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Tuesday, March 10, 2020 FOOTBALL Rajab 15, 1441 AH Are Man United GULF TIMES on their way back to the top? SPORT Page 2

FORMULA 1 Uncertainty as Hamilton eyes Schumacher’s record Against a backdrop of coronavirus fears and an angry anti-Ferrari schism, it is hardly likely 2020 will be a peaceful season

AFP London Australian F1 race without fans? Not a chance, say organisers n air of unrest and un- certainty hangs over Melbourne: The season-opening announcements. Several interna- Formula One as the Formula One race in Melbourne tional sporting events have been Aglobal motor racing will proceed as planned this aff ected. bandwagon fl ies to Melbourne week and there is ‘no chance’ Most Formula One teams are for the start of the 71st champi- fans will be excluded because based in England but Ferrari and onship season at this weekend’s of coronavirus fears, Australian Honda-powered AlphaTauri (for- Australian Grand Prix. Grand Prix Corp chief Andrew merly Toro Rosso) are located Lewis Hamilton’s bid to equal Westacott said yesterday. in Italy, which has seen a recent Michael Schumacher’s tally of a The fourth round of the champi- surge in coronavirus cases. record seven drivers’ titles, and onship in Shanghai in April has “The interesting thing is the Ital- to overhaul his total of 91 race been postponed, while organis- ian freight,” Westacott added. wins, will surely be the greatest ers of the Bahrain Grand Prix “The AlphaTauri cars and the focus of on-track attention as said on Sunday that their race Ferrari cars are on their way his younger rivals rise to chal- would go ahead without specta- from (the airport) as we speak, lenge his supremacy. tors March 22. so it’s really good. The key per- Against a backdrop of climate Westacott, however, said there sonnel are on their planes (and)... crisis demonstrations and coro- was no prospect at all of Austral- we’re expecting them in the next navirus fears, not to mention an ia following suit with Sunday’s 12 to 24 hours.” angry anti-Ferrari schism in the race at Albert Park, especially Professor Brendan Murphy, the pit-lane, it is hardly likely to be a after a record crowd packed into chief medical off icer for the peaceful season. Melbourne Cricket Ground for Australian government, said on Hamilton is in the fi nal year of Sunday’s Women’s T20 World Monday that he did not see the his current Mercedes contract Cup final. “Not a chance,” Westa- Formula One race, which attracts amid persistent rumours of a cott told SEN radio in Melbourne around 300,000 people a year possible future move to Ferrari yesterday. to Albert Park, as a risk to public while the sport itself is bracing “When you look at 86,000 at the health. for the introduction of a radical MCG last night... we’ve got to go “There’s no evidence of commu- new rule-book and revamped around things sensibly and keep nity transmission in Victoria at formula in 2021 — and the need moving on through life while tak- the moment,” he told reporters for a green revolution beyond ing the necessary precautions.” in Melbourne. “I’m not feeling that. More than 107,000 people at all concerned going to mass The 2020 calendar, originally around the world have been gatherings or walking down a bloated and unprecedented 22 Britain’s Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex (C) speaks with Britain’s Formula One world champion driver Lewis Hamilton (L) during a visit to of- infected by the virus and the streets in Victoria. So I don’t races, including new events in ficially open the Silverstone Experience at Silverstone motor racing circuit, in central England on March 6. The Silverstone Experience is the 3,600 have died, according to think that there’s a risk at the Vietnam and the Netherlands, new home to the archive of the British Racing Drivers’ Club. The museum brings the extensive heritage of Silverstone and British motor a Reuters tally of government Grand Prix.” has been hit by late alterations racing to life through a dynamic, interactive and educational visitor experience. including the postponement of China’s race in April, due to the pion. Verstappen, however, has Covid-19 outbreak, and doubts shrugged aside talk of records to The whole team is fi red up and those arguments myself, in my over other Grands Prix. FORMULA ONE CHAMPS SINCE 1990 focus, instead, on unsettling his we want to give them (Mercedes) time,” he conceded. “So, I watch It is a situation demanding target. “He is good, very good a hard time. If you don’t have now with amusement.” day-to-day reviews with the 1990 Ayrton Senna neuve (CAN) Williams 2005 Fernando Alonso (GER) Red Bull and one of the best, but he is that fi re within yourself, you’d Like most observers, he be- races in Bahrain on March 22 (BRA) McLaren 1998 Mika Hakkinen (ESP) Renault 2013 Sebastian Vettel not God,” he said of Hamilton in better stay home.” lieves Hamilton remains the man and in Hanoi on April 5 most 1991 Ayrton Senna (FIN) McLaren 2006 Fernando Alonso (GER) Red Bull February. Pre-season testing saw Mer- to beat, a view shared by former susceptible to enforced delays (BRA) McLaren 1999 Mika Hakkinen (ESP) Renault 2014 Lewis Hamilton The champion replied, sug- cedes, the six-time champions champion Damon Hill who has or cancellation before the re- 1992 Nigel Mansell (FIN) McLaren 2007 Kimi Raikkonen (GBR) Mercedes gesting such sabre-rattling was of the current turbo era, intro- compared his compatriot’s stat- vived Dutch Grand Prix, on May (ENG) Williams 2000 Michael Schu- (FIN) Ferrari 2015 Lewis Hamilton “a sign of weakness”. duce an adventurous dual-axis ure in F1 to that of Roger Federer 3, marks the opening of the Eu- 1993 Alain Prost (FRA) macher (GER) Ferrari 2008 Lewis Hamilton (GBR) Mercedes For the Dutch driver, it was a steering system (DAS) to an in- in tennis. ropean season. Williams 2001 Michael Schu- (GBR) McLaren 2016 Nico Rosberg satisfying result. His darts had evitable uproar from their rivals. “He keeps coming back to the On Sunday, Bahrain an- 1994 Michael Schu- macher (GER) Ferrari 2009 Jenson Button (GER) Mercedes stung, he claimed. F1 head of motorsport Ross front,” he said. “It takes enor- nounced a plan to race without macher (GER) Benetton 2002 Michael Schu- (GBR) Brawn 2017 Lewis Hamilton “I think the only competition Brawn, a famed poacher- mous talent, but that’s not good spectators. 1995 Michael Schu- macher (GER) Ferrari 2010 Sebastian Vettel (GBR) Mercedes he’s had over the years, really, turned-gamekeeper, laughed on its own. He has nurtured it, Three years on from Liberty macher (GER) Benetton 2003 Michael Schu- (GER) Red Bull 2018 Lewis Hamilton has been his teammate,” he said. at the furore, describing it as applied it, not spent it unwisely. Media’s takeover, F1 is at the 1996 Damon Hill (ENG) macher (GER) Ferrari 2011 Sebastian Vettel (GBR) Mercedes “In general, over a season, the “classic F1”. Brawn, once of Ben- He is a phenomenon.” threshold of an exhausting ex- Williams 2004 Michael Schu- (GER) Red Bull 2019 Lewis Hamilton car has been too dominant for etton and Ferrari, won the title Another title success this amination of its credibility, du- 1997 Jacques Ville- macher (GER) Ferrari 2012 Sebastian Vettel (GBR) Mercedes anyone to be able to do some- with his eponymous Brawn team year would invite Hamilton to rability and, in some quarters, thing against it. That’s why I in 2009. go on to seek an eighth and move relevance as the world around think so far we have not been He said a protest at the open- into uncharted places, just as F1 it swirls with infl uential events tended number of races. Ham- of Sebastian Vettel and Charles records as youngest driver, at 17, able to stress test him. It’s been ing race is likely — and that the readies itself for a leap into the yet there is still evidence of its ilton and Mercedes’ hegemony Leclerc, but also the unques- and winner, at 18. a little too comfortable. innovation will be banned next unknown. rude health in the queue to host is under threat from not only tionable brilliance of Red Bull’s Now 22, he aims to take Vet- “I’m very fi red up to give it a year. In many ways, 2020 could be races, huge budgets and ex- Ferrari’s old-and-new pairing Max Verstappen, who holds the tel’s record as youngest cham- go and I think he knows that. “I’ve been involved in a lot of a defi ning end-of-era season.

BOTTOMLINE Asian W Cup qualifi ers postponed over virus

AFP competitions in China, Japan and “FIFA and the AFC will while the AFC Futsal Championship in boarding and biathlon due to the letes who are already in position for Kuala Lumpur South Korea are all on hold. continue to assess the situation Turkmenistan has been postponed to Coronavirus outbreak.Italian Prime World Cup or Junior World Cup events, Qualifi ers set for March 23 and 31, in relation to Covid-19 and August, the statement added. Minister Giuseppe Conte announced or those currently in the running to win and June 1 and 9, are “postponed to will decide whether further “FIFA and the AFC will continue new measures to fi ght the spread of the a competition or achieve a signifi cant sia’s football World Cup later dates”, world body FIFA and the changes to the schedule of to assess the situation in relation to disease on Sunday, placing around 16 placement. These include the women’s qualifi ers this month and in Asian Football Confederation said, af- Asian FIFA World Cup 2022 Covid-19 and will decide whether fur- million people in central and northern and men’s alpine ski teams, the biath- June have been postponed ter consultations with Asia’s national qualifi ers are required” ther changes to the schedule of Asian provinces, including Lombardy, under lon team, the women’s ski jump team Adue to the coronavirus out- football associations. FIFA World Cup 2022 qualifi ers are re- quarantine. and skier Federico Pellegrino. break, but games can still go ahead if But games can still be played on go ahead during the upcoming inter- quired,” it said. In a statement on Monday, the FISI FISI President Flavio Roda said: “It both sides agree and safety standards those dates “provided that the safety national windows, when dozens of fi x- said the decree meant the suspension wasn’t an easy decision to take but it are met, offi cials said yesterday. of all individuals involved meets the tures were planned across the Middle WINTER SPORTS HIT of “all sporting activity across all dis- was necessary for the protection and Football is one of the sports worst required standards and that the mem- East and Asia. The Italian Winters Sports Federa- ciplines at every level”, including train- health of athletes and trainers at this aff ected by the deadly epidemic and ber associations due to play each other The women’s Olympic qualifying tion (FISI) has announced the suspen- ing sessions, races and the movement time of great growth of Covid-19.” especially in Asia, where the AFC mutually agree”. The announcement playoff between China and South Ko- sion of all sporting activity across its of athletes, staff and doctors. Cases of Coronavirus in Italy have Champions League and domestic suggests that at least some games will rea has been moved to June 1 and 9, disciplines, including skiing, snow- The only exceptions are Italian ath- now risen to 7,375, with 366 deaths. Gulf Times 2 Tuesday, March 10, 2020 FOOTBALL

PREMIER LEAGUE SPOTLIGHT PSG-Dortmund clash behind closed doors Are Man United due to virus fears

AFP and fi nish lines for the remaining Paris stages. “This is an exceptional situation,” Maracineanu said at a press conference. “What I advise fi nally on their way aris Saint-Germain’s is that sports events continue to Champions League last take place.” 16 second leg at home Maracineanu said that the ban to German club Borus- on gatherings of more than 1,000 Psia Dortmund on Wednesday will people would also be applied to be played behind closed doors the France men’s football team’s because of the coronavirus out- scheduled games against Ukraine back to the top? break, Paris police said yesterday. in Paris on March 27 and Finland The decision comes after the in Lyon on March 31. “If they can French government on Sunday be postponed, they possibly will United are now unbeaten in 10 games in all competitions announced measures to cope be postponed, otherwise they with the spread of the virus, in- will have to respect the limit of AFP cluding banning all gatherings of 1,000,” Maracineanu said at a London more than 1,000 people. France press conference. has so far seen almost 1,200 con- Meanwhile, Lyon announced fi rmed cases of Covid-19 and 21 yesterday that they will play anchester United have had a deaths. their Ligue 1 match at home to rocky ride under Ole Gun- PSG, who would have expected Reims on Friday behind closed nar Solskjaer but there are a full house of more than 45,000 doors due to the government rul- signs that they could fi nally fans at the Parc des Princes for ing. PSG had already had their Mbe turning the corner after completing a the game, issued a statement of Ligue 1 match at Strasbourg on memorable league double over Manches- their own, saying: “In this con- Saturday postponed due to the ter City. The Norwegian appeared to be text, the club remains fully mo- extent of the outbreak in the Al- bringing the good times back to Old Traf- bilised to organise the match in sace region of eastern France. ford when he took over from Jose Mour- the best possible conditions.” The state of North Rhine inho last season but their stunning run of The announcement was close- Westphalia, where Dortmund is results proved a false dawn. ly followed by the postponement situated, has been the worst hit This season has also been a diffi cult one of the Six Nations rugby match in Germany, with close to 500 for United, who are a scarcely credible 37 between France and Ireland confi rmed infections, accord- points behind their historical rivals Liv- scheduled for Saturday in Par- ing to offi cial data. “We were erpool in the Premier League. There have is. They are the highest profi le prepared for this eventuality been high points, including an opening- sporting events in France to be and have made the appropriate day thumping of Chelsea and a 2-1 away hit by the coronavirus outbreak. preparations,” Dortmund said in win at the Etihad but some desperate France’s sports minister, a statement. lows, with defeats against West Ham, Roxana Maracineanu, said that Dortmund won the fi rst leg of Bournemouth and Watford. the fi nal matches of an ongoing their tie 2-1 at home last month, But there are genuine signs of recov- four-team women’s internation- leaving PSG requiring a second- ery under Solskjaer, with United now al football tournament involving leg comeback to avoid a fourth unbeaten in 10 games in all competi- France, the Netherlands, Brazil straight exit in the fi rst knockout tions and at last playing with purpose and and Canada will also be played round of the Champions League. style, illustrated by the 2-0 home victory behind closed doors today. Today’s Champions League clash against City on Sunday. According to the French Foot- between Valencia and Italian Bruno Fernandes, who arrived in Janu- ball Federation, 12,000 tickets side Atalanta in Spain will also ary, has slotted in straight away, bring- have been sold for the game be- be played behind closed doors, ing swagger, leadership and desperately tween France and the Nether- with the visitors travelling from needed creativity to a ponderous and fl at lands in the northern town of Bergamo in the Lombardy re- midfi eld. Solskjaer said after Sunday’s Valenciennes. Elsewhere, this gion which is amongst the worst win that the Portugal international had week’s Paris-Nice cycling race hit parts of Italy by the virus. No energised the whole club and had brought is going ahead, but no specta- journalists will be allowed to at- an “X-factor” to United. tors will be allowed at the start tend that game either. Defensively the team has tightened up, conceding just two goals in their 10-match unbeaten run. Harry Maguire is proving a leader at the back and Aaron United have the chance to end the sea- but Maguire, Wan-Bissaka and Daniel juries have limited him to a bit-part role Wan-Bissaka shone against City. Unit- son on a high. They are just three points James have impressed since their arrival this season. ed are now fi fth in the Premier League, behind fourth-placed Chelsea in the Pre- in the summer. Even last-minute Janu- Either the French World Cup winner which could be good enough to qualify for mier League and only fi ve behind Leices- ary signing Odion Ighalo, who arrived on will come back into the side, giving Sol- the Champions League next season, de- ter, in third. They have a favourable draw loan from Shanghai Shenhua, has hit the skjaer extra midfi eld options, or he can pending on the outcome of City’s appeal against Austrian side LASK in the last 16 ground running, scoring three times so be sold for big money, swelling the cof- against their ban from European football. of the Europa League and travel to strug- far. fers. Solskjaer, scarred by last year’s end- Solskjaer focused on the growing bond gling Norwich in the FA Cup quarter- United’s in-house talent factory is also of-season collapse, is not getting carried between his players and the fans after they fi nals. bearing fruit. Mason Greenwood has 11 away and was clear that the City win was completed a fi rst derby double over City for They are a long way from their domi- goals this season and fellow teenager just “one game”. 10 years at a pulsating Old Traff ord. “The nation under the leadership of Alex Brandon Williams has impressed in his “We feel we are improving all the time,” desire, attitude, commitment, the con- Ferguson and their season could yet multiple fi rst-team outings. he said. “We know we lack one or two, nection between fans and players,” said disintegrate — but there are a number Their recent run has come in the ab- three players, and some experience, to be Solskjaer. “What a day they’ve had today. of reasons for optimism. United finally sence, through injury, of top-scorer considered a title contender. But we are It’s a derby. The fans love it, the players love appear to have got a grip on their trans- Marcus Rashford, who will add fi repower not going to start talking about that now. it. You can say it’s only three points, but to fer policy after some high-profile er- on his return. One measure of United’s We are just going to start talking about beat a team like Manchester City with the rors. recent success has been the lack of talk going up the table, getting more points, to People pose for photographs in front of the Paris Saint-Germain’s problems we’ve had is fantastic.” Fernandes has been the standout story about the missing Paul Pogba, whose in- that top four.” Parc des Princes stadium in Paris yesterday. (AFP)

FOCUS CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Arteta says no easy Valencia to attempt comeback in empty stadium AFP answer despite inside Valencia knowledge of City alencia will attempt an unlikely comeback without their fans to- AFP day when they play Atalanta in London the Champions League behind Vclosed doors due to the outbreak of the coronavirus. Retrieving a 4-1 defeat from ikel Arteta said his the fi rst leg in Italy was always going to be inside knowledge a formidable task for Valencia but looks of Manchester City even more so after UEFA instructed their could come in handy home tie at Mestalla be played in an emp- Mas he prepares for a “special” fi rst ty stadium to limit the spread in Spain. return to the Etihad as Arsenal Atalanta are based in Bergamo in the manager tomorrow. The Span- Lombardy region of northern Italy, one of iard, who was working as assist- the worst-hit areas in the country. Italy ant to manager Pep Guardiola, had registered more than 7,000 cases of left City in December to take his coronavirus yesterday. Spain has been fi rst senior managerial role at the less aff ected so far, with just under 1,000 Emirates. confi rmed cases and 37 in the Valencian He returns to Manchester with Community, which includes Castellon, his side in ninth place in the Pre- Valencia and Alicante. mier League but still in with a Valencia announced on February From left: Valencia’s Thierry Correia, Francis Coquelin, Gongalo Guedes and Ferran Torres arrive for a training session at the shot of a European place. Arteta 28 they would be suspending all non- Paterna Sports City in Paterna, Italy yesterday. (AFP) said he would have a clear idea of sporting activity with the club’s fi rst what Guardiola’s side were try- team players after a journalist attending derstand how a global crisis can be man- staged on Sunday, with all of the games against Tottenham, who have failed to ing to do as they look to bounce and I will defend my club as well the opening fi xture against Atalanta on aged in Spain depending on the region in played in front of empty stands. Italian win any of their last fi ve matches in all back from their 2-0 defeat in as I can.” February 19 was confi rmed to have been which you live.” sports minister Vincenzo Spadafora has competitions. Sunday’s Manchester derby. Three consecutive league wins infected. It meant all engagement with Parejo added: “If it’s dangerous for insisted matches should be suspended That poor run includes being knocked But he told a press confer- have lifted Arsenal to within fi ve the media before and after subsequent people to attend Mestalla, it’s also dan- completely and accused Serie A of being out of the FA Cup on penalties by Pre- ence yesterday: “It’s something points of fi fth-placed Manches- matches against Real Betis on February 29 gerous at the Parc des Princes, at Anfi eld, “irresponsible” for allowing some to go mier League’s basement club Norwich diff erent to be able to stop that ter United. and Alaves on Friday was cancelled, while at the Red Bull Arena, at the Etihad [Sta- ahead. City. “We will need our fans to push us and as well create the issues that Fifth spot could be good a tribute to the club’s former player David dium], at Camp Nou, at the Allianz [Sta- forward. Tottenham is still a good team I think we can create for them. enough to qualify for the Cham- Villa was also called off . w dium] in Turin and at the Allianz [Arena] SPURS STILL DANGEROUS DESPITE with a lot of good players,” Nagelsmann That has to happen on the day, pions League next season, de- But the last-16 meeting with Atalanta in Munich.” WINLESS RUN: NAGELSMANN said. “They are dangerous with their when they are at their best. We pending on the outcome of City’s will be Valencia’s fi rst to be contested Despite heavy restrictions on travel in Tottenham Hotspur remain a dangerous counter attacks. They have a clear plan, know what they are capable of appeal against their ban from behind closed doors and, in theory, puts and out of northern Italy, Atalanta were opponent even though they have failed to go as fast as possible. It is not always doing, the variation they have.” European football. Arteta said them at a signifi cant disadvantage in their able to fl y to Spain yesterday morning al- to win a match since last month’s 1-0 impossible to do it the same way but we Arteta, who was involved in Arsenal’s recent run had kept bid to reach the Champions League’s though media events usually scheduled Champions League home defeat by RB hope to play good counter-pressing. We two Premier League title tri- alive their hopes of qualifying for quarter-fi nals. for the day before a Champions League Leipzig in the fi rst leg of their last 16 tie, do not think about Tottenham’s results umphs at the Etihad, said it Europe’s top club competition. Valencia captain Dani Parejo expressed fi xture were cancelled. Leipzig coach Julian Nagelsmann warned in the league or the FA Cup. We won the would be a “special night” for “It’s still a long way to go, we anger last week at what he perceives as Atalanta have played only once since yesterday. fi rst half (in London) and now we will try him. “I am very excited to get want to go game by game,” he inconsistency in the approach of the au- their thumping fi rst-leg victory over Leipzig host Tottenham today, carrying to win the second half as well.” back there,” he said. “I have said. “Three weeks ago it was thorities to football matches. “I am the Valencia, a 7-2 win on March 1 away at a solid fi rst leg advantage into the game, Nagelsmann’s team has also been er- some fantastic memories, a lot impossible, now it looks a lit- fi rst to be concerned about the crisis and Lecce, who are based in southern Italy. with local authorities giving the all-clear ratic in recent weeks, having won only two of friends, a lot of people that I tle bit more possible, but still (it that is why I am also fi rst to feel indig- Atalanta fans attending the game under- for fans to fi ll the stadium amid the coro- of their last seven Bundesliga matches. like. But obviously now I am in a depends on) the results and our nant when I see the measures taken are went medical checks before entering the navirus outbreak. Nagelsmann said they He said his players did not need a special diff erent position, another bench performances.” not consistent,” Parejo said. “I don’t un- ground. Only fi ve Serie A matches were will need all the support they can get wakeup call before such a crucial game. Gulf Times Tuesday, March 10, 2020 3 FOOTBALL

LA LIGA Madrid’s ‘worst game of season’ in defeat to Betis Two galling Madrid errors cost them their place at the top of La Liga, with Barcelona now two points clear

AFP Madrid

eal Madrid’s response to win- ning the Clasico was another surprise defeat on Sunday night as they lost 2-1 away at RealR Betis to hand the initiative straight back to Barcelona. Betis were deserv- ing victors of a thrilling contest at the Benito Villamarin where two galling Madrid errors cost them their place at the top of La Liga, with Barca now two points clear. A heavy touch from Sergio Ramos led to Sidnei’s stunning opener for Betis and then Karim Benzema, who equal- ised with a penalty on the stroke of half-time, was at fault for their 82nd- minute winner. Benzema’s misplaced pass in midfi eld allowed Cristian Tello to go clear and he held his nerve to give Betis their fi rst victory in eight games that adds yet another twist to this sea- son’s back-and-forth title race. “We lacked everything today,” said Real coach Zinedine Zidane. “It was our worst game of the season. We lacked energy, fl uency, possession, aggression. It was a bad day and that can happen. I am responsible. We can’t lose our heads but we can’t be happy either.” Madrid appeared to have taken a signifi cant step forward, at least psy- Real Betis’ Spanish midfielder Cristian Tello (third left) celebrates with teammates after scoring against Real Madrid at the Benito Villamarin stadium in Seville on Sunday night. (AFP) chologically, by beating Barcelona 2-0 last weekend but this result undid all to Manchester City in the Champions wait for those above us to slip up.” Nabil Fekir’s thundering shot. But fi ve haps with the adrenaline still pumping, from distance was saved and Mendy, on their good work at the Santiago Berna- League but on this evidence their hopes Eder Militao will likely come in for minutes before half-time they fi nally fouled Marcelo in the box. Benzema for Marcelo, curled onto the crossbar, beu while bringing defensive doubts of recovering their 2-1 home defeat Ramos against City and he was given an broke through, aided by Ramos, who drove into the bottom corner for only helped on its way by the fi ngertips of swiftly back to the surface. Betis climb from the fi rst leg would seem faint at outing at right-back in the absence of tried to dribble the ball out after Fekir’s his third goal this year. Both teams had Joel Robles. But it was Betis that landed to 12th and put eight points between best. Ramos will be suspended at the the ill Dani Carvajal while Marcelo was shot was blocked only for a heavy touch chances to fi nd a winner. A scintillat- the decisive blow, again benefi ting from themselves and the bottom three. Ma- Etihad Stadium and his own poor run of preferred to Ferland Mendy on the op- to allow the forward to retrieve. ing Betis break ended with Sergio Ca- a Madrid mistake. Benzema came deep drid have now lost three out of their form continued against Betis, where he posite side. Gareth Bale was left out of Off balance, Ramos bundled into Fe- nales sending Joaquin through but after and his pass inside was loose, persuad- last four games and won only two from was at fault for their fi rst goal and then the starting line-up for a fourth match kir and probably would have conceded rounding Courtois he tried to square ing Ramos to dash out to intercept but seven, a dip in form that has appeared complicit in compounding Benzema’s running. Betis were the better side in a penalty had the loose ball not spilled back to Canales when the net looked he was beaten and left stranded. even more charitable given Barca’s own error for the second. the fi rst half and might have taken the to Sidnei, who instead hammered it into open. Andres Guardado put Tello through problems on and off the pitch. “We haven’t played the way we lead earlier had Marc Bartra not headed the top corner. Luka Modric sprinted back and the gap and he sent Courtois diving to- After a game at home to Eibar on Fri- trained all week,” said Ramos. “We have over from four yards or Thibaut Cour- Deservedly in front, Betis then went hacked away. Madrid enjoyed their wards one corner before sliding the ball day, Zinedine Zidane’s side will travel to be self-critical. And now we have to tois not reacted quickly to push away in level at the interval as Sidnei, per- own spell of pressure as Modric’s shot into the other.

SERIE A Lille keep pressure on Rennes in Champions League race Paris: Rennes shook off their Rennes left-back Faitout Ma- Hunou grabbed his second at Strasbourg on Saturday was Juventus go top aft er painful midweek French ouassa struck the opener inside of the match from the spot postponed due to fears over Cup semi-final exit to thrash 10 minutes at Roazhon Park late on to complete the rout. the coronavirus outbreak. Montpellier 5-0 in Ligue 1 on and Adrien Hunou doubled the Lille edged out in-form Lyon The decision was made after closed-doors win over Inter Sunday and maintain their lead for Rennes, whose French thanks to a first-half goal from a number of people tested posi- one-point lead over Lille in the Cup title defence was ended Loic Remy. The former Chelsea tive for COVID-19 in the Haut- AFP race for France’s third and final Thursday by a 2-1 loss to Saint- and Newcastle striker has now Rhin region, which neighbours Milan Champions League spot. Etienne. Flavien Tait added a scored 11 goals in his last 18 ap- the Bas-Rhin region where Last season’s Ligue 1 run- third for Rennes on 68 minutes pearances, having scored only Strasbourg is located. It was the ners-up Lille kept the pressure before Romain Del Castillo three goals before that this sea- first Ligue 1 match to be called aron Ramsey starred as on with a 1-0 win over Lyon. converted a penalty. son. Paris Saint-Germain’s game off because of the virus. Juventus beat title ri- vals Inter Milan 2-0 on Sunday to reclaim top spotA in Serie A in a game played ROUND-UP behind closed doors due to the coronavirus outbreak. Earlier in the day, Italian sports minister Vincenzo Spada- Arsenal’s Torreira set to miss rest of season fora called for the league season to be put on hold. His statement rsenal midfi elder Lucas Torreira is caused chaos at the early game unlikely to play again this season between SPAL and Parma, with after the club confi rmed yester- confused players sent back to the day that his fractured ankle will dressing rooms from the tunnel keepA him sidelined for up to 10 weeks. The before eventually taking to the Uruguay international, 24, was taken off on fi eld 75 minutes after the sched- a stretcher early on during the 2-0 FA Cup uled kick-off . win at Portsmouth last week and was later Juventus’ game against Inter in seen leaving Fratton Park on crutches. Turin did go ahead, although in Speaking on Thursday, before the week- an empty Allianz Stadium, with end win over West Ham, Gunners head the defending champions taking coach Mikel Arteta had said he was hoping a one-point lead over Lazio at the Torreira would be able to play again this top of the table season. But that now looks highly unlikely “It’s all a little strange and sad given the diagnosis and how long it would to play football in these condi- Juventus’ Aaron Ramsey (left) is jubilant after scoring against Inter take him to get back up to speed. tions, sad for the fans and the Milan in the Serie A in Turin, Italy, on Sunday. (Reuters) players,” Juventus director Fabio LIVERPOOL’S STELLAR SEASON Arsenal’s Lucas Torreira reacts after sustaining an ankle injury last week. (Reuters) Paratici said. “We trained in the but there are still 12 games to go, sitting on the substitutes’ bench, ‘NOT NORMAL’, SAYS MILNER empty stadium yesterday to get so it’s a long road ahead.” was shown a red card for dissent. James Milner believes there is a risk that there and win the games. No one gives you the majority of the rest of the season due to accustomed to the situation, but Antonio Conte’s third-placed The climax of the season re- Liverpool’s achievements are being taken it. What the team has done this season has a fractured right arm. Tottenham are eighth to be honest, I don’t think we can Inter are now nine points adrift, mains uncertain, though, after for granted, saying their spectacular season been unbelievable,” he added. in the Premier League, seven points adrift ever really get used to it.” but with a game in hand on Juve a deadly outbreak of the new “isn’t normal” as they close in on the The return to winning ways has given of a place in the top four. Reports in Italy late Sunday and Lazio. Douglas Costa went coronavirus in Italy which has Premier League title. Jurgen Klopp’s side Liverpool a confi dence boost ahead of suggested that the Serie A sea- closest in a tight fi rst half, but claimed the lives of over 350 are two wins away from lifting the league tomorrow’s pivotal Champions League last- BULGARIAN FA SUSPENDS TICKET son could even be suspended was denied by an excellent save people. Italians woke up to dis- crown for the fi rst time in 30 years after 16 second leg tie against Atletico Madrid at SALES FOR EURO 2020 PLAYOFF today once government offi cials from Inter goalkeeper Samir cover the entire Lombardy region amassing 82 points from 29 matches. Anfi eld, where Klopp’s side must overturn The Bulgarian Football Union (BFU) said have met with league and player Handanovic. around Milan and other parts of Liverpool returned to winning ways on a 1-0 defi cit. it has suspended ticket sales for the Euro representatives. “Our position is The hosts broke the deadlock the north in which a quarter of Saturday, beating Bournemouth 2-1 after 2020 qualifying playoff semi-fi nal between that Juventus will respect what 10 minutes after the break, as all Italians live — and most big three defeats in four matches in all com- BERGWIJN ADDS TO Bulgaria and Hungary on March 26 because the authorities indicate,” added Cristiano Ronaldo got to a low teams play — under lockdown. petitions to set a new top-fl ight record of TOTTENHAM’S INJURY WOES of the coronavirus outbreak. Paratici. “We all understand that ball fi rst inside the box, with Italian Footballers’ Associa- 22 consecutive home league wins. Despite Tottenham suff ered another major injury Bulgaria reported on Sunday its fi rst this is the situation and we must it then falling kindly for Ram- tion president Damiano Tom- their remarkable record, midfi elder Milner blow to their forward options with Dutch cases of the coronavirus and the BFU said behave responsibly to help ensure sey to sweep a low shot into the masi tweeted that “stopping said winning was not as easy as Liverpool international Steven Bergwijn set for a that all Bulgarian league matches in the it passes as quickly as possible.” net from close range. It was the football is the most useful thing had made it look, shown by their recent lengthy spell on the sidelines due to a left next two rounds will be played in empty Juve coach Maurizio Sarri said Wales midfi elder’s fourth goal of for our country right now”. “The wobble. “It is so hard to win the league. The ankle sprain. Bergwijn suff ered the injury stadiums. The BFU also suspended ticket that he “doesn’t know what is the the season after joining Juve from teams to cheer are playing in our amount of games we have won in a row — in a 1-1 draw at Burnley on Saturday that sales the 2021 European Under-21 Cham- right thing to do” when it comes Arsenal last year. hospitals, in emergency rooms,” that isn’t normal,” said the 34-year-old. stretched Spurs’ run without a win in all pionship qualifi er between Bulgaria and to the thorny question of cancel- The 29-year-old created his Tommasi wrote. “You can win the league and you can drop competitions to fi ve games. Estonia on March 29. ling matches. “What have to I ask side’s second goal 12 minutes Spadafora quickly sounded his points in a few games but to win this many Jose Mourinho has repeatedly bemoaned A raft of sports events globally have been is whether it’s right to take away later, playing a neat one-two own support for the idea of sus- games is not normal and people then start his lack of options up front in the absence of called off due to the coronavirus. UEFA has two hours of enjoyment from with Paulo Dybala, who wriggled pending the season right away. thinking it is easy.” the injured Harry Kane and Son Heung-min banned players and match offi cials from those who are stuck indoors or clear of two defenders and fi red “The FIGC (Italian Football Asked whether Liverpool’s form had been and the loss of Bergwijn is another blow to shaking hands in line with recommenda- if there really is a serious risk for home. Inter substitute Christian Federation) should consider im- taken for granted this season, Milner added: Tottenham’s chances of qualifying for the tions made by the World Health Organisa- the players and staff , I just don’t Eriksen went close to pulling one mediately STOPPING Serie A,” “It can be. Champions League next season. tion. UEFA’s fl agship competition, Euro know the answer to those ques- back when he drilled a shot nar- Spadafora wrote on Facebook. Winning is tough and when you have Kane returned to training yesterday, but 2020, will be held from June in 12 cities tions,” said the 61-year-old. rowly over the crossbar. Things Elsewhere on the pitch, AC won that many games everybody thinks, the England captain is still some weeks across Europe. The playoff s on March 26 On the game itself, he added: went from bad to worse for the Milan slipped to a 2-1 loss at ‘Oh they are going to win again, the title is away from a comeback as he recovers from and March 31 feature 16 teams battling for “This is an important victory, away side when Daniele Padelli, home to struggling Genoa. done’. It’s not, because you have to go out hamstring surgery. Son is also sidelined for four spaces in the 24-team fi nals. Gulf Times 4 Tuesday, March 10, 2020 CRICKET

TWENTY20 Soumya, Liton star as Bangladesh take 1-0 lead AFP duce the tourists to 3-37. previous highest score of 175 runs Dhaka Tinashe Kamunhukamwe was against Zimbabwe. top scorer for Zimbabwe with 28 He struck four fours and fi ve Bangladesh’s Soumya Sarkar plays before Aminul forced him to give a sixes, including two in the last two a shot during the first T20 match oumya Sarkar and Liton Das catch to Liton at long-off . balls of the innings off Chris Mpo- against Zimbabwe at the Sher-e-Bangla struck half-centuries as Aminul took the wicket of Zim- fu to lift Bangladesh to 200. National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka Bangladesh crushed Zim- babwe captain Sean Williams (20) “It was pleasing to see how the yesterday. (AFP) babwe by 48 runs in the fi rst from the next ball to break the back batters performed. Tamim and Twenty20S international of a two- bone of the batting line-up. Liton gave us the start we want- match series in Dhaka yesterday. Richmond Mutumbami and ed, and Soumya fi nished off re- Soumya hit an unbeaten 62 off 32 Doland Tiripano also made 20 runs ally well,” said Bangladesh captain balls, his second Twenty20 half- each. Carl Mumba provided late Mahmudullah Riyad. century and a career best, after an blitz with 25 off 16 balls but could Zimbabwe captain Williams la- in-form Liton made 59 off 39 balls only delay the inevitable. mented their performance. to guide Bangladesh 200-3 in the Liton earlier set the platform “We missed our length with 20 overs. for Bangladesh’s highest-ever the ball, and partnerships at the The visitors were never up to the Twenty20 score against Zimbabwe top were required and that let us task when replying to the handy with a 92-run opening stand with down,” he said. score and were bowled out for Tamim Iqbal, who made 41 off 33 The second and fi nal match of 152 runs in 19 overs to suff er their balls. the series will be held at the same biggest Twenty20 defeat against Teenage debutant Wesley Mad- ground tomorrow. Bangladesh. hevere dismissed Tamim to break Leg-spinner Aminul Islam the stand and Sikandar Raza BRIEF SCORES grabbed three wickets for 34 runs trapped Liton leg before to end his Bangladesh 200 for 2 (Sarkar and Mustafi zur Rahman fi nished superb innings, which featured fi ve 62*, Das 59, Madhevere 1-15) beat with 3-32. The other new-ball fours and three sixes. Zimbabwe 152 all out (Kamunhu- bowlers rattled Zimbabwe in the Soumya took the charge to en- kamwe 28, Rahman 3-32, Islam opening batting Powerplay to re- sure Bangladesh surpassed their 3-34) by 48.

FOCUS SELECTION Injured Perera in Sri Lanka squad for ‘Something special’: England Test series Australia celebrate ‘WHAT AN UNBELIEVABLE OCCASION, OUR GROUP fi ft h T20 title WAS UNBELIEVABLE’

Sri Lanka’s Kusal Perera (right) walks off the field after a hand injury during the second T20 against West Indies in Kandy on Friday. (AFP)

Reuters a hamstring injury. Colombo Selectors also named three specialist spinners — Dilruwan Perera, Lasith Embudleniya usal Perera has re- and Lakshan Sandakan — turned to Sri Lanka’s alongside four specialist pace squad for their two- bowlers in Suranga Lakmal, Test series against Lahiru Kumara, Kasun Rajitha EnglandK later this month de- and Vishwa Fernando. spite carrying a fi nger injury The fi rst Test against Eng- that could rule him out of the land starts in Galle on March fi rst match. 19, with the second Test be- The 29-year-old was left ginning in Colombo on March out of the Sri Lanka squad that 27. beat Zimbabwe 1-0 in January. Left-handed batsman La- SRI LANKA SQUAD hiru Thirimanne, who was in Dimuth Karunaratne (cap- the squad for the Zimbabwe tain), Oshada Fernando, Kusal series but did not feature, Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Di- was left out of the squad an- nesh Chandimal, Kusal Perera, nounced yesterday. Dhananjaya De Silva, Niroshan The 30-year-old made his Dickwella (wicketkeeper), last Test appearance for his Dilruwan Perera, Lasith country against New Zealand Embuldeniya, Lahiru Kumara, in August last year. Vishwa Fernando, Kasun All-rounder Wanindu Rajitha, Lakshan Sandakan, Hasaranga was named as the Suranga Lakmal, Wanindu 16th member of the squad Hasaranga (injured, replace- but will be replaced before ment to be named before first the first Test because he has Test).

Australia stick with handshakes despite virus threat The Australian women’s T20 team celebrate their World Cup win with fans in Melbourne’s Federation Square yesterday. (AFP) Australia’s cricketers will “We are not shaking hands Reuters Australia captain Meg Lanning, who continue to shake hands, with each other, using Melbourne started her international career when the coach Justin Langer said instead the well-established women’s team counted their crowds in the Defl ated India fi nd optimism yesterday, despite England fist bump, and we are wash- hundreds, said it had been the best of the in Melbourne heartbreak enforcing a strict fist-bump ing hands regularly and lyssa Healy said she hoped the four titles she had played a part in win- only policy to prevent spread wiping down surfaces using Women’s T20 World Cup fi nal ning. Reuters working hard and never lose hope. It will of the coronavirus. the anti-bacterial wipes and would be a game-changer for “It’s defi nitely at the top,” she told fans New Delhi happen one day,” he added. Covid-19 has claimed the gels we’ve been given in our her sport as the Australia team at Melbourne’s Federation Square. Encouragement also came from men’s lives of three Australians, immunity packs,” he said. celebratedA their fi fth title and a record- “To make it to the big day and then to team captain Virat Kohli, who endured with the global outbreak Langer admitted that some breaking fi nal at a ceremony in the centre perform so well is something I’m really he crushing defeat in Sunday’s similar heartbreak in last year’s 50-overs forcing a host of sporting fix- players were exhausted of Melbourne yesterday. proud of.” fi nal against Australia will World Cup, where India topped the tures around the world to be heading into the series Australia thrashed India by 85 runs Player of the Tournament Beth Mooney, haunt Harmanpreet Kaur and group stage but lost in the semi-finals cancelled or played behind against New Zealand having in front of 86,174 fans at the Melbourne who hit 78 runs in the fi nal, said the enor- her team for a while but India against New Zealand. closed doors. featured in all three formats Cricket Ground in a fi nal played on Inter- mity of the event and her achievement had Thope the experience will only make “Proud of all the eff orts put in by Australia’s three-game almost continuously since national Women’s Day. It was the biggest yet to sink in. “It’s probably something I’ll them better before the next Women’s the Indian Women’s Cricket Team one-day series against New last year’s World Cup, includ- crowd to ever watch a women’s sporting look back on in 10 years’ time,” she said. Twenty20 World Cup in 2022. throughout their #T20WorldCup Zealand begins Friday and ing the likes of leading bats- event in Australia. “For me and everyone there it’ll prob- India finished the group stage as the campaign. I’m confident that you girls Langer said there were no men Steve Smith and David Opener Healy smashed 79 runs from ably be one of those things where you say: tournament’s only unbeaten team and will bounce back stronger than ever,” plans to change how the Warner. 39 balls, including a half century off 30 ‘were you there when we broke the record progressed to the final after their semi- tweeted Kohli. Opener Shafali Verma team interacts in the dress- “The truth is we’ve got some deliveries, to win Player of the Match on for the most watched female game in Aus- finals against England was washed out. had set alight the group stage with her ing room or on the field. weary boys at the moment, Sunday. tralia?’.” The expectations were naturally high, batting pyrotechnics but endured a “No, we’ll keep shaking particularly our senior play- “What an unbelievable occasion, our Cricket Australia Chief Executive Kevin especially since India had beaten the nightmare on Sunday when she manage hands... there’s plenty of ers,” he said. group was unbelievable,” said Healy, who Roberts paid tribute to the “inspiration- hosts in the tournament opener, but two, having dropped player-of-the- hand sanitiser in the Austral- “They play so much cricket like many of her teammates wore dark al” team but also to the women on whose Australia thrashed them by 85 runs to match Alyssa Healy earlier in the match. ian kits,” he told cricket. and you think about what glasses after celebrating into the early shoulders they stood. lift their fifth title. The 16-year-old was in tears after the com.au yesterday following they’ve done... since we hours. “Last night was a momentous event,” The cricket-mad country reacted with defeat and was consoled by senior team the team’s 3-0 series loss in started the World Cup (in “I think it was probably the best game said Roberts. maturity to the setback and support mates. South Africa. England last year). of cricket I’ve ever played in. To be able to “It’s pretty easy for males involved in poured in for Kaur’s team, which “I told her she had to be really proud “I’m sure we’ll just keep shak- “They’re mentally tough do it in front of 86,000 people is next level cricket like me to jump on this wave and included several teenagers. of the kind of campaign she’d had,” ing hands and move on from guys but it’s a real challenge and hopefully it’s the start of something play some small role but the credit belongs “It was a tough day for #TeamIndia. Our opening partner Smriti Mandhana said. that,” he added. for us.” special.” to the women. team is young and will grow into a solid “This is a time to introspect. Failure England captain Joe Root The first one-dayer begins Organisers had hoped to set a global at- “To the generations of women who paid unit,” batting great Sachin Tendulkar teaches you a lot more than success. last week said his players in Sydney on Friday with tendance record for a women’s event and their own way to play for their country, tweeted. The team needs to be left alone and would be talking sensible the second two days later, even if they fell a few thousand fans short can you believe it? To the women who have “You have inspired many across the think of how we can be better in the precautions on their tour of before the series wraps up in it was no less special an occasion for the made women’s cricket what it is over the globe. We are proud of you. Keep next few years.” Sri Lanka. Hobart on March 20. AFP players. last 145 years, this belongs to them.” Gulf Times Tuesday, March 10, 2020 5 SPORT

NHL Blues remain hot with shutout of Blackhawks Reuters kept pace with the defending Stanley Chicago RESULTS Cup champion St. Louis Blues in the divisional race. The Blues won 2-0 at BCarolina 6-2 Pittsburgh Chicago on Sunday. Colorado (41-19- efensemen Robert Bortuzzo Detroit 5-4 Tampa Bay 8) won for the 10th time in its past 11 and Alex Pietrangelo had Las Vegas 5-3 Calgary road games and has just one regulation goals and Jake Allen posted a loss (8-1-2) in its past 11 games overall. St. Louis 2-0 Chicago 29-save shutout to boost the Joe Thornton, Melker Karlsson and visitingD St. Louis Blues to a 2-0 victory Minnesota 5-4 Anaheim Noah Gregor scored for the Sharks (29- against the Chicago Blackhawks on Colorado 4-3 San Jose 35-5), who dropped to 0-2-1 in their past three games. Goalie Martin Jones Sunday night for the team’s ninth win Columbus 2-1 Vancouver in its past 10 games. stopped 20 of 24 shots. Namestnikov Jaden Schwartz added two assists scored the go-ahead at 8:41 of the sec- for the Blues (41-18-10), who main- Allen blanked the Blackhawks at ond period, snapping a 2-2 tie. tained their Central Division lead of United Center for the second time this MacKinnon stole the puck behind two points over the Colorado Ava- season to earn the 21st shutout of his the net and fed Landeskog in the right lanche while earning a season sweep career. He stopped seven shots in the faceoff circle. Landeskog faked a shot of the archrival Blackhawks for the fi rst period, 13 in the second and nine and found Namestnikov open near the fi rst time in franchise history during in the third. far post for the goal. the regular season.Chicago (31-30-8) Schenn extended his point streak to Thornton, playing in his 1,635th lost its second straight on the heels of a seven games, and has nine points – in- game to tie Scott Stevens for ninth four-game winning streak. The Black- cluding fi ve goals – in that span. Chi- on the NHL’s all-time list, opened hawks remain six points out of the fi nal cago’s Patrick Kane saw a three-game the scoring at 11:16 of the fi rst period. Western Conference playoff spot with point streak end. Timo Meier’s shot from the top of the 13 games remaining. Power-play struggles again doomed left faceoff circle was redirected by St. Louis opened the scoring at 6:41 the Blackhawks. Chicago went 0 for Evander Kane to an open Thornton of the second period as Bortuzzo lifted 4 with the man advantage against St. St. Louis Blues defenseman Alex Pietrangelo (centre) celebrates with goaltender Jake Allen (left) and defenseman Marco near the right post. Thornton fl ipped a shot from a sharp angle past Black- Louis and has not scored on its past 14 Scandella after their win over Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center in Chicago. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports the puck over a sprawling Francouz. hawks goaltender Corey Crawford for power plays overall, a drought covering MacKinnon tied the score with a his second goal of the season. Brayden the team’s past fi ve games. reactions from backers of both sides. The Blues defeated the Blackhawks Vladislav Namestnikov combined for power-play goal at 16:17 of the period, Schenn and Schwartz had assists on Making his ninth consecutive start, Defenseman Adam Boqvist returned at Chicago 4-0 on Dec. 2 before sweep- three goals and fi ve assists as the Ava- blasting a one-timer past Jones from the play, as the Blues’ forecheck kept Crawford helped keep the Blackhawks to the lineup for Chicago after miss- ing the next two games in St. Louis, lanche remained two points back in the left faceoff circle.The Avalanche the puck alive amid a scramble in front afl oat by stopping 24 of 26 shots. ing Friday’s loss at Detroit because of a edging Chicago 4-3 on December 14 the Central Division with a 4-3 victory took a 2-1 lead on Landeskog’s goal just of the Chicago net. Fans at the United Center alter- right wrist injury. and 6-5 on February 25. against the host San Jose Sharks on 1:59 into the second, off a rebound from Pietrangelo provided a valuable nated “Let’s go Blues/Let’s go Hawks” St. Louis defender Justin Faulk Sunday night. a close-range shot by MacKinnon. cushion with a power-play goal at chants for much of the night. A fi ght missed his second successive game AVALANCHE REMAIN ON ROLL MacKinnon and Landeskog each had The Sharks tied the score on Karls- 5:37 of the third period, striking from between St. Louis’ Vince Dunn and with an upper-body injury. Boqvist WITH WIN OVER SHARKS a goal and two assists, Joonas Donskoi son’s breakaway goal at 3:41 after he a similar angle after the Blackhawks Drake Caggiula of Chicago at 14:59 of later left the game along with Caggiula, Colorado’s top line of Gabriel also scored and goaltender Pavel Fran- blocked a shot in his own zone and took were unable to clear the zone. the second period prompted raucous who injured his right hand. Landeskog, Nathan MacKinnon and couz made 22 saves as the Avalanche a long lead pass from Marcus Sorensen.

NBA MLB Calhoun suff ers broken jaw aft er James and Davis being hit by fastball

AFP guide Texas for the remainder of Los Angeles the game. Calhoun was taken by the Dodgers in the fourth round exas Rangers outfi elder of the 2015 MLB Draft and was combine for 58 as Willie Calhoun suff ered among the players traded to Tex- a fractured jaw Sunday as in 2017 in a deal that brought after being hit in the Japanese pitcher Yu Darvish to mouthT by a 95-mph fastball dur- the Dodgers. ing a Major League Baseball pre- season game. ‘I KEPT PRAYING FOR HIM’ The 25-year-old American Urias, who asked Rangers play- was batting in the bottom of the ers for Calhoun’s phone number Lakers beat Clippers fi rst inning against the Los An- and was given it, was upset at geles Dodgers in suburban Phoe- the incident, having been a pri- nix when he was hit on the right or teammate of Calhoun on the ‘These are two teams gearing up for the playoff s. It was hard fought’ side of his mouth with a pitch Dodgers’ top development team. thrown by 23-year-old Mexican “We’ve known each other AFP left-hander Julio Urias. since we were in the minor Los Angeles Calhoun fell to the ground leagues together,” Urías said. instantly on his back and stayed “He was always one of the team- down for about 10 minutes as mates I had a good relationship eBron James and Anthony Davis Rangers trainer Matt Lucero with. combined for 58 points as the Los treated him before he was driv- “In the second inning, I re- Angeles Lakers beat the Los An- en off the fi eld in an equipment ally had a hard time and I didn’t geles Clippers for the fi rst time cart. Calhoun, who did not lose feel like myself out there. I’ve Lthis season with a 112-104 NBA victory consciousness, was taken to St. never been in a situation like on Sunday. Joseph’s Hospital in Phoenix for that. It was really hard. I just re- James scored 28 points and dished out further examination and treat- ally didn’t feel like it was me out nine assists while Davis fi nished with a ment. The Rangers, who defeat- there. team-high 30 points in the showdown ed the Dodgers 9-8, announced “I kept praying for him. He between the two best teams in the NBA’s after the game that a CT scan was in my thoughts.” Western Conference. and examination revealed a frac- Calhourn batted.269 with 21 “These are two teams gearing up for tured jaw and further evaluation home runs and 48 runs batted the playoff s,” said James. “It was hard is expected on Monday. in over 83 games for the Rang- fought.” “I felt so bad for him because ers last season after hitting two But unlike Friday’s Laker win over he wasn’t saying anything and homers and driving in 11 runs Milwaukee, the dynamic duo got some you could tell he was hurting,” over 35 games for Texas in 2018, off ensive help from another starter. Av- said Calhoun’s Texas teammate when he went.222 at the plate. ery Bradley tallied 24 points, delivering Joey Gallo in a posting on the The Rangers had Calhoun on six of 12 three-point attempts as the MLB website. slotted into the starting left- Lakers avenged consecutive losses to the “It’s tough because I’m really fi elder role with a chance to be- Clippers on Christmas Day and the sea- close with Willie. He’s one of my come a regular starter for the son opener in October. best friends, so to see that hap- fi rst time in his career, but he pen and him go down like that, might be looking at a lengthy it was really tough. I just tried to absence now. RESULTS be there for him and make sure “It’s never good, especially Cleveland 132-129 San Antonio he knew we were all around him where he was with as a player, and trying to help him and just all the hard work he has put in, New York 96-84 Detroit praying that he’s OK. especially the past few years,” Miami 100-89 Washington “It was tough to play after Rangers shortstop Elvis Andrus Indiana 112-109 Dallas that.” said. “To have that happen, it’s Rangers manager Chris a big setback for the team. But Orlando 126-106 Houston Woodward drove to the hospi- it’s a scary moment, whether Oklahoma City 105-104 Boston tal to be with Calhoun, leaving it’s your teammate or the other Phoenix 140-131 Milwaukee bench coach Don Wakamatsu to team.” Brooklyn 110-107 Chicago New Orleans 120-107 Minnesota Lakers 112-104 Clippers

Paul George scored a team-high 31 points and reigning NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Kawhi Leonard poured in 27 points for the Clippers, who had their LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers scores against LA Clippers during their NBA game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. six-game win streak snapped. (Getty Images/AFP) The Lakers were coming off an even more impressive win on Friday in which coach Frank Vogel said he has never seen the lead to 99-87 in the fourth, their fi rst son scored 23 as the visiting New Orleans James and Davis joined forces to score a James play better. “He was unbelievable,” double-digit lead of the game. Pelicans defeated the Minnesota Tim- combined 67 points as they took down Vogel said. “It was his best weekend in a “Just trying to come out in the second berwolves 120-107. Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Mil- Lakers’ uniform. “This was his best two half and not let the game get away from Holiday added nine rebounds and waukee Bucks 113-103 in a matchup be- game stretch. He helped close them out. us,” Davis said. “We wanted to make sure eight assists while Brandon Ingram had tween the NBA’s top clubs. James and AD (Davis) had some big buckets, but was we come out with a little bit more off en- 15 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists. Davis outscored all nine of their team- in foul trouble tonight. He (James) was sive intensity and aggression.” Also, D.J. Augustin, who had 24 points, mates combined against the Bucks. too much for them. He dominated both George and Leonard combined to score was one of six players to reach double “We knew it was a big weekend for games.” 12 consecutive points in a fourth quarter fi gures as the Orlando Magic pounded us. Milwaukee on Friday and they are There is a chance the Lakers could face surge, but they failed to regain the lead. the struggling Houston Rockets 126-106 number one in the league, and the Clip- the Clippers in the postseason after they “They were the team that really want- in Houston. The Rockets suff ered a sec- pers beat us twice before. We don’t want clinched their fi rst playoff berth in seven ed it and they went and got it,” George ond straight blowout loss at home. James to be swept by anyone,” said James of the years when they beat the Bucks. said. “It’s hard to beat any team three Harden made just three of 10 three point- Lakers, who won their fourth straight The Lakers took over in the fourth as times in a row in this league. It doesn’t ers and fi nished with 24 points. game. Against the Clippers, Bradley was James got it started with a three-point- set us back.” Harden is now fi ve-of-21 from three- Texas Rangers left fielder Willie Calhoun reacts as he is hit in the face the only other Laker in double fi gures er. His three-point play and a basket by Elsewhere, Jrue Holiday had a season- point range and has committed 14 turno- with a pitch against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the first inning as he got hot from beyond the arc. Head Davis capped a 14-6 run that stretched high 37 points and rookie Zion William- vers in the last two games. of a spring training game in Surprise. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Gulf Times 6 Tuesday, March 10, 2020 SPORT

4-STAR KATARA BEACH VOLLEYBALL OPEN ATHLETICS CAS clears jumper Lawson of doping, Qatar’s Cherif and quashes ban

Reuters Lausanne

he Court of Arbitra- Ahmed to start tion for Sport (CAS) yesterday annulled the four-year ban im- Tposed on Jarrion Lawson by the sport’s governing body World Athletics, following an appeal by the American long jumper and sprinter. campaign today The 25-year-old, who was suspended last year after test- stance was contaminated beef ing positive for the banned consumed in a restaurant the The eight-seeded Qatari team will take on Sergiy Popov and Laroslav Gordieiev in first round substance epitrenbolone, had day before the test,” sport’s denied any wrongdoing, say- highest court said in a state- ing the substance could have ment. entered his body through the “Following a careful review consumption of contaminated and examination of the evi- beef in June 2018. dence and expert testimony... Lawson said that he ate the the panel was unanimously of tainted meat at a restaurant the view that Lawson had es- in Fayetteville, Arkansas. An tablished that he bore no fault out-of-competition doping or negligence for his positive control test the next day indi- fi nding. “As a consequence of cated the presence of the ex- such fi nding, the period of in- ogenous anabolic androgenic eligibility was eliminated.” steroid. Lawson captured the long “The CAS Panel found it jump silver medal at the world more likely than not that the championships in London origin of the prohibited sub- three years ago.

SPOTLIGHT ‘No spectators at Tokyo 2020 torch lighting ceremony’

Reuters the Olympic fl ame will be done Athens without the presence of spec- tators and only 100 invited and accredited guests,” the Greek he Tokyo 2020 Ol- Olympic Committee said in a ympics torch lighting statement. ceremony in ancient “The dress rehearsal on Olympia will be the March 11 will be closed to Tfi rst in more 35 years to be held spectators and media.” Qatar’s Cherif Younousse (left) and Ahmed Tijan. without spectators after or- The Olympic torch will be By Sports Reporter the USA’s Phil Dalhausser and the Chetumal 4-Star in Novem- Gambia guys tried to squeeze us the Chetumal fi nale – Alexander ganisers yesterday introduced lit in Olympia at a scaled- Doha Nick Lucena 2-0 (21-15, 21-15) in ber where they fi nished ninth. in the second set. Brouwer and Robert Meeuwsen tighter measures to protect down ceremony on March 12 the fi nal. Since then they have been “They are really tall, and they of the Netherlands. Crabb’s old- against the coronavirus. before a seven-day relay that Lucena and Dalhausser will away from their Toulouse base jump so high and hit the ball so er brother Trevor placed third Greece’s Olympic Commit- culminates with a handover herif Younousse and also be back in action and are one for warm weather training which hard. So, we had to be careful be- in the Mexican event with Tri tee said spectators would be ceremony in Greece on March Ahmed Tijan will lead of six USA teams on the entry allowed them to start their fi rst cause the wind made the match Bourne. excluded from both the dress 19. Qatar’s challenge at the list. Qatar have built up a strong tournament of 2020 in fi ne form. more balanced.” In addition to Brouwer/Meeu- rehearsal at the ancient site The number of people in- 4-Star Katara Beach tradition of hosting World Tour “We had a training camp in The men-only tournament wsen (World Ranking No. 6) and tomorrow and the wide- side the ancient stadium will VolleyballC Open. events since they organised their Tenerife and then one in Brazil,” will run until March 13 at Ka- Taylor Crabb/Gibb (No. 8), other ly broadcast ceremony on also be reduced with only a The eight-seeded Qatari fi rst event in 2014. Two more Aye said. tara Cultural Village. It is the top-ranked FIVB World Tour Thursday. few dozen representatives of team, who won bronze medal in followed in 2015 and 2016, then “It was great to practice there second of nine 4-Star events pairs competing in Doha are No. This is the fi rst time since the Tokyo Games from a group ther 2019 edition, will launch in 2018, the tournament grew because of the weather there and on the 2019-2020 calendar and 2 Viacheslav Krasilnikov/Oleg the 1984 Los Angeles Olym- of about 150 allowed access to their campaign against quali- from a 3-Star tournament to a the conditions for us.” the winners will leave with 800 Stoyanovskiy of Russia, No. 4 pics that the ceremony will be the ceremony. fi ers Sergiy Popov and Laroslav 4-Star tournament. Lombardo Ontiveros and Juan ranking points. Evandro Goncalves/Bruno Oscar held without any spectators Organisers will also shut Gordieiev from Ukraine today at Meanwhile yesterday, Quincy Virgen will be one of the teams The seventh annual FIVB stop Schmidt of Brazil, No. 5 Julius lounging on the grassy slopes the press centre following the scenic Katara Cultural Village. Aye and Arnaud Gauthier-Rat that join them in the main draw in Doha has attracted 42 teams Thole/Sven Winter of Germa- of the ancient stadium in the the ceremony to avoid the The other two Qatar teams are were one of eight teams who after they saw off Gambia’s from 24 countries as the win- ny, No. 7 Michal Bryl Grzegorz tiny Peloponesian hamlet. gathering of many people in Issam Mahmoud-Mahdi Sam- reached the main draw when they Sainey Jawo and Mbye Babou ning team will share the $20,000 Fijalek of Poland and No. 9s. The ceremony - held both an indoor area and will stage moud and Saifeddine Elmajid- defeated Japan’s Nobuaki Taira Jarra 2-0 (21-10, 21-18). fi rst-place prize. Adrian Gavira/Pablo Herrera of for summer and winter Games Wednesday’s dress rehearsal Ziad Abdelmajeed. Over 51 teams and Ryota Sato 2-0 (21-14, 21-12). In 2016, the Mexican pair The Katara Beach Volleyball Spain and Phil Dalhausser/Nick - usually attracts several thou- without the presence of me- from 28 countries are competing “It was a good two zero, but reached the Rio de Janeiro 2016 Cup is the second 4-star event Lucena of the United States. sand spectators, including dia. for the 800 ranking points in the we had to be careful of them be- Olympic Games knockout on the 2019-2020 World Tour Qatar has built up a strong Greeks and foreign visitors. Tokyo had already stopped tournament which will conclude cause they both have really good rounds and they will be aiming calendar with the fi rst being tradition of hosting World Tour “The lighting ceremony of 340 children from attending. on March 13. technique and can play well,” to use their performance in Doha last November in Mexico where events since it hosted its fi rst in Chilean Grimalt cousins Aye said. “We had to play our as a springboard to Tokyo 2020. Americans Taylor Crabb and 2014. Marco and Esteban will return game and stay focused and that “It was a good win, it’s always Jake Gibb topped the podium. Two more followed in 2015 DECISION to defend the gold medal they is what we did.” a good win when you get into Crabb and Gibb are entered and 2016, then in 2018 the tour- won last year. It was their fi rst Aye and Gauthier-Rat last the main draw,” Ontiveros said. this week along with the team nament grew from a 3-Star tour- 4-Star title when they defeated featured on the World Tour at “The wind made it tough and the that the Americans defeated in nament to a 4-Star tournament. France-Ireland CYCLING Six Nations match Nizzolo wins tough Paris-Nice postponed due to coronavirus

AFP stage as big guns misfi re Paris AFP Châlette-sur-Loing, France rance’s home Six Na- tions match against Ireland on Saturday talian sprinter Giacomo Nizzolo has been postponed pounced late to win a rainy stage two dueF to the coronavirus, organ- of the Paris-Nice yesterday, as pre- isers said yesterday. race favourite Nairo Quintana had a The Stade de France fi xture Idamaging day. becomes the third game of this Stage 1 winner Germany’s Maximilian year’s tournament to be called maining match on the Six Na- Schachmann of the Bora team remains in off after Italy and England in tions programme, leaving the the overall leader’s yellow jersey, while Rome and Ireland v Italy in tournament unfi nished with two time Giro d’Italia points winner Niz- Dublin. No date has been fi xed the identity of the champions zolo is in second 15 seconds adrift. Stage for playing the postponed uncertain. two culminated in a small bunch sprint matches. A similar situation arose in after a blustery 166.5km struggle from The French government 2001 when the series was in- Chevreus to Chalette-Sur-Loing with banned all public gatherings terrupted and three matches Slovak star Peter Sagan and 2014 Tour de of more than 1,000 people were postponed by a foot- France winner Vincenzo Nibali notably late Sunday in a bid to slow and-mouth outbreak in Brit- keeping pace with a lead group of 12. the spread of Covid-19 which ain when fans had to wait Sagan and Nibali had both been slated has infected 1,100 people and until October to see England to race in Italy, and only came to Paris- killed 19 in the country. crowned champions. Nice when the Strade Bianchi and Tireno- Italy’s rider Giacomo Nizzolo celebrates as he crosses the finish line at the end of the second stage of the 78th Paris-Nice race in Paris “Following instructions re- England, following their Adriatico races were postponed due to the yesterday. (AFP) ceived from the authorities in win over Wales on Saturday, coronavirus. In the fi nal sprint Monday, France, the decision has been top the table as it now stands Sagan’s teammate Pascal Ackermann get past him. Colombian Quintana, previ- climber Thibaut Pinot also lost precious Monday as a potential threat to his lead. made to postpone the Round with 13 points. made a determined bid for the line from ously seen as a favourite, was caught in a seconds when he was caught by a sudden “EF Pro Cycling did a good job too as 5 Guinness Six Nations match France are in second place, just inside the fi nal kilometre, but was fall 25km from home with the peloton roll- late surge by the Bora team led by power- Sergio Higuita was there. In the mountain between France and Ireland,” also on 13, but with an infe- well beaten by a powerful surge from the ing at full pace, he dropped around 1min house Sagan. “Peter (Sagan) made such a he will be one of the best competitors.” organiser Six Nations Rugby rior points diff erence, after 31-year-old Italian Nizzolo. 30sec on the day. Another man tipped as huge eff ort to split up the front group. We Higuita is 23 seconds behind Sch- said in a statement. losing Sunday’s game against “I waited until as long as I could and a potential winner the French star Julian had a great chance today,” said yellow jer- achmann. Today’s third stage of eight is The decision means that Scotland at Murrayfi eld 28-17 then took his (Ackermann’s) wheel as he Alaphilippe also suff ered a costly punc- sey Schachmann. He then identifi ed one a long 212.5km fl at run through exposed Saturday’s Wales v Scotland which ended their hopes of a came past. Then at the line I managed to ture 30km from the fi nish line. French of the climbers who emerged unscathed wheat plains. match in Cardiff is the only re- Grand Slam. Gulf Times Tuesday, March 10, 2020 7 SPORT

GOLF/ ARNOLD PALMER INVITATIONAL TENNIS/ MONTERREY OPEN Svitolina sees off Hatton holds off Bouzkova to bag title Leishman to claim fi rst PGA Tour title ‘TO HOLD ON AND WIN HERE, SUCH AN ICONIC VENUE, I’M JUST OVER THE MOON’

Elina Svitolina poses with the trophy after winning the Monterrey WTA Open final against Czech Republic’s Marie Bouzkova, in Monterrey, Mexico, on Sunday. (AFP)

Reuters Czech No. 9 seed Bouzkova Tyrrell Hatton of England celebrates with the trophy Mexico City showed no sign of relenting after winning the final round of the Arnold Palmer after dropping the opening Invitational at the Bay Hill Club and Lodge in Orlando, set. With the second set knot- Florida, on Sunday. (AFP) op seed Elina Svitolina ted at 3-3, Bouzkova took ad- prevailed in a three- vantage of a pair of Svitolina hour thriller against miscues to break, before hold- Marie Bouzkova 7-5 ing serve to take a command- T4-6 6-4 to seize her fi rst title ing 5-3 lead, and going on to of the season at the Monterrey level the match a set apiece. Open in Mexico on Sunday. Svitolina stormed back in In a battle of perseverance, the fi nal set and appeared to Bouzkova had seven break be cruising when she moved point chances in the marathon ahead 4-1. With Svitolina opening game, fi nally con- serving for the title at 5-2, verting on the seventh, which Bouzkova made a late charge set the tone for the long battle to break the leader and pull ahead. back on serve at 5-4. Svitolina would have to win Bouzkova was unable to fi ve breaks of her own over the hold on to her momentum, duration of the match to end and Svitolina garnered two a title drought of more than a match points. Ultimately, Svi- year. tolina’s forehand drop shot “It was an amazing battle,” forced an error that clinched Ukraine’s Svitolina said at the the title. trophy presentation. “Marie For the match, Svitolina re- was fi ghting great, and I think corded six aces and won nearly it was a very high-level match. three-quarters of points on We’ve both been playing good, her fi rst serve. we were fi ghting, and there “It feels amazing,” Svitolina were no easy games. I think the said. “It’s another step to- people really pushed us to play wards my goals, and I’m mov- our best, and it was amazing to ing in the right direction. I’m get the support from the Mex- happy that it’s going the right ican people.” way.”

AFP Leishman to collect the victory Keith Mitchell and Joel Dahmen. a tap-in birdie and close within Joel Dahmen 72-72-73-71, Danny Barty stays top, Kenin and Svitolina Miami in his 60th US PGA start. Hatton led Leishman by two one of Hatton. At 13, Hatton Lee (NZL) 71-67-75-75, Rory McIl- improve in rankings Hatton has also taken four Eu- shots when the day began but was into the deep left rough but roy (NIR) 66-73-73-76 ropean Tour victories, the most found a fairway bunker with blasted over trees and water onto 289 - Matthew Fitzpatrick (ENG) Australia’s Ashleigh Barty of the Czech Republic third ritain’s Tyrrell Hat- recent at last November’s Turk- his fi rst tee shot and missed an the green saved par. Leishman 70-75-75-69, Collin Morikawa remains top of the women’s on 5,205. ton, in only his second ish Airlines Open, just before he eight-foot par putt to open with missed a 14-foot par putt at the 70-71-75-73, Kang Sung (KOR) tennis rankings while Sofia tournament since right underwent surgery. a bogey, then made another at par-3 14th, falling two back, but 69-68-78-74, Harris English 69- Kenin of the United States TOP 10 RANKINGS wrist surgery, held off “It’s hard to explain. It’s just the fi fth after plunking into birdied the par-5 16th to close 70-74-76 gains a spot to fourth. 1. Ashleigh Barty, Australia, AustralianB Marc Leishman to an incredible feeling,” Hatton greenside sand. within one again. He was just left 290 - Talor Gooch 67-80-72-71, Australian Open winner 8,717 points win his fi rst US PGA Tour title said. “Such a tough day today. But Hatton responded to the on a 34-foot birdie putt at the Charley Hoff man 70-73-74-73 Kenin collected her second 2. Simona Halep, Romania, on Sunday at the Arnold Palmer Felt like I was playing myself out pressure with a tee shot to two par-3 17th but each man parred 291 - Patrick Reed 70-70-80-71, tournament win of the year 6,076 Invitational. of it when I made double at 11.” feet and birdie tap-in at the par- to send the drama to 18. Scottie Scheff ler 67-74-75-75, with victory at the Lyon 3. Karolina Pliskova, Czech The 28-year-old English- Leishman, the 2017 Bay Hill 3 seventh and a nine-foot birdie Leishman left a 70-foot birdie Tom Hoge 70-70-76-75 Open on Sunday. Ukraine’s Republic, 5,205 man made a double bogey at 11 champion who won his fi fth US putt at the par-4 eighth as he putt six feet short, Hatton rolled 292 - Danny Willett (ENG) 71-71- Elina Svitolina is also climber 4. Sofia Kenin, United States, but closed with seven tension- PGA title in January at Torrey made the turn two ahead of Im. a 25-footer for birdie to 2 1/2 feet 77-73, Rickie Fowler 71-70-77-74, in the rankings released 4,590 packed pars to fi nish a two-over Pines, shot 73 to fi nish on 285 Hatton bounced his tee shot and each man sunk a fi nal par Brendon Todd 68-72-78-74, by the WTA yesterday, 5. Elina Svitolina, Ukraine, 74 fi nal round and complete 72 with South Korean Im Sung-jae at 11 into the water, sent his third putt to give Hatton the triumph. Jason Kokrak 71-75-72-74, advancing two places to fifth, 4,580 holes at brutal and windy Bay third on 286 and American Bry- over the green, pitched to the Dylan Frittelli (RSA) 71-72-74-75, while Bianca Andreescu of 6. Bianca Andreescu, Canada, Hill on four-under 284 to edge son DeChambeau fourth, and fringe 33 feet from the cup and FINAL ROUND SCORES Christiaan Bezuidenhout (RSA) Canada drops two places to 4,555 the Aussie by a stroke. the only other player under par made a six-foot double bogey 284 - Tyrrell Hatton (ENG) 68- 68-72-73-79 sixth. 7. Kiki Bertens, Netherlands, “To hold on and win here, such for the week, on 287. putt. Im, who made bogey at 11 69-73-74 293 - Jimmy Walker 73-69-89-71, Svitolina clinched her first 4,335 an iconic venue, I’m just over the Not since the 2014 WGC Mex- but birdied the par-5 12th, brief- 285 - Marc Leishman (AUS) 71- Adam Long 69-74-78-72, Beau title of the season by winning 8. Belinda Bencic, moon,” Hatton said. ico event had fi ve or fewer play- ly shared the lead but his double 69-72-73 Hossler 73-72-76-72, Zander in Monterrey on Sunday. Switzerland, 4,010 While world number one Rory ers cracked par for 72 holes out- bogey at 13 left Hatton alone at 286 - Im Sung-jae (KOR) 70-69- Schauff ele 73-74-72-74, Matt Barty stays on 8,717 points 9. Serena Williams, United McIlroy and other contenders side a major. the top again. 74-73 Wallace (ENG) 69-73-76-75, Troy with Romania’s Simona States, 3,915 faded on the famed Orlando lay- McIlroy stumbled to a 76 to Leishman made a 16-foot par 287 - Bryson DeChambeau 73- Merritt 71-72-75-75, Max Homa Halep second on 10. Naomi Osaka, Japan, out, Hatton rose to the challenge share fi fth on 288 with New Zea- save at 11 and reached the green 71-72-71 72-75-70-76, Patrick Rodgers 6,076 and Karolina Pliskova 3,625. – DPA of last-pair playing partner land’s Danny Lee and Americans in two at the par-5 12th to set up 288 - Keith Mitchell 68-75-74-71, 73-70-73-77.

SPOTLIGHT ANNOUNCEMENT AAB supported Overdrive Racing team Indian Wells cancelled over coronavirus fears

AFP place such as hand sanitising at Manateq Qatar Cross-Country Rally Los Angeles stations, beefed up clean- ing protocols and gloves for By Sports Reporter ball kids, volunteers and food Doha he ATP and WTA ten- workers. nis tournament in The ATP and WTA had also Indian Wells, Cali- issued virus-related guide- bdullah Abdulghani & fornia, has been can- lines, telling players not to Bros Co (AAB), Toyota’s celledT over concerns about accept items from fans to be exclusive dealer in Qatar, the outbreak of the new autographed. supported the Overdrive coronavirus, making it the Even before the cancella- RacingA team that took part in the fi rst major sporting event in tion the tournament, which Manateq Qatar Cross-Country the US to be scrubbed due to draws more than 400,000 Rally. health concerns. fans each year, had off ered re- Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah con- The tournament, one of the funds to anyone who bought fi rmed a seventh victory in nine biggest outside the four Grand tickets but did not want to at- seasons at the Manateq Qatar Slams, was cancelled just days tend. Cross-Country Rally (MQCCR) before it was due to begin. Many of the players have and kick-started his challenge to Offi cials said in a news re- already arrived in Indian Wells win back the FIA World Cup Driv- lease on Sunday that they for the event with qualifying ers’ title with the fastest time on opted to cancel after the matches scheduled to start the fi nal stage. Having won the health department of Cali- yesterday and the main draw FIA World Cup title in 2017, the fornia’s Riverside County de- set to kick off tomorrow. Qatari and his French co-driver clared a public health emer- “We are very disappointed Matthieu Baumel knew the im- gency for the Coachella Valley that the tournament will not portance of a good start to the fi - — in the desert east of Los An- take place, but the health and nale -round series. They secured geles — after a confi rmed case safety of the local commu- bonus points for winning four of of Covid-19 locally. nity, fans, players, volunteers, the event’s fi ve selective sections No further details of the sponsors, employees, ven- to secure a winning margin of 1hr case were given. dors, and everyone involved 31min 40sec, Overdrive Racing Days earlier, organisers had with the event is of paramount team won fi rst, second and third said they planned to go ahead importance,” said tournament place. with extra health measures in director Tommy Haas.