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Wednesday, February 12, 2020 Jumada II 18, 1441 AH Grandhomme GULF TIMES blitz helps NZ sweep ODI series SPORT Page 4 NATIONAL SPORT DAY CELEBRATIONS

Qatar Olympic Committee President HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani plays a game of volleyball during the National Sport Day celebrations at the Sports Village at Msheireb yesterday. At right, QOC Secretary-General Jassim al-Buenain tries his hand at table tennis. See also Pages 2 and 3

AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Mandzukic strikes for Al Duhail Coach Walid Regragui’s men settled the tie inside the first 15 minutes with a quick double-salvo

AFC

ario Mandzukic opened his 2020 AFC Champions League Maccount as ’s Al Duhail SC defeated Persepolis of the Islamic Republic of Iran 2-0 at Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium in Group C yesterday. Coach Walid Regragui’s men settled the tie inside the fi rst 15 minutes with a quick double-salvo. With just fi ve minutes gone, ’s persistence coupled with a lack of discipline from Persepolis defender al- lowed Mandzukic to get his fi rst goal in Asia’s prime club competition. The Iranian defenders stopped play- ing and protested an alleged shove by the Croatian as the ball fell to Ali who caught it before it went out of play, then crossed for Mandzukic who was left with a simple header from close range to open the scoring. In the 13th minute, Al Duhail were again the more alert of the two sides, capitalising on another defensive mis- Al Duhail’s Mario take as Han Kwang-song collected the Mandzukic celebrates loose ball at the edge of the area and set scoring against Iran’s up Edmilson with a deft through pass. Persepolis yesterday. The Brazilian fi red low with his left to PICTURE: Noushad put the game beyond doubt with less Thekkayil than a quarter of an hour played. Caught in between attempting to equalise and being cautious of in- creased damage, Persepolis were far from their best. Their sole clear-cut chance of the fi rst half was a header from centre-back Substitute Anthony Stokes was match, with Al Taawoun second with that narrowly missed the target. close to scoring on his continental three points. Meanwhile, Sharjah and As the second half wore off , Perse- debut on two occasions, but his fi rst Persepolis occupy the last two spots polis’ chances began becoming more eff ort was off target and the second respectively. serious and Ighodaro Osaguona nearly forced a fi ne Lecomte save to deny Persepolis travel to Sharjah next scored from Ahmad Noorollahi’s cross, him and keep the score at 2-0. The week, while Al Duhail make the trip but the Nigerian’s eff ort was saved by result means Al Duhail top Group C west to Buraidah were they face Al Taa- goalkeeper Amine Lecomte. after all teams had played their fi rst woun on Matchday Two. Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, February 12, 2020 SPORT

NATIONAL SPORT DAY Qatar celebrates sport FromFrom ooffff icials to children, sport brought a smile and energy to all

By Mikhil Bhat Doha

atar Olympic Committee’s second vice-president Dr Thani Abdulrahman al- Kuwari, along with former footballerQ Mubarak Mustafa and former basketball player Hashem Zaidan, were up against the likes of former Qatar basketball captain Ya- seen Ismail Musa and former foot- baller Adel Khamis in an impromptu basketball contest yesterday. As Musa and Zaidan dunked three-pointers with ease for their respective teams, the other protago- nists pitched in with their best with a few two-pointers, their passing game, and an occasional wink and a nod here and there in an attempt to send their opponents the wrong way. At some point during the game, HE Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman al-Thani, Assistant to the Chief of the Amiri Diwan, QOC Secretary-General Jassim the six-feet-eight-inch Musa closed al-Buenain, QOC Second Vice-President Dr Thani al-Kuwari, and other off icials and sports personalities take part in a in on the basket with al-Kuwari try- fun run from the Sports Village at Msheireb as part of Qatar National Sport Day 2020 yesterday. ing his best to defend. And defend he did as al-Kuwari managed to take HE Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrah- football team that lifted the Asian The 39-year-old even got talking the ball off him with sounds of ap- man al-Thani, Assistant to Chief Cup in the UAE about his game with al-Kuwari earli- proval from those who had gathered of Amiri Diwan and former QOC er. “This is probably the third time around, while the two themselves secretary-general, was in the front that he and I shared smiles before resuming the leading 100s of participants along game. with the other offi cials in a fun run From across the basketball court, a around the lanes of the Downtown young participant was trying hard to Doha. Minutes earlier, it was Team set a personal best in long jump, sand Qatar athlete Mariam Farid who had and all on his clothes and limbs. guided the participants through a Next door, the volleyball court warm-up session. saw some offi cials, including QOC There was nothing offi cial about Director of Sport and Qatar Swim- any of these matches, but the inten- ming Association president Khalil sity and determination was clear al-Jaber, having a go in yet another and present. Sport and competi- impromptu contest. tion does that to you. Challenges The table tennis area saw offi cials you, pushes you to do better. including QOC secretary-general First celebrated in 2012, Na- Jassim al-Buenain locked in a game. tional Sport Day is Qatar’s eff orts At the far end, trainers gave demos to push its citizens and residents of take-downs in the wrestling area into a more active lifestyle that as young teens got together with a helps in human development. To smile for a shot at the sport. There this end, the second Tuesday of were more demos in the judo area, February is even a public holi- while makeshift mini golf set-ups day with the numerous state- QOC Director of Sport and Qatar Swimming Association president Khalil had kids trying their best for hole- of-the-art sports facilities, al-Jaber (right) takes part in a basketball game yesterday. in-one eff orts. parks, gardens, etc hosting var- A boxing ring saw kids and adults ious sports activities, helping people alike throwing punches at each oth- embrace fi t and healthy lifestyles. last year. er, while there were further demon- Focus on sport has helped push The likes of Akram Afi f and Al- strations for muay-thai. A few young Qatar on to the world map. Besides moez Ali have wowed the crowds played basketball, and he is a boxers were even lucky enough to hosting world-class world over with their prowess on the fun basketballer. He told me used to have Her Highness Sheikha Moza events, Qatari football pitch. play in the US when he was study- bint Nasser in the au- athletes have Abderrahman Samba became only ing there. He has the background, dience. earned laurels the second man after world record- the skill, foundations. We enjoyed... in the world holder Kevin Young to dip under 47 Also there were some footballers of sport. seconds in 400m hurdles. Abdulla too, Mubarak Mustafa, Adel Khamis. Whether it is al-Tamimi has been among the top When you play against people from Mutaz Essa squash players in the world. other sports, it is always fun,” he Barshim, Barshim was as enthusiastic, if not said. who won more, as those who got to run with Al-Jaber was pleased with the world him or play basketball with him. turnout for celebration of sport. champi- “This is amazing. It is a big day “I would like to thank Msheireb onship and everyone is so happy. To me for giving us this place, to be our gold in as a sportsperson, it feels like Eid. partners. We are really so happy and front And I am happy that everybody got be here with all the federations. I am of his up early in the morning, wearing so happy to see a lot of attendance, home their sports clothes, and got ac- and seeing them enjoy themselves,” crowd tive, it’s amazing. I was running, he said. “I played basketball, vol- last cycling, basketball, volleyball, it’s leyball and other sports today, and year, about being active for me. Enjoying I hope people are feel encouraged to or the every bit of it,” he told Gulf Times get into sport.” Qatar yesterday. As for al-Kuwari, a childlike smile na- Musa echoed the thoughts. was all over him after the basketball tion- “For me, it is fun. There are peo- game. “Sport Day you have to smile. I al ple who don’t usually play sport, and won, my team won, that’s great. This Former Qatar basketball player Yaseen Ismail Musa (also right with Qatar Olympic then this day gets you interested, you victory is for one year. Next Sport Committee second vice-president Dr Thani al-Kuwari) helps a kid score a basket at the get to inspire people,” the former Al Day, I will challenge them again. I Sport Village in Msheireb yesterday. PICTURES: Jayan Orma and Mikhil Bhat Rayyan player said. hold the trophy for one year,” he said. Gulf Times Wednesday, February 12, 2020 3 SPORT

Sights from National Sport Day celebrations across Qatar PICTURES: Jayan Orma, Shemeer Rasheed, Anas Khalid, Jayaram

QOC second vice-president Dr Thani al-Kuwari celebrates during a game of basketball yesterday. Qatar’s world champion high jumper Mutaz Essa Barshim poses with children at the Sports Village at Msheireb yesterday.

Supreme Committee of Delivery & Legacy ambassadors Samuel Eto’o and Tim Cahill pose with QSL CEO Hani Ballan and other off icials.

Qatar Cycling Federation president Dr Mohamed al-Kuwari and Qatar Cyclists director Dr Abdulaziz al-Kuwari with Al Sadd and Qatar national team footballer Abdelkarim Hassan. Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, February 12, 2020 CRICKET

ODI TWENTY20 Steyn eyes new role in young Proteas side Grandhomme blitz now I wake up every morning Reuters East London and I can’t see myself doing anything else. “As long as the desire is xperienced South Af- still there to play at the high- rican Dale Steyn has est level, to get batters out and his eye on the Twen- out-smart them … once I have ty20 World Cup in decided I don’t want that I will helps NZ script 3-0 AustraliaE this year as he takes walk away.” on added responsibility as Steyn admits he has had to mentor to his team’s young adapt his game after chronic fast bowlers. shoulder problems reduced his Steyn is regarded as one of once blistering pace, but has the greatest quick bowlers to enjoyed challenging himself to play the game, but has been fi nd new ways to get batsmen laid low by injury for long pe- out. sweep over India riods in the last three years. “I want to keep experiment- The 36-year-old is set to ing and trying to change my ‘WE DIDN’T SHOW ENOUGH COMPOSURE UNDER PRESSURE. NEW ZEALAND DID’ play his fi rst Twenty20 In- game,” he said. “If I’m only ternational since March 2019 going to play one more match when South Africa host Eng- I want to take a with land in the fi rst match of a every ball, not try and defend a three-game series at Buff alo boundary.” Park today. Steyn spent most of his ca- Steyn, who ended his test reer in the same team as cur- career in August having taken rent South Africa coach Mark 439 in 93 matches, Boucher and director of crick- says his only goal for now is to et Graeme Smith, and now play in the T20 World Cup in that he is one of the few sen- October. ior statesmen left in a young “With test cricket, the squad, has added responsibil- workload was too much as I ity on the pitch. want to extend my career for “This is a young group of as long as I can,” Steyn told re- players and my role is to or- porters yesterday. chestrate the bowling attack a “In test cricket you can bowl little bit,” Steyn said. “I want 20 overs in a day, that is fi ve to stand at mid-off and say T20s, so it was a smart deci- to the bowler, ‘what are you sion. thinking?’ and hopefully they “I love playing cricket, right can learn and get better.”

New Zealand players celebrate with the trophy after their victory in the third ODI against India at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui yesterday. (AFP)

AFP Mount Maunganui Scorecard INDIA Total (7 wickets, 50 overs) 296 R.Taylor c Kohli b Jadeja 12 ndian captain Virat Kohli criticised P. Shaw run out (Grandhomme/Latham) 40 Fall of wickets: 1-8 (Agarwal), 2-32 (Kohli), T.Latham 32 his team’s ability to cope under pres- M. Agarwal b Jamieson 1 3-62 (Shaw), 4-162 (Iyer), 5-269 (Rahul), J. Neesham c Kohli b Chahal 19 sure after they suff ered a rare series 6-269 (Pendey), 7-280 (Thakur) V. Kohli c Jamieson b Bennett 9 C. de Grandhomme not out 58 whitewash yesterday against New Bowling: Southee 9-0-59-0 (w3), Jamieson IZealand following a fi ve-wicket hammer- S. Iyer c de Grandhomme b Neesham 62 Extras (b1, lb2, w6, nb2) 11 10-0-53-1 (w1), Bennett 10-1-64-4 (w1), de Five players charged by ICC for brawl ing in the third one-day international at KL Rahul c Jamieson b Bennett 112 Grandhomme 3-0-10-0, Neesham 8-0-50-1, Total (5 wickets, 47.1 overs) 300 Mount Maunganui. M. Pandey c Santner b Bennett 42 Santner 10-0-59-0 (w1) Fall of wickets: 1-106 (Guptill), 2-159 (Wil- Three Bangladesh players and Indians Akash Singh and Ravi A K L Rahul century was not enough of a two of their Indian opponents Bishnoi were also sanctioned. S. Thakur c de Grandhomme b Bennett 7 NEW ZEALAND liamson), 3-186 (Taylor), 4-189 (Nicholls), platform for the tourists, who made 296 for 5-220 (Neesham) have been charged by the Hridoy, Hossain and Singh seven after being put in to bat. R. Jadeja not out 8 M. Guptill b Chahal 66 International Cricket Council were all handed six demerit New Zealand, stung by a 5-0 shutout in H. Nicholls C Rahul b Thakur 80 Bowling: Bumrah 10-0-50-0, Saini 8-0-68-0 (ICC) after unsavoury scenes points, with Rakibul and N. Saini not out 8 (w2, nb2), Chahal 10-1-47-3, Thakur 9.1-0-87-1 the recent Twenty20 series, reached the tar- K. Williamson c Agawal B Chahal 22 following the Under-19 World Bishnoi given five for the post- get with 17 balls to spare. Extras (b1, w6) 7 (w4), Jadeja 10-0-45-1. Cup final on Sunday. match incidents. A frustrated Kohli, who admonished his Bangladesh claimed their Bishnoi, the tournament’s players for poor fi elding several times during Openers Henry Nicholls and Martin Gup- to live up to Kohli’s pre-match exhortation landmark off 104 balls, including nine fours maiden global trophy with a leading wicket-taker, was the match, said it was a fair result. till gave the Black Caps a fl ying start with 80 to play positively and post a big total. and one six. three-wicket victory on DLS slapped with a further two “We didn’t deserve to be on the winning and 66 respectively. Prithvi Shaw and Manish Pandey both Bennett dismissed Rahul for 112 and then method in Potchefstroom, demerit points for using side at all in the series,” he said. Colin de Grandhomme then steadied a reached the 40s but no other batters made snared Manish Pandey for 42 off his next before tensions spilled over “language, actions or gestures “We haven’t played so badly, but if you mid-innings wobble, bludgeoning 58 off 28 double fi gures, with Kohli out for nine. ball. between the two sides. which disparage or which don’t grab chances at this level then teams balls to see the hosts fi nish on 300 for fi ve. Still, Rahul looked set to steer India to a His fourth wicket came when Shardul Towhid Hridoy, Shamim could provoke an aggressive are going to hurt you. Leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahals was the huge total before Black Caps paceman Ham- Thakur sent a full toss straight to de Grand- Hossain and Rakibul Hasan, reaction from a batter” after “We didn’t show enough composure un- pick of India’s bowlers, taking three for 47. ish Bennett slowed the scoring with a late homme, and the bowler was unlucky not who struck the winning run, dismissing Avishek Das. der pressure. New Zealand did.” Earlier, Rahul boosted India’s hopes with fl urry of wickets. to get another when Navdeep Saini almost were all found guilty of a Level Bangladesh chased down a It was the fi rst time India have been white- his fourth ODI century, bringing up the Rahul had a life on 64 when Mitchell edged the next delivery onto his stumps. 3 breach of the ICC Code target of 170 to win from 46 washed in a bilateral ODI series of three or landmark off 104 balls, before departing on Santner’s throw at the stumps went wide The focus now turns to Test cricket, with of Conduct for the newly- overs, after India were bowled more matches since 1989 and the only time 112. He was supported by a gritty 62 from and the batsman made the most of it to score the fi rst of two fi ve-day matches scheduled crowned champions, while out for 177. – AFP it has ever happened against New Zealand. Shreyas Iyer but most of India’s batters failed his fourth ODI century, bringing up the to begin in Wellington on February 21.

SELECTION Warner completes rehabilitation with top Australia honour ’s bid to redeem the award in 2016 and 2017. England recall Foakes, Jennings for SL tour himself after a damaging ball- Warner and Smith were both tampering scandal has taken slapped with one-year bans AFP indefi nite break from Test cricket means Jack another step forward with the for their roles in the ball- London Leach, Dom Bess and Matt Parkinson will be opening batsman winning tampering scandal, while the frontline spinners. Leach, who matched Australia’s highest cricketing Cameron Bancroft was given Moeen’s 18 wickets in Sri Lanka 16 months honour. nine months. en Foakes and Keaton Jennings are ago, has recovered from an illness that meant The divisive 33-year-old has They were welcomed back back in England’s Test squad for the he played no part in England’s recent 3-1 series been awarded the Allan into the Australian fold when fi rst time in 12 months after being victory over South Africa.Yorkshire batsman Border Medal for the third their suspensions expired in picked for the tour of Sri Lanka. Jonny Bairstow misses the trip to take a break time, pipping by one vote March last year. BLancashire opener Jennings and Surrey having been part of the South Africa tour. Steve Smith, who was also The opener was Australia’s wicketkeeper-batsman Foakes were discarded Joe Denly has been retained despite a modest involved in the attempt to best batsman at the one-day after the West Indies tour 12 months ago. series in South Africa, where his 210 runs at an alter the ball using sandpaper World Cup, with 647 runs But both of Jennings’ Test hundreds in his 17 average of 30 matches his career average after during a South Africa Test in at an average of 71.88, and appearances have come on the subcontinent 14 Tests. 2018. Pat Cummins, the ICC excelled in Twenty20 series and Foakes was player of the series in England’s “The selection panel has supported continu- Test Player of the Year, came against Pakistan and Sri 3-0 whitewash of Sri Lanka in November 2018. ity after a successful series victory in South Af- third in an award voted on by Lanka. Foakes won the fi rst of his fi ve Test caps in rica. The South Africa tour marked the emer- fellow players, the media and Warner joins a select club Galle in November 2018 where he scored a fi ne gence of a very exciting group of young players, umpires. of multiple winners of the hundred. creating a nice balance with an experienced “When it is that close, you Border Medal, including Ricky England’s record wicket-taker James An- core of senior players,” national selector Ed really don’t know so it’s a big Ponting (2004, 2006, 2007) derson remains absent as he recovers from a Smith said. surprise to be honest,” an and Michael Clarke (2005, cracked rib sustained during the recent tour of “Jonny Bairstow has been in England squads emotional Warner said at the 2012, 2013), who also shared South Africa. across the three formats without a signifi cant ceremony late Monday. the gong in 2009. Despite his Test struggles since last year’s break. This two-Test tour presents a good op- “It was a lot of hard work and Shane Watson (2010, 2011) World Cup, Jos Buttler is one of England’s most portunity for Jonny to be rested. commitment to put my hand and Smith (2015, 2018) have naturally gifted players and he has been given back up for selection, and to won it twice. another chance by the selection panel. ENGLAND SQUAD go away and do what I know Allrounder Ellyse Perry joined However, Buttler will have to compete with Joe Root (capt), Dominic Bess, Stuart Broad, best which is to try and score Warner as a three-times Foakes for a place in the starting line-up in Jos Buttler, Zak Crawley, Sam Curran, Joe Den- as many runs as I can in any winner by claiming her third the two-Test series. Moeen Ali was England’s ly, Ben Foakes, Keaton Jennings, Jack Leach, competition I’m playing in,” Belinda Clark Award as the joint-leading wicket-taker on their last visit Matthew Parkinson, Ollie Pope, Dominic Sibley, added Warner, who also won outstanding women’s player. to Sri Lanka but his decision to continue his Ben Stokes, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood. File photo of Keaton Jennings (right) with his teammate Ben Foakes. (Reuters) Gulf Times Wednesday, February 12, 2020 5 SPORT

NBA NHL Kucherov’s OT goal lift s Lightning over Jackets Siakam-led Raptors who passed it over to Kucherov Reuters Los Angeles for a tip-in and a 1-0 lead. Shortly after Tampa Bay’s second power play ended early ikita Kucherov in the second, Bjorkstrand capped his two-goal took a pass from Pierre-Luc night with a mark- Dubois to start a breakaway er 31 seconds into and fl ipped a backhander over beat Wolves as win Novertime, and the Tampa Bay McElhinney at 3:44 to tie the Lightning beat the host Co- score. lumbus Blue Jackets 2-1 on ‘I THINK THESE GUYS Monday night for their sev- CANUCKS TOP PREDATORS enth consecutive win. Elias Pettersson and J.T. Miller HAVE PROVEN ENOUGH Knotted after a scoreless each had a goal and an assist, third period, the game was and Jacob Markstrom fi nished THAT THEY CAN WIN’ decided in the three-on-three with 36 saves as the Pacifi c Di- streak hits 15 session after Brayden Point vision-leading Vancouver Ca- stole the puck from Columbus defense- RESULTS man Zach Werenski behind the Columbus Arizona 3-2 Montreal net. Philadelphia 4-1 Florida Point then fed NY Islanders 5-3 Washington defenseman Victor Tampa Bay 2-1 Columbus Hedman in the slot, and the former Nor- Vancouver 6-2 Nashville ris Trophy winner Calgary 6-2 San Jose found Kucherov for the game-winner. nucks jumped out to an early Kucherov extended his four-goal lead and cruised to point streak to 11 games, dur- a 6-2 victory over the visiting ing which he has 10 tallies and Nashville Predators on Mon- 10 assists. Point contributed day night. two helpers. Quinn Hughes fi nished with Backup goalie Curtis McEl- three assists for Vancouver hinney made 31 saves, Pat Ma- to become the second rookie roon played in his 500th ca- defenseman in NHL history to reer game, and the Lightning record four three-assist games improved to 19-2-1 in their in a season. Ray Bourque did it past 22 contests. Team captain for the Boston Bruins in 1979- Steven Stamkos (lower-body 80. injury) was scratched, and Zack MacEwen, Brandon Mathieu Joseph was recalled Sutter, Jordie Benn and Jake from Syracuse of the AHL. Virtanen also scored goals, Oliver Bjorkstrand had a and Adam Gaudette and Troy goal and Elvis Merzlikins made Stecher each added two as- his fi fth consecutive start and sists for the Canucks, who recorded 28 saves for the Blue snapped a four-game los- Jackets, who lost for the third ing streak while winning for time in their last 12 contests the 10th time in their past 11 (9-1-2). home games. Craig Smith and The Blue Jackets played Mikael Granlund scored for without defenseman Seth Nashville. Pekka Rinne, mak- Jones, who is out indefi nitely ing his fi rst start in four games, due to an ankle ailment and stopped just 13 of 17 shots be- was placed on injured reserve, fore being pulled early in the and right winger Cam Atkin- second period. Juuse Saros son (lower body). Center Liam took over and fi nished with 13 Foudy, 20, was called up from saves on 15 shots. the London of the Ontario Vancouver dominated the Hockey League and made his fi rst period, taking a 3-0 lead. NHL debut. Foudy received MacEwen opened the scor- Toronto Raptors forward Pascal Siakam (right) 10:23 of ice time. The matchup ing with his second goal of the dribbles the ball past Minnesota Timberwolves was the fi rst meeting between season with a quick wrist shot forward James Johnson in the second half at the two teams since the wild- from the right circle under Scotiabank Arena. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports card Blue Jackets stunned the Rinne’s glove at 7:06. Presidents Trophy-winning Sutter made it 2-0 with a Lightning in a physical four- power-play goal at 12:44, re- AFP ounmpo — who skipped the game after the breezed past the Phoenix Suns 125-100 to game sweep during the fi rst directing Pettersson’s pass RESULTS Los Angeles birth of his son earlier Monday — to rally maintain their lead at the top of the Western round of last season’s playoff s. from the right circle inside the past the Sacramento Kings 123-111. Conference. Rajon Rondo added 23 points Kucherov extended his left post for his seventh goal of Charlotte 87-76 Detroit With Antetokounmpo out, Khris Middle- from the bench on a night when six Lakers point streak at 2:29 of the fi rst the season. Benn followed with ascal Siakam scored 34 points as Brooklyn 106-105 Indiana ton and Eric Bledsoe shouldered the burden players fi nished with double-digit points period. Point raced around his fi rst goal of the season on a the Toronto Raptors shrugged off Orlando 135-126 Atlanta of the off ensive duties with each player n-fi tallies. Columbus’ Gustav Nyquist slap shot from the left point their injury problems to extend ishing with 28 points apiece. The Lakers improved to 40-12 for the and slipped a cross-ice pass past a screened Rinne and in- Toronto 137-126 Minnesota their winning streak to 15 games Brook Lopez had 20 points while Wesley season, three games ahead of the Denver over to Mikhail Sergachev, side the left post at 13:51. onP Monday with a 137-126 defeat of the Milwaukee 123-111 Sacramento Matthews, Sterling Brown and Donte Di- Nuggets, who held on to second spot with a Minnesota Timberwolves. Utah 123-119 Dallas Vincenzo all cracked double fi gures as Mil- rollercoaster 127-120 win over the San An- Siakam’s dominant display included six Denver 127-120 San Antonio waukee improved to 46-7 with their fi fth tonio Spurs. three-pointers as the reigning NBA cham- straight victory. San Antonio looked to be cruising to- pions overpowered a resilient Timber- Miami 113-101 Golden State Harrison Barnes led the Kings’ scoring wards victory after opening up a 23-point wolves side to cement their grip on second LA Lakers 125-100 Phoenix with 23 points. Milwaukee were made to lead in the third quarter. place in the Eastern Conference. work hard for the win, overturning a 90- But a spirited Denver fi ghtback which in- Kyle Lowry added 27 points with 11 as- injuries this year, but they just keep step- 88 defi cit at the end of the third quarter to cluded a double-double from Nikola Jokic sists for Toronto while OG Anunoby had a ping up and playing and we’ve just gotten pull away in the fi nal period. Middleton was turned the game back in the Nuggets favour, career-high 25 points while hauling in 12 used to it. The Timberwolves were led by pleased with the way the Bucks dug out the with the home side pulling away to com- rebounds. Karl-Anthony Towns with 23 points while victory in the absence of Antetokounmpo. plete the win. Siakam’s points tally included 14 in the D’Angelo Russell, who completed his move “That’s what it’s all about,” Middleton Jokic fi nished the night with 19 points, 13 fourth quarter, a decisive contribution that from the Golden State Warriors last week, said. “Who has the best team? We defi nitely assists and eight rebounds while forcing fi ve helped lock down the victory for Toronto added 22 points and forced a team-leading feel like we got one of the best players out turnovers. Point guard Jamal Murray added who have 40 wins against 14 defeats. six turnovers. there. He wasn’t out there tonight but we 26 points while Paul Millsap had 22 off the Toronto’s win was made all the more im- still think we have one of the best teams in bench. In Dallas, Tim Hardaway Jr had 33 pressive as it came after the late withdrawal BUCKS, LAKERS ROLL ON the league. points and Kristaps Porzingis added 28 but of Serge Ibaka, who fell ill hours before tip- The Milwaukee Bucks meanwhile are a “Teams may think they might be able it was not enough to stop the Mavericks off . The Raptors were already without in- whopping 6.5 games ahead of Toronto at the to win when he’s not out there. But that’s sliding to a 123-119 loss to the Utah Jazz. jured starter Marc Gasol. top of the Eastern Conference after clinch- what motivates us. To let them know we’re The Mavericks, missing the injured Luka “I think these guys have proven enough ing their 46th win of the season on Monday. a complete team.” In Los Angeles, Anthony Doncic, fell to 32-22 while Utah improved to Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Nikita Kucherov (right) controls that they can win,” Raptors coach Nick The Bucks overcame the absence of Davis had 25 points and 10 rebounds while 35-18 to remain in fourth spot in the West- the puck against the Columbus Blue Jackets in the third period Nurse said afterward. “We’ve had a lot of reigning NBA MVP Giannis Antetok- LeBron James added 17 points as the Lakers ern Conference. at Nationwide Arena. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports

NFL Rivers isn’t ready to call it a career aft er parting with Chargers By Sam Farmer lowed him to study tape in back on quarterbacks. playing, it’s a two-year maximum,” Los Angeles Times his daily commute to and from Costa Whereas Manning retired with Rivers said. “Whoever the suitors Mesa. two Super Bowl rings, Rivers made are, I think that would be their hope He and his wife, Tiff any, recently it to one AFC championship game as well. Because you never know t’s not necessarily his choice but moved to Florida with their nine with the Chargers, gritting through how it goes. Shoot, if we stink it up after 16 seasons as an NFL quar- children, relocating to a vacation a torn knee ligament to put up a after one year, I’m probably done. If terback, Philip Rivers fi nds him- home they bought fi ve years ago. tough battle at New England before we play really good, they’ll probably self running the option. They home-schooled the kids this losing. want to go again. IHis days with the Los Angeles year in anticipation of a move, and He’s coming off a season in which “Certainly you want a chance to Chargers are over. The team an- are in a familiar place where in re- he had 23 touchdown passes, nine win a championship, but it’s not just nounced as much Monday morning, cent years they have spent Easters fewer than in 2018, and 20 inter- about that. If you told me right now, making offi cial what everyone knew and summers. ceptions, which was an increase of ‘You’re going to play for two years, was coming. And now Rivers begins “We’re hunkering down here,” eight. The Chargers fi nished 5-11 and you’re going to be good. But y’all the next chapter of his life. said Rivers, who ultimately plans to and 0-6 in the AFC West. will not win a Super Bowl. Will you The options in front of him: To return to the couple’s home state. “Some people might disagree that still play?’ Heck yeah, I’ll still play. pursue a job with another team (his “We know Alabama is the fi nal des- I can still play,” he said. “But I would “So it’s not like it’s a Super Bowl preference) or call it a career. tination at some point, but until this say I defi nitely can do it. I cleaned or nothing. But if it’s a team where “I’m feeling a wide range of kind of plays out, we just felt being up a few of those other things, and it’s going to be tough sledding and emotions, from sad to refl ective to here was the right thing.” if I’m playing consistently, I can still they’re two years away from even thankful,” he said by phone from his Rivers, 38, is forever linked do it physically.” having a chance, and they led the home in Florida. “The underlying with Eli Manning, who retired last Carolina is a possibility, with the league in most sacks given up or one is thankful.” month. The Chargers made Man- future of Cam Newton uncertain be- something, then it’s, ‘I don’t think Rivers, who was selected to eight ning the No. 1 overall pick in 2004, cause of a Lisfranc foot injury. Rivers so, guys.’ ” Pro Bowls, was more than the face of despite knowing the Mississippi played at North Carolina State. Rivers doesn’t envision working the Chargers franchise but an icon in star didn’t want to play for them. In Florida, the quarterback situ- in television if he’s not playing, at San Diego, where he stayed with his The New York Giants chose Rivers ations in Tampa Bay and Miami are least not right away. So for now, he’s family when the club moved north. fourth, then agreed to a draft-day in fl ux. not ready to hang up his shoulder He had a custom SUV made that al- trade with San Diego to swap rookie “I can say for certain that if I’m pads. File photo of Philip Rivers. (AFP) Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, February 12, 2020 FOOTBALL

AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FOCUS Barcelona’s Dembele out of Euro aft er Sadd, Nassr share points hamstring surgery

AFP aft er entertaining match Madrid usmane Dembele will miss Euro 2020 after Al Sadd will host Iran side Sepahan at the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium next week Barcelona announced yesterday the France internationalO will be out for AFC Riyadh around six months following surgery on his right hamstring. Dembele’s absence also means atar giants Al Sadd played out he will be sidelined for the rest of a 2-2 draw with Saudi Ara- this season for Barca, who will be bia’s Al Nassr in a highly en- without another attacker after tertaining clash at Riyadh’s losing Luis Suarez to a long-term PrinceQ Faisal bin Fahad Stadium in their knee injury last month. opening 2020 AFC Champions League “The fi rst team player Ous- Group D match yesterday. mane Dembele has success- The two teams had in the quarter- fully undergone surgery... for a fi nals of the previous edition, with the ruptured tendon in his proximal fi rst leg ending in a 2-1 home victory for hamstring in his right thigh. Al Nassr. The hosts romped to a quick The Frenchman will be out for start, taking the lead inside seven min- around six months,” the La Liga utes through Abderazzaq Hamdallah. champions said in a statement. The Moroccan striker found space in- The 22-year-old has suff ered side the Al Sadd box to receive Yahya al- a number of hamstring prob- Shehri’s through pass and convert into lems since joining from Borus- the back of the net. sia Dortmund in August 2017 in The home fans’ joy lasted just two a deal worth up to 147mn euros minutes as struck ($160.5mn). Dembele has made the equaliser for Al Sadd in the ninth only nine appearances this sea- minute. The Algerian beat his marker son. He was close to recovering and connected with Pedro Miguel’s low from a hamstring injury sus- cross from the right to restore parity. tained in November before suf- The scenario was repeated in the sec- fering a relapse in training last ond half with both teams fi nding the week. The former Rennes at- net in the fi rst ten minutes. This time, tacker also missed the majority however, it was Al Sadd who scored of his opening year at Barcelona fi rst. Miguel intercepted al-Shehri’s at- with a similar problem which tempted long pass inside Al Nassr’s half kept the forward out for four and supplied and overhead pass to skip- months. per Hassan al-Haydos who cut into his Dembele’s latest disappoint- left foot and coolly slotted past Austral- ment is a blow to France’s hopes ian goalkeeper Brad Jones in the 48th of following up 2018’s World minute. Cup triumph by winning the Five minutes later, Al Nassr left-back Euros this summer, while Barca Abdulrahman al-obeid pounced on a coach Quique Setien spoke ear- poor defensive clearance to unleash lier this month of his excitement a powerful drive into the top corner, at the prospect of the young- bringing the game level again. The re- ster’s return. His long layoff sult means Sepahan top the group, fol- could prompt Barcelona to buy a lowing their emphatic 4-0 away victory replacement up front, if the club against Al Ain who fi nd themselves bot- are allowed to make an emergen- tom, while Al Sadd take second place Al Sadd captain Hassan al-Haydos (third right) celebrates after scoring against Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr in the AFC Champions League Group D match in Riyadh yesterday. cy signing by the Spanish Foot- ahead of Al Nassr with both teams col- ball Federation (RFEF). lecting a point from their fi rst match. began with a curtailed schedule yester- until April because of travel restrictions shunting the East zone’s round of 16 Bjorn Johnsen smashed a volley against Barcelona can apply for per- Al Sadd will host Sepahan at the Jas- day, AFP reported. aimed at halting the coronavirus. back to June 16-24. the bar early on, and had a fi erce shot mission from the RFEF but any sim bin Hamad Stadium next week. Ola Toivonen’s fi rst-half pen- A swathe of countries have barred ar- Also yesterday, Asia’s second-tier tipped over nine minutes into the sec- new arrival would have to be alty secured a 1-0 home win for Vic- rivals from China to fi ght the outbreak, AFC Cup postponed its East zone games ond half. playing in La Liga or out of con- VICTORY FOR MELBOURNE tory against Thai debutants Chiangrai which has killed more than 1,000 peo- until April, aff ecting teams from Tai- Diego Oliveira put FC Tokyo ahead tract, and would not be allowed AS VIRUS-HIT CHAMPIONS United, while Ulsan Hyundai and FC ple in China and infected more than wan, Hong Kong, Macau and Mongolia. with a neat fi nish on 64 minutes but to feature in the Champions LEAGUE GROUPS START Tokyo drew 1-1. The Group E games be- 42,000 in 25 countries. Most Cham- In the later kick-off in Ulsan, the with eight minutes to go, Adailton League. Real Sociedad forward Meanwhile, Melbourne Victory got off tween Beijing Guoan and FC Seoul, and pions League games involving Chinese hosts had FC Tokyo’s Adailton to thank gifted Ulsan a point when he headed Willian Jose, Getafe’s Angel and to a winning start as the virus-disrupt- Shanghai Shenhua against Perth Glory clubs have been put on hold for two as he headed a late own goal to leave the past his own goalkeeper from a hanging Lucas Perez from Alaves are all ed AFC Champions League East zone in Group F, have both been postponed months, extending the group stage and scores all square at 1-1. Ulsan striker free-kick. reported targets.

ROUND-UP Ronaldo, Ibra set for Italian Cup clash Milan: Cristiano Ronaldo and Zlatan Ibra- ers Lazio in the quarter-finals. Szczesny signs Juventus contract extension himovic are set to go head-to-head in to- “There’s a new king in town,” a jubilant morrow’s Italian Cup semi-final, first leg Lukaku wrote on Twitter after scoring uventus goalkeeper Wojciech Kompany, who joined Anderlecht in spokesman Stelios Petsas said. between Juventus and AC Milan at the the fourth goal for Inter in Sunday’s Szczesny has signed a three- June as player-manager, appealed to Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitso- San Siro. Both Ronaldo and Ibrahimovic derby. “We run this town.” The Belgian year contract extension until a rowdy section of home fans after takis’ government has been drawn scored at the weekend in defeats as was replying to Ibrahimovic’s pre-derby 2024, the Italian champions the incident as the home side went into a dispute between two of the Juventus fell 2-1 at Hellas Verona, while post saying that “lions don’t compare announcedJ yesterday. The Polish in- down 2-1 on the day in a local derby country’s top clubs, PAOK Thessa- AC Milan threw away a two-goal lead in a themselves to humans”. ternational joined Juve in 2017 from against Club Brugge. loniki and Olympiakos Piraeus. 4-2 defeat by city rivals Inter. Juventus coach Maurizio Sarri has Arsenal as back-up to club legend Part of a stand will be closed for The Greek professional sports “It wasn’t the result we wanted,” said reason to be worried by his side’s away Gianluigi Buff on. one game and the Brussels outfi t commission had previously recom- the 35-year-old Ronaldo despite becom- form, with the defending Serie A champi- The 29-year-old took over as must pay a fi ne of 5,000 euros after mended the relegation of current ing the first Juventus player to score in ons having lost their last two games on number one after Buff on’s departure the incident. Runaway league lead- Super League champions PAOK over 10 successive league games, just one the road. “I hope that someone will help to Paris Saint-Germain and has held ers Club Brugge top the First Divi- allegations of common ownership of game short of the Serie A record. me, it’s something we have to resolve,” on to the role despite the veteran sion with 57 points after 24 games fellow top-fl ight club Xanthi. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has Sarri said after the loss to Verona. “Right Italian’s return to Turin this season. while Anderlecht are in 9th on 34 PAOK chief Ivan Savvidis was scored 23 goals in all competitions this now we have a diff erence in perform- “This renewal is a demonstration points. Mignolet joined Brugge from accused by Olympiakos of acquiring season. ance between home and away.” of the club’s trust in me,” Szczesny Liverpool in July. a stake in Xanthi through a family Ibrahimovic, 38, has scored three Juventus are bidding to reclaim the said. Szczesny joined the club fol- tomorrow, and are through to the member, a claim which he denies. goals since returning to Milan last trophy which they held for four seasons lowing a two-year loan spell at Roma Champions League last 16 where TOP FIFA, UEFA OFFICIALS The Thessaloniki club have month. The Swede headed in the second until losing to eventual runners-up Ata- and has played 84 matches, winning they will play Lyon later this month. HEAD TO CRISIS-HIT GREECE called the accusations a “setup” goal on Sunday after setting up the first, lanta in the quarters last year. Antonio two Serie A titles, one Coppa Italia Senior offi cials from FIFA and engineered by arch-rivals and cur- but Inter hit back with four second-half Conte’s Inter are the only one of the four and an Italian Super Cup. ANDERLECHT FINED AS UEFA are scheduled to visit Athens rent league leaders Olympiakos. In strikes. “I showed that I can still make a semi-finalists to win in Serie A at the Juve’s reign as eight-time Serie FIREWORK EXPLODES NEAR on February 25 to help resolve a an eff ort to calm PAOK tempers, diff erence, even at 38,” he said. weekend, with Napoli crashing to a 3-2 A champions is under threat this ‘KEEPER MIGNOLET crisis aff ecting Greek football, the Mitsotakis’ government amended a But Inter striker Romelu Lukaku will defeat by lowly Lecce. season as they sit in second place in Belgian football club Anderlecht government said. UEFA president law which replaces relegation with be looking to upstage the two other Inter’s victory lifted them ahead of Serie A behind leaders Inter Milan have been sanctioned after a Aleksander Ceferin and FIFA vice points deduction as the punishment former Manchester United players Juventus on goal diff erence at the top on goal diff erence. fi rework thrown by a fan exploded president Greg Clarke “are expected for multiple team ownership. against Napoli in the other last-four first of the table, as they target their first Third-placed Lazio trail the pair next to the visiting ex-Liverpool to contribute to the consolidation Under the amended law PAOK leg last night. Gennaro Gattuso’s Napoli, Scudetto since 2010. The second-leg ties by a point. Juve play AC Milan in goalkeeper Simon Mignolet. Former of the framework so that we can would be docked fi ve to 10 points despite their current slump, ousted hold- will take place on March 4 and 5. the Italian Cup semi-fi nal fi rst leg Manchester City captain Vincent reshape Greek football,” government rather than automatically relegated.

BUNDESLIGA Klinsmann quits as Hertha Berlin coach aft er 10 weeks AFP vinced that Hertha will stay up,” he mann’s assistant Alexander Nouri paper claimed that Klinsmann was Berlin added in a message addressed to the would take over as interim coach with frustrated by the club’s reluctance to club’s fans, before suggesting that he immediate eff ect. Former Germany guarantee his job as coach beyond the felt a lack of trust from the club hier- boss Klinsmann was brought in as summer. urgen Klinsmann shocked archy. a short-term solution in November The former Bayern Munich, Inter Bundesliga club Hertha Berlin “In a relegation fi ght, unity, soli- after a disastrous start to the season Milan and Tottenham star will retain yesterday by stepping down as darity and concentration on the under coaching novice Ante Covic. his place on the club board, a posi- coach just 10 weeks after tak- essentials are the most important Since taking over, he has become tion he held before taking over from ingJ the reins at the ambitious capital things. If they are not guaranteed, I the face of Hertha’s bold new ambi- Covic last November. As Germany club. The 1990 World Cup winner can’t reach my potential and live up tions to establish themselves among head coach, Klinsmann presided over announced his surprise decision in a to my responsibility as coach.” the Bundesliga elite, following a lu- the so-called “summer fairytale” of post on his Facebook page, three days Klinsmann’s decision is a ham- crative new deal with investor Lars 2006, leading the national team to after Hertha slumped to a 3-1 home mer blow to Hertha, who had looked Windhorst last summer. Shortly after the World Cup semi-fi nals on home defeat to fellow strugglers Mainz to him to guide them away from rel- his arrival, Klinsmann said that Ber- soil. which left them just six points above egation and towards the Champions lin deserved “a super club” and later He later coached the US national the drop zone. League places. “We were very sur- said Hertha should target Champions men’s team from 2011 to 2016, lead- “After long consideration, I have prised by what happened this morn- League football within three years. ing them to the World Cup fi nals in decided to give up my position as ing. There were no previous indica- According to German daily Bild, Brazil in 2014. Hertha was only his head coach and return to my original, tions of this decision,” said sporting Klinsmann may have resigned due to second job in club football, following long-term role on the club board,” director Michael Preetz. a dispute with the club over his fu- a similarly ill-fated spell at Bayern wrote the 55-year-old. “I am con- The club confi rmed that Klins- ture in the Hertha dugout. The news- Munich in 2009. Gulf Times Wednesday, February 12, 2020 7 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT QF’s Al Shaqab off ers VIP experience for world-class events l Shaqab, member of Qatar Foundation, has put together an unparalleled VIP guest ex- perience to match the quality ofA the world-class equestrian events taking place at the Longines Arena at Al Shaqab — CHI Al Shaqab 2020 Pre- sented by Longines from 27-29 Feb- ruary followed by the opening leg of the Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT) from 5-7 March. Both competitions will showcase the exciting talents and skills of the world’s best riders and their horses. Al Shaqab is off ering exclusive hospitality pack- ages at its purpose-built VIP Tent as well as its VIP area in the Longines Are- na building, in settings that are fi t for royalty and distinguished guests. Keeping in mind the prominence of the upcoming equestrian events, the seating within the VIP Tent has been conveniently sectioned as: VIP Tables, Front Row, and VIP Tables, Rear Row. Each VIP table seats six persons. For those wishing to have a bird’s eye view of the event, VIP tables are also avail- able on the second fl oor of the Longines Al Shaqab is off ering exclusive hospitality packages at its purpose-built VIP Tent as well as its VIP area in the Longines Arena Arena Building. building, in settings that are fit for royalty and distinguished guests. Individuals may also purchase VIP seats but will only be accommodated at clients to an exclusive and unique expe- valet parking, complimentary all-day Since its establishment in 1992, Al ing the Arabian horse breed, but also comprising both an indoor and outdoor the VIP Lounge in the Longines Arena rience. Special discounts are also avail- dining, a souvenir program, and daily Shaqab’s vision has been build on Qa- encouraging the community in this venue capable of holding over 5,000 building. Tickets to the VIP areas come able when the VIP hospitality options start lists. tar’s Arabian horse heritage and be a unique, traditional cultural sport. To- spectators, Al Shaqab is part of Qatar’s in attractive packages, with several are purchased jointly for both events. VIP packages and standard tickets leading global centre for equine profes- day, Al Shaqab’s impressive facilities, growing reputation on the world stage hospitality passes being included for a Holders of VIP tickets will enjoy a to both CHI Al Shaqab 2020 and LGCT sionals, while providing an engaging which are distinctively designed in the that showcases its ability to host major single price. spectacular view while they can also can be booked https://www.q-tickets. experience for the community. shape of a horseshoe, cover 980,000sq international sports event at the high- Corporate organisations can treat look forward to several exclusive ar- com/ or through the Al Shaqab website Global leadership has not only meant m. est level. their business partners or high valued rangements including private entrance, (www.alshaqab.com). preserving, improving, and promot- With a state-of-the-art Main Arena

TENNIS China, Hong Kong to miss Asian team event Auger-Aliassime and due to coronavirus Mumbai: China and Hong Kong Kazakhstan in their opening have had to withdraw from this group game yesterday. week’s Badminton Asia Team Former world number one Championships in Manila due Kidambi Srikanth and young to the coronavirus outbreak, guns Lakshya Sen and Shub- Rublev advance organisers said yesterday. More hankar Dey won their respec- than 42,000 people have been tive singles matches while M infected by the flu-like virus in R Arjun and Dhruv Kapila won Italy’s fifth seed Fognini was upset in straight sets by Russia’s Khachanov mainland China, with au- their doubles fixture. thorities confirming more than India are placed in Group Reuters out Nikoloz Basilashvili 6-2 6-3 in what 1,000 deaths. B with Malaysia and Kaza- Rotterdam was the shortest match of the fi rst round, The Philippines has tempo- khstan after their initial group, with the 22-year-old wrapping up the rarily banned all travellers from which consisted of defending encounter in only 55 minutes after win- China, Hong Kong, Macau and champions Indonesia and hosts anadian teenager Felix Auger- ning 91% of his fi rst serve points. Taiwan due to the outbreak, Philippines, was reshuff led due Aliassime outlasted Germany’s Rublev’s record is 12-1 this year, hav- leaving organisers scrambling to the withdrawals of China and Jan-Lennard Struff to win 6-3 ing won titles in Doha and Adelaide and to try to arrange visas for play- Hong Kong. The tournament 1-6 6-3 and advance to the last- losing only at the Australian Open in the ers and off icials for the Feb 11-16 will lose much of its sheen with 16C of the Rotterdam Open yesterday. The last-16 to semi-fi nalist Alexander Zverev. event. “However, the decision the withdrawal of China, which 19-year-old Auger-Aliassime, who had Second seed Stefanos Tsitsipas was in ac- to impose the 14 days quar- has been the dominant force his breakthrough season last year when tion later last night against Poland’s Hu- antine period for all travellers in badminton for decades. The he climbed up to 17th in the rankings, bert Hurkacz. coming from China, Hong Kong coronavirus epidemic has had nearly threw it away in the second set On Monday, Roberto Bautista Agut and and Macau has to be respected a major impact on the sports when he lost fi ve games in a row before Pablo Carreno Busta survived three-set in view of the health and safety calendar in Asia. he regained his composure in the fi nal set. marathons in their respective fi rst round of the Philippines government The outbreak has seen Olym- “It was really tough, there was so many encounters to set up an all-Spanish last- for its people,” Badminton Asia pic qualifying tournaments for emotions running through my head,” Au- 16 clash. Bautista Agut came back from Russia’s Andrey Rublev in said in a statement. boxing, basketball and women’s ger-Aliassime, now ranked 21, said. “I felt a set down to beat Hungarian qualifi er action against Georgia’s “It is in this respect that the football postponed, resched- I had chances in the fi rst game of the sec- Marton Fucsovics 4-6 7-6(1) 6-1. Nikoloz Basilashvili. (AFP) above event will not see the uled or moved from China, ond set... and so many chances to make In the other encounter, Carreno Busta teams from China and Hong while badminton, motor sports, the break. It was really frustrating. It led needed two hours and 45 minutes to dis- Kong competing. The India’s hockey and tennis events have me to lose focus in the second set and get patch Frenchman Adrian Mannarino, Women Team withdrawal was also been aff ected. The world broken twice, which isn’t ideal for me or winning 7-5 6-7(3) 6-4. owing to concerns shown by indoor athletics championships, normal. In the third set, it was about for- the parents and players.” which were due to be held in getting and moving forward.” JOHNSON BEATS SANDGREN India, however, has sent its Nanjing from March 15-18, was The Canadian served seven double Steve Johnson carried his early-season men’s team after they agreed arguably the biggest event to faults but also fi red 16 aces in the contest ATP Challenger Tour success to the New to travel to Manila. They beat be aff ected by the outbreak. and set up a match with Bulgaria’s Grigor York Open on Monday. The 30-year-old Dimitrov, who eliminated Denis Shapo- American earned his fi rst tour-level win valov on Monday. of the season, upsetting fi fth-seeded On the other side of the draw, Italy’s countryman Tennys Sandgren 6-7(5), FOCUS fi fth seed Fabio Fognini was upset in 6-3, 7-6(3) at the ATP 250. straight sets by Russia’s Karen Khach- Johnson will next meet Italy’s Andreas anov 6-3 6-3. Fognini lost his focus fol- Seppi, who edged Damir Dzumhur of lowing an argument with the umpire over Bosnia-Herzegovina 6-3, 1-6, 7-6(6). UK Sport to begin a call in the second set and the Italian also Sixth seed Miomir Kecmanovic beat asked for the trainer’s help in strapping American Tommy Paul 6-4, 6-2 and will up his leg below the knee. next face a qualifi er, either 38-year-old independent review Khachanov sailed through the second Italian Paolo Lorenzi or Serbian Danilo set with two breaks of serve and Fognini’s Petrovic. unforced error count of 36 only made In the fi nal match of the day, American into UK Athletics things easier for the Russian. Marcos Giron beat former World No 8 Meanwhile, Andrey Rublev knocked Jack Sock 6-3, 6-4. Reuters of major concern to both UK London Sport and to the leadership team at UK Athletics,” Sally Munday, CEO of UK Sport said. “Our aim ritain’s under-fi re track in commissioning this fi rst stage KOORA TIME CONDUCTS NATIONAL SPORT DAY ACTIVITIES and fi eld governing body review is to ensure we have a full UK Athletics (UKA) will understanding of the priority is- be the subject of an in- sues and any next steps required dependentB review after a tur- to help the sport move forward.” bulent 15 months, UK Sport an- The review will consider the nounced yesterday. strategy, leadership, governance, In that time UK Athletics, operation, culture and connec- which received 27mn pounds tivity of UK Athletics within the ($35mn) in UK Sport funding for context of the sport as a whole the current Olympic cycle, has and sit alongside independent lost its CEO, performance direc- reviews into issues around the tor and chair and managed only Nike Oregon Project. fi ve medals at the world champi- Preliminary work will be un- onships in Doha, the lowest total dertaken by Sue Street, former since 2005. UK Athletics has also Permanent Secretary at the De- been criticised for its handling partment for Digital, Culture, of the fallout from the Alberto Media and Sport. She will recom- Salazar scandal, notably its de- mend next steps later in the next cision to allow Mo Farah to con- few months. UKA performance tinue training at the Nike Orgeon director Neil Black stepped down Project despite concerns raised after seven years in October fol- about Salazar in 2015. lowing the poor performance in In a statement UK Sport, the Doha and his past support for body responsible for funding banned US coach Salazar. elite sport in Britain, said it had Shortly afterwards Zara Hyde commissioned an independent Peters, who was to succeed Niels fi rst stage review to defi ne the de Vos as CEO, opted against key components of a ‘fi t for the taking up the post because of Visitors from all age groups engaged in a myriad of National Sport Day activities as part of the Koora Time programme, which was organised by Qatar Shell and Qatar Foot- future’ national governing body newspaper revelations about ball Association. The event opened with the Amir Cup trophy on display, and the opportunity to meet with Qatar defender Bassam al-Rawi. Members of the public also had for athletics. her husband. Chairman Richard the opportunity to enjoy training sessions, football matches, and fitness classes that promote the many benefits of adopting a healthy lifestyle. “Issues raised in recent Bowker also stepped down early months regarding the sport are in 2019. Wednesday, February 12, 2020 GULF TIMES SPORT

THE BIG INTERVIEW Sir Geoff : Qatar will host a great World Cup in 2022

By Sahan Bidappa traditional European season will Doha have any negative impact? A: I think the Premier League and other leagues will adjust for one year. I ir Geoff Hurst is a bundle of don’t think that is an issue. They have energy. The scorer of the only had plenty of time to plan for it. That hat-trick in a World Cup fi nal, cannot be a problem. It’s great that which helped England win the they have moved the World Cup to tournamentS in 1966 with a 4-2 victory winter. When it was fi rst announced, over West Germany, his enthusiasm they said it will be held in summer and for the game is infectious. naturally there was some criticism be- The former England striker – who cause it was going to be too hot for the also won FA Cup and European Cup players. Winners’ Cup medals with West Ham I have experienced that. I have in his illustrious career – was in Qatar played In Mexico World Cup in 1970 for a short visit. Hurst was part of the and we played there in the summer National Sport Day celebrations yes- there and it was hot. We played in a terday as he refereed a tournament for city called Guadalajara which is at international property and construc- 5,000 feet, so we were playing at an tion consultancy Gleeds. altitude. There were a couple of games Hurst is 78, but looks much young- in which I played and I was getting a er and can dazzle the room with his dizzy spell and had to rest more than I witty anecdotes. In a wide-ranging would normally do. interview with Gulf Times, the Eng- Now they have quite rightly decided lish legend spoke about Qatar hosting to move the Qatar World Cup to win- the 2022 World Cup, memories of his ter. If it’s that hot, not only it’s not magical night at Wembley and much good for the players but also for the more. Excerpts: fans, who will be walking around. That would spoil their enjoyment. Q. You have been coming to Qatar since 2005, what are your Q: What advice would you give impressions of the country? to the Qatari players before A: It’s my third visit to Qatar. Last the World Cup? year I came here and my fi rst was in A: My advice for them is to be 100% 2005. I enjoyed my visit last year. focused and dedicated on their per- It’s very diff erent from what it was in formance and fi tness. One important 2005. I have been to one or two Arab thing to be successful is for the team countries before; it’s a diff erent cul- spirit to be good. I think it’s a funda- ture and I enjoy being here. I spent two mental requirement for a successful years coaching in Kuwait from 1982- national team. The manager needs his 84. It’s nice going to diff erent coun- players to commit that. Alf Ramsey tries and cultures. (England’s 1966 World Cup winning Qatar has changed dramatically coach) for me was good in a way, be- over the years. I can see many changes cause when a player didn’t want to be in a short time since my visit last year. part of the team, then it was a good- I can see so much construction going bye. Ramsey was left with a very good on. It’s just enormous and amazing. bunch of players and hard-nosed, You are going to need that when hun- dedicated players and that for me has dreds of thousands of people from all always been a fundamental reason for over the world come to Qatar for the success. I have talked to other interna- World Cup. I think that was an is- tional players who have won the World sue they spoke about. Like when the Cup and they say they were successful fans come, where they going to stay? because the team they played in had Someone was speaking about housing great team spirit. fans on cruise ships here. I think that is fascinating and that will be fun. Q: Do you think England can be strong contenders for the 2022 Sir Geoff Hurst speaks during an exclusive interview with Gulf Times during his visit to Qatar. PICTURE: Ram Chand Q: Qatar will make history in 2022, World Cup? when it will become the fi rst Arab A: I think they will. I am very posi- a smaller percentage of English players time. That’s one of the most enjoyable Q: According to you who will be is a very experienced manager who did country to host the FIFA World tive about the England team at the playing the league. Southgate now is things when you win the World Cup favourites for the title in Qatar? well at Everton. Cup. How important is it to host moment. I think under Gareth South- selecting players very unusually, for, in your country. Those memories last A: I would say usual suspects are not I think he is a good choice, but he the tournament in new countries gate we have improved and done well. they have hardly played for their clubs. forever for people and I always enjoy far away. France are a very good team has taken over at a very diffi cult time and regions? The English fans prior to Southgate’s I think Callum Hudson-Odoi for when people talk about it. at the moment. The Germans have not and now it’s a tough battle. And we A: I think every country is diff er- tenure were getting very disappoint- example was picked for England hav- done quite as well in recent years but have very diffi cult fi xtures ahead, with ent. And of course, every country is ed and disillusioned with the English ing hardly played a game for Chelsea. Q: Do u think your feat of scoring they have been dominant for a long most of the matches against top teams. diff erent when it comes to hosting the team. We were not having a full house In my time that was unthinkable. I a hat-trick in the fi nal of a World time. I think England is still in the mix, The last game was very disappointing, World Cup. It’s very diff erent and un- at Wembley. But since Southgate has had to play for three years, my club Cup will ever be matched? and in another two years if the players because were 3-1 up against Brighton usual and because of that it makes in- taken over, we have seen 80-9000 West Ham was doing very well and A: No! I sometimes say yes because continue to develop we have a chance. and we drew the game. We lost two teresting for a diff erent culture to host people packed at the stadium. At the I was scoring goals. Still it was three nothing is impossible in football. Brazil and Argentina are always points and that makes a huge diff er- the World Cup. I fi rmly believe every Brazil World Cup in 2014, we played years before I was picked for England. You can never tell. Who would have around. Portugal has a good young ence at this time of the season. country should have an opportunity to two group games and we were out. I made the West Ham fi rst team in the thought Liverpool will win the cham- team, and I think they will do very well host the World Cup. It’s fantastic what That’s the World Cup and in the Eu- 1962-63 season. Nowadays it’s dif- pionship this year so easily? They are in Euros this year and if they can do Q: Who according to you is the best they are doing here and I am convinced ros we lost against Iceland. That was ferent. Having said that, Southgate is 22 points ahead at the moment. And then they can be a force at the World player – Messi or Ronaldo? it will be a successful World Cup. the worst game I have seen. The fans harnessing raw talent who are without also, who would have thought Liver- Cup. Having said that, you can sit and A: I lean towards Messi. Both are There will always be negatives. want their team to play well so there experience into a good unit. Overall, pool, one of the greatest clubs, will predict here of who will in Qatar in great players, even if they had played When any World Cup comes around was a bit of disillusionment during Southgate’s managerial style and what take 30 years to win another title? three years’ time but you can never be in any other era. there has always been negativity – that period. But now the situation has he’s doing, and the way they’re play- Manchester United under Alex Fergu- sure of what is going to happen. I just favour Messi a little bit. I have Russia was a good example. But after changed dramatically. Now there is lot ing, is just fantastic. There is a team son achieved so much, but currently always felt that Ronaldo and Messi the World Cup in Russia every single more interest back home. spirit and camaraderie, which I think they are languishing in seventh spot. Q: Your former team West Ham playing at two great clubs Real Ma- English person I spoke to said the tour- was missing for a long time. So anything can happen in football is languishing in 18th spot in the drid and Barcelona in Spain was great. nament and hospitality of the Rus- Q: Do you think that Southgate can and that’s the beauty of sport. It’s very Premier League. What according to Them playing in attacking teams sians was fantastic. I don’t go around lead England to Euro Champion- Q: Is the memory of scoring a unpredictable. What is true is scoring you is the reason for their decline? meant they scored lots of goals. But with negativity. As a person I am posi- ships success this summer? hat-trick in the 1966 World Cup has become lot harder. Teams that are A: We are in a very diffi cult posi- what’s good about Ronaldo going to tive, as a player I was very positive. It’s A: I do fancy England’s chances of fi nal against West Germany at winning the World Cup are not some tion, in bottom three. It’s going to be a Juventus is – even though they are a going to be a great World Cup in Qatar. winning the Euros. The last 16, semis Wembley still fresh in your mind? of them who are scoring many goals. hard battle between now and the end dominant club – he is still doing very and fi nal will be played in London, A: The memories are still fresh and We scored 11 goals when we won. In of the season to get out of trouble. I well there at his age. I think his atti- Q: Qatar’s World Cup will be which I see as a big advantage for the it’s also fresh in fans’ mind. I still get 1956, Jules Fonte scored 13 on his own. think (manager) David Moyes has been tude is very good and he keeps himself played in November and home team. I can certainly see us win- people of my generation talk about It’s statically a lot tougher, so on that a good acquisition. I was surprised fi t. But I always felt Messi is the best December. Do you thinking holding ning. We are a young side. It’s diff er- the memories of that fi nal, where they basis you can say it’s a lot harder to that, when he got us out of trouble for player and it’s nice to choose between the tournament in the middle of the ent now to my times, because there is were and what they were doing at that equal my record. the fi rst time we didn’t keep him. He two of them.

SPOTLIGHT Qatar Table Tennis Federation lends Chinese team a helping hand Reuters as several of their top players are set Mumbai to participate in the Qatar Open from March 3-8. “We didn’t expect that they could hina’s table tennis federation prepare the venue, tables and facili- thanked its Qatari counterpart ties for us within such a short period yesterday for providing train- of time,” CTTA President Liu Guoliang ing facilities and equipment, said in a statement released by the In- includingC 2,000 balls, to its national ternatioal Table Tennis Federation. team, who are training in Doha to avoid “The tables that we are using for the coronavirus outbreak at home. training are those that will be used at More than 42,000 people have been the Qatar Open. QTTA has even given infected by the fl u-like virus in main- us all 2,000 balls that they had in stor- land China, with authorities confi rm- age for us to train. .” ing more than 1,000 deaths. Almost Asian powerhouse China has won 28 30 members of the Chinese squad have out of 32 golds awarded since the sport been training at Doha’s Aspire Acad- became an Olympic sport in 1988 and emy Arena since the conclusion of the QTTA chief Khalil al-Mohannadi said German Open in Magdeburg earlier this he wanted to make sure the world’s best month. With several countries impos- would be playing at the Qatar event. ing travel bans due to the outbreak, “When I heard about the coronavirus the Chinese Table Tennis Association in China, our worry was that the Chi- (CTTA) sought a training facility for nese national team would not be able to its players away from home. It received play at the Qatar Open,” he said. “For invitations from Germany, Austria and me it is not the Qatar Open and not the Chinese Table Tennis Association president Liu Guoliang, QTTA president and ITTF deputy president Khalil al-Mohannadi and ITTF CEO Steve Dainton with Japan among others but chose Doha World Championships without China.” China’s team members at the Aspire Academy in Doha.