FFOOTBALLOOTBALL | Page 4 CCRICKETRICKET | Page 7 Atletico grind Shahidi’s double out victory to ton leaves increase lead Zimbabwe in a to 6 points spin in 2nd Test

Friday, March 12, 2021 TABLE TENNIS Rajab 28, 1442 AH Harimoto seeks GULF TIMES revenge against Ovtcharov in semis SPORT Page 6

COMMERCIAL BANK MASTERS Flawless Law takes one-shot Bertasio, Du Plessis, McEvoy and Samooja are tied lead at Qatar Masters second with six-under By Yash Mudgal

cotland’s David Law made full use of calmer conditions at the Edu- cation City Golf Club (ECGC)S to produce a bogey-free round and claim the lead after the fi rst day at the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters yesterday. In the process, Law also equalled his lowest score on the European Tour with seven birdies in a fl awless 64 to sit one stroke ahead of Italy’s Nino Bertasio, Hennie Du Plessis of South Af- rica, England’s Richard McEvoy and Kalle Samooja of Finland. “It was a good score. I played really well. Conditions were quite easy but I was happy with my iron play and I holed some putts, which was nice,” said Law. The 29-year-old Law had shot just one round in the 60s in three European Tour events in 2021 coming into this week but made a lightning quick start yesterday. Afternoon starter Law followed up fi ve birdies on the front side with two more on his homeward nine to equal his lowest European Tour round, and leapfrog early England’s Richard McEvoy in action yesterday. clubhouse leaders Samooja and Scotland’s David Law in action during the first round of the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters yesterday. PICTURES: Jayaram and Jayan Orma McEvoy into top spot. Jaham al-Kuwari and Saleh al- Louis de Jager (Rsa) After holding a lengthy birdie perfect, they are very fast and Kaabi struggled during the open- 69: Wilco Nienaber (Rsa), Shaun putt at the fi rst, the Scot made it rolling pretty good. If you make ing round. Al-Kaabi fi nished Norris (Rsa), Brandon Stone (Rsa), three in a row with further gains a good stroke, you can see the with a two-over. Al-Kuwari was Antoine Rozner (Fra), Adrian at the second and third. Law’s breaks and see a lot of putts. I eight-over and Qatar Amateur Otaegui (Esp), Steven Brown fi ne form with the putter con- thought the heat was fi ne. I’m Open champion al-Shahrani (Eng), Andy Sullivan (Eng), Eddie tinued as he carded birdies at the used to this, I guess. I’d much carded 11 over. Pepperell (Eng), Joost Luiten seventh and eighth also. rather play in hotter conditions (Ned), Wade Ormsby (Aus), “I’ve been guilty over the last than cold. I’ll hit a few putts and LEADING FIRST ROUND Jordan Smith (Eng), Richie Ram- few weeks when I’ve had decent a few balls, try to go to bed early SCORES say (Sco), Ignacio Elvira (Esp), rounds going but not fi nishing because tomorrow a 6:55 tee time 64: David Law (Sco) Edoardo Molinari (Ita), Jazz Jane- them off . I was semi-conscious is not going to be easy for me,” 65: Richard McEvoy (Eng), Hennie wattananond (Tha), Connor Syme of sticking with it and trying to go Campillo said. Du Plessis (Rsa), Kalle Samooja (Sco), Sebastian Garcia (Esp), low. I was really happy with how I Former champion Eddie Pep- (Fin), Nino Bertasio (Ita) Maverick Antcliff (Aus), Garrick stuck to my routines, my proc- perell, who won the title in 2018 66: Joachim B Hansen (Den), Tho- Porteous (Eng), Marcus Armitage esses and I came out of it with a but was disqualifi ed last year, mas Detry (Bel), Joakim Lager- (Eng), David Coupland (Eng), Lars good score,” Law said, who also birdied his fi rst four holes before gren (Swe), Garrick Higgo (Rsa) van Meijel (Ned), Rhys Enoch shot 64 in the opening round of having to settle for a 69 to lie fi ve 67: Jorge Campillo (Esp), George 70: Callum Shinkwin (Eng), Ross Betfred British Masters last year. shots off the lead. Coetzee (Rsa), Kurt Kitayama McGowan (Eng), John Catlin Law joined Samooja and On a day of low scoring, 74 (USA), Jeff Winther (Den), Scott (USA), Romain Langasque (Fra), McEvoy on six-under with a players broke par and the fi - Jamieson (Sco), Chris Paisley Marcus Kinhult (Swe), Stephen birdie putt from four feet at the Kalle Samooja of Finland lines up his putt during the first round of the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters at nal group of Darren Fichardt, (Eng), Fabrizio Zanotti (Pry), Maxi- Gallacher (Sco), Justin Harding 13th, before taking the outright Education City Golf Club yesterday. Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano and milian Kieff er (Ger), Gaganjeet (Rsa), Adria Arnaus (Esp), Julian lead when his 14 foot putt for Sebastian Heisele were three, Bhullar (Ind), Pedro Figueiredo Suri (USA), David Drysdale (Sco), birdie on the short 15th dropped, never normally like that here. land’s David Drysdale in a play- at home over the last few weeks. two and one under respectively (Por), Toby Tree (Eng) Raphael Jacquelin (Fra), Richard having fi rst circled the hole. Law Tomorrow will be a bit more like off last year, was part of an I came here and played solid, I with one hole to complete today 68: Thomas Pieters (Bel), Alex- Bland (Eng), Cormac Sharvin then kept his card clean with pars normal, a bit of wind and it’ll 11-strong group on four-under played well in the Pro-Am yes- morning. ander Bjork (Swe), Shergo Al (Nir), Darius van Driel (Ned), at the 16th, 17th and 18th. be testing. I’m looking forward par, with Drysdale returning a terday. I feel good about my game India’s Gangajeet Bhullar, Kurdi (Jor), Sean Crocker (USA), Kyong-Jun Moon (Kor), Gregory “I’m looking forward to get- to it,” the 2019 ISPS Handa Vic one-under 70. and played well today. It wasn’t SSP Chowrasia and Shubhankar Lorenzo Gagli (Ita), Matthieu Havret (Fra), Shiv Chawrasia (Ind), ting back out there tomorrow. Open champion said. “It felt good. I haven’t been great, but it was solid. I made a Sharma carded 4-under, 1-under Pavon (Fra), Jamie Donaldson, Rikard Karlberg (Swe), Niklas It’ll be diff erent. Although it was Defending champion Jorge playing very well at the start of great putt on 18 and a few great and par respectively. Francesco Laporta (Ita), Jack Lemke (Swe), Yi-Keun Chang hot and muggy it was calm, it’s Campillo, who defeated Scot- the year, but I had good practice putts coming in. The greens are Qatari golfers Ali al-Shahrani, Senior (Eng), Dale Whitnell (Eng), (Kor) Qatar Duty Free sponsors Commercial Bank Qatar Masters at Education City Golf Club atar Duty Free (QDF) is proud against an impressive lineup of play- Australia at the 2019 edition at Doha a significant sports event in Qatar once again to be the Off icial ers including Chris Wood, and 2013 Golf Club. for more than 20 years, and we are QPartner of the Commercial winner and three-time European Tour Qatar Duty Free Vice President Op- proud once again to sponsor this Bank Qatar Masters. The four-day winner Brandon Stone. erations Thabet Musleh said, “Qatar year’s tournament despite challenges tournament began at Education City QDF will continue the long-standing Duty Free is delighted to continue Covid-19 has presented across the Golf Club (ECGC) yesterday and will tradition of sponsoring the Hole- its partnership with the Commercial last 12 months. conclude on Sunday against the in-One Competition, rewarding any Bank Qatar Masters, as part of our “Last year, Education City Golf Club stunning backdrop of Education City player who makes a hole-in-one on commitment to the Qatar National hosted an amazing tournament and Stadium, a FIFA World Cup Qatar the 9th hole, a QDF voucher worth 2030 Vision and desire to bring we are thrilled to welcome world-class 2022 venue. As many as 144 elite $155,000. In its 10-year history, only people together through one of the players to this stunning golf course golfers will be competing for the cov- two players have scooped this prize. many prestigious global sporting and to a new challenge this year. We eted Mother of Pearl Trophy. Jorge The most recent hole-in-one com- events hosted in Qatar. The Com- wish all the players a very enjoyable QDF will continue the long-standing tradition of sponsoring the Hole-in-One Campillo will be defending his title petition winner was Jake McLeod of mercial Bank Qatar Masters has been and successful tournament.” Competition, rewarding any player who makes a hole-in-one on the 9th hole. Gulf Times 2 Friday, March 12, 2021 SPORT

HORSE RACING BASKETBALL Gharafa to meet Wakrah in Amir Zyzzyva shines Cup title clash in sprint feature, Saadi nets 4 wins Veteran trainer Alban de Mieulle saddled three winners yesterday, including Umm Qarn’s Jabir and Abida, and Noora Racing Limited’s Quepos

By Mikhil Bhat 1. Al Hindi (Marco Casamento), 2. Doha Abha (Faleh Bughanaim), 3. Sky Al Gharafa’s Franklin Session scores against Al Sadd yesterday. Blue (Soufiane Saadi), 4. Sarmad Bu Thaila (Alberto Sanna). Won by: ½, ¼, 1. Time: 2:20.33. Owner: brahim al-Malki’s Zyzzyva Sheikh Abdullah bin Thani al- entered the winner’s enclo- Thani. Trainer: Jassim Ghazali. sure for the fourth time in eight races this season when Race 3: PUREBRED ARABIAN Ihe sprinted to a scintillating vic- HANDICAP (90 & below) (Dis- tory in the Ain Khaled Cup at the tance: 2,100m) Al Uqda Equestrian Complex 1. Latam (Anas al-Seyabi), 2. near Al Khor yesterday. Jamaiel (Tomas Lukasek), 3. An impressive second over Khattab De Faust (Faleh Bugha- the trip last time round in the naim), 4. Dahra (Qais al-Busaidi). Dukhan Sprint (Group 3) at Al Won by: 3, Hd, ¾. Time: 2:22.96. Rayyan Park last month, the six- Owner: Al Shaqab Racing. year-old was helmed by Tomas Trainer: Ibrahim al-Malki. Lukasek in the six-furlong sprint and put up a resolute run at the Race 4: THOROUGHBRED business end to edge out Kha- CONDITIONS (Class 2) (Distance: lifa bin Sheail al-Kuwari-owned 2,100m) Sir Arthur Dayne and Unbutton 1. Aspetar (Tomas Lukasek), 2. by half-a-length. Stablemates Pazeer (Soufiane Saadi), 3. Otwo Al Wakrah’s Julius Coles (R) tries to get past a Qatar Sports Club from the yards of Jassim Ghazali Sami Jassim al-Boenain (centre), Adviser to the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club Chairman, with the (Anas al-Seyabi), 4. Hajaj (Alberto opponent yesterday. fi nished second and third under winners of the Ain Khaled Cup after Zyzzyva won the six-furlong sprint at Al Uqda Equestrian Complex Sanna). Won by: 3 ½, 1 ½, 2. Time: Alberto Sanna and Marco Casa- yesterday. PICTURES: Juhaim 2:12.53. Owner: HE Sheikh Khalifa By Sports Reporter Although Al Gharafa had mento respectively. bin Mohamed al-Thani. Trainer: Doha their nose in front for 38 of Veteran trainer Alban de Julian Smart. the 40 minutes, Al Sadd re- Mieulle saddled three winners ally upped the tempo in the fi - yesterday, including Umm Qarn’s Race 5: LOCAL THOROUGHBRED l Gharafa stayed on nal quarter where they scored Jabir and Abida, and Noora Rac- CONDITIONS (Distance: 1,200m) course for a domes- a whopping 30 points to run ing Limited’s Quepos. 1. Al Adheed (Soufiane Saadi), tic treble when they their rivals close. In the penultimate race of the 2. Al Faisaliya (Anas al-Seyabi), pipped Al Sadd 91-89 But Al Gharafa, who led 66- day, Jabir put up a fantastic run 3. Qatee (Marco Casamento), 4. toA reach the fi nal of the Amir 59 going into the fi nal quar- on the straight in the 2,200m Wadhah (Alberto Sanna). Won Cup basketball tournament ter, also managed 25 points to race as Carlos Henrique’s timely by: 1 ¾, 3 ¾, ¼. Time: 1:12.75. Own- yesterday. reach their third fi nal of the nudge had the fi ve-year-old go- er: Abdulatif Hussain al-Emadi. After winning the league year. For Al Sadd, Fotios Lam- ing right on time to ease past the Trainer: Bader al-Balushi. and the earlier in propoulus scored a match- competition, that also includ- the season, Al Gharafa were high 23 points, while Konstan- ed three-time HH The Amir’s Race 6: THOROUGHBRED CON- given a tough fi ght by Al Sadd tinos Vasileiadis had 22. Sword winner Ebraz, and win by DITIONS (Fillies & Mares) (Class yesterday, but they kept their Earlier, Al Wakrah thrashed more than a length, even as an- 2) (Distance: 1,200m) nerve in the fi nal seconds to Qatar Sports Club 90-53 in other De Mieulle ward, Zalek Al 1. Make A Wish (Soufiane Saadi), clinch a thrilling win and earn a one-sided match, with the Cham, fi nished runner-up under 2. Luchador (Alberto Sanna), a title clash against Al Wakrah. winners at one point enjoying Soufi ane Saadi. 3. Wayside Flower (Marco Franklin Session excelled an 87-46 lead. Saadi himself registered a Casamento), 4. Defne (Khalid for Al Gharafa with 21 points Brandon Spearman scored quadruple yesterday at Al Uqda al-Balushi). Won by: 1 ½, ½, Nk. while Tyler Harris and Raslan 23 points while Julius Coles turf. Time: 1:12.65. Owner: Injaaz Stud. al-Abdulla had 20 each. had 22 for Al Wakrah. First up was the card opener Trainer: Jassim Ghazali. where Noora Racing Limited’s Quepos led a sweep of the top Race 7: LOCAL PUREBRED ARA- RUGBY two spots for De Mieulle. The BIAN HANDICAP (85 & below) Purebred Arabian Novice Plate Tomas Lukasek rides Zyzzyva to Ain Khaled Cup victory at Al Uqda Equestrian Complex yesterday. (Distance: 2,100m) saw Saadi-ridden Quepos beat 1. Abida (Soufiane Saadi), 2. Carlos Henrique-helmed Hakida seven starts with Saadi astride win by three lengths in front of old and older horses in thrill- Zaman (Francois Herholdt), 3. Fullback Malins by a nose. in four of those wins. Kicking up Tomas Lukasek-ridden Jamaiel. ing fashion yesterday. Ridden by Mahma Ygoloon (Anas al- De Mieulle and Saadi com- a gear at the business end saw Lukasek himself was on a fl y- Marco Casamento in the colours Seyabi), 4. Ghanayem (Meteb Ali bined for another win, this time Al Adheed win by almost two ing winner just half an hour later of Sheikh Abdullah bin Thani al-Marri). Won by: ½, 3, No. Time: gets fi rst England in the Local Purebred Arabian lengths. when in the colours of HE Sheikh al-Thani, Al Hindi stayed within 2:29.65. Owner: Umm Qarn. Handicap for horses rated 85 Half-an-hour later, Injaaz Khalifa bin Mohamed al-Thani, striking distance of the leaders Trainer: Alban de Mieulle. and below, which was bagged by Stud’s Make A Wish steadily he guided Julian Smart-trained for the bulk of the 2,200m run, start against France Umm Qarn’s Abida. went past majority of the fi eld Aspetar to the gelding’s fi rst vic- before going very wide coming Race 8: PUREBRED ARABIAN The mare stayed on the heels to in the fi nal two furlongs, and tory in Qatar in handsome fash- off the bend. Casamento kept CONDITIONS (Distance: 2,200m) Reuters Dickie returns as hooker and of Rashid Ali al-Marri-ridden then taking the advantage in the ion. him there and then blitzed to the 1. Jabir (Carlos Henrique), 2. London Charlie Ewels as lock, with Shaweesh, before upping the fi nal 100m to go one better than Aspetar had fi nished in the fi nish to win by half-a-length. Zalej Al Cham (Soufiane Saadi), Jamie George and Jonny Hill pace coming off the bend and her last outing for a fi ne win. money in Qatar’s fl agship Thor- 3. Nijinski Al Maury (Marco moving to the replacements. taking the lead. Soon Francois Make A Wish won by one-and- oughbred race, His Highness The RESULTS Casamento), 4. Ebraz (Tomas fter six appearances Winger Anthony Watson will Herholdt and his partner Zaman a-half lengths in front of Alberto Amir Trophy in February, which Race 1: PUREBRED ARA- Lukasek). Won by: 1 ¼, 2, 1. Time: on the bench full- win his 50th cap in the clash joined Abida and Saadi up front, Sanna ridden Luchador. was also his debut. Yesterday’s BIAN NOVICE PLATE (Distance: 2:30.59. Owner: Umm Qarn. back Max Malins at Twickenham, where Eng- but the latter managed to hold off Anas al-Seyabi raced his fourth drop in class in Thoroughbred 1,400m) Trainer: Alban de Mieulle. will make his fi rst land have won their last seven the challenge to win the 2,100m winner this week, having com- Conditions, consequently, was 1. Quepos (Soufiane Saadi), 2. EnglandA start against France games against the French. run by half-a-length. pleted a treble on Wednesday, no problem at all for the six- Hakida (Carlos Henrique), 3. HM Race 9: AIN KHALED CUP (THOR- in the Six Nations tomorrow Jones has reverted to a 5/3 Saadi also rode two Thoroug- when he guided Al Shaqab Rac- year-old as he was unstoppable Al Bourak (Tomas Lukasek), 4. OUGHBREDS (Class 2)) (Distance: as coach Eddie Jones again forwards/backs split in his re- bred conditions winners — Bader ing’s Latam to a breezy victory in once he got going in the fi nal fur- Sayaad (JP Guillambert). Won by: 1,200m) has resisted any temptation placements, with centre Ol- al-Balushi-trained Al Adheed the Purebred Arabian Handicap long of the 2,100m race, winning No, 2 ½, 3. Time: 1:33.54. Owner: 1. Zyzzyva (Tomas Lukasek), 2. Sir to make widespread changes. lie Lawrence returning to the and Jassim Ghazali-schooled for horses rated 90 and below. by three-and-a-half lengths Noora Racing Limited. Trainer: Arthur Dayne (Alberto Sanna), 3. Malins, on loan at Bris- squad in place of uncapped Make A Wish. In the six-furlong Saddled by Ibrahim al-Malki in A late surge in pace in the fi nal Alban de Mieulle. Unbutton (Marco Casamento), tol from Saracens, swaps fl anker George Martin, who local Thoroughbred conditions the 2,100m race, al-Seyabi was 150m odd saw Jassim Ghazali- 4. Receding Waves (Ivan Rossi). places with Elliot Daly in did not get off the bench in race, Abdulatif Hussain al-Ema- right on the button with his go- schooled Al Hindi bolt to fi nish Race 2: LOCAL THOROUGHBRED Won by: ½, 1 ¼, Hd. Time: 1:12.49. the team named yesterday. the defeat by Wales two weeks di-owned Al Adheed raced to his ahead and Latam just surged for- to win the Local Thoroughbred HANDICAP (4-year-old and older, Owner: Ibrahim al-Malki. Trainer: It is the same situation in the ago that ended England’s fi fth victory this season out of ward from a midfi eld position to Handicap event for four-year- 70-90) (Distance: 2,200m) Ibrahim al-Malki. pack where Luke Cowan- hopes of retaining the title.

KATARA CUP BEACH VOLLEYBALL Red-hot Czechs to take on Brazil duo in fi nal zech sensations Ondrej Perusic hard battle with the American team. We it’s hard to describe the feeling. I would on a seven-point run on April’s serve and and David Schweiner and Bra- know them, they know us... We are re- say that fatigue played its role today, be- practically pre-decided the outcome of zilian standouts Evandro Gon- ally happy with this result and to be in cause Nick and Phil must have been re- the match. Stockman and Kolinske tried calves and Gustavo Carvalhaes the fi nal. The atmosphere here is empty ally tired after yesterday’s three tough fi ghting back towards the end, but Alix areC the two teams to battle it out today and strange, but we know why. Still, to be matches. But it feels great! We per- and April held up to cruise on to a 2-0 for the 4-star Katara Beach Volleyball back on Tour after such a long time feels formed really well in this tournament, (21-15, 21-16) win and advance to the fi - Cup gold. They took two victories each amazing! We’ve been waiting for this which shows that all our preparation was nal. yesterday to make the fi nal of the FIVB tournament all year and we are so grate- worth it. I hope that we will continue to- In the second semi-fi nal, Pavan and Beach Volleyball World Tour event in ful to be here,” Guto said after the match. morrow,” Perusic said. Melissa persevered through two nerve- Doha. Earlier on Thursday, Evandro and Among women, top-seeded Sarah Pa- wracking extended sets to celebrate a 2-0 17th-seeded Evandro and Guto man- Guto produced a 2-0 (21-11, 21-16) quar- van and Melissa Humana-Paredes and (24-22, 26-24) victory over third-seeded aged to come out on top of a fantastic ter-fi nal shutout of Latvia’s Aleksandrs second-seeded Alix Klineman and April Agatha Bednarczuk and Eduarda Santos semi-fi nal clash with USA’s Nick Lucena Samoilovs and Janis Smedins. Ross of USA will play each other in to- Lisboa (Duda) of Brazil. A very hard- and Phil Dalhausser to claim their spot In the second semi-fi nal, Perusic and day’s fi nal. The two teams successfully fought fi rst set was pushed deep into in the last match of the tournament. The Schweiner totally dominated over leg- pushed through yesterday’s quarter-fi - overtime. The Canadians denied two op- two teams exchanged hard-fought wins endary Americans Nick Lucena and Phil nals and semi-fi nals to cross swords for ponent set points before taking a one-set in the fi rst two sets, both extended into Dalhausser on the way to an emphatic gold. In the fi rst semi-fi nal of the day, lead. In set two, the lead went back and overtime. In the tie-breaker, the battle 2-0 (21-9, 21-17) win to make it to their Czech stars Ondrej Perusic and David Schweiner celebrate their win yesterday. Alix and April dominated fellow Ameri- fourth and in the money time it was again continued, but the Brazilians maintained fi rst 4-star fi nal outside their home cans Emily Stockman and Kelley Kolin- Pavan and Melissa who held up better. an edge throughout to a claim 2-1 (26-24, country. with Qatari favourites Cherif Younousse 21, 21-18, 17-15) victory in the only three- ske. After a relatively one-sided fi rst set, They saved as many as fi ve set points for 21-23, 15-11) victory. The 14th-seeded Czechs actually a and Ahmed Tijan. They had to battle it set clash for the spots in the semis. the second was more competitive until Brazil before converting their fi rst match “We knew it was going to be a really harder time in their quarter-fi nal duel back from a set down to claim a 2-1 (17- “It’s amazing! We are in the fi nal and 7-7. At that moment, Alix and April went point to victory. (FIVB) Gulf Times Friday, March 12, 2021 3 FOOTBALL

QNB STARS LEAGUE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Positive Duhail win as thinking champs Al Sadd helps PSG held by Al Wakrah reach last 8 For Al Duhail, converted a penalty in the 20th minute before Paulo added a second goal in the 51st minute

Paris Saint-Germain’s French forward Kylian Mbappe celebrates after scoring from a penalty kick against Barcelona at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris on Wednesday.

Reuters thinking too much,” said Po- Paris chettino. “We were thinking too much about the qualifi cation and not enough about playing. aris St Germain coach “I told the players to shake Mauricio Pochettino off those negative thoughts and told his players to shake think about the game. We were off their negative mind- not happy with that fi rst half setP in their 1-1 draw against Bar- and we said it to the players.” celona on Wednesday as they PSG had another traumatic completed a 5-2 aggregate vic- experience in 2019 when they tory to reach the Champions went out to Manchester United League quarter-fi nals. in the last 16 after giving up a PSG endured a humiliat- 2-0 fi rst-leg advantage. ing exit at the hands of Barce- They have since reached the lona in 2017 as the Spanish side fi nal in 2020 and fi nally man- thrashed them 6-1 to overturn a aged to bury the demons from 4-0 fi rst-leg defi cit in the last- 2017 on Wednesday. 16 and it briefl y looked like an- They have Navas to thank for other diffi cult night could be on their victory as the keeper, who the cards at the Parc des Princes. won the Champions League in After PSG’s Kylian Mbappe, three straight years from 2016 Al Duhail players celebrate their who scored a hat-trick in the with Real Madrid, had a night to win over Al Sailiya yesterday. fi rst leg at the Camp Nou, remember. opened the scoring with a pen- Before saving Messi’s penalty, alty against the run of play, he denied forward Ousmane levelled with a Dembele on three occasions jaw-dropping 25-metre mis- and pulled off another couple of By Sports Reporter nant fashion, but they were from . Almoez sile before stepping up to take great saves in the second half. Doha unable to pose real threat to Al Ali, who came off the bench in a penalty after Antoine Griez- “He had a huge game,” said Sailiya, who showed solid de- the second half, initiated the mann had been fouled by Layvin Pochettino. fending in the fi rst 15 minutes. attack. Kurzawa. Barcelona boss Ronald Koe- l Duhail defeated Al Sultan al-Breik then won a The Red Knights kept Al He could have put Barca with- man said his team were the bet- Sailiya 2-0 while new- penalty when his chip struck Sailiya under pressure by creat- in two goals of forcing extra time ter side in the fi rst half. ly-crowned champi- Mustafa Mohammed’s left hand ing more opportunities. against a PSG side who looked “Really, we deserved more for Aons Al Sadd were held inside the box. Olunga scored Mohammed Muntari, who uninspired and shaky, but Kay- that eff ort,” he said. “It should at to a 1-1 draw by Al Wakrah in the the opener with a clean left- replaced Olunga in the 62nd lor Navas made a decisive save least have been 2-1 to us at half- QNB Stars League yesterday. footed strike from the penalty minute, fi red an angular shot, as Messi missed his fi rst penalty time. If we’d led at the break, the Al Sadd, who captured the ti- spot, with goalkeeper Claude but Amine did well to punch in the competition since 2015. second half would have been a tle last week, can however take Amine diving in the opposite the ball away. Almoez’s hit “In the fi rst half we were whole diff erent aff air.” solace from the fact that they direction. eight minutes before time was are still unbeaten in the tour- Two minutes later, the Ken- also well blocked by Al Sailiya nament after ’s yan striker was shown a yel- keeper. 25th minute goal was cancelled low card for his foul against the Al Duhail goalkeeper Salah out by Al Wakrah’s Khalid Maz- goalkeeper, while attempting to Zakaria made fl ying saves off eed in the 84th minute. score his second goal. two free-kicks deep into the Al Sadd now have 51 points After Edmilson missed an match to keep a clean sheet. from 19 matches, while Al Du- opportunity, Al Sailiya created a Meanwhile, Al Kharaitiyat hail have 40 as they look to fi n- golden chance on the half-hour recorded a rare victory, beating ish second. mark, but failed Umm Salal 3-0 with Moroccan For Al Duhail, Michael Ol- to connect a lob from a good Rachid Tiberkanine scoring a unga converted a penalty in the position. Five minutes before brace late in the fi rst half. 20th minute before Paulo Ed- the break, Al Duhail’s Ismail Nasser Ibrahim completed milson Junior added a second Mohammed had to be treated the rout with an 87th minute goal in the 51st minute. The win after a collision with Ahmed Al strike as Al Kharaitiyat record- helped Al Duhail avenge their Minhali. ed only their third win in 19 1-2 loss to Al Sailiya in the fi rst Al Sailiya made a couple of matches. leg. attacks before the break, but However, having lost their Al Sailiya remained on 23 were unable to fi nd an equaliser. other 16 matches they have only points after suff ering their Al Duhail struck the second nine points and are engaged in Al Sadd’s Rodrigo Tabata (in white) gets past two Al Wakrah eighth defeat. blow on their opponents, with a grim battle to save their top- Barcelona’s Argentinian forward Lionel Messi reacts after missing a defenders yesterday. Al Duhail started in a domi- Edmilson scoring off an assist fl ight status. penalty against Barcelona on Wednesday.

BOTTOMLINE EPL fl ops Reds eye Champions League glory AFP “The only reason you play in this competition Wednesday of the Liverpool of old. London is because you want to win it,” said Klopp. Long-term injuries to Virgil Van Dijk, Joe “I am not silly, we know so far this is not a sea- Gomez and Joel Matip have meant midfi elders son which it will look like we will win the Cham- Fabinho and Jordan Henderson have spent most iverpool made light of their Premier pions League in the end, but that doesn’t mean of the season deputising at centre-back. League woes to ease into the quarter-fi - we don’t want to go as far as possible and then However, Fabinho revelled in being restored nals of the Champions League by beating we will see what is possible for us.” to his more natural holding midfi eld role and RB Leipzig 2-0 in Budapest for the sec- Mohamed Salah, who opened the scoring in providing the protection needed for Nat Phillips Lond time in three weeks. the 70th minute on Wednesday before Sadio to shine on his Champions League debut at the After a wretched run of a record six con- Mane made it 2-0, said it was important to focus heart of the defence. secutive defeats at Anfi eld, Jurgen Klopp’s men game by game. “I told him on the way down: ‘you like the po- might have welcomed a return to the Hungarian “The team is not in the best shape but we sition six more then, you couldn’t show it more capital for their ‘home’ leg of the last 16 tie. want to fi ght in the Champions League and in clearly’”, said Klopp. “Of course, number six is The Champions League this season and next each game in the Premier League,” he said. his position, he is one of the best in the world in is now the Reds focus as they try to salvage a “We don’t have to look to the big picture be- that position.” campaign decimated by injuries and a drastic cause sometimes when you do, we see too much Fabinho’s return to midfi eld also freed up decline in form after romping to a fi rst league pressure carried on to the pitch. We just need to Thiago Alcantara to show the skills that made title in 30 years last season. leave the pressure off the fi eld and play.” the Spaniard such a prized signing from Bayern With a seven-point gap to make up on a re- Liverpool have history in making European Munich in September. surgent Chelsea or 10-point defi cit to bridge miracles out of seemingly lost seasons. In Rafael Up front the return of Diogo Jota from injury to third-placed Leicester in the fi nal 10 games Benitez’s fi rst year in charge in 2004/05 Liver- added a fresh burst of energy, while just as in the of the Premier League season, a return to the pool fi nished level on points with Bolton in fi fth. fi rst leg, Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane scored Champions League via the top four is looking Yet, they pulled off the greatest comeback the goals to see off last season’s semi-fi nalists increasingly unlikely. ever seen in a Champions League fi nal from 3-0 with ease. Instead, the English champions could have to down at half-time to beat AC Milan on penalties “The best thing that the boys did is that no win a seventh European Cup just to avoid miss- in Istanbul. one could see how good Leipzig can be,” added ing out on next season’s Champions League for Liverpool’s Egyptian Mohamed Salah celebrates scoring against RB Leipzig at the Puskas The Turkish capital will host the fi nal again Klopp. “We defended them really well because the fi rst time in fi ve seasons. Arena in Budapest on Wednesday. this year and there were at least some signs on they are a monster.” Gulf Times 4 Friday, March 12, 2021 FOOTBALL

LA LIGA Late Cuisance header gives Sampaoli winning start Atletico grind out victory at Marseille Marseille: Jorge Sampaoli made a dream start to life as Marseille coach on Wednes- day night with a 1-0 win over Rennes, secured by substi- to increase lead to 6 points tute Michael Cuisance’s late header. Simeone’s side made full use of their last game in hand, with Llorente and Suarez scoring a goal each Former Argentina and Chile boss Sampaoli took AFP get back to winning.” over a team languishing Madrid Bilbao have been transformed since outside the European places the appointment of Marcelino Garcia in Ligue 1, on a run of just two Toral, who in two months has seen them wins in 14 matches and who uis Suarez’s penalty sent Atleti- win the Spanish , reach the were embarrassed by fourth- co Madrid six points clear at the fi nal of the Copa del Rey and climb back tier amateur side Canet Rous- top of on Wednesday into contention for European qualifi ca- sillon in the French Cup at the night as the leaders survived a tion in La Liga. weekend. Lscare to beat a resurgent Athletic Bil- His team were stronger and sharper “We can’t do everything in bao 2-1. Atletico conceded late to draw in the fi rst half, pushing Atletico to re- two days. There is still a lot to with Real Madrid on Sunday, a result treat further and further towards their correct,” said Sampaoli, who that kept their opponents in the title own goal. They took a deserved lead took over from Andre Villas- race and allowed Barcelona to move just when Oscar de Marcos’ superb pass sent Boas as permanent coach, fol- three points behind. Inaki Williams in behind and his cut- lowing Nasser Larguet’s spell But Diego Simeone’s side made full back found the arriving Muniain, whose as a stand-in. Rennes have use of their last game in hand, with scuff ed fi nish squirmed its way in. also been tumbling down Marcos Llorente’s header and a Suarez Atletico struggled for chances but, the table and they have now spot-kick overturning Iker Muniain’s against the run of play, found a life- suff ered five straight league opener for Bilbao, who had dominated line on the stroke of half-time with a defeats. The two out-of-form the fi rst half. goal very similar to Bilbao’s. This time teams unsurprisingly strug- Suarez and Llorente have been the Thomas Lemar was threaded through gled for most of the match, driving forces behind Atletico’s charge and his cross was met by the head of managing just four shots on this term and so it proved again at the Llorente. It was a crucial goal, changing target between them. Wanda Metropolitano, with Suarez the complexion of the second half, with But Sampaoli rung the scoring his 18th league goal of the sea- Atletico beginning where they left off . changes late on and it paid son, after Llorente had nodded in his Llorente found Suarez, who wrig- off . On-loan Bayern Munich ninth. “For a year now Marcos has ex- gled past Unai Nunez and tumbled over midfielder Cuisance was in emplifi ed the word eff ort,” said Sime- his dangling leg. Suarez drove the pen- the right place at the right one. “He arrived at the club, he wasn’t alty into the corner. Atletico could have time in the 88th minute, in the team, not even on the bench, but made it more comfortable but Yannick nodding in fellow sub Luis he kept training and making the eff ort to Carrasco failed to fi nish a Suarez cross Henrique’s cross to score his get to where he wanted to get to and he while Llorente was unable to make the first Ligue 1 goal. managed it.” most of openings down the right. The result moves Marseille Victory also puts Atleti eight points A nervy fi nish gave Bilbao a chance back up into sixth, two points clear of Real Madrid and while Atletico but they let it slip through their fi ngers, behind fifth-placed Lens in still have to play at Barcelona in May, Unai glancing a header into the grateful the race to qualify for the a Clasico next month at the Santiago hands of Jan Oblak. “We really strug- inaugural Europa Conference Bernabeu complicates matters further gled in the fi rst half, they were all over League. for their chasing rivals. By conceding to us and we kept getting pushed back but Karim Benzema in the 88th minute on our fi rst goal gave us strength,” Llorente Sunday, Atletico squandered the chance said. “We see every game as special to land a heavy blow on Real Madrid and but we were really looking forward to it would have been easy to let the disap- this one, it was very important for our pointment linger. Instead, they rallied confi dence,” said Llorente, who also to defeat one of the form sides in the defended his side’s conservative tac- league and take another step closer to tics. “The key thing is to adapt to every lifting their fi rst La Liga title since 2014. type of pressure,” he added. “There are “It was certainly very important,” said moments when you cannot be pressing Atletico Madrid’s Uruguayan forward Luis Suarez scores a penalty during the La Liga match against at the Simeone. “After Sunday, we needed to high up the pitch.” Wanda Metropolitano stadium in Madrid on Wednesday night. (AFP)

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS German FA in no rush to replace AFC Champions League venues revealed

By AFC.com jah, while India, whose representative FC the AFC Champions League 2021 (East) are Loew, Klopp backs Rangnick Kuala Lumpur Goa are poised to mark the nation’s debut in also postponed and will be played in cen- Asia’s premier club competition, will host tralised venues of their respective group Group E. stage matches. he Asian Football Confederation In the East Region, the AFC has decided to As part of the bidding process, which was (AFC) yesterday confi rmed the ven- postpone the Group Stage matches original- opened to all participating member associa- ues for the AFC Champions League ly planned for April 21-May 7 to June/July tions, a wide range of requirements were put 2021 group stage after an extensive 2021, taking into consideration the existing in place to ensure adherence to the highest Tfeedback exercise with its participating travel restrictions and quarantine challeng- health and safety protocols and standards. member associations, commercial partners es posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. These include minimum travel and quar- and all relevant stakeholders. Meanwhile, Thailand will provide the antine restrictions for away clubs, the The West Region matches, which are backdrop for the matches in the East Re- convenience of fl ight connections and the scheduled to take place between April 14 to gion Groups F, G and J, with the venues for medical situation in the host country, suf- 30, will see Saudi Arabia host Groups A and Groups H and I as well as the exact dates for fi cient venues to organise the matches and, D in Riyadh as well as Group C in Jeddah, all Groups to be decided and communicated most importantly, mandatory Covid-19 test with the matches in Group B to be staged in due course. to be organised for all players and offi cials, in the United Arab Emirates city of Shar- The Preliminary and Playoff matches of the costs of which will be borne by the AFC.

ROUND-UP Man City cruise into Women’s CL quarters ngland striker Ellen White and United States World Cup winner German Football Association’s president Fritz Keller (left) looks on as Germany’s head coach Joachim Sam Mewis both scored twice as Loew speaks during a virtual press conference in Frankfurt yesterday. (AFP) Manchester City beat Fiorentina 5-0E in Italy yesterday to cruise into the AFP est. “It’s a job that leaves no one quickly backfi red. Women’s Champions League quarter-fi nals Berlin in Germany indiff erent. At the The assured performances of 8-0 on aggregate. moment I am free,” he said. Mueller and Boateng last term Leading 3-0 after the fi rst leg of their Whoever replaces Loew will helped Bayern Munich win the last-16 tie, City were 3-0 ahead by half- he German FA said yes- inherit a Germany team in tran- Champions League title, and led time in the return in Florence, with terday it will not rush sition. The pinnacle of Loew’s to Loew constantly having to de- White scoring twice either side of a penalty into naming Joachim career was winning the 2014 fend his decision to sideline them by Scotland’s Caroline Weir. Loew’s replacement World Cup title in Brazil. Howev- from the national set-up. Mewis, 28, replaced Weir at half-time Tas head coach, while Liverpool er, Germany have struggled over Loew said his departure after and added further goals, on the hour and manager Jurgen Klopp has put the last three years, crashing out this summer’s European cham- then again on 79 minutes. forward former RB Leipzig boss of the group stage at the World pionship following 15 years in City, who are second in the English Ralf Rangnick. Loew, 61, con- Cup in Russia and then suff ering charge was timed to allow his Women’s Super League behind Chelsea, fi rmed on Tuesday he will step a 6-0 hammering by Spain in the successor to build an exciting join the London club in today’s draw for down as Germany coach after the Nations League last November. team that could peak at the Euro the quarter-fi nals and semi-fi nals. Chelsea European Championship, which Germany team director Oliver 2024 tournament on home soil. knocked out Atletico Madrid on Wednes- is due to fi nish on July 11 with Bierhoff ruled out the possibil- Loew, who had a contract until day, while holders Lyon were among the the fi nal at Wembley. At a press ity of a foreign coach leading the 2022, led Germany to the World other clubs to ease through. One last-16 tie conference in Frankfurt yester- national team for the fi rst time. Cup title in 2014 and the 2017 is still to be completed, with Paris Saint- day, Loew said it was “time for “I see little chance for a foreign Confederations Cup but his team Germain taking a 5-0 fi rst-leg lead to the a change” and new ideas after coach. As the German national crashed out in the fi rst round Czech Republic, where they will face Sparta nearly 15 years in charge. team, we should have a German in the 2018 World Cup and has Prague next Wednesday. Manchester City’s Ellen White (centre) scores against Fiorentina during the Women’s Liverpool boss Klopp has al- coach,” said Bierhoff . been struggling to perform at the Champions League last second leg match in Florence, Italy, yesterday. (Reuters) ready ruled himself out and sug- “We have good German coach- highest level despite an overhaul. VILLA’S GREALISH TO MISS gested former Leipzig sports di- es here and abroad. “We have A 6-0 defeat to Spain in the Na- NEWCASTLE TRIP: SMITH Newcastle, however, are just one point Partey joined Arsenal on transfer rector Rangnick. “Ralf Rangnick absolutely no time pressure. It’s tions League in November was Aston Villa skipper Jack Grealish has recov- above the relegation zone and manager deadline day for 50mn euros ($59.63mn) would be good. He would have an important decision,” added Germany’s worst ever defeat in ered from his leg injury but a bout of illness Steve Bruce said the international break but injuries have limited him to just 16 ap- been my fi rst solution,” Klopp Bierhoff who made it clear he will competitive football. will prevent him from playing against New- later this month could not come any sooner pearances in all competitions this season. told reporters after Liverpool not comment on speculation. “It “The time is right to hand over castle United today, manager Dean Smith with key players such as Callum Wilson, “It was diffi cult to get used to how the team reached the quarter-fi nals of the is an important decision and we to a diff erent coach. The over- said. Grealish, the club’s main Miguel Almiron and Allan Saint-Maximin play and I think the injuries are part of the Champions League on Wednes- will take the necessary time.” haul we started in 2019 was the with six goals and 10 assists this season, injured. adaptation but now I feel good,” Partey said. day. Other candidates to re- Loew also refused to con- right thing. The current squad has missed the last four Premier League “I think most people have their own place Loew are Bayern Munich’s fi rm reports he will recall Mats may be lacking a bit of experi- matches but Smith said he could be fi t in PARTEY JUST GETTING opinion and it depends on how I adapt to Champions League-winning Hummels and Thomas Mueller ence but they have an unbeliev- time for their next game against Tottenham STARTED AT ARSENAL the situation I am in. It’s part of the game, coach Hansi Flick and Germany for the Euros, where Germany able potential and we have very Hotspur on March 21. Arsenal’s Thomas Partey struggled to adapt you never know when you are going to be Under-21 boss Stefan Kuntz. face France and Portugal in their good quality,” Loew said. “I am After avoiding relegation on the fi nal day to the demands of the Premier League injured. I’m doing all the necessary things Rangnick, who masterminded group. His decision in March deeply convinced that this young of the season last year, Villa have consoli- following his arrival from Atletico Madrid to be able to be more fi t and play more Leipzig’s rise from the fi fth tier 2019 to end the international ca- generation could peak most likely dated their position in the top half of the but the Ghana midfi elder said that with his games. I’m starting to get used to how my of German football to the Bun- reers of the experienced Mueller, around 2024, with a tournament table this season, sitting ninth with games injury problems behind him he will soon hit mates play and how the Premier League desliga, has signalled his inter- Hummels and Jerome Boateng on home soil,” he added. in hand as they seek European qualifi cation. top gear. goes. With time everything will be good.” Gulf Times Friday, March 12, 2021 5 SPORT

NBA BASEBALL Dalbec’s slam lift s Red Sox past Braves Doncic, Porzingis in spring training

Reuters while allowing three hits and a New York, United States run. Travis Demeritte and Ryan Goins had two hits apiece for Atlanta, and Demeritte had two obby Dalbec hit a sixth- RBIs. fuel Mavs’ fourth inning grand slam and Rafael Devers knocked PHILLIES 6, TIGERS 4 in a run at the Boston Brad Miller and Luke Williams RedB Sox beat the Atlanta Braves connected on fourth-inning 5-3 on Wednesday in Fort Myers, home runs and Jeff Mathis also Florida. went deep as Philadelphia topped Dalbec’s blast, off Victor Ar- Detroit in Clearwater, Fla. Miller ano, was his fourth of the Grape- had three hits. Eric Haase and consecutive win fruit League season and gave Victor Reyes each went 2-for-2 the win to Tanner Houck, who and Robbie Grossman homered Valanciunas scores season-high 29 points to power Grizzlies to a win over Wizards pitched three scoreless innings. for the Tigers. Braves starter Max Fried threw AFP well in his spring training debut, TWINS 6, RAYS 2 Los Angeles, United States striking out three in four innings (7 1/2 INNINGS) Jose Berrios struck out four over OTHER RESULTS three one-hit innings and Wil- uka Doncic was solid at lians Astudillo delivered two both ends of the fl oor, Orioles 4-3 Blue Jays hits and two RBIs in Minnesota’s and Kristaps Porzingis (7 inn) victory over Tampa Bay at Port dominated in the paint Angels 4-2 Indians Charlotte, Fla. Manuel Margot Las the Dallas Mavericks kicked doubled and stole a base for the (7 ½ inn) off the second half of the NBA Rays. season by rallying to beat San Giants 7-6 Cubs Antonio 115-104 on Wednesday. Royals 9-3 Reds NATIONALS 3, CARDINALS 2 The usual suspects stood out Athletics 9-1 Brewers Max Scherzer struck out fi ve over for Dallas as Slovenia’s Doncic (7 inn) three innings of no-hit baseball, posted his 33rd triple double and Starlin Castro homered, tri- Rockies 7-5 Padres of his career, and Porzingis, of pled and drove in three runs to (7 inn) Latvia, tallied 28 points and 14 lead Washington past St. Louis in rebounds in the Lone Star State Rangers 17-5 Mariners West Palm Beach, Florida. Car- showdown in Dallas, Texas. (7 inn) dinals starter Jack Flaherty gave Doncic’s eighth triple dou- Yankees 6-5 Pirates up two runs and struck out four ble of the season consisted of in four innings. 22 points, 12 rebounds and 12 assists as the Mavs picked up where they left off before the all-star break by winning their Fomer coach, player, manager Norm fourth straight game and 11th of Sherry dies at 89 the past 14. American Josh Richardson Former major league coach, player and manager Norm Sherry scored 12 points for Dallas, while has died. He was 89. Sherry’s family said that he died Monday but Maxi Kleber had 11 and Willie they didn’t divulge a cause of death. He was living in San Diego Cauley-Stein added 10 points. County. Sherry spent 16 seasons as a coach, including stints as Former Toronto Raptor De- pitching coach for the National League pennant-winning San Mar DeRozan scored a game- Diego Padres in 1984 and NL pennant-winning San Francisco high 30 points and dished out 11 Giants in 1989. Sherry played five big league seasons – four with assists for the Spurs. the Los Angeles Dodgers (1959-62) and one with the New York Australia’s Patty Mills hit Mets (1963). for 14 points, Rudy Gay added Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (second from left) shoots over San Antonio Spurs players during the second half of the NBA game at the 13, Lonnie Walker and Keldon American Airlines Centre in Dallas, Texas, United States, on Wednesday. (USA TODAY Sports) Johnson tallied 12 each and De- Rangers to open season at full capacity jounte Murray contributed 11. with a fl agrant foul halfway Memphis Grizzlies to a 127-112 Kyle Anderson scored 13 them 125-111 on March 2. The Texas Rangers said Wednesday they will open the 2021 The Spurs missed 11 con- through the fourth quarter af- win over the Washington Wiz- points, De’Anthony Melton Bradley Beal, who represented season with Globe Life Field at full capacity. The ballpark in secutive shots in the fi nal eight ter the American intention- ards in Memphis. had 11 and Dillon Brooks added Washington in Sunday’s All- Arlington, Texas, which opened its doors last year and hosted minutes before DeRozan sank a ally pushed Spurs’ Jakob Poeltl, Valanciunas shot 12-of-21 10 as the Grizzlies completed a Star Game, made just six of 22 the 2020 World Series, holds about 40,500 spectators. “We will meaningless jumper with just of Austria, into unsuspecting from the fl oor en route to his season sweep of the Wizards in shots from the fi eld but still fi n- require all those who enter Globe Life Field to wear a mask or under a minute left. teammate Derrick White, who 21st double double of the season front of a pandemic-restricted ished with 21 points. The Wiz- face covering, and are working with Major League Baseball on “We lost the game on the was driving to the basket. White for the Grizzlies, who had a half crowd of 1,900 at the FedExFo- ards have now lost for the third some additional protocols required for player health and safety,” boards,” Spurs coach Gregg was shaken up but not seriously dozen players score in double rum arena. time in four games after charg- Rangers president of business operations and chief operating of- Popovich said. “Porzingis was hurt on the play. fi gures. “I thought our defense really ing into the break by winning ficer Neil Leibman said. The Rangers’ home opener is scheduled great tonight on the boards. Ja Morant fi nished with 21 fuelled us in the fourth quarter,” eight of 11. for April 5 against the Toronto Blue Jays. “I thought we did a good job WIZARDS COOL OFF points and 10 assists, and rookie Memphis coach Taylor Jenkins Veteran Russell Westbrook, on Doncic. Played hard, played Also, Lithuania’s Jonas Valan- Desmond Bane added a career- said. who is with his third team well, but too many mental mis- ciunas scored a season-high 29 high 20 points in the win as This was the second straight in the past two years, had 20 Cowboys awarded four compensatory takes.” points and equalled a season- Memphis has now won three of win for the Grizzlies over the points and 10 assists for his 13th picks for NFL Draft Cauley-Stein was slapped best 20 rebounds to power the their last four games. Wizards, as Memphis also beat straight double double. The Dallas Cowboys have been awarded four compensatory picks for the upcoming NFL Draft, the league announced Wednesday. The Cowboys get an extra pick in Rounds 3-6 after losing seven to free agency – including cornerback Byron Jones LaMarcus Aldridge, Spurs agree to part ways and defensive end Robert Quinn – and gaining three. A total of 37 compensatory picks were awarded to 17 diff erent teams. The Reuters of the Spurs’ past 11 games with a hip “When an opportunity arises, that’ll be lowest since 2006-07, his rookie year New England Patriots received the highest compensatory pick, a New York, United States injury and then a stomach ailment. The 35- up to management, his agent and that with the Trail Blazers. third-round selection that is No. 96 overall. year old center/forward is in his 15th NBA sort of thing, and we’ll all move forward. Aldridge has played in 21 games this season, with the first nine in Portland. “He’s done everything we’ve asked,” year and came off the bench in the three NFL salary cap at $182.5mn: reports aMarcus Aldridge and the San Aldridge is still on the Spurs roster. The Popovich added. “At this point, we’d just contests he played during the recent Antonio Spurs have agreed to part team said it will use the next two weeks like to do something that will work for 11-game stretch, playing as a reserve for The NFL has informed every team that this year’s salary cap Lways, with the announcement com- leading up to the March 25 trade dead- him as much for our club, because he the first time since he was a rookie. will be set at $182.5mn, a 7.9% decrease from last season, per ing from Spurs’ coach Gregg Popovich in line to allow Aldridge to “work on some deserves that.” The Spurs forged a surprising 18-13 multiple reports Wednesday. Last year’s salary cap was $198.2mn his pregame media availability prior to opportunities elsewhere,” according Aldridge, who went to the University of record prior to the All-Star break despite before the Covid-19 pandemic wreaked havoc with league rev- Wednesday’s game against the Maver- to Popovich. He is in the final year of a Texas, is averaging 13.7 points and 4.5 player absences from Covid-19 and key enues. The owners anticipate a significant rebound in attendance icks in Dallas. contract with a $24mn annual salary. rebounds per game this season in 25.9 injuries. San Antonio is reportedly trying from the capacity restrictions last season. An NFL-NFLPA agree- Aldridge, a seven-time All-Star in his sixth “We just think this is a win-win for both minutes per contest. Both his scoring to work on a trade for Aldridge that ment to spread out the players’ losses over three years allowed season with San Antonio, has missed eight LaMarcus and the club,” Popovich said. average and minutes per game are his would avoid a contact buyout. the cap to be higher than expected.

NHL Coghlan hat-trick in vain as Wild top Knights again Reuters AVALANCHE 2, COYOTES 1 (OT) ued its mastery of Vancouver. New York, United States Gabriel Landeskog scored at 4:22 of Tyler Toff oli collected a pair of as- overtime as Colorado beat Arizona in sists for the Canadiens, who have a Denver. 5-0-2 record against the Canucks this oel Eriksson Ek scored two goals Brandon Saad scored in regula- season and have scored at least fi ve and Kaapo Kahkonen made 24 tion and Philipp Grubauer stopped 13 goals in six of those games. Corey Per- saves as the Minnesota Wild shots for Colorado, which got Nathan ry, Shea Weber, Jeff Petry and Phillip overcame a hat-trick by rookie MacKinnon back in the lineup. Danault added goals for Montreal. defensemanJ Dylan Coghlan to com- Antti Raanta had 44 saves and Tyler Brock Boeser scored and Thatcher plete a sweep of its back-to-back with Pitlick scored for Arizona. Demko stopped 40 shots for the Ca- the Vegas Golden Knights, prevailing nucks, whose three-game winning 4-3 on Wednesday in Saint Paul, Min- OILERS 7, SENATORS 1 streak was snapped. nesota. Leon Draisaitl recorded a hat trick and Kirill Kaprizov and Carson Soucy added two assists as Edmonton routed KINGS 5, DUCKS 1 also scored goals for Minnesota, which visiting Ottawa. Adrian Kempe continued his goal- moved within two points of the fi rst- The Oilers won their third straight scoring onslaught with two more into place Golden Knights in the West Di- game and improved to 14-5-0 over the back of the net as Los Angeles won vision while also improving to 5-0-1 their last 19 contests. Draisaitl hit the at Anaheim. Kempe has six goals in his all-time against Vegas at Xcel Energy fi ve-point plateau for the fourth time past three games, including a hat trick Center. in his career, and for the second time in Monday against the Ducks. Kahkonen, coming off his fi rst ca- less than six weeks against the Sena- Anze Kopitar, Andreas Athanasiou reer shutout on Monday night, extend- tors. and Alex Iafallo added goals for the ed his personal winning streak to eight Darnell Nurse, Jujhar Khaira, Con- Kings while Troy Grosenick made 33 games, longest in the NHL this season. nor McDavid and James Neal also saves in his fi rst NHL appearance in Coghlan, playing in just his 12th ca- scored for Edmonton. Evgenii Dado- more than six years. The Kings won for reer NHL game, registered the fi rst hat nov scored his 100th career NHL goal just the second time in their past sev- trick by a defenseman in Vegas history. for the Senators’ only off ense, after his en games (2-2-3) while defeating the Marc-Andre Fleury had 25 saves for team trailed 7-0 in the third period. Ducks for the fi rst time in three games the Golden Knights before departing at (1-1-1). the 11:39 mark of the third period after CANADIENS 5, CANUCKS 1 Sam Steel scored a goal for the allowing three goals over a 6:23 span. Jesperi Kotkaniemi collected one goal Ducks while goaltender John Gibson Logan Thompson replaced him and and one assist while Carey Price made had 32 saves as Anaheim’s brief two- Minnesota Wild goaltender Kaapo Kahkonen (left) makes a save against Vegas Golden Knights’ Jonathan Marchessault in the made two saves in his NHL debut. 23 saves as visiting Montreal contin- win streak came to an end. third period of the NHL game at Xcel Energy Center in Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States, on Wednesday. (USA TODAY Sports) Gulf Times 6 Friday, March 12, 2021 SPORT

TABLE TENNIS Harimoto seeks revenge against Ovtcharov in semis Ovtcharov scripts one of the greatest comebacks the sport has seen, saving six match points to beat qualifier Kallberg

By Sports Reporter Doha Ruwen Filus of Germany celebrates after his upset win over Lin Yun-Ju of Chinese op seed Tomokazu Harimoto Taipei in the quarters. set-up a mouthwatering semi- fi nals against Dimitrij Ovtcha- rov in the World Table Tennis T(WTT) Star Contender Event, in which the Japanese will seek his revenge. World number fi ve Harimoto had lost in the semis to No. 12 Ovtcharov in last week’s Contender tournament, which the German went on to win. Now Ha- rimoto will have his chance to avenge that loss. Yesterday at the Lusail Sports Arena, the 17-year-old Harimoto sailed past South Korea’s Jeoung Youngsik 11-7, 11- 8, 11-8. Harimoto has not lost a game this week and against world No. 13 Youngsik, the Japanese teen sensation displayed his imperious form. The 29-year-old Jeoung, who won the silver and bronze medals at the 2010 Asian Games, relied on his experi- ence to stay in the each of three games but failed to take decisive lead. Ovtcharov, meanwhile, had to work hard for his victory against 58th ranked Anton Kallberg of Sweden. The sixth seed, in fact, lost the fi rst two games before bouncing back to take the next three 8-11, 10-12, 15-13, 12-10, 11-9. Ovtcharov looked in serious danger of an unthinkable exit with qualifi er Men’s top seed Tomokazu Harimoto of Japan in action during his win over South Korea’s Jeoung Youngsik in the Kallberg pilling on the pressure from quarter-finals of the World Table Tennis Star Contender event at the Lusail Sports Arena yesterday. the off . Switching out his fi rst-choice service and using his time out early in excellent control on the ball and posi- patriot Shin Yubin. The 15th ranked semi-fi nal of the US$400,000 event. game two, Ovtcharov was feeling the tive mentality that ultimately defi ned Jeon won 7-11, 11-7, 11-7, 11-5 against Tianwei will come up against Roma- heat and simply couldn’t contend with the match as the man from Europe cel- Yubin, who is ranked 94 in the world. nia’s world No. 34 Elizabeta Samara, Kallberg’s blistering off ense. Down by ebrated another sensational victory. Singapore’s world No. 12 Feng Tian- who also needed a fi ve-game thriller to two games, Ovtcharov lodged one of In the semis, Filus will take on Slov- wei also sealed her place in the semis, overcome South Korean Kim Ha-yeong the greatest comebacks the sport has enia’s Darko Jorgic, who edged past taking out last week’s fi nalist Hina 15-13, 7-11, 6-11, 11-8, 14-12. seen, saving six match points across the Sweden’s Kristian Karlsson in a thriller Hayata. The 34-year-old Tianwei had Tianwei’s win yesterday saw her se- next two ends before fi ghting back from 7-11, 11-4, 5-11, 11-8, 17-15. On Friday, to use all her experience to win against cure her fi rst semi-fi nal appearance a 2-7 defi cit in the decider to squeeze Jorgic had saved two match points as he Japanese world No. 26 Hayata 12-10, 12- on tour since the 2019 ITTF Women’s over the fi nish line. overturned a two game defi cit to knock 14, 11-5, 7-11, 11-6. World Cup in Chengdu, China, where Meanwhile, last week’s fi nalist Lin out second seed Hugo Calderano of Hayata, who is one of the sport’s in- she won a bronze medal after beating Yun-Ju of Chinese Taipei was stunned Brazil. Jorgic once again never gave up form players, fi nished runner-up at last American Lily Zhang in the third-place by Ruwen Filus of Germany in the against Karlsson, who had scored up- week’s WTT Contender Doha after los- play-off . Feng revealed she is now play- quarters. Filus, who outgunned Japa- set win over French no.12 seed Simon ing 4-2 to compatriot Ito. Hayata and ing her best table tennis since that Oc- nese no.11 seed Jun Mizutani in the last Gauzy in the last 16. Ito, also 20, are among Japan’s prom- tober 2019 tournament, after suff ering 16, continued his giant killing act in the In the women’s singles, Japan’s world ising crop of young players who have three straight opening losses. tournament by taking out no.3 seeded no 2 Mima Ito beat Puerto Rico’s Adri- made their mark on the global stage. “I’m more patient. Previously my Lin 11-3, 13-11, 11-9. ana Diaz to book her place in the fi nals. After capturing the fi rst game, Feng, mentality wasn’t too good, I was overly A rising star often praised for his Top seed Ito, champion at the WTT a three-time Olympic medallist, en- anxious to produce results quickly in calm persona on court, but 19-year-old Contender at the same venue last week, dured a tough second game against Ha- matches, which didn’t work out too Lin struggled to hide his disappoint- recorded a 11-6, 9-11, 11-8, 11-8 win yata, where she eventually lost despite well,” she said. “Now I’m gradually get- ment at times against Filus. Unforced over 18th ranked Diaz. saving two game points. Feng and Ha- ting that competition feeling, thinking errors were a common sight from Lin’s Ito next faces South Korea’s Jihee yata took a game each after that, before of ways to transfer what I do in training Singapore’s world No. 12 Feng Tianwei sealed her place in the semi-finals, taking side of the table; however, it was Filus’ Jeon, who ended the dream run of com- the former booked her place in today’s during matches.” out Hina Hayata of Japan yesterday.

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Tokyo Olympics gets IOC-funded Vinales spearheads Yamaha Chinese coronavirus jab trio at Qatar MotoGP test AFP By Sports Reporter Lausanne Doha

ompetitors at this year’s Tokyo Ol- amaha’s Maverick ympics and Paralympics and the Vinales took top spot 2022 Beijing Winter Games will be at the end of play on off ered coronavirus vaccines pur- Day four of the Offi cial chasedC from China, Olympic chief Thomas YMotoGP Qatar Test, thanks to a Bach announced yesterday in a signifi cant late 1:53.244 lap time at the Lo- move for the holding of the Covid-delayed sail International Circuit. It was Tokyo Games. three Yamahas leading the way The Chinese Olympic Committee have yesterday as Franco Morbidelli made “an off er to make additional vaccine (Yamaha SRT) and Fabio Quar- doses available to participants for Tokyo tararo (Yamaha) both set 1:53.3s 2020 and Beijing 2022”, Bach said. “The to cement their good form head- IOC will pay for these additional doses of ing into the fi nal day of pre-sea- vaccines for the Olympic and Paralympic son testing. teams,” he added. “The IOC will also pay for In terms of new tech, noth- two doses more that can be made available to ing too out of the ordinary was people in that country,” Bach said, describ- seen yesterday. However, track ing it as a “demonstration of solidarity” in International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach speaks during the 137th conditions couldn’t have been the fi ght against the Covid-19 pandemic. IOC session at a virtual meeting in Lausanne, Switzerland. (Reuters) more perfect for Day 4 of test- The Tokyo Games were originally sched- ing, handing riders a fantastic uled for the summer of 2020, but were in countries where partnerships are already volving more than 30,000 athletes who had opportunity to get some crucial pushed back by one year as the coronavi- in place with the Chinese government,” he followed “rigorous health and safety proto- laps under their belts with time rus pandemic raged across the globe. Bach said, without giving further details. cols”. running out before the start of has said there is “no reason to doubt” that Bach, who said the IOC had signed up to “Not a single one of these events turned the season. Vinales made a late the Games would open on July 23, but the a World Health Organisation vaccine equity into a virus spreader,” Bach said, adding they time attack to snatch P1 from promise of vaccination could help to allay declaration calling on all countries to be ad- had posed no danger to host communities: new Monster Yamaha teammate Yamaha’s Maverick Vinales in action during the MotoGP pre-season competitors’ fears. ministering vaccines by April 7, added that a “It’s clean and obvious proof.” Quartararo by 0.154s, who had testing at the Losail International Circuit yesterday. Around 11,000 athletes are expected at signifi cant number of Olympic teams “have Bach was at pains to reiterate that the IOC taken the top sport from Ducati’s the Tokyo Olympics and 3,000 at the Beijing already been vaccinated”. “Another signifi - remains committed to holding a “success- Francesco Bagnaia earlier in the running. The LCR rider high- always, there’s areas to work on Games, with 4,000 and around 500 for the cant number have received a commitment ful and safe” Games this year, dismissing fi nal hour. Morbidelli then made sided at the Turn 9 right-hander, during the fi nal day. respective Summer and Winter Paralym- from their governments or are in very posi- cancellation talk as “speculation”. Overseas it an all-Yamaha top three by which brought out a brief red fl ag pics. Tellingly none of the IOC members who tive discussions.” spectators, however, are likely to be shut splitting Vinales and Quartararo period and resulted in him suf- TOP 10 TIMES ON DAY 4 took the virtual fl oor on day two of the 137th Tokyo 2020’s CEO Toshiro Muto said he out, as Japanese organisers prioritise public in the closing minutes. fering a small fracture in his foot 1. Maverick Vinales (Yamaha) IOC Session questioned the moral minefi eld had no prior knowledge of the IOC’s vaccine health and safety. Vinales’ 1m 53.244s didn’t which ended his day early. – 1:53.244 seconds; 2. Franco of athletes jumping the vaccine queue. Also plan. “First of all, did we receive informa- Tokyo 2020’s CEO Muto said that tickets quite beat Jack Miller’s ‘53.183s Valentino Rossi (Yamaha SRT) Morbidelli (Yamaha SRT) + 0.079; avoided was the potential political hot po- tion in advance? No. We had not obtained will be refunded should spectators be un- from Wednesday, but the Span- set his fastest lap of the test so tato of buying the Chinese vaccines as Bei- that information at all,” Muto said. “This is able to attend. “That’s a given,” added John iard – like Bagnaia, Quartararo far – a 1:53.993 – and is in good 3. Fabio Quartararo (Yamaha) jing comes under increasing fi re from rights an issue regarding the IOC, so what presi- Coates, head of the IOC’s coordination and Repsol Honda’s Pol Esparga- spirits, with Rossi saying he feels + 0.154; 4. Francesco Bagnaia groups and some governments amid claims dent Bach was mentioning at the session, we committee for the Tokyo Games, saying he ro – also showed impressive pace like “a real rider” again. Petro- (Ducati + 0.200; 5. Aleix Espar- that actions towards the Uighur and other listened to, we heard what he had to say, but was “mindful of the uncertainty”. over longer runs. nas Yamaha SRT Team Manager garo (Aprilia Racing) + 0.396; 6. minority groups in the northwestern region I am in no position to make any comments James Macleod, the IOC’s director of the Meanwhile, Alex Marquez Wilco Zeelenberg confi rmed that Joan Mir (Suzuki) + 0.583; 7. Alex of Xinjiang amount to genocide. in that regard.” National Olympic Committee relations de- suff ered a fractured foot after a Morbidelli has been trying lots of Rins (Suzuki) + 0.616; 8. Valen- Bach said the Chinese Olympic Commit- Bach also tried to play down the risks to partment and of Olympic Solidarity, added crash. Marquez has had a bruis- diff erent settings to enable him tino Rossi (Yamaha SRT) + 0.749; tee, in co-operation with the IOC, was ready Japan from hosting the Olympics, citing the that the Refugee Olympic Team, which ing test so far, crashing four times to get the feeling he had in 2020, 9. Johann Zarco (Pramac Racing) to make vaccine doses available in two ways. fact that since September 2020, 270 inter- made its debut in Rio in 2016, would feature across the fi rst four days before and the man himself confi rmed + 0.812; 10. Pol Espargaro (Repsol “This can be via international partners or national competitions had been held in- more than 20 athletes in 10 sports in Tokyo. having a fi fth during yesterday’s he’s “really happy” overall but, as Honda Team) + 0.859 Gulf Times Friday, March 12, 2021 7 SPORT

CRICKET India series opportunity to prepare for World Shahidi’s double ton Cup, says Morgan

AFP and replicate teams and roles Ahmedabad within the side that we might need to iron out before we get to the World Cup.” ngland Twenty20 skip- The T20 Indian Premier leaves Zimbabwe in per said League, which will begin in India yesterday the upcoming on April 9, would play a big role series against India was in helping the England players anE “extremely exciting” chal- prepare for the tournament, he lenge that would help the team added. prepare for the World Cup later “Certainly the fi rst few times I this year. went to the IPL, I’ve never gone The fi ve-match series starts in through an experience like it. a spin in 2nd Test Ahmedabad on Friday and would And I’ve learned a huge amount be the only opportunity for a over the years that I’ve been full-strength England squad to there,” Morgan said. He overtook his captain Afghan’s 164 to register first double century for Afghanistan play together before the World “So the value in it given the Cup in India in October-Novem- year that it’s in is brilliant, par- AFP ber due to scheduling demands, ticularly now that we know it’s Abu Dhabi Morgan said. being held in India.” England – the top-ranked T20 The 34-year-old said India side – are coming off the back of – the number two-ranked T20 historic double hundred a woeful Test series that saw the team – would be favourites to from Hashmatullah Sha- team crumble to a 3-1 defeat after win the World Cup and the chal- hidi left Zimbabwe under winning the fi rst game. lenge of playing them in their a huge Afghanistan total of But the T20 squad will include backyard “is extremely exciting 545-4A declared in the second Test in in-form top-order batsman and everybody’s looking forward Abu Dhabi yesterday. Dawid Malan, the Curran broth- to it”. Zimbabwe were 50 without loss in ers and Jason Roy, who were not He added that Alex Hales, who reply after the second day’s play was part of the series loss. shone for Sydney Thunder in the taken over once again by Shahidi and Jos Buttler and Moeen Ali, who recent Big Bash T20 league but Afghanistan skipper , both left the Test tour partway was left out of the squad, could who shared the country’s highest through the series in line with get the opportunity to be around partnership in a Test match. the England and Wales the team as Covid-19 regulations Shahidi remained on 200 Board’s rotation policy, are also are eased throughout the sum- while Asghar scored 164. back for the T20 series. mer. Indian captain The Sheikh Zayed Stadium pitch Morgan was hopeful the series told reporters earlier yesterday continued to hold up for batsmen would allow the squad to “learn a that England were the “team to but Zimbabwe will still need to score huge amount from this tour and beat”. “The prime focus will be 346 to avoid the follow-on and the then have time to improve”. on them in the World Cup. All prospect of facing Afghan leg-spin- “Certainly with one eye on the other teams will be wary of ner , who is likely to get the World Cup in seven months the strength they bring on to the spin from the third day. time, it is an opportunity to try park,” Kohli said. Openers Prince Masvaure and Kevin Kasuza, with 29 and 14 re- spectively, were at the crease when stumps were drawn, after a day Vaughan warns a ‘joke’ dominated by a 307-run fourth if England rotate in Ashes stand between Shahidi and Asghar. Former captain Michael available for every single Ashes Resuming at 307-7, they added 121 Vaughan fears Test cricket will Test match.” more runs before spinner Sikandar become a “joke” if England Vaughan is also concerned Raza trapped the Afghan skipper rotate players in and out of their by the possibility that players, leg-before in the second session. side during the 2021/22 Ashes in including Buttler and Stokes, The 307-run stand is the highest- Australia. England coach Chris could miss the first Test against scoring partnership for any wicket Silverwood has suggested the New Zealand at Lord’s on June by Afghanistan batsmen in six Tests team could continue with the 2, depending on how long their so far, beating the second wicket controversial rest-and-rotation franchises are involved in the stand of 139 between Ihsanullah policy they used in Sri Lanka T20 Indian Premier League. Khan and against Ire- and India. ’s team beat “This is where it gets frustrating land in Dehradun in 2019. Sri Lanka 2-0 before losing their for England supporters, and Asghar batted for 370 minutes, Hashmatullah Shahidi celebrates after scoring Afghanistan’s first double century in the second Test against Zimbabwe in Abu Dhabi four-match series in India 3-1. many in the game, that these hitting 14 boundaries and two sixes yesterday. (Abu Dhabi Cricket) A number of players including players will go and play in the in his maiden century. Ben Stokes, Jofra Archer, Jos full IPL,” he said. Shahidi added another 117 for the Buttler, Jonny Bairstow and fi fth wicket with Nasir Jamal who Scorecard Moeen Ali all missed matches Conway earns Black Caps ODI made 55 not out. at some stage of the tour call-up against Bangladesh In all Shahidi’s monumental in- AFGHANISTAN 1st innings N. Jamal not out 55 4-97-0, Burl 20-1-69-1, Madhevere 9-0-36-0. programme. Many observers Wellington: In-form batsman nings lasted ten minutes short of ten (overnight 307-3) Extras (b16, lb1, nb5, w5) 27 ZIMBABWE Ist innings felt the rotation policy made the Devon Conway was one of three hours, spiced with 21 boundaries and I. Zadran c Raza b Burl 72 Total (160.4 overs; for four wkts dec) 545 P. Masvaure not out 29 already tough task of winning new faces named Thursday in a six. a series in India even more New Zealand’s squad for the J. Ahmadi c Williams b Nyauchi 4 Fall of : 1-6 (Ahmadi), 2-56 (Rah- K. Kasuza not out 14 Ryan Burl (1-69), Raza (1-79) and diff icult. But England are set to upcoming one-day international mat), 3-121 (Zadran), 4-428 (Asghar) Victor Nyauchi (1-102) were Zim- R. Shah run out 23 Extras: (lb6, w1) 7 play a gruelling schedule of up series against Bangladesh. babwe’s wicket takers. Zimbabwe H. Shahidi not out 200 Bowlers: Muzarabani 26-5-62-0 (1w), Total: (overs 17; for no wkt) 50 to 17 Tests in 2021, as well as South Africa-born Conway was lead the two-match series 1-0 after Nyauchi 24-4-102-1 (w2, nb1), Tiripano 20.4- limited-overs matches including rewarded for his outstanding A. Afghan lbw b Raza 164 Bowling: Shirzad 4-0-11-0 (1w), Hamza 8-0- winning the fi rst Test by ten wickets, 1-83-0 (2w, 4nb), Raza 31-4-79-1, Williams 30- 18-0, Rashid 5-1-15-0. a Twenty20 World Cup. Twenty20 displays, including also in Abu Dhabi. Team management argue an unbeaten 99 in the recent rotation is necessary to prevent series victory over Australia. player burnout, especially when Allrounder Daryl Mitchell and so many fixtures will be played batter Will Young are the other in bio-secure bubbles during ODI debutants in the 13-man Suspended Pakistan Super League T20 to resume in June, says PCB the coronavirus pandemic. squad. New Zealand have not The Pakistan Super League players and off icials. the league’s governing council and after taking into considera- year. “If they need rest, you get it played ODI cricket since March (PSL) will resume in June, the The Pakistan Cricket Board have now decided to resume tion all factors relating to event “The PCB management will now before the Ashes,” Vaughan said last year, when their tour of Aus- country’s cricket board said (PCB) abruptly suspended its the tournament in Karachi. organisation,” the PCB said in a look into the operational and on his BBC radio programme. tralia was cancelled after just yesterday, after the Twenty20 flagship tournament after sev- “This was unanimously agreed statement. logistical challenges and revert “Test match cricket is becom- one match due to the corona- competition had to be sus- en people, including six players, by the six franchise owners and The cricket board is restructur- to the franchise owners and ing a joke if that (players being virus pandemic. Wicketkeeper pended last week following a tested positive for Covid-19. the PCB in a virtual meeting ing its bio-bubble after several stakeholders,” it added. rotated) happens. You make Tom Latham will captain the spate of Covid-19 cases among The PCB, the franchises and held on Thursday afternoon breaches were reported this (Reuters) sure you get your best players side.

SPOTLIGHT Stage set for FINA/CNSG Marathon Swim Series By Sports Reporter louli (TUN) also spoke to the me- marathon,” he said. “It’s going to Doha dia. Doha – home to FINA World be interesting as a lot of swim- Aquatics Championships in 2023 mers entered the race. For me it – has become one of the main is a stepping stone for my Olym- INA President Julio stops for FINA competitions over pic qualifi cation. I am trying to Maglione joined athletes the years, also staging the FINA qualify for my sixth Olympics this to praise the Qatar Swim- Swimming World Cups since summer. I can’t imagine a better ming Association (QSA), 2012 and FINA World Swimming stage to get me prepare for Olym- whichF is set to host the FINA/ Championships in 2014. pics Qualifi er, which will happen CNSG Marathon Swim World In a recorded message, FINA in May,” the Tunisian star added. Series 2021 Doha at the scenic President Maglione said: “Every- Defending champion Marc-An- Katara Beach Saturday. one is excited for the race. I want toine Olivier (FRA), Kristof Ras- The season-opening meet, to thank our host Qatar for their ovszky (HUN) – gold medallist which will see the participa- continuous support and help. at 2019 World Aquatics Cham- tion of around 100 long distance This country is a strong FINA pionships (5km) and Gregorio swimmers from 25 countries, will partner and we are always happy Paltrinieri (ITA) are among the mark the return of FINA open to be in Doha. We also enjoy the leading contestants in men’s race. water competitions after over a Qatari hospitality and take mem- Meanwhile, Beck, who defeat- year, with Covid-19 pandemic ories from this competition. I ed Ana Marcela Cunha (BRA) to forcing cancellation of the events wish everyone good luck.” said. “We like challenges. We are ciation, Doha Municipality and Weertman, who won in Doha race but I don’t have idea in what clinch title in Doha last year, ex- throughout last year following the Khaleel said his team put up a working very hard with the gov- sponsors for all the big force they in 2018, praised QSA’s eff orts in shape the rest of athletes are as pected a tough women’s race on 2020 Doha meet. The 10km event, tremendous eff ort for the event, ernment, the Ministry of Public spent in the organisation of this staging the competition. we have not been racing for such Saturday. “It’s a fi rst competition being held under strict Covid-19 adding that he was confi dent Health. I would also like to thank event. This meet is very very im- “It’s very nice to have the com- a long time but I am feeling pretty for over a year and I am very ex- protocols, was launched at a video of organizing another success- the foreign ministry and our col- portant because it’s been a long petition back. With all the testing good,” he added. cited to race again. I am very hap- conference on March 11 in which ful competition, which Doha is leagues at Hamad International time since open water event took and the quarantine in the room it African record holder Mellouli py about it. There are lots of good QSA President Khaleel Khaleel hosting for fourth consecutive Airport for their support. We are place. This is the best leg of the feels pretty safe. I am very happy said Doha will provide a perfect girls like Ana Marcela in the race al-Jabir welcomed all the athletes year. “We are happy to organise working very hard to make this marathon series and I am sure to race again. The water is a bit stage for athletes as they prepare so it’s going to be tough. I am do- and participants. the event and it is my pleasure event happen. We are happy to with the support of Organizing warmer than the last year so, I for Olympics qualifi ers. ing my best and hoping to defend FINA Technical Delegate And- to welcome all the participants clear all the obstacles. Most im- Committee and the FINA dele- think the water is about 22 de- “I want to thank FINA and the my title,” the German star said. rea Prayer Galletti, Rio Olympics to Doha. I shall ensure you that portant thing for us is that ath- gates we can have a very nice and grees so for me that was perfect QSA for organising this event. I Athletes will complete the gold medalist Ferry Weertman we have taken all the necessary letes fi nd a place to compete in safe competition.” conditions. The sun is shining don’t remember the last time I 10km races in 5 laps (2000m (NED), last year’s Doha winner measures for your safe participa- this Olympic year.” Both the men and women’s and the water is nice and fl at,” raced in open water so it’s going each). The women’s race will start Leonie Beck (GER) and three-time tion so that you can enjoy your Galletti said: “I would like to races will feature a competitive said the Dutchman. “I am always to be cool for me to be in open at 9am followed by men’s race, Olympic medalist Oussama Mel- performance,” the QSA President thank Qatar Swimming Asso- fi eld of long distance swimmers. racing to win. I will do my best to water and take a crack in another which will kick off at 1:30pm.

Friday, March 12, 2021 GULF TIMES SPORT

TENNIS/QATAR EXXONMOBIL OPEN Basilashvili rallies to beat Federer; Thiem exits too ‘SO THIS IS A STEPPING-STONE. I’M ACTUALLY HAPPY HOW I FELT TODAY ON COURT OVERALL’

Georgia’s Nikoloz Basilashvili celebrates after defeating Switzerland’s Roger Federer (right) at the Qatar ExxonMobil Open quarter-final yesterday. world No. 4 Thiem 7-6 (3), 2-6, By Mikhil Bhat Federer couldn’t get his hold a match environment, with a 100 6-4. Doha on Basilashvili’s powerful fore- percent fi tness for Wimbledon hand from closer to the net as still the 39-year-old’s top prior- YESTERDAY’S RESULTS the Georgian successfully saved ity. Singles (Quarter-finals) ikoloz Basilashvili a match point at 4-5, before “Look, I have come from so  Taylor Fritz (USA) beat came back from a set winning seven of the next eight far away that I’m actually happy 4-Denis Shapovalov (CAN) 5-7, down and even saved points for a 6-5 lead. that I was able to play back-to- 6-3, 7-5 a match point along It was then only matter of back three-set matches against  Nikoloz Basilashvili (GEO) Nthe way to end Roger Federer’s minutes before the 29-year-old top players. That’s an important beat 2-Roger Federer (SUI) 3-6, short run at the Qatar Exxon- served for the match, fi nishing step forward to me,” Federer 6-1, 7-5 Mobil Open with a 3-6, 6-1, 7-5 the formalities with a backhand said.  5-Roberto Bautista Agut win yesterday. Top seed Dominic winner. “Like I said, I’m not 100% (ESP) beat 1-Dominic Thiem Thiem too was shown the door in “It feels really good, obvi- yet. I can feel it. I can see it, you (AUT) 7-6 (3), 2-6, 6-4 a two-hour 24 minute thriller by ously. He was my idol. And just know. From that standpoint,  Andrey Rublev (RUS) fi fth seed Roberto Bautista Agut. to play against him, even in important is to be 100% by the beat Marton Fucsovics (HUN) Federer was playing his fi rst match, practice, whatever it is, grass court season. I know that. walkover tournament since a semi-fi nal I’m happy. He’s for me one of the I’m still building up. loss at the 2020 Australian Open Defending champion Andrey greatest of all time,” Basilashvili “So this is a stepping-stone. Doubles (Semi-finals) to Novak Djokovic, having un- Rublev enters semi-finals said after winning the 1 hour 50 I’m actually happy how I felt to-  Aslan Karatsev (RUS)/An- dergone a double knee surgery without playing a match. minute match. day on court overall. I felt better drey Rublev (RUS) beat Jeremy post that. “To win means a lot. I’m against Dan, you know, physi- American Taylor Fritz serves to Canadian Denis Shapovalov during Chardy (FRA)/Fabrice Martin The 20-time Grand Slam The world No. 42 then broke happy to be in the semi-fi nal. I cally I would think naturally, but their quarter-finals yesterday. (FRA) 7-6 (5), 7-6 (2) champion had clinched a three- Federer early in the second set, had terrible last eight months, I think Basilashvili plays a totally  Marcus Daniell (NZL)/Philipp set second round 7-6 (8), 3-6, saved three break points on the so I’m happy to win match-by- diff erent game to Dan.” Federer’s loss means that One player who will have no Oswald (AUT) beat 1-Juan Sebas- 7-5 win in his return match back of some booming serves, match and point-by-point and Given the clarity of his long- American 23-year-old Taylor fatigue issues when he takes tian Cabal (COL)/Robert Farah against frequent practice part- before breaking the second seed I’m really happy that I managed term goals and his intentions be- Fritz will not get his crack at the to the centre court tomor- (COL) 6-3, 6-4 ner Daniel Evans on Wednesday. and three-time champion in somehow to be in this semi-fi nal hind assessing his own form and former champion. The world row will be Rotterdam winner Yesterday, his Georgian op- Qatar again in the sixth game to here. It was a good tournament fi tness, Federer did not read too No. 33 too came back from a set Andrey Rublev of Russia, who TODAY’S ORDER OF PLAY ponent forced a breakpoint in the level the match up. so far,” added the Georgian, who much into the loss. down against Canadian Denis received his second walkover Centre Court Starts At 6pm fi rst game of the match itself but Basilashvili, who had lost had come into the ATP 250 tour- “I’m already over it (the loss). I Shapovalov to win 5-7, 6-3, 7-5. of the tournament after the  5-Roberto Bautista Agut squandered it, and then two more in their only encounter coming into nament in Doha on the back of a mean, I would have loved to play “I didn’t practice — I didn’t Hungarian Marton Fucsovics (ESP) vs 3-Andrey Rublev (RUS) the fi fth game. By then Federer had the match at the 2016 Austral- fi ve-match losing streak. tomorrow. Don’t get me wrong, have a lefty to hit with before withdrew from their quarter-  Taylor Fritz (USA) vs Nikoloz already converted the only break ian Open, continued with his For Federer, the comeback ties you know. But at the same time the match or anything. I knew it final. Basilashvili (GEO) point opportunity he received in the impressive groundstrokes in the gave him an insight into how his I’m also happy to get a rest. I’m was going to take me a little bit The Russian will face former  Marcus Daniell (NZL)/Philipp fourth, and eventually closed the set decider as Federer fought hard to match fi tness was and more im- happy how I played today. I’m of time to kind of get used to the champion Bautista Agut, who Oswald (AUT) vs Aslan Karatsev out in 37 minutes. save break points at 3-3. portantly how his knees handled happy how I did yesterday.” serve,” Fritz said. outlasted top seed Austrian (RUS)/Andrey Rublev (RUS)

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Alfardan Premier Motors recognised for Muguruza reaches Dubai last luxurious contribution to Qatar Total Open four aft er edging Sabalenka

lfardan Premier Motors AFP through her fi rst three rounds Co., the offi cial retailer Dubai in the Emirates. The 26-year- of Jaguar Land Rover old American backed up her in the State of Qatar, breakthrough run to the Aus- isA delighted to repeat its spon- arbine Muguruza over- tralian Open last eight by mak- sorship of the Qatar Total Open came Aryna Sabalenka ing the semis in Doha last week – the phenomenally prestigious in a tight three-setter prior to her arrival in the UAE. international tennis tournament for a second consecu- Mertens, 25, is already a ti- on Doha’s sporting calendar for Gtive week to storm into the Du- tle winner this season, having the eleventh year in a row, acting bai semi-fi nals for a third time picked up the Gippsland Tro- as the offi cial transport provider. in seven appearances. phy in Melbourne last month, The tournament was successful- The Spaniard, a runner-up in and is 11-1 win-loss in 2021. ly held from 1st to 6th March at Doha last week, bounced back and unleashed one massive She served for the opening the Khalifa International Tennis from a set down to eliminate the groundstroke after the other. set at 5-4 after claiming a cru- and Squash Complex with the third-seeded Sabalenka 3-6, Sabalenka earned the fi rst cial break of serve with a stun- participation of the renowned 6-3, 6-2 and set up a showdown break of the match to open up ning backhand passing shot tennis stars in the world. with Belgium’s Elise Mertens. a 4-1 gap and it was enough for winner, but dropped the next Alfardan Premier Motors pro- Earlier on centre court, her to secure a one-set lead in eight points as Pegula grabbed vided a fl eet of 45 chauff eur- Mertens, the No.10 seed, pulled 35 minutes. the 75-minute set on a costly driven luxurious Jaguar and off a miraculous comeback, Muguruza was broken at double fault. Pegula leapt to a Land Rover vehicles to cater for saving three match points en the start of the second but re- 4-1 advantage in the second but the transportation needs of all route to a 5-7, 7-5, 6-0 success bounded immediately, taking was broken at love while serv- players and offi cials in its role as over Jessica Pegula. the next four games and she ing for the victory at 5-3. the tournament’s Offi cial Car. The world No.18, who was soon levelled the match. Mertens saved three match Samer Bou Dargham, Gen- down 5-7, 2-5 before she turned Breaks were traded early in points in the next game and eral Manager for Alfardan Pre- things around, is into the 15th the decider before Muguruza stole the set to force a decider. mier Motors, said: “This year’s tour-level semi-fi nal of her ca- went up a double-break 5-2 Pegula never recovered as Qatar Total Open has by far reer. lead as Sabalenka unravelled. Mertens claimed the last 11 been the best till date in terms is a long-standing, mutually proud to support Qatar as it be- The tournament witnessed Muguruza and Sabalenka The former world No.1 served games of the match to punch of participation as it witnessed benefi cial partnership, with this comes a hub for sporting excel- an exciting star-studded line up provided one of the best show- out the win comfortably to her ticket to the fi nal four. the participation of nine of the being our eleventh year of work- lence. In tune with this, Jaguar of the world’s greatest women downs in Doha last week and squeeze into the fi nal four for a Meanwhile, the 63rd-ranked world’s top-ten players vying for ing together.” Land Rover cars are known to be tennis players. This year’s tour- brought more of the same in second time in as many weeks. Barbora Krejcikova reached the the coveted trophy. There is no “We have always prided our- the perfect partners for this high nament culminated with the Dubai yesterday. Pegula, one of 15 main-draw biggest semi-fi nal of her ca- doubt that the partnership be- selves on our association with calibre globally recognised event triumph of Petra Kvitova of the The rallies were explosive debutants in Dubai this week, reer with a dominant 6-0, 6-2 tween Alfardan Premier Motors prestigious sporting sponsor- as they refl ect its elite stature,” Czech Republic who bagged the from the get-go as the pair ex- entered the quarter-fi nals hav- victory over Russian teenager and the Qatar Tennis Federation ships such as this, and we are he added. championship trophy for 2021. changed 140km/hr forehands ing dropped just eight games Anastasia Potapova.