Sport

FRIDAY 20 NOVEMBER 2020 TigerTiger anandd ‘cu‘cub’b’ on the prowl at PNC event next month I can’t tell you how excited I am to be playing with (son) CharlieC in our first official tournament together. It’s been greatg watching him progress as a junior golfer and it will be iincredible playing as a team together in the PNC CChampionship.

TigerT Woods Sport | 14

TODAY'S ACTION: FIBA 3x3 World Tour Doha Masters at Al Gharafa, Longines Hathab Qatar Equestrian Tour - Round 4 at QEF Arena

Doha round of FIBA 3x3 World Tour set for exciting start Team Lusail primed for Masters opener THE PENINSULA – DOHA POOL A Liman SRB: Stefan Kojic, Aleksandar Team Lusail members, Ratkov, tefan Stojacic, Mihailo Vasic Qatar’s entry at the FIBA Manila Chooks TM PHI: Joshua Munzon, 3x3 World Tour Doha Alvin Pasaol, Troy Rike, Leonard Santillan Masters, will go out on the Lusail QAT: Mbow, Ndour, Radi, Vasileiadis court today, the first day of the event, with one POOL B thing on their mind: Lift Riga LAT: Edgars Krumins, Karlis Lasmanis, the winner’s trophy basketball is… basketball, Nauris Miezis, Agnis Cavars tomorrow at Al Gharafa same passion, same effort Jeddah KSA: Corre, Draskovic, Kilijan, Beach Games Area. everywhere,” Vasileiadis Rduch Having home court said. Yoyogi Crayon.EXE JPN: Spencer advantage and the will to “We have started to get Jennings, Arnold Louis, Mark St. Fort, succeed is enough fuel for to know each other and be Ryan Tana the players of head coach ready for tomorrow’s tip Mohammed Salim off,” Vasileiadis said POOL C Abdulla, a gold medal yesterday. NY Harlem USA: Esonwune, Jones, winner for Qatar at FIBA “We want to win this Seagers 3x3 World tournament! We believe Lausanne: Katapult SUI, Musa Abdul- Championships. that we will be ready to Aleem Marco, Lehmann Gilles Martin Lusail only assembled make it to the end. We Westher Molteni a couple of days ago for made a lot of shots in Utena Uniclub LTU: Gintautas Matulis, this tournament led by practice, the coach has Žygimantas Skucas, Ignas Vaitkus, Vytautas Greek All Star guard prepared systems for us,” Members of the Lusail team, Mbow, Ndour, Radi and Vasileiadis posing for a photograph with officials. Šulskis Kostas Vasileiadis who Vasileiadis said. joined Al Sadd club this Only a few lucky fans POOL D season. will be able to watch the nament,” Vasileiadis said. The head of the team TODAY'S FIXTURES Princeton USA: Damon Huffman, Kareem Mame Souleye Ndour tournament, as FIBA and From his side, Coach Talal Zaid Aldosari said: 3:10PM - Kamakura vs Bielefeld (Qualifying Draw A) Maddox, Dan Mavraides, Craig Moore and Ousseynou Mbow will the local organising com- Abdulla added: “I hope that “The players are practicing 3:45PM - Riyadh vs Bielefeld (Qualifying Draw A) Ub SRB: Youssef Badr, Marko Brankovic, contribute with their mittee honour the Ministry everybody can play hard well, it might be only our 4:20PM - Kamakura vs Riyadh (Qualifying Draw A) Ivan Popovic 5:00PM - Liman vs Lusail (Pool A) vastly experience and the of Public Health's and enjoy the game of bas- second day together, but I Winner of the Qualifying Draw 5:25PM - Riga vs Yoyogi (Pool B) talented Hamza Maher instruction that only 30 ketball. I trust my team and believe that we should 5:50PM - NY Harlem vs Utena (Pool C) QUALIFYING DRAW Radi will add his percent of the capacity of my players. They are all play well. It is a great time 6:30PM - Princeton vs QD A/I (Pool D) enthusiasm. the arena will be full. professionals, it is the first for basketball in Qatar.” 6:55PM - Liman vs Manila (Pool A) Kamakura NatureMade JPN: Tatsuhito For Vasileiadis, the “I hope for the people time that we come together Team Lusail will open 7:20PM - Riga vs Jeddah (Pool B) Noro, Ryutaro Otomo, Takaaki Shimizu, 36-year-old player from that will come and for as a group. Some teams their campaign today 7:45PM - NY Harlem vs Lausanne (Pool C) Toshitaka Umebayashi Salonica, Greece, will be those that will sit at home have been participating on 5:00pm against Liman, a 8:10PM - Princeton vs Ub (Pool D) Riyadh KSA: Jaber Alkaabi, Hani his first try on 3x3. to enjoy these games live, the tour for a long time. But match for Pool A. The 8:35PM - Manila vs Lusail (Pool A) Almohammed, Turki Hassan Almuhanna, “It is fun. Completely I promise that we will give I believe that good things match against Manila 9:00PM - Jeddah vs Yoyogi (Pool B) Musab Kadi different from 5x5. It is a everything for you. It will should be expected from Chooks will follow at 9:25PM - Lausanne vs Utena (Pool C) Bielefeld LFDY GER: Alan Boger, Bastian little different, but be a spectacular tour- us”. 8:35pm on the same day. 9:50PM - Ub vs QD A/I (Pool D) Landgraf, Marian Schick, Dzemal Taletovic

Amir Cup: Al Shammari clinches 10m Air Pistol gold

THE PENINSULA – DOHA I also see many gains in the youth category and it is Ahmed Al Shammari claimed always a wish that it con- What I’ve gained from gold in the men’s 10m Air tinues so that we see more my previous Pistol event of the prestigious promising faces with a great Amir Cup 2020 Archery and future,” Al Shammari said experiences since Shooting competition at the after yesterday's victory . joining the Qatar Lusail Complex yesterday. Meanwhile, in the youth Shooting and Archery Ali Hassan had to be category, Misfir Al Marri won Association (QSAA) has content with the silver while the gold medal in the same been instrumental in my Osama Al Shaiba won event. Talal Al Ali won silver bronze. and Muhammad Al success. I also see many Delighted at his Shammari the bronze. gains in the youth achievement, Al Shammari The winners were category and it is always said that talent and focus in crowned by Shaker Abdullah, a wish that it continues training played a big role in member of the National so that we see more his achievement. Teams Shooting “What I’ve gained from Committee. promising faces with my previous experiences The action in the Amir a great future: since my joining the Qatar Cup will continue till Al Shammari Shooting and Archery Asso- November 28 with the 50m The podium winners of the 10m Air Pistol event, Ahmed Al Shammari (gold), Ali Hassan (silver) and ciation (QSAA) has been Rifle, trap and skeet events Osama Al Shaiba (bronze), posing for a photograph at the Lusail Complex yesterday. instrumental in my success. still to follow. Sport FRIDAY 20 NOVEMBER 2020 14 Perfect Empire and Sanna steal the show

THE PENINSULA — DOHA Alberto Sanna riding Perfect Empire celebrates WINNERS the win at QREC's Al Rayyan Park yesterday. (Horse, Trainer, Jockey) Perfect Empire was expected to THOROUGHBRED GUINEAS (QA Gr 3) (Far Bend) excel yesterday and the Jassim Perfect Empire (GB), Gassim Mohammad Ghazali, Ghazali-trained colt, helmed by Alberto Sanna Alberto Sanna lived up expecta- PUREBRED ARABIAN GUINEAS (Far Bend) tions, clinching a 1½-length win Mon’nia (FR), Julian Colin Smart, Tomas Lukasek in the Thoroughbred Guineas at LOCAL THOROUGHBRED GUINEAS (Far Bend) the QREC’s Al Rayyan Park Equinoxe (QA), Alban Elie Marie De Mieulle, Ronan yesterday. Thomas In what was one of the feature PUREBRED ARABIAN HANDICAP (Far Bend) races of 12th Race Meeting yes- Methgal (FR), Julian Colin Smart, Tomas Lukasek terday, the Al Wasmiyah Farm’s PUREBRED ARABIAN PLATE (3 Year Olds) (Far Bend) Perfect Empire finished ahead of Antar (FR), Alban Elie Marie De Mieulle, Ronan Thomas Think Big ridden by Tomas THOROUGHBRED PLATE (2 Year Olds) (Class 2) (Far Lukasek to clinch the winning Bend) prize of QR85,500 in the Soldierpoy (GB), Mohammed Hussain Afroz, Jason QR150,000 race for three-year- Watson old entries. THOROUGHBRED PLATE (3 Year Olds) (Class 3) (Far Team Think Big collected Bend) QR33,000 while Main Reef with Wedream (FR), Mohammed Gassim Ghazali, Saleh Faleh Bughanaim in the saddle Salem Al-Marri* (-5kg) took third position and walked THOROUGHBRED HANDICAP (Class 4) (Far Bend) away with QR16,500. Indian Horseman (GB), Mohammed Gassim Ghazali, In Purebred Arabian Guineas completed a hat-trick with a 3¼ position, followed by Jason the Local Thoroughbred Guineas Marco Casamento – a mile run race for 4-year-old length victory. Tomas Lukasek Watsong-guided Arguya in third - yesterday’s third race with a total LOCAL THOROUGHBRED HANDICAP (Far Bend) that also offered a total prize rode the Julian Colin Smart- position. purse of QR150,000. Al Adheed (QA), Ibrahim Saeed Ibrahim Al Malki, money of QR150,000 – H H trained filly to triumph. Umm Qarn’s homebred Arandas finished second Soufiane Saadi Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Jabalah, with Soufiane Saadi Equinoxe, ridden by Ronan ahead of Thamina, which regis- Thani’s homebred Mon’nia in the saddle, clinched second Thomas won tered third position. Gayle, Malinga pull Longines Hathab Equestrian Tour: Stage set for Round 4 action out of Sri Lanka Twenty20 League AFP — COLOMBO Sri Lanka Cricket officials told that du Plessis said he had Big-hitting West Indies star national team duties and could Chris Gayle (pictured), South not play in the league. The offi- Africa’s Faf du Plessis and Sri cials confirmed that none of the Lanka’s Twenty20 skipper three players had arrived at the Lasith Malinga are among the hotel. big names that have withdrawn Health authorities have from the Lanka Premier League insisted on a one-week quar- tournament, officials and antine at the hotel amid the reports said yesterday. coronavirus pandemic. Gayle, slanted to be the top Matches are also to be attraction in the 23-match T20 played at Hambantota stadium league starting on November with no spectators allowed. 26, told the Kandy Tuskers he Other players who have was pullingng out due to an withdrawn incluinclude injury, a sourceource ccloselose to thethe EnglandEngland playerplayer RaviR team said. Bopara and KabirKabir Ali, “Close associates”associates” ooff a former EnglishEngl Malinga meanwhileeanwhile toldtold locallocal cricketercricketer whowho waswas due media thathat the veteranveteran too coachcoach oneone of the pacemann was notnot teams.teamsam . Ali tested posipositive match-fit. for the coronavirus jjust “For thehe llastast eieightght beforebefore he wwasas due to aarriverr months hee has notnot hadhad in Sri LankaLanka anandd was repreplacedla Participants during Vet Check at the QEF Indoor Arena ahead of Round 4 of the Longines Hathab Equestrian Tour, which begins today. any practicectice and byby former South African stars therefore he is HerschelleH e r sch e unable too take GibbsGibbs whow part in thehe LPL hhadad trav-tr without pproperroper elled toto the Nienaber, training,”” tthehe islandisland asa a Tiger and ‘cub’ on the prowl ThePapare.come.com commen-comme Norris shine website reported,ported, tator for quoting ann associateassociate thet h at PNC event next month in opening of the 37-year-old.year-old. compe-comp Strict quarantinequarantine tition.tition. TheT REUTERS — NEW YORK appearing on the Mike Douglas round of restrictionss meant aallll leagueleague wwas It marks the first time Woods, Show at just two-years old, players foror thethe fivefive postponedpostpon Tiger Woods (pictured) and his winner of 15 majors, and his giving the television audience Joburg Open teams werere to jjoinoin a ththreeree titimesm son Charlie will be hunting a 11-year-old son have played a glimpse of the raw talent that “bio-securee bubble”bubble” at a hotelhotel ooverver tthe title when they team up next has carried him to 82 Tour wins in the island’snd’s south.south. pandemic.pandemic month at the PNC Champi- the tournament that was last with 15 majors. REUTERS — JOHANNESBURG onship, a joint PGA/LPGA Tour year won by Germany’s “He’s starting to get into it,” family tournament. Bernhard Langer and son Woods told GOLFTV earlier this South African Wilco Nienaber Formerly known as the Jason. year. carded an eventful 63 to share New Zealand and West Father/Son Challenge, the PNC “He’s starting to understand the opening round lead with Championship will be played how to play. compatriot Shaun Norris at the at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club in “It’s“It’s beenbeen just an absolute European Tour’s Joburg Open Indies players clear Orlando from Decembermber 17-17-2020 ofof his father’s golfing genes by blastblast to go out thertheree anand just be at the Randpark Golf Club and feature major wwinnersinners and winningwinning his aagege groupgroup at a withwith himhim.. IItt rremindsemin me so yesterday. coronavirus tests family members as ccompetingompeting nnineine hole US Kids golgolff much of me and my Nienaber’s round included teams. eventevent in August by five ddad.”ad.” Past winners an eagle, nine birdies and REUTERS — WELLINGTON three COVID-19 tests. “The two It marks the firstfirst ttimeime shots.shots. havehave inincluded three bogeys as he finished on groups will have their final tests Woods, winner of 1155 majormajors,s, Woods wwasas Jack andan Gary eight under par and along with All 20 of the New Zealand and on Day 12 and, results per- and his 11-year-oldd son havehave famously introintro-- Nicklaus,Nick Norris has a one-shot lead West Indies players and mitting, will leave managed played the tournamentent that was duced to the sport RaymondRaymon Floyd over American Johannes support staff in managed isolation next Thursday, last year won by Germany’sGermany’s bbyy his father Earl and Robert Veerman. “Eight under is nice isolation tested negative for the November 26,” New Zealand Bernhard Langer andd son JasonJason.. Floyd Jr. plus around any golf course and to novel coronavirus and are on Cricket (NZC) said in a “I can’t tell you howow excexcitedited Craig and do it here in the first round of schedule to leave their statement. I am to be playing wwithith CharliCharliee KevinKevin SStadler. the Joburg Open, being back biosecure facility next week, The players were allowed in our first official tournamentournament The PGA home again, is great,” New Zealand Cricket said to leave isolation for training together,” said Woodsoods in a TourTour alsoal said Nienaber told reporters. yesterday. sessions at NZC’s high per- statement on the PGAPGA Tour GaryGary PlayPlayer, Greg “I haven’t played much in Players and support staff formance centre after their first website. Norman,Norman, JoJohn Daly South Africa since I turned pro from both teams arrived in New COVID-19 test on the third day, “It’s been great watwatchingching and AnnikaA but it’s been great to be home. Zealand last week after ful- but must remain in biosecure him progress as a juniornior golfergolfer SorenstamSoren will I’m just looking forward to the filling their Indian Premier bubbles until released. and it will be incredibleble plaplayingying be taking next three days.” League commitments and were The first match of the as a team together inin the PNC partpa in this Norris carded six birdies immediately placed into a Twenty20 series is in Auckland Championship.” year’sy and an eagle in a faultless mandatory 14-day isolation on Nov. 27 before a two-Test The young WWoodsoods has event.e round that started on the 10th where they were subject to series starts on December 3. shown signs that hee has some some tee.

Andrey Rublev signs off from ATP Finals with win over Thiem Rublev celebrates REUTERS — LONDON who had already sealed The world number when a netted forehand point against defending winning his his place in the semi- eight, who won a tour- allowed Thiem to level. champion Tsitsipas in his group stage Russian youngster Andrey finals with two wins in the leading five ATP titles this But Rublev broke the second match. match Rublev signed off from his London Group. year, put the hammer Austrian world number Thiem will shrug off against maiden ATP Finals in style Defeats by Nadal and down from the start, three again at 5-5 with a the defeat and now has a Austria’s by beating Dominic Stefanos Tsitsipas meant taking a 4-0 lead on his thumping forehand and day off to prepare for Dominic Thiem 6-2 7-5 yesterday. Rublev was playing only way to winning the finished the job a game tomorrow’s semi-final Thiem. The aggressive for pride although the opening set. later. He will look back on when he will face either 23-year-old took full $153,000 bonus for a Rublev grabbed an a missed opportunity world number one Novak advantage of a rather flat group stage win provided early break in the second having double-faulted Djokovic or Alexander performance by Thiem a sizeable incentive. set but faltered at 4-3 when he held a match Zverev. FRIDAY 20 NOVEMBER 2020 SPORT 15 Shenglong fires SIPG to win in Doha AFC - DOHA left-footed effort into the top corner to open the scoring for A brace of second-half Li Shen- Sydney FC. glong headers helped Shanghai The Australian dominance SIPG come from behind to at Khalifa International Stadium defeat Sydney FC 2-1 at Khalifa continued and just before the International Stadium in Group quarter-hour mark, Shanghai H of the 2020 AFC Champions SIPG goalkeeper Chen Wei was League (ACL) yesterday. beaten again as an Alexander Shanghai SIPG were Baumjohann corner was coming into their campaign headed goalward by Benjamin opener against an FC Sydney Warland, but the Sydney FC side they had played twice and defender watched his effort drew on both occasions last cannon off the post before Retre term, while Steve Corica’s men sent the rebound wide. had collected one point from Shanghai SIPG were made two games in the competition to wait until the 30-minute and were in desperate need for mark to get their first real a victory to stay in chance of the game when Gu contention. Huan crossed for Li whose Sydney FC came racing out header narrowly missed the of the blocks and within five target. minutes they had their first big Sydney FC continued to break. A Paulo Retre though enjoy the bulk of possession in ball found Trent Buhagiar free the opening minutes of the down the right flank and he second half and Barbarouses squared for Kosta Barbarouses nearly doubled his side’s tally Shanghai SIPG’s forward Li Shenglong (second right) celebrates after scoring his second goal during the AFC who had the goal at his mercy 10 minutes after the restart with the Shanghai SIPG after being set up by a Rhyan Champions League Group H match against Australia’s Sydney FC at the Khalifa International Stadium, yesterday. defenders left chasing Grant header, but the New Zea- shadows, but the Sydney FC lander international could not With just 11 minutes to go, Sydney FC had already used up number 11 fluffed his lines, find the target with his point- Li popped up in space inside all their substitutions. squandering the chance for an blank header. the box once more, getting on The three points in their Bangladesh finalise early opener. It was Vitor Perreira’s the end of a whipped cross first game of the 2020 AFC Barbarouses was presented Shanghai SIPG who found the from substitute from the Champions League sends with the chance to make back of the net instead. With 63 left to send a diving header in Shanghai SIPG to second place squad for crucial amends three minutes later minutes on the clock, Australian off the upright, leaving goal- in the group ahead of Sunday’s when goalkeeper Thomas midfielder took keeper Heward-Belle rooted clash with Jeonbuk Hyundai Heward-Belle sent a long ball advantage of a quickly taken set- to the spot. Motors. tie against Qatar for Buhagiar who nodded it piece down the right and The 23-year-old goal- Sydney FC, meanwhile, are into the path of Barbarouses delivered a pinpoint cross keeper’s night went from bad left teetering with their hopes AFC - DHAKA who showed impeccable catching the Sydney FC defence to worse as he was sent-off in of qualification largely awareness to find his teammate napping and finding Li who was added time for handing the ball dependent on getting a result A 27-man squad has been named by the Bangladesh Football with the return pass. Buhagiar left to pick his spot with a free- outside the box, leaving Grant against the Korea Republic side Federation as they gear up to face Qatar in Group E of the Asian took it first-time, sending a header, driving home the leveler. to fill in between the sticks as on Wednesday. Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 on December 4. Assistant coach Stuart Watkiss, who has taken temporary charge of the squad after head coach Jamie Day tested positive Fit-again Mbappe looking to for COVID-19, is aware of the challenge that lays ahead for his side. Bangladesh will play warm-up matches against local clubs in Doha on November 25 and 28 as part of the build-up for the tie against reigning AFC Asian Cup champions Qatar at the Abdullah give PSG much-needed boost bin Khalifa International Stadium on December 4. The South Asian side will head to Doha with some valuable AP – PARIS world star he is now. After Mbappe has 97 goals in 132 minutes in a 4-2 win against the match exposure already under their belt, having defeated Nepal winning the league title and games for league leader PSG Swedes. 2-0 and drawn 0-0 in friendlies during the recent international Paris Saint-Germain star Kylian reaching the Champions League and, had he not been ill with the “I’m very happy. There’s window. Bangladesh are bottom of Group E of the Asian Quali- Mbappe (pictured) took one semifinals with Monaco in 2017, coronavirus and minor injuries, good communication with the fiers with one point while Qatar lead the standings with 13. Oman, minute this week to show why he joined PSG in a would likely already have France team, we know what Afghanistan and India are the other teams in the group. he remains the French league’sue’s whoppingwhopping dealdeal reachedreached tthehe cencenturyt mark by they did with him in training,” most dangerous player. worth €180m now. Tuchel said. Monaco’s defenders willll bebe ($213m).($213m). HHee HeHe hashas playedplaye only eight “He took part in a full bracing themselves forr a nettednetted 26 matches so far this season, training session for us yesterday Rooney eyes role as refreshed and goal-hungryngry goalsgoals in 4444 scoringscoring sevenseven goals.goa (on Wednesday).” Mbappe when the sides mmeeteet games iinn a HisH fitness is Tuchel has to decide tonight at Stade Louis II. seasonseason momost welcome whether to start Mbappe against full-time manager After being sidelined withth a wherewhere hehe forfor PSG coach his former club, or to bring him REUTERS — LONDON minor thigh injury for threehree turnedturned 118.8. TThomas on. games, Mbappe came off thethe TTuchel, who “He’s feeling very good,” Derby County’s Wayne Rooney says he hopes to follow in the bench for France againstinst hash a big injury Tuchel said. footsteps of former England team-mate Frank Lampard and take Sweden on Tuesday. Immedi-edi- listlis to deal with. “We need to decide how charge of the Championship club on a permanent basis. ately on the ball, he skippedped GivenGiv that situ- many minutes he plays.” Rooney is part of a four-man coaching team that will lead down the left wing and clippedped ation,atio eyebrows One small consolation for Derby for Saturday’s league game at Bristol City after the Mid- over a perfectly-weighted crossross werewere raised when Monaco’s defenders will be that lands club parted ways with Phillip Cocu last week. that striker Olivier Giroud mmetet MbappeMbapp joined Mbappe is unlikely to be paired “I wouldn’t be an ambitious person if I sat here and said I didn’t with a diving header. France on interna- alongside Neymar for much of want the job,” Rooney, 35, told reporters. Crosser, dribbler, finisher:her: tional dutyduty despite car- the game. “We all come into this game to play football and then you have Mbappe’s repertoire is huge, aandnd ryingrying an ininjury.ju In the end, Neymar was called up by a decision to make: do you want to go into coaching or it makes him potentially decisivesive a relievedrelieved TTuchel praised Brazil for their international management? as soon as he gets on the ball.all. France coaccoachh Didier Des- games, even though he was “I’ve made it quite clear over the last few years that my Monaco knows that all too champs for leavinglea him out nursing an injury, but did not ambition is to go into management, especially when you see the well, having developed hhimim against FinlandFinland and Portugal play and the Selecao let him likes of Steven Gerrard, Lampard and Scott Parker all getting good through its youth ranks intoo tthehe adoaandnd onlyonly ypayg playingplaying him for 30 leave the squad. jobs and doing really well at it." Accessible for all: Ooredoo Ride of Champions creates history

THE PENINSULA – DOHA participants and their closest most inclusive event. No matter friends, to take a ride at their your physical ability, it has a cat- Reflecting on the success that own pace around the lush and egory for you. Can’t wait for next was the 4th edition of the Qatar beautiful Green Spine at Qatar year’s edition!” Cyclists Centre organised, Foundation. With ample super- On behalf of Latifa Kuwari, Ooredoo Ride of Champions, the vision and safety precautions in Executive Director of the Sha- 2020 edition made history, with place, the organisers built the fallah Centre for Persons with the most inclusive edition of the perfect platform for Best Buddies Disabilities, Laalei Abu Alfain event. riders to enjoy the beautiful day extended her thanks and appre- Even the current COVID-19 and captivating atmosphere, all ciation to the Qatar Cyclists situation could hold back the while accomplishing the Center for giving the opportunity enthusiasm and excitement by amazing. to the members of Best Buddies the organisers and partners in More than 40 attendees with Qatar to participate in the making it the most inclusive exceptional accessibility needs Ooredoo Ride of Champions in event ever Qatar Foundation, participated in the 2020 edition 2020. Best Buddies Qatar and Acces- of the Ooredoo Ride of Cham- The event organisers at sible Qatar. pions, providing a terrific Qatar Cyclists Center thanked At Education City, Qatar platform to put the spotlight on their Title Partner Ooredoo, Foundation, 1,700 riders, the need for greater accessibility hosts Qatar Foundation, partners ranging in age from 3 to 68 years for people with disabilities. Dolphin Energy, the Qatar of age, took part in the event. Commenting on the acces- Riders taking part in the 2020 Ooredoo Ride of Champions. National Tourism Council and This year’s Ooredoo Ride of sibility events held at this year’s Turkish Airlines. Champions featured two very Ooredoo Ride of Champions, Additionally, the support of special rides, creating a platform Ambassador to Ooredoo and Ooredoo Ride of Champions – and by providing Handcycles The previous year was the key government entities: Min- for athletes with unique needs Qatar Cyclists Center Board an event designed for people of enabling more wheelchair users first time in which members of istry of Culture and Sports, Qatar to capture center stage and dem- Member, and a Qatari cycling all ages and abilities – at Edu- to participate in the competitive the community with either neu- Cycling Federation, Traffic onstrate their abilities to ride, superstar, Ali bin Towar Al cation City reflects the diversity wheelchair / handcycle ride. I rodiverse or ability needs were Police and the approval to enjoy, exercise, and be a winner! Kuwari, said: “The vision of the of Qatar Foundation, and how would like to thank the organ- able to be a champion at the enable the event of the Ministry The first of these was the Wheel- Ride of Champions has always we offer a vibrant and wel- isers and sponsors for their Ooredoo Ride of Champion. of Public Health. Further grat- chair and Handcycle Race, been to be for the entire com- coming environment that has support and passion to make the Abdulrahman Al Yafei, itude is expressed to the events which was a competition munity of Qatar and year on year something for everyone, all year Ride of Champions accessible for ambassador of Accessible Qatar, supporters Garmin Lingawi, amongst athletes with incredible we have worked to widen the round. all.” a Sasol initiative, added: “Eve- Rasen Sports, Rayyan Water, upper-body strength, capable of event to include not only racing Jack Saba, General Manager While the event has a history ryone should try a handbike, as Aspetar, GMC and accessibility cycling with their hands at cyclists but families, youth and of Public Affairs commented: “At of welcoming cyclists of all ages it’s a very social activity, and partners Best Buddies and speeds up to and over 30 km per now para-sport participants, as Sasol, we are proud to have sup- and experience levels, ranging builds hand and upper-body Accessible Qatar. hour. well as those from ability sport ported the Ooredoo Ride of from beginners to the most strength. It is unlike a normal Further details about the Another ride, which was whether they are neuro diverse Champions to become more experienced amateurs, the bicycle. I have trained for a few Ooredoo Ride of Champions, can launched in previous editions of or para athletes.” inclusive with our Definitely organisers aimed to reach higher months as it is fairly new for me. be found at www.rocdoha.qa or the Ooredoo Ride of Champions, Amy Johnson, Community Able and Accessible CSR initia- and farther for more members I reached speeds of 35-40 km/h. by following @rocdoha on was the Best Buddies ride. This Engagement Director, Qatar tives, by conducting physical of our community to I’ve truly enjoyed this year’s Ride Twitter, Instagram and ride features Best Buddies Foundation, said: “Hosting the accessibility audits of the venue participate. of Champions - as it is Qatar’s Facebook.