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Tuesday, February 13, 2018 FOOTBALL Jumada I 27, 1439 AH Tottenham stand GULF TIMES between Allegri and Champions League SPORT Page 6 TENNIS / TOTAL OPEN FOCUS Sport Day embraces Qualifi er Niculescu all communities, says QOC president

QNA sends Sharapova atar Olympic Com- mittee (QOC) pres- ident HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Qal-Thani said that National Sport Day is an exceptional occasion for community packing on Day One members to celebrate sport, pointing out that the com- mittee aims at raising aware- ‘I did a really good job in the first set and a half, but that’s not enough to win’ ness among those who live in Qatar on the importance of By Sahan Bidappa physical fi tness. Doha HE Sheikh Joaan said that Qatar is proud of being one of the fi rst countries in the aria Sharapova’s head must world and the fi rst in the Mid- mary goal of organising all be spinning after her loss dle East to devote a holiday to sports activities, noting that to Monica Niculescu at the sports day for all residents. QOC encourages everyone to Qatar Total Open last night. In order to enrich this event, participate in this event and MFor, the Russian was subjected to a series he said, QOC is organising 72 enjoy a lively and active day. of incredible topspin forehand shots by sporting events for all com- The achievements of Team Niculescu, which brought Sharapova’s munity members of all ages Qatar champions are a source downfall on the opening day of the Pre- on the day, with the aim of of inspiration and a good ex- mier 5 WTA tournament at the Khalifa giving everyone the opportu- ample for youth, Sheikh Joaan International Tennis and Squash Com- nity to practice sport. said, adding that QOC is de- plex yesterday. This year, he added, fun lighted to have many of them Having managed to defy Niculescu’s and benefi t will be the pri- in this year’s sporting event. unique style of play when she won the fi rst set, Sharapova found herself tangled in a web of sliced shots from the Roma- nian to crash out of the tournament 4-6, 6-4, 6-3. Qatar Total Open Results, Order of Play World No. 92 Niculescu, who had to win two of her qualifying matches to RESULTS elsewhere make it to the 64-fi eld strong main draw, Monica Niculescu of Romania plays a shot against Russia’s Maria Sharapova (right) during their first round singles match in the Singles (1st Round) CENTRE COURT plays the most unique brand of tennis on Qatar Total Open at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex yesterday. PICTURES: Jayan Orma Dominika Cibulkova (SLO) bt Qiang Wang (CHN) v Madi- the WTA Tour. Her game is not based on Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (RUS) son Keys (USA) [12] power, baseline rallies or volleys but her and a break before turning the tide on the of her game. I think those two matches putting the pace on her,” the Russian said. 7-6 (8), 6-4 Shuai Peng (CHN) v Kristina signature style of play is centred on a top- Russian wildcard, breaking at love to level in the qualifi ers helped me a lot. I knew Meanwhile, the other qualifi ers too had Q-Anna Blinkova (RIS) bt Mladenovic (FRA) [11] spin forehand, which makes her a tricky the match and winning 12 of the fi nal 13 a little bit about the surface and the con- a good day, with Anna Blinkova, Cather- Elena Vesnina (RUS) 6-1, 6-3 Cagla Buyukakcay (TUR) v opponent. points to secure the victory after two ditions; it’s a bit windy. I’m happy that I ine Bellis and Ying-Ying Duan also book- Q-Catherine Bellis (US) w/o Petra Kvitova (CZE) [16] And Sharapova found it the hard way hours and 38 minutes on court. could get through. It was a tough match, ing their sport in the second round. Daria Kasatkina (RUS) retired Ying-Ying Duan (CHN) v yesterday. The fi ve-time Grand Slam Niculescu’s consistency got her on the and to beat Maria fi rst round here on American CiCi Bellis advanced after 7-5, 4-1 Garbiñe Muguruza (ESP) [4] champion is still on a comeback trail after winning side in the end. She hit just 12 Doha Centre Court was a good match, in Russia’s World No. 24 Daria Kasatkina Q-Monica Nicalescu (ROU) Not before 7pm returning from a 15-month ban for dop- winners but also made only 17 unforced three hours too,” Niculescu added. pulled out of their opener with an neck bt Maria Sharapova (RUS) 4-6, Julia Goerges (GER) [9] v ing violation. Currently No. 41, 30-year- errors, converting six of her seven break- Sharapova was clearly lost for words injury while trailing 7-5, 4-1. Unheralded 6-4, 6-3 Lucie Safarova (CZE) old Sharapova received a wild card for the point opportunities. as she once again bowed out of a tourna- Blinkova shocked her Russian compatriot Q-Ying-Ying Duan (CHN) bt Caroline Garcia (FRA) [7] v main draw in Doha, where she has won Sharapova, on the other hand, failed to ment early. “I thought I did a really good and No. 23 Elena Vesnina 6-1, 6-3, while (WC)-Ons Jabeur (TUN) 6-2, 6-3 Dominika Cibulkova (SVK) twice before — in 2005 and 2008. And the nail her forehand winners, committing 52 job in the fi rst set and a half, but that’s Chinese Duan beat Tunisian wildcard Mihaela Buzarnescu (ROU) reception she got from the motley crowd unforced errors that cancelled out her 31 obviously not enough to win the match,” Ons Jabeur 6-2, 6-3. bt Lesia Tsurenko (UKR) 7-5, 6-4 COURT 1 showed she is still one of the favourites in winners. Sharapova said. “I did a good job of win- Earlier, Dominika Cibulkova rallied Ekaterina Makarova (RUS) bt (GBR) [10] v women’s tennis. “I thought I played really well in quali- ning the longer rallies, even though that’s past Russia’s Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova Shuai Zheng (CHN) 7-5, 6-0 Bernarda Pera (USA) It was the fi rst meeting between the fi ers, and I thought I have the game but not really what I wanted to get myself 7-6 (8), 6-4 as she progressed to a sec- Doubles (1st Round) Fatma al-Nabhani (OMA) v two, with Sharapova also playing in Doha when I saw the draw I wasn’t too happy, into. So physically I felt good. I just got ond round meeting with France’s seventh Anastasia Pavylchenkova Magdalena Rybarikova (SVK) for the fi rst time since 2013. And Nicules- actually, because I thought I’m playing pretty passive in the end and started seed Caroline Garcia. Romania’s Mihaela (RUS)/ (UKR) bt [14] cu put Sharapova through the grind with good,” said Niculescu, who will next play making too many errors. Buzarnescu eased past Lesia Tsurenko (JPN)/Katarina Barbora Strycova (CZE) v some head-spinning, slow sliced fore- either No.14 seed and 2018 Wimbledon “I love playing in three-set matches, 7-5, 6-4 to set up a clash with sixth- Srebotnik (SLO) 6-3, 6-2. Aleksandra Krunic (SRB) hands. The Romanian was ready to play semifi nalist Magdalena Rybarikova or and I think I’ve thrived in them my career. seeded champion Jelena Anna Smith (GBR) / Renata a patient game, which clearly frustrated wildcard Fatma al-Nabhani of Oman. So I don’t necessarily shy away from that Ostapenko. ORDER OF PLAY Voracova (CZE) v Andreja Klepac the former No. 1. “But I thought I was getting better and challenge. I think I have to look at the tape Russian Ekaterina Makarova also Starts at 12pm on Center Court, (SLO) / María José Martínez Niculescu, the 2012 Qatar Total Open better by match, and in the second and and see why I started going back behind reached second round after a 7-5, 6-0 win 5pm on Court 6 and 3.30pm Sánchez (ESP) [8] quarter-fi nalist, twice trailed by a set third set I could understand a little bit the baseline and not moving forward, not over Shuai Zheng of China.

BOTTOMLINE Refreshed Kerber in quest for lost glory

By Sahan Bidappa gained her lost self. The left-hander’s I can fi ght,” Kerber said at the Qatar think that I reached it, the goal which I I was really playing good tennis again, Doha aggressive streak that brought her suc- Total Open, which began yesterday at had for the Australian trip, and that was and I think it was more a combination cess in 2016 is back and is the most in- the Khalifa International Tennis and more important for me than the results of both, good recovery to start again form player in 2018. Squash Complex. and the points and all of this,” the 30- and to focus on the next tournaments. or Angelique Kerber, 2016 Kerber was a point away — twice — “And yeah, having my tennis back, year said. I think that I needed a little bit time seems a long time ago. It was from advancing to the my motivation and everything like I had In Doha, Kerber has been drawn to recover from all the matches that I when the German had a spec- fi nal last month, before losing a dra- like two years ago. So this was the big- into the same quarter as the Australian played in Australia, but now I’m feeling tacular season, winning two matic semi-fi nal to runner-up Simona gest progress and the biggest thing for Open champion and World No. 1 Caro- good again.” GrandF Slam titles and a silver medal at Halep. me was to know and to feel that, ‘yeah, line Wozniacki. The 30-year-old will A fi nalist in Doha in 2014, Kerber will the Rio Olympics, and taking over the That remains her only loss of the I’m on the court and I am again playing open against either Sam Stosur or Irina be keen to go all the way this time. She World No.1 ranking from Serena Wil- 2018 season so far. She began the year my tennis,’” she added. Camelia Begu in the second round to- did, however, say she will not be getting liams. by scoring four wins at Hopman Cup The heart-breaking semi-fi nal loss morrow and could face Britain’s World too ahead of herself and her motto will But what followed next year was and then rolling to her fi rst title since to Halep in Melbourne might have hurt No. 11 Johanna Konta in the Round of be to fi ght for every point. nothing short of a disaster for Kerber, the 2016 US Open, losing just two sets at that time, but she is keen to look at 16. “I’m just looking the same, the same as she suff ered a drastic slump in form en route to the Sydney title. the positives. “It’s never easy after a Having taken a break after the Aus- way like I looked in Australia because in 2017. She was knocked out in the fi rst Now back in the Top 10, having loss. It needs a few days (to digest), but tralian summer, Kerber is refreshed it’s at the beginning of the year,” she round while defending the US Open climbed 11 places in a month, Kerber new pupil. at the end I know that I gave everything, now to continue her renaissance. She said. “We have now the second trip. title, which completed her year-long has fi rmly set her sights on mounting While Kerber knows that she has and I know how close it was. It’s just began practising again last week and It’s just fresh everything, and I know slide from the top of the game. Kerber a comeback to the top of the women’s to back up a good January with some one, two points which decide matches. arrived two days early in Doha to get that everything starts from zero. It’s a didn’t even win a WTA title in 2017, and game and challenge for majors. At the strong consistent performances, she is “For me, it was more important to acclimated to the outdoor conditions. new tournament, new conditions. And failed to go past the fourth round at any end of last year, Kerber split with her happy to have found her groove. “For see that I’m back and that I’m playing “I was feeling my body,” Kerber said. that’s why I’m trying to keep my goal of the majors. She also slid out of top- long-time coach Torben Beltz and me it was really important when I’m good tennis, that I won matches again. “I was a little bit tired for sure, espe- like I started the year, and I think this 20 for the fi rst time since 2012. joined hands with Wim Fissette, who looking back on the last few weeks that And that was actually the goal for Aus- cially after the long fl ight. But mentally goal will also be the goal for the rest of But this new year, Kerber has re- seems to be making an impact with his I’m able to play my game again, that tralia for the fi rst month of the year. I as well, I mean I had a lot of matches. the season.” Gulf Times 2 Tuesday, February 13, 2018 SPORT

QATAR TOTAL OPEN FED CUP Serena loses in Muguruza hopes to return but says ‘on the right track’

Reuters even though they didn’t go in,” Toronto said Williams. power forward with “It’s just a start. I feel like that’s a very good step in the erena Williams was un- right direction.” derstandably far from her Despite the loss, it was a posi- best in her return to com- tive step for Williams, who was petition on Sunday but bedridden for six weeks from a theS greatest player of her genera- series of complications, includ- tion said it was a positive step to- ing a pulmonary embolism that ‘Conchita mind’ ward her goal of returning to the led to multiple surgeries, after pinnacle of her sport. her daughter was delivered by Williams, playing her fi rst of- emergency caesarean section. Former Wimbledon champ was in Muguruza’s box when she won at All England fi cial match since having a baby, Still, the 36-year-old Ameri- and older sister Venus were beat- can said she came into the tie By Sports Reporter en in a dead doubles rubber by with high expectations. Doha the Netherlands in the Fed Cup “If I walk out there with low in Asheville, North Carolina, but expectations, then I need to stop walked away feeling upbeat. doing what I do. So that’s never arbine Muguruza has not had “I honestly feel better than I going to happen for me,” said the best of starts to her sea- thought I was going to feel,” said Williams. son. The reigning Wimbledon Williams, who prior to Sunday “I’m always going to have the champion and former World No had not played a competitive best and highest expectations for G1 has struggled with form and lost in the match since her 2017 Australian myself.” second round of the Australian Open to Open victory. The rubber had no impact Hsieh Su-wei. A leg injury has also not “I feel like I didn’t expect to on the best-of-fi ve tie as it was made it easier for the 24-year-old Span- play, you know, like that for me. played after Venus gave the Unit- iard to move on the court. I feel like I’m on the right track.” ed States an insurmountable 3-0 But Muguruza has a reason to cheer now Williams, who gave birth to lead that put the reigning cham- after she reunited with her compatriot her fi rst child last September, pions into the April 21-22 semi- Conchita Martinez, the 1994 Wimbledon showed glimpses of both her fi nals against France. champion. Martinez was in Muguruza’s prowess and rust during the 6-2 Williams, who played an ex- box throughout her triumph at All Eng- 6-3 loss to Demi Schuurs and Le- hibition match last December in land Club last year and is guiding her fellow sley Kerkhove. the , where Spaniard for the next four hard-court tour- Early in the match Williams she lost to French Open cham- naments, beginning from the Qatar Total showed the eff ects of her lengthy pion Jelena Ostapenko, said in Open, which began yesterday. layoff , perhaps most noticeably addition to working on her serve Ahead of her second round match when she shanked a routine vol- and returns, she needs to manage against Ying-Ying Duan of China in ley that left her bent over in em- her time better now that she has Doha today, Muguruza, currently ranked barrassment. her daughter in tow. fourth, shared her excitement of having But shortly after, the owner “I didn’t manage my time well, Martinez join her team and her goals for of an Open-era record 23 grand but I was thinking about it in the the season. slam singles titles drew wild future how to manage it better,” Excerpts: cheers when she confi dently said Williams, whose daughter stepped to the net and stretched was among those in the sellout Since the Australian Open loss in out to drive home a superb back- crowd. the second round, how long were the hand volley. “This is literally my fi rst time racquets in the bag or were you back “I didn’t know what to expect. travelling with the baby and eve- training soon? Spain’s Garbine Muguruza takes part in a training session at Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex. PICTURE: Jayan Orma Maybe that’s why I felt like I did rything. I’m going to try to do Well, I had time to rest and to prepare better. I didn’t expect to...have better. It was hard. It was the fi rst after the Australian Open. I went back to happens until I have to compete. next couple of tournaments till Miami. ence that is going to help me, ‘the Conchita that much power on my serves, time for me.” Switzerland, and I actually went pretty And just have this new experience. I was mind’. So yeah, I think it’s good. fast to the court. I did play a lot of tennis, What made you to join hands with looking for this experience. Sam Sumyk actually. I wanted to forget a little bit how Conchita Martinez again? will continue being my main coach but I Do you talk about what it was like the start of the season went, and I felt It’s a little bit of a new experience for think it’s going to be interesting. back in the day when Martinez was nice to just spend hours on the court. me. Conchita and I, we’ve known each I think Conchita is a very calm person. playing? other since I was little and she’s always And she has a lot of experience. This is not Yeah. It is diff erent era she played in, You were dealing with a bunch of lit- been a bit in the shadow, you know, help- easy to fi nd and it isn’t easy also to be in this but at the end, you know, she’s also been a tle niggles in January. So physically ing me here and there. And of course, diffi cult competitive environment and to tennis player. And those things are there. how are you feeling? everybody saw me and her in Wimbledon get along with somebody very good. I feel The mental part of the game and just the I’m feeling better. Right now I’m happy and we had the best success possible. I have an amazing team and I think I have travelling or just a woman who has been that all these training days have gone well I get along well with her. And I thought one of the best coaches in the tour, which tennis player. Sometimes it’s diffi cult to and I feel better. So hopefully nothing it might be a good idea to have her in the is Sam. And now (I have) also some experi- handle. So it’s just good to have her.

27th Qatar International Arabian Horse Show

Venus Williams (left) and sister, Serena, of Team USA talk before the Fed Cup doubles match against Lesley Kerkhove and Demi Schuurs of the Netherlands in Asheville, United States, on Sunday. (AFP)

GOAL Federer hoping for dream return to No. 1

AFP Rotterdam, Netherlands

oger Federer said yes- terday he could allow himself to dream about recapturing the world numberR one spot at this week’s Rotterdam tournament and be- coming the oldest man ever to hold the position. To climb back to the top at the Sheikh Nawaf bin Nasser al-Thani presents the trophy to Al Shaqab Breeding and Show manager Sheikh Hamad bin Ali al-Thani after Faraa Al Shaqab was adjudged the age of 36, the Swiss must at least Champion Stallion in the 27th Qatar International Arabian Horse Show at Al Shaqab yesterday. PICTURES: Juhaim reach the semi-fi nals. If seedings hold up, that means tralia, I played it not thinking he would have to defeat compa- about number one,” he said. triot and friend Stan Wawrinka “I didn’t think of the rankings in what would be a high-profi le at all in Melbourne. Afterwards, I quarter-fi nal. thought I could always play Rot- “I would love to be in that po- terdam, I’d love to play, give it a sition with anyone, but with Stan go and see what happens. it would be like a Grand Slam fi - “I’m happy I’m here, healthy nal, a big-time match,” said Fe- and eager to play,” he said. derer, fresh from winning a 20th He starts his bid tomorrow Grand Slam title at the Austral- against Belgian Ruben Bemel- ian Open. mans. “I’m hoping to get to number Federer also gave some insight one and hoping to do it this into his plans for the spring clay- week. You always want to do it court season, which he skipped the tough way, it’s not easy to get completely last year on the way there. to winning his eighth Wimble- “The achievement would be don title. quite incredible. It’s exciting to “The clay season is up in the see Stan in my section and it’s air. If I’m playing a lot during this great to have him back (after knee part of the season, it would be surgery in July).” hard to play a robust clay season. Federer made a relatively late “It would be light (schedule) if decision to play at the event, I do play,” he said. which he won in 2005 and 2012. “We’ll see how it goes, I’m He said that after winning in healthy and glad to be playing. Melbourne a fortnight ago, he I should be playing when I feel felt good enough to compete that way and not play when I this week and is also considering don’t feel at 100 percent or don’t Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club chairman Issa al-Mohannadi presents the trophy after Nasser Mohamed Mesfer al-Hajri’s Da Magic Moment won gold among the mares playing in in two weeks’ feel ready to do it. in the championship round yesterday. time. “That’s the secret for me mov- “I didn’t expect to win Aus- ing forward.” Gulf Times Tuesday, February 13, 2018 3 SPORT

FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP FRANCE 2019 Referee Candidate Seminar begins he Referee Candidate Seminar erees representing all six confederations believes in the positive impact sport has you proved your levels. You are now under for the FIFA Women’s World Cup and 56 countries who will run the biggest on society. the supervision of the seminar in Qatar to France 2019 opening ceremony women’s football competition.” At the beginning of the ceremony Kari prepare for the championship. We need was held in Doha yesterday. “We are happy to host you for your Seitz, FIFA’s Senior Manager of Referee- more than fi ve days to prepare, fi ve days TThe Referee Candidate Seminar for the medical and fi tness tests here in Doha, as ing welcomed the audience in Doha and will not be enough, because our goal is to FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019 well as theoretical and practical analy- expressed her happiness at the arrival of seek greatness, however, we do not forget brings together 33 referees representing sis in preparation for the Women’s World all the referees who will participate in the that you are elite referees and you had as- all six confederations and 56 countries – Cup in France. During this week, you (the seminar. She also praised Qatar and QFA’s pirations to reach this stage and represent for the biggest tournament in women’s referees) will be able to benefi t from the eff orts to organise the seminar to prepare your countries.” football. sessions organised to prepare you for the the referees for the FIFA Women’s World “You will soon be able to analyse the The opening ceremony of the seminar competition and you will have the op- Cup France 2019. situation on the pitch, and that is why was held at the InterContinental Hotel portunity to discuss the latest trends and She stressed that the selected referees seminars, workshops and trainings are Doha and was attended by Hani Ballan, programmes in the refereeing world.” are considered the elite referees in the ref- held and sometimes all the pressure is put Vice Chairman of FIFA and AFC Referees’ “The list of candidate referees takes ereeing world, and have all worked hard on the referees and everyone turns to you Committees and Chairman of QFA Ref- into account several qualities, including during the past period to reach this ad- to decide the course of the game. We are erees Committee, Massimo Busaccas, Di- game performances, football understand- vanced stage. all required to work professionally and rector of the FIFA Refereeing Department, ing and fi tness and this workshop will give She reminded the referees that they have a deep understanding of football. We Kari Seitz, FIFA’s Senior Manager of Refe- you all that you need to prepare for the have a long way to go in the coming pe- must also show our capabilities and hard reeing, and Neji Jouni, Executive Director competition.” riod to prove that they are fi t to be in the work on the fi eld when it comes to making of the Referees Committee at QFA. “During this seminar, you will have world’s largest women’s tournament. decisions. I want you all to feel proud to be While addressing the referees at the the chance to convince the FIFA referees Following Hani Balan’s welcome here, you are elite ambitious referees, and ceremony, Hani Ballan, Vice Chairman committee of your abilities before the fi - speech, an exchange of pennants took this is a great start for you. I wish you all of FIFA and AFC Referees’ Committees nal nominations for the FIFA Women’s place between the QFA and FIFA. the best of luck.” and Chairman of QFA Referees Com- World Cup France 2019, which will be Massimo Busacca, Director of the FIFA The fi ve-day seminar will allow the mittee said: “On behalf of the QFA, QFA announced during the period of June 7 to Refereeing Department commented: referees to prepare as a team throughout Referees Committee, FIFA Referees Com- July 7 in which only a limited number of “Three years ago, you were in Canada the build-up to the tournament, and thus mittee, Chairman of the Referees’ Com- referees will be selected to participate in for the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup, helps to improve overall performances. mittee, Pierluigi Collina, my friends Mas- the Women’s World Cup.” we had a good time and saw the referees Candidate referees will take the op- simo Busacca and Kari Seitz, I would like Hani Balan also talked about the Qatar work hard, now you are participating in a portunity during this preparation period to welcome you to the opening ceremony National Sport Day taking place today seminar and after a few months you will to convince the members of the FIFA Ref- of the Referee Candidate Seminar for the where the whole nation gets a day dedi- have to make important decisions on the erees Committee of their skills before the FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019 cated to sports. He said that it refl ects the pitch.” fi nal assignments are made for France which is held in Doha from February 11 to extent of love the country and the resi- “On the pitch you are demanded to be 2019, which will take place from June 7 to FIFA’s senior manager of refereeing Kari Seitz (left) with vice chairman February 16 which brings together 33 ref- dents have for sports because everyone the best, and in the World Cup in Canada July 7. of FIFA and AFC referees’ committees Hani Ballan.

MOTORSPORT PREVIEW Kohli-led India aim to create history QMMF gets ready for in fi ft h one-dayer IANS However, for South Africa Port Elizabeth, South Africa wicket-keeper batsman Hein- rich Klaasen, who played his fi rst match of the series and assured ailing to maintain their them a comprehensive victory in cross-country rally triumphant run after a the rain-curtailed encounter in defeat in the fourth One- Johannesburg, had looked to tack- ‘This year we will have five days of racing over a challenging new route of around 1,395km’ Day International (ODI), le the Indian wrist spinners well. IndiaF will aim to clinch their Batsmen Hashim Amla, Jean- Agencies maiden bilateral 50-overs series Paul Duminy, AB de Villiers and Doha against the Proteas in South Af- David Miller, who can win their rican conditions in the fi fth en- side a match single-handedly counter today. on a given day, might also look ffi cials at the Qatar India started on the front foot to come hard on the formida- Motor and Motorcycle clinching the fi rst three matches ble Indian side, with nothing to Federation (QMMF) by a comprehensive margins. loose. have announced initial South Africa, however, bolstered In the bowling, all eyes will plansO for this year’s Qatar Cross- by their victory in the last tie will be on pacers Kagiso Rabada and Country Rally (QCCR), round have an opportunity to end the Lungisani Ngidi to provide their four of the FIA Cross-Country six-match series on an even note. side with fl urry of wickets at the Rally World Cup and round two The recent history which has St George’s Park. of the FIM Cross-Country Ral- seen India losing against the However, the weather depart- lies World Championship. The Proteas in the 50-over format ment has forecast rain to hit the event takes place over fi ve stages at the South African conditions city and it may aff ect the team on April 17 to 22. could change under the fl am- composition. The QCCR will run over a boyant captaincy of Virat Kohli. short super special stage and In 2013-14, India were out- SQUAD four gruelling selective sections classed by South Africa 0-2 India: Rohit Sharma, Virat through the Qatar deserts for a while in 2010-11 the visitors gave Kohli (captain), Shikhar Dhawan, second successive season, al- a tough fi ght but failed to get Mahendra Singh Dhoni (wk), though the loss of one day in the hold of the series, losing it by a Ajinkya Rahane, Bhuvneshwar desert is more than replaced by slender 2-3 margin. Kumar, Yuzvendra Chahal, the demands of the event’s re- Kohli, with 393 runs in the Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, nowned navigation and punish- ODI series so far, which con- Shreyas Iyer, Hardik Pandya, ing road book. tains two centuries and identi- Dinesh Karthik, Manish Pandey, “The QCCR is one of very Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah at home in the sand at the Qatar Cross-Country Rally. cal numbers of unbeaten knocks, Kedar Jadhav, Mohammed few events where the motorcy- has led India from the front to Shami, Shardul Thakur, Axar cles, quads and cars tackle the heap trouble on the already de- Patel. same route,” said Abdulrahman pleted hosts. South Africa: Aiden Markram al-Mannai, QMMF President Alongside the skipper, opener (captain), Jean-Paul Duminy, and Chairman of the organising Shikhar Dhawan has looked in Hashim Amla, AB de Villiers, committee. fi ne nick throughout the series Morne Morkel, David Miller, “This year we will have fi ve and will be the key to give India Chris Morris, Kagiso Rabada, days of racing over a challenging a dominant total on board in the Andile Phehlukwayo, Lungisani new route of around 1,395km. encounter today. Ngidi, Heinrich Klaasen (wk), The event has a reputation as There is also a strong possi- Imran Tahir, Farhaan Behardien, being one of the most diffi cult bility of Kohli dropping opener Khaya Zondo, Tabraiz Shamsi. in the calendar and a real test Rohit Sharma, who has failed of navigation for the riders and to get going in the series, scor- co-drivers.” ing merely 40 runs in the four Rally headquarters and the matches. The skipper in that media centre will be based at case, might fall in the trouble of the Lusail international circuit selecting from plenty amongst for a third year and there will be Poland’s Rafal Sonik champion on the quads in Qatar. Sam Sunderland on his way to a second QCCR bike win in 2017. Dinesh Karthik, Manish Pandey a new ceremonial start in Doha or Kedar Jadhav. from 20.00hrs on Tuesday, Khalid al-Remaihi and Sul- ran as a candidate rally in 2011 Jean-Louis Schlesser was vic- Qatar’s Mohamed Abu Issa was Equally well complimented April 17. After the pre-event tan Zaher al-Muraikhi are sen- and was won by Qatar’s Nasser torious in 2013. victorious in 2014 and Chile’s bowling department, led by the press conference and the driv- ior members of the organising Saleh al-Attiyah at the wheel of Five-time Dakar winner Marc Ignacio Casale claimed the win wrist spinning pair of Kuldeep ers’ briefi ng, competitors will committee, while Portugal’s a SAM Mercedes 35CC. Coma now works as the Dakar’s in 2016. Entries open on Feb- Yadav and Yuzvendra Cha- tackle a super special stage of Pedro Almeida and Erick Nev- Australia’s Justin Taylor and Sporting Director and the ruary 15 and the closing date at hal, who have been diffi cult to 4.5km at Lusail from 16.15hrs on els work as Clerks of the Course local rider Adel Hussein won Spaniard dominated the motor- reduced rates will be Thursday, be picked up by South Africa Wednesday, April 18. for the respective FIA and FIM the motorcycle and quad cycle category with his KTM in March 15, with the fi nal cut-off throughout the series, will con- India’s Virat Kohli plays a shot The fi rst of four selective sec- events, with Rashed al-Sulaiti categories. This will be the 2012, 2013 and 2015, with Hon- planned for Thursday, April 5. tinue to be the lethal weapons during the fourth ODI against tions through the desert gets acting as Almeida’s deputy and seventh event of its kind in both da’s Joan-Barreda Bort winning The QMMF will provide for India. South Africa. (Reuters) underway on April 19 and is fol- Frenchman Franck Vayssié tak- the FIA and FIM series’. in 2014 and 2017 Dakar winner complimentary accommoda- lowed by three further sections ing the role of Event Manager Al-Attiyah claimed further Sam Sunderland claiming wins tion for GCC participants in Captain Smith wins Border Medal on April 20, April 21 and April 22 for a second year. wins in 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016 in Qatar for the last two years. Doha on April 16-18 and to all – each of around 350km. In a total Qatar’s premier cross-coun- and 2017 in Toyotas and Minis, Poland’s Rafal Sonik won the competitors on April 17-18. Australia cricket captain Steve Smith capped off a golden 12 months route of 1,970.65km, 1,395.24km try event developed from the while two-time Dakar winner quad event on a Honda TRX 700 Visas for competitors will be by winning his second Allan Border Medal in Melbourne yesterday. will be against the clock. Qatar International Baja that and Africa Eco Race organiser in 2012, 2013, 2015 and 2017. included in entry fees. Smith, hailed as the country’s finest batsman since Donald Brad- man, polled 246 votes, well ahead of two-time medal winner David Warner (162 votes) and Nathan Lyon (156 votes). Smith, who had CRICKET earlier been named Australia’s Test Player of the Year for his domi- nant 12 months with the bat, won his first Border Medal in 2015. The skipper was the hot favourite to take the award following a year in which he played 24 international games across limited overs and Zimbabwe thrash Afghanistan to level ODI series Test cricket and scored 1754 runs at 67.46 with seven centuries. He captained a hard-fought series loss in India, a drawn series in rendan Taylor scored a Afghanistan slumped to 89-7 on his 10 overs, but the Afghani- they slipped to 39-5. The in- had won the opening game on Bangladesh and a triumphant 4-0 Ashes victory over England at majestic 125 as Zimba- their way to 179 all out. stan seamers took the brunt of form Mohammad Nabi added Friday. The two sides play three home in which he was also named man of the series. bwe thrashed Afghani- Both teams are warming up Taylor and Raza’s hitting, with 53 with fi rst-match centurion more ODIs in the UAE before Smith, 28, is also the reigning ICC Test Cricketer of the Year after stan by 154 runs in the for the 2019 World Cup quali- Dawlat Zadran and Gulbadin Rahmat Shah, but Zimbabwe meeting again in Group B of earning that accolade last month. He joins Ricky Ponting (2004, secondB one-day international fying tournament in Zimba- Naib conceding 181 runs from captain Cremer took two wick- World Cup qualifying on March 2006-07, 2009), Michael Clarke (2005, 2009, 2012-13), Shane at Sharjah on Sunday to level bwe next month. Wicketkeeper 17 overs between them. All- ets in two balls in his fi rst over. 6. Watson (2010-11) and David Warner (2016-17) as multiple winners the fi ve-match series. Taylor put on 135 for the fourth rounder Raza’s 92 came from 74 Dawlat Zadran put on 64 for the Brief scores of the annual award. Allrounder Ellyse Perry won the Belinda Clark Wicketkeeper Taylor led the wicket with Sikandar Raza be- balls with 13 boundaries includ- fi nal wicket with 16-year-old Zimbabwe 333-5 in 50 overs (B Award for a second time, confirming her as Australia’s best female Africans to 333-5 from their 50 fore being bowled by Afghan ing four sixes. The Afghanistan Mujeeb Ur Rahman, hitting six Taylor 125, S Raza 92) v Afghani- cricketer over the past 12 months. Perry, who previously won the overs with his ninth ODI hun- star Rashid Khan. chase never got going, with the towering maximums, but Zim- stan 179 all out in 30.1 overs (G award in 2016, capped off a 12-month period that also saw her dred, before Graeme Cremer The 19-year-old leg-spinner dangerous Mohammad Shah- babwe wrapped up victory by Cremer 4-41, T Chatara 3-24) named the ICC’s Cricketer of the Year. took 4-41 with his leg-spin as returned fi gures of 2-36 from zad dismissed for just 15 as the same margin as Afghanistan Zimbabwe won by 154 runs. Gulf Times 4 Tuesday, February 13,

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Kingsbury battles nerves to seal the deal Gusts hit schedule, Kingsbury said he had never Reuters Pyeongchang, South Korea felt pressure like it, with the whole moguls world expect- ing him to deliver on the biggest ikael Kingsbury, de- stage. scribed by rival Matt “There was a lot of pressure Graham as the great- on my shoulders and I am so est mogul skier in proud of the way I managed the snowboarders Mhistory, had achieved almost eve- pressure,” he said. “There was so rything in his illustrious career. much pressure, it was crazy. ‘It was really cold and on the shooting range we had a lot of wind’ But there was one important “All day I was thinking good accolade missing. stuff , negative stuff but then AFP MEDALS TABLE Since claiming a silver medal once I clipped my goggles on I Pyeongchang, South Korea in four years ago, the Ca- was just focussed on just doing Country G S B Total nadian has been on a path seem- my job.” Germany 4 1 2 7 ingly destined for Olympic gold As he crossed the fi nishing igh winds caused hav- Netherlands 3 2 2 7 in Pyeongchang. line, Kingsbury let out a huge oc at the Pyeongchang Norway 2 4 3 9 He is the all-time leader in scream that could be heard in the Winter Games yes- Canada 2 4 1 7 moguls skiing victories and his grandstand despite the howling terday as Olympics U.S. 2 1 1 4 streak of 13 consecutive World wind and snow swirling around Hchief Thomas Bach dismissed Cup wins is the most in history, the moguls piste. France 2 0 1 3 concerns had tried Sweden 1 1 0 2 but this Olympic gold was the “You dream about that mo- to “hijack” the competition for South Korea 1 0 0 1 medal he has craved since losing ment all your life,” said Kings- political gain. Austria 1 0 0 1 out to compatriot Alex Bilodeau bury as his voice began to break. Angry snowboarders lashed Japan 0 1 2 3 in 2014. Now, he has added an “You land the bottom air and out at organisers after the wom- Athlete from Russia 0 1 1 2 Olympic gold to his resume, with then you have eight bumps to ski en’s slopestyle fi nal was held in Czech Republic 0 1 1 2 a spectacular fi nal run in yester- and you see the fi nish line com- heavy gusts, causing nearly eve- Australia 0 1 0 1 day’s fi nal. ing and you know you haven’t ry competitor to take a tumble. Slovakia 0 1 0 1 He made it look simple but made any mistakes.” It came after the women’s gi- Finland 0 0 2 2 Kingsbury admitted he had been “When I crossed the fi nish line ant slalom, featuring America’s Italy 0 0 1 1 worried. “I was super nervous,” then all the stress and the pres- Mikaela Shiff rin, was post- Kazakhstan 0 0 1 1 Kingsbury told reporters. sure and thinking about these poned until Thursday because “I have never been nervous like games since Sochi, I was think- of the wind – a day after the that in my life. However, when I ing about this as I crossed the men’s downhill suff ered the clip my skis on and get in my ski fi nish line and then the nerves same fate. character then I feel good. I was a went away.” While the skiing was post- little bit nervous in my fi rst run Kingsbury’s victory ensured it poned, the slopestyle went as it is the and was the third Olympics in a row ahead with near-farcical re- you don’t want to miss your fi rst that a Canadian man has topped sults, as athlete after athlete hit run. I was a bit stiff .” the moguls podium. the deck including gold medal- winner Jamie Anderson. “The weather was bad and too dangerous,” said bronze medallist Enni Rukajarvi, while Austria’s Anna Gasser added: “So many people got hurt be- cause of the wind.” The International Ski Fed- eration (FIS) admitted that conditions were “challenging” but defended the decision to go ahead with the event. “FIS always aims for the athletes to be able to stage their best per- formances, which some athletes have expressed was not the case today,” a statement said. Canada’s Mikael Kingsbury celebrates on the podium during the “But the nature of outdoor victory ceremony of the men’s moguls final at the Phoenix Park in sports also requires adapting to Pyeongchang yesterday. (AFP) the elements.” Heavyweights Canada won their fi rst gold of the Games in the team fi gure skating, while Hopes over for unified Korean the Olympic Athletes from Rus- team after 8-0 drubbing sia took silver to add to their earlier short-track bronze. North Korea’s band of all-female supporters was unable to inspire Germany’s Laura Dahlmeier the historic joint Korean women’s ice hockey team as they were won biathlon’s 10km pur- dumped out of the Pyeongchang Olympics with an 8-0 defeat to suit for her second victory in Switzerland’s Carla Somaini falls as she competes in a run of the women’s snowboard slopestyle final event at the Phoenix Park during the Sweden yesterday. The unified team for the Winter Games in South Pyeongchang, before France’s Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympic Games in Pyeongchang yesterday. (AFP) Korea was the product of a landmark deal between the South and Martin Fourcade took out the North Korea – the neighbours still technically at war – after a year men’s 12.5km pursuit. North Korea, with their high- the IOC made very clear,” Bach, North and South Korea of the Olympics. Separately, of high tensions over ’s nuclear and missile tests. “It was really cold and on the level delegation and large, fe- who will visit North Korea after marched together in the open- Japan’s fi gure skating superstar The home crowd – seated among them the North Korean cheer- shooting range we had a lot of male cheering squad, have also the Olympics, told AFP in an in- ing ceremony and on Mon- Yuzuru Hanyu took to the ice for leaders – roared their players as they skated onto the ice in their wind,” Dahlmeier said. been front and centre in what terview. day they will play their second his fi rst training session – which blue-and-red jerseys, “KOREA” emblazoned over a pale blue silhou- has been seen as a propaganda “This is about the role of women’s ice hockey match to- lasted less than 15 minutes. ette of the peninsula. The joint team is deeply symbolic, but as a Hanyu’s brief encounter coup for the isolated state. sport to build bridges, to open gether as a unifi ed team. The defending champion, hockey side they were at the Games with little hope of making a Extreme conditions – in- But Bach, the International doors and nothing more. However, some South Kore- who has been recovering from serious impression in terms of the competition. And so it proved as cluding deep-freeze cold, a Olympic Committee president, “It’s just a symbol for sport ans are sceptical about the sud- ankle ligament damage, suf- they were hammered 8-0 for the second time in a row, this time to fi re warning and even a minor played down concerns that and it’s a symbol for the fact den rapprochement, while US fered a scary moment when he the Swedes, ranked five in the world. Sweden were 3-0 up in just 10 earthquake on Sunday – have North Korea was manipulating that when you go over these Vice-President Mike Pence said slipped and fell as he departed minutes and the heavy defeat means Korea play Japan tomorrow been a feature of the early days the Games to suit its own agen- bridges you can come to a posi- North Korea was trying to “hi- – before getting up with a wry in their final match in a deadrubber. of the Games in South Korea. da. “This is about sport and this tive result.” jack the message and imagery” smile.

SKI JUMPING Lundby fl ies through blizzard to take gold Reuters HUDDLED IN BLANKETS Pyeongchang In a sport where scoring is based on a combination of distance jumped and judges’ marks for technique, and adjust- aren Lundby of Norway ed for wind conditions, Lundby fi nished outsoared her rivals on a with 264.6 points, 12 ahead of Althaus, night of snow, wind and bit- having carried a lead of just 2.2 into ing cold to win the wom- round two. Men’s Olympic competition The Norwegian was the strong pre- yesterday. competition favourite after dominating The 23-year-old put in a fi nal jump World Cup jumping this season. of 110 metres on the normal hill at the The athletes were forced to contend Alpensia Ski Jumping Centre to score with night-time temperatures of -11 an emphatic victory over Germany’s Celsius (12.2 Fahrenheit) and frequent Katharina Althaus, who took the silver gusts of wind that delayed some jumps medal, and who won and left them huddling in blankets or bronze for Japan. beating their knees for warmth as they With weather conditions steadily waited. worsening, the competition reached an The waits got longer towards the end exciting climax as the top three from the of the fi rst round, with defending cham- fi rst round made their fi nal jumps in re- pion of Germany forced to verse order, starting with Takanashi. take off her skis and fl ex her leg muscles The Japanese made a leap of 103.5 me- as she waited around fi ve minutes to take tres to move into the lead, but applauded off down the ramp. sportingly as Althaus responded with She ended the competition in fi fth 106.0. With the fi nal jump of the com- place. petition, Lundby withstood intense The competition was watched by a pressure to fl y four metres further and sparse but enthusiastic crowd of specta- take the gold. tors, including a vocal contingent from “I was quite calm at the top. I had a Japan, some wrapped up like polar ex- good feeling. I felt ready, and it was re- plorers against the chill. ally amazing to fl y over the green line It was the second time that women and take the win,” said the Norwegian, have competed in Olympic ski jumping, who underwent light physio treatment having joined the programme in Sochi earlier in the day after crashing the day in 2014 after years of struggling to prove before. they were as capable as men at launching Takanashi atoned for what she called themselves off a snowy ramp at speeds the ‘terrible experience’ of the Sochi Ol- of up to 90 km/h and fl ying over 100 ympics four years ago, when she went metres through the air. in as favourite but fi nished fourth, and They still only take part in the smaller said she would use her result here as a normal hill contest, not the large hill nor Gold medallist Morway’s Maren Lundby (centre) of Norway, silver medallist Germany’s Katharina Althaus (right) and bronze medallist Sara Takanashi of Japan springboard to keep aiming for gold. the team event. celebrate during the victory ceremony of the women’s Normal Hill Individual ski jumping at the Alpensia Ski Jumping Centre in Pyeongchang yesterday. (Reuters) Gulf Times Tuesday, February 13, 2017 5 SPORT

NBA GOLF Potter holds off big guns to win James, retooled Pebble Beach title Cavs roll in Boston Cleveland were playing their first game with a full squad, with George Hill, Rodney Hood, Jordan Clarkson and Larry Nance Jr. all making their debuts

AFP quired surgery and he has battled Pebble Beach, United States back since, earning his PGA Tour card via the Web.com Tour last season. ed Potter got off to a “It feels so good right now,” he hot start for the second said. “I get my second career win straight day en route to after fi ve years away from it.” a closing round of 69 to Potter shot a 62 on Saturday, captureT the Pebble Beach Nation- grabbing the solo lead with four al Pro-Am tournament by three birdies on his back nine. But it strokes on Sunday. was on the front nine that he re- Potter found his groove this ally sizzled, playing the fi rst seven week in the California sunshine as holes in seven-under par with fi ve he has bounced back from a bro- birdies and an eagle. ken ankle in 2014 to record just his On Sunday, he drained four second win on the USPGA Tour birdies in his fi rst seven holes to and fi rst in fi ve years. extend his lead. That included a Potter maintained his deft birdie chip from the rough on the touch on Sunday to fi nish with a par-three seventh hole. 17-under 270 total and hold off a His only blemish Sunday was a star-studded chasing pack that three-putt bogey on is fi rst hole included Dustin Johnson, Phil but after that it was smooth sail- Mickelson and Jason Day of Aus- ing the rest of the way. tralia. Johnson was hoping for a victo- “It is pleasing,” Potter said. “I ry this week to strengthen his grip struggled when broke I my ankle. on his world number one ranking. You don’t know what is going to He closed with a birdie on 18 Kyrie Irving (R) of happen with your golf swing or on Sunday for his fourth of the the Boston Celtics is your career. To come back from round. Johnson, who was going guarded by Lebron that it is unbelievable right now.” for his second straight win having James of the Mickelson, who shot a fi ve-un- won by eight strokes at Kapalua Cleveland Cavaliers der 67, Day (70), Johnson (72) and to start the season, also had four during the first Chez Reavie (68) fi nished in a tie bogeys and 10 pars to fi nish at quarter of their game for second at 14-under 273. 14-under 273 total. at TD Garden in American Kevin Streelman “I felt like I played OK,” John- Boston. (68) fi nished alone in sixth and son said. “A few bad iron shots Scott Stallings (66) was seventh cost me. It is still a good week and at 12-under 275, fi ve shots adrift fi nishing tied for second is not of Potter. terrible.” Potter’s only prior USPGA Johnson is hoping to defend Tour win came at the Greenbrier his title next week when the tour Classic back in 2012. In 2014, he travels to Los Angeles for the Gen- Agencies bounds and fi ve assists, and Clint Capela points from Kemba Walker and 17 points 13 rebounds. Andre Drummond scored broke his ankle in a freak accident esis Open at the Riviera Country Boston posted a double-double (16 points, 11 and 13 rebounds from Dwight Howard. 25 points and grabbed 15 rebounds, and stepping off a curb. The injury re- Club. boards) for Houston. The Mavericks left Reggie Bullock added 20 points for the Dirk Nowitzki, Wesley Matthews and TIMBERWOLVES 111, KINGS 106 Pistons, who have dropped two straight. n the day the Celtics retired JJ Barea back in Dallas following their Karl-Anthony Towns’ 22-footer broke LOCAL CRICKET Paul Pierce’s number, LeB- home triumph over the Los Angeles Lak- a late tie, and Minnesota went onto beat PACERS 121, KNICKS 113 ron James stole the spotlight, ers on Saturday night. They received 20 Sacramento in Minneapolis for its 13th Victor Oladipo scored 30 points to Oleading the new-look Cleve- points from Yogi Ferrell and a 18 points consecutive home win. lead Indiana past New York in Indiana- land Cavaliers to a 121-99 victory against and 12 rebounds from Dwight Powell. Towns led all scorers with 29 points polis. Sajjad excels in former teammate Kyrie Irving and host for the Timberwolves, who snapped a Oladipo added nine assists and eight Boston on Sunday. THUNDER 110, GRIZZLIES 92 two-game losing streak. Jimmy Butler rebounds to go along with six steals. James had 24 points, 10 assists and Paul George amassed 33 points, eight added 18 points, and Andrew Wiggins Bojan Bogdanovic had 20 points, and President’s XI win eight rebounds. Cleveland were playing assists and three steals as short-handed added 16 points to go with eight re- Thaddeus Young delivered a double- their fi rst game with a full squad after Oklahoma City routed visiting Memphis. bounds for Minnesota. double with 18 points and 11 rebounds By Sports Reporter During the chase, Gayan and making a series of deadline-day trades to George helped the Thunder win with- Rookie De’Aaron Fox had 23 points for for the Pacers. Doha Mugheeb struck two blows retool its roster, with George Hill, Rod- out Russell Westbrook (sprained left the Kings, who lost for the fourth time in Enes Kanter and Tim Hardaway each, while Sajjad grabbed three ney Hood, Jordan Clarkson and Larry ankle) and forward Carmelo Anthony fi ve games. Jr. shared top-scoring honors for the to deny Uganda a decent start. Nance Jr. all making their Cavs debuts. (sprained right ankle), who missed each Knicks with 17 points. Kanter, who had 11 amoor Sajjad took three However, Muhumuza made 62 Clarkson fi nished with 17 points while missed a second consecutive game. HAWKS 118, PISTONS 115 rebounds, was able to return after miss- wickets to help Presi- with three fours and Kenneth Hood and J.R. Smith each added 15. Hill Marc Gasol led the Grizzlies with 18 Dewayne Dedmon converted a three- ing the previous game following oral sur- dent’s Eleven beat the Waiswa scored a quickfore 45 had 12 and Nance chipped in fi ve to help points, but Memphis dropped its sixth point play that gave Atlanta a late gery. Tvisiting Uagandan team not out. the Cavs to a second straight win. straight. lead and then knocked down a clutch by 12 runs at the Asian Town On Saturday, Uganda had Irving led the Celtics with 18 points 3-pointer to help the Hawks beat visit- JAZZ 115, TRAIL BLAZERS 96 Cricket Stadium. beaten the Qatar national team and fi ve assists. Marcus Morris was the RAPTORS 123, HORNETS 103 ing Detroit. Donovan Mitchell scored 27 points Batting fi rst, President’s XI by six wickets. Qatar made 132 only other player in double fi gures with DeMar DeRozan scored 25 points and Atlanta was down 107-104 with 2:24 and Joe Ingles 24 to lead visiting Utah put up an excellent score of 244 for 8 with Uganda reaching the 17 for Boston, which dropped its second visiting Toronto wore out travel-weary play but mounted an 8-0 run, fueled past Portland. for 7. Waleed and opener Man- target with only four wickets straight. Charlotte. CJ Miles posted 24 points off by Dedmon, to take the lead. Dedmon Rudy Gobert contributed 12 points soor Khalid added 72 runs for the down. the bench and Jonas Valanciunas sup- grabbed an off ensive rebound, hit a lay- and 11 rebounds as the Jazz won their second wicket. ROCKETS 104, MAVERICKS 97 plied 21 points for Toronto, which shot up and made the ensuing free throw that ninth consecutive game and ended Port- Waleed smashed fi ve fours BRIEF SCORES Chris Paul guided host Houston to a 56.3 % from the fi eld. The Raptors won put the Hawks in front. He followed with land’s nine-game home winning streak. and a six in his 64, while Khalid President’s XI beat Uganda by 12 runs victory over undermanned Dallas. their fi fth game in a row, though the oth- a 3-pointer from the right wing as the Jae Crowder — donning a Utah uniform made 27 with three fours. Shahid President’s XI: 244 for seven in 45 Paul fi nished with 25 points, eight er four came at home. shot clock was winding down on Atlan- for the fi rst time after a three-team trade and Sajjad then added 48 runs overs (Waleed 64, Anoop 34, Shahid rebounds, nine assists and three steals, The Hornets had returned home Sat- ta’s next possession that put the Hawks — chipped in 15 points and fi ve rebounds for the fi fth wicket. 32, Henry Senyondo 2/53) providing the spark down the stretch of urday morning after fi nishing a four- up 112-107. off the bench. Mujeeb-Ur Rehman and Uganda: 232 all out in 45 overs the third quarter that enabled the Rock- game West Coast trip with Friday night’s Dennis Schroder scored 23 points and Damian Lillard, coming off a 50-point Anoop also defi ed the rivals and (Deusdedit Muhumuza 64, Simon ets to extend their winning streak to loss at Utah. A night earlier, they lost in went 6-for-6 from the foul line in the game Friday at Sacramento, led the Trail took the total to 225. Anoop was Sseazi 34, Kenneth Waiswa 45 not out, eight games. overtime at Portland. Charlotte lost its fi nal seconds to seal the win for Atlanta. Blazers with 39 points. Portland’s CJ unbeaten on 34, which included Gayan 2/38, Mugheeb 2/54, Tamoor James Harden added 27 points, six re- fourth game in a row Sunday despite 23 Dedmon fi nished with 20 points and McCollum added 22. two sixes and an equal number of Sajjad 3/35) fours. Henry Senyondo bagged Man of the Match: Tamoor Sajjad two for 53. (President’s XI) BOTTOMLINE Couturier, Neuvirth shine in Flyers’ win over Knights NFL Colts hire Reich as Reuters Patrick netted the game-winner Philadelphia in the seventh round. Brayden McNabb scored the new head coach lone goal Sunday for West- ean Couturier had a goal ern Conference-leading Vegas, and two assists, and which fell to 19-4-2 at home AFP got their man, hiring Frank Re- Michal Neuvirth made and lost back-to-back games Los Angeles ich to be their new head coach 38 saves to lead the visit- at T-Mobile Arena for the fi rst fi ve days after Josh McDaniels ingS Philadelphia Flyers to a 4-1 time in the team’s young history. reneged on a deal to take the po- victory over the Vegas Golden The Golden Knights, who were he Indianapolis Colts sition. Knights on Sunday night at T- opening a season-high, seven- fi nally got their man, The Colts posted a photo of Mobile Arena. game homestand, fell 2-1 to the hiring Frank Reich to be former Philadelphia Eagles of- Andrew McDonald, Claude visiting New York Islanders on their new head coach fensive co-ordinator Reich Giroux and Radko Gudas also Jan. 25 before departing on a six- fiT ve days after Josh McDaniels signing the contract on the NFL scored for the Flyers, who won game road trip. reneged on a deal to take the po- team’s website. for the fourth straight time and Vegas pulled Fleury with 2:40 sition. Reich replaces Chuck Pagano moved within one point of the to go, and Gudas sealed it with The Colts posted a photo of as coach following a search that second-place Pittsburgh Pen- his fi rst goal of the season 16 former Philadelphia Eagles of- took an unusual path. guins in the Metropolitan Divi- seconds later, rifl ing a shot from fensive co-ordinator Reich Indianapolis announced on sion. Neuvirth improved to 7-7- his own blue line into the empty signing the contract on the NFL Tuesday that Patriots off en- 2 this season with his second net. team’s website. sive co-ordinator McDaniels victory in 24 hours after mak- Reich replaces Chuck Pagano had agreed to take the job but ing NHL history in a 4-3 shoot- Results as coach following a search that McDaniels reportedly called out win at Arizona on Saturday Pittsburgh ...... 4 ST. LOUIS...... 1 took an unusual path. Colts general manager Chris Bal- night. Neuvirth became the Members of the Knights Crew NY Rangers ...... 3 WINNIPEG ...... 1 Indianapolis announced on lard later that evening saying he fi rst goalie to enter a game dur- clean the ice during the Vegas Detroit ...... 5 WASHINGTON 4 (OT) Tuesday that Patriots off en- had changed his mind. ing a shootout and earn a win, Golden Knights’ game against Vancouver ...... 6 DALLAS ...... 0 sive co-ordinator McDaniels The Colts’ second choice was replacing starter Brian Elliott, the Philadelphia Flyers on Colorado ...... 5 BUFFALO ...... 4 had agreed to take the job but Reich, the man who outsmarted who sustained a lower body in- Sunday. Boston ...... 5 NEW JERSEY ...... 3 McDaniels reportedly called McDaniels last week and helped jury. The Philadelphia sub faced Calgary ...... 3 NY ISLANDERS ...... 2 Colts general manager . lead the Eagles to their fi rst NFL fi ve shots Saturday before Nolan Philadelphia...... 4 LAS VEGAS...... 1 The Indianapolis Colts fi nally title since 1960. Gulf Times 6 Tuesday, February 13, 2018 FOOTBALL

PREVIEW SPOLTIGHT Kane can prove European pedigree Spurs stand between at Juventus

AFP dribble. “For me he’s an amazing London player and still young, so Tot- tenham are lucky to have him.”

arry Kane scored more ‘Present and future’ Allegri, Champions goals than Cristiano How long they will have is a Ronaldo or Lionel constant source of speculation Messi in 2017, but it is as despite steady progress in four ‘It is truly the joy of my life. I like onH the Champions League stage seasons under Mauricio Pochet- the prolifi c Tottenham striker tino, Kane is still to win any sil- making players better and smarter. must deliver to be truly meas- verware in his career. ured against the fi ve-time World Pochettino insisted Kane is I know I still have a lot to prove’ Players of the Year. Tottenham’s “present and fu- League grail Kane gets his chance when Eu- ture” after he once again proved rope’s premier club competition Arsenal’s scourge with his sev- AFP returns today as he leads Spurs enth goal in as many North Lon- Turin, Italy into the lion’s den of Juventus’ don derbies on Saturday. Allianz stadium in Turin, where “Sometimes you believe that the Italians have lost once in 27 he is my player and I try to boost assimiliano Allegri Champions League games. him,” added the Argentine. may be breaking “Massive game but that’s “I’m telling you and I tell records in Italy but what you look forward to as a again, in my experience in foot- the Juventus coach’s player,” said Kane after decid- ball, he is one of the best.” Mquest for the elusive Champions ing the North London derby in Even opposition managers are League grail continues today Spurs’ favour on Saturday with lining up to hail Kane as world against English side Tottenham his 32nd goal of the season. class. “We were caught by a su- Hotspur. “You want to test yourself per striker, he is one of the best The 50-year-old marked his against the best and Juventus in the world. He scores against 200th game in the Juventus have been amazing in the Cham- everyone,” said Arsenal’s Arsene dugout with a 2-0 win in Flor- pions League recently, so look- Wenger, a week after Liverpool ence on Friday, capping a record ing forward to it.” boss Jurgen Klopp suggested breaking three-and-a-half They don’t come much better England could challenge for the years in Turin. than Juve’s defence, led by leg- World Cup this summer with A surprise replacement for endary goalkeeper Gianluigi Buf- Kane on their side. Antonio Conte in July 2014, the fon and veteran rugged defender Spurs’ dramatic improvement former AC Milan boss has won Giorgio Chiellini, who have con- on the European stage this season seven consecutive trophies with ceded once in their last 16 games. has mirrored that of their talis- the Turin giants including the “Harry Kane is a fantastic man after a disappointing Cham- last three Serie A titles. player. He played against us pions League debut last season. Italy’s national side are in three years ago and he has re- Kane has six goals in six games in disarray after the four-time ally improved,” Chiellini told the the competition this season, only winners’ humiliating World Daily Mail newspaper. Ronaldo with nine has more. Cup exit, but Juventus are in “Now he scores more than However, with Real Madrid fi ne form under Allegri. Messi in a calendar year...and facing Paris Saint-Germain in So much so that his name that’s very diff erent to scoring a blockbuster clash there is the has not only been among those more than Chiellini!” potential for the Portuguese and touted as the future Italy boss The Italian champions blunt- Messi to be dethroned as the but as a potential manager of ed Messi, Luis Suarez and Ney- Champions League’s top scorer English giants Chelsea and Ar- mar over two legs to dump out for the fi rst time since 2007. senal. The six-time defending Barcelona on route to their sec- Should Kane break down champions are currently en- ond fi nal in three years last sea- Juve’s defensive wall on his way gaged in a gripping battle at the son. And German midfi elder to ending their reign, compari- top of the Serie A table with Na- Sami Khedira believes stopping sons with Messi and Ronaldo poli for the Scudetto. Kane will be just as big a task. will truly be justifi ed. Juventus have won 11 match- “Harry Kane for me is maybe But it would also put even es in a row in all competitions, the most complete striker,” the more pressure on Spurs to resist conceding just one goal in 16 German midfi elder told the BBC. off ers from around Europe with games – an all-time club record. “He is strong, good with his Madrid possibly in the market But two Champions League head, fast, good with his feet, for a successor to the 33-year- fi nal defeats in the past three can score with one touch, he can old Ronaldo come the summer. editions have dented Allegri’s standing. A 3-1 loss to Barcelona in 2015 was followed by another PSG tie set to defi ne Real season: Ronaldo crushing 4-1 defeat to Real Ma- drid last year after which Allegri Cristiano Ronaldo has admitted that Real Madrid’s season is now ef- revealed he almost quit. Juventus’ Italian coach Massimiliano Allegri (left) talks with Juventus’s president Andrea Agnelli on the eve of the UEFA Champions League fectively all about their looming Champions League tie against Paris “I wondered if I should write round of 16 match against Tottenham in Vinovo, near Turin. (AFP) Saint-Germain as the Spanish giants trail off the pace in La Liga. the fi nal chapter to my story at “The tie...is one that could define the whole season,” the Portuguese Juventus,” said Allegri at the pions League quest continues return to the summit of Ital- cano back in the 1930s. He plays reached a milestone 500 league forward told Real’s website after picking up a prize for best player in time, saying that his “love of with a last 16, fi rst leg meet- ian football after the Calciopoli down the coach’s role, insisting games on Friday. the world last season from the website Goal.com. “We’re going to come teaching” had encouraged him ing with Mauricio Pochettino’s match-fi xing scandal of 2006. “the players win, I try to do the Defenders Giorgio Chiellini up against a great team with excellent players, whom we respect a lot. to continue. Tottenham. Allegri’s 200 games in charge least damage possible”. and Andrea Barzagli are 33 and But we’ve already shown that we have a very strong, united and experi- “It is truly the joy of my life. Taking over from Conte – who may be dwarfed by Giovanni But an ageing squad could 36 years old respectively, with enced group in this competition.” Real host PSG at the Santiago Berna- I like making players better and went on to coach Italy and Chel- Trapattoni’s record 596 but hamper Allegri’s quest for the star striker Gonzalo Higuain a beu tomorrow in the first leg of their last-16 tie, with the return set for smarter. I know I still have a lot sea – could have been a hard act his percentage of wins are in a European title Juventus won in sprightly 30. March 6 in the French capital. Zidane’s side have won the Champions to prove. And I know I still have to follow, but Allegri has man- class of their own – 142 in total 1985 and 1996. Injuries are also a concern League in each of the last two seasons, and it is eight years since a lot to teach.” aged to stamp his mark on the – a success rate of more than 70 The team’s domination of the with Barzagli and Paulo Dybala Real were eliminated at this stage. Madrid are currently fourth in La Turin side with even greater percent. Allegri has accumu- Serie A is largely down to the in a race against time to be fi t, Liga, 17 points behind leaders Barcelona, albeit with a game in hand. Ageing squad success than his predecessor. lated a 238-point haul in Serie A side’s formidable defence, com- and Juan Cuadrado, Blaise Ma- That is despite a big 5-2 win over Sociedad at the weekend, a game in Instead he signed a new con- Conte took Juve to three Serie to overtake the previous records manded by goalkeeping leg- tuidi and Benedikt Howedes out which Ronaldo scored a hat-trick. tract until 2020 and his Cham- A titles and oversaw the team’s of 234 by Conte and Carlo Car- end Gianluigi Buff on, 40, who of action.

FOCUS Laporte completes City’s quadruple bid overhaul AFP “That is the number one ob- his son and injury. London jective.” “We have had a lot of inju- City titles can help De Bruyne Virgil Van Dijk’s £75 mil- ries – Gabriel Jesus, David Silva, lion January move to Liverpool Benjamin Mendy – but hope- win Ballon d’Or: Guardiola he club record £57 mil- means Laporte is only the sec- fully we can fi ght for every game lion ($80 million) cap- ond most expensive defender in all competitions,” said Guar- Manchester City playmaker Kevin De Bruyne ture of French centre- ever. But City now boast four of diola, who has changed his tune will be a serious Ballon d’Or contender if he back Aymeric Laporte the top six in that category with since describing the prospect of wins major titles with the Premier League club, Ttook Manchester City’s spend- Benjamin Mendy, Kyle Walker a quadruple as “unreal” earlier in according to his manager Pep Guardiola. ing on defence in the past year and John Stones also costing a the season. De Bruyne has been vital to City’s dominance beyond the budgets of many combined £150 million over the “We can try and do absolutely this campaign with the 26-year-old notching nations. past 18 months. everything.” a league-high 14 assists including three in But the Frenchman could be Goalkeeper Ederson’s per- Sergio Aguero’s four-goal Saturday’s 5-1 rout of Leicester City. the fi nal piece of a more than formances have justifi ed his £35 haul in disposing of Leicester 5-1 “No doubt,” Guardiola told reporters when £200 million defensive overhaul million purchase from Benfi ca on Saturday suggests City will asked if the Belgian could win the prestigious to provide the foundations in in the summer, whilst Danilo have the fi repower in the Argen- individual award. “He is not (just doing it in) City’s quest for a historic quad- has largely been used as a back- tine to see of the Swiss cham- one game. It’s the whole season, every three ruple. up in both full-back roles de- pions whilst they hope to have days playing that way. Pep Guardiola’s men kick off a spite also setting City back £27 Sane and Jesus fi t in time for the “But he knows and everyone knows, to be run of four matches in four dif- million from Real Madrid in the quarter-fi nals. there you have to win titles – and titles and ferent competitions on Tues- summer. At the other end of the fi eld, titles, especially one. But the way he’s played day with a return to Champions It is therefore little surprise Laporte fi ts in perfectly with it’s diff icult to find one (better) in Europe.” League action at Basel in the fi rst that Guardiola’s complaints that Guardiola’s ideals with his left- De Bruyne has scored 11 goals and provided leg of their last 16 tie. he “had no players” with which foot bringing added balance 18 assists across all competitions for City this An FA Cup 5th round tie at to fi ll his bench in a recent 1-1 alongside Stones or Nicolas season, helping them establish a 16-point lead Wigan follows before Arsenal draw at Burnley were met with Otamendi. atop the league table, but the midfielder is not await in the League Cup fi nal and little sympathy. “My build up play is impor- focused on individual honours. then another meeting with the tant and also my ability in the “To be fair, when I am busy playing football I Gunners in the Premier League – ‘Same style’ air,” said Laporte on his biggest don’t care (about that),” De Bruyne said. where City boast a 16-point lead However, it does raise ques- strengths. “I do everything to win titles with the team. at the top of the table. tions over whether another “I have always followed Pep’s What happens after is an extra. I am very However, it is for the Champi- strengthening at centre-back teams at other clubs too and I pleased with the way everything is going for ons League stage that Guardiola was what needed from a January have always loved the way they me. I am playing this way because the team is was lured by City’s Abu-Dhabi window in which they missed play...we have the same style of playing this way... owners and given enormous re- out on more forward thinking play.” “At the end, if you get an individual honour, it sources with which to mould an targets in Alexis Sanchez and Yet, despite his huge price is beautiful.” all-conquering squad. Riyad Mahrez. tag the 23-year-old’s defi cien- City remain in contention to win the quadru- “I have always dreamed of Leroy Sane and Gabriel Jesus cies were also exposed when he ple as they prepare for today’s match against big things and one of them be- will miss both legs against Basel was outpaced by Jamie Vardy for Basel in the Champions League knockout ing the Champions League,” due to long term ankle and knee Leicester’s equaliser at the Eti- stages followed by an FA Cup fifth-round clash said Laporte on his arrival from injuries respectively, whilst David had on Saturday to off er some Manchester City’s French defender Aymeric Laporte (left) clashes with Leicester City’s against Wigan Athletic and the League Cup Athletic Bilbao on last month’s Silva’s role in 2018 has been lim- hope to those aiming to derail English striker Jamie Vardy during their EPL match at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester on final against Arsenal. transfer deadline day. ited due to the premature birth of City’s path on all four fronts. Saturday. (AFP) Gulf Times Tuesday, February 13, 2018 7 SPORT

AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FOCUS Duhail begin Asian , Al Sadd in campaign in style, action today

By Sports Reporter Laudrup added that the loss Doha to Al Sadd last week in the QNB Stars League will not play on their minds when they take on ichael Laudrup’s their Iranian opponents. Gharafa unlucky begins the diffi - “The only impact the loss will cult quest of taking have on us is that it will only mo- Al Rayyan past the tivate us further to improve and ‘We were confident... the players ensured we bagged three points’ Mgroup stage of the AFC Cham- prove a point,” said Laudrup. pions League for the fi rst time Esteghlal coach Winfried By Sports Reporter when his side meet Iran’s Es- Schaefer said the match would be Doha teghlal at the Jassim bin Hamad tough because both teams have Stadium today. The match be- high quality players. gins at 6.10pm we are aware that Al Rayyan idfi elder Karim Boudiaf The Group D encounter will have strong players but we too scored twice in two minutes kickstart Al Rayyan’s eighth have players of the highest qual- as Al Duhail began their AFC campaign in the competition ity. The match will be followed by Champions League campaign but, despite coming close last lots of fans in both countries and Min style, beating Iran’s Zobahan 3-1 in year, the Doha team have never the team that makes the fewest their opening Group B match at the Ab- advanced to the knockouts. mistakes will win.” dulla bin Khalifa Stadium here yesterday. Al Rayyan scored eight goals Meanwhile, Qatar’s Al Sadd It was a comprehensive win for Djamel in three home games last year, will visit Dubai’s Zabeel Stadium Belmadi’s side who displayed their ample while one of their best perform- to square off with Al Wasl of the potential to progress deep into the lucra- ances came in a 3-1 home victory United Arab Emirates for the tive tournament which features top club over Esteghlal’s city rivals Perse- fi rst time in Group C of the AFC sides across the vast continent and con- polis when star man Rodrigo Champions League today. cludes at the end of the year. Tabata netted twice. Having missed out on AFC “We were confi dent going into the Esteghlal did manage to make Champions League qualifi cation match and the players ensured we bagged it out of the group stage last year, after falling at the play-off round three points. I am very happy with their before a 6-1 defeat to Al Ain in in the previous two years, 2011 show,”Belmadi said. the second leg of the Round of 16 winners Al Sadd return for the “As I said earlier, it always puts you in brought their continental dream fi rst time since reaching the last a good frame of mind if you win the fi rst to an abrupt halt. 16 in 2015. match of any tournament and I am glad The Tehran side have played Al The top Qatar team remain the we did that with some fl air,” the Algerian Rayyan six times in the past and last outfi t from West Asia to win added. have come out on top on four oc- the competition, but have won Al Duhail are favourites to win the QNB casions, with the last time being a just three of their past 12 games Stars League this season, enjoying a two- 2-1 victory in the 2014 group stage. on the continent. Expectation point lead over nearest rivals Al Sadd and Laudrup, however, exuded will be high this year, though, as a massive seven-point advantage over confi dence ahead of the match at Spanish FIFA World Cup winner third-placed Al Rayyan. his press conference yesterday. Xavi prepares to make his debut But domestic supremacy doesn’t al- “We are looking for a strong in the continental competition. ways translate to regional dominance as start to the tournament. We are Al Wasl have only appeared many teams have discovered in the past, well aware that we have not made in the competition once before and Belmadi was wary of making predic- Al Duhail’s Youssef Msakni (right) vies for the ball with Zobahan’s Milad Fakhreddini during the AFC Champions League match at the last 16 in Asian in our histo- now, back in 2008, when they tions. Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium yesterday. PICTURES: Noushad Thekkayil ry,” Laudrup told reporters. were eliminated at the group “The tournament has just begun. I The Dane added that Estegh- stage. don’t want to take one match at a time,” Gharafa were left with an uphill battle lal are a dangerous side and Al “We are here to win three he said. after they went down 3-2 to UAE cham- Rayyan can’t aff ord to take them points,” Al Sadd coach Jesu- Al Duhail were in for a shock early in pions Al Jazira in a Group A match in Abu lightly. aldo Ferreira said. “Our play- the match when when Brazilian Kiros Dhabi. “They are obviously a compe- ers are very motivated and will Stanley fi red the visitors ahead as early as Brazilian Romarinho, who earlier tent side. We have studied them. be fi ghting hard to win not only in the 12th minute after the ball had re- played for Qatar’s El Jaish before they They are technically very good this match but also against other bounded off the post following a header were merged with Lekhwiya, put Al Jazira and dangerous on the counter- teams in the group later.” by Morteza Tabrizi. ahead in the 10th minute, but new sign- attacks, but we have prepared Al Sadd won the tournament But they were never disheartened and ing Mehdi Taremi equalised just a minute well.” under coach Jorge Fossati in 2011. kept looking for scoring opportunities later on an assist by Moayad Hasan. although the plucky Zobahan defence UAE star Ali Mabkhout however restored backed superbly by goalkeeper Mohamed the hosts’ lead in the 27th minute and Mazaheri managed to keep them at a safe Ahmed al-Attas consolidated in the 69th to distance. put Al Jazira on the road to victory. Mazaheri was particularly impressive, A 71st minute strike by former Dutch bringing off a spectacular save off Al Du- star Wesley Sneijder off a Ahmed Alaeldin hail captain Youssef Msakni and making pass gave Al Gharafa hope but Al Jazira some key clearances in front of the goal. held on to grab the three opening points. However, a spell of sustained pressure Meanwhile, in Group A, Saudi Arabia’s late in the second half eventually yielded Al Ahli defeated Iran’s Tractorsazi, with results for the Qatar club as the Zobahan Mohanad Aseri netting the only goal of defence caved in. the match in the 67th minute. Captain Youssef Msakni’s shot was Earlier in Group B, Lokomotiv of Uz- brilliantly stopped by Mazaheri, but the Al Duhail coach Djamel Belmadi (right) hugs Karim Boudiaf after his team won the bekistan thrashed UAE’s Al Wasl 5-0 in ball fell perfectly for the lurking Boudiaf match against Zobahan 3-1 yesterday. with Ikram Alibaev scoring who made no mistake from point blank twice in the second half. range. Tae-hee corner beating goalkeeper Ma- 84th minute ensuring three points for the Nivaldo and Sardor Rashidov were also Barely had Zobahan recovered when Al zaheri all ends up. Qatar. on target for Lokomotiv who found their Duhail went ahead in the 76th minute, a Nam produced another assist, and this But while Al Duhail will look to con- tally boosted by an own goal by Al Wasl’s Al Rayyan coach Michael Laudrup speaks during a press conference powerful header by Boudiaf off a Nam time it was Msakni who shot home in the solidate as the group stage continues, Al Saleem al-Sharjee. in Doha yesterday. PICTURE: Jayaram

BOTTOMLINE QFA signs agreements with Hungarian, Mongolian federations

By Sports Reporter the youth teams. We would like to invite Doha the Qatar U-17 national team to play in the U-17 international cup which we organise in Hungary every year. It will n a move to continue develop- be diffi cult to organise any matches ing bilateral relations with vari- for the senior national team as there is ous football federations, the Qatar a new European championship which Football Association (QFA) signed makes it hard for the team to participate Ico-operation agreements with the in matches or tournaments outside of Hungarian Football Federation (MLSZ) Europe, however, we will keep studying and Mongolian Football Federation the opportunity to organise something (MFF) at Al Bidda Tower in Doha. for the senior national teams.” Yesterday, prior to the signing cere- Amgalanbaatar, president of the mony with the Hungarians, QFA presi- Mongolian federation, said, “I would dent Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin like to thank Sheikh Hamad bin Kha- Ahmed al-Thani received MLSZ presi- lifa bin Ahmed al-Thani, President of dent Sándor Csányi, vice-president the Qatar Football Association for the Sándor Berzi, general secretary Márton warm welcome. I am very happy for the Vági and the MLSZ delegation in his of- signing of the co-operation agreement fi ce to discuss matters of mutual inter- between the MFF and the QFA and look est while stressing on the importance forward to long-lasting co-operation of building on the relationship between between the two counterparts in the the two associations and developing coming period.” it further in the future for the mutual He added: “There is no doubt that benefi t of both parties. Qatar has become a major sports hub The agreement was signed by Sheikh Qatar Football Association (QFA) president Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed al-Thani signed co-operation agreements with Hungarian Football Federation president in Asia and we are proud to work with a Hamad and Csányi, and was attended Sándor Csányi (left) and Mongolian Football Federation president Ganbaatar Amgalanbaatar (right). leading federation in the region as such. by QFA vice-president Saoud al-Mo- The co-operation agreement covers hannadi, general secretary Mansoor retary Shijir Ulziikhuu and Mongolian exchange of expertise (including coach and overall football management and deep rooted relationship with the QFA all aspects related to football develop- al-Ansari, QFA President’s Offi ce exec- national team manager Enkhjin Bat- education and youth development), administration in Qatar. The success- has been in place for years now.” ment, and we are very pleased with utive director Ali Dawood, QFA’s Strat- sumber. game development, player development ful collaboration between the Hun- He added: “We will make use of the the content of the agreement, which egy and Institutional Development The QFA signed the agreements as and referee development. It will also garian Football Federation and Qatar facilities in Qatar especially since Qa- will allow us to gain the knowledge executive director Mushtaq al-Waeli, part of its ongoing strategy to develop focus on the successful and numerous Football Association has existed long tar has great weather which allows us and expertise developed by the QFA Berzi and Vági, besides the rest of the football in Qatar and enhance its rela- experiences of Qatari football, includ- before the signing of the agreement as to do our training camps here in Qatar that focuses on topics such as football Hungarian delegation. tionship with its various Asian and Eu- ing Aspire Academy and Aspetar Sports there is a referee exchange programme during the winter season, while Qatar management, training and education, On Sunday, Sheikh Hamad signed ropean counterparts. Medicine Hospital. in place between the two sides in which teams will also make use of the weather as well as the use of medical facilities the agreement with MFF president The agreements focus on co-operation Berzi, president of the Hungarian Hungarian referees offi ciate matches in in Hungary during the summer season. of Aspetar for treatment of our players, Ganbaatar Amgalanbaatar in the pres- in several key areas, mainly: technical and federation, said, “I am happy to be here Qatar and vice versa. The signing of the “We will have a stronger collabora- and by bringing our talent to train in the ence of QFA offi cials, MFF general sec- professional exchanges, national teams, in Qatar, and amazed at the facilities ceremony is just a formality for as our tion that will be specifi cally tailored for Aspire Academy.”