SPORT 21 They’Re Going to Challenge Me in Areas Where I’Ve Been Getting Out

FRIDAY 23 FEBRUARY 2018 SPORT 21 They’re going to challenge me in areas where I’ve been getting out. I’m prepared TODAY’S FIXTURES for what they bring and I’ve just got to make sure I’m in the right mental state Australian batsman 4.50pm Al Arabi vs Al Kharaitiyat at Al Arabi Stadium and I play each ball on its merit. David Warner 7.00pm Umm Salal vs Al Sailiya at Al Gharafa Stadium

Australian sprinter fails doping test

AFP

SYDNEY: Australian sprinter Jessica Peris, the daughter of Olympic gold medallist Nova Peris, has tested positive to a banned substance, drug agency ASADA said yesterday, rocking her Commonwealth Games hopes. Peris, who shot into contention for the Games in April with several personal bests over 100m and 200m this year, was subject to an out-of-competition test in October where ASADA collected both blood and urine samples. “Her ‘A’ urine sample tested positive for three prohibited metabolites listed on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s Prohib- Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One drivers Finland’s Valtteri Bottas (left) and Britain’s Lewis Hamilton (right) pose for a photograph with Team Principal ited List,” the Australian Sports Anti- and Executive Director, Toto Wolff alongside the new 2018 season Mercedes-AMG F1 W09 EQ Power+ Formula One car during its launch at Silverstone Motor Doping Authority said. Racing Circuit in England yesterday. “Due to the nature of the prohibited metabolites detected in the initial urine screen, an additional scientific analysis was required before the positive test could be Mercedes and Hamilton hope to declared and the athlete notified. “As a result of the type of substance detected, the athlete was subject to a man- datory provisional suspension from all competition, in accordance with the World start season with new deal done Anti-Doping Code and the Athletics Aus- tralia Anti-Doping Policy.” REUTERS “I’m not feeling under any pres- “In the whole six years that I’ve Peris, 27, claimed there were “substan- sure of any other drivers being there been here, I’ve not spoken to another tial flaws” in the drug test which came back SILVERSTONE: Four-time Formula and (team boss) Toto (Wolff) and Mer- team once,” he said. positive and forced her withdrawal from One world champion Lewis Hamilton cedes have no reason to feel that I’m “I know the team have been con- last week’s selection trials for the Common- and Mercedes hope to have a new talking to anybody else.” Hopefully we’ll have tacted by other drivers in the past, and wealth Games on Australia’s Gold Coast. long-term deal wrapped up before the Wolff told reporters separately that something done probably still do today, and that’s inev- “I did not take any performance- season starts in Australia next month, he had spoken to Hamilton regularly (regarding a new long- itable. But we always made it clear at enhancing substance. I now believe that both parties said yesterday. by phone and through messaging and term deal) before the the beginning if that I was to engage there are substantial flaws in the way in Speaking at the launch of the hoped to have the deal done within “a and look at my options, I would inform which my urine tests were conducted in champions’ new W09 car at a damp few weeks” and “the sooner the beginning of the season, them. respect of my urine sample to ASADA on and cold Silverstone circuit, Hamilton better”. before the start of the ﬁrst “I’ve not needed to,” he added. 18 October,” she said. indicated the signing could come in a “He (Hamilton) has been with the race: Lewis Hamilton Hamilton has won three of his titles In response to her claims about the matter of weeks. team six years so we are talking about with Mercedes, missing out narrowly integrity of the test, ASADA chief execu- “Hopefully we’ll have something extending that to a very long time with to now-retired team mate Nico Ros- tive David Sharpe said he was “confident done before the beginning of the the same driver in the same team,” said he expected the talks to be berg in 2016. in the testing process and welcomed any season, before the start of the first the Austrian. straightforward. He is now the most successful oversight”. race,” the 33-year-old Briton, whose The season starts in Australia on He explained on Thursday that he British driver of all time and Peris’s mother, Nova, was the first current contract expires at the end of March 25. had not been away over the winter and favourite to become only the third indigenous Australian to win an Olympic the year, told reporters. Hamilton has been conducting his preferred to discuss the detail in five times champion after seven gold medal, in field hockey at Atlanta in “But again, we’re just in no rush. own negotiations with the team and person. But he said there was no doubt times title holder Michael Schu- 1996. She then won gold in the 200m and There’s no reason to rush anything, said last November, after winning his about his commitment and that of the macher and the late Argentine Juan 4x100m relay at the 1998 Kuala Lumpur there’s no panic. fourth championship in Mexico, that team. Manuel Fangio. Commonwealth Games. Warner expects a Man City’s Walker eager to smarter attack from South Africa beat ‘bitter rivals’ Arsenal REUTERS winning the league twice with REUTERS Tottenham but the club fal- LONDON: Manchester City tered and defender said his SYDNEY: Australia batsman David Warner says he expects South Afri- defender Kyle Walker’s love decision to leave Mauricio ca’s bowlers will be smarter against him than they have been in the for former club Tottenham Pochettino’s team to join City past when his touring side play four Tests against the Proteas in March. Hotspur will motivate him was partly due to the lack of The 31-year-old opener was named man of the series when Aus- against Arsenal in the League silverware. tralia last toured South Africa in 2014, having driven the visitors to a Cup final on Sunday, the “For me, I want to win 2-1 victory with 543 runs at 90.50. He aims to contribute with big 27-year-old has said. stuff,” Walker said. scores again but warned it will not be a straightforward task against The England international “I hate losing, and to be a world class Proteas bowling attack. was involved in the north with Tottenham for the “I’ve really got to embrace it again and still stay hungry for those London derby on numerous number of years I was and not runs” Warner, who led Australia’s Twenty 20 outfit to a tri-series win occasions as he played 229 pick up anything was disap- on Wednesday, told reporters. matches for Tottenham in pointing. We were very close “It’s a couple of years on (from when South Africa toured Australia eight years at the club before for two seasons, with in 2016). They’re going to be smarter and work out where to bowl to me sealing a move to Premier Leicester City and Chelsea, but fromm thethhe seriesseries thatthat theythhey did at home. League rivals City in August. we just fell short and I don’t “They’re“They’re ggoingoing ttoo challenge me in Walker has featured in all want that to happen here at areasaareeas wherewhere I’ve beebbeen getting out. I’m of the City’s League Cup fix- City.” preparedprrepared forfor whatwhaat ttheyh bring and I’ve tures so far and is eager to Walker is now on the justjuust gotgot to make suresus I’m in the right renew his rivalry against verge of winning two trophies mentalmmental statestate andd I play each ball on Arsenal but has warned his in a single season as City are itss merimerit.”t.” team mates to be cautious of favourites to win the cup final WarnerWarner expecexpectstts a stirring contest Arsene Wenger’s strength- and hold a commanding againstaagainst SouthSouth Africa’sAfrric fearsome pace ened squad. 16-point lead atop the league bowlersbowlers VernonVeern Philander, “Spurs is a club which table. KagisoKagiso RabadaRaaba and Morne belongs to my heart and to get Walker, who believes he Morkel.Morkel. one over on their bitter rivals, has become wiser at City, pre- TheThe trioo tormentedt India’s and mine for a long time, viously lost at the League Cup batsmenbatsmen onn fast and bouncy would be a fantastic feeling. final as Tottenham were pitchespitches earlierearllie this year to seal But it’s a game of football and beaten by Chelsea in 2015 and a 2-12-1 hhomeome TestTe series win, with anything can happen in 90 the defender is keen to avoid PhilanderPhilander andannd Rabada claiming minutes,” Walker told Sky a repeat. 1515 wwicketsickets each,eaac while Morkel Sports. “Losing to Chelsea with chippedchipped in withwi 13. “They’ve made some Spurs in the League Cup in SouthSouth Africa take on excellent signings in January 2015 was horrible... It’d be AAustraliaustrallia at Kingsmead, which we need to be careful emotional if we win. I’ll prob- DuDurbanrbaan in first of four of, and we need to just say: ably have a minute to myself Test matchesmam starting on ‘Let the best team win’.” before I go and find my David Warner Manchester City’s Kyle Walker MarchMarcch 1. Walker came close to family...,” Walker said. 22 SPORT FRIDAY 23 FEBRUARY 2018

Jockey Theo Bachelot celebrates winning Al Zubara Trophy on day one of the three-day Emir’s Sword Festival at Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club yesterday. RIGHT: An official belonging to the Reda camp receives the trophy from QREC General Manager Nasser Sherida Al Kaabi. BELOW RIGHT: Female riders pose for a group photograph. Reda in dramatic win as Emir’s Sword Festival kicks off at QREC

RIZWAN REHMAT Results on day one THE PENINSULA Read under as position, horse, trainer and jockey: DOHA: Julian Smart-trained Reda yester- PUREBRED ARABIAN NOVICE PLATE day produced an incredible gallop to the Distance: 1400 finish as Theo Bachelot clinched the Al Total Prize Money: $30,000 Zubara Trophy on day one of the three- Race Time: 01:32.29 day Emir’s Sword Festival at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC). 1 Al Mouzdaher, Hossin Mohammad Ashour, Faleh Bughanaim Reda, who trailed for most part of the 2 Anwaar, Mohammed Kasim, JP Guillambert 2000m turf race, managed a late flourish 3 Diese, Alban Elie Marie De Mieulle, Jean Baptiste Hamel to go past early leader Aaley Al Magam who was ridden by J P Guillambert. LOCAL THOROUGHBRED HANDICAP Owned by H H Sheikh Mohammed bin Distance: 2000 Khalifa Al Thani, Reda exhibited great lung Total Prize Money: $30,000 power to clinch the issue in a time of 2:15.77 to see such a fast run from Receding about pipped Khor Al Adaid for win in the Race Time: 02:07.80 in the 9-rider field of the feature event of Waves. I hope we can have some more 16-rider field. Ridden by Lukasek, Haddaj the day. wins.” Dukhan clocked a time of 1:48.17 in the 1 Sarmad Bu Thaila, Mohamed Khaled Elahmed, O.Peslier Majeed, ridden by O Peslier, edged In race six, Al Rayyan battled its way 1600m race. With Janacek in the saddle, 2 Al Jamaaheer, Mubarak Al Khayareen, Harry Bentley Damas for the second spot. Majeed fin- to a timely win by edging Burrishoole Khod Al Adaid finished second while Marc 3 Abu Samrah, Jassim Mohammed Ghazali, JP Guillambert ished 1.25 furlongs behind Reda as Damas, Abbey to the top spot. It was jockey Lerne guided Al Eshrah to the third spot. ridden by Jean Baptiste Hamel, had to set- Lukasek’s second win of the evening as Al Lukasek won $11,700. PUREBRED ARABIAN HANDICAP tle for the third spot. Rayyan completed the victory in a time In race two, Sarmad Bu Thaila, ridden Distance: 1600 “He got ready for this big race. He is a 1:37.78. by Peslier, coasted to a narrow win in the Total Prize Money: $30,000 fast horse. He likes big challenges,” pop- Guided by Harry Bentley, Burrishoole 2000m turf race. Trained by Mohammed Race Time: 01:48.17 ular trainer Smart said after watching Abbey was second while Vaclav Janacek Khaled, Sarmad Bu Thaila clocked a time Bachelot grab the top prize of $85,500. saw his ride Ard San Aer complete the top of 2:07.80 to claim the top prize of $17,100. 1 Haddaj Dukhan, Mansoor Mesfer Al-Hajri, Tomas Lukasek In the penultimate race of the 8-event three in the 1600m turf race. Al Rayyan Al Jamaaheer, with Harry Bentley in 2 Khor Al Adaid, Ahmed Mohamad Kobeissi, Vaclav Janacek card yesterday, veteran jockey Guillam- and Ard San Aer were trained by Hadi the saddle, secured the second spot only 3 Al Eshrah, Mohammed Salim Ashour, Marc Lerne bert produced his second win of the day Nasser Rashid Al Ramzani. 1.50 furlongs behind. when he guided Receding Waves to a spec- In race five, Izghawa raced to a hard- Bentley won $6,600. Abu Samrah, rid- THOROUGHBRED HANDICAP (Class 4) tacular win in the 1200m contest. fought win over British entry Broadway den by Guillambert, finished in third spot Distance: 2000 After a fast start, Receding Waves Icon while Catch A Wave settled for the worth $3,300. Total Prize Money: $30,000 retained its speed to corner glory in a time third place in the 1200m contest. In race one, Al Mouzdaher sailed to win Race Time: 02:05.73 of 1:09.25 and finished ahead of Poet’s Song Guided by Bachelot, Izghawa clinched in the Purebred Arabian Novice Plate with and Black Beach. Poet’s Song, who finished the issue in a time 1:11.91. Broadway Icon, jockey Bughanaim in the saddle. 1 Rich History, Hamad Ahmed Al Malki, JP Guillambert 1.25 furlongs behind, was ridden by Tomas ridden by Marvin Suerland, secured the Al Mouzdaher clinched the 1400m turf 2 Alizoom, Deborah Amanda Clare Mountain, Faleh Bughanaim Lukasek while Black Beach had Gerald second prize while Pierantonio Convertino race in a time of 1:32.29 as Bughanaim won 3 More Than A Dream, Hamad Ahmed Al Malki, J Baptiste Hamel Avranche in the saddle. guided Catch A Wave to the third place out the top prize of $17,100. Guillambert, who picked up the top of 16 entries. Anwaar finished 2.25 furlongs behind THOROUGHBRED HANDICAP (Class 3) prize of $17,100, was thrilled with his sec- In race four, Rich History produced a to claim the second spot as Guillambert Distance: 1200 ond win of the day. well-timed dash to the finish to claim the picked up $6,600. Diese, ridden by Jean Total Prize Money: $30,000 “This was an easy race since you had top honours in the 2000m race at QREC. Baptiste Hamel, ended the 16-rider field Race Time: 01:11.91 to have a great start which we did. My Ridden by Guillambert, Rich History in third place which was worth $3,300. father always said the shortest way is the emerged a winner in a time of 2:05.73. Today the action continues with 8 1 Izghawa, Ibrahim Saeed Ibrahim Al Malki, Theo Bachelot quickest way. We remained inside Guillambert picked up the winning more races on what will be day two of the 2 Broadway Icon, Zuhair Mohsen Zuhair Maki, Marvin Suerland throughout after a good start. It is a very bonus of $17,100. Alizoom, ridden by Faleh Emir’s Sword Festival. The feature event 3 Catch A Wave, Deborah Amanda, Pierantonio Convertino pleasing performance,” Guillambert said Bughanaim, sealed the second spot less today will be the Irish Thoroughbred Mar- yesterday. than a furlong behind the winner. keting Cup that offers a total prize bag of THOROUGHBRED HANDICAP (Class 3) “That was the plan - to start fast and More Than A Dream, that had Jean $200,000. Distance: 1600 retain the speed,” he added. Baptiste Hamel in the saddle, clinched the The top prize in the 1600m feature race Total Prize Money: $30,000 Owner Khalifa bin Sheail Al Kuwari third place out of 16 riders. is $114,000 while the second-placed rider Race Time: 01:37.78 said: “It was a big day for us. I am so happy In race three, Haddaj Dukhan just will go home richer by $44,000. 1 Al Rayyan, Hadi Nasser Rashid Al Ramzani, Tomas Lukasek Jockey Theo Bachelot celebrates with Reda 2 Burrishoole Abbey, Mohammed Kasim, Harry Bentley trainer Julian Smart and team members 3 Ard San Aer, Hadi Nasser Rashid Al Ramzani, Vaclav Janacek after winning Al Zubara Trophy. THOROUGHBREDS (Class 2) Distance: 1200 Total Prize Money: $30,000 Race Time: 01:09.25

1 Receding Waves, Mohammed Kasim, JP Guillambert 2 Poet’s Song, Hadi Nasser Rashid Al Ramzani, Tomas Lukasek 3 Black Beach, Jassim Mohammed Ghazali, Gerald Avranche

AL ZUBARA TROPHY Distance: 2000 Total Prize Money: $150000 Race Time: 02:15.77

1 Reda, Julian Smart, Theo Bachelot 2 Majeed, Alban Elie Marie De Mieulle, O.Peslier 3 Damas, Alban Elie Marie De Mieulle, J Baptiste Hamel FRIDAY 23 FEBRUARY 2018 SPORT 23 Al Rumaihi captures major honours with ﬂawless double

THE PENINSULA EMIR’S SWORD FESTIVAL: RESULTS

DOHA: Mubarak Yousuf Al Rumaihi Comp. (1) Table C, Art. 239, 110/120 cm, Prize Money QR30,000 enjoyed a perfect day in which he Rank Horse Rider Faults Time Prize Money captured top honours in the feature 1 Va Va Voom Jassim Mohammed Al Kuwari 0 59.7 secs. QR7,500 event of 2018 Emir’s Sword Festival 2 Ferrari PH Mohammed Nasser Al Qadi 0 60.14 secs. QR6,000 that kicked off yesterday. 3 Casanova SCH In Shaallah Saad Hameed 0 60.58 secs. QR4,500 At Qatar Equestrian Federation’s 4 Michael Jackson Mohammed Al Ghazali 0 60.82 secs. QR,000 (QEF) Outdoor Arena, Al Rumaihi 5 Dusty Khalifa Abdulla Al Khaldi 4 61.72 secs. QR2,100 guided his favourite gelding Vivaldi K in a flawless routine to lead the Comp. (2) Table C, Art. 239, 125/135 cm, Prize Money QR50,000 14-rider field and won both first and 1 Jessico 4 Saeed Nasser Al Qadi 0 60.02 secs. QR12,500 second places in the final event of the 2 Alegro 84 Mohammed Khalid Al Qashouti 0 62.2 secs. QR10,000 day. 3 Fiji Khalid Mohammed Al Emadi 0 66.52 secs. QR7,500 The 33-year-old Qatari rider won top prize worth QR17,500. Vivaldi K 4 Gerlin VD Waterkant Cyrine Cherif 0 66.93 secs. QR5,000 clocked a time of 66.19 seconds in the 5 Apple Bee Mohammed Said Haidan 4 66.94 secs. QR3,500 140/150 cm event. Al Rumaihi did not stop there and went on to secure the Comp. (3) Table C, Art. 239, 140/150 cm, Prize Money QR70,000 second place of the same event, this 1 Vivaldi K Mubarak Yousuf Al Rumaihi 0 66.19 secs. QR17,500 time astride Bolandro who completed 2 Bolandro Mubarak Yousuf Al Rumaihi 0 67.38 secs. QR14,000 the same task in 67.38 seconds. That 3 Cantaro 32 Salmeen Sultan Al Suwaidi 0 70.95 secs. QR10,500 got Al Rumaihi richer by another 4 Zorro Z Salman Mohammed Al Emadi 0 71.23 secs. QR7,000 Qatari rider Mubarak Yousuf Al Rumaihi guides Vivaldi K over an obstacle QR14,000. 5 Quel Homme Nasser Al Ghazali 0 71.26 secs. QR4,900 during the feature event of the opening day of 2018 Emir’s Sword Festival at Cantaro 32, with Salmeen Sultan Qatar Equestrian Federation’s (QEF) Outdoor Arena yesterday. Al Suwaidi in the saddle also made no mistake during the competition, managed a third-best finish in a time won QR6,000. Casanova SCH, rid- but spent 70.95 seconds to complete of 66.52 seconds. Al Emadi won QR den by Saad Hameed, secured the the round and settled in for the third 7,500. third spot. Casanova SCH posted a place and won QR10,500 in prize Cyrine Cherif (Gerlin VD Water- time of 60.58 seconds as Hameed money. kant, 66.93 seconds, QR 5,000) and bagged QR4,500. Zorro Z, ridden by Salman Mohammed Said Haidan (Apple Bee, Mohammed Al Ghazali (Michael Mohammed Al Emadi was placed 66.94 seconds, QR 3,500) completed Jackson, 60.82 seconds, QR 3,000) fourth after clocking a time of 71.23 the top five. and Khalid Abdulla Al Khaldi (Dusty, seconds to finish fourth as Quel Qatari rider Jassim Mohammed 61.72 seconds, 4 faults, QR 2,100) Homme, with Nasser Al Ghazali wrap- Al Kuwari kicked off the proceedings completed the top five. ping up the top five. at the Outdoor Arena of QEF by win- The three-day 2018 Emir’s Sword In the Medium Tour battle yester- ning the 110/120cm class by guiding Festival continues at QEF’s Outdoor day, Saeed Nasser Al Qadi produced Va Va Voom to an easy win in the Arena with four competitions today. a flawless routine with Jessico 4 to Small Tour. Va Va Voom clocked a The first two competitions start grab the top prize of QR 12,500. Jes- time of 59.70 seconds to grab the top with a couple of Future Riders events. sico 4 clocked a time of 60.02 prize of QR 7,500. The first Future Rider event starts at seconds. Mohammed Nasser Al Qadi fin- 2:00pm and the second at 2:45pm. Mohammed Khalid Al Qashouti, ished in second spot when Ferrari PH The Small Tour event will commence astride Alegro 84, finished in second produced the second-best time of at 3:30pm while Medium Tour com- spot in a time of 62.20 seconds. Al 60.14 seconds in the 28-rider field. petition will begin at 6:00pm, Qatari rider Mubarak Yousuf Al Rumaihi poses for a photograph with Qatar Qashouti won QR 10,000. Khalid Al Al Shaqab-owned Ferrari PH organisers. The day’s feature event Equestrian Federation (QEF) President Hamad bin Abdulrahman Al Attiyah Emadi entered the event with Fiji and also remained flawless as Al Qadi the Big Tour will start at 8:00pm. during the presentation ceremony.

World Schools Handball: Qatar off to a ﬂying start A Qatari player shoots to score during THE PENINSULA their opening ﬁxture of the 24th ISF World Schools Handball Championships against DOHA: Qatar started off with brilliant 39-12 win Morocco at the Ali bin Hamad Al Attiyah against Morocco in the opening match of Group Stadium in Al Sadd yesterday. A as the 24th ISF World Schools Handball Cham- pionships kicked off at the Ali bin Hamad Al Attiyah Stadium in Al Sadd yesterday. A glittering opening ceremony marked the inauguration of the prestigious nine-day event which ends at the same venue on February 28. A total of 18 countries are taking part in the boy’s section while 19 girls teams will be seen in action in the tournament which will be played on a league-cum-knock out basis. Today, hosts Qatar will meet Poland at the same venue while Austria plays Denmark in the same group. QSL Round 18: Umm Salal eye place among top four

CHINTHANA WASALA of the match. Every coach wants strongest side around. They have QNB STARS LEAGUE THE PENINSULA to win. Umm Salal are coming players of great calibre. Espe- from a defeat, but they are able cially their professional Round 18 ﬁxtures DOHA: All eyes will be on Al to make a strong comeback any- players. Gharafa Stadium where Umm time. We know their strengths “Against Al Sailiya, our tar- TODAY Salal take on Al Sailiya in a bid and weaknesses and we will try get is victory as that will put us Al Arabi vs Al Kharaitiyat to make it to the top-four in the to win,” he said. in a more comfortable position At Al Arabi Stadium (4.50pm) standings as round 18 of the QNB Umm Salal have won six and where we will be two points Umm Salal vs Al Sailiya Stars League (QSL) kicks off drawn same number of matches ahead of them in the standings. At Al Gharafa Stadium (7.00pm) today. but suffered five losses along the Al Sailiya attack will be Al Sailiya are currently occu- way. spearheaded by their top scorer TOMORROW pying the fourth spot with 25 In their last game, Umm Salal Wagner Ribeiro (11 goals) while Al Duhail vs Al Khor points, having won seven out of suffered a big loss against a Temurkhuja Abdukholikov At Al Duhail Stadium (4.50pm) 17 matches they have played so strong Al Sadd outfit led by Bar- (seven), Nadir Belhadj, Valentin Al Markhiya vs Al Gharafa far, and lost six games. They also celona legend Xavi Hernandez Lazar and midfielder Majdi Sid- At Al Arabi Stadium (7.00pm) managed to draw games and are where they conceded five goals diq who makes it to the team just one point ahead of Umm but failed to score any. following a one-match suspen- Salal, who are placed fifth. However, Al Sailiya did well sion will be looking to penetrate SATURDAY Al Sailiya assistant coach to hold strong Al Rayyan 2-2 in the Umm Salal defence. Striker Al Sadd vs Al Ahli Amin Fariha admitted that Umm their last game. Yannick Sagbo (eight goals) leads At Al Sadd Stadium (4.50pm) Qatar SC vs Al Rayyan Salal won’t be an easy opponent Umm Salal coach Talal El Umm Salal’s charge, supported Umm Salal and Al Sailiya players in action during their previous At Qatar SC Stadium (7.00pm) to take on. Karkouri stays positive ahead of by Adel Rhaili, Mahmoud Mawas, QNB Stars League encounter in this ﬁle photo. “It’s a difficult game. We today’s match despite the out- Rami Fayez, Ismail Ibrahim and don’t have many games left in come of their previous game. others. this season’s league competition. “Yes. We are coming off a big Al Gharafa are breathing it will be a different story with and badly need points if they are both are coming off defeats. So we have to win this match. defeat at the hands of Al Duhail. down the duo’s neck with their both teams fighting to stay alive to stay off the relegation While Al Arabi lost 1-5 to Al Sadd, For that, we have to be on top of We were not focusing fully on bid to break into the top four, so in the QSL. Al Arabi and Al threat. Al Kharaitiyat suffered a 0-2 our game against Umm Salal,” the ball. We were not concen- both teams will hope to settle for Kharaitiyat will open the pro- Al Arabi are 11th with 12 defeat at the hands of Al Gharafa. Fariha said during a pre-match trating fully on the game either. nothing less than a victory. ceedings today and both teams points and Al Kharaitiyat one The teams had played out a press conference held on the eve But then, Al Duhail are the The other match of the day are in the bottom of the table position above on 13 points, and 1-1 draw in the first phase. SPORT Friday 23 February 2018

PAGE | 21 PAGE | 22 PAGE | 23 Hamilton hopes to Reda in dramatic Al Rumaihi captures sstart season with new win as Emir’s Sword major honours on deal done Festival kicks off opening day Three share Qatar Masters lead ARMSTRONG VAS year in Morocco started with was lying tied-38th. THE PENINSULA eight straight pars, and then Meanwhile, things did not made seven birdies in his last 10 pan out too well for SSP Chawra- DOHA: Eddie Pepperell fired a holes, including a chip-in for sia, who defends his Hero Indian seven-under 65 to be part of a birdie on the last. Open title in just over two weeks three-way tie for the lead after “I hit every green apart from from now. Chawrasia shot one- the opening round of the the last one. I hit a lot of fairways, over 73 and was lying way down Commercial Bank Qatar Masters. I had a lot of chances for birdie,” at tied-105th spot and in danger At the Doha Golf Club yes- said Edoardo, the older brother of missing the cut. terday, Pepperell mixed eight of US PGA Tour star Francesco. Other notable scores with birdies with a sole bogey on a day “Last week in Oman, I had a local relevance came from the of low scoring at Doha GC, to join decent week, I had a bad first MENA Golf Tour player Josh Gregory Havret and Aaron Rai round and then three very good White (England), who gained at the top of the leaderboard. rounds. It’s been the case for the entry to the tournament by win- Edoardo Molinari birdied last few weeks so my focus this ning the Qatar Open, as he shot seven of his final 10 holes to sit week was to try and get a good an impressive 5 under par 67, in the group on six under, with start.” Meanwhile, two-time win- Ahmed Baig (Pakistan), winner last year’s winner Jeunghun ner Paul Lawrie is off and of the Amateur Division at the Wang kicking off his title defence running again at his happiest Qatar Open, shot 74, Shergo Al with an opening-round 68. hunting ground. Kaabi (Jordan) shot 73, Ahmed The leading trio are one shot “Nice to get off to a decent Marjan (Morocco) shot 74 while clear of Italian Edoardo Molinari, start,” wrote Lawrie on Twitter, Qatari amateurs Ali Saleh Al Spaniard Alvaro Quiros, German the champion in both 1999 and Kaabi and Ali Al Shahrani shot Marcel Schneider and England’s 2012, who opened with a four- 76 and 78 respectively. Shubhankar Sharma of India plans Oliver Fisher. under 68. The second round tees off his next move on the greens at the Pepperell missed his first two Meanwhile promising this morning (Friday) with the cuts of the season but made the Qatar Masters golf tournament Indian Shubhankar Sharma first tee time of 6.30 am with the weekend in Malaysia and Oman at the Doha Golf Club yesterday. overcame a double bogey to last starters teeing off at 12.30 pm and – with a little help from a post a three-under 69 in the with play expected to finish at new coach – was glad to be mak- opening round. around 5 pm. ing further progress. The 21-year-old, who is on Entrance to the 2018 Com- “I’ve made some changes this to trust it,” he said. “It’s been room doing some drills last night. and I just feel like my game has top of both the European and mercial Bank Qatar Masters is week with personnel so I’ve been pretty nice on the range, “I’m looking forward to the been hitting ceilings a bit. I want Asian Tour Order of Merit lists free with families encouraged to working on a couple of new although yesterday it was a bit weekend but even more so mov- to break through that.” by virtue of two wins in less than attend with plenty of Kids Zone things and I surprised myself out of a grind, a bit of a struggle in ing forward to the rest of the Molinari, a three-time cham- two months, had five birdies activities in the Tournament there with how well I managed the afternoon so I was in my season. I want to push forward pion on the tour including last against one double bogey and Village. Italian Olympic champion Cainero wins gold in Qatar

ARMSTRONG VAS Cainero took the first place to finishing on the podium,” she THE PENINSULA while compatriot Bacosi, gold said while talking to reporters medal winner at the Rio Games here yesterday. DOHA: Olympic champions took the bronze as the Italians The four-time Olympian Chiara Cainero and Diana continued their domination in praised the facilities at Losail. Bacosi continued the Italian Doha. “It is always a nice experi- domination at the Qatar Open On Monday, at the same ence to start the season in Qatar. Shotgun Championship by event Italian men made a clean The facilities are excellent. The winning the first and third place sweep by making it 1-2-3 in Losail Shooting Range is same at the Losail Shooting Range. Double Trap On the concluding as any Olympic Shooting ranges France’s Lucie Anastassiou, day of the nine-day champion- you will find in any part of the however, upset the best of the ship hosted by Qatar Shooting world. It is one of the best. We plans of the two Italians to have and Archery Association (QSSA) love to compete here and the a repeat of the 1-2 Rio Olympic 39-year-old Cainero overcame weather here is fantastic as it is Games Skeet podium finish in the stiff challenge of Anastas- winter in Italy at this time of the Qatar. siou to collect the $7,000 cash year,” who has been a regular Yesterday, the 25-year-old prize. at the shot gun event. from La Rochelle stood between The 34-year-old Bacosi “I first took part in an event Cainero and Bacosi to clinch the pushed the 2016 Qatar winner, in 2006, that is many years back silver medal in Doha. Amber Hill of England to the and I was very young,” she At the 2016 Olympic Games fourth spot. recalled. in the Brazilian city, the Italians Cainero was delighted to Meanwhile in the men’s sec- made the first two places their finish on the podium along with tion, 26-year-old Jakub own and they gave enough indi- Bacosi. Tomacek of Czech Republic cations in Qatar that they meant “It was difficult because of topped in the Skeet event fol- business but Anastassiou proved the wind but I am happy I fea- lowed by Jesper Hansen of to be a stumbling block in the end. tured in the final along with Denmark. 2008 Olympic Games Beijing Olympic Games win- another Olympic champion and bronze medal winner Anthony ner and Rio silver medal winner teammate (Bacosi) we are used Terras of France finished third.

Italian Olympic champions Chiara Cainero (centre) and Diana Bacosi (right) are seen along with France’s Lucie Anastassiou during the victory ceremony at the Losail Shooting Range during the Qatar Open Shotgun Championship.