SATURDAY 14 MARCH 2020 SPORTSPORT 18

Sadly, this is the right decision. No one wants this, we all want to get Karachi Kings vs in our cars and get racing, but we have to be realistic and we have to 28th Match, put health and safety first: Lewis Hamilton after Formula 1 decided in Karachi

to call off the Australian GP, Bahrain and Vietnam Grand Prix races ACTION TODAY’S TODAY’S Greece cancels Olympic torch relay over virus fears Indoor worlds REUTERS – ATHENS movie “300”, also ran as a US actor Gerard Butler takes part in the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics torch relay in get new date torchbearer. Sparta, Greece, yesterday. Greece’s Olympic Committee Hundreds of people said it had cancelled the gathered to watch as the torch REUTERS – MONACO remainder of the Olympic Torch passed through. relay through the country The Hellenic Olympic Com- The World Indoor Athletics Champi- yesterday to avoid attracting mittee said the opening leg of onships will take place in March next crowds that could raise the risk the relay had attracted unex- year in the Chinese city of Nanjing after of coronavirus contagion. pectedly high crowds, forcing it being postponed due to the corona- The Tokyo 2020 Olympics to suspend the remaining stops virus, the World Athletics Council said torch relay got under way on after consultations with the on Thursday. Thursday when the flame was Greek Health Ministry and the A statement from the organising lit by the rays of the sun in International Olympic body said the championships, which ancient Olympia in a ceremony Committee. were due to begin this week in Nanjing, that was scaled down in the face The handover of the flame will now be held between March 19-21 of the coronavirus pandemic. to the Tokyo Games organisers 2021.The council has also accepted The flame’s journey in will take place as scheduled in amendments to the Anti-Doping Rules Greece had been due to last the Greek capital Athens on and Anti-Doping Regulations that had seven days. Yesterday it arrived March 19 - without spectators. been proposed by the Athletics in the Peloponnese town of By late Thursday, Greece had Integrity Unit in order to maintain Sparta, where Scottish actor registered 117 confirmed cases compliance with the World Anti- Gerard Butler, star of the 2009 of coronavirus and one death. Doping Agency. Masters golf postponed F1: Australian GP called off due to coronavirus

REUTERS – MELBOURNE AFP — WASHINGTON,

The Australian Formula One This year’s Masters tournament, the season’s first Grand Prix was cancelled major golf championship, has been postponed due to yesterday due to worries about the coronavirus outbreak, Augusta National Golf Club the coronavirus outbreak, after chairman Fred Ridley announced yesterday. a McLaren team member “Considering the latest information and expert tested positive before the first analysis, we have decided at this time to postpone the practice session was scheduled Masters tournament,” Ridley said in a statement. to get underway at Albert Park. The event was delayed, not canceled, so defending “At 9 am today the Aus- champion Tiger Woods might get the chance to capture tralian Grand Prix Corporation a 16th major title at the famed course at some uncertain (AGPC) was advised by future date. Formula 1 of their intention to The outbreak, which has prompted a virtual cancel all Formula 1 activity at shutdown of American sport, also forced Ridley to the Formula 1 Australian postpone the Augusta National Women’s Amateur Grand Prix,” the AGPC said in and youth Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals. a statement. “Ultimately, the health and well-being of everyone “In light of this decision associated with these events and the citizens of the and updated advice this Augusta community led us to this decision,” Ridley said. morning from the Chief Health “We hope this postponement puts us in the best Members of the Ferrari team arrive to pack up their equipment after the Formula One Australian Grand Prix was Officer of the Victorian Gov- position to safely host the Masters tournament and cancelled in Melbourne yesterday. ernment’s Department of our amateur events at some later date.” Augusta Human and Health Services, National typically closes soon after hosting the world’s the Australian Grand Prix Cor- chairman had said they would top players, reopening later each year, so the possi- poration confirms the Formula plough on with the race. Bahrain and Vietnam GPs postponed bility remains that it could be rescheduled later in the 1 Australian Grand Prix is can- Hundreds of fans milled year, potentially in the fall after the 2019-20 US PGA celled immediately.” around closed entry gates AP – PARIS “But given the sharp increase in season is complete given the schedule already booked There were big question before Victoria state Premier COVID-19 cases in Europe in recent through August. The US PGA Tour has canceled this marks over the season- Daniel Andrews announced The Bahrain and Vietnam Grand Prix days, this will be regularly reviewed,” week’s Players Championship and every other tune-up opening race after McLaren that none would be permitted races were postponed yesterday the FIA said. event for the original Masters date, leaving its next withdrew late on Thursday to enter even if the race went because of the coronavirus outbreak, The season-opening Australian event currently on the calendar as the Heritage tour- night when a member of their ahead. the third and fourth races of the GP in Melbourne was called off as nament, set to start on April 16. team tested positive for the There was clearly Formula One season to be called off. thousands of fans queued to get in The next major championship on the schedule is virus. pressure from Formula One Bahrain was scheduled for next for yesterday’s first practice session, now the PGA Championship on May 14-17 at TPC The fourth round of the teams, with Mercedes saying week - at an empty track - and the while teams and drivers were packing Harding Park in San Francisco, an area having been championship in Shanghai in they had requested organisers inaugural Vietnamese GP in Hanoi up to leave. especially hard hit by coronavirus cases already. April has already been post- call it off and that they had on April 5. “Formula 1, the FIA and the pro- “Unfortunately, the ever-increasing risks asso- poned, while organisers of the started to pack up and leave Governing body FIA said in a moters have taken these decisions in ciated with the widespread coronavirus COVID-19 Bahrain Grand Prix said last the circuit. statement that it will consider “the order to ensure the health and safety have led us to a decision that undoubtedly will be dis- weekend that their race would Mercedes world champion viability of potential alternative of the traveling staff, championship appointing to many, although I am confident is appro- go ahead without spectators Lewis Hamilton on Thursday dates” later this year for Bahrain and participants and fans, which remains priate under these unique circumstances,” Ridley said. on March 22. also weighed in, saying it was Vietnam “should the situation our primary concern,” the FIA said “We will continue to work with the World Health Confusion reigned earlier “shocking” that organisers improve.” in a statement Friday. Organization, Centers for Disease Control and Pre- on Friday, with fans flocking wanted to push on even with The season could start in the The Chinese GP in Shanghai vention, the Office of the Governor, the Georgia to the lakeside race-track and the NBA and other major Netherlands, at the Zandvoort track scheduled for April 19 was postponed Department of Public Health, the City of Augusta and local broadcaster Channel sports suspending matches outside Amsterdam, on May 3. on February 12. all other local authorities.” Ridley asked for patience Nine reporting that the AGPC and competitions. from Masters patrons. Qatar Superstock 600: Al Sulaiti clinches Superpole

THE PENINSULA — DOHA faster than 2.04 but it was a bit Saeed Al Sulaiti competing in the Qatar Superstock (QSTK) 600 at Losail International Circuit, yesterday. difficult and wind changed Saeed Al Sulaiti got the last direction but in the end I am Superpole of the season at the happy to win the Superpole Qatar Superstock (QSTK) 600 The car is really good and I am ready for the race," held yesterday at Losail Inter- said Al Sulaiti. national Circuit. and I had no issues In the QSTK Trophy, the For the last round of the at all today. Hopefully fastest rider was the French season, three wild card riders rider Jeremy Parola followed joined the QSTK Trophy cat- I can keep it like this by Rayad Al Emadi and Aus- egory, Lambros Kouris from and can get the title: tralian rider Alastair Cunliffe Greece, Patrick Roux from Al Maadheed A total of 25 cars joined the fifth France and the Italian rider and last round of the Qatar Simone Muscolino. Touring Car Championship The defendant QSTK 600 Bulgarian rider Mihail Florov (QTCC) between the two cate- champion, Al Sulaiti, took his finished in third place. gories, QTCC 2K and QTCC second Superpole of the season "I felt very good with the M240. with a lap time of 2:04.440, in two free practices and we were In the QTCC 2K class, the Maadheed with a Lotus Elise technical issues again so we front of Abdulla Al Qubaisi who doing really good lap timings. fastest driver in the qualifying and a lap time of 2:24.923. switched car for the practice QSTK Trophy did a lap time of 2:04.815. The In Superpole I was trying to be session was Ghanim Al "The car is really good and session. I did only one lap and I had no issues at all today. it was the fastest lap so we will For the last round of the Hopefully I can keep it like this keep the same set up for the season, three wild card riders and can get the title" said Al Qualifying. In the Qualifying, joined the QSTK Trophy Maadheed. I finished first with a good gap" category, Lambros Kouris Second place was for said Al Khelaifi. from Greece, Patrick Roux Abdulaziz Abdulla with a "We will start all with new from France and the Italian Honda and a lap time of tyres so I think the competition rider Simone Muscolino. 2:26.726 followed by Hamad will be much stronger. Between Al Asam, who qualified third me and Hamad there will be 3 with a lap time of 2:27.245. positions on the grid and if I Saadon Al Kuwari who was In the QTCC M240 class, the keep them and he finishes third with a lap time of pole position was for Abdulla fourth, then I am back into the 2:16.548. Al Khelaifi with a lap time of fight for the championship" Today, QSTK Race 1 starts 2:15.170. ended Al Khelaifi. at 11:00 and Race 2 at 13:50. For Abdulla Al Khelaifi competing in the QTCC M240 class at the "I started the Free Practice Nasser Saadon Al Kuwari QTCC, the first race is Losail International Circuit yesterday. with my original car as in pre- who did a lap time of 2:16.462 scheduled at 12:25 and the vious rounds but we had some finished second followed by second race at 15:10. SATURDAY 14 MARCH 2020 SPORT 19 English Premier League suspended until April 4 AFP – LONDON Premier League said in a Arteta and Callum Hudson-Odoi League will also be suspended statement. speedy recoveries, and everyone until April 3. Everton squad self-isolate The English Premier League Everton also announced their else affected by COVID-19,” said England’s two friendly suspended all fixtures until April entire first-team squad and Premier League Chief Executive matches at home to Italy and as player reports symptoms 4 yesterday after a spate of coro- coaching staff have been told to Richard Masters. Denmark later this month have navirus cases, including Arsenal self-isolate after a player reported “In this unprecedented situ- been postponed. REUTERS – LONDON manager Mikel Arteta and Chelsea symptoms consistent with ation, we are working closely with However, the authorities still winger Callum Hudson-Odoi. COVID-19. our clubs, Government, The FA hope to be able to resume and Everton’s first-team squad and coaching staff are self- “Following a meeting of Leicester City had three and EFL and can reassure eve- complete the season at a later date. isolating after a player reported symptoms of COVID-19, shareholders today, it was unan- players go into self-isolation on ryone the health and welfare of “Despite the challenges, it is the the Premier League club said yesterday. imously decided to suspend the Thursday and Bournemouth said players, staff and supporters are Premier League’s aim is to The development follows Arsenal’s decision to isolate Premier League with the goalkeeper Artur Boruc and four our priority.” The English Football reschedule the displaced fixtures, their squad and staff after manager Mikel Arteta tested intention of returning on 4 April, staff members were also League, which heads up the three including those played by Academy positive for the coronavirus. Chelsea forward Callum subject to medical advice and self-isolating. divisions below the Premier sides, when it is safe to do so,” added Hudson-Odoi has also tested positive. conditions at the time,” the “Above all, we wish Mikel League, and Women’s Super the Premier League statement. Everton did not name the player who reported symptoms. “Everton Football Club can confirm that, as a pre- cautionary measure, its entire first-team squad and French football season on halt ‘until further notice’ coaching staff are undertaking a period of self-iso- lation following medical advice,” the club said in a AFP – PARIS would continue to be played behind closed “As the president of the republic stressed statement. doors until mid-April. yesterday, the collective interest must be “The step has been taken after a first-team player The French football season has been COVID-19 has already killed 61 people and placed above all else. The urgency today is to reported symptoms consistent with coronavirus. The club suspended “until further notice” because of infected almost 2,900 in France, according curb the epidemic, protect the most vulnerable is in regular contact with the player in question and is mon- the coronavirus outbreak, the LFP, which runs to official statistics. and avoid travel,” the league said in a itoring the wellbeing of all players and staff.” the elite Ligue 1 and Ligue 2, announced The move came after French President statement. Bournemouth also confirmed that five people -- yesterday. Emmanuel Macron on Thursday announced The move means France follows other including goalkeeper Artur Boruc and four first-team In a statement, the league said it had taken that schools in France would close indefinitely leading European leagues in closing down the members of the staff -- are self-isolating after displaying a “unanimous” decision to stop playing with to curb the spread of the coronavirus, and season, with all sport in Italy stopped until symptoms. immediate effect at an emergency meeting urged people over 70 and the infirm to stay early April and the next two rounds of matches The club said it was a precautionary measure and that yesterday, having previously said games home. in La Liga in Spain postponed. none of them had tested positive for the virus.

Pakistan T20 Australia’s batsman India halts IPL as league to carry (left) plays reverse sweep during on despite the first one-day virus fears mount international match against New foreign exodus NEW DELHI Zealand in Sydney, AFP – New Delhi and Mumbai banned yesterday. large gatherings for sporting AFP – KARACHI The , the events. world’s most lucrative cricket Delhi and the southern state Pakistan’s league competition, yesterday postponed of Karnataka have also ordered will continue despite closed the start of this year’s tournament schools, cinemas and theatres to stadiums and an exodus of amid mounting anxiety in India close. foreign players who are over the coronavirus pandemic. India also called off its two heading home over the coro- While the country of 1.3 billion remaining one-day cricket inter- navirus crisis, cricketing has reported just one death from nationals against a visiting South authorities in the country said coronavirus and 81 confirmed Africa side. The next game was to yesterday. cases, the government has be played in Lucknow on Sunday. On Thursday the Pakistan ordered measures against travel The start of the IPL has been Cricket Board (PCB) said and public gatherings similar to put back from March 29 until April upcoming matches would be the worst-hit nations. 15 “as a precautionary measure” played in an empty stadium in Postponing the cricket tour- over the coronavirus, the Indian Karachi, and offered teams nament, which draws the world’s cricket board said. and individual players the top players from Australia, Media reports said that even option to withdraw from the England and South Africa, and if the tournament does start after league. Aussies crush Kiwis in generates hundreds of millions of April 15 it was likely to be without Many have done so, dollars in revenues each year fans in the stadium. including Alex Hales (England) dominated Indian headlines The two month tournament is of the Karachi Kings; Rilee first ODI at empty SGC yesterday. a huge revenue earner. Rossouw (South Africa) and But it came as a virtual halt on The Twenty20 competition James Vince (England) from incoming tourists and business is estimated to generate more the Multan Sultans; and REUTERS – SYDNEY Latham put on 51 for the sixth SCOREBOARD visitors came into effect from than $11bn for the Indian ’s , . yesterday. economy and involves cricket’s , coach James Australia beat New Zealand by broke that AUSTRALIA Most of the foreign cricketers top international stars like Eng- Foster, Lewis Gregory and 71 runs in the first one-day by having Latham D. Warner c Sodhi b Ferguson ...... 67 would not have been able to play land’s Ben Stokes, Australia’s A. Finch c Latham b Santner ...... 60 (all from international in front of in the deep for 38 and S. Smith b Santner ...... 14 in the IPL because of the visa David Warner and Indian England). 48,000 empty seats at the when de Grandhomme D. Short c Nicholls b Sodhi ...... 5 restrictions. . In addition, Peshawar Sydney Cricket Ground departed for 25 in similar M. Labuschagne c Taylor b Ferguson ...... 56 And the government has also Chinese mobile-maker Vivo Zalmi’s Carlos Brathwaite yesterday as precautions to fashion off spinner Adam M. Marsh c Guptill b Sodhi ...... 27 ordered the closing of about half paid $330m to be the top sponsor (West Indies) and the Quetta prevent the spread of the coro- Zampa, the New Zealanders A. Carey c Boult b Sodhi ...... 1 of its 37 land border crossing for 2018-2022 for the league. Gladiators’ Jason Roy and navirus hit home Down Under. were in a deep hole at 160-7. P. Cummins ...... 14 points with neighbouring Bang- It involves eight teams playing Tymal Mills (both from (CA) said With no fans, players had M. Starc not out ...... 9 ladesh, Myanmar and Nepal from 60 matches to packed, raucous England) will also leave. on Friday morning that no fans to jump into the stands to Extras (nb2 lb3) ...... 5 Saturday. stadiums of tens of thousands of “All players and support would be allowed into any of retrieve the ball after sixes and Total (seven ; 50 overs) ...... 258 Halting the IPL came after spectators across India. personnel have been given the the three matches in the series, there were no handshakes at Did not bat: A. Zampa, J. Hazlewood option to withdraw from the which continues at the SCG on the end of the match under Fall of wickets: 1-124 (Warner), 2-145 (Finch), PSL 2020 should they wish to Sunday before moving on to new health protocols. 3-146 (Smith), 4-165 (Short), 5-224 (Marsh), do so,” the PCB said in a Hobart next Friday. The Formula One Grand 6-226 (Carey), 7-248 (Labuschagne) : Boult 10-0-37-0, Ferguson 9-0- statement, adding that no In an atmosphere remi- Prix in Melbourne was 60-2, Neesham 7-0-44-0, Santner 10-0-34- player had to date tested pos- niscent of a junior club match, scrapped because of the coro- 2 (1nb), de Grandhomme 6-0-29-0 (1nb), itive for coronavirus. Australia scored 258 for seven navirus on Friday and Prime Sodhi 8-0-51-3 The PCB also shortened the before dismissing New Minister Scott Morrison later league, replacing play-offs Zealand for 197 in 41 overs to urged people to avoid gath- NEW ZEALAND with two semi-finals (both in snap a five-match losing ering in groups of more than M. Guptill c Smith b Cummins ...... 40 England’s Zak Crawley Lahore on March 17) and the streak. 500 -- a move which has H. Nicholls c Carey b Hazlewood ...... 10 boards the bus after the K. Williamson b Zampa ...... 19 final on March 18, instead of The home side enjoyed an obvious implications for spec- Test series against Sri March 22, also in Lahore. opening stand of 124 between tator sport. R. Taylor c Starc b Marsh ...... 4 T. Latham c Short b Hazlewood ...... 38 Lanka was postponed at skipper (60) and There was one bit of good the P Sara Oval Cricket David Warner (67) before the news, however, with Australia J. Neesham c Carey b Cummins ...... 8 Stadium in Colombo Black Caps stalled their charge paceman Kane Richardson, C. de Grandhomme c Starc b Zampa ...... 25 PSL: Multan yesterday. England’s in the middle overs. who was quarantined after M. Santner c Cummins b Marsh ...... 14 I. Sodhi not out ...... 14 cricket team abruptly reporting a mild sore throat on Sultans defeat L. Ferguson b Marsh ...... 1 pulled out of a tour of Sri chipped in with 56 from 52 Thursday, returning to the SCG T. Boult c and b Cummins ...... 5 Lanka yesterday over the balls to get them moving again to rejoin his team mates after Peshawar Zalmi Extras (lb5, w4) ...... 9 mounting coronavirus with and being cleared of carrying the Total (41 overs) ...... 187 pandemic. smashing a coronavirus. Fall of Wickets: 1-28 (Nicholls), 2-64 (Wil- THE PENINSULA – DOHA couple of boundaries in the CA also suspended a tour liamson), 3-69 (Taylor), 4-82 (Guptill), 5-96 tail. of South Africa by Australia's (Neesham), 6-147 (Latham), 7-160 (de The Multan Sultans yesterday Martin Guptill hit 40 at the women's team "until further Grandhomme), 8-170 (Santner), 9-180 (Fer- England end Sri Lanka defeated the Peshawar Zalmi top of the New Zealand order notice" and said they would be guson) by three runs to win their but the visitors took their time reviewing the three-match Bowling: Starc 7-0-33-0 (1w), Hazlewood Pakistan Super League (PSL) to get going, finally getting into Twenty20 tour of New 10-0-37-2 (2w), Cummins 8-2-25-3, Marsh cricket tour over virus clash in an empty National their stride when Colin de Zealand by their men's team 7-0-29-3, Zampa 8-0-50-2 (1w), Smith 1-0- 8-0 Stadium in Karachi. Grandhomme and Tom scheduled for later this month. AFP – COLOMBO near the end of the second day. With yesterday's win, England were fielding when Multan Sultans cemented England’s cricket team abruptly captain came on to call their place at the pinnacle of Peshawar Zalmi’s tries to stop the pulled out of a tour of Sri Lanka the players off. the PSL group table with a ball hit by Multan Sultans’ Zeeshan Ashraf (right) yesterday over the “unprece- The match attracted few game still to play. during their PSL T20 match played at the National dented” crisis caused by the coro- spectators. Only a handful of Chasing 155 for victory, Cricket Stadium in Karachi, yesterday. navirus pandemic. England fans and a dozen locals Peshawar lost the momentum A practice match in Colombo were at the grounds to watch the despite being in a promising was halted as the team two teams ahead of the first Test position after suffering a dra- announced they would be flying in Galle. matic collapse at the crunch back to London, and the first of Root made it clear this week time. two Test matches due to start on that players had been told to take The impressive efforts of March 19 has been indefinitely extra precautions and not have left-handed opener Imam-ul postponed. contact with fans or members of Haq (56) went in vain in as “At this time, the physical and the opposing team. Peshawar ended their League mental wellbeing of our players There were no handshakes phase with nine points. and support teams is para- between the teams before the Earlier, a superb half mount,” said an England and practice game. century from opener Zeeshan Wales Cricket Board statement Sri Lanka has reported just Ashraf (52, 39 balls, 7 fours, announcing the end of the tour. five coronavirus cases since the 1 six) helped Multan post a The four-day practice game start of the crisis which has left competitive total of 154 for against a Sri Lankan Board more than 4,300 dead around the six. President’s XI side was halted world. SPORT

SATURDAY 14 MARCH 2020 Qatar Olympic Committee makes changes to events calender

THE PENINSULA – DOHA and in accordance with These include: FIBA 3x3 Junior Squash Open and 1st Qatar Asian Tennis Junior announced earlier this the recommendations of Basketball World Tour, FIG QSF Squash Open. Tournament from April 1-6; week that the sport activ- The Qatar Olympic the Ministry of Public Artistic Gymnastics World In some instances it has 2nd Qatar Asian Tennis ities of all age groups across Committee (QOC) Health and National Cup series, International not been possible to Junior Tournament from the country will be sus- yesterday announced that Pandemic Preparedness Youth U18 Cricket Tour- postpone events to a later April 13-18; and the 3x3 Bas- pended until further notice. it has postponed or Committee. nament, 2nd Qatar men’s date and as a result the fol- ketball GCC Quest Tour- All community activities, cancelled a number of its Where possible, the ITF World Tennis Tour, 1st lowing events have been nament in April. the Schools Olympic Pro- upcoming sports events, QOC has attempted to Qatar ITF Junior Tennis cancelled: Asia Rugby Sevens The QOC is committed gramme (SOP) and the Kun in line with the protective postpone events to a later Tournament, 2nd Qatar ITF Tournament (Men and to protecting the health of Riyadi Programme have also measures taken by Qatar date and will announce the Junior Tennis Tournament, Women) from March 4-8; all those who take part in been suspended as part of to limit the spread of rescheduled dates in due QSF Squash Open, Doha West Asia Rugby 15 Tour- its events, activities and the national effort to prevent coronavirus (COVID-19) course. Junior Squash Open, Qatar nament (Men) from April 2-5; programmes and so also the spread of the virus.

All UEFA Al Sadd overpower Al Wakrah in matches for next week shoot-out to book semis berth postponed

ARMSTRONG VAS REUTERS – NYON THE PENINSULA UEFA has postponed all Cham- Al Sadd SC survived a few anxious pions League and Europa moments before edging past Al Wakrah League matches due to take 4-1 in the quarter-finals of the Amir Cup. place next week because of the Yesterday at the Abdullah Bin Khalifa coronavirus outbreak, Stadium at Al Duhail Club, the teams European soccer’s governing were locked two-all at the end of full body said in a statement time play, forcing a penalty shoot-out. yesterday. In the tie breaker, the 15-time Amir “In the light of develop- Cup winners were on target winning the ments due to the spread of shoot-out with ease to make it to the COVID-19 in Europe and semi-finals and will take on the winners related decisions made by dif- of today’s last quarter-final between Al ferent governments, all UEFA Duhail and Al Sailiya. club competitions matches Al Sadd’s new recruit Mexican Marco scheduled next week are post- Fabian put the Xavi-Hernandez-coached poned,” UEFA said. side in the lead in 43rd minute, before The governing body added Hashem Ali scored the second goal in that the Champions League the 55th minute. and Europa League quarter- Al Wakrah reduced the margin with final draws scheduled for a goal from substitute Khaled Mounir March 20 had also been post- and then Ismail Mahmoud managed to Al Sadd's Marco Fabian (left) celebrates with a poned as a result. score the equaliser in 83rd. team-mate after scoring a goal against Al Wakrah The decision comes Al Sadd started on a dominating note during yesterday's Amir Cup quarter-final at the ahead of a crisis meeting on and had more of the ball possession Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium. Tuesday where UEFA will especially in the mid field and at times consider all options for the threatening Al Wakrah goal. next period, including pos- Al Sadd’s first serious threat at the penalty area which went close to the Al 15th saw Ali’s shot going straight to the The goal was due to the combined sibly postponing the Euro rival goal saw Mohammed Waed launch Wakrah goal. goalkeeper Saud Al Khater. efforts of Abdulkarim Hassan and 2020 tournament scheduled a powerful shot from the top of the A cross from Hamed Ismail in the Thereafter, Khokhi Boualem’s shot Waed,with Ali giving finishing touches for June and July. was saved with great difficulty by the with a powerful shot that ended into English Premier League Wakrah goalkeeper. the back of the nets. side Chelsea, who were Al Sadd then had a goal cancelled Al Wakrah sustained pressure finally scheduled to travel to Bayern off after the referee took help from the paid off with Mounir getting one back Munich for a last-16 Cham- VAR. for his team. pions League game on Al Sadd’s Hashem Ali converted a Al Wakrah reducing the margin with Wednesday, have announced rebound of a Akram Afif penalty kick Munir taking advantage of a defensive that winger Callum Hudson- but he was pulled up for an infringement lapse to make the score read 2-1. Odoi tested positive and that as he made his way past a rival defender Goaded by a goal Al Wakrah pressed their whole squad is in to convert the loose ball. home for the advantage and were suc- quarantine. Al Wakrah which till then had sur- cessful in netting the second goal of the Tuesday’s Champions vived by a narrow skin of teeth found match. League matches between the mark. Al Wakra team pressed hard in Juventus and Olympique Fabian succeeded in giving the lead the last minutes until Mahmoud Lyonnais and Manchester City for Al Sadd. managed to score the equaliser with and Real Madrid have already Afif was instrumental in creating the seven minutes left before the final been postponed as Juventus’s goal scoring opportunity, his shot hit whistle as Meshal Abdullah’s cross and Real Madrid’s players are the left post and rebounded and Fabian from the left side found Ismail who in quarantine. who was on hand scored to give Al Sadd darted in to shoot past a dazed Al That day, UEFA will hold a the lead. Sadd keeper. video conference of all 55 The teams went into the half time With the teams locked goalless in football federations along with break with Al Sadd leading 1-0. the regulation and four minutes of club, league and player repre- In the second half, Al Sadd consol- injury time, the tie breaker was imple- sentatives to discuss the situ- idated the lead five minutes into the mented to end the impasse. ation, including various second session. Al Arabi and surprise package Al options to finish the season Ali, who had missed on a chance to Markhiya have already qualified for the and deal with the issue of Euro Al Wahrah and Al sadd players in action during yesterday's quarter-final. get his name on the scorers list finally semi-final by defeating Al Ahli 3-0 and 2020, which could be found the mark. Al Rayyan 1-0 respectively. postponed. Beach Volleyball: Poland's Fijalek and Bryl emerge Katara Cup champions

Poland's Grzegorz Fijalek and Michal Bryl celebrate with their trophies and medals after winning the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour 4-Star Katara Cup in Doha, yesterday. The Polish pair defeated the Mexican duo 2-1 (16-21, 21-19, 15-11) to claim their first World Tour gold as a pair. Paolo Nicolai and Daniele Lupo of Italy earned the bronze following their victory against Evandro Goncalves and Bruno Schmidt of Brazil. RIGHT: The podium winners posing for a photograph during the presentation ceremony at the Katara beach, yesterday.