Kohli even better than Tendulkar, says Kevin Pietersen page 13 Sunday, May 17, 2020

Haaland stars in Dortmund romp Khalifa International Stadium chosen as as Bundesliga makes comeback one of Asia’s finest AFP venues by AFC Berlin QNA um underwent its first major Norwegian sensation Er- Kuala Lumpur ( Malaysia) renovation in 2005 ahead of ling Braut Haaland stole the the 2006 Asian Games. limelight on Saturday as the The Asian Football Confed- The stadium, which is the German Bundesliga became eration (AFC) has chosen the home venue for Qatar’s na- the first major European Khalifa International Sta- tional football team, staged football league to return since dium of Doha as one of West international friendlies be- the coronavirus lockdown, Asia’s finest stadiums. tween Brazil and England in with teams playing in empty, In a report on AFC’s 2009 and Brazil and Argen- echoing stadiums. website, the Confederation tina a year later. The 19-year-old striker said that the Khalifa Inter- It was also the setting for claimed the first goal in Ger- national Stadium recently one of Qatar’s biggest foot- many’s top flight for over two became the first arena that balling achievements when, months to set Borussia Dort- will be used for the FIFA in 1992, the Gulf Cup of Na- mund on the way to a 4-0 win World Cup Qatar 2022 to be tions was staged in Doha. over local rivals Schalke. completed after undergoing Having finished as runners- Portuguese international extensive renovations. up in the previous edition in Raphael Guerreiro then add- The 40,000-capacity sus- Kuwait, Qatar won their first ed two goals either side of a tainable venue, located within major international title after Thorgan Hazard strike. the Doha Sports Complex, coming out on top of the six- Second-placed Dortmund boasts a brand new roof that team round-robin group. moved to within a point of covers all seated areas and a It continues to stage ma- leaders Bayern Munich, who sports museum. jor athletics events to this day are chasing an eighth straight One of its key features and and was the host for the 2019 title and play Union Berlin a major drive behind Qatar’s IAAF World Championships, away on Sunday. bid for the competition has as well as the 2019 FIFA Club Haaland steered a low been the installation of cool- World Cup, where Qatari gi- Thorgan Hazard cross into ing technology. The pitch-side ants Al Sadd made it to the the far corner on 29 minutes temperature will thus stay at second round before suff er- to claim his 10th goal in just 26 degrees Celsius, while fans ing a 3-2 defeat to Mexico’s nine Bundesliga matches. in the stands will also benefit Monterrey. It was his 41st goal this as temperatures will be kept Khalifa International Sta- season in all competitions between 24 and 28C. dium hosted the victory of the and his 13th for Dortmund Originally opened in 1976, Qatar national team with the in just 12 games since join- Khalifa International Stadi- Arabian Gulf Cup in 1992. ing in January from Red Bull Salzburg. This combination of pictures shows Bundesliga players celebrating the first goals after the league resumed on Saturday. (Top left) Dortmund’s Norwegian forward Erling Braut Haaland celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the German first division Bundesliga match against Social distancing Schalke 04; (Top right) Hertha’s Brazilian forward Cunha Matheus (centre) is congratulated by Bosnian-Herzegovinian forward Vedad Ibisevic Haaland celebrated by (right) and German defender Maximilian Mittelstaedt after he scored against TSG 1899 Hoffenheim in Sinsheim; (Bottom L) Freiburg’s German dancing alone -- making no defender Manuel Gulde (centre) is congratulated by teammates after scoring against RB Leipzig in Leipzig; (Bottom R) Dortmund’s Portuguese contact with team-mates, defender Raphael Guerreiro (centre) celebrates after scoring his side’s second goal against Schalke 04 in Dortmund. (AFP) who clapped him on -- to comply with the strict hy- third goal before Julian succession with a Kevin Ak- weekend, the DFL has tested weeks away from returning, giene guidelines which al- Brandt set up Hazard to fire poguma own-goal being fol- players and coaches regularly will be watching to see how lowed the league to return. home on 48 minutes. lowed by Hertha captain for the virus and teams have the weekend goes. All matches are being Schalke looked short of Vedad Ibisevic grabbing a been in quarantine for the The Bundesliga has been played behind closed doors, match fitness while Dort- second. Brazilian Matheus past week. expecting millions of extra fans with no more than 300 peo- mund were sharper, and Cunha then made it 3-0. Teams arrived at stadi- to watch coverage worldwide. ple permitted inside stadi- Guerreiro grabbed his second ums in several buses in order In Germany, there were ums. in style after a one-two with Contact ‘part of football’ to meet social distancing re- concerns that fans would Normally Dortmund’s Haaland in the 63rd minute. In contrast to elsewhere, quirements inside vehicles. try to approach stadiums to A demonstration of the cooling system saw the temperatures Signal Iduna Park would be Elsewhere, third-placed Hertha players celebrated Although Germany has support their teams from lowered to as much as 24-26 degree celcius. (AFP) packed with over 81,000 fans RB Leipzig were held to a 1-1 their goals by hugging each suffered far fewer deaths afar. Police in Dortmund for the Ruhr derby, one of the draw at home to Freiburg, other, flaunting the league’s from coronavirus than other appealed to fans to stay at biggest fixtures in German leaving them four points off hygiene guidelines, but Lab- large European countries, home and broadcaster Sky football. top spot. badia defended his team. it is still too dangerous for reported it was quiet outside “There was no noise. You Defender Manuel Gulde “The fact is that this is crowds to return. the ground. shoot at the goal, make a top gave visitors Freiburg a shock part of football, he said. Some players and coach- pass, score a goal, and noth- lead and celebrated by elbow- “We’ve been tested so many Global interest es have already fallen foul of ing happens,” said Dortmund bumping teammates, before times that we can allow it. The DFL has made no se- the rules. coach Lucien Favre. Leipzig striker Yussuf Pouls- “If you can’t celebrate cret of the fact that several Augsburg’s new coach “That’s very, very strange. en grabbed a late equaliser. anymore, the whole thing clubs are already in a dire fi- Heiko Herrlich ruled himself We really missed our fans. Freiburg were then denied a breaks down. I’m just glad nancial situation as a result of out of his side’s 2-1 home de- “It’s hard to judge how stoppage-time winner when a that the team had reason to the lockdown. feat against Wolfsburg after good the game was, but the VAR check spotted an offside. cheer today.” If they are able to com- leaving the team hotel to buy players were very focused.” Bruno Labbadia, who A German Football plete the nine remaining toothpaste. After Haaland’s opener, was named as Jurgen Klins- League (DFL) spokesman rounds of matches by June While Herrlich was criti- an error by Schalke goal- mann’s replacement during confirmed there will be no 30, clubs could receive cised, there was sympathy for keeper Markus Schubert led the lockdown, made a win- punishment, as it had only around €300 million ($324 Union coach Urs Fischer after to Guerreiro making it 2-0 ning start as Hertha Berlin offered “guidelines” on how million) in money from tel- he broke quarantine follow- The 40,000-capacity sustainable venue, located within the Doha before half-time. coach with a 3-0 success at goals should be celebrated. evision contracts. ing a family bereavement. Sports Complex, boasts a brand new roof that covers all seated Haaland then played a Hoffenheim. In order to get the politi- Clubs in England, Spain It means he must miss his areas and a sports museum. (Pic: SC.qa) role in the build-up to the The goals came in quick cal green light to resume this and Italy, where leagues are side’s clash with Bayern.

Oh football! Beautiful game’s return provides the kicks world over Vinay Nayudu In these stressful sport fans. The picture-in-picture Ramadan evening with prayers Doha coronavirus times as of all the games on one screen and breaking of fast before tun- with expert commentary brought ing back to some live action ‘FOOTBALL!!! FOOTBALL!! the world grapples with delight and the memories of days again. FOOTBALL! Oh how I’ve missed numerous problems not gone by sometime ago. On television, football was you.’ and worries, big time There were some ‘serious’ indeed exciting and showed how That was the message on one sporting action arrived experts on social media provid- sport unites the whole world. The of the online global platforms as providing some joy. ing their own valuable opinions: absence of fans, in particular for millions tuned in to watch the “I seriously don’t get how the the players may have been an German first division Bundesliga guidelines can say you have to empty feeling for now, but they games on a relieving Saturday – and scored the first goal since celebrate a goal alone but you can should too hopefully be back as international football kicked football came back for obviously be touching your oppo- sooner if not later. back into action after a two- Borussia Dortmund, mes- nents when defending set pieces. “It’s back, and yes, not like we month long break. sages on twitter, live chats and Sometimes common sense just know it. Yes, weird without fans. In these stressful coronavirus watsapp began to pour. goes missing,” wrote one from But football like this now is to en- times as the world grapples with “Yes, TV is on after a month!,” London. sure we can have the football we numerous problems and worries, said a football journalist from In- Another from Rangers want again. With clubs still in ex- big time sporting action arrived dia. Football Club recalled being at istence and such plus slick flicks, providing some joy. Back in Doha, colleagues and the stadium in Germany a few good crosses, great movement ‘Football is officially back, friends spoke about the delight months earlier, “That time we and low shots across the keeper Bundesliga starts today. It has football brings --- forget whether took 8,000 fans to Germany are still Fire,” was a comment been 9 long weekends. there are fans inside the stadium to face @RBLeipzig_EN, for a that invited a lot of likes. Let me repeat this tweet, or not! The broadcast on several friendly, in January!” Football, yes we all love it. FOOTBALL IS BACK TODAY!’ channels of the six matches on The delight of football was May the good times continue Dortmund’s Raphael Guerreiro scores the his side’s 4th goal against against Schalke’s goalkeeper ---- reiterated another tweet. BeIN SPORTS live played on Sat- equally thrilling for the Arabian and stadiums packed with fans Markus Schubert during the German first division Bundesliga match in Dortmund on Saturday.( AFP) And by the time, Erling Haal- urday was lapped by almost all fans. Many in Qatar welcomed a return soon! 12 Sunday, May 17, 2020 Sports Racing loses that sinking feeling with resumption on June 1 AFP adjacent Windsor Castle will miss it Varadkar acknowledged on Friday done more than they usually do on London for the first time since 1952. “this is a big economic sector”. the gallops. Racecourses have been taking a Strict regulations will be enforced “Some horses need a run and Horse racing’s planned resump- heavy hit with the Racecourse Asso- in England with trainers, jockeys and others don’t and there are all sorts tion on June 1 in England is a god- ciation estimating they are losing over grooms obliged to wear masks and of other factors such as adrenalin send for the ‘Sport of Kings’ as it is £8 million ($9.7 million) a month. owners not permitted to attend. and a long break which can influ- Timo Werner (above) and his Leipzig teammates endured a frustrat- “only so long you can tread water Redvers, though, is just thank- However, Redvers says all those ence the way a horse races.” ing return to action on Saturday. (AFP) before you sink”, Qatar Racing’s ful Qatar Racing’s silks and those of rules and sacrifices are worth it so Although some have raised con- manager David Redvers told AFP. their rivals will be once again seen long as the show is back on the road. cerns Balding believes going to the Newcastle will host the first in competitive action. “It is a long way from being a racecourses carries very little risk. Leipzig title hopes meeting behind closed doors since “It has been hugely concerning complete disaster and one must be “There will certainly be more bio racing was suspended on March 18 for everyone as it is only so long you thankful for small mercies,” he said. security steps in place than going to due to the coronavirus pandemic. can tread water before you sink,” he “Behind closed doors at least a supermarket,” he said. That will serve as an appetiser told AFP by phone. gives us horse racing. “The last thing Newmarket or hit by Freiburg draw before it really kicks into gear with “It is looking a much better chance “Without horse racing then Ascot will wish to do is put people the first classics -- races for three things will take off and on June 1 we there would be no hope and the in- in jeopardy.” AFP year-olds only -- the 1000 and 2000 come out all guns blazing.” dustry would crumble very quickly Sheikh Fahad and his family’s Leipzig (Germany) Leipzig’s title dreams had Guineas to be run at Newmarket on England will follow France who so it could be worse.” devotion to English racing -- “it started to slip away before the first weekend of June. resumed racing last Monday, with is the creme de la creme” for him RB Leipzig were held to a 1-1 the lockdown started, as Flat racing’s showpiece meeting jockeys required to wear masks. ‘Rise from the Ashes’ explains Redvers -- has definitely draw by Freiburg as the Bun- back-to-back draws with Royal Ascot it is hoped will follow French trainer Nicolas Clement Qatar Racing’s Sheikh Fahad al helped for the very rainy days eco- desliga restarted following the Bayer Leverkusen and shortly afterwards on June 16. said attending the meeting at Long- Thani will be one of those owners nomically the sport is facing. coronavirus suspension on Sat- Wolfsburg in March had However, it will do so without champ was like “walking into a hos- who misses out -- Kameko is one of Racing authorities announced urday, suffering a further knock seen them fall five points racegoers, including its most no- pital”. the favourites for the 2000 Guineas. on Thursday a drastic reduction to their dwindling title hopes. table attendee Queen Elizabeth II Ireland has brought forward its His trainer Andrew Balding is in prize-money for Group races al- Julian Nagelsmann’s off the pace. who although presently residing in return by three yet to win the race -- which is spon- though sponsorship money will sof- third-placed side sit four weeks to June sored like many of the top races ten some of the blow. points behind league lead- centre-back Manuel Gulde. 8 after Prime in England by the Sheikh’s fam- Redvers hopes that at the very ers Bayern Munich ahead of Leipzig continued to domi- Minister Leo ily business Qatar Investment and least Sheikh Fahad and his brothers the reigning champions’ visit nate possession in the second Project Development Holding Com- will be able to attend the QIPCO- to Union Berlin on Sunday, period and wasted a golden pany (QIPCO). sponsored Champions Day in Octo- and it would have been worse chance in the 57th minute as However, he admits for him and ber which will be its 10th anniversary. if Freiburg midfielder Robin on-loan Everton winger Ad- his fellow trainers due to the corona- He does glimpse a ray of hope Koch’s late effort had not been emola Lookman volleyed wide virus it is a journey into the unknown. for the industry. ruled out by VAR. when totally unmarked just “What we have been able to do “Like anything any downturn Leipzig’s title dreams had yards from goal. with the horses should not be gives everybody plenty of opportu- started to slip away before the Freiburg had to rely on their much reason for excus- nity to see where we are and how we lockdown started, as back-to- goalkeeper the next time Leip- es,” he said. can improve our situation,” he said. back draws with Bayer Lev- zig carved them open, as Alex- “The horses have “Hopefully we can rise from the erkusen and Wolfsburg in ander Schwolow stretched out a ashes as a fitter leaner hun- March had seen them fall five leg to brilliantly deny Werner a grier model.” points off the pace. 28th goal of the season. Players and coaches sitting Leipzig gave themselves on the bench wore protective fresh hope of turning the game masks in compliance with the around in the 77th minute, stringent safety guidelines im- though, as Yussuf Poulsen plemented to allow the Bundes- headed past Schwolow. liga to resume before Europe’s The home side pushed for a other top leagues. winner, as Marcel Sabitzer and The hosts started brightly at Patrik Schick joined Lookman an eerily-quiet Red Bull Arena, in coming off the bench, but with Timo Werner and Nordi failed to carve out another clear- Mukiele both going close to cut opportunity. opening the scoring in the first Instead, it was Freiburg half an hour. who thought they had snatched But Freiburg claimed a sur- a dramatic injury-time victory, prise lead 12 minutes before only for Koch’s close-range fin- half-time as Vincenzo Grifo’s ish to be ruled out for offside low corner was diverted in by following a VAR review. The planned resumption of racing in England on June 1 has given the industry a timely boost Qatar Racing’s racing manager David Redvers told AFP. Sport could rebel against pandemic rules: Athletics chief Nick Kyrgios tells AFP plan to stage the Tokyo Games next secure manner that doesn’t risk infec- New Delhi year instead. tion,” he said. Murray ‘you are Coe said no one could give a cast- “Each event will have to decide on a World athletics chief Sebastian Coe iron assurance that the Olympics will format for competition with these safety has warned that sports leaders may be held. considerations two months in advance. better than Djokovic’ rebel against pandemic restrictions as “Speculating about something that “Everybody is waiting to return to they struggle to get major events back is over a year away is unhelpful,” said competition and organisers will have to AFP “Djokovic was playing on track. the former chief of the 2012 London be as creative and ingenious as possible London dodgeball on my serve and Coe expressed the frustrations felt Olympics. in the current circumstances.” you were slapping it for a by many sports chiefs when he said “We are trying to give the athletes In a separate interview with Indian Nick Kyrgios told Andy winner. He was trying to it was crucial to get top events started some clarity about the calendar and media, Coe said there would be greater Murray on Saturday the dodge it, you were on it like again even as the coronavirus takes a speculation from scientists and medical use of technology to make events “more British tennis star was bet- a light.” mounting toll around the world. World Athletics chief Sebastian Coe. experts does not help. exciting” for television viewers and to ter than world number one Murray responded by “We have to be guided by what gov- “I hope that the pandemic will be adapt to the coronavirus threat. Novak Djokovic, claiming saying: “The results would ernments, the WHO and local authori- to make decisions in the best interest of contained so that we don’t have to can- “If you think of relay, the baton the Serb “dodges” his serve suggest otherwise.” ties are telling us, but we also have to our sport and our athletes,” the British cel the Games.” exchange could be another source while the Scot “is on it like Kyrgios has endured make our own decisions and make sen- former track legend insisted. Athletics’ Diamond League may of infection, but we are finding ways a light”. a rocky relationship with sible compromises,” Coe, 63, told In- Athletics like other key sports has only start in August and finish in Oc- to organise it,” the World Athletics By his own estimate Kyr- Djokovic, once describing dian television channel WION. seen its calendar and finances badly tober. Coe said competitions will look chief said. gios had drunk six glasses the Serb’s post-match ‘cup of “There may be a moment when a hit by the postponement of this year’s very different with athletes battling “As a runner I can feel the emotions of wine when he logged on love’ celebrations as “cringe- sport decides that it is ready to stage Olympic Games in Tokyo. each other in empty stadiums. of the athletes if there is only training from his Canberra home for worthy”. events even if it is not always with the The world athletics championships “Meeting directors will have to take and no competition. Therefore we want an Instagram live chat with Djokovic, claimed the approval of those authorities. planned for 2021 have had to be pushed their own decisions about how to get to provide them with an opportunity to Murray that started after Australian, had a “sick obses- “We will be respectful, but we have back by a year to allow for a provisional athletes to competition in a safe and compete and perform.” midnight for the Australian. sion with wanting to be liked”. “My knowledge and in- In one of the less bizarre terest in red wine has gone parts of their Saturday con- incredibly up during this versation Kyrgios asked quarantine,” said Kyrgios, Murray, who has long been Aspetar to issue a clinical guideline on return to sport and Covid-19 well known for his withering sidelined with hip, and more comments about leading ten- recently, thigh injuries when Tribune News Network lines and Pathway Commit- id-19 in a country/region, the recommendations to protect tions with family, friends, and nis players, even though the he might be back on court Doha tee (ACGPC), chaired by Dr capacity of the health system, the health of the players, and teammates. undeniably talented world following the coronavirus Paul Dijkstra, established a the individual risk profiles of medical and technical staff as number 40 has never gone outbreak. While the Eredivisie and Guideline Development Group the athletes and the pressure to much as possible. Aspetar rec- ARE YOU READY? beyond the quarter-finals of Murray, who celebrated Ligue 1 decided to pull the plug (GDG) to produce updated resume play. ommendation will provide best Many rightly ask, “How can a major championship. his 33rd birthday on Friday, on their campaign, other top guidelines and pathways for “Until there is an eff ective evidence based clinical guide- the athletes be fit for return- Murray, however, ap- said: “I feel pretty good I European teams are consid- the safe return to sports train- treatment or a vaccine, resum- lines and will be shared with the ing to competition after almost pears to be one of his few was doing well before the in- ering an appropriate date to ing and competition during ing training or competition will relevant stakeholders. two months of modifi ed train- rivals Kyrgios respects, with jury at the Davis Cup. I think resume training, and the Bun- Covid-19. “These guidelines always bear a risk. This risk can ing while staying home?” The the Scot having defeated when things get back to nor- desliga restarting behind closed will be available soon and will of course be mitigated by the IT ISN’T ENTIRELY SAFE TO PLAY YET Aspetar guideline will provide Djokovic in both the 2012 mal I think I will be alright.” doors on Saturday. It became assist clubs and federations to usual infection control meas- Aspetar psychologist Sofi- some direction. “Athletes’ abil- US Open and 2013 Wimble- Kyrgios suggested the first league to return after plan for a safe return to sports ures, but at the end it all comes ane Souissi stressed that sus- ity to return to competition don finals. the pair should play lockdown in Europe. training and competition when down to how much risk a coun- pending seasons and cancel- will depend largely on the type Djokovic, however, doubles together, Many sport clubs from dif- the current Covid-19 measures try or an organisation is willing ling competitions could cause of sport and the quality of the leads their head-to-head prompting a ferent sports have announced allow it. The GDG will regularly to take’ Dr Olaf Schumacher signifi cant grief, stress, anxi- home training they were able record 25-11 and has wry Murray to their return to sports training update the document as new from Aspetar said. ety, frustration, and sadness to do. In Sports like cycling, it is won 17 Grand Slam sin- reply: “Only if after players trained individu- evidence emerge” said Dr Emin Some football clubs in Qatar for an athlete. likely that athletes can perform gles titles to Murray’s you promise to ally for over two months dur- Ergen, who is leading the GDG. resumed some form of train- One of Aspetar’s recom- training sessions that mimic three. behave, you said ing the Covid-19 lockdown ing while complying with the mendations to be published the demands of competition That didn’t stop Kyr- you were going measures. IS IT THE RIGHT TIME TO RETURN TO Government’s current Covid-19 will stipulate additional men- (indoor cycling/eraces/smart gios telling Murray: “I to.” Significant uncertainty COMPETITION? measures. While it has not yet tal health support measures trainers) and maintain levels think you should have exists over safe return to foot- But is it the right to return made a formal decision in this for athletes by sports medi- of training similar to the pre- one of the best ca- ball training and competition to sports training and competi- regard, Aspetar through its cine providers. Covid-19 situation, therefore, reers ever. I in a world gripped with the tion? Members of the Aspetar National Sports Medicine Pro- These measures might in- the return to training and com- think you are reality of the Covid-19 pan- Covid-19 return to sports GDG gramme (NSMP) conducted clude regular check-ins with petition may be relatively easier better than demic; the Bundesliga could say that it depends on many several club doctors’ meetings athletes, facilitating consulta- and smoother,” said Dr Marco Djokovic. well provide some clarity on factors that diff er from one providing recommendations tion with a psychologist, and Cardinale, executive director of that in the near future. country and region to another, on how to follow the Minis- encouraging maintenance of Research and Scientifi c Sup- Nick Kyrgios told Andy Murray he was a better tennis player than The Aspetar Clinical Guide- such as the prevalence of Cov- try of Public Health’s current social support and interac- port at Aspetar. Novak Djokovic but the Scot wasn’t convinced. (AFP) Sports Sunday, May 17, 2020 13 Kohli even better Sulaiti, Sheikh Soud set than Tendulkar, to battle for top honours says Pietersen Agencies India. He just keeps on turning The QORC Moto LONDON the numbers, chasing, chasing, chasing.” finals from today; Steve Smith’s accomplish- Winning games for the ments pale in comparison to country is much more impor- 14 riders to Virat Kohli’s “unreal numbers” tant than individual perfor- and the Indian captain has out- mances, said Pietersen. compete for five stripped even the great Sachin “That’s what drives me. Tendulkar with his mastery of My Man of the Match perfor- top prizes chases, believes former Eng- mances. It was not the way that land skipper Kevin Pietersen. I played or how I played. How Tribune News Network Smith and Kohli are among many Man of the Match perfor- DOHA the leading batsmen in the mances and how many games world currently but for Pieters- that you win for England. And Two of the fastest in the lot - former en, the Australia doesn’t even he (Kohli) does that for India. World Superbike Championship rid- come close to the Indian super- Unreal numbers,” added Piet- er and three-time QSTK600 winner star. ersen. Saeed al Sulaiti and Sheikh Soud al “Kohli, hands down. Freak- Kohli, who has scored 70 Thani - are up against each other fi- show. His record chasing, win- international hundreds, aver- nally as the first of the three finals in ning games for India with the ages more than 50 in all three the Qatar Online Racing Champion- amount of pressure he consist- formats. Smith, on the other ship Moto is staged at the Donington ently lives under, Smith doesn’t hand, averages higher than Park at 10.30 pm on Sunday. even come close,” Pietersen Kohli in Tests with 7227 runs in Both topped their respective told former Zimbabwe cricketer 73 games at 62.74. groups and produced scorching pace Pommie Mbangwa during an Kohli has scored 7240 runs on variety of tracks during the quali- Saeed al Sulaiti: Riding at blistering pace. Sheikh Soud al Thani: Top qualifier with three wins. Instagram Live session. in 86 Tests at 53.62. The Indian fying stage. If Sheikh Soud, the leader When Mbangway asked star averages 59.33 and 50.80 from Group A, collected three wins ed, top five riders will be rewarded will have to be consistent and bring Pietersen to choose between in ODIs and T20s, while in a row, Group B champion Sulaiti QR15,000 (winner), QR13,000 their A game to the racing in the fi- Kohli and Tendulkar, he said: Smith averages 42.46 fought back in his typical unforgiv- (second place), QR10,000 (third nals. There are some good riders in “Again Virat because of his and 29.60 respec- ing manner after failing to connect to place), QR6,000 (fourth place) and the fray and with some luck, they are chasing numbers. His chas- tively, in the the race lobby in the second race. The QR5,000 (fifth place). capable of turning the tables on the ing numbers are frightening. two formats. 35-year-old unleashed several 1:56 The hosts Qatar Motor and Mo- favourites. Hade Ahmad and Jeremy He averages 80 in chases, all laps in Sepang in the third qualifier torcycle Federation (QMMF) earlier Parola, the reigning QSTK Trophy his one-day hundreds come and posted his second win. announced that only six best riders champion, are such competitors. Ah- when chasing. After Sulaiti’s protest for being from each pool would make it to the mad was third in the opening behind “He consistently denied to join the race was upheld finals. Later, they revised the num- Parola but managed to keep himself wins games of cricket for on technical grounds, his second tri- ber to seven, which has meant that ahead of the French in the next two umph raised his tally to 106 points most of the strong riders will now races and entered the finals in the India captain Virat Kohli has and helped him share the top spot be competing for the prizes. Sheikh second place behind group winner amassed 11867 runs in 248 with Kuwaiti rider Ali Ahmed Boush- Khaled al Thani qualified as the Sheikh Soud. ODIs at an average of 59, with ehri. Sulaiti was however granted the sixth best from Group A but he sent In the Group B, eyes will be 43 centuries and 58 fifties. top spot as he was nearly two sec- regret to participate in the champi- on Boushehri, Khalid al Maraghi, onds faster in laps than Boushehri. onship further. So Sheikh Saoud al Abdulla al Qubaisi, the current Now both relishing a chance to Thani, who missed the first race but QSTK600 champion, and Mohamad compete each other, it will be a treat participated in the second and third al Zaidan. All of them have good pace to watch the three-race finals. After races, was promoted to the finals af- and displayed it during various stag- Gayle stands by his comments Sunday’s race, other two are sched- ter getting 61 points. Sheikh Soud are major contenders es of the qualifying stage but need to uled on Tuesday and Thursday. On It is a general feeling now that bar- for the top two places and should work a bit on their consistency. The against Ramnaresh Sarwan the basis of the points accumulat- ring any big happening, Sulaiti and be able to take them. However, both finals might bring out their best. AFP become my second departure London from the Tallawahs franchise,” he said in a statement. Flamboyant batsman Chris “It was my greatest wish to Alex, Vinales & Bagnaia eye to be first Virtual MotoGP double winner Gayle said he “stood by his finish my CPL career in Jamai- comments” over feelings of re- ca, playing in front of my home Tribune News Network Virtual MotoGP Standings sentment at his exit from the crowd at Sabina Park with the DOHA Jamaica Tallawahs team in the franchise that I had previously Qualifying standings (after Race 2) Caribbean Premier League. led to two CPL titles. Three riders will be seeking # Rider NUM National team Pts However, he admitted that “In so far as my resent- to become the first double win- 1 Maverick Vinales 12 sPA Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP 61 his description of former West ment at the treatment, I stand ner in Sunday’s fourth Virtual 2 Alex Marquez 73 sPA repsol Honda Team 61 Indies teammate Ramnaresh by my comments in those vid- MotoGP at the Misano World 3 Francesco Bagnaia 63 ITAa Pramac Racing 61 Sarwan as “worse eos. My words were Circuit Marco Simoncellii in 4 Marc Marquez 93 sPA repsol Honda Team 37 than the coronavi- spoken from the Italy, which is also hosting a 5 Fabio Quartararo 20 FRA Petronas Yamaha SRT 32 rus” were “damag- heart.” Gayle, how- MotoE race for the first time. 6 Alex Rins 42 sPA team Suzuki Ecstar 21 ing”. ever, admitted that Repsol Honda’s rookie 7 Danilo Petrucci 9 ITAa ducati Team 20 Gayle, 40, such remarks “may Alex Marquez defeated Pra- 8 Miguel Oliveira 88 POR red Bull KTM Tech 3 17 was released by be viewed as being mac Racing’s Francesco Bag- 9 Iker Lecouna 27 sPA red Bull KTM Tech 3 14 Twenty20 fran- damaging to Cricket 10 Tito Rabat 53 sPA reale Avintia Racing 11 naia and Monster Energy chise the Tallawahs West Indies, and 11 Valentino Rossi 46 ITAa Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP 9 Yamaha MotoGP’s Maverick last month and the to the CPL Tourna- 12 Joan Mir 36 sPA team Suzuki Ecstar 9 Vinales in the first digital race big-hitting opener ment and its brand. 13 Takaaki Nakagami 30 JPN lcr Honda 8 a Mugello. Italian Bagnaia held assistant coach Chris Gayle “It was never my 14 Michele Pirro 51 ITAa ducati Team 7 edge Vinales in a stirring last- ours has also been spiced by “I have been practicing a Sarwan responsible intention to damage 15 Lorenzo Savadori 32 ITAa aPrilia Racing Team Gresini 6 lap scrap at the Red Bull Ring the presence of six-time Mo- little more than the previous 16 Aleix Espargaro 41 sPA aPrilia Racing Team Gresini 6 during a remarkable 15-minute the T20 Tournament, as playing in Spielberg, Austria to bag the toGP world champion Marc races. With the new game, I video posted on his YouTube in the CPL has guaranteed an second race. It was then Vina- Marquez and Monster Energy am much closer because we channel. opportunity for the past seven les’ turn to edge both of them Yamaha MotoGP’s legend Val- all started playing at more or teams respectively, Joan Mir it will be the turn of MotoE to “Right now Sarwan, you are years to play in front of the great before taking the victory in the entino Rossi, who is returning less the same time. We have flies the flag for Suzuki and share the bill with MotoGP at worse than the coronavirus,” fans of the Caribbean. This is a Spanish Grand Prix in Jerez. to the racing after missing the had a lot of fun and I’ve re- Fabio Quartararo will look to Misano. said Gayle. privilege which I genuinely ap- With all the three riders action in Spain. ally enjoyed all of the races secure that elusive first win for The first time the elec- “You are a snake, you are so preciate and have never taken displaying superior skill-sets Marc, occupying the fourth because it’s more relaxed than Petronas SRT Yamaha. tric series has featured in a vindictive still immature, still for granted.” Veteran left-hand- than others in the online rac- place in the standings with 37 in the paddock so we are able Takaaki Nakagami will MotoGP game, a nine-strong stabbing people in the back.” er Gayle, who has since joined ing, sharing the top place with points, has also been impres- to share some jokes with eve- also compete for LCR Honda, line-up will battle for vic- After being summoned to ex- the St Lucia Zouks for this year’s 61 points each and returning sive. But he feels that with the ryone. Let’s see what happens together with Tito Rabat at tory including reigning cham- plain his comments, Gayle at- edition of the CPL starting in for the fourth race, it appears race being contested on the in Misano, the last time I was Avintia Ducati while Lorenzo pion Matteo Ferrari, plus tempted Friday to draw a line August, led the Tallahwahs to highly probable that one of MotoGP 2020 Video Game, he there we had a great battle Savadori gets an outing for Dominique Aegerter, Eric under the controversy. the title in 2013 and 2016. them might go ahead to dou- is confidentthat he has some with Quartararo,” said Marc. Aprilia this time. Granado, Mike di Meglio, Xa- “I made these videos with Then, after a spell with the ble it up, there is no major is- edge and would be challenging Michele Pirro and Pecco With the Moto2 and vier Simeon, Mattias Casadei, one single intention - to ex- St Kitts & Nevis Patriots, the sue on the track. harder than before for his first Bagnaia represent the factory Moto3 fields joining the ranks Lukas Tulovic, Jordi Torres plain to the fans in Jamaica the Jamaican rejoined the franchise The battle for top hon- podium of the series. Ducati and Pramac Ducati last time out at Jerez, this time and Alejandro Medina. reasons behind what has now last year.

AFP Paris How the Formula One grid in 2021 is shaping up With Carlos Sainz moving to Fer- rari and Daniel Ricciardo heading Ferrari Renault could be poised for a sensational re- Racing Point (Mercedes engine; will Haas (Ferrari engine) for McLaren, AFP looks at how the Monaco’s Charles Leclerc, just French driver Esteban Ocon has turn to F1 having retired in 2018. become Aston Martin 2021) Denmark’s Kevin Magnussen grid in the 2021 Formula One world 22, has a deal with the Italian giants a deal until the end of 2021 with an Mexican Sergio Perez is under and Frenchman Romain Grosjean championship is shaping up. until 2024 and with Vettel on his way option for 2022. But who will be the McLaren (Mercedes engine from 2021) contract until the end of 2022. Cana- have deals until the end of this year. out, will expect to see the team built 22-year-old’s teammate after the Thirty-year-old Ricciardo has dian teammate Lance Stroll should be However, their futures are on the line Mercedes around him. In 2021, his new team- departure of Ricciardo to McLaren? penned a “multi-year” deal with hopeful of a longer deal as his father is following a string of disappointing re- Six-time world champion Lewis mate will be Spain’s Carlos Sainz, There is widespread speculation that McLaren from 2021 where he one of the owners of the team as well sults and clashes between the two on Hamilton is under contract until the three years his senior, who will 38-year-old Fernando Alonso, who will race alongside Britain’s as Aston Martin. the track. end of 2020 and has made no se- leave McLaren. won his two world titles with Re- Lando Norris, 10 years the cret of his intention to stay with the nault in 2005 Australian’s junior. AlphaTauri (Honda engine; former- Williams (Mercedes engine) sport’s top team as he targets Michael Red Bull (Honda engine) and 2006, ly Toro Rosso) Russell’s deal runs to the end of Schumacher’s record of seven titles. Max Verstappen, 22, Russian driver Daniil Kvyat’s 2021 but he has been heavily linked His teammate Valtteri Bottas is also is on the books until 2023. deal expires at the end of 2020 with a move to Mercedes. His team- signed up until the end of this year. Teammate Alexander as does the contract of teammate mate for 2020 is Canada’s Nicholas However, the 30-year-old Finn is be- Albon has a contract Pierre Gasly of France. Gasly was Latifi, who will be the only rookie lieved to be under pressure from high- until the end of this unceremoniously relegated by on the grid when the season finally ly-rated Williams driver George Rus- season having been Red Bull to its sister team in begins. sell, a product of the Mercedes young promoted from 2019. drivers scheme. Mercedes team boss the Red Bull sister Free agents Toto Wolff has said he wants to keep team. He needs Alfa Romeo (Ferrari engine) Apart from Vettel and Alonso, Hamilton and Bottas together. But he to keep making Former world cham- Germany’s Nico Hulkenberg is keen also admitted that he cannot “ignore” an impression, pion Kimi Raikkonen, to return after a year’s absence. Hulk- the fact that four-time world cham- especially with 40, and Italian teammate enberg has driven for Williams, Force pion Sebastian Vettel has already an- Vettel, a former Lewis Carlos Sainz Jr Antonio Giovinazzi both India, Sauber and Renault but has nounced he is leaving Ferrari at the Red Bull star, a Valtteri Hamilton have confirmed drives never climbed on the podium. He said end of this season. free agent Bottas Sebastian Vettel until the end of 2020. he “would not decline a good offer”.