Staut Makes a Winning Start As St Tropez Pirates Take Gcl Pole

Danish teenager Nicolai Hojgaard leads on first day of CB Qatar Masters golf Page 13

friday, March 6, 2020

LONGINES GLOBAL CHAMPIONS TOUR, GLOBAL CHAMPIONS LEAGUE DOHA 2020 staut makes a winning start as st tropez Pirates take gcl pole

Podium finishers of the opening Longines Global Champions Tour class on Thursday with Omar al Mannai, Event Director LGCT First Leg & Commercial Manager Al Shaqab, and Badr al Darwish, Secretary-General, Qatar Equestrian Federation & Asian Equestrian Federation. Norwegian Gulliksen thrills in Frenchman Kevin Staut, who won the GCL team competition’s individual round, with podium finishers Scott Brash of Britain, and Roger- Yves Bost of France at Longines Arena at Al Shaqab on Saturday. LGCT Doha curtain-raiser Action from the 2020 Global Champions League team competition first VINAY NAYUDU 64.18 and was awarded €8,250. leg which kicked off at the Longines Arena at Al Shaqab on Thursday. TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK Doha Doha St Tropez Pirates the start of the season”. are fiercely competitive in the KEVIN Staut used experience sizzle in opening round Speaking of his new team’s race for the 2020 champion- THE Longines Global Champi- and his knowledge of the glit- of team competition chances, after today’s dramatic ship, and high calibre com- ons Tour (LGCT) of Doha kicked tering Longines Arena at Al Meanwhile, St Tropez Pirates display of firepower, Daniel De- binations not only delivered off in style on Thursday at the Shaqab to excel on his 11-year- kicked off their 2020 GCL usser said “It’s a new season, clear rounds, but also threw Longines Arena at Al Shaqab old bay Visconti du Telman campaign in determined style new challenge, new team, we down the gauntlet for the fast- with Johan-Sebastian Gulliksen to claim the top honours in combining speed and pinpoint have a very good team but we est times, with Scott Brash (NOR) picking up his first LGCT the CSI5* 1.50/1.55m class of accuracy to take the lead going need to produce the results”. posting the fastest round in win on Chaloubet in 38.80s. Longines Global Champions into Saturday’s showdown. With half of the teams jump- today’s team competition. Jos Verlooy (BEL) on Varoune League individual competi- Eight teams finished on a ing double clears around Frank The teams are eager to finished just behind them with tion on the opening day of the zero score after this nail-biting Rothenberger’s 1.50/1.55m ex- make their mark at this early a time of 39.91s while the third three-day showjumping gala. first round, with some blis- citing track, motivation is high stage of the season, and on Sat- place was claimed by Wilm Ver- The Frenchman’s superb teringly fast rounds from St among the team riders, owners urday, the GCL Doha Champi- meir (BEL) riding King Kong and flawless ride in the Table Tropez Pirates, Scandinavian and managers from day one of ons will be crowned in what is d’Avifauna in 40.50s. A: Against the Clock format Vikings and London Knights. the GCL team championship sure to be a thrilling finale. As the 2020 season began, needed 63.55secs and fetched New signing Daniel De- at this opening leg and it will The home team of Doha 45 riders lined up for the first him a prize of €13,750. usser joined St Tropez Pirates be all to play for in Saturday’s Falcons had the crowds cheer- competition of the year at the Falling .11secs behind was team stalwart Pieter Devos for final round. ing as they rode into the arena. stunning arena. Edwina Tops- the famous pair of Brit Scott the first time at this opening This season’s teams are There was drama when Cal- Alexander (AUS) opened the Brash and 11-year-old bay geld- leg in Qatar, and the team’s stronger than ever, with more etto Cabana didn’t like the class by leaving all the poles up FANFARE: A cosplayer dressed as a butterfly regales the audience at ing Hello Shelby as they strode strategy paid off. Pieter praised horsepower and new talent be- look of the triple combination but picking up 2 time faults in Al Shaqab equestrian centre on Thursday. (PIC: MohaMeD TINakIChT) the vast turf expanse with finesse his new teammate and said, ing added, and some exciting causing them to be eliminated the second phase with her bay in 63.55secs to win €11,000. “We had a very good start, a transfers as this year’s battle after two refusals. Titouan still mare Identity Vitseroel. (SUI) took on the course at a win on the Longines Global France’s Roger-Yves Bost nice clear. I’m very happy with gets underway. chose to jump much to the The first clear round went bold pace but wasn’t able to Champions Tour with his ex- on Castleforbes Talitha (13-yr- my new teammate Daniel who It was clear from the start fans’ delight. to Roger Yves Bost (FRA) and catch the leading time, finish- perienced gelding Chaloubet. old bay mare) finished third in gave us a lot of confidence for today that this year’s teams (Inputs gclglobalchampions.com) Castleforbes Talitha who posted ing with 0 faults in 44.49 sec- The fast and furious combina- a characteristically fast round, onds. Cindy van der Straten tion didn’t hold anything back taking an early lead in a time (BEL) posted the third clear as they took on the twisty sec- Results & Schedule of 40.94 seconds. Qatari rider of the class with her 9 year old ond phase. Flying over the fin- CSI5* 1.45m Two Phases: A + A, 2nd Phase Against 63.55secs; Prize money: €13,750; 2. Scott Brash Philippaerts (Katanga v.h Dingeshof) 67.45 secs; Team SATUrdAy Rashid Towaim Ali Al Marri mare Diarca PS, putting the ishing line in a time of 38.80s the Clock. Total prize-money: €25.400 (Britain); Hello Shelby; 63.66secs; €11,000; 3. Roger- total: 141.88 9:55am: Hathab National Series Against-the-clock (QAT) also jumped clear on pair in 13th place. Then Dan- he has set the tone for the rest 1. Johan-Sebastian Gulliksen (Norway); Horse: Yves Bost (France); Castleforbes Talitha; 64.18; €8,250 FrIdAy SChEdUlE 1.15/1.25m (15.000 QAR) Flaire, but the pair couldn’t quite iel Deusser (GER) had his foot of the weekend. Chaloubet; Time: 38.80secs; Prize money: €6,350; 2. Global Champions league team results – first round 9am: Hathab National Series 1.00/1.15m (10.000 QAR) 12:15pm: Hathab National Series Against-the-clock Jos Verlooy (Belgium); Varoune; 39.91 secs; €5,080; 3. 1. St Tropez Pirates: Pieter Devos (Espoir) 68.50 secs, 1pm: Hathab National Series Against-the-clock match the pace. Gilles Thomas to the pedal throughout his A delighted Johan said: “I 1.30/1.45m (35.000 QAR) Wilm Vermeir (Belgium); King Kong d’Avifauna; 40.50 Daniel Deusser (Killer Queen VDM) 67.79 secs; Team 1.20/1.30m (20.000 QAR individual & 20.000 QAR (BEL) took all the inside lines round, but couldn’t quite match was last to go so I had to try. 2:45pm: CSI5* GCL of Doha Round 2 - 1.50/1.55m secs; €3,810 total: 136.29 secs; 2. Scandinavia Vikings: Evelina Tovek teams) around the course with Konak, the pace, and finished in 6th. My horse jumped fantastic CSI5* 1.50/1.55m - GCl Team Competition Indvidual (Dalila de la Pomme) 70.56 secs; Henrik von Eckermann 3:45pm: CSI 5* Against-the-clock 1.50m (€51.100) (€95,000 to indvidual winners) round 1; Table A: Against the Clock. Prize-money: €59,000 (Best Boy) 65.95 secs; Team total: 136.51; 3. London 7:30pm: CSI 5* Against-the-clock with jump-off 6:15pm: CSI 5* Longines Global Champions Tour but an unlucky pole had them The best was saved until and hopefully, I can bring this 1. Kevin Staut (France); Horse: Visconti du Telman; Time: Knights: Olivier Philippaerts (Zayado) 74.43 secs; Nicola 1.50/1.55m (€148.500) Grand Prix of Doha - 1.60m (€375.000) finish just outside the top 20. last as Johan-Sebastian Gul- good feeling with me tomor- Super speedy Pius Schwizer liksen (NOR) claimed his first row and Saturday.” Latin American sports industry experts updated on preparations for Qatar 2022 SC.QA updated attendees on tourna- thousands of journalists to Qa- and in person, advising them ment infrastructure, including tar, coming from all over the of hotels, public transport op- HE Supreme Commit- the proposed launch of three world. We are also spreading tions, fan zone timings, parties tee for Delivery & Legacy stadiums during 2020. the message widely on social to go to, things to see in Doha T(SC) recently participat- Al Kuwari said: “With media – we have over 1 million and of course where the best ed in the Sports Summit MX 1,000 days remaining to kick- Facebook followers, plus dedi- Mexican restaurants were.” 2020 in Mexico City to discuss off, preparations are going cated Spanish accounts. “Ultimately, we want to the latest progress and prepa- well. We plan to open three “Additionally, we have also demonstrate Qatar’s efforts rations on the road to the FIFA new stadiums this year – and implemented a newsroom ap- in shaping a memorable fan World Cup Qatar 2022™. have all of them completed proach to communicate our experience for visitors from HE Mohamed al Ku- by 2021. We are very excited stories, developing in-house all over the world – including wari, the Qatari Ambassador to welcome the world in 2022 360-degree style content fans from Mexico, who are ex- to Mexico, participated in a and, as the Qatari Ambassa- which can easily be syndicated pected to travel in large num- panel session during the event dor to Mexico, I’m particularly with media around the world.” bers to the country in 2022.” alongside Isabel Ovalle Dava- excited to welcome fans from Navarro discussed her Sports Summit MX is a los, SC Media Senior Spe- Mexico and Latin America.” work with the SC – particu- meeting point for key play- cialist, and the SC’s Mexican Al Kuwari continued: “Qa- larly her contribution to en- ers in the international sports community leader in Qatar, tar 2022 will present an op- suring fans of CF Monterrey industry. This year’s pro- Yezenia Navarro. portunity for many fans to were provided with timely and gramme featured a range of The panel, titled ‘Qatar visit the Middle East for the useful information ahead of topics, including innovation, 2022: 1,000 days to go until first time. They will have the last year’s FIFA Club World anti-piracy, audience inter- the first Middle Eastern FIFA chance to discover the re- HE Mohamed al Kuwari, Qatar’s Ambassador to Mexico, at a panel session during the event alongside Isabel Cup™, which was held in Qa- action, live streaming, fan World Cup’, was moderated by nowned Arab hospitality and Ovalle Davalos, SC Media Senior Specialist, and SC’s Mexican community leader in Qatar, Yezenia Navarro. tar for the first time during De- engagement, eSports, sports well-known Televisa present- unparalleled football passion, cember. She said: “During the marketing, fan experience, er, Francisco Javier Gonzalez. as well as the many similari- Meanwhile, Ovalle dis- to create awareness about prep- She explained: “In the last tournament I liaised with fan social media, digital transfor- During the session, Al Kuwari ties between our cultures.” cussed efforts made by the SC arations for the tournament. decade we have welcomed groups in Mexico, both online mation and smart stadiums. sports Friday, March 6, 2020 11 Kodjia ends goal drought as al gharafa beat al Wakrah TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK QSL Standings Doha Club MP W D L GF GA GD Pts JONATHAN Kodjia ended his 1. Al duhail 16 12 3 1 31 13 18 39 four-match goal drought as Al 2. Al rayyan 16 10 5 1 33 14 19 35 Gharafa halted a three-game 3. Al Sadd 16 10 2 4 45 26 19 32 winless run to beat Al Wakrah 2-1 in the QNB Stars League 4. Al Gharafa 17 8 4 5 29 24 5 28 at the Al Gharafa Stadium on 5. Al Sailiya 16 7 2 7 18 20 -2 23 Paris Saint-Germain forward Kylian Mbappe celebrates after scoring a Thursday, while relegation 6. Al Arabi 16 5 5 5 26 24 2 21 goal during the French Cup semi-final against Olympique Lyonnais at strugglers Umm Salal and Al 7. Al Wakrah 17 5 4 8 24 27 -3 19 the Groupama Stadium on Wednesday. (aFP) Shahania played a 2-2 draw. 8. Al Ahli 16 5 3 8 20 27 -7 18 Kodjia, who bagged a hat- 9. Qatar SC 16 4 4 8 14 20 -6 16 trick on his league debut in Mbappe treble fires PSG January, had failed to score in 10. Al Khor 16 3 5 8 19 26 -7 14 over a month in all competi- 11. Umm Salal 17 3 5 9 15 33 -18 14 tions and his goal helped Slavisa 12. Al Shahania 17 1 7 9 17 37 -20 10 into French Cup final Jokanovic to an important win. Al Wakrah went ahead in ute) and Ramin Rezaein (78th AFP alty spot. the match thanks to a howler by minute) scored for Al Shahania. LyoN Collecting the ball out on Al Gharafa goalkeeper Moham- Umm Salal and Al Shaha- the left wing, he casually saw med Khuroob. nia now have 14 and 10 points KYLIAN Mbappe hit a hat- off two Lyon defenders before Iliass Bel Hassani scored respectively, and still stare trick as Paris Saint-Germain floating over a cross to fellow barely four minutes in when at relegation as the bottom cruised into the final of the forward Edinson Cavani, who a clearance from a corner teams. French Cup with a thumping controlled the ball only for dropped nicely for the Mo- Al Gharafa’s Jonathan Kodjia (right) reacts after scoring the winner against Al Wakrah during their QNB Becerra gave Umm Salal 5-1 win at Lyon on Wednes- Marcal to then handle before roccan whose volley flew past Stars League match at the Al Gharafa Stadium on Thursday. an early advantage before day. the Uruguay striker could let Khuroob, but the Gharafa man Amanguoa helped Al Shaha- The World Cup winner his shot go. should have done better with chances in the first half but Al fianne Hanni stepped up and Umm Salal 2 Al Shahania 2 nia draw parity as the latter took his goal tally in all com- Neymar slotted home the his attempted save. Gharafa started the second half made no mistake from the spot, Umm Salal and Al Shahania had slightly more of the ball petitions to 30 during a win subsequent spot-kick after It was another frustrating brightly and on the half hour sending the goalie the wrong played out a 2-2 draw at the Al till the end of first half. that was eased by Fernando confirmation of the handball evening for Al Wakrah’s top mark, they got the much-need- way. Gharafa Stadium on Thursday The Orange Fortress went Marcal being sent off just be- by VAR, while Marcal had scorer Mohamed Benyettou. ed equaliser. Al Gharafa found the win- in a battle to beat the drop. ahead for a second time seven fore Neymar put the French to leave the field after being The Algerian with 10 goals al- Ahmed Alaaeldin was clum- ner 10 minutes later when Kod- January signing Raul Becer- minutes into the second half, champions ahead in the 64th handed his second red card. ready this season, has gone cold sily brought down in the box jia rose highest to power home a ra scored Umm Salal’s goals in again through Becerra, and minute from the penalty spot. “I prefer to say nothing in the last four matches. prompting the referee to award header past Saoud Mubarak as the second and 52nd minutes. Rezaein’s goal enabled Al Sha- The defeat Lyon ends about the penalty,” said Lyon Both teams created few a penalty to the Cheetahs. So- Al Gharafa held on for the win. Kesse Amanguoa (16th min- hania to earn a crucial point. a five-match unbeaten run boss Rudi Garcia, who side that included an impressive face PSG in the League Cup 1-0 win over Juventus in the final next month. Champions League and the “When you are 10 against weekend’s triumph over local 11 playing such a strong team rivals Saint-Etienne. it’s no longer a contest.” Al Arabi optimistic ahead of Al Khor clash “It was a solid, serious Mbappe made sure of the display full of concentra- Parisian’s visit to the Stade de TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK a positive result. We are also the last minutes. Looking at the mentally and tactically.” tion,” said PSG coach Thomas France next month with a su- Doha optimistic that we can further table, we know the importance Meanwhile Al Ahli coach Tuchel. perb solo effort with 20 min- improve our performance es- of the Al Khor match. The re- Nebojsa Jovovic will hope to “After the Dortmund utes left, embarrassing Bruno AL Arabi will hope to pick the pecially with the young players maining games will also be dif- capitalise on Qatar SC’s poor match (lost 2-1 in Germany), Guimaraes and Marcelo be- positives from last weekend 1-1 who have been promising so ficult, but I have confidence in goal return having gone five Mbappe has responded bril- fore calmly slotting past An- draw at Al Sadd as they host far,” Hallgrimsson said. the team, given that our perfor- matches without scroing. liantly. He uses his speed so thony Lopes. 10th-placed Al Khor in the QNB Against Al Khor though, Al mance is getting better and the Al Ahli themselves chase a intelligently ... he is in good Pablo Sarabia added a Stars League on Friday. Arabi face a familiar foe whom team spirit is high.” a first win four after two draws form.” fourth with a stinging low In the other match of the they have played three times al- Al Khor coach Omar Na- and a loss. Mbappe equalised for the strike 11 minutes later, and day, Al Ahli will take on Qatar ready -- once each in the league, jhi on the other hand said, “All “It is definitely a very im- away side with a simple tap-in Mbappe completed his hat- Sports Club in the early kick-off. Ooredoo Cup and Amir Cup, games that we play are impor- portant match. Last weekend’s just three minutes after Mar- trick in stoppage time, tap- Al Arabi coach Heimir Hall- Hallgrimsson knows a win is es- tant and the preparations are loss to Al Rayyan made me and tin Terrier had given the rau- ping home Neymar’s cross af- grimsson said his players are Al Arabi coach Heimir Hallgrimsson sential to any hope of finishing normal. There is no doubt that the players stronger. But now cous home fans hope with a ter good work on the left from starting to show the required in the top four. Al Arabi know our strengths we face a team who will also be neat 11th-minute opener. the world’s most expensive level but insists they still have great and we learned a lot from “The games between Al and weaknesses because we keen on collecting maximum The 21-year-old was also footballer. work to do. it. We can fight till the end of a Arabi and Al Khor are always faced off this season more than number of points at this stage,” key to PSG taking the lead in Saint-Etienne and Rennes “The Al Sadd match was game in order to come up with tough and are not resolved until once. Our players are prepared Jovovic said. the 64th minute from the pen- meet in the second semi-final.

Juve and Inter to play Serie Defending champions Australia to face FIFA, AFC to A classic in empty stadium propose World as virus crisis widens India in women’s T20 World Cup final Cup qualifiers DPA Fiorentina played on Sunday AFP 18 and fellow opener Mooney be postponed RoMe before the big match in Turin. SyDNey blasted 28 before being clean- As a result, the season bowled by de Klerk. FIFA THE Serie A classic pitting schedule has now moved a FOUR-TIME champions Aus- South Africa successfully zURICh Juventus against visiting Inter week forward, leaving the tralia will meet India in the put the brakes on the run rate Milan seems to have found its Lega with a puzzle that also women’s Twenty20 World Cup and grabbed two more quick FIFA and the Asian Football final date late Sunday, closing involves two Italian Cup semi- final after rain-marred semi- wickets before Rachael Haynes Confederation (AFC) met at a matchday that includes five finals rescheduled from this finals Thursday sparked calls (17) and Lanning guided them the Home of FIFA to discuss other rescheduled games with week, the event’s final, and for reserve days to be included to a winning total. football activities in Asia. no spectators admitted to sta- European matches played by in future events. “It was very emotional to For both FIFA and the AFC, diums. Atalanta, Juve, Napoli, Inter The title holders stormed see the ladies like that. To the well-being and health of all The Lega Serie A are to and Roma. into their sixth final with a five- come short every time is diffi- individuals involved in football confirm the schedule Thurs- Euro 2020, which is due run win over South Africa in cult,” van Niekerk said of her matches remains the highest day, a day after the Italian to open in Rome on June 12, is a tense battle that saw the last devastated team. priority, and as such, a formal government stepped up ef- also to be considered as conti- overs played in drizzle. A reserve day is allowed for proposal to postpone upcom- forts to subdue a coronavirus nental ruling body UEFA is to Unbeaten India were due to the final and the lack of one for ing matches in the Asian FIFA outbreak that has gradually begin preparations at the Sta- face 2009 champions England the semis was criticised by some World Cup 2022 and AFC spread from the north to the dio Olimpico on May 18, with at the Sydney Cricket Ground players, with Kaur among those Asian Cup 2023 qualifiers will rest of the country in the last both Roma and Lazio playing in the first semi-final, but heavy calling for change. now be shared with the rel- two weeks. away games on the Serie A showers began early in the day “Having reserve days in evant member associations. The measures include all closing matchday on May 24. and barely let up. the future will be a great idea,” sporting events taking place Various commentators A minimum of 10 overs per she said. behind closed doors until have accused the Lega of side were needed for a result England captain Heather April 3, with closed schools groundless optimism about a and the umpires called it off Knight suggested before the and universities until March quick end of the emergency, without a ball being bowled. Australia’s Meg Lanning plays a shot during the Twenty20 women’s match that “there will be a 15 as more than 3,000 people and unwillingness to give up With no reserve day, the World Cup semi-final against South Africa in Sydney on Thursday.(aFP) lot of pressure on the ICC to have been infected and 107 stadium takings or having to highest-ranked teams from change” the rules. died. reimburse season tickets. the two groups moved into the “Really frustrating,” she Playing in empty stadiums Tension escalated among final if play was not possible, Unbeaten India were due to face 2009 champions said after the washout. “Not was already an option two clubs, with Inter president putting India through to their England at the Sydney Cricket Ground in the first how we wanted the World Cup weekends ago, when the Lega, Steven Zhang calling Lega first-ever decider. semi-final, but heavy showers began early in the day and to finish for us. No reserve day, the organizing body compris- president Paolo Dal Pino a “From day one, we knew barely let up. A minimum of 10 overs per side were no chance of getting play.” FIFA and the AFC will ing the 20 top flight clubs, “clown” and accusing him of we had to win all the games in needed for a result and the umpires called it off without Cricket Australia chief provide an update on these chose instead to cancel four disinterest for public health. case the semis didn’t happen,” a ball being bowled. Kevin Roberts said he asked the fixtures in the coming days fol- games to be played in north- Zhang, a businessman said Indian captain Harman- ICC about adding a reserve day lowing consultation with the ern regions on matchday 25. from China, where the infec- preet Kaur. with the Sydney weather look- AFC member associations. Two fixtures still have no new tion originated in December, “First T20 World Cup fi- “It was extremely tense. spearhead Megan Schutt ing ominous, but the request Other topics of discussion date. was pleased by the govern- nal means a lot for us. But as a Even in the last couple of balls it clean-bowled her for 12, then was denied. were the women’s Olympic The closed-doors option ment decree, which seems to team, we just want to play our just wasn’t safe. We felt we had Lanning took a difficult catch “We’ve asked the question play-off between Korea Re- was also turned down last have allayed differences with- best cricket in the final.” a good total without it being to remove Mignon du Preez and it’s not part of the playing public and China PR, as well as weekend, with six more games in the Lega. The rain eased for the great,” said Lanning. and leave South Africa strug- conditions and we respect that,” the AFC Futsal Championship cancelled on matchday 26 and “Closing the doors to a second semi and defending “India are a class side, they gling at 26 for three. he told Melbourne’s SEN radio. Turkmenistan 2020. originally moved to May 13. match is difficult for many champions Australia hit 134 have been playing excellent But Laura Wolvaardt (41 “It gives you cause to reflect and FIFA will continue to After a meeting in Rome reasons and nobody wants for five off their 20 overs, with cricket. But we have been im- not out) and Sune Luus (21) got think about how you might im- monitor the situation in re- on Wednesday, the Lega it, but in the end, in order to skipper Meg Lanning top- proving each day,” she added. them back on track to set up prove things in the future.” lation to COVID-19 in coop- abandoned the May 13 date continue with the calendar scoring on 49 and Nadine de Big-hitting opener Lizelle an exciting finale with 32 runs Scores eration with the World Health and moved the six games to and continue with normal ac- Klerk taking 3-19. Lee smacked a huge six to get needed off the last three overs, Australia 5 for 134 off 20 overs Organization (WHO), the con- this weekend. tivities, we have to prioritize But rain briefly returned the South African run chase only to fall short. federations and the member Sampdoria v Verona is set public safety above all else,” at the interval, and the Proteas underway but, tempted into Earlier, Beth Mooney and (Lanning 49*, Mooney 28, de klerk associations. Information on for Saturday, with AC Milan said Zhang, as Inter are said to were set 98 from 13 overs to win another, holed out to Ashleigh Alyssa Healy aggressively set 3-19) beat South Africa 5 for 92 other international matches v Genoa, Parma v SPAL, Sas- have donated 100,000 euros under the Duckworth-Lewis- Gardner on the boundary ropes. about building a big total for (Target: 98 in 13 overs) (Wolvaardt may be provided by the rel- suolo v Brescia and Udinese v to a Milanese hospital. Stern method, but could only Skipper Dane van Niekerk Australia. 42*, Schutt 2-17) by 5 runs evant confederation or mem- manage 92 for five. looked dangerous but pace Healy fell after a quickfire (DLS method) ber association. 12 Friday, March 6, 2020 sports

official photo shoot of Moto2 and Moto3 riders at the losail international circuit

The official photo shoot of the Moto2 (left) and Moto3 riders at the Losail International Circuit on Thursday, ahead of the season-opening QNB Grand Prix of Qatar. Martin, Navarro can’t wait for Moto2 action to start Gardner aims for a quick start like last year as the FP1 begins at 12.55 pm today

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK Doha

WHILE Jorge Martin (Red Bull KTM Ajo) hopes to find solution just ahead of the opening Moto2 race at the QNB Grand Prix of Qatar, his Beta Tools Speed Up rival Jorge Navarro is planning to use new aerodynamics to the best on Sunday. Without the Premier A rider jumps in joy after the official photo session on Thursday. Class riders, the season- opening round is all set to start at the floodlit Losail In- ternational Circuit on Friday with the Moto3 Free Practice Lorenzo to race in Barcelona as at 12:55 pm. At the final pre-season Yamaha MotoGP wild-card testing here, Martin was the quickest Kalex rider, show- TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK some time this season, Lor- ing he has overcome knee Doha enzo had denied. surgery, foot injuries and his After successful runs, both move to Kalex from KTM. FIVE-TIME world champion parties seem to have taken the The former Moto3 cham- Jorge Lorenzo will come out of decision for the number 99 to pion had a fine end to his his retirement and race at home be back and join fellow M1 rid- rookie Moto2 campaign with Catalunya MotoGP as wildcard. ers Valentino Rossi, Maverick two podiums and a pair of The Spanish star called Vinales, Fabio Quartararo and first-row starts for the Ajo it quits last November in Va- Franco Morbidelli on the grid in team, but KTM’s pull-out lencia and joined the Iwata Barcelona on June 5-7. from the intermediate class factory as the test rider at the Jorge Lorenzo commented: meant he had to switch to (From left) Tony Arbolina, Ai Ogura, Filip Salac (all Moto3 riders), Jorge Navarro, Jorge Martin and Remy Gardner pose for a group picture at the beginning of 2020 and com- “After some weeks thinking Kalex for 2020. Losail International Circuit on Thursday. pleted two-days of testing at about it, yesterday I decided I During the traditional the Sepang shakedown and Of- will compete at the Catalan GP. press conference, he said, feeling very comfortable with ics, because we always had rider in front, it’s difficult to spec Kalex chasis. ficial Tests in February. I’m really looking forward to it “At the end of last season I the front-end and needed to a lack of top speed. To fight overtake. The 22-year-old said, Questions were already and I’ll see you all there.” was good, quite competitive, find solution for it before the in the races is difficult when “I think this was the “I want to be starting this being asked if the 47-time Lorenzo will continue his then we changed the bike race. “I’m still struggling to you don’t have this top speed weakest point last year, that season like we did last year, MotoGP race winner would test duties throughout the year and it really difficult at the find a good feeling with the because mainly at the begin- I had to wait a long time to when we went off with a return to MotoGP action for the factory Yamaha squad. beginning to understand the front of the bike but I think ning of the race everybody is make a safe move and I al- bang. Pre-season testing has new bike. I also had surgery it’s the same for everybody. very aggressive and when you ways arrived late to fight for been quite good, just working three months ago, then when So I’m just trying to work don’t have this chance to ar- the victory. I think this year a lot with my new crew chief Five-time world I came back to testing I broke hard and understand every rive to the braking point near with the new aerodynamics, and things are quite positive. champion Jorge my foot again. move we make. Hopefully the rider in front, its difficult it will be easier to overtake “I can’t wait to start this Lorenzo. “Every season, I pray not this weekend we can find a to overtake. other riders,” said Navarro, weekend,” he added. to have any injuries. Now I way to fight for victory.” “To fight in the races who had eight podiums on The absence of the Mo- am almost 100 percent fit. But Despite the front-end is- is difficult when you don’t his way to fourth overall last toGP riders doesn’t change the pre-season was hard. The sues, Martin finished sec- have this top speed because season. anything for him. He said, surgery on my knee was really ond in the Qatar test behind mainly at the beginning of Also present on the oc- “For me it doesn’t change. As aggressive, but in Jerez I al- Speed Up’s Jorge Navarro, the race everybody is very ag- casion was Onexox TKKR soon as you put the helmet ready improved my best time, who said, “I think the big- gressive and when you don’t SAG Team’s Remy Gardner, on, it’s a race. We’re just go- also here in Qatar,” he added. gest area (of improvement) have this chance to arrive to the third fastest in the Qatar ing to go out there and do all Martin said he was not is in terms of aerodynam- the braking point near the Test, despite using the 2019- we can to win.” Dorna committed to have full championship: Ezpeleta TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK whatever, is to make races. thing I can say is that we will Moto2 and Moto3 always, they make the maximum number the FIM and everyone else Doha “I can assure you with all try to do everything possi- are very important categories. of races, keeping the same connected with MotoGP will the people of IRTA and all the ble; postpone or whatever. We have always maintained possibilities for everybody.” be doing all they can to see DORNA Sports CEO Carmelo MotoGP, Moto2 and Moto3 Our aim today is to work to- that the MotoGP Champion- He added, “No one knows the premier class race at the Ezpeleta said that the MotoGP managers, we will try to do as gether, as we’ve been doing ship is three categories, I think what is going to happen 19 scheduled rounds after Qa- organising body is committed many races as we can. I will all this time, to try to make it’s one of our big assets. And around the corner but one tar, alongside their Moto2 and to deliver the full champion- not say now that I am opti- the Championship. In the the only thing is this weekend thing is for sure, Dorna, IRTA, Moto3 counterparts.” ship even if the races are held mistic but the only thing I can best possible conditions, but the focus will be on Moto2 and until the Christmas. promise to you is we will work to try to maintain the cham- moto3 because MotoGP isn’t A revised 2020 MotoGP calendar, following the cancellation of Qatar and Clarifying the Dorna hard for whatever solution has pionship with the maximum happening. Normally it’s the Wpostponement of Thailand, has been released today: Sports’s position ahead of the happened, to make the races. number of races we can. We opposite. 1. March 8 Qatar* (no MotoGP class) Losail International Circuit 2. April 5 Americas Circuit of the Americas first session of the season- The 19 remaining races.” are prepared to do that, the “We are happy that the 3. April 19 Argentina Termas de Rio Hondo opening QNB Grand Prix of He also said: “Contractual- Dorna CEO said. teams and riders of Moto2 4. May 3 Jerez Circuito de Jerez - Angel Nieto Qatar at the Losail Interna- ly with the FIM, the minimum Danny Aldridge explained and Moto3 were here and 5. May 17 France Le Mans tional Circuit on Thursday, number of races for the World the technical regulations for this permitted us to do that. 6. May 31 Italy Mugello 7. June 7 Catalunya Circuit de Barcelona - Catalunya Ezpeleta said, “Everything is Championship is 13. Even in the lightweight and interme- I repeat, one of the cases of 8. June 21 Germany Sachsenring possible. The most important the worst case, with lots of diate class bikes as the stage this coronavirus is everything 9. June 28 Netherlands TT Circuit Assen thing for us to have a solu- cancellations, we have time. is set for racing in Qatar. As changes everyday and we can’t 10. July 12 Finland** KymiRing tion that covers everything. Maybe we will race in coun- they say, every cloud has a think ‘what’s happening, we 11. August 9 Czech Republic Brno 12. August 16 Austria Red Bull Ring - Spielberg We say always that Dorna, tries where it’s hot at Christ- Dorna Sports CEO Carmelo silver lining. The cancellation can prevent that’ but it is clear 13. August 30 Great Britain Silverstone with the agreement with FIM mas but our duty is to make Ezpeleta in Losail on Thursday. of MotoGP this weekend puts we are thinking from this and 14. September 13 San Marino Misano and IRTA, is a company who races and we’ll make races. added onus on two other vital- last weekend to have as much 15. September 27 Aragon MotorLand Aragon makes races. And this is our Maybe they’ll need to post- future? This is something we ly important parts to the Mo- imagination for what we can 16. October 4 Thailand Chang International Circuit 17. October 18 Japan Motegi obligation despite any other pone the FIM prize-giving cer- can’t prevent. The situation toGP World Championship: do. I repeat: for us, it’s very 18. October 25 Australia Phillip Island things. For us the most impor- emony but we’ll make races.” keeps changing around the Moto2 and Moto3. important for us to maintain 19. November 1 Malaysia Sepang tant, more than economy or “What will happen in the world, every day. The only “We are trying to promote the calendar and second to 20. November 15 Valencia Comunitat Valenciana - Ricardo Tormo sports Friday, March 6, 2020 13 teen hojgaard scorches ecgc course on day 1 Dane leads with a minus seven card at the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK Doha

DANISH teenager Nicolai Hojgaard mastered the Edu- cation City Golf Club’s ele- ments and produced his Pro career’s opening day best to Former Commercial Bank Qatar Masters winner Alvaro Quiroz lines up his putt on Thursday. lead the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters on Thursday. The tall player displayed some of the magic that ECGC aims to give boost helped him finish runner-up to Spanish Major winner Ser- gio Garcia in the KLM Open last year as he carded seven to golf in Qatar: Naimi under par 64 to lead six-time European Tour winner Joost Luiten by a shot. TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK the game, Naimi said, “We’ve a Nicolai, grouped with Doha Centre of Excellence which has two-time Tour winner Indi- professional coaches to train an Shubhankar Sharma and THE 5th of March will remain those who are interested. Right Finish Kalle Samooja, nailed a very special day in history of now we have about 400 players nine birdies, six of them in a Education City Golf Club - the registered with it and are get- row on the back nine. How- formal inauguration of the ting various courses. ever, despite his two dropped Leader Nicolai Hojgaard of Denmark hits a tee shot from the 18th hole on the first day of the Commercial club’s sprawling course by Her “We’re going to organise shots, he was firmly on the Bank Qatar Masters at the Education City Golf Club course on Thursday. Highness Sheikha Moza coin- events for both males and fe- top of the clubhouse leader- cided with the opening round males regularly. This will create board early in the day and of the 23th Commercial Bank interest among them and in- stayed there till the end. Qatar Masters. spire them to work hard to win “I never expected to shoot Leaderboard The European Tour-sanc- titles,” he added. such a low round. I did have tioned event took place at Doha Another novel way ECGC aspirations of going out and rOUNd 1 Golf Club for 22 years and this ECGC Deputy GM Mohammed has planned to grow the sport producing a good round. But Leading first round scores in the European season, it has been shifted to al Naimi is to involve various schools in these conditions even a par Tour’s Qatar Masters on Thursday (GBR/ the Qatar Foundation’s massive and colleges across the country. would be a solid score,” com- IRL unless stated; par 71) facility, designed and devel- Masters were on the same day. “We have started a programme mented a delighted Hojgaard. 64 - Nicolai Hojgaard (DEN) oped by Jose Maria Olabazal, “This is an amazing facil- “Teach The Teacher.” Under “It’s a nice feeling. I just 65 - Joost Luiten (NED) the two-time Major winner ity, which has been built to this programme, we’ll first train made a lot of birdies. I can’t 66 - Andy Sullivan, Jeff Winther (DEN), who led the European team to create interest for the sport in sports teachers of schools and remember that I shot minus Jorge Campillo (ESP), Carlos Pigem the Ryder Cup as well. the young generation. This is colleges. After the successful 7 in an opening round like (ESP), Lorenzo Gagli (ITA), Thomas Soon after the launch of the a sport for people of all ages. completion, they’ll be certified. as a Pro. I have done it as an Pieters (BEL) ECGC course, Deputy General From a four-year-old kid to “Also, we’re providing amateur, but I could not have 67 - Marcus Armitage, David Drysdale, Manager Mohammed al Naimi an adult of 60 years, it can safe golf equipment to stu- asked for a better start really. S.S.P Chawrasia (IND), Benjamin Hebert sounded quite excited. “This be played by all. People can dents in schools and colleges “It was quite windy in the (FRA), Darren Fichardt (RSA), Scott is really a great moment for practise it and become good and will encourage them to morning. Right now, it is a Jamieson, Moon Kyong-jun (KOR) us and we’d been waiting for players and they can relax also play golf. We’re quite opti- bit calmer but when you get 68 - Marcus Kinhult (SWE), Ross Fisher, this for a long time. The grand through it after their work,” mistic that the ECGC’s golf out on the course, it is quite Niklas Lemke (SWE), Sebastian Heisele opening by the Her Highness Naimi added. development programmes gusty. It is nice to lead such a (GER), Marcel Siem (GER), Benjamin and the first day of the prestig- Talking about the pathway will help us reap the benefits big field here,” he added. Poke (DEN), Yassine Touhami (MAR), ious Commercial Bank Qatar ECGC will follow to develop in future,” Naimi said. “If you’re playing good Dave Coupland, Robert Macintyre, Wilco golf, you can beat them. I’ll Nienaber (RSA), Gregory Havret (FRA) hopefully have same game- 69 - Mike Lorenz plan and try to execute the same things. I’m looking Former winner Jeunghun Wang forward to doing the same tees off on the first day. thing tomorrow again,” the This is an amazing facility, 18-year-old player said, add- which has been built to ing: “The course is nice. It’s create interest for the sport a bit like the Oman’s course and third and then reeling off Luiten bogeyed the next ruption of being tested for in the young generation. with slow greens.” a hat-trick from the fifth to and with Højgaard holing coronavirus, parred his first This is a sport for people of His twin brother Rasmus, get to five under. from six feet, the advantage 11 holes but then birdied the the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Luiten made birdies on was two before the leader 12th, 13th, 14th, 16th and last all ages. From a Open champion, is also play- the tenth, 11th, 13th and 18th dropped a shot on the last. to fly up the leaderboard. four-year-old kid to an adult ing here. He was minus three and the duo were pulling Luiten commented after Pieters started with a bo- of 60 years, it can be played at a stage but suffered a dou- away as Armitage birdied the the round: “I am absolutely gey but picked up shots on by all. People can practise it ble bogey on the final hole to tenth and Luiten joined him pleased - seven birdies and the 13th, 15th, 16th, 18th and and become good players slip down the ranks. on six under with gains on the one dropped shot. It wasn’t second and, while he made a The 18-year-old turned in first and fourth. really needed that dropped bogey on the fourth, he bird- and they can relax also one under but then made six A double bogey from shot coming out of the middle ied the fifth and eighth. through it after their work. birdies in a row from the tenth Armitage on the 12th put Lu- of the fairway but on a golf Campillo gave an opening ECGC Deputy GM as he came home in 29 and hit iten two ahead but Højgaard course like this where it is re- birdie back on the 12th but the summit at seven under. was starting to make his ally tricky on and around the then made gains on the 13th, Mohammed al Naimie Dutchman Luiten, who move. greens, I was out of position, 16th, 17th, first and sixth. has won the KLM Open twice, After birdies on the third so sometimes you just have to Armitage, India’s SSP is one ahead of Spaniard and fifth, he dropped a shot accept the bogey. Chawrasia, South African Jorge Campillo, Italy’s Loren- on the eighth, but his incred- “All in all, I am happy Darren Fichardt, the for- zo Gagli and Belgian Thomas ible birdie run after the turn with my game,” added the mer Commercial Bank Qatar Pieters. catapulted him to seven un- Dutch player. Master winner, Frenchman England’s Marcus Armit- der alongside Luiten, who Gagli, who achieved his Benjamin Hebert and South age made the first big move of had holed a long putt from off best finish of the season so Korea’s Kyongjun Moon were the day, birdieing the second the green at the seventh. far last week despite the dis- three off the lead. Qatar’s Ali al Shahrani in action at the ECGC course on Thursday.

tremendous leap claims loyalty cup Mashrafe steps down as Bangladesh one-day captain AFP “I would like to thank SyLheT (BaNgLaDeSh) Bangladesh Cricket Board for keeping conﬁdence in me BANGLADESH pace bowler for such a long period,” said Mashrafe Mortaza, one of the Mashrafe. “I will try to give my country’s biggest sports stars, best as a player if I get the op- stepped down Thursday as portunity.” captain of the national one- Mashrafe had not played day side, possibly ending his any one-day internationals international career. since last year’s World Cup Friday’s 50-over game until the current Zimbabwe against Zimbabwe in Sylhet series. He claimed three wick- will be his last as captain, said ets in the ﬁrst two matches. the 36-year-old, who already Bangladesh won both to has a new career as a member take an unassailable 2-0 lead of parliament. in the series. Mashrafe said he would Mashrafe, who withdrew remain available for selec- from a lucrative national team Marco Casamento rode Tremendous Leap to a fine victory in the Loyalty Cup in the 34th Race Meeting at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club Racecourse in New Al Rayyan on tion as a player, but selectors contract in January, said the Thursday. In the Class 3 Thoroughbreds Handicap 2,000m race, the five-year-old chestnut gelding, saddled by Jassim Ghazali and owned by Khalifa bin Sheail al Kuwari, beat Finding are under pressure to bring in decision to rebuild the team Nero by two lengths for his first win of the season in six starts. Also this was the second successive day that rider Casamento won the feature race. Third was Hessdalen by a short fresh blood ahead of the 2023 for the next World Cup had head, while Zamharer and What A Surprise were fourth and fifth, both by neck. World Cup in India. convinced him to step down. 14 Friday, March 6, 2020 FEATURES By decoding the coronavirus genome, scientists seek upper hand against COVID-19 Coronavirus seems to be mild in most children, but scientists are not sure why

TOM AVRIL ed form of the virus in question, or TRIBUNe NeWS SeRVICe even a fragment of it, enabling the immune system to form a cellular oMe good news on the memory should the person ever be coronavirus front: so far, it exposed to the real thing. Shas not killed any children yet in response to some virus- under age 10. es, the adult immune system can yet scientists are not sure why. overreact, unleashing a “storm” of Chinese health officials harmful, inflammatory chemicals, provided details this week on said akiko Iwasaki, a professor of 44,672 patients whose illnesses immunobiology at the yale School had been confirmed with labora- of Medicine. tory testing as of Feb. 11, includ- older people have an added ing 1,023 deaths. Just one of the deficit: the various layers of their people who died was under age immune systems start to become 20 — a slightly different picture less effective. Many also have from what is usually seen with underlying conditions, such as a far more common respiratory heart disease. and increasingly, illness, the flu. the bodies of older people suffer The flu can occasionally cause from chronic, low levels of age- severe complications in the young, related inflammation, nicknamed and in the United States, it kills “inflammaging.” 200 or so children under age 18 So when older people become every year. infected with a virus, the combina- The impact of the coronavirus tion of even more inflammation is a reminder that the immune and a weaker immune system can Adeline Danneels, left, CNRS technician and Sandrine Belouzard, virologist and researcher, at work in high-level P3 biosafety security laboratory at the Pasteur Institute of system is a complex, many-layered be deadly, Iwasaki said. Lille on February 20, 2020 in Lille, France. The research institute has sequenced the genome of Coronavirus 2019-nCoV using blood samples taken from the first confirmed series of defenses, and the bio- “you have this perfect storm French cases of the virus. (TNS) chemistry of why it may be more of not having the right antiviral effective in different phases of life defenses and having elevated MELISSA HEALY quenced the full genomes of at least — and against different diseases inflammaging,” Iwasaki said. TRIBUNe NeWS SeRVICe 115 samples of the COVID-19 coro- — is not fully understood. every year, most flu-related Coronavirus: Latest developments worldwide navirus and shared the details with The reasons why very young deaths in the US occur in older HE genetic code of the coronavi- an international community of ge- children can be hit hard by the flu people. The same pattern appears rus that causes COVID-19 is only With new tolls and key developments, here is the latest in neticists, who are scouring them in a make sense. Their immune sys- so far with the new coronavirus, about 30,000 characters long, but the coronavirus crisis as on March 5, 2020. search for answers. tems have not fully matured, and according to the summary of Twhat a story it tells. Already, these sequences have they do not have prior exposure 44,672 confirmed cases from Those nucleotides conceal se- 3,300 dead - across the world, 3,300 people have died from the yielded evidence that the virus arose to most strains of the flu, said the Chinese Center for Disease crets of the virus’ past, including its virus. There have been 96,414 infections in 84 countries and territo- in a wildlife host before jumping to andrew Pavia, chief of pediatric in- Control and Prevention. origins, its passage among families Bries, according to aFP’s latest toll based on official sources. humans. Bats are the prime suspect fectious diseases at the University among 1,408 patients who and its journey to distant ports. They The main countries affected: mainland China (80,409 cases, because there is little to no differ- of Utah. That is why vaccination is were at least 80 years old, signal how long it has been at large 3,012 deaths), South korea (6,088 cases, 35 deaths), Italy (3,089 ence between the RNA of viral sam- recommended. 208 died, for a mortality rate of and whether it can hide by infecting cases, 107 deaths), Iran, (3,513 cases, 107 deaths). ples taken from bats in and around on the other hand, most 14.8% — higher than any other people who show no outward signs of Air traffic hit - The airline industry could lose up to $113 billion in Wuhan and of samples taken from young children do not develop age group. illness. And they can point the way to revenue this year, an industry body warns. people who were hospitalized with a severe complications from The mortality rate for those medicines, vaccines and public health RBritish regional airline Flybe crashes into bankruptcy after the virus pneumonia of unknown origin in the the measles and chickenpox, ages 70 to 79 was 8%, and the strategies that might bring a runaway proves to be the final nail in the coffin for the biggest operator of Uk domes- outbreak’s early days. whereas those illnesses can be rate for patients in their 60s crisis under control. tic flights. That same pattern — a tree with “disastrous” in adults, Pavia said. was 3.6%. Unlocking all of that requires a Shutting down -Italy announces its sporting events will be held bats at the base of the trunk, the (Vaccination is recommended for The overall mortality rate for combination of teamwork and tech- behind closed doors until april 3. Morocco says its football matches first human patients in Wuhan just those illnesses, too, but no vac- the 44,672 patients was 2.3%, but nology that didn’t exist when the 1will also be shut to spectators. a notch above them and more recent cine is 100% foolproof.) Iwasaki and Pavia cautioned that SARS epidemic broke out nearly 20  Saudi arabia suspends the “umrah” year-round pilgrimage that attracts victims on increasingly broad branch- “This is where we really don’t the true figure is almost certainly years ago. But today, when a deadly annually millions of people to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. es — has allowed scientists to date the have great answers,” Pavia said. lower. Many infected patients with virus explodes out of nowhere, geneti-  The church built on the Bethlehem site revered as the birthplace of virus’ emergence in people to some- one theory is that when faced milder symptoms have not had cists are indispensable players in the Jesus will temporarily close after a suspected coronavirus outbreak. time around early December. with certain unfamiliar viruses, chil- their illnesses confirmed with international game of whodunit.  organisers of a major african business forum attended by business and As an incidental benefit, the se- dren can fight them off because laboratory samples. “Now we can really get a much political leaders announce that the annual event scheduled for March 9 quencing work has provided scientific they have a robust layer of defense and more good news: The fuller version of that puzzle,” said Dr. and 10 in Ivory Coast has been postponed. corroboration of China’s claims about called the “innate” immune sys- rate of deaths has been dropping Liliana Brown, who directs the office Japan quarantine -Japan announces it will quarantine people com- its management of the epidemic. Chi- tem. This consists of white blood steadily since the virus first struck of genomics and advanced technol- ing from China and South korea for two weeks on arrival. nese authorities have asserted they cells called macrophages, which in December. among 757 con- ogy at the National Institute of Allergy SIt also postpones the state visit by Chinese President xi Jinping responded quickly to the emergence can detect and gobble up foreign firmed cases through Jan. 10, 117 and Infectious Diseases. scheduled for this spring. of a dangerous new virus, and that particles in the bloodstream died, for a mortality rate of 15.4%. For much of the 20th century, the California emergency -California declares a state of emergency as they have held nothing back from the regardless of their identity. But among 12,030 confirmed central technique of germ-hunting thousands travelling aboard a cruise ship are held off the coast over Chinese people or the international adults have innate immune cases identified from Feb. 1-11, has been a labour-intensive process xfears of a new outbreak. community. So far, the genetic data systems as well. But against some just 102 died — a mortality rate called contact tracing. It starts with a eleven passengers and 10 crew members are potentially infected with the they’ve shared with the world suggest viruses, they may rely more on below 1%. search for the person or people who virus, according to California governor gavin Newsom. that’s true. the “adaptive” immune system: That decline could be due to were the first to be infected. Then the Millions of students out of school -Some 290.5 million students That hasn’t always been the case. targeted, infection-fighting cells a more complete accounting of search expands to the people those in- worldwide face weeks at home as 13 countries shut schools and In 2003, officials concealed the out- that have “learned” to attack spe- cases, or perhaps the virus has itial patients interacted with, then the qnine others implement localised closures, according to UNeSCo. break of severe acute respiratory syn- cific kinds of viruses after being shifted in some way. and as with ones they interacted with, and so on. drome, or SARS, in southern China, exposed to them in the past. any invader that challenges the hu- With luck, the result is a time- allowing the virus to spread to 16 oth- That is how vaccines work. The man immune system, some of the stamped map of the germ’s spread mutation at a time. As it passes from searchers must explore new possibili- er countries and kill 774 people. shots contain a dead or inactivat- details may remain a mystery. that includes every case of illness, host to host, or population to popu- ties about the virus they are dealing Finally, combining genetic se- death and recovery. These investiga- lation, it constantly sheds, gains or with. Perhaps it has infected far more quencing technology with old-fash- tions provide inferences and insights merely revises the sequences that people than initially thought, but ioned disease hunting has given sci- about how a pathogen spreads, how define it. Armed with powerful com- spread without causing symptoms. entists a rare glimpse of evolution in deadly it is, and what measures — in- puters and a maturing grasp of how Maybe it launched multiple assaults near real time. cluding quarantines, school closures genes function and change, geneti- on humans from its home base in ani- Observing it in long-lived or- and travel restrictions — could slow cists search through haystacks of data mals. Or it could have been circulat- ganisms such as humans would its transmission. for the needles that will give them the ing harmlessly in humans for years take thousands of years. But viruses Yet contact tracing is an imperfect upper hand. and recently acquired a mutation that change constantly, and by sifting process that relies on peoples’ memo- To do so, they break down the causes its hosts to become ill. through samples from a single out- ries, their candor, and an absence of DNA or RNA sequences of viral speci- In just over a decade, this type break, researchers can capture the chance encounters with strangers. mens collected from different people of genetic sleuthing — scientists subtle process of adaptation with as- With genomics, scientists can follow or animals. Then they stack those call it phylodynamic analysis — has tonishing clarity. the progression of mutations from sequences on top of each other to see changed the way disease detectives Even a tiny shift might reveal a patient to patient and establish relat- how and where they have changed. investigate an outbreak. pivotal moment when the virus mu- edness among them. With enough samples, they can re- Genomic analyses of the Ebola vi- tates in ways that either increase its That can fill in gaps left by mem- construct a “tree” of viral descent. rus turned up several points during its fitness or spell its demise, said Dr. ory lapses or concealment. It can By looking around the tree’s three-year reign of terror when it ap- Marc Suchard, a biomathematician at even flag new and worrisome means trunk — at the common ancestor of peared to get better at jumping from UCLA who has studied the evolution of transmissions between distant all samples — they may find an out- person to person and demonstrated of HIV and influenza. strangers — through vents or pipes break’s earliest patients. That can the value of closing the border be- Armed with the dynamic details linking apartments, for instance, help scientists determine when the tween Sierra Leone and Liberia. of a virus’ life cycle, scientists can do or by airborne particles that linger virus first colonized humans and Studies of the Zika virus revealed more than confirm their surmises longer than expected. narrow the list of animal species that that it became harmful to fetuses in about how natural selection selects a “Genomics has completely trans- might have incubated it. 2013 while circulating in French Poly- winner, Suchard said. They can help formed our ability to track viruses They can peer further out in the nesia, more than a year before it trig- answer some of the most fraught and understand their spread,” said branches to glean insights about who gered a wave of birth defects in Brazil. questions: Who should get vaccinated Kristian Andersen, a pioneer in this infected whom, how quickly trans- Genetic sequencing helped iden- first? Will a quarantine work? When Chinese health officials provided details on 78,497 patients whose illnesses emerging field who is based at the mission occurred, and whether mu- tify bats as the origin of the virus re- do comforting cultural practices en- had been confirmed with laboratory testing as of Feb. 27, 2020, including Scripps Research Translational In- tations along the way made the virus sponsible for Middle East respiratory danger a community’s safety? 2,744 deaths. Just one of the people who died was under age 20 a slightly stitute in La Jolla. “We’re gaining in- more infectious or more lethal. syndrome, and camels as the animals In a world of relentless viral different picture from what is usually seen with a far more common respira- sights not previously possible.” When the genetic diversity of that conveyed MERS to humans. threats, he said, the results could be tory illness, the flu. (TNS) A virus gives up its secrets one samples seems improbably broad, re- So far, Chinese scientists have se- life-saving. Friday, March 6, 2020 15 KIDS CORNER bound & gagged By Dana Summers

half full By Maria Scrivan

ISHITA SOMAYAJI Class 9 E Birla Public School, Doha, Qatar

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THAT SCRAMBLED WORD GAME Los Angeles Times Crossword Puzzle By David L. Hoyt and Jeff Knurek Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Lewis Unscramble these Jumbles, one letter to each square, to form four ordinary words. Level: 1 2 3 4

MERIG @PlayJumble

LOPTI app • Follow us on Twitter GADJEG JUST JUMBLE GNEIOP Get the free Get

Now arrange the circled letters ©2018 Tribune Content Agency, LLC to form the surprise answer, as All Rights Reserved. suggested by the above cartoon. Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit, Print your 1 to 9. For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, answer here: “ ” visit www.sudoku.org.uk (Answers tomorrow)

By Peter Koetters Level: 1 2 3 4

vehicle and was trying to get it — DIRT “JEEP” DIRT — it get to trying was and vehicle

Answer: Answer: He didn’t want to pay much for the off-road off-road the for much pay to want didn’t He

ACROSS 45 Sting or smart 11 *“Have a nice day” graphic esterday’s

Jumbles:

1 Brewery in Golden, Colorado 46 Musical wrap-ups 12 Great Salt Lake state PIGEON JAGGED PILOT GRIME 6 Fast-food package deal 51 Free sample restriction 13 TV award tomorrow) (Answers 11 Color variant 54 Title savant in a 1988 Oscar- 18 Egyptian fertility goddess 14 Gelatin garnish winning film 22 “Mork & Mindy” planet 15 French word of farewell 55 Invest in 24 Largest ring of latitude 16 24-hr. cash source 56 *Da Vinci’s “La Gioconda,” to 28 Hard-to-ignore impulse 17 *Wonderland feline known for some English speakers 29 Start of Popeye’s existential maxim disappearing 58 Scratch (out) 30 Gen-__: post-boomers 19 Nonstick spray brand 59 Dog-__: folded at the corner 31 The bad guys 20 “Hints from” columnist 60 In finer fettle 32 Auctioned auto, perhaps 21 Weaken from disuse 61 “Absolutely” 33 *Celtic peepers of song 23 Manhattan area to the right of 62 Swiped 34 Champagne choice Central Park, on maps 63 Gothenburg native 37 Idle talk 25 __ a soul 38 Kin by marriage 26 Corp. symbols DOWN 40 Oversees, as a gallery collection 27 Stopgap remedy 1 Secret stash 41 Social outcasts 31 Small jazz groups 2 “Straight Outta Compton” actor 43 “__ Sera, Sera” 34 “Designing Women” actress Delta __ Jackson Jr. 44 Stretch across 35 Senate approval 3 Some German cars 47 Slowly wear down Complete the grid so each row, column and 36 One of a bath towel pair 4 Italian rice dishes 48 Expression shared by the 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit, 37 Rocky outcroppings 5 Religious rifts answers to starred clues 1 to 9. For strategies on how to solve Sudoku,

38 Capone facial mark 6 Gave a darn 49 Relaxed, as rules visit www.sudoku.org.uk Twitteron us Follow • app 39 Prefix with dermis 7 Neruda wrote one to common 50 Hunter’s trap 40 Laundry slide things 51 Do as you’re told © 2018 The Mepham Group. Distributed by

41 7-Down and such 8 Layered mineral 52 Zap for dinner Tribune Content Agency. All rights reserved. 42 Virus-transmitting insect 9 ’50s-’60s nonconformists 53 Courageous one ANSWERS 44 __ Francisco 10 Run faster than 57 Country singer Tillis 16 Friday, March 6, 2020 the last Word Sheikha Moza attends opening of Education City Golf Club Comprising 18-hole, nine-hole and six-hole courses, the golf club also houses a state-of-the-art learning and practice facility

AILYN AGONIA Bank of Qatar Omar Hussain which adds to the array of public- City Golf Club. The course is especially the academic level, as Doha Alfardan, CEO of the PGA Eu- ly-available, community-focused excellent, the facilities are bril- it offers many opportunities for ropean Tour Keith Pelley and facilities at Qatar Foundation liant and the immediate reac- those aspiring to practise golf, QATAR Foundation (QF) Chair- leading professional golfer Ca- while also supporting Qatar’s nation from the players has been whether they are beginners, ad- person Her Highness Sheikha triona Matthew also took part tional tourism goals and enhanc- incredibly positive. This is a big vanced or professional players. Moza bint Nasser attended the in the tour of the facility. ing the nation’s global profile as a step in the right direction for the We decided to move the 23rd official opening of the Education Commenting on the occa- sporting destination.” game in Qatar. Golf is the most edition of the Commercial Bank City Golf Club on Thursday. sion, QF President of Commu- Comprising 18-hole, nine- inclusive sport in the world, as Qatar Masters tournament to the HH Sheikha Moza also nity Development Machaille hole and six-hole courses, the you can play with anybody of Education City Golf Club for the toured the facilities of the golf Hassan al Naimi said, “Through Education City Golf Club also any age, ability and gender. Golf first time to enhance community club within the sporting and the opportunities it offers and houses a state-of-the-art learn- is very healthy and its can teach involvement and to further high- community facility at QF. its ethos as a venue, the Educa- ing and practice facility within its you life skills. We think it is the light how Qatar is a global desti- The opening ceremony was tion City Golf Club reflects Qa- Centre of Excellence, which com- best kept secret here in Qatar nation for golf lovers.” attended by QF Vice Chairperson tar Foundation’s commitment bines modern technology with and hopefully it will grow over Head Professional of Educa- and CEO HE Sheikha Hind bint to promoting healthy, active expert training opportunities and the coming years.” tion City Golf Club Anthony Cai- Hamad al Thani and golf stars lifestyle and the importance of includes a women-only tuition Golf superstar Matthew said, ra highlighted the uniqueness of from across the world. wellbeing, and emphasises the area, as the club seeks to sup- “This is my first time here at this the facility which he said caters to The event was held as the fact that sport is for all. This is a port the growth of women’s golf amazing golf course at Educa- the needs of beginners to profes- world-class sporting facility is truly inclusive facility, opening in Qatar. Its nine-hole course is tion City. It has all the high-tech sional golfers. He said, “It’s a very hosting the Commercial Bank the way for children, adults and floodlit, enabling people to enjoy equipment necessary to play special and unique place, and Qatar Masters 2020, which has entire families to discover the a round of night-time golf, with golf, and it is great to see young a fantastic learning facility. We moved from its previous home at game of golf and feel the benefits the club also providing a range girls and boys practising the have all the latest technology to Doha Golf Club for the first time it brings in terms of physical fit- of fitness classes and offering golf game here. It is also great to have improve the golfer. We have very in its 23-year history. ness, mental stimulation and so- lessons for individuals, groups this facility next to universities, highly-qualified instructors. Eve- Qatar Golf Association Pres- cial interaction.” and children. schools and research centres.” ryone swings the club differently ident Hassan al Naimi, Group She added, “We look forward Speaking at the official open- Qatar Golf Association Presi- and everyone has different physi- CEO of Commercial Bank of to welcoming people from across ing, Pelley said: “It is my first dent Naimi remarked, “The cal capabilities. That’s why we Qatar Joseph Abraham, Man- Qatar and beyond to experience time in Qatar, and my first op- Education City Golf Club is an look at golf improvement from aging Director of Commercial the Education City Golf Club, portunity to visit the Education inclusive facility at many levels, holistic point of view.”

Qatar calls on UNHRC to protect Qatar gifts books to Somalia’s Diplomatic Institute journalists in Palestinian territories QNA The Somali minister thanked Qatar for QNA United Nations Human Rights Coun- MogaDIShU its continued and diversified support to his geNeVa cil in Geneva during an interactive dia- country. logue with Special Rapporteur on the QATAR has gifted hundreds of books and The director of the Somali Diplomatic QATAR has called on the United situation of human rights defenders. scientific references in various fields of po- Institute also expressed his gratitude to Nations Human Rights Council Hammadi said Qatar appreciates litical science and strategic studies to the Qatar for providing the institute with hun- (UNHRC) to enhance its efforts in pro- the important role individuals and or- Diplomatic Institute of the Ministry of For- dreds of valuable books and references that tecting journalists and activists in the ganisations play in enhancing human eign Affairs and International Cooperation will benefit its cadres and contribute to the occupied Palestinian territories, who rights during peace and war time. of Somalia. The books were provided by the rehabilitation of the people of Somalia with- lose their lives trying to tell the truth. He added that Qatar stresses the Diplomatic Institute at the Ministry of For- in their country. Qatar also called on the Special importance of protecting activists and eign Affairs. Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) Rapporteur to pay special attention to journalists from all violations. In a ceremony attended by Minister of has fully rehabilitated and built the Dip- the situation of human rights defend- Hammadi noted that Qatar recent- Foreign Affairs and International Coopera- lomatic Institute of the Somali Ministry of ers in its future reports. ly hosted a conference on social media tion of Somalia Ahmed Issa Awad, Ambas- Foreign Affairs to reopen it again in Decem- Qatar made the calls during a and the challenges facing activists and sador of Qatar to Somalia HE Hassan bin ber 2019 after being closed for a period of speech delivered by Third Secretary how to protect them. He said the con- Hamza Hashem handed over the books to 29 years. The initiative was part of a pack- at the International Organisations De- ference shed light on a number of is- Director of the Somali Diplomatic Institute age of development projects provided by partment at the Ministry of Foreign sues related to the role of social media Yusuf Alasow Mohamud. Qatar to Somalia. Affairs Mohammed al Hammadi at the in enhancing human rights.

Qatar and Oman carry out joint search and rescue exercise

LEKHWIYA’S Search and Ambulance. crises, and to carry out the enhance bilateral ties and rescue operations that would part of the cooperation with mended member states en- Rescue Team carried out a The exercised aimed to guidelines of the UN Inter- exchange expertise in the enable the teams to obtain INSARAG, with the goal of gage in joint exercises to de- joint exercise with its Omani enhance cooperation be- national Search and Rescue ﬁeld. the necessary skills and ex- saving lives and property in velop the capabilities of their counterpart, the Public Au- tween search and rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG). The exercise included perience required to provide times of crises. teams to face international thority for Civil Defence and teams during international The exercise also aimed to simulations of search and the best service. It comes as INSARAG had recom- crises and disasters. (QNA)