue getting to enter the paddock during the ments about the engine coming (Mission Winnow Ducati Team) up to speed. So as well as the fi nal test. from Maverick Vinales (Monster and Jack Miller (Alma Pramac adjustments to the machinery, After the fi rst outing in Malay- Energy Yamaha MotoGP) in Ma- Racing) crashed on their diff er- he’s sure to be a key talking point sia, teams now have to make their laysia. They’ve had one to work ent aero fairings they were trying of the Qatar Test come struggle fi nal preparations for the year on with and no direct choice in 2019 so they’ll want to get a little more or shine, as will new teammate In this March 18, 2018, picture, Ducati’s Andrea Dovizioso (right), Repsol Honda’s Marc Marquez (left) and everything from aero to engines, per se, but the Spaniard specifi - track time under their belts in Marc Marquez after surgery on Monster Yamaha Tech 3’s Johann Zarco ride around the Losail International Circuit during the MotoGP race and they’ll be trying new things cally pointed out improvements Qatar before decisions are made, his shoulder. at Grand Prix of Qatar. Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, February 20, 2019 FOOTBALL

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Peace at last between Mourinho Atletico meet Juve in and Wenger Monaco: Arsene Wenger received the Laureus Lifetime Achievement award on Mon- day night but it was the glow- ing tribute from the unlikeliest of sources Jose Mourinho that caught the eye. The 69-year- a clash of high stakes old Wenger won the award on the back of his revolutionising English football especially in the first part of his over two It’s like a final, we cannot put a foot wrong: Atletico boss Diego Simeone decades in charge of Arsenal. The veteran former Gun- AFP ners boss and Mourinho Madrid clashed often on and off the touchline. However, Mour- inho — sacked by Manchester assimiliano Allegri told Ju- United in December, paid ventus not to be afraid of handsome tribute to Wenger Atletico Madrid but for one via a video. of these teams their worst The volatile Portuguese, Mfears in this season’s Champions League who had two spells at Chelsea are about to become a reality. Crashing and then the turbulent one at out in the last 16 would be unthinkable United, acknowledged there for two clubs that were among the fa- had been moments when they vourites when the draw for the knock- had been at odds with each out stages was made in December. other. “Those that have ambition are not “There were some episodes afraid,” Allegri said, after his side were along the road,” said Mour- drawn to play Atletico, with the fi rst leg inho. “I can only speak by today at the Wanda Metropolitano. “It’s myself. I really enjoyed the like a fi nal, we cannot put a foot wrong,” competition. But the real Atletico boss Diego Simeone said. respect is always there. He Juventus and Atletico Madrid have (Wenger) made lots of history reached 12 European Cup fi nals be- in that football club. One of tween them, with last season’s game in the best football managers in Kiev the fi rst in fi ve years in which nei- the history of football.” ther had featured. Atletico went on to Wenger, who was virtu- win the Europa League instead, proving ally unknown but proved an themselves too strong for Europe’s sec- inspirational choice by then ond-tier competition, while Juventus Arsenal vice-chairman David were dumped out by eventual winners Dein when he was hired in Real Madrid, undone by a controversial 1996, accrued among other Cristiano Ronaldo penalty in the 98th trophies three Premier League minute. titles and lifted the FA Cup It was Ronaldo’s 10th goal in seven seven times. games against Juventus, having scored However, perhaps his great- twice in the fi rst leg and twice in the est achievement was the title fi nal in 2017 too. Juve beat Real in the winning side of the 2003/04 semi-fi nals two years earlier but even campaign who went through then, Ronaldo managed a goal in each the league season unbeaten. leg. There was understandable re- “The nickname is there — the lief, as well as joy, when the Portugese Invincibles,” said Mourinho. switched sides last summer and now, “Amazing. A coaching philoso- there is belief. Ronaldo has not fi nished phy, the almost perfect team.” in single fi gures for goals in the Cham- Wenger, who has been pions league since 2011. As Lionel Messi linked with several jobs since said: “They already had a good team and leaving Arsenal at the end now they have Cristiano Ronaldo.” Juventus’ Cristiano Ronaldo (centre) and Paulo Dybala (right) talk to their teammates at the Wanda Metropolitan stadium in Madrid yesterday, ahead of their UEFA of last season including the But with anticipation comes pres- Champions League round of 16 first leg match against Atletico Madrid. (AFP) director of football post at sure. Juventus are on course to win an Paris Saint-Germain, admit- eighth consecutive Scudetto but this be very diffi cult,” he added. city they both call their own. “Of course are some that believe a ceiling has been sults waver, questions about Simeone’s ted he had been taken aback is the one trophy they crave. Miss out Atletico’s own record signing last we are inspired by playing a fi nal in our reached. They are out of the Copa del style also invariably follow. “It is a style when he watched the video at again and it will be 23 years since they summer, Thomas Lemar, was not even own stadium, in our own city, in front of Rey and seven points behind Barcelona I like, it makes us win,” Antoine Griez- the awards ceremony. “That last lifted Europe’s premier prize, this born when Gianluca Vialli hoisted the our own fans,” Simeone said. “But it is in La Liga, where back-to-back defeats mann said. is a very good question,” he time with its most prolifi c player ever trophy in 1996 for the Italians but ex- pointless only to imagine it. The reality earlier this month failed to capitalise on Winning a trophy on their own patch replied as to what was the among their ranks. pectation weighs heavy on them too. will be what we deserve,” he added. a rare Catalan dip. would be even better. “It’s an extra mo- biggest surprise the award or “We have to be wary of Atletico,” Al- Atleti have the chance to play a fi nal at Simeone extended his contract as Summer signings are yet to fully fi re tivation for us and for the fans. The road Mourinho praising him. “It was legri said. “And we have to fi nd the right home this year, at the Wanda Metro- Atleti coach until 2022 last week and and there is scepticism about the Janu- to get there will be tough but we’ll give it a surprise yes. We had some moment to score. It’s crucial that we get politano, and not only snatch the cup while few can question the remarkable ary arrival of Alvaro Morata, not just our all,” World Cup winner Griezmann good fights at times.” a goal there, otherwise qualifi cation will away from rivals Real but do it in the progress made during his tenure, there because of his links to Real. When re- added.

SPOTLIGHT QNB STARS LEAGUE Guardiola relishes quadruple It will be tough against Rayyan: Al-Haydos l Sadd’s star striker Hassan al- How will the competition with Al Duhail quest as Man City face Schalke Haydos has been a prominent be in the next rounds? player in Qatar for many years. He The chase will continue until the last AFP recently captained Qatar to the round. We target winning all remaining AsianA Cup triumph. games as we march towards the title. Manchester, United Kingdom Al-Haydos has been playing a pivotal role for Al Sadd for long and contributed to The Do Al Sadd have the ability to win as s their Premier League Wolves’ big victory over Al Khor in the QNB you did in the fi rst leg, especially after title rivals Liverpool Stars League last week. Ahead of Al Sadd’s Al Rayyan strengthened the squad in the sunned themselves in high-voltage match against Al Rayyan this January transfer window? Marbella last week, Saturday. Al-Haydous spoke to QSL Online Each match has its own circumstances. ManchesterA City were getting in an exclusive interview. Excerpts: What’s the impact of winning the Asian We’ve to be in our best form to win and col- muddy in Newport on Saturday Cup on Al Sadd players? lect all three points. to keep alive the prospect of a How do you see your game against Al It made a great impact on the players and historic clean sweep of four tro- Rayyan in Qatar Clasico? also boosted our confi dence greatly. I hope Will the weight of expectations force you phies. City’s focus switches from It’s a tough game for both teams, espe- to use this confi dence to win all titles. to lose points in the upcoming matches? south Wales to Schalke today cially since it’s coming when Qatar football All our players are fully focused in order for the fi rst leg of their Cham- is on a high after the Asian Cup triumph. Do you think winning the Asian Cup may to win. Our main target against Al Rayyan pions League last 16 tie before a At Al Sadd, we know the game’s impor- help you achieve your targets at home? is victory to stay at the top. My message to Wembley fi nal against Chelsea tance. It’s about three points, which will Our target from the very beginning of the teammates and young players after winning on Sunday for the right to lift the help us maintain the fi rst position in the ta- season is to regain the league title and we’ll the Asian Cup is they must continue to work fi rst silverware of the season in ble. strive for it with all our strength. with seriousness and concentration. the League Cup. A decade into the club’s Abu Dhabi ownership, the impor- tance for City to win the Cham- pions League for the fi rst time Qatar SC sign Hamroun on loan from Al Sadd would have made it easy for the Manchester City’s Spanish manager Pep Guardiola attends a English champions to prioritise press conference in Essen, western Germany yesterday. (AFP) Europe this season. However, af- ter romping to the league with a side have been able to after early petition for the second time as a record 100 points last year, it is domestic cup exits. coach with Barca in 2011. another piece of history that Pep “It’s important in February to Such has been the dominance Guardiola’s side now crave by be here, in four competitions. of Guardiola’s sides on the do- outdoing even Manchester Unit- Now we go to biggest stage, mestic front, they have often ed’s treble of league, Champions Champions League, and we will had the title practically wrapped League and FA Cup in 1998/99. see (what happens) in May and up by the time the Champi- Two weeks on from smash- June,” added Guardiola. Rather ons League returns in February ing Chelsea 6-0, City will be than fear the accumulated fa- and peaked through the winter heavy favourites to retain the tigue of fi ghting on four fronts, months. League Cup this weekend and Guardiola is embracing the chal- That certainly has not been should cruise past a Schalke side lenge and at least has the luxury the case this season as a Decem- languishing in 14th in the Bun- of strength in depth to call on. ber dip of three defeats in four desliga to make the Champions Leroy Sane, Phil Foden and Ri- Premier League games gave Liv- League quarter-fi nals. yad Mahrez all scored at Rodney erpool hope of ending a 29-year A 4-1 victory at Newport also Parade a week on from failing to wait to win the title. secured progress to the last eight make the starting XI in the 6-0 However, a genuine title race of the FA Cup and City also sit rout of Chelsea to make their case that will not allow City to let up top of the Premier League on goal for a Champions League start in in the fi nal months of the season diff erence, although Liverpool Gelsenkirchen. may yet prove benefi cial to their have a game in hand. In contrast to a stunning Champions League chances as “It’s better to be in this situ- record of winning seven league long as they arrive at the latter ation,” insisted Guardiola at go- titles in nine seasons in charge of stages more match sharp rather ing for four trophies rather than Barcelona, Bayern Munich and than shattered. That is a risk concentrating resources into City, Guardiola has consistently Guardiola seems willing to take Qatar SC announced it has signed Algerian player Jugurtha Hamroun on loan from Al Sadd, until the end of the season. Hamroun signed Champions League and Premier fallen short in the Champions in his quest to rewrite the record his contract in the presence of Qatar SC Vice President Rashid bin Shaheen al-Ateeq and the player’s manager Faisal al-Otaibi. League glory as Jurgen Klopp’s League since winning the com- books once more. Gulf Times Wednesday, February 20, 2019 3 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Under-fi re Sarri Pogba fi res United doesn’t fear the sack at Chelsea into FA Cup last eight AFP ports that Sarri’s players are London underwhelmed by his stub- born refusal to change his tac- tics, the 60-year-old did make United are drawn to face Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux in the quarters aurizio Sarri insists the alarming admission that he he isn’t worried wasn’t certain he still had their about being sacked backing. “Of course I’m not sure, as Chelsea manager but I think so. I think the situa- Mdespite his troubled side’s lack- tion with the players is very good lustre FA Cup surrender against in terms of our relationship but Manchester United. Sarri faces a that’s not so important,” he said. fi ght to save his job after FA Cup “What’s important is to play and holders Chelsea crashed to a 2-0 get good results.” fi fth round defeat at Stamford Chelsea supporters called for Bridge on Monday night. their club’s former legend Frank Ander Herrera headed United Lampard, now in charge at Der- into the lead from Paul Pogba’s by, to be hired and directed foul- cross in the 31st minute. France mouthed abuse at Sarri, who star Pogba doubled United’s ad- suff ered chants of ‘Sarri-ball’ in vantage on the stroke of half- a scathing reference to his failing time when he met Marcus Rash- tactics. “Not really very well, but ford’s cross with a diving header. sometimes yes. For everything Sarri endured chants of “you there is the fi rst time,” he said don’t know what you’re doing” when quizzed on if he heard the and “you’re getting sacked in taunts from his own fans. Sarri the morning” as furious Chelsea believes his situation will be im- fans showed their frustration at proved signifi cantly if Chelsea the club’s fi fth defeat in their last can string together a winning 10 games. Chelsea’s stars, pub- run, starting with tomorrow’s licly criticised by their manager Europa League last 32 second leg on several occasions this term, against Malmo and the League hardly looked to be battling to Cup fi nal against Manchester keep the Italian as they failed City on Sunday. to muster a shot on target after “It’s really very easy. If we are the 11th minute. Sarri’s fragile able to win three or four matches relationship with his players, in a row, it will be easy. Of course combined with the mutinous it’s diffi cult to win ve fi matches atmosphere among supporters, in a row,” he said with a curious increased the feeling that the smirk that suggested he didn’t former Napoli boss might not really believe his own outward survive until the end of his fi rst optimism. season with Chelsea. “We need of course more ag- Demanding Chelsea owner gression, more determination in Roman Abramovich has acted the situation inside our box and quickly in the past when manag- inside the opposing box. My job Manchester United’s Paul Pogba (centre) runs with the ball during the FA Cup fifth round match against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in London on Monday night.(AFP) ers have been perceived to have is to work with my players to try lost the support of the squad. But and improve in a few days be- Reuters “Today was a great performance from fi ne double save in the 11th minute from a of keeping an increasingly toothless Sarri is adamant he isn’t con- cause we conceded the second London the team, all of them... The team helped spinning David Luiz free kick headed for Chelsea attack at bay. The home side’s cerned about his perilous posi- goal without determination or me get to my best. I give everything for the top corner followed by a stinging shot best chance of the half came in the 63rd tion and he claimed he is solely aggression. The diff erence was them. They help me score goals and get from Pedro. Three minutes later Arriza- minute when Eden Hazard, reportedly focused on salvaging his club’s there. We played 78 balls in the anchester United’s Paul Pog- assists. We are enjoying playing together.” balaga had to fl y to his left to keep out a a target for Real Madrid, jinked his way turbulent season. opposing box and United only 16 ba and Ander Herrera headed After the game United were drawn to Herrera strike. through, only for the Belgian’s shot to be Asked if he was worried balls our box. We are supposed to fi rst-half goals to claim a 2-0 face Wolverhampton Wanderers at Mo- The lively Rashford also kept the Chel- expertly diverted by United defender Vic- Abramovich might be ready to win.” win that dumped FA Cup lineux in the quarter-fi nals. sea keeper under constant pressure. tor Lindelof. wield the axe, Sarri said: “It’s not Having previously questioned Mholders Chelsea out of the competition “An away tie again after Arsenal and Chelsea’s fragile defence was split with The home fans jeered Sarri’s like-for- my problem. I was only worried whether his players understood and secured a place in the quarter-fi nals Chelsea... We’ll have to do it the hard way, crosses from either fl ank. Pogba supplied like substitutions. The Italian has been about my position when I was in his football philosophy, Sarri in an intense tie at Stamford Bridge on Wolves are a tough team to play against,” the fi rst in the 31st minute after a fast criticised for stubbornly sticking to his League 2 in Italy, not now. I am repeated that complaint. “Not Monday night. Solskjaer said. move down the left and Herrera ghosted tactics and failing to change games. Unit- worried about the results, not completely at the moment be- Spaniard Herrera fi nished off a fi ne “The performance tonight was fan- into the box to nod the ball down past ed, on the other hand, looked like a team about the fans. Of course I can cause, especially in a situation move with a precise header from Pogba’s tastic, our tactics worked. We asked our stranded goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga. on a mission, playing for their coach and understand the situation. I can like the second half, we have to cross just past the half-hour and United’s midfi elders to press higher and get into Until that moment a lively game had each other and brimming with the confi - understand our fans, because the move the ball faster mentally and French midfi elder scored himself when he the box and it worked. The defending in been evenly poised, with a host of chanc- dence that comes from turning an ailing result wasn’t really good. We are materially,” he said. “We need nodded powerfully home from a Marcus the second half was fantastic.” es at either end. Chelsea’s hopes were season around. out of the FA Cup.” more movements without the Rashford delivery before the break. The fi fth round defeat piled more pres- crushed just before halftime in a speedy Their only reverse since Norwe- Following widespread re- ball and less individual actions.” It was a measure of revenge for United, sure on Chelsea coach Maurizio Sarri, United counter down the right, with gian Solskjaer took over was last week’s resurgent under interim coach Ole Gun- whose side were hammered 6-0 last Marcus Rashford crossing for Pogba to Champions League home defeat by Paris nar Solskjaer, who lost to Chelsea in last week in the Premier League by United’s head powerfully home between defenders St Germain. The contrast was refl ected in May’s Wembley fi nal under their former neighbours Manchester City. Chants of Cesar Azpilicueta and Antonio Rudiger. the boos from some Chelsea supporters boss Jose Mourinho. “It is a beautiful “sacked in the morning” broke out in the United were able to drop back and de- at the fi nal whistle, while a jubilant Sol- win,” France midfi elder Pogba, who had second half. fend after the break, making occasional skjaer celebrated with his players in front been sidelined under Mourinho, said. United’s Sergio Romero had pulled off a forays up the pitch but always confi dent of the travelling fans.

Spanish Super Cup set to move abroad in new fi nal four format

Madrid: The Spanish Super Cup will be Rey, the vacant place would be taken by fight homophobia in football. Rubiales although their president Josep Maria expanded to four teams, with two semi the team with the best historical record broke with tradition last year by turning Bartomeu said he would like to see three finals and a final all to be played outside in the Copa del Rey that had not already the traditional season clash between La Liga games a season abroad. the country under a transformation pro- qualified for the Super Cup. “We see the La Liga champions and the Copa del Rubiales said he saw no contradic- posed by Spanish Football Federation an opportunity to promote the brand Rey winners from a two-legged tie into a tion between moving the Super Cup (RFEF) President Luis Rubiales yester- of Spain without attacking sporting single game played in Tangier, Morocco, abroad and “the basic principle that a day. The revamped Super Cup is set principles,” Rubiales said, without giving where Barcelona beat Sevilla 2-1. home team should always play at their to start in August of this year, with the details of where the games in the “final Rubiales opposes La Liga’s plans to ground”. Although Atletico Madrid, winners and runners up of both La Liga four” format event would take place. play Spanish top flight games abroad Barcelona and Real Madrid take part and the Copa del Rey qualifying under The plans must first be approved by and his organisation blocked a pro- in the International Champions Cup, the new format, Rubiales, who became the federation’s assembly in April, he posal to move a game between Girona pre-season friendlies against Europe’s RFEF president in May 2018, said. said, adding that the RFEF plans to open and Barcelona last month to Miami. top sides played in the United States and In the event that a team qualifies both a global centre of excellence for referees Barcelona withdrew from the proposed Asia, Rubiales said having a trophy at through the league and the Copa del in Madrid and create a committee to Miami game, citing a lack of consensus, stake was important for fans. Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri shouts instructions to his players during the FA Cup match against Manchester United. (Reuters)

SERIE A BUNDESLIGA Kolarov, Fazio score in Roma’s victory Dortmund drop more points at AFP Milan bottom side Nuremberg

AFP Dortmund’s 51-point haul side a shock lead, but his fi rst- efenders Aleksandar Kolarov and Berlin from 22 games, which includes half headers went over. Nurem- Federico Fazio both scored in the just one loss, remains impressive berg’s goalkeeper Christian Ma- second half as Roma closed in on but they have lost momentum thenia, who made four saves in the Champions League places undesliga leaders Borus- since the midseason break. the fi rst half from Goetze alone, withD a hard-fought 2-1 win over Bologna sia Dortmund dropped Even without injured play- repeatedly thwarted the visitors’ on Monday night. Eusebio Di Francesco fol- more points in the title maker Marco Reus, plus defend- attack, but Nuremberg’s win- lowed their Champions League last 16, fi rst- race on Monday when ers Lukasz Piszczek and Manuel less streak in the league has now leg win over Porto last week by consolidat- theyB were held to a goalless draw Akanji, this was another below- been stretched out to 16 games. ing fi fth position and are now just a point at bottom side Nuremberg. Dort- par display from the league lead- “No one gave us a chance going behind AC Milan in fourth. Champions Ju- mund are now just three points ers. Nuremberg were hammered into this game which makes me ventus are 13 points clear of second-placed ahead of second-placed Bayern 7-0 at Dortmund last September, even prouder that we picked up a Napoli after Cristiano Ronaldo sealed a 3-0 Munich, the defending cham- but this was a vastly improved point,” said Mathenia. win against Frosinone on Friday. pions who won 3-2 at Augsburg display from the hosts and the Having crashed 3-0 at Tot- Napoli lost points after being held to a AS Roma’s Federico Fazio (left) celebrates with Stephan El Shaarawy. (AFP) on Friday, with their lead slashed draw was celebrated like a win on tenham Hotspur last week in the goalless draw against Torino while Inter Mi- from nine points after drawing the home bench. Champions League last 16, fi rst- lan are a further seven points behind in third scored a brace against Porto — struggled on off with a half-volley into the bottom corner their last three league games. It was their fi rst game un- leg, Lucien Favre’s Dortmund after beating Sampdoria 2-1. Atalanta and the the wings with Stephan El Shaarawy after 73 minutes. “That was defi nitely too lit- der caretaker coaches Marek again failed to score and are now Lazio are three points behind the Romans coming on after the break and ten minutes Nicola Sansone pulled a goal back for tle from us, we have to pick up Mintal and Boris Schommers winless in their last fi ve games in in sixth after losing to AC Milan (3-1) and later won the penalty which Kolarov con- Bologna six minutes from time to ensure a points again,” said forward Mario after both head coach Michael all competitions. The fi rst-half Genoa (2-1) respectively at the weekend. verted to unlock the game. nervy fi nish in the Stadio Olimpico. Goetze. “They didn’t make it easy Knoeller and director of sport was twice halted to clear black Roma could thank Swedish goalkeeper It was the seventh goal this season for Roma extended their unbeaten run to for us by standing deep, but we Andreas Borneman were sacked tennis balls, thrown onto the pitch Robin Olsen for keeping them in the game Serbian Kolarov, more than any defender in seven league games, while Bologna, who had must improve.” “Many top teams last week. The hosts deserve by fans in protest over the unpop- against relegation-threatened Bologna as the top European leagues. Captain Danile De beaten the side from the capital 2-0 earlier could have a phase like this but tremendous credit for battling ular Monday night kick-off times he denied a dangerous Roberto Soriano. Rossi also came off the bench after 68 min- in the campaign, sit just two points above now it’s time to end this phase,” as their captain Hanno Behrens in the Bundesliga which will be Teenage midfi eld star Nicolo Zaniolo — who utes with Fazio breaking through to fi nish the relegation zone. midfi elder Axel Witsel said. twice went close to giving his abolished for the 2021/22 season. Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, February 20, 2019 SPORT

FOCUS TENNIS Osaka beaten in Djokovic, Biles fi rst match since Australian Open

AFP “It was a good match because I Dubai won it. I tried to fi nish the points win sports people faster because I’m a little bit tired,” Halep said. “She played aomi Osaka stumbled well, the level was pretty good. badly in her fi rst match At some points I really ran very since winning the Aus- well. I’m confi dent. I feel good on tralian Open as the court even if I’m tired.” Nworld number one went down in A third former world number a fl urry of errors to exit the Dubai one also advanced as Angelique of year awards Championships yesterday. Kerber beat Dalila Jakupovic 7-6 Dubai-based Frenchwoman (4), 6-3. Kristina Mladenovic claimed Kvitova, Wimbledon champi- Osaka won the Breakthrough of the Year gong; Woods took Comeback of the Year a 6-3, 6-3 victory to reach the on in 2011 and 2014, said she was third round as Osaka made 25 unfazed about the early midday AFP “When you are anointed with unforced errors. start to her match. “I don’t really Monaco such talent as he is there is al- The rout, which featured seven care if I play the fi rst match,” the ways a way back.” breaks of the Osaka serve, took Australian Open runner-up said. barely an hour, sending Mlad- “Now I’m done, so I have a free ovak Djokovic’s stu- ‘TO HAVE UNITED THEM’ enovic into a Wednesday contest afternoon. I’m not sure what I’m pendous comeback Mbappe may have missed out with Carla Suarez Navarro. pleased with... maybe with my from injury last year on the main individual award “This is my home tourna- comeback at the end.” which saw him win but he along with his World Cup ment, I live here,” world number Ntwo Grand Slam titles earned winning teammates collected 67 Mladenovic said. “It’s great to SVITOLINA BENEFITS FROM him the Laureus Sportsman of the team of the year prize. get a win like this in front of a big JABEUR INJURY the Year Award on Monday at a Manager Didier Deschamps crowd. Beating the number one is Local favourite Ons Jabeur was lavish ceremony. — who also captained France to always special.” forced to retire with the Tunisian The 31-year-old Serbian — the 1998 World Cup triumph — The second set was riddled trailing Svitolina 7-6 (4), 4-0. who added the Australian Open accepted the award with some with seven consecutive breaks of Jabeur took a fall late in the in January to the Wimbledon members of his backroom staff . serve before Mladenovic fi nished opening set, rolling her ankle and US Open crowns he won in “Being part of the French off the job with a winner to the while also hitting her shoulder. 2018 after coming back from football team off ers one the rare empty court on match point. She took a medical timeout elbow surgery — won the award privilege of bringing happiness Osaka stunned the tennis out but was only able to carry on for a fourth time beating the to the French people,” said De- world last week by announcing in the second set for four games. likes of France’s World Cup win- schamps, who won the same her split from coach Sascha Bajin Third seed Svitolina is hoping ner Kylian Mbappe and NBA su- award with his Euro 2000 win- despite winning back-to-back to become the fi rst women to win perstar LeBron James. ning team-mates in 2001. Grand Slam titles at the US and three Dubai titles. Iconic American gymnast Si- “We are extremely proud to Australian Opens. “That is a big motivation for mone Biles won Sportswoman have brought them such joy She said earlier this week that me here,” the Ukrainian said. of the Year for a second time on last summer and to have united she would not prioritise “suc- “Today I didn’t really feel in a the back of the 21-year-old’s them.” cess over happiness” when asked match mood, I don’t know why. historic achievement last year Sportsman of The Year 2019 winner, Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic, poses with his award at the Deschamps compatriot Ar- about the sacking, and she never “I was struggling a bit, I had in adding a fourth all-around 2019 Laureus World Sports Awards ceremony in Monaco on Monday. (AFP) sene Wenger, credited with looked like winning in Dubai as a very slow start. Hopefully to- world championship to her full revolutionising English football she also served fi ve double faults. morrow will be better. to bursting medals cabinet. Tennis had a golden night certainly in the early part of his Earlier yesterday, Simona Halep “I told myself that I’m here to Djokovic was delighted with as women’s world number one over two decades in charge of and Petra Kvitova both won their make history of the tournament.” his award — voted on by the 68 Naomi Osaka — who like Djoko- Arsenal, received the Lifetime opening matches, while Elina Svi- Elsewhere, Hsieh Su-Wei members of the Laureus Acade- vic added the Australian Open Achievement Award. tolina made a strong start to her defeated Belarusian Aliaksan- my which includes sporting leg- to her breakthrough Grand Slam The studious 69-year-old bid for a third straight title. dra Sasnovich 6-1, 6-2 while ends such as nine-time singles success the US Open — became Frenchman received his award Kvitova, the 2013 winner, Viktoria Kuzmova accounted Grand Slam champion Monica the fi rst Japanese winner of a from one of his former Arsenal recovered from losing a fi rst- for seventh seed Kiki Bertens, Seles and Britain’s six-time Ol- Laureus award, the 21-year-old stars Cesc Fabregas, who said he set tiebreak to defeat Katerina beating this month’s St Peters- ympic track cycling gold medal- taking the World Breakthrough had been a father fi gure to him. Siniakova 6-7 (3), 6-4, 6-4 and burg champion 6-2, 4-6, 7-6 list Chris Hoy. of the Year gong. “I would like to thank the squeeze into the third round. (6). “Last year was an incredible American golf great Tiger wonderful people I met through Halep, Dubai champion in American Jennifer Brady season for me, returning from Woods was rewarded for his my career and some less won- 2015, saw off 2014 Wimbledon downed French 14th seed Caro- injury to win Wimbledon and return from years in the wil- derful too,” said Wenger. fi nalist Eugenie Bouchard 7-6 line Garcia 6-4, 7-5 as her com- the US Open is something I’ll re- derness due to injury and per- “Sport is tremendous I had a (4), 6-4. patriot Sofi a Kenin defeated Rus- member forever,” said Djokovic. sonal problems to winning the long career but my passion for The Romanian said she is still sian 11th seed Daria Kasatkina Seles, also born in Serbia al- Tour Championship and going sport and for human beings is feeling the eff ects of her week- 6-3, 2-6, 6-4. A third US player, though now a naturalised Ameri- close to adding to his 14 ma- intact.” end fi nal defeat in Doha by Elise Alison Riske, advanced 6-2, 6-3 can citizen, presented the award jor titles in the British Open China’s Xia Boyu’s extraor- Mertens. over Alize Cornet. to Djokovic, who admitted it had Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger poses with his Lifetime and the PGA Championship dinary achievement in climbing been a long hard road back men- Achievement Award in Monaco on Monday. (AFP) with the Comeback of the Year Everest last May, four decades tally as well as physically. award. after losing both legs to frostbite “Refl ecting on it standing “In those moments of when “I did not understand that “There was a long list of peo- in a previous attempt to conquer here now it seems like a fairytale you are facing adversity and fully before but now I know ple who wrote him off but I was it, won the Sporting Moment of story but it tells me one thing,” challenged you should always where I can always fi nd strength not one of them,” said former the Year which is voted on by the he said. look inside. and belief and to keep on going.” NFL star Marcus Allen. public.

FORMULA 1 Ricciardo encouraged by Renault performance

Reuters Barcelona Leclerc keeps Ferrari on top in testing

Reuters second fastest, with Denmark’s aniel Ricciardo took Barcelona Kevin Magnussen taking his heart from the per- turn and producing a best lap formance of his Renault of 1:19.234. in Formula One testing ew recruit Charles Alfa Romeo were third with GOLF yesterday,D even if the Australian’s Leclerc kept Ferrari on Italian newcomer Antonio time in the car was cut short by Ntop of the timesheets Giovinazzi taking over from the rear wing fl ying off . with a full race distance before Raikkonen who tested on The former Red Bull driver, lunchtime on the second day Monday and using harder tyres PGA Tour approves who moved to Renault at the end of Formula One’s pre-season than others. of last season, said he felt “quite testing in Spain yesterday. In terms of mileage, Red Bull encouraged” with the laps he did After teammate Sebastian Vet- did the third most with French- shorts for practice, before the failure. tel led the way on Monday with man Pierre Gasly putting in 69 “The way the car used the tyres the fastest time and most laps, laps in another strong showing I thought was pretty encouraging. Kimi Raikkonen’s 21-year-old for the new partnership with pro-am rounds I didn’t feel like it fell off a cliff and replacement slotted in seam- Honda. we’re killing it,” he said. lessly with a time not far off the Australian Daniel Ricciardo, AFP there’s anything wrong with Asked how the rear wing had German’s best. who has joined Renault from Miami professional golfers showing the felt, he replied: “While it was on The Monegasque produced Red Bull, did the least laps of lower half of their leg.” it was OK.” a best time of one minute the morning (28) but that was James Hahn, co-chairman of Ricciardo said it was still way 18.247 seconds and did 73 laps, due to his rear wing flying off layers will be allowed to the PGA Tour Advisory Coun- too early to say where Renault, compared with Vettel’s Monday Ferrari’s Monegasque driver at speed. wear shorts in PGA Tour cil, informed PGA players of the fourth overall last year, stood 1:18.161 and 72 laps, in partially Charles Leclerc drives during the He returned to the pits with practice and pro-am rule change in a video posted on from a competitive standpoint cloudy conditions and an ambi- tests at the Circuit de Catalunya in the Renault engineers setting rounds under a change Twitter. but he said they were leaving no inP player appearance guidelines Shorts must be knee-length, ent temperature of 14 degrees Montmelo, near Barcelona, Spain, to work. stone unturned. Celsius. yesterday. (AFP) “On-track fun for Daniel. We’re unveiled Monday. tailored and neat in appearance. “I feel there’s a lot of attention Five times world cham- testing his reaction skills. The change, eff ective imme- Compression leggings worn under to detail and it’s promising from pion Lewis Hamilton, working expected to make the cars distorted. They’re good,” the team said diately, applies only to tourna- shorts must be solid in colour. an ambitious point of view. I feel through the Mercedes testing around 1.5 seconds a lap slower. He said the asphalt had been jokingly on Twitter. “Car and ments on six tours operated un- PGA Tour caddies were fi rst they are ticking all the boxes programme, did one more lap But the evidence so far has new for testing last year, with a driver are back in the garage. der the PGA Tour umbrella. allowed to wear shorts during from an analysis and ‘trying to than Leclerc however. been that much of the lost time very smooth surface that had Rear-wing assessing is in full Long pants will remain re- competition days in 1999. get better’ point of view.” Ferrari’s times have been has been regained. evolved further. flow.” quired attire for all offi cial com- The European Tour began a The Australian, who until quicker than anything from last By the time the season starts “I believe the influence of Williams were again absent, petition rounds. policy for players wearing shorts this season has spent his For- year’s weather-aff ected first in Australia on March 17 cars the Tarmac is higher, and the with the team hoping to get This week’s World Golf Cham- in practice rounds in 2016. mula One career backed by Red four-day test at the Circuit de can be expected to be going (warmer) temperature is play- their car to Barcelona for pionships Mexico Championship The PGA of America has al- Bull, also managed to avoid the Catalunya. even faster, but Pirelli’s F1 tyre ing a big eff ect. We know that,” today’s third day amid specula- and the US PGA Puerto Rico lowed players to wear shorts for pitfall of stopping at the wrong Rule changes, with new boss Mario Isola cautioned he told reporters. tion that senior heads could roll Open will be the fi rst tourna- practice rounds at the PGA Cham- garage. aerodynamic regulations, were that the picture might be Ferrari-powered Haas were as a result of the delay. ments off ering golfers the ap- pionship the past two years. “Today the Red Bull guys were parel option. Tiger Woods, a 14-time ma- waiting for (Pierre) Gasly when The move follows years of jor winner, said he would wel- I was coming in the pits. They switched from Renault to Honda to be potentially more risky for Bull), coming close but never at Red Bull, said there was also a discussions about shorts being come the chance to wear shorts were all out there and I was like engines. my happiness within the team really close enough, I just felt a benefi t from moving to Renault worn during non-competition in practice rounds in a Facebook ‘I’m not going to fall for it’. I ac- He said that had been one of and everyone’s motivation,” he year or two with the same out- alongside 31-year-old Nico days with positive feedback from Live interview last year. tually waved as I drove past,” he the key factors in his decision to explained. come...that was the balancing Hulkenberg. players, fans, sponsors and tour- “I would love it,” Woods said. laughed. leave. “From that point of view I think point where it was time for a “I’m honestly just happy to be naments for the change. “We play in some of the hottest The Red Bull mechanics “I had wins and it wasn’t al- there’s less risk coming into this change because that was poten- the younger driver in the team “It makes the guys a lot more climates on the planet. We usu- waved back, he added. ways bad, but I thought maybe (to Renault) because I feel there’s tially the risk.” again. It’s been a while. I’ve comfortable,” four-time ma- ally travel with the sun and a lot Ricciardo won two races last now if the next phase with Hon- more room for us to grow.” Ricciardo, who was teammate been the old guy for the last few jor winner Rory McIlroy said of of our events are played in the year for Red Bull, who have now da doesn’t work, it’s just going “The fi ve years there (at Red to 21-year-old Max Verstappen years,” said the 29-year-old. wearing shorts. “I don’t think summer.” Gulf Times Wednesday, February 20, 2019 5 SPORT

NHL FOCUS Iguodala replaces LeBron as NBPA DeBrincat’s hat-trick fi rst vice president

Reuters agent Carmelo Anthony, War- New York riors guard Steph Curry and Iguodala. All three’s terms expired. All ith LeBron James’ newly elected offi cials begin helps Blackhawks term over, Golden serving immediately. State Warriors “Malcolm, Jaylen and Bis- forward Andre mack have all shown a great WIguodala was elected fi rst vice commitment to the union since president of the National Bas- they arrived in the league,” ketball Players Association on Paul said in a statement. Monday. “I have no doubt they will Iguodala has been a vice bring a fresh perspective and outscore Senators president on the NBPA execu- passion to the Executive Com- tive committee since 2013. mittee and I am excited to start Nikita Kucherov shines as Tampa Bay Lightning rout Columbus Blue Jackets 5-1 “I am honoured to be cho- working with them.” sen by my peers to step into The rest of the NBPA ex- Reuters this position and take on a ecutive committee leadership Chicago larger responsibility within the consists of San Antonio Spurs NBPA,” Iguodala said in state- big man Pau Gasol, Portland ment released by the union. Trail Blazers guard CJ McCol- lex DeBrincat scored a hat trick “I look forward to con- lum and Los Angeles Clippers as part of a fi ve-point night to tinuing my work with (NBPA guard Garrett Temple (all VPs), lead the Chicago Blackhawks to executive director) Michele as well as Minnesota Timber- a wild 8-7 win over the visiting (Roberts), Chris Paul and the wolves forward Anthony Tol- OttawaA Senators on Monday. Executive Committee to ac- liver, who is the committee The off ensive barrage started early, as complish the best possible secretary-treasurer. the teams combined for nine goals in the outcomes for the union and our This is not the fi rst time fi rst period. It was the highest-scoring future members.” James and Iguodala have made frame in the NHL this season, and the Paul, a Houston Rockets star, headlines together. In the 2016 12th-highest scoring period in league his- is currently serving a four-year NBA Finals, James made one tory. term as the NBPA’s president. of the greatest defensive plays Starting goalies Collin Delia of Chicago Also on Monday, Milwaukee in recent NBA history, chasing (three goals on 10 shots) and Anders Nils- Bucks guard Malcolm Brogdon, down Iguodala to block a layup son of Ottawa (four goals on 12 shots) were Boston Celtics guard Jaylen attempt late in Game 7 to help both pulled before the fi rst period was Brown and Charlotte Hornets preserve the Cavaliers’ champi- complete. The Blackhawks’ Cam Ward centre Bismack Biyombo were onship – the fi rst major profes- and the Senators’ Craig Anderson stepped elected VPs on the execu- sional sports championship won between the pipes for their teams, with tive committee, replacing free by a Cleveland team in 52 years. Ward stopping 24 of 28 shots to earn his sixth win in his past seven games.

RESULTS Calgary 5-2 Arizona Tampa Bay 5-1 Columbus Chicago 8-7 Ottawa Colorado 3-0 Las Vegas Boston 6-5 San Jose Washington 3-2 Los Angeles

DeBrincat scored twice within a 73-second span in the fi rst period, then found the net again 8:19 into the second MSG: No plans to sell Knicks, rumour period for his 32nd goal of the season. ‘100 percent false’ The second-year forward also collected two assists, giving him a career-best fi ve The New York Knicks’ parent company said Monday that a report points in a single game. of chairman James Dolan taking off ers to sell the team is “100 Chicago’s Patrick Kane recorded a goal percent false.” and two assists to extend his points streak “There has been nothing. No discussions. No plans to have dis- to 18 games, the longest streak by an NHL cussions – nothing,” the Madison Square Garden Company said player this season. It was also Kane’s 17th in a statement. straight game with at least one assist, ty- The topic, which also came up late last year, arose again on ing him with Wayne Gretzky and Paul Sunday in a podcast from The Ringer. Host Bill Simmons said, Coff ey for the third-longest assists streak “Multiple people told me this, who know things: James Dolan is in NHL history. courting off ers for the Knicks. It’s happening. It’s on. It’s go time. Dylan Strome had a goal and two as- He’s courting off ers for the Knicks.” sists for Chicago. Brandon Saad and Simmons went on to say that Dolan, executive chairman and Jonathan Toews each had a goal and an CEO of Madison Square Garden Company, “really cares about the assist, Gustav Forsling also scored for the Alex DeBrincat (centre) of the Chicago Blackhawks celebrates his hat-trick with teammates Carl Dahlstrom (left) and Dominik Kahun buildings and the in-game/in-concert experience. And he wants Blackhawks, and Duncan Keith had a two- against the Ottawa Senators at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. (Getty Images/AFP) to put even more money into that.” assist night. In an interview with ESPN in December, Dolan acknowledged Colin White and Thomas Chabot each ning won their sixth straight, producing a in February, swept the three-game season game. Both teams lost defensemen to in- there were “feelers” of interest in buying the team, with numbers scored twice for the Senators, with White 5-1 victory over the host Columbus Blue series and outscored Columbus 17-3. juries in the period – Tampa Bay’s Vic- reaching $5 billion, though “no one has come through with a also recording an assist for a team-leading Jackets on Monday. The NHL’s scoring Lukas Sedlak scored for Columbus with tor Hedman and Columbus’ Ryan Mur- bona fide off er,” he added. three points. Mark Stone had a goal and leader with 99 points, Kucherov scored 1:45 remaining in the game, and backup ray (upper body), who had his fi rst career Dolan said then that he doesn’t want to sell the team, which he an assist, Bobby Ryan and Rudolfs Balcers two goals and added assists on all three goalie Joonas Korpisalo stopped 15 shots three-point game Saturday in a 5-2 win has controlled since 1999, but that, “You have a responsibility as produced a goal apiece, and Matt Duchene goals by his teammates. He has collected in his fi rst start since Feb. 2. over the Chicago Blackhawks. Neither re- the guy who runs the place to deliver on that for them – that’s be- and Brady Tkachuk each contributed two 18 points (seven goals, 11 assists) in his Kucherov, the NHL’s First Star of the turned to the game. ing open and transparent. And so in that position, I could never helpers. past fi ve games. Week last week, picked up from there The Lightning’s top-ranked power play say that I wouldn’t consider selling the Knicks. Anderson made 26 saves on the 30 Brayden Point scored twice in the fi rst Monday in the fi rst period despite his club unit produced on Stamkos’ tally at 19:31 “... As the head of the public company, you can’t say you can’t shots he faced. Defenseman Brent Seab- 46 seconds of the third period – once on being outshot 20-6. of the second period. The goal came four sell, because then you’re telling your shareholders that your own rook wasn’t in Chicago’s lineup due to an the power play – and had an assist, and Mikhail Sergachev’s long pass from the seconds into a fi ve-on-three – Tampa personal feelings about your assets are more important than abdominal injury. Steven Stamkos chipped in with a power- defensive end set up Kucherov’s fi rst goal. Bay’s eighth marker up two men – after their money. And they won’t invest with you if you do that.” The Blackhawks won for the ninth time play goal. The defenseman’s pass sparked a two- Josh Anderson went off for goalie interfer- The Knicks, whose 11 wins this season are tied for the fewest in in their past 11 games. Chicago has now Tampa Bay goalie Andrei Vasilev- on-one break led by Yanni Gourde, who ence and the Blue Jackets were nailed for the NBA and who broke an 18-game losing streak with a victory won its past fi ve meetings with Ottawa, skiy, who notched consecutive shutouts deposited a pass that Kucherov roofed in. too many men on the ice. just before the All-Star break, are believed to be planning major and the Blackhawks improved to 14-3-1 against the Dallas Stars and the Montreal The Russian winger added his second Point tallied twice, bringing his goal to- moves in the off season. They recently traded star forward against the Senators since 2007. Canadiens in his previous two starts, goal on a breakaway at 14:24 of the fi rst tal to a club-best 35, in the third period’s Kristaps Porzingis and cleared additional cap space through Nikita Kucherov continued his torrid made 39 saves. He has stopped 100 of 103 period for a 2-0 lead. He raced in unas- fi rst minute for the 5-0 lead, and Sedlak other trades, with the expected goal of pursuing multiple max- scoring pace with his second fi ve-point shots in three wins over the Blue Jackets sisted and backhanded a shot for his 29th scored late to break up Vasilevskiy’s shut- level free agents. game this season as the Tampa Bay Light- this season. Tampa Bay, which is 8-0-2 marker and fi fth consecutive multi-point out bid.

NFL Oklahoma QB Murray undecided on combine drills Reuters the fact that I’m already projected that high,” New York Murray said. “I’m not over 6-foot. I haven’t seen that since I’ve been alive. I’m never the biggest klahoma quarterback Kyler Mur- guy on the football fi eld. That’s not the way I ray hears his name in the mix as a think, ‘I’m the smallest guy on the fi eld, I have fi rst-round draft pick. to go out there and do this and do that.’ I just On the heels of turning down a go out there and play.” Opro baseball career, the Heisman Trophy win- Murray, 21, said the last time he was timed ner has not decided what his level of partici- in the 40-yard dash he ran a 4.3, and that was pation will be at the 2019 NFL Scouting Com- two years ago. Last February, then-Oklahoma bine held next week in Indianapolis. quarterback Baker Mayfi eld – the No. 1 pick Murray is scheduled to be available to me- last April of the Cleveland Browns – partici- dia along with 300-plus prospects invited to pated in throwing drills. the event, but past top quarterbacks have not He and Buff alo Bills fi rst-round pick Josh always participated in the testing or on-fi eld Allen topped 60 mph on the Lucas Oil Sta- events. He would submit to drug and medi- dium velocity gun, the only two in that elite cal testing – as do all prospects – and face- class to put up the stellar spin rate. Murray’s to-face interviews with NFL teams held in arm, according to Sooners coach Lincoln Ri- the evening. Perhaps the biggest test Murray ley, could match or exceed Mayfi eld’s in a ve- faces is scrutiny over his height. locity test. With comparisons to Seahawks quarter- Riley, who coached the quarterbacks in back Russell Wilson – at 5-foot-11, Wilson successive seasons, said height will be no was a third-round draft pick out of Wiscon- more of a challenge in the NFL for Murray sin – and other players shorter than the NFL than it was for Mayfi eld. Mayfi eld measured QB prototype casting a shadow, Murray said 6-0 5/8 in Indianapolis last year. Monday night at the Davey O’Brien Award Former Virginia Tech quarterback Michael banquet that he’s taking the pre-draft talk as Vick, who opted out of on-fi eld testing in a positive. “I’ve been a 5-10 (QB) projected in Indy, measured at 6-foot and ran a 4.33 40- the fi rst (round), I mean, that’s crazy to me, yard dash at his pro day. Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, February 20, 2019 SPORT

ATHLETICS FOCUS Squash queen Nicol to retire at Semenya says end of season

AFP decades. David’s reign atop the Kuala Lumpur PSA world rankings came to an end in September 2015, but she continued to break records, ight-time world achieving the longest unbro- gender rules ‘do not champion Nicol David ken run inside the world’s top has announced she fi ve at 143 months. will retire at the end David’s fi nal tournament ofE the 2018-19 squash season, will either be the British Open bringing down the curtain on in Hull in May or the following the Malaysian’s illustrious month’s World Tour Finals if career. she qualifi es. The 35-year-old is the most “She gave it all. When you empower anyone’ successful woman squash come to her age in any sport, player of all time and spent you probably have given it eve- ‘The IAAF’s regulations do not empower anyone. Rather, they represent yet another an unprecedented nine years rything,” David’s father Des- as world number one between mond was quoted as saying by flawed and hurtful attempt to police the sex of female athletes’ 2006-2015. David said she had the Star newspaper. thought long and hard about David, who won her fi rst calling it a day. Asian Games gold in 1998 at “This decision has been the age of 15, also said that she thought through for quite some will continue to work close- time and I do know that this is ly with the PSA to raise the my last season,” David said in a awareness of squash globally statement posted late Monday in an apparent reference to ef- on the website of the Profes- forts have the sport admitted sional Squash Association, the to the Olympics. sport’s governing body. In 2012, David said she “My mind and body have would trade all her titles for battled it out to stay at the very an Olympic gold medal. Bids top of my game for such a long by squash to be admitted to time that I feel that I only have the Games have been rejected this last big push left for the three times by the Interna- fi nal season to give it all I have tional Olympic Committee. before I enter the next phase of “Nicol is undoubtedly one my life.” of the greatest squash players David, the darling of Ma- of all time and her presence on laysian sports fans, has also the tour will be sorely missed,” won fi ve British Open titles, said Alex Gough, the PSA chief two Commonwealth Games executive. gold medals, fi ve Asian Games David, seeded 13, will on gold medals and three World Saturday in Chicago begin her Games gold medals in a glit- quest for a ninth crown in her tering career spanning two fi nal World Championship.

South Africa’s Olympic champion Caster Semenya (centre) and her lawyer Gregory Nott (right) leave after a landmark hearing at the Court of Arbitration (CAS) in Lausanne. (AFP)

AFP List of experts who will testify in support of Semenya On Monday, Semenya accused Lausanne the IAAF of breaching confi den- - Prof Veronica Gomez-Lobo, Obstetrics and Gyne- Endocrinology at the University of Southampton. tiality rules after it published the cology at Georgetown University and the Director - Professor Anthony C Hackney, University of North names of fi ve expert witnesses ouble Olympic 800 of the DSD (Diff erences of Sexual Development) Carolina‚ with joint appointments in the Depart- who will appear to testify on its metres champion Clinic at the Children’s National Health System in ment of Exercise and Sport Science and the Depart- behalf. Semenya published her Caster Semenya said Washington‚ DC. ment of Nutrition School of Public Health. own list of expert witnesses who yesterday that pro- - Dr Alun Williams, Director of the Sports Genomics - Dr Lih-Mei Liao, clinical and health psychologist in will speak in support of her this posedD rules that would oblige her week, including Professor Ve- Laboratory at Manchester Metropolitan University. the United Kingdom who has worked extensively to lower her testosterone levels - Professor Eric Vilain, specialist in gender-based with women diagnosed with a range of DSD condi- ronica Gomez-Lobo, professor “do not empower anyone”. and endocrine genetics‚ including DSD, who has tions. of Obstetrics and Gynaecology The South African appeared consulted to the International Olympic Committee - Dr Payoshni Mitra, teaches Sport Sociology at at Georgetown University in the Monday at the Court of Arbitra- (IOC). Birkbeck College‚ University of London and works United States. tion for Sport in Lausanne at - Professor Roger Pielke Jr, director of the Sports closely with athletes with hyperandrogenism and The South African govern- the start of a landmark hearing Governance Center at the University of Colorado. DSD from the Southern Hemisphere. ment says the rules specifi cally to challenge the rules proposed - Professor Dankmar Böhning, Chair in Medical - Ashley LaBrie‚ Executive Director of AthletesCAN‚ target Semenya and has called by the International Association Statistics at the University of Southampton. an independent organisation that represents the them a “gross violation” of her of Athletics Federations (IAAF). - Professor Richard Holt, expert in Diabetes and interests of all national team athletes in Canada. human rights. In this file photo taken on August 26, 2018, Malaysia’s Nicol The controversial measures Semenya is not the only ath- David holds up her gold medal during the awards ceremony for would force so-called “hyperan- lete potentially aff ected by the the women’s singles squash event at the 2018 Asian Games in drogenic” athletes or those with “she and other women aff ected “The IAAF’s regulations do not “If a DSD athlete has testes and new rules – the two athletes who Jakarta. (AFP) “diff erences of sexual develop- by the regulations should be empower anyone. Rather, they male levels of testosterone, they fi nished behind her in the Rio ment” (DSD) to seek treatment permitted to compete in the fe- represent yet another fl awed and get the same increases in bone Olympics 800m, Francine Niy- to lower their testosterone lev- male category without discrimi- hurtful attempt to police the sex and muscle size and strength onsaba of Burundi and Kenya’s els below a prescribed amount if nation” and that they should be of female athletes.” The IAAF and increases in haemoglobin Margaret Wambui, have also ‘Itoje in contention for Wales clash’ they wish to continue competing “celebrated for their natural tal- says it is introducing the rules to that a male gets when they go faced questions about their tes- as women. ents as are all other athletes with create a “level playing fi eld” for through puberty, which is what tosterone levels. A judgement in England lock Maro Itoje could return to the squad for Saturday’s A statement issued by Semen- genetic variations”. other female runners. gives men such a performance the case is expected by the end of Six Nations clash with Wales despite being initially ruled out of ya’s legal team said she believes The statement continued: The track and fi eld body says: advantage over women.” March. the game in Cardiff , defence coach John Mitchell has said. Itoje sustained a knee ligament injury during England’s 32-20 victory over defending champions Ireland in their opener in Dublin and RUGBY missed the 44-8 win over France. When asked if Itoje could recover in time to play a part this weekend, Mitchell said: “Definitely, he’s certainly progressing really well. I’ll leave that to the medical team and the boss (Eddie Jones), but we’re very encouraged by what we see.” Mitchell also confirmed winger Chris Ashton, who suff ered a calf strain, would not return until their penultimate game against France’s Brunel drops half-backs Italy on March 9.

Parra and Lopez for Scotland SPOTLIGHT AFP with Yoann Huget wearing the Paris Scotland’s Russell out of France clash number 11 shirt. Clermont prop loose-head Etienne Falgoux is set Indonesia submits bid Scotland fly-half Finn Russell has symptom free on Monday, team for him to be considered for this to make his international debut rance coach Jacques been ruled out of Saturday’s Six management felt there was still weekend’s action. “He will now from the bench. Baptiste Serin Brunel dropped experi- Nations match away to France an outside chance he could face return to the care of his club’s and Anthony Belleau are the op- to host 2032 Olympics enced half-backs Mor- with a head injury, Scottish Rugby France. But the Scottish Rugby medical team.” Scotland, already tions at scrum-half and outside- gan Parra and Camille announced yesterday. The influ- Union statement put paid to hard hit by injuries before the Six half among the substitutes. Reuters sador Muliaman D Hadad as LopezF yesterday for this week- Les Bleus host Gregor saying. ential playmaker was substituted those hopes on Tuesday, with a Nations, will now be without six Jakarta end’s Six Nations match against before half-time for Paris-based statement saying: “The 26-year- of the players who started in their Townsend’s Scots on Saturday “We feel that is a strong Scotland in Paris. Clermont pair club side Racing 92 in Sunday’s old playmaker has not satisfied opening win over Italy. Full-back looking to avoid a third straight foundation.” Parra and Lopez, who have 92 loss to Toulouse and failed the the requirements of today’s com- Stuart Hogg, who suff ered a defeat in this year’s tournament ndonesia has submitted a A senior offi cial in the co- caps between them, were re- initial head injury assessment. ponent of the graduated return to shoulder injury in a 22-13 defeat and an 11th loss in 14 games since bid to host the 2032 Olym- ordinating ministry for hu- placed by young Toulouse duo Russell had six days in which to play protocol – two days on from by Ireland at Murrayfield on Jacques Brunel was appointed pics, the state news agency man development and culture, Antoine Dupont and Romain satisfy protocols for returning sustaining the injury in Racing February 10, centre Huw Jones coach in December 2017. said yesterday, after win- Gunawan, who goes by one Ntamack following the 44-8 Ining praise for hosting last name, confi rmed the bid. from a head injury and when he 92’s Top 14 clash with Toulouse – and Russell are all missing from defeat to England in the second joined up with the Scotland camp meaning there is insuff icient time behind the scrum. FRANCE TEAM year’s Asian Games, though it If Southeast Asia’s most round of the competition. (15-1): Thomas Ramos, Damien could face competition from populous nation wins the op- Brunel said the decision Penaud, Mathieu Bastareaud, India and a joint bid by North portunity to host the summer had no relation with Parra and land when Antoine Dupont came worn the number 10 shirt on so I don’t think it poses particu- Gael Fickou, Yoann Huget; Ro- and South Korea. Olympics, it would become the Lopez’s criticism of the team’s on and Romain Ntamack’s per- three occasions for his club this lar problems. If there was doubt main Ntamack, Antoine Dupont; Indonesia’s ambassador to fourth Asian country to do so, strategy following the heavy loss formance showed their quality campaign. Brunel said: “It’s not about it we wouldn’t be playing Louis Picamoles, Arthur Iturria, Switzerland submitted a letter after Japan, China and South and praised Dupont and Ntama- so it justifi es us showing confi - a problem. After speaking to him there,” he added. Wenceslas Wenceslas Lauret, Felix Lambey, from President Joko Widodo Korea. The IOC will pick the ck’s display at Twickenham. dence in them,” he added. him he said he has no preferred Lauret comes in for Yacouba Ca- Sebastien Vahaamahina, Demba to the International Olympic 2032 host by the year 2025. “It’s a sporting choice, it has Brunel added Lopez was suf- position because he normally mara at blindside fl anker, Gael Bamba, Guilhem Guirado (capt), Committee (IOC) last week. Tokyo is to host the next nothing to do with what was fering from a minor ankle prob- plays centre but he organises Fickou moves from the wing to Jeff erson Poirot. Replacements: “The IOC has acknowledged Summer Olympics in 2020, said. Within the group there lem. Dupont, 22, and Ntamack, the play as he does with Tou- the centre as Geoff rey Doumay- Camille Chat, Etienne Falgoux, Indonesia’s capabilities dur- with Paris holding the 2024 wasn’t a shadow of doubt that 19, have only started three Tests louse,” the 65-year-old said. rou drops out of the matchday Dorian Aldegheri, Paul Willemse, ing the Asian Games and Asian Games and Los Angeles con- those remarks were taken out of and Ntamack, the son of former “We have worked with him just squad. Thomas Romas makes Gregory Alldritt, Baptiste Serin, Paragames of 2018,” the Antara fi rmed to host the event four context,” he said. “Against Eng- international Emile, has only as a fl y-half for all of last week his fi rst Test start as full-back Anthony Belleau, M Medard. news agency quoted Ambas- years later. Gulf Times Wednesday, February 20, 2019 7 CRICKET

PREVIEW SPOTLIGHT Masakadza named Zimbabwe skipper South Africa seek to across all formats

Reuters tionals and 11 Twenty20s. Harare He skippered the side late last year on tour to South Africa and Bangladesh when captain amilton Masakadza Graeme Cremer was forced out bounce back aft er was yesterday named after knee surgery. Cremer has as captain of Zimba- since put his cricket career on bwe for all three for- hold for family reasons. matsH of international cricket Zimbabwe had been sched- for the next year, but a planned uled to play a test and three tour to India next month looks ODIs in India in March ac- to have fallen through and the cording to the Future Tours team have no fi xtures planned Programme. But this looks un- Perera heroics before July. likely to happen as India host Masakadza’s appointment Australia in a limited overs se- ‘There’s no focus on revenge, our focus is on playing a little bit better’ is for the 2019/20 season, with ries until mid-March, and then Peter Moor named as his vice the Indian Premier League T20 AFP PHILANDER RULED OUT captain, Zimbabwe Cricket competition starts 10 days lat- Port Elizabeth OF SECOND TEST said in a statement. er on March 23. Opening bowler Vernon Phi- The 35-year-old Masa- Zimbabwe, who did not lander has been ruled out of the kadza has extensive experi- qualify for the World Cup in outh Africa will be seek- Test. South African coach Ottis ence of leading Zimbabwe, England, have confi rmed plans ing to bounce back in Gibson said Philander, who did having captained in three for three ODIs and three T20s the second Test against not bowl in the second innings tests, 20 One-Day Interna- in Ireland in July. Sri Lanka, starting at St of Sri Lanka’s one-wicket win George’sS Park today, after Kusal in Durban last weekend, had a Perera’s heroics handed them grade one hamstring tear, which a chastening defeat in the fi rst would keep him out of action for Test. 10 to 12 days. Perera became a national hero Gibson said uncapped all- in Sri Lanka after scoring an un- rounder Wiaan Mulder would beaten 153 in Durban to guide be considered as a “like for like” his country to a sensational fi rst replacement, depending on con- Test victory in South Africa. ditions. Although it was Perera who Gibson defended South Af- stole the headlines in the team’s rica’s tactics during a world dramatic one-wicket win, the record last wicket winning stand rest of the players rose to rookie of 78 between Kusal Perera, who captain Dimuth Karunaratne’s made 153 not out, and number 11, challenge to “compete in every Vishwa Fernando. session”. “I didn’t see that happening, With Sri Lanka having a large- to be honest,” said Gibson of his ly unheralded bowling attack, team’s defeat, “but credit has to it seems South Africa seriously go to them, particularly Perera. under-estimated their oppo- “I thought our tactics were nents. In consequence, South spot on. We threw everything at Africa are likely to have a change him and he withstood all of that. of strategy after going into the We tried spin, we bowled over Durban match with a four- the wicket, we bowled around pronged pace attack as well as the wicket, we bounced him, we spinner Keshav Maharaj. It left tried to york him. them with only six recognised “He rode his luck early on but batsmen. then he settled down. That’s the Left-arm swing bowler Vish- nature of sport. When somebody Zimbabwe’s batsman Hamilton Masakadza plays a shot as South wa Fernando and debutant left- has a day like that, when it hap- Africa’s Quentin De Kock looks on during their World Cup match arm spinner Lasith Embuldeniya pens to you it’s tough to take but in Hamilton on February 15, 2015. (Reuters) took eight and six wickets re- you have to give him credit for spectively while South Africa’s the way he played.” batsmen struggled, with the ex- Gibson said there was no talk ception of captain Faf Du Plessis of revenge as South Africa tried Scotland bowl out Oman for and Quinton de Kock. to square the two-match series. 24 in one-day game Du Plessis admitted in Durban “There’s no focus on revenge, that South Africa’s batting had our focus is on playing a little bit Scotland bowled out Oman Barbados in 2007. been disappointing. It seems better,” he said. for just 24 en route to a Scotland, who narrowly certain that the hosts will in- 10-wicket thrashing of the missed out on qualifying for clude an extra batsman, either TEAMS: hosts in their opening one- this year’s World Cup, com- Theunis de Bruyn or Zubayr South Africa (from): Faf du day match yesterday. pleted their run chase in just Hamza, while a more conven- Plessis (capt), Dean Elgar, Aiden Five Oman batsmen were 20 balls as openers Matt Cross tional mix of three fast bowlers Markram, Hashim Amla, Temba dismissed for ducks as they and Kyle Coetzer hit four and a spinner seems probable. Bavuma, Theunis de Bruyn, were skittled in just 17.1 overs, boundaries between them. South Africa could also re- Zubayr Hamza, Quinton de Kock with Khawar Ali striking the “We want to be dominant. We think their policy of short- (wkt), Wiaan Mulder, Vernon Phi- only boundary of the innings want to be ruthless. And that’s pitched bowling against Asian lander, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso in his top-score of 15. exactly what happened on the opponents. It did not work in If, as had been expected, Elizabeth they will drop two Last season, after losing the Rabada, Dale Steyn, Duanne Scottish seamers Ruaidhri pitch. We got on top of them Durban and the surface in Port South Africa had disposed of points further behind India – fi rst Test in Durban, South Africa Olivier. Smith and Adrian Neill both and wouldn’t let them go,” Elizabeth also tends to lack the their sixth-ranked opponents by and if they lose or draw they will turned the series against Aus- Sri Lanka (likely): Dimuth finished with figures of 4-7. Scotland’s acting head coach pace and bounce of other South winning both Tests, South Africa fall behind New Zealand, cur- tralia around with a convincing Karunaratne (capt), Lahiru Thir- Oman’s highest partnership Toby Bailey told cricketscot- African venues. would have closed the gap on In- rently in third place. six-wicket win in Port Elizabeth. imanne, Kusal Mendis, Oshada was just eight runs as they land.com. Before the Durban Test, Du dia to four points. South Africa have won fi ve and Kagiso Rabada, who had a Fernando, Kusal Perera, Niro- posted the fourth-lowest The sides will play two more Plessis was talking about his Now, the best they can do is drawn one of their most recent poor fi rst Test against Sri Lanka, shan Dickwella (wkt), Dhanan- score in List A history, six runs games in the three-match team’s long-term goal of closing share the series, ending a streak six Tests at St George’s Park, in- will be returning to the ground jaya de Silva, Suranga Lakmal, better than the 18 made by series on Wednesday and the gap on number one-ranked of seven successive home series cluding a 206-run win over Sri where he took 11 wickets against Lasith Embuldeniya, Kasun West Indies Under-19s against Friday. India in the world Test rankings. wins. Even if they win in Port Lanka in two seasons ago. Australia. Rajitha, Vishwa Fernando.

COMMENT Cook confi dent England can end WC drought AFP dropped from the squad that Caribbean – and sees parallels London then failed to beat a fellow Test between that team and Morgan’s nation while suff ering a group- men. stage exit at the 2015 edition in “The only world trophy I lastair Cook believes Australia and New Zealand. But thought we had a genuine chance England can end dec- Cook said a change of attitude of winning was the World Twen- ades of World Cup lay behind England’s rise up the ty20 in the West Indies that we disappointment with a one-day rankings since that dis- did, because we were ahead of triumphA on home soil this year. mal display. “Probably over the the curve there. England have never won the years we’ve really concentrated “We picked a team of special- men’s World Cup, but with 100 on Test cricket as a nation. Over ists, people like Craig Kieswet- days to go until the start of the the last three or four years we’ve ter, Michael Lumb – and I think latest edition, a team captained really given the one-day cricket that’s what England have fi nally by Eoin Morgan are top of the its due,” he said. started doing in the one-day 50-over world rankings. game as well.” Former England skipper Cook, ‘SKY’S THE LIMIT’ who retired from international It was a point emphasised by ‘NEVER WRITE OFF INDIA’ cricket last year as the coun- former England spinner Graeme But Swann warned that England try’s highest Test run-scorer and Swann, who said: “I just think would face several tough oppo- most-capped player, said there England are picking the right nents in their quest for World were several reasons why Mor- team these days. They’re picking Cup glory. “You can never write gan’s men could go one better one-day specialists and the sky’s off India, they are an exceptional than the England teams that lost the limit. one-day team, Virat Kohli is a in the 1979, 1987 and 1992 fi nals. “When they bat, people like brilliant captain, brilliant play- “They’re a very settled side, Jason Roy, Jonny Bairstow, they er.” As for champions Austral- they’ve got 15 players pretty think that (scoring) 400 is fea- ia, England’s oldest rivals and much nailed on for that squad,” sible rather than an impossible fi ve-times World Cup-winners, Cook told AFP at a World Cup dream. I think England have fi - Swann said: “The Aussies are event in London’s Trafalgar nally picked a very aggressive like Germany in the football – Square on Tuesday. team as well, with Eoin Morgan, you can never write them off at a “Everyone knows their role, who’s a brilliant captain. World Cup.” they’re very comfortable in their “They’ve got a team that is Swann though said he was role, they’ve got a lot of strength putting them in fi rm contention particularly looking forward to in depth, they seem to have a lot to win this World Cup,” insist- watching Pakistan, who won the of options covered and they’re ed Swann, who added “I never 2017 Champions Trophy one- an exciting team to watch. thought we (England) would win day tournament in Britain. “They are a brilliant one-day it deep down when I was there.” “They are so mercurial, you side.” Swann was a member of the never know what you are going Cook never played in a World only England men’s side to have to get. When they are on fi re, Cup, with the left-handed won a major global trophy – the they are absolutely explosive and opening batsman dramatically 2010 World Twenty20 in the when they’re not, they’re awful.” Former England captain Alastair Cook with England players during recently concluded Test series against West Indies. (Getty/AFP)

Wednesday, February 20, 2019 GULF TIMES SPORT

HORSE RACING Ooredoo to sponsor HH The Amir’s Silver Sword race By Sports Reporter Ooredoo COO Yousuf Abdulla Doha al-Kubaisi said, “We are com- mitted to supporting events and activities aimed at preserving the oredoo will renew its heritage and traditions of Qatar, sponsorship of HH The in line with our corporate social Amir’s Silver Sword responsibility strategy, and we race at the upcoming are proud to sponsor this race HHO The Amir’s Sword Festival, to be held on the Silver Sword which is set to begin on Thursday of His Highness The Amir. This at Al Rayyan Park. prominent event highlights Qa- HH The Amir’s Sword Festi- tar’s history and identity, and we val is one of the most prominent look forward to enjoying some international horse racing events amazing horsemanship and some in the region, featuring some of memorable races.” the best local and international Qatar Racing and Equestrian horses. Club CEO Nasser bin Sherida The three day racing extrava- al-Kaabi said, “We are proud ganza will see a total of 27 races, to have Ooredoo as partners with Al Zubara Trophy for local in sponsoring HH The Amir’s Purebred Arabians the feature on Sword Race which is considered the fi rst day. one of the most important of Friday’s card consists of nine all, as it is exclusive to Arabian races with the Group 2 Irish horses. Qatar is known for its Thoroughbred Marketing Cup, a interest in this breed of horses, mile-long race with a total prize and the festival is global in na- money of USD200,000, the fea- ture with the participation of ture. a wide range of well-known The third and fi nal day of the coaches and jockeys from festival will host some of the big- around the world. The festival gest races of the festival. also contributes to the vision of The sixth race of the card will the Racing and Equestrian Club be HH The Amir’s Silver Sword, to become a world-class eques- which is presented by Ooredoo. trian centre. I am confident that The 1850m race for four-year-old this partnership with Ooredoo Purebred Arabians carries a prize will create more opportunities purse of USD250,000. for co-operation and joint ac- Ooredoo COO Yousuf Abdulla al-Kubaisi (third from left), Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club CEO Nasser bin Sherida al-Kaabi (centre) and off icials during the announcement of Speaking on the exciting event, tion to serve Qatari equestrian.” Ooredoo’s sponsorship of HH The Amir’s Silver Sword race at the upcoming HH The Amir’s Sword Festival.

FIA WORLD CUP FOR CROSS-COUNTRY RALLIES SPOTLIGHT Gulf junior athletics South Racing Can-Am starts in Doha today QNA QAF is racing to organise and Doha co-ordinate the event, with reg- ular meetings held on a regular basis to identify the latest prepa- atar Athletics Federa- rations and developments for enters Oman’s al-Zubair tion (QAF) is preparing guests’ access and all organisa- to host the Gulf Junior tional matters. Athletics Champion- The Wyndham Hotel will be shipsQ at Qatar Sports Club start- the offi cial hotel and venue for all ing today. Qatar, Kuwait, and delegates and guests. Oman are participating in the The Gulf Junior Athletics in Qatar cross-country three-day tournament. Championship is one of four QAF president Dr Thani bin strong athletics championships Abdulrahman al-Kuwari chairs to be hosted by Doha in 2019, fol- Manateq Qatar Cross-Country Rally begins with the first desert stage on Friday the Organising Committee of lowed by the Asian Champion- the tournament, while secre- ship on April 20, the Diamond By Sports Reporter tary-general Mohamed Issa League on May 3 and the 2019 Doha al-Fadala is the director of the World Championships in Athlet- tournament. ics on October 4.

he South Racing Can- Am Team has entered a FOCUS pair of Can-Am Mav- erick T3s for Oman’s TAbdullah al-Zubair and Russian driver Fedor Yorobeyev in this Al Sadd win Qatar week’s Manateq Qatar Cross- Country Rally. The Lusail-based event is the youth basketball title opening round of a revised FIA World Cup for Cross-Country QNA tournament by Faisal Nabil Abu Rallies that features further Doha Issa, Ibrahim al-Azhar, Ibrahim long-distance rallies in Abu Ghalib, Ahmed al-Daher, Yousif Dhabi, Turkmenistan, Kaza- Bader, Salem al-Naimi, Ismail khstan and Morocco. The T3 l Sadd won the title of Hashim, Amr Saad, Magd Bas- category has become the most Qatar Youth Basketball sam and Mohamed al-Tamimi. popular of the three FIA car rac- Tournament for the Al Sadd basketball club presi- ing categories (T1, T2 and T3) 2018/2019 season at Al dent Nabil Abu Issa expressed on the back of the success of the IttihadA Hall after beating Al Ahli happiness after winning the Side-by-Side (SxS) section at 104-54 in the fi nal match of the tournament, which is a result of the Dakar Rally. tournament. the great work of the technical The Qatar event is being or- Al Sadd won the tournament af- and administrative staff , and the ganised by the Qatar Motor and ter winning 14 successive match- players from the start of the sea- Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) es, while Al Ahli fi nished second son. He added that the Al Sadd and has attracted a provisional ahead third-placed Al Gharafa. youth club is the base of Al Sadd 13 entrants in T3. Al Sadd was represented in the fi rst team in the near future. Al-Zubair and Yorobeyev are running under the AZ Rac- ing Team and Zavidovo Racing FOOTBALL Team banners, respectively. The Omani has teamed up with the experienced Qatari navigator Nasser al-Kuwari on this oc- QSL’s match analysis casion. The cousin of Porsche Super Cup racer Al-Faisal al- Oman’s Abdullah al-Zubair (also inset) finished second overall in the T3 category at the Baja Russia Northern Forest Rally last weekend. Zubair, he tackled the event in course receives the National category last year they will be looking for a good and claimed silverware before result. Monster Energy Can-Am’s Varela aims for T3 glory switching to his exciting new “Fedor and Kirill are an expe- positive feedback Can-Am project. rienced team. They have com- By Sports Reporter Last weekend, he and navi- peted a lot in Russia and have Doha QNA tie-ups with brothers from Ku- gator Faisal al-Raisi fi nished raced for several years in the T3 Doha wait and Oman. He also hailed second overall behind Italy’s category. They raced Russia in the participants for playing a Michele Cinotto in the T3 cate- their own vehicle and this is the he Monster Energy Can- proactive role and engaging in gory at the Baja Russia Northern fi rst time that they are racing Am Team will be hoping he Match Analysis highly-productive sessions.” Forest Rally, the opening round with South Racing Can-Am. We Tto follow up a superb course, organised by the QSL’s Head of Football De- of the new FIA World Cup for want to bring both cars to the second and third overall at last Qatar Stars League’s velopment Miguel Heitor said, Cross-Country Bajas. fi nish and have a good race.” month’s Dakar Rally by chal- (QSL) Football Develop- “Courses like this provide the Yorobeyev teams up with fel- The Manateq Qatar Cross- Tment Department from Febru- attendees with additional tools lenging for outright victory in low countryman Kirill Shubin Country Rally gets underway the T3 category at this week’s ary 11-14 in association with the with which they can analyse in the third of the South Rac- with the fi rst of fi ve desert stag- Manateq Qatar Cross-Country Al Kass Under-17 International matches in an effi cient and eff ec- ing Can-Am Maverick X3s. The es of around 102km on Friday. Rally. Cup, drew overwhelming re- tive manner. We were delighted experienced duo fi nished 15th They will then tackle four se- The Monster Energy Can-Am sponse and positive feedback to have new analysts from dif- overall and sixth in T3 in last lective sections across much of Team heads that field with the The Monster Energy Can-Am Team celebrate third place at the from all participants. ferent areas, including media, weekend’s Russian event that the desert terrain of the State of Brazilian duo of Reinaldo Varela Dakar Rally this year. The course was specially noted who sought longer duration for used snow-lined forest tracks in Qatar on February 23-26 with and Gustavo Gugelmin wheeling for the attendance of Qatari of- the course, among other sug- the Republic of Karelia, close to timed sections of 313km, 338km, out a Can-Am Maverick X3 being aware of the tricky navigation World Cup challenge with a fi cials along with offi cials from gestions, so that they get deeper the border with Finland. 350km and 270km planned – run by South Racing. and challenging desert stages good start in Qatar. Kuwait and Oman in addition insight into Match Analysis. I’m South Racing Can-Am Team’s totalling 1,367km – for the re- Varela and Gugelmin followed that lie in wait on the hidden “We have done some develop- to representatives of Supreme sure all that contributes to the Scott Abraham, said: “Abdul- maining four days before the up a stunning victory in the route laid on by the QMMF. ment after Dakar and have Committee for Delivery and further development of football lah and Fedor are looking for- fi nish on the Pearl-Qatar. SxS section at the Dakar Rally Scott Abraham of the Monster adapted the cars to the FIA Legacy, Qatar Football Associa- in Qatar.” ward to a cross-country event The switch to a date in Febru- in 2018 with third overall and a Energy Can-Am Team, said: rules from ASO Dakar rules. tion, Kuwait Football Federation, Topics such as Introduction after coming back from Russia ary for the fi rst time, as opposed pair of stage wins during their “This is the start of the 2019 That has entailed the introduc- Oman Football Federation, Qatar to Match Analysis, Tasks and a couple of days ago. Abdullah to the customary slot in the cal- defence of that SxS title last season for Reinaldo and Gusta- tion of a restrictor of 25mm. University and Aspire. Responsibilities of Performance is running in a full spec 2019 car. endar at the end of April, means month. They have both taken vo. After a strong performance This has created its own tech- QSL’s Acting Executive Direc- Analyst, Managing Match Anal- This rally is much closer to his that outside temperatures are part in the Qatar event before on the Dakar, winning several nical challenges, but I think we tor of Competitions and Foot- ysis through Dartfi sh programs home country of Oman. I think around 10 or 15°C cooler with (when it was based at Sealine, stages, they are looking to are well prepared for a good ball Development Ahmed Khellil and Analysis of the reports from his partnership with (Nasser) al- crews set to race in temperatures south of Doha) and are fully kick-of the FIA Cross-Country result at this race.” Abbassi said, “I look forward to Al Kass Under-17 International Kuwari will be a strong team and of around 22-25°C. having more such courses and Cup were dealt with in detail.