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Friday, March 6, 2020 CRICKET Rajab 11, 1441 AH Australia prevail GULF TIMES over SA to set up fi nal against India SPORT Page 4

GOLF / COMMERCIAL BANK QATAR MASTERS Teenager Nicolai Hojgaard Luiten is one shot off the lead; Harding and rains birdies for lead Valimaki six shots behind

Victor Dubuisson of France in action during the first round of Commercial Bank Qatar Masters yesterday.

“Nicolai played very well today. We both had a similar starts.... then I dropped a few shots and he kept making birdies. I have to stay in the zone and see what I can do tomorrow.”

LEADING ROUND I SCORES 64: N Hojgaard (Den) Denmark’s Nicolai Hojgaard tees off on the 18th hole during the first round of the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters at Education City Golf Club in 65: J Luiten (Ned) Doha yesterday. PICTURES: Jayaram 66: J Campillo (Esp), T Pieters (Bel), L Gagli (Ita), A Sullivan By Yash Mudgal eight holes followed by a second back nine is a bit trickier off the 65. Defending champion Justin (Eng), C Pigem (Esp), J Winther Doha bogey in an impressive opening tee so I would say it was more of Harding and last week’s winner (Den) round to emerge the leader at a three wood on the back nine,” in Oman, Sami Valimaki, are six 67: M Armitage (Eng), S Jamie- seven-under after a 64. the Dane, runner-up behind Ser- strokes adrift of Hojgaard. son (Sco), S Chawrasia (Ind), D oung gun Nicolai Hoj- “It was a good day. I started gio Garcia at the KLM Open last “I am absolutely pleased. Fichardt (RSA), D Drysdale (Sco), gaard stole the limelight out slow, was playing really bad season, said. Seven birdies and one dropped B Hebert (Fra), K Moon (Kor) from past champions on the fi rst four, fi ve, six holes — I His brother Rasmus, who is the shot… that dropped shot came 68: M Siem (Ger), S Heisele (Ger), and his identical twin was still two-under at that point third youngest winner in Euro- out of the middle of the fairway. N Lemke (Swe), M Kinhult (Swe), brotherY Rasmus on the fi rst day but I was just playing it all over pean Tour history with a dramatic But on a golf course like this, B Poke (Den), R Macintyre (Sco), of the 2020 Commercial Bank the place. My putter was just on play-off triumph at the AfrAsia where it is really tricky on and G Havret (Fra), Y Touhami (Mar), R Qatar Masters yesterday. fi re today, that’s the diff erence,” Bank Mauritius Open in just his around the greens, I was out of Fisher (Eng), W Nienaber (RSA), D And the 18-year-old fi rst-tim- he said. fi fth Tour start, will start his sec- position, so sometimes you just Coupland (Eng) er in Qatar feels that they are all “When I came to the back nine ond round six shots behind his have to accept the bogey. All in India’s Shubhankar Sharma (foreground) lines up a putt yesterday. 69: R Paratore (Ita), C Paisley beatable. I was hitting fairways, hitting twin brother. Rasmus closed out a all, I am happy with my game,” (Eng), F Zanotti (Par), O Fisher “If you play good golf you can it close and rolling the putter. one-under 70 with a disappoint- Luiten said. a good show fi nishing tied 9th tough today in the morning. It (Eng), D Horsey (Eng), M Korho- beat them,” a confi dent Hojgaard You just hit the button and you ing double-bogey at the last hole. Former World No.1 Martin after the fi rst round. His compa- was quite calm compared to what nen (Fin), D Burmester (RSA), A said. keep going. My putter was just Dutchman Joost Luiten, who Kaymer, who has gone six years triot, Shubhankar Sharma, who I had felt on the two days of prac- Rozner (Fra), J Senior (Eng), A The Danish teenager lit up the the diff erence today. I was play- dropped just one shot at the without a major win, fi nished the teed off with Nicolai Hojgaard, tice and the Pro-Am. It was quite Saddier (Fra), M Kieff er (Ger), R back nine. He hit the turn in 35, ing okay with the long game but eighth, is hot on Hojgaard’s heels day at tied 101. fi nished the day with a par round. scoring to be honest; a little bit Langasque (Fra), M Lorenzo-Vera then birdied seven of the next I was just holing everything. The after signing for a six-under India’s SSP Chawrasia put up “The conditions were not that disappointed,” Sharma said. (Fra), J Smith (Eng)

SPOTLIGHT Card fi asco disqualifi es former champ Pepperell By Yash Mudgal ing for a birdie at 17th, where he the rules as “a fair distance from I 100% accept that, but I can’t help jamin Hebert, Pepperell dropped Doha actually made a par, but the Eng- common sense”. feeling that this particular way of three shots on his fi rst two holes. lishman later revealed he had ini- “My DQ today wasn’t due to me disqualifi cation is a fair distance The 29-year-old recovered to tially corrected further errors on running out of balls, or hitting an- away from common sense, and sink a trio of birdies at the 12th, ddie Pepperell’s hopes his card. yone, instead, I signed for a wrong that’s also disappointing. I enjoyed 13th and 14th, before picking up a of climbing back into the Pepperell, one of golf’s most score. My total, 71, was correct and the course however and hopefully further two shots at the 16th and top 50 to qualify for the outspoken pros, insisted he ac- I indeed signed for that. However, next time I’ll do a better job,” the 18th. Pepperell was two-under Masters suff ered a big cepted the decision, but he was my partner had me down for a 5 Englishman expressed. at the turn and continued to im- blowE as he was disqualifi ed from clearly unhappy with the cir- on one hole where I made a 6, and Pepperell, who pulled out of press with another birdie at the the 2020 Commercial Bank Qatar cumstances that led to his second a 4 on another, where I made 3,” he last week’s Oman Open due to fi rst. But he double-bogeyed the Masters yesterday. disqualifi cation from a European tweeted. coronavirus fears, entered the third hole and dropped another The former champion had re- Tour event in four months. “Therefore this meant I was week ranked 63rd in the world af- shot at the fourth to fall back covered from a sluggish start to Pepperell’s disqualifi cation disqualifi ed. Quite disappoint- ter an erratic start to 2020, miss- down the fi eld. Pepperell was un- post a level-par 71 at the Educa- in Qatar follows his bizarre exit ing as I actually took the time to ing the cut in South Africa and der par again after another birdie tion City Golf Club (ECGC) yes- from the Turkish Airlines Open change the original error, only Abu Dhabi before bouncing back at the fi fth, before a fi nal bogey terday, but it counted for noth- last November, when he ran out to make a costlier one myself. I with a tie for 11th at the Dubai followed at the ninth. ing after he was disqualifi ed for a of balls in the third round. asked the referee if this had any Desert Classic. Pepperell would need to be scorecard error. Yesterday, the 29-year-old bearing on my disqualifi cation Starting from the tenth and ranked in the top 50 to guarantee The European Tour announced tweeted his disappointment at but it didn’t. playing alongside French duo qualifi cation for the next month’s he had been disqualifi ed for sign- being disqualifi ed and declared “The rules are the rules (sic) and Mike Lorenzo-Vera and Ben- Augusta Masters. Gulf Times 2 Friday, March 6, 2020 GOLF

Her Highness Sheikha Moza attends opening of Education City Golf Club

Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, yesterday attended the off icial opening of the Education City Golf Club as it hosts its first international tournament, the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters 2020. During the event, Her Highness Sheikha Moza toured the facilities there. HE Sheikha Hind bint Hamad al-Thani, Vice-Chairperson and CEO of Qatar Foundation, also attended the opening ceremony. The state-of-the-art golf club has been designed by former Masters champion Jose Maria Olazabal. PICTURES: Aisha al-Musallam and AR al-Baker

FOCUS Commercial Bank and ECGC inaugurate Qatar Masters 2020

ommercial Bank has announced the offi cial opening of the Com- mercial Bank Qatar MastersC 2020, which began yes- terday and will continue until Sunday at Education City Golf Club. The opening was attended by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qa- tar Foundation, who inaugurated the Education City Golf Club building, in addition to the Com- mercial Bank Qatar Masters 2020 tournament. On this occasion, HE Abdul Rahman bin Hamad al-Attiyah, member of the Commercial Bank Board of Directors, expressed his pride in the continued success of Commercial Bank Qatar Masters golf tournament, which contrib- uted to establishing Qatar’s po- Keith Pelley, CEO of the PGA European Tour, and leading professional sition for world-class sporting golfer Catriona Matthew at the Education City Golf Club. events. He stated: “The tournament and educate the community.” ing facilities which will further is an annual long-awaited sports HE Abdul Rahman bin Hamad enhance golf in Qatar.” and social event. The will of our al-Attiyah concluded by empha- Hussein al-Abdulla, EGM, country and its wise leadership sising the important role played Chief Marketing Offi cer at Com- inspire us to organise and spon- by Commercial Bank in support- mercial Bank, said: “We would sor such world-class events that ing sports activities and champi- like to thank our colleagues in the raise the name of Qatar on the onships in Qatar, saying that the Qatar Olympic Committee, Qatar international map. The credit in current golf tournament is proof Golf Association, Doha Golf Club, this achievement goes to the wise of the ongoing eff orts to support and the European Tour for their leadership of His Highness The Qatari society in all areas. co-operation in contributing to Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad In the same context, Joseph the success of this event for the al-Thani, and his national vision HE Sheikha Hind bint Hamad al-Thani at the off icial opening of the Education City Golf Club. Abraham, Group Chief Execu- fi fteenth year in a row. Commer- in making Qatar the focus of at- tive Offi cer of Commercial Bank, cial Bank seeks to provide the best tention of the whole world.” He also congratulated Her forts to showcase to the world the leading golfers who will be com- community in a new, civilised, stated: “Our continued spon- golf experience ever for players Al-Attiyah added: “On be- Highness on the opening of the endless opportunities that Qatar peting for the unique Mother of and sophisticated site at the sorship of the Commercial Bank and attendees alike, and this year half of myself and the Chairman Education City Golf Club, the can off er to the sports sector, as Pearl Trophy. Education City Golf Club, which Qatar Masters tournament over we are pleased to host this excit- and members of the Commercial new sports facility, as well as her a global destination for interna- Commercial Bank, in its ca- boasts breathtaking views and an many years demonstrates Com- ing tournament at the Education Bank Board of Directors, I am de- continued eff orts in developing tional championships.” pacity as the Title Sponsor of the enjoyable sporting atmosphere. mercial Bank’s support for Qa- City Golf Club, which is a new ad- lighted to acknowledge the great the level of sport related to youth. He also confi rmed that achiev- tournament, welcomed the par- “Commercial Bank’s partici- tar’s vision to be a global sports dition to the tournament.” eff orts made by Qatar Foundation HE Abdul Rahman bin Ha- ing the desired goals will become ticipants in organising this big pation a few days ago in a cere- hub and host to major interna- Al-Abdulla concluded by for Education, Science and Com- mad al-Attiyah said, “Our fruit- easier with the opening of the event. mony of transferring the Mother tional sporting events. We are wishing the best of luck to all munity Development headed by ful and continuous co-operation Education City Golf Club. The HE Abdul Rahman bin Hamad of Pearl Trophy refl ected our very pleased the tournament contestants, and hoped that Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint with the Olympic Committee, tournament, in its 23rd edition, is al-Attiyah added: “We look for- commitment to supporting the is being hosted at the beautiful golf fans will enjoy spending Nasser to enhance education, Education City, and Qatar Golf being held at Education City Golf ward to a successful new edition sport of golf and the events ac- new Education City Golf course time watching the Commercial creativity, innovation and sustain- Association will certainly help Club for the fi rst time with the of this tournament that brings companying the tournament, which is the largest in the Middle Bank Qatar Masters 2020 tour- ability to serve the community.” to reinforce and combine our ef- participation some of the world’s together members of the Qatari which bring individuals together East with state-of-the-art train- nament.

The opening day of the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters 2020 at the Education City Golf Club. Students from Qatar Academy learned about the game of golf at the off icial opening of the Education City Golf Club. Gulf Times Friday, March 6, 2020 3 SPORT

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Australia’s Dodt takes Woods among 10 lead in Malaysia fi nalists for World Golf Hall of Fame A 20-member selection committee will determine who will be inducted next year

Australia’s Andrew Dodt in action during the opening round of the Malaysia Open yesterday. PICTURE: ASIANTOURGOLF/TWITTER

AFP holed a lot of putts.” Kuala Lumpur Sekito was happy with his 65 after returning from a month off . “It was nice to come back ustralia’s Andrew Dodt and get off to a good start. You fi red a nine-under-par need to keep the ball in play to 63 yesterday to take give yourself birdie chances out the lead in the open- there,” he said. ingA round of the Malaysia Open, It was a disappointing start while Japan’s Naoki Sekito was in for South Korean rising star Kim second place two shots back. Joo-hyung, who ended the day Taiwan’s Chang Wei-lun was tied-20th after fi ring a 69. among a host of golfers sharing The 17-year-old is touted one third place on 66, along with of the favourites to win at the Sweden’s Bjorn Hellgren, and Kota Permai Golf and Country Thai duo Pavit Tangkamolpra- Club, after good performances sert and Phachara Khongwat- at the Singapore and New Zea- mai. land opens. But it was the three-time This $1.0mn Asian Tour event Asian Tour winner Dodt who is making a return following a surged into the lead, courtesy of four-year absence, even as many his seven birdies and an eagle. sporting events are cancelled “I managed to birdie the fi rst worldwide due to the coronavi- File photo of Tiger Woods of the US celebrates on the 18th hole after winning the 2019 Masters. (Reuters) two holes, and I was away,” said rus outbreak. Dodt. Organisers have taken precau- AFP PGA Tour commissioner est caliber of golfers and “It felt quite simple, hit a lot of tions such as temperature checks Miami Tim Finchem and the late contributors,” World Golf Masters to proceed as scheduled fairways, hit a lot of greens and for players and spectators. Marion Hollins, among the Foundation chief executive fi rst women golf course de- offi cer Greg McLaughlin said The Masters will proceed “We will continue to review eigning Masters signers, were also named as in an announcement on the as scheduled next month the available facts and champion Tiger fi nalists by a 26-person Hall Hall of Fame website. and precautions will be information with the experts Asian Tour postpones Royal’s Cup in Thailand Woods, a 15-time ma- of Fame nominating com- “We are grateful to the established to ensure the and authorities, establish jor winner, is among mittee. nominating committee for safety of everyone at the precautions and take The Royal’s Cup 2020, on the advice of the health 10R people named as fi nalists Harrington, 48, won their work and anticipate the year’s first major following the appropriate action to ensure scheduled for March 12-15 in authorities of Thailand,” to be considered for 2021 en- the 2007 and 2008 Brit- Class of 2021 being one of coronavirus outbreak, Augusta the safety of all involved.” Thailand, has been postponed the Asian Tour said in a shrinement into the World ish Opens and 2008 PGA our strongest to date.” National Golf Club said on Tiger Woods is the defending indefinitely due to the statement. Golf Hall of Fame. Championship while Farrell, The foundation’s board of Wednesday. Masters champion after coronavirus outbreak, the “Up until this week, the Woods, a 44-year-old who died in 1988 at age 87, directors recently lowered People from all over the world snapping an 11-year wait for his Asian Tour said yesterday. promoter, sponsors and American whose 82 career won the 1928 US Open and the players consideration attend the Masters, which this 15th major title when he came The tournament at the Tour were committed US PGA Tour titles matched Weiskopf, 77, won the 1973 from age 50 to 45 or three year will be held April 9-12, and from behind to win by one Kanchanaburi’s Grand Prix to delivering the event as the all-time record set by British Open. years retired from the sport. Augusta National Chairman shot last April. Golf Club joins a long list of scheduled. However the Sam Snead, is joined by fel- Berning won three US A 20-member Hall of Fred Ridley said after Ridley said Augusta National sporting events hit by the flu- current situation is now low US players Johnny Far- Women’s Opens among her Fame selection committee consulting with relevant health is monitoring the coronavirus like virus that has killed over beyond our control. rell and Tom Weiskopf and four major crowns while will determine who will be experts the show will go on. situation closely and asked 3,200 people globally and “While we are disappointed... Ireland’s Padraig Harrington Hanson, who died in 2014 at inducted next year, with in- “As a result of this anyone attending the Masters infected more than 94,000 the health and safety of our as candidates for next year’s age 89, won three majors and duction ceremony date, lo- collaboration, and based upon follow the preventative after originating in China late players, staff and off icials induction class. Pepper and Palmer each won cation and details yet to be our knowledge of the situation actions advised by the Centers last year. remain our highest priority US women’s stars Dot- two major titles. announced. at this time, we are proceeding for Disease Control and “The Asian Tour and the event and we look forward to tie Pepper, Sandra Palmer, “The nominating com- The Hall of Fame, with 160 as scheduled,” Ridley said in a prevention to mitigate the promoter... have decided to announcing its return when Beverly Hanson and Susie mittee has selected 10 fi nal- inductees, is located in St news release. spread of any virus. Reuters postpone the Royal’s Cup the situation has stabilised.” Maxwell Berning, former ists who represent the high- Augustine, Florida.

RUGBY/SIX NATIONS GAME Wales recall Williams, Navidi for England clash AFP he went off early in his club Northampton’s Cardiff Premiership defeat by Saracens last Saturday. Italy-England match called off Fellow veteran and captain Alun Wyn Jones passes another landmark when he will be- Italy’s concluding match against England in the iam Williams is set for a high-pro- come his country’s most capped player in the Six Nations Championship on March 14 has been fi le return to rugby following sev- Six Nations with 57. postponed due to concerns over the coronavirus, eral months out of action after being Pivac has had a tough fi rst campaign as na- off icials announced yesterday. named by Wales coach Wayne Pivac in tional coach since fi lling the huge vacuum left “Six Nations notes the decree issued by the Lthe team to play England in the Six Nations at by fellow New Zealander Warren Gatland. Italian Government on March 4 with respect to all Twickenham tomorrow. Successive defeats by Ireland — which end- upcoming sporting events in that country,” said a Williams, who recently rejoined the Scar- ed hopes of a repeat Grand Slam — and France statement. lets from English champions Saracens, has have left them with only an outside chance of “The decision has now been taken to postpone not played since Wales beat World Cup quar- the title. the three matches between Italy and England ter-fi nal opponents France on October 20, However, he is pleased with the way train- (Men’s, Women’s, and U20) set to take place over suff ering an ankle injury in training a few days ing has gone ahead of the challenging trip to the weekend of 13th/14th/15th March, with the later. Twickenham where their last win in the Six intention to reschedule them at later dates. But he will start on the wing in place of Nations came in 2012. “Based on the information that is currently the injured Josh Adams as reigning Grand “We had a good two weeks and we are re- available, all other Six Nations matches are set to Slam champions Wales look to avoid losing ally excited about heading up to Twickenham go ahead as scheduled.” three successive Six Nations matches for the for what will be a huge Six Nations clash,” said England play Wales at Twickenham tomorrow, fi rst time since 2007, with Pivac making four Pivac. with their Under-20 and women’s teams involved changes to the team beaten 27-23 by France “We have had the chance to put the disap- in corresponding internationals this weekend as last time out. pointments of the loss to France behind us well. “We understand the decision to postpone Back row forward Josh Navidi returns from and we know heading to London we need to be all three England matches against Italy taken injury to like Williams make his fi rst appear- more clinical in attack and convert the oppor- in the interests of overall public health,” said ance of the campaign with Tomos Williams tunities that we are creating.” Bill Sweeney, the chief executive of England’s and Rob Evans also both named in the start- governing Rugby Football Union. ing side. WALES SQUAD “We know this will be disappointing for all the “Liam’s return to full fi tness is a positive af- Leigh Halfpenny; George North, Nick Tomp- fans who were set to travel next weekend. We ter the loss of Josh (Adams), as is the return of kins, Hadleigh Parkes, Liam Williams; Dan are committed to the successful delivery of Josh Navidi,” said Pivac. Biggar, Tomos Williams; Josh Navidi, Justin three matches against Wales this weekend at “We have been targeting this game for both Tipuric, Ross Moriarty; Alun Wyn Jones (capt), Twickenham Stadium (men’s), Twickenham Stoop of their returns and they have trained really Jake Ball; Dillon Lewis, Ken Owens, Rob Evans (women’s) and Kingsholm (Under-2Os). well so it’s a great opportunity for them on Replacements: Ryan Elias, Rhys Carre, Leon “Discussions with the Six Nations are ongoing and Saturday.” Brown, Aaron Shingler, Taulupe Faletau, Rhys we will update you with more information when Fly-half Dan Biggar has been named in the Webb, Jarrod Evans, Johnny McNicholl we can.” Reuters starting line-up despite an injury scare when Coach: Wayne Pivac (NZL) File photo of Wales’ Liam Williams. (Reuters) Gulf Times 4 Friday, March 6, 2020 CRICKET

ICC WOMEN’S T20 WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT Archer extends Australia prevail contract with Sussex over S Africa to set up fi nal against India AFP and it was really nice to come ‘From day one, we knew we had to win all the games in case the semis didn’t happen’ London back down last year to play a few games with the lads. “It’s the same club that I left it ngland pace bowler Jofra as and it’s nice to know nothing Archer has signed a two- has changed. year contract extension “Sometimes people sit in my with Sussex, the club space in the dressing room now, Eannounced yesterday but that’s fi ne!” The 24-year-old rarely gets Sussex head coach Jason to play for his county due to his Gillespie said Archer may not be England commitments after available often but once he dons making an instant impact in be- the Sussex strip he is proud as ing their leading wicket-taker punch. in the triumphant World Cup “I’m really looking forward to campaign. having him play for us when his The Barbados-born star also England commitments allows. held his nerve to bowl the deci- “Hopefully we can play a role sive Super Over that saw Eng- in helping him continue to get land edge New Zealand in the better,” added the former Aus- fi nal last year. tralian pace bowling great. The deal will keeps him at Since his debut for Sussex in Sussex — who are presently in July 2016, Archer has raced to the second tier of the county 196 wickets in 97 appearances championship — till at least the across all three formats. end of the 2022 season. In fi rst-class cricket for the “Sussex gave me my oppor- county, he has taken 131 wickets tunity right at the beginning of in just 28 matches. my career, so I am very happy to His outstanding perform- commit long term to the club,” ances for the county led to an Archer told the Sussex Cricket England debut in May 2019. website. In just seven Test matches, “I really do enjoy playing Archer has 30 wickets, including with everyone here at Sussex three fi ve-wicket hauls.

Bangladesh call up uncapped Nasum for Zimbabwe T20s Bangladesh have called up Hossain, and pace bowler uncapped left-arm spinner Rubel Hossain. Nasum Ahmed for their 15- Mushfiqur skipped man squad for the upcoming Bangladesh’s previous two-match Twenty20 Twenty20 series in Pakistan Australia’s Meg Lanning plays a shot during the T20 women’s World Cup semi-final match against South Africa in Sydney yesterday. (AFP) International series against over safety concerns, while Zimbabwe. Saifuddin has been out of AFP highest-ranked teams from the tal without it being great,” said about building a big total for match that “there will be a lot of Wicketkeeper-batsman action since July with a back Sydney two groups moved into the fi nal Lanning. Australia. pressure on the ICC to change” Mushfiqur Rahim and all- injury. if play was not possible, putting “India are a class side, they Healy fell after a quickfi re the rules. rounder Mohamed Saifuddin The two Twenty20 matches India through to their fi rst-ever have been playing excellent 18 and fellow opener Mooney “Really frustrating,” she said make a return to the squad, will be held at Dhaka’s Sher-e- our-time champions decider. cricket. But we have been im- blasted 28 before being clean- after the washout. “Not how we but selectors left out batsmen Bangla National Stadium on Australia will meet India “From day one, we knew we proving each day,” she added. bowled by de Klerk. wanted the World Cup to fi n- Mohamed Mithun and Nazmul March 9 and 11. in the women’s Twen- had to win all the games in case Big-hitting opener Lizelle South Africa successfully put ish for us. No reserve day, no ty20 World Cup fi nal the semis didn’t happen,” said Lee smacked a huge six to get the brakes on the run rate and chance of getting play.” Fafter rain-marred semi-fi nals Indian captain Harmanpreet the South African run chase grabbed two more quick wickets Cricket Australia chief Kevin No current threat to SA yesterday sparked calls for re- Kaur. “First T20 World Cup fi - underway but, tempted into before Rachael Haynes (17) and Roberts said he asked the ICC series, IPL: Indian board serve days to be included in fu- nal means a lot for us. But as a another, holed out to Ashleigh Lanning guided them to a win- about adding a reserve day with ture events. team, we just want to play our Gardner on the boundary ropes. ning total. the Sydney weather looking The Indian cricket board is people globally with India The title holders stormed into best cricket in the fi nal.” Skipper Dane van Niekerk “It was very emotional to see ominous, but the request was monitoring the development reporting 29 confirmed cases. their sixth fi nal with a fi ve-run The rain eased for the second looked dangerous but pace the ladies like that. To come denied. of the coronavirus outbreak in The 13th season of the eight- win over South Africa in a tense semi and defending champions spearhead Megan Schutt clean- short every time is diffi cult,” “We’ve asked the question the country but says there is team IPL, which is played in battle that saw the last overs Australia hit 134 for fi ve off their bowled her for 12, then Lanning van Niekerk said of her devas- and it’s not part of the playing no current threat to its flagship cricket’s shortest Twenty20 played in drizzle. 20 overs, with skipper Meg Lan- took a diffi cult catch to remove tated team. conditions and we respect that,” Indian Premier League, format, is scheduled to begin Unbeaten India were due to ning top-scoring on 49 and Na- Mignon du Preez and leave he told Melbourne’s SEN radio. with the franchise-based on March 29 with a match face 2009 champions England dine de Klerk taking 3-19. South Africa struggling at 26 ‘PRESSURE ON ICC’ “It gives you cause to refl ect and tournament scheduled to start between defending champions at the Sydney Cricket Ground But rain briefl y returned at for three. A reserve day is allowed for think about how you might im- later this month. Mumbai Indians and Chennai in the fi rst semi-fi nal, but heavy the interval, and the Proteas But Laura Wolvaardt (41 not the fi nal and the lack of one for prove things in the future.” The fast-spreading coronavirus Super Kings. showers began early in the day were set 98 from 13 overs to win out) and Sune Luus (21) got the semis was criticised by some has reached some 80 nations The national team, however, and barely let up. under the Duckworth-Lewis- them back on track to set up players, with Kaur among those BRIEF SCORES with more new cases now will take on South Africa A minimum of 10 overs per Stern method, but could only an exciting fi nale with 32 runs calling for change. Australia 5 for 134 (Lanning 49*, reported outside China. The for three ODI before that, side were needed for a result manage 92 for fi ve. “It was ex- needed off the last three overs, “Having reserve days in the Mooney 28, de Klerk 3-19) beat virus has killed more than starting with the first match and the umpires called it off tremely tense. Even in the last only to fall short. future will be a great idea,” she South Africa 5 for 92 (Wolvaardt 3,200, most of them in China. It in the northern Indian city of without a ball being bowled. couple of balls it just wasn’t Earlier, Beth Mooney and said. England captain Heather 42*, Schutt 2-17) by 5 runs (DLS has infected more than 95,000 Dharamsala next Thursday. With no reserve day, the safe. We felt we had a good to- Alyssa Healy aggressively set Knight suggested before the method).

PAKISTAN SUPER LEAGUE ANNOUNCEMENT Malik, Wahab set up Zalmi’s Mashrafe steps down as 30-run win over Gladiators Bangladesh ODI captain AFP Agencies Sylhet Rawalpindi angladesh pace bowler supremely out-of- Mashrafe Mortaza, form Ahmed Shehzad’s one of the country’s lethargic 17-ball 10 biggest sports stars, ramped up the pressure steppedB down yesterday as onA the rest of Quetta Gladiators captain of the national one-day batsmen that eventually derailed side, possibly ending his inter- their run chase against Peshawar national career. Zalmi yesterday. Today’s 50-over game against Chasing 171 in a rain- Zimbabwe in Sylhet will be his shortened 15-over match at last as captain, said the 36-year- Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, the old, who already has a new career rent Zimbabwe series. He claimed the team from being internation- defending champions were off to as a member of parliament. three wickets in the fi rst two al whipping boys to becoming a just the start they needed as both Mashrafe said he would remain matches. respected limited-overs side. their openers — Shane Watson available for selection as a player, Bangladesh won both to take He led Bangladesh to 49 wins and Jason Roy — had wrestled but selectors are under pressure to an unassailable 2-0 lead in the in 87 matches, making him the run rate of 11.4 under con- bring in fresh blood ahead of the series. Mashrafe, who withdrew Bangladesh’s most successful trol. 2023 World Cup in India. from a lucrative national team one-day captain. However, when Watson de- “I would like to thank Bang- contract in January, said the de- Mashrafe also led Bangladesh parted with the score at 45-1, in Peshawar Zalmi’s Shoaib Malik plays a shot during the PSL T20 match against Quetta Gladiators in ladesh Cricket Board for keeping cision to rebuild the team for the to 10 Twenty20 wins before re- walked Shehzad, who had failed Rawalpindi yesterday. (AFP) confi dence in me for such a long next World Cup had convinced tiring from the format in 2017. He in each of his previous three in- period,” said Mashrafe. him to step down. has not played a Test since 2009 nings, was no diff erent. His half Then came the decisive 11th liant 27-ball 54 and the young The victory moved Zalmi up to “I will try to give my best as a “Until yesterday I was unde- due to injury. a dozen runs over almost two over when Shehzad departed, Haider Ali’s 39 along with con- third position on the points table player if I get the opportunity.” cided, but this morning I thought Mashrafe won a seat in par- overs saddled Roy with the pres- Ben Cutting did too and that was tributions from elsewhere had as the Gladiators took their po- Mashrafe had not played any ‘that’s enough’,” he said. liament for the ruling Awami sure who took one too many that. Quetta lost by 30 runs. helped Darren Sammy-less Zal- sition in fi fth just above Lahore one-day internationals since last The bowler has cult status in League party in an election in risks and got out. Earlier, Shoaib Malik’s bril- mi to a total of 170-6. Qalandars. year’s World Cup until the cur- Bangladesh for his role in taking December 2018. Gulf Times Friday, March 6, 2020 5 SPORT

NBA NHL Flames pull out crucial 3-2 OT win Doncic sets Mavs’ over Jackets

Reuters fourth game with the club, Los Angeles Gustav Nyquist netted one and Korpisalo stopped 34 shots. Tkachuk, Calgary’s ener- algary defenseman getic winger, took a shot by triple double record, TJ Brodie fi nished a Columbus defenseman Zach wild scramble with Werenski off the right leg in the overtime game- the game’s fi rst fi ve minutes Cwinner with 11 seconds re- and headed down the tunnel, maining as the Flames opened and the visitors grabbed a 1-0 their fi ve-game homestand lead at 8:56. with a 3-2 win over the visit- Acquired at the trade dead- ing Columbus Blue Jackets line from the Anaheim Ducks, Bucks rout Pacers on Wednesday night. Johnny Shore slipped in his fi rst Co- Gaudreau and Sean Monahan kept the The score was tied three times in the extra session before Doncic drained a clutch RESULTS puck alive around the Columbus net, Philadelphia 5-2 Washington and Monahan — from Calgary 3-2 Columbus behind the Colum- bus net — slid the Anaheim 4-3 Colorado puck out to Brodie, Arizona 4-2 Vancouver who beat Blue Jackets goalie Joonas Korpisalo from lumbus marker by fi ring a the slot for the winning goal — shot from the right circle that Brodie’s third. struck Talbot on the blocker The win was Calgary’s side and plopped in for his fi fth eighth comeback win while on the season. trailing entering the third pe- A turnover by Calgary’s Mi- riod, behind just the Wash- kael Backlund in the neutral ington Capitals and Dallas zone quickly went the other Stars (nine each) for tops in the way, with Nick Foligno lead- NHL. ing a two-on-zero rush with Elias Lindholm tallied for Nyquist, who batted in the the 29th time, Matthew Tka- captain’s saucer pass from the chuk tied the game late and left side for his 14th tally at center Derek Ryan played in 11:20 and a two-goal advan- his 300th career game for tage. Calgary, which is 4-1-1 in its Tkachuk returned at the last six and will play 10 of its end of the fi rst period, but the remaining 14 regular-season Blue Jackets led 2-0 and con- games at home. trolled play most of the period After Sunday’s 38-save with the young forward in the shutout against the Florida dressing room. Panthers to close out the club’s Lindholm put Calgary on fi ve-game road trip (3-1-1), the board by pushing in a loose Cam Talbot was back in goal puck at 11:14 of the third, and and made 20 saves to earn the Tkachuk defl ected in Mark win. Giordano’s shot with 1:43 re- Devin Shore scored his maining with Talbot pulled for fi rst goal for Columbus in his the extra skater to tie it at 2.

Dallas Mavericks’ Luka Doncic (right) drives to the basket past New Orleans Pelicans’ Jrue Holiday during the second quarter at American Airlines Center. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports

AFP away scored 18 and Delon Wright had 10 points for Indiana, which had a four-game RESULTS Los Angeles for the Mavericks, who improved to 6-3 winning streak stopped. in the past nine games. Brandon Ingram Antetokounmpo made all seven of his Dallas 127-123 New Orleans scored 27 before fouling out, Lonzo Bell free throws, as the Bucks sank 20 baskets Calgary Flames’ Johnny Gaudreau (right) controls the puck during the uka Doncic had a record-setting Miami 116-113 Orlando had 25 points and 11 rebounds for the Peli- from the free throw line compared to just first period at Scotiabank Saddledome. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports 30-point triple double as the Dal- Memphis 118-79 Brooklyn cans, who lost their third straight. nine for the Pacers. las Mavericks held off Zion Wil- Utah 112-104 New York Jrue Holiday had 19 points, Frank Jack- Donte DiVincenzo fi nished with 19 liamson’s New Orleans Pelicans son scored 12, and Derrick Favors added 10 points, Eric Bledsoe had 16 to go with a L127-123 in overtime on Wednesday. Portland 125-105 Washington points and 14 rebounds in the loss. team-high seven assists for the Bucks, Kreider to miss four to six weeks The score was tied three times in the ex- Minnesota 115-108 Chicago who have beaten Indiana three times this New York Rangers forward look over time, some of the tra session before Doncic drained a clutch Boston 112-106 Cleveland BUCKS REBOUND season and won seven out of their last Chris Kreider will be people who have had the three pointer with 70 seconds left to make Elsewhere, reigning league MVP Gian- eight games. sidelined four to six weeks same type of injury, you’re it 121-118 in a thrilling matchup that fea- Oklahoma City 114-107 Detroit nis Antetokounmpo scored a game-high A back-and-forth fi rst half saw the because of the ankle fracture looking at four to six weeks tured two of the league’s brightest young Milwaukee 119-100 Indiana 29 points and 12 rebounds as the league- Bucks open the game on a 33-11 run. But he suff ered last week, as probably realistic. stars in Doncic and Zion Williamson. leading Milwaukee Bucks captured the the Pacers answered with a run of their general manager Jeff Gorton “I know that Chris is looking Doncic fi nished with 34 points, 17 re- Doncic sprained his right thumb. He season series from Indiana with a 119-100 own to get within 58-56 at halftime. told the NHL Network on at it as is he going to be back bounds and 10 assists, while Pelicans ris- had it checked by team doctors and af- win over the Pacers. Milwaukee used a 26-9 third-quarter Wednesday. sooner. If you see what kind ing star Williamson scored 21 points in 35 terwards said it felt good. After the game, Khris Middleton scored eight of his 20 surge to turn a one-point game into an Kreider was injured while of condition he is, his work minutes of playing time in the fi rst back- Pelicans coach Alvin Gentry got up- points in a third-quarter run that gave 89-71 lead.Middleton had a pair of three- blocking a shot in last ethic, it’s hard to bet against to-back games of his NBA career. set with New Orleans reporters asking them the victory and helped the Bucks pointers in the decisive burst. Antetok- Friday’s game against the him. So hopefully sooner But Williamson couldn’t match the he- whether the 19-year-old Williamson can rebound from a 105-89 loss to Miami two ounmpo, Wesley Matthews and Brook Philadelphia Flyers. than that and we’ll take one roics of the 21-year-old Doncic, who broke handle playing back-to-back games. nights earlier. Lopez added one apiece, and Bledsoe “We’re obviously hopeful game at a time without him.” the Mavs’ career triple double record with “He’s fi ne. We worry about him too “We just tried to get back on track,” An- chipped in with a three-point play. sooner than later,” Gorton The 28-year-old has scored his 22nd overall. The Slovenian did it in fricking much. He’s 19-years old, he’s tetokounmpo said. “We didn’t just lose — The Pacers never made a game of it after told the NHL Network. “But 24 goals this season, just four just his 122nd career game. fi ne,” Gentry said as he walked away from we played bad against Miami — and I think that. I think with these things, it’s shy of his career high, which Doncic also became the youngest player the media scrum. everybody in this locker room wanted to The Bucks also outscored Indiana 39-21 weight bearing when you he accomplished twice. He in NBA history to record a game with at “Physically I felt fi ne,” said Williamson. play ball and just get back on track and on three-pointers while outshooting the break your foot. I think if you also has 21 assists. Reuters least 30 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists. Seth Curry added 21 points, Tim Hard- get a win.” TJ Warren had a team-high 18 Pacers 45.7% overall to 43.3%.

MLB Odorizzi does his best work away from prying eyes By La Velle E. Neal III get outs. I need to get through the inning,’ and how it looked to them and the swings ing his breakthrough 2019 season, Odor- Star Tribune whatever it may be so you kind of revert to that they take on it — I think that’s what’s izzi accepted the Twins’ qualifying off er what you might not want to work on at the important about it so that’s why these set- of $17.8 million for 2020. He might have time I guess is the right way to put it. I’m tings are really perfect for that. I’m work- cashed in if he had declined the off er, but hile the Twins prepared for always a fan of doing this.” ing on the higher end of eff ort, and I get another strong season will make him one an exhibition game against So Odorizzi threw 52 pitches over three to see guys and how they react to those of the most coveted starters on the next the Tigers on Tuesday, Jake “innings” on Tuesday. He threw around pitches as well, instead of just picturing in free agent market — unless the Twins ap- Odorizzi headed for his lab. 15-18 pitches an inning, then would sit my head in the bullpen, ‘Oh that one was proach him with a long-term deal, which WThe veteran righthander should have down in the dugout as if he was a real game, really nice. I wonder what would have hap- he would be eager to see. started against Detroit for the next step in as another Twins pitcher threw an inning. pened?’” For now. he’s betting on himself to take his buildup to the regular season, but he Minor league hitters dug in against Odor- It’s also important for Odorizzi to see his game to another level, so he’s preparing was on Field 4 of the CenturyLink Sports izzi, but few made contact. how major league hitters handle his pitch- for the season the best way he feels. And Complex, pitching to minor leaguers. That’s how Odorizzi collects data, mak- es. That will eventually happen as he builds that’s through tinkering with his pitches Field 4 is one of fi ve full-sized fi elds that ing mental notes of how the hitters react up to 65, 80 and 95 pitches before Opening in a control setting before unleashing them are used for the development of Twins to his pitches more so than where they Day. And he doesn’t think it hurts to avoid against the league. prospects for most of the year, with some are hitting the ball. On Tuesday, the goal teams that he might face during the season “Odo’s very comfortable doing that,” used as workout fi elds for the major league was to perfect his off -speed pitches, and — especially on Tuesday with American Twins manager Rocco Baldelli said. “He team during spring training. There’s an the altered swings served as positive rein- League Central foe Detroit in town. doesn’t feel like he needs to be on the observation tower in the middle of three of forcement that he was on the right track. For now, Odorizzi, who turns 30 on stadium mound for all of his mounding. the fi elds, from which music is played. Pitching coach Wes Johnson wasn’t far March 27, deserves such leeway. He’s com- There’s a guarantee you’re going to get out It’s a more relaxed vibe, and it’s where away, chatting with Odorizzi between in- ing off his best season as a pro, going 15-7 there and get the amount of work you want Odorizzi turns a hypothesis into theory. nings. with a 3.51 ERA in 2019 while being named to get in. It’s where Odorizzi can work on pitches “Good,” Odorizzi replied when asked if to the All-Star team for the fi rst time in his “When you take the mound and the back without scores being kept or opponents he liked the results, “and I think too I like career. It comes after he recalibrated his fi eld, if you want to throw 55-60 pitches, seeing what he’s working on. the way they look, but I like to see the hit- mechanics during the previous off season, you can. You can up-down yourself as “Actually I kind of prefer it more so be- ters’ reactions or swings and that’s just as he realized that he had gotten into some many times as you want. You can really at- cause this is what spring training’s for,” he something that you can’t get in a bullpen. bad habits in 2018, his last year with Tam- tack the situation any way you want. I think said. “It’s the work and I think sometimes “You can work as much as you want, like pa Bay before being traded to the Twins he likes having the ability to do that one or you get out of your working mind-set. the shape and everything, but until you during spring training. more times during the spring. I could see Over there you’re like, ‘All right, I need to see hitters’ reactions and how they see it Instead of testing free agency follow- him potentially doing that again.” File photo of Twins pitcher Jake Odorizzi. (TNS) Gulf Times 6 Friday, March 6, 2020 SPORT

HORSE RACING TENNIS Casamento and Davis Cup fi nals spots Ghazali combine at stake despite to win feature with virus scare AFP Leander Paes in the line-up as Paris his fi nal season as a pro winds down. Paes made his Davis Cup welve countries will debut 30 years ago and boasts Tremendous Leap this weekend eye the a career competition record of fi nals of the Davis 92 wins and 35 losses. In Wednesday’s feature, Casamento had ridden Danayen to victory Cup, the venerable He holds the overall Davis T120-year-old team competi- Cup record for most doubles tion suddenly confronted with match-wins, recording his By Sports Reporter the global spread of a very 44th victory during the zonal Doha modern deadly virus. victory against Pakistan last Defending champions year. Spain, 2019 runners-up Can- “There are still so many or the second straight ada, semi-fi nalists Great Brit- things to win,” said Paes ahead race meeting, jockey ain and Russia, as well as wild of the trip to Zagreb. Marco Casamento and cards France and Serbia, are The United States, champi- champion trainer Jassim already assured of their spots ons on a record 32 times, are MohamedF Ghazali combined to in the Madrid fi nals in Novem- also set for an emotional two claim the feature at the Qatar ber. However, the anticipation days in Honolulu against Uz- Racing and Equestrian Club’s Al over the 12 qualifying ties on bekistan. Rayyan Park, this time the Loy- Friday and Saturday has been Twins Bob and Mike Bryan alty Cup on turf yesterday. replaced by deepening concern will play their last Davis Cup The 2000m Thoroughbred over the coronavirus which tie having already said they Handicap run saw Khalifa bin has killed over 3,000 people in will retire for good after the US Sheail al-Kuwari’s Tremendous more than 60 countries. Open. Leap coast home comfortably As a result, the tie between Taylor Fritz, Tommy Paul with two lengths to spare as the Japan and Ecuador in Miki will and Reilly Opelka are all ranked rivals jostled for minor places be played behind closed doors. in the top 60 in singles for the behind the gelding. Italy’s clash at home to South US. Uzbekistan doesn’t have On Wednesday, Casamento Korea in Cagliari will also be one player even in the top 150. had ridden Danayen to The Late off -limits to spectators. Elsewhere, there will be Abdul Aziz Al Fuhaid Cup, the One tie has already fallen guaranteed cross-border fi re- feature for Thoroughbreds on victim with China forfeiting works in Bogota in the all- dirt. their World Group play-off in South American clay court Yesterday, apprentice rider Romania. clash between Colombia and Gary Sanchez registered a treble Former world number four 2016 champions Argentina. after riding two maidens and a Kei Nishikori, who hasn’t hit a Bratislava sees Slovakia host handicap winner. ball in anger since the US Open three-time champions Czech After riding Mohamed Ali after undergoing elbow sur- Republic in a fi rst-time meet- Yousef al-Sheeb’s Saoud and gery, leads Japanese hopes. ing for the two neighbours. Mohamed Riyaz-trained Al Fayz The 30-year-old last played Australia, champions on 28 to maiden victories, Sanchez Davis Cup in 2016 but as well occasions, welcome Brazil to also guided Umm Qarn’s Qa- Winners of the Loyalty Cup pose with their trophies after Tremendous Leap won the turf feature at Al Rayyan Park yesterday. PICTURES: Juhaim as hoping to take Japan to the Adelaide but are without Nick tar Bolt, schooled by Alban de fi nals, Nishikori is aware that Kyrgios and Alex de Minaur, Mieulle, to a fi ne two-and-a- Lawainah (Alexander Reznikov). Won the tie is a key selection step- their two top singles players. half length victory in the 2800m by: 1 ¾, 1 ½, 1 ¼. Time: 1:38.14. Owner: ping stone for the Tokyo Ol- John Millman, who lost an Thoroughbred Handicap run for Mohamed Ali Yousef al-Sheeb. Trainer: ympics. agonising fi ve-set clash to four-year-old and older horses Mohamed Ali Yousef al-Sheeb. India travel to 2005 and Roger Federer at the Australian rated 85 and below. Race 4: 1. Albasos (Faleh Bughanaim), 2018 champions Croatia with Open this year, leads the home It was De Mieulle’s second 2. Khattab De Faust (Ryan Curatolo), 3. 46-year-old doubles stalwart challenge. winner on the day after Qatari Mister General (Marco Casamento), 4. rider Faleh Bughanaim guided Dalilak (Rashid Ali al-Marri). Won by: 5, Al Shaqab Racing’s Albasos to a 1 ¾, 2. Time: 2:43.63. Owner: Al Shaqab victory in a maiden. Racing. Trainer: Alban de Mieulle. Murray targets return at Miami Open The Frenchman completed a Race 5: 1. Qatar Bolt (Gary Sanchez), treble of his own with another Al 2. Forneus (Ronan Thomas), 3. Al Shaqab Racing horse — Maiuf. Haitham (Meteb Ali al-Marri), 4. Ronan Thomas, who had helmed Braemar (Marco Casamento). Won by: the colt to a victory on dirt in 2 ½, ½, Nk. Time: 2:54.94. Owner: Umm January was in the saddle of the Qarn. Trainer: Alban de Mieulle. four-year-old once again yes- Race 6: 1. Qate’e (Marco Casamento), terday in the Purebred Arabians 2. Nayer Bu Thaila (Rashid Ali al- miler. Marri), 3. Admiral (Meteb Ali al-Marri), A fantastic ride by Thomas 4. Khoud (Ryan Curatolo). Won by: 1 saw Maiuf pick up a fi ne one- ¼, ½, 2 ¼. Time: 1:24.73. Owner: Injaaz and-a-half length victory in the Stud. Trainer: Jassim Mohamed race for four-year-olds. Ghazali. Thomas had earlier opened Race 7: 1. Jabalaly (Soufiane Saadi), 2. Reuters “In the short term, I’m the meeting with a close win Cloak And Dagger (Eduardo Pedroza), London training to try and get ready astride Khalifa bin Ali bin Mo- 3. Courageux (Luca Maniezzi), 4. for Miami,” Murray told hamed al-Attiyah-trained Gas- Notalot (Meteb Ali al-Marri). Won by: 1 Amazon Prime Video. light in a local Thoroughbred ½, Hd, ¼. Time: 1:22.72. Owner: Al Bida ormer world number “I’ve done so much rehab maiden. Racing. Trainer: Zuhair Mohsen. one Andy Murray is these last few months that, Zuhair Mohsen’s ward Ja- Race 8: 1. Maiuf (Ronan Thomas), 2. targeting a return to in terms of my strength and balaly may have been far from Minstrel (Ryan Curatolo), 3. Alghaf Fthe tour at the Miami everything, all of the muscles impressive on his Qatar debut Marco Casamento rides Tremendous Leap to Loyalty Cup victory yesterday. (Faleh Bughanaim), 4. Guyloud De Open later this month after around the hip are working in January, but yesterday the Carrere (Marco Casamento). Won completing his rehabilitation well. It’s just I hadn’t played Al Bida Racing gelding showed ing picked up places on other over a length. Mohamed al-Attiyah. by: 1 ½, ½, 5 ½. Time: 1:45.77. Owner: from a hip injury. tennis. some capability under Soufi ane outings. Helmed by Marco Race 2: 1. Al Fayz (Gary Sanchez), 2. Al Shaqab Racing. Trainer: Alban de The 32-year-old Briton missed “I’d hit like twice since the Saadi to top a Class 4 handicap Casamento for champion trainer RESULTS Wadi Al Sail (Mustafa Manav), 3. Doha Mieulle. the Australian Open in Davis Cup for like 40 minutes for Thoroughbreds. Jassim Mohamed Ghazali in the Race 1: 1. Gaslight (Ronan Thomas), Incanto (Faleh Bughanaim), 4. Leafy Race 9: 1. Tremendous Leap (Marco January due to a pelvic injury in a three-month period, so I It was Mohsen’s fi rst victory seven-furlong local Thorough- 2. Wa’ad (Rashid Ali al-Marri), 3. Az Moss (Carlos Henrique). Won by: 1 ½, Casamento), 2. Finding Nero (Mustafa sustained at the Davis Cup need some time to build up this season. bred Handicap run, the fi ve- Zubarah (Alexander Reznikov), 4. 1 ¼, 1. Time: 1:10.74. Owner: Abu Fass Manav), 3. Hessdalen (Faleh Bugha- Finals in November and then and feel good on the court Injaaz Stud’s Qate’e contin- year-old held off a duo ridden by Shawwal (Luca Maniezzi). Won by: ½, 1 Stud. Trainer: Mohamed Riyaz. naim), 4. Zamharer (JP Guillambert). pulled out of tournaments at again. That’s kind of my plans ued his momentum this season brothers Rashid Ali al-Marri and ½, ½. Time: 1:11.27. Owner: Abdulla bin Race 3: 1. Saoud (Gary Sanchez), 2. Won by: 2, Shd, Nk. Time: 2:01.44. Montpellier and Rotterdam just now unless I have a yesterday, racing to his second Meteb Ali al-Marri — Nayer Bu Hamad bin Abdulrahman bin Hamad Qatar Gold (Al Moatasem al-Balushi), Owner: Khalifa bin Sheail al-Kuwari. last month. setback or something.” victory this term, besides hav- Thaila and Admiral — by a little al-Attiyah. Trainer: Khalifa bin Ali bin 3. King Of Heart (Ryan Curatolo), 4. Trainer: Jassim Mohamed Ghazali.

BOTTOMLINE Thai MotoGP rescheduled

The Thai MotoGP round that was called off due to the coronavirus FIA could not prove Ferrari broke rules outbreak has been resched- Reuters angered non-Ferrari powered erated in compliance with the confi dentiality vis à vis per- sential component of any dis- conclude this matter,” they said. uled for Oct. 4, organisers said London teams who issued a joint state- regulations. sons or organisations not con- ciplinary system and is used by Ferrari’s engine was the sub- yesterday. ment on Wednesday demand- “The FIA was not fully sat- cerned with the inquiry.” many public authorities and ject of much speculation last The date change means that the ing clarity and threatening legal isfi ed but decided that further The settlement itself was other sport federations in the year, with rivals suspecting the Aragon Grand Prix in Spain will ormula One’s governing action. action would not necessarily covered by article 4 (II) of the handling of disputes,” it said. team were circumventing fuel be brought forward a week to body suspected Ferrari’s The FIA gave more informa- result in a conclusive case due same regulations. Seven teams, including fl ow sensors to gain perform- Sept. 27. engine was not always tion to try and clarify the situa- to the complexity of the matter The FIA said it had acted ac- champions Mercedes, ex- ance. Ferrari, overall runners- Thailand would have been the operating within the tion a day later. and the material impossibility cordingly “to avoid the negative pressed their surprise and up last year with three race second round of the MotoGP rulesF last year but lacked con- “The extensive and thorough to provide the unequivocal evi- consequences that a long liti- shock and called for greater wins, had started the season as season on March 22 but the race clusive evidence, the FIA said investigations undertaken dur- dence of a breach.” gation would entail especially transparency. The FIA’s original early favourites after impressive at the Chang International Circuit yesterday. ing the 2019 season raised sus- The FIA said the confi den- in light of the uncertainty of statement contained little in- times in testing. in the northeastern Buriram The FIA explained in a state- picions that the Scuderia Ferrari tiality of the settlement agree- the outcome of such litigations formation. The performance appeared province was postponed on ment that it had therefore PU (power unit) could be con- ment was provided for under and in the best interest of the “After months of investiga- to tail off , however, after the FIA Monday. reached a private settlement to sidered as not operating within the sport’s judicial and discipli- championship and of its stake- tions that were undertaken by issued several technical direc- The season-opener in Qatar avoid lengthy litigation and an the limits of the FIA regulations nary rules. holders”. It said the settlement the FIA only following que- tives concerning fuel fl ow sen- scheduled for this Sunday has uncertain outcome. at all times,” it said. Article 4 (VI) states that “the with Ferrari was “eff ective and ries raised by other teams, sors later in the year. They have been cancelled, with only the The confi dential settlement, “The Scuderia Ferrari fi rmly prosecuting body and all per- dissuasive”. we strongly object to the FIA also been slower than Mercedes second and third tier Moto2 and announced last week on the opposed the suspicions and re- sons taking part in the inquiry “This type of agreement is a reaching a confi dential settle- on the 2020 testing timesheets. Moto3 categories racing. last day of pre-season testing, iterated that its PU always op- are bound by an obligation of legal tool recognised as an es- ment agreement with Ferrari to Ferrari declined to comment. Gulf Times Friday, March 6, 2020 7 SPORT

MOTORCYCLING FOOTBALL/FA CUP Man City, Leicester into quarter-fi nals, Navarro eyes title Tottenham ousted

AFP “This person insulted Eric, London the younger brother was not happy with the situation and Eric was not happy. But we as anchester City professionals cannot do what as action looms won a 20th con- he did.” secutive domestic Jan Vertonghen headed ‘THE PRESEASON WAS VERY GOOD FOR US, WE DID A GOOD JOB’ cup tie to move Tottenham into an early lead, Minto the quarter-fi nals of the but Mourinho’s decision to By Sports Reporter FREE SHUTTLE BUSES FA Cup with a 1-0 win at Shef- hand 36-year-old goalkeeper Doha fi eld Wednesday as Tottenham Michel Vorm his fi rst appear- Qatar Rail has announced that it is off ering free crashed out on penalties to ance of the season backfi red. shuttle buses from the Lusail Metro station to Losail Norwich on Wednesday. The Dutchman spilled a ith the premier class – the International Circuit (main grandstand) and back Sergio Aguero scored the long-range eff ort from Ken- MotoGP – called off due to every 10 minutes to make it easier for people to only goal for the holders eight ny McLean and Josip Drmic the coronavirus outbreak, watch the Moto2 and Moto3 races the circuit is host- minutes into the second half bundled home the rebound to the focus will be on the inter- ing this weekend as part of the QNB Qatar Grand as Wednesday goalkeeper level. Wmediate classes, Moto2 and Moto3, at the Prix. The bus schedule is as follows: from 2pm until Joe Wildsmith failed to get a Both sides then tired badly QNB Grand Prix of Qatar this weekend. 7.30pm today, and from 11.30am to 7.30pm tomor- strong enough hand to the Ar- in extra-time, but neither After a long winter break, the time has row and on Sunday, according to a post on the Doha gentine’s low strike. could fi nd a winner and saves fi nally come for the riders to get back to the Metro & Lusail Tram Twitter page of Qatar Rail. A solitary goal was scant re- from Tim Krul to deny Troy business of racing, and it’s Losail Interna- ward for the dominance of Pep Parrott and Gedson Fern- tional Circuit that plays host to the opening Guardiola’s men as the Cata- andes allied to Erik Lamela’s round of the championship. lan was rewarded for naming wild attempt that fl ew over Jorge Navarro, who seems to be in a good a strong line-up against the the bar saw another shot at a shape ahead of the fi rst race of the year after Championship side. trophy for Spurs slip by. topping the Moto2 pre-season testing last Riyad Mahrez and Gabriel Mourinho again blamed the week, wants to challenge for the title. “For Jesus missed glorious fi rst absence of key personnel such sure last year was a good season for me, but half chances, while Nico- as Harry Kane and Son He- this year the target is to make a step for- las Otamendi and Benjamin ung-min to injury for defeat. ward; to be fi ghting for the victory at every Mendy hit the woodwork be- “Some of my players were race and at the end be a title contender. The fore Aguero fi nally made the really in trouble and they preseason was very good for us, we did a breakthrough. made an incredible eff ort to good job. We improved our weak points and Despite failing to add to try,” said Mourinho. maybe improved the strong points. We’re their tally, City maintained “I don’t have one single ready to start racing,” the 24-year-old hopes of a cup treble after lift- negative feeling towards my Spaniard said. ing a third consecutive League players. I can cope with nega- Navarro was then asked if he’d been fo- Cup on Sunday and beating tive moments in football, but cusing on the start of the race – somewhere Real Madrid 2-1 in the fi rst leg I feel really sorry for my play- he admitted he needed to improve – and of their Champions League ers.” confi rmed that, but said there was a more last 16 tie. Leicester also booked their pressing issue for him and his Speed Up “He is a good manager and place in the last eight with a team. crazy,” said Aguero of Guar- much-needed 1-0 win over “In this area for sure we’ve worked but diola’s relentless demand to Birmingham thanks to Ricar- the biggest area was in aero because we al- keep winning. do Pereira’s late header. ways lacked top speed and to fi ght in the From left: Moto3 rider Filip Salac (Rivacold Snipers Team), Moto2’s Jorge Navarro (Beta Tools Speed Up) and Jorge Martin (Red Bull City will travel to Newcas- The Foxes have won just races it’s diffi cult when you don’t have that. KTM Ajo) attend a press conference ahead of the QNB Grand Prix of Qatar at the Losail International Circuit yesterday. tle in the quarter-fi nals. one of their last seven Premier Everyone is aggressive at the start and if you Norwich will host Derby or League games to stall their can’t arrive at the braking point close to the Manchester United in their charge towards the Champi- rider in front of you it’s hard to overtake. fi rst quarter-fi nal since 1992 ons League next season. This was our weakest point, I had to wait to after seeing off Spurs 3-2 on Brendan Rodgers’ men were make safe moves and always I arrived at the penalties after a 1-1 draw. again without Jamie Vardy fi ght for victory too late. This year, with the A bad night for Tottenham, through injury and needed new aero we have, it’ll be easy to overtake who have now lost their last right-back Ricardo to get the and therefore we won’t be in a rush for all of four games in all competi- only goal when he headed the race,” he said tions, was compounded when home Marc Albrighton’s cross Meanwhile, it’s been anything but a quiet midfi elder Eric Dier climbed eight minutes from time. winter for Jorge Martin, who had to over- into the stands to confront “I thought it was just a come knee surgery and further foot injuries supporters who had allegedly matter of time,” said Rodgers, alongside a switch from KTM to Kalex. Now insulted members of his fam- whose side will host Chelsea in Martin, who fi nished second in testing, ily. the quarter-fi nals. wants to put bad times behind him with a “I think Eric did what we as “In the second half we dom- good start to season in Qatar. professionals cannot do but inated — lots of quick combos “The end of last season was so good, I was when someone insults you and the goal was coming. It quite competitive. Then we changed the and your family is involved, was an excellent display.” bike again. It was so diffi cult to at the begin- especially your younger Sheffi eld United will host ning to understand the new bike, and I also brother,” said Spurs boss Jose Arsenal in the other quarter- had surgery three months ago, then I broke Mourinho. fi nal tie. my foot again. So it was a hard pre-season, but anyway, in Jerez I improved by best time, then again in Qatar. I’m still strug- gling to fi nd a good feeling with the front, but I think it’s the same for everybody. Just trying to work hard and to understand every step or every move we make. Hopefully this weekend we will fi nd the way to fi ght for the victory,” Martin said. Riders pose for a group photo ahead of the Moto2 and Moto3 races at Losail International Circuit. Meanwhile, the fastest rider in Moto3 pre-season testing, Filip Salac wants co My strategy was doing the laps by myself, teammate so I think if we help each other during testing in Jerez and Qatar. I didn’t build on the momentum in the opening then I ended the Qatar Test fi rst and I think it’ll be a good year for both of us,” said the expect to fi nish there so I am really happy. race. “It’s a really nice feeling to end presea- we’re ready for the fi rst race,” he said. Czech Republic rider. During the test we made some changes and son like this. I want to say thanks for the op- Salac revealed his aim was fi ght for the Ai Ogura, meanwhile, was another who I’m adjusting really well so I’m really happy portunity to move from KTM to Honda too, podium in every race. “Last year my goal seems to have made a key step so far in about that. Normally we struggle in these I’ve adapted well. It was a big step at fi rst, was to get some points and this year I want 2020. The Japanese rider was equally posi- high speed circuits but we could keep the it’s a totally diff erent bike and it was hard. At to get podiums, not just one. I have a good tive and upbeat looking at the year ahead. speed so yeah, we are really happy. I think the Jerez test I did a good lap after changing. team, for me the best in Moto3, I have a good “I’m very happy to fi nish in the top three we are ready,” Ogura said.

QNB STARS LEAGUE

Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero celebrates scoring against Al Gharafa rally to beat Wakrah Sheff ield Wednesday on Wednesday. By Sports Reporter Al Gharafa were then held 1-1 by Al Serie A set to resume behind close Doha Ahli in Week 15 of the QNB Stars League doors aft er turbulent fortnight and suffered a 0-2 defeat at the hands of Al Sailiya in Week 16. Reuters only applied to the three l Gharafa defeated Al Wakrah 2-1 Al Wakrah and Al Gharafa had played Italy most aff ected regions of the in Week 17 of the 2019-20 QNB out a 3-3 draw in the first leg of 2019-20 country. Serie A had initially Stars League at the Al Gharafa QNB Stars League. Italy’s Serie A is set to agreed to play in empty sta- Stadium yesterday In another match, Umm Salal and Al resume at the weekend, with diums in those regions, then ASofiane Hanni (60th-minute pen- Shahania played out a 2-2 draw at the Al matches played without changed its mind at the last alty) and Jonathan Kodjia (70th minute) Gharafa Stadium on Thursday. spectators because of the minute last Saturday when it scored for Al Gharafa as they moved on January signing Raul Becerra scored coronavirus outbreak, after called the games off . to 28 points. Umm Salal’s goals in the second and a turbulent fortnight of Ten Serie A games have It was a brilliant fightback by Al 52nd minutes. last-minute postponements, been postponed altogether Gharafa, who rallied from being a goal Kesse Amanguoa (16th minute) and U-turns and squabbling. The while others have gone down as early as the fourth minute as Ramin Rezaein (78th minute) scored for league has yet to announce ahead, leading to what some Al Wakrah had seized an early initiative Al Shahania. how it plans to rearrange coaches and off icials have through Iliass Bel Hassani. Umm Salal and Al Shahania now have the disrupted fixture list described as a “distorted” It was Al Gharafa’s eighth victo- 14 and 10 points respectively, and still although Italian media have competition. ry, while Al Wakrah, who had lost 1-2 stare at relegation as the bottom teams. widely reported that the In-form Lazio have played to Umm Salal in the previous round, They both need to pull up their socks if heavyweight clash between twice since the crisis began, crashed to their eighth defeat and stood they are to move away from the danger Juventus and Inter Milan, won both games and gone on 19 points. zone. Becerra gave Umm Salal an early postponed from last Sunday, top with 62 points from Possession was even for both teams advantage until Amanguoa helped Al is likely to be one of the 26 games. Second-placed throughout the game. Shahania draw parity as the latter had matches to go ahead. Juventus have had one Bel Hassani’s goal, a long-range shot, slightly more of the ball till the end of The Italian government game called off and are two was literally a bolt from the blue for Al first half. banned all sports events points behind while third- Gharafa, who equalised through a pen- The Orange Fortress went ahead for and matches nationwide on placed Inter have had two alty converted by Hanni. The penalty a second time seven minutes into the Wednesday in an attempt to games postponed and have was awarded when Ahmed Alaaeldin Action from the Al Gharafa vs Al Wakrah match in the QNB Stars League yesterday. second half, again through Becerra, and stop the spread of the virus dropped six points behind was tripped by Al Wakrah defender Ali Rezaein’s goal enabled Al Shahania to which has claimed 107 lives Juve. The teams will face a Karami. At the other end, Mohamed Benyet- cup tournaments in consecutive weeks earn a crucial point. Both teams pressed in Italy so far, with more host of precautions which Kodjia headed in Muad Hassan’s cross tou had come close towards securing an recently, bowing out of Amir Cup in the hard in pursuit of a winning goal, but the than 3,000 confirmed cases. include not drinking from from the right to give Al Gharafa the equaliser for The Blue Wave, but was off pre-quarter-final stage after losing to scoreline remained the same. However, it said the events the same bottle, avoiding lead. the mark. Second Division side Al Markhiya before Umm Salal had been faring well in the could go ahead without handshakes, using dispos- Hanni then had a chance to cement Al The three points were a great relief for they suffered the setback in Ooredoo previous four rounds as well, beating Al spectators. able wipes for turning on Gharafa’s position, but could not find The Cheetahs, who have not had a good Cup, where they were two-time defend- Wakrah and Al Khor as well as holding Al Before then, the ban had and off taps. the mark a second time. run of late. They had exited from two ing champions. Arabi and Al Sadd. Friday, March 6, 2020 GULF TIMES SPORT

SHOWJUMPING SPOTLIGHT Japan committed to hosting Olympics Staut wins LGCT’s on schedule even as coronavirus spreads

Reuters was held this month without the Tokyo participation of non-elite run- opening feature in ners, and with fewer volunteers and spectators. apan’s Olympics minis- Twelve people have died from ter signalled the Summer the disease in Japan, according Games would go ahead as to the health ministry. Jplanned from July even as Hashimoto told the upper the coronavirus outbreak spread house yesterday that organis- to new parts of the country. ers and the IOC would continue style at Al Shaqab “Based on the fact that the to work together closely, and IOC never mentioned about reiterated the fi nal decision on cancelling or postponing the holding the games as planned Yesterday’s 1.55m class was also the first round for the Global Champions League team Tokyo Games at its meeting yes- rests with the IOC. terday, I don’t expect a cancel- “Cancellation or delay of the competition, with St Tropez Pirates taking the lead going into tomorrow’s showdown lation notice or anything of that Games would be unacceptable sort,” Seiko Hashimoto said in for the athletes,” Hashimoto By Sahan Bidappa parliament yesterday. said. “An environment where Doha The minister had caused athletes can feel at ease and fo- controversy earlier this week cus should be fi rmly prepared.” by saying the contract for the Under the host city contract, evin Staut won the feature games “could be interpreted the IOC has the right to termi- event on the opening day of as allowing a postponement” nate the contract if it has rea- the Longines Global Champi- within calendar 2020. sonable grounds to believe the Kons Tour after the Frenchman Japan’s western prefecture safety of the Games would be topped the CSI5* 1.55m speed class with of Shiga reported its fi rst coro- seriously threatened. his 11-year-old bay Visconti du Telman navirus infection yesterday, a But IOC head Thomas Bach yesterday. day after the announcement of on Wednesday voiced con- In a thriller at the Longines Arena at a fi rst case in the southern pre- fi dence the Games would go Al Shaqab, Staut and Visconti du Tel- fecture of Miyazaki. ahead, saying organisers were man managed to beat Scott Brash and National broadcaster NHK receiving expert information his 11-year-old gelding Hello Shelby by a also reported new coronavirus from the World Health Organi- mere 0.11 seconds. Staut took victory with infections in Kyoto, Sapporo zation and others and that the his massive striding Visconti du Telman and Niigata. words “postponement” and as the pair cruised home in 63.55secs. Confi rmed cases had risen “cancellation” had not been Brash and Hello Shelby just fell short to 1,036 nationwide as of yes- mentioned at the IOC’s execu- after timing 63.66secs and settled for terday morning, 36 more than tive board meeting. the second spot. Veteran Roger Yves Bost the previous day, according to Some Tokyo residents, how- fi nished third with the Frenchman lead- NHK. That was the biggest one- ever, expressed concerns. “I ing 13-year-old mare Castleforbes Talitha day increase to date. The rapid think the Olympics should be home in 64.18secs. spread of the virus has raised cancelled in this case because Yesterday’s 1.55m class was also the questions about whether To- it is a dangerous situation,” fi rst round for the Global Champions kyo can host the Olympics as 77-year-old Yufumi Tamaki told League team competition, with St Tropez scheduled from July 24, with the Reuters yesterday. “I feel sorry Pirates taking the lead going into tomor- eff ects being felt by other sport- for the athletes and the peo- row’s showdown — the second round. ing events. On Wednesday, the ple who have prepared for the Eight out of the 16 teams jumped dou- Japanese Rugby Football Union Games, but it is more important ble clears with Pieter Devos and Dan- announced that next month’s to save lives.” iel Deusser combining to put St Tropez Asia Sevens Invitational, which Organisers have made provi- Pirates in front with a total time of doubles as a test event for rug- sions to cancel Tokyo 2020 in 136.29secs. The pair were just a second France’s Kevin Staut (centre) celebrates after winning the feature event on the opening day of the Longines Global Champions by sevens at the Tokyo Olym- the event of a massive earth- faster than Scandinavian Vikings, who Tour at the Longines Arena at Al Shaqab yesterday. Britain’s Scott Brash (left) finished second, while Frenchman pics, has been cancelled due to quake or other natural disaster, had Evelina Tovek and Henrik von Eck- Roger-Yves Bost was third. concerns over the coronavirus Japan’s Mainichi newspaper re- ermann in the saddle. In third place was outbreak. The Tokyo marathon ported. London Knights, with Philippaerts twins 2. Jos Verlooy (Belgium); Varoune; 39.91 secs; Nicoal and Olivier tallying a total time of €5,080 141.88secs. 3. Wilm Vermeir (Belgium); King Kong d’Avifauna; Earlier, the championship kicked- 40.50secs; €3,810 Asian World Cup qualifi ers off with Johan-Sebastian Gulliksen of Norway bagging his fi rst LGCT win with CSI5* 1.50/1.55m — GCL Team Competition face postponement his experienced gelding Chaloubet. The Round 1; Table A: Against the Clock. Total prize pair timed 38.80secs to top the 1.45m money: €55,000 class. 1. Kevin Staut (France); Horse: Visconti du Telman; AFP statement said. Gulliksen and Chaloubet were the last Time: 63.55secs; Prize money: €13,750 Hong Kong “FIFA and the AFC will provide to go in the 45-combination fi eld, and the 2. Scott Brash (Britain); Hello Shelby; 63.66secs; an update on these fixtures in pair set the course ablaze by setting some €11,000 the coming days following con- serious pace as they fl ew over the fi nish 3. Roger-Yves Bost (France); Castleforbes Talitha; IFA and Asia’s football sultation with the AFC member line. A delighted Johan said: “I was last to 64.18secs; €8,250 governing body are con- associations.” go so I had to try. My horse jumped fan- sidering postponing up- The women’s Olympic playoff tastic and hopefully, I can bring this good Global Champions League team results – first Fcoming World Cup quali- between China and South Ko- feeling with me tomorrow and Saturday.” round fiers over the novel coronavirus, rea, both hard-hit by the virus, Belgium riders took the second and 1. St Tropez Pirates: Pieter Devos (Espoir) a statement said yesterday. is also up for discussion, as well third position. Jos Verlooy and Var- 68.50secs, Daniel Deusser (Killer Queen VDM) A “formal proposal” has been as the AFC Futsal Champion- oune fi nished just behind Gulliksen and 67.79secs; Team total: 136.29secs. circulated among Asian coun- ship in Turkmenistan. Chaloubet with a time of 39.91secs, while 2. Scandinavia Vikings: Evelina Tovek (Dalila de la tries, FIFA said after talks with Asia’s next qualifiers for the Wilm Vermeir and King Kong d’Avifauna Pomme) 70.56secs; Henrik von Eckermann (Best the Asian Football Confedera- 2022 World Cup and 2023 Asian came home in 40.50secs. Qatar Equestrian Federation (QEF) General-Secretary Badr al-Darwish (front right) and Boy) 65.95secs; Team total: 136.51secs tion, with a decision expected in Cup are scheduled for March 26 Frenchman Roger Yves Bost and Castle- event director and Commercial Manager of Al Shaqab Omar al-Mannai pose with the 3. London Knights: Olivier Philippaerts (Zayado) the coming days. and 31. The women’s Olympic forbes Talitha had taken the early lead in a CSI5* 1.45m class winner Johan-Sebastian Gulliksen (centre), runner-up Jos Verlooy and 74.43secs; Nicola Philippaerts (Katanga v.h Dinge- “For both FIFA and the AFC, playoff , already postponed time of 40.94 seconds. Last week’s CHI Al third-placed Wilm Vermeir. shof) 67.45secs; Team total: 141.88secs the well-being and health of all once, is set for April 9 and 14 Shaqab Grand Prix winner Daniel Deusser individuals involved in football and the futsal championship is looked good to beat that time but couldn’t d’Avifauna, but the duo was over half a before the second round of the GCL com- Today’s schedule matches remains the highest due to start on February 26. quite match the pace, and fi nished in second slower than Verlooy. In the end, petition and LGCT Grand Prix of Doha 9am: Hathab National Series 1.00/1.15m priority, and as such, a formal Asian football has been badly sixth. Gulliksen spoiled the Belgian party as he scheduled for tomorrow. (QR10,000) proposal to postpone upcom- disrupted by the Covid-19 epi- Young gun Verlooy stormed into the produced a stunning round with Chalou- 1pm: Hathab National Series Against-the-clock ing matches in the Asian FIFA demic, with the region’s Cham- lead on his massive striding bay gelding bet. Meanwhile, Qatar’s Rashid Towaim Results 1.20/1.30m (QR20,000 individual & QR20,000 World Cup 2022 and AFC Asian pions League club competition Varoune. The pair cruised home in 39.91 Ali al-Marri also jumped clear on Flaire, CSI5* 1.45m Two Phases: A + A, 2nd Phase teams) Cup 2023 qualifiers will now thrown into chaos and leagues seconds shaving over a second off Bost. but the pair couldn’t quite match the pace Against the Clock. Total prize money: €25,400 3:45pm: CSI 5* Against-the-clock 1.50m (€51,100) be shared with the relevant suspended in China, South Vermeir then took the challenge set set by the leaders and fi nished 15th. 1. Johan-Sebastian Gulliksen (Norway); Horse: 7:30pm: CSI 5* Against-the-clock with jump-off member associations,” the FIFA Korea and Japan. by his countryman with King Kong Two top-level competition will be held, Chaloubet; Time: 38.80secs; Prize money: €6,350 1.50/1.55m (€148,500)

TABLE TENNIS Chinese players show top form in main draw

By Sports Reporter a good challenge to affi rm as she Doha won 4-1 (11-8, 11-4, 11-7, 6-11, 14-12) against Zhang. Feng Tianwei was involved in ompetitions in the main a rather quick domestic against draw of the 2020 ITTF fellow Singaporean Yu Mengyu, World Tour Platinum, as the veteran came out on top, CQatar Open began yes- winning in straight games (11-5, terday with dozens of matches 11-8, 11-7, 11-2) and in under 16 played after two days of qualify- minutes. ing action. Meanwhile, Mima Ito was tak- Youth Olympics singles cham- ing no prisoners as she beat Chi- pion Wang Chuqin put an end na’s Gu Yuting 4-1 (9-11, 11-5, 11- to the campaign of Portugal’s 7, 12-10, 11-4). There was an air of Marcos Freitas in a powerful per- smart play by the Japanese who formance that was particularly knew just when to speed up her enjoyed by the fans. Wang won shots and just when to sit back 4-0 (11-3, 11-5, 13-11, 11-4), with and wait for the counter. there being no point in the match Sun Yingsha also picked up a where he was suff ering a defi cit victory in the 2.50pm session, against Freitas. Defending champion Wang Manyu (L) of China and her compatriot Ding Ning (R) have made the last 16 of the women’s singles competition. seeing off Miyuu Kihara (13-11, For another European though, 11-2, 11-8, 11-7). it was a very good afternoon. much an athlete on the hunt for German veteran Patrick Franzis- ahead in the women’s singles low Chinese compatriot Sun fellow Chinese athlete Zhang Rui Austria’s Sofi a Polcanova has Sweden’s Mattias Falck saw off a medal right now, as he defeated ka (11-6, 11-6, 11-5, 11-2). Xu was round of 32. Mingyang 4-0 in the Round of 32 respectively. sealed her spot in the last 16 of the challenge of Jin Takuya, win- host nation’s Ahmad Khalil al- impeccable in his timing of re- Seeded fourth and the defend- (11-8, 12-10, 11-4, 11-5). Ding beat Yang in straight the women’s singles event in ning 4-1 (1-5, 11-3, 8-11, 11-6, 11- Mohannadi 4-0 (11-7, 11-8, 11-5, treat and attack versus the expe- ing women’s singles champion Earlier, Ding Ning and Wang games, displaying her Olympian Doha, prevailing in an all-Eu- 9), with the Asian unable to break 11-2) in 15 minutes. rienced Franziska and it certainly in Doha, Wang Manyu enjoyed Yidi found their form in some form and clear intention to settle ropean contest against Spain’s through Falck’s defence. China’s Xu Chenhao also re- is an upset here in Doha. a relatively trouble free start to style as they both coasted to wins for nothing less than gold (11-8, Galia Dvorak on table 1 (11-7, 7-11, Sweden’s Jon Persson is very corded a straight games win over Chinese elite also moved her title defence as she beat fel- over Monaco’s Yang Xiaoxin and 1-8, 12-10, 11-6). For Wang, it was 11-6, 11-7, 11-6).