FFOOTBALLOOTBALL | Page 2 FFORMULAORMULA 1 | Page 7 France held I don’t think I by Ukrain, will stop, says Belgium gain champion Wales revenge Hamilton

Friday, March 26, 2021 CRICKET Sha’aban 13, 1442 AH India series defeat GULF TIMES would not change England: Stokes SPORT Page 4 BARWA GRAND PRIX OF QATAR Lights on, lights out as MotoGP With Marc Marquez missing in action, focus gets underway in Qatar will be on champion Mir Agencies Moto2 riders might have an ad- Doha vantage over their experienced MotoGP counterparts this week- end as only the intermediate cat- ollowing two weeks of egories raced in Qatar last year testing at Qatar’s Losail with the MotoGP round blocked circuit, the new MotoGP by Covid-19 restrictions in Eu- season gets underway rope. thisF weekend with the Barwa In Moto2, Britain’s Sam Lowes Grand Prix of Qatar with a host of (third in the 2020 championship) riders looking to exploit the con- will be worth a look, as will Italy’s tinued absence of six-time world Marco Bezzecchi (4th) and Aus- champion Marc Marquez. tralia’s Remy Gardner (6th), with The 28-year-old Spanish star the three clocking the fastest injured his right arm during the times in pre-season tests. fi rst race of 2020 in Jerez and has In Moto3, fans will be expect- subsequently undergone three ing a thrilling clash between operations. veterans John McPhee, Darryn As well as missing the inaugu- Binder, Jaume Masia, Dennis ral race, which takes place under Foggia and Gabriel Rodrigo and fl oodlights on Sunday, the Honda newcomers Pedro Acosta, Izan star will also be out of action for Guevara, Adrian Fernandez and next week’s second round at the Xavier Artigas. same circuit. Vice President and General In his absence, the focus will Manager of Losail Circuit Club naturally be on reigning cham- Khalid al-Rumaihi confi rmed pion Spain’s Joan Mir (Suzuki), the full readiness of the circuit Italy’s Franco Morbidelli (Yama- to host the inaugural round of ha-SRT), who came second last the MotoGP World Champion- season, and Spain’s Alex Rins ship, noting the great confi dence (Suzuki), third in the champion- of the FIM and Dorna Group, the ship in 2020. promoter of the Championship, However, there will be even in Qatar’s ability to host major more focus on the riders who sporting events. dominated testing which was In a statement, al-Rumaihi also held at the Losail track. said that Qatar has repeatedly The fastest rider of the fi ve demonstrated its great capabili- days of tests, Australia’s Jack ties in organising sporting events Miller on a Ducati could also be at a high level of competence un- in contention for the title, saying der any circumstances. he had “never felt so comfortable He explained that a health pro- on the bike before starting the tocol during the championship Championship as this year”. is applied by QMMF and Losail Circuit Sports Club, in co-oper- DUCATI V YAMAHA ation with the Ministry of Public Miller will have to face off against MotoGP riders pose for a group picture at the Losail International Circuit yesterday, on the eve of the season-opening Barwa Qatar Grand Prix. Health. Yamaha which holds the record He stressed that this health on the Losail track with eight for their times followed by Mor- Just one team, Suzuki, has held Morbidelli by his side. ers capable of emerging as seri- on the grid to represent the Ital- protocol has proven to be very wins to Ducati’s fi ve and per- bidelli in fourth. on to its two riders from last sea- Spain’s Pol Espargaro shifts ous contenders will make their ian brand: Spain’s Jorge Martin eff ective so far, pointing out that formed admirably during the test There are changes across the son. from KTM to Honda, alongside debut in new colours: Miller at Pramac and Moto2 champion, there is constant follow-up and period. grid with riders on new bikes rid- Seven-time MotoGP world Marquez’s stand-in, German and his Italian teammate Franc- Italy’s Enea Bastianini, at Avintia examination of all participants Spain’s Maverick Vinales and ing for new teams promising to champion Rossi, 42, opens a Stefan Bradl. esco Bagnaia, as well as France’s who will be joined by his coun- in the event in order to ensure France’s Fabio Quartararo, who make this season of 19 scheduled new chapter as a satellite rider Johann Zarco, leader in their tryman Luca Marini, the half- the safety of everyone, including succeeds Italy’s Valentino Rossi, races one to watch, Covid-19 for Yamaha SRT, the first time NEW COLOURS ALL ROUND former home Pramac. brother of Rossi. riders, organisers, offi cials and came in second and third place permitting. he will race with countryman At Ducati, not two but three rid- Three rookies will join them Unusually, the three former volunteers.

FOOTBALL Al Rayyan, Al Sailiya all set in quest for Ooredoo Cup glory QNA Doha Ooredoo Cup fi nal to be

l Rayyan and Al Sailiya played without fans are all set for the 2020- QNA Public Health to ensure every- 21 Ooredoo Cup fi nal, Doha one’s health and safety. which will be held at The decision includes those who AJassim Bin Hamad Stadium to- have already purchased the day. atar Stars League tickets via the off icial website or Al Rayyan qualifi ed for the fi - decided to ban fans from received invitations to attend nal after defeating Al Gharafa Qstadiums including the the game. Qatar Stars League 3-0 during the semi-fi nal match, final of Ooredoo Cup set to take added that they will contact during which Ivorian Yohan Poli place today between Al Sailiya fans who purchased tickets to scored the fi rst two goals, while and Al Rayyan. provide them with refunds. Mohamed Jumaa scored the The measure was taken in light Qatar Stars League added that third, to reach the title round. of the latest developments is co-ordinating with all state Al Sailiya reached the fi nal af- and the decisions made by the bodies on the latest develop- ter the Qatar Football Association Supreme Committee for Crisis ments in order to take the Disciplinary Committee decided Management and Ministry of appropriate measures. a 3-0 defeat for Al Wakrah, after the latter fi elded Jassim al-Jalabi Al Rayyan coach Laurent Blanc and Al Sailiya coach Sami Trabelsi (right). in the match despite his absence zi, and goalkeeper Fahd Younes. for the match. As always, we from the team sheet. The commit- a major cup victory. results as they have very high- that lack of focus from players expertise of Muhannad Ali, Al Sailiya had beaten Al Rayyan are preparing all players for any tee decision, which also included a Trabelsi said, “It will defi nite- level players. And since the arriv- was seen in many matches we Thiago Queiroz, Ahmed Ham- in the league match 2-0, and the clash in the best way possible, fi ne on Al Wakrah, came about af- ly be a strong match against Al al of coach Laurent Blanc, their have played recently. As a result, moudan, Majdi Siddiq, Nadir latter will be looking to settle that both technically and physically. ter Al Sailiya protested al-Jalabi’s Rayyan. We see it as an opportu- team has shown how to advance we committed mistakes that cost Belhadj, Mustafa Abdel Hamid, debt with a title win. My team went through training participation in the match. nity to correct the situation and to the top four in the league. the team many goals. Sergeen Mboudji, goalkeeper Blanc said, “The outcome of with full force in the last period Both the teams will be without appear better, and improve re- “We have prepared well for “Being in the fi nal is an op- Claude Amin, and other play- the match against Al Sailiya can- to reach the best possible readi- players who are on national duty sults that have not gone well for the match and are focused on the portunity to compete for an im- ers, while Al Rayyan’s ranks not be predicted, but our ambi- ness. All players are ready to play but the two coaches – Al Sailiya’s us in the recent period. psychological aspect of a game portant title and achieve the fi rst include Yacine Brahimi, Frank tion is to win the Ooredoo Cup. We the match with the exception of Sami Trabelsi and Al Rayyan’s “Al Rayyan are an excellent like this because the team does championship trophy in the his- Com, Ahmed Abdel-Maqsoud, know the diffi culty my team faces national team players who are in Laurent Blanc – will be looking and balanced team that is going not suff er technically, but rather tory of Al Sailiya club.” Gabriel Mercado, Mohamed against Al Sailiya in the fi nal. Hungary for the European quali- inspire their respective teams to through a good period with good on the mental side only. We know Al Sailiya will rely on the Alaa, Abdel-Rahman Al-Hara- “My team has prepared well fi ers for 2022 FIFA World Cup.” Gulf Times 2 Friday, March 26, 2021 FOOTBALL

WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS FOCUS FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 will be the best in France held by history, says Qatar’s ambassador to Azerbaijan QNA self is a source of pride and privi- Baku lege to the Qatari people. Inviting Qatar’s national team Ukraine, Belgium to participate among the Eu- mbassador of Qatar to ropean qualifi ers for the 2022 Azerbaijan Faisal bin World Cup was pleasing to Qa- Abdullah al-Henzab taris, especially as it will be a said that the bids to great opportunity for the team hostA the 2022 FIFA World Cup to prepare for the next World were all distinct, but Qatar’s bid Cup, when they compete against gain Wales revenge was successful as it contained strong teams in Europe, he said. creative elements, including in- Qatar will take on Azerbaijan novation in sports facilities, sus- on Saturday, and al-Henzab said European champions Portugal battled to a 1-0 victory over Azerbaijan tainability and legacy that will the match will highlight the good benefi t some developing coun- relations between the two coun- AFP tries after the conclusion of the tries and their people, and con- Paris tournament. tribute to strengthening them. During an interview to Az- erbaijanian ITV Channel, al- eigning champions France were Henzab said people of Qatar are held by Ukraine despite a bril- eagerly anticipating the FIFA liant Antoine Griezmann goal World Cup and it is going to and Belgium came from behind be the best edition in history. toR beat Wales in their opening 2022 World In terms of preparedness and Cup qualifi er on Wednesday night. projects, he said, almost 90% European champions Portugal bat- have been completed as football tled to a 1-0 victory over Azerbaijan, but fans will be able to attend more 2018 World Cup runners-up Croatia lost than one match a day due to the 1-0 in Slovenia as they started their bid to close proximity between the sta- reach the fi nals in Qatar. France kicked off diums. their title defence with a 1-1 draw against He noted that visitors of the Ukraine at the Stade de France. Griez- World Cup will have many op- mann curled a fi ne fi nish from outside the tions that are economically box into the top corner in the 19th minute suitable for accommodation, to draw level with David Trezeguet in whether in hotels of various star- fourth place on France’s all-time goals- ratings, boat hotels or designated coring list, with 34. residential complexes. But Presnel Kimpembe put through Al-Henzab said this is the fi rst his own net before the hour mark to draw time that the World Cup is being Ambassador of Qatar to Ukraine level. The Paris Saint-Germain hosted in the Arab world and the Azerbaijan Faisal bin Abdullah defender had a late chance to make Middle East region, and that it- al-Henzab amends, but headed too close to away goalkeeper Georgiy Bushchan. “We need more accuracy and move- ment against these opponents,” France Japan beat South Korea to coach Didier Deschamps said. “Quali- fying is a long haul and not a long, quiet claim bragging rights river, it never has been.” The other game in Group D saw Finland Yokohama, Japan: Japan Kamada. “The players who were and Bosnia and Herzegovina draw 2-2, beat South Korea — minus Son coming from Europe were a bit with Teemu Pukki netting twice for the Heung-min — 3-0 yesterday to heavy in training and that was Finns in Helsinki. “It left a bad taste in my claim bragging rights in the true for me too. I wondered if it mouth,” said Pukki. “I’m a bit gutted we first football friendly between was going to be alright but as couldn’t get the three points.” the two rivals in 10 years. Miki soon as the game started, we Belgium, the world’s number-one- Yamane scored on his debut to flicked the switch and everyone ranked side, fell behind early against give Japan the lead in the 17th played well.” Wales but fought back to outclass their minute, before Daichi Kamada The game between the 2002 opponents 3-1. Harry Wilson scored an added a second 10 minutes World Cup co-hosts was played excellent 10th-minute opener for Wales later and Wataru Endo notched in near-total silence amid in Leuven, but Kevin De Bruyne and a late third. coronavirus restrictions, with Thorgan Hazard netted in the space of six Tottenham Hotspur forward the 8,300 fans in the cavernous minutes to put the hosts ahead before the Son was pulled from Korea’s Nissan Stadium banned from half-hour mark. squad and did not travel to cheering. But that didn’t stop Ja- Belgium’s record goalscorer Romelu Japan, after club boss Jose pan from flying out the blocks, Lukaku wrapped up the points with a Mourinho complained that the with full-back Yamane latching penalty 17 minutes from time, gaining the Ukraine’s Oleksandr Zinchenko (left) vies for the ball with France’s Antoine Griezmann during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 player was called up while in- onto Yuya Osako’s back-heeled Red Devils a measure of revenge for their qualification match at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, Paris, on Wednesday night. (AFP) jured. Japan’s Takumi Minamino flick to smash home the opener Euro 2016 quarter-fi nal loss to Wales. “It started the match despite with less than 20 minutes gone. 55, Stevanovic 85); At Paris: France 1 was important to start with a victory at maybe we deserved to have scored more,” him a hat-trick and Turkey a crucial win, Southampton manager Ralph Eintracht Frankfurt striker home,” said winger Thorgan Hazard. “It’s said Portugal coach Fernando Santos, af- though, in a match between the two fa- (Griezmann 19) Ukraine 1 (Kimpembe Hasenhuttl protesting that it Kamada then doubled Japan’s always important to start qualifying well. ter his 50th win in charge from 80 games. vourites to qualify from Group G. “Very 57-og) was “nonsense” for his player lead in the 27th minute, striding We were a little scared during the fi rst 15 Portugal’s group rivals Serbia bat- disappointing result, and also the way Group E: At Leuven, Belgium: Belgium to travel for international duty forward with the ball before minutes.” tled back to beat the Republic of Ireland that result came about,” De Boer said. 3 (De Bruyne 22, T. Hazard 28, Lukaku during the pandemic. lashing it past Korean goal- Roberto Martinez’s men sit second in 3-2, as Aleksandar Mitrovic came off the The defeat was a dreadful start to the 73-pen) Wales 1 (Wilson 10); At Lublin, “Of course there are things keeper Jo Hyeon-woo. And the early Group E table behind the Czech bench to grab a second-half double. campaign for the Netherlands, who failed Poland: Estonia 2 (Sappinen 12, Anier 86) that we can learn from this Endo made it three in the 83rd Republic, who thrashed Estonia 6-2 on Elsewhere, Russia, 2018 quarter-fi nal- to qualify for either Euro 2016 or the 2018 Czech Republic 6 (Schick 18, Barak 27, result and analyse, but the cir- minute, rising highest at a cor- neutral ground in Poland, with West ists on home soil, stuttered to a 3-1 win World Cup, but are one of the fancied Soucek 32, 43, 48, Jankto 56) cumstances were not the same ner to plant home a header and Ham midfi elder Tomas Soucek scoring a in Malta. Also in Group H, Croatia were sides ahead of the delayed Euro 2020 fi - Group G: At Istanbul, Turkey: Turkey for the two teams,” said South seal a resounding win for Japan. hat-trick. Portugal, who defend the title beaten by Sandi Lovric’s early goal for nals this year. 4 (Yilmaz 15, 34-pen, 81, Calhanoglu Korea manager Paulo Bento. “People have had a lot of at Euro 2020 later this year, struggled in Slovenia. 46) Netherlands 2 (Klaassen 75, L. de The result gave Japan a win restrictions on their lives and their Group A opener against Azerbaijan Norway beat Gibraltar 3-0, to sit ahead WORLD CUP 2022 EUROPEAN Jong 76); At Riga: Latvia 1 (Ikaunieks in their first home game since some people were wondering in Turin. But Maksim Medvedev’s own of Turkey in Group G. In an early match, QUALIFYING RESULTS 40) Montenegro 2 (Jovetic 41, 83); At November 2019, and a decent whether we should be playing a goal nine minutes before half-time was The Netherlands slumped to a dramatic Group A: At Turin, Italy: Portugal 1 Gibraltar: Gibraltar 0 Norway 3 (Sorloth workout before they resume game at a time like this,” said Ja- enough, despite Cristiano Ronaldo, on 4-2 defeat by Turkey. In Istanbul, Turkey their World Cup qualifying pan manager Hajime Moriyasu. (Medvedev 36-og) Azerbaijan 0; At 43, Thorsvedt 45, Svensson 57) 102 international goals, failing to close led 3-0 shortly after half-time through campaign against Mongolia on “I understand why people feel Belgrade: Serbia 3 (Vlahovic 40, Mitrovic the gap to Iranian Ali Daei’s all-time two Burak Yilmaz goals and a Hakan Group H: At Valletta: Malta 1 (Mbong Tuesday. “To be honest, before that way but I hope when they record of 109. Calhanoglu strike, but substitutes Davy 69, 75) Republic of Ireland 2 (Browne 18, 56) Russia 3 (Dzyuba 23, Fernandes the game it had been a while see the players working hard “The game was under control. We Klaassen and Luuk de Jong gave Frank de Collins 86) 35, Sobolev 90); At Nicosia: Cyprus 0 since we last played and there and giving their all, they see that needed to improve the fi nishing, but we Boer’s Dutchmen hope. Group D: At Helsinki: Finland 2 (Pukki Slovakia 0; At Ljubljana: Slovenia 1 (Lovric were maybe some nerves,” said sport can make a contribution.” ended up winning – with an own goal, but Yilmaz’s wonderful free-kick sealed 58, 77) Bosnia and Herzegovina 2 (Pjanic 15) Croatia 0

ROUND-UP Qatar’s U-23 squad gear up for friendlies against Kosovo Comoros reach Africa Cup of Nations fi nals for fi rst time omoros reached the ever Olympic football medal in Gharib said. “His presence Africa Cup of Nations Tokyo. “I have made it public with us will make a huge dif- fi nals for the fi rst time that I’d like to have him on ference,” he added, likening despite being held 0-0 board in our Olympic campaign Salah to Neymar who helped atC home by Togo yesterday in and he hasn’t refused, which Brazil clinch their fi rst football a matchday fi ve qualifi er. The means he also wants to play gold medal at the Rio Olympic team from the island state have with us,” Gharib, the celebrated Games in 2016. nine points from fi ve matches former Egyptian player turned and are guaranteed one of two manager, said. TAJIKISTAN BEAT Group G places at the 2021 “Salah’s participation in the MONGOLIA 3-0 AS ASIAN tournament in Cameroon, with Olympics is endorsed by the QUALIFIERS RESUME Egypt or Kenya fi lling the other. state, represented by the Sports Tajikistan handed bottom The Comorans rely heav- Ministry and the Egyptian side Mongolia a 3-0 defeat in ily on players born abroad to Football Association, in our Dushanbe as the second round parents from the southeast concerted eff ort to garner an of Asia’s World Cup qualifying African nation that has three Olympic medal in football for campaign resumed yesterday main islands and a population the fi rst time,” he added. after an almost 18-month approaching 900,00. Only He said the “three-way” pause. three starters against Togo are decision will be up to Salah, Matches in the continent’s with top-fl ight clubs in Europe Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp preliminaries for the 2022 while one, forward Ahmed and Gharib himself. Despite World Cup fi nals in Qatar had Mogni, plays for a French ama- Liverpool’s stuttering title de- been halted since November teur side. fence, Salah is still this season’s 2019 due to the impact of the joint English Premier League pandemic. The win moves SALAH SET FOR OLYMPIC top-scorer alongside Harry Tajikistan to 10 points from DUTY: EGYPT COACH Kane on 17, with a tally of 25 six games, two behind Group F Egypt coach Shawky Gharib goals in all competitions. leaders Japan who have played said that Liverpool striker “Salah, as one of the three four matches. Kyrgyzstan are Qatar’s U-23 players train yesterday, on the eve of their friendly match against Kosovo. Qatar’s Olympic squad play their first match against Mohamed Salah was ready to best players internationally, third on seven points after fi ve Kosovo tomorrow, with the second one scheduled for March 29 at the Aspire Academy. add signifi cant weight behind will lift the Pharoahs to a whole games ahead of Myanmar with the country’s quest for a fi rst new level in the Olympics,” six points also from fi ve. Gulf Times Friday, March 26, 2021 3 SPORT

SHOWJUMPING Final round of Longines Hathab from today at Al Shaqab By Sports Reporter an next with 166 points. Doha In the Small Tour, Khalifa Abdulla al-Khaldi (198 point) leads the table followed by Mohamed Nasser al-Qadi he fourth edition of the (191) and Mohamed Jabor al-Naimi Longines Qatar Equestrian (169). Last year’s champion Mohamed Tour Hathab will conclude this al-Ghazali is distant fourth with 158 weekend with the 12th and fi - points to his credit. nalT round to be held today and tomor- In the teams’ competition, Business row at the Longines Indoor Arena of Al Trading Company tops the standings Shaqab. with 194 points, followed by the Limit- The riders will vie for top honours ed Edition Cars team (190), Exxon Mo- in in various showjumping classes – bil Team (189), and Qatar Equestrian Small, Medium Big and Open Tour. Af- Federation Team (174). ter 11 rounds, Nasser al-Ghazali stands The mandatory veterinary checks for atop the Big Tour rankings having gar- participating horses were conducted nered 196 points. He has participated yesterday with the stage now set for in every round thus far and collected the exciting fi nale. The Longines Qatar the maximum 30 points in three of the Equestrian Tour Hathab is conducted eleven rounds including the penulti- jointly by Qatar Equestrian Federation mate round. and Al Shaqab (Member, Qatar Foun- He is followed by Saeed Nasser al- dation) and backed by The Social & Qadi at 182 points, and his brother Sport Contribution Fund. and winner of His Highness The Amir Sword equestrian Hamad Nasser al- SCHEDULE Qadi (177 points). Hamad is also the Today: 3.30pm: (C 1) Small Tour: Table A, reigning Hathab champion having One round against the clock (100/115cm) claimed the title for the third season FEI Art. 238.2.1 2; Prize-money: last year. A keen contest is expected be- QR10,000 tween these Big Tour riders in the fi nal two rounds this weekend. 6pm: (C 2) Medium Tour: Table A, One In the Medium Tour, last year’s round against the clock (120/135cm) FEI champion Mohamed Khalifa al-Baker Art. 238.2.1 2; Prize-money: QR15,000 continues to lead the tally at 194 points 8pm: (C 3) Big Tour: Table A, One round The mandatory veterinary checks for participating horses were conducted yesterday at the Longines Arena at Al Shaqab. but is very closely followed by Cyrine against the clock (130/145cm) FEI Art. Cherif at 193 points. 238.2.1 2; Prize-money: QR25,000 Table A. Two rounds against the clock ey: QR25,000 (No JO) (Top 10 Riders in 2nd Rnd) FEI rounds against the clock (130/145cm) Placed third is Rashid Towaim al- (100/115cm) FEI Art. 273.3.3.1 1 (No JO) Art. 273.3.3.1 1; Prize-money: QR35,000 (No JO) (Top 10 Riders in 2nd Rnd) FEI Tomorrow: 3.30pm: (C 4) Small Tour: 6pm: (C 5) Medium Tour: Table A. Two Marri (181) with Mohamed Saeed Haid- (Top 10 Riders in 2nd Rnd); Prize-mon- rounds against the clock (120/135cm) 7.30pm: (C 6) Big Tour: Table A. Two Art. 273.3.3.1 1; Prize-money: QR50,000

RUGBY Denmark to allow 11,000 spectators at Euro matches Scotland’s Hogg ‘hacked Copenhagen: Denmark said yesterday it would allow at least 11,000 spectators per match at the four European Championship games to be played in Copenhagen in June. The government said however it reserved the right off ’ at France’s title talk to raise or lower the number depending on the state of the Les Bleus will lift their first trophy since 2010 if they win by more than 20 points against Scotland pandemic at the time. “The European Cham- AFP will be missing Saracens winger Sean pionship in football is a Paris Maitland as they were limited to fi ve unique and historic event in England-based players. Denmark. The government Scotland’s captain “I could see how much it meant for has therefore decided to cotland captain Stuart Hogg Stuart Hogg. (Reuters) Sean Maitland that he wasn’t going authorise at least 11,000 to said he has been annoyed by to be included,” Hogg said. “And the 12,000 spectators for the France talking about their title rest of the other boys (unable to play). four matches held at Parken” hopes before today’s Six Na- Boys who have had a massive impact stadium, Culture and Sports tionsS decider in Paris. Les Bleus will lift in training and in games over the last Minister Joy Mogensen said their fi rst trophy since 2010 if they win few weeks. We’re going out tomorrow in a statement. by more than 20 points – to improve on to put in a performance that they’d be The four matches are Wales’ points diff erence – and score at proud of, that they’ve put massive ef- scheduled for June 12, 17, least four tries. forts into.” 21 and 28. “We have also Hogg’s men, however, will fi nish sec- Centre Gael Fickou is the most ex- informed the (Danish football ond for the fi rst time in the Six Nations perienced member of Fabien Galthie’s federation) DBU and UEFA era if they claim a victory with an eight- squad with 62 Tests since his debut in that it may be necessary to point margin in a fi xture re-scheduled 2013. During his international career he ban spectators if there is a from February due to a Covid-19 out- has experienced heavy defeats to Eng- large spread of the infection break in the home camp. land, New Zealand and South Africa but that would make it medically “A lot has been said and it’s beginning France’s fortunes have turned around indefensible to authorise to hack me off the fact that they’ve got since Galthie’s appointment last year. spectators,” she said. to get 20 points to win a game,” 28-year- “I ate some stale bread with the old The Euros, which have old Hogg said. “We read a quote from generation so I know it will be enor- been postponed by a year one of their players that they’ve got a mous for our supporters and our fami- because of the pandemic, are trophy to win. As a proud Scotsman that lies because it’s been such a long time to be hosted by 12 coun- hurt me a lot,” he added. they’ve been waiting for it,” Fickou said. tries, with the semis and The visitors will be without No. 8 “But we can’t get mixed up, we have finals played at Wembley in Matt Fagerson after he withdrew on to concentrate on the victory, then as London. UEFA has insisted the eve of the match with an ankle in- time goes by, if we can win the title then that fans be allowed in the jury suff ered in training. Nick Haining we’ll go for it without hesitation. We stands to watch the games, replaces Fagerson in the starting lineup will give 200% to try and bring the tro- threatening to withdraw with Ryan Wilson set to win his 50th phy home,” he added. matches from host cities if cap from the bench. Scotland head coach Gregor they are not able to welcome “We’re gutted for Matt. He’s been Townsend’s relationship with Galthie spectators – a warning that outstanding throughout the Six Nations stretches back to the ex-playmaker’s has been heavily criticised, in for us,” full-back Hogg said. “With that time with Castres in the French top- particular by Germany. comes an opportunity for other guys. fl ight. They featured together in the Denmark, a country of Nick Haining has really taken his op- former scrum-half’s fi nal match, as the 5.8mn people, has so far portunities well when he’s been given French Barbarians lost to Australia in been spared a third wave of them. He’s in good form,” he added. 2004. infections, unlike many other Hogg’s counterpart Charles Ollivon “It was great to play alongside him European neighbours. The said their plans remained unchanged because he was a very, very talent- country, which was in partial despite Fagerson’s late omission. “We ed player and he played heads up, he lockdown over Christmas, will focus on ourselves fi rstly,” Ollivon looked like a stand-off playing scrum currently has four times said. “We have a big game to prepare, photographed eating waffl es in Rome cheekily celebrate International Waffl e counts,” he added. half and he had great intelligence, but fewer cases than in early De- that’s the main thing to say,” he added. and were perceived to have broken the Day. “I saw it quickly. It didn’t intrigue Exeter Chiefs’ Hogg is able to feature it was his competitiveness that set him cember, registering around The France set-up recorded 16 cases Six Nations’ virus protocol. me,” team manager Raphael Ibanez said. thanks to an agreement between Eng- apart,” Townsend said. “They are good 700 to 800 cases daily. of coronavirus earlier in the campaign. Yesterday, the French Rugby Fed- “We’re preparing as normal for the lish clubs and the Scottish Rugby Union traits for coaching and he has done a re- Denmark plans to issue Ahead of their tournament-opening eration posted an image of the dessert match. We’re very concentrated on the as the match falls out of World Rugby’s ally good job over these last two years,” a “corona pass”, a mobile win over Italy in February players were near the Eiff el Tower on social media to match against Scotland. That’s what Test window. However the away side Townsend added. phone app certifying that the holder has either tested negative within 72 hours, FOCUS been vaccinated, or recently recovered from Covid-19. Meanwhile, coronavirus restrictions will be “minimal” More needs to be done to tackle racism in football: FIFPro for Euro 2020 matches this summer at Saint Petersburg AFP out who is behind these accounts,” Jo- ums because there are no people there,” pletely congested that there is no space feels actually need more matches. Stadium, which will be filled Paris nas Baer-Hoff mann said. Baer-Hoff mann added. to move games anywhere and there has “The majority of football needs more to 50% capacity, Russia’s Bellingham’s case came after several “Before Covid came essentially we been an absolute failure over years, in games, both for clubs to be more sus- tournament organising other players called out online abuse, had reports every week about horren- terms of adding more and more com- tainable and for players to have more committee director Alexei he general secretary of global including Manchester United’s Marcus dous attacks on players in stadiums, and petitive games and the intensity of the exposure. That is why the new UEFA Sorokin said. players’ union FIFPro has re- Rashford. that problem will come back I’m pretty games increasing, without responding Conference League is not a bad idea,” The Saint Petersburg iterated calls for social media FIFPro’s recent “Shaping Our Fu- sure.” to the health problem,” Baer-Hoff mann he said. Stadium has a capacity of companies to do more to tackle ture” reported highlighted the growing Meawhile Baer-Hoff mann, whose said. FIFPro’s report said it had received 61,000 seats. It is expected to Tabuse following recent cases involving role played by footballers in the fi ght for union represents over 65,000 players, “It is very problematic and if it claims for $61mn in unpaid wages in host three Group B matches some of football’s leading names. Last social justice but pointed out the preva- believes the careers of many risk be- doesn’t come to a conclusion and a bet- the fi ve years to June 2020 and, refer- – Belgium v Russia, Finland v week Bundesliga club Borussia Dort- lence of abuse inside stadiums, at least ing cut short because of the ongoing ter regulatory system it continues to ring to a new-look Champions League, Russia and Finland v Belgium, mund condemned racist abuse aimed until the coronavirus pandemic locked physical demands of a packed calendar. lead to injuries which nobody is ben- he called for a portion of any additional as well as one quarter-final. at Jude Bellingham after he posted a spectators out. European national teams are currently efi ting from and which ultimately cuts revenue created to be used for a hard- Russia has lifted nearly all screenshot of comments on Instagram. “Football overall has a signifi cant playing three matches in eight days in short players’ careers.” ship fund. epidemiological measures “Social media platforms from our problem with racism. At the moment 2022 World Cup qualifying. Players will Nevertheless, he believes planned re- This would “protect some of the against the coronavirus, with perspective clearly haven’t done we are so concentrated on social media, then return to clubs to complete sea- forms of the UEFA Champions League players who are the victims of govern- health authorities saying that enough to eradicate this problem, both because it is getting worse, but also be- sons before the European Champion- – which are set to increase the number ance failures, who don’t get their sala- the worst of the pandemic from a technology perspective and from cause we are not experiencing the same ship starts in June. of games – could fi lter down and benefi t ries paid, and who are the victims of passed over the winter. a monitoring perspective and fi nding problems we had pre-Covid in stadi- “The fact is this calendar is so com- players beyond Europe’s elite, who he insolvency at clubs.” Gulf Times 4 Friday, March 26, 2021 CRICKET

SECOND ODI SPOTLIGHT IPL propels India’s new stars onto India series defeat world stage: Rahul AFP and was dropped for the fi fth New Delhi game, but fi nally stuck form on Tuesday with 62 not out in the fi rst ODI. “When you are part would not change he demands of the Indi- of this Indian team, you always an Premier League have know competition would be re- helped propel the na- ally high. You can never sit back tional team’s rising stars and feel comfortable,” Rahul ontoT the international stage, said. batsman KL Rahul said ahead He said he was disappointed of the second one-day interna- but not worried about his form England: Stokes tional match against England and saw the dip as part of a yesterday. player’s journey. “You obviously India thrashed England by carry your confi dence or bad Defeat today could see England lose their world number one ODI ranking to India 66 runs in the fi rst of the three- performance into the next series. match series on Tuesday after The hardest thing for a player is AFP standout performances by debu- to forget what happened a couple Pune, India tant pace bowler Prasidh Krishna of games ago and start afresh,” and all-rounder Krunal Pandya. Rahul said. Krishna returned fi gures of 4-52, India will be forced to make at ngland will not change their ag- the best by an Indian on his de- least one change for the second gressive style of play even if they but, and Pandya hit 50 in 26 balls ODI after middle-order batsman lose the one day series against In- to record the fastest fi fty for an Shreyas Iyer was ruled out of the dia, after their defeats in the Test ODI debutant. “A huge part is series with an injured shoulder andE Twenty20 games, Ben Stokes insisted the IPL and the confi dence that suff ered in the fi rst game in Pune. yesterday. these boys come in with,” Rahul The Delhi Capitals captain will England must beat India in Pune today said. Rahul said young Indian also miss at least the start of the to keep alive their hopes of winning the players compete against top in- IPL in April. Some media reports series. Defeat could see them lose their ternational stars in the IPL and said Iyer could be sidelined for number one world ODI ranking to India. had become consistent perform- two months. “We would be bitterly disappointed to ers in the domestic game. “I’ve been reading your mes- lose a series as we would with any other Two other newcomers, wick- sages and have been over- one,” said Stokes, who was the hero of etkeeper-batsman Ishan Kishan whelmed by all the outpouring of England’s World Cup triumph in 2019. and Suryakumar Yadav — also love and support,” Iyer tweeted. “We deserve to be number one because key performers in the cash-rich “Thank you from the bottom of of our results and the way we play our IPL — stole the limelight in the my heart to everyone. You know cricket and we won’t go away from that.” T20 series against England, the what they say, the greater the No longer being number one would world’s top-rated team. setback, the stronger the come- not be the end of the world, the star all- Rahul suff ered a run drought in back. I shall be back soon,” he rounder said. “Our driving force is the the T20 matches against England added. way we go about it and our attitude to- wards playing the game. That is what has made us be successful and the more suc- cessful we are then the more opportuni- ties we have got to be at number one. So our driving force is making sure we stay true to ourselves and our belief in how we play the game — and that is something we will not change.” England were thrashed by 66 runs in the fi rst game, adding to alarm bells after their 3-2 defeat in the T20s and 3-1 loss in the Tests. “We know we are a much better team than that,” said Stokes. England’s Ben Stokes bats in the nets during a practice session at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune. (AFP) “We are bitterly disappointed but what we have been very good at is putting tional team commitments. previous games to bed quickly whether The paceman missed the fi nal Test England captain Morgan out of fi nal two ODIs we have had a successful game or a poor against India with a right elbow injury game, and all our concentration will be on but returned for the fi ve-match Twen- Pune: England captain Eoin Morgan will miss the last two one-day internationals tomorrow.” ty20 series, claiming a career-best 4-33 against India, the England and Wales Cricket Board announced. Morgan has been Stokes also said England would not in the fourth match in Ahmedabad. ruled out after sustaining a split webbing between his thumb and index finger of the be panicked into changing their batting Archer subsequently withdrew from right hand during a 66-run defeat by India in Tuesday’s series opener, an injury that lineup. He has played at number three the three one-dayers in India to return required four stitches. for the one day games because of the ab- home and the English cricket board said The batsman went through a fielding drill during training at the MCA Stadium sence of Joe Root. “Just because we lost that he will miss the start of the April yesterday and afterwards declared himself unfit. Jos Buttler will captain 50-over the T20 series doesn’t mean we need to 9-May 30 IPL. world champions England in Morgan’s absence, with Liam Livingstone set to make start changing things around. When we “We’re not sure how much of it he’ll his ODI debut in today’s second match of the series. England batsman Sam Billings win nobody says too much but when we be able to play a part, if any,” Stokes said. will also be unavailable for today’s second match, with a decision on his availability lose everyone starts to pipe up again. I am “One thing that we need to be very mind- for Sunday’s final match to be taken in due course. happy where everything is in our white ful of is that Jofra does need to give this Billings did not train yesterday after he suff ered a bruised left collarbone while ball team because that is our best formula elbow a chance to recover.” fielding in first ODI. Fellow batsman Dawid Malan, with the tour party as cover, has to win.” England have a packed schedule for the been drafted into the squad and is available for selection. Stokes was unsure if his Rajasthan home summer with Test series against Royals teammate Jofra Archer would be New Zealand and India and white-ball tralia. “It’s great that he’s came out and ry then getting through a game and then able to play any part in this year’s Indian fi xtures against Sri Lanka and Pakistan said he’s putting his England commit- going backwards again. I think long term Premier League due to injury and praised before the Twenty20 World Cup in India ments before everything else,” Stokes for his career, this is a very sensible op- India’s KL Rahul plays a shot during the first One-Day International the fast bowler for prioritising his na- and the Ashes against arch-rivals Aus- said of Archer. “It’s tough having an inju- tion for him to be taking.” against England in Pune on Tuesday. (Reuters)

FOCUS FIRST TEST Moody vows to Nissanka, Dickwella star as West Indies chase 375

AFP Replays revealed that the batsman edged shake up Sri Lanka, North Sound, Antigua and Barbuda the ball but the West Indies had no course for review having exhausted their televi- sion referrals earlier in the day. end ‘survival’ culture athum Nissanka’s hundred on If it appeared then that Dickwella was debut and Niroshan Dickwella’s destined for a maiden Test hundred in his AFP pugnacious 96 solidifi ed Sri 42nd match, his growing anticipation of Colombo Lanka’s outstanding second in- the moment came to nothing as he was Pnings rearguard with a total of 476 that bowled by Kemar Roach playing a lazy left the West Indies with the challenging shot at the start of the fi nal session. He ormer Australian Test victory target of 375 on the fourth day of had been struck on the back of the helmet player Tom Moody the fi rst Test on Wednesday. in the fast bowler’s previous over when yesterday asked lowly- Notwithstanding their remarkable the ball rolled onto the stumps but did not ranked Sri Lanka to end successful chase of 395 on the last day of dislodge the bails. itsF culture of merely “surviv- the fi rst Test against Bangladesh in Chat- Nissanka had already departed for 103, ing” and vowed to shake up the togram six weeks earlier, the hosts face compiled in 341 minutes off 252 balls national team ahead of the next a daunting task at 34 for one overnight and including six fours, and the innings World Cup. In his fi rst public heading into fi nal day. quickly subsided in the rush for quick remarks since being hired last West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite runs. Roach and off -spinner Rahkeem month by Sri Lanka’s cricket World Cup. Former skipper and will resume in partnership with Nkrumah Sri Lanka’s Pathum Nissanka (right) is congratulated by Niroshan Dickwella after Cornwall claimed three wickets each. board to revive the team, the technical adviser to Sri Lanka Bonner after Vishwa Fernando prised reaching his century during the first Test against West Indies at Vivian Richards West Indian spirits had been lifted 55-year-old said he was planning cricket Aravinda de Silva said the out John Campbell via a catch to a rueful Stadium in North Sound, Antigua and Barbuda, on Wednesday. (AFP) at the start of the day when de Silva, on a major cultural shift. side would ensure stricter dis- wicketkeeper Dickwella. Nissanka, who reaching an even 50, was comprehensive- He said his observation so cipline and greater emphasis on lost overnight partner Dhananjaya de Sil- out of ideas and doing little to help their He also enjoyed a slice of luck closing ly bowled by Joseph operating with the far was that Sri Lankan players player fi tness. “We sometimes va in the fi rst over of the morning, slowed own cause. Bonner dropped the sim- on the elusive century when a half-heart- second new ball. However the rest of the were “just holding on” without see compromises made regarding to a crawl in the second session of the day plest of catches at gully off fast-medium ed appeal by Alzarri Joseph for a catch to day belonged to the Sri Lankans who will making an extra eff ort and were the fi tness of certain players,” he but fi nally reached the coveted century bowler Jason Holder when Dickwella was the wicketkeeper down the leg-side was believe they can end a run of four consec- merely trying to “survive”. said. Anyone who did not meas- landmark just before tea to join Brendon on 45. turned down by the presiding umpire. utive Test match defeats on the fi nal day. “We need to create an environ- ure up to the new standards will Kuruppu (who completed a double-cen- ment within the playing group... not be considered for selection, tury), Romesh Kaluwitharana and Thilan within the community of Sri he added. Samaraweera as the only Sri Lankans to SCOREBOARD Lanka cricket that (will make Sri Lanka fi nished eighth score hundreds on Test debut. them) feel like they are thriving of nine teams in the inaugu- Samaraweera was the last to achieve Sri Lanka I Innings 169 L. Embuldeniya c Holder b Cornwall 10 1-0-3-0 in the organisation, not surviv- ral World Test Championship the landmark before Wednesday, getting West Indies I Innings 271 V. Fernando not out 0 West Indies 2nd Innings (target 375) ing,” Moody said. Moody was Sri — Zimbabwe, Afghanistan and to three fi gures in his fi rst Test, against Sri Lanka II Innings (overnight 255-4) Extras (b13, lb5, nb11) 29 K. Brathwaite not out 8 Lanka’s head coach for two years Ireland were not included. In the India in Colombo in 2001. “I wasn’t even until 2007 and was chosen for ongoing tour of the West Indies, aware of any records or anything like that. L. Thirimanne b Roach 76 Total (149.5 overs, all out) 476 J. Campbell c Dickwella b Fernando 11 the new post of director at the Sri Lanka has so far lost the T20 I just wanted to perform for the team,” D. Karunaratne c Campbell b Roach 3 Fall of wickets: 1-8 (Karunaratne), 2-170 N. Bonner not out 15 local board because of his experi- series 2-1 and the ODI series 3-0. said the 22-year-old Nissanka speaking O. Fernando c da Silva b Mayers 91 (Fernando), 3-178 (Chandimal), 4-189 Total (20 overs, 1 wkt) 34 ence in Sri Lanka and abroad, the The fi rst of two Tests is under- through an interpreter. “Niroshan kept (Thirimanne), 5-259 (de Silva), 6-438 board said. “My direction would way. They have lost both their telling me for us to prolong the innings D. Chandimal c da Silva b Mayers 4 (Nissanka), 7-460 (Dickwella), 8-462 To bat: K. Mayers, J. Blackwood, J. Hold- be very much around allowing recent Test series 2-0. Sri Lanka for as long as possible and get a big total D. de Silva b Joseph 50 (Lakmal), 9-476 (Embuldeniya) er, J. da Silva, A. Joseph, R. Cornwall, K. Roach, S. Gabriel people to grow within the busi- were beaten by an innings and to make sure the bowlers had enough runs P. Nissanka c Roach b Cornwall 103 Bowling: K. Roach 27-3-74-3 (6nb), S. ness and uplifting them,” Moody 45 runs and then by 10 wickets to work with.” Fall of wicket: 1-12 (Campbell) N. Dickwella b Roach 96 Gabriel 18-2-67-0, J. Holder 22-4-40-0 said. “Supporting them and giv- in South Africa in December and Nissanka and Dickwella dominated the (2nb), A. Joseph 21-2-83-1, R. Cornwall Bowling: S. Lakmal 7-4-4-0, V. Fernando S. Lakmal run out 8 ing them direction.” January and then returned home fi rst two sessions of the day, putting on 42.5-4-137-3, K. Brathwaite 9-1-30-0, K. 6-0-21-1, L. Embuldeniya 4-2-5-0, D. Cha- His contract is for three years, and were outplayed by England 179 for the sixth wicket and frustrating D. Chameera c Mayers b Cornwall 6 Mayers 9-2-24-2 (3nb), J. Blackwood meera 2-1-4-0, D. de Silva 1-1-0-0 going beyond the 2023 cricket in a pair of Tests. a West Indies team that was fast running Gulf Times Friday, March 26, 2021 5 SPORT

NBA NFL Pats’ Herron hailed aft er helping stop Bucks hold off attempted assault

AFP diction to painkillers led him to London contemplate suicide shortly after steering his team to a Super Bowl title in 1997. ew England Patriots of- Favre became dependant on charging Celtics, fensive lineman Justin painkillers while dealing with Herron was honoured injuries in 1994. He suff ered two with an “Outstand- seizures the following year after Ning Citizen” certifi cate by the increasing his intake, prompting Tempe Police Department after him to enter rehab for 75 days. he helped to stop an attempted The three-time MVP said he sexual assault in a park. fell right back into the cycle of Herron intervened after he his addiction after leaving re- Magic quench Suns saw a 71-year-old woman shoved hab but eventually managed to to the ground by an assailant. overcome it by fl ushing the pills He shouted to draw attention down the toilet. “I was as low as ‘They made shots, we slowed down, missed some good looks. Credit them, they and restrained the attacker with I possibly could be,” Favre said on the help of a second man, Murry an episode of his podcast. “I said hung in the game, found a way to get back in it and had a chance to win at the end’ Rogers, until police arrived. it’s one of two things – I die, or I “We are here to honour two fl ush these pills down the toilet. I AFP good Samaritans that intervened sat by the toilet for two hours. Los Angeles during this vicious attack and “Eventually, I dumped the pills detained the suspect until police in the toilet, fl ushed them and I al- could arrive and make sure he most wanted to kill myself because he Milwaukee Bucks pushed their was taken into custody,” Detec- of doing that. I could not believe NBA winning streak to eight tive Natalie Barela said at a news that I’ve actually done that, and I games on Wednesday, squander- conference. “If not for the swift was so mad at myself because now ing a 25-point third-quarter lead actions of Justin Herron and what was I gonna do? Tbut holding on to edge the Boston Celtics Murry Rogers, this vicious attack “I shook with cold and hot 121-119. could’ve been much worse.” sweats every night. But that was Khris Middleton scored 27 points and Herron said he was shocked by the last time. I was clean. It took pulled down 13 rebounds for the Bucks, the incident. “It was something me a couple more to get over the who escaped with the victory when Bos- I never dreamed or I thought I urge.” ton center Daniel Theis’s three-point at- would see, you know,” Herron Favre began his career with the tempt failed to drop as time expired. said. “You see it in movies and Atlanta Falcons in 1991 before “Man, I thought it was good,” Middle- TV all the time, but you never moving to the Packers, where he ton admitted of Theis’s wide-open eff ort think it’s going to happen in real established himself as one of the - which came on the heels of missed life until it does. greatest quarterbacks of all time attempts from Boston’s Kemba Walker “It was in the middle of the during a 16-season spell. and Marcus Smart. “Great play, great day, not one cloud in the sky and He also played for the Minne- look.” in a very open fi eld. It was just sota Vikings and New York Jets the fact that it had happened and was inducted into the Pro RESULTS there at that time was just very, Football Hall of Fame in 2016. very shocking.” Meanwhile The New York Bucks 121-119 Celtics The 25-year-old, who was se- Jets bolstered their backfi eld Raptors 135-111 Nuggets lected by the Patriots in the sixth Wednesday, agreeing to a one- Magic 112-111 Suns round of the 2020 draft, was over- year deal with running back Tevin whelmed after meeting the victim. Coleman, according to multiple Pacers 116-111 Pistons “It was heartwarming to see her, reports. Coleman, who played Cavaliers 103-94 Bulls but also gut-wrenching to see how under Jets fi rst-year head coach Grizzlies 116-107 Thunder she responded to the trauma,” he Robert Saleh in San Francisco, said. “No one should go through will also re-unite with former Hornets 122-97 Rockets that. It was emotional for me and 49ers passing game coordinator Mavericks 128-108 Timberwolves for everybody in the room.” Mike LaFleur, who is now the of- Kings 110-108 Hawks fensive coordinator for New York. Clippers 134-109 Spurs FAVRE SAYS HE WANTED TO The 27-year-old running back KILL HIMSELF played only 22 games in two sea- For most of the night, it hadn’t ap- Former Green Bay Packers quar- sons with the 49ers, rushing for peared the Bucks would be cutting it so terback Brett Favre said an ad- 597 yards and six touchdowns. close. The Celtics trailed 90-65 midway through the third quarter but Jaylen Kings, Pistons swap guards Brown’s three-pointer cut the defi cit to two with 1:32 remaining. The Detroit Pistons, buried play-in spot for the postseason. “They made shots, we slowed down, in last place in the Eastern The Warriors visit Sacramento missed some good looks,” Middleton said. Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton drives for the basket against Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (left) during the first Conference, swung a deal late yesterday. “Credit them, they hung in the game, quarter at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA. (USA TODAY Sports) Wednesday night on the eve of Wright, 28, is averaging 10.4 found a way to get back in it and had a the NBA trade deadline. points, five assists and 4.6 chance to win at the end.” 6.4 seconds remaining in a 112-111 victory ‘DEFINITELY DIFFERENT’ FOR LOWRY on Monday, paced the Nets with 23 points The Sacramento Kings acquired rebounds through 36 games Donte DiVincenzo blocked a Walker over the Phoenix Suns. The West-leading Jazz improved their and 15 rebounds. The Toronto Raptors guard Delon Wright from the this season. He had six points layup with 34.8 seconds to play and Brook Magic center Nikola Vucevic put up 27 league-best record to 32-11 with a 118-88 snapped their nine-game losing streak, Pistons in exchange for guard and five steals Wednesday as Lopez blocked a Smart attempt with two points and 14 rebounds - his 30th dou- demolition of the Brooklyn Nets. but star guard Kyle Lowry admitted the Cory Joseph and second-round the Pistons lost 116-111 to the seconds to play. ble-double of the season. The Nets were a big disappointment in 135-111 victory over the Denver Nuggets draft picks in 2021 and 2024, Indiana Pacers in Indianapolis. Milwaukee’s two-time NBA Most Val- Fournier added 21 points and Chuma the absence of their big three. Kyrie Irv- felt “weird” amid widespread reports he according to multiple media According to Spotrac.com, uable Player Giannis Antetokounmpo had Okeke scored a career-high 17 off the ing missed the game for personal reasons would be traded at the deadline. reports. Wright is making $9 million a quiet night of 13 points, eight rebounds bench in the dramatic win. and James Harden’s sore neck left him “It was diff erent tonight, for sure,” said Wright will attempt to bolster this season and he is owed a and seven assists as he returned after “I’m honestly just very happy about sidelined along with Kevin Durant, who is Lowry, a key fi gure in the Raptors’ 2019 the Kings’ bid to sneak into the guaranteed $8.53 million next resting his sprained left knee. the win tonight because I feel like we still nursing a hamstring injury. championship campaign. “I mean, who Western Conference playoff s. season. Bobby Portis scored 21 points off the deserved it,” said Fournier, who is being Nets coach Steve Nash acknowledged knows what’s going to happen? No one Sacramento beat the visit- Joseph, 29, scored just two bench for the Bucks. Lopez and DiVin- touted as a likely trade candidate with his depleted team would face “a big chal- knows what’s going to happen. But it was ing Atlanta Hawks 110-108 on points Wednesday. On the sea- cenzo added 17 apiece. multiple teams interested as the deadline lenge” in the Jazz, who raced to a 21-point defi nitely, for sure, diff erent.” Wednesday, its fourth win in son, he is producing 6.6 points, Jaylen Brown paced Boston with 24 approaches yesterday. lead in the fi rst quarter and led by as many Pascal Siakam scored 27 points for the five games. 2.5 assists and 2.3 rebounds per points. Walker had 23 and Jayson Tatum, Devin Booker scored 25 points and as 38 in the third. Raptors, who won for the fi rst time since The Kings (19-25) are just three game. His contract calls for a back after missing a game because of ill- Chris Paul scored 23 for the Suns, who Utah’s Donovan Mitchell led all scorers February 26. OG Anunoby scored 18 of his games behind 10th-place $12.6 million salary in 2021-22, ness, added 18. had won three straight and were trying with 27 points on 11-of-18 shooting. 23 points before halftime for the Raptors, Golden State (22-22), which but only $2.4 million of that is Orlando Magic guard Evan Fournier to join the Utah Jazz as the only Western Alize Johnson, a 24-year-old who and Norman Powell – also mentioned as a currently occupies the final guaranteed. drove for the game-winning layup with Conference teams with 30 wins. inked a 10-day contract with Brooklyn likely trade candidate – added 22.

NHL Copp scores four as Jets win again in Vancouver only two goals in that swoon. It is the Reuters RESULTS Vancouver fi rst time this season the Flames lost Jets 5-1 Canucks despite leading through two periods. The Flames controlled play until the ndrew Copp recorded the fi rst Senators 3-1 Flames fi nal frame and paid for their inability four-goal game of his career Wild 3-2 Ducks to pull away when Norris tied the game. and Connor Hellebuyck made Penguins 5-2 Sabres Evgenii Dadonov took the puck from 38 saves as the Winnipeg Jets Flames defenseman Chris Tanev at the continuedA their road dominance of the Sharks 4-2 Kings end boards and threaded a pass to the Vancouver Canucks with a 5-1 win on slot for Norris to convert at 4:48 of the Wednesday night. go in the third and scored his fourth third period. It was his third goal in four It was the fi rst four-goal game of the off another rebound with 2:26 to play. games and eighth on the season. NHL season. Six players had four-goal Hoglander converted amid a scrum in The Senators took the lead when games last season, and Mika Zibanejad front of the Winnipeg net to spoil Hel- Tierney scored his second goal in as tallied fi ve in one contest. lebuyck’s shutout bid. many outings. Markstrom stopped After stopping 22 shots in Winni- Thomas Chabot’s shot, but Tierney – peg’s 4-0 win at Vancouver on Monday THREE-GOAL THIRD PERIOD GETS who scored his fi rst goal in 30 games to night, Hellebuyck was in position to SENATORS PAST FLAMES net the winner in Monday’s meeting – post back-to-back shutouts of the Ca- Josh Norris, Chris Tierney and Nikita pounced on the rebound with 7:59 left nucks until Nils Hoglander scored with Zaitsev scored third-period goals as in regulation. 1:25 left in the game. the host Ottawa Senators earned a 3-1 Zaitsev added an empty-net goal Copp, who entered the game with comeback victory over the Calgary with 76 seconds remaining, his fi rst six goals for the season and had never Flames on Wednesday. Filip Gustavs- goal of the season, to round out the scored a hat trick, scored twice in the son made 28 saves for the Senators. scoring. second period and twice more in the Gustavsson, who is fourth on Ottawa›s Giordano tallied for the goal-starved third. depth chart, has two career NHL starts Flames to give them a 1-0 lead. Sean The Jets have won eight straight road Vancouver Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes plays for the puck against Winnipeg Jets forward Andrew Copp (left) in the and has won both of them. Monahan’s work deep in the Ottawa games over the Canucks and outscored third period at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. (USA TODAY Sports) The Senators are last in the North zone resulted in Giordano unloading a them 15-4 in going 4-0-0 at Vancouver Division and easily are the worst in point shot that ricocheted off a defend- this season. time since Feb. 23 and 25. The Canucks Neal Pionk’s slap shot past Thatcher knocked in a rebound of Nikolaj Ehlers’ the goals allowed, but have won fi ve of er and into the net at 13:37 of the middle Mark Scheifele followed Copp’s two are 8-4-1 in March but 0-2-1 following Demko (31 saves). shot to make it 2-0. seven clashes with the Flames, includ- frame for his fourth goal of the season. second-period goals with his 13th of a four-game winning streak. Copp struck again a little less than The Jets took control when Scheifele ing consecutive home games against With his assist, Monahan moved the season later in the frame as Win- After the two teams combined for 23 fi ve minutes later. Again with the man fl ipped the puck from the crease into Calgary. into the fourth spot on the franchises nipeg won back-to-back games for the shots on goal with none fi nding the net advantage for the same type of pen- the top of the net with 1:47 left in the Mark Giordano scored Calgary’s lone all-time list for career points among fi rst time since March 2 and 4. in the fi rst period, Winnipeg opened alty – a second straight Vancouver middle frame. goal and Jacob Markstrom stopped 28 centers with 432. He now trails only Joe Vancouver, meanwhile, lost consec- the scoring at the 5:53 mark of the sec- bench minor for too-many men on the Copp completed his fi rst career hat shots for the Flames, who have dropped Nieuwendyk (616), Kent Nilsson (562) utive games in regulation for the fi rst ond. On a power play, Copp redirected ice – Copp was waiting in the slot and trick via an empty-netter with 4:10 to three consecutive and have managed and Guy Chouinard (529) on that list. Gulf Times 6 Friday, March 26, 2021 SPORT

TENNIS FOCUS Memory lane for past champs Hataoka Pospisil ‘sorry’ for and Ji at Kia Classic

AFP “For me, being able to win on Los Angeles this tough course with a lot of up and downs, it was really, really something that gave me confi - dence,” she said. “This course expletive-laden apan’s Nasa Hataoka and causes me to be breathing rough South Korean Ji Eun-hee, when I’m at the tee, so I think a the past two champions, lot of training really works out.” were enjoying the memo- While Ji sees her swing work as riesJ ahead of start of the LPGA “about 60 to 70% to what I want Kia Classic, which wasn’t played to do,” she feels putting will be last year. most crucial this week. The matchup at Aviara Golf “Greens are pretty quite baked rant at ATP boss Club near San Diego is the fi nal and there’s a lot of slope on the tuneup for next week’s major green,” Ji said. “So I have to really ‘I disrespected the game I love and for that I am truly sorry’ showdown, the ANA Inspiration focus on reading the green.” at Rancho Mirage, and returns Meanwhile Michelle Wie West Reuters after a 2020 Covid-19 wipeout. returns to action at the event this Miami Wawrinka faces “I’ve been looking forward to week for the fi rst time in nearly coming back here,” said Hataoka, two years, and as a mum. spell out aft er the sort-of defending champion After struggling with arthritis anadian Vasek Pos- having foot surgery from 2019. “This was my fi rst in both wrists in 2019, she took pisil apologised for his tournament that I played in the time off , got married to Jonnie on-court conduct and Three-times Grand Slam States and it has a lot of memo- West, the Golden State Warriors a profanity-laced rant champion Stan Wawrinka ries here for me. I’m very happy.” director of basketball operations, aimedC at ATP Tour chief Andrea faces a few weeks on the Ji, the 2018 winner, captured and in June 2020 gave birth to a Gaudenzi during his fi rst-round sidelines after having an her most recent title at the 2019 daughter, Makenna. loss to American Mackenzie operation on his left foot for LPGA Tournament of Cham- Wie West has never been far McDonald at the Miami Open on a niggling problem, the Swiss pions but enjoys being back at from the headlines since becom- Wednesday. said yesterday. an event where she made an ace ing the youngest player to qualify The tantrum, which included “After having some problems and earned her tour card. “I’m for an LPGA event in 2002 at the angrily hitting a ball out of the in my left foot for a while, I really happy to be back here. age of 12. Three weeks ago she court and shouting at the chair have decided to do a small When I come here I always have gained plaudits for lashing out at umpire, began when the world procedure on it,” Wawrinka good memories,” she said. “This Donald Trump’s former lawyer number 67 smashed his racket said in a tweet accompanied course is really hard for me, so Rudy Giuliani, who had talked on the court late in the fi rst set by a picture of him on a maybe I focus more and I try about looking at Wie’s under- of his 6-3 4-6 6-3 defeat. hospital bed. to practice hard and practice wear as paparazzi took photos at A verbal abuse penalty on set “Everything went well. I will putting more. So maybe that’s a 2014 charity event. point then cost him the fi rst set be out for a few weeks but why I play better when I come “It’s unsettling to hear of and Pospisil launched into an can’t wait to start practising here.” this highly inappropriate story expletive-laden tirade against again soon.” It’s the same plan she has for shared,” Wie West tweeted. Gaudenzi, who he said had been Wawrinka underwent knee next week in Rancho Mirage, “What this person should have “screaming” at him in a meeting surgery following his last ATP hoping to add to her lone ma- remembered from that day was on Tuesday for “trying to unite title in 2017 and had trouble jor win, the 2009 US Women’s the fact that I shot 64 and beat the players”. with injuries through 2018, Open. “Everybody wants to win every male golfer in the fi eld.” “For an hour and a half. The during which his ranking fell a major,” she said. “I’d really like Wie West is entered in the leader of the ATP. Get him out to 263. He is currently ranked to have one more. If not, I’ll try year’s fi rst major next week, the here. Why am I supporting 21st. hard. I’m always trying hard.” ANA Inspiration, and aims to be this?” he said to chair umpire Wawrinka lost in the Austral- The hilly course took its toll on around for a long time yet with Arnaud Gabas, threatening to ian Open second round last Hataoka, 22, two years ago even an ambition of Makenna seeing sue the ATP if he was defaulted. month before losing in the in victory. her compete on tour. Pospisil’s issues with the ATP last-32 at Rotterdam and came to a head last year when he Doha earlier this month. and world number one Novak His coach Daniel Val- Djokovic announced the forma- lverdu said in December the LPGA unsure of China event as tion of the breakaway Profes- 35-year-old will make a final Singapore, Thailand return sional Tennis Players Associa- push for success before the tion (PTPA). end of his career. No final decision has been Korean Amy Yang defending The PTPA was aimed at better (Reuters) made on the status of the her crown in Thailand. protecting the interests of play- LPGA Blue Bay tournament “We are incredibly appreciative ers, they said, but the move met Vasek Pospisil of Canada winds up to smash his racquet while playing Mackenzie McDonald during the planned for China in May, of our global partners who are opposition from tennis govern- Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Getty Images/AFP) “Again, I am sorry for my on- LPGA off icials said Wednesday going above and beyond to ing bodies. court behaviour and the lan- while confirming Singapore ensure playing opportunties Pospisil said his meeting with Miami earlier today,” Pospisil, love and for that I am truly sorry. ATP executives last night, and guage I used.” and Thailand events. for our athletes,” LPGA chief the ATP had “unnerved” him. who did not speak to the media “By way of explanation, I I underestimated the toll those The ATP Tour did not imme- While tweaking the US sched- tournament business off icer “I want to sincerely apologise after his match, said on Twitter. felt deeply unnerved during a emotions took on me until I diately respond to a request for ule to ease travel to Asia for Ricki Lasky said. The LPGA Lotte for my behaviour on the court in “I disrespected the game I meeting between players and stepped onto the court today. comment. two other events, the LPGA Championship remains set said in a statement the fate for April 14-17 with a Saturday of the LPGA event on China’s finish at Kapolei (Hawaii) Golf Hainan Island, planned for Club with the LPGA Los Angeles Isner calls for transparency on ATP prize money cuts May 13-16, “will be announced Open shifting a day earlier to in the coming weeks as the also have a Saturday finish, on Former Wimbledon semi-finalist John On Wednesday, he said his comments keeping fans away from stadiums. that they’re used to having.” LPGA continues to fully assess April 24 at Wilshire Country Isner has called on the ATP Tour to give were not really about the prize money it- ATP tournaments incurred losses of Isner, who skipped the 2021 Australian the situation with its partners Club, to ease travel issues for players a clearer picture of the decision- self. “It’s about the system of the ATP and between $60-$80 million last year, hurt Open due to strict health protocols, said in China.” Asia-bound players. making process behind cuts to prize why the decisions are made and what by last-minute cancellations, a wipeout it was “very unfortunate” that players The HSBC Women’s World Both US events will have money, though the American walked goes into the prize money being so low,” of ticketing revenue and a 30% drop have to stay at off icial hotels during Wim- Championship will be played a field of 144 players with back some of his fiery criticism from last he said at the Miami event, which was in proceeds from sponsorship. Isner, bledon as part of safety measures. April 29-May 2 at Singapore’s Canada’s Brooke Henderson month. Isner had lashed out at the men’s cancelled in 2020 due to the Covid-19 who stepped down from the ATP Player “There are a lot of players that, of course, Sentosa Golf Club while the seeking a third consecutive governing body on Twitter after the pandemic. Council last year and joined up with would much prefer to stay in private Honda LPGA Thailand will be Lotte win after last year’s Miami Open, an ATP Masters 1000 event, “I do think recently the players have felt Novak Djokovic to launch the breakaway housing,” said Isner, who won the long- staged May 6-9 at Siam Coun- cancellation. South Korean Lee cut its total prize purse by 60%, with like the tour has been more transparent Professional Tennis Players Association, est match at the All England Club in 2010 try Club in Chonburi. Min-jee is set to try and repeat the singles champions getting a cheque with them. We’re trying to understand said it was diff icult to adjust to the huge that lasted 11 hours and five minutes Both events were wiped out in LA after her 2019 win and a of $300,110, down from $1.35 million in the process a bit more.” cuts in prize money. against France’s Nicolas Mahut. in 2020 by the Covid-19 pan- 2020 wipeout. 2019. The former world number eight The professional circuit was shut down “It’s not what we’ve been accustomed “That’s one of the unique things about demic and will be conducted The LPGA has an event called the ATP a “broken system” and for five months last year due to the to,” said Isner, who has career earning of Wimbledon, is you can rent a house and under strict health protocols, scheduled the week following demanded a “true audit” of tournaments’ pandemic before tournament organisers more than $19 million. “At the same time walk to the courts, play your match, walk with Park Sung-hyun of the China event, the Pure Silk finances, saying tennis was “plagued by set up biosecure bubbles for players and we know that tournaments in the past back. It’s very, very cool. It won’t have South Korea defending her Championship on May 20-23 conflict and lack of transparency”. support staff to restart the Tours while year don’t have the ticketing revenue that same feel this year.” title in Singapore and South at Williamsburg, Virginia.

GOLF DeChambeau, McIlroy, Thomas upset at WGC Match Play AFP the cup and made the putt for the RESULTS FROM DAY ONE Washington win. “I was just trying to play a good round of solid golf, not give (x denotes seed) and Andy Sullivan (ENG x57) Cameron Smith (AUS x25) bt any shot away,” Rozner said. Group 1 halved Lanto Griff in (USA x46) 1 up S seeds Bryson DeCham- “It’s the strongest fi eld I’ve ever Dustin Johnson (USA x1) bt Scottie Scheff ler (USA x30) bt Group 12 beau and Justin Thomas played in in my life and I played Adam Long (USA x61) 2 up Jason Day (AUS x44) 2 up Dylan Frittelli (RSA x64) bt and four-time major win- good golf out there.” Robert MacIntyre (SCO x41) Group 7 Tony Finau (USA x12) 6&5 ner Rory McIlroy were Kuchar birdied four of the last bt Kevin Na (USA x28) 2&1 Patrick Reed (USA x7) and Jason Kokrak (USA x29) bt Uamong the upset losers in Wednes- fi ve holes on the front nine for a Group 2 Bubba Watson (USA x55) Will Zalatoris (USA x40) 1 up day’s opening group matches at the 5-up edge and parred his way to Matt Kuchar (USA x52) bt halved Group 13 WGC Match Play Championship. victory from there. Justin Thomas (USA x2) 3&2 Joaquin Niemann (CHI x26) Kevin Streelman (USA x53) English 60th seed Ian Poulter, a Spanish third seed Jon Rahm Kevin Kisner (USA x34) bt and Christiaan Bezuidenhout bt Viktor Hovland (NOR x13) WGC Match Play and World Match edged Colombian Sebastian Munoz Louis Oosthuizen (RSA x22) (RSA x33) halved 4&2 Play winner as well as a Ryder Cup 1 up, sinking a birdie putt from eight 2&1 Group 8 Abraham Ancer (MEX x27) stalwart, won the fi nal fi ve holes for feet at 18 after the South American Group 3 Tyrrell Hatton (ENG x8) bt Bernd Wiesberger (AUT a 6&5 rout of 11th seed McIlroy in Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland plays his shot on the sixth tee in his sank one three times as long. Jon Rahm (ESP x3) bt Sebas- and Matt Wallace (ENG x51) x43) 3&2 the 64-player showdown at Austin match against Ian Poulter of England during the first round of the World Of the top eight seeds, four tian Munoz (COL x56) 1 up halved Group 14 (Texas) Country Club. Golf Championships-Dell Technologies Match Play at Austin Country Club halved and two lost, the winners Ryan Palmer (USA x24) bt Sergio Garcia (ESP x39) bt Daniel Berger (USA x14) bt French 58th seed Antoine Rozn- in Austin, Texas. (Getty Images/AFP) being Rahm and world number one Shane Lowry (IRL x38) 4&2 Lee Westwood (ENG x18) 4&3 Erik van Rooyen (RSA x62) er, who won at Qatar two weeks ago Dustin Johnson, who beat 61st- Group 4 Group 9 6&4 on a 60-foot putt at the 72nd hole, ing out McIlroy with a par at 13, his swimming pool of a nearby home. seeded US compatriot Adam Long Collin Morikawa (USA x4) Webb Simpson (USA x9) bt Harris English (USA x19) bt downed fi fth-seeded DeChambeau all-or-nothing attitude dominat- “There’s a couple of areas of his 2 up. and JT Poston (USA x63) Talor Gooch (USA x59) 6&5 Brendon Todd (USA x47) 1 up 2-up thanks to a birdie at 18 while ing. game which I’m sure he wants to Reigning Masters champion halved Mackenzie Hughes (CAN Group 15 52nd-seeded Matt Kuchar beat “It gets the adrenaline going, the fi rm up a little bit,” Poulter said. Johnson birdied the par-4 third and Billy Horschel (USA x32) bt x48) bt Paul Casey (ENG x17) Jordan Spieth (USA x49) bt second-seeded countryman Tho- ticker starts going. You got to pony “He missed a couple of tee shots parred the par-4 fi fth to lead 2 up. Max Homa (USA x35) 1 up 3&2 Matt Fitzpatrick (ENG x15) mas 3&2. up and hit shots,” said Poulter, left. But it’s Rory, it doesn’t take Long pulled level with fi ve to play Group 5 Group 10 3&1 Unlike a normal match-play whose lead fell to 1-up after McIl- a lot for Rory to spark up pretty but Johnson sank a 25-foot birdie Antoine Rozner (FRA x58) bt Patrick Cantlay (USA x10) bt Matthew Wolff (USA 20) bt event, fi rst-day losers still have a roy birdied six and eight. quickly.” putt at 15 and one from just outside Bryson DeChambeau (USA Brian Harman (USA x54) 1 up Corey Conners (CAN x37) 3&1 chance to advance from a group McIlroy, who has started work- Rozner birdied the ninth to go four feet at 18 to win. x5) 2 up Carlos Ortiz (MEX x42) bt Group 16 stage into weekend knockout ing with swing coach Pete Cowan, 2-up on reigning US Open champion South Africa’s Dylan Frittelli, the Tommy Fleetwood (ENG x21) Hideki Matsuyama (JPN x23) Im Sung-jae (KOR x16) bt matches. suffered his worst Match-Play DeChambeau. 64th and last seed who lives only 15 and Kim Si-woo (KOR x45) 4&3 Russell Henley (USA x50) Poulter won his 30th match in defeat in a decade – since an 8&7 The big-hitting American birdied minutes from the course, ripped US halved Group 11 1 up 15 appearances with birdies at the loss to ben Crane in 2011 – and the par-5 16th and forced an 18th 12th seed Tony Finau 6&5. Frittelli Group 6 Ian Poulter (ENG x60) bt Victor Perez (FRA x31) bt par-4 ninth and par-3 11th and an hooked his tee shot at the par-4 hole, where the Frenchman landed was 4-up after six and didn’t lose Xander Schauff ele (USA x6) Rory McIlroy (NIR x11) 6&5 Marc Leishman (AUS x36) 2&1 eagle at the par-5 12th before clos- fifth out of bounds left into the his approach inside eight feet from a hole. Gulf Times Friday, March 26, 2021 7 SPORT

FOCUS New hopefuls for Aspire Academy 2021 entry line-up at Gold Camp

By Sports Reporter bers are signifi cantly whittled down in for Aspire coaches to see more of these a diffi cult year with the pandemic, the Doha the second stage known as Silver Camp boys during small group training ses- Talent Identifi cation Programme did Testing. sions at Aspire once sport was allowed remarkably well to bring the best 40 From the 40 boys that made it to to resume. boys to Gold Camp and each boy who spire Academy conducted Gold Camp, just under half of that Speaking on the last day of Gold reached this stage would for the fi rst the two-day fi nal stage of the number of the top performers will be Camp, Ross Jeff s, Aspire Academy time be kept in the system and moni- year-long assessment process invited to join Aspire Academy for the Sprint and hurdles coach explained, tored over the years. “Although we will from which new joiners to the new academic year in September 2021. “On day one we started with some choose the best 12 to 15 boys from this world-renownedA institution of youth Since its establishment in 2004, As- coaching activities which gave us a lot we have purposed to look beyond sports development are selected, from pire Academy follows its vision to fi nd chance to see what the boys are like in just the selected. For the boys who are March 23-24 at its premises. Known as and develop future champions for Qa- a coaching environment, their coach- not chosen this time round and for Gold Camp and falling under the Talent tar. The Academy does this by working ability and how they interact with each those who would like to stay in sport Identifi cation Programme, the assess- with all local schools and their teachers other and react to coaching cues. On and continue doing athletics, we want ment saw 40 young Qatar residents ea- to assess the sporting potential of all day 2 we introduced competition en- to start a part-time programme run and ger to join Academy undergo a range of boys from 8 years of age. The teachers vironment for the fi rst time in Gold managed in-house by Aspire here at the set exercises, drills and challenges de- use equipment that Aspire Academy Camp and had the boys compete in Academy. This, however, depends very sign to give coaches and staff a holistic provides to measure children’s body throws, 60m sprint, long jump, and much on this pandemic but if we can picture of each athlete. shape, their speed, their power and endurance. This will enable us to com- do it, it would be for the good of sport The Gold Camp represents the third strength and their ability to run dis- pare them with our current Develop- in this country in general. Who knows step of Aspire Academy’s compre- tance. From 8 years onwards the Acad- ment 1 and 2 student- athletes and maybe the boys who didn’t make the hensive talent scouting system which emy examines these same measures see how they fare and collecting such grade this time will get better than the starts with Aspire Academy Talent each year to track boys’ progress. Those details and information is part of the boys we choose, and therefore we want Identifi cation department seeing and boys that perform well are invited to The two-day Gold Camp was held at Aspire Academy on Tuesday and Wednesday. progress necessary to coaching and to work with them and keep an eye on assessing contenders during visits to join Aspire’s Multi-sport Skill Devel- development.” them. It is possible that in year 8, 9, or government and Independent schools opment programme (MSSD), which is to help train their sporting skills. Due rupted the world, one positive to come Aspire Academy senior multi-events 10 we could invite them back to join As- in the Bronze Camp before the num- an after-school coaching programme to the coronavirus pandemic that dis- out of this was increased opportunities coach Adel Mouelhi emphasised how in pire Academy.”

HORSE RACING FORMULA 1 Don’t think I’ll stop: Hamilton

Reuters Al Faisaliya London, United Kingdom even times Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton indicated yes- terday he was unlikely to retireS at the end of a season that he hoped would be the most ex- caps al-Malki citing yet. The 36-year-old Mercedes driver has signed only a one- Al Sakab Stud mare tops Al year contract extension, casting doubt on the intentions for 2022 Britha Cup; trainer De Mieulle of the sport’s all-time most suc- cessful driver and leading per- saddles three winners sonality. double “In the current position I’m in, I don’t feel like this is the end,” fi rst driver to win 100 grands prix before major rule changes and the Briton told reporters ahead of with his career tally currently on Mercedes are expected to face a Sunday’s season-opening Bah- 95. tough task after a diffi cult three- rain Grand Prix when asked if he He has plenty of outside in- day test in Bahrain with a car that was thinking it could be his last terests, however, in music and appeared tricky to handle. year. fashion and has also become a Rivals Red Bull, with hungry “We’ve got these (rule) chang- prominent campaigner for diver- young Dutch driver Max Ver- es that are happening next year sity and equal rights. stappen and experienced Mexi- which are exciting. I think this “I don’t quit when the go- can Sergio Perez, had a much looks like it could be the most ex- ing gets tough,” said Hamilton. better test and looked in good citing season yet, we’ve got new “I wanted a one-year deal... I’m condition to mount a challenge. teams, we’ve got new formats fully committed to this sport. “We’re in the best shape we (it’s) getting closer. I think this sport is in the best can possibly be in considering “I don’t feel like I’m at the end. place it’s been in terms of steps that we only had three days of The next eight months or so I’ll we are taking. testing,” said Hamilton. fi nd out whether I’m ready to “I love what I’m doing. I’ve ar- “There’s been a huge amount stop or not, I don’t think I will rived more excited than I have in of analysis, the engineers and personally, but you never know.” a long time... we’re going to have guys back at the factory... to Hamilton’s Mercedes team a really great battle, one way or try and understand, churn the have won the last seven drivers’ another, and that’s what I’ve al- numbers, quantify and make and constructors’ titles while ways loved.” improvements. I think we come the Briton is set to become the The 2021 season is the last here positive.”

QREC Acting CEO Bader bin Mohamed al-Dariwsh (right) presents Ibrahim al-Malki (left) receives the trainer’s trophy from QREC Acting the owner’s trophy to Jassim bin Hamad al-Attiyah after Al Sakab CEO Bader bin Mohamed al-Darwish after Al Faisaliya’s victory FOCUS Stud’s Al Faisaliya won the Al Britha Cup at Al Rayyan Park yesterday. yesterday. PICTURES: Juhaim

By Sports Reporter Noora Racing Limited’s Al Ghari- Doha yah, who was helmed to a fi ne ‘Excited’ Schumacher prepares one-length victory in the mile- long Thoroughbred Maiden Plate atari trainer Ibrahim event under Saadi. Umm Qarn’s for F1 debut and generation game al-Malki celebrated a Al Balagh topped the local Ara- double yesterday as Al bian maiden over 2,200m with AFP year and I am very happy that we Sakab Stud’s Al Fais- Carlos Henrique partnering well Manama, Bahrain are here now and we start tomor- aliyaQ topped the Al Britha Cup, with the fi lly as the four-year-old row (Friday) and then we go from the feature for local Thorough- registered her fi rst win in only her there. It was kind of sad not to breds, at the Qatar Racing and second outing. ine years on from have as many days testing as I Equestrian Club’s Al Rayyan Saadi rode another winner for his father’s last rac- would have liked, but we will take Park yesterday. compatriot De Mieulle with Al ing campaign, Mick on the challenge.” In the seven-furlong run, Shaqab Racing’s Mwarid mak- Schumacher admit- Schumacher, 22, will line up the homebred mare was guided ing lightweight of his 60 kilos tedN yesterday that he is excited alongside fellow-rookie Russian to an exciting victory by Ro- in the Arabian novice run over to represent the family name in Nikita Mazepin for Haas. nan Thomas as the fi ve-year- 2,000m, winning by a little Formula One again at this week- “I am so happy that we are old edged out al-Malki’s own more than a length. end’s season-opening Bahrain here and I feel really excited,” he Shaman Bu Thaila, with Anas In the other Arabian novice Grand Prix. added. al-Seyabi astride, by half-a- run, Al Shahania Stud’s Alf Lyla The reigning Formula Two His father Michael won seven length. gave her handler Julian Smart Ronan Thomas rides Al Faisaliya to Al Britha Cup victory at Al Rayyan champion makes his F1 debut drivers’ titles, two with Benet- Half-an-hour earlier, in the his only victory as Tomas Lu- Park yesterday. with Haas in Sunday’s race at ton and fi ve with Ferrari, be- penultimate race, al-Seyabi was kasek helmed her to a thrilling the Bahrain International Circuit fore coming out of retirement to involved in another thrilling half-a-length win. 1. Alf Lyla (Tomas Lukasek), Won by: Hd, 2, Hd. Time: 2:08.02. where, to his obvious amuse- been obviously successful – end his career with a stint at the fi nish when he rode al-Malki- In the card’s fi rst race, a local 2. Khanoor (Ronan Thomas), Owner: Layla Sophia Kalach. ment, he will face a handful of therefore they’re here.” then-fl edgling Mercedes works schooled Balmari to a quarter- Thoroughbred maiden, Qatari 3. Monati (Anas al-Seyabi), 4. Trainer: Wasim al-Sahn. his father seven-time champion Schumacher’s experience in team from 2010 to 2012. of-a-length victory in the col- apprentice rider Rashid Ali al- Tabouk (Soufiane Saadi). Won Race 7: THOROUGHBRED Michael’s one-time rivals. pre-season testing in Bahrain The 52-year-old has not been ours of Al Bida Racing. It was Marri helmed his 14th winner by: ½, 3, 10 ½. Time: 1:46.53. HANDICAP (Class 4) (Far bend) “I guess it’s kind of funny to earlier this month was limited to seen in public since a skiing ac- the four-year-old chestnut’s of the season as Ali al-Marri- Owner: Al Shahania Stud. (1,200m) think about it, that they’ve raced only two half-days due to a gear- cident in the French Alps in 2013, second straight Thoroughbred schooled War Man won for the Trainer: Julian Smart. 1. My Kinda Day (Faleh Bugha- two generations,” he told report- box issue, but he said it had not witnessed by Mick, left the For- Handicap win. fi rst time in his three starts. Race 4: LOCAL PUREBRED naim), 2. The Singer (Alberto ers. “It shows they’ve been in the diminished his anticipation. mula One legend with severe Experience Qatari jockey Faleh ARABIAN MAIDEN PLATE (Far Sanna), 3. Lightning Boltz (Anas sport for a while now and they’ve “It’s been a long wait since last brain injuries. Bughanaim helmed Al Jasra RESULTS bend) (2,200m) al-Seyabi), 4. Alrahaal (Meteb Stud’s My Kinda Day to the geld- Race 1: LOCAL 1. Al Balagh (Carlos Henrique), Ali al-Marri). Won by: 1 ¼, 1 ¼, ½. ing’s fi rst career win in 17 starts. THOROUGHBRED MAIDEN 2. Ranan (Marco Casamento), 3. Time: 1:12.90. Owner: Al Jasra The Ahmed Kobeissi-saddled PLATE (1,600m) AJS Sarhan (Soufiane Saadi), 4. Stud. Trainer: Ahmed Kobeissi. Max title would be Red Bull’s best yet, says Horner gelding had missed out on his 1. War Man (Rashid Ali al-Marri), Benghazi Al Naif (Saleh Salem Race 8: THOROUGHBRED fi rst win at Al Uqda a week ago, 2. Al Harqah (Carlos Henrique), al-Marri). Won by: 2 ¼, Hd, 5 ½. HANDICAP (Class 4) (Far bend) Reuters Hamilton, who can become the told Reuters. but yesterday did well to beat Al- 3. Al Qamar (Alberto Sanna), 4. Time: 2:37.01. Owner: Umm Qarn. (70-90) (1,400m) London, United Kingdom first driver to win 100 races, is “They (Hamilton and Mercedes) berto Sanna-ridden The Singer Mutamarrid (Marco Casamento). Trainer: Alban de Mieulle. 1. Balmari (Anas al-Seyabi), 2. bidding for an unprecedented are absolute titans of the sport at by a length-and-a-quarter in the Won by: Hd, 2 ½, Shd. Time: Race 5: PUREBRED ARABIAN Fuwayrit (Soufiane Saadi), 3. eighth crown. the moment. I think that it would Thoroughbred Handicap. 1:40.06. Owner: Antar Rashid al- NOVICE PLATE (Far bend) Gangland (Francois Herholdt), 4. ax Verstappen ending The 36-year-old and his team be our biggest achievement if we The Italian too celebrated Marri. Trainer: Ali al-Marri. (2,000m) Cool Exhibit (Khalid al-Balushi). the record reign of may be favourites based on were able to beat them.” a handicap winner, guiding Race 2: THOROUGHBRED 1. Mwarid (Soufiane Saadi), 2. Won by: ¼, 1 ¼, ½. Time: 1:25.14. Mworld champion Lewis past performance and stable Verstappen, 23, is also Formula Wasim al-Sahn’s ward Ma- MAIDEN PLATE (3 Year Olds) Ragdan (Tomas Lukasek), 3. Bin Owner: Al Bida Racing. Trainer: Hamilton and Mercedes this rules but Red Bull stood out in One’s youngest race winner haarat to her fi rst win in Qatar in (Class 6) (1,600m) Al Tair (Ronan Thomas), 4. Dawi Ibrahim al-Malki. year would rank as Red Bull’s testing as Mercedes struggled with the Dutch driver only 18 16 starts. Layla Sophia Kalach- 1. Al Ghariyah (Soufiane Saadi), (Francois Herholdt). Won by: 1 ¼, Race 9: AL BRITHA biggest achievement to date in and Verstappen, best of the rest when he took his first victory owned chestnut mare topped 2. Release The Beast (Alberto Hd, ¾. Time: 2:16.85. Owner: Al CUP (Far bend) (LOCAL Formula One, according to team last year, has Hamilton in his for Red Bull. the 2,000m run by a head, edg- Sanna), 3. Deliberate Attack Shaqab Racing. Trainer: Alban THOROUGHBREDS) (1,400m) boss Christian Horner. sights. Vettel, now with Aston Martin, ing out Soufi ane Saadi-ridden (Khalid al-Balushi), 4. Maybe One de Mieulle. 1. Al Faisaliya (Ronan Thomas), Hopes of a much closer battle “Arguably winning with Max was also 23 when he became Ethic at the post. Day (Francois Herholdt). Won Race 6: THOROUGHBRED 2. Shaman Bu Thaila (Anas al- between the rivals are rising would be our biggest single the youngest champion. Earlier yesterday veteran by: 1, ½, 1 ½. Time: 1:37.06. Owner: HANDICAP (Class 4) (Far bend) Seyabi), 3. Al Adheed (Soufi- as the sport prepares to start achievement in Formula One Verstappen won two races last trainer Alban de Mieulle cel- Noora Racing Limited. Trainer: (85 & below) (2,000m) ane Saadi), 4. Bab Al Rayyan a new season in Bahrain on for the size of the challenge,” year to Hamilton’s 11, with the ebrated three winners, includ- Alban de Mieulle. 1. Mahaarat (Alberto Sanna), (Tomas Lukasek). Won by: Hd, Sunday. Horner, whose team won four champion starting only 16 of ing two in maidens and one in a Race 3: LOCAL PUREBRED 2. Ethic (Soufiane Saadi), 3. 2 ¼, 5. Time: 1:26.24. Owner: Al Mercedes have won every successive title doubles from the 17 after testing positive for novice. ARABIAN NOVICE (FILLIES & Hessdalen (Anas al-Seyabi), 4. Sakab Stud. Trainer: Ibrahim title since 2014 while Britain’s 2010-13 with Sebastian Vettel, Covid-19. First up for the Frenchman was MARES) (1,600m) Hakeem (Ghofrane Ghrissi). al-Malki.

Friday, March 26, 2021 GULF TIMES SPORT

FIBA 3X3 BASKETBALL WORLD TOUR DOHA MASTERS Exciting action on cards as 3x3 Doha Masters starts today By Sports Reporter The competition, featuring 14 “FIBA thanks QBF, Qatar Ol- Masters in form having starred Doha teams including two from the host ympic Committee and health for Al Gharafa in the 5x5 do- country — Lusail and Doha — will authorities for making this event mestic league. The talented compete for top honours, will be a reality especially given the cur- 24-year-old Saad is the No.2 he third edition of the held under strict health protocols. rent circumstances,” said Sori- ranked Qatari. Nedim Muslic, FIBA 3x3 Basketball “Qatar Basketball Federation ano. Seydou Ndoye, Tanguy Alban H World Tour Doha Mas- is a firm supporter of 3x3 and The teams taking part in the Ngombo and Erfaan Ali Saaeed ters will tip off at the Al with the assistance of Qatar event are – Word No 1 Liman, are the other players of Lusail TGharafa Sports Complex today. Olympic Committee, we made Riga, Ub, NY Harlem, Prin- team. The two-day event, with the all the necessary preparations, ceton, Novi Sad, Amsterdam The Doha team members are world’s top 10 teams competing we respected all the rules im- Talent&Pro, Piran, Sakiai Gul- Faisal Abuissa, Babacr Dieng, for the fi rst title of 2021, will be posed by the Ministry of Public bele, Edmonton, Lusail, Graz, Meho Haracic and Abdelrahman held without fans. Health. All the teams are al- Doha, Manila Chooks TM. Yehia. Speaking at a press confer- ready in Doha. They had good With the return of their en- The event will be available on ence yesterday, Qatar Basket- training and everything is un- tire squad, including World Tour the FIBA Twitch channel and will ball Federation (QBF) secretary der control. We are now ready 2020 MVP Nauris Miezis, Riga be co-hosted by Vince Chang, a general Ali al-Malki said Qatar to host the best teams in the look all set for the Doha three- stand-up comedian and 3x3 su- is excited to host the competi- world,” he said. peat. The Latvians are sure fa- perfan. tion again. FIBA 3×3 Head of Events and vourites, looking for their third Fans following the event on “We are excited to host the Partnerships Ignacio Soriano is straight World Tour win in Doha, Twitch will be able to interact FIBA 3x3 World Tour Masters confi dent that the event will be a following successful campaigns with the event as never before, once again in Doha. But this time success. in 2019 and 2020. selecting candidates for post- sadly we don’t have fans at the “I feel like last time, the event Abdulrahman Saad will rep- game player interviews and hav- venue because of the pandemic,” will be a success story again,” So- Qatar Basketball Federation (QBF) secretary general Ali al-Malki (right) and FIBA 3×3 Head of Events and resent local hopes with the Lu- ing a say in the Most Spectacular al-Malki said yesterday. riano said. Partnerships Ignacio Soriano during a press conference yesterday. sail team and he comes into the Player selection.

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT ‘Ray of light’: New docu-series Olympic torch relay begins aft er follows Barshim’s year’s delay Olympic gold quest ‘I feel it’s time to get closer, share the process, in an up-close and personal way’

iving a glimpse into his training camps and regimen as he prepares for his attempt at win- Gning the only major honour missing from his trophy cabi- net — an Olympic gold — Qatari high jump star Mutaz Barshim has released a docu-series Mu- Azusa Iwashimizu, a member of Japan women’s national football taz Barshim: Jump for Gold. team, carries the Olympic torch during the torch relay grand start The fi ve-part series in part- outside J-Village National Training Centre in Naraha, Fukushima nership with Red Bull will follow Prefecture, Japan, yesterday. (AFP) the two-time world champion through a journey of his hard- AFP eno was thrilled nonetheless. core training camps in various Iwaki, Japan “This will be a great memory,” locations across the world in his he told AFP. “I want to become a quest for the gold medal at the professional baseball player and Tokyo Olympics in Summer this he Tokyo Olympics torch play at the Olympics.” year. relay got underway on Organisers were making fi nal Commenting on the series, Thursday after a year’s preparations for the relay last the two-time Olympic medal- coronavirus delay, with year when the virus prompted list says, “People always see Toffi cials hoping it will be a “ray of the unprecedented decision to me on the track and field, in light” after the problems caused postpone the Games, as sport competition, in my sportive by the pandemic. around the world ground to a element. I feel it’s time to get Spectators were barred from halt. closer, share the details, the the departure ceremony and fi rst A year on, the pandemic is still process, more in an up-close leg over ongoing fears about the in full swing despite vaccine roll- and personal way.” coronavirus, which forced the outs, and many in Japan fear the Barshim, who has a personal 2020 Games’ historic postpone- Olympics will cause a spike in best of 2.43m, just shy of the ment a year ago. cases. world record of 2.45m, adds: “I But they will line the rest of Overseas spectators are barred want to take them with me to the the route during the 121-day re- from the Games, and limits are mountains of Zakopane, to my lay, which will criss-cross Japan likely on domestic fans, so the home in Doha, to my lockdown and involve 10,000 runners be- relay is seen as a vital opportuni- days and how the world changed fore the torch lights the Olympic ty to build positive momentum. for me, to Malmo and Munich cauldron on July 23. The Fukushima launch also where I have diff erent training Organisers are hoping the puts the spotlight back on the experiences. The people have relay will dispel doubts about northeastern region of Tohoku always been my greatest sup- holding the Games during a pan- that was aff ected by the 2011 porters and through this series demic, and Tokyo 2020 chief quake, tsunami and nuclear dis- I want them to be closer to me Seiko Hashimoto called the fl ame aster. through my journey. “a ray of light at the end of the The Games were initially The story, narrated by darkness”. billed as the “Recovery Olym- Barshim, starts in December “This little fl ame never lost pics”, showcasing reconstruction 2019 after he became the only hope and it waited for this day in the region. The relay will pass high jumper in history to suc- like a cherry blossom bud just through some towns that remain cessfully defend his world title, about to bloom,” she told the only partially open to the public, all through the Covid-19 pan- ceremony at Fukushima’s J-Vil- as radiation decontamination demic in 2020, the postpone- Mutaz Barshim began his training journey for Tokyo Olympics in Zakopane, Poland, in December 2019. lage sports complex, which was continues. ment of the Olympics, the one a base for responding to the 2011 In Iwaki city, the largest stop extra year, and heading back to a tions helps build my endurance nuclear disaster. on the fl ame’s fi rst day, 78-year- new normal today in 2021. levels,” he explains. Azusa Iwashimizu, one of Ja- old Hikomitsu Onodera was “In this series, I share how Mutaz was based at the Cen- pan’s 2011 World Cup-winning dressed in the same blue blazer each training camp held in a tralny Osrodek Sportu Zako- women’s footballers, was the he wore as an offi cial overseeing different country has its own pane, and as part of the series, fi rst to carry the rose-gold, weightlifting at the Tokyo 1964 impact on me physically, men- takes the viewer through his cherry blossom-shaped torch, Olympics. tally and emotionally,” adds daily routine at this Olympic accompanied by former team- “It was good — sport is some- Barshim. Preparation Centre. “I start my mates. thing that can bring everyone The fi rst chapter sees Barshim daily routine with morning hikes She passed the fl ame to Fuku- together,” he said, after the fl ame at the start of his journey to- in the mountain. My afternoon shima high school student Asato passed. wards the Olympic gold medal. training is mainly indoors with Owada, who like all the runners At the end of a windy day dur- Back in December 2019 Barshim cardio warm-up, stretching, wore an offi cial white tracksuit ing which the torch went out and was in the mountains of Zako- drills, and hurdles followed by with a red diagonal stripe. was swiftly re-lit with a back-up pane in Poland, as the elite high strength training with weights,” A handful of fans, wear- fl ame, it reached Minamisoma, jumper focused on preparing he elaborates. ing their compulsory masks, one of the towns hardest hit by his body and mind for the most “Each success and achieve- watched the relay from its sec- the 2011 disaster. challenging 2020 season ever, ment come with a lot of more ond section. But with cheer- The fi nal torchbearer of the after the mega world title win in expectations, not only from the ing and large crowds banned for day ran past a pen of horsemen in Doha. sport but also from society,” says virus safety, the loudest sound samurai armour — a local tradi- “Surrounded by nature where Barshim, who refl ects on the came from clicking cameras. tion — and lit a ceremonial caul- it’s calm and quite is where I progress he made in Zakopane at “I think it somewhat lacks dron to mark the fi rst day’s close. like to fi nd myself whenever the end of the chapter. excitement because there are The torch will travel through I’m building up to a competi- The upcoming chapters will rules,” Tetsuya Ozawa told AFP all of Japan’s 47 prefectures and tive season of high jumping,” focus on Barshim’s return to in the town of Naraha. take in landmarks including says Barshim. Accompanied Doha in early January 2020, how “I think more people would Mount Fuji and the Hiroshima by coach Stanislaw Szczyrba, the Covid-19 pandemic took a have come and there would have Peace Memorial Park. mountains play an important toll on the world, impacting the been more excitement if there Its circuitous route fi rst heads role in inspiring Barshim as he Barshim was based at Centralny Osrodek Sportu Zakopane in Poland. athlete personally and profes- wasn’t coronavirus.” south to the islands of Okinawa works on his physical and men- sionally, moving on to his re- before reversing course for the tal game. “Why Zakopane? Be- took me here fi rst time 9 years great. Weather conditions here with snow sometimes. This al- turn back to the new normal late ‘A GREAT MEMORY’ northern region of Hokkaido and cause I have a Polish coach! He ago and ever since it’s been in Zakopane are extremely cold titude training in such condi- 2020/early 2021. But 10-year-old Tsuzumi Sug- fi nally back to Tokyo.